Sorry this chapter came out later than expected, but I've been busy working on a bunch of other stories in recent times. Not much to really say here sadly today.
Hope you all enjoy this chapter which features Ichiro and Azula mainly, along with some sweet and spicy scenes between the Dark Servant and Kazumi herself !
With that said, let's get this chapter started !
Servant...of a Dark Spirit ?
Azula needed a good minute or so to fully process what had come out of Kazumi's mouth, Ichiro here was the Servant of a Dark Spirit. Azula had read about them in the books Kazumi had given her for study and the warnings from Kazumi herself about them.
About how there were others like them who could wield strange powers, given to them by Dark Spirits powerful enough to form a bond with them and gift them abilities to carry out their dark biding. Their activities more on the dark side of humanity, assassinations, torture, cults, and the occasional sacrifice were common acts. Though Servants didn't tend to live very long, since their Dark Masters had a tendency to either betray or backstab the Servant when they had outlived their purpose.
Their powers rivalling their own, it was said that even a single Servant of a Dark Spirit, one that had survived long enough to gain enough power could be more than a handful for a Spirit Navigator.
And Ichiro was one of them ?
Azula didn't even notice but her hand was instinctually reaching for her blade.
" Word of advice kid, if you're going to reach for your blade, you need to be a lot more subtle than that " Ichiro said calmly as he leaned back in his seat, that honestly freaked Azula out a little.
" Its okay ! Its okay Azula ! Ichiro fine, he's not...well, he is..." Kazumi struggled to explain, as she stopped Azula from reaching for her blade " Its complicated okay..."
" That's one way to put it " Ichiro shrugged.
Azula gave Kazumi a look that urged her to explain why she had let a Servant of a Dark Spirit into their home.
" Sir, your tea " Nagisa came back holding a tray with a few teacups and tea kettle, breaking some of the tension.
" Oh dear, you didn't need to do that " Kazumi said kindly as she took the tray and placed
" I definitely did with how you two were acting just then Miss Kazumi " Nagisa replied coolly as he sat down next to Azula, which made her a little uncomfortable from how close he was.
Azula cautiously took a cup of tea to calm her nerves as she turned back to Kazumi " So...care to explain Kazumi ?"
" Ichiro is the Servant of a Dark Spirit, gifted powers similar to our but not all who make deals with Dark Spirits do so of their own volition or are innately bad people themselves...Ichiro is one of them " Kazumi explained simply " I met him back when I was an Apprentice during a mission, he had saved my life..."
Kazumi was saved by Ichiro ? Interesting...
" And after that she just couldn't get rid of me " Ichiro said with a smile.
" Oh quiet you " Kazumi chided, but it sounded playful.
Azula was sadly caught in the middle of this and was left to wonder with a sole possibility on her mind.
Did these two date at some point ? Are they still dating ? What the hell is going on here ?
" In all seriousness, I didn't quite come to catch up...I was actually hoping to have an important talk with Kazumi, but maybe breaking in at night wasn't the best call " Ichiro admitted.
" How did you get in ?" Azula asked.
" Kazumi gave me a spare key " Ichiro held up a key in his hand.
Okay, yeah, they definitely dated.
" Its late now, we can talk about it tomorrow if you prefer " Kazumi suggested.
" That sounds great, me and Nagisa can take the trip back to Hira'a to stay at the inn " Ichiro said as he stood up, but was stopped when Kazumi spoke up.
"...Or you could stay for awhile if you wish. You already came all the way out here anyway " Kazumi suggested.
" I'll sleep on the couch " Nagisa said blankly." You two can figure out where to sleep "
Azula watched the scene play before her eyes and she felt the need to silently excuse herself.
" I...think I'm just going to back to bed "
" Good idea. Goodnight Azula " Kazumi smiled far too innocently.
As Azula laid back down on her bed, she wondered what in the world she just witnessed.
Despite being only one of two people to live in the Forgetful Forest, Azula had never felt lonely spending her days with Kazumi( Not counting Tira and Serenity). Even their meals that were only the two of them were enjoyable as they discussed whatever topic came to mind.
Which was why Azula was a little put-off at first from eating breakfast with Ichiro and his Apprentice, Nagisa, who were also present at the dining table. Ichiro seated next to Kazumi, while Azula sat next to Nagisa.
It took Azula a second to realize that this scene reminded her of dinners with her birth family. Only this time it was with people who she had actually grown to care about and love, Ichiro and Nagisa not counting in that since she had just met them.
The irony of it all was not lost on her.
Azula observed Ichiro carefully as they ate, as he and Kazumi discussing various topics that didn't interest Azula so much as the 'Mystery of Ichiro'. The fact that Ichiro was the Servant of a Dark Spirit was cause enough for Azula to pay close attention to him, the fact that he has some kind of pre-existing relationship with Kazumi, one that seems to very likely border on the romantic made her even more interested in uncovering his many secrets.
Was he a bender ? What kind of powers did he possess ? Could he beat Kazumi in a one on one fight ? All sorts of interesting questions that she was unlikely to get answers to.
Azula found that Ichiro had a strange air of mystery surrounding him...the same way Kazumi did at first as well. His secrets, feelings and inner-most thoughts locked so tight that he would reveal them to no one except those closest to him.
The former princess glanced over at the blue haired boy seated next to her, eating in complete silence that Azula would have forgotten about his presence if she couldn't hear his breathing.
Azula wondered if this Nagisa and Ichiro had a similar relationship to the one she and Kazumi shared ? Or is it different in a sense ? Nagisa followed Ichiro's words to the letter, performing and acting to his will similar to that of a soldier following a commander's orders. Azula respected Kazumi's authority and position as her 'master', but she wouldn't say that she followed her orders purely like a soldier.
Perhaps that is the difference.
" Azula ? Were you listening to what I just said ? " Kazumi's voice knocked Azula out of her thinking and she turned back to the older woman with a bewildered expression.
" Sorry Kazumi, what did you say ?"
" I was just asking if you wouldn't mind training with Nagisa and Ichiro for today " Kazumi repeated in a calm manner " We were talking about it and I think it would be good practice to spar against someone who has similar but different powers to ours "
" It is likely that you will one day run into a Servant of a Dark Spirit that is a lot less practical and morally grey than me, best you learn how to counter them when you have the chance kid " Ichiro agreed.
" Yes, I think that would be good " Azula nodded in agreement.
Azula was wondering what kind of powers Ichiro possessed...looks she's about to find out.
After breakfast was finished, they waited until early noon to start training since Ichiro and Kazumi needed to discuss a bit more about how this temporary change in training structure would go and they decided on a good formula.
Azula would be sparring/training with Ichiro, and vice versa with Kazumi and Nagisa. Essentially they would be swapping mentors and students.
They stood in front of the house, as former princess did some light stretching as she watched Kazumi speak with Nagisa about things out of her range. She turned her attention back to Ichiro who was dressed in training clothes as well.
" Okay kid, I have you for the day while Kazumi handles Nagisa" Ichiro said as he cracked his neck.
" Understood Ichiro " Azula nodded.
" Alright, can you give me a rundown of what kind of powers you have ? I know what Kazumi's are, but I don't know how many of them passed down to you " Ichiro asked next.
Azula listed them all of in her hand " Transversals, Pull, Mimic, Thorns, Bloodbriars, Vitality and Poison Resistance "
" That many ? Impressive. You must have a strong connection with Kazumi " Ichiro said sounding impressed.
" Does my connection with Kazumi affect the powers I get ?" Azula asked, interested. Kazumi had explained the Apprentice power in vague details but aside from that, Azula didn't have a totally clear idea on how that power in particular worked.
" Somewhat. Abilities that let you share your gifts with others tend to be somewhat unpredictable on what the receiver gets, but I've found that having a strong connection from both the giver and the receiver tends to affect how many gifts one receives " Ichiro explains " Enough about that though, let's get going... "
Ichiro handed her one of her real swords while still in its sheath, instead of the usual wooden ones.
" Not practice swords ? " Azula raised an eyebrow at this.
" Don't worry kid, I promised Kazumi I'll go easy on you " Ichiro smirked.
Azula smirked right back, determination in her eyes to beat this guy.
Oh, its on now.
" Come on, we're burning daylight here " Ichiro said as he started walking into the Forest, which surprised Azula for a minute before she followed him in as well.
Azula already grown accustomed to the Forest and its eerie quietness, wordlessly followed Ichiro who was walking at a steady pace.
" Knowledge test: What do you know about Dark Spirits and those who serve them ?" Ichiro suddenly asked.
" They are malevolent spirits or beings that enjoy causing destruction and strife wherever they go, in the forms of plague, murder, possession and so on. Most hail from the dark domains of the Spirit Word, though there are some Dark Spirits that are the souls of the lost who have unfinished business in the world " Azula recalled information from the books and personal experience. Her first Spirit hunt of the ghost Xing reminding her of it " Those that serve them are blessed with similar gifts to ours and carry out their master's will in order to maintain it. Either out of mutual benefit, desperation or something else..."
Ichiro nodded as he walked " Alright, that proves you've listened to what Kazumi says and read the books at least...let me give you the Dark Servant version of it " Ichiro stopped and turned to Azula, as they stood in a small clearing with light shining on them, but with shadows surrounding the rest of the forest.
" Dark Spirits tend to be chaotic cowardly assholes who are too short-sighted and focused on gaining power too quickly which makes them easy pickings, though they can tricky fuckers if you aren't careful. Their 'Servants' have a tendency to be power-hungry and egotistical assholes who only care about fulfilling their own wants " Ichiro explained crudely " But there is the occasional Dark Spirit who has enough sense to play it smart and manage their power well. Their Servants tend to be similar and not total idiots. Those are the ones you need to watch out for..."
Azula stayed silent and paid attention as Ichiro spoke, taking mental notes in her head.
" So for today, I'm going to teach you how to combat a Dark Spirit...or at least something similar to it " Ichiro said slowly.
Azula got ready as she felt that whatever training Ichiro had in mind was.
" Today's training is quite simple: Draw me out of the shadows...and wound me however you can " Ichiro said as he stepped back into the shadows of the forest and before Azula's eyes disappeared like a ghost.
Azula drew her sword as she stood in the center of the clearing, her eyes scanning the shadows around her. Once upon a time ago, Azula prided herself on her ability to track down people and corner them like a viper...
But here, in this place ? She felt like the predator facing a much bigger and scarier one.
The former princess took a deep breath to calm her nerves as she looked towards the shadows, focusing each and every one of her senses in order to try and detect where Ichiro was hiding. The forest was eerily quiet at this time of day, there was no sounds to be heard except for the occasional brush of a bush or the gust of wind that did little to settle her nerves.
She buried her fear as she focused...and focused...until-
A sound of movement to her right.
" Thorns !" A swarm of thorns was sent out from Azula's hand-
Only for birds to rise into the air, scared off by her disturbance.
" Damnit..." Azula cursed.
Her senses immediately picked up the sounds of someone running up to her from her right !
She barely turned in time to parry a sword swipe to her arm, the blow almost making her lose her balance, but she quickly attempted a counterattack with a sword swipe of her own, that Ichiro blocked.
After that, he jumped back and Azula figured out he was about to slink back into the shadows for another ambush.
" Oh no you don't ! " Azula focused the power and tethered Ichiro before he could disappear back into the shadows. Azula held the power and pulled Ichiro toward her, effectively trapping him.
" Whoa ! Nice one kid, but not enough !" Ichiro to her surprise, managed to transverse out of the tether and appear to her right. She couldn't even raise her sword as he held up his hand-
And a burst of bluish energy came barreling towards Azula, her eyes widened as she felt the force knock her flat on her back. It wasn't like a strong wind, but closer to pure force itself pushing her back.
She barely had time to recover as Ichiro transversed to her and stabbed the ground close to her arm, not actually trying to harm her, but attempting to wound her like the condition he had set. Azula quickly rolled to her side and got back up before Ichiro would press his advantage.
Azula needed to throw Ichiro off balance and confuse him...she had to outrick him in a sense.
She summoned up the fire inside of her and released a burst of blue flames at Ichiro, not attempting to actually burn him but hopefully do just enough to blind him and give her an opportunity...but Ichiro had other surprises up his sleeve. He held up his hand and some kind of circular dome appeared protecting his person, her flames merely impacting his shield.
You have gotta be kidding me !
Ichiro advanced on Azula with his shield still up, but he noticeable could only walk towards her, which made her realize that his concentration was centred on holding the barrier. Azula saw this opportunity and blasted some more fire at Ichiro, the barrier holding up but forcing him to be stationary as he focused the power in keeping it up, a plan already formulating in her head as she tried to predict what Ichiro would do next.
Ichiro has speed, defense and power. I can't beat him in a straight up fight...I need to outsmart him.
Azula stopped the barrage of fire and just like she predicted, Ichiro dropped the shield and charged at her-
Only to transverse away and reappear at her side, going for a slash at her arm, Azula's reflexes were fast enough that she was able to block the slash and hold her hand towards him.
" Thorns !"
The flurry of quick magic like thorns almost hit Ichiro, before he jumped away and prepared to transverse away.
Just as Azula had planned.
" What the-!?" Ichiro shouted as he looked at his feet to see what had grabbed him.
And saw a mini-Bloodbriar had risen from the ground and grabbed his ankle in a vice grip, almost making him trip over onto his face.
He barely had time to transverse away when he saw a shadow barreling towards him-
" Agh !" Ichiro grunted as he felt his arm get cut, blood trailing down.
Azula beautifully twirled her sword around in her hand, throwing the blood off it, before sheathing it away, a smirk on her face.
And like that the battle was over.
Ichiro looked at his wound for a moment before looking
" Good work kid...though I admit you were a bit slow on the uptake, you gotta be quick you want to outfox a Dark Spirit " Ichiro both commended and suggested.
" I know, thanks for the advice though Ichiro..." Azula said as she walked back to him.
" No problem..." Ichiro nodded " But just so we're clear...I was going easy on you " Ichiro said with a teasing tone.
" Sure you were..." Azula gave Ichiro a sly look that probably made her look like a fox.
Ichiro looked surprised for a moment before coughing " Come on kid, let's head back, I'm sure Kazumi is worried sick for you "
Azula felt happy and proud that she was able to defeat Ichiro in a sense, even if he was truly going easy on her.
It was a good day of training all things considered, if not a bit unusual.
" Well, isn't this romantic..." Kazumi teased as she stepped onto the roof her home, leaning back with Ichiro who sat beside her.
Night had fallen, dinner was finished, the kids were in bed...now it just left the adults awake at night.
" Yeah, though watching the stars here doesn't compare to Point Skylight. Maybe you, me and the kids go there for a nice little picnic in the future " Ichiro teased right back.
" Tempting..." Kazumi smiled.
She quite enjoyed Ichiro's little visits, they were some of the few highlights of her year. They had a pretty close relationship as the Dark Servant would visit whenever he could, aside from Tira and Serenity, he was some of the only company Kazumi would get during the months of the year.
" So what do you think about Azula ?" Kazumi popped the question.
" Good kid. Skilled, smart, cunning, kind of a smartass..." Ichiro smiled at Kazumi " She reminded me a bit of you "
" Spirits, I hope not..." Kazumi thought out loud. Azula deserved to be more than the functioning wreck Kazumi was, no matter what facade of perfection she put up.
" She literally has your sly side eye look, I swear to the Dark Lord himself " Ichiro swore.
Kazumi chuckled, not sure whether Ichiro was being serious or not.
" So Ichiro...you've been meaning to talk to me about some news you have ?" Kazumi sat up for a second to look at Ichiro.
" Oh right, almost forgot about that " Ichiro sat up as well to take the conversation more seriously " I've been hearing some chatter in the dark corners of the world that there is a new...Servant of the Old Man "
" Him ?" Kazumi sat up a little more straight now upon hearing that.
" Yes...can't pinpoint who or where this New Servant is, but from the sounds of it, the Old Man has been delegating some of his precious time to him " Ichiro said gravely " He NEVER does that. He never speaks to any of his Servants after the contract is signed. Unless they are important, special or he has some kind of plan for them "
" Do you think the old man is trying to make a move ? " Kazumi inquired.
" Probably...I need to find out more, but we'll look into it and get back to you " Ichiro said." But keep your eyes and ears open, Dark Spirit activity has been increasing lately and I do not like it at all "
" Thanks Ichiro, I really appreciate the info...we'll assist wherever we can, and help you come what may" Kazumi said as she leaned back and enjoyed the sight of the stars.
She tilted her head to see Ichiro looking down at her with a smile.
" What ? "
"Nothing just... I'm really happy to see you like this again Kazumi. You've been in a rut for so long, that its nice to see you...happy again " Ichiro said sincerely.
" You have Azula to thank for that...if she hadn't come along, I quite frankly don't know what would have happened " Though Kazumi has a generally good idea about what would have happened if her little girl hadn't stumbled into the forest.
Kazumi would have likely just continued going about her days, the monotony of it all bleeding into the years until she either grew old and died or the grief would have eventually come back full force and she would spiral again.
Contrary to what Azula may think, she was the one who saved Kazumi.
" You never did tell me how you found the girl and how she became a Spirit Navigator ?" Ichiro inquired and suddenly Kazumi felt very cold.
She had to know that this question was coming eventually. She just hoped she had been more prepared than this.
Kazumi looks Ichiro in the eyes as she explains how she came to find Azula, everything that had transpired between them, how they had grown closer, the Avatar, and Kazumi breaking her oath by committing grave robbery to protect Azula.
Ichiro's expression goes through several emotions: Shock, concern, worry and many more.
But none of them disappointment. Kazumi's not sure whether she deserves that or not.
When she was all done with her explanation, Ichiro looked like he was still trying to process all the information.
" Damn, Kazumi..."
" I did what I had to do Ichiro...I had to do it for Azula's sake " Kazumi's voice sounds desperate to defend her actions. But she's not sure who she is trying to convince, Ichiro or herself.
Ichiro doesn't say anything for a while, he remains dreadfully silent.
After about a minute he still does not speak.
He does not condemn her for what she has done or vindicate her and tell she was justified in what she did...
He merely...listens.
Maybe that's what she needed or rather wanted deep down.
He holds her hand gently and rubs it a little in comfort.
"...Let's head back to my room. I feel like working out some emotions tonight " Kazumi said as she stood up, holding Ichiro's hand.
Ichiro lets out a sad chuckle " How scandalous of you, if only your mother could see what we've done to her old bed "
" She would probably kill us both in anger for me blatantly fraternizing with the Servant of a Dark Spirit " Kazumi laughed, almost hearing her mother scolding her for what she had done and about to do.
The night was filled with passion, hastily thrown away clothes and perhaps a little too loud moaning. She hopes Azula and Nagisa were deep asleep enough that they didn't hear that.
The following early morning Ichiro and his apprentice were getting ready to set out, Azula was already up and about getting ready to wish the two Servants good wishes on their journey. Strangely enough Azula noticed bags on Nagisa's eyes suggesting he didn't get much sleep last night.
And she did notice Kazumi did seem to have trouble walking for some odd reason, almost limping outside.
Wait a minute...
" Safe travels on your journey Ichiro " Kazumi said with a smile.
" And good hunting to you too Kazumi..." Ichiro turned to her for a brief moment " Keep that trickster attitude Azula, you'll need it to beat even tougher bastards than me "
Azula nodded with a smirk on her face.
Ichiro and Kazumi got close and before Azula could even react the two kissed, the former princess surprised at the sudden show of public affection.
" Affection in front of the kids, I'm surprised Kazumi " Ichiro teased.
" I couldn't resist...now get out there and kill some demons, shadow boy " Kazumi teased right back. Almost like a wife wishing her husband about to go off to war luck.
The two waved the Servants of Dark Spirits goodbye as they disappeared into the shadows of the forest, just as the sun rose on the horizon.
Azula had a feeling they would meet again.
" No training for today, we're resting for now " Kazumi said simply as she headed back inside, still limping a little.
Azula put two and two together.
Azula with a mischievous smirk looked at Kazumi " Did you two-?"
" Go back to sleep Azula " Kazumi said blankly as Azula chuckled.
Her first time meeting Servants of a Dark Spirit and all things considered, it went pretty well by her standards.
Omake: Thoughts of the Apprentice
After Ichiro and Azula departed for their own training, Kazumi had decided that her training time with Nagisa would take place in front of the house, since she felt that was more than needed.
" So what would you like to do for today ? " Kazumi asked kindly.
" You may decide Miss Kazumi " Nagisa replied simply.
Kazumi was a bit put off by this " Would you like some...training in transversals ? Sword training ? Energy conservation ?"
" Like I said, you can choose Miss Kazumi, I don't mind " Nagisa said almost emotionlessly.
Kazumi found that Nagisa really didn't talk that much. While Azula wasn't exactly the best conversationalist when she first met her either, she at least had her own opinions and thoughts that she usually didn't hesitate to share them with Kazumi...but with Nagisa, it felt as though he had his thoughts and feelings hidden in the shadows of his mind. His silence and speak only when spoken, meant that he either did it out of choice or some presumed obligation.
Knowing Ichiro and what he said about where he had found and picked up Nagisa...she's going to assume the former.
Kazumi decided to go for a more gentle approach.
" Okay...how about we focus on some meditation for today ?" Kazumi said as she sat down by the lake, with Nagisa sitting silently beside her " Have you ever meditated before ?"
" My master has taught me the essentials of it "
" That should work...so just close your eyes and let it all out as you breath in and out..." Kazumi said as she closed her eyes.
She let the spiritual energy in her heart flow throughout her body...she let all the negative emotions she felt slip away as she meditated...as if the world itself was washing her away and she was fine with that.
But then she sensed something...not like her Soul Sense power, but rather one much stronger...and closer to her.
Kazumi opened her eyes and turn her gaze to Nagisa, who's left hand was smoking...and the rocks around him were floating in the air, controlled by some kind of reddish force.
" Nagisa...Nagisa! " Kazumi shouted and shook him from his meditation. The rocks dropping back to the ground.
" Kazumi ?" Nagisa said in surprise.
" Sorry Nagisa, I noticed that you were levitating the rocks..."
" My apologies, I got too deep into the meditation "
" Its fine, I was just worried there for a moment..." Kazumi said as she relaxed " You're taking to meditation much better than Azula, that girl has too much energy to stay still " The Spirit Navigator said with a smile.
" You two are pretty close..."
" Yeah, we are..." Kazumi agreed happily " Like you and Ichiro ?"
" No, nothing like that..." Nagisa shook his head " We are merely master and apprentice. We have no illusions about what kind of relationship we have..."
Nagisa said that, but Kazumi did notice something lying just beneath the surface of his distant eyes as he stared off into the lake. It made Kazumi think about her own relationship with Azula...neither of them had really spoken about the bond the two had shared.
Perhaps they simply didn't have to and that was okay.
" Sometimes words don't need to be spoken, we simply need to feel them in our bones and heart..." Nagisa said kindly.
" I agree with that..." Kazumi gently ruffled his hair " You're alright kid..."
Nagisa said nothing, but he had a small smile on his face that he failed to hide.
I won't lie to you all, I definitely based this chapter around the idea of Azula having a big family again, only this time it was with people she cared about and in an environment that is somehow more healthy than her previous one.
In all seriousness, I hope you all enjoyed Ichiro's character, even if he wasn't here for very long and his apparent relationship with Kazumi that can be described as a more...healthier version of Yennefer and Geralt. Not quite like what you all are probably thinking but that's the best example I can come up with.
And who knows, maybe Ichiro will reappear again in a future chapter.
:)
Now let's answer some guest reviews shall we ?
To kamenrider13489:
Glad you liked the chapter !
Nagisa was originally slated as Azula's love interest( Same as Ichiro) but the idea was scrapped since I really did want to focus on Azula's relationship with Kazumi as a whole. But fortunately I did manage
As for your second question...well, we will have to wait and see how Azula handles meeting her birth family again.
She will either help them...or give them the middle finger...or punch them...or a combination of all three.
XD
To Lord 770:
Yeah, I really wanted to give Azula a hobby outside of just 'work', since I don't think Azula was ever given the opportunity to develop any hobbies that didn't directly relate to her 'work life' when she was still at the palace, so I wanted to give her something healthy to do. I actually went through several different hobby ideas( Some of which that were mentioned by Kazumi) , before settling on woodcarving, which I think made the most sense above all else.
You guessed correctly on the backstory for Kazumi and Ichiro's relationship for this chapter. I'm not totally sure what the plan for them next is, but its something to think about. Its definitely sweet to read though.
:P
Sadly, Nagisa and Azula likely won't be a thing since they barely interacted in this chapter, but that is a fun idea for a different AU.
With all that said, thank you all for reading and I will see you all in the next one.
Angel Out.