In the cradle of his mother's arms, Kenji looked as the two combatants readied themselves. Switching his view to the right, Kenji gazed at the young man opposite his father whose posture spoke of sheer determination. His father displayed an aura of calmness, his eyes contradicting his stance. Seconds seemed like hours as stillness filled the room. Suddenly, Kenji's peaceful state was disturbed as his mother motioned her hand upward. Like a guillotine, she released it, signaling the mêlée to start. Both man charged towards the other and………
Kenji awoke, feeling the cold sweat on his brow.
"This dream………" He whispered, his hands clutching his face.
Upon resting his hands on the mat, he turned to face the sleeping sword lying at the corner of the dim room. A disturbing silhouette formed by the moonlight had caught his attention. Kenji looked away, not wanting to be mesmerized by his weakly father's sword.
"True strength… You can feel that in this sword."
"Strength? In this Sakabatou?" Kenji contemplated. He stood up, deciding that he no longer had the mood to rest. He exited the room and was greeted by the countless magnificence in the sky. Not satisfied by his angle, Kenji leapt to the roof and for a better view. Events of that day saturated his mind as he struggled to appreciate the stars.
The expression on Megumi's face as he carried his mother's lifeless body into the dojo was engraved in his mind. He could only fathom her horror when Yahiko entered, his father's shell restling comfortably in his hands. He recalled placing his mother's cadaver on the mat and being hypnotized by her smile.
"Why do you only smile his presence?" Kenji thought. Never in his life had he seen her express a genuine smile. Yet now, only in death…
His train of thought was interrupted when Yahiko settled the body in its rightful place. Gone was the strong and stubborn personality, covered by a veil of dread and depression. As Yahiko opened his mouth, Kenji swore that another man had possessed him.
"Megumi, fetch me some water from the well and a brush."
With emotions rivaling that of his parents, Yahiko removed their clothing and bandages, revealing their disease mangled bodies. Megumi almost spilled the contents from the bucket when she returned. As if he was oblivious to her reactions, Yahiko motioned Megumi to bring forth the items he requested. He gently dipped the brush in the water and moistened their lips with the reviving liquid.
"We must wash the bodies…" Was all Yahiko could muster. "… To prepare them for their journey."
Consenting reluctantly, Megumi left to fetch some towels, leaving an awkward Kenji with Yahiko. Kenji remembered the chilliness when they traded glances. He would never forget staring into those heartless eyes.
The silence was broken, however, by the resonance of agonizing sobs.
Megumi's tears…
Undaunted, Yahiko approached Megumi. Expecting him to comfort her, Kenji was stunned, seeing that Yahiko cared more for the towels than a friend. Before Kenji could say anything, he felt the impact of a white cloth thrown at him.
"Wash…"