CHAPTER 02

BROKEN PRIDE

"HE'S SORRY!" Dai yelled at Momo moments after relaying Okami's message. "What did he meant by that exactly? Is he leaving for good abandoning everything he believed in? What about us? What about Akita?!" Dai continued asking questions without any answers given to him. "Dai. Calm down" Rai said to him as he places his hand on his shoulder from behind. Upset, Dai shrugs him off and walks away from the group. "I'm sorry Momo he hasn't really been the same. Actually none of us are" Rai tries to explain. "It's okay my child. Like Daichi, you are all now fighting your inner demons filled with desperation. After the fall, its only natural that you all be judged by the trial." Momo explained confusing Rai a bit. "Trial? What trial?" Rai asked. Momo had Rai follow him to sit and drink tea together so he can explain. "The inner trail. A test that judges the strength of ones soul. It comes to those who just experienced a tragic event, breaking your spirit making your soul vulnerable. No one chooses to face the trial, the trail chooses you. Some believe it to be myth; however, history shows otherwise" Momo explained as he sips on his tea. "Really? And who faced these trials?" Rai curiously asked. "The first King Hajime claimed to have gone through this trial but I'm not sure how true that is. Evidence also show that Suzo and Tsuki have faced the trial; as well as Okami and Hakuoh" Momo answered surprising Rai that he spat out his tea and began coughing. "How do you know Okami and Hakuoh faced the trail?" Rai quickly asked. "Quite simple really but first….do you know the difference between us and the Huntsmen?"

Momo asked making Rai think about everything he knows. "Hmm Huntsmen has semblances while we don't. They require the use of dust while we can manipulate the elements at will and they use their aura to protect themselves from fatal attacks while we rely on our armor" Rai answered with confidence that he hit everything there is to know. "Yes but not exactly what I was looking for" Momo said shocking the overly confident Rai as he began re-evaluating what he learned. Momo stopped him by raising his hand. "While we do use our aura's differently, their one in the same. All of our aura is connected to our soul; however, one great difference is that our aura is greatly connected to our emotions as well" Momo explain letting Rai think for a moment. Rai then realizes where Momo was going with this and Momo nods as he saw Rai get it. "Experiencing a tragic event can put a great strain on ones emotions effecting their aura. Hakuoh faced the guilt of his master, your fathers death. Okami faced his rage and anger after witnessing his fathers death. However, the results were different. Okami acted out his emotions, corrupting his aura and soul. Hakuoh lived on with that guilt only to begin feeling grateful for his master, cherishing every moment with him eventually fixing his broken soul and becoming much stronger." Momo explained making Rai think more and more about the trial. "And now we're all part of the trial" Rai stated as Momo nods at him. "Then how can we complete this trial without fail?" Rai asked. "One doesn't simply fail the inner trial as its a trial of judgment within yourself. It's up to you to find what is effecting your soul whether its fear, hate, betrayal…..only you know the answer and you must answer it with the opposite." Momo explain as he turns over to Dai "In Daichi's case…..it's his dignity and pride."

Dai sits on a boulder looking down at his reflection in the water and hears the noises of children laughter. As he looks deep into the water he eventually see's his younger self. Going back when Dai was a kid on the streets of Yamato, Dai was being bullied by other kids. "Haha whats the matter half blood can't use your semblance" one kids said. "Where is your parents? Are they out doing huntsmen stuff" another said. Eventually a guard yelled at the kids making them run away. He walks up to Dai and helps him up. "Sorry that had to happen. The whole tension between Dawnish and Huntsman has gotten worse ever since Mount Glenn fell that people like you are caught in the crossfire" he tried to explain and comfort Dai. Dai kept looking down at the ground not caring what he had to say. The guard then realizes the torn, dirty clothes and how filthy the boy was. Then Dai stomach began to rumble. The guard laughed and asked "You hungry?" Dai looked up at the guard and nodded. They went to a near by ramen shop to eat and Dai was gulping down all of it. "Slow down now. Don't want to choke on your food" the guard said and continued "Another one for the kid." Dai received another bowl and smiled big but before eating it he looked over the guard and watched how he ate. Dai copied his every move. "So kid where's your family?" he asked. Dai stopped and shook his head not saying anything. "You don't know do you? Hmmmm well how about staying with me for now sound good?" he asked without hesitation and surprising Dai. "Whats your name kid?" he asked. "Da…...Daichi." Dai managed to answer. "Oh so he does talk haha well nice to meet you Daichi" he continues as he reaches over for a hand shake "I'm Kenji."

Dai continue looking at his own reflection as he was remembering old memories, confused as to why now he's remembering it all. Rai comes over to him with some water offers it to Dai. "Here. Mizuko managed to get some clean water for us" Rai said. Dai accepts the offer and drinks out of the pouch. "Listen…" Rai hesitates as he wants to help him but remembers that Momo said that they must go through this alone. "Are...are you alright?" Rai asked. Dai finished drinking and hands the pouch back. "What do you mean? I'm fine" Dai answered aggressively. "You just seemed really mad with Okami. Almost as if you blame him" Rai responded to Dai's remark. Dai gets up and walks away. "I know something is bothering you and I know it's not because of Okami. But I just want you to know that we're all in this together" Rai said before Dai could get so far from him. Momo approaches Ria afterwards and said "You mustn't interfere. He alone must fight this." Rai continues to look at Dai, concerned and worried about him. "I know but I couldn't help but feel like I need to help him" Rai said. "You're loyalty to your friends is remarkable young Rai but shouldn't you be facing your trial as well?" Momo said. Rai looked over at Momo confused as to what he meant. This whole time he thought that he was fine that their wasn't any negative setbacks to his soul. "I'm fine. I don't think the trial has yet come to judge me" Rai stated. "But you're wrong Rai" Momo said confusing Rai even more as the two goes to sit and talk over tea.

Dai sits against the cavern walls away from everyone and looks over towards the opening where he can see the river downstream. He again remembers more of his past memories and hears Kenji's voice "Alright now control your breathing and focus." Young Dai was standing at the middle of an open field next to a river and torch with Kenji standing a few steps away from him. Dai had his hands together, eyes closed, and calmly breathing. "Good. Now feel the air and ground, listen to the water, smell the fire, and picture lightning. Think nothing but the elements and they'll come to you" Kenji instructed. Dai does exactly that and for a moment nothing. "Hm well that ain't…" Kenji was saying as he was interrupted by the ground rumbling and cracking underneath Dai's feet. Dai opens his eyes and looks down. He was smiled with joy and runs over to Kenji. "Did you see me? I did it. I actually did it" Dai said with excitement. "Yeah I did. Looks like you're element is Earth. Earth has the strongest defense with reasonable offense but you'll still gonna have to excel with a sword to balance you're fighting style" Kenji explained an overly excited Dai who jumping circles around him. "And with my semblance I'll be even more stronger. Come on you have to show me how I get my semblance" Dai said. Kenji giggled a bit and said "We don't choose when we get our semblance. You'll just have to wait and when you do get your semblance I'll personally train you" Kenji said and Dai looks up at him with a big smile. Kenji pats his head and said "Now go get your sword and let's spar for a bit."

Young Daichi grabs his sword and looks at his refection on the blade. At this very moment Dai was too looking at that very same sword as he continues to remember his past. He looks over at Mizuko who was looking at his reflection in the water as he did earlier. Dai gets up, sheathed his sword and walks over to him. "Hey Mizuko" Dai called out to him. "What is it Dai?" Mizuko asked. Dai grabbed his water pouch, opening it, and reaching it out towards Mizuko. "Would you mind? I'm kinda thirsty" Dai asked. Mizuko takes a knee and placed his hand in the water. With his eyes closed and steady breathing, he lifts his hand out of the water, pulling some of it out. He then pours the water in Dia's pouch. "Hm that easy?" Dai smugly asked. "Well if you think focusing on removing every bit of salt is easy then yeah" Mizuko answered sarcastically. "Since when were you such a jokester?" Dai asked while taking a drink. Mizuko didn't answer and looks back at the water. Dai couldn't help put notice his tired eyes and unsettling expression but didn't bother with him and goes to walk away. "Hey Daichi" Mizuko called out making him stop "Have you ever failed your duty before and caused the lives of others? And if so how did you overcome it?" Mizuko asked. Dai didn't quite understood the meaning behind the question but answered anyways. "Of course I have, at some point we all do. It's just how things are. I never let those things get to me so just accept the fact and move on" Dai answered. "I….guess your right" Mizuko quietly responded and walks away.

Dai still confused but didn't bother to understand the situation so he just went his own way; however, he stopped and turned as he heard Kenji's voice call out to him. Kenji stood in front of a younger Daichi who was about to leave for Fort Suzo for training. "Remember who you are and don't let others bring you down. You are the strongest pupil I've ever trained and I just want you to know that no matter what happens I am proud of you….son" Kenji said. They both bow to one another and Daichi gets in the carriage leaving the city. He saw Kenji's mouth move but didn't hear what he said. Daichi remembers his time training at Fort Suzo, how every other trainee picked on him or embarrassed him, or how the instructors would discriminate him. However, he not once let anyone get in his way and ended up becoming one of the best soldiers of his class in which lead him into becoming prideful of his achievements. Then he remembers his first missions surrounded by the dead and Grimm closing on him. He snaps and unlocks his semblance controlling the vegetation around him, wrapping the Grimm with vines, strangling them. He alone stood among the dead and when he returned Kenji looked at him differently as if he was disgusted by him. Kenji doesn't say a word and walks away.

Dai snaps out of it and looks around only to see no one but those that remained after the fall. Momo walks up to him concerned. "Are you alright Daichi?" he asked. Dai didn't answered but nodded instead as he takes a drink of water. "You are deeply troubled my son and must find a resolution. I have a feeling we will have to prepare for more fighting soon" Momo stated. "You're right about that. If Atlas is truly responsible then I will be ready to fight them and those huntsmen" Dai responded as he grabs his broken left arm. "Yes. I just hope you heal soon" Momo said as he watches Dai struggle placing his water pouch back on his hip. Dai looks at him embarrassment and shame filled his eyes as he kept looking away and back at him. Momo walks up to him and gives him a pleasant smile. "Do you know the story of the Golem deity Daichi?" Momo asked. Dai looked confused but answered "Only that its believed he gave us the power of Earth." Momo points to where his tea set is placed and grabs Dai by the back leading him over. "Yes. Like all of the deities that gifted us with their abilities, Golem gave us Earth" Momo explained and the two now sat across from one another as Momo pours tea. "However" Momo continued "Did you know that he was once human before he took the form of a stone golem?"

Momo places the tea cup in front of Dai waiting for an answer. Dai looked around uncertain where this was going but answered him "No" regardless of how he felt. "Well we were taught that these deities were nameless and were these magnificent creatures that affiliated with their elemental abilities. Truth is they were all humans and had a name once. All were transformed by the Gods ascending, except Golem." Momo explained as he takes a drink. "Why is that?" Dai asked. "Story goes that he was too prideful that the Gods decided to test his worth. His test was to swallow his pride and defeat the rest of the deities." Momo answered. Dai looks around again now knowing where this was going and he didn't like it one bit but he decided to hear him out. "Okay so what happened?" Dai asked. Momo smiles as he is glad that he grabbed Dai's attention. "He fought and fought many times only to fail but one day he decided to take his ascension in his own hands. He formed a new ability of transformation. After many months of training he finally managed to transform to what he is seen as today…..a stone golem. He then fought the deities that took many days and stood victorious. The Gods then accepted him into their own ranks. All without losing his prideful ways" Momo finishes the story. Dai was intrigued and was very interested in the story. "How….how did he mange that when the Gods said to swallow his pride?" Dai asked. "The Gods recognized that he wouldn't change his ways so they accepted him the way he was. Even they don't know why he wouldn't swallow his pride but it was his source of motivation into becoming stronger" Momo answered him.

Dai wasn't satisfied by the answer but it didn't bother him much as he stood up and walks away. Momo remained continuing drinking his tea. Dai sat back on the boulder looking down at his own reflection in the water once more. He heard someone call his name and looks around seeing no one. He rubs his eyes thinking he must be tired but he hears it again only this time he recognized the voice. "Kenji?" he whispered to himself and looks up seeing his old master standing in front of him. Another flashback, Dai once again remembering the day he unlocked his semblance, the day he stood as the lone survivor, the day he returned to face Kenji. "I read the report and…..what were you thinking?" Kenji asked Dai. "We had a duty to fulfill, a mission to accomplish." Dai answered. "But at the cost of your own men! What were you trying to prove?" Kenji angry, continuing questioning him. "I don't have to prove anything to anyone. I alone survived that is enough to know what I'm worth" Dai answered. "You're too prideful Daichi. You're own dignity will be the death of you and I don't know if I can stand by you anymore if this keeps up. I know how powerful you are shouldn't that be enough?" Kenji anger became sadness towards Dai remarks. "As long as I am being judged for who I am, I will never be satisfied" Dai answered. Then he remembers the look of disgust the Kenji gave him, only it wasn't disgust it was disappointment and the feeling of failure. Kenji then walks away. The next day Dai was walking through the barracks area only to be stopped by Mizuko. "Dai! Something terrible happened" Mizuko said as Dai's eyes widened in fear. Next thing you know he stood next to a pyre with the corpse of Kenji laying on top of it holding a torch. He places down the torch and walks back next to Mizuko. "What happened?" Dai asked. "They said that him and his men were on border patrol when they got ambushed by Grimm. The survivors said that at one point it seemed he lost the will to fight and was struck from the back" Mizuko explained as Dai watching the flames grow and remembers the last look Kenji gave him the day before.

Back at the cavern, he looks up at Kenji wondering what to say to him as he believes he's just hallucinating. He wanted to say how much he missed him, how hard he fought, and brag about his accomplishments like usual. "I am sorry. I failed you" was the only thing he was able to muster up and say as a tear falls from his cheek. Kenji smiled at him and places his hand on his shoulder. "You didn't fail me, I did. I was selfish and should have been there to guide you more but instead someone else did that" Kenji said and continued "Remember my teachings about pride when you were young. That even the most prideful can be overcome by the shining golden heart of others" Dai looks up at Kenji who smiles at him and remembers. He remembers his time training with Rai and Mizuko, all the good times they had. He remembers Okami and Hakuoh acknowledging him and being so accepting of him. He especially remembers his time being Akira's personal guard. The time they had training and how she's always seeing if he was okay when she beats him, him teaching her academics and how she fools around. He remembers the innocent smile she gives him every morning when they meet for the day. Dai understands everything now and as he snaps out of it he now sat alone. He looks around to look for Kenji who is nowhere to be seen.

Momo was still sitting down drinking tea and was approached by Dai. "I understand it now" Dai said. Momo curiously looks up at Dai who was standing tall and seemed to be in a much better mood. "And what is that Daichi?" Momo asked. "I understand why Golem never gave up his pride. It's because it defined him, he wouldn't be himself if he just let's it go so he did the one thing the Gods didn't think he'd do" Dai explained and gained Momo's attention as he continued, "He replaced his pride with harmony. Accepting who he is making him more compassionate and this was possible thanks to his close loved ones accepting who he is." Momo smiles and drinks from his tea. "And what makes you think that's the answer Daichi?" Momo asked. "Because even the most prideful can be overcome by the shining golden hearts of others" Dai answered. Momo looks back at him and see's a glimpse of Kenji right beside Dai as if he was seeing them as one. Momo smiles again and said "Yes. That is the best possibility." Dai nodded and walks away with a new outlook of life and believe that he too can become stronger if he lives in harmony and with compassion.

Meanwhile, Okami stands in the ocean of blood with the sky reflecting the same tone of red. He hears swords clinging against each other, Grimm roaring, flames spreading, and the screams of fear. He closes his eyes and ears to make it stop. Now there was only silence until he heard the gushing noise of blood. He turns around and watches as someone was pulling themselves out of the bloody grounds and as the blood washes off of them Okami then knew who it was. "Izuka?" Okami said out of confusion. "I told you this would of happened" Izuka said. "Yes and I listened. I tried….I really did but it was too late" Okami responded. "Yes you did….but even then it wasn't enough. Those false Gods have been toying with us, making us fight their war and for what…..we will never know. Maybe we were always destined to fall" Izuko said as he looks down in despair. "No! Akita still stands there is still hope" Okami stated as if he is too trying to convince himself. "And how long until the Grimm shows up and destroys that too. Face it Okami, we failed and there is nothing more you can do" Izuko said with an aggressive tone. "I can avenge us. I just need to find who is responsible" Okami continue to state but isn't convincing Izuka. "Do you really believe that Atlas has the capabilities to summon that many Grimm? If so you are a fool and lost with grief and despair. Vengeance will also not change that fact that everyone you loved is gone. You walk a dangerous path that will only add more blood to your hands and lead you to only one thing…...death" Izuka said as he explode back into blood.

Okami looks down at his hands and see's them covered in blood. He hears the screams again and watches as the blood rises until he is swallowed by it. He tries to swim up but he can keep up with the blood and from the top he notices a dark figure looking down at him with red glowing eyes. Okami wakes up from his sleep where he was sitting against a tree hugging his sword. He slowly catches his breath and places his hand on his left eye that is still bandaged. He gets up and gets back on the road placing his hood over his head continuing his journey to Akita.