>Drop the smile-seriousness time.
>"You keep comparing me to Nitori. I'm pretty sure that's an insult in some languages, if you catch my drift."
>"As regards to the change...I have gotten myself into nothing of the sort. But look around you. Every day, people are becoming more and more selfish, more and more willing to turn against their fellow resident of Gensyoko. With all the supplies of the old Gensyoko drying up, the desperate will rob us of our goods in order to survive in such a harsh environment. It's separated families and friend-in fact in my search for news I encountered one Youkai in the former hell who's best friend was somehow stuck working for the Hakurei maiden-and her friend hadn't the slightest clue until I told her just this afternoon! Yes, there have been resistance to her, and yes, they have been crushed. But that won't last forever. And the more desperate people are, the closer we come to Gensyoko swalllowing itself whole."
>"I am glad that I still know you, Momiji. You have always been a faithful and kind person, someone I can rely on. I plan to keep in touch if I can, I assure you, as much as I can. But, for everyone's stake, keep your guard up and your ever-perceptive eyes as open as possible."
>"I have to ask, but what started your suspicion, anyway?"
>You decide to adopt a more fitting expression for the current situation.
>"And do you know why? Nitori used to be my friend too! She used to be a good person!"
>"We used to play together when I had time off! Sure, she was a bit obsessed with science, but she was still a good person! But then she changed! She started hiding things, next thing you know she has her own lab, then everything goes to shit!"
>"Of course I know this, do
you know what kind of depraved things I've had to do for my work?"
>"I always thought that at least you and I could be together! That we could trust each other if nothing else!"
>"But if you're plotting something just like Nitori, I'm going to have to stop you."
>"Yes, this is for everyone's sake. I'm sorry, Hatate."
>Momiji begins to reach for her sword hilt.
>"You're acting weird, just like she was! Why didn't you admit that you were with the kappa? Why won't you tell me what you're doing? Why did you take Aya away?"
>"You're trying to cut your ties, aren't you? You're trying to hide away all your weaknesses so that when whatever you have planned starts, nobody will be able to stop you!"
>_