I turn to the sword and look at what I know is the apparition of Alastor. “So, what runes or whatnot do I use here?” Alastor ponders the question, then creates a paper that has multiple runic shapes on it. Handing it to me, he says. ‘The top row does the basics of what you want, disguise, transform, hold shape, etc. The second row is to boost strength, resiliency, and self-repair. The third row on, that gets into the mutually exclusive parts, where you can give an effect to the sword, freezing, burning, shockwave, and such.’

Twila looks off into the distance, and I can only assume that Alastor has given her the images too when she nods and says, “Also, if you want to hide it from those who could sense the magic you would need this rune, unless you keep it on your body and you have concealment powers.” Alastor adds an image to the second row.

“I do have concealment power, so that would help in medallion form,” I say. I inspect the images closely, one at a time, holding them in my head, and pushing power through them to see what each does. Then I create a metal stylus that I can etch the sword with and start carefully copying the runes into both ends of the grip,

“Disguise, Mobile, Transform, Hold Shape,” I mutter as I write each of them on one side at the bottom of the grip, then I turn the sword over and etch more symbols, Strength, Resilience, Hidden, Self-repair. I pause and look around, feeling drained from writing these with magic. I see Lillith, splashing water around without touching it, and smile. I sit back on my heels and watch for a bit, taken with her movements. After a bit I shake myself and look at the paper, feeling each of the power-up symbols to help me decide what I want. Twila doesn’t say anything as I watch Lillith, just smiles. I find one symbol that generates an anti-magic field that I can use to stop magic bolts and cut through powered armor or golems, so I etch that above the guard on both sides. I look over at Alastor,

“How much power will this need to function, and what runes are needed to supply it?” He nods, and another paper appears next to the first.

‘Each side will need the same rune, the one on the top of the paper, the anti-magic field will need a different rune, the one below the first, and Master..’ I look at him. ‘This sword will need a name to truly function to its best potential. My apologies for not informing you earlier, but I was unaware of how well you could build with the arcane after reincarnating.’

I nod. “I’ll have to think of one then.” I add the power runes, then sit back and inspect it, I look up, shocked. Most of the day has passed while I was forming the sword and carving the runes. Sitting on the rock, I relax, then look over to Twila, “Does she wear clothes like that often?” I ask cautiously, nodding towards Lillith.

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She grins. “This is only the second life she’s done it in.” Twila responds. “Normally she’s not confident enough. And… she was showing off for a guy last time she did it.”

I nod, and whisper, “So, it's likely she’s showing off for me? Also, she had me do the psychic link this morning, so if you want it too, I can do that.” Twila just grins, wobbling her head to the side in a way that wasn’t quite a yes, but didn’t disagree on Lillith's reason.

“I’m impressed,” Twila says after a moment. “I didn’t think she would trust her mind to you. And sure, you can connect with me as well.”

“Okay,” I say, “Turn and face me, and take my hands.” She does so, looking directly at me, and I complete the linking process.

‘Hello, Twila.’ I send.

‘Hello, I believe it works.’

I nod, then turn back to the sword, stroking my chin, wondering about a name for it. Lillith walks over from splashing water around and leans against the rock. I turn to look at her, “What do you think?”

She studies the sword. “It looks very… swordly.” She says, smiling.

“That’s…. good? Alastor says it needs a name to amplify its power.” Lillith nods.

“Do you have one yet?” She asks, flopping cross-legged on the sand.

“I don’t...” I trail off. “Do you have any?” Lillith blinks.

“You want me to name your sword?” She asks, tilting her head and examining it closer.

I shrug, “It needs a name, and I can’t think of a good one.” She nods slowly, lost in thought.

“What about Justice?” She says after a moment.

I pause, not having expected to like her decision, “That’s a really good name for a sword like this.” I pick up the sword and look at it again, then nod, picking up my stylus. I etch “Justice” on the blade of the sword.

Lillith smiles at me, then looks away at the sky. “Umm, Twila and I should eat, since we didn’t stop for lunch…” She says. “And you probably should also?”

“Okay,” I say. As the girls walk away, I feel the sword quiver in my firm grip, and a deep voice speaks in my head. ‘My name is Justice, and you are my Maker and Master. I will serve you and only you. I will cast fear into the hearts and minds of your enemies when they see me.’ I jump as I hear the voice, then relax. ‘Very well, I will call upon you in my times of need.’ The sword morphs into a medallion and crawls up my arm out of sight. I lean back on the bench, the satisfied fatigue of productivity washing over me.