Ryka and A Hard Place

1

8AM, Wednesday 20th(Kyoto, Japan)

Terra shifted in his bed, he'd been awake for the past hour, enveloped in a swathe of blankets and one large duvet. Why was he drowning in neo-cotton? Autumn was ending, he was in Kyoto. He had been there since last month. He gave a long sigh, his sleep was fitful. He felt a bit tired, it was going to be a long day, still if he could just stay here a little longer. Deep down he knew there was no hope of falling asleep again. He had retired early to get away from the jolly chaos. His entire family with some exceptions was here in Kyoto in the Third Kashimi Mansion, they celebrate at the drop of a hat. They partied because they arrived and now they will party because it was his birthday.

There was someone in his room, he never really understood why he could sense people but he just could. He felt a small nudge in his mind, like someone tapping his shoulder. He was sure she was there, but her presence just seemed to appear without approaching. As a result he had no clue when she entered his room, his detection system never worked properly on her. The option of staying in that blissful state was lost for good. He knew that sooner rather than later she would show up. How did she hide her presence?

Abruptly the lights came on and his blankets were yanked off. A loud groan ensued from Terra. He turned his head towards his light footed sister. She was wearing a big foolish grin.

"Are you awake?" she asked. He clearly was.

He suspected she asked the question out of habit rather than wanting the answer. He smiled at her. "Hi," he said

"Aren't you going to join everyone for breakfast?" she queried.

"Of course I am" he retorted with some miff. "You never plan to stop dragging my blankets off with your power."

"Well you never seem to prevent it too hard," she told him. Her head cocked to one side.

She was right, it was part of being an older brother. You had to let your sister annoy you.

He sat up and gave the bed head a rhythm of knocks, and then it started lowering itself to the ground. As soon as it was low enough, he outstretched one leg and eased himself up. Abruptly she tackled him. He saw it coming, he saw it every time, but for the adoring love of his sister he did not evade it.

"Happy Birthday Terra!" she said gleefully.

"Thank you very much Nayri."

"Ok, so you're coming?"

"Yes."

She let him up and Terra grabbed his robe quickly. He walked out of the room, his Rykan pet hovering close behind. He met his twin brother Terry waiting outside his room, wearing the same foolish grin that Terra himself was now wearing. The twins embraced briefly and let their sister lead them by the hands to the dining hall.

Outside the door of the hall, he and his twin exchanged looks, then took deep breaths and stepped into a world of smiles, hugs and kisses.

The Third Kashimi Mansion in Kyoto often described as providing the best way to be traditional while still being much modernized. It was located on a hill in the small forested area that is surrounded by the city. There were five Kashimi Mansions, The First was the largest, located was in Asumino. Usually Ishiden, the current head of Kashimi lived there. The Second Mansion was very close to the sea, on Hirado Island. It was the home of many non-active Kashimi members and the elderly members that needed a place to stay. The Fourth and Fifth Mansions no longer exist on Earth in the Natural Realm but have been placed in Eternity Spells of Rykan Magic that allow them to appear in Seinsekai or Rykan Realm. The Kashimi Mansions had to have renovations and some technology as time progressed however none of them have the level of technology and modification as the Third Mansion. The Third Mansion was the ceremonial home of the Kashimi family. It's only used for parties, weddings and other such celebrations. Over the years, to celebrate like the people of their time the Kashimi spiced it up with the latest tech. In addition to adding devices and gadgets, generations of Kashimi have modified the interior design and added sections to the Mansion. So much so that most elders have made jokes about the mansion not knowing what era it was in.