Discussions in the dark
~ Chapter 8 ~
Roughly five months before the uninvited guest arrived.
~
The shattering of glass catches Sakuya's attention. Blinking herself out of her reverie, she looks about. "What was- oh."
Recognizing the broken window mere inches from her position, Sakuya is remorseful. 'Not again. I haven't lashed out like that in years.'
"-ya"
Not yet catching the sound of her name, a dazed Sakuya stares down at the glass fragments dotting the stone floor.
The faint glimmer of rapidly fading red chakra is alarming but not unexpected.
'Our family's "secret power", the dangerous one I'm not to speak of...
' Due to my necessary public visibility, I don't have as many opportunities to "temper" it in secret like Shiro and Rei... Perhaps this was overdue?"
-"SAKUYA, please, I'm begging you... Listen to me!"
Finally registering the words, Sakuya turns to Yuukina. Remembering that her friend "Yuuki" has been present this entire time, she flushes.
'No, Yuuki! Is she alright? ' The embarrassment at her lack of control was palpable.
Bowing deeply before her brunette friend, Sakuya apologizes. "Many pardons Yuuki. Are you alright? I swear that surge wasn't on pur-"
She's cut off. Yuuki interrupts to express relief. "Thank goodness. I was terrified for you dear one."
Pulling Sakuya into a firm hug, she murmurs. "I'm so sorry. I didn't know the news would impact you so deeply."
"No, Yuuki, it's not your fault... I don't understand it myself.
"I... I never knew Mito. We were perfect strangers. Why is news of the sister I never knew affecting my heart so strongly?"
"Apologies about the mess, and the lingering energy on the broken glass- please dont touch it! I can clean-"
"Oh Sweet girl, I don't care about that. Give it a good half-hour, it will disperse than it's an easy sweep up.
"This burning chakra of yours... I've seen Reiji wield it. Shiro too, but it's not so frightening. Not in my mind." Yuukina said warmly.
"I accepted long ago that because you three are verififiable hybrids, new abilities and strange chakra "manifestations" are all part of the package."
"I promise, I am far more afraid of my "past" catching up to me, than I'll EVER be of you three." Yuukina assured Sakuya kindly.
"We'd never allow that Yuuki, my brothers, especially Rei-" Yuukina interupts her.
"Then I can rest assured. Now let's make sure the same can be said for you dear one."
"It's really going to be okay. Everything. Just keep calm. Now please give me but a moment to go fetch-
"Ah, never mind they're already on their way. Feel it?"
"Directing a careful bit of her energy outward like a feeler, a highly tense Sakuya relaxes minutely.
"I do, their Chakra signals are close. Thank you Yuuki."
As the stone doors slide open, revealing the presence of Shiro and Rei In Sakuya's eyes, her brothers may as well be her lifeline.
"Thank goodness. I'm glad you're here Brothers, but I'm so sorry for intruding on your busy afternoon."
"Nonsense Songbird." Shiroyuki said placatingly. Reiji agrees, his princely voice the gentlest she's ever heard.
"Sweet Songbird, there's no higher priority. Ever." Said Shiro, the concern in his voice touches Sakuya to the core.
"You should know by now that If you were to ask it, we'd assassinate the Daimyo and make you Empress." Said Reiji, only half joking.
"Reiji is right Songbird. I think his head would look nice dipped in gold. I can head out right now, what do you say?"
Chuckling lightly at both her brother's attempt at humor, (For even darker humor can lift spirits) Sakuya manages a sincere smile.
Feeling their approach, though she can barely move, Sakuya makes no effort to dismiss them or reject the offered embrace.
Leaning into their warm comforting arms, she knows this is the one place where Sakuya "The Wellspring Maiden" is allowed to be vulnerable.
She permits herself to cry.
'Their guarding spirits and my voice... I will be alright. We will be just fine
' I must not allow this tragedy or my feelings to have any effect Oasis.'
~
A few hours later, Shiroyuki and Reiji are alone in their shared office.
Pushing his paperwork to the side, "Shiro" is aggravated. "What was that?"
"Hm? What do you mean Brother? I don't follow." asked Reiji.
"The sensations in my heart. I don't like it."
"Ah, you mean what Sakuya said... About Mito's death costing Fire peace?"
"A bit dramatic but I see her point. The original flow of time would agree as well."
"Really? I find it naive. While it absolutely would have helped, realistically speaking Mito's marriage would only be PART of it...
"A big part yes- Perhaps that's why it stings? For the civilians I mean. Personally, I can't bring myself to care. The war will end eventually and "peace" will be had."
"Still, this is "Guilt" huh?... Yeah, that's a new one. I guess it would be hard for her to hear.
That pettiness aside, I'm more concerned with Sakuya's understanding of the political landscape.
"This Oasis is supposed to be "Her world". A wellspring of life and love. It's one thing for her to love and dote on the people here..."
"True Shiro, the war and those residing in the outside nations aren't her concern. Why does she waste energy empathizing with those outside her bubble?"
"I get its probably that empathetic heart we've so nurtured, at work...
"Hm, we'll need to gently express upon her that there's only so much anyone can do for everyone everywhere.
"Remind Sakuya that it's best not to overthink the details." Shiro said decisively.
"A sound suggestion Shiro." Said Reiji. "Subtlety will be key of course. We don't want to accidentally harden her. That defeats the purpose."
Though Reiji nodded in overall approval at the basics of Shiro's idea, the younger brother made sure his input and refinements were heard.
"That's fair Reiji, and you are right of course. As it so often is, tact and delicacy will be paramount. "Ah must this be such a delicate battle?" mused Shiro grimly.
Though "Shiro and Rei" believe they have found a solution, the ordeal remains a puzzling question the brothers would ponder over many nights in the future.