Kishi no Kakera

A/N: Just as a note, although this chapter won't be structured as such, the past segments are what Shion and Ryan are telling the others. It's a lot easier than trying to explain everything in the present. Watch those time-stamps. Here is Chapter 29: Training: Part 1.


Saturday,October 29, 1983: Somewhere in Tokyo

"Is this really necessary!? Can't I just wear a wig or get a haircut!?" Ryan shouted, as I worked black hair-dye into his hair.

"Your description is all over the place. We need to alter your appearance as much as possible while still looking natural. A wig wouldn't work…though a haircut might be a good idea. Shion?"

"I can handle it. I learned all about that at St. Lucia's…against my will, but I learned it nonetheless."

"You know…right now, I really wish I could clobber the living daylights out of Okonogi. He said three days…and because he broke that promise, I have to deal with this!" Ryan said.

"It isn't that bad, it's just hair-dye."

"I like how I look. Grr…just get it over with already." Ryan said, annoyed. Shion chuckled, as she continued.


"I look ridiculous…" Ryan said, as he looked himself over in a mirror. His hair had been dyed jet-black and he wore a thick pair of glasses that, in my opinion, did not suit him in the slightest. Instead of his usual black t-shirt and green vest, he wore a striped dress shirt. Again…did not suit him, though taken together, it did have the desired effect.

"Does it matter? Right now, you look far different than you once did. The description going around about you should be useless. And besides, it's only until we leave the country." I said.

"But still…" Ryan didn't look convinced.

"So when do we go anyways? I don't think we have anything else to do, do we?" I asked.

"…Shion. I don't think you should accompany us when we do leave, at least, not yet. You should go stay with your sister for a while before you catch up to us." Kasai said.

"What!? Why?" I shouted.

"You look identical to Mion, a known associate of his, and your appearance is a little more distinctive than Ryan's. Green hair is, after all, nearly impossible to dye. Accompanying us will draw too much attention, and could blow Ryan's cover." Kasai said. I turned away, desperately trying to hold on to my composure.

Those people…I could die going there…

"…I don't want to go there. It was bad enough in Hinamizawa…but our family members who live in Tokyo…" I shuddered. My grandmother had originally sent them out of Hinamizawa and forbid them from returning, and though I didn't know the specifics of what had happened, I did know that they blamed me for it. I would not be welcomed by anyone there except my sister. I also recalled that several times in my youth, I'd been attacked by these same people…and now, those attacks would go a lot further now that I lacked any protection from anyone, as I didn't trust Mion's ability to control them.

"Unfortunately, we don't have a choice. Shion…" Kasai stopped, not saying another word. He didn't need to. I sighed.

"Alright. I'm not happy about it, but I'll go. Just…don't take too long. I'm not comfortable with my safety there." I said.

"You underestimate your sister. Besides, it gives Ryan a chance to catch up to you in terms of martial skill anyways." Kasai said. I laughed, the tension momentarily broken.

"As if. He'll never beat me, not in a thousand years." I said. Ryan grew forlorn at that, gazing off into the distance.

"A thousand years…I wonder if I'll have to live that long." Ryan said.

"I..uh..I didn't…gomen nasai." I said. He shook his head.

"Don't apologize, you didn't say anything wrong. I'm just thinking aloud…" Ryan said.

"But still…"

"Shion, if we're going to work together, we can't be afraid of speaking our minds. You are not the crazed girl I once fought against, and I'm not a fragile china doll. We can handle talking about the past and future, without feeling the need to apologize." Ryan said.

"Are you sure?" I asked.

"Positive. To prove my point…when I fought against you, you used a style I'd never seen before, and considering I've been to several martial art tournaments when I took classes back in America, I have an awareness of many different combat styles, even if I haven't been trained in them. So I'm curious, what is your style?" Ryan asked.

He's really trying to make a point. He was afraid to go back to the hidden chambers in my company, for fear of awakening the Syndrome…but now, he's completely different. He's trying to change. Maybe he's right…

"It's not surprising that you've never seen my style. The style I use has been passed down my family, from heir to heir. It's meant to be a powerful self-defence art, and keeping it a secret means that many people won't know how to counter its unique techniques. Obviously, in this day and age, martial arts aren't as widespread as they used to be, but they're still quite useful. Mion was taught it as she grew up, and she in turn taught me."

"I see. So I suppose my learning it is out of the question, huh?" Ryan said. I grinned.

"Who said that? I'd be more than happy to teach you, after all, I don't give the slightest damn about what my family thinks, and Mion teaching me means she doesn't really care about that rule either. Of course, we won't have the time until we reunite."

"Awesome. I look forward to it." Ryan said; a smile on his face. However, it looked forced, like he was troubled and trying to hide it.

"You don't need to force yourself you know. I know that you're trying, but you can't possibly be ok with everything. With what I did in that world…" I didn't elaborate, he would already know.

"I refuse to judge you on your actions in that world. Stop acting like it was your fault." Ryan said.

"But why!? With what happened, why are you even trying to be my friend? After we talked…I tried to figure it out, and I still don't understand! Out of everyone there, I was the one person who tried to hurt you, and not just physically either. I'm the one person you should hate, or at least distrust. Yet you offered me friendship almost as soon as you met me. Why!?" I shouted without thinking. Ryan closed his eyes, and let out a long sigh.

"Is this really about what I think Shion…or is it you? Having learned about the darkest aspects of yourself…you don't actually care about what I think, you just want me to condemn you, right?" Ryan said. His words pierced to my heart, though I wouldn't let him see it.

"That's not…" I trailed off. Ryan continued.

"I think it is. I'm much like you, you know. I'm hard on myself…my failings and faults haunt me, causing me no end of regret. But we have to have the strength to move forward. If we don't…if we let the darkness in our past engulf us…then we will never escape. We won't break the Fate that binds us…and we won't escape the Syndrome. I have a lot of trouble with this too…but we should try to move forward…together." Ryan said.

"Ryan…" I still couldn't say anything; everything Ryan said was resonating with me.

"From now on, you won't think of that other Shion as having a connection to you. You are yourself, and the actions of others do not define you, even if they shared your face and name! Do you understand?" Ryan said; an edge of force in his voice.

"But I…" I stopped as Ryan cut me off.

"Shion!" Ryan shouted. I paused for a long moment, before speaking.

"…yeah. Ryan…thank you." I said.

"Not a problem. What are friends for, if not things like this?" He said, a warm smile lighting his face. Unlike before, this seemed genuine.

"You still didn't answer my question though? Why did you try so hard to become my friend, and forgiving me for what 'Shion' did?" I asked, curious. Ryan shook his head slightly, still smiling.

"Because you're you. There is no one quite like you, in the entire world. I knew the Shion of the previous world only a short time, and I liked her. Therefore, I figured I would get to know you. You being able to help me learn what I need to was just a nice bonus. As for forgiveness, like I just said, her actions are not yours. Even without that though…how could I ask for others forgiveness if I wasn't willing to give my own?"

"What do you mean?" I asked.

"…I almost killed Rena, and yet, even right afterwards, when I was still holding the blade, she forgave me."

"But she was in the wrong, she attacked…"

"I'm not talking about the school. The first world I ever visited, I went insane. I became convinced Rena was a demon…and when I attacked her, she wasn't able to fight back. It was only my connection to a past world that let me break the Syndrome, and stop myself from killing her. But she didn't know any of that. To her, I'd simply gone off the deep end…yet without a single moment of hesitation, she forgave me, right then and there. I want…to be like her." Ryan explained.

"So you're forgiving me because of that?"

"Yes. She only wanted to be my friend, and staked her life on it. That's something I want to be able to do. It might not come as naturally to me as it did to her, but that doesn't mean it's not worth doing. Shion…I want to be your friend, and for you to be mine."

He's serious. Unlike almost everyone else I've ever met…he doesn't actually want anything more than companionship. There isn't even the barest hint of an ulterior motive.

"…thank you. I'll stop bringing up the past; it doesn't have a place here anymore. And if you wanted to be my friend, you've gotten your wish."

"Thank you very much, Shion." Ryan said. The tension and distress from earlier had entirely vanished.


Monday, June 26, 1989: Sonozaki Compound

"In the beginning, we sometimes had to struggle to understand one another. But Ryan never stopped trying. I think it's because of his initial efforts to reach out to me that made Kasai see him as more than just someone to train." I said, explaining to the others.

"I didn't want to just fight alongside Shion; I wanted us to be friends." Ryan said.

"So what happened next?" Rena asked.

"I left the country, alongside Kasai. We returned to the United States, as I would easily blend in, seeing as I had originally come from there, before being called to Hinamizawa by Hanyuu. Kasai introduced me to some of his contacts, who had been instructors for the military, while he travelled around the world arranging everything we would need for the next five years. Those were some rough days…" Ryan trailed off.

"Don't stop. I can't tell this part, I wasn't there." I said. Ryan nodded, as he took over the story.


Thursday, November 17, 1983, United States, New Mexico

"So you want training, huh?" A muscular man questioned me as I stood somewhat formally. We were in the middle of nowhere, where Kasai had brought me to meet 'a friend'. Upon meeting him, he introduced himself as 'Sergeant'. He didn't seem friendly to me…and yet, I knew the proper response if I wanted his help.

"Yes sir." I answered, taking my cue from the few military movies I'd seen.

"And are you worth my time? You look like any other gutter rat I've seen in every city I've been to. Why are you different?" He said. To almost anyone else, he would have been intimidating, and to be honest, he still was. However, I'd faced death itself and come back, not many things could deter me, and he wasn't one of them. I set my gaze at him, and made eye contact as I answered.

"My will. I won't give up, and I won't break. I need this strength for a specific purpose, and I won't rest until it's done!" I shouted. The sergeant laughed.

"Not many people can answer the way you just did…but are they just words, or do you mean what you say? Let's have a little test. See that cactus over there, and that rock?" He said, pointed out the two features. They were about 100 feet apart.

"Yes sir." I responded.

"I want you to run a circuit between them. Don't stop until I give you the word." He said. He looked at me as if he expected me to argue.

You think a silly test like this will deter me. Bring it!

"Yes sir!" I said, before I took off in a light run as he had returned to his jeep, and began reading a book. I began the circuit, being careful not to wear myself out too quickly. The heat of the area also was a problem, luckily I had thought to bring a canteen with me, and periodically I took sips from it. I had thought it would take no more than an hour or so for him to return. I was mistaken. Though I waited, he didn't return for me, though he glanced up every so often to check on me.

I get it. He wants me to break first, and go to him, breaking his order. But…you won't beat me that easily.

Hour after hour passed. I was forced to slow to a walk several times, though I forced myself to return to a jog before too long. My canteen grew lighter and lighter as the day went on. Eventually, it had emptied. Still, I continued, my path set by countless footprints I'd left earlier. The sun dipped, and eventually fell behind the horizon. My body grew weaker as I pushed closer and closer to my limits. Even so…I refused to give up, continuing.

As the moon rose, I found myself fading in and out of consciousness. Eventually, I pitched forward…only for strong hands to catch me. I turned back to face the sergeant.

"Boy, you bloody fool. Why didn't you stop?" He said softly.

"…you didn't…say I could…" I said.

"You really meant it…you won't give an inch. I've met battle hardened soldiers who don't have the determination you just demonstrated…but it doesn't change the fact that you're a damn fool. You jeopardized yourself without knowing if I would help you." He said.

"I…need the training. My friends…won't survive unless…I get it. So I can't…risk losing my chance." I said.

"…idiot. If something happens to you, how the hell are you going to help anyone? I guess I'll need to stamp that idiocy out of you when I train you." He said. I took a sharp intake of breath.

"You…mean that?" I said.

"I do. Now rest, you've done enough today." He said. I smiled, and fell unconscious, though as I did, I heard him mutter to himself.

"…Kasai…you knew this would happen. Why did you pick this method though…?"


Monday, June 26, 1989: Sonozaki Compound

"He accepted me as his student once I awoke. I don't remember much, but apparently I was bedridden for a week or so with a high fever."

"You were. Kasai let me know over the phone when he called to fill me on when he wanted me to join you." Shion said.

"Anyways…that training was brutal. I'd thought I already knew what it was like to train, and gain strength, but what he put me through…it defies words. Several times I was convinced I would die, but I never faltered. In time, I'd gained a multitude of skills. CPR, basic wilderness survival, forgery, my skills with guns and with my body, they all grew rapidly. Before I knew it, I had spent a year away from Japan. That's when Shion arrived…"


Saturday, November 24, 1984: United States, New Mexico

"Are you afraid of the bag!? Hit it as if your life depended on it!" Sarge shouted.

"Yes sir!" I redoubled my efforts, ignoring the pain that was shooting through my arms and hands. On a battlefield, I wouldn't have the luxury of backing off when I was hurt. With a final mighty blow, the bag was sent flying off of its hook, landing on the floor with a thump.

"Impressive. You've gotten a lot stronger." A voice said from behind me in Japanese. I turned, recognizing the voice.

"Shion!? What are you…?" I said, instantly making the switch in language.

"It's time. We're going to be training together." Shion said. She dropped the suitcase she was carrying, and bowed lightly. I laughed, but returned the bow.

"Shion…why so formal!? It's been almost a year since I've seen you." I ran over to her and hugged her. Slightly surprised, she hesitantly returned it.

"It's good to see you. How's Mion? Rena and Satoko too?" I said.

"Uh…Mion's fine, though she…never mind, it's not important. I haven't really seen much of Rena and Satoko, since they live separate from the others, so they won't be targets if we have spies from the Yamainu in our midst. They seemed like they were doing alright at Watanagashi though…speaking of which, what did you do on that day?" Shion asked.

"The same thing you did. Ryan made it clear he wouldn't miss Watanagashi, even if he couldn't attend with you. We had to drive for an hour just to reach a river." Sarge answered before I could. I blinked in surprise, being unaware that he knew Japanese.

"It's not the festival that matters, is it? It's Rika." Shion said knowingly.

"…you're partially right. But it's also…how do I put this. Watanagashi represents everything good about Hinamizawa, and I don't want to forget that." I said.

"I see. So…what are you up to here?" Shion asked.

"Learning to fight without letting pain get in the way." I replied.

"And I say you've done plenty. You didn't let up, and you are nearing your limits. However, you've done enough for today; we don't want you pushing yourself too hard again. Get some rest, and catch up with your friend." Sarge said.

"But…what's next? I'm still good to go." I said.

"Unfortunately, you've reached the limit of what I can teach, and strength training is something you can do even on your own. There is only one thing I want you to do, and that won't happen until tomorrow."

"Why's that?"

"Because it'll take that long for Kasai to arrive. And before you ask, I'll even tell you what it is he wants. He wants you to spar against Shion, to show him what you've learned." Sarge said. I blanched.

Fight…Shion!?

"I can't fight Shion!" I shouted, before I could stop myself.

"Why not!? You've gotten a lot stronger; you shouldn't have any fear over…"

"It's not that! Any opponent other than Shion I could handle…but not her. I…" I said; panic finding its way into my voice.

Not Shion. I…I don't want to accidentally…

"Ryan! You are not a china doll, and I am not crazy. I trust you." Shion said simply. Her words echoed my own, one year previously.

"I…I…no. You're right. My body is strong, and I've learned so much…but it really doesn't matter if I can't keep the Syndrome from stealing my mind from me. Fighting against you is the only way I have of testing myself in that regard. But…Sarge, please have a tranquilizer rifle with you. I may lose control of myself, so if that happens, use it, and don't even worry about overdosing me, as it'll take a lot to bring me down." I said.

"Alright…but why are you so afraid?" Sarge asked.

"Ryan fought me once before, and during that fight, he accidentally released a regional mental illness called Hinamizawa Syndrome. It caused delusions, paranoia, and eventual death, as well as a large increase in strength through a massive rush in adrenaline and other hormones. Ryan is afraid of releasing it again, as he nearly killed me in our previous battle." Shion smoothly lied, yet covered the important aspects.

Impressive…

"Exactly. It could end very badly. So please, be ready for it." I said.

"…you aren't telling me the full truth, are you?" Sarge said. Shion moved to speak, but I was faster.

"It's close enough to the truth, and you wouldn't believe us if we told you anyways." I said. Sarge sighed.

"Go ahead and ask Kasai though, if you really want to know. You know he isn't gullible, and you may understand me better, if it comes from him. As for now…I'm going to take advantage of this opportunity and rest. Shion, if you want to catch up, come with me to the barracks." I said. Shion raised an eyebrow.

"Barracks?" She said questioningly. I nodded.

"This is an abandoned army base. We use the barracks as living quarters." I explained.

"I see." said Shion, falling in line behind me.


After a quick shower and a change in clothes, I sat on the couch that had been here since I'd started training, Shion following and sitting next to me.

We caught up, telling each other about our respective training. Shion told me about how Rena and Satoko had also begun training, though nowhere near as intense as us. She also mentioned Keiichi had gone back to school, and was set to graduate soon. Before too long, however, we ran out of things to say. Wondering what we should do, I had an idea.

"…Shion? Do you want to go outside and star-gaze?" I asked.

"Star-gaze?" Shion said.

"There aren't any big towns or cities for miles. You can see almost all the stars, and I find it really relaxing. It kinda reminds me of the Sea of Kakera."

"That reminds me…I've heard you mention that place several times, but I don't really understand what it is. Could you explain it?" Shion asked.

"Sure. The Sea of Kakera is an 'in-between' world, that links all the alternate worlds together. It's how Hanyuu brings Rika and I into new worlds after we die. It also seems to be a stop on the path to the afterlife, seeing as I met your spirit there after we killed each other in the previous world. Come to think of it…I also ran into Satoko's spirit after Rika and I willingly committed suicide a couple of worlds back. She couldn't handle being completely alone, and killed herself a year after we did." I explained. Shion looked like she was about to ask about that, but she let it drop.

"I see. What does it look like?" She asked.

"…It's dark, almost like night, but there is a small amount of purple light. There are a lot of crystals floating, hence the 'Kakera'. They change color depending on the state of the Hinamizawa within. A dead Hinamizawa, where the disaster has already happened, is jet black, and one where it still lives is bluish purple. I haven't tried counting them, but I think there are millions of kakera, and as such, millions of worlds."

"Aren't you scared? That place, obviously it isn't meant for us to be able to go there. It…it doesn't seem right." Shion said quietly. I bolted to my feet.

"I don't care! So long as a single one of my friends has died, I will never give up. Never! An eternity could pass, and still I'll fight on. As for whether it's wrong or right…is it right that Rika was murdered, not just in this world, but in the very first world, when she was still an innocent little girl! Was it!?" I said, my voice instantly rising.

"Whoa! I didn't mean anything by it! You're right, it isn't right…and all you're doing is trying to prevent that tragedy, and by extension all that follow. I'm sorry I even hinted it wasn't the right path." Shion rapidly apologized. I shook my head, sitting once again, and letting out a sigh.

"…no, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have yelled there. If I do start down the wrong path, I want my friends to be able to tell me I'm wrong. Am I?" I said, much calmer.

"…No. You're struggling to defend your friends, that can't be wrong. Just…be careful that your reasons remain the same…don't start down the path of vengeance. If you did that…you'd be just like that other version of me." Shion said.

"Yeah. That…would be a very bad thing. I won't let that happen…but enough of this serious stuff. Let's just go enjoy the stars. Come on!" I said, pulling Shion behind me before she had a chance to protest.


"This is my favorite place around here. These rocks are just the perfect height to sit comfortably on, and that second set you can lean back on and just…stare." I said, sitting back and gazing upwards. I lazily traced the few constellations I knew, and quickly found the North Star. Having found all the familiar sights, I slowly scanned my way through the sky, simply letting my mind wander.

After a few minutes, Shion spoke.

"I see why you enjoy this. It's relaxing." She said.

"It doesn't change. No matter which world I'm in…the sky is always the same. It might not seem like much…but it helps keep me sane. No matter how much I might be able to tamper with the lives of everyone around me…it's reassuring and just a little humbling that there's something I can't change, no matter what I do." I said. Shion sat back and looked to the sky again. We lay there, silently, and slowly, I fell into a light sleep.


"Ryan-kun. Wake up." I slowly opened my eyes. The sun was about to rise over the horizon, and Shion was gently shaking me.

"Alright…I'm up." I slowly pushed myself off the rock, my back aching from sleeping on such a hard surface.

"Come on, I saw a jeep drive up a few minutes ago…I think Kasai's arrived." Shion said. I nodded, and followed her back to the main part of the base. As we walked into the hall we used for training, I saw Sarge speaking with Kasai. He turned to face us as soon as we arrived."

"Hello, it's good to see the two of you again." Kasai said.

"And you, Kasai-sensei." I said.

"We'll be departing later today. I've set up safe-houses in several countries, and arranged for teachers to come and train you in those locations, but before that can happen…"

"You want to know where I…actually, where we stand, right? You want Shion and I to fight." I said. Kasai nodded.

"I've done my best to inform my friend of the circumstances surrounding you, so you should have no worries." Kasai said.

"I understand why you wouldn't want to say what happened to you Ryan. It is rather unbelievable…but it makes sense why you wanted this training in the first place, and why you wanted those precautions taken." Sarge said.

"If I may…do you actually believe Kasai, or are you humoring us?" I asked. Sarge laughed.

"Let me tell you something Ryan. You may not know, but Kasai once saved my life. I had been shot after being hired to assassinate a high-ranking member of a yakuza group which was threatening an American military interest. Kasai was a member of an allied unit, and he broke off from his unit, completely ignoring his orders; all to patch me up, as well as fight off the enemy, sustaining major wounds himself. You don't come away from something like that without a healthy ability to trust what the other person is saying." Sarge explained. I glanced at Kasai.

Yakuza? But…isn't the Sonozaki family a yakuza group? Why would they help an American military operation. It doesn't make much sense. Maybe there was a rivalry or something? Oh well…if he wants to tell me he will.

"But enough about the past. This isn't about Kasai and I anymore, we're both well past our prime. This is your time to shine…now show me I didn't waste my time on an ignorant gutter rat." Sarge said. I smiled at the last words, which had somehow become his nickname for me. Most would be offended, but it had grown on me.

"Sir, yes sir!" I said, before I walked over to the locker in this room. I removed my bokken and sheath, and equipped it, before turning to Shion.

"In the interest of fairness, since you know what weapon I'm using…would you show me what you plan to use?" I asked. Shion nodded, and opened the suitcase she had left here yesterday, removing a pair of tonfas, as well as holsters for them.

"Tonfas, huh? Did you train with that solely to defeat me?" I asked. Shion smiled.

"That was a part of it, but many people use knives in close quarters combat. Tonfa are a natural counter, extending my range and allowing me to block bladed weapons safely. Plus…actually, you'll have to fight me to find out what other tricks I have up my sleeve." Shion said. I grinned.

"Alright Shion…you asked for it!" I said, accepting the challenge. As I took my place on one end of the training hall, I eyed the tranquilizer rifle sitting next to Sarge. He noticed, and gave me a slight nod. I smiled at him, relieved.

"Alright…are you two ready?" Kasai asked.

"Yes." We both said in unison.

"Alright. When I say go, begin, and if I interrupt the spar, stand down. Understood?" Kasai said. Again, we both answered in the affirmative.

"Ok…begin!" Kasai said.

I blitzed forward, forgoing the opportunity to draw my weapon in favor of a quick attack. Surprisingly, Shion did the same, and we clashed in the center, neither of us getting an advantage. Using the force of the impact, I sprung backwards, as did Shion.

"Heh..should've guessed you'd favor a quick opening attack." I said.

"Is that so? I'm not her, you know." Shion said, before rushing forwards again. I moved to counter, but Shion suddenly dropped low, sliding along the ground, spinning in a powerful leg swipe. I quickly jumped to avoid it, but Shion recovered her footing and sprung up, landing a powerful uppercut to my body. I flew backwards, my breath momentarily knocked out of me. Fighting to control my reaction, despite not being able to breath, I moved forwards, catching Shion as she landed with a quick couple of jabs. She retreated to a safer distance and we slowly circled each other, giving me a chance to catch my breath. We both scanned each other, looking for flaws and weaknesses in each other's stance.

"…you've improved. You fight a lot smarter than you did 6 years ago." Shion bantered.

"Hey, to be fair, I did just get out of a coma back then." I retorted.

"Excuses, excuses…" Shion replied cheekily. I narrowed my eyes, before chuckling.

"Nice try Shion, but you won't psyche me out." I said.

"Aren't I already?" Shion said as she blitzed me. This time I was ready for her, quickly back stepping and launching a side kick. Having not dropped low like last time, she was unable to stop, and ran right into my kick, though she did angle to the side to reduce the force. Even so, the kick did spin her, giving me the chance to drive my elbow into her stomach. Shion gasped as the air escaped her, but she was able to push me back and retreat to a safe distance.

She's weakened from having the breath knocked out of her. Now's the time to strike…but don't be foolish, take it slow.

I slowly moved forwards, forcing Shion against a wall. Instead of backing into it, Shion moved forwards, attempting to strike first. I tilted my body, dodging the blow easily, before following up with a right hook into her body, hitting just below her breasts. She stumbled back into the wall, and rolled along it as my foot slammed into the wall where she had just been. Pushing off of it, she swung with a powerful left hook, which I pushed further to my left, causing it to miss. Recognizing the danger these strikes were posing as proof she'd recovered, I backed off, allowing Shion to move away from the wall.

"Alright, I think that's enough of the warm-up, don't you?" Shion said, as she drew her tonfas.

"Agreed, let's kick this up a notch." I said, drawing my bokken. I settled into Chudan-no-kamae, decided to play defence, as I'd never fought against a tonfa-user, and only had a passing knowledge of the basics.

"Here I come!" Shion shouted, lunging forwards. I sidestepped her blow, but noted how the tonfa extended her range by about 8 inches, a huge distance in a fight like this.

She's too close, I can't use my sword effectively, but her tonfas are still effective.

Using the hilt of the bokken, I parried her next strike, spinning around with my foot extended, catching her in the back. Surprised, she stumbled, giving me the opportunity to step back to a proper distance and strike with the bokken.

Recovering quickly, Shion crossed her tonfas in front of her and caught my blow, responding with a roundhouse kick, hitting me in the stomach. I backed off as she launched a strike with her tonfa, which missed. However, her second strike was slightly different, moving at an angle.

Wait…is she…crap!

Shion had held the second tonfa in a loose grip, allowing it to spin around and strike at a much longer range. This allowed her to strike my shoulder. Bruised and in pain, my grip on my sword loosened ever so slightly, and I knew she had noticed.

Pressing the advantage, Shion let go of her tonfas, only to grab them by the end. She now had two long rods with a short branch off near the end…essentially hooks. She swung, forcing me to block, and with the second she swung from the opposite side, catching my bokken at a different angle. With a small twist, the bokken with ripped from my hands. Moving forwards, she struck again, halting the blow right next to my neck.

"Had I completed that blow, your throat would have been crushed. That's a deathblow." Shion said.

"Agreed. Shion is the victor." Kasai said.

I…lost. And that's the second time, killing Shion in the last world was definitely a fluke, she had me beat then too. But then again…

"I may have lost…but at least I put up a decent fight…and I didn't awaken the Syndrome."

"That's true…and you pushed me hard. When we fought unarmed, you matched me blow for blow, and you even put me on the ropes. That's not something most people could do." Shion said.

"That's pretty much all I've trained in this last year. Sarge doesn't know anything about swords." I said.

"Ahem…" Kasai caught our attention.

"The reason I wanted you to spar like this, was to show your relative strengths and weaknesses. Ryan, your skill in hand to hand combat and combat awareness have grown, but your weapon skills have deteriorated. Your ability to recognize moments of weakness in an opponent, as well as being capable to capitalize on it, are proof of that. Focusing on your sword to bring it back to an acceptable level is what you'll be doing for the near future. Had you been on an equal level with Shion, she would not have been able to get close enough to you to prevent you from using your sword effectively. As for you Shion, the opposite is true. You've learned to use tonfas with deadly precision, but your hand to hand has suffered, and you failed to press the advantage when you weakened Ryan. Those are the skills you should improve. I also want to test you both with firearms and non-standard combat, such as throws, grabs, and holds, for those times when you might want to incapacitate a person without killing them." Kasai said, laying out our skills in a brutal, yet fair manner.

"And here I thought I'd grown strong enough to make a difference. No offence, but if I can't even beat you, I don't really stand a chance against the Yamainu. I've acknowledged that I've made it this far pretty much on luck…but I can't rely on that. I need strength that I can depend on." I said. Shion put a hand on my shoulder.

"We'll get there…partner." Shion said. I smiled at that.

"I hope you're right." I said.


A/N: All I have to say is…writers block sucks…incredibly hard. I tried so often, but couldn't find the words for so long. I'm just glad I finished this part. If you enjoyed this story thus far, let me know. I enjoy hearing feedback on my stories, and you wouldn't believe what it does for my motivation and inspiration.