Growing Pains
Hey guys, i'm back with a new chapter. Um i'm not sure how this one will go but comments are a real help in telling me how you may or may not like this. I'll be kind of busy for the next half a year so monthly updates may be difficult so bear with me guys. Anyway enjoy.
As the seasons cool into winter, students of all ages were chatting happily about their plans for the holidays whether it was in the hallway, classroom or dining hall. The excitement in the air was palatable. The bullying crisis as it was now called ended rather anti-climatically for the young trio.
Flashback
The teachers had a shared lounge located near the principal's office, on the third floor of the castle. It had a mixture of european designs as well as the traditional japanese tatami area to allow the teacher to enjoy tea in their preferred style. However, each teacher also had a separate office where they could undertake their own personal research, and if need be disciplinary action. As such, the latter use of the office was being used in the current predicament.
Mr Takahashi stared at the four students in front of him, two of the three students glaring at their assailant and the older boy sneering at them when he thought the professors back was turned. Clearing his throat to get the children's attention he began "I'm sure you all know why you are here right now," turning his gaze to the older boy he continued "Mr Toko, would you like to start." The said boy did not answer and simply shifted his eyes to the floor. Frowning slightly the profesor then turns his gaze to the trio "Well, how about you three. Care to tell me what happened."
"Sir, please. We Hermione didn't do anything wrong" Sora points his finger to the older boy "he was the one who was bullying Sakura first and and …" his sentence trails off as Mr Takashi raised his hand to stop him.
Calmly he asks "Miss Martinez, could you tell us what happened before the incident occurred."
Sakura nods her head hesitantly "I-I was on my way to the dining hall, and I was running a bit fast and didn't look where I was going and accidently bumped into him. I-I tried to say sorry but he was already very angry. T-then he started saying all those mean things about me." Hermione then takes Sakura's hand into hers trying to comfort the shaken girl.
Nodding his head in understanding Mr Takahashi then looks back at the older boy "Mr Toko, I'm sure you realise that Miss Martinez had no intention of colliding into you, yes" the boy nods silently, clenching his hands into fists. "Then tell me, why did you decide to say such things to Miss Martinez." The boy mumbles out an answer. "Pardon, could you please repeat that" the professor says resolutely.
The boy, Toko Arashi then looks up with a frown "I-it's unfair, everyone does it. Lots of adults say that foreigners keep invading the country."
The answer did not please the Potions professor, the teacher then straightened in his seat and replied "Let me ask you a few things Mr Toko, if everyone was told to drink poison, should they drink poison."
"N-no Sir."
"Exactly. And should you participate in the exchange program in the near future, how would you feel if you were told to 'go back to your own country' or were called 'yellow-skinned, and a disease.'"
"I would be s-sad, Sir."
"WHY" the professor declared loudly "Why would you be sad, if those same words were said to you."
"B-because its mean and it hurt my feelings" Arashi said in a resigned voice.
Sighing deeply Mr Takahashi then looks to all the children, his eyes losing their sternness "I know that many of us are taught to learn from our elders and to think that they are always right. But I want you all to also know that any idea that spreads hate and intolerance is not right. Such things feed of fear. The fear of being hurt, fear of losing those important to you, fear of estrangement from society and so much more. Adults are NOT always right, because we are human and we make mistakes just like children."
He then turns back to Arashi and says "Arashi, do you understand now why it's not ok just to copy and say those things that the adults said." Arashi nods his head eyes cast down. "Would you like to apologize to them," the professor receives another nod.
Arashi then turns to look at the three younger students "I-I'm sorry for the stuff I said. I didn't mean to hurt your feelings or call you names or say that you should leave Japan.I won't do it again." He shuffles his feet in anxiety as he looks at the three.
Hermione and Sora glance at each other before turning to look at Sakura who was still hidden behind them. Sakura then peeks out from behind Hermione and breathes in deeply before stepping closer to the older boy "I-I'm still really sad about all the mean things you said…" Sakura says causing Arashi to frown sadly "b-but I heard from my brother that seniors should look out for their junior's s-so, from now on if you become a good senior then i'll forgive you."
This causes the older boy's face to light up and he replies in a loud manner "Yeah ! I'll be the best senior around. No one's gonna bully any of my junior's ever again."
This causes smiles to go around, and the children were about the bid their farewell to the teacher when Mr Takahashi calls out to all of them "Now, now i'm glad everything has been resolved however I still do need to punish you Mr Toko for this incident." Said boys shoulder slumps in defeat.
Sakura being the ever friendly person then says "B-but he said sorry, so I don't think he needs to be punished anymore, Sir."
Shaking his head, Professor Takahashi replies "I am indeed happy that Mr Toko has learned a valuable life lesson today however, no wrong can go unpunished."
Hermione and Sora then try to join in the protest but Arashi stops them "No, Mr Takahashi is right. What I did was wrong and as my father always said 'punishment is justice for the unjust.'"
"What does that mean" Hermione asked in her usual inquisitive manner.
Shrugging his shoulder Arashi replied "No idea but it sounds cool, and I think it's something like you get as much bad things as you did or something like that."
Professor Takahashi then breaks up their conversation "a good saying indeed Mr Toko. As such, I shall supposed to will agree to a week's worth of helping to clean the giant storm petrels houses for a week, starting tomorrow."
Arashi's eyes then dim as he thinks about all the giant bird poop he will need to clean, whilst the trio just look at him with pitiful stares.
Flashback End
Safe to say Arashi has been doing much better since then. The school had sent a letter to his parent's and it was later found out that his uncles had been telling him such things causing a huge commotion in the family. His parents who were workaholics and had usually left him to stay over at his uncle's house were much around much more, distancing themselves from the said relative and were teaching him how to be an upstanding wizard in the magical community.
Since then, Hermione had joined the duelling, calligraphy and yabusame clubs. Sora joined the arithmancy and ancient runes club, he had thought about joining the duelling club but ultimately decided that he needed to better his health and joined the thai boxing club. The last of the group Sakura, chose quite obviously to join the care of magical creatures club and potions research club. What was surprising was the half-japanese girls decision to also join the kendo club; apparently her grandfather was a kendo master and she decided to continue the way of the sword.
Each club helped to hone the students in respective fields and as the year progressed the first year students (aka Class A students) were slowly seeing changed to the colour of their robes. Sakura through her work in potions research club and her high grades in charms gave way to a greener hue on her school robes. Similarly, Sora who excelled in his classes but was bad in flying showed through his blue-ish coloured robe. Finally, Hermione who was an all-rounder had a dark shade on her robes although her added work in calligraphy also gave the robe an orange tint and had hints of purple, overall giving the robe a very autumn-like feel. In addition, Arashi who was a plus one to the group (as he had somehow deemed himself the big brother to the trio after the incident) also had a dark coloured robe like Hermione but with a blue undertone like Sora. His aim was to become an alchemist but that class was not available till students were in Class D, so he had to wait another two year till then.
The colours of the robe began changing through the year but the robes colours' became pronounced after the first term before the student broke off for summer vacation. (Japanese schools start in April and second semester begins in September-Dec, and the final semester is from Jan- March.) During this holiday period, Hideyoshi took the chance to take Hermione to another location, though rather than for research purposes it was really for a father/daughter bonding time as Hermione was incredibly busy at school as of late and Hideyoshi was in the midst of researching about plant life and magic's effects on them. Therefore, the two only saw each other in the evenings and weekends.
Flashback: Summer, Year 19XX
The sun was blazing hot in the sky, its sharp glare giving no reprieve to the citizens of Kyoto. Hiding away in a shaved ice store were the Mori duo. Both with a large bowl of shaved ice in front of them to cool themselves off in the unforgiving heat. Taking a bite from her strawberry shaved ice, Hermione looks up at her father who smiles back at her with a spoon in his mouth filled with lemon flavoured ice. "Hmmm" he sounds out in question.
"Papa, why are we in Kyoto."
"Well Hermione, travelling overseas even if one were to use portkeys can still be quite difficult," Hideyoshi explains.
"But why" asks Hermione.
"Well for one, there's quite a bit of documents that need to be filled out," he says getting a nod from Hermione before continuing "then, the government that is the people who help the country run say that you can only be in a place for a certain amount of time."
"I don't understand Papa, weren't we in many countries for a long time though" Hermione replies in confusion.
"Yes we were," he confirms "but it was because I was on a research and development visa and you as my child were given permission to stay longer than others."
"So if I want to go overseas I have to ask the government for permission" Hermione confirms with him.
"If you were going somewhere long-term like for longer than 2 months then you would need to apply for a visa for that country, so they know why you're there. They do this just in case bad people want to go into the country" the asian man replies.
Nodding her head, Hermione's attention was then quickly taken by the little human like creature holding a butterbur leaf, floating just outside the entrance of the shop. It was so tiny and cute but also looked to be quite tired. Hermione began worrying about the small little thing when it she noticed how it seemed to be floating closer and closer to the ground. Seeing this Hermione quickly rushes to the creature, safely catching it before it could completely tire itself out. "Papa !" Hermione exclaims worriedly, looking back at the older Mori.
Nodding his head, Hideyoshi quickly checks over the creature "Ah, judging by the butterbur leaf its carrying this must be a Koropokkuru aka a Minutian. These creatures are used to colder climates so this little one must be having a heat stroke. Hermione quickly let's bring it inside and get some ice for it."
Hermione rushes back to the table and scoops some ice onto her spoon "Please try eating some of this Koro." The little minutian weakly opens its mouth and drinks some of the cold melted ice. Slowly, it was able to regain some strength and perk up. Soon, it was floating on its own taking bites of ice from both Hermione and Hideyoshi alike. "KO ~" it squeaked out cutely.
"It looks like she has taken a liking to you" notes Hideyoshi grinning in amusement as the two's interactions.
"Really?! You think so papa" she the uses her finger to pet the minutian, earning a smile from her "Do you like me Koro" Hermione asks out innocently. The spirit lets out another happy "KO~" as it floats up to the brunettes face and rubs its cheek against Hermione's.
"But still, i'm surprised that this little one was even in this part area. They usually live underneath butterbur leaves growing near the mountains," Hideyoshi says before his face turns grim "the only other reason I can think off is if this little ones' home has been destroyed."
"Destroyed ! " gasps Hermione as she gently holds the little Koropokkuru in her hands.
Nodding his head in confirmation, Hideyoshi continues "With the magaru's (muggles) advancement in technology a lot of wildlife and spirits living in nature have had to evacuate as the magaru's search for resources such as coal or timber."
"That's horrible, why would they do that" exclaimed an infuriated Hermione.
Calming the girl down with a pet on the head Hideyoshi explains "You have to understand Hermione, no matter how much they try, magaru's don't actually have the capabilities to see spirits or youkai. They don't know that a place may be little Koro's home. They don't have magic to enchant or fix things so they use what they have around them, which is nature."
"But they can't just keep taking things ! There won't be anything left !" Hermione argues vehemently.
"You're right, luckily they have realised it themselves and are trying to be better. A magaru-born friend of mine was telling me that they have what is called sustainable development. Where they try and reuse and recreate things from what they were before."
"Like transfigurations ?!" Hermione asks equal parts shocked and curious.
"Yes, in their own way. They are trying to create their own magic" Hideyoshi replies with a smile. He then stands straight and stretches his body before looking down towards his daughter who was still sat with Koro in her hands "well shall we get going," he focuses his sights on the spirit in "does your friend want to come along with us."
"Can she ?!" Hermione asks excitedly.
"Well, I don't see why not. Spirit partners aren't forbidden in Mahoutokoro anyways" Hideyoshi says holding his chin in contemplation.
"Spirit partners?" Hermione asks confused.
"Hmm, think of it like a familiar but instead of it being an owl or a cat you have a spirit partner. Usually the purple robed students can be seen having one due to their connection to the spiritual world" Hideyoshi says.
Hermione's eyes widen as she looks at the spirit in her hands "w-would you like to be my partner Koro" the little brunette asks shyly.
"KO ~ RO ~" the little spirit says before it floats above Hermione and lands on the girls head, closing it eyes it shines a bit. As quickly as the light appeared it disappeared.
"W-what happened" Hermione asks apprehensively.
Hideyoshi chuckles as he looks at the little Mori's shocked face "Well, I do believe little Koro here has accepted being your partner, and has made a contract with you. A magical contract that binds a person and spirit together till death."
Hermione smiles widely in happiness as she moves her eyes upwards to try and glance at the Koropokkuru "We're gonna be great friends Koro !" The spirit sounds out another "KO~" as it lifts its arms in happiness the contract allowing Hermione to understand the spirits feelings and communicate telepathically with it.
During the rest of their summer adventure, Hideyoshi brought Hermione around the old capital. They had met many youkai along the way, fortunately none who were evil just mischievous and playful. As Hermione bonded with her spirit partner she learnt that even without a wand she was able to command a certain level of elemental ice magic because of Koro, which she used to keep the little spirit cool under the hot blazing sun of summer whenever they went out .
The duo had even visited a japanese onsen (hot spring), which was not only great relaxation wise but was great to geek out over for both father and daughter as they went to learn about the onsen's healing properties. There were many types of hot spring throughout japan like the Sulphur springs which were apparently good at curing chronic dermatitis, joint pain, and chronic bronchitis or the salt springs that eased lower back pain and great for blood circulation. Unfortunately, they were not able to visit all the hot springs around the Kyoto area but they were determined to come travel around Japan to try them all.
In addition, there was the Gojozaka pottery festival for Kiyomizu ware, a time-honored tradition in Kyoto ceramics. The tradition is still passed down in the same place where it originated, where renowned ceramists once played a leading role. On the day of the festival, the streets were lined with ceramics artists, pottery studios,wholesalers and retail stores amounting to about 400 vendors in total. Ceramic pottery was still fairly popular amongst the magic folk in Japan as well, due to how well it stored certain herbs and roots. The development of metal containers were stronger and less breakable but some wizards and witches felt that such storage didn't maintain the magical properties of the potion ingredients as well. Some researchers believed that this was due to how much more connected ceramics were due to being less artificially compounded/handled it was in comparison to steel or other metals which were not naturally occuring.
They were also lucky enough to have visited Kyoto during their annual Gozan no Okuribi, also known as Daimonji, a festival in Kyoto, which is the culmination of the Obon festival on August 16 wherein five giant bonfires are lit on mountains surrounding the city. It signifies the moment when the spirits of deceased family members, who are said to visit this world during Obon, are believed to be returning to the spirit world thus the name Okuribi (roughly translated as send-off fire.)
Flashback End
The cold air that swept the school didn't bother Hermione too much due to being partnered with Koro, who at the moment was happily floating around enjoying the cool breeze of winter. The children were bundled up, many wearing scarfs to shelter their noses from the freezing temperatures. Being out in the open sea was both a good and bad thing, for one the sea retained hot air making the area slightly warmer, though this was offsetted by the equally cold and strong winds of the sea.
Christmas wasn't a big event in Japan, usually only seen as a holiday for couples. However, because the holiday fell at the end of the year right before the children's new year holidays the school made it a point to celebrate the end of the year. The holiday itself only lasted a week and once the students returned the school would host a festival that in mid-January to celebrate the new year so students took this time to prepare for the event. The Yabusame club would be doing a demonstration as per the yearly ritual to appease the God of War, and the best archers would be presented with a special arrow by the Headmaster for their accomplishment.
Each member of the club had a horse of their own which they had to take care of during the school year, unless they were away for holidays. Hermione's horse was called Calypso, a rather average sized horse, who excelled at speed running and jumping but sometimes lacked stamina. She was a bit of a loner type of horse who was rescued from a illegal race horse company that had deemed her 'not race worthy'. When she first arrived at Mahoutokoro, the horse was very distrustful of humans and would try to bite the caretakers whenever they approached. But Hermione was drawn to the horse, and its soulful grey eyes.
Hermione would visit the horse everyday before practice with an apple in hand only to be ignored by said horse. Sometimes, the horse would try to bite her hand if the little Mori offered her the apple but that didn't faze her though. Her father had always said that persistence for the right cause would surely reward the patient. So there she sat, everyday talking to Calypso about her worries over classes, worries over her future, friends and so on. This situation stayed the same for months until 2 months prior.
Hermione didn't do anything differently that day, she was sat in the barn talking to Calypso as usual until she suddenly felt a breathe on the top of her head, and lo and behold when she looked up she saw Calypso standing right behind her. Hermione shakily held her hand out to the horse who nuzzled its nose into the young girls hand in acceptance. From then on, Calypso became her sole riding horse, and the duo were going out to the archery course to perfect their rhythm and timing.
It was also interesting to see the Calypso's interest in Koro, who would sit on the horses' head whenever they would be just riding around the track. The little spirit usually got bored whenever Hermione would be in classes so it wasn't unusual for the minutian to go to the barns to play around with the horse or to just wander around the school. The partnering helped ease Hermione's worries of anything happening to her little spirit friend as she would be able to feel any distress from Koro and be able to locate the spirit should anything happen.
"Heeeey!" a voice called out from across the dining room breaking the brunettes musings. Looking up, Hermione saw Arashi waving at her to join him on his table. Waving back with a smile, Hermione jogged over to the older boy. "Hey Hermione, Sora and Sakura not with you today?" he asked casually.
Shaking her head Hermione replied "No, they both have preparations to do for the New Year festival so they bought a bento (take-out/ homemade meal)."
"Oh right, you're part of the Yabusame club right. That's pretty tough isn't it especially trying to concentrate on shooting and riding at the same time" he asked.
Nodding her head once more Hermione replied "Yeah, students under 11 don't have to gallop but aiming the arrow while trotting is still a bit difficult."
"Ah, I see. It's a popular event in the festival as well. Good luck" Arashi says with a grin and thumbs up.
"Haha thanks, what are you doing for the festival Arashi?"
Smiling brightly Arashi said ecstatically "The Junior alchemists club will be teaming up with the seniors to help create fireworks for the festival's closing ceremony. It's going to be awesome."
"Woah, that sounds cool. I can't wait" Hermione replies excitedly.
The two continue to chat through the lunch period before making heading off to their next class.
Later
The end day christmas party was underway, and students were all high on sugar and fun. Christmas trees were everywhere, friends were exchanging presents and butterbeer was being passed around. Everyone was in a jolly mood. Some students had even played a few songs as a band for everyone. This was one of the few days in the year that day-students were allowed to stay overnight on campus as the school didn't want the children falling off their storm petrels whilst on their way home. Plus the parents were more than happy to rinse their hands off taking care of their sugar high kids. Merlin knows magical children filled with sugar were a lot more …...volatile than normal magicless kids.
For Class A students this would be their first experience staying overnight in the castle. Chatting with friends and having a sleepover before they all broke off for the winter holidays was a great idea, in their minds. To the 1st year students (11 years old) and above who were staying at the schools dorms full time, it was just another evening except with more liberties and sugar allowance.
At the corner of the enchanted dining room, there was an exploding snap competition, on the other corner some students were having an eating competition. Their food of choice being cake of course. Other students took it a bit easier and were just chatting on the tables much like Hermione and her group of friends. The brunette was on okay terms with the other Class A students but she was not especially close with any of them like she was with Sakura and Sora. In her club, she had also met some seniors who helped her out from time to time however due to her age and being a day student the opportunity to hang out with other wasn't always presented.
Currently, Sora was debating with a club member of his on how to incorporate more magic into their festival lecture. Sakura, had just went off to talk to her senior about one thing or another relating to potions. Hermione was just sitting around enjoying the atmosphere around her. Suddenly, a hand clapped her back causing the brunette to look back in surprise. "Hey kiddo, whatcha doing here by yourself."
"Ito-senpai!" Hermione called out in surprise.
"Now now we're both club mates aren't we. Just call me Ayaka-senpai" the older girl replied in a laid back manner, a grin present on her face. Ito Ayaka, the girl who was called out at the welcoming ceremony was beautiful but mischievous. A dangerous combination. She was in the duelling club, and was a Class C student. She was wild despite her looks and had a fierce battle style.
"R-right, what did you need Ayaka-senpai" Hermione asked politely.
"Well, preferably for a cute kouhai of mine to be less polite and distant when addressing me but I guess that'll just happen in time" Ayaka replied, taking a seat next to Hermione. "So you joining the Yabusame Club's demonstration huh" the older girl stated matter of factly.
"Yes, how did you know?" Hermione asked confusedly.
"Eh, I have my sources" the asian girl replied simply.
"I saw on the club notice that you will be doing the duelling clubs demonstration senpai" Hermione said.
"Mmm, yeah I was only doing a support role in the three-man duelling demonstration last year, but I will be doing an offensive role this time" Ito said, leaning her head on her hand.
"Oh but still, good luck senpai" Hermione said.
Ayaka seemed to observe the younger girls face for a moment causing Hermione to wiggle slightly in her seat at the uncomfortable stare, as she was about to ask what was on her face Ayaka voiced out "You seemed to be in deep thought just now. What were you thinking about?"
"What" Hermione replied stupidly.
"Ah, perhaps the better question would be who are you thinking of" Ayaka said with a cheshire grin.
"What? No? I-I wasn't" Hermione stutters out. Seeing the girls unrelenting stare the young Mori sighed "It's just a friend of mine."
Ito deciding not to push her boundaries stood up and pat Hermione shoulder lightly "well, you shouldn't worry too much about it. If you can do something about your problem then why worry. If you can't do anything about it again why worry. Things will right itself as their supposed to in time." The older girl then walks off to join the next round of fun and games as Hermione falls back to her musings.
The festivities went on late into the night, the professors having to levitate some of the students to bed after they had exhausted their energy."Goodness, kids these days" Professor Takahashi sighed out as he levitated another half a dozen kids to the dorm rooms.
Professor Kaguya laughed at the hilarity of the situation as she picked up another kid in a fireman's carry. "Well, it's the one time in the year they can let loose like this on school grounds so i'm not surprised."
Professor Geranium, a big sort of guy with a beard covered in flowers laughed along with the Creature's professor "Indeed, especially with the calm peppermint smell in the air from the floating lavender peppermints I am rearing in the greenhouse, I won't be surprised if they all slumber deeply like they've taken a sleeping draught."
"Ah, I thought I smelt something soothing in the air" Headmaster Yakumo said with a kindly smile.
"Ummmm" a voice said awkwardly injecting into the teachers conversation.
Turning to his left Mr Takahashi said "Ah, Miss Mori. How may we help you?"
"I'm sorry for interrupting but I'm not sure where the day students are suppose to go" Hermione said rather shyly at having all the teachers focus on her.
"Ah yes, the dormitories has been expanded to accommodate the day student this evening. It will be the first door on the left when you enter the girls dormitory" Professor Takahashi explained "do you need directions there?"
"N-no i'll be fine. I'll be heading there with my friends. Thank you professor" Hermione said with a bow before taking her leave.
The brunette quickly scurries back to her friends and the trio all walk out of the dining hall. Sora and Sakura were chatting about their individual event preparation with Hermione interjecting now and again. The winds from earlier that morning had calmed down and the night sky was clear, showing off the full moon that was illuminating the area. Hermione looked up admiring the dark sky and the stars that lit it up, appreciating the beauty of the night. A white flash goes across the sky, causing Hermione to furrow her eyebrows, rubbing her tired eyes the brunette shrugs 'must have been a falling star' she shrugs.
She looks up to see that her friends were quite a bit ahead of her so she runs to catch up with them lest she be left behind in the dark corridor of the school. The evening wound down followed by a symphony of snores, as the girls borrowed pyjamas from a fellow student and tucked themselves into bed. A simple memory etched into the mind of our young girl.
New Years
The schools was bustling in activity. Stalls of food and gamed lined the perimeter of the schools entrance. Alumni, visitors, parents and siblings alike were attending today's festival, everyone eager to witness the performances, demonstration and activities that the students have lined up for today. Some of the students were manning the food stalls, and cooking up a storm of normal festival foods like yakisoba, takoyaki, doriyaki and so on. Others created a magical shooting areas wherein the floating targets would move around while people threw darts at it. Some students who also had spirit partners, showed off their partners skills by creating friendly battles with other spirit users. Such students were usually robed in black, purple or green but other spirit users could be found mixed into said bunch.
Sakura was helping her Care of Magical Creature's club with giving children rides on the giant storm petrels, in other words letting the storm petrels hover around a bit, which delighted the younger children. Sora on the other hand was doing giving a tour about how arithmetic helped in the daily lives of witches and wizards from calculating the size of homes to creating the floo network. How it differed from a normal muggle lecture, was that the numbers would float around and insert themselves into the smaller structures the students created showing how each calculation related to each process.
Right now, the young Mori was decked out in traditional Japanese armour. "You're looking ready for battle" Hideyoshi joked as he looked at his daughter sat atop her horse.
"Dad ~~" Hermione whined, causing Calypso to snort. Steadying the brown horse and calming her with a pet, Hermione looks nervously out at the crowd.
Noticing his daughters anxiety Hideyoshi said "Hey Herms, you want to know something." Hermione looks at her dad in confusion then interest as he continued on. "I'm sure you've been told by your coach to always keep your sights on the target, but always take a deep breathe and clear your mind before you shoot. Keep your mind focused on your horse and your aim, then everything will melt away."
"Melt away …." Hermione repeats in a whisper.
Just then a voice announces the beginning of the demonstration. "Under 11's please make our way to the track". Giving one last encouraging smile, Hideyoshi then walks to his seat in the audience.
Generally, the older more experienced riders were hitting two out of three of the targets while the younger students were missing entirely, partly from inexperience and partly from anxiety. Soon her name was called and she looked down the track, marking each of her targets. Waiting for her signal, she nods and takes off. The quietness is stifling and the eyes of the crowd feel like their piercing her skin. She finally reaches the first target and lets loose her arrow…..a miss. Hermione clicked her tongue in annoyance and draws her bow with her second arrow as she approaches her second target. She focuses on the target and its a near miss again. The young witch gets agitated and notches another arrow before catching a glance of her father, who looks at her with encouragement, and then she remembers his words. She takes a deep breath in and lets her eyes focus solely on the target, the silence become peaceful and with that she releases her arrow. Like the world was in slow motion, she saw her arrow travel towards the target, she feels Calypso moving forward and then there's the crack of the board. It's a hit !
Calypso slows to a stop, and Hermione breathes hard from the adrenaline. She looks back to see her father standing up and cheering for her and with that her body slackens and exhaustion sets in. Calypso trots back to the barn in order to make way for the next rider. 'I missed' Hermione thought dully and sighs in disappointment as she watches the rest of the demonstration.
She joins the rest of her club members at the side and watch the rest of the demonstration. She watches her seniors intensely and with each strike of the target a sharp tugging pulls on her heart. 'I could have done better' she thinks despondent. The event closes with a round of applause from the audience and everyone manoeuvers their horses towards the barn, careful not to block the pathway or to run down any pedestrians. Hermione gets off Calypso and rub the horses nose, "Good job girl, you did well" she whispers, handing the horse a sugar cube and apple. She takes the brush, and begins brushing Calypso. Time passes slowly as the brunette concentrates on brushing out any knots in the horses mane.
"Knock knock" a familiar voice calls out to her. Hermione turns to look at Hideyoshi, and gives him a weak smile. "Hey, why the sullen face" Hideyoshi says as he reaches over the gate to pet Hermione's head.
"I-I missed the targets. I should have practiced more. Today was your day off and I ruined it" Hermione replies, her voice increasing in volume with each word causing Calypso some distress. Noticing the horses' emotions, Hideyoshi tries to calm the horse down "Hey, its okay, calm down girl. Shh."
Hermione noticing what she has done looks away ashamed. "Hermi, you didn't ruin anything. Yabusame is a difficult sport, and you've only done it for less than a year. Hitting even one target was amazing. Besides you're young you have time to grow" Hideyoshi says calmly while continuing to pet Calypso.
"Seeing you grow up and experience new things. What parent isn't happy. Failing is also a learning experience, more than that it's part of the human experience. We're not machines, we make mistakes even if we work our hardest. Knowing you've done your best, i'm proud of you" the raven haired man told her.
"Papa ~" Hermione said as tears welled up in her eyes. She walks over to him and she cries, in disappointment, in loss and in understanding.
"There there" Hideyoshi says in comfort.
Children as they grow older experience growth physically, mentally and emotionally. They are shaped by their experiences big and small. After all, raising a child is like nailing jello to a tree. If you put that jello into a cup, giving it proper care, thought and support they'll achieve great thing as they go through the growing pains of youth.