The Other Ojou-sama
Summary: Her vindictive aunt, Yotsuba Maya, wanted to break her beloved brother from her when she had made her heir, so that the curse that plagued the head of the Yotsuba family—the curse of wretched loneliness—would continue. With the imminent parting, Miyuki came into terms with her feelings and her desire never to part with him. The curse would end with her generation because her brother, Tatsuya, would never let go. This is an account written in Shiba Miyuki's perspective about the three years that Tatsuya had disappeared from the world. It accounts for his departure, then the reason for his return.
Her body shivered and shook—a dichotomy to the silver of pleasure that sliced cleanly through her violent swirls of intense rage and despair. She drew a deep breath, closing her eyes for a second to still her emotions. She did not want him to know that she was not behaving like a proper young lady.
For a moment, his piercing eyes of icy-blue appeared in her mind's eyes, looking disapproving and disappointed. Her esteemed brother admired graceful and poised women. She took another deep breath and folded her hands before her, a dainty gesture, before straightening her back.
The muted chirpy voice of Mayumi-senpai grated her fray nerves. She had heard enough to deduce that her brother was nonchalant about their impending estrangement since he was looking forward to meeting her the next day.
It hurt her to know that it was a formal meeting to meet her father, Saegusa Koichi, head of the Saegusa family.
Did their impending estrangement not matter to him? Had he began planning for himself after his duty to her as guardian ceased?
Her vision blurred. An overwhelming sinking blanket of despair smothered her. Hastily, she dashed back to her room, fighting back her tears desperately. She would not tarnish her carefully constructed image of an ojou-sama.
The soft carpet muted her footsteps as she ran for her room.
Soon, she spotted her bedroom. Hastily, she ducked into her room. A sigh of relief escaped from her lips when she carefully locked the door of her sanctuary after her. The devastating emotions continued to mount, like displaced water mounting upwards when they reached the coast. Like an uncontrollable and unstoppable tsunami, her despair and misery swept through her, shattering her control. She sunk on her knees, and broke down into heart-wrenching sobs. Those heart-breaking sobs echoed pitifully in her bedroom, fuelling her despair.
How wretched was she?
Her long and straight hair tumbled over her face, creating a false sense of security. She was on her knees, as if she was asking for clemency for being so flawed and so wretched. She could be more understanding to her brother. She could try not to be so affected by the looming separation between her and her brother because that would be right. She wasn't as perfect as the world believed her to be. The weight of her unconventional emotions and her guilt were far too heavy for her to carry alone.
Gently, her arms went around her, as if she was trying to provide some comfort to herself. She did not deserve pity from her brother. How would he react if he knew of her shameful feelings for him?
The image of her brother with Mayumi-senpai scorched her, sparking a deep-seated sense of jealousy and anger. Those tumultuous emotions burnt deep into her like searing-hot brands, marking her profoundly. The two raging feelings tore her apart, causing her to cry even louder.
The confusion and the grief were too much for her to bear. How could she put a stop to her raging feelings? What could she do to make the pain stop?
Suddenly, from the depths of her confusion and grief, she grasped the lingering and unravelled thread of her tapestry of interwoven emotions and conflicting desires. Slowly, she followed that thread, like an explorer.
Her voice, timid and soft, crystallised the raging emotions she felt so keenly for him: she loved him like how Mayumi-senpai loved her brother. Her body shuddered as if it had a profound effect on her. "I love him?" She repeated to herself as if she was taken aback.
She blinked owlishly.
Her soft words resounded loudly in her bedroom, as if affirming her feelings for her brother. Everything made sense to her: she had romantic feelings for her brother. Suddenly, a profound sense of liberation washed through her at that recognition.
A seed of confidence blossom deep in her at her acceptance. She was done beating herself for having feelings for her brother.
Absently, she brushed the tears of weakness away from her porcelain cheeks. Her eyes sparkled with newfound determination. "I love him."
Carefully, she picked herself up from the ground as if she was rising from the ashes, the dusty remains of her burning anguish. She did not care any longer when fate, in the form of her aunt, tried to tear them apart. She was careful to remain graceful. "I love him," repeated she, a tiny smile blossoming on her face.
With her acceptance of her proclamation, her mind became uncluttered, still like the calm and undisturbed surface of a lake. She knew exactly what she needed to do. She knew exactly how she ought to fight for her happiness.
She wouldn't let her aunt steal away her happiness and subject her to a fate of forced solitude. She would learn to fight.
Miyuki made her first attempt altering reality. "I will not let Onii-sama go," spoke she, clenching her fists in determination.
She walked to the full-length mirror located within her walk-in closet. Surprise jolted through her system when she thought she caught an image of her aunt in the mirror—those harsh and determined eyes, blasé yet cruel smile. She blinked and that impression disappeared. No, it was merely a trick of the light. Her shock abated when she noticed the icy-blue shade of her eyes, a colour that matched her beloved brother and it was a colour she associated with gentleness and love. She straightened her clothes carefully, checking her reflection from all angles.
She paused before the mirror and took a critical glance of her appearance. Her long black hair gleamed due to the light and it looked silky and straight. Her skin was porcelain fair and had no blemishes. Like most powerful magicians, she was endowed with a breath-taking beauty. However, it wasn't enough. Her clothes wouldn't do if she wanted to have Onii-sama. She frowned. She needed a fighting chance.
She shifted her attention to her wardrobe and shoved both of her hands into it in search of an outfit hidden deep within the rows of soft and colourful fabric. She intentionally wore more revealing but moderate clothes at home to pique her brother's interest. However, those outfits fail to garner her beloved brother's attention. She had bought this particular outfit online but never had the courage to wear it in front of her brother. It was time to up the stakes.
'Your unclothed body should belong to those who fall in love with your unadorned soul'. The words rang in her head as the feelings of bliss and throbbing ache faded slightly away. She was conscious of the lack of the feelings of triumphant. She was in the laboratory of her brother, resting. She felt hallow, without the comforting presence of her brother. He had excused himself, after pressing a chaste kiss on her clammy forehead, leaving his study so that he could prepare for the formal meeting the next day. His gaze was as gentle as his touch, which caused her pulse to race. She made a move to assist him but he encouraged her to rest more with a pointed look.
She drew the duvet up to her neck, in an attempt to fight away the chill eating away at her body, allowing the distinct scent of her brother to wash over her. She closed her eyes and took in a deep breath. Was this a foreshadowing of their future—that she would possess his physical body but have no control over his soul? The emptiness in her became consuming.
She needed him and she did not have a choice.
The deed was done and she had no room for regrets. She did not coerce her brother because he was a willing participant. Even though he was shocked when she had confessed her feelings, he had accepted them graciously and wholeheartedly. He did not possess the will to push her away even if he desired to.
"You're far too desirable to be resisted," whispered her brother softly into her ear, as he caressed her cheeks. His warm breath on the shell of her ear made it difficult for her to concentrate on him.
On hindsight, she knew that it was not true.
She knew that, due to the mental alteration, she would always be his first priority. He would do anything to keep her happy and safe, including accepting her feelings. It sparked the sense of insecurity. If he were not mentally altered, would he be with her? Would he willingly choose to be bounded to her when there were so many wonderful women surrounding him?
She needed to be a better woman for her brother.
That thought fueled her with the strength to ignore her spark of envy and the dread of being apart. It was time to play the part of a dignified ojou-sama. Elegantly, she rose from the bed, allowing the duvet to cascade down her pale and lithe body. Her thoughtful brother had placed her clothes neatly at the corner of his bed. Swiftly, she dressed up.
Using the connection they share, she tracked him down and found him in his bedroom, searching for an appropriate outfit for the next day. She smiled when she saw the bewildered look on his face since her brother never had the occasion to dress up.
"I'm not too sure how I should dress," said Tatsuya, shoving his hands into his pockets. "You look beautiful, Miyuki."
Her cheeks became enflamed and she dashed into his walk-in closet.
With a large smile plastered on her face, she cheerfully selected a charcoal bespoke suit, with snowy white dress shirt from his closet. With practiced ease, she helped him into his jacket after he had changed into the shirt and trousers.
Such simple domesticity cheered her up because it held an insinuation of intimacy. She felt as if she was his bride, tending to the welfare of her beloved.
Her brother seemed almost oblivious to it.
The cutting of his jacket emphasised his masculine and lithe body, causing her cheeks to be enflamed. Her brother was dashing! She complimented his appearances as she pressed both of her hands on her cheeks.
"Thank you for being so understanding," spoke Tatsuya suddenly, his gaze tender. He reached over, running his hand through her hand tenderly.
The gleam in her eyes faded. Easily, she stepped into his embrace and rested her cheeks on his chest. One of his arms wound around her lovingly as he continued to caress her hair.
"You'll hurt Mayumi-senpai by giving her false hopes. You know that it is possible that Saegusa-sama is trying to match make both of you together."
Steel entered his voice and his hand stopped. "It is necessary. I'll do anything it takes to fulfill your heart's desire."
Miyuki ought to be comforted by the conviction in his voice.
"Mayumi will understand. She always does." His tone was wistful and gentle.
A searing hot envy shot through her. She broke free from his embrace, surprising her brother.
She swallowed visibly, turning away. "Do you love her?"
There was an uncomfortable pause in the room before her brother's laughter broke that silence.
She spun around to face him, taken aback.
His eyes were gentle and understanding. "My silly sister. You know the full extent of my incapability to love. I do not feel that way for her—"
"—but she's special to you."
He clasped her hand firmly, looking at her with incredible warmth. "She isn't as important as you. This step is necessary if I want to have a private audience with Aunt. I know that she wouldn't allow any form of alliances between the Saegusa and the Yotsuba."
She turned away, reading the hint of threat in his voice. His commitment to her welfare scared her since he was willing to pit himself against the Queen of the Night, the strongest magician in Japan to ensure her happiness.
A part of her nagged at her that he might have done it for Mayumi since he had let her go even though he was supposed to kill her for unraveling their secrets.
"I-I…I don't deserve it, Onii-sama. I need you to be with me, otherwise all these will be meaningless—"
He squeezed her hand firmly. "Silly Miyuki, I'll come back to you. My powers are created to defeat her," added Tatsuya cynically.
"Will you?" She lifted her head to meet his gaze as tears clouded her vision. "Will you return to me? If you could love, will you return to me?"
His arms wound around her tenderly as he tucked her head under his chin. "Everything will soon be okay. I can promise you that, Miyuki. I'll never leave you."
She cupped his cheeks with her hands and kissed him, desperate to convey her love for him.
It was the most nerve-wrecking eight hours of her life. She could not stop pacing back and forth in the living room, waiting for her brother to return. He ought to return from his meeting with Saegusa-sama. She was tempted to call Mayumi-sama to ask for her brother, however, considering the change of status—they were now contenders for the affections of her brother—she did not want to speak to her senior.
Time seemed to trickle slowly. She was at wit's end. Should she enlist the help of his master to trace him down? Then, she heard the familiar sound of the opening of the door. Her heart leapt with excitement. He was home!
Immediately, she ran to the door.
Her brother trudged into the house, weariness display with every step. She supported him with her arms around his waist. He fulfilled his promise. He returned to her, his eyes darkened with apathy and fatigue, looking like a warrior that had just left a battleground.
What had he done?
Carefully, he maneuvered out of her embrace and sunk into a knee before her, as if paying homage. "My leader, Yotsuba Miyuki, I have returned."
Her eyes widened at that proclamation. She covered her mouth with her hand. "Does that mean…"
A tired smile appeared on his face. "You're free. You're free of her influence."
Without hesitation, she threw herself into him and began peppering urgent kisses on his face.
"You have returned. You have returned alive. You have returned to me." Her heart burst with joy. Her beloved had returned to her, unhurt.
Her vision clouded with tears.
He stiffened slightly, as if shocked by her outburst.
He drew apart from her embrace so that he could gaze at her. There was a gentle smile on his face. "You silly girl, where else can I be?" Tenderly, he wiped those tears away with the pad of his thumbs. "I would think you should be happier that you're no longer under our aunt's influence."
Her heart thumped loudly.
She shook her head. "I never desired the position so that I would have autonomy. I always wanted that position so that I can set you free, free from the influences of the Yotsuba family, free from the expectations of the society. Onii-sama, you can be whoever you choose to be."
Her eyes shone with determination.
His eyes widened with shock. "M-my freedom?"
She nodded. "Everything that I'm belongs to you since the incident of Okinawa. I live only for you. Onii-sama, I'm irrevocably yours. " Her stoic brother didn't resist her when she pulled him closer for a kiss as she entrusted her past and future into his capable hands.
On the next day, she was immediately installed as the new head of the Yotsuba clan as dictated by her aunt's will. Overnight, she became Yotsuba Miyuki, the new leader of the Yotsuba clan. Some members of the minor lines protested against her initiation but she put them down by force, as a display of her authority.
Her aunt had selected her to succeed her because she could command the control of the entire clan with her power alone. Openly, she granted her brother freedom by releasing the limiters that she had placed on him, allowing both of them to display the full extent of their powers.
"Maya-sama would protest against this if she was alive, please reconsider—"
"My word, along with my guardian, my brother, Tatsuya, is the law in Yotsuba clan," declared she firmly. She stood before the entire Yotsuba clan, proud. Her guardian hid in the shadows, presenting a false image that she was alone.
She knew that he was watching over her, ensuring her safety.
Her words were met with challenge from her uncle.
Her smile grew icy at the challenge from her uncle, the head of one of the minor lines of the Yotsuba family. He had challenged her to prove that she was worthy of the new mantle.
"Unfortunately, your intel is flawed, uncle, although your family prized yourself as excellent information gatherers. I'm not the harbinger of the new ice age. I do not sound the death knell using ice. I'm my mother's daughter." Without warning, she disposed of him using her mental interference magic. She steeled her heart when she watch him collapse on the ground.
It wasn't the first life she had taken but it was the first time she had seen the effects of death.
It was strange to see the light go out of his eyes.
She was starting to empathise with her brother who was forced to make killing a part of his lifestyle. How did he feel when he had first taken a life? A part of her was shocked at her own actions but it was too feeble to protest against the other side of her: the part of her that relish in the display of her authority. The taste of freedom and of power over the another's fate was too seductive.
"Does anyone have anything else to say?" She glanced around the hall, indifferently.
Stunned silence filled the large hall.
No one knew how to react to the situation.
Immediately, the lesser members of the Yotsuba family sunk on their knees to pay their respect to the new leader. Kuroba Fumiya and Kuroba Ayako relented and recognised her leadership too. Slowly, all of them were on their knees as they recognised Yotsuba Miyuki as the new head of their clan.
With a cruel move, she was now firmly consolidated as the unchallenged leader of the clan.
Would her beloved brother be proud of her? They could do whatever they desired to do. She could now offer her brother true freedom.
She paced along the front of the hall, taking note of every face that was presented in the room.
"My word, along with my guardian's is the law in Yotsuba clan. Rise to your feet and let's work together to ensure that the Yotsuba family remains one of the most influential families in Japan."
From her peripheral, she noticed that her brother did not seem to be overjoyed that he was no longer discriminated by the other members of the family. She tilted her head slight to the left, as she met his enquiring gaze.
His eyes were on her throughout the time she was speaking to her clan. A surge of warmth filled her.
She could do anything with him at her side.
He nodded before moving swiftly to the master bedroom located upstairs. Since he was blended with the shadows, no one noticed him.
She turned to look at her cousins. "I need you to find out the perpetrators of this series of events. It feels like plans hatched by a single entity. I need more information."
Kuroba Fumiya and Kuroba Ayako nodded submissively. They glanced at their demised father longingly for a few seconds before excusing themselves to deal with their new mission.
She resisted sighing since it was inappropriate. She was Yotsuba Miyuki. It was time to bid the sweet, gentle and naïve Shiba Miyuki farewell. Gracefully, she followed her brother back to her new bedroom upstairs, hoping that his presence was enough to comfort her.
She was happy. She ought to be happy that her beloved brother chose to be by her side.
She desperately needed her brother by her side to accomplish the tasks as Yotsuba Miyuki. He was the shadow that quietly smoothed the transition. Her beloved brother rose to the occasion each time. He had nearly eliminated one of the minor lines of the family when they learnt that they were revolting against her control. She kept him occupied with tasks that required him to swaddle through blood. She knew that she ought to be sad when he returned to her arms, wearing a blank expression, the only evidence that he had just killed. She knew that he justified that killing as a way to protect her and her interest.
No one dared to comment about their relationship if they knew about it. They kept it as a clandestine affair, a relationship in which she took the initiative, out of fear of losing him.
He never spoke about his dreams or his desires, aligning all his work and time to the benefit of the Yotsuba clan. He continued working as a Magical engineer to serve the Yotsuba's interest.
Slowly and gradually, he stopped smiling in that gentle way of his.
It occurred to her that they used to be happier before the death of her aunt. She had never thought of the past since she had became the new leader. Her brother was her lover and faithful companion. No one could separate them now. Why did these feel so insignificant when she looked into the emotionless face of her brother?
Miyuki sat on her bed, looking distantly. She felt hallow despite the physical intimacy. It was as if the happiness she had experienced for the past three years was a fallacy. Besides her, Tatsuya was climbing out of their large four-poster bed. He picked up a shirt from the closet quietly.
She watched the way his muscles flex as he wore his dress shirt. Her eyes fell on the new scars that laced his back.
"You're not happy, aren't you, Onii-sama?"
Her soft words echoed in the room. She was always Shiba Miyuki before him, the sister he cherished and treasured.
Her brother's hand lingered over the front of his dress shirt. He lifted his head to look at her. "I'm if you're."
She had expected that answer from him. In the past, she would have been overjoyed at the response. However, she could see it clearly now. He was coerced to hinge his happiness on hers when their mother altered his mental state. However, their high school days reminded her that her brother was capable of being happy. Her mind drifted to the idyllic days in which he could laugh and smile easily.
His happiness was not dependent on hers.
She recalled the times he was in the laboratory, researching and working on a topic that interested him. There was a smile on his face as he worked laboriously.
It had been nearly three years since they embarked on private tutoring. She had a lot to learn so that she could manage all the affairs of the Yotsuba family. She was glad that she had her brother to handle most of the daunting tasks.
The series of events, uncovered to be masterminded by the enemy of the Yotsuba family, caused many problems to the magical society. They even hatched a plan to kidnap her. Her brother, in the identity of 'God of destruction' resolved the issue efficiently by exterminating them, leaving no stone unturned. She knew that the Saegusa family had contributed to the downfall through the acquisition of important intelligence.
She took a deep breath as if steeling herself. She touched her chest gently. "I'm connected to you. I spend the most time with you. I know that you're not happy."
He frowned. "You know that I'm not constructed to feel happy or satisfied—"
"—You're wrong!" She sucked a breath, turning away so that she could rein in her temper. Her brother used to be satisfied with his life. He used to be happy, tinkering with magic and taking small steps towards his dream of redefining the purpose of magic.
Yet, for the past three years, he had been nothing more than a tool, serving the needs of the Yotsuba family. He invented to ensure that FLT continued to profit. He strategized to protect her interest in the family and the clan's interest. She was little better than her aunt.
She turned to look at him. "I'm sorry Onii-sama." The sudden insight made her realise how much her brother had sacrificed for her well-being.
Her eyes were dry. She couldn't cry even though the realisation burnt her painfully. How could she have done it to her brother?
He shook his head, walking to put his hand on her shoulder. "I didn't want you to marry to consolidate your hold of the clan and the magical society. I chose to do this for you because it makes you happy."
Tears welled in her eyes. "My happiness isn't everything, Onii-sama. You cannot hinge your being on my happiness because you deserve to be more –"
He shook his head, a protest on his lips. " I gave you my word."
"You were constructed this way by mother. I'm my mother's daughter." Her eyes gleamed with determination. She swept her hair away from her as she held his gaze firmly.
A hint of disbelief appeared in his Eton-blue eyes. "What do you mean, Miyuki?"
She nearly smiled at the use of her personal name. Since she became the leader of the Yotsuba clan, he stopped using her name. She was going to make it right for him.
"I have been researching and talking to the researchers of the lab. I have found a way." She did not dare to tell him that she did not tell him earlier because she was afraid that he would leave her. However, she realised how cruel she was to him. How could she professed that she loved him when she was denying him of his happiness selfishly. She closed the distance between them, so that their bodies pressed against each other. Their breaths clung to each other. "Let me set you free," whispered she tenderly.
He blinked owlishly. "You've already set me free—"
She shook her head. "No, I haven't. You have given me freedom by sacrificing your own. Please let me do something for you."
She gently pushed him to the edge of the bed.
He must have sensed her desperation because he acceded to her request reluctantly.
She tiptoed. "Thank you, Onii-sama."
Wordlessly, she leaned in and pressed her lips on his. She placed both of her hands on his temples, as if she was cradling his head and channelled her magic.
Soon, her brother collapsed on their bed and lost his consciousness.
With practiced ease, she helped him into bed and covered him with the duvet. Tenderly, she pressed a chaste kiss on his forehead, sweeping his long fringe away from his forehead.
"I'm always yours. I'll always love you, Onii-sama."
She stole another kiss from his pink lips.
A forlorn smile appeared on her weary face. She was sure that she had reversed the damage to his emotional capacity while retaining all his abilities. Slowly, she climbed to her feet, supported by her bed. Quickly, she dressed up in a beautiful dress of deep blue. Her brother had bought that dress for her. She withdrew a letter from her pocket, a letter that she had written almost half a year ago and placed it on the side table next to him.
She had started to realise her selfish ways after her beloved brother had eliminated their greatest enemy.
Wearily, she trudged towards the door.
Tears clouded her vision.
Each step felt so difficult.
Her brother had been a crucial part of her life since she was young. She couldn't just let him go.
She mustered her will and pushed forward. For once, she wanted to do something for her beloved brother. Her body felt like lead after the exhaustion of magic. It was difficult to reverse her mother's magic.
She soon broke down into sobs as she approached the door of the bedroom.
She couldn't do it.
She couldn't do it.
She couldn't do it.
She paused by the door, using its rich-looking wooden frame to support her fatigued body.
She needed to do this.
She needed to do this.
She had borrowed enough of his time. It was time to set him free.
Giving in to her selfish desire for the last time, she turned back to look at her brother for the last time. Her eyes traced his peaceful countenance, from those fluttering and long eyelashes, down his firm cheekbones to the tiny dip on his chin. She lost count of the numerous times her lips had intimately marked him along the contours of his face.
He was sleeping peacefully. He looked so vulnerable in his sleep that her heart ached for him.
She had to do this for him.
"I love you, Onii-sama, but I know I'm not the one for you." Sadness laced her tone. It took her three years to know that she was not the right woman for him.
Her mind drifted to the news she had received about the real parentage of the newest member of the Saegusa family. A part of her recognised that familial bliss was a joy she could never give him. Another part of her was astounded by the depth of affections Mayumi had for her brother. She didn't know if she was strong enough to live with a besmirched reputation and endure the pains of raising a child as a young unmarried maiden.
"You must be happy, Onii-sama. I'll be happy if you're. We'll meet again, someday."
Mustering all her resolve, she strode out of their bedroom, her head held high, into a new future—a future without her faithful and loving Onii-sama. She was his ojou-sama and she needed to act the part well. It was time to spread her wings and soar in the unknown.
She had a clan that depended on her. It was time that she grew into her position.
Another faithful servant, her new guardian, immediately directed her out of the mansion of the Yotsuba family. Despite her misery, she felt a sense of rightness in her decision.
"This isn't goodbye, Onii-sama. I won't say our goodbyes because it is better that way. I won't break and die because it's just a moment of change."
A/N: Thank you for reading. Although I usually write longer pieces, I felt that it was good place to stop since I can continue with a POV from Tatsuya about his family. Any comments? Have a blessed day!