Argentum: Okay another chapter with more lore!

Judan: We're just putting a whole lot of that in here aren't we?

Slayer: Well it was about time that we did so. At least this way we can finalize everything and connect all the stories.

Argentum: Exactly! Plus it's important to the story so might as well.

Grel'Slyfer: Fair enough.

Shadow: Whatever… I'm still going around doing my own thing.

Judan: Your evil thing!

Shadow: No.

Argentum: Well I can see how this will devolve into an argument.

Slayer: Agreed, so Judan finish us off since you're an important guest character in this chapter!

Judan: Talk about existentialism… But sure!~ We here at the Dark Guard productions own nothing but Oc's and reality building concepts. Everything else belongs to their respective owners. Now without further ado…

Everyone: Here's the story!

Hello= Regular talk

Hello= Thoughts

[Hello]= Radio

(Hello)= Telepathy/Mind reading

Chapter Twenty one: How I learned a lot about dragon blood or… How I found out I wasn't ever normal …

All of us were now sitting down on cushions waiting for Judan's explanation. Looking to my left, I could see the Mukago was just as curious as I was seeing how she was now this pseudo dragon knight. Although I did have to hide a grin as I saw her continuing glancing at Kyojuro.

Seeing everyone settled Judan began his explanation. "First let me start off by saying that normally I wouldn't be explaining anything. For what I'm about to tell you is usually worthless to worlds like yours. Worlds that only have a slight supernatural presence. However seeing how you'll be studying both former demon girl's blood and Michael's. I decided that it would be prudent to at least tell you the basics."

Tilting her head to the side Shinobu spoke up. "I'm sorry… but what do you mean by "this world"? Are you and Smith San not from this world?" Even Mukago and the dead eyed Kanao seemed rather curious. The rest of us who knew could only exchange discreet glances.

Thankfully Judan was able to rein everything in. "That's a discussion for another time. For now I need to tell Michael about his heritage." Shinobu looked disappointed but acquiesced to the clear dismissal. "Alright! First a little lesson on dragon blood or DNA. First off there are four breeds of dragons, for now we'll be focusing on the elder dragon breed. In other words the strongest and the only ones able to create dragon knights." He looked directly at me before continuing. "While all dragons above drake the weakest breed can shapeshift. Elder dragons are the only ones who's offspring will have some of if not all of their traits. This has to do with how it works."

He took a breath before continuing. "Without going into too much details on the logistics of it. A descendant of an elder dragon always has a chance of becoming a full blooded elder dragon. Even if a hundred generations go by without a single child having a draconic trait. There will always be a chance that a child will end up full blooded. That's just the way it works. What's more the elder blood will devour all the best traits from the other parent. Rejecting all the negative traits, this is to ensure the descendent is always stronger than the previous generation. And seeing how they were original created as guardians for this reality, it makes sense that they have the best genes."

I couldn't help but speak up at this point. "Created as guardians? What do you mean by that? And what does this have to do with me?" Judan looked at me with some pity before answering my questions.

"First question! Creation is large an infinite, and some realities within creation were made as experiments. Though at the same time being the merciful being that he is. He also created protectors for every reality. This one had the elder dragons. So of course they were shown the most favoritism. Doesn't mean they're invincible there are a number of beings out there that can match them. As for why this involves you… well let's just say the "incident" that started you off on your adventure. Kind of kick started the elder blood inside of you. You're now slowly turning into a full elder dragon. Not that you were ever really human to begin with."

I kind of looked at him in shock for a few moments before kind of freaking out. "WHAT?! What do you mean I was never human?! And how in the halibut am I turning into an elder dragon?!" Wincing Judan began to explain things further.

"Look kid… I'll be honest with ya. I have no idea if you're simply a descendant of an elder dragon. Or if you're an actual child of one, though I doubt that you are. All I know is that you have no human traits in your blood. Yet I don't know what else you are, because as I said your elder blood took the best traits from your other half. And then simply discarded the rest. All I know is that whatever it was is a humanoid of some kind. If it weren't you wouldn't be looking as you do now." I kind of just slumped over at that point.

How am I, if their still alive, going to explain this to mom and dad? As I was having a bit of an existential crisis the topic of conversation had continued. It started with Mukago seeing my distressed state and deciding to move onto another topic.

"That's all well and interesting… but what are these dragon knights that I'm now a part of?" Judan seemed to understand what she was doing and didn't hesitate to answer.

"Now that's an easy one. While lesser dragon breeds can turn others into weaker versions of themselves. Elder dragons can turn another species into their own unique dragon. These as some call them weredragons, are significantly stronger. Purging unwanted blood and traits from someone and giving them the ability to turn into an actual dragon. There is a step above that but this isn't the time to talk about Broodknights. For now let's talk about your status as a pseudo dragon knight. Simply put you're in a in-between state. Because while Michael didn't know it he did perform part of the ritual needed to turn you. However he is currently not strong enough to finish it. So for the time being you're stuck like this. On the bright side you can now instinctually use whatever magic he can at this point in time!"

Mukago blinked before looking at me. "That's right… you can use magic can't you?" Now out of my crisis I nodded as her eyes lit up. "Can you teach me?! I'd love to know how to use that restoration spell you fixed me up with! Oh! OH! Know any other healing spells?!" She was rather excited about this and she wasn't the only one. For Shinobu seemed to teleport in front of me.

"Healing magic sounds wonderful~! I would also love to learn how to use it!~!" I was now being backed into a corner. Looking pleadingly at Kyojuro and the others only made them turn away.

Sighing I gave them the best answer I could. "Okay first off… the rest of you are traitors. Secondly I have no idea how to teach magic, practically everything I have I literally copied using mathematical equations." At their puppy dog eyes I sighed and relented. "But! If you really want me to, and can be patient with me I'll do my best to teach you. Just stop with the eyes!" Without either probably realizing it the two doctors high fived. I then looked at the others in the room who seemed to be trying to not laugh. "Yeah laugh it up…"

After resituating ourselves Judan continued. "Alright now with that over, I can say that as Michael grows in strength so to will his dragon blood. It would be faster if I could get him some other elder blood to consume. But for some reason I can't find any willing to part with their blood. And before you ask I even looked around for his parents or ancestors. None of the elders I talked to knew who he was. So sorry about that kid. On the bright side you have a plethora of benefits, and can eventually turn people into full blooded dragon knights. That way despite your immortality you can have some friends accompany you through out time."

As he gave me a thumbs up I sighed. "Well that's something I guess… but is elder blood really that potent? That it can even turn others into pseudo dragons?" Judan simply nodded as I looked up at the ceiling. "Huh… I don't know how to feel about that. Anyone in here want to become a dragon knight later? Just wondering because of pure curiosity." I mostly got noncomital shrugs from everyone but Mukago.

"Well… when you're able I would like to be a real dragon knight. I'll lose these horns on my head if I do right?" That question was directed at Judan who simply nodded. "Oh thank kami… I mean no offense but they do kind of get in the way." Couldn't really blame her for feeling like that, the horns were rather ostentatious. "One last question, how long do you think Master Smith has before he can fully turn me?" At the master comment my fellow flame breathers gave me an appraising look.

As Judan answered I just sort of groaned. "Ignoring the kid who doesn't like his new title. I have absolutely no idea! This is kind of a new situation, but when his blood does awaken enough I'll be sure to guide you through it." Kagaya then asked his own question.

"Is there any downsides to becoming a dragonknight?"

As everyone looked to Judan for an answer he shrugged. "As far as I know there aren't any. I mean a dragonknight has no impulse to serve the one who turned them. Usually since most elder dragons are good morally upright individuals. They usually just want their dragonknights to go out and do good in the world. In exchange they can turn into a dragon like I said. Gain immense magical and physical prowess, and basically become immortal. Well unless they're killed but that usually a given. All around a pretty good deal to me. The fact that those turned keep their morals and mind intact is a great bonus."

I felt a bit relieved by that. It meant that what I did to Mukago didn't brainwash her. Wait… that means she is calling me master just to mess with me! I couldn't help but send a small glare at her before Judan stood up.

"Well that's it for me, I'll be sure to drop by again when my other two min-I mean trainees are finished." I couldn't help but glare at him now for that comment. "I see ya'll around then. Also I suggest all of you think about becoming dragonknights yourselves when Michael is able to turn ya. And I mean really think of it, because that could be extremely useful to you." Bowing his head at Kaguya he left through the sliding doors.

Sighing I shrugged. "Whelp… that sucks for me." Everyone quickly turned their attention towards me. "I mean I thought I was human this whole time. So still kind of processing this." Kyojuro simply patted me on my shoulder as Shinobu stood up.

"Well that was most enlightening~! Now…" She turned to me and Mukago with a look. "I believe we have some tests to get done don't we?" The two of us froze and looked towards Kyojuro and Senjuro for help. They simply stood up and bowed to Kagaya.

""Traitors."" Seeing what was about to happen Kagaya nodded with a mirthful smile on his face.

"I suppose it is a little late into the night. However the sooner we can start the better it will be. All of you are now dismissed." As the rest of us stood up we bowed our heads in respect. "Until next we meet my children." With that clear dismissal Shinobu grabbed me and Mukago and started leading the way towards her estate. I knew I was in for a looong night.

I am the greatest line knight of them all! All breaks shall fear me!

Surprisingly while Shinjuro left towards the flame estate, Kyojuro followed along with us. Thankfully Mukago and I had managed to get out of the insect Hashira's grip, and were now simply walking beside them. Behind us was Kanao still being as quiet as ever. After a bit of silence Kyojuro spoke up towards us.

"I just want you to know that despite not being a demon anymore I still don't trust you." Mukago looked down at the floor in a bit of sadness. I however could hear a but coming. "BUT!" There it was. "Seeing how you are being rather cooperative, along with the measures you took to try and not kill humans. I am willing to at least give you the benefit of the doubt! Especially since my tsuguko has done so much to keep you alive!" As she thanked him profusely I only got confused.

"Wait a minute! When did I become your tsuguko? I remember talking about it with you but I don't think we actually decided on that." He laughed his boisterous laugh at my question before answering.

"HAHA! Sorry it must've slipped my mind! But yes I have decided that you are my tsuguko! At least for the flame breathing style! If I meet other's with enough talent I'll train them up just as much as I have you!" I hummed for the moment in understanding. It did make sense that I would be his tsuguko. For as far as I could tell I was the only other proficient user of the flame breathing style.

Humming Shinobu seemed to think of something. "Good to see you training up another Hashira Rengoku San~. OH! How about your tsuguko and my tsuguko have a spar after the tests? It'll be interesting to see where the two of them are at~!" I couldn't help but blink at that as Kyojuro laughed.

"Sounds like an excellent idea! What do you say young Michael?!" I decided to not really think about it all too much. It did sound like an interesting idea, if only so I could see where I'm at in terms of strength in the upper ranks of the corps.

"If they're willing I don't see a problem with it. Be good to see where I'm at. I've only had Hashira and former Hashira to test myself against so far. So it might be fun to spar against someone I actually have a chance against." That got the two Hashira to laugh before Shinobu turned to Kanao.

"Well what do say to the spar Kanao Chan?" I was actually surprised by that, I didn't think those who weren't official members could be a tsuguko.

Then again I suppose there also no rules against it. Turning to Kanao I saw her shake her head before speaking.

"I'll do anything you suggest Master." There was a brief frown on Shinobu's face before the insect Hashira smiled again.

"Alright then~! I guess the spar is on~!" She then grinned a bit evilly. "After a few tests of course~." Again me and Mukago looked to Kyojuro for help but he simply kept facing forward. I just knew the testing was going to suck. It was a couple hours later when the insect Hashira decided she had enough of torturing us.

Mukago seemed to have the worse treatment though and was now slightly limping. "I guess I do kind of deserve this. But kami does it make me wish for my regeneration back!" Not knowing what to say I kind of just shrugged. "Well I suppose this is still better treatment than what I was expecting. Although your teacher was very kind to give me a chance to try and earn his trust."

In front of us Shinobu added in her own two cents. "Rengoku San has always been very kind. He also has a very strong sense of justice, and I suppose what you were trying to do, along with what has happened to you spoke to him. Beware though, not everyone will be as willing to give you a chance as the rest of us are. Though I will be honest and say the only reason I'm giving you a chance, is because of your profession as a doctor. As a fellow doctor myself I simply don't want to miss out on a chance to learn more. I hope you understand that." Mukago now with a determined look spoke up.

"I completely understand! And while it might not mean much right now, I promise to do what I can to show that your trust is not misplaced!" Shinobu seemed to like her words and giggled a bit.

"Ara Ara! I do like your enthusiasm~! I would be lying if I didn't say that the chance to work with such an experienced doctor doesn't motivate me a bit. I am also looking forward to trying to learn healing magic. Anything that could help save lives will be amazing to learn~!" Grinning Mukago agreed.

"I am also looking forward to talking to you! Oh! Imagine that by combining our knowledge we could make a poison that could kill that prick Muzan! That'd be amazing!" Shinobu seemed to gain a gleam in her eye at that.

"Oh? Well I suppose that is something we can agree on~! I do use poison after all~." With gleaming eyes herself Mukago began to speak doctor with Shinobu. Or I guess in this case poisoner. Their vindictiveness was actually starting to scare me a little. Thankfully we arrived at the flower estates dojo before I could decide to book it. Inside waiting was Kyojuro and Kanao. Though I also saw another girl wearing a corps uniform. To me I thought she looked like the straight man for the antics Shinobu probably got up to.

Waving to her Shinobu moved next to her. "I see you're interested in how this will go down as well eh Aoi?" The black haired girl nodded before eyeing me up.

"Mhm I suppose he does look rather competent. Let's see how he does against Kanao." Kyojuro laughed as Mukago walked over to him.

"Don't worry! My tsuguko while still new to all of this has already mastered Zen Shūchū Jōchū! So he can more than hold his own!" That actually got a look of surprise from Shinobu and Aoi. Kanao however simply got into a stance with her wooden sword. Seeing what was going on Kyojuro tossed me a sword as well. "Now that we're all here begin whenever you're ready!" Nodding I got into a stance and carefully watched Kanao. Like last time I could tell that she was strong. However I also believed that I still had an edge over her.

If only because of my apparent dragon physiology. I wasn't being arrogant in my thinking. Simply put my biology seemed to let me gain strength far easier than most. Combine that with my Lyb'Craeft and it was practically cheating. Shaking my head I refocused on Kanao, she hadn't moved an inch yet. So taking it cautiously I slowly stepped to her side, my eyes not leaving her form once. Suddenly she struck with amazing speed.

Barely reacting in time I blocked her first strike. There was decent power behind it but I could tell I still held the edge in pure strength. Her speed however was another matter. As I moved her sword to the side I struck at her other side. The girl easily blocked my attack before striking at me once more. Thankfully her edge in speed was about as great as mine in strength. So I was able to deflect her attack. It became a game of chess after that.

Our weapons striking against the others with a loud thwack with every blow. This girl is good! I had no delusion that I could've taken her on without mastering Zen Shūchū Jōchū. A thought that only made me happier that Senjuro had me master it. Even still Kanao was much more experienced than me in swordsmanship. Thankfully I held the larger edge in actual combat experience. Despite all this not one of us had yet to use an actual breathing style form. The reason I didn't was because I wanted to see my opponent use hers first.

I was curious to see what she could really do. As for why Kanao didn't use hers first… I couldn't tell ya. I could tell from the bit sweat on her brow that the younger girl was giving it her all. So I had to guess that she was also waiting for me to use mine. Countering another strike I gave a small feint to her left shoulder before making a decision.

"Well I suppose that's enough for a warmup!" She looked at me curiously before I brought my blade down on her. "San no kata Kien Banjo!" Her eyes widened as my wooden blade became consumed in flames.

"Ni no kata Mikage Ume." She used her styles second form to completely deflect my attack. I was a bit surprised but could tell that the form she used. The Honorable Shadow Plum as it was translated to. Was a defensive form, as such it made sense as to why she could counter me. I still had to grin however; I could see in her eyes a little bit more life. She was now taking this a lot more seriously. "Shi no kata Beni Hanagoromo." As her single sword slash became a pink twisted and curved strike of flower petals, I used another form of my own.

"Shi no kata Sei En no Uneri." The fourth form was a perfect counter against Kanao's fourth form. Our attacks easily canceling out the others. Seeing her eyes narrow in thought brought a smile to my face. However I was now able to identify the breathing style she used. Having learned as much as I could about the other styles I was impressed. She was using the Hana no kokyū or flower breathing style. I had to say it was a rather beautiful style, yet my Hono no Kokyu had a few more forms to counter hers.

Deciding to gain some distance I jumped back before charging forward. Go no kata Enko! I decided to think it instead of saying it out loud again, and Kanao's eyes widened as I was engulfed in flames.

"Go no kata Ada no Shakuyaku!" Her attack became a large mass of slashes that weaved into each other to block my own fifth form. As our attacks met there was a loud snap that echoed out. As our attacks ended we looked down at our weapons.

I couldn't help but nod in understanding. "Well that's a bummer." Though she didn't say it out loud I could tell that Kanao felt at least some of my disappointment. In our hands were now two broken bokken that were slightly sizzling where they broke. Sighing I gave a small bow much to her shock. "Despite how it ended I do thank you for the rather marvelous spar." Unsure of what to do Kanao simply copied me.

"Than-thank you for the spar as well." I could hear clapping now from the sidelines and turned to see all but Aoi clapping.

Of course Kyojuro was the most vocal with his congratulations. "Well done you two! I feel more assured than ever with the future of the corps with the both of you in it!" Shinobu nodded before adding in her own words of praise.

"It is great to know just how much your hard work is paying off~! I am especially proud of you Kanao! Way to show the dragon you're no push over!" While it was small and was only there for a moment, there was smile on the flower user's face. Smiling myself I stretched out my back before walking over to Kyojuro.

"So what do you think I could work on?" He laughed while slapping me on the shoulder.

"HA! I love that work ethic of yours! As for advice for improvement… I suggest working on your speed more. Your strength is good enough for anything lower than an upper moon. However speed will always be important! I also suggest you loosen up a bit more during your deflections and counters. Besides that there are a few more breathing exercises I could teach you. Thankfully I got a few days off so I can at least show you them before heading out on more missions." I nodded before turning to Shinobu as she clapped her hands.

"Well it is now extremely late! So let's all call it a day, eat some dinner, clean ourselves up, and then head to bed~!" We all nodded in agreement and left to her dining room. There we were greeted by three adorable little girls who greeted us happily. They introduced themselves as Sumi Nakahara, Kiyo Terauchi, and Naho we ate I got to know everyone a little better. Well at least everyone but Kanao who simply ate quietly.

I was a little sad to learn that the three butterfly girls as they call themselves. Were actually orphans because of demons who killed their families. I was happy to hear that they were taken in by Shinobu however. Actually made my opinion of the insect Hashira raise quite a bit. After that the butterfly girls led me to my room where I set my stuff down in. Finally I was led to the baths before they said goodnight and left. I wasn't in there for too long and quickly got out after scrubbing myself down.

Walking back in a yukata I was happy to see an actually mattress and bed frame in my room. Using it as a stand I quickly wrote in my journal and wrote some letters to my girls. It was a rather long and lengthy one telling them all about the insanity I just went through. I had also wanted their opinion about me. Seeing how I wasn't human, and while I mentally knew they wouldn't care. There was still a bit of me that was fearful of how they might react. However I had promised not to keep anything from them so I told them how I was an elder dragon.

Sighing I wrapped my letters, planning on giving them to Oniki to deliver tomorrow. Finally I was ready for bed and quickly laid down, my mind wandering about all the implications of my new knowledge. I wasn't quite sure of what to make of it all. For all this time I thought I was just a very talented individual. But now I thought that everything I could do only came from my blood. Kind of made me feel like some kind of Gary Stu or whatever they're called.

Shaking my head I slapped my cheeks a bit. "I can't think like that! Keep my heart ablaze and use my strength to protect those who need protecting! If anything this will just help me do that!" Deciding to take comfort in that I shoved all doubt from my mind. "I swore to never despair again and I won't start up again now!" Smiling once again I relaxed my mind and closed my eyes. Falling swiftly asleep mentally prepared for anything the next day would bring.

Least that's what I told myself, but as they say hindsight it twenty twenty.

I am the greatest line knight of them all! All breaks shall fear me!

Judan: Woo! That was fun!

Argentum: I suppose it was, finally fleshing out some lore we never talked too much about in our other stories.

Slayer: Always a good thing it is.

Argentum: Still don't like some things that about it but oh well. Makes sense in context.

Slayer: Of course it does! I'm a genius!

Shadow: Yeah sure.

Grel'Slyfer: I simply can't wait to crush more of you so called heroes!

Sumi: You're not a very nice person are you?

Grel'Slyfer: I am a TRUE Darkwraith after all!

Argentum: Just ignore the evil person over there.

Shadow: Huh… so this is what I looks like from the outside.

Slayer: Pfft. Well time to wrap this up. Sumi as our current guest mind sending us off?

Sumi: Not at all! Ahem! This has been a Dark Guard production now signing off!

Everyone: Goodbye!