July 1, 1998. Katori Dojo, London. 10pm. If one were to even look, they might see a shadow flit around the floor of the dojo in the dark. If one were to look, it would be hard to determine what the shadow was, or even what it was doing, if they could even see it. If one were to be inside the dojo, all they would here is silence. As if the whole building was asleep…except for the shadow occasionally making an appearance. Evan was going through the various katas, as was his practice these last few years. It had been nearly a year (next week) since he lost his magic and his eyesight.
FLASHBACK July 31, 1997, Royal Hospital, Chelsea. Ever since the ritual, Evan's condition deteriorated. Soon after the battle, he found he couldn't evoke Kuji Kiri. Then his sense of Haragei went; he started bumping into things and people more often; and, more recently he panicked more often. Hermione brought him in to the Royal Hospital as he was technically still a soldier (on medical leave). The doctors performed CT and MRI scans of his head, but found no abnormalities. In fact, they could find nothing physiologically wrong that would explain his blindness or deteriorating balance. This just reinforced his belief that the gods of magic took both his magic and sight as the sacrifice they demanded. While Evan was at the hospital for the tests, Hermione made a phone call.
"Dojo Katori" she heard. "Sensei Linnear?" she asked. "Yes. Who is this?" "It's Hermione Granger." "Hermione! Good to hear from you. How are you? How is Evan?" Sensei asked. "I am well; Evan, however is in hospital. Sensei, he really needs you! Can you come to the Royal Hospital, today?" she asked. "Yes. Yes, of course," he replied. Two hours later, Sensei arrived in Evan's "room"; well, it was where his bed was, at least.
"Hermione, Evan! It's good to see you again!" "Sensei? How are you? What are you doing here?" Evan asked. "I called him, Evan" Hermione piped in. "I thought Sensei might be able to help" she added. Evan turned toward Hermione's voice and tilted his head a moment. "Then he nodded his head once. "Thank you, Hermione. So, Sensei, how are things at the dojo?" "Everything is well, Evan. You have been missed." He replied. They caught up for about half and hour after which Sensei suggested Evan to come by the dojo. "Sensei, I can barely walk down the sidewalk without bumping into people or tripping! I don't know what I would do at the dojo." He said stoically. "Evan. Look at me" Sensei directed. Evan turned his head toward Sensei, "and see what?" he commented. "How did you know where I was?" Sensei asked. "Your voice, of course" replied Evan. "Yes – you still have the sense of hearing. Evan, take a deep breath – tell me what you smell?" Sensei directed. Evan did as directed. "Antiseptic, chlorine, Hermione's perfume," he replied. "Evan. Scientists say we have five senses. As you well know, some of us have more. Your loss of sight – your body and mind compensates. It makes your other senses more….acute. You just have to….get back in touch with them and regain your confidence in them. Come to the dojo. Train with me." Sensei said. "In the meantime, Hermione tells me the military will provide you with training to read Brail, and a seeing-eye-dog. Reading Brail would be a good skill to have, as would having a trusty dog companion." "I have a trusty companion.." "Not Hermione, Evan…." "No, not Hermione. Hedwig." Evan replied.
It took a few days before Evan got up enough courage to go to the dojo. (He did visit the Wounded Veterans Assistance office in the meantime, to set up an appointment.) Sensei started him off with some kata. Doing the repetitive movements and stances was very meditative, but required much more concentration. Having no sight made him more aware of his movement and balance. After a few weeks, he started to regain his balance, performing the kata with focus and sharpness. Soon after, he began working with a partner on strikes and blocks. This was where he began running into difficulties again. He just couldn't seem to know where the punch was coming from. Dobby provided the solution.
Dobby popped into his room in the trunk while Evan was sleeping. A moment later, "smack" – Evan jumped up, practically parallel with the bed, yelling "OW!". A second "smack" was heard as Evan was falling back down onto his bed. Then another "smack", and another. "Master Birdy forgot his tennis balls" he heard Dobby say. He also faintly heard what sounded like a snicker. "All right, Dobby! All right! Give me a moment!" Evan replied. "Master Birdy once told me attackers don't give moments" Dobby said as another "smack" was heard. After about 10 minutes, Evan, now full of red round bruises, was blocking a few of the tennis balls. Dobby stopped throwing the tennis balls when Evan began blocking more balls than not. "Thanks, Dobby." Evan said softly. "Master Birdy forgets he has many friends." Dobby replied. A bark of agreement came from the corner, where Hedwig sat on her perch.
July 31, 1998. It had been a year of hard work and training. When he hadn't been studying to read Braile, he was practicing his martial arts. (Dobby continued to be one of his trainers.) He had confidence in his kata and fighting skills now; he could even call up Haragei and the first two Kuji-kiri. The rest….he was still working on.
Today was his real birthday. The Goblins sent a request he visit the bank. Hermione was going to accompany them. She was to meet him in just a few minutes.
....
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