DOJOLAND (Elementary)

Chapter 11 - how love manifests within families

Chapter 11 - how love manifests within families

It was the last summer break before moving up to Middle school.

Hei yawned and stretched. He found himself on the ground.

'Must have fallen off the bed again...', he thought.

His father had smiled at him and tussled his hair and told him he was growing tall very fast these last few weeks. He suggested practicing kick and punch accuracy as his body would change so much that he just might miss attacks and parries.

Not long ago, Hei's father had heard through the grapevine that it was common for other elementary school students with bad reputations to spar rather intensely with Hei and, although he was a bit surprised to hear Hei had never lost, he paternally recommended to never go all out as using the same strength they used to hunt every day could be a little rough on their opponents. He lectured him as well about "keeping limits hidden so they serve as final weapons" and that, even when he was 100% of winning, he should always keep in mind a way to escape in case of emergencies. He talked to his son about his responsibilities as someone who got into fights, rmostly what to do after one.

"... and finally, I guess you should keep the ones you love safe", Hei's father began his wrap up.

Hei considered this for a while. "I guess I shouldn't worry too much about that last part, then. I love you and mom and you can always protect mom from anyone, right?"

"Hah, yes, but what about Monky?", Hei's father asked, bemusedly.

"Monky's tough as a nail! also, Mr. Monk can heal him using his holy arts!", Hei explained excitedly.

"Holy arts?"

"Monky says Mr. Monk carries a little effigy to pray to when his life is in danger and that it's saved his life before!"

"Is that so? well, that's that then. But what if you get a girlfriend?", His father teased.

"Me? oh...", Hei looked puzzled. "I think I'm still too young for that, and I don't think girls like guys who fight so much, I mean, they seriously hate Monky"

Aogami gave Hei a crooked smile and adjusted his glasses. "well, I'm not sure about that. Big time fighters tend to attract girls who like strong men, specially in this city, you know?", he said while thinking 'whoa... you're so naive it's a little worrying, son'.

Hei averted his eyes, his face a bit pink at the cheeks. "B-but i'm just twelve..."

Aogami was going to continue teasing his son when he noticed his wife nearly stumbling into the room and leaning on the door frame. Worried, he strode to her and held her other hand.

"I'm fine... really", Ai replied before being asked anything.

Heedless, Aogami put the back of his hand against her forehead and found it cool. He looked into her eyes and saw little spirals. She was ... dizzy? in the morning?....

...

!!!

A few minutes later, Hei caught up with his father's leaps as he carried his mother to the nearest clinic.

Not long after, the doctor confirmed Aogami's guess.

Still carrying Ai in his hands, his immense, glowing grin blinded several pedestrian on their way home.

"Rejoice, son, for the Marui Household is about to grow larger!", he announced on the way.

Hei was at first shocked, then pounded his palm. "ah, because I didn't spend so much time at home this year, you spent more time with mom and you..."