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

Disclaimer: The Standard Disclaim applies…


AN: I wrote this chapter during winter and I really hate that season. I hope it didn't affect my writing. I was so inspired by your reviews and comments. I can't thank you enough.

Note:

Evanescence – the event of gradual fading; disappearing from both mind and sight

Onward.


Chapter 6

- Evanescence -

He looked very different now that he was dressed properly in clothes that actually fit him. No longer swimming in what he wore, Kenshin had ceased looking like a beggar's child. The dark blue material of his shirt brought out a similar hue in the boy's eyes and did not clash terribly with the red of his hair.

Currently, he was squatting beside the river, using a stick to write in the dirt. After every few moments, he would read what he'd written aloud, almost as if to commit it to memory.

As Hiko scrubbed at the laundry a few meters away, he kept an eye and an ear on him, watching as Kenshin hopped around the sand, careful not to smudge the work he'd just finished with his new sandals. Hiko watched to make sure that he didn't get too close to the water – he doubted the boy knew how to swim.

Sometimes, Kenshin would get distracted by something, be it a bird in flight or a random insect that caught his fancy. Other times, he would break into a small tune under his breath as he wrote. The sound brought back a feeling of nostalgia for Hiko and a sense of relief: the boy was getting better.

Little by little, he was breaking out of his shell, becoming more comfortable in another's presence. Already he was looking up to Hiko with adoration written all over his face. The power behind his trusting eyes made Hiko dread the day he would have to teach the child a technique that would take away whatever remained of his innocence.

Later.

That would come later.

For now, it was enough that Kenshin was learning to open up.

He finished wringing out the last of the laundry and got to his feet, wiping his hands on his breeches as he did so. He checked to see Kenshin bent over his work again, his face a mask of pure concentration.

"Hmm…those don't look like characters to me," Hiko noted, looking over the kid's shoulder to inspect his handiwork. If he didn't know better, Kenshin had been drawing a picture of the two of them.

Kenshin's face turned as red as his hair and he fairly jumped a few feet off the ground at the sound of his voice. "M-Master!"

"I thought I told you to study," Hiko said, disapprovingly.

Kenshin glanced at the sketch in the ground. "You did. I'm sorry, sir. I…"

Hiko cut him off. "You were day dreaming again."

Kenshin bit his lip and turned his eyes away, bowing his head in contrition.

"Kenshin, when I tell you to do something, I expect you to do it," Hiko told him, sternly. "There is a time to learn and there is a time to play. Do you understand me?"

The boy bowed his head lower. "Yes, Master. I'm sorry, Master." He lifted his head slightly, still not daring to meet his mentor's gaze. "But…"

"What?"

"I did do some work," was the quiet protest. With a trembling finger, Kenshin pointed to the other patches of dirt, which were indeed decorated in the child's messy handwriting. "I was waiting for you to check it."

Hiko swept over to take a look and was satisfied to see that the boy had memorized the first few principles that he'd been taught. There was much in the boy's calligraphy that was left to be desired, but he grudgingly acknowledged the fact that the boy had indeed done what had been asked of him.

The swordsmaster did not offer him a congratulatory remark nor did he let slip any semblance of a smile. To do so would only be encouraging the boy's constant flitting thoughts and he did not want him to make a habit of it. Instead, he motioned his student forward. "In the future, I will have none of your…art…littering your work."

"Yes, sir."

"If and when I am satisfied with what you've done, only then will you be allowed to gallivant."

Hiko expected Kenshin to bow his head again, but instead, the boy met his gaze at last, a smile on his face. "Thank you, sir!"

The Master wondered at the praise but chose not to comment on it. "Come along then," he ordered, curtly. "You are to fill this bucket with water and carry it back home. It's time we start strengthening those scrawny arms of yours. If you find it too heavy, I'll help you."

Kenshin scowled at the jibe. "I can do it by myself!"

Hiko couldn't help his laugh. "Suit yourself. Mind you don't go spilling it all."

"Yes, Master! I won't!" the boy chirped. His eagerness was evident in his voice. As Hiko bent to gather the laundry, he watched as his charge dipped the bucket in the water and lugged it forward. The water sloshed, escaping its wooden confines. Seeing this, Kenshin frowned and returned to the river to refill it. This time, he took his time coming back, using both arms to steady the container.

Hiko waited for him, patiently, wanting the boy to learn to take the responsibility seriously. After all, he would start having Kenshin fetch it every morning. He swung the laundry basket over his shoulder and began to lead them back home.

As always, Kenshin followed, leaving behind his pictures still etched in the sand.

By the morrow, they would be gone, but they were forever imprinted in the Master's memory.


Word Count: 908

Moving Forward…


AN: A short blurb this time around. I wanted to focus on Hiko's ability to instill a bit of discipline in his seemingly wayward student. Also, I wanted to portray the little things that are dear to Hiko's heart even though he would never admit it aloud.

Your thoughts, as always, are highly valued. Craved, even. Please be considerate in leaving me a review.

Thanks for reading,

-P.P.V.V.

Edited: August 25, 2016