Toru
------------------------

It turned out that the "stuff" Jada had mentioned mostly meant menial tasks like galley work, scrubbing the deck, and other mindless activities. I had tried to explain to any of the sailors that I myself was a sailor and could help with greater duties, but they only laughed at the little Japanese man who couldn't speak French. Jada refused to translate. She seemed to enjoy my misery.

It was late on the first night on the ship and I sat cross legged on the floor of our small room. I felt it entirely inappropriate that we should share a room, so I tried my best to ignore her presence as I carefully cleaned my katana. I softly hummed a slowed version of the tune to the o-bon dance, 'Tanko Bushi.' I did not have a good voice, but it was not horrible, either. My sister had loved dancing to that song. I remembered my mother would sing it while teaching the dance to Miho when we were very young.

"Dig the ground, Miho, like this. Yes! Now carry the coal over your shoulder, both sides now. Toru-chan! Show your little sister how to carry the coal!"

"What are you singing?" Jada asked. She had been idly watching me clean my katana for a few minutes now.

"An old Japanese folk song," I said, keeping my eyes on my work. "Coal Miner's Song. In late summer, we hold O-bon festival, to honour our ancestors who have left this life. We dance Tanko Bushi for Bon Odori."

I glanced up at Jada, who raised a brow and shrugged.