Wednesday, August 10, 2005

Lazarus Heart: Found in the mist
*episode 6*

Kiri leads Sango back to a large empty room with thick tatami mats. He says, “This is a room I get to use far too rarely.” Sango asks, “What is it for?” “Combat.” Kiri says. He continues, “Not battle; but combat none the less. You are a fighter Sango; I can tell. Spar with me. There is room behind you in which you can change into your fighting clothes.” She asks, “How do you know that I have fighting clothes?” He says, “Because you could not fight in what you wear now.” Accepting this, Sango enters the changing room. It is small and dark and separated from the main room by a paper curtain. The light in the main room cast shadows on the curtain showing that the man stays far away while she is changing. Leaving the pink armor and wearing only the black singlet; Sango emerges. Kiri takes a position a couple of meters from her and bows. Surprised at his formality, Sango returns the gesture. Both fighters slip into combat stances. Seeing that he intends to allow her the first attack, Sango strikes out with two left jabs and a right hook. Matching her strength, Kiri blocks the slow, testing blows and responds with an open palmed jab. Sango meet his attack and responds; harder and faster. Gradually each of them begins to work up to their full strength and speed. Not blocking a combination attack to exploit an opening left at its completion, Kiri says, “You fight well Sango. Your form shows many years of practice; but you also have exceptional talent which no amount of practice will replace.” Feinting back and then giving the first kick of the fight, Sango says, “You aren’t bad either.” Accepting that kicks have now become acceptable, Kiri takes full advantage of his new weapons; he says, “It has been to long since I faced a worthy opponent out of battle. It is the same for you.” Sango nods, increasing the strength she puts behind each attack. Finally confident that she will not hurt him, Sango removes all restraints between herself and her potential. Facing this new wave of energy, Kiri allows himself to be pushed back, taking several hits in the process. He says, “Your fists speak of anger.” Easing up for a moment, Sango says, “We’re in battle.” The two continue to talk in the moments in-between frantic attacks. He says, “Your anger…is directed at your brother.” She asks, “How do you know?” Kiri says, “Your eyes…when you look at him…they tell me.” Sango says, “He went after an enemy…by himself…to kill him.” Kiri says, “There is more.” Sango says, “After getting him back…he just runs off on his own.” He says, “You feel that…he does not appreciate you…what you sacrificed?” “No…” she says, “…it’s not that.” Kiri says, “Then you feel…that he does not value…himself.” Sango, amazed to hear her days of emotional torment surmised and summarized so exquisitely by a virtual stranger, lowers her guard. Kiri, still fighting at full force, lands a powerful blow to her chest sending her flying. He hurries to her, “Forgive me Sango! I took advantage of your emotions; that point was not disserved.” He extends his hand to help her to her feet. Taking his hand, Sango yanks his arm sending him head over heels; he lands on his back. Moving with lightning speed, Sango comes to kneel beside him. Making a V with her thumb and index finger, she slams her hand down onto his throat; stopping short of actually cutting off his air. She says, “I don’t think you can afford to not take advantage of any weakness I show!” Laughing, Kiri says, “An excellent point; the match is yours.” Smiling at the slight pun, Sango releases him and sits back. She opens the first clasp on her suit, reveling nothing and making it easier to breathe. “How did you know that?” she asks. He says, sitting up, “Like I said, that much was in your eyes. He has been through an ordeal. This ordeal has made him more precious in your eyes; but it has destroyed his sense of self-worth. That, I saw in his eyes; a hollow stare with which he looks at you. I could tell you needed to talk, and you could only do that in the passion of battle. Does it not feel better to have that off your chest?” Sango says, “Yes, thank you.” He says, “There is no need to thank me; I enjoyed this fight like few others. Now, we should rejoin your friends.” Sango rises and begins to head back. Kiri calls, “Aren’t you forgetting something?” As Sango turns a puzzled stare toward him, he gazes briefly down and then back up. Looking down herself, Sango realizes that she is wearing nothing but her sweat soaked black singlet. Blushing, she returns to the changing booth.
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