A/N: -rummages through songs- Need inspiration to write this. Okay well uh…hopefully the other didn't make you people turn away in disgust. So this basically sums up the "4 years prior something started" part of the summary. Enjoy X3

Disclaimer: Don't own Xenosaga 2, Xenosaga, or anything Xeno or related at all

Note- This story, so far, has no relation to the sequel coming out in February. If it does. i shall warn you ahead of time XP

Chapter One

"Tai-sa"

Flashback: Miltia Dojo. 4 years prior to the Miltian Conflict.

Jin stared indifferently at the huge building before him. A bag slung over his shoulder, carrying nothing more than at least six different heavy volumes of books to keep him entertained for the duration of the practice. Emerald eyes blinked uncertainly as he raised a hand to the door, pushing the door aside as he ventured inside, pausing in his steps. Inside it was your typical scene. People stood or were sitting in chairs and waiting. Or signing up.

He scratched the back off his head with his free hand that wasn't gripping the handle of the backpack. It was fascinating to come to a place like this, too bad his parents never allowed him to handle a sword---or weapon for that matter. Always fussing that he should be a doctor, get a good education. In turn Jin had followed their wishes, knowing that if he did get a good job then he'll be able to support the family better. Which would lead to a better life style for all of them.

'Which is why I'm not participating but…where is Mark anyway? I thought he said he'd meet me at the entrance…' Jin lowered the bag as he slipped it off his shoulders, the later starting to ache and throb with having carried the weight from one place to another. Raising his head he glanced ahead, only now noticing the odd looks he was getting. After all, wearing a black kimono with a red and black ribbon around his waist might have looked funny in this day and age.

'It's like they've never seen a kimono before. Gosh, I can't help the way I dress…' Upon eye contact every male or female looked away as he gave him or her a half glare. Knowing better than to ask. "JIN! HEY JINNERS!" Jin winced at the loud high-pitched yell from the other side of the room. He loathed the nickname his best friend had given him. Jinners…what possessed Mark to give him that name? Angry scowls were evident as Jin more or less dragged his bag; purposely allowing it the screech and scrape against the floor to disrupt everybody present.

Even the secretary seemed a bit aggravated.

'Oops' Lifting it up he greeted Mark with a friendly handshake "hey Mark, what's up? Ready for your big day?" he joked.

"Dude, I'm psyched! I was up all morning practicing every move I could remember; I just hope this baby will win me the belt. Man…you shoulda joined in on this with me, woulda been great together! We'd be unstoppable!" Jin studied his friend. In truth he hadn't seen Mark for almost a year, the other having gone to train in the wilderness to be the best swordsman possible. Hoping to get a masters degree and one of the best belts that the Dojo could offer.

As luck would have it Mark had the right figure, being a bit less slim than Jin, but had enough muscles and agility to back him up. His blue eyes that shone with childish intelligence was the one thing that worried Jin. Although he trained and trained, his friend was also dense when it came to panicking situation, not that he blamed him. "What are you wearing…?" the Uzuki sibling asked as he grinned oddly, looking at the other decked out in white long loose pants, a similar white jacket with a black outlining, open to reveal the muscles that Mark seemed so proud of.

Topped off with a red headband secured around his forehead, tied up in a tight knot while blond hair flopped over it, shielding the side and partial back.

'He never did cut his hair, heh…'

"My uniform. What are you wearing you old fashioned old man!" Mark gave a light playful shove as he jabbed at the material, "still haven't grown old of that odd little fetish for things in the past?". Mark was rewarded with a smack to the hand as Jin eyed him coolly, "nope, don't you know me any better?" he asked as innocently as he could. Mark grinned and slapped Jin on the back, the hand resting on the spot as he led the Uzuki away from the waiting rooms, passing the restricted section to members only.

"Dude, it's nice to see you again. Thanks for coming. I actually didn't think you would with your mom sick and all...say how's she doing?" the blonde asked glancing to his friend with a concerned look.

"…Not so good. They think she's probably not gonna last. She's…just too…well not insane but it's a mental disease and well…you know how she is. I don't exist to her. But that's alright. As long as she's at least is there…giving attention to Shion ne?" Jin forced a smile as he winked at Mark, letting the other know that everything was fine. And before long, the two went into a quiet silence as they trudged on.

"Sorry…"

"It's alright. Don't mention it. It's not like forgetting it will do me any good. Come on I've gotten worse things to think about."

"Like what?" Mark asked, puzzled.

"Like if I should bet on you losing or winning," Jin smirked at his friend as he picked up the pace, instantly followed in pursuit as a mini chase began. It wasn't until he passed literature, history, books, and paintings did Jin wish they were still walking. All that good knowledge just sitting there waiting for him!

Jin skid to a halt as he came across a large door, looking over his shoulder he saw his friend in slow motion lunging for him. Twisting around with a quick agile footing, Jin propelled himself into the air, managing to only scrape his head lightly against the ceiling. While Mark slammed into the door head first, not having a chance at stopping from his chosen action. Jin landed behind Mark, crouching down clapping his hands together in a mocking ceremonial type gesture. "You have much to learn young grasshopper."

Ah Jin loved being older than Mark by two years!

"Ah stuff it Jin." The blonde rubbed his nose as he sniffed, the connection with the hard hardly seeming to phase him. Instead he got to his feet, dusting his pants off as he snorted "I still don't see why you didn't join. You're great, and jumping and using strategy is important in this kind of field. Why didn't you…?" the tone was soft, just like always as the fifteen year old opened the door. Slipping in a card key for entrance to the Dojo room.

Jin sighed, rubbing his forehead, emitting a long yawn before answering, "I told you before. My parents wouldn't let me. Besides getting into Vector Industries as a guard or military officer for protection of their employees isn't exactly good pay. I need to be something real good that will get paid handsomely. Like a doctor, and with my brains in that kind of thing I'm sure I can support my family. Maybe even send my mom to a better institute."

"You're too kind Jin. That's going to be your downfall. Your trust is gonna screw you're behind later in life." Jin's smile faltered as Mark gave him a serious look, heading out into the room without another word spoken. '…Trusting and caring is going to be my downfall? Hah, I doubt it.' Brushing away his black bangs that flopped on either side of his face he stepped inside, immediately bombarded by the amount of noise inside. Squinting through the sudden brightness of light in the room Jin made his way into the open.

"So what do you think?" Mark asked, a sword in hand as he watched Jin's reaction. "Pretty stunning huh?"

"…." Jin didn't reply right away as his mind was focused on other things, mainly just the layout of the dojo room. Pine, sweat, and excitement were all heavily noted in the air as Jin stepped forward, the ground completely wooden, with nothing save for the carpet in the middle of the room, providing a cushion for fighters. A fair amount of 30 uniformed teenagers, all ranging in size and age were lined up on one side, some talking, and other practicing.

Up above the windows were all laid out in a circular order, all lines up in a similar fashion allowing the light form the sun to stream through to provide lighting. Combined with the already bright lights it made it much easier to see. The walls held many symbols, all meaning something different. Even a few awards in parchment were strung along the wall. On the far side of one wall, benches were all available for visitors, and sit outs.

Jin's mouth had formed an 'O' sign as he was lost for words, until he was roughly tugged back to reality and led to the side in a daze.

"Gosh you make it seem like it's the best thing around. Its embarrassing to see someone looked shock while everybody else just shrugs ya know…" Mark announced, teasing Jin's reaction as he stepped over a sudden thrown sword. Mark glared at the fallen figure, the competitor and winner by default in the swordfight gave a wave. Sighing the blonde haired fifteen year old led Jin to the benches and pointed.

"You'll be sitting here. And when I go up…ill be on the red carpet. Ill wave to you so you notice okay?" Jin grinned, giving a thumbs up as Mark walked away, followed by some other older teens. And that was the last Jin saw of him as he plopped down on the bench, cringing. The benches were not soft by any means. Sliding his backpack down he dug into the bag, producing one of his books and instantly zipped the bag up and began reading.

After all, Mark had told him earlier that the fight wouldn't start until the designated time.

An hour passed as Jin read through the book like flowing water. Only glancing up to see if it had started.

'Interesting how Mark really wanted me to come. Hopefully it wasn't to show off. I really don't want to waste my time…but support is okay, I just hope he knows what he's doing…' Jin flipped the page again, looking up to watch the referee suddenly blow a whistle. Which meant the beginning was to start. Grinning ear-to-ear Jin lowered his book down and took off his reading glasses for the time being. Leaned back, and watched the show.

Show, and failure were very two different things as Jin watched, he was instantly aware that none of the teen's knew how to properly fight. In fact, if Jin wasn't such a nice guy he might have outwardly said they sucked balls. 'That's not far from the truth either…' Jin shook his head, easily losing interest and reverted back to his book. Becoming once again engrossed in it. Mark's battle wouldn't start until much later, after all they also announced the names of the competitors.

"Margulis vs. Juny!" Out of pure boredom Jin looked up, raising an eyebrow as a rather tall and very buff guy stepped onto the carpet, eye cold and focused. His stance gave off the impression of a well-educated fighter, yet Jin also noted that his body wasn't tense. Instead it was much more relaxed, like he knew he was going to win. Arching a brow Jin turned his half attention to the opponent of the man, raising eyebrows of disbelief as the fourteen year old (he guessed) seemed to be shaking in his socks as his knees buckled and shook. Making the grip on the sword useless as he looked like death had just come early.

'What's with that guy?' Jin thought to himself looking among the pile of people to find Mark. Noting that he seemed a bit pale, as did the whole dojo candidates. Grimacing he winced as the whistle blew. And within the first five seconds the kid was bawling his eyes out, having a large ugly gash down his back. Blood pouring down the back. 'What the hell? Is injuring someone even allowed? Where's the owner of the Dojo? Shouldn't he put a stop to this?'

Shifting uncomfortable at the gory sight Jin looked back down as his book and reverted back to reading, inwardly shaking. If Mark when up against a foe like that… 'Mark has guts. He's not easily beaten…but that look…' horrors and paleness kept re-appearing in Jin's mind, creating a mental image that the man with pink hair was a very high ranking in terms of fighting. Also well respected as the silence was deafening to Jin's ears. Shaking his head he tried to ignore it. Why was he worrying? He wasn't part of the Dojo…so the likeliness of meeting such a man would be 1 in…

"Oi…Kid…"

…..10…

Jin sweated heavily as he literally glued his eyes to the paper, trying to ignore the shadow that had passed over him. Keeping a straight face he willed himself not to look up, more or less doing the next wrong thing. Ignoring. "Hey girly haired punk. What are you doing here? You're not one of my students are you? State your business!" The tone was like a knife, sharp and superior. Jin felt dread suddenly fill his stomach as the whole dojo was looking at him with either sympathy, or compassion. Obviously they may respect the man. But they also knew when someone was gonna get a beating too…

"…" Jin swallowed as he mumbled something as lifted the book only to get it slammed right down. Obviously this man didn't like being ignored or quiet spoken to. "What's that? I didn't hear you!" The seventeen year olds ears rang with the outburst, going temporary deaf as he finally got the courage to glance up and stare into purple, glowing, angry eyes. "I…" Jin lost his nerve to speak as his chin was forced upright, the harsh toned man turned his head side to side like he was a judge on facial features.

"I'm here…to…to…watch a friend"

"A friend eh? Who's your friend?" Jin glanced to the teenagers, noticing all of them were either sitting or watching with interest. Or watching and trying to not to be noticeable. And Mark…well he was looking pleadingly at Jin. Almost praising him to not say his name. "My friend….is…." Jin's voice cracked "well he…he…hasn't arrived yet…" he outwardly lied watching the purple eyes narrow more. And soon Jin felt the grip start to tighten to the point of actually hurting.

"Liar!" The pink haired man breathed, turning his head to glare at his 'students' watching each one of them do similar reactions. Jin on the other hand let his book slide to the floor the grip on his chin was starting to near crack the jawbone. Hands automatically flew up to try and rid of the hold, the sudden puncture of nails against flesh was the only recollection of attention from the man.

"Eh…?" Purple eyes softened slightly as he watched Jin struggle with the grip, the nails digging deeper as Jin swelled with panic inside until he slammed his foot out, catching Margulis off guard as he instantly ripped away from his seat, doing a graceful hand stand. Landing back on his feet. "Tch…GAKI!" Instantly the man had taken up his weapon, the sword flailing in the air before positioning for attack. Jin's mind bounced with strategic ideas as he was aware that the lunatic had a weapon to injure.

Jin leaned back with wide eyes as the sword sliced where he had stood, the attack meant to cut his chest open. Shocked and fearing for his life Jin jumped down a few benches, ducking under the blade until the man swung downwards. Causing him to leap up to avoid the brunt of steel as it smashed into the wood. Cleaving it into two pieces, creating a difficult landing.

Hands slamming against the ground, Jin did the best he could as splinters imbedded themselves into his palms, pushing against the ground he landed like a rabbit. Crouching down , knees bent as he kept both eyes focused on the sword wielder. Teeth clenched together as the man lifted the sword, shouldering it as he regarded him with high interest. Before leaping over the benches and continuing the pursuit to kill/maim/injure/murder the brat.

Jin backed away quickly, until he figured to just balance on the tippy toes as he gracefully kept a good distance between the man, before he heard a shout, "JINNERS!" Jin, momentarily distracted (by the hate of the nickname) looked to the side to see Mark throw him something glinting…and reflecting light. 'He's lending me his SWORD? God…I….don't know how though…!' Reaching in the air, fully expecting his hand to be sliced in two by the blade. He caught the handle (miraculously) and flailed his other arm as the sword fell backwards into the ground. The sudden added weight, changing his whole position.

'Wait it's…a Katana?' Lifting the Japanese styled sword he glanced to Mark, noticing that he already had a sword, holding it up for Jin's eyes. Than what…? 'He said he wanted to give me a birthday gift…was…was…this it? A katana?' Not feeling that much at a disadvantage Jin lifted the sword, weighing it quickly to match it. Before spreading his feet and swiftly bringing the blade down onto the man's sword. The two metal blades clashing together, emitting sparks.

"Heh…you're not bad. What's your name punk?"

Jin had difficulty answering as his grip wavered a bit with the sheer amount of raw powering being delivered. "Jin…Jin Uzuki…yours?"

"Margulis" Was the only answer before the face twisted to a sneer, throwing Jin's blade off of his and slashed at the shorter being. 'A pirate sword? Than his has a weakness about 32 degrees downward if I hit the middle of it, it'll be stunned then…' Jin narrowed his eyes, countering the strike with his own, hitting directly in the idle before slashing wildly. Connecting each blow until at last. His efforts paid off and the pirate sword went flying to the side.

The dojo was stunned, Margulis was stunned, and the pupils of Margulis were stunned. The only thing that was heard was Jin's tired pants and breaths as he pointed the katana with one hand, nicking the top of Margulis's chin, making a fair cut "I….I….win…". Margulis stared at Jin for a long moment before he grabbed the blade, ignoring the sudden cuts that were made and shoved it aside. "Let's try that again. Now I'll fight you seriously…"

Jin sliced the air, balancing again as Margulis retrieved his weapon.

And the fight commenced again.

Before he knew it Jin was over powered by the sudden swiftness and well measured attacks from Margulis that his brain just couldn't function to counter them all as he was easily assaulted by a barrage of attacks. Not only that but the sheer amount of energy used up was miscalculated, resulting in an easy victory as Jin was suddenly knocked to the floor, emitting a gasp of pain as the opponent crashed into him, pinning him down.

"Heh. Gaki. What was your name? Uzuki?" Margulis leaned down close to Jin's face, watching the others movement until he leaned back, finally sedated from the battle. Getting off he pointed down at the panting, bruised, and slightly cut figure with pride. "THIS! This is what I wanted all of YOU SLACKERS TO BE! This man here…his inexperience tells me he has never used a sword before. Much less a katana, one of the oldest sword we hand out! Yet he was able to master it within the first second of handling it. And also managed to put guts first and attempt to bring me down, knowing he would have lost anyway. THIS IS A SWORDSMAN!"

Silence. Heavy silence was present as the students just stared at the figure slowly trying to get up. Sweat poured down Jin's face as his head spun and ached. Pushing his hands against the floor he slowly got to his knees and then to his feet despite the messages from the brain saying otherwise. Face glowing with shame at being humiliated in front of all those people he didn't bother to pick up the sword or think about his books, instead he ran to the exit. Stumbling occasionally and leaving a dent in the dojo's pride.

"JIN!" Mark yelled after his friend, throwing down all of his equipment beginning a run to go after his friend but a hand gripped his shoulder, holding him back "Sir…my friend…I'm responsible. I wanted him to come and watch sir…I'm sorry…I take full respon----"

"There's no need for that Mark" Margulis caught his pupil off and shoved him back into the crowd of kids. The katana that had slipped from Jin's fingers laid on the floor where it had clattered. "I'll get him don't worry. Just stay here and PRACTICE!" he barked at the student, getting a few responses back but otherwise. Nothing but the swinging of swords against air.

Just what he wanted to hear.

Margulis grabbed the katana and stepped into the halls. Actually quite surprised to just catch a glimpse of the challenger running into the forested area nearby. Passing the secretary and those in the waiting room he shouldered the katana and picked up the pace to catch the black haired figure. Instantly outside that pace increased dramatically as he bull dozed down the shrubs, tiny branches, and plants in his way. Coming nearer and nearer until…

WHAM

"AGH!" Margulis dropped the scabbard before he lunged at the figure, wrapping his arms around the slender waist and forcing the longhaired being to the ground, laying comfortably on his back. Nice pillow… "Oi, Uzuki. Where do you think you're going?" Margulis smirked, his arms unwinding as he slammed the incoming fist down to the ground. Pinning his arms as well.

Jin panted heavily, his energy all but zapped as he struggled to lift the heavy figure. Margulis may move fast but he weighed a few tons. "Get off me! GET OFF!" Despite his yells Jin didn't see anything being done or moving and growled in frustration. Instead he hurled a handful of Japanese curses at Margulis , attempting to lift his arms up to take another swing.

But arms didn't want to move nor could they move.

"I aint moving till you stop and stay put. Then I'll consider it kid." Jin groaned in response and tried throwing Margulis off, turning his body side to side only able to turn his body around to face Margulis as the other man lifted just enough for one rotation. To meet eye to eye. Only instead of the glowing angry eyes some time ago, Jin was rewarded with soft slightly kinder looks. The rage and hate all but disappeared. Stopping his useless struggling against an older (and stronger) figure he relaxed, looking off to the side.

"That's better, now why the hell did you run off?" Margulis finally let go of Jin's arms "There's nothing to be ashamed about. You're one of the best fighters I've seen for years. You outclass all those other nimrods I teach, so why did you get up and go?"

Jin snarled something lifting a fist and smashing it into Margulis's face, or more distinctively, his cheek. "I was humiliated you old GEEZER!" Jin elbowed the older man in the same spot, the older man moving instinctively back and off the shorter figure. Before Jin got to his feet, hands going to a martial artist formation as he glared. Tears pricking at the ends of his eyes. Purple eyes simply watched amused as the teen before him puffed with more and more anger. All releasing like an inflated balloon.

"Humiliated? I don't know who I humiliated but it sure in the hell wasn't you." The pink haired man rubbed his cheek, a slight bruise already beginning to form. Damn that kid hit hard. "Look if I did. I'm sorry." H shrugged his shoulders, giving off a sickening crack as he rolled his tense shoulders. "Look, Uzuki…"

"Jin"

"Uzuki…"

"J-I-N"

"Uzuki…"

A sigh.

"…I want to further your gift. You have so much potential for being a swordsman. And if you allowed me to train you, you'd be a master in no time. What do you think of that?" Margulis beamed (scary, yes) as he held out a hand to Jin, watching the other lose his nerve in fighting.

"You mean like train under you?"

"Yes of course. You'll be not only my student as an example to others but also my apprentice. That way, you'll learn more than anybody has" Jin looked highly uncertain as Margulis looked expectantly at him.

"…What do I get out of it?"

"Nothing except satisfaction of becoming a skilled warrior in the art of swords. How bout it? And if you don't like it, you can go home."

Jin hesitated for a long while before his eyes drifted down to the katana, dropped to the side when Margulis had caught up to him. His eyes softened as he considered his choices. He had things to do too. But if he was only going to be a little while then nothing seemed wrong about it. He could always lie to his folks and be able to finally learn what he really wanted…no, needed in life!

"…Alright then. But only for a few months. I don't have the luxury of life like others do" he grasped Margulis's hand, squeezing tightly, "you got a deal."

"Alright then. First thing is. You'll refer to me as Sir or Master"

"Hai Tai-sa."

"No. Master or Sir"

"Hai, Tai-sa"

"MASTER OR SIR!"

"TAI-SA!"

"GAKI!"

"GEEZER!"

"NERD!"

"OLD FART!"

"RABBIT!"

"…baaaaaka"

A/N: Im sorry -waves hands- I thought i uploaded this long ago but i didnt and it just SAT comfortably in the document file...heh heh but its updated now! Next chapter will eventually come along too... (To be honest this was finished like....months ago xD)

Next Time: A few months later, its Jin's last day as an apprentice/student to Margulis. Now on a mission (for the last day) the man in question raises an opportunity Jin is quick to refuse. That's when the fatherly figure Jin had assumed was there, is shattered, and he gets the true nature of the one known as "Margulis".