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My bones literally creak as I walk into the genkan of our home. Colorful paper lanterns hang on the walls, already lit and casting a warm glow through the halls. My ani had me work hard today. First, we ran, of course. Then I had to do three sets of 20 push-ups with one hand on my back. After that, he was me do handstand push-ups on the railing of the bridge. That was scary. I was sure I was going to fall into the water, but thankfully, I didn't. After more than enough of warming up, which took almost two hours, Takeo had me practice my sword-fighting skills, which were improving since I had gotten a new bokken. He praised my technique, agility, and stability while using the bokken, and I had beamed proudly. "You have succeeded well in this area of training. Soon, you'll have to teach me how to sword fight!" he had teased.
After reviewing the basics, we took a break. Then, when the sun was setting, Takeo started to teach my how to use the shadows. "When you have a pet, you treat it well. Shadows are like pets. If you respect them, they will help you. But if you use them for the wrong reasons, they will always turn against you and run in the opposite direction. Rikai dekimasu ka? Understood?" he had asked. I nodded and observed carefully as he approached a shadow and suddenly disappeared. "Takeo?" I had called, looking around. "Here," his breezy voice called, and I whirled around. There he sat, under the cherry blossom tree, sitting calmly. I gaped at him in awe.
"But how did you-- "Anata wa kage o shūtoku shitai baai wa, saisho ni anata o masutā suru hitsuyō ga arimasu." I wrinkled my nose as he stood up and brushed himself off. What was he talking about? I had wondered.
How were the shadows supposed to master me before I mastered them? I didn't understand. "You will learn soon enough, mausu chibi. But for now, just keep in mind that if you let them, the shadows will be evil at some points," Takeo had warned. I was just lost now. I had no idea how a shadow could be evil. But I listened to my brother. I kept it in mind.
Now, I am thinking that my brother is evil. We have trained all day, and I'm extremely exhausted and can't wait to fall into my beddo. After combing my hair and washing my face, I sink into my soft mattress and sigh deeply. Finally, I can rest. I hear the snap of a twig right outside my window. My eyes open, and I lay stiffly and quietly. I strain my ears to hear anything moving outside. "Keep it quiet, you aho! If someone finds us out here, we're dead!" I hear a familiar voice hiss. Takeo?
 Jademouse · Mon Oct 25, 2010 @ 12:16am · 0 Comments |
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