Survival Game, Book 1: The Fool

Act Four: Chapter Twenty-Five

"He'll be okay," The nurse deducted after examining Tatsuya's injuries. "His wounds will heal in time and his armor can be repaired. I'm sure it's took more blows than this." He left Tatsuya's unconscious body onto the bed he'd been placed on and returned to his desk. "You were right to get help when you did, or he may have bled to death." He added before beginning some sort of unknown paperwork. Yuriko remained at Tatsuya's bedside, awaiting his awakening. I don't understand... I've never felt anything for those others. This was my perfect opportunity, and yet... She didn't feel like she normally would. Tatsuya was a kind man and he'd quickly became more of a father figure to her than her real one. Orimoto-sensei... accepted me. He didn't tell me how to act or get scared... he just... smiled. She wasn't sure what to make of it. Her whole life was compromised with simplicity, copying everything she read or saw to be the good girl her parents wanted. And now, this man she hardly knew, had treated her with pride for how she really acted and understood her desire. Am I actually... caring for him? She wondered.
Tatsuya let out a low groan as his eyes slowly opened. He turned his head to her, seeming to sense her before his eyes had opened. "Shimamura-san," He began calmly. "I wasn't expecting you to stay with me. I've taken harder blows than that, but never has my attacker saved my life afterwards." He had a joking tone added onto his words, but Yuriko couldn't notice it. "You seem to be a natural at using your powers, even if it was against the rules. Weapon manipulation is a very basic power, but to summon that many at will and control it with ease is a difficult feat. A bit wreckless, I admit, but we can work on that." Yuriko could only nod in reply, unsure of what to say. She felt hollow inside and didn't know how to describe it or express it.
"However... I'll pass you anyway. Your lust for blood evolved into something more and you actually regret what you'd done to me." Tatsuya went on. "I think we can work with that. Kimura-san was right when she thought you weren't the monster the media claimed. I thought the same and offered to mentor you. I thought I'd teach you how to use your lust for peace, like a warrior in battle. You have a long way to go, but my code of honor should teach you what you truly want. It'll open up your heart and show you how to feel the things you want. If anything, it already has."
His code...? Does he mean something like bushidou? She assumed that would be the appropriate way with Tatsuya's samurai origins. She'd knew about the historical meaning of the code from research on the Edo period, but devoting herself to the ancient code was something she'd never considered until now. Maybe it would help... I can't rely on news anymore with this program. They can't comprehend what powers we possess and the dangers we'll face. If I go under Orimoto-sensei, then I can benefit. After all, he'd already gave her a taste of what remorse was. It was a negative feeling, of course, but it was one she was grateful for. It meant she wasn't a monster.
"You can think on it, of course. We have time." Tatsuya reassured her. "Starting next week, we'll begin our first mission, against a Grandmaster Pawn named Masaru Matsubara. I have personal involvement in this mission, but Kimura-san approved of it. I'm hoping it'll be a beneficial experience for you. Anyway, you should return to your room and wait for Kimura-san. She'll explain more. For now," He pulled something from his pocket and placed it into the palm of her hand with his bandaged one. When Yuriko looked at it, she noticed it was a small charm, meant for success in one's journey. "Here you go. Take it as a memento for what you have succeeded in and what is yet to come." Yuriko nodded, staring at the charm as if it was some priceless artifact. She'd received many gifts from friends and family before, but this time seemed different. It seemed more special somehow, more meaningful than anything else. And all she could say in return was, "Thank you..."