Why am I in a duel?! (2)
After long hours on the road and countless stops, the family was finally nearing Hokkaido.
And in the backseat of the car, Haru was bundled up snugly in a blanket.
I am the blanket… And the blanket is me…
Because of the car's icy cold air conditioner, Haru ended up wrapped up in more blankets than necessary.
It's so cold…
Yet so warm…
Y'know that feeling of being cold, but it's also warm? It's like that, but anyways!
I'm excited to see my grandparents!
and what they're house looks like!
They're probably very nice people…
Since mama said that our house in that place could be seen full of people...?
I don't really know what that means though.
After all, this will be the very first time I've ever met relatives since being reincarnated.
I wonder what they're like?
And what did mama mean by “a lot of people”…?
Meh I'll probably see, when we get there…
As Haru was snuggling in her blanket.
She doesn't know it yet.
But the place she imagines as a simple household.
Was not really a ordinary household at all.
** * **
Far to the north, Hokkaido, Japan.
In a place untouched by highways and cars.
And far enough that the noises from bustling cities couldn't be heard.
Somewhere in Hokkaido, one specific place was unusually active.
The Mizugami (水神) Clan.
Within the busy halls, and deeper into the inner grounds of the clan.
A huge lake could be seen, and a man standing beside the shore of the ancient lake was gazing upon its mystic waters.
His gaze is steady, as the water's surface rippled faintly beneath the evening light.
Mizugami Gorou.
The head of the Mizugami Clan.
He folded his sleeves neatly, as he was exhaling a slow breath.
"So... they're finally coming." he murmured.
Servants and disciples moved quietly around him, as people in the clan were preparing the residence.
Lanterns were being lit.
Pathways were being swept clean.
Even the water in the lake felt expectant, as though the lake itself had taken notice.
Gorou glancing toward the water, his expression softening just a little
“My sister's child..."
he said under his breath.
"Partially blind, yet very gifted."
He had heard the reports.
Too precise to be exact.
The child was too calm to be ordinary, and was very talented too.
Still he had chosen not to interfere with his sister's family.
Not until she came to visit of her own accord.
The surface of the lake could be seen shimmering once.
Just once.
Before the ancient lake returned to being in a state of stillness.
Gorou’s eyes narrowed slightly.
“I see…"
he said quietly.
"So even you are watching…"
Turning away his back from the lake, he straightened his posture and began walking toward the main hall.
"Prepare to welcome the outsiders!"
He said excitedly.
"Not just any outsiders... but family!"
Because tonight, the Mizugami Clan isn't just welcoming any other guest.
They were welcoming the return of an important clan member.
Haru's mother.
And a child born from her.
That even the ancient lake itself had taken noticed.
** * **
Eiko sat in the passenger seat, and her lower body could also be seen wrapped around in a warm blanket.
And one of her hands resting lightly on her lap.
As the road stretched endlessly ahead, and the hum of the engine becoming a familiar sound.
Without turning her head, her eyes shifted toward the reflection in the window.
In the backseat of the car, Haru was cutely bundled up with layers of blankets.
And if you look closely at her face.
Her eyes were closed…
Yet her expression was bright, almost glowing.
Even if the road seemed to rock her gently, her lips would curve into a small smile.
As if curiosity and excitement was helping her mood stay positive.
And she could be seen watching the scenery rush past her.
And it's all thanks to her special ability.
Seeing that.
Eiko's heart tightened.
She looks so happy now…
Her gaze lingered at her daughter.
Without warning, a memory she hated so much surfaced.
A little Haru could be seen sitting quietly in front of the television.
Her small body sat perfectly still.
Her eyes, dull and lifeless, as if it belonged to a dead fish, and with her eyes fixated on the television.
The way her eyes never left the screen, seemingly to trace the motion in the television, even if she could barely perceive it.
Clinging desperately to it…
As if looking away would mean admitting she had lost...
She was just sitting there.
Like a doll.
No laughter.
No questions.
No curiosity.
Just… staring.
Desperately trying to grasp something she couldn't see.
Eiko could remember standing behind her, and calling her name softly.
But there was no response.
That very sight had broken something inside her.
Eiko's chest tightened even more.
As if her heart had been quietly crushed in her hands.
She couldn't look away, yet she wished she could.
She blamed herself.
Again and again.
Thinking that only if she had done something sooner to help her daughter.
At times, the guilt became so heavy it stole her breath.
She hated herself for giving birth to a child whose eyes could not see the world clearly, she hated the fact she made her daughter struggle.
And on the darkest nights, when Haru slept peacefully beside her.
Eiko found herself resenting God.
Why her?
Why my child?
She had prayed countless times.
And when no answer came, those prayers quietly turned into anger.
Yet despite everything, despite the bitterness, and helplessness.
Haru smiled sweetly against the world.
A soft hum could be heard from the backseat.
Haru swayed gently with the motion of the car, completely absorbed by the passing world outside.
Her tiny mouth could be seen smiling sweetly.
Eiko exhaled quietly.
a warmth feeling was spreading through her chest.
I'm glad…
I'm really glad.
She looked away before Haru could notice.
A small smile formed on her lips.
Whatever awaited them in Hokkaido...
Whatever the Mizugami clan held against them.
At the very least, her daughter was smiling now.
And that was enough.
