Disclaimer: I do not own Digimon, Yu Yu Hakusho, Sailor Moon, or Yu-Gi-Oh. I do not own some of the OCs in this series, including borrowed from Belletiger, LazerWulf, Ninetalesuk, and a few others. They were submitted to me.
And we're back with more of the YuYuGiDigiMoon: Gaiden series! We'll see how far I can take this. I mean... there are a lot of characters and scenarios to cover. The possibilities are endless now. Ah, but this will do wonders as it'll expand further in the YuYuGiDigiMoon universe.
Well, that aside, it's time for another mini-arc. This one will cover the Chimera kids... remember the ones who dueled The Beast Tamers in the Invasion of the Rajita? The ones who were injected with the Rajita mutation serum by Kuiiza? Yeah, them. Mika Hayashi, Maya Kitajima, Larry Stonebagel, Hayata Harusame, and Sara Shinobu. They'll get the spotlight for this mini-arc. This one will cover what they've been doing following the Rajita invasion's aftermath and before the Taiyoukai events.
Well, they end up visiting a certain old Lycan for... some training. Heh and you're about to see that.
By the way, Mika is my character. Larry belongs to LazerWulf. Hayata and Sara belong to Belletiger. Maya is a manga-exclusive character from Yu Yu Hakusho (it's true. Go look her up. She ends fighting Kurama in the Rajita story).
Anyway, on with the Gaiden mini-arc!
xxxxx
School of Hard Knocks, Part I
xxxxx
(Set between The Invasion of the Rajita and The Search for the Kuiper Belt Senshi)
xxxxx
Eastern Shinjuku District/Hayashi Dojo/January 17, 2004/6:18 PM
Mika Hayashi sat down cross-legged as she faced the four other members of her crew. Maya Kitajima, Larry Stonebagel, Hayata Harusame, and Sara Shinobu were lined up together as they sat down to listen to what Maya had to address.
"Glad you guys could make it," Mika smiled with satisfaction. "I think you all know why I asked you to come here."
"Well... actually...." Sara spoke up as she stopped herself. "Never mind. Go on."
"I asked you all before to meet me here after the whole alien mess was through. Well, it's been half a month already. Our town's been recovering, but people are still at unease. Unfortunately, not all of us has been cursed of the alien influence," Mika proclaimed as she stood up and rolled up her right arm sleeve. As she showed off her right arm, a green aura seemed to outline her entire arm. "The alien power still flows within us, but it's up to us to learn to use it wisely."
Larry raised his hand. "Mika. Myself, Hayata, and Sara have been allowed to stay here to train with you and your grandfather. I really don't think ya'lls training is going to allow us to properly learn to hone our alien powers."
"Yeah, I mean... our strength is already stronger than any normal person," Sara stated.
"Yes, I know. I really don't think my grandfather's training will be enough. That's why he asked me to take you all to see a man named Okami Inuki. My grandfather knows him very well and I know this man is the one that should help to control our powers."
Maya interjected as she raised her hand. "But... is he really good enough to teach us five?"
"Stupid question, Maya. Of course, he can! He's considered a top class martial artist in this country! I have no doubt he'll teach us what we need to know! And I hear... he's even more hardcore than my grandfather," Mika said with slight dread. Sheesh, and if my grandpa didn't kick my ass enough! "Anyway, all I need to know if you guys are still in. This is just like we've promised we'd do. Well?"
The other four huddled together as they whispered amongst themselves. Mika stood waiting for their answer while kneeling down in her previous seated position. They immediately turned, facing Mika to confirm their responses.
"We're in," Hayata boldly stated. "All of us."
Mika nodded with approval. "Cool. I'll let my grandfather know. Maya, I'll make sure my grandpa talks to your family about you going on some after school program with me."
"All right," Maya replied.
"If everything goes as planned, we should be good to go tomorrow. We'll be sent right over to Okami Inuki's dojo," the Hayashi girl said while tightening her fists. "Man, this is going to be exciting! Finally, a challenge!"
As Sara leaned over by Hayata's side, she softly whispered in his left ear. "I haven't seen Mika this excited since we fought those alien freaks."
While crossing his arms, Hayata concurred. "Yeah. She's a little too excited if you ask me. This Okami Inuki must be really tough."
"He's supposed to be one of Japan's strongest martial artists. A top class fighter. I believe we're in over our heads," Larry stated.
"Hey now! We've got the Rajita power still in us! We're stronger than normal humans!" Hayata retorted.
Larry furrowed his brow. "But, will it be enough? Strength isn't the key to every man or woman's success."
"Let's put that to test once we spar with this guy!"
Sara sighed as she watched Hayata and Larry bickering over another issue. "Oh, you guys. Seriously. Let's see wait and see, ok?"
As Mika jumped right in, she grabbed both males and bopped them in the heads. "Ok, ok, girls! Knock it! Save that energy for when we spar with Okami Inuki!" After pulling away from the guys, she folded her arms proudly. "Now, let this be our first step to achieving something big on our own! We've gone beyond what my grandfather teaches. Let's go and press onward!" Mika quickly pointed out toward the dojo's ceiling as if pointing out toward the heavens.
"We're with you, Mika!" Sara and Maya shouted in unison.
Larry and Hayata simply exchanged glaring looks while looking back to Mika.
Mika smiled a bit as Takato Matsuda was the first person to cross her mind. And who knows? We might even be strong enough to lend you our support, Takato. Just wait and see how much stronger we'll be the next time we meet!
xxxxx
Next day.
xxxxx
Eastern Shibuya District/Outside Inuki Dojo & Residence/January 18, 2004/3:45 PM
The five Chimera children stood outside the peaceful Inuki Dojo/Residence. Suddenly, they paused briefly as they overheard loud cries from within the dojo. They were loud, blood-curling cries as if they were being put through a torture chamber.
Even the battle-craving Mika felt chills coming down her spine.
"Ummm... did I just hear people crying in there?" Maya gulped as she dropped her suitcase. "I... I think... I'm thinking about reconsidering."
"No way. We didn't come all the way out here for nothing," Larry muttered despite trying to remain composed.
Hayata nodded concurringly. "We can't turn back now. We wanted this."
"Right. Time to take our training to the next level. Okami Inuki is just that guy to do that," Mika replied as she walked right up toward the front door. Looking over her right shoulder, she noticed her friends huddling up behind her. "Um, guys?" With that, she shrugged and knocked on the door. "Well, guys. This is it. Here goes nothing."
Boom!!
"YAAAAH!!!" A voice rang out as a body was flung out through the sliding doors.
The Chimera kids were quickly startled as they looked toward a teenage male laying on the ground. He was garbed in a white martial arts gi with a yellow belt. He looked completely out of it as his eyes were spinning like crazy.
"AND WITH THAT... CLASS DISMISSED!" A man's voice boomed out from inside the dojo.
A group of ten young teenage boys came walking out, but not without limping their way out. Some even had to carry their fellow students out.
Mika cringed as she watched each student walk out. She quickly raced up to one of the students and pulled him aside.
"Ow! Hey, watch it! My arm hurts!" The teen griped as he jerked his arm back.
"Did you guys just get lessons from Okami Inuki?" Mika inquired as she looked inside the dojo.
"Yeah... but I wouldn't recommend a girl to train under him... he doesn't show anyone mercy!"
Mika frowned. "Just who the hell do you think you're talking to? I've taken some beatings and dished them out. I'm actually looking forward to this training!"
"Are you freakin' crazy?!" The teen freaked out.
"Crazy IS my middle name!" Mika smiled proudly. "Besides, I'm the granddaughter of another well known martial artist in Tokyo!"
"That would be Sarutobi Hayashi. Am I correct?" The man whose voice boomed earlier asked in a calm, direct manner.
Everyone turned as they saw a middle-aged man wearing a dark blue martial arts gi. The teenage boys quickly grouped together as they cowered away out of fear of Okami's presence. Mika and her friends blinked in unison as the teens raced out of the dojo grounds.
"I wonder what has those guys spooked?" Sara wondered, almost oblivious to what really went on behind closed doors.
Larry pointed ahead as he garnered their attention. "Well, that might be why. Here he comes."
As Okami walked over toward Mika and company, he acknowledged them with a respectful bow. The Chimera children returned a bow and directed their full attention to the veteran martial artist. Okami approached each child as if giving him a quick close-up observation.
First, he scanned Larry.
Then, Sara and Hayata.
Then, Maya.
Finally, his eyes drifted up and down Mika.
"Hmmm, so you all came. Five in one group," Okami stated as he turned his back to the five Chimera kids. "I'm very pleased you came. Sarutobi told me you five were gifted. In fact... Mika Hayashi. You're his granddaughter. I take it you were the one to have requested me to accept you five as new students?"
Mika nodded as she confirmed this. "That's correct, Inuki-sensei. You see we've been bestowed gifts... we're not exactly what you call normal humans."
"I know," Okami said with a smile.
This caught the Chimera children by surprise that he was taking this news rather nonchalantly. He spun around and faced the five Chimera children.
"I can sense that alien power coursing through each of you. This energy is nothing new to me. In fact, the invaders that attempted to destroy this world wielded this power," the martial artist stated as he adjusted his glasses. "No, I remember seeing you five. I saw you being taken captive in their ship."
The five Chimeras shuddered as they remembered everything from Kuiiza's revolting experimentations. Mika and company was among Kuiiza's first human experimentations. Each of them was injected with mutation serums that altered the genetic structures of their interior beings. The serum transformed them into lethal Chimera warriors. They transformed into something akin to mutants. Although they retained their human base forms, their strength and stamina were augmented to a level above a peak human's.
"I couldn't do anything to save you as I was being held captive against my will. And I had to protect my wife from those horrible monsters."
Mika interjected as she called to Okami's attention. "We were, too! So, you saw everything! Those monsters did this to us!"
"And I'm sorry this had to happen to you children."
"You're not the one at fault, Inuki-sensei," Larry replied. "We were powerless to do anything to stop that freak from turning us into Chimeras. We were selected and mind-controlled by those Orichalcos stones. He used us to fight the Tamers."
"Now, we've come to terms with our alien powers," Hayata stated as he looked at his hands. "We want to learn to really harness our powers and use them to help those in need. It's really easy for us to use these powers to hurt other people, but we're never going down that dark path again."
"Hayata's right! That's not what we're going to do!" Sara added as she bowed her head. "We... we want to you to help us control our powers and train us. Besides, we feel that you would be the one to guide us down the right path."
"Inuki-sensei. We've moved on from my grandfather's teachings. He feels that we're better off learning from your methods," Mika said. "We're ready to take our training toward a different path."
Okami rubbed his chin as he gave this offer some consideration. "Well, I haven't had any promising young up-starters in a while. And you kids are not the usual bunch I can tell you that. I think you kids could provide me with a little challenge. I could use it."
"So, is that a yes, Inuki-sensei?" Maya asked.
"Why not?" Okami smiled as he nodded in approval. "Welcome to my dojo, kids. But, let me warn you. I won't go easy on you like Mika's grandfather. I won't pull any punches even if you're a girl or a boy. As far as I'm concerned, you're all of equal status. There will be NO favoritisms. Are we clear?!"
"YES! WE UNDERSTAND!" The Chimera children shouted in unison.
With that, Okami nodded. "Good. Now, let's get started. Follow me."
xxxxx
As Okami seated himself on the wooden floor, the five Chimera children set aside their suitcases and sat down to face the old martial artist. Okami stared at each of his new students while probing their alien energies.
"Let's get introductions over with. You first, young lady," Okami addressed to the youngest member of the group.
Sara stood up and bowed politely. "I'm Sara Shinobu. I was an orphan child, but recently moved in with Mika and her grandfather. I've learned some basics in self defense. I have the power to phase through any solid object." With that, she took several steps back and passed through the wall behind her. She stepped forward and smiled, taking a bow. "I'll probably be the hardest to take down since I can go through other people."
Okami smiled. "Yes, we'll see once we get down to that, dear."
Hayata took a stand and spoke up. "I'm Hayata Harusame. I, too, was an orphan until I moved in with the Hayashi family. I've started to understand the fundamentals of the Judo arts. I have the power to attach any object to my power, mainly metal, to build up a suit of armor. I mainly use it as a form of defense. I do have some control over magnetic power. Allow me to show you." As he said that, Hayata placed his hand over a silver tray and 'lifted' it as the object attached itself to Hayata's arm.
"Not bad," the Lycan observed Hayata's demonstration. "Next."
"I am Larry Stonebagel," the young man gave a polite bow to Okami. "Likewise, I was from the same orphanage as Sara and Hayata. I've learned Judo through Mika and her grandfather. My special ability is..." As Larry pulled out a poker card from his pocket, he channeled green energy through the object and tossed it outside.
BOOM!!
The Chimera children, save Larry, took cover as Larry's card exploded from outside the dojo.
"A little warning next time!" Hayata snapped as he nearly wanted to beat Larry senseless. "That isn't your property outside!"
"Got a little carried away, but I only wanted to impress you, sir," Larry stated. "I have the power to charge matter with explosive bio-kinetic energy in any object I choose."
"Don't worry about it. I can always have whatever blew up repaired. Pretty good, but we need to work on controlling the flow of your energy," Okami informed him.
"Yes, sir. I intend to do what I can," Larry said.
After Larry took a seat, Maya stood up as she introduced herself. "I'm Maya Kitajima. Unlike the other three, I do live with a family, but I've told them that I would be involved in after school activities. I hope... this... counts?"
The middle-aged man chuckled. "We'll work something out, Maya dear."
"Well, as for my power, you see..." Maya said as she pulled out a katana out of her backpack. As she lifted the blade in hand, she closed her eyes and channeled her own alien energy through the blade. The blade itself was outlined with a green aura, which fascinated Okami. "I send my own psionic alien energy through my sword. I can use a form of telekinesis, which enables me to manifest this telekinetic katana. Although, I do not have any true telepathic powers. I can only control my energy and where to process it. Oh, and on top of that, I've become quite an adept martial artist thanks to Mika and her grandfather."
"A telekinetic, but can't use telepathy? Well, I believe you'll get there, Maya. I'll help guide you down that path," Okami reassured her. "These things simply take time."
Maya shut off the energy in her blade and sighed. "Yes, Inuki-sensei. Thank you."
Finally, Mika stood up and finally took a bow.
"And finally you."
"Inuki-sensei, it is truly an honor to be in your presence. I do believe you know who I am. No formal introductions are needed?" The Hayashi girl asked directly.
"Well, since you're my student now, it would be proper."
"Right then!" Mika chuckled as she re-introduced herself. "Inuki-sensei. As your student, allow me to introduce myself. I am Mika Hayashi! Granddaughter of the great Sarutobi Hayashi! I am ready to take on any challenge you throw at me!"
"Are you, Mika?" Okami chuckled as he took humor in the girl's antics. "Well, tell me. What are your Rajita powers?"
"Me?! Well, I can..." Mika pulled out a pair of bladed fans and opened them up, revealing sharp blades protruding out of the objects. "I can manipulate the wind with my fans and repel my attackers with some super awesome... wind blade attacks! Pretty cool, huh?!"
As Okami watched Mika from the other side, the older man nodded and made no initial response.
"Hmmm? What?! You're not impressed?!" Mika scoffed as she folded her arms, almost wanting to pout.
Okami chuckled while adjusting his glasses. "I wouldn't say that. I have no doubt your abilities are impressive, but you are getting way ahead of yourself, young lady. If you attempt to spar me with that kind of attitude, you won't be feeling so high and mighty. I will NOT be as gentle as your dear grandfather. Bless him. How does he put up with a child like you?"
As she let this all sink in, Mika clenched her fists and snarled. "Wh-what?! You dare look down on me?! I'm Sarutobi Hayashi's granddaughter... I'll have you know!"
Okami retorted calmly. "Yes, that's the spirit. I want to see that fiery spirit once we finally get down to business!"
"Bring it on!" Mika cried out.
"I intend to, brat," Okami turned away as his lips curled into an evil smile. Oh, this is going to be fun.
xxxxx
"Mika here. Boy... were we in for a RUDE AWAKENING?! Holy crap! This training has been kicking our ass! We go and train with Inuki-sensei four times a week. Sheesh! Even when we utilize our powers... he keeps finding ways to counter our attacks! Not to mention when he revealed his Lycan form. Whoa, that took us by complete surprise. Hell, even without that scary Lycan form, he's been handing our collective butts on a platter.
Our daily training regime started off with running 25 laps around Shibuya Park. We've even had to carry 5 tons of weight on our backs outside the dojo. And we've even had to clean up around his dojo! Man, what hard labor! Even grandfather wasn't this cruel! But, Inuki-sensei informed me this training was exclusively for us. Since we are part-Rajita alien, our bodies can endure the grueling punishment and our durability is ten times greater than any normal humans. So, I guess we're pretty lucky to have these alien genetics. Still, that doesn't mean the training isn't tough! Sparring with Inuki-sensei was probably the hardest part! No wonder he's regarded as one of the best in the world!
But, in the process, we've been learning to focus our alien energies much more efficiently. At least now, we don't have to waste all of our energy in one attack. Inuki-sensei keeps reminding us that focus is one key element we must utilize in this training. Right. Focus, Mika! FOCUS! You've already surpassed grandpa! If I can continue training, I might even surpass the legendary Okami Inuki! Let's do this!"
xxxxx
Two months later.
xxxxx
Inuki Dojo/March 20, 2004/5:23 PM
"GAAAH!!" Mika screamed as she was slammed down to the canvas.
Okami stood over Mika's fallen form with both arms crossed behind his back. Behind him, the other Chimera children were laying on their backs and heavily panting as if they ran a thousand laps. They were completely exhausted and beaten. All the while, Okami remained completely composed and still full of lively energy.
All five children wore white martial arts gis as Okami's dojo symbol was embroidered on their right sleeves.
"Are you five going to get up anytime soon? I'm bored," Okami sighed as he walked through the fallen Chimera children. "I'm not even working off a sweat here.
Mika struggled to move as she stomped her bare feet down. "...we'll see... old timer... you're not gonna get the best of me... next time!"
Okami looked down at Mika and sighed. "Still can't learn your place, brat?"
"...mark my words... we're going to get the best of you..."
"That's what you said a month ago."
"Give us... another month then..."
The old Lycan sighed. "Very well."
xxxxx
One month later.
xxxxx
Inuki Dojo/April 19, 2004/4:57 PM
"SON OF A- AUGH!" Mika cried out as Okami kneed her in the stomach. The girl collapsed to her knees as she coughed. "Damn... it! Focus! That's what... I need to do!"
"You and your friends keep saying that, but you don't do it. You can't accomplish anything if you just tell yourselves... to 'focus.' You have to do it yourselves," Okami advised the Chimeras. "You won't be able to defeat me as you are now. Don't think you can win. KNOW that you can."
Larry panted while shaking off the cobwebs in his head. "Right..."
"We can't give up, guys," Maya insisted as she wiped the sweat from her brows.
Sara nodded. "Let's... keep it together, Hayata."
"Yeah. No more fooling around..." Hayata couldn't agree more.
Mika put her left foot in front and slowly pulled herself up on both feet. "...I... I can do this. I know I can do this..."
"Are you and your friends ready to get serious now?" Okami inquired as he waited for a direct response.
"We... we are," the young girl said with such strong-willed determination. "We're not going to let up."
"Very good. Now, time to get serious."
xxxxx
Two months later.
xxxxx
Inuki Dojo/June 21, 2004/6:09 PM
As Okami sidestepped a punch thrown by Hayata, Maya came up from behind. She attempted a spinning back kick to Okami's back, but the old Lycan dropped to the floor on all fours. Maya's foot instead hit Hayata and knocked him back. Sara seized the opportunity and hopped onto Okami's back. As he sprang to his feet, Sara hung on tightly and applied a headlock on the man.
"Don't let go, Sara!" Larry called out.
As Larry sprang forward, he analyzed Okami's opening spots. He looked to the man's legs and chest as the obvious opening targets.
"All right, Mika! Go!" Larry shouted as he jumped in front of Okami... and suddenly moved aside to 'fake out' Okami.
Okami blinked thrice in befuddlement as he watched Larry step aside. He then looked ahead as Mika appeared right in front of him. As Mika crouched over, she jumped up and delivered a palm strike directly for Okami's lower jaw. As Mika's blow registered, Okami's head snapped up as he staggered backward with Sara jumping off his back. Mika then seized the opportunity and sprang forward to execute a jump kick into Okami's chest. The martial arts master grunted as Mika's foot blasted his chest. Okami fell back on the ground as he held his throbbing chest.
"Not...bad... perhaps I underestimated your Chimera strength after all," Okami admitted. "And I am getting a bit old for my age."
Mika snickered as she stood up and flashed a 'V' for victory. "Finally, we managed to outwit you this time, Inuki-sensei!"
Larry coughed. "Give me a little bit of credit, Mika."
"Right! We couldn't have done this without your analysis, Larry! Thanks!" She smiled, winking to the 'brains' of her team. "So, does that mean we pass onto the next level?"
"Yes, though it took you five almost six months..." Okami chuckled as he tried standing on his own. "Still, my other students would've easily given up. But, you five continued coming... you insisted to take more punishment and willing to take it. I'm impressed. Perhaps... No, I know you five are more than ready for the next level in your training."
Hayata inquired. "Next level?"
"What do you have in store for us next?" Maya wondered.
"Well, during this stage, I forbade all of you from using your special abilities. I wanted to refine your fighting skills in the event you end up losing your powers by some freak accident," Okami clarified as he explained the reasoning behind the first training stage. "You shown weakness without resorting to your powers. Thus, that is why your physical training took much longer to complete. But, you five showed no quit and pushed yourselves these last few months. Most importantly, it's better to know how to fight without your powers during certain circumstances. Now, you five have shown me you can fight efficiently. I've taught you every form of martial arts that I have mastered. You five are my new successors."
"We are?" Sara was shocked to hear this. "Wow! We're honored, Inuki-sensei!"
"Just as long as you don't use them for personal gain," Okami added. "Furthermore, with these skills under your belt, I believe it's time you begin to better utilize your special abilities."
"You mean...?" Mika quickly became ecstatic. She knew exactly where this was leading to.
"The next level will involve you five using your special abilities and learning to enhance them further. Everything I've taught you up until now will be the tools you'll need. I won't be actively involved with this training, but I will watch each of you."
"Yes, Inuki-sensei!" The five Chimera children shouted in unison.
"Just so you know, the next stage won't take place in the dojo."
"Where will we be going, Inuki-sensei?" Maya asked.
Mika immediately interjected. "It makes sense. I was beginning to think we might need a bigger center than this dojo."
"And you will. Our next stage will be in my former homeland... the Makai," the martial artist revealed as he smiled widely.
xxxxx
"Heh, and that was just the first stage. I'm told that would be a piece of cake compared to what we have to go through next. I keep hearing about the Makai from Inuki-sensei. I wonder how big of an arena we'll be training in next. You'll find out next time. This is Mika Hayashi telling you... wish us luck! We're gonna need it."
xxxxx
A/N: This one may end up with three or four parts in total. It depends how far I want to take the Chimera kids' training. As you can tell, these five have become Okami's new top students. They did have somewhat big roles as the opponents for the Beast Tamers in the Rajita story. In Maya's case, she was Kurama's opponent.
All I can say is watch for these five to reappear in the series again. I'd say the Taiyoukai Awakening is the most likely story they'll make their grand re-entrance.
Part II should come around soon. The Chimera kids prepare for their next level of training in the Makai.
Please, send a review and tell me what you think of the Gaiden series so far. See you in the next update!