Hidoko

Saturday, February 07, 199810:44:10 PM

Past4

Besides his gain of freedom, He dreamt about Shishirou.

He had been a wanderer since that day when he left the gang with not much belongings but his trusty sword. He slayed many for survival, and when he saw others crying he did not flinch. He had no compassion or emphathy, because he could only feel happiness. Sometimes he would let them live, after deciding that they had nothing valuable, or if they did not resist. He would have let people died if they wanted to kill him, so those whom he spared were weak people.

One day, he got sick of town and quite missed the forest. Plus he had enough food to last him through weeks, so he set out. By then he was twelve and a half. He never grew much, and was so frail-looking that people would often mistake him for a girl. Besides, he looked like a girl, what with his looks and beautiful long hair, which he tied up in a pony tail, save for the sidelocks and his long fringe. He looked older than he was, probably because of his unpredictable mood (to others, that is) and his angelic smile.

He was playing with a squirrel when a loud scream was heard. The squirrel fled, and his hand flew to his sword. Silently, he crept towards the direction of the scream, softly, swiftly. He might be slayed if for the slightest sound he made.

"Die!" A voice said, and Soujirou crouched. He peered from behid his hiding place and saw a person wrapped up like a mummy cutting a man into half. The man burst into flames and Soujirou marveled at the skill of the mummy.

"Hn…" The mummy sheathed his sword and sat on a stone.

"I'd like to have the sword which makes people burn, please." He smilingly unsheathed his own sword. "Even if it requires a fight."

"Fine," The mummy stood up. "But you must know one thing. This sword does not make people burn, but by the flames of my mind do people burn."

"?" Soujirou smiled enquiringly.

"You will understand when you lie dead at my feet."

"I know how dangerous my sword is in my hands. Surely there is not so big a chance that I lie dead at your feet."

The mummy gave a cold smile, and attacked. Soujirou blocked it with his sword, and slashed. The mummy simply dodged, and attacked from underneath. Sword struck flesh, and Soujirou felt the cold steel cut his stomach and a heat travelled from somewhere. He felt his flesh burn, and rolled on the ground so that the fire would not spread around his clothes.

"Should I have you dead, or do you want to be my attendant? You have marvelous skills; it's a pity to put you to waste."

Soujirou looked at his wound, and felt physical pain. Still, he smiled. "Yes, I agree."

Days passed, and Soujirou followed Shishirou (He had learnt this man's name at long last) everywhere. He hunted for him, and did many things for him. But what surprised him was that he actually did not mind doing many things for this man. He had seen Shishirou do things, and admired him very much for his wits and principles. He decided to be faithful to Shishirou.

He woke up to the sunlight shining through the window. He sat up, and smiled at the bright new day. He went over to the door and opened it.

He was greeted by a friendly smile of the woman of the house. "Good morning. Would you like some breakfast?"

Just then, Soujirou's stomach growled and the woman giggled. He nodded, still smiling, if not a bit arkwardly.

So, he sat down at the table with the girl and the woman came up with his share of food. They ate for a while in silence, and the girl glanced at him a few times shyly. Finally, she set down her chopsticks and asked, "What's your name?"

"Soujirou." He resumed eating.

"I'm Ayame."

"Nice name," He commented.

"Erm… Can I come with you, Soujirou?"

"Huh?" He set down his chopsticks, and the woman dropped her chopsticks.

"Please?"

He smiled at her, and she blushed again. Won't your mother be worried?"

"Ayame—" Her mother began.

"Mum, I've decided."

"No."

"I'm coming. Please…"

"No… My aimless journey will be perilous."

"I don't care even if I die."

"But…"

The woman fainted, and they dropped their argument right then.

Author's Notes…