"You ignited a flame inside my heart"
Yuei Tsugikuni, a girl born from a special bloodline, is now being hunted by Muzan after her family was massacred by him. Now adopted by Shinjuro Rengoku, she is now determined to know more about the secret of h...
Kyojuro left days ago and I was left alone. Senjuro was also sad and worried for his brother so he always kept close to me. We pray day and night for his success in the Final Selection. Shinjuro was asked to do a mission. Senjuro and I were left alone in the Rengoku Residence.
I decided to look for information about my family in the library. I found an ancient book about the Tsukiguni Family. Some pages were burned off, but some were still here. I tried to read it with the help of Senjuro. Even though Senjuro is still very young, he is so mature and kind just like his father and brother.
"Breath of the Sun Forms! We found it, Senjuro!" I exclaimed in happiness.
"Yes, we found it but some of it is unreadable," Senjuro stated in concern.
"It's alright, I'll just wing it," I smiled.
After discovering the book, I started my training. The Breath of the Sun is hard to do especially without a master, but I know I'll be able to do it. Sometimes I lost hope because even my father couldn't master it, but what's wrong with not trying it!
Training was also a way for me to escape my worrisome thoughts about Kyo. He'll be back because he said I'll be waiting. He promised.
a few days later
"Woah! Senjuro, you never told me you have a koto!" I said in deep excitement and surprise.
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/ koto / traditional japanese instrument like Chinese guzheng.
"It's cause you never asked!" Senjuro commented.
I touched the instrument's strings, examining it and finding out that it's almost rusting. I could tell that this instrument hasn't been played in a very long time. There were carvings and flower designs. The carvings showed a fire sign.
"Do you have strings for this?" I asked Senjuro and he nodded and went to get it.
He gave the new pair of strings for me and I began replacing them. Senjuro looked at me in awe as I start replacing the strings and cleaning out the instrument.
After I was done, I gave the instrument to Senjuro.
"Here, you can play it now," I smiled brightly, but Senjuro just stared at me.
"I don't know how to play it... My mother is the only one knows," Senjuro looked at the ground.
I then understood. Kyojuro told me that his mother had died because of a sickness when he was young. I felt sadness for Senjuro because I too had experienced it. I embraced Senjuro to comfort him.
When we broke the hug, I looked at the instrument and placed my hands on the strings. Senjuro looked up to see me.
I began to play it.
Senjuro stared at me in awe and tears began flowing in his eyes. I plucked each string gracefully like what my mother and grandmother had taught me. I smiled as I remember the old days.
My older brother practicing his kyudo while my father practices his sword skills. My mother calling out to us saying she was done with the food.
My heart felt sorrow as I remember that it will never happen anymore. I am now alone...
No, I'm not alone. I have Kyojuro, Senjuro, and Shinjuro. I'll be alright. With them, I feel complete and happy. I could now smile even though I went through what I went through.
I remember the hardships. The loneliness I felt, the pain and sorrow, the ocean tears, the sleepless nights, but I also remember the new blessing that came into my life. I guess God doesn't give you trials you couldn't endure. He takes something away from you to give you something new.
I now see my family as I play the koto. They are smiling right at me. I smiled back assuring them that from now on, I'll be alright. I might cry from time to time, but I'll also smile remembering and holding them right in my heart.
"We'll always be with you, Yuei," My father said.
No one is ever really gone.
I love you all and I'm letting you go. Do not worry about me and please be at peace. I'll be alright. I'm with good people.
My family smiled and my older brother nodded. They all held each other's hands as they go through the blinding light.
I didn't notice that tears have fallen from my eyes yet I kept playing the koto. Senjuro began to cry loudly. I stopped playing and asked him why he was crying. He pointed at my back and I looked behind.
And there he was, standing with tears in his eyes. His face was filled with dirt and blood. His kimono was ripped and his clothes were shabby. He has tears and yet, he still smiles.
"Tadaima," he smiled.
"KYOJURO!!!" Senjuro and I shouted with happiness and we ran to him to give him a hug.
Tears were in our eyes and they were happy tears. I was so happy to embrace him again and to be able to hear his voice.
"Okaerii, Kyo-san," I sobbed.
this chapter is really emotional hehe i play guitar so i wanted yuei to play an instrument as well. i had to search up instruments during the taisho period and i found the koto that looks like a ghuzeng, which is my dream instrument to learn
