Henlooo! Dunno if I'll be regretting this message later but meh-meh. This story is long. However, it was supposed to be longer. Thankfully, I fell in love with writing and now I know what to do after I finish this fic, I'll probably bring this up at some point again but the point is...Easter Eggs? Hints? DEATH FLAGS? Enjoy the chapter and as always, thank you for reading!
Waking up to the humidity of the Ikayuman weather that greeted him forcefully, Cobalt sits up immediately and takes a heavy whiff of the sweet scent in the room. It smelled like a bakery and already Cobalt knew he was back home thanks to the nostalgic aroma. There were some extended family that were a part of the household that baked plenty of desserts that used to delight him when he was younger. Having arrived so late yesterday, he didn't get the chance to greet most of the household and instead they were welcoming him with a delicious creation. Letting out a big yawn and scratching his head, already he could hear his cousins-particularly the very young children who were probably out playing in the yard. He stops and looks at himself in the mirror before leaving, observing his facial features and staring deeply into his own red irises that swirled around his black pupil. He felt chills just from looking at his serious face and quickly tried to force a smile, but a forced smile only made him look scarier.
Why am I so tense?
He thought to himself as he looked at his hands. It would be the first time he'd see everyone since either his exile, or his return and plea in front of Teitsu. He was nervous to see the entire household again and who'd still welcome him after his shameful past, though based on the previous night it seems everyone has moved on from that, so he should as well. The murder of nearly a hundred men from the other day still sat squarely in his mind, guilt seeping into his conscience as he thought about the families of those shinobi that didn't see their loved ones return home. He didn't need to kill them and yet he did. Also, on his mind was the conversation he had with his uncle from last night. Although nothing important was said, it was the tone and latent message behind the casual talks that had Cobalt in an extrasensory state. His uncle's tone sounded like that of a shark that smelled blood in the water that found its prey to snap the neck of. Cobalt was in danger if he ever kept his guard down for even a moment, that much his uncle assured him based on his tone.
Putting on some yard clothes, Cobalt opened the sliding the door and peeked out into the polished wooden hallway that was so clean he could see his reflection in the floor despite there being no formal light in the area he resided. He could hear the indistinct chatter of people nearby that were probably the servants gossiping. With the Tokugawa Selection happening tomorrow, all that was left for him to do was to take the day off and rest. Training wouldn't be necessary since he had enough determination and trust in his polished arsenal to have no worries about his opponents, not to mention having killed near a century of men just days prior. Though he made that mistake the other day, Cobalt knew not to lose his composure in the selection since his opponents were on the same skill set, some even higher than his.
"Oh...Ao. You're up rather early." Saya bowed as her cousin brushed by, not even giving her a glance. Just as she thought, she went too far in her aggression last time and rubbed him the wrong way. In her mind, he hated her and was raring to go for the selection where their fated duel as the two strongest Tokugawa children awaited.
Cobalt stopped in his tracks once he sensed the melancholy in his sister, it was sudden, but he could tell when someone was sad thanks to the many years he spent with Tangie. Turning around to look at her, all he saw was a girl clasping together her hands as though she was praying. "What do you want." Cobalt said abrasively.
"I know what I said last time, and I'm sorry. My intentions weren't to ruin our relationship as family."
Cobalt lowered his chin and glared at Saya. He knew all along that Saya's behavior from last time seemed unnatural, but her words struck him like a knife. Even if she didn't truly mean what she said, he'd have to be on guard around her. She was unpredictable and too close to his level of skill to be underestimated. "I know it is uncle's influence that has you like this. However, it is unbecoming for you to be this way." He said solemnly as he crossed his arms, highlighting several positive traits about her that he found she didn't show in their previous encounter.
"What?" she responded, slightly creeped out by Cobalt's precise analysis of her.
"Don't apologize for something you believe in. That's what I'm trying to say..."-Cobalt remembered the determination in her eyes and just like her facial expression that day, her copied that- "If a samurai loses their way of protecting what they believe, then no longer can they call themselves a samurai." he spoke with experience heavy in his tone. Even though Saya had turned into his enemy, he still had an obligation to look after her since he saw a lot of himself in her.
Saya nodded, understanding where her cousin was coming from; he had lost his way as a samurai once, but now he found it-only to cast it aside yet again. Although Saya was just a tool of her father in his plans to completely change the landscape of the east, even she had her own concept of why she had to keep living. She had to live for the future her mother couldn't be a part of. Being responsible for her mother's death, Saya's main purpose in life was to live a life that she knew her mother would be proud of. Death wasn't an option for her. Cobalt knew as much from the time they were children, and from there was why he always treated her differently.
Cobalt takes out a thick hair band and proceeds to tie his hair back, "Now Saya, what else do you have to tell me. I can almost smell that you have something else on your mind." he said in his usual respectful tone.
Saya's hands disappeared behind her back as her gaze casted down at the wooden floor, "I was just about to visit Nohr-chan. Uh...would you like to come along? I know she'll be enthralled by your appearance."
Cobalt kept his stare on her but gave no answer. Letting silence be his answer, he looked over at the huge yard before him and gave himself time to think. Looking at the ponds and rivers, the gardens, and the kids that played over in the fields, he turned back to his cousin with an answer in mind. Meanwhile in the main hall where Teitsu sat with his three sons Kagetoki, Ryuuichi, and Kenji, the three were having their breakfast together. Since this would be the morning before the big event, the sons were sharing their morning with their father and minus their sister-their father's favorite. The sons didn't have a great relationship with Teitsu since from their perspective, he was nothing, just a maniac obsessed with catching up to the ghost known as their uncle Arosuke. His obsession was thicker and went deeper than the surface.
"Bone chilling to think that this time tomorrow, we'll be enemies." Kagetoki muttered while looking over at his brother Ryuuichi, who was wolfing down the food in a hurry.
"Don't get too arrogant. We still have plenty of ninja and samurai to face from other clans before worrying about ourselves. As long as one of us comes out on top is all that matters." Kenji said.
"Speak…*gobble gobble* for *gobble* yourself!" Ryuuichi said as his chopsticks tapped on the bowl, his mouth sucking all the food in like a vacuum.
"At the selection, I expect all of you to emerge from the first stage. In the second stage is where you each will have to pull your own weight. Hopefully the semifinals will be an all-Tokugawa showdown.
After Saya's offer to go and see Norh, Cobalt joined. Of course, there was minimal conversation between the cousins as they walked into town together to meet with Saya's best friend, who was over at a bookstore in the heart of town. Town was busy. From the many street vendors selling fruits, vegetables, and even clothes, to the roadside performers that played music on their shamisen with another singing a melancholy melody. The streets were crowded with youth but there were also plenty of older faces as they entered the marketplace; knowing he would no longer be just a regular face that could blend in, Cobalt's face stiffened. A few minutes pass by and afterwards the duo come across the bookstore that Saya mentioned. Entering inside, they hear a cheerful girl call them from the side and look over to find the redhead girl with peachy red cheeks, an upbeat smile, and two dazzling buns that always did a flip, welcome them-waving her hands. Saya gave a smile and waved back, but Cobalt kept on his guard.
"Morning!" She bowed with radiance; they returned the greeting. "Ahhn~! I was wondering when you guys would reach. I heard from Saya that you were joining us Ao-senpai, but are you sure you want to spend the entire day with two younger girls?" she said while making a huge clap with her hands.
"It is not a bother for me, Norh-chan. Once Saya told me that she was meeting you, I had to come." he smiled brightly, closing his eyes.
Norh couldn't take her eyes off of him, "Aww, you're still as sweet as always."
Cobalt gave a slight chuckle as he crossed his arms-his sleeveless biceps flexing naturally, "And I see you still have that charming smile as well."
Norh blushed, "O-oh, thanks..."
"Watching the two of you makes me feel like I'm going to throw up." Saya said while gagging; Norh laughed and patted Saya on the back, her smile masking her underlying demonic side. She didn't want Saya ruining her reunion with Cobalt. Cobalt smiled softly, happy to see that Saya was acting more natural around Norh. Norh took a glimpse at Cobalt and couldn't help but feel her knees get weak and buckle. From his broad shoulders to his lean and chiseled arms that he left exposed, the glossy glow from his skin to the simple yet handsome face, his long blue hair tied back, everything about him made her heart flutter. He left a boy and came back home a man. Even though it'd been so many years since she last saw him, he still had that radiant smile that made her fall for him. Saya noticed Norh's staring and elbowed her, trying to let her know to get the conversation moving.
"Ready to go, cousin Ao?" Saya asked while giving Norh a glance from the side.
Cobalt gave a sigh and scratched the back of his head, "Today is my rest day, so I hope you won't have me do much."
The three of them went on their adventure through the town. Since today was the day before the Tokugawa Selection, people were out and about and crowding the streets in preparation. The event would take place on an island off shore of Ikayumu but would still be televised for the world to view. If Cobalt was going to be on his guard about dealing with the media, today was the day. The girls were planning to explore the town for the entire day and visit many scenic routes before stopping at a shrine to make their prayers. Their first stop was already where they were-the bookstore. Saya and Norh loved to read, so it came as no surprise that they would start here. Cobalt strayed over to his favorite genre of books: Philosophy. Venturing down the aisles he struggled to find a book that could catch his attention until he came across a silver spine that had a shine.
Grabbing the book, Cobalt couldn't help but already feel interested on just the title alone. "Astel's Incarnation…?" he flipped the book and read its summary. The book was actually a novel about reincarnation and followed the story of girl who was the reincarnation of a fallen hero revered from the past. He read the first chapter and found himself entertained by the author's way of storytelling.
"...What are you reading, Ao-senpai?" Norh said as she peeked over his shoulder; Cobalt remained calm, but on the inside, he was shaking with fright. She caught him off his guard, perhaps that book was good?
"O-oh um...it's a book about heroes and incarnation. I was curious about why a book like this was all the way out in the philosophy section…" Cobalt said as she examined the book further; Norh smiled.
"You really haven't changed, senpai."
"Hm? How so?"
"You were always so much more adult-like. You'd still play around like a kid, but your mind was anything but. You thought maturely of everything when you were around others, and the books you read were always to advanced."
Cobalt gave a chuckle, "I can see why you think that, but I think you're giving me a little too much credit...wait, is that why you address me as senpai?"
"Mhm. I look up to you in so many ways."
"Well, I'm glad you feel that way. I find that refreshing to hear."
Norh's smile disappeared for a moment as she gazed at her senior, "Say Ao-senpai, about the upcoming Tokugawa Selection…"
Cobalt's relaxed face went away as he focused on Norh, "What about it?"
"D-do you...really have to kill?"
Cobalt stared at Norh, understanding why she'd look at him like that. After all, her best friend was about to participate, and she was worried for her sake. Cobalt nearly forgot that the Tokugawa Selection would affect more than just him. Plenty of people were putting their lives on the line for several reasons, even Saya had people who valued her. Looking at Norh, he knew that somewhat vague question was about Saya, would he kill her? Her worried expression was pressing for a concrete answer. Did Cobalt have the answer she wanted?
Cobalt gave a sigh and closed his eyes briefly to think before opening again to give his answer, "Killed or be killed. An old saying among hunters that still reigns true in many circumstances. While I have heard that the second phase of the competition will not require opponents to kill one another, given the strength of the competition it seems likely that people will be dying. In my case, I will take someone's life if the situation is presented. Otherwise, I have no need to stain my hands any further than I already have."
Norh nodded, "I had a feeling you might say something like that, Ao-senpai." she stared at Cobalt before putting her hands behind her back, "I know it must've been rough for you to leave home. Everyone was talking about it, even now people are trying to find you on the streets to know the complete details. Anyways, I want you to know that I'll be rooting for both you and Saya-chan. Please remember that, Ao-senpai."
The two exchanged smiles before Norh left to go looking for Saya. Cobalt looked down at his book and began to think about what would happen tomorrow. He had the resolve to do whatever it took to accomplish his goal, but how would he feel if he was fated to go against his younger cousin? With Norh expressing her concerns, this only served as another hindrance.
Better to not worry about it… he thought as he closed the book.
Over in Kotankari, Simone managed to link up with her comrades from the past and even learned some details about what was going on in the Tokugawa Selection. After having met up with the clan leaders of the Dojinomi, Yamasho, and Kotari: Yasuo Dojinomi, Moriko Yamasho, and her close friend Lori Kotari, she learned of the alliance formed between the three to rebel against the Tokugawa's Selection. Lori briefly filled her in on the gist. Lately many of the clans and factions of the underworld and Ikayumu were growing tired of Teitsu's leadership with many losing their confidence in his ability to run the east as the head of the Tokugawa. Many were conspiring to overthrow the Tokugawa clan from the top and re-establish stability, one such alliance was the trifecta of the Kotari alliance between the Kotari, Dojinomi, and Yamasho. The alliance was planning to unleash the attack on the day of the Tokugawa Selection, and now with Simone's sudden return, the alliance looked promising. Simone filled in Squidcom on the plans for stopping the Tokugawa and in the evening, the alliance would gather together to go over the plan.
"While the addition of Simone and her band of children was unexpected, we've gained a boost in numbers thanks to their arrival. As planned, we will carry out the mission tomorrow before the crack of dawn. Thanks to the information from the recon efforts of shinobi from the Ubetsu clan, we can confirm that the Tokugawa have already departed from Kiyamamu and will be heading southeast to Osuma island. What this means is that the Yamasho, Dojinomi, and the Kotari will travel on a large vessel together off the island. Once we are at a reasonable distance away from the Osuma island, we'll take smaller speedboats and enter the island. We'll split up into groups of twenty and enter from select parts of the island. Be careful of your surroundings because security will be suffocating thanks to the first event taking place throughout the entire island." Lori said from a pedestal; judging from the location, they were in an underground hall that could fit this many people. A sea of people dressed in their clan's garments all responded respectfully.
"Also, it is imperative that we not underestimate our opponents. Although we have our spies who'll be competing in the selection, remember that the enemies ahead will be incredibly powerful. That is why we will be traversing in such numbers." A man with neat black hair in a bowl cut style said as he adjusted his glasses; his name was Miyamoto Dojinomi, and he was the brains behind the Dojinomi clan, serving as their representative overseas.
Simone joined Lori and Miyamoto on the stage and took to the pedestal; she had something on her mind that needed to be said. As she looked at the sea of comrades that packed the hall, to her lower right side crowding a table were Squidcom, the kids she traveled with. The room had slight chatter as the widow of Arosuke took the spotlight. "Teitsu Tokugawa is my target. That is first and foremost." she said in a deep and vengeful tone, making her presence known immediately, all chatter silenced. She explained her reason for why she wanted Teitsu Tokugawa's head, and much to the surprise of everyone except Squidcom, the hatred ran deeper than expected. "Teitsu Tokugawa is responsible for my husband's death, and now he's looking to kill my son. I refuse to lose the dearest of loves to that rotten bastard." She said in a shaken tone, her body trembling with rage as she clenched her fists and looked down at the floor below. The truth was that during the war, Teitsu had hired some mercenaries to assassinate Arosuke on the front lines amidst the turmoil, but in the end, it was actually Teitsu who showed up in person and killed his brother. Simone had been in the same splatoon as her husband and witnessed everything…
The image replays whether I'm conscious or unconscious…
Somewhere in the deserts of Ravallha in Squirabia, the splatoon led by Arosuke Tokugawa was originally supposed to aid a squad that had gotten overwhelmed by enemy forces thanks to his unit being composed of mostly healers, with his wife being their prime healer thanks to her seishun powa to heal. The winds were heavy that stormy day as the troopers marched through the heavy sands, the background sounds were nothing but the combinations of the howling winds, the sounds of wounded men wailing in agony, and the sounds of shots firings. The smell of gunpowder and blood that stained the dunes around them didn't make it a pleasant sight to see either. Arosuke led the team to where the wounded comrades were and provided cover while the healers went to work, Simone took priority in healing most of the men since her healing capabilities could cover multiple people. Arosuke went into the crossfire to kill as many enemies as possible and slow down the number of bullets firing at them.
Arosuke's speed was unmatched with many believing him to be the only person in the force that could match the iconic Agent 3 herself. Through the blinding sandstorm, only a white shining light that pierced through the sandstorm was seen as bullets got either deflected or slashed in half-none other than Arosuke. Making use of his various talents, Arosuke quickly infiltrated enemy territory and began his mass killing-this was war, and although he hated the idea of having to kill for his country, he had a wife and son he couldn't afford to leave behind. It was in that moment that Teitsu with his third party showed up, bringing over multitudes of men from an adjacent angle, they launched an ambush and solely directed it at Arosuke and ignored the other soldiers, who were busy with the octarian forces. Simone sensed the familiarity of someone in Arosuke's position and quickly realized that the person harbored maliciousness unlike anything she ever felt thanks to her extrasensory abilities.
I came too late, but I remember that shadowy figure that fled…
Holding her dying husband in her arms, Simone barely had enough power to keep herself safe after having exhausted her reserve energy to save the numerous wounded allies. She wepted and rocked back and forth as she cradled Arosuke in her arms, tears staining her bloodied uniform. Teitsu had launched an ambush and stabbed Arosuke straight through the heart amidst the confusion; he knew he wouldn't have gotten the chance if the environment was different because Arosuke was just too damn good to get killed by an influx of numbers, but because of the confusion of the conflict with the war, the stormy conditions that hindered his vision and mobility, the numbers were too great for even the most powerful samurai to overcome.
"S-Simone...p...please. Please get out of here, one of us has to take care of Ao…" Arosuke uttered as blood dripped from his mouth, his eyebrows trembling with frustration and regret; he knew he wasn't going to make it. Simone's eyes trembled with tears blurring her vision, grasping her husband's hand, she she gave one long tearful glance before giving him a kiss on the forehead.
"I love you, Arosuke." she cried as her husband's free hand gently reached her cheek.
He gave one final soft smile, the same smile that had stolen her heart. "Protect Ao...Shower him with love from both of us."
Simone's lips quivered as she nodded-her heart sinking as she felt her husband's strength fading and seeing him take his last look at her before closing his eyes. Dying with a warm smile, Simone held him tightly. Off in the distance she could see the killer hadn't left and instead was enjoying the suffering of the couple…
"I suffered blunt trauma afterwards and became unconscious for years. Every day that scene played in over and over like an endless replay, a nightmare I couldn't wake up from. That man is responsible, and there is no one on this planet who'll deny me my vengeance."
The silence that filled the room afterwards was both a sign of respect and also one of shock. Until now, nobody knew the truth of Arosuke's death and had presumed he simply died in the war as a hero. Little did they know it was an assassination by his brother, and because of the trauma Simone suffered shortly after at the hands of the octarians who tried to capitalize before the remaining comrades in Arosuke's splatoon fought them off, she-too was thought to be dead. Taking one final look at the crowd, Simone took a step back and let Lori take the stage once again. The room had a different air about it after hearing Simone. Whether it was inspiration, motivation, anger, or anxiety, everyone in the room had a fire in their heart that burned furiously thanks to the truth given by Simone. Nobody wanted to fail this mission now, not when someone like her was hurting all this time.
"Remember why we're doing this mission. This is for vengeance, honor, and a brighter future. Let not your hearts waver with uncertainty, for that will only get you killed. Tomorrow, we challenge our fates and will change the future-dethroning Teitsu!"
"Yeah!" everyone yelled in responded response as they lift their fists in the air and gave a momentous jab to the air.
Since the numbers were massive thanks to the alliance of Yamasho and Dojinomi-clans that were going to be competing in the selection as spoils to ruin the event and apprehend Teitsu, Simone's attack had substance. Both the shinobi and samurai had cast aside their differences for the sake of taking down Teitsu Tokugawa, the tyrant who had been destroying their culture and communities with his totalitarian reign. With the heads of both clans and their respective leaders also controlling a sect, forces were both dense and powerful. For Simone's team, it'd contain her, Squidcom, Satoshi-skilled shinobi of the Dojinomi, Aloe-Satoshi's youngest daughter and skilled kunoichi of the Dojinomi, Beverly-a swordsman from the Yamasho, Diante-a close ally of Simone from before the war, and a fill in of other skilled samurai and ninja. Their mission started tomorrow early before the sunrise, a battle against the most powerful family in the east and a plethora of equally powerful clans all collectively together in one place in the middle of the sea. Once they declared their attack, there was no going back.
