Scarlet Justice - ep. 110
"Strawberry Wine"
[Something Precious, Part 2]
"She has returned once more. The angel of death, and the terror of a new age."
"..." I turn to face the owner of such bizarre ramblings, and it is who I expect. He is dressed neatly in a black suit, complete with bow tie. Though today, his hair does not look as if it has been fixed with cement. It's actually fairly long, some of it tied back so that he doesn't look unkempt. "I see. So you have arrived as well...the boy who lays claim to this world's baleful essence, from which his power continues to grow. Blackened Knight of the Abyss, Phantom the Dark."
He smiles. "Hoh...so you have become aware of my true nature."
"It must be so."
Dark bows towards me. "It is only right that I pay tribute to you, Shadow Mistress. You who has become destruction itself...the woman called the Crimson Nightmare. Scarlet Viper of the Hidden Leaf, Lilith Kobayashi."
"Hmph." I flip my hair backwards. "It seems you know your place. Well done."
"Thank you for your acknowledgement."
"You do look handsome today, I must admit. Beating away the ladies with a stick, aren't you?"
"Mother insisted that I assume this form today. She sends her blessings, and material tribute to you." Dark hands me a small card.
"Mm. What might this be..." It's a voucher for one of those upscale spas. And it comes with access to one of those extremely limited kits for skin care. These are hard to find...is this where she works? Or perhaps she knows someone. Either way, I'll be making use of this. "Lovely. Is she here, by chance?"
"She is, yes."
"Then I will give my thanks to her in person. You may lead me to her."
Dark nods and takes me a short distance across the hall. From what Eddie mentioned long ago, I can spot her easily: a lean woman of above average height, in a plain red dress. Her hair is wavy and a bit of a mess, but is curiously cut short in an incredibly neat manner above her shoulders. She has round glasses on and shakily adjusts them before gulping down her champagne.
"She seems to be having a good time," I say flatly.
"Mother has her hangups about large gatherings. Much like your faithful companion, the Dark Hand of the Leaf."
"..." I have no idea who he's talking about. Dark Hand...ah. That makes sense, I suppose. He would enjoy such a title. "Yes, Shino is like that sometimes. Though he is adjusting nicely."
"I have observed as much myself. Mother, I bring you the guest of honour. It was her request to see you on this day."
"Ah...! Oh, Koichi...I'm sorry, you startled me a bit...a-ah...L-Lady Kobayashi! I didn't think you would come to see us all of a sudden!" She secures her glass and bows deeply. "Thank you for allowing us to partake in your celebration of life..."
"There is no need for that, my dear. Raise your head." She slowly does so, and I give her a reassuring smile. "I simply wanted to extend greetings to you, and to thank you for your most generous gift."
"Oh...I-I just wanted to give you something..."
"It is quite nice of you, and I will be making use of it soon. Thank you again, Miss Nagano. May I have your name, for future reference?"
"Yes...it's Kyouko Nagano. You've met my son, Koichi...he's spoken highly of you in the past, and I've heard many great things around the village. So it was quite a shock when a member of the Hyuuga came to offer me an invitation...it means a lot. Especially since I don't get out that much...um, sorry."
"It's quite alright. Your son's presence is...mm. Stimulating, in many ways."
"The Shadow Serpent was one of the first to recognize my dark strength."
Kyouko smiles nervously. "Y-yes. Koichi is a unique child in...a lot of different ways."
"You should be proud of him. That calibre of shinobi is not easily reached," I say.
"Is...that so. I've always believed in him, but this kind of endorsement...w-well, it might be a bit much for my heart to take sometimes, but I'm very happy to hear that from an elite of the Leaf."
"You're quite welcome. I will be off to visit other guests. It was lovely meeting you, Kyouko." I take her hand and kiss it gently. "Until we meet again."
She blushes brightly and nods. "Y-yes. Thank you, Lady Kobayashi."
"Continue your vigilance, Dark. Grow in wisdom and strength. The dark hours will soon be upon us, and bold knights will be needed in the great struggle," I say to him.
"Understood. Go with the strength of the cosmos, Crimson Nightmare."
We nod towards each other before parting ways.
After some mingling here and there with various acquaintances, I decide that I shouldn't put it off any longer. I head straight for the two people that I've wanted to see most since this event started. Midori and Luna are entertaining a small circle of guests, their lovely red dresses shimmering in the light.
"It was a very generous offer. Of course, I had to decline. I'm not that kind of woman, after all."
The guests laugh as Midori finishes her speech, taking a long sip of champagne. I catch her eye and she takes note silently, nodding to Luna in the next moment.
"I do enjoy being the centre of attention, but you must excuse us. The guest of honour has made a request for our presence, and I wouldn't want to disappoint her. Do take care, all of you. Luna, shall we?"
"Yes, milady."
One of the gentlemen serving stops by me with his tray. I take a glass from it and nod to acknowledge him before he leaves, Luna and Midori coming to a stop in front of me. We observe each other calmly for a moment before sharing smiles.
"It's wonderful to see you both again. And so soon, too," I say. "Have you been well?"
"We have been," Midori says. "Luna especially. It did help that we did some...mm. More physical reinforcement than usual, I would say."
"Midori...!"
"Oh, hush. I think Lili here is more than aware of our activities by now."
"I certainly am. I think it's good that you've been so intimate with each other lately. A healthy life starts with that sort of thing."
"Does it, now?" Luna asks.
"Of course. Have we ever led you astray?" I reply.
"No...but I have to wonder if there are more important things..."
"Hm. Doubtful," I say as I sip from my glass.
"And you're still a lovely maiden, of course," Midori says.
"That I am. Bold of you to make such an interrogation, Midori-nee."
"Quite," Luna says. "I don't think she would go that far...even if she does have some interesting thoughts in her head."
"Really. I didn't think you had that much faith in your little mistress," Midori says smugly.
"The wait shouldn't be terribly long for my ascension to womanhood, if you're curious."
"Oh, so you think you've found her...well, that's good. We met with Fio before this party," Luna says. "She seems very much like your other half. Very sweet, and she loves you dearly."
"That child really is a wonder, yes. Terribly adorable," Midori says. "Where did you come across her?"
"It was at a hot spring in the north. She was alone, and I approached her intending to talk...before I knew it, we became friends. And then more than that, very quickly. Her history was...forcibly changed, and soon she was alone in this world. I made the decision to be her home from here on. I do love her, more than I can express with words."
"Ah, how lovely. Lili, I'm happy for you. Finding love like that...it's something incredibly precious. I know that you'll cherish that feeling, and the girl you love, just as I have." She takes Luna's hand, and they both blush lightly.
"I certainly will. And I have both of you to thank. Not just loving me, but showing me what true love looks like."
"We're glad that you took something positive from all of that," Luna says. "By chance, have you talked to Mistress Emi lately?"
"I have. Mama is doing well, and she called today to wish me a happy birthday."
"My, how lovely. She has certainly changed, for the better. I could have never imagined it from the day we met, but now...well, I would do anything for her sake."
"Yes, I feel the same," I say. "More than anything, I'm looking forward to the beginning of our new family. I will never forget that painful past, but the future is as bright as ever. For that, I am truly thankful."
"That's the way. We are more than the fragments of our history," Midori says with a nod. "I almost forgot, your present should be arriving soon."
"Oh? You have something for me?"
"A small thing, nothing terribly flashy. Luna and I picked it together. It should be here by...tomorrow, if I have it right?"
"Yes, tomorrow. We made a request for the order to be expedited," Luna says.
"Lovely."
"Mm. Mama did say the same thing about her gift," I muse.
"How interesting. It should be an exciting day for you tomorrow, then. And all of this after you forgot your own birthday. Ufufu...you really can be silly sometimes."
I look away and try to hide my blushing. "W-well. Not everyone on this earth is perfect...strange things like that happen from time to time."
Midori laughs. "Indeed. I suppose we can call this one of heaven's whims?"
"It would be nice if you left it at that." I pout at her. "But I know you won't."
"Midori, behave."
She rolls her eyes at Luna. "Fine, fine. I won't bully the birthday girl too much more."
"Thank you, Luna-nee."
"Of course. I live to serve," she says with a smile.
"We'll be spending plenty of time together soon enough. I think we should leave you to mingle with the rest of your guests before the night is through," Midori says. "Continue to enjoy yourself, you more than deserve this, my love."
"The same to you, as always. I love you dearly, Midori-nee. Thank you for all of this...and for everything you've given me."
"I love you too, Lili." She gives me one of her warm, memorable hugs. It's so hard to let go when she does that...
"Miss Lili, please take care. As Midori said, this is everything you deserve. And of course, I look forward to returning to your side as well," Luna says.
"..." I look up at her smiling face and come to a realization. I do miss her, a lot. Having her by my side has been nothing but a joy, even in those early days when I could not truly appreciate her and everything that she did. And as this world continues to change, someone so capable would be nothing but the greatest boon.
But...this is also about more than me. And seeing her together with Midori, so happy and content...it makes me realize what I should do. I want her to be as happy as she can be.
"That...won't be necessary, Luna."
"Won't be...eh? What does that mean?"
"As your mistress, I am relieving you of your duties, effective immediately. You should be devoting yourself to your true mistress, the woman who is taking you as her wife...your one true love."
She shakes her head. "I...Miss Lili, I know that it might be a lot of work, but I can do it. I can take care of both of you...I want to..."
"I know. Luna, I know that you can do anything you put your mind to. And I know that you don't play favourites, nor would you want to. You have been wonderful to me all of these years. Please, don't misunderstand...you are still a part of this family. You always will be. You're my sister, someone who has loved and encouraged me every step of the way. Whenever you feel like it, you can come and tend to me, in the way that only you can. But...not as my maidservant."
"..."
"It will be as Luna Daidouji...my beautiful big sister."
She sniffles, tears filling her eyes. "I...Lili..."
"Luna. If you want to stay as you are...if this is what you want, then I can reverse my decision. I just want to know if you'll accept your freedom. All I want for you is to be free, so that you can experience love in its fullest, truest form."
Luna looks at Midori, who shakes her head. She gestures towards me, as I look at Luna expectantly.
"Yes. I...accept it. I'll move into the next chapter of my life..."
"That's all I ever wanted for you, Luna."
"Thank you..." She hugs me tightly, and I squeeze her back. We stand together a while before she finally lets go, wiping the tears from her eyes and smiling brightly.
"Then it's settled. Until the next time...both of you, be well."
"Until the next," Midori says.
"Until the next," Luna replies.
"Ane-ue...Luna-nee. Thank you for loving me, like only sisters could."
We nod to each other and turn, going our separate ways with glasses in hand.
I think about who I want to see next. Shino is in the distance, with someone at his side...right, that's Futaba. I suppose they've become close enough since that day. I wonder what they might be talking about, if anything.
But I want to see someone else first. My mind immediately goes to Hina, and so I scan the hall for her. It doesn't take terribly long; she's having a chat with Kurenai and Asuma, the former enjoying the virtually unlimited supply of alcohol as the latter tries to keep her in check for the evening.
Hina notices me and I give her a wink in response. She nods back and politely excuses herself before making her way towards me. The red dress she wears isn't terribly complicated in design, but is elegant all the same, made of a fine silk that I suspect only the Hyuuga would have access to in this village. Her hair is in a high ponytail again, allowing her earrings to sparkle in the light.
"My, you look gorgeous," I say as she stops in front of me.
"Not as good as you," she says. "You really do look stunning in black, you know."
"Flatter me any more and I might be all over you," I tease.
"Like you needed that prompt."
"Hmhm...you have me on the ropes quickly tonight."
"Well, I have to try and keep up with you, Lili." She gives me a warm smile. "I hope you've been having a wonderful birthday."
"I have been. Thank you so much for this celebration. I absolutely love it...everything feels so refreshing." I finish my drink and an attendant appears to take away my empty glass.
"I'm so glad you like it. As you know, we had to plan things behind your back, and employ a bit of misdirection...I wasn't sure if it would work at all, and I wouldn't mind if you found out a bit early. But Fio was definitely a big help. She's a wonderful soul."
"She truly is."
"She's perfect for you. I hope that you end up as happy as you can be together. It's because I love you so much that I want you to be happy. And you've done so much for me as a person, that...something like this celebration is the least I could do to give something back. You've really changed my life."
"I know. I'm glad I could do that for you, Hina."
"Hanabi admires you so much. She wants to be just like you, in a lot of ways..."
"Even the racier ones?" I ask jokingly.
"Fortunately, she's not that far gone yet. But...her energy is starting to change Father, I think. And the rest of the clan, ever so slowly..."
"I see..."
"All of these gifts really do mean a lot, to both of us. To me, most of all. And so, I wanted to show you my appreciation with a tangible gift, something that I thought of myself. Could...you wait here a moment, Lili?"
"Of course. Take your time."
"Thank you." Hina hikes up her dress and heads out of the hall. It's not terribly long before she comes back, and I enjoy a few bites of sushi in the meantime. She's carrying a rectangular box, covered in black leather.
"It might look a little strange, but...I wanted us to share something special. As sisters."
"What is it?" I ask eagerly. Hina opens up the box and I see two small bracelets on a bed of velvet. They have shining, heart-shaped pendants on them.
"It's childish...isn't it?"
"No. Nothing like that, Hina. They're beautiful," I say sincerely.
"They're for our ankles. I...wanted us to have one each, so that we could always think of each other. We would have a part of each other nearby at all times...um. It really is silly, but I..."
"Stop that, it's not. None of it is silly at all." I take the box from her and one of the anklets, then secure my dress before getting down to my knees. "Here, raise your dress a bit. I promise to behave."
"Lili..."
"You can put mine on afterwards." She nods and lifts her dress so that I can see her ankles. I carefully clip the bracelet around her right ankle before getting to my feet. "Okay, your turn."
"Yes." She does the same for me, putting the charm around my left ankle as I lift my dress. She gets to her feet, and I take a bit of time to admire the shine of my new present before smiling.
"It's wonderful, Hina. I absolutely adore it..."
"I'm so glad you do."
"I'll always be with you now, and you with me. Thank you...I'll cherish this gift for as long as I live."
"I should be thanking you instead. Without you...I wouldn't be who I am today."
"I love you, Hinata."
"I love you, Lilith. Thank you for being my sister."
I hug her tightly and she hugs back, snuggling into me. So warm and soft...just as always. I don't want to let go of her.
But no matter what happens now...in a lot of ways, I won't ever have to.
Hina and I part ways after chatting a while longer. In a different world, perhaps she and I...
"..."
But I'm more than content with things as they are now. Besides, she can't resist my charms no matter how hard she tries. I wonder what she would think about a separate honeymoon after she and Naruto...ah. Right, I wonder what that boy is doing. I should go and see him now.
He's not too far off, fortunately. He and Sasuke are arguing about something while Sakura looks on, in her passive state as always. They glare at each other for a while before Sasuke decides to turn and leave, Sakura following obediently behind him. Naruto pouts and puts his hands in his pockets.
Aside from the more formal clothing, he looks the same as ever. That blonde hair of his means I can spot him from a mile away. But...I wouldn't have him any other way. That pure, unruly spirit is what made me fall in love with him so long ago.
"No need to be upset tonight, you know."
"Hm?"
I smile as he turns and notices me. "Hello, love."
"Lili! Happy birthday!" He bounds over and hugs me tightly. I hug back, holding onto him and enjoying his warmth. Always a wonderful feeling, this.
"Thank you. I'm glad to see you again."
"Same here! It's a real neat party and everything, you know?" He lets go of me and settles on one of his silly grins.
"I would assume this isn't exactly your style."
"Not really, but...eh. Maybe I'll grow into it? Who knows," he says, rubbing the back of his head. "But you're enjoying it, right?"
"I am having a good time, yes."
"Then that's all that matters, honestly."
"Thank you."
"Yep! When Hinata said she was getting everyone together, I wanted to do as much as I could. Ah, but she and your girlfriend took over all the important stuff."
"So you've had a chance to talk to Fio?" I ask.
"Yeah. She's super cool, ya know? Reminds me of me!" he says, smiling. "I was wondering if she didn't get enough vitamins since she's kinda pale, but wow! She's strong as heck, and really tough!"
"You've been getting along, then. I'm glad to hear it."
"Yeah, for sure! She always talks about you, ya know. I know she really loves you."
"She does. And I love her even more than that. But I won't leave you or anyone else behind, Naruto."
"Yeah." He blushes a bit. "I know, and I'll always love you too, Lili. I mean that."
"I know you do. Thank you for everything. What have you been doing with yourself lately, aside from courting our Hina, of course?"
"Ah, just working on cool jutsu and stuff with Pervy Sage. Team Seven's not quite back in business yet, and we've still got a lot of stuff to work out when we get there...I guess Sasuke and I are arguing like usual, so there's that," he says, putting his hands behind his head. "Kakashi-sensei's been out on missions a lot lately...and 'getting lost' or whatever. Ruki-nee shows up a lot more, too. Oh, and there are some new guys wandering around the village. Some weird glasses girl who seems kinda creepy. She's after Sasuke too, or whatever. Bleh. And Erika's been hanging around with the guys lately."
"She did mention that, yes."
"You heard about that super cool name she got?"
"I did. It's magnificent."
"Right? Chrome Panther...dude, that's so sweet. I want a cool name like that...hm. Gonna have to think about it on my own, though. The old perv says I'm a thousand years too early, or whatever it is geezers say when they want you to buzz off. Bah! I'll show him."
I giggle behind my hand. "I don't doubt that you will. Just focus on your studies, and the rest will fall into place. It's what I did, after all."
"Yeah, that makes sense. Oh, the old man said you went on some creepy mission the other day. Didn't say what it was but I'm guessing that's the one that made you want to be Hokage and all?"
"Yes."
"Sounds harsh...but he said you protected the, uh...integrity of the nation?"
"Yes, that is accurate."
"Hm. Well, I'm glad you came out of that okay. I guess being an elite and all is tough."
"It can be, yes."
"Well...gonna have to get ready for it eventually, then. Maybe I can ask Kakashi-sensei about it. Pervy Sage, he doesn't say that much even though he's a super ninja himself and all."
"He might not think you're ready," I say.
"Eh." He sets his arms down, putting his hands into his pockets before looking at me. "What do you think, Lili?"
"I think there are a few more things in life that you need to experience properly."
"Yeah? Alright, that sounds fair. I'll wait until he thinks I'm ready, then."
Sometimes...I forget how receptive this boy is to my suggestion. He certainly has matured, as I've always hoped...and yet, he still considers me and my thoughts so strongly. Perhaps his understanding of what love is...is different? Not selfishness, but naivete...a purity that is rarely found in boys of his age. It draws me to him. And...even if it is a bit much, makes me protective of him. I don't mean to smother him, or take away his agency, but the thought of him hurt just bothers me. He will have to go through hardships, in order to see himself through this world as an adult.
Even then...this desire to protect won't go away any time soon. I suppose that I'll embrace it for now, and watch over him for as long as I can. As one of my precious darlings.
"I must thank you again," I say to him.
"Me? For what?" he asks.
"Allowing someone like me into your life. I have told you before, but...when you said on that lovely night that you could see beauty in me, a born killer...it melted my heart completely. I fell in love with you right then and there."
"Lili..."
"I really do want to see you grow, and for your dreams to come true. Just ask, and I'll do anything I can for you."
He nods. "I'll do my best, Lili. Promise."
"Thank you. Hearing that makes me so happy," I say as I hug him again. "Listen, I'm going to continue my rounds. We'll talk again soon."
"Sure, no problem! It was really nice seeing you, Lili. Have fun!" he says with a bright smile.
I nod and smile back. "I certainly will. Until the next, my love."