Well thanks again for the input. And just to let you know I plan to put
Ranma and the other characters more into the story in the next few
chapters. And in the next chapter, or maybe the one after that I'll include
more of Duo's strange origins, there will be things about Duo that not even
he knows.
But enough of my babbling on with the story. ********************************************
Duo had learned the two of the three special techniques of the Yun Karr style. It had taken him three months, but he had learned them.
"You have come far my young apprentice. It is now time for you to learn the final attack of the art you have dedicated so much to. Now, watch closely." He got into a stance that not even Duo had seen before. Duo watched as his master summoned a great amount of energy to himself then caused it to form into a dragon. The dragon flew into the air and charged at Duo before dissipating a few feet from his face. "What you witnessed was the final attack of the Yun Karr style, The Ryu Furuiokosu.
Duo looked in awe of his master's flawless control over an attack which could be quite deadly if used in the right way.
"The Ryu Furuiokosu is perhaps the strongest attack in the world." He paused before continuing, "If, you can master it than you will have mastered the art and your training will be complete."
And so the training continued another two weeks, "Get up." Duo lay on his back, he was exhausted, "I SAID GET UP!" his master kicked him in the side to emphasize his point. Duo rolled with the kick and struggled to his feet, "If you cannot master this, possibly the most simple of techniques, then you are not worth all the time and effort that brought you here." His master took a deep breath then said, "Now do it again, and this time do it right."
Duo grunted as he forced himself to gather energy yet one more time for the Ryu Furuiokosu attack. All he had to do was get it right and maybe, just maybe his master would let him rest for a day or two, at this point five minutes of sleep would feel like heaven to him.
They had been training continuously for almost four months now, and Duo felt like he was about to collapse from exhaustion. But he had to keep going, he couldn't quit, he had come too far to quit. 'I can do this,' he told himself, 'I will do this,' he had to do this he had to get it right, 'Nabiki. I'll do this for you. And once I come back I'll never leave you again.'
He focused his mind. He no longer cared if he mastered the art, or if he lived through his next attempt at the Furuiokosu. All he wanted was to be back in Nerima with Nabiki.
Then he summoned the dragon, just as he had before. You see two things can happen when you attempt the Ryu Furuiokosu. Either you succeed and the summoned dragon obeys your commands, or the dragon is summoned but you have no control and it attacks you.
Duo had summoned the dragon almost 30 times now. And each time it had attacked him. He looked at the dragon, and saw it looking at him as if looking for direction.
He had done it, he had succeeded in mastering the Ryu Furuiokosu. Now maybe he could get some sleep.
Duo collapsed to the ground, his body completely drained. He was only dimly aware of the hand on his shoulder. It was the hand of his master, "You have done well my son. You have mastered the three final attacks of the Yun Karr Style. Your training is now complete. You are now the 21st master of the Yun Karr Style of Martial Arts." He smiled, "Congratulations my son."
Duo listened but could hardly believe what his master was saying. His training was complete. His master helped him into a sitting position then took his Dragon Rod and handed it to Duo, "This rod has been passed down to each new master upon completion of there training. My father presented it to me almost twenty years ago. And now it is my great pleasure to present it to you. Take it, its yours now. And one day you will present it to your own student." Duo accepted the rod with a shaking hand and looked at his master before his overtaxed body finally gave in to the fatigue and collapsed into a light sleep.
"Rest well my son. Tomorrow we'll head back to Nerima. But until then sleep well." His father smiled as he looked out on the setting sun. Tomorrow would be an interesting day. He would give anything to see the look on Nabiki's face when they returned. He lay down and closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep. Tomorrow would be an interesting day indeed.
A Master Of The Art, Chapter 4
Nabiki sat in class and looked out the window waiting for the school bell to ring so she could go home. She sighed as she noticed Kuno waiting for her again.
Ever since Duo left to finished his training Kuno had tried everyday to get her to "be free" of the "evil one" and become his girlfriend. She always tried to ignore him but he was getting rather aggressive, sometimes even violent. Ranma was usually there to help her out, but today he was out sick and Akane had stayed home to take care of him.
She sighed as she heard the bell. Oh how she wished Duo was here. He would shut Kuno up for good.
She got her shoes and started to leave when she found Kuno blocking her path, "So passes another day in which the fare Nabiki Tendo must walk home alone." He looked at her, he always tried something like this, "When will you stop waiting for that coward and stand and walk by my side?"
She glared at him, "Not today Kuno. Leave me alone." She said as walked passed him towards the gate.
She was about half way there when Kuno attacked her, "I SHALL WAIT NO LONGER." He shouted, "If I defeat you, then you shall be mine by right. Now face me." Kuno was charging at her now, his Bokken ready for a downward slash attack.
She froze, Kuno had never tried anything like this before. All she could do was watch as he drew closer. She blinked as she saw a figure run through the gate and between her and Kuno, "Yun Karr Ryu Toppu." Kuno was thrown back and slammed into the side of the school's main building. 'Did he say Yun Karr?' Nabiki wondered as the figure turned to her, "Are you alright?" Nabiki was in shock. It was Duo, but he was different, he seemed stronger.
Kuno climbed to his feet, "Coward. Who are you to attack the great Tatewaki Kuno?"
He turned back to Kuno and drew a rod. Nabiki recognized it. It was the same rod that Duo's master had when he first arrived almost four months ago. "I am Duo Karr. 21st Master of the Yun Karr Style of Martial Arts." He acted different too he was calmer, and had more control of his anger, "And if you wish to continue breathing you'll leave Nabiki alone." Actually, forget what I said about the anger.
Kuno looked a bit surprised but quickly hid it with arrogance, "Ah. So the cowardly cur has returned. No doubt you were frightened off by my prowess, and stamina."
Duo looked at him for a moment almost as if he was trying to decide if Kuno was worth his effort. After a moment more Duo turned back to Nabiki, "Nabiki I want you to go over to the gate and wait there for me. My father is there. He'll make sure nothing happens to you while I take care of this." Nabiki nodded and walked over to the gate, sure enough there was his master. Waiting for her.
Kuno charged at Duo. "Enough talk. Face me coward." Kuno began attacking with a barrage of strikes meant for Duo's midsection.
Duo calmly awaited Kuno's attack and extended his free hand as if to block the oncoming strikes, "Yun Karr Raito Sochi." Nabiki watched as a light barrier appeared from Duo's hand as he used it to block all of Kuno's strikes.
"Ah. So you have hidden your true power." He laughed, "You are wise to hide your self behind such a shield. My heart would not have forgiven me if your death made Nabiki sad."
Duo looked at him with a stair that could have killed, if looks could do so. Duo dropped into an offensive stance, "Yun Karr Enerugi Bakuhatsu." He thrust his hand forward as a small sphere of energy shot from his hand and connected with Kuno's torso. Duo returned to his normal casual stance as Kuno hit the school again. This time he crashed through the wall and into an empty classroom. Duo turned and watched as Nabiki ran over to him.
Nabiki embraced Duo with a loving hug, then suddenly broke away and slapped him.
Duo had a hurt look on his face, "What was that for?" he asked.
Nabiki gave him a cold glare, "For making me wait for almost four months."
Duo shrugged, he had a sad look on his face, "It was my final training, it had to take a wile."
Nabiki through her arms around his neck and gave him a long loving kiss.
"What was that for?" Duo said slightly happier with the last greeting then the previous one.
Nabiki smiled at him, "That was for coming back."
Duo smiled at her, it was good to be back.
They stood there for a while just enjoying the others company. "Come on. The others will be waiting." She gave him another heartfelt kiss, "Lets go home."
Duo smiled once again, he had never been so glad to see anyone before in his whole life, "Lets." He picked her up and started to walk the familiar road back to the Tendo house. He briefly saw his father walking a few blocks ahead of them.
When they finally arrived back at the house Duo was a bit reluctant to let go of the one person he had thought about so much for the last few months, but he knew he had to. As he set Nabiki down he gazed into her brown eyes. They were still the same as when he had first looked into them so long ago.
When they entered the house Kasumi informed Duo that his mother and father had already left, but said that they would keep in touch. Duo smiled as he caught the secret meaning in his father's actions. He had given him his blessing. It was alright for him to stay with Nabiki and her family.
The next day Duo and Nabiki went to school as they had in the past. They were the talk of the school. A few of Nabiki's friends asked her where Duo had been. A few guys asked Duo how he found someone so loyal, and if he would share the secret with them. Duo smiled and said, "It is impossible to know what we do not know. Therefore we must learn what we don't know in order to understand the things that still elude us." The guys just scratched their heads and walked away still wondering what they could do to get a girl as loyal as Nabiki.
After school Nabiki went with Duo to the Nightclub where his father had arranged for him to work. It was a decent place, and they didn't allow people to get too drunk. This way the dancers wouldn't be in any danger. As Duo met the owner Nabiki was allowed to go backstage for a wile and meet the dancers. She found that most of them already had boyfriends and a few were married. When Duo found her he told her that he had arranged for Nabiki to be allowed in while he was working so that they could be closer.
Nabiki smiled and gave him a gentle kiss which produced a few woos and awes from the other girls backstage. Nabiki stayed with the other girls while Duo was shown what he was supposed to do. Nabiki made small talk and was able to add all the girls to her list of friends. When Duo came back he informed her that he would be starting tomorrow at around 5 o'clock and finish at 10 o'clock. That way they could get their homework done and still spend some time together before and after work.
Another month passed and Duo and Nabiki's love for each other grew. Everyday they would walk to school together, after school they would walk home and do their homework, have a light dinner, then head over to the club. Nabiki would wait in the back talking with the girls wile Duo monitored who was allowed in the establishment. Some of the girls asked what Nabiki was getting Duo for Christmas. She frowned, she hadn't thought about it before now. She had been so glad that he returned that she had forgotten about Christmas. The girls told her not to worry and set a day where they would meet at the local shopping strip and they would look for an appropriate gift for Duo together.
'Christmas is only three months away,' thought Duo as he stood watching the door. He looked over to the door to the dressing room where Nabiki stayed while he worked. 'I hope that I can save enough to get her the gift before it's too late.' One of the other guards motioned for him to keep watching the door. As he looked he groaned as he saw Kuno walk in. He signaled that this guy could be trouble and three other guards came over and escorted him from the building once they saw that he was under age to be seeing the girls in here.
Time seemed to pass slowly for Duo, but Christmas was almost here. Kasumi was busy planning her annual Christmas party. Duo was given the rest of the month off. Mostly because around Christmas there wasn't much business at the club anyway. Duo asked Kasumi if he could invite the girls from the club and some of the security people as well. Kasumi smiled and nodded, she was glad to see that he was making friends at his new job.
One day Nabiki came to him and said that the girls were going to take her shopping for a wile. Duo smiled and gave her a light kiss before she left. 'This gives me a chance to get my gift.' Once Nabiki left with the girls from the club he left the house and headed for the shops at a dead run. He had to take care of this quickly, if Nabiki caught him then the surprise would be ruined.
When Nabiki returned home Duo wasn't there. She asked Kasumi and found that he had gone out to get a few things, and would be back before dinner. Nabiki understood and went out to bring in the mail. As she flipped through the bills and letters from people saying that they would be at the party she found a letter from Duo's parents. She set it aside for Duo to read when he got back. Then she hid gift in her closet.
Duo arrived a few minutes later and handed Kasumi a few groceries before embracing Nabiki in a tender hug. Duo explained that he had gone to invite a few more people and Kasumi had asked him to get a few things. When he got a moment he quietly slipped up to the guest room and hid the gift he had gotten for Nabiki in his travel pack.
There was only a few days left until the party, it seemed like everyone in town was coming. Duo got to meet a few new people. One of them, his name was Ryoga Hibiki, Duo got to know him quickly but got the feeling that he recognized him from somewhere else. Duo learned that Ryoga was a martial artist, so they sparred a little just for fun. Then it hit him. This Ryoga was in that dream he had a few months ago. He thought it was a bit odd but shook it off.
Ryoga helped set up the decorations and Duo soon found out that he had no sense of direction whatsoever. Duo again thought Ryoga was a bit strange, but no stranger then some of the other martial artists around here. They soon became good friends.
When the day of the party finally arrived Duo could hardly recognize the Tendo home. Many of the families belongings had been stored in other areas of the house so people could go and sit with there friends in less crowded areas of the house. The yard had been decorated with numerous lanterns. The family Dojo had been transformed into a small banquet hall. Some people had already arrived and more were coming every hour. Duo soon realized that he was right, everyone was invited.
Duo smiled as he looked down from his place on the roof at Nabiki as she greeted new guests as they arrived. Ryoga was with her waiting for Ukyo. Duo had learned that Ryoga had been going out with Ukyo for several months now and was planning to propose on New Years Eve.
Ryoga had stayed with the Tendo's until the party so he wouldn't get lost trying to find the house later. He watched as Ukyo arrived and gave Ryoga a loving hug. It was obvious that Ukyo felt the same way Ryoga did about there relationship. He knew that Ukyo would accept his proposal.
Duo sighed as he took out the letter from his parents, he had read it before, but he liked keeping it around. In the letter they said that Kasumi had said that they were always welcome at the house, and that they were going to be in the area around Christmas and would stop by to see them. He looked over at the Dojo where people were already starting to gather and hoped that his parents would be able to find him with all the people here.
He put away the letter and jumped off the roof to land perfectly on his feet. He went inside and up to the guest room. He opened his travel pack and took out the box he had hidden there a week or so ago. He opened the box, and smiled as he gazed at the small item inside, 'Tonight is the night.' He thought as he put the box in his pocket and went downstairs to see if Kasumi needed anything done before the party started.
The party got started around 8 o'clock. Duo stood towards the back of the Dojo. He wasn't used to crowds, he had been traveling alone for five years, so he had always felt a little claustrophobic when he was in large groups. Thinking back he had always been a little uneasy during class. During lunch he always ate with Nabiki, but they usually ate under a tree and he usually sat on one of the branches. He just felt a little more comfortable that way.
He smiled as he saw Nabiki talking with Shampoo and Mouse. Duo had found that the two of them had finally gotten married while he was completing his training, they had only recently returned from there honeymoon.
Duo started to walk over to them when he felt a hand on his shoulder, "Do you always walk away before you say hello to your parents?" Duo turned and saw his father and mother standing in the doorway.
Duo gave them a firm hug and was handed a package, "What's this?" he asked.
"Open it and find out." Said his father.
Duo opened the package and found a set of Tonfa's, "What are these for? I already have a weapon." Duo motioned to the Dragon Rod on his back.
His father placed his hands on his shoulders and said, "My son, the Dragon Rod is indeed a powerful weapon. But one weapon style may not always be enough to win every fight you get into. Your training under me is complete, but your training as a martial artist will never be truly finished." He held up the Tonfa's and showed his son how to secure them on his back, "These Tonfa's are a good style to learn."
"Your father is right Duo." Said his mother, "The knowledge of other weapons could very well save your life many times. I know it has for your father." She gave Duo a light hug, "We can't stay long. We'll stay for the party then we have to go." She gave him a light kiss on the cheek and went with his father to meet some old friends who where at the party.
Duo smiled, it was good to see his family again. He caught Nabiki's attention and motioned for her to follow him. She nodded and followed him to the yard.
"What is it Duo?" she looked at him with concern in her eyes.
Duo smiled and took hold of her hand, "I have to ask you something." Duo took the box from his pocket and continued, "Nabiki, you and I have known each other for almost a year now. We both have said that we love each other. And I'm happy that you waited for me to finish my training. Nabiki," Duo got down on one knee, "I love you with all my heart and sole. I can't imagine my life without you now. Will you marry me?" He opened the box to reveal a small gold ring with three diamonds imbedded into its face and handed it to Nabiki.
Nabiki was in shock, she had not expected this, after a moment she got down on her knees and gave him a long loving kiss, "Oh Duo." She kissed him again, "Of course I will." Duo slipped the small ring on her finger.
They went back into the Dojo and made the announcement to the rest of the people at the party. There was applause and cheers all around. The rest of the night was perfect for the two of them.
When the party was over and the people had left Duo looked down at Nabiki who had fallen into a light sleep at his side. He gently picked her up and carried her upstairs to her room and carefully laid her down on the bed. He set his new Tonfa's and his Dragon Rod along the side of the bed. He lay down next to her and pulled up the covers and drifted off to sleep with her. His thoughts filled with their future.
But enough of my babbling on with the story. ********************************************
Duo had learned the two of the three special techniques of the Yun Karr style. It had taken him three months, but he had learned them.
"You have come far my young apprentice. It is now time for you to learn the final attack of the art you have dedicated so much to. Now, watch closely." He got into a stance that not even Duo had seen before. Duo watched as his master summoned a great amount of energy to himself then caused it to form into a dragon. The dragon flew into the air and charged at Duo before dissipating a few feet from his face. "What you witnessed was the final attack of the Yun Karr style, The Ryu Furuiokosu.
Duo looked in awe of his master's flawless control over an attack which could be quite deadly if used in the right way.
"The Ryu Furuiokosu is perhaps the strongest attack in the world." He paused before continuing, "If, you can master it than you will have mastered the art and your training will be complete."
And so the training continued another two weeks, "Get up." Duo lay on his back, he was exhausted, "I SAID GET UP!" his master kicked him in the side to emphasize his point. Duo rolled with the kick and struggled to his feet, "If you cannot master this, possibly the most simple of techniques, then you are not worth all the time and effort that brought you here." His master took a deep breath then said, "Now do it again, and this time do it right."
Duo grunted as he forced himself to gather energy yet one more time for the Ryu Furuiokosu attack. All he had to do was get it right and maybe, just maybe his master would let him rest for a day or two, at this point five minutes of sleep would feel like heaven to him.
They had been training continuously for almost four months now, and Duo felt like he was about to collapse from exhaustion. But he had to keep going, he couldn't quit, he had come too far to quit. 'I can do this,' he told himself, 'I will do this,' he had to do this he had to get it right, 'Nabiki. I'll do this for you. And once I come back I'll never leave you again.'
He focused his mind. He no longer cared if he mastered the art, or if he lived through his next attempt at the Furuiokosu. All he wanted was to be back in Nerima with Nabiki.
Then he summoned the dragon, just as he had before. You see two things can happen when you attempt the Ryu Furuiokosu. Either you succeed and the summoned dragon obeys your commands, or the dragon is summoned but you have no control and it attacks you.
Duo had summoned the dragon almost 30 times now. And each time it had attacked him. He looked at the dragon, and saw it looking at him as if looking for direction.
He had done it, he had succeeded in mastering the Ryu Furuiokosu. Now maybe he could get some sleep.
Duo collapsed to the ground, his body completely drained. He was only dimly aware of the hand on his shoulder. It was the hand of his master, "You have done well my son. You have mastered the three final attacks of the Yun Karr Style. Your training is now complete. You are now the 21st master of the Yun Karr Style of Martial Arts." He smiled, "Congratulations my son."
Duo listened but could hardly believe what his master was saying. His training was complete. His master helped him into a sitting position then took his Dragon Rod and handed it to Duo, "This rod has been passed down to each new master upon completion of there training. My father presented it to me almost twenty years ago. And now it is my great pleasure to present it to you. Take it, its yours now. And one day you will present it to your own student." Duo accepted the rod with a shaking hand and looked at his master before his overtaxed body finally gave in to the fatigue and collapsed into a light sleep.
"Rest well my son. Tomorrow we'll head back to Nerima. But until then sleep well." His father smiled as he looked out on the setting sun. Tomorrow would be an interesting day. He would give anything to see the look on Nabiki's face when they returned. He lay down and closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep. Tomorrow would be an interesting day indeed.
A Master Of The Art, Chapter 4
Nabiki sat in class and looked out the window waiting for the school bell to ring so she could go home. She sighed as she noticed Kuno waiting for her again.
Ever since Duo left to finished his training Kuno had tried everyday to get her to "be free" of the "evil one" and become his girlfriend. She always tried to ignore him but he was getting rather aggressive, sometimes even violent. Ranma was usually there to help her out, but today he was out sick and Akane had stayed home to take care of him.
She sighed as she heard the bell. Oh how she wished Duo was here. He would shut Kuno up for good.
She got her shoes and started to leave when she found Kuno blocking her path, "So passes another day in which the fare Nabiki Tendo must walk home alone." He looked at her, he always tried something like this, "When will you stop waiting for that coward and stand and walk by my side?"
She glared at him, "Not today Kuno. Leave me alone." She said as walked passed him towards the gate.
She was about half way there when Kuno attacked her, "I SHALL WAIT NO LONGER." He shouted, "If I defeat you, then you shall be mine by right. Now face me." Kuno was charging at her now, his Bokken ready for a downward slash attack.
She froze, Kuno had never tried anything like this before. All she could do was watch as he drew closer. She blinked as she saw a figure run through the gate and between her and Kuno, "Yun Karr Ryu Toppu." Kuno was thrown back and slammed into the side of the school's main building. 'Did he say Yun Karr?' Nabiki wondered as the figure turned to her, "Are you alright?" Nabiki was in shock. It was Duo, but he was different, he seemed stronger.
Kuno climbed to his feet, "Coward. Who are you to attack the great Tatewaki Kuno?"
He turned back to Kuno and drew a rod. Nabiki recognized it. It was the same rod that Duo's master had when he first arrived almost four months ago. "I am Duo Karr. 21st Master of the Yun Karr Style of Martial Arts." He acted different too he was calmer, and had more control of his anger, "And if you wish to continue breathing you'll leave Nabiki alone." Actually, forget what I said about the anger.
Kuno looked a bit surprised but quickly hid it with arrogance, "Ah. So the cowardly cur has returned. No doubt you were frightened off by my prowess, and stamina."
Duo looked at him for a moment almost as if he was trying to decide if Kuno was worth his effort. After a moment more Duo turned back to Nabiki, "Nabiki I want you to go over to the gate and wait there for me. My father is there. He'll make sure nothing happens to you while I take care of this." Nabiki nodded and walked over to the gate, sure enough there was his master. Waiting for her.
Kuno charged at Duo. "Enough talk. Face me coward." Kuno began attacking with a barrage of strikes meant for Duo's midsection.
Duo calmly awaited Kuno's attack and extended his free hand as if to block the oncoming strikes, "Yun Karr Raito Sochi." Nabiki watched as a light barrier appeared from Duo's hand as he used it to block all of Kuno's strikes.
"Ah. So you have hidden your true power." He laughed, "You are wise to hide your self behind such a shield. My heart would not have forgiven me if your death made Nabiki sad."
Duo looked at him with a stair that could have killed, if looks could do so. Duo dropped into an offensive stance, "Yun Karr Enerugi Bakuhatsu." He thrust his hand forward as a small sphere of energy shot from his hand and connected with Kuno's torso. Duo returned to his normal casual stance as Kuno hit the school again. This time he crashed through the wall and into an empty classroom. Duo turned and watched as Nabiki ran over to him.
Nabiki embraced Duo with a loving hug, then suddenly broke away and slapped him.
Duo had a hurt look on his face, "What was that for?" he asked.
Nabiki gave him a cold glare, "For making me wait for almost four months."
Duo shrugged, he had a sad look on his face, "It was my final training, it had to take a wile."
Nabiki through her arms around his neck and gave him a long loving kiss.
"What was that for?" Duo said slightly happier with the last greeting then the previous one.
Nabiki smiled at him, "That was for coming back."
Duo smiled at her, it was good to be back.
They stood there for a while just enjoying the others company. "Come on. The others will be waiting." She gave him another heartfelt kiss, "Lets go home."
Duo smiled once again, he had never been so glad to see anyone before in his whole life, "Lets." He picked her up and started to walk the familiar road back to the Tendo house. He briefly saw his father walking a few blocks ahead of them.
When they finally arrived back at the house Duo was a bit reluctant to let go of the one person he had thought about so much for the last few months, but he knew he had to. As he set Nabiki down he gazed into her brown eyes. They were still the same as when he had first looked into them so long ago.
When they entered the house Kasumi informed Duo that his mother and father had already left, but said that they would keep in touch. Duo smiled as he caught the secret meaning in his father's actions. He had given him his blessing. It was alright for him to stay with Nabiki and her family.
The next day Duo and Nabiki went to school as they had in the past. They were the talk of the school. A few of Nabiki's friends asked her where Duo had been. A few guys asked Duo how he found someone so loyal, and if he would share the secret with them. Duo smiled and said, "It is impossible to know what we do not know. Therefore we must learn what we don't know in order to understand the things that still elude us." The guys just scratched their heads and walked away still wondering what they could do to get a girl as loyal as Nabiki.
After school Nabiki went with Duo to the Nightclub where his father had arranged for him to work. It was a decent place, and they didn't allow people to get too drunk. This way the dancers wouldn't be in any danger. As Duo met the owner Nabiki was allowed to go backstage for a wile and meet the dancers. She found that most of them already had boyfriends and a few were married. When Duo found her he told her that he had arranged for Nabiki to be allowed in while he was working so that they could be closer.
Nabiki smiled and gave him a gentle kiss which produced a few woos and awes from the other girls backstage. Nabiki stayed with the other girls while Duo was shown what he was supposed to do. Nabiki made small talk and was able to add all the girls to her list of friends. When Duo came back he informed her that he would be starting tomorrow at around 5 o'clock and finish at 10 o'clock. That way they could get their homework done and still spend some time together before and after work.
Another month passed and Duo and Nabiki's love for each other grew. Everyday they would walk to school together, after school they would walk home and do their homework, have a light dinner, then head over to the club. Nabiki would wait in the back talking with the girls wile Duo monitored who was allowed in the establishment. Some of the girls asked what Nabiki was getting Duo for Christmas. She frowned, she hadn't thought about it before now. She had been so glad that he returned that she had forgotten about Christmas. The girls told her not to worry and set a day where they would meet at the local shopping strip and they would look for an appropriate gift for Duo together.
'Christmas is only three months away,' thought Duo as he stood watching the door. He looked over to the door to the dressing room where Nabiki stayed while he worked. 'I hope that I can save enough to get her the gift before it's too late.' One of the other guards motioned for him to keep watching the door. As he looked he groaned as he saw Kuno walk in. He signaled that this guy could be trouble and three other guards came over and escorted him from the building once they saw that he was under age to be seeing the girls in here.
Time seemed to pass slowly for Duo, but Christmas was almost here. Kasumi was busy planning her annual Christmas party. Duo was given the rest of the month off. Mostly because around Christmas there wasn't much business at the club anyway. Duo asked Kasumi if he could invite the girls from the club and some of the security people as well. Kasumi smiled and nodded, she was glad to see that he was making friends at his new job.
One day Nabiki came to him and said that the girls were going to take her shopping for a wile. Duo smiled and gave her a light kiss before she left. 'This gives me a chance to get my gift.' Once Nabiki left with the girls from the club he left the house and headed for the shops at a dead run. He had to take care of this quickly, if Nabiki caught him then the surprise would be ruined.
When Nabiki returned home Duo wasn't there. She asked Kasumi and found that he had gone out to get a few things, and would be back before dinner. Nabiki understood and went out to bring in the mail. As she flipped through the bills and letters from people saying that they would be at the party she found a letter from Duo's parents. She set it aside for Duo to read when he got back. Then she hid gift in her closet.
Duo arrived a few minutes later and handed Kasumi a few groceries before embracing Nabiki in a tender hug. Duo explained that he had gone to invite a few more people and Kasumi had asked him to get a few things. When he got a moment he quietly slipped up to the guest room and hid the gift he had gotten for Nabiki in his travel pack.
There was only a few days left until the party, it seemed like everyone in town was coming. Duo got to meet a few new people. One of them, his name was Ryoga Hibiki, Duo got to know him quickly but got the feeling that he recognized him from somewhere else. Duo learned that Ryoga was a martial artist, so they sparred a little just for fun. Then it hit him. This Ryoga was in that dream he had a few months ago. He thought it was a bit odd but shook it off.
Ryoga helped set up the decorations and Duo soon found out that he had no sense of direction whatsoever. Duo again thought Ryoga was a bit strange, but no stranger then some of the other martial artists around here. They soon became good friends.
When the day of the party finally arrived Duo could hardly recognize the Tendo home. Many of the families belongings had been stored in other areas of the house so people could go and sit with there friends in less crowded areas of the house. The yard had been decorated with numerous lanterns. The family Dojo had been transformed into a small banquet hall. Some people had already arrived and more were coming every hour. Duo soon realized that he was right, everyone was invited.
Duo smiled as he looked down from his place on the roof at Nabiki as she greeted new guests as they arrived. Ryoga was with her waiting for Ukyo. Duo had learned that Ryoga had been going out with Ukyo for several months now and was planning to propose on New Years Eve.
Ryoga had stayed with the Tendo's until the party so he wouldn't get lost trying to find the house later. He watched as Ukyo arrived and gave Ryoga a loving hug. It was obvious that Ukyo felt the same way Ryoga did about there relationship. He knew that Ukyo would accept his proposal.
Duo sighed as he took out the letter from his parents, he had read it before, but he liked keeping it around. In the letter they said that Kasumi had said that they were always welcome at the house, and that they were going to be in the area around Christmas and would stop by to see them. He looked over at the Dojo where people were already starting to gather and hoped that his parents would be able to find him with all the people here.
He put away the letter and jumped off the roof to land perfectly on his feet. He went inside and up to the guest room. He opened his travel pack and took out the box he had hidden there a week or so ago. He opened the box, and smiled as he gazed at the small item inside, 'Tonight is the night.' He thought as he put the box in his pocket and went downstairs to see if Kasumi needed anything done before the party started.
The party got started around 8 o'clock. Duo stood towards the back of the Dojo. He wasn't used to crowds, he had been traveling alone for five years, so he had always felt a little claustrophobic when he was in large groups. Thinking back he had always been a little uneasy during class. During lunch he always ate with Nabiki, but they usually ate under a tree and he usually sat on one of the branches. He just felt a little more comfortable that way.
He smiled as he saw Nabiki talking with Shampoo and Mouse. Duo had found that the two of them had finally gotten married while he was completing his training, they had only recently returned from there honeymoon.
Duo started to walk over to them when he felt a hand on his shoulder, "Do you always walk away before you say hello to your parents?" Duo turned and saw his father and mother standing in the doorway.
Duo gave them a firm hug and was handed a package, "What's this?" he asked.
"Open it and find out." Said his father.
Duo opened the package and found a set of Tonfa's, "What are these for? I already have a weapon." Duo motioned to the Dragon Rod on his back.
His father placed his hands on his shoulders and said, "My son, the Dragon Rod is indeed a powerful weapon. But one weapon style may not always be enough to win every fight you get into. Your training under me is complete, but your training as a martial artist will never be truly finished." He held up the Tonfa's and showed his son how to secure them on his back, "These Tonfa's are a good style to learn."
"Your father is right Duo." Said his mother, "The knowledge of other weapons could very well save your life many times. I know it has for your father." She gave Duo a light hug, "We can't stay long. We'll stay for the party then we have to go." She gave him a light kiss on the cheek and went with his father to meet some old friends who where at the party.
Duo smiled, it was good to see his family again. He caught Nabiki's attention and motioned for her to follow him. She nodded and followed him to the yard.
"What is it Duo?" she looked at him with concern in her eyes.
Duo smiled and took hold of her hand, "I have to ask you something." Duo took the box from his pocket and continued, "Nabiki, you and I have known each other for almost a year now. We both have said that we love each other. And I'm happy that you waited for me to finish my training. Nabiki," Duo got down on one knee, "I love you with all my heart and sole. I can't imagine my life without you now. Will you marry me?" He opened the box to reveal a small gold ring with three diamonds imbedded into its face and handed it to Nabiki.
Nabiki was in shock, she had not expected this, after a moment she got down on her knees and gave him a long loving kiss, "Oh Duo." She kissed him again, "Of course I will." Duo slipped the small ring on her finger.
They went back into the Dojo and made the announcement to the rest of the people at the party. There was applause and cheers all around. The rest of the night was perfect for the two of them.
When the party was over and the people had left Duo looked down at Nabiki who had fallen into a light sleep at his side. He gently picked her up and carried her upstairs to her room and carefully laid her down on the bed. He set his new Tonfa's and his Dragon Rod along the side of the bed. He lay down next to her and pulled up the covers and drifted off to sleep with her. His thoughts filled with their future.