Disclaimer: I don't own Love Hina or any cookies...
Blades
of Hinata
Chapter 1: Shinmei Ryu vs Hinata
Determination. That driving force which gives us the ability to do the impossible and surpass all expectation. Without determination nothing would progress and society would crumble to a standstill. Families would break with lack of effort and friends wouldn't help each other through the harsh times doubtlessly encountered within each other's lives. In short, without determination we would quickly wither and die, strewn across the hands of time with blood and ash dripping down into the inner workings and destroying all we hold dear.
Motoko Aoyama had such fierce determination she could likely rotate the planet herself. It had been a year since she was last at her home where her driving force resided. Her Sister was perhaps one of the most talented sword wielders in the history of the Shinmei Ryu and it was her Motoko strived to surpass which, to her, seemed an impossible task if not for that determination. Training day in; day out, with admirable efficiency, and yet that greater pillar on which her Sister's magnificent form stood...
Still seemed so unattainable.
(/\)
It was a blisteringly hot day in Hinata City. The residents of Hinata-Sou had decided to take a break from the regular routine after the dorm had become uncomfortably warm and stuffy. To pass the time they headed to the local park to bask in the vibrant sunlight and sweet scent of the cherry blossoms blowing in the light breeze, unmistakably more comfortable than the dorm. Due to the kind weather the park had many visitors and so it was filled with the murmur of speech and laughing of children playing casting smiles upon many of the resident's faces.
Motoko, Naru, Kaolla, Shinobu and Mitsune had found a shaded spot under one of the many brightly coloured pink trees. Laid across the short grass was a simple plaid blanket on which lay a picnic basket and an assortment of discarded drinks bottles. After stuffing themselves with the many sandwiches they all collapsed onto the ground with satisfied smiles.
"That was great Shinobu-chan, thanks!" Naru breathed, trying to not put too much strain on her stomach.
Blushing at the praise, the quiet cook barely attempted a small smile in response. The small blue haired girl had only joined the list of Hinata-Sou tenants a few weeks before present and while she found the residents kind and fun to be with, being shy was something that takes a while to overcome. Her blush only deepened as the rest of the residents gave them their compliments as well. Su's praise was shown by asking if Shinobu was an alien skilled in the arts of cooking but before the chef even had a chance to reply, Su had bounded off in some unknown direction to cause havoc as she had a habit of doing.
After another hour of talking, getting a tan and doing all the other things people usually do when the sun is high and the air is cool, the group decided to head back to the dorm to do what they did best... nothing.
"Wow, I din think we would get a good tan but damn, I look fine!" Kitsune proudly announced.
"I think we all caught the sun, Kitsune," Naru replied, starting up the many steps that led to Hinata-Sou.
Motoko had just caught up with them after stopping Su from accosting the owner of a fruit stand to give up all his bananas. Needless to say, it wasn't easy.
"I agree with Naru-senpai. I think we all cau..." Motoko's voice trailed off as she sighted the front of the old Inn turned Dormitory. All the girls stopped at the top of the steps taking in the sight before them. The person seemingly taking it the worst however was Motoko, her face paled and her hands began to shake.
The space before the front of the Inn was covered in wooden boxes of assorted sizes and different kinds of martial arts equipment. Motoko didn't fail to notice the Shinmei Ryu emblem stamped proudly on each and every item before them, a raised eyebrow all she gave away.
"What the hell is all of this?" Naru loudly exclaimed, throwing her arms in the direction of the items.
In a gust of wind towards the Inn the tenants slammed the front door open and hurried to find who had invaded their home. It didn't take long for them to find the source of the newfound disturbance as in the living room; sat bolt upright and calmly sipping tea, was a woman wearing a red Hakama and white Gi. The girls couldn't help but notice the beautiful woman's resemblance to Motoko and the only thing that would stop them from mistaking her for Motoko was the woman's different hairstyle and matured face, not to mention when she stood she towered over them. They all knew Motoko was taller than them but this woman was clearly the taller one.
"Hel..." She began, rising from her seat.
She was quickly cut off however as Naru, not noticing Motoko's wide eyes and shaking hands, stomped up to the woman, heat practically pulsing from her body.
"Who are you and what is all the stuff out front?" She rudely questioned.
With a disarming smile and gentle hand on her shoulder, Naru found herself strangely calm and began to relax in the seemingly harmless woman's presence.
"It would likely be a better idea if I explained myself over tea. I'm sure you would like me to answer your previous question and from the looks the rest of you are giving me you are curious also, hm?" With a smile that looked sickening only to Motoko she turned towards her, "Isn't that right, Motoko-han?" She calmly finished.
Feeling the resident's eyes practically burning her head with their heated gaze and not to mention the person she most feared stood right in front of her, she suddenly found herself to be quite self conscious, so her reply was barely audible.
"Yes...Aneue."
Motoko expected some form of silence as the cogs and gears in her friends heads turned but this was more uncomfortable than she could of thought possible. But as the cogs performed their final turn, understanding dawned on them.
"ANEUE!"
(/\)
After they had gathered themselves around the table in the dining room and Shinobu had made enough tea to drown an elephant, the woman found all eyes on her as she took a small sip of tea, sweet yet not too much so.
"Ah, perfect. Thank you," She praised, flustering the shy chef, "Now, as to why I'm here... no, I haven't introduced myself yet."
She stood with an elegant grace before bowing to those present with her hands folded in front of her, her traditional upbringing shining through strongly.
"I am Tsuruko Aoyama, Current Head of the Shinmei Ryu and as you heard earlier, Motoko's sister," Her voice was melodic yet powerful, mesmerising those present, "I am here as my Husband has inherited this building and I have been granted time to myself to await his arrival."
"So your saying... a man has just inherited an all girls dorm?" After seeing Tsuruko's small nod, a vein threatened to pop in Naru's head, "HOW THE HELL DID THAT HAPPEN!" She seethed, pointing at the elder woman.
The residents watched as she paced back and forth listing the many things a man in a girl's dorm could do before feeling a chill down her spine as she ticked off pervert. Everyone turned to face Tsuruko, her ever present sword brought slightly upwards in her grip.
"I understand your grievances," She began, her face still smiling yet emotionless, "But my Husband is both honourable and faithful, what makes you think he would be interested in any of you? Do not think so highly of yourselves in regards to someone you do not know," Nearing the end her tone became icy before her warm smile was set back in place. "Sorry, I become a little defensive when it comes to Kei-kun."
"I'm sorry as well, I didn't think before I spoke," Naru averted her eyes, embarrassed heat rising on her face.
"Do not worry, all is well. I am not sure about all of you but after today I feel quite tired. If you have any more questions I will gladly answer them tomorrow," Tsuruko stood and bowed, then left them, walking in the direction of the stairs.
(/\)
Tsuruko sat alone in the Managers room staring wistfully at a picture. It was of a young looking man with messy brown hair wearing small square glasses. He wore a dark blue Hakama and sleeveless white Gi with a lab coat over it, a sword just visible at his hip. He was smiling in the direction of the camera with both his thumbs up. Tsuruko couldn't help but giggle at his antics before the feeling of loneliness crept upon her like it had been doing these past few weeks, changing her usual cheeriness into a feeling of loss.
"Come back safely, Keitaro," She whispered, kissing the picture. She laid down on the futon and wrapped her arms about herself, imagining them to be his. She stared up to the ceiling reminiscing before sleep claimed her.
(/\)
Morning light shone through the wooden blinds and rested upon raven hair. Shifting slightly in her sleep, Tsuruko slowly rose and opened her eyes to the stinging light. After she could see again, she got dressed. Grabbing her sword she made her way to the roof for a morning practice. Upon spotting her sister performing kata's she knelt down and watched.
Motoko was beginning to get tired; she had performed what seemed like countless manoeuvres before slowing down and eventually openly panting with the effort. After hearing clapping she spun around to see her sister sat a few feet from her.
"Impressive. As expected of my dear Motoko-han," She smiled
"Thank you, Aneue," Motoko bowed before heading towards Tsuruko, "Were you planning on practicing yourself?"
"Yes, and now you have finished I shall begin. I trust I shall see you during breakfast?"
"Of course, Aneue," Motoko bowed again before heading downstairs.
Watching her sister leave, Tsuruko smiled. Maybe she wouldn't be as lonely as she originally thought.
Getting into a stance, she began to perform a series of complicated manoeuvres which looked like an elegant dance as her blade sliced fluidly through the air. After an hour of performing what, for her, was an everyday exercise, she headed down the stairs to see what she could get to eat.
As she entered the dining room she found an assortment of foods laid out on the table. The skill required to make them astounded the raven haired woman. Taking a seat she waited for the rest of the tenants to arrive and, one by one, they all sleepily made their way in and seated themselves around the table. After noticing the 'grab what you want' theme of this morning's breakfast, Tsuruko got food from two of the many plates and settled it upon her own.
As soon as it hit her tongue her taste buds went into shock.
Amazing.
The gentle murmur of sleepy people talking amongst themselves could be heard around the table, oblivious to the bliss that Tsuruko was feeling so much that when she had finished she let a small frown cross her face. As the residents took their leave to do what they'd normally do, Tsuruko was left sat at the table with only Mitsune remaining.
Looking over at the blonde buxom woman, she found her staring right back with an admittedly cheeky smile on her face.
"Well, to catch you he must be some guy," Mitsune remarked.
Tsuruko gave a smile of her own, "Yes, he really is something."
Marvelling at the sudden appearance of a bottle of sake, Tsuruko raised an eyebrow in silent question.
"Care for a drink?" Mitsune answered.
Nodding silently, Tsuruko followed the fox out of the room and mimicked her when she began to put on her shoes at the door, well, with her sandals anyway.
"I haven had a talk with Haruka-san in a while and I'd like it if ya joined us," Mitsune turned to the door, slid it open, and stepped into the cool morning air. The stairs that lead down to the small teashop seemed to be a portal to another dimension because as soon as they hit the bottom step the sounds of the bustling city and cars racing to their destinations just slightly beyond could be heard.
Tsuruko followed Mitsune into the snug looking teashop to find it packed with customers chatting away. The shop only had around ten wooden tables with cushions scattered around. Making their way to an empty table, the duo sat at one of the tables and not five minutes passed before the chain smoking, stone faced Urashima had joined them.
"I'm glad I hired those extra hands, more helpful than I thought they would be," She remarked, puffing out smoke, "Hey Tsuruko-san, haven't seen you since the wedding."
"I admit it has been a while, Haruka-san. I would have visited earlier but you know how the school is," Tsuruko replied, beaming.
A roll of the eyes gave Haruka's response before she spoke, "Yeah I do, it's like slave labour over there."
Mitsune was just listening to the conversation but by the way she was fidgeting and prodding at her sake bottle in sheer boredom, the two older women just waited until she asked whatever was racking her mind.
They didn't have to wait long.
"Ok, time to get some serious questionin' done. First, who is 'Kei' and how did he inherit the dorm?" She blurted, unashamedly.
Turning to give her their full attention. Haruka answered first, "Keitaro-bozu is my nephew and Hina's grandson. That's how he inherited it."
"As you know he is my husband," She paused briefly, looking at nothing with a saddened expression, "Our first anniversary is today but..." Tsuruko trailed off.
"Don't be so glum child," An unknown voice called.
After looking around they all noticed a small head making its way through the smoke hazed crowd towards them. After it had come completely into view they all smiled at the small old woman.
"Obaa-chan!" They all called.
The Old Woman just laughed before hugging them all in turn. Stepping back she looked them all up and down with a lingering look, the kind that says 'My, you've hardly changed', before finally setting her eyes on Tsuruko.
"It still amazes this old woman how my Grandson got hold of you, Tsuruko-chan," Hina cackled.
Tsuruko felt her grin widen even more, "I am lucky he did find me, although it was not easy getting him to actually speak with me, that was more difficult than my days training I would say."
"That reminds me, Tsuruko-chan. I left a little 'something' up at the dorm you may be interested in," Hina said, giving the questioning look a wink, she smirked when Tsuruko's eyes widened before she bolted out of the tea shop with Mitsune following behind, albeit slower.
When she had finally reached the dorm, she practically ripped the door off as she stormed inside. Looking around frantically she noticed the residents surrounding something in the living room. As they started to acknowledge the noise from the door, they turned around, bringing into view a large brown stuffed bear with a red bow around its neck, sat on the chair. Rushing forward like she was drawn to it like a magnet, Tsuruko grabbed the bear searching for something. The only piece of evidence she found was a tag saying 'To Tsu-chan' and with a dejected look she slumped down next to the bear.
"I didn't expect that kind of reaction," A male voice called.
Everyone looked for the source of the voice before spotting a young looking man in the doorway to the Inn. He wore a black suit with a white lab coat over it. His hair was ruffled and his kind eyes were covered by small square glasses.
After the initial shock of seeing a male on the premises, Naru's pervert reflex slowly turned on but as she was about to curse the man for being there, he uttered words that stopped her in dead her tracks.
"Happy Anniversary, Tsu-chan," He said.
Tsuruko's previous sad face was forgotten as the largest smile the girls had seen on her replaced it. Rushing forward, Tsuruko hugged the man fiercely before grasping his buttocks and kissing him passionately. After the tongue battle had finished she left him with a quick peck on his lips before turning to the girls and bringing him forward.
"Girls, this is my Husband and your new Landlord," She paused to give her Husband a bright smile, "Keitaro Urashima."
---(/\)---
A/N: Well that's that done. Keitaro x Tsuruko is my all time favourite pairing so I decided to do my own. I'm going to try my best with this particular one due to my like of the pairing so updates won't be very quick I'm afraid. I hope you enjoyed reading and also I thank you for reading.
:- Shig-san