Kini let out sigh of relief before going over to Miss Sakura, "What kind of story did you go there for if you don't mind my asking?"



Winter watches Zero leave without saying a word. Falconi tries to slip out, but Winter grabs him by the shoulder, "Find your partner. Find out what more information you can by any means necessary just don't be seen by the Press."

Sakura shrugged. "She simply wanted to share some historical information." She spoke.
Joe tipped an ear towards her in greeting, but continued to flash Kini a confident 'I told you so' smirk.

Kini bristles but doesn't ask the question that came to mind, "Did you find out anything interesting?" Every instinct told him that something wasn't adding up quite correctly.

"Yes," Sakura gave a nod. "I could show you my notes if you'd like," She spoke somewhat slowly and maintained steady eye contacy as she did. While it wasn't clear to Joe, Sakura seemed wary of the whole meeting herself.

Kini picks up the wariness immediately, "Sorry Miss Sakura if I was too forward. I've learned to never trust Lady Winter. Especially when she invites someone into the citadel."

"I understand completely. Thank you for your concern, though." Sakura said with a nod.

Kini's fur goes back to normal as he retreats feeling quite ashamed. He was concerned and knew that Ms. Sakura could take care of herself but still felt like there was a blizzard brewing. Calmly he goes over to Joe giving him a cup of coffee but not really saying anything.


Selkie looks over the water silently. He had purposely moved away from the group not caring if he was seen in the secluded area. Sighing quietly Selkie wonders if Starlight had moved on or didn't want to be found. Quietly he reflected on the last time he had seen her.
"You asked to see me," Selkie goes over to her on the castle grounds. Standing beside a small pond in the garden surrounded by blooming flowers at sunset.
"Yes, I did Captain Waverider," Starlight responds.
"Why so formal," Selkie asks, "we've known each other for too long for that. Starlight what's going on?"
"Please address me as Lady Starlight, Captain Waverider," Starlight berates him, "I thought you should know I'm getting married."
Selkie looks up at her stunned. It takes a minute for him to speak, his voice hollow, "Congratulations. I hope you and your betrothed will be very happy together."
Starlight frowns, "Captain Waverider, it's not like that. I don't want this..."
"Then come with me please. You shouldn't have to throw away your happiness just because of someone else's mistakes," Selkie almost begs.
"Captain... Selkie I can't you know that. You would never the sea because it would kill you and I can't leave my people without someone to lead them."
"I'd give up my life on the sea for you. Even if it was just for one night."
"No," Starlight responds, "Selkie you have to leave this kingdom."
Selkie looks stunned at what Starlight says, "Leave?"
"Please Selkie don't make this any harder on us then this needs to be. You aren't welcomed here anymore. Please just go," Starlight sobs.
Selkie tries to comfort Starlight only to be pushed away.
"Please Selkie, at one of us needs to be free. I sealed my fate the second I choose to stay."
"At least take this please," Selkie hands her the Pearl of the Sea wrapped in a clean handkerchief.
Nodding once Starlight takes it noticing the power coming from it, "But you might need this."
"Do what you want with it. Toss it back in the sea where it came from for all I care. It's too powerful for one mobian to control alone and I know you won't abuse it's power."
Coming out of his memories Selkie shakes his head before whispering, I hope you are still happy wherever you are.

"...You seem on edge, Kini." Sakura noticed. "Would you like to come on a walk with me in the gardens? It'll will help calm your mind," She suggested.
---
"...You're too quiet," Kaladin told his companion, turning his attention away from the flock of birds he'd been observing. "Is there something on your mind...?"

"I was just thinking back to the last time I saw Starlight," Selkie responds, "it wasn't a happy memory. Do you remember Starlight's wedding?" Selkie didn't know who all had gone only that Locke, Kaladin, and several others had gotten invitations, almost everyone Starlight knew except him. He'd never told Kaladin that he didn't get an invitation.


Kini nods once, "Thank you Miss Sakura. May I ask if she ever told you about what happened to father?"

"I do. It was quite the event!" Kaladin chimed, then gave a puzzled frown. "...Why do you ask?"
---
"Your father?" Sakura asked, escorting Kini outside.