Campione: War God of the Sword
CHAPTER 1: He who is destined
Disclaimer: I do not own Campione and any of its characters, but who cares about that? Viva la Rebolusyon!
ITALIC: THOUGHTS/CHANT/SPELL/MEXICAN UNICORN (!?)
BOLD: MOVEMENTS/SUMMONING/GOD-LIKE VOICE
The bell rang loudly indicating the end of class. The teacher announced the homework before allowing the students to dismiss. Some of the students gather in order to talk while some placed their stuffs in their bags and said their farewells to each other. A black haired boy did the same as he waved his hands towards some of his friends. Nanami, Sorimachi and Takagi nodded their heads towards the black haired boy before turning to each other, discussing their plans for the weekend.
"Hey hey, isn't that Kusanagi-san of the kendo club?"
"Yeah, he's the prodigy that the school is so proud of."
"He's kinda hot, don't you agree?"
Ignoring the chattering of the other students, Godou rode on his bike, leaving the school area. This was basically his daily routine, because he was not a sociable person, Godou spends most of his time either reading or training kendo. He is considered as a genius in the world of kendo, being a champion at his young age, he is well known to others. Unlike others, Godou is considered talented, not even once did he lose his composure. Despite not being aware of it, he is called lady-killer by some of his classmates; being able to attract girls from other schools and some girls from his academy.
Upon reaching the park near his house, Godou got off his bike and went into a nearby store to drink tea and eat some dango. The owner of the said shop was already used of Godou's frequent visit, four times a week, he would eat on the shop while staring at the cherry-blossom tree in the middle of the park.
Having a sip of his tea, Godou began to admire the view of the cherry-blossom tree. It has become a habit of him to visit the park ever since he was younger; to skip some time and to avoid listening to his grandfather's stories about his life when he was younger. Godou was often disturbed by his grandfather's tales, from having girlfriends that were older than him or some even younger than him.
"?"
Seeing a figure under the cherry-blossom, Godou narrowed his eyes. He was sure that no one was walking near the tree, but how did that figure appeared underneath the tree? He shrugged his thoughts as he focused his eyes towards the woman standing underneath the tree.
She was a woman on her early twenties. Wearing a black kimono with an umbrella, the woman seemed to radiate a graceful aura. But what engrossed Godou was the woman's long black hair that seems to be darker than the night. Her eyes that were colored lilac, and her white skin that seems to be as white as the clouds. Saying that she was beautiful would be an understatement, the woman underneath the cherry blossom tree can be compared to supermodels. Her seemingly gentle face is more like a beautiful painting.
As if noticing Godou's stare, the woman focused her gaze towards Godou. The moment their eyes met, Godou felt something stirring inside him, his blood became thrilled and jitters filled him from his body to the extremity of his fingers.
But Godou knows better, the feeling inside him was nothing like love. It felt more like… battle frenzy. As if he was facing an opponent in kendo, Godou's body naturally entered fighting mode.
The woman underneath the tree slowly walked towards Godou, her smiling face sent shivers to his spine for unknown reasons. As she went near him, the woman smiled brilliantly and before Godou knew it, the black haired beauty was already standing in front of him. Even though he felt his body being ready to attack, his heart still race from the closer look into the woman's face.
"I-is there something?"
With a barely calm voice, Godou asked, the woman just smiled as she leaned her face closer to his. The sudden movements made the other customers realize that the black haired woman was in the shop, some sent glares at Godou while the other admired the beautiful woman.
"Prayest tell, what is thy name?"
"Go-Godou, Kusanagi Godou."
Even though he was captivated in her voice, Godou managed to answer. Hearing his answer, the woman laughed lightly before eyeing Godou from head to toe.
"Interesting indeed, this once carries the name of the Goddess, Amaterasu."
Of course, Godou had no idea that this woman will be the cause for the change of his life.
It was Sunday when Godou decided to spend his day with his little sister Shizuka. It has already been three days since he met the beautiful woman, but no matter what he does, the face of Amaterasu always appears on his mind. It is as if they were connected by something.
Godou shook his head as he dispersed his thoughts. How can something like that happen? They only met once and he's sure that they won't cross each other's path again.
"Onii-chan is there something wrong? Are you sick or something?"
His thoughts we cut when his little sister tugged his sleeve. They were currently buying some sweets before returning.
"Sorry Shizuka-chan, I'm just thinking about something."
"Oh? Is it important?"
"No, just ignore it."
"Really?"
Godou nodded as he gently ruffled Shizuka's hair, causing the little girl to blush and close her eyes from happiness. This was normal towards the Kusanagi siblings, ever since Shizuka was a child, Godou would always spoil her, much to the younger sister's delight. Also, because of these intimate acts, Shizuka is known as a bro-con to some of her classmates. Her fiery emotions will always change whenever Godou ruffles her hair.
"Anyway onii-chan, let's pay for these sweets and return home. I am quite tired."
"Sure, whatever you say Shizuka-chan."
Paying for the sweets that they bought, Godou and Shizuka walked out of the store. They walked on the normal route to their home but Godou said that he will do something else, gesturing Shizuka that she should head home. Though confused with her older brother's sudden business, Shizuka obeyed nonetheless.
Walking towards the park where he always spends his time, Godou looked at the familiar figure under the cherry-blossom tree. Not believing the image that his brain processed, Godou rubbed his eyes before staring at the same spot. The woman he met three days ago was standing at the same spot where Godou saw her for the first time.
"Nu?"
Noticing his stare, the woman turned her gaze in Godou's direction. The moment she saw him, Amaterasu smiled gently while waving gently at him. Despite having the same reaction when he first met her, walked towards Amaterasu in a slow pace.
"Greetings, Kusanagi Godou. This one is overjoyed to meet thee again. It is as if Fate itself has made our lives linked as one."
Facing the weird greetings of the beautiful woman, Godou could smile stiffly. Surely the woman in front of his was neither raised by strict traditional parents or she has been watching too much epics and ballads. But of course, Godou would never say anything about how weird Amaterasu's greeting was.
"Ah yes, nice seeing you again?"
Hearing his response, Amaterasu chuckled lightly. Though Godou was sure that her eyes became sharp for a moment, but he shrugged his thoughts.
"By the way, what are you doing here? It's almost dark outside."
"This one has been waiting for thee to arrive."
"Me? Why would you wait for me? No, how would you be so certain that I will come?"
"Thou shouldst listen more carefully. Our lives are inseparable, 'tis has been decided ever since thee laid thy eyes on this one."
"…Huh?"
"Very well, this one shalt explain it to thee. Kusanagi Godou, thou knows that mine presence is here without even checking, correct?"
Godou was taken aback for a moment. It was true, for some reason, he knew that Amaterasu was in the park, but Godou didn't know how. He just felt like there was a connection between them. He was expecting that he and Amaterasu would never meet again but deep inside him, he knew that they will see each other again.
"Please do forget what ye heard. Kusanagi Godou, this one beseeches thee to spare a portion of thy time with me."
Though Godou wanted to refuse, he find it hard to resist Amaterasu's request. From inside him, he felt that something was nearing, neither the end nor the beginning. It was quite elusive, but he knows that Amaterasu was involved in a way.
"Do you want to go somewhere, Amaterasu-san?"
"Indeed, this one wanteth to visit a certain place."
Not long after Amaterasu said those words, Godou noticed that the whole park was getting surrounded by…. a purple mist? He rubbed his eyes before looking around him. Indeed, the whole park was already covered by purple mists, everything in sight already vanished, and before Godou could comprehend what was happening, he found himself standing in a different place.
"?"
Indeed, he was no longer in the same park. The clear field a moment ago was now replaced with rocky ground and large trees. The scent of the city air was gone and Godou could smell the countryside breeze, he can also hear the wave of waters clashing with stones. The clear view of the ocean that was reflecting the brilliant moon above.
"…What are you?"
Even though confused from the current events, Godou regained his sense of rationality and asked Amaterasu in a calm voice. This feat even surprised Godou himself, instead of screaming or panicking, he managed to ignore that fact that he was transported as if it was a part of his everyday life.
"This one is the Goddess of the sun, the Harbinger of the Black Flames. I am also war itself, ruler of the seas and storms. I am the strongest Goddess of Wakoku, sure thou knowest mine name!"
Hearing her answer, Godou frowned. The woman never answered his question; all she did is confuse him with her riddles. But thinking over what she said, Godou could only guess that she was the most famous deity in Shinto mythology, the "Great Goddess" or "Great Spirit Who Shines in the Heavens"
"Are you implying that you're the Goddess? The sister of Susanoo and Ohoyamatsumi?"
"Indeed! This Goddess' is the daughter of Izanami and Izanagi! I am Amaterasu-Õ-Mi-Kami! The Goddess of Miko and Omyouji's! The avatar of war and the one who will restore this cursed lands back to it's former glory! "
Godou winced as he heard Amaterasu's declaration. He don't know the reasons but he is sure that this woman is different from the one that he met three days ago, her madness clear on her face and the lust for battle is evident on her eyes. But what surprised him was the fact that he was believing the woman who declared that she was a deity. Godou couldn't understand why, but he already accepted the existence of mythical beings and absurd creatures. Being transported into a different place by using mists was already an evidence.
"One question… why would tell this to me? Why would a Goddess even talk to a human in the first place?"
Upon hearing his question, Amaterasu smiled. The same smile that she used when she met Godou for the first time. She slowly walked towards Godou, the black haired teen tried to step back but his body wouldn't even listen to him. He noticed that the purple mists were currently covering his body, preventing him to move to the slightest.
"Dost thou wish to know why would this Goddess allow a mortal to speak to her? To even let her face be seen by mortal eyes? The answer is quite simple."
Godou felt Amaterasu's hand reach his cheeks. The Goddess slowly leaned, capturing his lips with hers. Unease and pleasure flowed inside his body, he enjoyed yet hated the sensation he was experiencing. The Goddess allowed the mists to disperse pushing Godou's body into the ground.
"It is because fate decided to make you my enemy yet my lover at the same time."
Godou froze on the spot, wondering what Amaterasu meant by her words. Fate is really complex and stupid, why would it choose Godou to be the lover of a Goddess, why would it choose him to be her enemy but most of all, why would it choose a human? He knew that he is quite skilled in kendo, but will make no difference. The enemy is a deity; does fate expect him to assault a deity with nothing but sticks and harsh language?
"Tell me dearest mortal; knowing mine's plan… will ye wish to stay with me? Or perhaps thou will face me despite knowing our differences in power?"
Looking directly in Amaterasu's eyes, Godou could see hesitation, but nonetheless there was determination. "What should I do?" He thought. Certainly he would not allow the Goddess to do anything that will harm others, but he cannot do anything because he is nothing but a mere ant compared to her.
"Why would I side with you when I know that you will do something that will cause pain to others?"
Upon saying his answer, Godou could swear that he saw a pained expression on Amaterasu's face. But she still showed a gentle smile while looking at his face.
"A hero, now I see why fate chose thee… Kusanagi Godou, thou have made it clear that thou are an enemy of this Goddess! Death will be the punishment for this decision!"
Godou stopped breathing as he realized that his life will end shortly.
"However, thou had proved that thee owns a brave and pure heart. For that, thou shalt be rewarded… Takest this Goddess' body and power. Tis the last form of salvation that this Goddess can givest to thee; for the next time we meet. This Goddess shalt vanquish thee without hesitation!"
His eyes widened when Amaterasu's kimono fell into the ground. Her bare body was exposed only for his eyes to see, his senses returned when he felt the Goddess' lips encompassing with his for the second time. But this time, the warmth from her body can be felt.
Godou woke up from hearing the alarm clock. For some reason, his body was feeling sore, especially from the waist and lap area. Despite his urges to return to sleep, Godou gathered his willpower and desperately tried to turn off the alarm clock. After a few minutes of haziness, he finally noticed that the attire he was wearing was the one he wore yesterday, this was definitely weird, because Godou always wear light pajamas when he sleep.
'Come to think of it, I don't remember getting home last night. I was in the strange place with Ama—'
His body froze when he remembered that incidents that taken place last night. He remembered splitting with Shizuka and finding Amaterasu in the park, but he got sent into a foreign place and Amaterasu revealed that she was a deity. He also remembered Amaterasu asking him whether he will side with her or oppose her and after he declined the Goddess, Amaterasu removed her kimono and…
His eyes widened when her remembered the actions that happened with the Goddess last night.
"Wha-what!? That wasn't a dream!?"
To confirm his thoughts, Godou quickly ran towards the bathroom while removing his top. He looked into the mirror only to see that his body was covered by red marks that was absolutely scratches. He can also smell a faint scent of lilies that can only belong to Amaterasu.
"…Impossible, me doing it with a Goddess? Isn't there some mistake?"
It took several minutes before Godou regained his composure and rationality. Though things were still messy in his head, he completely understood that Amaterasu is now his enemy. After all, Amaterasu did say that she will vanquish him without hesitation should they ever see each other again. Godou's death is assured with her, no doubt. He was thinking whether he should be happy for he will die in the hands of a deity, or be mad because a Goddess is after his life.
Walking out of the bathroom with a limp body, Godoy met his little sister Shizuka, who was preparing their breakfast. Needless to say, she sent him a glare for not returning early last night. If she only knew what Amaterasu was doing to the poor Godou that night.
"Onii-chan! Where did you go yesterday? You didn't even eat the dinner that I saved, thanks to that, the food became spoiled!"
"Sorry about that Shizuka-chan. I was accompanying a friend… that's right, a friend."
"Really? If you're gonna do that, then at least call to inform me or grandpa."
"My bad, I'm really sorry Shizuka-chan."
"I'll let this one slide. Let's eat breakfast; grandpa said that he will eat later."
Arranging the table, the siblings ate in silence while watching a normal morning show. Everything seems fine but for some reason, Godou felt a premonition that something disastrous will happen and it will involve him. Not only that but he is sure that it will be caused by Amaterasu.
After their breakfast, Shizuka took care of washing the plates while Godou was eagerly watching the TV, checking if something weird is happening in Japan. He couldn't help being worried because he knew that a rogue Goddess was roaming freely on his country. Though nothing weird was happening, Godou still have the feeling that something bad will happen. Deciding to ignore the feeling temporarily, he took a shower while examining the scratches on his body. Though there are a lot of red marks on his upper body, he can no longer feel the pain he was experiencing earlier. It is as if the wounds were beginning to heal.
Godou didn't really mind scratches like that. He experienced worse when he was younger. Being trained by his grandfather in kendo, Godou was always beaten up. Over the time, his body grew used to simple pain such as that. He was thankful that he trained kendo, for the results were quite useful. Thinking about his past, Godou remembered that the only reason why he tried kendo was because his grandfather forced him, saying that he must know to fight for his future 'women'.
Remembering his grandfather's tales about his fights on his younger days, Godou promised himself that he will never become a lady-killer just like his grandfather. Thus, he distanced himself to others, whether males or females. He couldn't imagine himself fighting a bunch of thugs while protecting three women that will eventually become his girlfriends. Screw his grandfather's dream about Godou being a lady-killer like him; Godou would never do something like that. However, Godou still continued training kendo, thinking that all of his hard works will go to waste if he stopped.
Godou couldn't help but notice the changes in his body. He was certain that he was in his top condition and he can feel that his body improved tenfolds since last night. It's not because he can lift his mountain bike with his pinky, but because he can lift his mountain bike with his pinky without feeling any weight. He frowned as he noticed how his normal grip managed to literally crush that metal alloy of the bicycle. He knew that something is off with his body, and the only explanation he can think relates to Amaterasu. He couldn't help but wonder if the Goddess did something else besides taking his chastity last night.
'Takest this Goddess' body and power'
"Did she give me a portion of her power?"
That was the only answer Godou could come up for the latest change in his body. But he could help but question, why would the Goddess do something like that? He was sure that Amaterasu declared that he was an enemy and only death will await him as punishment for opposing her. Godou could also feel power inside him, as if these changes were only normal in order to use that 'thing' which is embed on his very soul. He couldn't understand Amaterasu's purpose for doing these things, but Godou was thankful nonetheless.
'At least at my current state, I may have a chance to stop her from doing anything.'
As he realized his thoughts, Godou released an audible sigh. Why was he thinking like that in the first place? Does he really want to fight an existence that is called a God? But despite his protests in that matter, he didn't have a choice. If what Amaterasu said about fate was real, it is certain that their paths will cross again. If he's not careful, Amaterasu's wrath will be his end.
Godou's thoughts were interrupted when he felt something weird outside his house. He can feel it like it was a part of him, there were two people outside capable of using… magic. He doesn't know why but that's what Godou's instincts told him. And if there is something that he should know, it's that he should never doubt his instincts. Which he failed to do when he met that Goddess, four days ago.
Without any second thoughts, Godou ran into his room to grab something that he can use in case of trouble. He couldn't help but feel astonished by his speed; he can be compared to something like a bullet train. He was so fast that everything else around him seemed slow.
Carrying his trusted katana, Godou walked outside and stopped in front of a car where he felt the magic was coming. Seeing his figure, the two people inside the car got off. As he expected, there were two of them; one was a tall man with a black hair wearing spectacles, while the other one was a red haired male… female? He really couldn't guess that redhead's gender by looking at his/her appearance. But because of the natural scent that the redhead was emitting, Godou managed to figure that the redhead was a 'she'. It seems that his enhanced sense can do something weird…. why does he even know that the scent belonged to a female in the first place?
'Oh, right…. Recent skinship with a Goddess'
"So, how should I address you people? Spell weavers? Magicians or something like wizards?"
The two figures in front of Godou revealed shocked expression after hearing his sentence, but the androgynous beauty smile while eyeing Godou from head to toe. Though he didn't feel anything wrong with her stare, Godou became nervous for some reason.
"Hoho, you already guessed that we can use magic. But I am forgetting my manners, I am Sayanomiya Kaoru and the man here is Amakasu Touma. We are from Japan's History Compilation Committee, which is an organization that prevents the leak of magic knowledge and absurd happening like Heretic Gods and Divine Beasts."
"Tell me, did you two came here for something?"
Godou didn't let his guard down as he inspected the two. He didn't felt any strange motives but he still raised his guard, thinking that he can never be too careful. He learned that the hard way and because of his laid back manner, he was ravished by a Goddess last night.
"I see, direct to the point. Kusanagi-san, be at ease; we're not here to do something weird. We just want to talk."
Godou released an audible sigh as he covered hi katana with a cloth. Seeing him relaxing himself, Kaoru and Touma also gave a relaxed atmosphere. Saying that they should talk somewhere safe, Godou followed the two of them in a nearby café. Kaoru said that the place was safe for it was a branch of History Compilation Committee. Since when did a café became a branch on an organization? Godou thought.
"Let's get straight to the topic, Kusanagi-san. We came because of the reports that we've received. A person that resembles a Campione's stature has been spotted, and that person is you, Kusanagi-san."
Kaoru started to talk before sipping a cup of coffee, while Touma settled with drinking an iced latte.
"First of all, I want to ask a question…. what is a Campione?"
Upon hearing Godou's question, Kaoru gave a light chuckle before answering.
"It depends on the person on what he wants to be. A Campione is a God-slayer, a hero, a tyrant, a king, a supreme leader, a lord or even a devil. But the most common description will be, a being similar to God."
Godou stopped breathing for a moment when he heard Kaoru's answer. His mind was suddenly flooded with questions, but the thing that came up on top of his mind was if it was even possible for a mortal to kill a being called God. He then realized that Kaoru said something like a person resembling a Campione's stature. Is she really serious?
"Hold on, you said that a Campione is a God-slayer. Is it even possible for a human to do that feat? Moreover, what do you mean that I resemble a Campione's stature?"
"To answer your first question, it is impossible for an ordinary person and even for powerful magi's. But on extreme rare occasions, if one were to receive the grace of good fortune, or a pile of miracles, it is possible. Currently, there are six Campiones around the world. For the second question, the answer is yes. Kusanagi-san, you're definitely different from a magi, and from your power alone, we can tell that you are similar to a Campione… no, you are definitely a Campione, but an incomplete one that is."
"Wha-"
"Let me demonstrate it to you."
As Kaoru said that, she turned her gaze into a worker in the café. The said worker nodded his head before reciting a quick chant, a giant ball of fire appeared out of nowhere and the worker threw the fireball towards Godou without hesitation. Godou could evade if he wants to, seeing fast moving objects were simple to Godou without the help of his enhanced sense, but something inside tell said that such an attack should be ignored, and he will only waste effort if he tried to move.
The massive fireball neared, but before it can reach a meter close to Godou, the fireball disappeared.
"Sorry for being rude, but that fireball just now is considered to be an S-class fire magic for magi's. The one who created the fireball is also a high ranking magi of Japan, by high ranking, I meant that he is considered to be one of the most powerful magi of Japan, yet you dissipated his famous fireball without even blinking."
"A Campione's vitality is similar to Gods. Their immunity to magic is also ridiculously high, even if the magic came from a magi, their magic will be proven useless against Campiones. The only ones that can hurt a Campione using magic are fellow Campiones or a God itself."
Touma continued Kaoru's explanation. While Godou just blinked his eyes while trying to comprehend what's happening. But he was interrupted when the magi who attacked him suddenly kneeled in front of Godou while begging for his life.
"Forgive me your highness! I am truly sorry for trying to attack you! I promise that I meant no harm to you! Please spare my pitiful life King Kusanagi!"
The magi repeatedly bowed while begging for his life. Godou was taken aback by the fear in the poor magi's eyes. To them, Campiones must be a scary existence; a human capable of killing Gods is certainly scary. And Godou is considered to be one of them.
"Err, seeing that nothing happened to me, I forgive you. Just don't do that again…"
"Thank you, King Kusanagi! I will never forget a King's kindness and magnanimity!"
The magi bowed several times, even going as far as shredding tears just to thank him. He insisted that Godou should call him if he ever needs something. He sweatdropped at the magi's act before returning his gaze to the smiling faces of Kaoru and Touma.
"This only proves that you are a Campione. But something is amiss, there hasn't been any reports of the Heretic God being killed, so I am wondering, how did you gained your [Authority]?"
Kaoru asked while making a serious expression. Godou frowned a little as he began to think of ways to explain what happened without revealing the truth that Amaterasu gave him apportion of her power by having sex. Godou did't think twice, he will hide that part at all costs! Though Kaoru and Touma knew that Godou was leaving some parts behind, but they didn't asked Godou for more information.
"Fate has chosen you to be her enemy and lover? Moreover, the Goddess of the Shinto religion gave you some of her power? This is indeed unheard of… but one thing is clear, King Kusanagi. You and Amaterasu are meant to battle, by killing her, you can improve and become a complete Campione."
"What do you mean by killing?"
"That's what Devil Kings do ever since the beginning of times. If a Heretic God appears in the human world, only tragedies await to happen. They bring disaster by simply being present in the human world, for example. If a War God appears, war can broke off. If a God of seas appear, a land can be buried underneath the sea. Campione's are humanity's last hope. For they are the only ones that are capable of killing Heretic Gods. But only a few human can be a Campione, having six Campiones in this current time is considered to be too much. Because in the past, there were times where a Campione is not present, the Heretic Gods roam freely around the world and the result is… quite devastating."
"Devastating? How so?"
"Atlantis was sunk because of Heretic God, Neptune. At that time, there were no Campione present in the world. Can you imagine how many people died there?"
"I… understand."
Hearing about Atlantis, Godou became aware. Having Heretic Gods in the human world is indeed troublesome. Now that Amaterasu is roaming freely in Japan, what could happen? Since she is a Goddess of the sun, she may burn the whole country along with its denizens. That thought didn't go well with Godou.
"Do you understand now, Kusanagi-san? Having a deity present in the human world is very dangerous, that's why we can only entrust the lives of people to Campiones. Seeing that you are one, we can only believe in you to save Japan from Heretic Amaterasu."
Hearing Kaoru's explanation, what else can he do but accept the role that fate has given to him. To kill Heretic Gods and protect humanity from being extinct because of Heretic Gods thirsting for battle.
This is the start of a troublesome life…
Author's Corner!
Revised Chapter!