Books R' Us discussion

Start typing a sentence. Then the rest of the members go with the flow! make a wonderful story! Who will start?

You or I?

Uh... you?

This was the day-the day I would win.

Every year I competed the champions of handcrafting a kite. Mine would be the best though. I got lessons from a master, Ching Ho. And I know that I was going to beat the pants off of everyone. I could see the scene-- mouths wide open, admiring the kite. I can't wait!

I planned to have a kite named Mariyoko-Chang Tin, my mother. It would be a mirror image of her. The striking wood hue of her eyes would be streaked in large strokes onto the surface of the kite. The kite would be light so that it could speed across the sky-strong and graceful. Lastly I would add a blue star. Blue for the color of the blanket in which my mother had so gingerly wrapped around me at my birth. The symbol of a star to represent what my mother was above all.I could imagine it. All the other kites-even Ching Ho's other apprentice Kyachi Hong's- would fall ashamed under the glory of my kite. I was not doing this for myself. Nor for Ching Ho. No, I was doing this for Mariyoko-Chang Tin, my mother.

Why would I do this for my mother? She has gone to a new world. I feel her dark chocolate eyes watching upon me. I have given her my blessing. She has arrived safely over in Heaven. She went along with cancer. I am honoring her this day.

Satisfied with my answer I set to work at my workplace in Ching Ho's hut. Kyachi Hong's eyes are set upon me over his pale blank, face. He stops right after shaping a flawless wood tail for his kite being set up on his desk. He's now walking up to me. I pay no heed with as much ignorance as I could muster. I look down, his shadow now stood still over my tools.

"Very nice. She is beautiful." And as quick as he came, he went on.

I was shocked. I glanced at his. It was a striking shimmering fabric that sat at his wheel. Emerald clusters clutched inside diamonds cleverly weaved into the fabric. It was, flawless. I knew mine would be to, but would my perfection match up to his skill?

I had doubts that I would win now. Emerald is a beautiful color. The judges would love it. But me? I was scared once more.

There was no way to find out for sure if Kyachi would win. I still had a chance. But I knew that my chance was weakened every time Kyachi's chisel took out another even chunk of wood from his delicate fern tree carving that would be poised perfectly upon the center of his kite. I tried even harder to concentrate on my own kite. I would win; for mother.

If I didn't-- I don't know what will happen. What will be the punishment? Suicide? Whipping? My father wanted me to win. He threatened me to honor Mother. If I didn't-- all I knew was that I would suffer pain. Physical pain.

I didn't mind the part of honoring mother but the other half was a little, rational. Father has been less open ever since mother, and the accident all at once. It was to much for him-and for me.

But I wonder when my father will tell me more about my mother. I only know that her eyes are deep blue like the sea. A beautiful color. But-- what were her hobbies? What was she like? Did--- she love me?

Of course she loved me, for I am her child. But I can't stop them from flooding my mind. Would she have loved a second child more than me if she had lived long enough?

I have to block those thoughts. Then I will not win.

Despite my intentions the thoughts lurked in my subconcious hidden; waiting for something that would spring it into a frenzy. I tried to push them away but they flooded back.

Trying to run away from the thought of my mother(which is quite impossible; I'm working o her right now), I peeked at Kyachi Hong's kite once more. The sea dragon was embroidered in the center of his kite with the intense jade green surrounding it. I turned away. My mother was in the center as well, but with a blue background. Could I win?

"Telegram from Chung Ho from the Imperial Palace." a voice said breaking through my rapid flow of thoughts. "It's Ching Ho," I muttered absentmindedly. "My apologize, Ching Ho." the messenger replied. My cheeks flushed at the rise of my embarrassment. "Did you say, Imperial Palace?" Kyachi Hong asked quickly ignorant of the converse between the messenger and I. "Why, yes I did boy. But that is not your business," turning toward me again the messenger continued, "Does anyone know where Ching Ho is to be found?" "Right behind you." a sharp and hoarse reply snuck up from behind to say. There standing at the arched, wooden frame of the entrance standing tall was an aged man. He was not Ching Ho.

"Ching Ho, his royal majesty wants you ti make the finest kite in all of Japan. NO specific request, but just enough for him."
"But he's not--" I stammered.
"Shut up, yourself boy!" He snapped. He bowed to the messenger."I am honored to do this. Now please, go!"
"But one more thing, Ho!"
I flinched. It is not Ching Ho! I glanced at my side to Kyachi. He seemed to look nervous too.
"Well, spit it out!"
"He wants one of your apprentices to also make a kite. The one who wins the festival."
I was stunned. Would it be me?

With this sudden chance in his majesty's request I became more determined to see to my winning. But that thought was for later. Right now I must handle the not Ching Ho.