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Post by HungryHunter on Jan 15, 2019 7:58:58 GMT
~~~
The breakfast at this bed and breakfast was nothing special. The bed hadn’t been either. That was the price you paid for neutral ground. She and Akane had picked this place together, randomly selecting coordinates on google earth. This little scrap of nowhere in Colorado was the result. Now she just waited for Akane to show so that they could find a place to settle this score. Jun was as preened as ever, but it looked like a shell. Her expensive dress looked slept-in. Her makeup couldn’t hide dead eyes. There was a tension in her body that couldn’t be missed, like a guitar too tightly strung. Everybody stayed well clear of her. There was a storm brewing in this beautiful stranger, and it wasn’t going to be pretty when it hit.
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Post by othus on Jan 15, 2019 8:37:05 GMT
Akane's night at the place was not a tranquil one, she rested her body, but she did not sleep. Meditation, that was the only thing she would do. It wasn't the type of meditation Buddhists would do in order to free themselves from worldly thoughts, it was a battle simulation in her mind, recreating everything she knew about her opponent, making her two, three, even four times stronger than she was since the last time she saw her.
Akane kept pushing the mental effort further and further up to its limits, a blue aura akin to a tranquil flame enveloped her, it was the result of a well-developed Ki.
Musashi looked into her previous battles: The demon who possessed Jun-Li back then was incredibly strong, but even mightier opponents appeared ever since. The raging blade Sen, Criselda and the cursed blade, Z, Gapjärn...All incredibly powerful in their own right, and yet, Akane was still here. She had no real wish to fight against the Shattered one, but she would honor Jun's request nonetheless.
Akane grabbed both Kaneshige and her Tower of Grey blades as she walked out of her room, she was wearing her regular clothing: Jeans, combat boots and a leather jacket. Beneath that, the black insulator suit that was often covered by her virtual machine. she decided not to wear the armor against Jun, she knew very well she would be at a disadvantage, but she didn't want to win using only her sister's tech.
As she came across Jun Akane immediately knew: She had an even rougher night. Akane would not make any comment on it, though she was concerned about her. What could possibly push this woman to hate her that much?
"I'm ready," She said with a straight face as Soon hovered down the stairs, looking much better than either fighter.
"Let's just get this over with, shall we? the idea of dueling just feels wrong to me"
"Sorry to put you through this, Soon, it's just that your abilities might be needed." Akane finished talking to Soon and addressed Jun again.
"well? we came all the way here as agreed, what now?"
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Post by HungryHunter on Jan 15, 2019 21:49:16 GMT
Jun stared across the table at her enemy. It had been so long since they actually met. Nearly a year, and the fire of rage refused to burn out. Jun could only think about her humiliations at Akane’s hands looking at the Musashi heir. “There is still time for us to call this off. What do you hope to gain here, Jun?” The Shattered One spoke gently in her mind. “We find a place. A few miles out of town where we won’t be interrupted. There are woods and meadows everywhere. Surely we can find someplace secluded.” Jun made no indication she even heard her demon. She stood, checked her reflection in her hand mirror, and walked out the front door.
It was a chilly spring morning, setting off a chain reaction of goosebumps across her arms. The warmth of the later day hadn’t yet begun. Behind the inn, it was all endless fields of crops, before Jun, undeveloped forest. “Unless you would rather fight amongst wheat, I recommend the forest. It’s much more appealing.” Her heart was pounding, her headache was soaring. She couldn’t shake the feeling she subconsciously wanted somewhere beautiful just in case she died. “Can I rely upon your second to be impartial? I… my first pick was unsuitable and I, ah, my other picks did not get back to me in time. My friends are very busy this time of year.” It was too early in the morning for lies. She hated this more every moment.
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Post by othus on Jan 15, 2019 22:34:14 GMT
"I have no preference, so long it's an open space." Akane said as she looked into the scenery, ultimately following Jun into the forest. The questioning of Soon made the esper immediately reply, not even giving time for Akane to explain.
"Make no mistake, Jun-Li. Akane might be the heir of our clan, but I'm also here to safeguard our clan's honor. I will only stop the fight once there is a clear winner"
The mention of Jun's friends made Akane raise a brow, what kind of people were they?
"I'm sorry your friends couldn't assist, Jun. I would have called Remilia, but if things were to get out of hand, I doubt she would have the strength to stop us. Don't worry, despite what you might think of me, I wouldn't do something as low as setting you up."
The group kept advancing into the forest, the inevitability of the fight made Akane anxiously grip her blades, as it was only a matter of minutes before the duel began.
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Post by HungryHunter on Jan 15, 2019 23:00:58 GMT
“I trust you then.” Jun simply nodded, but the green serpent squeezed her heart again. What it must be like to have a family that gave a damn about honor! That was what fueled this fire and would not let it die! Humiliation she had gotten over in the past, but envy was a snake with entirely more potent venom. “Here!” Only a couple minutes into the woods, they entered into a meadow. The sun had just now broken the clouds, warming the soft grass below their feet.
The grass was broken here and there with flowers in red and blue and a single, mighty tree in the center. Jun almost smiled. It was unreal in a way, that such a picturesque place could be waiting for them. The breeze was warm, carrying with it vague hints of the flowers around them. “This is your last chance to surrender, Akane Musashi. Admit you have wronged me, admit my superiority, and we can walk away unscathed.” Jun put a hand on her sword’s hilt. Don’t you dare.
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Post by othus on Jan 15, 2019 23:21:25 GMT
Akane had a full expression of disbelief the moment Jun began to speak utter nonsense.
"Are you actually serious? If it wasn't for me, you would have died back at that bar! If it wasn't for me, you would still be under Valefar's control! I have saved you on every single occasion we have met! I...I thought we were friends!"
Musashi drew her Tower of grey as she took her stance.
"I was gonna accept an apology, but now I'll make you beg for it"- She said as she quickly covered the distance between the two, using a teep kick aimed at the shattered warrior's hand in an attempt to block her from drawing her sword, followed by a strong sword blow aimed at her shoulder.
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Post by HungryHunter on Jan 16, 2019 3:57:15 GMT
"You thought we were friends!? After you threatened to break my nose like a schoolyard thug!?" Jun went for her sword, but Akane's kick was too fast. She found herself unarmed when Akane's sword came down at her shoulder. Unfortunately for Akane, that didn't make it any harder for her to block the strike. Her sword cut through blue cloth and scraped harmlessly off of shining scales. The scales spread down Jun's arm as she threw a chop for the offending leg. The edge of her arm sharpened, making the strike like a sword in its own right. "And as always, you're LOOKING DOWN ON ME!"
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Post by othus on Jan 16, 2019 5:57:26 GMT
Akane frowned when she saw Jun's scales deflecting the blow like nothing, her arm came down towards her leg aiming to chop it off in a single go, however, Akane's Kaneshige flew out of its scabbard intercepting the blow, letting Akane get away with a shallow cut.
Musashi Aimed to kick Jun in the plexus in order to make some distance, she then backflipped 5 meters or so into safety.
"Is that what this is all about?! I will actually break your damn nose, Jun"
The blade of Masamune flew back from the ground straight into the scabbard like a possessed object as she examined her from head to toe.
"Am I really the only one looking down on others? you could have pierced my neck or my heart with those scales of yours a second ago."
Akane teleported both of her blades away, she was not gonna keep trying to do useless maneuvers.
"Fine. If you think I'm holding back, then I will use a weapon more suited to beat you"
A peculiar object appeared this time: A black kusarigama, it had an oversized edge that exuded an ominous aura, but what was more terrifying was the weight at its end. Akane swung around what was essentially a 10kg mace head attached to a chain, the red and blue flowers were disintegrated around Akane as the weight was caught on fire. Soon covered her face as the air pressure made by her Ki reached all the way into the distance, creating a sound akin to a helicopter rotor.
"Akane! are you actually trying to kill her?!"- Soon said knowing full well the kusarigama easily surpassed her blades in terms of destructive power. Musashi did not reply, she simply frowned knowing Jun's abilities could just as easily decide the match in a fraction of a second.
The aura Akane's weapon was exuding was clearly not regular, it shone in white as Akane was adding her Ki onto the weight, multiplying its already incredible destructive power.
In an instant, the weight of the ball was violently propelled towards Jun's chest, threatening to break her ribs in a single go. Akane pulled the weight just enough so that it wouldn't be lethal, but she still wanted to cause some serious damage.
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Post by HungryHunter on Jan 16, 2019 6:29:33 GMT
Akane's foot struck Jun square in the chest, making her stumble back. No scales could stop something like that. Rage rippled through her at the unarmed strike. Akane was practically playing with her. The tiny cut she had inflicted was no victory. She needed to make something like that with her sword to put the curse on her opponent. Unfortunately, Akane didn't plan on letting her get close. The weapon she switched to was totally new to Jun. She had heard of them, but never had anybody actually used one on her. Damn! She needed to really draw blood to use her own secret weapon! Even if it had to be her own! The absurd power Akane gave off would make her balk on its own, let alone the flames. Damn! She was keeping the battlefield hot to limit Jun's scales! She's not all dumb muscle. Jun grudgingly admitted.
She crept closer against the flames, ready for attack. When it came, she dove to the side. The ball sailed past and struck the tree, smashing it into pieces. Already the beauty of the meadow was half-ruined. All Akane's fault, again. Before she was even fully on her feet, she flicked her arm. A tiny flurry of razor-sharp scales flew threw the fire at Akane's torso. They were fast and precise, but with little penetrating power. Against somebody as tough as Akane, they were a mere distraction. Jun leaped over the flames immediately behind them, a rapidly extending finger spear leading her attack. It shrank back to meet her before her boots even touched the ground, sword swinging to bite into Akane's arm. With an attack that relied upon momentum, she had to keep Akane on the defensive. |
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Post by othus on Jan 16, 2019 6:54:11 GMT
Akane took the scales to the torso while Jun's finger spear pierced right through her shoulder. Musashi wrung in pain but as she fell to the ground on her back she stealthily pulled the weight back at her, aiming to hit Jun in the nape as she stalled her blade attack using the sickle part of the Kusarigama. Jun clearly was relentless and had gotten much quicker, but she was naive if she thought Akane wouldn't be able to react to blades, that's the thing she has trained with and against her entire life after all. Two or three hours a day of fencing wouldn't narrow the skill gap between the two anytime soon.
As the weight came flying from the back, Akane aimed to headbutt Jun right in the nose, partially looking to fulfill her promise, but also in an attempt to send her right against the weight of the Kusarigama, Should that not hit, she would still attempt to kick her in the face and roll out of the way making more distance.
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Post by HungryHunter on Jan 17, 2019 5:29:11 GMT
Jun wanted to wipe the blood away from her finger, but forced herself to put up with it for now. She was still in the thick of combat, and perhaps that blood could be useful. She heard the slinking clink of chains and carefully-honed reflexes ducked her head down just in time to let the weight blow overhead. Her hair flew forward from the force and her tiara went clattering to the grass. She ignored it and came up swinging, only for Akane’s headbutt to come down on her nose. There was a sharp crack and blood painted the lower half of her face.
Her hand involuntarily went to her nose, feeling the abnormal shape. The pain was dulled by battle hormones, enough she could still dodge Akane’s kick and let her get her distance. It was good for her as well. “It’s time to show you how I’ve really improved.” Jun held her hand straight out to the side. A rend appeared in space itself, a red and black void. From it floated an absurd wedge of metal that vaguely resembled a sword, marked all over with intricacies and details, like it was painstakingly pieced together from a thousand pieces of silver. Jun nearly toppled over when it entered her hands.
It was a mockery of a weapon, clumsy and awkward. However, Jun smiled with bloodied teeth. Her own blood she wiped on the blade and things quickly changed. The dozens of little silver bits moved on their own, folding and spinning like gears. The wedge of metal swiftly unfolded into a true sword, a greatsword that glowed white. Jun wiped the blood she had drawn from Jun on the hilt and it sank into the surface like water into a sponge. She seemed to hover when she lunged forward, but that might have just been the bizarre grace granted to her by the oversized weapon. Shining, smiling, Jun swung the sword in an arc as bright as the moon and vastly stronger than any swing she had managed before. |
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Post by othus on Jan 17, 2019 7:14:54 GMT
Akane reacted into the sword blow legitimately dodging for her life as the weapon sliced into the ground like a hot knife through butter.
"Monster..."Musashi knew full well she had to go at full force now, else she would really lose her life. "Very well, I'll respond to your resolve with my own!"Virtual Machine no.2 onlineAkane's clothing disappeared into thin air as the black plates in her armor replaced it, this was a different set of armor from the one Jun saw originally, but that wouldn't be the last of things new for her "VIRTUAL MACHINE RELEASE!"-Perfect Warrior skill online--Super perfect warrior skill online-Akane's body muscled up and as her body was being healed on the fly, her eyes and hair turned silver-white. Compared to Jun's monster-like appearance, Musashi was more akin to a celestial being. This was moment Jun awaited for, One of the strongest masters in the 300-year-old history of Niten Ichi-Ryu stood right before the shattered one. The visor of her virtual machine automatically closed as she shot two modified flashbangs into the area. The visor protection allowed her to keep her movement without interruption as she dashed around looking for an opening. The ground beneath her feet violently shattered with each step as she moved around using the footwork of the Musashi, but the sound her strident steps clearly lagged behind her lightning-fast pace, resulting in an elegant walk followed by thunder.
"Kusarigamajutsu: Yasakani no Magatama!"Akane quickly tossed the weight of the kusarigama with incredible violence, this time, the mace flailed like a whip creating the illusion of being many, the frontal attack was actually aimed at her back, as the chains would shift and twist the weight at the last second. |
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Post by HungryHunter on Jan 18, 2019 4:14:28 GMT
Jun sneered when she was called a monster. “There is not a hint of monstrousness in this blade! All swords are made to draw blood!” She rushed Akane, not intending to let up the assault, but as soon as she had transformed, she fired off her flashbangs. Unaware of what they were, Jun was taken utterly off guard and blinded in an instant. She snarled in rage, staring out for Akane. She could only vaguely see the movements of the scythe in her half-blind state.
“This is fitting! I shall destroy you in your strongest form!” She rushed forward, but she didn’t run faster than the weight on the end of the chain flew. It struck her right in the back, shattering the scales that formed the rose pattern on her back. She stumbled and fell forward, just out of range of Akane. The noise of a crack, her limp body, the little shards of scales that flew into the air. It seemed for a moment that Akane had won. Jun’s hand shot out and caught her fall. She kept her momentum and pushed off with that hand to keep moving right at Akane. “Like I said... fitting that I humiliate you now.” Jun took the sword in both hands and it flashed down at Akane’s shoulder, seeking a disabling blow.
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Post by othus on Jan 21, 2019 3:31:39 GMT
Akane's eyes widened the moment Jun tried to keep going at her, what was it that fueled her so badly?!
Musashi held the chain with both hands in an attempt to block the strike of the shattered one. Sparks flew as the blade collided against the chain of the kusarigama, the force cracked the floor Akane stood on, and, after a brief moment, the chain snapped in half, with Jun's blade digging even deeper.
Disbelief. that was Akane's only expression she could fathom as she saw Jun's blade denting a shoulder plate of her virtual machine. even with the reduced momentum of the chain and the nanomachines protecting the already ultra durable Mangalloy, Jun's blade had shattered her humerus. A clean hit could have probably sliced her arm fully, as her strength was clearly a level above hers even with the perfect warrior. A jolt of pain should have surged after her bone broke, but the super perfect warrior had control over her autonomic nerves and so, she didn't feel any. Akane backed as her healing began to repair the damage, but there was no repair for neither her weapon nor her armor.
The eyes of Musashi changed, a tear ran down her cheek as she looked at Jun with red eyes.
"I'm sorry, Jun-Li, but I refuse to die here. I...have someone awaiting my return!"
Akane lifted her hand into the air as she spoke with determination.
"Come forth, Spear of Heroes!"
Akane's visor was turned into a sealed helmet the moment she called for her weapon. A meteoric red spear slowly materialized onto the hands of the Perfected Musashi warrior.
The moment Akane grabbed hold of it, the entire meadow dried up, creating a zone akin to a hot summer in the desert, the leaves and plants died as the temperature kept rising
"Roar! Saisho no honō, Próti Flóga!!!"
Akane sliced against the ground, the red metal of the spear peeled off revealing a golden flame that intertwined with Akane's white Ki, creating an ever brighter blaze.
Soon, who had been watching from a safe distance immediately took flight, leaving the meadow altogether and observing from even further away, she couldn't stop them now. Perhaps Ann or Tenjin should have tagged along...
"This is all of my power! should I die, it will be without regrets!"
Akane had used her trump card, she had reserved this weapon especially for Z, but things had escalated far beyond her expectations.
*Callis, lend me your strength*
Akane positioned herself with the spear facing Jun, allowing the shattered one to also take her time in order to use her maximum strength, she wanted Jun at full power, but also, she wanted to have more time to heal her fracture.
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Post by HungryHunter on Jan 22, 2019 1:18:06 GMT
Despite the damage Jun inflicted, she looked miserable. “No, no, no… it wasn't enough!” She needed to draw blood! She tried to wipe more blood from her nose on the sword, but it had mostly dried and was drying quicker in the heat of Akane’s new spear. The greatsword lost its glow and folded back into a useless, oversized wedge of steel. Jun nearly toppled, and dropped the massive weight. The heat wore at her soul, smouldering trails of smoke coming off of every blade of grass. “I did not seek to kill you! I will only, Akane, tear you apart and make you acknowledge my superiority!” She stopped hovering, her power from the vampiric sword gone.
“So I studied harder than I ever had before. I found men and women not of the sword but of the fist. And through their guidance, I have forged my own art! Glass devil style!” Akane’s flames reflecting off every scale, Jun lunged into range, first thrusting her hand like a spear to stab her fingers into Akane’s abdomen, then slashing at her torso with her other arm. She had been reduced to her own strength only, but her natural weapons were sharper than any sword she could have swung. |
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Post by othus on Jan 22, 2019 14:15:37 GMT
"Your hate...your struggle, I will take it all in!"
Akane readied herself as Jun lunged forward, she had saved a final surprise for the shattered one, something that she could effectively use just once in order to achieve victory
-Mushin-
The speed of Musashi multiplied a hundredfold as she rushed towards her armored foe, she took the hand trust with her body, coughing blood as she looked at Jun with rage, she clenched her muscles making sure Jun wouldn't escape now. this was the last time she would be able to use Mushin, so it was imperative to make the most out of it.
*You may abandon your own body but you must preserve your honor*
The words of Miyamoto resounded in her head as she took Jun's second strike with her arm, the sound of the shattered one's arm blade cutting through Akane's armor resounded on the entire forest, her arm was completely severed off from her body, creating a spurt of blood that was being held back only by Akane's determination, she clenched her muscles yet again in order to stop the bleeding, this could have very well been lethal, but to Akane the sacrifice was well worth it as she had managed to get close enough to make her move. She thrust her spear onto the nick of the crystal scales, not because she would be able to pierce through, but because the moment the speartip shattered, a massive explosion would engulf both. Akane looked at her torn out body for a second but paid no mind to it, she had sacrificed it in order to secure victory!
"BIG FUCKING DEAL! YOU MAY TEAR MY BODY APPART, BUT YOU WILL NEVER MAKE ME BOW!"
Akane roared as she attacked with speed far beyond the human limitations, this was her final strike, suicidal perhaps, but the honor of her family was more important than her life.
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Post by HungryHunter on Jan 22, 2019 22:33:44 GMT
How many hours had she trained her body, honed this style? It had to measure in the hundreds. For it to pay off so swiftly, she had not anticipated. She hesitated for a moment as the blood splattered her. That wasn’t right. It wasn’t supposed to be easy. “Akane?” She asked in confusion right before she felt the spear fix itself against her stomach. It was a split second splitting, burning pain, blind and deaf to anything but fire, and then she landed hard on her back. Shards of her scales rained down around her in a glassy shower.
Flames surrounded her face in a halo, hair and clothes burning where her scaled body could not. Her abdomen screamed when she tried to lean up, shards of her own scales digging deeper into her flesh. Beneath them, her ribs did the same, broken just as much as her scales. “Jun, we have lost. This time, your scales and ribcage took the force. Next time, it shall be your organs.” The Shattered One tried to take control and keep her down, but Jun forced herself to her feet.
“If she can fight with one arm, I can fight with a broken body!” Jun roared, staggering forward. She could only see Akane, framed in her own flames. Heat coursed through her, already nearly overwhelming. It had nowhere to go, every scale sealing her skin from contact with the air. Much slower than before and with barely any of the finesse she had displayed before, she swiped at Akane’s chest, nearly toppling from her own force. There was no Glass Devil style anymore, just a broken woman’s last swipes amongst the flames.
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Post by othus on Jan 22, 2019 23:16:09 GMT
Akane came out of the flames, her full face helmet had been shattered and some of the plates on her armor were blown away by the blast, she had calculated the damage wrongly, the tantalum carbide coating on her armor refracted most of the heat and the nanites dispersed much of the shockwave, but still, the damage she took was all too much, Jun's attacks clearly exceeded her perfect warrior's regen capabilities.
Akane extended her arm and proceeded to use her blade as a cane to stand up. Musashi panted and had blurry vision. Upon looking at her foe, she knew this fight was at its end, the shattered one clumsily swiped at her chest but Akane parried with her blade, sending the blow to the side. She gave a battle cry as she tossed her blade aside and lounged towards Jun, aiming to punch her until she managed to knock her out unconscious, her momentum was suddenly stopped as if someone was gripping her from the arm.
"That's enough, Akane"- Soon said as she held her with her powers, the esper was now using her virtual machine, she couldn't witness this fight any longer.
"WHAT...ARE YOU...DOING?! THE FIGHT...IS...NOT OVER YET!"- Musashi replied as she fruitlessly struggled against the force of the esper, she could only fear Jun would get back up again.
"The fight is over Akane! aren't you satisfied?!!"
Akane went down on her knees as tears came out of her face, she never intended to escalate things to that level. She looked at Jun and then back at her body, what was the purpose of all this?
"Soon...you need to help her...I...will wait"
"You two went too far...After doing the first aids I'm taking you two back to the castle, my machine is not enough."
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Post by HungryHunter on Jan 24, 2019 7:15:51 GMT
Jun lurched when her swipe was deflected. Her legs weren’t under her like they were supposed to be and she dropped. This time she did not rise. Drowning in flame but burning in rage, Jun fell unconscious.
Musashi Castle-Healing Center The Healing area of the castle was minuscule compared to the actual Health center of the Musashi Lands , however, the 5 machines in that room were the best of the best. Each of the machines were equipped with technology that could rival that of a virtual machine, the capsule-like facilities worked like a team of surgeons 24/7 with perfect precision, with Akane’s godly cells in her body, her restoration was swift, and within 48 hours she was conscious already. Akane opened her eyes and the capsule turned into a bed, deeming the Musashi fully healed. She turned her sight towards what had been her severed arm only to find it reattached back again, Akane opened her hand and moved it in front of her face, the duel had been almost like a bad dream. She got up still feeling slight pain on her abdomen only to see Mai and Ann asleep in a corner. *they spent the night here?* Ann woke up only to see Akane fully incorporated, her eyes shone as she ran to embrace her “Thank god you are awake! What were you thinking?! Who is that girl?!”- The virtual warrior said as she pointed at the pod next to hers, Akane walked towards it only to see Jun fully restored as well. She smiled as she replied to Ann. “She...she is a precious friend of mine” Mai, who was sleeping on the corner finally woke up as well from the noise, The Musashi frowned when she saw her sister so nonchalantly standing after her surgery. She walked towards Akane and slapped her on the face, there was not a trace of her usual monster-like strength, but to Akane, that had hurt in other ways. “Don’t you ever fucking do that again, and be glad i’m letting her live after what she did to you” Mai wiped a single tear off her face as she stormed out of the place. Ann quickly pursued Mai as she called for her name repeatedly. Jun’s eyes fluttered open. The agony she felt only moments ago had faded to a raw ache in her chest and mere bump on her back. Her spine tightened, trying to pull her upright, but she just smacked her head on the top of the capsule that contained her. She flopped back, forced to take in her surroundings. This was not the meadow she had collapsed in. This horrifically skintight suit wasn’t what she was wearing a moment before. Some raw skin and a sore torso weren’t the limits of her injury. So Akane had taken her elsewhere… for healing? She hated the pangs of gratitude in her heart, but they must be repaid. She shoved the capsule open and vaulted out, spotting her rival right before her. Their similar dress drove her briefly to irritation again. The vast gulf between their appearances was made only more apparent in this state. But that wasn’t what was important now. “Akane Musashi, I concede your victory.” She bowed low, back stiff as a broom handle. Akane grabbed Jun by the shoulders as she proceeded to hug her, it was almost like a relief, to see she was fine as well. “Stop. It was no victory, Jun, the fight could have gone either way”- she finally let go of the hug as she looked at her. “I don’t know what drove you to fighting me, but I can tell you I never meant to wrong you! As far as I’m concerned, our duel was a tie. There is no way I wouldn't see you as my equal after that” Jun bristled when hugged. “That… was not a tie.” The image of her sword bouncing failing to pierce Akane’s armor flashed in her mind. “However, this is indeed over. You are the victor.” Jun pushed Akane’s arm aside, rejecting the embrace. Akane backed away when Jun pushed her away, she closed her eyes and sighed when she told her she was the victor. As much as she wanted to make things right, Jun was giving no ground to her. “It seems we don’t see eye to eye here. Honestly being the victor of a duel I never wanted to have gives me no pleasure. I’m happy you are well and, if we both are lucky, I’ll never bother you again in the future.” “Take pleasure in it, Akane. Enjoy all things you win, every bit of success. Every coin that fills your coffers should bring joy to your heart.” Jun looked at her surroundings, realizing Akane did not want for money, to a degree that put herself to shame. Her head felt heavy, but she held it high. “Lead me to my things and I will remove this blemish on your perfect life.” Her voice cracked for a moment speaking, but she didn’t flinch. “I’m not sure where your things are, most likely they were lost in the fire” Akane looked away for a second and then looked back at her. The medical suits weren’t suited for going outside. “I’ll pay for the damages, and get you some new clothing. Going outside like this is inappropriate.” Akane walked towards the exit of the medical center, almost forgetting she herself was wearing the same thing. She pushed some buttons on the door as she set the order for their clothing. Without looking at Jun, Akane said with a straight tone. “Blemish...don’t call yourself that ever again. Even after all that has happened, I consider you my friend, and each one of them is more valuable than gold to me.” “I don’t know how you could mistake me for your friend, Akane.” Was all Jun said. She pulled a curtain between them, changed into the singed dress brought to her, and left, led off of the Musashi estate by the attendants that waited outside.
“I’m sorry! I went ahead and did something reckless...after all the times I scolded you...” Akane said to her sister as she bowed, Mai lifted a brow as she looked at her. “Whatever, honestly, that was one dumb thing to do, what were you thinking when you accepted that duel? Beat the crap out of her and then have her become your friend? I saw the footage, what the fuck was that?! Did you get weaker or something?” Akane simply looked to the side, a brief silence was made as she thought what to say. “Niten Ichi-Ryu is made for killing...and, her abilities made my blades useless, I never thought I was gonna end up putting my life on the line against her!” “You don’t need friends like her, sister. You might think you see something on her that reminds you of yourself, but let me be frank. She is nothing like you. You two are from entirely different worlds.” “W-what do you mean?” Akane replied with hesitation “Should i really spell it out? Look, your life has been so good, not even I can relate. I don’t envy you, cause who the fuck wants to be in the spotlight all the time, but seriously, that girl is fucking damaged. You, on the other hand, had Dad’s attention, the council, status, friends, money, and even a nice boyfriend. You can keep being a condescending fuck all you want towards others, but don’t go wondering why people don’t like you ok?” “But I…” “Just save it, and be glad you won that duel, god knows what would have happened if she had won and decided to tell the world. Do you just have any idea of how that could have damaged our reputation? Act like the slayer you are, so that I can keep doing whatever I want, that’s your job, so do it well. Oh and by the way, If I ever see anyone putting you through this, I’m not letting that person walk away, she deserved death and nothing more, now, get out of my room” Akane couldn’t do anything but leave at that point, she had embarrassed herself, her family and her friends by accepting that duel, and for what purpose? Jun was gone, and she never considered her anything more than a nuisance. Winning such a ridiculous duel for nothing, she never stopped to think how her family would feel about it. There was a limit as to how self centered she could be. Akane decided she would deal with the emotional struggle on her own. Neither Ann nor Callis deserved to be bothered with such a thing. Sleepless nights would follow the Musashi for the following days...
Jun entered her penthouse. Her dress stank of smoke, so she threw it aside on her way to her bedroom, replacing it with pajamas she had left on the floor days ago. She flopped onto the bed and rolled over, staring at the dark ceiling. Her eyes didn’t close except to blink. There wasn’t a bit of sleep in her body after her time in the pod, but neither could she rise to clean herself, to eat, to do anything but breathe and think. Completely unbidden, tears began to flow from her eyes. “What do we do now!?” She sobbed, crossing her arm over her eyes like it would block the tears. “What do you mean? It seems clear. We continue to perform our tasks and seek my palace. A duty you have neglected over this past year, I should note.” The Shattered One responded. “I don’t mean- I wouldn’t expect you to get it.” Jun hissed through her teeth, and all was silent. “...I’m sorry. It’s just, I suppose it is a human thing.” Jun whispered, still hiding behind her arm. “I understand then.” The Shattered One, who did not understand anything, said. “So is my plan of action not acceptable to you?” It asked. “...yes. I cannot let you go while the Akiyamas live.” Jun’s fists clenched. “Jun…” The Shattered One was about to speak, but something was changing. Jun sat up, strength in her form again. “Everything I did wasn’t even enough for Akane! To slay Hachiro… I will find a way!” The fire in her was redoubled, and the Shattered One trembled. “That’s the only way to move forward… we get him, then I find your palace. Don’t worry, Shattered One. Don’t worry…” She grabbed her phone and began scrolling the BHA message board for jobs to hone her blade and skills further. The Shattered One resignedly settled back in her skull. Were all humans like this, or had he simply picked a troublesome host? Perhaps it was nearing time that he should simply seize control. |
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