Change in the Air [Nejiko, Hiashiko]
[takes place the morning immediately after Reckoning]
The long sleep at headquarters had been surprisingly restful, and someone (she had a very good idea of whom) had lain a blanket over her at some point during the night. She didn't know what it said that she hadn't noticed a new presence in the otherwise empty room, except that the mental numbness was becoming a familiar presence that she didn't like. Nothing to be really done about that, unfortunately.
She didn't think about her mother on the way back to the compound. Nor did she think about whatever future punishment Tsurude-sama would hand her for impersonating an on-duty ANBU, or about the run-in with Yuugao. Truthfully, she was thinking about nothing. She might not be tired in body anymore, but she was still reeling mentally and especially emotionally about the latest turn of events. She would go see Hizashiko again (and pray that meeting would go better), but not immediately. She still needed time to accept this, and doubtless her mother did as well.
The change in the air of the compound was subtle, but it definitely grasped her attention. She headed towards the Main House, intent on seeing Hiashiko and letting her know the report was delivered and divulging as little else as possible. And to find out what had happened now.
The long sleep at headquarters had been surprisingly restful, and someone (she had a very good idea of whom) had lain a blanket over her at some point during the night. She didn't know what it said that she hadn't noticed a new presence in the otherwise empty room, except that the mental numbness was becoming a familiar presence that she didn't like. Nothing to be really done about that, unfortunately.
She didn't think about her mother on the way back to the compound. Nor did she think about whatever future punishment Tsurude-sama would hand her for impersonating an on-duty ANBU, or about the run-in with Yuugao. Truthfully, she was thinking about nothing. She might not be tired in body anymore, but she was still reeling mentally and especially emotionally about the latest turn of events. She would go see Hizashiko again (and pray that meeting would go better), but not immediately. She still needed time to accept this, and doubtless her mother did as well.
The change in the air of the compound was subtle, but it definitely grasped her attention. She headed towards the Main House, intent on seeing Hiashiko and letting her know the report was delivered and divulging as little else as possible. And to find out what had happened now.