"Shin No Ippo" by Brandon ´Red´ Christ

The lone warrior looked up into the sky. It will rain soon…good, he thought, the blood will be washed away. He looked back at the mass of archers and spearmen, grotesquely hacked and shredded apart as if split by lightning. He continued to walk to a boulder in the center of the field. He drew a small needle from his headband, and began to carve a symbol into the rock. It was several octagons, in similar fashion to the Star of David. He looked at the symbol for a moment, then spoke. "Rest in eternal peace," he said quietly, and slid the needle back into his headband. He pulled the ends tight, wiped the blood of his katana, straightened his Gi, and walked into the full moon.

To fully understand our story, we must go back six years to when our warrior protagonist, Jay, was but an innocent child, caught in a maelstrom between government power and warriors who embraced the past and tradition.

Jay originally lived on an island, far off the coast of Kitohasu, one of the three main continents of the world. The other two are called Gargas, the continent of deserts and mountains, and Silfortha, a continent the mirrored Europe in similarity. Kitohasu was considered by many as the real world, as it was home to almost any type of environment.

.  .  .

“Father, father! Today is the day I become a man, is it not?” Jay questioned his father. His father smiled.

“Yes, little Jay, today is the day you become a man, and today you will begin building your house, and courting women.” Being at the age of twelve, Jay still disliked most girls.

“Von Dagga,” Jay replied, “I don’t need a wife.” He looked at his father with the most serious face he could muster on such a joyous and beautiful day.

His father looked at him for a second then laughed, almost falling backward. “You will see soon enough that you not only need a wife, but will desire one,” his father replied, recovering from his outburst.

“I don’t want a wife. And besides, there are only a few girls my age and they are already being married, or are at least interested in someone else,” Jay persisted.

“Well keep in mind, the one you love does not have to be the same age, look the same, or talk the same as you,” his father stated, and with that, they climbed into their boat to fish.

.  .  .

“Well, my son, do you have any dreams or thoughts you would like to discuss?” Jay’s father asked.

“Actually, I do for once,” Jay replied, watching his net closely for any sign of movement, gripping his spear lightly.

“What was it?” his father asked.

“Well,” Jay said, “I was in a city, like the ones on the other islands. I was older, and I was wearing a brown Gi and my white headband. I had a katana I had never seen before at my waist. I was walking through a busy street and people looked like they were afraid of me, parting away and hiding. A soldier was harassing this lady who was probably my age in the dream, and I told the soldier to stop it. I could smell the liquor on his breath when he drew his sword. I snapped his neck sideways. He fell down and he didn’t move, probably dead. I helped the lady up and I continued through the town. My dream stopped when the lady ran up to me to, I assume, say thank you.”

Jay’s father looked at Jay for a moment and then said, “Do you think that the dream was a prophecy of your own future, Jay?”

“Hmm… I suppose it could be, but why would I leave the island?” Jay asked.

 “I do not know, my son, I do not now. But we should get heading home. Your mother will want to get you ready for your ceremony.”

.  .  .

Jay walked up the road to the temple, wearing the customary black Gi to symbolize the death of childhood and the beginning of adulthood. He still wore his white headband, which was actually his grandfather’s Obi tied around his head. The whole tribe lined the streets, watching Jay walk up the road. The sky was clear, but there were dark clouds in the distance. Jay prayed that this was not an ill omen. Jay was clearing his mind of all thoughts, and managed to clear it completely when he got to the top of the hill, where the temple gate was. It was a stone archway, made of two blue stone dragons, holding a clear, azure orb at the peak. Jay continued through the archway and the people of the island filed in, taking their family boxes except for Jay’s family, who sat at the front bench. The two elders stood under the two statues of two blue dragons like the ones that made the archway. One elder was a human, while the other was a snow-white were-wolf. She smiled at Jay, since they lived nearby. Jay smiled back, and then snapped back to his serious face. Jay continued until he was in the center of the symbol I described earlier. He stood completely still, breathing so little that his stomach didn’t move. The Elders lighted the powder filling the indents of the symbol, setting a blue fire. The fire was cool and made Jay’s body feel refreshed. The Elders stepped through the flame and tapped the circle in front of Jay.

Well, here is the moment of truth, Jay thought, I will receive my weapon now. A Katana rose from the blue flame. The hilt was the design of two dragons wrapped in the hilt. It was bound with blue fabric with silver in the diamonds of metal that showed. The sheath was blue, and was polished to a satin smoothness. Jay almost jumped backwards. The legendary blade chose me?!? He thought. The blade floated to his waist and bound itself to his Obi. The flames began to disappear and the same question was on everyone’s mind. What weapon did Jay receive from the Great Dragon?

Everyone stared in amazement as Jay drew the sword of dragons and looked over it. This blade can probably cut through anything! Jay realized, I can’t even touch the edge, it’s so sharp! The Elders stared in disbelief for a moment, and then walked up to Jay.

The lycanthrope exclaimed, “Behold! Form this day forth, Jay shall be known as a man!”

The room was silent for a moment, but then one man in the back stood up and exclaimed, “Congratulations, Jay!” Soon other people joined in the cheer, until the entire sanctuary was vibrating with the chant.

The human elder raised his hand to silence the crowd, and simply spoke, “Enough of this chanting, lets begin to prepare for the celebration!” The entire crowd responded joyously, except for one older jealous boy in the corner.

.  .  .

A day had passed, and Jay was heading up the mountain path on the left side of the island, heading for a place he liked to think at. When he rounded the hill, he saw three older boys a little bit further up. They were all about thirteen or so, and one of them didn’t look too happy. They walked up to Jay, surrounding him. The white-haired one, hard-eyed and angry looking, leaned into Jay’s face. He isn’t worth my time, Jay thought, and merely waited for him to act. He grabbed Jay’s Gi, holding him close.

“Why the hell did you get the legendary blade, huh? Your just a little kid who won’t amount to anything,” He said, letting go.

“If I am a little kid who won’t amount to anything and have the Sword of Dragons, what king of weaklings are you to get the Sword of Serpents?” Jay asked, holding the small, edgeless Shuriken inside his Gi. It wouldn’t do any damage, but it was a great defense against swords and axes.

 The older boy swung at Jay, but missed, yelling, “What’s that supposed to mean!?”

“That you’re a snake?” Jay asked, angering him further. Uncontrolled anger is the worst enemy of a warrior, Jay thought, besides that, he has a short temper. “If you’ll excuse me, I’ll be leaving now,” Jay said, sliding by the three and leaving one steaming and two amazed by the little man’s speed.

When Jay got up the left side of the island he climbed up a tall, bushy tree, which protected his grandfather’s body underneath its thick roots. He was already back in his normal dark green Gi, and was now carefully examining his new blade.

“Jay! Can I come up?” A girl-like voice called from below.

“Come on up, Lyn!” Jay called back. A girl about Jay’s age in a woman’s fighting Gi climbed up the tree and settled herself, resting on a thick branch next to Jay’s.

“Shouldn’t you be down in the village, enjoying the compliments and the people’s gifts?” Lyn asked as she settled into the branch.

“Well, I don’t know. You’re up here gawking at me, aren’t you?” Jay said, smiling. Lyn’s hand came up and hit Jay hard upside the head.

“OW!” Jay exclaimed, “You’re going to get gauntlets from the great dragon, Lyn!” Jay began to rub furiously at the bump while Lyn laughed for a little bit.

“But seriously Jay, why hide up here when you could be down there, getting all that attention?” Lyn asked.

“Well, the fact is I hate all that attention,” Jay said, holding a cherry-blossom flower he had picked from the tree. Lyn looked at him with a cross of surprise and wonder. “I’ve always liked to be left alone instead of getting attention. I don’t mind a bunch of people together with me, I just don’t like it when they all talk to me and won’t leave me alone for a little. Heh, I wonder if this is all to get rid of my mentality,” Jay said, finishing with a small chuckle.

Lyn looked at him for a little bit, then asked, “So Jay, where are you going to start building your new house?”

“Hmmm….” Jay thought, “I suppose right here. I always liked this tree, and seeing my to-be kids climbing up it would warm my heart.” Jay scratched his head and smiled, “I’m boring you, aren’t I?” he asked. Before she could answer, he said, “Look’s like its time to go fishing.” He looked at the cherry blossom in his hand, and handed it to Lyn. “Here, you’ll look better with this anyway,” he said as he jumped out of the tree, smiling.

As he ran down the dirt path, Lyn quietly said, “Thank you, Jay”

.  .  .

It was the evening now, and the festival had begun. There was music, dancing, and eating at the center of the Island, and the bonfires could be seen for miles. Everyone was coming up and congratulating Jay, and he thanked each one politely, while at the same time in his mind he was bored with the many people, some he barely knew. Finally, when the people had moved on to the festivities, Jay sat down and listened to the music. Lyn and a few of Jay’s other friends sat down. After a while of talking some of them went to dance.

Jay, though awkwardly, realized he should ask Lyn to dance. But what if she takes it the wrong way? Jay thought, What if she thinks I…aww forget it. I’ll just ask.

Jay finally decided "Hey Lyn, this is getting pretty boring sitting here," Jay said with a small smile, "Do you want to go dance? It’s probably more fun!"

Lyn looked at Jay for a short moment, then smiled and said, "Well, anything’s better than sitting here doing nothing!" as Jay helped Lyn up, his eyes widened. "GET DOWN!" Jay yelled as he tackled Lyn to the ground.

And the mountainside exploded.

Jay got up, and looked across the horizon. He spotted five ships, armed with long range cannons. "Who the hell are they?" Jay yelled. What few men that weren’t drunk or being hit by the bombardment were running for the fastest ships. As Jay ran toward the docks, his father stopped him.

"Jay, take the women and children and head for the inner catacombs in the mountain," his father ordered.

Jay began, "But father, I have the Sword of Dragons! I can fight…"

"With a sword you don’t know how to wield?" Jay’s father asked, "Your job is to protect the island and its inhabitants. Now get those people to safety!" Jay’s father exclaimed.

 Jay looked at his father for a moment, and then nodded. He began to yell, "All women and children, head for the mountain catacombs! Get moving!" As he got everyone inside he went to the entrance on the mountainside. He watched the main boat sail towards the armada, cannons blazing. Lyn stepped out, wanting to watch the battle. Jay watched for a while, seeing a few enemy ships sink. Then their only war ship exploded into a fiery blaze. Lyn gasped, but Jay stood stock still, his eyes wide, for his father was on it.

“My god,” Jay’s mother whispered, falling to her knees. Jay heard the soft, shrill whistling again, and drew his sword, diving in front of his mother, but it was too late. His mother was smashed by the cannonball, grinded into the earth. Jay’s sword has gone flying, for he hadn’t the strength to hold onto the blade when the cannon ball hit. His mother coughed, covered in rocks and the cannon ball, only her shoulders up exposed.

“Mother! I’ll get you out of there…” Jay began, but was stopped by his mother, who whispered loudly, “No! Jay, get back! It’s going to explode! Run!”

“No!” He began to cry, just barely a tear, but nonetheless. His mother pulled and arm out of the rubble and punched him, just lightly enough to send him rolling down the hillside.

“Dammit, no!” Jay exclaimed.

“My son,” Jay’s mother whispered, smiling faintly, “Take care of yourself, and stay safe…”

The cannon ball exploded in a white light.

Truly that’s all it seemed to be. A bright light, no fire, no explosion, nothing. Just a bright light and whatever was there before, gone. Not the slightest trace. Jay stood for a moment, and dropped to his knees.

Lyn ran over to Jay, but he had already blacked out.

A month had passed, and most of the village was rebuilt and the crops were budding. Jay was finishing the preparations on his small boat when Lyn came over to the dock. "Are you really leaving?" she asked, as she looked down when he turned around.

"I have to," Jay answered, "In the honor of all the people that died one month ago, to feel as if I truly earned my blade, I must kill the man that instigated all of this." Jay looked at her. She was sad, looking down on the ground. He put a hand on her shoulder and lifted her chin up.

"I’ll be back. I promise." And with that he unfurled the sails and rode to the west, looking at Lyn back on the dock.

Six years have passed and our protagonist is now walking in a city street, keeping his face covered. He heard some noise coming from the inside of the dojo next to him, and he stepped inside.

"For the last damn time I’m not selling you the property!" A young girl yelled as she took out a pike from a rack of weapons.

"Now now, little lady, if you won’t do this the easy way, we’ll just take the land from you," a large man said as he bent down to her level.

"Eat this!" she yelled as she twirled the pike, slicing his left eye and leaving a long scar down his cheek.

"ARRGH!" he yelled as he backed up. "Don’t just stand there, Kill her!" he yelled at his grunts. They started to run, but the first five fell over and they stopped.

"What’s wrong with you guys?" one of the grunts asked.

And then they saw the blood pool on the floor.

Jay dropped from the ceiling, tanto in hand. "Hita’ra kenogi’fu, translated that means ‘black lightning’." Jay said, wiping the blood off onto a rag.

"Rrrrr… kill them both!" Jay disappeared, and three heads, twelve arms, three legs, and two complete bodies flew into the air.

"Ratara Kiraga, also known as ‘twenty sword strike’." Jay continued, wiping the blood of his katana.

"That…. That blade…." the big man stammered. Jay slowly sheathed his blade. "You…you’re Crazy Jay!!!!!!" the big man exclaimed. Everyone except the big man and the girl ran for the door, but they all fell when they got out side, with a diamond-shaped hole in their back.

"I only got one chance," the big man said, and he pulled out a silver gun. "This gun is blessed with silver magic. There’s no way you can dodge this, no matter how fast you are!" The man aimed the gun at Jay and roared, "Die, Crazy Jay!!!" There was a loud explosion, and much smoke.

When the smoke cleared Jay was standing, holding his sword in a defensive position. The man was bleeding on the floor, a bullet hole in his chest. "H...How did you…?" he whispered.

"I deflected the bullet with my sword. Kero matera, also known as ‘projectile shield’," Jay said and sheathed his blade, then began to pile up the bodies outside. The big man fell to the floor, and then Jay dragged him outside too. He poured out a powder on them, and set them alight in blue flames. They disappeared, and there was no trace of them. Finally, he walked over to the girl. She had fallen to her knees in complete terror. Then he did the strangest thing.

He helped her up and began to make tea.

"Aren’t you going to kill me?" she asked.

"Aren’t you listening to rumors to much?" he mocked her, pouring the tea out.

"But… the government has a bounty on you," she said.

"No," Jay said, "Stefan Angeles has a bounty on me." She looked at him strangely, and he said, "It’s a long, long story."

"I have time," she said.

"Well, basically Stefan Angeles tried to kill my tribe so he could build a fortress on my island, or something to that extent. He failed to kill everyone so he needs to kill me in order to save his skin and his place of power as the Commander of Kitohasu’s army" Jay stated, making it sound like just another fact in his serious, one tone voice. "Now, If you’ll excuse me, I have to leave now," Jay said as he headed for the door.

"I’m going with you," the girl said.

"What?" Jay asked as he turned around.

"You saved my life, so I’m going with you to help you." She stood up, and Jay looked straight at her for the first time. She was wearing a loose red kimono and had her dark brown hair tied in a ponytail, with a metal diamond at the end.

Jay looked at her for a moment, then said, "Ghaa… alright. But grab your things quickly; I’m not very good at waiting…" But she had already run into the kitchen.

And so begins the tail of the ‘Infamous’ Crazy Jay and his new ‘partner in crime’ Mai Takenawa. But there is one question in some of our minds; will they be able to put up with each other for long?