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[@hatakekuro][/center]
It came as a fair bit of a surprise when Zen suddenly just stopped and knelt down to hug her. What brought this on? Did he think she was upset bringing up or thinking about her mother? In all honesty, Akemi wasn't sure how to think of her mother. On the one hand, she always heard people sing her mothers praises, especially her father. But on the other, Akemi never knew her. So thinking about her was just....more weird than sad. It was difficult to feel sad about someone you had never met before right? But Zen was partially right, the stories and other things she had learned about her mother made her want to be like her.

But his words seemed to confuse her. What was he talking about? [color=DDDCE1]"So you're saying I should be more critical?"[/color] Tilting her head as she looked up at Zen, she seemed to ponder for a moment before nodding. [color=DDDCE1]"I'll try...though I don't really get it."[/color] As Zen moved away, she thought about inquiring once more about why he left the knights. Was it related to what he was trying to tell her now? The only thing that stopped her from asking was he hadn't seemed to really want to talk about it last time she asked, and he wanted this to be a good day with good memories, so maybe it was best not to dreg it up now?

[color=DDDCE1]"Hmhm."[/color] Nodding in agreement, it wasn't long after that they came upon the gates that led into the royal garden. Normally they were under lock and key, the public barred entry and anyone that tried to break in was no doubt severely punished. But now, it was a bustling hive of activity as obviously, they weren't the only ones with the idea to visit a place that was normally off-limits. As much as Akemi was also bristling with excitement, she reigned herself in and stepped closer to Zen, holding onto his sleeve so as to not get separated. Last thing either of them wanted was her to get lost in the crowd.