Welcome to Gaia! ::

Benkei walked down a skinny path lined with rocks, the path itself is dirt and leaves. Benkei looked to be around sixteen and had ruffled black hair. He kept patting it down, but with almost no effect. He wore tattered traveling clothes, they were black and brown. He wore a light chain mail on his chest, it looked weak and rusted. At his side hung a sheathed blade. The sheath was a light brown color, and had a few holes in it. The hilt of the sword was a silvery metal. He marched confidently down the path to a small village. It's gates were just wooden shafts sticking out of the ground. The homes inside were small, but sturdy. Benkei walked into the village, and stopped when he heard his name called.
"Welcome back Benkei." Said Hoshin. Hoshin was taller then Benkei and looked to be older too. He wore dark clothing with a crest on the front and back. The crest was of a golden circle and a silver x inside. His short brown hair was clean, unlike Benkei's. He had a grin on his face. "Aren't you supposed to be on an adventure?"
"I am on one!" Exclaimed Benkei. "I just came back because I forgot something!"
"Oh? You forgot something on your last little adventure as well." Said Hoshin as he shook his head.
"Well..."
Hoshin beckoned Benkei over. Benkei walked over to him. "Now Benkei." Said Hoshin quietly. "Everyone has high expectations of you, you're capable of things most aren't. So I need you to go out there, and bring some fame and attention to this village!"
"Yah, you've told me." Said Benkei tiredly. "For the last time, I'm on this adventure to make a name for myself, not to advertise the village."
"Oh, I'm not asking you to do much." Said Hoshin. "Just when you're out there, slaying monsters, rescuing maidens, or whatever you plan to do, I ask that you tell them where you're from. That's all." Hoshin grinned. "Then this village will become famous, and we'll no longer be unknown!"
"Why don't you go out there and advertise the village?" Asked Benkei.
"Well, you see, my father gave me this village when he passed away. I'm the mayor, I can't simply leave!"
"Didn't he give the village to his brother-"
"My uncle can't take care of a village, he's always been too lazy. So I took it upon myself to run the village." Hoshin sighed, "but before I forget, when do you plan to set out again?"
"Tomorrow morning!" Exclaimed Benkei confidently. "I'll be staying at Eshun's house tonight, then I'm gone tomorrow."
"We'll see..." Said Hoshin. "But if tomorrow really is your last day here, please bring Eshun with you, she won't stop whining about missing you. You should consider your lover's feelings, you know."
"Eh?!" Benkei shook his head. "Eshun and I aren't lovers! We're just friends."
"Oh? Well, that's not what she said." Said Hoshin tauntingly. "She's madly in lo-" A wooden plank flew into his face, knocking him over onto his back.
"Y-you okay?" Asked Benkei.
"I said nothing!" Shouted Eshun. She wasn't as tall as Benkei, but she looked to be the same age. She had long black hair, and wore a dark green dress. The dress was a little dirty. Her cold gaze forced Hoshin to stay quiet. "So welcome back Benkei!" Shouted Eshun as she ran to Benkei. "Are you going to stay for good?"
"No, I'm heading out tomorrow morning. I want to be remembered, so I need to make a name for myself out there."
"So you don't ever want to settle down...with someone?" Asked Eshun shyly.
"Settle down? Probably not." Said Benkei as he looked up. "It's not easy to become known, it's going to take a long time to get my name out there."
"Oh..."
Hoshin stood up while holding his face. There was a large red mark on his forehead now. He opened his mouth, but Eshun shot him a glare. He rolled his eyes. "Tch, well, I got to get going anyway. I'll see you next week Benkei when you come back for another "missing" thing." Hoshin snickered to himself as he walked away.
Benkei gripped his fists tightly, and grinned. "When I'm famous, I'll have to make fun of him publicly." Laughed Benkei.
"So Benkei...do you want to stay with me again tonight?"
"Hehe, I was about to ask if I could." Said Benkei.
"Well, you're always welcomed to." Said Eshun with a smile.
"Oh yah." Benkei faced her. "Do you want to come with me this time?" Asked Benkei.
"Really?!" Eshun smiled, and almost jumped. "I-I'd love to!" Her smile faded then. "But are you sure you want me to come? I'd get it the way."
"No you wouldn't!" Said Benkei. "We've grown up together, so I know what your capable of. Don't worry, you won't get in the way!"
"Then I'll come!" Said Eshun. "I'll do my best!"
"Alright!" Exclaimed Benkei with a grin. "And I'll be here to protect you if anything does happen."
Eshun blushed. "T-Thanks."
"No problem!" Said Benkei with a grin and a thumbs up. "Well, I'll come over to your place later, I need to pick something up at my house."
"Okay." Said Eshun. "I'll be there."
"Alright!" Benkei ran off, leaving Eshun standing there.
"I get to be with him more now..." She smiled and hugged herself. "I can't wait for tomorrow!"

TO BE CONTINUED! XD I wanna make a story I can stick with o3o so let's see how this one goes XD

The moon was looming over the village. Benkei sneaked out of the house, and looked up at it. "It hasn't been this bright in awhile..." Said Benkei to himself with a smile. He walked around to the back of the house, and climbed up a shifty ladder. When he got to the roof, he lied down on his back, and sighed. "I swear I won't come back...Not until I'm a hero..." Said Benkei while facing the moon.
Eshun sat nervously in her room, she went through drawers and piled clothing upon clothing into bags. She smiled and hummed to herself as she finished packing. Three large bags sat on her bed, neatly tied and ready. She sighed happily. "Tomorrow I begin my journey with Benkei outside the village...As long as I'm with him, I'll be okay...I know it." She looked out her window at the moon. "It's so bright tonight...Maybe it's a good luck thing?" She smiled as she quietly left her room, and slowly tip-toed across the floor, hoping not to wake Benkei. She soon made it outside, and made her way to the back of the house.
She climbed up the ladder slowly, doubting it was going to hold her. When she made it to the roof, she noticed Benkei lying there. He was smiling at the moon, mumbling words. She was able to pick out 'hero' as one of the words. "So you want to be a hero?" Asked Eshun almost tauntingly.
Benkei almost jumped off the roof when he heard her. He turned around, and smiled shyly. "Of course, being a hero is a good way to be remembered."
"I see." Eshun smiled and crawled over and lied down next to him.
"Are you ready for tomorrow?" Asked Benkei.
"Yah, everything's packed." Said Eshun softly.
"Are you scared?"
"What do you mean?" Asked Eshun.
"I mean, this is your first time out of the village since...since a long time." Said Benkei, trying to avoiding getting into that topic. "Are you scared about anything?"
"Of course not." Said Eshun confidently. "Because I know I'll have you there with me..."
Benkei smiled. "Yep, I'll never leave your side!"
A long awkward silence followed. Eshun wanted to say something but she stopped herself. I want to tell him...But not yet. I want to be more then a friend to him...but I'm happy like this too... Thought Eshun as she started to blush. She smiled, moved closer to Benkei, and gazed up at the moon and stars.
Benkei's face turned red when she moved closer. He tried to hide that he was blushing, and looked away. He turned back to face the moon, and grinned. Tomorrow begins the biggest journey of my life, I won't back down this time!


TO BE CONTINUED! XD

Benkei and Eshun slowed down as they approached a large forest. Only a few rays of sunlight managed to break through the tree tops. Eshun turned to Benkei. "Is it safe in there?" Asked Eshun.
"Who knows." Said Benkei with a shrug. "But we should follow the path until we get a map or something." Benkei sighed. "Don't worry, if anything comes out, I'll take care of it."
"Alright..." Eshun followed Benkei as they entered the woods. The path was barely lit, but enough for them to see. The trees are long and thick. The ground was muddy, and littered with twigs and leaves. They would hear rustling noises around them every few minutes. After a hour into the woods, they both stopped. Three goblins stood in the path, armed with short spears and hatchets. Their skin was a light blue, and they were short. The clothing they wore was tattered and weak, but stained with blood. They snickered and mumbled in some language to each other. Benkei stuck his arm out in front of Eshun.
"I won't let them touch you." Said Benkei as he lowered his hand and gripped the hilt of his sword. "Come on you midgets!" Exclaimed Benkei confidently.
The goblins looked insulted and angered. They started moving closer, and closer, their weapons out and ready. Benkei drew his sword. The blade was rusted, cracked, and looked weak. He took a stance as he grinned. "Let's see them beat me!" Suddenly they heard more rustling.
"How dare you attack travelers!" Bellowed a man's voice.
"Prepare for your punishment, sick creatures!" Shouted a woman's voice.
Suddenly a man jumped out. "Kyodo the powerful..." He was as tall as Benkei, and wore green silk clothing. He carried a large axe in his hand. He looked to be around Benkei's and Eshun's age. Kyodo grinned confidently as he flipped his long blonde hair back. "Has arrived!"
Then a woman jumped out. "Soyen the magnificent..." She was as tall as Kyodo, and wore the same kind of clothing, only in blue. She had long dark blue hair that covered her back. She was the same age as Kyodo, and carried a long spear. "Has arrived!"
"And Benkei the hero...has arrived!" Exclaimed Benkei as he jumped between them.
"Hey, don't mess up our intro!" Exclaimed Soyen. "Move it!"
"Sis, if he wants to help, let him. Justice always has room for allies!" Exclaimed Kyodo in a strange voice.
"Yah!" Said Benkei as he eagerly jumped in front of the two.
Kyodo and Soyen were already ahead of him again. "Now, for our duo attack!" Exclaimed the two. They both charged in. Soyen ducked and lunged her spear through the skull of a goblin. It dropped over dead. While she was crouched, Kyodo's axe swung over her and cut another goblin's head clean off. Soyen spun, and smacked the last goblin under it's chin with the dull side of her spear, knocking it into the air. "The finisher!" Exclaimed Kyodo as he jumped and sliced the goblin in two while still in the air. They stood back to back and took a pose. "Justice surpasses all, no amount of evil can stop it!"
Eshun was covering her face, they're act was embarrassing, and she felt embarrassed just watching it. Benkei on the other hand was in awe. "That was amazing!" Exclaimed Benkei.
"Of course, we're elites." Said Soyen in an uptight tone.
"No one can defeat this brother-sister team!" Said Kyodo with a grin.
Benkei just nodded, and walked back over to Eshun. "Eshun...We should invite them to travel with us!"
"W-What?!" Exclaimed Eshun. "Benkei...They're idiots..."
"I think they're cool!" Exclaimed Benkei excitedly.
She sighed, "if you want-"
"Watch out!" Exclaimed Kyodo. Above them was a larger, fatter goblin. It jumped from the tree branch and was falling towards them with a large axe raised high.
Benkei jumped in front of Eshun, and held his sword up. The axe and sword clashed, Benkei pushed and the goblin was sent back into a tree. It rubbed it's back as it stood up. Eshun stayed behind Benkei. Kyodo and Soyen watched, as if it were a trial. Benkei charged in. "Now...For my attack!" Benkei grinned and held his sword in the air. "My special attack!" The goblin swiped it's axe at him, and he jumped over it. He stabbed his sword downwards into the goblin's arm. He punched the goblin's face, it's skin was slimy. Benkei looked disgusted as he jumped back. He ripped the sword out of it's arm, and lunged it through the goblin's chest, killing it.
"Well done Benkei the hero!" Exclaimed Kyodo with a clap.
"It was okay." Said Soyen.
Eshun smiled. "Thank you Benkei..."
Benkei slashed the air, letting the blood fly off his blade, then he sheathed it. "No problem, I told you Eshun, I won't let any of them touch you." He smiled confidently at her. Eshun blushed and looked away.
"Benkei, if I may ask, how did you sword stand up to the axe?" Asked Kyodo in awe. "The blade was cracked and rusted. It looked far too weak to block an axe, especially from that angle."
Benkei looked confused. He unsheathed his sword, looking at it's cracks and rusts. "It doesn't look that bad. It can block anything!" Exclaimed Benkei. He sheathed his sword and looked at the two of them. "Thanks for helping us."
"No problem! We help when we can!" Said Kyodo.
Eshun walked up to join them. "I heard you two say you're brother and sister." Said Eshun.
"Yes, we're the strongest family duo." Said Soyen strictly.
"Would you two like to travel with us?" Asked Benkei, shocking Eshun.
"Travel with you two? Seems like a waste of time." Said Soyen looking away.
"Sis, think about it." Said Kyodo. "More allies for us, besides, it would be nice to travel with some others."
Soyen sighed. "Fine, we'll tag along." Mumbled Soyen.
"Great! Then let's keep going!" Exclaimed Benkei.
Benkei marched ahead, Eshun followed. Soyen stomped beside him, as if challenging him. Kyodo just followed from the distance.
"Who says you get to lead, novice?" Asked Soyen angrily.
"Novice? You saw me fight, I'm not novice!" Said Benkei. "And I lead because I'm the strongest!"
"Don't be so cocky, novice." Said Soyen. "If anything should lead, it should be me!" She pushed ahead of him.
"Hey!" Benkei walked in front of her. "The leader always stays in the front."
"Then step aside, and let me in front." Said Soyen with a sly grin.
"I'm the leader!" The two argued as they tried to out walk each other.
Eshun sighed, "I wanted to spend this trip alone with Benkei..." She looked down.
Kyodo watched from behind. "Look's like Soyen's made a new friend." Laughed Kyodo to himself. "It great to see that."
After several minutes, Benkei and Soyen calmed down. They walked fast, and beside each other. Each one watched the other, as if expecting an attack."So what village are you from?" Asked Benkei finally.
"Wouldn't you like to know." Said Soyen coldly.
"...Well, I come from..." He paused and remembered Hoshin. "I'm from the great and powerful legendary village of Argos."
"...Sounds stupid." Said Soyen with a grin.
"It's the village to bore the greatest of all heroes, me!" Said Benkei with a grin.
"Ha, you're going to be the greatest of all heroes?" Soyen started laughing, the laughs seemed to sting Benkei. "You'll never be a hero, what motive do you even have?"
"To be remembered!" Said Benkei.
"...Such a disgrace." Said Soyen with a shrug. "You can't be a hero unless you motive is selfless."
"Of course I want to help too!" Exclaimed Benkei. "I just don't want to be forgotten, and..."
"What is it, novice?" Asked Soyen.
"Nothing." Responded Benkei after several minutes.
"Tch...So, where are we heading, oh great leader?" Asked Soyen sarcastically.
Benkei looked to be thinking deeply. "Hmmm....Who knows!" Said Benkei at last.
"What?! Don't you have some plan?"
"I go where fate leads me." Said Benkei sarcastically.
"Hmph, I can't believe I'm going to be travelling with someone like you..." Soyen seemed to grow depressed as she said that.
"What? I'm not a bad person!" Exclaimed Benkei.
"But you're weird." Stated Soyen. "And I hate weird people."
"What?! I'm not weird, this is the attitude of a hero!" Said Benkei with a confident grin as he pointed to himself.
"Whatever you say, novice."

TO BE CONTINUED! XD

The sun was now rising over the large meadow. Birds chirped quietly, as if letting the group rest a little longer. Kyodo was already up and sitting away from the tree. He stared down the long field of grass, it seemed almost endless. He sighed, and lied down on the grass. He closed his eyes, and relaxed. "I'll return to our village soon, Gisho...Maybe then..."
"Eh?" Kyodo jumped up and saw Benkei looking at him. "Who's Gisho?" Asked Benkei slyly.
"It's not polite to sneak up on someone like that." Said Kyodo as he scratched his head. "She's...well." He paused and grinned. "She's special to me, and now I'll ask you something...Is there anyone special to you?" Asked Kyodo.
"Special to me?" Benkei looked back at Eshun. "Yah, I guess."
"I see." Said Kyodo with a grin as he watched Benkei look back. "Why is she special to you?"
"What do you mean?"
"Nevermind." Said Kyodo with a laugh. "So, you and Soyen were the ones that killed that...thing at the end of the forest, right?"
"Yep!" Exclaimed Benkei with a grin. "We defeated it with no problem!" Benkei tried to give a thumbs up, but when he clenched his fist, he flinched. He opened his palms, and saw the jagged wounds on his hands from when he grabbed the beast's tail.
"What's wrong?" Asked Kyodo.
"Eh, nothing." Said Benkei as he lowered his hands. Benkei's eyes widened. "Hey, I see smoke!" Exclaimed Benkei.
Kyodo turned around to see at the end of the meadow, there was smoke slowly rising. "Hm, wonder what that's from." Said Kyodo, already pondering the situations. "Let's-" Kyodo noticed that Benkei was already racing down the field towards the smoke. "Benkei, wait!" Exclaimed Kyodo as he ran after him.
Eshun and Soyen slowly awoke from the noise. They saw Benkei and Kyodo running down the field. "Where are they going? What gentlemen leave ladies alone!?" Exclaimed Soyen as she started running as well, her spear drawn. Eshun rubbed her eyes and slowly stood up. She looked at the smoke, then at Benkei and Kyodo. She sighed, and sleepily walked after them.
"Benkei, stop!" Exclaimed Kyodo. "We can't rush in!"
Benkei kept running, and as he got closer, he could see it. "It's a village!" Shouted Benkei, still running. "It's on fire!" He finally reached the village gates, he was out of breath, and exhausted. The sweat stung the wounds on his hands. He saw villagers running out, and goblins dancing victoriously around the flames. There were ten or twenty of them dancing, one large one sat atop one of the few houses that weren't burning. It snorted and grinned at the villagers' corpses that littered the ground.
"Hey!" Exclaimed Benkei as he charged into the village, and kicked a goblin into one of the open flames. It squealed and shouted in pain, the others picked up their weapons and turned towards the new threat. Benkei clenched his fists in rage as he looked at the bodies. Men, women, and children. They all lied lifelessly on the ground, soaked in blood. Blood dripped out of Benkei's hands, the wounds opened again. He ignored the pain as he gripped the hilt of his sword, and waited.
Kyodo slowed down as he reached the gate, and saw what happened. "That idiot!" Kyodo ran and stood beside Benkei. "You're going to be a lot of trouble, aren't you?" Asked Kyodo in an irritated tone.
"I couldn't help it." Said Benkei with a shrug. "Let's get them." Benkei drew his sword, and stabbed it through the head of a goblin, it's body dropped back into the fire. The others ran in. Benkei ducked when he heard Kyodo shout, and soon Kyodo's axe swung over his head, taking out several goblins. Benkei blocked a goblin's dagger, and pushed the goblin back. He lunged his blade into it's chest, and turned to face the other. Benkei and Kyodo fought the small party of goblins, until more came from all sides of the village. Benkei and Kyodo soon found themselves surrounded. The goblins were larger then the ones they fought, and they seemed more organized. Suddenly a spear shot through the skull of one goblin. It fell over as the others turned to see Soyen charge right at them. She ducked under an incoming sword, and punched upwards, knocking a goblin off it's feet. She spun past another, and grabbed her spear. She backed up to Benkei and Kyodo.
Benkei was shocked at how Soyen fought. He grinned, "Soyen, didn't think you could fight like that." Said Benkei.
"Why?" Snapped Soyen.
"N-No reason, nevermind!" Benkei shivered. He looked around at the other goblins.
"Benkei?" He heard Eshun's voice behind the stunned goblins. Eshun slowly walked into the village, she looked around, as if it was all normal. "Benkei, where are you? What kind of dream is this?" Asked Eshun to herself.
Benkei quickly rushed forward, stabbing his sword into another goblin, and standing in front of Eshun. "Eshun, you need to get out of here!" Exclaimed Benkei. "You don't have a weapon!"
"But..." Eshun yawned. "You know I can take care of myself..."
The goblins ran in at Kyodo and Soyen as Benkei and Eshun argued. Kyodo and Soyen grinned. "Time for our team special attack!" Soyen jumped as high as she could, while Kyodo swung his axe into several goblins. She swung her spear downwards at the still standing goblins. The goblins shouted and shrieked as blood went down their faces, blinding them. Kyodo and Soyen quickly finished them off.
Eshun was more awake at the end of the argument. "Wait...This isn't a dream?" Asked Eshun, staring at the destroyed village.
"This is reality!" Said Benkei.
"Oh..." Eshun looked around. "So then Kyodo and Soyen really took down all the goblins?"
"What..." Benkei turned around to see all the goblins dead, with Kyodo and Soyen take a pose and shouting about justice. "Hey! I wanted to help!" Exclaimed Benkei.
"Too bad novice." Said Soyen with a grin. "Elites don't need help-"
"Behind you!" Screamed Eshun. The fire dispersed as the larger goblin that sat on the house landed. It had no weapon, and veins could be seen bulging all over it. It pushed both Kyodo and Soyen back. They flew into Benkei and Eshun, and the goblin grinned. The group quickly jumped back to their feet.
"So can I help with this one?" Asked Benkei with a grin.
Soyen didn't answer. She just sighed and took a stance, she ignored the pain that surged through her body. Kyodo did the same. The goblin let out a loud laugh, and began walking closer. Benkei ran towards it, and swung his blade. There was a loud, cracking noise, and blood. A small cut was left on the goblin's arm, and shattered pieces of Benkei's sword fell to the ground, others flew and impaled him. Benkei stood and stared in disbelief at his broken sword. His hands shook as he dropped the hilt. The goblin swatted Benkei while he was stunned and he flew back into the wall of a house. Benkei lied lifelessly on the ground.
"Benkei!" Exclaimed Eshun.
"Damn it!" Soyen charged in at it. It laughed and grabbed her spear, and tossed her while she held it.
"No!" Kyodo ran in, and swung his axe. It went half way through the goblin's arm, it growled and punched Kyodo back. The axe remained in it's arm. Eshun stood alone facing the large goblin that slowly walked towards her, a large grin on it's face. Eshun backed up, continually glancing at Benkei's body. Tears ran down her face.
"Benkei!" Screamed Eshun, but no response. The goblin laughed as she yelled out his name more. "Benkei, be a hero!" Exclaimed Eshun. "Your parents...Think of their sacrifice..." Said Eshun quietly. Soyen's spear flew into the goblin's shoulder. It turned around to be kicked in the face by Soyen. She landed beside Eshun.
"Quit crying!" Commanded Soyen. "Kyodo's unconscious, and Benkei's...." She paused, and looked away. "W-We can't give up now!" Soyen spun her spear, and pointed it at the goblin. "We're going to kill this thing!"
"But..."
Soyen grinned, "then after all this, we'll have to lecture Benkei about running into these kinds of things so early in the morning."
Eshun smiled, and took a strange stance. "Yah." Eshun held one hand back, and another facing the ground. Her feet were close together.
Soyen charged in, and swung her spear at the goblin. It blocked, and the spear stabbed the axe, breaking it out of the goblin's arm. It flinched as blood rushed out of the deep wound. Soyen grinned and stabbed her spear into it's wound. It shouted in rage, and swung it's other hand at her. The hand turned to ash before it touched her. The goblin yelled out in pain, and stepped back swinging it's wounded arm. Soyen looked behind to see Eshun still in her stance, her eyes focused on the goblin. Her body was cased in a strange red aura. The aura dispersed and she almost fell back. She stood upright, trying to keep her balance. Soyen was surprised, but turned back towards the goblin, deciding to hold her questions for later.
"I'll finish this!" Exclaimed Benkei before Soyen moved. She looked over at Benkei, he stood weakly, his legs shaking, and blood dripping from his chest. Eshun smiled when she saw Benkei, and she sat down.
"You idiot! You have no weapon!" Exclaimed Soyen.
"That's what Eshun said too, but look what she did." Said Benkei with a grin.
"Tch, novice. Fine, get yourself killed!" Said Soyen with a shrug.
"Soyen, you have to-"
"Nope, let's see what he'll do." Said Soyen, interrupting Eshun.
"Hey!" Exclaimed Benkei as he walked forward. A grin stretched across his face. "That sword..." He began to walk faster. "It belonged to someone very dear to me." Benkei ran and punched the goblin. It took several steps back, trying to keep it's balance. It turned to Benkei, and raised it's one arm weakly. The two faced each other. Benkei then dashed towards the goblin, and kicked it's leg. It flinched, but stayed up, and smacked Benkei back. Benkei tumbled backwards, but jumped back up. Blood soaked Benkei's shirt now. "A hero never dies..." He ran in, and rolled under it's incoming fist. He grabbed Kyodo's axe, and took a stance. The goblin shouted and ran at him. Benkei held his arm back, and then grinned. "Benkei's special attack!" Exclaimed Benkei. He spun and tossed the axe. It flew through the air towards the goblin. It rose it's arm to protect itself, but the axe sliced through it's arm and neck. The head rolled to the ground as the body fell backwards. Benkei grinned, and fell back.
The sun was now high up in the sky, it's heat only making the village hotter. Flames still roared in the village, but were soon put out by returning villagers. The dead were taken to one of the houses, for a later burial. Benkei woke up on the grass. He was in a new shirt, and his chest was covered in bandages. His hands were covered as well. He looked around, remembering everything. He looked at the village from outside it's gates. Villagers slowly returned and inside the village he heard his name being chanted. Benkei slowly stood up, and began to walk towards the village. "Oh, you're awake." Said Kyodo. Benkei turned to see Kyodo sitting in the grass, he was bandaged as well. Kyodo was cleaning the blood off his axe. "You're a hero to this village, you know."
"Hehe, I can hear that." Said Benkei with a grin. "Where are Soyen and Eshun?" Asked Benkei.
"They're inside the village, Soyen said she needed to talk to Eshun about something."
"Oh."
"So why'd you throw my axe?" Asked Kyodo angrily.
"Eh?"
"You thew my axe at the goblin, you could of scratched it!" Shouted Kyodo as he waved his axe.
"Sorry!" Exclaimed Benkei. "It's okay now, at least."
"Yah, but if you use it again, please don't throw it..."
"Alright." Said Benkei with a grin, and he sat back down.
"How did you do that?" Asked Soyen.
"What do you mean?" Said Eshun.
"You burned the thing's arm off! How?"
"Oh, I used magic!" Said Eshun innocently.
"I know that!" Exclaimed Soyen. "But how? It's a lost art!"
"Not that lost." Said Eshun with a shrug. "My mother showed me..."
"Who was your mom?" Asked Soyen curiously.
"Akira." Said Eshun.
Both were silent for a moment. "Well, I guess we should check up on Benkei." Said Soyen after awhile. She's the daughter of her?! Soyen kept thinking about it as she and Eshun left the small house.

TO BE CONTINUED! XD this probably wasn't my best update, i'm trying something new with my writing! owo i wanted to make the sentences flow better, and it's gonna take some work getting good at it, so don't expect the best writing for awhile XD it may be a lil disorganized, and the plot is moving fast, but i plan to slow it down, and make it a lot better ;D more details, organized fights, and flowing sentences..THAT'S THE PLAN~! XD i really like this plot, so i don't plan to suddenly start a new story any time soon, i'm giving this story a lot of room to grow, so who knows what adventures will happen ;D and sorry about the fight in there, as i read over it, i realized how cheesy it sounded XD the main character suddenly waking up in the time of need, and doin' something epic, i'll need to work on that o3o i never wrote this much after the 'to be continued' before XD just wanted to let you, the fans, know ;D well, if anyone even reads these XD

The sun was replaced by the moon, and the wind caressed the leaves. The night stars shined dully in the sky, only visible as gray dots. Hoshin sat back in his wooden chair and sighed. He looked up at the sky through his window. "Looks like day two is almost done." Said Hoshin as he scratched the back of his head. "About five days to go till Benkei comes back with another lame excuse..." Hoshin stood up, stretched, and looked around the room. Maps hung all over the walls, plans were written on the back of the maps. "Father did like his maps..." Hoshin sighed, and looked at one. "He traveled to all these places to bring people to live in our village..." Hoshin walked away from the map, and out of the small room. He walked down the long hall, the floor was under a green carpet. At the end of the hall, he went outside, and leaned again the walls. Adopt his will. Hoshin shook his head. "Tch, like I'd waste my time on some little adventure, this village needs someone to lead it." Hoshin glanced over at a small, poorly built shed. He walked over to it, and looked in through the half open door. Inside was nothing, but a staff. The long wooden staff sat in a corner.
"I need to stop looking at this stuff." Said Hoshin with a shrug as he walked away. "I can't be wasting time, we still need to find a good trade partner who will sell us more seeds." He mumbled to himself as he walked back into his house.
"Hehe, it was a good thing the goblins didn't get to the food!" Laughed Benkei as he wobbled out of the village, he held his stomach, and smiled weakly.
"I think you ate too much." Said Eshun.
"I couldn't help it, it was a great battle. I needed to restore my strength." Said Benkei with a grin. He fell onto his back, and sighed. The grass tickled his ear, and grumbled as he sat up.
"I guess." Eshun smiled as she sat beside him. "So how do you feel?" Asked Eshun as she looked at Benkei.
"I feel great!" Said Benkei with a confident grin. He punched the air, "I think I can take on another goblin tribe!"
"Don't be so cocky, Benkei." Said Eshun with a sigh. "And I meant, how do you feel about your sword."
"..." Benkei lied back on the grass again, his arms behind his head so the grass wouldn't get in his ear. "I don't know." Said Benkei after a minute. "I still have the scabbard, and the hilt." He held the hilt up and examined it in the moonlight. "Maybe I could find a good blacksmith to put a new blade on it!" Said Benkei with an optimistic expression.
"Maybe." Said Eshun. She smiled at him, and lied beside him. "Benkei..."
"Hm?" Benkei looked at her, and Eshun blushed. She looked up at the stars, the moon, and birds that flew overhead.
The time feels right... Eshun took a deep breath, "Benkei I-"
"Hey novice!" Exclaimed Soyen, scaring both Eshun and Benkei.
"Eh?" Benkei looked to see Soyen walking out of the village, she stared down at him for a moment. "What?" Asked Benkei, a little afraid.
"I need to talk to you in private." Said Soyen.
"About what?" Asked Benkei as he stood up.
"Just follow me." Said Soyen as she turned around and walked away from the village.
Benkei sighed, "I'll be right back Eshun." Said Benkei as he followed her. Eshun lied in the grass alone, and sighed.
"I'll have to tell him next time..."
The two walked far away from the village, and then Soyen stopped, and faced Benkei. "So what did you need to talk about?" Asked Benkei.
"Your sword broke, so you need another way of fighting." Said Soyen in a disgusted tone. "So I guess I'll train you."
"Train me? In what?"
"Don't ask questions,novice!" Snapped Soyen. "You need some fighting techniques, to make up for the loss of your sword."
"I can defend myself without it!"
"No back talking to your master." Said Soyen with a grin. "You need to learn to fight without a weapon, and not just swinging a punch and a kick and hoping it'll knock out the enemy."
"Eh..." Benkei grew silent, and thought about it. "What kind of techniques?"
"Well, novice." Said Soyen as she crossed her arms. "All kinds, and..." She grinned, and laughed a little. "Being your master makes me the leader!"
"I'm the leader!" Exclaimed Benkei.
"Ha, not without a proper weapon or fight techniques." Said Soyen slyly. "So you're just going to have to be a good little apprentice, and-"
"Fine." Said Benkei.
"Don't interrupt your master, and now leader." Said Soyen with a grin. "Now as I was saying, you're going to do what I say, and follow my instructions. Soon, you'll be able to fight without a weapon!"
"I can't wait." Said Benkei in a bored tone.
"Hey, at least sound interested!" Exclaimed Soyen.
Benkei sighed, "well, how about a little practice match?" Asked Benkei.
"Now?
"Yah, I learn best when in battle. I'll just watch your attacks, and I'll learn that way."
Soyen grinned at the chance to put Benkei in his place. "Alright then, let's have a practice match. She took a stance.
Benkei just stood, and raised his arms. "Ready when you are."

TO BE CONTINUED! XD

"I have a question." Said Kyodo as he pushed his empty plate away from him. He sat at a large table, filled with the surviving villagers. The leader of the village sat at the head of the table.
"Ask." Said the leader. He wore somewhat fine clothing, not royalty.. He grinned as he ate more food.
"While on our way here, Benkei, you're hero and my companion, ran into a strange beast. He and Soyen managed to kill it, but the creature was huge, with claws and it's tail had spikes on it." Kyodo paused to see the king drop his food in shock.
"T-They killed it!?" Exclaimed the leader as he jumped from his seat. The villagers cheered, and the leader smiled. "It has been preventing travelers from going through that forest for years!" Exclaimed the leader as he raised his glass to the air. Kyodo pushed his chair back so the wine inside it wouldn't spill on him.
"So what kind of creature was it? Where did it come from?" Asked Kyodo.
"We do not know." Said the leader as he calmed down. "We asked a nearby kingdom about it, they had no idea, and sent some of their knights over to investigate, but the knights were all slaughtered."
How did those two manage to slay something even trained knights couldn't defeat!? Kyodo shook his head and sighed. "Well, thank you for the feast, and the hospitality." Said Kyodo as he got out of his chair.
"It was our pleasure!" Said the leader cheerfully.
Kyodo smiled and nodded, then began to leave. He looked around at the walls, they were scratched, had holes, and blood stains. How this village could remain so happy and optimistic is beyond me... He left the large dining hall, and went outside. He walked by the destroyed village homes. He shivered at the sight of the small corpses. He looked straight and walked by it all, hoping it wouldn't come back to haunt him in a dream or memory. He approached the gates, and he heard talking.
"Novice, why do you like lying on the grass so much?" Asked Soyen. She sat against the wooden gates of the village. Beside her were Eshun and Benkei, both lying on their backs in the grassy field.
"It's relaxing." Said Benkei calmly. "And you get a better view of the stars when you're lying down like this."
"And the grass is soft, it's so nice." Added Eshun.
"Tch, doesn't sounds that nice or relaxing." Said Soyen. "With all the bugs that could be crawling around in there..."
"Oh? You afraid of bugs?" Asked Benkei slyly.
"Shouldn't you have out grown that fear?" Asked Eshun as she rolled over to face Soyen.
"Eh? I'm not afraid of them!" Snapped Soyen. "Just you don't know what they carry with them, and such."
"Heh, whatever you say." Said Benkei.
"Shut it, novice!" She kicked his Benkei's head.
"Hey!"
"You should be more respectful of your master, you know." Said Soyen with a grin.
"Master?"Eshun sat up, confused.
"It's nothing." Mumbled Benkei.
Soyen grinned, and enjoyed the look of Benkei being defeated. I think I really will enjoy this adventure, it'll be fun at least.

TO BE CONTINUED! XD

I like this plot a lot but I don't feel ready to continue it ;o hard to explain, but I feel like I need to get better at writing first, then I want to rewrite this story, making it slower, better, and hopefully someday even a classic. No one reads these though, so I'm basically just reassuring myself I'll come back to this story XD