Chapter 56: Shirogane - Starting Point
June 4th. 06:13 AM.
(Koubuin House. Near Takeru's Room.)
The sun peered into the massive building with gusto, birds chirped to life, and a docile wind accompanied today's dawnbreak. Such weather was welcomed by those who had already risen and were preparing for their coming duties.
As the Koubuin House bustled to life for another day, the young lady of the Tsukuyomi tapped her glasses as she strode in long, fast steps towards little Takeru's room.
"It truly was a stroke of luck for Masahide-san to have been the one to find him," she mused, picking up her pace, "Had it been anyone else, the event wouldn't have gone unnoticed."
Maya had taken the time to survey what had both Amato siblings done after returning to the hall, yet not a word was spoken about the small incident on the gardens. However, even if that was a relief, her other incessant duties kept piling up, and even when she was dismissed from watching over the Main Hall new orders arrived for her.
As she recalled, a small frown made its way to her face, "Honestly, by the Holy Emperor, what a foolhardy way of being," Repining much, her steps grew stronger.
As it were, the guard that was tasked with delivering dinner to Takeru had, quite conveniently, forgotten about it. The man said he was overburdened during the meeting, despite the fact that he was reminded in advance of this task. I suppose that to say the man would suffer most horrendous nightmares from now on about Maya's barely restrained outburst would be a severe understatement.
Her stride dulling as she approached his room, admiring the ground through almost closed eyelids upon recalling how undeservedly harsh she had been to him, Maya took a moment to shake her head, take in a sharp breath, and refocus on the moment.
Shortly after, she arrived at his room. And upon opening the sliding door, Maya was greeted with a sight she had never seen before, not on the two years she had already been looking after him.
Takeru was sitting on the floor, already dressed for the day. His futon tidied up, his bag also ready by his side. Maya blinked for a moment, befuddlement setting in, as he returned her gaze.
Looking away, nervous at her silence, he gave her a bow as he stood up, "…G-Good morning, Maya-nee."
"Good morning, Takeru. Did you… wake up on your own?"
"…Yes," Still looking down, he slowly, hesitantly, and dragging his feet, went to Maya's side, bag on his arm, "So… Um… Let's go?" He asked upon her silence.
Which elicited both a cough and a nod afterwards, "Yes, let us go."
Maya closed the door once both left the room, and as had become routine for her she reached out for his hand.
But he moved away, walking close to a wall, hands on his pockets. Without waiting for her, Takeru started walking, still looking down, remaining quiet, oddly so.
Quickly reaching his side, she looked straight at him as she offered her hand, "Takeru?"
"What?"
"Come, breakfast should already be on… the way…" Blinking in quick succession once again, only empty air returned her grasp, only his hair did to her gaze, "What is it? Are you feeling unwell?"
"No."
"Then, did you not get enough sleep, perhaps?"
"…I'm fine," Puffing a cheek, he picked up his pace.
One of her brows twitched, sensing something odd in his tone, "Are you upset at my scolding yesterday?" His silence made her sigh, "Please Takeru, you were at fault. We would have been placed in a very precarious position should Raiko-sama had inquired into your situation."
Nothing was said, he still kept his distance from her. Maya had a light meal, a mere snack, after she had woken up, yet her stomach turned and ached at the rift between their hands.
"Takeru, lift your face. Do not let yesterday's miss hamper your efforts today. You cannot show such an expression at the table," She slowly said, again getting closer, again trying to reach for his hand.
And again, he avoided her.
"I know that," Shrugging his lips, Takeru stalwartly refused to return her gaze.
"Come on, now. Use this as a learning experience instead of getting angry. Now stop pouting, we're close to the dining room," Taking another step, she swiftly reached for his hand, grasping it this time.
Only for Takeru to, quite violently, and unexpectedly for Maya, shake her off, returning a very sharp frown. The very first show of anger, of true ire, that he had ever done to her.
"Don't touch me!"
Momentarily stunned, hand frozen in mid-air, what toxins were brewing on her stomach flared up to life.
"What is wrong with you today?! After what happened, this is how you behave?" Returning the frown, she found herself at a loss when he didn't recede.
This wasn't a temper tantrum. Tight lips, accusing glare, and the mindful step back when she approached. Only then she realized, Takeru was truly angry at her.
So, cooling down her tone while tapping her glasses, she softly spoke up, "Takeru, cease this foolishness at once. You cannot act in such way at the table, and such anger won't aid you in your classes. Come on, leave that frown behind, else your food will grow cold."
"…I hate you."
She blinked once, then twice.
All that was clogging her insides suddenly vanished, except for the dart that had been thrown at her heart.
"…What did you just say?"
"I hate you. Don't talk to me," Without wait, he then turned around and kept walking, gaze on the floor.
Again stunned for a second, Maya chased after the boy, that still was making his way to the dining room, placing perhaps too much force on his shoulder once she got to his side.
"Takeru, what's going on with you?" He remained silent with his eyes on the ground, she sighed heavily at that, "I was merely trying to protect you yesterday. You should know that if other samurais learn of your position here as of now, they would-"
"You lied."
"Huh?" She looked at him, only to find, as he would say, an expansive wildfire staring back.
"You lied," Then, releasing his anger, hands shaking and eyes watering, Takeru's voice quivered slightly as it rose in intensity, "You didn't defend me, you think I'm a stranger, you don't even believe I can become a samurai. You think I'm a bother like Kazora-san and Raiko-san do, don't you? I hate you!"
"W-Wha… Do not speak nonsense! In no way do I see you as-"
"You said I was a bother yesterday."
"That's only when you do not listen, like you're doing right now. I do believe in you, all I did was make sure Raiko-sama didn't-"
"Lies! You treated me horribly, and I didn't do anything bad. She was the one being mean."
"Sigh… Enough. You should not have been there, and should not have incited a fight. That's why I scolded you, because you didn't listen to what I told you to do."
"But you didn't defend me, not even when she said mean things about me… Sniff…"
"I… I had to make sure she didn't ask any questions about you, that is all. The meeting was still underway, I didn't have any time to lose."
"…You wouldn't have done the same if she had said those things about the Pickles," She flinched at his doubtful stare, it only invigorated his suspicions, "…See? I thought… Sniff… we were like family…"
Void of air for a moment, her hand couldn't reach for his head, "T-Takeru, I was merely… You should know I do care about you. All I did was to protect you from her inquiries, that's all."
"…You're lying."
Looking into his eyes, she couldn't help but to frown as his glare clashed into her as well, "Sigh… Come on, apologize for shouting to your sister now and we shall leave this behind."
"…No. You just see me as a stranger too."
"Takeru… Do not start. How can you cast doubts on me after all these years?" Taking a step closer, feeling as if she were walking atop iron spikes, Maya placed a hand on his shoulder.
"…Then, where was my dinner yesterday?"
"Eh?"
"I tried to tell you and you didn't listen. Why did no one bring me dinner yesterday if I'm not a bother?" He inquired, almost stuttering, lips quivering as he looked up.
When she didn't answer, when her hand left his shoulder, he took it as a confirmation of his fears. And so, again he looked down, the ground acting as a magnet to a few tears.
Maya, on her end, was at a loss. The realization hit her with another wave of emptiness, to see that she had, after all, neglected to give him dinner after confirming the guard appointed to do so had 'forgotten' about the task. Prey to stress and exhaustion, she simply chose to return to her chamber after reporting the matter and reprimanding the man.
Pierced by a scorching feeling against which even the finest blade does bend, Maya tried to explain, to reach out to him. However, upon seeing his watering eyes, filled with distrust, she couldn't bring forth any meaningful words. Guilt made nest within, her throat suddenly shutting down, hampering any attempts at communication for she had never seen him angry in this manner.
"…You should know that… I was tired… I… made a miss, I accept it. Forgive me," He looked away, she found herself having to take a deep breath, "However, no one sees you as a bother. Let's… leave this behind us. You must be truly hungry, and you cannot perform at your best if you have to rush your first meal. Come on Takeru, let's-" However, he started walking on his own, and all she could do was follow.
Perhaps the physical distance wasn't grand at all, but from Maya's perspective the gesture, the reluctance, the doubt in itself was just as harsh as her training in the Daizaburou Dojo had been. As cold and solitary as she was under the waterfall by dusk, seeing this as a large a rift as how she once saw herself failing when thinking to have been kicked out of the Royal Guard, that is how she saw the distance that had been placed between her and Takeru.
And while on the outside she kept a poker face as they walked, the dart had undergone a metamorphosis, turning into a rusted, jagged lump of iron that lurched forward every time she took a glance at him, at his refusal to come closer, to speak up, to forgive her carelessness.
Nothing else was said on the way to the dining room.
Knocking the door to notify their presence once they arrived, Yohime spoke to allow them entry. Both bowed down to her once inside, saying their greetings.
"Rise, you two. Good morning, Maya, Takeru," She so says as they rose back, smiling as per usual, "Do sit down, breakfast shall be arriving shortly."
"Yes, Yohime-sama," Maya promptly answered, then went to take her seat besides her father, who nodded in salutation once she did.
Takeru slowly went to his usual seat, in between the young Yuuhi and Shion, as the three little girls greeted him in the usual cheer. He merely nodded at them, avoiding their eyes, saying nothing.
Kazora was giving Yohime an overview of her schedule, alongside informing Maya of some early developments for her own duties, but was forced to stop short once he noticed his Lady was no longer focused on him. Yohime was instead staring, rather worriedly, at Takeru.
"Takeru, what is it?" She inquired, a hand going to her chin.
He ever so slightly trembled when he realized she was staring, "Nothing, Yohime-san."
Replying fast, the small frame was as tense, as worried as if he were bracing for further scolding. Thinking that, perhaps, Yohime would admonish him as Maya had done before. Perhaps, even send him away on the spot.
For but a second a brow arched in concern, quickly dispelled into her charming smile, "I see… Do let me tell you we shall be having mackerel today."
Nodding once in glee, for she knew the boy favored that particular fish above all, she was certain this would raise his spirits. Yohime assumed correctly that he was afflicted after his encounter with Raiko, so she had ensured today's breakfast would be fitting to the boy's palate.
However, contrary to her expectations, Takeru merely nodded back. Eyes fixated, bolted to the table, lips clamped, forged shut, afraid of making another mistake, afraid of confirming his fears. Said disposition of his only made Yohime's smile wane in a flash, she sent a most adusted, narrowed gaze towards the eldest Tsukuyomis, who stiffened up at it.
Noticing Maya's complexion to be odd and Kazora to also be surprised by the boy's reaction, only doubt and worry festered within Yohime as her daughter and both cousins tried to no avail to integrate the boy into their idle chat.
"Say Takeru, you won't guess how boring was yesterday's meeting," Shion said, leaning closer.
"Really?" With an almost inaudible answer, he stole a glance at her before looking down once more.
"Indeed it was," Mion agreed with a nod, "We had to spend much time talking with other heirs, or simply sitting as the adults talked," She then lets out a small sigh.
"I see…" He replies, eyes unmoving from the table as Maya's from him.
"Most merely boasted of their academic performance, and all seem to be reading the same novels as of late," Yuuhi commented, a bit sourly at that, trying to look into Takeru's eyes, "It is rather tiring, to always reiterate such vain topics."
"Yes, I don't understand why everybody reads the same book or try to constantly edge the rest with their boons," Shion complained, truly bothered by the constant 'My House is bigger than yours' arguments that ensue whenever scores and feats are brought up by anyone during either school breaks or meetings.
"I believe it is precisely to talk of it with the rest," Maya repines, tapping her glasses and sharing her sister's feelings on the matter, "It is crucial to have a topic of conversation to chat with your fellows, is it not? And what better topic than one's House's achievements of late?" The girls nod, agreeing to some degree, Takeru remains simply looking down, not wishing to speak up. An edge of Maya's lips twisted inwards at his silence, seeing not even the cousins could have him leave the stiffness behind.
"I can agree with that," Yuuhi sighed, all too aware as of late of such endeavors, all too exhausted of the unavoidable socialization topics, "So Takeru, how was your evening yesterday?" She inquired with such a bright smile, eager to finally have some time to speak with him after being denied of it yesterday, edging a bit closer to the boy.
"…It was fine, thanks for asking."
"I see…" Her brows arched for a moment at his curt reply, as did her mother's, "By the way, it is already Thursday. Have you thought on what you would like to read on the weekend?"
"No, not really."
Her lips now became a small circle, "Then… Is there anything you would be preferring to read, Takeru?" Again trying to look into his gaze, she anxiously awaited his reply. Yohime was firmly watching their exchange as well, a hand on her chin.
Takeru shook his head, his gaze darting away from hers, "No, there isn't. Don't mind me, Yuuhi… -san."
Maya's and Yohime's mouth remained gaping for a moment, Shion and Mion both also were beyond shock at hearing such words.
"…Eh?" Yuuhi's eyes slowly widened, she remained as such staring at him.
For him to use an honorific, for Takeru that equals speaking to an adult, someone he should respect. All those present knew that very well.
Maya now openly bit her lips, "Why is he putting such distance between… He isn't comfortable here any longer, perhaps? After what happened, and how he was this morning… It's clear he's forcing himself. Perhaps…" Unable to bear the thought that sprouted forth, she looked down, tightening both hands, "…Perhaps Father was right. Perhaps he would be happier… back in Hiiragi…"
Kazora himself was merely limiting himself to watch, a perfect stoic expression in his face. While he was rather worried for the boy after hearing from Maya what Raiko had said to him, the man saw this as what would show the rest that he was indeed right. That Takeru would live a more bountiful life as a peasant.
"After all Shirogane did for our fellowship, to have his son endure such unjust words on a daily basis… would be a dishonor to me as both his superior and a retainer handpicked by Takahisa-sama," He concluded within, deciding to let things play out.
Before Yohime could speak up her worry, the doors opened with the Chamberlain bringing the food into the room alongside the attendants. As it was normal by now, they served Takeru last and in slightly lesser quantity. Both the Chamberlain and the attendants didn't waste a gaze on him, keeping a firm poker face when they had to serve his breakfast.
After all, it is such a dishonor for those of higher station to have to lower themselves to serve a mere peasant, isn't it?
Unable to rein in her worsening mood, Yohime squinted her eyes at the attendants, who then hastened their pace when they left. The Chamberlain sat to the left of the manor's lady by Kazora's side, awaiting for Yohime to begin to eat as it was customary.
Those sharpened amethyst eyes laid onto the old woman, deciding to remain silent for the moment, before starting the morning's meal. This time, unlike every other breakfast since little Takeru had arrived, there was no idle chatter coming from the kids.
Maya slowly poked her food, unable to bring more than a small bite at a time, as both cousins did as well. The young Yuuhi, however, was plucking her lips without even touching her plate, stealing glances at Takeru who was slowly eating his share despite the insistence from his stomach to just gobble up both food and plate in one gulp.
"Yuuhi-sama, is the food not to your liking?" The Chamberlain asks, worry placed on her words.
"Of course not, it looks as delicious as always," She smiled briefly, before returning to a more neutral expression as she began to eat.
"Then, what is the cause of such restlessness?"
"Chamberlain, Yuuhi is merely exhausted after yesterday's meeting," Yohime dryly and promptly answered, sending a gaze to her left.
"Oh, is that so?" She then looks at little Yuuhi, a concerned tint in her face as she brought a hand to her cheek.
Yuuhi nodded, lifting another grin, "Yes, I am merely…" Her eyes took a brief rest towards Takeru, "…tired," Thus, the tone she now made would truly make anyone think so.
The woman's brows narrow, "…I see," Then her eyes do the same towards little Takeru, who lowered his gaze further when he noticed, "Yohime-sama, I suggest you to remove the peasant from the table. It is clear his presence is detrimental to Yuuhi-sama."
Maya's throat suddenly felt sore, making her drop the piece of mackerel she had just picked. Kazora said nothing, remaining as stoic as usual. While the cousins were openly angry, Takeru had stopped eating, his eyes now were barely open.
"Why do you say such a thing?!" Shion frowned, her tone very much filled to the brim with frost.
"Shion, you shall not raise your voice at your elders!" Kazora admonished, yet Shion didn't recoil.
"Kazora-sama, why would she want to have Takeru leave the table?" Mion inquired in a calm tone, yet also endowed with ailing ice.
"You are to stay quiet on the table," He gave them a firm gaze, slightly raising his voice, and they both trembled upon the scolding.
"Kazora-san, there is no need for such actions," Yohime dryly repined, shaking her head, "Chamberlain, this is not the time nor the place to speak of such matters. Please do not disturb our breakfast."
"…As you wish, milady," She gave a small bow in apology, returning to eat.
Thus, nothing else was said.
Yohime also slowly returned to her plate, opting to remain silent to rein in her mood. Shion and Mion were also looking down as Takeru was, he hadn't resumed eating. Now, a slight shaking could be seen on his hands if you looked at them carefully.
And while Maya understood Yohime did not wish to spark a fight in front of Takeru, after what he had said earlier she could only try to restrain the stinger, the thoughts that assured her the boy would take the silence as a confirmation of his earlier doubts of being a bother, a stranger for the rest.
"Yet… I cannot speak up. If I do, I would be going against Yohime-sama's words. She ordered to let the matter rest for now. But…" A look towards him only made her food feel all the more heavy, "He isn't even eating, his plate isn't even half-empty. Takeru doesn't deserve this. Perhaps… it would be for the best if he…"
And as Maya was about to simply admit defeat, as no other sound could be heard in the dining room other than those of chopsticks fulfilling their purpose, as all gazes were focused on their own plates…
"…Take those words back, please."
Everyone on the table stopped eating upon hearing the adusted, most combusting, yet still soft voice.
Yuuhi was, oh so intensely, frowning. Wrinkles tainting her forehead, a stalwart blaze in her gaze which sent everyone recoiling back. The contrast with her more frequent sweet demeanor was so strong that Yohime dropped her chopsticks.
After a second to register what had happened, she asked, "…Yuuhi, dear, what did you just say?"
"I asked the Chamberlain to take her words back. Kindly retract your words, or else," She intensified her glare, now a scowl surging forth as if a geyser it were.
Which made the old woman freeze up, void of answers for a second, "…Yuuhi-sama, why would you-"
"Take your words back, please," She fired off unrelenting, her blazing complexion unchanged.
Yohime leaned forward, towards the young girl, a soothing tone to mitigate the fire, "Yuuhi, dear, this is no way to-"
"She insulted Takeru," Yuuhi hissed back, despite now being looking at her mother, "He's one of us, so I shan't forgive anyone who speaks ill of him," She so said, placing a hand above one of his. Which made him look up, shocked at her unwavering words.
The Chamberlain, however, was perplexed, confused at the young lady's demand, "Yuuhi-sama, I said no insult. I merely believe that the peasant has no place by your si-"
"Takeru's station matters not," The blaze scowled back, "You are using it as an insult to indicate that, for some reason, you believe he should not be here," Her words spoken rapidly, her stare unchanged in its wrathful stance.
"Um… You shouldn't get so upset at an adult, Yuuhi… -san," Speaking up only gained Takeru a stare from her.
However, she immediately dulled her frown, now more of a sour gaze instead, "Why do you add an honorific to my name, Takeru?"
"Eh… W-Well, it's… rude. I can't call you like that."
"Why?"
"I mean… I'm… I shouldn't… be rude. I have to behave well and all that… Right?"
"Takeru," She gradually leaned closer and closer, looking at him squarely in the eye, "You're living with us now. So, stop using an honorific. I am Yuuhi to you," Now her tone was clearly a complain as her brows arched downwards, groaning softly as a kitty would when awaiting its meal.
"B-But…" He looked away, her own gaze crumbled down as well as the edges of her lips did.
"Takeru, why won't you call me by my name?"
"Yuuhi-sama, you should not ask such from a peasant!" The Chamberlain couldn't endure the sight anymore, for the coming Regent to mingle with a baseborn in such way.
"…You will not insult Takeru again," Thus, Yuuhi once more forwarded a fiery frown her way.
Yohime coughed loudly, leveling a stare at her daughter, "Yuuhi, dear, please. This is no way to conduct yourself on the table."
"And badmouthing a fellow is, Mother?"
It would be an understatement as large as an XG to say the rest were flabbergasted or befuddled, for Yuuhi never retorts when her mother speaks. This was, to their knowledge, the first time it happened. When in truth was the second, and it's what made Yohime not admonish her further, instead sending a hand to her hair, her breathing calming down, pondering what to do.
"Um… Please don't fight," Takeru spoke up, still looking down. Blaming himself for the argument, certain that blames would be placed on him like last night,"I-If… If I'm being a bother, I can leave," He slowly stood up, not lifting his gaze from the floor as he went his way.
A vile taste filled Maya's mouth, who then breathed in through clenched teeth. Seeing the cousins stare at her pleadingly, she tried to stood up only for Kazora to firmly hold her wrist in place, preventing any further movements. As the three younger Tsukuyomis frowned at the oldest, he then pointed with his jaw towards the edge of the table.
A second later, the rough sound of a chair being thrust back resonated as it almost fell towards the floor. In one fluid and swift motion, Yuuhi had stood up and got to Takeru's side.
"You will sit down, Takeru," She declared, promptly grabbing his hand, dragging him to the table, and making the stunned Takeru sit down again, startling both him and the rest equally.
"Um… Yuuhi-san, I'm-"
"Takeru, my name is Yuuhi," She pouted at him when she sat down, almost puffing a cheek, "And you shall remain here, by my side."
Wasting not a second, she then linked her arm around his, locking Takeru closer to herself to prevent him from leaving. She didn't even flinch at his stuttering, instead choosing to enforce her hold. Much like a hunter who cornered prey or an intellectual gripping onto sudden inspiration for a thesis, so was Yuuhi's lock onto little Takeru's arm, to his and the rest's utter shock.
"Yuuhi-sama, that is unproper for a lady!" The Chamberlain was almost shrieking in horror, one could say she had seen a BETA by the expression she was making.
Yuuhi, however, returned another frown, "I wish Takeru to remain by my side, therefore I see no issue with this. I believe I had asked you to take your words back?"
For a moment no one said anything.
Yuuhi held the Chamberlain's gaze as tightly and firmly as she was holding onto Takeru's arm.
Both the cousins and Maya could only stare at her, and at Takeru as he nervously stole glances at both Yuuhi and Yohime, the latter who was wearing a poker face while grasping her chin as she observed the situation.
Kazora was the only one who, somehow, was calm enough to continue eating. Deciding that, if Yuuhi wished for the boy to stay, and he was in agreement, all he could do was to support both of them as he had done with their fathers.
"…My apologies, Yuuhi-sama," She finally said, relenting a bow.
"I believe you are apologizing to the wrong person, however," She furrowed her brows, looking at the one she held tightly onto.
Takeru's lips were quivering like butterfly's wings, unable to hold the gaze of the Chamberlain, almost repulsed as if smelling the stench of bodily decay.
"Would you have me apologize to a peas-" Yuuhi frowned once more, she drowned her complains.
"Y-Yuuhi-san… You don't have to fight. It's fine, it's always like this," His voice crumbling, Takeru was sure he was going to get scolded for making trouble once more.
The rusted iron then decided to thrust through Maya's lungs, ruining her breathing. The cousins also seem to share the feeling, while Mion's face fell further down in concern Shion was still glaring at the Chamberlain.
However, Yuuhi's brows twitched much at his words, and, as he would say, blue fire was flooding, "No, it isn't fine at all, Takeru. You are one of us and are deserving of respect. Also…" She tightened her grasp, bringing her face closer to his, their noses almost touching, "I am Yuuhi, no honorifics."
"I-I get it… Sorry."
"Don't apologize, you are most certainly not at fault," She beamed at him, returning to her usual demeanor. However, it lasted but a moment as she again faced the Chamberlain, "I believe you were apologizing."
The woman closed her eyes and took a deep breath, a hand near her chest. Part of her lips receded inwards for a moment, but then looked at Takeru and gave him a minuscule nod.
"My apologies, Shirogane," Short and dry, perhaps also deceptive.
"…No, it's fine," He looked down again.
"Ahem… Shall we resume eating?" Yohime ordered, sternly gazing at the Chamberlain.
No one protested, no one said a word.
Yet, Yuuhi didn't let go of Takeru's arm. She then began to quietly speak with him and the cousins about the meeting. Takeru remained quiet at first, but Yuuhi insisted much in hearing his opinion, getting too close and personal perhaps.
A bit overwhelmed, he then looked away, and his eyes met Maya's. His gaze fleeting and hesitant as a dragonfly looking for a source of water amidst a heatwave, fearful of seeing the same anger as during the prior dusk, he only found a small smile and a nod, and then he seemed to relax. Maya did as well once she saw the four little ones begin to speak as they always used to do, sighing the rusted metal sensation out of her system.
For the remainder of the breakfast, the children spoke between themselves as they usually did even if Takeru's voice was lower in intensity and open glee.
Once the meal was finished, everyone prepared to depart for their duties. However, Yohime called both Yuuhi and Takeru to her side, telling the rest to leave. While Maya was hesitant at first, all she could do was accompany Mion and Shion to prepare to leave for school and return posthaste to take Takeru to his classes.
And so, once the Tsukuyomis and the Chamberlain left, the other three remained alone in the dining room, Yuuhi still holding Takeru's hand.
"Um… Sorry for making trouble, Yohime-san," He gives her a bow, but then a hand was delicately placed on top of his head, softly ruffling his hair.
As he looked up, he saw a most concerned expression permeating Yohime's face, "No… I am the one that has to apologize. Forgive me, Takeru."
"Huh? Why? I was the one who made them fight…" Again, he looked down, "If I hadn't been here, nothing would have happened. Just like yesterday, Masahide-san wouldn't have fought with Raiko-san if I hadn't been there," Once more, a cold blanket threatened to envelop his back.
If not for the tightening grip on his arm, "Takeru, you are most assuredly not at fault," Yuuhi thus insisted, again getting closer.
"But-"
"You. Were not. At fault," She repeated, puffing a cheek, shrugging her lips, "Isn't that right, Mother?"
Yohime could barely restrain the giggling she was wishing to do, seeing his shock at her daughter's forwardness, "Sigh… That is true, if blames must be placed I am the one at fault."
"That's not true, Yohime-san! Why would this be your fault?" He asked, not understanding, not wishing to blame her.
Which only made her inner affliction all the worse, seeing his honest concern, "As the acting Regent I am, I should have been clearer with the rest as I was with Kazora-san regarding your situation."
She then sighed once more, he thought she was about to cry, whereas Yuuhi was also at a loss for she had never seen Yohime displaying such clear sadness.
However, she smiled their way again, "Takeru, Yuuhi, come here," She patted the chairs by her side, both slowly sat down. Yohime then started ruffling his hair softly, never losing sight of his eyes, "Takeru, you are no stranger and I do not wish you to go away. I promised your father that I would look after you, and you should know that the samurai never go back on their word."
"But… aren't I being a bother?" He hesitantly asked, feeling heavy all of a sudden.
"You are nothing of the sort, as Yuuhi said," Her eyes sharpened, tone sobering as well, "You shall be one of us from now on, even if it takes time for you to become acquainted to your new life. Please, worry no longer," She smiled, as sweetly as usual, "As for you Yuuhi, please be mindful of when and how you tackle this kind of discussions. You cannot clash so frontally with others from now on."
"…I understand, Mother. My sincerest apologies," She bowed down, yet didn't dull the pout when she rose back, "However, defending a fellow is an obligation for me, as the next heir. Remaining silent was something we could not allow ourselves to do," Firmly holding her ground, she stated.
"Um… Don't fight, please," Pulling the hand Yuuhi was still holding, her glare receded slightly upon his worry.
"I do admit you have a point, dear," Yohime nodded, which made her daughter dispel the tension of her complexion, "However, you should have considered how Takeru would have seen said argument. In the end, this was an issue I allowed to occur, so I shan't admonish you further, but do keep this in mind for any future altercations," She firmly looked into the blazes, which were subdued then after a nod, "In any case, Takeru, please do forgive my carelessness. I should have known the Chamberlain would have reacted in this way at some point."
"…So I did give you trouble," He barely whispered out, slumping down.
She then caressed his hair once more, dropping her fingers to lift his chin, "Nothing of the sort. I said you were one of us just now. This was an oversight on my end, nothing more."
"But, why is everyone so mean? I'm… doing what I can to be good," Shrugging his lips again, he sourly said.
Yohime sighed, imitating his prior whisper, "Sometimes, people will simply not favor you. That's how it is, even for us adults."
"So, uh…" Hesitating a bit, finally managing to ask the question as Yuuhi tightened her grip, "…I can stay here?" Yohime then nods, again ruffling his hair as another smile brightly flourished forth.
"I was not thinking on sending you away. So, do not worry about this anymore and, more importantly, do not try to leave the table again. Your seat is right there, by Yuuhi's side." Her voice sounding slightly upset but at the same time sweet, she slowly placed a hand on his cheek.
Shivering a bit, barely biting back the tears, Takeru nodded twice in quick succession, a smile finally appearing on him.
"Now, might I ask why you used an honorific with Yuuhi?" She lowered her brows, tilting her head.
"…Yes, why did you do such a thing, Takeru?" The young Yuuhi grew closer, he twitched. Yohime couldn't help it and chuckled at their expressions.
He looks upwards, scratching the back of his head, "I mean… Masahide-san told me I should try to speak like you all do, and everyone is really polite with you… so I thought that I had to do that too," To not be a stranger, he finished within.
"I see… You were merely trying to appease us, then?" Yohime asked, he nodded.
"I just wanted to not make trouble, to try to be better. Maya-nee is always telling me to be more respectful, and everyone is like that with Yuuhi… So I thought I should use a -san with her."
"You do not need to do such," She insisted, resting her frame on his arm, "You're my friend, Takeru. No more honorifics between us."
"O-Okay, I get it already…" He gave in, rather fearful of the embers that still lurked within her eyes.
Chuckling once more at the exchange, Yohime petted both kids' heads, "It is good to see you try, but please don't treat Yuuhi or the cousins in a different manner. They like you for who you are, Takeru."
"So… You won't get mad because I'm rude with them?" He braved the fear of hearing a yes.
And was welcomed by the shaking of her head and another smile, "They welcome your usual way of being, so there is no reason for me to be upset at you. It is different when it comes to others, then you should be polite," She admitted, then she looked up, "I know you must be disheartened after your last tests' results, however no one shall send you away for such a thing. I have been busy these last few days, and sadly I haven't been in the right mind to speak with you. But it was not because I was upset, I was merely tired."
"Are you in trouble, Yohime-san?" He got a bit closer, worried about how her eyes dropped now. Even Yuuhi was now concerned yet again at the display.
"I am fine… However… Sigh…"
"See? You and Maya-nee are sighing a lot these days. Are you sick?" He rubs Yohime's arm in circles, she giggles.
"I am fine, thank you. It's merely that…" She again looks away, her smile vanishing. Taking a moment to gaze at Yuuhi, leaving a hand atop the girl's head, she once more sighed, "…There are those who simply refuse to let the night come to this House, and that is not letting me sleep well."
"…Mother, what does that mean?" She inquired, displeased with the wordplay.
"You can't sleep at night? Are you staying awake doing work?" Takeru, however, took that literally as he always did.
Slowly patting the heads of both of them, slower this time, Yohime's eyes almost closed, lost in what ailed within. Like a boat drifting away into the sea without a compass, right into storm clouds.
"Yes… You could say so. However, it is because of said setbacks that I…" She stops, takes a breath, and then a serious, stoic expression surges forth, "That I will make sure you remain well under my care," Making a point to look into Yuuhi's eyes, the young girl's worries evaporated away.
"Why? Do I have something to do with that work?" He asked, still worried about Yohime.
"No… I merely wish to… fulfill the promises I made some time ago," Voice creaking, gaze crumbling, all of it made both little ones all the more concerned, "Taking care of you is one of such promises. There is nothing you should worry about, for your situation shall resolve itself in a month's time."
"I see… So… So I can… I can become a samurai, right?"
"Of course, provided that you attain satisfactory scores on your efforts."
"And I'm not giving you trouble?"
She then smiled as she patted his head once more before Yuuhi could repine at him, "On the contrary, knowing you are here to keep Yuuhi company now that I am busy is a great reassurance to me. Therefore, there is no reason for you to be scared, Takeru. I have been made aware that… a mean lady was undeservedly harsh to you yesterday, however you are certainly not to blame for said discussion. Your only miss was to leave your room. Are we clear?" He nods, she smiles again, "Furthermore, I shall strive to ensure you are not placed in such a precarious situation ever again," She looks into his eyes for a moment, he nods back, "Then, can I trust you'll remain being friendly with Yuuhi?"
"Yeah… Yes, I will. Don't worry, I won't use a -san with her anymore."
"However, when there are other adults nearby, please do be mindful of your manners," Yohime reminded, he nodded, and Yuuhi slightly pouted.
"…Takeru may call me by name if he so wishes," So she then complained much, another small blaze in her gaze.
"Hehehe… Please do take into account his situation, Yuuhi, dear," The young girl's groaning only made Yohime chuckle once more, "Takeru, allow me to tell you I have never seen Yuuhi as upset as I did today," She brings a hand to her cheek, smiling from ear to ear.
"Huh?! Really?"
"…That is not true," She once more repined with shrugged lips, moderately flaring back up.
"I suppose, you do become far more adusted whenever strawberry cream is involved," Yohime teased back, to her increasingly puffing cheeks and groans, "You will continue to call her by her name, will you Takeru?" She asked as she caressed her hair.
"Yeah… She looks really scary right now," He admitted as the grip on his hand was reinforced.
"I am not scary. Furthermore, I was only defending you," Still pouting, she once more drew closer to him.
"I-I know! Come on, don't be so angry…"
"Hehehe… Indeed, you should remain composed, Yuuhi," Yohime triumphantly smiled, seeing her misdirection had managed to make both of them relax, even if only a little.
"So… Um…" Takeru then took one deep breath, hesitating to continue, to look at Yohime for a moment, "I… I promise I'll try to be more polite, and I'll get better in my studies. And one day… one day I'll be good enough to make you and Yuuhi smile. So, um, p-please be patient until I get better," And then, he gave her a bow.
"I see… I shall be looking forward to that day," Nodding as he rose back, she leaned back onto her seat, finally relaxing, "However, please do remember to smile yourself. Takeru, if anyone says anything harmful, you shall tell me of it as soon as you can."
"And you can come to me as well," Yuuhi said, a bit too strongly.
"Y-Yes, I get it," Thus, he stood upright, a bit fearful at being the targeted by both of their stares.
Yohime couldn't help but to smile and giggle once more, "Hehe… Worry not, you simply need to exercise caution from today onwards," He nodded back, a smile of true delight decorating his face, which only further bolstered Yohime's one, "Now, there is something that I need to warn you about. Takeru, you shouldn't go wandering off by yourself anymore."
"I know… I was just…"
"I am not scolding you, I am only saying you should be careful."
"Yeah, I have to follow the rules, right?" She nods slowly, placing one hand on top of the other.
"Precisely. As your guardian, I should have warned you of this before. Forgive me," Giving him a small bow, the tint of sadness, of regret permeated her voice once more.
"No, don't apologize Yohime-san. I'll try to not give you more problems," He insisted, not liking her expression one bit, "Um… What's a guardian?" He then asked, almost certain that she wasn't talking about the knights with shields from the mangas he sometimes read.
Yuuhi then pulled his arm, gaining his attention, "Takeru, every child needs to be taken care of by an adult until they are old enough. What Mother said means that she is now the adult responsible for your safety."
"Huh… I don't get it," He admitted, not seeing the difference between this and how Maya was taking care of him before.
Yohime then ran a few fingers over her hair, taking a moment to ponder how to explain this to him, "Basically… Even if the papers will have to be presented in a certain way, I shall be your legal tutor as the current leader of this house. To put it simply, I am your adoptive mother."
Takeru slowly tilted his head, the words not sinking in entirely.
"Huh… So Yohime-san is… my mom now? …EH?! WHAT?!" The ensuing shock left him speechless, slack-jawed for a moment.
"Takeru, are you… displeased?" Yuuhi hesitantly asked, unsure on what to make of his reaction.
"I… I mean…" He looks down, tapping some fingers together while wondering how to ask his newfound fear, "You're a samurai family, and I'm not… I mean, people might get mad with you if… I join your family." And that was one thing he did not want to happen.
"However…" Yuuhi wished to press forward, yet a gaze from her mother told her to desist.
"Takeru?" Yohime asked, he looked up.
"Yes?"
She then leaned forward, slowly patting his head as her face filled his entire view, "It doesn't matter that you're not a samurai yet, because you will become a Royal Guard. Isn't that right?" Such a sweet whisper, yet carrying the strong force, the much needed water of relief he was in dire need of. Hope and encouragement.
Yet, once more, his gaze sinks, "B-But… I don't know if…"
Thus, she lifted his chin with a finger, smiling once more, "Are you still wishing to become one?" He nods, she again pets his head, "Then, said problem will be no more once you reach your goal. Could it be that you are… inconvenienced by becoming one of us?" She asked the sole doubt that still laid within, that the boy himself was wishing to return to his old lifestyle after these days he had spent here.
"No, that's not it!" Yet, he denied the possibility, even if once more doubt took his gaze captive to the depths the floor, "But… well…"
Then, he remained silent, mulling over what to do or say now, "Most people don't like me here. If Yohime-san becomes my… m-my mom then people will be mean to her too, and to Yuuhi as well," For as elated as he was to be told such a thing, equal was the concern that now festered within at the thought of anyone treating either of them as Raiko had been to him last night.
However, Yohime then poked one of his cheeks, startling Takeru a bit, "You said you wished to make me and Yuuhi smile, did you not?"
"…Yeah."
"So, since we also wish for you to remain smiling, isn't that enough for you to welcome being one of us?" She proposed, Yuuhi giving her agreement as she once more grasped his arm.
And despite his uneasiness, he managed to whisper out, "I… I do want to stay here… But… Won't people get mad at you again if you… if you tell them you're my… m-mom?"
"…While it is true that we won't be able to say it openly, that does not mean your position in the house will change," Yohime simply answered.
"Indeed," Yuuhi agreed, "Even if you do not have a role as of now, you're still a fellow. This is exactly the same, albeit we can't tell others about it."
"…So I have to keep it a secret?" He didn't understand the motive behind this, but then again, there were so many things he did not understand about the way they operated.
Yohime nodded, "Well, something of the sort. You will keep your surname after all, but you are one of us from now on regardless. Unless… you would prefer to be with someone else?" She looked away, playing with her hair. Yuuhi stared at him, awaiting his reply, grasping his arm a bit tighter with every passing second.
…
He looked down, pursing his lips, a tickling sensation on his sides.
Breathing in, he started remembering all the times he visited before. Now, the tickling surfaced on his neck.
Scratching his head, thinking on how she had been these last days, he swayed a bit, letting some air out.
After a moment of silence, his eyes braved their way to hers, "…Yohime-san?"
"Yes?"
"You will… really be my family? What about that thing of the Tsukuyomi family?"
"Well… In this way, you shall be family to me, Yuuhi, Maya and the rest. That is, if you so desire. You can remain solely with the Tsukuyomi House, if you still are wishing to stay here that is," She stated, reminding him of all the options, giving him the freedom to choose despite Yuuhi's glare.
Takeru, however, kept stammering, hesitating, stealing glances at her, "But… But you don't mind me… being… w-well…"
"…My son?" She inquires softly, almost in a whisper.
He nods, unable to look up now. Thousands of ants could have been marching on his back, or perhaps he could have been under a harsh downpour amidst winter, for his knees shivered, trembled non-stop.
"Takeru?" When he looked back up, Yohime had her arms open, "Come here."
"…Huh?"
"What is it? Come Takeru, give me a hug."
"…Can I?"
She nods and slowly, hesitantly he got closer, only for her to pull him in, wrapping an arm around his back.
Despite his usual way of being, Takeru had never given Yohime a hug until today. As she rubbed his back and shoulders, her perfume filled his world. Its lavender fragrance eased his worries in mere seconds, clearing any and all ill feelings he was harboring.
Running her free hand on his hair, she thus whispered on his ear, "I know you won't be able to adapt in the short term, however please be aware that I earnestly desire for you to stay living with us, if you desire so as well," Finally wrapping both of his hands around her neck, he barely managed not to cry, giving her a nod, "So please rest assured, you are no burden, and I shan't sent you away. To me you're someone important, Takeru."
"Um… Why am I important, Yohime-san?"
"Well… Thanks to you, Yuuhi has found a truly good friend, isn't that right dear?" She asked Yuuhi, who was sulking a bit.
"But of course, Mother," She then drew closer, also joining in the hug, "Takeru is an invaluable friend to me."
Yohime kept rubbing his back as he shivered again, this time in relief, seeing his fears were unfounded, "And let's not forget that you also have helped both Mion and Shion. I believe my house needs honest, kindhearted people like you and your father. And…" She stopped all of a sudden, enforcing her embrace momentarily, "And I must thank you as well."
"Why? Did I do something good?" She once more massaged his hair as she pulls him back, allowing Yuuhi to again latch onto his arm, allowing him to see the weariness setting in those amethysts.
"Yes… Remember what I said about the night?" Both of them nod, Yuuhi sobering up, "Well… That was also, in part, thanks to you and our father. You've done much for me and my House, so I shall take good care of you."
"Which means you're part of our family from now on," Yuuhi happily declared, beaming at him.
"R-Really? You're… my family now?" Not believing his ears, especially after how Maya had been yesterday, he gave both of them a good look. Only bright smiles did he find in them.
"As I said before, you should keep this a secret so that no one gets upset. Do you promise me you'll keep it a secret, Takeru?" Yohime asked.
"Y-Yes! I won't tell anyone," She giggles at the immediateness of his reply.
"That is good to hear. Hehe… I didn't expect to be bestowed a boy in this manner."
"Hm? What do you mean?" He asks, then looks at Yuuhi.
"Mother, did you wish for me to have a brother?" She inquires, as she had always been rather curious about the fact that she had no siblings whatsoever while all other Houses would always have at the least two children.
Yohime sighs, keeping her smile bolted in place, recalling the ordeals that ensued when the news of that she would give birth to both Yuuhi and Meiya traveled to the wrong ears in the fellowship. …And the impossibility that was placed onto her afterwards.
Thus, she merely patted their heads, "Well, it matters not. Takeru, from now on please keep your high spirits. I shall make an effort to save some time for you and Yuuhi after dinner. And Yuuhi, do remember to keep your poise should someone hurl unpleasantries at him," Both of them nodded, he barely restraining a smile, she with the onset of another pout looming in.
"Okay… S-So… From now on I'm your…" He hesitated, wanting to hear it from her.
So, she obliged, "My son, yes."
Again, he shivered as he heard her words, tightening his hands to not cry.
"And my brother," Yuuhi said as she again linked her arm with his, still beaming as brightly as a Laser upon artillery suppression.
"Sniff… Thanks… Really, I'll do my best from now on… So-" His worried spiel was cut short as Yohime once more poked his cheek.
"I know this might come as a shock for you as of now, however I believe it is for the best that you know that we are here for you not as acquaintances as before," He nods quickly, she and Yuuhi giggle once more, "So, please rest assured. I shall be taking good care of you as your guar-"
"M-Mom," He barely whispered it out, biting his tongue in the process.
"…Huh?" Both Yohime and Yuuhi remained silent, awaiting his next words.
Taking one sharp breath, rubbing his arms, Takeru finally looked at her in the eye, "C-Can I call you… mom when we're alone, please?"
She closes her eyes, resting her hands on her lap, "Do you want me to… be your Mother, Takeru?" She returned his stare, he gulped hard and nodded. Then, slowly placing her hands on his shoulders, once more she drew him in towards her, planting a kiss on his cheek before wrapping him in an embrace again, "Then, we're in agreement that we are family from now on, Takeru."
"R-Really?"
"Indeed. I'm sure you are also in agreement, Yuuhi?"
She hadn't finished the query that Yuuhi was already hugging him as well, "Of course. I'm truly elated to welcome Takeru as my brother," She affirmed, truly happy that she now had complete confirmation that he would stay, to now have a certainty that he would always be there.
Since, due to the pressure now on her shoulders to take on the mantle of the Koubuin House's regency, to become the Head they required before her relatives outside of the succession branch grew… inpatient, let's call it, more and more duties have been placed on her so small shoulders when she should have been grieving Takahisa's death.
And unlike Takeru, Yuuhi did not allow herself to so easily shed tears. The dam of her emotions was, most certainly, threatening with overflowing or spawning cracks. Which is why for her, being herself around the young boy was the only outlet that she had, the only moment in her routine where she wouldn't be reminded of either her duties or her father's passing. A much needed fresh gale of respite for a wounded bird that was made to trudge on in the muddy soil.
Which is why, seeing her earnest joy for the first time since the news of her lord husband's passing had arrived, Yohime could do nothing but embrace both of them tightly, as she perhaps had never done to her daughter before.
"It seems we are all in agreement, then. Could you… call me like that again, Takeru?" She asked, now being the one wishing to hear it from his lips.
Thus, he more than happily obliged, "…Mom."
Then his arms enforced their hold over her neck, the fragrance of her perfume lulling him to relaxation, which caused her to giggled for a moment, then beginning to hum a melody as she played with his hair.
"…Don't worry. This is your home from now on," She whispered on his ear again.
"Yes… Yes! I'll be good from now on, I promise. I'll do my best to make you and Yuuhi smile… M-Mom," He declared with a smile, and as they broke the hug, he thought, "I know I had my own mom. But… Yohime-san has always been so nice. It isn't wrong, right? I still love my own mom, but… I can like Yohime-san as my mom too, right?" His doubts were quickly dispelled as Yuuhi and Yohime kept smiling, the former still intent on remaining close to him.
"Hehe… That is truly good to hear. So, I suppose this makes Yuuhi your older sister now as well?"
"Huh? Why is she the older one?"
She giggles as she caresses his hair, "Well, she is around three hours older than you."
"Mmgh… I don't mind then."
"Hehe, worry not, Takeru," Yuuhi said with a confident puff of her chest, "I shall be a good older sister for you, so do not hesitate to come to me for anything you might require."
"So… I'm really…"
"Part of our family," Yohime thus said, erasing any and all lingering doubts he could have left, "From now on, even if you shall keep your surname as far as the rest are concerned, I want you to consider yourself as Takeru Koubuin, dear. I shall ensure nobody will treat you unfairly again, so do remain doing your best efforts."
"T-Thank you… Um…" He drew closer to her once more, Yohime leaned in and, to her surprise, Takeru grasped her face and gave her a strong kiss on her cheek, then hugged her again, this time far tighter than before, "I love you, Mom. I'll do my best from now on to make you smile," Feeling as if he were sinking in warm water, relaxing as her perfume again enveloped him, Yohime also returned the hug, kissing the top of his head once she recovered from the surprise, since no one other than Takahisa had ever laid such a kiss on her person.
"…I love you too, dear. Also, don't forget to thank your sister as well," She ended the hug, turning him to face a, now slightly sulking, Yuuhi.
"Ah, yes. Thanks a lot, Yuuhi. I'll do my best to be a good brother here," He gave her a brightest smile, which would normally spur one in her as well, however…
She took a singular step closer, arching her brows, "So, there isn't a hug for me?" She demanded, lips plucked.
Blinking for a second, Takeru was so happy that he didn't even register why she was mad nor made any effort to think about it. Thus, pulling her into the tightest hug he had ever given her thus far, quite happily he then proceeded to give a strong smooch to one of her cheeks before rubbing one of his against it.
"Thanks a lot, Yuuhi. I love you a lot, too," He earnestly said, unable to hide his joy.
Which froze the young Yuuhi for a moment, since she was decidedly not expecting a kiss nor such an intense show of affection from Takeru. However, what inner worries plagued her mind vanishing away, her arms ducked under his as she returned the hug, the pressure on his cheek with hers.
"No thanks are required… I lo… I love you too, Takeru."
Yohime merely basked into the sheer sunshine they exuded as if she were a sunflower, then deciding to stop them after a while. Reminding Takeru that he had to keep this as a secret, she only could giggle as he once more answered instantly that he would never tell anyone of it.
Thus, making sure both of them were tidied up and ready to leave, and that this discussion was settled, she then called for Maya to enter once more.
Takeru knew that he couldn't hug her again, so he simply got a bit closer to whisper a "Have a good day, Mom," to Yohime, which she answered with another radiant smile as she patted his head one last time. The same with Yuuhi, though she did not care for formalities in front of Maya and hugged him anyways, to his and Yohime's shock.
All three of them with their spirits invigorated, they then parted ways to their respective duties. Yuuhi to her limo to attend her institute, since they would have to hustle to arrive on time after the talk, Yohime to oversee the House as a whole, and Takeru to his classes.
Silently walking along Maya to his classroom, neither said a word though he remained smiling.
Unable to endure further silence, she drew closer to him, "Takeru?"
"…What?" He replied, still a bit upset at her.
"Forgive me. I shouldn't have reacted so harshly towards you yesterday after we left the gardens… I did not meant to neglect your dinner, and I assuredly do not think the same as the Chamberlain in the least," She insisted, highlighting the last words, awaiting a nod, a smile, or his usual cheer towards her.
"…I see," But he just looked away, unsure of how to answer on his end, since he wasn't in a foul mood now. And despite everything she said the prior night, he still wanted to believe in Maya.
However, she could very well have swallowed a gallon of ice, "Uh, Takeru… I… Ahem, we should make haste," She decided to not push further, instead to try to reach out for his hand.
He still was looking away, yet he didn't pull away. Neither a tight hold nor the usual steadfast lock, just a soft link between their fingertips.
Enough to tell him she was truly sorry. Enough to tell her she had been forgiven.
Same day. Near 8 PM.
(Inside the dojo.)
The day went by uneventfully, classes being tackled, reports being made, the outcome of the prior meeting the center of whispers and debates within the corridors.
However, unlike every other day, both Yohime and Yuuhi had made some time to watch Takeru's training on the dojo. On the latter's case, to see for herself Kazora wasn't being unnecessarily harsh to little Takeru, on the former, because she wanted to cheer him on as he always had done for her thus far.
"Yohime-san might be my mom and Yuuhi my sister now, but until I get good results… I'm going to be a stranger for the rest here," He pondered as he put his arm guards in place, "So, I have to do my bestest best of an effort today. Just like Masahide-san said, I gotta slash the mountain in half without harming the fish," Nodding strongly, determined to do well today, Takeru froze up when seeing both Yohime and Yuuhi awaiting his exit.
Waving at them as the echoing sounds of the cousins' duel began to reverberate more and more, Takeru made his way to Kazora's side.
The old Tsukuyomi was truly in shock at the morning's event, far more to see little Takeru still firmly standing in front of him now, far more stoic and driven than he had ever seemed to be up until now. However, he could ascertain the depths of his determination, to see whether the boy's vigor would diminish or not after the expected failings of his first week in the house.
"Well Shirogane, let us begin." He somberly says, getting into his pose.
"Yes!" Takeru also began taking his pose as well.
Tightening his grip on his blade, he observed Kazora's stance while thinking on what he could do.
"If I want to not give my new family trouble and one day be able to help them, I have to find my own way to become a samurai in this month. The Muramasa or the Masamune… Which one should I be now, Masahide-san?"
Choosing to fight first on the defensive, Takeru allowed Kazora to start the duel. Planting his heels hard on the ground, he kept firmly parrying the swings yet still found himself going backwards. Mere moments had passed, yet his heartbeat was already present on his neck, sweat trickling down his face and back.
He then prepares a feint, that the boy couldn't see through, and once more he breaks Takeru's defense. Landing a quick and decisive attack upon his chest, the ground once more meets up with the little rear end.
"He's too fast! That's cheating!" He complained within as he stood up, ready for another duel.
Kazora walks back to his prior position, taking the same pose as before, "Ready, Shirogane?"
"Yes!"
This time, however, Takeru employed an offensive approach, in an attempt to 'slash the mountain really, really hard', as he put it himself. Yet, Kazora kept effortlessly parrying the attacks, while he failed to react fast enough to properly block his slashes.
His feet alert to not slip, yet the patterns he followed were not yielding results. Yohime was pleasantly surprised at his skill, she had never seen him fight and assumed Takeru was far rougher. Yuuhi on the other hand was clutching her hands, tightly suppressing her breath within.
Takeru himself was growing anxious at his reiterated failed attacks, "No matter whether I attack or defend… I always lose in the end. What can I do? Could I… do both at the same time? Being the Masamune and the Muramasa at the same time… Slashing the mountain without harming the fish… Moving fast like in Iaido but while also doing Kendo…"
As Kazora gave him a short breathing room, Yuuhi and Yohime appeared on the corner of his sight, watching him fight. It reminded him of the scarce times his father had done the same. Repeating his vow to be better, sighing as his grip on his wooden blade shifted, Takeru then took a different pose, which shook all those watching.
The blade above his shoulder, the edge facing outwards, his knees bent barely behind the tail-end of his feet. Without losing a second, he began pushing forward once more.
"Keep the feet on the ground, take firmer steps forward. If I don't, I'll lose my balance," He kept reminding himself, to not fall prey to any more feints.
The session drone on, Takeru began gasping for air during the duels, feeling emptiness setting on his stomach. Shoulders and legs growing stiff, nevertheless he kept pushing.
"…What can I do? How do I attack? Remember the advice… There has to be something I can do…" He worriedly thought, doing his best to return the parry.
Stagnating into another lock, Takeru realized Kazora was pressuring his middle exclusively, to take a step back if he were to attempt a sideways counter.
Recalling his parents, one of his feet moved forward, the parry deflected, never breaking down under the avalanche of slashes.
"I don't know what I can do, but I wanna make them proud."
Reading the step back, he prepared a sideways slash as a feint. Changing his swing with one firm step, he deflected the attack without losing his blade as always, surprising Kazora as he had to now switch to defense under Takeru's offensive momentum.
"Yohime-san and Yuuhi were so kind, I wanna return their love. I'm gonna give their futures a smile, no matter what!"
Enduring the following slashes, parrying them off, Kazora was bound to take a step back soon.
And when he finally did, Takeru lurched forward. Feeling a tingly shiver on his head, a twinge of pain under his ears, focused only on wanting to make his new family proud, on how to break Kazora's defense…
"Wait, wasn't there… something Maya-nee said about fighting? Yeah… about the waterfall…"
Breathing in, seeing an opening, he swung his sword with eyes blazing while repeating the advice that surged within.
"Like a petal that dances upon the winds, your attacks must be.
Graceful, precise, but deadly as well.
Unpredictable as the changing form of a cloud…
With the serenity of a leaf moving along a river…
And the violence of the rapids as they charge downstream…
Swiftly. Firmly. Fiercely. Calmly.
Let your strikes flow upon your enemy, like an unending waterfall!"
Managing to force Kazora to a hurried slash, deflecting it in a swift parry, Takeru kept his breath within, pushing forward hard with his heels, and went for one final slash, "Like a petal… move in the river… and attack like a waterfall!"
SWISH!
SLASH!
…
BAM!
"U-Ugh…" The boy now found himself laid on the floor, everything in sight spinning.
Yohime and Maya sprung forward, ready to admonish Kazora for retaliating seriously, yet the man's gaze remained shocked, firmly planted on the boy.
"H-How did he even counter at that distance… That's cheating… Everything is spinning… I feel as if I were floating," Yet, he didn't even have the strength to get up or groan.
"Takeru!" He hear someone calling out his name as his head was lifted up, "Takeru, are you alright?"
Blinking a few times, his vision comes back to normal, Maya was right above him with a dead serious, worry-stricken gaze.
"Ugh… Yeah."
"Are you feeling well, Takeru?" Mion asked from somewhere, he groaned a bit.
"Does anything hurt?" Yuuhi asked, worriedly scanning him top to bottom.
"Y-Yeah… I'm okay."
"…Kazora-san, could you kindly explain what compelled you to do such a thing?" Yohime inquired, barely restraining her ire.
"…I merely was caught off guard," He said with a sigh.
"You certainly do not expect such an answer to appease me, do you?" Her glare intensified onto him, he shook his head.
"No, yet there is something that will explain it," He said, walking towards the wobbly shape that was trying to stand back up, "Shirogane."
"W-What?"
"…Congratulations."
"For what?"
"You managed to strike my hands with your last slash," He says as he folds his arms, placing his sword under one, "I was not expecting such speed from you, I reacted instinctively and countered seriously after you did. Forgive me."
"So… So… So I…" He stutters, staring at him.
Kazora then nods, "Yes, you've passed my preliminary test. However, there is something I wish to ask you regarding your sta-"
"HELL YEAH! I DID IT!" Taking a high jump, the boy proceeded to swing his blade up and down unhinged, "I hit him! I did it! Take that, you mean old people! I did it! WRYYYYYYYYYYY!"
"Takeru, calm down," Maya puts a hand on his shoulder, halting his reckless celebration. But then she smiles, patting his head, "Congratulations. I certainly did not expect you to reach such a performance today."
Smiling much, he nods towards both Koubuins, "Well… I had to try harder for Mo… for Yohime-san."
Maya curves a brow for a second, but then merely nods back.
"Hehe, you truly did fight spectacularly," Yohime then also nodded his way, making his chest swell with warmth.
"Congratulations, Takeru!" Mion comes closer, both of them beam back at the other.
"But, are you really fine?" Shion asks, plucking her lips, "Your back doesn't hurt, right?"
"No, I'm fine," He says, barely managing to not do a small jump.
"I see… So, you're feeling well?" She insisted.
"Yeah… Why?"
"Well, after this morning…" Mion scratches one of her cheeks with a lone finger, "We were worried about how you would perform in the dojo. You truly surprised us with these duels, Takeru."
"Hehe, are you sure you didn't cheat?" Shion rises a finger at him, smirking while letting her teeth be seen.
"What?! You dumb pickle… I didn't cheat! I fought fair and square!" So then he folds his arms, pouting. She and Yuuhi giggle at him while Mion gives both a nasty stare along him.
"And you should be proud of this, Takeru," Maya says, nodding his way. Which makes him look down in embarrassment, that only makes Shion chuckle and he pouts at her again, "However, Father, I believe your retaliation was too severe."
"I will have to agree," Yohime said, leveling a stare towards the man, "Merely being hit does not warrant such aggression."
"Yohime-sama, did you see how he was moving?" He says, a hand on his chin as he looks at Takeru, who stares back without a clue.
"Was there anything unusual with his footwork?" She inquires, lost upon his query.
"What of you, Maya?" He then asked.
And she shook her head, "Well, no, I was focusing on the cousins' bout."
"I see… Mion, Shion, return to your positions. I have to ask something to Maya."
The cousins furrow their brows, but then nod. They again smile at Takeru before going to their end of the dojo, starting another duel.
Noticing Kazora's seriousness, Yohime patted her daughter's shoulder, "Yuuhi, dear, please go watch the cousins' bout."
While she was wishing to retort, Yohime's firm stare made Yuuhi relent. Again smiling at Takeru, she slowly moved closer to the cousins despite her eyes never leaving his back.
"Shirogane, come here," Kazora asked and he approached, Maya and Yohime doing the same. Coughing once, he began, "So Shirogane, did you do anything differently this time?"
"Yeah, I tried to slash the mountain in half without harming the fish," He honestly replied, to their surprise.
"…Excuse me?" Kazora tilts his head, narrowing his brows. Maya does the same, whereas Yohime had to cover her mouth to drown a chuckle.
She then thus asked, "Takeru, what do you mean by that?"
"Masahide-san told me about it. So, it's like…"
He then tells them of the tale he was told yesterday, of how he tried to take one step more whenever he couldn't counter fast enough, of how he tried to imitate Maya's style.
"I see… So you were trying to apply my advice," She says as she taps her glasses.
"It is surprising to see you adapt so fast to the methodology Maya employs, most prefer to remain in the traditional Kendo stance," Kazora admits with a nod, rubbing his beard.
"However, I assume this performance was far better than any of the prior days?" Yohime asks, and as Kazora nods she could only smile, "Impressive. Well done, Takeru. Quite an interesting approach, to draw inspiration from folk tales," She was aware he favored them, yet such a development was unexpected considering how technical Takahisa was whenever he spoke to her about kendo.
"I just tried my best," To not give you trouble, and make you smile instead, he finished within. Suddenly embarrassed, he looks up while scratching his head, "I had to attack without losing my defense, like that petal that's on a river towards the unending waterfall."
Yet, those words shook both Tsukuyomis all over again, what but a sudden thunderbolt in the middle of the night.
"W-What…" Maya twitched, unsure of what to ask first, "Takeru… Where did you hear those words?"
But he just tilts his head, raises a brow in puzzlement, "Where? Didn't you tell me about that once?"
"…Maya, I believed you were not teaching him anything beyond the basics?" Kazora narrowed his eyes at her.
"Kazora-san, whatever is the matter?" Yohime asks.
"Those are the words of Maya's own spin on the Mugen Kidou. So if he was told of them beforehand, I'm sure you know what problems that would entail," He solemnly answered.
Yohime nodded, gaze sharpening towards the young woman, "Maya, what do you have to say for yourself?"
"I did not teach him my poem, milady. I swear it on my honor," Her honesty made both recede, now staring at the worried, little shape nearby, "Takeru, when did you learn of those words?"
"Um… Why are you angry? I… did something bad?" He asked, scared of having made more trouble for Yohime.
"…No, nothing of the sort," She then patted his head, easing his worries, "We are merely wishing to know when did you hear Maya's poem, for it is important for our samurai."
"Well… Isn't that weird poem what she tells to Shion sometimes?"
"…I see, so you overhead me giving her advice," Maya heavily sighs, running a hand over her forehead, "Such blunder on my part… My apologies, Yohime-sama."
She waves a hand, also sighing, "No, there is no need. Now then, Takeru, did you felt comfortable following the poem?"
He nods, arms folded, "Yeah, but it's kinda hard to do what it says. My feet hurt after stepping so hard," Shrugging his lips, Yohime allowed herself to giggle.
"Well… I suppose you would get used to it the more you practice," Maya affirmed, tapping her glasses, "Yohime-sama, Father, would you… allow Takeru to be trained under my style?"
Kazora looks at Yohime, who nods after a moment of pondering. Thus, arms folded, he nods, "If this is how he reached a decent level of aptitude, so be it. However, Shirogane you will have to redouble your efforts if you wish to be trained under the Tsukuyomi House itself instead of just joining the Royal Guard. Are you certain you-"
"Yes! I wanna train with Maya-nee!" His fervent, instant reply caught Kazora and Maya off guard again, while Yohime simply chuckled once more.
"I-I see… Then, I'll allow it," Twirling his beard, he firmly stared back, "Remember to never stop training, Shirogane. Your real training begins from now on."
"Yay! Thanks a lot, Kazora-san!" Dropping his sword, Takeru leapt forward to hug him.
"W-What are you doing? Shirogane, release me this instant."
"Why? Don't you like hugs?"
"I… I need no such gestures," He frowns, closes his eyes, and looks away, "If you wish to thank me, then show me today's performance wasn't a coincidence and keep improving your skill until it becomes normal for you."
"…I got it," Takeru pulls away, puffing a cheek, "But thanks a lot for letting me train with all of you, Kazora-san!"
"…It is good to see you're thankful, despite what occurred this morning. Now, do you feel well enough to spar with the cousins?"
"Yeah, I'll do my best!" He immediately answered.
"I see. Maya, if you would," So Kazora prepared to continue.
"Yes, Father," Maya then walks towards the cousins, her father following behind.
However, Takeru took a moment before going with them, tenderly grasping Yohime's sleeve.
"So, did you think I did well, Yohime-san?"
"Indeed. Not many can fight as Maya does as far as I've heard."
"You're not mad about the poem, right?" He hesitantly asked.
Yet she shook her head, patting his, "Of course not, dear. If this is how you can improve, keep training as such."
"Okay. So, um," He took a step closer, whispering now, "Please look well, Mom. I'll do my best now against the Pickles."
She smiled widely, caressing his cheek for a short second, whispering back what she knew would aid him the most, "So I shall. Best of luck, dear son."
His spirit reinvigorated, as well as his smile, Takeru went his way towards the cousins, completely forgetting about what darkest thoughts had made nest within at morning.
Thus, from then on, little Takeru had chosen to follow the path of the samurai, driven by the affection he was bequeathed with when he himself was thinking on giving up. Unaware of what trials awaited, of the deepest recesses he would find himself in, never did he waver again on his decision to remain in the Koubuin House. And so… such was the dawn of his new beginning, the first major alteration.
…However, perhaps what truly started today was a more subtle, more important change on Takeru's end.
A/N: So with this chapter this flashback arc has been finished.
On the last days I came to the realization that it's been more or less a year since the fic had started to dwindle, since my first idea to integrate the past directly instead of just mentioning it. As one reviewer aptly put it, it's been a year since I've been 'spinning my wheels' with the past events. So I understand the frustration some may have, I never intended to tilt for a whole year.
How did this flashback arc felt? If past memories were to be present, would you rather it be in a long chapter like this one, as a small segment or a smaller chapter, or you're just about done with the flashbacks?
That's all for now. No idea when the next chapter will come out, still juggling on how to redo the following arc to not have it overflowing with angst as it did before, what will all the paranoia. Anyways, thanks for reading. Stay safe.
Zuoriel