"It's okay," the older sentry consoled the younger one. "This always happens."
The walls behind them vibrated with shouts and desk-thumping.
"He . . . always goes in like that?" muttered the younger one, still in shock.
"Yeah."
"And they always discuss stuff like this?"
"Yeah."
More banging. More yells.
"And, well - they don't kill each other?"
"Course not," the older sentry said cheerfully. "Best of friends."
There was a sudden silence behind them.
Kou Hikou stepped out of the Marshal's study, and walked away, eyes like ice, each step quiet on the floor.
"Oh shit," the older soldier whispered.
---