Talk:Dear Agony/@comment-4869113-20200102065357

"I would have never imagined that even you, Izari..."

Koyuki watched the screen intently, refusing to even take the moment to blink as she watched her famed general teeter on the brink of death. That was a Queen's duty. If she was to ask those around her to follow her, and to believe in her, then it was her responsibility to be with them always; especially in their final moments. There was no doubt that she was troubled. She was angry, upset, frustrated. Koyuki loved all of her people, for that was the duty of a Queen. But, Aoshin held a place deep in her heart, alongside Kosaka Isshin and her children. Therefore, she watched as hard as she could.

"The darkness that surrounds everyone...swallowed even you?"

Akemi glanced towards Koyuki momentarily, before returning her eyes to the broadcast.

"There is no room for darkness in my world, Izari. I'm sorry...I failed you. But, in these moments, we'll be with you. All of Wano...right, Akemi? That's what we owe him, for my failure?"

The question was entirely rhetorical, and Akemi knew that. But, what if it wasn't? Koyuki was a benevolent queen, yet a merciless warrior. Aoshin was a man shrouded in mystery, and despite her status as a high-ranking official, not even she was aware of Aoshin's monikers and strength. So, how was it that a man as powerful as he came to willingly follow Koyuki? What did the Empress have that he didn't? What strengths did she possess? While it was respect and uncertainty that played a part in her silence, more than anything, in this moment.....it was fear.

"Aoshin, I'll bring you home."

Had the entirety of Flower Paradise City not been trembling under the weight of Koyuki's saddened spirit, the other royal guards may have noticed Akemi's trembling body.