Kyoto no Uta
Participating characters:
Christopher Green
Kikuji Hikari
Ryoga Hikari
Ryouko Hikari
Status: Incomplete/History
Last Post: Unknown
Christopher Green
Dear Vincent, my most cherished father;
There is joy in these lines I send you and there is danger, mystery and fear. I hate myself for lately fear is the only word that leaves my mouth and I hide under pillows and covers waiting for it to pass, to leave my door.
But not now.
You wouldn’t believe it (you will not I’m sure) from where I write you at this precise moment but my gladness resides that, by the time you get this letter, you’ll no longer ask yourself who is writing to you and embrace the paper and the ink and rejoice.
I am in the last country you once said you wanted to be, in the imperial land of Japan. The war was not the only thing to hurt the people of this land, many still suffer under rigorous tradition and old tyrannies.
I came to help two friends, I’ve spoken of them to you before haven’t I? They are my inner family, my growing happiness. How I wish one day for us all to meet and walk the London gardens hand in hand.
Would you take me and them to see the swans again?
I pray for such day to come with all my might and strength for grace befell upon me lately and sure all wrong will end and goodness shall prevail. Maybe fairy tales can come true after all.
Your son,
Christopher Dorian Green
Though the air was warm he trembled like a newborn leaf and his hands, as they would only get when he was nervous, were cold as ice.
He was here, now, at the skirts of beautiful Kyoto, watching the Kamo river go buy, bustling activity into the so many streets rushing at its shores.
This was the land of his dreams and it did feel like a dream to be here, but one he didn’t knew if good or bad.
One week had pasted since his last letter to the Hikari household.
It hadn't been him who wrote it however, but Thomas himself making it official and important as he could. The letter was even magically charmed by a translator to change when shaken from English to Japanese and back again if suffer another quiver.
What was written in it Christopher did not know but he did knew how Thomas’s mind work and the letter could only contain a pompous speech fit to impress a king.
And then today, just before midnight sounded, he was being dispatched, holding tight to a portkey, him and his bag.
Leviathan would be all alone and he feared for him. Thomas enjoyed killing animals after all.
Nothing prepared him to face the place he had landed. It was the garden of a beautiful Shinto temple with large white fox statues and sacred trees involving the area. No one was there to be seen.
And it was not today anymore but tomorrow for the sun was shinning high already and menacing a heat wave like he had never felt before.
He loosened his tie slightly and folded his dark coat hanging it on his left harm and paced silently around.
Anxiety sustained him now and he felt to be shivering more badly than before, his face growing warm and so did his body.
Soon enough an escort to take him to the Hikari’s house would appear and he was growing aware of many things.
He didn’t knew Japanese, he had forgotten what Ryoga instructed him about formal speech, he wasn’t sure if he had packed everything he would need, the heat was rising and people would think him strange…
And what if their plot failed in the end? What then?
Starting to feel queasy he sat on top of his valise and shook his head slightly, making his hair fall down over his neck. If only Ryoga was to come too and greet him…
“What madness are we starting?” he whispered into the warming air.
Kikuji Hikari
"Why did you follow me Hidesuke?"
The young boy's voice oozed with authority, and he wasn't afraid to use it.
The cunning secretary smiled his crafty smile in a pretense of a kindly one," Sumimasen Hikari-san, but surely you didn't think I'd let you off on your own did you?" he spoke softly as he bowed low.
"And you had to bring those two goons with with you?" he hissed, glaring at the two behemoths of bodyguards standing there with their arms folded, unshaven faces drawn in a frozen scowl which caused many to tremble in fear. But Kikuji didn't fear them, he knew that they worked for [i]him[/i],and they would obey him like 'good little doggies' if he wanted them to behave.
Immediately bowing again Hidesuke gave his explination," The streets of Kyoto aren't safe Hikari-san...please do~"
"Fine." replied Kikuji with a hand raised to call for silence," But I'm warning you Hidesuke, you'd better not meddle too much in my affairs...especially my family's..." he gave a small smug smirk, purely identical to his father's," You wouldn't want to end up on the streets of Kyoto either...it's not safe." and with that, he turned around and swiftly walked on as his party followed close behind. Hidesuke smiled, yes, he too would become like Tatsumi, and he would become very powerful indeed with the right 'training'.
Kikuji walked on with his heart beating wildly in his small chest, green eyes darting about the bustle of Gion until he came to the outskirts of the city, towards the temples. He had to find him, and the sooner the better. Kikuji had anticipated this day ever since his brother and sister got home... He knew what the arrival of Mr Green meant, it meant freedom...
Freedom for his sister...
Freedom for his mother...
and salvation for his brother...
Ryoga-chan, he had been weak..and he was getting weaker. Perhaps the presence of his father aggravated the wound further. But no matter, he had to meet this... Christopher... he was the only hope for his family now...
Just ahead, standing out from the few kimono and yukata clad people, was a figure in black. He seemed somewhat lost, yet not. But Kikuji's emerald eyes grew wider, he knew it had to be him, with hair of reddish copper and his eyes of the deepest amethyst, just as his brother had told him. So without waiting for Hidesuke, he rushed forward, forgetting the previous prideful stride from before.
"Sumimasen..." he whispered to him," Are you?...Christopher Green?"
Christopher Green
Why was it getting so hot?
Christopher’s brown was damp with sweat and if education didn’t tell how otherwise he would have taken his waistcoat and unbuttoned his chemise. For someone used only to English climate, the weather was making him wane and his head grow dizzier.
He noticed then a young kid looking at him and for some reason his whole self shivered. His eyes were green and blazing like embers and though so small he held such a stance that it could have made men twice as big as him stare back.
Defiantly the kid walked the first couple of steps towards him but then, something changed and Christopher thought he recognised that expression for it looked like the sparkle Ryouko’s eyes would get when she was happy about something.
But how was he then to know this was Kikuji, the twin’s younger brother?
He came over, looking up and murmuring in thick English marked by so many Japanese intonations that it made his name sound something like “Kuhristofer Gurennoh”
Christopher became even sicker for he now sweated of nervousness and he didn’t know hot to address to the child at all. He wasn’t a servant, he was far too well dressed to be one but who could he be?
Cleaning his brow he leaned slightly and replied.
“Yes, I am Christopher Green.” it was all he could say.
Kikuji Hikari
Kikuji couldn't contain his smile as soon as he heard those words emerge from those lips...
"Suggoi!" he whispered, still afraid that Hidesuke would hear him," I can't believe it's really you!...At last!"
He seemed rather hot and rightly so,unlike his own yukata which was as light as the wing of a dragonfly, Christopher's attire was unsuited for the warm summers of Kyoto. Kikuji watched him as he wiped his brow and gave a small smile," I do hope that's not the only attire you have with you... but worry not, surely we can lend you some...appropriate attire when we return to the Hikari dojo..." he then tilted his head slightly, just like his brother did, and studied Christopher with large eyes.
Noticing his confusion, Kikuji bowed low," Forgive my rudeness, I am Hikari Kikuji, son of Tatsumi Hikari..." he then added in a low voice," Ryoga and Ryouko Hikari are my brother and sister..." he gave an enigmatic smile before turning towards the two bodyguards and without a word, snapped his fingers and pointed to Christopher's bag. Immediately they picked up his belongings and slowly headed back towards the town.
"Hidesuke? Follow them, I will catch up later..."
The old secretary smiled and gave a low bow then followed the two giants, though he cursed silently for not being able to overhear anything.
Kikuji smiled again at Christopher and gestured towards the wooden bridge which led to Gion," Shall we? I hope you don't mind the walk, it's not very far..."
Ryoga Hikari
Back in the Hikari Mansion, someone waited anxiously...
Cold blue eyes peered out towards the gate where 'He' would be coming through... how he had longed for that moment, to finally have Chris-chan in Kyoto! With him!
But wait... he suddenly remembered, and a wet slap came across his face in sudden realisation... the plan...
He would have to remain calm and collected around him, he would not be allowed to even glance at him, or touch him, or feel the softness of that cheek... No... because in their 'reality', Ryoga did not know Christopher Green very well... Christopher Green was going to marry his twin, he was to be his brother-in-law. A pang of sharp pain hit him in the gut at the thought that he would not be able to hold him in his arms and cry out how much he had missed him... that he was so close, yet so far away... Why did Kami wish for him to suffer so? Fingers grasped onto the wooden pillar as pain surged through his back... ah yes...that as well.
Ryoga straightened himself and neatened his yukata, he needed to look presentable, as any Hikari would do. The mask was slowly taking shape once more, covering the look of agony and wistfulness with that of an expressionless face. The coldness of those frosty blue eyes hardened as he steeled himself for what would be his final act...
The curtains were drawn, the stage was set...the show was about to begin...
Christopher Green
The temple fell back in the distance as they went down through a large stone staircase. He noticed soon enough that the whole shrine area occupied the surrounding mountain and here and there white fox statues were set next to great stone pillars and candles.
He had learned that this was a Shinto shrine dedicated to Inari, the God of harvests and prosperity what he didn’t know however was that there was another fox going by the name of Inari but nothing about him was holy… not much indeed.
Inari was the prince of the demon foxes and a shapeshifter. He would rob houses in search of rice and cloths; he would disguise himself as a holy man and drink sake among the monks and sometimes take the form of a lovely woman and seduce mortal men.
But it was just tales and part of the legends of the mysterious land he now walked side by side with little Kikuji who for his age, looked already like a small Lord. Noble blood should run in the Hikari family, he Christopher thought.
He had unruffled himself after the first minutes of conversation with the boy though they now walked steadily and quiet. The servants had disappeared and introversion was what kept him from talking rather than suspicion someone would overhear them. The were crossing a stone bridge, heading for the gates of the town where a bustling market took place and many people stood aside to let them pass, looking suspicious, looking intrigued.
He had dressed his coat back on though he cursed himself for doing it and to prevent the heat he was now tying his long hair in a reddish ponytail.
Kikuji’s pleasant words came back to him about his garments and he sighed. He had packed light clothes and short sleeved shirts but under such heat he was bond to suffer anyway.
As he finished re-arranging his hair he noticed that people stared even more and whispered to one another in a language he hardly comprehended.
With the twins he had learnt some words but here, where dialects ran deep and thick it was hard to grasp almost a single word. Still he caught two names and held them in his memory. “Gaijin” and “kitsune”. He would ask later what those meant.
The path proceeded through exotic streets and the further they went, further Christopher thought to be going back in time to feudal Japan. It was amazing how that part of town looked so ancient and fascinating, like going inside a legend’s book.
He looked around eagerly, forgetting the sweat and the heat momentarily only to gaze at the magnificent doll shops, with their hundreds of porcelain figures, at food shops, kimonos and tea parlours.
Even if he tried he could not have memorized the paths Kikuji guided him through. Every street looked like a similar version of the other; even the people looked equal, dressed in kimonos and yukatas.
And suddenly, out of nowhere, three large men were surrounding them.
You know them?” he asked in a low tone to Kikuji.
“Ne, ne… kawai kitsune chan!”
“Anata dare?”
Christopher blinked confused. They were not addressing the boy but himself.
He would have said “I don’t understand” but preferred to stay quiet. There was something strange about those men and the way they were looking at him as if…
He froze when one of them came close enough to touch his cheek. What was this about?
Kikuji Hikari
Kikuji walked silently alongside Christopher, his mind buzzing, his heart bursting with so many questions he wanted to ask. He wanted to ask him what it was like in England, away from the kimonos and yukatas, what was it like to be an English. Kikuji wanted to know so much about that world he had never seen before. But the laws of formality forbade him to do anymore or say anymore than what he was 'supposed' to. He also wanted to ask him about his brother and sister... but still, Kikuji stayed silent, trained to do so...
Just like Ryoga was...
A shadow suddenly loomed before him and he looked up to see three large men. At first he blinked his eyes in slight shock and fear. He saw no crest on their sleeve or any sign of belonging, what if they were ronin? Oh ni-chan... what was he to do?
But he remembered how Ryoga had told him never to fear anything, so he steeled himself and stepped in front of Christopher away from the men... he couldn't lose him now!
"Matte!"(Wait) he placed a hand on the hilt of a small sword he carried around with him," Yamete onegaishimasu..." (Please stop)though his voice was neutral and calm, there was an obvious tint of menace. Making it clear that he would fight to the death if it came down to that, and he wouldn't stand for their nonsense. His eyes had turned a darker shade of green as he spoke again,
"Demo Green-san so dewa Kitsune jai nai no." (But mr Green is no fox)
Where were those two goons when he really needed them?!
Christopher Green
“Now sir! I must ask you not to act this frivolous with me!” Christopher exclaimed finally stepping back.
Everything was catching him by surprise. The city, the sour and sweet scents, the karts rumbling in the street, those people he did not know to be wizards or common muggles.
For all he knew they could even be mountain trolls and sniffed out the magic in him.
Their faces were swollen and marked with red around the cheeks and they kept staring at him with intriguing expressions. He gulped. Many times he heard of slave selling men and… What if that was it?
Christopher reached slowly for his wand still not taking it out of his pocket. He couldn’t use magic by the orders of the Ministry but if it came to that he would protect Kikuji’s life and his of course.
It seemed however Kikuji thought the same for in no time he stepped forwards shielding him from those three disdainers and talking with them in a sound voice.
Christopher wished he could understand them…
The men blinked for a moment, as if finally realizing there was someone else there besides Christopher, and gazed down at Kikuji bewildered. This was it Christopher thought pressing his fingers harder on his wand. They were going to attack.
But no, they did not. They stared for a few more moments and then halted their guffaws as if recognizing something.
“Ah… Hikari san. Sumimasen.” the one who touched his face said and to Christopher’s astonishment bowed slowly to the boy while hissing for the others to do the same. “Demo, Hikari san… kore wa…”
Whatever he was about to say he never finished for one of his mates shook his shoulder and pointed at the english boy this time really looking taken aback.
“H-Hiro…. shoujo janai!!”
Shoujo janai. Now what in the name of all the existing house elves did that meant?
Whatever it was must have been some sort of joke for they all apart from Kikuji and he started laughing like someone had just told the funniest joke in the world. Christopher couldn’t help it any longer; his cheeks became tinted with red for he was pretty sure he was the joke.
“Masaka! Gomen nasai Green san!” they all said pretending to bow respectfully.
And finally, finally they started moving away but still the one who had seemed like their leader turned back and waved “Mata ne sumire hitomi no kire otoko!” they all roared with laughter.
“Interesting chaps.” Christopher muttered. “Please Kikuji, don’t explain what they said. I have a feeling I don’t want to know.”
The street was hot again, the sun sitting on his head and again he felt queasy.
“I’m sorry if I sound impatient, but will it take long to reach your home? I’m slightly sick with all this heat and…” he paused considering his words but he said them just the same. “… I miss your brother and sister very much. I’m eager to see them and meet the rest of your family of course.”
A shadowy figure dressed in dark robes came into his mind. Tatsumi Hikari.
What would be like to meet such a man? He knew nothing of him except that he hated him with all his might.
Kikuji Hikari
"Shinkan! Boku mankitsu anata wa no hisou no makeoshimi..."
(Silence! I've enough of your pathetic excuses...)
Kikuji was glad for once that he was a Hikari, the last thing he needed was bloodshed. "Saru!" (go!) he commanded as they retreated off..."Bunch of barbarians..."
Yes, though he had to admit, Christopher's features were no less than that of a girl's, delicate and refined. Ni-chan had always spoken of him as a beautiful person, and he was in a rather feministic way, so to speak. Even his eyes, they captivated him in their violet glow. He could see why Ni-chan spoke of him often.
The young Hikari was very glad he didn't want a translation, he surely didn't want Christopher to think that all japanese were like that..."I hope this won't dampen your spirits Green san, please try not to think of it..."
he bowed, smiling slightly before walking again.
“I’m sorry if I sound impatient, but will it take long to reach your home? I’m slightly sick with all this heat and…I miss your brother and sister very much. I’m eager to see them and meet the rest of your family of course.”
Green eyes looked up at the taller boy and he smiled a little, of course he'd love to meet his family...with the exception of his father,but no need for that little detail," Well then, worry not, we are here..." he gestured towards the small path which led into the large Kamiyashiki, the front sprouting with large towering trees sprayed with pink and purple. It was majesty in the sense of any Japanese family. The air filled with the scent of summer and Kikuji took a deep breath. "Welcome Green-san, to the Hikari Mansion."
Just ahead, he saw the figure in blue, the blonde hair...the blue eyes," NI-CHAN!"
Once again the formalities were shed and Kikuji ran towards his older brother, laughing and giggling like the boy he was supposed to be, his face broke out into that of a sunny smile and his arms were out-stretched," NI-CHAN! Tadaima!" (I'm home)
And he leapt into Ryoga's arms, hugging him like any little brother would,"Christopher Green is here..."
Ryoga Hikari
"Where are they?..."
Ryoga began to worry, he hoped they hadn't met up with any trouble on the way...The anticipation was killing him!
Then he heard it, that little shout of pure joy ringing across the gardens...
," NI-CHAN!"
"Kiku-bon?" he leaned away from the pillar he was leaning on and walked towards the porch, his yukata flowing slightly in the summer breeze. "Kiku-bon!"
The little one ran straight into his open arms, and Ryoga allowed himself to laugh with mirth at the precious giggles of his younger brother... He only wanted this for Kikuji, happiness. And in his hug he wished he could protect him, and never let Tatsumi touch him ever again...
,"Christopher Green is here..."
"N...Nani?" he looked over from over Kikuji's shoulder and saw in the distance... Christopher...
"Chris-chan...." he whispered, a gentle smile on his face.
Christopher Green
J’aime et j’evoie au diable nos adieux et puis n’en déplaise à Dieu, ce n’est pas en lui que je crois, c’est ne pas en lui mais en toi. Je n’ai d’yeux que pour toi.
ZAZIE
The air was vacuum, colourless and he dwelt in it, a grey ash lost in a puddle of thoughts and instincts for how many times did he sit back, graced some light upon his being and considered his existence, that he did live, that he had hands and feet, and eyes to grasp everything?
He forgot that many times.
It was hard to be alive when he was marked by the devil and bargained a soul with him.
Yet, joy of joys, how everything changed when he saw Ryoga, just there almost reachable, just not a ghost in some weird dream or a string of hair left inside a book.
He stopped abruptly at the gates of that magnificent house diving deeper inside the fairy tale he felt to be in albeit feeling less and less like a prince, or a princess, whatever fitted him.
Lovable agony, that’s how it felt, to see his slender figure, hope him to always dress yukatas an no more heavy robes, just keep him under Summer, blue, heat.
Christopher couldn’t believe it, that it was really true, that this was it, this was the Hikari dojo and he was there eye in eye with his beloved.
And again, how silly his mind worked sometimes, he was thinking how he never said that word to him, that he never kissed his eyelids whispering those words, like kissing prayers into a god.
Kikuji took off, abandoning demureness at his side and plunged into his brother’s arms knowing not that he also carried Christopher’s embrace, his desire to hold him tight, feel his warmth and never bloody let go.
But he could not. He could not even smile a heart breaking smile, he couldn’t even stare too much at a boy supposedly just a colleague in the same House at Hogwarts.
In fact Ryoga was supposed to play the frowning brother part and dislike Christopher’s presence.
So he swallowed felicity and let indifference take control. It was just another ball, another stupid party and that was not his love, it was just another silly girl waiting to be greeted by him.
“Hikari kun…” he pronounced remembering somehow the right honorific “How nice to see you.”
His heart nearly broke, tears could have almost fallen, and wouldn’t it be nice, just like some other piece of glittery tragicomedy?
For of course this was not some idiotic girl, this was not someone he barely talked to. This was Ryoga, and he couldn’t even hug him.
Ryoga Hikari
Reality stung as hard as winter's frost as Ryoga suddenly remembered who he was supposed to be. The warm smile was slowly painted over with a look of neutrality," Hai... dozo yorushiku Green san..." he placed Kikuji down on the ground and gave a bow. How easy it was to slip back to an old habit, yet why did it hurt so much now? It pierced him deep in the heart like a dagger dipped in acid, agony...
"Allow me to show you to your room." he spoke with his frosty gaze down cast, afraid to look into those ever haunting amethysts...
"Ryoga Hikari... Afraid to look at someone in the eye? You coward!"
"This way, please."
He turned to his little brother and spoke softly," Go fetch your sister, and meet us in the dining hall." he ruffled his hair one last time before leading the way through copper corridors of cedar, all the time reminding himself that he was Hikari Ryoga, the heir of the Hikari household. The Ice-Prince.
Hidesuke had already placed Chris's luggage upon the smooth tatami flooring, as the walls of rich mahogany and paper beamed in simple lavishness. A soft futon of snowflake white lay invitingly ,neatly spread out with crisp sheets. The sweet fragrance of sakura filled the room in a natural perfume.
A simple yukata of lavender was hung upon a stone table in the corner of the room, complete with tabi and sandals.
"If you wish you may change your attire, I will wait for you outside then I will show you to the dining hall..." with those soft words, Ryoga gave a bow and left the room to wait in the corridor, closing the sliding door behind him.
Kikuji Hikari
It was amazing how one's appearence could change from that of a loving smile to that of a emotionless shogun. Kikuji's leaf-green eyes glimmered, this was the Ryoga that Tatsumi had raised... this was what father wanted him to be.
How he wished he could tell his brother to smile forever, that he loved his smile. But somehow, he couldn't. And Ryouko had always told him to be patient with Ryoga, because he had many burdens...
So why wouldn't he share them with him? After all, was he not his brother too? His kin?
A feeling of hollowness lumped in his throat as his brother set him down and told him to fetch his sister. Kikuji being but a young boy could only use a certain amount of logic to reason out his confusions. And from what he was seeing, the arrival of this Christopher had caused Ni-chan's smile to go away. But why? Had he not spoken so fondly of him? Had his older brother not spoken of him without such a peaceful smile? So why was Christopher treating him so... distantly?
He frowned a little ,but then he too took up the look of frozen neutrality and gave his brother a small bow," Hai, wakarimashita..." (yes, I understand)
Then casting a last look of accusation to Christopher, he went towards the opposite way, towards his sister's chambers. So many questions filled his little head as he shuffled down the hallway. He wanted answers, and he hoped that Ryouko could give them to him... if not, then it would be time for him to pay Green-san a visit...
*Knock* Knock*
"Ne-chan? Are you there? It's me, Kikuji..."
Christopher Green
To all he fell numb. Ryoga perceived the role he needed to act but still it made him feel guilty and regretful. Surely they didn’t need to act like this near small Kikuji but that house had many eyes and more than that; he hadn’t come to be loved and liked.
He had come to become Ryouko’s fiancée at any price and if that meant winning only the small child’s distrust so be it. He was just that after all, and it was hard to prevent children from speaking what their hearts cried. For now, it would be disastrous if Kikuji thought him someone good.
Silently he moved behind Ryoga, more awakened than ever though it should be about 4 am in England. A good hour indeed, a hour to forget.
He had mistaken the honorific after all, Christopher thought twisting the left corner of his lips while he gazed at Ryoga’s back. He became so cold that even he felt scared and doubtful if he was only roleplaying his detachment or if there was something else.
Like the Green Manor, it was hard to believe many servants passed the area for none could be seen, no noise no colour from their faces even. It was as if they were alone and soon they reached what was to be Christopher’s chamber. How peaceful and beautiful it looked but Christopher could only think how far apart he would be from Ryoga’s.
And, maybe because of this need to feel someone cherished closer to him or maybe because he was just a child himself, his tone was small and warm, a small whisper anyone could have mistaken for embarrassment towards a different culture.
“Hikari san thank you for showing my chamber but now I beg your forgiveness for I need your help right now.” his eyes glimmered something warm and bright “I do not know how to dress a yukata. Will you be too bothered if I ask you to help me?”
Ryoga Hikari
A small whisper drifted into his ear, calling him back like a sweet invitation.
“I do not know how to dress a yukata. Will you be too bothered if I ask you to help me?”
For the first time since before, Ryoga looked up into the eyes of Chris. And immediately, he regretted doing so. Those pure pools of amethyst, hypnotising him, pulling him deeper and deeper into an abyss he never wanted to escape from... all that was Christopher, his face, his personal scent and those beautiful locks of copper-red he wanted to run his fingers through and kiss. To worship his very being in his embrace ... perhaps...he could have just one embrace, noone was around after all...
"NO! Ryoga! You will not ruin this for anyone! Remember who you are supposed to be..."
"I... I would be glad to help you Green-san."
Ryoga glided over to the beloved but untouchable figure and held up the thin cotten yukata.He coughed a little ,"Perhaps Green-san would like to remove his other garments first?" He then proceeded to help Christopher to take off his front shirt, biting down hard on his tongue . He tore his blue gaze away and kept it down at the tatami floor, keeping his mind on just his work. With gentleness, he pulled the yukata sleeves over Chris's slim shoulders, making sure that there wasn't a single wrinkle anywhere. He bent down on his knees to tie the black sash around Chris's waist, his eyebrows furrowed in concentration as he tied it into a simple knot with deft fingers .
Ryoga stood up and with a tilted head studied his work. Ah yes, O'Toki sure knew how to choose the best yukatas. It was as light as a feather, yet gave its wearer the look of a confidant warrior. He nodded his head and tried his hardest not blush," Y...You look very good in our traditional dress Green-san." he murmured, a polite smile on his face.
"Shall we proceed to the dining hall?"
Ryouko Hikari
"While it is true that more and more young men and women are united in marriage on their own will through love, the practice of "Mi-ai" is still widely observed to end in a happy married life for many. "Mi-ai" is an interview for a man and woman with a view to marriage, as arranged by their parents or a third party acting as a go-between. It is proposed with due consideration to social backgrounds and other factors of the prospective bride, bridegroom and their families. It is not compulsory on either of the parties concerned to accept such "Mi-ai" as a promise for marriage."
Soft hands placed the 'Book of Marriage' upon the laquered table, and a sigh emerged from soft lips. Ryouko cast her azure gaze out the window, looking out at the rain of pink petals dancing towards the ground. A sad smile graced her now placcid features, she knew what was to happen soon. O'Toki had told her of Chris's arrival.
It was a good thing father wasn't going to be home until night. She didn't feel like seeing him ... It would only make her feel more depressed and , frightened. Yes, even now, she still feared Tatsumi Hikari. But she knew that now all she had to do was play her cards right, and she would be able to save her family.
Cian... how she missed him so.
His smile, his voice with the slight irish accent... and his warm embrace.
"Ne-chan? It's me Kikuji."
"Come in Kiku-bon." she called to him, quickly putting on a sweet smile for him.She didn't need for him to see a sad face, Kikuji deserved much better than this.
She waited until she saw the innocent pair of green eyes peer in," What can Ne-chan do for you ne?"
Christopher Green
In the meanwhile...
With light movements and a certain rush he found himself wrapped in the fine yukata marvelling immediately at its lightness and touch.
At least that’s what occupied his mind, (the pretty yukata, oh yes, how wonderful!) for unlike Ryoga he closed his eyes to the world and dove in the first sensation of comfort since he arrived. His hands, his heat so close... a guardian angel to which he was devoted.
He shuddered when his fingers moved around his waist and coughed when he felt the tight squeeze of the sash.
When Ryoga finished Christopher hardly believed his eyes. It was decided. He wanted this yukata forever. He would buy it if he had to.
Again the yukata… it was best if he kept his thoughts on material things, much, much better.
“You compliment me far too much. I hope I don’t disgrace your traditions by not knowing how to walk wearing them.”
And he made a small bow, his hair coming to rest at his shoulder. The yukata was still a little large, maybe they thought he was some big man from England, and has he bowed it slid slightly back revealing just a little too much neck, a space still marked with curious red and black shadows.
But it had been just a glimpse, no more.
“Lead the way Hikari san.”
Would it be now, Christopher thought. Would it be now that he would meet Tatsumi Hikari?
Kikuji Hikari
"Ne-chan!" Kikuji burst through the door as soon as his sister's voice could be heard. Then he bowed respectfully to her, "I...I..."
He looked up from the floor into those eyes of gentle sky, those eyes he knew ever since he was young and had grown to love. That smile she always gave him to reassure him, to tell him that it was alright for him to speak and say his mind. So in a business-like manner he had adopted from his father, Kikuji rose from the ground and began pacing the floor back and forth," Ni-chan says that we are to meet in the dining hall, Christopher Green is with him."
He paused to watch his sister's reaction to that name and he studied her facial features, but what was he looking for? Happiness? Disappointment? Relief?... Disgust?
"I am not so sure about how you see Green-san" he continued seriously," But, I don't trust him."
"How can we put the fate of everyone into the hands of just one foreigner? Father said.... I mean, I, suddenly don't feel that this is such a good idea..."
he sat down next to her and looked up at Ryouko, "Ne-chan, why was Ni-chan so sad when Green-san came? Why did he stop smiling?" he asked in whisper, his green eyes wide.
Ryouko Hikari
Ryouko smiled a soft smile as the young Hikari bowed to her, to think that even a child such as himself was already so atuned to the ways of formalities.
"I...I..."
"What is it Kiku-chan? You can tell me anything."
Then, as he always did when the matter was a serious one, Kikuji paced backwards and forwards. Ryouko struggled not to laugh, it was rather funny to see him act so buisness-like.
"Ni-chan says that we are to meet in the dining hall, Christopher Green is with him."
Ryouko looked down at the her trembling hands," Oh, I see..." she couldn't imagine how Ryoga was feeling now, how he must be hurting so. She could feel Kikuji's gaze on her, watching her, so she kept her traitorous eyes away from his. She didn't want him to know...
"I am not so sure about how you see Green-san"
"Eh?"
," But, I don't trust him."
Bright eyes of pale blue blinked in utter shock," K...Kikuji?"
This wasn't suppposed to happen, Kikuji had been so eager to meet Christopher... why the distrust?
"How can we put the fate of everyone into the hands of just one foreigner? Father said.... I mean, I, suddenly don't feel that this is such a good idea..."
"Demo, Kikuji-chan, Christopher-san is a very good friend, and he may not be like us, but we shouldn't judge others by just their mere appearence..."
Once again, he sat by her, his face returned to that of a lost child, how his lower lip trembled.
"Ne-chan, why was Ni-chan so sad when Green-san came? Why did he stop smiling?"
Immediately, Ryouko pulled the small one into her arms and held him tight," Ni-chan, is just very tired, remember how we have to be formal towards our guests? So he has to stick to tradition...that's all..." she hugged him close to her, it was all she could do to keep from crying.
"Oh Ryoga-chan..."
"Come Kiku-bon, let's go meet them in the dining hall..."
Ryoga Hikari
As Chris bent over, Ryoga thought his sharp eyes caught sight of something at Christopher's neck. But before he could even take a second glance, Christopher had already stood up again. What was that strange red mark?... It could have been anything. Perhaps it was just a rash? Or what if?....
Thoughts brought him back to the beginning of the year when Chris had torn his shirt open and let him look at the many scars he had on his body... The night of madness.
He shook his head slightly," The yukata is a gift from me Green-san, please accept it." he gave another short bow, then led the way out of the room and down the cedar hallway. They turned a few corners, passing many servants who either took quick peeks at them, or had their eyes glued to the floor, giving them timid bows as they went.
Finally, Ryoga came to a sliding door. With a single movement of his hand, it slid open smoothly, revealing a large room with a high ceiling, brightly lit by paper lanterns. A low long table of laquer stretched down the room as if meant for about 50 people, and in the place of chairs were cushions of green and blue, each one embroided with a curled up serpent of white, the Hikari crest.
"Please take a seat Green-san, my sister will arrive shortly."
Ryoga gestured towards the cushions on the floor, only sitting down when Christopher had taken his place at the table.
A maid came in with a tray of tea and sweet meats for them, taking a quick bow before shuffling back out of the room, as if afraid that she would get eaten alive by either of the boys.
"Some tea Green-san?" Ryoga asked softly as he poured the steaming liquid into two cups, allowing the green tea leaves to settle before stirring each cup carefully, without spilling a single drop. He felt so defeated, as if resigned to a fate worse than Ryouko's. He wanted to commit 'Harikiri' right there on the dining room floor. But the thoughts of his family, of Chris, they prevented him from picking up his sword and plunging it into himself.
Offering the teacup with both hands, Ryoga kept his gaze down at his lap," Please be careful, it's a little hot."
Christopher Green
Ryoga’s stare became quite peculiar for a mere instant but enough to make him realise what he might have seen. Thomas’s leftovers.
He quickly adjusted the yukata and looked peacefully but he said nothing. Last year when lunacy and fear took control of his mouth and actions, he had shown Ryoga what he suffered at the hands of his so called dear Father. Not only he lost his mind that night he almost lost Ryoga so it was best not to give him any explanations but also shrug it off, make it seem like nothing much. Maybe it had been something that fell on top of him and left a bruise. It was best if Ryoga ended up thinking that for something had indeed fallen on his shoulders.
His Father’s hands.
Happily, Ryoga seemed just as eager to forget that little moment of cruel reality and spoke kindly, too kindly again.
He bowed politely, and tried with all his might not to blush but it was like asking him not to breathe well, maybe sustaining his breath was not such a bad idea.; at least prevented him from reaching out to touch his countenance.
So his light fingers only reached for the hem of one of the long sleeves of his lilac yukata and caressed the fabric.
“Your kindness and your family’s have no limits, Hikari san. I shall treasure it.” and wear it every time such chance is provided, Christopher thought grinning mentally though between Hogwarts and Green Manor he didn’t knew when would he have such opportunity.
With a formal bow of his own (so strange to see him do that), Ryoga gestured Christopher to follow him through the magnificent corridors of his home.
Nothing was heavy looking there, light came in through the many windows around yet, everything and everyone was gripped to the floor, shuffling quietly with eyes low as if binded by iron shackles.
Each servant that looked at him either looked horrified or wondrous and both made him uncomfortable, begging to get away. What did they expect from him? What if they knew their real plans?
“God forbid!”
It was all set for a big occasion and he was the reason for it all. Parties and festivities were very nice and dandy in his old England but here it had such reverence clinging to the walls, the ceilings, the table and seats themselves, that it choked him. And all under the pure milky light of a thousand paper lanterns while a gorgeous garden peered at them through one of the many windows in the room.
Frightening indeed, how all that sweetness could turn into the stinging bite of a snake if he didn’t get to play his cards well.
Still, today it wouldn’t be the “Omiai” or to put it simple, the Wedding’s interview.
Today he was just a normal guess, a friend from a distant land and it was all about “getting to know each other better”.
Ryoga stood motionless assuming his supposedly “bored” expression and asked him to sit down which, proved to be a very difficult matter when you were dressed with something that desperately seemed to want to show your legs.
There were no chairs, just cushions which now really made him feel intimidated as everything and everyone grew around him.
Still he smiled softly thinking of the first night Ryoga had been with him and how his kimono (which was his sister’s and gone into their room by mistake) also revealed his own legs so adoringly.
Now he marvelled how he kept it neat and pressed against them, showing not an inch of skin.
He tried to fold his own legs like his but he had no practice at it and only after some awkward adjustments he was proper at last.
A shy looking maid, resembling in her startled airs his maid in the Manor, brought them tea and some appetiser he did not recognise but as he was to say thank you she had shuffled away as if she had seen the devil.
And probably she did.
But it was really something seeing Ryoga’s moving hands pouring in the tea, silently, only the steam rising from the round cup and then his again too gentle words or perhaps it were just his longing and sentiments playing tricks on him.
Still, like a jolt of unwanted electricity he shuddered when their fingers met grasping the cup.
“T-thank you Hikari-san.” he said quickly bowing his head, not minding the heat burning his palms, his fingers.
Not one look! Not now or everything could be ruined!
He placed the cup on the table and staid still, like an ivory statue, looking faded when he should shine for Ryoga, for their plan to work.
Cursed it all be!
Ryouko Hikari
The door slid open once again as Ryouko shuffled into the room. "Hounto ni gomenasai, I did not mean to be tardy, please forgive me." she spoke softly, her eyes were downcast as well. She bowed, but this time ,she knelt down on her knees and bowed until her head touched the polished floor. Once to Ryoga and once to Chris.
Rising up slowly she took a quick peek to see if her younger brother had decided to join them. Then made her way to the table and sat herself across from Ryoga, her hands placed gently one over another on her lap.
Such strict forms of custom were compulsory for a girl her age, in fact she would have already been considered a woman. But whatever the case, she trained well, and did every single one with the grace of a lady, as was expected of her. She struggled to keep her eyes on her lap, resisting the urge to look into the blues of her twin to see if she could give him any form of comfort... but she couldn't.
"How bright the sun shines today..." she spoke casually," and yet somehow, one can't help but feel a chill ne? Even the branches of the sakura tree are getting flimsy and brittle in the cold.." she hinted to them both. "But as they say, time heals all. Perhaps if we are patient, the branches will become strong again and the blossoms will be more beautiful than any have ever seen... it just takes time, and patientce."
She stressed her last words before taking a sip of the green tea she had poured for herself.
"My father Hikari Tatsumi will be joining us for dinner tonight, until then, you may clear any doubts you have or ask any question about today's agenda." she stated, placing her cup carefully back on the table before smiling a small smile.
Christopher Green
“When in presence of a lady, especially one considered especial, a gentleman is to greet her delicately and express his satisfaction in having the chance to appreciate her company.”
He didn’t need to remember Marian’s words to understand this but as in so many other occasions, when the need to be courteous was higher, her shrill voice would echo inside his mind and act like some sort of hypnosis driving him to respond like a puppet.
This had been his education and his culture.
But here, so far away from home, culture was different and so was etiquette.
Christopher tried to get up but before he had managed it, Ryouko was kneeling down with such reverence towards her brother that he might just have been a Buda statue waiting worship.
Then, much to his dismay, she bowed to him also in that same incomprehensible way until some of her light blonde fringe touched the bright wooden floor.
What culture was this, Christopher thought, which considered women so low to have them prostrate themselves like that in front of men?
She was pale, and looked tired, her eyes dull somehow. Was this really Ryouko?
She looked like a bright canary whose tongue had been ripped off and now that he considered it, so did Ryoga and so did him.
It was strange then, when she opened her small lips and spoke breaking the discomfited ambience although keeping it sustained in a silver thread of warning.
He understood those words and nodded slowly.
“There is no cold for me.” what was he supposed to call her? Was “san” also for girls? “I’m consumed in the heat and I’m afraid I might grow ill from it unless I find some sort of solace.” his eyes turned slightly to Ryoga, not exactly meeting his granite blue, examining better perhaps the curve of his lips.
Once more he nodded gently when Ryouko spoke again and imitating her, he took the cup of tea into his hands and drank from it.
It was the strangest thing he had ever tasted. It was bitter, with such accentuated taste and yet almost no aroma. He putted the cup back on the table, swallowing silently, trying to decide if he liked it or not.
“What is the name of this beverage?” he asked out of curiosity.
When he heard Tatsumi Hikari’s name however, the small sparkle of casualness was put out and his eyes glinted, getting him ready for anything and everything.
“It would be rude of me to expose you or anyone of your household right now to any of my fancies. I nearly arrived Hikari… san.”
To say the truth he was not one bit used to the exoticness of Japan and a taste of its streets and people looking at him as if seeing a ghost made him falter and wish only to rest peacefully.
He preferred changing the subject right away.
“Your young brother grew so much. I’m glad I finally have a chance to meet him. He looks like a fine child.”
Kikuji Hikari
Just behind the sliding door, a small head leaned against the wooden frame. Kikuji's ears strained hard to try and listen out for any clue about his siblings's plans with this new-comer, but he heard nothing...
He let out a small sigh, how did things become such a big mess?
"Kaa-san..." (mother)
he whispered, and curled his legs to his chest. His head was still flopped against the door, a ginger curtain fell across eyes of summer green. If only his mother was around, when she would be back from Osaka, he would never know. Satsu was so ill... so weak.. so tired...
Around his neck, Kikuji wore a small pendant of red glass in the shape of a fox. His mother told him that it was rumoured to contain the blood of the fox godess, and that it would protect him. The young Hikari held it to him and whispered a quick fervent prayer, his eyes shut tight in hope that everything would just go right...
Kami sama...
But when he had opened his eyes...
"O..O..Otousan..."
