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Fujisaki, JUMP Comics; Shueisha Inc., and TV Tokyo. Characters
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In other words - please don't sue me, I need my
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****************************************************************
Smiling Tears
Part III
By Shioru Sutherlands (aka. Kotoshin)
****************************************************************
ever since i knew your existence / learning where my heart lay /
ever since meeting your eyes by chance / i could not look away /
gentle eyes like violet dreams / light smile more than it seems
why pull at my very being / awaken my longing / i catch myself
staring / language is forgotten / watching your leaving / words
remain unspoken / for the first time / i find myself caring / it
mattered what you think of me / for the first time / i find
myself wondering / what to do if you spoke to me / i don't know
how to return the gaze / of eyes like violet dreams / don't know
how to look into the face / with a smile more than it seems / i
can't confess to you my fall / trapped inside my own walls / i'm
afraid to answer if you call / admit i care at all /
contradictory feelings / i avoid you ruthlessly / torn between
pride and need / hypocritcal yearning / to be alone but not
lonely / i can't stand your distancing / won't give up loving /
until you answer my longing / until you understand this craving
in your heart / will be no room for / any other being / only i /
can be your only
- "one-sided love"
-- Youzen
================================================================
EARLY AFTERNOON [1]
The sound of metal striking against metal. Earth-shuddering
impact, flying debris and the sound of shattering rocks echoed
in the mountain range of Konron.
"Your form is slipping, Mokutaku!" Wielding one of the two
Gokouken, Fuugen Shinjin called to his student, who held its
twin.
Finally, the sennin called a halt in the lesson.
"Now, let's try that one more time." Fuugen smiled. "You're
doing fine - if you had only one opponent. My attacks are
becoming predictable to you."
".. *pant* ... hai, shishou!"
"So, how do you tell -" Fuugen launched a surprise strike,
"- where I'm aiming for?"
".. by watching the eyes!" as sword met sword, Mokutaku yells
the answer back, countering his teacher's move.
"Very good." The sennin gestured for Mokutaku to drop his guard.
"That will be enough for today. Mokutaku, you're doing quite
well."
"Thank you ... *pant* ... shishou." The young doushi beamed at
the compliment.
"You remembered to rely on your brains, and not your power.
There are always better ways to resolve any situation than mere
brute force.
"Starting tomorrow, we will work on the two-swords technique."
Handing both Gokouken to Mokutaku, Fuugen spoke. "These are
yours now. I've taught you all I know about using one sword at
an opponent doing the same."
"Thank you, shishou!" Eyes shining, Mokutaku examined his new
paopei with obvious excitement and pride.
The sennin could not help but answer the joyful grin.
"Just remember to keep practicing on your own." Fuugen laughed,
a light-hearted sound. "I'll be checking."
"Hai, shishou." Mokutaku waited for further instructions.
"Let's see - I've spoken with Monjyu-shixiong[2], your elder
brother's teacher."
/Nii-sama's shishou ...?/
"Both of you are at a stage where actual combat experience is
required, for you to master the use of your paopei. As of
tomorrow, you will be practicing with Kintaku in the morning,
and taking lessons with me in the afternoon. In between you are
both free to do as you wish. Any questions?"
"Yes, shishou," at Fuugen's nod, Mokutaku continued. "What kind
of lessons? More swordsmanship lessons, or do we go back to
physics and in-class lectures?"
"That, would depend on the outcome of the morning matches,
Mokutaku."
The doushi's eyes looked alarmed. Utilizing paopei in anything
resembling combat - even mere practice, could easily result in
extensive destruction. Surely his teacher didn't mean for them to
spar seriously ...
"Don't worry, Monjyu-shixiong and I will be watching to ensure
that you two don't accidentally kill each other or cause too
much property damage, ne?"
"Hai, shishou." Mokutaku swallows. While being brothers, he knew
that Kintaku didn't pull /his/ punches.
"I will try to make the lessons less taxing on the body should
you ... hmm ..." Fuugen searched for the words, "... should you
have less than favorable a performance."
"Umm ... shishou ... what about meals and the rest of the daily
schedule?" Mokutaku said worriedly.
The doushi's expression reminded Fuugen of a child who just
learned that his mother was going to be working days. This was
not too far from the truth, for the relationship between that of
a sennin-master and the doushi-pupil was akin to a close parent-
child relationship.
"Leave a note over the stove if I'm not home." Fuugen ruffled
Mokutaku's long hair affectionately. "I'll do the same - nothing
has really changed, just that you are given more responsibility
and freedom."
Mokutaku nodded, too tired to speak. He had a lot to think
about.
*BLIP*
Fuugen frowned. That was the third time Taikyokufuin had done
that this afternoon.
"Shishou?"
"Nothing." Perhaps he should get the radar checked by Taiitsu
Shinjin. It kept on picking up a powerful aura-signature where
there wasn't ANY.
*clickclickclick*
Strange. Running a scan throughout the system, Fuugen could
not find any problems. Very strange indeed ...
"......"
The sennin looked thoughtfully in the direction which the
aura-signature was supposed to exist.
*BLIP*
Nothing.
"No, there is one thing." Fuugen made up his mind. It was not
the first time this had happened.
"Hai, shishou?"
"Tell your Taikoubou-susuu that I may be late tonight." Fuugen's
fingers moved over the spherical paopei restlessly. "I must go
see Taiitsu-shixiong. If either of you feel like eating before I
can get back - there are buns in the freezer.
"Mixed vegetable & tofu buns, red-bean paste buns, and the
sesame ones you both like so much."
"Hai, shishou." Mokutaku snickered. "I'll heat them for
Taikoubou-susuu and make sure he doesn't starve of laziness."
================================================================
IN THE AIR
He watched them leave, the young doushi and the sennin.
Not until they were out of the range of his vision did he
slowly came to himself.
The air shimmered, the way it did on a too hot summer's day.
But there was no such heat at this time of day, no heat such
that would twist the fabric of the air so - no heat from the
sun, sporadically hidden by passing clouds.
The air shifted into a perfect body, clean-lined torso and
graceful limbs. The air changed texture, formed itself into a
figure clad in deep blue. The air rippled into long strands of
dark blue hair, condensed into dark amethyst eyes and finely
chiseled features.
Raking a hand through the hair over his eyes, Youzen sighed.
================================================================
KENGENSAN, KINKOU DOU (an hour later) [3]
"So, the radar is working perfectly?"
"Yup." Taiitsu Shinjin replied, taking off his goggles as he
reassembled Taikyokufuin. "Nothing's wrong with it. In fact,
given your skills at improving existing designs, it's working
better than when Genshintenson-sama first made it."
"... hmmm." Fuugen took the Taikyokufuin back from Taiitsu.
"Say, Fuugen." Taiitsu looked longingly at the paopei in
Fuugen's hands. "Since you're here, mind letting me map and scan
the structure of Taikyokufuin? I think I can use that neat
little trick you've incorporated on this new paopei I'm working
on ..."
"Yes, may I use one of the terminals here, then?" Fuugen nodded.
"There's something I'd like to check in Konron's database, and I
know that you have a direct connection."
"Mmm? Yes, of course." The gleam of infinite possibilities were
in Taiitsu's eyes as he gleefully took Taikyokufuin back to the
lab counter.
Fuugen knew that look. A member of the Konron Jyuu Ni Sen[4],
Taiitsu was well-known in the sennin community for being
something of an inventor-nut. The sennin probably had not heard
his words past the 'yes.' And once that look had entered
Taiitsu's eyes, it meant that an 'idea' had taken root.
"Let's see what we've got here ..." The sennin crooned to the
paopei much as a mother would to its child.
Fuugen knew that he had better resign himself to being without
his paopei for the next few days, at least. For Taiitsu would
literally go for days /and/ nights without sleep nor nourishment
to perfect such an 'idea.' Presently, the sennin is deaf to
anything that did not resemble the sound of a paopei.
/Which, of course, frees me to search for information I have no
right to./
Smiling, Fuugen sat down and began cross-referencing Konron
personnel files and aura-signatures.
================================================================
FLASHBACK TIME (about 20 years ago)
This day started unlike any other.
For one thing, none of the sendou were to be found training at
their various abodes on the mountain range of Konron. In fact,
not one of them were anywhere near their homes.
The sendou of the mountain range Konron were all assembled at
Gyokukyo Kyu[5]. There was barely room to stand, the halls were
that packed. Friends, fellow students, masters with their
pupils - all gathered in one same place, at the same time.
Why were there so many sendou called here?
This was the question on the minds of everyone present.
Something big was going to happen, surely. Some momentous
announcement was about to be made known, for certain.
It was a rare occasion, for so many of Mount Konron's residents
to be collected together. Friends who have not seen each other
for decades exchanged greetings, fellow students current news.
Masters introduced pupils to their peers, proudly enumerating
their accomplishments, interchanging advice. Doushi and sennin
who have never met before mingled, learning the faces of those
only heard of by name.
A cough invoked silence upon the multitude of whispers and
exchanged suppositions among the sendou.
Genshitenson was here.
Genshitenson-sama, the leader of the sendou of Mount Konron.
He was an imposing figure, the ancient one. So old an Immortal,
that what remained of his hair was completely white, the bushy
eyebrows covered the eyes, the long beard almost brushed the
floor. Dressed in long loose robes, the mere /presence/ of the
eldest sennin (who had been the Master of many of the sennin
present) dominated the room.
"I have an important announcement to make." Genshitenson paused,
drawing out the attention of the sendou. A pause that went on
for ... more than a little while.
"... ahem, now where was I?"
... it seemed that the eldest one was getting senile.
The sendou present began to wonder if they would be stuck here
all day waiting for G-sama to remember what he was going to say.
Fortuneately, the Konron Jyuu Ni Sen intervened.
"I'll take over from here." Taiitsu Shinjin jumped up. He
always did like speaking publicly. "Notes, notes, where are the
notes?"
"Where is Hakutsuru Douji?" Kouryu Shinjin [6] grumbled. "Isn't
he supposed to remind G-sama of these things?"
"Yes," Doukoutenson [7] nodded, "Some kind of secretary he
makes, SHEESH."
"This would NEVER have happened in the military!" Kouseishi [8]
muttered. "Lack of discipline is not to be tolerated!"
"Well, you're not in the military any more," Sekiseishi [9]
could never resist an opportunity at needling the other Jyuu Ni
Sen. "You're in Mount Konron."
"Would you two stop arguing and help us look for those notes?"
Seikyo Doutoku Shinkun and Jikou Doujin [10] yelled at the two
bickering Jyuu Ni Sen.
"... I don't see anything." Monjyu Kouhoutenson adjusted his
dark glasses.
Meanwhile, Genshitenson hemmed and hawwed.
"Young people these days ..." Reibou Daihoushi shook his head.
"Tsk, so impatient." Kuryuuson [11] agreed.
Or maybe not so fortuneately ...
"Wasn't it more along the lines of a memo rather than a note?"
Gyokutei Shinjin[12] asked.
"Now that you remind me, yes, it was." Taiitsu Shinjin spied the
small scrap of paper. "GOT IT!"
The collective sendou breathed a sigh of relief. So, they didn't
have to stand here all day listening to the top sennin in Konron
argue.
"Give me that, you impertinent student!" Genshitenson thumped
Taiitsu on the head and snatched the piece of paper.
"Itai-yaaaa~~[13]" Taiitsu Shinjin whimpered, holding his head.
"... harrumph... *cough cough* ..." The leader of Mount Konron
cleared his throat. "As I was saying, we have been without the
full complement of Konron Jyuu Ni Sen for over 500 years [14]
now. So, today we are gathered here for the announcement of
candidates suitable for the position.
"But before I introduce you all to the candidates I had in mind,
I would like to hear your suggestions."
Like a rock thrown into a calm pool, this piece of news caused
ripples of surprised murmurs throughout the gathered sendou,
especially among the eleven Jyuu Ni Sen.
"Technically speaking, the new Jyuu Ni Sen /should/ be one of
G-sama's students ..."
"Yes, but he can always adopt the lucky sennin or doushi as
an honorary student ... so, anyone is possible."
"You mean, if they had the ability, that is."
"What of Ryukitsu Koushuu? Her power is among the strongest of
the sennin ..."
"No ... you know how delicate her constitution is, she wouldn't
be able to handle the added responsibility."
"... Unchuushi?"
"Nah. Having one mad scientist among the Jyuu Ni Sen is quite
enough."
Naturally, the speaker earned a glare from Taiitsu Shinjin.
Those sennin who were not taught by Genshitenson wondered if one
of them was to be chosen as a pupil and named as the new Jyuu
Ni Sen. Those sennin with students also wondered if one of
/their/ students would be chosen for this honor.
It could be anyone - anyone at all - any one sennin who had made
some sort of accomplishment over the past hundred years, or any
one exceptional doushi about to attain sennin-status.
One name, came up inevitably.
"... Youzen."
"... the tenzai-doushi[15]?"
"... yes, it should be him."
"... it can't be denied ... among the younger generation he /is/
the one to watch for ..."
Genshitenson nodded. Youzen was a logical suggestion, but ...
A solitary figure stood. It was a young man with dark, long blue
hair. Deep purple eyes were calm as he made his way through the
crowd, holding a three-pronged, spear-like paopei - Sansendou. A
stray ray of sunlight glinted off the odd blue metal, fractured
rainbows scattering over the white scarf which hung loosely
about his shoulders.
A perfect entrance, in other words.
A perfect entrance which nabbed the attention of the sendou
around him, parting and making way for him as if he were a keen
blade.
"I have no desire for a place among the Jyuu Ni Sen," walking
up to Genshitenson, Youzen knelt. "Genshitenson-sama."
His words caused havoc in the masses. Denying the honor? Deny
the recognition that was his due? What was the tenzai-doushi
thinking?
Still, some rejoiced, for this meant that they had a chance at
the honor which Youzen refused.
"... I knew you would say something of the sort," Genshitenson
replied, "So, while I had considered you as one of the possible
candidates, you are not one of them.
"Even so, you must speak your reason for doing so. I will not
explain your actions to the other sendou."
"Genshitenson-sama." Youzen bowed his head. "To become one of
the Jyuu Ni Sen, one must also become /your/ student. I respect
your abilities as one of the Three Great Sennin - but -"
"But?"
"My own master, Gyokutei Shinjin, is also one of the Jyuu Ni
Sen. I revere shishou too much to accept such an honor. I cannot
and will not take a position which will make myself my master's
equal. [16]"
"Youzen ..." For some reason, Gyokutei Shinjin looked both
relieved and worried.
"A valid reason." Genshitenson nodded. "Therefore, I have two
candidates who are already pupils of mine. Both of them have
already attained the sennin level of skill ten years ago, but I
had decided to let them mature some more before making any
final decision.
"Taikoubou. Fuugen. You may come forward now."
Astonished gasps broke out among the crowd. Doushi who were
Genshitenson's students? Neither names were particularly
well-known - with the exception of Taikoubou, an infamous
scoundrel who often skipped Genshitenson's lectures, as well as
being the frequent cause of 'incidents' at Mount Konron.
Youzen had to struggle to maintain the appearance of calm. He,
the tenzai-doushi, was considered to be on a par with such a
lazy-good-for-nothing-oaf-of-a-doushi?!
Youzen quickly forgot his anger, when his ears caught a
conversation aside. The content of the dialogue was /much/ too
interesting to ignore.
"Taikoubou and Fuugen?" Taiitsu's face lit up. "Great, no matter
which one of them becomes Jyuu Ni Sen, I'll never lack for
someone to help me with my projects!"
"You know them well, Taiitsu-shitei?" Gyokutei asked, interest
piqued.
"Yep." Taiitsu chortled gleefully. "They drop by my lab and help
me out every once in a while."
"Really." Gyokutei was startled by the statement. "I didn't
know you socialized so much ..."
"You know me." Taiitsu agreed. "I was testing out new paopei,
and the two of them dropped by to watch. They were such good
helpers! And they had such informative things to say about
improving my designs! So, we talked, and kinda had informal
get-togethers once every couple of months."
"What are they like, these new shitei of ours?"
"Taikoubou is so -" Taiitsu tried to find a way to describe
their errant shitei. "- intelligent, and open-minded. He has a
very interesting and unique way of looking at problems and
helping me think up solutions.
" ... of course, they don't all work - you know how it is with
these ideas, some do, and some don't - but they are always
FASCINATING, the points he raises ... Working with the two of
them has drastically raised my work output, not to mention it
being less of a chore as well.
"Fuugen's quite organized - you saw my new lab organization the
other day, right? He did that."
"My." Gyokutei /was/ interested, despite himself. He had very
little interest in learning how a paopei actually worked, the
most he ever did being maintenance and upkeep of his Zansenken.
Sounded like their shitei actually knew a few things. Otherwise,
Taiitsu would have bored them to death long since with all his
technical talk.
/Which never stops voluntarily, once you get him going ... /
"Also, Fuugen's quite good at the hard sciences, especially
physics." Taiitsu laughed at that, a little self-conscious.
"Even though he's not as innovative as I am.
"He has quite a knack for taking apart AND combining existing
designs in paopei for the most AMAZING results. While he's not
up to doing anything truly original, his grasp of the
fundamental theories and incorporating them into practical use
is nothing less than BRILLIANT."
/... brilliant?/ Youzen had to wonder at that. /Is it even
possible for someone to be as brilliant as I am?/
"Excuse me, may I come through?" A light tenor voice - a voice
spoken so softly, it was almost an alto. "Thank you very much."
Youzen turned, to meet a pair of blue-violet eyes - eyes the
colour of a dream. Defying the laws of gravity, a golden halo
floated above short, cropped hair the same azure shade as the
skies. And the smile ...
It was the most perfect smile he had ever seen.
Smiling, Fuugen turned to him, and Youzen quickly looked away.
/... so THAT is Fuugen./ Youzen's vanity woke. /I'm prettier
than he is./ [17]
A little bewildered at Youzen's aloof coldness, Fuugen brushed
it aside. He had something to tell Genshitenson-sama.
"... where is Taikoubou?" If Genshitenson's eyebrows were any
closer, they would have tied themselves together in knots.
"Genshitenson-sama," Fuugen bowed, executing the required bow
expected of pupil to master flawlessly. "Bou-chan isn't here."
"..... WHAT?"
Fuugen hurried closer, so that the other sendou would not hear
what he said.
/Bou-chan .../
It would be near impossible to placate the rising temper of
his teacher this time. After Genshitenson found out what
Bou-chan did ...
"(This is what I was trying to speak to you about before you
called everyone here, Genshitenson-sama.)"
"(... what is it? And WHERE is Taikoubou?)"
"(I do not know, Genshi-shishou.)" Fuugen took out a sealed
envelope and handed it to Genshitenson. "(He said to give you
this as soon as I can speak with you.)"
Genshitenson took the envelope and read.
Several minutes later, an angry bellow shook the entire mountain
range.
"TAIKOUBOU~!!!"
=====================================
FLASHBACK STILL (elsewhere in Ninkai) [18]
"ACHOO~!"
Was it his imagination, or did he just hear Genshi-ol'man scream
his name?
"Are you alright, Taikoubou-susuu?"
"Yeah, I'm fine, Hakutsuru." Dangling from a rope held from the
white crane's claws, Taikoubou rubbed his nose. "Just keep on
flying."
"Susuu, are you /sure/ we have the whole day off because there
are no classes?" Hakutsuru Douji was beginning to regret
agreeing to 'show Taikoubou-susuu around the Ningenkai.'
"Yes, I'm SURE there are no classes today." Taikoubou squelched
a snicker. By now Fuugen should have given his note to the old
man already. Too bad he couldn't be there to see the look on his
face!
/Hah. Me? One of the Jyuu Ni Sen? In your dreams, buddy./
"... but ... susuu ... sneaking out of the Senninkai like this
without permission ... we'd both be punished ..."
"What are you talking about?" Taikoubou jerked the rope, causing
Hakutsuru to squawk. "We shook hands on this! You can't go back
on your word. I give you three sentou[19], and you take me
around the Ningenkai. Remember?"
"Yes ... *pant* ... but ... (susuu, you're /heavy/) ... "
Hakutsuru is regretting he ever agreed to the measly price of
three sentou. "I'm getting awfully tired."
"A bargain's a bargain, so move yer butt!"
Taikoubou had no intention of showing off what he'd learned like
some sort of performing animal - for a chance at one of the most
prestigious positions in the Senninkai.
/... now, if it was for a hundred or three sentou .../
=====================================
FLASHBACK STILL (back at Koronsan)
The Jyuu Ni Sen stared at the piece of paper which had sent
their beloved master into a fit of apoplexy.
//Yo, Genshi-kusojiji [20]
Ain't no class today, right?
Well, see here, I knew about this announcement you're
calling everyone in for - but count me out.
I ain't got no intention of showing off like some sort
of dancing monkey on a chain - just for the sake of
some stupid title.
Besides, given the headaches I've caused you lately -
I don't think I EVER want to be a sennin. [21]
So, I'll be off enjoying this beautiful day down
in the Ningenkai. Don't bother yelling for me, cuz it's
just gonna make you look dumb in front of everyone.
Anything else ... nope, I think that's it. Cya~
your beluvved pupill,
Taikoubou
P.S. I took Hakutsuru with me. He needs to get out more and
not stuck around a dried-up old geezer like you all day. //
"........" None of the Jyuu Ni Sen knew what to say.
Doutoku Shinjin and Gyokutei Shinjin exchanged glances. It
seemed that their most troublesome shitei was utterly without
ambition.
"... he has a strange way of expressing himself." Gyokutei
said, finally.
"... I have to agree." Doutoku hoped that this would not cause
a wave of copycat behaviour among /his/ students.
"... how could he write like this?!" Kouseishi exploded.
"Yes, Bou-chan does need to improve his spelling and grammar."
Fuugen seemed to have misinterpreted the question.
"He even forgot to use the proper form when addressing a letter
to one's teacher." Monjyu Kouboutenson agreed. "Fuugen-shitei,
I don't suppose you'll tutor him?"
"I'll do my best, Monjyu-shixiong."
Taiitsu Shinjin's face was red, for he had found both the note
and the comments to be very funny. But to remain in the state
of health he enjoyed, he found it prudent to remain silent.
Briefly, the other Jyuu Ni Sen wondered if insanity ran in the
sennin kou [22].
/Even if he doesn't WANT the position - / Youzen seethed, angry
again. /How could he have WRITTEN such a thing? The utter
disregard of respect to one's elders .../
"This is all beside the point." Genshitenson had recovered his
composure. "We will proceed. I had intended for Taikoubou and
Fuugen to to prove themselves worthy of a position among the
Jyuu Ni Sen, before choosing one of them."
The ancient one was furious. He had given Taikoubou a chance to
prove that he was not the slacker every other sendou thought he
was - and that little idiot - UGGH.
"Instead, Fuugen, I hereby name you as the candidate to the last
spot among the Jyu Ni Sen." Genshitenson took out a pair of twin
swords.
"These are the paopei Gokouken."
Identical twin swords, identical in every way.
"Youzen."
"Hai?" Catching hold of one Gokuken, Youzen's eyes followed the
metallic arc of the other to Fuugen's hand.
"As we all know that your skills in paopei-combat are at least
the equal of your teacher, you will have a single match with
your Fuugen-susuu."
/Fuugen./ Why did he hesitate? The doushi was nothing to him.
And why did he not feel glad that his ability was judged the
equal of the Jyuu Ni Sen?
"Genshitenson-sama, I must decline."
Youzen's head snapped up, and he gave the speaker a hard look.
"No matter who wins, such a victory is meaningless." The
expression in blue-violet eyes were sober. "I abhor senseless
violence and destruction.
"With your permission, I would prefer a more ... constructive
way to demonstrate my skills."
"What do you suggest, then?"
Fuugen laid the one Gokouken he held at Genshitenson's feet.
Bring both hands up, there was abruptly a large, glowing sphere
between them.
Taikyokufuin.
"Once attaining sennin rank, one no longer lives with one's
teacher, but in a residence of one's own choosing." Fuugen
smiled. "Genshitenson-sama, if you will allow me, I would like
to reshape the natural cave system at Kokyusan into a habitable
residence."
=====================================
FLASHBACK STILL (30 minutes later)
Taiitsu Shinjin had just finished setting up the projector
display.
"Oi. Fuugen!" Speaking into the microphone on his end, he
hollered. "You there at the other end?"
"Hai, shixiong." Fuugen's voice carried calm even over the
speaker. "Fuugen here. At Kokyusan Hakkushiru Dou."
"Okay. Turn the vid on and link it to Taikyokufuin." Taiitsu
instructed. "I'm going to do it so that everyone here can see
exactly what you're doing."
"Hai." There was the screech of static and several jumping
bursts of white sound as Fuugen adjusted the connection. "Here
is what Taikyokufuin's radar have mapped out of Hakkushiru Dou."
A 3-D map flashed into life across the screen, rotating about,
showing the various levels and views from all possible angles.
To the uninformed, the data streaming past the left side of the
screen meant nothing.
/He needs a lot of work to make that place even remotely
close to 'habitable.'/ Youzen thought.
While situated at an ideal location, with the main cave entrance
facing the south - the limestone cave was not very stable in
structure.
There were weaknesses in the stone, several passages in severe
danger of collapsing. It was also wet and damp, seeping water
everywhere. Stalactites and stalagmites formed the ceiling
and floor of many caves. Though beautiful to look at, the rock
formations did not make for comfortable prospects.
"I'm ready, and your camera-bot is inside, Taiitsu-shixiong."
A flash, and Fuugen smiled from the screen. "May I begin?"
"Go ahead." The screen divided to three frames, one showing
Fuugen with Taikyokufuin, one showing the interior of the cave,
and one showing Taikyokufuin's map of the cave structure.
/Nothing is happening .../
A twist in a contour line on the third screen, followed by a low
booming sound.
/How is he doing this? There's no way he has that much power
to move the earth!/
Youzen's eyes widened as the entire map of the cave begin to
shift.
/... this is not possible!/
Fuugen was not a powerful sennin, that he was sure of. There
was nothing about the sennin that indicated such 'strength.'
/... how is he ...? ... !!! ... I see. I see what he is doing./
It was a solution that Youzen would not have thought of,
precisely /because/ the tenzai-doushi had the power to simply
blast the rock to the smooth surfaces Fuugen strived for.
/... he is manipulating the water, seeping through the stone!/
Increasing the friction, the speed - the processes that SHOULD
have taken centuries - using the water INHERENTLY seeping
through the limestone as his tool.
Shaping the stone to his will ... melding weaknesses together
... an ingenious solution.
Genshitenson nodded, pleased.
His creation, the Taikyokufuin, was a paopei that could
manipulate matter at the elemental level, breaking chemical
bonds or feeding energy into the molecules ...
True, it would have been MORE impressive, visually, if the
sennin has simply chosen to recombine the molecules which made
up the stone. But such a show would have been a complete waste
of energy, which could be better used elsewhere.
/He would NEVER have been able to feed the Taikyokufuin enough
power, if he had chosen the way of force to accomplish his
objective./
"Fuugen, that is SUCH an efficient way to do things!" Taiitsu
could not conceal his admiration. "Mind redecorating my
residence next time?"
"... if you wish, shixiong." Fuugen's voice was slightly
strained from the distraction of answering.
The other Jyuu Ni Sen were nodding, also impressed. They all
knew that appearances could be deceiving - after a certain
amount of learning, the difference between sennin and doushi
were only in the matter of skill. Skill, and how they used their
powers.
For example, flashy paopei attacks were often not as powerful as
it looked, much of the energy channeled into the showy
'appearance' of the attack.
It was the results, and not the packaging, which impressed them.
/Amazing ... he could not do it by his strength alone, so he
borrowed the strength of the water./
Fuugen made the work look easy, when it was anything but. To be
able to maintain such a level of concentration required the
strictest discipline and control.
/He is very resourceful .../
And yet, Fuugen not only sustained and directed the Taikyokufuin
as if it was as simple as breathing, it LOOKED as simple as
breathing.
/... and he knows exactly what he is doing .../
Watching, Youzen noted how Fuugen cleverly used accumulated
pressure, caused by the water movement, at one end of the
system. Entire shelves of stone shifted, fitted into place as
perfectly as two interlocking puzzle pieces.
/... because he did not have enough power, he found ways to
achieve the same results with LESS power./
There was nothing rushed, nothing /unplanned/ about the entire
execution - the whole was carefully thought out, move by move.
Even considering the fact that Fuugen probably /had/ planned and
practiced beforehand, it was still an incredible piece of work.
/Such finesse. Such elegance. Such ... proficiency in skill./
The energies from the Taikyokufuin was everywhere in the system,
a relentless, prevalent force. Strands of power woven into webs,
a delicate balance that Youzen had to admit that /he/ would be
pressed to maintain.
/... could I have done that, were I in his place?/
Instabilities vanished, one by one.
Perfection.
A masterpiece.
Absolutely brilliant.
/... would I have even THOUGHT of such a solution?/
Youzen could only stand and watch.
When Fuugen returned, exhausted, blue locks of hair damp with
sweat, smiling triumphantly ...
"I, Genshitenson, grant you the right to use the title of
'Shinjin'. Hereafter, you will be known as 'Fuugen Shinjin' and
one of the ..."
Youzen slipped away, unnoticed as the other sendou congratulated
the newest member of the Konron Jyuu Ni Sen.
================================================================
GYOKUIZUMISAN, KINKASUMI DOU [23]
"Gyokutei-shixiong." Fuugen smiled up at the older sennin.
"Fuugen-shitei!" Gyokutei Shinjin looked surprised to see him.
"It's been a while. What wind brings you here?"
"I ... " Fuugen hesitated. "I would like to speak with Youzen."
"...." Gyokutei did not speak, for a long moment. "I don't know
if that would be a good idea."
"I know. He ... doesn't like me."
"No, that's not quite the problem ... " Gyokutei's voice
trailed off.
Undecipherable, a mixture of emotions flickered across the
sennin's face. Doubt and worry, concern and ... fear?
/... what is he afraid of?/
Fuugen wondered at that last emotion the most.
/... WHO is he afraid for?/
Finally, Gyokutei appeared to have come to some sort of
decision.
"As long as you're here, won't you come in for a pot of tea?"
"I would be happy to." Fuugen smiled.
=====================================
OVER TEA (15 minutes later)
"So ... it's starting ... " Gyokutei looked thoughtful. He
really shouldn't have been surprised, with the edginess and
rumours flying about the sennin community. Some of them were
worse than gossiping old ladies.
"Yes, I saw Taiitsu-shixiong today." Fuugen sipped slowly at
his mug of tea. "He mentioned that he would activate the Houshin
Dai tomorrow."
"Is this why you dropped by?" Given Youzen's power, the tenzai-
doushi would definitely be on the front lines for such a major
undertaking. Even though Gyokutei knew this was inevitable ...
he worried, as any parent would, sending a son into draft.
"Yes. I thought it only fair to give you a warning ..."
"Shishou, I'm home -"
Deep amethyst eyes widened, as Youzen took in the unexpected
guest and his teacher. The smile that the doushi wore on his
face faded away into impassivity.
"I'm going out." Stone-faced, Youzen immediately reversed his
course.
"Youzen!" Gyokutei stood up, to call back his pupil, but Youzen
had already left. "... that child ... "
"... it's alright, Gyokutei-shixiong." Fuugen finished his tea.
"But this can't continue. It is not good to have dissension
among our own ranks. Do you have any idea why he would dislike
me so?"
"No." Startled, Gyokutei almost spilled his tea. "I don't know
why he avoids you so ..."
Gyokutei Shinjin had a vague guess, but ...
/... Youzen./
Youzen was like his own son, the son that he never had a chance
to hold. The son who died, a long time ago.
/... Kanume .../
She had been mortal, and had given him a mortal son. It had been
a long time ago ...
... a long time ago, before he even knew the existence of Mount
Konron and became one of the sennin.
"I'll have a talk with him about his lack of manners." Gyokutei
shook the memories aside. "I'm sorry."
"It isn't your fault, Gyokutei-shixiong." Fuugen set his mug
down. "I think it would be better ... if I spoke with Youzen
privately. Do you know where he might be, now?"
"It might be better, at that." Gyokutei nodded. "There's a copse
of baika [24] out back ... he likes the solitude there."
"Thank you, Gyokutei-shixiong."
"Don't break his heart, Fuugen." Gyokutei did not look at him.
Fuugen blinked.
"... don't worry, I won't."
/I do not know about Youzen himself, however./
================================================================
GYOKUIZUMISAN, UMEISEKKAI [25]
It was getting late.
The moon had risen, a blood-red sliver of finger-nail scratching
the sky.
"Youzen-kun." Fuugen found the doushi easily among the bare
baika trunks.
The wind was a bit cold, the sennin thought.
Hand holding one shoulder to lend fleeting warmth, Fuugen could
feel the pang of loneliness that emanated from Youzen.
"What are you doing here?" the voice was unfriendly.
"Why do you avoid me?"
"I do not." As Fuugen seemed to be in hurry to leave, Youzen
gritted his teeth. "I don't like you, that's all."
"I am sorry to hear that, Youzen-kun." Fuugen walked around the
blue-clad figure, so that they were face to face. "Have I
offended you in some way? If I have, I am sorry. I would like
to be friends."
/Friends?/ Youzen's heart contracted, a bitter, acute pain. /Is
that what he thinks of me? Only as a 'friend?'/
Now that the sennin finally sought him out - he wanted more than
that. Dear Kami, he was a selfish creature. He wanted Fuugen to
come to him, and at the same time he did not. He didn't know
what he wanted.
He had to get away.
"Is that all?" He moved to the right, to walk past Fuugen.
Anticipating such a move, Fuugen moved with Youzen, blocking his
way.
"No, Youzen-kun." Smiling serenely, the blue-violet eyes seemed
to stare straight through him. "Why won't you look at me?"
/Why? How can you ask such a question?/
Because he was afraid to. Afraid to look, afraid to admit what
he felt by looking. Afraid of what he would do, would say - if
he only dared to look back.
"Youzen-kun ..." Fuugen's eyes were gentle. "... it is not good
to keep everything to yourself. Why won't you talk to me?"
There was no warning.
Not a sign, not a sound.
"You - ?!" Fuugen was forced down to the ground, the weight of
the tenzai-doushi crushing him.
The twisted, violent emotions - tangled like a snake swallowing
itself by the tail - was so tangible that it struck Fuugen like
an electrical shock.
/I would like to speak with Youzen./
There was only the hoarse sound of heavy breathing in the air.
"I like you. I think I even love you. I've wanted to tell you
so many times but I couldn't."
//Don't break his heart, Fuugen.//
So ... Gyokutei-shixiong was right. Fuugen closed his eyes.
"I ... could only watch you. I ... " Youzen laughed, a bitter
sound that jarred the ear. "I was afraid! I was afraid to even
talk to you. Do you have any idea - any idea at all how much
your opinion meant to me? How much YOU meant to me?"
"Youzen-kun ..." It was hard, to not respond to the need in
the needy purple eyes. Fuugen took ahold of a strand of dark
blue hair. "... this isn't love."
"Then tell me what it is." Purple eyes, wildly passionate. "Tell
me!"
"... it is only infatuation, Youzen-kun."
"I'm well aware of the difference between love and infatuation,
Fuugen Shinjin."
The grip on his shoulders tightened.
"Youzen-kun ..." Those eyes - blue-violet eyes - did not waver.
"Prove it to my satisfaction, then."
Deep pools of amethyst locked with blue-violet dreams.
"... very well."
"...!"
Pinning the sennin securely, Youzen bent, and pressed his lips
to Fuugen's.
================================================================
~tbc~
================================================================
[1] Same day Taikoubou is entrusted with the Houshin Project.
And since Fuugen woke up after only half an hour,
Taikoubou made it to his meditation rock on time.
[2] Short for Monjyu Kouhoutenson (sheesh, what a mouthful ...),
who is also a member of the Jyuu Ni Sen.
[3] Translating roughly to Kengen Peak's Gold-Light-Cave, it is
the residence of Taiitsu Shinjin, one of the Konron
Jyuu Ni Sen (the Twelve Konron Immortals), and Mount
Konron's resident paopei inventor/scientist. He is quite
good friends with Taikoubou & Fuugen.
[4] See APPENDIX II.
[5] The palace which Genshitenson-sama, the leader of the sendou
at Mt. Koron, lives.
[6] Hakutsuru Douji is a youkai sennin affiliated with the
Konron Sendou. He acts as an aide to Genshitenson-sama
and is also good friends with Taikoubou, whom he calls
susuu (which means his master should be one of G-sama's
students ... we just don't ever get told who.)
Kouryu Shinjin is one of the Jyuu Ni Sen. He seems to
know Doukoutenson pretty well ...
[7] Doukoutenson is also a member of the Jyuu Ni Sen. He looks
like a little kid with a rat tail AND has MPD ... ^^;;;
He's also the master of the doushi I Go.
[8] Kouseishi, one of the Jyuu Ni Sen. He is quite the military
man and trains his pupils accordingly. He later becomes
the master of In Kou, the elder son of Chou Ou.
[9] Sekiseishi, one of the Jyuu Ni Sen. Likes to contradict
what Kouseishi says ... one can't help but get the
feeling there's some sort of rivalry going on between
those two. He later becomes the master of In Kou, the
younger son of Chou Ou. (And yes, the two brothers have
names that sounds/spells the same in english, but is
very different when written in kanji.)
[10] Seikyo Doutoku Shinkun and Jikou Doujin are both Jyuu Ni
Sen, of course. They're both pretty 'athletic' sennin
types. Seikyo Doutoku Shinkun is Kou Tenka's master.
[11] Reibou Daiboushi and Kuryuuson are both Jyuu Ni Sen whose
hair are as white as G-sama's, and look as old - the
only difference being that they have shorter beards.
Kuryuuson is the master of the doushi Dokouson.
[12] Gyokutei Shinjin, the last of the 12. What? You say there's
something wrong with shi's math? Well, yes, there are
only eleven listed so far, but ...
[13] The Japanese equivalent of 'ouch,' with an Osaka slang
accent. (most sincere thanks to nyan for helping shi with
a LOT of the Japanese grammar and romanization of people,
places, and names. Without her, this fic would make less
sense than it did.)
[14] Ever since Nentou Doujin, the ex-leader of the Jyuu Ni Sen,
'vanished' 520 years ago. (time relative to flashback)
[15] tenzai-doushi = "genius-doushi"
[16] Most people in the western world wouldn't get this, but a
master-pupil relationship is taken VERY seriously in
the Orient. To take an apprentice is to accept the
person as if s/he were a child of your own flesh.
Likewise, to take a master is the same as accepting him/
her as your own parent. It's a serious breach of the
social/moral structure to renounce such a relationship
in any way. Personal feelings aside, hence Youzen is
unwilling to abandon his position as Gyokutei Shinjin's
"son" to being his "brother" or peer.
[17] ... ouji-sama ... shi thinks you need an ego readjustment.
[18] Remember the time Taikoubou slipped out to the Ninkai and
saw Ki Shou for the first time? Manga volume 6, chapter
49. ^_^
[19] sentou = Senninkai peaches, can turn water into wine when
dissolved in water
[20] jiji = old man (disrespectful), old geezer.
kusojiji = old fart; even worse than jiji (disrespectful)
[21] One of the requirements to be officially sennin in rank is
to take on at least one doushi as one's pupil.
[22] sennin kou = sennin bones, the 'potential' to become sennin
[23] Translating roughly to Jade-Spring Peak's Gold-Cloudshine-
Cave, it is the residence of Gyokutei Shinjin and his
pupil, the tenzai-doushi Youzen.
[24] baika = Plum flowers. They're a subspecies that are only
found in the Orient, blooming ONLY in winter. Shi likes
the name of meihua (chinese) or baika better than "plum".
And yes, they're trees.
[25] umesekkai = baika-snow-sea. A poetic name, ne?
================================================================
Shin no Freetalk:
MWAHAHAHAHAHHAHA.
^O^ Another cliff-hanger.
How do people like shi's take of Fuugen as computer-hacker +
civil engineer?
And ... this part IS longer than part 2. (ACCKT. they're growing
on Shi!) part 1 was only 18K, part 2 jumped to 33K, and THIS
part is 47K. >_<
Overdid shi's writing bit AGAIN, so susuu's revenge will hafta
be pushed to the next part.
GOMEN NASAI~~~
The Jyuu Ni Sen were fun to write, and very surprisingly, a lot
of them are MORE cooperative than shi's fav. three ...
Esp. Gyokutei-shishou. Shi always thought him the fatherly
type ... maybe shi'd put his story with Kanume as a side story,
if shi ever gets around to it.
Yes, this version of Gyokutei Shinjin's past IS made up by shi,
but it does justify/explain the aspects of the Gyokutei-Youzen
relationship shi had in mind.
As you can probably tell from this, shi is not a fan of student-
teacher romances, mostly because it is a little too much like
incest, and that it is VERY easy for the teacher to abuse
his/her position of trust and take advantage of the student's
eagerness to please and willingness to learn.
Shi ONLY likes those teacher-student romances where the student
has matured to the point where he/she is the teacher's equal,
and it's between consenting adults who KNOW what they are doing.
... Yes, which is why Kin-Yuan's Little Dragon Lady & Yon-go
are a faovrite couple of shi's ...
Okay, back to the story.
Ouji-sama is happy. Sorta.
He got to kiss Fuugen. ^_^;
And he got good appearances ... the brat.
H?
What H?
This is a PG production! H will only be implied!
*ehehehehheheh*
mail shi-chan at kichin@doushi.org with any comments! ^o^
================================================================
Sneak previews of what's going to happen next:
Youzen is surprised.
susuu's revenge ...
... hot icy sweetness.
================================================================
First Edition: September 23th, 2000 at 3:26 PM
Last Revised: September 24th, 2000 at 9:07 PM
================================================================
APPENDIX II - The Konron Jyuu Ni Sen:
The Konron Jyuu Ni Sen, or the "Twelve Immortals of Konron,"
are all students of Genshitenson who have distinguished
themselves in some way since graduating from doushi to
sennin. Their status as sennin in Mount Konron is second
only to Geshitenson-sama.
1. Gyokutei Shinjin
2. Taiitsu Shinjin
3. Fuugen Shinjin
4. Monjyu Kouhoutenson
5. Kuryuuson
6. Doukoutenson
7. Kouseishi
8. Sekiseishi
9. Seikyo Doutoku Shinkun
10. Jikou Doujin
11. Kouryuu Shinjin
12. Reibou Daihoushi
The above is a listing of the Jyuu Ni Sen at the beginning of
the Houshi Keikaku.
aside: Fuugen Shinjin fills the spot of the original leader of
the Jyuu Ni Sen, Nentou Doujin. Nentou is Ryukitsu
Koushyu's younger half-brother. The two of them had
different mothers. Nentou supposedly 'vanished' about
540 years ago (time relative to the 'present' in this
part of "smiling tears").
================================================================
(
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