Tsutomu:
Why hasn’t that man come for the people here? I take the snow I’ve formed into a ball and aim for the barren tree and of course it misses. Maybe he won’t come? Tch… It’s supposed to be cold but I don’t even -feel- it. And the sun burns brightly but it doesn’t even blind me. Why is that? It’s -exhausting- waiting. -I- don’t mind being here but the rest? They’re not supposed to be here. Makoto and Yagi-san should be with their kin in Kyoto. I look back towards the house. We shouldn’t be imposing on an old man and Akane-san who obviously needs to take care of her own house with Murasaki-sama. At least Onee-chan and Onii-san is I guess where they’re supposed to be. Onii-san is being a good soldier and Onee-san is with her kin, maybe taking care of some younger children just like Ai-chan.
The one most out of place here is Midori. She has no kin here. She has no business here. But where would she go, with that rejection by the government, she’s guaranteed to rot here. She deserves better! With a frown I step back onto the engawa.
Everyone’s just content to let things be as they are. That’s just -stupid-. Maybe… Maybe he can help? Because certainly that man couldn’t care less about us anymore. Maybe they know the same people? Aizu people are all related after all! Quickly I put on my boots and start for the gate.
“So what bring you here Tsutomu-kun?” Uncle grins slightly as I’m led inside the room. “I didn’t expect you to pay a visit.”
“I’m sorry about that Uncle. I know I’ve been in Aizu now for over a week and I’ve yet to pay my respects.”
He gestures his hand as if to dismiss the slight. But I know it does matter a bit to him so I keep my head bowed low. I need a favor after all.
“Come sit down.” He points to a chair. I’m surprised he has high chairs in this room back then it was all just pillows like in our house. He must be doing quite well. “Have you been to see your mother?”
“Of course Uncle. I’ve just had a hard time leaving the girls in Ueda-sama’s house.”
“Ah I suppose it is good to show deference to that old man. He was at one time a village elder after all. Not that he has much to show for it.” He shrugs and I nod my head in agreement.
“But maybe the lodgings are sufficient enough.” He muses, “And it was likely your father who put you and your companions there? Still trying to save some money?” He chuckles amused at himself. “Ah but I shouldn’t make light of it. There’s some danger I heard, that he’s dragged all of you into again?”
I nod, “Yes sir.” I look away unable to tell him, I think it’s all a farce and likely that man is just with his other woman. We’re all just an inconvenience to him and now generally an inconvenience to everyone after all.
“Don’t look too distraught Tsutomu-kun, you’re with family here in Aizu. If you or your companions should need help, we Aizu folk are generous people.”
I look up at him and blink, suddenly feeling some weight lifted off my shoulders. Uncle Morinosuke had always been a supporter of the Fujita family and loyal to my mother. He wouldn’t let anything bad happen to us, even if I were my damned father’s son.
He smiles and continues, “You’ve seen your mother. She’s doing much better with the doctor I’ve gotten for her. One of the best in Aizu, one of the famed Takani’s.”
My mouth goes open a bit, impressed that my Uncle has been able to find such a legendary name, the entire family was known as healers in Aizu going back several generations. “I… I’m very thankful sir!” I bow my head once again. No wonder mother seemed so much better. I was worried that with both me and Yoshi away from her side after father’s abandonment of her, that she would end up just like that woman. The fake first wife my mother called her. But my mother might still avoid such a fate.
He pats my shoulder and I look up again. “But when you’re done in less than a year, you should come here and help us rebuild Aizu and then you can be close to your mother. If I had it my way, I’d have never let you go back to Tokyo with your father to live with his mistress but your mother was adamant you go. I never understood why, but it seems she was right. You are a -very- strong young man not to be tainted by them. Continue to be strong as you are.”
Tainted? I can’t blame him or them thinking that way. After all, all of them are living upstanding lives of merit and example. It’s hard to be in the scrutiny of the Meiji government, one wrong move… “Yes sir.”
This young man whose determined eyes remind me more of his father every day eventhough none of his physical features except for his build would ever let on that he is that man’s son. But through and through he is more my sister’s son than he is that man’s son so I accept him. He is a testament to the failures of his father and a witness to his deeds of evil.
“So who is with you in Elder Ueda’s house?”
“Yagi-san, my two sisters Makoto-chan and Ai-chan. And a girl her name is Nishino Midori, Yagi-san’s boarder.”
“Oh.” I smile slightly and cup my chin. That man sent all of them here? And the woman has taken a boarder? Are they hard up? Not surprising. “And you didn’t even bother to bring any of them over to visit?”
“Uh sir. I only came to ask for a favor sir.”
“Go on.”
“Midori… I mean Nishino-dono was merely caught up in our escape. Her family who owns a succesful fishing business in the far Northwest sent her to Tokyo to study but now that she’s been caught up in this mess…”
“I see. So you want her sent back to Tokyo?”
“Uh no sir.” He pulls out a crumpled piece of paper and gives it to me. I take a quick read and immediately I understand the issue at hand and i give it back to him.
“I’m glad you came to me instead of your father, but then again what can an absentee father do even if he is in the government.” I almost roll my eyes but instead I tap my finger on the desk. “There are a couple of avenues we can take for this girl but they are not here.”
“I was hoping you can put in a good word for her Uncle. She is a driven hard working girl who has needs of leaving the country and pursuing her dreams abroad! Girls like that shouldn’t just be someone’s house wife, made to just pick up after a man and raise his children. She can be -more- and the way the Meiji government is treating her as less than is infuriating!”
I look at him. Going through all this just for a boarder? But the way he speaks about this girl is more than just a mere house boarder. And his passion seems inappropriate for a mere friend, which he didn’t even say was the case. “So this girl is the Kyoto woman’s boarder you say?” I ask it again.
“Uh yes.”
“So you don’t really know her that well.”
“Uh I know her enough. We both go to Futaba.”
“I see. Now of course I trust your judgment but I should meet with this girl myself. I cannot present her well if I don’t get to know her.”
He nods, “I’ll go get her now and you two can talk.” He stands up abruptly leaving for the door.
“Wait Tsutomu-kun!” I call out. “I have a better idea. How about I go with you instead? Unfortunately I don’t have much time and I have some business to attend to tomorrow that will take me away for some time.”
I call for the housekeeper to tell the driver to get the horse and buggy prepared for our departure to Uedas. Now we shall see what that man Goro has been up to.
(OOC: Midori will be required to appear, otherwise she will be written into the narrative leaving Aizu in a few days. Thread can continue in this post. The rest of the people in Ueda’s house are optional.)
Morinosuke:
We get to the Elder’s house without much fuss. Tsutomu-kun seemed lost in thought although it was a short ride, he doesn’t say much. Is he nervous that I will once again see the immoral deeds that his father engages himself with? But I am not one to disparage the innocent victims of his father’s wantonness. We get off the carriage and he leads me into the grounds of the Elder’s estate. Small but this was his choice. We tried to give him a more prominent estate in the middle of Wakamatsu closer to the Castle but he is a stubborn man who insist that we all come out here instead. Thankfully he’s not insisted to be involved much in the rebuilding and administration of the city nor the castle.
I see the Elder sitting outside with his cane and just staring. He turns as we draw closer.
“Ueda-sama.” The boy bows to his Elder, “Please excuse me but I brought my Uncle Morinosuke as I wanted his help.”
“It’s been a long time Takagi-kun.”
“Yes it has Elder.” I bow curtly, “The last time was when you first moved here.”
He nods but his face remains expressionless.
“Since you brought him here Tsutomu-kun, then I suppose you brought him here for someone else? Will he have business with Yagi-san and the girls?” Although the Elder’s tone is even, it seems he is displeased with the boy.
“He asked me to come for Nishino-dono.” I answer for my nephew. “I have no interest in the Kyoto woman.”
The Elder let’s out a slight scoff but doesn’t say anything else but motions with his cane for us to enter into the receiving room of his house. I do as I’m told, finding a place to sit and I sit in Seiza. The Elder taking the further side of the room and positions himself against the light.
“I’ll call Midori.”
“Nishino-dono you mean.”
“Yes Uncle.”
(OOC: Anyone can enter here or just Midori. If you would like to forego writing just OOC comment and thread will proceed.)
(Midori)
I was quite surprised when I was told that a visitor whished to see me. It’s been quiet, taking care of Ai-chan and Makoto. Yagi-san seems…. listless. She says she has some trifling stomach complaint but not to bother Ueda-sama with it. Akane0
I practice my art, and I think. I shouldn’t have told Tsutomu-kun of my despair. He has enough to worry about! And besides. I am a tough girl of the sea, up against people who think they know me because of a box my family once fell into. I’m not going to give in, like I think Yagi-san has.
I go into the small formal room and see Tsutomu-kun, Ueda-sama, and a man I don’t know. I don’t stare at him, of course, I was taught better, both at home and at school. Instead, I bow before sitting and then bow low again once in seiza, waiting to be introduced.
Tsutomu:
“Uncle this is Nishino Midori-dono. She as I told you is Yagi-san’s boarder and goes to the same school as I.”
I watch as Midori respectful bows and then sits opposite Uncle. “She has -dreams‐ of leaving the country but the Meiji government is making it impossible. She’s worrked so-hard- even practicing not only her craft but her English just so she can speak their language. ”
My uncle nods and turns his attention to Midori. “Nishino-dono, I certainly understand your predicament and I think I maybe able to help you through Aizu’s many connections, but may I ask what is so different about pursuing those dreams here in Japan versus in some foreign land where you will not know anyone and likely be at a disadvantage? What drives such a young lady? Money? Power? Knowledge or Prestige? And what lengths would you go for this dream of yours? “
Oh this is his uncle? I suppose Fujita-sensei’s brother, as her name was Takagi, according to people at school who still use that name for her. Usually the ones that spoke worst of her husband.
And they’re here… to talk about my dream? I look over at Tsutomu-kun, and I’m surprised… and I feel my cheeks warm as he compliments me. He noticed? I tried not to go on and on about myself, but I guess he notices…
And then he launches into a series of questions and I remember Fujita-sensei saying that he was Aizu’s greatest young lawyer! Oh dear… so I take a minute to answer.
“Thank you, Fujita-senpai, for advocating for me,” I start. “Sir, I wish to study at the Royal School of Needlework in London, who allow students from all over the world, to share and exchange their art,” I tell him. “Indeed, it would be a challenge to study overseas. I need to study English more, and even though I would be chaperoned it would be lonely.”
What drives me? I smile a bit. “I find there is little money, or power, to be found in a woman’s art. Knowledge, yes. Aside from foreigners, learning the ways of my art beyond our native traditions is difficult.” I look at Tsutomu-kun, and then back at his uncle. “What I do may be small, and my dream a bit trifling compared to others who go overseas… but if I do something, I want to know that I’m doing my best. Ah, to see a trail of flowers bloom across an obi, or a kitten play across a baby’s garment -” I stop, aware that I’m rattling on -terribly-.
“Thank you, sir, for your offer. Fujita-senpai knows of how upset I was, for the government to deny me.” I take a breath and look back at the boy that I… I know but I need -time-. I want this, but, “may I ask for you help, sir, in a little while? I considered the government’s denial, and I could take it as a cruel rejection and dismissal based on their cruel assessment due to my family’s background- or, instead, as a challenge. I still have this year, and the next, at Futaba. And then… I should first attend University and complete a full course of study in English, and continue to study the art of our country. Then, sir, I would be worthy of Fujita-senpai’s endorsement and the assistance of Aizu in pursuit of my dream.”
I couldn’t imagine failing again, with him doing this for me. For a boy who says ‘endure’ so much, who has endured such, that he wishes to pull the strings he has to help me? I glance over at him. Even if he’s meant for Tsurumi-chan, he has been good to me.
It’s only the girl who presents herself and not the rest of them. Not at all surprising. At least unlike that man they have enough shame not to show themselves here so I listen to the girl.
“London?” I look at the girl and immediately remember who has been to that place for a year. I can’t help but glance at Tsutomu-kun, did he know about this? And yet he came to me instead of him. I’m -pleased- that he did. I can’t help but smile and nod at the girl for the triumph she afforded the Takagi’s.
She rattles on about embroidery and presents a vivid imagery of it, to which Tsutomu seems to be listening intently. But she does something unexpected…
“may I ask for you help, sir, in a little while?
She wants to defer the help I haven’t even agreed to give -yet-. And gives me a litany of excuses as to why it should not start today. I put up my hand in a gesture for her to stop. “Young Lady, opportunities should be grasped with both hands unless your dreams are not worth pursuing. If I were to tell you that I would take you today to come with me back to Tokyo or Kyoto and get you into a -fast- track of your dreams, why would you wait? Why should you?”
“That’s right Midori. If Uncle knows of a way to assist you now. You can continue learning English while in London. You’d do much better immersing yourself than practicing English with me.”
I look at my nephew. I think I see what’s going on here. But he continues.
“If you have a headstart, you’ll surpass even Tsurumi and will have more time to adjust. You should NOT stay in Japan any longer. You’re talented enough, you know -enough- to share with the best and in turn you can learn so much more than staying another year in Futaba! University would be better in London than here and when you return, even the Meiji government will -have- to acknolwedge you.”
I grin at my nephew. Have I ever seen him so passionate? He usually just sports a rather sullen face or a frown whichever his mood. “Tsutomu-kun is right. The Meiji government couldn’t even stop one of our own after he returned from abroad. All of a sudden he was part of the creme de la creme, running four institutions for the home ministry. We even have another son of Aizu who put his own school together in Kyoto, a girls school that is partnered with schools from abroad. It is with one of these people that I will entrust you.”
I hear a slight grunt from Ueda which distracts me but I turn my attention back to the girl. “But Nishino-dono, you must have the courage to pursue opportunity when it’s presented to you.” Rather than making excuses but of course I’m not only doing this for the girl, but because she is another victim of this cruel Meiji society. We not only help our own but all other victims of discrimation.
(OOC worked tonight brain too dead to write sorry will post tomorrow)
If I were to tell you that I would take you today to come with me back to Tokyo or Kyoto and get you into a -fast- track of your dreams, why would you wait? Why should you?
“Sir, we speak so much of all of this, but my parents are not here and I must defer to them. I am fourteen.” People at school say I look -serious- but can’t he see I’m still not yet grown. “They are in Sakata. Until boarding at Futaba became,” I pause, remembering it’s an Aizu school and the guard is some Aizu fellow as well, “difficult, I’ve lived with Yagi-san. Sakata is not easy to reach this time of year,” I say, with a bit of a sigh. For all this talk of London – I’m truthfully homesick, after all of this trouble.
And then Tsutomu-kun bursts in, and when he says surpassing Tsurumi? Why – when they’re planned for each other? I wonder if he just wants me out of the way? But the government to acknowledge me? What? “I only wish to learn, and create art, and one day teach and live an ordinary life.” Married? I don’t know, I’m fourteen !
The uncle goes on more about the government, and he seems so… smug? Like he’s going to enjoy helping me get around this refusal? He’s interrupted by a sound from Ueda-sama. Does he hear that as well?
But Nishino-dono, you must have the courage to pursue opportunity when it’s presented to you.
“Thank you, sir. I feel I have courage, but I also want to make a wise decision, and for that I will need the guidance of my parents. They approved of me moving forward for the appropriate government permissions and my overall goal, but your plan seems to move faster than the one they know about.” My head is spinning!
There’s a sound as the door slides open and Yagi-san enters with a tray. “Please excuse me,” she says, in a quiet voice, presenting a cup of tea first to Ueda-sama, and then Tsutomu-kun’s uncle, before serving us. Will Tsutomu-kun introduce her, or treat her as he did the servants at his mother’s house?
Tsutomu:
She’s refusing? Using her parents as an excuse? What’s going on with her?! But Yagi-san comes in all demure and offering tea. I furrow my brows and go to her to implore.
“You heard my Uncle, Yagi-san. He can help Midori. It makes no sense that her parents sends her all the way to Tokyo and even allows her to board with strangers and then support her application to leave the country to which she was so disappointed! She’s not going to have a future here! Especially if she just stays with us! Always hiding or on the run!”
I turn to my Uncle and prostrate before him. “Please don’t listen to her! She’s getting cold feet! Her parents already let her be on her own. If she was accepted she would’ve left by the end if this year.”
Finally I look at Midori, “Fourteen isn’t so young. By fourteen, boys in Aizu are expected to be men. In fact we can become soldiers then.” Which is -frustrating- of course, since I know all too well I haven’t even thought about my future. “Don’t be like us with NO future.”
“He’s right Nishino-dono.” My Uncle interjects. “You have no future if you stay with them.” I look at the woman who was a thorn by my sister’s side, the other woman much like the first wife. She must be realizing now what a mistake she made. I mean look at her! She has the most defeated look. That’s what he does. I should feel pity towards her.
“Ah sorry for the trouble Yagi-san. It must be so different to be here in Aizu without the usual comforts you are used to.”
She’s not going to have a future here! Especially if she just stays with us! Always hiding or on the run!
He’s addressing Yagi-san to what? She’s not my mother, and though I like her, I don’t want to be like her. “This disruption isn’t your fault, Tsutomu-kun,” I forget to be stiffly formal in addressing him as I have been since entering this room, “I’m not mad at you nor do I blame you. All the same, the effort you’re putting into ‘fixing’ it all for me,” I smile at him, meeting his eyes, “I wish I knew how to thank you.” This uncle doesn’t seem like the sort one asks for favors easily, I’m seeing.
And then he’s on the floor to his uncle, speaking over me. He’s so passionate, for my sake? Why does he care so much?
Fourteen isn’t so young. By fourteen, boys in Aizu are expected to be men. In fact we can become soldiers then
“It’s young to me,” I say, quietly. “My parents may have allowed me this freedom to get an education that wasn’t available in Sakata and to pursue my dream, but to leave so soon – what if this displeases them? And I don’t have a home to return to?” I know in some ways, I don’t fit in my family anymore, I’m a Tokyo girl to them and no longer the little girl they sent off. I can’t just throw that aside yet. I look at Tsutomu-kun. He knows what it is to be lonely, too. Even in that full house back in Tokyo we all lived in… he seemed so alone.
Don’t be like us with NO future.
I wonder what that little boy in the rain once dreamed of. Being separated from the brother he protected, and hating the father he once ran to and embraced? Did that change anything? “You have a future, Tsutomu-kun. With your kendo skills, Yamaji-sensei said the Army will be trying to recruit you once you graduate. And you have your kin, here.” I glance over at Yagi-san, who is still here for some reason, but silent. “My dream remains to learn my art and create beauty, even should I marry,” I glance at Tsutomu-kun, and away, quickly, he’s someone else’s, after all. “You, too, must still have dreams.”
Then I turn to the man who has mostly remained quiet this entire time. “Ueda-sama, Yagi-san told me that you helped raise many children and that you offer wise advice. Please, sir, offer me your advice? The offer from Takagi-san is remarkable, but I wish to be prepared and also to respect my parent’s role.” Am I being too timid? Foolish for missing this? But something about this seems… off. As if I just need to -go- but not because Tsutomu-kun or anyone actually wants me to, but because I somehow -must-?
Ah sorry for the trouble Yagi-san. It must be so different to be here in Aizu without the usual comforts you are used to.
She looks surprised to be spoken too, again, and when she speaks it’s slow. “Tsutomu-kun, I have been the benefit of much kindness and protection since coming here. Fujita-san has loyal friends who have offered me so much, and I would not call any of this trouble.” She bows at his uncle. “Tsutomu-kun, please introduce me, if you would. I wouldn’t want him to think you’ve forgotten your manners in Tokyo.”
Tsutomu:
She thanks me for trying to fix things. But she thinks I think that she’s mad at me? I look down and to the side, “I’m only trying to set things -right-. You don’t have to thank me.” After all it was all because of -him- that we’re here instead of safely at the house. He upended our lives and she shouldn’t have been involved.
But I see her point about worrying about what her parents think. “I don’t think you’ll be without a home. Not with the way you described your parents. They’re a far cry from mine.” They are -good- parents, they trusted her to go to school far away and funded it. What else could be better. Unlike mine who always want me around but couldn’t care less about what I think about how they lead their lives. -Deplorable-. Only my mother is free from it all. She’s sick after all.
My future? The army? I shake my head. “I’m stayin right here. My mother will need me, more than anybody else.” But she turns to the old man imploring for his advice.
Why is this old man -always- around and yet never opens his mouth. Will he guide her? I thought Yagi-san would help but she’s -useless- these days. But she asks me to introduce her and so I do.
“I’m sorry Uncle, please let me introduce Yagi-san. She’s from Kyoto.” And I’m not sure what else to say about her. She and him are no longer cohabitating. So all that talk of my father to show her some deference and that he chose her… Well he’s not here anymore so obviously he’s changed his mind as expected from a philanderer. “Her family assisted the Aizu clan back in the Bakumatsu days. She’s here with her daughters Makoto and Ai-chan.”
Ueda:
The young girl asks for my advice. I take a long breath and tell her the truth. “I’m here in my sons stead, not to influence events but to serve as a witness to what transpires while he is absent.”
Then I look at Morinosuke. He is not the type to just come pay a visit nor lend a hand, especially if the one asking for help is his son.
“But that is correct I harbored many children while we were in exile, that includes Akane and Naito who during the time was roughly around your age but they along with others were all orphans. Their parents essentially was my daughter Yaso and her then husband Goro… Tsutomu-kun’s father.” I pause remembering those times. How eventhough we were in exile and life was hard but it was peaceful and the children going to that makeshift school built by him while my daughter taking the role of the teacher… And yet through all this they tended the fields and sold their wares to eek out a living.
“It is easy for children who have no affection for their parents to not take their opinions and feelings into consideration. But…”
I look slightly to the right where Tsutomu-kun is introducing Yagi-san to Morinosuke-kun. He introduces her with little reverence nor fuss. But Morinosuke is obviously more interested to hear what I have to say as he merely nods barely acknowledging the woman he just spoke to mere moments ago.
“I imagine that if those children still had their parents that they would treasure the opinion and advice of their parents. So I think you should definitely seek out your parent’s counsel and hopefully they provide their blessing which will help you confidently move towards the future you desire.”
I smile a little at the young woman. “So as you can see it was important to those children to have had surrogates. I am very proud of all of them.”
“I’m only trying to set things -right-. You don’t have to thank me
He looks away, and he seems mad. At me? None if this is his fault.
“I don’t think you’ll be without a home. Not with the way you described your parents. They’re a far cry from mine
Does he see himself like that? I wish that he wouldn’t so often remind me of that day, that he found a family and stability. At first when I moved into Yagi-sans, when the house had laughter and fun and a sense of family, I thought maybe it was there, but something there changed that I don’t understand, once Fujita-san started sleeping in the tatami room (I could smell it, as mine and Makoto-chan’s room is above it, all of his smoking!). But it’s clear we have different family relationships. He then dismisses any talk about his future, instead, he seems resigned to coming here to be with his mother. Which is why it will be Tsurumi-chan. She’s the sort of daughter-in-law Fujita-sensei would wish for.
I feel something like relief when Ueda-sama starts to speak, there’s nothing selfish in it. Simply good advice, with the weight of his wisdom behind it. Of the children he took in, and I remember the scraps of stories I heard about Aizu’s hard times from both home and school. At one point he goes quiet, and allows Yagi-san to interrupt him.
So I think you should definitely seek out your parent’s counsel and hopefully they provide their blessing which will help you confidently move towards the future you desire.
I let out a breath. Even if it’s distant, I still have parents who love me and support me. “Then I shall follow that advice, thank you, Ueda-sama.” It’s bad enough I’m living with Yagi-san and then brought all the way over here without them knowing. If only I were a bird and could fly across those snowy mountains, it’s not that far from here, not really.
“What is the best way to reach out to your parents? Telegram?” Yagi-san finally speaks.
I nod. “Thankfully it was extended there last year, and the mail as well.” If only the train would get there, but according to my mother it’s been delayed -again- for another 10 years! But what a lot to say via telegram. But Tsutomu-kun is doing this for me.
“I do appreciate both the advocacy Fujita-senpai has shown for me, and that which you offer me, sir,” I glance to Tsutomu-kun before looking back to his uncle. “It was the refusal which insulted my family which upset me the most, less than the delay to my dream.” Otherwise I would have kept it to just Yamaji-sensei. But will he still offer help, if I’m not doing as he wishes? Will Tsutomu-kun be upset? “Now I have others behind me, if you will please allow me some delay so that I may seek the blessing of my parents?”
Tsutomu:
I introduce Yagi-san but there’s not much there. Why she even asked me to do so. But Uncle does nod his head in acknowledgment but all our attention is back to the Old Man and Midori who is speaking about what to do. And he tells her what she wanted to hear! To -delay-. And Yagi-san backs it up by proposing to telegram her parents.
She says she was upset at the affront to her family rather than the delay. But for me… it was more than just a delay but the lost of her dream should she keep staying with us. So I turn to Yagi-san and look her straight in the eye.
“This time Yagi-san, since it’s important Midori’s parents are able to come to the best decision. Please be sure to tell them what has happened here. That we ran away from home because it wasn’t safe. That we’re hiding here in Aizu because we can’t be protected elsewhere.”
If Midori’s parents are in fact good, then they’ll take her back or at least find another family not so wretched as this one to take her in. Or maybe they’ll support her moving far away to go after her dream.
Morinosuke:
The old man says his piece. I -knew- what he’d say or rather that he’d support delaying helping the girl just to spite us. Surrogates? He’s talking about the forsaken woman and her fake husband isn’t he?
I smile a little. As they say touché. He got me. Of course the the girl who isn’t ready and looking for excuses will immediately cling to his “advice”.
“Ah of course the help is always available to you Nishino-dono. I can also offer to send the telegram on your behalf once Yagi-san completes it.”
I hide a sly smile. I didn’t even have to go there after all. The telegram will do the rest.
“Don’t look so upset Tsutomu-kun. Nishino-dono is right to bring her parents counsel into this.” And how shameful it all is. My young nephew crosses his arms and simply nods.
That we ran away from home because it wasn’t safe. That we’re hiding here in Aizu because we can’t be protected elsewhere
I nod, “yes, Fujita-senpai. But didn’t I also have to run away from boarding at Futaba because I wasn’t being protected there?” I turn to look at the two older men. “I don’t wish to speak ill of the school that’s been so good to me, but there was a guard there who was,” I still don’t entirely understand what all he was talking about, but I know what he -did- to me, “looking to harm me. Takimi-sensei couldn’t protect me so Fujita-senpai took it upon himself to find safer lodging for me, at his home. That my mother knows about. I’ve been safe in Yagi-san’s home until then, but even with having to flee I’ve been well-protected.” I look back at the boy who looks out for me, even if it’s just as a friend, or as Tsurumi-chan’s sort-of friend, “Yagi-san need not alarm my parents, I will offer a truthful telling that I was and continue to be protected.” Aside from my one trip home, I’ve not been more than a mile from Futaba since coming here. It’s nice to see a proper winter again, even if it wasn’t planned. “I’m not so stuck in my ways that I fall apart at some disruption.”
Tsutomu-kun’s uncle tells me his help is always available, but his smile is weird. At what price will it come? To stay away from his nephew? Or is this about the politics of it all? The government picking on some girl – but that seems to clash with the way I was treated at his sister’s house.
Yagi-san says, “let’s draft the telegram, then, Midori-chan, and after lunch if this nice weather holds we can walk into town, if that’s agreeable to Sagawa-san,” she bows to Tsutomu-kun’s uncle, “no need for you to wait as a woman and young girl dither over their words.”
(Hide)
I can’t believe she let it go. Why? We are all being moved towards an orderly end, and she’s fighting it? With a sinking feeling I know this will come back to haunt us all, but her will is as strong and I could not divert her in choosing -inaction-, to stay and wait with us. She could be like Yukiko-san and Eiji-san, off and neatly sorted away. It’s obvious in the way she looks at Tsutomu-kun…. but she’s still so young, does she know what she’s doing?
“Please excuse me.” I saw that smile from that man, Tokio’s brother. From some places, I know he’s deeply devoted to her, and what would he do with Midori’s telegram? So I made my excuses. He probably has pull to delay or alter the message -anyway-
I gather the tea things, and start to leave.
(OOC – Hide will leave unless stopped)
Morinosuke:
And so the -truth- comes out. A troubled household that took in a troubled girl. Why oh why am I not so surprised? Every where that man goes is a trail of destruction even if we we all try to fix it all on his behalf. Even to -here- I am having to clean up…
“Yagi-san need not alarm my parents, I will offer a truthful telling that I was and continue to be protected.”
“As long as you tell the truth Midori. It will be enough.” Tsutomu responds to the girl but it doesn’t look like he’s very happy. He wants her taken away from this family that much is certain and I am the saviour he is looking for. As always the one saving the “Fujita family”. Such an important name given by the Daimyo… But something catches my ear.
“I’m not so stuck in my ways that I fall apart at some disruption.”
It’s said in a way that it’s directed someone in this room. Could it be Tsutomu-kun? The old man or? But my thoughts are interrupted as the Kyoto woman goes in front of me and says they will handle it.
I bow slightly myself, “Suit yourself madame. But do be mindful when you venture outside, after all you are still in the Aizu clan’s care.” I stand up, “Since it is obvious that for now my assistance is not needed then perhaps, Sagawa-san would be more welcome.”
“Tsutomu-kun, I must go for I am late.” I stand up, “And it was good to see you again Elder Ueda-sama. Truly.” Years of course. I see he’s now gone blind, but he has -always- been blind even back then.
(OOC: Exit Morinosuke. You may close or just leave as is and comment close. Tsutomu will be his usual mopey irritated self and Ueda will be the usual as well.)
(Hide)
In the kitchen, I replay the conversation I mostly witnessed.
I’m not so stuck in my ways that I fall apart at some disruption
Was that directed to me, or an assurance of her own sense of endurance?
But I am falling apart. But when he compares himself as a moth to a flame – well, that usually doesn’t end well for the moth. I ran across an old note from years ago, and… I can’t reconcile that and what he wishes for me with what I’m doing to him.
I don’t know what to do. I know that seems stupid. But if I did I’d be doing it.
I take a deep breath. I have to hold it all together. That man today has his own agenda. Maybe he came to help his nephew but I could tell he has his own goals relating to Tsutomu-kun and those around him. Perhaps here I’m safe from Mama-sama and her tentacles; even from Naito-kun. But what all lies here? There are good people. And brothers. Brothers… I sigh, and turn to finish lunch.
(OOC – close)