Chapter 6

Trials of the Soul Part 3

Disclaimer: I don't own this series or any other series. I am just floating an idea. I am making no money, nor plan to, off this venture. If you think of suing me over this, then grow up.

I would like to first personally thank all of those reviewing my stories. I enjoy reading your comments, and try to correct the grammatical errors I miss with my final read-through as well as my spell checkers. The suggestions you all make will help make this story better for everyone to enjoy, as well as allow my to fix some plot holes I may unintentionally leave. If you find any, let me know, and I will correct them and repost the chapters.

I find that if I let thinks sit for a while in my head; I can play them out farther. Plus by trying and keeping my chapters between 2500 and 3000 words, it helps keep me from making the story slide out of control, turning a diamond to a pile of shit.

Words done in bold like this are the spoken words of the Hina sword. For the moment, I will not give it the ability for inner monologue.

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The once quiet sounds in the forests outside of Hinata were gone; now replaced with the sounds of Urashima Keitaro, performing the sword attacks that the sword itself had taught him. Despite how much ki was demanded by each attack, he continued to press on.

"I am stronger than I was before." Keitaro landed from a high jump, slashing a boulder in half.

You must use this strength to protect the ones you car for, to defend them from the strong enemies that will come.

"I am faster than I was before." He then made several sharp cuts with his sword, causing a dead tree to turn into nothing more than kindling.

With this speed, you can defeat your enemies quickly, staving off their chances to game a quick victory by causing suffering to your friends.

"I am more balanced than I was before." He followed up the attack on the tree by performing several mid-air flips; before landing face down in a puddle of mud.

There are even some things my powers cannot help you with. Get used to it.

Keitaro looked up from the mud, and began laughing at his situation. He had been training non-stop since lunch, the sword given him encouragement, teaching him how to harness his true feelings to provide the power to his attacks. The skills he was now showing should have taken years, if not decades for him to master, but the Hina sword had simply downloaded these skills into him. All he needed to do now was to practice, to make them his own.

"OK, one more thing and then we're done for the day. I need you to create the Tsuruko illusion again."

Why?

"I need to find out where I stand against her."

I could tell you.

"But it won't let me get a feel for her fighting style. I need to practice against her, especially since I will have to face her sooner or later for Motoko to return to the Shinmeiryuu."

As you wish then, master. But be warned, you will feel her blows as if they are real. I shall reduce the strength and speed so as to bring it into proportion with your own at this moment. I doubt you will learn much of anything if she defeats you while you are exhausted. Is this OK?

"Let's do it."

Keitaro's eyes lost focus for a moment, before the image of Tsuruko appeared before him, sword in hand. Let's see how well I can do against her. And thus in the forest outside of Hinata, a shadow battle began.

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Keitaro stood in the stream, washing the dirt and sweat off his body. He looked over to his supplies on the river bank. His workout clothes hung from a tree branch, fresh from their turn in the stream, drying in the wind and sun. The Hina Sword stood besides the tree; it too would have looked fresh and polished, had it not been put in its sheath.

He dove under the water to wash the last of the soap and shampoo off him, enjoying the coldness of the river as it seemed to revitalize his stiff muscles. Even though he had spent many hours practicing with the sword, learning the moves of its first previous owner, learning to control his hatred for Tsuruko, learning how to channel his love for the women of Hinatasou for his true power, he still felt full of energy. At that moment, he felt he could take on the world and win.

But he knew better than to try his luck. The false Tsuruko, even brought down to match his strength due to his exhaustion from training, had only needed less than five minutes to defeat him. That isn't bad. I lasted five minutes against her. Our last battle never made it past four minutes and all I did then was just lob bombs at her while Motoko attacked with a broken sword.

You skills have improved much. Be grateful that you have learned so much so fast. But know that the training is still far from complete. Tsuruko is skilled in the way of her style. Despite what Motoko may believe, being married did not weaken her at all, or make her give up the way of the Shinmeiryuu; in fact she practiced all the more. Even if she challenges you at the end of the three days for Motoko to be accepted back into the school, it is doubtful you can win, even with my help and power.

"I know," said Keitaro, coming ashore and drying himself. He reached inside his bag, grabbing a fresh set of clothes and deodorant. "I know I cannot hope to master a multitude of styles and skills in three days. I know that as I am now, I still cannot defeat her. But I also know that I must try my best to defeat her if the opportunity arises. I cannot let them down again. If she offers a challenge, I will delay it till you believe I am ready, or until I believe Motoko cannot stand being without her school. This is all I know for certain anymore."

"Shall we come here tomorrow and train some more?" He had finished packing his things, ready to make the trek back into town.

No, your body needs to rest and adapt to what has happened to it today. You must spend time with your wife tomorrow. You must show her the love that gives her strength. If you spend all your time out here, she may become depressed again. She needs you now more than you need to challenge Tsuruko.

He was not going to disagree with the sword. He knew how fragile Motoko was right now, how she was struggling to identify herself in this new world she was thrusted into. I just hope me not being there in the morning didn't upset her so much. I know the letters were the best I could do, but still, I really wish I had stayed with her.

With that thought, he left his training grounds, and headed towards the market. He still owed Su at least ten pounds of bananas. And he owed the girls of Hinatasou a nice, long talk.

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Naru looked up from the book on her table, finally acknowledging that studying wasn't going to be something she would get done today. Ever since she had left Motoko to finish up her new room, she had been in here, trying to focus on her studies to stop herself from crying. But her concentration wasn't with her anymore. She just kept thinking back to the wedding ceremony, imagining herself standing up to Tsuruko, claiming Keitaro as her own. But even her imagination failed her, and no matter how hard she screamed in her mind to stop them, no one heard her. She had even taken to attacking the participants, only to see her dream hands pass through them. "I guess even in my dreams, I can't admit my true feelings."

But he could. He told me that he loved me, and I ran away. When Tsuruko announced their price for failure, I still didn't admit how I felt.

But he could. He knew how I felt. And still he pursued me. No matter how many times I hit him, allowing my jealousy to prevent me from seeing the innocence of what had happened; he still had feelings for me.

He still does.

She held the letter in her hands, the tears once again falling down her face. Idiot, he spends over a year here, trying to get into Tokyo U, and now he finally learns how to say the right things at the right time.

"Myuh!"

Naru looked up, to see Tama-chan floating in front of her, a Kleenex in her flipper. "Thank you Tama-chan." She took the Kleenex and wiped away her tears. "Do you think everything will be OK for all of us?"

"Myuh myuh!" replied the floating hot spring turtle, bobbing its head in a yes movement.

"Thank you Tama-chan." She finished wiping her eyes, before standing up, trying to force the stiffness through from her legs. "Let's go get some dinner. I'm starving."

The hot spring turtle landed on her head as she went out of the room, checking her clothes to make certain that she looked somewhat presentable.

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Motoko had spent the day with her new sempai, Shinobu. She felt somewhat better about herself, helping make a clean up after the good meal served at lunch, helping Shinobu with the laundry, and even doing some of the cleaning that Keitaro had planned for today.

But the thought of her new husband did bring her down a little. Why am I so sad? Shinobu does this every day and it seems to bring her so much joy.

I know this isn't the first time I have done this stuff. I know I definitely overreacted the last time; to the point where I ran away and Keitaro had to come and find me.

He cares for us all so much.

He cares for me.

He would never hurt me.

But why do I feel so hurt thinking about him?

Because he blames himself is why; because each one of us wants to accept the blame for this, and not let the other feel sad; because part of me feels like I stole him from Naru; because...because...because some small part of me feels unworthy of his compassion, of his...love.

She stopped thinking as she began to chop the vegetables that Shinobu needed for dinner tonight; not wanting to accidentally cut herself. "Is this the correct way Shinobu?"

The blue haired girl looked over at her, and then began examining the vegetables. "They're great Motoko-sempai. Soon you'll be a better cook than me."

Motoko managed a smile, knowing the young girl was trying to make her feel better. She moved onto mixing some more food while Shinobu set about getting the vegetables ready to be put into the stew. She is so confident about herself in these areas, almost like I was with the way of the sword. I know I can learn much from her, but I doubt I will ever take this much enjoyment from it as she does.

Keitaro, I know you have faith in me. I know you want me to be strong, to not give up, to live, even if I cannot be a warrior. For you I will try my best, I will make you proud to call me wife. I am already proud to call you husband.

"Sempai, is the batter done?"

Motoko came out of her thoughts, looking at the contents in the bowl. "I believe so Shinobu, but I do wish for your expert opinion."

I will not fail you Keitaro.

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Keitaro was walking up the road to Hinatasou, his pack somewhat heavier with Su's bananas. He had no doubt that as soon as he got near Hinatasou, the young foreign girl would magically appear on his back, the bananas replaced with her weight, and her appetite as the fruit disappeared in a flash. He knew he would have to talk to her, to make certain she didn't feel abandoned.

He would have to have another talk with Shinobu, to make certain that Motoko was learning from her last attempt to try and be a normal girl, though no girl that lived at Hinatasou was ever normal. He would also have to make certain that the young girl did not have any problems with the new development in their lives. Shinobu was extremely sensitive, and he had no doubt that the young girl would need someone to talk to.

He would have to talk with Mitsune, and hope that she had been able to talk to Naru, find out how she was dealing with everything. Though she put on a brave front, even Keitaro saw that the young woman had deep thoughts and feelings, even if she wanted everyone to thing she was a harmless flirt. But he did consider Mitsune a great friend, even when she acted like her nickname to get out of rent or swindle some money for some sake. He felt tonight, even he may share a bottle or three with her.

Naru. They had hardly spoken yesterday. He knew she would need to be the longest talk. He had told her in the letter that he knew how she truly felt, and that was certain to raise some issues with her. He had no idea if Motoko had informed her that she should try and move on, but if the stories a drunken Kitsune had told him about Naru's crush on Seta were any guide, it would be a difficult journey for the young girl. Still, he would not forsake her, even for his own happiness.

Motoko. He would need to talk to her about her day, to find out how she was really doing, really feeling. He needed to look into her eyes, and see if the fire was there from the kendo girl who used to send him flying through walls with her ki attacks. Of course he knew that now since he knew how to defend against and deflect such attacks, like all things with preparation, it would never come. He thought for a moment to 'accidentally' do something perverted in front of her, but knew she might simply accept it, and bring him sadness at how he had acted in front of her. I will try to be the man you are proud to call husband.

It was then that he noticed how close he was to Hinatasou, as well as the fact that he now saw a young girl standing in front of the stairs, looking unsure as to whether or not see belonged there. She seems so familiar, I wonder who she is?

Idiot, are you telling me you do not recognize your own sister?

Keitaro was about to yell at the sword for calling him an idiot, but as he stared at the girl, he recognized her, he could see his sister in her. "Kanako, long time no see."

"Onii-san?" The girl turned towards him, the cat on her shoulder now coming into view. She looked at him, trying to see if it really was her brother. Once she recognized his face, she ran to him, wrapping her arms around him as much as possible, considering the backpack and bananas he now carried. "Onii-san, it's great to see you again." She tried not to cry, but she lost the battle as the tears came flowing out.

Keitaro returned her hug, trying to ignore the stiffness that was seeping into his muscles. I guess I'll need to use the hot springs after dinner. "What are you doing here Kanako? I thought you were touring around with Grandma Hina? Not that I am upset to see you or anything?"

She looked into his eyes, tears still running down her face. "I heard from Aunt Haruka that you were married. Is it true?"

Keitaro looked down at his sister, not quite knowing why she had so much hurt in her eyes, assuming it had something to do with her lonely childhood. "It's true, but it is a very long story. How about I tell fill you in on it after dinner? We can use the hot springs and I can fill you in on everything that's happened to me here."

"OK onii-san." With that the two walked up the stairs, not noticing Haruka, hiding behind the door to her tea house, afraid that Kanako might see her. "Well Keitaro, I guess even your life can get more interesting." She quickly lit a cigarette after making certain the two were far enough away. That'll teach me to not say that at least things can't get any worse.

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If I messed anything up, then let me know including typos.

Any suggestions on how I should continue the story or improve it would also be accepted.