The Honored One
I.
Yori Tanaka stood on the battlements of Yamanuchi, her eyes focused on the swiftly disappearing VTOL aircraft. Her serene face allowing none to know her thoughts. She continued to stand long after the plane had disappeared and the sun's rays faded. "Yes, Hirotaka-san. How may I aid you?" She asked without turning.
"Yori-san", Hirotaka bowed deeply, "I came to see if you were well."
"I thank you for the concern, but I am in no danger."
Hirotaka's eyebrows rose. Yori smiled sadly. "Yes, Hiro, I am hurt, and saddened that Ron-san's destiny does not allow me to walk by his side. I knew that this might happen, Sensei warned me."
"He warned you?" Hirotaka's voice was puzzled. "Why did he allow you..."
Yori silenced him with a slicing motion of her hand. "Sensei did not allow me, I demanded the honor." She turned her back, "If that is all..."
Hirotaka bowed again, "As you wish, Yori-san, but if you need to talk..."
Receiving no answer, he finally bowed and left.
One single tear tracked down the woman's cheek. "Only one needs to hear my words, my friend, and I am forbidden."
II.
Sensei stood at his window, watching the slim figure on the parapet. "She still keeps her vigil?"
"Yes, master. Each evening she meditates there. Sometimes for an hour, sometimes longer."
Sensei frowned, "Thank you, Mataki-sama. Please continue to keep watch over our honored child."
"As you wish, Sensei." The teacher bowed and left the room.
Turning to the other occupant of the room, Sensei raised one hand defensively. "You disapprove?"
"I have always spoken against the arrangement. Prophecy or not."
"She knew the chances were against her. She understood what was at stake." Sensei defended himself.
"Did she? Did she really?"
"Of course she..."
"She knew no more than a fledgling sparrow."
"I..."
"Men. You have no idea what pain you have caused the child. All for your prophecy."
"Do you really believe I did not try to dissuade her? She convinced me she knew the risks."
"You were very willing to be convinced."
Sensei's head lowered, almost in shame. "What would you have me say, Nooni? That I am sorry? I am not. It had to be done. That I would gladly take her pain if I could? I hope you know that I would."
The old woman placed her hand on the wise shoulder. "I know you would. I did not push you hard enough. I should have been more forceful, shown you what you condemned her to."
"Is there anything we may do?"
"No. A heart that shatters must heal itself."
The two old comrades stared at the figure on the wall, a faint melody reaching them.
"In through the window a moonbeam comes
Little golden moonbeam with misty wings
All silently creeping it asks "is she sleeping"
Sleeping and dreaming while mother sings
But sleep little pigeon and fold your wings
Little blue pigeon with mournful eyes
Am I not singing? See I am swinging
Swinging the nest, where my darling lies"
Only Nooni heard Sensei's whispered, "Sorry, so sorry."
