~ Chapter Eight ~
Roughly five months before the uninvited guest arrived.

The shattering of glass catches Sakuya's attention. Blinking herself out of her reverie, she looks about. "What was- oh."

Recognizing the broken window mere inches from her position, Sakuya is remorseful. 'Not again. I haven't lashed out like that in years.'

"-ya"

Not yet catching the sound of her name, a dazed Sakuya stares down at the glass fragments dotting the stone floor. The faint glimmer of rapidly fading red chakra is alarming but not unexpected. 'Our family's "secret power", the one I'm not to speak of. I guess this was overdue."

-"SAKUYA, please, I'm begging you... Listen to me!"

Finally registering the words, Sakuya turns to Yuukina. Remembering that her friend "Yuuki" has been present this entire time, she flushes. The embarrassment at her lack of control was palpable.

Bowing deeply before her brunette friend, Sakuya apologizes. "Many pardons Yuuki. Are you alright? I swear that wasn't on pur-"

She's cut off. Yuuki interrupts to express relief. "Thank goodness. I was terrified for you dear one." Pulling Sakuya into a firm hug, she murmurs. "I'm so sorry. I didn't know the news would impact you so deeply."

"No, Yuuki, it's not your fault... I don't understand it myself. I never knew Mito. Why is news of the sister I never knew affecting me so strongly?"

"It's okay. Just keep calm. I'm going to fetch- Ah, never mind they're already on their way. Feel it?"

"Directing her energy outward like a feeler a tense Sakuya relaxes. "I do. Their Chakra is close."

As the doors slide open revealing the presence of Shiro and Rei In Sakuya's eyes, her brothers may as well be her lifeline. "Thank goodness. I'm so sorry for intruding on your busy afternoon."

"Nonsense Songbird." Shiroyuki said placatingly. Reiji agrees, his voice the gentlest she's ever heard.

"There's no higher priority. You should know by now that If you were to ask it, we'd assassinate the Daimyo and make you Empress."

"Reiji is right Songbird. I think his head would look nice dipped in gold. What do you say?"

Chuckling lightly at her brothers attempt at humor, Sakuya manages a smile.

Feeling their approach, though she can barely move, Sakuya makes no effort to dismiss them or reject the offered embrace. Leaning into their arms, she knows this is the one place where Sakuya "The Wellspring Maiden" is allowed to be vulnerable. She permits herself to cry.

~
A few hours later, Shiroyuki and Reiji are alone in their shared office.

Pushing his paperwork to the side, "Shiro" is aggravated. "What was that?"

"Hm? What do you mean Brother? I don't follow."

"The sensations in my heart. I don't like it."

"Ah, you mean what Sakuya said... About Mito's death costing Fire peace? A bit dramatic but I see her point."

"Guilt huh?... Yeah, that's a new one. I guess that was hard to hear. Still, I'm more concerned with her understanding of the political landscape. This Oasis is supposed to be "Her world". It's one thing for her to love the people here...

"But the war and those residing in the outside nations aren't her concern. Why does she empathize with those outside her bubble?"

It's a question the brothers would ponder for many nights in the future.