Ronins Reborn

By: Eddi McCandry aka Kay-Bee

Episode 1: Start

SMACK! WAM!

The sound of flesh hitting flesh filled space of the Izanagi family's traditional styled dojo.

BAM! WHACK!

A flurry of limbs and digits, belonging to the two white clothed slim figures, was seen as they battled for dominance. Yells from the combatants peppered the physical declarations of a successful hit to the opponent's body. A loud thud of a body hitting the pliable matted floor was followed by another triumphant shout and a sudden suffocating silence.

The two figures' chests heaved in rapid short breathes, bodies and clothing bathed in sweat as the victor kneeled above the other. The dark-haired kneeling figure slowly stood, while lending a hand to her equally dark-haired sparring partner. Once facing each other, the two bowed in the traditional show of respect and then began to clean up.

As they worked, sound returned to the compound. Picking up and replacing discarded weapons and equipment, the victor turned towards the other.

"You haven't been practicing much, have you, Kells? Your movements were a little stiff. You know grandfather would not be happy that you have lapsed in perfecting your skills."

The other, in her task of storing equipment, replied, "You would've kicked my ass earlier if you weren't distracted."

"Bite me. I have been busy running the dojo and I've been doing some shrine maiden duties in Yoko's stead."

Kelly sighed again. "I didn't get much time for practice with the way American high schools are run. Why do you think I returned home to attend university, beside the fact I missed you and the rest of the family." She sighed. "Ever since our parents got divorced and okaa-san decided to move back to America with me in tow, she was constantly trying to forget about our family here. Plus, she has been attempting to turn me into a typical American teenager along with that ill-mannered husband of hers."

The girl's face distorted in anger and frustration. "She doesn't understand the important of our family heritage and the love and respect I have for our father, onee-san."

The other growled at her sibling. "Don't call me onee-san," she stated with a displeased pout on her face. "Makes me feel old."

Kelly slightly smiled at her sister's response. As they finished cleaning up and gathered their things to leave, she replied, "You are only older by five minutes, Ren."

Ren scowled back. "Five minutes too old."

The other sighed but held a soft smile on her face. She turned back to face Ren. "So we are still on for our afternoon shopping spree?" the brunette asked her sister walking to their part of the family compound.

"Yeah. We'll stop for lunch first though." Ren glanced at Kelly with a thoughtful look. "Is Ban-kun going with us?"

"Yeah. He said to call him and tell him where we should meet."

The siblings reached their rooms. "God, I need a shower."

Kelly smiled. "Yeah, we both stink to high heaven. Meet you at the gate in an hour."

Ren nodded. "Yeah. Meet you in an hour."

The sisters went their separate ways and prepared for what they hoped would be a fun and relaxing afternoon.

--

After a hellish drive (especially with a speed demon like Ren behind the wheel), Ren and Kelly found themselves meeting their childhood friend and pseudo-aniki, Ban Izanagi. Ban was a year older as well as several inches taller than the girls though not necessarily was he stronger. He was also very popular with the ladies because of his yellow blond hair and baby blue eyes. This would explain why the boy was enclosed in an army of starry-eyed girls, a scene that the sisters found upon their arrival.

Ren crossed her arms in exasperation. "Oi! We're not for even here for 5 seconds and the playboy prince-ling is already out to play."

Kelly snickered. It was true that the boy was somewhat of a pervert; however, the guy was usually smart enough to leave the sisters alone. Ban was also a distant cousin and since there were no older sons in the main branch of the Izanagi family, the boy took it upon himself to be their protector. That did not mean the guy was intelligent enough to stop teasing Kelly. His normal antics usually lead to numerous bruises and injuries. Kelly would have made a passing remark to Ren's comment, but she was already striving to make her way to the center of the mob.

"Excuse me." Elbows to vital organs.

"Sorry." Palms shoved into surprised faces.

"Pardon me." Shoulders slammed into shoulders, backs, ribcages, and breasts.

"Make way. Coming through."

Kelly threw her body forward as a 120-pound flesh and bone battering ram. Desperately fighting and clawing through the jungle of female bodies, the small brunette, bearing the signs of her valiant struggle, managed to break through. She grabbed the still clueless and self-absorbed teen by his wrist. At the touch of a familiar friend, Ban turned to meet the disheveled teenager. Smiling at her "cute" pouting and angry face, the guy ignored his common sense and attacked the girl.

GLOMP!

"Kells-chan, my love. Your beautiful, radiant face has cheered me from sweet endless sorrow!"

Tick marks appeared on the girl's forehead. A rumbling, growling sound was heard from the small girl. Regardless to the warning signs, Ban continued his tactics.

"Oh, golden goddess of my heart! Have you finally realized your undying lover for me? You have battled through endless evil to reach me in proof of your consuming feelings. Allow me to grant you a kiss in reward."

Many of the surrounding girls sighed with hearts in their eyes. Some had death in their eyes towards the one about to receive the desired kiss from the blond prince.

"BAKA!"

A fist flew through the air…

BAM!

…and connected with the blonde's face and body. The impact of Kelly's fury was seen as the boy and his vapid female posse was sent flying from the force of the blow. Stomping, the angry chibi made her way to the pathetic moaning figure of her childhood friend. The pained groans did little to appease her still sour mood.

Grabbing the collar of the battered and bruised Ban's shirt, the small brunette returned to Ren's side, dragging the young man behind her with no respect to his 'princely' reputation.

"I got the perverted frog prince," Kelly commented to her twin. Dumping the damaged boy at her sister's feet, she walked pass the two, heading in the direction of the group's favorite eating spot. "Saving the world and my virginity has given me an appetite."

"Kel-ly-ch-an," was followed by hearty female laughter.