The Boy With Strange Eyes

22 - To Kill a Pig

To Kill a Pig

~ To know another is not to know the person's face but to know the person's heart. ~

The Princess:

Himeko was furious!

She had never been angrier in her entire short life. She had just had a conversation with Kuge from the House of Kenshi. She liked Kuge. He reminded her of a big cuddly bear. Kuge was very handsome, and so was his cousin Ljimekko.

But- that was where the similarity ended. Kuge was beautiful both inside and out. With Ljimekko, she needed to know more to be sure.

Before her conversation with Kuge, her instincts told her something was off about Ljimekko. She forgave his bad behavior and obvious immaturity. His crude actions, loud jokes, and choice of friends had puzzled her—not anymore!

Kuge had informed her about Ljimekko and his followers' bullying of her sweet Kimyo. She was so mad.

Her entire body was shaking.

***

Himeko spent many of her mornings in the dojo practice field. She enjoyed one-on-one training with her uncle on The Way-of-the-Knife. She practiced extra hard and long, attempting to drive away her anger. It had yet to work.

If anything, she was madder now than she had been before practice.

As fate would have it- on this day, Ljimekko and two of his cronies entered the practice field early.

~🧌 I (Kami) was there keeping a watchful eye on Himeko as I often do.~

Himeko quickly strode toward the three youths.

~🧌 I followed her in a cloud of dust. None of these four children of men could see or hear me. None of them was gifted like Kimyo.~

Himeko and Ljimekko both knew the rumors about their family's plans to marry them- to each other. Both were carefully polite when together, but neither had ever broached the subject of a possible future marriage.

Himeko stopped inches from the Kenshi heir.

Ljimekko smirked and asked softly, "Do you need something, Mistress Himeko?"

In a voice that quivered angrily, "Yes, I have something to tell you, Ljimekko. I wanted to say it to you in person. I wanted to tell you, I think you are a pig!"

Himeko spun around on her heel and returned to her former practice area. She heard Ljimekko's angry response.

Ljimekko growled, "Don't you dare turn your back on me! You two fools grab her and hold her. She is going to listen to what I have to say."

Himeko spun around gracefully. She saw the two boys rushing at her from both sides.

~🧌 I (Kami) rolled to her left side and reformed as a clump of mud. I grabbed the dog boy's toes and effectively tripped him.~

He landed heavily face-first on the ground. Himeko launched herself at Dog Boy Number Two.

Her practice knife appeared in her hand. As the second boy reached to grab her, Himeko slashed his arm deeply with her blade. The little princess flung herself into a tight tuck and rolled toward Ljimekko.

When Himeko pulled up from her move, she stood with her knife held against the throat of the astonished bully.

A loud voice thundered into the yard, "What the hell is happening here?" The martial arts Master was standing at the entrance-way.

Himeko answered her uncle breathlessly, "Nothing too important. I wanted to ask Ljimekko a question, Uncle. That is all."

The Master chuckled, "Well, hurry things up, my girl. The other boys will be here soon. Besides, young master Ljimekko seems to be a little nervous."

Ljimekko stood utterly still and was as stiff as a board. Drops of sweat could be easily seen on his broad forehead.

Himeko whispered coldly, "Do you know how they slaughter a pig, boy?" The bully carefully nodded his head no. "They slit its throat."

She emphasized her statement by pressing her blade and gently slicing a small cut on Ljimekko's throat. The little princess turned and marched, head held high, off the dojo yard.

The martial arts Master barked, "Boy, pick up those two slugs and report to the doctor's clinic. When you are finished, return here to me. You and I have a lot to talk about."

END

Questions to consider:

Do you think Ljimekko underestimates Himeko?

If yes, why?

Do you think some people confuse kindness with weakness?