Firsts (closed RP with Kindankage)
Her mother had always spoke of the Kinkou, of her trips there that often spanned over days and sometimes even months. Her mother spoke of it whenever she returned, the house finally a lot less lonelier, a lot less quieter. And Akali often aspired to go there one day, to see for herself the majestic temple hidden up high in the mountains, hidden by the lush greenery. Her mother had told her only the talented would be able to find their way there, their path would be illuminated by the Ki that surged through their blood and veins.
And she would listen with fascination, hoping and wondering if her own Ki would be able to bring her there one day.
“We are going to the Kinkou today,” her mother spoke one day as soon as she returned from one of her many trips one day, even before she had greeted her daughter. She did not speak of training or ask her what she had practised or learnt that day. She simply marched into her home, darting straight for her daughter and her’s quarters, neatly pulling out robes, weaponry, and other necessities into a simple bag. What the young girl noticed was that her mother did not pack for herself, but simply for the child and Akali, a sharp girl at the age of 5, her large amber eyes darted to her mother’s face, noting the pursed lips, the furrowed eyebrows and the grave expression.
“Mother--” she began, about to move forward.
“Do not ask questions. There is no time. Grab any other things you may need. This will be a long journey. We will not be coming back here for awhile,” her mother replied, cutting her mid-sentence, her harsh voice harsher than usual.
The young girl knew better than to ask any questions. Shutting her mouth, the girl picked up only one item she cared for: the small rag doll her mother had made for her when she was young.
The journey to the temple was a lot challenging than she had anticipated. They had ridden part way of the journey on horseback, the tiny girl clinging onto her mother’s robes in fear of being thrown off the animal. The other part of the way was done by foot, their horse left behind at a small farm house, her mother leaving silver coins to the farmer to care for it. The climb up the mountain was tiring, Akali’s little feet struggling to keep up with her mother’s longer ones. The woman seemed to forget that her child was following her this time and most times when the woman realised her daughter was too far behind, Akali would be met with harsh scolding. Her mother’s eyes were glowing a pale amber the entire way, no doubt seeing the Ki path toward the temple.
It was dawn when they finally arrived, their journey spanning the entire night. Yet, despite that, Akali was wide awake. The temple was a sight to behold. Large buildings surrounded by many compounds filled with yells and clashes of the disciples sparring and training.
Her mother gave her a look, motioning her to stay where she was before moving swiftly toward, what Akali presumed, was the main temple. Sighing and unsure of what to do with herself, the girl moved toward the large, ancient cherry blossom tree at the far end of the compound, seating herself upon the roots of the tree.
From where she was, she noticed a boy, much older than she, practising with a wooden dummy.
