As Strong as Wisteria
Chapter 1: Major Changes
Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha or Beautiful by Ayaka.
Normal POV
"Kagome! Remember your cousins are finally coming to stay with us this evening!" The gentle voice of Higurashi Rui called out to her teenage daughter.
The beautiful ravenette smiled happily from the kitchen, readying breakfast. It was a lazy Saturday morning-she decided to stay in her pajamas.
"Okay! I'll get the guest bedroom ready after breakfast!" She called back.
Kagome was excited to see her adored cousins after so long, but just wished it was under better circumstances. Needless to say, the thought excited her.
She had two cousins: Both girls, one older and one younger. The older cousin was only a couple of months older than her, and they'd grown to have a remarkable relationship.
Thankfully, Auntie Narumi agreed to arrange frequent visits to Tokyo, despite living in Kitakyushu-a populous city located in Fukuoka Prefecture, Kyushu. And due to the visits, the younger cousin, who was a year younger than Souta, grew to have a friendly relationship with him.
A pang throbbed at her heart. Auntie...
"Thank you dear! And make sure to check and see if Souta really did clean up his room or not. I have to leave for the port in an hour. It's a bit of a drive."
"Okay, mom!" Kagome replied, thoughts beginning to pop up into her head.
What if her cousins didn't like her anymore? What if they didn't want to talk to them? What if they tried running away or something? What if...
There were too many what-ifs scrolling through her mind, so the ravenette simply pushed them to the back, focusing on making tamagoyaki, hand-sized bowls of rice, miso and various small side dishes not excluding tsukemono pickles, grated daikon radish, and nori.
Unfortunately she forgot to go buy some salmon or mackerel for broiled fish the other day with her mother, who also forgot much to their disappointment.
Broiled fish in the morning was delicious.
Savory aromas wafted through the house, eventually luring her younger brother down from his room, where he was most likely hiding out with the intent to play video games the majority of the day.
"Mmm, smells great Sis!" Souta complimented as he plopped down onto his designated chair at the table.
Kagome edged a bright smile. "Thanks, Souta! But don't think you're getting out of helping bring it all over to the table!"
He groaned, easing himself out of the chair to aid in the tedious task. It was worth it, though. Kagome's cooking had gotten exponentially better, despite a few burnt dishes along the way.
"Jii-chan, breakfast!" The teenager raised her voice.
Grumblings from her grandfather were a result as the old man sat down at the table, ready for food.
The reason the ravenette was cooking breakfast instead of her beloved mother was because she felt she should allow Mama Higurashi some alone time to mourn.
She couldn't imagine the pain her mother was going through, yet somehow the kind woman managed to smile at her children as if every day was happy and sunny.
Right.
Food.
It was already 11, and her mother still needed to eat before getting ready to head to the port. It was roughly a 3 hour drive depending on traffic, considering they weren't as close to the water, but since her cousins were coming via ferry, it was necessary.
After all, the poor girls couldn't afford airfare or driving there (legally).
Kagome sat there, chopsticks at the ready beside her brother and grandpa.
"Itadakimasu!" They cheered before digging into the meal.
"Mom, make sure to grab some of the food before you leave!" The teenager requested.
"Sure, honey." Higurashi Rui answered from upstairs.
The ravenette eagerly stuffed her mouth full of tamagoyaki and rice, thoughts wandering to her dear cousins that would arrive in a few hours.
"Did you know that grain and fish misos have been manufactured in Japan since the Neolithic era? They're called 'Joumon miso', and the earliest form of miso is known as Hishio. It has been theorized that Hishio and other fermented soy-based foods made their way into Japan around the same time as Buddhism, which was in the 6th century AD..." Her grandpa began, instructing the already bored children about the history of miso soup.
With Mama Higurashi, 3 hours later
Rui Higurashi had just reached the port, already scanning the mass of bodies spilling out from the incoming ferry. She hurriedly got out of her car, making sure the doors were locked first, and jogged as best she could in 2 1/2 inch heels, which clacked against the hard ground.
Peeking out over the heads of many, she finally spotted a familiar head of long dark chocolate with layered bangs.
Waving a hand, she forced a smile. "Over here, Seina! Risa!"
The former lifted her head, finally taking notice of Rui's presence. Her face was pallid, gaunt from lack of eating and definite bags under her eyelids. Nevertheless, her dark honey brown orbs glittered against the rays of the early afternoon sun. A small wave was returned, though lacking energy.
The wind started picking up, carrying the salty scent of the ocean with it. Waves in the ocean were on the calm side, occasionally crashing against the port a bit harder and sending small sprays of seawater at people's feet.
Once Seina had reached her aunt with her younger sister in hand, the trio began to walk back to Rui's car.
"So, how are you dears?" The concerned woman inquired, searching her nieces' faces.
She didn't really need to ask to know. It was clear to her Seina hadn't been taking very good care of herself.
Lips chapped, cheeks sunken in, her slightly revealed neckline showing very prominent clavicles and her collarbone, and the ever present bags under her eyes. The way she walked made her look as if she was possessed.
At least little Risa looked healthy. There was a sad glint in her dulled eyes, but she looked well-fed, well-rested and overall...well, healthy. That was a relief. It meant Seina had made sure to look after her, and that they weren't separated during their time with child services.
"Fine." Came the surprisingly strong reply.
Ah, yes. She probably inherited it from her mother. Rui knew for a fact that her sister Narumi always had a very impressive endurance, and never liked showing weakness. Especially in front of her family.
She sent the teenage girl a worried gaze. "Have you been eating enough?"
"Yeah." Seina forced a smile, stopping behind Rui's car so she could unload her and Risa's bags into the back.
She was wearing a simple white v-neck and denim shorts, topped off with the prized necklace given to her by her parents and flip flops. Her long ebony hair was pulled back into a fishtail braid, leaving her layered bangs in front.
"Here, let me take that. You should get some rest in the car." Mama Higurashi insisted, trying to take the bags from her.
But the girl simply shook her head, a small smile on her face. "No, it's okay Auntie. I'm not the only one having a hard time dealing with this. I can take care of my own baggage."
She was surprisingly able, despite her unhealthily thinning frame.
Suddenly Rui found her legs being squeezed by a pair of small arms. Looking down, Risa was holding onto her aunt for dear life.
"I missed you Auntie Rui!" She exclaimed, pressing her small head against her.
The seven-year-old was in a yellow summer dress with a thin white cardigan and white sandals. White sunflowers decorated the dress.
Mama Higurashi knelt down to the girl, wrapping her arms around her in a loving embrace.
"I've missed you too, Risa. And I promise you, I'll do my best to make sure you and your sister are happy living with me and my children."
The girl lifted her head excitedly to her aunt. "So I'll get to see Souta?"
Her aunt laughed. "Yes, you'll get to see Souta. And Kagome, too."
"Yay!" Risa cheered as Rui led her into the backseat of her car with a smile.
The trunk slammed shut, signaling Seina had finished loading it up with their things. The teenager took shotgun, sitting in the front tiredly beside her aunt.
It was a 3-hour drive back, so Rui finally got the two of them to take a nap while they drove. Seeing Seina's eyelids close, her breathing becoming relaxed, sent a small wave of relief over the grieving aunt.
Tears welled up in her eyes, though she was quiet about them as to not awake her nieces. She loved her sister Narumi very much. Sure, they lived in two different cities, but they stayed on good terms for the most part. Rui had so many things she'd wanted to tell her sister, to apologize for the fight they had a week before she...she died.
It was a stupid fight, too. So stupid she didn't even remember what it was about.
Usually Mama Higurashi was a very happy, calm and supportive person, but when it came to her sister, sometimes they got into arguments. It was a natural part of having a sister. There would be fights and times both of them wished they'd never contacted each other in the first place.
However no matter how many fights Rui got into with Narumi, she never hated her. Yes, she got frustrated sometimes and revealed sides of herself she usually kept hidden, but she without a doubt loved her sister.
And now, she was gone forever.
As was her husband, Yoichi. Mama Higurashi considered him a brother, and he was such a good man, husband and father. Now he wouldn't be able to see Risa grow up, to protect Seina from boys, or walk his girls down the aisle.
She promised to her deceased sister and brother-in-law that she would care for their children like her own. Rui would see to it they grew up to become kind-hearted, considerate, wonderful women. It was the least she could do.
The mother and caring aunt had been told frequently that she endlessly surprised people with her words of wisdom and actions.
At that moment, while mourning for her beloved sister and brother-in-law, she surprised herself. She found clarity, determination, and a renewed fiery spark within her soul.
Normal POV-3 hours later
It was about 6 PM when Mama Higurashi finally pulled into the driveway. The sudden stop awoke Seina, but Risa remained blissfully asleep.
The teen hopped out of the car, grabbing all of the bags from the trunk and appeared conflicted about whether or not she should rouse her little sister from her deep slumber.
Rui, thankfully, intervened. "I'll carry Risa since you're taking the bags, okay Seina?"
Seina nodded, still half-asleep with bleary eyes. She stumbled slightly as she made her way towards the front door behind her aunt.
"This place reminds me of home..." The teen thought drearily.
The home she didn't have anymore. The home that was part of a shrine that no longer existed.
Rui fished out her keys, unlocking the front door and calling out to her children and father-in-law to alert them of her presence.
"Kids, Jii-chan, I'm home! Seina and Risa are with me!"
The thundering of feet slapping against stairs filled the room as Kagome and Souta dashed down to the entrance way before Seina could blink. And then somehow she was crushed in a hug by her only female cousin.
"Seina-chan! It's so great to see you! It's been forever!" Kagome cheerily exclaimed.
Unfortunately, Seina wasn't in a cheery mood.
She awkwardly patted her cousin's back, wondering how the hug was possible considering she was up to her chin in baggage.
"Here, I'll take your luggage!" The ravenette offered, but Seina swiftly evaded her.
"No, it's okay. I've got it. Just show me to the room if that's alright." She replied.
"I'll put Risa in her new bed." Rui stated, the first one to go up the flight of stairs.
Before Seina could follow, an old man walked up to her. A smile crept onto her face despite herself. Even though Jii-chan wasn't her actual grandfather, he had always been kind to her, and was really the only actual grandparent she'd ever known. Her own grandparents died before she was born.
"Hello Jii-chan, how are you? The back doing okay?" She asked as the old man laughed.
"It's as good as ever!" He answered, striking a pose only to have his back make cracking sounds.
Immediately he was hunched over, groaning in obvious agony.
Seina sweatdropped, unsure if he even desired any help. "Er...Jii-chan? Do you need any help?"
"No, no. I'll be alright!" Jii-chan quickly recovered.
Smile still lingering, Seina set the bags down to pull out a couple of containers from her knapsack.
"Here. It's poultices I made from the herbs that survived back at my house. I got a lot of help from mom, though. I was making them for the next time we were planning to visit, which was coincidentally the next week until...you know, the fire happened. One of them's a special remedy for back pain, and the other is a powerful muscle relaxant that you rub onto the designated area with a cloth."
Tears of gratitude were practically streaming down Jii-chan's face in rivers as he accepted the medicine.
"Oh, thank you! Such a considerate gift, I'm deeply touched. I will always consider you my granddaughter! At least you actually appreciate my history lessons." He added, shooting Kagome and Souta a knowing glare.
They smiled innocently in response.
Seina laughed softly. "Well, I'm a sucker for interesting tales. You never know what could've happened back in the Feudal Era, after all."
Jii-chan's eyes brightened. "Indeed! In fact I have a particular lesson of interest-"
"-Sorry Jii-chan, but if it's alright I'd like to go unpack. It was a long ride from Kyushu and the drive here, and I want to get it over with before I'm too tired..." The teen gazed at him apologetically.
The grandpa waved a hand. "Go on, I understand it's been hard for you."
She heard him muttering about teenagers having less energy than an old man while walking away, though.
"Rather rude, but he's kinda right...where did my endurance go?" The brunette pondered.
Picking up her bags again, Seina trudged upstairs to the guest room she and her sister were sharing, dropping the bags onto the center of the floor.
"Do you need help unpacking?" Kagome asked as her mother laid Risa down onto her bed.
Seina opened her mouth, about to tell off her cousin, but it would come out as uncivil and she really needed the help. There were three bags total because she and her sister refused to let go of any possessions that survived the fire.
"Yeah, thanks."
It was a rather spacious guest room, big enough for two twin-sized beds, two dressers, a couple of shelves, a desk and a built-in closet on both sides. The walls were painted light blue with a slightly darker ceiling.
The two teenagers got to work, filling up every available inch of space with clothes, sentimental items and schoolwork. Items used for hygiene were placed in the bathroom next door.
Most of what Seina and Risa had were newly bought, considering only a couple of their shirts survived. It was one of the few things child services was able to accomplish.
Once they were done, it was already 9.
Something that bothered Seina was that most of the furnishings looked brand new. She had a sneaking suspicion they purchased it all to make it easier for them to adjust, and so that they'd have enough storage, but...well, she always felt uncomfortable when people she was familiar with bought so many things for her.
"Phew! Wow, that took longer than I thought." Kagome smiled.
Seina wished she was more like her cousin-so pure-hearted (granted a bit naive) and upbeat. It would take her a while to truly get over her parents' deaths.
"Seina! Kagome! Dinner's ready! Try and wake Risa if you can!" Rui called from downstairs.
"Okay, mom!" The ravenette replied.
Her eyes went back to her beloved cousin. "Did you want to wake up Risa?"
The brunette glanced at her younger sister. "Yeah. She sleeps like a rock but I finally figured out a way to get her up. We'll meet you downstairs. Is there even enough room at the table?"
Kagome giggled. "Yup! We could probably squeeze in an extra person!"
She then left the room, much to Seina's relief. She liked Kagome, but sometimes her desire to remain friends, or 'good cousins', grated on her nerves considering how hard the girl tried. She wasn't like Kagome-all giggly, happy and bubbly. Seina had her moments, but for the most part she was a calm, collected individual. Too much...girlishness overwhelmed her.
She just couldn't deal with it. Kagome had even painted her room pink. Granted, it was pale, shell pink, but it was still too much pink for her own tastes.
Poking Risa's cheek, Seina whispered, "The kappas are here for you."
Instantly the little girl jolted awake, eyes flashing in fear. "No! Don't let them drown me!"
Her light chocolate brown irises finally landed on her amused sister. An angered huff escaped her lips. "Nee-chan! How many times do I have to tell you to stop doing that?!"
Risa hopped off her bed, glaring at the taller girl who was near laughter.
"As many as it takes for me to find another way to wake you up, which hasn't been that successful," Seina answered. "Come on, it's time for dinner."
"Really? I'm starving!" Risa exclaimed, dashing down the stairs with a ravenous glint in her eyes.
It was then the brunette realized she was quite famished as well. Mouthwatering aromas drew Seina down to the dining room, seeing everyone already seated and ready to dig in. She sat down in her designated seat between Souta and her sister.
Seina couldn't remember how long it'd been since she'd had an ichijyu-sansai styled dinner. The soup was spicy pork miso, with side dishes of grilled chicken, genmai, nikujaga, nori, and sunamono. It looked heavenly.
"Itadakimasu!" Everyone chanted in unison before beginning to eat their delicious meal.
"Thank you for the food, Rui oba-san. It's amazing." Seina smiled, slowly nibbling at her grilled chicken and sunamono.
Ever since the fire, seeing everything get swept up into skin-burning flames, she didn't have much of an appetite. Every time she started eating, flashbacks occurred and guilt consumed her. It was survivor's guilt, but she still felt responsible as the eldest sibling.
Risa was stuffing her face with genmai and nikujaga.
"Yesh, it's very good!" She agreed with her mouth full of stew.
Mama Higurashi smiled happily. "I'm glad you both like it."
"Kaa-chan made us wait for you guys. I'm glad you finally came downstairs, I'm starving!" Souta groaned, heartily partaking in the spicy pork miso and nori.
"Souta!" Kagome chided lightly.
"Sorry for the wait." Seina sincerely apologized.
"It's fine! We're eating now, aren't we?" The boy grinned.
"Sunamono's origins begin hundreds of years ago - back when swords were a common sight and there were no cars, but carts ran by horses and oxen instead. Did you know that cucumbers are favored most highly by kappas in folklore? It's said that in feudal times, people would toss cucumbers into supposed kappa-infested rivers so they could bathe-" Jii-chan began while eating his sunamono, only to be interrupted by Risa.
"Noo! No kappas! Now I hate cucumbers!" The child whined, pushing away her sunamono.
"Jii-chan, look what you did." Kagome sighed.
"Huh? What did I do?" Jii-chan scowled.
"Now you've got her hating cucumbers." Souta stated almost as a reprobate.
Jii-chan gazed at the terrified girl in despair.
Seina glared at her. "You're not going to be impolite and refuse to finish eating Oba-san's yummy cooking, are you?"
Risa slowly calmed down, staring at her lap in shame. "No..."
"Then take back your sunamono and finish eating it." Her sister warned.
Reluctantly Risa took back her plate of sunamono, eating it as quickly as possible to get it out of the way. She cleared her plate under a minute flat.
The Higurashis stared at the sisters in amazement.
"Wow...how'd you do that?" Kagome queried to the younger sister.
"Practice!" Risa beamed, proud of her accomplishment.
"I convinced her that the best way to eat a food she didn't like, especially one served by a guest, was to eat it as quickly as possible so it'd be out of the way." Seina elaborated.
"That's awesome!" Souta exclaimed, intrigued by his cousin's skill.
After dinner, Seina and Risa got ready for bed, exhausted by the long trip. Bidding everyone goodnight, they tiredly headed to their beds.
Shutting the door, Risa and Seina plopped down onto their beds, snuggling up underneath the thin layers of blankets. Summer was drawing to a close, but it was still so hot.
"Hey, Nee-chan..."
"Hn?"
"Do you think we'll be happy here?"
"I don't have clairvoyance, Risa. That's something we'll have to see in time."
"What's clairvoyance?"
"It's the same thing as seeing the future, having a sixth sense, et cetera. Go to sleep." Seina answered, already half-asleep.
"Oh."
Just as the teen was about to sleep, a sniffle kept her awake.
Sighing through her nose, she crawled over onto her younger sister's bed, enveloping Risa into a hug that she quickly reciprocated.
"I...I miss Papa and Mama." The girl whimpered.
"I miss them too."
"Can you...sing me Mama's song? It helps me sleep."
Those words strained at Seina's heart. She was nearly positive that if she sang her mother's song, she'd break down crying.
"No. I have to keep it together. For Risa." She told herself mentally.
"I just want to hear you singing so softly
The tears you shed on that day, you won't see it
But what will come is laughter
There's a gentle breeze in an empty heart
It hurts when your heart is regretting love
You grow up and it's enough to be timid,
Because you have to believe me that you will be able to walk
I embrace and overcome the loss I had
I wish for happiness so that you could laugh,
In this shining world"
Already halfway through the song, Seina immediately stopped when her sister drifted off to sleep. Her breathing ragged, the teen placed Risa back down onto her bed, tucking her in.
She lied awake in her own bed, on her side facing the wall, tears dripping down her face that was contorted in misery.
"I will never forget this pain."
A/N: Yeah, kinda angsty I know. Not much happening except Seina and Risa coming to the Higurashi household, but for them it was a major change they have to live with now. Sorry about that :P Please review, favorite and follow! ^^
Terms- Nikujaga: Meat and Potato Stew
Sunamono: Cucumber Salad
Genmai: Brown Rice
Nori: Edible seaweed
Tamagoyaki: A type of Japanese omelette that involves rolling together several layers of egg.
Ichijyu-Sansai: One soup, three dishes with rice-styled dinner.
Oba-san: Aunt
Nee-chan: Older sister (familiar)
