Through the Branches.
By Tyger.
They
sat under the sakura, looking up at the sky through winter-barren
branches. It was a remarkably fine day for the winter solstice, but the
ground was still frost in places, frozen in others. In spring, all the
sakura would be in full bloom, giving the trees a lively air, but right
now the branches were stark against the grey sky. It made the place
feel rather desolate, much like a graveyard did. Only without the
offerings to dead souls.
They didn't seem to notice. Then again, they'd spent more time in graveyards than they'd care to admit.
"Look at the clouds... they look like they've been painted on." The
younger of the two remarked, half amused, half in awe.
"It's unreal. If I wasn't right here seeing it, I wouldn't believe it
was real. ... Technology's funny like that, I think.
I wish I had a camera." The other looked up at him from where he was playing (not playing, he did not play. He was... fiddling.) in the dirt.
"Yeah. It would make a beautiful shot. ...want me to steal you one?"
"Yami! Be serious. ...but of course, you are serious, aren't you." He
laughed softly to himself. "Of course you are."
"Would I lie to you?"
"...no. I don't suppose you would." They sat in silence for a time. The
elder of the two lay back, scarred face watching the moon that was
already high in the sky, despite the fact it was still daylight. An
omen, if ever he saw one. An omen indeed.
"Tonight..." he purred, "Tonight we are at the height of our power."
"For this year." Said the other.
"For this year." He conceded.
"And what of tomorrow?" It was a soft question, almost unable to be
heard over the slight breeze. The elder one answered anyway.
"Tomorrow? Tomorrow... ah, what is the phrase? Tomorrow, the world is
our oyster." The younger made a soft sigh.
"Kuu" He examined his blood-encrusted hands.
"But - " Softharsh eyes met, searching. "did we... really have to kill
him?" The other raised his hand to his lips, as a chivalrous English
gentleman would. Ludicrous, really, but hey both knew he was only
playacting. His eyes, however, never wandered.
"Yes, my love. I do believe we did."