Miharu led Aiko off the path and into the forest to a secluded area where she gently pushed him against a tree. He slid down until he was sitting and took in a deep breath.
“Did you see that Miharu? I won…” He closed his eyes and looked up towards the treetops where beams of light shone threw.
“Master… The man almost knocked you cold. And He left a big bruise on your chest!” She sounded worried
“It doesn’t matter, it doesn’t hurt as much now, but I beat two guys! I’ve never even swung this sword before! How amazing is that?” His victory repeated itself in his head… minus the part where the third man attacked.
“Master is hopeless” Miharu paced the surrounding tree’s listening for footsteps of any sort. Aiko paid no intention as he sat there taking deep breaths. His arm hurt a little and his chest made him wince when he breathed but it wasn’t a big deal since he had won. He closed his eyes and listened to Miharu’s footsteps and the tree’s gentle swaying in the wind and quickly fell asleep.
“COME ON! MOVE IT!” Aiko looked at his brother and nodded. They ran between gleaming houses that flickered with red flames. “Where almost there Aiko, Just a little further and well find them!” Each brother had their sword out and ran at the same speed. They didn’t glance at one another, only kept pace running. Aiko wanted to know why they were running but he couldn’t find his voice, they only ran further and further no end in sight….
Aiko’s eyes shot open. He sat up and breathed deep. His chest still hurt and sweat covered his body. He thought back to the dream and stood up. Darkness was coming around the tree’s leaving barely enough light. He blinked a few times trying to adjust to the darkness but all he could see was the tree’s glimmering with a far off fire… When he squinted to look closer the glare dissipated leaving nothing but the shadowed bark.
Miharu stepped out of the shadows and looked at him. “Is master rested? Some men came by and then left, so we should be safe to travel now.” Aiko got up and dusted himself off before nodding. “Yeah, I guess I exerted myself in the fight, I’m better now so let’s get going.’’ He walked around some tree’s heading westward, away from the city.
They were both silent. The only noise came from Aiko’s boots cracking twigs and dried leaves. She was almost silent except for his coat that she wore; it rustled on the ground since it was too long for her. As they walked his eyes became more adjusted to the darkness with the help of the stars and moon’s light shining threw the tree tops. He didn’t know how long the woods went and the pace they were going at made sure of it taking longer. But walking in the darkness felt nice.
 Aiko Akramo · Wed Jan 16, 2008 @ 04:14pm · 0 Comments |
