Raising The Sword

Chapter Two

By the two authoresses who are INCORPORATED: aZn dReAmEr xD and xx Painful Bliss xx

Jenn (aZn dReAmEr xD): Aiight, this chapter was written by me, without any "Isabel-ifying". Next chapter, it'll be all Isabel. I hope you enjoy it! It was quite fun writing it. :)

Isabel (xx Painful Bliss xx): Nothing wrong with Isabelification, lol. Ok, well, yeah. I edited this a little, but it's pure Jenn. For those of you who read "Friends and Fame Don't Mix" (pretty much all of you...), you'll probably like it. So...yeah.

Ulrich's POV

"Ulrich, remember I was telling you about Wakamuji-sensei? That he would be your private instructor for martial arts?" Father questioned me; his hands held firmly together, as I noticed wisps of gray hair were dabbed here and there. He was aging quickly because of his never-ending stress. At least he sleeps at least 30 hours a week now. That's an improvement.

I was already clad in my black uniform, and my katana was set for me to grab. I ran my hand through my thick brown hair, exasperated.

"Yes, Father," I droned. Why did he need to know? I've seen Wakamuji-sensei. He's very healthy, and I can't imagine him getting the slightest sickness. He's only about 28.

"He will no longer be your instructor,"

"Why not?" I demanded. Wakamuji and I had gotten along great- I didn't want to transfer to an old, cranky man who would do absolutely nothing but complain all day about his back!

"He received a better job--as a doctor. Feel good for him, Ulrich. He needs a better job, he has a wife and kids." Father placed a large, sturdy hand upon my shoulder. "Do not worry, son. He recommended a former student of his. He said that his student is to be very good."

"I sure hope so." I sighed. I had been looking forward to it. Great, now I had a cranky old man with a cane as my teacher. Absolutely glorious.

"He will be here soon, I believe." Father said, furrowing his brow. "Perhaps in about… ten minutes?"

"Already? Perhaps I need more time to… impress him." I replied quickly, trying to get out of the situation. I really did not want to be taught by someone who could barely fight himself. Yes, I do know that I'm jumping to conclusions. However, I've been looking so forward to it… it was pretty hard to explain.

"No, you're fine." He assured me, knowing what I was getting it. After spending sixteen years with me, he didn't fall for these little tricks…

"What does he look like? How old is he?" I questioned.

"I don't know," he answered, shrugging his shoulders.

A knock sounded across the vast, empty room.

"Oh my, that must be Midori-san. I'm assuming the instructor has arrived." My old man commented. He paced to the door, loud footsteps echoing across the room.

"The instructor has arrived, sir." Midori-san bowed slightly before my father. He smiled, and gestured for me. I jogged briskly to her, and waved a little to Father. He shooed me off. You see, at least he trusted me to be safe now.

I grabbed my katana and followed the small maid.

"Your instructor is waiting outside," she said, as we walked out of the Japanese-style house. "The training area is far down. They will guide you there." Cherry blossoms were blooming across the few trees in the background. Beautiful Japanese flowers were blossoming beautifully already. They were exotic; never before seen by French eyes- except for Father and I- we were the first French, or so it is believed, to have ever seen such radiant, peaceful flowers. They sent a wave of calmness over my body, overflowing through me from head to toe.

She nodded at me and stepped back into the house, sliding the door closed.

I walked barefoot across the soft, vibrant green grass. I stared at the shiny metal of my sword, and almost slammed into a tree.

I turned quickly and resumed walking straight, still lost in the shininess of my new possession.

"Ahem?"

My eyes instantly snapped up, as I almost slammed into another tree. My grip on the katana tightened.

As my eyes processed what I saw before me, my grip loosened. I remembered what Father taught me. "Bow to people, it is courteous, and earns their respect."

I bowed slightly before her, as she did with me.

"Sir?" she asked sweetly. She had the most beautiful accent I've ever heard- prettier than Midori-san's. It was the voice of an angel. Her voice was more enjoying hearing than seeing the twinkling night stars in the sky. I wished to hear her sing…

"Uh- yes?" my gaze followed her body, and snapped back up to her face. She was like a perfect china doll- excluding the fact that she wore no kimono. Her hair was, as I am assuming, a little bit past her shoulder. Her sleek, shiny black hair was tied up in a neat bun; a black ribbon wrapped around tightly to insure it wouldn't fall. She wore no sandals, as it was thrown to the side. She was holding a kunai by her pointer finger. (1) Her little sack seemed hollow and empty. The girl wore boy clothing, and absolutely no make-up. Without it, she was still the prettiest girl I've ever seen.

I wasn't in love. I was just astounded by her beauty, yes? Right. I was only attracted to her sweet scent of flowers and her extraordinary loveliness.

"I am Yumi Ishiyama." She took a few steps closer to me, as I realized she was pretty tall--only an inch or two shorter.

"I am Ulrich Stern, the ambassador's son." I held out my hand, and she hesitantly took it. The feeling was warm, and spread across my body. I doubt she felt anything, or noticed that my face was slowly turning a red hue.

I reluctantly let go, as I questioned her, "What are you doing out here? I'm waiting for my instructor to come."

She raised an eyebrow. "I'm waiting for my student who is right in front of me to realize his instructor is right in front of his face."

My mouth opened wide. "You're--my instructor?" I stammered. "I…I thought my father--he said it was a 'he'. And I just assumed because usually women weren't… martial arts instructors…" I fought to regain my composure, and lessen the shock, but I was still… really surprised.

Yumi-sensei just smiled and put a hand on my shoulder. "I guess I'll be the first then. Come on, you have a lot to learn if you want to defend yourself."

As we walked, she explained some other vital things. "I don't exactly know everything there is to know about martial arts. However, I do know enough to help you. You'll need all the help you can get against this X.A.N.A. He seems like a very hard opponent from what I heard. Wakamuji-sensei once taught him. He used his extraordinary skills for evil instead of self-defense."

"Wakamuji-sensei must have been good, huh?" I commented. I didn't really mind having Yumi-sensei as my teacher though.

"Oh yes, he is an expert. For some time now, he'd wanted to be a doctor. Now he is. You should feel good for him. He worked hard to earn a living for his four children and wife."

That's precisely what Father had told me! However, now that Yumi-sensei said it… it made all the difference. I instantly felt proud that I could have had a smart, wise instructor. It doesn't make sense, does it? Nothing does anymore… especially the way I feel now as I walk closely alongside her.

"Oh… that's wonderful! His family must be most pleased." I shoved my hands into my pockets, trying to act natural. I've had to strike conversation up with people many times before. It should be a lot harder, since they're much more higher up in the social pyramid. However, I felt much more nervous than I've ever felt. Yet at the same time, I felt some mystical aura around her…

"Oh, yes!" she nodded happily. "Her children were dancing around his small house yesterday. I baby-sit for his children everyday instead of paying him his wage of teaching me to defend myself. My family is very poor, and I needed to learn how to defend them. And Wakamuji-sensei knew how much I needed this money. I am most honored to be able to teach the ambassador's son. I've learned he is very important." She grinned slightly in my direction.

"Heh…" I muttered nervously, red rising to my cheeks.

"How old are you?" I curiously questioned. As I realized my rudeness, I tried to take the question back, saying, "I'm so sorry! Please excuse my-"

"Oh, it's okay." She shrugged. "I'm fifteen. You?"

"Sixteen." I replied. "I have a younger instructor--are you sure you're up to the challenge of teaching me?"

"I'm sure I can handle it." She responded.

"How will I address you?"

"Oh, does it matter?" she asked, rolling her eyes. "You can just call me Yumi-sensei, for all I care."

"Okay."

"Oh! We are here!" Yumi-sensei exclaimed. "How would you know?" I questioned quizzically. It was the same green grass. Nothing indicated it was different.

"Do you not see that big tree?" she pointed to a large, tall tree with many branches drooping, which was in front of us. Leaves hung as if it would fall at anytime.

I nodded.

"That's an indication that we have walked a mile. This is a private place surrounded by trees in which no one really knows of. Your father had discovered this spot, and told me to bring you here where it is safe."

"He knew all along that you were a girl?" I asked incredulously. My own father...I should of known he was a liar. A pretty good one too…

"Yes, of course. He was reluctant at first, but since Wakamuji-sensei is such a well-known, good instructor and he recommended me, he decided to give it a go." She explained, whilst jumping up, and grabbing a sturdy tree branch. She did a few chin-ups.

"Well? Are you ready?" she jumped down flexibly. Her smile seemed even brighter than the Sun right then.

"Oh, sure! Of course!" I snapped out of my little daze. Her beauty was just too radiant. I had to focus, or else I would accidentally cut a tree in half.

"Well, do you know anything at all? You seem pretty athletic." Her eyes trailed down, and snapped back up. She was probably just examining to see if I got what it takes to defend myself. (Or is she…?)

"Sure, I've… learned a few tricks here and there," I replied, shrugging my shoulders as casual as possible. I didn't want to mention that I've been spying on other people's lessons. It seemed rude.

"Show me what you got." She prodded, nodding towards me. She crossed her arms, which were protected and covered by baggy sleeves.

I fumbled with my feet, and did a feeble jump kick. I don't know what happened… whenever I practiced by myself, I did it perfect. Felt the wind beneath my feet, the breeze caressing my cheek-- this time I felt nothing but a whoosh of air--and a big thud as I landed.

Yumi-sensei raised an eyebrow. "I'm guessing not much practicing?"

"Uh-yeah." I lied. I had practiced practically every day since I was ten, and began spying on other people's lessons.

"Okay, we will start with something simple." Yumi-sensei stated, twirling her kunai around with her finger professionally. She instantly made it stop.

"Watch and observe." She took the kunai expertly, and seemingly spun her wrist around and around. Then, she did some kind of "X" shape with it. She kept repeating this, doing it faster and faster until it was blurred, and I could barely see her face and her intimating eyes that stared at me.

Then her wrist stopped. Her kunai was held directly in front of her.

My heart seemed to stop beating at that instant.

I remained silent, and then managed to utter praise. "Wow. That was… extraordinary."

"It's the basics," she shrugged. "For defense. One of the first things Wakamuji-sensei taught me."

She raised her eyes to meet mine. Her beady black eyes had seemed to stare within, not at me. Her gaze seemed to pierce right through my very skin. Now, she stopped her faraway gaze and focused directly at me. "Now you try." Her soft, yet firm voice instructed.

I held my katana in front of me, and stared at it for a few seconds. I had no idea what as to do. I really was not that flexible with my wrist- or any part of me for that matter. I began to try it- but only almost twisted my wrist. Not to mention I almost cut into my skin. One little sharp slash, and there'd be a whole lot of blood.

"Oh! I almost forgot!" Yumi-sensei exclaimed. Her black hair swished back and forth as she jogged to a tree, and bent down. I couldn't see what she was looking for, as the tall grass blocked the ground from viewing point.

She rose with a thin branch, with a few leaves attached on the end. She plucked them out, and handed it to me. "It'll be safer," she assured me. "The first time I did it with my kunai, I cut myself pretty bad in the wrist. It was fairly close to a vein. Wakamuji-sensei came up with the branch idea, and I only got a few scratches afterwards. We'll see how well you understand the concept first, and if you don't, we'll backtrack a few steps."

I nodded. Staring at the rough texture of the branch, I moved my wrist to the right. Confused by this motion, and not knowing what to do, I moved my wrist back to the left. I didn't want to admit to Yumi-sensei that I didn't understand. I was stubborn, and that was exactly how I am.

After a few more moments of examining me, Yumi-sensei walked over, and took the branch. She threw it gently to the side. Then she took a breath, and walked behind me. She held her arm in front of her, and motioned for me to follow.

"You are moving your wrist in a circular motion." She explained. "Not from right to left."

She demonstrated, her wrist moving smoothly in a clock-wise direction. "You can't let your wrist move. It must stay firm, and in that place."

I concentrated in making my wrist stay where it was. It was pretty hard, since I was used to quick movement. I moved it in a slow circle.

"Good." She smiled at me.

After I did it a few more times, we went on to the sword. Not to get into much detail of it, but it was an okay first lesson. I'm still practicing with my wrist. Yumi-sensei says to not try it with my katana yet, she fears I will get injured. With it moving in such fast motion, it is very easy to hurt one's self.

As we walked back, I realized how I felt like I knew her for eternity. She listened very well, and was easy to talk to.

"I have a younger brother named Hiroki." Her eyes showed serenity and calmness. "He's four now, and still has much to learn. My parents wish for me to teach him martial arts so he can defend himself. He's sweet, but can get very annoying."

"I have no sibling. Sometimes I wish I did," I confided. "It isn't fun being locked up in my house all day with only the maids as my company…"

"You're lucky," she replied. "It's not that I dislike Hiroki, but I just wished that he left me alone… he teases me all the time about this boy, William. We're best friends, but nothing more."

"Do you… feel love towards him?" I questioned, red rising to my cheeks. I hated myself for asking, but I was curious. I deeply wished that she didn't- but why should I care? I don't like her or anything.

Yumi-sensei shrugged. "Perhaps a little, almost as if he were my older brother. Though I do believe he has feelings for me. My parents like William, and are telling me to give him a chance. They tell me to go somewhere nice with him. Get to know him better and perhaps get married and have children."

My stomach tightened into a big knot. I stuffed my left hand into my pocket, as they clenched with envy. Wait...envy? No, definitely not the right word… My other hand was also clenched, but on my katana.

"And what do you think of this?"

"I definitely disapprove… I love William as a brother. I can't imagine him as anything more."

My grip loosened with relief. "I see. We're here!"

We halted in front of my rather large house. I didn't want her to leave- we only met twice a week. I wouldn't see her for two more days.

"Do you… wish to stay for dinner?" I questioned her, blushing. I clasped my hands behind my back, as I looked down.

She smiled and shook her head. "I'd love to, but I have to baby sit Hiroki tonight. If by any chance, you would like to come and stay, we certainly won't mind. We have an extra bedroom."

I brightened. Perhaps Father would let me! Though knowing Father, he would probably question me why. "Wait here, I'll go ask Father."

I quickly slid the back door open and rushed in, looking for Father. I found Midori-san sweeping the floor, while humming a Japanese tune. "Do you know where Father is?" I questioned.

"Oh, I do believe he is taking a bath… I'm not certain though. I think Nami-san would know, she prepared his bath."

"Thank you," I called, as I ran up the hollow steps. Each step creaked with all the pressure I put on it as I ran up.

"Father!" I knocked rapidly on the bathroom door.

I could hear his carefree voice as he sang loudly. It was the only place where he wasn't paranoid--in the shower.

" Ulrich, is that you?"

"Yes."

"How was your lesson?"

"Marvelous. May I go to my instructor's house? We're… uh, going to practice a bit more."

I could almost feel the slight frown in his face as he answered, "Sure, but be careful. At dark, there are many things lurking about."

"Thank you, Father!" I smiled to myself, and rushed out the door before Father grew paranoid again and forbid me to go.

Yumi's POV
I waited patiently, my eyes viewing the lovely place. I hadn't expected someone like Ulrich, to say the least… I was thinking of someone who was ugly, selfish, and snotty. Well, I really couldn't blame myself. His father was rich, and very important.

But Ulrich… he was anything but that.

He was handsome, and kind. He was eager to learn, that's for sure. His eyes were like swirling amber whirlpools that had an amazing depth. When I placed my hands upon his, I received a strange, tingling sensation that made me feel warm and cold--like I was coming down with something.

Please, I really didn't want to get sick. Not now, please, this was the worst of times. I just started teaching him, if I got sick, then I wouldn't be able to help support my family. Inviting Ulrich to dinner is only courteous, right? There's absolutely no other reason.

I didn't know what my sickness was, but I know almost all the sicknesses around this place. All of them didn't lead up to my symptoms--achy head, pounding heart, warm and cold feeling--I didn't remember any of this. I was sure that Mother would find out though. She was an expert--Hiroki was sickness-prone.

Just then, I saw my panting, well toned, handsome, athletic… oh my god. His muscles are to die for in a guy… I have to tell Aelita.

Wait. I'm getting out of topic. I've never acted like this before. Another symptom--constant ramble.

Well, anyway, my student jogged out, and excitedly told me he could go.

"Great!" I forced a smile. Our house was tidy, yes. However, with my parents and Hiroki there- who knew what could happen.

Let's just say, Parents plus Hiroki equals major emotional destruction.

"All right, my house is only about a mile away." I informed.

"A mile? Father never let me run a mile. He said it was too far. I had to run in circles across the lawn several times to get exercise--not to mention running around the house all day. That's certainly exercise."

"Then I must get a lot of exercise." I began jogging at a brisk pace, with Ulrich right alongside me.

"You don't want to run?" he asked, a bit surprised.

"Sure." I grinned wholeheartedly at him. "I'll race. Whoever loses has to set the table."

Ulrich made a face at me. "But I'm the Ambassador's son!" he joked.

I stuck my tongue out at him. "Are you on or not?"

"Fine, fine."

"… Go!" I took off. I didn't run that fast yet, I would need my energy when I beat him.

I'll admit I had a small head start. But Ulrich was fast. In less than five seconds, he had raced past me, and was already a few yards ahead.

"I've had to set the table too many times already!" I hollered after him teasingly.

"I'm going to wiiinnnn!" he yelled back in a singsong voice, making him sound five.

All right. This is the time where I beat him. My house was only a small figure in the distance. I smiled warmly at the thought of the fresh, boiled green tea waiting for me at home. The moment immediately diminished as I thought of Hiroki making fun of having my student over for dinner. Wonderful, huh?

Ulrich turned his head to glance at me, his devilish smirk only encouraged me to run at a fastened pace. He mouthed something incoherently to me, as I stared at him in complete confusion. He just shook his head at me, and turned his head, his ruffled brown hair blowing slightly in the wind. His well-toned arms continued to move back and forth as we neared my small house.

The boy didn't know what had hit him. In only a matter of seconds, I had zoomed into the house, with only a small ounce of energy. As he slowly entered my house, he nearly dropped onto the ground, his jaw opening with every millisecond.

Ulrich P.O.V.

Her smile almost glowed- even if it was in a slightly taunting way. "Ready to set the table?" she teased, placing a slender hand on my shoulder.

I grunted, knowing my face had "DEFEATED" written all over it. I reluctantly took the chopsticks and placed them neatly on the small and simple wooden table. It was a big contrast to my usual 5-yard long table back at home. Being the ambassador's son almost meant being hopelessly spoiled, as much as I hated to admit it.

Sighing, I wiped my sweaty, perspiring face on my black uniform, and took off the shirt. I used the shirt to wipe away all the sweat, and my hair, which was practically soaked.

Yumi-sensei stared at me with an eyebrow raised.

"Uh-" I stammered, quickly shoving my shirt back on. "Heh, sorry."

"Oh, you don't have to," Yumi-sensei shook her head. "All the boys around this area always does it. Only when they see me though, apparently. With any other girl, they don't do it. I have no idea what's wrong with them…"

"Oh… I see…" Was she really this oblivious? I wasn't doing it for the same reason, but for the reason I was sweaty.

"So you can take it off, I'm accustomed to it." She shrugged her shoulders.

"Nah, I'm fine now." I replied, tugging the shirt down to prove it.

As I watched Yumi-sensei move about, she had a strange look on her face.

She was thinking about something, but I didn't know what. Since she told me it was okay, then, I shouldn't be worrying, right? But that look on her face indicated to me something was going on. I shooed the thought away, and told myself nothing was wrong. I focused my eyes on something different.

Her pearl-white teeth amazed me, as her smile seemed to shine right through me. The Tooth Fairy must adore her… her prettiness plus white teeth? This girl would most definitely be implored to have as a wife of someone's son.

She tugged at my arm, sighing. The girl looked up at me and taunted, "You're such a sore loser…"

"I am not!" I moved my arm, and got away from her light grasp, trying to defend my pity self. "I am not a sore loser, if you ask me, I'm a VERY gracious loser!" I huffed, and grabbed the chopsticks from her, and daintily placed them on the table, as to prove my point.

She sighed, and shoved all five pairs of chopsticks to the side of the small table, put five small, lightly decorated bowls on different parts of the table, and set the chopsticks on top of the bowls. She gestured towards the bowls, and shook her head.

"You're such a pampered little brat." She waved her hand at me.

"Nuh-uh!" I growled, glaring.

"Well then you're spoiled with your little maids," she replied haughtily. "I'm going to get my mother and Hiroki. Set the table while I'm gone."

"Yes, your Royal Highness," I muttered, defeated.

She muttered something incoherently, as she bounded down the hallway, and made a right. I stared at her retreating form, and grumbled.

"This will be a wonderful dinner, I'm sure…"

A/N:

(1) Kunai--A sort of knife. Made of iron. At the end of the kunai knife there's a small loop so the person using it can throw it with one finger. The handle is usually wrapped in cloth for a grip. The blade is 3 dimensional (a.k.a. not flat like a sword) and sort of diamond-shaped, ending in a relatively sharp point. In ancient times, it was a gardening/farming tool, so everyone (even poor people) had one. However, it was commonly believed to be used as a weapon. We'll go with the weapon part for this story.

JENN: Review please! It took a while to write 8 pages! Heh. Next chapter will be the dinner, more weapon-training, and blah. All of Isabel's work, so enjoy it!

Isabel: Ja, I think you'll enjoy this. This is all Jenn, next will be me, then Jenn, and so on. Read and review please, it'll make us both happy. Oh, and holy crap, this is 12 pages after the author's notes and editing. xD

REVIEW! (Yes, this is from the both of us!)

--aZn DrEaMeR xD

--xx Painful Bliss xx