Divide and Conquer (A Higurashi When They Cry FanFic)

Chapter 9: Book of Sorrow, Part Three

Mion sat in Keiichi's hospital room, absolutely seething. The last two days had been so demanding. She was currently staring at the source of all her anguish and frustration, who had woken up a few hours ago.

When they'd brought him to the hospital, Keiichi had asked for Mion. He had wanted to see her so bad, and wouldn't stop asking for her, so Akasaka stepped out to call her. Then, just as he left the room, Keiichi's heart stopped for two full minutes.

Thankfully, they'd restarted his heart and were able to bring him back. By the time Mion arrived, they'd started a blood transfusion and stabilized him.

When she'd seen him, Mion's heart had broken for him. His clothes were ruined, his hair was matted with gore and dirt, and his body had been burned and cut and stabbed in numerous places. She could only stand to look at him for a few seconds before she broke into tears and cried against her father's chest. She had requested that he be there personally, in case anything happened.

She was thankful for the support.

And two days later, Keiichi had made a surprisingly fast recovery. But he hadn't come out unscathed.

Keiichi looked terrible. Takano had tortured him to such terrible extents that his body was scarred in multiple places. A macabre trail of stars had been cut into his left forearm, and Keiichi had quickly taken to rubbing the injuries as a nervous tic. He also now had a long white scar over his right eye, giving him somewhat of an intimidating appearance. The doctor had also examined his leg and determined that he would never be able to walk the right way again.

Keiichi had seemed to take the news well, but at the same time Mion could tell he was dying inside. The past several days had clearly taken its toll on him, both mentally and physically.

"Alright, Keiichi." Dr. Irei said, stepping back from the bed. "Try and stand up."

Keiichi swung his legs over the side of the hospital bed and set his feet on the floor. As he did so, his face twisted in sudden discomfort.

Mion shot to her feet. "Take it easy, Keii-chan! You're going too fast." she said angrily.

He looked at her, agitated. "Sorry, Mion. Calm down. I think I've been screamed at enough for the last couple days."

His words cut at Mion, and she sat down hard.

Keiichi realized he'd hurt Mion, and he felt really bad. He hadn't meant to lash out at her. "Sorry, that was uncalled for."

"It's okay, Keii-chan." She said softly. "I wasn't thinking."

"Well, can you help me stand up? I'm feeling a little shaky in this leg." He held his hand out to her.

She smiled. "Sure." She walked over and held his hand, bracing herself so she could help him as he stood shakily to his feet.

"Ouch, ow..." He kept muttering. Mion kept uttering words of encouragement to him as he struggled to stay upright.

Finally, he said, "I think I got it, Mion. Thank you." He smiled at her, but for some reason, he wasn't letting go of her hand.

"You're welcome, Keii-chan." She smiled, blushing cutely. His hand felt so warm...

"Try taking a few steps, Keiichi." The doctor suggested.

Keiichi did as he was instructed, and Mion could see him limping slightly. His right leg was supporting his weight, but was having trouble due to the punishment it had taken. But he was managing, and that made Mion beam with pride. Keiichi really was a strong person.

"How is it?" Irei asked Keiichi when he stopped walking.

"It's not as bad as I was thinking it was gonna be." Keiichi said honestly. "I think I can handle it."