A good day! }{ PM me first please

[Talwyn]

Nanashi shook his head in response to the compliments Sian was showering him with. "Father teach me from moment I could walk. Warrior important person in Nippon. Need many skills, all which can teach something about sword... If patient enough." Pointing at the door, he continued. "Yuu will not learn dat. Yuu will find own way of doing if yuu prakties hard."

Smiling, he glanced at the chessboard again. "Come. Again. Dis time, yuu make move in... dirty..." Pausing he indicated the number he meant. "Sekkonds. Yuu understand?" With a grin, he awaited Sian's move.

The next few weeks, the days were pretty much the same. Before the tavern opened, they spend time on the footwork. Afterwards, they sat inside playing chess. Nanashi refused however, to teach Sian how to swing a sword. His answer was always about how the feet were important. "Yuu learn walk before run." Or something along those lines.

And while Nanashi was an amiable person, as a teacher he was rather strict. Even that little exercise they had started weeks ago became more and more difficult as Nanashi's judgment became stricter and stricter.

Also, most mornings Nanashi woke up after Sian had his morning exercises. This morning however, Nanashi was sitting cross legged in the little courtyard, holding the two wooden swords he had procured weeks before. Getting up, he handed one of them to Sian. "This sword... not toy. Yuu treat with respect. Today, we start with swing."

All of Sian's excitement probably went down the drain after he saw the exercise Nanashi had planned for him however. It was the same walking back and forth he had been doing for weeks. Except this time, he had to swing the sword as well. Nanashi's movements were completely synchronized, his swing finished the moment his movement had stopped. The motion of the swing was also a single, beautiful and fluid motion. No tension anywhere. Looking at Sian he gave a little smile. "Yuu try."

[WolfEnchantress]

Sian contemplated this. Find his own way? Without anyone teaching him? He guessed that with enough skill he could. But first, he had to learn the skill. Absently, he made his first move, then regretted it as it was easily countered, and switched his full attention onto the game.

The exercises became more difficult, but not once was he allowed to touch the wooden sword. Which was understandable, and he was patient. There was a lot to learn before picking up any weapon, as he learned the hard way while he was trying to learn to use a whip. Anyone could just pick it up and swing, but to actually learn to use it was different.

Then, after a few weeks, came the morning Nanashi was up before him. He found him in the courtyard and nodded his greeting, curious until he saw that Nanashi held two wooden swords. He grinned and watched the exercise. It wasn't too exciting, but one step at a time, right?

He tried the exercise, mimicking Nanashi's movements and finding it far more difficult when an object was thrown into the mix, even if it was just swinging a wooden sword. It was like going back to square one - the step he'd finally gotten down right, and then all it took to screw it up again was the fake sword he held in his hand. He blinked, then chickled.

"It's harder," He admitted. "I didn't think it would be." He tried again, this time correcting himself on one point and getting another point wrong. He concentrated on what he was doing, and tensed up, getting slightly frustrated. He stopped, focused, and started again, practicing as he had been the past few weeks.

"Are all of the steps going to be like this?" He asked after about a half hour.

[Talwyn]

Nanashi gave a simple nod in response to his pupil's question. "Yes... will get harder and harder. Master once told me, even with two lives, mastering sword is impossible. Always yuu find something to improve. Always."

Continuing with their practice, Nanashi let the reality of things sink in with Sian. Of course things would get harder and harder. Becoming more skilled merely meant being able to overcome increasingly difficult problems after all. And as such, the days turned to weeks and the weeks even to months. The pacing of the training had increased a lot, and they were now doing mock battles at least twice a day.

Nanashi would always encourage Sian, but not once did he allow Sian to hit him. Even the openings he left where placed only to see if Sian would fall for the trap. After the harsh day of training, they still wouldn't be finished as Nanashi insisted on playing chess during the evenings. During these games, he would tell grand stories about the history and legends of his country, though he always seemed to avoid his own past.

Even inquiries about the never ending stream of bad luck were deflected. The most he ever said about it, was that Sian probably wouldn't understand or believe him. Sitting down at their usual table, he took out his trusted sword and checked the white ribbon that made him unable to draw the blade. With a slight nod, he placed the sword against the wall and turned his attention to the chessboard, waiting for Sian to make his move.

[WolfEnchantress]

Sian nodded and focused more on his work than he had been previously. He thought about that a bit - always something to improve on. So, each time he did something, he would mentally tally up all of the things he had done poorly on - which was quite the list. And each time he would try to fix those things. Though, he found that when he focused on trying to fix one thing, he would lack skill in others. It was frustrating.

At the end of the day, he was exhausted, every day. He would wash, fall into bed, and be asleep withing seconds. And the next day he was always stiff, doing stretches to try to limber himself out. But he liked the training - it made him feel like he was accomplishing something.

He did sense that Nanashi avoided questions about his past, and Sian stopped prying - after all, Sian's past wasn't exactly clean either, and he would do what he could to hide it too. But finally curiosity got the better of him, and he did ask a question.

"Why is it you keep your sword bound like that?" He asked one day after training, once they sat down. He moved a chess piece idly, making an unintentional bad move "If you have it , shouldn't you want to fight with it?" he'd always wondered, but figured there was a logical reason. After all, swords were weapons. Why keep it all tied up?

[Talwyn]

Looking at his sword, Nanashi’s hand hovered over the pawn he was about to move, a slight tremble being the only sign he was unsure of how to proceed. After what seemed an eternity, he shook his head and sighed. “No. I do not want fight. I fought enough. Fought for lord, glory, honor, life. All for me or because of order. Kyoujikami shall remain sealed. The day she is needed, is day I hope not to have.”

Ordering another ale, he surprised Sian by putting the pieces of their game away. His expression darkened as he took a single sip before looking into Sian’s eyes. “Many years ago, there was war…” Gazing at his sword, he looked… troubled. “Traditionalists fought hard for right cause. Us too…” A slight haze appeared in his eyes. “Fought many battles… and I would do it again… but…”

Rubbing his eyes he took another sip of ale. “Both sides did… terrible things. Killed many people… only because they refused to give up their beliefs. I…” He stopped himself and looked away somewhat awkward. “We captured the heir of clan Toda. I killed him to force his men into surrender.” Once again, he stopped and stared at Sian.

“His father died but mere weeks before. No other heir. His death destroyed clan. Had to be done… Toshiro, died with honor, like all warriors want.” So far, this seemed fairly normal and hadn’t really explained why this specific seemed to pain the warrior so. Knowing there was no way to explain this without shocking his companion, Nanashi went on. “He was 14 years old.”

With that, he retreated into silence once more as went for his ale again. Staring into the mug, he relived every single moment of those horrible years. Horrible… there was no other way to put it. He abhorred his actions during that war, but he also knew he would make the same choices without a second doubt. As much as he hated all the death and misery caused, he also knew he had fought for what he believed would be best for the country he loved.

Looking at Sian once more, he made up his mind. He would tell the young man the entire story so he could form his own opinion. And, so he hoped, would help him see that while he did fight for what he believed in, he had done so with a heavy heart.

“After we succeeded, I was offered high ranking position in new national army. I refused. My sword was the cause for many deaths. I became wanderer with no honor. I want to help people, not cause more death. My own life is not important. But if sword is not sealed, I fear it would be too easy to reach and take more lives…”

And there it was, beneath the usually calm and cheerful appearance, was a broken man that had seen too much death and suffering. No longer caring about his own life, he merely wanted to make sure others would not need to suffer. A wan smile appeared on his face as he drank the last of his ale.

Due to this melancholic and self-reflecting mood he was in now, he noticed the upcoming trouble a tad too late. Several armed men had entered the inn and were barking orders and making threats. Still with his head in the past, Nanashi got up and confronted them, realizing his folly only after one of them tried to lob his head off.

These were not drunkards looking for a fight, these were bandits! And, of course, Kyoujikami had just decided she had been silent and ignored long enough. Another of the men made an attack aimed at Nanashi’s head from his blind spot, but he tripped over a spilled ale mug.

While it did save his life, it also rendered him unconscious. Moving in for the kill, the men suddenly stopped as a single order cleaved through the commotion, cutting away other sounds. “Stop! Do not kill that man.” The bandits looked up and quickly straightened as a shrouded figure moved in closer.

Looking at Nanashi, he nodded and turned around. The movement swayed his cloak, and for a second, Sian had a clear look at the man’s weapon. It was a katana just like Nanashi’s! “Take him and leave!” Confused, the bandits looked at the newcomer and it was obvious they did not like this order. “Bu…” Before even that first word was finished, the complaining bandit was laying in a pool of his own blood.

With a single, deft movement, the cloaked stranger cleared his blade of blood and sheathed it. “I said we shall take him and leave! Now move!” None of the others dared to question him and did as they were told. And just as suddenly as they had appeared, they were gone.

Within the village, everyone was running around in a panic, shouting and crying. Confusion was all abound. But not for Sian. He was no longer in the village. Instead, the young man found himself in a beautiful mountain shrine. It’s architecture matching with how Nanashi had described Nippon. Before him, a woman was standing.

She was the epitome of beauty. Her hair was long, silky and black as the night. Her build slender and curvaceous. She wore a white vest with wide and long sleeves, and her pants slightly resembled Nanashi’s. Except, they were clearly of much finer material and red. And not tattered and dirty.

However, she also clearly was not human. On top of her head, she had big, cat like ears and there was a black tail extending from her behind as well. And her eyes… they were big and yellow, with slit pupils. It was like staring into the eyes of a cat. Even her voice had a purring sound to it.

Speaking to Sian, her frustration grew with every passing second.
Speaking in Nipponese, there was no way Sian could understand her. Pausing for a second, she held out her hand. In it, she was holding a sword, Nanashi’s sword. It almost seemed like she was urging Sian to take it from her.

[WolfEnchantress]

Sian was silent through Nanashi's story, not judging anything and not interrupting. If Nanashi was expecting a negative reaction, he wasn't going to get one, not even if the boy was 14 years old. He'd done enough in his life that it seemed hypocritical to judge him. instead he listened patiently.

that is, until men came around and tried to take Nanashi's head off. He stood angrily, but no one seemed to be paying him any heed. He reached for the handle of the whip and heard the growling voice in his head snap, No. don't even think about it.

Sian froze, indesicion raging in his mind. Why? They've knocked him out! They're going to... He was going to end with "Kill him, but then the order was given not to kill him. What? His sword.. It's the same... but... And just like that, everything changed.

After a quick look around, he figured that he was in Nippon, as it looked like Nanashi had described. But how did he get here? It was only after a moment of intense confusion that he noticed the woman standing next to him. He jumped a bit, startled, and then couldn't help but stare.

She was stunning. gorgeous. And not human. She seemed part cat, in fact. He blinked, before gathering himself.

What is she trying to tell me? he asked the demon, reluctant to ask it for help, but utterly lost with what was happening. He had no idea how he got here, and he wanted to go home.

What do you think she is saying, you no-good mule, Came the snarled reply. Don't take it. Walk away. better yet, kill her. There was no special inflection to the thought, but it seemed rather eager. Now, it was usually eager when it came to potentially killing things, but Sian raised an eyebrow.

"Why would I do that? it's Nanashi's sword. Maybe we can find him... somehow. And if we do, I'd like to give it back to him." He said this aloud, forgetting he wasn't alone, then glanced at the cat-lady, hoping she didn't think him off for talking to himself. Or, seeming to talk to himself.

Because I told you to. If you take it, I swear, next time I'm in control of your body-

Oh shut up. He said, used to the threat. It's not like you ever have my best interest in mind anyways, unless it's going to kill me otherwise. And, hesitantly, he took out and grabbed the handle of the sword, meeting the cat-woman's eyes in puzzlement.

"I'm sorry... I can't understand you. I'm not even really sure how I got here, or if you can understand me, but thank you," He said to her, somewhat awkwardly. What was he supposed to do now?

[Talwyn]

the woman sighed with relief as Sian took the blade from her. "Thanks boy." A small grin appeared on her face. "Surprised? Don't be. I know that airhead didn't tell you about me, so allow me to introduce myself. I am Kyoujikami, I am... well... I suppose you could call me Heihachi's guardian angel." She told him, using Nanashi's real name.

Bowing her head ever so slightly she continued on. "As long as you hold that blade, you will be my champion, my chosen one. And will be able to understand what I say even if you do not know our language. But..." She trailed off, hesitating. "Before you accept, I feel you must know. In Nippon, there were many deities. Most were eventually sealed away, as was I, by mortals in the hopes of using our powers for themselves."

"I however, eventually ended up in a mountain shrine that is not unlike this one and was forgotten... For no one wanted the power of the deity of misfortune." Eying Sian for a bit, she let that revelation sink in. "Yes." She nodded. "It is because of me that poor Heihachi seems to always be having bad luck. So, think carefully before you decide to accept the offer I am giving you."

Once again, she paused to allow Sian's mind to catch up with what she was saying. "If you accept me, you too shall meet this fate. However, rest assured, I have no intention of staying in your possession. I merely require a vessel to help me get back to my true owner. So, what say you, young one? Do you agree to these terms?"

[WolfEnchantress]

Sian thought this over. It did make sense as to why Nanashi...Heihachi... had so much bad luck. And why shouldn't he? It couldn't be that bad.

How will this affect you? He asked the demon. Will it interfere with you in some way, or anything like that?

I don't know. I guess you'll have to find out. Contempt flavored the thought, as well as some amusement. Sian sighed.

I guess there must not be too much harm in it, then, right? You've never wanted the best for me, but you can't have me dead. In reality, of course he was going to do it. Why wouldn't he?

"Yes, of course I will. But.. How will we find him? He was taken by some people, and I was brought here somehow.. I have no idea where to even start. How will I go about getting home? Or finding the men who kidnapped him?" He sighed again. "It seems to be much more of a task than you would originally think it to be."

He tapped his chin in thought. "But if I was brought here, there has to be a way back... Right?" He looked at Kyoujikami questioningly, hoping she knew more than he did.

((I wrote this a few days ago, but apparently didn't actually hit the post button.))

[Talwyn]

A smile flitted across the womans face. "I thank you, Sian, apprentice of Heihachi. It is as agreed then. From this moment forth, until the day we find Heihachi and I return to his possession, you shall be my champion." Taking a few paces towards him, she smiled once more.

"Also, your little... 'friend' does not need to worry. It is in my nature to give bad luck to whomever becomes my champion. In this case, that is you," she poked at him as she said this. "and not him. And... I do try to be moderate about it. But just as the story of the frog and scorpion, I simply cannot help myself."

Spinning around, her arms wide she as she indicated everything around them. "As for this place, my young champion. It is but an illusion that I manifested within your mind for I have no other way of communication." Raising a hand to her mouth, she let out a soft, purring chuckle. "Being stuck in an inanimate object will do that."

"I can also guide you to our destination, so have no fear. So long as you keep me with you, I shall constantly tug at your mind to pull you in the right direction. Now, let's get a move on shall we? The sooner we find that airhead the better for all of us involved, right?"

Giving Sian a seductive smile as she waved at him, both Kyoujikami and their surroundings faded away. A vague noise that sounded like some one shouting good luck came from somewhere far away. And, just as she had promised, the illusion was shattered, revealing that not even a second had passed yet.

Meanwhile, as the bandits were dragging the unconscious Nanashi along with them, one of them questioned their leader about this decision. "Dere was a ton o' loot dere yet to be had boss! We can't hit 'em again, thems villagers will be more careful now!" Glaring at the man, the bandit backed off. "I know that. What do you take me for? A simpleton like the rest of your men?"

Throwing up his hands in a defensive gesture, the bandits tried to correct his mistake. He had no desire to die after all. "O'Course not. I never meant ta imply dat... Is just... de men want an explanation boss. Dey was hoping for a nice haul ya know." Still glaring at the man, the bandit boss decided that enough was enough.

"ENOUGH! I have my reasons and that should be enough for you mindless simpletons. I have already given you more successes then any of you could have ever dreamed off! Question me again and my blade will shut your mouth. Permanently." At that, the bandit gulped and backed off again. Getting on the boss's bad side was definitely not a good career move for those who wanted to live after all.

[WolfEnchantress]

Sian was stunned only a moment. If course she know about his Demon - after all, she was a Deity. It would seem silly if she didn't know. The Demon was definitely not happy about it, however, as he raged nonstop, a string of impressive cursing hissing through his thoughts. He was mildly curious as to whether or not Kyoujikami could hear it before looking around and realizing that he was no longer in any strange land, and rather he was back where he had started and it seemed as though no time had passed at all. Nanashi was still being dragged off, and there was an argument between one of the bandits and what seemed like the head honcho.

Standing upright, he rested his hand on the handle of the razor-sharp whip coiled at his side. The leather was cold, but familiar, with spots worn in the leather where he so often had held it in the past. It was a reassuring touch, and he stepped forward. Hopefully, Kyoujikami wouldn't start her reign of misfortune right now, as that would be most unpleasant - but he shrugged, figuring whatever happened, he would take in stride.

"Hey!" He called. "Over here, you no-good, rotten scum!" He had aimed his call at the bandit leader, who was seemingly very irate with his crew. He glanced at Nanashi, being dragged out the door, and took a deep breath. It had been a long time since he had fought, especially with his whip, but the movements came as naturally as breathing.

He twitched the handle, unloosing ti from the clasp holding it in place and raised it above his head, expertly whirling the snake of blades. He wasn't aiming to kill, rather, to perhaps take the leader prisoner or something. Granted, there were a lot of bandits, and luck was not on his side, but he had to try something.

With a scowl, he swept his arm out, the silver flashing like an extension of his hand. He aimed for the legs- the knees in particular. His aim was true, but there were a number of factors that could result in disaster. He held his breath and focused on the hooked barb at the end of the linked razors and hoped for the best.

[Talwyn]

Grabbing his blade, the bandit leader made quick work of Sian’s attack. The scary part however, wasn’t the ease with which he had blocked the attack. No, the longer he held his blade, the more wounds and cuts appeared on his body. Eying Sian with a murderous look, he snorted derisively. “You are not worthy of my time boy. Drop that strange weapon of yours, or everyone in this room will be dead.”

Before Sian had the time to comply or argue, a flying beer pitcher hit him in the back of his head, knocking him out cold. From the katana he was holding came an rueful aura, as if it was trying to apologize. Once more, Sian was taken to the inner world of Kyoujikami, who looked upon him with sorrowful eyes. “I am sorry, but I had to make sure you wouldn’t start a fight. That man is dangerous… fighting him here would have endangered everyone in the village…” She paused and looked away. “I… I don’t like this, but we have to wait for a better chance and hope that airhead won’t be doing anything stupid to get himself killed in the mean time.”

Staring at the foolish, young boy, the bandit leader showed a sadistic smile. He contemplated killing Sian, but thought better of it. Just about everyone they met was afraid, he was one of the few that had dared to stand his ground. He had shown bravery and honor, which merited a reward. “Your bravery and courage is what saved you today boy.” He snarled in his native tongue. “Stay alive and pursue me to the ends of the earth once you become a worthy opponent. Then, I shall fight you in honorable combat.” The smile widened. “And then, your head shall be mine.”

Looking at one of the terrified patron, he made a quick move and gutted the poor woman. Ripping open her stomach as he pulled out his sword, he cleaned and sheathed the weapon in a single, fluid motion. The wounds that had appeared on him, seemed to have fully healed as well. Nodding at his handiwork, he left the inn to join his men.

Nanashi regained consciousness sometime after the bandits had reached their hideout. With care, he opened his eyes slightly as to not reveal he was awake. He noticed he was chained to a wall and a single person was sitting in front of him. With his own eyes closed, the bandit leader spoke to Nanashi in their native language. “Do not try to hide your presence Takeda Heihachi. These… barbarians might not be able to feel the fire of a swordsman’s spirit, but I do.”

Opening his eyes, Nanashi shook his head. “You must be mistaken, I am but a simple, nameless wanderer. So what is that you want?” The bandit leader looked up at him and laughed, though there was no humor or goodwill in his eyes. “Do not try to fool me, Red Tiger. I am Meada Kunou. I fought alongside the traditionalist alliance as a warrior of clan Meada. I have seen you many times in battle, but sadly never had the honor of crossing blades with you. Thus leaving a single question unanswered.”

Nanashi smiled a sad smile and once more shook his head. “Meada Kunou… The Black Reaper. I have heard of you. Your skill in battle was said to be unmatched. What does a living legend want with me?” Before Nanashi could say more, Kunou slapped him across the face. “Do NOT play games with me! You know what it is I want Heihachi. I want to lay to rest the one question that both sides asked during the war. Which is the stronger? The Black Reaper of clan Meada. Or is it Takeda’s Red Tiger.”

As Nanashi nodded his understanding, Kunou’s face grew slightly less grim. “I should have expected as much. A fight between the two living legends of the war never occurred did it? I bet that would be a fight to remember!” That sadistic smile once again appeared on Kunou’s face. “So you understand then. Good.”

Nanashi nodded once more. “Oh yes, of course I understand. It is however, a pity that the Red Tiger is not here. He disappeared after the war, didn’t you hear the stories?” Fuming with rage, Kunou leapt to his feet, and kicked Nanashi against his head. “You will stop these games eventually Heihachi. Don’t worry, I’ll find a way to make you fight me…” With that, he turned around and left Nanashi to his misery.

[WolfEnchantress]

Sian was only a little bit surprised to find that his attack had been blocked. He'd kind of expected it - he could tell this man was strong. After a while, he'd gotten o kind of be able to sense if he had a chance or not. Sometimes he couldn't tell, but this man was so blatantly obvious about it....

Sian bit back a nasty retort and the urge to spit in the man's face. It wasn't at all hard, seeing as he was scared. Maybe a bit more than scared. He did as told, dropping his weapon to the floor and cringing inwardly at the act. It was disrespectful to the weapon. His thoughts raced as he watched Nanashi being carried off, and he could do nothing to stop it. his gaze flickered to the woman, dead and gutted, on the floor. He obviously had no issue with killing people, even women. Maybe it wouldn't be such a good idea to fight him. Not like this.

I could help, if you wanted me to. Came the hissed voice in his head. And, to his horror, he considered it. Nanashi was the only person he'd met since he left who had interest in talking to him, and he had interest in talking to back. They'd been together longer than he was with even horses he'd used along the way. It was dangerous, yes.. But he'd forgotten how much he liked talking to people. After pushing himself into isolation and wrapping into himself for so long....

the Demon took advantage of this hesitation, twisting it into a feeling Sian couldn't quite place, but made him want nothing more than to agree. It had happened before, and he recognized instantly that it wasn't his actual feelings. He shook his head, anger replacing the doubt.
No. Absolutely not. he snarled back. You be quiet and stay out of this. Of course, common sense told him what would happen would he actually agree.

"But how are we supposed to find him? To save him?" He asked aloud to no one in particular, throwing his hands in the air. Scowling, he scooped up his dropped weapon and stalked out of the building, looking around. No hint of anything. "Where is he?" He sighed in exasperation, wondering if
Kyoujikami could hear him. "And how am I supposed to fight him? He's stronger than me. He'll kill me."

People stared as he walked by, a young man, wild eyed and carrying a weapon, and speaking seemingly to himself. "After all, he gutted an innocent woman. I've never killed anyone before."
Liar.
You have killed, with my body. I have never willingly done so.The thought had more malice than usual.
"What am I, a single person, supposed to do?" It was obvious he was frustrated. More than frustrated. Angry, helpless. He finally sat down on an abandon crate on the side of the road, letting his head thump against the wall behind him and mulling over his seemingly suicidal options.