Three days had passed since Aoi's match with Yuka and for some reason her sister Kuro had been giving her the cold shoulder ever since she came back from her fight. This wasn't anything new, Aoi and her sister had always been a bit distant toward each other ever since Aoi started high school. She was used to dealing with glares and curt responses of her sister by now, but Aoi sister usually had something to say after any match or performance Aoi gave. Usually just critiques and a few snide remarks, but not this cold and distant treatment. In fact, Kuro had been ignoring Aoi's existence ever since she got back from the match. It more worrying than annoying really. Even at home her sister said nothing to her save for a "hello," "goodbye," and "welcome home" every now and then. And with today's classes at the dojo wrapping and the two only having an awkward silence in the changing room, it was starting to become too much to bear. The silent tension was going to end today, Aoi was determined to figure out what was going on.
"Kuro," Aoi began. "Are you alright?"
"Yes sister," Kuro said, polite but clearly irritated. Her sister's tone didn't make Aoi relent though.
"Are you sure?"
"Yes sister," She repeated, her tone sharper this time. It was clear Kuro didn't want to have whatever conversation Aoi was trying to start, but Aoi was persistent.
"How was school today?"
"Fine."
"What did you do?"
"Schoolwork, then practice at the archery club."
"Oh, was practice fun? I did the Aikido club when I was still in high school."
"Yes sister, it was fun." This was going nowhere. Kuro just kept giving short answers.
"I see…" Aoi sighed. Pushing for conversation wasn't going anywhere. Kuro just wasn't budging, so she decided to just leave it at that as the two finished changing out of their uniforms.
"I saw your match." Aoi turned her head to Kuro, surprised she actually spoke up first, though her tone was on edge.
"Did you?" That caught Aoi off guard, she knew her father had seen her match, but Kuro and her other siblings didn't speak up about it. An alarm was going off in Aoi's head, an instinct that told her this wasn't going to be Kuro finally showing her some respect and warmth like a normal little sister.
"Your manager gave all of us tickets to see it, front row." Kuro explained, Aoi silently cursing Smith for not telling her this beforehand.
"I see." Aoi already knew where this was going. Yep, her instinct was right, this wasn't going to be a fun discussion. Still, it was better for Kuro to at least speak her mind now and get this over with.
"Thanks for letting us know you decided to sign us up for that." Kuro's statement stung a little. Aoi had made sure to tell her father, but she completely forgot about how her siblings would react. Aoi silently cursed herself, but her face gave away no signs of shock. She didn't want to appear weak in front of her sister when she was this forward about her feelings.
"Sorry Kuro, I was just trying to think of what would be best for the future."
"Yeah, because you're the next head, right?" Again Kuro's harsh words stung. "You can make whatever decision you want without even thinking of how the rest of the family feels." Kuro finally turned to Aoi as she finished changing into her pajamas. "Some stranger comes by with a big check and a few promises and you didn't even come to us for any advice or second opinions. You just agreed to the terms and signed us onto a nice deal." Okay, that was as far as Aoi would allow Kuro to go without her saying something.
"And?" Aoi stopped cleaning and turned to her sister. Her face made sure to keep her expression neutral, if only to keep Kuro from knowing how much her words hurt. "I take it you aren't pleased," Aoi's patience was starting to wear.
"No, I'm not." Kuro walked over to Aoi, standing over her with a sharp and narrowed glare. It was always surprising that both her and Kuro were the same height despite being three years apart. Being at eye level with her younger sibling had something of an intimidating effect, especially during tense moments like this. "I'm wondering how a failure like you is heir to our dojo."
The room went dead silence after Kuro made her statement. For only a small moment Aoi's eyes narrowed before returning to a neutral expression. She took a breath and a step back. Kuro's words had definitely touched a nerve. Insulting Aoi herself was one thing, insult her position was another. "You're supposed to be the heir to our dojo and you lost you're in mere seconds. Watching you was pathetic." Aoi gave no expression to Kuro's claim. She refused to be baited by her sister's taunts.
There was a cold rage in her sister's eyes, Aoi could see it. Aoi met her sister's glare with a calm expression, waiting for her to continue. The next thing Aoi felt was a sharp sting on her cheek from the slap Kuro had given her. "You're weak."
Aoi's hand went to her face, still feeling the sharp pain from Kuro's slap. That strike was a challenge as well as an insult, and Aoi wasn't going to let either go unanswered. "Kuro," Aoi began, her voice maintaining a clear and even tone. "Those were some very harsh words you've said to me. And I admit I have probably not done our dojo any favors with my recent performances. However," Her eyes narrowed ever so slightly at her sister. "If you truly have an issue with my status then you are more than welcomed to challenge me to a duel." Aoi took one step forward into Kuro's space. Kuro made no movements and stood her ground. At least her sister could back up her talk to an extent "You've recently gotten your black belt, so we should be on the same footing now, correct? I think it's only fair to let you prove your strength by defeating me in combat if you believe me to be the wrong choice as an heir." Kuro's gaze only sharpened as Aoi spoke, each word enraging the storm Aoi could see growing in her. Just then, Aoi returned Kuro's slap with one of her own. Her sister made no movement, gave no sign the strike had even affected her.
"With pleasure." She spat out. "A week from now we'll have our match. And sister, I won't show you mercy."
"Of course, neither I with you."
"Wow Aoi, your sister sound harsh."
"No, this is actually pretty normal." Later that night Aoi decided to call Yuka. Having a chance to vent to someone other than her father or Akira was a nice change of pace. "We tend to butt heads a lot, but this is the first time she's been so direct."
"Really? I didn't think you were the type to get into fights like this."
"Well, I don't know if we fight like you're thinking, it's mostly harsh comments and critiques with the occasion sparring session with less restrictions." Aoi paused, thinking on it for a moment. "Though I'll admit it's been getting harder and harder to ignore her snide remarks as she starts getting bolder." Aoi rubbed her temples. "Maybe having us fight it out will be for the best."
"I think so too. Trading blows and speaking through combat is the best way to settle things." Aoi couldn't help but laugh at Yuka's statement.
"No offense Yuka, but it sounds like you've been reading a few too many battle manga." Aoi could here Yuka let out a theatric sigh.
"Well it's not like I'm wrong, is it? If you guys can't use words to fix this than your fists will just have to do. You two can understand each other's feelings as your blows connect, each punch being a small piece of the other's true feelings…" Again, Aoi laughed at Yuka's metaphors.
"I suppose…" Aoi sighed. "I guess our rematch will have to wait then. Between this duel and my event in Korea I don't think it'd be wise to risk getting too injured before the event."
"It's fine, we can settle our score anytime. Just train hard for your event and duel. I'll try and come to your dojo when you fight your sister and support you."
"Thank you Yuka, I appreciate it."
