Free Journey Through Fire by Maya Snow

Moriyasu,” I said. “Didn’t you hear what that ninja said? How can they be allowed to escape with no consequence?”
    â€œIt is not our task to deal out consequence,” Daisuke said, turning back to the monastery. “Remember what I said. We all find our true path in time. The ninja have found theirs. It will lead them to everything they deserve. Everyone you care about is safe; that’s all that matters.”
    â€œThis is not the first time I have fought with ninja,” I confessed. “They have taken a good friend of mine. Coming out of the river and kidnapping him from our boat.”
    Daisuke looked surprised. “Kidnapped? I have only heard of ninja killing, not kidnapping—andthen to leave you alive? How did you escape?”
    I thought about it. “They were only interested in our friend…Tatsuya.”
    Daisuke frowned. “I will see what I can find out about these ninja who keep coming after those close to you.”
    As we walked back up the hill to the monastery, Daisuke smiled. “My master will reprimand me for jumping the walls of the monastery. I think it is unprecedented.”
    The monks held open the doors for us, and as we approached, Daisuke held a square of blue silk between his fingers.
    â€œThis belongs to you,” he said, dropping it into my hand.
    â€œI’d forgotten,” I murmured, as I gazed down at the silk. “I almost felt normal again.”
    â€œI don’t think I’ve ever met a girl less normal,” said Daisuke, his voice warm with teasing. But when I looked up at him, his gaze was earnest.
    Together, we walked through the monastery doors. The waiting monks bowed their heads low in respect.
    â€œYou have been very brave tonight,” one of them commented to me.
    â€œIt is time to rest,” Daisuke said. “You should go to your room.” I turned to the cool walkways of themonastery. All was quiet and undisturbed inside. I hesitated and looked back. “You won’t tell Mother about tonight, will you?” I said, pulling a blade of grass from my trousers. “She wouldn’t like me chasing after ninja.”
    Daisuke nodded. “Don’t worry, Kimi. Your secret is safe with me. If anyone asks, I’ll tell them you’re a terrible fighter.” I opened my mouth to protest, but then realized I was being teased again.
    â€œGood night, Daisuke,” I said.
    â€œGood night, Kimi,” he called after me.

CHAPTER NINE
    I n Hana’s room, Mother and Moriyasu were preparing to retire into beds they had set up on the floor beside Hana.
    â€œDid you see all the lights come on in the monastery?” Mother asked me. “What was going on?”
    I looked at my innocent little brother and wanted to hold him tight. But I just shook my head. “I don’t know. A lot of the monks had been meditating. Perhaps they were retiring to their rooms.”
    Mother nodded and lay down in bed. Moriyasu ran over to join our mother and she held the cover open for him as he scrambled to warm his limbs against hers.
    â€œYou should get some sleep, Kimi,” Mother said as she rested her head against the pillow. Her eyes were already closing.
    â€œI will,” I whispered. But I had never felt more awake. I went around the room, pinching the flames out from the candles.
    As Moriyasu snored softly, I stepped over him and Mother, curled up on the floor. I sat on the edge of Hana’s bed and took her hand. Moonlight drew a silver line down Hana’s profile. I leaned forward to peer at her face and saw a trickle of moisture on the faded bloom of her cheek. A tear? I reached out a hand and wiped it away.
    â€œHana,” I whispered. “Have you been crying? Are you awake?” But there was nothing. I sat down at the foot of her bed and watched. For long moments, I did not move and my eyes remained fixed on my sister’s face. Is she remembering the fire? I