First off I would like to thank everyone for there feedback so far. And
incase your wondering, no Ranma isn't a pansy. He just doesn't want to
press his luck now that he finally told Akane how he feels. If you still
don't get it then I'll just spell it out, it's a different story line. And
I couldn't resist making Nabiki nice for a change.
Now on with the story.............................
Duo looked down the alley and saw nothing. But that didn't make any sense, just a moment ago he had felt an energy there, yet when he looked he saw nothing. He continued on ignoring the knot forming in his stomach. He had ignored his instincts before and it had usually cost him, but this time he felt that he had to go.
As he continued down the alleyway he couldn't help but feel like he was being watched, yet again as he looked around he saw nothing, "Who's there?" he said as he clutched his rod out of habit. No one responded. He continued moving cautiously down the alley.
He saw something move in the shadows to his left. He quickly through a few of his throwing daggers at the object, then cursed himself, he had thrown too many, he only had one left. And worse he had missed.
The shadow jumped and climbed the wall out of his reach. He continued onward. He heard someone approaching from behind him, he spun ready to throw his last dagger if he had to. Then he realized that there were two of them, he sighed in relief when he realized that one was Ranma, the other he didn't recognize.
"We came to help." Said Ranma.
Just as Duo was about to ask what they were helping with it attacked them, from above. It was big, much bigger then him. He tried to react but the creature was producing some sort of advanced fear aura. It had him paralyzed and it was moving to attack him. All he could do was watch as it pulled its mammoth fist back ready to take off his head in a single punch. Then it was flying at him much faster than it should have for a being of its size could have, then it was there connecting with his face.
**********
Duo awoke with a start, he was covered in sweat and his heart was racing, 'A dream,' he said to himself, 'it was just a dream.' He was holding something, he looked down to find his rod clutched tightly in his hand, he had grabbed it out of instinct when he had woken up.
For as long as he could remember he had never gone anywhere without his rod. His master often told him 'to master the art, you must become one with your weapon. It is as much a part of you now as you are a part of it. When you have mastered the art your rod will be as an extension of your body. And without it near to you, you will feel incomplete.' So he had kept it with him always for the past fifteen years. It was a part of him now.
He looked at the clock, '5:50. I should be getting up anyway.' He slowly drug himself out of bed and put on his cloths and headed downstairs. He went into the kitchen and after checking what he had to work with set himself to the task of preparing breakfast for the family that was being so kind to him.
Yet he couldn't shake the feeling that something was coming, something that might be stronger than him.
The Wanderers Decision Chapter 3
Kasumi woke up to the smell of something cooking. She looked at her clock '6:15, Akane shouldn't be up yet. So who's doing the cooking?' she wondered as she crawled out of bed. She put on a robe as she went downstairs to see who was up.
When she got downstairs she entered the kitchen and was a little surprised to find that it was Duo who was up and doing the cooking.
He turned and looked over his shoulder, "Good morning Kasumi. Did you sleep well?"
"Good morning Duo, yes I slept well." She looked at the small feast that Duo was preparing, "Goodness you didn't have to go to all this trouble."
"I know." He said as he added the last of the food to the serving trays, "its just," he tried to find the right words, "Its just that you and your family have been so nice to me that I wanted to do something nice for you. That's all." He smiled as he picked up one of the trays and started moving them out into the sitting room. Kasumi gave him a hand in moving the trays, and soon the meal was ready to be eaten.
"Should I go wake the others? We don't want it to get cold." Kasumi said.
"That's all right, the smell will have them up in no time. Just watch."
Kasumi was just a little skeptical but in just a few minutes the others were coming down the stairs wondering what smelled so good. Duo smiled as his new friends sat down and began to eat. He was especially happy to see that Nabiki was in a better mood today.
**********
When the meal was over and the dishes had been cleared Kasumi went off to work and Ranma and Akane went to get ready for school.
"So Duo what will you do today with every one out?" asked Nabiki.
Duo thought for a moment, "I haven't decided yet." He said, he looked at Nabiki then frowned, "Nabiki. About yesterday." He hesitated not sure what to say exactly, "I'm sorry."
Nabiki looked at him with a look of forgiving, "Its ok I'm the one who followed you remember."
Duo smiled, "Last night I tried to think about a few things." He reached across the table and took hold of her hand, "In the past I never stayed in one place for more than a few days, just long enough to look for my father's killer. Yesterday I put you in danger with my search. Kasumi says that I can't avenge my father's death by killing his murderer. And I'm starting to think that she is right. I don't want to put you or anyone else in danger again." He stopped for a moment trying to decide how to say what he knew he had to say, "Nabiki I want you to know that I have decided that I am going to stop hunting my fathers killer. And if I find him out of luck or chance, then I won't kill him, I'll turn him in to the police and let them deal with him." He searched her face for any kind of reaction, but the one he got was hardly the one he was expecting.
Nabiki leaned across the table and gave him a gentle tender kiss. It was incredible, it was like electricity was shooting through his body. But all too quickly the moment passed and he was left looking into Nabiki's eyes, "Thank you. That means a lot to me. Thank you Duo." She gave his hand a squeeze then went upstairs to get ready for school.
**********
Duo cleaned up what was left in the kitchen and even packed some of the leftovers in some lunch packs he found. 'Maybe it won't be so bad,' he thought, 'Master was always sure to teach me things that a school would, maybe I could go to the same school as Nabiki.' He smiled. Yes, today he would start at the local high school.
When Nabiki, Ranma and Akane had left for school with there lunches he followed them at a distance. Being careful not to be seen. He ran along the rooftops as they approached Furinkan High School, and watched as the three entered the gates.
Once they entered the building he checked to make sure that his rod was secured and he jumped down and entered the gates. He spotted a few students and asked where the registration office was. They pointed him in the right direction. He thanked them and soon found the office. After filling out a few forms he was given his class schedule. He noted that classes would begin in a half hour so he took the time to locate all his classes. All to soon the bell rang for classes to start. He went to his first class and was glad to find that he would be having a class with Nabiki.
"Ah you must be the new student that the office called about. Please come in. Class this is Duo. He will be joining us for the remainder of the year. Duo please take a seat by Miss. Tendo and we'll begin."
As the day went on Duo found that he had four classes with Nabiki and he loved each one of them. Duo ate lunch with Nabiki and her friends, and found that he was quite the topic of conversation. But he didn't mind.
When the day was over he walked home with Nabiki and made some small talk along the way. Back at the house he and Nabiki did there homework together. When there homework was done they watched some TV together.
**********
When the others got home Duo and Ranma went to the Dojo to do some sparring. After a wile they went back inside and Kasumi asked to speak with Duo alone, Nabiki and Ranma got the hint and went to help Akane with Dinner.
"Duo," Kasumi began, "Nabiki told me what you said to her this morning." She paused, "Thank you, thank you for considering what I said last night."
"I was glad to really." Duo said, "In the past I was always hunting Karasu so I never had time to stay in one place or get to know anyone. Now for the first time I have friends. And now I'm going to school. My master had always been sure to teach me what he knew about math and reading but he said that when my training was over that I should consider going to a school to further my education." He looked out the window, "I still don't know what I'm supposed to be looking for, but I know that I'll find it." He looked back at Kasumi, "Thank you. Thank you for helping me Kasumi. Without you giving me advice I would still be out there hunting Karasu. It feels good to have someone that I can talk to."
"Your welcome."
**********
The next day Duo walked to school with Nabiki, and after school they walked home together. They developed quite a routine over the next few months as summer drew nearer. Nabiki and Duo grew closer. At lunch they were inseparable. There friendship grew to love and soon the two were as close as Ranma and Akane.
One day when they got home from school Kasumi was there, she had the day off, "Oh Duo a letter arrived for you today. It's from a Mr. Karr, in Okinawa. It's over there on the table." She said as she pointed to the pale envelope.
"From my master?" Duo quickly cast aside his books and opened the letter.
It read,
'Duo my young apprentice. You must be wondering right now how I knew that you would be here. Well I have a few friends in that area and they said that a young man fitting your description was staying at this address. I understand that you are attending a local High School and have a relationship with a young woman there. I am very proud of you. You may not realize it but you are ready to begin your training again. You have found what you were lacking as a Martial Artist. By the time you read this your mother and I will be on our way to Nerima. We shall see you in ten days, give or take a few from the time this letter reaches you.
Your mother hopes to meet this 'friend' of yours. And so do I. We shall see you soon my son.'
**********
Duo stood for a moment staring at the paper in his hands. Then the tears started to roll down his face. Nabiki looked at him her face full of worry and concern. Duo wiped away his tears and looked at her with a smile that she had never seen on him before, "My Master is coming." He said. Nabiki had a look of sudden understanding on her face, "he'll be here in ten days." He put his hands on Nabiki's shoulders, "he wants to meet you. And so does my mother."
Nabiki's face suddenly shifted to fear as thoughts raced through her head, 'What if they don't like me? What if they say that Duo has to go back with them? What will they say about me once they meet me? What will I say to them?' the thoughts threatened to overwhelm her.
Duo seemed to know what she was thinking, he was getting good at that, "Its ok. They say there proud of me and what I'm doing here. We'll just take things one step at a time." He encircled her in a tender hug, as she calmed down.
"Your right Duo. We'll just take it one step at a time." She pulled away slightly and looked up into his eyes as she placed a loving kiss gently on his lips.
Kasumi smiled and decided to leave the two of them alone for a wile, and went back to the sitting room to finish reading the paper.
When the kiss finally ended Duo and Nabiki went to the Dojo where they could talk. Duo explained that his master was coming to finish his training. Nabiki looked at him with a slight frown, "I thought that you couldn't finish your training until you found what you were lacking as a Martial Artist?"
Duo smiled, "I did find it," he lightly kissed her forehead before continuing, "When I arrived in the city and started hunting I sensed an energy that was almost identical to my own. I couldn't remember at the time what it meant but now I do." He looked in her eyes, "My master had told me long ago that when I found an energy that similar to my own that I would have found what I was missing. That energy was you Nabiki." Nabiki's eyes widened as she began to realize what Duo was saying, "The thing I was missing, was Love." He pulled her close into a tight but loving embrace, "I love you Nabiki."
Nabiki's heart seemed to stop, 'Did Duo just say that he loved me? Yes, yes he did.' Nabiki pulled out of his warmth and looked up into his eyes, "Oh Duo." She returned to his touch before continuing to keep him from seeing the tears rolling down her face, "I love you to."
They sat there for most of the night just enjoying the feel of being with the one they loved. They decided that they should keep it quiet for a wile at least until Duo's training was finished. Eventually they had to go back into the house for dinner. They reluctantly left the warm embrace of the others touch but continued to hold hands as they entered the house, and sat down at the dinner table.
**********
The days couldn't pass fast enough for Duo. Nabiki had never seen him this antsy before. But then he hadn't seen his master or his adoptive mother or even talked to either of them for the past five years. So it was understandable for him to be a little on edge. It had been about seven days since he got the letter and he could hardly wait to see his master once again. He was caught several times in class daydreaming. And he found it very hard to stay focused.
That afternoon after he had finished his homework and was watching a little TV with Nabiki there was a nock at the front door. Duo went to go answer it and Nabiki couldn't help but follow.
When Duo opened the door he stood for a moment in shock before falling to the ground in a display of repentance, "Master." He began, "It has been too long." Nabiki looked out the door to see a man in his mid 30s. He had slightly longer hair than Duo but his was brown not Black like Duo's. His clothing was similar to Duo's but had a Vest that looked to be made of some sort of animal skin. He had a rod at his side, it was the same length as Duo's but this one was decorated with an intricate pattern of a Dragon. And he had two parallel scares on the right side of his face.
The man got down on one knee and placed a hand on Duo's back, "there is no need for that my son. Today I am your loving Father. Tomorrow I am your Master." He smiled as he continued, "now get up and give your mother and I a hug."
Duo smiled as he sprung to his feet and embraced his master and a beautiful woman whom Nabiki had assumed was his masters wife. She had on a very traditional kimono and had long red hair. And she carried a rod of her own. Nabiki briefly wondered what it was with this family and rods but quickly forgot as Duo turned to her and gestured for her to come over.
"Mother, Father this is my friend Nabiki Tendo. Nabiki this is my mother and father." Duo smiled as Nabiki bowed respectfully.
They moved to the sitting room and sat around the table as they got acquainted with each other. It was clear in the way Duo acted that he had deep respect for this man and his wife. She smiled and excused herself to get some refreshments. Once she was in the kitchen she took a few glasses and some of the soft drinks from the fridge and set them on a tray before taking them out to there guests.
**********
As the night progressed and the others returned home and met there new guests Duo and his master went outside to the yard and sat looking up at the stars wile his mother stayed in the house with the others, trading stories about Duo. "She's a fine young woman son." Said his master as he turned to look at Duo, "I'm very proud of how far you have come in five years."
Duo looked at his master, "Master when you went through your training did you have to search for something as I did?"
He thought for a moment before answering, "Yes. And I'm happy that you found it after only five years." He smiled, "it took me almost seven to find your mother. And another year and a half to ask her to marry me." Duo laughed with his master for a moment.
That was one thing he hadn't thought of before. He loved Nabiki he had told her. But he didn't have a way to support her. "Do you have a job here son?"
Duo was broken out of his thoughts then answered, "No I don't. I've looked but no one seems to be hiring."
His master thought for a moment, "I still have a few friends around here. I'll make a few calls in the morning and see what I can do to help you with that."
Duo's eyes widened, "That would be wonderful master. Thank you." He bowed.
His master smiled, "I told you tonight I'm your father not your master. You don't have to be so formal."
Duo smiled, "I know father, its just that I haven't seen you or mother in almost five and a half years."
His father smiled at him, "I know son. But once your training is complete your mother and I will be in touch more often."
Duo smiled as he sat with his father just catching up on the five years that they missed.
Nabiki smiled as she watched them sitting and laughing together. She liked seeing Duo this way. He was happy.
**********
The night passed all to quickly and in the morning true to his word Duo's master was calling his friends seeing what jobs they had available, Duo went to school with Nabiki as usual. Kasumi stayed home with his parents. When school was over Duo was greeted by his mother at the door of the Tendo home with news that his father had found a job for him at a local night club owned by one of his old friends. And he assured his that friend ran a clean club and it would be ok for him to work there with the security.
Nabiki didn't really like the idea of Duo working around women all the time but it was only a few nights a week, so it might be ok.
"Duo." He turned to find his master leaning against the wall of the dojo, "its time to continue the training. Follow me" his master jumped and began running along roofs as he ran.
Duo dropped his bags and followed.
Nabiki was about to go after him but found herself stopped by Duo's mother. "You can't go with him this time." She turned to look in the direction her husband and son went, "This is something he must do alone."
Nabiki looked at Duo as he moved farther away she nodded in understanding. She knew that if she followed she would just get in the way. "How long will his training take?"
She thought for a moment then said, "Its heard to say really. When his father began his final training it took a week for him to learn the three final techniques of the art. But its hard to say how long it will take for sure. And he'll probably push Duo a lot harder then if he was his birth son." She looked at Nabiki and saw the look of sadness forming on her face. She knew that look. It was the look she herself had once very long ago when she had met her husband and he was taken away to undertake his final training. She smiled, "hay would you like to help me prepare dinner tonight?"
Nabiki turned back to her and wiped away a tear as she smiled and nodded, "Yes. I think I would like that."
**********
They traveled for most of the night, out of the city and deep into the forest outside of Nerima. Duo felt a mix of sadness and joy. Sadness from having to leave Nabiki, joy in finally continuing his training.
They approached the edge of a cliff they slowed to a stop on the edge, "Duo look out over the edge. What do you see?"
Duo looked over the edge and saw a lake at the bottom, "A Lake." He said.
"Good. Here take this." Duo accepted the small piece of paper and looked at his master as he was pushed over the edge. After a full minute of falling he found himself in the lake he saw from above. He opened the note which read 'well my young apprentice you have come far in your training but now you must go farther. I will be waiting for you at the top. Once you climb up the cliff we will continue your training. If you cannot complete this task then you are not worthy of my teachings. See you at the top.'
Duo growled as he began to climb up the rocky cliffs to his master.
Now on with the story.............................
Duo looked down the alley and saw nothing. But that didn't make any sense, just a moment ago he had felt an energy there, yet when he looked he saw nothing. He continued on ignoring the knot forming in his stomach. He had ignored his instincts before and it had usually cost him, but this time he felt that he had to go.
As he continued down the alleyway he couldn't help but feel like he was being watched, yet again as he looked around he saw nothing, "Who's there?" he said as he clutched his rod out of habit. No one responded. He continued moving cautiously down the alley.
He saw something move in the shadows to his left. He quickly through a few of his throwing daggers at the object, then cursed himself, he had thrown too many, he only had one left. And worse he had missed.
The shadow jumped and climbed the wall out of his reach. He continued onward. He heard someone approaching from behind him, he spun ready to throw his last dagger if he had to. Then he realized that there were two of them, he sighed in relief when he realized that one was Ranma, the other he didn't recognize.
"We came to help." Said Ranma.
Just as Duo was about to ask what they were helping with it attacked them, from above. It was big, much bigger then him. He tried to react but the creature was producing some sort of advanced fear aura. It had him paralyzed and it was moving to attack him. All he could do was watch as it pulled its mammoth fist back ready to take off his head in a single punch. Then it was flying at him much faster than it should have for a being of its size could have, then it was there connecting with his face.
**********
Duo awoke with a start, he was covered in sweat and his heart was racing, 'A dream,' he said to himself, 'it was just a dream.' He was holding something, he looked down to find his rod clutched tightly in his hand, he had grabbed it out of instinct when he had woken up.
For as long as he could remember he had never gone anywhere without his rod. His master often told him 'to master the art, you must become one with your weapon. It is as much a part of you now as you are a part of it. When you have mastered the art your rod will be as an extension of your body. And without it near to you, you will feel incomplete.' So he had kept it with him always for the past fifteen years. It was a part of him now.
He looked at the clock, '5:50. I should be getting up anyway.' He slowly drug himself out of bed and put on his cloths and headed downstairs. He went into the kitchen and after checking what he had to work with set himself to the task of preparing breakfast for the family that was being so kind to him.
Yet he couldn't shake the feeling that something was coming, something that might be stronger than him.
The Wanderers Decision Chapter 3
Kasumi woke up to the smell of something cooking. She looked at her clock '6:15, Akane shouldn't be up yet. So who's doing the cooking?' she wondered as she crawled out of bed. She put on a robe as she went downstairs to see who was up.
When she got downstairs she entered the kitchen and was a little surprised to find that it was Duo who was up and doing the cooking.
He turned and looked over his shoulder, "Good morning Kasumi. Did you sleep well?"
"Good morning Duo, yes I slept well." She looked at the small feast that Duo was preparing, "Goodness you didn't have to go to all this trouble."
"I know." He said as he added the last of the food to the serving trays, "its just," he tried to find the right words, "Its just that you and your family have been so nice to me that I wanted to do something nice for you. That's all." He smiled as he picked up one of the trays and started moving them out into the sitting room. Kasumi gave him a hand in moving the trays, and soon the meal was ready to be eaten.
"Should I go wake the others? We don't want it to get cold." Kasumi said.
"That's all right, the smell will have them up in no time. Just watch."
Kasumi was just a little skeptical but in just a few minutes the others were coming down the stairs wondering what smelled so good. Duo smiled as his new friends sat down and began to eat. He was especially happy to see that Nabiki was in a better mood today.
**********
When the meal was over and the dishes had been cleared Kasumi went off to work and Ranma and Akane went to get ready for school.
"So Duo what will you do today with every one out?" asked Nabiki.
Duo thought for a moment, "I haven't decided yet." He said, he looked at Nabiki then frowned, "Nabiki. About yesterday." He hesitated not sure what to say exactly, "I'm sorry."
Nabiki looked at him with a look of forgiving, "Its ok I'm the one who followed you remember."
Duo smiled, "Last night I tried to think about a few things." He reached across the table and took hold of her hand, "In the past I never stayed in one place for more than a few days, just long enough to look for my father's killer. Yesterday I put you in danger with my search. Kasumi says that I can't avenge my father's death by killing his murderer. And I'm starting to think that she is right. I don't want to put you or anyone else in danger again." He stopped for a moment trying to decide how to say what he knew he had to say, "Nabiki I want you to know that I have decided that I am going to stop hunting my fathers killer. And if I find him out of luck or chance, then I won't kill him, I'll turn him in to the police and let them deal with him." He searched her face for any kind of reaction, but the one he got was hardly the one he was expecting.
Nabiki leaned across the table and gave him a gentle tender kiss. It was incredible, it was like electricity was shooting through his body. But all too quickly the moment passed and he was left looking into Nabiki's eyes, "Thank you. That means a lot to me. Thank you Duo." She gave his hand a squeeze then went upstairs to get ready for school.
**********
Duo cleaned up what was left in the kitchen and even packed some of the leftovers in some lunch packs he found. 'Maybe it won't be so bad,' he thought, 'Master was always sure to teach me things that a school would, maybe I could go to the same school as Nabiki.' He smiled. Yes, today he would start at the local high school.
When Nabiki, Ranma and Akane had left for school with there lunches he followed them at a distance. Being careful not to be seen. He ran along the rooftops as they approached Furinkan High School, and watched as the three entered the gates.
Once they entered the building he checked to make sure that his rod was secured and he jumped down and entered the gates. He spotted a few students and asked where the registration office was. They pointed him in the right direction. He thanked them and soon found the office. After filling out a few forms he was given his class schedule. He noted that classes would begin in a half hour so he took the time to locate all his classes. All to soon the bell rang for classes to start. He went to his first class and was glad to find that he would be having a class with Nabiki.
"Ah you must be the new student that the office called about. Please come in. Class this is Duo. He will be joining us for the remainder of the year. Duo please take a seat by Miss. Tendo and we'll begin."
As the day went on Duo found that he had four classes with Nabiki and he loved each one of them. Duo ate lunch with Nabiki and her friends, and found that he was quite the topic of conversation. But he didn't mind.
When the day was over he walked home with Nabiki and made some small talk along the way. Back at the house he and Nabiki did there homework together. When there homework was done they watched some TV together.
**********
When the others got home Duo and Ranma went to the Dojo to do some sparring. After a wile they went back inside and Kasumi asked to speak with Duo alone, Nabiki and Ranma got the hint and went to help Akane with Dinner.
"Duo," Kasumi began, "Nabiki told me what you said to her this morning." She paused, "Thank you, thank you for considering what I said last night."
"I was glad to really." Duo said, "In the past I was always hunting Karasu so I never had time to stay in one place or get to know anyone. Now for the first time I have friends. And now I'm going to school. My master had always been sure to teach me what he knew about math and reading but he said that when my training was over that I should consider going to a school to further my education." He looked out the window, "I still don't know what I'm supposed to be looking for, but I know that I'll find it." He looked back at Kasumi, "Thank you. Thank you for helping me Kasumi. Without you giving me advice I would still be out there hunting Karasu. It feels good to have someone that I can talk to."
"Your welcome."
**********
The next day Duo walked to school with Nabiki, and after school they walked home together. They developed quite a routine over the next few months as summer drew nearer. Nabiki and Duo grew closer. At lunch they were inseparable. There friendship grew to love and soon the two were as close as Ranma and Akane.
One day when they got home from school Kasumi was there, she had the day off, "Oh Duo a letter arrived for you today. It's from a Mr. Karr, in Okinawa. It's over there on the table." She said as she pointed to the pale envelope.
"From my master?" Duo quickly cast aside his books and opened the letter.
It read,
'Duo my young apprentice. You must be wondering right now how I knew that you would be here. Well I have a few friends in that area and they said that a young man fitting your description was staying at this address. I understand that you are attending a local High School and have a relationship with a young woman there. I am very proud of you. You may not realize it but you are ready to begin your training again. You have found what you were lacking as a Martial Artist. By the time you read this your mother and I will be on our way to Nerima. We shall see you in ten days, give or take a few from the time this letter reaches you.
Your mother hopes to meet this 'friend' of yours. And so do I. We shall see you soon my son.'
**********
Duo stood for a moment staring at the paper in his hands. Then the tears started to roll down his face. Nabiki looked at him her face full of worry and concern. Duo wiped away his tears and looked at her with a smile that she had never seen on him before, "My Master is coming." He said. Nabiki had a look of sudden understanding on her face, "he'll be here in ten days." He put his hands on Nabiki's shoulders, "he wants to meet you. And so does my mother."
Nabiki's face suddenly shifted to fear as thoughts raced through her head, 'What if they don't like me? What if they say that Duo has to go back with them? What will they say about me once they meet me? What will I say to them?' the thoughts threatened to overwhelm her.
Duo seemed to know what she was thinking, he was getting good at that, "Its ok. They say there proud of me and what I'm doing here. We'll just take things one step at a time." He encircled her in a tender hug, as she calmed down.
"Your right Duo. We'll just take it one step at a time." She pulled away slightly and looked up into his eyes as she placed a loving kiss gently on his lips.
Kasumi smiled and decided to leave the two of them alone for a wile, and went back to the sitting room to finish reading the paper.
When the kiss finally ended Duo and Nabiki went to the Dojo where they could talk. Duo explained that his master was coming to finish his training. Nabiki looked at him with a slight frown, "I thought that you couldn't finish your training until you found what you were lacking as a Martial Artist?"
Duo smiled, "I did find it," he lightly kissed her forehead before continuing, "When I arrived in the city and started hunting I sensed an energy that was almost identical to my own. I couldn't remember at the time what it meant but now I do." He looked in her eyes, "My master had told me long ago that when I found an energy that similar to my own that I would have found what I was missing. That energy was you Nabiki." Nabiki's eyes widened as she began to realize what Duo was saying, "The thing I was missing, was Love." He pulled her close into a tight but loving embrace, "I love you Nabiki."
Nabiki's heart seemed to stop, 'Did Duo just say that he loved me? Yes, yes he did.' Nabiki pulled out of his warmth and looked up into his eyes, "Oh Duo." She returned to his touch before continuing to keep him from seeing the tears rolling down her face, "I love you to."
They sat there for most of the night just enjoying the feel of being with the one they loved. They decided that they should keep it quiet for a wile at least until Duo's training was finished. Eventually they had to go back into the house for dinner. They reluctantly left the warm embrace of the others touch but continued to hold hands as they entered the house, and sat down at the dinner table.
**********
The days couldn't pass fast enough for Duo. Nabiki had never seen him this antsy before. But then he hadn't seen his master or his adoptive mother or even talked to either of them for the past five years. So it was understandable for him to be a little on edge. It had been about seven days since he got the letter and he could hardly wait to see his master once again. He was caught several times in class daydreaming. And he found it very hard to stay focused.
That afternoon after he had finished his homework and was watching a little TV with Nabiki there was a nock at the front door. Duo went to go answer it and Nabiki couldn't help but follow.
When Duo opened the door he stood for a moment in shock before falling to the ground in a display of repentance, "Master." He began, "It has been too long." Nabiki looked out the door to see a man in his mid 30s. He had slightly longer hair than Duo but his was brown not Black like Duo's. His clothing was similar to Duo's but had a Vest that looked to be made of some sort of animal skin. He had a rod at his side, it was the same length as Duo's but this one was decorated with an intricate pattern of a Dragon. And he had two parallel scares on the right side of his face.
The man got down on one knee and placed a hand on Duo's back, "there is no need for that my son. Today I am your loving Father. Tomorrow I am your Master." He smiled as he continued, "now get up and give your mother and I a hug."
Duo smiled as he sprung to his feet and embraced his master and a beautiful woman whom Nabiki had assumed was his masters wife. She had on a very traditional kimono and had long red hair. And she carried a rod of her own. Nabiki briefly wondered what it was with this family and rods but quickly forgot as Duo turned to her and gestured for her to come over.
"Mother, Father this is my friend Nabiki Tendo. Nabiki this is my mother and father." Duo smiled as Nabiki bowed respectfully.
They moved to the sitting room and sat around the table as they got acquainted with each other. It was clear in the way Duo acted that he had deep respect for this man and his wife. She smiled and excused herself to get some refreshments. Once she was in the kitchen she took a few glasses and some of the soft drinks from the fridge and set them on a tray before taking them out to there guests.
**********
As the night progressed and the others returned home and met there new guests Duo and his master went outside to the yard and sat looking up at the stars wile his mother stayed in the house with the others, trading stories about Duo. "She's a fine young woman son." Said his master as he turned to look at Duo, "I'm very proud of how far you have come in five years."
Duo looked at his master, "Master when you went through your training did you have to search for something as I did?"
He thought for a moment before answering, "Yes. And I'm happy that you found it after only five years." He smiled, "it took me almost seven to find your mother. And another year and a half to ask her to marry me." Duo laughed with his master for a moment.
That was one thing he hadn't thought of before. He loved Nabiki he had told her. But he didn't have a way to support her. "Do you have a job here son?"
Duo was broken out of his thoughts then answered, "No I don't. I've looked but no one seems to be hiring."
His master thought for a moment, "I still have a few friends around here. I'll make a few calls in the morning and see what I can do to help you with that."
Duo's eyes widened, "That would be wonderful master. Thank you." He bowed.
His master smiled, "I told you tonight I'm your father not your master. You don't have to be so formal."
Duo smiled, "I know father, its just that I haven't seen you or mother in almost five and a half years."
His father smiled at him, "I know son. But once your training is complete your mother and I will be in touch more often."
Duo smiled as he sat with his father just catching up on the five years that they missed.
Nabiki smiled as she watched them sitting and laughing together. She liked seeing Duo this way. He was happy.
**********
The night passed all to quickly and in the morning true to his word Duo's master was calling his friends seeing what jobs they had available, Duo went to school with Nabiki as usual. Kasumi stayed home with his parents. When school was over Duo was greeted by his mother at the door of the Tendo home with news that his father had found a job for him at a local night club owned by one of his old friends. And he assured his that friend ran a clean club and it would be ok for him to work there with the security.
Nabiki didn't really like the idea of Duo working around women all the time but it was only a few nights a week, so it might be ok.
"Duo." He turned to find his master leaning against the wall of the dojo, "its time to continue the training. Follow me" his master jumped and began running along roofs as he ran.
Duo dropped his bags and followed.
Nabiki was about to go after him but found herself stopped by Duo's mother. "You can't go with him this time." She turned to look in the direction her husband and son went, "This is something he must do alone."
Nabiki looked at Duo as he moved farther away she nodded in understanding. She knew that if she followed she would just get in the way. "How long will his training take?"
She thought for a moment then said, "Its heard to say really. When his father began his final training it took a week for him to learn the three final techniques of the art. But its hard to say how long it will take for sure. And he'll probably push Duo a lot harder then if he was his birth son." She looked at Nabiki and saw the look of sadness forming on her face. She knew that look. It was the look she herself had once very long ago when she had met her husband and he was taken away to undertake his final training. She smiled, "hay would you like to help me prepare dinner tonight?"
Nabiki turned back to her and wiped away a tear as she smiled and nodded, "Yes. I think I would like that."
**********
They traveled for most of the night, out of the city and deep into the forest outside of Nerima. Duo felt a mix of sadness and joy. Sadness from having to leave Nabiki, joy in finally continuing his training.
They approached the edge of a cliff they slowed to a stop on the edge, "Duo look out over the edge. What do you see?"
Duo looked over the edge and saw a lake at the bottom, "A Lake." He said.
"Good. Here take this." Duo accepted the small piece of paper and looked at his master as he was pushed over the edge. After a full minute of falling he found himself in the lake he saw from above. He opened the note which read 'well my young apprentice you have come far in your training but now you must go farther. I will be waiting for you at the top. Once you climb up the cliff we will continue your training. If you cannot complete this task then you are not worthy of my teachings. See you at the top.'
Duo growled as he began to climb up the rocky cliffs to his master.