RP: Hinomaru Sunrises II A Different Kind Of Year End

[Andrew]

RP Date

YE 46.9

RP Location

Hideyo Islands, Jiyuu III. MCS - Yamatai Star Empire

Hideyo Islands​

Jiyuu III, Motoyoshi Colonial Sector
Yamatai Star Empire

The gentle waves caressed the sides of the galleon, Dream of Taiie, as it found its serene anchorage among the Hideyo Islands. Below, the vibrant hues of the coral reef shimmered through the clear turquoise waters, providing a breathtaking contrast to the lush green mountains and cascading waterfalls on the main island ~ a mere stone's throw from the ship's bow. The tropical climate of Jiyuu, unlike the varied weathers of Yamatai and other worlds within the Empire, promised a perfect setting for the year-end family celebration, especially for those who chose not to travel to Yamatai.

On the quarterdeck, Motoyoshi-Ieyasu Taro and Motoyoshi-Kotoku Sui relaxed on deck chairs, basking in the unending sunshine. Taro sported vibrant swim trunks, while Sui opted for a sleek black bikini, both epitomizing holiday relaxation. Nearby, their sandals lay abandoned, a testament to their intent to fully unwind. The peaceful scene was occasionally punctuated by the distant cries of birds echoing from the jungle behind the beach.

As the deckhands busied themselves with securing the sails and stowing the ropes, the renowned chefs from Takeda House began preparing the evening’s feast. Taro, enjoying a craft beer from Ainu Orchards, glanced over at Sui, who sipped her plum wine under the shade of her sunhat, careful not to provoke her infamous temper.

Breaking the serene quietude, Taro ventured into a more serious topic. "So, back to the Fifth? Was that your idea, or did Katsuko suggest it?"

Sui’s response came without her moving, the sunhat still shielding her face. "A bit of both. I managed to convince her it was her idea, just as you convinced me to come to this—admittedly beautiful—cursed rock," she replied, her voice tinged with reluctance to admit the island's charm.

Taro chuckled, stretching back in his chair. "You always find a way to cast a shadow, even in the brightest places," he teased, aware of her tendency to view things grimly.

Sui’s reaction was swift ~ a playful kick to his side. "I was kidding, lighten up," Taro laughed, though his words carried a hint of truth about her often grim outlook.

"If you're looking for storm clouds, you should talk to Katsuko. She's been brewing a tempest," Sui retorted with a smirk.

Catching her off guard, Taro suddenly lifted her from the chair and playfully tossed her into the water off the stern’s port side. Her surprised yelp followed by a splash broke the tranquility. Moments later, she surfaced, sputtering and indignant, but her anger melted into laughter.

With a quick, agile move, Sui pulled Taro into the water, her superior Nekovalkyrja abilities ensuring he had no chance to escape the splashdown. What ensued was a spirited water fight, with Taro thoroughly outmatched. Eventually, he swam up to her, his tone conciliatory. "Feel better?"

Still floating in the soothing waves, Sui’s initial annoyance gave way to affection as she wrapped her arms around his neck. Their playful exchanges in the tropical paradise of Jiyuu contrasted sharply with their serious discussions about Katsuko, blending light-hearted fun with the weightier matters of their reality. "You're lucky you're cute."

"It has been a rough couple of years - I don't know, she refused to come downstairs during Tsukimi. Maybe some time with Akina will help her reset," he said, hopeful that it would come true.

Sui shook her head, then rested her forehead on his, "You sugar coat everything, rough was not the word that comes to my mind. Seeing though that we are on leave, I will let it go."

"Oh yes, Chujo, anything you want, Chujo," he said with a laugh. The sun slowly moved toward the horizon, shedding its beautiful orange and red light through the sky.