Xavier Musashi Things

Arrival and Processing I finally made it in to ACME HQ in San Francisco though there was a logistical error that the Chief quickly corrected. I'm now officially processed and cleared to be here at headquarters now I can take a look at the medical facilities and probably see what hotspots are in San Fran so on my days off I can actually get in some me time not to mention I seriously need to find some good bars and restaurants to relax at. I bet my partner is probably finding all the wild places to party and knowing him he's probably going to drag me there with him against my will as always and I'll probably end up getting a lecture from Sierra for staying out late and drinking until Marcus passes out and I have to carry him back. I guess good times are going to be had for all and I'm definitely going to have to thank Marcus and Sierra for getting me to transfer here from the Alabama branch. I think being on the top floor of the ACME dormitory will be great it has a nice view and there's also access to the roof I'm definitely going to be doing a lot of training up there and who knows I might even decide to rappel down the wall of the dormitory just for kicks. Then again scratch that I honestly don't feel like explaining myself to the Chief why I did it or how come Marcus is hanging upside down with his hands duct taped and blindfolded. Well tomorrow holds new possibilities and I guess my warped sense of humor is showing. Settling in My second day here at ACME and I got my room assignment on the 4th floor thanks Nevon so glad there weren't any problems letting me get #429 its just the right size for me and the view is incredible not to mention I can open my window and let the breeze come in on windy days. I also decided against better judgment to go ahead and rappel down the side of the dormitory I hope the Chief doesn't reprimand me about that. I had to see if I could go down Aussie style and once I hit the ground you can who was there waiting for me to tell me I was an idiot. I guess Sierra wasn't too happen about me doing that and she just had to remind me as the 29th heir to the Musashi Clan that I had no business putting myself at risk like that. I laughed and said that I could do what I wanted to and there was nothing she could do about it. Sierra didn't take too kindly to that so she basically slapped me hard as she could. I have to say she still hits hard maybe even harder than when we were kids. Once I realized she slapped me I ran away from her like I always do. I honestly don't know why I run away from her, but I did get a good workout in the ACME gym and the pool was relaxing to get some laps in also the restaurants here are pretty good. I guess I might as well call it a night and turn in. Morning training brings back memories I guess ever since I was a little boy rising with the sun has always been my thing. Morning time is special anyway it gives me time to commune with God and clear my head so that I can focus on my job. On the rooftop of the ACME dorm its beautiful as I watch the sunrise and the first rays of sunlight touch my skin and kissing my face like she would. I'm going through the motions taught to me as a child with each stroke of my katana in my hand I'm focused. I become one with my blade and there is no mind. My body moves fluidly. The description I can best give is being out of body. Slash, parry, thrust, as I go through my basic kata. My father always said that remembering the basics makes you a stronger swordsman because those are your roots and if they're firmly planted your potential to grow out is exponential. I'm calm and my body moves on its own now. I can hear the sound of my katana cutting through the air. It starts to sing like it always does once we're resonating and the sun beating down on my skin only motivates me to move faster and go harder and the breeze is cooling me down giving me perfect conditions as my inner core finds its balance. I've been going at it for hours now finally my body is feeling like it did when I first started my training. My arms are heavy, my legs feel twenty times heavier than they should be, sweat is running down my back and face and there's a smile of satisfaction on my face because I know my father would be proud to see that his son still trains hard. I take a look around there's just me and my katana which I named (Ryūketsu no ryū kiba) Bloody Dragon Fang. Its a clan tradition that when a member of the Musashi Clan finally gets a katana that they name it. I remember the day I received mine I was 16 and my father said name your katana well because it reflects not only your soul, but your fighting spirit. I thought back to a story where a samurai had fought a dragon and how intense the battle had been by the end of the battle the samurai had broken his sword and the dragon lie before him almost dead and the dragon asked the samurai to kill him with one of his bloody fangs and that once he did his fang would become a katana like no other and it would be unbreakable. The samurai did as the dragon requested and true to his word the dragons bloody fang became a beautiful katana that had no equal. I knew right then I had chosen the right name for my katana and my father was pleased and of course to see if I was worthy of it we sparred. My father has always been a better swordsman than me, but that day I was his equal though it ended with some blood and bruises on both our ends. Father acknowledge that one day I would make a fine Head of the Musashi Clan. I guess I've been reminiscing way too much back to training this training stone isn't going to hit itself. During all of my training I didn't even notice my partner Marcus was there watching. I guess a lot of time had passed since I was up for awhile. Marcus told me we had a meeting in the briefing room and that I should go eat breakfast before I passed out from over doing it with my training. I nodded and left to go hit the shower before I took his advice about getting something to eat. I guess that's what good partners do. They look out for one another. Study Time Sitting here in the ACME library just going through some files of past cases not to mention I'm in need of some light reading tonight so basically I'm checking out a few items. I'm reading through some of these case files and Carmen has pulled off some pretty interesting heist, but how she did it is still perplexing to me, but I guess that's why she's so good and so elusive. I guess I've got some serious homework to do on Carmen and I just when I think I've got it all figured out with her she adds another dimension that knocks me for a loop. Uuuuugggh this is so frustrating. Ok let me calm down and get myself collected a clear mind see's better than one that is clouded. Oh my God I sound just like my father now. I guess the old man teachings weren't a bunch of mumbling and rantings. I see it now this is going to be very useful intel for Marcus and I on the next case. I'm looking forward to getting into the field instead of being the medical unit, but then again being a sword for justice is never easy, but it is rewarding. Ok I'm getting a text seems like I have to go meet up with Sierra. I really don't want to be alone with her right now I hope someone will interrupt us and I can sneak away. I guess for the time being I'm stuck with her so sayonara! Reflection of Joining ACME Just sitting back in my room thinking a little about this whole ACME agent business. I swear the first time ACME asked me to join I turned them down because I was just a military man through and through. I guess after they heard about how I had stopped Carmen from stealing my families ancestral katana the "Tengoku No Okami Kiba". It was just a point of showing some intellect to stop her though she almost did get away with it. I was glad my families katana remained with us. I have to say Carmen is a very clever opponent and I truly have to say she wasn't bad on the eyes either. A young ACME agent close to my age approached me and said I should join ACME to fight VILE like I stated before I turned him down and said my place was with Scalpel 75 one of the most elite units in the Army basically we were the best of the best when it came to medical personnel in the Army and gaining entrance was not an easy task and the training was even more trying, but I have to say once I got that golden scalpel I knew I was destined for greatness in that unit. Though in the back of my mind the young ACME agent who seemed familiar to me had made an impression on me as well when he said that ACME is like no other agency or group in the world. I guess Marcus was right because some time later on down the road I was getting tired of dealing with bureaucratic crap and my commanding officer doing wrong by our unit. Our . The last straw for me was in an undisclosed village which was in enemy territory sorry folks I can't give all the particulars its top secret. But the major refunits motto was "Save all life even at the cost of your own". I whole heartedly believed that, but Major Buchannan had other beliefs that truly dishonored our unitused an injured child medical treatment and ordered us not to help. What happened next was a catalyst for me to join ACME I knocked the major out cold breaking his jaw. I treated the child because I feel no child should ever be mistreated enemy, ally, or otherwise. When the mission was over Major Buchannan lied and said I had disobeyed orders which was a blatant lie, but I ended up in the stockade for a few days and once again I was asked to join ACME by Marcus Sanders this time I agreed, but I didn't want to leave my unit either so basically thanks to some influence from my family and ACME I'm on a reassignment mission where I loan my medical expertise to ACME and I'm good at fixing up injured and wounded agents. The good thing is I still retain my rank as an Army captain and I said when I go back I will find a way to remove Major Buchannan from Scalpel 75 because he's under handed and dishonorable. I also asked Marcus how ACME knew about me he said that ACME has eyes and ears everywhere and some times the best candidates never know they're being watched until approached. I guess someone saw potential in me to be an ACME agent and to be honest I'm glad I love being able to bust VILE agents and the look on their faces when they get caught is priceless at some point your luck runs out and you have to pay for your crimes. Though Marcus seems to have a bitter rivalry with Carmen. For someone to be that set on catching her it must be some history there between those two. I can honestly say this though I have my partner back and we're going catch Carmen and watch VILE fall apart. Finishing touches on my room I finally got my room in order and since ACME doesn't mind how we decorate I had to make sure my room was tailored to my personality. I have my 32 inch flat screen tv and entertainment system all set up on the right corner, then my computer is along side it, then I decided to put my book case on the left wall which is filled with my own personal collection of literature right along with a few dvds and music cds. I decided to put up my wall scroll showing my clans lineage in the center of the wall and under that is my personal Katana Ryūketsu no ryū kiba (Bloody Dragon Fang) "My Katana resides in my soul". The room is larger than what I expected so I have a recliner, small sofa, and a coffee table to round it off in the area I call my common room. I thought the single rooms would be smaller than the doubles, but they're actually pretty spacious ACME treats its agents so well. I know I got off subject for a moment but back to my room. I also have a small fridge for snacks and juice and there's also my coffee maker that I can use to boil water so I can have tea nothing like Samurai sunset on a Sunday morning after a good workout. I also have my Zulu aesegai spear and shield hanging above my bed just paying homage to my African roots as well. I had some replicas of Jacob Lawrence paintings my mom gave me so I put those in areas where I needed some color to brighten up my room. I think they look great where I put them. Though I'm not sure where to put this kanabo and naginata. I know right now you're thinking why does he have all these weapons. It's pretty simple they just remind me of home and my families ancestral dojo. I also have my bonsai tree's on the windows so when I look out into my room from the distance it looks like a large tree when I meditate. I'm loving this set up so much because it says Xavier; though I think I might have to keep room visitations to a limit. I really do enjoy my privacy. Well time to for me to get out of here I'm done decorating so now I'm hitting the shower. I honestly need to let the hot water knock the stench off my body. Good times with some old friend make life worth living I had some serious fun last night with some old friends of mine from WestPoint. It was so fun hanging out with them I hadn't seen them in a few years so absence does make the heart grow fonder. I showed them around San Francisco and of course I had to show them ACME HQ which they found intriguing and just flat out amazing as Kenya said. They asked me how I liked it here and I told them I'm warming up to it quite well and it definitely beats the small dorm rooms we had at WestPoint which were small. My buddy Carlton commented on the fact my room was so much like my room in Japan with a few upgrades I just looked at him and laughed and Jackie decided to raid my fridge for some snacks considering she was always hungry. I swear for her to be such a scrawny woman she can put it away. Once my friends had finished up picking on me and finishing the tour of ACME we all headed out to the Mellow Mushroom and gorged ourselves on pizza and salad. Though everyone was still amazed at how I could still drink so much Guinness and take shot with them and still stand up straight. I just said its all about knowing your limit and stopping before you go to the point of no return. Once I said that Carlton reminded me of the kegger where I had drunk so much that I literally passed out on the front lawn of his parents home and slept it off with the rest of our crew. It was a celebration of making it through our first year at the USMA. Going down memory lane with those guys was great after dinner we played pool for most of the night and when it was time to leave no one really wanted to part ways, but all good things must come to an end and as I parted ways with my friends we agreed to do it again really soon and I know a few tears did escape my eyes as I had to say goodbye to my comrades. It was just a nostalgic moment for me because it reminded me of all the good times we had as wet nosed cadets who didn't know anything, but as we matured we only got wiser, stronger, and more focused to accomplish our goals. Apart we were just average, but when we were all together and working as one we were invincible. During my moment of having a flashback I got a text from Sierra telling me that she wanted to run with me in the morning so I texted her back and said sure, but I might be a little late considering I had been out all night. I got another text from her that said you better be ready to run and no being late to which I just smiled and texted back saying no problem and I headed back to my room to catch a few winks before I get back up to run. ACME RECRUIT DAYS Thinking back on my first days as a recruit in ACME I have to say they were pretty fun and somewhat trying because some of the instructors were hardcore. "You lazy, sorry, no good for nothing recruits! Let's get a move on there's still plenty of sunshine left in this day and I'm not stopping until recruit Musashi pukes". Yeah I know I should just puke, and give my fellow recruits a break, but I was trained to keep going even through the pain. Besides I couldn't puke if I wanted to. "Come Musashi just puke already and this will end"! "Look here I couldn't puke if I wanted to. My training was tough enough with my dad in the dojo. So this is just another challenge to me. I know you guys are tired, but suck it up and drive on". "You know X everyone isn't superman like you". "I am not superman my body is hurting just as bad as yours ACME training is tough and to be honest I'm only holding on because I'm focusing on becoming an ACME agent, Benitez"! "You know he's right Benitez instructor Holt wants to break us all to see who's going to give up and quit and he's using the strongest in our group to play mind games with us". "No one asked you Malik"! "Look we can't fight amongst each other like this we have to band together and be a team". "Yeah you're right X sorry, but the pain is kicking in". "Look there's a technique I use and everyone listen up because we will finish this day out together no dropouts at all 100% graduation with our group from this point on we are the Kage no Chimu (Shadow Squad) now what I want everyone to do is focus think about a happy place and just stay there hold it and don't let go. Yeah that's it you're there it feels good doesn't it. No pain, just pure bliss". "Not bad! Not bad at all Musashi you managed to pull your group together and unify. You might actually have what it takes to be an ACME agent after all. Ok you lowly maggots have earned some rest thanks to Musashi here and by the way Musashi I'm designating you as squad leader". "Thank you instructor Holt sir"! "Gee I'm glad it was you instead of me X because honestly I don't want that responsibility good luck pal hahahaha"! "Oh yeah by the way recruit Benitez you're second in command welcome to the ranks of responsibility"! "Slag"! "Do we have any objections recruit Benitez"? "No sir instructor Holt sir"! "Good then! You're all dismissed, but rest up because come tomorrow I'm going to unleash hell on Earth and you'll be begging for the rapture to come"! "Instructor Holt Kage no Chimu welcomes the challenge sir"! "Kage no what"? "Kage no Chimu sir! Shadow Squad come graduation our squad's name will be called wit higher honors than anyone else". "That has yet to be seen recruit, but I like your motivation"! "Thank you sir"! "Ok you ugly, dogfaced, degenerates diiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiisssssmiiiiiisssed"! I think that was one of my finest moments during training, but instructor Holt would teach me so much more during my time in ACME Bootcamp. Well that's enough of me reminiscing for now, but more to come I'm going to the ACME cafeteria for some chow. Resolve to become stronger My resolve to become stronger came out of the necessity to be stronger for her. I was too weak the first time and I couldn't protect her like I wanted to. "So tell me how the future heir of the Musashi clan was so easily defeated by low level dogs off the streets"! "There were so many of them father they came out of nowhere I couldn't beat them all". "Nonsense you are a Musashi against any odds you can win"! "But father". "Silence Xavier"! "Forgive me father for my weakness". "Hmmmfff I see that your training has been suffering lately because of the time you've been spending with your future wife". "No father don't blame her it was my fault you were right I should have been able to win against common thugs". "Hmmmm until you can prove to me you're capable of protecting your future bride you are forbidden to have any contact with her. When engage in a fight you win! Now I do understand that you did protected your bride to be, but she should never see you defeated. It's a shame too; because I had plans on taking you out for rest and relaxation in Hokkaido I see now that time will be better spent. So I'm taking you to Kyushu for a month there will be no distractions and I'm taking over your training completely now, but Fujishima will still see to your education concerning our clan right along with me". "But father"! "No buts this is final Xavier. You have no say in the matter. Pack your bags because we're leaving tonight. You have one hour to tell her goodbye". "Just an hour father I need to explain to her why I'm leaving". "One hour is more than some of us had when we had to pack up and leave I'm being more than gracious with you boy"! "If I may speak freely master. He is still young and times have changed with his generation please allow him the time he needs to say his goodbyes and explain his situation I will accompany him to make sure he's ready to go upon his return home". "Very well Fujishima". "Thank you master. Xavier thank your father for his leniency". "Thank you father. I will come back". "Quit wasting time and go". "Yes father". That was the hardest thing for me to do Xavier is an excellent warrior and will be a fine head one day. I hate to make him think he didn't do a good job defending her, but from what they told me he was further along than they expected and they had to fight dirty to get any upperhand. This month should prove to be interesting. I can't believe my dad is doing this to me a month away from Sierra it's going to kill me and I know she's going to feel it even worse. I never knew she was going to be my bride until our parents sat down with us and explained everything. I always knew she was a close friend of mine and I did like her, but she was only a friend to me and she seemed to object just as much as I did we were only five at the time this was explained to us again when we were twelve. I think she objected to marrying me again saying I was not her type and she punched my lights out. When I came to Fujishima explained that I had to win her over because even though we were childhood friends a woman's heart is a mystery and I had to find a way into her heart. Good old Fujishima or as I called him Fuji he has been my sensei and friend for so long and he's always been able to convince dad to lighten up on me when I needed it the most and tonight I needed it. "But why do you have to leave so soon"? "Because of what happened today while we were out". "But nothing happened to me I wasn't hurt". "I know, but I lost the fight. So dad says I have to go; besides it's only a month. I'll write you because where we're going there are no phones". "This isn't fair Kami"! "I know, but I can't go against my fathers wishes. I promise when I come back I'll make it up to you princess". "You better I want a gift something nice from Kyushu". "I promise my hime (princess)". "Just come back ok"? "I will I promise besides my resolve is to get stronger so dad won't keep me away from you". Thinking back on all this now my resolve to become stronger was for a good reason to be stronger for the woman I loved my future wife and now when I'm around her I'm scared of her I guess in my time away from her I got disconnected because that month in Kyushu I became tougher but at what price? " To Be Continued". Resolve to become stronger pt. 2 It's been two weeks since I got here in Kyushu with my father and Fuji. The training has become harder and more intense. My body aches all over my fist are bloody from striking a material my father simply called skin repellent. I miss home, I miss my mother, and most of all I miss Sierra. "Xavier it's time to wake up young master". "It's not even light out yet Fuji". "Your father awaits your presence Xavier it's best you don't make him wait long". "Ok ok I'm getting up Fuji". "Morning father". "Morning son". This sucks big time. If I know my father then todays training session is about to become a painful lesson for me and to be honest I don't how much more of this I can take. "Todays lesson is learning to control your ground young master. To be unmoveable. If your opponent attempts to push you back they won't be able to". "Thank you Fujishima now Xavier let's begin take your stance". "Yes father". Man this is really going to hurt. "Focus Xavier be unmoveable". "Yes father". Blow after blow Xavier gets pushed back barely holding his own. He's really trying to hurt me this time. "Young master focus be like a mighty Oak! Stand firm and don't yield"! "I won't be moved again. I am unmoveable"! "Let's see how strong you really are since you want to speak to me like you're my equal". My father was like a beast during our training session, but I held firm with him there was no way I was going to give in to the old man without a fight after all I was fighting for her. "I don't have to be your equal just stronger than you"! "Don't talk so big boy! In my eyes you are still a wet nosed wolf cub and just because you're my son doesn't mean I won't show my full strength". "Good because I won't hold back anymore father". I attacked my father with everything I had in me landing blow after blow trying to rock him to his core. The old man was resilient his body absorbed my blows. How I managed to keep going is beyond me. "Not bad boy you're getting stronger". "Don't underestimate me"! Xavier lands a blow on Takeshi Musashi that leaves him stunned. "Very good Xavier I guess I can use this now". Takeshi signals for Fujishima to toss him a katana. "Takeshi that is not wise this is a training excercise. There is no reason to use a weapon". "Fujishima are you refusing to obey". "Yes my master I am". "So be it I'll get it myself". Takeshi gets his katana and comes after Xavier. "Father no! This is only a training excercise". "It's time to learn a lesson son your enemies won't always be fair so you have to adjust and adapt to the situation". "But you're using a weapon on your own son"! "No excuses boy! Defend yourself"! Xavier attempts to guard himself against Takeshi are almost useless. Takeshi goes into a blood drunk state of mind. "Aaarrrrrrggggggggh father nooooooooooo"! Takeshi cuts Xavier across the chest leaving a wound. "Young master nooooooo"! Xavier runs off into the forest. Takeshi attempts to take after him but before he can Fujishima attacks him. "That's enough Takeshi! You have went too far this time! You just wounded your own son. How dishonorable this is why your father didn't turn over the clan to you until he passed away. I know you are the clans head, but even you are not allowed to do things such as this". "But Fujishima I only"! "No Takeshi as your friend you are wrong! I have to go find Xavier before he bleeds to death. Idiot fool you are Takeshi. I'm going now tell the bodyguards to prepare my medical room. When I get back with Xavier you and I are going to have a long talk". "Yes sensei". Fujishima goes after Xavier following the trail of blood. After an hour he finds Xavier passed out by a stream. "Xavier can you hear me"? "Fuji-Sama"? "Fuji-Sama you must really be hurt you haven't called me that since you were a little boy". "I'm hurt Fuji it hurts so bad". "I know Xavier. I'm here to help you come on let me fix this and when we get back I'll take care of it properly". "No Fuji I can't go back". "Please young master let me take you back to the compound so I can treat your wounds". "No Fuji please father almost killed me. I don't want to go back I'm begging you just stop the bleeding I can't face him like this. Please sensei"! "I understand just sit still I have my medical bag". Fuji proceeds to start a fire and boils water to clean Xaviers wound. "Xavier I'm going to give you some medicine, but in order to stop you from bleeding anymore I'm going to have to cauterize your wound. I won't lie to you it's going to be painful". "I trust you sensei". Fuji takes his knife blade and heats it in the fire. "Here I want you to bite down on this stick". "But sensei". "No buts this is necessary". "Yes sensei". Xavier bites down on the stick and Fuji takes his heated knife and cauterizes Xaviers wound. "Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaarrrrrggggggghhhhh"! " "I know just relax Xavier I'm almost done. I just have to put some medicine on the wound now". "Grrrrrrr it stings"! "I know. I'm sorry, but you should feel better I'm going to bandage it and then I'll come back for you". "Sensei"? "Yes Xavier"? "Thank you". "No thanks are needed young master. I love you just like my own son". 'But sensei why would father do this to me"? "He wants you to be strong Xavier, but there's no excuse for what he did today". Xavier cries out in front of Fuji not because of his physical wounds, but the emotional scars of what happened. "I can't go back sensei. I just can't do it". Fuji places his hand on Xaviers head like he used to when he was a boy. "I promise you this won't ever happen again young master". "Thank you sensei". Fujishima makes his way back to the compound. "Fujishima where's my son"? "He's fine he doesn't want to come back and to be honest I can't blame him for not wanting to". "Fuji I I I I". "Save it Takeshi! What you did was dispicable I'm just glad the old master wasn't here to see it". "I know Fujishima". "Sensei Fujishima where is Xavier"? "He's in the forest five miles away from the compound he's near a tree by the stream Koya. Now listen to me take Keiko with you to look after him. I'll send Yoshida to get you when I'm ready for you to come back". "Yes sensei". Koya takes off with Keiko to tend to Xavier. "Takeshi pack your bags and go back home! You're done here I'll oversee the rest of Xavier's training from this point on". "But sensei". "Silence Takeshi! You are clan head, but I'm exercising my right as second in command of this clan to take over training Xavier until you come to your senses. He is a very strong warrior and you may have broken his spirit today so now I have to repair the damage you've done. Now leave"! "Yes sensei. Forgive me sensei". "It's not my forgiveness you should be asking for". Takeshi leaves the compound and Fuji sends Yoshida to get Xavier, Koya and Keiko. (To be continued) ACME RECRUIT DAYS II How did we get ourselves into this one. Oh yeah I remember that dummy Benitez was cracking jokes about instructor Holt and he caught us laughing about. No wonder he was ticked off at us. Thanks a lot Benitez. "So you think it's fun to crack wise while you're in the field recruits"! "No instructor Holt"! "Well you guys were laughing it up earlier. So lets see how much laughing you do after this day is over with". "Thanks Benitez now Ole Blood and Guts is going to give us a day of pain". "Get off of Benitez guys. I was laughing and so were you. I see it like this what's the worst he can do? Yeah we're going to pay, but to be honest even if Benitez hadn't said or done anything. Ole Fireside Holt would have made up an excuse to nail us". "Thanks X at least someone is on my side". "No problem of course after this all said and done you know you owe me a few beers and a free meal. I've been catching it too because of you". "Hey those are breaks huh"? "Yeah they really are good thing I think you're an ok guy. Otherwise I would have let the wolves have you a long time ago". "Shut up"! "Ok recruits let's get moving and just to help feel the joy in teamwork let's carry the unity log"! I knew it when Holt felt really sadistic he would make us run with the unity log which weighed close to four hundred pounds and tired as we were it felt double that. "Hey Benitez. How about you humor some and show me your impression of me one more time. I just love being imitated by recruits like you". "I don't think that would be wise sir". "Why not"? "Because I'd have to be dumber than a fly on a turd". "Well Benitez you are pretty dumb and as for the turd part you stink like one at this point so humor me". "Hahaha he got you there buddy"! "It's ok Benitez you can do it. We're behind you". Benitez smiles and starts his impersonation of instructor Holt. "Well if you aint the sorriest bunches of misfits I done ever seen! I swear my old granny could move quicker than you lazy maggots. Recruit where are you from? You're from Arkansas! Well aint that a hoot all that comes from Arkansas is a bunch of hill billies! Recruits if you don't move quicker Imma make sure I put my foot up your John Brown hind parts"! "Not bad at all Benitez, not bad at all. Now all of you drop and give me one hundred"! That day was pure agony instructor Holt ran us ragged, but I could see a glimpse of a smile on his face after Benitez impersonated him for the second time. I guess he wasn't so bad after all. Though the trade off of being that tired would go down in history. Was it worth it in the end. I would have to say yes. Of course Holt wanted to have a nice long talk with me. He didn't exactly chew me out, but he did let me know something in the works was coming up soon and I had to make sure my team was up to the task, but that's another story. Resolve to become stronger pt. 3 "Wow Xavier I knew Fujishima sensei said you were messed up, but nothing like this"! "Koya shut up can't you see he's in pain"! "Sorry. You're right Keiko, but that's a nasty cut". "Koya you have one more time before I shut you up". "Ok calm down sis! I was only commenting". "It's ok Keiko he's right I am pretty banged up right now". "How you feeling"? "I feel hurt, betrayed, angry, and honestly I want to cry. I never thought my father could be so cruel". "I don't think the master meant it Xavier". "I don't know Koya and Keiko, when I looked into his eyes. My father was blood drunk. That man who attacked me wasn't my father". Meanwhile back at the compound Fujishima talks to Takeshi. "Sensei please forgive my actions today. You were right I did act dishonorably, but I do love my son more than this world itself. I became blood drunk because I wanted him to surpass me and in doing so I hurt him". "So you finally understand the consequences of your actions"? "Yes sensei and I'm going to make amends right now". Takeshi takes his short sword and slashes his chest and scars the side of his face. "Takeshi noooooo"! "It's ok sensei. See your disobedient pupil has made amends". Fujishima quickly reaches into his medical bag to get field dressings to cover Takeshi's wounds. "You were always an impatient pupil who did foolish things, but Takeshi this wasn't necessary". "No it was sensei I know I can't take back what I did, but I know one day Xavier will forgive for this and I'll show him my scars of atonement". "Idiot he forgave you the instant you cut him. He just won't forgive the man who wasn't his father that cut him". "Then today that man dies". "I will patch you up in the medical room, but after that you are to leave the compound. Do you understand Takeshi"? "Yes sensei". Once my father had left the compound true to his word Fuji sent Yoshida to come get us. "Sensei sent me to come get you guys". "Are you up to it Xavier"? "Yeah I can move". "Come on Yoshi let's go". "I wish you two would quit calling me Yoshi". "Why not little brother? You are of the Musashi clan aren't you"? "Yes, but you know exactly what I mean". "Well you are our little brother so it doesn't matter". "Hey you two cut out we need to get Xavier back". "Hmmfff Keiko you are worse than mom with your nagging". "Shut up or I'll hit you harder than she does". "Could you three knock it off long enough to get me back". "Sorry Xavier you know how we get". "Yeah loud, louder, and loudest". "Oh well at least your sense of humor is still intact". "Shut up all three of you". "I see all four of you are back". "Yes sensei we're all back". " Now that you are let me tend to Xavier wounds properly". "Well since you're going to tend his wounds sensei shall I prepare something to eat"? "Yes please and make sure your brothers stay out of your way Keiko". "Yes sensei". "Better yet you two help me tend to Xavier". "Yes Fujishima sensei". Fuji tends to Xaviers wounds. "I will become stronger sensei, but on my own terms"! "I know you will Xavier". "I don't know who that man was today sensei, but he was not my father. My father wouldn't have done that to me". "I know Xavier, but he does love you deeply and he wants you to become stronger; though the way he went about it was not right". "Fujishima sensei do you think I'm strong"? "Honestly I do Xavier, I have seen you grow into a fine warrior your grandfather would be proud to see the next head of the clan develop into such a powerful warrior". "I wish he was here now". "I know your grandfather was a wise and kind master. He probably would have kept you at home instead of coming here to train, but rest for now young master. I promise once you wake up you'll feel better". "Thank you Fuji". "No thanks are needed. I just want my pupil to rest". During that time I was resting my mind ran wild and in the oncoming days things would change inside of me. " To be continued".