As they reached the twisting wooden staircase Callis offered a hand to Akane. -Would you like me to carry your bag?- The Beast Knight was trying to be polite, not just diplomatic, his softer less formal tone and the conditional was more than enough to clear that out. He wasn’t doing this out of obligation but out of the goodness of his heart.
“I-Is that ok? Well, thank you” she replied as she handed a small bag to the beast warrior, Akane used to travel light, especially since she teleported most of her clothing back and forth, all she had was a couple of personal belongings, but she still felt happy at the gesture, he was exactly as she portrayed him!
Callis picked up her bag and started climbing up the stairs, following the surprisingly agile Isolda. -You asked me about the word “Messa” did you?- He heard her question, but Isolda’s dynamic entrance kind of sidetracked his train of thought. -It’s an honorific from my land, Mes for males and Messa for females.- Callis scratched his newly grown goatee, deep in thought. -To my knowledge, the equivalent in your language would be -dono, a suffix to denote great respect and admiration, customary speech for Knights of Via like myself…- Once again his face became pensive. -Or better said like I used to be, I spent most of my time as a Knight in Via, but later in my life, I was more of a wandering Knight, my highest rank was as Field Marshal of the Northern Legion during the 23rd Unda War.- The Beast Knight didn’t realize he might overwhelm Akane with so many terminologies from his own world.
Musashi heard every word Callis said, it was unexpected for her to be addressed as Messa, to Akane they were already close enough to drop the honorifics, or perhaps Callis had thought much differently? He definitely walked the path of the warrior, being a knight first and a ronin after, it was the exact opposite of Miyamoto, but still equally fascinating. she kept quiet until he finished talking, and then addressed him back
“I told you some time ago didn't I? you don't have to address me in such manner, Akane is fine”
-My most sincere apologies Me..- Callis stopped mid-phrase joining both hands gesturing for her pardon. -Old habits die hard Akane, I have served in courts and palaces for almost 30 years, almost half my life.- The Beast Knight revealed an interesting tidbit about himself without even realizing. -I am currently speaking in your language thanks to a translation spell granted to me by a very kind wizard from this world, thus the spell takes the words directly out of my mind and turns them into your language, I think with this tone, so is hard changing my habits.- Callis smiled. -I will do my best to avoid being overly formal.- They were taking their sweet time to arrive, as the building’s inner structure was almost maze-like with several different staircases instead of a single one that went all the way up as if the building had been expanded in different times by different people.
“30? You seem much younger, I certainly did not expect that” Akane was legitimately surprised to hear Callis was over 50 years old, it would seem his kind aged at a much slower pace, she felt some piece of mind, If he knew Akane would keep looking 25 even if she got to 80 he might raise a brow as well. In any case, age hardly mattered to her, at least not when he wasn't a human, the hotel seemed to be much larger than she originally thought, she was also thankful for that.
“I’m glad I came here you know? I rarely ever leave Japan, there is something about this place that feels...romantic, I wonder if all places are like this?”
Akane was oblivious to the fact this hotel definitely focused on that part.
“Have you been to places like this before?” Akane said to him, still unable to properly get hold of his hand.
-I rarely travel myself, I originally appeared in your country after I destroyed a mystical relic on my own world.- Callis explained. -My first travels in this world were focused on finding a way back to my homeland, but I was not lucky to…- The Beast Knight stopped mid-sentence. -No, I think that with hindsight on my side, I was lucky not to find a way back.- There was a hint of sadness in Callis soft smile. -I was already lost, long before I ended up in this world.- He lowered his head, with a tinge of pain and sorrow getting out from the cage of stoic discipline he kept them in. -The friends I have made her feel more real than any connection I had back in Centris.- Callis continued, the sadness slowly fading from his expression. -At first, I could not look at the beauty of this world, trying to return to what I was accustomed.- His smile got wider. - But after meeting more people and experiencing so much here I came to call this place a home.-
The Beast Knight, who was being strangely open about his innermost thoughts, let out a chuckle, venting a few his swirling emotions. -Sorry, I think I got sidetracked.- He smiled again, this time looking directly at Akane.. -I have not been in many places as homely and comfortable as this place, most of my travels did not have the advantage of an organization such as the Bureau paying for my expenses, plus I do not like excessive luxury.- That was the understatement of the Century, considering Callis aesthetic lifestyle. He had a quite large sum of money saved since many of his BHA gigs checks went directly to the bank account the Association made on his name and Callis rarely took any money from it. He wasn’t overly wealthy, but he had a sizeable amount of money.
-We’re here darlings.- Isolda stopped, opening a large door, that had several carvings with the theme of forests and brush. She opened the door revealing the room. It was decorated with elegant and elaborate rich wood carvings. The furniture looked comfortable and pricey. The bed was a large medieval style bed, with long posts reaching the arched ceiling and curtains around it. The whole room had a color scheme of greens, golden and browns, keeping the theme of woodlands and forests in every piece of decorations. -This room usually is booked by rich elf tourists, but from time to time is open for others, you’re lucky, this is our best one.- The Dwarven Owner smiled. -I’ll leave you to unpack if you need anything just let me know by pulling that cord. - She pointed to the right side of the bed. -And I’ll come running.- And with that, she left them alone in the large room.
Akane reflected upon listening to the Beast warrior’s words, what would she have done in his place? the hardships that forged Callis were unfathomable, she too had gone through hardships of her own, but home and friends had always been something she could count on. him smiling and looking at the future made her admire him all the more.
“You have gone through a lot, I’m happy you could move forward, I’m sure there are many people in this world who are grateful for your existence, myself included.”
Akane however, was concerned when he mentioned he did not like excessive luxury, what would he think of her if he visited her home? Musashi castle was the epitome of Japanese luxury, of course, most of her time was spent inside the dojo, but that wouldn't erase the luxury city, and all the commodities, Mai and Orochi were definitely to blame on that, as they were far more eccentric than her.
“This brings me back, I don't get to stay at many places often as well, the last time I went to a resort it was to stop a Yakuza clan from selling a demon...not exactly what I would call tourism” She replied while smirking
Upon entering the room Akane couldn't help but let out an expression of happiness, everything looked like something out of a fairytale, she immediately remembered Callis word, and hoped he wouldn't feel too uncomfortable around.
“I didn't bring much stuff with me, so I am ready to leave at any moment! what did you bring with yourself Callis?” She said as she took out something from her bag.
She looked at the beast warrior for a second before speaking, she took some courage and asked him
“Is it ok if we take a picture? I...brought a camera, I-Its ok if you don't want to!” She said somewhat puzzled.
-I just brought a change of clothes for sleeping, I think the word for it in this world is “Pijamas”?- Callis shuffled through his bag. -And I also got some light reading.- He took out a small book called “World History Vol.3” -I’ve been studying the history of this world and I find it quite interesting.- He carefully placed his bag inside one of the dressers and turned around when Akane asked about the picture. -I would like that.- He said, smiling. -Where should I stand?- He asked, walking towards her.
“J-just come close to me” she said as she hugged him with one arm and held the camera with the other, she was slightly taller than the beast warrior, so she ended up pressing her cheek against his.
“Don’t forget to smile, remember, I Akane Musashi am helping you pick a new sword!”
Callis started blushing as soon as he felt Akane’s arm around him. The Musashi Heiress would feel the heat radiating from the Beast Knight cheek. -O-o-okay.- He managed to stutter out as he smiled. The photo would clearly show him blushing like crazy, but his smile was quite relaxed. Callis wanted to pull away, but for a moment he stood there, still cheek to cheek with Akane. He slowly turned until he was facing her and without even realizing his own arm hugged her crossed over her back, reaching one of her shoulders with his hand. His breathing was getting heavier as he stared directly into her golden eyes. For a moment Callis didn’t notice anything else around him, he couldn’t smell the wood, he couldn’t hear the wind hitting against the window and he couldn’t see the fine decorations. The Beast Knight was totally focused on Akane and himself, he could hear the blood rushing to his head and his heartbeat pounding like a wardrum. His nose could only pick up her scent. The moment felt like an eternity for Callis, who finally found his self-control and gently closed up his other arm, hugging her and then releasing her with equal gentleness.
-Thank you for your kind words Akane.- He said, referring to her reaction to his innermost thoughts. -Should we go out to eat something before planning the ascent to the mountain?- Callis tried to deflect the conversation to another topic, trying to silence his pounding heartbeat and calm his instincts down.
Akane looked straight into the eyes of the Beast Warrior, she felt her heart rushing each time faster and faster, this was perhaps one of the most tense moments of her life, Akane felt weak on her knees as he felt his hand around her, she closed her eyes for a moment and leaned forward, blushing almost too much. After a moment of nothing, she opened her eyes, noticing Callis had already moved someplace else, hopefully, he didn’t notice that! It had been too embarrassing for her!
“Yes...let’s go…” Akane replied completely defeated.
Callis couldn’t hide his blushed cheeks. He almost went for it, but he stopped himself. He didn’t understand the myriad of feelings crashing against his mind like waves against a cliff each time he was close to Akane. Back in Centris he never had time or inclination for relationships, before and after certain events that caused the feelings of unease that invade him whenever he is talking to the fairest sex. But in this world it was different, many of the restrictions that tied him down back in Centris didn’t apply, but still, his mind and heart were chained by them. The Beast Knight made a huge, huge mistake before embarking on this journey. He read the open access files for the Musashi Clan. He was dazzled by the grandeur and majesty of their tradition and their reach. And Akane was the heir to that clan. The Beast Knight, who lived his life always on the fringe of civilization, always discriminated and mocked, couldn’t consider himself worthy of her attention, much less her love.
Even if it was at a subconscious level, Callis didn’t think he was good enough for her. He already had his doubts before reading about the Musashi Clan, but after it, those doubts planted on his heart after seeing Akane fight turned into a harvest of low self-esteem and underestimation of his own value. He led the way towards the lobby, finding Isolda sweeping the few places lacking heavy carpets. -Excuse, could you recommend a place to eat nearby?- The Beast Knight asked the Dwarven Owner. -If you can stomach Indian food there is a small establishment two blocks up the road called the Ivory Tusk, the owner, Zabi is a Raksha and a good friend of mind.- She stopped to think for a second. -If you want some local cuisine 1 block down the road there is a small pub with some local delicacies called the Dragon’s Hoard, my cousin Magni owns the place.- She cunningly smiled. -It’s very private and intimate, every table is on its own room.- She winked at them, causing a new wave of crimson on Callis’ face.
The Beast Knight not being able to stomach Indian food was an understatement, any food slightly spicy was basically like trying to eat magma, thanks to his enhanced senses. Still, he decided to be courteous. -Which would you prefer Akane? My treat.- The way he said it made it clear he would be paying and he wouldn’t charge it to the JHWAB, in fact, Callis was already planning to pay for everything himself, if he could wrestle the tickets from Norio’s grasp.
Akane blushed in unison, but she was quick to reply
“The Dragon’s hoard!” -She said still beet red, perhaps she said it a little too fast?! She had to give an excuse now!
“I...wanna try the local cuisine…thanks for inviting me Callis...” Isolda might crack a laugh there, Akane was terrible at lying, hopefully, Callis wouldn't notice such a front approach on that. still, this too was also a great streak of luck! When was the last time things had worked out so well for her?
“Shall we go?” Akane said as she gave Callis her hand, expecting him to take it.
As Akane expected Isolda chuckled, courtly covering her mouth with one hand and Callis didn’t even realize it. The Beast Knight was just happy not to go to another Indian Restaurant, just entering one set his nostrils on fire. -Then the Dragon’s Hoard it is.- Callis agreed and walked towards the exit, standing right beside Akane. As she extended her hand the Beast Knight heart skipped a beat, but after a moment of doubt and a whole lot of blushing he gently took her hand and walked out of the building with her. Following the indications of Isolda, they quickly arrived to the small resto, a single story building with walls fully made of cobblestone and modern windows. Inside each table was inside a cubicle with a spotlight over them to create atmosphere. Very soft folk music sounded in the background and a young dwarf, surely not a day older than 20 years, so young he didn’t even have a full beard yet, received them.
-Welcome to the Dragon’s Hoard! Table for 2?- He asked, while extending his hands, gesturing for their coats. Callis gave his new white coat to the waiter, revealing he was wearing a tight black sports shirt-like garment with short sleeves. It was made of highly resistant fabric, courtesy of a Seamstress working exclusively for the Kyoto BHA branch. -Yes, table for 2.- The waiter nodded and after picking Akane’s coat. he guided them to a table in the back. Callis, without losing a step, slid the chair for Akane. -Akane, if you may.-
Akane handed over her coat, revealing a striped black and white sweater, she had yet to be used to the cold, but inside the pub, everything felt much warmer, was it just the pub, or something else that warmed her? Akane looked at Callis’ clothing, realizing it was exquisite despite being so simple, the place was everything she had hoped for and just a little bit more She sat on the chair as Callis offered it. It was always cute to see him being a gentleman. “I went for this place, but, truth be told, I have no idea of the type of food they serve.” She said with a clumsy smile. “I really like it though, everything about this place feels unique and special... I’m looking forward to see the menu.” The last time Akane went to anything that resembled a pub she ended up fighting demons and Yakuza, this trip began to make her feel a little bit too guilty, was it really ok for her to enjoy this?
The waiter arrived moments after they sat down, placing a basket with freshly baked rye bread in front of them. -Once again welcome to the Dragon’s Hoard.- He extended a couple of cards. -Today’s dish is Whale Steak in a red wine reduction accompanied by Kumla.- The cards had the only dish the restaurant served today and some options, like the choice of beverage (Wine, Water, Soda or Juice) and a dessert called Krumkake. -We also extend a choice of roasted boar and baked potatoes if you don’t desire to taste local cuisine.- Callis read the card and asked. -I will take the main dish without the desert and water as beverage.- He invited Akane with a gesture to ask for her meal.
“I’ll have the boar and water as well, thank you” Musashi always had water with her meals, and most of them were fairly simple, it was part of her philosophy not to indulge too much into material wealth or sensory pleasure, but she did take advantage of her money sometimes, especially when it made her work easier. Akane looked at Callis as she gave him a big smile, she finally managed to feel more at ease next to him.
“I ordered something different, just so that we can try everything, you don't mind if we share right? we need to get as much energy as we can if we are going up the mountain!” She tilted her head sideways as she looked at him, the myriad of scars showed he had experienced countless of battles. If it wasn't for her Virtual Machine perhaps she would also look like that, she still had a single small scar shaped like an X on her pelvis, though nobody would get to see that one.
-That’s a great idea.- Callis smiled, while parting a piece of bread and putting some of the warm butter that came with the bread on it. -So Akane, you specialize in Demon Hunting, right?- The Beast Knight asked, trying to start small talk, or better yet talk shop. This was, possibly, the most useful skill he learnt during his service as a Bounty Hunter. At first, he didn’t talk a lot, keeping to himself, but that was starting to unnerve the rowdy bunch of Kansai-based Hunters in Yatagarasu, so one time they basically sneaked on him, cornered Callis and dragged him to a bar, trying to loosen up his tongue with some booze. Most of that night is a blur for Callis, but after it, most of the people in the BHA allowed him to do his own thing and tried to talk to him. The Beast Knight responded to their efforts in kind, trying to get more involved with the lives of his comrades. He ended up helping more than one Bounty Hunter move.
“Oh It’s not really that, I’m still not sure why, but demons seem to follow me everywhere.” Akane said, helping herself to some bread as well. “I do general monster hunting yes, however this year it has all turned into demon hunting, sometimes I just wish I could get a break from all that y’know?, I spend most of my time fighting or training...You must think I’m a weird girl…”
Akane had feared this for quite a while, she was unlike most women, who had tons of friends and could do girly activities, her last job earned her some free time, but the Musashi were quite a busy clan, and Akane being not only the Heiress but also the designated slayer meant her hands were full most of the time. that surely would drive off most men away.
“I have told you before, I have a fierce love for my country and my traditions, but, I think I’m allowed to like other things as well...I think you can find some great things outside japan, like this place for example, and....”
She kept quiet for a moment as she looked at him, pushing her hair to one side as she completed the sentence
“The people”.
Callis, who was chewing his bread almost choked on it noticing her eyes locking on to him. The Beast Knight quickly went for water, chugging, as elegantly as he could, the whole glass, to avoid the after-effects of his blunder. -I… I see.- Callis composed himself and replied to her explanation. -I do share your inclination for fighting and training, I mostly do that myself, more training than fighting lately, since I joined the JHWAB.- He refilled his glass and refilled hers if she had a drink. -Back in my world I served as a Knight and had a burning zeal for my country traditions and for protecting the people living on it.- A shade of sadness crossed his face.
-Unluckily for me, part of those traditions were hating half of my heritage, as the Saevus, the race of my father, were created as slaves for the Viani, the race of my mother.- The sorrow only became deeper, his eyes sinking behind the shadows casted by his brow. -It took a long time for me to understand that the hatred I was taught to feel for my ancestors and for my own person was misguided.- Sadness gave way to shame, clearly on display as a mask of suffering on Callis. -But old habits die hard.- The Beast Knight lowered his head in silence, but moments later he realized how much of a downer he was being. -My apologies, I did not want to darken the mood.- He rushed through the information he got from reading the Musashi file and tried to ask a question to leave his depressing past behind. -So do you have any brothers or sisters?-
Akane felt legitimately sad for Callis, it had been a miracle a man that had went through that managed to stay as pure as he was, his question however seem to have shifted the mood, as Akane didn't exactly had the best family, she sighed before answering the Beast Warrior.
“Yeah...I have a sister, her name is Mai...we never were really close to be honest, but, looking back I think it’s all my fault, I had to study all the time and then train since I was very young, then I left for America. Most of the memories I have of her are from a long time ago. she had always been incredibly smart and strong, but, somehow the attention was focused on me, she is a lot more like Father than I am.”
Akane’s look felt nostalgic, almost as if she was living moments long gone as she spoke, she had a faint smile afterwards, there was one recent memory that she could share with him.
“I...told my sister about you, I thought she wouldn't really care but she did listen to me, I think you met Ann recently as well right? The girl with an eyepatch, we are not bound by blood, but she is like a little sister to me as well”
The stories that Callis had told Akane made her appreciate all the more what she had, all her precious friends and family were things more valuable than gold to her. Akane gave Callis a light kick below the table as if playing
“So, tell me about your friends, I’m sure a man like you has some”
Callis jokingly winced upon receiving the kick. -Yes, the circumstances of our meeting weren’t the happiest, but she seems like a nice person, Percival told me a lot about her.- Callis sadness faded away, replaced by a gentle smile. -During my journeys and missions, I encountered many I call friends.- The Beast Knight looked to the side, pensively stroking his goatee. -During a mission stopping criminals in Kyoto, I ended up teaming up with Haruko Miyata, a seamstress and Jose Hernandez, a martial artist.- Callis smile lost a bit of his luster remembering the situation as a whole. -We fought against several spies, I think in Japan they are called Shinobi and their leaders.- The Beast Knight continued explaining. -When we cornered their leaders, one of their allies, one stronger than them, decided to stop us I remained behind fighting against him while the others advanced, to this day I doubt I ever had a battle so hopeless as that one.-
Trying to loosen up the mood, getting darker and denser by the second, Callis changed to another anecdote. -I also teamed up with other bounty hunters during a mission in Russia, protecting the corpse of a recent diseased Ogre Chieftain from a group that wanted to steal it to cover their nefarious necromantic needs.- Callis expression was less sorrowful this time around. -I met Jose’s master, Goemon Williams, a man of exuberant personality and amazing martial acumen.- The Beast Knight drew an invisible map with his finger over the table, trying to explain the fight. -We had to split up to fight them, dueling one-on-one against the undead abominations.- Callis trailed off as his mind wandered through the events of that mission. A pair of black eyes, sad and carrying an unseen burden, appeared on his mind, the image of somebody. With a less adventurous tone he ended the story succinctly -We managed to protect the corpse.-
The Beast Knight decided to finish by talking about his recent contacts. -And since I started working with the JHWAB I spent a lot of time alongside my superior, Norio Bushitora, who I consider a friend, as he has helped me inside and outside work.- Upon saying those words Callis realized what was happening. Norio was the one who proposed him to look for a weapon. Norio was the one who told him to ask a friend for help. Callis discovered, before leaving that Shin Bushitora wasn’t busy, in fact, he was on his vacations. Finally, Norio was the one who told him to read the file on the Musashi family. Was the Veteran Inspector playing matchmaker? -He was the one who guided me towards the objective of obtaining new weapons.- He added with a sly smile, realizing that Norio pretty much was trying to get Callis to start a relationship. The Vice-Director of the Intelligence Branch must’ve reviewed the data on the Beast Knight communication device, so he must’ve heard Akane’s confesion.
As he finished talking the food arrived, the young dwarf serving the plates in front of them. Condensation caused by the heat floated off the food, carrying delicious smells with it. Callis picked the cutlery and looked at Akane. -What is the word used in Japan before having a meal?- He asked, as he was never able to say it, because of the nature of his translation spell.
“Our family knows Norio, I met him back when I was younger, though I’m sure he doesn't remember a thing about me” Akane added a beautiful smile to that, she was happy to hear all the stories he shared, victories and defeats were things that forged character.
Musashi’s eyes shone as the food arrived, of course, she would say the word
“ITADAKIMASU!”
Akane cut through the boar like butter, and lifted it up with her fork, she moved it closer to Callis as she spoke to him
“Now, say ahhh” Musashi would have never found the courage to do that in a regular restaurant, but the place was private enough and nobody knew her. what’s the worst that could happen?!
Callis wavered for a second. This was something that never happened to him, not even as a child. He didn’t know how to react, but his mind, racing faster than his body reacted, told him it would be rude and quite uncouth to reject this gesture, so without wasting anymore time in second guessing himself, he took the food Akane was offering to him. -Ahhh.- The boar was oven roasted and marinated with stout beer and brown sugar. It had a little bit too much of the beer on it, making the flavor quite strong, but not something Callis couldn’t handle. After spending years in Japan his resistance to salty or strong flavors was way higher than it was when he just arrived, as most of his BHA buddies basically marked him as an heretic for not using soy sauce for the canteen lunches.
He enjoyed the food and swallowed, cutting a piece of his own dish and with a trembling hand offering it to Akane. Blush, that had been missing for a long while on Callis cheeks, returned in full force as he performed this task. -He-here, ha-have a t-t-taste of mi-mi-mine.-
Akane gently took his hand in order to stop his trembling, she took a bite gently blushing as it happened, seeing him like that melted her heart, the warrior that wielded two swords at a time was trembling when using a fork.
The taste of the dish was inconceivable to Akane, Japanese food was very modest most of the time, the flavor of the wine permeated through the entire bite, whoever made the sauce must have spent some considerable time working on it. Musashi let out a slight sound of satisfaction upon finishing her bite.
“That is delicious! I’ve never had something like that!”
As the meal progressed Akane became somewhat curious about the task at hand
“Callis, do you have in mind what type of weapon you want? surely you don't plan on getting a Katana, else we would have stayed in Japan”
The mention of Katanas irked a nerve. Since day one in the BHA, he was mocked and challenged about his dislike for Katanas. It wasn’t the weapon itself that bothered him, but the insistence of half of Yatagarasu Branch for him to use them. Callis’ fighting style needed double edged blades, he rapidly changed directions and altered his grip mid swing, needing two edges to take the most advantages from those vertiginous movements. The Katana itself was a fine weapon and the techniques associated to them were amazing, but he couldn’t use said techniques, at least not without going in deep and his fighting style was ingrained to his body and mind. Trying to hide his vexed opinion about the weapon Callis explained.
-What I am looking, more than anything is durability.- The Beast Knight had many issues with blades breaking, so the first order of business was getting weapons strong enough for him to use without fear of damaging them. -I prefer shorter and straighter double edged blades, able to pierce and slash if possible, but given the choice, I would put a priority on slashing weapons.- Most of his techniques needed circular movements, so slashing was more important than stabbing. -As I said I would like them to be as durable as possible, with a good edge, I am not looking for the sharpest blade, but a reliable one.- Incapable of containing his opinion he added. -I do not think Katanas can fit those requirements.- He tried to smile, attempting to make that last comment as innocent as possible.
Akane nodded as she listened to Callis, this was about getting him a weapon that suited him best.
“Some years ago I would have insisted in you getting a katana, but I’ve come to realize it’s more about the wielder rather than the blade in itself, judging by the description you gave me, something along the lines of a gladius or a Jian would be better. You said you want a durable blade...wanna see something interesting?”
Akane held her hand by her side as her Kaneshige blade teleported to her side, she unsheathed the blade as she handed it over to Callis
“The material, what do you think my blade it’s made out of?”
The sword’s shining aura immediately ceased the moment Akane handed it over, leaving the bare materials at display.
Callis examined the blade, nodding with approbation upon seeing the flawless edge, the beautiful finish and the incredible amount of care put on maintaining the blade. He wasn’t familiar with metals from this World. The bluish-grey hue of the blade reminded him to Cibus Enriched Ferrumaris. -I do not know Akane, I do not know the materials from this land, it does carry a resemblance to a mineral enriched with arcane components that was commonplace among the ranks of the Knights of Via.- Callis eyes stared to the distance, remembering something nostalgic. -My grandfather gave me my first pair once I was knighted, he made the enchantments himself.- Callis rarely thought about his grandfather, he was one of the few people who treated him with love and care in a world that hated him. The mere memory brought a smile to his face.
Akane closed her eyes and gave a faint smile as she sheathed back her blade “It’s nothing so elaborate.” Musashi finally replied
“The Kaneshige blade is made out of tamahagane steel, it is the most common material used to make katanas, there are many blades outside hidden world that use this material.”
She drank a little bit of water as she continued her explanation
“There are some stories that are part of our popular culture, sometimes a regular man manages to perform incredible feats with a katana, during world war 2 a soldier was able to cut through a large machine gun using a blade from the swordmaker tsunetsugu, you can still find that blade in the museum of Tokyo. the fun part? it was also made from tamahagane steel. If you were to wield my kaneshige you would probably break it after a swing or two.”
Akane teleported out her blade, allowing her to lean forward facing Callis.
“The material is important, but the maker and the wielder are even more so”
Akane leaned back on her chair, speaking about blades always heated her up
“We must find a material that suits your body, and then a smith capable of rendering a weapon that can translate 100% of your style into it without breaking. When a weapon breaks, it’s a sign of incompatibility. I can assure you, there is nobody within the Musashi capable of wielding the Kaneshige Blade, without me, it is nothing but an expensive ornament, don't worry, I’m confident we will find a pair of blades most suitable for you.”
Callis listened to her while he ate the food. Her words pushed him into a deep state of thought. -There is a variable I cannot ignore.- He explained, talking about his worries. -I still have not explored the powers I got after Mes Peregrine saved me, I hope I can find swords that can also be compatible with that.- The Beast Knight was clearly quite worried about it, not knowing the powers he was wielding or how did they worked. Percival explained some of it, but seemingly they worked fundamentally different for Callis than for the Old Knight.
“You’ll know when you have the material in your hands, Tamahagane is abundant, and very Japanese, it also requires a lot of work for it to achieve its full potential, just like me. I’m sure there will be something that suits you perfectly”
Despite the talking, Akane had also managed to eat most of her plate, she took advantage of the moments Callis had spoken to do so, normally she wouldn’t have finished such a big meal, but she thought it was ok to let go this time. she was having a lot of fun!
“Don't feel discouraged, I am here to help you, and I will do my best to get you going!”
Callis ate the last bite of his steak and smiled. -Thank you Akane, it means a lot to me having you here.- He hold her hand between both his hands. He was mostly scars, calluses and burns, but even as coarse as they were, the gentle warm radiating from his slightly larger than normal fingers would surely overpower the lack of softness. Callis, ignoring reason and listening to his instinct for once, slowly moved one of his hands and gentle caressed her cheek, his fingers playing for a moment with a lock of her hair. -It really does.- His gentle smile and his shining blue eyes, with a much lighter tone than the one he had the first time he met her, were locked on Akane. With the same gentleness, he lowered his hand and searched for his wallet. -I will pay up here, then we will work our way up the mountain, sounds right?-
Akane’s eyes widened the moment he touched her cheek, she felt warm, no, almost hot to the touch, Musashi really honored the name Akane just from how red she was, her soft hand was holding tightly into Callis’ much larger hand. the music in the background faded into nothing and her mind went blank as she stared into the light blue eyes of the Beast Warrior. When Callis finally reached for her wallet, Akane was able to breathe again.
“Yes...l-let's go…” she said while nodding still trying to recover her breath.
Callis paid up the meal, from his own pocket and as they left he crumpled the ticket, made a ball and placed it on a bin. Another of the huge advantages of this world in comparison to his, there was a government effort to keep streets clean. He decided, from the start of this journey, he wouldn’t allow the JHWAB to pay for this, if possible he would pay for the sword as well. As the climbed up the sloped cobblestone roads of the town, curving around one of the sides of the mountain, Callis asked something to Akane. -I must admit I am deeply intrigued about your armor.- He had been thinking about it since their last mission. -I have seen technology beyond my wildest dreams while I have been living in this world, but the armor you wear triumphed most of what I have seen, I only remember seeing something as advanced once.-
“The armor was made by my sister, she really is a genius, I should really mention Ann has a much more advanced model than mine...still, this is a big world, Callis...I have to warn you about something”
The tone of Akane shifted almost immediately, with her eyes acquiring a red tint that polluted her golden eyes. “Last month something attacked me and my partner Yuriko, I still don't know what type of creature it was, but we were hopeless against it, everything I threw at it, it just ignored it...it seems my defeats have been piling up one after another in the last months, first the cursed blade, then that thing…”
Akane reached out with one hand by her side, a slight expression of discomfort was shown on her face, though Musashi kept smiling
“-And father, who beat me to a pulp just recently...In any case, if you ever encounter a black monster with a white mask don't try to fight it alone, we were barely able to escape with our lives.”
Her eyes returned to their original color, she didn't have time to dwell on mysteries nor the past, right now, all she wanted to do was climb that mountain with Callis
“Well enough chit chat for now, I think it’s time for us to keep going!” She said giving some determined steps forward.
The Beast Knight couldn’t ignore the fact she just said her father beat her to a pulp. He didn’t fear for himself but for her. Still, the tone of her voice didn’t seem open to questions so Callis decided to keep his silence and save his questions for later. Within minutes they reached the upper edge of town. The highest point seemed to be a small, well kept park, like a lookout, allowing them to see the extensive valleys, mountains and forests extending towards the north, reaching the sea. From this lookout point, a narrow mountain path started climbing up the mountain side, with red tiles and carved staircases. The majesty of the view caught the Beast Knight unprepared, who in more than one occasion during the ascent, stopped to witness the breathtaking beauty of the landscape. At the same time, he also took stealthy glances in Akane’s direction, smiling with a dumb expression, feeling strangely relaxed and joyous.
It didn’t take a lot of time for them to reach the end of the path, reaching a plateau, created by the erosion of rain and wind currents. This ring around the peak was wide enough for a small car to circle around. At the base of the peak, there was a small grey iron door, too small for a regular human to enter standing upright. The door was circular, a large, thick slab of metal, akin to a vault door. There was a brass doorbell right beside it. -I think this is the place.- Callis commented, getting closer to the door and ringing the bell. -Hello, is anybody home?- He asked. -I was sent here by the JHWAB Intelligence Branch Vice-Director Norio Bushitora.- Callis talked for 2 reasons, the owner might be in the same room as the door, or there could be a magical mean for sound to get wherever the owner was. -My name is Callis Nomene and I was told this was the place to look for high quality weapons.-