Blazepanzer here with a new chapter! Thanks to everyone for taking the time to read!
With that being said, enjoy everyone! Note: Blazepanzer does not own Girls und Panzer!
Her green eyes opened, and she found herself in a strange room. "Wh...where am I?" she gasped quietly, gazing around wildly.
Turning to her right she noticed a sleeping brunet beside her. Okay did mom let me have a sleep over or...oh...right...mom dying...all that...
Gazing to the girl, she remembered her name. "Rikona...that's a pretty name. Much better than my own..." she mused to herself quietly.
Rising gently, she walked over to the window. Hanoashi Matsumino...bla...I hate the idea...she spat to herself, unaware of her bowls furling in anger.
"Something wrong," a gentle voice asked beside her.
Sighing, Hanoashi noted that Rikona had awoken. "Everything..." she sighed.
"I'm sorry," Rikona mused apologetically.
"It's...not your fault...seriously, thanks for being there for me cousin," Hanoashi calmed down.
She felt a gentle hand grasping hers. "Anytime," Rikona smiled, before trying to walk of, but Hanoashi kept her grasp on the brunet's hand.
"Hanoashi?" Rikona asked, confused, but Hanoashi simply embraced her. "Can we...be like sisters?" Hanoashi asked quietly. "I...I know that we'll officially be if Father doesn't make it, but...well...I've always wanted a sister."
"I can't replace Nova...but..." Rikona paused...
"This isn't about you replacing him," Hanoashi huffed, giving her an annoyed look that she'd even think that.
"A part of it is, isn't it." Rikona managed to loosen enough to step back, gazing at her evenly. "And I get it, you miss him. I wish I had been able to get to know him. Aunt Yu as well. And..." she paused, gazing downward. "I guess what I'm trying to say is that I just want you to promise me that you won't view me as a replacement for Nova," she noted.
"But I'm not!" Hanoashi remarked hotly.
"You are," Rikona sighed. "Look, I'd like for us to be as close as sisters no mater what ultimately ends up being decided as far as who you live with. But you need to view me as Rikona, your cousin, not the replacement for Nova, your brother," she added, a slight tone to her voice.
"Kona, Hanoashi, breakfast is ready!" Shelia noted.
"Co...coming!" Rikona noted, before smiling at Hanoashi. "We'll get it right in the end...so don't beat yourself up over it," she added.
Sighing, Hanoashi followed. I'm not trying to replace Nova with you! She fumed stubbornly, though deep down she knew that she was doing just that. It was a coping mechanism which deep down she thought was brilliant plan, but had no idea just how much it would piss people off if she kept it up.
Sitting down, she noticed a few guest where seated down. "Who's this?" one of the more elderly men asked.
"I'm..." Hanoashi began, but Shelia interrupted her.
"Just one of Rikona's friends who staying until her father recovers. I've decided to adopt her if for some reason her father doesn't make it." Shelia noted.
"I see..." he mused. "Thanks for the food," he smiled, and the people echoed.
Hanoashi joined in, dispute feeling like she had been punched in the gut. Shelia...she whimpered, trying to force down her tears.
"She's the daughter of that worthless granddaughter of mine, ain't she?" the elderly man snorted after a bit.
"Mother is not worthless, sir." Hanoashi noted sourly, a hint of annoyance filling her voice.
"Good to know she raised a brat," he noted.
"Look, I don't care if you are my great grandfather, or that you hate the very notion of me being related to you. I'm just trying to get over my mother's death and move on with my life. You can either ignore me or waste your precious time freaking out over my mere existence." Hanoashi noted coldly.
"Wayne..it's not worth a fight," one of the girls noted, flashing her a look of approval.
"Hm...fine, but if she does join the Matsumino, I'll be challenging her more harshly then the others," He noted, and went back to eating quietly. "And Shelia, I believe you owe her an apology," he noted.
You owe me one as well! Hanoashi want to shout, almost saying it, but she retrained herself from actually doing it when she saw Rikona's warning glare.
To her relief mealtime was relatively quiet after that quip, and before long Hanoashi was beside Rikona, washing the dishes. Guess it's not just a Katoni thing...Hanoashi mused.
"You still haven't figured it out yet, have you?" Rikona asked.
"What out?" Hanoashi asked.
"N...never mind..." Rikona glanced away.
What's wrong with her? Hanoashi sighed, focusing on her share of the dishes.
"Sorry about him, he's...always been ranting about Yu, and mom never even told me who she was until yesterday," Rikona apologized after a bit.
"You seem to be the only one around here apologizing," Hanoashi noted sourly.
"That's just how it is, the elders never apologize to the youth, even if they deserve one," Rikona sighed.
"Hm..."Hanoashi noted, Nova and I always apologized, and yet Rikona and I also...
"You're doing it again," Rikona hissed, interrupting her thoughts.
"What...oh..." Hanoashi's mind finally realized what was going on. "I'm so sorry Rikona," she whispered.
"I know that you are grieving, but using me and Shelia as a replacement for your brother and mother isn't...it's annoying," she huffed, before walking off.
Hanoashi paused, watching her go, before returning to doing her dishes.
"A word of advice young one," a voice behind her startled her.
"Oh...it's you," she spouted sourly, not pleased to see Wayne of all folk.
"I'm not pleased with you stinking up the house with your Katoni stench, but since you may very well be adopted into the family, I ought to warn you, she's right. An asshole bout it, but she's right," Wayne growled.
"But how do I..." She began, but he raised his hand up.
"Start by finishing her share of dishes and not complaining about it. And remember that she is your cousin, not your sister. Shelia is your Aunt, not your mother. It's fine to be close to them, as close as a sister and mother respectively even, but know your place," he noted.
"Thanks Grandpa," she mused, beginning to feel a bit warmer to him.
"I'm not and never will be your grandpa, whether or not you are adopted into family, let's make that straight. But since Shelia, Maus only know why, decided to care for you, I might as well learn to live with it," Wayne growled sternly, before walking off.
"Well that went well," Hanoashi muttered to herself, trying to ignore the shattering of her brief illusion of him actually accepting her into the family, and focusing on the dishes.
A whirling sound began and Hanoashi glanced over to see Rikona vacuuming. Mom wouldn't even let Nova do that yet! She mused, nearly setting her plate down, before Rikona's voice rang in her ear. I'm not Nova, so stop pretending that I am his replacement! She returned to doing the dishes in silence.
After a bit Shelia called her into the room. "Time for a multiplication table test," she noted.
Following, she noticed that Rikona was hard at work. Glancing over, she nearly fainted at the stack of papers.
"Just fill them out like she's doing, I trust you know what to do?" Shelia asked.
"Yes mother," Hanoashi noted absentmindedly, clearly not noticed the glare that Shelia gave her, before sitting down and begging to fill out her own stack of papers. She then noticed something...it was thirty stacks, with ten graphs each. I've only done it up to a hundred! She wailed inwardly, before mentally slapping herself. So who cares! Get to it!
A bit over two hours later she had finished, her hand hurting from all of the writing. Shelia went though the papers, nodding. "Good enough for now," she frowned.
"How many did I get wrong?" Hanoashi asked quietly.
"Enough to normally disappoint, but I know that my sister was taking it easy on you. While the Matsumino way of life may have it's benefits, going full throttle like this really isn't going to benefit the...normal family." Shelia sighed, gazing at her in sympathy. "I know it might seem harsh, and most of this might feel wasted when Drake pulls through, but just in case you need to get used to this."
"I understand Aunt Shelia," Hanoashi smiled.
"Good. You and Rikona can have the next two hours to play until your English lessons," Shelia smiled. As Hanoashi was getting up, Shelia placed her hand on her. "A word with you in private first?"
"Wayne is right...treat her as Rikona, not Nova," she whispered once Rikona was out of earshot.
"But how do I do that?" Hanoashi tipped her head in confusion.
"Well...how do you make friends as school?" Shelia prompted.
"By getting to know them?" Hanoashi guessed.
"And do you automatically assume that they are like your brother?" Shelia prompted.
"Of course not!" Hanoashi noted flatly.
"Then stop treating Rikona like that," Shelia nodded. "And for the record, I'm not the same as Yu is...despite us being siblings."
"Oh...I get it now...thanks Aunt Shelia," Hanoashi smiled.
"We'll see if you get it. Don't feel bad if you mess up, just learn from it and try again. We might get frustrated, but we won't just up and abandon you," she reassured her.
"Thanks aunt Shelia," Hanoashi smiled, before heading on up to Rikona's room. The brunet gazed at her curiously, but Hanoashi stopped herself from speaking at first and gazed around. Can I decipher what she's like from her room? Hanoashi mused. Cars and romance novels...er...that could be a good starting place...
She then walked over to her realizing an idea, before gazing at the cars. "I can see you are a big car fan," she noted.
Rikona nodded, rising from her bed and sitting down, padding the side of the bed for her to join. Obeying, Rikona gazed at her as she joined her. "More of a racing fan than anything...though I do like a bit of romance if I do say so myself," Rikona noted.
"You seeking to raise a family?" Hanoashi asked.
"Not really. See...I love reading about these love stories, but actually living one out...really on the fence about it," Rikona shrugged.
"I...can't imagine being anything other than a stay at home mother..." Hanoashi cracked up at bit at the word, but she pressed forward.
"It's okay to cry if you need to," Rikona noted.
Hanoashi nodded, but wiped her eyes briefly. "I'm fine," she smiled. "But yeah, that's what I want to do," she noted.
"That's all good and well, but you should be thinking of a back-up plan just in case you can't find someone to be your husband right away," Rikona urged. "Not that I think you'll struggle, but..."
"I see," Hanoashi noted. "Daycare worker?"
"That would work...but...the Matsumino might think that's a bit too...humble," Rikona sighed.
"So what should I do?" Hanoashi asked.
"Give it some time," Rikona smiled, before gazing around. "I've always wanted to a nurse or doctor, so that's what I'm working on. Oh, and mother usually spends time teaching me in the evenings in regards to helping me study for my chosen career path, so might ought to get an idea fairly quickly," she added. "Just in case she starts wanting to do that with you soon."
"What will she do if I don't?" Hanoashi asked quietly.
"Probably just go over Matsumino history with you," Rikona shrugged. "May do that anyways if you will," she added.
"I see," Hanoashi noted. "I think I ought to learn that first though," she added.
"You'll do fine, it's fascinating so to speak," Rikona smiled.
"Do...you like being a Matsumino?" Hanoashi asked hesitantly.
"Did you like being a Katoni?" Rikona retorted.
Deep down I'll always be a Katoni," Hanoashi shrugged.
"And deep down I'd always be a Matsumino," Rikona noted.
"But what is the best parts of being a Matsumino, in your opinion?" Hanoashi pressed.
"Hm..." Rikona placed her finger to her chin in thought. "It definitely wouldn't look like it to you, but the support we give to each other. Yeah, they are some silly and rather stupid rules about it, and yes we are rather harsh on our demands, but we do support each other at the end of the day."
"I wouldn't say we Katoni have those harsh demands...I mean sure mom was no nonsense when it came to acting up and such, and sure she had Nova and I study a lot more then the average family probably does, but we supported each other none the less."
Rikona snorted.
"I didn't mean it in that way!" Hanoashi protested hotly, before letting out a small sigh.
"I wouldn't press anything with the other Matsumino members though, mom and I will support you, but the others..." Rikona shook her head.
"Do we have any other cousins my age?" Hanoashi asked.
"They are relatively speaking, but...I've never really met them. We're really not allowed to meet each other until our teens, or close too it," Rikona shrugged.
"You're not!?" Hanoashi gasped in surprise.
"Nope...it's not necessarily a hard and fast rule, but it's kind of a tradition. You and I would have probably met sooner had our elder's not thrown such a fit about Drake coming from a more...humble family. But even so...it's out of the norm unless the Matsumino side of the parents are too close for their own good...or so the Elder Council says."
"Elder Council?" Hanoashi asked.
"It's sort of the governing body of the Matsumino. Our great grandfather...you know...the jerk...he's the current head of the council," Rikona shrugged.
"I'm guessing they decide a lot of things?" Hanoashi dared to ask.
"A...lot. They are the ones who judge what we do, and what rewards, if any, we receive. If we do good we may receive funding for research, collage, business, or if we do poorly we might receive a punishment or even disownment from the family," Rikona sighed.
"I'm guessing that I've already made a bad impression then," Hanoashi sighed.
"Actually, you've given ole gramps something to think about. He might be firm and not exactly friendly towards you, but..." Rikona let out a small sigh. "He was always muttering something about his disowned granddaughter. I'm not sure if he actually hated Yu, or himself for not being able to stop her disownment from the family."
"So I impressed him?" Hanoashi piped up.
"I wouldn't go that far," Rikona warned. "You've made an impression, that is for sure, but it's easy to make an impression on us Matsumino. To actually get anywhere, even simply to be accepted, it takes a lifetime of work, and you've only got so far until the cut-off date," she warned.
As she laid down in the bed, Hanoashi kept thinking back to her old schoolmates. They'll know that something is up when I don't return Monday. Speaking of which, I'll be going to Rikona's school...I wonder how it is different, or if they'll even accept me.
Letting out a sigh she stood up, and walked out of the room, needing some fresh air. The family garden was just outside the door, and it was walled so she had little fear of danger, or so the thought.
As she made her way through, she froze when she heard her name called. "Y...yes sir?" she asked, turning to see her great grandfather behind her.
"Can't sleep, little brat?" he noted, before gazing up at the night sky.
"Not really," Hanoashi confessed.
"Missing them, I presume?" he asked again.
"You don't even care, do you?" Hanoashi spat, forgetting that he was an elder.
"Just because I do not approve of you being in the family doesn't mean that I don't care," he noted flatly.
"I'm sorry," Hanoashi bowed.
"At least you know how to apologize," he grunted. "So...have you decided what you want to be when you grow up?" he asked.
"A stay at home mother?" she shrugged, unsure if he'd approve..
"That's fine when you get married, but they're be no guarantee that you'll find a guy right out of high school. And besides, we Matsumino usually chose who our daughter's marry...or rather insist on the credentials of the candidates," he growled.
"I marry whom I want too," Hanoashi snapped again.
"If your father recovers, then you won't have to worry about that," he snapped back. "And trust me, I'll make certain he recovers." He added more gently.
"Really?" Hanoashi gasped. "Th...thank you sir!"
"Don't you dare think I'm doing it out of the goodness of my own heart, I just don't want your Katoni stench stinking up the place," he growled.
"Can you stop saying that?" Hanoashi pleaded.
"Can't make me little brat," He chucked.
"Is it my ginger hair and freckles?" she dared to ask quietly.
"You look rather pretty for an Irish-Dutch girl, and you're not the first Matsumino girl of that type, so no," he shook his head. "It's the idea that my granddaughter married a poorer guy and an insurance salesman at that!" he added with a spat.
"He nearly died a hero," Hanoashi protested. "And mother did die a hero! Can't you at least respect that?"
"By not getting in the way of Shelia adopting you, I feel that I already am," Wayne growled, before walking off...pausing briefly. "I will say this however...while I find your snappiness amusing, the council won't. Keep it from them if you will," he added, before walking off.
Sighing, she was about to walk in the opposite direction when she heard a rather Irate "Hanoashi Amelia Katoni" from behind her.
"Aunt Shelia?" Hanoashi bowed gently.
"What are you doing out here, you'll catch your death! Especially since you're arguing with my grandfather like that! Thank Maus that he finds it amusing...so far," she breathed.
"Sorry...just couldn't sleep. Didn't mean to get into an argument with him," Hanoashi yawned.
"Well, you sound sleepy enough, and Rikona's been looking frantically for you." Shelia whispered.
Nodding, Hanoashi followed her aunt up to the stairs, coming across a rather angry looking Rikona, her arms folded in disappointment.
"Were where you?" she hissed.
"She was in the garden, arguing with grandpa,"Shelia sighed.
"Ar...arguing with Grandpa...are you insane!?" Rikona gasped, before rushing downstairs.
"Stay with her from now on," Shelia growled, before heading to bed.
Dragging her tired body, Hanoashi had just rounded the corner when she overheard voices.
"I'm so sorry about her behavior in the garden,"Rikona apologized.
"Don't worry about it my great granddaughter, it's not your fault she ran off when you were in the bathroom.
Ran off...I just couldn't sleep is all! I wasn't running off! Hanoashi huffed offhandedly.
"Even so, she still has no excuse to argue with you like that," Rikona noted apologetically.
"I find it refreshing to see a potential Matsumino with that kind of spunk," He noted warmly, before his tone turned serious. "However, I can't and won't protect her if she does it to the wrong elder."
"I'll keep a closer eye on her," Rikona promised, before turning away, walking over to her. She simply glared at her, before walking past, motioning for her to rise and follow.
Sighing, Hanoashi knew that she had messed up royally. "I'm sorry Rikona," Hanoashi sighed.
"I'm responsible for you...had something actually gone wrong in the garden it would have been my ass," Rikona growled, not even glancing back at her.
They walked in silence into the room, and Hanoashi made one last attempt to apologize, but Rikona simply turned her head and folded her arms.
Maybe things will be better in the morning... Hanoashi sighed, closing her eyes as she fell into an uneasy sleep.
Waking up in the morning, Hanoashi walked into the restroom, relieving herself, surprised yet again at the automatic cleaning part of the toilet. Am I ever going to get used to water being sprayed up my butt? She wondered.
Quickly brushing her hair and teeth, she exited to see a panicking Rikona.
"Sorry, just needed to use the restroom," Hanoashi noted.
"Oh thank Maus...you had me scared out of my wit,"Rikona gasped, clutching her heart a bit.
"I wasn't really aware that I was your charge," Hanoashi apologized. "Or...I didn't realize it when I went to the garden yesterday. I'll be sure to let you know from now on," she added.
"I'll need to be with you at almost all times," Rikona warned, before smiling. "But if you'd like we can go now...you'll appreciate it with daylight more than at night."
"Sure..." Hanoashi smiled, growing a bit shy, but also happy.
"I'll just leave a note on the door, and we'll be on our way..." Rikona began, but Hanoashi shook her head. "You really ought to brush your teeth first," she noted gently.
"Q...quite right," Rikona blushed, entering the restroom and Hanoashi sat on the bed quietly, placing her hands on her legs as she waited.
A knock on the door sent Hanoashi walking up to the door, and to her surprise an elderly lady was there. "Rikona in the restroom?" she asked.
Hanoashi noted. "Griswald, right?" she asked.
The elder gave her a surprised look, but nodded. "Impressive, maybe you'll make a half decent Matsumino after all," she noted.
"I'll...do my best," Hanoashi promised, gazing as Rikona came out of the restroom. Stepping back, she was surprised to see the warmth in the elder's eyes.
"You be safe Kona, and take good care of that friend of yours," Griswald smiled as they embraced.
"Will do cousin-sama," Rikona smiled.
Griswald then stood up and left after a moment. Hanoashi stood respectfully at a distance, slightly wishing that they would be just as warm with her, but understanding that she was currently a guest of the family and a mostly unwanted one at that.
Rikona walked over and hugged her. "Sorry about that," she whispered.
"It's okay Rikona, I understand," Hanoashi smiled, returning the hug. "I'll be more than content with your and Shelia's affection," she added.
"You sure?" Rikona squeaked in surprise.
"Rikona, I'm a guest at the moment. We don't even know if I'll be adopted or not given Father's high change of recovery," Hanoashi admitted. At Rikona's puzzled look, she let out a sigh. "Okay, I know Father's recovery is still far from certain, but even so I'm trying to keep on the positive side. If worse comes to worse...I'll work through it."
"So long as you don't keep viewing me as Nova's replacement," Rikona smiled. "And I'll be there to help you, don't worry" she added warmly.
"Thanks Kona," Hanoashi smiled.
"No problem...and I see that you've picked up on my nickname," she smiled in return, a hint of amusement in her eyes.
"Wait...it is okay if I use it, right?" Hanoashi asked suddenly.
"Well...people usually only use it when being...mushy so to speak, but sure," Rikona gave her permission. "But what about you...do you have a nickname?" she asked.
"No, not yet. Nova kept trying to give me one, but he was...hm...what's the word..."
"Teasing?" Rikona asked.
"In a brotherly way. We often times teased each other," Hanoashi noted, a quiet smile on her face at the memory. "One time it was storming and I kinda...not too sure if I squeaked or something, but he teased me about it, I gave a little retort. Father then told us not to fight. So when Nova asked me to play checkers, I jokingly reminded him that Father told us not to fight."
Rikona let out a small laugh. "That's a good one," she added.
"Yeah, Father thought so as well." Hanoashi nodded, growing a bit sad that those carefree times were over, but she shook it off.
"We don't really play checkers...at least not when we're our age," Rikona noted.
"You don't?" Hanoashi gasped.
"No..." Rikona noted, shaking her head. "We're taught when we are three, but it's only in anticipation for learning Chess. "We...ah...might ought to play a few rounds later, but we were going to the garden, remember?"
"Ah, right," Hanoashi smiled, following her out of the room. Rikona left a small note, and then took her by the hand and lead her down into the kitchen.
"Thought we were going to the garden?" Hanoashi asked.
"We are, but we'll make ourselves a hot pocket first. Mom...tends to sleep till noon on Sundays often, and it's a bit of a lazy day for us," Rikona shrugged.
"Oh..." Hanoashi mused.
"By the way...did Yu ever have you read the...you know...Bible?" Rikona asked as she placed two hot pockets into the microwave.
"Yeah, it's required reading for the Matsumino, right?"
"Hmm...see, we come from a linage of Dutch traders from over three hundred years ago, and thus we kind of have a bit of a christian heritage. While belief is optional, we are expected to adhere to the book of proverbs at least," Rikona explained.
"Mom taught me that much," Hanoashi confessed.
"Anything else?" Rikona asked.
Hanoashi let out a small shrug. "Just advanced math and language skills, and responsibilities," she admitted.
"She really took it easy on you," Rikona shook her head.
"My classmates seemed to think that I was advanced," Hanoashi shrugged.
"Well...you are, but not quite as advanced as the others Matsumino children our age are, or so I'm told. Even I'm fairly behind some of the other names like Fusae and Asuga," Rikona sighed.
"You ever meet...oh, right...not aloud to meet until your teenage years," Hanoashi noted.
"Would be nice too," Rikona admitted quietly.
"Think I'll meet them?" Hanoashi mused quietly.
"Hm...probably only if you're adopted, and even then...you're going to have to shape up a lot before then," Rikona sighed apologetically. "But I'll be there by your side if it comes to it," she added.
"Thanks cuz," Hanoashi smiled at her.
The microwave dinged, and Rikona placed the food on the table. "It needs to cool off for a few moments, no need to burn ourselves," she explained.
"That was quick..." Hanoashi noted.
"That's what a Microwave is for...did the Katoni not have one?" Rikona tipped her head.
"Well...yeah, but we rarely used it. Sometimes father would make instant coffee, and mom would sometimes warm up milk when I had a cold, but beyond that..." Hanoashi trailed off, having to avoid welling up into tears again.
"I see..." Rikona mused, picking up on it and giving her a moment of silence. "By the way, you can't cook raw food in a microwave, so only pre-cooked foods should be made with it."
"I understand," Hanoashi smiled.
"Good," a voice noted.
"Great grandpa," Rikona bowed respectfully.
"Sir," Hanoashi noted, trying to show him respect.
"Still trying," He sighed, rolling his eyes at her. "I expect you to be able to play chess the next time we meet," He added to her, before kneeling down and patting Rikona on the shoulders. "Keep an eye on her and train her well, both now and later if it comes to it. The elders are...very apprehensive about her," he informed her gently.
"I'll do everything I can Gramps," Rikona promised, her light green eyes shining with determination.
"I hope for her sake you do. We may not ever fully accept her, but we may learn to tolerate her," He noted, before standing up, gazing at her. "Remembering Griswald's name is a good start, don't let that praise go to your head," he added before walking off, before glancing back. "I'll be here every weekend to check on her progress," he growled, before exiting the house.
"Sorry bout him," Rikona sighed, handing her one of the hot pockets.
"A part of me likes that gruffness he shows," Hanoashi noted. "Thanks for the food," she added before taking a bite. "It's good," she added with a quiet smile.
"It works as a breakfast," Rikona noted. "Prefer mom's homemade meals though," she added.
"Yesterday's meal was...odd," Hanoashi mused.
"Mom cooks more rich man's food when we have guests like that. Normally it's more...humble when it's just us," Rikona shrugged.
"To me it was...odd...it tasted good mind you, don't get me wrong. But I don't get it," Hanoashi sighed.
"It's...more of a prestigious thing. Rich folk often tend to think that they've got to have things like Caviar, Kobe beef and Moose cheese...or something like that," Rikona sighed.
"Caviar?" Hanoashi asked.
"What was on our eggs yesterday," Rikona noted flatly. "I prefer ketchup, but...well...don't tell the elder's that, they'll whine on and on about how that's a poor man's food. Mom actually has to hide our ketchup supply to avoid a rant."
"Oh come on dearie, we're not all that bad," a gentle feminine voice sounded behind them.
"Well, you're not cousin Mina," Rikona mumbled.
"We didn't get to meet yesterday, but I'm Mina Matsumino," the woman knelt down, gazing at Hanoashi. "Strictly between you and I, Shelia would sneak in a word with us about you," she added.
"Who's the us you're talking bout?" a sarcastic voice behind Mina snarled, before laughing," Just teasing ya," she added with a smile. "I'm Fumei Matsumino by the way," she added.
"As you can tell my sis is quite the spooker," Mina shook her head.
"I'm Hanoashi Katoni...it's nice to meet you," Hanoashi breathed, finding the friendliness of these Matsumino a breath of fresh air.
"Don't mind the old grumps," Fumei smiled at her encouragingly. "They're just stuck up assholes."
"Who's a stuck up asshole?" Shelia's voice echoed from the hall.
"Most everyone in this Maus forsaken family," Fumei grumbled.
"Tough, you were lucky you weren't exiled for that night out," Shelia sighed as she walked over and made herself a cup of coffee. "Guessing you got intercepted?" she noted.
"Kind of," Rikona shrugged.
"That can happen," Shelia smiled. "But Fumei, don't you need to clock in for the day?" she challenged.
"Darn...sorry kids, maybe later," Fumei rushed out the door.
"I'm glad that you and her want to spend time with little Hanoashi, but you are aware of the risk, right?" Shelia noted seriously.
"You're the one adopting her," Mina shrugged.
"Yes, and they're going to treat her like any adopted Matsumino," Shelia grunted.
"Except we both know that they are going to be harsher on her," Mina shook her head.
"Anyways, your babysitter clocks out at noon, so might ought to catch your flight," Shelia noted.
"Awe...well...good bye little Kona...good luck little Ashi," she smiled at the two before taking off.
"Thank Maus those two are looking out for you," Shelia mummered after she left.
"Why'd you have to chase them off?" Rikona huffed, biting angrily into her hot pocket.
"Don't eat when angry, and it's true, Shelia sighed. "Fumei will get into serious trouble if she gets fired from her prison guard job."
"Matsumino can work as a prison guard?" Hanoashi gasped in surprise.
"Well... normally they can't...but Fumei is kind of forced to for having a child out of wedlock," Shelia sighed.
"What's that?" Hanoashi asked.
"Nothing for you to worry about. Anyways, the Matsumino forced her to choose between working as a prison guard or being disowned, and for Fusae's sake, she opted for the prison guard. Mina on the other hand...she's working as a teacher, and is hoping to become a school principle in the future," Shelia explained.
"A teacher..." Hanoashi mused, thinking back to Honoka and how gentle yet firm she had been. Before she could react another thought came into her...how much Sara was struggling with her Japanese. I'd like to be that...like Honoka...but I'd like to help kids like Sara out as well...she determined.
"Hanoashi?" Rikona prompted.
"An English teacher," Hanoashi noted. "I...I want to become an English teacher," she added firmly.
"What made you decide to become an English teacher?" Rikona gaped.
"I really enjoyed the English lesson yesterday...and my old teacher Honoka was always so kind to us kids, firm on discipline, but kind. I...if I am to work instead of getting married, that's where I'd like to work," Hanoashi noted.
"Very well then, but if I begin my teachings on that line of work, then you must commit to it if you become adopted by our family,"Shelia smiled.
"I will...if it comes to it then I will be an English teacher," Hanoashi affirmed.
"Good. But it's time for you and little Kona to enjoy the garden. We might be strict, but we believe in giving our kids a day off. Just...remember to teach her to vacuum later on this evening," Shelia noted.
"Right," Rikona smiled, before grasping Hanoashi's hand and leading her into the garden. "There's someone I'd like for you to meet," Rikona smiled, as they crossed the threshold.
Arriving in the front, she was surprised to see a Japanese woman with dark brown, almost black hair that reached to her shoulders, and light amber eyes. She was working diligently on trimming the hedges.
"Leah," Rikona smiled, "meet..." Rikona began, but Leah gave a small smile and told her that she already knew.
"How?" Hanoashi gasped.
"I follow all of the Matsumino business, considering the fact that I'm one of the hired gardeners for the Matsumino family," She smiled, turning to gaze at the two. "Yu was always so brave...I always had a gut feeling that she'd go out like that."
"What was my mother like when she was little?" Hanoashi dared to ask.
"Well...I can't say first hand how she was before I was apprenticed to the Matsumino, but I can attest that she was the adventitious type, always active as well. Had many baseball and swim team trophies back in the day," Leah smiled. "And she was stubborn, perhaps that's what allowed her to pursue her relationship with your father, Drake, despite the council's objections to it." Leah let out a quiet sigh.
"But why would they just respect her wishes?" Hanoashi asked quietly.
"It has to do with Matsumino history...I suppose," Leah mused quietly. "See...two hundred years ago they weren't quite as strict on who they married, but after poorer men supposedly tried to leach off of the Matsumino via their spouses, the elders got more and more strict about whom they can marry. And it only got stricter as the years went by and the family became more and more rich," she added.
"So...the Matsumino have a reason for this...but Drake would never mooch off of the Matsumino," Hanoashi shook her head.
"You must understand that us women are physically weaker then men most of the time. The concern is that the men would abuse the women to force them to act against the Matsumino on their behalf," Leah sighed.
"But couldn't that work in reverse?" Hanoashi piped up.
"Yes, but you see men could stand up to women easier than the reverse," Leah nodded.
"But why not at least see what my Father was about? Did they not have any trust in their own about these decisions?" Hanoashi asked.
"Shelia, Medriti and I did," Leah admitted. "But I was adopted via apprenticeship, so my role and influence in the family is...limited at best," she admitted.
"I guess that's why you're easier to talk to than the other Matsumino?" Hanoashi quipped.
"You'll find that Rikona pretty easy to talk to, she gets along fine with just about everyone," Leah smiled. "And you'll have a stronger connection to the Matsumino than most, if it comes down to it. Strenuous most likely, but the blood connection is there, even if they don't want to admit it."
"Thanks Leah," Hanoashi smiled.
"They are stricter families in some aspect," Leah cautioned. "My mother was a Nishisumi and the propitiatory of the great schism," she added softly.
"Great Schism?" Hanoashi tipped her head in confusion.
"It's something you may or may not learn if you enter the sport of Sensado," Leah sighed. "We Nishisumi have a history in it, but I...I always found it barbaric, so mom dumped me on the streets and left me to rot when I made my feelings known," she added bitterly.
"Oh...I'm so sorry," Hanoashi whispered.
"It's quite alright. The Matsumino took me in, well not fully, but they gave me an apprenticeship and in return I maintain the gardens for those who have them," Leah smiled. "Or some of them anyways, mostly I take care of those in middle Japan, upper and lower Japan as well as Hokkaido have their own gardeners," she added.
"Is it fun?" Hanoashi asked.
"Mostly I just trim the hedges, replant whatever is dying out, and so forth," Leah shrugged. "The day to day maintenance is done by the home owners or their maids/butlers if they have one," she added.
"Hm...what's a maid or butler?" Hanoashi asked.
"Gendered versions of the same thing," Leah smiled. "They do household chores for families who are too busy or snobbish to do them themselves."
"Hm...that wouldn't be too bad," Hanoashi mused.
"Oh no you don't!" Leah growled playfully. "You might not exactly be accepted by the elders, but you are a Matsumino by blood and you need to carry yourself as one." She paused and gazed around. "Being a maid simply won't do," she added firmly.
"I would like to be a stay at home mother," Hanoashi shrugged.
"They'd be fine with that for a prestigious family," Leah noted. "But if you follow in your mother's footsteps..."
"I'm prepared to do either if I find someone I like," Hanoashi noted stubbornly.
"Just like Yu," Leah laughed. "Well, be it far from me to stop you from pursuing it. Maus knows no one could stop Yu. Heck, I bet if all the mighty Tigers and Panthers of Kuromorimine stood in her way, they'd be smoking heaps of scrap-metal before they could even do anything."
"Tigers and Panthers?" Hanoashi asked.
"German world war heavy tanks," Leah mused. "See, the Nishisumi family partakes in a sport called Sensado, which involved world war tanks."
"I...don't get it..." Hanoashi tipped her head.
"Most don't. But I'm sure you'd like to play rather than yak with an old gal such as myself," she added.
"I actually enjoy talking to you," Hanoashi smiled.
"Yeah, but Rikona is looking bored," Leah prompted.
"Oh...sorry cuz," Hanoashi squeaked.
"Finally you noticed," Rikona sighed, clearly struggling to not roll her eyes.
"If you're going to roll your eyes, make sure to close them first,"Leah laughed, clearly picking up on her actions.
"Huh?" Hanoashi squeaked.
"Hey, I'm allowed to teach you a little deviancy," Leah laughed.
"Oh are you now?" Shelia mused, walking to see the garden.
"Come now master Shelia, you're the one who taught it to me," Leah muttered.
"I most certainly did not!" Shelia gasped, though by her tone and actions Hanoashi could deduce that she had in fact probably been the one to teach her to do that.
"Anyways...Rikona, it's time for you to teach Hanoashi to play chess, and then you can teach her to vacuum," Shelia noted. "And Leah, it's time for you to finish up."
"Yes ma'am," Rikona and Leah nodded seriously, and before she knew it Rikona was once again leading Hanoashi by the hand.
The Irish girl let out a quiet smile. Despite the frustrations, I'm probably be fine living with the Matsumino...I think...