Tadaima, minna-san! Ne~ Chicago ga daisukiya! Also, I missed my brother so much! Still, here it is, Thursday, and I promised that I would have another chapter up, didn't I? Well, I don't like to disappoint anyone so…
I don't own anyone or anything. Please don't sue! And also, Lanen, yes, I don't own Chiriko, as much as I wish I could. You and the other rabid fangirls have nothing to fear from me. (Backs away slowly.)
Mitsukake fans, you should enjoy this chapter. I have added an element of OCC for him. This being a VERY LONG paragraph of Mitsukake speaking. Either enjoy of be fore warned.
Konotabi wa iroiro gomeiwaku wo okakeshite sumimasendeshita. {bows} (I'm afraid that I have inconvenienced you.)
Shitsurei shimasu.
Chapter 5: Okaeri!
After breakfast was finished, Hotohori-san saw all of us off, wishing all of us a safe journey and requesting that we return to the palace as soon as possible. Tasuki-san and Chichiri-san headed off towards the direction of Mt. Leikaku. Tamahome-san opted to stay with his family and show then around the main city. Miaka-san went with Nuriko-san in order to try and convince his family to move. This has left Mitsukake-san and I on the road towards my home. The trip all together takes five hours, and the first two hours past by without a single word uttered between the two of us. Knowing that Mitsukake-san will refuse to talk unless he is either drawn into a conversation or has something important to say, I decided that if I wanted some help on my "girl" problem, I should be the one to bring it up, no matter how embarrassed I happened to be.
"Ano~ Mitsukake-san, Shitsumon ga arimasu." (Umm, Mitsukake-san, I have a question.)
"Um, nani?"
"Well, you see…there…there is this girl, and umm, I think I like her, I mean, I'm not certain, however, when I look at her or think of her…I…feel…different. I've never felt this way about anyone before. The problem is, I know I like her, but I think that it's just a physical attraction, because I've never really talked to her, I've only seen her. Plus, I don't believe that she even knows that I exist, because I've have yet to see her looking at me, even though she hasn't been around me for any long period of time, but still… I just don't know what to do! I have never had a time in my life where I really didn't know what to do about a situation, other that when Chichiri-san showed me how to find my humanity. And so, I just thought…that with you once being in love…that, well maybe…you could give me a few hints as to what I should do?"
Mitsukake-san was quiet for a few minutes and I thought that maybe this wasn't the best subject for me to ask, seeing how the painful knowledge on the fate of his beloved Shouka-san was only recently discovered. However…
"When did you first see her?"
"Ano~ yesterday."
"Sou Gyokuran?"
I am very glad that Mitsukake-san is sitting in front of me, or else he would have seen my second major blush of the day. Was I that obvious?
"H..hai."
"Um."
Mitsukake-san thinks for a few more minutes before giving me his solution.
"Talk to her."
"I…you think I should just talk to her?"
"Yes."
"Okay, but what should I talk to her about? I don't know much about her life…"
"Start by asking her how she likes the palace and the main city. Let the conversation go from there. Just stay away from mentioning the weather. That is only for the openings of letters and discourages further conversations."
"That's it?"
"Yes. I know that you are a smart boy. You will be able to pick up bits and pieces about her from the conversation that should start to satisfy your curiosity of her. She may even like you back. But, don't be disappointed if you can't figure out whether or not she likes you out of one conversation. It may take several conversations for even her to discover that she has feelings for you. Both of you are still young and there is still some time to wait. I was around your age when I first noticed Shouka. My family had moved to her village when I was ten, because their doctor was getting too old and he was my father's uncle. I didn't want to move to that village. I always liked the peace and quiet of our old village and I had known the people there since I was born. So, when we moved to that village, I became moody and relatively mean. I was always strong and tall for my age, so I would start fights with the other village boys. It may be hard to believe, but I was very much like Tasuki. Then, one night while my father was out helping my mother, who was a midwife, with the birth of a baby across the village, Shouka ran to our home calling for a doctor. At first, I was mad. I had just gotten the peace and quiet that I liked and had just sat down with one of my father's medical texts. I had been interested in medicine at an early age. I came to the door and was about to yell at her that she was stupid and that I thought everyone knew that my father was all the way across the village when I really looked at her for the first time. I had known who she was before, she always came for medicine for her ailing grandfather, but this was the first time that I look to she who she really was. She genuinely cared for her grandfather and she was desperate. I told her where my parents were and when I saw her look of dismay, I offered to go with her and help her grandfather out. I still don't know why I suggested something as stupid as that. I wasn't a doctor yet and if something had gone seriously wrong, it would have destroyed my family's name. But, just the sight of her made me wish to help her. Sometimes, just seeing the sight of someone that your heart calls out for is enough to make all rational thought disappear. I came to her home and found that her grandfather was sleeping and having problems breathing. I asked her if she knew what my father had diagnosed him with and she replied that he had a heart problem. There were times when his heart just didn't want to pump. She impressed me by not only telling me what exact medicine that had prescribed, but that she also used other herbal remedies that she had read about, such as clover leaf and silver moss, to help him out. The fact that she knew about medicine was an added bonus for me. I looked the grandfather over and listened to his heart. What I decided was that his medication was no longer strong enough to help him and that if either of us were to use anything stronger, he would die from shock. By this time, she was crying and begging me to please try anything. That was when I felt a tingling in my left hand. I held it up and saw the symbol for "rare cart" glowing in red. Something, perhaps Suzaku or maybe it was just instinct, told me to hold it out towards the old man. The green light was blinding and when it was over, her grandfather was alive and well, breathing normally. Both of us just starred in shock. Finally, Shouka went into another room, sat down and began to cry. I don't know what came over me, but before I knew it, I was sitting beside her, letting her cry on my shoulder and whispering to her that everything was going to be all right. We started talking from there. It was almost morning and I knew that if I didn't get home before my parents did, I would receive a whopping and would never hear the end of it from my parents. I asked Shouka to not tell anyone about my hand, because I didn't know at the time what it meant, and I didn't want people to think I was a demon. She promised that she wouldn't and we agreed to meet a week later, just to talk. I had found that all remedies interested her, but that she had problems not only finding books on the subject, but also getting people to sell them to her. I promised that I would bring my father's books and teach her all I knew. I also offered to let my mother know about her so that she could become the villages next midwife, seeing how my little sister, Ch'un-Hua (Spring Flower in Chinese) died in an accident when I was six. She accepted. I came home five minutes before my parents did. Unfortunately, Shouka asked around about me and learned of my bad reputation. For the longest time, she didn't want anything to do with me, but had no choice to come to my house, for my mother was training her. It was only when my mother had to leave suddenly due to an emergency delivery, that we were left alone. My mother didn't want to take an inexperienced girl into something that would take expert knowledge, so Shouka had no choice but to wait for her at our home. Eventually, we began to talk. She had noticed that I had stopped fighting with the other boys, and became more serious about becoming a doctor and helping others. Before either of us knew it, we fell in love. Unfortunately, I was sent for formal training in Konan-koku's main city, which is where I learned that I was a Suzaku Shichiseishi and while I was away, a plague came through our area and my parents died trying to fight it. I was devastated, but Shouka helped me through it. That is one of the reasons why I placed heavy blame on myself that Shouka got sick and died while I was away. Even now, I don't forgive myself. Shikashi, those years that we spent together were the best years of my life. If I had not talked to her first, I doubt that we would've gotten along as well as we did. Do you understand?"
I starred in amazement at Mitsukake-san. Never before have I heard him talk for as long as he did! Also, the information that he had given me about his life… It is obvious that he doesn't give this information out to anyone, so why me? I had known it before, thanks to Tai'itsu-kun, but why…
"This gives me much to think about Mitsukake-san. And I am honored that you chose to tell me about your past. Doumo arigatou gozaimasu."
Mitsukake-san just nods and the rest of the trip was spent in silence.
We get to my home and my mother comes running out of the house. It is then that I remember that I never told her that I was going and that she must be worried about me. The reaction that she had was most surprising. First she cried, then she hugged me, then she asked me where I had been, then why didn't I tell her and finally she promised that I would receive the first whopping of my life. Finally, with a start, she notices Mistukake-san.
"Sumimasen, demo Watashi no maigo wo mitsukete kara doumo arigatou gozaimasu."(Excuse me, but because you found my missing child, thank you very much.)
"Iie, iie. Doukun wa maigo jana katta. Hanashite mite mo ii desu ka? (No, no. Doukun was not a missing child. May we try and talk about this?)
She politely bows towards Mitsukake-san. "Hai." Then she glares at me "Okaeri nasai, musuko." (Welcome home, son.)
Tadaima, haha. (I'm back, mom) *note: Tadaima and Okaeri nasai are normal greetings whenever someone returns home.
Fifteen minutes later, my mother's voice was enough to send all of the houses three servants scrambling for a safe haven.
"You want us to WHAT!?"
"Haha, only until the war with Kutou-koku is over. Then you will be safe!"
"I'm already safe. Your father may not be around, but he always knows when we need help and he will not let anything bad happen to either this house or its occupants. As for Doukun being a Suzaku Shichiseishi, yes Myou-san, I had been aware of this. I just wish he had told me ahead of time that he was leaving and that his brother had not kept this a secret."
"Onii-san made the promise before he knew what I was going to request, haha. Please don't get mad at him."
"I'm not. I'm mad at you, musuko. You knew that I would here, yet still you tried. I thought that you knew me better."
"Mother, I'm sorry but I agree with Doukun. We must leave."
This is surprising, Normally; my brother would not have the guts to stand up to my mother. However, normally my mother thinks with her head and not her heart on all-important family matters.
"Mother, if Konan-koku is going to war against Kutou-koku, Doukun's father will both be busy and hard pressed to protect us. My wife and I will both be going to the main city."
"Haha, I know you love this home and I don't blame you. I grew up in this house; I love it as well. It will always be my physical home. But this structure is only stone and wood. Our real home is where the four of us are together and safe. That's a real home."
My mother looks at me questioningly.
"You've changed. Not in the amount that you love us, no, but it the way you act."
"I have finally found friends, haha. People who are willing to give me a chance."
"And what about this 'real home'? You will be gone, traveling. How do you expect to be with us?"
"I'll be in our minds and hearts haha. As you will be in mine. However, the trip will be long and filled with many dangers. If I don't know that your safe, I don't know if I will be able to give my full attention to the mission and I may get hurt."
"Please Okaa-san," my Gishi pleads, "I believe that Doukun is right. Everyday, Kutou warriors come closer and closer to this home. I believe that your husband will protect us all, but it is still best to not press luck!"
I watch as she pats her pregnant belly. This gesture does not go unnoticed by my mother, either.
"Everyone, pack only what you can carry. Doukun, go find the maids and tell them to go home and prepare for any upcoming battles. And hurry, we have a five hour trip ahead of us."
Though we were quite tired from our trip, when we arrived in the main city, I decided that I should introduce my family to Hotohori-san, seeing how they were going to be staying at his home and all. This is why my family was greeted to the palace with yells. Apparently Tasuki-san and his family had arrived earlier. His mother was complaining because she believed that their quarters (The entire eastern wing) were not large enough for her family. Aidou-san, Tasuki-san eldest sister, was holding on to Hotohori-san with a death grip, exclaiming how they will have the most beautiful wedding service. Poor Hotohori-san was desperately trying to get free from her grip with Tasuki-san's help. Miaka-san was having a yelling match with Tasuki-san's second eldest sister, Ho-Ch'ao-san (Peaceful Morning) over Tamahome-san. The next eldest sister, Tung-Niao (Winter Bird) was hugging Nuriko's elder brother, trying to arrange their marriage with Nuriko's father. The fourth, Nan-Mei-san (Southern Beauty), was crying due to Chichiri-san quickly disapering after she would not understand that as a monk, he practiced celibacy. The fifth sister, Hsia-Yu-san (Summer Rain) was chasing Nuriko-san with a pair of siccors, because she thought that hair would be perfect for her doll, Sweetums. Tasuki-san's father was wisely staying quiet in a corner.
My mother took one look, bowed her head and then yelled 'QUIET' on the top of her lungs. Miraculously, it worked.
"What is with all of this racket?"
Tasuki-san's mother sneered at my mother. "This is none of your business, whore. Go back to the other palace concubines."
This was the wrong thing to say. Just because my mother dresses finely and is in the palace is no reason to make such an assumption. Normally, my mother would stand up for herself with a simple comment and then leave the room, but with a ten hour round trip to find a fat, lazy and rude person believing as if she was the ruler of all four countries was just too much for her.
"I am no concubine, ma'am, and you will address me with more respect."
"You are nothing more than a palace servant, so why should I care?"
"I am the mother of a Suzaku Shichiseishi, Madame, and have never been a servant. My family is of a higher caste than yours is. I usually strive for equality among the classes, but for you and your attitude, I believe that I will make an exception."
"Oh, and what are you going to do, you little…"
"ENOUGH!"
Interesting, I have never seen Hotohori-san's face turn purple.
"Ou-san, I am very sorry for the treatment that you have received. There was no excuse for it. Likewise, I am very sorry that you had to arrive with my throne room in such a state. As for you, Madame," we all watch as he looks over at Tasuki-san's mother, "You and your daughters will leave now and not come in here again unless asked."
"Even me?" pouted Aidou.
"Remove yourself from me before I have you thrown into the dungeon."
"Shun'u, how can you let this friend of yours talk to us in such a way?"
"Mom. He's the frickin' emperor! He can talk to ya anyway he wants! Sheesh, and everyone wonders why I left ya people those years ago."
All of us continue to hear the argument as Tasuki-san leads his family back to their quarters.
"Please forgive me for the shortness of our talk, Ou-san, but I am very busy with preparations for tomorrow's journey. You are to be given the west wing and you will be called upon when dinner is ready."
"I thank you Heika-sama. I do ask if I have access to the palace's Suzaku shrine. I have two people I want to ask him to watch over."
"We will see, Madame. Now, please follow Chiriko, and he will tell you where to go."
"Thank you, my lord. Come, Doukun, we all must get ready for dinner."
Okay, that was long! But definitely needed. I'm sorry if you hate the way Tasuki's family was portrayed, but when I read the manga, I absolutely hated the way they treated both Tasuki and the others. Also, I remember only Aidou's name. If anyone can give me the other sisters' names I would be grateful. Now, minna-san, I must prepare to write one of the most interesting dinners that I can remember.
Ja ne!