AN:
NDZ: Well I got meself some more reviews here and I'm quite pleased to say that I am extremely happy that everyone is enjoyin my fic!!
Rouche: Hehehehehe….
NDZ: And what are you so happy about?!?
Rouche: *cough!! cough!!* Nothing…
NDZ: I'll have to keep an eye on him…. Well anyway!!, enjoy the next chapter!!!!
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9: Ceaseless Eternity
"Come on!! Dodge and weave, dodge and weave!!"
"I'm dodging and weaving as fast as I can go right now, so stop pushing me to go harder!!"
"Well… I know you can do better, so you have to push yourself to your limits first, then the REAL training is gonna begin…"
Oh great… Like that's supposed to encourage me…
Upon the great mat once again, though fewer in numbers, training had begun for the plan that was to be set in motion in nine days time. Though trained in multiple techniques, and constantly learning something new from one another, they all had their separate reasons for cooperating with each other.
"Come on Jack, I know you've got great potential, so come on and try and hit me!!"
Yugo was persistently trying to get Jack to move faster, increasing his speed as well as dodging techniques. He thought that if Jack pushed himself to go faster, then the rest of the techniques he was to learn would be easier to learn, as they were at somewhat equal speed.
Come on Jack, strength is not a factor in boxing, its all speed and dodging. Predict your opponent's moves and act when they're open, don't just wait for the moment to come to you!
Highly acclaimed in the boxing world, Yugo was well known for his cunning and determination in the ring, as well as his extremely off-par boxing style. This was the only life the wolf knew of, and it was best way he could think of to support both himself and Kenji.
Silently the ninja watched his elder teach this new one of his techniques. He has high expectations of him… Maybe he has the potential to go beyond our current capabilities, or maybe it is merely a farce; a falsity that we so drunkenly delude ourselves with.
Remaining undisturbed upon the rafters, his thoughts drifted elsewhere. Lately his conscious had become quite irritable, constantly urging his heart to go where his mind said 'No!'. He was confused by these interjections, and had found it harder and harder to dismiss them as he had before. For his heart had been opened, and he wished to drink from the chalice that rode onward towards salvation. He wished to be privy to its glory, to burn with desire and love, blotting out all dark emotions that so hatefully attempted to block his lighted path. No, nothing would stand in his way, not even Fate itself. He would fight existence itself to free his soul from the tortured body it inhabited; that it lived through. All the sufferings and hardships would be deluded in his own sense of honor and love.
Yes… That is what I must become. Pure of mind, pure of heart, and pure of soul; These three shall free me…
Darkness lovingly embraced this form, but now rather than strengthen his dark desires and cloud his form, it now left his to ponder these thoughts, leaving his with a sense of peace and tranquility.
Springing from the tarnished steel beams that encompassed the frame, Kenji felt every muscle and tendon flinging to life, filling with blood and adrenaline to meet the demands he put forth upon them. Into the open light he soared, clouds inching by above him in the heavens. Slowly he drew in a breath, and rotating his body to correct stance landed effortlessly onto the tar-ridden roof. He then sat there, kneeling, head bowed down, wondering what would come next. As he lifted his gallant head towards the vast open sky, he couldn't help but wonder what was on her mind…
* * *
Twiddling a pencil between index and thumb, a young girl sat quite uncomfortably upon a stool in a darkened room, awaiting the arrival of her older sister. Puckering her lips and exhaling her boredom, nothing else was to be heard. The day had been nothing but boring for her. She wanted action! She wanted adventure! But more than anything she wanted someone else to share her feelings with, and she knew exactly who that person was…
Awww…. Why is it that when I try so hard to get him to respond, all I get is the cold shoulder? I know he has pain deep in his heart, but maybe I can help him relieve it. Am I coming on too strong? Should I tone it down a bit just to see if he'll warm up to me? Ooooooo… I'm so confused!!
Letting gravity take its course, she allowed her now numb legs to fall to the ground, letting the blood re-circulate throughout her system. Light footsteps became audible to her sensitive ears, and she could also tell they were in a hurry.
Maybe she's back?
Peeking out the door, she only saw a shadowed figure running towards her, but she could already tell who it was.
Stopping at the door, the figure was quite exhausted and was desperately trying to regain her breath. Slouched down with hands upon knees, the exasperated figure tried to form words, but all that could be heard was panting.
"Why are you so out of breath?" She asked.
Her breathing now coming under control, she responded: "One, I know that if I didn't come get you any sooner you'd have left on your own, and I don't want to go running all around looking for you. Two, I want to go see how Yugo and Jack are doing."
A hurt look developed on the innocent child's face. How could she accuse her of such deeds?
"Don't go giving me that look! You know darn well that I'm right. Now come on, let's get going."
Giggling slightly, the young girl followed her older sister, for she knew all too well that she indeed was right. Curiosity often got the best of her. But how could she help it? She was a cat after all…
* * *
Leaning back against the wall, both Rouche and Yugo were quite exhausted themselves. Yugo was taken aback at how much energy Jack had put forth, and at the same time was glad he was able to pass on his knowledge. Looking over at each other, they both laughed at how drenched they both were, each soaking in his own sweat. But that was beside the point. Although it had taken a little longer than both had expected, Rouche had proven the astute pupil, and had taken in all Yugo had shown him.
Looking around, all that could be seen were the clouds through the glass panes to their right, and the flickering lights above their heads. Everything was at peace in the world. Leaning his head back and closing his eyes, Jack let his thoughts wonder a bit, trying to further relax his overworked body.
Slowly drawing himself up, the wolf began collecting his things, shoving them into a long dark blue duffel bag. Gloves, gauze, hand pads, mouthpiece, all these were used to teach the young man the art of boxing. Yugo was proud that he was not one of the many that only thought of boxing as a war of brute strength. No, it was much more than that. It involved strategy, constant thinking, becoming light on one's feet, as well as not putting too much energy into one punch that always had the opportunity to miss.
He had enjoyed the intensity he read from his face and in his eyes, the burning passion to better himself. He truly wanted to gain this for a purpose, not just to say he had learned it and never use it again…
Heh, maybe when this is all over I'll see if he'd like to go into the circuit with me. It's so hard to find guys like him… All the others care about is the money. Yea I do too, but that's only to support Kenji and me.
His thoughts now turned to his younger brother, as he thought of what might be on his mind. He had been disturbed at how he had been acting before, but now he didn't know what to think after the other night. He too showed burning passion in his eyes from a mere few words on the wolf's part.
Did I really make a difference in his life? Or was he just putting on an act to make me feel better? I never know what's on that kid's mind…
Opening his eyes, Jack noticed Yugo zipping up his bag. Now raising himself, he slowly walked over to where he was just as he too stood, flipping the bag over his shoulder.
"Leaving I see?" He asked.
"Yea.. Sorry, but I got to go meet Alice. She tends to get a little jumpy when I'm not there on time..." the wolf responded, chuckling at some distant memories.
"Nah, I understand. But hey, thanks for letting me learn from you. That was a fantastic training session. I just hope it'll come that smoothly once I actually use it in combat…"
"Don't worry about it, you did fine. It'll take some getting used to at first, but it'll all flow naturally after that. That's one of the reasons I tried pushin' ya so hard, to get you used to the adrenaline rush a little. Ya know?"
"Heh, yea I know. Well thanks again, we should do this again sometime."
Extending his hand outward, Yugo grasped his firm grip and returned the strength equally, also returning the bright smile that played on his face.
"Talk to ya later man, take it easy!"
"Sure thing, and say hi to Alice for me will ya?"
"No problem, just hope I can survive fury…"
As he left the building and the door creaked shut, Rouche couldn't help but stand proud in the empty structure. Standing tall, hands hinged to his hips, he surveyed the great domain as if he were a king surveying his land.
You have learned well Rouche…
That voice, it sounds so familiar… Could it really be?
Yes, it is I. I have lain dormant for quite some time now, watching your interactions with the others. You have proven quite capable in this style called 'boxing'.
Yes, well Yugo is quite an impressive teacher in that. He's certainly got a lot of energy to spare.
Yes… I am proud of how you are adapting to this so quickly. It seems as though strengthening yourself has also strengthened me as well. I can feel more power flowing through us, pulsing through every fiber and bone in our being. Can you feel it too?
Yes, I feel it too friend. It has been a long time hasn't it?
Yes it has, but now I shall leave you again to your peace. I will surface as needed and will always be your guide when you so need it.
Thank you. It is much appreciated.
With that, Jack bowed his head, silently retreating his mind toward safe haven, where no mortal soul would harm him. The lighted room radiating with joy and happiness was welcome change to this dreary soul. He soon felt the world melt away, all his troubles and fears slip from his grasp, no longer plaguing his mind. As clouds edged past and the lights continued their flickering, all time stood still. And he wished it would never cease…