Chapter 10: Did I make it in time?
My body felt incredibly tired, sore, and hot. I knew I was alive and far from dead. When something cool was placed on my forehead it presented enough relief for me to force my heavy eye lids open. Even then my vision was blurry but things slowly came into focus. Chizu-ane was the one taking care of me. She quickly got up and I heard her shout a bit before coming back and helping me sit up. She was observant and noticed I had yet to really speak so she gave me water to drink. For that I was grateful, I could still faintly taste the copper of blood.
Blood. I turned quickly in hopes of catching sight of Otou-san. When I could not find him immediately I began to panic and think the worst. As tears began to fall I heard many footfalls and soon the sliding door was nearly thrown open. They were my nii-sans. At the sight of my tears they came towards me like moths to a flame and tried to console me. Through everything I was feeling it was difficult to form a sentence but I managed "Otou-san's… okay?" All their panic died out and Toshi-nii ruffled my hair with a small smile on his face "He's going to be alright Hanae-chan. He's just resting right now like you should be." More tears fell but these were tears of relief and happiness. I had made it on time.
Haji-nii was the next to break the silence "Hanae-chan" I wiped my eyes and turned to him "were you trained in swordsmanship?" He was referring to my having killed that foul man. I shook my head no. When my other nii-sans began hounding Haji-nii for information I spoke up "That man…" they stopped pestering him and focused on me "he held me captive and spoke down to Otou-san who was injured from his wound." I sniffed and rubbed my eyes again "He was laughing about killing us and then said he would kill all the Isami, Otou-san and myself. Then he said that he was the one to kill Oka-san. I've never been so angry with anyone… I drew his kodachi and bit him. I was dropped and he tried to swipe at me with his katana so I ran between his legs and cut his calves. I knew he would try to kill us both so I didn't hesitate to stab him through his throat when he fell to the ground. After that, I don't remember anything." I looked at them and could see the looks of shock and awe upon their faces. Only then did I notice somebody standing at the doorway. "Otou-san!" I shouted and jumped out of the futon. It was a struggle at first but I managed to make it over to him and hug him around his legs.