"..Whew." Azura sighed, clutching her side with her left hand, out of breath. "We managed to escape, but I'm sure they're still on our trail. We can't leave things as they are now - we'll be branded traitors by both kingdoms."
Kamui looked down, staring intently at her feet. She had no words, she could not say anything back to Azura. Her mind was a whirl, of emotions and of her family. Did she really do the right thing? Or did she just doom herself, to walk a path of misery and despair?
"Listen to me." Azura spoke, grabbing Kamui's shoulders, causing her to look up at Azura and stare into her golden eyes. "You'll lose everything if you don't choose a side. It's either Hoshido or Nohr." But Kamui didn't think so, in the end. Though she was plagued by guilt and despair for leaving her family, she had to admit, the idea of a third choice lit something up within her. She felt a fire rage inside her, and it spread quickly throughout her.
"No. There's a third option." She denied Azura's words with a shake of her head. "I can choose not to support either side."
"Wha-? But... how?"
"I have family in Hoshido, and family in Nohr. Even if I were to lose everything... Even if all of them despise me... I can't choose to side with one against the other." Kamui placed her hand over her chest, tears threatening to spill. The thought of facing her family in battle sent her heart racing, and pain spread itself from her chest. She didn't want to fight them, her loved ones. She couldn't bear with it. The thought of even doing battle against them hurt her chest to the point where she'd cry out in pain. "I... simply can't do that. I don't care if I lose everything. This is what I've decided." She stared back at Azura, showing her full confidence, her determination. It was as if a fire lit itself in her eyes. Azura hung her mouth open, but no words came out. Then, she smiled sadly.
"I see... You have to be willing to risk a lot to accomplish something major... I suppose you're right." Azura closed her eyes, remembering something from long ago. Then, without opening her eyes, she continued. "...My own mother lost her life protecting Nohr. But I don't think she regretted her choice. She died to protect the ones that she loved." Azura opened her eyes, and grinned at Kamui. "I've made up my mind as well. I will follow you down the path you've chosen."
"Azura..." Kamui bowed her head down - a Hoshidan tradition to show thanks and respect. "Thank you." Kamui stood back up to her full height, with a smile, and looked around her surroundings. "Now, where are we going to...?" However, as she looked around, she noticed something peculiar nearby some trees. It looked like... a figure was sleeping, but there was some red near one side. It could've been just a random log with a red mushroom growing out from it, but Kamui didn't think so; It looked too human-like to be one. "Look!" She shouted and pointed towards the figure, getting the other two's attention, and then sprinting off towards the figure.
Her eyesight was pretty good, though not as good as Takumi's, so even though the figure was pretty far away, and nearly obscured by the trees, she still saw it, though she only had luck to thank. But it wasn't like she could tell what it actually was, just that it reminded her of a person. And the red near it worried her. If it truly was a person, then they needed help!
After a few moments, she finally neared the figure, and she saw that it actually was a person - a boy. She came to a stop next to him, and bent down. Blood rolled down his forehead, and dripped down upon the grass beneath him. It was as if he fell and hit his head, or someone hit him from behind, leaving him there with a concussion. Jacob, followed by Azura, came to a rest besides her. Jacob bent down, knees nearly touching the grass, and stared at where the blood originated from. He reached forward, and pushed back the hair, so that he could get a better look. After a while, he stopped what he was doing, and commented about the boy's condition.
"It seems as if he hit the ground, of course, his head was what hit it first. A bad landing, to say the least. He isn't in any danger, but who knows when he'll wake up? Okay then, let us get going." He stood up to leave, but Kamui wasn't having any of it.
"We can't just leave him here!" She nearly shouted, and Jacob froze. "Jacob. You know how to heal, so can you please heal him? For me?" Jacob hesitated, but then sighed, closing his eyes.
"Very well then. I'll do my best, so please give me some room." He bent back down, pulling out his heal staff, and moved it next to the boy's head. A soft blue light radiated from the jewel at the end of the staff, and the blood that stained his face gradually disappeared.
Kamui took this moment to get a good look at him.
He had brown-black hair, that was awfully long, that nearly covered his eyes as he laid down, but probably will if he stood up. At the sides, the hair almost touched the grass beneath him, and it looked like the hair touched his nape, but it was hard to tell, as he was lying on it. He wore a multi-colored blue shirt, underneath a white cuirass that covered his chest, with blue trim around the edges. A pauldron covered his right shoulder, smooth and in the shape of a dome, that matched the color of the cuirass he wore. Continuing on, he wore a faulds which hung over his front waist and hips, the same as his other armor, a vambrace that covered his forearm and gauntlets, both white and with a soft blue tint and trim. He had on white baggy pants, that reached down to his ankles, though the pants was smoother than any other baggy ones she has ever seen before. Shin guards protected his legs, and he wore black boots. He had a black sword belt wrapped around his waist. At his side, laid a scabbard containing a katana. The scabbard was white, with the chape being gold in color. The hilt of the sword was white, just like his armor, and the guard had a blue edge and was rectangular in shape, though it was round at the ends. The pommel was flat and golden with a black teardrop at the bottom.
As Kamui finished her inspection of the man lying before her, he stirred in his sleep, groaning in discomfort. His face twisted, and a frown appeared on his face and his eyebrows knit in what could only be pain. Then, as if that was just an illusion, his face returned back to being a mask, and he slept on.
"Finished. Now, can we depart already?" Jacob remarked, annoyed at having wasting so much time healing someone he didn't even know. He only did so because Lady Kamui told him to.
"But... I'm still worried about him. What if Xander and his forces come through this way and see him? He'd obviously think he's Hoshidan and eliminate him!" Though Kamui did not think Xander would come this way, it was still a possibility, as he could've sent a small force towards where she ran to bring her back. Ryoma could've also done the same, but she knew that he wouldn't hurt the sleeping man before her. Though he wielded a Hoshidan weapon, he looked Nohrian, in some regards, so there was no real telling of what may happen.
Then, as if answering her prayers, a small dragon appeared out of nowhere. Small, and shaped a bit like a fish, it came hovering towards Kamui carrying a rather big golden orb.
"Lilith! Great timing." Kamui said, excited.
"Lilith!?" Jacob shouted, confused. "Milady, do you mean to say this creature is our stable girl? It can't be..."
"Actually... It can. And it is." Kamui spoke, amused at his reaction.
"Sorry, milady, but I fail to grasp the joke. Lilith is a human, not a... fantastical beast."
"Well, look, I know it's confusing. I'll explain everything later." Then, she smiled. "Come on! I have something to show the two of you, so..." She then looked down at the sleeping man she had Jacob heal. Her eyes widened for a moment, and then a larger smile formed on her lips. "We're taking him too, so, Jacob, grab him!"
Jacob was confused, but did what he was told, picking the man up easily with his right hand, and his weapon with his left.
Then, a light formed in the middle of Kamui, Azura, Jacob, and the small beast called Lilith, who may or may not, have been Lilith the stable girl, or at least in Jacob's eyes.
"My word... What is that light!?" He was increasingly surprised at what was happening. First, Kamui decides to choose neither Nohr nor Hoshido, then she has Jacob heal this man who they did not know, then she introduces Lilith, who was apparently not a human, and then this? He had no idea what was going on anymore.
Likewise, Azura was confused at this turn of events, but said nothing.
"Erm, I'll explain that later too..."
The light then enveloped the three, or rather, the five, and once it faded and they were able to see once more, they were standing in a rather large courtyard, a palace standing in front of them, with a tree house before it.
"Beg pardon, Lady Kamui, but might I inquire... what just happened? And where precisely are we?"
But instead of Kamui replying, it was Lilith. "I apologize for startling you, Jacob! Please, allow me to explain..."
I groaned in my sleep. My thoughts came to the surface, and I stirred around underneath my covers. I blinked open my eyes, and stared up at the dark ceiling above me, small light streaming in from the window near my bed. I sat up, thoughts a whirl. 'Was it a... dream?' I remembered that I had hurt my head. I remembered being in the hospital, and of falling down. But... I felt no pain, no discomfort. Was it really all just a dream? But no. There was a thought that had to be said. I stared back up at the ceiling above me.
"I... don't recognize this ceiling." I gazed around the room, and voiced the same thought. "Neither this room." I was in a rather small, but not overly so, room. It was just as big as a small bedroom. A closet was towards my right, with a door in front of me. A dresser was to my left, and above it, was a square window, with blue curtains placed in front of it. The walls and the ceiling were wooden, though it had stone at the corners, with a soft carpet being placed over the floor, but if I had to bet, then I would say that the floor was of the same make - wooden. A chair was set beside my bed, and on it, a girl slept. She must've watched over me as I was sleeping... that was definitely not creepy in the least.
She had rather short white hair, that only went down to her chin, with a strand of hair being between her closed eyes. A black hairband was lying on top of her hair, with a white rose on the left side. She wore what appeared to be black and white armor, with a blue cape tied to the back, with a low collar, and no shoes or boots. Then again, we are inside, and I don't wear footwear inside too. So she must've obviously took them out. I stared at the petite girl, who strangely looked familiar. Frowning, I thought back. Where have I seen this girl before, or rather, why was she so similar to someone I knew from a game I had played? Then again, sometimes there are people who just look similar to in-game characters, or they're cosplaying as them. Though, in this case, the look of this sleeping girl was so natural, that that had to be her real appearance. And that reminds me, why was she wearing armor?
"Um, excuse me..." I raised my voice. Though I didn't want to wake her up, I did need answers as to who she was, and where I was. Whether or not I hurt my head and ended up in a hospital was all just a dream, I did need to know why I was here and how I got here. Though I didn't try that hard; she was so cute sleeping.
But, just as I decided to leave her be, she stirred from her slumber. She opened her red eyes, which strangely had elliptical pupils, and stared back at me. Her mouth opened agape, and, for a few moments, the two of us stared into the others eyes.
"So beautiful..." The girl muttered, staring deeply into my eyes.
"Um... what?" My remark seemed to free the girl from her trance, and she rose up, standing from the chair she sat on, a blush forming on her cheeks.
"U-uhm... Nothing!" She shook her head back and forth, and waved her outstretched hands to the side and back.
"Calm down?" I suggested, with a tilt of my head, frowning at her actions. Her voice was cute and how she so denied saying anything was also cute. She looked to be about... fifteen? Definitely younger than eighteen - my age - that's for sure.
"Ri-right..." She drew in a sharp breath, and exhaled. She repeated this a few times, before staring at me with a grin. "I'm glad to see you're awake."
"I'm happy to be awake too. Thank you." I offered her a smile, and though I expected her to blush, she didn't follow my expectations. Instead, she sat down, a smile on her lips.
"Can you tell me why you were hurt?" She asked me, worry in her voice.
"I was hurt?" Oh, then it mustn't have been a dream. "Right. I had fallen down, and hit my head." I rubbed the back of my head with an awkward laugh. "I didn't expect it, so I was pretty caught off guard."
She nodded at my words. "I've fallen from trees many times, but I never got hurt - thanks to my reflexes."
"Trees?" I muttered, but she either didn't hear me, or decided not to comment about it. Instead, she introduced herself.
"I'm sorry; where are my manners? I forgot to introduce myself. My name is Kamui, what's yours?"
"Ah, no need to apologize. I did the same. I'm Karma, nice to meet you Kamui..." Wait... Kamui? Kamui like Corrin? From Fire Emblem: Fates? Seriously? Wait, then that falling in that dark void with white snow was not a dream? It seemed so surreal, that I was convinced it was just a figment of my imagination... I looked away from the white-haired cutie, and cupped my chin. Okay, so if I was in Fire Emblem: Fates, and judging by the room that we're in... She must've already picked her path and we're in the Astral Plane - The Unit's Castle, or fort, so to speak. My reasoning is that if I appeared in the beginning of the game, I would be surrounded by stone, as she was in a castle, but instead, I'm in a wooden room. Or, I at least hope that's correct... I can't think of any other part in the story that I would appear in. Either in the beginning, before the events of the story, or after she picked her path. Or maybe just as she was picking it? Well, since I have no memory of what path she picked, I was obviously picked up afterwards before she headed into the Astral Plane. But why was I even here? How is this possible? Am I just in a coma? If I die here, do I die in reality? Or is this reality? Ah! Let's just avoid that fate, okay Karma? Okay. Turning my gaze back towards Kamui, I noticed that she was worried as to why I was so silent. I quickly remedied the situation as best I could. "D-don't worry about me! I was just... thinking about something. Sorry that I was silent." Sending her a convincing smile, I hoped that she would smile back. And she did.
"Then, are you fine to stand?" I nodded, and she continued. "Then, let's get going! I need to introduce you to two others."
"Okay..." I pushed the covers off me, as Kamui stood up and walked towards the wooden door. I threw my legs over to the side of the bed, and jumped off lightly. As I landed on the carpet, I looked down at my outfit. It was... different than the one I was wearing, or at least, remember wearing. Meh, well, just roll with it. Looking around the room once more, I noticed a sword propped off against the wall. If it was here, and I was here... then that would be my sword? Shrugging, I grabbed the scabbard, and brought it with me. I followed Kamui outside of the room, as I tied the sword to my waist, on the left side. I quickly followed after Kamui as she gained some distance as I struggled to equip my supposed sword.
A few minutes later, and I was in the mess hall, being introduced to Azura and Jacob.
"Azura, Jacob. This is Karma." Kamui introduced us, pointing from Azura then to Jacob, and then introducing myself.
"Hey, nice to meet you two." I greeted, with a small wave of my right hand while smiling.
"You too." Azura bowed her head slightly, while Jacob just scoffed, clicking his tongue. He doesn't seem to be a big fan of mine.
"So, uh... where are we?" I asked, though I already knew.
"Don't let this surprise you..." Kamui started, grinning. "But we are in an Astral Plane!" I blinked in false surprise and confusion.
"Astral Plane?" I asked back, acting as if I knew nothing about it.
"Yep! Here, time flows differently than outside and I can make buildings appear by using Dragon Veins!"
"Ooh." I sung in feigned interest. "That is amazing. But, uh, can you tell me something else? We have a Nohrian butler, what appears to be a woman wearing a Hoshidan dress, and a small girl wearing Nohrian armor... Are you telling me, that I, and my fair maiden over here, has been kidnapped or something?"
"N-no!" Kamui very nearly shouted out. "You haven't been... kidnapped, and neither has she!"
"I believe you... but you did take me to a place I have no idea how to leave. So it might has well be kidnapping." I grinned. Kamui took a few moments thinking about what I said, before she realized what I meant.
"O-oh... I guess when you put it that way..." She blushed awkwardly, and looked away from me.
"Well, don't dwell on it. You did help me, so I'm thankful. But, mentioning being thankful, do you perchance need an extra sword?" With a larger grin on my face, I tapped the hilt of the sword I had at my waist. "Though I haven't been trained much in the art of the sword, I believe I can still be of assistance. I'm more of a... tactical mind, you see."
"A tactician?" Azura asked, surprised.
"Mhmhm. My brilliance shall one day be known throughout the land." I exaggerated, dramatically waving my arms from left to right. "So it would do you well, to have me fight at your side. Tis' the least I can do after you healed me. Besides, you're an interesting enough bunch. I think staying with you three will be very entertaining for me!" I smiled at this, and waited for their answer. I made myself out to be intelligent, but at the same time, inexperienced in battle. By telling them that I was a tactician, then my value will rise, even if I'm not much of a warrior. With this, they should have nearly no problem in letting me join their rag-tag group of friends. Of course, if they do let me join... I have a few... exercises in mind. Now I just need to work on my maniacal laughter, and I might be a step closer to being like Robin.
"A tactician, you say?" Jacob suddenly cut in. "Bah! Preposterous. I bet you couldn't even beat me in a game of chess, much less come up with tactics in battle."
At this, I scoffed. Bro, you do not know this, but I am the chess master. "Tactics? While I do know of several... stratagems I could use amidst battle, I am more for strategies, you know, the grand scheme of things. Why focus on one event, when I can prepare a net encircling every single event that occurs at the same time? It is much more beautiful, don't you think?" Jacob clicked his tongue, and stood up.
"Then prepare to prove yourself in a game of chess."
"Very well. When you lose, prepare yourself for the apology of your life."
Azura merely shook her head, and left the mess hall, while Kamui had no idea what was going on, but was excited nevertheless at having a new ally, or rather, friend.
After a long and difficult game, in which Jacob tried his damnedest to defeat me, I finally, finally, claimed victory. "Whew." I sighed, leaning my head back against the wall. "You're pretty skilled, but you really shouldn't challenge a master. Maybe next time, I'll try harder." To be honest, I nearly lost several times. I wasn't as good as I thought. Then again, I still won, so I had bragging rights. ...When I'm alone, I'll have to work on my chess game. I think I may have a headache.
"Dammit." Jacob cursed, though only I heard him as I was the closest. Kamui looked at him, wondering what he had said, but she was mostly confused about what had happened in the game. She wasn't that knowledgeable about chess, but judging by their reactions and words, she knew who had won.
"Wow, that's amazing Karma. Even though I had no idea what was going on, you won! Congratulations." She smiled down at me from where she stood, and I flushed slightly at the cute sight. Shaking my head slightly, I responded with a smirk.
"Why, of course I would win! I am brilliant, after all." I really am stretching it, huh? I better calm it down before someone actually smart joins. I'm just pretty good at chess since I play it a lot, but I'm not that smart! Okay, just calm down Karma. You can get out of this easily. Just never mention chess ever again.
"I apologize." Jacob finally said, looking down. However- "Tomorrow, if there is time - and trust me, there will be plenty of it - we shall play again." Son of a- Why!? Why do you torment me so, Jacob? Even as a ball of sweat rolled down my head, I answered full of confidence.
"Then, I would get to practicing if I was you, for your defeat is all but ascertain." I really want to hit myself.
"Very well then. Ma'am. Karma." Jacob nodded to Kamui and sent a glare my way, before making his way out of the mess hall.
I sat in silence, with Kamui standing by me. Neither of us knew what to say. Then, a sparkle appeared in my eye, and I smiled devilishly.
"Say, Kamui? You know how to play chess... right?" Kamui slowly looked my way, realizing what was about to happen, but she couldn't avoid it as I started to set up the board. "Then, let us play a... short... game, shall we?" Kamui gulped and sat down where Jacob was, and waited for the board to be set. Once done, she picked up her first piece, a pawn, and moved it forward. And like that, the game started. Not even five minutes later, I had won. My ego has been stroked, and I even practiced my maniacal laughter! Of course, I didn't voice it. At least I don't think I did...
"Wow, you're so good at this game!" Kamui said to me after our third match.
"I had a good teacher." A friend had shown me how to play the game, and after teaching me how the pieces can move and some of the rules, I beat him in our first match. He was pissed, but I laughed it off, saying that he just sucked. After that, we played chess together quite often, but he never won. Then, not even a month after teaching me the game, he stopped playing. A shame. I liked beating him.
"I'd bet!" Kamui giggled softly. Then, she looked down at the ground, a frown on her face. I instantly noticed this, so I decided to see what was wrong.
"Kamui? What's wrong?" I tentatively asked her, trying my best to sound soothing.
"I was just... thinking back to when Leo taught me how to play..."
"Leo?" I played along with the game who-is-that-person? It wasn't that fun, but at least then Kamui will know I knew about who Leo was, so if I ever actually mention his name before 'knowing' it, she won't be suspicious, or if I ever mention his name around someone from Nohr, then I can simply say that I learned about him from Kamui. Brilliant plan, if I ever do say so.
"My brother." She simply answered. "He was really incredible at the game, and though he tried his best to teach me, I was just not any good at it."
"Then, maybe if I help you, you'll be able to improve, so if you ever meet Leo again, then you can play him in chess, okay?" Kamui looked up at me, eyes wide at my proposal.
"Re-really?" She asked.
"Yeah!" I smiled and plopped my hand down on her head. "Just ask whenever and I'll teach you, 'kay?"
"O-Okay..." She answered with a mutter. Her face was a bit red... I should probably stop doing these kinds of things, acting like she is my little sister. It's embarrassing for one. And for the second, Kamui, in a way, is a hero to me. To keep things simple, I'll explain Revelation for a moment. Kamui, unable to pick between her family - Nohr or Hoshido - decides to pick neither, and goes on to bring them together. Though they fight in the future, she keeps trying. At the end, Nohr and Hoshido are brought together, and peace returns to the world and all that. It is a great story - though the actual story to go with it sucks a bit - with the whole idea of one person bringing two rival families together. That much, is what I loved about Revelation. Plus a bit of this and that, and getting every character. I hated beating up some of the girls when I picked an opposing path. The only guy I'd hate destroying would probably be Odin. Dude is mad funny. His line of dialogue just cracks me up with how weird and fanatical it is. Let's just take a moment to appreciate the fact that he refers to his right hand as his 'sword hand'. I don't think you need to get all philosophical to understand the joke that is here. It's hilarious, and it will always be so.
But, moving on from that morally wrong story, let's think about our current situation, starting with our starting lineup.
Kamui, the main character in this story. It seems as if her build is the small version of the female, with the short hair and headband. I've used that version in my second play of Fates, first time on Conquest and Birthright paths. For the first two, which I did Revelation and then Birthright with Conquest at the same time, I customized Corrin into who I wanted him or her to be, and changed the name. The first one used my name, while the second I made female and named Kamui - just like all the guys who are terrible at naming who played this and used female Corrin - because I couldn't think of anything else.
But now that you think about it, our names are pretty similar - Karma and Kamui. It's close enough, anyway. She wields the Divine blade Yato. A weapon only usable by her, and Kana, when he or she is born. Since we have the female version of Corrin, then Kana will be male. Unless real life doesn't work like that, in which case, the kawaii is over 9000. Moving past that, as for her boon and bane, I don't know what she has, but she does seem a bit excitable in some regards. A bit shy, nice... Well, I can properly get to meet her properly another time, and I can learn more about her as well to further characterize her.
Then there is Azura, the songstress of Valla. Golden eyed with blue hair, wearing her regular white dress. I usually turn her into a dark flyer, since I hate dancer type units, mostly because they are pretty weak, plus Azura has amazing Magic, so I saw only an advantage in doing this. She might be physically weak, but at least as a songstress she can invigorate a unit, to make them attack again. That much, is pretty good. Especially for a playthrough like this, where death can come easily and unexpectedly. This isn't like the game; bleeding is a thing. And you can bleed to death. So being able to use this can avoid some bloodshed. Hopefully.
Jacob, the bloody butler to Kamui. I don't have much to say. He's basically our lifeline, as he is the only one among us capable of healing. It sucks, but I'll have to put my life into his hands. Besides, I was told by Kamui that he healed me, so I should be thankful... Even though I always want to punch him every time I read his dialogue. Though at the same time, I love him... It's a weird love-hate relationship, I guess. But being the one being glared at sucks. Our relationship is falling apart. He also uses daggers, which can debuff our foes, so he'll be pretty important, especially in the beginning when we're all shit.
And then there is me. I have no formal training in anything, and I'm only making it through with bullshit and exaggeration... Yeah, I'll probably be the first dead. Unless I use Jacob as a meat shield... yeah... that sounds like a good idea. Unless he doesn't die, in which case, I'm fucked. I'd rather not have a sadistic butler after me, so I might as well not use him as a meat shield. It'll suck, but I can handle. I'm starting out with a sword, but I don't really know how to use it, but at least it is a katana. I like those kinds of swords more than the European version of swords. Speed is my thing, so even if they're a bit less powerful, I'm fine with it. I've also put myself up as a tactician, kind of like Robin. But can I use Magic? If I can, then I should definitely find a Grimleal coat and hair dye.
Disregarding that, I do have knowledge of the game, and of most of the stages - that I can remember at least. For the first one, it will be in a cave system with multiple dead ends that warp you to somewhere else. So instead of wasting our time going down each path, I plan on throwing either Jacob or a rock down each path, to get us through that chapter. We will be meeting Gunter, and though he'll mostly be useless, he is still pretty skilled... at least for the next few chapters. After that, the weaker units we get will quickly surpass him, eventually. Why can't we get a character like Seth, instead of Gunter? I mean, seriously! Seth was usable for the entire game! And he started as a Paladin, the real starting promoted unit! Why did we suddenly switch to Great Knight? I remember the good ol' days, when we started with a Lord and a Paladin...
Sighing, I resumed my walk to my room. Apparently, as I was enlisted as the tactician, I have to do paperwork. I didn't even know we had paperwork. Then again, it's only a few slips of paper, and that's only for the mess hall and the Nohrian Armory Kamui created, thanks to the Dragon Veins. So I have to deal with the whole placement of them, and making sure they're run properly, and that it's fully stocked up, and that the prices are right, and blah blah blah, can someone take my place!? Next time I end up in a Fire Emblem world, I do NOT say that I am a tactician. That is the first step to ruin.
At least I'm not being accused of being a potential spy. Or being hunted down by enemy soldiers. Or being an amnesiac. I feel like I'm going to get a lot of people killed... Eh, I'm pretty skilled at Fire Emblem, so I'll do okay. I guess. Shrugging my shoulders, I opened the door to my room, and stepped inside, before shutting the door behind me. I set the paper down at the desk that wasn't there earlier this day, and took off the armor that I wore, and threw it, and my sword, onto the bed. It was pretty uncomfortable. I need to get a cloak - a tactician's cloak. Now, what color should it be, and what should be on it? I don't want to have it like Robin's, to be honest, since I'm not him, and those colors aren't my thing, so... maybe white? Yeah, I'll ask Kamui about it later. Maybe she can use her Dragon Veins to summon up a clothing store or something. Such bullshit powers she has.
Pulling back the chair, I sat down, and picked up the quill. Ah. The mighty feather pen. My worst nemesis. I remember writing with you on a field trip in elementary school. I couldn't even write my name with it - and I spent thirty minutes trying to do it! Glaring at the feathered writing utensil, I slowly maneuvered it to the page. I just have to sign my name. I can do this. Just write 'Karma'. Almost there... Just a little bit- Annnnnnd it dripped. The page now has a black ink spot on the middle. Well, screw paperwork! Setting down the feather, I got up from my seat.
Instead of trying to learn how to write, let's just go give my sword a few practice swings. Of course - Inside. My. Room. I don't want anyone to see me, if I'm going to just suck. I'll give a few swings, and then we'll see what happens from there. Picking up the scabbard, I drew the blade free. Dropping the scabbard back onto my bed, I got into position that was most natural to me at the moment.
I took a step back with my right leg. I made a pivot with my right foot, to about 90 degrees clockwise. I made sure my left foot pointed forward. I bent my knees down. I gripped the katana with my right hand near the guard, and with my left, right under it. I brought the sword up, so that it was pulled close to my body, beside my left shoulder, and tilted away from me. The flat of the sword was near my neck. The sword was at my side, pointing forward, just underneath my chin. That was the first position I thought of.
And then I got into another one. And another one. And that was when I realized - I had no idea what I was doing.
The only other person here that used a sword, was Kamui. And I was not going to learn how to swing a sword around from her. I'd rather wait for Gunter to arrive before that, so I should first pick a stance. Then, how 'bout...
I slashed the katana downward, and towards my right. I held it with my right hand, and the blade was twisted a bit to the side. I turned my wrist up, so that the blade would point up at a slant. I then gripped the hilt with my left hand and kept the stance I had set up, to the vast majority. I changed the position of the sword, so that it was more in front of me, instead of being at my side, though I kept how it was pointing more towards the right and pointing up at a low - now high - slant. Okay, let's just go for this for now. Smiling, I nodded. I then got out of my stance, and reached for the scabbard.
"What, not going to practice more stances?"
Holy moly what the foly - I slashed the katana towards where I heard the voice, but luckily enough for me, Jacob ducked underneath the blade, and it collided into the door.
"Ja-Jacob!? Wha-what are you doing here!?" I shouted, face turning red.
"Well, I just came to inform you that dinner was ready... when I saw that you were... practicing your stances... and..." He was laughing. He was trying his hardest to hold it in, but at my look, he burst out laughing.
"Well screw you too!" I gritted my teeth, anger flaring up within me. No, no... calm down Karma. You can use this... "Jacob... Do not tell anyone of what you saw."
"And why should I?" He asked after calming down.
"Because if you don't, I won't let you win our next chess match... and of course, Kamui will be watching." He stared into my eyes, suddenly serious.
"Deal." He eventually let out. The two of us nodded at the same time, and we shook on it - though he rubbed the same hand I shook off his pants, as if my touch was some kind of poison. "After dinner, we will play." He decided, and walked out.
Of course, I wasn't going to let him win. With him knowing that I would let him win, he'll play less powerfully. Meaning, he'll have his guard down. Then, all I had to do, was to secretly maneuver my pieces in such a way as to... trap him. He'll be enraged, of course, and he'll most likely tell everyone - by everyone I mean Kamui and Azura - what he saw me doing. But I can easily bluff my way past that as me trying to practice multiple stances so as to come up with my own fighting style, or something along those lines. I can then run with not being taught the sword that much, so I have to figure out my own style for myself. My "master" taught me that with my knowledge, I should pick and practice my own fighting style. I was definitely not using Jacob for my own means because he saw something he shouldn't have... Yes... Definitely.
I was not embarrassed by being seen doing that. This is not payback. Okay, it is.
After dinner, and a hilarious game of chess later, me, Kamui, and Azura were seated inside Kamui's tree house. I was sitting on a stool brought in for myself, while Kamui and Azura sat on Kamui's bed. We were coming up with a plan for our next actions.
"Have either of you thought about what are next plan of action should be?" Kamui asked the two of us. I held up a hand and cupped my chin, appearing to be in deep thought. In actuality, I was just planning how to get Azura to suggest the Bottomless Canyon. Though, I shouldn't have to do anything, it's always a good idea to make sure it happens.
"I propose that we go somewhere outside the Astral Plane that we will be safe in. The place we entered in from could be swarming with enemies, so I believe that we should go somewhere where neither side would be near." I proposed with a thin smile. I glanced at Azura, and asked about her opinion.
"Then... I know a place where no on will find us. We should be safe there, for the time being." She replied with a blank face.
"Really?" Kamui responded, surprised at the news.
"Yes. And once we get there, I have much to tell you. Things I heard from my mother... and the truth about this world..."
"Sounds very, uh, fishy. How does a teenage girl know the truth of the world? Why, thousands of older and more knowledgeable people have tried to figure it out, but to no avail." I said with a thin smile.
"Well, not that kind of truth, per say..." Azura eventually sighed, shaking her head. "A different truth. One that cannot be spoken of."
"Oh. In that case, I'm all for it. I love learning about secrets." I stood up from where I sat. "Then, we'll be heading out tomorrow, but first..." I took out a slip of paper and handed it to Kamui. "I want this prepared for me as fast as you can. It will really help me out, and will make me being the tactician more official."
"O-Okay?" Kamui agreed with confusion. She looked over the paper, but before she could respond, I opened the door out of the room. I called back before leaving, however.
"Do we have some funds? I need to buy something from the armory."
"O-Oh, yeah! Catch!" Kamui twisted around, and opened up a nearby drawer, and took out a small bag. She then tossed it towards me, and I caught it with my left hand. "One for you too, Azura." She handed a second bag to the girl in question. "I'll be giving Jacob one later, so don't worry."
"What's the bag for?" Azura questioned.
"Since we're all working together, we need our own money, yes? So I decided to divide the total funds we have, with everyone here, so that we can get what each of us needs, when we need it, and without permission from me."
"A nice idea, thanks Kamui." I bowed my head slightly. "Now then, I'll be on my way." I exited the room, closing the door before either girl could respond. I had a tome to purchase. One that was quite... green. The reason? To see if I could use magic. Being the genius that I am, I am also preparing to do some experimentation with tomes. Such that, can I use a wind tome to surround my weapon in wind to add extra damage or increased range? Maybe I can wrap wind around my legs and increase my movements? What if I try it with other tomes?
Well, I can write up a proper experimentation paper later, with many questions, where I can write down my findings with as much detail as possible, so I won't worry about it right now. First, I have to buy the tome, and see if magic is available for me. If it is, then I am definitely the Tactician class, and my cloak will be here soon. Nodding at my thoughts, I walked on, a slight jump to my steps.
I broke my glasses. Complete accident. This will make writing and editing 20X slower. Tomorrow, on the 19th, I will be getting them fixed, but it will take about three days, so... I probably won't start writing the next chapter until I get them back. Thanks for your understanding.
