Disclaimer: I do not own Love Hina or any of the characters contained in
here. Love Hina is owned by Ken Akamatsu. This FanFic is purely for the
enjoyment of myself and for others to read. So please don't sue
To Help a Friend
(Motoko's Room)
"Damnit! She's Convulsing!!
"Hikari-san what's wrong? Why is Motoko shaking?" Asks a very frightened Naru Narusegawa while holding her sick friend's hand.
"Quiet!" commanded the Doctor, a little TOO harshly, while giving Motoko an injection meant to stop her shaking. She didn't notice Shinobu run out of the room.
"Sempai! Haruka-San! Come quick! Motoko's in trouble."
Both Urashimas stopped their playful chase the moment they heard the younger girl's cries and LEAPED the stairs leading to Motoko's room passing a very stunned Shinobu Maehara, all traces of their earlier horseplay gone.
'I-I will never get used to what Sempai and Haruka-San can do.' Thought the young chef in awe as she followed the pair in.
All anyone could do was feel helpless, as they had no clue on how they can help their sick friend. Hikari was the only one showing any activity within the room. Focusing on the medical equipment attached to Motoko(courtesy of Su), she studies her vitals. She was relieved to see that,not only do they show that she is stabilizing, but the convulsions themselves seem to be stopping altogether. She wipes her forehead with the back of her hand and noticed how bad she was sweating. Turning to her panicked friends, she begins to explain what happened.
"A few moments ago, Motoko's body started to convulse and her vitals were just going haywire."
"What caused the convulsions?" asked Haruka.
"Yes, she seemed fine a moment ago." Added a teary-eyed Naru, still holding Motoko's hand.
"The frustrating thing is---I haven't a clue." Her shoulders slumped in resignation as she admitted this piece of news. "Like Naru said, she was stable. There shouldn't have been a reason for this attack."
"Ara. I wonder what caused it then?" added a not-so-cheery Mutsumi, holding her hands as if in prayer.
"Yea! Kendo-girl is usually tougher than that." Added Sara as well.
It was Keitaro who shed some light on the subject as he abandoned all pretense and openly studied Motoko's Chi for the first time since he moved in the dorm. His eyes giving her a hard stare as he examined her in a different manner.
"What is it Keitaro?" asked the fox-eyed Kitsune, noticing his scrutiny. "What is it y'all see."
Without breaking the stare, he answered his Aunt instead.
"Her Chi has been disturbed, dramatically. As if someone---or someTHING is manipulating it, can you see it Haruka-San?"
Giving Motoko a similar examination, she slowly nodded her head and replied. "Yea. Something is mucking with her spiritual center something fierce. Maybe it's the reason that she has been as ill as she has been." Then she added, to the shock of all around her. " By the way---It's AUNT Haruka from now on. Get me?" she could almost see the smile forming on his face.
The girls face-faulted at once(except Mutsumi of course).
Turning to her friend, Hikari asked. "Haruka. Are you and your nephew saying that the reason Motoko is ill is because some unexplained force is at work here?"
Looking back at Hikari, Haruka replied, " You heard her yourself at the hospital. She believes the reason that some of her kin have died in the past is because of some demon invading there bodies."
She paused, taking in the shocked expressions of the girls before she continued.
"I know it sounds hard to believe guys, but in its own way it fits. What better way to rid yourself of the finest warriors in the world than from the INSIDE. Maybe it has some way to manipulate that person's Chi to such an extent that it manifests itself as a Physical ailment."
"Haruka-San may be right." Started Su. "The warrior's that had died in Su's country were some of our best. Some of Su's countrymen have spoken of some shapeless form with evilly eyes that left the bodies after they died."
"Aaauuu!" cried Shinobu. "A demon is inside Motoko-sempai"
"Get real! Demons don't exist." Added a defiant Sara, then turned to Keitaro without as much confidence she just showed Shinobu. "Can they dork?"
All eyes turned to Keitaro as he continued to stare at Motoko's almost shriveled form.
"Maybe. I mean there are so many things about this world that not everyone understands. I wouldn't count out the possibility." He makes his way to Motoko's side opposite Naru's, kneels down and holds her other hand-kissing it once, softly. He fails to notice the other girl's look of worry at his action.
"So what do we do now Keitaro?" asked Naru.
"Whatever it is inside her that's causing this to our friend---has to go. It's just that simple."
"How do you propose we do that?" asked Kitsune.
Hikari turned to Su. "What did the Toudai research say we had to do Su? Is it too late to help Motoko"
Koalla Su bounced toward her elder, stood in front of her , and answered. "Su have bad feeling."
"Why Su?" asked Hikari with a little frustration. "What did it say?"
All eyes turned to Su at this latest round of questions.
"Su found out this." She breathed once before she continued---while rooted to the same spot (a rarity for her). "Someone from Su's country has to chant special incantation to the sick one until they sleep. Then they have to make them relive something bad that happened to them."
"Ara, How does that help?" asked Mutsumi.
Su continued. "Research said, that when you make them relive the bad things, you also have to make them make peace with it."
"Sounds like something any reasonably competent Psychologist with hypnosis training can pull off. So what's the problem." Asked a confused Hikari.
"Su means no offense to foreign doctors, especially you Hikari-San. Regular hypnosis cannot reach as deep inside a person as our incantation will. It goes deeper and it is there that the work happens. Sorry."
"No problem Su. Even I can accept that there are limits to what people are capable of. What's the other problem then?
Su points at Motoko's still form and sighs. " Motoko has to be awake when I perform incantation---cannot already be out."
"Oh crap, and I just gave her a sedative to calm her body down. If I give her a stimulant this soon after the other injection---I may do more harm than good." This brought a wave of sorrow to form around the room with this latest development.
Kitsune punches her open palm in frustration.
"Damnit all! We can't just give up on this. There has to be a way."
"Ara, Yes. We must not lose Motoko-chan" added Mutsumi.
Haruka looks at Keitaro, a grim look on his face as he ponders the problem. Suddenly, his eyes shot up as he remembers something important. He turns to his Aunt and asks.
"Aunt Haruka? What happened 15 years ago after that incident with Naru, Mutsumi and myself?"
"What do you mean Keitaro?" she asks confused.
"I mean-why did I stop my training? What caused me to stop? I-I just don't remember."
Haruka breathes through her nose VERY slowly as she indeed remembers what had happened to her nephew after what had gone down. She begins to explain:
"It was sensei." She almost whispered. "Sensei stopped it."
"How? How did he do it?"
"You have to understand that you were EXTREMELY distraught over what had happened and we didn't know what else to do."
"Haruka? What - did - sensei - do - to - me?" Keitaro asks in desperation not realizing he had the rooms' undivided attention.
"Ok then. This is how it went." Began Haruka.
(Flashback- 15 years ago)
Three figures walk the steps toward the old shrine where Urashima children had trained for decades. Granny Hina led the way followed by a 13year old Haruka holding the hand of her very upset 5 year old nephew Keitaro. Haruka looked at the hand she was holding-a chill ran down her spine.
' I can't believe that his hands had so much blood on them before granny and I cleaned him up'
Indeed, the 5 year old's yellow shirt was still stained red in some places, as were his blue shorts that he wore.
'I hope Na-chan and Mu-chan are ok. They were pretty shaken up when we left them with their parents."
So involved in her own thoughts that she almost bumped into Granny Hina as she stopped in front of the shrines entrance, merely whispering:
"We are here children."
The two children followed the older woman's gaze, knowing who they would see before they moved there eyes. An older man, ancient really, approached the family. He was a short man, not much taller than Granny Hina herself, and bald. His beard was whiter than the purest snow and almost as long as his body---just barely grazing the ground as he walked-it's a wonder that he has never tripped over it. As he met them at the entrance, the family bowed, showing their respect.
"Hina. As always it is a pleasure to see you grace my shrine with your presence. My students accompany you as well--" Looking at Keitaro, then Haruka, then at Keitaro again scrutinizing the condition his clothes are in. He says almost to himself "-an interesting day they have had I see."
Looking at the older woman he asks simply: "What has happened?"
Granny Hina explains to her friend what happened earlier, in front of the inn, with Keitaro and his two playmates. He scowls, taking in this bit of news. To Haruka he asks: You witnessed this Haruka?"
"No Sensei. It was over before I had arrived. "
"What alerted you to the incident child?"
"Keitaro's Chi sensei. I sensed that something was VERY wrong with it. It was ---distressed. That is when I went to see what had happened."
The older man seemed to accept her explanation of the facts and nodded once in affirmation. The he focused his attention to the youngest member of the family-his scowl never leaving his face.
"Keitaro come here please." He commanded, more gentle than his expression indicated. The youngest Urashima complied as he walked toward his elder, looking down all the while in shame.
"Keitaro look at me." The young boy did so. "Tell me what happened." Keitaro explained his role in the day's events as tears were starting to form on his eyes as he began to finish the tale.
"Did you feel justified in your actions?"
"Yes sensei." He answered truthfully
"Then why do I sense such distress in you child?"
"Because, I HURT them." Keitaro starts to shake his head in grief. "I-I almost KILLED them sensei."
"But you didn't child."
"BUT I COULD HAVE!" the young boys outburst caught everyone completely off guard.
"Keitaro." warned Haruka.
"It's ok child." He says to the young girl. "He is understandably distraught.
Keitaro wipes the tears from his eyes with his hand as best he can before he continued. "Sensei. I'm sorry I yelled at you like that. I just don't wanna hurt anyone anymore ---EVER."
"Keitaro. I know you feel responsible for what you did. That's what you always do child. Take on all these responsibilities that a 5 year old shouldn't take. You'll feel better soon."
"N-No sir I won't." he countered. "I won't feel better until I know I can't hurt anyone anymore!"
The two ladies couldn't stay out of this any longer. It was Granny Hina that asked:
"What is it that you mean child?"
Looking at his kindly grandmother he explained. "I don't wanna fight anymore grandma. I can't. If I do, someone else will get hurt cuz of me."
Haruka commented, " You can't mean that squirt. You're the best student this shrine has ever seen."
"Your young Aunt is right Keitaro." added the old man. "You have potential unlike anyone in your bloodlines has seen. Surely you don't mean to waste it?"
"I-I don't care sensei." Looking at his grandmother, his eyes PLEADING. "Please don't make me fight anymore. I don't wanna hurt anymore people..I just don't wanna." Keitaro buries his face to his granny as he cries. Everyone could hear him whisper:
"Not anymore, please."
Everyones heart ached as the 5 year old broke down in front of those who know him best.
Keitaro feels a gentle but firm hand on his shoulder. Turning around slowly, he sees the sad look of his sensei( a look he never thought he'd see) as he asks. "You mean what you say child?"
Keitaro nods.
Looking at granny Hina he asks. "What of his parents?"
Understanding what must be done to ease the emotional pain that Keitaro was experiencing, she says with some sadness. "I will explain it to them, do what you must."
"Wait Keitaro!" starts a very nervous Haruka facing her nephew. "You sure you wanna do this squirt."
"Yes Auntie Haruka. I don't wanna hurt anymore people."
Looking sad and slightly annoyed, she commented. "Ok then. I'm sorry I didn't help you sooner, then you wouldn't have to do this."
Keitaro sniffs as the tears start to disappear from his innocent face.
"It's ok Auntie. I'm glad you were there after." He goes to hug his young aunt who holds him tight and whispers. "You're a good kid squirt---but please stop calling me Auntie, I'm only 13 you know."
Keitaro let's go of Haruka, smiling, then turns to face his Sensei--- possibly for the last time.
"Are you sure my child?"
"Yes sensei, I am sure."
"Then close your eyes and allow your chi to flow freely and without fear." As he says this, he places his hand behind Keitaro's neck.
The 30 seconds it took seemed like hours as Both Haruka and Granny Hina waited for the older man to announce:
"It is done."
Keitaro opened his eyes as if asleep for days---feeling very refreshed.
Looking at his sensei he thanked him and bowed formally in respect.
"Haruka, why don't you start down the steps with Keitaro, there's something I need to discuss with Hina really quick."
Nodding in understanding she said "Ok Sensei. Thank You." Holding a hand out to Keitaro she said, "Come on squirt. Granny will join us in a bit." Keitaro happily took his Aunt's hand as they made there way down the long steps.
When the children were out of sight Hina turned to her friend.
"So what did you do exactly?" she asked.
"I merged my chi with his and suppressed that part which craved fighting."
"Suppressed? Not eliminated?"
"No Hina." There are forces out there at work that a boy like him shouldn't be made aware of yet. " I wasn't going to leave him TOTALLY defenseless." He noticed the nod of approval that Hina gave him.
"As the years roll on, his abilities will very slowly, manifest themselves. It will happen without any conscious knowledge. However, should he have to face what happened today, it may all manifest faster than even HE can handle----be very careful."
'So, you've temporarily locked it all away in his subconscious mind?"
He nodded.
Hina chuckled, pleased with how her old friend handled her grandson.
"You should let Haruka know as well what I did, just to be safe."
" I will my friend. Thank You again for helping my Grandchild."
"He is a good boy, a decent boy. I expected no less from him."
Both friends bowed, then Hina started toward the children.
(Present Day)
Everyone in the room sat transfixed at Haruka's explanation. She looked at her nephew, afraid of what he learned. Another tear forming on one eye as he whispers.
" He was always looking out for me wasn't he?"
"Yes he did---'squirt'" she chuckled at the memory as well. "So now you know how he did it"
Which gave Keitaro an idea. Naru caught the expression of hope on his face and asked, "What is it Keitaro? "
"Yes Sempai. What are you thinking?"
Keitaro approached Su who looked at him quizzically.
"What's on you mind Keitaro?" asked Su
"I need your help Su! I need you to send me inside Motoko's mind."
Everyone but Haruka and Hikari gasped at what he asked.
"Ara Kei-Kun. How will you be able to go inside Motoko-chan's mind?"
"Pretty simple really Mutsumi-san. I'm going to have Su recite her incantation while I MERGE my chi with Motoko's. Then I can get rid of what's killing her."
Keitaro holds Motoko's cold hand again and whispered," Don't worry Motoko, I'm coming."
And somewhere inside Motoko's mind something laughed---evilly.
Author's note: Again not much of one as I am dead tired;but, I'd like to thank jenny, dennis, Knight's, and especially Bugsy for reviewing my last chapter. My apologies if I forgot anyone as I appreciate everyone who reads my stuff. If you like my stories, plz tell a friend and as always READ & REVIEW
To Help a Friend
(Motoko's Room)
"Damnit! She's Convulsing!!
"Hikari-san what's wrong? Why is Motoko shaking?" Asks a very frightened Naru Narusegawa while holding her sick friend's hand.
"Quiet!" commanded the Doctor, a little TOO harshly, while giving Motoko an injection meant to stop her shaking. She didn't notice Shinobu run out of the room.
"Sempai! Haruka-San! Come quick! Motoko's in trouble."
Both Urashimas stopped their playful chase the moment they heard the younger girl's cries and LEAPED the stairs leading to Motoko's room passing a very stunned Shinobu Maehara, all traces of their earlier horseplay gone.
'I-I will never get used to what Sempai and Haruka-San can do.' Thought the young chef in awe as she followed the pair in.
All anyone could do was feel helpless, as they had no clue on how they can help their sick friend. Hikari was the only one showing any activity within the room. Focusing on the medical equipment attached to Motoko(courtesy of Su), she studies her vitals. She was relieved to see that,not only do they show that she is stabilizing, but the convulsions themselves seem to be stopping altogether. She wipes her forehead with the back of her hand and noticed how bad she was sweating. Turning to her panicked friends, she begins to explain what happened.
"A few moments ago, Motoko's body started to convulse and her vitals were just going haywire."
"What caused the convulsions?" asked Haruka.
"Yes, she seemed fine a moment ago." Added a teary-eyed Naru, still holding Motoko's hand.
"The frustrating thing is---I haven't a clue." Her shoulders slumped in resignation as she admitted this piece of news. "Like Naru said, she was stable. There shouldn't have been a reason for this attack."
"Ara. I wonder what caused it then?" added a not-so-cheery Mutsumi, holding her hands as if in prayer.
"Yea! Kendo-girl is usually tougher than that." Added Sara as well.
It was Keitaro who shed some light on the subject as he abandoned all pretense and openly studied Motoko's Chi for the first time since he moved in the dorm. His eyes giving her a hard stare as he examined her in a different manner.
"What is it Keitaro?" asked the fox-eyed Kitsune, noticing his scrutiny. "What is it y'all see."
Without breaking the stare, he answered his Aunt instead.
"Her Chi has been disturbed, dramatically. As if someone---or someTHING is manipulating it, can you see it Haruka-San?"
Giving Motoko a similar examination, she slowly nodded her head and replied. "Yea. Something is mucking with her spiritual center something fierce. Maybe it's the reason that she has been as ill as she has been." Then she added, to the shock of all around her. " By the way---It's AUNT Haruka from now on. Get me?" she could almost see the smile forming on his face.
The girls face-faulted at once(except Mutsumi of course).
Turning to her friend, Hikari asked. "Haruka. Are you and your nephew saying that the reason Motoko is ill is because some unexplained force is at work here?"
Looking back at Hikari, Haruka replied, " You heard her yourself at the hospital. She believes the reason that some of her kin have died in the past is because of some demon invading there bodies."
She paused, taking in the shocked expressions of the girls before she continued.
"I know it sounds hard to believe guys, but in its own way it fits. What better way to rid yourself of the finest warriors in the world than from the INSIDE. Maybe it has some way to manipulate that person's Chi to such an extent that it manifests itself as a Physical ailment."
"Haruka-San may be right." Started Su. "The warrior's that had died in Su's country were some of our best. Some of Su's countrymen have spoken of some shapeless form with evilly eyes that left the bodies after they died."
"Aaauuu!" cried Shinobu. "A demon is inside Motoko-sempai"
"Get real! Demons don't exist." Added a defiant Sara, then turned to Keitaro without as much confidence she just showed Shinobu. "Can they dork?"
All eyes turned to Keitaro as he continued to stare at Motoko's almost shriveled form.
"Maybe. I mean there are so many things about this world that not everyone understands. I wouldn't count out the possibility." He makes his way to Motoko's side opposite Naru's, kneels down and holds her other hand-kissing it once, softly. He fails to notice the other girl's look of worry at his action.
"So what do we do now Keitaro?" asked Naru.
"Whatever it is inside her that's causing this to our friend---has to go. It's just that simple."
"How do you propose we do that?" asked Kitsune.
Hikari turned to Su. "What did the Toudai research say we had to do Su? Is it too late to help Motoko"
Koalla Su bounced toward her elder, stood in front of her , and answered. "Su have bad feeling."
"Why Su?" asked Hikari with a little frustration. "What did it say?"
All eyes turned to Su at this latest round of questions.
"Su found out this." She breathed once before she continued---while rooted to the same spot (a rarity for her). "Someone from Su's country has to chant special incantation to the sick one until they sleep. Then they have to make them relive something bad that happened to them."
"Ara, How does that help?" asked Mutsumi.
Su continued. "Research said, that when you make them relive the bad things, you also have to make them make peace with it."
"Sounds like something any reasonably competent Psychologist with hypnosis training can pull off. So what's the problem." Asked a confused Hikari.
"Su means no offense to foreign doctors, especially you Hikari-San. Regular hypnosis cannot reach as deep inside a person as our incantation will. It goes deeper and it is there that the work happens. Sorry."
"No problem Su. Even I can accept that there are limits to what people are capable of. What's the other problem then?
Su points at Motoko's still form and sighs. " Motoko has to be awake when I perform incantation---cannot already be out."
"Oh crap, and I just gave her a sedative to calm her body down. If I give her a stimulant this soon after the other injection---I may do more harm than good." This brought a wave of sorrow to form around the room with this latest development.
Kitsune punches her open palm in frustration.
"Damnit all! We can't just give up on this. There has to be a way."
"Ara, Yes. We must not lose Motoko-chan" added Mutsumi.
Haruka looks at Keitaro, a grim look on his face as he ponders the problem. Suddenly, his eyes shot up as he remembers something important. He turns to his Aunt and asks.
"Aunt Haruka? What happened 15 years ago after that incident with Naru, Mutsumi and myself?"
"What do you mean Keitaro?" she asks confused.
"I mean-why did I stop my training? What caused me to stop? I-I just don't remember."
Haruka breathes through her nose VERY slowly as she indeed remembers what had happened to her nephew after what had gone down. She begins to explain:
"It was sensei." She almost whispered. "Sensei stopped it."
"How? How did he do it?"
"You have to understand that you were EXTREMELY distraught over what had happened and we didn't know what else to do."
"Haruka? What - did - sensei - do - to - me?" Keitaro asks in desperation not realizing he had the rooms' undivided attention.
"Ok then. This is how it went." Began Haruka.
(Flashback- 15 years ago)
Three figures walk the steps toward the old shrine where Urashima children had trained for decades. Granny Hina led the way followed by a 13year old Haruka holding the hand of her very upset 5 year old nephew Keitaro. Haruka looked at the hand she was holding-a chill ran down her spine.
' I can't believe that his hands had so much blood on them before granny and I cleaned him up'
Indeed, the 5 year old's yellow shirt was still stained red in some places, as were his blue shorts that he wore.
'I hope Na-chan and Mu-chan are ok. They were pretty shaken up when we left them with their parents."
So involved in her own thoughts that she almost bumped into Granny Hina as she stopped in front of the shrines entrance, merely whispering:
"We are here children."
The two children followed the older woman's gaze, knowing who they would see before they moved there eyes. An older man, ancient really, approached the family. He was a short man, not much taller than Granny Hina herself, and bald. His beard was whiter than the purest snow and almost as long as his body---just barely grazing the ground as he walked-it's a wonder that he has never tripped over it. As he met them at the entrance, the family bowed, showing their respect.
"Hina. As always it is a pleasure to see you grace my shrine with your presence. My students accompany you as well--" Looking at Keitaro, then Haruka, then at Keitaro again scrutinizing the condition his clothes are in. He says almost to himself "-an interesting day they have had I see."
Looking at the older woman he asks simply: "What has happened?"
Granny Hina explains to her friend what happened earlier, in front of the inn, with Keitaro and his two playmates. He scowls, taking in this bit of news. To Haruka he asks: You witnessed this Haruka?"
"No Sensei. It was over before I had arrived. "
"What alerted you to the incident child?"
"Keitaro's Chi sensei. I sensed that something was VERY wrong with it. It was ---distressed. That is when I went to see what had happened."
The older man seemed to accept her explanation of the facts and nodded once in affirmation. The he focused his attention to the youngest member of the family-his scowl never leaving his face.
"Keitaro come here please." He commanded, more gentle than his expression indicated. The youngest Urashima complied as he walked toward his elder, looking down all the while in shame.
"Keitaro look at me." The young boy did so. "Tell me what happened." Keitaro explained his role in the day's events as tears were starting to form on his eyes as he began to finish the tale.
"Did you feel justified in your actions?"
"Yes sensei." He answered truthfully
"Then why do I sense such distress in you child?"
"Because, I HURT them." Keitaro starts to shake his head in grief. "I-I almost KILLED them sensei."
"But you didn't child."
"BUT I COULD HAVE!" the young boys outburst caught everyone completely off guard.
"Keitaro." warned Haruka.
"It's ok child." He says to the young girl. "He is understandably distraught.
Keitaro wipes the tears from his eyes with his hand as best he can before he continued. "Sensei. I'm sorry I yelled at you like that. I just don't wanna hurt anyone anymore ---EVER."
"Keitaro. I know you feel responsible for what you did. That's what you always do child. Take on all these responsibilities that a 5 year old shouldn't take. You'll feel better soon."
"N-No sir I won't." he countered. "I won't feel better until I know I can't hurt anyone anymore!"
The two ladies couldn't stay out of this any longer. It was Granny Hina that asked:
"What is it that you mean child?"
Looking at his kindly grandmother he explained. "I don't wanna fight anymore grandma. I can't. If I do, someone else will get hurt cuz of me."
Haruka commented, " You can't mean that squirt. You're the best student this shrine has ever seen."
"Your young Aunt is right Keitaro." added the old man. "You have potential unlike anyone in your bloodlines has seen. Surely you don't mean to waste it?"
"I-I don't care sensei." Looking at his grandmother, his eyes PLEADING. "Please don't make me fight anymore. I don't wanna hurt anymore people..I just don't wanna." Keitaro buries his face to his granny as he cries. Everyone could hear him whisper:
"Not anymore, please."
Everyones heart ached as the 5 year old broke down in front of those who know him best.
Keitaro feels a gentle but firm hand on his shoulder. Turning around slowly, he sees the sad look of his sensei( a look he never thought he'd see) as he asks. "You mean what you say child?"
Keitaro nods.
Looking at granny Hina he asks. "What of his parents?"
Understanding what must be done to ease the emotional pain that Keitaro was experiencing, she says with some sadness. "I will explain it to them, do what you must."
"Wait Keitaro!" starts a very nervous Haruka facing her nephew. "You sure you wanna do this squirt."
"Yes Auntie Haruka. I don't wanna hurt anymore people."
Looking sad and slightly annoyed, she commented. "Ok then. I'm sorry I didn't help you sooner, then you wouldn't have to do this."
Keitaro sniffs as the tears start to disappear from his innocent face.
"It's ok Auntie. I'm glad you were there after." He goes to hug his young aunt who holds him tight and whispers. "You're a good kid squirt---but please stop calling me Auntie, I'm only 13 you know."
Keitaro let's go of Haruka, smiling, then turns to face his Sensei--- possibly for the last time.
"Are you sure my child?"
"Yes sensei, I am sure."
"Then close your eyes and allow your chi to flow freely and without fear." As he says this, he places his hand behind Keitaro's neck.
The 30 seconds it took seemed like hours as Both Haruka and Granny Hina waited for the older man to announce:
"It is done."
Keitaro opened his eyes as if asleep for days---feeling very refreshed.
Looking at his sensei he thanked him and bowed formally in respect.
"Haruka, why don't you start down the steps with Keitaro, there's something I need to discuss with Hina really quick."
Nodding in understanding she said "Ok Sensei. Thank You." Holding a hand out to Keitaro she said, "Come on squirt. Granny will join us in a bit." Keitaro happily took his Aunt's hand as they made there way down the long steps.
When the children were out of sight Hina turned to her friend.
"So what did you do exactly?" she asked.
"I merged my chi with his and suppressed that part which craved fighting."
"Suppressed? Not eliminated?"
"No Hina." There are forces out there at work that a boy like him shouldn't be made aware of yet. " I wasn't going to leave him TOTALLY defenseless." He noticed the nod of approval that Hina gave him.
"As the years roll on, his abilities will very slowly, manifest themselves. It will happen without any conscious knowledge. However, should he have to face what happened today, it may all manifest faster than even HE can handle----be very careful."
'So, you've temporarily locked it all away in his subconscious mind?"
He nodded.
Hina chuckled, pleased with how her old friend handled her grandson.
"You should let Haruka know as well what I did, just to be safe."
" I will my friend. Thank You again for helping my Grandchild."
"He is a good boy, a decent boy. I expected no less from him."
Both friends bowed, then Hina started toward the children.
(Present Day)
Everyone in the room sat transfixed at Haruka's explanation. She looked at her nephew, afraid of what he learned. Another tear forming on one eye as he whispers.
" He was always looking out for me wasn't he?"
"Yes he did---'squirt'" she chuckled at the memory as well. "So now you know how he did it"
Which gave Keitaro an idea. Naru caught the expression of hope on his face and asked, "What is it Keitaro? "
"Yes Sempai. What are you thinking?"
Keitaro approached Su who looked at him quizzically.
"What's on you mind Keitaro?" asked Su
"I need your help Su! I need you to send me inside Motoko's mind."
Everyone but Haruka and Hikari gasped at what he asked.
"Ara Kei-Kun. How will you be able to go inside Motoko-chan's mind?"
"Pretty simple really Mutsumi-san. I'm going to have Su recite her incantation while I MERGE my chi with Motoko's. Then I can get rid of what's killing her."
Keitaro holds Motoko's cold hand again and whispered," Don't worry Motoko, I'm coming."
And somewhere inside Motoko's mind something laughed---evilly.
Author's note: Again not much of one as I am dead tired;but, I'd like to thank jenny, dennis, Knight's, and especially Bugsy for reviewing my last chapter. My apologies if I forgot anyone as I appreciate everyone who reads my stuff. If you like my stories, plz tell a friend and as always READ & REVIEW