The Return

A breath of air escaped his mouth in the form of a sigh. His younger sister’s baptize was complete and she had been welcomed into the religion her ancestors and present clan members continue to believe. It relieved him and yet at the same time his younger sister wasn’t entirely responsive, as always. Silence fell on her like a sheet as her eyes remained somewhat secretive, forbidden entry as she expressed only the slightest of expressions; if any at all. Many a times he had seen her crack a smile, release a small laugh, show actual signs of happiness despite the overcast covering her face and features. He knew his sister, she was a fragile thing whom he felt he must make strong and must protect. This was why he took it upon himself to do so in the first place. However, how could he ‘break her’ when he loved her to much to hurt her? You could lead a horse to water but who said they would drink? Her sister was the horse in this case; lead to the religion, the quest to be a ninja, and various other things of which she never seemed to wish to do. She was that of a peaceful nature, or at least that was what her outer shell seemed to convey. Truth of the matter was not even Rion could crack her sometimes. Many a times he believed maybe she was mentally challenged, responding to things slower due to an ‘illness’ but the doctors said otherwise. She was a perfectly healthy young female, one whom was actually rarely sick. Something considered a blessing amongst the clan. Many a times the clan spoke of how it would be she who would lead the world into a brighter time. It all seemed silly to Rion but it did not mean that it was possible. She was his sister, a normal human being birthed by a normal mother and father much like himself. To him it was another Tishuto rumor that usually came when a new soul joined the others in the belief of Tentei.

Picking up her bag he gazed over at her with a smile as he hovered over a wooden table top. She smiled faintly back to give the sign she was ready, her katana strapped to her side and bag slung over her shoulder. Rion emitted another sigh as he set the silver ball point pen aside and picked up the smooth sheet, folding it and creasing it as he ruined its straightness. He folded twice more before picking up a stamp placed at his side and dipping it in red hot candle wax. He placed the paper within a protective envelope as he stamped it to finish, taking the paper as Marixia walked past towards the door. He left the contents on the table as he made his way to her, the both of them crossing the threshold into the bright light as he closed the door behind them. Today they would venture back home to the land of Kumo, leaving Numi no Kuni behind to the priests and other clansmen that dwelled here since before they could remember. It was a nice day, the light wind brushing against them as the flora aroma filled their nostrils and created a sweet smell. The sun provided them warmth as they made their venture, using some trees as shade due to their fireproof gear creating heat.

“Ready?”

Silent as ever, a tender smile crossed her face as she nodded, her eyes filled with happiness at the thought of adventure. At least she tore her walls down around him; however she was still upholding her silent demeanor. He nodded before turning towards their destination and taking in a deep breath. Bounding forward the dust kicked up behind him as he began to run, testing to see if she could catch up while he did. Of course, within no time she was following behind him. She still needed to practice to gain more speed but at the same time she was doing fairly decent for her rank. Picking up the pace, he would press her on as she tried hard to follow close behind. Kumo would soon be within their sights.