Chapter 15: The Alternate Pool

Sakura

Cold water rushed over my head, cleansing away the black tar like substance. The impurities my body had built up over years of mortal living had been forced out.

“You’re in the immortal realms now.” Rayce said from the other side of the wall that partitioned us away from one another. The bath was a small addition to the cultivation chamber, a needful one that a very wise person had built into the design. “Next time you advance, you won’t have the same problem with the black stuff.”

“Really?” I asked, or tried too, as the water rushed over my head again. I gagged as I tasted the awful stuff as it was cleaned off my body.

“Ha, I made that mistake too. Don’t talk until your hair and face are clean.” I had to fight off the urge to retch for several seconds until more clean water had built in the bucket over my head and tipped it over, washing me again. “For what its worth, i’m proud of you.”

I made an annoyed sound, but I had learned my lesson. No talking until I was finished with the bath.

“I know, I know. I’m your little brother. But still, from what you said you had a road block I didn’t. I might be closer to Gold than you are, but you had to work twice as hard to get where you are. Now that stumbling block has been removed, I'm sure you’ll be at gold at nearly the same time I am. Maybe even before. So . . . Yeah. I’m proud of you big sis.”

I made a non-committal thankful noise, and that seemed to placate him.

Do you want me to bite him? I can make him sleep. No harm to him, just a nap. Sky said in my head. He was being playful, I think.

No, he’s just being sentimental. He's, you know, being himself.

Remember, the sleeping venum is there for annoying pests. If you’re sure he’s not one, then I will trust you. But we should find someone for you to bite soon, so you can test your fangs.

I couldn’t help but smirk at our internal conversation. It was so different from my conversations with King. The giant turtle was always so proper, protective, and willing to commit violence at the drop of a hat at the slightest hint of dishonor or threat, it made actual deep conversation somewhat rare between us.

Now that I think about it, maybe him and Sky are not so different. But Sky was willing to trust me, willing to let me make my own decisions without constant second guessing. Which seemed to be the turtle's favorite pastime.

I would like to meet this King, he sounds . . . interesting. For prey.

I couldn’t help but smile. I think you’ll find him much more than mere prey. He’s a Gamera, my families name sake. A powerful creature, with both fire and wood mana aspects. You might be farther along in your cultivation path, but he has a potency about him that is undeniable. You saw him in action, he took on three silvers alone for almost a minute while only being Steel.

I will see for myself. Steel you say? Is that not harder than silver?

No, that’s not what I meant. Silver and steel are metals, yes. But they are also ranks, steps along the path of the Dao. I felt Sky in my mind, rooting through some of the memories and thoughts I willingly offered up for his perusal around cultivation rankings, and systems.

First there’s the Foundation stage. Those without any core to speak of are born at that stage. Then there is the Metal Realm. Copper, Iron, then Steel. From the Metal Realm you grow into the Immortal Realm; starting at Silver, then Gold, and finally Jade. From the immortal realm you ascend into the Noble realm starting at Knight, then Barron, Count, and then Duke.

Is that all? Are there more steps?

Yes. The Monarch Realm. Duke, Prince, King, and at the very peak of all cultivation is Emperor. But so few have ever even reached Monarch, that few count it as an actual realm for most people to atain and rather the auspices of the select few great spirits. Like, well. Like my father.

Oh? Is he a King then?

A pang of annoyance ran through me at that. It had become a sore spot of some contention in our family letters. My father could, should really, have challenged for the southern throne five years ago. But he chose not to, instead accepting exile for all of our house.

No. He is a Duke only. Though he might be a Prince now. Mothers letters hint that he might have advanced, but wants to keep that a secret.

“I didn’t think my pronouncement of pride would be that off putting,” Rayce said, and I realized I had completely forgotten to respond.

“Oh, sorry. Was speaking to my new companion. He’s a chatty one.”

“The snake?”

“Yeah. He wants me to test out my new Technique.”

“So it was a technique. I remember someone mentioning it might have been.”

“Yeah. I’ll show you, if you want to spar later.”

“Can’t. Taking a group to challenge one of the two Gold Lords this afternoon.”

“Oh? You’ve already conquered the silver ones?”

“Yup. If . . . If you had done so, you’d be welcome. But, its for inner sect members only.”

I turned off the water flowing to the bucket, and dunked the last from the bucket down on my shoulders where I had lathered soup to get the last vestiges of the blackness off my skin. It washed the soap away, and finally I felt clean again.

I dried off, and donned a robe, then entered the chamber again. “Thanks. I think I'll be trying the Silver Lord tonight then.”

“Really? On your own?”

“No. I’ll have Sky, my new snake companion, and King with me. That should be more than enough allies to take on a peak silver. Don’t you think?”

“Hmm . . . Maybe. Let me send the hounds with you just in case.”

“No, that’s alright. They’re your friends. They should be with your party.”

“John and Mathew might be Westerners, but they’re not bad guys. Really.” Rayce had gifted his two lesser celestial hounds, who were having trouble growing at the same rate as both him and Rex were, to two of his friends from the Western Human Kingdom. They were the sons of some noble trade house, whose parents wanted stronger ties with their eastern trading partners.

“They’re friends with you, and noble enough to attract the attention of celestial hounds. Of course they’re good guys. But . . . i’m not interested.”

“What do you mean?”

“I’m not interested in them. Stop trying to set us up.” Rayce blinked at me for a moment before a boyish grin and reddish blush crossed his face.

“That obvious huh?”

“Clear as driven snow at noon, little brother.” I sighed. “Between you and mother, i’d be having children rather than walking my path.”

The thought of children had crossed my mind. Being a mother didn’t seem like such a horrible thing. It was honorable, noble even, a sacrifice to be sure, but a fulfilling one for many. But I would live a very, very long time now that I was in the immortal realms. Hundreds, if not thousands of years. I had time.

“We just don’t want you to be lonely. You’re . . . well, you’re always alone.”

“What do you mean?” I asked as I gathered up my clothes and personal effects.

“You have no friends.” I glared at him.

“I do too.”

“Name three. And your spirit companions don’t count.”

I blinked at him. I had very much been planning on counting King and Sky. “Well, there’s always Sha Miara.”

Mention of the eccentric Guen Bu tamer, and wife of the Sect Leader made Rayce’s eyes roll like marbles.

The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

“You prove my point. She’s family, and a weird member of the family at that.”

“She’s not weird.” I opened the door and we began walking towards my quarters. “Shes . . . independent.”

“That’s a fancy way of saying lonely. Like you. Except she’s better off, she at least is married, has kids, most of which actually like her, and, and? She takes on apprentices. What do you do? Sulk in your quarters, go to class, and sneak through the mountains like it was a war zone.”

“Oh, you mean cultivation, class, and hunting and training?” I opened the door to my quarters and we entered the main room of the three room suite. Like much of the sect head quarters it was larger on the inside than the outside. “If I was such a reclews, how would I have those?” I pointed towards the one thing that might, tentatively be considered a hobby of mine.

Heads of several ferocious beasts I had hunted and killed with the help of King hung from my wall.

“Why are you yelling?” A deep rumbly, groggy voice spoke from the cutioned and reinforced platform I had made for King. It was then I realized that it was King, and we had woken him from a nap.

“Huh. He just spoke.” Rayce said. “Like, with real words. That’s new.” A massive head swiveled around and blinked at both of us.

“Your sister is not the only one who has advanced. I grow in power, as is only right of a true King. Now. Will you two please be quiet so I can get some more sleep? My shell aches.”

Speaking seemed to exhaust him, and he turned and laid his head back down on the cushy magically reinforced straw that served as his bed's padding.

“Alright, you can meet Sky God another time.” I smirked, and King's head rolled back to look at me again, blinking in annoyance.

What? The snake thinks it is a God? Or did you give it to grand a name? What, is this a thing with you? The smaller a thing is, the more grand a name it must have? If you took a squirrel as a companion, what? Would you name it the Wrath of the Eternal Dao Incarnate? He let out a little puff of annoyed ash to show his displeasure at the arrogance.

“Yes, kind of. And no, I did not name him that. Sky, do you want to say hello?”

The snake manifested then, and went to join my turtle on the platform. The two spirit beasts sniffed at each other, and finding the other satisfactory enough, they both quickly fell asleep under the warm mana powered heating lamp that hung above the platform. Sky curling up to sleep on top of the King Gamera’s shell.

When we were in my study room, a small library with a writing desk, Rayce picked up the conversation again. “That went well.”

“They had met each other before. I wasn’t sure if King saw Sky save my life or not, but either way I was sure he’d seen my memory of it in the week since. King is not one to show ingratitude despite his ill temper. He has pride, but like any good king, he is also magnanimus.” I smirked as I entered my bedchamber, and closed the door leaving my brother on the other side. “I’m going to change, and then go see Master Wu Zin about challenging the Silver Lord.”

“Really?” Rayce said through the door, as if he had not believed what I had told him earlier. “Why so soon? Challenging in daylight is less difficult, but the list is rather long. Are you sure you’ll get a chance today?”

“Rank has its privileges, brother.” I said while I laid out my battle clothing, took out my small stockpile of special silkworm silk, and began repairing one rip and tear at a time. They had been washed by someone, and that person had made a cursory attempt to make them usable again. But the mana channals I had laid in the clothing, as well as the chie formations I had paid to have inlaid throughout the garment to offer additional protection, wouldn’t be repaired with simple needle and thread.

The Silk worked almost automatically as I laid a single strand across a particularly long rip across my back, the edges were jagged as were the stones I had torn it on, the silk seemed to pull the pieces together on instinct. Repairing the damage as if it had never been.

“I suppose. Just be careful not to abuse it.”

I sighed. “Bother, when was the last time you can remember me using my rank to get what I wanted? On purpose at least?” Manao’s attention in the library was probably due to her knowing who my parents were. But I didn’t really know the woman's habits. Perhaps it was a common thing for her to use her spare time to peruse the library looking for distraught and struggling young sect initiates to aid.

“Fair enough sister. Just . .. don’t go alone. Take some of the others who wish to make the challenge with you. It’ll build goodwill.” It was a good piece of wisdom. But my initial instinct was to say no.

Still, he had a point about me not properly building social connections while in the sect. In those early months, it hadn’t been for a lack of trying. I had made a few connections, but everyone seemed rather stand offish. By year two, when Taisha appeared, the little good will I had built wilted under the unrelenting light of the girl's hatred of my family.

Ever since I found it easier to be the aloof Dukes daughter everyone thought I was. Still . . . I did have a responsibility to try. For the family.

“Don’t overthink it. Just invite some people who don’t have groups. Form your own. That’s what I did, and it worked out well enough. I gotta go. I have a final exam for my Fire magic class I have to take.”

“Good luck brother.”

“You too, Sakura.”

***

I'm hungry, King complained as I walked up towards the bell tower that now served as the entry for the trial of the Silver Star Lords.

Yes, I too hunger. For battle, and biting. Sky gave the mental equivalent of snapping his jaws in anticipation.

I felt Kings discomfort at sharing my Soul Vault with Sky. Not just because it was cramped, which it was despite its almost exponential growth from my ascension to Silver. The Gold Snake, and Silver Turtle barely fit, and I felt the edges of my newly expanded Soul Vault already straining.

But also because the two had such different world views. Gamera were, by nature, omnivores. Equally at home devouring sea weed, or plants as eating fish, worms, or other soft meats. While Sky was predator through and through. His thoughts were tinted with it, providing all of us with a completely new perspective on the world. One that classed living beings into food, annoyances, or challengers.

We’ll eat shortly, you two. After the Trial.

I could practically feel their groans of annoyance.

You're both immortal.

So? I’m still hungry.

And I, Sky, survive on the meat of my prey.

Alright, alright. If we see a food cart set up in the courtyard while we wait, I'll get something. If not then you two will just have to tough it out.

Thank you Sakura.

I, Sky, view this as acceptable.

Okay. I’ll bite. Why are you talking like that Sky? I asked annoyed as I entered the courtyard at the base of the bell tower. Dozens of groups of Silvers, most newly minted, some more seasoned milled about. Waiting for their turn to try the tower, and test themselves against the trial. Whatever it was.

I, Sky, heard a snake in the gardens speaking like this. It is the dialect of this walking peak. I, Sky, believe it to be honorable for one such as I to adopt this new way of speaking. To make the transition for my lesser kin, to seeing me as the Greatest of them, less jarring.

It's weird, King grumbled.

Yeah, it's a bit distracting. Can you save it for the other snakes please?

I, Sky, will do as I please. But I will consider small walking girls' requests.

Call her by her name. Sakura.

I, Sky, will do as I have said. As I please. Turtle.

My two companions began bickering and I tuned the arguing out, refocusing on what I was there for.

Sect Leader Wu Zin was on the far side of the surprisingly large courtyard. A few scribes from the sect stood around him, offering him information or looking things up on their magical stone tablets that somehow connected with the vast archive of scrolls and books in the sect's library. I had only seen them being used a handful of times up close, and they always reminded me of smart tablets from back on Earth.

Not that I ever owned one. But the advertising on billboards always made them look so useful. Maybe I could get one, once I'm in the sect properly. That would be interesting. I began walking towards the group of leaders, when a smell hit me like a ton of bricks. The smell of cooking meat.

Food! Sakura, please?

What is that smell? It is like meat, but . . . better. Is this a human invention?

I smiled. You reverted back to your normal speech sky, thank you. And yes, you’re smelling seasoned and cooked pork. We’ll get some after we register with Wu Zin.

It didn’t take long to get registered. Or to get moved up to the front of the line. “Are you sure it's alright?” I asked the scribe who the sect leader had pawned me off on.

“Oh yes. This will be your first attempt. Every sect member's first attempt gets first priority. It is a special day for you young lady.” The squat, balding, slightly overweight but happy looking man beamed at me genuinely. “After today however, it will be far more difficult for you to get on the roster. It's usually scheduled out two or three days in advance.”

“Oh. Alright, thank you Master Scribe.”

“Ah, thank you for the honorific my lady. But I am but a journeyman in my craft. Still, here you go. The token for the tower. Once you and your party are ready to challenge the Star Lord, simply place the token on the door at the base of the tower.”

I bowed respectfully, took the token, and then . . . stood there awkwardly.

“Yes. Is there something else I can help you with?”

“Is a group necessary?”

“Few find the support of friends a hinderince in the trial. And it is customary to have someone you trust guide you through your first attempt. Do . . . do you not have a guide, my lady?”

I shook my head, and tried to fight the rising blush off my face.

“Well, then you are in luck. There is almost always a pool of individuals who hope to get taken on by a group who are short a member. The alternate pool has, oh lets see. . . six people today. Here are their names. You may take a group of up to ten with you into the trial, though it is recommended that you take a balanced group of somewhere around four to eight. Any more than that and the Star Lords tend to increase the difficulty out of annoyance. Which is fine for those who wish for a new challenge. Less so for your first attempt.”

He pointed me towards where the pick up pool had been congregating. Conveniently, by the food carts.

***

Sky wrapped himself around half a cooked cow atop King's shell, while King munched happily on nearly a bushel of seasoned seaweed that the cart had on hand. While they contented themselves, I found the group of six other students.

“Hello,” I said as I stared at the group awkwardly. They were chatting happily among themselves. Sharing jokes, sharpening swords, or doing other work at one of the many small tables set up for eating. “Hello,” I said louder and a couple of pairs of eyes looked my way.

I froze.

Being the center of attention was not something I enjoyed. Ever. In either life. But I screwed up my courage, and tried again.

“Hello fellow students.” I said louder, and this time they all stopped, and stared at me with awkward, confused, or amused expressions. “Um. My name is Sakura Gamera, I will be attempting the Silver challenge today. For the uh, the first time.”

Several members of the little group rolled their eyes and turned their attention back to their meals. “Not a nursemaid,” one of them said. “Good luck, but I'd rather eat than hold your hand on your first attempt,” another one said. Only two of them still looked at me, a fourth was listening, but had gone back to sharpening his blade.

“I was hoping that a couple of you might be interested in making the attempt with me.” My initial gitters were starting to evaporate, and annoyance took their place. “But I can see some of you are too cowardly. Those of you with guts, and who know how to show a little common respect, are any interested?”

Someone slammed a mug down, a chair was pushed back from a table. The standing woman glared at me. She was the one who said she didn’t play nursemaid. There was rage in her eyes.

“Girl. You might have a noble name, but you clearly lack their tact. Say one more thing like that and I'll make you eat your teeth.”

The ground shook, as King came up behind me. “Threats. I don’t like threats.” Sky appeared at my feat, and slithered up my leg and onto my shoulders. Half a second later he showed his fangs to the world in what was clearly intended to be a threat poorly disguised as a yawn.

“Ha! Better sit down Lai, before she hands you yours in a necklace.” a larger woman in thick heavy armor said. She was the second speaker, the one who had wished me luck. Lai, clearly recognizing the wisdom in her friends words sat.

“Not like I actually wanted a fight today. Jets not feeling well.”

“Threats and disrespect, no matter how powerful you are, are no way to make friends. Little Princess.” The man sharpening his sword said, never once looking away from his work. “That being said, I heard you took on four silvers, including that bitch Taitha all on your own. And lived. Is that right?”

“Yes. I bit her, and Sakura stabbed. Good fight.” King proclaimed, a hint of wistfulness to his voice. “Good fight.”

“Not the way I heard it,” Someone else said. A man in dark purple robes who had been one of the two listening to me, said. “She got her ass handed to her hard. In the healing house for over a week.”

I deflated slightly. I am not good at making friends.

No, no you are not. Sky added helpfully.

“You’re right. I lost that fight. And . . .”

“Taitha was laid up right next to her for three days as I heard it.” The swordsman said. “If you can do that, while fighting off three other silvers, as peak Iron? I want to see what you can do now that you’re Silver. Consider it. . . morbid curiosity.”

The swordsman stood and nodded. He wore light armor, his sword required the use of both of his hands, and was long and wickedly curved. “I’ll go with you. Names Regi. And this is my brother, Modgi.” He motioned towards the purple robed man. “And our sister, Tedgy.” He motioned to the other one who had been listening to me. She carried a giant bow on her back and her arms were toned and muscular but not at the expense of her femininity.

Their parents have a rhyme they seem to enjoy, Sky said wickedly into my mind. And I had to bite the inside of my cheek to keep from smirking.

“I would welcome you.” I bowed slightly. “To all six of you. I apologize for my words. I am . . . not good at making friends easily. I meant no offense.”

“Yes you did” Lai said, but her angry expression fell to passive neutrality. “But you don’t mean it now. Water under the bridge princess. Good luck on your first attempt.”