Hashira Loving Demon

Seventeen - Resolve

Mura Fuji

"You aren't going to win." I said.

Enkyo and I ran through the forest, racing. We had just left Rengoku house and were heading back to see Rika.

"It is wonderful to see your optimistic outlook, but I am certain I am the faster runner." He said.

I laughed, knowing he was right. But I was still going to try. I took a deep breath and focused. My vision caught sight of the trees and stumps that were in our way and I easily avoided them.

Enkyo continued to stay ahead of me and I wasn't surprised I didn't win by the time we made it back to his house.

"Since your patrol went so well, I think we should celebrate. I bet Rika has food made." I said.

"Yes! I agree! Food sounds like a great idea!" He said.

We slid the door open, laughing. Enkyo was always eager to eat, and I wasn't against eating one of Rika's meals.

"Rika!" I called.

No answer. Her energy was in the house, but inactive, which meant she was asleep. I shrugged and went towards the kitchen. Enkyo made his way to the bedroom.

"She's probably in bed, then." He said.

"Yeah, that's alright, I'm gonna see what she left us in the kitchen." I said.

I grabbed a plate of rice balls, then a cup of water from the kitchen and went to the sitting room with them. Rika would get mad that I wasn't using the dining room, but I felt like sitting in a more comfortable chair.

I set the cup and plate down, and happened to glance to my right. My eyes widened at the sight of my sister lying on the floor.

"Rika!" I shouted.

I rushed over to her and lifted her. She was unconscious, and her nose had been bleeding at some point. I grabbed her arm, but then quickly loosened my grip on it. The bone inside was broken.

I pulled her into my lap, and held her close, trying to wake her. I tapped her cheek, and then her side.

"Rika, wake up."

She wasn't responding to my touches, so I reached our and grabbed the cup of water. I reached into and pulled out some in my hand and splashed a little onto her face.

She finally responded and I watched as she scrunched up her nose slowly opened her eyes. Her gaze landed on me and I smiled down at her.

"Well rise and shine." I said.

She gasped, and her eyes widened. She quickly shuffled away from me, putting as much space between us as quickly as she could. She backed up against the wall, and I watched as fear built up in her eyes.

"Rika? It's alright, I'm here." I said.

"Stay away from me." She said.

Her voice shook, and she didn't seem to want to keep eye contact with me, but forced it anyway.

"Rika, what happened to you?" I asked.

"So you are going to pretend it never happened." She said.

"Pretend what happened? Why are you afraid? You know I wouldn't ever hurt you." I said.

"Stop lying!" She shouted.

My sister was afraid of me. The pain of seeing the fear in her eyes tore me up.

"Rika!"

We both turned as Enkyo entered the room, looking concerned. He knelt by Rika and she glared at him.