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Momo's hands shake as she packs her bag. In normal circumstances, she would have a checklist to make sure she remembers everything and plenty of time to double-check.
But these are not normal circumstances.
She shoves another change of clothes into the bag and looks around her room. There are so many things she will have to leave behind. She wonders what'll happen to them all when she's gone.
But it doesn't really matter. She forgoes packing her best jewelry and throws in another book instead. The bag is perhaps a little too heavy for comfortable traveling, but Momo will have to make do.
The last thing she grabs is her sword. It feels strange to strap it to her side without wearing her usual armor.
But leaving means that Momo will no longer be a knight in service to the prince, and the armor will no longer be necessary. She'll leave it behind, just like she's leaving her lifelong vow of protection irrevocably shattered.
It's a sacrifice she wants to make.
She thinks Shouto will understand. She hopes Shouto will understand.
With her bag slung over her shoulder, Momo sets forth, exiting the castle and navigating the city's dark streets. She moves quickly, riding the high of adrenaline as she slips further and further away.
Until finally, she spots Kyouka up ahead. Waiting on the edge of the city with her traveling companions, just as promised. Momo breathes a sigh of relief she hadn't realized was building up in her chest.
Kyouka reaches out for her, and Momo pulls her into a desperate kiss. Hands caress her face and all of Momo's worries seem to fade away.
“C'mon, we should get going,” one of the others calls out from the wagon they've secured for traveling.
Kyouka smiles and pulls Momo into the back with her. They're surrounded by everyone's luggage, but there's enough space for the two of them to sit comfortably.
The wagon lurches forward and Momo glances back towards the city. There is not much to see in the dark of night, but she can still clearly picture what it looks like. It's the only home she's ever known.
But it's time for a change.
Time to make her own decisions.
Time to follow her heart.
She tears herself away from what's behind them, and finds Kyouka's eyes shining in the moonlight. She leans in for another kiss.