When Genkai announced the search for an apprentice to pass on her techniques, many were curious, many were excited, and many were frightened to think about the hands power like that might fall into. But only one was shocked enough to arrive at the temple the night before, a place she had sworn she would never look upon again.
Kaiya didn't bother disguising herself as she approached; in the dark, she was all but anonymous to anyone that didn't know her already. Her lithe frame and long black hair could have described half the province. It was only her eyes that stood out—vividly blue and just a touch too knowing for her years. It was a look that Genkai had adapted early as well, and one that the old master recognized as she looked up from her meditation, even under the dim light of a sickle moon.
When their eyes met, something seemed to pass between the pair even without words. Though neither relaxed their posture, a swell of relief filled the air.
Kaiya spoke first. "Ma—Genkai," she said quietly, inclining her head slightly but not taking her eyes off the old woman as if afraid she might disappear given the chance.
"Kaiya," Genkai returned, remaining in a half lotus and not moving at all. Her voice was oddly soft on the name, but became gruff again as she added, "And I thought you had said you would descend into the demon world itself before darkening my door again. So tell me, how is the Makai in springtime?"
The girl's jaw clenched, but her voice didn't harden like the old master's. "I would imagine dark, gloomy, and dangerous with just a touch of self-entitlement, rather like most of its demons. I couldn't say for sure, though." She paused for a second and tried to make the last sentence sound nonchalant: "I only came back because I heard some nonsense about you leaving the human world yourself—headed the other direction, according to rumor."
"As we all do," Genkai said simply. As Kaiya faltered, the old woman drew a cigarette from her pocket, lit it, and took a drag before asking, "So you came to see if you could skip the competition and just become my apprentice, did you?"
"What? Don't be stupid!" Kaiya snapped. "I came to see if I could help you!"
"And you call me stupid," Genkai growled in return. "There is no cure for old age."
Kaiya stopped in her tracks, looking rather like she wasn't sure whether to laugh or throw something. "Old age? Is that what this is about? Master, you are nowhere near dying of old age!"
Genkai smirked. "'Master' again now, am I? Not 'lying old hag'?"
Kaiya's cheeks turned a shade of red that was visible even in the moonlight, but she refused to be distracted. "I'm not calling you that; it's what you are—Genkai, master of the spirit wave. Someone too strong and way too stubborn to die of old age. So what is it really? You wouldn't spread the word that you're searching for a successor if you weren't in danger. Who is the enemy?"
"I have more enemies than you have years, girl," Genkai said with a snicker. "Not that that's saying much."
"I'm not a little girl any more, Genkai! I know when you're lying to me now." Kaiya shook her head and scoffed. "You were always lying. But I've seen spirits. I've dealt with demons. I don't need your protection anymore."
"Instead you're cocky enough to think I need yours," Genkai challenged.
"Are you really going to tell me you thought I'd just ignore it?" Kaiya demanded, her blue eyes flashing with a cold fire. "You advertised like you were on your death bed and honestly didn't expect me to show up?"
Genkai glared for a moment before finally relenting with a sigh. "I may be old, but I am not quite as stupid as you think. Once I pass on my techniques, my pupil could easily dispatch me in my weakened state."
Kaiya actually laughed, and Genkai growled, finally standing and clenching her fists. "You think that's funny?!"
"Well, yeah," Kaiya said with a grin. "You wouldn't pick an apprentice like that."
"You suggest I should pick someone softer—someone that wouldn't survive?"
That sobered Kaiya up quickly, and she searched Genkai's eyes quickly before shaking her head. "You really are crazy. You would die just so your power doesn't. No matter who gets it? No matter what they do with it?"
"With any luck, it won't come to that," Genkai said, as casually as if she was discussing a possible tax increase and not the loss of her own life.
Kaiya was silent for a moment, then crossed her arms. "Then I change my mind. I am here to become your apprentice."
It was Genkai's turn to laugh, though perhaps a little more condescendingly than Kaiya had. "No, I think not."
For the second time, Kaiya's cheeks blazed. "Wh-what?!"
"Are your ears broken? Yes, I told you no! You already ran away once when I wasn't putting you through rigorous training. I won't waste my time."
This time, it seemed Genkai had hit the right buttons. Kaiya was incensed. "You know I wouldn't do that! You would trust some random stranger that you admitted might try to kill you with your own technique but not me?!"
"My apprentice will have to prove himself first," Genkai said simply, as if that answered everything. The vein twitching on Kaiya's temple said she did not agree.
"Fine!" the girl declared, throwing her hands up in the air and glaring daggers at Genkai. "Go through with this suicidal plan because you're too stubborn to give me a chance—see if I care!"
Genkai just smirked again at Kaiya's anger. "Your reaction says you do."
Kaiya clenched her fists, started to say something, then changed her mind and turned on her heel, marching back through the gate and down the stairs the way she had come. Not once did Genkai try to call her back, but not once did either believe this was over.
