A Ninja's Heart (Closed)

http://i793.photobucket.com/albums/yy217/Kwaiichibizzy/Decorated%20images/1244-guoguo-4b.jpg

Watching the koi swim freely through the water. Her head tilted to the side. So many questions she had...But not enough answers... Mitsuko was a curious young hime. Due to her abilities...she had never seen outside the temple..How she longed to see the sites. To hear the sounds....It was impossible to blossom..trapped inside a prison. Breathing in slowly, she kept herself calm. If she did not...then balance would be lost. Without balance, there was nothing.

That was the importance of Mitsuko. She was balance. Light and darkness, sun and moon, day and night.... Without her, the kingdom would be lost. In order to better control her powers, she must stay calm. Keep her feelings sustained...But as she grew, the powers became harder and harder to control. Thus causing in earthquakes, droughts, storms, disaster after disaster. Everyone told her it was a gift. But it was a curse. It was almost time for her to let the moon rise....

Raising her left hand, she lowered her right. The sun slowly began to move, lowering little by little. At the same time, the moon began to rise. Once it was clear in the middle of the night sky. She put both of her hands back in her lap. Watching as the stars shined... Her parents had told her, she was to start training. They had hired a teacher. One of the best, according to the rumors...But he was very harsh...Blinking her eyes slowly, she turned and let the moon shine down on her. Will she ever get her wish? To be free? To love and hold someone?

As a servant called her in. She was informed that it was time to meet her new mentor...Her sensei. Nodding, she elegantly walked to the main room. Sitting herself down between her parents. Back straight, eyes forward. Manners she was taught long ago. If she ever showed emotion. Mitsuko would be punished. Scolded. And put in her room. Sitting quietly in her kimono, the young hime listened. The crickets played their song for her. It made her smile ever so slightly. But, she made sure it disappeared. Nothing bad happened when she was smiling. But if she was angry....That was another story.

Appearance

The crickets chirped their songs around the night, the moon bright and high in the inky sky, the dots of the stars winking in their depths. It was a perfectly harmonious night. That was what would have brought a smile to his lips if he'd wished it. Xin was the guardian of harmony, so nights like this were a rare treat. His title, if it mattered, was the Eye of Twilight. Twilight was the time of day when sun and moon were balanced, perfectly in harmony with each other. His job was, and for the remainder of his life would be, maintaining that harmony.

He had been raised with the intention of assuming this office, raised from infancy to seek harmony, to restore it when the scales were tipped. He was not specifically good, in fact he was almost purely neutral. Good seemed to be aligned with the goals of harmony, so their goals were in concert most of the time. Above all, Xin was objective. Emotional responses had been beaten from him long ago, his purpose was balance, and emotions were anything but.

When the council had summoned him, explained the new hime and her powers, he had seen only the potential for unbalance and cacophony. He was admonished not to act rashly, instead to guide her. Xin did not answer to the council, he was above politics and emotional ties, and had any of them threatened harmony he would have slain them without a second thought. That said, he listened, he learned. They were wise, and he sought their counsel from time to time, but they did not sway him.

Upon passing the temple threshold he removed his weapons. The twin Ninjato strapped across his back, the Sai from inside his loose but heavy leggings, the few Shuiken he carried. He would have no need of them for this meeting. When he entered the main room and saw the family seated there, his eyes unerringly found the powerful hime. She was smaller, and very pretty, the barest hint of a smile upon her lips until she saw him. Then it vanished. Xin removed the hood and mask from his face, revealing jet black hair that hung just below his ears and a very normal appearance, then bowed before kneeling, eyes not cold, but still prone to causing chills to flow along the spine swept the three assembled figures.

"I thank you for inviting me into your home, it is an honor to be here."

Hearing footsteps, Mitsuko averted her eyes to a tall figure. This was her protector.... Studying him silently, she noted the eyes. They weren't exactly cold...But they weren't too inviting. Staying silent. The young lady bowed her head in return. Her parents gave her the okay to speak up. "We welcome to our temple. And I deeply thank you for your services." Her voice came out soft. Chime like in a way. Very sweet. Keeping her face straight. She searched through him. Wondering what his heart was hiding. He was quite handsome, she would admit that...But he seemed cold. Inside.

Her parents stood and bowed to the ninja. "Mitsuko. You shall address him as Master Xin. Or Sensei. Do you understand?" Mitsuko slowly nodded. "Yes father, mother...Im am in your care. Master Xin." she said, her head low still. Satisfied. Her mother let her stand.

"Mitsuko, please show Master Xin to his quarters. We wish you both goodnight." With that, the two adults left. Leaving Mitsuko and her 'Master' Mitsuko turned to him. And motioned to the hall. "Please...follow me Sensei." Quietly, she lead him through the halls of their temple. Finally coming to a sliding screen door. "This is your quarters...Please inform the servants if you need anything. My room is just down the hall....Sleep well." she whispered. And turned to leave. The young hime found herself guilty of being attracted to him.... Stripping form her kimono. And letting her hair down for the night. She got into her bed. Hoping this attraction wouldnt effect her in any way...

The next morning, she awoke early, as she was told. Putting on her summer kimono, she placed the flower pins in her hair. Getting up. She made her way to the garden. Where her parents had told her to meet Xin. Her training would start today. Her ears pricked a bit as she heard laughter. Children. How lucky they were...Free to run as far as their feet could carry them. And she was trapped inside the walls of her temple...The sun was beginning to rise. Gently, she lifted her hand. Steadying the pace of the sun.

Xin remained still as instruction was given to the young hime, now introduced to him as Mitsuko. She had a very pleasant voice, it reminded him of the metal chimes that his village had sometimes traded for and hung from the roof beams. It was a very pleasant memory, though it invariably led to darker ones. The need for balance in all things.

"Goodnight to you as well."

Xin bowed again as the couple rose and exited to their quarters. Then he followed the young girl, his new charge. He knew he was here to guide her in the ways of her powers, but also to keep her safe. Her existence was guarded, and the mere whisper of the Eye of Twilight guarding her should keep most away. But those foolish enough to try would have no chance.

"This is your quarters...Please inform the servants if you need anything. My room is just down the hall....Sleep well."

"We'll begin early tomorrow Mitsuko, join me in the garden. We have much work to do."

His voice was deeper than one would expect given his frame, but unlike his eyes it wasn't disconcerting. It wasn't welcoming or warm, but it was familiar and oddly comforting. His eyes followed her as she moved down the hall, poised, yet so young. She needed his experience, he could see that when he first laid eyes on her. Giving it was going to be the more difficult part.

Xin conveyed his needs to the few servants, then dismissed them for the night.

When Xin woke, the sun had yet to rise. He slept little, but spent much of the night in meditation. Now that he was up he re-armed himself with his swords and had the rest of his things sent to his quarters. With the swords strapped to his back he was sitting in the garden when the sun rose. His colors today were yellow and black, it more fully represented the play of light and shadow. His eyes were fixed on the sun, and so he noticed the brief waver.

Not long after that Mitsuko entered his presence. While perfectly calm on the outside, it was her inner turmoil that caused her powers to react in uncontrollable patters. That needed to be changed, but it wasn't the first thing they had to work on.

"Good morning Mitsuko, I trust you slept well."

His eyes were still on the sun as he spoke, watching the progress.

"You have much to learn, but that is not an indictment of you or your parents. You are young, and gifted with power you did not ask for. Unfortunately such is the way of things, and we must move on. Before we begin to work on your inner turmoil, you must first truly understand your powers. Not in the way you do now, but in a much broader sense."

Finally he turned to her, his eyes meeting hers.

"Do you know why you exist Mitsuko?"

As the sun came to a stop. She turned her gaze to him. Wishing him a good morning too. Then listening intently to what he had to say. It was all true. She never wanted this gift. All she wanted was to be free like everyone else...To be accepted. To be normal. But alas, that would never be...to answer his question, she held her head high, and spoke in a serious tone.

"I exist for one and one purpose only. To keep balance upon this kingdom. Once my life is up. Then the power will be passed to the next generation." She was never made to love, to be happy, to feel. All she was, was an item. An item of gain. Of destruction. She could destroy with just one tear. Mitsuko looked down at tthe ground sadly. But, soon, pushed those feelings back. None of that was allowed. In her mind, she thought about how no one loved her. How people only wanted her for her power. If she was normal, no one would give her a second glance...

Turning back to look at him. She gave him an apologetic look. "I am prepared to start my training." she said clearly. Head held high, a sign of determination. A sign of her status also. Holding out her hands. She turned them so her plams face up. Two small orbs appeared. One purple and dark. The other white and holy. "They must always stay the same size. Too much holy is too much to handle. An too much darkness...well there would be nothing after that." she said and closed her palms tightly. Balling them into fists.

Master Xin didn't seem as cold as some had said...Maybe they were wrong. But...maybe she was too. Hearing more laughter. she felt that ping of saddness again. It ade her slightly jealous...As a servant walked by. The tea glass she had been holding shattered. Making Mitsuko turn and gasp. It was her....Feeling terrible. She helped the woman pick up the glass. But the servant assured her, she was not hurt. Walking back over to him, she felt her body shake.

"Please...I don't want to hurt anyone anymore." she said breathing in deeply. Slowly calming herself down little by little. Finally, everything seemed to be at peace again. It was a terrible demise she had...She swore she already hurt so many people...No more...She wanted no part in hurting any other living creature.

"I exist for one and one purpose only. To keep balance upon this kingdom. Once my life is up. Then the power will be passed to the next generation."

Xin shook his head internally, it was the great misconception. That was what had to be corrected first and foremost. Anyone who viewed their power as a burden couldn't have inner peace. Without inner peace and acceptance there would be no balance of power. This was evident now, the way she struggled to keep her composure.

He made no movements while she regained control. His eyes were drawn to the orbs she presented, his heart actually sped up. There they were, perfect, in harmony. What he fought and killed for his whole life represented by two dark and light orbs hovering in her palms.

"Please...I don't want to hurt anyone anymore."

His eyes were on the retreating figure who had brought tea. The woman was clearly accustomed to the occasional outburst from the hime, and showed no ill effects. Mitsuko was a different story, she was clearly affected by this. She had a good heart, and her inability to control herself was draining. When she began to doubt or be discouraged it only worsened the instability, a vicious cycle. Xin first had to correct this.

He set the tea down and looked fully at his new student.

"Before we go forward, you must stop thinking of yourself as an object. You seek acceptance, you long to be like others. Your parents are well meaning, but have caused a rigidity inside you that hinders you moving forward. You are not some cursed being, neither are you simply an object to be manipulated."

His gaze locked with hers again.

"First, you must accept this. You are not better than others, but neither are you worse. You will do and know things they only dream of, hear stories about before sleeping. Conversely, you seek to be like them. This is balance, and while sometimes cruel, it is necessary. Never lose that sense, but do not let it guide you. Without you, they would be much worse off. Without them, you would fall too in love with your powers."

He took a deep breath, Xin knew all too well the desires to be normal.

"Before you begin training you must understand this. There is no better, you are necessary, as are all of them. There is no wrong in what you feel or yearn for, and you must stop thinking that way. You cannot cut off all your feelings, that isn't your place. You try and lock away emotion, you cannot do that, for it only grows stronger in the shadows. I will show you how to allow them to flow without controlling you."

Xin sat on a flat rock, assuming a lotus position.

"Sit with me. For today we only speak. Tell me of your emotions, of what you dream. You must accept it, let it be part of you, only then can you be in harmony."

Watching him intently, she nodded at every word he said. Up until he told her to talk about herself. In what way would that help her? with widened eyes. She blinked and slowly sat on the ground. Making sure her form was alright. A well form meant tranquility. What Misuko didnt know. Was that she was about to pour out her soul into talking to him. Her hopes, her dreams...Her fears her emotions. Slowly, she opened her mouth and spoke in a hushed tone.

"I..I dont have many emotions. Sadness, anger, jealousy. I cannot feel those. If I do...someone else will get hurt. So I try to do everything right. I try to make everyone happy...I just..wish that I could truly be happy." Indeed she wasnt. Having to make herself calm every day made her tired....She couldnt handle it forever. One day she would crack...But that would be far into the future hopefully.... Turning she looked back up into his eyes.

"My dreams...Well at night I dream all the time. I once dreamed I was a child, playing, laughing, running freely with the others. I was so happy..." she trailed off. "Other times, I dream I am the empress, free of my curse, and walking through my kingdom. Getting greeted by everyone, as I warmly greet them back." She had a dreamy look in her eyes... "But my biggest most wonderful dream Master Xin..Is finding someone who accepts me..and wants to be with me..The way mother and farther want to be with each other....Love..." she whispered and watched as her parents, arm and arm walked through the garden.

Now realizing what she had said. Misuko's eyes widened and she blushed horribly. Looking down at her kimono. She shook her head. "F-F-Forgive my babbling Master...Falling in love is impossible for someone like me..." she said quietly. Then she shook her head once more. "I much rather hear about you. Master Xin. Your hopes, your dreams....Do you have a companion?" she asked, wanting to know. her eyes filled with curiosity and brightness. Just like most children. "I am sure you wish to be somewhere far from her. Away from someone like me...I know I would." she said, a sad smile appearing on her lips as she stared at her hands.

Xin listened as Mitsuko spoke. He watched her as well, noting the play of emotions, which ones held the strongest pull over her. While she spoke he felt himself remembering his own emotions. Like her, at first he had been trained to ignore them, to bury them. Only when he was older and ready to truly become the Eye of Twilight had he been taught how to let emotions flow. It was an issue closer to the heart of his position, but also more immediate and important for her.

The discussion of dreams revealed more, what she desired, how far she had pushed her emotions. Of course we all dream for what we cannot have. Finally she was finished speaking, and seemed flustered by how much she had spoken, or what it said about her. Fortunately Xin knew more now, and he could help her.

"Myself Mitsuko, I have no companion. My position requires objectivity, the ability to see simply harmony and what upsets the balance. I do not seek to be anywhere other than here. Here is where I am needed, and I have seen enough of the world to take pleasure in this place of peace."

The air he took into his lungs smelled sweet, and his chest expanded in a deep cleansing breath. He held it for several seconds, savoring the feeling, then in a controlled manner, allowed it to leave his body.

"You are in turmoil Mitsuko. You don't realize it, but you are. You think you cannot feel emotions that are necessary to any person, you are out of balance. Anger, fear, sadness, jealousy, these are counter points. You shove them down, deny them, and they rise up because you have no balance. This is the danger, being out of balance. When you feel at peace, when you have harmony, those emotions will not affect you powers."

Another deep breath, cleansing himself more.

"You think you have no future, and so you have no hope. Without hope you live only for duty, and will die inside. While it is true few with your powers have found companions, it is not unheard of. You may never know the simple blissful feelings of those who live without your powers, but they will never know the joy of creating a sunset."

Xin stood then, offering his hand to his student.

"Walk with me through the garden. For this walk, do not restrict your emotions. I know what has happened before, but you have not responded to your emotions correctly. You fight them, try and lock them away. For now, do not do this. You cannot harm me, so with just you and me we are safe. Let your emotions flow and you will master them. At this time, they control you, not the other way around."

His next command also took her off guard. Let her emotions roll free? Was he mad? But..she couldnt argue with the teacher. Standing up, Misuko brushed herself off. Then began to follow close behind him. This man was very strange indeed. Putting himself in such danger. It confused her so. Feeling all of those emotions well up inside her heart. She felt her eyes moisten. Tears pooling and dripping down her cheeks. Surprised, she lifted her hands shakily to her cheek. Feeling moisture, she pulled away. Tears...

It had been so long. Mitsuko almost forgot what it felt like...To actually cry. Everything balled up inside her, slowly escaped drop by drop. But..nothing happen. It confused her even more. As she cried, the Earth remained completely in tact. It made her worry a bit. But at the same time..she felt calmer. After what seemed like forever, her tears finally stopped. "Im sorry Master Xin...But why didnt anything happen?" her voice was quiet as she sniffed a bit. All of what she had been holding back, was gone for now.It felt...so much better.

Free to be jealous, free to be sad...For now. Out of no where. A smile played at her lips. A warm smile...Something she hadnt let shown in a long while. Bowing to her master quickly, she looked back up at his eyes. "I feel as if the weight has been lifted. Even just for now. I thank you..." She whispered. Nodding as they continued to walk through the garden in which she felt zen came. The cherry blossoms were going to bloom in a few weeks. "Master Xin...do you know what my name means? Why I was given the name Mitsuko?" she asked in a gentle voice. Letting her fingers touch the buds of the blossoms. The wind blew quietly. Bringing a bit of peace to her.

"Mitsuko has one meaning. And it is, child of light." With a soft smile, she turned to look at him from where she was standing. Opening her palms again. The orbs appearing once more. "No one wants a child of darkness...So, Mitsuko was the name given to me. I am not the light....I just keep it in balance." she turned to look at the walls, the walls blocking her from the outside. "No other person in this world must bear the title. 'Child of Light.' I am thankful...but at the same time, I am angry. Why was I given such a task?" Looking at him with sad eyes, she shook her head. "You may not understand...But if you had the same burden..I'm sure you would.." she whispered. Gently letting the orbs disappearing.

Xin walked with her for a bit, outwardly he showed no sign of tension, yet inside he was ready. His life had been spent honing reflexes, so he could react without thinking, kill without hesitating. Now, he was prepared to respond should her powers react again. When the tears began to fall, he waited. Nothing happened. They paused as her emotions flowed freely, probably for the first time in years, and her tears dropped from her face.

"Im sorry Master Xin...But why didn't anything happen?"

"Your powers didn't react because you felt emotions Mitsuko. Your powers reacted because you forced your emotions down. Your power is an extension of your will, and when you fought yourself they reacted. Since they couldn't be directed at your emotions, that is to say yourself, they reacted on the landscape, or in unpredictable patterns."

His eyes met hers when she looked up.

"Now that you aren't fighting yourself, they will not lash out randomly. You must still have control, but you could not have gained control over your abilities until you gained harmony. Now that you can attain it, we can begin on your powers."

They walked a little further in the garden, the blossoms would be blooming soon. His eyes traced her slender fingers as she caressed the buds. This girl was so like him. It was an unbidden thought, but not at all an inaccurate one.

"No one wants a child of darkness...So, Mitsuko was the name given to me. I am not the light....I just keep it in balance. I am thankful...but at the same time, I am angry. Why was I given such a task? You may not understand...But if you had the same burden..I'm sure you would.."

Xin paused, listening to her speak. Despite being young she was wise, in tune with herself.

"The act of keeping balance is inherently an act of good or light. It is something of a paradox true, but that is the way of things. Those who seek to eradicate others are themselves out of harmony and no longer in the light. While you can never favor one over the other, you can be sure that keeping balance is a good thing."

A deep breath, letting the scent of the cherry blossoms fill his nostrils.

"I cannot answer why you were chosen, any more than why I was chosen. Some things are forever beyond our understanding. I do understand your emotions though. I was chosen as they Eye of Twilight from a young age, my job is to maintain balance and harmony, at any price. Our burdens are similar Mitsuko, that is one of the reasons I was chosen to come and help you."

Xin wasn't sure why he was opening up like this, but he was following his instincts. This poor girl felt alone, isolated. While in some ways this was true, she was not totally alone, and it was important for her to know that.

"Now that you have inner balance, show me what you know of your powers."

Lifting her hands in the air, she followed his commands. The orbs flew into the sky. The purple orb, flying over the garden, began to rid of the weeds. Killing each one, while on the opposite side, the yellow orb, brought the flowers to bloom. Bringing life and death into the garden. Then came the part...she hated the most. Closing her eyes, the purple orb flew off.

Her eyes became sad. "It is the worst part of my job..." she whispered and watched, soon, a bunch of tiny white glowing lights, came into view. They surrounded the yellow orb, and the yellow one took of, high into the sky.

"It is leading them...It is their time to go..." she whispered and turned back to him. "While the darkness collects them, the light leads them. I repeat this everyday." she whispered. The problem was. If her emotions got too out of line. The darkness would take too many souls. Souls that were not ready...

"That is my job...to balance. I am the balance between life and death..." Her eyes watered. "This is why it is a curse...I have to take people's lives away. I can only imagined how many people I have hurt...How many lives are gone!" She bit her lip. Soon, both orbs floated back., landing in her hands and dissappearing.

"My job is done for today..." she said quietly. Clearly troubled by what she had done.... Turning, she went over to the shrine, and said a small prayer. Praying for the souls. Hoping they would make it...To finally be at peace. Turning around, Mitsuko walked back over to Master Xin.

"Thank you for your time today Master Xin." she cooed. Then heard laughter again. A longing look appeared in her eyes. How she wanted to see the outside..if only once. It would be so wonderful. But, she could not go on her own. No one would take her, they were too afraid of her to do so. "Is there anything you need?" Mitsuko asked breaking from her little trance.

Xin watched, fascinated. His whole life was dedicated to balance, to keeping it by any means necessary, a passionless being who cared only for harmony. For all his work, his travels and training, here before him was the living breathing personification of his every ideal. Had he not been so fastidiously trained to show no emotion he would have been wide eyed in wonder. This hime, his new student, was already everything he had ever sought to be.

He listened again to her words and began to understand more. She had been isolated because of her emotional reactions. At the time that might have been correct, she hadn't been properly instructed about emotions and their flow. Now that he could train her, it wasn't out of the question for her to leave the temple for short times. Watching the orbs fly over the surrounding countryside, knowing their tasks were much as his, he could only marvel.

"Thank you for your time today Master Xin."

"You are welcome Mitsuko. And my thanks to you as well, you may never know what seeing your powers means to me, but thank you."

Her eyes drifted away slightly when the laughter from outside the walls floated over them again. She wanted to go out there, to see the world. Right now she wasn't ready, but she could with him when she was ready.

"No thank you, my needs are quite sufficiently met for the time being."

Xin turned her to face him.

"When you have more control I will take you out there. You feel badly about your tasks because you haven't seen the blessing they can be. I could discuss it, but it will be much more effective if you see it for yourself. You insure their souls find their way to the afterlife, that alone is a tremendous gift to give others."

Her ears perked once more. Not sure if he had said what she wanted to hear, she turned around. "Master Xin...? You would take me outside?" Her eyes full of excitement and shock. Suddenly, her lips broke into a bright smile. Brighter then the stars in the sky. Turning around to look at him, Mitsuko nodded enthusiastically.

"I will definitely work hard, I thank you for this opportunity." she said, beaming. Even of to was a long ways away. It was still a chance, a chance to see what is outside these walls. Hearing him talk about her balance leading the death to life in the sky, her eyes and smile suddenly turned sad. "I hope they make it...I never know. But both the orbs come back when their jobs are done..."she whispered and turned away. Motioning her hand to the door, she cocked her head. "Would you like something to eat? I was about to make something myself anyway." she said with a small smile.

When training got boring, Mitsuko cooked, when that got boring, she crafted. Anything to keep her mind off of her hardships.... Walking beside her Master she cocked her head. A new question coming to mind.

"Master? Can you explain what your duty is as the 'Eye of Twilight?'" she asked quietly. It was another title. She was the Hime or Child of life....Even though she took souls away. But her light orb had another gift....

Xin could immediately see the effects of his words. Mitsuko smiled, the brightest and most beautiful smile he had ever seen. Anyone else would have been melted completely by the radiance, the change in her face. Despite his training, Xin was stirred, deep in his being, at the sight.

"I would be honored to share a meal with you, thank you."

His head dipped momentarily in recognition of her kindness. While they walked he pondered her sadness. She wanted to know the truth behind her powers, her lack of knowledge about the eventual destination of souls clearly troubled her. It was something to look into, it would require some research on his part, but nothing he hadn't done before.

"Of course I will tell you. While my office is hardly well known, it is neither a clandestine secret. The duties of the Eye of Twilight are primarily the maintaining of harmony in humanity. Most of your jobs are done instinctively, the collection of souls, the keeping of balance in the natural order. My job is more proactive. I seek out those who threaten harmony and dispose of them, or protect those who have no way to keep themselves in harmony."

Xin had never thought too much about his job, but this was actually one of the first times he had ever spoken about taking life. It was understood that it was an integral portion of his duty, but most often it was downplayed or given a euphamism to make it sound different.

Listening to Xin, Mitsuko realized. Realized that they were closly alike... Balance, life, death. Those things they seemed to share.. Yet it seemed to come east to Xin. With a small, nderstanding smile, she lead him into her quarters. "Would you like to join me in the kitchen? I was hoping to make Kani (Crab)." Cockng her head like she always did, she motioned toward the right. The kitchen was in the back. Where they prepared their food. It seemed the rice farming was also going well.

Once getting intot he kitchen she looked around. Then slolwy took the intricate decorations out of her hair. Turning to her master, she smiled coyly and put her finger over her lips. "Please dont tell my Ryōshin (Parents)." she whispered and smiled a bit more sweetly. "Can you hand me the spices over their? The ones in the basket?" she asked revealing some fresh crab that her parents had bought from fishermen.

Mitsuko was uite skilled in culinary arts. Then again, she was skilled in many things. Always having free time, Mitsuko was a curious young thing. She never gave up, and tried something new. A thought popped into her head. Maybe..she couldnt make a charm for Master Xin. Glancing at him, she admired his handsomeness. It was clear he was fit to be a protector. Better then any Samurai or Ninja....Finding herself day dreaming about him. her eyes widened and closed. What was wrong with her?

Thinking about her teacher as handsome...Shaking her head, she turned to get the cooking pot ready. Setting the fire. But as she reached for a peice of wood, on of the flames stirred and she felt it over her hand. Yelping, she grasped her hand and rubbed it. It didnt do too much damage. Luckily she had pulled away. But it still stung. Running it under cold water outside, she slowly wrapped it in gauze. Mitsuko had taught herself to deal with physical pain. "I am back." she whispered and walked quickly back in. Going back and fourth between spices and crab.

Xin followed Mitsuko, his well trained eyes flitting about her quarters when she showed them to him. While rather subdued, he could tell a great deal about her from it. It spoke of a determined and curious young woman, who tried many things. He'd never really thought about how someone with her life would fill her time, but it seemed that she filled it with endlessly trying new things and gaining new skills.

While Xin could cook, had many times when traveling, higher aspects were generally lost to him. So he waited, patiently helping Mitsuko when she asked for assistance, between those times he stood watch. When the flames snaked higher and lapped at her hand he reacted instinctively. While there was nothing he could really do, he moved beside her and adjusted the wood quickly so she wouldn't be burned.

His eyes followed her quick retreat to soothe the burn. It hadn't looked like a bad one, but still he moved to the doorway, only a few steps away from her while she quickly bathed the skin.

"You handle pain well, it took me many many years to learn to cope as I have. At the rate you've progressed you'd probably surpass me if you chose to."

While they continued to cook his mind reflected. He shouldn't have reacted as quickly as he did when she was burned. There was nothing he could do, and being that close to the fire could have potentially placed himself in danger. While he wasn't consciously aware of it, seeing this lovely young woman who was the very embodiment of everything he strove for was starting to change him.

The meal was finished soon enough, and they sat to eat.

"This is wonderful, you've quite the talent with cooking Mitsuko."

Hearing his compliment, a smile played at her lips ever so slightly. "There is a reason you are the Master, it means I shall never over pass you." Her smile turned coy as she went to get the crab. It seemed to turn out well, thanks to Xin's help...Sitting down on the porch outside, Mitsuko ate quietly. Hearing him compliment her cooking made her blushed slightly. Mitsuko wasnt very used to compliments..So it flattered her. "Why..Thank you Sensei.." trailing off, she looked at the sun.

Lifting her hand, she grasped a fistful of air, and pulled down. The sun slowly following her movements. "It seems it is almost time for sunset..." At the end of the day, she was always very tired. But as she got older, Mitsuko noticed that it was a bit easier to stay awake at night. Though she was worn out...

Sitting, she began to take out pieces of string. Tying them together. Then taking the jewel from around her neck. It was a Magatama. Wrapping each string around it slowly, she silently blessed each one. Then kissed the jewel. Turning to her master, she gave him another heart wrenching smile. "This will always keep you safe." She cooed and gently tired it around his neck. She didnt know why...but she wanted him to be safe. He was someone that deserved a wonderful life himself.

Smiling sheepishly she turned her head to look at the flowers. What had come over her? Turning back to him..She slowly got up. "I have bothered you enough Master Xin. If you need anything from me..I'll be in my quarters." Walking off, she sauntered into her room, and let her hair down once more. Slowly brushing. The mirror reflecting her image. Taking the pins out of her hand, she let her kimono hang off her shoulders a bit. Her under kimono was pure white. But still partly showed off her pear body.

Lifting her hand up, she motioned the sun to go down into the sunset. Until finally, she got the moon to rise. The servants went to check on her...But..she felt very droopy. She had no idea why..But it happened sometime with Xin. Was it...her attraction had grown into a bit more? Thinking about it...it might have been true. But...all she brought was bad luck...She didnt want to do that. Curling up into her bed, she hugged her embroidered pillowed...

The pair ate quietly for a while, watching the sun sink slowly, the clouds becoming kissed with red and oranges. When she reached up and tugged at the sun, he could actually see it responding to her motions. Mitsuko handled the sun with grace, encouraging it rather than commanding, her simple actions in perfect harmony with things around her. The girl was perfect.

When she gifted Xin with the jewel, he was actually quite touched. He'd never been given gifts before, not true gifts at least. Bribes, or people bargaining for themselves or others, those he had several of, but a true gift, given without malice, it was a rarity. He tugged once at his collar, the jewel slipping under the cloth, out of sight but always against his skin.

"Thank you Mitsuko. I can use all the protection I can get."

They enjoyed a few more moments together before she excused herself for the evening. Xin stood and bowed when she left, his eyes lingering a few seconds too long on her form. There was no reason to feel like that, Mitsuko was his charge, his student. She was also his ideal, everything he ever aspired to be. She was living breathing harmony.

Xin sat there, watching the sun finally dip below the horizon, the glow of the moon at his back. He meditated during this time, at first trying to clear the thoughts of her from his mind. When that proved impossible, he followed his own advice and let them flow, they didn't seem unnatural or conflicting with harmony. In many ways it was a miracle he'd never so much as paid physical pleasure a thought in his time alive. It was only a thought now, and a fleeting one at that, but it reminded him of the need for balance. Previously he had been devoid of this emotion, now he could be better at his job.

Eventually he stood and returned to his quarters. He shed the clothing, the few pieces of armor he always wore, and changed into sleeping attire. Xin spent several more minutes meditating, feeling the world around him for harmony, or the lack thereof. When he did lay on the mattress and let sleep take him, Mitsuko came to him in his dreams. Her hair was down, and they were softly caressing one another.

Dreams came and went through her mind the entire night. She got visions...People saying thank you..then slowly disappearing. The next dream made her smile more though. Just like her parents..she seemed to find someone of her own. He was tall...and his fingers intertwined with her's. In the vision, she could only see the back of his head. but..from the looks of it. Dream Mitsuko looked so..content, so in love. But then...She saw his face.

...Xin....

It was her Sensei....Mitsuko, in the dream, leaned her head on his shoulder. As he ran his long, thin fingers through her hair. Mitsuko leaned into his gentle touch. And he began to caress her cheek sweetly. She saw her own eyes avert to his. Then slowly they closed as he planted a soft peck on her lips. But then, she woke up.

Waking with a start, her eyes were wide in pure surprise. A blender of emotions began to bottle inside of her. Suddenly, the ground began to shake. It was her...An earthquake. And she had caused it. Wanting it to stop, she grabbed her head and shook. She didnt like this. "Please...ENOUGH!" She yelled and breathed in deeply. The tremors calmed, and began to subside. Panting, she felt herself go light headed.

She fell back onto her pillow. Breaking into a cold sweat and breathing unevenly. That whole ordeal took too much energy out of her. Her body felt hot...She just wished Xin was there...Just..so she knew she was safe. Everyone was in a panic wondering what had caused the tremor. Still somewhat concious, she winced and opened her hands. Letting the orbs fly away, it was their job... that was the last of her energy. finally, she collasped. Her fever running high.

"...Xin...." She whispered. "Xin....." she called in her sleep clearly troubled by something.

Xin's mind was adrift, floating along relatively peacefully. While he never cared much for sleep, he recognized how imperative it was, and he was careful never to let himself become truly sleep deprived. While Mitsuko caressed his dream face, he felt the ground start to shudder.

Instantly he was awake, tanto gripped in one hand. But this was no external attack, it was tremors, the earth shaking beneath his feet. Even above the brief nose, he heard his student, Mitsuko, calling for him. In a flash he was up and moving. The shifts along the ground did nothing to hinder his progress, his balance too well refined to be so easily upended. He pushed the door open and dropped beside her. Two brief flashes, dark and light, sped by him. He wrapped his arms around the smaller frame and held her.

"It's ok Mitsuko, I'm here."

Now that he held her he recognized just how brief the shaking had been. If her powers had caused this she had regained control quickly. A brief perusal of the immediate area revealed no injures, and almost no structural damage.

"You did good my student."

Her parents entered soon after, and Xin yielded to their expertise. Apparently these kinds of episodes weren't unheard of, and he let her mother care for her through the worst of the fever. His young charge spent the time unconscious, a few jet black strands clinging to her sweat crease face. Xin spent the time keeping a silent vigil over her. Nothing could happen to her, she was innocent, she was balance. He would not allow her to perish.

Though she was somewhat unconscious. The action around her rang in her ears. She could hear it, her parents, the healer and Xin. Breathing a bit more evenly now, her eyes opened to become half lidded. Her face gently ran his thumb over her forehead. "Rest now my daughter. Xin shall watch over you for the time being." With that, the royals and the healer left. Barely awake, she murmured and turned to her side. Seeing her teacher, she gave him a sweet, but worn out smile.

"Have I failed you?" she asked. through the open screen came the orbs. With shaky hands, she held her palms up, the orbs landing and disappearing. Sighing, she went pale for a moment and coughed. Then calmed. "This happens once a month. I must recharge...Lately...It has been getting worse and worse."

Closing her eyes, Mitsuko remembered over hearing them talking. Her father talking to the healer. If this kept happening, she only had a few months left. Till Spring......

"I..I may not be able to see the Cherry blossoms..." she whispered. Closing her eyes, a salty tear fell from her eye. "If these attacks.keep happening." she seemed to be in pain just speaking to him. "I dont have much longer..." she smiled sadly. "I have till the first dawning of spring." her voice was a bit shaky....Coughing again, she strained. "I hope...That you can keep balance when I am gone..." she turned to give him a bright smile. Even through the pain, it shined like the sun.

Xin kept his vigil, day and night, sleeping only when it was absolutely necessary, and even then only when he was certain Mitsuko was safe. When she finally emerged from her unconscious state he was there, alert, and watchful.

"Have I failed you?"

"No hime, not at all. You are the best pupil I could have ever hoped for."

He listened to her, confirming what he had learned from the others of the palace. Mitsuko had these attacks every month, and they were taking more and more from her. In his mind, he could not allow her to come to harm. She was harmony, the balance he fought to keep. If he could not keep her safe, he was not fit for his position.

"I hope...That you can keep balance when I am gone..."

"I will not allow you to fall to harm Mitsuko."

He was now kneeling beside her, one hand stroking through her hair.

"We will figure out some way to stop this, I promise you. You will see the cherry blossoms."

As Xin spoke, he leaned closer, his lips brushing hers softly.

His voice seemed so much lighter..Almost....concerned. Maybe even affectionate. But Mitsuko shook the thought away. He...he couldnt....Not her. Seeing the bags under his soft eyes, she suddenly gained a look of concern to her eyes. "Did..you stay up just for me?" she asked quietly. But she was cut off by her shock. His hand, found her hair in a small act of embrace. Her eyes lingered on his.

Feeling the blood rush to her face, she closed her eyes. His touch was gentle... Maybe...Maybe her heart was telling the truth. How it was beating horribly fast. Just by contact with him. Smiling ever so slightly, she felt his lips brush hers ever so slightly. Blinking, she turned to face him. Her face turning a light shade of pink.

"What...What was that for?" She even noticed, he had called her by her true name. Mitsuko...Only people close to her called her that...And..she felt closer to Xin more then anyone else in the world. Remembering her vision, her hand involuntarily cupped his own cheek. "You called me Mitsuko..." Her smile turned bright again. "I-I dont know why..But that makes me..filled with joy.." Her face went soft. Then slowly. She tried to get up. Feeling light headed once more. Her feet hit the floor, and she found herself suddenly on top of Min.

Surprised, she looked down at him. "Forgive me!" Finding herself lost in his eyes.Her train of thought left her.... The tips of their noses touched as she searched his eyes. What was he thinking? If only she knew. Blushing again, she slowly, pecked his cheek. "Thank you Master Xin...For all that you have done so far..." she cooed and began to stand back up.

Her smile could light up the night sky. Xin had no doubt of it. He had seen loads of ugliness in the world, it came naturally to so many people, it permeated whole villages at times. Yet here was this girl, and her smile could counter all of that. Balance. If it took the very moon from the sky, Xin would find a way to cure her. He promised himself that much.

When she tried to stand and swayed, he reacted again. This time he caught her. He could have righted them, but it was easier to fall backward. Besides, it allowed her soft body to press against him after they landed. The landing was easy, Mitsuko now resting on top of him, nose to nose.

"Thank you Master Xin...For all that you have done so far..."

"Thank you Mitsuko, for keeping balance. For being wonderful. I will not allow your light to be extinguished, not so soon. We will find some way to overcome what's happening to you."

His lips found hers, it was soft, innocent, almost an accident. But he could feel her soft body through the layers separating them, and for the first time in many long years, the Eye of Twilight felt his body respond to her.

Her eyes widened a bit as his lips met her's. Though it was innocent, she felt herself blush. Slowly her eyes went from lidded, to closed. Nothing ever felt so right before.But when the moment caught up to her, she pulled away. Realizing what had happened. Turning away, she stood quickly and fled from the room.Once far from him, she stopped and leaned on the wall. Touching her finger tips to her lips softly. Her face heated just thinking about what she herself had just done.

Mitsuko had stayed like that for a long while. Until a servant found her and asked her if she had been feeling well. Nearly jumping form her skin, she apologized and told her she was just fine. A lie.... Breathing in deeply, she went to make dinner for herself, and lowered the sun. It was now dusk... Taking a deep breath, she sauntered to her quarters. Hoping that Xin was somewhere else....She just couldnt face him.... Opening the sliding screen, she found herself alone. With a sigh, she plopped herself on her bed, then pondered everything.

Her attraction had budded into something else..Then that something...turned into affection... She...didnt want anything to ever happen to him. Nothing that could hurt him...confused, she took the charms from her hair and laid back on her pillow. What had he done to her fragile heart? It was confused....scared...
It hit her like a ton of bricks, she knew who she wanted to be her companion...So..even if she had known him for a short time...he was gentle..and sweet, and the list went on for a very long time... Turning, she laid down, staring at the ceiling.