Dear Big Brother,

Mama is still sick with worry. Literally. She's having a hard time breathing and I barely got in time to fetch a doctor. It's so scary working here, not knowing if we should evacuate or not. I don't want to disturb Mama. She's really very sick.

Yesterday, after the doctor left, she told me to bundle her up and bring her to Papa's grave. I didn't want to, but she insisted. We stayed there for quite a while.

I can't even remember Papa's face. I only have the photographs of him, and even then, I can't remember how he laughed, how he smiled, or how he held up his pinwheels to us.

I'm getting really weird, aren't I? Maybe I'm getting sick, too. I hope not. I don't want to burden Mama anymore.

Don't worry, Big Brother. I'm going to take care of everything. Just win the war. I know everything will be okay after the war.

Little Sister,
Rihoko.

~ * ~

My dear Kisumi,

Time is so slow here now. I wake up listening to the beach, only to hear the strains of your piano thudding in my mind. I miss you so. Every morning, I walk down the beach and let the waves lap at my feet. Once, my hat was blown away by the wind and I remember the first time we met when you caught it.

I have grown my hair and Masato continues to scold me. She remembers so clearly the time you told me to cut it and, laughingly, I pointed out that you yourself don't cut your own hair.

Where have the happy times gone to, my love?

The war is taking new tolls, I hear a town not far away from here was raided. I am afraid, but not for myself. I fear for you, my Kisumi. I wish you are here so I can protect you�although the Ninku do not need to be protected. Maybe it would turn out you will have to protect me.

It is still peaceful here, and you would think there is no war. But the quiet skies are always shattered and I continue to worry about your welfare.

I would feel much better if you were with me now. But I understand. I know how much you are needed.

Just continue to remember I love you and I miss you. Masato would laugh, saying how ridiculously dramatic it sounds, but I do. Please remember that. Come back home safely, and my heart will be content.

I will continue to wait.

With love,
Miyuki.

~ * ~

Dear Miyuki,

I am so glad to receive your letter! I have almost ceased to hope. But the Master was understanding and called me immediately when he saw that there was a letter for me from you.

How are you? From your letter, you sound fine, if not extremely worried. Don't be. The Ninku are going to win the war. I have come to believe in this. I have my friends at my side, not to mention your support.

I love you, have I told you that? Perhaps a thousand times but I must say it again. I love you.

Yesterday, one of the sub camps was bombed and there were a few people who were able to get out. Others, sad to say, died. My friend Hogou continues to blame himself about it and I wish I was able to do something. It is really unnerving to learn that some of your friends die.

I wish you are here. Sometimes, the others can't understand and I know you will. That is why I love you.

And now, I have to end this letter here. The mailman has come and I have already wasted time and paper (this is fifteenth try that Aiko is already irritated at my throwing papers at him).

I will see you soon, my dear Miyuki. I hope it will be sooner.

Always,
Kisumi.

~ * ~

My ever dearest Miyuki,

I've been trying to avoid it, that's why I ended up with fifteen wasted papers. I wanted to ask you earlier but I guess I lost the nerve. Some Ninku.

The guys are already teasing me.

Anyway, what I want to say is (you don't have to answer immediately, of course)

Will you marry me?

Kisumi.

~ * ~

Rihoko,

And how are you, Little Sister? How are you managing? Life isn't exactly great here, but I'm okay.

You say Mama isn't well? I'm worried. Not only for her but for you, too. I know I haven't been a really good brother to you, going away and leaving you when you need me. Listen to me, Rihoko, even if there's ANY sign of bombing there, or you hear of anything, ANYTHING at all, pack up and leave. I don't want you to take any chances.

I would like to go back there and take care of you. I really do. But I have to stay here and fight the war. What I would really like to do is to see you again. It's been such a long time, hasn't it, Little Sister? I can't imagine you as a teenager. How old are you again?

I still see you as a nine-year-old kid trying to hug me.

Tell Mama everything is going to be all right. I'm going home right after the war. I'm going to take care of you, I promise.

Maybe one day, I'll introduce you to some of my friends. There's Jinto, one of my best students whom I've trained ever since I was promoted as Captain. And then Kisumi. He's too shy for his own good, and some of the guys think he's too beautiful to be a man. He might be getting married soon if he manages to pop the question to his girl. And Fusuke, this twelve-year-old kid who's already a Corps Captain. I told you about him, didn't I? When I met him?

I'm not going to mention Aiko for now. I still can't forgive him when he dunked me in that cold spring when we got drunk. Sensei was so mad at me. It's his fault. I hate him.

That's it for now, Little Sister. The mailman's coming and I have to give this to him. Take care of Mama and yourself.

Love,
Big Brother Toji.

~ * ~

Mama,

I dreamed about you again. Last night.

I dreamed that you were here. In the Ninku headquarters.

You cradled me and sang to me.

Your voice continued to croon in my ears when I woke up.

I miss you.

Where are you?

Your son,
Fusuke.

~ * ~

Kisumi,

YES! I ACCEPT!

Miyuki.

~ * ~

Kisumi,

So, you finally asked her, huh? When's the wedding, big guy? Surely it will be right after the war. I mean, from the way you talk about her, it was a wonder you didn't get married before you left. So why didn't you?

Anyway, I guess that's all. I just wanted to congratulate you, man. The northern desert is killing me. I wanna take a bath already. And some of the students are driving me CRAZY! It's sometimes hard to keep in mind I used to be like them.

Tell Toji I still hate him for taking all my clothes when I was bathing at the river. And that he's a drunk.

Aiko.

~ * ~

Sekirai:

GET YOUR ASS UP HERE NOW WERE FREEZING IN THE SNOW AND CAN'T FIGHT THOSE PEOPLE PROPERLY WE NEED YOUR FIRE AND WE DON'T HAVE ANY FOOD!!

Toji.

~ * ~

Big Brother,

Mama is okay now. Don't worry about me, I can handle myself. If you can survive a war, I can survive this.

There's a bit of bad news, though. The island near ours has been bombed. Not atomic bomb so there was no radiation, but the food ration of our island has dropped because of the dead fishes. I've already set for transfer, but where are we to go, Big Brother? What place hasn't been claimed by the war yet?

Your friends sound cool and I would like to meet them after the war. You think that's possible?

Laiko's father has joined the war as a soldier of the Empire Army. He says it's to ensure the safety of the village. But I'm not so sure. I sure wish it was you here, or any of the Ninku. Rumors have it that there are undercover enemies stationed here but I'm not so sure. If it will help, I'll tell you more.

The weather turned warm after the bombing but otherwise, it's okay. Everyone's trying to cope. The turn of the weather was good for Mama and she's able to walk now.

Take care, Big Brother.

Little Sister,
Rihoko.

~ * ~

Corps Captain Fusuke:

I have received news that troupes from the Empire Army have stationed themselves at a nearby island that is my hometown. I have already asked permission to stand guard but it was denied. Sensei has ordered for you to go there instead. Orders are to leave at exactly three days and give news of situation.

Contact Corps. Captain Aiko for further instructions.

Corps Captain Toji.

Note: It's personal, but if you find my sister Rihoko, please tell her to evacuate. You can't miss her. She has red hair.

~ * ~

Aiko,

The food is lousy but I manage to cook. And get a steaming hot bath. Too bad for all of you.

I have nothing better to do. The Empire Army has been silent around here.

I met Toji at Bakyen Mountain. He told me to tell you you're a pig.

When are you two going to stop fighting?

Sekirai.

~ * ~

My dear Miyuki,

When I received your answer, I almost cried. Thank you for making me the happiest man on earth! I love you, and I want to come home when I get the permission.

The fights are getting a little edgy, I managed to freeze fifteen tanks but they keep coming.

I worry about you a lot. I wish I can wake up and see you again. Every night, I remember the time we spent out night at the beach and counted the stars one by one until we fell asleep.

Miyuki, please take care of yourself. God knows what I'll do if anything happens to you.

Have you told your parents and sister yet? Of course you have. I'm looking forward to have them as in-laws. Especially Masato. She's so much like you, yet different. Don't get jealous, I love you more! I'm finally going to have the sister I never had. So much blessings in one time!

You don't know how much it means to me to have your love. I am so lucky to have you.

I love you, Miyuki. I hope you never tire of me saying it.

With love,
Kisumi.

~ * ~

Rihoko:

Get away as far as you can from this place. The Empire Army are swarming like bees. I'm sure they'll go after you first when they learn that your brother's a Ninku. Hurry!

Laiko.

~ * ~

Report of Special Corps Captain Nei-Nin Fusuke:

Island has many undercover Empire Army soldiers. Thirty of them have been captured by our troupe but more remain. Damage: great. Casualties: fifty-eight and possibly more. Survivors: one-hundred thirty six. Evacuated: unable to count. Ninku death: nine.

Report to Corps Captain Toji: sister Rihoko was not found. Possible contact, Laiko Henshu, found dead from bullet wound and massive blood loss.

~ * ~

My love,

I am growing more and more concerned.

A town not far from here was burned by the Empire Army. Masato convinced me that we should evacuate. But I am more worried for you. Kisumi, is everything going to be all right? I want to stay here, but we can't.

We're going to Sawa, not far from here. You've been there before, haven't you? We have a small house there. If you should look for us, Masato and I will be there.

Take care, my love. I greatly wish I can be with you if it is possible. For now, I content myself with the happy times then and that will come.

I love you.

Love,
Miyuki.

~ * ~

Big Brother,

We've evacuated. The island was full of Empire Army. A friend told me to get out.

Mama's dead, Big Brother. She couldn't take it.

She told me she wanted to be buried beside Papa. But I can't do that now. I can't.

I'm all cried out.

Come home, Big Brother.

I'm scared. I'm lonely. I don't know what to do. Help me. Please. Come home.

Little Sister Rihoko.

~ * ~

Toji,

DAMMIT THIS IS NOT THE TIME TO GO MOPING THERE'S A WAR FOR CHRISSAKE! It won't bring your mother back!

Now go out there and fight, damn you!

Aiko.

~ * ~

Dear Miyuki,

I want to go to you. Please believe me. But I can't. The war is already in full force.

Miyuki, there's a safe place called Gajan. Take Masato and go there. I'll follow you as soon as I can. Please take care of yourself.

Love,
Kisumi.

~ * ~

Little Sister,

I love you. If everything else fails, remember this. You're all I have. But I can't back out now. I have to win this, no matter what.

Write me often so I can tell if you've evacuated again.

Go somewhere safe. Big Brother will always watch out for you, I promise.

Toji.

~ * ~

Twelve Corps Captains:

Take note of the emergency meeting at 19:00 on the third of May at the Ninku Headquarters. Of utmost importance. Attendance is a must.

~ * ~

Dear Miyuki,

The Ninku has disbanded. The war is over. We have surrendered. I'm going to you now. Please wait for me.

Love,
Kisumi.

~ * ~

Sensei,

I still can't understand why. Why did we surrender? Was everything we did turn out to be for nothing? How can we forget about those people who died for our cause? Those casualties of war. Master, we're WINNING. How can we back down now?

Did anything happen? Were we betrayed?

The questions continue to run in my mind. Please answer them. I can't remember when the last time I was so confused. The Ninku has always been held together by our firm beliefs. We still believe in them. Have you lost your faith, Master?

What happened to the Ninku's dream?

Fusuke.

~ * ~

Dear Rihoko,

The war is finished. We lost. Everything's lost. Mama died because of the war. And we lost our home because of the war. And now, I lost my beliefs, too.

I'm going home, if I can remember where home is. Where are you? How are you? I'm worried about you. Have you been eating properly?

You have nothing more to worry about. Big Brother's coming home. He's going to take care of you. I promise. Nothing is going to harm you again. I've never really acted like an older brother, haven't I? Well, we're going to start over. I'm going to make you proud of me.

The war is over.

I want to start living with my family again.

Big Brother,
Toji.

~ * ~

Letter to Ninku Master at Ninku Headquarters

From Special Corps Captain Umi-Nin Fusuke

Letter undelivered and returned.

~ * ~

Aiko,

Miyuki's dead. Miyuki's dead. I might as well be dead, too.

Fuck the Ninku. And fuck the Empire Army. Everything I've ever hoped for has no meaning now.

Miyuki is dead and there's nothing I can do.

You won't even get this letter. This is probably going to be returned to me. But what the hell?

I'm going to fucking kill the Empire Army. You won't stop me.

But how can you? You won't get to read this letter.

Kisumi.

~ * ~

Big Brother,

I have transferred again. I can't bear living at that place where Mama died. I just can't. I hope you understand.

When are you coming home, Big Brother? I hear that the war's over. I haven't heard of you since you told me to evacuate. I love you, too. I want us to be together again. I've lost Mama and Papa, I can't bear to lose you, too.

Why did the Ninku disbanded? What happened? Maybe you can tell me.

I hope you'll come home soon. I miss you. How long have you been away? Five years? More? I can't remember now.

Today is Papa's death anniversary. As tradition goes, I bought a bouquet of roses and made a boat of leaves. Then, I stuck one pinwheel that I made while taking care of Mama. It was the most beautiful I've ever made. At the wheels, I wrote: "We love you". And I let it float at the nearest river I found. It was beautiful, Big Brother, you should have seen it.

The country here is nice enough, but I don't feel at home. I'm so lonely. I wish I can be with you. I don't care how.

See you soon. Take care.

Sincerely,
Rihoko.

~ * ~

Sekirai,

Have you seen Kisumi? I haven't heard from him since he went home to his fianc�e. I'm kinda worried about him, this isn't like him to disappear all of a sudden.

Everyone's going home. I hear Toji's also gone. I can't go home, I don't have one. I guess I'm going to travel for a while and find some decent work. What about you?

If you hear from Kisumi, tell me. I'm worried about him. Thanks a lot.

Aiko.

~ * ~

To Corps Captain Toji's sister Rihoko:

Toji has gone from the village since the disbanding of the Ninku. No further address was left and he was assumed to have gone home. If seen, please send him our best regards.

Sub-captain Ida.

~ * ~

Aiko,

I haven't heard from Kisumi, too, sorry. It looks like he disappeared from the face of the earth! I asked around but no one's seen or heard of him also. Maybe you should try looking for his fianc�e. I think her name's Miyuki. It WAS Miyuki, wasn't it?

You say Toji's gone? Damn, there's a letter from his sister. I hear he's been looking for her. He was completely depressed last time I heard. You should have apologized, you know. He didn't mean stealing your clothes, he was drunk. And so worried about his family. If you hear from Toji again, tell him that Ida has already returned the mail along with a letter that they don't know where he is. But I don't want his  sister to worry.

Since I also don't have anywhere else to go to, I guess I'm going to finish those paintings I've been meaning to complete. Maybe earn an award or something. Sekirai: Man of Art! I can see it now.

Anyway, I'll be leaving tomorrow. If you want to contact somebody else about Kisumi, I think Urashi is going to stay at this village. Take care, Aiko. It was memorable to be one of your friends and co-Corps Captain.

Till then,
Sekirai.

~ * ~

Brother Toji,

If this letter returns to me like it did the last time I'm going to travel. I can't stay here anymore. I feel so restless.

Where are you? I wish you'll go home.

I don't know where to start but I'll find you. I'll try by going to those places where you've gone, or try to find other Ninku.

I'm going to try strike out on myself. So I won't depend on you. Or Mama. Or Papa. I'm going to travel on my own to find you. Wouldn't that be great? I'm sorry, I'm starting to sound like I'm actually not going to find you.

But I hope we can be together again. It's been so long since I've had a big brother. And it's also been so long since I've been a little sister. It's going to be great seeing you again. We're going to have a brand new adventure, won't we Big Brother?

Still, I wish Mama was alive.

See you, Big Brother.

Always,
Little Sister Rihoko.

~ * ~

Dear Mama,

The war is finished, the Ninku has disbanded. Everyone is going home.

Where are you, Mama? I want to be with you. Maybe now, I can concentrate on finding you. Yes, I'll do that.

Do you know that yesterday, I dreamed again? About you. It was when I was five years old, and your disappearance was happening all over again. You were singing me to sleep at that small house of ours when a man destroys the door and takes you. He tells me that to defeat him, I must become stronger.

I'm a Ninku now, Mama. And the youngest one. I'm only nine years old but I've become one of the Special Corps Captain, the second in command after the Sensei. I'm one of the chosen Twelve. I'll certainly find you now, Mama! I'm stronger now, you see.

I miss you, Mama. I don't even want to think it if you're dead. Please be alive, Mama. I'm coming for you.

I'll find you. I promise.

Your son,
Fusuke.