Breaking In

Okay well this is a story i wrote 2 years ago. It's a bit weird, but the assigned task was to write a story with the title 'Breaking In'. It's a bit rusty and hope my writing skills have developed since then.

I prefer writing in 1st person because im weird.Be nice and C&C =]




~ Chapter One ~


As I knelt the smell of rosemary incense was over powering. I stared at my mother and father’s grave. How young I was when they parted from this world. Hatred filled my veins as I thought of their slaughterer. My emotions quickly shifted to a feeling of despair as a hot tear trickled down my right cheek; it was the 9th anniversary of my parents’ death. I still remember that day; the day when what was so dear to me was taken away. The grin on his face, the pleasure in his eyes as he made the order for their execution. I could never forget the face which haunts me. I slowly sat down on the cold family shrine floor, my long black silky hair caressing my face. I could hear my uncle call my name from across the garden.

“Aki!” his voice boomed all the way into the temple walls. Izumi darted towards me informing the fact that my uncle Hayato had been looking for me: I didn’t want to keep him waiting. I swiftly made my way through the garden. The garden was the most extraordinary place I spent most of my time in. I was always fascinated by the Sakura trees, in the summer they would blossom and sweet succulent cherries would grow. The smell of the lotus and momo flowers would perfume the air. The sound of the herons chirping and the nightingales flapping their wings would mesmerise you into utter sensation. I woke up from my unanticipated daydream and scurried to the main entrance of my family home.

Sliding the fusuma doors I entered the long hallway; here stood the crests for our clan, the Setsuko clan. A clan which stood so proudly amongst the divine ruler of the land, now diminished and shunned. Left to live life in hiding with many others as a new ruler was to take one so greats place. Now all that was left was hope, hope that one day someone would put an end to the injustice caused by the emperor. The high taxation was one of the causes which led the land to be malnourished; agriculture no longer existed among us. I slid the next door to the right of me to see my uncle sitting legs crossed slowly sipping hot tea. Hayato was a well respected man among the family and household: head of the family since my father died. He treated me as his own daughter for he had no children of his own.

“Come in Aki,” he slowly whispered as he took another sip of his tea. “Nice of you to keep me waiting,” he coldly said.
I tried to summon up my courage to explain my tardiness but the words seemed to stagger out of my mouth.

“I’m sorry Uncle! I was just, because today is, and I had to...”I quickly bowed and knelt for forgiveness.

Hayato began to chuckle, “My dear child, do you honestly believe that I have forgotten my own brother’s death anniversary?” His face seemed to lighten. “My brother and your Mother were good people, their spirits watch over and protect you. Just as I promised that I would, for we are the same kin and I owe that much to your father.”
My Uncle did not talk about my parents’ death often, but when he did I could tell that it tore him apart.

“Aki, I have brought you here to inform you that Emperor Daii-shi has now raised suspicion on our clan and those of our allies. He Believes that we plot a conspiracy against him therefore he has increased security around the castle. If you are willing to fully take the position of avenging your parents you will have to form a tactic to lower the castles defences.”

An awkward silence arose as the room filled with tension. I looked towards the grown trying my best to grasp all the sudden information given to me. I knew what I had to do; it was time I took some responsibility. I had prepared myself ever since the event 9 years ago. I would see the emperor suffer.

“I understand Uncle, I shall do my best. For the sake of all of us.” I bowed and left the room.

 

I wrote this a few years ago whilst i was going through my naruto ninja obsession phase.

So i adapted that and Historical japanese traditions and names to create some sort of ninja assasin story for my coursework. I believe Lian Hearn did the same with research (minus naruto)

I'll post second chapter soon.

 

~ Chapter 2 ~




As night fell upon us, I could barely sleep. The never ending thought of my mission kept my brain knackered. I would have to get into the castle, here vengeance would be mine. Katsuro Castle would be hard to penetrate as the emperor was now aware of the threats on his life. The thought of me finally avenging my parents excited me; it was the reason for my existence, my only purpose. The rest of those who lived on the outskirts of the city knew my intentions on assassinating the emperor however treated it like a dream. They also held their own personal grudges and resentment towards him but knew they were now powerless. As a child I would watch the neighbouring families practice with the sword. I was not so fortunate to be able to practice with a sword for I was sadly born female. However from observing the constant movement of precise swordsmanship I was surely mentally prepared to use a blade.
Time quickly passed and the last leaf of autumn fell. I had not spoken to my uncle about breaking into Katsuro Castle since the last time he called me during the end of summer. I did not want to mention it to him, however at the same time I was so unsure if I was suppose to take any action and further interest towards it. The house was busy; everyone was prepared for the harvest. I was behind on my house chores and my mind no longer functioned. My thoughts were swept away by the thoughts of Ryoichi Haru. I had watched him often feeding the horses and using the sword. He was an amazing swordsman, only a couple of years older than me. Hayato had sent for him to look after me whilst he was busy dealing with the family accounts and the emperor’s new taxation scheme. Haru was a good looking boy with a lot of upper body strength. His brown hair was shoulder length as he had a scar to the side of his left eye. I’d beg him to tell me the story behind it but he never seemed to give in to my pleas. He would usually accompany me, as I ran errands further into the city. In the city you could see many busy citizens; those close to the emperor lived closer to the castle. It was hard to trust many however the split was now recognisable. The Castle was a strong sturdy structure to the human eye. It cast a giant shadow on the small houses in comparison to it during the day. It was here in the city where my relationship with my guardian grew. I often told Haru about how someday we would live near the castle and how my clans pride would be restored. He, like the others shunned agreed and told me he would help in fulfilling our people’s ambitions. He told me many more myths and legends, ones which I have never heard before.

“If I live through this, I shall tell my children these very tales.” I often said to Haru. His reply was always on the optimistic side of life, something I was always shelled against.

“Don’t be foolish Aki, you will live through this. We both will.” Haru frequently replied.
I felt a great sense of respect and admiration towards him.

It was late autumn and there was still no word about the plans on Katsuro Castle. I would often practice and train with Haru. The feeling of using a sword pleased me although it was forbidden for a women to be seen carrying it. I practised warrior class martial arts with Haru; he saw it essential for me to harness my skills. I had become his pupil and he had become my sensei. At the same time we both shared knowledge and spent a lot of time in garden. I started to see my uncle less frequently and that time was now replaced with Haru. I had almost forgotten about breaking into the castle until one morning when Myoko and Hana, two loyal house maids were in my company. Both servants seemed rather grim, I dare not ask what the burden was. Both girls were the same age: one year older than me. They were tall and skinny yet they had muscle from the constant manual labour given to them. I stared at Hana, she compared to Myoko seemed to be sorrowful. It had been ages since I had participated in activities with the maids, such as embroidery. Being in their presence now was rather awkward.

“Master Hayato is looking for you,” Myoko bitterly said with a hint of spitefulness.
Confused and puzzled I tried to figure out the reason for Myoko’s cold tone of voice. I got up and left the tea room, what was the reason for my uncle to be seeking me out? Was I in trouble? The thought of my uncle’s piercing stare, the look of disappointment and anger frightened me.

 

Thanks guys, i was thinking of writing some more or entering the short story comp.

I'll post the next chapter later today ^^

 

~ Chapter 3 ~




The suspense made me shiver as a chill went down my spine. In all the drama I staggered over my kimono, ripping the bottom. Stumbling into a room I fell and saw my Uncle, Izumi and Haru all sitting round a table. I could tell Izumi and Hayato were appalled by my standards of femininity: I was clumsy and very un-lady like. Behind Haru’s stern face I could see the beginning of a smile. I knew he was mocking me on the embarrassment I had endured in front of my uncle. I quickly got up and began to blush as my face went vibrant red.

“Uncle, I have come as you requested,” I politely bowed.

“Emperor Daii-shi is aware that conspiracies and attempts on his life have occurred. He has ordered the eldest son or daughter of every household to be killed to illustrate loyalty to the emperor. In this case, this means you Aki.” Hayato sighed.
Hearing of this news I could now hear my own heart beat, each individual thump.

“Are you okay?!” Izumi rushed to verify my health. Izumi acted like a mother in many occasions, she was head of all the maids.

“I’m fine,” I lied. The thought of death scared me, the thought that I would die to the hands of emperor Daii-shi enraged me. How would I rest in peace knowing he was still alive and well?

“Aki, you’re not only the eldest daughter of the house but you are also like a daughter to me. I have no loyalty to the emperor therefore your life shall not be taken. Instead, as harsh as it is, Hana’s life will be taken instead. You will therefore no longer be able to live with the rest of us for safety precautions.” Hayato explained quite solemnly. I had now realised the reason behind the bitterness of Myoko’s voice and Hana’s miserable face. I felt guilty, yet so relieved that I would not be sacrificed

“Where am I suppose to live now Uncle?” I pondered.

“You, Izumi and Haru will live near Katsuro Castle. Near the Emperor, I hope this comes to good use to you Aki.”

“I will not waste this opportunity Uncle,” I smiled and left the room. There was not a lot of time left; I would have to put my plan into action. Every two days I had a private discussion with Haru about breaking into the castle just before I left the house. I had packed all my clothes and included a couple of well hidden weapons.

 

thanks ^^
chapter 3 is a really short chapter because overall the story is really short, but set across a large time scale.