Shiroyuki's lament
~ Chapter 3 ~
' Finally, she's gone.' The haggard- if well-mannered woman leaving him be, at last, "Shiroyuki" can resume Sakuya's lesson.
Casually crossing over the stone floor to Sakuya's shared room, "Shiro" idly lets his thoughts wander.
For just over a year now the siblings have been living within the sandstone walls making up the local children's shelter.
Though his younger "twin brother; Reiji" would surely disagree, it hasn't been terrible. The young Wind Daimyo's pet project, locations like these are an increasingly familiar sight in Wind.
Indeed Shiro suspects that so far as orphan homes can be, this place is surely on the higher end of any spectrum of "quality"...
' Especially considering the rough, inhospitable environment that is our location.' Thought Shiro. 'The desert beyond those walls is positively acrid.'
All in all things haven't been unbearable, their plans are progressing on point.
Plus so long as it is practical (and he knows he can get away with it), Shiroyuki generally ignores both the matron Ryoko, and the dozen or so children, so misfortunate as to call the shelter of this sweltering village home.
All the while, carefully ensuring his indifference to the others is framed politely and as deferential as his pride can manage, Shiroyuki is pleased with the results.
'If I'm not mistaken she's interpreting our "disinterest" as a product of shyness rather than malice or a big head.
' A very Good thing, now if we can keep it that way.
'Appearances matter and it wouldn't do for me to be the cause of trouble.'
Still, despite his more "charitable outlook", Shiroyuki isn't sure how much longer his own patience will last.
"Reiji is being impatient, but that baby brother of mine isn't completely off base, this way of life... it's unsustainable. Something has to change."
Mercifully enough, the many duties required in running the children's shelter keep those around them busy and more often than not, the eldest brother is free to handle his time as he sees fit.
Approaching the door keeping the youngest children, Shiro halts.
Sensing an irk of annoyance, not his own, stab across his forehead, it can only be Reiji, formerly known as Black Zetsu.
'Reiji is occupied? This again, I assume it's yet another unaffiliated fool trying to "claim" us. In broad daylight no less... How unspeakably crass of them."
"Must be another "undesirable type" otherwise Reiji would be happy to play along.' Shiro realized with annoyance.
Observing more carefully through the two-way mental connection, Shiro shakes his head in disappointment.
'It's nice to be recognized, even better that it's so open. But there are better ways to negotiate... Mother would be sickened.'
Feeling Reiji as he sinks into the ground via "Kamui" an ability tied to the modified Sharingan. One of the many boons offered by their cultivated bodies, Shiro knows the battle is won.
"Ah well, yet another body, never to be found. Not nearly as many as I expected. "
Stroking, the barely perceptible mark, discreetly tattooed behind his left ear, the weightless contents within the dimensional space are practically itching to be utilized.
"Reiji must be feeling the same. I know he's frustrated, but the tools within our respective "storage seal" can't be wasted.
' There is generic money, but everything from "Father's" love poems to "Mother", and Sakuya's diadem, all have a purpose. These steps were chosen with care, we can't stray from the meticulously curated path Mother lay before us.
' We'd have no way of explaining them. Worst case they confiscate them completely.
' It was hard enough convincing the matron to let us keep our pearl pendants. '
"Sentimental" reminders of our "Mama." -Shiroyuki remembers. His nostalgic musings were interrupted by a sliding stone door.
A small girl with red-blonde locks and wide, long-lashed eyes of polished silver.
She looks up at him, curiosity brimming wide and uninhibited.
Although her face and idealized features gazed with an expectant air, overall Sakuya's expression is still very much adoring.
"I knew it was you! Thank you for coming again." she said politely, accompanying her greeting with an unfairly graceful dip of the knee.
"Sakuya, you felt my presence. Wonderful efforts, but of course I returned to you, we're siblings."
"Come along now, I'll brush your hair and you can refresh my memory. I trust our lessons are sticking?"
The diminutive girl lights up further. Her wide silver eyes practically sparking in joy.
"Yes! Thank you, Brother, I remembered everything from last time." "I've been practicing hard."
"That's wonderful to hear Sweet Songbird. These different pitches are instrumental to your future.
"Thus far your grasp of the basics is sound, but for now, it's best to keep our efforts small."
Taking his larger hand, Sakuya is energized. "I know Brother, we don't want a d... dullug? Deluge!"
Shiro grins, taking advantage of the newest provided opportunity to indulge in their facsimile of familial warmth.
' This is good, but we can do better. Best amp up the "love" between us three. '
' Whatever it takes to permanently secure our bond as family.
' Reiji and myself, We can't risk leaving even the slightest room for Sakuya to resent us. That leads to teen rebellion and questions we can't reliably answer.
' Yes, it's best to eliminate that possibility well in advance by solidifying this budding emotional and psychological attachment to us both.'
Shiro spoke gently, "Very good Sakuya. You know, Reiji will be very proud too."
He continued his praise, "It's a very tricky word, good on you Songbird for catching your little error. Not many your age would understand their misstep."
"Now then, you remember correctly, but it bears reiterating that it's your "Intent" that matters most of all."
"What "you want" more than anything Songbird is to call a sprinkle of rain. Each and every day.
"Something modest and manageable which these people can adapt and gradually grow accustomed to.
"A "deluge" as you say would turn them against us. And we don't want that."
"Now let's get moving, after our lesson, I have a surprise for you- a trip to see real dancers. Lady Ryoko will never know we were gone."
"Oh really Shiro?" Bouncing on the soles of her feet, the girl is trying but failing to reign herself in.
"I'll never mislead you Little Sister. No matter what happens Songbird, you'll always have Reiji and I."
Leading her downstairs, to the few people around, Shiroyuki's face is neutral. None of the staff make an effort to chase them away.
' Ah, the perks of being known for "good behavior", Shiro mused.
As the two settle into "their spot" a secluded storage room beneath the shelter, Shiroyuki knows they aren't supposed to be here, but he doesn't exactly care.
Nor do the caretakers really. Shiro speculates it's likely because the hefty crates are bolted shut, so it's not like anything contained within is in danger of being stolen by mere children.
Placing herself on top of a smaller crate, Sakuya makes herself comfortable. Shiroyki reveals the usual brush from his storage seal.
Sitting himself behind Sakuya, he runs it carefully through her hair. The cascading waves, easily take to the whalebone brush, and the rhythm of his movements is soothing.
"Now Sakuya, begin with our chant, show me how well your voice has come."
Nodding slightly so as not to disrupt her brother's brushing Sakuya acquiesces. The smooth tranquil, verse without melody.
"Be the gentlest rain or steady pour, in my voice, a torrent roars.
"Blossoms sway and branches tall, my melody a gentle thrall."
Sensing the gentle "Wood element" Chakra emanating the room, Shiro looks about.
'Ah, a bit of pink. Those omanthus olive blossoms in the corner weren't there when we entered. She's closer than I dared hope.' Thought Shiro.
The eldest brother's silver eyes flash with pride.
In the intensity of Shiro's emotion, the kaleidoscope of his Eternal Mangekyou surfaced just long enough to reflect that tiniest hint of greed, he can't yet repress.
Thankfully Shiro retracted it fast enough, and this most unfortunate "crack" in his perfect brotherly image went completely unnoticed by his sister Sakuya.
' That was close, for the time being, Reiji's and my own Eternal Mangekyou must remain our secret. For the sake of our plan, Sakuya's should be witnessed first.
'That will take time, of course, we only get ONE opportunity to "reveal"
' Until that most opportune day, these weaker stages are sufficient.
' Still, I'm not wrong to be excited, her voice is more than merely splendid! In fact we might be able to begin soon!
'Hm, let's see how far I can push.'
"Very good Sakuya, it's a rudimentary chant but effective for our needs here. Now try again, but this time use a higher register."
"The medium register is... adequate. But we both know you have more. Far more than most others could begin to dream of. Use it."
The girl nods, "I can, Lady Ryoko said the upper register is called soprano. I won't let you down, Shiro."
Taking a breath, Sakuya resumes her chanting. In the mesmerizing soprano, even as additional tiny blooms spring forth, the previous haphazardly scatter.
' Hm, I guess this stuffy basement isn't the best place for floral longevity.'
' Still, this is good. I have plenty to work with. Mother your scientist did well.' Shiro thought in gratitude.
"Yes, that's it. A beautiful sound Sakuya, and most promising. Let's put aside our chant, for a moment. We'll discuss your "vocal blending" with Lady Ryoko later, for now, let's focus on tempo."
~
From their hidden perch, Shiro notes Sakuya's attention on the dancers.
Her single tomoe Sharingan commits every movement to memory.
"These are such a lovely point of reference Brother. I can build off this and work it into our voice work.
He hums in enthusiastic approval.
"Excellent attention to detail Songbird, I see you noticed that even the background dancers have something special to offer."
"My songbird, let the blooming forest in your heart caress your voice and dance alike. Remember the 'D's' we spoke of with Reiji and Lady Ryoko. 'Dedication', 'Discipline' and 'Determination'. Reiji and I will do the same for you." His promise they would do everything to protect her rang true.
The vibrant girl blushes, Sakuya's appreciation for Shiro's heartfelt praise and assurance is visible. A promising factor Shiro is all too happy to encourage.
' So close Mother. I didn't even need to suggest or tell her to learn dance.
' Not only did Sakuya want to learn this art form of her own volition, but she instinctively understood the purpose of our Sharingan. Reiji... We're nearly there.'
At Shiro's side, Little Sakuya hums along, being entirely instrumental, the orchestra's music lacks any real lyrics.
Despite this limitation, the improvised words in her mind feel "right".
' Eternal Echo, my moonlit night, serenade calling in the softest of moonlight.
' Whispers of melody untold, a distant caress. Veiled in shadows, my gentle songs... ' "Embrace"?
' Yeah, I'll have to remember this later!'
As they return to the shelter, the diminutive girl smiles brightly. Already looking forward to Shiro's next lesson, Sakuya has but one additional desire, 'I hope Reiji can join us next time too.!'