Top of Form 1
Black & White
Act 3-7
Histoire
History
Scene 9
Noir & Blanc
"Alright you guys. We're here." Their father says as he points to the basement door.
"The basement?" Tai asks.
"Yeah. I have something that the both of you must know."
"Why do we have to go down there? It's dark and a bit creepy." Kimiko says as she grabs Tai's arm.
"It's okay. I'm here with you."
Kimiko looks up at Tai. "Brother…."
It seems they have the relationship that is required. "Come on kids. Let's get going." Tsume says as he starts walking down the stairs.
"Okay." Tai and Kimiko say together as they follow their father.
When they get downstairs, Haruna was waiting for them.
"What's Mother doing here? I thought she was upstairs." Kimiko asks.
"I'm here to tell both of you something. I think we have waited long enough to tell you two this."
"Tell us what?" Tai asks.
"Tell you what our family is and does. Take a seat." Haruna directs them to sit on the floor. "You see. Our family is special. It all started over 400 years ago. Our ancestors were some incredibly powerful people. In body and mind. They were said to have been solders with black hearts when it came to killing. And were sought after to fight in wars because of their special abilities. But our ancestors swore that they would not fight for an unjust master."
"So what did they do?" Kimiko asks.
"They didn't like our ancestors' decision. So our ancestors decided to never fight in another war. It's not as if they weren't serving a just master. It's just that they decided that it would be better not to fight on just one side when others were at such a disadvantage. But about 15 years ago, my uncle decided that he was going to break away from family tradition of not fighting and started a branch family crime syndicate with our former master's enemy. And now he wants to get rid of the only people on earth who have the power to stop him. And that's us. We are the only survivors of the Soldat clan."
"What happened to everyone else?" Tai asks.
"They are all dead. Even my mother and father. The only reason why we aren't as well is because my father helped us go into hiding and we changed our names from Yomata to Tokate."
"So you mean to tell me that there is someone after us?" Kimiko exclaims as she grips Tai's arm.
"Calm down Kimiko." Tsume says. "This is why I wanted to train you two. So that you would be ready when they come."
"This brings me to our family names." Haruna says.
"What names?" Tai asks.
"Our family names. You see. There are two names given to the heirs of the Soldat clan. The name "Noir" is given to the first born. And the name "Blanc" is given to the second."
"Okay." Tai says. "What does all this mean?"
"It means that the one who inherited the name Noir is supposed to be the one who takes over the clan. They are to understand that the world has, is, and will forever be covered in blood and by death even in the presence of light. That life is hell, love is hell, and hell is heaven and it's your job to be their escort to paradise. And the one who inherits the name Blanc is supposed to protect Noir with their life."
Scene 10
I refuse
"What?!" Tai yells as he stands up. "Then that would mean that Kimiko would have to sacrifice herself if I were to be in danger."
Tsume walks over and touches Tai's shoulder. "That's right Tai. If it ever came down to it. Kimiko would have to give her life so that the Soldat clan would live on."
Tai brushes his fathers hand off his shoulder. "Don't touch me!"
"Brother…"
"I refuse to believe that. I will not allow Kimiko to die for me. NO!"
Tai runs out of the basement.
"I'll go get him. It's my fault. I shouldn't have told him that." Tsume says as he walks towards the stairs.
"No."
"Kimiko?" Haruna says in amazement. "You never raised your voice to your parents before."
Kimiko stands up. "No. I'll go and get him Father. He won't come back unless I go get him."
"Kimiko."
"Think about it. If he sees you while he's mad, he'll just run even further."
"She's right Tsume."
"Alright. Go on Kimiko. Get your brother back."
"Thank you father." Kimiko says as she runs up the stairs and out the door.
"When are we going to tell her?" Haruna asks.
"I don't know. But not now."
Meanwhile, Kimiko searches all over the neighborhood. She checks the school.
"He's not here."
Next she checks the festival grounds.
"He's not here either. Where could he have gone?"
She continues searching for him for an hour. Just then she runs into a girl near the beach.
"Excuse me. Have you seen a guy around here? He answers to the name Tai."
"Yeah. Some guy just ran onto the beach not too long ago."
"Thank you." Kimiko says as she runs to the beach.
She arrives at the beach. And there is Tai. Sitting in the sand.
"I had a feeling that you would be here brother." Kimiko says as she walks up to him. "Why did you run away?"
Tai turns around, and he is crying.
"Brother."
"Kimiko. I don't want to lose you."
Kimiko gets down and hugs him from behind.
"Brother. You will never lose me. I'm yours forever. Did you forget that?"
"No. I didn't forget. I understand what I need to do for the family, and I don't have a problem with that. It's just that they expect me to just accept that you are supposed to give your life for me. Just to insure that the clan survives."
"Brother, let's go back?"
"Why? Didn't you hear them? They want you to give your life if I'm in trouble."
"I know."
"Then why?"
"The same reason that you protected me that night. I want to be the one who gets to protect you, big brother. Because I love you. And it's because that I am in love with you that I am willing to risk my life. Not because of the responsibility of my name."
"Oh Kimiko." Tai turns around and embraces her. "I truly love you. But because of that, I will become even stronger. So that the day for you to sacrifice yourself for me will never come. That way we can be together forever."
"Well. No matter what you decide brother, I'll always be with you."
"Yes. Now let's go back Kimiko. I think our parents are worried. Besides, we have school tomorrow."
"Yeah."
When they get back home, their parents are already asleep. So they decide to do the same. In the morning, they prepare to go to school the same way as always.
"Kimiko. Let's go. Or else we are going to be late."
"Coming big brother." Kimiko says as she runs down the stairs.
"See you later mom." Tai says as they walk out the door.
"See you Tai. And be careful."
"It seems like everything is back to normal." Tsume says as he sits down at the table.
"Yeah. I just hope they haven't forgotten what we told them last night."
"Me too."
Scene 11
Secret discovered
Meanwhile on their walk to school.
"Brother? Can we eat lunch on the roof today?"
"Sure."
Tai walks Kimiko to her classroom.
"I'll be waiting for you on the roof Kimiko."
"Okay. I'll be there." Kimiko leans in to kiss Tai, but he stops her.
"Kimiko. Did you forget that nobody can know about us?"
"I'm sorry. I forgot. It's just been so long since we kissed."
Tai leans in towards her ear. "I'll give you as many kiss's as you want if you come to the roof."
Kimiko blushes. "Really?"
"Yes. Now go take your seat. Class is about to start." Tai says as he starts to walk away.
"Okay. Don't forget your promise."
"Don't forget what 'promise'?" Mayu asks as she sneaks up on Kimiko.
"Oh. Uh. Nothing."
"I saw you with your so called brother. What promise did he make you?"
"He said he was going to take me to the park. That's all."
Mayu looks at her suspiciously. "Okay."
The teacher walks in and instructs everyone to take a seat. During class Mayu was noticing Kimiko's behavior.
I wonder why she is so jittery. This is the 12th time she looked at the clock in the last two hours. And she is always with that cute guy she calls her brother. But if they are brother and sister, then why did she start to lean towards him. And why did she start blushing when I asked her about his promise? I need to get to the bottom of this once and for all. It's starting to drive me crazy. I know. I'll follow her when we go on lunch break. After that, I'm sure I'll get to the bottom of this. Wait. I still have a job to do. I'll do it after this. I really need to find out. This guy is really cute.
Pretty soon the bell rang, and it was time for lunch. Kimiko immediately leaves out to go to the roof. And Mayu was right behind her.
"I'm here! Where are you brother?"
Tai jumps out behind her and gives her a hug.
"I'm right here."
Mayu is hiding behind the door.
What are they doing?
"Brother. I couldn't sit still all day during class because of what you told me."
Mayu thinks. Is she talking about the promise to go to the park? Is she really that childish?
"Can I have it now?"
Have what?
"Yes. You can. Only because you've been such a good girl."
Tai leans in and gives Kimiko a long kiss.
What's going on? I was only joking when I said that they were lovers. But it seems like I was right.
"Well. It's almost time for me to get back to class. So we'll finish this when we're out of school. Okay?" Tai says as he pats her head.
"Oh. Big brother." Kimiko says while blushing. "Don't tease me like that. Now I'm going to think about that for the rest of the day."
"I'm sorry."
"It's okay. I don't mind thinking about you all day big brother." Kimiko says as she walks towards the door.
I need to get back to class before she does.
"I'll see you after school big brother." Kimiko says as she runs down the stairs.
Back at the class room. Mayu is stuck in thought as Kimiko takes her seat.
A feeling of betrayal, jealousy, and anger sweeps over the girl.
Why would my friend do this? She asks herself.
Meanwhile, there's a shadow that comes into the picture.
Can it be trusted?
Or will it try to take the young man away and leave the girl heartbroken?
In the world of Black and White, no one is as they seem.
Black & White
Act 4-7
Confiance
Trust
Who are you?