The Karate Student

Chapter 5

Rooster-headed Guy

I trained like I usually did with my pole and the blade along with normal martial arts when I got home from that stupid No Tardy's Day thing. I really hope I don't have to go through another one of those days or I might punch Kiriyuin in the face. I hated what it represented. Dad was gone again which was strange, sure he went out at night, but not every night and for so late. Something was going on with him, first his wariness at my friendship with Ryuko and then him leaving all the time.

He note was actually different this time.

Nashi, I won't be home until some time tomorrow. Something came up and I hope you had a good day. Train well and I'll see you tomorrow. Remember not to sleep in and go to school.

From Dad, Toshiro Archer

As I changed in my Blue GI clothing, I walked out the door. I didn't get mugged today so that was a plus. I was happy to actually get a decent amount of sleep, as I did wake up early. I jogged toward the school, my breathing calm and even. But when I got to the car thing, Mako and Ryuko were on it. I grinned to myself and ran a bit faster, gripping one of the poles and swinging myself on. My shoes slapped against the steel floor of the car. "Hi, Mako, Ryuko."

Ryuko and Mako were looking in the other direction, but they turned to face me. Mako grinned happily, reaching out to hug me. Rolling my eyes, I let her hug me and I smirked. I was not used to the whole hugging thing, I didn't make many friends in the past and me and dad weren't exactly the hugging type. But I don't think Mako would've have taken no for an answer anyway. "Hey Nashi!"

Ryuko was leaning against one of the poles. She nodded her head lazily and smirked. "Hey, Nashi."

I gave her a wave back and Mako finally let me go. I hooked my arm around one of the silver poles and leaned back, watching the traffic go by. Mako talked about everything and anything. She went from food to what we would do at Honnouji Academy. I didn't mind, hearing her talk wasn't annoying, it was nice. That was who she was, she loved to talk. I was better than waiting for the school to arrive in silence.

Ryuko looked like she was listening, but at the same time she looked out at the streets boredy. I thought about how I enhanced my training. I did go be bed earlier than usual, but then again I started training a bit earlier than usual too.

I really didn't know what to do about the whole Life Fiber thing. Ryuko and Kiriyuin had their overpowered Kamui and her Elite Four was strong too. I couldn't even beat a lousy Two Star. I haven't felt this weak in along time. How was I supposed to help Mako and Ryuko...Hell, how was I supposed to defend myself against them?

Looking over at Ryuko, I saw that she was wearing Senketsu. I still can't believe she named her Sailor Uniform. Then again, she seemed really close to it. Him? I don't know. I just knew I needed a way to become stronger, I needed to some kind of better training.

"Hey Nashi!"

Ryuko's annoyed voice made me jump a little and I looked at her confused. "Huh? What?"

Ryuko raised an eyebrow. "What's wrong with you?"

I frowned at her. "What do you mean?"

Mako also turned toward me, her lips turned into a uncharacteristic frown. "Your fists were clenched and you looked angry, Nashi are you okay?!" Her worried eyes peered at me.

I gave her a tight smile, not wanting them to know what was bothering me. Dad told me not to tell anyone and I don't go back on promises. I didn't want to think about dragging Mako into the whole Life Fiber mess. "Eh, it's nothing."

I pulled the ends of my blue belt, making it go tighter around my waist. This was a nervous habit of mine. They dropped it, But Ryuko narrowed her eyes at me, I knew she suspected something.

/ / / / / / / / / / / /

We were sitting in the middle of Mr. Mikisugi's clasroom. He was writing with chalk on the board and droning on and on about World War II and the Nazi's again. Somehow I think that was the only thing he knew about history. This is because for the last couple of days, he taught the same thing. He went over the same subjects over and over.

Mako like usual was sleeping and unsuprisingly Ryuko looked bored out of her mine. I knew I was starting to feel the same. History was interesting when what was being teached was different and not the same thing.

Suddenlt, a bell rang and I winced at the sudden loud tone hurting my ears. I scowled and rubbed my right ear. "What the hell?"

Ryuko looked as confused as I did, lifting her head up, looking confused. She looked at me and I nodded, yeah I heard it too.

Her eyebrows furrowed together as she looked around the room. Nothing happened so we dropped it and the kids didn't even look shocked or anything, maybe they were used to the stuff that does on in this school. I knew I wasn't.

We left but then looked for Mako and she wasn't there. I blinked and looked around, scratching my head. "Hey Ryuko? Where's Mako?"

Her eyebrows furrowed and she looked around. Her eyes widened. "Shit, I don't know. You think she ran off somewhere?"

I shrugged. "I don't know, it's Mako were talking about here. I have a bad feeling though."

Ryuko scowled. "Yeah, I know what you mean."

Eventually we found out the Biology club had kidnapped her. I felt my eyebrow twitch. Does every club take her hostage. Ryuko had the same annoyed look on her face. "Dammit! Those bastards!"

She growled under her breath and ran off, feeling annoyed, I followed her. We ran into one of the lower area of the school. where we saw Mako tied up like a week ago except this time she was right side up and on her back was a target. That did assure me of anything.

I ran forward, reaching behind me and lengthening my pole to full size and bashing a unsuspecting one star upside the head, making him crumble to the ground. I smirked and jumped back from the other four that tried to jump on me. My left foot was pushed back to stop me from falling.

I heard Ryuko fighting the others. I beat up a couple more of them, I haven't noticed much but their uniforms gave them fast reflexes. It was annoying because it made them hard to beat. I dodged a quick back handed punch and moved to the left, slamming the back of pole into the face of one and stuck backward to hit one behind me.

I then felt the front of the pole being grabbed and tensed for a moment, pivoting on my foot and shrinking the pole. He yelped in shock and I made it bigger again, slamming the back end hard under his chin, sending him in the air. I twirled the pole lightly around my fingers on my right hand. I looked to see Ryuko fighting the others and saw a bunch of them in front of Mako. I yelped as a needle slammed into my arm and I winced, blinking away the sudden slight tears from the sharp pain. I hate needles, I always hated them!

I pulled it out, flicking it the ground somewhere. I ran forward, scowling when my foot missed. She was about to stick me with another needle. I scowled deeper at that and moved my body to the right, gripping her collar quicking and slamming my forehead to hers. I grimaced, but her mouth dropped open and her eyes were wide and dazed as she fell to the floor, knocked out. I went to Mako when I saw Ryuko about to finish the rest.

I was happy to know that I finished a good amount of them. I ran around them as they were too busy looking at Ryuko, horrified. Mako grinned. "Nashi!"

I smiled at her and put the blade part out and sliced through the rope holding her, careful not to cut her skin. She jumped up and hugged me. I choked on the grip she had on my neck and blinked, patting her on the back. "No...problem...get off."

I coughed when she let go. "Oops, sorry Nashi!"

Ryuko walked over, the Biology lub beaten up. "Well, that takes care of that."

Mako jumped forward, swinging on Ryuko's neck. "Ryuko! Your the best!"

I put my pole back in the little loop and chuckled, putting my hands in my pockets. I walked over as Ryuko crashed to the ground. She stood back up and I watched in surprise as her blade shrunk down to the size of a pencil. Mako gaped. "Wow...When did you learn how to shrink your sissiors down, that's so cool."

Mine did the same thing so I was not as amazed, but I still wondered how she did it, she never did it before. Ryuko smirked. "Yeah, well, it's not really that big a deal."

i shrugged as she tucked it away in a pouch. Suddenly, Ryuko frowned and looked down at her uniform. "Huh, you can tell that from how my blood taste?"

What is she doing? I shared a look with Mako and she too looked confused. Then she shouted. "My BMI is none of your buisness!"

Wait-is she talking to her clothes again?

"I'm going to eat what I damn well want! Listen, I need to keep up my energy if I'm fight all these dorks, don't I!?"

I snorted and thought we would be here awhile. i sat down on one the chains we were near, the one below Mako and Ryuko.

"Will you shut up! And wipe that smug look off your face!"

I bit my lip from laughing, whatever she mad about, she was mad. "That's it smartass, your coming off!"

I couldn't hold it in and burst out in laughter, holding my side. Mako laughed. "Your so funny Ryuko, your like a comedy act with one person!"

I snorted some more, gasping a little. "What are you-Nashi shut up!" I grimaced as her shoe slammed into my side and elbowed her leg hard. I dodged the kick sent at my head and smirked at her.

She growled at her and Mako smiled. "I'm sorry, you were talking to Senketsu again, weren't you?"

I stiffled my snickers at Ryuko glare. it was just funny how angry she got with the conversations with Senketsu. I sat back down again and looked to see Mako pull out a boxed yellow cloth. "That was close one, it would of sucked if they would've cut my tummy open, then if I ate my lunch it would spill out and I would have to eat everything all over again."

I felt myself smile nervously and scratched the back of my neck. "I don't think you should be worried about that, Mako."

Ryuko rolled her eyes. "I don't think you need to be worried about your lunch, be careful next-"

My eyes widened in shock and anger when a dozen or so needles hit Mako. What is it with needles today! I seriously hate them! She fell to the ground and Ryuko shouted. "Hey Mako! Mako, say something!"

I ran to her side and knelt down, shaking her shoulder. "Hey, Mako. Wake up, come on!"

"Don't worry, you friend's okay."

My heads snapped up at the voice and I looked over to see who it was. In the smoke I saw this guy with short black hair, but a red mohawk. He was muscular with a shirt and cargo pants on, something buckled around his waist. He said. "Those needles are theraputic. They will cure any fatiuge she has, any illness. When she wakes up, she'll feel refreshed and energized."

I blinked and tilted my a bit, really? That's interesting. Ryuko blinked too. "Uh, thanks alot I guess."

The guy pointed a gun at her. "But your uniform will get no mercy!"

My eyes widened. "Wait, what!?"

Ryuko ran off and I saw that Mako was still on the ground. He was shooting needles at her and I frowned as I looked between them. The mohawk guy chased her and I picked up Mako, careful not to move the needles just in case, moving her to the side. I let her down gently. "I'll be back, just uh...stay here."

The guy had her pinned and I ran foward, hearing him say. "...off your clothes."

Obviously, Ryuko flipped out and I felt my eyebrow twitch, what a pervert. I heard him say as I neared closer. "There are two things you need to know, I'm not a pervert and two I won't let you transform any more."

He slapped her glove down. I was close and I soundlessly lengthened my pole and gripped it tightly. "Back off, Rooster head!"

I slammed my pole into the back of his head and his hand reached out and caught it tightly. My eyes widened, his reflxes are good. Ryuko eyes widened when they landed on my blue. "Shit, Nashi!"

His eyes narrowed as her stared at me, a strange look in his eyes, like her knew something about me. I didn't know anything, I never met this guy before. I yelped as he swung his hand like a whip and before I could move, my shoulder slammed into the ground and my rips, knocking the wind out of me.

I coughed a couple of times, managing to get my breath back. i winced at the pain in my shouder and rotated it a couple of times, then I stood up after snatching my pole. This guy was good, there was not denying that, but he was hurting my friend. I won't allow that either.

He then got off and walked off, I glared, what the hell. He shot something at her and walked off. I scowled and moved closer to Ryuko, he said. "I'll be back tomorrow, to strip you."

"What the hell was up with that?"

Ryuko scowled, pulling the forked thing from her wrist. "I don't know, I don't even know him. You know that pervy bastard?"

I shrugged, frowning. "No, never met him before. C'mon, let's find Mako."

With a sigh, She followed me back to where we were before.

/ / / / /

Aikuro Migisugi and the Tsumugu sat down at the bar and Aikuro smirked, drinking his sake. Tsumugu glared. "What do you want?"

Aikuro shrugged. "Don't go after Ryuko Matoi."

The larger man refused that, believing kamui were the enemy. Tsumugu prompted. "Archer is here too."

"She is."

Tsumugu gave a fustrated grunt. "Why?"

"I don't see a problem, she doesn't own a kamui."

"You know that's not the reason surrounding Archer."

Aikuro frowned. "Leave them alone."

"I told you before, not a chance."

/ / / / / / /

I was home after the rest of the day being boring and unchanging. I remembered that Dad wasn't here. I sighed, I really wanted to know what was going on with him. I trained like I usually did for a couple of hours, taking a bath afterward and making some mircowavable to eat. I felt hungrier than usual, so I shoveled down what I was eating and was ready to go to bed early. But as I laid there, I thought about the Rooster headed guy. Why did he attack Ryuko like that and what was up with him asking to strip.

When it came down to it, he didn't seem like a pervert. But who knows. Finally after thinking all this over, I fell asleep. I made myself some coffee when I woke up and put on another clean GI. Someone asked me once if I was tired of wearing the same thing every day and the truth was that I wasn't. It symbolized my training and I lived that.

Still worried about that guy, reading myself for whatever would happen, I walked to school this time. I wanted to aware. I was close to the school about 20 minutes later, sipping my coffee as it was almost empty. I heard some explosions and i tossed my cup away from me, running forward. Shit, that guy must be here already.

I ran forward through the narrow way to get into the school and saw some clubs and the Rooster headed guy. I swire under my breath, clicking my pole into place. I gripped it evenly and ran forward, bashing through the ones on kimonos, getting hit with some type of card with writing on it.

"What Nashi!?"

I jerked to a stop. I turned my head to see Ryuko. I grimaced, I think I messed up my shoulder. "Get out of here!"

"Wait what?! I'm not going to do that!"

I growled, this was not the time. Take care of the Rooster guy, let me handle these guys."

"But you-heh, fine, whatever you say."

She ran off and one of them called. "She's getting away!"

I slid in front of the kimono wearing two star. I could do this, I've grown stronger in the week since my last fight with one of these guys. I dodged to the right as a hoard of those card things came at me and I flipped my pole fast into a circle as another rushed at me. It was so fast the the wind from the speed pushed my hair back.

I twisted my body to the right, ignored the cards piercing my shoulder and arm, pulling the blade out and came at her, slicking at her clothes. Who knows, maybe I could cut the power or something. She didn't think it would work, neither did I. I was shocked to see her uniform rip in half and lay there naked.

I gaped at the sight and couldn't help but grin. I did it, i defeated one of those two star assholes. I laughed to myself cheerfully, ha who's the weakling now!? I looked and realized most of the clubs were gone. Swearing under my breath, I heard explosions in the school. Gritting my teeth in anger, I ran forward, a sudden burst of speed making me go faster than normal. I ran toward the explosions. I heard the Rooster headed guy voice and Ryuko too, that only made me run faster, my heart pounding in my ears.

I then heard Mako's voice. That made my eyes widen in worry. I turned the corner and saw Mako pushing a broom at Rooster heads backside. "Look at what you done to Ryuko's uniform. The only piece of clothing she has. Do you have any idea what it's like to only have one set of clothes? How that even feels...ah!"

I ran forward, managing to kick him in the back. He moved forward and I shrank my pole, putting it away. I would used my martial arts fighting him. "What the hell are you doing, hurting my friends?"

I looked at Mako falling, Ryuko watching with wide eyes and her uniform pinned down by needles. I ran forward and raised my fist, punching him, only for him to grab my fist hard. I grit my teeth and used my foot to kick him, he stumbled and kneed me hard in my stomach. I gasped as my breath left me and I bent over. He let go of my fist.

I moved one foot back and stayed bent. "Archer, don't at-" I slammd my shoulder into his muscled stomach, using force to knock him over, turning and slamming a fist to his face. Before I could move, he gripped my elbow and moved up, slamming a knee in my face. I groaned and tried to back up, but he knocked me down again.

The pain was pounding in my face and I could taste blood.

"Leave her alone!"

I looked up to see his standing over me, his right boot on my chest, putting pressure. I groaned in pain and glared, his gun was pointed at me. I tried to push up, but he just put more pressure. I grimaced. He said. "Two things you need to know, Archer. One, don't get in my way and two, if you attack me, I will hurt you."

I glared, like he didn't do that before. I blinked as Mako went on a ran about Senketsu and Ryuko. He turned toward her, but didn't move his boot. He said. "People and clothing can't communicate. And they can't be friends."

I slammed my foot in the back of his knee, making his stumble. I scooted back and with a pained wince, stood up. mako said. "No, it's not. The only friends I had were the ones in my head. But then I met Ryuko and Nashi. And I finally had real ones. So, she can be my friend, then she can be friends too."

I said, voice hard. "Yeah and she does communicate with Senketsu-her uniform, I've seen it."

He looked at me shocked, something unreadable, it was close to the look he gave me yesterday. Mako smiled as she yankedthe uniform free and gave it too Ryuko. "Shame on you, you have to take better care of your friend."

I snorted and eased myself into a more relaxed position, that will hurt bad tomorrow. She hugged it and I smiled to myself, at least he was okay. I put a wary eye on Rooster head, I haven't forgotten about him. Mako ran off and I sighed with relief, she would be safer that way. I winced as I wiped blood from my lip and nose.

He said. "Okay, so where were we? Oh, right. Hand it over."

I steps forward, angry all over again. This guy didn't quit, does he? Ryuko growled. "The only way your going to get him, is if you kill me."

I was startled at that and moved closer. Ryuko snapped. "Don't move Nashi, don't you dare!"

I froze and locked eyes with her. She was serious. I sighed and stayed where I was, fists clenched and body tensed. I felt my whole body pumping with blood.

"Then you give me on other option."

I watched as his eyes widened a moment later. I tilted my head to the side as I heard music and moved aside to see a short pink haired girl stand in the doorway. It was one of Kiryuin's guarddogs. What does she want? She said, smirking. "Your battle with the kamui was in a word, magnificent. Unfortantly, the melody you've been playing has gotten pretty boring. Be a doll and hand it over."

i glared at her, she was making everying worse. And boring, damn I wanted to hit her. Looking down at her I wondered how tall she was. I think I had close to a foot on her. Rooster head snorted. "Just give you the kamui, huh?"

She nodded. "Yep and yourself too, if you don't mind."

I looked at the mohawked guy, what was he going to do? He turned toward her. "Woman, there are two things you need to know, one, I will never let you people catch me. I'll never let them hand them over to you." He disappeared and I yelped as I felt a grip on my shoulder. We wereat the bottom out of eye sight. Ryuko was passed out, Senketsu clutched in her fist. I moved in front of her. I glared. "Don't touch her."

I was worried, this guy was stronger than me. But I wouldn't, I couldn't let him hurt a friend of mine. He moved closer and we were almost nose to nose. "Archer."

I shook my head. "You go on about your two things, but I have one thing for you." My voice switch to an angry growled as I glared in his eyes. "If you ever think about hurting anyone important to me, I don't know how and I don't care how strong you think you are, I will destroy you!"

My fists were shaking. He glared back. "Archer, make sure you don't force me too. Either of you prove my expectations, I'll be back."

/ / / / / /

I walked back home and my father was home. His eyes widened when he saw me. As I explained what happened and who attacked us, his face went furious and his eyes were dark. I've never seen him like that much, could on count the times on my fingers of one hand. He storms out and I decided to let him be and cleaned up the dried blood. Strangly, I wasn't bleeding or anything and this happening about an hour ago.

I knew I was getting stronger so I went to train again. It wasn't enough.

/ / / / /

"Tsumugu!" Said man looked to see Toshiro Archer storming toward him, his face flushed with rage. "What the hell?!"

Aikuro raised an eyebrow, though he didn't seem confused. "Hello, Toshiro."

Toshiro ignored him. "You are not to get involved and you know that!"

Tsumugu scowled. "Your just mad I attacked your daughter, Archer."

Toshiro Archer seethed and stormed forward, nose to nose with the mohawked man. Not unlike than man's daughter was just more than a hour ago. "You cannot interfere with neither of them, you know this!"

"A kamui is dangerous and you know that."

"My daughter doesn't have one and she never will!"

"That's not my problem with her, after what you did."

Toshiro's eyes narrowed in rage and hidden away guilt. "At least I can still protect her. You failed and your sister's dead."

Tsumugi fist clenched, looking ready to punch Toshiro in the mouth. He shoulders shook in rage and grief. "I'm still better you. Besides she had gotten in my way, if she didn't I would have left her alone."

Toshiro opened his mouth to retort back, but Aikuro put a hand on each man's shoulder. Now calm down, we're both from Nudis-"

Toshiro rolled his eyes and pushed the man away as he stripped away his tie and shirt, his upper body shining. "Stop it, let me no when you have a mission for me. Stay away from my daughter."

Tsumugu glared at him. "If she doesn't force me, then I will."

Toshiro glared and stalked off, running a hand through his hair, he shouldn't of said that to him, he knew. He was just worried about Nashi, he knew she wasn't at that level, at least not yet. But she would be when the time came.

/ / / / /

I'm so sorry that this is so late and I hoped you like it and the fight scene. I'm getting in the moods of writing decent fighting scenes again. Looks like you found what Toshiro is up to. I don't know if I hid it well before this, of course there is more in the future. This was also more of a character development chapter to me. Stuff starts to get interesting soon. Until next time. I"ll try to update soon, but being a Senior in High School really makes someone busy.

Remembered to tell me what you think.