Hey everyone and welcome to part II of "The Cat and the Onigiri Story!" If you haven't read part I yet, then go to my profile and you'll find it; But it's long so it might take you some time, but I'm sure you'll like it. I'm just simply bored because right now I'm at the air port simply thinking of something to start the story all over again like I normally do when I'm at home…or somewhere right? San Francisco…I thought it would be cold or something like that, but the temperature is just right. People keep walking pass me looking at me like I'm a freak or something, and I think they are saying some rude things about me, saying that how a kid like me has a laptop. Well that's their own damn fault because I deserved this laptop am I right? (…of course I'm right). Right now its 9:07 and my flight is at 10:00, so that gives me at least enough time to write about 6 pages or something if I don't get distracted by others. Just peering up and watching people passing by gives me the creeps for some reason and that might catch my attention. But still…having a laptop makes me look all businessy (I just made that word up…) and that stuff. Makes me feel good LMAO. Now I'm just acting like a freak like I normally do, so I'll just get on with the story. Oh but I better start answering everyone's review from the last chapter of part I!
Black Dragon of Darkness: Thank you very much for saying that! I really love it when people say that my story is the best in the world, but I know that's not true. Harry Potter is good you know and other stories as well, but I'm trying to be a novelist! I don't know; maybe I'll be one of them soon! I hope so!
Vanni: Ha ha. My story kicking butt. Well throughout the story there's going to be more of kicking butt you know.
Half-demon628: The journey was pretty much okay. A huge roller coaster that took place there…but it's a really nice place to stay at. A lot of greens and those crap…better then here except for bugs. Anyway, it seems there's a new war happening…dum dum!
Assassin Queen: At first I didn't tend to make long chapters, but they just keep coming no matter what I do. But I'm glad you like them! It's kind of strange that this has a great plot since I thought of this while going to the dentist…ha ha. Thanks for the review!
HardcoreKyoruFan: Maybe, maybe, maybe and maybe. I can't answer them you know.
Kcscooter: Sorry…but…cries Kyo isn't going to be in this chapter. SORRY SORRY SORRY! I was trying to, but I couldn't fit him in here! I love my bracelet so much…grins evilly. Just like I said earlier, the trip was a roller coasterHa ha.
Aya Hinata: I'm glad you like the vision! Took me a little while to think about the vision you know…didn't know how to use it throughout the story, but I think I got it. Yes yes…keep the spoilers to yourself young one. I know I know! But still, it's my kyo wristband! And no problem; your story really caught my interest so why not mention it?
AnimeFreaks13: Good to see you again Reb and Lana. Don't pass out yet! The fun has just begun…
Tohruismyoneechan: Trust me I miss Kyo too, but I have to think on where to put him to make the story flow. I'm trying not to get a writers block because if I do, trust me; I'll get mad myself.
Jinni-chan: Falling in love with my story over and over again…I like that ha ha. Thank you very much for a review!
AmayaSaria: I just hope you find this story! But if you did, then you are probably reading this by now…so…yeah…(I know I'm weird XD).
Inuyashangel: Ha ha. Much better! You are going to have to continue reading if you want to know more about the yellow and pink bracelet!
Merodi-chan: Hm…I wonder what 'Sugoi' means? But still, the story has only begun you know. Ha ha. I know you can write! Soon you are going to be much better then me I can tell you! That's how life goes you know? Just keep trying!
4everINdarkness: Hell yeah Kyo rocks! I'm so glad that shirt exist…it's P.E.R.F.E.C.T! Yuki and Tohru…it isn't what I imagine. I love romance/fantasy stories, but it makes me really happy that even though you aren't a huge fan of it that you really really like it!
Emerald-Mistress: I always accept opinions from reviewers; especially yours! I'm always happy when people tell me that they like my story!
Aria's Star: Really? Those songs are really nice if you listen to them. I recommend a lot of songs actually…if you have AIM I can send it to you if you want. Who ever knew how much music can bring scenes to life? No wonder why there's always music in movies ha ha. GO AFTER THEM TOHRU! GO GO GO BAKA! Ha ha! But still…calling her baka…better watch out for Kyo.
Grounded from computer: By your sn...it sounds like you are actually grounded from computer. Is that why you had to make your review quick? But still I like that you had time to review me; that really makes me pleased! Just don't get grounded too often!
RoCkS: I love intense an suspense…it somehow changes the story to make it much better! Or it's the feeling it leaves people…hm…maybe I should put more in it…
Turdle: Thanks a lot for the review! Don't have that much to say…so sad…but I'll think of something in the next chapter!
Frostychan12: You do not like Georgia? When I went there, it was absolutely beautiful. Much better then California. I checked out Zero-kun, the person you spoke about, and I'm having a feeling of checking out her stories. But I had to leave to Georgia right after that ha ha. Thanks for the review!
Okay…that's everyone I think. I'm just glad people from part I are still here to read the story and that makes me really happy, so once again. Thank you all very very much! Or Arigato! Something like that…right?
Chapter 1 "Relevance"
"Ghanjan-kun!" cried out a average size teenage girl, clasping her hands together and spinning around, taking mini hops to stop herself from her over excitement of running. Finally putting herself to a stop, she stood on the tip of her toes and waved her hand quite hastily, having a huge smile on her face like a little kid would have when discovering something exciting.
Her blue eyes took joy when a boy who also seemed around his teens—only he appeared a year or two older—finally catching up with the hyper girl as she then waited patiently…or at least she tried to. With a grin he managed to hide his exhausted self and followed behind.
Another giggle and she was already off on her own adventure. The boy who she called Ghanjan made a harsh sigh, not knowing how she was able to have so much energy for a youngster such as herself, not to mention a princess. He took the time to look behind himself to make sure that he wasn't the only one having a difficult time, and behind him was a rather tall girl who supported herself with another girl simply standing next to her; no expression on her face. The one who seemed she would collapse in seconds rolled her hazel eyes while flinging back her dirty blond hair. A black haired girl that supported her merely waited with her usual halfway open eyes with long wavy black hair tied into a braid.
The young woman spun around once again, her hair following her command as she then made a light smile. Controlling her frenzied self she scurried over to the two of them; Ghanjan standing in the same place as he kept his eye on the princess.
"Uo-chan you can't be tired, can you?" questioned the girl. "Oh, I'm so sorry! I should have waited and given you time to rest! But instead I cared only for myself and I pushed you to wasting your energy! I'm so sorry!"
"Heh…you think that…that I'm tired?" queried Uotani, only it seemed to take her a long time to actually pull herself together and stand up straight. "I still have enough energy to beat up Ghan-kun any day!"
"You wouldn't want to do that!" gasped Tohru suddenly.
"Tohru-kun I'm just joking," half joked Uotani, giving a light pat on the back to her friend. She was half serious after all. "Come on, I'm not going to waste my break talking about Ghan-kun all day."
Ghanjan merely grinned at the three girls. Both of them were just so strange…in their own way that is. He never really thought of the reason how he came to be friends with the three of them, let alone he was the only boy in the group. But becoming friends…the thought about it didn't seem quite true it. Uotani was his partner for gardening, so that was an exception. And mostly that's where he found himself hanging around with Hanajima; one of the main chef's of the castle. And the princess of the castle; Tohru Honda.
Both the three paused their conversation as they took notice in Ghanjan, merely standing where he was and waiting for them to come over. But still, with Tohru smiling like she normally did, he wasn't as thankful for it as he wanted it to be. Of course he was content with Tohru running around the place like a mouse, but it was just so unexpected. And no matter what, whenever he had the perfect chance to ask her questions about the night before, she seemed to never hear. Or sometimes she would reply, saying, "Could we talk about that later?"
Earlier
Ghanjan remained by Uotani's side as the shaking of her hand started to slow down, seeing that the pain was starting to dwell away. He was a bit surprised on the incident that just took place. Surrounding the room Uotani wanted to barge into was a green barrier that continued to create its wavy image. But it was Hanajima who clearly stated what the sight actually was. He didn't suspect anything like this to happen, knowing it was Tohru inside the room, the person he truly cared for and the one who he had full trust into.
Princess Tohru Honda was in that room, and so was he himself only a while ago before Tohru—trying as best as she could—kindly asked him to leave so she could get some rest. But with the barrier around the door, he could surely tell that that wasn't the reason for his departure. Depression took control over her and this caused him, Hanajima and Uotani to do the only thing and become worry…in their own way to put it clearly.
"You should have just leaved her alone like I told you to," said Ghanjan. "She directly told me she would like to sleep."
"You believe that?" questioned Uotani in a somewhat irritated voice, but she then calmed herself down with a sigh. "Look at me. I was about to speak something rude about Tohru-kun…our Tohru-kun. But it's not my fault! She's making me worry!"
"She's making us all fret Uotani," said Hanajima. "Because she's Tohru-kun, so it isn't our fault. Are you still hungry Uotani?"
"Nah," she replied. "I was just trying to make a diversion that's all."
All was quiet in the room now that everything was finally made clear. Uotani stood in the middle of the hallway, merely looking around the place and sometimes peering down to look at her hand, wondering if any recovery took place. Hanajima still watched the barrier as though it were more interesting then wallpaper like any other metaphor. (Or is it a simile?). And Ghanjan who leaned against the wall with his lifeless hands buried in his pockets, looking down at his shoes.
"This whole thing is a mess," thought Ghanjan. "All of us are losing our usual selves. Just thinking about it gives me some kind of sign that none of us will go back to normal…"
Finishing that thought, he started to hear the creaking sound that came from the door. Hanajima, stepping out of the way as he noticed a quick smile on her face, was the princess who opened the door all the way up. He raised his head as well while both he and Uotani remained 'shock.' Making a big smile at all of them, she then put on her usual curious face that would just catch everyone's attention. Ghanjan noticed the barrier around the door vanish when her appearance was recognizable.
"I think I had plenty of rest!" announced Tohru ever so happily. "Were you three waiting for me the whole time?"
No answer came from both the gardeners, but she didn't show any expression of impatience. A hand moved over to her shoulder and looking up was the black haired girl with a warm smile.
"Yes…" she replied.
"Oh, you shouldn't have!" cried out Tohru devastated. "You didn't have to wait for me to wake up! I could have slept for hours and if that happened I know I would have never forgiven myself! What if one of you three got in trouble because you weren't working?"
"Don't worry 'bout that stuff," said Uotani. "We have the day off surprisingly. Not really…"
"Really!" gasped Tohru, clutching her hands together. "That's wonderful! I know! We should hang out in the maze like we normally do! It's a warm sunny day and we shouldn't waste it by staying in here!"
"That's the spirit!" encouraged Uotani with a somewhat harsh pat on the back for Tohru, and this made her stumble a bit. "Let's ditch this place and go outside!"
Both the two of them marched rather joyfully down the stairs; arms swinging back and forth as though they were in some kind of marching band. Ghanjan and Hanajima…both followed behind, but very slowly only because they were scared by the strange behaviors both the girls had left upon. Well…that was Ghanjan's reason. Hanajima, there was no telling what her emotions were. If only he could have waves like her…scratch that. He wouldn't want that nor did he ever…
"So it seems our precious Tohru is fine…" said Hanajima quite truthfully, but that was only to start a conversation.
"Outside," said Ghanjan. "She's fine outside. But it was only half an hour ago that she started to cry right in front of me. Why would she suddenly come out and act as though nothing had ever happen?"
"She's Tohru-kun," said Hanajima. "Just like I told you…Tohru-kun is Tohru-kun. She doesn't want anyone to worry about her in person. Don't try to ruin her act…she's doing the best she can."
"I wasn't planning to," mumbled Ghanjan. Still, it was strange of Tohru's actions. Crying a moment ago and now a face that shined like the sun for she sure did bright up the room.
Now
"I just don't understand," thought Ghanjan. "How can she easily change her emotions so quickly without any sign of regrets? It's almost abnormal…then yet again; I'm speaking poorly of the princess, which I shouldn't do. But I think she's trying her best to make everything in life seem…tranquil then what others think."
"Come on Ghan your acting like a loner again!" said Uotani. "Or is it because you are the only boy and you rather hang out with boys?"
"Ghanjan-kun you don't feel that way do you?" questioned Tohru. "I mean, uh, if that's how you feel, then you should hang out with boys! Don't let us keep you here! But still, it's fun with you hanging around with us! But that's my selfishness…that is, um…-"
"Tohru, calm down," spoke Uotani as though she were a mother. She swung her arms over Tohru's shoulder and Ghanjan's shoulder and leaned against them, looking back and forth between them. "He knows I was just making fun of him like I normally do. Right Ghan?"
"…Yeah," he replied with a grin. So what if he was the only guy hanging around with these three? Especially the princess…knowing the men in the castle, he knew some who had secret crushes on the princess because of her kindness and generosity. And of course her endearing looks that make her look so innocent; which she is. Some warriors who had crushes on her would try and cooperate with her father as much as possible, trying to be the best at everything; being the perfect man to attract his interest. Servants; they had no chance, for they knew a servant couldn't be with a princess as high ranking as her. Besides, Yishanu wouldn't allow it whatsoever. But just having at least a minute to speak with her; they would feel deeply thrilled.
And beyond that, Ghanjan may have a little secret on why he would also spend time with the three of them. First reason was, of course, those three were the only ones who accepted him still even after his blood and his body (which is sometimes rare to find) was gathered up from battle when he was killed, regenerated and brought his body back to life…only he wasn't the same person like all others. But seeing that others would ignore him because of his new life, the princess, Uotani and Hanajima treated him like a regular person in the castle.
The second reason was because of his crush against the princess. He couldn't help it nor can some other warriors and servants. Her smile and openhandedness and thoughtfulness; the nature around her and her wonderful appearance, who could blame him? She was mostly a girl any guy would want to have…well, in his opinion that is. She was always so innocent and never once has she tried to hurt someone; physically or mentally. (However physically would be kind of creepy…). And he was honored that a girl such as her existed, for if she didn't…he would have been lost in his own world; isolated, misplaced, shutting his eyes off from everyone; those kinds of things.
And the third reason…Ghanjan would always regret it, but it was also something else that he could never help...and sometimes it was fun. Jealousy. But it's not he himself who was jealous. Oh no. It was actually the servants and warriors who formed a crush on her. They all know that Ghanjan and Princess Tohru are very much close friends and are always found hanging around with each other. And whenever he had a chance, he would always brag about how lucky he is to have a friend like Tohru. Sure; some of the servants and warriors would walk up to her and have a little conversation, but that's where Hanajima comes in.
Hanajima would always have some kind of way to scare them off, for she always informed Tohru that they had "strange" waves coming from them; ones that she wasn't comfortable with at all. So…that's where the jealousy comes back in. Why was Ghanjan an exception that he could hang out with the princess and not them? He was the one who was brought back to life as a servant, so he has no right to spend time with someone as high ranking as her! So mostly…the reason why he doesn't hang around with the boys is because they just don't like the new him…and neither did he himself.
"If we don't get going I'm going to blame you for not getting the day off I deserve!" snapped Uotani, bringing Ghanjan back to reality (Oops, there goes gravity! LMAO. Some of you might understand that…if you know Eminem that is…HE'S retiring!)
He merely grinned and stood besides Hanajima and Tohru, walking through the maze for after living here for so long, they can walk through the maze like a simple trail that would never end. But that's what made everything seem peaceful; a never ending trail so the four of them could stay together for as long as they lived.
Zodiac Castle
Standing at the front of the door stood a tall figure that stood out from all the others that merely walked by him as though he were another one of them, though he stood in great importance. Straightening up his folded white collar and slightly cracking the side of his neck, he looked both ways with a stern expression and noticed only a few people watching him. Realizing this, the spies made a whimpering sound and scattered off.
Not bothering to follow the spies—thinking…no, knowing it wasn't important at all—he grabbed the handle of the door and pushed it open, taking a step inside the wooded floor office. It was only about twenty minutes ago that someone informed him that Lord Akito had asked for his appearance as soon as possible. He, Hatori Sohma himself, was also a doctor at the Zodiac Castle, so with his busy schedule it took him a bit of a while to finally clear his to-do list.
But other people in the castle were quite uncomfortable with Hatori and all of his profession. A dragon leader let alone the first Zodiac who was able to transform into an actual dragon. Also a doctor at Zodiac Castle and a very clever one to be added. He was the third acquaintance to his Lord Akito and he was mostly in charge of paper work that seemed to be piling and piling continuously. People knew he had a specialty with organization and preparations, but it was too much for one man to handle. But facing Hatori and telling him about it, they figured it was none of their business.
Shutting the door behind him he looked at the person who sat in front of his desk; nothing on the small table except his two folded hands. Standing behind him was a teen with short light brownish hair and green eyes with, surprisingly, yellow pupils. Hatori already knew this was Lord Akito's son, for his appearance was much more unique then a regular Zodiac. And talking to him; that was the farthest idea from his mind because he, the dragon leader who once trained him as a child, had known that he would never speak a single word to anyone.
"Good afternoon Hatori," greeted Akito with a small grin. He looked at his clock that was only a few feet away from Ghanjan that stayed put on the wall. Turning his head back at the guest, he created a curious eye. "You appear to be tardy, am I mistaken?"
"No, Lord Akito," he replied. "I was busy with a patient who couldn't quite get himself together. Please forgive me for not coming straight away."
"Yes…I presume you should apologize for your dealings," sighed Akito as he then clung is fingers together, stretching them in front of him. "With the patients coming and going, it's as though this whole castle is inflicted with some kind of syndrome. Or is it because we are just so pathetic? Filthy Zodiacs…"
Hatori didn't bother to reply anything to what Akito had just commented. He being leader scared many Zodiacs because he would always say whatever was on his mind. He didn't have the slightest feeling of lament for his actions or comments. Everyone knew his words were law, so whatever he said, they knew it was accurate. At least they were ordered to believe that. Hatori…he pretended to. But he kept the disagreements to himself.
"Is there anything I can give you for assistance?" questioned Hatori. Of course, he was a person who wanted to complete his orders as soon as possible before falling behind; that's where organization came in for him.
"It's as though you read my mind," he said as he vaguely turned to look up at his son. Hatori's eyes follow to the boy as well, seeing him merely standing in the same position with his arms behind his back and almost leaning against the wall; not very proper.
"Jekou, where are your manners?" snapped Akito, not receiving the impression he was expecting. "Don't go backfiring our blood line because you are tired."
"…S'ry," he muttered and this time he pushed himself off the wall, now standing straight. But Hatori noticed he was leaning more pressure on one foot then the other.
"So the Zodiacs who came back here last night never slept yet," thought Hatori, seeing a bit of baggy eyes from the "king-to-be." "Disappointing that Lord Akito isn't giving them time to rest. We're going to be leaving soon after all."
"Now, back to me," said Akito who forced Hatori to direct his vision at him. "You, out of a few people here, already know we're going to head out in a little while. I was recently given reports by the horse leader that she detected Jekou out on the battle pasture during the combat using the snake and horse army. I already know that it was his first time out in a skirmish, but he managed to come back breathing with no wounds."
It was only a simple glance, but when the dragon took his eyes off Lord Akito since the subject was indeed about Jekou, he noticed the boy flinch for a moment. Was it because the topic was about him? Or that he knew he was in a dilemma because he was found in battle when he certainly wasn't allowed to? For if he were to become injured or happen to be killed, Zodiac Castle would have been up in chaos, for everyone would soon discover Akito…
"So, seeing that this has somehow caught my attention," Akito continued. "I would like you to give him special and of course, clandestine training for the remainder of the time before we depart. All of your other duties; don't bother with them until my request is over and done with."
"Lord Akito, there are still patients that need quick medical," he replied.
"The hell with them," the Lord snapped. "That's the reason why we have others to take care of all that. They don't need you to cease everything, because if they do, then surely they aren't compatible with the job."
"…I understand," said Hatori, though Akito caught him taking a moment to decide, but since Lord Hatori had replied yes, there's no need to trouble him. Hatori looked back up at Jekou who was staring at him, but quickly he looked back down. "But, if I may ask a question that is."
"…Go ahead," said Akito lazily, pretending that it wasn't something significant.
"How much of a dispute does your son need?" he asked. "I require information of his skills and what level I may precede him in."
"…You're the dragon leader," assumed Akito. "He's my son; you decide. But I want you to make him as well-built as possible. Dealing with weapons, martial arts, transforming; everything you are eligible of doing. But still…if you really need information about him…then there is one thing I can tell you."
He merely looked up at his son and grinned, glaring at the eyes of the dragon Zodiac before momentarily seeing that Hatori was waiting for him to finish what he needed to be said.
"Make him into a dragon," he ordered. "And that's not a request Hatori."
"I cannot guarantee that, Lord," said Hatori as he noticed Akito showing interest; however the awareness didn't seem a pleasant sight to see. "I'm not saying your son doesn't have the strength to become an actual dragon. It's-."
"Of course he doesn't have the strength to become an actual dragon," Akito interrupted as he started to laugh. "He's a weakling for all I can say! Dare I speak; he can't even converse a word even if he wanted to! If he has my blood and Zeknui's, of course he will be able to. That's all he needs; my and Zeknui's blood."
"I…I can understand that Lord," said Hatori. "But it depends on how much strength he can earn. Your blood will surely help him, but I also have to give him potency so he can control his dragon form."
"Then work him day and night if you have to," ordered Akito as his face became severe. "I don't care if he pleads to rest; do not agree. I don't care if his knees meet the ground; pull him back up onto his own two feet. I want him to become a dragon and remain a dragon, unlike Zeknui…damn woman."
"If I may ask, where has Lady Zeknui gone to?" questioned Hatori.
"She was so lifeless she's staying in her room to rest," he replied. "I had to give Hoto an extra antidote so that Zeknui was able to have energy to escape the castle. Having some of her extra injected blood here, I was able to mix it with my other remains I have left and gave it to Kata while she mixed it with the atmosphere last night that was only made for Zodiacs."
"Would you like me to take her to the consulting room?" questioned Hatori.
"She'll heal up eventually," said Akito. "If she was able to transform into a dragon, then she has all the power one could ever have. This is enough for today Hatori. I command that you now start training Jekou."
"I…yes Lord," answered Hatori as he made a steady bow. Without any authority, Jekou made a quick bow to his father and walked pass his desk, heading to the door with Hatori following behind. But before even closing the door, he heard Akito standing up from his chair.
"Remember what I told you," he said. "Don't treat him like a little kid. He's big enough to understand what pain is."
Another nod came from the dragon leader as he closed the door, seeing Jekou watching his every move. But once Lord Akito's door shut, Hatori heard Jekou sigh and lean against the wall, having an expression that looked relieved and tranquil.
"God," he spoke. "I was certain that with another word I was going to attack him." He then looked up at Hatori with a smirk. "I wanted to laugh because you were trying so hard not to make him angry."
"…He's speaking," thought Hatori, who—though he barely showed that expression—seemed surprised. "I have never once heard him spoke an actual sentence until just now. More importantly he's speaking rudely of his father."
"About the training…" said Jekou as he looked down. "I might disagree with some orders you might command me, but just keep trying. I really do want to be an actual dragon. Something to make myself be noticed, that's all."
"…I think by you talking, you'll catch everyone's attention," said Hatori as he heard Jekou chuckle.
"I just figured that…keeping myself silent wasn't going to do anything," said Jekou. "I just wanted to finish whatever I had to do without any hassle. But I guess going to Mortal Castle made things easier for me."
"Mortal Castle," thought Hatori taking his eyes off of his new student. "Many strange things have happened related to Mortal Castle. But what could that place done?"
Outside
Scattered Zodiacs; some transformed and some who remained in their human form, walked the paths outside where tiny white pebbles distribute among the place. Growing bonsai's and foxtail's with cherry blossoms that weren't quite blossomed yet. A few ponds were planted down onto the ground with mini bridges hovering over them and lily pads that floated around. The grass was a lavish sight that it would appear it would be watered twice a day.
Standing away from all the Zodiacs who weren't important at the moment was a teen that stood in a well-mannered position. His arms were folded, but he didn't show an attitude that others didn't like with his feet to some extent spread from each other. Using his stunning purplish-blue eyes he watched his kind merely fighting with one another; only their punches and kicks weren't as powerful as they were suppose to be, but that was his order. Looking beyond his grayish bangs that got in his way, he noticed two clashes against each other that sent one to the ground. But immediately the one standing up offered his hand and helped the other back onto his own feet.
"They're still the same," thought Yuki, but instantaneously he sighed as a sweatdrop fell from his head. "I can't believe nii-san took my place…but even him, I expected him to teach them at least something…but still; I was the one who got myself confined, so I suppose this is a chastisement."
"Lord Yuki Lord Yuki!" shouted a warrior as he rushed up to him, followed by another who seemed to be his partner. Yuki cleared his thoughts and watched the two boys who were without doubt older then him approach him, though one seemed to be annoyed.
"Something wrong rat 33?" questioned Yuki. (Yes…the leaders have to remember each of their kind WITH NUMBERS! Chapter 'SHIT' for details).
"You taught us a move before you were captured by the mortals," said one of the warriors as he held up a plastic dagger since using actual daggers could be dangerous. "Motion of Six in Three."
"…Yes…" replied Yuki, but just for a second he was sure he never taught them that. "Are you having difficulty with it?"
"Yeah," he sighed. "I mean, I do know how many strikes (duh), but I can't keep up with the rhythm and angle. And I forgot when to attack each spot."
"Okay…nii-san really didn't make any improvement," thought Yuki as he looked over at the other person who was the partner of rat 33; the one who seemed annoyed. "Are you having complexity?"
"No," he replied sternly. "I keep showing him, but he keeps telling me he can't do it."
A moment of wondering how his army could survive, he bent over to his boot and pulled out a sharp dagger; not a plastic one, but an actual one. If his partner couldn't even show him, how was he able to learn other techniques? Further more…it was Ayame that he started to worry about. What did he do while he was gone at Mortal Castle in the first place? He would have to discuss that later.
"Rat 108," spoke Yuki as some other rat Zodiacs noticed their leader holding the dagger, and this caught their attention. "Would it be all right if I used you as an example?"
"…Fine," he mumbled. Yuki already knew that this person was one of those who thought he was better then anyone else, but he tried not to show any emotions about that problem. Besides…it would be a good choice to use him as an example. Incase if he made a mistake…it wouldn't cause him too much regret.
"Just don't cut me up," he thought as he stood in front of Yuki, his eyes following the dagger that was in the rat leader's hands. It was an actual dagger that could have taken his life away. More attention was then taken from the rat Zodiacs, but it was an example, so it wasn't ghastly that they stopped training.
"Okay rat 33," spoke Yuki as he fidgeted with his dagger for a moment, getting a perfect hold. "It's called Motion of Six in Three because there are six spots where you have to aim at. Left side of neck, right side of neck, middle of left arm, middle of right arm, straight down the stomach, and then straight up at the chin."
"I thought it was the wrist," said rat 33. "To cut off flow of the blood."
"Well, yes," replied Yuki. "But you can also cut the middle of the arm to sever off circulation if you go deep enough. The wrist is too much to stretch towards to when you are going at the right rhythm. Each attack should take half a second, so Motion of Six in Three should only take three seconds to complete."
"That's the problem," said rat 33. "I can't go that fast."
"That's all right," said Yuki "Just go at the pace that suits you, and once you are comfortable with that speed, try to raise it. You still want me to show you?"
The strange part was, it wasn't only rat 33 who nodded, but everyone who was watching nodded as well. A couple of servants passing by seemed to take notice in this as well. Of course, Yuki did like this attention, but he didn't show it to anyone.
"Okay, I'll go slow first and show you where to aim, and then I'll show the way and speed you have to do it," said Yuki. "That counts to the rest of you as well!"
He brought his dagger and held it only two centimeters close to rat 108's left neck and pretended to slice it, saying the number one as his other hand held his right neck. He did the same to the right side of his neck and said two. Then he went to the middle of the left arm and said three while his other hand held his right arm. The same to the middle of the right arm while saying four. Acting as though he really sliced down his stomach with the number five coming out of his lips, and then grabbing the side of the example's right neck, he pointed the tip of the dagger straight at the bottom of rat 108's chin, saying the last number, six.
"So do you understand?" questioned Yuki, releasing rat 108.
"I think so," replied rat 33. "Oh but, can-can you do it fast? I er, I think it would help me understand the pace and the tempo…"
Again, all the nodding started as some chuckled by the strange occurrence. Yuki couldn't help but make a small smile, which he rarely did when he was around his army. He did tell rat 33 that he would show him how to do it in the three second pace, so what choice did he have?
"All right," said Yuki, looking back up at rat 108. "One more time."
"Like I said, don't cut me into pieces," thought rat 108.
Another fidgeting with his dagger to get a good grip, he pretended that it wasn't as hard as it seems by staring down at his shoes for a moment. But quickly, he repeated the same "modus operandi", only it took one second to make two cuts against the neck, one second to cut the middle of the arms, half a second to slice down the stomach (Remember he's pretending!), and without delay he grabbed rat 108's neck once again and held the dagger in a frozen position under the chin; the tip of it gently poking his skin, but not leaving a mark.
A few mutters of "awes" and "wow" came from the crowd for they were impressed by the demonstration their leader had just given them. Of course, who wouldn't? Everyone knew that every single detail and characteristics about him was elegant and stylish; so was the same with battling. His battling stance and movements were lovely; almost a figure dancing in water.
"I think I got it!" said rat 33 proudly, and immediately he stood in front of Yuki and repeated the same movements he had done, only once going straight at the bottom of the chin, he didn't dare touch the rat leader. No one taunt to touch him.
"…Very good…" spoke Yuki impressed.
"What a poser," muttered rat 108. "He just wanted you to do that technique that's all."
But before Yuki could question anything, there was a huge commotion nearby that came from his army. Some had smiles on their faces and started saying something, but Yuki couldn't quite catch what they were saying because of all the other distractions. But there was one familiar laugh that seemed to stay stuck in Yuki's head. No…it couldn't be. Not at this time.
"Yes, yes, I know my dear fellow friends," sighed a charming voice that didn't even sound close to a "normal" accent. "I wish I could come back and train all of you once again. But I must go back to my army once again! Please forgive me my wonderful youngsters!"
"Nii-san…" thought Yuki as a dark cloud hovered over his head.
"Ah, little brother!" cried out Ayame joyfully as he sprinted straight at the rat leader; tears in his eyes. Without thinking he wrapped his arms around his little brother and chuckled through his snuffle. "I'm so thankful that you have returned from that hell whole place where they kept you captive and treated you like an actual rat! I wanted to leave here immediately and, being the person I am, save you like any older brother should do! But I wasn't able to but now you are back into my arms and there is nothing I can do to let you go!"
"I'll go straight to Lord Akito…" mumbled Yuki coldly.
"Fine…fine…" replied Ayame, releasing his little brother. "But really…I am glad that you have returned. I was worried about your life you know."
"Yeah, during our training session all he did was sat and mope around," said a warrior with a snicker.
"That explains everything," thought Yuki. "But was he really worried about me?"
"'Till the clock hit morning is when I jumped out of my bed and dashed straight down the castle stairs," sighed Ayame, spinning around in a dramatic way. "Going down the stairs like tumbling down a hill with huge boulders rolling straight at you, I was desperate for escape! Opening the sacred door with trembling hands, I came upon words that I thought I would never hear in my life! Like Gure-san; qué séra séra!"
"What were the words Ayame-sensei?" questioned a few warriors with interest in their eyes.
"He hypnotized them…" thought Yuki disgusted.
"Why, it was when my dear young and only brother, the rat leader, Yuki Sohma had finally returned from Mortal Castle, that's what!" announced Ayame as he took possession of Yuki's hands. "And…"
"And…?" questioned the same warriors.
"…And…what?" muttered Yuki.
"…Lord Akito has asked that you take care of his large and tall amounts of paper work until he gives further orders," answered Ayame calmly. "Large and tall like huge buildings that rise straight to heaven! The entrance to the gates of peace!"
"Those were the words you thought you would never hear from Lord Akito?" shouted Yuki quite sternly.
"…No, but that is what Lord Akito requested," said Ayame. "Tori-san is going to train his little son Jekou! Isn't that strange?"
"Not exactly," said Yuki.
"Now, let me stop my sobbing self and concentrate on the warriors my dear brother owns!" cheered Ayame blissfully. "Come! We shall march around the castle and announce the arrival of my dear brother!"
"You are so caring for your brother!" spoke a person behind rat 108.
"Don't order my army around!" snapped Yuki.
"If you wanted to march along with us, you should have asked little one," said Ayame, standing besides Yuki and wrapping an arm around him. "We shall march together, along with your warriors behind us!"
"MARCH BY YOURSELF!" shouted Yuki.
There you go everyone! The first chapter of part II of "The Cat and the Onigiri Story" has finally completed! I hope you all enjoyed that! Yeah…I didn't want very important things to happen in this chapter since this is part of "The Cat and the Onigiri Story" so yeah…anyway, I also do hope you understand "The Six Slice Technique." I was trying to make it clear as possible because how I imagined it in my mind, it looked so cool. Please do the three r's like I always say! Read, review, repeat!
DarkKyo