Chapter 3: The Hundred Man Slayer
So here is chapter three Tatsumi and Bulat are back together again and are happy to do so. I also drop a hint as to why Bulat came back from the dead well see you guys after the story. Until then enjoy….
I own only my characters
Louise and Tatsumi stood inside Old Osmonds office, the headmaster was staring at them "so what your telling me is that not only is that man outside from your world but he has died once before" he sounded skeptical. Tatsumi shook his head "yes he is, his name is Bulat and he was my predecessor with Incursio" he stated, Osmond looked at him "well is it possible that he faked his death?" Tatsumi shook his head "it would be impossible, he died of poisoning by his former commander General River who had become a servant of General Esdese, after the fight River killed him" he stated, at this though Old Osmond raised an eyebrow. "He killed him after he died" he questioned "yes, he used a Tiegu that let him control liquid, when they both could no longer use their Teigu the battle ended in a sword fight with Bulat as the victor. But River injected himself with poison before the fight and when Bulat mortally wounded him he used his blood as a weapon do to his Tiegu's trump card, thus infecting Bulat with the same poison" Tatsumi finished.
Louise looked horrified, what kind of person would use their blood as a weapon to poison their enemy Old Osmond though had another question. "What is a trump card" he asked, Tatsumi shook his head "it's a secret ability of the Tiegu that's used only as a last resort do to the fact the most trump cards can kill their user's" he stated. "Does your Teigu have a trump card" Louise asked having gotten over her shock "yeah Incursio ability is that it can turn invisible, but the amount of time the wielder can use it is based on how strong they are" he stated. Old Osmonds eye's flew open and stared at Tatsumi "he can turn invisible, the only mages that can do that are square class water mages" Osmond quickly composed himself. "That's very interesting how long are you able to use this ability" he asked "well my max time was an hour and a half but if I push it I could remain invisible for two" he answered. Louise was surprised once again her familiar seemed to full of them and she didn't know how many more she could handle, they were interrupted by a knock on the door. "Come in" Osmond shouted deep in thought of whether he should report Tatsumi to the palace, Colbert came in followed by Bulat.
Colbert walked over to Old Osmond and showed him something on a piece of parchment, Bulat stood beside Tatsumi and Louise "what were you doing with Colbert" Tatsumi asked Bulat. Turning to Tatsumi he answered "I'm not exactly sure, he looked me over and asked me questions about my past and Night Raid" he stated "the funny thing is when I talked about my time as an assassin all I could remember was you not anyone else." Tatsumi's eyes widened "the same thing happened to me, I couldn't remember any of you guys my memory of you only came back during that fight" Tatsumi quickly went into thought but was pulled out before he could clearly think. "I have discussed it with Professor Colbert and we will leave Mr. Bulat in your care Miss Valliere seeing as he is from the same world as your familiar" Louise was about to protest when she saw the look in Old Osmonds eyes, it meant that the discussion was non negotiable "yes headmaster" she answered. Osmond nodded his head "good, now seeing as we have had some unseen events transpire we have moved Tatsumi and Bulat into new rooms near yours Miss Valliere that is all, if you need help finding your rooms ask the staff they have been made aware you are all dismissed"
After they left Old Osmond turned to Colbert "are you sure Jean" he asked, Colbert nodded his head with a grim look on his face "yes, one of the rune's has been moved from Tatsumi's hand and transferred to Bulat's"
SCENE CHANGE
As Louise, Tatsumi and Bulat walked Tatsumi talked to Bulat about all that happened after his death "wait a second you're saying that Esdese the country's strongest soldier fell in love with you all because of your smile" Bulat asked trying to keep a straight face "yes" was Tatsumi curt answer and at that Bulat couldn't hold back anymore. "Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha how in the world did that happen." Tatsumi felt his face go red "I entered a tournament that she hosted to find strong people to fight against us, she liked my strength and decided to kidnap me and make me join the Jagers" at that Bulat stopped laughing and grimaced at the thought of his little bro becoming like River. "Well it's all behind us now and we don't have to worry about her anymore" he smiled making Tatsumi smile as well "ya I guess you're right, thanks Bulat" it was at this point that Louise entered the conversation "so you guys really were criminals in your old world" she asked only to see a scowl appear on Tatsumi's face and sad smile on Bulat's "we weren't criminal's we only killed and attacked the corrupt and the wicked" Tatsumi answered "but remember Tatsumi the reason doesn't matter, anyway you look at it were still murder's" Bulat added.
Louise decided to drop the subject seeing that it was a touchy subject "so Bulat do you have a Tiegu" she asked, Bulat shook his head "no my Tiegu was Incursio but now it's Tatsumi's." Louise thought for a second before an idea came to her "so you don't have a weapon correct" she received a nod "ok well I can't have that if you're going to be protecting me like Tatsumi you'll need a weapon so tomorrow we will go into town and get you one" she stated will noble pride though her cheeks were red. Bulat and Tatsumi both smiled at the girl " I would appreciate that very much, thank you" Bulat answered making Louise blush even more. As they made their way back to the courtyard they were stopped by Guiche, Tatsumi prepared for Guiche to attack but was surprised when the boy dropped to his knees his face on the floor "please teach me" was all he said surprising Tatsumi and Bulat while startling Louise. Here was a noble on the floor begging to a commoner "what is Guiche doing, he knows the consequences for such a shameful act of nobility is the stripping of ones magic" she then saw the look in Guiche's eyes he wasn't ashamed for what he was asking and was ready to face the outcome whatever it was.
Tatsumi walked over to Guiche and stuck his hand out "raise your head the only person you should ever bow your head to is your God and I am not him" he stated a stern look in his eyes. Guiche raised his surprised face before grabbing Tatsumi's hand and pulling himself up, he looked straight at Tatsumi as Tatsumi spoke "if I train you your life will never again be your own it will be the people's, your loyalty must lie with the people of the land not it's ruler are you ready to face that" Tatsumi saw the fire in Guiche's eyes flicker slightly before blazing back with full force "I am, please teach me…. Tatsumi." Tatsumi let a smile cross his face before he quickly grabbed Guiche and pulled him into an embrace that lasted a few seconds before letting him go "then I welcome you, and as of this moment your name is no longer Guiche the Bronze but Guiche of Night Raid", Bulat's eyes widened before settling into the smile that appeared on his face "so the spirit of Night Raid will live once more" he then walked over to the boys "so I guess I better set up a training ground right Tatsumi."
Tatsumi looked at Bulat with surprise in his eyes "Bulat you don't ha…" Bulat cut him off "remember Tatsumi I joined Night Raid long before you did and if there's anyone who can get this kid into shape it's me" he said proudly. Tatsumi smiled at his comrade and brother "thank you Bulat, thank you" Bulat simply nodded, Louise stared at the three boys "Guiche just gave up his free will and loyalty to the crown to the people, is he crazy!?" she shouted in her mind before seeing the the look on Guiche's face. He had always appeared happy but she could see the look on his face when he laughed and smiled it never reached his eyes, now she saw a true smile on Guiche's face one that could only ever be compared to when he was around Montmorency though when he was around other girls he had his normal dead eyed look. "Well you'll need a weapon to train with, Louise do you mind if he comes with us into town tomorrow" Bulat asked, Louise shook her head "not at all, its good to see you actually getting serious Guiche well with something besides a girl" making Tatsumi and Bulat laugh and Guiche go red in the face but he had a smile on his lips.
"Well best we all be off to bed, we're in for a ruff day tomorrow especially you Guiche so enjoy the rest of today because after it you will no longer have any free time" Bulat told the group, Guiche nodded "well it's best I be off then, besides there's one last thing I have to do" and with that walked off. Shrugging their shoulders the rest of the group heading towards their rooms, when they approached Louise's room Tatsumi and Bulat said their good nights and left to find there own rooms. As they were about to go to bed Bulat stopped Tatsumi "so why did you decide to let him join Night Raid" he questioned, Tatsumi shrugged his shoulder and looked out the window in the hall "I don't know, he may seem like a flirt but I could tell that he only loves the blonde girl I saw him with" he sighed "he just reminded me of one of the other members of Night Raid" Bulat shook his head "he reminded you of someone too, huh." And with that they dropped the conversation and headed into their room's both of them needed to be well rested for the next day but they both noticed two people following them, one with red hair the other with blue.
SCENE CHANGE
As Louise went to breakfast she was surprised to find that both Tatsumi and Bulat were already up and out of there rooms, shrugging her shoulders she walked down the stairs and into the dining room. As she ate her breakfast she noticed that the taste of the food had improved, it in fact rivaled the food made by her families personal chef as she finished her food a servant came to take it away from her. She looked up to thank the servant only to come face to face with Guiche "what are you doing Guiche" she asked surprised, he simply chuckled "Tatsumi and Bulat said that I should work for the food I'm given sense I've agreed to train with them" he stated with another laugh. Louise was once again surprised at the ability Tatsumi had of bringing the nobility down to the statues of the commoners, Guiche excused himself and headed back to the kitchen with the dishes he had collected leaving Louise stunned "I can't take it how many surprises will I have to go through with those two" she thought about Tatsumi and Bulat.
Tatsumi was her age, but he was a master with a sword and not to mention held one of the most powerful weapons in existence but instead of using it for his own gain he used it to protect others and fight against the corrupt. Than there was Bulat a former soldier and wielder of the same weapon as Tatsumi, but after he suffered at the hands of corrupt officials that had sent the General he had respected to his death had joined in the fight to end the nation that had scorned him only to be killed by the same General he had respected. Sighing Louise walked to the stables to prepare two horses when she arrived though she saw Tatsumi saddling only one, he turned and smiled at her "hey I've got your horse ready." "That won't fit all four of us" she stated but Tatsumi shook his head "you're the only one riding a horse, the rest of us will be running into the town" he stated making Louise's eyes grow in surprise. "All three of you are going to run into the town, that's crazy it's an hour by horse and over three on foot" he simply waved her off "Guiche started his training today, we got him up at three this morning to do a physical check and he has very little endurance and stamina so from now on every day he has off or has to go into town he's going to have to run there" he stated
Louise could only stare in horror this training sounded worse than the kind her mother used to but her and her sisters through "don't you think that's a little harsh" she asked "its fine Louise this is what I signed up for after all" she heard Guiche say as he and Bulat walked into the stables. "Guiche strip off your shirt and cloak" Bulat commanded as he and Tatsumi did the same, Guiche did so with no complaint as he revealed a thin and non muscular torso which looked pitiful compared to Tatsumi's and Bulat's chest which were muscled and well toned with no sign of access fat. Louise blushed as the boys put their shirts into the saddle bag Tatsumi had attached to her horse "you're going to run town like that" she almost screamed trying to control her voice and blush "yes" was the only response she received from them. They all walked out of the barn and through the gates to the school "ok Louise go to the town and get what you need and we'll meet you when we finish our run" Louise saw she had no other choice but to leave them, nodding her head she snapped the reins and took off towards the town.
As they finished stretching Tatsumi looked at Guiche "you know this is your last chance to turn back, because once we start you're not allowed to quit until you're dead" Tatsumi stated, Guiche nodded his head "I know and I won't let that stop me because I'm no good like I am now" he responded. As they finally began to run they failed to notice the red head staring at them from the school "so there going to turn Guiche into a real man, I see" the figure licked there lips "this will be a very interesting conquest" Kirche thought as she walked towards Tabitha's room so she could follow them. Another figure glared at the from the hospital wing "I will get my revenge on you commoner not only with I take your precious sword but that maid of yours as well she will make a nice gift for my father, and then when you have nothing left I'll kill you with your own sword" the figure hobbled to the mail room "I need you to send this to my father and be quick I want him to have it before tonight" the servant bowed to the student "of course and who is your father" the figure scoffed "Count Mott messenger of the royal court."
SCENE CHANGE
Louise waited by the fountain in town for the boys to show up she had already completed her shopping and was drinking tea "where are those three it's been almost five hours since they started." She was about to give up and go home when she saw Guiche running towards her like he was being chased by a demon, he jumped over her and and into the fountain breathing a sigh of relief as he hit the water. "What in the world is going on" Louise shouted "sorry about that, we might have pushed him to much" Bulat said as he and Tatsumi walked over to the other two "Hey where's the saddle bag" Tatsumi asked, Louise lifted the bag up and handed it over. Tatsumi reached in and handed Bulat his shirt before walking over to Guiche who had hopped out the fountain and handing him his, now that they were all dressed they began to walk towards the blacksmith. "So Louise is there a weapons dealer in town" Bulat asked, Louise nodded and pointed in the direction of the shop. As they entered Tatsumi and Bulat each took a quick look around and determined not to trust the word of the shop owner as they could see the sorry state that the shop was in and the low quality weapons, the shopkeeper raised his head and smiled "Hello and what can i get you all this fine day" he wheezed out.
Bulat looked at Tatsumi "you can handle this guy, I'm going to look for the rest of the items that we need" Tatsumi nodded and Bulat left the shop, turning his attention to the shopkeeper he placed the order "I need two dozen training swords, staffs and bows with enough arrows to fight a small army also several dozen hand and leg guards." Louise's eyes widened at the size of the order but Tatsumi wasn't finished yet "I also need a sturdy sword, one that can take a lot of abuse" Tatsumi decided to pick up one for Bulat so he could fight should the need arise. "Take a look around it will take me a little while to collect everything you asked for" the shopkeeper grunted out leaving them to browse the collection of swords, as Tatsumi looked around and tested each sword he couldn't help but feel that each one would break if he or Bulat used it for an extended period of time. He then grabbed an old rusted sword and the runes on his hand lit up again like in the fight with Mott, he pulled the sword out and examined "it has a layer of rust but the metal under it is still strong it also gives off a sense of raw power similar to a Tiegu but not quite one."
Tatsumi nodded his head and decided to take the sword, walking over he placed it on the counter with the rest of his order "how much will that be" he asked "well the sword on top of what you ordered before the price is 3758 new gold" the owner said smiling at them, Tatsumi frowned "well not to sound cheap but that's way too much, I'll give you 1500 even and not a single coin more." The owner clicked his tongue seeing that Tatsumi was smart and couldn't be ripped off "fine but you load it yourself" he huffed and walked away counting the money Tatsumi set on the counter. Tatsumi waved Guiche over and began to place things on the boys arms before waving him off outside where he quickly returned his arms free once more "Where did you but the other ones" asked Louise "Oh in the cart that Bulat got" was Guiche answer as he walked by her again. Louise curious look on her face walked outside only to see two pulling carts full of rope, wooden posts and hay "what's all this for" she asked slightly confused as to their purpose "oh we're going to build a training ground using them" Tatsumi replied walking out of the shop and over to Bulat.
"Here Bulat, I looked around the shop but this was the only thing that felt like it could keep up with you" Tatsumi said handing the blade to Bulat who drew it from it's sheath and tested the weight with a few swings and turns before nodding to Tatsumi. "Good eye it feels perfect in my hands and has a decent reach, all it needs is a little cleaning" was his only remark on the subject as he put the sword back into the sheath before attaching it to his back. He walked over to the carts and began to fasten the the rope so as to not let the training objects wouldn't slide around while the carts was being pulled, after securing the last line he looked at Guiche "you did well today but you'll be riding back with Louise" Guiche started to protest when Tatsumi stopped him. "I know you want to get stronger but if you push yourself too far too soon it will all be a waste" he said smiling at Guiche who nodded before swinging onto the hoarse with Louise who turned to Tatsumi "how are you getting that back to the school" she asked pointing to the carts.
Tatsumi smiled "me and Bulat are going to pull them back" he said while once again stripping off his shirt only this time putting them in one of the carts rather than the bag. Louise widened her eyes before rolling them and snapping the reins on the horse sending her and Guiche off to the academy, Bulat turned to Tatsumi with an evil glint in his eyes "so you want to race to see who can get their cart back first" he said with a smirk that Tatsumi returned. "With pleasure" he responded reading his body for the race, Bulat began the count "3-2-1-GO" he screamed at the top of his lungs as the pair took off for the academy. They quickly passed by Louise and Guiche who stared at the pair before Louise snapped the reins spurring the horse to catch up with them, but it was a failed effort as the two became specks in the distance before she could catch them. Arriving at the academy a half hour later the two on horse saw that not only had the two run here but still had enough energy to unload the carts that they had pulled with them, Louise rolled her eyes at their actions while Guiche smiled and began to look forward to his training.
SCENE CHANGE
"Headmaster are you certain" Colbert asked with anger in his voice, next to him was a shocked and very scared Siesta "Yes Jean Count Mott has asked for her by name, there is nothing I can do to stop this no matter how much I want to" Osmond answered a grim look on his face. At this Siesta's head shot up before running out of the room, Colbert was about to run after her "Jean wait, if my hunch is correct I know exactly where she'll go and she will be much safer there than with us." Colbert stopped at the comment he clenched his staff before shooting a fireball at the wall in frustration leaving a scorch mark "Tatsumi the fire you started with that duel is about to come back at you, I only pray to the founder that you can stop it" he thought shooting a glare at the letter on Old Osmonds table, the cause of this whole problem. "It seems as though things are going to get very interesting around here with Tatsumi and Knight Raid around and if my hunch is correct then there will be more of them soon, the corruption of the nobility will not be able to last much longer with them around" Colbert smiled at the thought.
SCENE CHANGE
Siesta ran through the halls trying to find Tatsumi "he said he didn't care who you were, if I can get to him I can stay here with everyone" she thought as she finally made it to the ground floor, she quickly looked around and spotted Tatsumi helping to unload a cart. She smiled and was about to shout at him when she was stopped "Miss Siesta thank you for coming to us and helping us to avoid any unpleasantries" Siesta felt her blood go cold as she turned and saw the man that had requested her, Count Mott. "No stay away from me" she shouted as two guards grabbed her arms and began to walk away with her before one of the cried out turning around and finding an arrow protruding from his leg. "And just where do you think you're taking her" asked Tatsumi as he drew back his bow once more and took aim at the other guard holding Siesta who was crying tears of joy "Tatsumi, please help me!" she shouted in her mind and out into the open. Tatsumi smiled at her "it'll be alright Siesta" he then turned back to the Count his eyes going cold "and why pray tell are you kidnapping one of my friends" he said as he shot the second arrow into the guard holding Siesta sending it straight through his arm.
The Count smirked at Tatsumi "I am hiring this commoner women to come work for me" he stated "more like forcing me to be your bed warmer" Siesta accused the Count who turned around and slapped her across the face. "So what that's all you commoner whores are good for, you should feel privileged serving me sense the most you could ever hope for is to become a mistress" he sneered at her reading his hand for a second strike when he felt a sudden pain in it. He brought it down and found a hole through his hand, he cried out the pain registering in his mind as he turned around to see who had shot him, he was surprised to see that Tatsumi no longer held the bow but Guiche. "For a noble to act in such a deplorable manner you should be ashamed" he shouted at the Count while lowering the bow, the Count snarled at Guiche "how dare you strike me, I am a messenger for the courts" he shouted. Guiche only glared at the man "it doesn't matter who you are it is our job as noble to protect those that can not defend themselves even if it costs us our life" he shouted grabbing one of the practice staffs.
The Count glared at them "kill them" he shouted at his guards who nodded before taking off towards the group, Guiche braced himself as he prepared to meet the charge but was held back by Bulat. "That was a good speech you just gave, now let me show you the strength words like that can breed" he stated as he walked past him drawing the sword Tatsumi had given him, Guiche stared at Bulat before turning to look at Tatsumi "is he insane there has to be at least thirty men with the Count" he screamed at Tatsumi fearing for Bulat. Tatsumi only smiled "don't worry, it would take an army to kill Bulat" he stated as he smirked in Bulat's direction "before he joined Night Raid bro had a nickname in the army THE HUNDRED MAN SLAYER BULAT." Guiche gaped at the name and turned to watch the fight "remember this Guiche, those of us in Night Raid must push our bodies far past their limits and it may even lead to us getting ourselves killed" Tatsumi said his smile growing bigger "but those of us that survive the training can never fall to those that have not pushed themselves past that very same limit" he shouted making Guiche smile.
Bulat tossed the sheath of his blade away and smiled at Tatsumi's speech "wise words little brother", he quickly turned to the guards "if you lay your weapons down now I will spare your lives this is your only warning" he stated making two guards shiver and drop their swords. Bulat looked around and saw that no one else would heed his words he sighed "don't say I didn't warn you" he quickly raised his sword and ran at the closest guard who ran to meet him only to lose his arm as Bulat swung before receiving a kick to the side that sent him flying away from his adversary. The other guards looked in surprise and fear at what had just happened "what are you fools doing it's only one man, attack and overwhelm him" the Count shouted breaking the guards of their trance, four guards quickly headed the words and charged at Bulat from different angles but met only empty air. Bulat stood behind one guard and brought his sword down cutting the man in half before changing his grip and direction slashing the throat of another guard killing them both instantly.
The other two starred and brought their weapons up for another attack but Bulat was quicker as he smashed the hilt of his sword into one's head before stabbing the other through the chest making them both fall "is that the best you all can do" he asked flicking the blood off his blade. The guards had a small debate before they were interrupted "you commoners never learn do you" everyone stared at the newcomer, it was the son of the Count and he was holding Incursio "now that I have your sword you'll all bow down to me" he said as he slammed Incursio into the ground and shouted it's name, the figure emerged behind him and quickly wrapped the boys body in armor. As it finished Bulat saw the default armor of Incursio "dammit I didn't think there was anyone who could use Incursio here, we'll have to withdraw an…" Bulat was brought out of his thought as he saw Tatsumi walking towards the boy. He was about to shout out for Tatsumi to stop when he saw the look in his eyes, Tatsumi was pissed "ha-ha-ha-ha-ha now that I have your armor I'll be invincible and once I kill you I'll pass that little maid of yours around my guard" Mott laughed but Tatsumi just kept walking towards him.
Mott scowled at Tatsumi before smiling again "I see you want you're armor back, and I'll be happy to oblige you" he said as he swung his fist at Tatsumi only for Tatsumi raise his hand and stop the blow with his bare hands. Everyone stood shocked "ho-how did you- HOW DID YOU STOP MY BLOW" Mott screamed, Tatsumi raised his other arm and grabbed Mott by the throat lifting him off the ground "you want to know how I was able to stop that weak blow of yours" he said while raising his left arm to his right eye. He quickly pulled his arm back and stared directly into Motts eyes revealing a red eye with a sideways X through it "you are not Incursio user" he said and slammed his fist into the helmet shattering it and revealing Motts wild eyes and terrified face. He then brought his arm back down and stared directly at Mott "it's because I've already bonded with Incursio, my body had become and extension of Incursiou's meaning" Tatsumi raised Mott higher "NO ONE BUT ME CAN BE IT'S WIELDER" he shouted slamming Mott into the ground shattering the fake Incursio armor. He reached down and plucked the key from the terrified boys hand and walked away leaving him, he turned his attention to the Count "bro gave you a warning and now I am, leave now and never return or stay and become wild animal food" he stated sending the Count and his guards running as they left the guards that Bulat had either wounded or killed.
Tatsumi walked over to Siesta and put his arms around her "it's ok Siesta he's gone and never coming back" he said as she cried into his chest, he looked up and smiled at Bulat with a knowing look. Bulat just laughed and shook his head before nodding his head at the girl, Tatsumi mouthed a silent thank you "Siesta eye have a question that I want you to answer for me" the girl looked up and stared directly into Tatsumi's eyes "how would you like to become a member of Night Raid" he asked. Siesta's eyes widened before she started crying again, only this time it was tears of joy "yes-yes-yes-yes, I would love to join" she cried. How could she not want to join the organization that had just saved her and she didn't mean just Tatsumi and Bulat but Guiche also, he had shot an arrow straight the Counts hand when he had gone to strike her again "please take good care of me" she said as she stood and bowed to the other members. Colbert smiled from the hallway as he watched the scene "they really are incredible" he thought as he walked away "Tatsumi you might just save this country from the darkness that has engulfed it."
Finally done, man I was really struggling at where to take the story after the duel in regards to Guiche but I think I made the right choice. So yes now both Siesta and Guiche are part of Night Raid and they will not be the only characters to join. So next chapter will be the talent show and the staff so look forward I also might bring back another dead character who knows. Until than see you guys later.
