A/N: A new year, a new chapter. It's been a while since I last updated this story. I needed some time to flesh out the next few chapters and make sure I got the details straight.
That doesn't mean I haven't been uploading monthly. During that period, I've been updating my other story Ookami-san and I also wrote a continuation of my previous one-shot Sayonara no Koto. If you haven't yet, do check it out.
Comments and criticisms highly welcomed. I hope you enjoy.
Chapter 7: Of Bows and Guns
"...Wake up."
Kotori's eyes fluttered yet they did not open. The temptation of sleep called towards her barely-conscious mind. She obeyed.
"Kotori, wake up."
The words this time was accompanied by a gentle shake on the shoulder. Her hand reached out to brush away the disturbance, but it ended up being arrested by another. Kotori frowned, opening her eyes at her rouser, who had a half-smile on her lips.
"Umi-chan." Kotori chided as she saw her spouse's attire. "You promised you'd wake me when you rise."
"I did, and you requested that I let you sleep in a little more."
Kotori squinted her eyes, trying to gauge whether the other girl was fibbing. Her sleep-induced mind did not succeed.
"Help me up?"
Umi did, pulling gently at her arms until she was in an upright position. Kotori stretched, arms raising above her hand until she felt sensations return to her numb limbs. She rubbed the sleep from her eyes.
"Dress. I'll wait."
Kotori did as told, though her movements were much slower than usual. It seemed she had gotten used to Hanayo helping her prepare herself in the morning. Yet, it was not the only reason.
The taupe-haired girl flicked her eyes to the other occupant of the room. She had never undressed herself in front of Umi before, and with the way the other girl was gazing at her so intently, she does not think she could.
"Umi-chan, could you... look away?"
The cobalt-haired girl startled. Kotori watched her face redden as realization dawned on her. The other girl turned away immediately, breaking off their gaze to each other.
"M-my apologies. I will wait for you outside."
It was not necessary for Umi to go outside and wait in the cold morning weather, but Kotori did not stop her. It would give herself time to control the flush on her cheeks.
Moments later, Kotori finished freshening up and slid the sliding door close behind her. Umi had her back towards her, looking towards the horizon as the sun peeked out between two hills.
Silence reigned in the early morning, not a sound was heard from early birds and bugs. The taupe-haired girl moved with the soft steps, not wanting to disturb the ambience, and announced herself to Umi by standing beside her, enjoying a rare moment in nature.
When the entire golden orb was visible in the azure sky, the cobalt-haired girl turned to Kotori. "Shall we?"
Kotori nodded, linking their arms together. The other girl gave her a half-smile before leading them towards the dojo.
There was a lightness in her step this morning, one that was not present in the other times they had walked together and the taupe-haired girl knew the reason for it. Maki had visited the day before to check on Umi's wound and declared the latter had recovered enough for light exercise, on the condition that Kotori was present to observe and ensure the cobalt-haired girl does not overexert herself.
It was the reason why they were up this early morning, making their way towards the dojo, but if Kotori were to be truthful, she would not deny an ulterior motive. Her conversations with Umi, though enlightening about her past and, revealed next to nothing concerning her current life.
Thus, came the need for alternative methods. Kotori silently thanked Maki for the opportunity. Having the taupe-haired girl oversee Umi would mean she would spend the day with her, and what better method was there for her to learn of the cobalt-haired girl than observing her?
Reaching the dojo, they both bowed at the shomen before stepping inside. Kotori had expected her to release her arm and begin going through the various kendo katas. She did not. Instead, the cobalt-haired girl led her to another room she had not seen during her initial visit here.
This room was much different from the main hall. It was half-open, revealing a courtyard that had several targets lined up at the far end.
Kotori watched as Umi went to the weapons rack and lifted a bow and quiver, before positioning herself perpendicular before a target. With her feet placed apart, the cobalt-haired girl knocked an arrow. Raising the bow, she drew the arrow and, after a single breath, the arrow was released. Umi repeated the motion several times, with each arrow striking true at the white center of the target.
"Sugoi..."
The word fell from her lips before she could stop it.
Umi relaxed her bow from its drawn position and pointed it – together with the nocked arrow – towards the ground.
"Kotori, would you like to try?"
"I don't want to interrupt your practice." She waved her hands in front of her.
"You would be helping me. It has been a while since I have taught one in the art of kyudo."
"Then... I will be in your care."
Umi beckoned her closer. The taupe-haired girl position herself as she'd seen the other girl done before. She got the position mostly correct, except for her feet, which were supposed to be on placed shoulder-width apart. She corrected her stance with difficulty. Her kimono restricted her from placing her feet too far apart. The material digged uncomfortably at her skin, but she was able to receive a nod of satisfaction from the cobalt-haired girl.
The bow was next. With Umi positioned behind her, Kotori watched attentively as her hands - which were under Umi's own - were guided through the nocking and drawing motions.
"Three. Two. One."
They both released the drawing hand simultaneously. The arrow landed with a thud.
"It's at the center!"
Kotori spun at her feet and wrapped her arms around Umi in joy. Her elation was shared. Though it was slight, the taupe-haired girl did not miss the upturn of lips on the other girl's visage.
"Well done."
The praise did nothing to stop the euphoria from spreading throughout her body. The taupe-haired girl beamed upon the compliment. Her smile was soon accompanied by a blush when she realized how close they were.
Kotori had become more aware of certain oddities of late. The way Umi's eyes seemed to soften only in her presence. The increasingly frequent instances wherein they find themselves but a breath apart. The pleasant feelings that often accompany these occurrences.
While the taupe-haired girl had discerned all this, she had not determined what to do with such knowledge in hand. It was not for lack of effort; the opportunity had merely not presented itself yet.
A chorus of purposeful footsteps drew closer. Umi took a step back. Kotori sighed internally.
"The others are coming in for morning practice. We should take our leave."
"Yes..."
"Shall we?" Umi offered her arm.
Kotori smiled, linked their arms together and led them out.
"That gyudon was amazing."
"Really? I think the one you made for me a few days back was better."
Kotori did not bother with a verbal response, instead choosing to hide her face in Umi's shoulder. They had just stepped out of the beef bowl specialist restaurant wherein they had their midday meal. They were presently taking their usual route about the town for some light exercise and fresh air.
Turning around the corner, they came upon an unusual site. An unexpectedly large crowd had gathered, blocking the path up ahead.
"A street performance?" Kotori questioned.
Her suggestion was soon proven false. Opposed to applause and cheers, the crowd murmured in hushed whispers. A tense atmosphere settled around them. Kotori tugged at Umi's arm, hoping to drag them away from scene. Her efforts were to no avail.
At the sound of an angry shout, Umi pushed passed the gathered crowd and into the center. Kotori followed, entering moments after the other girl, and gasped.
Eri was on her knees defenseless. Her arms ensnared by two men standing behind her and, at her throat, a blade was held. Her normally pristine white suit was soiled with dirt.
"No! Father, please don't!"
The cries came from Nozomi, who was being held back. Her eyes shined with tears for her partner. Sonoda-dono was also present, his arms crossed and a frown on his face.
"What is the meaning of this?" Umi began.
"We are executing a criminal."
The man who answered was one Kotori did not notice before, but was very familiar with for he had crimson eyes. Umi turned to him.
"On what charges?"
"Attempted murder of the heir of the Sonoda family."
Umi furrowed her brow.
"Yazawa-dono, I am afraid there is a misunderstanding. My injuries were a result of an unanticipated bandit attack."
"Quite so. Yet, I am sure you have realized that these attacks have become much more organized recently. We have long suspected they had aid. The attack, albeit unfortunate, finally provided us with the clue we required."
From his sleeve, Yazawa-dono took out an item and threw it out. It landed on the ground in front of them. Kotori did not recognize this foreign object.
"This is a ranged weaponry common in the west. It fires a metal projectile, similar to the one found in your wounds. We found it on the criminal when we apprehended her."
Umi picked up the weapon, studying it.
"An arrow can be shot from any bow. You cannot determine this was the weapon that injured me."
"Where else could such weaponry come from but the trader of foreign goods? Surely you do not suggest our loyal Japanese men were involved in this."
There was a raise of disapproving murmurs from the crowd. Umi's jaw tightened.
"I suppose not."
"Then, let us–"
"As the injured party, I hold the right to determine her fate, do I not, Toujou-dono?"
Yazawa-dono bristled at the interruption. Toujou-dono, caught off guard, stumbled at his response. "Y-yes. You do." He offered his blade to her. Umi shook her head.
"These dangerous weapons are still out there. We require information on their whereabouts. Guards! Have her locked up. A few days without food and water should do well to loosen her tongue."
"Hai!" The two men behind Eri answered.
"No! Eri!" Nozomi cried. The distress in her voice was evident. It broke Kotori's heart.
"Umi-chan, please." The taupe-haired girl tugged at her sleeve, hoping to make her reconsider. She was shaken off.
"You." The man who held Nozomi back straightened at being addressed. "Escort Ayase-san back to her household and secure the premises. Let no one in or out."
The man made a similar response before carrying out the order. Kotori watched helplessly as the Ayase couple were taken away respectively. The crowd began to disperse.
Yazawa-dono sighed. "Umi-san, your leniency will come to haunt you."
"Is that a warning?"
"Advice." Yazawa-dono corrected. "Threats to the daimyo should be ended immediately. Your actions now merely give them leeway to act later."
"The Sonoda family have a duty to ensure the safety of the townspeople as well. Locating the weapons would be prudent in curbing the banditry. As for a threat to the daimyo, what better way to uncover it than from the culprit behind it all?"
"Well spoken." Yazawa-dono smirked. "Very well. I will send word to my men of this. A joint effort would facilitate the search."
With a nod, he took his leave. Umi turned to the taupe-haired girl.
"Go home, Kotori."
"Umi-chan!" Kotori protested. Any further words were held back as Umi forcefully took her arm. The grip was painful.
"We will have words later, Kotori. Go home."
Her voice was steel, leaving no room for argument.
"Hai..."
The words did not come that night, nor the day after as Kotori had yet to see the cobalt-haired girl. She was certain at least that Umi had come back at night as, in the morning, a note rested on the desk.
I have sent for Maki-sensei to look at the prisoner. Please accompany her and ensure that all her requests are fulfilled.
The note ended with a seal, which the taupe-haired girl had found strange. Such seals were usually used on documents of official capacity, granting the missive holder the authority to act on behalf of the writer. It was unnecessary for an informal note between marriage partners.
Kotori shook her head and tucked the note away. She would ponder this at a later time, for now she would carry out what was requested of her.
Maki arrived not too long after. Kotori greeted her at the front gate before leading her to the stables. One of the stall had been converted into a temporary cell. The guard that stood outside opened the door upon their arrival.
Eri was laying on a pile of hay, which acted as her makeshift bed. She winced when she turned at the sound the door opening, her hands clutching at her stomach.
"You look terrible."
"Good to see you too, Maki." Eri laughed, but it was cut short as it turned into a groan.
Maki quickly went about her work, rolling up Eri's shirt to observe the wound. Kotori turned around to give them a moment of privacy.
"How is Nozomi?"
"Slight bruising on the wrists. She is more concerned about you." Kotori heard Maki suck in a breath. "With good reason."
"Imprisonment is an improvement from certain death."
"It may be for the best as well. Public opinion for the Ayase family is lower than it has ever been. Men had to be stationed outside your household to discourage any rash actions against the 'foreign' threat."
A sigh. "Yazawa-dono is more influential than I expected."
There was a pause in the conversation as Maki focused on the injuries.
"This should do for now. I will have someone bring in food for you. Eat and rest."
Eri snorted.
"Umi-chan had ordered neither food nor water be brought in for her." Kotori interjected when she saw Maki's confusion. Turning to Eri, she added. "I'm sorry."
Eri waved her off.
"We'll see about that." Maki scowled, heading outside. "She needs food."
The guard was unfazed. "Food is not to be brought in to the prisoner until she reveals the location of the weapons she provided the bandits."
"If you do not feed her, she will die before she can tell you what you need. Are you willing to risk that?"
There was a slight hesitation before the guard schooled his features and responded monotonously. "Orders are absolute."
The words struck a chord in Kotori, who realized what must be done. "Then you will bring her food, because that is what Umi-chan has ordered." She took out the note with the seal and showed it to him.
The guard studied the note for a long time before finally answering. "I will have food and water brought to her immediately, Kotori-sama."
The taupe-haired girl let out a sigh of relief when the guard stepped away momentarily to inform one of the nearby servants.
"Umi did have a plan." Maki stated as they waited for the guard to return.
Kotori's gaze shifted down to the note in her hand. She had been worried that the cobalt-haired girl was being unnecessarily cruel to Eri, but it seemed it was for naught. With a smile, she answered. "Yes, she did."
"I hope it is not the only one."
"Why?" Kotori asked, confused.
"This can go on for only so long."