o.o here we have a little side chapter, focusing on Ketsa. I hope you
enjoy! ^-^ I'm so happy. I've never gotten this many reviews for just three
chapters! Thanks a bunch everyone!
~Ketsa's POV~
Finally, I've done it. No more pain, no more suffering.I'm free of the ties that bind me from freedom. No more lashes for a simple mistake, no more beatings for a slip in perfection. So why aren't I happy? I've never killed anyone, not until now. Why is everything red, like blood? The sky, tainted with ruby, angel tears of blood. I don't want to be here. I don't want to feel the rain. Maybe if I close my eyes it'll all disappear. There's still blood...even now, as I close my eyes. I can feel it, sticky.and moist. I can smell it. its coppery smell so strong that I can almost taste its salty substance.
Now, as I open my eyes, I refuse to accept the site in front of me. However, in my heart, I can feel that emptiness inside. Like a large chunk of my soul was separated and burned to ashes before me. My eyes wander to the body before me; it's a young boy. He has black hair, and blue eyes that would have been so stunning, if they weren't so devoid of life. The boy... he reminds me of someone. I try and try to think, but I can't think of the answer. Finally, it dawns on me. No! It can't be. this is all a nightmare... I'm delusional, yes... that's it. I rub my eyes, frantically trying to clear my vision. But the site before me stays the same. It's cold, like my entire body has fallen into a frozen wonderland. The chill seeps into my bones, my lungs my heart. Why is it so hard to breathe? As I stare down at my own body, I find it fascinating. Yet, at the same time... it's cold. Could it really be? Did I. kill myself?
~3rd person pov.~
Ketsa stood there, motionless as he stared down at the fallen body of the Kushinada boss. He was filled with shock, and blind to the true scene before him. His knees crumpled below him, and he knelt staring at the body, the hilt of a katana slipping from his grasp. Silent tears trickle down his cheeks, creating a path through the dirt and grime that covers him. From this day forward, Ketsa Mibu had lost his inner child. He knelt there, crying in a puddle of blood. Soon, his body began to feel light, yet his eyelids strangely heavy. Then, all became black as the sweet embrace of unconsciousness consumed him.
This was how he was found, lying in that pool of blood and curled in a fetus position. A young woman stumbled upon him, as she was lost in the woods. +The hide out was in the woods, mmk?+. Startled, and panicked, her first thought was to ride away. It wouldn't be good to be caught in a scene with two dead people around you. Then, the site a rising chest caught her eye. That boy was still alive! Her horse shied away, as the smell filled its nostrils. Taking the boy, she rode to a clearing, far away from the site.
Ketsa groaned wearily. It felt like his head had been smashed to a thousand pieces by a hammer. A delicious aroma filled his senses. His eyes snapped open, his attention grabbed by that smell of real food. Gaze wandering to the side, he found a woman cooking over a campfire. "Who are you...?" he croaked. His lips felt chapped, and his throat felt painful and hoarse. It's been awhile since he had water. Her head turned in his direction. Emerald eyes filled with surprise. He had to admit, she was a beauty. Black locks that trailed down to her shoulders were pulled into twin buns. She looked about 2 years younger than he, making her 13.
That was how Ketsa met Ristrin. It didn't take long for them to become fast friends. Ketsa discovered that his new friend was also an orphan from the war. He continued to train, with his dead foe's katana. Ristrin joined him in his search for his sister, and in time, they began to develop stronger feelings. Until those feelings blossomed to love.
However, fate was against Ketsa. One day, as they were walking along, they became ambushed by a group of bandits. They were clearly out numbered. However, Ketsa had the upper hand, his training had paid off. When he had stolen the life of a sixth bandit, he heard a familiar voice cry out. Ristrin was in the grasp of the leader. The leader held a knife to her throat, both trembled in fear.
For you see, Ristrin wasn't very brave, or strong for that matter. She had always had someone there to defend her. Though she was terrified, her gaze wandered to her beloved, filled with trust. In her heart, she knew her koshii would save her. How wrong she was. Ketsa took on step towards them, and in panic, the boss drew back, and ran, slitting Ristin's throat in the process.
She didn't last long, and her throat had been so filled with pain that she couldn't talk. Placing two fingers on her lips, she kissed them, before setting them on Ketsa's own lips. Mouthing her love to her horrified man, she slipped into an eternal sleep. Once again, Ketsa was devastated. However, he wouldn't let sorrow lead his life. No, not again. He would never again allow his emotions to get out of hand. He couldn't risk losing another loved one. He continued on his search for his sister, a stone cold mask placed on his face.
He traveled all over Japan, though staying away. He had somehow come up with the conclusion that his sister was with his father. Even though it was more of a childish desire than reality, he had wished for it to be so. He knew that his father hated big cities, and Tokyo was definitely a large city. On his journey, he made several friends, and several enemies. Friends because he saved many people from bandits, and enemies, because he had a habit of slaying any thieves he saw. Finally, years later, as he was about ready to give up, he came a across a rumor. The former leader of the shinsingumi was working in Tokyo. He figured that this leader might know the where abouts of his father.
He never did get to meet this leader, because he was to busy gathering gossip in the streets. He heard rumors about a young woman, who was described remarkably like Kaoru. In fact, they had the same name. Hoping his instincts were right, he left to the dojo, to see if it truly was Mibu Kaoru.
In the streets of Tokyo, there were so many people, that Ketsa didn't even realize he was being watched. In the shadows of the alleys, a man stalked Ketsa. He had been assigned to follow the boy, and eliminate the target. Decked in a traditional black ninja costume, he proceeded to stealthily follow his victim. This man was a member of the Kushinada.
After Ketsa had killed the leader, the gang has turned their eyes to their deceased leaders dear brother. Mitchicule Kushinada. Under his guidance, the Kushinada became a secret ninja clan, like the Oniwaban. The difference was, the Kushinada wished to remain a mystery. Mitchicule had sworn revenge for his brother, and finally, they would have it... At first, when he fought Ketsa, he was weak. He had barely escaped, and only luck had saved his life. He had used the boy's woman as a hostage. Luckily, he had managed to get away, and kill Ketsa's woman.
Ketsa stood in front of the dojo, his heart racing with anticipation. He didn't want to get his hopes up, not this time. But as he knocked on the wooden door, he couldn't but help having a feeling, that this was it. Suddenly, he was struck with a long forgotten memory.
~Flashback~
Ketsa and a friend were mock sparring. They had grabbed two sticks, and started a game of swords. Swinging them around, and pretending to be swordsman, they fought. Every attack Ketsa made, his friend parried, until finally, somehow, Ketsa had become disarmed. He stared up at his friend, who was about to mock stab him. However, before he could be 'killed', Kaoru intervened. Placing herself in front of her older brother, she spread her arms out wide, the tip of the stick at her throat
"No! MEANY! I won't let you hurt my big brother!" The tiny voice of Kaoru called out. Her eyes filled with tears, no one gets to hurt her brother, no one but her. Because that was the job of a sister. Her blue eyes blazed in fire as she felt anger boil through her veins. Who did this person think he was? No one could beat her big brother; everyone knows that, so why did this friend beat him? This boy just wasn't playing fair!
Ketsa blinked, and laughed. He hadn't realized that his sister thought this was all real. Grabbing Kaoru from behind, he managed to startle her. Swinging her onto his shoulders, after hugging her. Later that day, they headed to the beach, and he thanked her for 'saving his life.' He felt like the luckiest man in the world, his sister would have given up her life for him.
~End flashback~
Ketsa smiled faintly at the memory that resurfaced. He had almost forgotten. The door of the dojo opened, catching his attention. Blue eyes clashed with Blue eyes. Both spoke at once in a low disbelieving whisper. "Koaru."
"Ketsa..."
~TBC~
x.x all right.. I know I promised that this chapter would be longer. and it is... -.-; not by much. I'm REALLY sorry. I want to try to get a new chapter out at least every other day. But right now, I'm so tired. X.x haven't gotten much sleep lately. That's why I'm stopping this chapter here. I'm going to bed!!!! Again, sorry!
~Falconess
~Ketsa's POV~
Finally, I've done it. No more pain, no more suffering.I'm free of the ties that bind me from freedom. No more lashes for a simple mistake, no more beatings for a slip in perfection. So why aren't I happy? I've never killed anyone, not until now. Why is everything red, like blood? The sky, tainted with ruby, angel tears of blood. I don't want to be here. I don't want to feel the rain. Maybe if I close my eyes it'll all disappear. There's still blood...even now, as I close my eyes. I can feel it, sticky.and moist. I can smell it. its coppery smell so strong that I can almost taste its salty substance.
Now, as I open my eyes, I refuse to accept the site in front of me. However, in my heart, I can feel that emptiness inside. Like a large chunk of my soul was separated and burned to ashes before me. My eyes wander to the body before me; it's a young boy. He has black hair, and blue eyes that would have been so stunning, if they weren't so devoid of life. The boy... he reminds me of someone. I try and try to think, but I can't think of the answer. Finally, it dawns on me. No! It can't be. this is all a nightmare... I'm delusional, yes... that's it. I rub my eyes, frantically trying to clear my vision. But the site before me stays the same. It's cold, like my entire body has fallen into a frozen wonderland. The chill seeps into my bones, my lungs my heart. Why is it so hard to breathe? As I stare down at my own body, I find it fascinating. Yet, at the same time... it's cold. Could it really be? Did I. kill myself?
~3rd person pov.~
Ketsa stood there, motionless as he stared down at the fallen body of the Kushinada boss. He was filled with shock, and blind to the true scene before him. His knees crumpled below him, and he knelt staring at the body, the hilt of a katana slipping from his grasp. Silent tears trickle down his cheeks, creating a path through the dirt and grime that covers him. From this day forward, Ketsa Mibu had lost his inner child. He knelt there, crying in a puddle of blood. Soon, his body began to feel light, yet his eyelids strangely heavy. Then, all became black as the sweet embrace of unconsciousness consumed him.
This was how he was found, lying in that pool of blood and curled in a fetus position. A young woman stumbled upon him, as she was lost in the woods. +The hide out was in the woods, mmk?+. Startled, and panicked, her first thought was to ride away. It wouldn't be good to be caught in a scene with two dead people around you. Then, the site a rising chest caught her eye. That boy was still alive! Her horse shied away, as the smell filled its nostrils. Taking the boy, she rode to a clearing, far away from the site.
Ketsa groaned wearily. It felt like his head had been smashed to a thousand pieces by a hammer. A delicious aroma filled his senses. His eyes snapped open, his attention grabbed by that smell of real food. Gaze wandering to the side, he found a woman cooking over a campfire. "Who are you...?" he croaked. His lips felt chapped, and his throat felt painful and hoarse. It's been awhile since he had water. Her head turned in his direction. Emerald eyes filled with surprise. He had to admit, she was a beauty. Black locks that trailed down to her shoulders were pulled into twin buns. She looked about 2 years younger than he, making her 13.
That was how Ketsa met Ristrin. It didn't take long for them to become fast friends. Ketsa discovered that his new friend was also an orphan from the war. He continued to train, with his dead foe's katana. Ristrin joined him in his search for his sister, and in time, they began to develop stronger feelings. Until those feelings blossomed to love.
However, fate was against Ketsa. One day, as they were walking along, they became ambushed by a group of bandits. They were clearly out numbered. However, Ketsa had the upper hand, his training had paid off. When he had stolen the life of a sixth bandit, he heard a familiar voice cry out. Ristrin was in the grasp of the leader. The leader held a knife to her throat, both trembled in fear.
For you see, Ristrin wasn't very brave, or strong for that matter. She had always had someone there to defend her. Though she was terrified, her gaze wandered to her beloved, filled with trust. In her heart, she knew her koshii would save her. How wrong she was. Ketsa took on step towards them, and in panic, the boss drew back, and ran, slitting Ristin's throat in the process.
She didn't last long, and her throat had been so filled with pain that she couldn't talk. Placing two fingers on her lips, she kissed them, before setting them on Ketsa's own lips. Mouthing her love to her horrified man, she slipped into an eternal sleep. Once again, Ketsa was devastated. However, he wouldn't let sorrow lead his life. No, not again. He would never again allow his emotions to get out of hand. He couldn't risk losing another loved one. He continued on his search for his sister, a stone cold mask placed on his face.
He traveled all over Japan, though staying away. He had somehow come up with the conclusion that his sister was with his father. Even though it was more of a childish desire than reality, he had wished for it to be so. He knew that his father hated big cities, and Tokyo was definitely a large city. On his journey, he made several friends, and several enemies. Friends because he saved many people from bandits, and enemies, because he had a habit of slaying any thieves he saw. Finally, years later, as he was about ready to give up, he came a across a rumor. The former leader of the shinsingumi was working in Tokyo. He figured that this leader might know the where abouts of his father.
He never did get to meet this leader, because he was to busy gathering gossip in the streets. He heard rumors about a young woman, who was described remarkably like Kaoru. In fact, they had the same name. Hoping his instincts were right, he left to the dojo, to see if it truly was Mibu Kaoru.
In the streets of Tokyo, there were so many people, that Ketsa didn't even realize he was being watched. In the shadows of the alleys, a man stalked Ketsa. He had been assigned to follow the boy, and eliminate the target. Decked in a traditional black ninja costume, he proceeded to stealthily follow his victim. This man was a member of the Kushinada.
After Ketsa had killed the leader, the gang has turned their eyes to their deceased leaders dear brother. Mitchicule Kushinada. Under his guidance, the Kushinada became a secret ninja clan, like the Oniwaban. The difference was, the Kushinada wished to remain a mystery. Mitchicule had sworn revenge for his brother, and finally, they would have it... At first, when he fought Ketsa, he was weak. He had barely escaped, and only luck had saved his life. He had used the boy's woman as a hostage. Luckily, he had managed to get away, and kill Ketsa's woman.
Ketsa stood in front of the dojo, his heart racing with anticipation. He didn't want to get his hopes up, not this time. But as he knocked on the wooden door, he couldn't but help having a feeling, that this was it. Suddenly, he was struck with a long forgotten memory.
~Flashback~
Ketsa and a friend were mock sparring. They had grabbed two sticks, and started a game of swords. Swinging them around, and pretending to be swordsman, they fought. Every attack Ketsa made, his friend parried, until finally, somehow, Ketsa had become disarmed. He stared up at his friend, who was about to mock stab him. However, before he could be 'killed', Kaoru intervened. Placing herself in front of her older brother, she spread her arms out wide, the tip of the stick at her throat
"No! MEANY! I won't let you hurt my big brother!" The tiny voice of Kaoru called out. Her eyes filled with tears, no one gets to hurt her brother, no one but her. Because that was the job of a sister. Her blue eyes blazed in fire as she felt anger boil through her veins. Who did this person think he was? No one could beat her big brother; everyone knows that, so why did this friend beat him? This boy just wasn't playing fair!
Ketsa blinked, and laughed. He hadn't realized that his sister thought this was all real. Grabbing Kaoru from behind, he managed to startle her. Swinging her onto his shoulders, after hugging her. Later that day, they headed to the beach, and he thanked her for 'saving his life.' He felt like the luckiest man in the world, his sister would have given up her life for him.
~End flashback~
Ketsa smiled faintly at the memory that resurfaced. He had almost forgotten. The door of the dojo opened, catching his attention. Blue eyes clashed with Blue eyes. Both spoke at once in a low disbelieving whisper. "Koaru."
"Ketsa..."
~TBC~
x.x all right.. I know I promised that this chapter would be longer. and it is... -.-; not by much. I'm REALLY sorry. I want to try to get a new chapter out at least every other day. But right now, I'm so tired. X.x haven't gotten much sleep lately. That's why I'm stopping this chapter here. I'm going to bed!!!! Again, sorry!
~Falconess