Welcome to Gaia! ::

A man dressed in light clothing walked down a stone road during the middle of the day. He had dark hair that almost reached his eyes, and looked to be in his twenties. At his side was a sheathed sword. He yawned loudly, and looked around. "Perfect day for a walk, my a**..." Mumbled the man. "Walks aren't fun, nothing ever happens." He scratched his head and watched a cloud being carried by the wind across the sky. He yawned again, and began to look for a nice spot to nap. He saw a large fruit tree in the near distance, apples hung off the branches. He grinned at the perfect resting spot, and worked his way towards it. He constantly saw pheasants run down the streets with wagons filled with supplies and crops. They ran towards the major city in the land, and home to one of the most powerful kingdoms. He finally made it to the tree, as he neared it, he heard snoring from behind the tree. "Eh?" He looked behind the tree to see a woman in her twenties lying against the tree asleep. She had long brown hair that covered half her face and ran down her shoulders. "Someone's already sleeping here?" He mumbled something under his breath, he was thinking about waking her up and ordering her to find another tree, he refused to give this one up. "Excuse me." He shook her shoulder, and the hair the covered her face moved down to her shoulders. The man blushed, she was cute.
She yawned and slowly opened her eyes to see a strange man standing over her with cherry red cheeks. "Eeek!!"
"Aah!!!" The man was just as surprised as she was.
"What are you doing, you pervert!" Shouted the woman, as she jumped to her feet. She wore torn and ragged clothing, probably a pheasant.
"I was just going to ask you to leave, this is my tree!" Exclaimed the man.
"Your tree? I was here first!"
"But..." He was at a loss for words. He reached into a pocket and pulled on an emblem. "See this? This badge means I'm the Head Knight, and the most authority in all the kingdom's military."
"But your nothing compared to the kingdom's royalty and officials." Said the girl with a chuckle. "Well, I don't see why that makes this tree yours."
"..."
"You can share, can't you?" Asked the woman in an irritated town. "I get this side of the tree, you get the other!"
The man mumbled with his head down as he walked to the other side. "Fine..."
"That's better."
The two sat relaxed under the tree, both were unable to get any rest now. The man daydreamed about upcoming events, and tournaments. He wanted to show his superiority, especially to his girl. He pondered why he cared so much now, she may of been beautiful, but he found her annoying. He decided to return his thoughts to other matters dealing with the kingdom. He thought about training his recruits, in the recruits, he saw the girl again. "Damn it!"
"What is it?" Asked the girl, she seemed startled and her voice even showed a little fear.
"...It's nothing." Mumbled the man, as he closed his eyes again.
"Well, I can't sleep now, thanks to you!"
"To me? You should of found another tree to begin with!"
"Pfft! This tree belongs to everyone!"
"The property is owned by the kingdom."
"And your just a knight."
Before the man could respond, a fearsome roar bellowed out from the nearby forest. The girl jumped to her feet. "What was that?!" Asked the now panicked girl. She was slowly moving closer to the man.
The man was already up, with his sword drawn. "From the sound of it, an ogre." Said the man with a dreadful tone. "Run, you don't want to get caught up in this."
"Run? Aww, do you care-"
"I said run!"
The girl was silent, and she nodded. "Well, I guess I will. I hope we meet again, Mister Knight." Said the girl. She ran from the tree, but constantly looked back at the man that now stood to battle a horrible monster.
The sound of trees cracking and falling could now be heard in the forest. Before long, the large green ugly body of the ogre could be seen behind the trees. It charged forward, mowing down the trees that stood in it's path. A large mace was raised above it's head, and he breathed loudly. The girl shrieked.
"I told you to run!" Shouted the man, not taking his chances of looking back to her.
"I can't let you face this thing alone!"
"...It's a knight's duty to protect everyone, no matter how irritating they may be."
"Pfft..." Then the ogre smashed down the final trees that separated it, and the two humans. It charged past the man towards the girl. It roared and huffed. She yelled and ran. The man was already running after the beast. It swung it's mace down and the girl barely managed to evade it. She was now on the ground, crawling backwards, trying to flee from the large beast. The beast then growled in pain, as the man lunged his sword into it's leg. It turned around quickly and swatted the man. He flew back and skidded across the ground. The girl was still moving back. The man pushed himself up, and ran forward. He ripped his blade from the ogre's leg, and ran infront of the girl. "What are you doing!?"
He held out his sword, pointing the tip of it at the beast that towered over them with it's mace held high in the air again. He didn't say anything and prepared for the impact. The mace came flying down at them, and the man slashed his sword at it. The impact caused the blade to shatter, and the mace's force bashed into the man, and sent him flying back into the ground. He was trying to push himself up, and the ogre slowly, step by step, walked towards the girl. He was now up and limping over to block the hit. It swung it's giant mace down, but the mace was stopped. The man was holding the mace with two hands, his feet were pushed into the earth by the impact. He grabbed the hilt of his sword, which still had a little bit of the steel blade left, and pushed the mace to the side. It used to dagger, which was once his sword, and sliced into the arm of the ogre. It roared and howled, flood was flowing out of it's wound like a river. It tried to swat at the man, but his blade pierced into it's hand. It roared in pain, as more blood raced from it's arm. It took a step back, then turned away and ran. The man stood there, covered in wounds, immense pain was going through his body.
The girl was now standing and stood by his side. He was breathing deeply. "Are you ok?" He asked.
"I should be asking you that." Laughed the girl. She looked down. "Thank you." She kissed him on the cheek quickly.
His face turned red. "Eh!?" He fell over, and lied in the grass.
"What was that? Haven't you ever been kissed by a girl before?"
"Er..."
"You haven't? Ha!" She lied beside him. "Some great knight, he never even had his first kiss! And don't think that kiss meant anything, it was just a reward for helping me back there!" Stated the girl.
"Should of known."
"Aww, were you hoping I fell in love with you because of that?"
His face turned bright red again. "No!" He mumbled something.
The girl laughed, and they both lied on the grass in silence. "So, Mister Knight, can I have your name?" Asked the girl.
"Sir Benkei, and you?" He turned his head to look at her.
"You can call me Soyen." Said the girl. They both sat in silence again, and watched the clouds slowly pass by in the sky. "I guess I'll be heading back now."
"To where?"
"My home."
"Ha, I feel bad for your family! They have to put up with her!" Said Benkei with a small laugh.
She was quiet. Benkei looked up at her and saw a tear run down her face. "They aren't around anymore."
Benkei looked away, he couldn't stand to see the tear, and now he felt like a jerk for saying that. "I'm sorry."
"It's ok! It was many years ago anyway!" Said Soyen with a strong, confident laugh.
"If you have no one at home for you, why don't you come with me to my home in the city?"
"N-No! I don't want to be a burden! Besides, you perverted knight, I will only stay with a man if I love him."
"Perverted knight? I was just offering! It was a gesture of kindness!"
"Whatever you say." Soyen giggled then looked back at him. "I'll see you around then, Mister Knight-, I mean, Benkei." She ran off to a small town of worn-down houses. Benkei pushed himself up, and looked at his broken sword. He held the well crafted hilt in his hand.
"Ugh, look's like I have to find a blacksmith..."

TO BE CONTINUED! XD

Benkei pushed himself up, and wobbled slightly. He noticed a group of healers and knights were running towards the area. "We heard there was a ogre!" Shouted one of the knights through his helmet.
"It's ok, I sent him fleeing back into the forest." Said Benkei, as he struggled to stand.
"Your too reckless, fighting one without armor, and an old sword."
"This sword..." He held up the hilt. "It's a special object to me, and will always be at my side."
The knight sighed, "whatever you say, Sir Benkei."
Benkei grinned, but noticed his sight was growing dim. He eyelids were feeling heavy, and his head rose and dropped, trying to keep it up. "Sir...?" He didn't respond, and collapsed infront of them. The knight signaled to the medics to help right away.
Soyen ran down the dirt roads, looking from side to side at the others who lived near her. An older man smiled and waved to her as she past. She smiled and waved back. He was like a father to her, though he wasn't her real father. His wife was much like a mother to her aswell. As she ran back to her run-down house, she stopped by a group of stray dogs. She smiled and petted them. They didn't bark or growl at her, but instead, they came up to her and nuzzled her. She pushed their wet noses away and waved goodbye to them as she ran to her house. She went in and locked the door behind her. She walked through the living room, which was almost empty, and came to a door, which led to her bedroom. She walked in and closed the door. She sat down on a mat that she called bed. She began to sniff, but pushed away the memories of her missing family. She decided to only focus on the present. She lied down on the mat, and sighed with relief. She began to think about what do to next, and if she saw that knight again.
It was now late night, and the stars were shining brightly in the sky. The moon was covered by the clouds. Small rays of moonlight would sometimes penetrate the cloud and light up a small area in the run-down village. In the darkness, something lurked at watched them. It sounded enraged, with deep breathing that alerted and scared the dogs. The stray dogs were up and barking viciously at it. It growled at them, and swatted it's hand at them. The dog managed to evade, and ran from the creature yipping. The tree the concealed part of the creature was pushed down by it's large green hand. A scar was left on it's wrist, and a deep wound was on it's leg and the palm of it's hand. It was the ogre.This time it didn't carry it's mace, it forgot it back at the battle with Benkei. He grumbled and sniffed the air again. It didn't know who it was, but the scent was familiar. It was the man or the woman, thought the ogre, even it's small brain could figure this out. He took it's first step into the village, a small rumbling shook the village, and several people came out to see what it was. They screamed at the appearance, and shouted for everyone to come with weapons. The ogre ignored them, and killed them with a simple whack with it's hand. They're untrained bodies snapped before the force of the powerful hand. Soyen heard the screaming, and recognized the heavy breathing and it's low, deep growl. She hid in the corner of her room, another tear rolled down her face. The creature swatted down the small buildings. It crushed everything near it. Pheasants ran from their houses, fishermen and hunters carried their spears to fight the beast. The woman stayed in their homes to guard the children, they were armed with house tools. The spears that were thrown and lunged barely pierced the large ogre's body. It pulled out some of the spears the managed to break the skin. It tossed them back with tremendous power, and they shot through the walls. The cries of children could be heard after the impact. The ogre smashed down the buildings. The children's cries soon disappeared when the buildings were crushed. It ogre let out a loud, and angry roar, which sent shivers down Soyen's spine. She curled up as best she could in the corner of her room. She sat in her room and listened to the cries, the sound of houses being crushed, and the sound of bones being crushed. The dog constantly barked. A noise brought tears of joy to Soyen's eyes. She heard marching, marching of a well organized group. A party of thirty knights were at the entrance of the village. They looked in on the destruction, only a few houses, including Soyen's, were left standing. The knight's shouted orders, and the rest charged in at the ogre. It growled and swiped it's hand at them. Well trained bodies, and defensive skills saved them from an instant death, and allowed them to stand their ground. They're powerful spears and swords were used against it. The ogre let out a loud cry when Soyen heard the loud noise of crackling fire. She looked out a window, a wizard stood holding a staff. It chanted strange words, and flames bursted forth at the beast. The ogre cried out in pain as it retreated once again into the forest. Several knights and the wizard were sent after it, the rest searched for the survivors. A knight came into Soyen's room, and saw her trying to hide. "It's ok, ma'am." Said the knight gently. "You can't stay here, come with me."
Soyen fault her tears and sniffled. She stood and followed the knight outside. The ground was littered with corpses of all ages. The ones who were like family to her, lay broken and dead near her home. They died protect her house, so she could live. Tears ran down her face, and her legs felt weak. "Ma'am, we can't stay here, please come to the kingdom." She sniffed and looked up at the knight. "If I must...Then please take me to a certain home..."
"Which?"
Benkei was lying on a white bed in an infirmary. Candles lit up the walls, and healers and medics were working on other patients. Survivors from the massacre were brought there, the medics tried desperately to save them, with little success. Benkei's eyes began to open slowly from the noise of shouting commands. His vision was somewhat blurry and he saw a figure sitting next to him on a wooden chair. She had long hair. "Soyen...?" Asked Benkei in a low voice.
"Soyen? Who's that?" Asked the woman, Benkei recognized who it was at once. Once his vision fully returned, he saw a woman sitting beside the bed with long black hair, wearing formal clothing. His sister, Zenith.
Benkei grumbled and looked away. "What are you doing here sis?" Asked Benkei in a tired tone.
"What's with that tone? I was actually concerned and this is how you repay me?" Zenith calmed herself, then a sly smile grew on her face. "So who's this Soyen?"
Benkei's face turned red. "No one." Answered Benkei, as he pushed himself up. He sat in the bed, and looked around. He noticed all the patients. "What happened here?"
"An ogre attacked one of the lesser villages." Answered Zenith. She saw Benkei's face go pale. "What's wrong?"
"Take me to my room." Said Benkei.
"Why? You should be resting." Said Zenith.
"I need to get a new sword, and some armor, I'm going to fight it."
"No, not in that condition." Said Zenith.
"Please..." Mumbled Benkei.
"Oh? What did I hear?" Zenith grinned and snickered. "Fine, but your an idiot, you know that right?"
Benkei only nodded, and Zenith helped him up. She helped him walk to palace room where he stayed, which was larger then most homes because of his rank. "Oh, that reminds me!" Said Zenith.
"Hm?"
The opened the door, and Soyen was sitting in one of his chairs with a blanket covering most her body. "We got a visitor."

TO BE CONTINUED! XD

Is this an attempt at a romance story? xD I thought it was funny for some reason. Esan, writing a romance story. XDD idk. but i think it was quite humorous

Benkei was startled by seeing her in his room. "What are you doing here?"
"The village she stayed at was attacked, I wouldn't ask questions for now." Said Zenith.
Soyen only looked down, and she remembered the cries she heard. The horrifying images of adults and children dead, scattered across the ground. She then mumbled something.
"Hm?" Benkei noticed the mumble.
"Eh..." Soyen looked away, and mumbled the same thing again.
"You gotta speak up.." Said Benkei, as he picked his ear.
"..." She looked around the room to avoid it. The room was huge with strange tapestry hanging from the walls. Swords of all shapes and sizes were also hung on the wall. Several rooms branched out from this one, which were the kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom. "Train me..." Mumbled Soyen, this time Benkei could hear it.
"You want to be trained? Why?"
"So I'm not helpless." Said Soyen, her voice was trembling. Benkei mumbled something, then sighed.
"Alright, tomorrow, you can join me in my training." Said Benkei.
Soyen looked up with a smile. "Thank you."
Benkei blushed and looked away. "I just hope your not too weak!" Exclaimed Benkei.
"I'm not weak, I'm probably powerful with latent abilities!" Shouted Soyen.
"Whatever you say..." Benkei moved his hands, mocking her.
"Ha, someone just getting out of the infirmary shouldn't be acting so cocky!" Said Soyen with a grin. "I thought the head knight could handle an ogre..."
"I didn't have any armor! And an old sword!"
"Excuses, excuses."
Zenith watched all this with a sly smile. "Well, I should be leaving you two alone."
"Eh? What do you mean by that?!" Exclaimed both of them at once.
Zenith snickered, and turned to like out a window from Benkei's room. "I have someone to meet anyway."
"You meeting him again, sis?" Asked Benkei, as he limped over to a chair near Soyen. His entire body was in pain when he tried to move.
"Hehe, yep! And he's going to propose this time, I know it!"
"Doubt it, that guy seems to be busy with so much work, he could never find time with that." Said Benkei with a shrug.
Zenith scratched her head and looked away. "Well, as long as I'm with him, it's all that counts."
"Awww, so sweet." Said Soyen, entering the conversation.
Benkei just shook his head. Zenith smirked at the two of them, then headed for the door. "I'll be back later then..." She walked out of the door, and before it was completely closed, she stuck her head back in. "And have safe sex."
"HEY!"
Zenith giggled and shut the door.
Soyen and Benkei then had an awkward silence. "...The clouds are still out, they look pretty cool with the stars shining through them..." Said Benkei, trying to fix the awkwardness.
"All you do is look at clouds, isn't it?" Asked Soyen.
"What's wrong with that?"
"Nothing." Laughed Soyen. "I'd like to see the clouds, lead the way."
Benkei nodded and got up. He tried his best to ignore the pain. When he saw Soyen get up, he could more clearly see her. He saw the dry tears the must of ran down her face, and her body was still shaking. "Are you cold?" Asked Benkei.
Soyen just shook her head. "Let's just go see the clouds."
Zenith ran down the halls of the kingdom. She hummed to herself as she neared the meeting spot. Every week, they meet under the tree with silver leaves. She got to a door, and opened it. She saw the large tree stand over a man. She smiled and ran forward. They both hugged, "I missed you." Said the man, known as Enma.
"I missed you too." Said Zenith, still hugging him.
"I have something important to tell you." Said Enma in a low voice.
Zenith began to get her hopes up. "Yes?"
"Tomorrow, I'm being sent on a quest." Said Enma. "It'll involve a month of traveling, and facing various monsters."
Zenith seemed worried. "Others will be sent with you right?"
"Of course, and we'll have messenger birds, so we can exchange letters everyday!"
"Alright, just don't die." Said Zenith.
"I won't." Said Enma, as he kissed her.
She blushed as they held eachother tighter. They both then relaxed against the tree. They sat closely next to eachother, and talked about their future. Zenith smiled and blushed with every sentence. "I love you." Said Enma.
Zenith smiled, "I love you too." She lied her head on his shoulder, and began to grow tired. He looked over to her with a smile, then looked up into the sky. He watched the clouds pass by slowly.
Benkei and Soyen were heading up the stairs. Benkei let out small moans of pain from climbing the stairs. "Are you that out of shape?" Asked Soyen with a grin.
"It's the wounds!"
"Right, right." She ran to the top of the stairs and waited for Benkei to catch up. "So Benkei, where are we heading?"
"To the roof of the kingdom." Said Benkei, now crawling up the stairs. Soyen watched his pitiful attempts at trying to climb with less pain and broke out laughing. "Hey!"
"Hahaha!" Soyen wiped a small tear of laughing so hard. "Come on, I want to see those clouds, and the night sky!"
Benkei finally made it to the top of the stairs. He stood up, and ignored the pain. "Then this way!" He began to speed walk off towards a door. She followed him, then found themselves out on the balcony of the kingdom. They looked down at all the people, running to and fro. "Well, lie down and relax, the views great." Said Benkei, as he sat down awkwardly, and tried lying on his wounded back. "Ow!"
"The great head knight can't even lie down?" She giggled and lied next to him. "So what's the training program going to be like?"
"You'll see." Said Benkei. They then both watched in silence the clouds that passed by. The moon shined on them, making them appear silver. The stars surrounded them, and in the clouds.
"You were right, it does look cool." Said Soyen.
Benkei turned over to look at her smiling face. He blushed and turned his head away quickly. "So, what ever happened to only staying at a man's house if you loved him?"
"Your an exception." Giggled Soyen.
"An exception?"
"Aww, you sound disappointed."
"Pfft, I'm not!" Benkei looked up and pointed to the sky. "Hey look, it's the big dipper!"
"Really?" Soyen moved closer to him for a better angle. Benkei blushed again and rolled away. "Hey, don't roll away, show me the constellation!"
The two argued and pointed out constellations for the most of the night. They both ended up falling asleep while watching the clouds.
The sun was beginning to rise, and Enma awoke. He and Zenith were still sitting by eachother against the tree. Zenith was holding his arm and her head still on his shoulder. He smiled at her as he pulled his arm out from her, and lied her down gently. He got up and patted the dirt off him. He turned back to Zenith. "I'll be back, I swear." And he walked through the doors to prepare for his quest.

TO BE CONTINUED! XD

Enma sat in his medium sized room. The room was messy and things were scattered everywhere. He dug through piles of miscellaneous objects, and seemed to be annoyed by something. He dug through more piles, and more, then he found it. A small package was under one of the piles. He stuck it into his pocket, and smiled to himself. He ran out from his room, the rest of his equipment and supplies was packed and already waiting for him at the kingdom's gates. He met up with his group, which was full of knights, they're faces concealed by the large steel helmets. Enma nodded to them, and picked up his battle-axe. He put on his armor, and adjusted his helmet. Before they left, he heard someone shouting. Zenith was running down the path to him. He was surprised, and had an awkward smile. She hugged him, even though he was in the full body armor, his helmet lied by his feet. "I wanted to see you one last time before you left." Whispered Zenith to him, Enma smiled at her.
"And it won't be the last, I'll return home with a successful quest!" Said Enma confidently.
She looked up to him and smiled. "I hope so, just don't get killed." She kissed his cheek, the other knights watched, and mumbled to eachother.
Enma smiled at her. "I will be sending letters everyday, to keep you updated."
"Alright." Zenith backed away from him, and smiled. "Have a safe trip."
"Yah." Enma picked up his steel helmet and placed it on his head, he now blended in with the other knights. He pointed forward, "alright men, march!" They all stood in a straight line, and began their march.
"I love you!" Shouted Zenith to Enma, waving her arm.
"I love you too"! Shouted Enma, as he turned back to her. He gave her a final wave, then faced forward to lead the march.
"She's cute." Said one of the knights to Enma.
"Yah."
"So why were you late?" Asked another knight.
"I had to find something that's very important."
"What is it?"
"I'm wearing my armor, so I can't reach into my pocket, I'll show you all when we set up camp." He heard a squawk, and looked up to see an eagle flying above them. "There's my little friend!" The eagle squawked and landed on his shoulder.
"Don't people usually tame hawks, or pigeons?" Asked one of the knights.
"Well, it doesn't matter, this eagle is going to play a huge role soon."
"Hmm?"
"I'll tell you all at the camp."
"Ugh, I overslept..." Mumbled Benkei, as he yawned. He felt something somewhat heavy on him. He looked to see Soyen cuddled up next to him, with her head on his chest. His face turned red. "Soyen?"
She mumbled something, and yawned. She looked up and saw Benkei. "Ahh!!!"
"Ehh!?"
She rolled away from him and jumped up. "Ugh, you perverted knight!"
"I didn't do anything!" Exclaimed Benkei.
"Pfft..." She sighed and looked around. The sun was up, and she saw a group of several knights marching off into the distance. "So Benkei...When's breakfast?"
"Eh? You sound as if your expecting something, you make your own meal."
"That's no way to treat a lady!" Cried Soyen, as she kicked his side.
"Ahh!! I have a wound there!"
"I hope it hurt!" Exclaimed Soyen, turning away from him. "Some gentleman..."
"Ugh, fine, I'll make you something!"
"That's what I wanted to hear! Now chop, chop, I want something fancy! Your the head knight, I'm sure you have plenty of great food!"
"Yah yah...." He mumbled something, and groaned as he pushed himself up. "Damn ogre..." He stretched, which didn't help his wounds, and he walked from the balcony to the door. He turned to Soyen, "you coming?"
"..." She hesitated, and turned to him. He saw a tear roll down her face. "...You'll kill it, won't you?" Asked Soyen.
"The ogre?"
"Yes..For what it's done, you kill it right?"
"Of course, I won't let it get away with something like this. I swear on my life I will find it and kill it!" Said Benkei with a serious expression. Soyen blushed slightly.
"...Get cooking, knight!" Said Soyen, running and pushing him through the door.
"Don't push me! Remember, there's stairs near-" Benkei went tumbling down the stairs. "Ugh..."
"So clumsy..." Said Soyen with a giggle.

TO BE CONTINUED! XD

"So when you going to help train me?" Asked Soyen in a lazy tone. She followed Benkei town a crowded road in the city that surrounded the kingdom.
"First, I need to find a blacksmith. I will not let this blade stay broken."
"But you have so many back in your room!"
"Those aren't special like this one." Said Benkei, as he looked at his hilt.
Soyen sighed, "fine, but are we close to the blacksmith?"
"Yah, just another five minutes, and we should be there." They walked down the road, and Soyen looked around at the stands. Many different things were being sold, from weapons, to house objects, to food. Every stand had a line standing at it, all shouting for what they wanted. The two finally made it to the blacksmith, Benkei opened the door, and looked in. A tall man in his thirties sat near an anvil, with his hammers lying beside him. He had a small beard, and wore ragged clothing. Several others in brown aprons ran about the small building, carrying different weapons to and fro. Swords and other different weapons hung from the walls, all appeared to be made by the blacksmith's shop. Costumers stood near the walls, and watched the others run about with their broken weapons, and amazed by how quickly they can be fixed. The tall man glanced up at Benkei and Soyen as they entered. A grin ran across his bearded face.
"Hey Benkei, it's been awhile!" Bellowed the man with a laugh. He sat up and stretched. He took a step then cringed. "Ahh, my leg's asleep."
"Uh...I'll come to you then." Said Benkei, walking over to the man. He sat back down, and eyed the broken hilt as Benkei walked towards him.
"That hilt...It's crafted beautifully, who made it?" Asked the blacksmith.
"My father." Answered Benkei, as he handed the hilt over.
"He was a fine craftsmen and blacksmith." Said the man, as he looked a the hilt from several angles. "You want me to add a new blade?"
"If you can, yes, with the strongest material you have." Said Benkei.
"The strongest material? That'll be expensive, you know." Said the blacksmith, as he placed the hilt down onto the anvil.
"I guess you haven't heard." Said Benkei with a grin, and said in a bragging tone, "I've become the head knight, captain and general of all combat in the kingdom! I can afford it!"
"That's excellent! Then you won't mind if I charge you extra?" Asked the blacksmith with a laugh.
"Hey!"
"Hehe, so how fast do you want it done?" Asked the blacksmith. He reached for his hammer and pulled it up.
"As soon as possible." Said Benkei.
"Hehe, then I guess I will have to charge to extra. Come back tonight, it'll be done by then."
"Alright, thanks." Benkei turned towards the door.
"Hey wait, aren't you going to introduce me to your girlfriend, Benkei?"
Benkei and Soyen's faces both turned red. "She's just freeloading at my place!" Shouted Benkei.
"And he's just going to train me!" Shouted Soyen.
The blacksmith laughed, "whatever you two say, well, I'll start my work, you can stay and watch if you'd like."
"No thanks, we need to get going." Said Soyen. "I need to get trained!"
Benkei mumbled something and waved to the blacksmith. "I'll be back tonight then, I want the best work on it!"
"And that's what you'll get!"
Benkei and Soyen left the building, and stood back out on the crowded streets. "So what do you want me to train you in anyway?"
"I want to be a swordsmen..." Said Soyen, looking away.
"Then I'll train you with the sword, follow me, we can start soon."
She nodded and followed Benkei. They both stopped at the sound of aggressive yelling. They looked over to see a smashed stand. A large man with an curved sword thrashed about. "Injustice! Injustice!!!" Shouted the man, as he continued to destroy the stand.
"What's he doing?" Asked Soyen.
"Who knows, but I won't stand by and watch." Said Benkei as he pushed his way through the terrified crowd. "Stop this now!" Shouted Benkei to the man.
He turned to face Benkei. "You...Why do you wish to stop me!? I fight in the name of justice!!!"
"Then why do you smash an innocent stand?"
"Because, everything in this damned city and kingdom is wrong! Injustice!!!" Shouted the man, as he charged forward towards Benkei.
Soyen watched in fear. "Benkei, you don't have your sword!"
Benkei grinned, "being a master of a sword means you know everything about it, including how to fight against one wielding it." Said Benkei. The man slashed his sword down at Benkei. Benkei swiftly stepped to the side, and punched the man in the stomach. He coughed up blood as he backed away.
The crowd began to mumble, asking who he was, and how he caused so much damage with a punch. Benkei grinned and decided to seize the moment. "I, Benkei, captain of combat affairs, and head knight, order you to stop this!" Exclaimed Benkei. The crowd's mumbling became louder, and he even heard them cheer and chant his name. He had an awkward smile as he shyly scratched his head. "Thank you!" Shouted Benkei to the public.
"He's an idiot..." Mumbled Soyen, watching from the background. The man regained his stability, and charged forward again. Benkei rose both his hands, and caught the blade by the flat sides with his hands. He held the blade in place, and lifted it into the air, the man still held on. He heard the crowd cheer more, and he tossed the blade, along with the man, back and he landed on the dirt, and even rolled back from the impact. The man tried to get up, but Benkei ran over to kick his jaw. The man flipped over onto his back, and was breathing deeply. Benkei picked up the sword and admired it.
"What an excellent sword, and a bad swordsmen..." He shook his head, and dropped the blade, the tip stuck in the ground beside the man. Within minutes, knights arrived to take him away. The crowd cheered and chanted Benkei's name as he returned to Soyen. "Impressed?"
"Pfft, just get to the training." Said Soyen. Benkei sighed and shrugged. He led the way to the training ground, which was close to the kingdom's and city's gate. They walked out of the gate and saw the training field. He ran over to it.
"Ahh, memories." Said Benkei, as he slowed his run to a walk when he reached it. Soyen soon caught up and walked beside him.
"Look's pretty empty, it's just a field with a rack filled with weapons..." Said Soyen in an unimpressed tone.
"What did you expect? This isn't some weird fantasy training." Said Benkei, somewhat annoyed. "The wooden swords are over there." He pointed to a pile of them, some looked to have blood on them. "Let's both get one, and you can then mimic how I fight. Once you learn the basics, we can spar."
"Spar? I can't go up against you yet!"
"I'm not going to fight at full power." Said Benkei with a shrug.
"Oh, alright." They walked to the pile of wooden swords. They both picked up medium sized blades, and proceeded to the center of the field. Benkei stood infront of Soyen.
"First, we'll practice the slashes." Said Benkei, he rose his sword into the air, and slashed downward. The sound of it slicing through the air was loud and somewhat high-pitched.
Soyen nodded and held the sword up, she slashed downward, but not in a straight line. Benkei shook his head and told her to try again, but this time, faster and have a cleaner cut. She did it again, but still an imperfect slash.
"Ugh...Lemme show you then." Said Benkei, his face turned red. He walked over to her, and stood behind her. He held the higher end of the hilt, above her hand.
Soyen blushed, "do you have to be so close?"
"I have to, or your cut may still be imperfect!" He rose the wooden blade up, her arm rose aswell. He slashed downward, and her arm followed. They repeated the slash several times, before Benkei backed up, his face still red, and nodded to he to try.
She tried to calm herself, then slashed the air. "Better! Try a few more times, and we can move on to the others."
"...Others?"
"Yah, lunging the blade, horizontal slashes, and others. I have to teach you how to do a good, quick slash, so the enemy has barely any time to see. And a somewhat slower, stronger slash that will penetrate even armor!"
Soyen sighed and nodded. "How long will that take?"
"Who knows, but we have alot of time."
Soyen nodded, and continued to practice. Benkei nodded, and slowly showed her the rest of the moves. Then showed her how she should train for stronger arm muscles. "Now continue to practice these moves, I'll be back."
"Where are you going?"
Benkei picked up a real sword the lied in the rack. "I'm going to try to find that ogre, so when my sword's fixed, I can kill it."
"But what if it spots you and kills you?" Asked Soyen.
"You worried about me?" Asked Benkei with a grin.
She looked away, "well, if you die, where will I stay?"
"Eh? You only care about that!"
She stuck her tongue out at him and giggled. "Don't be reckless." Said Soyen, as she returned to her practice.
Benkei sighed, and nodded to her. Then departed into the forest.

TO BE CONTINUED! XD

no XD Enma is an evil Buddha
and Nagi is from Negima, and a great hero in Okami XD

Soyen practiced her swings. She struck the air quickly and powerfully. She seemed to dance with her blade as she gracefully sliced through the air. She often tripped, but pushed herself back up to resume her training.
Benkei pushed his way through the forest. Trees towered over him, with small rain droplets falling on his head from the last storm. The ground was covered with wet leaves, and he could see some roots stuck up. He came across a large indentation in the ground, it resembled a footprint, but larger. He nodded, and looked around. He held the sword tightly in his hand as he proceeded deeper into the forest. He saw more and more of the indentations. He could then hear snoring, it was loud and echoed through the forest. He took small, slowly steps as he neared the source of the noise. In a pit, rested an ogre. Scars covered it's body, and it's arm appeared to be burned. "The ogre..." He tightly gripped the sword in his hand, he wanted to retreat to get his trusted sword, but he had a good chance of killing it now. He shook in anger remembering the all the tears Soyen shed because of this monster. With a burning resolve, he refused to return. He tip-toed closer to the sleeping giant, he soon reached it's neck. The snoring was very loud, he found it hard to stand next to it because of that. He held the sword up high, over the neck of the sleeping beast. He then heard a roar in the distance, he took his chances and lunged the sword into the neck of the ogre. It awoke immediately, and swatted it's arms around as if it were crazy. Benkei was pushed back, the sword was still in the ogre's neck. It got up, but found it hard to stand. It's sight was fading, it felt the blood rushing out from it's neck. Breathing suddenly became harder, and it fell to it's knees. It ripped the sword from it's neck, only worsening the wound. It's breathing became louder and louder, then softer, and soon the creature collapsed. It's breathing stopped. Benkei fell over, and could only stare at the dead giant. A grin then spread across his face, but soon disappeared. A killer or no killer, it should of at least had a noble death. Benkei shrugged off his sense of honor, and stood up. It was a monster, a murderer, this death could be called a blessing to it for all Benkei cared. He got up, but then remembered the roar in the distance. He pondered the thought of there being more, and the death of this one could wage a war between humans and ogres. Benkei, again, shrugged off the idea. All he cared about was that the beast was dead, and he would never have to see Soyen cry again. He began to shake his head. "Why am I always thinking about her!? Ugh!" He stomped off in the direction he came, trying to clear his thoughts.
It was now the late afternoon, and Soyen heard something in the woods. She held her wooden sword to face, but saw Benkei walk out instead. She sighed with relief, and dropped her wooden to run to him. "Did you find it?" Asked Soyen, she was eager for the response.
"I did even better." Said Benkei, as he stood upright with his shoulders high. "I killed it."
"How?"
"I found the beast sleeping in a pit, the scars were unmistakable, and it had the burn wound from the wizard, Shaku." Said Benkei. He then rose his hand and reenacted his stab to it's neck. "It slayed the beast with a quick thrust into the throat!"
A smile ran across Soyen's face as she hugged him. Benkei's face turned red, and Soyen jumped back, her face becoming red. "That was just gratitude! Nothing more." Said Soyen, turning away to try to calm herself. She couldn't stop smiling, the beast that caused so much is dead, and she was happy it was Benkei who did it. She appeared surprised at her thoughts. Pfft, I would of been happy if anyone slayed it! Thought Soyen, blocking out her earlier thought.
Benkei was scratched his head, and looked around. "So you've been training hard?" Asked Benkei.
"Of course, I trained the entire time you were gone." She walked back to the field and picked up the old wooden sword. She lifted it and slashed the air, then lunged forward and pointed the tip at Benkei from a distance. "How about that sparring match?"
Benkei grinned, and walked over to the wooden swords. He then realized he forgot his sword back there, but decided to go back for it later. He picked up a wooden sword, and held it tightly. He and Soyen stood a few feet apart. "Let's begin!" Shouted Benkei, and before Soyen could react, his sword was at her neck. "You sure you've been practicing?" Asked Benkei with a somewhat bragging tone.
"Of course! I was practicing techniques, not training my body." Said Soyen. "Let me attacked first this time!"
Benkei nodded as he stepped back. They stood a few feet from eachother again. "Begin!" She dashed forward, and lunged her sword at him. He swiftly moved around the blade, and stood next to her. His wooden sword's blade pressed gently against her neck.
"This isn't fair!" Exclaimed Soyen.
"I was made head knight for a reason." Said Benkei scratching his head. "Let's head back, the sword should be ready soon, and we can get something to eat."
Soyen grinned, "and your paying for the food." Said Soyen with a shrug, as she returned her wooden sword.
"Me? Don't you carry money?"
"A gentleman always treats the lady." Said Soyen with a giggle.
Benkei sighed and tossed his blade onto the pile of other wooden swords. "Fine, I know a good place to eat anyway!" Said Benkei. "Follow me, it's actually close by."
She nodded and followed him. They reentered the city gates, and walked down the less-crowded path. They came to a shabby looking building, a sign out front said, "come and eat! If you got the money, if not, GET LOST."
"What a harsh sign." Said Soyen.
"Yah, it's her style." Said Benkei sighing. "She's a weird one."
"You know the owner?"
"Yep, we used to play when we were little. She's now a high-ranking knight and chef." Said Benkei, as he entered the building, Soyen followed.
Zenith walked down the path outside the kingdom. She noticed the annoying snoring from the forest has stopped, she always had sharper hearing then others. She saw a group of guys cornering another guy. They all held sticks, and were in their late-twenties. The man being cornered was in his early-twenties. He had dark green short hair, and wore the same ragged clothing as most peasants.
"I believe you still owe us some money..." Said the man who seemed to lead the group.
"Hey Benkei." Soyen and Benkei were placed at one of the tables. "I've always wondered something."
"Yah? What is it?" Asked Benkei.
"Your sister is always around men and knights, isn't she ever worried about...err..getting-"
"There's no need to worry." Said Benkei, as he picked up a menu.
"Why not?"
"She's the strongest hand-to-hand martial-artist in the entire country, even I struggle when sparring against her..." He looked down and scratched his head. "When we spar, she usually wins, the only way I win is because I've studied some hand-to-hand styles...She fights freestyle, which is scary, because if she learned how to actually fight..." He shivered at the thought.
The men closed in on the other man. "Come on, Tanzan." Said the man who seemed to lead them, where's the money?"
The man, now known as Tanzan, was still backing up. "I can't repay it yet, I will have it soon."
"Oh really?" The man seemed to snicker. "It would be a shame if something happened to your sister, especially after finally getting the treatment."
Tanzan appeared shocked and angered, the man seemed to enjoy the look. "Oh, what a pity, I hope nothing happens to her." Said the man.
Tanzan swung a punch at him, only to be blocked by one of the other members. They held his fist and pushed him back. "Resorting to violence? I believe we have to fight back them, to defend ourselves." Said the man mockingly.
Zenith walked up to the group. "What are you doing?"
"Hello there, pretty lady, we'll get to you after this guy." Said the man who lead the group with a grin. Before he could turned back to face Tanzan, he was kicked across the face. He flew over the group and landed behind him. He groaned in pain.
"Why don't you leave him be?" Asked Zenith.
The others were outraged, and all rushed at her at once. She kicked one up int the air. She jumped after the man, and kicked him back down, he crashed into another. She landed, and elbowed another man who was behind her, he fell over, knocked out by the hit. Another swung a punch at her, and she swiftly moved behind him with a single step, and chopped the back of his neck. He fell over, within a minute, the entire group was on the ground, moaning in pain, or knocked out. Tanzan was surprised, and couldn't even speak. "You ok?" Asked Zenith.
Tanzan brushed himself off. Rescued by some unknown stranger... He sighed, "yah, thanks."
"So why were those guys after you?" Asked Zenith, walking over to him.
"They loaned me money for something..."
"For what? Don't hide it."
"My sister, she needed powerful medical magic to cure her leg, which has been paralyzed. I used to money to get her the healing, now these guys." He looked over to them. "Have been after me."
"Well, you have the great Zenith here now!"
"Thanks?"
Zenith shrugged. "So I heard them call you Tanzan, is that your name?"
"Yes."
"Then it's nice to meet you Zenith." She yawned and shrugged. "I'm heading back, let's hope we meet again, maybe I can teach you to fight!"
Tanzan smiled and nodded. "That would be nice." He waved to her as she turned around and headed towards the city.
She stopped and turned around. "Try not to fall in love with me, okay?" Tanzan's face turned red, and she laughed. She turned back around and ran back to the city.
"What a strange girl..." Mumbled Tanzan. "I do hope we meet again..."

TO BE CONTINUED! XD