Of Wine and Water By: P.P.V.V.
Disclaimer: The Standard Disclaim applies…
AN: Thank you to everyone who reviews. I don't care how many times I say it, it's true and I feel like I can't say it enough. You guys really know how to move me forward! As a result, here is the next chapter. A short again, and one that will (hopefully) be recognizable for those of you who have watched Trust and Betrayal. I don't think it warrants a warning for spoilers, but I'll put an alert up, anyway.
Mild Spoiler Alert: Trust and Betrayal
If you're satisfied, read on.
Chapter 21
-Determination-
Kenshin held the sword shakily.
It was much heavier than the stick he'd been practicing with. From what Hiko had described to him, it was much more dangerous, too.
"Don't go waving it around like some idiot," Hiko called to him. "Stance is your best friend at this point. Just like always, keep your back straight and find solidity in your footing. Concentrate on your balance."
Kenshin shook his head so that his bangs would not obscure his vision.
The Master stood a few feet away, sword drawn also. He looked so imposing that Kenshin trembled in his spot.
"Your job," Hiko continued, distracting Kenshin from his thoughts – focus! he told himself – "is to attack me."
"Sir?"
"You heard me. Attack. Don't hesitate."
The child stared at him, wondering if the man was going crazy. "But…Master, what if I hurt you?"
Hiko's guffaws echoed over the training ground. Even the crash of the waterfall could not hide it, intensifying the sound so that it made the boy's ears ring. He felt himself flush with humiliation. "My boy, the day you lay a hand on me is the day I retire from my post. And that's not going to happen for a long - very long - time." He glared across the waters at him. "You are going to try your best though. If you don't, I'll see to it that you practice until night fall. Got it?"
"Yes, Master."
"Good." He flicked his sword, the blade glinting in the sunlight. "Come get me."
Kenshin took a deep breath and experimentally sliced downward. He found he had to use both his hands to hold the heavy thing aloft. Although he'd been fitted for this weapon, it would take time to adjust to. His arms trembled with the effort much as they had the first time he had ever picked up a sword. He could remember clearly his desire to protect the three sisters.
He had been the only male left standing, after all.
He met the Master's eyes determinedly, suddenly having the urge to wipe that smirk off the man's face. With a cry that sounded tinny compared to his Master's deep rumbling laugh earlier, he raced across the water.
Instantly, he knew he would not be able to even reach the older man.
The water sucked at his heels, at his clothing, distracting him and slowing him down. It made his grip on the sword falter and when Hiko's sword clashed with his, it sent him flying backward.
He thudded into the shallow water painfully. He was thankful that the water was there to cushion his fall somewhat because then he would not have been able to stand again.
Groaning, he sat up, drenched from head to toe.
"Get up!" Hiko called.
Kenshin glanced up at the man. He hadn't moved at all, still standing there serenely, watching him with a piercing gaze. He didn't seem bothered by the fact that his student had failed utterly. In fact, it was almost as though he expected it.
"Try again!"
So, despite the aches he was already starting to feel, the boy did as ordered, only to meet the same fate.
A frown started to form on his Master's face and Kenshin knew that he wasn't doing something right. Mentally, he thought about what he could possibly do to make it easier for himself.
He felt heavy, as though he was coming from a sickness. All his limbs were starting to stiffen at the feel of the cold water. He decided to pull his shirt off. All that extra weight would not help him. When Hiko didn't object to the action, he readied himself again.
"Come at me faster!" His Master instructed.
With more determination, Kenshin tried again, only to be knocked back down.
Over and over, he attacked but try as he might, he could not even get close. It was a humbling experience, not to mention frustrating. But he'd be damned if he gave up so easily.
The afternoon wore on, and soon, he wasn't able to feel the bite in the air or the weight of his clothes. He wanted only to move faster, to hit harder and to do better.
When the Master suddenly called an end to the training session, he wore a neutral expression on his face. With a swish of his cape, he left Kenshin standing in the middle of the brook, exhausted.
Again, thoughts of being inadequate rushed through the child's mind but he pushed them away. Abruptly, he felt cold despite the hot summer air and he shivered. Gathering his sheath and wet clothing, Kenshin tramped after the man, trying to catch up.
Hiko led them back to the cabin without a word.
But Kenshin knew he didn't have to say something to know that he had done well in the man's eyes. For the first lesson with a real sword, it had gone a lot smoother than either of them had hoped.
Breaking into a run, the child went ahead, eager to change into something dry and to get something to eat.
Hiko followed, a small smile touching the corners of his mouth, a thousand thoughts running through his head as he watched his young charge.
The real training had finally begun.
Word Count: 876
Moving Forward…
AN: Which means…the last 20 chapters were just a prelude! Haha! If I were Kenshin and I found that out, I wouldn't know what I'd do! Maybe just fall over and call it quits. As you all must have noticed, I skipped along in the time line, yet again. I'm unfortunately not knowledgeable enough in the makings of a sword so I didn't venture into the smithy's shop.
Remember, the madness of my muse continues so long as it's fed, so don't forget to leave me a word or two below. (You could always leave more, if you're a nice enough person!) Inspire me again.
Thanks for reading,
-P.P.V.V.
Edited: August 25, 2016
