Friday, July 15, 2005

   Grrrr...

Another Thursday night.

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Well, I'm a frustrated Kitsune tonight. The computer was acting weird when I started it up tonight. I have no idea what the problem was... it was running incredibly slow and all sorts of things were "Not Responding" according to the task manager. Sometimes I wonder why I don't take a hammer to this thing.

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So, in light of that, I didn't get to very many sites tonight. It took forever just to read my email because of the stupid computer. Therefore, I am going to give you another installment of my story. Enjoy!

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“The last time I saw your grandfather, he was furious,” Takeda said. He and Hikaru were walking to the temple for the funeral. “And now I have the feeling that I will see a different side of the man.”

“Oh?” Hikaru asked.

“Yes, I have spoken with one of his men – a small, pushy man. He came to the temple after the wake yesterday.” Takeda tried to disguise the anger in his voice.

Hikaru looked up at his teacher.

“It was after you left. The man called Ashida approached me. Your grandfather is here, Hikaru-kun. He will be at the funeral, but if Ashida-san has relayed my request, he will not approach you.”

“Thank you, sensei,” Hikaru said. “I wouldn’t know what to say to him. Not now.”

“I know. I also told the man that if you wish to talk to your grandfather, you’d be the one to make first contact. Is that good?”

Hikaru smiled sadly. “Yes, Takeda-sensei, it’s good.” He sighed. They had arrived at the temple. “We’re here.”

“Yes, we are.” Takeda looked around at the people gathered outside the temple. Several people from the village were in attendance, as were many of the students of the dojo. “Let us go in.”

In a short time, everyone had entered the temple. Takeda spotted Nakamura and his men in the crowd. They respected his wishes and kept their distance. The funeral began with the priest reading the sutra.

At the proper time, Hikaru was the first to offer incense at the altar. He silently paid his respects and then returned to his seat. Takeda was next to offer incense and was followed by the people of the village. Nakamura was last to pay respects.

After everyone had offered incense and prayers, the priest finished the reading and prepared to leave the temple. Hikaru rose to take his place to thank everyone for coming. As the priest passed, Hikaru heard words he hoped never to hear and collapsed as he suddenly felt as if he was being pulled from his body. The priest had uttered words to keep demons away and allow the soul of the deceased to depart peacefully.

Takeda was first to reach Hikaru. A warning glance at Nakamura kept him from rushing over. Takeda picked Hikaru up and took him from the temple as a murmur of concern rippled through the gathered crowd.

The priest knew nothing of what had happened within and was surprised to see Takeda carrying Hikaru from the temple. “Takeda-san, what has happened?”

“Hikaru…” Takeda stammered. “I think it was too soon. He seemed to be better…”

“Here, bring him in here,” the priest directed Takeda to a room where Hikaru would be comfortable. “I will send for the doctor.”

“Thank you. Could you wait here with Hikaru-kun? I need to let everyone know what happened.”

“Of course. I will stay with the boy.” The priest sent one of the acolytes to fetch the doctor and then sat by Hikaru’s side and started to pray.

Takeda went back to the temple. “Thank you all for waiting. Hikaru is resting now. I am afraid this was too much for him to bear so soon after his illness. On his behalf, I thank you all for coming today.” He bowed and waited as everyone left, thanking each of them for being there and for their concern.

Nakamura was the last to leave. “Takeda-san, my condolences,” he said with a bow. Concern was written across his face. “Is there anything I can do? I can send for my personal physician if you wish.”

“Thank you, but that won’t be necessary. I have already sent for the town doctor. Thank you for coming, Nakamura-san.” Takeda turned to leave.

Ashida moved as if to confront Takeda, but Nakamura’s hand on his shoulder stopped him. “Now is not the time, Ashida-san,” Nakamura said. “Leave them alone.”

“Thank you again, Nakamura-san,” Takeda said and returned to Hikaru.
Nakamura and his men returned to the inn. No one spoke. Each was lost in his own thoughts. Nakamura reflected on how things had broken down between him and his son and on how he would try to get to know his grandson. Yonaha thought of Hikaru. He had thought the boy looked rather small and sickly, so the collapse was not too surprising to him. Ashida was concerned with getting around Takeda and close to the boy.
***
Samantha was walking down along the beach looking for shells as events were unfolding at the temple. Her uncle and Midori were nearby watching. They were happy to see her acting like a curious girl instead of obsessing over the boy she was trying to find. She had been so upset about things and needed to relax.

Sam had taken off her shoes and was wading in the surf. A particularly pretty shell caught her eye and she bent to pick it up. As she reached for the shell, she hesitated. Someone was standing there. She looked up into the startled face of a ghostly silver boy.

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Well, there you have it. A convergence....

And now I believe I am going to get offline before midnight! *insert shocked face here*

Laters!

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