mischievious-lil-kitsune - They won't give me cake either!
sokkenai - Thanks! You know whose coming up now don't ya!
RobinIV - (Winces) Kumo's prowess isn't going to be seen for a while, I'm afraid.
Two bigger characters intro'd in this chapter. I love both of them!
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Excitement built in Kumo's chest as he sat with the families of those who were gathered; across the clouds, Kumo's eyes met Kiri's and the older brother winked. Masking his excitement, Kumo sat rigidly with his hands in his lap; besides him a woman in dull green sat with a handkerchief in her hand, she looked down towards him and her eyes lightened with a smile. "I suppose that will be you in a few years, little one." She said in warm tones that Kumo felt instantly at ease with.
"I hope so, ma'am."
His polite reply seemed to deepen her smile, "If you are willing then it will be," She told him. "Who is it you watch today?"
"My brother, he's the one in crimson."
"Kiri?"
"Yes ma'am, is your son or daughter out there?"
The smile vanished from her eyes, "No," Her tones were even but her grip on the handkerchief had tightened. "I taught a few of those out there, including your brother," The smile returned as she looked towards him. "He used to leave my classes early to be home in time for you, he cares for you very much." Feeling tight in his throat, Kumo nodded in reply.
"Do you know whose been chosen?"
"Yes I do, but I am not going to tell you."
"Oh,"
The woman gave a warm laugh, her hand going to his arm, "Your about to find out, little one." She said, "You hide how excited you are very well, your father would be proud." He looked up at her, wanting to question her but was cut off.
A figure in rich yellow moved forwards, gaining silence as she took her place in front of the gathered students. "Today, it is my great pleasure to announce the masters for the class behind me." She announced in a grand voice, in a funny way, she reminded Kumo of his mother. "Whilst each here has shown his or her skill in making it this far, it is my duty with the assistance of the board to select two to act as masters."
Anxiety rising in his chest, Kumo's hand clenched into a fist at his side and the woman beside him put her hand on his, squeezing it slightly. "The two young fighters selected have caught the eye of the board collectively, were tested and today stand ready to show their skill. If the first would demonstrate."
Sukoru moved forwards, his blue toned Maken drawn into a ready position; Kumo found himself fighting the urge to laugh now that he knew about Sukoru's hair. Yet, his jaw soon dropped as he watched the blinding demonstration of skill Sukoru provided. "He's good," Kumo breathed, it had been a long time since he had watched the fast accuracy of someone well versed in sword skills.
The woman besides him gave a slight snort, "He is not finishing his strokes, thanks to his nerves." She commented mildly, as if she were in some way allowed to say this. "And he was never anywhere as talented as the display you are about to see, White Cloud."
Sukoru saluted with his sword, gaining applause and muted cheers from those gathered. The woman in yellow moved forwards again, calling forth the next student; Kumo closed his eyes, looking away and the woman besides him smiled. "If you want to see the true skill of a master then you should open your eyes,"
Slowly his eyes crept open, instantly widening as he watched his brother move through the difficult strokes of the Kata he needed. The awe inspired younger boy felt like he was watching a dance as Kiri moved, his every move seeming effortless. "Your brother fights a lot like your father used to," His companion murmured, "Even a mistaken move looks like it should be."
When Kiri drew his sword into a salute the cheers were more apparent but Kumo could not find his voice to celebrate his brothers skills. The woman in yellow moved to stand between the two young men, "I give you Nokonno Sukoru and Beniirono Kiri." Was her grand statement which gained more cheers from those gathered.
The assembled students were soon released to their families, Kiri took a little time to reach the pair, his journey interrupted by a lot of the other students. He reached them as soon as he could, eyes finding the boy in white very easily and a smile lit his eyes as he saw the woman in green. "Swordsmistress Izumi," He greeted with a bow, drawing shocked green eyes to the woman who had sat at Kumo's side.
Only now did he notice the blade across her back, Izumi gave a small chuckle, "Don't seem so shocked young one," Izumi said, eyes filled with happiness. "And give your big brother the hug I know your trying to hold back."
He leapt to his feet, grabbing his brother in a big hug as Kiri squatted to hug him back. "That was amazing!" He cheered, holding his brother tightly, "You looked great out there!"
Kiri chuckled slightly, hugging Kumo back, "Thanks Kumo." He released his brother, standing for a little while before moving to sit beside Izumi, Kumo sitting next to him moments later.
"A seamless display Kiri," Izumi complimented, she seemed to be quite proud of what her student had done. "I was right to fight their decision," Kumo looked towards Izumi, wondering what she meant by this; why would Kiri need her to fight the decision to make him a master? "The board were worried that you had too much responsibility already, without being a master. But I can see now that you see Kumo as far more then that."
A fond smile lightened Kiri's eyes as he looked towards Kumo, who grinned back in reply. "We look after each other," He told her. "Everyone assumes that it's me looking after Kumo but it works both ways." He looked out across the clouds, "I've lost count of the times that Kumo's fed me when I couldn't be bothered, or I was training late. Or made sure that I bathe my bruises."
"We're a team,"
With a half chuckle, Kiri looked towards his brother and nodded. "Yes we are," He agreed, "And this team is going home for a celebratory meal, courtesy of the takeaway people." He looked towards Izumi as he stood, Kumo matching him. "Would you care to join us? I owe you more then I can repay for training me for today."
Izumi gave a small chuckle, "You owe me very little Kiri," She replied, standing to rest a hand on his shoulder. "But if I may, I shall join you." Her eyes went to Kumo, who was looking at Kiri, admiration and respect clear in his eyes. "And maybe I can decide whether of not I want to train your brother,"
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Kumo remembered that meal well, Izumi had watched him work through the basic Kata before they had eaten. Izumi had been a near constant in the swordsman's life since then. When he had achieved the rank of master himself, Izumi and Kiri had watched him and his spirit had soared amongst the clouds; it was hard to look back and realise now that they would both be dead within three years.
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TBC