Chapter 4 - Hidden Abilities

The wind blew chaotically, almost completely in-tune with Keitaro's inner being as he waits for Motoko to arrive. Thinking back, he realizes that for once, he feels free, free, not from the others or anyone else, but from himself. Before he has time to contemplate, Motoko arrives as well as the other girls. Naru and Motoko looked annoyed and condescendingly at Keitaro, while Shinobu, Sara, Su, and Kitsune wore guilty expressions.

Motoko approached Keitaro as the girls go and take their seats by the balcony. In Motokos hand is her family sword. In Keitaros hand is a straight metal blade with a polished wooden handle. Motoko laughs mockingly at Keitaro and daunts him, "Are you sure you can handle this Urashima." This surges Keitaros anger and he beckons her on. "C'mon then." He dares. Motoko, furious with him, charges in blindly and swipes. Keitaro quickly blocks, and rolls away from the attacks with ease. This only causes Motoko to become even more infuriated than she already is. She turns preparing for a few volleys. Keitaro blocks everysingle attack and soon decides to attack.

On the sidelines, the others watch in utter amazement as Keitaro dodges and parries with a fast stab that forces Motoko back into defensive. The weird thing about it was that Motoko looked as if she was already having a hard time, while Keitaro had yet to even move his left hand. "Where did sempai learn that Ms. Mitsune?" "I think he always knew how to fight Shinobu. He just didn't want to hurt anyone."

The battle raged on and on as Motoko was forced to take on the defensive and barely had time to counter Keitaros attacks let alone launch one of her own. She backed up, looking for an opening of any kind. Keitaro didn't even notice, he kept on attacking with more and more vigor, finally allowing himself to be free. He barely saw the blade coming downwards or the blast of ki spiraling towards his abdomen. Taking the hit full on, Keitaro flew a few feet back, but landed on his feet.

The girls gasped as the saw Keitaro take the hit. No matter how much they pretended, all of them cared about Keitaro and were sorry for what they had put him through.The silently watched as the smoke cleared and the saw Keitaro stil standing, slightly dazed but otherwise unaffected.

Rasing his sword in the air, Keitaro pulled a bit of hi ki onto the tip, only about 15% of his total strength. Rushing forwards, he brought his sword down in front of Motoko sending his ki ball hurtling towards the still worn Motoko. She tried to avoid it, but she was still too tired to move and took a direct hit. Smoke engulfed the rook and only silence reigned as everyone waited for the smoke to clear. Once it did, it revealed Keitaro standing over a kneeling Motoko, his sword blade inches from her throat. He sighed, removed the sword and help Motoko up. "Are you okay?" he asked in a quiet voice. "Yes Urashima I am fine. I would . like to apologize for my behavior.and attitude. I should not have used such attacks on an innocent like you. I have been foolish and ignorant.I..I.hope.th.that.you.might.fo.forgive us.someday." She admitted, choking on her last words. Keitaro smiled a small smile and walked away, finally happy to be free.

While the girls finished gawking, Keitaro continued to walk away, but not before reminding them; "You better get some sleep. You leave tomorrow at noon." "LEAVE!" "No, no not like that. My aunt Haruka is coming to pick you guys up tomorrow for the beachhouse again." A collective sigh could be head from the roof of Hinata Sou. "Wait, what do you mean 'you guys'?" "I mean that I'm staying here in Hnata Sou to clear up some things." "Like." "Doesn't matter, have fun!" And without any further speculation, Keitaro disappeared into the dorms, hoping that they didn't leave the inn just because of his tirade.

Next Morning

Naru woke up from a troubled sleep and stumbled around looking for her glasses. Finding them, she quickly put them on and went about packing her clothes. It was a quiet yet needlessly complicated process {89-for reasons which I shall not indulge in} The same was true for any of the other residents. Shinobu, who had cried herself to sleep, was packing quickly, not caring what she packed, but trying to stop the tears. Motoko woke up very sore and in desperate need of Tylenol. She too stumbled along her room, packing as little as she could. Kitsune was in her room trying to get over the horrible hangover that has become common place for her now. Keitaro, for once, was not yelling or get punched down the stairs, in fact, he was nowhere to be found. A knock on the main door, interrupted their thoughts. Coming down the girls brought their luggage with them. Haruka, along with Seta, stood at the door, behind them was Seta's van, the crash-mobile. "Where is my nephew?" The girls flinched at the question, none more so than Motoko. "Sempai said he'd come by later, but he had somethings to do." Shinobu explained meekly.

The girls plus Seta, got into the car and headed off. Haruka, fifteen minutes into the drive informed the girls about a special event being held halfway through summer. "They call it a Fugsaki Tournament. As I understand it, all the warrior families have one big tournament in between themselves. The two strongest in each family will progress to the semi finals, and from there, three will be chosen to face the fighting gods in the finals. Not gods, persay, but the ultimates in fighting. As I understand Motoko, your sister signed you up, she is also joining. Su, your sister is one of the ultimates, isn't she?" "Yup!" came the energetic response. The girls had now gotten excited and were eager to learn more. "Who are the other families?" Naru asked.

"Well the Aoymas are one, the Testyukya, the Kadashi, the Meilain, the Gishibuto, the Dijabouta, and finally the Urashimas. Each family has ten participants, and the first round eliminations are set to begin in five days on Aoi island. I got us tickets. Actually Seta got them, considering he is an ultimate." "WHAT!" "Who would have thunk it." Haruka sarcastically replied. Naru was, once again, swooning over Seta. Just like she used to, noted Kitsune bitterly. The car continued it's ride into the sun.