The night went on without a hitch. Unfortunately, for Yumi, Sachiko's attention was mainly directed at her cousin that night. She did not want to be a casual onlooker, in regards to their conversation, but it seemed so intense that she could not help but watch. Thankfully, Yoshino had intercepted part of their conversation, rather slyly, as she had bragged to the siblings. She had kept them company that night. Yoshino assured her that it was concerning their eventual visit to Lillian City. She also hinted that Sachiko pleaded for Yuki's safety, for Yumi's sake. Yumi was relieved to hear that she was at least in Sachiko's thoughts as she spoke to Kashiwagi. Nevertheless, she fretted that she has had barely spent any time with her newly found friends since they have arrived here. Sachiko was busy throughout the day.
As they were told, the Hanadera seekers were ready to leave as soon as the bonfire was finished. Yuki grabbed a few of the items the Yamayuri seekers had given him. Including a dagger Rei had provided to him, the canari tanken. An enchanted dagger that works only on magical beings such as trolls, demons, and other such creatures; it merely phases through humans and Shiikaa's.
The remainder of the Hanadera men had said their goodbye's and were now waiting outside in their transportation...carriages and horses. Yuki inquired why such an advanced civilization had such dated means for transport. He had been conveniently explained that it was for environmental safety that they had inadequate vehicular transportation in the netherworld. Yoshino had admitted they had limited fossil fuels in this world and relied heavily on solar energy. The irony was not lost that such an advance world still lacked proper transportation. He thanked all the members for their hospitality and their assistance. He even took Sachiko aside and requested her oath to protect Yumi. She agreed wholeheartedly and told him "I will do what is in my power to protect her." Her words were a welcome comfort. Finally, he sought his sister but as he turned, Yumi caught him off guard with a big hug. He smiled and patted her back softly. "Be careful," she whispered. "You too," he replied, "Take care and if you need me..."
"I know," Yumi spoke with a nod and stifled back her tears. Her younger brother let her go and waved as he exited the cottage, getting in the carriage with the rest of the Hanadera visitors. Yumi was filled with a sudden panic as she watched the carriage disappear in the distance. She felt her palms sweaty and her heart was beating rapidly, possibly into a convulsion. She stopped breathing, she had forgotten how to. She tried to compel her body to remember, but it was no use. This was really happening. This was not a dream. Her home was wrecked by actual demons, she travelled to an alternate reality, and her brother had just left to face his destiny. Without her willing it, her body crouched defensively and she wrapped her arms around her knees. How can all of this be happening? She thought to herself.
The worried and distorted voices snapped her out of her trance. She did not know who they belonged to but she was able to discern much concern. "She's panicking. Is she alright or will she be?" Their voices were convoluted.
Then Sachiko's arms found her way around her and pulled her from off the ground, and lifted her like a weightless doll. Sachiko's hand found its way to Yumi's head and began stroking her hair softly while she leaned her chin timidly against the Yumi's temple. She whispered words of comfort. "Everything will be fine. Your brother is safe, you're safe." In all honesty, Yumi felt that for the time being, Sachiko's arms and warmth were reassuring enough. She didn't want to let go. However, Yumi felt she was being selfish being consoled by Youko's soeur. She opened her tear stricken eyes and noticed the room had been evacuated. Yumi was alone with Sachiko and no longer felt constraint. She completely surrendered to her embrace. Yumi wrapped her arms securely around Sachiko, who return her comforting embrace. Yumi finally felt comfortable enough and released a river of tears. The despair, the uncertainty, and the exhaustion she had felt in the last couple of days had overwhelmed her to tears.
Everyone had not expected Yumi's reaction to be so, overwhelming. It enveloped the whole room. They did not want to overstep their bounds with her, offering condolences that would not be sufficient at this time. No one knew how it felt to experience what she had lived through in this short span of time. They had been born into this environment. Yumi was one of them, and yet, she was an outsider. Sachiko was the only one with had reacted naturally, taking Yumi in her arms and prayed that it was enough to help her through it. The moment seemed so beautiful, as others observed, and they felt they had no place in it. They slowly walked away, knowing, Yumi will be just fine.
Sachiko had taken Yumi to her room as soon as she had fallen asleep in her arms, whilst standing nonetheless. The exhaustion Yumi had felt, finally gave way. Sachiko's thoughts were endlessly racing. She watched her sleep for a few moments, wondering, how could she possibly be his child? Although Youko had told her earlier the ramifications of her discovery of the siblings, she could not get a handle on it. However, how can someone so vulnerable and beautiful, come from something so evil?
Youko told her to reserve all judgments until they speak with the Head Council Master in Lillian City, Chairman Hamada. He is apparently the only one that can enlighten them with any details. Still, she did not want to think Yumi could actually be the daughter of the man that destroyed so many countless lives, and was currently concocting plans to fill the lands with his depravity. Her reasoning, however, told her that Yumi was indeed the daughter, which would explain the demons seeking her out. Yuki, on the other hand, was not a known birth, but their couture similarities made it obvious they were siblings, they could even pass as twins. These thoughts plagued her mind. Sachiko left Yumi's room and wondered through the halls until her fatigue overcame her restlessness.
The next morning Yumi awoke feeling freshly rested and glad that she had no dreams. After a quick shower and dressing up with her neatly pressed Yamayuri uniform, she felt hungry. She made her way to the kitchen and found everyone smiling and sitting down having a nice breakfast. She joined them and enjoyed the jovial conversation. After breakfast, Youko took Yumi aside to speak with her. It was an earshot away from Sachiko, who 'inadvertently' heard the conversation.
Youko told Yumi that she would be leaving promptly to Lillian City.
"Lillian city?" She asked.
"Yes, that is one of the main cities in the realm. It is a beautiful city and it is the center for the Shiikaa Council. The most renowned Akuma Shiikaa's in the realm compose the Lillian City Council. Their word is final. We will be meeting one of the Head Council men ". There have been recent dissensions within the council. Infiltrators for the Overlord have been found and incarcerated and it is believed that there may be more."We will meet with him because I believe he is trustworthy."
"I thought, however, I was to be more informed of the process. I'm not sure I'm ready to face the chairman," Yumi offered her opinion.
"Sei will accompany you but I will join you shortly after. It's a day's journey away and you will be staying there for a few days. They can fill you in on the details during the voyage. The Chairman will also fill you in with everything else. He will give you the answers you seek. Is that fine with you?" Youko assured.
"I understand." Yumi replied. She wanted answers. She wanted to make sense of things. "About my brother…"
"We'll try to arrange a meeting between the both of you, once you are in the city. In hopes to quiet your fears," Youko smiled. "Oh, and Sachiko will join you on this trip, too," Youko added with a small grin. Yumi's eyes failed to hide her excitement. "I could not deny her request that I entrust you in her care for this journey to Lillian City. She seemed…enthused, for this mission, I could hardly refuse," Youko was all smiles as she spoke. She tried to stifle a laugh when she heard Sachiko lose balance on her stool.
"Onee-sama," Sachiko uttered with a slight embarrassment. Youko could only stifle a laugh.
Sorry for the longggg wait. I have a few chapters written up and hope to post them as I get time to review them. Hope you like the latest installment!