Well, was that last chapter not riveting? I personally enjoyed
writing that cliffy at the end! I hope this story gets a lot of reviews,
because I plan to work my tail off to make it as good as it can possibly
be. Suggestions on what I should do, or what should happen in this story
will be warmly appreciated of course, simply because I like knowing what
the people want! The suspense and tension will of course grow and mount
considerably throughout this chapter in order to keep the interest of even
the most easily distracted of readers. Please R&R and I hope you all
thoroughly enjoy this.
Chapter 2,
Adrenaline Overload!
Unknown male voice: Looking for these?
Sora froze,
Sora: ** Oh god how could I be so stupid as to not keep a spare weapon with me? But wait, **
She strained her hearing to its limit as her assailant slightly jangled the knives in his hand.
Sora: ** The knives are in his left, no right hand, but when he shook them they made a clink, clink noise. Could I be so lucky? Could it be that he did not find my third? He couldn't have found it, after all if there had been three knives in his hand then they would've all clashed together and made much more noise. **
Reaching beneath her mat her hand stumbled over the slightly loose floorboard. Sora held her eyes shut so tightly as she prayed that they began to throb. Carefully lifting the board she felt a rush of joy as her hand encountered what she had been hoping for, the handle of a third blade she had hidden! Withdrawing it so that her opponent couldn't see her arm move; she heard him begin to advance on her, his footsteps were unusually calm and confident.
Sora: (her mind racing) ** If my blades are in his right hand, then I need to attack him from the left. He'll probably be expecting me to turn as I am and make a two-handed backwards stab at his waist. So I'll do the unexpected and turn the same way, but stand up in one swift motion all at once. Then I can bring my blade down with my left hand and plant it firmly in the base of his neck, there's a major artery there too. That kind of move will cost me a great amount of speed, but at least I'll have the element of surprise! **
Judging that her opponent was finally within range, she turned on him faster than even the swiftest goddess. Her colorful eyes once again becoming bottomless slits, and flames of hatred shone vibrantly in her eyes. An almost inhumane snarl escaped from her as she raised her hand high to strike her opponent as she had planned. But time seemed to stand still as his hand came up too, gripping her wrist so that it was impossible for her to execute her attack. Instinctively Sora brought her right hand up in a tight fist hoping to briefly wind her opponent with a punch to his gut. He beat her to that too, his hand let go of her knives and firmly closed over her fist holding it at bay. A sudden, mixed look of anguish, astonishment, and possibly even fear swept over Sora's features. This was the first time anyone had ever been able to even partially block, or stop one of her attacks. It was then that she finally turned and starred her assailant fully in the eyes.
Sora: Kenshin?
Slowly her left hand fell open and the blade clattered to the floor, her other hand dropped to her side. Every last bit of fight had seemed to just diminish from her. Breathing heavily, her entire body was now quaking from the excess adrenaline pumping through it. An almost hurt expression reflected in her eyes, and Kenshin knew she must be confused, but before he could say a single word she collapsed in his arms. Now Kenshin was really freaked out,
Kenshin: (sweat dropping like crazy) ** Had she really been that tense and uptight? I hope she comes around soon. You've got to have quite a bit of adrenaline moving through your system to just pass out like this that you do! **
He lay her down on her bed; it was only a few moments before she began to come around. Still breathing heavily she dazedly looked over at him and sat up quickly.
Sora: W, why? What,
Kenshin: I'm sorry to have frightened you so, miss that I am. I had noticed you weren't anywhere to be found some time ago and found all of those knives in here when I went to look for you. You should know better than to break your own rule of not going anywhere without someone.
Sora: (ignoring his previous comments and defensively replying) I wasn't frightened! Why were you snooping around in my stuff anyway?
Kenshin: Again, I am terribly sorry, but I must ask you, why hide such deadly things when you are among trustworthy folk?
Sora: It's not any of you I don't trust; I just like to be prepared for anything.
Kenshin: Apparently you were tonight. Here.
He handed her the blades.
Sora: You knew I had that third blade didn't you? Kenshin: Yes, I found it too, but when I went to pick it up I accidentally knocked it sideways and couldn't figure out where it was.
Sora: Don't tell anyone else about any of this ok?
Kenshin: Oh, uh sure.
Sora: And no more snooping around my room!
Kenshin: (nervously scratching the back of his head) Heh heh, well you must promise not to wander off by yourself without telling anyone anymore, that you must.
Sora: Do I look like a three year old to you? I can take care of myself! Sorry I disobeyed my own rule, but please I'm a grown woman and can take responsibility for myself!
Kenshin: Fine, fine, I don't mean to sound harsh, it's just that we're trying to help you and when you do stuff like this it can cause worry.
Sora: I, ugh whatever. I'm tired of arguing see you in the morning.
Kenshin: Very well, goodnight.
As he left Sora turned and quickly found better hiding places for her knives, except for one, which she still put back under her pillow. Sleep still had a hard time overtaking her as it always did. Sora new she needed to sleep, but she hated doing it. It was when she was most vulnerable, even though she had a weapon nearby and awoke at the faintest rustling of the wind, for it wasn't physical harm that she feared, but mental. Her dreams haunted her mind as she slept. Visions of her horrific past reeked havoc among the corridors of her mind; people screamed and cheered, swords flashed across her range of vision, but tonight a new demonic sight appeared in her minds eye. An image of her new friends came to her; they were happy, content and waved to her. For the first time she was relaxed as she slept, but that peace was short-lived. A sudden beam of bloody red light glazed over the surface of the image and another darker side of Sora came into the picture. Sora could almost not even recognize herself. This Sora had immensely slitted gold eyes that shimmered as the other colors danced with a lust for blood. A demonic smile spread across her face and her skin had been completely drained of color. Her clothing was shredded at the ends and she held a double-edged blade, the one with the dragons on it, menacingly in her left hand. The dragons seemed to come alive and develop a crave for death! Her normally curly blond hair was straight and pulled into a sloppy braid with stains of red in it. Besides the sword, she wore her clawed brass knuckles and as everyone in the image noticed her they looked like they were trying to reason with her. But any words that left their mouths just passed through this Sora, and she grinned even more, barring her teeth in the process. Preparing her sword for an attack this Sora bellowed,
"Prepare to meet Sora Shietan, Battousi of the underworld! I am the Angel from Hell and it's time for you to taste the flames of death!"
She then charged the group, raising her sword,
Sora: Noooooooooooo!
She screamed at the top of her lungs, and then realized it was all just a dream. The others must have been outside because she heard no one coming to answer her scream.
Sora: (hanging her head in her hands) My enemies will find me, and should I revert to my old ways for the sake of triumphing over them I fear that my dream shall become a reality. There is no way I can stay here; I must find a way to lead my enemies away from these people. Should we be attacked there would be no way I could defend all of them from my foes.
She stood and dressed and looked at the sky outside her window.
Sora: ** Hold on, it's still an hour till dawn, they can't be awake yet, could they have possibly slept through that scream? **
She walked the halls of the dojo, looking in each room and was disgusted to find that she was right. Deciding that there was no point in her trying to go back to bed now she headed towards the shed where her horses were. After letting them out to romp in the yard and giving them fresh food and water she left them to graze and headed towards the kitchen. After getting breakfast started she began setting the table as everything cooked on the stove. Kenshin then walked in and was surprised to find that he had been beaten to his morning task.
Sora: Oh great you're just in time, could you run out to the shed and get me a new strainer for everybody's tea?
Kenshin: Of course!
He had just closed the door to the kitchen behind him and looked out across the yard and noticed Sora had left her horses out. Kenshin didn't really like the horses because of their great size and speed. Surprisingly enough, yes, he was nervous. He wasn't sure whether or not the horses would repeat their last performance and wasn't about to get caught between two angry horses. Stepping cautiously into the yard he began to tip toe across the lawn. Sanakoo looked up and stepped in front of Kira as Kenshin's scent floated to him on the wind. Kenshin then hurried across the rest of the lawn and flung the shed door shut behind him, as he searched about for the strainers. He found what he was looking for and turned to open the door to leave the shed. As he did so he looked up and found himself starring into the curious eyes of Sora's stallion! Sanakoo had come to see what Kenshin was doing and as Kenshin realized what he was looking at he froze and tried to run as fast as he could around the horses. His sudden burst of movement startled the stallion and Kira then looked up from where she was and just watched as Sanakoo reared back from Kenshin who darted past him. The stallion then began pursuing Kenshin, wanting to see where he was going, but Kenshin interpreted this as an act of aggression and so tried to out run Sanakoo, who easily caught up to him. Sanakoo eagerly observed his feeble attempts to run away, but had forgotten to keep his eyes on where he was running.
Kira: (neighing to Sanakoo) Watch out for that, SMACK, pole.
Sanakoo had slammed straight into a pole that connected to the roof and fell backwards. Kenshin then kept on running, but looked back to see if he was still being followed,
Kira: (knowing he wouldn't understand her, but still trying to warn him) Kenshin, watch out for the, THUD, door.
Kenshin had run straight into the door of the kitchen, flown through it, and landed on the floor in front of everyone else who had just come down for breakfast. Sora was still busy at the stove and hadn't noticed Kenshin fly through the door, but called out,
Sora: Oh, Kenshin, you can forget about those strainers, I just found some in this cabinet.
Kenshin: What?
Kira: (outside surveying the damage and muttering to herself) What sad, strange, little men, and to think I put up with them every day! Wow my life is exciting, and to think I could've missed out on all of this had I not woken up so early today.
Sanakoo: (stumbling back to Kira) I'm ok, but I think I hit my head on that pole over there.
Kira: Ya think? Oh no, I'm turning into Sora! Maybe I should take a vacation because I'm obviously spending too much time around you guys.
Everyone sat down to breakfast and Kenshin slowly drug himself up to his seat and Sora looked at him funny,
Sora: You look terrible, did you like fly through the door or something to get here?
Kenshin: You don't miss much do you Sora?
Sora: (smiling blondly) Not usually, but seriously, what happened to you?
Kenshin: (exasperatedly slamming his head onto the table) Ugh! Owowowowowowowow!
Sora: (chuckling) Now that wasn't very smart. Later that day they sat around playing poker. Sora had convinced them to play and made it interesting when she said that this was going to be a mix of poker and truth or dare. The winners got to make all of the losers do whatever they wanted as long as it was reasonable.
Sano: (evilly grinning) Heehee, I'm the best one here at poker this should be easy, and just wait till I win!
Everyone that knew how to play was paired up with someone who didn't. Sora had to help Kenshin, Sano was helping Megumi surprisingly enough, and Yahiko was helping Kaoru. As they played of course Kaoru and Yahiko did poorly because they refused to cooperate, and Sora was quite competitive against Sano, but in the end lost on Kenshin's account. Megumi knew the game better than Kenshin, and so Sano's team had the ultimate advantage.
Sano: (after winning) Hmmmm, how should I do this?
Megumi whispered in his ear and he got a look on his face that meant nothing but bad news for his victims.
Sora: I don't like that look Sano.
Sano: Heehee, you shouldn't. All right, Kaoru, you and Yahiko have to both give each other a hug and say that you're the best of friends, and Kenshin you have to go stand outside and pet the horses. Sora, you should go jump down the steps just so we can all watch and see how funny you are!
THUD! Sora kept her word and punched Sano so hard that he flew through the wall, right next to the spot where Kenshin had come through the door earlier. After the rest of the dares were complete, everyone went out to watch Kenshin pet the horses.
Sano: (rubbing a huge lump on his head) I wish I could capture this moment!
Kenshin cautiously approached the horses, and slowly reached out to pet Sanakoo on the nose.
Kira: ** Oh god, I'm going to die of old age before this kid pets us both. **
In order to save them all time Kira shoved her nose against Kenshin's hand. Kenshin was surprised that nothing bad happened to him. Quite the opposite in fact, the horses were very docile and didn't mind him. Unfortunately that ruined the moment for Sano, who had been hoping Kenshin would freak out or something. Several hours later, after all of that, everyone retreated to their rooms to ready themselves for bed. Sora sat in the little girls' room and told them a story.
Sora: Is there a particular story you wish to hear? Ayame: Tell us one about a princess!
Suzume: And a dragon!
Their grandfather sat back and chuckled at the requests they made, he was interested in what kind of story Sora would tell.
Sora: (pretending to think really hard) Well now, I think I know of one like that.
Suzume: Is it scary?
Sora: (sarcastically) Oh yes! Do you still want to hear it?
Ayame: We not a scared, uncle Kenny is here!
Sora: Yes and I'm sure he would do a wonderful job of protecting you from a dragon. All right, now where should I start?
Suzume: At the beginning of course!
Sora: (sarcastically as everyone else came in to listen) Oh, ok, that sounds like a good idea. Well, once upon a time there was a princess, but she wasn't an ordinary princess. She was brave, and a good fighter! Her name was Koroko, and she loved to go on adventures. One day she wandered off from the castle though and,
Sora went on and spun her tale until both little girls were fast asleep, even Yahiko's eyes started to droop shut. After settling them all into their beds the adults went off to their own rooms. Sora went to her room in a good mood, the story had relaxed her quite a bit, but she still took out the deadly dragon covered sword and practiced. The blade felt so good in her hands, like it really belonged there. It danced and flashed through the air, following her movements. When Sora practiced, she moved in silence, not even stirring the wind as the blade hummed through the air. Everything was right then, nothing bothered her, now it was only she and the sword. Turning quickly, she executed a one handed slash, but froze when her blade actually came into contact with another. It was Kenshin,
Sora: What's with you and entering peoples rooms uninvited?
She swerved quickly, blocking against his blades advance.
Kenshin: I'm sorry, I just thought you would like someone to practice with!
Shiiiiing! Sora's blade swooped just over Kenshin's head as he ducked.
Sora: You can't beat me.
Kenshin: Why's that?
Sora feigned a drop kick to his shins, and as Kenshin leapt aside to dodge it she brought the flat of her blade up and struck him hard in the gut. He fell forward, but caught his balance quickly, and as he turned to face her he realized she was gone. Sora appeared behind him and twisted his free hand behind him and brought his sword hand up so that the blade of his own weapon pressed against his throat.
Sora: Because I'm lighter and faster than you!
Kenshin: That may be true, but you've forgotten one thing,
He brought his foot back and hooked hers knocking Sora off balance, which freed him. Unfortunately Kenshin had counted on her leaping back in order to catch her balance again. Instead Sora leapt forward, caught her balance, and as Kenshin turned again to face her she ducked and brought herself face to face with him. Before Kenshin could bring his sword down to block, Sora took a final step forward and pressed herself against him hooking one foot behind his, throwing her left arm around his neck and pressing her sword against the back of his neck, and grabbed the front of his gi with her right hand.
Sora: (smiling slyly and whispering) No I haven't. And you can't move now because if you do all I have to do is trip you and you'll fall back against my blade. I'm too close to hit with that sword of yours too. If you're going to practice with me, then you always need to be prepared for the unexpected. Remember, I was raised by two manslayers, I held my first sword when I was 2!
She stepped away and carefully replaced her weapon in its sheath and laid it in her bag.
Kenshin: You are a much better fighter then I expected.
Sora: What!?! You mean you had a lower expectation for me than you do now!
Kenshin: (sweat dropping) I didn't mean it like that, it's just you don't create that kind of image. No one would look at you and even begin to think that you could be a swordswoman.
Sora: And that is why I'm still undefeated to this very day, I always have the element of surprise! Plus, I don't fear you, I never fear my opponents, especially when I know they can't injure me.
Kenshin: Now that is a big mistake, I can still injure,
Sora: Don't try to tell me that! Your sword is a reverse blade, you can't cut me, and I'm too fast for you to ever land a blow hard enough to even leave a bad bruise.
Kenshin: Fair enough, but you should never let your guard down just because you think you have the upper hand.
Sora: (clenching her teeth) I've never let my guard down, and I never will! My very existence depends on my guard and my observance. I don't even sleep without dreaming of ways to better defend myself. My life depends solely on my ability to fight. It doesn't matter where I go or what I do, (there were tears in her eyes now) I live my life a prisoner! Every moment I spend with my hand on the hilt of my sword, and every shadow proposes new threats for me. I don't even have time to live I'm always so busy running, but I'm a fighter and I hate running away. I don't want to run but I have no choice, my enemies will find me, and should anything happen to anyone else on my account I would never forgive myself! This is why I try to keep from getting involved with people, so I don't have to experience any more sadness. I know that sounds selfish, but my hands have been stained with more blood than yours ever will and I just want it to stop.
The tears ran unchecked down her face now, and she tried to whisk them away as quickly as possible, Kenshin came over and sat next to her on the couch.
Kenshin: There is no shame in wanting to live your life the way you choose. I am sad to hear that your past was so devastating, but maybe staying hear where you can be among friends will do you some good. We are going to help you get through this, and we realize the risks of our decision, so do what you do when you fight, and have faith without fear. You must trust that we are going to be true to our word, and you mustn't dwell on what was or what could be, but what you want the future to be. Only then can you take control and do your best to make your hopes become reality.
Sora: Thanks, I'm so glad that I have you guys to help me out; I've never had anyone offer to do anything like this for me before. I had to raise myself and since then I've always had to be the one to tell myself to move on. I've never had anyone offer to help me up even at the worst of times. Maybe you're right; I'll try harder to work as a teammate and not a leader.
Kenshin: I'm glad, just don't worry so much; at this rate you'll beat us all to the grave!
Sora: (throwing her arms about him and hugging him tight) You're so sweet, thank-you, for, for everything. There will never be a group of people I hold in higher regard than you guys!
Kenshin: Don't speak too quickly now, some of us can be a bit more temper mental than others.
Sora: Oh, get out of here! I'll see you tomorrow.
She then closed the door behind him and went to her bed, blew out the candle, and then tried to sleep. That night, around 11, she was just starting to feel drowsy when she heard a noise. Her body tensed up and she instinctively grabbed her knife and stealthily left to see what it was that disturbed the ill silence of the night. Moving through the shadows, virtually invisible, she crept into the kitchen. Someone had come through the window! Following the dusty footprints she hurried to locate the intruder. The tracks lead up to Ayame and Suzume's room! Sora could feel each hair on her body stand on end and her blood began to boil.
Sora: ** I will rip this person to shreds if they've harmed a hair on those girls' heads! **
She came silently around the corner, she could hear other footsteps coming down each hall, the others must have awoken too. As she stepped into the doorway someone thudded into her, she screamed and plunged her knife into the man's chest, he groaned and fell to the floor. The unconscious children slept in his arms, and as Sora bent to scoop them up someone grabbed her from behind! Sora struggled in his arms and bit hard on her assailant's hand, drawing blood. Just as she turned to fight her opponent hand to hand someone else clubbed her in the back of the head, and her world went black. She awoke and realized she was back in her bedroom and the sun was high in the sky. Despite her throbbing head, she raced back to the kitchen and didn't even notice everyone sitting down at the table. Racing into the girls' room, she was crest fallen to find that they weren't there. She came tearing back around the corner into the kitchen hoping that they would be sitting there eating lunch. She was again heartbroken to find that they were not there. After taking a seat and rubbing her head,
Sora: Where are they, please say that they're here!
Sano: Unfortunately if we told you that we would be lying to you. Whoever it was that hit you over the head did a good job though you slept forever!
Sora: (slamming her fists on the table) This isn't funny! There are two innocent girls that have been kidnapped on my account!
Yahiko: It's not your fault, but we are going to go after them.
Sora: How? We don't even know who took them.
Megumi: Actually, we found a map and several coded instructions on the guy that you killed last night. So things really aren't as hopeless as they seem.
Sora: Give me the map, I'll bring the girls back, and once I do, I'll disappear from your lives once and for all.
Kaoru: You won't be going on this little escapade by yourself, how do we know you won't get lost on the way back?
Yahiko: Yeah, what are friends for? Besides this will be fun for all of us!
Sora: (a smile beginning to play about her face) I see I won't be permitted to leave unattended. All right, we shall pack today and leave tomorrow!
Heehee, there, that cliffhanger wasn't so bad was it? I can't wait till I get my other story updated too! I hope you guys all had a good holiday!
Chapter 2,
Adrenaline Overload!
Unknown male voice: Looking for these?
Sora froze,
Sora: ** Oh god how could I be so stupid as to not keep a spare weapon with me? But wait, **
She strained her hearing to its limit as her assailant slightly jangled the knives in his hand.
Sora: ** The knives are in his left, no right hand, but when he shook them they made a clink, clink noise. Could I be so lucky? Could it be that he did not find my third? He couldn't have found it, after all if there had been three knives in his hand then they would've all clashed together and made much more noise. **
Reaching beneath her mat her hand stumbled over the slightly loose floorboard. Sora held her eyes shut so tightly as she prayed that they began to throb. Carefully lifting the board she felt a rush of joy as her hand encountered what she had been hoping for, the handle of a third blade she had hidden! Withdrawing it so that her opponent couldn't see her arm move; she heard him begin to advance on her, his footsteps were unusually calm and confident.
Sora: (her mind racing) ** If my blades are in his right hand, then I need to attack him from the left. He'll probably be expecting me to turn as I am and make a two-handed backwards stab at his waist. So I'll do the unexpected and turn the same way, but stand up in one swift motion all at once. Then I can bring my blade down with my left hand and plant it firmly in the base of his neck, there's a major artery there too. That kind of move will cost me a great amount of speed, but at least I'll have the element of surprise! **
Judging that her opponent was finally within range, she turned on him faster than even the swiftest goddess. Her colorful eyes once again becoming bottomless slits, and flames of hatred shone vibrantly in her eyes. An almost inhumane snarl escaped from her as she raised her hand high to strike her opponent as she had planned. But time seemed to stand still as his hand came up too, gripping her wrist so that it was impossible for her to execute her attack. Instinctively Sora brought her right hand up in a tight fist hoping to briefly wind her opponent with a punch to his gut. He beat her to that too, his hand let go of her knives and firmly closed over her fist holding it at bay. A sudden, mixed look of anguish, astonishment, and possibly even fear swept over Sora's features. This was the first time anyone had ever been able to even partially block, or stop one of her attacks. It was then that she finally turned and starred her assailant fully in the eyes.
Sora: Kenshin?
Slowly her left hand fell open and the blade clattered to the floor, her other hand dropped to her side. Every last bit of fight had seemed to just diminish from her. Breathing heavily, her entire body was now quaking from the excess adrenaline pumping through it. An almost hurt expression reflected in her eyes, and Kenshin knew she must be confused, but before he could say a single word she collapsed in his arms. Now Kenshin was really freaked out,
Kenshin: (sweat dropping like crazy) ** Had she really been that tense and uptight? I hope she comes around soon. You've got to have quite a bit of adrenaline moving through your system to just pass out like this that you do! **
He lay her down on her bed; it was only a few moments before she began to come around. Still breathing heavily she dazedly looked over at him and sat up quickly.
Sora: W, why? What,
Kenshin: I'm sorry to have frightened you so, miss that I am. I had noticed you weren't anywhere to be found some time ago and found all of those knives in here when I went to look for you. You should know better than to break your own rule of not going anywhere without someone.
Sora: (ignoring his previous comments and defensively replying) I wasn't frightened! Why were you snooping around in my stuff anyway?
Kenshin: Again, I am terribly sorry, but I must ask you, why hide such deadly things when you are among trustworthy folk?
Sora: It's not any of you I don't trust; I just like to be prepared for anything.
Kenshin: Apparently you were tonight. Here.
He handed her the blades.
Sora: You knew I had that third blade didn't you? Kenshin: Yes, I found it too, but when I went to pick it up I accidentally knocked it sideways and couldn't figure out where it was.
Sora: Don't tell anyone else about any of this ok?
Kenshin: Oh, uh sure.
Sora: And no more snooping around my room!
Kenshin: (nervously scratching the back of his head) Heh heh, well you must promise not to wander off by yourself without telling anyone anymore, that you must.
Sora: Do I look like a three year old to you? I can take care of myself! Sorry I disobeyed my own rule, but please I'm a grown woman and can take responsibility for myself!
Kenshin: Fine, fine, I don't mean to sound harsh, it's just that we're trying to help you and when you do stuff like this it can cause worry.
Sora: I, ugh whatever. I'm tired of arguing see you in the morning.
Kenshin: Very well, goodnight.
As he left Sora turned and quickly found better hiding places for her knives, except for one, which she still put back under her pillow. Sleep still had a hard time overtaking her as it always did. Sora new she needed to sleep, but she hated doing it. It was when she was most vulnerable, even though she had a weapon nearby and awoke at the faintest rustling of the wind, for it wasn't physical harm that she feared, but mental. Her dreams haunted her mind as she slept. Visions of her horrific past reeked havoc among the corridors of her mind; people screamed and cheered, swords flashed across her range of vision, but tonight a new demonic sight appeared in her minds eye. An image of her new friends came to her; they were happy, content and waved to her. For the first time she was relaxed as she slept, but that peace was short-lived. A sudden beam of bloody red light glazed over the surface of the image and another darker side of Sora came into the picture. Sora could almost not even recognize herself. This Sora had immensely slitted gold eyes that shimmered as the other colors danced with a lust for blood. A demonic smile spread across her face and her skin had been completely drained of color. Her clothing was shredded at the ends and she held a double-edged blade, the one with the dragons on it, menacingly in her left hand. The dragons seemed to come alive and develop a crave for death! Her normally curly blond hair was straight and pulled into a sloppy braid with stains of red in it. Besides the sword, she wore her clawed brass knuckles and as everyone in the image noticed her they looked like they were trying to reason with her. But any words that left their mouths just passed through this Sora, and she grinned even more, barring her teeth in the process. Preparing her sword for an attack this Sora bellowed,
"Prepare to meet Sora Shietan, Battousi of the underworld! I am the Angel from Hell and it's time for you to taste the flames of death!"
She then charged the group, raising her sword,
Sora: Noooooooooooo!
She screamed at the top of her lungs, and then realized it was all just a dream. The others must have been outside because she heard no one coming to answer her scream.
Sora: (hanging her head in her hands) My enemies will find me, and should I revert to my old ways for the sake of triumphing over them I fear that my dream shall become a reality. There is no way I can stay here; I must find a way to lead my enemies away from these people. Should we be attacked there would be no way I could defend all of them from my foes.
She stood and dressed and looked at the sky outside her window.
Sora: ** Hold on, it's still an hour till dawn, they can't be awake yet, could they have possibly slept through that scream? **
She walked the halls of the dojo, looking in each room and was disgusted to find that she was right. Deciding that there was no point in her trying to go back to bed now she headed towards the shed where her horses were. After letting them out to romp in the yard and giving them fresh food and water she left them to graze and headed towards the kitchen. After getting breakfast started she began setting the table as everything cooked on the stove. Kenshin then walked in and was surprised to find that he had been beaten to his morning task.
Sora: Oh great you're just in time, could you run out to the shed and get me a new strainer for everybody's tea?
Kenshin: Of course!
He had just closed the door to the kitchen behind him and looked out across the yard and noticed Sora had left her horses out. Kenshin didn't really like the horses because of their great size and speed. Surprisingly enough, yes, he was nervous. He wasn't sure whether or not the horses would repeat their last performance and wasn't about to get caught between two angry horses. Stepping cautiously into the yard he began to tip toe across the lawn. Sanakoo looked up and stepped in front of Kira as Kenshin's scent floated to him on the wind. Kenshin then hurried across the rest of the lawn and flung the shed door shut behind him, as he searched about for the strainers. He found what he was looking for and turned to open the door to leave the shed. As he did so he looked up and found himself starring into the curious eyes of Sora's stallion! Sanakoo had come to see what Kenshin was doing and as Kenshin realized what he was looking at he froze and tried to run as fast as he could around the horses. His sudden burst of movement startled the stallion and Kira then looked up from where she was and just watched as Sanakoo reared back from Kenshin who darted past him. The stallion then began pursuing Kenshin, wanting to see where he was going, but Kenshin interpreted this as an act of aggression and so tried to out run Sanakoo, who easily caught up to him. Sanakoo eagerly observed his feeble attempts to run away, but had forgotten to keep his eyes on where he was running.
Kira: (neighing to Sanakoo) Watch out for that, SMACK, pole.
Sanakoo had slammed straight into a pole that connected to the roof and fell backwards. Kenshin then kept on running, but looked back to see if he was still being followed,
Kira: (knowing he wouldn't understand her, but still trying to warn him) Kenshin, watch out for the, THUD, door.
Kenshin had run straight into the door of the kitchen, flown through it, and landed on the floor in front of everyone else who had just come down for breakfast. Sora was still busy at the stove and hadn't noticed Kenshin fly through the door, but called out,
Sora: Oh, Kenshin, you can forget about those strainers, I just found some in this cabinet.
Kenshin: What?
Kira: (outside surveying the damage and muttering to herself) What sad, strange, little men, and to think I put up with them every day! Wow my life is exciting, and to think I could've missed out on all of this had I not woken up so early today.
Sanakoo: (stumbling back to Kira) I'm ok, but I think I hit my head on that pole over there.
Kira: Ya think? Oh no, I'm turning into Sora! Maybe I should take a vacation because I'm obviously spending too much time around you guys.
Everyone sat down to breakfast and Kenshin slowly drug himself up to his seat and Sora looked at him funny,
Sora: You look terrible, did you like fly through the door or something to get here?
Kenshin: You don't miss much do you Sora?
Sora: (smiling blondly) Not usually, but seriously, what happened to you?
Kenshin: (exasperatedly slamming his head onto the table) Ugh! Owowowowowowowow!
Sora: (chuckling) Now that wasn't very smart. Later that day they sat around playing poker. Sora had convinced them to play and made it interesting when she said that this was going to be a mix of poker and truth or dare. The winners got to make all of the losers do whatever they wanted as long as it was reasonable.
Sano: (evilly grinning) Heehee, I'm the best one here at poker this should be easy, and just wait till I win!
Everyone that knew how to play was paired up with someone who didn't. Sora had to help Kenshin, Sano was helping Megumi surprisingly enough, and Yahiko was helping Kaoru. As they played of course Kaoru and Yahiko did poorly because they refused to cooperate, and Sora was quite competitive against Sano, but in the end lost on Kenshin's account. Megumi knew the game better than Kenshin, and so Sano's team had the ultimate advantage.
Sano: (after winning) Hmmmm, how should I do this?
Megumi whispered in his ear and he got a look on his face that meant nothing but bad news for his victims.
Sora: I don't like that look Sano.
Sano: Heehee, you shouldn't. All right, Kaoru, you and Yahiko have to both give each other a hug and say that you're the best of friends, and Kenshin you have to go stand outside and pet the horses. Sora, you should go jump down the steps just so we can all watch and see how funny you are!
THUD! Sora kept her word and punched Sano so hard that he flew through the wall, right next to the spot where Kenshin had come through the door earlier. After the rest of the dares were complete, everyone went out to watch Kenshin pet the horses.
Sano: (rubbing a huge lump on his head) I wish I could capture this moment!
Kenshin cautiously approached the horses, and slowly reached out to pet Sanakoo on the nose.
Kira: ** Oh god, I'm going to die of old age before this kid pets us both. **
In order to save them all time Kira shoved her nose against Kenshin's hand. Kenshin was surprised that nothing bad happened to him. Quite the opposite in fact, the horses were very docile and didn't mind him. Unfortunately that ruined the moment for Sano, who had been hoping Kenshin would freak out or something. Several hours later, after all of that, everyone retreated to their rooms to ready themselves for bed. Sora sat in the little girls' room and told them a story.
Sora: Is there a particular story you wish to hear? Ayame: Tell us one about a princess!
Suzume: And a dragon!
Their grandfather sat back and chuckled at the requests they made, he was interested in what kind of story Sora would tell.
Sora: (pretending to think really hard) Well now, I think I know of one like that.
Suzume: Is it scary?
Sora: (sarcastically) Oh yes! Do you still want to hear it?
Ayame: We not a scared, uncle Kenny is here!
Sora: Yes and I'm sure he would do a wonderful job of protecting you from a dragon. All right, now where should I start?
Suzume: At the beginning of course!
Sora: (sarcastically as everyone else came in to listen) Oh, ok, that sounds like a good idea. Well, once upon a time there was a princess, but she wasn't an ordinary princess. She was brave, and a good fighter! Her name was Koroko, and she loved to go on adventures. One day she wandered off from the castle though and,
Sora went on and spun her tale until both little girls were fast asleep, even Yahiko's eyes started to droop shut. After settling them all into their beds the adults went off to their own rooms. Sora went to her room in a good mood, the story had relaxed her quite a bit, but she still took out the deadly dragon covered sword and practiced. The blade felt so good in her hands, like it really belonged there. It danced and flashed through the air, following her movements. When Sora practiced, she moved in silence, not even stirring the wind as the blade hummed through the air. Everything was right then, nothing bothered her, now it was only she and the sword. Turning quickly, she executed a one handed slash, but froze when her blade actually came into contact with another. It was Kenshin,
Sora: What's with you and entering peoples rooms uninvited?
She swerved quickly, blocking against his blades advance.
Kenshin: I'm sorry, I just thought you would like someone to practice with!
Shiiiiing! Sora's blade swooped just over Kenshin's head as he ducked.
Sora: You can't beat me.
Kenshin: Why's that?
Sora feigned a drop kick to his shins, and as Kenshin leapt aside to dodge it she brought the flat of her blade up and struck him hard in the gut. He fell forward, but caught his balance quickly, and as he turned to face her he realized she was gone. Sora appeared behind him and twisted his free hand behind him and brought his sword hand up so that the blade of his own weapon pressed against his throat.
Sora: Because I'm lighter and faster than you!
Kenshin: That may be true, but you've forgotten one thing,
He brought his foot back and hooked hers knocking Sora off balance, which freed him. Unfortunately Kenshin had counted on her leaping back in order to catch her balance again. Instead Sora leapt forward, caught her balance, and as Kenshin turned again to face her she ducked and brought herself face to face with him. Before Kenshin could bring his sword down to block, Sora took a final step forward and pressed herself against him hooking one foot behind his, throwing her left arm around his neck and pressing her sword against the back of his neck, and grabbed the front of his gi with her right hand.
Sora: (smiling slyly and whispering) No I haven't. And you can't move now because if you do all I have to do is trip you and you'll fall back against my blade. I'm too close to hit with that sword of yours too. If you're going to practice with me, then you always need to be prepared for the unexpected. Remember, I was raised by two manslayers, I held my first sword when I was 2!
She stepped away and carefully replaced her weapon in its sheath and laid it in her bag.
Kenshin: You are a much better fighter then I expected.
Sora: What!?! You mean you had a lower expectation for me than you do now!
Kenshin: (sweat dropping) I didn't mean it like that, it's just you don't create that kind of image. No one would look at you and even begin to think that you could be a swordswoman.
Sora: And that is why I'm still undefeated to this very day, I always have the element of surprise! Plus, I don't fear you, I never fear my opponents, especially when I know they can't injure me.
Kenshin: Now that is a big mistake, I can still injure,
Sora: Don't try to tell me that! Your sword is a reverse blade, you can't cut me, and I'm too fast for you to ever land a blow hard enough to even leave a bad bruise.
Kenshin: Fair enough, but you should never let your guard down just because you think you have the upper hand.
Sora: (clenching her teeth) I've never let my guard down, and I never will! My very existence depends on my guard and my observance. I don't even sleep without dreaming of ways to better defend myself. My life depends solely on my ability to fight. It doesn't matter where I go or what I do, (there were tears in her eyes now) I live my life a prisoner! Every moment I spend with my hand on the hilt of my sword, and every shadow proposes new threats for me. I don't even have time to live I'm always so busy running, but I'm a fighter and I hate running away. I don't want to run but I have no choice, my enemies will find me, and should anything happen to anyone else on my account I would never forgive myself! This is why I try to keep from getting involved with people, so I don't have to experience any more sadness. I know that sounds selfish, but my hands have been stained with more blood than yours ever will and I just want it to stop.
The tears ran unchecked down her face now, and she tried to whisk them away as quickly as possible, Kenshin came over and sat next to her on the couch.
Kenshin: There is no shame in wanting to live your life the way you choose. I am sad to hear that your past was so devastating, but maybe staying hear where you can be among friends will do you some good. We are going to help you get through this, and we realize the risks of our decision, so do what you do when you fight, and have faith without fear. You must trust that we are going to be true to our word, and you mustn't dwell on what was or what could be, but what you want the future to be. Only then can you take control and do your best to make your hopes become reality.
Sora: Thanks, I'm so glad that I have you guys to help me out; I've never had anyone offer to do anything like this for me before. I had to raise myself and since then I've always had to be the one to tell myself to move on. I've never had anyone offer to help me up even at the worst of times. Maybe you're right; I'll try harder to work as a teammate and not a leader.
Kenshin: I'm glad, just don't worry so much; at this rate you'll beat us all to the grave!
Sora: (throwing her arms about him and hugging him tight) You're so sweet, thank-you, for, for everything. There will never be a group of people I hold in higher regard than you guys!
Kenshin: Don't speak too quickly now, some of us can be a bit more temper mental than others.
Sora: Oh, get out of here! I'll see you tomorrow.
She then closed the door behind him and went to her bed, blew out the candle, and then tried to sleep. That night, around 11, she was just starting to feel drowsy when she heard a noise. Her body tensed up and she instinctively grabbed her knife and stealthily left to see what it was that disturbed the ill silence of the night. Moving through the shadows, virtually invisible, she crept into the kitchen. Someone had come through the window! Following the dusty footprints she hurried to locate the intruder. The tracks lead up to Ayame and Suzume's room! Sora could feel each hair on her body stand on end and her blood began to boil.
Sora: ** I will rip this person to shreds if they've harmed a hair on those girls' heads! **
She came silently around the corner, she could hear other footsteps coming down each hall, the others must have awoken too. As she stepped into the doorway someone thudded into her, she screamed and plunged her knife into the man's chest, he groaned and fell to the floor. The unconscious children slept in his arms, and as Sora bent to scoop them up someone grabbed her from behind! Sora struggled in his arms and bit hard on her assailant's hand, drawing blood. Just as she turned to fight her opponent hand to hand someone else clubbed her in the back of the head, and her world went black. She awoke and realized she was back in her bedroom and the sun was high in the sky. Despite her throbbing head, she raced back to the kitchen and didn't even notice everyone sitting down at the table. Racing into the girls' room, she was crest fallen to find that they weren't there. She came tearing back around the corner into the kitchen hoping that they would be sitting there eating lunch. She was again heartbroken to find that they were not there. After taking a seat and rubbing her head,
Sora: Where are they, please say that they're here!
Sano: Unfortunately if we told you that we would be lying to you. Whoever it was that hit you over the head did a good job though you slept forever!
Sora: (slamming her fists on the table) This isn't funny! There are two innocent girls that have been kidnapped on my account!
Yahiko: It's not your fault, but we are going to go after them.
Sora: How? We don't even know who took them.
Megumi: Actually, we found a map and several coded instructions on the guy that you killed last night. So things really aren't as hopeless as they seem.
Sora: Give me the map, I'll bring the girls back, and once I do, I'll disappear from your lives once and for all.
Kaoru: You won't be going on this little escapade by yourself, how do we know you won't get lost on the way back?
Yahiko: Yeah, what are friends for? Besides this will be fun for all of us!
Sora: (a smile beginning to play about her face) I see I won't be permitted to leave unattended. All right, we shall pack today and leave tomorrow!
Heehee, there, that cliffhanger wasn't so bad was it? I can't wait till I get my other story updated too! I hope you guys all had a good holiday!