Both she and Tsuru had recently received the news about their promotion, they truly were blazing through the ranks and Aki had a sinking suspicion as to why... And so, she had already expected this, after their little charade against Dante. It was a given that whoever was in charge would attempt dangling the rank-up in front of them to keep them from spilling the beans about the mission against the dark guild. It sure was wiser to just accept their gratitude and to bide her time. Lest they find a more permanent way to assure her silence, she had no idea how powerful they truly were. She did wondered if this was a general policy of some sort...

They were told they could act as Lieutenants although they were meant to return to Era eventually for the usual paper-pushing shebang. So, she had not really expected patrolling to be on their docket anymore, considering the higher ranking officials were usually summoned for bigger fish... But Inspector Nilan was so thrilled at the idea of working with Lieutenants again and she and her partner were touched enough by his story to oblige. He believed, having Lieutenants walk about would truly boost the morale of the Orchidian citizens.

Tsuru had taken his job quite seriously and was parading about amidst the bustle of the main roads, she took to the darker alleys and chose silence, solitude and peace. Less visible, but crimes were more likely to happen in such places, she'd argued to appease the poor inspector. However, she hadn't expected much to come of this, until she heard the shout for help that shattered everything she'd chosen this for. It was a from the alley beside the one she was in, going around the block would take too long... So she looked up, the building between the two alleys seemed short enough, about three floors high... It'd be faster just to climb. She used the maintenance ladder to get on top of the structure and squinted into the dank passage below, it took a moment for her eyes to adjust, but having been friends with the darkness for so long, it wasn't too tough to make out the silhouettes of the three figures.

A whimpering man was being dragged by the scruff of his neck by a small feminine figure, that wasn't built much differently than Aki herself. Her eyes quickly scanned the path to notice the other girl, a gust of cool wind channelled through the narrow path, causing her breath to hitch. Something about their manner was unnerving and chilly, like they were exuding some sort of menacing aura, perhaps it was the way she man-handled the guy, which was downright cruel. She hardened her heart and plucked out her gun, this definitely required intervention. Levelling it at the girl who seemed to be waiting for her meal to be dragged to her, she cleared her throat and offered her warning. ''STOP! Explain yourselves.' '

She stood rather still, her hands steady so her aim didn't falter. The sun gleamed behind her, and she cast a long shadow over the building in front of her. Perhaps she embodied the silhouette of some champion with that halo behind her. Her blue Rune Knight coat flapped at her ankles, she rarely chose to don that particular garb, but at the request of the inspector, just to keep up appearances, she'd agreed for the day. It did save her from having to justify what allowed her to make such demands under the threat of a gun.

There was a moment of eerie silence before the girl in red raised her hands turned and walked a few steps towards the wall, Aki inched a little closer to the edge and craned her neck downward to keep her eyes on the target. Ever so occasional her gaze flitted to the other one and her poor victim, that was until she was offered the explanation she'd demanded. 'What?' the word was a dark whisper, softly sighed to herself. Her eyes widened, the glance coldly fixated on the man, who began protesting in soft pathetic whimpers. Her eyes narrowed as his suffering cast doubt on the girl's story, but almost on cue the one holding the victim piped up.  

The way she displayed all that pain, had Aki siding with them yet again. Perhaps her belief was cemented by a bias, it was much easier for her to put herself in their shoes, than in the man's. While fortunately for her she'd never been a victim of anything exploiting, she had lived her life in fear of the possibility. Especially since she loved her long late night walks and that had always put a strain on her relationship with her mother, because she was convinced it was a recipe for disaster. Perhaps her wisdom as a parent was justified and Aki had just been lucky.. She bit her lip, the more she contemplated the circumstance and witnessed the sorrow of the victim, the darker her feelings grew towards the man. Suddenly, the way he'd been treated felt justified. She lowered her gun, her free hand balling in a sort of rage.

She cleared her throat yet again, there was a job to be done. A tough one though. 'He clearly picked the wrong girls to mess with.' she said, betraying a dark sort of pride in favour of the females. 'I can't fault you for taking matters into you own hand,' she started, her teeth grit her tone slightly venomous. 'I'm almost compelled to turn the other way to let you vent a little more...' she hissed softly, most likely inaudibly. Aki then took a deep breath. Just pausing for a moment to consider how this would hinder thing long term, if everyone was allowed to take matters into their own hands. For some reason, Tsuru's disappointed face swam through her head.

She exhaled long before allowing the note of her words to become more even, but still a little reluctant. 'But... since he's already subdued, I'll escort you two to the Rune Knight quarters.' the blandness barely translated her conviction. While she was usually one of few words, she believed this situation demanded more. 'Rest assured, I'll lead the investigation and write out the report myself. I promise, justice will be served.' she finished, hoping her determination was convincing enough. Her offer probably didn't seem like much, but to anyone who knew her, if she was willing to waste her time with paperwork, she truly was invested. 'Can I have your names?' She still stood atop the building awaiting their choice, wondering whether she'd have it in her to stop them, if they continued serving justice their own way, when a part of her almost wanted to join them.'

It was almost like something suddenly changed, like that moment when something starts going mouldy or a body starts to decay... Like the air shifted and the scene which had been coloured with hues of empathy and bold streaks of impending justice, now sat quite in contrast. It started with just the way she spoke of taking matters into her own hand. Initially Aki continued to empathise, but eventually it made Aki stand on edge, now mentally, apart from physically. The one with the crimson eyes had made a rather compelling case, but the sharp words and demeanour of the one with the crimson clothes, now sliced through the charade.

She turned casually, perhaps no longer deeming Aki to be a threat, the Knight scanned her form. It took her a moment to notice the insignia through the dress, especially in the dimly lit alley. Was this just a unhappy coincidence? Almost as though to signify their rivalry, the woman decided to not mince her words about the council. It hardly bothered Akira, she'd questioned the power and the motivations of those leaders herself.  In a way, this was the harsh truth, simply by virtue of their existence it was apparent that the Knights had not yet found a way to regulate or in any manner curb the Phantoms. This also wasn't her first time being on the receiving end of such slander, nor the first time someone talked down to her, but back then she had nothing to show to the contrary... Now, she did.

It was tough to determine if she truly deserved the recognition, that the fame of her acts and the infamy of her magic had earned her. But in her mind, she definitely had had a crash course through her stint with the Rune Knights, One situation after another had stockpiled experience on her, perhaps the kind that she wasn't even entirely ready for, but possessed nonetheless. This woman was of many words, Aki chose her silence once again. Her grip on the gun tightened again and her balled up fist relaxed and reached for the wrist of the gun-wielding hand to offer the stability as she aimed at the one talking yet again, pointedly clicking at the safety.

This gesture elicited yet another revelation. Had the Shimada not been steady and still already, her frozen state would've perhaps been more noticeable. Dante's mistresses...? This was as plausible as it was not. She shifted her weight from one leg to another and licked her lips to bolster her courage. He'd spared their lives and asked them to stay out of Oak, but what was she to do if she'd caught his people on neutral land? Could she find it in herself to risk it? Fighting against him would be impossible... She had more to lose than to gain. She chewed the inside of her cheek while the other girl changed her tones to match that of the first, piping up yet again, on cue, much like the first time. Being acutely and practically aware of her role as a pawn, really blunted their insults. She took the time to observe and deduce instead. If anything, it sounded like the pig-tailed girl's words against the Knights were a projection.

If the girl in red was the stone thrown into water, the girl with the red eyes, was the ripple. The dynamic was intriguing, they worked in tandem, like her and Tsuru, maybe even better. However, they were hardly as equal as she and the healer were. Aki was perceptive and while she'd not seen through a lot earlier, things were beginning to crystallise slowly. She was well acquainted with cloaked insecurities and saw a possible exploit. She scoffed softly at the taunting kiss 'Oh, hardly. All this talk is rich coming from you... You pretty much act like her puppy really, I hope the leash is at least as long as mine.'  she retorted coldly. Without breaking eye contact with blood-hued eyes, she aimed at the ground between the girls and a warning shot was fired, merely with the intent to startle and to hopefully attract Tsuru's attention should he be around, regardless of what she did, being outnumbered definitely didn't help.

She used the moment to embolden her following words, still holding the pig-tailed girl's attention. 'Besides, I wonder how lowly you think I really am-' she had offered just enough attention to the second girl to let her feel dismissed when midway through her sentence as she turned back to her original target. The gun's muzzle followed her attention, as though the second girl was unworthy even of the threat. If mind games was what this came down to, Aki was not exactly a stranger, given enough of a push. '-if you're already hypothesising your defeat and the alleged revenge your Master will take.' she said, emphasising master to imply that they too were victims of a chain of command, just like everyone indeed.

The Shimada had stolen the arrogant lilt in their voices. Dante wasn't here for them right now, and neither party had harmed the other. All Aki had to determine was whether a chargeable crime was committed, or not. The man's guilt or innocence definitely had a part to play and it was still left to be determined. Their arrogance had left her empathy was squandered. It did beg the question: Did they deserve justice, or not... Was she entitled to protect or help them, or not? Especially after the way they were treating her and their affiliations. 'At this point, I'm just wondering, if he is guilty or did you make it all up... ' she asked, her chin angling towards the semi-conscious man who was still being hauled by the other girl, her head cocked like her gun. Boy was she glad she'd chosen the climb the building, she had to admit there was a satisfaction in being able to look down at them. 'I mean, why would you lie? Unless... You're scared.' she finished sardonically, taking a well-aimed shot at their pride.

Aki widened her stance just a little, planting one foot firmly away from the edge, but not directly behind the other, avoiding any instability. This ordeal was getting cumbersome, while the words hardly irked Aki, the time wasted on the banter sure did. The girls sure had a knack for playing a dangerous game, it left her wondering if their power truly did extend beyond hers. The irony in the haughty one's words certainly could not be missed. Aki laughed darkly. 'The only shot that has been fired, has been mine. So it would seem I'm more capable of biting than you are...' It truly was mysterious why they hadn't chosen to retaliate yet. Surely the Phantoms wanted the blood of the Rune Knights as much as the Knights wanted to shut down the guild... Were they just playing with their prey? Aki had been a victim to that too... The possibilities were endless. She was guarded in her bait, but a risky plan began to brew in her head.

'Hero? ha.' The scorn in her words was natural and a reflection of the truth, while she had been offered praise, gratitude and the rank-ups, they hardly ever felt genuine. Besides, these concessions were only because of her light at least that is what she believed... 'Have you considered that I may not even want or care for that title?' The Shimada definitely found that rant intriguing, it was apparent that she was being toyed with now, baiting her into an attempt to take their lives, while simultaneously trying to make her feel guilty for the mere threat. It was like they were trying to gauge her alignment. There was a possibility that they knew more about her at least the practical things, like her magic, than she did about them, all things considered. But it would appear to not be the case, regardless they seemed more interested in unraveling her mentality. 'Taking your lives will make me feel...' she paused for effect. 'Nothing.'

She slipped into a role of her own as she considered the ways in which to put her plan in action. 'But you see, I wouldn't be good enough for the Phantom Lords, perhaps if I was... I'd do things only because they make me feel better. That is indeed the biggest difference between us after all.' she mocked in a self-effacing manner. Ember and Wendy she thought, the names meant little to her and hadn't really come up in their briefings regarding the Phantom Lord. Apparently, they were freshly minted Slayer Phantoms. 'That's interesting, who do you slay? Not demons surely, I bet, considering there are a few your guild offers refuge to.' she asked casually. She knew slayers existed, in her mind, it didn't change much. Ironically, the more they attempted their scare tactics, the more Aki felt infused with confidence. Wendy piped in yet again, Aki wasn't sure if she heard a note of anger or not, but there was certainly something different about the tones of the two girls. The Knight shamelessly pushed her luck. 'Tell your puppy even after retracting, my leash will permit your death. I'm just wondering why I haven't glimpsed your power yet. Am I perhaps above your pay grade? Did Master Dante say no?' she teased, Dante had offered them an out, perhaps the warranty on that hadn't expired. Should she test her luck?

'But given your... status I'm personally inclined otherwise.' she allowed just a glimmer of her doubt in their proclamations to flicker in the emphasized word. She made it sound as though she was considering just letting them go, before adding 'It'd definitely do me well to take you in alive instead.' In a slow and deliberate tone. The only reasons their lives could possibly matter was the information that could be gleaned if there was any truth to their stories. Given their nature, Aki could only wonder what that process would look like... There was a haunting iciness in her voice, born out of a lure towards her own implications. She found herself wondering whether she'd get to be in charge of finding out more and whether she had it in her to succeed... She only needed one of them... Her thoughts were unfolding beautifully, albeit darkly. The biggest thing standing in her way now, was the healer. She regretted the premature warning shot. Tsuru often could be a bit of a stickler when it came to due process. Perhaps if she gave him a reason...

Her plan was interrupted, or perhaps fast-tracked when Wendy picked up the semi-conscious man again. Akira would rather not have him harmed anymore at the hands of these ladies. Given that she had no way to actually deduce his innocence, the best outcome was to arrest all three. Everything was tougher when there were so many variables left to be determined... It was time to start sieving for the truth. She leaped off the building with grace. Before her feet hit the ground, she tore into dregs of darkness, which collated to form her figure behind Ember, the muzzle of the gun now pressed against her back, targetting tattoo. Peeking from over the woman's shoulder, she locked eyes with Wendy. 'Prop the man against the side of the alley over there, or she gets her death wish.' The Shimada said, acutely aware that the man was as much a hostage as Ember. Would she have it in her to allow him to become collateral damage? Could they have detected her hesitance and possible guilt at having to kill? Would she truly experience those things upon opting to take Ember's life anymore? The prospect of holding two allegedly high-value Phantom Lords seemed like a glittery option. But the variables still hung. She could've landed herself into a rather big mess, but at least if she found herself in mortal danger, any measures she took would be justified, Even to Tsuru, maybe.

If there was a way for her to care just a little lesser what the two girls had to say, perhaps she'd have found it within herself to pull the trigger right there. The world would surely not miss a couple of Phantoms would it? But she couldn't. Her ranks within the Rune Knights were hardly of consequence, most likely, she'd get away with it, she was limited by her own morality. Akira had taken two lives already and both of them still weighed heavy on her conscience. It was a simple thing measure, the fact that she'd not found it in herself to write about it to her mother or to let Tsuru know, established that she wasn't sure of her actions and couldn't find enough substance to support her cause, especially for that demon. She wondered if she could ever invite them into the dark folds of her mind and allow them witness the events of those nights through her words... Perhaps never.

The accusations and the slander went straight over her head, the Shimada was long since impervious and had encountered too many people who thought so highly of themselves. The only problem was, she'd hoped that threatening them with a point-blank shot would serve to inspire compliance, unfortunately that didn't happen. Now, the true point of the problem was that she wasn't really equipped to deal with any sort of close combat, having always focused on training her magic and working on her aim and such. So there was room for error and a potential that things wouldn't work out if her judgement was sloppy.

Their little rant continued, still in sync and still berating the Rune Knights, if only they'd had the sense to glean that Akira's loyalty didn't extend deep enough for those words to wound. She wasn't even sure, if her urge to protect humanity was strong enough to be exploited. Sure, she didn't like truly failing, but being called a failure and feeling like one, barely even served to sour her expression. So she didn't even grace their words with a response, merely using the time to make an action plan. The Shimada did have to pause and consider the pickle she was in, and with that, here was a moment of hesitance, that instance when she had to gauge if she truly had bitten off more than she could chew, like Wendy said. Would waiting for Tsuru have been the more prudent choice in this circumstance? Surely, he could provide reinforcement now too. Regardless, it probably work out well if she had at least one of them dealt with first, cuffing the leader should curb the puppy too.

Unfortunately, in the second that it took for her to reach for the cuffs there was a fire at her feet. A sharp intake of breath was not the best way to respond, but the shock compelled otherwise and she fell prey to her instincts. Instantly, she was a sputtering mess as she leapt away, putting distance between herself and her alleged victim who'd already begun streaking away. Speed was the one thing Akira reliably prided herself upon, she was fairly certain if she gave it her all, she could slip past the flames relatively unharmed. Rearing so that she could be in hot pursuit of the one who had almost burned her, she was distracted yet again by the other, who allowed the flames to devour the man.

With a frustrated yell, she dashed towards the man instead, not really wanting to be accused of being negligent in her duty. Her first order of business was allegedly to protect and only then prevent the possibility of further harm. She attempt rolling the man out of the fire that had swiftly begun raging around her, but to know avail. 'COWARDS!' she exclaimed in their wake, as the charred man took his last breath. 'You better run, because when I find you, it won't be pleasant.' she whispered through grit teeth, her words were her own little vow and she hoped that they didn't end up being an empty threat.

A little defeated, she carefully avoided slipped between the lap of the flames and out of harm's way, leaving the body of the man. In the distance, on the other side of the alley she noticed Tsuru. She walked towards him slowly, the fire raging in all its fury behind her. 'Too late, I already lost him to the fire.' she muttered as she passed him. 'I'm sure your magic is better equipped extinguish than mine, if not, get help.' she added almost coldly nonchalant, as she walked on. Her head hung ever so slightly. From the way she walked and her general demeanour, Tsuru would probably be dissuaded from prodding her for details, which was probably for the best, at least for a while. Damn, Phantoms.

At least it hadn't been an entire waste, she hadn't detected anything to fancy about the flames that threatened to consume the alley, which meant that it was unlikely for her to have been a slayer... She still had no way of knowing anything else with certainty, but next time, dwelling on those details wouldn't serve to hinder her.