Hihi it's me Fanficzgrl again! I'm sorry for the late update. And I just
updated my profile so check it out! Okay, Katana Behind the Bleak Chapter
8, here we go!
Katana Behind the Bleak
Chapter 8: Power of Speed
It was 5:00 am in the morning, everyone in the dojo was still asleep, everyone except Motoko. She had purposely set her cuckoo bird alarm clock to ring at five this morning, so that she could get a head start in her training. Her success in mastering the ki had motivated her in her training. She felt an amazingly strong urge rising within her, making her crave for the sweetness of success. She wanted to excel; she wanted to become better; and most of all, she wanted to become a legendary kendo warrior just like her father. She quickly stripped out of her pajamas, dressed into her kendo outfit, and headed out to begin her early training. As she turned to leave, she saw the sun rising through her bedroom window. Captivated by the golden sphere's radiance, she turned back and walked closer to her window, then opening it to allow the cool morning breeze blow in. As she did, she smelled the sweet scent of bamboo plant, wafting past her nose; the cool breeze gently carried her raven black hair behind her letting it dance in the air; the sweetness of the air kissed her pale cheeks. Dreamily, she watched as the bright sun rose above the sky, its radiance kissing the horizon. She stared deeply at the glowing sun, its brightness creating mirages of her family smiling warmly at her. Reminded of her responsibility as an Aoyama, she turned hastily, and rashly raced out of her room.
The dojo was amazingly silent as Motoko trekked through the practice grounds where students regularly practiced their kendo skills. The dojo gave Motoko a different impression of calmness apart from the vigor and ambition emitted by its aura. Quietly Motoko headed to the specially provided training grounds where only she was allowed to practice at. Motoko stepped into the peaceful green yard, as she unsheathed her shisui. The light of early daybreak bounced off the weapon, and glimmered mysteriously in the cool morning air. Motoko carefully trailed her fingers along her katana and held it in front of her with both hands. As she closed her eyes and started raising the sword, she could feel its sphere of power and could sense automatically a current of electricity running up from the tip of the blade to her cold hands. Icy pearls of sweat welled up on the palms of her hands as she concentrated on her ki once again. A magical force surrounded her as it made her feel warm. As she continued concentrating, the force got stronger and warmer by the second. Alas, when the intensity of the aura that surrounded her was too strong and becoming unbearable, she gave a loud yell and swung her sword in front of her, causing a large boulder that was sitting in front to blast apart; the cutting fast and precise, leaving no defects on the smooth interior surface. Motoko heaved a few heavy breaths as she filled her deflated lungs with fresh once again; she had been holding her breath back all along. Suddenly she heard a few sharp clapping sounds resonating behind her.
"Well done, Motoko-san," a familiar voice called to her.
Motoko turned her back and found her gaze landing on the humble countenance of Lan. Apparently, Lan had woken up early as well to check up on the place. When he heard the loud ear-piercing sound Motoko had created when she split the boulder into halves, he immediately ran over to see what was happening.
"Oh....Lan," Motoko said, a little startled, but finally recovering her normal breathing pattern, "You're here."
"Motoko, it seems that you have improved. I'm very proud of you. It had taken many others many long and harsh hours of training before they could finally master or even experience the ki, and now you've accomplished it in such a short period of training. Your hard work has paid off," Lan managed to intone.
"Yes, it has, and I must thank you Lan, for helping me achieve a skill I have never imagined possible for my weak self," Motoko thanked sincerely, her eyes penetrating into Lan's which made him feel like the snow melting against a warm sun. He felt sweetness filling his surprised heart, the sweetness enveloping him entirely, causing all the nerve cells in his body to spring up due to a foreign shock of electricity.
When Lan finally recollected all of himself, he paced over to Motoko and told her that since she was there already, he would give her an early lesson and teach her the skills of agility. Motoko was only more than happy to accept his offer.
Meanwhile, back at the dormitories, Keitaro had just woken up from his sleep, having been startled by Motoko's early practice. He hurriedly put on his regular clothes and rushed out to see what was happening. As he ran over to Motoko's training grounds, what he saw made him feel rather.....jealous. Lan was helping Motoko up as he could see her struggling to get up, her beautiful face wincing to the pain. Keitaro could sense his blood growing warmer as he saw fire in his eyes. He wasn't exactly too sure why he was reacting so dramatically over such a small issue. "I mean, he was just helping her get up!" Keitaro kept thinking to reassure himself. However, his body's rage surpassed his mind's control that he didn't even know it when he screamed "What are you guys doing?!!" at Lan and Motoko.
It was when Motoko looked at him with a surprised expression that caused him to recover his moral control over his actions.
"Uh....I fell when I tried jumping over that pole," Motoko said, her finger indicating the pole that had fell on top of her as evidence.
"Oh......"Keitaro said, rubbing the back of his head, feeling stupid of his overreaction.
"So what are you guys doing here?" Keitaro asked, trying to change the subject.
"We were just here to practice on Motoko's skills on speed," Lan said in an as a matter of fact tone of voice.
"Yeah, I have to practice moving around with these bricks tied to my legs," Motoko said, showing her legs that were burdened by the heavy weight of 4 heavy bricks.
Keitaro looked impressed and told the two that he would just sit aback, and allow them to train before breakfast starts. Motoko and Lan nodded their heads and continued with their training. Again, Lan set up the pole to a few meters above the ground and ordered Motoko to jump over them. At first, Motoko succeeded with ease, but as the distance the pole was from the ground increased, Motoko began to lose her confidence and began tripping over them.
"Motoko!" Keitaro cried aloud as he ran over to Motoko who had just tripped and fell onto her side hard.
"Get up!" Lan ordered in a surprisingly bossy tone. He knew he was being mean, but he needed Motoko to be as fit as she could, and if the price to pay was a few minor injuries, then that's just they way it is.
Keitaro hurriedly help Motoko up, feeling happy that he could be of some aid to her but to his surprise, Motoko brushed his arm away, telling him to get away from her.
Keitaro was puzzled, yet hurt. "Motoko!" Keitaro cried out, astonished.
"I'm sorry Urashima, but I think Lan is right, pain is just a part of the training and in order for me to train myself completely, I'll have to endure these little pains as well!" Motoko looked as if she was almost in the verge of breaking into tears, but she was keeping them aback, unwilling to let them shed and kiss her cheeks.
Motoko gave a groan as she managed to stand up by herself, "Just leave, Urashima."
Although not wanting to part Motoko, Keitaro sulkily agreed. He didn't like the idea of letting Motoko train alone with Lan, however, he didn't want to upset Motoko either. Keitaro let out a deep sigh and walked back to the dojo. On his way, he met Naru standing by a railing, looking sad.
"Narusegawa?" Keitaro called out, trying to make certain it was her.
Naru turned her head in Keitaro's direction and acknowledged his presence with a slight nod of her head. Keitaro slowly walked up to Naru.
"What's wrong? You look so sad?" Keitaro asked. Suddenly to his surprise, Naru not only answered but also broke into tears and sobs as she burrowed her head into Keitaro's chest. Keitaro stared shakily at the crying Naru and asked her what was wrong.
"It's Lan," Naru cried aloud, her sentence disconnected , "he's breaking up with me!"
Keitaro slowly took in the words Naru had just said. First: he didn't know Naru was with Lan. Second: now they were breaking up.
"What's the problem?" Keitaro managed to ask his question.
Slowly Naru got herself back up and stared at Keitaro in the eyes, making him feel uncomfortable with each second passed, "He's in love with another woman!"
Keitaro tried to repress his emotions as he subconsciously asked her "who is the girl".
"It's the new guest, your friend, Motoko!!!" After having that said, Naru, again broke into her hysterics of sobs and tears as she burrowed her head into Keitaro once again.
"I've been in love with him for three years!" Naru continued her rambling as suddenly two figures appeared behind them. Keitaro was still perplexed of Motoko being the woman who stole Lan's heart and he too didn't hear the footsteps advancing towards them.
"What are you guys doing?" Motoko questioned, her voice cold and icy.
A spark ran through Keitaro's brain as Motoko's icy words numbed his brain. He couldn't really think straight at that moment as he turned his body over to look at Motoko. Her eyes seemed like windows that were shielding a painful soul.
"Motoko!" Keitaro managed to speak as he reached a hand over to clutch onto Motoko, who was already turning to walk in another direction.
Naru, on the other hand, was still clutching on to Keitaro's shoulders and crying.
************
Okay, that was chapter 8, please review! Your reviews are a motivation for me to write! Ask any questions you want and I'll be only too glad to answer them.
Katana Behind the Bleak
Chapter 8: Power of Speed
It was 5:00 am in the morning, everyone in the dojo was still asleep, everyone except Motoko. She had purposely set her cuckoo bird alarm clock to ring at five this morning, so that she could get a head start in her training. Her success in mastering the ki had motivated her in her training. She felt an amazingly strong urge rising within her, making her crave for the sweetness of success. She wanted to excel; she wanted to become better; and most of all, she wanted to become a legendary kendo warrior just like her father. She quickly stripped out of her pajamas, dressed into her kendo outfit, and headed out to begin her early training. As she turned to leave, she saw the sun rising through her bedroom window. Captivated by the golden sphere's radiance, she turned back and walked closer to her window, then opening it to allow the cool morning breeze blow in. As she did, she smelled the sweet scent of bamboo plant, wafting past her nose; the cool breeze gently carried her raven black hair behind her letting it dance in the air; the sweetness of the air kissed her pale cheeks. Dreamily, she watched as the bright sun rose above the sky, its radiance kissing the horizon. She stared deeply at the glowing sun, its brightness creating mirages of her family smiling warmly at her. Reminded of her responsibility as an Aoyama, she turned hastily, and rashly raced out of her room.
The dojo was amazingly silent as Motoko trekked through the practice grounds where students regularly practiced their kendo skills. The dojo gave Motoko a different impression of calmness apart from the vigor and ambition emitted by its aura. Quietly Motoko headed to the specially provided training grounds where only she was allowed to practice at. Motoko stepped into the peaceful green yard, as she unsheathed her shisui. The light of early daybreak bounced off the weapon, and glimmered mysteriously in the cool morning air. Motoko carefully trailed her fingers along her katana and held it in front of her with both hands. As she closed her eyes and started raising the sword, she could feel its sphere of power and could sense automatically a current of electricity running up from the tip of the blade to her cold hands. Icy pearls of sweat welled up on the palms of her hands as she concentrated on her ki once again. A magical force surrounded her as it made her feel warm. As she continued concentrating, the force got stronger and warmer by the second. Alas, when the intensity of the aura that surrounded her was too strong and becoming unbearable, she gave a loud yell and swung her sword in front of her, causing a large boulder that was sitting in front to blast apart; the cutting fast and precise, leaving no defects on the smooth interior surface. Motoko heaved a few heavy breaths as she filled her deflated lungs with fresh once again; she had been holding her breath back all along. Suddenly she heard a few sharp clapping sounds resonating behind her.
"Well done, Motoko-san," a familiar voice called to her.
Motoko turned her back and found her gaze landing on the humble countenance of Lan. Apparently, Lan had woken up early as well to check up on the place. When he heard the loud ear-piercing sound Motoko had created when she split the boulder into halves, he immediately ran over to see what was happening.
"Oh....Lan," Motoko said, a little startled, but finally recovering her normal breathing pattern, "You're here."
"Motoko, it seems that you have improved. I'm very proud of you. It had taken many others many long and harsh hours of training before they could finally master or even experience the ki, and now you've accomplished it in such a short period of training. Your hard work has paid off," Lan managed to intone.
"Yes, it has, and I must thank you Lan, for helping me achieve a skill I have never imagined possible for my weak self," Motoko thanked sincerely, her eyes penetrating into Lan's which made him feel like the snow melting against a warm sun. He felt sweetness filling his surprised heart, the sweetness enveloping him entirely, causing all the nerve cells in his body to spring up due to a foreign shock of electricity.
When Lan finally recollected all of himself, he paced over to Motoko and told her that since she was there already, he would give her an early lesson and teach her the skills of agility. Motoko was only more than happy to accept his offer.
Meanwhile, back at the dormitories, Keitaro had just woken up from his sleep, having been startled by Motoko's early practice. He hurriedly put on his regular clothes and rushed out to see what was happening. As he ran over to Motoko's training grounds, what he saw made him feel rather.....jealous. Lan was helping Motoko up as he could see her struggling to get up, her beautiful face wincing to the pain. Keitaro could sense his blood growing warmer as he saw fire in his eyes. He wasn't exactly too sure why he was reacting so dramatically over such a small issue. "I mean, he was just helping her get up!" Keitaro kept thinking to reassure himself. However, his body's rage surpassed his mind's control that he didn't even know it when he screamed "What are you guys doing?!!" at Lan and Motoko.
It was when Motoko looked at him with a surprised expression that caused him to recover his moral control over his actions.
"Uh....I fell when I tried jumping over that pole," Motoko said, her finger indicating the pole that had fell on top of her as evidence.
"Oh......"Keitaro said, rubbing the back of his head, feeling stupid of his overreaction.
"So what are you guys doing here?" Keitaro asked, trying to change the subject.
"We were just here to practice on Motoko's skills on speed," Lan said in an as a matter of fact tone of voice.
"Yeah, I have to practice moving around with these bricks tied to my legs," Motoko said, showing her legs that were burdened by the heavy weight of 4 heavy bricks.
Keitaro looked impressed and told the two that he would just sit aback, and allow them to train before breakfast starts. Motoko and Lan nodded their heads and continued with their training. Again, Lan set up the pole to a few meters above the ground and ordered Motoko to jump over them. At first, Motoko succeeded with ease, but as the distance the pole was from the ground increased, Motoko began to lose her confidence and began tripping over them.
"Motoko!" Keitaro cried aloud as he ran over to Motoko who had just tripped and fell onto her side hard.
"Get up!" Lan ordered in a surprisingly bossy tone. He knew he was being mean, but he needed Motoko to be as fit as she could, and if the price to pay was a few minor injuries, then that's just they way it is.
Keitaro hurriedly help Motoko up, feeling happy that he could be of some aid to her but to his surprise, Motoko brushed his arm away, telling him to get away from her.
Keitaro was puzzled, yet hurt. "Motoko!" Keitaro cried out, astonished.
"I'm sorry Urashima, but I think Lan is right, pain is just a part of the training and in order for me to train myself completely, I'll have to endure these little pains as well!" Motoko looked as if she was almost in the verge of breaking into tears, but she was keeping them aback, unwilling to let them shed and kiss her cheeks.
Motoko gave a groan as she managed to stand up by herself, "Just leave, Urashima."
Although not wanting to part Motoko, Keitaro sulkily agreed. He didn't like the idea of letting Motoko train alone with Lan, however, he didn't want to upset Motoko either. Keitaro let out a deep sigh and walked back to the dojo. On his way, he met Naru standing by a railing, looking sad.
"Narusegawa?" Keitaro called out, trying to make certain it was her.
Naru turned her head in Keitaro's direction and acknowledged his presence with a slight nod of her head. Keitaro slowly walked up to Naru.
"What's wrong? You look so sad?" Keitaro asked. Suddenly to his surprise, Naru not only answered but also broke into tears and sobs as she burrowed her head into Keitaro's chest. Keitaro stared shakily at the crying Naru and asked her what was wrong.
"It's Lan," Naru cried aloud, her sentence disconnected , "he's breaking up with me!"
Keitaro slowly took in the words Naru had just said. First: he didn't know Naru was with Lan. Second: now they were breaking up.
"What's the problem?" Keitaro managed to ask his question.
Slowly Naru got herself back up and stared at Keitaro in the eyes, making him feel uncomfortable with each second passed, "He's in love with another woman!"
Keitaro tried to repress his emotions as he subconsciously asked her "who is the girl".
"It's the new guest, your friend, Motoko!!!" After having that said, Naru, again broke into her hysterics of sobs and tears as she burrowed her head into Keitaro once again.
"I've been in love with him for three years!" Naru continued her rambling as suddenly two figures appeared behind them. Keitaro was still perplexed of Motoko being the woman who stole Lan's heart and he too didn't hear the footsteps advancing towards them.
"What are you guys doing?" Motoko questioned, her voice cold and icy.
A spark ran through Keitaro's brain as Motoko's icy words numbed his brain. He couldn't really think straight at that moment as he turned his body over to look at Motoko. Her eyes seemed like windows that were shielding a painful soul.
"Motoko!" Keitaro managed to speak as he reached a hand over to clutch onto Motoko, who was already turning to walk in another direction.
Naru, on the other hand, was still clutching on to Keitaro's shoulders and crying.
************
Okay, that was chapter 8, please review! Your reviews are a motivation for me to write! Ask any questions you want and I'll be only too glad to answer them.