Chapter 24: A Contest For Fathers Attention
Sakura
“You did well, Sakura. Still, there is room for improvement.” The old tortious man said as the three of them sat on a long bench eating noodles for lunch. “You need to remember to use your mana, and your chie as you fight. Not just your weapons.”
“I’m new to them.” I held a dagger up to the light, before going back to cleaning my fingernails with it. “Just need some more practice.
“Exactly my thought. Some more time in the practice yard with those throwing knives, and a few chie constructs or golems, and you’ll be well on your way to building the muscle memory you need for the next fight you get into.” Gamera lifted his bowl and slurped at the noodles. When he put it back down he sighed contentedly.
“What you miss now is a few spells to add to your repertoire. Don’t worry, when we return to the vault, I’ll help you select a couple that will be easy to test out. You won’t be able to map them onto your meridians yet. That doesn’t come until the Immortal realms. But you can learn to use them consciously. There are some spell casters who get so good at the practice of casting spells consciously that they forego mapping them onto their meridians all together. Preferring to save those slots for chie techniques, or chie reinforced skills. But you’ll make those decisions when the time comes. There is no wisdom in borrowing tomorrow’s troubles for today.”
I sipped my bowl of noodles, then nodded. “Thank you, master.”
“Pah. No need for Master this, master that. Call me that if you must. But I prefer Uncle Gamera. Your brothers and sisters, and your uncles and aunts, have all called me by that title. I have watched your little family flourish over dozens of generations and have intertwined its fate with that of my own. I have earned that title, if you can see yourself using it.”
I paused and thought about it. Uncle, the tortoise man wants to be known as uncle? “Yes. . . Uncle Gamera. Thank you.” I nodded in confirmation of his words, and the Tortoise named Turtle smiled back.
“Now for you Rayce. I have had the opportunity to examine your opponents.”
“Do you have insights, uncle?”
Apparently Rayce is far more used to calling him uncle. Interesting.
“Yes. I will give you no information your opponents will not have access to. I do not support cheating. But still, there are some basic things that I think I can help you with. Your spirit companions here?” Gamera motioned towards the trio of dogs that had sat at Rayce’s feet. “They are Celestial Hounds. These are spirits of dogs who died protecting their masters, or their charges, who have been imbued with the power of the heavens themselves.”
I could practically see the sparkling wonder in Rayce’s eyes as they fell back on his three dogs with renewed respect.
“Honestly, integrity, and duty above all are the things these spirits need from you. They will help you walk that path, guide you on it. But only you can walk it. It is a heavy burden for a man of any age to be the caretaker of such creatures. Even more so for one so young. If you struggle on that path, know this. There is always redemption available. But in the breaking of your deeds against your conscience, you will harm these creatures. While the more you sacrifice to uphold those virtues, the stronger they will grow, and the greater your bond will be.”
“Uh. So, what? I’m supposed to not swear, follow all the rules all the time, and never think for myself again?” Rayce sounded indignant, and the leader of his little pack placed his heavy head on his lap and woofed. It was a low, deep sound that felt more than sounded like the creature saying.
‘Obviously not. Stupid human.’
“Exactly right, little celestial.” Gamera gave the dog an affectionate head pat. “He said, obviously not silly human. And that is an excellent response if I ever heard one. No. You will not be held to the laws and rules of others. But instead, to those you hold yourself to. And those that these dogs recognized in you, that drew them to you. Know this however, if you make an agreement? A compact, or enter into a contest? You will be unable to break the rules of said agreement knowingly, without harming your bond with them. And depending on the severity of that breach, harming them directly. Beyond that, it is your character that attracted them to you in the first place, and it is that you should listen too.”
“I guess that makes sense.”
“It also does not mean you can’t change your mind when new information is presented, or that you will be held to a contract broken by another party. It might sound cliche young cultivator, but when I say that you must follow your heart and conscience in order to be successful as a Celestial cultivator, I am being serious.”
“Okay. So, does that mean they’re spirits?”
“Celestial spirit creatures are difficult to classify. Most creatures capable of spirit bonding are either Spirits, or they are Spirit Beasts. But celestial creatures are often normal creatures, who have passed on from this life, and who have been chosen and reborn by a celestial patron. A god, goddess, or powerful spirit. Usually for their deeds. They act as spirits, in that they will grant you chie, and mana in abundance as long as you maintain a healthy link with them. Like most spirits, your link, your relationship with them, is the thing you will need to cultivate more than their bodies or strength. But, unlike spirits, Celestial Hounds have weight, form, and substance. Their old bodies turned into something of substance. Think of them as something in between a spirit and spirit beast.”
That was new information. I had never heard of anything like that before, in either life.
Rayce nodded along with the explanation, but I could tell he was brimming with additional questions. “Do you have any insights on how I should fight alongside these guys?”
The two talked for a while more, and I listened occasionally. But the Sakura side of me far more enjoyed watching the people as they walked by, or chatting with the noodle shop owner. Genji found the entire experience cathartic and relaxing. A piece of normalcy in a world of oddity that had been my life for the last months.
“Hey, Gamera?”
“Yes Sakura?” He craned his neck back to see me without moving his body. It was a weird sight.
“Do you mind if I go explore some of the stalls around here? It seems safe enough, and there are guards everywhere. I would like to explore just a little while you two finish your conversation.”
“Sure. But stay close, within eyesight.”
Promising to do just that, I nearly jumped to my feet off the stool and began half walking, half jogging from stall to stall. The people were fascinating, and I found I had to stop myself from pestering them with a barrage of questions about their craft, their lives, and more. I contented myself with asking how they were doing instead, how business was, and if they had any complaints.
They were thinly veiled attempts at gathering the same information that Sakura had grown quite good at utilizing over the last couple of years. A few people recognized me and waved, a gesture I returned before double checking where I was in relation to Gamera.
Eventually, I found a stall on the far side of the small market on the south side of the stadium that caught my eye and practically forced me to investigate further. The sign over the small temporary shop had dozens of spools of cloth and garments in all types of cuts.
The stand was manned by three children in the rear, who were tending what looked like fluttering wings of silk moths trapped in the gentle netting that was so familiar now. In the front of the stand sat a tall, broad-shouldered woman with an iron looking expression. When she met my eyes she bowed slightly, seeing I was some form of nobility. But it didn’t feel all that respectful.
“Hello young mis. How can I and my family help you today?”
“I was wondering if I could ask you about your trade?” The woman stiffened, and if she had been a warrior, the promise of violence would have filled the space between us. As it was, she grew nervous.
“Oh, I am sure the lives of lowly crafts people are beneath the sight of someone of your station, young miss. Would you be interested in a dress, or fighting robes lined with our material? I know several tailors who have the skill to turn our fine silks into masterpieces worthy of any home or body.”
“I mean no harm. I have just recently been gifted with several silk worms, and while I know the basics of their care and husbandry as a hobbyist, I am afraid I might not be skilled enough to properly care for them. I am looking for someone with that skill.”
The intimidating woman’s expression shifted from defensive and nervous to curious and mercantile. She could sniff a sale, she just didn’t quite know how yet. “Well, my family has been working with mundain silkworms for the better part of the last century, young miss. I am sure one of us could come by and take a look. Let you know if there is anything you might need.”
“And provide it at a modest fee, of course.” I quirked a smile. And the woman did as well.
“Of course.”
“Have any of your had experience with spirit beast silk worms?” The woman’s eyes went wider than i’d seen them yet.
“Are you saying that is what you have been given?”
“Yes. As a matter of fact. I know they are rare, and the person who gifted them to me means a lot. I would hate to dishonor them by allowing their gift to go without proper care.”
“Of course, young mis. Of course. It’s just spirit-beast silkworms? Do you know what stage?” I shrugged. “Not that it really matters. Even low stage silkworm larva are extremely rare. My husband has nearly a decade working with the creatures. He would be the only one not a part of a noble crafting house that has that much experience.”
“Curious. If they are so rare, then how did your husband gain such experience?”
“Oh, they were not always so rare. There was once an entire high ranked family dedicated to their husbandry. They sold them to the crafting houses, and even sold their broods to some of us common folk from time to time. My husband did his apprenticeship working with their low stage worms.”
I was pretty sure I knew who that family had been, and what had happened to them. “That sounds acceptable. Would tomorrow morning work? I have a lot of studying and practice all day, but my mornings are usually when I have the most time to myself.” At least, if this morning and Gamera sleeping in are any indication.
“So where am I sending him tomorrow, young miss?”
***
Rayce dodged another blast of lightning that came from the tall mans extended hand. This was just his first fight, but already my brother looked like he was about to keel over from exhaustion. Most of the fight had consisted of Rayce dodging attacks, usually lightning or fire based mana or chie blasts that came from his opponent’s hands, while his three companions tried to dart in to score a bite or distract.
Unfortunately for Rayce, his opponent had his own companion. A viper whose fangs dripped with venom lashed out whenever one of the hounds got to close. One of the spirit dogs had already been encapsulated in the protective magic of the arena, the fangs of the viper having struck it on a rear leg.
That left Rayce the lightning thrower to dual it out.
Rayce tried everything to get in close, to bring his sword spear to bear and end the fight quickly. But even in close, the lightning cultivator simply wreathed himself in the element and sent Rayce skidding backwards as he dodged the lashing attacks and fought his limbs from spasming.
“I don’t know how Rayce can win this.” I said to Gamera, and the old tortious leaned forward slightly, taking in more of the battle.
This novel's true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.
“He probably can’t.” Rayce darted in as his hounds backed off, clearly hoping to get in close to his opponent before the viper had a chance to prepare for another strike. Unfortunately, it left him open to a lightning bolt to the face.
Magical shields erupted around Rayce, protecting him from the blast and sending the energy into the ground. The announcer, the same board teenager who had overseen my bouts, hit the gong, announcing the end of the fight.
“But the pride of victory is not a lesson he needs to learn at the moment. Humility is.” The old tortious smiled as he watched the end of the fight.
“And the winner, by total knockout, is Tar’za of the Sky Viper sect.” Tar’za gave a bow, and after a few moments to allow the arena’s protective enchantments to end, he shook Rayce’s hand.
“Why hasn’t he used his spells?” I asked as I watched the arena get reset, and the combatants reenter the tent on the far side to rest and recuperate.
“He saw what you did without spells or techniques. And his pride encouraged him to do the same.”
“Is that one of the things you’re trying to change about him?”
He thought about my question for a long moment, as the crowd erupted at the ending of the next match. It has been a very quick bout between a Steel farmer who used his mana to grow plants from the ground, and another much shorter acolyte of the Sky Viper sect.
The farmer put up a surprisingly strong fight, but in the end his vines burned under the electrical barrage of the Sky Viper disciple. The two bowed to each other after the match and then shook hands. I wonder who these sky vipers are. Sakura never really paid attention to the sects much. Maybe I should investigate them more?
“No. I do not think that is someone I wish to change in him. His desire to strive to be better, his ambition, is a positive attribute in moderation. And I believe your brother’s ambition is not so grand as to cause him trouble. No, it is more that every young man must learn the taste of defeat at some point. They must learn what it is like to fight against something they can not hope to conquer. Only then do they begin to learn the first strands of wisdom. That for all their strength, there are always those more powerful, wise, and better, then themselves.”
He turned an inquisitive eye to me. “I do not believe this is a lesson you need to learn Sakura. For you have already seen it.”
I froze, my blood ran cold. Did he know I wasn’t entirely the girl who had been raised on his shell? Did he know I was a hopeless low credit kid from the outskirts of Foshan? That I was no noble child, but the illegitimate byproduct of a spy’s lesson with a Japanese temple worker?
My heart began to race, and sweat beaded on my skin, as ice ran through my veins. Terror. It was the first time I had experienced it since coming to this world.
Both of Gamera’s massive eyes fixed on me as he swiveled to get a better look at my reaction. But it wasn’t accusation, but concern written on his features. “What is wrong with you, child? You look as if you have seen a demon.”
I tried to speak. But when I opened my mouth, my throat closed. Who was I? What was I? And why was I, Genji, a street rat street urchin turned low class gardener, here of all places? Inhabiting the body of a noble girl?! They were going to find out. He was going to find out. He already did.
A heavy clawed hand rested on my back, and I felt a wave of soothing chie rush through me. “Calm yourself Sakura. Breath deeply, remember the basics of cultivation and control your fear.”
I closed my eyes, even as another bout had started that the crowd seemed to really enjoy, and focused on my breathing. Not on cycling chie, or absorbing mana from outside myself. But just on meditating, on focusing on controlling my body’s reaction.
“There. Now. Whatever horrible memory caused you such distress, let it wash over you. See it, acknowledge its reality, and let it flow around you. It can not touch you, it is only thoughts. Memory, and emotion.”
Gamera’s guidance helped, and I did as he instructed. After only a few more minutes, I opened my eyes, the panic attack no longer gripping me. “Thank you, master.”
“It’s uncle Gamera to you.” He gave her a mischievous smile. “You just experienced a panicked episode. Something those who have been exposed to horrors often receive. Tell me, child, do you often experience these fits?” I shook my head and my vision swooned slightly. “Must be a side effect of your recovery. Too much stress, too quickly. And learning to commit violence on another is no easy skill to learn. Perhaps I pushed you too far.”
“No!” I nearly shouted the word, and quickly changed my tone of voice to match Gamera’s. The glares from parents and fans of the duals made my face burn. “No. It is not that. I . . . I don’t know. But it wasn’t the fighting. I actually liked it once I got into the spirit of the competition.”
Gamera smiled. “Good. It’s probably nothing then, but we’ll watch your health. If you experience it again, let me know. There are physicians for the mind who have grown quite good at aiding warriors and trauma victims. A wound, whether in the soul, mind, or body, is nothing to be ashamed of. It must only be tended to.”
I nodded to Gamera “Thank you Uncle. I will do as you ask.”
“Good. Now, your brother lost his second bout while you were in meditation. That farmer with the growing vines did an excellent job at capturing Royce and his hounds. Your brother’s next bout is up after this one. I hope he can—”
Something loud boomed overhead, and as quickly as the sound hit us, Ren appeared, falling through the air. He touched down on the judge’s table as light as a feather and bent down to give Yu a passionate kiss.
The duel stopped, its combatants both bowing to the newcomer.
“Duke Ren Gamra has arrived, ladies and gentlemen.” The young, still bored looking teenager said. “Let us offer him a warm welcome.”
“I apologize for disrupting the festivities!” Ren’s voice boomed over even the magically enhanced voice of the announcer. The girl rolled her eyes and sat back in her chair, waiting for her next opportunity to do her job. “But my wife is desperately needed to assist with a project, as we prepare for the city to rise. You will forgive her as she exists.” The crowd made disappointed noises, and honestly, I felt the same.
Yu had been able to see my fights, as embarrassing as they were. But Rayce hadn’t finished his third bout yet, and no one was going to be there to witness him.
“In her place, I dearly hope you can all accept my humble self as a replacement.” Ren bowed, and the crowd practically erupted. If the stadium had been filled, the noise would have been deafening.
People like him, apparently.
***
Rayce’s next fight was a much more fair match up. A young man, a few years older than I was, faced Rayce down with nothing but his fists. He was stripped down to the waist, and his body was as if it had come from a magazine cover. Muscular, if faintly scarred in places from whatever fights the young man had been in before this one. His fists were covered in black bandages that were meant to protect against contact burn.
“Fuga of House Da’ma, fighting on behalf of the Silver Star sect, will now face Rayce Gamra, of his eminence’s own line. Contestants, are you ready?”
Rayce bowed, and his opponent joined him.
“Fight!”
The girl seemed almost enthusiastic. I peaked over at her and she was sitting up watching the two sized each other up. Her attention was fixed on Fuga. I smirked. Someone has it bad.
Rayce made the first attack, sending his three hounds to encircle Fuga. The leader of the pack, the dog still didn’t have a name, bayed angrily as he charged in. The sound was at an odd pitch, and I felt the hairs on my arm stand on end.
The feeling of being chased, of being hunted and hounded crawled across my skin. “Odd that. Celestial Hounds usually have support abilities or techniques. The call of the hunt is not one i’d think they’d have at such a young stage.” Gamera leaned towards the fight, where the two smaller hounds had attached themselves to Fuga’s ankles, while the larger one was circling around to his rear.
Before Fuga could pry the jaws of the smallest hound free with glowing fists coated in chie and mana, Rayce was there. His sword spear came down in a crescent attack that should have opened Fuga up from shoulder to opposite hip. But Fuga jumped backwards, rolling, and allowing the hound’s jaws to dig deeper, activating the magic of the arena.
Unable to get to his feet with the blocky protective magic now in place, Fuga threw himself from side to side on the ground, dodging Rayce’s relentless attacks. The hounds backed off, allowing the two fighters space.
Fuga grabbed part of the blade, and a trickle of blood came from his palm as he deflected Rayce’s blade. But it gave him just enough leverage to reach for the spear sword’s haft. “Gah!” Rayce pulled back, instinctively trying to regain control of his weapon. It worked at breaking the star sect disciples’ grip, but it also put him off balance.
A spear of pure silver light erupted from Fuga’s fist, pointed directly at Rayce’s chest.
The sound of a hound baying in a mournful call filled the split second between the launch of the attack and its landing in Rayce’s chest. In that instant, a flash of golden light erupted around Rayce, and as suddenly as the light appeared, Rayce was gone. Replaced with three hounds.
The silver light would have gutted all three hounds, but the magic of the arena in its blocky shielding spell engulfed all three, protecting them from the powerful attack. Half a moment later, silence fell, and the dogs were each suspended in the protective magic.
Rayce stood just behind Fuga, where the larger hound had been working his way towards the entire duel. He placed the swords cutting edge against the prone disciple’s neck, and Fuga raised his hands in defeat.
The crowed erupted in cheers, shouts of “Fuga, fuga, fuga!” came from a certain section of the half filled stadium, no doubt his fellow sect disciples and teachers. But Rayce and his brave hounds had clearly won the hearts of the onlookers.
Rayce and Fuga clasped arms once the arena's magic wore off. The three hounds bounded up to the disappointed Fuga and began jumping, barking, and licking the man everywhere they could. Ren waited patiently for the two boys to finish congratulating each other on a well-done bout, before scooping his son into a bone crushingly tight hug.
“Look at that. They made some friends.” The words escaped my mouth before I could stop them. Gamera chuckled.
“It’s good to see. Those hounds might be limited in some ways as companions for Rayce. But they make for excellent judges of character. I’ll have to remember this Fuga of the Silver Star sect.”
“Are they really that good at telling someone’s character?” I asked, concerned they would pick up on the fact that my entire life up in this world was at least partially built on a lie.
“Yes, and no. Celestials, in general, are excellent judges of character. But until they are capable of actual speech, they tend to be easily duped. Confusing naivety with innocence, and a person feeling at ease with their actions as moral behavior. But those hounds will grow, and as they do, their abilities in that arena will grow considerably.”
So when they get to that point, I’ll need to avoid them. For now, though, they seem to like me well enough.
“Come now Sakura. Let’s go congratulate your brother! And then, we go to the festival grounds and celebrate. You two have earned it!”
***
I was exhausted by the time the lights that hovered in the central portion of the cavern had dimmed to simulate sunset. And I was carrying three bags filled with stuff from the markets. None of it was essential, and the Genji part of me felt they were largely a waste. But Sakura knew that it was far from it.
The money I spend at those stalls goes back into the local economy. It goes to support those crafters’ families and helps their businesses grow. Besides, I told myself; I needed a set of clothes that aren’t for traveling, fighting, or cleaning.
My thoughts went to the modest yellow dress I had purchased from a tailor on the outskirts of the fair. They had clearly been struggling for sales, but their clothing was good quality, if made from mundane fabrics. The Racoon-kin family had been speechless when I paid ten times as much as they asked for the dress.
“Paying anything less would have been an insult to my dignity,” I whispered to myself, repeating the line I had used to convince the refugee family to take the money. Gamera had paid, but the money had come from the little spending money Sakura, that I, received each month.
The currency in this kingdom was based on precious metals. Iron Duckets were the least of the metal. Worth their weight in the metal, a single Iron coin was roughly worth a day’s work from an unskilled laborer. Enough to buy some bread, and a place to sleep, and not much else beyond. Above that there were Silver, Gold, and then Jade Duckets. Each growing in units of ten. Ten silver was worth a Gold. Ten Gold was worth a Jade.
When I asked Gamera how they could maintain the currency values since things fluctuate in availability, he laughed. “That’s your father’s job. He imbues all the currency for our region, every year at the solstice. It’s one of the three Royal Spells he casts with the help of the local spirits and gods. It keeps the currency supply stable. If someone thinks they’ve gotten fake currency, all they have to do is go to the nearest officer of the watch and ask for the coin to be examined. The Chie and Mana combination your father uses is unique to him, much like your own is unique to you and why sharing chie or mana with others is often not worth it. The loss of mana or chie to inefficiency during the transfer makes it nearly worthless as a practice. All of this to say, if you pay close attention to any coin in your purse, you can feel your father’s aura ever so faintly.”
The gondola ride ended just as the lights went from producing a soft yellow glow to a silvery blue light, mimicking the moon and stars. I yawned as we took the carriage ride home and had to fight sleep the entire way.
Rayce wasn’t so lucky. “Rayce. Rayce, wake up, we’re home.” I tried to gently shake him awake, but he just kept sleeping.
“I’ll take care of him.” Gamera lifted the exhausted eleven year old out of the carriage and carried him inside with us. The moment we were inside the main courtyard Rayce’s hounds collapsed in a sleeping pile on the clean grass.
On the far side of the courtyard from us, a group of powerful looking warriors with stern expressions and dangerous looking weapons stood watchfully over my parents. Yu sat in a chair at the center of one of the garden formations, cradling an arm wrapped in bloody bandages, while healers tended to her injury. Ren glowered, and I was reminded of the expression he had on his face when he stormed out of the tent when we had first met the ambassadors.
“Come child. Follow closely, and do not stray. I fear what has happened has the guards on edge. They will not tolerate childish shenanigans tonight.” Gamera led the way across the courtyard, speaking quietly with several guards who moved to block our path. Each time, they melted away into the background again, eyes as steely and stern as they had been before speaking with the ancient tortoise.
Eventually, we got close enough for the guards immediately around Yu and Ren to challenge us. “Captain Raysin, what has happened?” Gamera asked of the leader of the steely eyed warriors. He had on armor that was a bright jade color, and that covered his entire body. His sword radiated light even in its sheath, and whatever stage he was, I wasn’t really sure it would matter. The enchantments on his equipment would have made him a challenge for Ren to defeat himself.
He’s not one to mess with.
“There was an incident. Are the children well?” Gamera nodded, and a tension left the captain’s shoulders I hadn’t noticed until he relaxed. “Good. Dutches Yu was concerned about their wellbeing. It will do her some good to see them well.”
When he backed away, I got my first clear glimpse at mother’s arm. I let out a gasp, my throat choked up, and I felt my knees go unsteady. It was wrapped from shoulder to wrist in bandages, and blood seeped through in places.
Someone is going to pay.