Empire of the Sun
By: Katreju
Chapter Five
Moonlight gleamed through the window of a bedroom.
Orihime adjusted the sash around her kosode then fluffed her copper-red mane out of its elaborate up-do. As she reached for a hair comb, she heard the door open and knew it was Tatsuki returning from her bath.
"Man, do I feel great!" Tatsuki exclaimed. "I'm sure you do too, yeah?"
"Mm-hm…" Orihime quietly answered as she slowly began combing her hair.
Tatsuki blinked owlishly at her friend. She could tell that something was bothering her and had noticed the shift in her demeanor since leaving the shrine. Even though her friend spent majority of the afternoon in Hacchi's company, she highly doubted that the good-natured monk was the cause behind her somber mood.
An idea then popped into her head and one that she knew Orihime would not refuse. "Hey! Ma told me that she just made some manjū! Let's go steal a couple once you're done with your hair!"
"Sure…but...well …"
Tatsuki sighed heavily. "What's going on in your mind?"
Orihime instantly brightened up. "N-Nothing! I'm fine!"
"Orihime," Tatsuki said in an authoritative tone.
Orihime kept up her smile. "It's nothing, really. I was just thinking about-"
General Cifer.
But of course she would never dare say that out loud in worry of riling up Tatsuki again. Her friend was quite upset earlier when she learned that the General had discovered their location at the shrine. Needless to say, there was a heated confrontation between them in the shrine courtyard with the exception that Tatsuki did all the tongue-lashing while Ulquiorra remained indifferent to her wrath.
It took her stepping in to calm Tatsuki down and put an end to the dispute so they could peaceably head back to village. However, because of what also happened inside between the General and herself, the tension remained very high amongst everyone and the journey back to the Arisawa house had been incredibly awkward.
"You better not have zoned out on me," Tatsuki said stiffly.
Orihime quietly laughed. "I haven't! I was just wondering where my escort will be staying for the night."
The dark-haired girl scoffed. "I'm sure he won't be too far away considering you're here."
"True."
"Heh, maybe he'll catch a nasty cold from being outside all night."
Orihime sweat-dropped at her friend. "That's a bit mean, don't you think?"
"It's not like I prayed for his death," Tatsuki said, her voice and face devoid of shame. In fact, she looked quite amused.
"I guess…"
Arching an eyebrow, Tatsuki studied the girl across from her. "Don't tell me you're actually concerned over that jerk."
"I didn't say that."
"Then why do you care where he is?"
"Because I feel bad knowing that he has nowhere to stay."
"That misfortune is his fault. He helped with the attack on Tenkū, remember? Besides, what person would let an enemy sleep under the same roof?"
"You've made your point." Orihime said then placed her comb next to the bed.
The enemy. She needed to remember that in spite of the new information she learned today. Maybe the battle waging in her mind would cease the sooner that she did.
Frustrated, Tatsuki huffed. "I'm going to check on him, but you better feel better when I return and eat manjū with us."
Her round, honey-brown eyes widened in surprise. "Um…yes?"
Shaking her head, Tatsuki walked out of the room and toward the front of the house. She slipped on her geta then shouted out to her parents that she will return shortly before quickly shutting the door behind her. Since she saw that the General's horse was still tied to their fence, she figured he could not have gone far and decided to march westward through the village.
. . .
The reflection of the moon rippled across the watery surface as Ulquiorra lowered a wooden bucket into the well. He had come here because the water supply for his horse was getting low and needed to be refilled. And he needed a break away from the bustle of the Arisawa house before resuming his duty.
Is this true? Please answer me!
The words of his ward had lingered in and out of his mind all evening. Bothersome as she was, he could not fathom why the girl stayed in his thoughts, especially with the way she carried on about him with the monk. Frankly, he concluded beforehand she would hold resentment toward him, but he did not surmise how deep her antipathy went.
However, it did not matter. Her opinion was of no importance to him.
He heard someone approaching him from behind and waited for the intruder to speak their business.
"What are you doing out here, you jerk?"
Ulquiorra recognized the voice from none other than the feisty dark-haired annoyance known as 'the ward's friend'. He turned around and faced the Arisawa girl, who was standing relatively close to him with her deep-blue eyes boring into him like daggers.
"Interesting to find you here and not stalking my house. Or have you finally decided to forsake your duty and go back home? If there is even such a place for you," she said.
Not taking the bait, Ulquiorra point-blankly stared at her. "What reason brought you here, Arisawa?"
"Orihime," Tatsuki said. "She's concerned about where you will be staying tonight, though I don't understand why she cares. But then again, she has such a sweet and compassionate nature so I guess it's within the lines of who she is."
"Her concern is not needed."
Her eyes narrowed. "And she doesn't need any more stress added onto her. Look, I don't know what happened at the shrine to have suddenly changed her behavior, but I get the feeling that the reason is standing right before me."
"She had been entrusted to me and had left the safety of my protection. It was within my right to pursue after her no matter how vexed you are about it."
"Okay then, let me say it differently." She felt her patience wearing thin but held her temper. "You're nothing but a walking representation of the hell Orihime is going through right now. Sure, she may appear to be fine on the outside, but she's still hurting. She hasn't been able to cope with everything that's happened because your presence constantly reminds her about it."
When he did not respond, Tatsuki cemented her fists at her hips in order to resist punching his face. "Do you any idea of what you all have done? You destroyed her happiness by taking away the most important person in the world to her! The home she grew up in will never be the same and she's going to be enslaved for the rest of her life to a tyrant who'll never care about her needs or tend to her heart!"
Ulquiorra retained his deadpan temperament. "Lord Aizen will make certain that she is well-provided for and receives all she is entitled to."
Tatsuki scoffed at him. "I believe that like I believe he gets up every morning to prance around the meadows with angels."
"Believe what you will."
She sighed out of frustration. "This was a waste of time!"
As Tatsuki sprinted back toward the village, Ulquiorra returned his attention on the well. He pulled the bucket above surface and set it on the edge to untie the rope. A cool breeze danced around him as he studied the moon's reflection in the collected water.
He then picked up the bucket, shattering the reflection inside.
. . .
Staring up at the moon, Orihime stood in front of the dining room window. She had been waiting for Tatsuki to return and started to wonder if she got lost along the way. She then heard Tatsuya yawn loudly while walking out of the kitchen and carrying a bowl of what looked to be the manjū his wife had made.
"Care for some company?" Tatsuya asked with a smile.
Orihime could not help but reciprocate the gesture. "Yes, that would be nice."
The two of them sat in the center with the bowl of manjū between them. Tatsuya encouraged Orihime to take her portion before taking his own. They blessed it together then continuously stuffed their mouths with the confectionary goodness.
"So, how early do you plan on leaving?" he asked.
"I want to leave by sunrise that way we'll have more time," she said.
"That's going to be tough on Tatsuki!" he laughed. "She's never been a morning person."
"Yes, I know," she giggled. "But she promised that she won't give me a hard time about it!"
"We shall see then." He took another bite of the dessert. "In the meantime, perhaps you can help this old man out."
Orihime giggled again. "You're not old, Tatsuya-dono! But sure, what can I help you with?"
"Well, there is a song that seems to be stuck in my head. It was about cherry blossoms and I heard some people singing it during yozakura. I quite enjoyed it, but the problem is that I can't remember the words."
"I think I might know the one you're talking about! I learned it the last time my brother and I were in Edo," Orihime said as she prepared to sing.
Cherry blossoms, cherry blossoms,
In fields and villages
As far as you can see.
Is it a mist or clouds?
Fragrant in the morning sun.
Cherry blossoms, cherry blossoms,
Flowers in full bloom.
Cherry blossoms, cherry blossoms,
Across the spring sky,
As far as you can see.
Is it a mist or clouds?
Fragrant in the air.
Come now, come now.
Let's look, at last!
She repeated the song for him with more vigor. Her heart was in the lyrics as memories of her and Lord Inoue strung along her mind like a beautiful melody. She had smiled to the very end, but not realized her eyes had watered up and began to wipe away her tears with the palm of her hand.
Tatsuya looked on like a proud father would of his daughter. "That was truly beautiful, my lady. Thank you for sharing."
"You're welcome! You know, my brother loved it every time I'd sing for him, even when I was out of tune or messed up the words! He would always say that nothing sounded better in the world than hearing me sing!" She failed to catch some of her falling tears. "I'm sorry…"
"Don't be," he said softly. "Please take this time for yourself."
And she did, knowing that the opportunity would never come around again.
. . .
The fog was starting to clear by the time everyone convened outside of the Arisawa house. Contrary to her promise, Tatsuki proved to be a worthy opponent even in her sleep and refused to get out of bed. It was not until Tatsuya barged into her room and forced her to get up with several tortuous antics he'd been using since childhood when she complied.
Now the dark-haired girl stood irritated next to her mother and away from her father who was still smirking over his victory. She also made certain that she stood far away from Ulquiorra, who was preoccupied with checking the saddle and reins on his horse.
A minute later, Orihime came running out of the house in hurry. Borrowing some clothes from Tatsuki's wardrobe, she attired herself in a royal-blue kosode, black umanori with matching tabi, and waraji tied around her ankles. Her hair was braided down her back and she carried a knapsack over her shoulders. She stopped before the group then bowed toward them. "I'm so sorry that I took so long!"
"Did you get everything you need?" Tatsuki inquired with a hand placed on her hip. "We won't be able to come back."
"Yes! If not, I'm sure I can retrieve some of my things at the castle," Orihime said. "If there is anything left..." She heard the sound of grass being crushed beneath feet and turned her eyes on the massive figure approaching them before rushing over to him. "Hacchi-dono, you made it!"
"But of course," he smiled. "I have something that I want to give you."
"You have something to give me?"
Hacchi presented a wooden box wrapped in cloth and handed it to the young daimyo. "Inside are some tools to help you tend to those who need medical care. Since I cannot offer you my assistance, I hope this can make up for my absence."
She smiled at him warmly. "If it hadn't been for your guidance these past years, I wouldn't have the knowledge that I have." She hugged him tightly. "Thank you, Hacchi-dono. I will miss you…and miss being your student."
"And I will miss you dearly, my friend. May you continue to have good health and the gods bless you in your path. Remember, even when it seems like you are being tested, all will work out for the greater good."
Orihime discreetly glanced over at Ulquiorra, but caught him staring directly at her and quickly averted her eyes away him. Once she released from Hacchi from her embrace, she gave him another smile before walking over to where her best friend and her escort waited for her.
Tatsuki placed her own knapsack over her shoulders. "You ready?"
"Yes!" Orihime nodded. She turned around and bowed at the Arisawas. "Thank you so much for your hospitality! I promise that I will come back to see you when I can!"
Without hesitancy, Tatsuya and Ran kneeled on the ground and bowed toward their young master. Orihime wanted to run back over and help them both stand to their feet, but she also did not want to show ingratitude for their kindness.
"Our village will always be open to you, my lady. You'll have much on your plate once you return to Naitsu, but make sure to take care of yourself," Tatsuya said. He looked up and winked at her. "It was some advice I gave to Lord Inoue as well."
"May you all have a safe journey," Ran said.
Orihime smiled. "Thank you both so much again. Good-bye!"
She began walking a few steps forward before she was cut off by her stoic escort. She looked up at him, very confused. "Um…"
"You will be riding," Ulquiorra stated.
"Huh? What about you and Tatsuki? What will you two be doing?"
"Walking."
Her cheeks slightly puffed out. "I know that! But it isn't fair that I get to ride and you don't!"
Stone-faced, Ulquiorra persisted. "Are you suggesting the three of us should ride on top of one horse?"
"I don't know, maybe? Okay, that actually might look strange to-AH!"
Before she knew it, the samurai had picked her up from around her waist and placed her on top of the saddle. She could hear everyone chuckling over what transpired and felt her cheeks grow hot. In an attempt to regain her pride, she instantly straightened her posture and took hold of the reins. "Fine, you can walk."
"I intend to," he said.
"Don't complain to me when your feet start hurting."
"That will not happen."
Tatsuki, who was already ahead on the road, grumpily turned around. "Hey! You two can bicker and move those legs at the same time! Let's go!"
Not wasting another minute, Ulquiorra said a low command to the horse, prompting it to start walking up the road with Orihime, and quietly followed after them.
Orihime looked behind her once again to wave at her friends, who reciprocated the gesture. Her heart tensed at the sight for she would terribly miss these people, but knew that she had to press forward for their sake. Her life surely had taken a different turn from what she ever could imagine and soon it would be time for her to make that known to the world.
. . .
The perimeter around Tenkū Castle had been heavily guarded since the night of the siege. While some patrolled within the castle walls, most of the ashigaru had been assigned to the city borders and kept surveillance and account of every activity that occurred in the capital.
A young boy, with his teenaged brother laid low next to him, was perched on the roof of a desolate house and spying on a group of soldiers patrolling one of the town gates.
"What are you seeing?" the older brother asked.
"They're telling a man and a lady in strange clothes to go away right now," said the younger boy.
The teenager rolled over on his stomach and observed the scene. "Looks like they are traveling merchants."
"What are merchants?"
"People who trade and sell things while making a ton of money doing it."
"Oh."
"Anyway, it seems they aren't letting anyone come in yet. We should get back before we're caught here."
The two brothers climbed down the side of the house to the lower level rooftop. Once there, they jumped off and landed safely on the ground without anyone noticing then took off running down the alley. After they had crossed into the business district, they slowed down and aligned themselves with the crowd.
Bypassing various waves of people, they were becoming accustomed to the despondency that settled over their city. The reality of war had forced its way in and stolen everyone's innocence. No one smiled anymore, the streets had been stained with the blood and tears of the fallen, and houses were filled with people still grieving over the deceased and the shame brought onto the House of Inoue.
The traumatic memory of four nights ago left everyone on edge and now that the invaders had taken authority of their land, nothing would ever be the same again.
"Brother, something is happening over there!" the younger boy called out.
The teenager narrowed his eyes as he watched a multitude of people heading toward the center part of town. "Might be something worth looking into. Let's go see what's going on."
. . .
After an hour of walking, the traveling trio finally arrived at the capital. The majestic view they had of the city and the mountains felt like one was looking at a scenic painting.
"We're here," Tatsuki stated before her eyes widened over what happened next. "Wait, Orihime!"
Orihime had impatiently slid off the saddle and took off running toward the main city gate. She continued forward until she was stopped by two ashigaru who stood in her path with their weapons armed and ready to attack.
"Stop right there, peasant!"
"Please, you have to let me pass!" Orihime said.
"Not another word from you, missy, or I'll be forced to silence you myself!"
"But I live here! This is my home!"
One of the ashigaru decided to point his sword at her neck. "This is your last chance to scram!"
"That is enough."
Recognizing their superior's voice, the intense moment between the young daimyo and the ashigaru came to an abrupt end once Ulquiorra nonchalantly arrived on the scene.
"G-General Cifer!" The ashigaru quickly sheathed his sword and bowed right alongside his cohort. "Forgive me, sir! I had no idea that this woman was with you!"
"This woman is from the House of Inoue and is very important to Lord Aizen," he said frigidly. "If you ever raise a sword to her again, I will make certain that you never hold one for the rest of your life."
Sweating profusely, the ashigaru nodded. "M-My apologies for my rude behavior!" He looked at Orihime. "And apologies to you too, my lady."
"Now that you understand your position, see to it that my horse is cared for."
"Y-Yes, sir!"
Tatsuki watched the panicked ashigaru dash over to Ulquiorra's horse. "Well that had escalated quickly."
Still frozen where she stood, Orihime felt her heart pounding rapidly and brought a hand over her chest. She then observed Ulquiorra finish giving a command to the second ashigaru who threatened her right before his condemning green eyes turned her way.
"If I had not been here, those soldiers would have been in their right to strike you down. Wait for my instruction before you decide to act foolish and do things on your own accord."
"I'm sorry," she said softly, feeling guilt over the trouble she caused.
"Lighten up, will you!" Tatsuki said to her defense. "She's just excited to be home. You know, after you kidnapped her and forced the situation we're in now."
"No, he's right," the red-head smiled assuredly at her friend. "I shouldn't have got carried away."
Tatsuki sighed, knowing it was pointless to argue. "Fine, whatever. Are you ready to move forward?"
"Yes!"
The three walked through the gate and once they were inside, Orihime searched around like it had been her first time visiting the city. She was pleased that the Naitsu army, for the most part, had left the town relatively intact. More importantly, she was content and proud to see her people working together and doing their best to press through the tragedy that had befallen them. She took that as a good sign and for the first time in days, she started feeling hopeful about the future again.
Tatsuki, on the other hand, had been busy challenging the dirty glares their group was receiving as they passed through different parts of the city and not from the soldiers, but from the residents.
Ulquiorra had caught wind of the hostility from the moment they had stepped into the first outer district. However, he did not regard the onlookers and kept his eyes forward on his ward, just in case a situation arose that could jeopardize her safety.
"You three, stop!"
The group looked toward the direction the voice came from and saw a beautiful noble woman with very long, dark brown hair leading a small crowd. Her dark eyes narrowed as she scanned the group until finally resting her eyes on the red-headed girl.
"So you're alive, Orihime." The woman said, in a tone as cool as ice.
"Yes. I'm glad to see you're alright, Miyako-dono," Orihime replied heartily.
Not returning the cheerful amity, the woman frowned then sighed. "I suppose this might be a good thing considering the circumstances."
"You suppose? Please, don't let us stop you from jumping around for joy." Tatsuki butted in sarcastically. "Unless showing any minuscule of affection to your cousin is considered a sin as well."
Miyako sharply eyed Tatsuki. "Your tongue is as loose as always, Arisawa. I'm surprised that it hasn't been cut out from your mouth."
Tatsuki proudly grinned. "I'll never let anyone get close enough to even try!"
"Hmm..." She turned her eyes back on her cousin. "So tell us, Orihime. How did you manage to survive?"
"I was..." Orihime side-glanced Ulquiorra then returned to the noble. "Well, I was taken prisoner then awoke two days later and found myself in Naitsu. I then had an audience with Lord Sōsuke Aizen, where we discussed the future of Tenkū."
Miyako raised an eyebrow. "Discussed the future of Tenkū?"
"Yes. Lord Aizen has graciously agreed to help us protect our land and the legacy of our clan."
"Fascinating…but I highly doubt what you say can happen. The only person who kept our vision alive and brought high honor to our ancestors was Lord Sora. But now he's..." she paused, her face resonating with melancholy.
"It doesn't have to end there!" Orihime said boldly. "I'll make sure to continue what Brother started!"
"Nonsense!" spoke one of the elders. "What authority do you think you have to take Lord Sora's place?"
"Because he had named me his heir! I am the successor to the Inoue clan!"
And like fireworks up in the sky, the crowd exploded.
"This cannot be!"
"Lord Inoue would never…!"
"We have been forsaken!"
"What's going to happen to us now?"
"I would rather die than submit under this half-breed!"
"We are cursed!"
"Silence!"
The crowd immediately quieted down and looked toward Miyako, who had calmly started walking toward Tenkū's heir.
It was hard for Orihime to read the woman's feelings, but sensed underneath the calm exterior that she was seething with anger.
"What proof do you have?" she asked.
Orihime pulled the scroll out of her knapsack and handed it to her. As Miyako unrolled the parchment and read through the lines, Ulquiorra stepped forward until he was right by Orihime's side.
"Now that your skepticism has been refuted, we are moving forward," Ulquiorra stated.
"Your guardian, I presume?" Miyako asked.
Orihime nodded. "Yes."
"Who undoubtedly serves the Daimyo of Naitsu," Miyako stated placidly, handing the scroll back to Orihime. "Tell me, what kind of bargain did you have to make to keep your inheritance?"
"He asked to me to be his wife and I accepted."
"So in the end, you had sold your body to attain power. My, you truly are that woman's daughter."
"Shut up!" Tatsuki angrily intervened. "That's low even coming from you!"
"Facts are facts, Arisawa. However, I will take my leave now." She then stared intensely at Orihime and lowered her voice. "You may have always had his favor, but don't expect the same from me."
Miyako and her followers soon dispersed from the area, leaving the three of them standing alone in the center square.
Unbeknownst to them, the two brothers watched what had transpired from a distance and their eyes showed concern over the girl who was a pariah in her own home.
Glossary:
Manjū – Confection (sweet) made from rice, flour, buckwheat and filled (generally) with red bean paste. Personal Opinion: All varieties taste amazing!
"Sakura, Sakura" –Traditional folk song.
Disclaimer: I do not make any profit from writing this story. I'm simply borrowing Tite Kubo's characters for my sheer enjoyment.