Jin’s remedy woke Ishawari. It was as if his mind were stuck in an icy web, and it brought him back to the present with a fiery sting. 

“Hmm.” Was his only registered response to the pain. It was there, and he acknowledged it, but his anger for what transpired today superseded all. 

He turned to her suddenly. “Thank you. Not just for this, but for helping me earlier. Because of you, I was able to stop that bastard.” 

Ishawari sheepishly glanced at Han, forgetting that he was still in the room. 

“I am sorry, Han. You shouldn’t have been in that situation in the first place. If only I’d handle the other three more quicker...”

His words trailed off as he thought about the four men, feeling the spirit of his halberd calling to him, yearning for their blood. Slow, deep breaths sought to cool him from his temper as a sudden realization entered his mind. He glanced at Hotaru, then stared at Jin and said: 

“We’ll have to train him. Better to be prepared, should something like this happen again...” 

The boy stared at them with his big eyes, a tinge of fear at such a prospect. Prince Hotaru was trained back in the palace, but that was just with sticks and more for play then actual use. To hold a blade and do what Jin and Ishawari do, was another thing entirely.