Disclaimer: This story is based on "Inuyasha," copyrighted by Rumiko Takahashi. No infringement of copyright intended or implied.
Respect
She overslept. An annoyed Kaede bolted down leftover miso and rice, then went looking for Suriya. Several questions, directions, and ignored hints later, she followed the crack of wood on wood to the meadow above the village. Hiding, she watched as Suriya and Hajime sparred.
He yelped, dropping his staff. "Damn it, woman! I'll be black and blue at this rate!"
"Bruises are the best teacher, Hajime-san. Keep to the pattern, and you won't be hit."
"But, I know the basics!"
"You must forget what you've learned, to discover what works now. Again. One. Two..."
Fascinated and amused, Kaede watched as practice continued. Hajime's face sweated and reddened; Suriya's voice remained cool and precise. He broke the pattern again. Suriya sent his staff flying, and the return swing slammed into his leg.
"Bitch!" He charged, then halted with her staff's end at his throat.
"The student whom disrespects his teacher cannot learn. You are dismissed, Hajime."
He blustered, snarled and eventually, stormed away. Suriya watched him go.
"You can come out now, Kaede."
Eep!
Kaede sidled into the open. Suriya approached, expression cool, and just a bit disapproving.
"I hope Hajime does not learn you were watching, Kaede."
Kaede opened her mouth to retort that she didn't care what Hajime learned.
Then, she hesitated. The student whom disrespects his teacher cannot learn. She looked away, pinking a little. After a moment of struggle, she peeked up through her bangs.
"I'm sorry, sensei."
Suriya beamed.
Kaede relaxed, and felt good.
Author's Note: This piece was written for the prompt "Black & Blue" for the LiveJournal community Issekiwa. It was originally posted on March 29, 2012. It took 3rd place. (12/26/2012)