After putting on a new kimono, I walk out of the bathroom.
(*Sigh* I can't let these thoughts get to me.)
I'm too caught up in these ridiculous thoughts.
Snap out of it, Horikita—before you mess everything up.
I steel my resolve and head towards the boat's kitchen.
I need some food…
I'm starving.
In the kitchen, I see Lenah sitting at the cozy little table surrounded by couches, quietly sipping her tea.
Her violet eyes are focused, and a map is spread out before her.
I slowly make my way over to her.
"Good morning, Master," I greet her, bowing my head slightly.
"Horikita. You're up," Lenah replies, glancing up at me briefly before returning her attention to the map.
"Yes. I was... a bit restless," I say, trying to sound casual.
"I understand. The darkness out there can be unsettling," Lenah replies, her voice gentle.
"What are you looking at?" I ask, peering at the map.
"This," Lenah points to a specific location on the map.
...I don't know what I'm looking at, I just know it's called a map.
"Master, I can't read maps..."
"Ah, right... You've never seen one before, have you?" Lenah asks, raising an eyebrow slightly.
"It's... complicated,"
"But essentially, it's a representation of the world around us." Lenah begins.
"We can use it to navigate, to find our way to specific locations, and to understand the terrain."
I nod slowly, trying to make sense of the lines and symbols.
"So... where are we?" I ask, pointing to a random spot on the map.
Lenah smiles slightly.
"We are here," Lenah says, pointing to a small icon on the map.
"And our stop is Japan."
"Japan?" I ask, confused.
"Japan is my home country, it's where I spent my childhood, training and mastering my arts."
I tilt my head slightly.
"So that's where we're going?"
"That's right," Lenah responds, nodding.
"I believe the source of that voice resides there."
My stomach rumbles.
"Can we get food?" I ask with a pout.
Lenah chuckles softly.
"Always thinking about your stomach, aren't you?" she teases.
I flush slightly, but stand my ground.
"It's important to keep our strength up," I say defensively.
Lenah smiles, amused.
Then, gets up from the couch.
"I caught some fish yesterday," Lenah says, walking towards the freezer and opening it.
*creak*
"How about some grilled fish for breakfast?"
*Gulp*
"Fish... please," I say, nodding eagerly.
Lenah smiles and pulls out a few fish from the freezer.
She takes the fish over to the counter and starts preparing them with a knife.
After taking out the fish guts and cleaning it, Lenah throws the fish in the air—
She partially draws her tachi from the scabbard, and fire begins emanating from the edge of the blade.
"Master? What are you—"
Before I can finish my sentence, Lenah performs several rapid cuts against the fish in midair.
The air crackles with heat, and the scent of grilled fish fills the air.
She resheathes the tachi in a swift motion,
And with a dull thud, the fish lands on the counter, split into six pieces.
"That technique..." I say, awestruck.
"Why are you surprised?"
"You should be able to do the same." Lenah sighs, annoyed.
...
Master Lenah always pushes me to reach my potential. Yet, seeing her perform the technique with such ease... it stings—a quiet reminder of how far I still have to go to match her level.
"I.." I look away, and run my left hand through my hair.
"Horikita▬"
Lenah is about to say something, before Touko breaks through the door.
"Good Morning, Lenah~" Touko says cheerfully.
Though,
The second she sees me, her eyes flash—knowing, hungry—as her smirk spreads on her face.
"Oh? Kita's up already?"
"Where were you?" I ask Touko, glaring at her.
"Ara, ara... Did you miss me?" Touko teases, her silver tail curling mischievously around her hip as she grins.
"Hmph. As if," I retort, crossing my arms.
"I was just... wondering where you were," I mutter.
"Just preparing the boat, nothing to worry about." She smirks, winking at me, before turning her attention to Lenah.
"What are you making, Lenah? It smells delicious~"
"Grilled fish," Lenah replies, her voice clipped.
"Would you like some?"
"Of course!" Touko exclaims, her eyes lighting up.
With that, the three of us start eating our breakfast.
I take a bite of the grilled fish, and my eyes widen in surprise.
"It's so good!" I exclaim, my earlier irritation forgotten.
The fish practically melts in my mouth—Lenah's skill never ceases to amaze me.
"I wonder what this fish is called…" Touko says, pondering.
And then turns towards Lenah.
"Hey, Lenah... do you know what this fish is called?"
"That would be Iwashi. It's a Sardine, very nutritious." Lenah replies, continuing to eat the Iwashi.
Touko continues to eat the fish with a pleasant smile.
Once we finish our meals, Lenah pushes herself away from the table and begins gathering the dishes.
"Alright, let's get going. We have a long day ahead of us," Lenah says, stacking the plates.
"I'll do it," I say, standing up to help her.
"I'll take care of it, you get some rest. You need it." Lenah responds.
"But‒‒"
Lenah gives me a pointed look.
"Don't think I didn't notice your restless behavior last night," Lenah says with a firm voice.
I sigh, knowing it's useless to argue with her.
"Alright," I mutter, turning away.
"What about me, Lenah?" Touko asks, batting her eyelashes playfully.
"Is there anything I can do to help?"
Lenah looks at Touko, her expression unreadable.
"Just keep an eye on Horikita," Lenah says finally, turning away.
"Make sure she doesn't get into too much trouble."
"Mhm! Onee-chan will do her best!" Touko exclaims, puffing out her chest proudly.
Ignoring Touko, I decide to head out onto the deck for some air.
"The wind feels refreshing on my skin," I say to myself.
I gaze out at the horizon, lost in thought.
"Japan... I wonder what it's like," I say softly, tilting my head slightly.
I've never been there before.
Everything I know about the human world comes from the bits and pieces Lenah has told me.
Though the world seems familiar to Lenah.
(I wish I'd asked Mother about her world… her stories…) I sigh, closing my eyes.
If only she hadn't left us so soon... Her warmth... her wisdom... her guidance... I'd give anything to have just one more moment with her.
"Don't think about her..." I whisper, tightening my fists.
"She's not coming back..."