Immediately after they returned home to the Grand Imperial Theater, the Hanagumi checked their rooms. After making sure that nothing was out of place, they grudgingly acknowledged that the Baragumi were a fine lot.
"It's really an example of not judging a book by its cover," Sakura quoted.
"Yes. You have done a good job," Ogami praised.
The Baragumi blushed and crowded around him in gratitude.
"Oh Ichiro-chan!" Yokohiko cried in his deep voice and grabbed him in an affectionate embrace.
"That's not fair, hogging him for yourself!" Kikunojo complained.
"That's right, put Ichiro-chan down, Yokohiko," Kotone sternly reprimanded.
"H-hai..." the largest member of the Baragumi slowly released Ogami, much to the latter's relief.
"Whew, thanks," Ogami said, "I thought I was-"
"Yes, Yokohiko should have waited for us!" Kotone interrupted.
And all three Baragumi jumped on poor Ogami again, causing everyone else to burst into laughter at his expense.
Eventually, the Hanagumi returned to their daily routines.
"...and so, the next play will be the classic fairy tale by Maurice Maeterlinck, 'The Children's Blue Bird'," Kaede announced.
"The what?" Jason asked. He sat at the back of the room together with Ogami, since the two men were not actually involved in the play.
"'The Children's Blue Bird'," Kaede repeated for his benefit.
"Never heard of it," the Exodusian quipped, causing some of the Hanagumi to giggle.
"Alright, that's enough of that," Kaede interrupted before all out laughter could break out. She gestured to a small pile of script books on the table.
"This play has two main characters who are young children, a boy and his sister. Reni will play the lead male, Tyltyl while Iris is the lead female as Mytyl," Kaede announced.
The other Hanagumi members congratulated the duo as Iris gasped in excitement. Reni, as usual, barely blinked in acknowledgement.
"Now, because of our resounding success with 'Comedy King Lear', the script writers have come up with a light-hearted version of 'The Blue Bird'. You might find familiar elements in the rewritten script, they have ingeniously added surprises and guests from 'Peter Pan,' Kaede continued.
The she mischievously winked at Jason, "I think you should have heard of –that- at least."
Jason only rolled his eyes as the Hanagumi guffawed again.
"So I'm not a reader of something as obscure as the 'Blue Bird', sue me," he said.
"It's a fairy tale about the search for happiness," Ogami explained, "and it was written in 1908 on Earth by a Belgian playwright..."
The Taicho of the Hanagumi stopped his impromptu lecture when he noticed that Jason was gaping at him.
"Jason-san, what's wrong?" he asked.
Jason pointed an accusing finger at him. "Who are you and where is the real Ogami Ichiro!? The real Ogami can't be that clever!" Jason demanded in mock terror.
"Oh, very funny..." Ogami muttered as the Hanagumi collapsed into laughter.
Nobody noticed Reni as the German quietly went to Kaede.
"May I have the script material?" Reni asked mechanically, oblivious to the laughter.
Kaede tried to hide her misgivings about the young German. 'Even after all this time, Reni is still so....'
"Here you go, Reni," Kaede said with a smile as she handed a script book.
Reni quickly scanned the title page to confirm the script, and merely nodded once.
"Reni, this will be your first lead role, but I'm sure you will do well. Be confident," the Vice-Commander said in an encouraging tone.
"Acknowledged."
Kaede couldn't help but sigh as Reni turned away, her words of encouragement seemingly ineffective.
'That child needs help...' she thought.
---
And so, the Imperial Opera Troupe began their practice, memorizing their lines, song lyrics and dance steps of the new play. When not on sorties to counter the Kokkikai, they would be doing Koubu simulations. Overall, a very busy period for the Hanagumi.
Which was why Jason disapproved when he saw Maria in the Grand Imperial Theater's library.
"A day off from rehearsal and you're getting a book to read?" he chided.
"I am just going to read the original story of 'The Blue Bird' as a reference," Maria explained, pulling out a thin book from the shelf.
As she flipped open the book, Jason hovered over her shoulder and peeked.
"Oh, it's illustrated," he commented, noting the large, classical style pictures.
"Well, it –is- a fairy tale," Maria replied and began to thumb the next page.
Jason noticed that the Russian was having problem doing that. In fact, it took her several finger strokes just to get a hold of the next page.
"Maria, you're trembling."
Maria pointedly ignored him. She determinedly turned to the next page, but Jason turned her around to look at her in the face.
"What's wrong?" he demanded.
"I am just a little tired," Maria answered.
"Oh. Sorry..." Jason said apologetically.
"Why are you apologizing?"
Jason shrugged sheepishly. "Ah, well, I guess I should've noticed."
"Yes, you should. Ah, how I wish I am an Exodusian too," Maria sighed. Her smile told Jason that she was just joking.
"It's not as if you'll be able to keep this up," Jason pointed out, "I only lasted this long because I don't have to go up on stage."
"Hmm... maybe I should ask Yoneda-shihainin to change that," Maria suggested mischievously.
The sheer look of horror on Jason's face was enough to make Maria to giggle like a young girl.
Jason's visage softened when he saw the childish glee on her face. On an impulse, he grabbed her hand.
"Come on, let's go out," he said without thinking.
Maria grinned. "And do what, Mr. Bourne?" she asked imperiously, going as far as to arch an eyebrow for effect.
"Er, maybe a walk?" Jason asked.
Maria said nothing, savoring his earnest look.
"Or a movie..."
Again, Maria did not respond. She merely folded her arms and looked positively uninterested. The glint in her emerald eyes told Jason that she was seemingly enjoying a private joke.
"...and dinner?" Jason added hopefully.
"We have training scheduled at 2030 hours," a voice behind Jason interrupted.
"Gah! W-what?"
As Jason winced and turned around, he saw that the voice belonged to Reni Milchstrasse.
"We have Koubu training at 2030 hours," Reni repeated.
"No, I mean, gah! I mean, yes, I know," Jason said even as Maria tried to stifle her laughter. "Why did you sneak up on me like that?"
"I did not sneak. You did not notice my approach," Reni clarified. The plainly stated fact and the deadpan tone it was delivered caused Jason to rub his forehead in defeat.
"What brings you to the library, Reni?" Maria asked, trying not to smirk at Jason's tongue-tiedness.
"I have finished with the script material. I understand the library has the original book which it was based," Reni answered.
"Yes. In fact, here it is," Maria smiled and handed the book to the German.
Reni calmly took it and gave Maria a curt nod before walking off briskly in an efficient manner.
"Weren't you going to read that book?" Jason asked.
She shook her head, slipped an arm between his and gave him a smile.
"Well, a movie and a dinner seem to be so much more enjoyable..."
---
Reni's room was Spartan, even by Maria's standards. A sturdy bed, a table, a small closet and a chair were the only furniture. The windows were kept shut all the time, for Reni saw no reason to open them.
Despite Reni's formal and direct behavior, the room was decidedly messy. The bed sheet was unmade, draping carelessly halfway to the floor. A single pillow was propped lopsidedly up against the headboard.
The German switched on the single light bulb in the room and effortlessly navigated around the mess to the table. Well, a mess was a mess, but because this was Reni's room, it was still an organized mess.
The quiet 15-year old sat down to read the book, sitting up straight so that the back never touched the chair. Reni read the book with the minimum of movement: eyes rapidly scanning the text and a hand to turn the page every few moments.
Reni was really reading the book. It was all that the German was doing, Reni was not making an effort to actually –understand- it. It was as if the wunderkind was merely committing the structured words and grammar to the brain.
There was no pleasure or emotion as the story progressed. It was just more information being filed away.
A knock on the door interrupted the near mechanical process. Reni stopped reading, but did not get up from the chair, merely turning to look at the door.
After a moment, a soft voice called.
"Reni? Are you in?"
Reni stood up. It was a familiar voice, so the teenaged Hanagumi member went to the door and opened it.
It was Saki, dressed in her customary black, high-cut suit.
"Oh, you're here," Saki said as a greeting.
"Yes," Reni merely replied.
Saki leaned forward to look at Reni's blue eyes on level terms. "What are you doing?" Saki asked.
"Reading."
"A story book?"
"Maeterlinck's 'The Blue Bird'."
Saki smiled in approval. "Getting more information for the upcoming play? You're really hardworking."
"Information is vital," Reni answered.
"How very true," Saki sighed, and then gave Reni a look. "But just how much do you know about the Hanagumi, Reni?"
Reni blinked. Being part of the Hanagumi for some time now, Reni gave no thought to the rest of the team members. Each of them performed well as a team and as individuals. Each had their weaknesses and strengths, but with Ogami at the helm, the sum was much more than the equal of the parts.
"I have read their files," Reni said.
"Did you? Well, enough boring talk," Saki abruptly changed the subject, "you were reading a story, correct? Why don't I read to you?"
"There is no need."
"Ah, but haven't you heard of secondary opinions? You and me, we're not much alike, but that also means we see things differently," Saki continued.
"A different perspective of the story?"
Saki nodded. "That's right. And, don't forget, you're going to perform in front of people who each have their own perspectives. When I read the story to you, you'll be an audience and thus will find out more about them."
Reni pondered for a brief moment before nodding in agreement. "That is acceptable."
"Trust me..." Saki smiled as she placed a hand on Reni's shoulder and closed the door behind her.
"...You'll never see the world the same way after this..."
Moments passed as Saki read the story aloud to Reni, who listened attentively. Reni's mind was a complete blank as Saki's words reached the 15-year-old's ears.
The way Saki spoke, it was not mere words. It was as if every single syllable was crafted like sinuous vines and dripped honey into Reni's mind.
Saki was reading the beginning of Chapter V, The Kingdom of the Future. It was after a scene where Tyltyl and Mytyl could not capture the Blue Bird of Happiness in the Palace of Night, and the mysterious being known as Light comforted the two distraught children.
The story-telling became so much more entrancing, as if Reni was Tyltyl himself. And if Reni was Tyltyl, Saki took on the role of Light.
Reni did not move or noticed when Saki closed the book and continued telling the story. Saki got up from the chair, switched off the light and went to the bed, where Reni was lying down listening.
"'I am quite satisfied'," Saki quoted as she approached Reni and stroked the German's silvery hair, just like how Light did to Tyltyl in the story.
And just like Tyltyl, Reni felt a feeling of ease. Reni was listening; hanging on to Saki's every word, like how Tyltyl was comforted and proud of Light's compliments.
"'I am quite satisfied. You are such a good, brave boy that you will soon find what you are looking for'," Saki continued.
Reni nodded, the wunderkind's blue eyes glazing over.
"But, do you know what you are looking for?" Saki asked.
Reni hesitated before shaking in the negative.
The black-haired woman brought her eyes level with Reni. "The journey will be long and perilous. Let me be your guide. Let me guide you the way to find what you are looking for," Saki said.
Once again, Reni nodded.
"Excellent," Saki smiled evilly, her eyes burning red in the darkness.
---
Over the next few days, proper dress rehearsals for the play were conducted.
Jason couldn't help but smirk when he saw Maria.
"You're playing a witch?" he teased, as Maria was dressed in a vaguely tree-like costume, complete with artificial branches around the shoulders. However, the overall effect made her look more like a druidic priestess.
"You know I am playing the Queen of the Forest," Maria replied with a touch of amused annoyance.
"Pity. You would make a –great- witch," Jason sighed, earning him a pinch from the blonde. The Exodusian chuckled, and his infectious humor spread to Maria as well.
They were standing at the side of the stage, waiting for Maria's turn to appear. The other Hanagumi were also dressed in their respective costumes: Reni and Iris as Tyltyl and Mytyl respectively, Orihime as Tinkerbell, Kanna as Captain Hook with Kohran and Sakura as the pirate's underlings while Sumire was the mischievous Tama the Tortoiseshell Cat.
Eventually, Maria's turn came. Just before she stepped onto the stage, Jason stage whispered in English:
"Make like a tree and -leaf-."
It took all of Maria's professionalism to keep a straight face at the horrible English pun as she stepped forward, making a mental note to get back at Jason later.
Jason, knowing he will get his later, was still smirking when he was joined by Ogami at the side.
"What's so funny?" Ogami asked, to which Jason merely shook his head.
The rehearsal scene began to climb steadily towards its climax. Tyltyl and Mytyl were stopped in their journey, their path barred by the Queen of the Forest.
"You children of humans! Get out of here! I, the Queen of this Forest, shan't grant you passage!" Maria declared.
Iris put on a fearful demeanor, hiding behind Reni. "I am frightened... brother Tyltyl," she stammered convincingly. And Reni stepped forward with a prop hand knife, covering Iris from the threatening Queen.
Brandishing the mock weapon, Reni had a determined and brave face. "Do not fear, Mytyl. Stay behind me," Reni said. Then Reni directed the Queen a challenge: "It's me who you're after! Come at me, I will cut you with this knife!"
"Very convincing," Ogami commented to Jason, who nodded in agreement.
In fact, Reni even took a step forward towards the Queen, which was not scripted. Iris, who was standing behind Reni, was caught off-guard by the sudden move. But Maria did not even blink and quickly improvised, shaking a fist threateningly.
"Young boy... what is the purpose of your struggle? Why do you wield that weapon?" Maria asked loudly.
"I will defend my sister Mytyl!" Reni stated. "I..." Reni hesitated and stopped, shoulders slumped. "I apologize. Again..."
They repeated the scene again, but like before; Reni faltered.
"Reni making a mistake?" Ogami asked Jason, who was as puzzled as he was.
"What's wrong, Reni? Did you forget the lines?" Iris asked plaintively. She helpfully pressed her copy of the script onto Reni's hands, who stared at it with a sense of loss.
"My my, I was wondering when Reni would ever slip up, ohohoho," Sumire remarked.
"Reni –never- slips up!" Orihime flared in defense of her former Hoshigumi teammate.
"Reni, maybe you are tired from the sortie recently. Do you need a rest?" Ogami asked as he walked onto the stage, eyeing at Maria discreetly.
Maria caught the look, nodded and clapped her hand once. "Let's take a break then," she suggested. It was gratefully accepted by the other Hanagumi to quench their thirst. It was already autumn, but the summer heat still lingered in the Imperial Capital.
But Iris only got more worried. The little French girl took the opportunity to circle around Reni. "Reni, are you sick? Talk to Iris," she pleaded, tugging the sleeves of Reni's costume.
"I... I just don't understand..." Reni half-mumbled.
"Reni..." Iris said distressfully.
"...Sorry... I need... to be alone..."
With that, Reni quickly left the rehearsal.
"Something's wrong, I've never seen Reni like this!" Orihime said. With her accent and tone, Jason couldn't be sure whether she was being serious or just over-reacting.
"Man, without Reni's Myltyl, we're stuck!" Kanna groaned.
Kohran shook her head. "Well, with Reni's condition, we can't go on anyway."
"I guess we just have to practice our scenes without Reni for the moment..." Sakura said.
"This could be troublesome," Maria muttered from the sidelines. "Looks like a problem, yeah," Jason agreed.
Ogami joined them, a worried look on his face. "Kaede-san did talk to me about Reni's strange behavior recently... I guess I have to check it out."
"Squad leader, you should ask Reni," Maria said.
Ogami smiled sheepishly. "I'm not sure –how-. I barely know Reni..."
"What kind of a team leader are you?" Jason asked with a grin.
"Oh yeah? How about you? Do –you- know what are Reni's hobbies?" Ogami challenged.
"Uh..."
"Well, maybe you should talk to the rest first," Maria suggested.
Ogami smiled. "I'll do what you suggest, Maria. Maybe all Reni needs is someone to talk to. I'll go now," Ogami said and left.
"I think Reni's still uncomfortable with us," Jason thought aloud.
"Maybe. But we have to make Reni understand that we are here for anything. I just hope the Taichou can convince Reni of that," Maria said.
Jason nodded. Then he gave Maria's tree-like costume another once over and smirked in English, "Don't worry. Don't let the –seeds- of despair be -planted-."
Maria gave him a puzzled look. She understood what he said, she being fluent in English as well, but she did not understand why he said it.
Jason's grin got wider. "You have to 'nip this in the bud', and
-weed- out the problem."
Maria groaned, realizing what he was driving at. He was punning at her expense.
"And to do that, you have to go to the –root- of the matter," the Exodusian added with relish.
"You're –bark-ing up the wrong –tree-," Maria warned, "Continue this and I will –leaf- you."
Jason sighed in defeat. "Sorry, I guess I'm just a poor –sap-," he said as a parting shot, earning a baleful look from the Russian.
He just couldn't resist it.
"I warned you," Maria smirked. Then she called out for Kanna.
"'sup?" the karate expert greeted. She pulled off the pirate eye-patch she was wearing and took off the hook prop from her hand.
"I remember you wanted to fix the roof today, is that right?" Maria asked conversationally.
Jason turned pale. Sitting on the roof to contemplate was one thing, to actually walk around some dozens of feet off the ground while doing carpentry and carrying equipment and tiles was something else.
"Yeah, there might be a typhoon after all. Heh, better be safe than sorry," Kanna chuckled, remembering the time she won a bet against her eternal rival Sumire.
"I found you a volunteer," Maria said, gesturing at Jason.
"Oho! Is that so!" Kanna slapped Jason's back boisterously.
"No, I, er-" the Exodusian sputtered.
"Thanks! Always good to have a helping hand!" Kanna continued, not giving him a chance to back out.
"But-"
"Hey, we can even have a sparring session on the roof afterwards!" the redhead added.
"W-what-!" Jason protested weakly.
"Nothing like a little element of danger, eh partner?" Kanna interrupted relentlessly.
Defeated and deflated, the Exodusian could only sigh and nod miserably. He knew better than to argue with the taller Japanese woman.
'What Kanna wants, Kanna gets,' was one of the things Jason had learned while being in the Hanagumi.
Maria grinned privately. 'I am getting good at this,' she noted of her skills to turn the tables on Jason with self-satisfaction.
---
When Ogami reached Reni's room, he found Saki just leaving it.
"Saki-san?" Ogami called.
"My, it's Ogami-kun... what a surprise to see you," Saki said.
"I can say the same," Ogami replied, "but what were you doing in Reni's room?"
Saki shook her head sadly. "Well, the poor child is so confused. I'm just... giving advice."
"Did Reni talk to you about anything?"
"Heavens, no. Usually it's just –me- doing the talking," Saki smiled.
"I see. Well, thanks for the hard work," Ogami said.
Saki's smile never disappeared as she turned to leave. "Oh, it's not –that- difficult... all I did was just talk."
---
There was a knock on the door again.
And again, Reni turned to look at the door.
"Reni? It's me, Ogami."
Reni blinked, not expecting the squad leader to visit. But after a moment of hesitation, the German opened the door.
"What is it?" Reni asked directly. It was the only way Reni knew how, it was the most efficient way.
"Can we talk?" Ogami asked gently. Reni nodded and allowed the Japanese man to enter the room.
It was the first time Ogami had seen Reni's room. It was bare as he had thought, but he didn't expect the mess.
"Reni, is there anything you wish to tell me?" Ogami asked, not quite sure of how to handle the situation.
Reni stayed quiet. The silver-haired teen stood straight and looked at Ogami impassively.
"...Reni. I... the entire Hanagumi is concerned about you," Ogami continued after deciding that the German wasn't going to answer.
The long silence that followed almost fooled Ogami that Reni was not going to say anything. Just as he was about to stand up to make an exit reluctantly, Reni spoke a single word.
"Why?"
"Reni, we care for you," Ogami immediately replied.
"Why?"
"We are a team," Ogami said, "and you are part of it."
Reni's head bowed. "A team..."
"That's right," Ogami nodded. "We live together, we train together and we fight together. Do you think it is strange for team members to care for each other?"
"...I don't know."
"Reni, on the stage or fighting on the battlefield; the Hanagumi are with you," the Japanese man said. He wondered if he should put a hand on Reni's shoulder for more effect, but then he remembered how Reni gave him a perfect throw during the German youngster's first day.
"I... I don't even know why I am fighting..." Reni said slowly.
"Eh?"
"Why am I fighting here? ...I can't think of a reason... Captain, what is your purpose for fighting?"
Taken aback by the question, it was Ogami's turn to pause as he considered.
"Didn't I tell you we are a team? We're the Teikoku Kagekidan – Hanagumi. It is our duty and responsibility to protect the Imperial Capital," he finally said. Ogami had no idea how Reni would react, but to evoke the German's soldiering instinct seemed to be the best bet.
His slim hope shattered when Reni merely said, "The Imperial Capital has nothing to do with me. Why... why am I fighting for the city?"
Stunned, Ogami couldn't say anything.
"...Leave."
"Reni?" Ogami said, not sure if he heard the German correctly.
"Just... leave," Reni repeated, leaving no doubt.
Ogami sighed, defeated and demoralized. He left the room, leaving Reni alone to try to sort out the mass of thoughts within the young German.
---
Things did not improve the next day. Reni was even more sullen and quiet during breakfast. When it was time for the day's rehearsal, the young German did not turn up. The Hanagumi began paced around the stage in worriedly after Reni still haven't arrived five minutes after the appointed time.
"Maybe Reni's just sick," Kanna wondered.
"Reni -never- gets sick!" Orihime exclaimed.
"Never?" Maria asked, arching an eyebrow.
"Ohohohoho, I know what's wrong!" Sumire suddenly said.
"What!?" Orihime whirled around and demanded.
"Maybe, you know, it's Reni's time..." Sumire said in a low voice, so that Ogami and Jason couldn't hear. The two men were doing last minute checking of the seats.
"Ohhhh..." Sakura, Kanna and Kohran mouthed in understanding. Maria coughed delicately and turned away. Orihime began to turn red in embarrassment and was at loss for words.
"Sumire onee-san, what do you mean?" Iris asked curiously, tugging on the hem of the Kanzaki heiress's dress. The older women around the little French girl hesitated, not sure on how to tell her.
"What are you guys whispering about?" Jason interrupted as he went up the stage with Ogami. Before anyone else could answer him, Iris spoke up.
"Second brother, what is Reni's time?" she asked innocently. The other Hanagumi girls immediately took various positions to avoid the men's eyes.
"Huh?" Jason said in puzzlement. He looked at Ogami who shrugged.
"I see Reni isn't here yet..." the Japanese man said instead, disappointment obvious in his voice.
"Guess your talk with Reni didn't go down all too well huh," Jason said to Ogami.
Orihime immediately seized on that information and grabbed Ogami by the collars.
"You! This must be your fault, you horrible Japanese man!" she said in righteous anger.
"E-eh!?"
"What did you do to Reni, you pervert!"
The other girls began to snicker at Ogami's situation. And like always, Jason was already making a suitable exit to avoid being embroiled. He wasn't expecting Orihime's outburst, but he sure wasn't going to stick around for it.
"I don't wanna hear about -that-, so I'll try to get Reni to come for the rehearsal," he said to Maria, who nodded in agreement.
And thus, once again, Jason escaped and leaving his fellow man in the clutches of false accusations and poor denials once more.
---
Jason was about to knock on Reni's door when he heard voices from the room.
Curious, he leaned closer to the door.
"Reni, do you understand what needs to be done?" a female voice asked. Jason frowned, not liking the tone of it.
"Yes, I understand," Reni softly answered in a dull voice.
"Reni, you have done well. I am proud, very proud of you," the voice said. Then there were footsteps approaching the door, and Jason quickly straightened up and backpedaled.
To his immense surprise, it was Saki who opened the door.
"Saki?"
Saki's mouth opened in an 'O', eyes wide open in shock at seeing him.
"What was that all about?" Jason demanded, eyes hardening.
"Did you hear our conversation?" Saki asked.
Jason chose to nod instead of saying anything. It was ambiguous, and gave Jason more choices later rather than saying 'Yeah, I heard some'.
"Then I am sorry," Saki said sadly.
"What?"
And before he knew it, there was two booms, and bursts of immense pain blossomed in his chest.
As Jason's knees buckled and he fell over, he caught sight of Saki's face. She was a little sad, but her eyes red and very cold. As his face twisted in agony, he saw in her hands a smoking gun, the source of his pain.
"W-why?" Jason managed to say as he began to gasp at the pain.
"You are at the wrong place at the wrong time..." Saki said simply.
"S-story... of my... life..." Jason said, his voice full of irony.
Even as he began to to slip into the darkness, he could hear Saki's voice.
"Come along Reni... it looks like we are performing earlier than planned."
And then the blackness conquered Jason's consciousness.
"It's really an example of not judging a book by its cover," Sakura quoted.
"Yes. You have done a good job," Ogami praised.
The Baragumi blushed and crowded around him in gratitude.
"Oh Ichiro-chan!" Yokohiko cried in his deep voice and grabbed him in an affectionate embrace.
"That's not fair, hogging him for yourself!" Kikunojo complained.
"That's right, put Ichiro-chan down, Yokohiko," Kotone sternly reprimanded.
"H-hai..." the largest member of the Baragumi slowly released Ogami, much to the latter's relief.
"Whew, thanks," Ogami said, "I thought I was-"
"Yes, Yokohiko should have waited for us!" Kotone interrupted.
And all three Baragumi jumped on poor Ogami again, causing everyone else to burst into laughter at his expense.
Eventually, the Hanagumi returned to their daily routines.
"...and so, the next play will be the classic fairy tale by Maurice Maeterlinck, 'The Children's Blue Bird'," Kaede announced.
"The what?" Jason asked. He sat at the back of the room together with Ogami, since the two men were not actually involved in the play.
"'The Children's Blue Bird'," Kaede repeated for his benefit.
"Never heard of it," the Exodusian quipped, causing some of the Hanagumi to giggle.
"Alright, that's enough of that," Kaede interrupted before all out laughter could break out. She gestured to a small pile of script books on the table.
"This play has two main characters who are young children, a boy and his sister. Reni will play the lead male, Tyltyl while Iris is the lead female as Mytyl," Kaede announced.
The other Hanagumi members congratulated the duo as Iris gasped in excitement. Reni, as usual, barely blinked in acknowledgement.
"Now, because of our resounding success with 'Comedy King Lear', the script writers have come up with a light-hearted version of 'The Blue Bird'. You might find familiar elements in the rewritten script, they have ingeniously added surprises and guests from 'Peter Pan,' Kaede continued.
The she mischievously winked at Jason, "I think you should have heard of –that- at least."
Jason only rolled his eyes as the Hanagumi guffawed again.
"So I'm not a reader of something as obscure as the 'Blue Bird', sue me," he said.
"It's a fairy tale about the search for happiness," Ogami explained, "and it was written in 1908 on Earth by a Belgian playwright..."
The Taicho of the Hanagumi stopped his impromptu lecture when he noticed that Jason was gaping at him.
"Jason-san, what's wrong?" he asked.
Jason pointed an accusing finger at him. "Who are you and where is the real Ogami Ichiro!? The real Ogami can't be that clever!" Jason demanded in mock terror.
"Oh, very funny..." Ogami muttered as the Hanagumi collapsed into laughter.
Nobody noticed Reni as the German quietly went to Kaede.
"May I have the script material?" Reni asked mechanically, oblivious to the laughter.
Kaede tried to hide her misgivings about the young German. 'Even after all this time, Reni is still so....'
"Here you go, Reni," Kaede said with a smile as she handed a script book.
Reni quickly scanned the title page to confirm the script, and merely nodded once.
"Reni, this will be your first lead role, but I'm sure you will do well. Be confident," the Vice-Commander said in an encouraging tone.
"Acknowledged."
Kaede couldn't help but sigh as Reni turned away, her words of encouragement seemingly ineffective.
'That child needs help...' she thought.
---
And so, the Imperial Opera Troupe began their practice, memorizing their lines, song lyrics and dance steps of the new play. When not on sorties to counter the Kokkikai, they would be doing Koubu simulations. Overall, a very busy period for the Hanagumi.
Which was why Jason disapproved when he saw Maria in the Grand Imperial Theater's library.
"A day off from rehearsal and you're getting a book to read?" he chided.
"I am just going to read the original story of 'The Blue Bird' as a reference," Maria explained, pulling out a thin book from the shelf.
As she flipped open the book, Jason hovered over her shoulder and peeked.
"Oh, it's illustrated," he commented, noting the large, classical style pictures.
"Well, it –is- a fairy tale," Maria replied and began to thumb the next page.
Jason noticed that the Russian was having problem doing that. In fact, it took her several finger strokes just to get a hold of the next page.
"Maria, you're trembling."
Maria pointedly ignored him. She determinedly turned to the next page, but Jason turned her around to look at her in the face.
"What's wrong?" he demanded.
"I am just a little tired," Maria answered.
"Oh. Sorry..." Jason said apologetically.
"Why are you apologizing?"
Jason shrugged sheepishly. "Ah, well, I guess I should've noticed."
"Yes, you should. Ah, how I wish I am an Exodusian too," Maria sighed. Her smile told Jason that she was just joking.
"It's not as if you'll be able to keep this up," Jason pointed out, "I only lasted this long because I don't have to go up on stage."
"Hmm... maybe I should ask Yoneda-shihainin to change that," Maria suggested mischievously.
The sheer look of horror on Jason's face was enough to make Maria to giggle like a young girl.
Jason's visage softened when he saw the childish glee on her face. On an impulse, he grabbed her hand.
"Come on, let's go out," he said without thinking.
Maria grinned. "And do what, Mr. Bourne?" she asked imperiously, going as far as to arch an eyebrow for effect.
"Er, maybe a walk?" Jason asked.
Maria said nothing, savoring his earnest look.
"Or a movie..."
Again, Maria did not respond. She merely folded her arms and looked positively uninterested. The glint in her emerald eyes told Jason that she was seemingly enjoying a private joke.
"...and dinner?" Jason added hopefully.
"We have training scheduled at 2030 hours," a voice behind Jason interrupted.
"Gah! W-what?"
As Jason winced and turned around, he saw that the voice belonged to Reni Milchstrasse.
"We have Koubu training at 2030 hours," Reni repeated.
"No, I mean, gah! I mean, yes, I know," Jason said even as Maria tried to stifle her laughter. "Why did you sneak up on me like that?"
"I did not sneak. You did not notice my approach," Reni clarified. The plainly stated fact and the deadpan tone it was delivered caused Jason to rub his forehead in defeat.
"What brings you to the library, Reni?" Maria asked, trying not to smirk at Jason's tongue-tiedness.
"I have finished with the script material. I understand the library has the original book which it was based," Reni answered.
"Yes. In fact, here it is," Maria smiled and handed the book to the German.
Reni calmly took it and gave Maria a curt nod before walking off briskly in an efficient manner.
"Weren't you going to read that book?" Jason asked.
She shook her head, slipped an arm between his and gave him a smile.
"Well, a movie and a dinner seem to be so much more enjoyable..."
---
Reni's room was Spartan, even by Maria's standards. A sturdy bed, a table, a small closet and a chair were the only furniture. The windows were kept shut all the time, for Reni saw no reason to open them.
Despite Reni's formal and direct behavior, the room was decidedly messy. The bed sheet was unmade, draping carelessly halfway to the floor. A single pillow was propped lopsidedly up against the headboard.
The German switched on the single light bulb in the room and effortlessly navigated around the mess to the table. Well, a mess was a mess, but because this was Reni's room, it was still an organized mess.
The quiet 15-year old sat down to read the book, sitting up straight so that the back never touched the chair. Reni read the book with the minimum of movement: eyes rapidly scanning the text and a hand to turn the page every few moments.
Reni was really reading the book. It was all that the German was doing, Reni was not making an effort to actually –understand- it. It was as if the wunderkind was merely committing the structured words and grammar to the brain.
There was no pleasure or emotion as the story progressed. It was just more information being filed away.
A knock on the door interrupted the near mechanical process. Reni stopped reading, but did not get up from the chair, merely turning to look at the door.
After a moment, a soft voice called.
"Reni? Are you in?"
Reni stood up. It was a familiar voice, so the teenaged Hanagumi member went to the door and opened it.
It was Saki, dressed in her customary black, high-cut suit.
"Oh, you're here," Saki said as a greeting.
"Yes," Reni merely replied.
Saki leaned forward to look at Reni's blue eyes on level terms. "What are you doing?" Saki asked.
"Reading."
"A story book?"
"Maeterlinck's 'The Blue Bird'."
Saki smiled in approval. "Getting more information for the upcoming play? You're really hardworking."
"Information is vital," Reni answered.
"How very true," Saki sighed, and then gave Reni a look. "But just how much do you know about the Hanagumi, Reni?"
Reni blinked. Being part of the Hanagumi for some time now, Reni gave no thought to the rest of the team members. Each of them performed well as a team and as individuals. Each had their weaknesses and strengths, but with Ogami at the helm, the sum was much more than the equal of the parts.
"I have read their files," Reni said.
"Did you? Well, enough boring talk," Saki abruptly changed the subject, "you were reading a story, correct? Why don't I read to you?"
"There is no need."
"Ah, but haven't you heard of secondary opinions? You and me, we're not much alike, but that also means we see things differently," Saki continued.
"A different perspective of the story?"
Saki nodded. "That's right. And, don't forget, you're going to perform in front of people who each have their own perspectives. When I read the story to you, you'll be an audience and thus will find out more about them."
Reni pondered for a brief moment before nodding in agreement. "That is acceptable."
"Trust me..." Saki smiled as she placed a hand on Reni's shoulder and closed the door behind her.
"...You'll never see the world the same way after this..."
Moments passed as Saki read the story aloud to Reni, who listened attentively. Reni's mind was a complete blank as Saki's words reached the 15-year-old's ears.
The way Saki spoke, it was not mere words. It was as if every single syllable was crafted like sinuous vines and dripped honey into Reni's mind.
Saki was reading the beginning of Chapter V, The Kingdom of the Future. It was after a scene where Tyltyl and Mytyl could not capture the Blue Bird of Happiness in the Palace of Night, and the mysterious being known as Light comforted the two distraught children.
The story-telling became so much more entrancing, as if Reni was Tyltyl himself. And if Reni was Tyltyl, Saki took on the role of Light.
Reni did not move or noticed when Saki closed the book and continued telling the story. Saki got up from the chair, switched off the light and went to the bed, where Reni was lying down listening.
"'I am quite satisfied'," Saki quoted as she approached Reni and stroked the German's silvery hair, just like how Light did to Tyltyl in the story.
And just like Tyltyl, Reni felt a feeling of ease. Reni was listening; hanging on to Saki's every word, like how Tyltyl was comforted and proud of Light's compliments.
"'I am quite satisfied. You are such a good, brave boy that you will soon find what you are looking for'," Saki continued.
Reni nodded, the wunderkind's blue eyes glazing over.
"But, do you know what you are looking for?" Saki asked.
Reni hesitated before shaking in the negative.
The black-haired woman brought her eyes level with Reni. "The journey will be long and perilous. Let me be your guide. Let me guide you the way to find what you are looking for," Saki said.
Once again, Reni nodded.
"Excellent," Saki smiled evilly, her eyes burning red in the darkness.
---
Over the next few days, proper dress rehearsals for the play were conducted.
Jason couldn't help but smirk when he saw Maria.
"You're playing a witch?" he teased, as Maria was dressed in a vaguely tree-like costume, complete with artificial branches around the shoulders. However, the overall effect made her look more like a druidic priestess.
"You know I am playing the Queen of the Forest," Maria replied with a touch of amused annoyance.
"Pity. You would make a –great- witch," Jason sighed, earning him a pinch from the blonde. The Exodusian chuckled, and his infectious humor spread to Maria as well.
They were standing at the side of the stage, waiting for Maria's turn to appear. The other Hanagumi were also dressed in their respective costumes: Reni and Iris as Tyltyl and Mytyl respectively, Orihime as Tinkerbell, Kanna as Captain Hook with Kohran and Sakura as the pirate's underlings while Sumire was the mischievous Tama the Tortoiseshell Cat.
Eventually, Maria's turn came. Just before she stepped onto the stage, Jason stage whispered in English:
"Make like a tree and -leaf-."
It took all of Maria's professionalism to keep a straight face at the horrible English pun as she stepped forward, making a mental note to get back at Jason later.
Jason, knowing he will get his later, was still smirking when he was joined by Ogami at the side.
"What's so funny?" Ogami asked, to which Jason merely shook his head.
The rehearsal scene began to climb steadily towards its climax. Tyltyl and Mytyl were stopped in their journey, their path barred by the Queen of the Forest.
"You children of humans! Get out of here! I, the Queen of this Forest, shan't grant you passage!" Maria declared.
Iris put on a fearful demeanor, hiding behind Reni. "I am frightened... brother Tyltyl," she stammered convincingly. And Reni stepped forward with a prop hand knife, covering Iris from the threatening Queen.
Brandishing the mock weapon, Reni had a determined and brave face. "Do not fear, Mytyl. Stay behind me," Reni said. Then Reni directed the Queen a challenge: "It's me who you're after! Come at me, I will cut you with this knife!"
"Very convincing," Ogami commented to Jason, who nodded in agreement.
In fact, Reni even took a step forward towards the Queen, which was not scripted. Iris, who was standing behind Reni, was caught off-guard by the sudden move. But Maria did not even blink and quickly improvised, shaking a fist threateningly.
"Young boy... what is the purpose of your struggle? Why do you wield that weapon?" Maria asked loudly.
"I will defend my sister Mytyl!" Reni stated. "I..." Reni hesitated and stopped, shoulders slumped. "I apologize. Again..."
They repeated the scene again, but like before; Reni faltered.
"Reni making a mistake?" Ogami asked Jason, who was as puzzled as he was.
"What's wrong, Reni? Did you forget the lines?" Iris asked plaintively. She helpfully pressed her copy of the script onto Reni's hands, who stared at it with a sense of loss.
"My my, I was wondering when Reni would ever slip up, ohohoho," Sumire remarked.
"Reni –never- slips up!" Orihime flared in defense of her former Hoshigumi teammate.
"Reni, maybe you are tired from the sortie recently. Do you need a rest?" Ogami asked as he walked onto the stage, eyeing at Maria discreetly.
Maria caught the look, nodded and clapped her hand once. "Let's take a break then," she suggested. It was gratefully accepted by the other Hanagumi to quench their thirst. It was already autumn, but the summer heat still lingered in the Imperial Capital.
But Iris only got more worried. The little French girl took the opportunity to circle around Reni. "Reni, are you sick? Talk to Iris," she pleaded, tugging the sleeves of Reni's costume.
"I... I just don't understand..." Reni half-mumbled.
"Reni..." Iris said distressfully.
"...Sorry... I need... to be alone..."
With that, Reni quickly left the rehearsal.
"Something's wrong, I've never seen Reni like this!" Orihime said. With her accent and tone, Jason couldn't be sure whether she was being serious or just over-reacting.
"Man, without Reni's Myltyl, we're stuck!" Kanna groaned.
Kohran shook her head. "Well, with Reni's condition, we can't go on anyway."
"I guess we just have to practice our scenes without Reni for the moment..." Sakura said.
"This could be troublesome," Maria muttered from the sidelines. "Looks like a problem, yeah," Jason agreed.
Ogami joined them, a worried look on his face. "Kaede-san did talk to me about Reni's strange behavior recently... I guess I have to check it out."
"Squad leader, you should ask Reni," Maria said.
Ogami smiled sheepishly. "I'm not sure –how-. I barely know Reni..."
"What kind of a team leader are you?" Jason asked with a grin.
"Oh yeah? How about you? Do –you- know what are Reni's hobbies?" Ogami challenged.
"Uh..."
"Well, maybe you should talk to the rest first," Maria suggested.
Ogami smiled. "I'll do what you suggest, Maria. Maybe all Reni needs is someone to talk to. I'll go now," Ogami said and left.
"I think Reni's still uncomfortable with us," Jason thought aloud.
"Maybe. But we have to make Reni understand that we are here for anything. I just hope the Taichou can convince Reni of that," Maria said.
Jason nodded. Then he gave Maria's tree-like costume another once over and smirked in English, "Don't worry. Don't let the –seeds- of despair be -planted-."
Maria gave him a puzzled look. She understood what he said, she being fluent in English as well, but she did not understand why he said it.
Jason's grin got wider. "You have to 'nip this in the bud', and
-weed- out the problem."
Maria groaned, realizing what he was driving at. He was punning at her expense.
"And to do that, you have to go to the –root- of the matter," the Exodusian added with relish.
"You're –bark-ing up the wrong –tree-," Maria warned, "Continue this and I will –leaf- you."
Jason sighed in defeat. "Sorry, I guess I'm just a poor –sap-," he said as a parting shot, earning a baleful look from the Russian.
He just couldn't resist it.
"I warned you," Maria smirked. Then she called out for Kanna.
"'sup?" the karate expert greeted. She pulled off the pirate eye-patch she was wearing and took off the hook prop from her hand.
"I remember you wanted to fix the roof today, is that right?" Maria asked conversationally.
Jason turned pale. Sitting on the roof to contemplate was one thing, to actually walk around some dozens of feet off the ground while doing carpentry and carrying equipment and tiles was something else.
"Yeah, there might be a typhoon after all. Heh, better be safe than sorry," Kanna chuckled, remembering the time she won a bet against her eternal rival Sumire.
"I found you a volunteer," Maria said, gesturing at Jason.
"Oho! Is that so!" Kanna slapped Jason's back boisterously.
"No, I, er-" the Exodusian sputtered.
"Thanks! Always good to have a helping hand!" Kanna continued, not giving him a chance to back out.
"But-"
"Hey, we can even have a sparring session on the roof afterwards!" the redhead added.
"W-what-!" Jason protested weakly.
"Nothing like a little element of danger, eh partner?" Kanna interrupted relentlessly.
Defeated and deflated, the Exodusian could only sigh and nod miserably. He knew better than to argue with the taller Japanese woman.
'What Kanna wants, Kanna gets,' was one of the things Jason had learned while being in the Hanagumi.
Maria grinned privately. 'I am getting good at this,' she noted of her skills to turn the tables on Jason with self-satisfaction.
---
When Ogami reached Reni's room, he found Saki just leaving it.
"Saki-san?" Ogami called.
"My, it's Ogami-kun... what a surprise to see you," Saki said.
"I can say the same," Ogami replied, "but what were you doing in Reni's room?"
Saki shook her head sadly. "Well, the poor child is so confused. I'm just... giving advice."
"Did Reni talk to you about anything?"
"Heavens, no. Usually it's just –me- doing the talking," Saki smiled.
"I see. Well, thanks for the hard work," Ogami said.
Saki's smile never disappeared as she turned to leave. "Oh, it's not –that- difficult... all I did was just talk."
---
There was a knock on the door again.
And again, Reni turned to look at the door.
"Reni? It's me, Ogami."
Reni blinked, not expecting the squad leader to visit. But after a moment of hesitation, the German opened the door.
"What is it?" Reni asked directly. It was the only way Reni knew how, it was the most efficient way.
"Can we talk?" Ogami asked gently. Reni nodded and allowed the Japanese man to enter the room.
It was the first time Ogami had seen Reni's room. It was bare as he had thought, but he didn't expect the mess.
"Reni, is there anything you wish to tell me?" Ogami asked, not quite sure of how to handle the situation.
Reni stayed quiet. The silver-haired teen stood straight and looked at Ogami impassively.
"...Reni. I... the entire Hanagumi is concerned about you," Ogami continued after deciding that the German wasn't going to answer.
The long silence that followed almost fooled Ogami that Reni was not going to say anything. Just as he was about to stand up to make an exit reluctantly, Reni spoke a single word.
"Why?"
"Reni, we care for you," Ogami immediately replied.
"Why?"
"We are a team," Ogami said, "and you are part of it."
Reni's head bowed. "A team..."
"That's right," Ogami nodded. "We live together, we train together and we fight together. Do you think it is strange for team members to care for each other?"
"...I don't know."
"Reni, on the stage or fighting on the battlefield; the Hanagumi are with you," the Japanese man said. He wondered if he should put a hand on Reni's shoulder for more effect, but then he remembered how Reni gave him a perfect throw during the German youngster's first day.
"I... I don't even know why I am fighting..." Reni said slowly.
"Eh?"
"Why am I fighting here? ...I can't think of a reason... Captain, what is your purpose for fighting?"
Taken aback by the question, it was Ogami's turn to pause as he considered.
"Didn't I tell you we are a team? We're the Teikoku Kagekidan – Hanagumi. It is our duty and responsibility to protect the Imperial Capital," he finally said. Ogami had no idea how Reni would react, but to evoke the German's soldiering instinct seemed to be the best bet.
His slim hope shattered when Reni merely said, "The Imperial Capital has nothing to do with me. Why... why am I fighting for the city?"
Stunned, Ogami couldn't say anything.
"...Leave."
"Reni?" Ogami said, not sure if he heard the German correctly.
"Just... leave," Reni repeated, leaving no doubt.
Ogami sighed, defeated and demoralized. He left the room, leaving Reni alone to try to sort out the mass of thoughts within the young German.
---
Things did not improve the next day. Reni was even more sullen and quiet during breakfast. When it was time for the day's rehearsal, the young German did not turn up. The Hanagumi began paced around the stage in worriedly after Reni still haven't arrived five minutes after the appointed time.
"Maybe Reni's just sick," Kanna wondered.
"Reni -never- gets sick!" Orihime exclaimed.
"Never?" Maria asked, arching an eyebrow.
"Ohohohoho, I know what's wrong!" Sumire suddenly said.
"What!?" Orihime whirled around and demanded.
"Maybe, you know, it's Reni's time..." Sumire said in a low voice, so that Ogami and Jason couldn't hear. The two men were doing last minute checking of the seats.
"Ohhhh..." Sakura, Kanna and Kohran mouthed in understanding. Maria coughed delicately and turned away. Orihime began to turn red in embarrassment and was at loss for words.
"Sumire onee-san, what do you mean?" Iris asked curiously, tugging on the hem of the Kanzaki heiress's dress. The older women around the little French girl hesitated, not sure on how to tell her.
"What are you guys whispering about?" Jason interrupted as he went up the stage with Ogami. Before anyone else could answer him, Iris spoke up.
"Second brother, what is Reni's time?" she asked innocently. The other Hanagumi girls immediately took various positions to avoid the men's eyes.
"Huh?" Jason said in puzzlement. He looked at Ogami who shrugged.
"I see Reni isn't here yet..." the Japanese man said instead, disappointment obvious in his voice.
"Guess your talk with Reni didn't go down all too well huh," Jason said to Ogami.
Orihime immediately seized on that information and grabbed Ogami by the collars.
"You! This must be your fault, you horrible Japanese man!" she said in righteous anger.
"E-eh!?"
"What did you do to Reni, you pervert!"
The other girls began to snicker at Ogami's situation. And like always, Jason was already making a suitable exit to avoid being embroiled. He wasn't expecting Orihime's outburst, but he sure wasn't going to stick around for it.
"I don't wanna hear about -that-, so I'll try to get Reni to come for the rehearsal," he said to Maria, who nodded in agreement.
And thus, once again, Jason escaped and leaving his fellow man in the clutches of false accusations and poor denials once more.
---
Jason was about to knock on Reni's door when he heard voices from the room.
Curious, he leaned closer to the door.
"Reni, do you understand what needs to be done?" a female voice asked. Jason frowned, not liking the tone of it.
"Yes, I understand," Reni softly answered in a dull voice.
"Reni, you have done well. I am proud, very proud of you," the voice said. Then there were footsteps approaching the door, and Jason quickly straightened up and backpedaled.
To his immense surprise, it was Saki who opened the door.
"Saki?"
Saki's mouth opened in an 'O', eyes wide open in shock at seeing him.
"What was that all about?" Jason demanded, eyes hardening.
"Did you hear our conversation?" Saki asked.
Jason chose to nod instead of saying anything. It was ambiguous, and gave Jason more choices later rather than saying 'Yeah, I heard some'.
"Then I am sorry," Saki said sadly.
"What?"
And before he knew it, there was two booms, and bursts of immense pain blossomed in his chest.
As Jason's knees buckled and he fell over, he caught sight of Saki's face. She was a little sad, but her eyes red and very cold. As his face twisted in agony, he saw in her hands a smoking gun, the source of his pain.
"W-why?" Jason managed to say as he began to gasp at the pain.
"You are at the wrong place at the wrong time..." Saki said simply.
"S-story... of my... life..." Jason said, his voice full of irony.
Even as he began to to slip into the darkness, he could hear Saki's voice.
"Come along Reni... it looks like we are performing earlier than planned."
And then the blackness conquered Jason's consciousness.