It's been a rough couple of days. I've been spending all my time after school training with Mr. Toruga. It's really paying off. When it comes to my hand-to-hand combat, I'd say I'm improving! I'm learning how to properly punch and kick, as well as position myself in a way that leaves no openings for my enemies. My sword fighting has steadily improved, but I still haven't got around to my Technique just yet. Hold on, I hear something at the window...
~o~
It was a cat. Merely a cat. I opened the window and it hopped right in. It was a black cat with beautiful dark blue eyes, like mine. It rubbed against me and started to roam around my room. It's sitting on my bookshelf now, just staring at me. I'm gonna get some sleep.
~o~
As I headed to the forest after school today, that cat followed me there. Mr. Toruga was waiting for me as usual.
"Today we're going to learn a cool little technique. Basically, it'll make you more mobile and allow you to run up walls and more."
"Woah...up walls?" I asked in amazement.
"Yes. However, you'll need to learn another Technique, and although you're already struggling with your first one, this one is much easier to master. It may be difficult because the magic of someone your age isn't very strong." He told me, "If you're willing, then let's do it."
I was ready for anything he had in store, so I nodded, and we exited the forest. I already knew where we were going. We were going to the Ancient Caves. Let me give you a little explanation. The "Ancient Caves" are literally their name. They're ancient caves that have existed for as long as people can remember. No one knows who made them and why, but they reek of magical energy. The Ancient Caves are how people learn a Technique. Here's an example. If someone wanted to learn an Element Technique, they'd enter an Element cave. Upon entering, there would be Six or more paths, labeled, Fire, Water, Nature, Earth, Lightning, Wind, etc. Upon entering one of those, it would lead to even more paths allowing you to learn a Technique relating to that element. I hope that makes sense. Almost every village was purposely built near a group of caves so the warriors training in said village had easy access. Unfortunately, most villages don't have every kind of cave, but ours does! Mr. Toruga lead me to the village's Element Cave.
"Head inside. Once you get to the Element paths, walk into the Wind Path and learn the 'Gust Speed' technique."
I didn't want to ask any questions, especially because he told me not to question him. A reasonable request I guess. I entered the cave and was greeted by almost complete darkness. I've only entered an Ancient Cave once, and that's when I learned my fire Technique. The darkness is still kinda spooky. I eventually came to the clearing where the Element paths lay in front of me. A low whooshing noise resonated within them. I took a deep breath and entered the Wind path. I finally arrived at another clearing with even more paths. I read the titles and noticed the name "Gust Speed". This was the one. I entered and walked down yet another dark and damp tunnel. The feeling of claustrophobia growing inside me. I finally arrived at the end and entered the room. A boulder slid over to block the entrance. Now I was trapped until I learned the Technique. At the end of the huge room were hundreds of holes in the wall. There was a sign. After reading it, I learned I had to hit the pressure plate on the other side of the room where the holes were. I took one step and was instantly blown back by a strong wind created by the holes. I braced myself and stood tried my hardest to stay in place. The wind was so strong I couldn't move. I clutched onto the floor as tight as I could. It seemed I'd never make it. I grabbed some kunai knives and tried to throw them to hit the plate. It was stupid because the wind blew the right past me, but instead of hitting the wall, they were blown over my head and flew to the other side.
"WHAT?!" I cried over the howling wind.
Then I realized, maybe I should let go? The wind was flowing in a circular motion, so it would blow away and then circle back to its point of origin. Of course. So I let go and let the wind blow me back, and then over to the other side. With a swing of my hand, I hit the pressure plate and the wind stopped, resulting in me collapsing to the ground. A door opened to another room, a sign I had completed my task. In the room beyond was a scroll on a pedestal. I opened it and watched as bright blue streaks swirled around me and sparkled, with a flash, I was given the knowledge of the move I had just learned. The "Gust Speed" Technique. Mr. Toruga nodded as I walked out and cheered. That was all the praise I was gonna get.
"Great, now you're ready to run up walls and others of the sort. When using this move, you'll be given a gust of wind that'll raise your speed and give you the momentum you need."
"Cooooool...." I exclaimed in awe.
We headed back to the forest, I was so excited to use my new technique. But my excitement faded as Mr. Toruga froze and grabbed me.
"Trees. Now." He muttered and dashed to the nearest tree.
I did the same and used the Gust Speed technique. I was given a speed boost that helped me dash up the tree trunk and the momentum to get high enough and grab a branch. Mr. Toruga was perched in the tree beside me. I didn't know if I should have been worried.
"What-" I tried to ask.
"Shh." Mr. Toruga responded.
I frantically looked around to see what the problem was. Then, I spotted it. The blue-haired girl. I completely forgot that she came to the forest on Fridays. I also forgot to warn Mr. Toruga about her. My heart dropped as I watched her sit down and create rock walls. I looked at Mr. Toruga who motioned for us to leave. He leaped from tree to tree, and I followed. My heart was beating as I jumped. If she discovered us, we'd be exposed and it'd be all over. Unfortunately one of my jumps was too short and I barely managed to reach the next tree. I frantically reached out as I descended and grabbed onto a branch, but it resulted in my body slamming into the tree trunk and creating an incredibly loud thud. Oops.
"Who's there?!" Came the girl's voice.
Mr. Toruga and I had the exact same idea. I scrambled up the tree and we both jumped as fast as we could in attempt to put some distance between us and the girl. I could hear her footsteps catching up as she followed the noises. She was in hot pursuit. She created a rock wall, and roundhouse kicked it, sending it hurling into my tree and knocking it over completely. I was sent flying and collapsed to the ground, the tree landing beside me. I didn't have time to lay around, because she was still coming. I swiftly dived behind a boulder and held my quivering breath.
"Show yourself!" She shouted.
Her footsteps slowly approached my hiding spot. She was gonna find me. I closed my eyes...
"Mrrrowww."
It was the cat. It was distracting her. She ran off in the cat's direction, and her footsteps receded.
"Mrow."
The cat approached and sat comfortably at my feet, its purring vibrated against me.
"You really like me huh?" I asked with a smile.
It blinked and nuzzled my leg.
"Are you a boy or a girl?" I asked again, kneeling down, "Blink once for a boy and twice for a girl."
It blinked twice.
"Huh...you can understand me?"
She nodded and leaped up onto my shoulder.
"Kara. That's what I'll name you." I smiled.
She seemed to like that name because she nodded.
Now with a new companion, I searched for Mr. Toruga.
"Mr. Toruga...?" I whispered and scanned the trees.
He was nowhere to be seen. Did he leave? I didn't know. Kara suddenly hissed, scaring me.
"What is it?"
In response, she hissed again and looked to my right. It was one of those creatures that was in my kitchen. It started to charge, but instead of screaming like a coward...
....I ran like a coward...
I just ran, swatting branches out of my way. It wasn't there when I looked back, but when I turned my head back to the front, I came face to face with a steep hill. I didn't have time to slow down and took a nasty tumble which lasted a while. Right when I thought it'd never end, I hit the bottom and laid there for a bit. I know Kara was ok because she approached and nuzzled me.
"Riba! You alright?" Came Mr. Toruga's voice.
I looked up to see him hop out of a tree and walk up to me.
"Yeah...I'm fine.." I replied and brushed myself off.
"Good..."
In that last sentence, I could have sworn he sounded concerned. Maybe it's just my imagination, but I think he's starting to like me.
"That was pretty good jumping. Well done." He nodded.
I smiled and playfully punched him. He didn't react or smile. I told him I was heading home and walked away. But as I did, I could have sworn I heard him chuckle...