Summer Wars: Aftermath Part 1

Chapter 4

Natsuki found Aunt Mariko in the formal reception hall, along with her parents, Uncle Mansuku, the Prime Minister, and several others she didn't know. She bowed politely and moved to sit beside Aunt Mariko at her gesture. The way her family was sitting in line behind Auntie, she had the uncomfortable feeling that a battle was building. Natsuki suspected that she was about to become the spearhead of that battle and she was grateful for the support she could feel radiating from her family.

"This is my grandniece, Natsuki Shinohara," Aunt Mariko said. "Dear, you've met the Prime Minister, and these are the medical advisers that he has brought from Tokyo."

The two men and a woman, all in their forties and fifties, introduced themselves. The eldest, a woman, started the conversation.

"We have been examining the diagnostic data from Doctor Jinnouchi's instruments and we believe the young man is in grave danger. He has slipped into a state we are referring to as a Brain Burn, a greatly accelerated mental processing. We believe he should be removed to Tokyo immediately where he can receive the best care possible."

Natsuki took a deep breath before she replied. "My uncle has already made that diagnosis," she said firmly. "He has recommended a course of treatment that he believes holds the best chance for recovery at this time."

"With all due respect to Doctor Jinnouchi's experience," the woman said, "we have many more resources available at our facility. With the accelerated mental state Mr. Koiso is in, we feel that mental decay caused by buildup of poisonous metabolic breakdown products could lead to a sudden onset of mortality. Naturally with our advanced facilities we could stave off such an unfortunate result indefinitely."

Natsuki smiled sweetly. "I'm sorry, but as I have only just passed my advanced placement exams in biology, psychology, and chemistry, could you state that in simpler terms?"

The leader of the medical team frowned. "I see. Mrs. Jinnouchi has insisted that you are responsible for Mr. Koiso's medical care until his parents arrive. You are not related, are you?"

"Kenji is my fiancé," Natsuki said. She supressed a smile at the woman's fallen expression.

"By the way," the Prime Minister said, "when will his parents arrive?"

"We have contacted them," Aunt Mariko said, "and have arranged for their transportation. Unfortunately, with the disruptions caused by the recent unpleasantness, schedules are still not back to what they once were. We hope his mother might arrive after supper. His father, unfortunately, will take some time longer."

Supper, Natsuki thought, that gives us some time. She had never met his parents so she didn't know if they were the type to be easily swayed by jargon and tech speak, but she felt Kenji would do better here, in the peaceful countryside and surrounded by those he felt a common link to.

"Feel free to consult with my uncle, " Natsuki said, "but please keep in mind that he is in charge and I have final say in all medical matters concerning my fiancé."

Aunt Mariko closed the meeting with meaningless pleasantries and sent the newcomers off with family members to get them settled.

"Aunt Mariko," Natsuki said, "Uncle Mansuku, may I speak with you?"

When the three of them were alone, Natsuki began.

"I don't trust them," she said.

"Why not?" Aunt Mariko said.

"They're using geekspeak to get us to give up Kenji, and I won't have it."

Aunt Mariko and Uncle Mansuku exchanged glances.

"Well, you gave them as good as you got," Uncle Mansuku said. "Those advanced placement exams are tough."

Natsuki grinned. "I barely passed the chemistry exam. I did better on the biology. However, I did ace the psychology exam."

Aunt Mariko chuckled, but then her face smoothed out. "We can hold on to him until one of Kenji's parents arrive, but at that time they will resume responsibility for him."

Mansuku cleared his throat. "It would be best if we can show some improvement in his condition by then, but I will tell you honestly that I am at a loss what to try next. If his condition worsens, then ethically I would be compelled to move him to a medical facility, even if only the local hospital."

"I have a suggestion," Natsuki said. "Granny taught me a technique that we used quite often. She called it a form of dual meditation and said it was quite helpful in relaxing her, calming her heart and mind. I think it may be of benefit to Kenji."

"If mother thought it was useful for her," Mansuku said, "by all means let us try it with Kenji. I'm sure it won't hurt and if it helps, then all to the good."

"What will you need?" Mariko said.

"Just a quiet room where we can be undisturbed. His bedroom would be ideal." She blushed a little at the glance the elders shared. "In case he falls asleep," she said forcefully. "Uncle, can you monitor his condition remotely?"

"Why, yes," Mansuku said. "Easily from anywhere within the house."

"I think it might be best to move Kenji to one of the remote rooms," Mariko said. "The Prime Minister might be tempted to introduce his people to Kenji unexpectedly."

"Yes, that might be best," Mansuku said. "Where shall we hide him?"

Mariko thought for a moment. "Have Riichi and Naomi take him to the Clan Wing. I think the north suite might be best. They can wait there until Natsuki arrives."

"The Clan Wing?" Mansuku said with raised brows.

"The family wing will be too noisy with everyone home at last," Mariko said, "and in the guest wing he will be too easy to stumble upon. Yes, definitely the Clan Wing."

"I'll take care of it immediately," Mansuku said. He stood up and hurried from the room.

"Now, Natsuki," Moriko said when her brother had gone, "tell me about this technique mother taught you."

"She said it was called Heart Flow," Natsuki said.

"Heart Flow?" Mariko said. "I haven't heard of it but there are so many and sometimes the same technique is called by different names in different schools. When did she teach you?"

"When I was eight," Natsuki said. "She said while the pills Uncle had her on worked, she was more comfortable with traditional medicine."

"Did she forego the pills in favor of the meditation?"

"Oh no!" Natsuki said. "We did it in addition to the medication."

"I see. Well run along now and do your best for him."

"I will Auntie," Natsuki said.

"Oh, and dear?"

"Yes Auntie?"

"Why don't you take some sleeping clothes and a change with you. If this meditation works it might be best for you to stay close to Kenji, in case multiple sessions are needed."

Natsuki blushed. "Yes Auntie." She ducked her head and hurried from the room.

Mariko chuckled.