Yeah, I returned to this series after long last. If anyone has any update ideas or suggestions let me know.
Satsuki sat peacefully on the balcony of her home, ever since she moved out she had missed the way Moroi made her tea. His passing after the destruction of Honnouji academy had truly devastated her. The one familiar and constant part of her life was gone, raising her better as a guardian than her mother ever had, becoming as dear to her as her late father. She had few people she could trust left in her life, opening up to others and being vulnerable wasn't something she was used to. She had always been guarded, concealed and cautious. She could never stumble, never falter and never fail, but now that life was behind her. She had no more enemies to fight, no more dangers to face and no need to save the world. The life fibres were gone, the enemy was gone and she could just be a person. But she missed her beloved butler who was always by her side, the person she could confide in when she was at her lowest. Though his tea was bitter, it had been comforting to her, a familiar taste, the tea never tasted the same now. So many changes had occurred in her life she could barely recognise them, it was like it was someone else's life. The sun beaming down on her from the balcony, overlooking the city she now lived in.
She had once held a grudge against people, all mindless creatures that never questioned anything. All of them below her as she saw them as inferior to herself. But she learned to cast aside that mentality, learned to think beyond her previous mindset. Coming to find allies in her greater purpose and realise she had more people than she realised who would stand by her side. Gazing down at the bustling people below her, watching them go about their lives. Now that she had completed her mission, she could now breathe easier and blend in among them. She could find happiness in simplicity, living a mundane and normal life. She didn't miss the mansion she was raised in, she had enough of the insurance from her home, the company and Ragyo's inheritance and pension. She was set for life and shared some of that money with Ryuko whom had her own inheritance. She had never considered how she would live her life once it was all over, what would become of her. She had never planned that far ahead, as prepared as she usually was. With Ragyo dead, no longer darkening her doorway or hiding in the shadows, she could relax. The monster that killed her father, that hurt and traumatised her, humiliated her, she was now gone. She could live a normal life.
It was such a strange feeling, being able to sleep peacefully, wake up in her own space. Knowing that she would never have to need a Kamui again, Junketsu was gone along with Senketsu. The endless quiet was comforting yet eerie, knowing that no dangers lurked. She could decorate and shape her own space to her fitting, nothing grand or expensive as she used to reside in. But a modest and smaller home with enough space for herself. The bed was big enough for Uzu to share with her when he stayed over and some of his belongings were here too. She had everything she could possibly need. She had made a blend of tea, enjoying a cup to herself with some homemade cookies from Nonon. Enjoying her day with a familiar ritual that reminded her of happier times, fonder memories. The Elite four always checked in, always made sure she was ok, that she was coping well, living their own lives but still loyal friends to her. Nonon had finally admitted her crush on inumuta and the two formed a relationship together. Gamagori was now dating Mako and had become a familiar face in her families life, he even helped Sukuyo Mankanshoku at their new business. She found it comforting, knowing that they still remained and loved her, despite all she put them through. She had asked so much of them, dragged them along through all of it, defeating Ragyo. Opening up to them about all the hurt and the pain Ragyo had caused and inflicted onto her.
Absentmindedly running her fingers through her short black bob, finding peace in finally moving on with her life, finally forgetting the pain and the loneliness. She had never thought she was deserving or capable of such life, that she would ever be free of the shackles of her past. That her actions came with consequences and not everyone would forgive her. Accepting that she hadn't just been a warrior, but a victim and a child, while most children were happily living carefree lives she was forging her path. Casting aside her grief, her pain and using her anger to beat her mother, turning her resentment, rage and bitterness towards the woman responsible for it all. That the loss of her loved ones wouldn't be in pain, she would hold their memories dear and fulfil a promise. Her father had been a great man, a genius, always one step ahead, forming alliances with nudist beach, creating the Kamui in secret and leaving one each to his daughters. Assuring that they had protection against Ragyo, that they would be able to beat her. Grateful to the lessons her father taught her, grateful for the legacy he left her, but also grateful to Moroi for keeping her grounded and helping nurture the humanity within her. Suddenly she looked up, hearing footsteps approaching, she had learned to hone in her instincts from a young age as to never be caught off guard. It was a habit she had never learned to lose, always using it in case necessary. The click of a key and the front door opening, the sound of someone entering her home. Turning her head as a warm smile spread across her cheeks, she had been expecting her and here she was.
Ryuko shyly lingering in the doorway, wearing her black jacket with bat wings on the chest and skull on the back, wearing a pair of ripped jeans and an old shirt. A nervous look on her face, her cheeks flushed from the journey it must have taken to get here. She wasn't used to being invited to places, she was used taking care of herself and watching her back. Everyone in her life was an enemy with ulterior motives, she hadn't had friends before, she hadn't been to Satsuki's new flat before either. Ryuko had always been a solitary creature, always alone and always withholding her emotions, reacting with anger and suspicion. But she was learning to trust, learning to confide in others and learning to be kinder.
Satsuki smiled, that's right she wasn't alone anymore, she still had family in the most unexpected places. She had rekindled her bond with her long lost baby sister, the one she believed Ragyo ripped from her and destroyed. She hadn't expected her to survive or for their father to have hidden her away. Somehow they had been brought together again and could protect one another as their father would have wanted. "Welcome Ryuko, you have no reason to be shy we aren't strangers" she smiled, holding out her hand to join her at the table.
Ryuko removed her shoes, shyly joining her at the table, her house was a lot nicer than she expected especially for a flat. But then it was very different from what Satsuki was used to. It was very homely and strangely neat, but it was very fitting for Satsuki indeed. The scent of tea and cake filling her nose, causing her stomach to grumble at the mention of food. She hadn't yet given Satsuki a housewarming gift and she felt bad for that, but then she was working with the Mankanshoku family business and her paycheck wasn't much. "Woah, nice view you got here sis" she hummed, she had to admit she had considered a place of her own too. She carefully sat at the table next to Satsuki, gazing at her older sister with admiration and love. Since Ragyo's death, she knew her sister was still recovering, she couldn't imagine the demons she was overcoming. After learning about what Satsuki had endured while she was raised by their mother, she realised how awful it had been for her. The elite four had always had her best interest at mind, always protected her and always loved her. Learning to live on her own, learning to live as herself, learning to heal from the trauma. Learning basic tasks to look after herself that she was never taught, it was never something she had to consider. Knowing she had no more enemies, learning she didn't have to be scared anymore.
But she wasn't used to polite situations like tea parties, her father had never been the bonding or nurturing type. He never showed her the same love that he showed Satsuki and was too concerned about being discovered. She wasn't raised by a socialise businesswoman and a psychopath like Satsuki was, learning how to live as a lady while scheming against your abuser. Satsuki had been taught this from adolescence, it was ingrained into her psyche.
Satsuki poured her a fresh cup, not even spilling a drop, calmly pushing the cup towards Ryuko "careful, still hot" she warned. She could burn her fingers which wouldn't be pleasant. Ryuko shifted, tentatively picking up the cup making sure not to drop it or spill any, it smelled good and she knew someone like Satsuki would make the ideal blend. The colour was rich and dark, gazing into the cup with a curious expression. She and the others had been to a car boot sale and found second hand china for Satsuki, knowing how much it would mean to her. She carefully blew on the cup, before taking a sip, it wasn't a flavour she was used to, but the taste was good. Thinking of the croquettes Sakuyo made, how golden, greasy and delicious they were. "I apologise for the taste, I'm not the expert Moroi was, but it should be palatable" Satsuki apologised, she was still learning many new things. Nobody had complained about it but she always worried they lied to save her feelings.
Ryuko smiled, she had never had such fine tea leaves before, wondering where Satsuki managed to obtain them from. Warming her from the inside out, making her feel calm and comforted. Through all the misery Satsuki had endured, Moroi's tea had been a constant in her life, though he was now gone, she still carried on that tradition. "It's good" she hummed, she would need to ask Satsuki where she got it so she could get some for Sukuyo.
Satsuki hummed, gazing into her teacup reflectively, she had so many fond memories of drinking tea. The brief moments of happiness in her life had been brief and fleeting. She treasured them all and reflected upon them fondly. Moments she would never replace and she would never be able to get back. "This tea was once so bitter to me as a child, but over time its flavour came to comfort me. Now that he's gone I have to blend it myself, but it never tastes the same" she sighed. She remembered the first time she tasted it and was disgusted but never had the heart to tell Moroi, learning to like it. All she had left was the memory.
Ryuko hummed, neither of them had a normal childhood, neither of them had many happy memories or pleasant moments. Genuine kindness wasn't something they had ever been used to. She would understand why it would mean so much to Satsuki, enduring Ragyo's abuse and authority, knowing her father was murdered and she couldn't stop it. Losing everyone she loved while scheming against the killer, one simple cup of tea that had brought her such joy. Now the person who made it was no longer around, she would never see him again and that would break Satsuki's heart. She hummed to herself, taking one of the cookies Nonon made, she could do with learning how to make some. "Man, our family has some weird tastes" she laughed.