Soukei Baku Episode 2: Enter Soukei

Written by: Rasheem, MC

Generations passed after the great battle between the Amaretsu and

the Makato. Treaties forged by the Amaretsu has always been declined

except one. Takamori's dream came to pass as both clans

finally agreed to end the bloodshed.

Instead, both clans came together as one, and formed an academy

that taught the old ways of both styles of Kenjutsu.

However, both clans were restricted to their own legacy of Kenjutsu.

Law forbidden the mix teachings of both styles to either clan.

Though all students learned a handful of history of their clans, the war

torn bout between them, including Takamori's and Hsou-Saijin's battle,

was all kept from public record. This decision was made so

the fight between the clans will forever cease to exist. But who was

to say all men abided the decision?

Nightfall fell upon the Amakatu academy. The school was split into two

dormitories, one for Amaretsu, and one for Makato...but only one building had

classes for both clans. In the center of the academy, closed off by all

buildings, was the Baku commons area.

The name "Baku" came from a descendent of the Amaretsu clan who designed

and built the area. The Baku was a place where both clans could come

and eat, train, and spar. Everyday, students filled the Baku in order to get away

from the stress that every sensei would put on them.

And luckily...both clans got along. However, a law provided by Amaretsu

headmaster Wu-Shin, and Makato headmaster Xaohu, explained that sparring

between both clans were prohibited unless appointed by both headmasters.

As a result, all students were confused as to why they could not spar with either

member of either clan. But this didn't stop students to spar in secret...

in the forest of Gekkai. Stripped from public record,

the Gekkai forest became Amaretsu's final path as they marched to the Makato temple...

which led to the final battle between Takamori and Hsou-Saijin.

Hidden in shadows, two dark figures crouched low and snuck pass the academy's

main entrance as they entered the path heading into the Gekkai.

Both figures were wearing all black, as well as all black masks, and carried one

katana attached to the left side of their waists.

They easily slipped under a tall tree, using the trunk's shadow as a way to stay

undetected. Orange leaves fell on their persona, as one figure turned to the other.

"Are you sure he is going to be here?" the figure asked. A voice strong-willed and

gentle. The voice of a female.

"He'll be here any moment, just be patient." the figure replied. The voice of a male.

After a few moments, another voice whispered in the background.

Another figure who wore all black, stepped from the shadows and approached the

two who had arrived. The figure slowly removed his mask and held the

wraps that hung loosely from the disguise.

He took another stepped forward and smiled. He wore a white band around

his forehead, while his short dark hair covered the sides of the accessory.

"Naoki..." he whispered.

The girl that had arrived sprawled to her feet, removed her mask and ran into the boy's arms.

The boy who appeared with Naoki turned around and stood sighing under his breath.

Naoki was beautiful. Her hair was long with a hazel tint, dark hazel eyes, and slightly pale skin.

"Jai-Po...where have you been? I haven't seen you around the academy..." Naoki said.

"Headmaster Xaohu has hindered me with assignments. I've missed you, Naoki.

From now on, we will always be together, alright?"

Jai-Po slowly looked up at the other figure who also appeared with Naoki. He called out

his name, Soukei, and thanked him for bringing Naoki to him. Soukei also removed his

mask. His long brown hair rested on his shoulders.

He nodded over to Jai-Po. Skill wise, both Soukei and Jai-Po were almost equal in strength.

However, they weren't from the same family. Soukei was a Amaretsu, Jai-Po was a Makato.

Naoki was also an Amaretsu, making her relationship with Jai-Po illegal and forbidden.

If both headmasters were to find out about them, harsh punishment would come to both of them.

Soukei and Naoki were good friends at the academy....though Naoki failed to see Soukei's

interest in her. However, Soukei wasn't necessarily against Jai-Po though both of them

always carried that rivalry tension.

"Soukei." called out Jai-Po, as he took a few steps forward, holding Naoki's right

hand in his left. Xaohu had always told Jai-Po to never bother himself with Wu-Shin's son,

Soukei, but Jai-Po saw Soukei as a close friend rather than what Xaohu made him out

to be...which was a danger to their clan.

"I promise this will be the last time. I know you're impatient of me as I keep requesting

than you sneak Naoki out of your dormitory. I apologize for such persistance...if you are

willing to accept."

"Listen...Jai-Po. What we are doing will eventually get us caught. I would rather not do

this again. My father will have our heads if he found out what me and Naoki were

doing." replied Soukei.

"I understand." Jai-Po then turned to Naoki, and caressed her arms with his firm hands.

"Naoki, tommorow we will be reunited. I will be in the Baku waiting for you."

Naoki smiled and placed her hands on top of Jai-Po's.

"Alright...." Naoki kissed Jai-Po on the lips before pulling away and walking toward Soukei.

As she took steps back, the distance between her and Jai-Po became longer.

She felt that it was a shame the clans could not engage in such relationships.

As she stood beside Soukei, he turned around and started heading back.

"Naoki!" Soukei called out to her. As she blew a kiss to Jai-Po she quietly turned around

and followed Soukei back to the dormitories.

Jai-Po stood there alone. After they disappeared from his sight, he decided to take another

route to the dormitories so he would decrease the risk of getting caught.