Narihu

Initial conjunction

As I walked through the village I realized that I had only been here with my parents whenever they came in, and because we live on the edge of the village I never had the chance to run into anyone. It felt strange to see so many unfamiliar faces and to think that I have lived among them for twelve years without knowing a single one.

I found the Grandmaster's house, and just as I was about to knock I heard the clash of swords from behind. I went around and saw my father sparring with a boy about my age. That boy looked like Rei. Brown hair, gray-brown eyes.The Grandmaster noticed me.

-Hello, child. Are you Olig's son? What is your name, child?

-Good day, sir. Yes, that's me. My name is Narihu Mizuhara.

My father stopped teaching and came over to me.

-Son, what are you doing here? (He saw the food in my hands.) Did your mother send you with a meal?

-Yes. (I handed him the food.) But I wanted to come on my own because I was curious about what you were doing.

-Good thing you came, because Zey and I were arguing about which of our sons might be stronger. Zey, could you introduce Rei to Narihu?

Rei? This can't be true, can it?

-Rei, come here. Narihu, this is Rei Kaido. He's twelve like you. If I heard correctly, you already reached the seventh Mana Orb. Rei only recently reached the fifth Mana Orb, but his greatest strength is close combat, so I'd like him to spar with you once.

I stood frozen, sweating heavily. How could he be here? Rei Kaido. I would never forget that name....he was one of those I had.....mercilessly killed.

In that moment the memory of how I killed him flooded back.

...It was pouring rain. I don't remember why, but I slaughtered a small village. Everyone I encountered, even those who tried to flee.... I killed. Women, even children. I don't recall why I did it, but there was one person whose loved ones I spared, and he was that person. He fought me to the end and was a tough opponent, but he couldn't fully focus on me because he had to protect his family. Throughout the fight and even at the end he kept saying:

-Do what you will with me, but leave them alone. They did nothing wrong.

-I'll decide that after I kill you.

-You monster.

He charged me and used every last ounce of strength for a final attack. He was so strong I had to use my secret technique.

One of his loved ones ran out from the room where they had been hiding and started shouting his name.

Rei! Rei! REI! WAKE UP! (She began to cry and embraced him, then turned to me, I watched without expression)

-How can you be so cruel, you monster. You didn't even know him, he.....(she could barely speak through her sobs) he was a very kind boy who always helped and protected me when I needed him.

In her despair she gathered her mana and began forming mana weapons, throwing them at me, I easily parried them.

-LISTEN! (I displayed my aura to show the difference between us. Everyone froze, realizing how much stronger I was.) Out of respect for Rei's valiant stand, I will spare you, but if there is another attack or if I sense even a trace of murderous intent, it will be over for you. Understand?

They were too frightened to speak and only nodded.

 

-Son, are you all right? It looks like you were struck by some illness, you're sweating profusely.

-I'm okay, Father.

-Are you sure? You don't look—

-Yes, completely sure.

Zey came over.

-If you're not feeling well, you don't have to fight Rei. You can go home.

I felt that if I went home now my father would be disgraced, as if I had been frightened by Rei.

-I'm fine. I can fight.

I stepped in front of Rei and took a wooden sword.

On three, begin. Be careful, boys. If one of you lands a head hit, it's over, and if one gives up, that's also the end.

1

2

Go!

I didn't move. All I could think was whether this was the Rei I remembered, and if so, did he have his memories too? Would he want to kill me? Wait — this was a perfect chance to see his intent through his movements and find out if he still had that murderous urge.

He attacked steadily while I retreated and defended. I saw a strike coming from the right, blocked it with my sword, then quickly moved behind him and launched an attack at his head; he backed away.

-How long have you been studying martial arts? (he asked).

-About four years.

-It feels like you've been training much longer. (I couldn't read his face because of the tension.)

-How long have you been training?(I asked hím back)

We continued the fight tirelessly. I felt like I was fighting for my life, but I mostly controlled the flow of the duel.

-I only started about a year ago. I've been to a few teachers, but none of them suited me.

-You don't look like a beginner either. It's not like you just started learning. (I made an anxious face at him.)

-What's that face? Are you afraid that in just one year I already reached your level, or is it something else? (This time I could read his face and I'm certain he knows the past.)

I froze, and he took advantage of it, stopping his sword at my head. That's how I lost.

-Well done, boys, said the two fathers, applauding.

-See, I told you my son is a talent.

-I see and I believe you. (My father came over, knelt before me.)

-I'm sorry, Father. I couldn't win. (Now he probably loves me less because his son isn't the best. I looked down sadly.)

-Come on, son, he said, touching my head, and I slowly looked up. Use this experience to grow. Honestly, I'm glad you lost, because I feared there would be no one to motivate you and you wouldn't take things seriously. Though I'm not thrilled that I have to listen to this old man from now on. (He pointed at the old man and smiled at me.)

-Let's go home. Once we get back you'll be scrubbed down because you're sweaty and dirty.

-All right, I said, eyes sparkling, smiling as I walked home.

I'm glad they accept me as I am here. But I'm worried about the outcome of the match, Rei likely knows the past. I must watch him closely and figure out his intentions