Of Wine and Water By: P.P.V.V.
Disclaimer: The Standard Disclaim applies…
AN: It's a short this time around. Inspired by the saying, "立って歩け、前へ進め!"― Stand and walk, move ahead. Enjoy.
Chapter 7
- Bridging the Gap -
His lungs were burning, his hair, usually dark like blood in dim lighting, was flame red under the sunlight. It was tickling his neck, sticking to it where perspiration caught the stray strands in its web.
Impatiently, Kenshin swiped it back, forcing himself to run the last stretch that was laid out before him.
As he blundered into the clearing where his Master was sitting sipping sake on a log many yards away, Hiko threw a dark look at him.
"Too slow. You're a few minutes later than last time."
Trying to gather his breath, Kenshin collapsed to the ground with a groan.
"The Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu relies on speed," Hiko lectured. "That is what makes it different from all the other styles out there. That's what makes it the most effective and unbeatable."
Kenshin did not answer, too busy trying to figure out which part of his body hurt most and which to nurse first. And golly...was he ever thirsty!
"Again."
"What?"
"Do your track again."
"But Master - "
"Don't argue with me, boy," Hiko took another leisurely sip from his sake disk as if to spite him. "If you can't cut it down by another minute, then you'll keep at it until you do."
Kenshin couldn't believe his ears. All he'd been doing for the last two months was running a set track and doing a mountain of chores. When was he ever going to get to hold a sword? "I thought you said you were going to teach me how to fight a battle, not run away from one," he grumbled.
In the blink of an eye, Hiko was suddenly in front of him, his face drawn back into its customary scowl. Kenshin's gasp was a little late as he was grabbed by the collar and shaken. "If I were an enemy, I would have skewered you by now. If you aren't quick enough in a real fight you will be." He let his words hang in the air before saying, "The next time I hear you mouth off on me, I won't hesitate to let you taste what can happen."
Kenshin had to dry-swallow, as terrified as he was. How the hell had he moved so fast? He hadn't even seen him…! "Yes, Master. Sorry. I-I understand."
"Good. Now quit sniveling and get to it." Unceremoniously, he was dropped to his feet. "Your time starts again in ten minutes. Stretch and off you go."
The child didn't spare the time to answer, mentally prepping himself as he rested. He could do this. He'd done it before. He'd show the Master!
Hiko repositioned himself on the log, drinking his sake as if he hadn't been interrupted in the first place.
Kenshin crouched, making sure his sandals were snug around his feet, massaging his muscles and waiting for his heart beat to calm. In his mind, he had plenty of choice words for his mentor. The least he could have done was given him something to drink!
He looked longingly toward the Master's sake jug. He saw Hiko raise the disk to him in a mocking salute.
When the signal came for him to start, Kenshin shot off into the thicket of trees, determined to do better. He wanted to show his Master that he would not quit. He wanted, more than anything, to make the man proud.
He rounded the track, trying to find a rhythm in his footfalls, his breathing becoming labored. His body protested against the act of using so much energy again so soon, but he willed himself to ignore it.
Later.
Later he would listen to its complaints of aches and pains. For now, he just had to do, and do good. To help him focus better, he thought about other things. His parents. His brothers. His sister. The girls who had died on his behalf.
This was for them.
This was for him, so that he would never have to endure such sorrow again.
When Kenshin came to the clearing, Hiko was standing, his long cloak only inches from the ground.
For a moment, Student and Master stared at each other.
Then, without a word, the latter stalked into the cabin.
Fear spiked in the boy at the silence. Had he failed?
Standing uncertainly in his spot, Kenshin watched from a distance as Hiko proceeded to dip a ladle in the water bucket by the front door. He filled not only one cup, but two.
Through his exhaustion, Kenshin felt a grin stretch his cheeks. Eagerly, he crossed the last stretch, bridging the gap that lay before him and his beloved Master.
Word Count: 771
Moving Forward…
AN: Thank you everyone, for your continued support. I'm trying to keep this as realistic as possible and I'm glad to see that people are enjoying this. Please review! Inspire me again. Thanks for reading,
-P.P.V.V
Edited: August 25, 2016
