Stealing the Wind: Part One

Five girls in blue blazers walked through dark streets, framed by the pools of the street-lights. Above them, a full moon reflected a faint radiance over the town, exaggerating the shadows that grew between the points of light. But the silence and the grandeur of the night was broken by their laughter and animated conversation, a circle of light and warmth that reached further and cut deeper than anything else.

"What are we going to do after we've eaten?" Satomi Kanbara, grinning. "I could play mahjong until the sun rises, but I doubt people are really in the mood for that right now."

"I don't mind," Yumi Kajiki said calmly. "But I don't think it would be advisable. Considering the short length of time from here to the Individuals, it'd be unwise to disrupt everyone's sleep too much. And of course, we have school to attend, as usual."

"Wahaha." Kanbara glanced sidelong at her friend. "If that's the case, shouldn't we all go straight home?"

"Everyone deserves to celebrate, so I'll turn a blind eye in this one case," Yumi said. "This was an unprecedented victory brought about by everyone's joint efforts. But we shouldn't stay up for more than one or two hours. I have any number of spare futons, so if it comes to it, people sleeping over at my place isn't a problem."

"Really? Is that fine?" Momoko Toyoko asked. "Your parents won't mind?"

"Well, they shouldn't return for a few more days," Yumi said. She changed her grip on the plastic bags she was carrying, frowning slightly. "There's no problem."

"Let me take that," Kanbara said, stepping forwards and teasing the two bags from Yumi's hands. "But this is really rare. To think a good girl like you would do something like this..."

"Even I get affected by the atmosphere in times like this," Yumi said. "It's fine, isn't it?"

"It's more than fine, it's a good thing," Kanbara said, taking the bags and falling back slightly again. "I just found it interesting."

"I see." Yumi grinned. "Well, maybe this really is unlike me. But I think it's unlike you as well."

Kanbara chuckled again. "We're going to the national tournament. If the sun rose in the west tomorrow, I wouldn't be surprised."

"If that happened, it would be a problem," Momo said playfully. "But isn't it a little exciting to be out this late? Like we're doing something special."

"It's dangerous, more than anything else," Yumi said. "That's another reason why people should sleep over."

"I suppose so," Kanbara said. "But Momo's right, as well. I haven't done something like this in so long."

"Indeed." Mutsuki Tsuyama nodded slightly, smiling. "I'm also tempted by the idea of all-night mahjong."

"So that's not just me, huh? That's a relief." Kanbara turned to glance at her friend. "How about you, Kaori? You've been very quiet."

Kaori Senoo stifled a yawn. "I'm sorry. I'm really tired, though. It's been a very long day."

"Indeed. If you'd rather go straight home, I can call a cab for you. Otherwise I'll sort out somewhere for you to sleep the moment we' arrive," Yumi said.

"No, I'm fine," Kaori said. "It'd be a shame to go asleep straight away."

"She's a big girl, she can look after herself." Kanbara slapped Yumi on the back. "It's okay for you to switch off, you know. Tonight is special, after all."

Yumi blinked. "I see. I'm sorry if I'm being overbearing."

Kanbara smiled as she sighed. "That's not what I mean."

"I think you're fine as you are, even now," Momo said to Yumi. "It's reassuring."

"Really?" Yumi said.

"Yes, really." Momo grinned shyly.

"I see. Thank you." Yumi turned, leading the group down a side-road, eventually stopping in front of a house and unlocking the gate. "We're here."

"Ah. This is a big house," Kaori said sleepily.

"You've never been here, but this is like our second clubroom," Kanbara said. "To the extent it makes me feel guilty."

"Don't worry about it," Yumi said, walking up to the front door and sliding the key into the lock. "It's often empty, after all. It's a relief to have some company." She slid her key back into her inner pocket, flipping on the lights.

"Thanks, thanks," Kanbara said, following her into the house and putting the plastic bags down. "I'll put the food on the living room table, okay?"

"That's a help. I'll bring down those futon. There's room on the floor for now. In any case, make yourselves at home." Yumi walked towards the stairs.

"I'll help you," Momo said, quickly taking off her shoes and following Yumi.

Mutsuki gently guided Kaori onto one of the sofas. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine." Kaori yawned. "I just wonder why you're all so awake."

"Because we're mahjong addicts," Kanbara said playfully, sitting down herself. "But after today's performance, you certainly deserve the rest."

"Thanks," Kaori said tiredly. "I don't really get what I did so well, though."

Yumi slid open the door to her room, opening a cupboard and taking out folded blankets. "Here. Thanks for the help."

"No problem," Momo said, taking them. "Thanks again, letting us stay here. It's really fine if I sleep over?"

"Of course. Anything else would be irresponsible of me, like I said."

"Hmm." Momo pouted.

"I'll say it one more time, though. Thanks for everything, Momo." Yumi turned back, her arms full of blankets. She cocked her head slightly as she smiled. "Without you, this miracle wouldn't have been possible. Now we've come this far, I can only thank you again for lending us your power."

Momo blushed. "Um. No, not at all. You're much more amazing, and it's all thanks to you we won..."

"What are you saying?" Yumi said. "Scoring positively on the fierce table against the Vice-Captains was an amazing performance. Without that, I wouldn't have been able to make it through even with my luck."

"You've been doing nothing but praise me all evening," Momo said, looking down and smiling. "Even though I dealt into that big breasted girl. All I can think about it is how I'll do better next time."

"That attitude is why you're this strong to begin with, though," Yumi said. "Don't let go of that, but don't lose sight of your achievements, either. We're all proud to call you Tsuruga's Vice-Captain."

"Thanks." Momo breathed out, looking slightly overwhelmed.

"In any case, let's have fun tonight." Yumi glanced at her clock. "I mean, this morning."

Momo laughed. "Yes, I will." She followed Yumi out, staring shyly at the older girl's back.

"It's mysterious," Yumi said. "I can't calm myself down, even after this many hours. I haven't felt this excited in a long time."

"It's nice. You're normally so calm, even when everyone else is emotional." Momo smiled. "Seeing you like this is a little reassuring."

"Reassuring?" Yumi asked lightly. "Am I that scary normally?"

"No, not at all. I guess reassuring is the wrong word, but I can't explain it very well." Momo's brow crinkled as they entered one of the spare bedrooms and laid out the futon. "I think it's just fun to be happy together."

"Well said," Yumi said, kneeling while she unfolded the blankets. "This is a victory everyone in the club shares."

Momo smiled wanly, quietly continuing her work. Once they'd finished, she noiselessly followed Yumi back downstairs, her presence fading into her surroundings.

"Sit down, you two," Kanbara said cheerfully. "Kaori's good for another five minutes." She'd placed the large trophy in the middle of the table, with food and drink arranged around it. "Mutsuki, pass me the other trophy."

"Right." Mutsuki opened her backpack, taking out a smaller golden trophy and passing it to Kanbara.

Kanbara smirked as Yumi began to lay out the futon. "Yumi, catch." She tossed the trophy across the room.

"That's dangerous," Yumi said, narrowly catching it.

"You caught it, though. I'll be taking the big one to school, but you can keep that one if you like." Kanbara grinned. "And before we start, why doesn't the tournament MVP say a few words?"

Yumi nodded. "I suppose I should say something, but it's just as a member of our team, rather than anything else." She stood a little straighter, waiting for a moment while Momo settled onto a sofa. "Everyone did well, and I'm proud of you all. For a first-time school like ours to make it through to the Nationals is a really remarkable achievement, and it was something that emerged from everyone's efforts. However, we can't rest on our laurels. I want us to consider the Individuals a passing point. We'll be using that chance to become thoroughly accustomed to national-level play. That's our basis for moving forwards."

"And what's our goal?" Kanbara asked.

"Of course, we're aiming to win the Nationals," Yumi said.

"Wahahaha. I knew you'd say that." Kanbara sat back, smiling. "Well, let's run with this victory, as far as we can."

Yumi nodded, sitting down on the sofa, before shifting uncomfortably and jumping up again. "Sorry, Momo."

"Don't worry about it," Momo said, scooting sideways.

Yumi sat down where Momo had been sitting, blushing slightly. "It's been a while since I last made that mistake. How embarrassing."

"I guess even you get tired," Kanbara said, passing her a drink.

"Don't worry about it. I don't mind at all," Momo said. "It's my fault, because I wasn't paying attention."

"Normally you can safely expect people not to sit on you, even if you're not paying attention," Yumi said.

"I'm not normal, though," Momo said innocently. "And you're welcome to sit on my lap any time."

"Wahahaha." Kanbara grinned. "That'd be impressive to see. But wouldn't it make more sense to do it the other way round?"

Yumi flushed, taking a gulp of her drink to cover her embarrassment. "We're not children, you know. I'll be more careful in future."

"I don't think it's a matter of being careful," Kanbara said playfully.

"Anyway, I could do with a hand here," Mutsuki said quietly. Kaori was slumped against the sofa, her head leaning listlessly against Mutsuki's shoulder. The dark-haired girl shifted uncomfortably without moving enough to shake the sleeping girl loose. "Is there some way to move her without waking her up?"

"That's Kaori for you, trying to be tough for our sakes," Kanbara said. "Just shake her awake, Mutsuki. We can tuck her into one of the futons."

"Is that really okay?" Mutsuki asked nervously.

"It's fine, it's fine," Kanbara said, standing up and reaching for the younger girl. "She's grown a bit too big for me or anyone else to carry." She shook Kaori by the shoulders. "Wake up, you sleepy-head. You're bothering Mutsuki."

Kaori's eyes flickered open. "Ah, sorry... I think I drifted off when Yumi was speaking. I'm sorry." She sat up, shaking her head. "I'm fine."

"You're not fine. We've kept you up too late, but you can sleep now. Just not on poor Mutsuki." Kanbara helped Kaori up. "The usual room, right, Yumi?"

"That's right," Yumi said. "There's pleanty of room. I'll help you."

"No, that's fine. Mutsuki, tag along with me, okay?"

"Sure." Mutsuki stood as well.

"Leave this to us," Kanbara said, grinning cheerfully. "I've always been the one who looks after Kaori, after all."

"I'm not a kid any more," Kaori said sleepily.

"I know that," Kaori said, helping her up the stairs. "You're a lot heavier than you used to be."

Mutsuki frowned as they reached the landing above. "Am I really needed for anything?"

"Wahaha. Sorry, but humour me here." Kanbara smiled. "I'm looking after our number two. As a president, I need to make sure Momoko gets her precious Yumi time on occasions like this."

"I see," Mutsuki said. "Does that mean we're all in the way, then?"

"We're all friends here, but some people are more friendly than others," Kanbara said. "And since she's a valued new member, spoiling Momoko a little is sensible."

"I don't get spoiled," Kaori complained. "Even though I'm also a new member."

"We're spoiling you right now," Kanbara said, sliding open the door to the bedroom and guiding Kaori to one of the futon. "Give me your glasses and jacket, okay?"

Kaori nodded, yawning. "I can do that myself, though..."

"I don't know if you want to be spoiled or not," Kanbara said, carefully taking off Kaori's glasses and placing them carefully on the desk. "But you did great today, Kaori. We really appreciate it."

Kaori threw off her jacket, collapsing into the futon and pulling the blankets over herself. "It's fine. Don't worry about it. I want to stay up, but I'm just... really tired..."

"Well, don't force yourself," Kanbara said, kneeling by the futon. "And thanks for going along with my demands. I know I'm unreasonable."

"It's fine. It's fun." Kaori yawned. "Good night."

"Good night, Kaori." Kanbara looked up. "How about you, Mutsuki? Do you want to go to bed?"

"I'm still okay, barely," Mutsuki said.

"I see. Then let's go back downstairs." Kanbara stood, stretching her arms. "What's wrong? That's a complicated face."

"Not really... I just wondered if I could talk to you about something." Mutsuki shifted uncomfortably, stepping back into the corridor again.

"Of course," Kanbara said calmly. "Anything is fine."

"I was thinking about today, and wondering," Mutsuki said awkwardly. "Whether I'm just getting in the way."

"Of those two? I told you, Momo doesn't mind either way. I'm just being whimsical, as usual."

"Not that," Mutsuki. "But playing today... I wasn't able to be much use. Momoko and Yumi are both so amazing, and Kaori was also remarkable in her own way, but I didn't really achieve anything."

"If it's about that, you're not alone. In the end, I couldn't stop Kiyosumi and Ryumonbuchi's counter-attack." Kanbara smiled. "But you should know by now, everyone has bad days. And even more than that, you're vital to the team. We're a club of five, and a team of five... Yumi's not being polite when she's saying this was our joint victory. In that sense, you're irreplaceable, Mutsuki."

"I know that," Mutsuki said. "But I just can't feel satisfied with my performance today, even though the team won. It's a little selfish of me."

"That's a different matter. I share your feelings, but that goes for all of us, I think. Even Momo and Yumi are probably reflecting on the things they could have done better. They're like that, after all." Kanbara stretched, rubbing her back with the palms of her hands. "We'll all do better next time. But we can all be pleased with how we did this time, as well. And if you want to become a stronger player, of course, that will happen. Leave that to Yumi and I."

"Right. Thank you." Mutsuki smiled tiredly. "Thank you for listening to me, as well. This is something I'd have found hard to say to Yumi."

"Wahaha. Yumi would have said the same thing I did, though." Kanbara stepped forwards, slapping Mutsuki hard on the back. "Let's go forwards with passion, as the normal players on the team."

Mutsuki winced in pain, rubbing her back as she followed Kanbara down the stairs. "Right. I'll do that."

Yumi frowned slightly, glancing at Momo while the other three girls headed upstairs. "How are you feeling? Do you need to sleep?"

"No, I'm fine," Momo said. "I might lie down a little later, though."

"I see." Yumi rubbed her forehead. "I am sorry for earlier, though. I thought I'd improved, when it comes to perceiving you. I guess I got complacent."

"I told you, I don't mind at all," Momo said patiently. "I've been like this my whole life, but you can see me more than anyone else I've ever known."

"I mind, though," Yumi said.

"Then let me sit on your lap," Momo said coyly.

"How does it come to that?" Yumi asked.

"Because I find it funny," Momo said. "I'm sure Kanbara would find it funny, too."

"I'm sure she would," Yumi admitted. "But it is an embarrassing thought."

"Would you find it that uncomfortable?" Momo asked.

"I'm not sure. It just seems like an odd idea to me." Yumi sighed. "But I am trying to apologise to you. So I suppose I can go along with this, just this once."

"It's not a matter of apologising. If you don't want to do it, I won't," Momo said, pouting and turning away. "There's no point that way."

Yumi sighed, glancing at the younger girl. "I don't really understand, but if you say so."

"Sorry. I know I'm being stubborn." Momo closed her eyes. "But since we won today, we still have a reason to stay together. I'm going to do my best from now on, as well."

"I know. I'm counting on you." Yumi paused for a moment, lost in thought. "Momo... I can't really say it very well, but I'm glad we won."

"Of course you are," Momo said, turning back and smiling. "We all worked hard for this, right? And winning is fun."

"No, of course there's that, but that's not what I mean." Yumi sighed again. "Before the tournament, you said that as well... that mahjong is the reason we met, and the reason we see each other. Of course, I wanted to win for the sake of winning itself. But that's not my only motivation. I still want to stay with you, even if it's only for a little while longer."

"As a member of the team?" Momo asked, her eyes focused on Yumi's face.

"Not just that." Yumi smiled wanly. "Sorry, I'm bad at things like this. I just can't find the words."

"Even though you're normally so eloquent," Momo said, pouting and turning her head away.

"Sorry." Yumi smiled. "Mahjong is easier to understand. But we've had fun up until now, and I'm sure things will continue to be fun from now on."

"Yeah." Momo smiled. "I'll do my best, like I said."

"Putting that aside, how do you think your parents will react to this?" Yumi asked. "Ideally, I'd want to work you and everyone else to the bone sharpening our game before the Nationals, but I can't just assume that's possible."

"My parents won't worry about anything like that," Momo said. "I can spend as much time as I like on mahjong."

"I see. That's convenient," Yumi said thoughtfully.

"How about you and Kanbara?" Momo asked. "You two are the third years, right? Aren't you busy?"

"I'm fine. I'm confident my exams will go well even if I concentrate on the Nationals before that point. And my parents essentially let me organise my own time as I please." Yumi shrugged. "As for Kanbara, I'll have to ask her myself. It's certainly more complicated for her than for me."

Momo giggled. "Your confidence is always amazing, whether it's mahjong or anything else."

"Really? I have pleanty of my own worries, though," Yumi said calmly.

"Like what?" Momo asked.

"Whether I'm good enough to be the Captain of a National Team, for one. But even putting that aside, I'm more worried about whether I'm going to be able to bring out the potential of you and the others on the team." Yumi closed her eyes. "I have time now, and I couldn't ask for anything more from all of you. You and Mutsuki are very willing to learn, and Kaori has also been trying her best. But up until now, I've always been playing mahjong for myself. Teaching you all is an imposing task."

"I see. That really is worrying too much, though." Momo smiled. "We couldn't ask for a better Captain, or a better mentor."

"I'm sure that's not true, but hearing you say it is reassuring." Yumi grinned. "I probably shouldn't talk to you about that kind of worry, though."

"I don't mind, though. I want to be of use to you," Momo said. "But just as I thought, all your worries are about mahjong, not school-work. I'm a little jealous."

"If you have any academic problems, be sure to come to me. It's arrogant of me to say this, but I have much more confidence in my ability to teach that, compared with teaching mahjong." Yumi leaned back in the sofa. "And it's the least I can do, after keeping all of you busy at the club."

"I'll consider that," Momo said. "But it's not as if it's a big problem. My test scores tend to be really average. Just like you'd expect, really."

"I see," Yumi said. "Well, if you ever need my help for that or anything else, just ask. As your senior, I have that much responsibility."

"That sounds reliable. But I feel the same way." Momo smiled shyly. "I want to be of use to you, as well. Not just in mahjong."

Yumi smiled. "Thank you, Momo."

"Getting along, as usual," Kanbara said airily, walking down the stairs. "But I put Kaori to bed, so let us join in as well."

"That's good." Yumi frowned. "I'm worried about Kaori. We don't want to push her too far."

"Thinking of going easy on her, even though you're probably thinking of a training regime that will make us all cry?" Kanbara said playfully. "That's not like you, Yumi."

"I suppose so. But it still makes me uneasy, since she joined as a favour to you."

"Wahaha. Well, don't underestimate her." Kanbara grinned. "I've known Kaori my whole life, so I have confidence when I say she's strong in her own way. And if you went easy on her, I'd have to get mad, speaking as her friend."

Yumi smiled. "I see. That would be a problem."

"Your leadership has got us this far, Yumi," Kanbara said. "And we'll be counting on you from now on, as well."

"I agree," Mutsuki. "No matter what you ask me to do, I'll be willing."

"Of course," Momo said, smiling.

Yumi nodded. "I understand. Tonight... this morning, we can relax. But we'll get serious from now on. Be prepared."

Several hours later, Yumi stepped out into the garden at the back of her house, looking up at the sky. Kanbara snored as she slept, sprawled out on the sofa behind her.

"It's a beautiful night, isn't it?"

Yumi blinked, looking sideways. "You were there, Momo?"

"Mm." Momo grabbed Yumi's arm, tugging it slightly as her presence became visible.

"I thought you'd already gone to bed. Or rather, you should go to bed, already."

"That goes for you, as well," Momo said. "Why are you outside like this?"

"I wanted to look at the moon," Yumi said. "Just a whim."

"I see. Well, it is a beautiful night." Momo yawned, leaning her head against Yumi's shoulder.

"Yes, it is." Yumi looked up at the full moon, smiling faintly. "The moon scooped from the sea. I never really reflected on that name before now, but Koromo really was that high above me. Kiyosumi's Captain was the same. I can't help but feel a bitter-sweet envy when I think about it." She raised her right hand above her head, reaching for the moon. "The way they play mahjong is like the stars in the heavens to me. Something I can't touch and hold with my own hands however long I live and however hard I try. But it's possible the stars are so beautiful precisely because they lie beyond our reach."

"I think you're less far from them than you think," Momo said softly. "I feel the same way, that you're something I can't obtain..."

"Anyone can play like I can, with enough experience," Yumi said. "Consecutive Haitei and Rinshan wins are different."

"So's robbing a kan," Momo said sleepily.

"That was a strategy, though," Yumi said.

"But it's a strategy only you could use." Momo yawned again. "Though I wasn't talking about mahjong, anyway."

Yumi smiled. "I see. You're right here with me, though."

"Maybe so. You're looking up, though."

Yumi turned her head, looking at Momo. "Mm. Well, let's sleep. Everything else comes after that."

Momo nodded, her expression cheerful. "Okay."