Ch. 10: Cold

Genji, who despised wearing suits, was already huffing from the annoyance of buttoning up the dress shirt.

I just… restarted buttoning… how… "DID I GET THIS WRONG AGAIN!?" His soul burned with the frustration of a thousand suns. He let go and slumped over in a temporary defeat, "And I'm not even on the tie yet." He sighed.

I need Kiyomi. The boy set off on a newfound quest to acquire some much needed assistance. He made his way down to the main lobby inquiring to various servants if they knew where she was to no avail. Chuffing in annoyance, he peeked outside and found a suitable solution,

"Asa Sensei!" He happily skipped over.

"Hey little Genji, what's up?" She was sitting upon a stone ledge puffing from a small device.

"What are you doing?" He curiously inquired.

"Nothing of interest. A bad habit I picked up along the path of life." She tucked it away in her pocket.

"Can you help me with…" He motioned towards his torso, "This?"

Asa took a moment switching from what was on her mind to the situation at hand, and let out a thoroughly amused chuckle, "You can wield a sword but you can't navigate the complexity of a button up huh?" She stood up and began fixing his shirt.

"Yeahhh… well to be fair I haven't ever held a real sword." His breath puffed into a cloud in the chilly night sky.

"There ya go." She gave a delicate slap on his shoulder.

"Wait– this too?" He sheepishly grinned while pulling a bright green tie out.

"Uhm. I'm not the greatest but I'll give it a shot."

"Thank you Asa Sensei! You're the best."

"Mhm."

After a few minutes of her fumbling around, playing what seemed like an olympic game with the piece of silk fabric, she reached the peak of her patience. Her breath blowing clouds as if she was still using the device in her pocket.

She grumbled, "It's just so damn… dang… cold out. My fingers are locking up." She tugged at the tie, tightening it and making it feel like a noose around his neck.

"Uhm, it's okay Asa Sensei. Maybe I can find Hanzo or–"

She let go, "Yeah! That sounds like a fabulous idea. Let's head inside. I think he's in the dining hall." Asa wasted not a second longer in the cold.

Genji followed her in and found his brother. Hanzo, in full suit and blue tie, was leaning against the wall, rapidly bouncing his leg. He took a moment to admire his older brother in formal attire, Wow. He looks so old. And fancy. I wonder if I look that cool.

"Hey." Genji appeared before him.

As if he was slapped out of a trance, his eyes fixed on Genji, "Hmm?"

"Can you help me with my tie?"

"Shouldn't you know how to tie a tie by now?" He raised an eyebrow while stepping forward and grabbing the tie.

"Heh. Kiyomi has always done it for me."

Hanzo effortlessly fixed the mess Asa left and produced a perfect and neat tie, "I figured."

"Thanks."

Hanzo nodded in recognition, and turned his attention back into the void, nervous tick and all.

"What's wrong?" Genji inquired.

Hanzo's leg stopped bouncing, "I just want to get this over with."

"I talked with Mother earlier. She seemed to be excited."

"I'm sure." Hanzo furrowed his eyebrows.

"So, do you know where Kiyomi is at?" Genji attempted to change the subject.

"You know, it's almost time to sit. You should go take your seat. I'll be right behind you in a minute." Hanzo disengaged and walked off.

"Ooohkay." Genji shrugged to himself, heading towards the table. Everyone seems to be in great spirits tonight. He took a seat and waited in boredom for the festivities to begin. He watched servants dart in and out of the hall, taking, placing, and arranging even the slightest of things. The smell of savory food filled his nose and made his stomach rumble. He looked around and he was the only one sitting, and a particular row of delectable sashimi seemed to call his name.

I'm sure no one will miss a few pieces… I am the ONLY one here after all. He swept up some pieces like a hawk grabbing hold of a mouse in a field, swallowing them just as quickly. Ya snooze ya loose. Basking in his victory, he leaned back content with the sample.

"Genji, you know better than to begin without giving proper thanks." His mother's voice appeared from what seemed like thin air.

He nervously sat straight, darting his head down the table as Hisa took a seat, "I'm sorry Mother!" He placed his hands on his lap.

She smiled and chuckled, "Oh I'm just teasing, between you and I, I take what I want as well. I'm happy to see the trait passed down, only fools wait for the prize."

"Oh. Okay." Genji relaxed his muscles.

As quickly as Hisa appeared, Hanzo did as well, taking his seat next to his brother.

"Ah, glad to see you here my son. Not a second late! What fabulous young men you both have become." She leaned on her hand and twirled her long black hair in the other. Her eyes looked doll-like.

"Yeah." Hanzo begrudgingly said.

"Your father should be joining us shortly, I suppose it's fine if he's a few minutes late as so are some of our dishes." Hisa burrowed into Hanzo's eyes.

He clenched his fists under the table.

"What do you mean?" Genji asked in blissful ignorance.

"Oh, nothing sweetie. Our wonderful servant, Kiyomi, just made a simple mistake that she is already fixing! We have to show kindness towards others, even in their failures." Her lips formed a poisonous grin.

"Oh–"

Asa entered and quickly took her seat.

"Ah my dear younger sister! Your presence always lights up my day."

"As yours does mine, Hisa." Asa put her hair up, avoiding eye contact with her.

Looking down at the table, Hanzo asked softly, "Is she back yet?"

"Not that I'm aware of, but don't you worry, she will come prancing through the doors any minute now." Hisa gently flipped her hair back and sat up in her seat.

"I can't reach her on her com device."

"Really? Hm. She must've forgotten it in a hurry."

Genji sat in silence, feeling like his chair was about to fall from under him and into a pit. He had no idea what was happening, but he could feel the tension between his mother and brother.

"Sojiro!" Hisa sprung up like a jack-in-box, running towards her husband and dramatically embracing him.

"Father!" Genji perked up.

Once Hisa dismounted Sojiro, he took his seat at the head of the table, "Apologies for being late, it's horribly cold out tonight, makes the bones move slower." He rubbed his hands together.

"Oh no worries! I am just so happy to have us all together, sitting at the same table." She glued her gaze on her husband.

"Yes, indeed. I feel fortunate to have you all here tonight." His eyes scanned the table, "Oh? It appears we are missing Kiyomi. Is she wrapped up in something?"

Hanzo shot his eyes over to Sojiro.

"Kiyomi? Oh yes she is just grabbing some last minute things, I'm sure she already is walking through the doors. Should be here any minute." Hisa elegantly brushed her hair behind her small ears.

Hanzo sneered. Asa mouthed across the table, "It's okay." to him.

"If that's the case then she will join us when ready, no need to let the hard work of our cooks go cold. Let us give thanks and dig in." Sojiro rolled his sleeves up.

Words of thanks were said around the table, and Genji along with his father did not hesitate to start filling their plates.

"Oh Sojiro, don't our boys look dashing in the suits I got for them? Hanzo almost looks like a man!" She smiled at her eldest son.

Sojiro cleared his throat, "Certainly. I would consider him a man as of today in fact. Have you showed it off yet, Hanzo?"

Hanzo shyly replied, "No. Not yet."

"Why not? It's the pride of the Shimada's! I'd be cutting the sleeve off of that suit if I were you at your age! Roll it up son!" A prideful grin showed upon Sojiro's face.

All eyes fixed upon Hanzo, he wiped his clammy hands off on his pants before slowly rolling his sleeve partially up. He revealed a freshly inked arm, a black dragon wrapping around. The scales seemed to shimmer.

Genji's mouth dropped, "Woahhhhhh!"

Asa audibly gasped.

"That's right little sparrow, you will have one of your own soon. A right of passage from boyhood to manhood as a Shimada. We harness the power of the dragon... a skill that keeps us above our competition."

"Such beautiful work, I was waiting all day to see it." Hisa wasted no time switching subjects, "Mm wow! Isn't the fugu sashimi to die for? I think we have the best chefs in the country!" She sucked her long bony fingers dry.

"A beautiful job indeed. I bet you're feeling it now eh?" Sojiro asked.

"Yeah. It's a bit sore." Hanzo pulled his sleeve back down.

"Did it hurt?" Genji fascinatedly chimed in.

"I just said it was sore."

"Be nice Hanzo." Hisa barked.

"It's fine, Hisa, enjoy your meal. They're typical brothers. I am sure you and Asa had a similar dynamic all those years ago.`` He put his hand on Hisa's shoulder.

As if taking a moment to compute she paused, the corner of Hisa's mouth curled upward, "Of course! God weren't those the days huh? Sibling rivalry at its best. I guess it all turned out alright though, both of us living in my husband's castle." Her whole mouth now followed suit forming a forced smile.

"Mm. Fortunate to be passing down the Yamagami family tradition to my nephews."

"You're right Asa. I felt quite fortunate myself joining families upon hearing of your renowned swordsmanship. Even more so upon seeing it, there is nothing quite like a master swordsman in their element. A true shame you won't join the business."

"Thank you, Sojiro. As I said, I have Kiriko now." Asa bowed her head.

"Yes, yes of course. I am sure you are thrilled to be returning to her soon?"

"I can hardly wait." Asa dreamily smiled, it had been months without seeing her daughter.

"You'll just have to bring little Kiriko over next time!" Hisa slid her hand over and placed it on Asa's arm.

"Yeah I wanna see her! I bet she's gotten big since we last saw her." Genji added.

"Yes. Come summer she will visit." She swiftly retrieved her arm and grabbed more food.

Genji looked over at his brother, noticing his leg bouncing again and his clenched jaw. He knew something was up with Hanzo, but he was clueless on how to help. He felt as hopeless as a diver surrounded by sharks. The dinner table fell in silence as people worked on their plates. A grandfather clock could be heard ticking away, eating the seconds up. A figure appeared in the doorway down the hall, hurrying over. A servant with a face as pale as the winter sky leaned into Sojiro's ear and whispered.

Sojiro's eyebrows furrowed, "Please, you will all have to excuse me. I have something to tend to." He stood up and brushed his pants off.

Hanzo, eyes wide, immediately shot up, "Kiyomi?"

"Hanzo, sit down." Sojiro commanded.

"No!" He made a beeline towards the exit.

Asa called out, "Hanzo, wait!"

"God damnit." Sojiro huffed under his breath.

Genji took the opportunity in the chaos to chase after his brother, "Hanzo! Wait! What's wrong?" He trailed behind.

"There's no time, check the side gate in the courtyard, I will check the front, GO!"

"Okay." He changed course. He wasn't sure what he was looking for, but he was happy to follow orders from his older brother.

Hanzo continued running as fast as his legs could take him. His mind raced, his hands stung in the wind as the air whisked through grabbing onto the perspiration on his skin. With no shoes on, the stone burned his feet beneath him with each step. He panted, unable to catch his breath, still running forward.

Fuck. Fuck. No.

He skidded as he turned a corner, pushing against the wall to set himself back on course.

Please don't be this.

His lips began cracking from the dry, almost freezing air. His nose resembled a cherry.

Fucking hell move faster.

His thoughts seemed to be quicker than his legs. Hanzo turned another corner, to find a group of servants crowded around something. He barreled through them, "GET AWAY!" He pushed someone to the side, and came to a halt.

Something he didn't notice before this moment: the moon was bright that night. It provided more light than the castle's lamps. It made her skin have a blueish bright hue, and looked as soft as the smoothest cream, even with her smile lines. His mother lacked those. She was sat up against the outside wall, and looked like she had just closed her eyes for a moment of rest. Her chestnut brown hair was a mess, in fact it had twigs in it. She never let a soul see her with nothing less than perfect hair. His eyes traveled further down, a blade's hilt protruded from her chest, with a note stuck through. A vibrant, red fluid ran down her body soaking her shirt, some had dripped onto the ground below her. Hanzo had never seen it before, aside from a scraped knee or minor cut.

The only movement was the wind rustling her hair. She looked oddly peaceful, all he could do was stare. The other voices became distant, the cold no longer bothered him. He took a step closer, sitting down in front of her. He carefully reached his hand out, and took hers.

She was still warm. Her hands were warmer than his own. Someone firmly grabbed his shoulder, but he didn't bother turning around to see who and couldn't even register what they said. He could tell more people gathered as more shadows were cast upon the wall behind her. He took in as much detail as he could, her cloak was ripped, her hood was down. Her face had minor scratches on it. How could they hurt such a perfectly kind face?

Sound began to return to him, he heard some commotion behind him, "Genji please, no. Stand back!"

Another shadow joined the portrait behind Kiyomi. A smaller shadow than the rest. He looked over finally, to see Genji with eyes as large as the moon was that night.

Genji's voice quivered, "T-take it out." Tears fell down his soft cheeks.

Hanzo stared at him, then reached out and grabbed the hilt. He hadn't even realized he was shaking until then.

Asa reached out, taking her hand off Hanzo's shoulder and grabbing hold of his hand, "No. Leave it." She sternly said.

"It doesn't belong there, please take it out. Just take it out of her!" Genji wept.

"I understand Genji, but it's no good taking it out now. Just cover her up." She gently, but firmly removed Hanzo's hand from it.

"NO! It's hurting her!" Genji barely could speak through sobbing.

"It's okay Genji, she doesn't feel any pain. It will be alright." She took him in her arms.

Hanzo remained seated, staring at her. He was surprised she was still so warm on such a frigid night. Of course she would be though, she is the warmest person on the planet.

Sojiro appeared, holding a blanket. He stepped forward and joined his sons, "Take your time. The first one is never easy, especially with someone like her." He placed the blanket beside Hanzo.

"The… first one?" Hanzo choked.

"She will be amongst the many you will see in your life. Cover her when you are ready."

Genji continued weeping in Asa's arms.

Hanzo had no plan of leaving though. He wished to sit by her all night, and protect her. She shouldn't be alone. He grabbed the blanket and draped it around her fearing she would grow cold in the wind. He laid down beside her, still holding her hand. Perhaps she will just wake up.

Time passed and the crowd cleared. He was numb from the temperature. All who remained were him, Asa and Genji. Genji released himself from Asa's arms and carefully approached Kiyomi. He touched her messy hair, and kissed her head, causing him to sob again.

Asa knelt down next to Hanzo, "I know you must feel like you need to stay with her. But you wouldn't want to leave her outside would you?" Her voice was tender.

"I failed." He whispered.

"What do you mean?"

"I could have protected her. I'm the reason she was sent out. It's all my fault."

"That is nonsense. Shoo that away from your conscience." She placed her hand on his shoulder, "Come on, it is time."

Tears escaped his eyes as he blinked and sat up. He squeezed her hand one last time and reluctantly let go. Hanzo stood up, and backed away. A man came over just moments later to pick her up, and carried her off.

The night calmed down and Hanzo retreated to his bedroom. Every time he closed his eyes, his brother's cries echoed in his head. The wind grew mightier, as he saw trees sway back and forth from outside his windows. It almost seemed like the earth around him was mourning.

And if he kept his eyes open it was finally quiet on this cold, cold night.