Chapter 6:

The Journey Begins...

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There was still some down time to spend before the trip to Japan. An excellent time to catch up on training, Ren figured. Every morning, he vowed to himself to awake early, and jump right into his regime. This was the only way he'd be in good enough condition to even consider entering the coming tournament. He'd be representing his entire Martial Arts school.... it will be up to him and him alone to show the world what his School's style of Kenpo was all about. And so, he praticed. He'd head out into the backyard, and work on every move in his repertoire, over and over again, almost like a robot. He wouldn't stop until he'd gotten the forms just right, the motions down, and all his forceful energies to the points of impact. This rigorous activity continued for 2 weeks. Though the whole time he trained, he had the ninja girl on his mind... sometimes it was difficult for him to maintain his focus.  One day, while Ren was out in the field, working on a type of kick he'd developed, his grandfather called him back into the house. Ren grabbed a dry towel, throwing it about his neck as he stood before the old man.

"Ren.... I know you're working hard to train your mind, spirit, and body for the upcoming events. I know you're ready.... ready to show them who you are. Before that, though, please allow me to give you some words of advice. Remember to keep your thoughts clear... an unfocused mind leads to an unsatisfatory performance, as I'm sure you've already proved to yourself at the last tournament. You'll be fighting all alone....your friends will be nowhere near. If you win, you'll have quite a story to tell when you come back, yes?"

"Of course!" Ren answered with a grin.

"Now, why don't you take a break from your training to relax your mind?"

Ren shrugged, nodding slightly. "Sure. I've done just about all the training I can do... nothing left to do but wait."

"And....make sure you pack enough things to last you for a while."

"Ok..." Ren said, slightly unsure. Just how long would this trip be anyway, he wondered? After double-checking his suitcases, Ren went back to the living room.

"Everything's set."

"Good."

And so the two of them spent time together. Most of the time, they just sat quietly together, meditating or just spending the time recreationally.

On the last day, Eric, Tony and Jessica showed up at his house, brought by Eric's father. They arrived less than an hour before the time Ren needed to leave.

"We wanted to go to the airport with you... to see you off." Jessica explained simply. Ren nodded understandingly. This would be the last time he would see his friends for a while....he wasn't even sure how long. It would be best for them to be along. Before going, Ren made sore his wore one of his School's T-shirts under his green one, for luck perhaps. He also wore baggy blue jeans, and his favorite gym shoes. Shortly, the time came for them to leave. Everything and everyone was packed into both cars, and soon enough they were on the way to the airport at just past 11:00 a.m. Even though this would be one of the last times they'd be together for some time, Ren and the rest stayed mostly silent, until they reached the airport.

"Alright, we've got an hour till the plane leaves Ren, better start heading toward the gate."

So they moved through the crowds of people, as the airport was typically busy this time of year. The group eventually reached their gate, after going though the preliminary security checks. Ren, Eric, Tony, and Jessica all huddled together one last time, saying their goodbyes as Ren's grandfater and Eric's father looked on. Eric's father nodded to him, as Ren's grandfather moved closer toward the gate. The time to board the plane was nigh. Ren turned slowly, seemingly not wanting to let his friends leave his sight. Then, as though on impulse, Jessica dashed over to him, tightly embracing him in a fierce hug. Ren hugged back, and he could feel her shoulders heaving slightly, could hear slight whimpers. Was she crying?

"You better win that tournament." was all she said, as she parted from him, Ren finally boarding the plane. The two found their seats, and a little while later, the plane was off into motion, starting to cross the Pacific.

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It was going to be a long flight. And for the majority of it, Ren's grandfather remained oddly quiet. Ren found the silence somewhat disturbing....but no matter, they were actually on the way to Japan!! Finally, the time he'd waited so long for was upon him! But, he still had a couple questions.

"Grandpa... where exactly are we staying? Is there another hotel?"

"No...not this time. There was a hotel room offered, but we will not be taking advantage of it."

"Then....where will we stay...?"

"You will see for yourself when we get there." Ren's grandfather replied with a grin.

"Aw, come on!! Will I at least like the place?"

"Heh....I'm sure you will."

"What exactly is this all about...?" Ren mused to himself. Little did he know what awaited him in the Land of the Rising Sun....

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What seemed like an eternity later, the aircraft touched down at Narita airport, only about 70 kms away from Japan's main city,Tokyo. Ren looked out the veiw window in complete awe at the new surroundings. It was still early morning, actually the day following their departure from America. Ren couldn't wait to get off the plane and into the streets.

They made their way through the airport, through customs and to baggage claim, finally hailing down a taxi which pulled up quickly beside them. They placed the baggage in the trunk. The back door popped open automatically, the two of them hopping in. The cabbie looked back at them awaiting his directions with a cheerful smile, which was just one of many Ren would see. Ren's grandfather leaned forward, whispering something in japanese to the cabbie. Ren tried to deciper, but it was too difficult given the low, quick-paced tone. The cabbie nodded as the door shut, and they were on the way, heading through all sorts of narrow streets, overpasses, and roads.

"We're going to have to head west, and get on a freeway just to get into the city, the place is on the other side of Tokyo." The old man explained.

"So, in other words, we've got a long car ride to sit through." Ren groaned. Tokyo was a big city.... well known for how easily congestions could develop in the streets. At least he'd have plenty of time to take in all the sights. To Ren, everything about this place seemed efficient. Everything was cool. Even the way they drove on the left side of the street. While they did get caught in a few traffic jams, it never got too convoluted. It wouldn't be rush hour for a while. About 4 hours or so later, they were on the western outskirts of the city, where there was slightly less concrete. They came along a winding road, stopping in front of a moderately old looking small/mid sized house, though it still looked to be in good condition. Ren's grandfather smirked.

"This is it."

"...Are you serious!?"

They got out, taking their bags and paying the cabbie.

"Doumo arigatou gozaimashita!" *Thanks for everything! The cabbie said in a friendly tone. Then he waved from down the street, before turning back toward the city again. The place still looked really nice. There was a really expansive field in the back, with a path that lead into a forest, which strecthed over miles and miles of terrain, even over mountains in the distance. That would make excellent training grounds, Ren thought to himself. Heh, training, deep in the mountain forests, like some warrior monk or something...and not another soul to bother him....

 The two went inside, Ren observing just about every square inch of the place in amazement. "You like it?"

"It's great!" Ren exclaimed.

"Now, get settled. There's a room down that hallway and to the right. It will be yours."

"Excellent." Ren headed down the hall, noting the traditional style paper doors. It was like being in a movie set or something. Ren threw his bags down on the bed and began to unpack. He'd have a couple days to get settled, and then the tournament would start. Ren spent the remainder of the day simply exploring the area outside, but never straying to far from the house. The next day, while Ren was out in the summer sun again, Ren's grandfather called to him.

"I've got something for you."

"What's up?"

"Listen, I know you're birthday is coming up. You're growing into a young man."

Ren allowed a small smirk. It was true. He'd be 16 in a couple more weeks.

"And so, I have a gift for you. But, I think I'll give it to you a little early."

The old man went into a shed outside the house, coming back with an oblong wooden box in his arms.

"Take it." He extended it to Ren, who gazed at it in wonder.

"What is it?" Ren asked quite curiously.

"Open it and see." His grandfather explained, a twinge of mystery hidden in his voice.

So Ren did, carefully removing the lid. Inside was a black sheath, with some decorative silver painted japanese kanji characters along the sides. There was also a katana inside the sheath. Ren unsheathed it by it's black-chord and silver-plating diamond-patterned handle.The shimmering blade caught a glint of sunlight, reflecting into Ren's eyes momentarily. He squinted, the pulled it out fully. The blade was a majestic silver, seeming to almost "glow" as held it out in front of him. There were also kanji characters inscribed in the handle, and even along a side of the razor-sharp blade itself. Ren smirked, swinging it through the air a few times, fascinated by the slight whistling sound it made if he swung it fast. He put it back in the sheath, finally looking back at his grandfather.

"It's awesome." was all Ren could say, still cradling the sword and sheath in his arms.

"It is called Lighthawk. It belongs to you now, Hokunaki Ren."

"Lighthawk...."