She was once known as “Fujiwara no Karasu” – The Crow of Clan Fujiwara. More recently, she had bestowed herself with the title “Fujiwara no Fushichō” – The Phoenix of Clan Fujiwara. Even in death, even in this stasis of purgatory in the Dreamscape, she maintained the latter persona, even keeping her now fiery red hair. A bit ironic, she often mused, calling herself immortal when the way back to life was all but lost to her.

A vast majority of Kotori Ito’s time these days was spent as steward to the Diva’s library. It was ingenious, storing the fruits of the Third Angel’s wish in such a way, and it made it easy for someone like the Phoenix to peruse, even more so with all the time in the world. What time she didn’t spend studying was spent speaking to visitors and passers by, most notably one Hanako Sasaki. Tonight was one such night. 

Hanako often went to bed early, giving her a head start on her time in the Dreamscape. She had a “domain” of her own, though she never spent much time there. The library, it seemed, was more inviting than her own mind. Not that the Phoenix minded, of course. She enjoyed the company of someone with whom she was friends while she was alive, and the two only became closer. Hanako sat beside the Phoenix, quietly opening a book of her own to search through.

Kotori: Good evening, Hanako. 

Hanako: Good evening, Kotori. …Any luck?

Kotori: (She can’t help but chuckle) All business, I see. Well, no. The name doesn’t seem to ring any bells. Every time I look for one “Diana Caelum” I seem to find the trail suddenly goes cold. A facet of the anomaly I’ve been facing when looking into the murders plaguing Mitakihara.

Hanako: Then, you share my theory…

Kotori: Of course. It’s obvious, when one looks at the clues. But following a trail, I am constantly beset by forks in the road. It is frustrating… but for one in my unique position, I relish in the challenge. Unfortunately, my colleagues don’t share my enthusiasm.

Hanako: …You really aren’t in pain anymore, are you, Kotori-chan?

Kotori: And you seem less so. Her influence, perhaps? Natural growth? A combination therein?

Hanako: …There’s lots of reasons, yes.

Kotori: Your new role, perhaps?

Hanako: …I talked to Yui about it.

Kotori: So then, the Aria of the Conductors finally rises to the stage. Now we hope that my penchant for prophecy was rendered inaccurate by the pain I felt in life. …The second of two signs that the world as we know it is not meant to last.

Hanako: …I-It isn’t comforting to think I’m a sign of the apocalypse, Kotori…

Kotori: Of course. But as I learned in death at the hands of Liu Fei, the end doesn’t always mean destruction. I was reborn, free from pain. Perhaps your presence in this role is a sign of change in the other direction.

Hanako: So… I could affect some positive change, as a Conductor?

Kotori: That depends, Aria. On what you do. Which fork in the road you take.

Hanako: …Th… The title feels weird, hearing it properly…

Kotori: That’s a good thing, Hanako. It means you wish to forge in a direction opposite to the old group, rather than follow in their footsteps. Aligning with Yui, rather than Maestro Velare.

Hanako: …I guess. But didn’t Mei follow in his direction?

Kotori: For a time. The Cadenza chose the self-fulfilling prophecy over actually following any set path. …I shudder to think what happens when you two cross paths, now that it’s common knowledge down here that you are, in fact, a Conductor now. But you knew this going in.

Hanako: …I did. Talking with you about how directionless my life was before did wonders for finding a path for myself. But, it still feels odd. Why did I gravitate towards this path?

Kotori: You saw something in Yui, while she was clad in her melancholia. Yourself, from when you made your wish. You gravitate to her now for the same reason that many others do. The Forte is… a natural leader and the best possible evolution of Velare Ambrosi’s dream, even if she might strike at me for saying so out loud. (She chuckles, turning a page)

Hanako: It’s… funny. How often Yui and I clashed, and now I am under her tutelage…

Kotori: Relish in it. Yui is a good teacher, especially now that her head is clear, and since she smoothed out the rough patches in her methods. You will become quite strong, even more than you did with Kiwa-chan and Yasu. 

Hanako: …I never even tried to humor her, when she wanted someone to fight back then. So I must ask—

Kotori: Shinju was the only one both willing and able to quell the rising of Yui’s Witch. Although, I will say, you were close. But only by deign of understanding Yui’s emotional turbulence. I daresay you would have put up a solid fight. But… ultimately, there is still a gap between you two, even if it is beginning to narrow. Stay true to yourself, Hanako. You’ll find your way.

Hanako: (She gives a little smile) Thank you… Kotori. Now then, do we really know nothing about Diana Caelum? The closest we got… 

As the two sink into their research, the third person in the Library at this exact moment slipped behind a bookshelf, sighing to herself once she was far enough away.

Mei: …