Chapter 7: Simple Solutions
March 18th. Around 3 PM.
(Koubuin House. Dojo.)
"Shion! You're putting too much force in your swings. Mion, focus on your footing."
Yet despite Mion's attempts, she again finds herself overwhelmed by Shion's assault. Nothing has changed. Mion is still doubting, I can't break through her facade. Shion's temper has been flaring up as usual, but today she is in an even worse mood. Seeing little Takeru with Maya must have struck a wrong nerve.
…You do not know how much I envy you, Maya. To be by that kind boy's side… I wish I could have managed to reach Mion's heart, what wouldn't I give to be able to give her such reassurance. I do not know how you did it… but I wish to learn how you managed to get that boy, a peasant no less, so attached to you. I sigh as Mion once more succumbs to Shion's attacks.
"Alright, that is enough. Mion, are you alright?"
"Y-Yes… Do not worry about me, Aneue." She slowly stands up using her bamboo sword to support herself.
"No, that I cannot do. Are you truly unharmed?"
"Yes, I am fine. Forgive me, I cannot give Shion a good duel." She bows deeply, as she always does. Raindrops reverberating in her tone, afraid of seeing disappointment in my face, just like in Father's, she cannot lift her face.
"Sigh… Very well. Shion, I believe we had a talk about how you should fight." She looks away, clicking tongue.
"…Why am I the one who always gets scolded?"
"You know it well, you are too aggressive in your approach."
"But I win. And I get better results than her. You should be praising me!"
"…If you only care about the result, then you are right. We should be praising you." For a moment, I think she smiled behind her headgear. "However, that is not all that matters. The way is almost as important as the goal, if not more."
Shion looks down, gripping her blade tightly. Why is her so fixated with results? If only she wasn't so prideful… What could I do to aid you in this matter? To see beyond this, to allow you to understand why you can't be so individualistic… What can I say to you when you have reacted badly to any and all advice I've given you?
My thoughts are interrupted as the door to the dojo opens. Me and the little ones stand in attention and bow to Kazora-sama as he enters, Maya and little Takeru following behind.
"Mana, how has the training been going?"
"…As usual, Kazora-sama." He sends a look at Shion then shakes his head.
"I see. Yohime-sama has ordered for Maya and the boy to train briefly with you today. I shall be overseeing this myself." He then shot a glare at Takeru, taking some steps from us.
A moment… The boy will train with us? I look at them, Takeru was curiously looking around, his mouth slightly open. Looking back, Mion was staring at him while Shion once more was letting a frown spread in her face.
"Well… Maya, what's going on here?" I ask, getting closer. She taps her glasses and takes a moment to inhale.
"You see Mana, Yohime-sama has allowed Takeru to come train here on the weekends." Simple and direct, as if she were talking about nothing but a formality.
"Eh? Truly? Why has she decided such a thing? Is he well trained?" Maya's lips pursed for but a second.
"…He has potential. So, since we shall be coming every weekend here, she suggested that we took this chance to give Takeru a taste of what's to come." Every weekend… However… What happened to you? Saying you're his retainer, bringing him to train here… This feels as if I had been awakened by a splash of cold water, I just cannot compute how she's keeping her composure at this turn of events.
"Maya-nee…" Takeru pulled Maya's sleeve. "Why are those two in that armor?" He pointed towards Mion and Shion, who were taking off their headgear and getting closer to us. Shion was still frowning at him.
"That is the gear that one must use when practicing Kendo, Takeru. You will be using it too from now on." Maya answered with her composed tone, making little Takeru puff his cheeks.
"Why? It looks hard to move in that."
"Takeru, the gear is there to protect you." I say, crouching near him. "If you were hit with a sword it would hurt much, wouldn't it?"
"Yeah…"
"So, that's why you must use it. Did Maya not tell you about it?"
"No, Maya-nee only told me she would train me. Maya-nee, will I use one of those things back home?"
"No, Takeru. You will only use them when you come here."
It is… rare to see Maya like this. Being this patient with a kid that uses the commoner's speech. He also insists on calling her Maya-nee, and she isn't opposing him doing so. Sigh… How come you, the cold and direct one, could attain such closeness with an unknown face and I cannot do so with my own sister?
"…Well, should we start the training Maya?"
"I don't see why not. Takeru, let's get you inside your gear." Maya grabs Takeru's hand to guide him to the changing room that's nearby.
"Maya-nee, who are those two?" He asks, looking at the two girls who were now right behind me.
"Oh… I suppose we should introduce you to them." I step towards them and direct a finger when referring to each. "This is Shion, Maya's younger sister. And this one is Mion, my younger sister. You two, your greetings."
"Good afternoon, I am Mion Tsukuyomi. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance." Mion stepped forward and gave him a bow.
"…Sister, who is this crude peasant?" Shion, however, had not an ounce of patience for Takeru.
"Shion, I believe you were introducing yourself." Maya said, tapping her glasses. Shion stood in attention, still glaring at Takeru, and gave a short bow.
"…I'm Shion Tsukuyomi. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance."
"Hi, I'm Takeru. Let' be friends!" He stepped towards them and gave them a handshake full of vigor.
Mion was befuddled, eyes wide open at the clear show of friendliness and the little care the boy had for her personal space. Shion…
"I'm not your friend. I am a noble, a member of the Tsukuyomi Family. Who do you think you are to be like this towards me?"
"…I just told you I'm Takeru." He said as he narrowed his eyes at her. I had to drown a chuckle at the way he answered. Maya let out a sigh, bringing a hand to her forehead. "Maya-nee, why is she this angry?" Shion's brows twitched, her lips shook for a moment.
"I've told you many times you have to be polite, haven't I Takeru?"
"But she isn't an adult."
"Takeru… Sigh… Shion, please do not mind him. He simply refuses to be polite." Maya said as she got closer and tenderly put a hand on the boy's head, forcing Takeru to do a short bow.
"Sister, why are you with this… peasant? Why does he refer to you in such a way?" Shion stared straight at her, Maya closed her eyes for a moment.
"…I have been tasked with the duty of looking after him. I am his retainer as of now." Shion's eyes slowly widened, she dropped her blade. "Takeru refuses to be polite and proper regardless of my efforts in teaching him to speak properly, so please do forgive his rude speech."
"I'm not rude, I'm just being friendly!" He says, pouting at Maya. Her eyelids slowly descend as she ruffles the boy's hair.
"Sigh… Regardless, you two shall be joined by him in your weekend trainings from now on. I hope you can treat him as well as you would to another fellow."
Shion silently lowered her head. Maya then took Takeru to the changing room. It seems Kazora-sama said something to her when she was near the door, she stopped and threw a glare at him before entering.
…What is the meaning of this? Maya never liked our common fellows much. Regardless of what I was told when we went to speak with Yohime-sama, why was she tasked to look after a commoner? Even if his father is a member of Takahisa-sama's squadron… It is rare. She didn't even mind his displays of affection when we were coming here.
Shion is staring right at the door to the changing room. Seeing Maya being this supportive of a peasant, after how she's been acting these days… I gulp once and approach the little turquoise girl.
"Shion, you-"
"I know. Don't get angry, don't lose your poise. I know, Mana-sama." She folded her arms tightly and shook my hand off her shoulder.
"Shion, you shouldn't be like this. Maya has been tasked with this mission for a reason."
"…That boy is a peasant. What can he know? Why was he calling Sister in such a way?" She looks at me as her tone creaked like an old door that needed oil.
"You shouldn't judge a book by it's cover. I'm sure Maya can explain why this is the way it is."
"I wonder about that…" Kazora-sama said, folding his arms as he got closer. "It does look like you two are too soft."
"…Kazora-sama, whatever do you mean?"
"Heh… Do not play dumb, Mana." For a brief moment we stared at each other, his squinted eyes saying what Father said without pronouncing a single word. "Shion, face that peasant with all your might. Show Maya she's wasting her time with him."
"Yes, Father."
"…And what do you expect to gain from this course of action, Kazora-sama?"
"…My daughter. Maya should return to her duties as a Royal Guard, it is an embarrassment to the Tsukuyomi Family for her to be turned into nothing but the nanny of a baseborn. I am merely going to show her the boy doesn't belong here, that it is better for him to not involve himself further with the nobility. Shion… I am expecting you to perform as you should." The girl stood in attention, readiness in her stance as if she were to pounce upon prey at a moment's notice.
Shion will end up misguided… Mion is looking down, not saying anything. Sigh… What will Maya do when Takeru gets hurt by Shion? I do not believe the boy is as skilled as these two. Should I stop this? If I do… Kazora-sama will assuredly report my 'misconduct'. What do I do?
They come out of the room, Takeru is still complaining about the gear.
"I can't see well, Maya-nee. How can I train with this?"
"You'll get used to it eventually." She said as calmly as always.
"But why do I have to use a skirt? I'm not a girl."
"It's to conceal your legs' movements, Takeru. I shall tell you about it later in detail." She said, patting his headgear and leaving his side. "Well, should we start? Who will Takeru face first?"
"Shion shall be his opponent." Kazora-sama said, going towards a wall. "Let's see if this Shirogane is worth our time."
"I'm Takeru! Don't call me Shirogane." The boy loudly complained, moving a hand towards Kazora-sama. Maya sighed yet again.
"Very well. Takeru, you do remember what I told you?" He nodded at Maya twice in quick succession.
"Yeah, don't worry." Maya then handed him a bamboo sword and he took his pose, an unpolished version of Chudan.
As Maya comes to my side, I get closer and speak in a hushed tone.
"Maya, are you sure this will end well?"
"Of course not. However, Takeru is very stubborn. I doubt he'd give up even if Shion defeats him soundly in mere seconds." She said as he tapped her glasses.
"You sound… strangely confident in him."
"…Do I now? What do you mean?"
"It's as if… you had changed. You didn't speak in such a way when you were training Shion before."
"Well… I've learned a few lessons while I was away." She layed her eyes upon the boy, who was trying to do his pose well despite how uncomfortable he seemed to be.
"He might end up hurt. You know how aggressive Shion can be."
"Mana, there is no need to worry. I think… No, I am sure Takeru won't be intimidated by a few hits. He is in the protective gear, there is nothing to fear. Shion might have trouble with her temper but I refuse to think she would lose herself in anger to the point of harming someone." Well… It is true she hasn't injured anyone. So far. However, if she says as much…
"Well then… Begin!" I shout and Shion goes on the offensive not a moment later.
The boy barely manages to parry her first two attacks, but then Shion manages to break through him and delivers a strike to his chest. Takeru ends up on the floor, rolling to a side.
"Uuh… What was that?!" He loudly complained as he tried to get up.
"Is this all you can do?" Shion looked at him, resting her sword on her shoulder. "Sister, why is he so bad? He doesn't even know how to wield a blade!"
"Maya, if he's a novice I think it would be for the best if he didn't-"
"No Mana, you are mistaken." She narrowed her eyes at me, then she directed her gaze towards the boy. "Takeru, are you giving up?"
"No, I'm not!" He was already back on his feet, taking his pose again. "I didn't lose yet!"
"…You think you can defeat me?" Shion took some steps back, taking the Mugen Kidou stance this time.
"Maya, they boy might truly get hurt at this rate."
"Mana, I am thankful for your kindheartedness. However, you shouldn't underestimate Takeru. Defeats are more empowering than victories, after all." She said, smiling for a second.
"…How have you trained him? What is the secret to have such bond with your trainees?" If I could do the same with Mion… If I can show some results before this month passes… Maya, just what methods did you employ?
"I am afraid you are asking the wrong person." She said as she tapped her glasses.
"Eh?"
"Mana-sama, should we begin?" Shion asked, as impatient as ever.
"…Yes. Begin!"
…Takeru kept challenging Shion, yet he kept losing in mere moments to her. He was able to parry a few of her strikes by the end, but it couldn't be called a good result. That being said…
"One more time!" He got up once more, pointing his sword at Shion.
"Fine… Just one more." Shion returned to her position. I looked at Maya, who gave a nod, then I sighed and allowed them to begin yet another duel.
This time, however, Shion's attacks took a slower approach. Going for his left side, she delivers a softer than usual blow. Allowing Takeru to reply and attack for the first time, they start exchanging a few blows.
However, when Takeru when for a frontal strike Shion took a step back, just like Maya does, and then lowered her blade as she did. Pressing forward, she sent a rising slash at the boy. His sword knocked away, Takeru staggered backwards. Shion didn't let up the pressure however, and before we could stop her she took one step forward and sent a downwards attack at the boy. Hitting his head, she sent him into the floor.
"Shion!" Maya hurried along me to their side. "There was no need to push for another strike, you had already defeated him." As I scolded her she avoided my gaze.
"I merely did my best effort. Shirogane should have known when to quit, he should have seen I was better and that he stood no chance of winning."
"Shion is right, Mana." Kazora-sama said, smiling faintly. "This only proves the boy shouldn't be allowed to train with them, he would only hold them back."
"Kazora-sama, with all due respect, there is no reason for such hostility. This is setting an awful example for both Shion and Mion. Would you have them treat all peasants in this way?"
"…If they challenge us, we should remind them of why we have a position of privilege. Shirogane has nothing to do here, he shouldn't be allowed to train alongside us."
"…Father, did you order Shion to do this?" Maya slowly stood up, helping Takeru. I felt as if a trickle of cold water were running down my back. Maya's eyes were sharpened as blades towards her father.
"Do you have a complain, Maya?"
"Yes, I do. As Mana just said, it is embarrassing to see this… petty vision of yours and how you try to taint Shion with it. Should I report this to Yohime-sama?" Kazora-sama flinched at her words, his arms slowly undoing the cross they were in.
I couldn't help but to stare at her just like Shion was doing, Maya never contradicted her father before. Never, no matter how harsh he was nor what he was ordering her to do.
"Maya, what is wrong with you, my daughter? Can't you see he's but a peasant?"
"A peasant that managed to deflect the attacks of Shion after mere minutes of sparring with her."
"Anyone could parry a strike or two, we do not fight with deadly intent in our style."
"I have to agree with Kazora-sama, Maya." Feeling as if a chain was pulling at the nape of my neck, I could no nothing but lower my head as my lips moved to produce my words. "While I do think he doesn't deserve this treatment, I do not think it wise of you to wish for little Takeru to train here. This won't do him good." He'll end up like Mion if she forces him to train here. That sweet, kind boy… I do not wish to see him getting hurt. We should look over our fellows, and we shouldn't push unnecessary burdens onto them.
"Takeru is still not giving up. Isn't that right?" Maya's tone was brimming with confidence, with such fierceness as if she was a recently lit bonfire.
I looked at the boy and was surprised at his expression. Furrowing his brows and puffing his cheeks as much as he could, his nose full of wrinkles and his eyes returning Shion's gaze squarely.
"Yeah! That hurt a lot… But I'm not giving up! I just need to get better and that's it."
"…Just get better?" Mion perked up at his words. "You barely can lift your sword, what can you do against Shion?"
"Maybe not today, but someday I will win! I'm not giving up. You just wait, with Maya-nee training me I'll beat you one of these days Shion!"
Shion's hold on her blade again tightened, not longer able to stop it from shaking. Mion was left with her mouth agape, as I am, at the boy's defiance and sheer confidence. Or should I say foolishness? Maya remained as composed as usual, however.
"You heard him, Father. Takeru is not giving up yet. So, since he still wishes to train… I see no reason to not allow him to try."
"…You will make yourself responsible for him, I suppose?" Kazora-sama squinted his eyes at her, Maya nodded. "Then it's none of my business. Shion, one last match."
"…Yes." She again took her stance.
"Takeru, are you sure of this? You might get hurt." I do not know what is wrong with Maya, but I can't just let this continue. He's but a common kid… He might get injured.
"Don't worry Mana-nee, I'll be fine." He returned a smile my way, coiling his small hands into fists.
"…Mana-nee?" Mion again reacted at his words. She first took a glance at me, her lips trembling as much as a ladybug's wings when they fly, then she gazed at him, narrowing her brows in confusion. "Why do you call them in such a way? You're not related to us."
"Huh? Maya-nee is my sister and Mana-nee said it was okay." He simply answered. Such simplicity and warmness is something I would welcome in my daily life, however… someone wasn't that pleased with his answer.
"Pah! What have you been teaching him in this month, Maya?"
"Father, please keep quiet. The match should have began already. Mana, if you would." She glared at me, tapping her glasses with only one finger right in the middle.
"…Takeru, you truly wish to keep fighting?"
"Yeah, I'll keep trying!"
"…I see." I take a few steps back once more. "Then, take your stances… Begin!"
And again, Shion pressured Takeru with fast attacks. Yet, this time… Takeru kept his feet firmly planted on the ground and limited himself to just parry her attacks. I saw him moving his lips, opening them a bit… as if he were counting aloud.
Once Shion had to take a step back, he went after her in a frontal swing. Sadly, Shion could deflect his attack without much effort. Even if he is a boy Shion is probably in better shape than him, he won't be able to overpower her. In a fluid motion, Shion sent another upwards slash at him and got him off balance once more. However, he didn't let go of his sword and tried to not fall back. Shion had to settle for a hit to his chest again. She once more put too much force on her swing, the boy once more ended up on the floor.
…He could tell when Shion would take a step back. If… If he were on equal terms of skill… I look at Maya, who simply remained staring at him. The glint in her eyes told me she was as satisfied as when we used to finish our day of work. She… What did she teach him?
"See?! I'm better than you! I'm better!" Shion, who wasn't satisfied yet, raised her sword again ready to do a follow up but I reacted quickly and reached her side, grabbing the blade.
"Shion, there is no need to continue. You won, that is all." I could see her eyes taking the shape of those of a wolf from within her headgear.
"…I won. He should know when to quit. He's nothing but a peasant, he should pay for even trying to duel with-"
"Shion!" Maya raised her voice, making her sister fall silent. "It is disheartening to see how little you seem to retain of my teachings about poise."
Shion's hands slowly, oh so slowly, started shaking. They fell down as I loosened my grasp on her blade, free from any hostile intentions. Maya went to the boy's side as he tried to stand up.
"Takeru, you did well. I do think this was more than enough to prove your point." She helped him up as she held his hand, Takeru was groaning again. "Are you unhurt, Takeru?"
"Yeah… I'm fine, Maya-nee."
"Good. This last time you did better than before. It is good to see you remembered my advice about waiting for the right moment to attack." She took the headgear off him, ruffling the boy's long hair.
"…Why do you praise him?" Shion said as she removed her headgear. "Sister, why do you praise this peasant? He didn't do well, all he did was flail his blade around! I was the one who-"
"Shion, you didn't restrain your strength in front of a clear novice. And I see no changes in your technique. That is all."
Shion lowered her gaze as her hands started to shake once more. Shion has been always pursuing the best result she could achieve. To be told such words after these bouts, by Maya no less, must be a shock to her pride. A most odd tincture made it's way to my mouth, a taste of mint mixed with too much salt made me bit the inside of my lips as Shion was performing a great effort to not show her tears.
"Why do you scold me? I'm doing… my best…" She barely managed to squeeze out the words. Had I not been by her side, I would have missed them. Hanging her head, she tightly clutched her sword again.
…Could it be? Scolded… Wanting to be praised… When was the last time we praised Shion for something she did? We have been pushing them to be better, but when did we congratulate her efforts openly? Is she… the same as Mion? Do both of them look for our acceptance in their own way?
Then… if that's the case…
[Maya]
It is a shock, to see that Shion hasn't improved. Mana did tell me her temper was still giving her trouble, and I didn't expect her to treat Takeru well, but to show such aggressiveness? Mana is right, this will only make her resent our peasants. She'll end up as I used to be a month ago. I cannot praise her efforts, not when she has this attitude.
I inhale deeply, searching for a way to convey to her what Takeru taught me that night where I allowed my weakness to control me. Perhaps a talk in private before we leave would do her good, so that she can reflect on what she did.
"Shion, do not look so upset." Father said. "You fought as you usually do. Maya, I find it most odd. What could this boy gain from this? It is clear he isn't on their level."
"Father, I am Takeru's retainer. And so, I shall decide how I teach him. If you desire to speak of it, we could share a cup of tea later." I cannot allow Takeru to be put in his sights. He is very emotional, after all. And knowing him, he will probably speak up against Father if he were to get upset.
"…Yes, that is a good proposal. Should we be going? I doubt sparring with Mion will make a difference appear."
"I have to agree." Mana said as she caressed her hair. "Maya, I believe this was enough. Perhaps you could give Shion some advice regarding her endeavors? I believe she could use some time to speak with you now." Shion's head slightly arched up at her words, Mana gave her a pat in the back and then she took a few steps forward.
I inhale through my nose again and veer my gaze away from my sister's. She might misunderstand my words and I cannot explain to her why I am with Takeru. And until now my words weren't of use for her, I never managed to find why she fails to restrain her feelings. Not now, let her anger die down. Once she's calm again, then I'll approach her.
"Shion is still the same as she was, and I already have given her advice while she and Takeru fought. I have to speak with Father for the time being." Upon hearing my words, Shion's gaze again sank. Her shoulders also descended as slowly as a feather that had went on a ride with the winds of spring.
Sigh… Maybe I will have to speak with her before I leave. At the very least I need to bestow upon her what Takeru taught me. I cannot let her fall into the same hole I-
"Shion, you were amazing!"
I flinched at Takeru's voice. He had suddenly gotten closer to her and, after grabbing Shion's hands, he looked at her with a gaze that could stare right back at the sun.
"Huh? Amazing…" Shion remained still as Takeru shook her hands up and down with a smile on his face.
"Yeah, can you keep practicing with me when I come visit?" He asked her as earnestly as he usually does.
"…Why would I? You're just a peasant." She released herself from his grasp, folding her arms and looking away. Sigh… As much as I wish to stop him, perhaps this will do her good. If I can let her learn by interacting with him, it will be easier than to explain what I realized that night I hit him.
"But you're really good. I wanna get better so fighting with you will help a lot. Come on, don't be mean!" Takeru again got closer, perhaps a tad bit too close, and Shion was once more at a loss of words at his forwardness.
I threw a glance at Mana, shaking my head as I saw her moving towards them. She pursed her lips and nodded. Father, however, had a hand in his chin, some of his displeasure vanishing from his face.
"…I don't want to. You're weak, and you're just a normal person." Shion again looked away from Takeru's eyes as she released herself from his grasp.
"I'll get better then!"
"…You won't get better than me. I don't know why Sister is training you, but you're weak."
"Well, I'll do my best. And Maya-nee is with me, so it'll be fine." Shion's brows arched downwards at the words.
"Why does she have to stay with you? Leave Sister alone, you're a waste of time!" She pushed him back with quite some force. However, when I was about to scold her again… Takeru puffed his cheeks but didn't seem to want to fight with her.
"I'm not a waste of time. It's not my fault that you're awesome with a sword." He folded his arms and looked away, pouting. It's… endearing, how honest he is. Instead of getting upset, he's praising her honestly.
"…Awesome? Are you making fun of me?" Shion, who didn't understand commoner terms, took it as an insult as her frown got bigger.
"Shion, it means he thinks you're truly good. Takeru is praising you." Mana told her as she put a hand on Shion's shoulder. "He's only trying to be friendly with you."
"Yeah, that's true." He nodded at the words. "I wanna get better with a sword, so will you train with me?" He again got closer and stared at her with that shining gaze of his. Considering how he was around Yuuhi-sama I shouldn't be surprised.
"…Why? Why should I train with you? Why are you coming here?"
"Yohime-san told me it was okay." Did he just…
"Takeru!" I went to his side, pulling his ear. "How many times have I told you to be polite?"
"I used a -san this time, Maya-nee!"
"It's Yohime-sama for you, Takeru. You have to address her with the proper respect."
"But she didn't say anything when we talked."
"Stop being so contrarian." He puffed his cheeks at me, I cannot help but to sigh. "What am I going to do with you?" I let go of his ear, patting his head softly.
"Sister, why are you this kind to him? I am… I am your sister. Why are you with this boy? Why do you-"
"Shion, that matters not. You have your own mistakes to polish, as does Takeru. We shall be coming here every weekend to train. I hope you can start to act as you should when we do." Shion bit her lips as she hanged her head once more. I was about to say something else, but then Takeru pulled my sleeve.
"Maya-nee, why are you angry?"
"I am not."
"But you haven't praised her. She was awesome!" He narrowed his brows as he said that.
"But she was too aggressive." I know you are stubborn to a fault, but I can't let Shion keep going on like this. I will have to have a talk with her later.
"Yeah…" He rubbed his head as he narrowed his eyes. "But she still was awesome." He said, rising a fist to the air. "And why does she call you Sister? Your name is Maya."
"Takeru, that is the proper, formal way to refer to one's older sister." He squinted his eyes as he tilted his head.
"Why? Why can't Shion call you Maya-nee?"
To let Shion… Hmm… I suppose I could try to be closer to her and support her as I do with you. Perhaps some kindness will help her with her anger? Hmm… Would Father even allow me to? I do not wish to keep getting into arguments with him, considering how he sees you. And… she might begin to think less of me were I to suggest such a thing. Shion is very dedicated to her training after all.
"Well… That would be inappropriate. She should address me with respect." I tap my glasses again, Shion's eyes narrowed as I did. Once more, the ants march on my back at the sight of her face.
"But I call you Maya-nee all the time." Takeru didn't let go of the idea, however.
"That is true, however-"
"And why can't you praise her? She's your sister, right? She fought really, really well too!" Takeru again puffed his cheeks, my lips twisted slowly as I looked at him.
Giving you emotional support was my first hurdle to overcome… And I suppose you weren't only receiving said support this month. I do think Father will oppose this, quite strongly at that. Sigh… But Shion is my sister, and she… also needs me just like you do.
"…Fine, you are right." He smiled and then I went to Shion's side.
The little one slowly looked up at me, a foreign shiver running on my chest as I gazed at her. I slowly placed a hand atop Shion's head and caressed her hair. She flinched when I did, as I had never done this for her. Her eyes looked up at me, wide and surprised as they never were before while her mouth remained slightly open.
"You fought well Shion. You should still try to manage your temper, but it is clear you're still as sharp as you always were. You… must have been training with all your might to retain your edge with me gone."
"Yes… I have been doing my best, Sister." Returning my gaze, Shion's lips betrayed her mask and rebelled against her formal act, twisting their edges in hopes of drawing a smile. So she did need some kindness…
I gulp what clogged my mouth, though it was not physical what tormented my throat into constriction. You can say it, Maya. Even if Father is against it… there are things you have to teach her. I cannot fear their rejection, not when it's about my duties as both a retainer and a needs to be bestowed kindness without it being tied to her duties as a member of the Tsukuyomi family.
…Hm? Without it being tied to…
Who said those words to me? I squint my eyes, trying to recall. And then, as if it were so simple… I remembered. There was someone who used to give me such warmth when I was younger. Someone Shion never got to meet.
…Mother. Mother used to argue with Father about how harsh our training was. She used to comb my hair whenever I was resting from my bouts with Mana as we read some books. I… Why did I forget about it?
Shion… I never gave Shion anything of the sort. No one ever did. I inhale deeply to calm the raging salmons that were jumping at my heart from within, shredding themselves and my composure with every passing second.
Giving people strength with the power of love, huh? It seems your words held more weight than I gave them credit for, Takeru. In that case… There is only one path I should follow going forward.
"…I suppose you could call me Maya-nee, when we're within the walls of our house." I said, eyes closed as I tapped my glasses again while letting some air out softly.
"Huh? I can… Sister, do you mean it?" Her tone now incredulous, her gaze widening. I then crouched by Shion's side, still patting her head.
"Yes, I am your older sister after all. That makes me your guardian too, even if Father is with us. It is clear you have continued to excel while I was gone, Shion. I hope you can make an effort to calm that temper of yours, otherwise you're on the right path. Well done, my sister." Shion's eyes stared back at me unblinking, her lips folding inwards.
"I… Thank you, Si… M-Maya-nee?" Shion awaited my response, her legs slightly swaying and her lips tightly sealed. When I nodded at her words and ruffled her hair once more, Shion finally allowed herself to smile, even if it was as small as a spark. "I will keep doing my best. Will you train with me again, Si… Maya-nee?"
"Yes, I shall. I'll come on the weekends so please keep up the good work during the week."
"Eh? Why… Why can't you come back home? Why are you with that peasant?" Shion shot a glare at Takeru, who simply tilted his head again as he rose a brow at her.
"Shion, listen. Takeru might be a peasant but that doesn't make him any less important than anyone else. We train to protect and help our fellows, no matter their standing. Takeru needs me by his side for now. Can you help me train him, Shion?" I stopped petting her, stood up and tapped my glasses once more.
Shion looked down, bringing her hands together. Delaying an answer, she looked over at Takeru. Narrowing her eyes, her lips plucked a bit. She finally looked at me again, her brows still low.
"If you want me to, I'll help you. Maya-nee…" She grabbed one of my hands as she came a bit closer. "…Will you look over my tests before you leave?"
"I suppose I could. Could you keep Takeru company while I speak with Father?"
"…Yes, if you so want I will do it."
"You won't be harsh or rude to him?"
"No, I won't. I promise." Seeing she was being honest, going by how she held my gaze, I patted her head one last time before turning around.
"Takeru, let's go get you changed."
A few minutes later.
(Tea Room.)
[Mana]
Sitting by Maya's side with Kazora-sama in front of us both, each of us drank some tea that was just served. I looked at my cousin, who returned her usual blank, cold stare.
"Well then…" Kazora-sama spoke up. "Maya, can you explain yourself? What is the meaning of this? Why are you content with being the nanny of a peasant?" The moon had appeared, the wolves howled deep into the forest of his complexion.
"I am not a mere nanny, Father. I am Takeru's retainer. I suppose Yohime-sama has informed you of why I've been entrusted with this mission."
"Yes, she did allow me to discuss it with you." He lowered his cup, groaning for some moments.
"Excuse me, but I still don't know what's going on here." Maya finished drinking and looked at me.
"As it turns out Takeru's father is a member of Takahisa-sama's squadron." Yes, that was what I was told just as we arrived. "Due to his mother passing away, his father wished to quit his post in the Guard to be by his son's side."
I don't know how to feel about that. On one hand, I can understand his feelings. Being the one who looks after Mion and Shion, I can sympathize with his intentions of caring for his son. On the other, I feel somehow… betrayed. To leave us in such short notice, despite how hard this situation must be on him, is nothing short of a betrayal to the trust we placed on the man. He could have hired a caretaker to look after little Takeru. Wait… Maya is Takeru's retainer now… So, how did this happen? She then tapped her glasses before continuing.
"However, Takahisa-sama wished him to stay in his post, and so he requested someone be sent to his son to look after him. Yohime-sama simply chose me to take that role."
"You are the last person I would think of to perform such a task." I say as I caress my hair.
"Do you have a complain, Mana?" She narrowed her eyes at me as she usually did in our bouts.
"No, it's just… You never liked to be near the peasantry. What made you change your mind?"
"That is a good question indeed, Mana. Could you explain yourself, Maya?" Kazora-sama then picked up his cup and drank without letting go of Maya's gaze.
"Well, one could say…" She closed her eyes, taking a deep breath. "I learned a valuable lesson during my stay in Hiiragi. Father, Takeru taught me we should not be so harsh towards commoners. Nothing good will be gained through such actions. So I must ask you, why do you oppose him so strongly?"
"…Commoners and nobles should not mix. Maya, I have taught you that since an early age. The boy doesn't belong here."
"The same could be said for his father, yet he's one of our best pilots." I say, gaining Kazora-sama's frown on me. "When I asked around after my return, I was told many things about him. But regardless of the rumors about his manners, everyone agreed that Kageyuki Shirogane is one of our best men."
"…Even so, his son's situation is a different one. The boy should be left alone in his life, we should not grow too used to mingling with the peasants. Should we do so, we one day might falter when confronted with a problem that has no easy solution." Me and Maya frown at his words. "What could he gain from this? What good will it do to him to come here to be soundly bested time and again? What do Mion and Shion gain from this 'training'? Nothing, that's what this leaves to all of us."
"Father, I am sure you saw how Shion reacted to his praise." He grimaced at Maya's words. "Shion needed recognition. We never tried being kind to her, we only evaluated her based on her performance in school and in the trainings. If not for Takeru, I doubt I would ever have tried to bequeath her with kindness and simple praise. It is clear she needed us to be by her side, not only physically."
"If I may add, I believe Mion also needs the same. Seeing her reaction to Maya's talk with Shion, how she couldn't stop staring and twiddling her thumbs together while twisting her lips, I believe our faults have met an answer at last. Mion and Shion require us to be more than mere teachers to them, they need us as family as well."
He folded his arms, groaning. After a moment, stroking his beard and looking upwards he let out a long, heavy sigh.
"I am sure you know who we are. We cannot be flaccid in our teachings. We need you four to be as strong as you can as the guardians of the Koubuin House."
"And we also should be able to guide our lords in all matters that they might need. Shion cannot do so in her current condition and Mion also won't be able to do so if she doesn't gain some confidence." Maya nodded at my words, making her father squint his eyes even more.
"Mana, the one who has been watching over them, believes we should proceed in this way. Father, is an opportunity so much to ask of you?" Maya then silently returned her father's gaze.
"…If Yohime-sama allowed it, my opinion doesn't matter. However, you two will be responsible for anything that might happen. If Shion and Mion lower their performance, if the boy is unnecessarily hurt, you two will be made to bear the punishment. Even so, why must you stay with the boy Maya? Why can't his father hire a caretaker himself?" I also look at her, she moves her fringe out of her face as she waited a moment to answer.
"Well, Yohime-sama said she was entrusted by Takahisa-sama with the duty of choosing a caretaker. So if you have any complains, you could voice them to her, Father." The man again grimaced, grabbing his cup and drinking.
"That I shall do. That will be all. You can leave."
"You… do not wish to discuss anything with me, Father?"
"You seem to be in good health. That's all I need to know."
"Maya, shall we be going?" I said as I stood up. She nodded and after we bowed to Kazora-sama we left the room.
Walking towards the room where the kids were taken to, I sigh loudly after some steps.
"You seem unusually tense, Mana."
"Can you blame me? I have never seen you contradict your father. What happened to you, Maya?" She looks down, slowly relaxing her gaze.
"What do you speak of?"
"Please… What has made you change your mind in such a way?"
"I… Could you keep a secret?" I nod. "One day, Yohime-sama called the house." She stopped walking, closing her eyes. "I had believed she had kicked me out of the Guard due to her words."
"Huh? You, kicked out? Why did you even ponder such a thought?" She of all people getting kicked out? Preposterous, how could she ever reach such a conclusion?
"Well, you see… I didn't take the orders well at first."
"I see… Yes, considering how hard you trained I can see how hard you could take it." It is a surprise she even accepted the orders, to be honest. "Then, how… What made you change?"
"That night… I cried." Maya's eyes wander away, her shoulders descend in synchrony with her chest. She… She cried? Maya? Crying? "Takeru saw me and tried to ask me why I was sad. I was most upset at the situation I was in. I couldn't control my emotions… and I hit him."
"Huh?! Maya you… You hit a children?" Seeing her bitter smile as she winced made me feel as if I had just swallowed a thousand needles. Maya… never allowed her emotions to surface in her complexion. Just… What vile parasite had nested itself on her heart?
"I did. He cried loudly his pain out, and yet in the end he apologized. He simply… didn't want to be alone. I cannot explain what it felt like, hearing him pleading me not to leave him in between his tears." I lick my lips over, inhaling slowly, as Maya chuckled for some reason. "Takeru taught me how foolish I was being. I looked down on him, I didn't try to understand his woes, and I leashed out to him to ease up my own suffering. Yet, he didn't scream at me, he didn't grew resentful. I'm sure you realized it on the way here but he's… perhaps too kind for his own good." Maya tapped her glasses and returned to her usual demeanor.
"So… What happened after that?"
"I promised to aid him earnestly, and since then he did many efforts to be better." We resumed walking towards the room. "He still gave me many troubles, mind you. However… I started to see good traits in him, despite his manners. Since then I started to see him and our neighbors differently with the passing of the days. And…" Closing her eyes, she again played with her hair. "As shameful as it is to admit, I do believe he wasn't the only one who received help during this month."
"What do you mean? Don't you tell me you enjoy his hugs, Maya." I was merely poking fun at her… Yet, she closed her eyes and nodded. "…Are you being serious?"
"I hadn't pondered it until moments ago, however… No one ever bestowed such kindness towards me. Not since… Mother died."
"…I see. Yes, since they passed away… our fathers have not been the same."
"At first I was truly upset when he kept hugging me out of the blue. However, for some reason, I stopped complaining at some point. It is shocking, to be honest. I hadn't made the connection but… To act like a family, to be by my sister's side made me remember Mother. I suppose Takeru simply noticed how sad I truly was, how fixated I was on my duty and tried to be kind with me."
"…He sounds like a good boy."
"He is, despite his manners."
"I suppose that means you wish to give that same kindness to Shion?"
"No, not only to Shion. As retainers, we also need to provide emotional support to our rulers. They won't be able to openly show their feelings, so it falls to us to accompany them in their privacy if they were to require guidance when their hearts are afflicted."
"It's good to see we finally agree on something, then." I finally relax and allow a smile to form.
"Indeed. Then, what do you plan to do regarding Shion?"
"That's what I want to ask. I do think having Takeru visiting them may do them good, but Father only gave me a month to prove to them that we can train them differently."
"I see…" Maya closed her eyes and rearranged her glasses as she thought and we took a turn. "Mana, what day is today?"
"Huh? Today? Isn't it March 18th? Why do you ask?"
"What happens in a week's time?" She asked as she looked into my eyes. One week from now… That would be the-
"Oh! Shion's birthday is next Saturday. Are you coming to visit her then too?"
"Yes, however I believe… Takeru might have an idea to help you." She joined her hands together again, stoic and composed unlike that small inkling of shine that was present in her voice now.
"So you think he can help us with the little ones?"
"Considering our talk with Yohime-sama before we went to train with you, I believe our sisters need a… friend. I'm sure that Takeru can make Mion realize how good she truly is and give Shion someone who she doesn't need to compete against. With him simply being himself and us watching over them, I'm of the opinion he can be that presence that they lack in their life. Someone who they don't need to be on their guard all the time."
"…It's truly nice to see how you've changed, Maya."
"What do you mean?" She now lowered her brows at me.
"Well, I never would have thought you would consider someone's feelings so throughly."
"I am more than capable of such a feat, Mana." She narrowed her eyes at me, I smiled at her.
"That seems to be the case."
"Why are you smiling in such a way?"
"I'm just… happy to not be alone in this anymore." I stop walking, looking upwards.
"Mana? What do you mean?"
"Well… Father hasn't been very… supportive of my ideas as of late. I'm working until night all the time, I haven't seen those two improve at all since you left… I'm glad to see I can count on you two helping me now."
"…Were you that preoccupied?"
"To be frank, yes, I am. Seeing Shion lost in anger from time to time, seeing Mion's gaze sinking deeper every day…"
Feeling the food clogging my stomach, unable to properly sit down to eat as work kept piling up. Constantly arguing with Father and Kazora-sama about my teaching methods. Seeing Meiya-sama trapped in the basement, hearing what is said of her by Father every time I made a report.
"At times it feels as if I were trying to reach the stars by climbing a mountain, only to realize that they where farther away than I thought as I reached the summit. Unable to aid Mion and Shion or have my words reach them, as if I was left on the shore and they sailed away to the horizon, Father's acceptance equally distant… I truly feared you would agree with them." I said letting some air out, feeling the trickle of cold water all over my back as it did during my training on that mountain.
"You… feared it?"
"Yes… If you agreed to them, Shion would follow your example. If she did so, nothing I could do would be enough to aid Mion with her self-esteem. It is truly a relief, to see you share my thoughts." I smile at her honestly, Maya's brow furrow slightly.
"I see… I never noticed you were under such pressure while I was here."
"No, while you were here I was managing fine. Who do you think is doing your share of work while you're gone?"
"Wait, you aren't getting any help?"
"We don't really have any hands to spare for the work you used to do. I do not know how you managed to file all those reports on time."
I frankly don't. Not only I can't read your handwriting but those odd signs and drawings you use to sort the reports are simply beyond my understanding. And that's not delving into what I had to do when your program stopped working all of a sudden. The code you wrote to automate the mails and computer related tasks you did is simply beyond my understanding.
"Well, you'd do well in learning how to automate the simpler tasks." Look at you, taking pride in having your code in such disarray.
"Sigh… Well, in any case it is good to hear you're on my side for this. Can you tell me what Takeru might suggest for Shion's birthday?"
"If he reacts the same as before… I believe he'll suggest us to bring a cake and presents for her." Maya said as she caressed her fringe.
"Cake? Oh, maybe I should bake one myself?"
"Hmm… That would make it more personal, I suppose. I do not recall if Shion liked such sweet food however."
"I am sure she will be pleased, and since a cake can be shared we could try to have her give some to Mion. Perhaps then they could use that to start becoming closer." Maya nods at my words. It is truly good to see we can now talk in this way. Finally, with a long sigh in the middle, the boulders that were bound to my shoulders eased up their hold on me.
"In any case, I am sure Takeru will insist on having cake on her birthday. I will leave it to you if you can do it, but if you don't have the time do contact me. I may not be as good a baker as you but I can manage."
"Hmm… Yes, receiving a cake from you would be the best present Shion could ask for now. I will let you take care of that then." Considering all I have to do I won't have the time.
However, I should prepare in advance for Mion's birthday. I am sure she will be happy, and if I can show her how much she means for me that will do wonders for her confidence. And if Shion can also start to be a bit more supportive towards her I'll be able to prove to Father that there are other pathways available to us in regards to their training.
Approaching the room where the children should be, an attendant came to our side and gave us a bow.
"Tsukuyomi-sama, we have been awaiting you."
"Thank you for your hard work. How are the children?"
"They seem to be fine. We brought some sushi for them to eat just moments ago."
"Sushi?" Maya's brow's twitched. "By any chance, did you bring natto rolls to them?"
"Yes, I believe some were brought to them."
"Maya, what is this about-"
"Who is watching over the children as of now?" Maya took a step forward, the attendant lowered his gaze at the sharp tone of her words.
"I was watching over them, but I was told you were arriving shortly and they were behaving well so-"
"You left Takeru. Alone in that room. With natto rolls near him?"
"Maya, what's the matter?"
Before I could react, she dashed to the door. And as we entered, we saw little Takeru sulking on a chair as he ate a natto roll. He looks so cute…
"Oh, Maya-nee! Where were you?" Noticing us, he came to our side.
"Takeru, how many of those did you eat?" Hm? Why is she so worried about that? Little Takeru's brows arched as he looked away.
"…Just a few of them."
"Shion, how many did he eat?" Maya asked her sister, she got closer as she had her arms folded.
"He ate most of them. Only two or three are left. I cannot understand how he could eat so much with the smell they have." Shion grimaced at Takeru, who puffed his cheeks at her.
He ate… most of them himself? Maya pulled his ear and he started complaining.
"Takeru, what did I told you about moderation?"
"They told me I could eat them if I wanted to!"
"Just because you can do something doesn't mean you should. Your stomach is going to hurt much later." Maya released him and glared at him. He looked away as he rubbed his ear.
"But they were tasty…" Aww… Just look at those eyes…
"Maya, I believe you could be a bit more lenient with him?"
"I am his retainer, Mana."
"Well, but you could try to be less abrasive in your scolding."
"If I do, he wouldn't mend his mistakes."
"Were I his retainer, I would approach him in a more patient, understanding way. I fail to see what good will pulling his ear do for little Takeru."
"…Thank you kindly for your suggestion. However, I will teach Takeru in the way I find most appropriate."
"Hey, aren't you going to eat?" Takeru pulls Maya's sleeve, breaking the clashing of our stares.
The children were taken to a small living room where guests usually wait before meetings, they had some tables, a few sofas and a bookshelf filled with varied offerings. Some food was still on one table, and we sat down and ate for a moment. I couldn't help to notice how the boy seemed unwilling to look at the girls for some reason. Mion and Shion had opted to sit in front of him, they were also avoiding looking at him.
"Takeru, what is the matter? It is rare for you to be so quiet." Maya said as she looked at him, he remained sulking however.
"…I lost all the times."
"Lost? At what?" I asked but soon got my answer as he pointed towards another table. A Shogi board was set up, some pieces already moved.
"I won all the matches. He is severely lacking in his Shogi skills." Shion said, arms folded and with an air of superiority as if she were merely gazing at an animal doing tricks to her whim.
"Even I could beat him without much trouble." Mion said before drinking some water.
"But I then bested you too." Shion quickly retorted.
"Shion, do not act in such a way." Maya directed a gaze at her, Shion tensed up and sat straight as she did. "You should always remain humble regardless of your results. Now, why don't you try your luck against me?"
"Truly?" Shion quickly dropped her edge, happily moving to the table to spar against Maya.
I instead moved to sit near the still sulking boy. Looking at him, he looks so innocent. To think Maya hit him… Even if she felt left out, how could she harm such a cute boy? Look at him, who would ever harm such a sweetheart? It's the same with Meiya-sama, I cannot comprehend why people would scorn them.
"Say Takeru…" I say and he looks at me. "Have you ever played Shogi before?"
"Yes, a few times with Maya-nee."
"I see. Did you have fun as you played?"
"Yeah… But I lost." He slightly puffed his cheeks.
"Well, you can always try again. By the way, did you know that next Saturday is Shion's birthday?"
"Eh? Really?" His eyes immediately regained light as he rose, all displeasure cleared from his face as if a sudden wind had banished all clouds from the skies. "Are you having a party?"
"Party?"
"Yeah, a birthday party. Like with books, and music, and cake. What are you going to give her as a present?" So Maya was right.
"Hmm… That's going to be a secret."
"Huh? Why?" Hehehe… He really does look cute when he furrows his brows like that.
"Well, it's not going to be a surprise if she knew, right?"
"Ooh… Yes, you're right."
"Well, you will come visit next Saturday, won't you?"
"Yeah! Ah… I can come, right? The old people won't get mad?"
"No, it is alright. So, you'll be here for her birthday?"
"Yes, I will. Thanks for inviting me, Mana-nee." He then got closer from his seat and gave me a hug. Uuh… Patting his back and feeling his small hands on me pikes at the stones on me, sending them crashing away from my body. If only I could do the same for… Hm?
"Say Takeru, what do you say of playing some games with Mion while Maya is busy?"
"Are you sure? She didn't seem to have fun with me."
"Mion, would you like to play something now?"
"Eh? Play?" Mion was sitting some distance away from us, her hands joined by her lap. Again, looking down and expressionless as usual.
"Yes, why don't we play some Shogi? Or would you like to play something else?" I went to her side, trying to pat her head. However, my hands halted as I once more saw her tense expression as if she were frozen in place.
"No… I don't want to bother you, Sister. Please rest easy, I am fine."
"Why is she calling you that?" Takeru came to my side and peeked at Mion with his brows furrowed.
"…That is how I should call Sister. I am not as rude as you."
"I'm not rude, I'm friendly. So, you wanna play something else, Mion?" He also got closer, Mion's gaze trailed towards her own lap as her lips formed a line.
"I am fine. And please, do not call me by my name. You're not my family."
"Then can we be friends?"
"…Friends? What is that?"
"You know… Friends. People you have fun with." Takeru scratched his head as he tried to explain it to her with his clumsy words, to which Mion only furrowed her brows as she tilted her head.
"Mion, it won't do you any harm to spend some time with us, right?" She looks at me and, after her hands shuffle around themselves, she gave a nod.
"If you're not busy…"
"Then let's play something!" Takeru grabbed her hand and got her off the seat.
Mion's eyes widened yet she didn't release herself. Takeru said we should play something other than Shogi, however we do not have any toys or games to speak of here. On his suggestion, we instead played a guessing game with one of the books we had on the room where we were. I had grabbed a book about some of our traditional stories and he managed to guess many times before Mion when I asked them about our folktales.
"How can you not know what happens to Issun Boshi?"
"I haven't read the story in a long time." Mion answered in her polite voice, still as stiff as ice.
"I mean… What do you do to have fun, Mion?" Mion's gaze fell down at his question, my heart feeling a pressure tantamount to having a blade riveted on my throat. I delayed a breath as her eyelids descended and her shoulders tried to make themselves smaller.
"…Fun? I… I am busy studying for school and practicing my swordplay. I do not have time to slack off."
"Mion, relaxing for some moments isn't slacking off. I myself read some manga from time to time. I believe it would do you good to find a hobby you like."
"No… Sister, I am behind in my lessons. Father would be most upset at me."
"That is not true, Mion. Haven't you been doing your best efforts in school and in the dojo all this time?"
"I'm not good enough, Sister."
"Why? You're good in Shogi and you fight with Shion all the time, right? You must be really good then!" Takeru comments with a smile.
"Maybe to you, but I can't best Shion yet. I always lose in our practice at the dojo."
"But you're not giving up. Only one can win so it's not that bad to lose from time to time."
"Eh? Only one can win?" Mion pondered his words for a moment, seeing how Mion's lips plucked at him… I could use this to get her out of her cage.
"Yes, only one can win. Losing doesn't make you bad." He said as he rose a fist again.
"Even so, I can never give her a good duel."
"Mion, think about what Takeru told you. If you were to best Shion once, would that mean she wasn't doing enough in her training?"
"Huh? I… Um…"
"Can you see it? Were she to lose, Shion would still have her good grades in school, like you do as well. Honing each other together does not mean only one has to win, doesn't it? If only one could triumph over the rest there would be no point in training all four of us to work together. We all are to cooperate so there isn't a single winner in the long term. Would you not agree?"
"I suppose…"
"I don't know why you're so down, you just gotta try again until you win!" Takeru told her, getting closer and grabbing her hands. "I mean, I lost super bad with I'm still going to try. You just gotta do your best until you win. But you can't overworry or get sad. That's why you should have fun once in a while."
"…Please release my hands. You don't know how hard it is, to fight with Shion." She looks away, her head hanging lower once more.
"I got hit in the head today. And I could barely do anything. You're better than me, right?" She nods slowly. "Can you actually hit her sometimes?"
"Yes, I can. But I always lose in the end."
"Then you just gotta hit her harder!" He released her and rose his tiny fists upwards.
"Huh? Harder?" Mion opened her eyes at his simple advice.
"Yeah, if you can only hit her once then that hit has to count!" He furrowed his brows and puffed his cheeks. "If you can only hit her a few times, then you gotta win with those hits!"
"…If I can only hit a few times… then I have to win with those few hits…"
"Mion, his words do have some merit behind them." I pat her shoulder, caressing the back of her head as she looked at me. "You don't have to do the same that Shion does. You can fight how you find it most comfortable. Me and Maya don't use the same approach after all."
"Truly?"
"Yes, that is the case." I pat the top of her head like Maya did, Mion seems to be shaking a bit. "Why don't we practice together in my style, to see if you find it useful?"
"Would it be alright? I don't want to trouble you."
"You're no trouble, my sister. Would you like to train, just the two of us together?" Usually, she would have receded inside her shell. However, she now was tapping her fingers together, her lips twisting. She finally returned my gaze, the small flickering of a candle blistering behind the thick layer of ice that had covered her eyes as of late.
"Um… If you're not busy…"
"Of course I'm not. Do we have an agreement?"
"Yes… Yes, we do." She finally nodded. She agreed to do something new. Sigh…
"So, aside from your studies, how do you have fun?" Takeru asked again.
"Well, I read mangas." Seeing Mion was still unwilling to answer, I did so myself. "What do you do, Takeru?"
"I read folktales with a friend back home. There's also a book of poetry I got for my birthday that I haven't read in a long time. And that giant book of the monkeys and that weird island." He puffs his cheeks as he said the last one. Mion put a finger to her lips, narrowing her brows.
"Monkeys? Oh, do you speak of the Malediction of Monkey Isle?"
"Yeah, that one! It's so long… I'm not even near half of it and I've been reading it for a long time too." He folds his arms as he pouts.
"Mion, do you know of that book?"
"Yes, we were once asked to read a foreign book that was translated into Japanese and that series of books was in the list of options. It was a large book so I didn't choose it, but it did seem interesting. Shirogane, what do you think of the book?"
"Ta-ke-ru, call me Takeru. That's my name."
"Um… It would be rude for me to call you by your name."
"But aren't we friends?"
"Well… Sister? What do you think?"
"It won't harm you, at the least." He looks at him, Takeru smiles at her and she looks down, tapping her fingers together. She finally nods at him. Uuh… They look so cute… I take a deep breath to calm myself down before speaking up. "So Takeru, what do you say of talking about it with us? Maybe you could bring those books here when you come visit and read them with Mion?"
"Oh! Yeah, I'll do that if Maya-nee lets me bring it. Then we can eat cake as we read it."
"…Cake? Sister, what is that?" Mion tilted her head as she folded her arms.
"Mion, you… don't know what that is?"
"No, I do not. What kind of food is it?"
"Oh, it's really sweet!" Takeru said, again getting a tad bit too close to Mion. "It has all this cream, and it's really soft, and it also can have strawberries and chocolate!"
"I see… Is it really that good?" She asked, curiously leaning forward.
"Yeah! It's super tasty!"
"Well, you'll get to try it next weekend. Should we read some books until Maya finishes her duel?" Takeru nodded in an instant, whereas Mion hesitated as her hands fumbled together.
"Um… Sister, would it be alright to have fun?"
"Of course it is. Shion is also relaxing now, right?" We all look at the table were the turquoise ones were.
It looks like they just began another match. Shion no longer has that roughness in her movement, that tint in her eyes as if she was always ready to fight. Now it looked as if she finally was calm enough to properly practice her calligraphy or do some origami.
"See? Shion is also taking a break. So you should do so too, Mion." She nodded as she looked at her cousin. "You are reading the book Takeru will bring next week with him, right?"
"Um… If he doesn't mind…"
"I don't, so let's read it together." He again gave her a handshake with a bright smile. "Next time I come I'll bring that large book and we'll read it together as we eat some cake. So don't be so down, Mion."
"Why do you insist on calling me by my name?"
"I mean… Aren't we friends?"
"…We could be, but… Why?"
"What do you mean, why? I just wanna be your friend. If you wanna read with me then you're my friend, Mion. So, what do you want to read now?"
He and Mion debated for a moment on what to read next. She was still being polite to him but she had dropped her tension. I watched their exchange and then we all read the book they chose together.
How thankful I am to you, Takeru. I am blessed for you to have come aid me right in this moment. I surely hope you can be a good friend to both Mion and Shion.
I do wonder if Mion will like the cake Maya brings, but at the least she might be able to enjoy reading with you. If Shion can stop being so aggressive with you, maybe you'll finally be able to smile again. And who knows? Maybe she'll be interested in that book and I can use that to make them get along from now on.
Regardless, he's really funny to be around. I can see why Maya likes you so much, he is not very polite but he is very attentive, in his own way. And I am glad Maya thinks like I do regarding our sisters. I can only hope Shion's birthday goes well, for both of them.
The only thing that is left piking at my heart is… If only I could give Meiya-sama a good friend like you, Takeru… I only she could have one person she could treat as her equal…
