But it isn't Raining.
The day was bright and clear, bitten by cold winds that swept along the streets. They got caught in a tight circle and moved past Tokyo, picking at her clothing in an appropriately dramatic manner before moving past her to her companion, Kyoto. She stood tense but unthreatening, expecting some sort of trouble and unwilling to be the one to cause it.

“You have become foolish in your age, Kyoto. To show yourself here at this time.” Tokyo said loudly across the space between them. “Your honor is gone, you have no place here.”

“This is my home as much as it is yours, Tokyo.” Kyoto replied tensely, not taking her eyes from the woman who stood challenging her. “It is my right to return to it.”

“You lost that right when you deserted us and your code!” Tokyo spat back. “You were once first among us. But now… Now you are an honorless, homeless paid killer. Your penalty for your crime is death.”

With those words spoken, Tokyo drew her sword. “And I will exact that punishment. This is the sword of Tokyo. Its kiss is addictive, and those who survive long to again feel its edge.”

“If that is as you will have it, then there is no choice.” Kyoto sighed and drew her own sword. “This is the sword of Kyoto, the sword of my home. It’s final blow strips not life, but anger and vengeance. And so with this sword, I will force you to let me pass and pay my respects.” Her voice rose to a yell at the last.

“You will not pass me!” Tokyo bit back and launched into her attack. Her blade came down across Kyoto’s chest, but was hastily deflected. Kyoto countered by lunging forwards while her enemy’s blade had been knocked aside, but Tokyo recovered enough to sidestep and bring her own blade down into the fluidly erected defense of Kyoto. Their swords met with a dull ‘clunk’.

“Once, we were sisters.” Kyoto said in the momentary still. “Why can we not put aside this animosity for now? I come here only as another mourner.”

With a hiss, Tokyo flung her back. “Because, you are no longer welcome here.” She replied with malice, again stepping into another attack. For a while, Kyoto was left on the defensive, just barely managing to avoid being struck by Tokyo’s onslaught. Once she was hit, she new the desire for more would take her, and that would be the end. It would not end here. And then, at last – a mistake! Tokyo had over extended herself trying to knock her blade aside. Taking advantage of this chance, Kyoto bought her sword down onto Tokyo’s back.

Tokyo stumbled forwards a step before falling to her knees. The blow should have killed her, but no mark marred her back.

“Have I earned the right to pass?” Kyoto asked. Tokyo sat up and looked back over her shoulder.

Then, she smiled.

“Very well. For today then, you are not the deserter. For today, you are one of us. Our sister returned to farewell another.” She responded, rising to her feet.

* * *

Rain tucked its sword back into its belt and reached out for To’s hand. The occasional passer-by hand stopped to watch the fight, but most people walked on.

“Then shall we go together, Tokyo?” Rain asked. To looked at the offered hand for a moment.

“No. Not today, Kyoto. I cannot yet bend that much.” To replied, getting up unassisted. “I will not stop you. But I cannot accompany you. Besides, I was supposed to be home five minute ago, and I have to pick up some stuff for dinner on my way back.” She tucked the wooden sword into her backpack and swung it up onto her shoulders, stumbling slightly under the weight.

“Jesus To, what have you got in there?” Rain asked, poking the stuffed backpack.

“Motor parts, textbooks, videos… the usual stuff.” To replied with a grin. “I’ll catch up with you tomorrow, okay? I have a new video I think you’ll like.”

“Cool, I’ll warn my brother to be out of the house.” Rain replied with a grin. It picked up it’s own bag and hooked it over its shoulder. “See you then.”
Waving, both turned and walked their separate ways.

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Okay, thankyou for tolerating that. I just got the urge to write something short. Enjoy.
- posted by Washi @ 1:43 pm