Post by Aiami Lin on Sept 9, 2015 2:19:38 GMT
Sun filtered in through the window, casting its rays on the occupied bed in the corner of the room. Aiami rustled a moment before she pushed the thin covers off her form, slowly rising. After a yawn she cleared her eyes as she stood and began her morning stretches, limbering her body for the day. After all, it was a special day. By the end of the night she would be leaving town.
Her stretches completed, Aiami began the routine of her meditations. She quietly took a seat on a padded cushion, hands resting gently on her knees, back straight. Breathing slowed, the sound of the world outside the window quieted. With the focus she could feel her energy with clarity, and began honing in on it, minutely manipulating it, the goal being to learn fine control.
After such time she was satisfied with the results, Aiami stood. Her eyes were still closed and her focus remained, though. Slowly, she moved into the first stance of her ‘moving meditation.’ She didn’t have a better word for it, but it was something Su Yin, her teacher, had taught her. As she changed from stance to stance she guided her energy along her body, with the momentum of her movement. Again, to gain more control over her inner power.
“You know, you look super weird.” Came a prepubescent voice from the doorway. Aiami opened her eyes suddenly, jumping a little in surprise. Going from the state of deep focus she was in to one of shock was disorienting, but eventually she settled her eyes on the culprit. Reiji, her just teenage brother was standing there, looking at her like she was crazy.
“Yeah, well… you’re quiet.” It sounded like a retort, but even after recovering it looked like Aiami knew it wasn’t much of a comeback. She did mean it, though. Reiji had the impressive skill of moving like a ghost, seemingly without trying. It was more than a little annoying.
“Good one, sis. I’ll miss your sharp wit and astounding ability with language.” He was also kind of a smartass. Reiji finished his eyeroll before turning away. “I’ll be in the kitchen when you’re done with your… whatever.”
Aiami huffed and took a few minutes to dress into her gi before following. She couldn’t finish her meditation after that interruption, and she liked to have breakfast ready early, anyways.
“How have your studies been?” Aiami asked as she entered the kitchen. Her brother was already heating a pan for eggs when he looked up.
“Good. Not hard, but I start my AP courses next year, and if I do well in those I should be able to skip a grade. Or, at least, that’s what the advisor person said.” He shrugged grabbing out some eggs.
Aiami smiled at that, proud of her brother. He had taken to school work much more than she had, but unlike her, he enjoyed learning the subjects, whereas she preferred martial arts. She began washing some rice, preparing the second part of breakfast.
Not long after food was hot and ready, their parents walked in, taking a seat. “Good morning, you two.” Mai said softly as she settled in.
The two in question responded in kind before taking their seats at the table as well. They all began to plate up the food, and the children ate quickly, as Aiami had to make it to the temple, and Reiji to school. Small talk ensued, mostly Reiji talking about his new classes, before they finished eating. Reiji ran upstairs to change, and after helping to clean up Aiami started to leave as well.
“I’ll be back tonight.” Aiami promised her parents with a hug, before heading out through the back. She made her way to the temple slowly, enjoying her last morning in the town. She wanted to savor it, and it was some time before training even started at the temple.
A leisurely stroll later and Aiami arrived, lining up with the rest of the students in preparation for the warm up before training and sparring. The class was small given the size of the town, only around twenty or so people between a handful of instructors, but she counted more than a few of them among her friends.
Not least of which were standing right next to Aiami. Aka and Ao, twin brothers who were a few years older than her. “Hey, Aiami.” They said together, but before she had a chance to respond the class was called to attention. After some exercising and some practice, they were split off to train with one another.
The three of them moved to their own space, taking turns fighting one another. They kept it simple, though as time went on they put a little more effort in, strain reflected with the sweat starting to form on their skin. Near the end of their time they switched to a ‘game’ they had come up with themselves. Really, the twins had. Two of them attack the other, and the other keeps a blow from landing for as long as possible.
When Aiami’s turn came up she took a breath and focused herself before she took her stance, indicating she was ready. The two moved in, already beginning their attack, knowing the speed wouldn’t bother Aiami. She had noticed the effects of her training over the past months, and how had been getting easier and easier to last the longest in their game. She dodged and redirected the brothers’ attacks, focus clear on her face.
Even though the goal was just to avoid being hit, when Aiami saw her chance she took it. She lunged forward suddenly, bringing her hands up from her middle, still on her center line, to push the incoming punches away. After, she quickly pushed her arms forward, planting a palm squarely in the chest of each brother, pushing them away.
There was a moment of silence, before both Aka and Ao broke into grins. Aka spoke, usually the voice for both of them. “You’ve gotten pretty quick! But you know the rules.” He brought up a warning finger.
“I know, I know, but I still need to go see Su Yin.” Aiami said apologetically. “I promise I won’t break them next time we play?”
“Sounds good to us. Though maybe it is time to change the rules some…” Aka said as Ao put a hand to his chin, thinking. “Anyways, you had better go. Morning class is wrapping up, anyways.”
“Thanks! You two are the best sparring partners I could ask for.” They all exchanged bows. “Until I see you again, Aka and Ao.”
Aiami hurried out of the temple, distressed to find the sun was already further along than she had imagined. It was probably mid-afternoon already, and walking wouldn’t do. She closed her eyes and breathed in slowly, forcing her ki down. She felt herself float upwards and opened her eyes when she was hovering above the ground. She turned to face the direction of her teacher’s distant home and pushed forward, racing to get there in time.
Aiami dove low and let her energy fade as she touched the ground. She hurried over to the rustic hut, and was about to call in when she spotted her teacher past the hut in a small clearing, apparently meditating.
Aiami quietly moved to join her, settling down before she was stopped. “Good afternoon, Aiami. You know, you didn’t have to rush out here for me.” Su’s tone was one of amusement.
“Yes, well.. it’s my last day. I wanted to make sure we had time enough before I have to head home and say goodbye.” Aiami said, a little embarrassed. Still, she settled in next to the older woman, getting ready for their meditation.
They both breathed in as they closed their eyes, moving their focus inwards, toward their energy. Aiami ran through the same techniques she had earlier in the day, trying to control and harness her ki, to subtly and finely grasp it.
In unison the two rose, teacher and student, and they mirrored each other in their stances as they practiced the moving meditation. All the while Aiami tried to push and pull her inner energy, she could feel the same happening to Su’s, though she could tell it was much more refined. Aiami did her best to emulate her teacher, but she didn’t have the control, not yet.
Once they had finished, they both opened their eyes. Aiami looked a little frustrated, but Su reached out a hand to grasp her shoulder. “You will get better with time, and as you grow in body and spirit… And with plenty of practice.” She added at the end. “Such is the way of things. Were it so easy to attain, I would not be as old as I am now.”
The words seemed to comfort Aiami, if only a little. “Thank you. I promise I’ll keep with my meditation while away. Even if Reiji thinks it’s weird.”
Su laughed at that. “Weird? I suppose it would look rather odd. I trust he and the rest of your family are well? You should hurry home to them, Aiami. This could be the last time you see them for quite some while.”
Aiami nodded. “I intended to. I wanted to come here to say my goodbyes to you, though. And to thank you, for everything. You… helped me grow. In more ways than one.”
“You give me too much credit, Aiami. But thank you. I think this is the right step for you, even if it is a little daunting. There is a whole world out there, filled with wisdom and constantly changing. It is time you found your place in it.”
They talked for some time, as old friends, showing they were more than just teacher and student. Eventually they came upon the subject of where Aiami was headed first.
Aiami nodded. “The Turtle School is where I will go next. I want to learn what they have to offer. Then… then I will see where I am and what I know.”
“Ambitious, but I believe in you, Aiami. So does your family, speaking of which, it is time you left here.” Su nodded, standing and motioning for her to do the same.
Aiami smiled before standing. “Yes… I think that’s for the best. Thank you, again.” Aiami bowed low, and Su returned the gesture before they stood straight again. Aiami stepped forward to give her master a hug before she backed off, already starting to hover away. “Goodbye!”
The sun was low in the sky by the time Aiami set foot outside of her family’s shop. Her mother, Mai, was watching the front, and as she saw her daughter approach she moved to turn the shop’s sign from ‘open’ to ‘closed.’ “Welcome back, dear. I think dinner is about ready.”
“That’s good, because I.. may have missed lunch again today.” Aiami grinned, looking a little sheepish. If she hadn’t told the truth, her stomach would have given it away by the time dinner was served. She would rather have not revealed that, however, given her mother’s disposition toward making sure her children were taken care of and well fed, as evident by the look of horror on Mai’s face.
“Come, come, we have to get some food in you before you pack tonight.” Mai ushered Aiami into the kitchen and sat her down at the table, where… there was nothing.
Zhou, her father, stood near the counter, still finishing one of the dishes. One of the nice things Aiami had experience with their family running a store is that one of her parents always had time to cook a proper dinner, and they were both excellent cooks. And yet, there was nothing on the table. Aiami looked around, more than a little confused.
Reiji came in through the back and smiled at Aiami. “Hey, sis. Food is out back whenever you’re ready.” Zhou seemed to confirm this by taking the last tray of food out the door Reiji had came in from. She looked to her mother, who was urging her toward the door already, and shrugged before heading out.
“Surprise!” Aka yelled out as Aiami stepped out. All of the people who were enjoying themselves turned at the outburst, and started to clap, cheering some at seeing Aiami. Family friends, some of the Temple students, a few of Reiji’s classmates were counted among those in attendance, and if Aiami’s eyes could be believed, they were there to see her off.
Not even all of her focus could keep the smile off Aiami’s face at that moment, feeling more than a little touched at the display. Her father approached and pulled her and Mai into a hug. Reiji half-heartedly joined, looking annoyed. “Thank you, mom, dad… even you, Reiji.” Aiami said, a little tearful.
Ffter the heartwarming display Aiami spent time with those in attendance, after a full plate of food, of course. She gave promises to return with what she learned for her fellow students, was mostly avoided by Reiji and his friends, but received well wishes from everyone in attendance, and in return thanked them for coming to see her off.
“If your family opened a restaurant, I would build a hut closer to town.” Aiami turned at the familiar, if a little muffled, voice. She saw Su, talking through a mouthful. They hugged once more and she spent the remainder of the time with her teacher before everyone started to filter out. She said her final goodbyes to Su before turning back to her family, of which were already starting to clean up.
Aiami moved to help when Mai gently took her shoulder. “Go pack, we will finish down here.”
“Thanks again, mom. I’ll be right back to say goodbye.” Aiami ran upstairs to pack a bag. One spare gi, some normal clothing, a little bed roll and her savings. She returned just as the table was being taken down. Her family stopped as Aiami stepped out, a different atmosphere than the last time she had.
Mai was already crying as they approached Aiami and shared another family hug. “You take care of yourself, okay? Zhou, give her our gift.”
The large man reached for his rear pocket and pulled out an envelope, handing it over to Aiami. “Something from us, so we won’t have to worry about if you’re fed and dry or not.”
She opened it, and her eyes widened at the 500 zeni waiting inside. “Thank you! Thank you!” She shouted, pulling them into another hug.
“Hey, why I don’t get envelopes full of money? I got way better grades than her!” They all laughed at Reiji’s statement, and ensuing pouting at their laughter.
“I’m going to miss all of you. Especially you, Reiji.” Aiami pulled him into the hug, and that seemed to get through to him. He returned it fiercly. “Love you, sis.”
“And I love you, and you mom and dad.” She backed away. “I’ll be sure to try and call. How’s that sound?”
“Wonderful.” Mai smiled. “We love you, Aiami. Fly safe, okay?”
“Watch out for birds.” Zhou offered with a grin, finding himself clever, if no one else did.
“Always.” Aiami said as she started to float upwards. “Goodbye! I love you!”
“Love you!” Was the returned chant as she flew high into the sky.
Once she was at the right height she breathed in, taking a second to feel the crisp air and admire the sunset. She angled herself toward it, knowing the closest city was somewhere in that direction. If she pushed it, she could find it before the sun went down. Once there, she would ask directions for the Turtle Hermit school, and she would do whatever it took to become a student so she could get stronger, and push herself further.
And so Aiami, knowing she had the full support of her friends and family, flew off into the sunset with a smile on her face and joy in her heart, more ready than she could ever be to take the next step in her life.
((Sorry this was up so late after Aiami was accepted. School started and it’s been a little hectic so far.
I can say my posts definitely won’t be so long, but I hope they’ll be of a similar quality.
Also, that 500 zeni given by her parents is supposed to represent the bonus 500 given to Earthlings, so her starting total is still 1,000 zeni.))
Her stretches completed, Aiami began the routine of her meditations. She quietly took a seat on a padded cushion, hands resting gently on her knees, back straight. Breathing slowed, the sound of the world outside the window quieted. With the focus she could feel her energy with clarity, and began honing in on it, minutely manipulating it, the goal being to learn fine control.
After such time she was satisfied with the results, Aiami stood. Her eyes were still closed and her focus remained, though. Slowly, she moved into the first stance of her ‘moving meditation.’ She didn’t have a better word for it, but it was something Su Yin, her teacher, had taught her. As she changed from stance to stance she guided her energy along her body, with the momentum of her movement. Again, to gain more control over her inner power.
“You know, you look super weird.” Came a prepubescent voice from the doorway. Aiami opened her eyes suddenly, jumping a little in surprise. Going from the state of deep focus she was in to one of shock was disorienting, but eventually she settled her eyes on the culprit. Reiji, her just teenage brother was standing there, looking at her like she was crazy.
“Yeah, well… you’re quiet.” It sounded like a retort, but even after recovering it looked like Aiami knew it wasn’t much of a comeback. She did mean it, though. Reiji had the impressive skill of moving like a ghost, seemingly without trying. It was more than a little annoying.
“Good one, sis. I’ll miss your sharp wit and astounding ability with language.” He was also kind of a smartass. Reiji finished his eyeroll before turning away. “I’ll be in the kitchen when you’re done with your… whatever.”
Aiami huffed and took a few minutes to dress into her gi before following. She couldn’t finish her meditation after that interruption, and she liked to have breakfast ready early, anyways.
“How have your studies been?” Aiami asked as she entered the kitchen. Her brother was already heating a pan for eggs when he looked up.
“Good. Not hard, but I start my AP courses next year, and if I do well in those I should be able to skip a grade. Or, at least, that’s what the advisor person said.” He shrugged grabbing out some eggs.
Aiami smiled at that, proud of her brother. He had taken to school work much more than she had, but unlike her, he enjoyed learning the subjects, whereas she preferred martial arts. She began washing some rice, preparing the second part of breakfast.
Not long after food was hot and ready, their parents walked in, taking a seat. “Good morning, you two.” Mai said softly as she settled in.
The two in question responded in kind before taking their seats at the table as well. They all began to plate up the food, and the children ate quickly, as Aiami had to make it to the temple, and Reiji to school. Small talk ensued, mostly Reiji talking about his new classes, before they finished eating. Reiji ran upstairs to change, and after helping to clean up Aiami started to leave as well.
“I’ll be back tonight.” Aiami promised her parents with a hug, before heading out through the back. She made her way to the temple slowly, enjoying her last morning in the town. She wanted to savor it, and it was some time before training even started at the temple.
A leisurely stroll later and Aiami arrived, lining up with the rest of the students in preparation for the warm up before training and sparring. The class was small given the size of the town, only around twenty or so people between a handful of instructors, but she counted more than a few of them among her friends.
Not least of which were standing right next to Aiami. Aka and Ao, twin brothers who were a few years older than her. “Hey, Aiami.” They said together, but before she had a chance to respond the class was called to attention. After some exercising and some practice, they were split off to train with one another.
The three of them moved to their own space, taking turns fighting one another. They kept it simple, though as time went on they put a little more effort in, strain reflected with the sweat starting to form on their skin. Near the end of their time they switched to a ‘game’ they had come up with themselves. Really, the twins had. Two of them attack the other, and the other keeps a blow from landing for as long as possible.
When Aiami’s turn came up she took a breath and focused herself before she took her stance, indicating she was ready. The two moved in, already beginning their attack, knowing the speed wouldn’t bother Aiami. She had noticed the effects of her training over the past months, and how had been getting easier and easier to last the longest in their game. She dodged and redirected the brothers’ attacks, focus clear on her face.
Even though the goal was just to avoid being hit, when Aiami saw her chance she took it. She lunged forward suddenly, bringing her hands up from her middle, still on her center line, to push the incoming punches away. After, she quickly pushed her arms forward, planting a palm squarely in the chest of each brother, pushing them away.
There was a moment of silence, before both Aka and Ao broke into grins. Aka spoke, usually the voice for both of them. “You’ve gotten pretty quick! But you know the rules.” He brought up a warning finger.
“I know, I know, but I still need to go see Su Yin.” Aiami said apologetically. “I promise I won’t break them next time we play?”
“Sounds good to us. Though maybe it is time to change the rules some…” Aka said as Ao put a hand to his chin, thinking. “Anyways, you had better go. Morning class is wrapping up, anyways.”
“Thanks! You two are the best sparring partners I could ask for.” They all exchanged bows. “Until I see you again, Aka and Ao.”
Aiami hurried out of the temple, distressed to find the sun was already further along than she had imagined. It was probably mid-afternoon already, and walking wouldn’t do. She closed her eyes and breathed in slowly, forcing her ki down. She felt herself float upwards and opened her eyes when she was hovering above the ground. She turned to face the direction of her teacher’s distant home and pushed forward, racing to get there in time.
Aiami dove low and let her energy fade as she touched the ground. She hurried over to the rustic hut, and was about to call in when she spotted her teacher past the hut in a small clearing, apparently meditating.
Aiami quietly moved to join her, settling down before she was stopped. “Good afternoon, Aiami. You know, you didn’t have to rush out here for me.” Su’s tone was one of amusement.
“Yes, well.. it’s my last day. I wanted to make sure we had time enough before I have to head home and say goodbye.” Aiami said, a little embarrassed. Still, she settled in next to the older woman, getting ready for their meditation.
They both breathed in as they closed their eyes, moving their focus inwards, toward their energy. Aiami ran through the same techniques she had earlier in the day, trying to control and harness her ki, to subtly and finely grasp it.
In unison the two rose, teacher and student, and they mirrored each other in their stances as they practiced the moving meditation. All the while Aiami tried to push and pull her inner energy, she could feel the same happening to Su’s, though she could tell it was much more refined. Aiami did her best to emulate her teacher, but she didn’t have the control, not yet.
Once they had finished, they both opened their eyes. Aiami looked a little frustrated, but Su reached out a hand to grasp her shoulder. “You will get better with time, and as you grow in body and spirit… And with plenty of practice.” She added at the end. “Such is the way of things. Were it so easy to attain, I would not be as old as I am now.”
The words seemed to comfort Aiami, if only a little. “Thank you. I promise I’ll keep with my meditation while away. Even if Reiji thinks it’s weird.”
Su laughed at that. “Weird? I suppose it would look rather odd. I trust he and the rest of your family are well? You should hurry home to them, Aiami. This could be the last time you see them for quite some while.”
Aiami nodded. “I intended to. I wanted to come here to say my goodbyes to you, though. And to thank you, for everything. You… helped me grow. In more ways than one.”
“You give me too much credit, Aiami. But thank you. I think this is the right step for you, even if it is a little daunting. There is a whole world out there, filled with wisdom and constantly changing. It is time you found your place in it.”
They talked for some time, as old friends, showing they were more than just teacher and student. Eventually they came upon the subject of where Aiami was headed first.
Aiami nodded. “The Turtle School is where I will go next. I want to learn what they have to offer. Then… then I will see where I am and what I know.”
“Ambitious, but I believe in you, Aiami. So does your family, speaking of which, it is time you left here.” Su nodded, standing and motioning for her to do the same.
Aiami smiled before standing. “Yes… I think that’s for the best. Thank you, again.” Aiami bowed low, and Su returned the gesture before they stood straight again. Aiami stepped forward to give her master a hug before she backed off, already starting to hover away. “Goodbye!”
The sun was low in the sky by the time Aiami set foot outside of her family’s shop. Her mother, Mai, was watching the front, and as she saw her daughter approach she moved to turn the shop’s sign from ‘open’ to ‘closed.’ “Welcome back, dear. I think dinner is about ready.”
“That’s good, because I.. may have missed lunch again today.” Aiami grinned, looking a little sheepish. If she hadn’t told the truth, her stomach would have given it away by the time dinner was served. She would rather have not revealed that, however, given her mother’s disposition toward making sure her children were taken care of and well fed, as evident by the look of horror on Mai’s face.
“Come, come, we have to get some food in you before you pack tonight.” Mai ushered Aiami into the kitchen and sat her down at the table, where… there was nothing.
Zhou, her father, stood near the counter, still finishing one of the dishes. One of the nice things Aiami had experience with their family running a store is that one of her parents always had time to cook a proper dinner, and they were both excellent cooks. And yet, there was nothing on the table. Aiami looked around, more than a little confused.
Reiji came in through the back and smiled at Aiami. “Hey, sis. Food is out back whenever you’re ready.” Zhou seemed to confirm this by taking the last tray of food out the door Reiji had came in from. She looked to her mother, who was urging her toward the door already, and shrugged before heading out.
“Surprise!” Aka yelled out as Aiami stepped out. All of the people who were enjoying themselves turned at the outburst, and started to clap, cheering some at seeing Aiami. Family friends, some of the Temple students, a few of Reiji’s classmates were counted among those in attendance, and if Aiami’s eyes could be believed, they were there to see her off.
Not even all of her focus could keep the smile off Aiami’s face at that moment, feeling more than a little touched at the display. Her father approached and pulled her and Mai into a hug. Reiji half-heartedly joined, looking annoyed. “Thank you, mom, dad… even you, Reiji.” Aiami said, a little tearful.
Ffter the heartwarming display Aiami spent time with those in attendance, after a full plate of food, of course. She gave promises to return with what she learned for her fellow students, was mostly avoided by Reiji and his friends, but received well wishes from everyone in attendance, and in return thanked them for coming to see her off.
“If your family opened a restaurant, I would build a hut closer to town.” Aiami turned at the familiar, if a little muffled, voice. She saw Su, talking through a mouthful. They hugged once more and she spent the remainder of the time with her teacher before everyone started to filter out. She said her final goodbyes to Su before turning back to her family, of which were already starting to clean up.
Aiami moved to help when Mai gently took her shoulder. “Go pack, we will finish down here.”
“Thanks again, mom. I’ll be right back to say goodbye.” Aiami ran upstairs to pack a bag. One spare gi, some normal clothing, a little bed roll and her savings. She returned just as the table was being taken down. Her family stopped as Aiami stepped out, a different atmosphere than the last time she had.
Mai was already crying as they approached Aiami and shared another family hug. “You take care of yourself, okay? Zhou, give her our gift.”
The large man reached for his rear pocket and pulled out an envelope, handing it over to Aiami. “Something from us, so we won’t have to worry about if you’re fed and dry or not.”
She opened it, and her eyes widened at the 500 zeni waiting inside. “Thank you! Thank you!” She shouted, pulling them into another hug.
“Hey, why I don’t get envelopes full of money? I got way better grades than her!” They all laughed at Reiji’s statement, and ensuing pouting at their laughter.
“I’m going to miss all of you. Especially you, Reiji.” Aiami pulled him into the hug, and that seemed to get through to him. He returned it fiercly. “Love you, sis.”
“And I love you, and you mom and dad.” She backed away. “I’ll be sure to try and call. How’s that sound?”
“Wonderful.” Mai smiled. “We love you, Aiami. Fly safe, okay?”
“Watch out for birds.” Zhou offered with a grin, finding himself clever, if no one else did.
“Always.” Aiami said as she started to float upwards. “Goodbye! I love you!”
“Love you!” Was the returned chant as she flew high into the sky.
Once she was at the right height she breathed in, taking a second to feel the crisp air and admire the sunset. She angled herself toward it, knowing the closest city was somewhere in that direction. If she pushed it, she could find it before the sun went down. Once there, she would ask directions for the Turtle Hermit school, and she would do whatever it took to become a student so she could get stronger, and push herself further.
And so Aiami, knowing she had the full support of her friends and family, flew off into the sunset with a smile on her face and joy in her heart, more ready than she could ever be to take the next step in her life.
((Sorry this was up so late after Aiami was accepted. School started and it’s been a little hectic so far.
I can say my posts definitely won’t be so long, but I hope they’ll be of a similar quality.
Also, that 500 zeni given by her parents is supposed to represent the bonus 500 given to Earthlings, so her starting total is still 1,000 zeni.))