Post by Kakita Mitsouko on Jun 20, 2012 14:10:45 GMT -5
Well, it contains disturbing taboo themes for some people, some potentially (but mild and censored) erotic content. BE WARNED. You are not forced to read, though.
The idea of this storylet occurred in January, when I and Zeure were a bit bored and decided to propose each other some random PBM challenges. One of them was a story about events occurred in one of the hypothetic Mitsouko and Battou’s past lives. We drew lot a theme, roles, and style. It came “greek drama”, “siblings”, “ruthless governor”. We vaguely sketched the contours of a story, but mostly everything what happened was a surprise even to us.
It was not edited but by one single line. My usual typos and poor grammar will be everywhere, as usual.
Zeure:
It was an average day in the provinces that the twins Kakita Midori and Kakita Aka called home. Which meant that it was a day on the verge of peasant upheaval and riots in the streets. On this particular day, their older sibling, Kakita Kiiro, the Daimyo of the territory had just had a magistrate commit seppuku for crimes that are commonly thought that he did not commit.
The twins, however, were in morning instruction. Getting a bit of a workout before they would head off to whatever duties the day held. Their teacher Kakita Ao, was reminding them of stances that held a natural defense against Iaijutsu.
Word had just reached them of the peasants beginning to uprise and Ao was worried.
Mitsouko:
Midori had lots of thoughts kept inside her for a long time, concerning his older brother tyrannical and what not, mad behavior. She had heard whispers of ‘sadistic’ and more often she was inclined to believe it was the best definition for Kiiro’s character. But it was verging riots and if nothing was done soon they all would be killed. Either by peasants or by the clan’s forces. If only someone outside was able to tell the Champion…
We can’t sit idly in this matter. Midori caught a breath in filled her lungs before saying that, but in her voice has resolve, at least.
Zeure:
"No, we can not."
Aka was mirroring his sister's sentiments before she had even concluded the thought. There was too much turmoil in the lands for them to just hang around there.
"Which path should we take, we can go to the champion, or we can try and calm the people here. Either way sounds dangerous."
He was breathing heavily too from the exertion of the training. Ao was talking to the servant that had brought the news, which gave them some room to speak.
Mitsouko:
Yes, it's dangerous, as our brother can judge us rebellious, and so can do the champion as well. Maybe our intentions in help him and calm the people can be misinterpreted... Though... he is not only our daimyo, he is our brother. We can try to understand his reasons, try to help him... though we are inexperienced, we are family and should support him. Maybe... Kiiro-sama is only afraid of being inadequate to the responsibility on his shoulders...She smoothed her initial speech, Midori wasn't sure of having her twin's support in what she was finally letting show.
Zeure:
Sensing his sister's apprehension, he smoothed it over. "Well, whatever we face, we will face it together, as we have everything else."
His thoughts turned to their brother, he was well aware of the old saying: the path is loneliest at the top, and Daimyo of this large territory was getting up there as far as positions go. Perhaps he was just feeling inadequate... But, then again, maybe he had gone mad with power. In his thoughts, Aka was torn, he thrashed around his mind, attempting to find a solution. Finally, he rolled an thought that, of the ones he had considered, this one was best.
"I think we should handle this in stages. First, let us talk to Kiiro-sama about this event, the magistrate. Then let us gauge from there what we should do. I do not think that in talking to the peasents we shall find a permanent solution, but maybe we can stall them long enough to find a permanent solution. I think we shall have to talk to all parties mentioned so far before this drama concludes."
*Aka's actor smiles wryly at the audience, having made a terribly good pun calling this play a drama.*
Mitsouko:
Yes let's do it tonight then. Midori just wished that her older brother can receive them in his best mood. He was usually kind with family, in the start...it was a bit of time she didn't have some time as family with Kiiro, though. Just official meetings with formal protocol to be concerned with.
Though... I've listened, brother... a nakado is arranging marriages for both of us right now. He wishes to marry you to a Dragon bride and me... I am not sure, he sent envoys to many places. If I just didn't sense he is just tired of us around... I would be happy for serving my clan with a good marriage. Midori wasn't able to conceal her concern and sadness now.
Zeure:
He smiled, openly and genuinely at her. "I don't think I could trust the Nakado. Having never been separated from you, I'm not sure how well I'd survive."
Ao came back at that point and forced them to resume the stances that they had instructed them to be practicing as while the peasant was talking. Ao did so with several smart words and a couple of threats from the shinai kept in hand during training, but the twins knew better. Ao simply wanted them to be exceptional, but Ao would never harm them. Ao loved them, in the way that only a teacher could love a student.
After the morning training, they had plenty of time to get themselves ready for the evening's events. Dinner was called for at the usual time, but when they met at the table, their intended spot of talk, their brother was not there.
Mitsouko:
Midori signaled to her brother to just finish the dinner as proper and find their brother wherever he was. Maybe Kiiro was in his quarters, or maybe in other place, but inquiring the guards they would easily find his track. Though, a bad feeling possessed the Kakita girl.
After the dinner then the twins headed to Kiiro's quarters, not knowing exactly what to expect or how their brother would receive their intromission...
Aka... I just hope we don't have arrived too late...she whispered, a hand in her wakizashi's tsuba.
Zeure:
When she gripped her Wakizashi, he gripped his katana. At the same instant, showing that same twin logic that was common in them. They approached the door and all was eerily silent in the house; and just as they were reaching out to part the screen, it slammed open. A man, dressed in plain clothing that covered his face ran past them, knowing them both off balance to the side. As he got to the other side, he looked back momentarily pausing in the hall way, and both of the twins could recognize that he was carrying a fan with him.
They both knew this fan very well. It had been given to their brother by the champion when he had assumed the daimyonate of this territory. If word got out that Kiiro had let it be lost, that he was unable to hold on to it, he would lose much face.
At once, both twins said: "The champion's fan!". Sparing a look, on the other side of the screen, they could see that their brother was unconscious on the floor. He was bleeding, but it was not a lot. The man clad in gear meant to obfuscate who he was took off running.
Mitsouko:
The instinct was faster than any reasoning, and Midori ran after the man. Their family could not afford this loss of face, whatever the reasons. She knew she should be able to catch them but the man turned a wall and swept a priceless porcelain vase from its rack, which shattered in pieces when reached the floor. Midori didn't mind and ran over the supposed obstacle with ease, trying to maintain her pace in this chasing run. Though, the shards of the vase got through her tabi socks (as she was indoors) piercing into the flesh of her feet plants, and soon Midori lose her speed due the pain. Her feet was bleeding and aching like hell now.
Aka! grab him! Almost breathless she yelled, unable to go on.
Zeure:
Aka hesitated for a moment at the sight of their brother laying on the floor. He made sure that he saw the rise and fall of his chest, that he was still breathing. Of COURSE! They wouldn't kill him if they stole the fan to make him lose face. He took off running after his sister and the man bearing the priceless fan. His hesitation was fortuitous in that he heard the vase break before he had gotten there and was prepared for it. A tensing of his legs allowed him a swift leap over the broken pieces and while his sister slowed down, he kept going at that pace. As the man crossed the threshold to their house, Aka caught him, and grabbed at whatever it could get a hold of. Which, in this case, happened to be the colloar of his shirt, which was holding the mask in place.
As the bits of fabric that were only loosely tied together unclasped, the man spun around and Aka was shocked at the identity. He saw their old care taker. The servant who had been like their second father while the twins were growing up. He had been exiled from the estate when their brother took over on the daimyo's whim and they had not heard anything from him... until now.
"Bukuu! Why are you trying to ruin our family!?" Aka shouted in disbelief and hurt emotions.
"Not your family, young master, just your brother. When he falls, you and your sister will rise, and the province will be saved."
Aka drew his katana forth, as fresh wet tears began to fall down his face. "I... I cannot allow you to do this, Bukuu. Stop and surrender your stolen goods, criminal... and I will not be forced to kill you."
Mitsouko:
Midori reached her brother and Bukuu with some difficult, but was able to listen their arguing. She was shocked , mixed feelings of outrage and sympathy. Please Bukuu, just leave. We are trying to manage things to make it better to everyone; we don't wish you dead for such action...
Though, Bukuu's arguments had already messed up with her convictions. Should them use this opportunity to save their province. Midori looked askance to her brother; there is a real possibility there...
Aka, we should let Bukuu take the fan. Now Midori had turned and her face showed Aka her physical pain and her pledging eyes...
Zeure:
Aka looked down at Midori with a look of surprise. He pulled back from her, but she kept her grip on his clothes. He, trying to ascertain how serious she was. The thought had crossed his mind that this unfortunate incident could be turned to their favor, but he had never wanted to go through with it.
"I... Why would we want to hurt brother, like that? We need time to discuss it with him. That's what we said we were going to do."
Bukuu made it a non-issue. He ripped the fan to shreds, right there in front of them. A look of sadness on his eyes, knowing that he had just sacrificed himself for the greater good. He looked at the twins briefly and smiled, then his head dipped downward in shame and remained there.
Mitsouko:
GO Bukuu.
Midori commanded, and after a moment of indecision, the man who raised them both just left.
Our brother is stronger than Bukuu.She knelt to gather the remaining pieces of the fan, clearly upset to her brother. When a noble soul uses of such artifices to unmask a tyrant,...she huffed, it's despair what moved him to.
Then she stood up and started to return, taking with her the destroyed fan rests. I am going to see if "our daimyo" is well.
Zeure:
He grabbed on to her kimono sleeve as she moved away from him.
"Not until we look at your feet. I can tell how much pain you are in. Let us go to front entrance, we'll sit you down on the bench that people use to take off their shoes and I will look at your wound."
He walked that direction with her and paused as they approached the bench.
Mitsouko:
The aching and the twisted emotions just exacerbated her frustration and she felt tears rolling down Midori's cheeks while she walked to the bench and sat, letting her twin to check her wounded feet. The tabi socks were soaked in blood, and it was a signal of what was to be found in the flesh.
Zeure:
As with most people, he too had a notion that he ought to not get involved in touching her skin and especially skin that was bleeding, it was unclean. However, this was his twin sister, the one exception to the rule and he did not hesitate. He gently pulled off her tabi sock and looked at her foot more closely. A jagged piece of glass was embedded in it, he would have to pull that out, and she would need to get her foot sewn shut.
"Stay here. I will be right back."
He ran off towards one of the closets where their clothing was stored. Inside, he knew that the old baba that made the small repairs to their clothing kept some needles and some thread in here for expediency. He ran back to his sister and laid her down on the bench.
"Stay laying down, and grit your teeth, because this is really going to hurt."
Mitsouko:
No you shouldn't...!Though her protest was lost and Aka not only ignored it but soon as acting like a perfect physician , cleaning and sewing the ugly cleft the glass had left in her foot sole. The other foot was less wounded, thankfully, but she never before had felt so much pain as when Aka started his service with needle in the already swollen and aching flesh. She bit her own fist to fight back the urge of yelling in pain. It was endless but... Aka managed to finish it somehow.
Tha.. thank you Aka.She swept away her tears with a weak smile. She was glad for his sacrifice and ashamed for having proposed that honorless solution to their dilemma. So she brought him closer and hugged her twin tight.
What we are going to do about it now? Midori asked, her voice muffled in the fabric of his kimono.
Zeure:
He was wiping off his hands on a bit of cloth that remained from his tattered hakama which he had shredded to make her some bandages for her foot. He needed some water, for both of them, which is what he left to get. Too much to consider. Bukuu would make sure that the news spread about the fan, so if they were going to take the path of dishonor to make it better, then they needed only to not act. This did not sit well with him; but he felt like he had no choice at that moment.
After grabbing a basin of water, he returned to his sister's side and began washing the wound.
"I think all we need to do at this point is our normal duty. Word will spread, and if the champion wants to act, then he will. If the peasants revolt, then we will deal with it, but for now you need to rest. Come on, let me take you to bed and then I'll check on brother."
Mitsouko:
Midori accepted his help and leaned on his shoulder using it as support to reach her bedroom. Also her mirrored her twin's thoughts and found out that the best solution was to wait and see the results of their connivance.
A fear of coming tragedy and separation overcame her heart for a moment, but she preferred to ignore this bad feeling for a while, feeling a bit safe as she at least had one of his brothers, her twin, who cared about her and it made her well.
She hated to feel so fragile as she was now.
Zeure:
He moved through the house with her leaning on him, his arm wrapped around her and he couldn't help but feel something for her, something more than brotherly love. Maybe it was the emotions running through him about what they had done, what they had allowed to happen; maybe he could find a thousand things to blame this feeling on that he had for her, but in the end, it was real. They got to her room and he laid her down on her futon. He got some of the extra blankets that she had in her closet and piled them under her leg so that her foot would be elevated. As he held her wounded foot in his hands, he had this urge to kiss her ankle.
Midori could see that he was conflicted about something, but he laid her foot down on the blankets and rose, turning to leave.
Mitsouko:
Midori tugged at his sleeve, a thing he used to make more often than her.
Hey...Aka, stay a little bit. She wasn't unaware something different was happening, the air was thick with some kind of tension, but all she knew is that she didn't wish him to go. Not that she had some good excuse to make him stay, anyway, so she just waited for her voice to sound convincing enough. Please.
Zeure:
He paused as she tugged at his sleeve and turned just his head to look down on her from his standing position. He slowly turned his whole body around and knelt beside her futon; carefully folding his legs underneath him.
"Yes... sister. As you wish."
Idly he noticed that she was still wearing her outfit from dinner. He had not suggested that she remove any of it. Something seemed pleasing there, but... what was he thinking?
"Do you... do you need me to do something for you? Maybe you'd like me to get you some water or some night clothes? You've been through a lot."
Mitsouko:
Both, in fact, if you don't mind, brother. For a moment she thought to see in his eyes a gaze that could make birds fall from their nests, but it was just a pleasant and forbidden reverie, of course. Maybe due the fact never after her 12 a man was allowed to enter her chambers, even her brothers avoided it. She suddenly realized that this exciting feeling had to do with wishing to be closer to Aka...wishing to have this skin to skin contact with him again. And... she knew it was out of borders. Though, maybe not just a touch... it was a desire of her alone? She wasn't sure how much she could get from him, though...
Do... do you mind untying my obi, Aka?
Zeure:
He had moved over to the water pitcher that was kept in her room and poured out some into a cup that was the match of the pitcher. As she spoke, his heart dropped. He would have dropped the glass, but he was quick to control himself, he did not want to show her any signs of his weakness. Of this feeling that was coursing through him.
"Of course, Midori-onee. As you wish."
He moved over to her and sat the water down on the ground. She was facing away from him, which she had to be, and he slowly untied the obi that crossed her kimono. His arms wrapped around her several times as he pulled the fabric off of her. Her kimono lighty unfolded, but he made no moves to hinder or enhance that.
Mitsouko:
Midori drank the water her brother brought to her and put the cup aside, letting him help her with the obi. The proximity of him, his breath so close...it made things to her body. Her eyes even widened in self awareness of its sensations. Her skin was all goosebumped and...well. something strange and good was happening down there...OH what I am doing? Though... she felt, oh yes she felt he was feeling something too. Midori was no fool and the thickness in the air, making everything so special and so torturing slowly...
So she chuckled, letting her shoulder down to make the silken fabric slip down a bit, revealing the translucent fabric of her nagajuban.
Uhn... now, if you stay you will see me naked...she teased in a silly mode, singing. Is that what you wanna to? The same way they used to tease each other in challenging way all the time.
Zeure:
He knew, just as she knew that they were both feeling something off of this. Was this...wrong? Should they back out now while they could still save something? Would they be saving something by not going forward. And then she teased him. She was seriously ok with it. So why should he not be? He swallowed hard, but a weak smile crossed his face.
"I.. Actually, yes I do."
He looked away briefly, fearing something, but then he looked back at her and his eyes settled on her, waiting, anticipating what was about to happen. Something shifted in his posture, like he was accounting for something that was not there a moment before.
Mitsouko:
Her belly contracted in anticipation, and the flow of adrenaline was able to mask the throbbing pain in her foot. Did he... accepted that? She held her breath in anticipation of what herself was ready to do. This teasing part of their new game was something entirely addicting.
I am not kidding. She started to take off her kimono, looking into his eyes. It slid down her arms, finally draping at her waist and freeing the underkimono top part which, in fact , hid little from her torso and breasts view. Which was moving down and up in the rhythm of her heavy pumping heart.
Zeure:
"Neither am I."
He responded right after she said it, then watched as she slowly moved the kimono down her shoulders, down her arms, and finally laid it to rest around her waist. His eyes slid down her body, he took in it all, her neck and shoulders, the delicate lines of her midsection and her breasts; the slow rythmic motion of her breathing, matching his own. It was almost eerie to consider how much they were alike. He thought that he should reach out to her, as he had before. But his mind was convinced that since she was teasing, he should as well. Or perhaps not, maybe it was just the urge she was making him feel, but the only thing he would say now would be:
"Well, you're halfway there."
He swallowed again, still not sure of how ok he should be with this, but none-the-less, he was going to go forward with it as far as she let him.
Mitsouko:
If there was something hard to deal in Midori was her stubborn and hardly untamed nature, and Aka knew it better. Making this remark only furthered her feeling of boldness and love for danger, though she knew what they were doing was not acceptable and, if somebody else discovered… Anyway she pouted in response, unfolding partially the nagajiban . Do you really wanna see it?
Zeure:
His right hand reached out and touched her shoulder, but it seemed hesitant. She knew that he must be as conflicted as she was about this, but just like her, he wanted it more than he cared about the impropriety.
"I do, if you're ok with it. I don't know how to explain what I'm feeling, but I think that the love I bear you is not merely brother/sister. I think I really do want you." *his eyes moved to the side momentarily, but moved back after he spoke: * "Inthat way."
His hand reached her neck, and he rubbed his finger tips across her skin. Maybe it would seem practiced, but really he was just still hesitating. But not hear any protest on her part, he became a bit more bold with his touch. He slid closer to her on his knees and slid his hands down.
Mitsouko:
Midori's lips parted in surprise and blinked, then her eyes closed with the dubious sensations his touch caused her. A wild sensation she wasn't prepared for. She felt a sudden heat crossing her body and her cheeks got a rosy tone. All she knew is that her arms and legs got weak with his firm touch.
She nodded her head to Aka, as soon as she could.
Sure. Though... we cannot do it "all", right? Midori was crazy, but not THAT crazy. She knew that if her future husband find her non virgin... it would be a great shame.
Zeure:
He released the hold he had on her at her statement. He thought for a bit on that one.
"It is true, I could not shame you like that. I could not put you in that position. It does not change how I feel though... or what I want."
He slumped a little, now feeling sort of dejected in the knowledge that she could never be fully his. Mad thoughts started to race in his head though.
"Maybe, we could lie. If this most recent thing, our brother's shaming comes to pass and something dire happens, then one of us will be made daimyo. We could use our position to make the other stay. To not be offered in marriage. Perhaps we could even lie and say the other one was adopted, not really a blood relative and then we would be free to do as we please."
Mitsouko:
Midori frowned for a moment, considering her brother words. Though we must be sure we can do it… her head tilted from a side to another, while she was biting thumb tip with absent eyes. Yes though. We must be very sure of it…some of her thoughts were so off putting that the girl grabbed back her kimono with her free hand to put it on place again. Her mind was racing with the possibilities of their future…
Zeure:
He shifted again, moving just a bit closer, but turning more facing her.
"True. I'm not saying that we will do something tonight. I don't want to risk you. But... we will see."
He leaned towards her suddenly and kissed her, on the cheek.
Mitsouko:
She pursed her lips, still thoughtful, and agreed.
Right. Though... if our brother is luckier than we expected... so what?
Zeure:
And he thought... how they were sitting here wishing ill on their family, on their brother, for selfish reasons.
"I don't know. I guess we shall just have to see."
He placed the neatly folded night clothes that he had grabbed for her earlier and placed them on her bed and he stood again.
"Midori-nee, I will go now, I don't think we can go any further right now. I'll check on brother before I go to bed myself. You rest."
He took one final meaningful look across her body which came to rest at her eyes on the way back up for a moment, then he left.
Mitsouko:
Midori nodded, with a serious look in her face, and observed her brother to go. How could a forbidden, strange desire took them so far the the point of wishing their own brother shame and death?
She could not sleep that evening, with so many thoughts assaulting her mind as ghosts, and some fever... The next days she had the proper care of an actual physician, and her older brother even visited Midori in her chamber, accompanied by his spouse, the mild and silent Yokiko. His face showed some real concern, which made things worse to her.
Midori-chan, how are you doing?
I'm doing very well, considering...
Midori, thank you very much for trying to recover the fan, your loyalty to your family amke you ignore pain and danger. Though unfortunately none of you arrived at time, it was a precious gesture to me. While Kiiro was speaking, Midori's eyes went to her twin, trying to figure what else happened while she was closed in her bedroom. And I wish to give you this. Yokiko rushed forward to offer her sister in law a lovely obi with embroidered peonies. You know it was from our late mother and she wore it in her marriage. May it bring you the luck she had.
Midori nodded, swallowing back a gasp. While she opened her mouth to say something, Kakita Kiiro said:No. Don't you dare to refuse. Use it instead the day our champion gets here. He comes in few days, is already travelling to our home. Because my enemies managed to ...gossip in his ears about my adversities! Kiiro spat the words. Disturbing his occupied mind with lies and slanders, filthy plots to back stab me! Though, you are one of the Crane maidens he is considering for his spouse, so... I will be very proud of you if you make him very impressed and forget every lie he heard about me...Kiiro managed a smile. Hai?
Midori got panicked.
Hai. She bowed.
Zeure:
Aka's face lost color continually as their brother spoke, he kept looking over at Midori, trying to ascertain what she thought, what they should do. He kept his expression pleasant though,smiling that false smile the whole time.
As Kiiro was leaving, Aka followed him to the door then stopped and made an excuse that he wanted to congratulate her on this news and speak with her on it for a moment. Kiiro had no reason to doubt his brother and left them alone.
Aka moved back to her side and just looked at her, his expression becoming the real sort of worry and concern that he felt inside.
"Thoughts?"
Mitsouko:
OCC: loling at the picture
What is this, Aka? What is happening?she was in shock, mainly because Kiiro was kind as usual to his siblings, which made her blame of permitting the criminal to escape with her connivance even worse; and that, despite on his chances of getting out of the situation alive, it would involve her active effort for it.... and if she was chosen as bride-to-be of the Crane Champion...I don't know brother, I was stuck in this bedchamber for a week! Should I try to amend things... or not?
Zeure:
"Kiiro-nii-san is smart... He is hoping that if he can auction you off to the champion, then he won't have to deal with the shame of the recent events. He is hoping that you impress the champion enough that he will become instantly smitten with you and forget the real reason he is coming. Which is to admonish brother for the fan incident."
He paused for a moment, then put a hand to the side of her face, cupping her cheek.
"How is your foot? I've been worried about you and brother was angry that I took care of your foot myself."
Mitsouko:
I'll be fully recovered soon, dont worry, it's not a great deal now. she tilted the head and kissed his fingers tenderly. I think it's better to do what he wishes and, maybe with some guidance our brother can turn into a good daimyo... It was hard to hate Kiiro in those circumstances. Another kiss in the palm of his hand. We can find a way of not get separated, I am sure.
Zeure:
He closed his eyes as she planted the small kisses along his hands and fingers. It was a sensation that he could not ignore.
"I'm glad you are optimistic about it, but I'm not so sure. If you marry the champion, there isn't a lot of recourse for us. Too many eyes and ears around, we couldn't.... be together."
His face lilted, bent down; if his eyes were open, he'd be looking at the ground. He was glad that she had been bedridden for the week, it had not been a good week. He had seen Kiiro in a way that he had never seen him before. He was angry, at all of them. If Aka had not been there to bear the brunt of it, he would have stormed on Midori too, but he had kept it away from her while she recovered. And then Kiiro's scheme to give her to the champion in exchange... to mitigate his dishonor. Aka was not happy with his brother.
Mitsouko:
Then... all I can do is telling the champion the truth about what is happening, Aka... telling him our brother is letting his whims to blind his mind and the needs of our province...she held his hand firmly, straightening her body while looked into his eyes. It's decided then. Not because of me and you, but for right reasons. Our brother is bringing shame for the memory of our ancestors. I don't think I have a chance with the champion as bride, he probably has better offers to consider, but at least i can use the time to make him see our dilemma between loyalty to our brother and loyalty to our clan. And... Whatever the way we choose, we both know how wrong it is...Midori pursed her lips.This one is the only capable of keep us less dishonored.
Zeure:
He shook his head in disagreeance during her speech at part of it.
"I'm sure that our champion has offers to consider that would be more politically active, but I doubt very much that he has better brides to consider."
He smiled weakly.
"But you are right though, this is the best way to maintain honor and go for the greater good. The champion surely is no fool and will see what our brother is trying to do. You are right, I guess I just worry too much. This will have to be the plan and it will have to work."
He wrapped his hands around hers, gripping them tightly.
Mitsouko:
Some days after, the Crane Champion , Doji Daisetsu and his retinue, arrived to their lands with the customary pomp a Champion like him used to carry. Midori was impeccable and feminine as demanded by her older brother, by Yokiko’s side, while Aka was acting like Kiiro personal yojimbo, at his side. Other honorable samurai of the province where gathered for the exceptional event, and Kiiro made sure some amenities and distractions had been preciously arranged in order to entertain the most important figure of their clan.
The daimyo wasn’t too older than Kiiro, but his expressionless face made him hard to decipher. During the first day, the only mention of acknowledge towards Midori was a simple nod where she bowed low when she was introduced to him, so she waited for a better moment. Doji Daisetsu spent great time with the men, Aka included, so Midori just wished to have a chance to know what was happening…
Zeure:
Aka was kept separate from his sister purposefully. Their brother did not want her femininity to be detracted from by having a male counterpart there for the champion to see. However, it was that the men often got separated from the women. And Aka was there all the same, possibly spoiling the plan until an event unfolded that would give them an opportunity.
The events that had transpired before led some to believe that this location was insecure. That it was vulnerable to attack, and one of the enemies of the champion would attempt to take this to their advantage. In a private sitting room, where it was but Aka, the champion and Kiiro, the assassin's struck. First it was blowdarts with poison meant to numb their limbs and senses. Aka was missed with these, though the other two were not and then it was drawn swords to finish the work. Aka's training gave him the ability to fight on even ground with the three would-be killers with the assistance of the other two; though addled with poison, they could still fend off an attack.
Some time after the last one was slain, the champion arose from his stupor. Aka was still on guard, standing with his sword drawn to fend off anything else that might happen. The champion congratulated him and asked him what he would have for his service to the clan. His soul screamed to say the one thing that would assure him a placement with his sister, but this was also the moment when Kiiro rose and Aka was forced to opt for the path of modesty and honor. And he hoped that Midori would be more mindful of opportunity than he was able to be.
"I would... I would ask nothing for my personal self, champion-sama; as my lord provides all that I need. But if you would indulge me one thing. My sister would like very much to meet with you and speak to you for a private discussion. I will of course be there to guard her, as modesty and custom demands, but please, allow her the opportunity."
Mitsouko:
By the evening, then, with reinforced security the festive events continued. And before the puppet theater and the following dinner, the champion find time to pay his promise to the Kakita twin and invited Midori for a stroll in the garden, which Aka joined them in as proper.
Midori was stunningly beautiful today, and Aka was able to see Daisetsu appreciation for her figure. He started a discreet flirtation, probably thinking that was her intention too.
Though, he was a Doji and a Champion, and was able to read she was not faking modesty towards his attempts. A bit confuse and concerned, Daisetsu asked:
Tell me beautiful lady, there is something I can do for you?
Midori sighed, knowing it was their only chance to do what was right:
Doji-Tono, I can't not lie. I put my life in your hands if you find out my next words are lies and slanders, milord, but I feel it's my duty to my higher lord, to my clan.... I just cannot allow atrocities in my land, cruelty, mismanagement and waste... and my brother Aka, as myself, feel ashamed of having our hands tied so far, knowing not how to react, out of love for our daimyo and brother Kiiro, but also, witnessing the things he is doing....
The Champion nodded, patting his fan in the palm of his hand with a curious expression in his face. He glanced once to Aka as well, but returned to her:
Interesting, Midori-chan...Please go on. And be sure, yes, if I find slanders in your pretty lips I will not hesitate in punish a liar, no matter how beautiful she is.
Tear rolled through Midori's face while she told her Champion what was happening under Kiiro's management. She was trembling, out of shame and hurt of being the one digging her own brother's disgrace.
Zeure:
Aka balked when he started to flirt, but he knew the game. He wanted to say something but he held his tongue in check. He was too quick to jump where she was concerned... this weird infatuation had a lot of sway over him. As they spoke back and forth, they got the meat of the issue. Midori laid it all out for the champion to see. When he was asked about it, Aka agreed with her, and made his own observations as appropriate.
"If you need to check the veracity of what we are saying, have your agents question our peasants. I know that they should only live to serve, but if you are discreet they will tell you how it really is. Or ask our heimen, they would know just as much. Some of them are becoming brave due to desperation. Not less than a week ago we felt that there was a very real chance at a revolt due to the care with which the territory is being managed. We love our brother, but our duty to our clan must come first."
They both ended up in tears over the whole thing. But the sincerity that they displayed could not be ignored.
Mitsouko:
"Very well... " the Crane champion spoke after a moment of reflection.
"Though it macthes with reports I've been receiving, I am impressed that you both can discern sentiment from duty. By now, let me reflect about the strong accusations you made against your own brother. I demand from both of you to remain in the house and keep silent about this conversation." Doji Daisetsu had a stern look in his face by now.
Midori agreed, afraid of the next moves of her champion, but he waited both to regain composure and then the group restarted the stroll, alternating artistic and political subjects with both of them...
Zeure:
Aka also agreed to stay in the house afterward, though in his mind he thought that he would be spending a lot more time with Midori. Aka was silent unless the champion was speaking to him and asking for feedback. He mostly smiled and nodded. Smiled that same fake smile he had with their brother. He was uncomfortable and he could not be made otherwise. Daisetsu did not need to ask him about it, he understood what it was like to separate duty from conscience. No matter how they might have been upholding bushido, it still felt terrible to sell out a family member.
Once they had finished the stroll and returned to the house, Kiiro greeted them. Aka made an excuse that he needed to take Midori to her room and that the champion seemed pleased with her. Which excited Kiiro.
Mitsouko:
Though the twins’ desire were very alike, they knew they could not compromise their Champion’s plans, whatever they were, showing any abnormal behavior, then both joined the dinner and the puppetry show after it.
Outside, a cold November rain drummed over the roofs, Midori knew lots of peasants were ill prepared for the coming winter, the ditches needed long procrastinated repairs; bandits used the bad weather to assault overpopulated inns through the roads, but inside the daimyo’s house, in that evening, it was masked by a precise ceremonial perfection, as if they lived in two different words.
Daisetsu seemed in most part pleased with the quality of everything, and just not knowing he had already a plan about Kiiro, the Kakita twins probably would think he was very comfortable and impressed with the Provincial governor. Aka and Midori knew very well those who were pretending or at least, were just trying to be discreet enough to not directly oppose their daimyo in front of the Clan Champion, and those who supported his mismanagements and tyranny. They knew every of them very well.
Then, after the dinner and the puppets spectacle, the Champion gathered attention, and in a very casual tone, spoke to the provincial dignitaries in the hall. Everybody was sat in their comfortable pillows behind the low tables.
Kiiro-san, first of all, I wish to congratulate you for the excellent evening you propitiated us all, the excellent management of a house your honorable spouse has, as well as her flawless taste.
Kiiro smiled openly, bowing.Domo arigato gozamaisu , Daisetsu-dono. You honor me so much.Yokiko bowed, in the second row behind her husband, as well, but remained silent.
This said, I wish to say how much I am impressed with your sister, her spirit and sincerity. So, I wish to extend to Midori-san, with your leave of course, an invitation to spend the winter in Kyuden Doji’s Court, as maid of honor to my younger sister. She can follow with us in our return, if you do permit; and of course I will provide escorts to her return home in the spring.
Midori’s eyes widened, trying to figure what it possibly meant in the Champion’s scheme, and she discreetly pulled the tip of Aka’s haori. She was in the second row behind him, along the other spouses and daughters. Kiiro’s reaction, as expected, was accept and weave comments about the Champion’s benevolence, but Daisetsu elegantly cut him:
And of course, also her twin, Aka-san, impressed me so much. Not only because he led the reaction that saved not only my life, and yours, but because today I discovered in his personality traits I admire the most: a great sense of justice and honor. Don’t you think, Kiiro-san?
Kiiro again agreed:
My brother is all of this and more, dono. In fact I dare to say he is the right person to…
… command this province, maybe?
Kiiro’s shock was reflected in many varieties along every face in the room:Dono…
…because it is my thought too. I am under impression he will be a great governor, as he follows bushido to core: compassion is something our kami ancestor Lady Doji esteemed and I am no different. Aka seems to have it in equal amounts he shows the justice and honor of his heart. And I am glad you agree with me, Kiiro-san.
Then turning to Aka, the Champion said:These are dire times and I think you deserve a chance to proof you are capable, but you shall show yourself worth of this task. So, you have this winter to correct the things my karo will point to you. And in the spring we will see… By now you replace Kiiro-san in his duties.
The hall was deadly silent and the rain poured loudly in contrast.
Kiiro stood abruptly and stomped out, in great turmoil.
The idea of this storylet occurred in January, when I and Zeure were a bit bored and decided to propose each other some random PBM challenges. One of them was a story about events occurred in one of the hypothetic Mitsouko and Battou’s past lives. We drew lot a theme, roles, and style. It came “greek drama”, “siblings”, “ruthless governor”. We vaguely sketched the contours of a story, but mostly everything what happened was a surprise even to us.
It was not edited but by one single line. My usual typos and poor grammar will be everywhere, as usual.
Zeure:
It was an average day in the provinces that the twins Kakita Midori and Kakita Aka called home. Which meant that it was a day on the verge of peasant upheaval and riots in the streets. On this particular day, their older sibling, Kakita Kiiro, the Daimyo of the territory had just had a magistrate commit seppuku for crimes that are commonly thought that he did not commit.
The twins, however, were in morning instruction. Getting a bit of a workout before they would head off to whatever duties the day held. Their teacher Kakita Ao, was reminding them of stances that held a natural defense against Iaijutsu.
Word had just reached them of the peasants beginning to uprise and Ao was worried.
Mitsouko:
Midori had lots of thoughts kept inside her for a long time, concerning his older brother tyrannical and what not, mad behavior. She had heard whispers of ‘sadistic’ and more often she was inclined to believe it was the best definition for Kiiro’s character. But it was verging riots and if nothing was done soon they all would be killed. Either by peasants or by the clan’s forces. If only someone outside was able to tell the Champion…
We can’t sit idly in this matter. Midori caught a breath in filled her lungs before saying that, but in her voice has resolve, at least.
Zeure:
"No, we can not."
Aka was mirroring his sister's sentiments before she had even concluded the thought. There was too much turmoil in the lands for them to just hang around there.
"Which path should we take, we can go to the champion, or we can try and calm the people here. Either way sounds dangerous."
He was breathing heavily too from the exertion of the training. Ao was talking to the servant that had brought the news, which gave them some room to speak.
Mitsouko:
Yes, it's dangerous, as our brother can judge us rebellious, and so can do the champion as well. Maybe our intentions in help him and calm the people can be misinterpreted... Though... he is not only our daimyo, he is our brother. We can try to understand his reasons, try to help him... though we are inexperienced, we are family and should support him. Maybe... Kiiro-sama is only afraid of being inadequate to the responsibility on his shoulders...She smoothed her initial speech, Midori wasn't sure of having her twin's support in what she was finally letting show.
Zeure:
Sensing his sister's apprehension, he smoothed it over. "Well, whatever we face, we will face it together, as we have everything else."
His thoughts turned to their brother, he was well aware of the old saying: the path is loneliest at the top, and Daimyo of this large territory was getting up there as far as positions go. Perhaps he was just feeling inadequate... But, then again, maybe he had gone mad with power. In his thoughts, Aka was torn, he thrashed around his mind, attempting to find a solution. Finally, he rolled an thought that, of the ones he had considered, this one was best.
"I think we should handle this in stages. First, let us talk to Kiiro-sama about this event, the magistrate. Then let us gauge from there what we should do. I do not think that in talking to the peasents we shall find a permanent solution, but maybe we can stall them long enough to find a permanent solution. I think we shall have to talk to all parties mentioned so far before this drama concludes."
*Aka's actor smiles wryly at the audience, having made a terribly good pun calling this play a drama.*
Mitsouko:
Yes let's do it tonight then. Midori just wished that her older brother can receive them in his best mood. He was usually kind with family, in the start...it was a bit of time she didn't have some time as family with Kiiro, though. Just official meetings with formal protocol to be concerned with.
Though... I've listened, brother... a nakado is arranging marriages for both of us right now. He wishes to marry you to a Dragon bride and me... I am not sure, he sent envoys to many places. If I just didn't sense he is just tired of us around... I would be happy for serving my clan with a good marriage. Midori wasn't able to conceal her concern and sadness now.
Zeure:
He smiled, openly and genuinely at her. "I don't think I could trust the Nakado. Having never been separated from you, I'm not sure how well I'd survive."
Ao came back at that point and forced them to resume the stances that they had instructed them to be practicing as while the peasant was talking. Ao did so with several smart words and a couple of threats from the shinai kept in hand during training, but the twins knew better. Ao simply wanted them to be exceptional, but Ao would never harm them. Ao loved them, in the way that only a teacher could love a student.
After the morning training, they had plenty of time to get themselves ready for the evening's events. Dinner was called for at the usual time, but when they met at the table, their intended spot of talk, their brother was not there.
Mitsouko:
Midori signaled to her brother to just finish the dinner as proper and find their brother wherever he was. Maybe Kiiro was in his quarters, or maybe in other place, but inquiring the guards they would easily find his track. Though, a bad feeling possessed the Kakita girl.
After the dinner then the twins headed to Kiiro's quarters, not knowing exactly what to expect or how their brother would receive their intromission...
Aka... I just hope we don't have arrived too late...she whispered, a hand in her wakizashi's tsuba.
Zeure:
When she gripped her Wakizashi, he gripped his katana. At the same instant, showing that same twin logic that was common in them. They approached the door and all was eerily silent in the house; and just as they were reaching out to part the screen, it slammed open. A man, dressed in plain clothing that covered his face ran past them, knowing them both off balance to the side. As he got to the other side, he looked back momentarily pausing in the hall way, and both of the twins could recognize that he was carrying a fan with him.
They both knew this fan very well. It had been given to their brother by the champion when he had assumed the daimyonate of this territory. If word got out that Kiiro had let it be lost, that he was unable to hold on to it, he would lose much face.
At once, both twins said: "The champion's fan!". Sparing a look, on the other side of the screen, they could see that their brother was unconscious on the floor. He was bleeding, but it was not a lot. The man clad in gear meant to obfuscate who he was took off running.
Mitsouko:
The instinct was faster than any reasoning, and Midori ran after the man. Their family could not afford this loss of face, whatever the reasons. She knew she should be able to catch them but the man turned a wall and swept a priceless porcelain vase from its rack, which shattered in pieces when reached the floor. Midori didn't mind and ran over the supposed obstacle with ease, trying to maintain her pace in this chasing run. Though, the shards of the vase got through her tabi socks (as she was indoors) piercing into the flesh of her feet plants, and soon Midori lose her speed due the pain. Her feet was bleeding and aching like hell now.
Aka! grab him! Almost breathless she yelled, unable to go on.
Zeure:
Aka hesitated for a moment at the sight of their brother laying on the floor. He made sure that he saw the rise and fall of his chest, that he was still breathing. Of COURSE! They wouldn't kill him if they stole the fan to make him lose face. He took off running after his sister and the man bearing the priceless fan. His hesitation was fortuitous in that he heard the vase break before he had gotten there and was prepared for it. A tensing of his legs allowed him a swift leap over the broken pieces and while his sister slowed down, he kept going at that pace. As the man crossed the threshold to their house, Aka caught him, and grabbed at whatever it could get a hold of. Which, in this case, happened to be the colloar of his shirt, which was holding the mask in place.
As the bits of fabric that were only loosely tied together unclasped, the man spun around and Aka was shocked at the identity. He saw their old care taker. The servant who had been like their second father while the twins were growing up. He had been exiled from the estate when their brother took over on the daimyo's whim and they had not heard anything from him... until now.
"Bukuu! Why are you trying to ruin our family!?" Aka shouted in disbelief and hurt emotions.
"Not your family, young master, just your brother. When he falls, you and your sister will rise, and the province will be saved."
Aka drew his katana forth, as fresh wet tears began to fall down his face. "I... I cannot allow you to do this, Bukuu. Stop and surrender your stolen goods, criminal... and I will not be forced to kill you."
Mitsouko:
Midori reached her brother and Bukuu with some difficult, but was able to listen their arguing. She was shocked , mixed feelings of outrage and sympathy. Please Bukuu, just leave. We are trying to manage things to make it better to everyone; we don't wish you dead for such action...
Though, Bukuu's arguments had already messed up with her convictions. Should them use this opportunity to save their province. Midori looked askance to her brother; there is a real possibility there...
Aka, we should let Bukuu take the fan. Now Midori had turned and her face showed Aka her physical pain and her pledging eyes...
Zeure:
Aka looked down at Midori with a look of surprise. He pulled back from her, but she kept her grip on his clothes. He, trying to ascertain how serious she was. The thought had crossed his mind that this unfortunate incident could be turned to their favor, but he had never wanted to go through with it.
"I... Why would we want to hurt brother, like that? We need time to discuss it with him. That's what we said we were going to do."
Bukuu made it a non-issue. He ripped the fan to shreds, right there in front of them. A look of sadness on his eyes, knowing that he had just sacrificed himself for the greater good. He looked at the twins briefly and smiled, then his head dipped downward in shame and remained there.
Mitsouko:
GO Bukuu.
Midori commanded, and after a moment of indecision, the man who raised them both just left.
Our brother is stronger than Bukuu.She knelt to gather the remaining pieces of the fan, clearly upset to her brother. When a noble soul uses of such artifices to unmask a tyrant,...she huffed, it's despair what moved him to.
Then she stood up and started to return, taking with her the destroyed fan rests. I am going to see if "our daimyo" is well.
Zeure:
He grabbed on to her kimono sleeve as she moved away from him.
"Not until we look at your feet. I can tell how much pain you are in. Let us go to front entrance, we'll sit you down on the bench that people use to take off their shoes and I will look at your wound."
He walked that direction with her and paused as they approached the bench.
Mitsouko:
The aching and the twisted emotions just exacerbated her frustration and she felt tears rolling down Midori's cheeks while she walked to the bench and sat, letting her twin to check her wounded feet. The tabi socks were soaked in blood, and it was a signal of what was to be found in the flesh.
Zeure:
As with most people, he too had a notion that he ought to not get involved in touching her skin and especially skin that was bleeding, it was unclean. However, this was his twin sister, the one exception to the rule and he did not hesitate. He gently pulled off her tabi sock and looked at her foot more closely. A jagged piece of glass was embedded in it, he would have to pull that out, and she would need to get her foot sewn shut.
"Stay here. I will be right back."
He ran off towards one of the closets where their clothing was stored. Inside, he knew that the old baba that made the small repairs to their clothing kept some needles and some thread in here for expediency. He ran back to his sister and laid her down on the bench.
"Stay laying down, and grit your teeth, because this is really going to hurt."
Mitsouko:
No you shouldn't...!Though her protest was lost and Aka not only ignored it but soon as acting like a perfect physician , cleaning and sewing the ugly cleft the glass had left in her foot sole. The other foot was less wounded, thankfully, but she never before had felt so much pain as when Aka started his service with needle in the already swollen and aching flesh. She bit her own fist to fight back the urge of yelling in pain. It was endless but... Aka managed to finish it somehow.
Tha.. thank you Aka.She swept away her tears with a weak smile. She was glad for his sacrifice and ashamed for having proposed that honorless solution to their dilemma. So she brought him closer and hugged her twin tight.
What we are going to do about it now? Midori asked, her voice muffled in the fabric of his kimono.
Zeure:
He was wiping off his hands on a bit of cloth that remained from his tattered hakama which he had shredded to make her some bandages for her foot. He needed some water, for both of them, which is what he left to get. Too much to consider. Bukuu would make sure that the news spread about the fan, so if they were going to take the path of dishonor to make it better, then they needed only to not act. This did not sit well with him; but he felt like he had no choice at that moment.
After grabbing a basin of water, he returned to his sister's side and began washing the wound.
"I think all we need to do at this point is our normal duty. Word will spread, and if the champion wants to act, then he will. If the peasants revolt, then we will deal with it, but for now you need to rest. Come on, let me take you to bed and then I'll check on brother."
Mitsouko:
Midori accepted his help and leaned on his shoulder using it as support to reach her bedroom. Also her mirrored her twin's thoughts and found out that the best solution was to wait and see the results of their connivance.
A fear of coming tragedy and separation overcame her heart for a moment, but she preferred to ignore this bad feeling for a while, feeling a bit safe as she at least had one of his brothers, her twin, who cared about her and it made her well.
She hated to feel so fragile as she was now.
Zeure:
He moved through the house with her leaning on him, his arm wrapped around her and he couldn't help but feel something for her, something more than brotherly love. Maybe it was the emotions running through him about what they had done, what they had allowed to happen; maybe he could find a thousand things to blame this feeling on that he had for her, but in the end, it was real. They got to her room and he laid her down on her futon. He got some of the extra blankets that she had in her closet and piled them under her leg so that her foot would be elevated. As he held her wounded foot in his hands, he had this urge to kiss her ankle.
Midori could see that he was conflicted about something, but he laid her foot down on the blankets and rose, turning to leave.
Mitsouko:
Midori tugged at his sleeve, a thing he used to make more often than her.
Hey...Aka, stay a little bit. She wasn't unaware something different was happening, the air was thick with some kind of tension, but all she knew is that she didn't wish him to go. Not that she had some good excuse to make him stay, anyway, so she just waited for her voice to sound convincing enough. Please.
Zeure:
He paused as she tugged at his sleeve and turned just his head to look down on her from his standing position. He slowly turned his whole body around and knelt beside her futon; carefully folding his legs underneath him.
"Yes... sister. As you wish."
Idly he noticed that she was still wearing her outfit from dinner. He had not suggested that she remove any of it. Something seemed pleasing there, but... what was he thinking?
"Do you... do you need me to do something for you? Maybe you'd like me to get you some water or some night clothes? You've been through a lot."
Mitsouko:
Both, in fact, if you don't mind, brother. For a moment she thought to see in his eyes a gaze that could make birds fall from their nests, but it was just a pleasant and forbidden reverie, of course. Maybe due the fact never after her 12 a man was allowed to enter her chambers, even her brothers avoided it. She suddenly realized that this exciting feeling had to do with wishing to be closer to Aka...wishing to have this skin to skin contact with him again. And... she knew it was out of borders. Though, maybe not just a touch... it was a desire of her alone? She wasn't sure how much she could get from him, though...
Do... do you mind untying my obi, Aka?
Zeure:
He had moved over to the water pitcher that was kept in her room and poured out some into a cup that was the match of the pitcher. As she spoke, his heart dropped. He would have dropped the glass, but he was quick to control himself, he did not want to show her any signs of his weakness. Of this feeling that was coursing through him.
"Of course, Midori-onee. As you wish."
He moved over to her and sat the water down on the ground. She was facing away from him, which she had to be, and he slowly untied the obi that crossed her kimono. His arms wrapped around her several times as he pulled the fabric off of her. Her kimono lighty unfolded, but he made no moves to hinder or enhance that.
Mitsouko:
Midori drank the water her brother brought to her and put the cup aside, letting him help her with the obi. The proximity of him, his breath so close...it made things to her body. Her eyes even widened in self awareness of its sensations. Her skin was all goosebumped and...well. something strange and good was happening down there...OH what I am doing? Though... she felt, oh yes she felt he was feeling something too. Midori was no fool and the thickness in the air, making everything so special and so torturing slowly...
So she chuckled, letting her shoulder down to make the silken fabric slip down a bit, revealing the translucent fabric of her nagajuban.
Uhn... now, if you stay you will see me naked...she teased in a silly mode, singing. Is that what you wanna to? The same way they used to tease each other in challenging way all the time.
Zeure:
He knew, just as she knew that they were both feeling something off of this. Was this...wrong? Should they back out now while they could still save something? Would they be saving something by not going forward. And then she teased him. She was seriously ok with it. So why should he not be? He swallowed hard, but a weak smile crossed his face.
"I.. Actually, yes I do."
He looked away briefly, fearing something, but then he looked back at her and his eyes settled on her, waiting, anticipating what was about to happen. Something shifted in his posture, like he was accounting for something that was not there a moment before.
Mitsouko:
Her belly contracted in anticipation, and the flow of adrenaline was able to mask the throbbing pain in her foot. Did he... accepted that? She held her breath in anticipation of what herself was ready to do. This teasing part of their new game was something entirely addicting.
I am not kidding. She started to take off her kimono, looking into his eyes. It slid down her arms, finally draping at her waist and freeing the underkimono top part which, in fact , hid little from her torso and breasts view. Which was moving down and up in the rhythm of her heavy pumping heart.
Zeure:
"Neither am I."
He responded right after she said it, then watched as she slowly moved the kimono down her shoulders, down her arms, and finally laid it to rest around her waist. His eyes slid down her body, he took in it all, her neck and shoulders, the delicate lines of her midsection and her breasts; the slow rythmic motion of her breathing, matching his own. It was almost eerie to consider how much they were alike. He thought that he should reach out to her, as he had before. But his mind was convinced that since she was teasing, he should as well. Or perhaps not, maybe it was just the urge she was making him feel, but the only thing he would say now would be:
"Well, you're halfway there."
He swallowed again, still not sure of how ok he should be with this, but none-the-less, he was going to go forward with it as far as she let him.
Mitsouko:
If there was something hard to deal in Midori was her stubborn and hardly untamed nature, and Aka knew it better. Making this remark only furthered her feeling of boldness and love for danger, though she knew what they were doing was not acceptable and, if somebody else discovered… Anyway she pouted in response, unfolding partially the nagajiban . Do you really wanna see it?
Zeure:
His right hand reached out and touched her shoulder, but it seemed hesitant. She knew that he must be as conflicted as she was about this, but just like her, he wanted it more than he cared about the impropriety.
"I do, if you're ok with it. I don't know how to explain what I'm feeling, but I think that the love I bear you is not merely brother/sister. I think I really do want you." *his eyes moved to the side momentarily, but moved back after he spoke: * "Inthat way."
His hand reached her neck, and he rubbed his finger tips across her skin. Maybe it would seem practiced, but really he was just still hesitating. But not hear any protest on her part, he became a bit more bold with his touch. He slid closer to her on his knees and slid his hands down.
Mitsouko:
Midori's lips parted in surprise and blinked, then her eyes closed with the dubious sensations his touch caused her. A wild sensation she wasn't prepared for. She felt a sudden heat crossing her body and her cheeks got a rosy tone. All she knew is that her arms and legs got weak with his firm touch.
She nodded her head to Aka, as soon as she could.
Sure. Though... we cannot do it "all", right? Midori was crazy, but not THAT crazy. She knew that if her future husband find her non virgin... it would be a great shame.
Zeure:
He released the hold he had on her at her statement. He thought for a bit on that one.
"It is true, I could not shame you like that. I could not put you in that position. It does not change how I feel though... or what I want."
He slumped a little, now feeling sort of dejected in the knowledge that she could never be fully his. Mad thoughts started to race in his head though.
"Maybe, we could lie. If this most recent thing, our brother's shaming comes to pass and something dire happens, then one of us will be made daimyo. We could use our position to make the other stay. To not be offered in marriage. Perhaps we could even lie and say the other one was adopted, not really a blood relative and then we would be free to do as we please."
Mitsouko:
Midori frowned for a moment, considering her brother words. Though we must be sure we can do it… her head tilted from a side to another, while she was biting thumb tip with absent eyes. Yes though. We must be very sure of it…some of her thoughts were so off putting that the girl grabbed back her kimono with her free hand to put it on place again. Her mind was racing with the possibilities of their future…
Zeure:
He shifted again, moving just a bit closer, but turning more facing her.
"True. I'm not saying that we will do something tonight. I don't want to risk you. But... we will see."
He leaned towards her suddenly and kissed her, on the cheek.
Mitsouko:
She pursed her lips, still thoughtful, and agreed.
Right. Though... if our brother is luckier than we expected... so what?
Zeure:
And he thought... how they were sitting here wishing ill on their family, on their brother, for selfish reasons.
"I don't know. I guess we shall just have to see."
He placed the neatly folded night clothes that he had grabbed for her earlier and placed them on her bed and he stood again.
"Midori-nee, I will go now, I don't think we can go any further right now. I'll check on brother before I go to bed myself. You rest."
He took one final meaningful look across her body which came to rest at her eyes on the way back up for a moment, then he left.
Mitsouko:
Midori nodded, with a serious look in her face, and observed her brother to go. How could a forbidden, strange desire took them so far the the point of wishing their own brother shame and death?
She could not sleep that evening, with so many thoughts assaulting her mind as ghosts, and some fever... The next days she had the proper care of an actual physician, and her older brother even visited Midori in her chamber, accompanied by his spouse, the mild and silent Yokiko. His face showed some real concern, which made things worse to her.
Midori-chan, how are you doing?
I'm doing very well, considering...
Midori, thank you very much for trying to recover the fan, your loyalty to your family amke you ignore pain and danger. Though unfortunately none of you arrived at time, it was a precious gesture to me. While Kiiro was speaking, Midori's eyes went to her twin, trying to figure what else happened while she was closed in her bedroom. And I wish to give you this. Yokiko rushed forward to offer her sister in law a lovely obi with embroidered peonies. You know it was from our late mother and she wore it in her marriage. May it bring you the luck she had.
Midori nodded, swallowing back a gasp. While she opened her mouth to say something, Kakita Kiiro said:No. Don't you dare to refuse. Use it instead the day our champion gets here. He comes in few days, is already travelling to our home. Because my enemies managed to ...gossip in his ears about my adversities! Kiiro spat the words. Disturbing his occupied mind with lies and slanders, filthy plots to back stab me! Though, you are one of the Crane maidens he is considering for his spouse, so... I will be very proud of you if you make him very impressed and forget every lie he heard about me...Kiiro managed a smile. Hai?
Midori got panicked.
Hai. She bowed.
Zeure:
Aka's face lost color continually as their brother spoke, he kept looking over at Midori, trying to ascertain what she thought, what they should do. He kept his expression pleasant though,smiling that false smile the whole time.
As Kiiro was leaving, Aka followed him to the door then stopped and made an excuse that he wanted to congratulate her on this news and speak with her on it for a moment. Kiiro had no reason to doubt his brother and left them alone.
Aka moved back to her side and just looked at her, his expression becoming the real sort of worry and concern that he felt inside.
"Thoughts?"
Mitsouko:
OCC: loling at the picture
What is this, Aka? What is happening?she was in shock, mainly because Kiiro was kind as usual to his siblings, which made her blame of permitting the criminal to escape with her connivance even worse; and that, despite on his chances of getting out of the situation alive, it would involve her active effort for it.... and if she was chosen as bride-to-be of the Crane Champion...I don't know brother, I was stuck in this bedchamber for a week! Should I try to amend things... or not?
Zeure:
"Kiiro-nii-san is smart... He is hoping that if he can auction you off to the champion, then he won't have to deal with the shame of the recent events. He is hoping that you impress the champion enough that he will become instantly smitten with you and forget the real reason he is coming. Which is to admonish brother for the fan incident."
He paused for a moment, then put a hand to the side of her face, cupping her cheek.
"How is your foot? I've been worried about you and brother was angry that I took care of your foot myself."
Mitsouko:
I'll be fully recovered soon, dont worry, it's not a great deal now. she tilted the head and kissed his fingers tenderly. I think it's better to do what he wishes and, maybe with some guidance our brother can turn into a good daimyo... It was hard to hate Kiiro in those circumstances. Another kiss in the palm of his hand. We can find a way of not get separated, I am sure.
Zeure:
He closed his eyes as she planted the small kisses along his hands and fingers. It was a sensation that he could not ignore.
"I'm glad you are optimistic about it, but I'm not so sure. If you marry the champion, there isn't a lot of recourse for us. Too many eyes and ears around, we couldn't.... be together."
His face lilted, bent down; if his eyes were open, he'd be looking at the ground. He was glad that she had been bedridden for the week, it had not been a good week. He had seen Kiiro in a way that he had never seen him before. He was angry, at all of them. If Aka had not been there to bear the brunt of it, he would have stormed on Midori too, but he had kept it away from her while she recovered. And then Kiiro's scheme to give her to the champion in exchange... to mitigate his dishonor. Aka was not happy with his brother.
Mitsouko:
Then... all I can do is telling the champion the truth about what is happening, Aka... telling him our brother is letting his whims to blind his mind and the needs of our province...she held his hand firmly, straightening her body while looked into his eyes. It's decided then. Not because of me and you, but for right reasons. Our brother is bringing shame for the memory of our ancestors. I don't think I have a chance with the champion as bride, he probably has better offers to consider, but at least i can use the time to make him see our dilemma between loyalty to our brother and loyalty to our clan. And... Whatever the way we choose, we both know how wrong it is...Midori pursed her lips.This one is the only capable of keep us less dishonored.
Zeure:
He shook his head in disagreeance during her speech at part of it.
"I'm sure that our champion has offers to consider that would be more politically active, but I doubt very much that he has better brides to consider."
He smiled weakly.
"But you are right though, this is the best way to maintain honor and go for the greater good. The champion surely is no fool and will see what our brother is trying to do. You are right, I guess I just worry too much. This will have to be the plan and it will have to work."
He wrapped his hands around hers, gripping them tightly.
Mitsouko:
Some days after, the Crane Champion , Doji Daisetsu and his retinue, arrived to their lands with the customary pomp a Champion like him used to carry. Midori was impeccable and feminine as demanded by her older brother, by Yokiko’s side, while Aka was acting like Kiiro personal yojimbo, at his side. Other honorable samurai of the province where gathered for the exceptional event, and Kiiro made sure some amenities and distractions had been preciously arranged in order to entertain the most important figure of their clan.
The daimyo wasn’t too older than Kiiro, but his expressionless face made him hard to decipher. During the first day, the only mention of acknowledge towards Midori was a simple nod where she bowed low when she was introduced to him, so she waited for a better moment. Doji Daisetsu spent great time with the men, Aka included, so Midori just wished to have a chance to know what was happening…
Zeure:
Aka was kept separate from his sister purposefully. Their brother did not want her femininity to be detracted from by having a male counterpart there for the champion to see. However, it was that the men often got separated from the women. And Aka was there all the same, possibly spoiling the plan until an event unfolded that would give them an opportunity.
The events that had transpired before led some to believe that this location was insecure. That it was vulnerable to attack, and one of the enemies of the champion would attempt to take this to their advantage. In a private sitting room, where it was but Aka, the champion and Kiiro, the assassin's struck. First it was blowdarts with poison meant to numb their limbs and senses. Aka was missed with these, though the other two were not and then it was drawn swords to finish the work. Aka's training gave him the ability to fight on even ground with the three would-be killers with the assistance of the other two; though addled with poison, they could still fend off an attack.
Some time after the last one was slain, the champion arose from his stupor. Aka was still on guard, standing with his sword drawn to fend off anything else that might happen. The champion congratulated him and asked him what he would have for his service to the clan. His soul screamed to say the one thing that would assure him a placement with his sister, but this was also the moment when Kiiro rose and Aka was forced to opt for the path of modesty and honor. And he hoped that Midori would be more mindful of opportunity than he was able to be.
"I would... I would ask nothing for my personal self, champion-sama; as my lord provides all that I need. But if you would indulge me one thing. My sister would like very much to meet with you and speak to you for a private discussion. I will of course be there to guard her, as modesty and custom demands, but please, allow her the opportunity."
Mitsouko:
By the evening, then, with reinforced security the festive events continued. And before the puppet theater and the following dinner, the champion find time to pay his promise to the Kakita twin and invited Midori for a stroll in the garden, which Aka joined them in as proper.
Midori was stunningly beautiful today, and Aka was able to see Daisetsu appreciation for her figure. He started a discreet flirtation, probably thinking that was her intention too.
Though, he was a Doji and a Champion, and was able to read she was not faking modesty towards his attempts. A bit confuse and concerned, Daisetsu asked:
Tell me beautiful lady, there is something I can do for you?
Midori sighed, knowing it was their only chance to do what was right:
Doji-Tono, I can't not lie. I put my life in your hands if you find out my next words are lies and slanders, milord, but I feel it's my duty to my higher lord, to my clan.... I just cannot allow atrocities in my land, cruelty, mismanagement and waste... and my brother Aka, as myself, feel ashamed of having our hands tied so far, knowing not how to react, out of love for our daimyo and brother Kiiro, but also, witnessing the things he is doing....
The Champion nodded, patting his fan in the palm of his hand with a curious expression in his face. He glanced once to Aka as well, but returned to her:
Interesting, Midori-chan...Please go on. And be sure, yes, if I find slanders in your pretty lips I will not hesitate in punish a liar, no matter how beautiful she is.
Tear rolled through Midori's face while she told her Champion what was happening under Kiiro's management. She was trembling, out of shame and hurt of being the one digging her own brother's disgrace.
Zeure:
Aka balked when he started to flirt, but he knew the game. He wanted to say something but he held his tongue in check. He was too quick to jump where she was concerned... this weird infatuation had a lot of sway over him. As they spoke back and forth, they got the meat of the issue. Midori laid it all out for the champion to see. When he was asked about it, Aka agreed with her, and made his own observations as appropriate.
"If you need to check the veracity of what we are saying, have your agents question our peasants. I know that they should only live to serve, but if you are discreet they will tell you how it really is. Or ask our heimen, they would know just as much. Some of them are becoming brave due to desperation. Not less than a week ago we felt that there was a very real chance at a revolt due to the care with which the territory is being managed. We love our brother, but our duty to our clan must come first."
They both ended up in tears over the whole thing. But the sincerity that they displayed could not be ignored.
Mitsouko:
"Very well... " the Crane champion spoke after a moment of reflection.
"Though it macthes with reports I've been receiving, I am impressed that you both can discern sentiment from duty. By now, let me reflect about the strong accusations you made against your own brother. I demand from both of you to remain in the house and keep silent about this conversation." Doji Daisetsu had a stern look in his face by now.
Midori agreed, afraid of the next moves of her champion, but he waited both to regain composure and then the group restarted the stroll, alternating artistic and political subjects with both of them...
Zeure:
Aka also agreed to stay in the house afterward, though in his mind he thought that he would be spending a lot more time with Midori. Aka was silent unless the champion was speaking to him and asking for feedback. He mostly smiled and nodded. Smiled that same fake smile he had with their brother. He was uncomfortable and he could not be made otherwise. Daisetsu did not need to ask him about it, he understood what it was like to separate duty from conscience. No matter how they might have been upholding bushido, it still felt terrible to sell out a family member.
Once they had finished the stroll and returned to the house, Kiiro greeted them. Aka made an excuse that he needed to take Midori to her room and that the champion seemed pleased with her. Which excited Kiiro.
Mitsouko:
Though the twins’ desire were very alike, they knew they could not compromise their Champion’s plans, whatever they were, showing any abnormal behavior, then both joined the dinner and the puppetry show after it.
Outside, a cold November rain drummed over the roofs, Midori knew lots of peasants were ill prepared for the coming winter, the ditches needed long procrastinated repairs; bandits used the bad weather to assault overpopulated inns through the roads, but inside the daimyo’s house, in that evening, it was masked by a precise ceremonial perfection, as if they lived in two different words.
Daisetsu seemed in most part pleased with the quality of everything, and just not knowing he had already a plan about Kiiro, the Kakita twins probably would think he was very comfortable and impressed with the Provincial governor. Aka and Midori knew very well those who were pretending or at least, were just trying to be discreet enough to not directly oppose their daimyo in front of the Clan Champion, and those who supported his mismanagements and tyranny. They knew every of them very well.
Then, after the dinner and the puppets spectacle, the Champion gathered attention, and in a very casual tone, spoke to the provincial dignitaries in the hall. Everybody was sat in their comfortable pillows behind the low tables.
Kiiro-san, first of all, I wish to congratulate you for the excellent evening you propitiated us all, the excellent management of a house your honorable spouse has, as well as her flawless taste.
Kiiro smiled openly, bowing.Domo arigato gozamaisu , Daisetsu-dono. You honor me so much.Yokiko bowed, in the second row behind her husband, as well, but remained silent.
This said, I wish to say how much I am impressed with your sister, her spirit and sincerity. So, I wish to extend to Midori-san, with your leave of course, an invitation to spend the winter in Kyuden Doji’s Court, as maid of honor to my younger sister. She can follow with us in our return, if you do permit; and of course I will provide escorts to her return home in the spring.
Midori’s eyes widened, trying to figure what it possibly meant in the Champion’s scheme, and she discreetly pulled the tip of Aka’s haori. She was in the second row behind him, along the other spouses and daughters. Kiiro’s reaction, as expected, was accept and weave comments about the Champion’s benevolence, but Daisetsu elegantly cut him:
And of course, also her twin, Aka-san, impressed me so much. Not only because he led the reaction that saved not only my life, and yours, but because today I discovered in his personality traits I admire the most: a great sense of justice and honor. Don’t you think, Kiiro-san?
Kiiro again agreed:
My brother is all of this and more, dono. In fact I dare to say he is the right person to…
… command this province, maybe?
Kiiro’s shock was reflected in many varieties along every face in the room:Dono…
…because it is my thought too. I am under impression he will be a great governor, as he follows bushido to core: compassion is something our kami ancestor Lady Doji esteemed and I am no different. Aka seems to have it in equal amounts he shows the justice and honor of his heart. And I am glad you agree with me, Kiiro-san.
Then turning to Aka, the Champion said:These are dire times and I think you deserve a chance to proof you are capable, but you shall show yourself worth of this task. So, you have this winter to correct the things my karo will point to you. And in the spring we will see… By now you replace Kiiro-san in his duties.
The hall was deadly silent and the rain poured loudly in contrast.
Kiiro stood abruptly and stomped out, in great turmoil.