-

The journey back to Fontaine was uneventful, but Yoshika's mind was anything but. The Tsaritsa's words lingered, unsettling yet expected. Celestia wanted to reclaim what they believed was theirs.

But what did that truly mean? And why did she have the feeling that it involved her?

She pushed the thoughts aside as the air grew warmer, the icy winds of Snezhnaya fading as Fontaine's misty skies came into view. The elegant city stood just as she had left it, bustling with life yet carrying an undeniable tension in the air. People whispered about the coming storm, the looming presence of Celestia, and the war that could change everything.

Yoshika barely stepped off the ship before she heard a familiar, dramatic voice echo across the docks.

"Ah! At long last, my dear Yoshika has returned from the clutches of the icy north! Fontaine's heart beats faster in her presence, the rivers sighing in relief-"

Yoshika sighed, a small smirk tugging at the corner of her lips. Furina.

She turned just in time to see the former God of Justice dramatically extending her arms, as if welcoming a long-lost lover from war. Her blue eyes shimmered with amusement, but Yoshika knew that beneath it was genuine relief.

"Did you miss me that much?" Yoshika teased, stepping closer.

Furina gasped, placing a hand over her chest in exaggerated offense. "How dare you even ask? Fontaine was simply unbearable without your delightful presence! Every day, I languished in despair, waiting for the moment you'd return-"

"Languished?" Yoshika raised an eyebrow.

Furina faltered, flipping her short white hair over her shoulder. "Well, perhaps I was mildly inconvenienced. But that's beside the point!"

Despite her theatrics, Yoshika could see the way Furina's eyes softened, the way her usual bravado seemed lighter, less forced. There was something comfortable about their interactions now, an ease that hadn't been there before.

Yoshika tilted her head slightly. "I'm back."

Furina's expression wavered just for a second before she gave a confident smirk. "Of course you are! And not a moment too soon. Fontaine has been quite busy in your absence. Clorinde has been training the knights nonstop, Arlecchino is also, Neuvillette has barely slept with all the preparations, and Lyney-well, he's doing magician things, whatever that entails."

Yoshika glanced around, noting the increased presence of guards patrolling the city. Fontaine was readying for war.

She turned back to Furina. "And you? What have you been doing?"

Furina huffed. "Why, managing the morale of Fontaine's people, of course! The former biggest celebrity must ensure that hope still shines in these trying times."

Yoshika gave her a knowing look. "And?"

Furina crossed her arms, looking away. "...And working with Neuvillette to gather intelligence. I may not be a god anymore, but I still know how to lead."

Yoshika stared at her for a moment before nodding approvingly. "Good."

Furina blinked, caught off guard by the lack of teasing. "Wait-no sarcastic remark? No witty jab?"

Yoshika smirked. "Not this time."

Furina narrowed her eyes before suddenly stepping closer, her usual mischievous energy returning. "Hmm... I don't trust it. You must be up to something."

Yoshika simply leaned in slightly, her voice quieter but no less confident. "Maybe I just like seeing you take things seriously."

Furina's breath hitched just slightly before she quickly turned away, waving a hand. "Hah! As if I'd fall for such blatant flattery! You'll have to try harder than that, Yoshika!"

Yoshika chuckled, watching as Furina marched ahead toward the city. The warmth between them was undeniable now, something unspoken but understood.

But before they could enjoy it, the storm was coming.

And they had to be ready.

---
𝖠𝖭 𝗇𝗈𝗍𝖾: 𝗂𝖽𝗄