Of Wine and Water By: P.P.V.V.

Disclaimer: The Standard Disclaim applies…


AN: I must be doing something right to be getting such an awesome response. You guys have done it yet again. Inspiration really is fueled by your reviews, so this is my thank you.

Onward.


Chapter 4

- Forks -

For the second time that day, Hiko found himself looking down at the mess that Kenshin had made. The boy stood shaking in the middle of the room, tugging on the overly large shirt that he'd been given to wear while his other garments were washed and mended.

"I-I'm sorry…" he whimpered.

Hiko glared at him. "How many times have I told you not to overdo it?"

Kenshin looked down at his feet.

"Don't force yourself to eat everything if your stomach cannot handle it," the Master scolded. He had half the mind to tell the child to clean it up himself. If it happened again, Hiko would do just that. In honesty, he was getting worried. After 3 days, Kenshin still could not stomach any solid food.

Was it an effect of his trauma?

He had been careful not to feed the child any rich foods. Instead of filling out as Hiko had hoped, Kenshin was wasting away, his face taking on a pinched, almost skeletal look. At this rate, he'd have to go to the village doctor to see if he could get some medicine – anything to help.

To make things even worse, the boy never went a single night without being riddled by nightmares. It kept Hiko on his toes and truth be told, it was fraying his nerves.

Whatever made him think he could possibly help this child?

"I thought I could," Kenshin fairly whined.

"Idiot," Hiko retorted. "You need to make sure you can keep things down before you go stuffing your face. You're only causing yourself more harm than good." He scowled at the boy's fidgeting figure. "Go sit down before you fall down, kid. I don't want to have to pick up after you any longer than necessary."

"Sorry…"

"Apologize one more time and you'll be sleeping outside," Hiko growled. He didn't like the way the child seemed to be swaying on his feet. After the first night, Kenshin had acquired such a high fever that the swordsman had feared he would die within the day.

But he'd shown surprising resiliency, fighting against the sickness with a stubbornness that Hiko admired. The fatigue, fear, and unfortunate events were finally catching up with the boy, but he would not back down.

Yes, he'd make a fine swordsman. Maybe even better than Hiko.

That would not happen if he didn't get Kenshin some nourishment and soon, though.

He swept outside, forgoing his cloak as he was met with warm sunshine. He made a mental note to himself to take the boy out to buy some clothing and get some fresh air. Maybe that would do him some good.

When he came back to the hut with a cloth and a bucket of water in his hands, Hiko saw Kenshin in the corner, twining a rope around a small top. He glanced up briefly to meet his gaze before letting it go, to spin and spin and spin. The Master was glad to see that the boy was well enough to play and sound enough in mind to enjoy himself.

The mess on the floor would be easy enough to clean up.

It was the mess of his apprentice's life that would require a little more effort. And a little more patience.

He decided that if Kenshin was not fit to do any physical exertion, he would have to at least start exercising his brain. An addled mind never allowed for concentration and Hiko would be damned if any student under his tutelage were to be labeled incompetent by anyone.

Kenshin seemed bright enough. With a little bit of encouragement, he would definitely be able to grasp concepts and principles.

After he was finished cleaning, Hiko called the boy over. "We'll begin your training, now."

Kenshin's eyes, which Hiko had finally decided were a curious shade of purple after all, lit up with excitement. "Will I get my own sword?"

Hiko had to bite his cheek to stop himself from grinning at the childlike enthusiasm. He was certain that after a few months, the kid wouldn't be all that enamored with the weapon. "In due course," he answered, cryptically.

Expression clouding slightly, Kenshin merely tilted his head.

"Do you know what your name means?"

"Sir?"

"It means 'The Heart of the Sword'," Hiko said. "You will learn to live by it, but to do that, you must learn other things, too. Without these things, you will be a mere child, playing with a dangerous weapon."

"I know how to use a hammer," Kenshin offered. "I also know how to use a hoe and a rake because I used to help the farmers."

Hiko eyed the kid's stick-like arms and wondered if he had been much help with those heavy tools. No matter. At least he had some sort of experience. "The sword is a different thing all together," was all he said. "That training comes later. For now, discipline your mind before you discipline your body." He could tell that Kenshin's curiosity had been piqued because the boy's eyes sparkled once again. "Do you know how to read and write?"

"No, sir…not really, sir…I was taught a little by my parents and when I had the chance, I attended a few classes with the other children."

The answer had been rather hesitant and vague, but Hiko did not want to pry. Take things one step at a time, Hiko told himself. If he didn't, he'd give up before he even began.

"So we will start with that," he announced, motioning over to a small table. "I will give you examples and you will practice learning them. Until you can do so efficiently, you won't touch the sword, am I understood?"

For a moment, he thought Kenshin would start pouting, but the child nodded. "Yes, sir."

Hiko grunted, wondering how long the child's obedient and humble attitude would last. Pretty soon he was sure the kid would be a little fireball of energy. For now, he'd content himself and take advantage of this more subdued version.

Where once he'd despaired that there would be no successor, the determined look on his chosen apprentice's face made him more secure with his decision.

The Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu would pass on at last.

There were just a few bumps along the way to contend with.

As the child made his way toward the low table, he stepped on the hem of his shirt, stumbled and fell, bringing the bucket of water that Hiko had been cleaning with down with him, uttering a soft exclamation.

The Master cringed.

Strike that…there were roadblocks that seemed to litter the path toward making this kid his successor.

This was going to take longer than he thought.


Word Count: 1,122

Moving forward...


AN: I'm taking a lot of liberty with Kenshin's past as Watsuki did not give us much to go on. But hey, that's the beauty of fanfiction. Martial arts are not all about fighting – "wax on, wax off" as they say. Hiko's got a lot more to teach than discipline. And he's got a lot more to worry about. Please let me know your thoughts on this perspective that I've written. I'd greatly appreciate it.

Thanks for reading,

-P.P.V.V.

Edited: August 25, 2016