The rest of the walk was quiet after the heartfelt conversation with Atago went to sadness. It was apparent that she already made an attachment to you even if you tried to make an effort to prevent it. There was heavy tension in the air around you and Atago, maybe you shouldn't have tried to push her away but you made your choice on that matter. Now the only objective left was to visit the shrine and just calm yourself for a while.)
You notice that it was quieter than the lower levels, where there was ships moving about and laughing together like family, the mountain was a place for reflection, a place to change yourself for the better.)
(You decide to try and break the tension between the two of you by making small talk as you still had a ways to go up the steps.)
Whittman: How did you build this place, did you use heavy machinery or just the manjuus?
Atago's ears perked up as if she was glad that you finally decided to speak again)
Atago: All you see before you was built by our creator, you don't really have any gods do you?
Whittman: No, Ironblood saw no need for gods or great deities in our cause, we only see the harsh reality we all need to face at the end of it all. Even I do not see the need for a god at Ironblood, it just doesn't match how we are or what we stand for.
Atago: I see, so you do not pray often do you?
Whittman: No, I never needed to. I was thrown into this hell of a war to fight, not to pray to a god that I've never known. (Sighs) I just don't want to fight a pointless war, all sides share a common enemy and that is the sirens. Atago, why do you continue to try and stay close to me even though I pushed you away several times?
Atago: I am the self proclaimed caretaker of the Sakura empire, it is my duty in life to make sure that everyone that I care about is in good spirits and health.
Whittman: I see, now just out of curiosity....what do you see in me that makes you want to stay?
Atago is taken aback by the sudden question, she felt like you were asking her on a date of some sort.)
Atago: Well, I saw someone who's body language was tense and asking for a way to release all of it. Though I can not say what else makes me stay.
You tilt your head a little to the side, but you decide against questioning her motives further, you were already reaching the final steps to the shrine.)
Atago: We are here, maybe you can relax when we get inside.
Whittman: I take it you were coming here as well?
Atago: Even I need some time alone every once in a while. Also I thought it would be a good idea to accompany an ally who's never been here before.
Whittman: I'm beginning to wonder if you had any other motives than those for guiding me here.
Atago blushes a little, though she tries to make sure you wouldn't notice it only made you acknowledge how she felt further. You snicker as she tries to get you to look away for a minute so she can get herself together.)
Whittman: Atago, there really is no use hiding it. I already know how you feel now, you can't deny it either cause you can't keep a straight face. (You let a light laugh escape, it's the most fun you've had with someone in a long time)
Atago gathers herself after a minute and begins making her comeback.)
Atago: Oh I'm the one who can't keep a straight face, well I'm not the one who hides their face behind a mask.
You and Atago begin exchanging comebacks for a few minutes, both of which trying to one up the other. After the ordeal outside the shrine the two of you make you way inside to see the ornate and serene interior.)
(Admiring the decor and masterful craftsmanship of the shrine, you felt a sudden sense of calm and relaxed a little. Atago looked the same way, thought she saw you noticeably in a more relaxed state.)
Atago: relaxed now are we? (She has a grin that showed how smug she felt)
(You saw it coming and already had your comeback ready) (prepare for a little break in character for Whittman.)
Whittman: Perhaps, or maybe it's being here with you. (You feel a smirk appear on your face as you wait for Atago's reaction. Except it wasn't the reaction you thought would happen.)
Atago had somehow gotten closer without alerting you, she then wrapped one of her legs around yours and locked you in bear hug.)
(If it we're not for the shade of your hat and the mask covering your face she would have seen a blushing mess. Atago has you where she wanted you, and it seemed like she wasn't going to release you on your terms either.)
Atago: Ara ara, you should know better than to play with a girls feelings. (Atago is staring you dead in the eyes knowing full well that you can't fight back at this point.)
Whittman: (flustered and nervous) Atago, uhhhhh.......could you.....back up please....?
(Atago ignored your plea, she has control now and she isn't going to give it up so easily.)
Atago: It seems the hunter has become the prey. (Her arms slowly snake around your neck pulling gently)
Whittman: Atago....what are you doing......(your face is now beet red, you hope Atago doesn't go any further than the tease. You hear a hiss from behind you ear, you know that your rig isn't active at the moment so that only means one thing......Atago found the latch on the back of your mask.)
Whittman: Atago......you don't want to do that.....we just met, we haven't gotten to know each other that well, uhhhh.......(before you could say anything else you felt your mask drop onto the ground, revealing a face that looked like it was sunburnt.)
Atago: hmmmm, so even a hunter loses his cool in these situations. You look so adorable when you're nervous, you know.
(You rotate your head away from Atago trying to hide your embarrassment, but Atago has other plans as she wouldn't allow you to get away.)
Whittman: [thoughts] [oh herr oder herr ..... was mache ich hier ..... ich weiß nicht was ich tun soll !!!]
Atago slowly turned your head to hers, but before you could say anything else her lips were pressed against yours. You were still new to this idea, but it wasn't a bad feeling but it was unexplainable. You felt calm, nervous, maybe even happy that it happened, but you couldn't explain it if your life depended on it. Was this love, or was it something else that was filling the void were vengeance and hatred once stood?
Atago finally pulled away, it left you in shock after what felt like an eternity only lasted three minutes time. Atago's warm smile was calming, you felt secure, safe, even wanted, here all of the experience was intoxicating, to you it was something you wished wouldn't have to end.)
You worked you hands near your face only to see them shaking, not out of fear nor rage, but it was excitement and happiness showing itself for the first time in your life. you didn't need to hide your emotions anymore, it felt like you were finally free.)
Atago: You seem to be in much better spirits, you seem to be more human now.
Whittman: What is this feeling? I can't comprehend any of it, the answer is plain in front of me but it eludes me. Atago, what is happening?
Atago: You are a phantom no longer, you have no more reason to let your suffering and bitterness control you anymore.
Atago notices a change of color in your eyes, they are no longer red but shining silver.)
Atago: Your eyes, they've changed, they are so beautiful.
(You feel something crawling down your face, you find out it was a tear, but not one of sadness nor pain, but true happiness. You walk towards Atago, after stopping in front of her, you begin embracing her as she does the same to you. The two of you stare deeply into each others eyes, but you are hesitant to make any other moves, but Atago knew what you were thinking. Atago lovingly and passionately laid another kiss upon your lips.)