Glimses of You

Inevitability

1917 Mount Fujikasane. Final Selection

~Tomioka Giyu~ 13

A sudden pain resonated in my head. I brought my hand up, trying to grab at the pain I couldn't touch. I palmed my forehead, my eyes almost begging to close. A dull lightheadedness approached, and a small groan escaped my mouth. I could hear the faint voice of Sabito reaching into my ear as my vision darkened.

"Giyu...Giyu..." The sound slowly fluttered away as if I was getting farther and farther.

My sightline went completely dark, and then, as if being performed on a stage, a scene began to play out before me.

I found myself staring at a forest very reminiscent of the one I was currently in. In the distance, purple and pink wisteria sat, the moon nowhere in sight. It felt like an out-of-body experience, a passenger to the actions being taken. Each attempt to speak or move gave no avail.

I felt my vision spin around but not by my choice as the blur of motion came through my eyes. The colors of the environment merged together as I was being turned I felt a sudden stop and was horrified by the sight before me. I saw Sabito heavily injured.

Blood dripped from his ears, smearing his Haori in a crimson red. A gash lay on his forehead with blood trickling out like a leaky faucet. His clothes were riddled with cuts and holes. A large bruise was visible on his upper chest, visible due to the ripped clothes.

I wanted to scream his name to run up and check on him but my body didn't seem to respond as if failing me completely. No words came to my mouth, no actions from my hand. I was truly a passenger, just observing. Just as I gave up on moving I saw a hand enter my sight the I saw it reach out and forward towards Sabito. I was suddenly propelled forward.

I looked into Sabito's eyes as he glanced up. Our eyes met, and his lips moved, but no words could be heard. I focused on his lips, trying to make out what he was saying. My focus was broken by a spurt of blood shooting from his mouth. My eyes widened as I tried to yell with all my might.

A large black spike stuck out of my best friend's chest. A large dark spike, right where his heart should be. It lifted into the air, his body attached, bringing the tree along with it. I could only stand and watch, staring at his corpse.

The bottom and corners of my vision blurred, the cries that couldn't escape my mouth made their way to my eyes. My vision continued to blur until I felt I could open my eyes again.

As my eyes opened, my senses slowly returned. I felt a warm hand resting on my shoulder. I turned my head and found Sabito sitting with his hand on my shoulder.

"Are you ok?" he asked, concerned.

I looked at him a bit. I had known what I was seeing wasn't real earlier. I could very much tell it was in my head. I got caught up in the moment. It felt as though I was staring at something that had happened just in front of me.

As I continued my thoughts, I heard a sound from Sabito but, lost in thought, didn't know what he said. I met his eyes wanting clarification.

"Hmm?" I asked, having no clue what he said.

"Seriously, Giyu," he sighed. He spoke with hand gestures, mocking me. "You"—pointing at me—"okay," he said, making the corresponding gesture with his hands.

"I'm fine," I said "My ears still work," I added on

"You wouldn't think so with how much of a space case you are," he said teasingly.

"I can't argue with that," I resigned.

"What was wrong, anyway?" he asked.

"Headache?" (Sabito)