Sousha, Udon, a Bird and a Night’s Sleep

In the corner of the small and crowded stopover house rested the large form of the Lion samurai, Kibagami Kuno. Minutes ago, Togashi Udon had healed some of Kuno’s wounds he received during a fight with some unusual Unicorn bushi. Now was time for him to rest. By morning, Kuno would be fully healed. Next to him, his companions, Sousha and Udon traded small talk before Udon prepared to heal Sousha from his injuries caused by a pair of falcons that had chased him for days. Unfortunately, the day’s rigors caught up to the monk. Udon wiped his eyes.

“I am sorry, but I will have to heal you tomorrow, Sousha-san.” Udon said with a sigh. “I am tired. After some rest, I will be better able to heal you.”

Through bloodshot eyes, Sousha replied, “I'm not really injured. I'm a little sore and scabbed since you healed me last, Udon. I’m just fucking tired. Do you know any sleep prayers?”

“No, I don’t, Sousha-san.” Udon reached behind him. “Here,” he said producing his small Bodhai tree sapling. “Perhaps this will help you sleep. It helps me meditate.”

Sousha gave the monk a questioning look and said, “Thank you?” With a shake of his head, he laid down to sleep.

Udon placed the sapling next to Sousha’s head and rolled over to go to sleep. Minutes later a growl came from Sousha. “Baka! I think you jinxed me!” Sousha grunted as he sat up against the wall.

“Maybe you shouldn’t have killed that bird, Sousha.” Said Udon softly. “Perhaps karma is catching up with you.”

“Feh!” snorted Sousha. He slowly reached for his katana and said in a raspy voice. “Don’t worry monk. I’ll watch you as you sleep and make sure nothing bad happens to you.”

“No worries, here, Sparrow. I am not a bird, so you are no danger to me.”

A faint ring hung in the air as Sousha drew his katana. A silent shadow crept over the wall towards Udon. The rain had ended and the night was still, except for the sound of Sousha sharpening his katana.