"I do not know. The authors are very busy with their work to just dedicate time to an insignificant part of the population. You saw how that Phoenix medic treated me... that was not the best bedside manners treatment." She shook her head. "I think I am what some call a rarity yet unimportant."

"Uh? She took the time to treat you and all. And she offered for you to call her later if need be. Why not take her up on her offer? Worst case, she'll just refuse, and you won't be any worst, best case things will turn out for the better.

And even if you don't like that one, I'm sure we can find another medic/scholar to help you. Why would a specialist of this subject refuse to examine a case of their speciality?"

"Don't... It will annoy her even further than she was when she treated me." She shook her head. "You need to learn how to read people."

"Hm. Well, maybe. Warned Atena this morning that I was prone to act first, think second. But you reaaaaaaaaally don't think that, maybe, you could be overly defensive here?"

Akemi noticed she had received a message from a user she had saved as !!! nope !!! in her communicator. She decided to ignore it for the moment though it gave her an idea.

"My poor Hida's brain is maybe getting a bit overwhelmed here... Is there anyone Komori Kystal would rather have this conversation with? Someone she trusts enough to let them try to help her?

Like, do Kystal like the same boys as Atena? Or are your tastes in that matter different?"

"I let emotion go free so I don't think I act. Remember, I am emotions." she sighed. "She isolates herself so much I doubt she and I like the same people. Like that Spider guy... She likes him but I don't. I do like Yasuki san... Have you seen him, Nakaba san? He such a gentleman." The girl smiled.

"Nakaba? Uh, yes, I've seen him, he is our roommate.

Though maybe he is only Atena's roommate and not Kystal's one? This whole thing is complicated.

Don't know much more about him that what he showed us the fist time however. Can't help you on that front for now. Could try to put you two in contact later if you wish.

But that makes think... What will happen if Atena marry someone Kystal hate or the other way around? Problems?"

"That is complicated...partners must understand both of us... I guess I have to be more open than just judging a character for their intentions. I will have to live with it. Unless ..." Kystal laughed somewhat maniacally. "I take over forever."

"Might be just an impression but...

I feel like Kystal is not that different from Atena that she pretends to be. She simply hides her fear behind an armor of sourness instead of an armor of self-loathing. And try to escape similarly through self-destructive behavior.

But what is Atena/Kystal so afraid of?"

"You are wrong Hida san... I am the armor... I protect her... That is why I am here!" Kystal raged. "I make her safe... Even if we are one."

"Hmm.

I have opinions about how much an armor can protect someone, both positive and negative."

She put on display her mechanical arm:

"But I'm not sure if Kystal is actually interested in hearing them. You need to talk to someone with the intellectual baggage and empathy to help you, and I may not be good enough."

She picked up her coat:

"I need to go to a Crab business meeting soon. Can Kystal take care of herself and Atena for the night? I can either call for Kyoko to stay with you or arrange so she will leave you alone for a time.

In the later case just promise me not to drink yourself to death or anything like that."

"Been taking care of myself for a long time." She scoffed. "I'll drink tea and will do my best to protect Moshi san." Kystal nodded to the Hida. "And Hida san, Thank You." She said genuinely.

She gave her a thumb-up and started lacing her boots:

"You're welcome. Remember that you – or Atena – can always call me if there is any issue. Through ordinary means or through your special trick, whichever you prefer."

"Hai..." She nodded. She started to warm some water for tea..

Akemi checked a last time that everything was right, and departed.

On her way to her next obligation, she quickly texted her servant, just in case:

Kystal just sat and drank her tea.

//scene?