Never Knew

Less Alone

Rikimaru's Point of View

~Memories~

I was outside watching the sun rise as I practiced.

One, two, three, four I said to myself trying to keep a beat. I watched as the sun began to fill the sky with colors more beautiful than anything in the world.

One, two, three, four. Mornings are my favorite because I feel relaxed, it made me forget the realities of the world, and I felt as if I had no pressure and I could be my true self.

One, two, three, four. I sneak away from the house to practice on the cliff side, by the mountain to watch the ocean water and Gohda castle as it becomes full with color from the sun.

One, two, three, four.

I felt attached to the blade, like it was a small escape from reality. I would sneak away to train daily and it was like my own secret. The sword felt as if it were made for me, it felt like this was my true purpose. I did not feel lost with it in my hands, I felt more sure of myself as if it gave me confidence. I held the sword admiring how well crafted it was.

"I see you managed to sneak away from Master Shiunsai." Said a familiar voice.

I stopped as I was thrown off guard, no one was supposed to know I was here. I felt my body tense up.

"Where did you-"  I asked turning towards him.

"That's not an easy thing to do, it almost took me years to sneak away without master noticing." Added Tatsumaru as he chuckled.

"How did you find me?" I asked ashamed he had found my favorite spot.

"Don't sweat it kid, you're not the only one who needs a break from being a ninja." He placed his hand on my shoulder. "It's no wonder you have been doing so good at practices, you practice more than you sleep." He squeezed my shoulder and motioned I looked to the side.

We both looked at the sun filling he skies with colors, it felt nice. The wind was calm and cool and the clouds were clearing, it was an amazing view.

"Why are you here?" I asked. His facial expression changed from his usual casual happy to a serious face.

"Master Shiunsai disappeared last night and.... well... I wanted to find him." He said as he walked towards the cliff. "He doesn't disappear often, but last time he did that to me, well... he came back with you." He took his hand off and looked down at the ground.

I looked down and felt grief fill me.

"He goes on these journeys and never says a word. He can go for hours or days but eventually he comes back." Tatsumaru looked back to up. "I just wished he'd tell me where he went, or what he was off to. Every time I ask all he says is 'a shadow ninjas secrets lie with him in the shadows' he acts completely normal."

I felt Tatsumaru's eyes looking at me.

I began to feel saddened as memories from my family came rushing back into my head. I've tried to suppress them for so long now but still their faces haunt me. I still had dreams of my old life, it always started off great and brought me joy. The days would start with joy but would end in ruins from reality. I just wished I knew why he killed my family. I felt so cold and hollow inside.

Sometimes I wondered if I was betraying them by working with the man who killed my family...

"But I'm glad he brought you." Tatsumaru added with a slight smile which made me feel less alone. "Come on, I'll help you practice!" He said as he brought out his sword from his sheath.

What I do know is, I wouldn't be where I am now if it hadn't been for him and I also wouldn't have met Tatsumaru. That made me feel slightly better.

"You're on!" I said with a small laugh.