Disclaimer: Don't own no bishie boys... oh well...
A/N: So it's Friday again, and that means it's time for this next chapter! So, I hope you all enjoyed the last chapter. This chapter won't have quite as much action but is important all the same. Enjoy!
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Of Age and Era
Chapter 2: The Worst Samurai
The morning sun shone brightly across the fields. The palace lands extended for miles. The walls ran along dry fields in the summer heat, to the edge of the distant mountains that lay as hills upon the landscape view of the castle windows. The sweeping area around the castle kept it far from the villages of the kingdom; it took nearly two days' travel to reach the nearest town. Although it was quite easy to reach the palace, the house of royalty still offered some protection from its moat, but the lack of security only reflected the peace that every inhabitant of the kingdom enjoyed.
The palace presented beauty and richness that gave any onlooker a sense of wonder. Well-kept gardens bestowed a sweet perfume to the rock-lined corridors and provided shade to any person who wished to rest outside on a pleasing summer's day. Marble statues from distant lands finalized the palace's picturesque terrain. Courtyards and ponds were included between the castle walls.
In one courtyard, a group of samurai trained. They were young and rooky samurai knights. At the moment, however, they were standing, waiting, as one young teen stood at the front of the group, before the teacher. His name was Takao Kinomiya. He had blue hair and brown eyes. At the moment, he was very tense and staring at the ground.
"Kinomiya, are you listening to me? You must try harder. See," the instructor held up his sword, "keep your arms straight and strike. Don't be lazy."
"Yes master Shishido," answered Takao. He bowed and turned back to the rest of the group, resuming his position within it. A few snickers were heard but ignored by the teacher; this was too often an occurrence to matter.
"Now, continue," the teacher instructed. "One and two and three..." Takao swiped his wooden sword forward again and again, feeling like he was accomplishing nothing. It had been decided for him when he was born to the Kinomiyas that he would become a samurai knight, a protector for the royal family.
"Nice going," Takao heard whispered from the right. "Think you can do anything right?" the voice scoffed.
"So how many times have you screwed up now?" another voice mimicked the childish one of the first.
Takao was used to this type of ridicule, but it never made any of it any easier. He held his temper knowing it would just get him in more trouble. Nevertheless, despite his efforts, Takao had let his emotion show enough to let his sword shake.
"Takao," the instructor yelled in exhaustion, "concentrate!" More snickers came from his sides. Takao could do nothing but hope that the lesson would not last much longer.
And at last, the lesson finished and the group of future samurai knights headed for break. As Takao left, he received more snide remarks from his peers. That evening, Takao returned to his quarters were he lived with his grandfather, the 'Great Kinomiya' as he was called. Takao snuck in and collapsed on his bed. He was happy to see that his grandfather wasn't there. No doubt, somebody had told Ojisan about the lesson that day and his failure, and Takao knew Ojisan would lecture him for it.
"You're two minutes late," a voice spoke out surprising Takao. Takao jumped up to see Ojisan staring at him from near the doorway. He had disappointment across his face.
"Ah, come on, it was only two minutes," Takao pleaded.
"And punctuality is an important part of becoming a skilful samurai. I have told you that already thirty eight separate times." Takao sighed. "Listen, you must try harder or you'll never achieve anything. Takao, I'm beginning to think that nothing can penetrate that thick skull of yours. You've got to get in the game or you'll die."
Takao muttered an apology at his lack of endeavour and started to turn away.
"Takao, heed my words!" His grandfather said harshly. Takao snapped his eyes back to Ojisan immediately. Ojisan drew his sword and thrust it before Takao. "The Dragoon is powerful but cannot protect the life of a fool! Only your ability and heart together will guide the Dragoon to victory. Remember that!"
The sword in front of Takao was old but sharp. The blade was honed and ready for battle. It seemed to hum with a power and thirst for the fight. On the hilt, a small emblem of a dragon was carved, life-like and sly-looking. The name of the dragon was Dragoon, lending his name to that of the sword, the Great Dragoon Sword. It was a well-known sword of the Kinomiya family, passed down from generation to generation. It had mystical powers and its holder had never yet been defeated. It was said that the dragon itself would appear in battle to fight the enemy.
Now, however, it lay in the hands of a samurai deemed to be the greatest of the times. But Kinomiya was aging and soon would die of old age. His only heir was his grandson, Kinomiya Takao, who at the present time, was not deserving of his surname. Years before, Takao's father and true heir of the Dragoon Sword was defeated in battle. Ever since, Kinomiya has wished Takao to become a great samurai, and he had the potential skills to achieve that but he lacked the effort.
And recently, Kinomiya was having premonitions of a pending death. This worried him. He looked at his grandson with sorrow and anticipation. He had always guided Takao and taught him to fight unlike other samurai: with the strength of compassion. Yet Takao never showed any keenness to excel as a samurai and it was that that gave Kinomiya a fright for him. When Kinomiya died, Takao would automatically inherit the Dragoon Sword and there were many samurai who would like nothing more than to get their hands on it. Takao would not last long after Kinomiya's death unless Takao became an accomplished samurai.
Kinomiya watched Takao innocently setting his bed for the night. He cared about his grandson with all his heart, but he didn't know for how much longer he would be able to watch over him.
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Night fell; a moonless, ominous night. An uproar stormed the castle. Kinomiya dressed and gathered his sword in a rush and hurried to the door, leaving the sleeping Takao alone. He rushed through the hallways and reached the princess' room. The samurai knights on duty were there trying to force their way in. It was no use. Kinomiya called to Arakawa and Yamada, whom were there as well. They continued down the hallway and exited a window by the princess' room. Climbing along the side of the castle, they reached Hiromi's window and entered.
Elsewhere, Takao Kinomiya slept soundly, unaware that he would soon be the sole owner of the Dragoon Sword, and that he would lose the only person who still believed in him.
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Hope it was a fun read. So, tell me what you think so far. The next chapter will be called The Morning After. Don't forget to review! Till next time!
- Fey Phantom