The Magician of Suwa: The Beginning

Nihon, Shirasaki Castle

"So?" the Empress raked her gaze over Kurogane-hime. "Are you the ugly brat Niiya-sama spoke of?"

Chiyo's offended gasp hit nearly as badly as the Empress' words.

But Yanna was no wimp, and overcame the awe of minutes before.

"I am," she returned, a martial light in her eyes. "I'm also the one who knocked him into the dirt."

Chiyo hid her horrified expression behind her fan, and the Tsukuyomi appeared frozen.

A boisterous laugh broke the tableau, and the Empress extended a calloused hand.

"A good answer. Meet me at the practice yards tomorrow to show me your skills."


Originally posted 8/16/12