Chapter 6: Small Concerns


Same Day. 07:09 PM.

(Hiiragi District. Sumika's House.)

[Native Takeru]


"All right, you two can wait until I call you, okay?" Haruna-san said after we finished sorting out what we had bought from the super.

"Takeru-chan, let's go read a book." Sumika pulled my hand and took me to the stairs.

I nodded and followed her. I am happy that they let me stay here, but when is Dad coming back? Why did Mom leave? It's fun staying with Sumika and Haruna-san, but I wanna go home and sleep in my bed. When will they come for me? They will come soon… Right?

Sumika opened the door and we entered her room. She went to the small rack where the books were, me right behind her.

"What do you want to read today?" She said, turning her head back at me.

"Hmm… How about Issun Boshi?"

"Oh, yeah. Let's read that one!" Sumika smiled, that lone hair of hers jumping along her smile.

…What's wrong with that hair? Maybe it's my imagination… But I think I saw it moving a few times before.

She got the picture book and we sat by the side of her bed. We took turns reading the story out loud. I still don't get something. If the parents didn't want to let Issun Boshi go away, why did they just let him go anyways?

If he was so little, why didn't they just put him inside an empty jar or something? And how did he even manage to sail in that river? 'Skillfully' or something it says, but he was so small… I dunno, no matter how many times we read it I think this story is really weird. Well… Momotaro was born from a fruit, so all of our folktales are kinda weird.

"Takeru-chan, how is he walking in the middle of the street? How is no one stepping on him?" Sumika asked, leaning on my shoulder as I was reading.

"Don't ask me, I dunno."

We kept reading until we finished it, but Haruna-san didn't call for us yet. As Sumika leaned against her bed, I looked at the window.

My room was all dark. Nobody's home. Will… Dad come back soon? See, this is why I told Mom and Dad I wanted to have siblings. There would be two of us now so they would have to come home sooner. Or we could have stayed together back home.

…They will come back, right?

"Takeru-chan?"

"Hm? What's up? Wanna read another book?"

"Why were you shaking?" Sumika came closer and put a hand on my forehead. "You don't have a fever."

"I'm fine, Sumika. So, what book do you wanna read now?"

"Takeru-chan, you were looking really sad right now. Are you okay?" She got even closer, both of her hands close to her chest, her eyes looking straight at me.

"…Yes, I'm fine." I say, looking away.

"Liar."

"I'm not lying."

"Really?" She got so close our noses were touching.

"Yes, I'm fine. I just don't understand that book." I fold my arms and look away again.

Then, I felt something around me. Sumika hugged me from a side, really tightly.

"What's wrong, Sumika?" I rub her back, maybe she's feeling bad? Does her tummy hurt or something?

"That's what I want to ask. Why do you look so sad, Takeru-chan?"

"I'm not sad."

"Yes, you are." She put her hands on my shoulders and looked at me with a smile on her face. "You're always smiling, and everyday since you came here has been so much fun. But you're looking really, really sad." She then narrowed her brows and her eyes got smaller and smaller, as if she was near an onion. "You make this really long face, and you've been really silent at school."

"…I mean, Mom and Dad are gone."

"But didn't your Dad say they'll come back later?"

"And it's been almost two weeks. I wanna go home."

"…You don't like being here?" She let go of my shoulders, looking yellow and creaky like a leaf in autumn.

"No, that's not it. It's really fun to be here with you and Haruna-san. But I wanna sleep in my bed. But… But they haven't come back yet." I cross my arms, hugging my sides.

"They'll come back soon!" Sumika said loudly, moving her hands up and down. "I'm sure they have a lot of work to do, that's why they're taking so long."

"You think?"

"Yes, that's it. So don't be so down, Takeru-chan. I'm here with you until they come back." She then got closer again and gave me another hug.

"Thanks a lot, Sumika. I'm feeling better now."

"Didn't you say you were fine before?" She smiled at me, showing me her teeth. I pouted and she giggled. "If you're feeling sad again, tell me and I'll give you a hug just like you do for me, okay?"

"Yeah, I will." Dad was right, hugs are nice. Though, Dad's last hug before he left felt weird. He never really hugged me that tightly before.

"Hehe… I know that is really sad, not having your Dad here." Sumika's eyes went to the ground for a second, but she then looked up again with a giant smile. "But it's not all bad! I was really alone before you came here, so I know how sad it is." She again got closer, moving both fists up and down. "So if you're feeling bad, tell me Takeru-chan. I'll be with you until you smile again."

"…Thanks Sumika. Really, thanks a lot." I then gave her a hug myself.

I know, I have to be good and thankful. Mom also spent some time in the hospital before. I know what Sumika means, it isn't nice to be left worrying. But I won't worry, because they said they will come back. And Sumika is here with me now, it's not like before.

"So, what do you wanna read now?" I ask her as I ended the hug.

"Hmm… No idea. All these folktales are really weird." She looks at the new books we got.

"That's true… A boy that comes from a fruit, a small kid who can move without no one stepping on him, a selfish princess that runs to the moon… These books are all weird." The drawings on them are pretty though.

"Takeru-chan, Sumika, are you there?" Haruna-san's voice reached us just before she opened the door. "Oh, there you are. Someone came to visit."

"Eh?! Is Dad here?" I stood up and went to her side, Sumika coming right behind me.

"No, someone else is here. A young lady came to be with you, Takeru-chan."

"A young lady?" Oh, I think Dad said something about that…

"Yes, she came here to look after you. So, let's go meet her. Remember to not be rude, okay?" She ruffled my hair, smiling.

"I know that." I puff my cheeks a bit, Sumika giggles at my face again. Why does everybody say that to me? I'm not rude, I'm friendly.

We went down the stairs, me and Sumika behind Haruna-san. Once we went back to the living room, I peeked from behind her.

And standing there was a woman with green hair and glasses. She looks really serious, like the lady that's in the news channel.

"Come on, don't be shy!" Haruna-san said as she patted our backs. "Why don't you introduce yourselves?" After sharing a look with Sumika, we nodded at each other.

And together, we stepped towards the woman with glasses.


Some time after that.

(Takeru's House.)


We entered my house again, Maya turning the lights on.

I look at her, her eyes are getting smaller. Her mouth is moving kinda weird too. I pulled her sleeve slowly.

"Um…"

"What is it?" She said in a scary voice, like when my history teacher scolds me for not paying attention.

"Um… You seem sad. Are you okay?"

She closes her eyes and taps her glasses. She seems to be okay again.

"I am fine. Now then, Takeru." She looks at me, still talking scary. "I was told there was a small spare room here."

"Oh, the one in the back. That's where Uncle Koetsu stayed." Uncle came in January with Dad one weekend. It was really fun, reading with them. I take Maya to the room, she looks inside and again her eyes grow smaller. She shakes her head a bit, looking sad for a while.

"Takeru, where is your room?" I tell her where is my room and about how I talk with Sumika there. "Hm… I see. Well, I suppose you should head to your bed, we'll check everything tomorrow."

She then turns around, going to the table.

She's going to be staying with me and she said we were like family… Does that make her my sister? She did say she wasn't going to leave… I gulp and, after doubting for a bit, I grab her sleeve again. She looks at me with another scary gaze. I try to hold her gaze, but I can't find the words for a little while.

"Um… Can I call you Maya-nee? I always wanted to have a brother or a sister." If she really won't leave… Can I call her that?

"No, you shall call me Tsukuyomi. I am not your sister." Looking as angry as the teachers do when I punch someone, her eyes got smaller again. Why is she so angry at me? She said she was going to live with me, that we… that we…

"But you said you were like family before." I puff my cheeks, not understanding why she's so mad. If you're here to be with me… Then why can't I call you like that?

"No is no. You shall call me Tsukuyomi." She raised her voice, tapping her glasses again. "It would be troublesome for me if people thought we were related. Now, be a good boy and go to sleep."

Why is she so mad? I didn't do anything… I'm just trying to be friendly…

I let her go and go back to my room. I shut my lips tight, I won't cry. Maya must… She must be tired from the trip. Yes, that's it. Don't get angry, you promised Mom and Dad that you'd be good. I just have to be good with her and she'll stop being this scary!

When I enter my room, it's all dark and cold. I… can't reach the light switch, no matter how much I extend my hand. Grr… Stupid switch, why does it have to be so far away?

I go to the window, at least I'll be able to say goodnight to Sumika.

"And here we… Mmgh… Why won't it open?!" I look up, the lock was still in place.

I jump and try to reach it, but I can't. Let's see if I can reach it standing on my bed… I can't reach it. If I jump I might get hurt, Maya will get angry.

Sitting on my bed, I looked through the window and saw Sumika there trying to tell me something. I can't hear her and it looks like she also can't hear me. After a little while, she waves my way and closes her curtains.

"…This sucks." I throw myself on my bed. I'm back but this is just awful. I move my feet up and down, kicking out this bitter feeling.

The sheets are all cold. They were never this cold before. I changed to my pajamas and got inside my bed. But today… looks like Maya won't come to read me a book. I grip my sheets, covering my face with them.

Dad… will come back soon. And Maya is here with me, even if she's kinda scary she has to be a good person. Dad wouldn't have sent her here if she wasn't. I'm sure she'll let me call her Maya-nee if I'm good with her.

She won't be so mean everyday… And she said she won't leave… So she'll be here until Mom and Dad come back. Sumika and Haruna-san are here too, it's all right.

As I hugged my pillow and moved to a side, I felt those snowy hands on me again. Last time I felt like this, when Dad told me Mom went away, I saw a horrible dream. Shivering a little, I closed my eyes and tried to fall asleep hoping to not see another nightmare.


March 17th, 1989. Near 5 PM.

(Koubuin Main House. Meeting Room.)

[Mana]


I stood in front of Father, who was sitting behind a desk. Words seemed to have ran out between us, the air in the room was so stagnant it could be sliced with a knife.

"Mana, my dear daughter, how many times must I remind you to stop this foolishness?" He had his hands entwined, leaning back onto his seat.

"I do not believe I am being foolish in the slightest, Father. Praising Mion's efforts is not a mistake."

"She has done nothing worth of praise so far. Her veneer so easily bends when in front of Shion, her voice is barely audible as she suffocates in her own insecurities during the lectures. What can I do, other than make her realize her own shortcomings?"

"Mion is doing a great effort to measure up to Shion every day. Her scores are not that far behind her cousin's in the subjects she surpasses her in. In most of their classes, they are evenly matched. And Mion never gives us trouble, Shion's anger is an issue we have no idea how to solve. The teachers of the school say she tends to get upset at the smallest details, you should know how many times Kazora-sama has been called by the Principal. I believe you're being unfair with her, Father. Mion deserves our support, she is not as spineless as you believe her to be." I tense my brows downwards. He does the same, letting some air out from his nose.

"Shion is still the one on top, and her personality isn't an inconvenience to me. She has to learn to restrain her temper, that is true, however she is what all members of the Tsukuyomi House should aspire to be. Imposing, resolute, and above all… unforgiving. We are guardians of a Regent House, we show no mercy to our enemies. You should know that well, my Mana."

"However, what would we gain by pushing Mion so harshly? You barely speak to her of matters not related to her studies, you keep her in the dojo after the lessons end when she's exhausted… Why must you do so, Father? You were not such a relentless teacher with me." He was harsh, he put great expectations on me during my time in school and in the dojo. I managed to pierce through my weaknesses and answer to them, earning his praise.

However, the current situation cannot be compared to what I experienced. Maya was never as aggressive towards me as Shion is to my sister. I never was harmed during our bouts, yet Shion has left Mion with bruises on many occasions when you and Kazora-sama made them spar without any protective gear. To continue to push her so… What good can come out of this? Mion won't improve with more shouts and berating, if she's bending under the pressure it is because she's being overwhelmed. She needs your acceptance and support, Father. You cannot make that something she has to earn.

"You know it well, my Mana. We are few in the Tsukuyomi House, therefore all of our heirs must be as capable as they could be to guide and support our leaders." He sends a gaze upon me, what but a myriad of arrows flying into my eyes. "If Mion is lacking, I, as her Father, must force her to redouble her efforts. Undeserved praise will only make her complacent, it must be made clear to her that she's disappointing us with these meager results."

"Father, with all due respect, I do not think her efforts are such a let down. Shion is merely ahead of her, and if you compare Mion's to mine own efforts at her age you'll see she is progressing fine." I bow deeply to him, clawing at my palms. "Please Father, could you kindly consider revising your approach to her training?"

Father closes his eyes and vanished the storm clouds in his face. Breathing in tranquility for a moment, his eyes opened and he leaned forward slowly with the serenity of a leaf down a river.

"Mana, dear, can you tell me what boons you think your proposition would bring us?"

"As I said before, it would lift a great deal of unnecessary pressure off her shoulders. Mion already knows how important her training is, by further pushing her to match Shion's performance we are only eroding her self-esteem. Mion does not need to fight like Shion, just like how me and Maya found our own styles and preferences. There are certain aspects and details that she does better than her cousin, but those are ignored by you because the end result she gets is not as good as Shion's. Mion needs to hear, to see you accept her. Her place in the family cannot be tied to her performance." Father shakes his head, grimacing.

"Winning is everything, Mana. The will of those who lose is forgotten by history. Our Empire would have been a different land today had our ancestors not prevailed on the Battle of Sekigahara. If Mion is not up to skill, I shall push her further. Until I see her cleaving through her own phantoms, I will not recede."

"What good will it do to her to receive more abuse, Father?"

"She should know we do not tolerate failure here. Mion will be trained as I ordered until she attains the necessary skill."

"…Mother wouldn't have agreed to this." An effort equal to enduring my first time in a sim pod I had to make to restrain my tongue.

"I am the one who decides how to train my heirs, I am the one with Tsukuyomi blood in his veins. I am your father, and you should know better than to use an emotional argument against me, Mana. Is this how you plan to defend our rulers? Shame on you!" His eyes squinting, fire stronger than the sun's burned my stance, melting the plating of my resolution. Before I knew it, I had bowed in apology. I had surrendered to him. "Good, looks like you understand."

"No… Father, please reconsider. Why won't you heed my words?"

"I do heed them, I am not dismissing your worries after all." He folds his arms, the sun setting in his glare. "However, I must make you two strong. My lack of determination almost costed Takahisa-sama his life when his brother betrayed us. And…" Taking a moment to breathe, his hands constricted as if he had touched a source of electricity. "It was my own lack of skill what caused your mother's death. My hesitation took her from you and Mion, when the little one was but a year old. You surely remember all we've been through since that fateful day of treason."

"Father, do not continue to punish yourself. That… Nobody could have defended the House against such amount of adversaries. That you protected Takahisa-sama and our fellows was a great feat in an of itself." To employ such an attack, under the guise of a duel, was nothing short of madness. To think all of our cousins in the Tsukuyomi House took Jinkuro's side… It is truly a miracle that Takahisa-sama's faction was the one to prevail.

"And yet, I lost my partner forever that night. You two lost your mother forever because of my shortcomings and complacence." A full eclipse reached his gaze, his brows tensing strongly as his fists. "It is my obligation as your father to make sure you two are as strong as you can be before I pass away. I am sure you have heard many a great deal of unpleasantries being said about you behind your back during your brief time as a Guard."

"…Yes, that is true. But that has nothing to do with-"

"Yes, it does my dear. You two are women and our fellows will not admit to you being superior to them so easily. Those of your same age may not hold such prejudices in their hearts, but those who are older won't look kindly at you. I must ready you to guide Takahisa-sama and Yuuhi-sama for when I am gone. And if I have to harm the gifts your mother gave me to prepare them for what is to come… I shall do so unwavering."

"You will not change your mind, Father?" He closes his eyes again, letting a sigh out. After a moment of pondering, he opens them again and locks his gaze onto mine. This time, however, I resist the recoil and return his stare.

"I suppose you could try to show me if your ideas are right." He raises his hand, extending a single finger upwards. "One month, that's all I'll give you my Mana. You have one month to prove to me my approach is mistaken. If Mion doesn't show positive signs, I will continue with the current regime once more. Do we have an agreement?"

"Yes, thank you very much for giving me this chance Father." I bow to him, he gestures me to raise not a second after.

"Now then, regarding this matter of the Mitsurugi girl… Why do you wish to take more books to her again?" His tone sharpened this time, hands entwined yet again he leaned forward.

"As I have said before, Meiya-sama needs to know more of the world if she is to play her role one day."

"Yes, you said so last time. However, aren't the books you already took more than enough?"

"I find her education lacking in the matter of common sense. It would be quickly noticed if she were to not know of something that is obvious to anyone who has lived in contact with society. For that reason, I believe I should teach her about how to deal with people outside of formal meetings and the customs of our peasantry."

Father narrows his eyes, staring at me in silence. Shards of glass danced around my hands, making them quiver. Nonexistent pebbles found their way to my feet, some to my throat. A pressure tantamount to the cascade where Guren-sama once had me meditate falls upon my head as Father extends the silence.

"…Mana, you know well who that girl is."

"Meiya-sama is someone we must protect."

"No, she is someone we must keep under surveillance. She might one day bring ruin to this House, just like how Jinkuro did. You should keep your heart locked, my Mana. I do not wish to see you being led astray by that accursed child."

"Father, with all due respect…" Enduring the waterfall, I feel a geyser surge from within. "Meiya-sama would never do such an atrocity. Her kindness is just like Yuuhi-sama's."

"Mana, you risk making the same mistake I once made. What would you do if she ever wishes to become the Head of the House?"

"Meiya-sama needs a guide, were she to harbor such thoughts. Scorning her for a sin she didn't commit will only drive her to despise her roots. I am of the opinion that she needs to learn our values, so that she is never led astray by anyone wishing to use her against us."

"Is that so?" He narrows his eyes at me, resting his chin on his hand. "You wouldn't be influenced by those strange books you've been indulging in as of late, my Mana?"

"…Perish the thought, Father. My hobbies are just that, pastimes to entertain myself with. Nothing more."

"Good. Regardless, I shall review myself the books you desire to take to her. And, as much as it pains me to say, you should remember something my dear." He stood up and walked up to me, staring at me with a scowl on his face. "Were you to take that accursed girl's side in rebellion, I will not hesitate to end you in mere seconds. Do not forget where your loyalty lies, Mana."

"And you would do well in not judging a little girl with the same eyes as you would a traitorous pig. Meiya-sama is not Jinkuro, she will not be a traitor. I myself will make sure she remains on the right path."

"…I see." He holds my gaze for a second, the sun burning my skin. My eyes started to hurt under his stare yet I refused to blink or look away. "Then, that will be all. Mion should be returning from school soon. I will be leaving her in your care for the coming month."

"Understood. I shall take my leave then." I bow to him and then exit the room.

…I let out a long sigh, my mouth remaining open. Why, Father? Why must you despise Meiya-sama so strongly?

She hasn't done anything to deserve anything of the sort, nothing but kindness lies in her heart. How could I convince him of her innocence?

I go towards the gate, sitting by a window as I await for the two little ones to return from school. I look up, this day has been buried under clouds just like this last week for my endeavors. Maya left somewhere, I wasn't told why or where, I have been tasked to monitor Meiya-sama, and I also need to oversee Mion's and Shion's trainings after they come back from school in our dojo. Sigh… I know this is what is expected of me, but it is tiring.

I have been trying to show kindness to my sister yet she remains as stiff and formal, afraid of upsetting me. And Shion doesn't listen to me. Kazora-sama also is at a loss on what we should do. She's getting good grades in all subjects, her efforts in the dojo are going well. Nobody has anything to complain about her, yet she's always in a bad mood.

The sound of the wooden door being opened pulls me from my worries. Our retainers bring them both to the entrance. Mion was, as always, looking down with not a hint of emotion on her face. Shion was the opposite, her brows arched and her lips plucked, she walked with strong steps as she had her arms tightly folded.

"Welcome home, Mion, Shion. How was your day?" I say, opening the door and stepping outside. Both of them bow to me.

"I am back, Sister. Today was another good day." Mion's voice resembled our weather. Her eyes could not meet mine.

"It was the same as always, Mana-sama." Shion said, displeasure floating in her unchanged expression.

"I see. Come on in, the dojo should be getting ready as we speak."

After they leave their bags in their private quarters I take them to the dining room, and us three are served a light meal.

"Tell me Mion, how were your classes today? I believe you had a group project to present today." A brief, isolated tremor assaulted her hands.

"…It went well, Sister."

"Liar, you scored below 90." Shion said with the same poisonous sting of Maya's anger. Mion's head lowered again, her hands halted movement.

"Now Shion, if she passed with a good score isn't that good enough?"

"Father says we need to be at the top. Mion again failed to be in the top ten of our class." 'Failed'. Why does she insist on using that word?

"Shion, that is no failure. You two go to the most prestigious school in Osaka. If she's scoring good grades there, she's already meeting our expectations."

"Father says the opposite. Bazora-sama also says the same as Father. I scored a 96, Mion is the one who isn't studying enough." She says with a wide grin, rising a finger upwards. My sister's lips began to twitch.

"Mion, it is alright. You only need to keep improving. Have you scored a higher grade than your weakest performance?"

"Yes, I have. My lowest in geography was an 83, I got an 88 today." Eyelids falling like a rock slide, her head crashes down in the depths of a canyon. "I'm sorry, Sister… I still didn't score what I should. Some of my partners got an answer wrong during our presentation and our total score got lower because of that." I see, all members of the group share the same score… Even if she did her part as good as she could, blaming her for other's faults is pointless. And regardless of that, an 88 is a marvelous score for how harsh her course is.

"You should not apologize. It is a good score, Mion. Your efforts were not fruitless." I smile at her, nodding in approval. Mion recovers a faint smile, and as slowly as dawn break fills the land with light she starts to eat again.

"Excuses won't get you anywhere. Shame on you." Shion's frown got bigger, and, just like Father had done to me, she was staring at Mion with a gaze that could melt mountains. My sister avoided it and looked down, sweating a flood of tears, eating in silence.

"Shion, that is no excuse. Mion did well and you would be well served in not being so adamant in finding faults in others." Why is she like this? Maya is very critical, but only when asked for her opinion. She rarely shows her harshness so openly.

"I did better than her, I am the top of the class. And I study with the same books she uses."

"Stop comparing yourself to her. You are not Mion, each of you have your unique strong points."

"I always score better grades. Mana-sama, Mion doesn't deserve special treatment. We should both be compared using the same rules." She pouted, despite keeping her manners she was still pointing that lone finger around.

"Sigh… It's not special treatment Shion. You two are different, that is all. Mion doesn't have to match your performance. Your attitude leaves much to be desired, you should know better than to be this hostile to your family." She frowns, looking away. "Mion, do not take Shion's words as an insult. You still have room for improvement, use this small pebble that got in your way today as a learning experience. Next time, you would be well served in aiding your partners so that this doesn't happen again." I smile at her, gazing into her eyes.

"Yes, Sister. I will try harder from now on." She sits up upright, her gaze again not meeting mine. Sigh…

The rest of our time in the dining room was spent in silence as I watched the news while we ate. Once we finished and the girls had some time off in their rooms, I took them to the dojo. However…

"Sei!" Shion shouted as she again sent a barrage of swift attacks at Mion.

I had told Mion to not overworry before, that she should just focus on trying to counter Shion's moves. Looking at her stance, Mion is again doubting. Her feet are distancing themselves too far from each other, her posture isn't as it should be. She's barely parrying the attacks… Shion then took a step forward and knocked Mion to the ground with one downwards slash.

"Alright, that will be enough." However, before I could even more…

"Stand up!" Shion shouted. "You weakling… Stand up, the match just started!"

"I already gave up! You won this match." Mion said, not standing up and covering her head with a hand despite how she's wearing the protective gear.

"Stand up already. I'll show you what a good performance is like, Mion." Shion's eyes took a hawkish tint, as when me and Maya do when we become truly upset.

"Shion, you're behaving horribly. Shame on you, how can you be this coarse?" I go to Mion's side, sending a glare at the turquoise one. "The Mugen Kidou should never be employed to harm others or to further one's own goals, it is used to protect our fellows. You should not let your emotions cloud your actions."

"Why are you scolding me? I won! I'm better than her!" I approach her and place a hand on her shoulder, shaking my head.

"Winning isn't everything. The method that takes you to victory speaks volumes of your inner self." Biting her lips, she held my gaze. "Is this how you wish to live, Shion? Screaming at everyone else? Harming your fellows because they are less than you? We taught you better than this, you should know this isn't the right path." Hanging her head, she clutched the bamboo sword tightly. The frown and wrinkles spread like wild fire within the headgear.

"…I'm the better fighter. Why do you scold me, Mana-sama? Mion is the one who isn't good enough."

"Shion, Mion is doing what she can to measure up to the gap in skill. You, on the other hand, are not keeping your poise and have not yet learned to restrain your strength. This is not your limit, I know you can keep your emotions in check. No one is faulting you for your performance, Shion." She, however, shook off my hand and walked away back to her position. "Mion, can you stand?"

"…Yes, Sister. I can still fight." Mion stood up slowly. She dusted her red gi and took her position again, retaking the Mugen stance. Despite the visible quiver in her hands, her feet were firmly planted on the ground.

"Shion, please manage your strength this time around. Was I clear?"

"Yes, I heard already." She was again gritting her teeth. Why is she so upset?

I take some steps away from them, returning to my position. Shion is obsessed with high grades and power, if she continues in this way she'll end up being a close minded, prideful person. This month's task is not only for Mion, I must also try to aid Shion in her troubles.

Sigh… If only Maya were here to aid me…

"Alright… Begin!"


Some time after that.

(Yohime's Room.)


"So Mion can't even force a draw?" Yohime-sama asked, combing her hair.

"No, she couldn't. Shion also was unable to restrain her anger once Mion seemed to be getting her off guard." She again tried to harm Mion's arms, thankfully I had them use arm-guards in case this happened. When I scolded her, Shion once more began to scowl at me, saying I was being unfair. "I do not know why Shion is obsessed to such degree with results nor why she dislikes Mion so strongly. If it weren't for her temper she would be a role model. I cannot see what causes her to flare up in such a way."

"Do not worry so, Mana. I do not believe this issue to be tied to her grades or training, it seems something is troubling Shion's heart. If only her mother were still here… However, that will soon no longer be a problem. Mana, here." Yohime-sama handed me a small piece of paper. It had some numbers written on it. "Please contact Maya and tell her I wish her to return here tomorrow."

"I see… Yes, so I shall do Yohime-sama. However, where is Maya at the moment? Should I use a secure line?"

"Yes, you should. Her mission's details are a secret but you should limit yourself to informing her of my order." She finished tying her lily hair once more. "Now Mana, might I ask how your endeavors with Raiden-sama have been?" She closed her eyes, resting her hands on her lap.

"They have been fruitful, Yohime-sama. The Mitsurugi girl is learning in a similar pace to Mion and Shion in her sword lessons, I have confirmed her education has been progressing as fine as what one would expect of her. Worry not milady, she is learning as well as she should."

"I see. Takahisa-sama will be pleased to hear that. Now… How is she on her everyday life? Is Mei… the Mitsurugi girl healthy, I hope?" Yohime-sama bit her lips as she halted her speech, her eyes were still closed, her hands softly intensifying their hold atop one another. If you suffer so for her, why must it be this way?

"She is well accompanied, Raiden-sama is always keeping watch over her. She's a healthy young girl and she herself has said she is pleased to be with her grandfather. In these few days we've spent together, I could see she is a very kindhearted soul. Very curious about the smallest details but also surprisingly stubborn once she gets an idea in her head. Mitsurugi is in good hands, Yohime-sama."

"That's…" She finally opened her eyes, inhaling slowly, submerging the ripples in her complexion. "That is good to hear, Mana. I shall report this to Takahisa-sama. You can go now."

"Yes, milady." I bowed and exited the room.

This is such a sad state of affairs. Yohime-sama does not wish to keep Meiya-sama away from us, that much is obvious to me now. If Takahisa-sama sent me to aid her, it means he also isn't entirely pleased with this arrangement. If only we could surpass this old superstition… Well, I shall do all that's in my hands to aid Meiya-sama.

Now, I am to call Maya. That day… She was most strange, going as far as saying she enjoyed our sparring sessions. It is so odd to have her be open about how she feels, Kazora-sama has imprinted his stoic side into her since we were little after all.

I can only hope she is alright and that my call comes at a good time. I dread thinking that I might be interrupting her when duty is calling, even more to receive news of her being injured or worse. Well then, I shall know soon.

After going to our private phones and making sure everything is in working order to not leave traces of this call, I dial the number I was given.