A new journey awaits Miyuki and Tatsuya as their true identities are revealed to the world and unknown forces are at work. Will they be able to control the Yotsuba clan? Will their friends continue to stand by them? They have no choice but to fight against the people who intend to disrupt their peaceful lives.
Background information
USNA An alliance between US, Canada, Mexico and other South American Countries
Great Asian Alliance The territories of China, Dahan, Korean Peninsula
Kudo Retsu Previous head of the Kudo clan. Currently chairs the commettiee for the Ten Master clans
Saegusa Koichi He is head of the Saegusa clan. And is Mayumi's father.
Minami Miyuki's 2nd guardian ordered to protect under the instruction of Maya. She feels the need to serve Miyuki and Tatsuya to her utmost ability.
Chapter One
Passing Night
April, Year 2097
It was well into the night. Tatsuya sat on the couch while speed reading all the information on his terminal given to him by his aunt Maya, the head of the Yotsuba clan. The information pertained to tomorrow's 10 master clan selection meeting. The information she provided was the names of all the head's and important figures expected to come as well as their background information.
The sheer volume of information the Yotsuba gathered on the 10 clans, the 18 assistant Houses and the 100 families was to be expected by Tatsuya. He didn't expect anything less of his aunt. The head of the House Yotsuba Maya was cunning, intelligent, devious not to mention ambitious. Although the Yotsuba clan were always low-key the world knew just how fearsome they were and it was Maya herself who made sure it stayed that way.
"Onii-sama? Am I disturbing you? I've brought you tea." Miyuki stood by the door-way with Minami slightly behind her. Miyuki wore her usual frilly apron with a blue bow attached on the side. She held a tray with two tear cups and steaming hot Jasmine tea while Minami held the snacks they prepared together. Miyuki thought having tea together would lighten the mood a little. After all, they had a big day tomorrow.
"No, please come in Miyuki, Minami. You need to read this as well. I just received all the updated information involving tomorrow's selection and important background information of all the parties involved."
Miyuki sighed inwardly. She tried her best to make sure her dear brother did not know how she really felt about tomorrow's meeting. She found it unnecessary to announce her title, she just wished to take over the clan silently, her face in the shadows. Of course her Oba-sama wouldn't want that, she was planning something and Miyuki knew it couldn't be anything good.
Miyuki walked over to her brother, poured the tea gently into the three tea cups and gracefully sat down. Minami followed suit.
"Ah, She sent you more information…Oba-sama information gathering is as impressive as always."
"Miyuki, make sure you finish reading all of this tonight. You know it's important to learn as much as you can. You may be entering a lion's den tomorrow and it's better to be prepared." Tatsuya warned. He wanted Miyuki to be able to handle all kinds of situations tomorrow, the more she knew about people the better.
"But I'll always be by your side. I won't let anyone harm you. And we have Minami."
Minami nodded in response while sipping tea. She felt it was her duty, she didn't need to confirm it further for them to understand.
"Thank you, Oni-sama, Minami"
At those words Miyuki blushed. She knew how reliable her brother is. She knew she had nothing to fear if he was by her side. That didn't mean she intended to be belittled by anybody. She will make sure to show everybody that she is no push over especially to her aunt. However, she still held concerns regarding future problems.
"Onii-sama, I still do not understand Oba-sama's intentions…" she said hesitantly.
"Once this fact becomes known to the world, there is no doubt in my mind that we will attract unwanted attention. I feel it is still far too early. She went to great lengths to hide us from the world because it would bring the Yotsuba clan in the spot light."
Tatsuya knew the meaning behind what Miyuki was trying to say.
Just what were Yotsuba Maya's intention? Why did she choose now to unveil Miyuki? Was there something he was unaware of?
Miyuki continued on with her concerns. "We will be under watch by foreign countries again and this time it won't be just the USNA and the Great Asian Alliance. I know, you will protect me but please know that I will protect you as well."
Tatsuya was the one who saved Miyuki's life. He saved her over and over. It was time that she stood her ground in front of her brother, that no matter what they faced in the future she vowed to not be a burden. Enemies who harmed her faced a terror worse than death, and so she too would not show mercy to enemies who harmed her brother, the Yotsuba included.
Tatsuya smiled at Miyuki's unwavering resolve.
"I know."
He wanted to say more but facing Miyuki, he felt like he had lost the motivation. He will protect Miyuki but she was set to protect him.
He drank the jasmine tea placed in front of him and addressed Miyuki's question. "About Oba-ue intentions… I do not know what they are. I'm sure we'll find out sooner than later. When she chose you as next in line, there would have been a time when the world realizes our existence. It's not something we can hide forever. If Oba-ue feels that the time is now then all we can do is face it."
"Onii-sama, won't our true powers be revealed. Does Oba-sama think she can continue to hide it after revealing our identities? Our friends know…to some extent they know about your power and mine. It can't be hidden either."
"If our powers came to light, it will surely bring us trouble. I'll think up a plan when it occurs and Oba-ue won't be sitting idly."
Lost in thought, they both thought the same thing. Their power, if known, would cause international discussion. In the worst case scenario even conflict. They wouldn't let anything like that happen. Ever. They didn't think that their aunt wanted to cause some international strife. They could only hope Tatsuya's other identities were under lock and key.
Miyuki sighed in response. There were so many unanswered questions she had for her Oba-sama. It was like she was testing them. No, testing the both of them.
Minami sat drinking tea listening to the sibling conversation. She thought that both of their fighting and magic abilities were extraordinary but why it would cause trouble she didn't know. She felt between the Yotsuba's and any organization against it, the Yotsuba clan would come out on top.
"Let's get some sleep. We have a busy day ahead of us." Miyuki said as she got up, she needed to look over the information herself before she went to sleep.
They had all finished the jasmine tea and late night snack. So Minami efficiently took care of clearing the table.
It would've been nice if they were able to sleep peacefully immediately.
"Kudou-sama, I have brought all the documents for tomorrow's selection." Kudou's assistant Toda entered his office carrying a pile of 10 folders. Each folder carried information on each of the Ten Clans. It documented their achievements, the number of jobs they completed, the list of properties and establishment they owned as well as important background information of the many talented magicians under their wing.
The one particular folder that caught Kudou's attention was the Yotsuba's. He started flipping through the pages. It was a fairly decent size, their achievement and the number of jobs they completed far outnumbered the other nine clans. He knew that this number is inaccurate, because he knew Maya. The Yotsuba probably have done more jobs than this. They were few in number compared to the Saegusa clan and Ichijo clan but he feared just how much power they held. Even though he taught Maya and Miya many years ago he still didn't know everything about the clan. There just wasn't enough information on them. There were too many holes in their background information not to mention they currently have two new talented magicians Miyuki and Tatsuya Shiba who gained an impressive reputation among their peers.
As he ponders what to say to Maya when they meet tomorrow he gets an incoming call from Koichi Saegusa. The clan head of the Saegusa family.
"What is so important that you need to call at this time Koichi-san." It was currently 8:00, Kudou needed to read the documents one more time so that all preparation were complete. He was to head the meeting tomorrow.
"I apologize for disturbing you late at night mister, but is it true the Yotsuba clan have an announcement to make tomorrow? What sort of announcement is it? For the head to come to the selection meeting…it's practically unheard of."
Kudou understood where Koichi was coming from. He knew Koichi was confused as to why Maya would attended the meeting. They had an ongoing cold war for so many years. Maya doesn't bother to attend, because she can simply send one of her most trusted subordinate Hayama to go in her place.
Koichi was concerned that whatever this announcement was it could shake the balance of power within the Ten Master Clans. Currently, the Yotsuba and Saegusa were on equal footing.
As of now Kudou Retsu had no intention of giving out any information regarding the two Shiba siblings. It would be inconvenient on his part because Koichi was a calculative man. He didn't know the reason why Maya would attend. Why she suddenly decided to choose Miyuki and unveil her at this crucial time. He was aware there were other candidates in the Yotsuba as to why she chose Miyuki, it was still under investigation.
"Maya-san will be the one disclosing her announcement. You will find out tomorrow."
From that response Saegusa knew he wouldn't be able to get any information regarding why Maya would attend tomorrow's meeting. He had a large information network. Were the rumors true? Does she intend reveal her successor? But who is it? If his suspicions were correct it would cause him quite the headache. He didn't have any solid proof the Shiba siblings were related to the Yotsuba's. But his gut told him so, counting the fact that they look so much like her. The real question; Why now? Those two were still young. Did she intend to use Shiba Tatsuya? How?
Kudou felt that there was no more to talk about.
"Koichi-san, I will end this call for tonight. We both must attended tomorrow."
"I understand, thank you for your time Kudou-san"
Koichi grudgingly hung up the call. There was no time to think about any counter measures against Yotsuba Maya because he didn't know her plan.
There was probably no one who knew.
The woman nicknamed the Queen of the Night sat regal in her chair. A noble lady with midnight dark hair reaching down to her waist. Her age defying beauty only illuminated her features on a full moon. She stared into the darkness of the night with her amethyst coloured eyes.
She was looking forward to tomorrow. It's going to be quite interesting to see the Ten Clans. She hasn't attended a meeting for a long time.
"Hayama-san, how much has been leaked out so far?" Maya addressed the butler standing behind her.
"Only the information you have allowed Maya-sama. The clans know that you will be in attendance."
"And the media? Haven't they tried snooping around the rumoured places associated with us?"
"They have been held back and reprimanded successfully. Nothing will be released to the public."
"Good work."
Would things turn-out peacefully? She didn't think so. The ten clans would try to sniff her out. They were the least of her concerns. There was only one person she was aiming to eliminate and she needed Miyuki and Tatsuya to lure him out. That man is a major problem to Maya, the Yotsuba and Japan as a whole. He was a rat who couldn't be killed even if you could bait it with cheese.
"Maya-sama, are you sure about this?"
"You are referring to Miyuki-san?"
"Yes, I believe it would be dangerous from now on if we were to reveal her to the public."
Maya didn't like the idea of revealing Miyuki so early but it wasn't an option anymore. That devil, was closing in on their backgrounds sooner than she thought. If that was the case then she'll do the opposite of hiding them in the shadows. She'll place them in the sun where the suns' rays would blind the rat.
"You have no need to worry. Miyuki-san has that person by her side, I doubt anyone would get away after trying to harm her."
It wasn't going to be easy. Eventually, Tatsuya had to be informed about that person and Miyuki needed to prepare herself. Miyuki was a Yotsuba. She was trained under her sister and should have a gist about what to expect. She wasn't worried in the least. Maya was anticipating how Miyuki would handle the situation. It was a hurdle for her to climb.
"Maya-sama, I am more worried about the international attention they will receive. The USNA have tried before to dig up all the information regarding them. I fear we will gain more trouble than we can handle."
Maya had already gone over all possible situations in her head.
"I am fully aware about what you're concerned about. You fear the USNA will finally connect the dots and tie Tatsuya to the Yokohama incident correct?" Maya said while filing a nail.
Hayama nodded a little in confirmation. "That is correct. If they find out Tatsuya-dono is connected to the 101st Independent Magic-Equipped Battalion they will try to find out about his abilities."
"That is a possibility. However, that is a closely guarded secret. Both the Japanese government and the military would make sure nothing would slip out. Not to mention if such a thing were to occur… I'm sure Tatsuya has figured out a way to get out of said situation."
"This may be just my useless worrying but what do you plan to do if both of their abilities are known?"
"That would be a problem… But it's something I have put a side for now."
This was a gamble she was willing to take. This gamble was either sink or swim. Having the world know about them was dangerous. She knew too well what the reaction might be if those two abilities were known. Miyuki's mental interference magic and Tatsuya's unusual ability to copy, read, and rewrite the Eidos.
Tatsuya is already regarded as a Strategic Class Magician whose accomplishments is a military secret. If Miyuki's abilities were known she'd be another one. Having two elite magicians would upset the balance. Then, she would have to deal with more annoying individuals.
She leaned into her chair. Hayama strode to her table and poured her a glass.
Hayama understood Maya even if he wasn't ordered specifically. He knew his mistress was putting herself into a number of troublesome situations. And it was all to reveal a certain man who was a great threat. Hayama didn't imply further about the two Shiba siblings nor did he ask any questions about that man. He just needed to trust Maya's plan.
Maya took it gratefully. He bowed and proceeded to exit the room.
"Now then what will be your next move…" she said to herself and smiled mischievously.
Zhou Gongjin the man who aided the Great Asian Alliance in the battle at Yokohama. He was a man who held no loyalty to any country. The person he only obeyed was his master.
The room was dark only lit by two large candles on either side with red carpeting. It was sound-proof and magic was ineffective in listening or peering in such a room. The man was sitting it a large office chair. A large computer screen was in front of him while he scrolled quickly at the information his master had sent to him two nights before. The information regarding a certain clan.
He finished up his reading and sat up. He wore a fine Chinese garment stitched with a white dragon on the right side of his chest. His eyes were looking expectantly at the screen. Zhou Gongjin was awaiting orders from his master.
The screen lit up and a man of Chinese origin was sitting with a glass of wine in his hand. He wore a suit with no tie. The room was not dark but perfectly lit up. It was day time there, the current time; 1:00pm. He smiled.
Zhou Gongjin greeted him with a bow.
"Good afternoon Master."
"Have you read the information I sent you Gongjin?"
"Yes, I have. I am currently working on the plan. I was very surprised, so Tatsuya Shiba and his sister Miyuki Shiba belong to the Yotsuba clan and are directly related to the clan head?"
"That is correct. They hid such a fact perfectly." He swirled the wine in his hand.
Zhou had a certain grin plastered on his face he thought this was getting quite interesting.
"I saw the footage of the sister at all three of her nine school competitions. It was very impressive. Her magic is great and she specializes in freezing magic. "
"Don't let her pretty looks fool you. If she is a part of that clan, she is powerful."
He took notice of his masters' warning. All the members of that clan had special abilities they were a force not to be underestimated.
"Understood, But about the brother there is minimal information regarding him. Does he not possess special abilities like his sister?" Zhou questioned. He was surprised this was all the information they had on the brother.
"His abilities are still under investigation. All the information I could gather on him is; he is a student of Kokonoe Yakumo, so he has tremendous physical abilities and his ability of Gram Demolition at his first nine schools competition."
"I see, but if he is related to that woman there should be something more." Zhou surmised. The sister had powerful magic, surely the brother would be no different.
"Indeed."
His master felt the same, it felt like something was missing.
"What would you like me to do master? Shall I investigate further about the siblings before coming up with a final plan?"
"Hmmm… I hate wasting time but that would be for the best. I want you to investigate all that you can about the siblings." He replied.
"I have the perfect persons for the job. Those twins should do a fine."
The twins he was referring to were specially trained by him. They had special abilities for combat, the martial arts were in grained into their very being and had the wits to gather information.
The man at the other side of screen only gave a slight smile acknowledging his subordinates decision. If it were those two they should be able to gather all the information they needed.
"Have you arrange for someone to attend the Ten Master Clans meeting tomorrow?" He said as he finished his glass, while setting it down on the table.
"It has been done. And there is something else I have to inform you of."
"What is it?"
"It seems the clan head of the Yotsuba clan will be attending. Do you have any idea what she is planning to do?"
Everyone was aware that it was quite odd for the head of that clan to attend.
"There is no telling what that devious woman is thinking. Just remember tomorrow your agents are just there to gather information. Make sure they don't mess up."
For now all they need to do was wait until their opportunity arose. The man on the screen was hell bent on eliminating that woman.
"Those siblings will prove to be useful, watch them closely. Contact me immediately once the twins complete their job."
"Yes, Sir." Zhou stood up and bowed deeply towards his master.
Both men ended the international call. Zhou thought he had a lot of work to do. It will be the start of an interesting game. He wondered what kind of move the woman will make. That person will be a fitting opponent, they didn't dubbed her the Devil of the Far East for nothing. He had heard plenty of rumours, whether those were true or not he wanted to find out.
Comments:
If you're wondering whether Miyuki and Tatsuya will end up together because of their obvious affection, then to those shipping them… I'm sad to say I won't be doing that. Since they really are brother and sister. Maya is unable to have children. Miyuki looks like her mother and Tatsuya like his father. So because of this evidence I will be taking a different approach on possible love interests for the both of them in the future. If you haven't read the novel, Koichi Saegusa has figured out that Tatsuya is related somehow to the Yotsuba and the Military but he doesn't know anything beyond that. And he does refer to Kudou as mister in the novel.
Maya has two nicknames which I have used in this chapter.