Part 1
In the golden warmth of a lazy summer afternoon, footsteps echoed through a brightly illuminated hallway, climbing the stairs of the nearly abandoned building as a solitary figure headed towards the balcony. Outside was a beautiful day, the sun was shining and the air was cool. Not a cloud in the sky, the perfect day to be outside many would say. Sadly those that disagreed would apparently be the renters of the Hinata inn as most of it's residents having retreated into their rooms prior and stubbornly remaining inside.
Motoko paused to soak in the sun. it was the perfect day to practice. Just another lucky day in a long line of lucky days. Everything was going her way it would seem. Taking in a deep breath she unsheathed her sword and began her drills.
The girl soon lost herself in the comforting repetition. Swing, slash, block, block, parry, thrust. It helped calm her while training her reflexes. She never felt so right as with a sword in her hand. The perfect extension of her body. Even if it wasn't originally her sword the Hina-blade still felt right in her grip, it's evil purified by herself.
She let her thoughts start to drift, though never slacking in her practice. Her mind drifted towards her housemates and recent events. Sarah had gone to live with Haruka-san at the Tea house over a week ago and hadn't been heard from since.
Good riddance Motoko didn't normally consider herself one to irrationally dislike someone but the little girl just annoyed her and with her gone the inn settled down quite a bit.
Kitsune's luck had taken an unfortunate turn, having been laid off by her publisher the usually fun-loving prankster had gone into a funk. With her dept piling up the fox had finally called it quits and retreated to her room with several large bottles of Sake and Motoko hadn't seen hide nor hair of her since. While she loved her older friend Motoko couldn't help but enjoy the lack of uncomfortable teasing and would miss the break when Kitsune got over her bender.
Suu too had retreated to her room 2 days previous shouting about Shinobu and bananas. Motoko just assumed she was building another mecha-tama (shiver) or other destructive device. While Motoko's bed now seemed uncomfortably large and cold she took it as a trade off for no longer waking up with a foot shoved in her face.
Naru was busy studying. The pressure of going to Todai had taken it's toll on the poor girl and she would often lock herself up for days at a time to study. Even when she did venture outside she more closely resembled a zombie than the lively girl she had been prior to test season not even paying much attention to her newly returned love interest. Motoko was torn, she truly wanted what was best for her friend, to be healthy and happy but some little piece of her could help wanting her to continue a little longer, just until Motoko could get closer to Urashima.
Keitaro, There was a conundrum if there ever was one. Her pace increased, Motoko tried to ignore the conflicting feelings his name brought up inside her. The landlord had recently returned from his 6 month journey abroad a new man. More mature, more responsible, while inside he was the same clumsy lovable looser there was no denying that he'd certainly cleaned up a bit over seas. She remember Kitsune even joke that some lucky flo- American girl had made Urashima a man! Hmph, like any woman would ever find him desirable, with his perversions and stupid antics and sexy glasses and tigh a
Motoko barely caught her stumble. Stupid Urashima, not even here and still causing her trouble! She could have cut off her leg, curse his se- perversion! His perversion! Don't think about how the glasses bring out those his eyes!
After some lengthy meditation Motoko's thoughts finally settled and she continued on with her routine for a while longer. She never felt so alive as she did practicing swordsmanship. It was her life, her soul, her entire world.
Resting she looked up in the sky and saw it was getting late, and then she remembered she had agreed to meet Shinobu in the kitchen.
Early that morning the shy youngest tenant sought her out and ask for her help. Help with what Motoko couldn't fathom, a master kendoist she may be but her skill with a sword most certainly did not belay any skill with a santoku. She briefly considered blowing the whole thing off and going on with her practice, maybe heading off into the forest to meditate so not to humiliate herself in front of Shinobu. But her conscience got the better of her, she knew that leaving the poor girl like that would devastate her already fragile self esteem. The very thought of possibly causing such a cute and innocent girl like Shinobu to cry was like knife twisting in her stomach. Resolve affirmed Motoko headed towards downstairs
Upon arriving at the kitchen she greeted Shinobu who reacted by squeaking in surprise before relaxing at finding only her friend behind her.
"M-motoko-senpai! Th-thank you for coming" The shy girl bowed.
"I'm sorry I'm late Shinobu-chan, I was out doing my afternoon exercises and lost track of time." Motoko apologized. She'd been in rush and had neglected to return to her room to change or even drop off her blade.
Shinobu smiled up at her and gently accepted the sword hugging it close, "You're here now and that's all that matters to me Senpai. I've been waiting for you to come since this morning."
Motoko gave an uncomfortable laugh, while she like the fact the demure girl was starting to come out of her shell feeling such innocent shining eyes of admiration on her was making her nervous. The fact she was smelled and was still dressing in her sweaty training cloths in a room that practically stood for all her failures in femininity most certainly did not help.
"So Shinobu-chan" Motoko prodded, "why did you ask me to come here? Did you need me to fetch something from the groccer, lift something heavy, reach-"
"We're going to make Senpai dinner." smile.
"Cooking? Surely not, you remember I" Motoko hesitated, not wanting to admit weakness before conceeding "I am not very talented in that area"
Shinobu continued to smile up at her "Don't worry Sempai, I only need your help with prepare some of the ingredients!"
"I'm still not so sure it a good idea..." Motoko continued to look for a way out, to not embarass herself in front of the girl.
"Please Sempai..." maybe it was a trick of the light but Shinobu's smile seemed a little more forced, "I can't do this on my own. I'll do most of the preparations and cooking."
Motoko still looked indecisive. "...Besides, making a tasty dish can help you impress the one you like"
Motoko did a double take, had Shinobu really just said that? Shinobu was blushing and looking at her feet, hair obscuring most of her face. Indecision warred in her, she wanted to help Shinobu-chan, she really did. But did she want Shinobu's hard work wasted on that pervert Urashima!? But wouldn't it be her dish as well? Both thoughts caused an uncomfortable twinge in her chest. After a moment she came to a decision.
"Very well" she agreed, as long as Shinobu-chan was happy she told herself, "What do you need me to do?"
"Step 1: Eat this muffin!" Said muffing was then thrust in her face by a very enthused Shinobu.
"...What? I thought I was supposed to help you make something?"
"I made this for you earlier, it's American." nudge nudge, "please take it."
"O-kay..." Motoko said taking the muffin nervously. "What does eating this have to do with baking?"
"It's a very important step Senpai. Now eat the muffin."
Motoko gave Shinobu one last worried glace before biting into the muffin, what was the harm? Shinobu hadn't a single wicked bone in her little body. Perhaps she just wasn't feeling well, maybe the heat of the kitchen was getting to her. As she started to chew Motoko thought the muffin tasted odd. Not bad, but definitely not like a muffin should taste. Had she a frame of reference she might have compared it to meatloaf.
"Now what Shinobu-chan?" Motoko asked after finishing the muffin.
"Step 2: Rohypnol!"
"Sure I'll go- Wait, what?" Motoko started to feel dizzy and lightheaded. The world swam around her as she collapsed. The last image she saw was Shinobu smiling down at her like an angel, Motoko's sword still clenched in her hands.
"Now to start the preparations!" Shinobu walked over to her victim and casually grabbed Motoko's hand and started to drag her body towards the door.
...or at least she tried to.
"Mou~ Senpai you're too heavy... perhaps I should have thought this through a little more..." Pull "...I wish Suu-chan was still around to help me..."
In the golden warmth of a lazy summer afternoon, footsteps echoed through a brightly illuminated hallway, climbing the stairs of the nearly abandoned building as a solitary figure headed towards the balcony. Outside was a beautiful day, the sun was shining and the air was cool. Not a cloud in the sky, the perfect day to be outside many would say. Sadly those that disagreed would apparently be the renters of the Hinata inn as most of it's residents having retreated into their rooms prior and stubbornly remaining inside.
Motoko paused to soak in the sun. it was the perfect day to practice. Just another lucky day in a long line of lucky days. Everything was going her way it would seem. Taking in a deep breath she unsheathed her sword and began her drills.
The girl soon lost herself in the comforting repetition. Swing, slash, block, block, parry, thrust. It helped calm her while training her reflexes. She never felt so right as with a sword in her hand. The perfect extension of her body. Even if it wasn't originally her sword the Hina-blade still felt right in her grip, it's evil purified by herself.
She let her thoughts start to drift, though never slacking in her practice. Her mind drifted towards her housemates and recent events. Sarah had gone to live with Haruka-san at the Tea house over a week ago and hadn't been heard from since.
Good riddance Motoko didn't normally consider herself one to irrationally dislike someone but the little girl just annoyed her and with her gone the inn settled down quite a bit.
Kitsune's luck had taken an unfortunate turn, having been laid off by her publisher the usually fun-loving prankster had gone into a funk. With her dept piling up the fox had finally called it quits and retreated to her room with several large bottles of Sake and Motoko hadn't seen hide nor hair of her since. While she loved her older friend Motoko couldn't help but enjoy the lack of uncomfortable teasing and would miss the break when Kitsune got over her bender.
Suu too had retreated to her room 2 days previous shouting about Shinobu and bananas. Motoko just assumed she was building another mecha-tama (shiver) or other destructive device. While Motoko's bed now seemed uncomfortably large and cold she took it as a trade off for no longer waking up with a foot shoved in her face.
Naru was busy studying. The pressure of going to Todai had taken it's toll on the poor girl and she would often lock herself up for days at a time to study. Even when she did venture outside she more closely resembled a zombie than the lively girl she had been prior to test season not even paying much attention to her newly returned love interest. Motoko was torn, she truly wanted what was best for her friend, to be healthy and happy but some little piece of her could help wanting her to continue a little longer, just until Motoko could get closer to Urashima.
Keitaro, There was a conundrum if there ever was one. Her pace increased, Motoko tried to ignore the conflicting feelings his name brought up inside her. The landlord had recently returned from his 6 month journey abroad a new man. More mature, more responsible, while inside he was the same clumsy lovable looser there was no denying that he'd certainly cleaned up a bit over seas. She remember Kitsune even joke that some lucky flo- American girl had made Urashima a man! Hmph, like any woman would ever find him desirable, with his perversions and stupid antics and sexy glasses and tigh a
Motoko barely caught her stumble. Stupid Urashima, not even here and still causing her trouble! She could have cut off her leg, curse his se- perversion! His perversion! Don't think about how the glasses bring out those his eyes!
After some lengthy meditation Motoko's thoughts finally settled and she continued on with her routine for a while longer. She never felt so alive as she did practicing swordsmanship. It was her life, her soul, her entire world.
Resting she looked up in the sky and saw it was getting late, and then she remembered she had agreed to meet Shinobu in the kitchen.
Early that morning the shy youngest tenant sought her out and ask for her help. Help with what Motoko couldn't fathom, a master kendoist she may be but her skill with a sword most certainly did not belay any skill with a santoku. She briefly considered blowing the whole thing off and going on with her practice, maybe heading off into the forest to meditate so not to humiliate herself in front of Shinobu. But her conscience got the better of her, she knew that leaving the poor girl like that would devastate her already fragile self esteem. The very thought of possibly causing such a cute and innocent girl like Shinobu to cry was like knife twisting in her stomach. Resolve affirmed Motoko headed towards downstairs
Upon arriving at the kitchen she greeted Shinobu who reacted by squeaking in surprise before relaxing at finding only her friend behind her.
"M-motoko-senpai! Th-thank you for coming" The shy girl bowed.
"I'm sorry I'm late Shinobu-chan, I was out doing my afternoon exercises and lost track of time." Motoko apologized. She'd been in rush and had neglected to return to her room to change or even drop off her blade.
Shinobu smiled up at her and gently accepted the sword hugging it close, "You're here now and that's all that matters to me Senpai. I've been waiting for you to come since this morning."
Motoko gave an uncomfortable laugh, while she like the fact the demure girl was starting to come out of her shell feeling such innocent shining eyes of admiration on her was making her nervous. The fact she was smelled and was still dressing in her sweaty training cloths in a room that practically stood for all her failures in femininity most certainly did not help.
"So Shinobu-chan" Motoko prodded, "why did you ask me to come here? Did you need me to fetch something from the groccer, lift something heavy, reach-"
"We're going to make Senpai dinner." smile.
"Cooking? Surely not, you remember I" Motoko hesitated, not wanting to admit weakness before conceeding "I am not very talented in that area"
Shinobu continued to smile up at her "Don't worry Sempai, I only need your help with prepare some of the ingredients!"
"I'm still not so sure it a good idea..." Motoko continued to look for a way out, to not embarass herself in front of the girl.
"Please Sempai..." maybe it was a trick of the light but Shinobu's smile seemed a little more forced, "I can't do this on my own. I'll do most of the preparations and cooking."
Motoko still looked indecisive. "...Besides, making a tasty dish can help you impress the one you like"
Motoko did a double take, had Shinobu really just said that? Shinobu was blushing and looking at her feet, hair obscuring most of her face. Indecision warred in her, she wanted to help Shinobu-chan, she really did. But did she want Shinobu's hard work wasted on that pervert Urashima!? But wouldn't it be her dish as well? Both thoughts caused an uncomfortable twinge in her chest. After a moment she came to a decision.
"Very well" she agreed, as long as Shinobu-chan was happy she told herself, "What do you need me to do?"
"Step 1: Eat this muffin!" Said muffing was then thrust in her face by a very enthused Shinobu.
"...What? I thought I was supposed to help you make something?"
"I made this for you earlier, it's American." nudge nudge, "please take it."
"O-kay..." Motoko said taking the muffin nervously. "What does eating this have to do with baking?"
"It's a very important step Senpai. Now eat the muffin."
Motoko gave Shinobu one last worried glace before biting into the muffin, what was the harm? Shinobu hadn't a single wicked bone in her little body. Perhaps she just wasn't feeling well, maybe the heat of the kitchen was getting to her. As she started to chew Motoko thought the muffin tasted odd. Not bad, but definitely not like a muffin should taste. Had she a frame of reference she might have compared it to meatloaf.
"Now what Shinobu-chan?" Motoko asked after finishing the muffin.
"Step 2: Rohypnol!"
"Sure I'll go- Wait, what?" Motoko started to feel dizzy and lightheaded. The world swam around her as she collapsed. The last image she saw was Shinobu smiling down at her like an angel, Motoko's sword still clenched in her hands.
"Now to start the preparations!" Shinobu walked over to her victim and casually grabbed Motoko's hand and started to drag her body towards the door.
...or at least she tried to.
"Mou~ Senpai you're too heavy... perhaps I should have thought this through a little more..." Pull "...I wish Suu-chan was still around to help me..."
