The Knights Himura

Tsuki ran from door to door within Aurelia's shop, opening each and every door in a frenzy.

"Which door is it?" Haruka shouted.

"It's this one!" Kazuo pulled open a door leading to a rainy city before slamming it shut. "Nevermind!"

Sylvie stood alone, in the center of the hallway, holding her hands over her ears to try to focus. Everyone else fell silent when they heard knocking from a door near the front of the hall.

"No shit it's this one, it's the only one with glass." Haruka sighed as she grabbed the knob. "Yo, Kaz, you're paying."

Kazuo reluctantly pulled out his wallet as Haruka pulled the door open. A dark haired woman with a big grin on her face was standing outside.

"Here it is! That'll be…" The woman's voice trailed off as she leaned over to look behind Kazuo. "Hey, Tsukiko!"

"Wh-what?" Tsukiko stuttered as the woman pushed past and hugged her.

The woman pulled off and greeted her with a smile. "It's me, hon! Don't ya remember?"

"Hmm… Oh, you were in that little group with Lily." Tsuki scratched her head.

The delivery girl winked. "I knew you'd remember little old me!"

Tsuki couldn't help but smile with her. The woman looked like she was doing a lot better now, and more importantly, she looked happy. Her uniform was a bright, happy orange shirt and a pair of tight black shorts that showed off her legs.

"What're you staring so intensely for?" The pizza girl nudged her.

"Just happy for you. You look… better." Tsuki laughed.

"Yeah, I have Lily to thank for this." She looked down at her uniform. "Lord knows I needed somethin' like this!"

"Lily helped you?"

"Yeah." The woman held Tsuki's hand between both of hers and lowered her head. "Lemme know if you ever need anything okay, hon? A friend of Lily's a friend of mine. Call up and ask for Etsuko, alright?"

The woman, who Tsukiko now knew was named Etsuko, stood up and stepped outside, returning to her job once more. She took the money, counted out the change, then sped off on a little motorbike.

"Who was that?" Kaz put the box down on a table.

"One of Lily's friends, I guess." Tsuki shrugged.

"She seemed pretty friendly with you, Tsuki." Haruka teased. "I wonder what Fumi would think of that."

"Shut it." Tsuki growled.

"Calm down, we've got work to do." Sylvie tore out a slice of pizza.

"Damn straight, finally get to wear my jacket again." Haruka got pumped up.

"Slow your roll, Haru. It's just one dude." Sylvie slid the binder over to Haruka.

Haruka looked at the binder and let out a sigh.

"You alright?" Tsuki tapped her on the shoulder.

"I know this guy…" Haruka quietly balled her hand into a loose fist.

"Was it the guy you made me fight?" Tsuki spoke quietly.

"No, this is someone else. He was kind of an old friend." Haruka sighed.

"Maybe you can convince him this time!" Sylvie expected a response, but her face twisted into a frown when Haruka kept quiet.

After a while, Haruka straightened out again. "Sorry, I think it's too late for that."

"I can take over here if you want..." Tsukiko put a hand on her sister's shoulder.

"No, I gotta see this through." Haruka shook her head.

"I dunno, I don't really trust you with that." Sylvie scratched her head.

"I can go with her, then. It'll be fine, Sylvie." Tsuki assured her.

"If it's both of you, maybe. I know Tsuki can get you to settle down if you start stepping out of line." Sylvie teased.

Haruka glared at her.

"We'll be fine, seriously. You can trust her, give her a chance." Tsuki raised her voice.

Haruka looked back at Tsukiko.

Sylvie relented. "Alright, alright."

"This isn't just about you, y'know. We all got dragged into this cuz of your gang. You could be a little more grateful, y'know." Kazuo spoke in a low tone.

Sylvie sighed. "Sorry…"

"...I didn't mean it like that, sorry." Kazuo lowered his head a little.

"Don't worry, it'll be alright." Haruka crossed her arms. "Let's just try to settle this quick, okay?"

"You know where to find him, Haruka." Sylvie spoke in a hushed voice.

Haruka made a pained face. "Yeah, I kinda wish I didn't…"

–

A half asleep Lily stumbled into the room. "H-how did I get here?"

"Lily?" Tsuki shot up from her seat. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine." Lily yawned.

Tsukiko got down and hugged the girl tight. Claudia appeared in the shadows behind Lily to remind Tsuki of their prior deal.

"What's wrong?" Lily asked.

Tsuki pulled away and smiled. "What, I can't hug my little sister?"

"You alright, Lily?" Haruka turned around to look at her.

"Yeah, I'm fine!" Lily rubbed her eyes.

Lily's charred clothes were gone, replaced by a white dress that was quite similar to Claudia's own plain black one. It was simple, yet elegant, down to the white tights and white shoes. Her hat was gone, her unkempt hair hanging down naturally in its place. Someone had gone and trimmed Lily's bangs a little just to keep them from covering her still happy, hopeful eyes.

Tsuki rubbed Lily's head. "Where'd the hat go?"

Lily shrugged. "It got burned, I think."

"She looks adorable, with or without it." Sylvie interrupted.

"Want some pizza?" Haruka held out a slice.

"Yeah!" Lily jumped up to grab the slice, devouring it in seconds.

"Whoa!" Haru slowly handed her another slice. "Hungry? Probably haven't eaten in a while, huh?"

Lily took the second piece and bit into it.

"Oh, I almost forgot!" Tsuki reached into her jacket and pulled out a box.

"What is it?" Lily finished her second slice.

Tsukiko reached into her jacket and pulled out the small music box. "I found this, and I thought you'd like it."

Lily stared at it in awe, Tsuki opened the box up for her.

"Wow…" Lily's eyes sparkled with happiness as she watched the little mechanical bird dance.

"Like it?" Haruka spoke with her mouth full.

"Yeah…" Lily reached out to hold the box.

The bird danced and sang in her hands, the tune playing quietly for a short while longer before the song ended and the songbird inside bowed for its audience and returned back to its hole. Lily closed the music box and held it close to her heart.

"Oh, good, I thought you were gonna--" Tsuki was cut off by Lily hugging her.

"Thank you, Tsuki!" Lily cried.

"H-hey, calm down!" Tsuki tried to pry the girl off.

Lily squeezed tighter. "I love it, I love it!"

Tsukiko finally tore her off. "Take good care of it okay?"

Lily nodded eagerly.

"Hate to rain on your parade, but we've got things to do, Tsuki." Sylvie nearly ruined the moment.

"Do we have to?" Haruka groaned.

"Yep." Sylvie stretched her legs.

Tsuki patted Lilith on the head. "We'll be back soon, okay?"

"Don't get hurt, okay?" Lily looked concerned.

"Don't worry, I'll make sure they don't lay a finger on any of us." Tsuki smiled.

--

"Still fits like a glove!" Haruka tugged at the sleeves of her jacket.

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Haruka's own jacket was a lot like Tsukiko's but it lacked the stripes, with its plain navy coloring and simple black accents persisting throughout. It felt unusual to see such a plain garment be held within the same category as the Tsukiko's own striking, colorful jacket.

Unlike Tsukiko, Haruka didn't wear high heel boots, but blue suede ankle boots with a short heel and buckle, still clean and vibrant, despite them being several years old, according to Haruka herself. Instead of a white pencil skirt, Haruka wore a black and gray plaid, pleated skirt with a pair of black thigh high socks. It felt a bit too formal for the sister Tsuki knew, but apparently that's just how the Knights dressed.

"Huh? Why do I have to wear heels?" Tsuki looked down at her own shoes.

"I guess it's intimidating? I move around a lot, so these come in handy more than you'd think." Haruka made sure her shoes still fit.

Fumiko slithered into the room like a snake, holding an ice cream cone. "Oh! Two whole Knights in just one room!"

"I look good don't I?" Haruka smiled at her.

"You know I'm always gonna side with Tsukiko, right?" Fumi laughed.

Haruka adjusted her hat. "We're like water and oil, huh?"

"What do you mean?" Tsukiko asked.

"You're so… clean. Your hair is cut straight, pencil skirts and pantyhose daily. I just wear shirts and shorts." Haru laughed. "Hell, if I had my way…"

Tsuki talked over her as she buttoned her jacket. "What's the problem?"

"You always try to look sharp. You look like a damn business woman. Lighten up. A good pair of shorts'll do you some good." Haruka stared at her sister with a cruel, mocking smile. "Take a cue from Fumi."

Tsuki just let out a sigh. "Here I was expecting something deep from you of all people."

Haruka looked down at the ground, down at her boots. "I guess it just feels like we're back to old times. I missed seeing you all dressed up and fancy. It lets me know you're doing okay. Feels like things are better now, y'know?"

"Haru…" Tsuki approached her sister.

"C'mon." Haruka looked back up and smiled. "Back off. If you want me to be serious, that's the most you're getting out of me!"

–

Once again, Haruka and Tsukiko were standing outside of an abandoned building, an old shipping warehouse down by the harbor. Inside, it was still dimly lit, enough to make out the concrete walls and floor. The cement below their feet was wet, reflecting the glow of the sunlight outside onto the walls inside. As they delved deeper, the sound of Tsukiko's high heels echoed all around.

"Lemme handle this one, okay?" Haruka demanded.

Tsuki refused. "I know he's your friend, but I'm not gonna let you go in alone."

"I wasn't planning on it." Haru's teeth turned sharp. "Pay attention to me, alright? You might learn something."

"Huh? What the--" Tsuki didn't even finish her sentence before Haruka started running.

Tsuki followed, running after her into a clearing with a large opening out to a river. The place was lined with huge, empty metal shipping containers lining the walls, like they were left behind in a hurry. The walls by the water were covered in a growing green moss, and most of the metal had peeling paint and patches of rust. City lights reflected on the river water, bathing the ceiling in dazzling reds, blues, and greens.

"Why'd you do it?" Haruka shouted.

Tsukiko turned to see Haru in the middle of the room, standing across from a masked figure.

"Get away from me!" The figure spoke in a somewhat young sounding voice.

"Give it up, you'll just hurt yourself!" Haru grew louder.

"Why the hell should I listen to you?" The robed figure shouted even louder.

"You told me you'd stop. You're digging your own grave. If I don't stop you, someone else will!" Haruka stepped forward. "Someone who's gonna hurt you, badly."

Tsukiko approached as quietly as she could.

"I'm not afraid of you, or anybody else!" The figure screamed.

"You're not supposed to be, we were friends!" Haruka's voice turned to anger.

"If you were really my friend, you'd understand! You left too, don't act like you're some sort of saint!" The robed figure's voice cracked.

"You never should've been a Damascene either! You're gonna hurt yourself!" Haruka stomped.

"I can handle myself, Haruka!"

The figure took a swing and Haruka moved out of the way.

"That's not the point!" Haruka kept moving closer and closer to the Shakudo.

He took another swing, this one flying a little closer. Haruka dodged it, then dodged a few more swings, before the figure finally managed to swipe her arm.

"That's how you want it?" Haru backed away slightly.

Haruka moved back, then launched forward, all her momentum going into a single punch. The figure took the blow without much issue.

"That all you got?" The masked man taunted.

The Shakudo sprinted toward her, throwing out another punch. Haruka dodged him again, spinning around and striking the man hard enough to knock him down to the ground. It was clear Haruka was holding back a bit, as he just got right back up.

"Alright, that's it!" The figure started a flurry of attacks.

Tsukiko didn't interfere, as she was asked, but she watched her sister's style closely. Once again, Haruka moved like a dancer, moving around each attack, curving and swinging in response to his motions. The longer it went, the faster she got, and the smoother she moved. When an opening finally presented itself, she twisted her body and put all the speed into one crushing kick, strong enough to take the man down in a single blow. Before he could get back up, Haruka planted her boot on his chest, signalling her victory.

"Maybe you should be afraid of me after all." Haruka boasted.

The man on the ground reached up, grabbing Haruka by the calf and pulled her down to the ground. He managed to roll on top of her, getting in a few hard hits before she could push him off.

"…cheap piece of shit." Haruka said, rubbing her sleeve on her face.

Haruka got back up to her feet, the Shakudo still standing there, waiting for her to move. She moved toward him, stumbling a little, but managed to get a running start for a roundhouse kick that broke off a piece of the man's mask. He recovered his balance quickly, planting his feet down, then launched a barrage of attacks. Haruka could hardly keep up.

Seeing that Haruka was in danger, Tsukiko finally decided to ignore her sister's request and step in to save her before anything went bad.

Tsuki shouted at her sister. "Move!"

Haruka did as she asked and Tsuki tackled the Shakudo, pinning him against a nearby wall. She managed to get a good few hits in before he pushed her away.

"You coward!" The figure completely ignored Tsukiko, approaching Haruka instead.

"Get back here!" Tsukiko went after him.

The figure threw a sloppy punch that Tsuki easily avoided. "Son of a bitch!"

Tsuki's slower style was useless, again. If she could just land a hit, she could've taken him down in a couple swings at most, she just wasn't fast enough. No. She'd have to figure out his weakness, find a moment where she could hit him, even at her own pace.

"C'mon!" The mask grew angrier.

The man in the mask threw another punch, hoping to outspeed Tsukiko. She moved to the side, then forward, where the man couldn't defend himself from the Knight's clenched fist. Tsuki drove her fist low into the man's abdomen with enough force to drive him off his feet.

"Holy shit!" Haruka readied herself again as she saw the figure stand up again.

"Goddamnit…" The figure stumbled back up, pulling out a folding knife.

"Put that away!" Haruka yelled.

"Now you're scared, huh?" The figure coughed as it spoke.

"Put it away!" Haruka demanded.

The man in the mask ran toward Haruka, holding the knife low and close to his stomach, where it was difficult to intercept. It all happened so fast that Haruka hardly had enough time to react. Tsuki ran forward to try and stop him, but it felt like he and Haruka were both miles away. She watched as the knife thrust forward, and she kicked with her leg, hoping that it could somehow save Haruka.

Instead, Haruka grasped her stomach and fell to her knees. The masked man dropped the knife on the ground, looked at Tsukiko for a second, then at Haruka. He turned and ran off without another word.

"No. No. No. No. No. No!" Tsuki got on her knees. "Not again, not again, not again!"

Haruka coughed. "Calm down…"

"But you've been stabbed, you're…" Tsuki trailed off as Haruka held up the knife.

There was not a speck of blood on the blade. Tsukiko looked down at Haruka's stomach and she saw nothing.

"You just knocked my wind out, I'm fine." Haruka put on a weak smile.

Shouting echoed down the halls. It sounded a lot like Kazuo's voice, but then they heard the sound of a struggle, then a loud thump.

"What was that?" Tsuki turned around.

"Thanks Kaz!" Haruka yelled.

Down a path, they heard an echoed response. "No problem!"

"How did you--?" Tsuki started.

"I told him to wait for us. That guy always had a knack for running away from a fight." Haru smiled.

Tsukiko wrapped her arms around her sister and squeezed tight. "Oh my god, I thought…"

"Are you crying?" Haruka laughed.

"J-just a little bit…" Tsukiko's tears stained Haruka's jacket.

Haruka wrapped one of her arms around the girl. "C'mon don't cry, I'm fine!"

Tsuki pulled away and hit her in the shoulder. "I-I-If I hadn't kicked it when I had, you would've--"

"Stop, Tsukiko, please. I'm alive, okay? Besides, Fumi took one, you don't think I can?" Haruka's smile faded.

"That's not the point!" Tsukiko cried.

They sat still, in relative silence. Tsukiko's sniffling and mumbling ruined any chance at real silence.

"Y'know, maybe I shouldn't sit around all the time." Haruka broke the silence.

"Huh?"

Haruka took a deep breath. "I mean like, I should start living life, end my break. Maybe, I'll be a Knight full time again."

Tsukiko stopped crying for a second.

"C'mon, cheer up." Haruka laid her hand on Tsuki's head and rubbed. "If you're gonna be a sad sack, then there's no reason for me to do it."

Tsuki held her sister again. "No, it's not that, I'm just worried that something like this'll happen again and--"

"This is gonna sound weird, but… I want you to appreciate me, okay? I wanna be with you, out there, fighting. Just trust me, alright? I want my little sister back, that's all that matters to me, right now. I'm not gonna stay home while you're out here fighting for your life." Haruka frowned.

Haruka struggled to get her words together, but Tsuki got the gist of it. It meant a lot to her.

Tsukiko rolled over and sat next to Haruka. "I get it. Just… be careful, okay?"

"Hey." Haruka nudged her. "Didn't that sound really cool?"

Tsukiko groaned. "You watch too much TV."

"I watched you fight, Tsuki. You play too many video games." Haruka mocked her again.

"What're you talking about?"

Haruka looked her in the eye with a grin. "And those moves you use on Fumiko. They're straight out of the ones you hide under your mattress, am I right?"

"Hey, I don't ever talk about your dirty laundry." Tsuki turned red.

"Not my fault you're terrible at keeping secrets." Haruka wrapped an arm around Tsuki.

Tsuki sighed. "Let's not talk about this right now…"

"I noticed something about how you fight." Haruka leaned in closer.

"Which is?" Tsuki moved her head away from Haruka's face.

"You hit really really hard. You're not super quick, but you hit harder than a freight train." Haruka rubbed her shoulder.

"Yeah, but I barely land any punches." Tsuki complained.

"You just gotta find out what works for you. Your heels seem kinda firmly planted down, y'know? They're heavy though… maybe you can kick… Hmm…" Haru got lost in thought.

"Like old times, isn't it?" Tsuki smiled.

"Huh?"

"Don't you remember? We used to stay up till midnight, just talking, like all the time?" Tsuki laughed.

"Yeah, couldn't sleep in that damn house." Haru rolled her eyes. "All that arguing…"

Tsukiko spoke slowly in embarrassment. "Your bunk's still there, if you ever want it."

Haruka sat silent for a moment. "I'll consider it."

There was another pause.

"Uhh, we should be getting back, huh?" Tsuki shook her sister.

"Yeah." Haruka stood up, before reaching down to help Tsukiko up too.

--

"We're back!" Haruka exclaimed.

Sylvie was sitting alone, in Aurelia's shop, just about to fall asleep. The sudden noise startled her, and she nearly fell out of her chair.

"Whoa, that was quick!" Sylvie tried to regain her balance. "You find anything out?"

"No, not really. Apparently they keep everything a secret. No one's ever seen the leader's face, and only the higher ups know where they're gonna be next." Kazuo put his hands in his coat.

Sylvie groaned. "God, this sucks. We're gonna have to hunt down one of those leaders. Who knows how long that could take?"

"Don't worry, we'll find it out eventually. If you keep worrying like that, you'll go crazy." Haruka sat down with Sylvie.

"I guess, but I'm still losing people every day." Sylvie sighed.

"Go spend time with 'em, Sylvie. Can't be a good leader if you're never around." Haruka suggested.

"But… I like you guys…" Sylvie pouted.

"Then, shouldn't we all group up?" Tsuki suggested. "Y'know, manpower helps."

"Huh?" The blonde narrowed her eyes.

"Don't rival street gangs have showdowns? Maybe they'll come to us?" Tsuki felt a bit embarrassed saying her idea out loud.

"This ain't a movie, Tsuki." Sylvie rolled her eyes.

"That never stopped you before." Haruka held a toothy grin.

"…I'll think about it." Sylvie lowered her head down onto the table to get back to her nap.