The Last Bamboo Stalk

["Chapter 9: A Choice to Make What he found was the last bamboo stalk.","Chapter Ten A Chance to Belong Takeo lay face down on the ground, clinging to the last giant bamboo stalk. His chest pounded and he couldn\u2019t help but breathe in the swirling earth as he gasped for air. His arms wrapped tightly around the stalk\u2019s thick trunk as the dark wall seethed and thundered behind him, whipping him with small, sharp pieces of wood and leaves. Tucking his head in between his arms and clamping his eyes shut, his thoughts desperately searched for something, anything that he could do before akury\u014d descended on him, too. He realised that nobody knew where he was. Nobody could help. He felt an overwhelming sense of loneliness sweep through every cell in his body, like icy water flowing through his veins. 144","Chapter 10: A Chance to Belong Akury\u014d\u2019s tentacle-like streams of mist snaked around his ankles. It felt cold. Takeo tried to pull his legs up closer to his body and the bamboo stalk, but the biting force tugged harder and he lay there unable to do anything to help himself. There\u2019s nothing I can do, he thought, overtaken by feelings of hopelessness once again. The last line of the riddle floated into his mind on its own gusty breeze: Third, unite in the darkness. It formed, then disappeared in a brief but reflective moment. He was unable to hold on to the words. Takeo\u2019s eyes filled with tears. \u201cI am alone,\u201d he muttered into the earth as the despairing winds lashed at him, cutting like sharp glass. \u201cI have failed the forest and\u2026 Kokoro.\u201d 145","The Last Bamboo Stalk As he said this, Takeo felt a warmth radiate into his cold, numb hand. \u201cMy amulet!\u201d he called out loud, surprised. The comforting warmth quickly spread through his arms, still wrapped tightly around the bamboo stalk, and moved along the rest of his body. He kicked his legs behind him in an attempt to loosen akury\u014d\u2019s icy grip and felt the tentacles\u2019 hold slacken, yet the darkness did not let go completely. Feeling a glimmer of hope as the amulet\u2019s warmth continued to spread, Takeo\u2019s attention returned to the present moment. He became more aware of the stalk that he clung to. Its smooth exterior was expanding and growing in strength. How was that happening, he wondered. The forest had been destroyed. How was this lone stalk surviving? A sudden surge of energy flowed through the ground. Takeo\u2019s whole body lay in contact with the earth, which was rippling in small waves underneath him. He drew a deep breath and felt his chest expand with the bamboo\u2019s 146","Chapter 10: A Chance to Belong lifeforce. Even though akury\u014d had destroyed nearly everything above the surface, everything below was still moving. The tiny strings of roots were still alive. They were rushing to send their strength, just like an ancestor spirit would rally to help a beloved family member. They were trying to save the last bamboo stalk and maybe, even to save him. \u201cTakeo.\u201d It was the tremor; rising from the roots, echoing through the earth, faint, but strong enough to reach Takeo. The vibration transferred the thought of his name through the soil and into his mind. \u201cYes?\u201d Takeo breathed into the ground, relieved to hear the bamboo\u2019s silent words once more when there was chaos all around him. \u201cYou are not alone.\u201d Takeo\u2019s whole body relaxed at the tremor\u2019s reassuring statement. Still, the guilt of running away overwhelmed him and his eyes once again welled with tears. 147","The Last Bamboo Stalk \u201cBut\u2026 I\u2026 I\u2019ve failed. I could not stop akury\u014d\u2026 and now\u2026\u201d He struggled to continue. Takeo felt the menacing tug of akury\u014d once again tighten around his ankles. A sliver of despair curled further up his leg and doubt crept into his thoughts. \u201cDo not despair, son. Hope is not yet lost.\u201d Takeo felt the tiny rippling waves under his body as the movement of the roots brought his awareness back to the present, pushing aside the cold, lonely influence that seemed to rear up again and again whenever he felt unworthy. His amulet glowed brighter now. Its warmth radiated through his body, filling his heart with reassurance. 148","Chapter 10: A Chance to Belong Takeo drew a deep breath. Lying face down on the ground, hugging the last bamboo stalk with the menacing akury\u014d at his heels, he felt so far away from the hope that the tremor suggested. \u201cBut, I don\u2019t know how!\u201d he stammered. \u201cMy child, you are already on this path. Believe in yourself,\u201d the tremor responded in turn. Takeo opened his eyes. He hesitantly lifted his head. The wooden torii gate stood several metres away. The family\u2019s proverb, engraved in kanji letters, was still visible through the blustering wind and, just beyond the gate, he saw the beginning of the village and the roofs of its ramshackle houses before they dipped down the hill towards the sea. The last line of the riddle formed in his mind. Third, unite in the darkness. But this time it did not fade. The earth reverberated with the tremor\u2019s encouragement. 149","The Last Bamboo Stalk \u201cYou are not alone. Stand, Takeo Sakamoto, grandson to Takechiyo and guardian of the bamboo forest, protector and protected, and face akury\u014d.\u201d Takeo felt a surge of power running through the earth as the energy from the roots flowed into the last bamboo stalk. It instantly grew higher and higher into the sky, standing like a lone soldier, brave and immovable against an invincible army. Takeo felt its strength flow into himself too. The energy travelled to his arms and legs, and his muscles found a renewed strength. He clambered up the stalk, shaking off akury\u014d\u2019s weakened hold from his ankles, gripping the trunk as he went, desperate to keep hold or else become lost in the void. Turning to face his foe, Takeo caught his breath. Akury\u014d had grown. Its immense size stretched around the village, enclosing it in a semicircle. Takeo struggled. The thought of akury\u014d moving across the houses, down towards the sea, crushing Shozoku Village and everyone in it, including his family, overwhelmed him. 150","Chapter 10: A Chance to Belong Akury\u014d surged and heaved, ready to descend, but something was holding it back. Takeo stared wide-eyed at its enormity. The creeping doubt returned momentarily. How was he, all alone, supposed to fight this? He leaned back against the last bamboo stalk as it drove higher, pulling the final fragments of strength from the now exhausted roots in an attempt to hold off akury\u014d. I have to try, Takeo thought, sensing the bamboo\u2019s struggle. He lengthened his body upright, raised his left arm through the blustering wind, and held the amulet out in front. Then, he closed his eyes. Take ni suzume, t\u014dnoki to rei to chikara, yamino nakade danketsu. He let a moment pass, then slowly opened his eyes. Nothing had changed. Shards of glassy wind continued to whip at his face. He felt the pressure of the icy wall pressing against him. His body was depleted of its energy. 151","The Last Bamboo Stalk It began to slump\u2026 Feelings of inadequacy and doubt creeping back in once again. \u201cTakeo! Takeo!\u201d There was a faint voice in the wind. He looked over his shoulder towards the torii gate. It was Kokoro! But how did she\u2026? His thought drifted away as he strained to hear what she was yelling. \u201cStop, Kokoro, you need to go back!\u201d he hollered with renewed concern at seeing his cousin. She was struggling against the violent gale, leaning forward and pushing one leg onwards after the other. She was gaining ground, but what was she saying? Kokoro yelled, \u201cTake ni suzume!\u201d \u201cA sparrow in the bamboo?\u201d he answered disbelievingly, not sure what she meant. \u201cStop! Kokoro! No!\u201d \u201cGive me your hand!\u201d she yelled. 152","Chapter 10: A Chance to Belong The wind continued to bombard them mercilessly, ice and sorrow woven together. She was close now. \u201cC\u2019mon, Takeo, give me your hand.\u201d He could see her amulet glowing in the greyness. He reached out, pulling her towards the sturdiness of the stalk. When Kokoro touched the bamboo, Takeo thought he felt the wood sigh. It seemed to relax under their fingers and Takeo was reminded of Kami Aki saying that Kokoro was the heart and soul of the forest. It was finally complete with her there. The final line of the proverb, \u2018Third, unite in the darkness\u2019, made sense now. He couldn\u2019t do this alone. The pair glanced at each other. There was no time for words. They took a step forward together, forming a barricade to protect their own, between the last bamboo stalk and akury\u014d. The cousins planted their feet. They raised their hands, their palms facing out and held up their glowing amulets. 153","The Last Bamboo Stalk Then, together, they called out their family\u2019s proverb into the darkness, \u201cTake ni suzume, t\u014dnoki to rei to chikara, yamino nakade danketsu.\u201d A resounding pulse exploded out from the last bamboo stalk, like a shockwave blasting through the air. Akury\u014d writhed, becoming even more chaotic as the edges of the mammoth wall were pulled into a central column that rose even higher. It stood threateningly in front of the cousins before dissipating. It continued to twist and writhe as it shrunk down, forming a mass of darkness and debris the size of a man. All around was suddenly calm and bright with the exception of this formation that floated several metres in front of them. It thrashed about as if it had been caught in a trap. Takeo stared at the swirling mass until Kokoro broke the silence. \u201cWhat should we do now?\u201d she questioned, searching on the ground nearby as if an answer would be found there. She turned to glance 154","Chapter 10: A Chance to Belong back towards the village. \u201cTakeo, look,\u201d she said breathlessly. He turned to see Kami Aki gliding towards them from the torii gate. But there was also someone next to her. He had the same glow as the Kami. \u201cGrandfather!\u201d Kokoro exclaimed. Takeo\u2019s eyes widened in surprise. \u201cGrandfather?\u201d he breathed, staring unbelievingly at the spirit as he approached. His grandfather gave a brief but heartfelt smile to Takeo before turning towards the dark mass. \u201cYama,\u201d he declared sorrowfully. The four of them stared at the formation together as it continued to thrash about, as if in pain. Voices were approaching from behind. Takeo turned to see people walking through the torii gate towards them. Their parents came first. They moved purposefully towards Takeo and Kokoro. Many villagers followed behind. Cautiously, they spilled through the gate, looking all around at the devastation that had taken place. Then, en masse, they gathered 155","The Last Bamboo Stalk either side of the bamboo stalk, flanking the lone soldier and the cousins. Takeo turned back to face the last gusts of akury\u014d, to face Ancestor Yama.","Chapter 10: A Chance to Belong He drew a deep breath and took a step forward, then bowed. \u201cSpirit Yama... Ancestor Yama, You are not alone, You belong to me.\u201d","The Last Bamboo Stalk The swirling mass twisted and whipped more violently at Takeo\u2019s words. Kokoro took a step forward, lining up next to her cousin. She bowed and repeated Takeo\u2019s words in Japanese. \u201cKi no yama\u2026 senzo no yama, Anata wa hitori janai, Anata wa watashi no mono.\u201d Again, the mass that was Ancestor Yama seemed to recoil. \u201cAncestor Yama has been in great pain for a long time,\u201d Spirit Grandfather observed. He then stepped forward. \u201cYou belong to me,\u201d he echoed, loud and true. Kami Aki followed suit, then their parents, and finally all of the villagers stepped forward, until all that could be heard were the words, \u201cAnata wa watashi no mono.\u201d \u201cYou belong to me.\u201d 158","Chapter 10: A Chance to Belong The blustering gusts thrashed one last time then calmed into what looked like wisps of dark mist, finally forming into an image of a man. Ancestor Yama. Yama looked around, taking in each earnest face - the villagers, the parents, the spirits, towards Kokoro and finally Takeo. He bowed low. Then, the dark mist swirled one final time, fell to the ground and disappeared. 159","Chapter Eleven A Time to Say Goodbye Takeo and Kokoro burst through the back door of their grandfather\u2019s house and raced down the stone steps. After the previous day\u2019s ordeal, the cousins had fallen asleep easily and slept deeply. They\u2019d woken to a new day; a feeling that everything was going to be alright. The sky was bright and the air had a joyful crispness to it. Kami Aki had asked for them to meet at the granite monument and the cousins were eager to get there as soon as they could. Takeo stopped to admire the view across the open landscape. \u201cIt looks so different, don\u2019t you think? I can see all the way down to the stone monument from here.\u201d \u201cWow, cool!\u201d Kokoro exclaimed. \u201cAnd look, over there, I can see the last bamboo stalk next to 160","Chapter 11: A Time to Say Goodbye the torii gate,\u201d she added. They both gazed over the sea of pale green baby shoots rippling like a wave in the breeze. The lone giant stalk stood tall and strong in the distance against the light blue sky. \u201cLook how much the bamboo has grown!\u201d Kokoro said, skimming her hand along the top of the feathery shoots which had rapidly grown to about knee height overnight. \u201cLife is still there,\u201d Takeo recalled, repeating his grandfather\u2019s words. \u201cHe was right. It just needed a little love and strength.\u201d After the destruction of akury\u014d, Spirit Grandfather had gestured for the cousins to lay their hands on the earth by the last giant stalk. The bamboo\u2019s heart and soul in Kokoro and its strength in Takeo joined together to revive the weakened roots. \u201cTake ni suzume,\u201d their grandfather had whispered; the sparrow in the bamboo, two things that go well together. The tiny spears of green had broken through the surface all the way across the barren landscape. Takeo smiled 161","The Last Bamboo Stalk at the recollection. It was only yesterday that his grandfather\u2019s spirit had spoken the family\u2019s Kamon, but the scene was already a cherished memory. He knelt, wrapping his fingers gently around a tiny stalk. It gave a joyful flutter in his hand. \u201cC\u2019mon,\u201d Kokoro shouted, playfully flicking the top of Takeo\u2019s head then speeding off along the trail, \u201cKami Aki said to come first thing this morning.\u201d Several pathways crisscrossed through the sea of green, making it look like a patchwork quilt. The pair ran quickly along the dirt track, able to see the path ahead over the top of the young bamboo shoots. Takeo was surprised at how fast Kokoro could run and pleased that she had completely recovered from her illness. He smiled as she uncharacteristically kicked her heels together as she ran. He copied her movement, nearly falling sideways into the young bamboo, then laughed lightheartedly. As it had done before, the monument stood in the clearing, but where giant bamboo stalks had once encircled it, it was now surrounded by 162","Chapter 11: A Time to Say Goodbye tiny, short shoots, which made the stone seem much taller and more imposing. \u201cThey are not here,\u201d Kokoro said. The pair ran around the monument in different directions, high-fiving as they passed each other behind the back of the stone before returning to the front. \u201cOh, we are here,\u201d Kami Aki replied, smiling. She was sitting on her heels near the front of the monument. Spirit Grandfather sat next to her. The cousins stopped running and caught their breath at the unexpected sight of the spirits who, they were sure, had not been there moments before. Takeo and Kokoro smiled at each other, then bowed before sitting cross-legged opposite the spirits. Takeo took a moment to study his grandfather. He wore a white tunic tied at the waist with a braided belt and a string of wooden beads around his neck. His white hair was tied on top of his head and he had a thin, pointy moustache","The Last Bamboo Stalk and beard. He had the same pale glow around him as Kami Aki. Takeo had so much he wanted to ask, but he didn\u2019t know where to start, so he lowered his gaze. \u201cGrandson, you have a question. You may ask it.\u201d His grandfather\u2019s voice sounded patient and calm. He spoke in English, or at least that\u2019s how Takeo heard it. \u201cGrandfather,\u201d Takeo began, looking into the spirit\u2019s kind eyes, \u201cI am so happy that the forest was saved\u2026 but...\u201d The memory of the second challenge and the two distorted figures of Kokoro and Ben, hovering in akury\u014d, came flooding back. The recollection invoked a sad feeling as he momentarily relived the experience. He twisted his fingers in his lap. \u201c...I failed the second challenge. I ran away and the forest and Kokoro nearly died because of me. I should have stayed. I should have fought.\u201d 164","","The Last Bamboo Stalk \u201cYou did not fail, my child. To fail would have been to succumb to akury\u014d.\u201d Takeo frowned as he tried to understand what was being said. \u201cWhat did you think of to dispel your fears?\u201d his grandfather asked. \u201cWell, I thought of lots of things\u2026 umm, my friend in Australia, Rosesh, goofing around and Kokoro laughing at me.\u201d He glanced towards his cousin and smiled. \u201cI thought of Mr Gray and my amulet. Umm, our Kamon - the bamboo and the sparrow, my father, the giant bamboo, the torii gate, and\u2026 umm, my name next to yours on the monument, Spirit Grandfather.\u201d Takeo looked deep into his grandfather\u2019s eyes, hoping to see something that resembled forgiveness. They glinted. \u201cYou chose to embrace what matters to you.\u201d \u201cAnd not to give in to your fears,\u201d Kokoro added excitedly, breaking the spell that had taken hold of Takeo. 166","Chapter 11: A Time to Say Goodbye \u201cThe path is not always as it seems,\u201d added Kami Aki, somewhat mysteriously and she gave Takeo a wink. \u201cSpirit Grandfather,\u201d Kokoro began, wanting to ask her own question, \u201cakury\u014d is no more and Spirit Yama is at peace. What will happen to the bamboo forest now?\u201d \u201cYes, Yama is finally at peace,\u201d he replied, \u201cand we may be at peace too.\u201d He looked off into the distance. The cousins followed his gaze. The once dark and threatening mountain, with its tall cedar trees, seemed to blend more into the light foreground of the new bamboo forest. \u201cThe village is safe. It no longer needs protection from the bamboo forest. The villagers will enjoy the forest\u2019s serenity. Its paths will extend down into the ridge, connecting with the mountain trails.\u201d Takeo and Kokoro smiled at each other. The thought of exploring new pathways from the forest into the mountain sounded like so much fun. 167","The Last Bamboo Stalk \u201cGranddaughter, it is time for you to add your name to the sacred stone,\u201d he continued, standing up. Takeo smiled at his cousin, who jumped up excitedly and followed the spirits towards the huge granite monument. Takeo stood back, watching the significant event with pride. With their guidance, Kokoro placed her right hand on the stone under Takeo\u2019s own name and her left hand on her amulet. Together, Spirit Grandfather and Kokoro chanted the family\u2019s proverb. There was a scraping noise as her name, in kanji characters, sunk into the grey stone. She turned and beamed at her cousin, still holding the glowing amulet in her hand. He walked over to join her. \u201cTakeo and Kokoro, you will be leaving Shozoku Village soon, but you will remain connected to this place and to each other.\u201d Kami Aki gestured towards their amulets. \u201cHow? Can we use our amulets?\u201d Takeo asked, opening his eyes wide with disbelief at what he thought the spirit was implying. 168","Chapter 11: A Time to Say Goodbye \u201cYou already have,\u201d explained the Kami. \u201cYou knew how Kokoro felt when she was sick and she knew where to find you when you needed her.\u201d \u201cBut, I\u2019ll be in Australia and Kokoro will be back in Tokyo.\u201d he replied, needing more assurance that this unusual way of communicating would still work. \u201cDistance does not matter, Takeo. True connection crosses time and place,\u201d Kami Aki replied. She gave the pair a heartfelt smile, then began to turn away. The cousins knew what that meant; it was time to say goodbye. \u201cFarewell, Takeo and Kokoro. Take ni suzume.\u201d Kami Aki tilted her head, gently nodding towards the pair. She then turned to leave, her long dark hair floating in waves down her back. \u201cGoodbye, watashi no kodomotachi,\u201d Spirit Grandfather said serenely, \u201c...my children.\u201d His calm words and manner emanated warmth. The cousins felt like a comforting blanket had drifted around them, lessening the sadness that follows an unwanted goodbye. \u201cAlways remember, anata wa watashi no mono,\u201d he 169","The Last Bamboo Stalk added, glancing towards his grandchildren. Takeo knew those words. \u201cAnata wa watashi no mono,\u201d he repeated quietly to himself. \u201cYou belong to me.\u201d He closed his eyes momentarily, desperate to capture the image of his grandfather in his memory and hold onto it, much like taking a photograph. \u201cGoodbye, Kami Aki. Goodbye, Spirit Grandfather,\u201d the cousins said, bowing while keeping their chins raised and eyes upwards. The spirit beings glided down the pathway and into the young forest, becoming less visible with each step, until they eventually faded away. Kokoro stood upright, but kept her gaze towards the empty pathway. \u201cDo you think that you will ever come back here, Takeo?\u201d He knew, like Kokoro, that they would also be saying goodbye very soon. \u201cYes, I do!\u201d he replied, without hesitation. He turned and ran his fingers over his name 170","Chapter 11: A Time to Say Goodbye engraved in the granite one last time, then smiled at his cousin. \u201cIt\u2019s strange, I came here thinking I was from Nowhere Land, but really I belong in two places. I\u2019m pretty lucky,\u201d he said thoughtfully, moving towards the path. \u201cYeah, you are! I\u2019ve only ever known one,\u201d she said, giving the monument one last pat with her hand before joining her cousin. \u201cWell, you\u2019ll have to come and visit me in Australia.\u201d He gave his cousin a gentle push and then ran towards the pathway. \u201cNo way! Not with all those spiders and snakes!\u201d Kokoro yelled, running to catch up to Takeo. \u201cOh c\u2019mon, you can meet my friend Rosesh. He\u2019s hilarious.\u201d \u201cWell, I would like to try and ride a kangaroo. Do you really ride them to school?\u201d she asked innocently. He laughed, turning his head to face her. \u201cWell, 171","The Last Bamboo Stalk you might just have to come and find out for yourself,\u201d he replied, playfully, then he sped off up the trail that led back to his grandfather\u2019s house. 172","Chapter Twelve An Epilogue Takeo and Rosesh took up their normal position near the volleyball court to eat their lunch. It was Takeo\u2019s first day back at school since arriving home from his trip to Japan. He had so much to tell his friend about \u2013 the bamboo forest and akury\u014d, the amulet, Kami Aki, Spirit Grandfather and Kokoro \u2013 though he wasn\u2019t sure that Rosesh would believe him. Everything had felt weirdly different but strangely the same since his arrival back. It was like he was looking at his school, his teachers and other kids through a different lens that enhanced everything he saw, making it familiar and welcoming. The gym squeaked and thudded with the sound of shoes and balls on the hardwood floor. Shouts from players echoed around the large space. Takeo caught his friend staring at him in between mouthfuls of rice. 173","The Last Bamboo Stalk \u201cThere\u2019s something bugging me,\u201d Rosesh said, tilting his head sideways as he studied Takeo. \u201cI just can\u2019t put my finger on it.\u201d His brow furrowed and his nose crinkled. \u201cWhat do you mean?\u201d Takeo responded, wanting Rosesh to put into words what he was feeling. \u201cWell, you look different. You\u2019re taller and you look more\u2026 I don\u2019t know\u2026 more confident.\u201d There was that word again \u2013 different \u2013 but now it felt OK, even cool. Takeo smiled. Rosesh saw all the weirdness that he was feeling. I\u2019m sure he will believe my strange adventure, he thought. A volleyball rolled over towards the pair and Takeo put his lunch box down and picked it up. He made a fist with his hand and swung his arm backwards first, then forward like a pendulum, attempting to hit the ball with the flat part of his fist, like he\u2019d seen the volleyball players do. The ball went towards the court but veered off to one side. \u201cHey, that wasn\u2019t bad,\u201d one of the players yelled out. He had started to jog over, but stopped to 174","Chapter 12: An Epilogue watch Takeo hit the ball. It was Ben. Takeo turned to his friend. He had an idea. \u201cRosesh, let\u2019s join in.\u201d \u201cHuh?\u201d Rosesh responded, pulling a strange face. \u201cWho are you and where is my friend, Takeo?\u201d \u201cC\u2019mon, what have we got to lose? It might be fun.\u201d He saw a flare of nervous excitement cross Rosesh\u2019s face. His eyes widened and he smiled. That was all the encouragement Takeo needed. \u201cHey Ben, do you need any more players?\u201d Takeo asked. \u201cYeah, sure,\u201d Ben answered, waving for them to join him and the pair headed over. Takeo scratched his head. \u201cWe don\u2019t really know how to play, though,\u201d he said, truthfully. \u201cThat\u2019s not a problem,\u201d Ben replied. \u201cWhat are your names?\u201d 175","The Last Bamboo Stalk \u201cI\u2019m Takeo,\u201d he said, then gestured towards his friend. \u201cAnd I\u2019m Rosesh.\u201d \u201cOK, Takeo, you can join the other side and play libero, and Rosesh can stay with me and do the same.\u201d \u201cUmmm, what\u2019s libero?\u201d Rosesh pulled a funny, confused face. Ben and Takeo laughed. \u201cYou\u2019re our back row defensive specialist,\u201d Ben said with a wink. \u201cI\u2019m a specialist already!\u201d Rosesh joked, punching the air in mock celebration. When the game started, Takeo hung back, watching the other players hit the ball and trying not to get in the way. They passed it around several times, striking it with their hands wrapped together and lining it up, ready for a player closest to the net to slam it into the opponent\u2019s court. He noticed that the players were good at calling out, so they knew whether they should go for the ball. It wasn\u2019t long before 176","Chapter 12: An Epilogue his name was called and he saw the ball in a high arc heading towards him at the backline. \u201cYours, Takeo,\u201d one of the players encouraged. Takeo suddenly felt vulnerable. He\u2019d put himself out there by joining the game and all eyes were on him. But he also felt energised. A memory of the lone bamboo stalk shooting high into the sky, surging with power, bravely preparing to face its foe, flashed before his eyes. \u201cYou\u2019ve got this, Takeo!\u201d He heard Rosesh yell from the other side of the court. Strong as bamboo, Takeo thought, taking a small step back. He extended his arms out in preparation to hit the ball like he\u2019d seen the others do and send it to his team\u2019s front line player. 177","\u201cNice one!\u201d someone yelled out and Takeo saw the ball fly in the direction he\u2019d intended. The other player leapt up and spiked the ball, hitting it into an empty part of the opposing team\u2019s court. \u201cSugoi! Sugoi!!\u201d Takeo yelled out spontaneously and jumped up. \u201cHey, good pass,\u201d Ben hollered from the other side of the court. The end of lunch bell rang out and the teams started to move towards the gymnasium door. \u201cWhat was that you said, Takeo?\u201d Ben asked. 178","Chapter 12: An Epilogue \u201cI said \u2018awesome\u2019 in Japanese,\u201d Takeo replied, smiling broadly. He repeated the word. \u201cSugoi!\u201d Rosesh echoed, \u201cSugoi!\u201d Then Ben tried and some of the others joined in. They laughed at their attempts as they left the gym and started to head back to class in different directions. Ben nodded goodbye to Takeo, then added, \u201cHey, have you figured out where you\u2019re from yet?\u201d \u201cYeah, I\u2019m from Japan and Australia. I\u2019m Japanese-Australian.\u201d Ben nodded slowly. \u201cOh yeah, I get it,\u201d he said. \u201cThat\u2019s pretty cool.\u201d Takeo and Rosesh turned right while the older students went left. He could hear Ben and the others continuing in their attempts to say \u2018sugoi\u2019 as they wandered back to class. \u201cI\u2019ve got so much to tell you,\u201d Takeo smiled and turned towards his friend. 179","","","Welcome to the world of Twinkl Originals Australia! Explore a wide range of teacher-created resources to engage and inspire children at school, at home and beyond... IatbsifHiriek.deleetHwaehtomaTabhnsaesedgizFdplaileneiondc,ugkr,etiinsonnahijgsiconpegiyefludiyFnhpraigeealnswndhptshdeaeheerirpedEdss,tefeChlrnoymalsialnenoancvgttdiisioontw faster\u2026 ..s.tiaodnoedloahfteteh.deidtrnaockt see the pepper until it was For more The Last Bamboo Stalk resources, visit twinkl.com.au\/resources\/twinkl-originals.","Collection of stories about friendships, resilience and positive mindsets. Competitive basketball trials, incredible science projects and sought-after concert auditions are just some of the situations the Flourishing Friendships characters must navigate their way through as they face the ups and downs of everyday friendship issues. on Ttahostnehwhsdoohrifnuotrohehtourinagtnasdthgbisdruwheijaucd.ihFkssdretEoegwnentnalthalafoplmajilhnopln.silegttianbsnaettdenhnrftFudoeohrgriueaeegrngoldlhheroosdaehutiitpdalotainnoCndghRdkeAteahaCverneeKped,sbrcoaeikomdglaenaentioforndlfonefselwetda, ontwhnhgeraroorfvuafdesgedctrhoe. nrftTrthohraemoenld. tree root on the Ages 7-11 The Twinkl Originals App Search \u2018Twinkl Originals\u2019 in the App Store or on Google Play. Now, you can read Twinkl Originals stories on the move! Enjoy a broad library of Twinkl Originals eBooks, fully accessible offline.","12-year-old Takeo feels different. Born and raised in Australia from Japanese ancestry, he sometimes feels like he doesn\u2019t belong to either country but exists in Nowhere Land. Yet strange events are set in motion when Takeo is summoned to Japan and discovers he has an unusual connection with the surrounding bamboo forest\u2026 \u2026but the extraordinary forest is there for a reason - to protect Shozoku Village - and Takeo soon learns that it\u2019s under threat from a mysterious dark mist called akury\u014d! Will Takeo have what it takes to save the last bamboo stalk and Shozoku Village, and perhaps, in the process, discover what it means to truly belong? visit twinkl.com.au We provide educators around the world with entire schemes of work, lesson planning and assessments, plus online educational games, innovative augmented reality and lots, lots more."]