Classes have ended. Ryuken and Sayuri are walking back to their homes together. From afar, they see Genji playing soccer at the football field with his team. Genji notices the two walking from school and waves at them. They wave back.
GENJI: (yelling) I'M GETTING TANNER AND SEXIER FOR YOU, RYUKEN! YOU'LL WANT ME FOR SURE!
RYUKEN: Yeah...
SAYURI: I heard this year's team looks promising.
RYUKEN: No wonder they're working harder.
SAYURI: How was Kendo Club?
RYUKEN: Not much. Us juniors were just helping the seniors practicing their skills.
SAYURI: They're not training you?
RYUKEN: They say it was training for us. But I know they're just using us as punching bags.
SAYURI: That seems really harsh.
RYUKEN: ... I might consider quitting.
SAYURI: Why?
RYUKEN: Well... it's just... I was really thinking of trying something new this year. I always thought that Kendo is cool. But... I don't think I'm cut out for it. (looks down)
SAYURI: (notices Ryuken, feels worried)
RYUKEN: Um... what about your Karate Club?
SAYURI: Uh... it's going really well, actually. I always thought it's important for me to learn some self-defense.
RYUKEN: You always look relieved after every session.
SAYURI: Really? (chuckles) That's all thanks to Sawaguchi-sempai. She's really good at making everyone in the club hyped up and full of energy every session. It's been fun.
RYUKEN: Hmm... that's nice.
SAYURI: (pats his shoulder) Don't worry, Ryu-kun. It has only been a week. It'll take time for you to feel comfortable around them.
RYUKEN: ... maybe you're right...
SAYURI: You remember how you were like when you joined the Anime Club back then?
RYUKEN: Hmm... what was I like?
SAYURI: I remember you said you were overwhelmed because everyone seems more knowledgeable about anime more than you.
RYUKEN: What? I said that?
SAYURI: But now, you're on the same wavelength as them. I was very impressed with how you can remember all thirteen members of the Death Machine Unity.
RYUKEN: Sixteen, actually. There were three more, working behind the shadows.
SAYURI: See?
RYUKEN: I don't know if I should be proud of that.
SAYURI: By the way, how's the Anime Club? Was it the same as it was back in Hido Mid?
RYUKEN: Pretty much. I find it more laidback, though. Middle school was much more louder. Maybe that's why I was overwhelmed. By the way, what culture club did you joined again?
SAYURI: Well, about that... do you remember Okabe Juri?
RYUKEN: Hmm... she was in my class in the second year of middle school.
SAYURI: Yeah. She was very determined to start a new club, but she has been getting into a lot of trouble lately.
RYUKEN: Trouble?
SAYURI: Well, to start a new club, it requires some steps to follow for it to be operational. Juri... is just not patient enough.
RYUKEN: Oh, I remember her now.
SAYURI: She even had an argument with one of the student council members, and that doesn't really help at all.
RYUKEN: Yep, that's her. Why are you helping her?
SAYURI: Um... well... I just... wanna help? (chuckles nervously)
RYUKEN: I think you're being too considerate, Sayuri.
SAYURI: (laughs nervously) ... yeah.
...
Ryuken and Sayuri are walking down the street, still talking.
SAYURI: To think that Gorm Knight would betray his comrades. I just couldn't believe it.
RYUKEN: Why do you like Gorm Knight so much?
SAYURI: He's the most trustworthy of them all. Always believing in his friends, never breaking his promises. And he's awesome when he gets into action. I never thought that they would make him betray his team. I can't accept it!
RYUKEN: I told you, didn't I?
SAYURI: (sad noises)
RYUKEN: But you said you noticed Gorm Knight looking sad. Maybe he'll turn back around.
SAYURI: I hope so...
RYUKEN: I'm still surprised seeing you enjoy that show.
SAYURI: I love shows like those. They're fun but there's also a lot of layers that makes it more than just a kid's show.
RYUKEN: I know, right? I tried to make Genji get into it, but he thinks it's ridiculous.
SAYURI: He said he hardly watches shows anymore.
RYUKEN: That guy is a tough puzzle to crack.
SAYURI: I have always love shows with characters who can do remarkable things. It makes me wish I could be them.
RYUKEN: Really?
SAYURI: Yeah. You get to go to different worlds, meet new people. And with powers, you can do cool stuff. It sounds amazing, isn't it?
RYUKEN: Yeah, but...
SAYURI: You wouldn't want that?
RYUKEN: Hmm... depends, I guess. I mean... it would be cool to get some powers and just beat up baddies with it. But there's also danger everywhere. One wrong move and you could die. Or worse... risk other people's lives.
SAYURI: Hmm... I guess you're right. But, still... the idea of having the chance to enter a new world is still fascinating to me.
RYUKEN: (looks at Sayuri)
SAYURI: If it were me, I would take that step.
RYUKEN: (smiles faintly) I guess it can be pretty exciting.
They walk together until they arrive at a T-junction near Sayuri's neighbourhood. They wave goodbye and parted ways.
...
Ishinara Residence.
RYUKEN: (opens the door) I'm home! (takes off shoes, place them neatly)
MAKI: (runs to Ryuken) Ryu-nii! Look!
Maki is seen holding a long, dusty, zipped bag. Ryuken looks at it, confused.
RYUKEN: ... what is it?
MAKI: Remember when Mom told us about her wild, younger days?
RYUKEN: ... yeah?
MAKI: And that one time when she bought a sword from an old man?
RYUKEN: Yeah?
MAKI: This is the sword she was talking about!
The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.
RYUKEN: That's the crappy "magical" sword she drunkenly bought from a homeless guy?
MAKI: Yeah!
RYUKEN: ... why would you ever wanna see that?
MAKI: Don't tell me you're not curious?
RYUKEN: It's probably just a rusted sword. Might as well just put it back.
MAKI: ... you're always no fun.
AKARI: Remember what I said. You can only look at it, but do not play with it.
RYUKEN: You allow this?
AKARI: Your sister wanted to look for it. I told her to clean her room first. I gave my word.
MAKI: Come on, Ryu-nii. Don't you think it's kinda cool?
RYUKEN: (shrugs shoulders)
MAKI: I wanna see it!
Maki moves to the living room and puts the bag on the floor. The rest followed her.
AKARI: I don't know why I still kept it all this time.
Maki slowly unzips the bag.
AKARI: I guess I thought it would nice to have something that reminded me of my younger, sexier days.
Maki continues unzipping the bag.
AKARI: Huh... I still remember that old man's face.
Maki puts her hand in the bag.
AKARI: (imitates the old man) "This is a magical sword from ancient times. Many warriors have fought alongside it. With it, in your hands, your life will forever be protected by the spirits of those warriors."
Maki slowly pulls her hand out of the bag.
AKARI: (laughs hysterically) I thought it was so funny, that old man's face when he said it. In the end, I bought it for 5000 yen. Why was I so stu- (looks at the sword, shock)
RYUKEN: (entranced)
MAKI: (speechless)
Maki is seen holding a sheathed katana sword. Its body is dark black and each tip is covered with a thin golden plate. The guard has a smooth, floral design, with small holes on each side, and is surrounded with a thin layer of gold. The handle is woven with a smooth material. Above the guard area, where the blade and sheath are connected, it seems to be wrapped with a white, shiny ribbon. The ribbon is tied to one of the holes in the guard. A weird symbol, carved in stone, is attached to the ribbon.
AKARI: Is- is that... mine?
MAKI: It's so... beautiful...
RYUKEN: (stares deeply into the katana)
AKARI: That... it can't be mine...
MAKI: It's... kinda heavy.
AKARI: Does... does this belong to someone else?
MAKI: It looks so spotless. Like it's brand new. (looks at Akari) You bought this?
AKARI: I... um... that's... uh... No!
RYUKEN: (looks closer to the katana) It looks amazing...
MAKI: It looks cool, right, Ryu-nii? Look! (holds the katana by the handle, swings it around)
AKARI: Maki! No! That's dangerous!
MAKI: Don't worry. I'll be careful. (accidentally drops it) Ahh!
AKARI: Maki! What did I tell you?
MAKI: It was heavy...
AKARI: You shouldn't play with a dangerous weapon like that!
MAKI: I thought you said it was useless.
AKARI: That's not mine!
MAKI: What do you mean?
As they both bicker at each other, Ryuken looks down on the katana. Entranced, he kneels down and puts out his hand to reach it. His hands get closer and closer and-
MAKISE: (enters the living room) Hey! I'm back. What are you guys yelling about?
Everyone froze and turns to Makise. He sees Ryuken, kneeling on the ground, and the katana on the floor.
MAKISE: Woah! Is that a katana?!
MAKI: It's the one that Mom bought when she was drunk.
AKARI: Hold on! It's not the same one that I had. And please, don't play wi-
MAKISE: (swings the katana violently) Woo! This is awesome!
RYUKEN: (steps away)
AKARI: Makise! Stop!
MAKISE: Why would I stop? I feel like a hero! Let's take the blade out. (tries pulling it out, grunts) Hrmp... why won't it- (pulls it even stronger) Nnggh... just... come out... already... Ahh! (hand slips from the katana, exhausted) Hah... what's wrong with it?
AKARI: Makise! Just stop doing what you're doing.
MAKI: There's a ribbon tying it together.
AKARI: Just stop now and give it back to me.
MAKISE: Maki! Get the scissors.
MAKI: (holds scissors) HERE!!!
AKARI: (snatches the katana away) Stop it! All of you!
RYUKEN: I... I didn't do a-
AKARI: Quiet! Listen. Nobody, and I mean NOBODY, touches this katana anymore, understand! I'm gonna put this back where it belongs and none of you would ever see it again. Got it!
They all quietly stand still.
AKARI: (sigh, puts it back in the bag) I don't know how it got here, and I assure you, this is not the same sword that I bought. It maybe belonged to someone else. So, we can't bother with it anymore.
MAKI: Do you think it's Dad's?
MAKISE: The previous land owner, maybe?.
MAKI: Maybe it evolved, like a butterfly!
MAKISE: Could it be haunted?
AKARI: Look, I don't care what it is. But what I do know is that I do not trust it with any of you.
RYUKEN: I didn't do anything to it.
MAKI: Yes, you did! You were about to grab it and swing it around.
RYUKEN: No, I didn't!
MAKISE: I saw you touched it.
RYUKEN: It wasn't even close, you thief!
MAKISE: (confused) Why do you call me that?
AKARI: Alright! (deep breath) Ryuken...
RYUKEN: ...
AKARI: I trust you can put it back where Maki found it. (hands the bag to Ryuken)
MAKISE: Aw, come on, Mom!
MAKI: That's not fair!
AKARI: Shut it! (turns to Ryuken) Alright. Here.
RYUKEN: (grabs the bag) At the end of the hall?
AKARI: Yep. (hands key) Make sure you lock the door after.
Ryuken takes the key and the bag and goes to the storage.
Ryuken opens the storage door and turns on the light. Lots of boxes and old, dusty items are stocked in the room. He looks around and sees a crate with old umbrellas in it. He puts the bags into the crate.
After putting it in, his hand froze, not letting go of the bag. He looks at it. His gaze is fixated on it. He stood there, quietly thinking to himself. He looks back at the door. He hears his family arguing some more. He looks back at the bag, sweating nervously.
...
Akari, Makise, and Maki are in the kitchen, preparing dinner.
MAKISE: Mom, you made me the wrong lunch. You know that I hate eggplants.
AKARI: You took Ryuken's lunchbox.
MAKISE: I did?
AKARI: You snatched it just when I was handing it to him.
MAKISE: Is that why he called me a thief?
RYUKEN: (enters kitchen) Hey, Mom. Here's the key.
AKARI: Oh, hey. What took you so long?
RYUKEN: I went upstairs to put my schoolbag after I locked the door. I forgot to give it to you first.
AKARI: That's okay. Hand it over.
RYUKEN: (hands key to her)
MAKISE: (runs to the key) THE SWORD IS MINE!!!
AKARI: (quickly snatches the key)
MAKISE: (drops on the floor) Arghh... Mom, I swear I won't break it.
AKARI: (cold stare) I'll break you if you even lay eyes on it, you hear?
MAKISE: ... yes, ma'am.
AKARI: (puts the key in pocket) Alright... who's hungry?
...
Ryuken's room.
Ryuken is sitting on his desk, wearing headphones, doing his homework. The entire room is lit up by his table lamp. His school bag is on the floor, next to his bed. There is a knock on his door.
AKARI: Ryuken?
RYUKEN: (takes off headphones) Come in.
AKARI: (opens the door) Homework?
RYUKEN: Yeah. It's just a few math exercises. Not really much of a problem.
AKARI: I know. You don't have to overwork yourself, okay? I don't want you to catch any math nightmares.
RYUKEN: (laughs) Okay, Mom. What will you do with that katana?
AKARI: (sigh) I don't know. It's best that we wait for your father to come home first. We'll think of how to handle that thing later.
RYUKEN: We can't just keep it?
AKARI: No... it doesn't belong to us. We have to give it back to its owner somehow.
RYUKEN: (disappointed) How do you not... hate... them?
AKARI: ... you mean... your brother and sister?
RYUKEN: (slowly nods)
AKARI: (smiles) I know you don't like them, but you don't see them the same way as I do.
RYUKEN: ...
AKARI: There are days I wanna poke my eyes out, believe me. But... I'm always amazed every time I see all of you grow.
RYUKEN: ... it's just...
AKARI: Hmm?
RYUKEN: I feel like I...
AKARI: ...
RYUKEN: It's... it's nothing.
AKARI: (smiles, brushes his hair and kisses his forehead) Don't stay up too late, okay?
RYUKEN: (smiles faintly) ... okay.
AKARI: Goodnight. And turn off the lights when you're done.
RYUKEN: Goodnight.
Akari closes the door behind her. She turns off the lights in the hall and goes back to her room.
Ryuken puts on his headphones and goes back to his homework.
...
Ryuken clicks his pen, closes his exercise book, puts down his headphones, leans back on his chair, and lets out a big yawn.
He sits quietly on his chair and looks around the room. He glances at his school bag, staring at it. Tapping his pen on the chair, he ponders for a moment.
He ponders a little more.
He ponders a little more.
He ponders a little-
He stood up, walks to his schoolbag, kneels down, moves it away, and pulls the katana bag underneath the bed. He unzips and opens it.
The sheathed katana is safe and secure. He looks deeply into it, captured by its beauty. Eager to hold the bladed weapon, he reaches his hand closer, inside the bag. His fingers, inches away from his grasp. Finally, he grabs it.
...
Grey sand fills an entire desert. Dead trees surround the empty wasteland. Dark clouds froze in place. A white moon, forever illuminating.
Nothing lives in such a depressing place, except for one creature.
A silhouette of a giant, reptilian beast, with its long tail and neck, breathing calmly, sleeping peacefully. Nothing can disturb its slumber, as there is nothing there to disturb it at all.
RUMBLE...
Thunder from a distance. It opens its eyes. Bright blood-red.
The beast's slumber has been broken. But not from the sound...
BEAST: ... something feels... familiar...
...
Ryuken sits on his bed, carefully inspecting every detail on the katana. The sheath. The handle. The guard. He knows nothing of its craftsmanship, but it doesn't stop him from being curious.
...
More and more sounds of thunder can be heard.
BEAST: ... what is happening out there?
...
He sets his eyes on the ribbon wrapping. He looks closer and sees similar symbols, embedded on the ribbon. He sees the stone carving. As his hand slowly closes into the stone, tiny sparks emerge from his fingers, exploding the stone carving into ash. Perplexed, he had no idea what he did.
...
Lightning strikes from the sky, shaking the ground.
BEAST: (eyes widen) No. It can't be...
...
He slowly unwraps the ribbon from the katana.
...
A barrage of lightning overwhelms the desert.
BEAST: It couldn't be. (looks up to the sky) IT SHOULDN'T BE!
...
Halfway unwrapping the katana, a small dragon symbol hides behind the wrapping.
...
BEAST: NO! STOP!
...
The katana is free of the wrapping. He grips the handle.
...
BEAST: HEAR ME! YOU MUST STOP! NOW!
...
He attempts to pull the blade.
...
BEAST: NO!
...
He pulls it with all his might.
...
BEAST: ... no.
...
He manages to open it, only slightly. He sees inches of the blade, shined by the moonlight. He smiles.
KRAKOOM!!!
End of Chapter 3