Dark Waters

Chapter Ten: Return to the City

Chapter Ten: Return to the City 

  

Rainier Mizu crouched low, prepared for anything. In his hands he held his red-handled sais steady, ready for the attack. Twin ninjakins rested in their sheaths on his back, creating an "X" across his behind. Their handles were blue. The red-clad young ninja could draw them at any moment should the need arise. He was well trained in both weapons, having spent the past ten years practicing kata after kata, determined, as he was, to be ready. The twin sais were his weapon of choice; the swords belonged to another.

They were all staying inside Kenny's farmhouse, where they had retreated after they escaped the Dark Flame clan's assault on Angel's apartment. To say that they had escaped the attack was nothing short of a miracle. They never really expected to survive that attack, not to mention escape with only a couple of bruises and a few serious injuries. And now Rainier started training with his brothers to help them prepare for the time when they would return back to the city.

Rainier smiled in anticipation. He had to admit their progress was slow due to the cold and the snow. But they were getting there.

His opponent struck. He dodged the blow and parried with one of his own. A block to the left was followed up with a strike on the right. One step back, one left, two forward. A jab with both Sai and a twist that would have disarmed a lesser opponent. Not this one; he was too fast. But Rainier expected that. What he didn't expect was for Michael to suddenly jump into the air, flipping over his head to land on his back.

Rain caught himself on his hands and sprang back to his feet as his younger brother leaped out of reach. "Dang it, Mikey. You're asking for it."

"What's wrong Raini-boy? Too slow?" Michael twirled his nunchucks idly and stuck his tongue out at his Sai-wielding brother. Across the makeshift dojo, Daniel rolled his eyes and shared a smile with his sensei. The purple-clad teen would be up next and he spun his Bo staff slowly to keep his muscles loose as he watched his two brothers spar.

Rainier glared at his orange-clad brother. "I'll give you slow." He rushed in, watching the younger ninja's every move. Mikey would rely on his speed to win the match. But if he played it just right, Rain could use that speed against him. They sparred for a few minutes, pulling their blows so as to not hurt each other. The red-clad ninja saw his brother prepare for another of his speed tricks. This time he was ready.

Michael swung wide at full speed it an attempt to get behind his Sai-wielding brother. The next thing he knew he was flat on the ground, his nunchucks lying haphazardly a few feet away

"Huh?" Rolling over, Mikey spied his older brother. Rainier just smirked at him and deposited his Sai in his belt. His right hand still held the ninjakin he had used to disarm the younger teen.

"Hey Mike. I believe you were saying something 'bout me being slow." Rainier helped his brother up and they both bowed to signal the end of the match. The sword was still in his hand. Walking to the corner of the room, he picked up a rag and carefully wiped the blade before returning it to its sheath.

"My grandsons," Master Yoshi walked to the center of the room and his three grandsons lined up before him. "You are all doing well in your training. Rainier, you are close to mastering both your Sai and the twin ninjakins. I am proud of the diligence you show in practice."

The red-clad ninja bowed. "Thank you, Sensei."

"Michael," the man continued. "Your speed is a great asset but it can also become your enemy. You would do well to keep a closer eye on your opponent."

Mikey grinned sheepishly. "Uh... yeah, I mean, yes Sensei."

Yoshi Mizu smiled and nodded, signaling the boys to continue the session. Rainier turned to his purple clad brother, twirling his Sai and grinning wickedly. "You ready to take me on, Danny?"