Empire of the Sun
By: Katreju
Chapter Six
"Please watch your step!" The dark-haired teenager said, leading Orihime and everyone through a fenced stone-paved trail until they arrived at a house.
He slid the front door open. "Mother, we're home!" He stepped in then turned around to face the group as they followed inside. "I'll go tell her that you're here," he smiled. "Please make yourselves comfortable. Yuji, help them out if needed, alright?"
The younger boy, who'd been holding onto Orihime's hand the entire time, saluted his older brother with the other. "Yes!" He then looked up at the red-head. "Come, Sis! I have something that I wanna show you! Follow me!"
"Yes, yes," Orihime laughed over Yuji's enthusiasm as he led her running down the exterior hallway of the house.
"The boy addresses her too casually," Ulquiorra stated.
Tatsuki scowled. "It's only natural for him to do so. Orihime has known him since he was small so Yuji looks up to her not only as a friend, but as part of his family. Besides, you don't hear her fussing about it so calm yourself down!"
. . .
Outside in the yard, Orihime dipped her hands into the earth then dusted them off after inspecting. "You've done a great job, Yuji! This soil is very good!"
The boy smiled in excitement. "Then I can start planting right away! I want Mama to have lots of flowers by summer! Maybe then she will smile again…"
She heard his sadness at the end and suddenly recognized how too carefree she was behaving. She had been caught up in the nostalgia of being around her dearest friends again that she had briefly forgotten the reality they were living in.
"I want to be strong and make Mama happy again. Do you think Papa would be proud of me?" he asked with unconfident sincerity.
She smiled and patted his head. "Of course he would! Never forget that you, your brother, and your mama brought so much joy and honor to your papa's life! I am sure that he's making that funny grin he always did right now!"
"Yeah!" Yuji nodded with new resolve and smiled. "I'm so glad you're back with us, Sis! I promise that from now on, I will become stronger and protect you along with Mama and Brother!"
Orihime's smile slightly faltered before she heard a soft voice formally address her from behind them. She stood up and turned around to see the wife of Gorō Ito standing next to her teenaged son in the exterior hallway.
"My lady, you're really alive…?" the woman said, her eyes brimmed with tears.
Laughing, Orihime walked over and stood proudly in front of the pair. "I'm definitely not a ghost, Emi-dono!" She took the woman's hands in her own. "See?"
"Hideki told me you survived, but I…" Tears finally fell from her eyes and she covered them with her hands. "Bless be the gods! After losing my beloved and Lord Inoue, I surely thought you were dead!"
Hideki lovingly placed his hands on his mother's shoulders. "You don't have to concern yourself anymore, Mother."
"He's right," Orihime said with assurance, drawing their attention again. "I can never replace Gorō-dono in your hearts nor will I even try to do so. But that doesn't mean I won't do everything in my power to make sure you all are provided for." She paused to gather her thoughts. "Your husband was the last standing samurai during the siege. I heard him fight valiantly for my brother's honor and our home up until his last breath and for that, I will always be indebted to him and everyone he cherished."
"My lady…" Emi murmured with her eyes wide and filled with astonishment.
"Hmm, I see. So what you're saying is I'm not needed. That I should not have any desire or take any initiative to watch over my family," Hideki said, slightly hurt.
Sensing the offense she caused, the blushing red-head waved her hands around frantically. "No, no! I guess it came out wrong! I would never try to take your place either, Hideki! What I meant was-"
Her babbling ended when she heard him start to snicker then laugh, causing her to be confused over his seemingly erratic behavior.
He then surprised her by poking her forehead. "I'm just giving you a hard time. Besides, this whole 'serious warlord' vibe doesn't suit you, Hime. I much prefer it when you're laughing and cheerful."
"Hideki..."
He gave her a fond smile. "But in all seriousness, thank you."
From a short distance, Tatsuki and Ulquiorra had watched the moment unfold between them. Orihime saw the two out of the corner of her eye and looked their way. She took heed of the strange grin that stretched across Tatsuki's face whereas Ulquiorra remained unreadable as usual.
"Is everything okay?" Orihime asked, directing the question more at her friend.
"Of course! Just came to see where everyone was at," Tatsuki replied.
"It's good to see you again, Tatsuki. Is this man next to you a friend of yours?" Emi inquired.
Tatsuki twitched.
To clear up any confusion before it escalated into a problem, Orihime laughed wildly which earned awkward stares from her friends. "Actually, General Cifer is with me! He is my chosen escort while I'm here!"
"Well, since you have been traveling all morning, I will make a meal for you all," Emi said with a hint of a smile. "I'm certain you're hungry and would like a place to rest."
"We wouldn't want to bother you! I'm sure we'll be fine!" Orihime exclaimed. Right before her stomach sold her out by grumbling like a beast. Embarrassed, she laughed nervously. "Pay that no mind!"
Tatsuki shook her head. "You're hopeless."
Ulquiorra strode forward until he was closer to Orihime. "It would be wise for you to stay and accept this woman's invitation."
"Where are you going?" Orihime asked, realizing that he did not include himself in the offer.
"It is part of my responsibility while we're in the capital to make certain everything is running orderly. I will return after I have verified that the castle and the province are being managed accordingly."
"Oh. Well then shouldn't I go with you?"
"No. You will pass out from hunger and I have no intention of carrying you around."
"I'm not even heavy!" she retorted.
"I did not say the reason had to deal with your weight, but rather why you would be an inconvenience. Wait here and do not cause any mischief while I'm gone."
As he made his leave, Orihime pressed her thumbs to her cheeks and stuck out her tongue whereas Hideki prolonged a distrustful stare at the General.
Yuji, who was now next to Tatsuki, had mimicked the older girl's annoyed expression and had his arms crossed. "I don't like that guy."
"You and me both, kid."
. . .
"Oh? General Cifer is here in the capital?"
"Yes, Commander. One of my soldiers had informed me that he had arrived some time ago."
The pink-haired samurai adjusted his glasses on the bridge of his nose and grinned. "This is perfect! We can go over my proposal for the next phase of the plan!"
"Not to put a damper on your mood, sir, but aren't you worried why he's here?"
"Worried? Why should I be worried?"
"It's General Cifer, sir. Usually it's not a good sign if he appears unexpectedly. Plus I've heard frightening accounts about him."
"Frightening, you say?" he asked with interest, his finger tapping on the hilt of his sword.
"From the moment I joined the army, no, even before that. The General's reputation is widely known and to be respected but it has also invoked terror into people, causing many to believe that he truly is not human. It might be best-"
Before he could finish his sentence, pain shot up from his right hand and he looked down to see that it had been severed from his body. He released an excruciating scream and crumbled onto his knees. He then felt a sword pointed at the base of his neck and fearfully looked up into the face of his Commander who had a dark maniacal smile.
"It might have been best for you not to underrate me. For you see, I can be frightening when I choose to be. And since I'm a strategist, the best course of action to eliminate your fear was to rid you of your functionality. That way, you are deemed useless and will never have to worry about crossing paths with me or General Cifer ever again."
Before anyone blinked, the officer's head fell on the ground with a thud, earning loud gasps from those in proximity to the gory scene.
"Someone clean this filth up!" He yelled before reverting back to his calm façade. "We wouldn't want to stain our lovely courtyard."
Two ashigaru quickly ran over and took care of the remains before leaving the area. Passing on their way out was Ulquiorra, who noticed the disassembled corpse but did not inquire about it.
The Commander, who had just finished cleaning his sword, welcomed the General's presence with a respectful bow. "I heard you were back in town! It's a pleasure to see you again, General! May I ask what brings about your return?"
"Lady Orihime Inoue had requested a visit. She seeks closure over her brother's death."
"Ah, and Lord Aizen made you tag along so she didn't run away or retaliate. Not like she could anyway. So, where is the charming little hostage?"
"She is the company of her friends."
His amber eyes widened. "That's quite the bit of trust you've given her." He then smirked mischievously. "It would seem that you're making quite the acquaintance with the little cage bird."
Ulquiorra's eyes narrowed considerably. "Ridiculous." He briefly paused, realizing his tone even sounded tense to himself. "Besides, she is no longer regarded as a prisoner, which is one of several matters we will be discussing over today."
"I'm all ears," He said, his voice silky and filled with keen interest. He cradled his head in his hand. "Please enlighten my mind."
. . .
Orihime hummed a lively tune as she removed the dirty bowls and tea cups off the table and balanced them in her hands. She then walked into the kitchen and passed by Tatsuki who was kneeling in front of the stove cleaning out soot.
Walking inside from the back of the house, Hideki let out an exhausted sigh and wiped the sweat off his brow. His demeanor then changed from one of weariness to alarm. "Hey! I told you that you didn't have to help out!"
As he stepped forward to grab the dishes from her, Orihime playfully backed away from him like she was performing a balancing act on a trapeze. "Like I'm really going to sit back and let you and Tatsuki do all the work!"
"It's fine, silly girl!" He kept reaching for the items, but she continued evading him. "Besides, it's not right for you to be doing a task like this!"
She blinked curiously. "Why? Because I'm a daimyo now?"
He stopped moving around and rubbed the back of his head. "Well…yes."
Orihime laughed. "Now who's the one being silly? My title doesn't mean anything in this situation! Even if I was a celestial deity that had four glowing eyes on my forehead and a pair of amazingly huge wings that could spread across the sky, I would never take advantage of someone's hospitality and not repay them for their kindness! So let me repay you by helping out anyway I can!"
She resumed humming her tune as she walked past him and knelt down in front of the wooden sink.
"You tried your best," Tatsuki smiled and winked at him. "Don't worry, I noticed."
Hideki looked at her with a scowl on his face. "What's that supposed to mean?"
"Uh, we have a problem!" Orihime shouted.
Tatsuki and Hideki looked at their friend who was now standing with the water bucket upside-down in her hands.
Hideki sighed and scratched his head. "I guess the dishes will have to get washed at the river."
"That's alright! I'll have more space to work with and I get the bonus of watching the sunset!" Orihime exclaimed.
"But you can't go by yourself! It's close to getting dark outside," Tatsuki stated. "My hands are pretty messed up from the stove so why don't you take Hideki with you."
"Sounds good to me! I'll hurry and pack everything!"
As Orihime bustled around the kitchen, Hideki retained his scowl on Tatsuki who responded innocently with a shrug.
"A girl like her shouldn't be alone in the woods at night. And besides, who would refuse the company of a fine-looking…no wait it was, 'one of the most eligible men of Tenkū's noble class'."
A light blush tinted his cheeks as he crossed his arms. "I thought you were above listening to gossip."
Tatsuki arched an eyebrow. "Is that blush I see?"
He grimaced. "Shut up!"
"I'm ready!" Orihime called out.
Hideki promptly met her in the doorway then took the pouch filled with dirty dishes from her hands. "At least let me carry this until we get to the river."
"Well, it is a little heavy so thank you!" She started walking ahead while humming the same lively tune from before and Hideki could not help but shake his head and smile.
Once they had arrived and established their base at the river, Orihime placed the dishes next to the water's edge and started the washing process. She delighted in how the rays from the sunset had reflected and rippled across the water's surface, painting the mountains and sky with gold and indigo. She then inhaled the fresh, earthy scent of the air that was hinted with a fragrance of persimmon.
It all took her back to a time when she was child. When she would play with her friends until their energy gave out. Or when she had decided to sneak out the castle and come bask in the serene ambiance of the woods before anyone could track her down. Even now, despite the circumstances she faced, she felt at peace. Regardless of the potential charm Naitsu had, her heart would forever remain in Tenkū.
Orihime decided to check on her companion who had also zoned out while staring at the skyline. His dark-brown eyes were narrow and distant as if he were heavily contemplating over something. "Hey, what's on your mind?"
"…It's nothing to be concerned over."
She looked at him with a hint of playfulness. "I might have believed you if you had looked me in the eye. You don't have to be so tough and pretend, you know."
When a pained smile spread across his face, she then wondered if she said something wrong.
"Isn't that what we're all doing?" he said.
The weight of his words sunk into her veins, making her stare back at her reflection. Is that what I've been doing?
Hideki hesitated a moment before speaking again. "I was just thinking about how everything can change in an instant. Like when Gorō met me and my mother and created a way of life that we never expected to have. Or the time when Yuji was born into our family and I had vowed on that day that I would become someone he could look up to and always depend on. Our family had known nothing but peace and joy for years but now, in just a short few days, all of it feels like a faraway memory."
Orihime's heart tied in a knot as she watched him sit next to her and rest his arms on his knees. She understood all too well how he felt.
"When the soldiers brought his head back to the house, my mother lost her mind. She became hysterical, to the point where I thought she had completely shattered, and it wasn't long before her body caved in and fainted. Yuji, at some point, had stopped crying and tried to attack the soldiers, but I stepped in and held him back before ordering them to leave the house. At first he wasn't too happy to be around me, but eventually he allowed me to hold him until his eyes dried up. After he had calmed down and we tended to Mother, we both made a vow that we would be strong for her and do our best to live an honorable life in our father's memory."
He looked up at the sky. "It's been hard living up to this, though, and watching our enemy govern and parade around the city isn't making it easier. Believe me when I say that they are quick to use their sword at anyone who resist and challenge their authority. There have been many moments when I wanted to retaliate against them, but then I'd remember I would be breaking both of my vows to Yuji. I also feared of the condition I would leave him and my mother in if I returned home dead because of my selfishness."
"It isn't selfish to stand up and protect other people," Orihime said softly but with conviction.
He looked her straight in the eye. "My reasons are far from noble compare to yours, Hime."
"Mine?" she asked, confused.
"Like how you plan on marrying the daimyo of Naitsu."
"Oh." Orihime quietly fiddled with the bowl in front of her before dipping it into the stream. "It's really no big deal!"
He looked serious at her. "You're kidding, right?"
She smiled brightly at him. "I'm not!"
He then looked at her questioningly. "You do know what marriage entails, right?"
She pressed a finger to her chin, quizzically in thought. "Well I have never been married before, but I have a pretty good idea of what it can offer!"
Hideki blushed furiously and rebuked himself mentally for letting his mind wander. To cover his embarrassment, he quickly cleared his throat and placed his hand over his mouth. "Clearly you've thought this through."
"There wasn't anything to think about, really," she said, her voice lowering a pitch. She hugged her knees, bringing them close to her chest, and stared up at the stars that were starting to twinkle across the sky. "I know that I'll never be half the leader my brother was, but I want everyone to keep their way of life and be happy, even if I'm never accepted."
Unfortunately, Hideki understood the meaning behind her words. Not only did he witness what happened in the center district earlier, but over the years they had known each other, he had watched as the rift between her and the Inoue clan expanded. It made sense why she would come to that conclusion, however…
"Not everyone thinks that way," he smiled at her warmly. "Not Mother, not Yuji, not Tatsuki or me. You will always have us, Lady Orihime Inoue, and we will follow you until the end of this life."
Orihime could feel her eyes watering up, but blinked away her tears as she laughed and gifted him with a genuine smile of her own. "I am so lucky to have Tenkū's most attractive suitor as my friend!"
Hideki grimaced. "Hey, don't bring that up again!"
. . .
Later that night, both girls were dressed for bed and had just finished unrolling two futons in the guest room.
Orihime heard Emi greeting someone at the front door and curiously peeked out from the doorway. She saw that the visitor was an elder's wife and she was gifting Emi with a bag of rice. The scene warmed her heart and she moved away from the doorway to give them privacy.
"I take it's not the jerk, then?" Tatsuki inquired grumpily.
Orihime smiled teasingly at her friend. "I didn't think you would miss him!"
"I rather be hanged upside-down by my big toe over a pit of flaming coals!" she snapped. "Anyway, it's just that he's been gone for hours and considering the stalker that he is, that's quite a long time."
Orihime quietly nodded in agreement. Little did her best friend know, she had been concerned over Ulquiorra's extended departure and wondered over what had been preventing his return. However, since she had no control or idea how to solve that mystery, she decided to distract herself by moving forward to the next task on her mental checklist.
Let friends know I'm alive? Check!
Tell clan that I'm their new lord? Check!
Hide remaining meal rations from General Cifer after he said I ate like a beast then questioned my humanity? Check!
Write a letter to- Oh wait. I didn't do that yet.
She walked out of the guest room and went to find Emi in the kitchen. "Emi-dono, may I ask for a favor?"
"You can ask me for anything," Emi smiled sweetly.
"By any chance, do you have paper I can use?"
Her face turned apologetic. "I'm sorry, but we had used up all our supply last week."
"It's fine! I'll go get some at the castle!"
"Good luck with that." Both of them saw Hideki standing in the hallway. "That place is swarming with ashigaru and it seems they are even turning it into their private headquarters."
"They can't do that!" Orihime exclaimed.
"It may be best for you to wait until your escort returns, my lady," Emi said.
I wonder how long that'll be, she mused. "You're right. I guess I'll get some rest for now. Good night!"
Orihime slowly headed back to her room. While walking, she rested her chin on her hand and pondered over the problem.
If the entire perimeter is blocked off, then I won't be able to just casually walk in. And I doubt they'll know who I am and give me a free pass, even if I ask nicely. There has to be another way for me to...
Suddenly, an idea popped into her mind which caused her to clap her hands together and smile triumphantly all at once.
She would have to act after everyone had fallen asleep.
. . .
The moon lighted her path as she sprinted among the shadows of the woods.
Leaning against a tree, Orihime surveyed the area for ashigaru on patrol before she darted toward the castle wall. Once there, she crouched low and adjusted the hood of her cloak tightly over her face. She paused to regain her breath even though adrenaline coursed through her veins, making her feel as though she were that little girl again who pretended to be a shinobi on assignment.
She checked around to make sure no one was coming her way then proceeded to step carefully along the wall so she could blend in with the wall. Once she reached the east gate of the castle, she peeked around the corner and noticed the ashigaru guarding the entrance. She sighed out of relief seeing there were only two of them, but still she had her work cut out for her.
Should I go for Plan One or Plan Two?
Orihime examined the ashigaru again. Both looked young in terms of skill and age and she speculated they got the overnight shift because of it.
Plan two it was.
She started walking casually toward them.
"Hold it right there!" the ashigaru on the left asked.
Orihime stopped and looked innocently at him. "Yes?"
"Just what do you think you're doing?"
"Well, I decided to go for a stroll and found myself here, which is great because I've always wanted to see the castle up close!"
"This area was announced off-limits to the public!" the ashigaru on the right said. "We have to arrest you now for trespassing!"
Orihime's eyes widened from shock. "Eh? Do you really have to do that?"
The ashigaru on the left reached forward and grabbed her arm. "You need to come with me now!"
Perfect! Orihime thought, before slamming her fist into his stomach. After he toppled over, she brought her elbow down on the back of his neck and watched him fall to the ground.
She then heard the other ashigaru curse her and saw him charging toward her. She honed in on her target and managed to dodge his attack. In that free moment, her fist striked the side of his face before raising her knee to deliver the final blow into his chest.
Once she was certain both were down for the count, she released the breath that she had been holding and threw her fist up toward the sky with a shout of victory. She then quieted herself and continued making her way onto castle-grounds.
As she traveled up the steps, haunting memories of the night Tenkū had been attacked juxtaposed with the memories of her childhood started playing through her mind. It was suddenly becoming difficult for her to breathe and it felt her heart was trying to twist itself into a knot. But she advised herself that now was not the time for her to fall apart and pressed forward by focusing on her task.
When she arrived in the courtyard, Orihime took cover behind a stone pagoda next to the pond and now witnessed what Hideki had been talking about earlier. After counting the number of ashigaru guarding the castle, she became overwhelmed by the unlikelihood of her getting into the entrance hall. But then she reminded herself that she had made it this far and refused to go back to the house without the items she needed.
Her resolve intact, she decided the easiest way to get inside would be to head toward the west wing rather than the east and rose to her feet. Taking a deep breath, she made a dash for it before she could be spotted and successfully made it inside the entrance hall.
She hastily ran down the corridor then up a second flight of stairs until she heard voices comprised of laughing and chatter coming from ahead. Immediately she slid open the shoji on her right then shut it closed and waited for the group of men to pass.
After she heard them walk by, she let out a sigh of relief until she turned around and her heart stopped at the sight of two incandescent eyes staring right back at her.
"I…"
I'm done for.
Disclaimer: I do not make any profit from writing this story. I'm simply borrowing Tite Kubo's characters for my sheer enjoyment.