I was having a wonderful day. I was cooking a welcome cake for Haru. He'd never tasted my baking before; and I was excited for his reaction.
I am pretty good in the kitchen; but I really enjoy seeing Haru cook, so usually I would let him make dinner. But today was different.
After all he'd done for me; he deserved a feast!
Everyone was out getting groceries; and I was excited to surprise them all.
That is; until I felt a hostile presence. The fire went out in the hearth. A horrifying omen. I touched my hand to my sword, whirling.
Akito stood in the doorway.
"You won't take them from me!" Akito said. "If you don't die the curse will break! I won't let you! I won't!"
Akito sliced my leg with a knife. I collapsed, letting out a gasp of pain.
"Poison." Akito snarled. "You'll die, one way or another."
"I'll live." I grunted. "I'm sorry...so sorry Akito. I know it hurts...but this has to end."
"We'll see about that." Akito whispered in my ear. "But your precious powers won't save you. Your own oath binds you. Personal gain."
She laughed and left me there.
"Haru..." I whispered.
I saw Haru's eyes looking into mine as I passed out.
Xxx
"She's going to lose the leg." Hatori said in a defeated voice.
"No! NO!" Haru shouted. "Not like this. Not because of me. Surely you can do something, Hatori!"
"Calm down." Yuki said.
Haru calmed, dejected, but Yuki looked struck by inspiration.
"She's a priestess! Of course!" Yuki said. "She purifies poisons all the time."
Haru ran to her. "Kuri." Haru took the priestess' hand and placed it on her wound. "Purify your own wound."
Kuri's tears fell from pain. "I cannot."
Haru knelt beside her. "Explain."
"An' it harm none, do what ye will." Kuri quoted. "The oath of the Priestess. Never use your power for yourself."
Haru's face fell. Surely this was what her premonition had been about.
But after a moment; he brightened. "Can you...loan me some of your power?"