𝕋𝕙𝕖 ℝ𝕖𝕥𝕦𝕣𝕟 𝕠𝕗 𝕋𝕙𝕖 𝔻𝕣𝕒𝕘𝕠𝕟 [𝔻𝕖𝕞𝕠𝕟 𝕊𝕝𝕒𝕪𝕖𝕣]

(Chapter 30) A Rainy Morning

The morning after the Kyoto battle...
Kagaya was writing on his diary while looking upset.
He knew that something bad has already happened and he couldn't help himself but feel guilty.
Later in front of him appeared the Eagle Pillar Masayoshi.
"Oyakata-sama!
I came here to report the situation."

Kagaya looked at him and smiled.
"I am glad you are okay Masayoshi!Please go on!"

Masayoshi started to tell him what happened last night as he was chosen by Kagaya to support Arashi in his battle against Jirokichi.

" ... as soon as I made sure that the citizens were safe I went right away to Arashi but something unexpected happened."

Masayoshi was talking slowly describing everything that happened.
"As I was on my way a sudden attack came toward me!
It was a swordmade slash in the form of a monster.
I managed to block it in time but the power of it was trendemous.
I knew that someone was there and I followed the direction the attack came.
It took me while but there were no traces and just as I was about to leave I started to feel a strong aura near.
I don't know if it was a demon but that kind of attack scales on the Uppermoon level."

Kagaya was shocked.
"So you are saying that there might have been two Upper Moons?"

Masayoshi didn't want to approve it but he didn't deny it either.
It was a mystery full of questions.

He continued to speak and told Kagaya about Arashi's sacrifice and Takeo's bad condition.

Masayoshi place his hands on ground and bowed his head lower.
"Forgive me Oyakata-sama!
I couldn't fulfill your wishes and I failed to protect my comrades.
If I only went there just few minutes sooner!!!"

Kagaya looked at him and touched his shoulder.
"Raise your head!
This is not the time to blame yourself.
I know you guys did your best!
I am grateful that I have such a children as you by my side.
As one of the greatest here you are example for others in order to improve and do their best!
Things like this happen so we must endure it until more bright days come.
Arashi might not be with us but his legacy and wishes will live with us.
For now we must stay near Takeo.I know that this loss will affect him the most."

Masayoshi was touched by Kagaya's word and raised his head.
"His condition was worsening so I sent him to Dr.Hiroka.
As one of the best he will take good care of him until he wakes up."

One month later...

" Farewell!"

Takeo heard Arashi's voice and suddenly woke up shocked.
He looked around and found himself laying on a bed.
His head started to ache and it took him a few seconds to realize where he was.
He knew he had survived from that night but the memories where fresh.
Suddenly a middle aged man entered the room and was happy to look at Takeo.
"Finally! You finally woke up!"

Judging from his appearance Takeo knew that he must be a doctor.
The doctor approached him.

"Young man you have been here for a month now!
In that kind of condition you were I knew that you needed my help.
And here you are!"

Takeo felt a bit confused.
"Don't push yourself young man!
Ah I almost forgot!
I am Shinji Hiroka.
One of the best doctors within the Corp."

He opened a window and let the fresh air inside the room.
"You need to take care of yourself for a week until your body starts to act as it should.
Of course I will help you too!"

Takeo lowered his head and felt sleepy after hearing him.
He wasn't in the mood to speak as the sadness had captured him whole.

The next morning Shinji was holding some medicines and entered Takeo's room.
"Good Morning Fujimura boy!"

Shinji was shocked to see that no one was there ,but he was expecting this a little.
"Ah this new generation!
Quite troublesome it is!"

With Takeo...
The boy had wore his torn uniform and his haori.
He got some flowers in his hand and was standing right in front of his late friend's grave Arashi.
He planted them on a vase and sat down looking at it.
"I am so sorry!"

Takeo was holding back his tears as he was refusing to cry.
He felt guilty and started to blame himself for that night.
He realized how much of long journey this will be.
Takeo looked up at Arashi and gazed at his strength wanting himself to be like him but.
The harshiness of that battle made him realize that how hard this can be.
He was weak.
Amd he started to think that his weakness might have been a burden.
Or even the culprit of that tragedy.
"If I was just a bit stronger...
You wouldn't had died."

(Don't blame yourself Takeo!)

Takeo suddenly heard his brothers voice and looked around for him.
(We are not the kind of swordsman's who sit down and cry!
You did your best!
You gave all you had and that is awesome.)

The voice was coming from his head and Takeo was glad he was finally hearing his brother again.
"But Anniki!
I was a burden and things could have gone different..."

(You wanted to be better and possibilities to become stronger are so much.
But what makes way for you to become strong is to acknowledge your own weaknesses.
Blaming and throwing tantrum and won't send you anywhere.)

Takeo heard him and knew that this were for real his brother's word.
Wise and kind that was the way he was.
Takeo got up.

(Seeing a dear friend dying in front of you is harsh.
But he did it for you.
For everyone.
He let you continue his legacy and you will make sure it never dies.
Grab your sword Takeo Fujimura!
Fight for us!
Fight for yourself!
Fight for everyone!
I am sure he would say the same.)

The voice disappeared and Takeo looked at Arashi's grave.
"Even if it was just a little that we met each other.
Our bond will be eternal.

I might not to strong or prepared for this kind of world.
But I promise that this will end soon. enough.
You will never die Arashi!"

Takeo started to walk and now he was calm.
Hearing his brother again was delightful and now he is ready to throw another step.

Taisho Secrets & Rumors:
*Shinji Hiroka is famous among the Corp for his good deeds.
*He is also a scientist who does research on disease and cures.
*Even though he is middle aged he joined the Corp just a few years ago.
*He was the one who requested to take care of Takeo being the only one to take liability on the boy's life who was in danger.