Warrior's Mask

12. A Boy's Request

Yoshimura’s POV:

I stopped training for a moment and glanced at Murasaki, curious to see what she was doing, only to see her doing flips and cartwheels around the room. It’s at times like this I question my life choices. Why the hell did I decide to go with her? I still curse my child self about that decision to this day. I tilted my head to the side as she started doing a cartwheel into a flip. I watched her fall to the floor once again, and then meet my gaze. I c****d an eyebrow. “What the hell are you doing this time?”

She shrugged, equally as baffled as I was as to what she was doing. I have honestly given up on her at this stage. “I was trying to be creative with the way I think and do things, and then ended up doing that… whatever that was.”

“How are we still friends?” I asked, still questioning life at this point. It's just a bunch of bullshit at this stage. I question why I even bother. Nothing ever makes sense anymore. You’d think I’d be used to it.

“Who the hell knows at this point? But, who the hell cares?” She sat up and grinned at me, her undying optimism somehow still in full tact as she shrugged away any and every other opinion that may harm her.

“I care. You’re going to ruin my reputation.” I told her with an irritated growl, and she smirked at me, a devilish look in her eyes.

“Dude, your reputation was ruined the moment you told the press about me.” She gave me a smug look, a proud smile coming to her face. She knew she had won this round, and she was already gloating about it to me. f*****g b***h. “There’s no point in trying to hide me away, my weirdness cannot be contained, Yoshimura.”

“It sure as hell can’t be.” I agreed, turning back to my training with a sigh. There’s no point talking to her in this state, she’s a f*****g deluded ass crazy woman, and I don’t wanna be dealing with that right now.

“Hey, Blueberry?” I could hear the caution in her voice, and I was almost scared to ask my next question.

“What now?” I closed my eyes and waited for her answer, hoping it wasn’t anything stupid, but knowing that nothing smart actually came out of her mouth.

“I know you’re in a fairly good mood and stuff, and I would hate to kill the good vibes, but Seiji’s coming.” I know she was anticipating a really bad reaction, but it’s only gonna be a mediocre one.

“He’s not coming in.” I snapped, not wishing to see his stupid face anymore than I already have. I’m almost at my limit for social interaction, and if she’s gonna be here much longer I wanna save it so I’m not too much of an ass to her later down the line.

“And he’s bringing Shishido and Shin with him.” She continued to give me bad news, and all I could do was let out an irritated sigh.

“Only Terao’s allowed in.” He’s the only one with half a brain, and the other two I despise at the best of times, so I refuse to see any of them.

Why do you hate Shin so much? Is it because he’s a threat?

…No. Why do you care?

I think it’s a stupid reason to hate someone. It’s not his fault he’s good at what he does, is it? He quite literally learned from the best.

Well, yeah, but still. He’s too good for his own good. I just want to protect him.

From the very thing you trained him to be?

I did what I had to. Who are you to judge?

Fair enough.

“Too late! I’m already here!” Ishido exclaimed, breaking my train of thought and I turned to see a massive grin plastered on his face, and two irritated friends standing on either side of him. Typical Ishido.

“You didn’t ask for permission, or even check that he was alright with this?” Terao asked, and Ishido shook his head, like he was half-expecting this reaction.

“Do you really think he would have said yes if I had asked?” He gave a pointed look, and Murasaki burst out laughing. Both Hattori and I glared at her, and then at each other.

“The kid’s got a point,” Murasaki said, and I sighed. I just want everyone to leave me alone for a bit. Is that too much to ask for? All I want is some peace and quiet while I train so I can crush him in our next battle, but I can’t even get that without having to deal with a crazy woman or a hyper porcupine. I don’t want their stupid ass company, and I don’t want to have to look at their dumbass faces either.

“What are you doing here?” I looked between the three of them, hoping to get this little trip over and done with when Ishido’s grin widened. I let out a huff of annoyance. I already regret asking the i***t. I don’t want to know why they’re here, I just want them to hurry up and get out.

“I wanted to come and see you, and my mum said I had to bring these two with me because I’m not responsible enough to come and see you by myself.” Ishido explained, and then let out a nervous laugh. Why am I not surprised?

“Of course. You’re too much of a baby to look after yourself.” I said, and Ishido nodded in agreement. I narrowed my eyes at him, there being a suspicious air around him that somehow no one else picked up on, and then sighed. “What do you want?”

Ishido turned towards Terao and Hattori, giving them a sincere look. Wow, the kid’s capable of being anything but happy. That’s a first. I never thought I’d see the day. “Can you guys wait outside for me?”

They shared a worried glance before looking at me, wondering if I’d be able to take him by myself. I won’t murder him if that’s what they’re concerned about. Not yet, anyway. I’m going to crush him in battle, and then murder his ass. I gave them a nod of confirmation. It’s probably best that they go. Terao went to leave, but then stopped in the doorway. “Did you give that guy’s wallet back?”

“Yeah, and I also gave him a piece of my goddamn mind. The f*****g prick learnt his lesson, and quick.” I said, and he let out a small sigh like this was the outcome he was expecting, a slightly annoyed look on his face. Ishido and Hattori looked between the two of us, confused, and Murasaki gave me a curious look but seemed to have put all the pieces together. I live by simple morals. Don’t touch my brother, and you won’t get hurt. I shook my head at the two friends who were sharing a confused look. They didn’t need to know. Hattori and Terao left the room, and Ishido looked between Murasaki and me. He’s unsure about whether she knows about my father or not. She does, but I don’t want her to know about his most recent attack on me.

“Can you go and join them?” I asked, and she nodded in agreement with a reluctant sigh like she wanted to stay and listen to whatever information we had to share with each other. I understand that it’s not everyday that you see us talking to each other, but people are acting like it’s going to be the end of the world.

“Alright, but if you’re hiding anything from me then I’mma be mad,” Murasaki told us, and we both shuddered at the threat. No one wants her to be mad because she would literally kill us. If you think I’m a psychopath, then she’s Satan himself. I watched her leave the room in fear that she was gonna turn around and just stab me for not telling me what I’m about to talk to Ishido about. When she left, I turned to Ishido.

“What is it, Ishido?” I c****d an eyebrow as he started to squirm uncomfortably underneath my gaze. I know he’s not good under pressure, but he’s the wonder boy. He’s gonna have to get used to it, whether he likes it or not.

“Is your dad always like that?” He met my gaze, trying to face his fears head-on. I wonder where he’s gonna go with this. He better not start spouting some friendship crap at me. He has already ruined my mood, which means I can’t be arsed to put up with his crap right now, and I will not be responsible for my actions.

“Yeah, why?” I watched him, and his nerves seemed to be getting the better of him. But there was something else. Almost like this was all an act. He had planned this, and I’m just playing into his trap. Simomi’s warnings rang around my head, and I couldn’t help but feel nervous about something.

“Why do you let him do that?” He refused to meet my gaze, his gaze fixated on the floor. He wasn’t nervous about my reaction, he’s scared that I’m going to figure out everything before he gets the chance to bring into play this little plan of his.

“Because he’s making me stronger.” I answered honestly, still quite curious about where this was going to go. What was his little mind scheming? It can be anything too big, it is Ishido after all. He’s not one to use his head much. He never has been. Which is why this is so much more interesting.

“How’s that making you stronger?” He continued with the questions, almost as if he was solidifying final details in his mind. This isn’t the guy I remember.

And that bothers you… why?

I don’t know. It’s just… how do I put this into words? You know what, nevermind. It’s not that important.

No, please continue. I’m curious about what’s vaguely important to you.

I think the wonder boy became my rock without me realising, and now that he’s changing I’m starting to become scared. He was my one constant, and I don’t want to lose that again. I’m afraid of spiralling.

It was never your fault. I hope you never forget that. You couldn’t have done anything to prevent these people from leaving or changing. You did what you could. You were a child - you still are. There’s only so much you can do.

I don’t need your pity.

You don’t have it. Instead, you have my admiration. Most adults would have buckled by now. What you’re doing is impressive. Just don’t forget about that worthless pride of yours, okay?

Worthless pride? You sound just like my father.

Do I now?

Yeah. Thank you, Simomi.

Any day.

“He’s teaching me to show no weakness, and become number one by crushing my opponents. He’s the reason I’ve got so far.” I stated what should have been the obvious. There was no other reason for him doing what he does other than the fact that he’s a monster - a vile human being.

“Seeing as I almost beat you, that’s obviously not working because I have a completely different mindset to you.” He brought up a good point. What took me years of training to achieve was almost toppled by a boy who was nothing a week before, and I hated it.

I think it’s time for you to realise that there is something in your family that is broken, and it can never be fixed. I know he’s your father, but he’s a scumbag.

I know. I always knew, but what could I do? I was the child of a monster - a monster in my own right. I only have so much going for myself.

I’m sorry it had to come to this.

“I don’t care, Ishido. Is that all you came here for?” I was tired, and upset, and was already at my limits. I didn’t want to do this anymore - I didn’t want to do this to begin with. I’m done.

“I wanted to tell you that I’m here for you. We may not be on the greatest of terms, and I know I’m pretty unbearable, but I’m still here.” I stared at him, almost wanting to puke on the battleground next to me. That was disgusting. What makes him think I care about his friendship bullcrap? He gave me a small smile as if he was trying to reassure both of us, and something in me began to stir. I don’t know what, I don’t why, but there was something, and I hated it. Why does he even care about what happens to me? This isn’t part of the job description, so he should just back off. “I won’t turn my back on you, Yoshimura.”

“Whatever, Ishido,” I said, turning my back on him, hoping he would just leave so I could continue training. Any other person would have taken the hint and left by now, but no, not Ishido. He has to keep on persisting, doesn’t he? I don’t need his help. I can’t get close to him. It won’t end up well down the line. It never does.

“Can I have a turn?” He asked, and I let out an irritated sigh as I glanced at him. He gave me puppy eyes, and I honestly wanted to shoot myself there and then. I rolled my eyes.

“Sure.” I stepped out of the way, and he ran up to the purumashin and started pulling on the chords, his eyes determined. So this is the wonder boy in full swing. It's actually kinda impressive. His strength’s improved, at the very least, which shouldn’t surprise me but it does. I can’t help but see him as weak, even though he’s gotten surprisingly strong. Next time he might actually beat me. He might just be my saviour. I look forward to the day. I went over to the bench that was in the room, deciding it was time to take a break. I took a swig of water and then sighed. This conversation isn’t over just yet. He still has something he wants to ask me. He’s just too afraid to do it.

“Ishido?” I stared at the back of his head, intent on getting answers that probably won’t mean s**t to me, but we’re here, so might as well let him finish what he wants to say.

“Yeah?” He stopped, but refused to look in my direction. There was something about him that felt… off. I don’t know. He felt untrustworthy, and I didn’t like it. But, who's going to listen to the qualms of a child?

“What’s up?” I decided to just ask him directly and waited for his reaction. There’s no point in beating around the bush. That gets you nowhere, and it’s honestly a waste of time.

“What do you mean?” There was fear in his voice. I’m guessing this was the moment of truth, then. This is where his plan may get put into action, or it could crash and burn. It’s up to me. No pressure or anything. I just wish I knew what he was scheming.

“You know what I’m talking about.” I told him, keeping my eyes trained on the back of his head in hope that the added pressure would cause him to slip up or give me any clue as to what he could be thinking about.

“I have a request.” He started, finally deciding to bite the bullet. His grip around the cords tightened, which piqued my interest. Was it going wrong already or was this the nerves getting to him? I doubt it was Kagemiko - she’s not one to have this kind of effect on her wielder, from what I’ve heard, and I believe that. It must be tiring having to deal with him 24/7, scared to set him off.

“Which is?” I pried for information, still wanting him to leave as quickly as possible. He may be interesting, but he is still the most annoying person to walk this earth, and I want as little association with him as possible, which means that all interactions need to be short and sweet. I don’t get paid enough to deal with him.

“Be nice to someone for one day.” He proposed, and I just stared at him. What? That was all? That was what he was so nervous about? Are you kidding me? That is so ridiculous, I can’t even be mad. Alright, I’ll bite.

“Who?” I don’t know what I was expecting, but it wasn’t that. I don’t know how I feel. I’m disappointed in him. I expected so much more than what I received

“Anyone you want to.” It was almost like he was trying to compromise with me as part of an apology. Now that the suspicion had gone, all I could sense was sadness. What did he have to be so upset about that would cause this?

“Alright, then why?” I tried to get more answers out of him. There has got to be something more to this, but what? What is his stupid little head scheming?

“So, you can see my end of it all.” He gave me a basic answer, and I wasn’t particularly surprised or annoyed by it, which is a first. “Tomorrow is Nishikawa’s festival, and you can use that for this. And you have a wide range of people there, so it’ll be easier to keep in contact with everyone.”

I was kinda impressed that he even gave this half a thought. His final brain cell must have been working hard for this “You had this planned out, didn’t you?”

He sighed, almost like he expected this reaction. I’m guessing something like this has happened before. “I’m not a complete i***t. I can use my head sometimes.”

I can’t knock the guy. I might not know what he’s scheming, but he always has good intentions. He serves the people, he has done for as long as I remember. I’m surprised it’s taken him this long to take proper action. “Fair enough. What’s in it for me, though?”

“What do you want?” Once again trying to compromise with me, once again trying to win me over. Why can’t I read him? He’s usually such an open book. I wonder what’s changed.

Other than letting me win a battle in a tournament with ease, there’s really nothing he can do to help me. “Nothing, really.”

“Well, when you think of something then tell me.” He still sounded unsure - I haven’t given him a definite answer yet, and he’s scared I’m going to back out any second now. His hand had gone a pale white from gripping the cords on the purumashin too tight. He overthinks things too much. He should go back to his brainless self. It suits him better, and will probably cause him so much less stress. “So, have we got a deal?”

I narrowed my eyes at him, but he still refused to look at me, or even turn in my direction. I shrugged. What the hell have I got to lose at this stage? He’s already taken everything from me, so I might as well go through with it. “You have yourself a deal. But this better not be a waste of my time, Ishido.”

“I won’t let you down, Yoshimura!” He exclaimed, grinning at me. Typical Ishido. This kid can’t keep a smile off his face for more than five minutes. But it’s nice to know that he ain’t a complete dumbass and that he is capable of being somewhat serious. He may piss me the hell off most of the time, but he can sure as hell make life interesting. I stared at Ishido and his smile faltered before he quickly turned to my purumashin, a hint of fear in his eyes. So, is there something behind his smile? Is there something he has to hide? Maybe even this kid has scars he’s not proud of. Imagine Ishido without a smile. It’s a stupid thought.