SECOND CHANCES
Chapter 4: Road Trip Part 2
Disclaimer I don't own Mahouka Koukou no Rettousei
(Miya POV)
I could not sleep.
I am tired, exhausted even, but I could not sleep.
Even lying on my soft bed and covered with warm blankets, Hypnos could not claim me.
My mind was occupied. My mind was too occupied for me to descend to sleep.
The image of the boy who had save my sister from a fate that is too despicable for me to even imagine filled my thoughts.
I am happy and relieve that my twin, that my dear Maya, is no longer in immediate harm. Her captors, from the memory that Okaa-sama extracted from Maya, do not have her best interest in mind and they seem to have no interest in ransom.
Meaning, they intend to either defile or experiment on Maya, or both.
Fortunately, Maya's captors were killed before they could begin.
That fills me with relief.
Death will not bother a daughter of a Yotsuba, especially me who would one day lead the family.
Regardless, it is still hard to wrap my mind around the fact that a Strategic-type Magician would just appear out of thin air, and prevent a particularly cruel fate to befall upon my sister.
The fact that said Magician swore to protect Maya from harm and escort her back to the family was also rather bizarre.
Those turn of events were just too convenient to be real.
Furthermore…
'Tatsuya-san looks like Otou-sama.'
It was puzzling to say the least.
Tatsuya-san, the savior of my twin, possesses the face of Otou-sama and the eyes of Okaa-sama.
And his sister, Miyuki-san, bore the face of myself, Maya, and Okaa-sama, as well as Okaa-sama's eyes.
It was eerie looking at those siblings. Those two could pose as Otou-sama's and Okaa-sama's children.
Tatsuya-san can even pose as a younger version of Otou-sama.
It was surreal how much Tatsuya-san resembled Otou-sama! Aside from the eyes and hair color, they are near-mirror image of each other.
In addition to that, for some reason that I cannot comprehend, I feel a sense of nostalgia and wonder whenever I looked at Tatsuya-san and Miyuki-san.
The first time I look at them, especially Tatsuya-san, its feel as if I knew them.
The first time I laid my eyes on them, I feel as if I've seen them in a dream before.
When I looked at Tatsuya-san and Miyuki-san, I immediately thought that they are special and important.
Special and important to me.
As if they were dear friends of mine from a previous life.
And that just makes no sense.
I would remember meeting a boy that has the face of my father and the eyes of my mother. I would remember a girl who wore the face of my sister and I better than both of us could possibly do.
If my memory is right, and it usually is, this evening is the first time that I've met Tatsuya-san and Miyuki-san.
So why do I feel a sense of familiarity at the very sight of those two, especially Tatsuya-san.
I could not figure it out but the mere sight of Tatsuya-san makes my heart swell in happiness to the point of tears.
I groaned softly as I slowly close my eyes.
I attempted once again to sleep.
I want to sleep.
The moment I closed my eyes, the image of Tatsuya-san filled my thoughts. His emotionless visage bombarded my thoughts.
Opening my eyes, the white ceiling of my bedroom filled my vision.
It seems that I will not be sleeping for the remainder of the evening.
How joyful~
I sat up from my bed, with the intention of getting a nice novel to read. Reading my novels and filling my mind with unique 'artistic' imagery has always succeeded in lulling me to sleep.
Before I could decide on what novel to read, my communication terminal rang.
Gazing at my nightstand, my phone was vibrating and lighting up rather wildly. Reaching for it, I check the caller.
I raised a brow as the number that Maya used to contact us initially appeared on the screen.
Is Maya still awake?
Not likely, considering that Maya enjoys her sleep.
I accepted the call before pressing my phone to my ear. If I am lucky, Maya can annoy me to sleep.
"Hello." I greeted politely.
I was waiting for my twin's animated reply but I receive something else instead.
"[Good evening, Miya-san]" That monotone and dull voice almost made me drop my phone.
"Tatsuya-san?" I said his name, unsure and confused.
Why would he be calling us right now?
"[Yes, it is me.]" Tatsuya-san confirmed curtly. "[I am calling to update Yotsuba-sama of our current location. I tried contacting the number that was last use to reach us, but it seems that I could no longer connect to that number. I called this number instead to attempt to establish communication.]"
Otou-sama's private communication line. A commercial phone or communication terminal will not be able to connect to that communication line unless Otou-sama allows it.
Otou-sama must not have registered the number that Maya had use to contact us to the list of acceptable contacts that can access his private communication line.
"[Is this an inconvenient time? I can call in a later time.]" Even though Tatsuya-san's tone was dull to the point of disinterest, I could tell that he was being cordial and polite with me.
"There is no need." A constant update of Maya's situation is welcome and indispensable. "Is my little sister well?"
"[She is currently asleep.]" Tatsuya-san reported swiftly.
Good for Maya.
"[May I asked a favor?]" Tatsuya-san asked rather abruptly.
I raised my brow at that inquiry, suspicion suddenly filling my veins.
Tatsuya-san has every right to demand a reward, considering the assistance that he had provided my twin and the family, but asking for said reward right now after the last conversation that he had with us is certainly suspicious.
"Depends on the favor that you would be asking." I replied, adding extra steel in my voice.
Tatsuya-san was rather quick with his reply.
"[The vehicle that we have commandeer as our transport has a video communication feature, with its own private communication line. I am unsure on how secure the communication line is, considering the communication feature is build for a commercial vehicle, but it would be more convenient for both parties to have an easier way of communication. I am merely inquiring if, on your side, it is possible to securely establish an untraceable two-way communication link.]"
Tatsuya-san asked in an even tone, not missing a beat, maintaining the same tone of voice and tempo in his inquiry.
I am impress.
Still, one question must be ask before I convey his request to Otou-sama.
"Is our initial way of communication unavailable?"
Truth be told, I am still rather curious of the magic that Tatsuya-san used to rip through space-time, and would like nothing more than to see it again.
"[If we are constantly moving, that way of communication is indeed unavailable. If I open a special-rift for communication, I must stop our transport to avoid the rift from tearing the vehicle in half.]"
"Can you mobilize the rift that you created?"
"[I cannot, for space is the boundless three-dimensional extent in which objects and events have relative position and direction. Space is a fixed variable that cannot be alter, only distorted. The Spatial rifts that I open cannot be move as Space itself cannot move from their fix position.]"
From the way he had worded his answer, I know that there is a more comprehensive and detail explanation, an explanation that I would love to hear one day.
But now is not the time.
"Do you know the communication number of the transport that you are using?" I inquired, conveying to him that the favor that he is asking was of acceptable parameters.
"[Tell me when you are ready.]"
"I am ready."
Tatsuya-san recited the communication I.D. of the vehicle while I memorize every digit.
11-digits are something that I can memorize with ease.
"Give me a moment, Tatsuya-san." I told him as I recited the number given to me in my head.
"[I will be waiting for your call.]"
I nodded as I hung up. I got up to my feet and out a robe around my person.
But before I could leave my room though, I pause momentarily.
I remember the weird looks of longing that Okaa-sama was giving Tatsuya-san.
Suddenly, I want my parents to get more rest.
My phone in hand, I contacted those monitoring the communication security within the estate. If I'm lucky, Hayama-san would be on duty right now.
"[Miya-sama, you should be asleep right now.]" The chiding and fatherly voice of Hayama-san is always a comforting sound.
"I can sleep later, Hayama-san." I told my Otou-sama's most trusted friend and confidant respectfully. "I need a secure line to this communication I.D. It is an international communication I.D., so I would prefer for the communication link to be untraceable in both ends." I convey my request to Hayama-san.
I could have ordered Hayama-san for compliance, but that would be unacceptable on my end.
Hayama-san is not a servant. He is family. Even though I am the Heiress of the family, I do not have the right to give orders to family. Not yet at least.
I could feel Hayama-san's confusion and trepidation on the other end.
Fortunately though, Hayama-san did not ask any question. Hayama-san is so reliable.
He prompted me to give him the Communication I.D., which I did.
Hayama-san hanged up as he prepared to establish the secure link.
On my end, I prepared myself for the video call that I will be having with Tatsuya-san.
I donned a formal dress as quickly as I could. I combed my hair straight and applied some light make-up to hide the stress lines that were developing on my eye line due to lack of sleep.
I will not allow myself to look less the presentable in front of Tatsuya-san. That would be impolite.
The monitor that I use for entertainment and studying purposes lit up, indicating that the communication link was successfully established.
I step in front of the screen. Taking a deep breath, I adopted a neutral expression and prepared myself for the first conversation that I'll be having with Tatsuya-san.
"Initiate call." I spoke loudly, giving my terminal the verbal command.
A countdown screen appeared on the screen. A call request has been sent to Tatsuya-san's communication terminal.
If my call is not answered within ten seconds, the link would terminate itself automatically.
Fortunately, though, I did not have to wait long.
Barely a second pass before the full image of Tatsuya-san appeared on my communication screen.
I met his gaze and my knees almost buckled.
Those eyes, that have the same shade as Okaa-sama, were like those of a Dragon.
I could not help but feel that those eyes are piercing through my very soul. I also could feel a sharp claw wrapped around my neck, suffocating me.
Tatsuya-san, without trying, looks very intimidating.
"[Once again, good evening, Miya-san.]" Tatsuya-san greeted me politely, adding a courteous bow in his greeting.
I snapped myself back to my senses and answered his greeting with a polite curtsy. "Good evening, Tatsuya-san."
The moment I righted myself, Tatsuya-san started speaking. "[As I mentioned before, Maya-san is currently sleeping.]" Tatsuya-san took a remote from his pocket before pressing a button.
On the bottom part of my communication screen, a window appeared, showing the sleeping figure of my twin sister.
Maya was sleeping rather comfortable on a queen size bed, which made me rather irritated.
Maya looked so relax, as if she wasn't in any trouble, or that she has no problem in the world.
Maya should not be too comfortable with her current company.
After a second though, a random question suddenly popped into my head.
'Wait a minute, why is Maya on a bed?'
"The vehicle that we have taken, at the behest of Maya-san, is a recreational vehicle. This would allow Maya-san to be more at ease with her current situation." Tatsuya-san answered my unasked question, which made me feel rather embarrass.
At that moment, I felt like he was reading my mind.
I should not be an open book in front of anyone.
"My apologies for my little sister. She can be very overbearing and demanding at times." Most of the time to be accurate.
"[It is no trouble. She has been through quite a lot, so I do not blame her for trying to at least distract herself from her current dilemma.]"
I stared at Tatsuya-san rather intently for a several seconds. No boy should be this considerate without wanting something in return.
There was a brief silence between us as I tried to detect any negatives on Tatsuya-san.
There was none. There was no deception in his eyes or in his posture.
He was being honest with me.
That is very kind of him, and is unlike most boys that I am acquainted with.
"Nevertheless, my apologies and thank you for understanding and dealing with my little sister's quirks." I told him in gratitude.
Tatsuya-san, for his part, just nodded slightly.
"[We are three hours away from entering the borders Jiang Xi.]" Tatsuya-san reported dutifully, conveying to me their current location and intended destination. "[We are going to avoid entering the region of Guang Dong. If I recall correctly, Dahan has several military bases in that region. I would rather avoid any combat situation to minimize any risk.]"
I made a mental note to verify that information later. I am not knowledgeable with the logistics of the Dahan military in their home country. I should also make an independent map of the routes that they might be taking.
Tatsuya-san seems to be going out of his way for us to trust him, but if Maya's life is on the line, it is better for us to have all bases covered.
"We greatly appreciate your efforts in updating us of your current position. I will inform my parents, and we will contact you on our end in a few hours." It would be better on our end if the communication started on our side.
A magician that can teleport is unprecedented, and we do not have any contingencies in case Tatsuya-san went rouge.
"[That is acceptable, and hopefully, Maya-san would be awake by then.]" Tatsuya-san bowed his head respectfully to me. "[I need to get back to the cab of the RV. Using Automatic Driving in the open road opens us from being track by undesirables.]"
"You're driving?" I asked with genuine interest. Tatsuya-san appeared to be only a year older than I was, so he shouldn't be able to drive cars.
"[Amongst other things, yes I can.]" Tatsuya-san answered me with complete honesty in his voice. "[I was trained with a particular intention in mind.]" Tatsuya-san added with an ominous edge in his eyes.
I don't want to know. There is a reason why someone of his age had those kinds of eyes, and I do not desire to hear the details.
"[Thank you for indulging me of my request and once again, I assure you, Maya-san is safe with me and my sister. We will be in the Japanese embassy within three days, no more than that.]" Tatsuya-san stated with a tone that was just simply expressing fact.
I don't know why, but his words filled me with assurance.
"I will hold you to your word." I offered him another curtsy on my part while he gave me a polite bow on his end.
With our conversation ending, I terminated the communication link between us.
When the screen went to black, the faces of Otou-sama and Hayama-san suddenly appeared on the screen without warning.
Otou-sama looked very displeased with me right now.
"[I should be able to determine their specific location, travelling route, and travelling speed in a few minutes. I should also be able to acquire video surveillance inside and outside of the vehicle.]" Hayama-san stated, fingers dancing swiftly across his keyboard.
"[Please do, Hayama-san.]" Otou-sama prompted Hayama-san before turning his attention back to me.
Otou-sama did not spoke and merely motion me towards my bed.
I nodded, and laid on my bed without bothering to change my clothes.
I still could not sleep.
(Scene Change)
Yotsuba Yasuyo is not just an accomplish magician and interrogator; she was also an excellent painter.
Yasuyo enjoyed painting, and she found her hobby helpful in developing her magical abilities.
The ability to extract memories is easy if one knows how to express oneself.
Extracting memories is easy if one knows how to extract ideas from oneself.
Memories, after all, are nothing more than ink on a canvass if look in a certain perspective.
At the moment, Yasuyo was currently painting the image of the boy that save her youngest daughter, and who was currently doing the family a favor and escorting her younger daughter home.
She painted the image with care.
She wanted to immortalize the image of the boy to the canvas as perfectly as she could.
Tatsuya can be mistaken as hers and Genzou's son, and in a way, that idea brought Yasuyo joy.
Yasuyo is the proud mother of two beautiful girls, and she loves them to death. Her two daughters are her pride and joy.
But her first pregnancy still haunted her to this very day. 14 years ago, she failed to give birth to a baby boy, her baby boy. The sight of her firstborn's lifeless body still gives her nightmares. The memory of her burying the carcass of her baby boy still brings tears of despair in her eyes.
That's the reason why the image of Tatsuya filled her with unexplained joy.
'My baby boy would have look like him, my dear Tatsumi.' Yasuyo thought bitter sweetly.
"Should I be worried?" The sound of her husband's voice made Yasuyo smiled. Yasuyo sighed contently at the feeling of her husband's hand on her shoulder.
Yotsuba Genzou is a good man, a great husband and father, and an amazing lover. They had a difficult start, with their marriage being arrange and the Yotsuba Clan being in its early stages, but they made it work and they grew to love each other. Not an easy feat considering that they were still living in an age of war.
"There is no need." Yasuyo answered while gently leaning on her husband's comforting hand. "Tatsuya-kun is not ours, he is not our son, but I can dream, can I not?"
Genzou sighed softly, knowing this topic is sensitive, for both of them.
"If we are lucky, Maya-chan would have already convinced him and his sister to join the family. Talent like his seems to be one of a kind and her sister appears to be talented as well." A child who can traverse space itself would be a valuable asset. "We can thank him and his sister together for services rendered personally."
"That would be lovely." Yasuyo smiled at the thought of speaking to the boy that could have looked exactly like her deceased son if she had successfully given him life. "I would like to speak to him face to face."
From the conversation that they had with Tatsuya previously, he always wore a blank expression and he always used a cold, near empty voice, but Yasuyo was not Japan's best interrogator for no reason.
Yasuyo knew that Tatsuya was being careful when speaking to them, and that was not out of fear.
Yasuyo could see Tatsuya's eyes, and she had also witness how he fought due to the memory that she extracted from her daughter.
Tatsuya is a capable fighter and fearsome magician. He wielded his magic like a season master and he moves with such precise and control ease.
Truthfully, it was terrifying.
Yasuyo is not aware of Tatsuya's upbringing or training, though she has a few words reserve for those who were responsible for it, but she knew that Tatsuya lacks the ability to feel fear. Either that is from his upbringing or training that is up for debate.
"Speaking of which, has Tatsuya-kun contacted us in regards to Maya-chan's safety?" Yasuyo inquired curiously.
"He has." Genzou confirmed. "Tatsuya-san called Miya-chan two hours ago, informing her of the transport that they commandeered, the traveling route that they are taking, their traveling speed, and their immediate location." Genzou informed her.
"So Maya-chan gave Miya-chan's secured contact to Tatsuya-kun?" Yasuyo asked with interest.
Contacting the Yotsuba is difficult, if not impossible if the family doesn't want to be contact. Each call is monitored strictly by servants and can be denied if the caller poses any risk. Any call made towards the Yotsuba can also be track.
Each family member does have a secured contract that is not monitored, but considering the situation that the family is in at the moment, even those correspondences are now being monitored by the family's most faithful servants.
"Are we tracking them now?"
"Yes, and they are in pace to reach the embassy in the given time that Tatsuya-san gave us yesterday."
"Tatsuya-kun is a good boy." Carefully discarding her brush, Yasuyo took a moment to admire her work.
The face and built of her husband, her eyes and smile, embodied in a single child.
It was like their son was among the living. It was like their son did not die in the first place.
"Another perfect portrait." Genzou praised his wife's work, even if the subject matter was not something he was entirely comfortable with.
Genzou was thankful for the kindness and service that Tatsuya was providing them, but Genzou was uncomfortable with the familiarity that he was feeling towards the boy and his sister.
There was something about Tatsuya that made his blood sing of familiarity and acknowledgement.
(Scene Change)
Entering the study of his brother, Eisaku immediately noticed the projected monitors that shows an image of a large RV moving across the road, the inside of the RV itself that showed the boy that rescued his niece driving said RV, and the boy's sister cooking on an electric stove.
A monitor also showed his niece currently sleeping peacefully.
'That won't do at all.' Eisaku thought in disapproval. Even though there was no sign of imminent danger from those around her, Maya should not be too relax while around strangers.
It is un-Yotsuba like.
"Good morning, brother." Genzou acknowledge the presence of his younger brother.
"Good morning, Onii-san." Eisaku replied with a greeting of his own. "That is a rather conspicuous way of traveling across the country, don't you agree?" Eisaku commented while pointing at the RV that was being used to transport Maya to the embassy.
"That is true." Genzou said in agreement. "I could tell that Maya-chan had a hand in picking their transport."
"She always does like to travel in style." Eisaku said dryly. "Although, she should already know that there is a time and place for her frivolity."
"I agree with you on the regard, but her being lax with her security must mean that she trusts her companions quite a bit." Genzou assumed, though he was frowning at that thought.
"And that is a problem in itself." Eisaku stated, eyeing Tatsuya with caution in his eyes.
"Have you found anything worrisome in their background?" Genzou asked, his eyes set on his brother expectantly.
"Worse." Eisaku said while shaking his head at his brother's direction. "I couldn't find a lick of information on either of them." Eisaku informed his brother.
Genzou turned his attention fully on Eisaku. "You're joking."
"I wish I am." Eisaku moved to the liquor cabinet of his brother before pouring himself a glass of wine. He needed some wine after his fruitless search, time of the day be damn. "I tried every database that I could get my hands on, both local and foreign. Civilian, commercial, even military, I couldn't get even a single piece of information regarding Tatsuya-san and Miyuki-san."
That worried Genzou. Eisaku is the best profiler and intelligence agent in Japan. As long as he knows the face of the person he is investigating, he should be able to pull out a background of said person, even if it is just a birth certificate.
"Tatsuya-san is a Strategic-type Magician. It would be standard practice for his personal information to be buried under mountains of encryption?" Genzou said after a moment of silence.
Eisaku shook his head, looking slightly offended. "It would not have mattered for me if the amount of encryption on Tatsuya-san's background is three Mount Everest stack on top of each other, I would have still found something, medical records and the name of his parents at the very least, at bare minimum." Eisaku stated confidently, his eyes once again turning to the expressionless boy that holds the life of his niece at his hand.
"You are not comfortable with him as the only sword to safeguard Maya, are you?" Genzou asked softly while gesturing for his brother to sit.
Eisaku sat across his brother, taking a drink from his glass before pouring another glass for him and his elder brother. Eisaku looked thoughtful for a second before sighing and drinking another glass of wine. "Strangely enough, I trust the boy to keep our Maya safe." The sounded weird for both brothers. The Yotsuba siblings live their life with only each other and the family to depend on. "Aside from the fact that he has one glaring weakness that we can exploit against him, and him knowing that we will exploit said weakness if needed, he looks genuinely interested of safeguarding Maya, which is strange in itself. Tatsuya-san does not appear to be lusting after Maya, which is also unusual."
Maya is quite a flirtatious girl. She knows where to draw the line of course, but she was still rather comfortable and rather adventurous when it comes to the opposite sex.
"Well…" Genzou awkwardly spared the monitored that show Miyuki a glance. "Tatsuya-san has a beautiful sister, and they appear to be close." Genzou said while downing a glass of wine himself.
"You think they want to get involve with each other?" Eisaku asked incredulously.
Genzou could only gesture his brother towards the monitors.
Eisaku watched as Miyuki moved towards her brother, a cup of coffee in hand.
Tatsuya, without moving his eyes from the road, took the cup and drank a mouthful of the beverage. Placing the cup on the holder near the wheel, Tatsuya took a hold of Miyuki's hand before placing a kiss on her knuckles.
"[It tasted good, like always.]" Tatsuya complimented, voice still dull but it was filled with such positive emotions.
"[Thank you, Onii-sama!]" Miyuki replied enthusiastically, a bright red blush on her cheeks. She held the hand that his brother kiss close to her chest, reverie clear in her eyes.
The brothers looked at this display with amusement.
"You think they are Yume-chan's children?" Eisaku asked good naturedly, momentarily forgetting the dilemma that they were in. "I could remember Yume-chan acting like that towards you when she was a child."
"If Yume-chan had children, we would have already buried her husband in a ditch somewhere in Hokkaido." Genzou said with a chuckle.
The sound of the door opening momentarily halted the conversation, as the youngest of the Yotsuba brothers entered the room, a tray of food in hand.
Yotsuba Motosuke was not just the Yotsuba's best fighter; he was also the family's best cook, even better than Hayama.
According to Motosuke, his ability to cook stemmed from his background in the military. The rations that were being served to them were so foul tasting, that he specifically learned how to hunt and cook just to survive his military service.
"I prepared a feast for us!" Motosuke announced animatedly before turning his attention on the monitors around the room. Motosuke instantly frowned. "Okay, who was the idiot who choose to commandeer that specific vehicle?" Motosuke asked while pointing accusingly at the vehicle that Maya was currently occupying.
"Is there something wrong with that model?" Genzou asked his brother while Eisaku groaned, knowing that a rant is about to escape their little brother's mouth.
Their little brother was an Otaku when it comes to vehicles.
"That model is the XFortuner Luxury-X1. 38 feet and 9 inches, it has great interior designs and features for both leisure and comfort, but I would not have recommended that for long travel. Although the energy consumption of the vehicle is acceptable for long travels, this RV model can only go at maximum, 80 miles an hour, with its ideal driving at around 50 miles an hour. Also, the exterior design is too inconspicuous. The chassis though durable, is incapable of sustaining too much pressure. The visibility of the driver can also be compromise by…"
As Motosuke go on a detail criticism on the RV, both Genzou and Eisaku tuned him out in favor of watching Maya sitting up her bed.
Maya's hair was a bit disheveled, there was a bit of drool on the right corner of her mouth, her eyes looked a bit loopy, and Genzou would like to have his daughter fix her top due to her current state of dress was exposing her bra and a healthy amount of flesh.
With that said, Maya looked healthy.
Maya looked around her surroundings. She appeared genuinely confused for a second before a look of realization dawn on her.
A mischievous smile suddenly graced her lips before glancing down on herself, inspecting her state of dress.
In a rush job, Maya gently comb her hair with her hands, straitening her hair slightly.
Genzou hope that this would be follow with her fixing her current state of dress, but his hope was shot down when he watched his daughter pull down the left strap of her dress, which expose her bra and even more of her generous assets.
Maya adapted a drowsy expression as she rose to her feet, her eyes having a predatory look.
Before things could escalate though, Tatsuya spoke rather loudly.
"[Good morning, Maya-san.]" Tatsuya greeted Maya cordially. "[Hopefully, you had a good night sleep. Miyuki, would you be so kind and assist Maya-san in readying herself for today. It seems that she woke up in a rather awkward manner.]"
At that request, Miyuki turned her attention to the bedding are of the RV, her eyes zeroing in on a startled Maya.
A Maya that had her top all but peeled off from her body, her bra in display for the world to see.
For her brother to see.
With just a single look on her future aunt, noting how she was dress and how she was presenting herself to those in the RV, Miyuki swiftly took the confuse girl in her arms and forcefully ushered her to the bathroom, toiletries floating right behind the young girl.
The Yotsuba brothers laughed at the display.
"I like that kid." Genzou commented, once again relieve that the boy was such a gentleman.
Most boys would have loved to see his daughter in such a manner.
The fact that Tatsuya is not a lecher was a relief.
The fact that Tatsuya was able to control his male urges was a relief.
(Scene Change)
"My daughter is pouting." Yasuyo commented while entering the study of her husband, Miya following swiftly beside her. "Why is Maya-chan pouting?"
In the monitor that showed the inside of the RV, they could see the three children sharing a modest meal. The meal that the children wasn't as grand as most of them were use to, but it was acceptable considering the current situation.
As she ate, Maya had a big frown plastered on her face.
The frown wasn't concerning though. The frown on Maya's lips was of the childish side.
"She still hasn't gotten a reaction from Tatsuya-san, and she was this close…" Motosuke showed his thumb and index finger, a millimeter apart.
"… of giving the boy a glimpsed of her bra covered tits…."
Eisaku had a look of disdained at his little brother's language.
"…who uses the word 'tits' in this day and age." Eisaku mumbled while Genzou face palm at the antics of his siblings.
"…Fortunately, Tatsuya-san, being a gentleman, told his sister to 'assist' Maya-chan in her clothing. Miyuki-chan, being a bro-con, did so, thus Maya-chan's clothing." Motosuke finished, amusement clear in his eyes.
Maya's clothing was very different from the one she wore yesterday.
It wasn't showing much skin like her previous outfit, but it was still a provocative dress.
Maya was wearing a long, dark red dress with one long, wide sleeve hiding her left arm. The edges of the collar and the opening for the right arm are gold-colored, and the upper chest and left sleeve are decorated with golden designs. The right side of her dress is open from the hip down with two gold-colored straps made up of interwoven ropes connecting the front half to the back half of her thigh. Under the dress, she was wearing a black pantyhose. On the right hip, the dress has a black rhombus-shaped gem set in a gold-colored metal of the same shape, with feathers of varying shades of blue extending from the bottom of it. On her right arm, she wears a long, gray glove, the top of which has a gold-colored metal ring with curvy branching extensions going up her arm.
Miya rolled her eyes at her sister's attire.
She was used to it by now, but it was still exasperating how much her younger sister enjoyed showing off her figure.
Maya knew she is pretty, and she wants the world to know it as well.
"Maya-chan shouldn't be flirting with boys, considering her engagement." Yasuyo stated, slightly vex at her daughter's strange quirks.
"Fortunately, Tatsuya-san is a gentleman and would not look at Maya-chan with inappropriate eyes." Genzou stated, relief evident in his voice. "He wouldn't even spare her a look unless she is proper."
"I think the kid hasn't looked at Maya-chan with eyes that aren't blank." Eisaku added, somewhat perturbed that someone could be so apathetic towards a beautiful girl that is willingly displaying her beauty to the world, to him.
God forbid, Eisaku could still recall how Yasuyo, the most beautiful girl of her age bracket, made him and Motosuke stutter in their youth.
"Either the kid is gay or he isn't interested in our little Maya." Motosuke said with a humorous tone. "I don't know whether to be amuse at that fact or be sorry for Maya. This is a brand new experience for her. Having a boy that she cannot riled up or manipulate with a mere fluttering of her eyebrows."
"A needed experience." Miya commented dryly.
"So, who cook their food and who is driving the RV?" Yasuyo asked, her eyes on her daughter, though she did spare a lingering glance on Tatsuya.
Tatsuya was not operating the cab and was currently dining with his sister and Maya.
"Miyuki-san cooked the meal, and no worries, she didn't put anything harmful on the food. Her cooking skills ain't half bad, but I would still give her 4 stars out of 10 stars for her culinary skills. Hopefully, Maya-chan won't mind eating diner quality food for three days." Motosuke said, slightly disdainful towards the food that his niece was eating.
He did not fault Miyuki for not having his cooking skills, but the thought of his niece eating substandard food is irksome for him.
"As long as she is fed, Maya-chan should and would make do with the food that is being serve to her." Genzou said, exasperated at his brother's disdain for something trivial. "As for who is driving right now, Hayama-san. We've already hacked into the entire system of the RV, so we could take over the vehicle if the need arises, although that point has not been reach at the moment. Tatsuya-san has been a diligent boy. Driving for 10 hours straight, with only 15 minutes of rest in between. He deserves a bit of relaxation for the service rendered."
"Such a good boy." Yasuyo said, voice wishful, eyes set fully Tatsuya.
"[You know…]" Those within the study listen intently as Maya spoke, her lips pouting and voice despondent. "[…most boys would have fought and run over themselves just to see me half-naked. Even my sister looks at me when I am undressing, and she is as pretty as me…Although not as develop.]"
Miya's brow ceased a bit at that jab coming from her sister, while the adults looked amused.
"[It is not proper for a boy to look at a girl while she is in a state of undress, especially if said girl is engage.]" Tatsuya said, voice bland and blank, as if he is discussing something mundane. "[I will not allow or excuse such acts towards Miyuki, and I will not lower myself to do such despicable deviancy as well.]" Tatsuya added, while eating in a control pace.
Another wave of relief washed over Genzou.
Having a boy who wasn't lusting after his daughter is a blessing for a father that has two beautiful daughters.
Although, Genzou and everyone noted, that Tatsuya was eating in such robotic manner while his sister, and Maya, was eating with the grace and a posture of an aristocrat.
People like Genzou can know a lot about by their posture alone.
"[So I am not pretty enough for you to gawk at?]" Maya asked, her voice challenging and slightly offended.
"Maya!" Miya muttered her sister's name frustratingly.
"[You are beautiful, I would admit that much.]"
Even admitting such embarrassing thing to a girl, Tatsuya maintained a neutral look, which was impressive though rather disturbing.
"[But my mother and aunt were great beauties, more so than you, and my sister is more beautiful than them.]" Tatsuya stated bluntly, with as much subtlety as a ballistic missile.
The look on Maya's face after those words was priceless, so much so that Motsuke howled in laughter while Miya also giggled at the pseudo-outrage look on his sister's face.
"Kid has balls to say that right at Maya's face." Motosuke commented while giving Tatsuya an applause.
"[Onii-sama, you shouldn't say things like that to a girl.]" Miyuki scolded her elder brother, but if one looked closely at her, they would see the pride and a bit of smugness at the indirect compliment that his brother directed at her.
"[Miyuki-chan…]" Maya whispered joyfully before flinging herself to Miyuki, hugging her childishly but quite suggestively. Maya was even comically rubbing her cheeks on the side of Miyuki's head. "[You are such an angel, unlike your coldhearted brother!]" Maya said with fake sobbing while gesturing towards Tatsuya.
Miyuki froze from Maya's physical contact, before she adapted a look of uneasiness, a strained and fearful smile on her lips.
This was something that everyone noted.
"[My apologies, Maya-san. Onii-sama can be overly blunt at times.]" There was a slight hitch in Miyuki's voice, not something easily detect, but it was there.
"[I am merely speaking the truth.]" Tatsuya said before finishing his plate. "[It was a lovely meal.]" Tatsuya complimented his sister.
"I would beg the differ." Motosuke grumbled, a bit put off by Miyuki's cheerful smile.
"Nobody cares about your high food standards." Eisaku told off his little brother.
Eisaku was ignored.
"[I give the meal 8 stars out of 10 stars in the Hayama-san litmus test, and 6 stars out 10 stars in the Motosuke-jiji standard test.]" Maya added her two cents, with a cheerful smile while tightening her embrace around Miyuki.
"Maya-chan must have already forgotten my cooking." Motosuke did not hide how offended he is at the perceive insult that he got from his niece. "Not to mention, the girl's knife skills are appalling. The way she cuts those onions clearly diminishes the natural flavor of her protein. Also, her salt was a five granules too much, causing the flavor of her omelet to be unbalance."
"How did we survive living with him for three decades?" Eisaku asked his elder brother, his expression was comically serious.
"We ignored him most of the time." Genzou answered, also equally serious.
Tatsuya smiled at the girls, although the smile swiftly disappeared before grabbing a remote on his way to the cab. "[By the way, Maya-san. Would you like to speak to your family? I've already establish a communication link with them.]"
Maya perked up at that. Letting go of Miyuki, Maya focused her attention on Tatsuya, a grin spreading across her lips. "[You called Nee-chan! Great, what do you think of her?]" Maya asked, with a tone too eager for Miya's taste.
"[She worries about you.]" Tatsuya answered nonchalantly.
"[That, I know, I am her adorable sister after all, but what DO you think about her?]" Maya asked, her eagerness increasing with each syllable. "[Do you think she's pretty…Of course she's pretty, she looks like me! She is also smart. Genius smart! She is also a caring girl, though a bit overbearing at times. Nee-chan can be a bit difficult, with her high standards and high maintenance, but she has the tendency to overly reward anyone who can deal with her at her most difficult of moods. Nee-chan is also a perfectionist, in everything she do, she wants to be perfect, so you would be enjoying any activities the you and her would be doing…]"
"Is Maya trying to marry me off to her rescuer?" Miya asked dryly. She was somewhat mad at how her sister was selling her off, something that her parents hadn't even done themselves.
"[…And Miyuki-chan, you would also love my Nee-chan. She is very open in relationships, and she loves to experiment, if you know what I mean.]" Maya fluttered her brow suggestively at Miyuki.
Both Miya and Miyuki respectively looked petrified at what Maya was saying.
"She's doing a bad job in advertising Miya-chan." Motosuke commented, amused at what he was watching.
"I won't say that." Yasuyo said with a giggle. "Tatsuya-san and his sister appeared to be abnormally close."
"And his sister seems to be the only one capable of getting a reaction from him." Eisaku added, once again wondering what kind of training the boy was put through for him to be near emotionless.
"In a way, its cute." Yasuyo said with a fawning tone.
"[Your elder twin sounds like a lovely girl, and from what I've observe, she is also a good sister.]" Tatsuya stated, voice rising slightly to interrupt Maya's coherent rambling about how wonderful her twin is. "[So let us ease your sister's worries by calling her and assuring her of your safety. It would put her in a good mood once she speaks with you.]"
"[Well of course Nee-chan would be happy to speak with me! I'm her favorite sister.]" Maya said with a smug look.
"You're my only sister." Miya muttered to herself.
"[I'll contact her then.]" Tatsuya started punching in Miya's security contacts.
"[You already memorize Nee-chan's number?]" Maya asked teasingly.
"[I have a good memory.]" Tatsuya replied casually.
In the study, Miya's communication terminal rang. Looking at her father for approval, Genzou nodded and Miya immediately answered the phone.
"Hello." Miya greeted with a controlled tone.
"[Good morning.]" Tatsuya greeted back politely.
"[MORNING, NEE-CHAN!]" Miya cringed at the loud voice of her twin.
"I am guessing that Maya is already awake." Miya said, feinting ignorance.
She did not want to key in Tatsuya at the fact that they were spying on them.
"[She is, and we have just finish our breakfast. My apologies that I did not call you the moment that Maya-san awoken.]"
"No apologies needed. It's better to speak to Maya when she has a full stomach. She's less aggravating that way." Miya commented dismissively.
"[Is that so? Very well then, would you like to speak with her now, or would you like to establish a video call so that those who are in the same room as you can see her as well?]" Tatsuya inquired, surprising everyone in the room.
Those in the study exchange looks while Miya once again spoke. "How did you know that I have company?" As she asked her question, Miya started checking if there was any spell cast in the room.
There was none. None from the other line and none from anyone in the room.
Tatsuya was not even hold a CAD.
"[I could hear five different heartbeats in the room. One from you, another from your mother, a third from Yotsuba-dono, and two more from your uncles.]" Tatsuya answered truthfully, no signs of lies or deception from his posture or voice. "[Your mother is beside you. Yotsuba-dono is across you. One of his brother's is behind him, while the other one is leaning near a window. Is my assumption correct?]"
"Okay, that's creepy." Motosuke commented, impressed and disturbed at how easily the boy was able to determine their respective position by the mere sound of their heartbeats, and without magic.
"What a dangerous boy." Eisaku mumbled under his breath, a bit of fear running up his spine. He once again reminded at how little he knew of the boy, and how much that would be harmful towards the family in the long run.
(Scene Change)
"[Nee-chan, Kaa-chan, Otou-sama, Jii, and Jii-san, good morning!]" Maya greeted enthusiastically, waving at the video image of her family.
Tatsuya, as promise, established a video call between Maya and her family. Tatsuya even stopped the RV and parked it in a hidden area in order for him to refill the battery of the vehicle. Miyuki joined him outside to get some fresh air, as well as to give Maya some privacy.
"Why does she always greet me last?" Eisaku asked no one in particular but Motosuke answered him regardless.
"Because you are the boring uncle." That earned the youngest Yotsuba brother a glare.
"Morning Maya, I hope you are not being too much trouble for your companions." Miya greeted her sister with a flat tone.
"[I take offense to that.]" Maya said with a fake pout, a grin threatening to bloom on her face. "[Tatsuya-kun and Miyuki-chan area already starting to adore me. Once they do, I could not possibly cause them any trouble.]"
"I adore you, and you constantly cause me trouble." Miya pointed out, rather harshly.
"[I am the cute twin, while you are the serious twin, that's only natural.]" Maya reasoned with a small grin directed at her twin.
"It is good to see you in good spirits, Maya-chan." Genzou entered into the conversation, cutting off the banter of his children before any more time can be wasted.
"[Being kidnap is not enough for my spirit to be dampened, Tou-chan.]" Maya said, attempting to comfort and assured her father. "[And this turned out better than expected it. I get to recruit Nee-chan's future partners…]"
"Don't decide that on your own!" Miya shouted, her cheeks slightly red.
"[…and I get to eat all the ice cream and junk food that I want for three days!]" Maya exclaimed happily before pausing for a second. "[Give me a moment…]" Maya stood up and walk to the RV's refrigerator to retrieve a pint of chocolate ice cream and a spoon. Maya then returned to her seat and proceed to eat the pint of ice cream slowly but cheerfully right in front of her family.
Yasuyo and Miya were put off by Maya's unhealthy eating habits, but both decided that it was not the right time or even place to scold her.
They can wait until she gets home.
"I see you are at ease with your companions, Maya-chan." Eisaku commented, addressing his niece on the topic that he was very concern with.
"[Why won't I be, Jii-san?]" Maya asked innocently, but she already knew where this conversation was heading.
Maya was taught early on in her life that the only people that she should fully trust are those within the family.
Maya was taught early on in her life that she should only fully trust her family, and no one else. Yes, she can trust friends that were outside the influence of the family, but not fully, not wholly. Only the family deserves her full trust.
Maya knew that she should not be comfortable around her current company, but there was something about the siblings that just felt right.
Miyuki was terrified of her for some reason, Maya could see that quite easily, but she seems very much amiable towards her. Maya could also see the effort that Miyuki was putting in trying to be relax around her.
Maya would help her with that. After all, she was lovely and likeable, and she can make anyone she wants as a friend.
No can resist her, and that is not going to change now.
And Tatsuya, Maya just felt safe with him around. Yes, she had seen his strength, his power, his fighting abilities, but those points were moot. Even without those attributes, Maya felt that no one would be able to harm her with the emotionless boy nearby.
With her safety secured and guarantee, Maya did not see why she shouldn't make herself comfortable during the trip.
"[Tatsuya-san isn't attracted to me, him being asexual and all…]" Maya could not think of any other reason why Tatsuya won't even look at her while she was baring flesh for him and his sister to see. Most boys would sell their manhood just to get a glimpse of her bare flesh. "[…and Miyuki-chan, although a bit uncomfortable around me, which is understandable in a way, she must have not seen anyone with such a mature figure like mine that is around her age, is also friendly.]"
Maya then looked at her uncle Eisaku determinedly. "[And I intend to recruit them in the family. A Strategic-type Magician would be a blessing to the family, and Miyuki-chan would be an excellent assistant to Nee-chan. They can help her in all of her needs.]" Maya said with a small smile, emphasizing the word 'all' in a suggestive manner.
Miya looked at her sister with an annoyed look. "I am not interested in Tatsuya-san or Miyuki-san." Miya insisted.
"[That's your worst attempt in lying ever, Nee-chan. Tatsuya-san looks like father, and Miyuki-chan is prettier than us by a tiny bit. You may not like them yet, but I know that you at least find them attractive.]"
"Miyuki-san, maybe I am a bit attracted to her. She is inhumanely pretty." Miya was already known in the family to be more appreciative to the beauty of the same sex, but the family knew that she would do her duty, regardless of her preference. "But Tatsuya-san is a bit too plain looking to my liking."
The resemblance between Genzou and Tatsuya was glaring, but the current Patriarch of the family was better looking than the younger boy.
Their father looks handsome without any effort, while Tatsuya was just plain looking.
"If he wore an expression aside from that blank look, and if his posture is less rigid and robotic, girls would probably be chasing after him like girls did when Genzou-niisan was around his age." All eyes were instantly on Motosuke after that comment.
Motosuke just shrugged.
"I am married to a model, and I've been in enough photoshoots to know for a fact that a pretty face and a full figure does not always equates to beauty. In beauty, physical appearance is just a small percentage, with the right postures and expressions, even those with average appearance can out shone those with superior ones." Motosuke added quite dismissively.
"[I almost forgot how many useless things Motsuke-jiji knows.]" Maya said after a few seconds.
"It is still very surprising." Miya concurred with her sister.
"I am just saying that Tatsuya-san would be more appealing to Miya-chan if he smiles more or even scowls."
"Jii-sama!" Miya snapped, turning her attention to Motosuke.
"If you are going to get married someday, it's better for you to be married to a guy who isn't a lecher and who looks to be agreeable to you other taste. I don't think the kid won't mind if you're fucking his sister on the side." Motosuke said crudely.
"Language Motosuke-kun." Yasuyo scolded her brother-in-law.
"I think we are getting sidetrack to the true topic of this conversation." Genzou cut off the conversation before any image of him marrying his other daughter off filled his mind. "Are they really worthy of your trust, my dear?"
"[Yes.]" Maya answered swiftly. "[Tatsuya-san saved me from my captors, and Miyuki-chan is doing her best to make sure that I am comfortable during my time with them. They are trustworthy and I know that they will not bring me harm.]"
"Then we shall trust your judgment, but still have your guard up." Genzou instructed his daughter.
"[I will, though that would be pointless. Tatsuya-san is a good bodyguard. He reminds me somewhat of Motosuke-jiji whenever he returns from active duty.]"
Motosuke smirked a little. "That kid does give off a warrior's aura." Motosuke then frowned. "Something he shouldn't be capable off considering his age."
"Motosuke…" There was a warning tone in Eisaku's voice.
"Children deserves to have a childhood, whether that child be a magician or otherwise. Tatsuya-san, from what I've observed so far, was trained like us during our youth, only much more worse." If there was one thing Motosuke was bitter about, it was his childhood or the complete lack their off. Him and his brothers were born when World War Three was at it's peak. With them being magicians, the moment they were able to walk, they were trained to be soldiers. To fight and kill, those were the lessons that were hammered into them early on.
Motosuke excelled in combat, more so than his brothers did, but he swore to himself that he would not allow any other children of the Yotsuba to be trained like killers while they are mere young, a sentiment that his brothers and sister shared with equal passion.
"[I am just grateful that he is very skill. Things would turned out different if he wasn't.]" Everyone shuddered at the mere thought of what could've happened to Maya if Tatsuya and Miyuki did not came to her aid. "[Well, I am alright now, I am secured, and on my way to the embassy. Don't worry too much about me. I'll just be here in the RV, playing video games, watching movies, drinking tea and eating sweats with Miyuki-chan, and recruiting two interesting people into the family.]"
(Scene Change)
"Are you finish speaking with your family, Maya-san?" Tatsuya immediately asked as he and Miyuki reentered the RV.
They were greeted by the sight of Maya tinkering with the plasma TV, a remarkable sight to say the least as the Maya in their time does not bother herself with such trivialities.
And it showed as Maya looked very confused at the sockets between the TV and the gaming console.
"For now, I've calmed them down. They'll call later to check up on me." Maya informed them, greeting her temporary companions, and future in-laws, with a cheerful smile.
"You have a good family." Miyuki complimented, doing her best to hide any form of resentment in her voice.
'Where was this family when the Yotsuba were tinkering with Onii-sama's emotions?' Miyuki asked herself spitefully. 'Where was this family when they made an attempt on Onii-sama's life?'
Tatsuya, sensitive to the emotions of his sister, put a comforting hand over her shoulder. With a squeeze and an assuring look, Miyuki was able to reign in the negative thoughts dancing in her mind.
"Yes I have." Maya continued with the conversation, ignoring the strange exchange between the two, chalking it up to the sibling telepathy that all siblings seem to have. "They can be overprotective to the point of suffocation, but I am their little princess, the cuter, more fun one, so I guess their protectiveness is kind of understandable." Maya joked before frowning a bit as the TV did not show the start up screen of her gaming console.
"Allow me to do that." Tatsuya volunteered as he walked towards Maya. Ushering Maya aside, Tatsuya was able to successfully install the gaming console to the TV in seconds.
"Such a sweetheart." Maya complimented as she gave Tatsuya a quick hug before crouching down and picking up a few games. "Have you guys ever played any video games before?" Maya asked the two while going over the multitude of games that she took from the mall.
"Strategy and shooting games only." Tatsuya's training, though mostly mental and physical, also involve some rather recreational type of training. Games that involve tactics and shooting were first introduce to him to simulate combat situations. Those games were quickly change to simulations as he develops, and the simulations change to live action soon after.
"I never really played a video game in my life." Miya made sure that Miyuki would not waste her time with anything too frivolous. Miyuki's childhood, although more enjoyable that her brother in comparison, revolves around training in Magic and taking lessons that would prepare her to lead the Yotsuba in her adulthood. Miyuki did have fond memories of her mother taking her out to parks for play and games, but her mother never really allowed her to have an indulging childhood.
Maya looked giddy at the information that they allowed her to have. It might not have been much, but it was a start.
"At least you have something normal to boast about." Maya teased Tatsuya before gazing at Miyuki. "And Miyuki-chan, let me start your introduction to the wonderful world of video games with this little classic." Maya showed Miyuki a case that showed an image of cute creature emitting electricity. "We can clear this game in three hours, and then we could move on to the titles that would really stimulate the mind." The eagerness displayed on Maya's face disturbed the Shiba siblings.
An eager Maya tends to have dire consequence.
The siblings looked at each other for a split second, their eyes speaking to each other.
After a second, Tatsuya headed to the cab. "I will join both of you in playing games once we reach a city. Auto pilot in the open road allows us to be track easily by this country's government."
"I think I'll be prepare some food before joining, Maya-san." Miyuki then looked thoughtful. "I can make cupcakes if you want."
"Chocolate with ice cream frosting." Maya requested with a wishful look, a look that was very foreign for both the siblings.
"I can do that." Miyuki assured Maya as she headed towards the kitchen area.
With their activities all planned, the three children went on with their day, with Maya depositing herself on the couch, a controller in hand as her game came to life.
One of Maya's most admirable, but also most frustrating, quirk is that she can turn any situation that she is in into an enjoyable one, for her and, more times than not, for others.
No matter the situation, regardless of how exciting or dull the situation is, Maya would find a way to have fun and she would do here best to drag those around her for the ride.
Even if the situation were dire, Maya would still enjoy herself to the fullest.
After all, life is unpredictable. It could end in an instant, and Maya refuses to die without enjoying the finest things in life.
If there was one thing that Maya took to heart from her father and uncles, it is to value one's life. Happiness is a rarity in this world, so one must always grasped it, even if the happiness is fleeting.
'Let's play.' Maya thought as she indulge herself with one of the few things that can bring her a glimpsed of joy, her smile widening at the sound of Miyuki's humming and the feeling of the RV moving.
'This trip isn't a disaster after all.'
Finally got this one out.
Now please allow me some peace as I despair in a dark corner due to my Cavs struggling early in the season.
They are 13th in the fucking EAST. FUCKING SHIT.