The Beast

Ch 1

Disclaimer: I don't own so find some one else to sue.

Mistakes and their consequences

The ambulance roared off spitting dust as the Hinata crew watched in stunned silence. AS the Ambulance rounded a corner and disappeared from sight the crew turned accusing eyes to the resident sword woman. Motoko had followed the paramedics down the steps, and had collapsed as the ambulance drove off. Now she sat their surrounded by her fellow dorm mates. Words did not come only tears as they looked on.

The tents help Motoko to her feet and help support her up the steps. Sliding the door open they see Naru sitting on the couch watching TV. They stared at her, and Motoko couldn't help it.

"Why?"

Naru looked at her with a look of surprise. "I thought you wanted to be rid of him?"

Motoko met her gaze with cold fury. "Yes I did but you tricked me into hurting him."

Naru shrugged. "So what he's gone and we can get a new manager."

Kitsune could only stare at Naru. Her friend for so many years had just tricked Motoko into possibly killing Keitaro.

Shinobu was crying. "How could you do that to sempai?"

Naru smiled. "I was tired of his stupidity and the fact he couldn't take a hint that I wasn't interested in him."

The phone interrupted them, and Naru quickly moved to get it.

"Hello"

sigh "Hold on let me get her."

"Motoko it's for you."

Kitsune helped the swords woman to the phone, and Naru moved back to the couch.

"Hello" Motoko's throat hurt from all of the crying.

As she listened she felt her knees collapse and she fell to the floor holding onto the phone she listened to the voice listing off the chances of Keitaro's survival. A sharp click and the line went dead. Motoko couldn't look at the others she stared at the floor as her tears made a small puddle on the floor. Reaching up she tried to pull herself back to her feet and felt Kitsune's hands help lift her up. When she was back on her feet she dialed a number and listened to the phone ring on the fourth ring she heard breathing on the end of the line.

"Hello" The voice was rich and seemed to purr.

"Tsuruko. Sister I have done something horrible and I need your help."

"What's wrong Motoko?"

"I can't say over the phone please just get here as fast as you can."

"Alright I will leave immediately."

"Thank you."

The call ended and Motoko hung up the phone turning she started to walk to the stairs. Halfway she felt her legs begin to buckle but before she could fall she felt the hands of her friends grab her. Turning to look at the other tenets she couldn't help it she threw her arms around Kitsune's neck and started crying as her body shook. Kitsune was surprised but quickly wrapped her arms around the now frail girl. After a moment of tears she felt Motoko stop shacking and Kitsune released her hold as the kendo girl turned and walked down the hall to her room.

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Tsuruko moved up the steps of the Hinata sou. As she reached the door she knocked softly. Only to be startled as it was thrown open revealing Naru who rushed by her with out acknowledging her presence.

"What's with them today" Naru mumbled to her self as she made her way down the steps. Tsuruko just stared after the girl. Shrugging she made her way inside. Turning she walked down the hall to Motoko's room. Knocking softly she snapped to reality when Motoko screamed.

"GO AWAY!" The voice was strained broken as if she had been crying for a long time.

Tsuruko pressed her ear to the door and felt her heart seize. "My pain is nothing to his."

Tsuruko heard a sharp intake of breath as she wrenched the door open. Motoko sat with her back to the door. Her long silky black hair was matted and tangled. Her once crisp gi was rumpled and stained. Tsuruko stepped closer and felt her heart break as she stared at the red stains adorning her sisters once white top. Tsuruko cried out startling Motoko who dropped the now blood stained katana on to the floor.

Tsuruko stepped into the room and quickly moved to her sister's side. Motoko tried to stand but was to weak. Looking about the room Tsuruko saw that the once pristine room was a disaster. Clothes everywhere the armor that sat in the corner was scattered around the room. Falling to her knees in front of Motoko, Tsuruko grabbed Motoko's wrists turning them up and she felt her heart seize as she saw the blood flowing from numerous cuts. As Tsuruko watched the blood ooze across her fingers she suddenly looked into her sisters bloodshot eyes and saw that where there once was fire now there was darkness. Cold and still she seemed to stare with out seeing. Tsuruko looked about but all of the clothes on the floor didn't look clean so thinking quickly she ripped her gi and wrapped the strips around Motoko's bleeding arms.

Tsuruko pulled her sister into a hug and as she wept on her sister's shoulder she suddenly felt Motoko go limp. Pulling back she saw that she had only fallen asleep. Picking up her sister she moved to the futon and using her feet moved the clothes out of the way and gentle sat her sister down and covered her with the blanket. Stepping back to the door she slid it shut before collapsing to the floor leaning against the wall as she cried for her sister.

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Motoko slept till morning. When she awoke she sat up and looked around the room, and was stumped as to why it was such a mess. Trying to stand she feels her knees buckle and she finds that she is unable to stand. Turning she spots a photo on the floor. Reaching over she picks it up and as she stares at it memories of the past few days wash over her.

Naru hobbling into her room clothes torn.

Anger at what she has to say.

Running down the hall to Keitaro's room.

The surprised look on his face as her blade slid into his body.

Watching him fall.

Hearing Naru laughing.

The betrayal.

Watching the paramedics rushing Keitaro out the door.

Standing in the common room looking at the happy Naru.

Her rage being directed at her room.

Then it turned on her.

The pain in her arms snapped her back to reality. Crawling to the door she slid it open only to see Shinobu standing there with a worried look on her face. Motoko was expecting her to yell at her call her names for hurting Keitaro.

"Motoko please let me get Tsuruko to help." Shinobu said turning and running down the hall.

Motoko tried to pull herself to her feet. Tsuruko is here? Why would she come here?

Then the memory of her phone call came back to her. Before she could pull herself up right she saw Tsuruko come running down the hall to her. Motoko was unsure of how her sister would react to her horrible mistake.

Tsuruko was running as fast as she could. As she neared Motoko she saw her drop her head in a submissive posture. Tsuruko moved to her sister's side and knelt down wrapping her arms around her sisters shoulders. Motoko flinched under her sister's touch but didn't resist when she was pulled into a sitting position.

Motoko was surprised when she felt her sister embrace her. She hesitated only for a moment before throwing her arms around Tsuruko the sudden warmth and love broke the dam holding her tears. The rest of the Tenets arrived and watched the display of sisterly love. Tsuruko broke the embrace and looked over her shoulders at the other tenets.

"Alright I think she could use a bath now."

Motoko could only stare as the other tenets moved to her side and gently picked her up and helped carry her to the onsen where they gently undressed her be careful not to disturb the wounds on her arms. When she was undressed they moved outside and with Tsuruko's help got her into the warm water. The others left smiling softly at Motoko reassuring her. Tsuruko moved behind Motoko and sat down on the lip of the onsen and gently began to wash her sister's hair. Motoko winced every now and then when Tsuruko removed a tangle or knot of hair. The feeling of someone washing her hair relaxed Motoko until her sister spoke.

"What happened Motoko?"

Motoko flinched. Tsuruko felt her sister tense up and leaned over and caressed her cheek turning her head so she could look at her.

"Motoko nothing you could have done will change the love I have for you. I know it will hurt but it will feel better to say it now. So please tell me what happened?"

Motoko relaxed and looked back into the water of the onsen. Gathering her thoughts she decided to just start at the beginning of the worst day of her life.

"Two days ago I was sitting in my room meditating when Naru came into my room. Her clothes were ripped and she was covered in bruises. I asked her who could have done this she whispered the name and I felt my anger rise. I rushed down the hall and threw his door open and saw him there with a big smile on his face. I felt so sure that he had forced Naru that I ran him through with my sword. It was through his gut the blade stopped when it hit his back bone severing it."

Motoko paused and Tsuruko saw the tears start to fall with a shuddering breath Motoko continued but her voice sounded as if she was about to break down.

"The look on his face. The terror I saw. I cursed him, and called him foul names. It was then that I saw the present still sitting in it's box the Katana partly drawn revealing the folded steel blade. The box was addressed to me. He reached up and caressed my cheek and said I forgive you. He could say that after I ran him through! Kitsune walked in right then and rushed to call the paramedics. While we were waiting for them to show Naru came in smiling. Kitsune demanded to know what was so funny. Naru said not only did she get him out of Hinata sou she also got even with him for not being interested in her. I didn't know what to do?"

Motoko began to cry then. Her body shacking slightly even in the warm water. Tsuruko finally understood why Motoko was acting strange. Tsuruko was deep in thought. She felt Motoko stop shacking and leaned closer and saw that she was staring at the ripples her tears caused as they broke the waters surface.

Tsuruko looked down at Motoko. "Motoko what are you planning on doing now?"

Motoko looked up, and turned around to face her sister. "They told me that he will most likely be paralyzed from the waist down. When he comes home I will do whatever I can to make his life easier and to hopefully earn the right to be forgiven by that wonderful man."

Tsuruko nodded and leaned down and embraced her sister. "That is a wise choice just remember you need to be able to forgive yourself as well."

Motoko nodded and returned her sisters embrace. Kitsune coughed slightly alerting them to her presence. As the sisters returned her gaze she motioned to the dressing room. "Shinobu found some clean clothes for Motoko and she is cleaning up you room as well."

Motoko looked startled. "She shouldn't be doing that. I made the mess so I should clean it up."

Kitsune shook her head. "Motoko you shouldn't blame yourself we were all tricked by Naru. You have hurt yourself enough let us help?"

Motoko felt her eyes start to tear up again as Kitsune's words sunk in. They don't hate me. Tsuruko nodded her head and gently squeezed Motoko's shoulder. Tsuruko looked at Kitsune. "Can you help me with her since it will be easier with two of us to dress her then I will go and see Keitaro and find out how he is doing."

Kitsune nodded and moved to help lift Motoko out of the onsen. Moving gently the entered the dressing room. After a few tries they succeeded in getting Motoko dressed. Tsuruko then guided them into the common room where they sat her down on one of the couches. Shinobu appeared soon after words caring some of Motoko's dirty clothes when she saw Motoko sitting on the couch she quickly ran into the washroom and came back out. Moving so that she was standing in front of Motoko she smiled as she spoke.

"Would you like something to eat Motoko?"

Motoko was about to refuse when her stomach growled loudly. Shinobu giggled and moved into the kitchen were she began to prepare a lunch for Motoko. Tsuruko laughed and moved to the door.

"I will be back later but right now I want to see how our dear manager is."

As the door slid shut Tsuruko began to walk down the steps. When she reached the bottom she walked down the sidewalk until she reached the train station. Boarding the desired train she rode in silence. When her stop arrived she disembarked and began walking to the hospital. As she walked to the entrance she saw someone familiar and smiled as she spotted the elder Urashima. Haruka was surprised to see her but the look was only there for a second before her normal impassive face appeared again.

Tsuruko nodded to Haruka then moved inside. Haruka quickly put out her cigarette and followed Tsuruko inside. The receptionist didn't even look up as they walked past her. Pressing the call button for the elevator they patiently waited for it to reach their floor. When the doors slid open several people got off and Haruka and Tsuruko got on Haruka pressed the 5-floor button. The music coming through the speakers was garbled slightly as the speaker started going out. Tsuruko waited patiently as the doors slid open and Haruka led her down the hall. Stopping out side one of the rooms she opened the door and let Tsuruko in and shut the door behind her leaving Tsuruko and Keitaro alone.

Keitaro lay on his bed looking out the window. Hearing the door open he turned to see who had come in. He was startled to see Tsuruko standing their staring at him.

"Tsuruko! What are you doing here?" Keitaro yelped from his bed.

Tsuruko moved to his side and smiled softly which allowed Keitaro to relax somewhat.

"Relax Urashima. I am not going to hurt you I only want to talk." Tsuruko pulled one of the doctor's stools over and sat herself down next to Keitaro's headboard.

Keitaro stared at her still undecided as to what she could possibly want to talk about. Tsuruko pulled a sword out still encased in it's sheath and laid it beside Keitaro's arm. Keitaro picked up the sword and recognized that it was Motoko's sword. He grasped the handle and with a inquisitive look at Tsuruko who nodded pulled it free. Keitaro stared at the once silver blade that was now stained red.

The question caught in his throat but Tsuruko seemed to know what he was going to ask.

"Yes Urashima that is Motoko's blood. She cut herself to in act a form of punishment or retribution if you will. She nearly killed herself in her sorrow."

Keitaro stared at the blade then back at Tsuruko. Again Tsuruko beat him to answering a question that he had yet to ask. "Yes she is ok. But she still is hurting from both the self inflicted injuries, and the pain of hurting you."

Keitaro looked down at his sheets where the blade was now sitting in his lap as he cradled the weapon. Tears formed in his eyes and rolled gently down his cheeks until they dropped onto the sword. Tsuruko felt her heart go out to him. The young man had tried to show his love to a woman who when tricked ran him through with her sword. Standing up she sat on the bed and pulled Keitaro into her embrace. The warmth of her touch and the kindness he found there allowed Keitaro to finally release the tears that he had held for so long. Tsuruko ran her fingers through his hair trying to calm Keitaro. After a few minutes he finally stopped shuddering and Tsuruko released her grip on him allowing him to sit up but she still let one of her arms rest around his shoulder where she allowed her ki to seep into him supporting and reassuring him.

Tsuruko finally turned to Keitaro. "I was told that you will be paralyzed from the waist down. Am I correct?"

Keitaro only nodded still clutching Motoko's blade in his hands. Tsuruko mind was in chaos. She had a possibly opportunity that could allow Keitaro to walk again, but if it failed he would have to be killed on the spot. She deliberated for just a moment longer then decided that of all people Keitaro and Motoko deserved the chance it offered.

"Keitaro there is a way to allow you to walk again but it has high risk. If it fails I will have to kill you then and there but if it succeeds then it will not only allow you to walk again but it will make you stronger and faster than ever before. However don't make this decision lightly since it will change your life and Motoko's forever. I will be back tomorrow for you answer." With that she hugged Keitaro once more and stood up. She didn't reach for the sword as Keitaro slid it back into it's sheath and tuck it under his blankets. She nodded and walked to the door. Knocking softly she waited till Haruka opened the door. Outside was a very irate doctor who was yelling at Haruka. Tsuruko and Haruka both turned to the doctor and eyed him as if a tigress was eyeing possible prey the doctor noticed the look he was being given and decided not to say another word and moved past the two women and into the room where he shut the door.

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Tsuruko awoke early and moved quickly to check on Motoko. She had gotten to the Hinata sou last night to find out that after out eating Su Motoko had fallen asleep at the table. Kitsune and Shinobu had moved her to her room where she was in a deep sleep.

Dressing quickly she slid open her door and walked down to Motoko's door. She listened for a moment and decided to see if she was still asleep. Sliding the door open she saw Motoko curled under her blankets. Tsuruko moved quietly to her sister's side and knelt down. Brushing away the hair that had fallen across her face she noticed something under the blankets. Gently she eased the blankets up and a smile graced her lips as she saw her sister holding onto the blade Keitaro was going to give her. Lowering the blanket she quickly walked out the door and slid it shut. Turning she saw Shinobu and Kitsune standing in the hall looking at her with worried looks. Tsuruko smiled and the two tenets relaxed visibly. Shinobu gestured for Tsuruko to follow her and she guided them into the kitchen were she had breakfast waiting for them.

The meal was quiet while everybody was worried about Motoko they were also worried about Keitaro. Tsuruko finished her meal and took her dishes back into the kitchen. When she returned she looked at Shinobu.

"Shinobu I have a favor to ask?"

Shinobu seemed a little startled at first but quickly recovered. "Sure Tsuruko-sempai what can I do to help?"

Tsuruko smiled. "Well soon Motoko will wake up I would like you to keep an eye on her since I will be gone for a while. If she asks tell her I will be back in a few days." With that Tsuruko bowed to Shinobu who blushed at the honor she was just given. Shinobu only nodded and left the room to see if Motoko was up.

Tsuruko nodded to Kitsune, Sera, and Su. Then moved out the door and down the steps.

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When Tsuruko entered the Hospital room she found the doctor trying to persuade Keitaro to relinquish Motoko's sword. Keitaro was putting up a massive fight. Tsuruko walked up to the doctor and tapped him on the shoulder. The doctor jumped when he turned and saw Tsuruko with her Katana in hand. The doctor once again decided that it wasn't worth it and left the room. When the door shut Keitaro let out a loud sigh as he relaxed from his struggle with the doctor.

Tsuruko smiled then resumed her spot beside Keitaro on the bed. "Well Urashima have you decided?"

Keitaro let his gaze drop to the sword in his lap and then he looked back up at Tsuruko. Tsuruko smiled at the fire that now burned in his eyes. "It would seem you have decided."

Keitaro grinned as Tsuruko walked to the door and let Haruka in pushing a wheel chair. Keitaro smiled as his aunt as she hugged Keitaro before helping Tsuruko lift him into the chair. Tsuruko gently turned the chair and wheeled it out the door. The receptionist shouted something to them and Haruka stopped to take care of any paper work.

With out stopping Tsuruko pushed Keitaro out the door and down the side walk to Haruka's small van that was parked in the visitors parking lot. Waiting patiently for Haruka to finish and join them Keitaro looked up at Tsuruko.

"Tsuruko may I ask what you have planned now that I have decided to take you up on your offer?"

Tsuruko looked down at him and saw the fire burning in his eyes and felt her spirits lift. "The ritual will allow us to bind a spirit beast to you which will heal you, and allow you to walk again."

Keitaro seemed a little surprised. Tsuruko expected him to balk at that statement until he looked back up at her and she saw the fire in his eyes had only intensified.

"I suppose this ritual is not widely practiced?"

Tsuruko felt a smile crawl across her face. "No Urashima you are correct this ritual is highly and strictly forbidden but I feel that of all people you can survive the ritual and then help Motoko recover from her ordeal."

At the mention of Motoko's name Keitaro wrapped his hands around the sword so tightly that his knuckles turned white. "The that is where we are headed am I correct Tsuruko?"

Tsuruko nodded. Haruka joined them then with a raised eyebrow at the quiet conversation she unlocked the door to the van and helped get Keitaro into the seat. Folding up the wheel chair they placed it in the back. Tsuruko looked at Haruka.

"Keitaro has decided to attempt a ritual that may allow him to walk again but if it fails he will die. So we need to go to the train station."

Haruka nodded and moved behind the wheel while Tsuruko moves to the passenger seat.

The drive was silent. Haruka kept looking into the rear view mirror watching Keitaro as he cradled Motoko's sword in his arms. When Keitaro looked up and made eye contact with Haruka she felt goose bumps crawl over skin at what she saw. His eyes while in the hospital were lifeless but now they burned with a fire that she had never seen before.

The van pulled up to the station and Tsuruko and Haruka moved quickly unfolding the wheelchair and moving Keitaro from the van to the wheelchair. The two women regarded each other for a moment. Then they bowed slightly to each other before parting ways. Keitaro still held the sword tight in his hands as they patiently waited for the train.

After what seemed like an eternity to Keitaro the train finally pulled up. Tsuruko wheeled him onto the train and found a spot for him to sit and with his help moved him into the seat so that the wheelchair could be folded up. Sitting next to Keitaro she watched as he laid his head against the window and dozed off as the train pulled out of the station.

Tsuruko smiled softly realizing that Keitaro had stayed awake the previous night debating the choice he was given. She gently reached out and brushed the hair from his face. Motoko you choose wisely. This young man has decided to risk his very life to try and make you happy.

She settled back into her seat and slowly meditated as she waited.

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It was evening when the train reached its destination. Tsuruko gently woke Keitaro and helped him get back into the wheelchair. They were slowly walking down the exit ramp when they both were surprised as a young man dressed in a kendo outfit blocked their path. Tsuruko smiled. "Kyo, I am glad you are here."

The young man smiled as he walked up to Tsuruko and gently kissed her on the lips. Tsuruko blushed. "Now, now we don't want to embarrass Urashima here."

Keitaro just grinned. "Heh don't worry about me Tsuruko I can't blame him though for wanting to kiss you."

Tsuruko wasn't ready for that and as Kyo laughed at the blush that spread across her face. Slapping Kyo on the arm in a playful manner she once again began to push Keitaro the rest of the way as Kyo moved to open the door to the schools van. Kyo effortlessly lifted Keitaro from his wheelchair and placed him in the van. Kyo then noticed that Keitaro was holding a blade that looked very familiar to him. Thinking for a moment he finally placed it and nodded his approval to Keitaro's far off look as he admired the sheathed sword.

The van ride was silent except for occasional news that was shared with Tsuruko. The van slowly made its way down a country road until it rounded a corner and Keitaro felt his jaw drop at the sight of the school. The massive buildings didn't seem to have been built but it seemed that they were grown. To Keitaro it looked serene and peaceful. The massive wooden gates opened to let the van pass and Keitaro stared as he saw young woman filling into one building or another. There were a few boys but not many. The van moved down a ways until it reached a small building near the back wall. Here they stopped the van and helped Keitaro into his wheelchair again. They moved him into the small building and showed him the small bathing room with it low tub and his room where the futon was raised off the floor to allow him to easily get onto his bed and back into the wheelchair. He looked around and as Tsuruko and Kyo stood at the door Keitaro turned his chair around and despite being stuck in his chair he bowed to them.

Kyo and Tsuruko bowed in return and shut the door. Keitaro moved to his bed and found a soft shirt for him to sleep in and on the small stool at the foot of the futon he saw a outfit that he could put on easily. He felt a smile crawl across his face as he saw what Tsuruko and Kyo had down to make his stay here a little easier. Moving to the bed he placed Motoko's katana on the bed and pulled himself onto the bed where he shucked his cloths and put on the soft shirt and pants. Pulling the blanket up he placed Motoko's sword next to him and he ran his hand down the sheath with a loving tender touch as his eyes grew heavy and sleep over took him.

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Keitaro awoke to find Tsuruko standing over him. She smiled softly when she saw him open his eyes. Keitaro couldn't help he smiled in return. Looking to his bed side he saw a tray stacked with food. Turning to Tsuruko with a questioning look she only smiled.

"Hospital food can barely be called edible and when the cooks found out that you had just come from there they decided to make a feast to help you rediscovery what real food tasts like."

Keitaro couldn't help but laugh. Tsuruko joined him her rich laughter boosting Keitaro's spirits. He pushed himself up and took some of the food he was offered. Kyo who knocked softly then let himself in interrupting them. "Ah Tsuruko the elders wish to speak with Keitaro and decide if he can survive the process of the ritual so as soon as he is done eating and he has had a chance to get cleaned up they request an chance to talk with him."

Tsuruko nodded and Keitaro grinned as he saw a mischievous look cross Kyo's face and he smiled. Sneaking up on Tsuruko he wrapped his arms about her waist and nuzzled into her neck. Tsuruko grinned and playfully slapped his arm. "Stop your going to embarrass Keitaro."

Keitaro pulled himself into his wheelchair and grabbed the clean cloths that were at the foot of his bed. "Heh I think I will go get cleaned up now. Besides you have been spending quiet a bit of time with me and I think Kyo would like to have some time with you." Tsuruko smiled as Keitaro wheeled himself out the door. He made his way down to the bath and after some trial and error managed to remove his sleeping cloths and got into the tub. He felt his face heat up as he imagined the previous scene except it was between Motoko and himself. He found he liked the feeling of peace that filled his body helping him to relax. After a few minutes he managed to pull himself out of the tub and spied a stool beside the tub where he could dry himself with out getting his wheelchair wet.

Laughing to himself as he managed to pull on his fresh cloths. He got back into his wheelchair and rolled himself back down to his room. Seeing the door shut he knocked softly and when he heard a giggle he asked. "Do you want me to come back later or can I come in?"

He heard a loud guffaw and saw the door slide open revealing Tsuruko sitting on his bed and Kyo grinning as he moved to allow Keitaro to roll inside. Rolling over to the bed Tsuruko handed him Motoko's sword, which he accepted with a smile and a nod of thanks. Tsuruko stood up.

"Are you ready to face your future Urashima?"

Keitaro nodded. "Regardless of weather I live or die I plan on taking my future into my hands and holding on."

Kyo nodded and Tsuruko smiled. Tsuruko pushed his chair out into the courtyard where Keitaro had to blink a few times until his eyes adjusted to the brightness. As Tsuruko pushed his chair along Keitaro gazed around trying to absorb as much as he could.

Keitaro found his attention drawn to a large building in the center of the courtyard. Tsuruko was headed in that direction and Keitaro found that his attention was drawn more and more to the immense building. As she moved inside Keitaro once again had to blink till his eyes adjusted to the cool darkness inside. She pushed him through several chambers until they reached a large set of doors engraved with hundreds of murals depicting everything from young women practicing katas to demons being killed.

Keitaro was amazed at how detailed the images were. Tsuruko moved to the door and with a gentle touch pushed the doors open. Keitaro saw inside the chamber was a long table set up off the ground each person at the table was silhouetted by an overhead light. Tsuruko pushed Keitaro to just in front of the table and stopped. Stepping forward she bowed and moved out of the room pulling the doors shut behind her.

Keitaro swallowed as he slowly stared at the elders who stared back at him. After a few moments he heard a voice speak up.

"We understand you chose to proceed with the ritual despite the fact that if something goes wrong that you will die. Am I correct in this?"

Keitaro nodded. "Yes I accept the risks."

Another voice spoke up. "Why do you wish to undergo this dangerous ritual?"

Keitaro raised Motoko's katana and drew the red stained blade. "A woman I love has hurt herself believing that she has to be punished for her mistake. If this ritual works she will no longer has to live with the pain of hurting me. If I do become stronger after this ritual I can help her in turn to become more than she ever thought she could be."

The elders nodded and seemed amused by the conviction in Keitaro's voice.

Another elder from way down the table, and Keitaro had to turn his head in the general direction. "That is all well and good but it still doesn't answer the queston of why put yourself at risk for a possible worse fate than the one you have been dealt?"

Keitaro felt his anger rise. "This blade is stained with the blood of the girl I love. She did this while I was in the hospital I fear what she will do if she might do if she has to see me everyday confined to a wheelchair for the rest of my life. It will constantly remind her of her mistake and the pain of having to watch me will hurt her deeply. I cannot allow that if even a slim chance of my being able to walk again. If I can walk she will be able to move on and learn from this accident instead of being destroyed by it."

The elders once again nodded. "You speak from your heart young Urashima, and it shows the amount of love you have for this young woman. There fore we will allow you to attempt the ritual but remember once it is complete your life will be forever changed."

Keitaro nodded. "I understand. When will the Ritual take place?"

The elders mumbled to each other for a moment. "It will begin immediately!"

A/N heh big cliff hanger I have taken the requests of my fans into consideration when they askd me to increase the length of my ch I hope 5,872 words are enough to satisfy yall. Till next time enjoy.