Scarlet Justice: Full Blossom – ep. 02
"Home Sweet Home"
"So. You look quite ready to cause chaos in this world of ours, as usual."
I smile and shake my head. Emi certainly hasn't lost her form, and I'm thankful for it.
The spring day has taken on a lovely warmth as we sit on the gazebo together, with Emi across the table and Rose comfortably in my lap. My little sister is as adorable as the day we met, and she's nearly three years old now. Her hair is a bit straighter than mine is, and softer looking, but no less gorgeous. And holding her like this is a dream come true...I've only had pictures to look at, letters about her progress, and talks on the phone so that I could hear her voice.
"You seem to have a particular reason for those remarks, Mama."
She nods towards me. "Of course I do. Look at you. I'm just a bit jealous, you know."
"I don't know what you have to be jealous about, of all people."
"Oh, stop."
"I mean it, Mama. Don't be so down on yourself, you're stunning."
"It's not that I'm miserable...it's that you look like an elite model now, and you'll get all the attention when we're together."
"Yes, that's called being miserable. Is this what Rose and Touka had to put up with while I was away?"
"I believe Mistress Emi is sincere in her flattery, seeing as she maintains her usual style of dress."
Touka interrupts us politely and delivers our tea along with small sandwiches. Her smiling face is, as always, so lovely to see. A little bit more weight and muscle on her, but nothing dramatic in terms of changes. Just as fit and dashing as she was years ago.
As for Emi, I wasn't lying when I said her pouting was ridiculous. She bounced back from her pregnancy a long time ago, and has not only maintained herself, but seems to have turned back the clock a bit on her end. She wears another one of her thin silk dresses in red with little underneath, showing herself off boldly as usual. I wonder if taking care of Rose gave her some youthful energy that wasn't there before...well, whatever it is, I approve. Hopefully she stays as she is into old age and beyond.
"Will we be needing anything else, ladies?" Touka asks as she delivers Rose's small cup.
"Nothing for now, I think. Thank you again, Touka."
"My pleasure, Lady Lilith. Welcome home."
I beckon her closer and kiss her gently on the cheek.
"You've done so well...thank you for taking care of Mama and Rose. When you're ready, I'll be sure to fulfill your heart's desire, whatever it might be."
"I'll remember...thank you, milady. For everything."
Rose bows her head gratefully. "Thank you...Auntie Touka."
"You're very welcome, Lady Rose. I got you strawberry milk today to celebrate the occasion."
Rose nods and reaches eagerly for her cup before taking a sip. She's grown into a quiet and polite child...so cute! I stroke her hair and can feel her purring with delight.
"Well, as far as the new outfit is concerned...I did make a few adjustments for practical reasons, such as the material and build. It was good enough before, but now this outfit can survive just about anything in the field, uniquely esoteric and devastating attacks aside," I say.
"And the tighter shorts are for...let me guess, improved efficiency and aerodynamics, or something to that effect?" Emi asks as she mixes her tea.
"Correct."
"And the part where you have your stomach out to the world is for...let's see what nonsense I can come up with...ah, yes. Improved air flow, ventilation, and overall freedom of movement in all situations."
"Very good, Mama. Spoken like a true executive."
"That snark of yours is comforting to hear again after so long."
"I can be efficient and aesthetically pleasing all at once," I say with confidence. "After all, strength alone cannot conquer the world and inspire the masses. Speaking of teasing, how goes your modelling?"
"Well enough. We've set up a studio on the upper level for the occasional photo shoot, and the garden happens to be well laid out for such things. I even snagged a few magazine covers, not to mention the features I've been getting."
"Ooh. And you were pouting earlier. You really can be foolish at times, Mama...I'm proud of you and your hobby work. One day, we'll do a beach shoot together."
"Hmm...that doesn't sound bad, you know. Yes, in a few years we can consider it."
I nod and start mixing my own tea, while Rose drinks quietly in my lap. The silence between the three of us is comfortable, as it always has been. I sip at my tea and take in the scents around me. That fragrant smoke from Emi's exotic brands of cigarettes, and the sweet perfume she loves to wear around the mansion. The rich notes coming up from the cup of tea in my hand. The lovely symphony that floats towards me from the garden nearby, painting brilliant colours inside of my head as I close my eyes.
I wish I could stay here forever...but I know it cannot be so. I intend to savour the time that I will be staying, for now at least. Midori and I decided on this period for a specific reason...I've been placated with letters and photos and phone calls, but I absolutely must have time with Rose. Nearly two years without her touch was too long, even if I did endure it well enough.
"I take it training went well with Midoriko and Luna," Emi says while refreshing her cup.
"It did, yes. The work was tough, just like it was the very first time. And it was equally as satisfying, as you must have gathered from my communications. Nothing changed drastically, aside from my height and build, I suppose."
"You look much stronger. And feel much stronger, too. Though I suppose that Rose can tell better than I can. She was the first one out to the garden."
"I do love my flashy entrances," I say with a smile.
"You're a Kobayashi woman, so it only makes sense. Rose there will likely be the same."
"How has her training been going?" I ask.
"We've made sure to limit it to the very basics, but our little one has taken to it very well. She can make it halfway across the pool by walking now."
"Can she? Well done, Rose. I'm very proud of you."
"Thank you, Lili-nee."
I giggle and rub her head.
"I...get tired when I walk across the water. I'm not as good as Mama yet."
"That's okay, darling. You'll get there soon, once you start getting bigger. Have you been eating healthy? I know you've been doing your studies since we wrote so many letters to each other. You have such lovely penmanship, Rose."
"Really...?"
"Really and truly, my love. All you have to do is work hard, and never be afraid to ask for help. You will become absolutely amazing, I promise you. Maybe even as good as me one day, hmhm."
"Lili-nee...thank you. I want to try...and be like you," she says with her head tilted backwards. "The strongest, most beautiful person..."
"Oh, Rose." I set my cup down and squeeze her tightly. "No matter what happens, or how far you go...I will love you forever. And I will always be very proud of you."
She puts her hands over mine and snuggles into me.
"Lost in your own world, as always. I never get tired of seeing it," Emi says, smiling warmly.
"This was all made possible by two of the most brilliant mothers to ever exist. Keep that in mind, yes?"
"Hmph. Who do you think I am, exactly? I might get introspective sometimes, but raising two super elite daughters is something I'm going to lord over the entire world forever. Don't you worry about that."
I nod, satisfied. "Just checking."
"Mm-hm. So. How long are you staying this time?"
"Four, maybe six weeks. There's a two month window before I have to report back to the Leaf. If I ask for more time, the old man will give it to me without question. But the world won't stop turning with a polite suggestion. Akatsuki...and that man. Every moment they continue to exist is another moment that fate can use to darken your doorstep, Mama."
"Unsavoury."
"Indeed. It's coming up on the time limit for them to act. Naruto is priority one, but I wonder if there are others that I can save. I've been getting more in touch with my spiritual side and studying lost lore. We can talk about it in depth some time."
"We should. But from what you're saying, that means you'll be around for the big event."
"Yes. It hurt greatly only being able to stay a short time for her first birthday, and missing the second entirely...that frustration could be buried with extra work. This time, I'm not letting anything get in my way. The month belongs to us."
"Good. Your room is as you left it, and I'm certain that it's been freshened up by now. Lunch should be ready soon. We can put it off for a little while longer, so that you two can get to know each other again."
"Thank you, Mama. Rose, would you like a sandwich for now?"
"Yes, please..."
"Here you are. Don't worry too much about making a mess."
She nods and I watch her nibble on the small sandwich. I'm really going to melt into a puddle, aren't I? Just adorable, precious, everything! I can hardly stand it. I'm going to have trouble getting back to the Leaf at this rate, truly.
This is a shinobi's life too, isn't it. But I can hardly complain...it's this sometimes troublesome strength that has allowed me to move mountains...and protect my family, Rose included. The child resting in Emi's womb on that fateful day.
"..."
Another daughter, but one that shares his prized physical features. I wonder what he would think of Rose. I wonder what he would think of me as I am now. Just curious little thoughts that come to mind from time to time. Things I can ponder without hurting like I used to. I haven't just been training the body, or learning how to wrangle chakra better. That wouldn't necessitate so many months away. It's been more than that. Most importantly...focusing the heat inside of my soul and giving it a new form.
"Lili-nee?"
"Yes, love. What do you need?" I ask Rose.
"I want you...to read to me. Please."
"Of course. Did you have something in mind?"
"There's a book in my room."
"Then we should be off. Let's get you down first..."
"Have fun, you two. I'll be out here for the next while if you need me," Emi says with a wave.
"Thank you, Mama. We'll see you soon," I say.
"Thank you, Mama," Rose says. She reaches up for my hand and I take it gently in mine. We start our walk inside, going through the halls and past the help who acknowledge us gracefully.
"Mama...told me lots of stories."
"Did she, now?" I ask Rose.
"Lots of stories about you, Lili-nee. You are the strongest...and bravest. And Mama is strong and clever, too. And pretty. Lili-nee?"
"Yes, darling."
"Mama's clothes don't tear even though they're...so thin."
I laugh softly. "She is a graceful being, that one. And well-made silk products don't tear so easily."
"I see..." She ponders that for a bit. "I want to wear thin...stuff. When I'm older like Mama. It feels comfy..."
"You won't have to worry about that for a while yet. But yes, it is quite comfy. I have a set of nightwear that I sleep in, similar, if a bit thicker."
"Hmm..."
"As you grow, you will find your own personal style. Auntie Touka looks handsome, right?"
"Yes."
"She was once small like you and I were, and pondered such things in her own way. Before, she dreamed of floating in dresses and gowns. Surely she can look good in most anything, but I think it would be a terrible waste with her build."
"You know...a lot, Lili-nee."
"Naturally. High-class ladies like us are observant by nature. You can rest assured that in the future, you will see the world as Mama and I see it. For now, enjoy your precious youth."
"Yes, Lili-nee."
I give her hand a gentle squeeze as we continue walking.