Unique Christmas music wafted gently through the air, played on traditional Japanese instruments. It bantered with the comfortable silence lingering among the many hallways and rooms. Though a few currently resided in the comfort of familiar paper walls, they lay separate. It was near the peak of a merry season, but not every second needed to be spent among the comfort of others.
Enjoying her own private time in the Shrine, seated at the comfort of its newest azure kotatsu, Ushiwakamaru sipped lightly on her green tea. Its warmth ignited her throat and core, forcing a content little smile to her lips as she placed it back down onto the table. Returning her hands to her scantily clad lap, her eyes remained closed in renewed focus. The smile faded, but never truly went away.
Oh how different such a routine act was from days long gone… of her traditional meditation prior to battle.
The morning deployment was ticking closer, so it was only right she skipped breakfast for her necessary pre-battle reflection. As taught to her by the mighty Tengu, this was an integral part to ensure she fought at her height for any battle ahead. Her mind would be wiped of anything related to hesitation or doubt, leaving nothing to weigh her down as she fought loyally for her masters.
Her Chaldean lords… Every ounce of her being would accept nothing less than proving her loyalty and prestige for their sake.
Free from most doubt, Ushiwakamaru opened her eyes. Across the table on a far wall, a tall mirror, left for the afternoon by Tamamo and Kiyohime, beckoned her eyes. Her battle-clad, younger form greeted her. It may not have been the most ideal body, but it was a weakness that had been easy to adjust to. It was now a familiar sight for her eyes, including the tiny smile of confidence on her lips.
Oh how different she'd become, that her old self wouldn't have recognized her entirely.
Upon summoning, she'd sworn absolute loyalty to her first lord, Gudao. Though he insisted never to call him lord, her loyalty to him wouldn't falter, even if she held reservations over many of her new allies. At his beckoning, he insisted he get along with them as comrades. For a super genius like her, no path was impossible. Thus, for his sake, and now theirs, she'd pushed down that uncertain road with all the drive she was known for… but she found it awfully difficult.
Even now, her own little smile seemed foreign, even if she understood better. Her heart and mind still grasped the chaos of battle far easier than it could the hearts of others. Yet she knew far more these days. After countless little encounters, conversations, and incidents, she'd come to understand emotions better.
There was never that one defining moment that opened her eyes, and perhaps there never would be, but she'd come to feel more than she ever had before. She was far stronger for it, she'd argue. 'If only you could see me now, Aniue.'
Yet, despite how far she'd come, there was still much she still failed to comprehend. Though she had a better idea, she failed to grasp the true depths of 'Benkei's' despair. She couldn't fathom why the Onis always invited her to drink and offered to get along well despite starting off on aggressive footing. Regardless of her long tenure, lost wisdom and knowledge were hard to learn after a life of battle, but she'd push forth. Her masters wished for it, and now so did she.
Ushiwakamaru's smile faded as she stood up. A stoic façade was her usual anchor for battle, but the tinge of uncertainty, something never following her to war before, lay heavy on thin lips.
Not for battle itself. Absolutely never for battle… But it rested with someone else. An ally she was going to have to fight alongside for an escalated singularity. An archer who held a grudge so heavily levelled against her that even the rider could feel the pressure with but a glance.
…But Tomoe's heart was also one of the very few Ushiwakamaru felt she could fully understand.
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Fragment 108: Honor Through Loyalty
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'I wonder if there will be helpful allies this time.' That was a thought she'd never entertain over a year ago. Back then, she had little regard or respect for her Chaldean allies, and even less for those in the singularity. As far as she was concerned, the allied soldiers they were trying to protect were only useless pawns in her way that made her task more difficult to complete in a timely manner… Oh how much she'd learned since then.
How much she'd begun to change, only to have any doubts and hesitations erased when she saw her twisted self while defending Uruk. She'd already been surprised seeing firsthand how dismissive, rude, and narrowminded her disciplined origin had been. After Tiamat's touch… the sheer brutality and ruthlessness unchecked were unnerving. With that glimpse, she saw what Benkei had described. Of the unsettled fear she never saw or understood from her underlings, formerly undeserving of any of her concern.
Yes, Ushiwakamaru was glad she'd taken those few difficult steps thanks to Chaldean ways… even if old habits and beliefs die hard.
With a gentle hum on her lips, Ushiwakamaru eyed the dropping numbers on the elevator's digital screen before they rang on arrival. The doors to the elevator opened, and the samurai was hardly surprised to find her ears graced by familiar Japanese. "(Good afternoon, Yoshitsune-dono.)"
"(Ready for battle, Benkei? I trust you'll be at my side this whole time?)" The lancer's answer was silent, but the burning fire in his eyes was forever undisputable. Ushiwakamaru smiled proudly to her retainer as she stepped past. He stepped up quickly after releasing his bow, then came to stride dutifully at her side. The Chaldean rider paid it no attention; Something her past self would have been incredulous over.
In the recesses of her heart, tempered by Tengu and disciplined with the Bushido code, she still hated this fake to a degree. The real Benkei was stronger and sharper, and to find such a cowardly disgrace had taken his place was more than upsetting: It was dishonorably shameful. If not for Gudao's adamant insistence, and her loyalty to his rule, Ushiwakamaru would have decapitated this fake herself rather than wait on him to commit seppuku.
These days, she was glad her loyalty carved a strange course to extend teeth gnashing leniency. "(Yoshitsune-dono. Will you be alright with today's roster? If you desire it, I shall do something about it.)"
Yes… She was glad she still had an immensely loyal retainer honestly concerned of her well-being, forged by eternal need to atone or not. She offered a confident glance to Benkei and returned his silent offer. "(…There's no need. It's bound to be sooner or later. If the masters will it, I will fight beside her… but if she tries something, I request you stay out of it.)"
"(Do you believe Tomoe would?)"
"(No. I don't.)" There was no doubt about that in her mind. Both of them were honored Samurai; They weren't about to break the code of loyalty in Chaldea, even if Tomoe definitely wished to when they first met. "(In the event things get out of hand, I'd rather settle things fairly with blades drawn even. Like we used to.)"
"(If that is your wish, I will honor it. I will worry, but you have my word.)" Ushiwakamaru tossed him a reassuring glance as the doors to the Deployment Room opened. More than a year ago, anyone less than her would have been mere trash in her eyes, especially him. It took a month before she could comfortably call her allies equals; How uncouth she never realized she'd been in her social ignorance and narrow-minded lifestyle.
He let out a small chuckle, and she was forced to glance yet again. "(Please don't mind me. I just find some strange irony that we're concerning over Tomoe, and not…)"
"I'm the lead servant of this team! Got it? Good!"
"Don't get ahead of yourself, insect. That position is not for you to decide." The wall of tension that thumped into them hardly fazed the two Japanese servants. Was that a good thing or a bad thing? The arguments and challenges were frequent, but… Since when had they gotten so rather complacent about the Onis and Raikou's well-established feuding?
Their argument continued to echo through the large space. Others mingled gently. Their own conversation fell comfortably silent as she eyed the present teammates. 'She's not here yet.'
Both Ushiwakamaru and Benkei only strolled down the room's long approach to get to their pads in a timely manner. They were early, but it was only polite to arrive at an acceptable time. It was a cultural impulse, followed by the many other Japanese servants present. Though most singularities tended to be a chosen mix, it wasn't too uncommon for servants to volunteer to deploy to a location and time related to them.
In this case, the supposed glimpse of the mythical Onigashima was more than enough to ignite the interest of many of her Shrine companions.
To that end, there were only a few slots taken up by other servants. Ushiwakamaru turned away from Raikou and Ibaraki's quarrel, which Kintoki and Fuuma were doing their best to stop. Her eyes glanced over a laughing Shuten to land on Artesia, standing with arms crossed over her blackened armor. Nearby, the uniformed Skyler was talking with Anishka and Gabrielle while barely offering any sort of concern to the feuding servants.
"(Strange…)" Her mental message made Benkei turn to her as they took their place on their set of Leyshift pads. Upon confirming she had his attention, she indicated with her eyes towards the feuding two. "(They're using this to gauge Skyler's leadership qualities in an escalated singularity, but they're making it harder than it should be with interpersonal conflict.)"
"(They insisted they wished to come. I presume the council raised the concerns too, but…)" Benkei trailed off, but Ushiwakamaru nodded. Whatever the case may be, they were still going through with this. "(We're only missing six now. Make that five.)"
Ushiwakamaru wasn't sure what declared Tomoe's arrival first: Her familiar honorable aura, or the heat at the back of the rider's neck. As the armored samurai walked briskly down the walkway, her gaze remained levelled on her arch nemesis. After she drew close, Ushiwakamaru finally turned to acknowledge her. Artesia stared at the both of them, quickly garnering the masters and the candidate's attention. Even Medusa lowered her book to take a peek.
"(Let's do our best, Tomoe.)" Ushiwakamaru offered despite the wall of tension raging between them. Crimson eyes stared back, stoic yet alight with a mix of emotions. It was the same look she'd received from her rival for months, but it paled to the outright fury she held before the final confrontation with Goetia. If Ushiwakamaru hoped that blaze would dissipate further, it certainly didn't. Not even with the overwhelming holiday spirit.
Tomoe's only response was a brief nod. Almost dismissive. Nothing hostile, nor friendly. She passed close to Ushiwakamaru without further intent to stand on one of the many vacant Leyshift pads. Making an absolute point not to even turn to her, the archer instead forced a light smile to Medusa. "Hi, Medusa. I thought you'd finish that book today?"
"I may have, but I had other arrangements."
"That's my fault," Parvati smiled apologetically on the pad beside her. "I promise my Christmas presents will make it up to you, Rider! You'll see~!"
Medusa smiled to the goddess, and Tomoe laughed lightly. Genuinely. Such a quick shift after the flat cold shoulder would have offended the hearts of many. It could sting even cold hearts, but Ushiwakamaru remained mostly unfazed. If anxiety or offense pulsed within her at all, it was over honor that was never tarnished to begin with.
And for the similar soul of her rival who shouldn't be carrying such heavy emotion.
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Onigashima was no land for the normal. Wicked even in its mythical form, the sickeningly bare land itself coiled and thrummed with magical energy unbound. The constant feeling of dread lurked even from the sparse few trees; The earth itself felt like it could open up to laugh as they fell to a gruesome demise.
Like an insurmountable bastion, the cliffs of the island would make Everest look like a hill. A servant could manage in a timely manner, but certainly no human. Definitely not with the many patrols and devilish eyes that wandered between crags, caves, and outcrops. Every ounce of the rock-strewn wilderness was as uninviting as its hosts, but that had never stopped a Chaldean landing.
Only the Onis appeared happy beneath the hellish purple of the swirling maelstrom above. Despite their satisfaction, neither Shuten nor Ibaraki completely recognized the otherworldly island, capped by a giant skull formation towards the top of its mighty mountain. They'd have to traverse this hell, filled with countless volatile onis, without a proper guide. The first lesser Onis they fought didn't even seem to care their 'superior's were among their number.
Yet, despite the ominous welcome, the sortie had started off typical.
With so many deployments under her belt, there was very little that would surprise the famed samurai. The battles of an era gone proved her mettle, but the singularities had refined it further. After teetering off so many edges during the grand primary singularities, there was no way a little malignant one could rattle her. True to that, this didn't… but she was surprised by how strange this encounter had turned.
After over a year with Chaldea, her mind, broken from its absolute stoic focus, grasped at these peculiarities in its attempt to fathom what was going on. There were now two Kintokis and Fuumas. One ally rode in on a motorcycle and looked like a stereotypical delinquent. The lesser Onis they fought were expected and the only real 'normality', though they couldn't put up a decent fight against their fielded numbers… Yet, that only seemed to be the beginning of their strange ordeal.
Though Chaldea could just as easily field the proper servants to bypass the mighty cliffs, Da Vinci insisted they find some tougher opponents so Skyler could prove his worth. That was easy enough: A long, slithering path, complete with blocking demon gates, certainly provided an adequate gauntlet to do so. The first encounters proved fruitful already.
Unfortunately, there was definitely no proving anything in the current battle… They'd found their first enemy servant… but… "No! Stay out of this! This is between us! This is about our honor!"
"I don't even know what you're angry about!? Did I not compliment you!?"
The flash of clashing steel. The shrieks of blades cutting through the air. The roar of battle from unchecked voice. Ushiwakamaru fell satisfied amongst all of it, for they were the comforts she'd known all her life. She'd never known its fear, and she only partially grasped what her soldiers may have felt now. Still, war remained her favored companion to prove one's honor and dedication.
But this certainly wasn't honored battle, and she definitely wasn't allowed to participate either.
Among the dashed, cracked ground before the imposing Japanese gate, shadows dashed and danced. They were sharks circling and biting at the beleaguered fish within their whirlpool. A rather baffled fish at that, just like the other Chaldeans. "May I at least know what I did!?"
"Don't feign ignorance! You know exactly what you did!" the Chaldean Fuuma roared in perfect tandem with his singularity's counterpart. Together, they were joined by many silhouettes of the famed clan's ninjas. Many struck and lashed vengefully and simultaneously at the offending, familiar servant. Others kept a larger Oni at bay further away; Its mighty attacks were too slow against the swift Fuuma clan.
Yet, for the Chaldeans sidelined and too… dumbfounded, for lack of a better word… their eyes remained glued on the fighting three. The enemy, Sasaki Kojirou, was under such heavy siege that he could barely reposition his blade fast enough to stop a loathing strike from the two impossibly fast assassins. The look of disbelief, and confusion, was a sight never seen on Chaldea's own, now legendary, servant.
That look remained in good company as Skyler glanced back and forth between the Fuumas and the other servants. "Uhh… Awww geez. Fuuma? You sure you don't need help, bud? We could end it faster if-"
"No! Stay out of it!" Even Artesia flinched at the sheer ferocity of his denial. "He insulted my clan's honor! Only the Fuuma can restore it, so it must only be us!"
"Fear nothing, Chaldeans! We Kojirou-exterminators will make quick work of this fiend for calling us second fiddle!" the other Fuuma roared as he swiftly charged back into the fight with a blink. Their strikes were blurs. The ninjas were a nighttime maelstrom incarnate; Shadows lashing out from the perfect angles, drawing the net of demise ever closer around the doomed enemy Sasaki.
Meltryllis still blinked incredulously. "…This is not how I imagined our first servant fight to go."
Medusa, now reading her book again, only nodded beside Parvati while the two Kintokis cheered on their juniors. Ushiwakamaru and Benkei shared a skeptical gaze, which the rider then traded again with a confused Raikou. Judging by the laughter, at least Ibaraki and Shuten were enjoying these… shenanigans. That was a fitting word. This was definitely not like the battles that set Ushiwakamaru's heart at ease.
"Apologize! Apologize right now!" "Die and restore Fuuma honor!" "That was supposed to be a compliment! What is with you two spies!?"
Glancing around to gauge the reactions of others, she met eyes with Tomoe. Ushiwakamaru sighed, "The things we do for honor, huh?"
Though initially a bit humored and confused when their eyes met, crimson orbs steeled quickly. Stoic curtains flew across her features again, and Ushiwakamaru fell a touch confused. Tomoe's gaze snapped away, and though the rider blinked, Benkei's concerned voice echoed through. "(Yoshitsune-dono… Pardon me, but I think what you just said could have been taken the wrong way.)"
Confused at first, it dawned on her quick. She cursed at herself; It wasn't her attention for it to be a potential jab. She just wanted to maybe crack a hole with a simple, funny comment… yet her lack of social wisdom shined through again. Years of being reared in a temple, honed for war and little else, still towered high over everything she was slowly gaining with Chaldea's help.
Ushiwakamaru finally sighed again, and wondered if she'd just have to accept the fact this was as close as she and Tomoe could ever be to civil.
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They'd past the gate shortly after and found themselves in a former town. Former was the key word; It certainly resembled a warzone now. Once pristine traditional walls held far too many wounds and gashes to properly shelter the freed inhabitants. Even the inviting hue of the cobalt roof tiles lost their charm with all the collected grime, blood stains, and collected damage.
The lesser Onis were obviously to thank for these living conditions.
Ushiwakamaru had been quick to help mop up the guards to free the slaves, but her skills didn't lie in repairing the ramshackle town. Only their lone caster could, but Tamamo was more focused on propping up the crippled, surviving residents. Most Chaldeans were, including a second Benkei they'd bumped into just before launching their assault.
"I'd like another rice ball please!" "Great as always, Tota!" "Raikou? You just carry spices on you like that?"
She had to wonder when having a quick break for food in enemy territory had become so standard. No doubt, they would've kept advancing as Skyler wished for if Chaldea's priorities hadn't taken hold; Fleeting despair or not, they'd never turn their backs on souls in need. Thus, second breakfast, regardless if the candidate wished to keep their momentum or not.
Meltryllis, dumbfounded and incredulous, had been one to volunteer to keep an eye out… after she got a few riceballs. Ushiwakamaru had too, since letting one's guard down in Oni territory was asking for a quick demise. If that threat even loomed on the many minds crowded around a hastily prepared buffet line, none could tell.
Dutifully, she stood guard atop the creaking roof as a disturbed shingle fell through a crack behind her. It echoed in the empty house below, scattering a rat and placing her on further wary alert. A bit of quick shuffling later, and a closer voice called out over the commotion further away. "You doing alright over here?"
"I'm more than ready for orders and battle." With hand still gripped onto her sword, the samurai pivoted on the worn shingles. "You didn't need to climb up to ask, Candidate."
Skyler, with thumbs holstered into his riggers belt, stopped a few paces away, uncaring of the roof's questionable integrity. He cocked an eyebrow. "Candidate, hm? Sounds awkward and impersonal."
"Then what would you wish me to call you if not lord or sir? Your Chaldean rank is currently candidate," she replied genuinely.
"Skyler or Sky or Cloud is quicker, I reckon. You call the masters by their names, right? No need for any formalities with me either," he replied calmly as his eyes gazed past and around her. In an instant, she could see calculating concern dripping from his pupils as he studied the impossible sheer cliffs. They darted from point to point, but only a tangible glint of fear echoed in his eyes.
It was similar to how Gudao's stare had been when she arrived: Experienced, but still adapting. Certainly a leap ahead of Gabrielle or Anishka's first times. But that was only to be expected from a war veteran. He turned back to her as the silence grew strange, then scratched the back of his head. "If that's alright with you, I mean. I could also treat you with more formality if you'd appreciate that."
"It's whatever you want," she replied without hesitation. "If there's no issue, you will be a master. Therefore, you would be my new superior, and I will gladly entrust my blade to you and prove myself useful."
"Ah geeeez… No need to feel that sort of obligation with me. You're a servant. As far as I'm concerned, you're far more useful than I'd be," he deflected swiftly, even as his eyes panned over the surroundings again. She could see the slight tension hidden beneath his unique fatigues, pulsing with tempered instinct. "Lord almighty… I can't even communicate telepathically to any of you. No way to feasibly defend myself. No fancy seals for the probie. Can't offer any sort of combat support yet… Yup. I'd say y'all are blessed to be babysitting me."
Ushiwakamaru cracked a tiny smile at his jest, but he did have a very serious point. He'd be the first soldier and normal human as a master, which included all the boons and busts that came with it. Without doubt, he's tuned to the battlefield thanks to plenty of experience as an infantryman. But would that make up for the quirks and handicaps in communication and direct support?
"You're downplaying yourself. The masters aren't supposed to be in direct combat. If anyone should sacrifice themselves dutifully, it's us servants."
His calm expression dimmed a bit. "Yea… Let's make sure that doesn't happen either. None of that. You've got a pretty good track record so far and I'd rather not be the one to cause needless casualties."
"War doesn't often give choices. You should know as well as I do that there's no certainties in battle. Sometimes all one may hope for is to die an honorable death." Her words seemed to strike a strong chord as Skyler's eyes narrowed hastily. It's a look she'd seen before… one from her beloved brother and many leaders beneath her whenever she talked of war. She still couldn't quite grasp it. "Do you find something wrong with that?"
"I know full well that not everything can be prevented, thank you kindly," he replied back rather calmly. "That doesn't mean I won't do anything less than my all to try and prevent that. For brothers and sisters in arms who are willing to die at my back? What kind of comrade would I be to offer anything less than my all? More so, as your possible future leader?"
"A questionable one." They agreed on that. In battle, even if she left her orders blunt and strict, she personally gave it her all. Whatever her brother desired… whatever obstacle stood in his path, she'd circumvent it however possible. She could offer no less to him, so she could relate to this soldier's point just fine. "But if you feel it necessary, know I'm a servant who is willing to expend my life for the sake of Chaldea's cause. I only desire to be useful to you."
"Then for the sake of Chaldea's cause, it's always more strategic to have you live," he countered swiftly as he shook his head, stopped his third instinctive sentry scan, and locked adamant eyes with her. The sheer refusal to debate the point further flared from hardened eyes. "You'll be far more useful coming back to fight another day. Everyone is. So think of yourself as a tool all you want, but I won't. Tools can be replaced. Good soldiers can't."
The silence between them grew as she gauged his words. A few officers had said the same thing. Several servants who ruled and led too. It still baffled her, but eyes from different cultures and experiences viewed the world differently. The tempered steel that she was couldn't fully see what their souls declared, but with all her time in Chaldea, at least she never batted it aside. If it was her superior's wish and desire, then who was she to argue?
Her Chaldean fanned heart caused her mouth to twitch with a tiny smile. "I see. I look forward to seeing what kind of leader you prove to be."
"Me too. I wouldn't mind picking up tips from the real big shots like you, though." He admitted as the tension dissipated. His small smile grew back, and he even began yet another scan of the tall cliffs ahead. "Would that be fine? Not every day an NCO gets the honor to learn from the best."
'Flattery or…?' She couldn't quite tell, but that was just as socially awkward as she'd remain; Jing and Li wouldn't let her live it down. Still, she'd always smile at offered praise. "Honor, hm? I'm a better fighter than tutor, but if that's your wish, Skyler."
If it all fell together, it looked like there's be a fourth master to praise her well.
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With the villagers safely protected by the other Fuuma, the Chaldean force advanced to the next gate. It was a shame they couldn't just charge right up the cliffs, but with all the sinister magical energy pulsing and shrouding what may lurk around… Skyler's decision was safe and proper. It was senseless for the force to scale the sheer cliffs and risk the masters in a vertical engagement. Plus, it gave Skyler plenty of chances to show his capabilities.
However, that didn't mean the climb was any easier along the path. The rocky ascent was steep and unimproved. There were times the servants had to help in order to keep their pace steady. It kept them on edge, always wary for any opportunistic fangs that prodded for a weak opening. Yet, their advance continued proper.
Upon reaching a guarded checkpoint tower, there was little surprise to find the Onis on high alert. Skyler's decision had been simple: Overwhelming show of force. She could manage that. All of them could, despite the numbers of Onis that flooded out of once unseen mountain caves around them.
One leapt at her. Sickly purple skin glinted with overflowing magical energy. Disturbing black eyes stared right into the soul with uncontrollable, erratic emotions. Its deceptively frail body twisted gracefully in the air to swing a crude, mighty club at her head. As small and feeble as it looked, a light swing from even a lesser Oni could separate a human torso clean from its lower half.
The legendary Minamoto no Yoshitsune was far from ordinary.
Shing! Without word, hesitation, or doubt, she'd cleaved straight past the lesser Oni. Sliced cleanly, the demonic shriek only escaped its lungs when it began to disintegrate a moment later. Paying no heed nor satisfaction, Ushiwakamaru was already darting to the next target. There was a larger muscular one eyeing the protected masters, and that wasn't tolerable.
With a burst like thunder, she rocketed past a cluster of lesser Onis. Ibaraki's aggravated complaints only came to air after the entire group fell defeated; All halved in one swift flick of the rider's wrist. Another turned to fight her, but calmly narrowed eyes didn't pay it any heed, neither before or after its head was severed cleanly. Efficiently. Swiftly.
Time could not be wasted. The candidate's intent was clear: Destroy all opposition.
'And so it shall be done.' Strike after strike. One fell, then another, but she was on to the next every time. As she had countless times for her brother, she performed effectively for the masters. She was flawless in battle, and thus the agile rider remained. 'Smile on me, masters. Smile down on me, Aniue.'
Despite her heart's urge to be praised, it was tempered with awareness built over time. She heeded her allies, and didn't dismiss their might. She let them have their honorable duels if they wished, but she wouldn't hesitate to hastily complete the objective in other ways. Underlings or worthy opponents… Impossible odds or overwhelming numbers… It mattered not. Only the will and praise of her superiors did.
If only it were always that simple though.
Darting from foe to foe, Ushiwakamaru swiftly tumbled over the Chaldean Kintoki's axe as it cleaved a larger Oni with ease. Shuten laughed and darted past with her own blade while the rider scanned around. A group of lesser Onis… Another stream of weaklings from a cave… No. There! A much larger magenta Oni charged the masters. A priority threat she'd-
Whoosh! Had Ushiwakamaru jumped off of the decapitated Oni's corpse, she could have been impaled by an arrow. A fiery arrow. Her instincts saved her, but her eyes swiftly darted to the source. Tomoe, eyes flared in concentration, didn't pay her any further heed as she sent a volley towards another new target. Beside her, Tota loosed his own thunderous strikes while the three Chaldean leaders observed safely behind them.
No doubt, anger, or accusation flooded through Ushiwakamaru. With a simple glance to her left, she saw the target of Tomoe's arrow. The flailing large Oni, speared through the skull by the projectile, was quickly succumbing to the inferno that embraced its sickly form. It fell forward, crushing several unfortunate lessers in its wake, but the rider was already dashing through the frontlines without further spectating.
Her instincts clicked. Her tempered will remained undeniable: Focus on the enemies.
That didn't mean her new, less ignorant mind wondered if Tomoe intentionally let the arrow sail close.
Again, dark ponderings leaked into her usual focus. She thought her attempt to save Tomoe during Goetia's trap would resonate her good intentions. If not that, then fighting the shadow version of her in Tumangang should have settled more of the archer's grudge. Yet it remained; It was deep, just like Ushiwakamaru's had been for Benkei.
But hadn't she provided leniency to that cowardly retainer after a time? Maybe Tomoe would…
'…What's wrong with me?' This was no time for ponderings and distractions. Skyler declared his strategic intent, and it would be met.
Her issues with Tomoe could be settled differently during a more appropriate time.
¨·..·¨·..·¨·..·¨(¯ˆ·.¸ VI ¸.·ˆ¯)¨·..·¨·..·¨·..·¨
"Have you no honor? I'm just being loyal to the end like any samurai should to their lord! I'll stay loyal to Aniue to the end! Can you say the same?"
A burst of prana. A roar of ferocity. In barely a second, the skepticism in the air had been replaced by unbridled, pained fury. The air ruptured with violence, but not from the demons that infested the mountainside.
Clang! Barely half an hour after passing the checkpoint, Ushiwakamaru's blade finally clashed against worthy steel. "How… How dare you! How dare you say that! TAKE THAT BACK!"
"Then don't mock Aniue ever again!" If she'd had any wish to find some civility with Tomoe, it had suddenly vanished from her mind at her grave offense.
On the perilously steep path, the Onis had long since fled to regroup. Steel continued to flash and rage. Between the two rivals, their gazes ignited the air like tinder. The sinister tension in the air was drowned out by newfound concern and yells from the accompanying Chaldeans.
But how had it turned out like this? Ushiwakamaru was just glad her brother was here, yet things spiraled downward faster than she could fathom.
"What do you mean let them fight, Sky!? We can't let them!" Gabrielle yelled incredulously as Skyler kept his gaze on her. "They'll kill each other!"
"I know killing intent when I see it, Gabby. Don't you?" he countered flatly as he jabbed a finger towards the swift blurs. "Kintoki told me this has been boiling for far too long. Maybe it's about time they had a little social fight to get it out of their system."
The incredulous stares fired his way were only to be expected. The divergence of protocol was clear, yet the decision was met with mixed results. The Onis were nodding in agreement, and Ibaraki was even smiling deviously. Raikou, Xuanzang, and the Kintokis were shouting to put an immediate end to it. Tota and both Benkeis were stopping them from interfering in this duel. Tamamo was on the verge of acting on Gabrielle and Anishka's insistence.
"He has a point. Tomoe could have killed her by now," Meltryllis supported dismissively as she watched with crossed arms. Upon meeting Gabrielle and Anishka's dumbfounded gazes, she rolled her eyes and pointed at the swift blurs. "Ushiwakamaru is not in any condition to properly fight."
Their words flew past her ears; Nothing could get past the songs of clashing steel… The sweet music to her ears. A calm orchestra that tried to soothe her offended heart, which flared incredulously at her hated rival. With newfound, sudden strength pulsing through her, it urged the rider to correct what was wrong. How dare she…
How dare she make fun of her brother's image so readily. To call him just a Jizo on the side of the road after the rider enjoyed a bit of tea offered from the singularity's Benkei… She was about to offer that very empowering tea to her brother, whose timely arrival was beyond perfect. But that was her brother! Perfect!
Could she not see the flawlessly-chiseled, stoically cold face that was her brother? Had she not fought against them on the field of battle? Of course she had, so to readily admonish her brother as a mere statue that Ushiwakamaru now cradled under one arm meant only one thing… She wanted his head!
But because he was here, and so was she, then Ushiwakamaru could earn her brother's praise by swiftly defeating Tomoe and taking her head! And some Oni heads too! And whatever stood in their way! That was obvious, right? Regardless of everything she tried to grasp in Chaldea, this was a clear as day message straight from the tip of her rival's blade! "You're not killing Anuie!"
"It's just a Jizo statue, you drunken fool! Put it down and stop fighting me!"
Ushiwakamaru, face flushed red with anger and liquid bliss, could have spat back. "Me!? Stop!? You're the one who struck at your ally first, you dishonorable gozen! Put your blade away first!"
"You'll take my head if you do!" She growled back, and Ushiwakamaru should have seen it clear as day. The hurt. The anger… The agony. None of it registered; All she saw was her arch nemesis, doing what she always had when their blades danced between them. Tomoe wanted her head for her lord… and her brother wanted their enemy's head so he could praise her! Ushiwakamaru will be praised!
"Yoshitsune-Dono! Please come to your senses!" the Chaldean Benkei yelled out, but it suffocated beneath the hurricane flashing across the path ahead. A few lesser Onis patrols had come to look, but wound up cheering devilishly on far outcrops; Tota silenced a few of them.
Conflicted, the lancer glanced to the Raikou and the Kintokis as they struggled to hold themselves back. He then turned to Skyler. "You would allow this?"
"There's nothing worse than letting emotions bottle up. You've seen the results plenty of times, right?" Skyler commented, though his voice's recipe was equal parts wary as it was confident. "…Let them get it out. Let them vent. Then when I think enough is enough or they start taking it too far, Tamamo, you mind breaking it up with a few spells?"
The caster stared at the candidate in brief thought, but focused eyes turned back to the fight. "Gladly."
"Thanks. If anything happens, this is on me as much as it's on them," Skyler reassured as he glanced to an angry Gabrielle. Though she crossed her arms and huffed… a nod of approval followed. "…If."
Though Ushiwakamaru's heart raged with newfound fleeting strength, and her wrist flick with the perfect blend of honor-driven focus, she couldn't land a single hit on Tomoe. It was just as it was before… Just as it had been as they danced to falling leaves and the songs of war. They were an equal match, and becoming servants in different containers and ascensions changed nothing.
Completely unaware of the sluggish effects of the surprise strengthening alcohol, Ushiwakamaru kept up her assault. She leapt off another statue and charged Tomoe. Her katana, deft and agile, made for her head. Tomoe stopped it with her naginata with but a simple twirl. The archer made a sweep to her legs, likely the fatal tendons! Ushiwakamaru leapt back to create distance, but sent another slash to Tomoe's arm as consequence.
Every attempt was blocked. Every clash was a stalemate. Yet, with each strike, a new crack formed on the Jizo statue in her arm. She noticed not. Her brother was a strong man, and trusted her well to do what she needed against their enemies. Even as her heart sang and raged its intent, the cold stone in her grasp, which did little to hold her back, crumbled and weakened.
Clang! Swish! Crash! Again and again, their blades snapped like cobras and swiped like grizzlies. Their steel bit against each other like quarreling lions, but not a scratch could be birthed. By Tomoe's skill, no blood would drip this day. The minutes passed. Their blades' duet fell into another chorus.
…Then the statue finally cracked in two. "…Eh…?"
Ushiwakamaru stopped, and for certain, she'd instantly accepted Tomoe would use that window to end her; She didn't. Blade at the ready, Tomoe held a defensive stance, but joined the rider to watch the parting piece. Without a wave or farewell, the crumbled stone face of the religious statue picked up speed and tumbled down the side of the cliff. Her heart roared in torment and horror as her brother's head fell towards a pool further below… A pit carved by the Onis for their hygienical use.
She had to save him! She had to jump off and…! Why was she hesitating? Unforgivable! For her failings, er perfect brother would ask her to commit…
Numb and with warmed cheeks, Ushiwakamaru only blinked as her brother's head fell into the cesspit. She blinked again, then stared with warm cheeks towards the statue in her arms. The other Chaldeans had fallen concerned and silent, but her emotions rang louder. She cared not what anyone else thought at the moment. Her heart and mind were cemented. Ironed. Absolute.
Casually, Ushiwakamaru tossed the rest of the damaged statue off the mountain, earning Tomoe's incredulous stare. "W-What're you doing!? Wasn't that-"
"That wasn't my brother after all," she declared flatly with a huff. A hiccup escaped her throat as the powerful alcohol began to take full effect on the lightweight rider. Another hiccup heralded her words… and a chuckle. "My brother? Falling into a cesspit? He's far too perfect to use the bathroom! I guess you were right…"
Tomoe, now as openly stupefied as the rest… save for the laughing Chaldean Onis… only stared back flatly. Ushiwakamaru wasted no time sheathing her blade as she recollected her thoughts.
An imposter… Hm. So Tomoe did her a favor, for some fiend was trying to manipulate her with praise. But no longer! If she were to take Tomoe's head, it had to be ordered by her brother, masters, or possible even the candidate Skyler.
There was no way she was going to take an ally's head when the orders and desires were clearly the opposite. 'Onwards then to the source!'
As if her sudden mood shift was natural, the rider began marching forward. The steep, rocky path ahead shifted and swirled, but she would not lose her balance to such a devious Oni illusion. To think they'd resort to treachery and world manipulation to try and even the tide against Chaldea… That wouldn't work! Ushiwakamaru's balance was perfectly-
The rider stumbled as she tripped on a step, but quickly righted herself. After a hiccup, she blurted out, "See? You won't fell me that easily, Onis! Make this easy on us and present your heads for collection!"
Staring after her, with confliction, anger, and pain in her eyes, the horned Tomoe only grit her teeth and finally sheathed her sword. Quickly, she hurried after her as Benkei, Raikou, and the Kintokis joined the chase. Gabrielle and Skyler shared a relieved glance, though the orange-haired master still tossed an accusative roll of her eyes. Parvati began ushering them forward, after the leading drunk rider.
This singularity was turning into something far from normal.
¨·..·¨·..·¨·..·¨(¯ˆ·.¸ VII ¸.·ˆ¯)¨·..·¨·..·¨·..·¨
Despite how profusely the Chaldean Benkei apologized for his counterpart's mistake, Ushiwakamaru wasn't about to forgive the singularity's monk. She even entertained the idea of taking his offered head; It's not like Chaldea needed his extra strength to defeat the Onigashima monsters. Still, by the sole request of the masters, she spared that man.
…But the embarrassment remained, as did the guilt. "My, my~… We should really work on your alcohol tolerance, Ushi."
"I should. It's… not something I thought I'd need before."
"It's is an acquired taste," the berserker giggled back. Though the motherly voice was only playful and reassuring, it stung. Never the one to join victory celebrations unrequested, her tolerance was always low. That once-unknown Oni drink was far more potent. Her antics were hard to brush aside this time.
But Raikou was always such an understanding, motherly ancestor.
To distract herself, Ushiwakamaru had volunteered for guard duty again now that her senses returned. Another slave camp was liberated, and the masters were helping with relief efforts for the equally ramshackle village. It was all the rider could do to avoid gazing back at the heated glare she could feel from Tomoe's direction, but it wasn't long before Raikou had leapt up to check on the sober samurai.
Ignoring both Benkeis' concerned stares, she scanned her sector, delegated by Skyler, as Raikou took a seat on a set of unbroken shingles beside her. "The Onis have become wary of us. Scared."
"I'd say they're scared of you. More are crying your name in terror."
"As it should be. They must know the fear they shamelessly throw onto others." Her timber was tinged with a sense of bloodlust Ushiwakamaru rarely glimpsed. Her hatred of the Onis was well-known, but for it to be this pronounced. Even her presence and spiritual might seemed to have grown immensely since they landed in this twisted realm. It's as if being present on hated lands of her enemy strengthens her even further than native soil.
But Minamoto no Yorimitsu was always a mighty figure; Ushiwakamaru was blessed to have her as an ancestor. More so as a mentor and friend. Tempered gentleness, a seemingly profound understanding of human emotions, and a will second to none. Aside from her mad enhancement's overly affectionate quirks, she was everything Ushiwakamaru could ever hope to aspire to… And she embarrassed herself terribly in front of her.
As if she seemed to care. Raikou too seemed distracted by something… maybe even troubled enough to wish to talk about other things. To stare at sights she adores. "Look at my cute boys~… Fussing over every starving villager. He grew up so well."
"He was raised by the best," the rider quickly complimented, earning her a sincere smile in return. "He's a worthy hero."
"Yes… Oh if only he didn't have that rebellious side to him. Leathers and a motorcycle…" She sighed. "Making a mother worry! I pray his delinquency is just a phase! It will pass, right? Then he should break up with Shuten once he's over it!"
As if the Oni heard, Shuten turned to look at them from under a sheltered awning. Her smile was teasing and devilish, met swiftly by Raikou's judgmental gaze. They probably exchanged words no one would gleam, but the rider still stared curiously. Sworn enemies ready to kill each other, but sharing one commonality that kept them civil.
It was like her and Tomoe, but the archer probably didn't care.
Ushiwakamaru glanced to the white-haired beauty, standing guard on a roof over the small crowd of malnourished villagers. Their gazes met… hers far angrier now than they had been before. Ushiwakamaru's was stoic; She cared not, yet she did. She'd wronged her, and for the sake of civility, it was best she gave her rival space. "She won't attack you. Not unless you start it."
"Again," the rider added. Disappointment pursued her words, but she only scanned the sinister crags and distant lesser Oni glares for trouble. She had enough to deal with as is, but at least their opponents could be handled swiftly. "I don't know why I'm even trying to come to terms with her. It's not like we're fighting inefficiently."
"Because you care, whether you know it or not." She turned to see Raikou's reassuring, warm smile. "To cross blades in honorable duel is to understand your opponent. Their feelings, strength of their will. She's your rival, but you can relate with her on your drives. Am I mistaken? The beautiful wish of fighting for someone loved?"
'Loved.' Her whole life, she only had a vague understanding of what that word meant. Without the embrace of parents, the closest she'd grasped was the praise and appreciation her cold older brother showed for her actions. Even after his relentless pursuit to kill her, she forgave him. Loved him. Wished for nothing but to serve and be praised, and if death was his wish then so be that too.
"It's all I could hope for." Raikou didn't need to say it: Tomoe's devout loyalty to her lord was something Ushiwakamaru could fully acknowledge. "…I miss Anuie."
"And she misses him," the berserker added solemnly, with a sudden sigh. "To be away from my little boy. My sweet little girl too! Ohh… when I heard the Onis were coming and little Annie only requested Parvati, I knew I had to come to be sure! Mighty as she is, Parvati is far too sweet to keep her guard up around my children!"
"Um…" Ushiwakamaru began. Too late.
It was always too late to stop the inevitable motherly worry. "Oh good! She's keeping her hands off him! But that other insect looks like she's toying with my little girl… If she even presents one fang or claw, I swear…!"
"Ibaraki is stuffing her face." The flat observation knocked Raikou back to her senses. Indeed, the yellow Oni's face was simply grinning with delight as she munched childishly on Shuten's alcoholic fruit platter. If she toyed with anyone, it was the disheveled humans that came up to Anishka for their own shares of food. "Our Onis seems sated."
"For now… But you must never let your guard down around Onis. Especially not here." Raikou's words felt far darker and more troubled than Ushiwakamaru could understand. She would never be the greatest sympathizer, or the detector of hidden emotion… so that's why it unnerved the rider how apparent her unknown concern seemed to be. For her mighty ancestor's hand to tremble ever so slightly as the berserker glanced to the storm above…
Ushiwakamaru swallowed her nervousness. 'What are we fighting that would shake the great Yorimitsu-sama to this extent?'
¨·..·¨·..·¨·..·¨(¯ˆ·.¸ VIII ¸.·ˆ¯)¨·..·¨·..·¨·..·¨
They'd barreled through another gate, defeating its guardians with ease. The singularity's potential source was discovered minutes later, only for another Raikou to chase off the pair of sinister Onis with fervor. Only one more gate rested between the Chaldeans and the top of the otherworldly mountain. Silence filled the walk up to the grandest gate with lavish red arch, dashed only be the labored breaths of the three human companions.
It wasn't enough to stop Gabrielle from making another comment to prove she was okay. "So uh… What're the bets… this gate guardian… is another familiar face…?"
"My bet is not Meltryllis," Skyler quickly added, earning a sidelong glance from the alter ego. He only shrugged in response. "…Is that not a safe bet?"
"At least the Onis are leaving us alone," Fuuma quipped. In fact, they weren't even in sight. A pleasing sight for anyone.
"You're not getting rid of us that easy, ninja boy," Ibaraki shot back rather lightly. Probably because Anishka's offered lollipop preoccupied her.
It would've been Raikou's turn to throw a veiled threat… but she didn't. Just ahead of the rider, the berserker only walked forward, power overflowing a breath unnervingly noticeable. She wasn't as beleaguered as the masters by far, but something was definitely bothering her… The sheer tension in her steps was chilling the hellish air.
Even Shuten, usually keen to toy with her, was only eyeing her blankly as they matched stride, side by side. Now that Ushiwakamaru was looking up and down their little train, she noticed the two Kintokis were concerned. Tamamo, Anishka, and Parvati seemed to sense something was wrong. Skyler was making studious glances among the reactions, but no one else paid Raikou any obvious attention.
Raikou stared with furrowed brows to the approaching gate far above. Towering like a shrine, the traditional Japanese tiles and red arch were just appearing from the rocky crags. Their climb would turn far steeper from here, so much so that the masters would need assistance on ascent. It was true mountain climbing for the last kilometer or so before they encountered the last guardian.
For the first time this singularity, Ushiwakamaru wished for another absurd battle to lighten the suddenly suffocating tension emanating from her ancestor.
¨·..·¨·..·¨·..·¨(¯ˆ·.¸ IX ¸.·ˆ¯)¨·..·¨·..·¨·..·¨
Battle was a time machine. From the moment Ushiwakamaru would draw her blade, everything was a calculated, focused blur until she sheathed it. No matter how slow time seemed to flow as weapons sung with battlecries, it felt like a blink after. In an age gone, only the truly worthiest of battles, followed by the grandest praise, ever stood out to Ushiwakamaru. These days, many fights with servants stood out in her mind, added to a mental memoir for better or worse.
Today, she'd witnessed another terrible one. A horrific struggle was a better description. A swift and destructive duel like that between Karna and Arjuna, but with despair so overwhelming it felt like she was back in Uruk. It was… awful. Another struggle she didn't wish to remember.
Her ancestor certainly didn't either.
Speechless, Ushiwakamaru could only stare as the dust settled. Though many were on guard, the other Chaldeans stared across the ravaged peak. The masters and candidate were brought out from cover as the temperamental storm overhead began to calm. Though it swirled like a ghastly whirlpool of dread, the air far below succumbed to a deep despair.
Even Ushiwakamaru could feel the dreadful angst clawing across barren rock to nip at her legs. Frozen still, goosebumps raised across exposed skin as a mighty shiver rocked her spine. A steeled heart plummeted, and she hadn't even swung her blade once after she'd drawn it. The only Chaldean who did now lay fallen to her knees far ahead of them, shaking with pain once unknown on smoldering earth.
"Ahhh…! AHHHHHHHHHHH!" Raikou's voice finally roared to the sky, drowning out the crackles of purple lightning and thunder. If she tried to form any words, they failed in her throat. Raking at Ushiwakamaru's ears, she screamed in torment, again and again. Her blade had fallen to the wayside forgotten while arms once pulsing with power threw themselves around herself like a lonely child.
The once tall figure felt so much smaller… broken.
But not as destroyed as the body of her hellish counterpart only meters away.
Sinister eyes, once so full of hatred and sin, no longer held even a fragment of life. An arm lay severed within reach. Her torso bore a grievous, fatal wound clear through. Crackles of black lightning raced across a formerly recognizable form, all while the remains of a battered spiritual body broke apart into dust of purest midnight. Within seconds, the remains of flesh, so riddled with cuts, arrows, and blunt trauma, disappeared from sight.
It wouldn't disappear from mind. Not yet. Not while their Raikou was so terribly crazed and hysterical. Screaming again, tearing and straining her own vocal cords, the berserker clawed at her own face. Her voice wavered painfully, fluctuating as her throat crushed and ripped itself in its attempt to cease the laughing pain. The tears fell as she fully collapsed to the ground in choking hysteria.
An unseen spell was broken. Both Kintokis bolted over to her with Anishka hot on their heels. Strangely, Shuten followed quickly as the response snowballed. Before long, while others stood guard and reconsolidated, the panic-stricken berserker had a small crowd around her.
"H-Hey! Commander! It's okay!" the delinquent boy cried out. "You sealed her away! You got her again!"
"Mother! Everything will be fine-!"
"No! NOOOOOO! No it won't!" Vocal cords bloodied and ruptured, the tears streamed down her face. Ushiwakamaru could only stare in disbelief. Her powerful ancestor, so terribly broken of mind and spirit. She wouldn't let the sight mar her near-perfect image of her, but she also couldn't ignore what she'd just witnessed. What she'd just learned. "They saw! Chaldea saw! Knows! Everyone knows! EVERYONE KNOWS! EVERYONE KNOWS!"
"Raikou! You're okay! There's nothing wrong!" Anishka pleaded as she glanced over the berserker's wounds and began treating the most serious one: A deep cut to her side. "Please! No one faults you!"
"They know! They know! You saw! Everyone saw!" Ushiwakamaru swallowed hard. Her voice was becoming softer, but that was because of her unwavering intensity. Her vocal cords begged for relief. Hoarse but forcefully roared, her hysterical cries drowned out the nearest comforts. "They know! They know my blood! They know my sin!"
"Raikou! Please! We need to get you help!" "Da Vinci! Please, can you Leyshift us back!? Raikou needs help!" "Is the area secure!?" "Please calm down Raikou!"
Ushiwakamaru didn't know what to say. She felt so… useless to her masters. Weak. Incapable of doing anything. No matter how much time passed, there were many situations she just couldn't assist with. It was the worst feeling, and quickly caused her to look around so uncharacteristically for aid.
She met eyes with Tomoe… but there wasn't an ounce of anger or hesitation in sight. Sympathy. Concern overwhelming. Her rival was far too focused with the frantic berserker to even offer a glint of disapproval her way. They could only turn back and possibly wonder… with all the sinister mana still pulsing in the air… if their Raikou would also soon-
Weakly, the berserker was now struggling to push the Kintokis and the desperate healing master aside. "Get away from me! Get away! You know! You know what I'll become! You know! You-"
"I've known long before." The words were said so calmly yet dismissively over the chorus. They should've been a clash of swords lost among a chorus of war; Raikou heard it. Ushiwakamaru couldn't understand how, but it snapped the frantic berserker to her. Yet, the anger never surfaced. Only the fear in her eyes remained to shake her pupils and keep the floodgates open for fresh tears to fall.
A tense silence grew as Shuten stepped forward with blank features. "Thou knew, no? It was no task to discern. Such knowledge graced mine mind long before... The blood of Oni flows within thy veins and colors thy emotions. It's no small part why thou art so gifted. So powerful. So passionate."
Worried, Ushiwakamaru watched the terror in Raikou's eyes start to dance with the first tinges of fiery emotion. Anger began to seep in, and after what just occurred, her currently increasing spiritual might forged dreadful anticipation. Would they have to- "Is thy blood something worthy of thy hate? Thy fear?"
Shuten's questions struck home, but not in an explosive way. So calm. So dismissive and… perplexed. The pained anger in Raikou's gaze stalled, possibly even retreated, as Shuten threw an amused smirk to the berserker. "The passions of thy mixed blood gifted a beautiful life, no? Mighty, caring… Must I ask, does Chaldea revile myself? Dear Ibaraki? What of Tomoe and her Oni blood? If not, then why would they fall unaccepting of yours? Minamoto no Yorimitsu… Thou art a talented general, but thy mind falls short of respectable. Was mine adversary truly this blind?"
After placing his warm fluffy coat onto Raikou's shoulders, their Kintoki glanced to his counterpart, then gazed to Shuten. "Hey… Shuten. Don't you think that's a bit much?"
With a giggle amid the horribly tense air, uncaring but pleased with herself, Shuten summoned her wine… The poisoned one designed by Raikou to kill her. She sipped it readily, clearly enjoying its fiery taste as the fallen berserker stared incredulously… but the screaming stopped. The yells had long since fallen to the wayside in exchange for hoarse breath. Like dark but parting clouds, the storm in her eyes seemed to clear amid flashes of anger and disbelief thrown Shuten's way.
Nonetheless, her ancestor was no longer frantic.
Ushiwakamaru could only blink and stare. That went against everything she understood about cheering people up, but the Onis were far from understandable. Instinctively on guard around them, their emotions were even more absurd than the human ones she struggled with. Of course, it didn't work perfectly, but it did seem to settle her ancestor enough to glare with newfound disbelief. Raikou still cried with pain in her eyes, but this certainly beat the outright hysteria from moments before.
Maybe now the others can manage the rest. "Please hold still. This wound is awful."
"I'd like to leave as soon as possible…" Tamamo noted as she glanced to a newly unveiled shrine by the peak's side. Artesia was already strolling up to it to pluck its shining treasure from atop its candle-flooded alter: a tarnished lesser grail. "I don't think there's anything left for us to do that we can't do at home."
Shuten nodded in amused agreement. "A shame we can't take the other boy with us~… My nights would fill with joy indulging in two playmates."
The Chaldean Kintoki flushed quickly while the singularity's counterpart gawked incredulously. The leather-wearing rider stared to their Kintoki, then back at Shuten and jabbed a finger. "I don't know what's gotten into the other me, but I ain't falling for it!"
"Thy words wound me," Shuten playfully jested as she placed a hand over her heart, but gently licked her lip. The delinquent flinched, and the glare in Raikou's eyes grew. "So it goes… Thy meeting was pleasant, boy. Take care of thyself~..."
"I hope you trip and fall in a cesspit, golden turd!" Ibaraki bid farewell with a dry stare. Not a moment later, she and the singularity's golden rider were bickering and exchanging verbal stabs while Shuten giggled nearby. Their Kintoki scratched the back of his head and sighed. Still being healed by Anishka, Raikou glared to Shuten more profoundly, but otherwise remained silent. If Ushiwakamaru were more astute, she may have even caught the glint of surprise and relief from her ancestor as she studied the sultry Oni.
Instead, Ushiwakamaru only breathed in growing relief, then stared around to ascertain the situation. Gabrielle was finishing up the extraction call with Mashu and Da Vinci. Medusa was reading her book while chatting with a worried Parvati. Tomoe was smiling at Raikou with relief… at least until she noticed Ushiwakamaru gazing her way.
They shared another silent stare down, but it was probably the blankest they'd ever had. Ushiwakamaru turned away quickly with mounting shame. Benkei stepped closer out of concern, but remained respectfully silent. The rider let out a slow breath.
At least the absurdities were over, so now the two could go back to just actively avoiding each other.
¨·..·¨·..·¨·..·¨(¯ˆ·.¸ X ¸.·ˆ¯)¨·..·¨·..·¨·..·¨
Despite Raikou's recollected but mixed mood, the evening came and went swiftly. She was in good company. There was little Ushiwakamaru could do but worry after her own few reassuring words, but it still ate at her. Spending time with her haircutting companions wasn't even distracting her from sporadic thoughts.
Today just seemed like a rather rough day. Tomorrow couldn't come fast enough. Hopefully come sunrise she'd feel more enthusiastic again.
"Thank you! See you next week!" The bell rang as a customer walked out of the Barbers with a wave.
The glass doors slid shut, showing the reflection of the rotating classic barber pole on its surface. It was a typical haircutters' room, with two simple rows of specialized chairs, white-tiled floor, and accompanying wooden desks. Where the large mirrors and lone flat screen television didn't cover, a spring forest pattern worked to soothe the mind of those within. With the last appointment met, only the three hobbyist haircutters remained.
"Is she still nervous? I can't tell anymore."
"I think Stacy's gotten used to your drunken work."
Jing snorted happily. "I hope so. I don't like my work when I'm sober."
Ushiwakamaru sat in one of the cleaned chairs as a robot vacuumed Jing Ke's. The rider, feeling miffed, had only thrown on a simple white kimono. Jing's new red qipao, unmarred thanks to her flowery apron, complimented the small tinge on her cheeks. Li stood just out of sight behind a Chinese wall separator, likely trimming their bonsais for the evening. His voice still rang out just fine over the gentle plucks of a recorded pipa. "You planning on drinking during the fashion show?"
"Are you serious? It's in the casino!" Jing shot back incredulously. "I want to see what the Celts are putting on tap."
"Or what they're not putting on tap?" Li joked lightly. "I'm not sure if I'll be able to stand the smell."
Jing hiccuped, but took a quick sip from a nearby jug of sake. She breathed in satisfaction. "I'm sure Medb wouldn't let her debauchery go that public. Chaldea has decency standards."
"Mm. So there are." Li mouthed flatly and skeptically. "Never slows that liquid addiction."
"I'm not addicted to alcohol! It's addicted to me- Oh no! Li! Help! It's back!" The dueling assassin glanced past the divider with a dry expression as Jing acted like the jug was trying to assault her. It secured a swift victory. Not a moment later, she chugged the drink down as Li rolled his eyes with an amused smirk. Jing breathed in delight again. "Cursed drink. You win this round!"
"…Ushi? You doing alright?" Li quickly hooked her attention, making the rider glance at his mostly blank expression. Concern still leaked through, or at least as much as he allowed in Chaldea. His calm and conserved stare caused a slight hesitation as she searched for words, letting him reel further. "That wasn't the best sortie. No worthy duels to vent... Awkward battles."
"And not so awkward battles…" Ushiwakamaru mulled, and earned a quick sympathetic gaze from Jing. The rider was quick to shake her head. "I should've known it was an Oni concoction. I dropped my guard so readily. Shameful."
"It could've gone worse," Jing prompted, but Ushiwakamaru's feelings didn't budge. Jing hiccupped. "You should apologize to her."
"She won't hear it. She's never listened to me," she countered flatly. "I saw that look in her eye. That's not someone who wants to talk for a long while."
"I say you still try to. Again. At least get the apology in sincerely before that little fire grows," her drunken friend noted again. It always surprised her how alcohol seemed to do so very little to her overall. Hell, it still surprised her she'd agreed to this strange Agora haircutting business with them. "What's the worst that could happen? She glares at you or tells you to screw off? I think I failed this one time and lost my life."
Her little joke drew a small snort from Li, which she returned with a smirk. Ushiwakamaru saw her point though. She could try apologizing again; The masters would like that. They praised civility, and everyone appreciated less problems that might wind up spilling over into their lives… And she was trying to reach a level of civility, not widen a gap… "I shouldn't sleep on this."
"Ata girl! I can toast to that!" Li sighed as Jing didn't even wait to chug on her drink. The cleaning robot eyed her, and even made its own electronic sigh of exasperation. Ushiwakamaru cracked a small smile, stood up, and made for the door. "Good luck! Call if you need us! Call faster if you share a drink!"
Ushiwakamaru let out a loose chuckle, feeling just a bit better. Though uncouth, upon exiting the automatic glass doors, she leapt over the mall's railing to the main floor below. She landed comfortably near the fountain, drawing a few stares from some passing employees enjoying their Friday night. Uncaring what they thought, she pondered where Tomoe could possibly be; The last thing she wanted to do was waste time.
'There's a gaming tournament tonight, right? Then that's the first…' Her train of thought fell to a halt as she stared towards the Agora's Arcade entrance. In the doorway, glaring at her with crossed arms, was the very archer in question. Though it was hard to take her anger as seriously when she was in a comfortable set of white yoga pants and a matching sweater, it didn't blunt the sense of guilt. As much as she wanted to just leave her alone… No. She had to do this.
"Tomoe? Do you have a moment to talk somewhere more private? I don't want to start anything. I just…"
She found herself rambling into an awkward, uncertain silence. Her face was stone tension. Ushiwakamaru believed that was all she'd get beyond clashing swords. It's all she ever got anyway.
The archer glanced in the direction of the Comic Shop, then back to her. Ushiwakamaru pondered about apologizing right now, but the archer breathed out tensely. "…I guess I can make a detour. We're not starting for another half hour."
Ushiwakamaru's gaze lightened with surprise, and a touch of hope. She was not about to squander this chance.
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"I really am sorry. I didn't mean to say what I did. That was shameful and dishonorable, and I don't blame you for attacking me!"
Shameful. Another her would have been dumbfounded and possibly disgusted she was so uncharacteristically stuck in the Japanese gesture of apology before her former enemy. Regardless, she kept herself low and rigid in the tropical flower gardens. This was her lone window, and it had to be used correctly or a greater dishonor would follow her.
The moon was rising, and a stiff wind shook the flowers around them in the growing silence. Ushiwakamaru, sensing the continued tension, urged herself to offer further reassurance. "Forgive me. I'd offer greater recompense, but there's only so much I may do without breaking our masters' wishes. I must continue to live so I may be useful to them, but I don't desire further unnecessary conflict with an ally. Whether we're bound to cross swords or not."
Still, Tomoe remained silent. Ushiwakamaru wanted to raise her head to gauge her mood. She'd likely see angry features glinting powerfully in the moonlight. Horns of an Oni, sharpened like her glare. She kept her head low. "…I don't understand many things, but I feel I understand your anger. I do. I-"
"…Do you?" The tone was so accusing and sharp. Ushiwakamaru would've flinched, but she quickly lifted her head upon hearing what was laced with it. She was met with a conflicted glare and shaking fists at her side. In her eyes, Tomoe's crimson gaze struggled to hold back the wet glints of pain. Ushiwakamaru fell at a loss as the archer held herself as composed as possible.
Her voice shook with anger and grief, but she didn't waver. "Do you know how much it hurt…? Not being there to help him? To raise his child alone in shameful defeat?"
"You weren't defeated," she pointed out, but Tomoe shook her head viciously.
"I was honor bound to my lord, and I wasn't there to save his life! I wasn't there when…" From beautiful white tresses, twin demonic horns sprouted from mounting anger. Now on edge, the rider watched cautiously, but Tomoe seemingly held herself in perfect check. "Yoshinaka-sama… I failed my beloved. I could've saved him from Yoritomo…"
Ushiwakamaru, rattled by the waves of grief and anger flowing from Tomoe, hung her head low. The shame built. Her own anger for being blamed for something she didn't do… also…
Realization hit slowly after. Eyes widening, her eyes gazed up at Tomoe. "…Aniue…? Tomoe, you-?"
"Your brother killed him. I know that." Tomoe's voice was flat but quaking. The tears were getting to her, but her voice remained true and as steady as possible; The rider quickly confirmed despair wouldn't rattle such a strong spirit into open weeping. "I can't deny that after all my readings, but I still hate you for helping to take him from me!"
Slowly, Ushiwakamaru nodded in acceptance. "Then hate me for that. We were enemies. Rivals… But know I wasn't the one to take his head. I did nothing but follow my orders honorably."
"…And I can't hate you for that…" she glared, but it had lightened considerably. She wiped at her teary eyes, but did not sniffle. "You were my enemy. A worthy rival. Now we're allies, but I still won't forgive you for your role that day."
'What I helped do…' the rider corrected in her mind, but she supposed this was the closest Tomoe could ever accept to the truth. After all, love and devotion often made reasonable souls unreasonable. Ushiwakamaru broke her gesture to stand up, if only to meet Tomoe's gaze with stern acknowledgement. "I don't expect you to, but I hope things don't turn worse between us. The masters-"
"…I won't lift a finger against you. Your words simply sparked my…" Tomoe hesitated, glanced to her horns, and sighed with deep disappointment. "…less savory side… Forget I struck out at you today. My kneejerk reaction was as unforgivable as your drunken words."
"I hurt you. I only deserved as much," Ushiwakamaru conceded calmly. "…Thanks for… well, stopping me from embarrassing myself further. Did fighting me make you feel any better, or…?"
Tomoe paused, but sighed. Her frown fell flat. "Not as much as Tumangang. Maybe we'll find another you I can fight…"
An idea quickly flashed in the rider's mind. "If it makes you feel better, there's the training grounds. We could always spar. The masters don't mind airing grievances through that. Like Karna and Arjuna, or…"
"…Mmm…" Ushiwakamaru's hopes fell dashed on sharp rocks as Tomoe slowly shook her head. "…No. I don't think I could hold my own impulses back. It's been hard enough not cursing you out whenever you tried to talk."
"…We're talking now…" the rider mumbled by accident, and Tomoe quickly took heed. The two stared at each other, and the breeze blew at Tomoe's hair. She held an annoying strand back with a gently swiping hand, and after a moment's pause, offered a shrug. Just a shrug. Nothing hostile, agreeing, or anything colored with emotion other than disinterest.
Seconds later, her voice followed. "I guess we are. But there's nothing I want to talk about with you. I just want to walk away."
"Then go back to the Arcade or where you were going. I've taken enough of your time… Thanks for listening to me…" Ushiwakamaru added hopefully, only to be met with Tomoe's simple, uncertain nod. So she added more. "If you do ever want to spar or listen, you can always find me. Or avoid me… Whatever you wish."
Again, Tomoe offered a small dismissive shrug, but nodded. As she began to walk away, troubled and uncertain, the rider pushed even further into unknown grounds forged by this brief window. "I swear on my life, I'll never question your devotion or loyalty again! And I do still believe I understand you better than most, Tomoe! If nothing else, can't we agree on that?"
Tomoe came to a stop and quickly pivoted to face Ushiwakamaru. The rider held stiff but confident. The archer stared back in tense silence. Worried she may have roused more incredulous disbelief, she fished for something else to add to her desperate stretches… but found she didn't need to. Though no expression sailed through the air, nor any voice at all, a soft sprinkling sound broke the gentle rustling of windblown flowers.
In a small shimmer, Tomoe's horns vanished from sight. She nodded shallow a blink later, turned, and continued her departure without another glance. Ushiwakamaru watched her leave, then disappear at the edge of Club Cove's walls. The tension in the air began sizzling and bleeding away long before she did so, yet it was sparse comfort. It was a gifted blanket that couldn't keep one warm for the season… but it was a blanket.
Behind her, Benkei shimmered into view from spirit form, battle-clad and ready. Ushiwakamaru turned to glance at him in surprise, but he merely bowed onto one knee with a hand over his heart. "Forgive me, Yoshitsune-dono. I couldn't help but worry and watch, but my presumptions proved false."
"…I'm glad they did," she voiced quietly, and easily dismissed his apology with a motion to stand. "But it was no victory."
"A step towards it. Perhaps." She could agree with that.
Regardless, it still felt wrong. Off. Unsettled. And so, her mind quickly began to formulate how to set things right. If not immediately, one step at a time from the hope born like a phoenix in once smoldering fields.
Usefulness, honor, and praise. That's all she ever chased, and all she could fully understand. It was very similar to what drove Tomoe, though her devotion was colored with a deeper tinge of passion. Maybe it could be settled with more time, or sooner if related parties arrived; Hopefully not worsened, for the Chaldea's sake.
But the gears turned. Her mind wondered. Her genius urged her to uncertain battlefields. "…Benkei? Do you know a lot about Tomoe?"
"By what the grail told me-"
"I mean, personally. Her likes. Dislikes. Interests… Maybe I could get her a last-minute Christmas gift."
"Is it wise? Do you think she'd appreciate that?"
Ushiwakamaru offered a hopeful shrug. "I don't know, but it's better than unintentional words."
They'd fallen quickly into light discussion. It might've felt a bit like planning a battle, but that's the best way to relate it to something she could grasp. She was no Marie or Boudica. Her charisma had its own tinge, and she could only grasp so much. That didn't mean she wasn't going to try.
That much was obvious. It had taken this long for her to comprehend Chaldean dynamics, but weak links in the army could be exploited. Devious enemy casters have attempted such in the past. If not to soothe the nerves of the society they've built, then it was strategic above all else. Or that's how she best saw it, at least.
Subconsciously, her usual enthusiasm bloomed as the pair talked on their return to the boardwalk. If anyone could relate to Tomoe's feelings of steadfast devotion, it was her. Agreeable ground had been pointed out and revealed, and with that, a way forward on this peaceful battlefield; With so many servants tackling personal problems directly, she would not fall short either. She'd charge. If no other moment before, there was no better time to start.
Tis the season, after all.