Chapter 5: Against the Taboo
February 10th. 08:36 PM.
(Head's Private Room. Koubuin Main House. Osaka.)
[Takahisa]
"Regarding the negotiations, Tamase-dono has arranged a meeting for next Thursday with some members of the UN's High Council." Bazora notified me of the news.
"That is good to hear. Who will be coming with us?"
"Takatsukasa-sama, General Makabe, and a small retinue from their families."
"I see. Hopefully this can be a pleasant meeting. What else?"
"Tomorrow you have a meeting with the representatives of Mitsuhishi Industries. Some of the parts our fellows have designed for the enhancement of the F-15 were chosen for the final model, and so, you have to be there for the customary bureaucracy."
"Well, that is also good to hear. Anything else of note?" He shakes his head, placing his notebook under his arm. "Now then Bazora, about… my request of some days ago…" I entwine my fingers and rest my elbows on my desk. He sighs, then ruffles his emerald hair softly.
"Yohime-sama has already arranged both matters. Mana shall be going to tend to the Mitsurugi girl while Maya has been selected as the caretaker of Shirogane's son."
"Oh? Is that so? I was convinced your daughter would be the one sent to Hiiragi."
When Yohime told me she thought the young Tsukuyomis would be good candidates for the tasks I needed to be tackled, considering both of them are part of our most trusted fellows, have been trained to be our counselors were we to need their guide, and they're used to looking after little ones due to also having to take care of their younger siblings from time to time, I paled at my shortsightedness. The answer was in front of me and I didn't see it, at all. Thankfully, I have my dear Yohime with me, for whenever I made such obvious blunders.
However, I was convinced Mana was to be the one selected to take care of Shirogane's boy. Maya has been influenced by Kazora's prejudices, after all. He has imprinted into her that unnecessary habit of bottling up feelings, of separating oneself from our common fellows. Yohime has decided it, so I shall trust in my wife's judgment. There must be a reason for this arrangement.
"Yes, I was also of the same opinion my liege. However, Mana has developed some… troubling habits as of late."
"Troubling? Has she become colder to our peasants?"
"No, nothing of the sort. She seems to… wish to have a more close relation with her sister. She has tried to make Mion refer to her in less formal ways for some time now."
"Forgive me Bazora, I fail to see how this could impede Mana from performing the task I asked of her." My retainer's eyes squint, his lips twist into an uncomfortable shape.
"Well… As it stands, Mana seems to wish to… be able to display her affection more openly. When in her trials, she's still as unwavering as she always was. However, thanks to those books she reads, she has expressed her disagreement over how I continue to further push Mion to hone herself." I reiterate, I cannot see how this could be an obstacle for her. "In fact, Mana has been showing a propensity to embrace Mion quite often. The little one has not yet been up to what I expect of her, I fear Mana has become too soft."
"So you believe she would spoil the boy?"
"Yes. She has said she wanted to be closer to Mion, and I don't doubt she would pamper the kid if she were to be put in charge of him. My apologies, Takahisa-sama. I have been careless as a father, I let Mana be swayed by these cheap sentimentalism displayed in those pages." He bows to me. Bazora, you're as resolute as ever I see.
"Now Bazora, don't be so extreme. I see no wrong in Mana wishing to express her feelings in private. While I do agree she has to learn when and how to do so, I see no need to show such restlessness over this. Do try to have a talk with her when you find the time, so that she doesn't forget when to draw the line."
"If you so order, I shall try to speak with her about this." He again stands upright, the bull back in his gaze. "However, I do have something else to mention."
"What is it?"
"Are you sure sending Mana to the Mitsurugi girl is wise, Takahisa-sama?"
"…Are you doubting my judgment, Bazora?"
"Yes, I am." He narrows his eyes, folding his arms behind his back. "Twins should never be recognized in the Koubuin House. The risk of entering into a succession dispute is very high, our unity would be put in jeopardy. Learning from the mistakes of the other Houses, we have been stalwart in this matter. Were Mana to grow attached to the girl, and if the girl were ever to desire to regain her heritage… Your scar in your left hand should remind you of the risks you're playing with." I grimace, instinctively clenching my left hand.
"Tsukuyomi, that will not repeat itself. I have told you I wish to have Meiya rejoin the family. She will not be a hazard."
"We do not know that, my liege. We cannot foresee how she might react, how she might feel inside. If she were to rally some of our fellows against Yuuhi-sama, our power would be diminished. We cannot allow House Koubuin to crumble in these times."
"Meiya will not do anything of the sort, Tsukuyomi. She has been raised well, and I will be here to guide her."
"…Your brother also had your father guiding him, and he still raised his blade at you when you were appointed as the next head."
"Me and Jinkuro never were on good terms. It was an obvious outcome. Meiya harbors no such foul feelings in her."
"For now. We cannot allow that to repeat itself, especially considering their resemblance. Think of all the problems that would cause Yuuhi-sama if the Mitsurugi girl were to plot against her integrity."
"That will not happen, Tsukuyomi. Raiden has been raising her well."
"Surely you know what is said of twins. One gains all the good qualities while the other is left with only the foul traits. Considering how Yuuhi-sama is everyday…" He closes his eyes, leaving his words unfinished.
"You say Meiya is truly the shadow to Yuuhi's light?"
"Precisely."
"Then tell me Tsukuyomi, whatever shall I do? How do you suggest I should proceed in this predicament?" I lean back into my seat, sharpening my tongue against the inner side of my teeth.
"I have already voiced my opinion on this matter, on the night they were born." His brows tense downwards, as do mine knowing what he's about to say. "There is only one solution to this problem, only one path will ascertain the stability of the House. You have to kill Meiya before it's too late, before she either rises up against us or she is manipulated by other Regents to suit their agendas."
"I refuse. Do remember you're speaking of my daughter, exiled or not."
"Do remember you're speaking of a cursed child, do not forget what you yourself went through. Me and Kazora took your side, but we lost many of my own family in that struggle."
"You need not remind me, I know full well Jinkuro had the vast support of the Tsukuyomi elders. I know what you two had to do during that night. But this time it's different, we're united as of now."
"…I fear Mana might bring cracks into our hearts, my liege. No, anyone who gets attached to that girl will become a hazard to the family. Takahisa-sama, even if you desire to keep her alive, there is no reason to send anyone to her."
"Then, what happens once Raiden is too old to take care of her?"
"…There are a vast network of dungeons in the underground. We have many places to keep her locked up where she can't harm the House, where we can discipline her to fulfill her role as a body double." He said with remarkable aplomb, as if his own veins were filled with the night gale of December.
"And what has Meiya done to deserve such a fate?!" I hit my desk, rising from my seat. "Can't you see that this attitude is what will cause her to despise us? This unnecessary paranoia is what forced Father to drive away Jinkuro during his early days. That is why he despised me, my brother felt that he didn't have a place in the family. He… His final words were not ones of greed, they were those of hatred and sorrow." I close my eyes, pain returning to my left hand as my brother's bloodied, crying face in his last moments returns to my mind. "I will give Meiya a place in this family, even if it's the last thing I do in this life. I won't let her heart be corrupted by the solitude and isolation I forced upon her in my weakness. And if you oppose me…" I put my left hand in my waist, moving the handguard of my Minaru Kamui upwards with my thumb. "I will remove you from my side, Tsukuyomi."
"There is need for such hostility. I am loyal to you, Takahisa-sama." He bows down deeply, remaining still and undaunted. "I cannot help but to bring this matter to you in this time. If you still desire to follow through, it is your decision. Just know that what I described might one day come to pass, so you should first meet the girl to see for yourself who she is. Yours, Yohime-sama's, and Yuuhi-sama's well-being will always be my priority, but I shall follow your orders on this regardless."
"…Sigh. I am thankful for all you do Tsukuyomi. For all you had to do for me." I sit down, sheathing my blade. "But please understand. I want Meiya with us, I want to break this taboo. Are you with me, Tsukuyomi?"
He looked at me, narrowing his eyes. Giving a firm now, standing as firm as a mountain, enduring my gaze without so much as a quiver. The currents in his eyes showed no ripples nor taints, shining as clearly as the morning sun.
"To my last breath, my liege."
"I see… Thank you, Tsukuyomi. And please do try to… see Meiya in a different light. She has committed no sin, she's but a little girl left to her own luck."
"…I cannot make any promises. But I will see with mine own eyes her worth if such a time comes."
"That is good enough for me. Now then, there was nothing else to tend to for today, was there?"
"No, nothing else sir. Dinner should have been prepared, do you wish to go now?"
"Yes, let us. I do need to speak with Yohime about how she'll relay the news to both Mana and Maya."
"Are you not going to do it yourself, Takahisa-sama?"
"Remember we have the tests in the afternoon. I wish to spend some time with my squadron before the fights. Now then, let us go."
I stand up, letting out a long sigh. I always knew both Tsukuyomi brothers did not agree with me leaving Meiya alive. After all we went through when Jinkuro tried to usurp the position of Head that night… All of our fellows we had to bury… Even my own shinobi turned against me. I look at my left hand, where the wound I suffered that day lies. The wound my most trusted fellow once inflicted me in hopes of letting Jinkuro score a certain hit to my throat.
Meiya isn't my brother. That little girl won't become like him, because I won't leave her alone like my father left my brother. I will not allow you to fall to the darkness, Meiya. And that is why… I pray for Mana to be able to become someone Meiya can trust.
Next Day. 02:48 PM.
(Raiden's House.)
[Mana]
The gates are opened and I quickly enter the house. I have been made to wear a rather modest dress for the occasion and I have tied my hair in a single hairbun to travel here. Even if I have been ordered to move using the trains of the House, I must remain ever vigilant.
I am guided to the living room by an attendant. Raiden-sama was sitting there, waiting for me.
"Good afternoon, Raiden-sama." I give him a bow, then later I remain standing in attention.
"Welcome, Tsukuyomi. I believe I told Takahisa-sama I required no retainers." He folded his arms, seizing me up with his stare.
"I have been tasked with aiding you in Meiya-sama's teaching. I will not be staying here, at the least not for now."
"I see. Then, please sit down. Tell me, what have you been tasked to teach her?"
I proceeded to inform him of my orders, which encompassed many subjects and areas. From our history to how to conduct herself in the higher circles, from how to employ Shogi as a form of negotiation to how she should carry herself in front of others. As well as all other lessons regarding her education, even if I'll be but an overseer for the time being.
"This does feel as if you were a retainer…"
"Takahisa-sama was clear on his orders, however. I am not staying here, I shall be coming every odd day from now on."
"Haha, I understand Tsukuyomi. Now then, allow me to ask you a question."
He shifted in his seat, his coming gaze sent a shiver down my back. Sending the birds of caution away, the storm clouds in his stance were coming towards me.
"What do you think of Meiya?"
"What do I think? I do not have an opinion of her, I haven't met her yet."
"Answer me clearly, Tsukuyomi. What is Meiya to you?" What has brought such hostility? This feels as if he were one of those specters in those tales, those guarding a princess. Raiden-sama narrowed his eyes filled with storm clouds, his words rumbling with thunders.
"She is another member of the Koubuin Family, regardless of her situation. I am but a servant, and she is someone I will guide and protect will all of my might if the need calls. What else could she be for me?" I also narrow my eyes at him, I know I am nothing but a fresh recruit yet I find his doubt insulting.
I only hold worry for Meiya-sama in my heart, as I do for Yuuhi-sama. They are one of the reasons I am who I am, and I desire nothing short of being by their side to aid them in what I can, in what they might need from me.
Even if I also would like to bestow them kindness, I know such closeness could backfire. Sigh… I can still show them what affection means through other ways. Using my cooking, for example.
Raiden-sama remained staring at me silently for some seconds, grasping his beard as he did. I couldn't help but to gulp under his stare, clenching my fists and bringing my legs closer. It feels as if someone were passing a feather just over the nape of my neck right now, trying to force me to make a miss.
"I see, so that's how you think." He relaxed his posture, I had to hold a sigh as he did. "Well, do forgive the inquiry. Meiya should be done with her math lessons, do you wish to see her now?"
"Yes, if you so allow."
He stood up and I followed, however he went towards a set of stairs that descended for- some reason.
"Raiden-sama, where are we going?"
"To see Meiya, of course."
"Forgive me for asking but… Is she being kept on the basement?"
"Yes, that is the case. The traditions so demand. It is sad, but she spends most of her time there." He says, a tint of grief apparent in his squinting eyes. The weight of his words on him was as obvious as the dissonance of the grand steel door we found at the end of the stairs with the rest of the house.
As he opens it and enters, I also follow behind. A rather well decorated living room came into view, an elderly man was sitting by a little girl's side pointing to her book in the other end of the place.
The girl looked at us, her eyes widening as we made eye contact. Wearing a black sweater and a long, frilly blue skirt with lines of black and white, Meiya-sama had her hair done in a similar ponytail to the one Yuuhi-sama uses.
"I believe it has been enough for today. You might retire." Raiden-sama said, the old man bowed to him and said his parting words, reminding Meiya-sama to follow with the contents of her book.
The man gave us another bow as he approached us and then exited the room. The little girl came to Raiden-sama's side, but unlike Yuuhi-sama, she had no smile in her complexion. She bowed to us, hands joined by her stomach.
"Good afternoon, Grandfather."
"Oh, Meiya-tan! How were your lessons?"
Huh?
Raiden-sama's eyes reflected a clear sky as he hugged Meiya-sama and lifted her off the ground. What does the -tan mean, however?
"I have been fine, Grandfather." The girl returned the hug, smiling faintly. "However, who is this teacher?" She said as she looked at me.
"Good afternoon, Meiya-sama. My name is Mana Tsukuyomi and I shall be looking after your learning efforts from now on."
Raiden-sama brought her back to the ground. Meiya-sama got closer and gave me a bow.
"Thank you kindly for your help, Tsukuyomi-sensei. I shall do my best to answer to your teachings."
"No, Tsukuyomi shall suffice Meiya-sama."
"Eh? No, you are my teacher. I have to show you respect." She said, the firm resolution of Takahisa-sama in her words, the same way to look straight, deeply into my eyes as Yohime-sama.
"I… Ahem, Meiya-sama please think of me as your vassal. I would prefer you referring to me as Tsukuyomi."
Meiya-sama gave a glance at Raiden-sama, curving her brows as her hands shifted together. He nodded at her and she relaxed her posture.
"I will call you Tsukuyomi then. Thank you kindly for your help."
"Please, you don't have to bow to me. It is alright, Meiya-sama." She again seemed to be uncomfortable at my words, a hand slowly rising to her chin.
"Well, I will leave Meiya in your hands. I expect you to handle her with care, Tsukuyomi." I gave a nod to Raiden-sama and he went his way out of the room, closing the door once he did.
"Alright, let's start. Meiya-sama, what do you say of having a few Shogi matches?"
"Yes, as you say Tsukuyomi." A few pebbles leaned on my back at her words. The contrast with Yuuhi-sama is subtle but evident. Meiya-sama lacks that sunshine in her eyes, as if she were minding her words to not upset me. As if… she were afraid of something.
We went towards the table that was already prepared and we then spared against each other. She is very good for her age, but I suppose she has been trained in case she was ever required to be a body double for Yuuhi-sama all her life.
We spent the afternoon together seeing how good she was at what she had learned, with the passing of time she slowly relaxed a bit more. Her speech mannerisms are very good and formal, though she seems to use a rather frontal approach when using her own voice. She is even more formal whenever she speaks in 'the proper' voice, as she called it.
Meiya-sama is far ahead from both Mion and Shion in her math and history lessons, and her thought logic and ability to make arguments is astounding for her age. She… does seem to be a tad bit too stubborn when she likes an idea however, just like her father. It is truly nice to see her show emotion as she pouts when I prove her wrong as we debate over the smallest of details.
To think there are people who only see her as a political tool, as nothing but an expendable body double to shield Yuuhi-sama. I will do my best effort to aid her, Takahisa-sama. Not just as a teacher, but as a counselor and confidant.
"Well, this was enough for today. Why don't we take a small break?" A few hours have already passed, after all.
"We can still practice. There are some books we didn't see yet." She says, leaning forward. She does not like to lose a discussion, apparently.
"It is alright, Meiya-sama. Let us spend some time simply talking to our leisure, what do you say?"
"…Yes, as you say Tsukuyomi." She again bowed to me, stiffness overflowing. Sigh… I suppose it'll take time for me to be anything other than another teacher for her.
I went to the small fridge that was in a corner, found some fruits, and after peeling and cutting them I returned to her side. Bringing them to the table on a wide dish, Meiya-sama sat in front of me and ate slowly.
"You won't eat, Tsukuyomi?"
"I will, but it is only natural to allow you to pick your food first. I am your vassal after all."
"But you're also my teacher. Please, let's eat together." She pushed the plate towards me, furrowing her brows.
"If you insist, so I shall do." I picked some slices of apple, Meiya-sama seemed to prefer strawberries. "Meiya-sama, if I may ask, have you been taught how to wield a blade?"
"Yes, Grandfather has taught me how to use the Mugen Kidou style. I practice every day after my afternoon classes are over."
"I see. What do you say of sparing against me today before I leave?"
"Yes, as you say."
"No, Meiya-sama I am your vassal. Do not be so formal with me."
"Eh? Is it truly alright? My teachers have taught me to always be polite. They said it is rude to refer to your elders in any other way." She said, her eyes cascading downwards.
"It is true that you should abstain from such behavior, but I am your vassal. You do not need to be so stiff with me."
"But… If you say so, Tsukuyomi." Yet more rocks stockpile on my shoulders at her answer.
I guess she won't understand she doesn't need to be this formal to me in a day. Well, it is a matter of time. She'll get used to me eventually.
"Then, shall we go practice your swordplay?" She nods and stands up. I do so too, but I halt my movement as I realize the door is closed and, at first glance, it seems we cannot open it from the inside. "Meiya-sama, how do we contact Raiden-sama from here?"
"Oh, there's a button nearby to call Grandfather." She goes to the wall and points to a painting. "It's behind this, he told me to use it if I needed him to come for anything." She then steps aside, letting me get close to the painting in question.
I move the frame and see a small button built into the wall. After I push it, however, a rumbling similar to that of an stampede could be heard from up above. As if glasses and plates were thrown to the ground and shattered, as if the furniture was being moved violently, as if someone was hurling rocks at the wall, the sounds reiterated themselves for some seconds. Soon, I could hear the steel door being rammed by something. And the sound reiterated itself, this time with more violence in it's echo.
I stood in front of Meiya-sama instinctively, yet as the door was swung wide open, Raiden-sama was the one who entered the room. …Why are his eyes furrowed in such way?
"Meiya-tan! What happened?!" Before I could blink, he was already behind me. Crouching by Meiya-sama's side, he ran his hands over her body to see what was of her.
"Tsukuyomi said she wanted us to practice swordplay. So I called you." Meiya-sama was unfazed by all this, however.
"Oh, is that so? I forgot to leave her a communicator, now that I think about it."
"Um… Raiden-sama, what was that noise just now?"
"What noise?!" He stood up sharply and looked around with hawkish eyes, placing a hand on the katana he had on his waist.
"No, I was talking about the noises after I pressed the button."
"Oh, that was me. I feared something might have happened to Meiya, so I hurried to her side." He says, puffing his chest.
"I believe I heard some plates breaking, however."
"Don't worry, we can always buy more of those."
"However, how-"
"Now, I believe you wanted to go to the small dojo we have on the house?" Just like Takahisa-sama, he just won't allow anyone to pierce his speeches.
"…Yes, sir. That is the case."
"Well then, let us go. I believe I should have some gear you can wear to spar against Meiya. But of course, you will be careful with her, won't you Tsukuyomi?" Again, his eyes took a hawkish tint. I stand in attention by reflex, nodding at his words. "Good. Now, let us be on our way."
As we returned to the surface, I saw three maids sighing as they fixed what was left of the living room.
Going out to the garden, we went to a small building to a side. The dojo wasn't as big as I assumed it would be, but it was enough. Raiden-sama gestured to a side, towards the changing room. After changing into the traditional protective gear, not the new one I had gotten used to in my training on the Guard, me and Meiya-sama each grabbed a wooden sword. Taking our positions, she took the Mugen Kidou stance while I chose to take Waki.
She makes the first move, a frontal slash. I parry and pressure her with few but precise attacks. Unlike Maya, I vastly prefer to take a more reactive approach and capitalize on the mistakes my opponent makes. After all, the one who shows the first signs loses. Prediction is half a fight.
She tries to aim to my lower left, I allow her to pressure me for a moment. Deflecting her attacks with ease, I shift my footing. Moving forward with my left I send few, but strong attacks at her. Aiming upwards, I keep pressuring her. Once I realized it was impossible for her to counter me at this speed, I arched my knees and went for the final blow. I pushed forward one last time and delivered a downwards slash, that she barely managed to parry. She took a step back and tried to block the follow up, but the force of the strike made her slip backwards. Falling to the ground, Meiya-sama didn't let go of her blade however. I halt my movements, letting out a sigh.
"Well, this is my victory. Well done, Meiya-sama." I help her up and we then bow to each other.
"That was an spectacular bout, Tsukuyomi. As expected of someone of your family." Raiden-sama praised me, clapping a few times as he got closer. "Meiya, what did you think?"
"It was a good duel." Some stiffness resided in her voice, it seems she is upset to have lost. "Tsukuyomi, would you practice with me again sometime?"
"Why, of course. I have been assigned to aid you, so if you so desire I can spar with you any time, Meiya-sama." And for the first time in today, she smiled at me.
It wasn't Yuuhi-sama's wide, radiant smile. It was a smaller, but in a certain way stronger, smile. The sun will always shine bright no matter which day it is, however that is not the same for the night. That is why the landscape one can see during a full moon night is a sight to behold.
"Thank you very much, Tsukuyomi. I shall do my best to improve." I nod at her. She's still being too formal, but there will be time to fix that.
After going back to our attires and going out of the dojo, the sky had darkened already. We went our way to the basement again as Raiden-sama asked Meiya what she thought of my lessons, to which she answered she was pleased and she found all of them helpful.
"It is good to hear you two got along well, Meiya." Raiden-sama patted her head as he walked. "Now, let us enjoy dinner together."
"Raiden-sama, a moment." One of the women serving as maids got closer to us as we had reached the stairs to descend. "You have a call. Please come answer it."
"Tell whoever it is I'll answer later."
"Sir, it is about some of the repairs needed for the house. The call cannot be delayed." The woman insisted, one of Raiden-sama's brows twitched.
"Mmgh… Tell them I'm on the bathtub. I am going to have dinner with Meiya now. So Kamiyo, please relay the message to-"
Then, the two other maids appeared and, all three together, dragged Raiden-sama to the opposite direction.
"Tsukuyomi-sama, please take Meiya-sama to her room. We shall be taking dinner to you shortly." One with blonde hair said to me, throwing a key my way. She then locked her arms around Raiden-sama's right arm.
"Ah, yes…" What is wrong in this household?
"Release me! I am your boss… Let me have dinner with Meiya-tan!" Raiden-sama kept wailing as he was dragged away.
"Meiya-sama, is this normal?"
"Normal? What do you mean?"
"Does this happen frequently?"
"Yes, Grandfather sometimes has to answer important calls. When that happens and he doesn't want to, the three maids come and take away him like this. Grandfather is very strong, so they have no other choice." So this is normal to her… I guess it only shows how dear you are to Raiden-sama.
"Well, let us go back to your room."
"…Yes." She grabbed onto my arm as we descended the stairs.
After entering the room, it only took a few minutes for the food to be brought to us. I asked Meiya-sama about her kendo lessons as we ate, it seems she isn't as far ahead from the two little ones as I thought. Lacking a sparring partner who matches her skill is what's holding her back the most in my opinion.
Once we finished dinner, I began to gather my bearings to leave for the Main House again. As I was putting what few things I had brought with me back into my bag, Meiya-sama approached me.
"When are you coming back, Tsukuyomi?" Meiya-sama asked, her hands joined and hanging low.
"I will be back every two days. Please do keep studying as you have been."
"Yes, I will. Um… Can I ask you something?" She came closer, looking from the ground to me a few times, her hands shifting together in their hold.
"Of course, what is it?"
"Can you tell me… how it is to be outside?"
"…It isn't that different. I also stay indoors most of the time."
"I see. Do you go somewhere you like sometimes?"
"Yes, I go buy books from time to time. While I also used to have free time of my own, I mostly spent it studying inside or practicing Kendo with my cousin and the others in the dojo I went to."
"How is it? Walking outside?" Her eyes staring right into mine, her lips trembled like water when the small bamboo falls.
"It is nice, feeling the wind on your face. Have you been shown pictures of the Empire, Meiya-sama?"
"Yes, of parks, the castles, the shores. There is something I do not understand about them." She folded her arms, looking down.
"What is it?"
"Why do people like to go to the beach so much?"
"Well, many do like the sea. I believe you were shown what it looks like, what do you think of it?"
"I think it's pretty, but isn't the sand bothersome?" She tilted her head, bringing her hands together once more.
"Not particularly. I have only gone a few times, but it isn't bothersome by any means."
"But Grandfather told me it gets stuck to your skin, gets inside your clothes, and it also can dirty your hair and ruin your hairstyle. And it can burn your feet when you walk too." Plucking her lips, she counted on her hand the 'bad things' as she said them. I had to make an effort to not giggle at her pouty expression as she did so.
"While that is true, one only needs to be careful. Sand isn't as foul a trouble as you described, Meiya-sama." I say, smiling at her innocent stare.
"I see. Then, what about forests? I was told you can hear the animals at night. How is that?"
Meiya-sama kept asking me about how it was to be outside, how it was to walk in a park, to be in a meeting, how was the city when the people were moving around. Despite being taught about the world, she wasn't allowed to be in it. So, all she can do is fill the gaps by herself.
And in her current position, I doubt she will ever be able to enjoy such freedoms. Even Yuuhi-sama accompanies her parents on their travels sometimes, however Meiya-sama has been forced to live inside these walls forevermore. I wonder if I could bring her some books to help bridge the gaps under the guise of giving her context for her role as a political piece.
"Well, it is time for me to leave. Until next time, Meiya-sama."
"Ah… Wait, Tsukuyomi." She held my arm with her tiny hands as I stood up from my seat. "Can I ask you one last question?"
"Yes, of course you can. What is it?"
"Um… What kind of person is… that Yuuhi?"
My hands halted all movement at her question. I have been forbidden of speaking of the matter, but she shouldn't know anything about her family. She should have never heard the Koubuin name, she should never have had any contact with radios or televisions… The rocks that were on my shoulders forced themselves down my throat as she stared at me with those clearly innocent eyes, clutching my arm.
"…Who is this Yuuhi you speak of?"
"I once overheard one of my teachers saying I wasn't acting like her as good as I should. Then, when I asked her about it, the teacher said I heard that wrong." Looking away from me, her gaze descends as do her eyelids, as if submerged under a frozen lake. Her hands release me and get together, folding tightly. "I never saw her again after that day, and everyone else I ask says they don't know anything." Then she looks up at me, her tiny lips shifting and twisting. "Tsukuyomi, do you also not know anything?"
…I could lie. That would be easy. However, what could I tell her? She's far too young, she wouldn't understand. But… Looking at her now… Forgive me, Father. As a member of the Tsukuyomi… No, I won't shield myself behind my family. I cannot lie to her. I do not wish to blatantly lie even if telling her the truth is beyond of my options.
"Meiya-sama, you are someone very special." I crouch and caress her hair.
"Special?"
"Yes, you are the only one who can help this Yuuhi."
"Help? Then, will I meet her one day? Will I go outside?" She got closer, expectation brimming in her trembling hands. She seemed to be holding her breath, waiting for my answer.
"…One day you might. However, you need to be away from her for now."
"Why?"
"Because you need to get stronger. You are to protect Yuuhi from the shadows, just like your name implies."
"My name? I have to be in Yuuhi's shadow?" She tilted her head, her brows lowering slightly. I pat her head softly, ruffling her fringe.
"Yes, that is the case. One day you will be old enough to learn everything. Until then, you have to keep honing yourself. Your efforts will never betray you."
"But will I go outside someday?"
"…If you're strong enough to help Yuuhi, you may. She is also alone, so I hope… you two can be good fellows whenever you meet."
"I see… I got it, I have to keep doing my best. And then, I'll be able to go outside and help like Grandfather does." She said, nodding a few times.
"Yes, but keep this a secret. Can you promise me that?"
"But… But why can't I know?"
"You see Meiya-sama… Curiosity is not a sin but you should be careful with it."
"Careful?"
"Yes, sometimes… it is better to wait to receive an answer than to purse it hastily. Be patient, the time will come. Can you promise me you'll be patient, Meiya-sama?" She nods, her brows narrowing.
"Yes, I promise. I won't say anything and I won't ask anymore. Thanks Tsukuyomi, now I know what that weird feeling was." She smiled again, her shoulders dropping in relaxation.
"Weird feeling?"
"Yes, ever since I heard that name I've been feeling weird from time to time. Like when I try to open a jar of jelly but it won't no matter how hard I pull at it, or when I can't solve my calculus and my head starts to hurt. I don't know why, but I feel that kind of way when I think of that name."
So she's… worried about her sister? I have heard twins are somehow connected. Despite never having met, she can still feel the absence of Yuuhi. Or perhaps… Does she resent her?
"Do you… dislike that feeling?" She closed her eyes, narrowing her brows a bit.
"No, I do not. I don't know but I feel… lonely." Her gaze lowers like an anchor, her hands again rustling together slowly. "I never felt that way before. Being with Grandfather was always so much fun, and the maids also keep me company too. But…" She stops and looks up again, returning to her neutral expression. "But since I heard that name, for some reason, I feel lonely. I don't know who she is but I want to meet that person called Yuuhi." I found no hidden feelings in her. She's as earnest as she could be, children cannot lie and when they do they cannot hide it.
Meiya-sama doesn't hold any ill will towards Yuuhi-sama. It looks like you are wrong after all, Father. Meiya-sama will never put her sister in any danger, her heart is in the right place.
"I see. I can't promise you anything regarding that, but at the least I can guarantee you that, in due time, you will know all about why you're here. Please be patient, Meiya-sama."
"Yes, I will. Thank you, Tsukuyomi." She smiled again, this time her smile was wider and truly shining.
"Good. Well then, I have to be going. Until next time, Meiya-sama." She nodded, and I smiled her way before bowing, then going my way.
