Shinobi – Realization
I had woken up drowsy sometime at night. The neither white nor blue nor gray nor yellow, but rather mixed, moon glared sternly at me. It looked more large and towering than before. I know why. I have done something wrong. Something a Donito member is never to do. More importantly what a sensei was never to do.
I glanced down at my dry blood covered hand. At least I stopped bleeding. My breath slowed and my senses picked up dripping water. I slid my eyes sideways and saw Hyuga dragging a wet cloth around the circumference of the bucket of water. My reflexes are lacking.
"Hyuga," I said, both questioningly and cautiously. But it only came out as a screech.
I tried again.
"Hyuga. Why did you not stop me?" I coughed as he laid the damp cloth on my hand to clean the blood.
"You recognized the enemy, correct? You did not start out well with him so I thought a Donito duel might fix it. As you can see, it did the opposite. But I didn't stop you because it was truly excellent. I haven't seen such a performance from you, Shinobi, in years! Might be the best yet," he stroke his tiny beard, thinking back to confirm his statement.
Excellent performance? Was he kidding? All I ever did was charge and get a hole through my hand. A child could do the same. Yet, he knows I'm in great pain even though it's just a hole, how can he still remain cheerful? Where was the pity gone?
I had to get up. Who cares about my hand? I had to get up.
I sat up slowly and scrunched up my face at the pain. Muscle tearing – after all that battle went rough on my hand. I had used too much power just to force my arm to purify the opponent.
"Lie back down. You must repair yourself first," Hyuga said sternly.
"No. I must go. Don't stop me Hyuga," I warned. My voice was coming back.
"But I will. And you must lie down,"
"NO! I'm fine! See all there is on my pathetic little hand is dried blood! The wound is closed I'm fine now!" I shouted at his lemon-skin-like wrinkled skin.
Just shouting that made me pant a little. I'm getting too weak. I dragged my legs to the door and looked back. Hyuga did not stop me. Good. I limped towards the medical hut with all my strength. I had to get there.
When I reached the medical hut I had started coughing up a little blood.
As expected, a nurse hurried over and guided me inside.
"Would you want to lie down?" one of them asked politely.
"No. Just give me some treatment on my hand," I replied. I needed an excuse to meet him and I'd rather these nurses cure me than get Hyuga to.
"Please," I added. These nurses deserve something after a whole day of 'thank you' and 'good morning sir' and all that polite work.
The nurse directed her hand at a chair next to the bed of what seemed like my opponent earlier in the day.
"Sorry," I whispered to the sleeping body as I sat down. Who knows? He could be dead.
As the nurse treated the hole through my hand with medicinal water and bandages, I began to hear soft murmuring.
"Snorbershi…snorbershi," My head turned like an owl and I slightly cocked an eyebrow at Haku's whispering.
The nurse started spreading green wasabi-like paste that exploded just as much wasabi did. I bit my tongue every time the paste made contact with my ragged flesh.
Haku suddenly sat upright faster than a Donito player could swing their sword. It was so swift and sudden it almost made me bite my tongue off! I eyed him with a sense of horror and relief that it was nothing. But he was panting hard, raining with sweat.
Not knowing what to say, I calmed myself tried to look casual. "What? You woke up finally?"
Haku looked at me as if I had transmuted into a mutant zombie. Recognizing my face, he relaxed a bit and lay back down with great discomfort.
"It's in the middle of the night. Must've had a nightmare," he said to himself.
"Aww, did the poor little kid have another nightmare?" I said in a mocking voice. "Come on you've got training remember?"
"In the middle of the night? No way…" he yawned.
"Don't tell me you forgot," I grumbled sarcastically. Haku tried to sit up. I couldn't help him up because of the jellyfish-sting-like medicine wrapped around my hand.
"Oh man, what's with you woman, I'm half dead can't you see? Oh wait you can't…" he groaned and flopped back innocently on the patient's bed.
My old friend anger fired up to its max and suddenly I didn't give if Haku was injured. But since he was my student, and that my good hand was bandaged in pain, I'll use my right hand. I mean I can't let little Haku be a spoilt brat! Oh no way!
Haku's head grew an immense bump on the head after my business was done. I left him mumbling in pain, cradling his huge head accessory.
I gave my thanks to the nurses and limped from the medical hut. There were a few cuts and bruises on my leg but the worst thing was only a strained muscle and probably the loss of blood. Haku sure did a few damages there for a beginner, but then again he held one of the arms of power. Electricity.
I found the tree that was familiar to my senses, and smiled as the almost perfect cherry-blossoms floated to the grass. Their pink petals glowed softly in the dark.
I neared the tree and sad cross-legged on the pink cherry-blossoms that clashed well with the lengthy dark green grass.
Sitting here would be comforting. If I concentrated hard enough, I might be able to numb through the cuts and bruises. Too bad there wasn't any wind to accompany me.
My mind swam through with confidence and calmness. I felt like I was doing yoga, only this had physical pain, not emotional.
I did successfully mentally detach my bruised limps, but my hand felt like it tasted chilli. Possibly burning. I glanced at my hand, finding nothing but white bandages and puny areas of green minty stuff. My reflexes are lacking but I never thought my mental healing wasn't working either. Must be some damaging attack. Still it hardly felt like anything.
"All right there?"
I reluctantly unshielded my eyes, and through the darkness, they revealed me a, no offence, ugly, old, hunched man. I'd much prefer the darkness than to THAT... and I didn't even sense him coming.
"I'm fine. What do you want?" I asked, irritated at Hyuga for breaking my concentration. This also meant my bruises and cuts will be awakened again.
"Nothing in particular. I was just checking that you were all right, after you left your own house out of my care," said Hyuga. He sounded a little shrewish.
"Oh I'm sure you were OH so CARING," I snapped in disgust. "D'you call murdering some way of caring?"
I glared harshly at him, as if I was reading his little mind. After a long pause he gave a brief shrug that could've been a small twitch.
"Yes I do,"
My face dropped and fury burned within me. How could he say such a thing? I stood up rapidly, barely ignoring the injuries. He left, leaving nothing but his boring old back facing me.
That old hag, I knew perfectly well what he was up to. Having me face Haku, the one with Electricity Arms, trying to weaken me when he was oh so called 'aiding my wounds' and now having his nurses inject poison in my hand? That old fool doesn't know whom he's dealing with!
I ripped my bandage off and ran it under some spring water, hoping to wash the stinging green poison off. Some blood tricked down with it. That Hyuga sure did have some guts. Trying to murder me? It was written all over his face.
I didn't exactly know what to do now. Today is a really bad day, first attempting murder, second an irritating student, third a devastating donito duel, which took half my hand off. All I knew now was that I had to flee from here. Hyuga's an old man; he should be able to die easily. If not, he'll die sooner or later. They'll be after me I know it. But why do they want me? I'm just a good donito player with bandages around my eyes for some weird reason.
The bandages are just there for no reason, so it couldn't be of any good use. Hyuga would definitely not be after my eyes. It's like I forced myself and wanted to keep these bandages off. I wonder what will happen if I take them off? I've had past thoughts about it but my mind pulled my away from that notion.
What could Hyuga be after then? And where should I stay now? It's in the middle of the night and Hyuga's still awake. Should I stay here or run now? If I stay here I might be attacked while asleep. Also, could Haku be in danger? All the Donito staff is against me dripped in pure evil. Sara-sensei, she was the one that assigned me Haku. I bet they all knew Haku had Electricity Arms and since Purification was weak against it, they put me in a private duel, planning to kill me! That should be what happened. They were using Haku… but he didn't seem evil. He seemed innocent.
I don't know what the situation exactly is, but that is my guess. For now I must steal Haku away from the medical hut and check if he is part of the enemy. I can't believe it! My own sensei that had adopted me warmly into the 'family', had attempted murder! The caring Donito staff that had helped raise me this far. And now they're all against me? What for?
My eyes scanned the ground area and traced a clear path free of rocks and grass. This was the art of becoming invisible to the senses, but not literally disappearing. I ran lightly to the medical with my bare feet and entered the hut quietly. The reception desk was empty, and not a soul was in sight. I crept to the reception desk and checked the schedule, so I was sure where they were. On the scribbled paper it marked that they were at some kind of meeting and were out. That's a good thing then.
Haku was sleeping soundly, or fake snoring at the least, which I doubt. I still owed myself a lesson with Haku in invisibility, but seeing him and I in this condition, I would most likely have to cancel it.
I tiptoed delicately and lightly to Haku's bed. He was definitely asleep. I whacked him on the head and scanned for his belongings, just in case I had to leave with him, which I hoped. I mean it'll be really insane for a guy that was being used by evil old Hyuga to actually be part of them.
Haku finally opened his eyes when I had already packed his things and my own. Since I wasn't sure if he was coming with me or not, I threw his bundle of belongings near the doorway.
"What's with you and waking dead people from their sleep," he grumbled.
"Be quiet. I need to talk with you, and put something on just in case," I whispered, tying my own cloak around me.
"Just in case what? A tornado comes? What's with the stuff?" he asked rubbing his eyes for a clearer look.
"Never mind. Hurry up and remember to be quiet," I hissed.
He got up in a way that made me think the bed was made out of flypaper, or guy-paper. He grabbed a shawl and literally tossed it on himself.
"Yeah? So what did you want to say? I want to get to bed you know," his half-asleep pose stiffened.
"Come outside. I think it's better," I grabbed my stuff and headed out the medical hut.
I could hear him following me, and I traced myself to the back of the hut. Dead silence apart from Haku's morning moans. We crouched down low and checked for anyone around. Nil.
"So you were saying?" he said hoarsely.
"Well today's been a day hasn't it," I began, pausing to let Haku's mumble of approval slide past.
"It's also been a pretty bad day for me too. Listen, I want to ask you a few questions and you better answer then honestly," I warned. To make myself more convincing, I drew out a tiny pocketknife from my bag of belongings and pointed it at him.
His eyes grew wide with fear and disbelief.
"WOAH…what's with you, I'm just a kid that has no idea what's going on…you must be dead serious, pointing a knife at me," a fraction of his voice trembled. I always knew he was a bit of a sissy.
"Be quiet!" I hissed. "Ok, answer this. Did Hyuga enroll you into this place because you owned one of the Arms of Power?"
Haku's eyebrows crumpled into an ugly mono-brow of confusion.
"What arms of power? If you mean that weird electric shock that I felt during the match, then I never knew about it until I hit you," he said.
"Really? Have you ever been in a situation like that? When you feel like you about to die or you feel extreme in an emotion? For example, extremely angry?" I asked.
After a short silence, Haku answered, "I prefer not to talk about it,"
I thought for a while. The information that he preferred not to talk about could be about Hyuga, and he doesn't want me to know. Or it couldn't. I don't have a clue, so it's best to ask.
"Well…have you done any electricity acts in front of Hyuga apart from the match?" I questioned again.
"No." he replied, his past solemn face reverted back to his usual weary one.
"You sure that you've never done any electricity work near Hyuga? Or ever before?"
He looked at my curiously. "No. And why are you asking me? It's like your suspicious of me or something," he narrowed his eyes.
I couldn't tell him yet. I wasn't a hundred percent sure he's innocent. "It's nothing. I'll ask you one more question. Do yo-"
"Why are you asking me? What about you answer MY question eh? What, are you interested in my power?" he interrupted.
"No I am not interested in you power. I just need to ask some questions," I said sternly.
"Why should I answer them? What are you up to…?" he fought back, his trust fading in his eyes.
"Your answer lies in the answer to this question. Do you know anything about Hyuga's murder attempt?" I asked, the last few words choking from my mouth.
Haku's eyes turned wide again, then he put on an irritated face.
"What murder attempt? How could that old man kill anyone anyway?" he said, with a slight bit of self-laughing.
"Are you sure?" I asked again, confirming.
"Positive," he said in a tone of very brief fear.
That had to prove it. If I wasted anymore time I might not be able to escape the Dinotsu village unseen.
"So…what's with the attitude?" he questioned.
"Nothing. It's just been a bad day. The all of Dinotsu are trying to kill me. I suspect that Hyuga's behind all this. He is after all, the strongest of them rather than me," I told him about all the attempts he had done.
"Woah. But don't go boasting around lil twit, making me feel low classed. I was the one that knocked you back you know. I bet no one else has done that," he gave a little smirk of 'superiorness'.
"WELL I am truly sorry I shouldn't have hurt your feelings!" I said in a mocking tone. I have to quit joking around now; I bet the Dinotsu staff will be out looking for me soon. And Haku.
"Look, we've got to leave this place preferably NOW or they'll be after me again. Your coming with me," I whispered quickly.
"Why should I?" he whispered back.
"You want to get killed? Firstly, you're totally innocent which was why I just asked you those questions. Secondly, if you stay with them you'd either die or be forced to work with them to kill me," I choked on the last sentence.
"Heh, it'll be great killing you. I mean just one touch of my electricity thing and you'd be poof!" he laughed.
The laugh was so loud I slapped my hand across his face and covered his mouth. Hopefully no one heard that…
Then I realized what I was doing and withdrew my hand, feeling my face redden. The darkness should cover that, I thought wearily.
"Um. Well if you'd really want to kill me you could've done it now. I'd like to take you with me to flee from the village to get to a safer place. You sure you don't want to come?" I tried adding persuasion in my voice.
"Hey I was just kidding! Sure I'll come lead the way missy," Haku said, and I breathed a sigh oh relief. He was coming.
I stood up, fetched his things and gestured him into a corner about three metres away, guiding myself with my sword.
"It looks like I either carry you or you'll have to learn the invisibility technique," I said half to myself.
"Err, can I tell you something?" he asked uneasily. His eyes seemed to have been fixed onto my sword. I nodded.
"I've had these visions in my head all day ever since I saw your sword. It had weird ancient engravings on it. Do you know what they mean?"
"No…I thought they were decorations?" I replied, looking curiously at my sword.
"They mean 'Happy first birthday, Shi,' Does that ring a bell?" he asked my stone-like face.
Happy first birthday? I got this sword when I was fourteen! At least, that's what Hyuga said. Wait, HYUGA! How could I trust that old man? He was the one that tried to kill me. That's it. Everything he told me was a lie. If he had this sword, that means he should know who my real parents are, and that means I wasn't abandoned!
"It rings the loudest bell in the whole freaking world. I wasn't abandoned," I breathed, amazed, angry and curious at the same time.
"You weren't abandoned?" Haku scratched his head.
"No,"