It started out as an ordinary practice session in the dojo, but it ended anything but ordinary. Many students were in attendance, and Hikaru was the youngest instructor there. He was helping Takeda-sensei with the drills, as his father was gone to war.

At fourteen years, Nakamura Hikaru was small for his age, but the students knew him to be stronger than he looked, and many of them were reluctant to spar with him. The size difference made them hold back, and they were intimidated by his skill. He had, in fact, been training in swords from the time he could walk. His father, after all, was samurai, but no one thought Hikaru would ever become samurai himself.

This particular day, there were an odd number of students and Hikaru was needed to spar with the odd man. Everyone had paired up quickly leaving Satsuo without a partner. Satsuo was a tall boy with the grace of an ox. He clearly had an advantage over Hikaru when it came to size.

The sparring practice started out normal enough. Hikaru was holding back somewhat because his skill outmatched that of Satsuo. He should not have held back, for Satsuo managed to get the upper hand, and in his enthusiasm knocked Hikaru's helmet off. Satsuo struck Hikaru in the head, knocking him cold.

The students all stopped their practice once they had seen what happened. Takeda-sensei sent one for the doctor. Satsuo was standing alone to the side, a look of fear on his face. "I didn't mean to hurt him, Takeda-sensei," he stammered, dropping the practice sword. Out of the corner of his eye, Takeda noticed it was a bokken and not a shinai.

Takeda looked at him briefly. "I know, Satsuo-kun," he said. "Everyone stand back, let the doctor through."

The doctor arrived and did a preliminary check of Hikaru. "He still breathes, but someone has knocked the sense out of the lad. With whom was he sparring?"

"Satsuo-kun," Takeda replied. Satsuo seemed to get smaller.

"Ah, I should have realized he'd be the one to knock Hikaru off his feet, but I did not expect this." The doctor pointed at the welt on Hikaru's head. It was the size of an egg. "Well, let's get some of these lads to help carry Hikaru to his quarters. He'll be comfortable enough there until he wakes."

A blanket was found and six of the students carried Hikaru to his room, where the doctor tended to his injuries. "Nothing to do now but wait. He will wake when he's ready. Hopefully, he will still have his senses about him."

"Thank you, doctor," Takeda said. "Are you going to stay with him for a while? I need to let the students know how he is. Especially Satsuo."

"Yes, I'll stay for now. You take care of business." The doctor sat next to Hikaru to wait.

Takeda went back to the dojo to let the students know that Hikaru was still unconscious, but otherwise seemed all right. He then dismissed them, as they were too distracted to pay attention to their lessons. They slowly made their way out of the dojo. Except for Satsuo. Only he stayed behind out of concern.
"Excuse me, Takeda-sensei," Satsuo said quietly. "May I be allowed to stay? It was, after all, my error that caused Hikaru-sensei to be injured."

Takeda smiled. "Of course you may stay. I'll have word sent to your family that you're still here. Set your things aside and go into the garden. I'll have some tea sent to you."

"Thank you, sensei." Satsuo bowed and went to the garden.

Takeda was about to go get some tea for the boy when a messenger came into the dojo. "May I help you?"

The messenger bowed and said, "I have a message for Nakamura Hikaru. It is very important."

"I will take it to him. He has been injured and cannot see anyone at present."

"I understand, sir," the messenger said as he handed an envelope to Takeda. "I will tell you as well. I bring news from the war. Nakamura Yoshihiro has been killed in battle. I am very sorry to have been the bearer of such news at this time of crisis in the household. I bid you good day, sir." He bowed again before leaving.

Takeda looked at the envelope in his hand. The seal was that of the division in which Master Yoshihiro had been serving. Tragedy on top of ill fortune had come to this house. He went to the kitchen and made some tea for Satsuo, and then he went to Hikaru's room. As he crossed the garden, there was a sudden wind. Change was in the air and he was the bearer of sad news for an unconscious boy.

Fiction: 04/17/08 | Posted By: KitsuneTsuki | 0 comments | Original Anime and Manga