"You're still showing too much emotion, Tsukikage." Hikage sighed and lowered his shinai. Tsukikage stood opposite of him, scowling. "Again." He launched himself at his younger twin, feinting a swipe at Tsukikage's head.
Unable to properly block the blow in time, Tsukikage took the hit to his wrist. Wincing, he dropped his weapon to nurse his wound. "Anija, this is pointless. What does kendo have to do with Dueling?"
Hikage gave his shinai a swing as if to test it. "Discipline. Honor. Tell me, little brother. Do you know our clan's motto?"
Folding his legs beneath himself, Tsukikage sat down on the dojo's floor. "Once a mission is accepted, we will stake our lives to finish it." He tilted his head to the side. "Anija, does this mean we are ready to die? I don't..." he paused and took a shaky breath. "What if one day we take a mission and one of us..." He nearly jumped when he felt Hikage's hand ruffling his hair. "A-anija?"
"It won't happen, little brother. If it comes to that, I'll protect you." Hikage gave him a smile smile and then gave him a light bonk on the head. "Now pick up your weapon and face me once more."
He really should be inside. The wind is colder up here, but he had to find a quiet place away from the others and the roof seemed like a good spot to hide. No, he wasn't hiding, he just wanted to be alone for a few minutes.
Tsukikage stared at the night sky, fully aware of the tears streaming down his face "Anija...is it okay to show this much?"
