Chapter 2: Long-awaited reunion
(Imperial Japanese Army, Akeno Base, 7/1/2007)
"That'll be all, Lieutenant. Leave us," the grey-haired officer ordered his secretary, receiving a quick salute and swift turn of feet. He focused his attention on the foreign party sitting across in his office's red sofa, tension dominating the room. Needless to say, he felt extremely overwhelmed by their presence, especially from the clothed grey woman.
"Goodness me. If I had known an heir to Japan's Regent Houses planned on visiting us, I would have prepared arrangements in advance. Do forgive my unintentional lack of courtesy, if you can. I mean no harm, your grace," The Base Commander shamefully bowed his head.
"Raise your head, Commander. We are not to ridicule your lackluster conduct," the robed woman said, gently unveiling her face. Deep purple eyes stared harmlessly into the awestruck man, whose posture abruptly straightened upon her identity exposed.
Koubuin Yuuhi, Heir to House Koubuin and Former Shogun of Imperial Japan. In the last few years, her frail shape matured into a woman of elegance and class, though her accursed robe failed to truly showcase her growth. However, due to rampant concerns of possible assassination, her majestic purple hair was dyed in soulless navy blue. Admittedly, it did enhance her looks as a classy individual, for better or worse.
"We come here on urgent matters concerning our nation's current affairs. Our support has significantly dwindled ever since our home got attacked, prompting an immediate change of plans. For that, we humbly ask for your forgiveness for our abrupt visit," Yuuhi and her cohorts bowed their heads.
"Ah, please raise your heads. A wise one as yourself should never..."
The navy-haired vixen arched back up, gazing into the man's worried eyes. "Base Commander."
"Y-Yes, ma'am?"
"Will you help us..." her guardsman followed suit, Kyozuka pulling out a written proposal from her inner pockets. "...reclaim our country?"
"E-Excuse me?"
"I humbly ask of you to lend us your strength. For the sake of our safety, our future, and...our children. Please...help us in this dire time of need."
"Your Grace, I'm not exactly sure what you ask of me," the officer confusingly asked.
"One of Japan's greatest assets has betrayed us, Base Commander. It is in our nation's best interests to silence him before his reign causes the empire's collapse," Yuuhi explained. "For that, we require only two things: your cooperation and a man."
"A man, my lady?"
"Not just any man, mind you. A very special man, with whom my sister loved so dearly."
"I...I was not aware Your Grace had relatives," the man wiped his forehead sweat, unable to fully process things.
"Yes, well-surprises come too late."
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(Owase, Mie Prefecture)
A man lies on his side, enveloped by soft white and blue. Loud unbearable snores echo throughout the bedroom, bouncing off into the hallway. His large bed no bigger than a double squeaked somewhat under his weight. The man's body was notably muscular, namely apparent by his broad stature and toned six-packed abdomen containing scars of various sizes and lengths. One strand of his long smooth amber hair loosely fell forward, touching the recessed horizontal scar on his nose.
Suddenly the bedroom door slowly creaked open, two small feet quietly making their entrance. They tiptoed on the floor, careful not to wake up the sleeping occupant. Little by little, they walked across wooden floors, eventually reaching the bed's edge. And then...
"Whoopie!" A little girl exclaimed as she jumped onto the bed, landing squarely on her father's chest thus abruptly awakening him. Of course, the man felt immense pain from the sudden landing.
"Arrgh, Reiko. How many times do I gotta tell you it's dangerous to do this?" He scolded his smiling daughter.
"Hehe...Sorry, papa. But you see, mama asked me to wake you up since you're always a little sleepyhead," Reiko explained. "Mama doesn't want you late, after all."
"I know, I know. Now come on, I don't want you late for school, okay?" With his cheerful daughter in hand, the duo heads downstairs for breakfast.
Arriving in the kitchen, they find a young woman with long silver-blueish hair setting up the table with plates and silverware. The father sets his daughter down, letting her take a seat preferably near the window. The mother smiles happily at her child, unknowingly receiving a cheek kiss from her husband, which prompted a glance right side.
"Morning, Kasumi," He greeted his wife warmly.
"Good morning, Takeru-san," she returned the welcome, both then taking their seats. The dinner table was decorated with unique Russian dishes courtesy of Kasumi herself, which her family had no qualms about enjoying despite its bizarreness against typical Japanese food.
"Say, Mama. Can we go to the park after school?" Reiko asked.
"Hmm? For what purpose?" Kasumi tilted her head, confused about her daughter's request.
"A friend of mine's planning on going to the local festival, but her mom's gotten sick, so she's wondering if you could take her instead. We'll go together, like always."
"That's..." The young mother became hesitant, noting the oddity of the request.
"Please~? I don't wanna go alone."
"Ah..."
"In that case, I'll go with you," Takeru chimed in seductively. "Your mother's not very good with large crowds, after all."
"Eh? Are you sure?" Reiko exclaimed in shock.
"If your mother wishes to stay, of course."
Kasumi felt somewhat insulted by his words, straightening herself up. "No, I will come too."
"See? Told ya."
"Yay! I love love love you very much!" Reiko hugged her mother, who softly petted her fluffy brown hair.
"Reiko..."
"And I love you too, Kasumi," Takeru swiftly pecked her cheek, earning a look of embarrassment. Just then, the doorbell's sudden ringing caused everyone to stiffen up, unaware of any planned visits. "You two stay here," Kasumi and Reiko nodded, keeping a tight hold on each other.
When Takeru reached the door, he looked through the circular window to see two black-suited men waiting outside. Slowly, he opened the door halfway, eyeing their hands behind their backs. "Can I help you?"
"Are you Captain Shirogane Takeru of the Imperial Japanese Army 13th Tactical Regiment 4th squadron?" One of them inquired about his identity.
"Who's asking?" Takeru replied bluntly.
"The Imperial Ministry of Affairs, sir. We'd like you to come with us if you please. Yoroi Sakon wishes to see you."
(To be continued)
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Author's note
Sorry for the long hiatus. Work's been killing me slowly.
I also apologize for the chapter's short length, as I know you wanted more.
For now, bear with me as I try and write what I can without changing too much.
Have a good day, everyone. Peace!