Standard Disclaimer!
Well time for another chapter, and this one is part one of two. It's going to be heavy on Love Hina. So hopefully you have SOME prior LH knowledge.
No other tid bits of gossip right now so.
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Tsuruko Aoyama was not expecting a carrier pigeon for the clan compound in Kyoto. Neither was she expecting such a letter to be one of summons. Since her marriage and removal from the right of secession she had only received notices in passing.
But as she was still loyal to her clan, she found herself kneeling before her elder. Her voice still holding its playful yet regal tone, "Why did you send for me Toshiue?"
"Tsuruko-kun, I think it needless to tell you that your sister is taking up a pupil," the seated man said.
Nodding in acknowledgement, "She informed me of such. I must say I was surprised to hear that the boy was allowed. He isn't the first person found with high potential that was declined from teaching."
"Indeed," the voice scratchy with age, "that is why I sent for you. You may not have known how are clan has lost its political power in this age." The man's face tightening in minute frustration. "The government no longer looks for exorcists or demon slayers for advise or even favorably. But if this boy, this pilot, is trained in the Aoyama family style we will have a bargaining chip."
Her face jerking up sharply, "Toshiue, are you saying that her training this boy is nothing but a political move?"
"Exactly, we need to be able to claim him as a ward of our style. Using his name we can regain what we have lost due to time."
"Motoko-han may not be up to this challenge, I think you are asking to much of her," Tsuruko stated knowing her sisters limitations.
"Asking to much would be for her to marry this boy, and I did consider the idea. But that is an impossibility. Her training him will have to suffice."
The shock evident in her composure, "What is it you'd have me do then?"
The elder didn't miss the look of scorn he received from his great- granddaughter, but clan survival meant more to him than one member. "You are to insure she keeps him as a pupil, even if he proves to be inept in the training. He must be called a follower of the Aoyama style of kendo."
Knowing his word was final, Tsuruko stood and left. She had much ground to travel and much to tell her sister.
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Almost at the moment he arrived, that being shortly after sundown, Shinji knew the next three weeks would not be easy for him. The full assembly of residents greeted him at the front doors, save for Haruka who he had passed at the teashop on the way up.
He recognized a few of them, namely Naru, Shinobu, and Motoko. The others were only remembered vaguely in his memory. He really didn't talk to them during his daylong stay.
Kitsune was first to introduce herself to the boy, "So your Motoko's experiment.I mean pupil," she smiled slyly at him, "and your Shinobu's 'friend.'"
Something about how she said friend caused dual blushes from both Shinji and Shinobu. Su simply bellowed a greeting as she dove at Shinji. After he got back off the ground he found the girl had already climbed a tree and was in the inn. Sarah just gave him a look over said, 'He's better looking than the dork' and walked off.
"Mutsumi-san would be here to say hi, but she.often has bouts of anemia," Shinobu informed him as she helped him with his bags.
"Its fine, I'm sure she'll be around sometime later to introduce herself to him," Keitaro said then introduced himself. With the introductions completed the group entered the inn.
Shinji, Shinobu, and Motoko headed towards Shinji's temporary leaving quarters. It was a standard room in Hinata, but one with a secret. It was the only room with a lock on the door, at per Naru's instructions.
Motoko could tell Shinobu was hoping for some time to talk to Shinji alone, but a letter from her sister insisted she begin training immediately. "Shinobu-chan, if you'd allow me a word with Ikari-kun here please?"
Torn between her desire to speak to Shinji and her friendship with Motoko, Shinobu stood stock-still. It took Shinji's words to get her to move.
"I'm sure we can talk later. I am here to receive training form Aoyama- sensei," he said in a rather withdrawn voice. Looking at the two, Shinobu nodded and left the room.
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After Shinobu had left the room, Motoko insisted they change rooms. She knew the other tenets had the habit of eavesdropping so she hoped by altering rooms quickly enough she could keep them away. She settled on her room. Once the door was sealed, she found Shinji already kneeling at her table.
Sensing the boys mood, "You seem uninteresting in my training, why did agree to this?"
"I wish to become stronger to do my duty. It's not that I don't want it. I feel unworthy of it," he finished with a lavished sigh.
'I forgot he has a demeanor much like Shinobu's,' Motoko thought before speaking, "In time you will understand your worth. I wanted to speak with you and give you this." Moving to her closet she withdrew a simple Gi. "Starting tomorrow morning at 5 a.m. sharp we begin your training. You will wear this to each session and you will keep it in order"
Realizing he was in a now familiar situation, that of being addressed by a superior, Shinji paid apt attention. "Hai."
Motoko continued, "You will practice until 11:45, at which time we break for lunch, then we continue until sunset. Do you have any questions?"
He nodded and spoke, "Do we train here or someplace else?"
'A sensible question,' her voice still commanding, "Weather dependant. On most occasions we will train in the wilderness surrounding Hinata, on inclement weather we train in the open area on the roof."
"I understand, if I may ask another question. Why did you want to train me?"
For the first time since she shut the door, Motoko smiled, "You seem worthy to me, and if you have attained such respect from Shinobu you are of the type that deserves it. Now I suggest you eat something and get some sleep. The next three weeks will not be easy on you."
Shinji bowed slightly to her, "Thank you Aoyama-sensei. I will try not to disappoint you."
"Motoko-sensei will be fine, Shinji-kun," she said and finished with, "and don't expect the other tenets to be easy on you. Many enjoy mild forms of torment, only in fun mind you. As for Shinobu, your actions will be closely watched."
Blushing deeply, "Thank you for the warning Motoko-sensei, I will keep that in mind."
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After his talk with Motoko, Shinji heard the call to supper. He was amazed to see that the entire inn ate supper together. Residents flanked the table on all sides, Shinji was hard pressed to find a spot to seat. Kitsune smirked and Naru frowned slightly as he found an open space next to Shinobu.
The typical meal at Hinata soon followed. A rather well prepared meal was presented, Keitaro tripped onto Naru, who launched her fist into his face. While the other residents went to see if the invincible manager had again survived, Shinji asked Shinobu if the two were truly engaged. Since Keitaro's engagement didn't hurt as much now, she nodded and informed Shinji that its just Naru's way of venting frustration.
True to form, Keitaro quickly recovered and returned to his place at the table. Shinji felt greatly out of place while he ate. To him, he was invading a family supper. Whether they noticed his discomfort or not, the residents in their own way welcomed him.
After supper had ended, Shinji was told to retire for the evening by Motoko. After they had rescinded his request to help do the dishes, Shinji found himself on the roof of the Inn. He was still to flustered to sleep.
Looking at the peaceful resort town below, he found peace.
"Not intruding am I?" Keitaro asked as he found his way to the railing.
Turning to face the newcomer, Shinji responded, "No your not. Am I not supposed to be up here Keitaro-san?"
"Keitaro will be fine," the Tokyo-U student informed the young pilot, "mind if we have a little chat?"
'Seems that a lot of these people want a 'little chat' with me,' Shinji mused, "By all means."
Leaning over the railway, Keitaro looked down at the city as Shinji did. "You know, when I first moved here, I had a conversation with Shinobu in this exact same spot."
As realization sunk in, Shinji's mind reached the conclusion, 'So that's what this talk will be about.'
"Shinobu-chan is really special to all of us here at Hinata, Shinji," Keitaro's eyes never left the cityscape, "I don't know if you knew it or not, but she's not the most forward girl. Really shy. We'd hate for anybody to take advantage of her. Now we can't prohibit her from anything major, as she isn't a blood relative, but if anything 'did' happen."
Shinji thought for a moment about what that meant. While the residents weren't military officers, many had, as he had observed so far, rather unique talents that could be harmful to the health of others. "Keitaro, I understand what your saying. And I don't think you have to worry." Shinji did muse however that technically Shinobu and he weren't a couple.
Keitaro smiled at the boy, he could tell that the pair's relationship was in its infancy. While he wasn't an expert in the field he could see the signs clear enough. "I'm not telling you anything. She needs friends, we all do, but she deserves good ones. Will you at least be her friend?"
Smiling at the older man, "I can't say no to that," Shinji replied.
"Good, now I have to warn you about this place."
"Warn me?"
"Yeah, be careful of what you say. Everybody is listening and they tend to exaggerate.then it's a lot of pain."
They way Keitaro said his warning caused Shinji to smile again, then he asked, "How is it that you survive being beaten like that? Shinobu said it happens a lot."
Once Keitaro put his jaw back into place and wiped the tears way, "She told you that! Um.well let's start at the beginning."
The next two hours Keitaro spent telling Shinji the story of how he had become manager, his attempts at Tokyo-U, his relationship with the girls, and his accidents. Around ten o'clock Shinji excused himself, having a better feeling about the apartments. But he was left with one question, 'How could he fall on them so many times and still consider it an accident.'
On his door, he found a note from Shinobu wishing him luck and that she'd talk to him after his training the next day. 'Yeah, I'll be training before she wakes.this is going to take some time.' He changed and crawled into bed, he didn't even hear Naru turn the lock on his door as he fell asleep.
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The first week will always remain a blur to Shinji. When Motoko said the training wouldn't be easy, she meant it. From the moment they started Motoko was pushing Shinji exactly to the point of him almost breaking.
As Shinji was her first pupil, Motoko in acted the same training regimen she had been instructed in. She viewed is capabilities and pushed him exactly to them. Never too much for him to handle, but in his mind she was relentless. He found his energy spent before he knew it. For those first three days he had only the ability to perform her instructions, call Misato, and almost mindlessly do his required chores. Those chores being cleaning himself in the tiny bath provided for males, his homework, and maintaining his Gi's cleanliness.
The pair seemed to not exist to the other residents of Hinata. The young Ikari enthralled Motoko. He wasn't always the quickest at learning his maneuvers, but through determination he had eventually got them down. His actions told her of his own inner being, and that lead her to one clear conclusion. 'He's to kind to be a fighter.'
Shinobu was starting to lose her composure by the end of the third day. She had expected to be able to talk to Shinji more. To finally tell him how she felt, but whenever she did see him, he appeared so drained that he most likely wouldn't be able handle anything she told him.
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During the second week, Motoko decided to branch her training away from purely physical maneuvers and delve into the more philosophical.
"Ikari-kun, you may rest for lunch now," Motoko said as she returned her bokken to its usual position.
Wiping the sweat from his brow, "So soon Motoko-sensei? It's only," he paused to look at the sky, "11 o'clock."
'He took up that little skill so quickly,' Motoko thought, "That may be true, but I have neglected to teach you why we fight. Follow me."
Silently the pair made their way deeper into the surrounding trees. Stopping beside a waterfall Shinji had never seen before. It wasn't that large a waterfall, only about a twelve-foot drop but the waters captivated him. "It's so peaceful here."
Showing Shinji something he learned was rare, she smiled at him, "Yes it is. Come sit." With that Motoko sat at the base of the running stream that snaked its way around the area. As Shinji sat by her, she began again, "Ikari-kun, you have made remarkable progress in the short time we have had so far. But one thing stands out that could hinder you in battle."
Lowering his head a bit, Shinji wasn't sure he believed Motoko's words. He had felt a complete failure in his training. "What is that Motoko-sensei?"
'Your lack of esteem is another mater, but I can't help that,' She thought to herself as she again noted how he frowned at her words of praise. "If a friend attacked you, what would you do?"
Not understanding her words he replied, "Attacked me? How?"
Realizing she wasn't truly being as clear as she wanted to be, Motoko then recounted the encounter she had regarding Keitaro, her sister, and Naru. Telling Shinji how Naru had become possessed by the Hinata blade, after word she asked, "What would you do. My friend had suddenly become an enemy."
Confusion eroded Shinji's demeanor, he had never considered the possibility. "I guess I'd not fight her. How can I strike my friend, I'd rather myself suffer."
"That is your problem," Motoko said. Shinji's eyes opened wide in disbelieve. "Yes she was my friend, but in times as such one must see the greater good. If I had left her possessed who knows what evil she could have wrought. Could she have lived with herself if she had killed somebody?"
"But what if you killed her in the process?" the boy almost cried out.
Slowly forming her words with care, "It was a possibility. She'd have died with honor if such a case ensued. My point is you can't let yourself be blinded be emotions in battle. I acted to save not only her body but her honor as well. Can you understand that?"
"I don't know if I can to be honest. How can I weigh somebody's life against something else?"
Seeing the fear showing in the body language of her pupil, Motoko simple stated, "Just think about it. Come lets eat then we can begin practicing again."
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The following day to reward Shinji for his progress, and more importantly speak with her sister who just arrived from Kyoto, Motoko gave Shinji a day of reprieve. He was very grateful to receive it.
He woke at his usual time as to not get soft, but he cooked a rather spacious meal for the other residents of Hinata, one that was happily accepted. He spoke a little with Shinobu as she ate, and noticed something he hadn't been able to before. 'She's so close to that Su girl.'
As the younger residents made their way to school, Shinji found himself alone with Naru and Kitsune. The resident manager having left for his few classes at the university.
"You look beat kid, Motoko giving ya hell?" Kitsune said with a smile.
Offhanded Naru added, "Or are you just lazy?"
'She's always being mean to me, did I do something wrong?' Shinji debated over Naru's comment as he responded, "Motoko-sensei is fair in her teachings, and I'm just sore I guess."
Her smile widening, "Why not take a dip in the onsen then?" Kitsune offered.
"I thought it was only for women," rebuked the boy.
As Kitsune went to respond, Naru preempted her, "It is, but.as you haven't done anything perverted in your stay here so far. I guess we can make an exception this ONE time."
Staring slack jawed at her friend, Kitsune was marveled, 'Naru just let.wow that's a new one.'
Standing and leaving the room, "Thank you very much, I'll do that now."
As he left earshot, Kitsune couldn't help herself, "He's growing on you isn't he?"
Blushing, "He is not, he just looked like he could use it."
Nudging Naru in the side, "Admit it, he isn't that bad a kid. And did you see those looks between Shinobu and him. Their so cute."
Laughing as Kitsune hit one of her ticklish spots, "Fine I admit it. He's a good kid. He hasn't done anything like Keitaro does on a daily basis. And yes I have seen how Shinobu looks at him. I guess it may do her some good to have a relationship. But nothing do deep mind you."
'Shinobu you owe me for this one,' Kitsune thought as she continued to prod Naru in more positive directions relating to the pairs relationship. She stopped talking however when a nude Mutsumi walked into the room.
Naru erupted, "When did you get here?"
Smiling as she always did, "Awhile ago. I wanted to have a nice bath and."
It was Kitsune's turn to bellow, "What happened to Shinji?"
Tilting her head to the side, "Oh that's his name. When I saw him I thought he was one of Kei-kun's younger cousins."
In unison the girls asked, "Where is he now?"
"Well after I hugged him he passed out."
"This was before or after you disrobed?" Naru asked.
"Why after of coarse, I was going to take a bath."
Kitsune slapped her hand to her forehead and laughed, "I bet he didn't know what hit him."
Naru actually joined Kitsune in a good laugh at the naiveté of the boy while Mutsumi puzzled over what was so funny.
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Shooting up straight, Shinji said the last thing he remembered seeing before passing out, "Flying turtle!"
He then felt hand on his shoulder slowly push him back down to the bed, "Shinji-san you need to rest, and you've been asleep for a few hours now."
"Shinobu? Is that you?" he tried to see his companion in the darkness of his room.
Making her way over to the light switch, Shinobu illuminated the room. "Did you have a good rest Shinji-san?"
Shaking his head, "I guess the onsen has it out for me. I must have passed out in it again. I keep seeing a flying turtle and a brown haired woman."
Smiling, "You meet Tama-chan and Mutsumi-san then."
"You mean that there really is a flying." Shinji's voice left him as Tama- chan flew into the room and perched on his head, "turtle."
Tama for her sake mewed at him while Shinobu smiled at the response. "She must like you. Don't take this the wrong way but I'm kinda glad this happened. It gives us a chance to talk."
'I guess if warm water penguins exist a flying turtle isn't to hard to believe,' Shinji reasoned. "I am too. So how are you doing? School ok?"
'Should I tell him about the encounter with Ayanami?' she thought, "Its fine, how is the training?"
Sitting up to see her better, he said it was going fine. The pair made idle small talk for a few minutes. Shinji asked Shinobu about her friendship with Su. To which Shinobu smiled and informed the young man that the eccentric foreigner was one of her best friends.
"How does she make those.things she does, they seem so advanced."
Blushing at her own ignorance, "We don't really know either. She even made a mecha Tama-chan."
Somehow that didn't surprise him, while he talked with his friend Shinji noted something was off with her, 'She seems to be holding back something.'
"Shinobu, is something on your mind?" he asked before he could stop himself.
"No its just." she suddenly began to lose her composure, "That I.I." then the dam broke and she began to cry and rushed over to Shinji hugging him fiercely.
Completely confused by the reaction, Shinji could only return her embrace and try to calm her down. After a few minutes with her in his arms, she calmed down enough to be asked, "What's wrong Shinobu?"
'She said if I told him, it'd only make things worse so.' wiping he few remaining tears away, "Shinji-san, do you.like anybody?"
With a bit redder face he replied, "I think I do."
Looking deeply into his eyes, "Can you tell me who?"
'Who do I like most, and why is she asking me this?' Shinji thought, before he was sure he had eyes only for Shinobu but as the events after the previous angel played in his mind, Rei already admitted having feelings for him. Wasn't it safer to go with the sure fire bet and not take a chance? If he said he like Shinobu and she didn't feel the same there could be no going back.
With her in his arms, the way she was slightly trembling, the look in her eyes, Shinji found his voice wasn't responding his body was. He slowly brought his lips to hers. He softly caressed her small lips with his own. The light contact caused a reaction of pure emotion.
Shinobu couldn't believe what was happening, nor could Shinji for that matter. Her eyes slowly closing as the throbbing in her heart subsided and beat in unison with Shinji's. The moment lasted an eternity until, until her pent up feelings caused her lips to open a crack. That motion resulted in Shinji's realization of what was happening and he drew away blushing.
Thinking she had done wrong, Shinobu blushed and ran from the room. 'What did I do? I can't believe I lost control like that! But it was.was wonderful! Shinji-san kissed me! ME! If it wasn't for her saying that to me.I wouldn't have ruined that kiss.'
Kitsune, who had wondered past the door and caught the pair, soon followed to have a little chat with the girl.
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What followed the brief encounter was confusion. Shinji started his training again, which meant that neither had time to talk to one another. Kitsune's talk helped calm Shinobu down a lot. Kitsune told her that often when in such a situation one's body often does something the mind doesn't really want. She then asked how it felt and Shinobu pointedly had a minor bout of hysterics.
Shinji was even more confused than before. He had kissed Shinobu and she seemed to protest after she realized what he did. Did she like him? Hate him? Why did she ask him that question? His mind was in utter chaos. So when Motoko said that his last day of actual training would be of focused meditation he was over joyed. Or so he thought at the time.
He was not trying to discover how he was supposed to focus on anything standing under a waterfall. Sure enough he was standing aside Motoko, both in their Gi's under the waterfall he saw when she first talked to him. They had just eaten lunch a few hours ago and he could feel his bowls reacting to the water and food. But he was determined to show Motoko his best.
Unbeknown to the pair, Shinobu often visited the waterfall when she went out to draw. With her mind in confusion about the kiss, she found herself wandering to her usual spot. A tree with sturdy low hanging branches. Taking a hint from her friend Su, she climbed up a few branches and found a nice perch.
Taking her sketch pad and pencil out of her bag, she settle down to do some practice on drawing scenery. She nearly fell out of the tree when she saw the pair standing in the water. 'What are they doing down.there.'
She throat contracted as she saw something she wasn't expecting. She momentarily cursed Kitsune for her manner of speaking so openly about matters pertaining to sex. Her eyes however couldn't say away from Shinji's body. She noted how the water caused the white of the top of his Gi to become semi-translucent, giving her a good view of his chest.
"He's so handsome," she whispered to herself before her more basic urges caused her focus to shift down slightly. Chastising herself for invading his private space, but still acting, she saw how the water caused the red to cling to his legs, outlining his form. "Is that." was all she said as a deep red blush covered her features and she fell from the tree.
Her minute scream was caught my Motoko's trained perception and she quietly left her pupil to train. Finding the young Maehara girl unconscious under a tree, her sketchpad next to her, Motoko wondered what caused her to fall. Picking both the girl and the book up, Motoko caught a sight of the drawing Shinobu didn't know she was making, with the blood rushing to her capillaries, Motoko returned the girl to Hinata, shut the book and returned to find Shinji still under the waterfall.
"I don't think I should tell him about this event.it won't do either of them much good."
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The last day of his stay at Hinata, Shinji found himself being reviewed by the complete residency of Hinata. On the roof, he preformed the maneuvers Motoko instructed him to. The Hinata members were frankly amazed at how he was able to learn so much in such a short time.
After he had finished, Motoko walked over to him. "You have shown much progress, but you are still only a novice. If you keep up your training you can accomplish much."
Bowing to his teacher, "Thank you Motoko-sensei, I tried my best."
"Naturally I'll inspect you for further training three times a week, and you are to do your exercises daily to keep your skills honed."
"Yes Motoko-sensei," he replied again.
Smiling at her first real pupil, "Shinji, take pride in your abilities. You have done much I wasn't easy on you. Keep your senses about you and we will all live through this. Again we all thank you for your defense of us all."
A round of applause burst from those around him, smiling softly at them he didn't know what to say. The environment he had lived in for the last three weeks was such a contrast to his normal life. Instead of worry and fear, it was an aura of peace and happiness. He was hesitant to leave, but he knew he had to, and Misato's arrival was the herald of his leaving.
He was surprised when Naru wished him luck as he left, he still wasn't able to have an actual conversation with Shinobu after the kiss, but they both were determined to talk during the next day of school. However as Shinji and Misato neared Tokyo-3, a familiar sound was heard piercing the air. The angel alarm. ------------------------------------------------------------
Author Notes
Yeah I know in the anime it's a month not three weeks.but three weeks is close to a month. About the Shinobu Shinji Kiss.um.I couldn't help it. It just fit and the tension was getting to me. As for the implied Shinobu/Rei conversation that's for next chapter.
I don't think anybody is OOC but maybe you disagree. I hope you liked this and I hope you give me some nice feedback. I always love feedback.
Now what you really wanted.
Omake!
Motoko looked at Naru with shock, "You locked him in his room? Why?"
"Because he maybe a pervert and we can't let him assault people in their sleep can we?" Naru responded.
"What if he needed to use the facilities? We should get him." Motoko replied as she grabbed Naru's arm and headed towards the young lads room. When she opened the door however.
"He's not here?"
Naru came to the conclusion, "He's attacking Shinobu!"
A quick race to the young ladies room resulted in, "Sorry Shinobu we didn't mean to wake you. We just thought maybe Shinji came to visit."
"Uh.wha? Shinji in my room?" her mind dazed with sleep made a fantasy and her mind short-circuited.
"Well were can he be.and what's that smell?"
Motoko sniffed the air, "It's a traditional Japanese breakfast, and Keitaro must be cooking."
"Well let's eat then we can find the sneaking pervert."
Walking into the kitchen, Motoko dropped her bokken; Naru just dropped her jaw, "HOW DID YOU?" they asked in unison.
Shinji, clad in apron, turned, "Oh the lock, it was such a simple lock I thought it was a test. Nerv did train us pilots in escape measures. If you really wanted to restrain me you needed steel chains and a few padlocks. Breakfast Motoko-sensei?"
Nodding numbly Motoko and Naru took their seats, "you made this?"
"I thought you'd like a traditional Japanese breakfast Motoko-sensei, sorry?" Shinji said as he hung his head.
'He picked the lock! HE picked the LOCK!' was Naru's internal mantra, while Motoko said she preferred such a breakfast.
After they tasted the food, "YOU MADE THIS!"
Shinji took a step back, "Motoko-sensei.are you ok?"
'Maybe.maybe I should take more interest in this Shinji,' Motoko thought as she wiped the drool from her lips. Naru was just tried to recover from the shock of seeing Motoko acting normal. -------------------------------------------------
Ok.it was an odd Omake but hey, this is me ^_^
Ja Mata
Zentrodie
Well time for another chapter, and this one is part one of two. It's going to be heavy on Love Hina. So hopefully you have SOME prior LH knowledge.
No other tid bits of gossip right now so.
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Tsuruko Aoyama was not expecting a carrier pigeon for the clan compound in Kyoto. Neither was she expecting such a letter to be one of summons. Since her marriage and removal from the right of secession she had only received notices in passing.
But as she was still loyal to her clan, she found herself kneeling before her elder. Her voice still holding its playful yet regal tone, "Why did you send for me Toshiue?"
"Tsuruko-kun, I think it needless to tell you that your sister is taking up a pupil," the seated man said.
Nodding in acknowledgement, "She informed me of such. I must say I was surprised to hear that the boy was allowed. He isn't the first person found with high potential that was declined from teaching."
"Indeed," the voice scratchy with age, "that is why I sent for you. You may not have known how are clan has lost its political power in this age." The man's face tightening in minute frustration. "The government no longer looks for exorcists or demon slayers for advise or even favorably. But if this boy, this pilot, is trained in the Aoyama family style we will have a bargaining chip."
Her face jerking up sharply, "Toshiue, are you saying that her training this boy is nothing but a political move?"
"Exactly, we need to be able to claim him as a ward of our style. Using his name we can regain what we have lost due to time."
"Motoko-han may not be up to this challenge, I think you are asking to much of her," Tsuruko stated knowing her sisters limitations.
"Asking to much would be for her to marry this boy, and I did consider the idea. But that is an impossibility. Her training him will have to suffice."
The shock evident in her composure, "What is it you'd have me do then?"
The elder didn't miss the look of scorn he received from his great- granddaughter, but clan survival meant more to him than one member. "You are to insure she keeps him as a pupil, even if he proves to be inept in the training. He must be called a follower of the Aoyama style of kendo."
Knowing his word was final, Tsuruko stood and left. She had much ground to travel and much to tell her sister.
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Almost at the moment he arrived, that being shortly after sundown, Shinji knew the next three weeks would not be easy for him. The full assembly of residents greeted him at the front doors, save for Haruka who he had passed at the teashop on the way up.
He recognized a few of them, namely Naru, Shinobu, and Motoko. The others were only remembered vaguely in his memory. He really didn't talk to them during his daylong stay.
Kitsune was first to introduce herself to the boy, "So your Motoko's experiment.I mean pupil," she smiled slyly at him, "and your Shinobu's 'friend.'"
Something about how she said friend caused dual blushes from both Shinji and Shinobu. Su simply bellowed a greeting as she dove at Shinji. After he got back off the ground he found the girl had already climbed a tree and was in the inn. Sarah just gave him a look over said, 'He's better looking than the dork' and walked off.
"Mutsumi-san would be here to say hi, but she.often has bouts of anemia," Shinobu informed him as she helped him with his bags.
"Its fine, I'm sure she'll be around sometime later to introduce herself to him," Keitaro said then introduced himself. With the introductions completed the group entered the inn.
Shinji, Shinobu, and Motoko headed towards Shinji's temporary leaving quarters. It was a standard room in Hinata, but one with a secret. It was the only room with a lock on the door, at per Naru's instructions.
Motoko could tell Shinobu was hoping for some time to talk to Shinji alone, but a letter from her sister insisted she begin training immediately. "Shinobu-chan, if you'd allow me a word with Ikari-kun here please?"
Torn between her desire to speak to Shinji and her friendship with Motoko, Shinobu stood stock-still. It took Shinji's words to get her to move.
"I'm sure we can talk later. I am here to receive training form Aoyama- sensei," he said in a rather withdrawn voice. Looking at the two, Shinobu nodded and left the room.
------------
After Shinobu had left the room, Motoko insisted they change rooms. She knew the other tenets had the habit of eavesdropping so she hoped by altering rooms quickly enough she could keep them away. She settled on her room. Once the door was sealed, she found Shinji already kneeling at her table.
Sensing the boys mood, "You seem uninteresting in my training, why did agree to this?"
"I wish to become stronger to do my duty. It's not that I don't want it. I feel unworthy of it," he finished with a lavished sigh.
'I forgot he has a demeanor much like Shinobu's,' Motoko thought before speaking, "In time you will understand your worth. I wanted to speak with you and give you this." Moving to her closet she withdrew a simple Gi. "Starting tomorrow morning at 5 a.m. sharp we begin your training. You will wear this to each session and you will keep it in order"
Realizing he was in a now familiar situation, that of being addressed by a superior, Shinji paid apt attention. "Hai."
Motoko continued, "You will practice until 11:45, at which time we break for lunch, then we continue until sunset. Do you have any questions?"
He nodded and spoke, "Do we train here or someplace else?"
'A sensible question,' her voice still commanding, "Weather dependant. On most occasions we will train in the wilderness surrounding Hinata, on inclement weather we train in the open area on the roof."
"I understand, if I may ask another question. Why did you want to train me?"
For the first time since she shut the door, Motoko smiled, "You seem worthy to me, and if you have attained such respect from Shinobu you are of the type that deserves it. Now I suggest you eat something and get some sleep. The next three weeks will not be easy on you."
Shinji bowed slightly to her, "Thank you Aoyama-sensei. I will try not to disappoint you."
"Motoko-sensei will be fine, Shinji-kun," she said and finished with, "and don't expect the other tenets to be easy on you. Many enjoy mild forms of torment, only in fun mind you. As for Shinobu, your actions will be closely watched."
Blushing deeply, "Thank you for the warning Motoko-sensei, I will keep that in mind."
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After his talk with Motoko, Shinji heard the call to supper. He was amazed to see that the entire inn ate supper together. Residents flanked the table on all sides, Shinji was hard pressed to find a spot to seat. Kitsune smirked and Naru frowned slightly as he found an open space next to Shinobu.
The typical meal at Hinata soon followed. A rather well prepared meal was presented, Keitaro tripped onto Naru, who launched her fist into his face. While the other residents went to see if the invincible manager had again survived, Shinji asked Shinobu if the two were truly engaged. Since Keitaro's engagement didn't hurt as much now, she nodded and informed Shinji that its just Naru's way of venting frustration.
True to form, Keitaro quickly recovered and returned to his place at the table. Shinji felt greatly out of place while he ate. To him, he was invading a family supper. Whether they noticed his discomfort or not, the residents in their own way welcomed him.
After supper had ended, Shinji was told to retire for the evening by Motoko. After they had rescinded his request to help do the dishes, Shinji found himself on the roof of the Inn. He was still to flustered to sleep.
Looking at the peaceful resort town below, he found peace.
"Not intruding am I?" Keitaro asked as he found his way to the railing.
Turning to face the newcomer, Shinji responded, "No your not. Am I not supposed to be up here Keitaro-san?"
"Keitaro will be fine," the Tokyo-U student informed the young pilot, "mind if we have a little chat?"
'Seems that a lot of these people want a 'little chat' with me,' Shinji mused, "By all means."
Leaning over the railway, Keitaro looked down at the city as Shinji did. "You know, when I first moved here, I had a conversation with Shinobu in this exact same spot."
As realization sunk in, Shinji's mind reached the conclusion, 'So that's what this talk will be about.'
"Shinobu-chan is really special to all of us here at Hinata, Shinji," Keitaro's eyes never left the cityscape, "I don't know if you knew it or not, but she's not the most forward girl. Really shy. We'd hate for anybody to take advantage of her. Now we can't prohibit her from anything major, as she isn't a blood relative, but if anything 'did' happen."
Shinji thought for a moment about what that meant. While the residents weren't military officers, many had, as he had observed so far, rather unique talents that could be harmful to the health of others. "Keitaro, I understand what your saying. And I don't think you have to worry." Shinji did muse however that technically Shinobu and he weren't a couple.
Keitaro smiled at the boy, he could tell that the pair's relationship was in its infancy. While he wasn't an expert in the field he could see the signs clear enough. "I'm not telling you anything. She needs friends, we all do, but she deserves good ones. Will you at least be her friend?"
Smiling at the older man, "I can't say no to that," Shinji replied.
"Good, now I have to warn you about this place."
"Warn me?"
"Yeah, be careful of what you say. Everybody is listening and they tend to exaggerate.then it's a lot of pain."
They way Keitaro said his warning caused Shinji to smile again, then he asked, "How is it that you survive being beaten like that? Shinobu said it happens a lot."
Once Keitaro put his jaw back into place and wiped the tears way, "She told you that! Um.well let's start at the beginning."
The next two hours Keitaro spent telling Shinji the story of how he had become manager, his attempts at Tokyo-U, his relationship with the girls, and his accidents. Around ten o'clock Shinji excused himself, having a better feeling about the apartments. But he was left with one question, 'How could he fall on them so many times and still consider it an accident.'
On his door, he found a note from Shinobu wishing him luck and that she'd talk to him after his training the next day. 'Yeah, I'll be training before she wakes.this is going to take some time.' He changed and crawled into bed, he didn't even hear Naru turn the lock on his door as he fell asleep.
----------------
The first week will always remain a blur to Shinji. When Motoko said the training wouldn't be easy, she meant it. From the moment they started Motoko was pushing Shinji exactly to the point of him almost breaking.
As Shinji was her first pupil, Motoko in acted the same training regimen she had been instructed in. She viewed is capabilities and pushed him exactly to them. Never too much for him to handle, but in his mind she was relentless. He found his energy spent before he knew it. For those first three days he had only the ability to perform her instructions, call Misato, and almost mindlessly do his required chores. Those chores being cleaning himself in the tiny bath provided for males, his homework, and maintaining his Gi's cleanliness.
The pair seemed to not exist to the other residents of Hinata. The young Ikari enthralled Motoko. He wasn't always the quickest at learning his maneuvers, but through determination he had eventually got them down. His actions told her of his own inner being, and that lead her to one clear conclusion. 'He's to kind to be a fighter.'
Shinobu was starting to lose her composure by the end of the third day. She had expected to be able to talk to Shinji more. To finally tell him how she felt, but whenever she did see him, he appeared so drained that he most likely wouldn't be able handle anything she told him.
----------
During the second week, Motoko decided to branch her training away from purely physical maneuvers and delve into the more philosophical.
"Ikari-kun, you may rest for lunch now," Motoko said as she returned her bokken to its usual position.
Wiping the sweat from his brow, "So soon Motoko-sensei? It's only," he paused to look at the sky, "11 o'clock."
'He took up that little skill so quickly,' Motoko thought, "That may be true, but I have neglected to teach you why we fight. Follow me."
Silently the pair made their way deeper into the surrounding trees. Stopping beside a waterfall Shinji had never seen before. It wasn't that large a waterfall, only about a twelve-foot drop but the waters captivated him. "It's so peaceful here."
Showing Shinji something he learned was rare, she smiled at him, "Yes it is. Come sit." With that Motoko sat at the base of the running stream that snaked its way around the area. As Shinji sat by her, she began again, "Ikari-kun, you have made remarkable progress in the short time we have had so far. But one thing stands out that could hinder you in battle."
Lowering his head a bit, Shinji wasn't sure he believed Motoko's words. He had felt a complete failure in his training. "What is that Motoko-sensei?"
'Your lack of esteem is another mater, but I can't help that,' She thought to herself as she again noted how he frowned at her words of praise. "If a friend attacked you, what would you do?"
Not understanding her words he replied, "Attacked me? How?"
Realizing she wasn't truly being as clear as she wanted to be, Motoko then recounted the encounter she had regarding Keitaro, her sister, and Naru. Telling Shinji how Naru had become possessed by the Hinata blade, after word she asked, "What would you do. My friend had suddenly become an enemy."
Confusion eroded Shinji's demeanor, he had never considered the possibility. "I guess I'd not fight her. How can I strike my friend, I'd rather myself suffer."
"That is your problem," Motoko said. Shinji's eyes opened wide in disbelieve. "Yes she was my friend, but in times as such one must see the greater good. If I had left her possessed who knows what evil she could have wrought. Could she have lived with herself if she had killed somebody?"
"But what if you killed her in the process?" the boy almost cried out.
Slowly forming her words with care, "It was a possibility. She'd have died with honor if such a case ensued. My point is you can't let yourself be blinded be emotions in battle. I acted to save not only her body but her honor as well. Can you understand that?"
"I don't know if I can to be honest. How can I weigh somebody's life against something else?"
Seeing the fear showing in the body language of her pupil, Motoko simple stated, "Just think about it. Come lets eat then we can begin practicing again."
------------
The following day to reward Shinji for his progress, and more importantly speak with her sister who just arrived from Kyoto, Motoko gave Shinji a day of reprieve. He was very grateful to receive it.
He woke at his usual time as to not get soft, but he cooked a rather spacious meal for the other residents of Hinata, one that was happily accepted. He spoke a little with Shinobu as she ate, and noticed something he hadn't been able to before. 'She's so close to that Su girl.'
As the younger residents made their way to school, Shinji found himself alone with Naru and Kitsune. The resident manager having left for his few classes at the university.
"You look beat kid, Motoko giving ya hell?" Kitsune said with a smile.
Offhanded Naru added, "Or are you just lazy?"
'She's always being mean to me, did I do something wrong?' Shinji debated over Naru's comment as he responded, "Motoko-sensei is fair in her teachings, and I'm just sore I guess."
Her smile widening, "Why not take a dip in the onsen then?" Kitsune offered.
"I thought it was only for women," rebuked the boy.
As Kitsune went to respond, Naru preempted her, "It is, but.as you haven't done anything perverted in your stay here so far. I guess we can make an exception this ONE time."
Staring slack jawed at her friend, Kitsune was marveled, 'Naru just let.wow that's a new one.'
Standing and leaving the room, "Thank you very much, I'll do that now."
As he left earshot, Kitsune couldn't help herself, "He's growing on you isn't he?"
Blushing, "He is not, he just looked like he could use it."
Nudging Naru in the side, "Admit it, he isn't that bad a kid. And did you see those looks between Shinobu and him. Their so cute."
Laughing as Kitsune hit one of her ticklish spots, "Fine I admit it. He's a good kid. He hasn't done anything like Keitaro does on a daily basis. And yes I have seen how Shinobu looks at him. I guess it may do her some good to have a relationship. But nothing do deep mind you."
'Shinobu you owe me for this one,' Kitsune thought as she continued to prod Naru in more positive directions relating to the pairs relationship. She stopped talking however when a nude Mutsumi walked into the room.
Naru erupted, "When did you get here?"
Smiling as she always did, "Awhile ago. I wanted to have a nice bath and."
It was Kitsune's turn to bellow, "What happened to Shinji?"
Tilting her head to the side, "Oh that's his name. When I saw him I thought he was one of Kei-kun's younger cousins."
In unison the girls asked, "Where is he now?"
"Well after I hugged him he passed out."
"This was before or after you disrobed?" Naru asked.
"Why after of coarse, I was going to take a bath."
Kitsune slapped her hand to her forehead and laughed, "I bet he didn't know what hit him."
Naru actually joined Kitsune in a good laugh at the naiveté of the boy while Mutsumi puzzled over what was so funny.
----------------
Shooting up straight, Shinji said the last thing he remembered seeing before passing out, "Flying turtle!"
He then felt hand on his shoulder slowly push him back down to the bed, "Shinji-san you need to rest, and you've been asleep for a few hours now."
"Shinobu? Is that you?" he tried to see his companion in the darkness of his room.
Making her way over to the light switch, Shinobu illuminated the room. "Did you have a good rest Shinji-san?"
Shaking his head, "I guess the onsen has it out for me. I must have passed out in it again. I keep seeing a flying turtle and a brown haired woman."
Smiling, "You meet Tama-chan and Mutsumi-san then."
"You mean that there really is a flying." Shinji's voice left him as Tama- chan flew into the room and perched on his head, "turtle."
Tama for her sake mewed at him while Shinobu smiled at the response. "She must like you. Don't take this the wrong way but I'm kinda glad this happened. It gives us a chance to talk."
'I guess if warm water penguins exist a flying turtle isn't to hard to believe,' Shinji reasoned. "I am too. So how are you doing? School ok?"
'Should I tell him about the encounter with Ayanami?' she thought, "Its fine, how is the training?"
Sitting up to see her better, he said it was going fine. The pair made idle small talk for a few minutes. Shinji asked Shinobu about her friendship with Su. To which Shinobu smiled and informed the young man that the eccentric foreigner was one of her best friends.
"How does she make those.things she does, they seem so advanced."
Blushing at her own ignorance, "We don't really know either. She even made a mecha Tama-chan."
Somehow that didn't surprise him, while he talked with his friend Shinji noted something was off with her, 'She seems to be holding back something.'
"Shinobu, is something on your mind?" he asked before he could stop himself.
"No its just." she suddenly began to lose her composure, "That I.I." then the dam broke and she began to cry and rushed over to Shinji hugging him fiercely.
Completely confused by the reaction, Shinji could only return her embrace and try to calm her down. After a few minutes with her in his arms, she calmed down enough to be asked, "What's wrong Shinobu?"
'She said if I told him, it'd only make things worse so.' wiping he few remaining tears away, "Shinji-san, do you.like anybody?"
With a bit redder face he replied, "I think I do."
Looking deeply into his eyes, "Can you tell me who?"
'Who do I like most, and why is she asking me this?' Shinji thought, before he was sure he had eyes only for Shinobu but as the events after the previous angel played in his mind, Rei already admitted having feelings for him. Wasn't it safer to go with the sure fire bet and not take a chance? If he said he like Shinobu and she didn't feel the same there could be no going back.
With her in his arms, the way she was slightly trembling, the look in her eyes, Shinji found his voice wasn't responding his body was. He slowly brought his lips to hers. He softly caressed her small lips with his own. The light contact caused a reaction of pure emotion.
Shinobu couldn't believe what was happening, nor could Shinji for that matter. Her eyes slowly closing as the throbbing in her heart subsided and beat in unison with Shinji's. The moment lasted an eternity until, until her pent up feelings caused her lips to open a crack. That motion resulted in Shinji's realization of what was happening and he drew away blushing.
Thinking she had done wrong, Shinobu blushed and ran from the room. 'What did I do? I can't believe I lost control like that! But it was.was wonderful! Shinji-san kissed me! ME! If it wasn't for her saying that to me.I wouldn't have ruined that kiss.'
Kitsune, who had wondered past the door and caught the pair, soon followed to have a little chat with the girl.
-----------
What followed the brief encounter was confusion. Shinji started his training again, which meant that neither had time to talk to one another. Kitsune's talk helped calm Shinobu down a lot. Kitsune told her that often when in such a situation one's body often does something the mind doesn't really want. She then asked how it felt and Shinobu pointedly had a minor bout of hysterics.
Shinji was even more confused than before. He had kissed Shinobu and she seemed to protest after she realized what he did. Did she like him? Hate him? Why did she ask him that question? His mind was in utter chaos. So when Motoko said that his last day of actual training would be of focused meditation he was over joyed. Or so he thought at the time.
He was not trying to discover how he was supposed to focus on anything standing under a waterfall. Sure enough he was standing aside Motoko, both in their Gi's under the waterfall he saw when she first talked to him. They had just eaten lunch a few hours ago and he could feel his bowls reacting to the water and food. But he was determined to show Motoko his best.
Unbeknown to the pair, Shinobu often visited the waterfall when she went out to draw. With her mind in confusion about the kiss, she found herself wandering to her usual spot. A tree with sturdy low hanging branches. Taking a hint from her friend Su, she climbed up a few branches and found a nice perch.
Taking her sketch pad and pencil out of her bag, she settle down to do some practice on drawing scenery. She nearly fell out of the tree when she saw the pair standing in the water. 'What are they doing down.there.'
She throat contracted as she saw something she wasn't expecting. She momentarily cursed Kitsune for her manner of speaking so openly about matters pertaining to sex. Her eyes however couldn't say away from Shinji's body. She noted how the water caused the white of the top of his Gi to become semi-translucent, giving her a good view of his chest.
"He's so handsome," she whispered to herself before her more basic urges caused her focus to shift down slightly. Chastising herself for invading his private space, but still acting, she saw how the water caused the red to cling to his legs, outlining his form. "Is that." was all she said as a deep red blush covered her features and she fell from the tree.
Her minute scream was caught my Motoko's trained perception and she quietly left her pupil to train. Finding the young Maehara girl unconscious under a tree, her sketchpad next to her, Motoko wondered what caused her to fall. Picking both the girl and the book up, Motoko caught a sight of the drawing Shinobu didn't know she was making, with the blood rushing to her capillaries, Motoko returned the girl to Hinata, shut the book and returned to find Shinji still under the waterfall.
"I don't think I should tell him about this event.it won't do either of them much good."
--------------
The last day of his stay at Hinata, Shinji found himself being reviewed by the complete residency of Hinata. On the roof, he preformed the maneuvers Motoko instructed him to. The Hinata members were frankly amazed at how he was able to learn so much in such a short time.
After he had finished, Motoko walked over to him. "You have shown much progress, but you are still only a novice. If you keep up your training you can accomplish much."
Bowing to his teacher, "Thank you Motoko-sensei, I tried my best."
"Naturally I'll inspect you for further training three times a week, and you are to do your exercises daily to keep your skills honed."
"Yes Motoko-sensei," he replied again.
Smiling at her first real pupil, "Shinji, take pride in your abilities. You have done much I wasn't easy on you. Keep your senses about you and we will all live through this. Again we all thank you for your defense of us all."
A round of applause burst from those around him, smiling softly at them he didn't know what to say. The environment he had lived in for the last three weeks was such a contrast to his normal life. Instead of worry and fear, it was an aura of peace and happiness. He was hesitant to leave, but he knew he had to, and Misato's arrival was the herald of his leaving.
He was surprised when Naru wished him luck as he left, he still wasn't able to have an actual conversation with Shinobu after the kiss, but they both were determined to talk during the next day of school. However as Shinji and Misato neared Tokyo-3, a familiar sound was heard piercing the air. The angel alarm. ------------------------------------------------------------
Author Notes
Yeah I know in the anime it's a month not three weeks.but three weeks is close to a month. About the Shinobu Shinji Kiss.um.I couldn't help it. It just fit and the tension was getting to me. As for the implied Shinobu/Rei conversation that's for next chapter.
I don't think anybody is OOC but maybe you disagree. I hope you liked this and I hope you give me some nice feedback. I always love feedback.
Now what you really wanted.
Omake!
Motoko looked at Naru with shock, "You locked him in his room? Why?"
"Because he maybe a pervert and we can't let him assault people in their sleep can we?" Naru responded.
"What if he needed to use the facilities? We should get him." Motoko replied as she grabbed Naru's arm and headed towards the young lads room. When she opened the door however.
"He's not here?"
Naru came to the conclusion, "He's attacking Shinobu!"
A quick race to the young ladies room resulted in, "Sorry Shinobu we didn't mean to wake you. We just thought maybe Shinji came to visit."
"Uh.wha? Shinji in my room?" her mind dazed with sleep made a fantasy and her mind short-circuited.
"Well were can he be.and what's that smell?"
Motoko sniffed the air, "It's a traditional Japanese breakfast, and Keitaro must be cooking."
"Well let's eat then we can find the sneaking pervert."
Walking into the kitchen, Motoko dropped her bokken; Naru just dropped her jaw, "HOW DID YOU?" they asked in unison.
Shinji, clad in apron, turned, "Oh the lock, it was such a simple lock I thought it was a test. Nerv did train us pilots in escape measures. If you really wanted to restrain me you needed steel chains and a few padlocks. Breakfast Motoko-sensei?"
Nodding numbly Motoko and Naru took their seats, "you made this?"
"I thought you'd like a traditional Japanese breakfast Motoko-sensei, sorry?" Shinji said as he hung his head.
'He picked the lock! HE picked the LOCK!' was Naru's internal mantra, while Motoko said she preferred such a breakfast.
After they tasted the food, "YOU MADE THIS!"
Shinji took a step back, "Motoko-sensei.are you ok?"
'Maybe.maybe I should take more interest in this Shinji,' Motoko thought as she wiped the drool from her lips. Naru was just tried to recover from the shock of seeing Motoko acting normal. -------------------------------------------------
Ok.it was an odd Omake but hey, this is me ^_^
Ja Mata
Zentrodie