Seishi sat up abruptly with a cry of anguish. He panted for a moment, slowly regaining his bearings and awareness of his surroundings. With a groan, he buried his head in his hands.
“Soma...”
After a few moments, he raised his head, ran a hand through his hair, and got out of bed. He went to splash his face with the water in the basin. He then glanced at his watch. Five o'clock... With a sigh he decided there was no point in trying to go back to sleep and left the hut. Bathed in the pink rays of the sun, he stretched with a yawn. The temperature at this time was still mild and pleasant. He peered into the neighboring hut and frowned. Ryô was not there and, in all likelihood, had not been there all night. Mechanically, he ran his hand through his hair. He then noticed how much his hair had grown since he had stopped cutting it when he arrived here... This had led to this regrettable habit, he realized. Anyway... He was far more worried about his companion's absence. It was not safe for him to be out alone. What could he have said or done to upset the young man so badly?
He headed to the well a short distance from the camp, greeting two women who were already there. Muffled cries intrigued him, and he went to find their source. He eventually found Ryô some distance away, hidden by a towering rock. Ryô did not notice him, so the doctor stayed to observe him. The young man was performing a series of kata, one after another. The fluidity and speed of his movements impressed Seishi. He hadn't realized that Ryô practiced martial arts. How long had he been training? He didn't seem to be out of breath at all, yet sheen of sweat made his brown skin glisten.
Seishi then realized that Ryô was shirtless and... His eyes narrowed. The sun revealed a long, lighter-colored trail running down the young man's back. Ryô finally stopped exercising and stood still for a moment, catching his breath. Looking at the small flask of water he had just filled, Seishi decided to approach. They were lucky, the well water was regularly tested and was safe enough to drink without treatment.
“Would you like some water?” he asked softly.
Ryô flinched and turned around, startled.
“What... What are you doing here?”
“Forgive me, I didn't want to disturb you, I saw you by chance.”
The young man's eyes darted around as if searching for something. His gaze then settled and, with a silent curse, he crossed his arms, avoiding the doctor's gaze. Seishi noticed that his companion's jacket was now behind him, out of Ryô's reach. Closer now, he noticed that fine scars also marked the young man's torso. So, I hadn’t been mistaken, he thought. This was unquestionably what Ryô was trying to hide. Once again, Seishi wondered about the young man's past. Many clues, especially this latest one, made him fear that the young man had a very dark past but he had never dared to bring it up. If he wanted to help Ryô, he would have to build their relationship very gradually. He handed the water to the young man, who finally accepted it and took a sip before giving it back.
“I didn't know you practiced. You're very talented... Do you often train here?”
Ryô lowered his eyes and shrugged without answering. Seishi hesitated for a moment and then stared at his companion.
“Listen, you have every right to refuse, but... It's been a long time since I've had the opportunity to practice... Would you agree, to go through a few moves with me, just this once?”
Ryô raised his head, taken aback.
“Please. I would be very glad to.”
“We don't have a keikogi[1]...” he finally grumbled.
Seishi smiled.
“I guess we can come up with enough moves that don't require it.”
Ryô rubbed his arm nervously and looked away again, seeming to hesitate.
“I... Well, it's been a long time... I don't know if...”
“Come on. I told you, I haven't practiced in ages either and you're already warmed up! You practice karate, right?”
Ryô nodded.
“Then you just have to attack, and I’ll respond. I'm an aikidoka, so I'll try to adapt to you. What matters is to relax a little. We’re not here to earn belts!”
He put the water flask down.
“Will you let me try? If it doesn't suit you, you ‘fire’ me!”
He bowed to his young companion.
The latter stiffened for a moment, undecided, then returned the bow.
“The honor is mine, Seishi-san.”
Seishi straightened up, a wide smile on his lips. Then, after a few quick stretches, he assumed a fighting stance. He had only put on a pair of shorts after getting out of bed. Fighting without the protection and gripping points provided by a dogi would be awkward. But he couldn’t even imagine wearing a full kimono and hakama in this heat and dust.
Ryô had also assumed his position and seemed to be wondering how to approach him. Seishi hoped that he could to regain enough of his old reflexes to counter the karate techniques he was unfamiliar with. But after all, wasn't aikido supposed to allow him to handle any opponent or style?
Ryô sighed.
“You're not even warmed up. I think I remember one or two aiki movements, I can try to start with that.”
“It would be a good idea indeed, but please do what feels natural to you. Don't hold back on my account... I'm not that decrepit yet, at least, I hope. I'll scream if I'm overwhelmed!”
Ryô blushed and stammered.
“I... Sorry, Seishi-san, I didn't mean that.”
“I know,” Seishi said with a wink, “but if you don't make up your mind, I'll end up taking root!”
The young man seemed a little taken aback and then resumed his stance. Seishi was struck by the concentration and seriousness that settled on his face. Without another word, Ryô made his move.
Seishi slammed his hand on the ground and Ryô released him. He straightened up, breathing heavily. Ryô looked at him, ready to continue.
“Well, the lack of training is definitely showing.” He sat back up with a beaming smile. “But it's been a long time since I've let off steam like that!”
A smile appeared on Ryô's lips as he slowly caught his breath. The young man engaged again. Having quickly regained enough control, Seishi had let his partner give free rein to his own technique. And he had to admit that it was admirable... and stimulating. Although he was not an expert in karate, it didn't take him long to notice Ryô's mastery, as well as his very distinctive style. His karate was probably not entirely orthodox and he wasn't bound by conventional techniques or holds. He was very fast, fluid and, above all, incredibly adaptable. He seemed to react instinctively much more than according to the principles he had been taught.
Seishi countered a new assault and, continuing his movement, made the young man fall once again. He figured that they would both deserve a good shower after “bitting the dust” so many time.
But, God, it felt good to spend time like this again, rediscovering the pleasure of pushing his body and going beyond his limits. Fighting with Ryô was like sparring with a feline, a panther. He himself was more powerful, more thoughtful... The tiger against the panther. He had to counter flexibility, fighting spirit and spontaneity with maturity, experience and technique... But above all, he had to give the maximum of his current abilities.
They must have been training for an hour now and he was starting to feel the effects of the heat. Despite this, he breathed in deeply, he just felt good. He was now much more relaxed and, as he grew familiar with Ryô's style, he began to control the exchange. He also sensed that his young companion had overcome his reluctance to commit to the moment and enjoy this relaxation time. So, what followed caught him completely unaware.
Ryô attacked in the same way as before, so Seishi used Ryô's momentum again to annihilate the effect of the blow and knock the young man to the ground. But this time, Ryô did not try to resist. Instead, Ryô followed Seishi’s movement, dragging him along before brutally catching him off guard. Unbalanced, Seishi was forced to kneel. He was pleasantly surprised by this unexpected response but did not admit defeat. Taking advantage of Ryô's attempt to reassert his hold, he tipped him over with him. Both rolled to the ground, Ryô struggling furiously to break free. But Seishi had been able to find a safe grip and finally immobilized Ryô under him, one arm pressed behind his back. The young man made a last attempt to free himself without success but did not surrender. Suddenly, he let out a desperate cry and pushed Seishi away, abruptly trying to escape.
“Let go of me!”
Seishi barely had time to retract his grip before his companion inflicted irreparable damage on his arm. Ryô got back on his feet as best he could, stifling a moan. He stared at the doctor on the ground for a moment, looking bewildered.
“I'm sorry,” Seishi stammered, “I didn't mean to...”
Ryô closed his eyes and bowed, his fists clenched, murmuring a faint gomen before running away, grabbing only his jacket as he passed.
Seishi remained half-seated on the ground for a few moments, dazed. What had gotten into the young man? He did seem to enjoy their fight so... What had he done again to cause such panic in his companion? Sighing, he got back on his feet, confused. He was sure that he had not made any move that would have caused pain or injury. Perhaps he had unintentionally touched another sensitive point of the young man?
He brushed some of the brown earth that now stained him and tried to throw his messy hair back before returning to the camp. There were many things about the young man that he would pay dearly to know and understand.
~
Ryô slumped against a tree and, drew his knees to his chest, and curled in on himself, trying to catch his breath and calm the frantic beating of his heart. He cursed himself, hurling every insult he knew at himself... which took him a little while. But what had gotten into him? He had long struggled with close physical contact. This discomfort had already hindered him during his martial arts practice... But never before had he reacted like that. He rubbed his shoulder gently. He had been totally irrational. If Seishi-san hadn't had the reflex to free him, he would have broken and dislocated his own arm.
He could still picture the doctor's bewildered look. He must have hurt him, offended him... Once again, he thought. But Seishi-san had never held a grudge against him. He raised his head slightly, resting his chin on his knees. Seishi-san had taken him down. That was common in this kind of martial art. He had tried to resist while knowing that such a hold executed by someone as clearly skilled as Seishi-san would leave him no chance... And then suddenly, he had lost his mind.
And yet, he had genuinely enjoyed this moment of relaxation with the doctor. He had been furious at first, of course, at being discovered in this way. After all, he had already been abrupt and rude to the doctor the day before. But Seishi-san did not seem to hold it against him and had not mentioned it. Nor had he alluded to the marks covering his body or seemed embarrassed by them... That was one of the reasons why he felt at ease, almost comfortable with the young doctor. Seishi-san’s attentiveness, his willingness to listen, and his quiet availability were always there, yet never strayed from an infinite discretion... And he had ruined everything.
But when he had suddenly felt Seishi-san pressed against him, so close, his slightly clammy skin against his own so rarely exposed, his labored breath against his neck... He had freaked out. He had felt trapped, oppressed... And other impressions that he was not yet able to define. An uncontrollable panic had seized him. He stood up, looking at the village in the distance. With a curse, he punched the trunk angrily... and could not suppress a grimace.
That's why he now avoided getting attached to anyone. Before this, he would not have paid the slightest attention to what the doctor might think... And it was stupid but the fact was that he didn't want to hurt or disappoint Seishi-san. All this could not go on any longer. He had to do something... First, apologize. He grimaced again. He would apologize for his misconduct in the last few days and after that... He swore and set off for the village.
[1] I think we can use this term generically for martial arts clothing. In any case, the jacket for kyûdô is a kyûdôgi and the full uniform is a keikogi, so…
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