The next day, after her breakfast, doing her morning lessons before her parents went to work and picking up a few things from the market for dinner later that night, Lei was off to her training. Today was the day the new student would arrive and even though she never would want to admit it, Lei was infatuated with Fens story. Every now and then, she would imagine this new student as a handsome boy, like Dong Hai or others around town, big and muscular and very skilled. At this point, she wouldnt mind so much losing to such a person if she could become friends or even more. Uhg, why am I even thinking about such useless things.....its all Fens fault...all she thinks about now is boys.
When the training grounds were in sight, she was expecting to see Master Cheng attending to his garden just inside of the forested area but he was not. Oh boy! Senseis friend must have gotten here early. Lei began sprinting.
She slid the front door open as quick as she could, a look of excitement in her eyes. Sitting near the window so they could enjoy the early afternoon sun and savoring some tea was her teacher and two strangers. Ah, Jing Lei. Im glad you got here early. This is an old friend of mine, Ryjuta Ishikawa. Hes from Japan and is one of the most masterful fighters Ive ever met, said Master Cheng as he motioned to a man who looked rather young compared to her teacher but he still had strands of grey in his hair which was pulled back and braided into a pony tail. Under his loose green and blue silk robes were thick muscles and at his side was a long and straight katana, sheathed of course.
And this is his student, Ian Kelly. He will be the one you are training with. Her teacher motioned to the other stranger. He was nothing like she expected, who seemed her age but he was slightly shorter, was pretty scrawny(even compared to herself) and looked like he was American. Ian was lying on his side and rested his head on an arm looking very bored. When he saw Lei walked in, he gave off a look of anger and disappointment.
Good afternoon, Jing Lei. Ive heard much about your skills. Your teacher has taught you well. Im sure there is much- greeted Ryjuta before being cut off by his student.
I have to fight a girl!?" Ian whined, pushing himself up on one arm. I could probably beat her with my bokken....
Is that so? Master Cheng smiled. Maybe you should have a friendly spar to demonstrate your impressive skills, Ian.
Okay, fine by me, Ian replied with a cocky grin and drawing his wooden sword to face Lei.
This is who you were worried about, Master Cheng? He's just a little runt, Lei said with a bit of spite. What should I beat him with? Wing Chun? Tae Kwondo? Judo?
How about Tai Chi Chuan? I believe you need some attention on that style, her teacher responded casually.
The two backed into the open area of the training building and bowed to each other. Girls should be playing with dolls, Ian mumbled to his female opponent when they were close during the bow.
And I guess boys shouldnt get their butts kicked by girls that play with dolls, she mumbled back and they both took defensive stances, Lei with her hands and Ian with his wooden practice sword.
Id like to see your Ling Hun Shou techniques, Ryjuta said before they could begin. Try one on Ian but dont hurt him too much, he added with a laugh.
Teacher! You have too little confidence in me. If she can use her techniques, Ill use mine, Ian replied angrily to his teacher and charged at the girl with a strike to her shoulder.
Sure....if you think you can, Ryjuta said as he watched the first attack.
Without much effort, Lei blocked the bokken strike with a fist and countered with a strong palm to Ians chin. Ian pulled his upper body back to dodge Leis palm thrust and swiped at the girls arm. She ducked under the strike but Ian followed through with a swing in the other direction. This time, Lei caught the sword and smacked Ians exposed abdomen with her other palm. Cobra Strike! she said with a smile which sent Ian staggering back, his head swaying. This technique she gained through her meditations but was still perfecting its use although it was enough in this instance. It sent a burst of her spirit energy to reverberate the enemys spirit, simulating extreme dizziness. Ian was seeing triple and could barely orient himself so Lei followed up with another attack. Tigers Claw! She made a claw with her hand and struck out at the boy. Ian could only see three girls attacking so barely managed to evade her attack but it did still hit him in the shoulder.
Ah! Whats....going on!? Ian shouted releasing his bokken and holding his arms. His muscles began to convulse and tighten. He found he could barely move at all for the pure fact that any time he moved one muscle, the muscle responsible for the opposite movement contracted against the other.
So weak, she smirked and finished the fight with a palm plus forearm strike to Ians torso, sending him flying to the ground.
Okay, enough, Cheng said to stop the fight. Go ahead and help Ian outside. Some water should do him good.
Reluctantly, Lei bowed and moved to pick up Ian. She was rather surprised when Ian smacked her hand away and slowly pushed himself to his feet. I dont....think so... He was gritting his teeth in pain with his struggle over his own body.
Enough! Ryjuta shouted which caused Ian to lose balance and fall to the floor again. Now, go ahead and take him to the river. He wouldnt do a dishonorable thing and attack you again. Ryjuta held a fierce glare at Ian which the boy could feel but didn't have the courage to face. With that, Lei pulled Ian up by the arm and shoulder and dragged outside.
After dragging the boy to the small river south of the dojo, Lei sat him near its edge. Okay, just drink some water and relax. Eventually that techniques effects will wear off.
Ian sank his head down and lapped up water but he was anything but relaxed. You havent won yet, Ian said begrudgingly, Just because you surprised me with some dumb trick this time doesnt mean youll do it again. You havent seen what I can do and when I-GLOOOUHG!
Lei had interrupted his rant and booted Ian into the river head first. Why dont you just relax like I told you? If you want your scrawny body to stop working against itself youll do what I say or else youll be like this all day.
Ian sat up in the water and resembled a wet abandoned puppy as he frowned at his reflection. Its not working, Ian whined, shivering in the cool river.
Lei audibly growled and let her soft black hair flutter in front of her eyes. Could this guy really be the student Master Cheng was worried about? Lei angrily pushed the hair behind her ear and leaned forward to pull Ian back out. After resting Ian on the bank, she scooped up more water and fed it to the half paralyzed Ian.
I think its....getting worse, Ian groaned sitting in a hunched over position.
Uhg, fine Ill see what else I can do, Lei huffed and moved behind Ian. She rested her hands on his shoulders and began applying pressure. With her thumbs rested on Ians shoulder blades, Lei closed her eyes and forced her thumbs forward.
Ian arched his back in agony. AAIIIEE!...escaped his lips before he grit his teeth together. Lei pulled his shoulders back, with her knee held between his should blades and she held this for a few seconds before pushing him away. Ian fell face first into the dirt releasing heavy breaths and moaning in what might have been anguish or relief, it was too difficult to tell which.
After about a minute, he pushed himself up to his knees and examined his arms. I think that worked....what did you do? he asked her.
Just a little relaxation trick using pressure points. I actually used one in the lower back to-
No! I mean that dirty trick you used on me during that fight. I would have won if you had played fair! His face was veiled in anger at Lei.
Lei was really beginning to hate this Ian boy and was ready to sock him in the face. Youre just mad because you couldnt hit me with your dumb techniques, she scowled right back to him. At first, Lei thought she hurt Ians feelings because now he was hunched over the water quietly. When she moved closer to apologize, Ian swung his arm out to the side. Water danced around his arm then spun quickly from his hand. Lei was mesmerized by the small spout of dancing water until it redirected itself and slashed her in the face.
She coughed and spat up the attack after falling backwards of course. Ian began to laugh, That was for pushing me into the river. Lei got up and prepared to blast Ian in the face with her fist but the boy leapt into the river, or rather on top of it. Heh, come and get me if you dare.
Lei looked on in amazement as this boy stood on the waters surface. How did you do that? she asked having forgot about the water he had splashed in her face.
Im not telling you, Ian answered and kneeled lower. He pulled one hand up to his chest to form a simple hand sign while hovering the other hand over the surface as if grabbing something. He began pulling up his hand to form a long blob of water and was prepared to do something with it when...
Ian! came his teachers voice. Ryjuta was standing on the roof and could see the whole thing. Ian froze, knowing he was caught. Ryjuta pointed a finger out to the boy and water began swirling up around him. All at once, the water surged and forced him into the river and he struggled helplessly as the current pulled him.
In less than a blink of an eye, Ryjuta dropped next to Lei. Theres a waterfall on the otherside of that hill. You might want to help him out before he falls over it, the master swordsman said to her. She was still amazed at how he had gotten to her side so quick. Your training together starts tomorrow so you can leave for the day. And Id really appreciate it if you showed Ian around and became friends. Once you get to know him, hes much less impulsive and annoying. The man ended with a smile and seemingly vanished.
Is he just super fast?
Lei was weaving between trees while following the swift river downstream. Eventually, she scanned Ian sputtering up water and hanging tightly on a downed limb but on the other end of the river. Hmmm, I think I can make it if I can... She spied the boy was too weakened to pull himself up yet so yelled to him to reassure she was on her way. Ian! Hold on! Ill be there in a second! The young swordsman looked over from his limb and nodded. I may not be able to walk on water but I can do something close, Focused Chakra!
Her hands were positioned to focus her spirit and transfer the energy to her physical movement capabilities then she burst into a blur of speed. Leis feet rushed over the water, causing it to fly up in sheets. She skid to a stop on the opposite bank and quickly pulled the limb Ian was holding onto.
After coughing up the last of the water and catching his breath, Ian laid back and smiled at the girl. What was that? Focused Chakra? Howd you do that? Can you teach me?
Lei only slyly smiled back, Why should I? You wont even tell me about all that water stuff you do.
Sure, Ill tell you anything but please, just teach me how to do that speed thing, Ian pleaded, getting uncomfortably close to the girl and held his hands together tight in a pleading gesture.
Fine, just back up will you?
Later, they were walking through the city streets, talking about sparring, techniques and tactics with each other as if theyve done so for months. Jing Lei was kind of surprised how this all turned out and was glad she had someone to talk to that was interested in the same things she was. ...so, if I can hit someone in the three points near the heart and the point in the lower right shoulder, it will cause their blood vessels to expand or contract which causes havoc throughout the rest of the body.
Oh, that sounds wicked. I bet it really hurts, even more than the Dragons Blood skill I told you about, Ian said with a grin.
Im not suppose to use it though. I guess its just really interesting to just know if you ever need it.
As they walked, Ian noticed construction going on in an area and huge colorful banners being strung up. Whats going on with the decorations? he asked, Is it some kind of parade?
No, its the spring festival. Everyone in town goes there and play games and eat food all night. At the end, theres lots of fireworks too and flowers everywhere, Lei answered shyly pushing a lock of her hair from infront of her eye.
Wow, that sounds fun! Do you think I can go? Ian asked with a cheerful grin.
A faint hint of red tinted Leis cheeks as she answered, You can go with me....with my friends, I mean. We all usually go together and play the games together and put our money together so we can eat some of the really good food that is sold. We might have enough money to feed you too...
Cool, so when does it start?
The day after tomorrow so we still have a while to wait.
Okay, Ill be there, Ian grinned. So what do you want to do now? We have a lot of- Suddenly, a scream could be heard from down the street and a crowd of people running in the opposite direction from the area. Come on! Lets go see whats going on! Ian exclaimed, no hint of fear in his voice.
Wow, hes either brave or really stupid... Lei though before she followed.
It was a group of the TechnoFreaks causing chaos to a large sector of the town that was being decorated for the festival. The TechnoFreaks were like the FreakShow gang but they were an alternate branch of the gang that developed around Hong Kong. They may have a bit of skill in the martial arts but they rely on the physical boosting properties of the drugs they took and their slightly more dangerous cybernetic enhancements.
Oh no! Theyre ruining everything! Lei cried.
Not while Im here. Ian stepped up to the group, his bokken put away but his Tiger Fang katana drawn. Hey! Freaks with the metal butts! Cut that out right now!
Heh, looks like we have a little hero here. Ill cut it out alright, said one of the bulky clawed gangers. The rest of the TechnoFreaks turned to the two 12 year olds and lashed out at the nearest of them. Ian lashed out as well, slashing up one of their arms with two lateral slashes then quickly ducked under two claw swipes and hand sprung from a heavy metal hammer.
It was as if claws were coming from all directions, and Ian did all he could to escape them all, only managing to make a few minor cuts on his enemies. The boy knew he was in over his head but that wouldnt stop him. He flipped away from the group and skid to a stop with a determined look in his eye. Now, its my turn.... Like a ferocious little animal, Ian pounced at the group. His blade came down on one of the claws and sliced clean through it.
What the heck, GAH! cried the dark skinned ganger as his claw sparked and fell apart.
My Tiger Fang is angry now that its tasted blood, Ian smiled and charged again but this time with a more offensive tactic and sliced through tech and limbs.
Hes not half bad, Lei said, observing the fight until she sensed an assault from behind her. She expertly ducked as the metalic claw took flight over her. She turned and did a heel kick to the TechnoFreaks head only to have it caught in mid air. Without waiting for the enemy to follow up with another claw attack, she spun around and kicked the freak with her free leg and sent him skidding into the dirt.
Although Ians sword strikes were high in power, they werent having a high effect on the highly regenerative TechnoFreaks. A hammer smashed on the ground near him which caused Ian to lose his balance only to be smashed in the chest by another club and thrown into the dust. He struggled to recover but his body just wasnt strong enough to withstand such blows so the group of freaks closed in to finish the boy off.
Ian! Lei shouted as she witnessed the boy being hammered down. Soon he was hurt and surrounded. Okay, time to get serious, Lei growled and focused an immense amount of chakra in her feet. Electricity sparked and danced around her legs and they began faintly glowing. Thunder Kick! Lei was about to charge but another TechnoFreak struck out at her diagonally with a claw. Lei turned and swung her leg in the opposite direction so her kick would deflect the blow but instead, when her foot made contact, the claw was ripped off.
The freak winced in pain for a moment before a straight, lightning covered foot stuck him in the gut and sent him flying backward. Now the thin 12 year old girl charged the group that was ready to attack Ian. One was behind Ian and saw the girl coming and pointed her out. The freak with his back turned, looked behind him and swiped his claw back to slice through Leis neck but she expertly ducked under it. She shifted her weight to her hands as she balanced upside down to use the momentum she built up while charging. The freak saw what was coming next and pulled his arms up to block. Lei kicked once with her right foot which knocked the freaks arms up, then kicked with the left in the Tech freakshows chest. Normally, a powerful, lightning charged foot to his chest would have soon been shrugged off by the freaks regenerative powers but the force of the kick knocked his back into a wall, nearly crumbling it. The tech on his back sparked and sent jolts of energy through him, causing the guy to black out.
Still balancing on both hands, she did a little spin and kicked the other freak with her right foot across his face, using her small weight plus her chakra charged kick to send him spinning through the air. Her fighting style had quickly adjusted to a Capoeria style on those two TechnoFreaks which caught them off guard. She picked herself back up, only faced with one last opponent who was a hulking mass of metal and flesh and tall.
This looks like a job for Jump Kick, she grinned. Just as the tank freak was upon her and leaned down to make his hammer fist connect, she slid down, almost lying on the ground to evade. Time for the other foot, she warned but the tank was too slow. Thunderous Jump Kick! Her foot smacked the tank under his chin, sending it flying straight up into the air. The freak was already unconscious on the way up and landed harshly on his head with a loud *THUKLANK!*
Any remaining gangers had retreated and soon the police arrived to arrest the criminals. Not wanting to get any attention, Lei pulled Ians arm over her shoulder and escaped to her house. Thanks.....but I was only getting started. I could have handled it, Ian told her.
Lei just shook her head. Sure, if you say so.
It was still early in the day and her parents usually worked kind of late so no one was home. Ian sat in the living room, holding his chest in pain. Lei just moved to the kitchen then the bathroom as she shouted orders to Ian. Just dont apply pressure.....make sure you keep taking deep breaths or youll just pass out from shock....and take off your shirt.... Lei came back to find Ian following her orders and sat straight up in his seat bare chested. Well at least youre not shy, she said before putting some medicine and bandages down next to him.
Okay, this is a little more serious so it will hurt but you cant move around, she told him. By the look of the bruise here and here, I can tell your have a fractured rib, her voice quieted a little as her fingers hovered around his side. But dont worry, I can help you. Just stay very still. Leis hand went up to Ians arm pit as if she was going to pick him up and her other hand down on his hip. She began massaging gently which caused Ian to look away in discomfort. Soon, all his ribs began burning and he sucked air through his teeth. The hand that was on his hip shifted around to his lower back and he violently pulled away as a pain in his entire torso became unbearable. Ian squirmed on his back while she held the same areas but his shoulder began to burn as well.
Almost all at once, the burning in Ians entire body stopped and he was fine. Lei was still leaning over him to make sure he was okay and he smiled, Wow, it doesnt hurt any more.
Yeah, just dont move around too much, Lei sighed and grabbed the bandage next to her. It will only take a few minutes to completely heal but I suggest wearing this to keep the bones in place. After wrapping up Ians chest and shoulder, she returned the medicine back to the bathroom. When she turned to leave the bathroom, Ian was standing in her path with an eager look on his face. Lei almost withdrew wondering what he could be thinking.
She almost fell backward with relief when Ian grinned in a pleading manner, Thunder Kick? Thunderous Jump Kick? Wow, youre so cool!
Yeah, thats a combination kick attack of mine, she said proudly.
Who taught you that stuff? Ian continued eagerly.
No one. I just practice my martial arts so much I made it up myself....of course, Master Cheng taught me how to focus my chi."
Ian frowned a bit, figuring he wouldnt be able to learn it himself. .....then I will practice my swordsmanship until I can make my own techniques too... Although Lei was obviously far skilled for her age, she became nervous at Ians declaration. She knew they would be a long time rival.
The next day, training started early in the morning for Lei and Ian. It was much physical conditioning like running with weights, climbing, swimming, etc. Then there was the martial arts training and sparring. Lei learned a bit about evading attacks like Ian while Ian quickly picked up on his hand to hand capabilities.
Lei was beginning to like the boy rather than be completely disgusted by him. Although he wasnt very strong, scrawny, lacked experience and skills in unarmed combat and was rather impetuous she admired his ability to learn quickly.
This went on for the next two days, ending early on the second so the two could attend the spring festivities if they wanted. Lei spent more time that night making sure she looked nice than any other night in the year. This festival only came one time a year and everyone would be there. In her room, she was tying her hair with a light pink ribbon and straightened her white and blue kimono with pink floral patterns up the side. Okay, I think Im good, she smiled at her reflection in the mirror. Fen will probably be late again
hehe she spends almost the whole day prettying herself up.
She walked out of her apartment building and down the street toward the bright lights. The streets were all barricaded off booths were everywhere and the smell of delicious food hung in the air. Now where is-
Lei was going to ask where is Fen but a tap on her shoulder caused her to jump slightly. Hi, Ian said with a grin. He was wearing a purple and pink yukata tied off by a white sash. Im not late am I?
No, Im just looking for my friend, Fen
.We always go together to these festivals but shes sometimes late. She only looked about for a few more seconds before pointing off to the left. There she is!
I thought you said you had friends
.as in more than one
Ian said dryly.
Lei ignored this and ran up to Fen, who was extravagantly dressed in a beautiful kimono and sparkling jewelry. Fen, are you rea- Lei cut herself off when Dong Hai walked up behind Fen.
Sorry, Lei. Im with someone else this year, Fen said while gazing lovingly at Hai who was grinning and blushing all at once. Thats okay right?
Lei didnt answer at first then sighed. Yes
you two have fun. The two didnt wait long to go enjoy the festival together, leaving her and Ian.
Wow
bummer, Ian said indifferently, So what stuff should we do?
Staring at her feet, Lei just sighed again. Well, we wont be able to do much with just my money but Im sure we can figure out something, Lei replied.
After about an hour and a half of festival games and booth hopping, Lei was out of money and they both sat on a bench, Lei with a very discouraged look on her face and Ian just looking around at the people walking by. Well, we might as well leave and get some sleep for tomorrow, she said with a heavy sigh.
We can still play a few more games though
and Im a little hungry too, Ian returned and rested his palm on his growling tummy.
I dont have any more money so we cant really do much of anything.
Ian shook his head at Leis last comment before a man stepped up from behind him. How is your training going Ian? And are you enjoying yourself at these festivities? said the Asian man with a pair of rectangular wireframe glasses.
Ah, Linn. What are you doing here? Ian asked with a smile.
Im just keeping an eye on you for your father, Linn replied with an emotionless face.
and who is your friend here?
This is Jing Lei. Shes training with me, Ian simply stated before rising to his feet and looking up at Linn. Do you think you can give us some money to get some food?
Linn nodded and pulled out a bit of money and handed it to Ian. Would you like some more so you can play the games? Linn asked.
Yes please! Lei was almost astonished at the amount of money Linn had
.and they were just going to play games with it all? Okay. What do you wanna do first, Lei? Play or eat? Ian asked with a funny grin.
After hours of playing festival games, Lei and Ian sat down under a tall old tree near the edge of the festival grounds and ate big helpings of barbequed fish prepared around the celebration. Ian greedily ate his share while Jing Lei just nibbled on hers. She stared off into the night sky, deep in thought. Whats wrong with you? Ian asked with a mouth full of fish.
Lei just sighed and looked back toward the crowds of people. Nothing
I was just thinking about what Fen must be doing now.
Oh, her and that guy? Why? They looked like they were going to do boring stuff anyway, he asked before stuffing another helping of food in his mouth.
Its just
Ive always been a little jealous of how pretty she is and how popular and
oh never mind
Lei began to blush and Ian quirked an eyebrow and stopped eating.
Hmph, well all that talk is stupid. We should just have fun and celebrate whatever this festival is celebrating, Ian answered then wiped his mouth with the back of his arm. By the way, what *is* this festival all about?
Lei took a small bite of her barbeque and chewed it. There was once a man who lived long ago with strong wushu skills. A demon with awesome powers took control of China and under his control was a powerful Japanese samurai that did his bidding. Somehow, the man broke the control that demon had on the swordsman and both worked together to defeat that demon. This festival celebrates the two nations setting aside their differences to combine their armies together to face down that demon so we combine our cultures as one, Lei answered solemnly. Theres more to it but I cant remember it all.
Oh
interesting. I wish I could have seen it, Ian answered with a grin. They both sat in silence for a minute and Lei began finishing her share of food when Ian spoke up again. Hey, dont you think, if youre combining cultures, you should have a Japanese name?
Why? Lei laughed, For this one festival?
To honor the spirits of those warriors. Just to show them you cared
Ian didnt know much about honor yet but he had a natural tendency toward it. What does your name mean?
Jing Lei? Its Pure Flower. Why?
Ian crossed his legs and contorted his brow in thought. Umm
.what about Yuri? he finally said. Its lily in Japanese which is a kind of flower
Lei laughed out loud, literally holding her sides while she did. Okay, fine. You can call me Yuri while under training. Maybe remembering the story of those brave warriors will inspire me to try harder.
Ian nodded approvingly. Anyway, how about we go visit the oracle? She tells your future and stuff and you dont even have to pay. Ive never tried it but it could be fun, Yuri said with a smile and ran back to the crowded carnival grounds.
Hey, wait up! Ian shouted after her and sprinted behind.
(([EDIT] The demon of legend was *Not* female and I had to edit that...))
They both arrived at a tent like booth on the deserted edge of the festivities. There was a single paper lantern hanging on a post adjacent to the door. This place is kind of creepy, Ian said as a shiver ran from shoulder to shoulder.
Dont tell me youre chickening out already, Yuri said over her shoulder to Ian but she too felt a strange vibe from the area.
Come in, come in, came an old creaky voice from inside the tent.
Yuri and Ian looked at each other, a look of slight panic on their face and then moved to open the sliding door to the booth. Inside, it seemed much larger than it looked from outside. Three candles somehow illuminated the entire interior quite brightly and the two children could see a woman seated on her knees at a short table wearing a dark purple robe with very long sleeves that concealed her hands. Her hair was long and a light grey, almost white. She seemed small and old but her face did not show many wrinkles. You want me to tell you your fortune, yes? the oracle asked.
Wow, howd you know we were outside? Did you know we were coming by looking into the future? Ian asked wide eyed.
No you twit. She heard us talking, Yuri answered for him.
Oh
right.
Sit down, come nearer and I will tell you what you want to know, the old woman said, smiling broadly at the two. When she did, her fangs shined through the candle light for an instant before concealing them with her mouth again.
The two did not take notice of the odd smile and sat down. At the little table were bowels and cups of water. The oracle said nothing and just peered into a bowel. There was silence for a few minutes, only the sound of the flickering flames that lit the candles and the gentle wind blowing through the leaves outside. Finally someone broke the silence, Well? What do you see? Ian asked.
I am waiting to hear what you want to know, the oracle replied. Ian smacked a palm to his forehead and sighed.
Yuri just shook her head at the boy and looked into the pools of water herself. Will I ever marry? she asked, forcing herself not to turn completely red.
The oracle was silent for a short moment before humming a lilting tune in her creaky little neck. Yes, yes, she began. I see you will marry. A handsome young man that you knew for a long time
. Nothing could be seen in the bowel but rippling water, at least to Yuri. This young man will be your first love and you will be happy together.
Really?! Thats so romantic, Yuri squealed, leaning closer and closer to the bowels.
Bah! Thats all boring and mushy stuff. I want to know about my future now, Ian complained and pushed Yuri out of the way. Tell us, will we have any exciting adventures soon? All this training can get stale.
The oracle stopped humming and pushed her bowel out of the way, replacing it with a cup. She pulled a single tea leave from her sleeve and dropped it in the cup and began humming again. You seek adventure, eh boy? she said with a smile but not showing her teeth this time. Yes, I see such a future for you
the both of you
.very soon. You will meet new and interesting friends and face dangerous opponents
.are you some type of warrior? Is that what your training is for? Yes, yes
.the life of a warrior is long and difficult
will you falter and fall from the path or will you persevere?
I thought we were asking the questions, Ian interrupted.
Shut up and let her speak, Yuri counter-interrupted.
Your training will end abruptly and you will be faced with a journey. You must prepare and train hard so that when youre faced with your opposition you will be ready. The oracle looked up from her cup and a devious sparkle was in her eyes, If you want me to tell you more, Ill need something from you.
Yuri gulped audibly and opened her mouth. Nothing came out for a few seconds but she managed to find her voice, What kind of something?
Blood, the oracle openly said.
Thats okay. Lets get out of here, Yuri, Ian said. He started to get up and grabbed Yuri by the arm but she pulled away.
Wait
Yuri looked down at her knees that she rested on, letting her long black hair fall in front of her eyes. The pause she took was almost minutes before she finally looked back at the old lady. Okay
but if you do anything funny youll find a foot in your head.
The oracle nodded and pulled a knife from her other sleeve. The blade was quite ornate, with a curved serrated edge and various skull symbols on the side. The hilt was a bronze snake coiled around the handle with a black jewel in its mouth at the bottom grip. Your hand, the woman asked, opening her own palm to receive the girls.
Yuri, shook her head. What do I have to be afraid of! Ive fought gangs of skilled fighters armed with swords. This is just an old lady with a kitchen knife. She thrust out her hand and placed it in the palm of the oracle.
Good good, this wont hurt at all. She cut a deep slit in the girls palm, running parallel to the life line running down the middle. A nice little glob of blood gathered at the base of the cut, finally dripping off into a shallow cup. While a second drop poured into the cup, she looked over at Ian. Well? Are you going to try too?
Oh fine, Ian whined and pushed his hand out too. Yuri withdrew hers and the oracle took Ians. She did the same and let his blood drip into a separate cup.
The two both cupped their hands to stop the bleeding while the oracle let the blood drip into a cup of dark liquid that may have been water but was concealed by shadow. The woman watched the pattern of the blood as it spread through the water and her eyes shot open.
What is it? Yuri asked, a bit concerned.
The oracle did not answer, she just did the same for Ians blood and examined its pattern. This is most interesting. Something deep inside you
your spirit
it is ancient. The power of the ancients is something you should not trifle with, it will only lead to destruction, she answered to Yuri then turned to Ian. Doom, death, pain and hatred lie in your future but do not let this stop you. The path or a warrior is inevitably stained with blood
I cannot say any more, it is too dangerous. The oracle seemed to slouch a lot more and rested a sleeve covered hand on her forehead. Please, go now. I can say no more.
The children just looked at each other again with a look of bewilderment before rising to their feet and walking out the booth into the dimly lit surroundings. The sliding door quickly slammed shut behind them which caused each to jump.
They began walking back to the festival, thinking hard on what was said. That was so stupid. A complete waste of time, Ian cried, crossing his arms in disapproval.
I dont know
people have said the oracle of the spring festival is pretty good
.I guess its possible to be wrong.
Its all a load of bolony! Lets just get some more to eat before we have to go to bed. Otherwise Ill have to give Linn back his money. Ian ran back toward the food stands, leaving Yuri to walk behind him while deep in her thoughts. She rolled the words around in her head over and over. She blushed again and smiled.
Linn reclined on a bench in the middle of the crowd, stuffing his hands in the pockets of his business suit. The Asian man kept his eye on Ian and Yuri as they walked about the booths. He didnt really notice that Yuri was deep in thought but even if he did he wouldnt be able to guess why. He let out a long sigh and closed his eyes while he cleaned the rectangular lenses of his wireframe glasses. This is when he felt his spirit field being invaded.
Linn quickly replaced his glasses and shot to his feet. He found he was no longer in the crowd of cheerful people but surrounded by darkness. The only thing visible now was the bench he was sitting on and the lamp post hanging over it. What is the meaning of this? Linn called out in the darkness. He turned to peer into the shadows but he did not show fear or desperation.
You are not truly from the east, correct? came a female voice from everywhere. Her voice echoed off of the darkness itself which made the place even more vast. You want to return home?
Show yourself otherwise I have no further words to exchange with you, Linn commanded.
Silence echoed for a moment before an old woman materialized out of a cloud of smoke; the oracle. You are not native to this realm are you? she asked with a gentle yet eerie voice.
It is of no concern to an old woman where I was born, Linn replied, pushing his glasses up the bridge of his nose.
The old woman smiled then a cloud of smoke engulfed her. When the cloud cleared, a beautiful woman with dark tan skin and a green X symbol crossing over her eyes replaced the oracle. She had the same robes and smile as she examined Linn from a distance. You should feel privileged. I do not show my true form to anyone unless I am prepared to kill them.
What form you take is of no interest to me, witch. Leave me be or I will be forced to destroy you, Linn said with an angry tone but his face remained indifferent.
You do not wish to return to the realm where your power ravaged untamed? I can help you, the woman smiled with fangs unveiled.
After a long pause, Linn finally spoke up. And who is offering me such a benevolent contribution? Linn asked dryly.
I am Hannyaa, a demon capable of helping you return to your home in the realm of demons. Is that not where your power is at its strongest? Hannyaa asked.
I was all powerful! Nothing could escape the grip of my power! Linn argued, slightly narrowing his brow in anger.
Yes, even more powerful than my master, Ryuu Daimao. But the realm of demons is not a place one should long to be in. It is a prison which holds my master just as it held you and all those within, Hannyaa said with a serious tone. It is my masters wish to return to this realm but the only way to do that is
merge this realm with that demon prison.
Something that doesnt happen very often, Linn showed an expression of curiosity. I understand
but will I have my power returned to me? he asked curiously.
Of course, and instead of ruling over imprisoned demons, that world and this will be under our control! But I will need you to help me. Hannyaa grinned with anticipation, Youve shown me a glimpse into your past
you were born into this realm hundreds of years ago as an oracle and doctor yourself? But how did you end up in the realm of demons?
It is not important but I somehow manifested a strange power
.I dont want to go into it right now
There was much about Linn that he was still trying to discover but he wanted to keep it to himself until he could sort through it fully. So how am I suppose to help you with your plan?
Hannyaa just continued smiling her evil demonic smirk and answered. The fates work mysteriously. The boy you keep watch over is the key to your destiny, for he manifests the Spirit Blade technique within him. With such an ability, he can cut through the barriers separating the realms themselves. With such a blade, he can breech through so that magic can bind this world and the next together.
Although Linn was surprised, he did not express it. So you want me to hand over Ian?
No, that will not work, she said with a shake of her head. Although the ability is within him, he must learn to focus it to its maximum potential. It will take much time but I have a plan to speed up the process
.but while the boy is the key, the girl is the lock. I dont understand it myself but the barrier created to imprison my master was created by a man with his vile powers and now those powers lie within her.
The area began to return to normal, the festival grounds reappearing while Hannyaa faded away. I will return when it is time to move the plan into action. In the meantime, keep this meeting a secret. Linn couldnt believe all this had happened yet he was so glad it did. More knowledge was always good and a chance to gain his lost power again could not be resisted.
Linn eyed the son of the man he had protected in the demon realm. The spirit manifestation that he expunged, William Kelly, who saved his life by stopping Linns unstoppably growing powers yet forfeighted most of it and his place among the demons, fathered a son who would return him to power. He had never seen the boy as he did now, with irresistible opportunity.
This *gasp* *gasp* is ridiculous! Yuri wheezed. She desperately extended an arm up and grasped at another small nook on the side of the vertical wall of the canyon. I cant believe *gasp* *wheeze* that insane teacher of yours *gasp* has us climbing mountains *gasp* *cough*! How does this teach *wheeze* us wushu? Ian didnt answer and continued climbing silently beside her. Yuri has climbed her share of mountains on her travels but this was different.
Instead of climbing up the easiest or shortest path, Ryjuta deliberately told them to climb up a chasm that had a nearly negative slop. Not to mention all of the loose rocks on the way up and the fact Ryjuta had several hundred pounds of weights tied to their legs and arms.
For the past nine months, both teachers, Cheng and Ryjuta, have been intensifying the students training. Cheng focused on technique, skill and form of a plethora of fighting styles with a liberal side of sparing with the teacher and each other. Ryjuta on the other hand, had many other types of tasks for the two. Swimming against the swift current of a raging river, sparring blindfolded, retrieving stones from the bottom of a lake that was over a hundred feet deep and now climbing mountains with hundreds of pounds tied to their limbs with a good helping of meditation on the side.
It took them from early morning (around 6am) to late afternoon (2pm) to finally make it close to the top. Al
most
there. Yuri struggled to grab the last ledge to finally reach the plateau but the edge cracked under her weight and fell helplessly back. Ian quickly reacted by jumping up top and reaching down to grab Yuris wrist. Ian pulled her hand back so she could finish climbing the rest of the way and collapsed on his back.
Thanks
I would have been a goner without you, Yuri gasped after finally pulling herself up.
We have to look out for each other
thats why were training together, right? Ian replied, his arms sprawled out to the side and looking up at the sky.
Thats correct, said a voice from further in on the ledge. Ryjuta stepped up to them and looked down at his students. Some of these exercises are dangerous so you must help one another out. When one of you falls down the other picks him up and you both must keep going.
but why are we doing all these strange exercises? How will any of this help us in the future? Yuri asked, panting on all fours.
Ian pulled himself up into a sitting position, with a determined look at Yuri. He was about to say something when Ryjuta interrupted. You must surpass human limitations, Ryjuta began. If you are bound to the limitations of your bodies, you wont stand a chance against most enemies in this world. They are capable of destroying mountains, flying higher than the heavens, or even invade the inner confines of your mind. I am your teacher and I could never forgive myself if I did not give you all the tools you needed to face any opponent no matter how powerful.
There was silence among them for a minute or two before a strong wind picked up to break the quiet. Now, I have your lunch here. Ryjuta pulled a sack from his back and smiled. If you want to eat, it will be waiting for you at the bottom.
What!? But
can we get some rope at least? Yuri complained.
No. And I dont want you to climb down. I want you to jump. Yuri was at a loss of words when he said this and her mouth hung open when Ryjuta leapt off the ledge. It had to be a 100+ story fall, it was impossible to survive that.
She quickly looked over the edge to see Ryjuta leaping down from small stones on the side of the canyon wall, not disturbing a single stone.
this is unbelievable
Yuri gasped just before Ian leapt off after Ryjuta. Ian skid, almost falling, before finally leaping to a more sturdy rock.
Miraculously, both Ian and Yuri made it to the bottom, covered in dirt and blood. They could barely enjoy their meal with all of their aching muscles. As they both ate their fish and bread and washed it down with a cup of odd sparkling water that they scooped from a bowl Ryjuta rested infront of them, Ryjuta told them their next task. Okay, just tie those weights back on and climb up again. This time youd better get up there within two hours or else Ill start dropping the boulders down on you. With that said, Ryjuta leapt back up the ledge, rock by rock, getting to the top in under a minute.
~~
I have to admit
youre getting better, Yuri complemented to Ian as she blocked several of his punches and palm strikes. But youll have to work on making your style less restricted by technique
to make it harder to predict and block. Yuri knocked away one fist and blocked Ians other palm and countered with a palm strike to Ians chest who easily deflected it away. Yuri followed up by using the motion of her deflected attack to turn and jab her elbow hard into Ians rib.
Ian grunted slightly, and was forced down to his knee when Yuri followed down with a leg on his shoulder. Ian gripped her ankle and quickly knocked Yuris other leg from under her with a leg sweep. Without a pause, Ian moved to pin Yuri but she easily reversed it, pressing his face into the dirt and forcing an elbow in his back.
She could have used a different hold but she preferred to use a certain pressure point in his back to stop any retaliation. Gah! Why cant I move!? Ian angrily asked while struggling under her weight which was lighter than his own.
Dont feel bad, I could probably hold down a man ten times your size with this. Its just another physical point of the body that I can manipulate, she said with a grin and leaned harder on the boy.
Why
why dont you just show me all your moves so you cant surprise me anymore? Ian told the girl who began to ease up on him.
Ill show you mine if you show me yours, Yuri said before finally letting Ian up. Yuri looked up at the sky and shook her head. Sorry, its time for my pressure point study session with Master Cheng. You can go practice with the training dummies for an hour or two and then Master Cheng will be ready to spar with you.
Without another word, Yuri ran off to study with her teacher, leaving Ian alone in the lightly forested area around the training grounds. He didnt try the practice dummies but instead leaned back on a tree and let out a long sigh. He didnt mean to, but after a few minutes, he began to doze off. Something was making him a bit drowsy but he figured it was the long days of training day after day.
When he awoke, he heard the beautiful voice of a woman singing. Ian slowly opened his eyes and looked around. He brushed off his grey gi and looked around for the voice. No one should be around the training grounds as they were about 10 miles from the city Yuri lived in so they were out in the middle of nowhere. The tune he could hear was almost like a lullaby but a bit more dreary as if it was in a minor key that just made you want to sigh in depression
but it was still a very beautiful voice.
Ian looked around the trunk of a tree to find a woman who looked about eighteen to twenty years old, wearing a black gown. She had long black hair and her skin was a dark tan. Under the gown, you could tell she had a slender figure and was well endowed. Her dark brown eyes sparkled as she picked around the base of a tree.
At first, Ian didnt want to surprise or disturb her but he felt as if he was being drawn in by the song. Slowly, Ian stepped out from behind the tree, his hands held behind his back. Umm
hi, he said, fixating his gaze downward.
The woman looked over at the boy with a warm smile. Hello
.youre that man that has been doing all that training here? the woman asked as she stood up from picking herbs.
Ian scratched his head at first before he finally answered. The months of their training, Ian and Yuri did have a birthday but they were only thirteen now. Man? Umm, yeah. Thats me. He couldnt think of anything else to say. He could think of something but nothing that was adequate to say.
Ian is your name, right? she asked and he simply just nodded.
How did you know? Who are you and what are you doing here? he finally said after getting his mind together.
Im Aya, and I was just picking up a few herbs. None of these grow where Im from, she answered then went back to picking.
It didnt take much for him to get comfortable around her, so now he seated himself next to her and smiled up at her. They dont? You must live far away then. Where are you from?
North, very far. Its very cold there so I have to make trips south quite often.
Ian blinked with surprise, Really!? It must be hundreds of miles north then. How long does it take you to get here?
Aya giggled at the curious boy. Only a few minutes, maybe ten.
Wow! How do you do that? Do you know how to fly or something? Ian asked again with wide eyed curiosity.
Kind of, Aya answered and returned to scavenging for plants. Ian blushed a little, figuring he was being a pest and said nothing more. After a moments pause, she looked back to him and smiled. I like you, Ian. Im glad I finally have someone to talk to. Aya put down her satchel of leaves and roots and stared upon Ian again. I have a special way to move long distances in an instant
its an ability that I learned a while back. Anyone can learn how but it was easier for me for some reason because of something inside me. Aya leaned closer to Ian and Ian tried to lean away to compensate. You have a special skill, like me, that you can learn and master too. You just have to discover what it is.
I do? Ian asked after Aya finally opened the space between them. How can you tell? How do I discover it?
Aya rested a hand on the boys shoulder who quickly tensed up from the contact. Everyone does. On many levels, people are more affiliated with certain aspects of life. Some are skilled artists, some are intelligent or imaginative thinkers and on other levels, some people can sense things easier or connect with the minds of animals. Its just the way we are.
Ian smiled. He tried not to so he could seem more grown up but the more he tried not to the broader his smile. Would you like to meet with me so you can discover where your special skills lie? she asked after picking up her satchel again and looking down at the boy.
Ian nodded enthusiastically as he jumped to his feet. Yes! The time when Yuri meets with Master Cheng is when Im not training. Maybe if you speak with my instructors they can
No! Aya said in a loud intimidating voice which caused Ian to recoil back a bit.
I mean, you cannot tell the others about me. You see
.Im not suppose to be down south this far and my parents would get angry if they found out.
Ian just nodded to this explanation and relaxed again. If you come here and call my name, I will come for you. Okay? Ian nodded again with a wide grin.
Aya then picked up a stick and began rubbing it with another. Well, I must be off but I need to make a little smoke to do it.
Ian moved closer and extended a hand toward the two sticks she was rubbing. Ill help you, he said and the heat between the sticks grew more intense until a small wisp of smoke rose from it.
Thank you, Ian. I cant wait until we get a chance to talk again. The wisp of smoke grew darker and when Aya touched it, her form changed to that of smoke and flew upward to the sky where it slowly faded from view.
Ian stared on for at least half an hour, thinking about what she said. He could only wonder what else was in store for their next meeting.
Another five months of training, totaling fourteen, Yuri and Ian endured many more harsh training sessions with the two teachers but both were becoming quite dejected. Specifically, Yuri was still angry at the odd methods of Ryjuta. He claimed it was to surpass human limitations but she could not truly tell that she had moved pass the maximum potential of her body four months into the training. She couldnt tell because there was little opportunity to test their new speed because Ryjuta remained insanely faster than them while Master Cheng never showed his true speed, only veiling it by his masterful fighting skill. The only others to gauge their speed was versus eachother but both were making progress in speed. Ians martial arts skills seemed to rival hers but for some reason, he never followed through with the fervor of skill along with power that Yuri pursued but he seemed distracted in that respect.
After an eight hour physical tempering session, Ryjuta granted the two the rest of the day off to relax and rest. Yuri and Ian were rejuvenating in a hot spring isolated on the outskirts of the training grounds. Ian, now fourteen after recently having a birthday, slowly slid into the water only wearing his underwear, sinking down so his chin rested at the surface. Yuri, still thirteen, just reclined back on the edge of the hot spring in her red one piece bathing suit.
Ah
finally, a break. When was the last time we got a chance to just lie back and relax? Yuri said with a self relieving sigh.
Two months, I believe, Ian answered before ducking his head under and coming back up to recline opposite of Yuri. It was on my birthday. Too bad we didnt have a party or anything but I guess not training was good enough. Ian leaned back his head and closed his eyes, letting the steam completely relax all the muscles in his body.
Yuri began unbraiding her hair so she could soak it in the steaming hot water. This is when she noticed Ian leaving. Hey! Where are you going? We just got here
Ian looked back over at Yuri, still dripping wet as he pulled his remaining leg out of the water. Um
sorry, but I have to take care of something. Ill be right back, Ian replied then quickly ran off.
Yuri was a bit surprised at this and became slightly curious. I wonder what hes up to
Boy stuff again? she thought to herself. This wasnt the first time Ian had done this. On various occasions, Ian would cut off their sparring session short to go do boy stuff but never when they were both eating, sleeping or resting.
maybe I should
Yuri slipped out of the hotspring, and followed after Ian. She was still only in her bathing suit while Ian was still in his underwear but Ian had taken the only towel. Rich little selfish ingrate
Yuri commented under her breath after finding she had no way to dry off.
Staying a good distance behind, Yuri followed Ian through the forest of the training ground until Ian was in a clearing. I wonder what hes up to now
Aya? Hey! Can I talk with you? Ian shouted out into the open air.
Yuri was bewildered, Who is Aya? And why has he not said anything- Her thoughts were interrupted when a cloak of some dark gassy substance began to collect around Ian. Yuri did a double-take when a female figure appeared leaning down with her arms draped around Ians neck.
Aya gave Ian a light squeeze then released him with a smile. Hello, Ian. You wanted to talk with me? she asked in her sweet voice.
Ian grinned and accepted the hug. He pulled the towel he had draped over his shoulders and began drying off his hair. Yeah
I dont know but
Ive just been thinking about you more and more lately, he began, hesitating slightly between his phrases.
Moving behind him, Aya smiled and took over drying his hair. You have? Well, how long has this been happening.
Ian didnt answer and let Aya finish with the brown shag that now dropped over his eyes a bit. It doesnt matter
I just wanted to tell you. He took of his blue headband and wrung it out. I also wanted to thank you for helping me discover a lot about myself and my capabilities. Im definitely stronger now, thanks to your help.
I am pleased to help you become the strong man you are meant to be, Aya replied with a bow of her head. But you must continue to practice your spirit blade to perfect your technique.
Ian nervously tied his headband and pulled it tight. He was quiet and stared at his feet for a while before he looked up to Aya and blurted out, Aya, I love you! Quickly, Ians face turned red, Aya jumped slightly in surprise and Yuri pulled away from the tree she was hiding behind in shock, literally falling back into the grass. I want to be with you and protect you with my life
just dont leave me, ever. Ians voice calmed but his words were still full of passion.
Aya was slightly surprised at this but kept her senses about her. She heard a rustling of grass a ways from the clearing and figured someone was watching. Aya beamed a smile to Ian and leaned close to him and kissed him on the cheek. Youre sweet, she said, returning his affection with her sweet voice. I accept your love and your vow of protection
but maybe you should finish your training before you do.
With a sigh of slight disappointment, Ian nodded at her answer. You should go and find your friend, Yuri. She might be worried about where you are.
Thats right! he gasped, Ive got to go. Thanks for coming to talk with me, Ian smiled and hugged Aya tightly. She just lightly patted his back and smiled down on him before he let go and ran off, waving goodbye as he left.
Ian ran back to the hotspring but could not find Yuri. He searched in the usual spots the two would be at but he could not find her
because she didnt want to be found. Yuri was sitting up in a tree, tears running down her cheeks. When Ian ran nearby, she moved behind a thick limb so she was unseen. I thought
I didnt know he
Yuri could barely finish her own thoughts.
The next day, Yuri and Ian were alone on the far side of the training ground sparring. Ian was vigorously striking at Yuri with many punches and kicks at quite a fast speed. Yuri simply blocked and deflected his blows.
Slightly steamed that he couldnt land a blow, Ian feigned a punch only to quickly drop and perform a sweep at Yuris feet. She jumped up to dodge which is when Ian followed up with a swift side kick. Yuri caught the foot and seemingly without effort, she tossed it back which caused Ian to backflip. He landed on his feet but had to skid to a stop by the force of the deflection.
Yuri audibly yawn and patted her mouth with a palm which caused Ian to growl with annoyance and charged in to make a strong tackle to pin her. Uhg, look at him
he thinks he has a chance or something
Ill put him in his place, she scowled inwardly. With much skill, Yuri stepped to the side and grabbed at Ians bicep. This is what Ian wanted, to get close enough to her because he could react far more quickly than her
or at least thats what he first though. In any case, Ian grabbed her arm in return and began pulling her to the ground.
Yuri only had to squeeze at a point in his arm faintly to cause him to hesitate. Ian didnt know what hit him when a foot came flying at his face and nearly knocked his face in. Ian was thrown back by the kick and moaned in pain as he hit the ground. When he pushed himself up, he pressed some fingers to his nose and blood dripped from his hand.
With an angry glare, Ian turned to Yuri. Whats wrong with you!? This is suppose to be a spar, we dont hurt each other!
Whatever
Yuri dismissed with a roll of her eyes.
This got Ians temper burning like no other and he balled his fists tightly. You think youre so much better than me? You dont have a clue, if this was a real fight youd be crying for mercy. He crossed his arms and looked absently out into the surrounding forest,
but I couldnt do that because Id be hitting a girl.
Returning Ians glare, Yuri grit her teeth with an equally heated temper. You dont stand a chance. You never have and you never will, she said defiantly, pushing the hair from her eyes and letting it rest behind her ear. Without another word, Ian marched away but not to retreat. He rustled in the duffle back that they both kept their supplies and equipment in and took out his bokken. What are you doing? she asked but already knew what he was going to say.
A real fight
you and me
until you surrender in defeat. I could use my sword but Id rather not kill you. He stepped back before her, leaving a decently large space between them for defense. He readied his bokken to begin.
Yuri audibly growled and took a powerful stance with her legs far apart so she was low to the ground and one palm facing forward and the other down. Idiot
Thunder Kick!
Ian had seen Yuri use this so this did not intimidate him. Yuri charged and to his surprise, her feet had electricity jumping up and around to her legs. Yuri kicked with her charged left, which Ian dodged by jumping back, and followed up with a quick and powerful right as she turned from the other kick. Ian had to duck under this one because she had moved in to close. This is when Yuri pulled her leg up and let it come crashing down in a crippling axe kick.
Ian rolled to the side, expecting to evade the attack without penalty but when Yuris foot hit the ground, it exploded in a surge of force and rubble. Ian was thrown away, landing hard on his stomach. When he tried to recover from the attack and get on his feet, the girl martial artist was on him again with her charged kicks. Ian stepped to the side and Yuris foot was intercepted by a tree which was smashed down by the force of her kick. Ian jumped away and turned back to his opponent. With little more than a gesture of his eyes, Ian prepared his own technique. Sting of the Wasp!
With barely enough chance to turn, Yuri ducked to the side and the tree that she knocked down was knocked away by the force if Ians bokken. With a loud crash, the tree flew and knocked over another tree.
Yuri quickly followed up with a quick charged heel kick but Ian blocked it with his own attack. Sting of the Wasp! The two attacks collided and the electric charge of Yuris foot and the flashing white chakra from Ians blade forced them apart.
When did you learn that? Ive never seen you use a wasp bite technique, Yuri snarled, narrowing her eye on her opponent.
Its Sting of the Wasp! And Ive been doing a little training on my own
besides, you dont see me fighting with my sword very often. Weve been training in unarmed combat, Ian snapped back.
So thats what they were doing
that Aya woman was teaching him to use sword techniques? Is that what the spirit blade is then? Yuri was thinking for a moment and Ian began tapping his foot impatiently.
Whats wrong? You chicken or somethin? Ian teased which caused Yuri to break her pondering.
Yuri took the stance she had before and steadied her breathing. Storm Kick! She only had to run a few steps to close the distance between the two before she was in range for her attack. She began kicking at Ian with blinding speed. Ian had not seen her use this technique before but he still smirked deviously when she started her attack. He gripped his bokken with both hands and pulled it in to make his attack.
Dodging the first few kicks, Ian began pushing toward his opponent. Flashing Steel! blinding speed, Ian was instantly on the other side of Yuri who continued to kick a few more times before stopping completely. She collapsed to her knees, holding her abdomen in pain. Heh, if I were using a real sword youd be half a girl, he sneered at Yuri.
Still in pain, she rubbed the area that Ian managed to hit. Hes trying to match me or something
power for power and speed for speed
.He thinks he can match me? Not a chance, all this Yuri though while taking a tall pose, balancing on one leg and raising one arm straight up. Ling Hun Shou fourth technique: Wolfs Fang- Yuri said all this while charging at Ian who moved to the side.
Yuri struck at Ian with a rigid hand, aiming to grab his arm but he had moved. He quickly turned and was prepared to bring his bokken up in another technique. Soaring Dra-
-to Storm Strike! Yuri one upped Ian by combining a wushu attack with her soul fist techniques. Storm Kick/Strike sped up Yuris attack and Ian was bombarded with a flurry of rigid palm strikes.
Before Ian could get off his technique, he felt his arms go numb
actually, he couldnt even feel he had arms at all and could not move them as Yuri had forced her chakra to travel to the nerves in his limbs to stop further electric currents to travel to them, making his arm muscles useless.
AAAUUUUH! Ian shouted as he fell to the ground and tried as hard as he could to move his arms but all he managed to do was release his sword. When Ian looked to Yuri to ask what she had done, she was already walking away. Wait! Get back here! Im not done!!!!!
Stupid Ian
I hate him
he never
hes just an immature boy and hell never amount to anything
. Yuri could only think of what she saw and heard during Ian and Ayas meeting and only became angrier as she stomped away, leaving Ian behind, helpless.
((Just a story of one of my more newer established characters. I wanted a chance to make up a story for her, mainly for myself.))
Jing Lei, you have to make sure you maintain your stance while you defend, said Master Cheng to his main pupil. This martial arts master had a few students that he kept up with, but continued to teach this strange black haired,dark eyed girl who he met as a small child who had a strange affinity for unarmed combat.
Keeping this dumb stance only limits my ability to defend, Lei responded angrily as she tried blocking the quick palm strikes of her teacher. The 12 year old girl skillfully struck away her senseis palm strikes with her own but soon broke stance again and mixed in more kicks.
The old master, with his many wrinkles and nearly bald head, easily countered Leis kick by grabbing her ankle and with little effort tossed her aside. We are working on your defense, which is sorely in need of work. Cheng said with a disappointed sway of his head.
Why? Im good enough. I can defend myself against you and you said youre a martial arts master.
Master Cheng walked away from the girl, his ordinary looking brown martial arts robes swaying in the wind that wisped around the trees of the lightly forested area around his dojo. Its because I want you to be proud of your skills. I dont want you to end up embarrassed and giving up on all your training. Jing Lei quirked her head to the side, wondering what he was talking about. Someone new will be visiting to train with us. It will be the pupil of a friend of mine so I want you to be at peak performance.
Lei froze, almost in fear. Was this new person that good to make sensei worried? Would this person totally outclass me or something?... I want you to focus on your spirit training and anatomy points for a few hours and then you can leave, the elderly teacher said as he walked away, Another of those soul hand techniques might reveal itself today. Ill be inside with the other students if you need me.
This person cant be any good. The person is probably no better than the others here....I should stop worrying about it. Jing Lei finally dismissed the thoughts and sat down in the grass to began meditating. As her mind freed itself, she traveled to the place in her thoughts she always goes to during meditation. It was like the world we live in but in the past. It was through the eyes of someone, someone with great skill. This person was some kind of powerful sage with great knowledge of the spirit and she would see glimpses of his life and grasp bits of information. Sometimes it would reveal a means of using her spirit to perform some kind of ability, other times she would just retain the memories of this odd person who seemed distant.
This time, Jing Lei only saw memories that she had seen previously so went straight to her anatomy study. As the other students sparred, she was in the corner staring fervorently at a life-sized cloth dummy with various parts of it divided by dotted lines and a few hundred dots indicating a pressure point. After an hour of setting the areas and points to memory, she systematically struck at each point then repeated this for another hour.
By the time she was done, the other students began to clean the dojo like they often did after intense training. See you later Master Cheng. Later guys, dont burn yourselves out on cleaning now, Lei said jokingly to the group of students which were all her age or older. They all laughed and waved goodbye to her as she sprinted out of the door and off of the training grounds.
She finally reached her home, a run down, old apartment building in the heart of the slums of a small city in China. Her and her family were poor and she couldnt afford to attend normal school so she was home schooled by her father which is what she would normally be off to do but both her parents were busy at work. So instead of home work, Lei would be hanging out with friends....well, friend. Lan Fen was her three years older, taller, more developed and far more feminine friend who Jing Lei related to somehow even though they were complete opposites.
So how did your training go today? Did you see Dong Hai? Did he ask about me? Fen cooed as she brushed her hair in the mirror of her room.
No, I wasnt paying attention. Why? Lei asked while quietly watching her friend working her gorgeous long black hair with much care.
Why!? Hes the coolest, strongest and cutest boy in town! I talked with him last week at the market and....oooh! The teen fell backward to the floor and squeezed the brush she was using to her breast, as if it was the boy she fantasied about.
Well....hes not really strong at all....I can beat him in a match without even trying, Lei said with a blank stare.
Fen broke away from her daydream with an angry eye and continued brushing her hair. Okay, Ms. Tomboy. What did you do today? Wrestle some bears? Beat up more boys?
Lei stopped and stared at the ceiling while pulling the small strands of her hair that fell about shoulder length. Nothing really. Just more training....but sensei was a bit worry about a new student that will be coming soon. I guess he thinks this new person will overshadow my skills.
What if its a really cute boy that could beat you? Would you take him to the spring festival or be all angry with him? Fen asked, turning to Lei with a serious look on her face.
Why do you think it would be a boy? Its probably another girl....she might-
Oh stop it. I can already see it now. It will be a nice, polite boy that will easily defeat you. Youll be sad and cry at your defeat and he will kneel next to you and comfort you. Then, hell ask you to go to the spring festival and during the late night fireworks, under a big tree you both will-
Lei was getting angry with Fens prediction and stomped her foot. I would never cry! And I would never let some boy beat me! Lei stormed out of her friends room and retreated back to her own home to study without her father although now her focus was divided on the next days new arrival.