14 Turning Point 1

[Ayaka's POV]

Something is not right, and I can feel it. First of all, Kunikuzushi's hostility towards me has escalated to a disturbing level. But what troubles me even more is the cryptic warning he delivered earlier.

[You and your buddy won't be able to escape your unfortunate fate.]

What could he possibly mean by that? Is it truly a threat, just as Kaguya suggested?

"Hey, are you alright, Ayaka? You seem lost in thought."

I snapped back to reality upon hearing my brother's voice, realizing that I was sitting in the carriage with him after I left school.

"Ah, sorry, brother. I was just thinking about something," I replied, trying to push aside my troubling thoughts.

He nodded understandingly, though a hint of concern lingered in his expression. "You seem troubled. Is everything alright at school?"

I hesitated, unsure of how much I would disclose to my brother about what happened. But ultimately, I decided to confide in him, at least vaguely.

"There was a bit of a confrontation with another student, but nothing serious. Just some... little disagreements about trivial things."

"I see..." Ayato studied my face for a moment before nodding again in understanding. "Well, if anything is bothering you, I'm always here to listen to whatever you say, okay?"

Hearing his words, I couldn't help but offer a small smile, grateful for my brother's concern. It is comforting to have a sibling who understands, even when words aren't spoken. It reminds me of the bond I shared with my sister in my previous life, always having each other's backs.

"Of course, brother. Thank you for caring about me."

"Hmm, no problem."

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Upon arriving home, our father met us at the entrance gate. There was a seriousness in his demeanor that struck me as unusual, leaving me feeling unsettled. My brother and I got out of the carriage and approached him.

"Father, is something the matter? You seem bothered, " Ayato inquired, his tone tinged with concern as he observed our father's solemn expression.

In response, our father sighed heavily before addressing us. "I have received troubling news, you two. It seems that your mother was feeling rather ill."

My heart skipped a beat at his words. Mother is sick? How could this be? She's always been so healthy and resilient throughout my life. The news sent a wave of worry crashing over me, and I exchanged a concerned glance with my brother.

"What happened, Father? Is she alright?" Ayato pressed, his voice tinged with anxiety.

Father pinched the bridge of his nose as he sighed again, explaining, "Our family physician is attending to her as we speak, but it appears her condition is still a mystery."

Hearing his response, I felt a shiver run down my spine. It had been a long while ever since I felt this scared, and my worries intensified knowing my mother's fate. Hold on... fate... Could it be? Is this the unfortunate fate Kunikuzushi was talking about?

Without a second thought, I hurried towards the estate, my heart pounding with anxiety and fear, desperate to find my mother and ensure her well-being.

"Hey, wait up, Ayaka!"

Despite hearing my brother calling for me, I ignored him for now and focused on reaching for my mother. Marching through the hallways, I urgently asked every passing attendant about her location. One of them was Shinobu who seems heading in my direction.

"Oh, welcome back, Lady Ayaka. Where are you headed?" she asked curiously upon spotting me in the hallway.

Feeling a sense of urgency, I hurriedly responded to her question. "I need to see my mother immediately. Where is she? Is she alright?"

"Sh-she's currently in the room down the left hall, Milady. But don't worry, the physician has everything under control."

Shinobu faltered in response to my questions, her eyes widening with concern. Perhaps I had been too abrupt in my tone.

"I apologize for alarming you, Miss Shinobu. However, I need to go now."

"Of course, Lady Ayaka. If you need anything, just let me know."

With that conversation ended, I resumed my hurried pace, navigating the halls until I arrived at the room where my mother was supposedly resting.

Taking a deep breath, I prepared myself for what awaited me on the other side and expected everything was alright. Thus, I firmly opened the sliding door.

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Upon opening the door, I was met with a confusing sight. The room seemed to be empty. Did I enter the wrong room? Where is my mother? I glanced around, puzzled, before noticing that the bedsheets were wrinkled as if someone had just left the futon. Furthermore, I caught the door leading to the balcony was slightly ajar.

Piqued by curiosity, I approached to investigate and slid the door open. And there she was, my mother, sitting peacefully in the gazebo. Her serene figure was gently illuminated by the soft rays of the setting sun. She looked tranquil, almost ethereal as if she was in a state of deep contemplation despite her condition.

"Mother?" I called out softly, my voice barely a whisper as I walked toward her.

Noticing my presence, she slowly turned to face me, her expression appearing delicate and understanding. "Ah, welcome back, my dear. How was your day?"

Confusion swept over me at her calm demeanor. Was she not aware of her condition? Or was she hiding her discomfort behind a facade of composure? My heart wouldn't stop racing with concern and uncertainty.

However, I should confirm for sure by questioning her directly. "Um, Mother, is it true that you were feeling unwell?"

"Yes, it seems so," she confirmed while retaining her peaceful tone.

Furrowing my brow, I struggled to understand her odd response. "Then why are you out here, Mother? Shouldn't you be resting in bed right now?"

Instead of responding to my question, Mother reached for something beside her. It is a Shogi board, a familiar board game from the previous world, and one that she and my brother often played in this world.

"If you defeat me in a game of Shogi, then I'll agree to return inside," she declared playfully.

With those words, I had no choice but to accept her challenge. Even though I could have just refused, there seemed to be a deeper meaning behind that request.

"Alright, Mother. I'll accept, only if you stay true to your promise."

"Of course, dear~"

As I sat on the floor across from her, we began to set up the pieces, turning the game into a silent exchange of thoughts and emotions. Knowing how Shogi operates both in the previous and current world, I might have a strategy, intent to best my mother and perhaps find out the truth behind her strange behavior.

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After several minutes of playing with my mother, it became evident that I was outmatched in the game. Despite my best efforts to strategize, she skillfully countered my moves, as if she could predict everything I was thinking, leaving me frustrated and bewildered.

"Sometimes, frustration arises not from the inability to win, but from the resistance to accept defeat and the determination to persevere," my mother suddenly remarked as she made her next move.

Her words struck a chord within me, resonating with a deeper reality beyond the confines of the board game. Did she just read my mind, or was it merely a coincidence? With a tired sigh, I contemplated my next move, acknowledging her understanding even as I struggled to come to terms with the likelihood of my defeat.

"Don't lose hope, dear. The battle isn't decided until the final move is made," she encouraged me gently, her comments offering a flicker of optimism amid my frustration.

Once again, my mother interjected with her insightful comment, leaving me both amazed and slightly exasperated. But something was comforting in her guidance, a reassurance that she was there for me, regardless of the outcome of our match.

"Mother..."

"What is it, dear?"

"I've meant to ask you this, but... why are we playing Shogi again?"

In response, she smiled knowingly, her eyes twinkling with understanding. Then instead of answering immediately, she reached her hand out and gently patted my head.

"Oh, my dear little Ayaka, I simply wanted to spend time with you."

Her response left me feeling puzzled, unsure of the deeper meaning behind her words.

"Then if that's the case, why don't we do this some other time instead of now when you are obviously sick?"

Mother fell silent, her expression darkening for a moment before she spoke again.

"Well... That's because... I want to cherish this kind of moment while I still can..."

Hearing those words felt heavy with unspoken emotion. I searched her eyes for answers but found only a tender sorrow reflected back at me. And in that moment, I finally understood. It wasn't about winning or losing the game, but rather she just wanted to experience a moment of happiness with me, embracing the present despite uncertainty and fear.

"Is that so... Then I do my best to make this game memorable for you, Mother." 

With those words, my mother finally grinned again, her smile was genuine as she responded.

"Thank you, my dear."

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When the sun was on the brink of setting, I finally seized an opportunity to turn the tide of the game in my favor. With motivation and resolve, I executed a series of well-calculated moves, carefully strategizing each step to take down my mother's defenses.

With each move, the tension in the air thickened, and the game intensified. My mother, ever graceful in defeat, met my advances with a serene smile, her eyes sparkling with delight.

As the final moments of daylight faded, I made my final decisive move, putting her king in checkmate. A surge of triumph surged through me as I realized victory was within my grasp.

"I won!"

"Well done, my dear. You've bested me fair and square."

Hearing her congratulatory words while accompanied by a warm smile, filled me with a sense of accomplishment and gratitude. Despite her current illness, she had graciously allowed me to experience the thrill of victory, cherishing this moment we shared together.

"So, Mother. Now that I've defeated you in the game of Shoji, shall we go back inside?"

In response, my mother playfully poked her cheek, displaying a mischievous glint in her eye.

"I did promise that I would return to bed, but may I make one more request?"

Pouting slightly, I couldn't help but wonder why she insisted on prolonging our time outdoors instead of resting. However, I decided to indulge in what would she say.

"Alright, Mother. What do you have in mind?"

"I want to show you something special, so come with me."

Intrigued, my mother and I left the gazebo and headed to a remote spot in our estate, where she produced a beautifully decorated fan from her sleeve.

"Listen, Ayaka," she continued, turning to face me. "I am going to show you a specific dance, one that is passed down by my heritage. So please, keep your eyes on me."

With those words, Mother began the performance by humming a certain melody. Then, with a swift gesture of her hand, she gracefully unfurled the fan, her movements fluid and elegant as she danced. Slowly but surely, she waves her hands in various circular motions, navigating the fan along with the rhythm. Finally, she concluded the dance by swiping the fan upwards, causing a flurry of snow to appear.

I was mesmerized by her performance, struck by the beauty and elegance of my mother's movements. As the dance came to an end, I couldn't help but applaud.

"That was incredible, Mother. You dance with such grace."

She smiled warmly, closing her eyes briefly before responding, "Thank you, my dear. I'm glad you enjoyed it."

As my mother and I shared a moment of laughter, I couldn't shake the feeling of curiousness lingering within me.

"Mother, why did you show me this dance?" I asked curiously.

Her smile widened, and she spoke with a hint of mystery in her voice, "Because one day, you will dance it for someone special. Someone young, kind, and most importantly, heroic."

Blushing at the thought of performing such a dance in front of another person, I couldn't help but feel a mixture of embarrassment and uncertainty at the prospect.

cough... cough...

However, our moment was interrupted by my mother's sudden episode of coughing, leaving me deeply concerned. 

"Mother, are you alright?!"

"I'm fine, dear. It seems my illness has finally caught up with me."

"Then let's get you inside and rest."

"Alright, I under... Ayaka, get behind me, now..."

Suddenly, my mother's demeanor changed as she cast a stern gaze toward a shaded portion of the estate. Feeling a sense of unease, I complied, retreating behind her.

"Oh dear, am I interrupting your mother-daughter moment, Fubuki?"

A man with a half mask emerged from the shadows, teasing us. I glanced back at my mother and noticed her seething expression.

"Hanzo Takemura..."