Act VI: Join Us

     Akari wakes and turns on a small television set in her room. A special report bulletin is
airing:
     Last night a large group of anti-government radicals attacked many important sites that
were under the control of the Kano group. The devastating effect has put the rule of the Kano
organization under speculation of downfall.
     The radical group has taken over what remains of the government of Venus, declaring it
a separate from the empire. It is believed that former resistance officer from Venus and former
co-leader of the empire, Hitoshi, is behind this move. Our sources say he was also somehow
working with Akari Jemu, part of the Hachimonguu group and fiancé to Naitsuu Hachimonguu.
     Hitoshi was forced out of the imperial office due to suspicion of treason. Reports have
told us that Hitoshi's ship went down. This does not confirm the whereabouts of the notorious
leader.
     This event has been marked with celebration by the citizens of Venus, with open cheering
in the streets with calls for action on all fronts against the emperor. We will bring you more
information as the story develops.
     Akari sits on her bed, staring out her window. She can see smoke rising from all the
damage that surrounds her for miles around. She turns to look over at Fumi who sleeps as
Yamaneko jumps up on her lap. She begins petting the cat.
     "Hello, my friend," she lightly says to the cat. "Can you believe it? He may just have
surrendered his last few remaining years to help us."
     Yamaneko sits up and rubs his head against her chin.
     "But could I conjure up such courage."
     Yamaneko hops off her lap on to the bed and curls up next to Fumi.
     Akari then comes to the conclusion, "If it creates a better world for him, I will."
     Akari changes the channel to another news station where a different report is happening;
     In response to the Venus liberation movement, the commonly independent settlement of
Earth has also revolted. The well-developed planet easily overturned imperial forces and the
planet is now seemingly joining forces with Venus. The moon of Earth has also been included in
the revolution.
     Akari seems somewhat surprised, "It seems the whole empire is on edge about staying
under control of the current emperor," she gives a little laugh. "All the easier for us to rally the
troops."
     Suddenly there is a knocking on her door.
     "Who is it?" she asks.
     "A messenger concerning Hitoshi's condition," the person answers.
     Akari walks over and opens the door a crack.
     "Ma'am, Hitoshi has requested to see you. He is hospitalized with injuries from his
crash. Will you come with me?"
     "Yes, hold on a moment."
     She shuts the door, grabs her pack and a jacket.
     "Watch over Fumi for me, Yamaneko," she says as she exits the room.
     On their way out, Akari asks questions.
     "Is he alright? How badly was he hurt? Will he be able to recover? Have we cleared the
planet of oppressive forces?"
     "Hold on," the man says dazed by all her questions. "You can get your questions
answered by him once we get there."
     "Okay."
     Soon they arrive at a big hospital. Akari is led up to the room where Hitoshi is staying.
She walks in and they give the two privacy.
     "Hello, Akari," Hitoshi struggles to say as he lies in his bed, bandaged.
     "Are you okay?" she asks.
     "I'll be fine," he answers.
     "What happened?" Akari asks.
     "We took out a tower, some guards, went up to avoid colliding with a building. Then our
engine got shot and we steered the ship into that building that was an important center of the
Kano group."
     "Yeah, I heard a little about on the news this morning," she says.
     "We made it on to the news?" Hitoshi questions.
     "Yeah, and our revolt has sparked Earth and it's moon to revolt as well. They are free
colonies along with Venus and it seems they will all be working together now."
     "That's great," Hitoshi says excited. "I wonder what kept my comrades from telling me
about it."
     "I think it was only just reported," Akari suggests.
     "Whatever, as long as we're winning."
     "Right."
     "How much more do you think it will spread?"
     "I don't know, you're the expert."
     "Well, I thought you might have an additional idea since you did all the stuff originally
with your friends," Hitoshi says.
     "I've been knowing of how these things will turn out," she tells him. "I just do what I
can."
     "Well, I guess that's good enough then."
     "It better be," she says. "For Fumi's sake, and for the memory of my friends, I will try as
hard as I can to create a better world. But I can't promise anything."
     "It's okay. We have enough people trying, I am sure one of us will get the job done. And
I am confident it will be you," Hitoshi comments.
     "It would be you, if you weren't so lazy that you have to stay behind once it all gets
started," Akari lightly jokes.
     "Hey!" Hitoshi shouts in fake irritation. "I'm an old man, and look at these bandages.
And do you think anyone out there would let me go out in this condition?"
     "Actually, yes, they'd do whatever you tell them to."
     Hitoshi stops arguing for a moment as Akari remarks, "Got you there."
     "That you do," he replies. "Now why don't you go back to your son and we'll contact
you when we need you to get involved."
     "Okay."
     Akari leaves the hospital and with the same escort she came with, goes back to her motel.
She finds two people waiting for her in the lobby.
     "Are you the cousin of Munenori Jemu?"
     "Yes."
     "Hi, my name is Miya Adachi. This is my little sister, Ami," Miya introduces. "I heard
about your struggle, and decided to meet you. I was with Munenori the days before he died and I
saw all that happened. He was a good friend of mine."
     "I'm pleased to meet you, um, would you like to come with me to my room. I need to
check on my son."
     "Okay."
     The three head up to Akari's motel room. They walk in, and surely enough, Yamaneko
sits in guard of Fumi who is sleeping. Akari walks over and pats the cat on the head, "Good
boy."
     Akari turns to look at Miya, "So, what exactly did happen to my cousin?"
     "A lot," Miya replies. "I met Munenori when he came to Earth. My sister and I lived in
the city of Shoumu."
     "Yes, that city was right next to the village I grew up in," Akari mentions.
     "Yeah, I was walking with Ami one day in the mountains near there. I somehow lost
track of Ami. Munenori found her in the remains of the village. He was searching for you."
     "He was?" Akari questions.
     "He told me he was having a hard time because he knew no one on Europa. It must
obviously be a tough job to be emperor."
     "I imagine so."
     "Yes, well," Miya begins. "We became really, ah, friendly, and we all went to Europa
together. Right before he was killed by Tsujimoto, he lost the weapons he always had with him."
     "Then that's why he lost," Akari comments.
     "Going only on what martial arts training he had he was able to keep up until
Tsujimoto..."
     Miya begins to lose control of her emotions and she begins crying. Akari tries to comfort
her.
     "Shh. That's enough for now," Akari says as she holds Miya.
     "I want to kill that bastard," Miya suddenly bursts out.
     She cries into Akari's shoulder as Akari says, "I know how you feel."
     "Do you fully?" Miya questions.
     "Huh?"
     "Well, I mean, I know he was your cousin. But I had to see him die."
     Akari makes Miya look her in the eyes as she says, "Tsujimoto killed my cousin, but also
my friend Keiji, and the father of my child."
     Miya looks ashamed. She glances over Akari's shoulder to where Fumi is sleeping.
     "Then we both have had love taken away by the same man," Miya says.
     "You were in love with Munenori?" Akari questions.
     "As much as a stupid little kid like me could."
     "Come now, you seem like a responsible young person," Akari comforts. "You're taking
care of your little sister. And besides, if that is how you felt than it is how you felt. Love knows
no age barrier."
     "Perhaps, but either way I want to avenge my loss."
     They all stay silent for awhile when Akari speaks up, "Will you join me?"
     "Huh?"
     Join me in ending Tsujimoto's reign, if you can defend yourself, that is."
     Miya suddenly looks excited, "Of course I can. Munenori and I had to fight a bunch of
people together."
     "Knowing him that would be true," Akari says in a lighter tone.
     "I will join you."
     "Good."
     "Wait," Miya says looking at Ami. "I can't bring her with me."
     "That's okay," Akari says. "Hitoshi, I believe you have heard of him, is going to watch
Fumi. I am sure he will watch Ami as well."
     "Okay."
     "I was told by the person who brought me back here that we're having an important
meeting tonight. Why don't you join us?"
     "I can?"
     "Of course, I trust you."
     "Okay."