Author's Notes: The word "Okaa-san" means mother.

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Chapter 3: Stolen Generosity
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It's not unusual for me to wake early like this, hours before the others. My body still seems to be accustomed to the years spent at the temple and no matter how much I try, sleeping in isn't something I often get to do.

This morning is a bit different, the sound of Ginkotsu's snores reverberating through the metal reminding me that I'll have to be extra quiet getting up and going out.

Some mornings, I'll pass the time checking over my supplies or polishing the cannons so they'll be in top condition. Sometimes, Mukotsu will be up at this hour- working on some brew that solidifies best in the morning air.

But as for today, I need someplace quiet to think. Luckily, there's a hotspring not too far by the mountain side that we'd discovered a few days back. I'm hoping that soaking in the warm water will help clear my mind so I can recall that day from the past.

The day we had a strange visitor to the temple- a poor woman and her red-haired son.
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It was just like any other day at the temple where Renichi lived. As usual, he was up early in the morning for prayer and cleaning duty. While the other monks ate their morning meal, the young boy swept the front stairs leading up to the temple. He'd get to eat once he was done, something the elder monk said would teach him diligence.

As he neared the lower steps, he spotted something strange on the edge of the road. At first, it seemed to be nothing more than a large rock- but the bright dash of red by it piqued his curiosity. At the risk of being scolded by the elder, he stepped off the temple grounds and walked down the road towards the figure.

"Okaa-san! Okaa-san, hang in there! Okaa-san!"

A young boy's voice reached his ears as he came closer, finally discerning the strange figure as a boy and his mother.

"What happened?"

The words came out of his mouth before he even realized it, broom still clutched in his hands as he looked down at the two.

The red-haired boy looked up, his uncovered eye focusing on the young boy before him.

"We were trying to make it to the temple, but she just collapsed."

Renichi's eyes narrowed; somewhat perplexed by the fondness the boy seemed to hold for his mother.

"Is she ill?"

The boy's face grew somber, "She's not been eating right. Since she always gives me her share and isn't eating much herself..."

The young monk frowned. This wasn't what parents were like, he reminded himself. Parents were cruel, selfish beings who just exploited their power and threw unwanted children away. He'd convinced himself that long ago, but here was a woman who challenged that belief. She was literally dying slowly so her son would live.

"Can you help her up?" Renichi asked, his mind slowly formulating what it is he must do.

The boy nodded, slowly reaching down and cradling his fallen mother in his arms. As Renichi saw him beginning to sit her back against a nearby tree, he headed for the stairs.

"Wait here, I'll bring some food and water. She's too weak to climb the steps right now."

He started to climb the steps at an average pace, but his mind slowly began to demand that he move faster.

"How can that woman put her son's life before her own?"

Renichi's mind pondered as his pace grew quicker.

"In times like these, when food for the poor is scarce does she really value her son's life that much?"

As the answers came back to him, he broke into a run. Quickly, he rushed into the kitchen and snatched up the small bundle of food that had been left for him by the elder monk. Making sure no one was watching him, he grabbed up a flask.

"I don't have time to go get fresh water from the well. I'll have to use the holy water for the temple..."

Knowing he'd be severely punished if he was caught, he set up a diversion to keep any of the monks from noticing him. A box of fireworks used for ceremonies to dispel evil and pray for prosperity and a nearby candle providing Renichi with the perfect opportunity.

Tugging loose a string from the tassel of a drapery, he tied it to the candle's base and moved around the corner. He could hear the monks leaving morning prayer in the main temple and waited silently for just the right moment. As the elder monk entered the far side of the room, Renichi yanked the string- the candle toppling over and landing in the box of fireworks. As he'd hoped, the large explosion would be just the distraction he needed.

Racing to the main temple, he dunked the flask into the holy water and waited until it was filled to the brim. Then without looking back, he made his way out of the temple and down the stairs to where the young boy waited with his mother.

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