Disclaimer: I do not own any part of Love Hina or it's characters. I just borrow them to help with my story. Don't sue because I have nothing you want.
Author's Notes: Last time on A Warrior's Spirit Shinobu has come to stay with the Love Hina crowd. This time I introduce one of my favorite characters from the anime, she's cold, calculating and extremely strong. Can you guess who?
A Warrior's Spirit
A young woman wanders in a dark thicket, searching for her prey. She is a beautiful woman, but a strong aura envelopes her. Her face is angelic in appearance but is always clouded by the ever present frown. She has long, flowing charcoal hair it extends all the way to the small of her back. She is currently stalking her prey with the persistence of a lone hunter; her footsteps meld with the sounds of the forest. She stops suddenly, the forest quiets to a whisper of its former glory.
"Thud" out pops another young woman from the surrounding foliage, she rushes the previous hunter and gives chase. The hunter has no become the hunted; it's prey gaining the upper hand the hunter is forced to use other methods of capture. Whipping around to face her opponent the hunter draws a blade.
"Come forth and face me." shouts the hunter. Emerging from the woodwork like an apparition the prey moves silently toward it's hunter. The battle commences when the prey draws her own blade; it is a flurry of activity as the warriors fight to gain the upper hand. 'A worthy opponent indeed, her swordplay is equal to my own.' ponders the hunter. The lapse in concentration is all the prey needs to gain the upper hand; she lunges toward the hunter intent on slicing open her abdomen.
The hunter smiles and dances silently away into the bushes surrounding them. Emerging behind the prey, the hunter clasps her prey in a tight choke hold. "Give up now and surrender. I do not want to take your life but I will if need be. Surrender!" shouts the hunter. Admitting defeat the prey becomes limp in the hunter's hands; "Well done Motoko, well done indeed." states a voice above the hunter. Bowing slightly at the voice above, the hunter named Motoko releases her victim for the night.
Coughing fitfully the woman who was testing Motoko glares fiercely in Motoko's direction, "Did you have to choke my throat that hard Motoko? I mean come on; it was only a test." snaps the woman. "Enough Aoi you knew the risks when I assigned you to test Motoko. And I remember faintly that you were trying rather hard to slit open Motoko's belly." states a woman emerging from the woodwork.
"Sensei" both women shout as they kneel toward their master. "You have both done well, you should be proud of yourselves. Motoko I have heard that you wish to go to Hinata-sou, whatever for?" queries the older woman. "I came here to train for only the summer, sensei. I wish to return home to my friend's and family." responds the raven-haired beauty.
"You have much potential my child, but I cannot force you to stay if your heart is so willing to leave. I grant you permission to return to your family." states the sensei. "As for you Aoi what will you do now that you have also completed your training? Will you go back to your hometown as well?" questioned the sensei. "Unfortunately yes sensei, I have some unfinished business to take care of." responded Aoi.
"Oh I see you will go after the murderer, but do you know who he is? Or what he looks like?"
"No, but I will die before I let that murderer leave this earth without facing justice!" shouted Aoi. Shaking her head at this show of outrage the sensei wonders 'Will she become consumed by hatred as well? I hope you know what you are doing Aoi.'
Taking her cue to leave Motoko bids farewell to her sensei and grabs her belongings that were brought by her sensei. "Good-bye sensei, it was an honor to learn from you. Good-bye Aoi, thank you for also training me well." With that said Motoko started her journey toward home, 'Hinata-sou, ah I can almost see the wonderful faces of my friends and family.' What Motoko didn't know is there would be a new addition to her so-called family, and he is going to upset her delicate balance.
(Meanwhile back at the Hinata-sou)
A beautiful morning greets the resident's of the Hinata all-girl's dormitory; the birds are chirping, the sun has just risen, and a frying pan is thrown out a window?
"What the hell do you think you are doing Urameshi? Get away from my room at once." shouts Naru. "What is wrong with you? And how did you get that frying pan?" shouts an equally upset Keitaro.
"I ask the question's here mister. Now why were you sneaking into my room, you pervert?"
"I was not sneaking into your room Narusagawa! I was just going to inform you that breakfast is ready, well that was before you almost took out my head with that frying pan." Not believing a single word that came out of Keitaro's mouth Naru winded her arm back to deliver her patented Naru Super Punch. Keitaro was more than prepared and took the punch straight in his face, it left him unaffected.
"Is that all you got Naru? Because if it is then you will not harm me at all, oh well see you at breakfast." Walking away with a slight hop in his step Keitaro leaves behind a fuming Naru, 'How the hell did he stand up to my Naru Super Punch? He must be a freak, a cute freak but still a freak.'
Just around the corner Mitsune heard the conversation and ensuing punch. She was more than a little impressed with Keitaro's power, 'If he could stand up to Naru's Super Punch then I wonder how well he could take Motoko.' Pondering the ways she could use this to her advantage Mitsune walk down to breakfast. 'I wonder if his bark is just as strong as his bite, meow.'
Kaoru Su was having her own problems, no matter how many times she built a machine to take down Keitaro he always broke it. 'Big brother is mean. Can't take joke. Always break me toys.' Su definitely has a weird sense of what is a toy, during her inner turmoil Su did not detect Keitaro entering her room. "Hey Su, how's it going?" greeted Keitaro. Startled from her wanderings Kaoru ejected a rocket powered cannon ball right at her computer. "Oh no, me broke me computer. What me do now?" lamented Su. "Why don't you just build another one? I mean you do it all the time." responded Keitaro. "Oh yeah, me build another one. It easy." stated Su. Utterly confused with the sudden mood swings of the teen Keitaro brushes it off and states "Breakfast is ready Su. Let's go Shinobu made a great breakfast, I can smell it from here."
The word "breakfast" caused to Su raced out of her room at record speed knocking Keitaro into her broken computer. Performing a mid-air somersault Keitaro avoided being electrocuted to death. "Must watch what I say around her. She is dangerous, she could have killed me. Oh well breakfast time."
Heading down to breakfast Keitaro reminisced about the past week 'My god what a hectic week, I mean first I get a letter from Grandma saying to come here. Then I am the manager of an all-girl's dormitory, with a bit of trouble I have finally managed to settle down. Then comes Shinobu and her parents, man that was a bad day. But life is full of surprises I guess I have to go with the flow.'
Finally reaching the breakfast table Keitaro sees that all the girls have made it to breakfast intact. Shinobu retrieves the last item needed for breakfast and the feast begins. The table is utter chaos with Shinobu and Keitaro waiting until the human vacuum is done with her banana's. Su was stuffing them in her mouth at a record pace, 'Amazing she doesn't choke on them.' thought Keitaro. The chaos has been filled now the dining can begin. Talking amongst themselves the rest of the resident's eat in a comfortable atmosphere, until Keitaro says "Well that was a wonderful meal. Thank you Shinobu for cooking up another miracle breakfast."
Blushing rather profusely at the praise she is receiving Shinobu manages to stammer out a "Your welcome…Keitaro-sempai." Never missing a chance to tease the young girl Mitsune winks at Shinobu and says "Hey you got a hot boyfriend over there. Eh? Shinobu?" Flailing her arms out and stammering out incoherent sentences Shinobu soon leaves the room red-faced. "Great thanks Keitaro, you made such a mess out of a great breakfast." snapped Naru. "What are you talking about I was complimenting her. It was Mitsune who was teasing her mercilessly." responded Keitaro.
Mitsune was trying to discreetly leave the table when Naru grabbed her and threw her back in her chair. "Oh no, no, no Mitsune you stay. We have some matters to talk about." stated a frowning Naru. "Now what were you trying to do? You know Shinobu is very sensitive on her feelings. Why must you always tease her?" questioned Naru. "Ah, come on Naru it was nothing, just a slight ribbing. Don't get so worked up over it. I mean it was a nice moment right Keitaro?"
"Oh no, don't drag me into this. I was just complimenting her, you were teasing her about it not me." responded Keitaro. "But you were the one who started it Keitaro, I mean you have to be such a goody-goody." stated Naru. "Ah come on, that's not true and you know it. I am tired I gotta go, maybe I'll see you guys later." Leaving rather abruptly Keitaro walked out of the door and out into the sunlight.
"Now that Keitaro is gone, you can tell me why you really tease Shinobu?" questioned Naru. "It's nothing Naru, just let it go." pleaded Mitsune. "Oh alright but try not to tease her so much she's very sensitive. Okay?"
"Alright, I won't tease her so much. Now where did he go off to?"
"Hell if I know, but what's the point not like we have to keep tabs on him."
Nodding her head Mitsune took the dishes from the table and put them into the sink. 'That boy really needs to loosen up. He got all worked up over nothing. Good thing he has the looks to cover for his awkward persona.' thought Mitsune.
(Back to Keitaro Urameshi)
'Goody-goody, I am not a goody-goody I have a very bad side. Lucky that they don't know it yet. But man I need something to do, it's starting to get boring in this town.' Walking down the steps toward his aunt's teahouse Keitaro was still pondering the things said by both Mitsune and Naru. 'Man I really need to get my mind of these things, I know a drink will cheer me up.' Heading inside the teahouse Keitaro was surprised by the amount of people inside.
'Jeez, there must be over a hundred people in here. I wonder where Auntie is?' Weaving his way through the masses Keitaro heads toward the kitchen in search of his missing aunt. 'She's got to be in here, I mean I don't see her outside.' Upon entering the kitchen Keitaro had only one thought 'Whoa'. Whoa, was right the dishes were piling up and his aunt was slaving over the stovetop making food.
"Hey Auntie, need some help?" Startled by the appearance of her nephew Haruka dropped her cigarette. "What are you doing here Keitaro?" gasped Haruka. "Oh nothing, I was just wondering how my favorite aunt was doing. I see you could use some help, what do you want me to do wash dishes? Or the stove?" questioned Keitaro.
"Oh umm…the dishes would be fine, thank you so much Keitaro. It was beginning to feel like hell in here." cried Haruka. "No problem Auntie Haruka, now that I am here the dishes will be done in no time." The dishes were stacked 10 plates high, but Keitaro started from the top and soon the dishes decreased in volume. Washing the dishes gave Keitaro a lot of time to think about his current situation. 'I am living with 4 beautiful women; they are eccentric but overall great girls. What am I getting so worked up about? Things will calm down in time, I hope.'
Determined to face all obstacles in his path Keitaro attacked the dishes with a new drive and soon the pile of dishes were shiny and clean. "I can't believe that your small teahouse gets so much customers Aunty. Where do all these people come from?" questioned Keitaro. Amazed by the speed at which Keitaro finished the dishes Haruka pauses for a moment to gather her thoughts. "Well they come from town Keitaro; I mean there are only a few restaurants in this small town. I truly thank you for your help nephew, but I am curious to know why you are here?"
Retiring to the main dining room Keitaro is surprised to see that the customers have all left. The dining room is cluttered with food and debris, "Man, this will be a job to pick up. I better get started, eh Aunty?" Trying to derail the conversation a while longer Keitaro sets about the task of picking up the mess. "Oh no you don't Keitaro, you will tell me why you came to see your dear Aunty." snapped Haruka. Wincing slightly at her change in tone, Keitaro turned around to face her irritated aunt. "Alright but just so you know it was not that big of a deal. I just had an argument with the resident's that's all; I came down to your teahouse hoping for a drink. Instead I find a crowd of individual's who are bustling for a spot in your restaurant. That's the story Auntie Haruka, nothing else." stated Keitaro.
"And I'm a monkey's uncle! Now tell me the real reason you are in my teahouse Keitaro Urameshi." responded Haruka. "Well I was just a little tired of all the stress from the girl's. I mean there's Su with all her inventions and her destructive behavior. Su seems to always want to harm me in one way or another. I tell you she is not normal by any means." states Keitaro. "Go on Keitaro, it seems you have a lot to get off your chest." encourages Haruka.
"Well next we have Mitsune, she is the devil in disguise. She seems to like making my life a living hell. She flirts and seduces, but most of all she causes problems when there should be none. For example, this morning she teased Shinobu on her reaction to my compliment. In turn it caused Shinobu to run out of the room like a bat out of hell. Then you know Narusegawa has to have her say in the matter, she blames me totally for the outburst. I have no peace in that house, whether it is from sweet Shinobu, to seductive Mitsune, to overzealous Su, lastly short-tempered Narusegawa!" shouted Keitaro.
"I see, do you feel better now Keitaro?" questions Haruka. "I do, I really do. Thank you Aunty for listening to my ravings." responds Keitaro. "I believe I have a solution to your troubles Keitaro. You see the only problem I see is that you have too much time on your hands. Then to rectify that you find something to occupy your time away from the girl's, maybe you should train or study. I know why don't you try out for Toudai? You have always been a smart person, so it should be a cake-walk to get into Toudai." suggested Haruka. Pondering on this new information Keitaro was lost to the world for a time. 'He looks so handsome thinking like that. With that shirt on I can see his body outline. I should make him work in the kitchen more often, that sweaty shirt clings to him in a favorable way.'
"Alright I have come to a decision(startling Haruka from her daydreams), I will think about your proposal while I tour the town. If I like the idea then I will try to enroll into this Toudai. But remember Auntie Haruka I haven't been to school in over 3 years. So no hoping for any miracles, okay?" states Keitaro. "I think that is a good idea, you should think about it some more. But why do you need to go into town?" questioned Haruka. "Oh that is a secret my dear aunt, I am going to have some fun in town. I bid you adieu mademoiselle, for I have a long road to cover."
Taking his hand into hers Haruka gives Keitaro a soft hug and kiss on the cheek while stating "Be careful, don't have too much fun my dear nephew." Utterly confused by his aunt's sudden show of affection Keitaro brushes it off as fatigue. Making his way to town Keitaro does not notice Haruka watching his outline until it fades from her vantage point. 'Looks like it's going to rain, I wonder where the hell is my nephew going. Maybe I will go to the hot springs for a quick soak, and maybe I will see him when he returns.'
(Back to Keitaro)
What Keitaro did not tell his aunt is that he is searching for a certain person in town. This person was currently emitting pure, white power signature; meaning that this person was either a priest or an exorcist. Plastering a demonic grin Keitaro pondered the entertainment that this new event would bring. 'Oh this is going to be so much fun. I can't wait to try out this exorcist's abilities. Hopefully they are formidable enough for me to actually break a sweat.' The air around Keitaro took on a charged feel; Keitaro was testing out his own abilities. Feeling his power fluctuating and expanding at a faster rate than usually Keitaro knew that his training had paid off. 'Now for a little wake up call to my new friend.' Keitaro was soon consumed by a bluish crystalline flame; the flames caused no harm to Keitaro. The powerful battle aura soon could be felt from half a town away, and that was just what Keitaro wanted.
(On the outskirts of town)
A group of young women were returning from a day at school; there was however one who stood out from the rest. She was tall for her age, much taller than normal Japanese men. She also carried herself with a grace and poise that belied her youth; it is clearly seen that she possesses tremendous potential for growth. Her name, Motoko Aoyama, she is a clans member to one of the oldest demon-slaying clans in all of Japan. She has perfected her swordplay with years of training under her sister, and her many senseis through the years. Although she is one of the best at swordplay her spiritual techniques are not up to par with her sister, Tsuruko.
"Motoko-sempai did you learn a lot at sword camp? Enough to beat up all the men in the world for good?" questioned one of the many followers of Motoko Aoyama. "It was not sword camp Yuki (sorry don't know their names so just made up some) it was more of a training camp. Right, Motoko-sempai?" stated another of her followers. But Motoko was not listening to her cronies, she was more worried about the dark aura that was permeating the town of Hinata. 'What is this darkness that threatens to envelope us all? Where is it located? Oh dear Kami-sama its right in the middle of town!'
Bidding her followers a quick farewell Motoko sprinted to the middle of town, hoping against hope that the darkness would wait before striking. 'The darkness seems calm, almost like it is waiting for me. Why would it wait when it had the chance to terrorize this town?' Brushing such thoughts aside Motoko increased her speed and would be at the center of town in a matter of seconds.
Finally arriving at the center of town Motoko was surprised to sense nothing. Nothing, there was no evil presence; it was just a normal day for the townsfolk. 'What? There should be a demon here. I am sure I felt a darkness that could not hide so quickly; it must be close by, I am sure.' Silently stalking her prey, much like in the forest, Motoko expanded her senses to 'feel' out her surroundings. 'There! It is coming from the top of that building. I must find a way up there, but how?' The building in question was over 5 stories high. It was perhaps the tallest building in this small town, Motoko continued searching for a path to the roof.
(Back to Keitaro)
'This priest is either very stupid or very cautious. My god! I have waited here for over half and hour. I an getting tired of waiting, my patience is running thin.' Keitaro is atop the building and waiting for whoever is expanding their senses down below. 'How hard is it to get up here. I mean it only took me 5 minutes to reach the top of this building.' Becoming increasingly impatient Keitaro's battle aura was pulsing like a Christmas light. "Where the hells are you, you stinking priest?" screamed Keitaro.
"Right behind you, you trash of the earth." spoke a strong but feminine voice behind Keitaro. "Now, now no need to be so harsh. I am delighted that you have the skill to mask your ki so well." responded Keitaro. Ignoring Keitaro's compliment Motoko charged and tried to skewer him on her sword. "Tsk, tsk, tsk. Now is that anyway to greet someone, you have to learn some manners." taunted Keitaro.
"Die, you repulsive demon. Don't forget to say hello to the other's that were slain by me. Zan Ma Ken(Evil Cutter)." screamed Motoko. A wave of ki surged forth from Motoko's blade directly toward Keitaro, but the wave traveled on the ground so all Keitaro had to do was jump over it. "It will not be so easy, little duck. I wish to have a bit of fun before I destroy you. Now, first things first, I am Keitaro Urameshi. What is your name, missie?" politely questioned Keitaro. Caught off guard with this sudden introduction, Motoko responded "What the hell are you doing demon? Fight me and die like the sniveling scum that you are."
"I wish to receive your name warrior. If you do not wish to give it then you it is your prerogative. All I wish to know is who to send your head to." With that said Keitaro went on the offensive, lashing out with a spin-kick toward Motoko's spine. Jumping above his kick Motoko delivered a roundhouse kick straight at Keitaro's head, connecting with his skull Motoko was surprised to learn it felt like kicking a brick wall. "You will never defeat me with those kind of flimsy kicks. You must channel your ki into all that you do." spoke a calm Keitaro. Grabbing her leg Keitaro spun her and threw her off the building to an adjacent roof. Recovering quickly Motoko again unleashed ki from her sword "Zan Kuu Sen" but this time Keitaro did not have the time to dodge.
The blast sent him off the building and onto the streets below, wasting no time Keitaro released a ki powered punch into the building. This act effectively saved his life, 'Damn, that was a close one. That fall might not have killed me but it would have hurt for weeks.' Destroying the brick wall with another concentrated ki punch Keitaro leapt into the building. Starling the inhabitants of said building, "Sorry for barging in like this, I'll be on my way. Nice quince by the way." stated a smiling Keitaro.
Entering the inner hallway Keitaro looked for the emergency staircase. 'Come on, come on where is the damn stairs? Ah, there they are!' Running up the stairs once more Keitaro pondered the current situation, 'Okay she got the better of me once. It better not happen again or I could be in a hospital very soon.' Exiting onto the roof Keitaro found Motoko waiting for him, "How did you like the trip, demon?" Smiling at her overconfidence Keitaro replied "Well it was okay, but no pretty girls to look at." Charging once more at Keitaro, Motoko performed a overhead slash; dodging away from her blade Keitaro unleashed a barrage of ki powered punches. Many of the punches connected and soon Motoko was covered with cuts and bruises. "Oh poor you, guess human's skin is easy to bruise. Are you feeling alright priestess?" stated a smiling Keitaro. Staggering at the amount of damage inflicted by Keitaro in such a short period of time, Motoko had no words to speak at the moment.
Renewing the fight Keitaro came at Motoko with a flying scissor kick, hoping that she will block it. Motoko blocked it but only barely, what she didn't foresee was Keitaro dropping onto the ground and performing a sweeping maneuver that took out her feet from under her. Following up with an axe kick that knocked Motoko to the rooftop with a good amount of force.
Coughing up blood Motoko was confused, how could she a clan's member of the Aoyama clan lose to a demon? Enraged by the ease of her opponent's victory, Motoko fueled her rage and sent it forth with her ki to form "Hiken Zankuusen." Thoroughly confused on how she could still generate so much ki, Keitaro took the brunt of the technique. Charred but still standing Keitaro was beyond anger, he was going into a psychotic trance. Keitaro inflicted blow upon blow to Motoko's withered body, never stopping until he came to the hilt of her sword. In the mire that was his consciousness Keitaro recognized the name on the sword "Motoko Aoyama", trying to formulate coherent thoughts was difficult due to the immense hatred he was feeling.
(Flashback)
"Hey Keitaro, come here for a second will you?" requested Haruka.
"What's up, Aunty? Something wrong?"
"No, no nothing like that. It's just I wanted to show you some pictures. These were taken before you came to the Hinata-sou."
"Oh, cool. Ah there is Naru, still fighting with Mitsune I see. Mitsune is teasing her about something, look at them having fun."
"Yeah those were some good times. Grandma Hina was still manager back then. Hey here's one of Su, look at her fixing whatever that is."
"Yep, never changes. Su is always coming up with something. But hey who is that? That girl next to Su, she seems to be facing away from the camera."
"Oh that, that's Motoko. She is the one I have been telling you about, remember? She went off to a training camp this summer."
"Oh that's right. But how come she won't show her face?"
"Oh she's just shy. I'll try to find one with her facing the camera."
"No, don't Aunty I think I see something. Why is she carrying a sword? Motoko Aoyama. What kind of camp did she go to?"
"Well she went to…oh my goodness look at the time. Sorry Keitaro, I got to go. Are you going to start dinner soon?"
"Yeah, I guess I had better. Shinobu needs help now that she has so many mouth's to feed. Bye Aunty."
(End Flashback)
'So this is Motoko, my god look what I did. I had better get her back to Hinata-sou. I thought she looked familiar, what am I going to do afterwards?' Banishing such thoughts from his mind, Keitaro scooped up Motoko in his arms and headed toward home. 'Well at least things can't get any worse, right?' Rain started to come down from the heavens to mock Keitaro, 'Damn me and my big mouth.' Walking through the rain with a woman dripping blood is not the best of circumstances.
'Man, there is no way to make it home in this condition. I have to dry Motoko off and clean her wounds. But where do I go? What's that in the front? Looks like a barn, maybe I can stay there for a while, at least until the rain stops.'
Running toward the lighted building, Keitaro was hoping he didn't kill Motoko. 'I knew one of these days, my night's of fun would catch up to me but not this fast dammit.' Arriving at the barn Keitaro quickly removed his coat to give Motoko so more warmth. 'Damn, she is ice cold. I had better tend to these wounds quickly then start a fire.' Removing Motoko's clothing "Really sorry about this, Motoko." Keitaro saw the amount of damage he had inflicted.
There were bruises everywhere from her thighs to the upper parts of her arms. 'Damn I really did a number on her. At least the cuts seem only to be skin deep.' Ripping off a piece of his shit Keitaro tried to wrap the most serious of the wounds, 'Okay, okay she seems alright. Only the bruises are the problems; but the cuts should not reopen again. Now for the fire.'
Locating a ladder Keitaro destroyed it entirely, using the bits and pieces to make a roaring fire in the huge barn. 'Good thing I'm a real life match, here we go.' Igniting the dry wood Keitaro continued to feed the fire until it was a considerable blaze. Gently cradling Motoko, Keitaro moved her as near to the fire as possible without touching it. 'There that should help her warm up considerably. Better get myself dry as well.' Sitting close to Motoko Keitaro warmed his hands near the fire.
'This young woman did a better job then I would have expected. That last attack was enough to halve my strength, lucky thing for my anger. Anger works well in generating power, lots of power.' Knowing the morning will come and the consequences of his actions would be addressed Keitaro looked toward the clouded sky and said a prayer.
(The next morning)
Awakening to a myriad of pain and anguish, Motoko assumed she had gone to hell after her death. No such luck for her, because hovering above her was the person who she believed sent her to hell in the first place. "Foul demon, what have you done to me? I will rid the world of your putrid presence right now." stated a rising Motoko. Pain shooting up from her legs and joints Motoko could not stand for long. She soon collapsed once more due to the extremity of the damage that was caused by Keitaro. "Motoko Aoyama, you are a resident of Hinata-sou, yes?" questioned Keitaro. Visibly tensing at the name of her home Motoko replied "I have no idea how you came to know such information, but you will be wise to stay away from there. I will not rest until I torture your very soul if you should harm even one hair on my families head." threatened Motoko.
"There is a reason I know of your home, it is because I am the manager of the Hinata all-girl's dormitory. Effective since the start of summer when my grandmother went on a trip around the world." calmly stated Keitaro. Shocked by the news that a demon was the new manager of Hinata-sou Motoko responded "You lie, there is no way Grandma Hina would let a demon run Hinata-sou. What have you done with her you ill-contained menace?" questioned Motoko. Shaking his head at the display of denial that he had seen on Naru's face he responded "I have to take you back home now. So I will inform you on the way there." Picking up Motoko as if she weighed nothing at all he wrapped his coat around her and headed home. "Hey demon, put me down this instant! I demand that you let me go. I can walk by myself."
Gently lowering her body to the ground Keitaro let Motoko try to walk on her own. Taking a few steps Motoko could not help the pain that was lacing through her body from all directions. She again collapsed but into the arms of Keitaro since he had been following her; "I will carry you till we reach the doors of Hinata-sou then you can walk if you like." informed Keitaro. Without further ado Keitaro lifted Motoko again into his arms and headed home. Irritated but knowing that she would never reach Hinata-sou otherwise Motoko stayed in his embrace. 'Well at least he is warm and has a nice smell to him. What am I thinking this a demon for crying out loud? I should be slaying him not fantasizing about him.' Burying herself deeper into his embrace to hide her blush Motoko could not help but feel safe in his arms. 'This is not so bad; I mean he did patch me up after the fight. But it was also him who gave me these bruises, damn this demon why does he have to be so good afterwards?'
While Motoko was fighting her emotions Keitaro had his own demons to fight. 'Great what am I going to tell them? Oh here is your roommate I just beat her up a little. No, how about I found her like this on the street. Nah, Motoko would just tell them the truth; then what should I do? I know I'll go to Auntie Haruka after I drop off Motoko, hopefully I can get some help from her.' Nodding his head Keitaro had decided his choice of action, now all he had to do was go through with it.
Finding Motoko asleep in his arms Keitaro slowed his pace so as not to wake her with all his jostling. Analyzing her face Keitaro came up with many thoughts 'Damn, she is a nice looking girl, maybe if I hadn't beat her up she would have went out with me. But things cannot be undone, so I will have to lose this chance at happiness. Instead I gain a lifetime of darkness and pain, what a great deal!' thought Keitaro cryptically. Walking through town in the middle of the day with a young, beautiful girl in your arms gets you noticed. Although some of that attention is not always favorable, i.e. thieves, rapists, and muggers. Unfortunately for Keitaro he had all three of the hoodlums following him and Motoko. Sensing the individuals behind him, Keitaro was more than a little perturbed. 'Man in one week I have seen the worst this town has to show. I mean come on, first Shinobu now us. This has not been my week; I had better pick up the pace to outdistance these lowlifes. I know I can't fight them with Motoko in my arms, no matter how much I would love to kill those guys.'
Walking a bit faster to distance himself from the group Keitaro sensed they were also speeding up. 'Oh so they want to race? Do they? Okay then let's race scumbags?' Clutching Motoko as firm as she can take, Keitaro bursts into a full-blown run. Quickly leaving the group behind with amazed faces, "Hahaha….now that was fun, see if they can catch up now." mumbles Keitaro.
"Quite a nice maneuver demon, no wonder you survived our encounter." stated a now awake Motoko. Losing his smiling face Keitaro stated "Oh your awake, Motoko. We are almost at your home, right after these steps you will be home." Surprised at his cold tone, 'You would think I would be mad. I mean I am the one that is hurt not him, what the hell is he mad about?' Complete silence filled the atmosphere as Keitaro headed up the steps that would take him back to his temporary home. 'Home at last, now to face the consequences of my actions. Hopefully, Motoko tells a true account of our battle and the time it took for us to get home.'
Placing Motoko on the couch in the foyer Keitaro soon called out "Hey Narusegawa, Mitsune, Su, and Shinobu could you get down here for a second? I'm in the foyer with a friend of yours." The residents arrived all with confused faces until they caught sight of Motoko, "Oh my god Motoko what happened to you? You look like you were run over by a speeding car." shouted Naru. "Yeah, what happened Motoko, your all bruised all over." questioned Mitsune.
And Su as usual stated "Is bruises tasty? What happen to Motoko-san? Eat too much?" Everybody shook their heads at this and waited for Motoko's answer "Well I was accosted by some sort of demon, it had a tremendous power. Terrible in appearance, but it seems I was found by Keitaro-sempai here." Everyone turned to Keitaro who had a confused look on his face too. "Urameshi actually found you and took you back home?" gasped Naru. "Well, yes Narusegawa-sempai. He found me and took me back home." stated Motoko.
'What the hell is she doing? She knows that I am the one who caused all the bruises in the first place. Why would she protect me?' pondered Keitaro. Deciding to let the other's speak with Motoko privately Keitaro made his exit. "Well girl's I am glad to see you have gotten your friend back. I have some things to do still but I will return soon. Bye."
And with that Keitaro left, Motoko was surprised; not only by his sudden departure but the reason she lied. 'I protected his secret. Why would I do that? Was it because I felt his sadness and anger at the prospect of leaving this place? Or was it something else? I don't know I better sleep on this.'
"Narusegawa-sempai I wish to retire to my room; you see that is where all my herbs are. I wish to treat my wounds."
"Oh of course Motoko, come on Mitsune help me out here." stated Naru. With both women helping they managed to guide Motoko to her room and her herb cabinet. "Thank you for your help Narusegawa-sempai, and Mitsune-sempai. I must start treating my wounds would you excuse me?"
"Your welcome, Motoko, but are you sure you don't need our help?"
"That is not necessary Narusegawa-sempai; I will be able to treat my wounds by myself. Thank you for your offer."
"Okay, no problem. Let's go Mitsune, Motoko needs her rest."
Exiting the room both Mitsune and Naru had the same idea; 'gotta talk to that Urameshi'
Author's Notes: Well there you have it Chapter 5 of A Warrior's Spirit. How did you like it? Please R & R? Also what girl would you like Keitaro to be paired up with? Peace I'm out.