Re: Silent Lovers

Thraster · Thraster on Wed Aug 13, 2008 11:04 pm

Shinsei darted down the road towards the dojo-kicking up dirt in his wake. Shinsei nearly knocked over a traveler on the road to the dojo- he almost stopped to apologize, but then remembered that the fellow probably wouldn't understand his sign language. As Shinsei entered the dojo, he removed his shoes, grabbed a shinai, and knelt in front of the mats with his fellow students. Kenji-sama and Lady Mitsuko were speaking in the corner while father and Princess Mitsu were explaining the finer points of dueling to the students.

"I hope that your parents taught you better manners than that, young man- I think I'll let it slide for my favorite grandson."

Shinsei looked up at the familiar form of Tetsuya- the god of elves. He had long white hair, not unlike Shinsei's. He wore a white kimono made of silk. His skin was a deep grey color, and his eyes were as the night sky. He had long pointed ears, and an angular nose. Shinsei didn't realize that his grandfather was the one he nearly crashed into on his way to the dojo.

Ayami Dyrune · Ayami Dyrune on Wed Aug 13, 2008 11:35 pm

A few hours later, Yume heard of her grandfather's visit to the dojo. She ran in and kicked off her shoes. "Grandpa!" she shouted, completely disrupting everyone who was training. They all stopped and looked at the teen fly towards Tetsuya. She giggled. "Mom told me you would be visiting!" She said as she hugged him tightly. It seemed that he was one of the favored relatives in the family. Her tail seemed to move back and forth as she wiggled in his arms. "I missed ya! How was your travels? Any new stories? Did ya bring gifts?" Her purple eyes seemed to sparkle as she let go and bounced around some before stopping. Her small body seemed to wiggled in excitement. She loved her grandparents very much, even though most of them paid a lot of attention to Shinsei, they also gave her her own time and she really appreciated that.

Ayami walked in with Aiko in her arms. She smiled as she saw her father interact with her two older children. It had been years since she had seen his face. She was but a small child, only Aiko's age when they had been separated. But now they had been reunited and even though he was away from time to time, he still managed to return and spend days with just her. He loved being with her family and she always welcomed him into her house. Aiko giggled and hugged her mother. She looked down and smiled warmly. "Well, now Little Aiko, are you ready to meet your grandpa?" She looked up at her father and her husband and smiled. Her eyes looked towards her only son and a mother's love was seen shining through her eyes. She was proud of everyone in her family.

Midori looked at her mother with shock. "A boxed lunch? Mother, I don't know how this has to with training to be the next elemental master." She looked confused.

Noriko laughed. "My sweet child, you have to know these things in life. How will you be able to take care of a husband if you don't know how to cook. I am your mother as well as your teacher. My job is to teach you life lessons as well." She tapped her daughters nose and began to show her how to make a boxed lunch. She made one for one Kenji and she left a little note tied to the top. A warm smile came over her face. "I used to make these for your father when I first began to fall in love with him. He used to bow and take them, not saying a word, but sometimes I saw that his cheeks would turn pink." She laughed. "I want you to know something, Midori." Noriko became serious as she turn to face her daughter. "If you ever fall in love with someone, tell them. I was to ashamed to say anything and for years it pained me. Please tell that special person even if they don't return your affections. You will feel much better." She nodded and then sighed. "There now with that, I can let you give these to your father and here give the one your made to someone special. I don't care who. But it must be special." She said, smiling warmly. "Now go on, we are done for today." She waved to her daughter who left with the two boxes and a certain someone's special hat.

Thraster · Thraster on Thu Aug 14, 2008 12:09 am

"Why, of coarse I brought gifts for my granddaughter."

Shinsei watched as his grandfather pulled an elegant white and purple dress out of nowhere. As his mother entered the dojo, she stared at Tetsuya and Thraster. Ayami's purple eyes seemed to well up at the sight of her family. She had long raven hair, just like Yume's. Tiny bat wings protruded from her shoulders. Ayami was holding the newest member of the family- the baby Aiko. Aiko looked exactly like her mother, but she kept the "poker straight" hair that Thraster and Shinsei were known for. While Shinsei's mother introduced her youngest daughter to Tetsuya- Shinsei was starting to feel faint again. He didn't want to disturb the colorful moment between his mother and her father- Shinsei decided to get a breath of fresh air. He wondered why he was feeling so sick lately. Just as the thought crossed Shinsei's mind, the beast in his stomach began to growl. It had finally occurred to Shinsei that he had skipped breakfast and lunch, due to being late. He wasn't taking very good care of himself lately- maybe that's why grandpa Tetsuya came to visit. It was so bright outside. Shinsei wasn't used to being outside without his rice hat- just where did his hat go? He realized that he must have forgotten it in his rush to get to the dojo, and to get away from Midori. Why did he feel the need to run from her after he changed-what was he so embarrassed of? Midori, Yume, and Shinsei had gone swimming in the lake hundreds of times as kids- it wasn't like he never took of his shirt in front of her before. He was starting to feel strange around Midori, but he always enjoyed her company- perhaps it is an illurgic reaction. He would ask Miss Helia if he got a chance later- she always made him feel welcome, and was never afraid to answer questions about one's health...

"Well, Lady Mitsuko- I haven't really considered when I'll let my daughter court. This isn't the country of our forefathers, she doesn't need to marry at such a young age. I'm sure that you're familiar with both Noriko's and my opinions on arranged marriages- our daughter is too young to have taken interest in any of the other young shugenjas in her school. But she is still a young girl- I'm sure she'll talk about her 'special someone' when the time comes. Please take care of my daughter in this respect, Lady Mitsuko- as the goddess of love, I'll know who to blame if she ends up with someone like Hachirou Matsuya," said Kenji.

Ayami Dyrune · Ayami Dyrune on Thu Aug 14, 2008 12:54 am

Yume's eyes widened. "Wow! Oh Grandpa! Its sooooo pretty!" she said, hugging the dress. She twirled around with it and smiled brightly at her grandfather. "This one is even better then all the rest!" She walked up to her father and grinned. "Isn't this one nice? Won't I look absolutely beautiful?" She looked up at her father with wide innocent eyes. She loved her father very much and was always striving to make him proud.

Mitsuko wrinkled her nose in digust. She started shaking her head. "No, no, no. You see, Kenji-san. I wouldn't dare put those two together. I always pictured her to be with someone just as sweet and kind. You two have raised a fine girl. And I won't push her into anything. Yes, I do agree that she is still young for any relationship and an arranged marriage is something that I wouldn't press on anyone. I just want the best for her." She nodded and smiled sweetly. She was up to something, but what?

Midori smiled as she wore Shinsei's hat and carried both boxed lunches. She looked up and saw Shinsei. Her smile seemed to brighten as her eyes stared at him. He was always staring off into space, thinking. For someone who was so quiet, he was so interesting. "Hi, Shinsei. I learned how to make a boxed lunch today. Mother wanted me to give Papa one. She made it for him." She set them down and took off his hat. Midori handed it to him as well as the lunch she had made. "Here, please eat this and I will be back in a few minutes. I have to give this to Papa." She said, bowing just as she remembered her mother saying that she did with her father. She walked into the dojo and went to her father, bowing to Mitsuko. "Papa, mother made you a lunch." she said, giving it to him with a smile.

Thraster · Thraster on Thu Aug 14, 2008 1:16 am

"But, Yume-I already thought you were beautiful."

Thraster grinned at his daughter and petted her on the head. He lifted Yume over his head, placing her on his shoulders. He walked towards Ayami, kissing his youngest daughter and his lovely wife- it was an unusual display of affection for the god of death.

"Well, that's refreshing, Lady Mitsuko- I wouldn't want Midor... Hello, Midori- how are you? So mom made me lunch today, huh?"

Kenji seemed to blush slightly at the mention of his wife. He looked down at his daughter's hands- they were red from cooking. Her clothes smelled more like a kitchen than a temple of magic.

"Was mom teaching you how to cook today? She usually doesn't need help just to make me lunch- looks like you were working hard..."

Shinsei tried to thank Midori before she scampered into the dojo, but she was obviously on a mission. The box lunch she made was amazing, but as Shinsei began to eat-he felt horrible. Midori had brought him back his hat, stayed with him while he was sick, and made him lunch- what kind of horrible person was Shinsei becoming that he didn't do anything nice for her. Shinsei closed his lunch, saving that which he hadn't finished, and flew to the near by field- he needed to get something nice for Midori. Shinsei landed outside of the dojo, waiting for Midori to step outside...

Ayami Dyrune · Ayami Dyrune on Thu Aug 14, 2008 2:05 am

She giggled and held onto his horns. "Oh Daddy, I love you sooooo very much!!" Yume smiled as she looked at her mother. "Mom, did you see my dress? Daddy even thinks that I was pretty before." Yume laughed and held onto her father.

Ayami smiled warmly at her husband. She knew that he was stern around others, but to his family, he showed his lighter side. "I did and it is beautiful, just like my daughter." she said, tapping her nose. She looked to her husband and smiled brightly. "And its all thanks to you. You gave me all of this." She leaned up and kissed his cheek. "And for that, I am making your favorite, T-bone steak with garlic mashed potatoes." Her purple eyes glistened with hidden happy tears. Her father had returned and everyone was together. "Oh and Yume you may even invite Midori if you wish." She said without looking away from her husband. Ayami could hear a shout for joy coming from Yume.

Midori smiled and nodded. "Yes, she insisted on making me learn life lessons today. I did my best. I even made a lunch for someone special. At least that is what mom said I had to do with it." Her cheeks went bright pink as she thought of Shinsei. "Mom said that I needed to learn lessons of a homemaker because one day I am going to be married. I didn't know that twelve was such a big year for learning about these things." She shrugged. "She told me about how she used to make you lunches and how much she loved you. Me and mom talked about all kinds of girl things today. It was kinda strange but then mother always likes to give advice when she can. Anyways, she left you a note as well. See you later, Papa. Love you." she said, giving him a hug. Midori then bowed to Mitsuko. "Have a lovely day, Mitsuko-Kami-sama." With that she turned and left the dojo, going back to where she had left Shinsei. She had to make sure that he had eaten.

Mitsuko smirked at her comments. "Yes, well, one day everyone who is kind and honorable will have a suitable husband. That's why I am here, little one. And twelve is a big year for a girl, its when I started teaching all of my daughters about the duties of a wife and hopefully mother. Your mother is just watching out for you. You never know when love might strike." She laughed lightly as she looked up at Kenji and winked. "You have a wonderful time, Midori."

Thraster · Thraster on Thu Aug 14, 2008 5:18 am

Shinsei perked up as Midori exited the dojo- slipping her shoes on as she made her way down the front steps. Shinsei handed her the large sunflower that he had picked for her- they only grew in one spot in the entire kingdom. In the short time Midori spent inside the dojo, Shinsei had flown to their special spot by the river, picked one of the few sunflowers, and darted back to the steps of the dojo. Shinsei took Midori's hand and started walking towards the river. Once they reached their spot beneath the tree- Shinsei held out the lunch, hoping Midori would share it with him. He was starting to feel the buzzing in his head again. He felt warm- he hoped he wouldn't faint again...

Ayami Dyrune · Ayami Dyrune on Thu Aug 14, 2008 5:34 am

She blinked several times and her cheeks turned pink. Sunflowers. They were her favorite. After all these years, he still remembered her favorite flower. She smiled softly. "Thank you Shinsei. I can't believe that you remembered." she said, as he took her hand. She felt her heart pounding in her chest as he lead her to the river. Why was she feeling like she could barely breath all of a sudden? Midori took it as a sign that she should have eaten something today. She held his hand gently as she walked by his side, thoughts of eating soon left as she was happy to be by his side. Once at the tree, he sat down and she soon followed. Midori's green eyes looked out over the river and then back at Shinsei who was now holding out the rest of his lunch. "Oh, I couldn't eat that, I made it for you." she said, her cheeks still bright pink. But her stomach decided to speak for her. She giggled, feeling embarrassed. "Hmm, I guess that I am a little hungry." she said, eating with him. "I worked most of the day on it. I hope you liked it." she said, after taking a few bites. She was rather amazed that her mother's help had worked. This meal was pretty good. She ate some of the fried rice that was left alone with the teriyaki chicken. There were a few shushi rolls left but that was it. The teriyaki beef was completely gone. The dessert was still there, it was a small cake that she had baked. Just enough for two people. It had strawberry icing on top with a strawberry in the middle.

Thraster · Thraster on Thu Aug 14, 2008 6:06 am

Shinsei watched as Midori started eating the contents of the box. She daintily ate some of the rice and teriyaki chicken. It was very different than watching his mother or Yume eat. She was so graceful that it astounded Shinsei- it was like watching a dance. She would take a bite, chew slightly, wipe her mouth, and repeat the process- it was like watching a foreigner eat. She was very pretty. He hoped that she wouldn't notice as he reached for the cake. After all, his family never minded if he ate dessert first- and he loved strawberries...

Ayami Dyrune · Ayami Dyrune on Tue Aug 19, 2008 2:53 am

Midori looked up from eating and smiled softly. She patted her mouth with the napkin. Her green eyes looked at Shinsei eating dessert. She laughed. “Shinsei, you should eat your dinner before having sweets.” It wasn’t scolding, just a little teasing. Her eyes seemed so cheerful and happy. Her mother was right. Sharing a special lunch that you made for someone just as important was the best thing in the world. The young teen didn’t seem to mind that it was late afternoon. The rest of the schools had all let out, but to her it had only been minutes since they had walked here.

She looked down at her right side where her sunflowers were. How thoughtful of him, she couldn’t remember the last time someone gave her a present just because. Her cheeks turned pink as she thought about it. Shinsei really was a nice person and she was grateful to spend as much time as she could with him.

Thraster · Thraster on Tue Aug 19, 2008 2:57 am

Shinsei began to realize that the afternoon would not last long- he needed to visit Miss Helia at her clinic. She would know what was happening to him, she needed to know. She was the most knowledgeable medical person that he knew- and she was always very discreet.
Shinsei smiled at Midori as he gathered the remnants of their lunch. He held out his hand, hoping she would take it. The smile came back to him as they made their way down the road. The clerics of Helia welcomed them- usually people will only need to meet a cleric to receive treatment, but Shinsei was related to most of the pantheon by descent. Helia didn’t seem to mind seeing Shinsei- she never minded company.

“Well, I was a little surprised when they told me you were having a medical problem- you are usually dragged in once a year because your father forces you to have a checkup. What seems to be the problem, Shinsei?”

Shinsei motioned for Midori to sit and wait for him while he visited with his great aunt, Helia. As he entered the small medical office, Shinsei positioned himself so that he could see Midori in the waiting room- he sat on the table and began explaining his current situation to Helia. He loved to visit Helia, she was one of the few people in the town who understood his sign language. He told her about his duel with Hachirou, the warm fuzzy sensations he was having, the ringing in his ears, and about how he fainted. He said that Midori was doing a great job taking care of him- and that his family was very worried. He said that Midori also made him lunch because he hadn’t been eating well. When he was done, he noticed that Helia was looking into the waiting room…

”I think you are talking to the wrong person Shinsei- I don’t think that there is anything wrong with you. You train too much for that- and having the god of fate and the goddess of luck for parents won’t hurt your situation. Maybe you should talk to Princess Mitsu- I think she will be able to help you.”

Shinsei scratched his head as he walked towards the road. He thought that he saw someone headed towards Midori and himself…

Ayami Dyrune · Ayami Dyrune on Tue Aug 19, 2008 2:58 am

Midori kicked her feet as she waited. She had been here a few times before but she didn’t come here all the time. If she felt sick, she just prayed to the Kami and healed whatever wound or illness she had. She looked out the window at the clouds, waiting ever so patiently. She looked around and saw that Shinsei was walking back. She got up and smiled warmly. Why did enjoy being this close to him? Even just holding his hand made her heart jump, perhaps she should talk to her mother about this when she got home. She walked out of the clinic right by Shinsei’s side.

Yume was flying at top speed and tackled Midori. She giggled as she shook the poor girl. “Midori!! Guess what?! Grandpa has come home and Mom is making a whole feast! She said that you could come over and don’t you worry, your mom and dad said that it was alright! Oh, oh, Midori! Come on! We have to get you out of this bathrobe! You have to look your best for Grandpa. Oh! I know just the thing!” She said, bouncing up and then pulling Midori to her feet. She looked at Shinsei and smiled. “I am so happy that you are feeling better.” She gave him a quick hug, but then let go and turned back to Midori who was looking so confused. “Come on! We have to hurry! Hurry home Shinsei…” With that, she dragged Midori and headed home.

Thraster · Thraster on Tue Aug 19, 2008 3:00 am

Shinsei shrugged, he could always wait until tomorrow to talk to Miss Mitsu. She was always training at the dojo, he could just pull her aside tomorrow. Maybe he should ask his mom or dad about his condition- or perhaps grandpa had some insight. Shinsei sighed, realizing that Midori and Yume had already darted off without him. He held his hand out in their direction- missing his company. Midori went through some trouble to make him lunch, he hoped that his flowers were a proper demonstration of gratitude.

The scent of food hung heavy in the house. Aiko was in her chair, scribbling on a piece of paper. Ayami was dividing her attention between her daughter and the meal at hand- it was still the only time that Shinsei found to speak with his mother privately. He still felt quite embarrassed about feinting in front of everyone, but he could never feel ashamed when speaking to his mother- she loved him for who and what he was, no matter what. He heard grandpa Tetsuya and father speaking in the main room. The noise of Yume rummaging through the mound of clothing situated in her bedroom echoed through the household. Shinsei sheepishly flagged down his mother, and began explaining his situation. He told her about his fight, how he felt, what he had for lunch, and what Helia had said…

Ayami Dyrune · Ayami Dyrune on Tue Aug 19, 2008 3:02 am

Ayami was in the middle of cooking but had a few moments to give her attention to her son. She smiled warmly and listened to everything that he had to say. “Wow, miss Midori sure went out of her way to make that lunch, huh? She probably felt like you needed especially after that incident yesterday. Honey, I am sure that you are fine. You probably just got hit a little too hard in the middle of your duel or fight, whatever you call them.” She didn’t really understand their way of training. She had always trained on her own. She came over and wrapped her arms around him. “Perhaps you should speak with Lady Mitsu about it, but wait until the morning. If Lady Helia doesn’t think there is anything wrong, then you won’t be dying on us tonight dear. Besides, you grandfather is back. If you really want to talk about how you are feeling, then tell him. But just remember…” She pulled back at looked at him. “You can tell me anything and I won’t be upset. I love you so very much, my sweet one.” With that, she kissed his forehead and turned her back to go finish dinner. “We all love you, even little Aiko.”

Midori felt very uncomfortable in the clothes that Yume had put her in. She wasn’t used to having something so form fitting about the top. She looked in the mirror. Her eyes went to her chest and she sighed. She wasn’t gifted like Yume. She let her shoulders sink some as she saw Yume pop up and announce that she was all done tying the semi corset. “Yume, I-I don’t know…this isn’t me. It’s a lot different then what I am used to.” She looked at her red dress. It had lots of frills at the bottom and was form fitting around the waist. What was Shinsei going to think if she came out like this? But with a lot of encouragement, she finally walked out into the living room.

Thraster · Thraster on Tue Aug 19, 2008 3:07 am

Shinsei carried his little sister into the kitchen- Shinsei didn’t mind helping with Aiko when his mom was overwhelmed with work. He placed her in the highchair and stood above his normal seat at the kitchen table. Shinsei started making faces at Aiko- trying to make her laugh. He heard a giggle as someone entered the room.

“Now, Shinsei- don’t teach your little sister to make such odd expressions. How are you doing, boy? You left the dojo so quickly, that I didn’t get a chance to speak with you.”

Shinsei began to talk to Tetsuya about “his condition”- Shinsei was beginning to get tired of relaying his story to everyone. He was glad that most of the pantheon members could understand his sign language. He started explaining to his grandfather about his fight with Hachirou, his walk with Midori, the buzzing in his ears, him feinting and feeling light-headed. Shinsei told him how he thought that he might not be eating right, and how he felt better when Midori made him lunch. He also mentioned that Miss Helia said that his problem wasn’t medical. Shinsei watched as his mother entered the room holding steaming bowls of soup.

“Don’t mind me boys, you just keep talking- pretend I’m not here.”

Shinsei waited for Tetsuya to sit, and then took his seat. Shinsei turned his attention when his father entered, followed by Yume in her purple and white dress. Midori sheepishly entered the room wearing a tight-fitting corset dress. Her cheeks were bright red, they almost matched her dress. She was so beautiful. What… What was happening? Blood streaked down Shinsei’s face- he wasn’t someone who normally had nose bleeds…What was happening? He must have slipped off of his chair, he could see under the table. As Shinsei’s eyes began to close, his little sister, Aiko, waved at him laughing. The buzzing in his ears began to amplify. The last thing he could make out was the sound of his grandfather’s voice.

“Perhaps his problem isn’t medical.”