Ch. 9: Faces

He looked up and down at the navy blue suit she held before him.

"I think you boys will look absolutely stunning in these, perfect for our dinner tonight. Here, take your brother's and hand it off to him as well, would you sweetie?" Hisa reached to her side grabbing the same suit, but larger.

"Of course, Mother. Thank you!"

She gave a sigh of content, "I am just so happy your father finally found the time for this. I know he is a very busy man, but I have always said nothing is more important than family! Don't you think so?"

Genji gave a nervous smile, "Yeah–"

"You know, when the tailor gave us these suits I was taken aback at the sizes, I told her that she must have been mistaken. My baby boys couldn't possibly be this big already! Oh how fast you two have grown!" Hisa reached forward to delicately brush Genji's hair behind his ear, "Well, anyway, dinner is at 7:00. I expect you boys to be at least 15 minutes early. You know what they say: if you're not early, you're late!" The crows feet on the corners of her eyes grew deeper as she giggled and turned her attention elsewhere.

He understood the cue to leave, and scurried out of the room. His first interaction with his mother in weeks, something he had just stated he craved more of, left him feeling strange. He often wondered how his mother and Asa were sisters, they seemed like polar opposites.

At least they must be close, after all, Asa Sensei lives with us part time and teaches us. I hope Hanzo and I are that close when we are older– Why are my palms sweaty?

He wiped them on his pants. Genji had quite a few hours to fill before the evening. Hanzo was off with their father on usual secretive business, so he made his way to his bedroom to drop the suit off. As he tread through the castle he couldn't shake off how he felt, he was looking forward to tonight. Yet, there was an emotion churning in him he felt unfamiliar with– it demanded his undivided attention. It seemed to consume him the longer it lingered in his stomach. Perhaps he needed to eat. Genji turned a corner and saw Kiyomi and Asa speaking in hushed tones down the hall.

"Genji!" Kiyomi smiled, waving him forward.

"Hey little Genji." Asa ruffled his hair.

"Why do people always do that?" He smirked while moving his head to the side.

"Aww, don't tell me you're getting to that age! You'll always be little Genji to me!" Asa grinned from ear to ear.

"Be nice Asa, he is a respectable young Shimada." Both ladies giggled.

"Hey! In 3 years I'll be conducting family business! Just like Hanzo." He proudly boasted.

"I don't know Genji, you realize it will be countless hours of long boring meetings?" Asa teased.

"Really?"

"Oh yeah, and you'll have to take notes too."

"Ehhh.."

"That's what I thought. Enjoy your youth now kid."

"That's what Hanzo told me too."

Asa and Kiyomi shared a glance with one another, "Looks like your brother has grown quite wise already, you should definitely trust his word."

"Yes." Kiyomi nodded and agreed.

"Yeah.. Do either of you know what he and Father are up to?"

"Uhm– not sure, you know, secret family business." Asa answered.

"You know, Hanzo also told me he will probably be gone a lot now. For days at a time. If it's just meetings, how come they can't just meet virtually?"

Both women stared at the boy.

"Uhm…" They said in unison.

"I'm sure there's a reason for it to be in person, your father is an excellent businessman." Kiyomi chimed in.

"I guess." I feel like I get half answers from everyone. Like there's a secret being kept from only me.

"Come on Genji, I bet you haven't had lunch yet. I know I'm dying for a bite to eat. Would you like to come as well, Asa?"

Asa waved her hand, "Oh I am alright, I have some things to tend to. I'll see you both at dinner."

"Bye Asa Sensei!" Genji bowed and turned towards Kiyomi, "How did you know I was hungry?"

"Haven't you realized by now? I know everything!" She winked at him and wrapped her arm around him as they walked to the kitchen.

Genji felt guilty for this thought, but he always felt like Kiyomi was his true mother. In fact, he remembered calling her that when he was young and never had he been shushed so quickly. Even though she was a servant to the Shimada family, he didn't see her that way. All he knew was that when they were together, he felt warm and safe. A feeling he unfortunately did not get from his own mother. Maybe mother's weren't supposed to give that feeling.

"Are you excited for tonight?" She asked.

"Yeah, I think."

"You think?"

Genji paused, "I don't know. I guess I feel weird for some reason. Maybe eating will help."

Kiyomi looked at him with concern, "You're not feeling ill are you?" She reached her hand out and touched his forehead.

"No. I'm fine, don't worry so much." He jerked his head away.

"Well, you tell me if you are not feeling okay. No need to be attending an event and make yourself more sick."

"I know, I know. Thank you Kiyomi." He truly was flattered she cared so much. He just struggled to communicate what he was feeling.

The two sat down to eat, and shared the meal in a blissful silence. After finishing, Kiyomi stood up to drop her bowl off back in the kitchen.

"Wait Kiyomi!"

"Hm?"

"Give me your bowl, I'll take care of it." Genji reached his hand out.

"Oh… alright. Here you go." She handed it to him, "Thank you Genji!"

"No problem."

"You have become such a wonderful person. I just want you to know that, I'm more than proud of you." She smiled at him, a smile with a hint of sadness, "I will see you tonight, I have some tasks to take care of. Hopefully Hanzo and your father will be back soon!" Kiyomi bowed.

"Thank you Kiyomi, I'll see you later!" He bowed.

She's proud of me. The feeling put a smile on his face, the boy went to his bedroom and busied himself with video games.

Later in the day Hanzo returned to the castle, the sun was low in the sky. He was tired, but knew he had to get ready as dinner was a mere couple hours away. He opened his bedroom door and saw the navy blue suit laid out on his bed.

I'm sure some horrible outfit Mother has chosen for me to wear.

He inspected the suit and decided it wasn't too horrible, I suppose I will try it on, have to make sure it fits. He was careful to slide his current shirt off, as his arm was tender from a previous activity in the day. Slipping on the suit, he walked over to a mirror.

Wow. I look like my father. This is something he would wear to a meeting. I look… old. He'd be lying if he claimed it didn't make him feel good. He quickly took it off and jumped into the shower. Upon getting out he realized he left his com device in the lobby he entered in. Considering the event that was to take place, he figured he should keep it handy in case something were to happen.

Hanzo stepped out of his room to head down. He took a turn down the hall and heard a distant voice. It was quiet, yet aggressive. Instead of going down the stairs he walked across and decided to turn down another hall. The voice was coming from his mother's bedroom. He carefully crept up, her door was almost shut with just enough room to let the sound of her voice slip out. He peeked through the opening.

"Nonsense. I expect better of you. You've only been serving this family for 25 years." Hisa hissed.

"I'm so sorry Mrs. Shimada." Kiyomi hung her head in shame.

Slap!

Kiyomi's head flung to the side as Hisa's nimble hands connected with her cheek. Hanzo gasped.

"Look at me when you apologize. Don't grovel like a servant, have some respect." She crossed her arms, looking at Kiyomi in disgust. The same exact look Asa said she gave her own mother and sister.

No. No. No. Hanzo burst through the door, swinging it open, "DON'T YOU DARE LAY A HAND ON HER EVER AGAIN!" He charged like a bear, putting himself in between his mother and Kiyomi.

Hisa let out an amused chuckle, "Oh my! And where did you come from? I suppose you weren't supposed to see that–" She looked him up and down, "But you must learn how to discipline your dog one day."

"She's not a fucking dog. She's a human, someone who is nothing but kind."

"Aren't you the cutest thing?" She cooed, stepping forward, "Gosh, you remind me of your father like this! So excellent."

Hanzo backed up, pushing Kiyomi back with him.

"Please Hanzo, stop it. This is between your mother and I. Go get ready for dinner." Kiyomi pleaded.

Hisa licked her lips like a serpent with its eyes on prey, "How sweet. I suppose you will listen to her Hanzo? Or do you feel the need to protect the damsel in distress?"

He didn't say a word, and stood his ground. Her black eyes dug through to his soul. He wouldn't let himself crumble under her stare like before.

"Hmph. No fun. Anyway, I wouldn't want us to ruin our night. Let's settle down for the sake of family. That is what we are trying to celebrate after all." Hisa uncrossed her arms and seemingly disengaged.

Just like that? That's all it takes? There's no way. He could feel his legs grow shaky, adrenaline surged through his veins.

"Hanzo… please leave. I will take care of this." Kiyomi whispered, stepping up from behind him.

"Yes you certainly will, Ms. Kiyomi" Hisa said her name as if it were poison in her mouth, "I want the rest of the ingredients fetched immediately. The cooks should have had them hours ago, but I suppose they will just have to make do with your mistake."

"Of course Mrs. Shimada. I will be off. Thank you for your forgiveness." She rigidly bowed.

"Ah-ah-ah! Just wait. I want something extra while you are already out. I would like you to grab some of those delicious chocolates, not just any chocolates, but the special ones from that one shop in K-Town. I'm sure you know which one I am talking about." Hisa turned her back, pretending to busy herself with something else.

"Certainly, I will find them."

Hanzo interrupted, "Wait a second, it's almost dark. You can't send Kiyomi there at this time of day, you know how dangerous it is. She's a known Shimada affiliate."

"Oh that's simply nonsense. She will be fine. Just cover up and she is like any other woman on the streets."

"That's still dangerous. It's shady as hell there."

"When did you start swearing my sweet son? You're breaking my heart with this foul language. It must be your father's influence, I'll tell him to watch his tongue around you, you are still quite impressionable."

"Quit the act, Mother. I have seen enough of your faces."

She twirled around, "Act? What act? It's like I don't even know you anymore." She put a hurt face on.

"Whatever. I will go with her then."

"Oh… about that. I need your big strong arms somewhere else. The dining room servants will need help with a few things." Hisa smirked.

"Seriously?"

Kiyomi reached her hand out, placing it on Hanzo's shoulder and spoke frankly, "Hanzo. I will be fine, trust me. Please, help out where you are needed." She gave him a reassuring smile.

"I would listen to her, boy. Daylight is burning after all, if you are so concerned about the darkness."

He looked at Kiyomi, who nodded and dismissed herself.

Clenching his fists he looked at the human that birthed him, if she was human that is, "This is the end. I am done with your games. You have tortured me long enough, stay away from Kiyomi, away from Genji and away from me."

Her face lit up with a sick delight, "Is that so? You have changed so much. I suppose, what do you think will happen if I– didn't stay away from your chosen posse, hm?"

"Kiyomi's face is still red. I will tell Genji what you did, he loves her more than anything under the sun. Your caring perception you have worked so staunchly on with him will disintegrate in mere seconds. You know it will make its way to Father then."

Her face contorted, "Trying to turn my own son and husband against me? This is a game you do not want to play. Trust me child."

"The only one playing games is you, there will be a day when you lose."

A fake smile turned the corner of her lip upwards, "We will see about that. I've had enough of whatever this is, see yourself out."

He turned around and left, and tried to catch Kiyomi before she left. Jogging out into the courtyard, he saw her about to open a gate.

"Wait! Kiyomi!"

She turned around, shrouded in a dark hood, "Yes, Hanzo?"

"Please be safe. I want to come with you."

"I will be fine, you always worry too much. I'm not a defenseless girl, and this city is my home." She smiled and unveiled kunai from her pocket.

He nodded, "Alright. I'll see you later."

"Of course, now go help, I must make this quick."

The sun had disappeared beneath the horizon as he watched her slip into the shadows. The thought of turning around to attend this dinner seemed even more tortuous than it did in the morning.