[x]"The past is just that. The past. We can only hope to learn from the mistakes of our ancestors and strive to avoid them. Otosan-Uchi was an unparalleled jewel but we can always give rise to something similar in the future."
You can't help but scowl, though you quickly smooth our your features. Hanabi's words bring to your mind the nature of reincarnation, of cycles going on and on without end. It is… not the most pleasant of topics for you at this moment, not so soon after confirming the truth of your soul from the Elemental Master of Fire.
A glance toward Hanabi reveals the woman is lost in her thoughts, staring toward the Imperial Palace and hardly touching her ikayaki. The Dragon Samurai seems troubled by something, though by exactly what you cannot say. Whatever it is, it seems to have overcome her obvious infatuation of you if she is looking elsewhere.
Shirou and Himawari notice the change in her as well, turning their attention to the distracted woman. Himawari's brow furrows in obvious concern, while Shirou's eyes narrow. Neither says anything, however, both seemingly as lost as yourself with how to react to Hanabi's sudden shift in mood.
The awkward silence continues for several moments more, gathering like oppressive clouds. It clashes with the cheer and energy of the market, making your group stand out like a stone amongst rapids. The growing melancholy drags your thoughts back toward matters you'd rather avoid…
So you decide to simply press on and hope for the best.
"The past is just that. The past," you say at last, filling your words with a conviction you're not entirely certain you truly feel. "We can only hope to learn from the mistakes of our ancestors and strive to avoid them. Otosan-Uchi was an unparalleled jewel but we can always give rise to something similar in the future."
"I suppose that is true," Hanabi says, her voice just above a whisper so you have to strain yourself to make out what she's saying. "But it is still not the original… I suppose nothing can be, even if what is ruined should come back in a new form."
"Such is just the nature of things," Shirou says, giving Hanabi a gentle smile. "We build upon what we have learned from the past, and hopefully create a brighter world from that knowledge."
"He speaks wisdom," Himawari says. "We must grow from the past, embrace its teachings, but not be shackled by it. Only then will we truly honor what has come before."
"Yes… There might be something to be said for that." Hanabi shakes her head, as if throwing something off, and smiles at you. "I'm sorry, Sosuke-san. I guess I was just lost in gloomy thoughts."
"There's no need to apologize, Hanabi-san," you reply, waving a hand toward the market around you. "Come, let us see what more there is to experience in this wondrous city."
"Yes!" Hanabi says before taking a bite of her ikayaki, chewing the grilled squid rapidly before continuing. "I've never been to Toshi Ranbo before, so I want to see as much as I can before we have to head out!"
"That's something I believe we can all get behind," you say, smiling at her. You notice her blush in response, but carry on without commenting on it. "We can't venture too far, but surely what we can find here will be wondrous enough to tell stories about."
[] Go to the jewelry stand.
[] Go to the clothing store.
[] Go to another food stall.
[] Timeskip to departure.
[] Do something else. (Write in.)
