The Water Maiden

6

It seemed to have surprised my brother and his team that I was the one who would help them. The looks on their faces were priceless. Yet, their eyes were full of awe. I guess I did look different.

"So, shall we set off?" No one answered me. "They broke grandpa. This is your fault."

"You're wearing something I made specifically for you." I sighed and smacked Hiro with the parasol.

"What was that for?!" Hiro yelled with an imprint from the parasol on his face.

"You were staring weirdly." I said with a pout.

"Do you blame me? You don't even look like you. Why are you even wearing that anyway?" Hiro asked, pointing at the kimono I had on.

I crossed my arms. "I'm wearing it because grandpa had Kanade make it for me. She said these colors would bring out my beauty."

"Who's Kanade?!" Hiro yelled, not thinking straight. If he thought about it for a second, he'd know Kanade is a woman's name.

I pouted and hit Hiro with the parasol again. "Shut up. She's my maid and best friend. I won't allow you talking about her in a disrespectful tone." That shut everyone in the room up.

"I told you she'd be a good candidate for the head of the clan." Grandpa said, nudging grandma playfully.

"It's all thanks to our training." She replied with a smile.

"Our training only helped her. She's a natural-born leader." Grandpa replied. They were both staring at me with pride.

"So, when shall we leave?" I asked the team.

Keisuke chuckled lightly. He knew I was antsy to leave. "We'll leave tomorrow. We're all exhausted from the travel." He said.

"That's understandable. Well, I'm going to eat." I walked out the room.

"Don't just go so casually!" Hiro yelled but I ignored him. They all knew I thought with my stomach. I guess being gone from Hiro for a few weeks makes him forget how I am. That's a shame. Though, he always had a hard time remembering anything he doesn't want to remember.

I walked into the kitchen and saw Kanade. She knew my stomach schedule to the exact grumble. "I'm suspecting you're hungry. I made you something to eat." She said and pointed to a plate of fish and rice that was waiting for me.

"I love you, Kanade. Please come live with me. I'll even marry you!" I asked. I was completely serious. I'd do anything for her.

She laughed and hugged me tightly. "If I could, I'd go with you. I'm glad the outfit looks good on you."

"You're the one that made it after all." I replied happily.

"If you take care of it, you'll be able to give it to your daughter."

I scoffed. "Me? As a mother? You must be delusional."

She chuckled. "I must be." I turned serious which surprised Kanade. "Ellie?" She wasn't allowed to call me by my name. It was grandma's rules. However, I allowed it for when we were alone so she wouldn't get in trouble.

"Kanade..." She crouched to my level.

"What is it?" She asked tenderly.

"You'll never leave me, right?" I asked, allowing myself to be open and selfish for once.

"I'd never do that to you. The thought alone makes me sick."

"I have a bad feeling about this. I could sense something coming off my brother and the rest. It's upsetting my stomach." I confessed.