chapter 10
After a short walk, Himeno, Hayate, and Sasame (who was still in Hayate's arms), made it back to the mansion and into Himeno's room.
Himeno, with Hayate's help, carefully cleaned Sasame's wound and gently bandaged it. Hayate briefly went back to Leafenia to get a clean shirt for Sasame, while Himeno watched over Sasame.
Sasame's wound had not been serious, but it was clear that the poison was badly affecting him. His fever was high, and occasionally Sasame would flinch in pain and moan.
After Hayate had returned, he found that Himeno had gotten a basin of cool water and a cloth, and would regularly dip the cloth in the water, wring it out, and place it on Sasame's forehead. She softly spoke words of encouragement to him and lightly stroked her hand through his silvery hair.
Himeno suggested that Hayate should try to rest for at least a little while, but Hayate knew he wouldn't be able to fall asleep, not on a night like tonight. So he continued to watch over his love and his best friend.
Around midnight, it seemed as though the worst was over for Sasame. His fever had gone down a little and he appeared to be sleeping soundly. Himeno let out a huge sigh, partially due to her being relieved and partially due to her fatigue.
"Himeno, why don't you rest now?" Hayate asked kindly. "I'll watch over Sasame now."
"Okay," Himeno said half yawning as she went and grabbed some extra pillows and blankets.
When she returned, she haphazardly laid the blankets and pillows down on the floor, and fell right asleep.
Shortly after Himeno had fallen asleep, Kei stopped by the mansion to update Hayate on Tsui and to see how Sasame was doing.
"We found out where Tsui and the rose were hiding. They're over by the outskirts of town, near the Northwest section, hiding in the forest. We overheard Tsui talking to himself about his plans. He intends to attack the city tomorrow morning when everyone is hurrying around going to work and school," Kei reported.
"Then we should meet here early tomorrow morning and then go after them," Hayate replied.
Kei nodded and then looked over in Sasame's direction. "How is he doing?"
"All right for now. His fever has gone down a little, but who knows if he'll be up to fighting tomorrow," Hayate said.
"Hmmm," Kei responded distantly, seeming a little tired.
"Well, you and the others should go get some rest. We'll meet up back here around sunrise and we'll see how things are then," Hayate said.
- o o o
Himeno and Hayate waited out in the hallway outside of Himeno's door for the other knights to arrive. Just as the sun came up, Kei, Go, Mannen, Hajime, and Shin all appeared in uniform, ready to go.
"So, how are we going to defeat Tsui and the rose, while saving Takako?" Kei asked.
"What if we all attacked Tsui at once?" Go suggested.
"That's not a bad idea, but what about Takako?" Hayate replied.
"What if one of us tried to free Takako while the others kept Tsui occupied?" Kei suggested.
"Yeah," the other knights replied in agreement.
"But who's gonna be the one to free Takako?" Mannen asked.
Everyone stood there and brainstormed for a moment. Go, who had been leaning against Himeno's door, was suddenly surprised when he felt it moving in back of him.
"Hey!" Go said surprised as the door started to open.
Go took a few steps forward to prevent himself from falling as Sasame slowly came out of Himeno's room. His face was ashen and his eyes had a glassy look about them.
"Sasame?" everyone replied with surprise.
"I thought I heard talking outside the door. Are you getting ready to go save Takako?" Sasame asked.
"Yes, we are," Himeno replied. "Don't worry, we'll get her back, Sasame."
"I'm coming with you," Sasame said.
"Sasame, you're still not well. You should go and rest some more," Hayate said somewhat sternly.
"No Hayate, I'm coming with you to save Takako," Sasame said firmly.
Hayate stared at Sasame for a few moments, studying him. Hayate could sense Sasame's determination beyond his haggard appearance. Arguing with Sasame wouldn't do any good, but Hayate still wasn't thrilled about having Sasame fight without his powers.
"You know, Hayate, Sasame would be the perfect person to go save Takako while the rest of us fight Tsui. Tsui probably wouldn't expect it, and that advantage could be very useful," Kei said to Hayate matter-of-factly. "That is… if you're up to it Sasame."
"I'll manage," Sasame said. "I may not have my powers, but I'm not completely useless."
"Then it's settled. Let's…"
Hayate interrupted Kei and said "No, wait."
Everyone stopped short in their tracks and Sasame gave Hayate an annoyed look, expecting him to insist that he stay at the mansion.
"Everyone wait here, I'll be right back," Hayate said as he disappeared. He reappeared a few seconds later with something in hand.
"Here," Hayate said as he handed a sheathed sword to Sasame. "It's only my practice sword, but it is sharp. You could use something for protection."
Sasame's look softened. "Thanks," Sasame said as he put on the sword, hiding the pain moving his shoulder caused him.
