The Defiance Of A Pair Of Lilies

2 «Rebirth #2»

The cold sensation of what seemed to be a floor made of planks directly transferred to both my hands and knees as I breathed heavily in fatigue. I was on the ground, exhausted and unable to stand as I stared directly at the floor drenched in sweat.

"Haa..haa.." My voice wheezed every time I exhaled.

"Stand, child." A slightly hoarse and steely voice called out to me, it felt very familiar for some odd reason.

I hurriedly looked up to see who called. He looked like a stern old man, standing above me wearing what seemed to be a kendo gi and hakama while he had a kendo sword in hand. And now that I looked at myself, I noticed that I myself was wearing the same attire.

This is from the past...right?

"Stand, I say!" The old man repeated his order.

It startled me, a little, and made me jolt up to stand in response. I don't know why I felt like I was obligated to follow, since I don't even know why I'm here. I wonder, was he some sort of sensei to me back then?

The old man sighed, looking me in the eye with a disapproving glint in his gaze. He looked like he hated being with me. He then closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Looking at me again and speaking right after.

"For quite an intelligent child, you're weak. I've witnessed more than enough of your type. Whenever things don't go your way on the first try, you give up instantly and move on. And that weakness is radiating out of you. I already know what you're thinking of doing." He told me unreserved, still with the disapproving glint in his eyes.

My body immediately moved on it's own, standing up and stomping on the ground in frustration. "Why do you accuse me of that?! I'm not giving up!" I yelled out, without my own consideration. "This was just a warm-up round, nothing too important! And I already have the motivation I need to not give up at all!"

I soon found out that I was only an observer here. Since it's the past and my memories, the me right now can't interfere. This is probably just a random dream though, nothing that important.

The old man seemed to grin after past me said all that. "Oho? If you're so sure about that, then surpass me!" He swung his kendo sword at me, moving quicker than what I expected of an old man.

My past self, very aware of these situations, dodged immediately and picked up his sword. He was smiling, from excitement I guess? I don't really remember, it was already so long ago.

Then, the fight began. It was a normal duel, but it was pretty obvious that my past self was losing. It's still just the beginning for him though, so of course he's still bad at it.

But from the corner of my eye, I see someone watching from the door, hiding. I then tried to move my consciousness out of my body. Luckily, it was possible. I think I'm lucid dreaming, I don't really know. But this dream is strange. It almost looks like it isn't. I can't even change anything about it. Now enough of that and see who's actually watching.

A girl? She's awfully familiar. And she's adorable, and also very beautiful. In a way, gazing at her like this feels like second nature to me. Then after a second, it just popped into my head.

It's her!

I need to know her name! I don't know why but I need to! She's making me feel something so familiar and calming. I know she's special! If she's in the same world as I am, I need to find her as quickly as I can.

She then whispered, with a bit of a worried tone. "Grandfather, please go easy on him."

She sounded so precious. Her voice was so soft. I wanted to hear more of it. But as the desire to learn or remember more of her started to increase, the dream ended abruptly.