Post by Reikiko on Mar 14, 2015 16:55:38 GMT
It was early in the morning when this particular story began, an early winter morning somewhere in the middle of the week... a Wednesday as they liked to call that particular day. It was when the first rays of sunlight accompanied the period known as dawn that the little bio-android was rapidly soaring through the sky. She had just left the timeless lookout for a little trip, and yet it was a trip of extreme value. Today was the day she was going to visit a certain warrior within the Bamboo Forest in the hope of finally obtaining the right to learn the whereabouts of the elusive Crane Sensei. It was this woman who had taught the bio-android's sister the fierce techniques that she had used during their fight, and it was she who was hopefully holding the key for Reikiko to obtain more power. While until now most of her meetings with Saiyan were... to put it mildly: unfavorable, the last encounter with the female warrior known as Aspergia had drawn a certain sense of acceptance toward the Saiyan. Certainly, she was a proud and arrogant woman who often had the attitude of that one curse word that was often used for a female dog, but she also had the strength and wisdom to accompany her confidence.
It was Aspergia who taught her the importance of being capable of feeling emotions, and while they were a double-edged blade, their usefulness was undeniable. Slowly she descended toward the trees, having memorized the location of the cave that the warrior liked to use as a shelter. To be honest, she had grown a bit curious about the reason behind the woman's decision to avoid contact with her species, or most people in general. Reikiko did knew the Saiyan had a brother, so she likely didn't live entirely in solitude until recently. Of course, knowing the Saiyan's personality there was likely some sort of reason behind her hermit-like existence, a reason that was either too complicated for her to understand, or was merely not her business. The moment her feet landed on the ground Reikiko found the Saiyan already waiting at the entrance of the cave.
"Good morning Aspergia."
The Saiyan seemed slightly surprised by the civilized greeting of the bio-android, albeit it was a pleasant surprise for she nodded her head lightly in response while waving one of her gauntleted hands in response. However, at the same time Reikiko was walking up to the warrior the girl could sense an overwhelming presence from right behind her, a presence that was not there a moment ago!
"So this is the girl you're talking about? She reminds me of someone..."
A feminine voice resounded from behind her, causing Reikiko to instantly turn around to face the one who had snuck up on her. Standing before her was a young woman, tall of build with a slightly tanned light brown-colored skin. Her body was trained, a sign that was evident from the lean muscles on her arms and legs, and the fact that Reikiko could easily spot the traditional weights that martial art practitioners attached to their clothes.
"You are..."
The woman looked down at her, those emerald-green colored eyes gazing intensely into her own. It was as if the woman was reading her very thoughts merely through that gaze, and for a moment Reikiko couldn't help but find herself growing slightly restless. This was clearly a person who you couldn't simply deceive through words... No, those eyes could clearly see the very nature of one's soul! However, after a moment the woman grinned sheepishly, as if she had realized that she had not properly introduced herself.
"I am Tamako, the current master of the martial arts dojo that practices an ancient school that is passed down from one generation of masters into the other. You may have heard of me as the 'Crane Sensei'.
Could it be possible... Was this the woman who had trained her sister and taught her those deathly techniques? Honestly, the sheer surprise of it all felt kind of overwhelming. It was undeniable that this person their power was to be reckoned, in the end her presence alone already felt so intense that with her weights still on she could likely defeat Reikiko at her base, but she had imagined a dojo sensei of such reputation to be an old hag! Not a pretty woman who might had been in her mid-twenties?!
"Surprised? I get that reaction a lot. Your sister responded like a mirror image of your own reaction."
Honestly, at this point she was really starting to feel as if this woman could read her like some sort of book. For a moment silence lingered in the air, when suddenly the sensei extended a hand in a greeting.
"From what I was told your name is Reikiko right? It's a pleasure to meet ya."
Nodding her head lightly in response Reikiko raised a hand, politely shaking it more out of respect for the woman's overwhelming presence, rather than an actual desire to act friendly. This woman's personality really was difficult to follow. For a moment Reikiko remained silent, before she asked in a curious tone.
"You know my sister?"
Now she thought about it... Keiko had been rather silent since they left the timeless lookout, and even a mental nudge didn't make the crimson-colored bio-android emerge. Was she perhaps giving her some privacy? Or was she scheming something? In the end her sister certainly was an unpredictable individual.
"Of course I do, she was a rather promising student. In fact she told me her elder sister would someday come. Of course I didn't expect that the girl Aspergia mentioned would have been Keiko's sister."
It was pretty much confirmed then. This was the woman she had been seeking, and the one person who might possibly possess a clue about how she could obtain more power. However, the question remained whether this sensei was going to be willing to teach her or not. Aspergia said that she was only willing to teach a certain type of student, while her sister Keiko mentioned that her sensei's nature was rather 'unusual'. Then again, she wasn't the type to hesitate on an important matter like that.
"I came here in the hope of being taught by the Crane Sensei."
The woman smiled briefly at Reikiko's matter of fact tone, before suddenly showing a much more serious expression. It was clear that Reikiko's words had made it clear that this was no joking matter, and after making another firm gaze at the girl the sensei finally started speaking, the words that flowed being quite surprising for her.
"Do you like martial arts?"
It was a question that despite its silly nature was spoken with a surprisingly serious intonation, it was certain that this question that was asked by the sensei had held some form of importance, but what that might had been was something she was uncertain of. What purpose did such a question hold? Was she trying to test her on something? Closing her eyes for a moment Reikiko pondered deeply about the matter, before she opened her eyes, a confident look found within those blue-colored irises while she declared proudly.
"I love martial arts."
There was not a single bit of deception in this words. In the end to her martial arts was one of the few things that truly brought out a certain feeling of excitement within her. It was also the only method where she could truly communicate with another person. Her upbringing as a creature that aimed to become the strongest warrior in existence had allowed her to learn to understand a person through the exchange of blows, a quality only true masters of the martial arts possessed. Nevertheless, it seemed those words were the ones the Crane Sensei wanted to hear, for her lips curved into a smirk and her voice was filled with enthusiasm.
"I like that look in your eyes. Very well! Reikiko, I shall personally train you in the way my predecessor had taught me."
After turning her back at Reikiko the Crane Sensei pointed into the distance, a curious fact being that it was the same direction the wooden cottage she had once lived in before being taken in by Scargot, had been located at.
"I think your training will be best done in a place like this. There's an abandoned cottage over there that I been recently using when I like to practice on my own. How about we start using that cottage as our place to stay during our training?"
While it sounded intriguing, she had to admit she was a bit curious about the fact that the sensei didn't mention going to a city or something. She had been told that a martial arts master usually had a dojo, so she assumed that they would had been living at a temple or another place with other students.
"But what about your other students?"
For a moment the Crane Sensei paused, seemingly considering something for a moment. It was after this short silence that the sound of a soft chuckle came from behind her, causing Aspergia to cross her arms beneath her chest and explain with a hint of amusement in her voice.
"Tamako doesn't have any other students. As I mentioned she's an odd case as a teacher."
Hearing those words the Crane Sensei pouted in mild annoyance while shouting back at the Saiyan.
"I'm not weird! It's just that I only train those who are worthy of my time. Now let us depart Reikiko, lest you become infected by Aspergia's dumbness."
Clearly having struck a nerve in her friend Aspergia snickered teasingly while waving toward the departing Crane Sensei, causing Reikiko to quickly follow after her mentor while the Saiyan's voice resounded behind them.
"Take care Reikiko, see ya later Tamako."
It took them only several minutes, maybe a quarter of an hour at most to get to their destination. However, not a single word was spoken during their walk. It wasn't that her mentor was being rude or anything, rather... it was Reikiko who was trying to grasp the meaning of Aspergia's words. Why did the Crane Sensei accept her as a student?
"Tamako-sensei, why did you acknowledge my request to be trained?"
When those words had been spoken the Crane Sensei had just opened the door to the cottage, gesturing for Reikiko to follow her inside. It was a suggestion she eagerly followed, and once inside the girl couldn't help but feel a certain sense of nostalgia coming from the place. It seemed almost entirely the same as the place she had left behind several months ago, aside from the fact that the basket with apples had been left empty.
"Do you know what I seek in a student?"
What could a sensei possibly seek in a martial arts practitioner? Was it strength? That seemed like the most logical answer, but it was clearly not the answer Tamako sought, for she sat down on a nearby chair and continued speaking.
"What I seek in a student are 3 things: The desire to become strong, the need for guidance, and a genuine love for martial arts. Your eyes tell me that you possess all those things. It's for that reason I will teach you everything I know, just like I taught your sister before you."
Nodding her head gently in acknowledgement Reikiko watched the Crane Sensei close her eyes for a moment, a peaceful smile lingering on her lips.
"Did you know that martial arts masters can often understand a person merely from sensing their ki? While most of us need to actually fight someone to understand them, I myself am able to recognize those feelings just by sensing someone's ki. You really are an interesting one."
The Crane Sensei smiled down at her, her eyes softening as she opened them again, gazing down at her while she continued speaking in a gentle tone.
"Unlike your sister you feel akin to a lost child. I can see there is potential within you, but you are lost and without a path to follow. However, I can't make you walk a path. I can only give you the power to decide your own path to follow. But I'm confident that whatever path you take, it will be a fascinating one to see."
How curious... That gentle yet confident tone seemed to remind her of a certain Namekian. However, it appeared Reikiko had little time to question those words and feelings, for the woman's eyes sharpened into a focused gaze while she continued speaking, her tone a lot more serious than before.
"Our school focused on three specific techniques to accompany your own original creations. The first technique I will teach you is truly a deathly weapon in a fight."
For a moment the sensei paused, noticing the look of curiosity in Reikiko's eyes, and grinning softly at her student Tamako continued speaking.
"While it might lack any serious damage, this technique is known to produce such a powerful flash of light that it can temporarily blind anyone around you. Have you ever had an opponent charge up a powerful attack? Obviously most people would focus on avoiding the attack, or defending against it... This technique however, allows us to create a defensive maneuver in the form of blinding our very opponent, and likely causing them to misfire their blast. This is what we call 'Solar Flare'"
Solar Flare... It was an interesting name. However, how would one produce such an energy that could blind someone? It likely needed to be a very strong surge of energy to produce a flash that would blind someone.
"Solar Flare is in essence a technique that most people create by focusing a high density of ki into a single spot. I myself do it like this..."
The sensei raised her hands toward the side of her face, making a inwards pointing gesture with her fingers, before suddenly a surge of ki accompanied a blinding flash that literally illuminated the whole room like a flash-bang. For Reikiko the sheer strength of this flash had been so intense she had been left temporarily blinded, struggling to regain her vision, and while after several long seconds she did finally regain her ability to see, it left her vision blurry for a bit longer.
"It's a strong flash, isn't it?"
Yeah right, that was a god be damned flash bang! Chuckling softly at the clear annoyance in Reikiko's face the sensei seemed to think for a moment, before explaining with a smile.
"Did you notice that my gesture kind of put you on your guard? That's part of the strategy. By making the motion in such a way that it appears that you're about to make an attack... The enemy will look at you more cautiously, and that's your moment to strike."
So basically she had to prepare a motion that would make her enemy aware of her attack? It sounded pretty fascinating, to fool an enemy into raising their guard, just so that you could blind them instead. It was actually a pretty clever tactic!
"For the time being I'd like you to create your own Solar Flare attack, it will be a simple test. I'm going to try to interrupt any obvious motions, so make sure to catch me off-guard."
Nodding her head firmly in acknowledgement, the bio-android raised her hands upwards, about to place them sideways next to her face, but before she could channel the necessary amount of Ki into it, Reikiko found her forehead poked, the attack making her topple backwards.
"Repeating me is too obvious! Think of your own motion."
Grumbling in annoyance Reikiko decided to do the best thing she could think of. If this attack was meant to raise her opponent's guard... Then let it be a reason for them to get wary! Rising back up onto her feet Reikiko raised a hand forwards, a sphere of energy gathering before her outstretched hand. It seemed her strategy had been effective so far, for the Crane Sensei instantly moved backwards toward the wall, ready to take a potential ki attack from her annoyed disciple, when suddenly the bio-android grinned.
"SOLAR FLARE!"
In an instant the sphere burst itself open into a flash of light, one that she had closed her eyes for just in time, and like she had expected the sheer intensity of the attack had blinded the whole room, a flash even stronger than the one her sensei had produced much earlier.
"Hahaha! That was some fine trickery just now Reikiko. To use such an offensive gesture would make anyone assume you were about to blast them into oblivion. It seems the Solar Flare will be quite easy for you to adapt to. Then again, your sister shared the same aptitude for studying, just... she lacked originality."
A brief smile lingered on her lips as she felt Keiko's annoyance at those words, the crimson-colored girl pouting visibly within a mental image that had been present in the corner of the room. However, it appeared that instead of learning another technique, the woman had another type of training in mind.
"Before we move on... Let us talk a bit."
A conversation? Tilting her head to the side in confusion, Reikiko couldn't help but show a visible sign of her lack of understanding behind the purpose of such an event. Why would they be talking, of all possible things? She had assumed there would had been much better things to do, rather than just hold a conversation for a bit.
"What drives you to seek out power?"
What was it... The thing that made her desire to become stronger? Was it her wish to become the perfect being? Maybe it had even been a desire to become strong and protect the people she cared for. For a moment she paused, seemingly trying to get a grasp of what had driven her.
"It's to find my own purpose... I was created with the sole intention of becoming the perfect being in existence, a true god as one might have called such a being. However, in order to ascend into such a state of being I would have to live my life as a parasite... That isn't something I wish to do. Nevertheless, if there's a way to obtain power, and find my own purpose, a path to call my own, then it's a way I will follow."
The Crane Sensei nodded her head gently at those words, seemingly considering the explanation carefully, before she leaned forwards a little and petted the bio-android on her head, a gesture of affection that seemingly bewildered Reikiko.
"Did you know that I once thought like you? My father, the previous Crane Sensei was a powerful martial arts master. One could say he was among the strongest humans to live on the planet in our current time... However, as his daughter I was often forced to acknowledge that a great expectation was left on my shoulders. To surpass a man as great as him, it sounded like an impossible feat to me. I actually thought it was something beyond my capacities, something I couldn't do by myself. It was at that time my father told me something curious: Masters aren't born, they are made."
A master wasn't born... but they were made? Could this had been a way to describe the fact that a Martial Arts master didn't simply obtain their powers, but trained with feverous zeal and dedication? As if she was reading Reikiko's question the Crane Sensei smiled calmly while she explained in a cheerful tone.
"I realized that the meaning of those words is to never give up. Always continue your pursuit for power, for there will always be someone more powerful for you to chase. If training doesn't provide you with the ability to grow stronger, then find worthy opponents to defeat, and grow in power through those clashes."
That sounded logical, and it reminded her a little of a more combative description of what Scargot might had said. However, it was at that time that her sensei seemed to consider that it was time for a little break.
"Anyway, let us get something to eat. Anything you like? Shall I have someone deliver a pizza?"
A pizza delivery in the middle of the Bamboo Forest? That sounded like an amusing thing to imagine. Nevertheless, after a short moment of silence Reikiko shook her head and spoke in a sot tone that almost bordered a whisper.
"Apples..."
Blinking in surprise the Crane Sensei looked with a hint of amusement at Reikiko, while replying in a questioning tone.
"A Pizza with only apple slices? That sounds... odd."
Who in the world even ate a pizza without any cheese or salami on it? Of course pizza sauce was a demonic invention that should have left such a holy object alone, and yet it seemed Reikiko wanted a Pizza with apple slices?
"No... Just an apple, like the ones that grow from a tree?"
Well, she wasn't sure if apples even grew anywhere else... They might had, with human technology those days she wouldn't be surprised if someone put a apple seed into a container filled with liquid, and a few seconds later an apple popped out of it! A portable apple factory, now that would be a suitable tribute to please the death goddess--- ahem Reikiko.
"Sure, that should be easy to get. Shall we pick some up while I call for a pizza? We'll likely have to pick it up at the edge of the forest anyway. Those scared pizza delivery boys refuse to enter the forest, with all the wild animals around."
Nodding her head gently in acknowledgement Reikiko soon found herself walking amidst the trees that led toward the outskirts of the Bamboo Forest, and after a short pause the Crane Sensei stopped beside a large apple tree, raising a fingertip when all of a sudden a small ray of ki blasted the twig that was attaching the apple to the branch, causing the apple to fall into her hands.
"This is the Dodonpa Ray, a special technique that allows you to create an explosion at the point of impact, the explosion depending on how much ki you put into it. In this case I made it miniscule so as not to damage the apple."
Reikiko nodded her head lightly at the explanation, before suddenly swishing her tail forwards, having her stinger lightly dig into the apple. The gesture seemed to cause a chuckle from the Crane Sensei, who looked with a hint of fascination as the apple suddenly shriveled, the substance being sucked into her tail.
"Didn't expect you to eat in 'such' a way."
Her cheeks flushing up lightly at the comment Reikiko crossed her arms beneath her chest and turned her head sideways, mumbling softly.
"It tastes more delicious when I absorb them."
After their silly bantering Reikiko found herself at the edge of the forest, and after a young human on a hovering motor arrived to deliver the meal the Crane Sensei had ordered, the two of them returned toward the cottage. It was during their meal that Reikiko couldn't help but admire the easygoing and straightforward attitude of this woman. She was easy to understand, and kind of pleasant to interact with. It was several hours after they had finished their meal, that the Crane Sensei made the suggestion for them to go to sleep. It was a bit of a curious suggestion, especially since Reikiko didn't exactly feel tired just yet. Nevertheless, when she was about to object her mentor grinned briefly while explaining in a cheerful tone.
"You're going to need the sleep, your training from now on is going to become hectic."
Several weeks had passed since her dedicated training under Tamako, and just like the rumors of the Crane Sensei had told her, the woman was a peculiar person. When it was a training moment she usually got pretty serious and strict in her approach, but outside of those moments she was a cheerful and easygoing lady. Nevertheless, those weeks of spending her time alongside the sensei caused Reikiko to develop a certain fondness for the woman, and if she had been a human herself Reikiko might had even considered those feelings of affection akin to that of a sibling's love. Of course one might had assumed that Reikiko knew what affection for a sibling might had been, being that she had sisters herself... But there was no sense of affection between her and her sisters, even if Keiko was likely to say otherwise. It was on the third month of her training that Reikiko had reached a special stage of development: She was about to learn the attack known as the Kikoho.
She still remembered that attack from the time she was on the receiving end of Keiko's assault. The Kikoho was a powerful, borderline deathly attack that possessed an overwhelming amount of power, in exchange for using a person's very own life-force and vitality. Tamako had insisted that while she was willing to teach Reikiko such a powerful move, it would have to become considered an ace card. A technique that she could only use in the most desperate of moments.
"Heh, to think you learned what I had to teach you in only a few months... It took me years to master those moves. Perhaps I'm even seeing a Martial Arts Master in you Reikiko."
The Crane Sensei chuckled playfully as she sat beside Reikiko on a tree stump right next to the back of the cottage. It was on a cliff overlooking the forest grounds, a beautiful scenery, especially when it was early in the morning like the way it had been currently.
"My sister becoming a Martial Arts Master? That sounds adorable."
An unfamiliar feminine voice came from behind them, causing Reikiko and the Crane Sensei to instantly jump off the stump, turning to face the source of the sound. A tall and slender build woman was floating in the air above the cottage, her hands folded up beneath her green colored carapace armor, and a tail akin to Reikiko's own was swaying back and forth behind her. It was rather curious that they had not sensed the woman's ki presence, and even now she could not exactly pinpoint the power level of the individual.
"Do you have any business with me or my student?"
It was clear from the serious tone in Tamako's voice that the Crane Sensei was rather wary of this stranger's intentions, a wariness that seemed justified, for the bio-android descended toward the surface, her feet slowly stepping onto the grass as she stood between the cottage and the duo.
"I do. Since my adorable sister didn't visit me yet, despite such a long time having passed... I decided to pay her a visit myself. It's rather sad that you of all the sisters are having the slowest progress 'Onee-sama'. You are the first sister, and yet on terms of survival chances you're near the bottom. That's why I decided to be a nice little sister and teach you a secret. The secret of how to ascend into becoming the same semi-perfect form that I possess."
For a moment Reikiko's eyes widened in disbelief, realizing rather quickly that the bio-android in front of them was in fact the sister she had dreaded to meet. It was the only one among them to have already obtained a Semi-Perfect form... The Chimera sister known as Yuriko!
"I'm not sure whether your claims about your relationship with my student are true or not... But she has no interest in talking to you, so please leave..."
The bio-android turned her gaze toward Tamako, briefly looking her down before she chuckled softly, shaking her head in response to those words before glaring down at the Crane Sensei.
"I'm not talking to you Mongrel."
However, it seemed that refusal to listen would soon stir out a fight, for the moment Yuriko approached her, Reikiko found that the Crane Sensei had disappeared from sight, her weights dropping on the ground with loud slams, while suddenly reappearing right behind the adult bio-android. A elbow-blow was quickly deflected by the bio-android, who raised her free hand toward the side of her waist, and within the blink of an eye a powerful beam of energy was unleashed, blasting the Crane Sensei right into the cottage. The sheer display of power was enough to fill Reikiko with a feeling of dread, and when she tried to approach the battle Tamako's voice shouted back at her.
"Stay away Reikiko!"
A sudden surge of energy followed, and a large triangle-shaped beam rocketed right toward the bio-android from amidst the debris of the cottage, the beam creating a humongous explosion around the bio-android, one that was strong enough to kick up a cloud of smoke.
"Not too shabby."
Humming playfully the Bio-android dusted off the burnt ashes on her body, before suddenly charging up at the Crane Sensei, the two of them briefly exchanging in a series of blows, when Yuriko showed to be the superior one in speed, a fist to the stomach causing the Crane Sensei to topple forwards onto the ground, bits of blood being coughed out.
"Tamako!"
Shouting in worry Reikiko rushed over, her nimble body quickly enclosing any distance between herself and Yuriko, and while her leg swept downwards in an attempt to trip her opponent into opening her defense, Yuriko easily jumped upwards and used her leg to kick Reikiko backwards with enough force to send her reeling into a tree.
"Oh mai~ Did I just hear concern in your voice? Could it be that you care for this human? Then that would be perfect for what I am about to teach you. To obtain our perfect form we need to let ourselves become indulged by our emotions. Bask into them, feed into them so that we can grow stronger through them. This is done by devouring the one causing those strong feelings. So how about.."
Slowly raising her tail around Tamako's neck, the bio-android lifted her body upwards, a malicious smirk appearing on her lips.
"How about you absorb this woman, so that you can become the same kind of being as I am?"
Hearing those words caused Reikiko to hear mental alarms to resound through her mind. While the idea of obtaining more powerful and becoming the perfect being sounded like a pleasant idea to her... She wasn't going to sacrifice those she cared for in exchange for that power. That would be going entirely against Tamako and Scargot's teachings! Growling at her sister, it seemed Reikiko's glare was enough to explain that her sister intended to defy her, something that made Yuriko sigh softly.
"Not going to listen? Fine, then this woman has no use for us anymore."
The sound of a soft snap made Reikiko look with a mixture of terror and anger as the tail around the unconscious Crane Sensei slowly uncoiled itself, making the lifeless body of her mentor collapse onto the ground, while Yuriko slowly stepped away, as if she had just been done breaking a toy, and paid it no more attention.
"Tamako!"
Rushing over to her sensei's side Reikiko knelt down beside her, a simple look making it clear that the woman's neck had been snapped like a twig. Was this the power of her sister? Was even someone as powerful as her sensei being nothing but a toy, a minor nuisance to deal with by her sister? However, it was a fact that her defiance toward Yuriko had led to her mentor's death.
"Tamako... Wake up!"
Shaking her body lightly the girl found tears slowly flowing down from the corner of her eyes, the feeling of helplessness being a emotional torture to her. All this time she tried to follow their teachings. And yet it was getting clear to her that despite being trained personally by those masters... Reikiko had found herself to be still a weak and helpless person. She was truly considered insignificant compared to her sister... And yet, despite her weakness and fear Reikiko could feel a strong sense of rage and hatred boiling up within her. Hatred toward herself for being weak, and rage toward the loss of a beloved one.
"I-I I WON'T FORGIVE YOU!"
Shouting in anger Reikiko's ki started to flare up dramatically, sparks of crimson energy coursing around her, while the girl raised a hand, her finger pointing right toward the one person she wanted to kill, no matter the cost it would take.
"DODONPA!"
A highly condensed ki-beam soared toward the green-colored Bio-android, who seemed to grin at the visible challenge her sister had made. When the beam hit her right in the chest a huge blast came from the point of impact, an explosion that briefly blinded even her own vision, and when it faded away even the nearby trees had been blasted away, giving everyone in the forest an easy view of the cliff she had been fighting on.
"That's it, feelings like that will help you obtain the power you desire Reikiko."
However, despite those encouraging words Reikiko could only feel a single desire. The desire to obtain the means to kill this woman. This predator that called herself her sister, was the first person that Reikiko truly wanted to murder. Not just for her own sake, but for the sake of avenging her deceased mentor. Still, it seemed her blast had done little to actually damage the semi-perfect bio-android, for she slowly walked up to Reikiko.
"You can still do it, you know? Her body is still fresh, so you could have a snack."
Those cheerfully spoken words stirred her fury even more, causing Reikiko to rush forwards, her elbow attempting to land onto Yuriko's face, but instead the girl found herself grabbed mid-attack and tossed backwards right over Yuriko's body.
"Don't you dare talking about her as if she was a meal!"
She wasn't... Tamako wasn't a meal for her to devour and obtain power! Her sensei had been a friend, someone she truly cared and loved for, something that until now she could only say she genuinely felt for Scargot. Her ki was now visibly surging around her, coiling around her like a crimson-colored serpent, a battle between two predators being ready to unfold.
"Hmm, seems I'm sensing some approaching company. Excellent, maybe a few allies will make this an entertaining visit for me."
Wait, someone was approaching? Who could it have possibly been? No... more importantly, if someone did get toward this location, then they'd likely been in danger of suffering the same fate as her mentor did! She couldn't let that happen at all costs!
"Why, you look as if you're angry at the fact that you're about to get some help."
Smiling teasingly at her sister Yuriko seemed to hold no intentions of seriously attacking her, making it clear that she was waiting on whoever was about to arrive. Maybe it was Aspergia? If it was her, then perhaps they might had stood a chance! But now she understood why the Saiyan was seeking for revenge... The loss of a beloved one was a painful experience, and the hatred it stirred toward the one causing that loss, was so intense it tended to overwhelm all other emotions.
And yet in the back of her mind Reikiko couldn't help but wonder... Would things had been the same if she followed her old methods? If she had devoured someone and become a semi-perfect being, would she had possessed the power to protect those she cared for? It was clear that her mentors their way had its limitations, and if she remained weak... she would just continue to suffer those painful feelings...
It was Aspergia who taught her the importance of being capable of feeling emotions, and while they were a double-edged blade, their usefulness was undeniable. Slowly she descended toward the trees, having memorized the location of the cave that the warrior liked to use as a shelter. To be honest, she had grown a bit curious about the reason behind the woman's decision to avoid contact with her species, or most people in general. Reikiko did knew the Saiyan had a brother, so she likely didn't live entirely in solitude until recently. Of course, knowing the Saiyan's personality there was likely some sort of reason behind her hermit-like existence, a reason that was either too complicated for her to understand, or was merely not her business. The moment her feet landed on the ground Reikiko found the Saiyan already waiting at the entrance of the cave.
"Good morning Aspergia."
The Saiyan seemed slightly surprised by the civilized greeting of the bio-android, albeit it was a pleasant surprise for she nodded her head lightly in response while waving one of her gauntleted hands in response. However, at the same time Reikiko was walking up to the warrior the girl could sense an overwhelming presence from right behind her, a presence that was not there a moment ago!
"So this is the girl you're talking about? She reminds me of someone..."
A feminine voice resounded from behind her, causing Reikiko to instantly turn around to face the one who had snuck up on her. Standing before her was a young woman, tall of build with a slightly tanned light brown-colored skin. Her body was trained, a sign that was evident from the lean muscles on her arms and legs, and the fact that Reikiko could easily spot the traditional weights that martial art practitioners attached to their clothes.
"You are..."
The woman looked down at her, those emerald-green colored eyes gazing intensely into her own. It was as if the woman was reading her very thoughts merely through that gaze, and for a moment Reikiko couldn't help but find herself growing slightly restless. This was clearly a person who you couldn't simply deceive through words... No, those eyes could clearly see the very nature of one's soul! However, after a moment the woman grinned sheepishly, as if she had realized that she had not properly introduced herself.
"I am Tamako, the current master of the martial arts dojo that practices an ancient school that is passed down from one generation of masters into the other. You may have heard of me as the 'Crane Sensei'.
Could it be possible... Was this the woman who had trained her sister and taught her those deathly techniques? Honestly, the sheer surprise of it all felt kind of overwhelming. It was undeniable that this person their power was to be reckoned, in the end her presence alone already felt so intense that with her weights still on she could likely defeat Reikiko at her base, but she had imagined a dojo sensei of such reputation to be an old hag! Not a pretty woman who might had been in her mid-twenties?!
"Surprised? I get that reaction a lot. Your sister responded like a mirror image of your own reaction."
Honestly, at this point she was really starting to feel as if this woman could read her like some sort of book. For a moment silence lingered in the air, when suddenly the sensei extended a hand in a greeting.
"From what I was told your name is Reikiko right? It's a pleasure to meet ya."
Nodding her head lightly in response Reikiko raised a hand, politely shaking it more out of respect for the woman's overwhelming presence, rather than an actual desire to act friendly. This woman's personality really was difficult to follow. For a moment Reikiko remained silent, before she asked in a curious tone.
"You know my sister?"
Now she thought about it... Keiko had been rather silent since they left the timeless lookout, and even a mental nudge didn't make the crimson-colored bio-android emerge. Was she perhaps giving her some privacy? Or was she scheming something? In the end her sister certainly was an unpredictable individual.
"Of course I do, she was a rather promising student. In fact she told me her elder sister would someday come. Of course I didn't expect that the girl Aspergia mentioned would have been Keiko's sister."
It was pretty much confirmed then. This was the woman she had been seeking, and the one person who might possibly possess a clue about how she could obtain more power. However, the question remained whether this sensei was going to be willing to teach her or not. Aspergia said that she was only willing to teach a certain type of student, while her sister Keiko mentioned that her sensei's nature was rather 'unusual'. Then again, she wasn't the type to hesitate on an important matter like that.
"I came here in the hope of being taught by the Crane Sensei."
The woman smiled briefly at Reikiko's matter of fact tone, before suddenly showing a much more serious expression. It was clear that Reikiko's words had made it clear that this was no joking matter, and after making another firm gaze at the girl the sensei finally started speaking, the words that flowed being quite surprising for her.
"Do you like martial arts?"
It was a question that despite its silly nature was spoken with a surprisingly serious intonation, it was certain that this question that was asked by the sensei had held some form of importance, but what that might had been was something she was uncertain of. What purpose did such a question hold? Was she trying to test her on something? Closing her eyes for a moment Reikiko pondered deeply about the matter, before she opened her eyes, a confident look found within those blue-colored irises while she declared proudly.
"I love martial arts."
There was not a single bit of deception in this words. In the end to her martial arts was one of the few things that truly brought out a certain feeling of excitement within her. It was also the only method where she could truly communicate with another person. Her upbringing as a creature that aimed to become the strongest warrior in existence had allowed her to learn to understand a person through the exchange of blows, a quality only true masters of the martial arts possessed. Nevertheless, it seemed those words were the ones the Crane Sensei wanted to hear, for her lips curved into a smirk and her voice was filled with enthusiasm.
"I like that look in your eyes. Very well! Reikiko, I shall personally train you in the way my predecessor had taught me."
After turning her back at Reikiko the Crane Sensei pointed into the distance, a curious fact being that it was the same direction the wooden cottage she had once lived in before being taken in by Scargot, had been located at.
"I think your training will be best done in a place like this. There's an abandoned cottage over there that I been recently using when I like to practice on my own. How about we start using that cottage as our place to stay during our training?"
While it sounded intriguing, she had to admit she was a bit curious about the fact that the sensei didn't mention going to a city or something. She had been told that a martial arts master usually had a dojo, so she assumed that they would had been living at a temple or another place with other students.
"But what about your other students?"
For a moment the Crane Sensei paused, seemingly considering something for a moment. It was after this short silence that the sound of a soft chuckle came from behind her, causing Aspergia to cross her arms beneath her chest and explain with a hint of amusement in her voice.
"Tamako doesn't have any other students. As I mentioned she's an odd case as a teacher."
Hearing those words the Crane Sensei pouted in mild annoyance while shouting back at the Saiyan.
"I'm not weird! It's just that I only train those who are worthy of my time. Now let us depart Reikiko, lest you become infected by Aspergia's dumbness."
Clearly having struck a nerve in her friend Aspergia snickered teasingly while waving toward the departing Crane Sensei, causing Reikiko to quickly follow after her mentor while the Saiyan's voice resounded behind them.
"Take care Reikiko, see ya later Tamako."
It took them only several minutes, maybe a quarter of an hour at most to get to their destination. However, not a single word was spoken during their walk. It wasn't that her mentor was being rude or anything, rather... it was Reikiko who was trying to grasp the meaning of Aspergia's words. Why did the Crane Sensei accept her as a student?
"Tamako-sensei, why did you acknowledge my request to be trained?"
When those words had been spoken the Crane Sensei had just opened the door to the cottage, gesturing for Reikiko to follow her inside. It was a suggestion she eagerly followed, and once inside the girl couldn't help but feel a certain sense of nostalgia coming from the place. It seemed almost entirely the same as the place she had left behind several months ago, aside from the fact that the basket with apples had been left empty.
"Do you know what I seek in a student?"
What could a sensei possibly seek in a martial arts practitioner? Was it strength? That seemed like the most logical answer, but it was clearly not the answer Tamako sought, for she sat down on a nearby chair and continued speaking.
"What I seek in a student are 3 things: The desire to become strong, the need for guidance, and a genuine love for martial arts. Your eyes tell me that you possess all those things. It's for that reason I will teach you everything I know, just like I taught your sister before you."
Nodding her head gently in acknowledgement Reikiko watched the Crane Sensei close her eyes for a moment, a peaceful smile lingering on her lips.
"Did you know that martial arts masters can often understand a person merely from sensing their ki? While most of us need to actually fight someone to understand them, I myself am able to recognize those feelings just by sensing someone's ki. You really are an interesting one."
The Crane Sensei smiled down at her, her eyes softening as she opened them again, gazing down at her while she continued speaking in a gentle tone.
"Unlike your sister you feel akin to a lost child. I can see there is potential within you, but you are lost and without a path to follow. However, I can't make you walk a path. I can only give you the power to decide your own path to follow. But I'm confident that whatever path you take, it will be a fascinating one to see."
How curious... That gentle yet confident tone seemed to remind her of a certain Namekian. However, it appeared Reikiko had little time to question those words and feelings, for the woman's eyes sharpened into a focused gaze while she continued speaking, her tone a lot more serious than before.
"Our school focused on three specific techniques to accompany your own original creations. The first technique I will teach you is truly a deathly weapon in a fight."
For a moment the sensei paused, noticing the look of curiosity in Reikiko's eyes, and grinning softly at her student Tamako continued speaking.
"While it might lack any serious damage, this technique is known to produce such a powerful flash of light that it can temporarily blind anyone around you. Have you ever had an opponent charge up a powerful attack? Obviously most people would focus on avoiding the attack, or defending against it... This technique however, allows us to create a defensive maneuver in the form of blinding our very opponent, and likely causing them to misfire their blast. This is what we call 'Solar Flare'"
Solar Flare... It was an interesting name. However, how would one produce such an energy that could blind someone? It likely needed to be a very strong surge of energy to produce a flash that would blind someone.
"Solar Flare is in essence a technique that most people create by focusing a high density of ki into a single spot. I myself do it like this..."
The sensei raised her hands toward the side of her face, making a inwards pointing gesture with her fingers, before suddenly a surge of ki accompanied a blinding flash that literally illuminated the whole room like a flash-bang. For Reikiko the sheer strength of this flash had been so intense she had been left temporarily blinded, struggling to regain her vision, and while after several long seconds she did finally regain her ability to see, it left her vision blurry for a bit longer.
"It's a strong flash, isn't it?"
Yeah right, that was a god be damned flash bang! Chuckling softly at the clear annoyance in Reikiko's face the sensei seemed to think for a moment, before explaining with a smile.
"Did you notice that my gesture kind of put you on your guard? That's part of the strategy. By making the motion in such a way that it appears that you're about to make an attack... The enemy will look at you more cautiously, and that's your moment to strike."
So basically she had to prepare a motion that would make her enemy aware of her attack? It sounded pretty fascinating, to fool an enemy into raising their guard, just so that you could blind them instead. It was actually a pretty clever tactic!
"For the time being I'd like you to create your own Solar Flare attack, it will be a simple test. I'm going to try to interrupt any obvious motions, so make sure to catch me off-guard."
Nodding her head firmly in acknowledgement, the bio-android raised her hands upwards, about to place them sideways next to her face, but before she could channel the necessary amount of Ki into it, Reikiko found her forehead poked, the attack making her topple backwards.
"Repeating me is too obvious! Think of your own motion."
Grumbling in annoyance Reikiko decided to do the best thing she could think of. If this attack was meant to raise her opponent's guard... Then let it be a reason for them to get wary! Rising back up onto her feet Reikiko raised a hand forwards, a sphere of energy gathering before her outstretched hand. It seemed her strategy had been effective so far, for the Crane Sensei instantly moved backwards toward the wall, ready to take a potential ki attack from her annoyed disciple, when suddenly the bio-android grinned.
"SOLAR FLARE!"
In an instant the sphere burst itself open into a flash of light, one that she had closed her eyes for just in time, and like she had expected the sheer intensity of the attack had blinded the whole room, a flash even stronger than the one her sensei had produced much earlier.
"Hahaha! That was some fine trickery just now Reikiko. To use such an offensive gesture would make anyone assume you were about to blast them into oblivion. It seems the Solar Flare will be quite easy for you to adapt to. Then again, your sister shared the same aptitude for studying, just... she lacked originality."
A brief smile lingered on her lips as she felt Keiko's annoyance at those words, the crimson-colored girl pouting visibly within a mental image that had been present in the corner of the room. However, it appeared that instead of learning another technique, the woman had another type of training in mind.
"Before we move on... Let us talk a bit."
A conversation? Tilting her head to the side in confusion, Reikiko couldn't help but show a visible sign of her lack of understanding behind the purpose of such an event. Why would they be talking, of all possible things? She had assumed there would had been much better things to do, rather than just hold a conversation for a bit.
"What drives you to seek out power?"
What was it... The thing that made her desire to become stronger? Was it her wish to become the perfect being? Maybe it had even been a desire to become strong and protect the people she cared for. For a moment she paused, seemingly trying to get a grasp of what had driven her.
"It's to find my own purpose... I was created with the sole intention of becoming the perfect being in existence, a true god as one might have called such a being. However, in order to ascend into such a state of being I would have to live my life as a parasite... That isn't something I wish to do. Nevertheless, if there's a way to obtain power, and find my own purpose, a path to call my own, then it's a way I will follow."
The Crane Sensei nodded her head gently at those words, seemingly considering the explanation carefully, before she leaned forwards a little and petted the bio-android on her head, a gesture of affection that seemingly bewildered Reikiko.
"Did you know that I once thought like you? My father, the previous Crane Sensei was a powerful martial arts master. One could say he was among the strongest humans to live on the planet in our current time... However, as his daughter I was often forced to acknowledge that a great expectation was left on my shoulders. To surpass a man as great as him, it sounded like an impossible feat to me. I actually thought it was something beyond my capacities, something I couldn't do by myself. It was at that time my father told me something curious: Masters aren't born, they are made."
A master wasn't born... but they were made? Could this had been a way to describe the fact that a Martial Arts master didn't simply obtain their powers, but trained with feverous zeal and dedication? As if she was reading Reikiko's question the Crane Sensei smiled calmly while she explained in a cheerful tone.
"I realized that the meaning of those words is to never give up. Always continue your pursuit for power, for there will always be someone more powerful for you to chase. If training doesn't provide you with the ability to grow stronger, then find worthy opponents to defeat, and grow in power through those clashes."
That sounded logical, and it reminded her a little of a more combative description of what Scargot might had said. However, it was at that time that her sensei seemed to consider that it was time for a little break.
"Anyway, let us get something to eat. Anything you like? Shall I have someone deliver a pizza?"
A pizza delivery in the middle of the Bamboo Forest? That sounded like an amusing thing to imagine. Nevertheless, after a short moment of silence Reikiko shook her head and spoke in a sot tone that almost bordered a whisper.
"Apples..."
Blinking in surprise the Crane Sensei looked with a hint of amusement at Reikiko, while replying in a questioning tone.
"A Pizza with only apple slices? That sounds... odd."
Who in the world even ate a pizza without any cheese or salami on it? Of course pizza sauce was a demonic invention that should have left such a holy object alone, and yet it seemed Reikiko wanted a Pizza with apple slices?
"No... Just an apple, like the ones that grow from a tree?"
Well, she wasn't sure if apples even grew anywhere else... They might had, with human technology those days she wouldn't be surprised if someone put a apple seed into a container filled with liquid, and a few seconds later an apple popped out of it! A portable apple factory, now that would be a suitable tribute to please the death goddess--- ahem Reikiko.
"Sure, that should be easy to get. Shall we pick some up while I call for a pizza? We'll likely have to pick it up at the edge of the forest anyway. Those scared pizza delivery boys refuse to enter the forest, with all the wild animals around."
Nodding her head gently in acknowledgement Reikiko soon found herself walking amidst the trees that led toward the outskirts of the Bamboo Forest, and after a short pause the Crane Sensei stopped beside a large apple tree, raising a fingertip when all of a sudden a small ray of ki blasted the twig that was attaching the apple to the branch, causing the apple to fall into her hands.
"This is the Dodonpa Ray, a special technique that allows you to create an explosion at the point of impact, the explosion depending on how much ki you put into it. In this case I made it miniscule so as not to damage the apple."
Reikiko nodded her head lightly at the explanation, before suddenly swishing her tail forwards, having her stinger lightly dig into the apple. The gesture seemed to cause a chuckle from the Crane Sensei, who looked with a hint of fascination as the apple suddenly shriveled, the substance being sucked into her tail.
"Didn't expect you to eat in 'such' a way."
Her cheeks flushing up lightly at the comment Reikiko crossed her arms beneath her chest and turned her head sideways, mumbling softly.
"It tastes more delicious when I absorb them."
After their silly bantering Reikiko found herself at the edge of the forest, and after a young human on a hovering motor arrived to deliver the meal the Crane Sensei had ordered, the two of them returned toward the cottage. It was during their meal that Reikiko couldn't help but admire the easygoing and straightforward attitude of this woman. She was easy to understand, and kind of pleasant to interact with. It was several hours after they had finished their meal, that the Crane Sensei made the suggestion for them to go to sleep. It was a bit of a curious suggestion, especially since Reikiko didn't exactly feel tired just yet. Nevertheless, when she was about to object her mentor grinned briefly while explaining in a cheerful tone.
"You're going to need the sleep, your training from now on is going to become hectic."
Several weeks had passed since her dedicated training under Tamako, and just like the rumors of the Crane Sensei had told her, the woman was a peculiar person. When it was a training moment she usually got pretty serious and strict in her approach, but outside of those moments she was a cheerful and easygoing lady. Nevertheless, those weeks of spending her time alongside the sensei caused Reikiko to develop a certain fondness for the woman, and if she had been a human herself Reikiko might had even considered those feelings of affection akin to that of a sibling's love. Of course one might had assumed that Reikiko knew what affection for a sibling might had been, being that she had sisters herself... But there was no sense of affection between her and her sisters, even if Keiko was likely to say otherwise. It was on the third month of her training that Reikiko had reached a special stage of development: She was about to learn the attack known as the Kikoho.
She still remembered that attack from the time she was on the receiving end of Keiko's assault. The Kikoho was a powerful, borderline deathly attack that possessed an overwhelming amount of power, in exchange for using a person's very own life-force and vitality. Tamako had insisted that while she was willing to teach Reikiko such a powerful move, it would have to become considered an ace card. A technique that she could only use in the most desperate of moments.
"Heh, to think you learned what I had to teach you in only a few months... It took me years to master those moves. Perhaps I'm even seeing a Martial Arts Master in you Reikiko."
The Crane Sensei chuckled playfully as she sat beside Reikiko on a tree stump right next to the back of the cottage. It was on a cliff overlooking the forest grounds, a beautiful scenery, especially when it was early in the morning like the way it had been currently.
"My sister becoming a Martial Arts Master? That sounds adorable."
An unfamiliar feminine voice came from behind them, causing Reikiko and the Crane Sensei to instantly jump off the stump, turning to face the source of the sound. A tall and slender build woman was floating in the air above the cottage, her hands folded up beneath her green colored carapace armor, and a tail akin to Reikiko's own was swaying back and forth behind her. It was rather curious that they had not sensed the woman's ki presence, and even now she could not exactly pinpoint the power level of the individual.
"Do you have any business with me or my student?"
It was clear from the serious tone in Tamako's voice that the Crane Sensei was rather wary of this stranger's intentions, a wariness that seemed justified, for the bio-android descended toward the surface, her feet slowly stepping onto the grass as she stood between the cottage and the duo.
"I do. Since my adorable sister didn't visit me yet, despite such a long time having passed... I decided to pay her a visit myself. It's rather sad that you of all the sisters are having the slowest progress 'Onee-sama'. You are the first sister, and yet on terms of survival chances you're near the bottom. That's why I decided to be a nice little sister and teach you a secret. The secret of how to ascend into becoming the same semi-perfect form that I possess."
For a moment Reikiko's eyes widened in disbelief, realizing rather quickly that the bio-android in front of them was in fact the sister she had dreaded to meet. It was the only one among them to have already obtained a Semi-Perfect form... The Chimera sister known as Yuriko!
"I'm not sure whether your claims about your relationship with my student are true or not... But she has no interest in talking to you, so please leave..."
The bio-android turned her gaze toward Tamako, briefly looking her down before she chuckled softly, shaking her head in response to those words before glaring down at the Crane Sensei.
"I'm not talking to you Mongrel."
However, it seemed that refusal to listen would soon stir out a fight, for the moment Yuriko approached her, Reikiko found that the Crane Sensei had disappeared from sight, her weights dropping on the ground with loud slams, while suddenly reappearing right behind the adult bio-android. A elbow-blow was quickly deflected by the bio-android, who raised her free hand toward the side of her waist, and within the blink of an eye a powerful beam of energy was unleashed, blasting the Crane Sensei right into the cottage. The sheer display of power was enough to fill Reikiko with a feeling of dread, and when she tried to approach the battle Tamako's voice shouted back at her.
"Stay away Reikiko!"
A sudden surge of energy followed, and a large triangle-shaped beam rocketed right toward the bio-android from amidst the debris of the cottage, the beam creating a humongous explosion around the bio-android, one that was strong enough to kick up a cloud of smoke.
"Not too shabby."
Humming playfully the Bio-android dusted off the burnt ashes on her body, before suddenly charging up at the Crane Sensei, the two of them briefly exchanging in a series of blows, when Yuriko showed to be the superior one in speed, a fist to the stomach causing the Crane Sensei to topple forwards onto the ground, bits of blood being coughed out.
"Tamako!"
Shouting in worry Reikiko rushed over, her nimble body quickly enclosing any distance between herself and Yuriko, and while her leg swept downwards in an attempt to trip her opponent into opening her defense, Yuriko easily jumped upwards and used her leg to kick Reikiko backwards with enough force to send her reeling into a tree.
"Oh mai~ Did I just hear concern in your voice? Could it be that you care for this human? Then that would be perfect for what I am about to teach you. To obtain our perfect form we need to let ourselves become indulged by our emotions. Bask into them, feed into them so that we can grow stronger through them. This is done by devouring the one causing those strong feelings. So how about.."
Slowly raising her tail around Tamako's neck, the bio-android lifted her body upwards, a malicious smirk appearing on her lips.
"How about you absorb this woman, so that you can become the same kind of being as I am?"
Hearing those words caused Reikiko to hear mental alarms to resound through her mind. While the idea of obtaining more powerful and becoming the perfect being sounded like a pleasant idea to her... She wasn't going to sacrifice those she cared for in exchange for that power. That would be going entirely against Tamako and Scargot's teachings! Growling at her sister, it seemed Reikiko's glare was enough to explain that her sister intended to defy her, something that made Yuriko sigh softly.
"Not going to listen? Fine, then this woman has no use for us anymore."
The sound of a soft snap made Reikiko look with a mixture of terror and anger as the tail around the unconscious Crane Sensei slowly uncoiled itself, making the lifeless body of her mentor collapse onto the ground, while Yuriko slowly stepped away, as if she had just been done breaking a toy, and paid it no more attention.
"Tamako!"
Rushing over to her sensei's side Reikiko knelt down beside her, a simple look making it clear that the woman's neck had been snapped like a twig. Was this the power of her sister? Was even someone as powerful as her sensei being nothing but a toy, a minor nuisance to deal with by her sister? However, it was a fact that her defiance toward Yuriko had led to her mentor's death.
"Tamako... Wake up!"
Shaking her body lightly the girl found tears slowly flowing down from the corner of her eyes, the feeling of helplessness being a emotional torture to her. All this time she tried to follow their teachings. And yet it was getting clear to her that despite being trained personally by those masters... Reikiko had found herself to be still a weak and helpless person. She was truly considered insignificant compared to her sister... And yet, despite her weakness and fear Reikiko could feel a strong sense of rage and hatred boiling up within her. Hatred toward herself for being weak, and rage toward the loss of a beloved one.
"I-I I WON'T FORGIVE YOU!"
Shouting in anger Reikiko's ki started to flare up dramatically, sparks of crimson energy coursing around her, while the girl raised a hand, her finger pointing right toward the one person she wanted to kill, no matter the cost it would take.
"DODONPA!"
A highly condensed ki-beam soared toward the green-colored Bio-android, who seemed to grin at the visible challenge her sister had made. When the beam hit her right in the chest a huge blast came from the point of impact, an explosion that briefly blinded even her own vision, and when it faded away even the nearby trees had been blasted away, giving everyone in the forest an easy view of the cliff she had been fighting on.
"That's it, feelings like that will help you obtain the power you desire Reikiko."
However, despite those encouraging words Reikiko could only feel a single desire. The desire to obtain the means to kill this woman. This predator that called herself her sister, was the first person that Reikiko truly wanted to murder. Not just for her own sake, but for the sake of avenging her deceased mentor. Still, it seemed her blast had done little to actually damage the semi-perfect bio-android, for she slowly walked up to Reikiko.
"You can still do it, you know? Her body is still fresh, so you could have a snack."
Those cheerfully spoken words stirred her fury even more, causing Reikiko to rush forwards, her elbow attempting to land onto Yuriko's face, but instead the girl found herself grabbed mid-attack and tossed backwards right over Yuriko's body.
"Don't you dare talking about her as if she was a meal!"
She wasn't... Tamako wasn't a meal for her to devour and obtain power! Her sensei had been a friend, someone she truly cared and loved for, something that until now she could only say she genuinely felt for Scargot. Her ki was now visibly surging around her, coiling around her like a crimson-colored serpent, a battle between two predators being ready to unfold.
"Hmm, seems I'm sensing some approaching company. Excellent, maybe a few allies will make this an entertaining visit for me."
Wait, someone was approaching? Who could it have possibly been? No... more importantly, if someone did get toward this location, then they'd likely been in danger of suffering the same fate as her mentor did! She couldn't let that happen at all costs!
"Why, you look as if you're angry at the fact that you're about to get some help."
Smiling teasingly at her sister Yuriko seemed to hold no intentions of seriously attacking her, making it clear that she was waiting on whoever was about to arrive. Maybe it was Aspergia? If it was her, then perhaps they might had stood a chance! But now she understood why the Saiyan was seeking for revenge... The loss of a beloved one was a painful experience, and the hatred it stirred toward the one causing that loss, was so intense it tended to overwhelm all other emotions.
And yet in the back of her mind Reikiko couldn't help but wonder... Would things had been the same if she followed her old methods? If she had devoured someone and become a semi-perfect being, would she had possessed the power to protect those she cared for? It was clear that her mentors their way had its limitations, and if she remained weak... she would just continue to suffer those painful feelings...