Mixing Yin and Yang [Private]

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Katsumi heard that.

"J-just that...?" She whimpered to herself. The despondency in her first brought a dark snarl to Kaede's face.

"Learning that you had kept something so big, so important, so vital.... you had kept something so important for him to know away from him, and when he learned that you had done such a thing, it ripped that trust from his heart and crushed it underfoot. True love is selfless, forgiving, and trusting. You selfishly want Katsu all to yourself. You can't forgive Katsu when he wishes to help the weak. You couldn't trust him enough to give him a secret like he had given you. You do not love Katsu. He is merely a bauble to you, isn't he? Something interesting and shiny, but ultimately to be thrown away when it is no longer of interest."

The girl's lip trembled, hearing these things; they were like knives to her heart, and it was all she could do not to begin wailing like a child. Kaede did not have to hear this to sense it; it was only through the knowledge that Katsumi would never forgive him if he were to forcibly silence the speaker that he kept still. The fist that rested behind his back clenched so tightly it was a wonder it did not bleed. Why did tears stream down Katsu's face? Did he regret the words this alter ego spoke, or did it simply display the sincerity of this hurt Seiken so described?

"It is my personal belief that this is because it is simply your nature. The nature of evil simply cannot fathom true love, or altruism, or any number of things that the Good people of the world hold close to their hearts. Evil is a disease of the soul, and it has infected the both of you. I say again; Katsu does not wish to see or speak with either of you any more. You... disgust him."

Katsumi stood up.

The coat fell from her shoulders. Still, her eyes were shadowed. Kaede lowered his head to an identical angle, relaxing his stance - his hands were pocketed again - and in unison, both of them took a deep breath. It was then that their heads were raised, and they stood side by side to observe Katsu.

She no longer looked broken, though she still looked upset; disappointed, even. "That was the only reason, Katsu?" She asked, looking hurt. "The only reason that you hugged me when I hugged you? The only reason you kissed me back, even when I chose - choose - not to care how old you are? Even when you said we couldn't sleep together, not until you were older or never or whatever, that I didn't mind, because I just wanted to be with you?"

"You stupid boy," Kaede took his turn to say, attempting to keep the new-found scorn out of his voice and only half-succeeding. "Of course she wants you all to herself. That's what love is."

"I don't understand, Katsu," The girl said, shaking her head miserably. "I would forgive you anything. Kaede knows that, and it makes him angry. He knows that even if you hurt me, I wouldn't lift a finger to stop you, and it scares him."

Kaede did not look the least bit ashamed. "Don't you understand? The only reason she did not show you, the only reason she forbade me showing you what we are, is because she was afraid that you would be reviled by her; that you, kid, would discard her like some toy, as you say." He cocked his head, looking darkly amused. "Tell me, why is it that only your secret is allowed to be important to you, but not hers? And perhaps you should know, you are confirming every one of her fears and more."

"I'm sorry, Katsu. I'm sorry if I disgust you. I knew I would." The last sentence was quiet, and remorseful. Now she truly seemed to be holding back her emotions, as she had been the entire time. She bit her lip. "I'm sorry I hesitated about the seal." She said, forcibly cheery now. "It was just a little scary of an idea, that's all. I shouldn't have hurt anyone. You and Kaede made me see that.

"I'll do it, okay? Okay? Please, Katsu, just come back to me." But her tears flowed freely, regardless. "I won't hurt anyone ever again, promise! I don't care if you only said you loved me because I know of your powers, I want to be with you anyway! Maybe I can change your mind. Just please, please don't do this to me, I can't take it. You're hurting me, Katsu. So much. Don't. Please." [/ul][/size]

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"That was the only reason, Katsu? The only reason that you hugged me when I hugged you? The only reason you kissed me back, even when I chose - choose - not to care how old you are? Even when you said we couldn't sleep together, not until you were older or never or whatever, that I didn't mind, because I just wanted to be with you?"

"You stupid boy, of course she wants you all to herself. That's what love is."

Seiken stood there, listening silently as they gave response to his words, and again he shook his head exactly three times. His words came out as monotonous as before, completely devoid of emotion. He was an automaton, a human robot who couldn't care less as to the circumstances of the twins or the hurt his words inflicted, "Do not misunderstand. Did I not tell you Katsu cannot come to the phone right now? Katsu is not conscious. He can not hear you. This is not your opportunity to state your case. He will not remember any of the happenings of this entire day."

After that, Seiken listened silently once more as they continued to try and state their case despite Seiken's words. "Tell me, why is it that only your secret is allowed to be important to you, but not hers?"

"Because Katsu's secret was precious precisely because he gave it to you. Do you not understand how many people would want to murder him, to torture him, to make his life a literal hell, simply because he is a Medium? In certain cultures whole bloodlines were put to the torch just because one of them was found to have been a Medium. The masses are fearful of things they cannot understand, and the power of the Soul is something that defies current logic and science. Katsu put his life in your hands when he gave you that secret, and then you cannot trust him to do the same? It is clear that such a power as yours could and would be hated by the masses, but Katsu would not have cared if you had merely told him straight out.

"Essentially, it was not the secret itself that was precious, but the trust he had in giving it to you, which you did not reciprocate. You didn't trust him to accept you, no matter what sort of powers you possessed." Seiken finished his response and stayed silent for a long moment, the tears on his face slowing until they stopped altogether. Once they had finally stopped Seiken pulled a cloth from a pocket and wiped his face with a controlled, efficient precision. His face clear of tears he folded the cloth and put it away.

Seiken continued to listen quietly as Katsumi gave her tearful pleas, motionless as a statue as she cried. When she was finished he halfway turned away, speaking to them over his shoulder, "The more you speak the more you show that you cannot even comprehend what true love is. Love is not wanting someone all to yourself. Love is desperately wanting them to be happy no matter if it is with you or with someone else. To give you the most extreme example, in hopes of you finally understanding, it is said that there was a lonesome deity. He created everything, the planet we live on, the stars above our heads, everything, and everyone. And our beings were without free will. And then this deity, seeing this, made the ultimate choice and gave us such. Knowing that many of us would turn away from him, that those beings he loved might come to hate him, he still went through with giving them free will, so that they could seek their own happiness.

"That is true love, and it is far different than what you think is love."

Seiken stayed silent for a long moment after that, before continuing in a different topic. "I am not Katsu, and now is not the time for you to present your case to him.

"... If it were up to me, however, I would have already have tried to kill you. My purpose is to punish those who are evil. The point of contention is that Katsu does not believe you to be evil, thus I cannot punish you. You two have two different problems to overcome. Firstly, you must regain Katsu's trust. However you do that does not matter, simply that you do. Secondly, you must convince me that you are not evil.

"You should have plenty of time to work out how to do this. Katsu will require Chuunin rank in order to learn the Directive Seal, and thanks to the Skirmish and his broken arm he has been unable to study his Earth Release to the point he can learn the Crystal Release. He will resume those studies after the Exams, and then he will go forward with his promise to build you a permanent home to live in... because yes, he still plans to complete his promise to you..."

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It was then that he looked up, angry again. "This status as a Mediator, Katsu, has it ever hurt you? Oh, I'm sure it's been a terrible fret in some cases. You must have had to watch yourself oh so very hard. But what of her? Her secret - which is not even usually a secret, she was only afraid of what you'd think - has had her beaten and reviled, just as she has been her entire life for everything she ever was or ever did. She may not, but I have to fear for her life for everything she ever does.

"You insist we are evil. I do not mind what you call me: I have pondered what the rest of the world would consider my devotion long and hard, and I have never come to a sound conclusion. Evil is one interpretation. But Katsu, or Seiken, or whoever you are - you are wrong about her.

"She is not evil. She is scared, damn you! And if you will truly still do all these things for her, why is that? So you can rest faithfully in your belief that you are good, while a vengeful creature, capable of such torment, festers inside your soul? You're naive, Katsu Kazeraikou. Still such a child. One day, whether it is by her, or me, or something else entirely, you will understand: There is no good and evil, only whose side you choose. Men paint things in black and white so they can feel justified under the banner of whomever or whatever they choose to love.

"If Katsu does not continue to believe in her, does not adore her as she does him, and yet continues to help her, then he is doing it for one person, and one person only: Himself."

Katsumi clutched at her twin's collar in pleading. "Please, brother, don't. It's okay."

Agonized, Kaede continued to look on at the possessed boy. "He said he'd kill you, sis!"

"He won't, though. I have faith in him." Then she looked up at Kaede, and Kaede looked down to her. "If Katsu can help me, if the seal can help me, then please just let him. I can't control myself, you know that. Maybe I can learn." And she smiled, breaking Kaede's heart once again.

With difficulty, the boy banished the pain from his expression, and gently kissed her forehead. "Yeah, okay." Was all he said, and could no longer look anyone on scene in the eye.

Katsumi then smiled at the horrifying creature that had possessed half her world. "Sounds fine to me, Seiken." She told him, addressing him with a note of sadness by this title he had chosen to adopt.[/ul][/size]

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"She is not evil. She is scared, damn you! And if you will truly still do all these things for her, why is that? So you can rest faithfully in your belief that you are good, while a vengeful creature, capable of such torment, festers inside your soul? You're naive, Katsu Kazeraikou. Still such a child. One day, whether it is by her, or me, or something else entirely, you will understand: There is no good and evil, only whose side you choose. Men paint things in black and white so they can feel justified under the banner of whomever or whatever they choose to love."

Seiken at this point, for the first time at all, interrupted Kaede's speech, interjecting his own view while his voice still remained in that maddening monotone, "No. The concept of Good is real. It is a palpable force within the world. If ever there comes a day that Katsu believes that there is no good or evil, it will be because he has fallen to evil's taint. On that day I'll surely end our life to prevent him from corrupting others." These words were spoken with a frightening calm; Seiken meant his words, he would carry through with suicide if ever he felt that Katsu had become evil. Such words may have given the twins a glimpse into the nature of Seiken. To so easily speak of ending his own life; that was not the nature of a full consciousness. Seiken was more like... a shard, only a piece of a person's mind. He was a thing of absolutes, with no underlying consciousness to restrain himself from judging others out of hand and meting out punishments for those judgements. Seiken just wasn't human, in the end, he was something... other.

Seiken fell silent and listened to Kaede once more, "If Katsu does not continue to believe in her, does not adore her as she does him, and yet continues to help her, then he is doing it for one person, and one person only: Himself."

"That is called altruism, or selflessness, Kaede. To give of yourself for others while expecting nothing in return is a Good thing. If you save the life of a child, say from a burning building, and then leave before their mother can thank you, that is selfless. The only recognition is in your own heart; the only reward is to know that you saved that child's life. That is enough to drive Katsu to action. To help you, people who are in need, is simply natural to Katsu." Seiken turned the rest of the way from the twins, beginning to walk with measured steps towards the giant turkey that was still waiting nervously for Katsu. He carefully patted the bird on its flank before turning to look at the twins.

"Please, brother, don't. It's okay."

"He said he'd kill you, sis!"

"He won't, though. I have faith in him. If Katsu can help me, if the seal can help me, then please just let him. I can't control myself, you know that. Maybe I can learn."

"Yeah, Okay."

"Sounds fine to me, Seiken." Katsumi stared at Seiken with sadness in her eyes, but Seiken continued to stare back without emotion.

Seiken vaulted himself onto the back of the giant turkey, situating himself quickly before looking back to the twins, "Very Well. Do not approach Katsu. Do not go to his home. Leave him to his study and let him concentrate on first the Chuunin Exams and then to learning the jutsu required to help you. When he has completed your home, he will notify you, and then is the time for you to ask for the Seal.

"A note of caution. I have not lied to you; Katsu will not remember anything that has transpired this day. He will awaken tomorrow and the events will seem as a dream; worrying for a moment but forgotten the next. You will have to again reveal your abilities to him when next you meet. This is a chance for you to perform the deed in a less confrontive manner, so that it will perhaps be more comfortable for everyone involved and so you might retain Katsu's trust."

His words spoken, his business concluded, Seiken began to lead the Turkey away from the twins, speaking only once more as he left, "Do not forget the Rideback requires a manual to learn how to ride it; if you are interested in keeping the device..." Soon Seiken was out of view, heading back towards the village at the best speed the turkey could manage, which was pretty good considering it could fly...

[EXUENT WITH ALL MY NEW STUFF]

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At this, Katsumi's already flimsy composure cracked even further. "D-don't see him? A-at all?" She stammered, her voice breaking. She wrapped her arms around herself. "B-but he just..."

Kaede wrapped an arm around her, and laid his head upon her shoulder.

"A note of caution. I have not lied to you; Katsu will not remember anything that has transpired this day. He will awaken tomorrow and the events will seem as a dream; worrying for a moment but forgotten the next. You will have to again reveal your abilities to him when next you meet. This is a chance for you to perform the deed in a less confrontational manner, so that it will perhaps be more comfortable for everyone involved and so you might retain Katsu's trust." The tyrant to the girl's emotions went on to say, but oddly enough his speech gave both of the twins a glimmer of hope, and it showed in both their eyes as they looked up at the altered child, before they thereafter looked into the eyes of one another.

'Sorry, sis. I shouldn't have forced you,' Kaede apologized wordlessly, his expression somber. 'It's okay, brother. I shouldn't have forced you to hide it for so long. I understand why you wanted it known,' Spoke the tiny smile that she returned to him.

Both twins watched on with darkness in their eyes as Katsu mounted his giant bird and flew off, the awkward rustle of overlarge feathers not doing much to degenerate the sense of foreboding that the personality of Seiken brought. His arm still around his sibling, the male sighed, but Katsumi was quiet.

"Why is it always so hard for me, brother?" She asked hopelessly, shrinking towards the taller form of Kaede slightly. "I don't know, sis," Was all he had for a reply, and to him it was truth. Why would the world not pave a perfect, uncomplicated path for his beautiful sister? Some days, it was nigh incomprehensible, and often he found ways to blame himself. The dot that was Katsu and his mount became a speck, and soon that speck disappeared. Katsumi's lunch and twin swords alike lay in the dust where she had dropped them; the sandwich looked about as disheveled as the girl's spirits.

The twins remained in that same pose for a long time, disheartened and alone.

---

"...I think we'd better go home, sis."

"Where is home, brother?"

"...Not here, sis."

"I want to be where there's home. Home is where you are, and you're here."

"Well, my home is wherever you're safe. Come on, let's head back."

"...Will things between me and Katsu ever be easy, brother? Will he ever be happy with me?"

"...I don't know, sis. But that will never stop you from trying to make it so, will it?"

"No. Never. Never ever."

"...Good."

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