Shadowed Footprints

 

Ice And Thunder

 

Sorry it’s taken so long for me to upload with the site reconstruction and everything. My computer keeps dying or as Becca puts it ‘Being infested by Satan.’ There was an error I spotted in the last chapter where I wrote Methis instead of Lethes. I must have been half asleep but I think it’s fixed now. If not, mention it and I’ll try and fix the damn thing. Enough talk. The next chapter is at hand. Oh yeah, I don’t own Miyu, Larva, blah blah blah blah blah………

 

*   *   * 

 

Larva watched in admiration and disbelief as the small form of Miyu crouched upon the cold stone floor now rose to her feet. She was scratched and bruised but still resolute. Ranka stood, unblinking as Miyu held out her hand, palm-up and glared at her opponent. Larva wondered why Ranka did not respond and feared she was saving something nasty for Miyu. He again tried to rip himself from the light strings grasp but to no avail.

 

“My time is not finished,” Miyu repeated, her voice barely a hiss. “Behold my fire!” An angry red flame burst into life casting a flickering light about the room. He saw the pale blue flowers contract at the light and close their buds. Miyu did not move, but her eyes were burning. “Now feel my anger!” Her hand flew forwards, throwing the flame at the geisha woman.

 

As the flames rushed forwards like a violet snake Ranka raised her hand and clicked her fingers. The great fire that had once been now shimmered and died. Miyu face dropped in horror as the flames crackled on the stone floor out of life. Ranka looked up, but now her eyes were smiling. She waved her hands and the strings of light also vanished, dropping Larva and Satsu lightly to the floor.

 

Satsu instantly ran towards Miyu but Larva was there before her. Throwing his arms round her he hushed her into silence. He could feel her trembling as her thoughts conflicted as she mused over what had just occurred. Giving up, Miyu let out a small sob and let herself be shielded by the warm folds of Larva’s robe. Satsu had drawn her heavy sword and now held it before her menacingly.

 

“Explain to me what just happened,” she snapped at Ranka.

 

“Miyu has passed the test,” Ranka whispered. Her glassy eyes had not left Miyu.

 

“Don’t give me your damn riddles!” Satsu shouted, aggravated. Ranka merely smiled, undaunted by the huge blade wielded before her.

 

“It is Miyu’s choice if she wishes to explain,” Ranka replied softly, moving backwards and seating herself at the koto. She strummed a few chords absently. The notes echoed against the flower-laden walls. “Miyu understands, so therefore she will tell all, if that is her choice.”

 

Satsu scowled, not fully understanding but lowered her sword. It seemed Lady Ranka’s words had unsettled her. Ranka laughed quietly at their discontent and rose to her feet once more.

 

“Now that I have spoken to Miyu, I wish to exchange brief words with those accompanying her.” Ranka gestured to a small, stone side room accessed through a small arched door to the left of the room.

 

“You will wish to speak with me?” Satsu asked. She turned to glance at Larva smiled nastily. “The spare is just a hostage.” Larva scowled but did not bother to pick a fight whilst cradling Miyu. He stared down at the girl in his arms. Why was he feeling compassion for the one he was meant to be returning to the palace? His brother’s lives depended on it and yet he felt some reluctance to take her back to what aggrieved her life so much.

 

“Actually,” he heard Ranka say. “I wish to speak with your Larva first.”

 

“What?” Satsu spluttered but did not complain. She stalked over to Larva and took Miyu from his arms. He felt pained to let her go but then followed Ranka obediently from the room.

 

*   *   *

 

The side room was much like the entrance hallway, just with a lower ceiling and lit by the same blue flowers. Ranka followed him through the door and then closed it behind her. Larva felt apprehensive at the idea of being alone in a room with a woman who had nearly lynched Miyu but focussed his thoughts. Ranka approached him and by the pale blue light studied his face.

 

“I say,” Ranka whispered. “You are beautiful.” Larva felt himself bristle but knew the words did not quite mean what he thought. Ranka’s eyes continued to study his face while she spoke. “I am in no doubt you have a lot of female admirers.” Larva didn’t answer. Ranka chuckled to herself. “Many men would consider themselves blessed to have the face you possess and yet,” she paused thoughtfully. “Women are not what you desire.”

 

“No,” Larva murmured, feeling he needed to say at least something.

 

“Yet you care for Miyu?” Ranka commented. Larva was lost for a response. “Larva, you have committed yourself to her.” Larva was caught in the full strength of Ranka’s stare. “You must help her. She is the fire goddess and you will protect her. Along your route you will suffer pains and losses, but you will find something far more precious. Here.” Larva looked down to find Ranka holding a white mask with a definite macabre feel to it. And yet he was not repelled. He lifted it to his face and found it sat upon his features perfectly. “This is your bond,” Ranka’s words interrupted his train of thought, “to Miyu. Wear this mask when in large crowds so not to draw attention to yourself. Remember, these are your words of wisdom and yours alone to share. I bid thee luck, Larva.” Ranka bowed slightly and Larva knew it was the end of the meeting. He turned to leave through the door.

 

*   *   *

 

Satsu stood outside with Miyu leaning against one shoulder. Her eyes had reopened but she still looked unsure. Satsu kept stroking her hair and murmuring words of comfort. Miyu smiled as Larva came out and tried to stand straight.

 

“Damn this,” she muttered, steadying herself. “I am so weak. Satsu has agreed to give me fencing lessons.” Satsu rolled her eyes and leant Miyu against Larva, who felt like a lamppost.

 

“I suppose that woman wants to see me,” Satsu muttered and marched out of the room. Larva watched her leave and then turned back to Miyu who was now attempting to walk.

 

“You seem so ashamed of failing,” he commented as Miyu tripped and caught herself.

 

“I want to prove I can be independent,” Miyu replied staggering back to Larva. Larva had once again removed his mask so now Miyu could stare freely at his true face. “Larva, my flame frightens me. I do not quite understand what is happening. Or I do understand, but don’t want to. That doesn’t make sense, does it?”

 

“I believe I understand,” Larva replied and pulled an arm round her. “But you must know I will protect you.” Miyu looked queerly up at him.

 

“Really? I thought your main mission was to return me to the palace.”

 

“I now have a new mission,” Larva replied, holding her tight. “I will guard your life.”

 

Miyu hovered in his embrace, a blush returning. She in a way wanted to remain in his grasp forever. But then she remembered how the servants at the palace had waited on her and she had felt useless. A spark of defiance rose within. She moved out of his grasp and stared up at him levelly.

 

“Larva, I know you are strong and I am flattered that you care about my safety but………” she paused at his confused face. “I can care for myself.” She quickly turned and hurried away back to the entrance hall.

 

Larva watched her leave, rather surprised at what had just happened. She may be a fire goddess with a temper to match her flame, but she was not yet strong enough to protect herself. He shook his head and placed his mask back on. He couldn’t abide women. If they weren’t falling all over him in love struck trances they were taking him hostage and giving him the cold shoulder. There was a heavy creak and the door to the side chamber opened and a rather pale looking Satsu stumbled out.

 

“Are you feeling well?” Larva asked mildly, not feeling sympathy for the opposite sex. Satsu swore at him and pushed past after Miyu. Larva shrugged, smiling at the thief’s anger under his mask and followed them out.

 

*   *   *

 

Miyu was quiet as Larva and Satsu appeared behind her. She felt slight guilt for rejecting Larva’s offer to help, but she was determined to be independent after a life of being waited on hand and foot at the palace. She could tell Satsu was feeling more spiteful after the meeting and Larva’s emotions were hidden behind an expressionless mask. She wanted to ask why Ranka had given him such a gift - she supposed it was a gift, how else could he have got it? -  But right then she felt too uncomfortable to talk to him so she looked away to see Ichiro running towards them, a blue flower sitting in a gothic lantern swinging from his hand.

 

“I’ll escort you from the wood,” he puffed as he arrived beside them. “I believe Lady Ranka has explained all.”

 

“Pretty much,” Satsu croaked. The colour had not returned to her cheeks. “But we do not have a destination. Or we did, but it seems to have been erased due to the recent events.” She trailed off.

 

“Find Reiha,” Miyu murmured.

 

“Why?” Satsu moaned tiredly. “We don’t even know what she looks like. Why do we need to go chasing after someone we’ve never heard of?”

 

“Because I was told to,” Miyu replied quietly.

 

“By who?” Satsu snarled in reply. Larva could see a small argument brewing. He looked at Miyu who wore an expression of agitation.

 

“I believe Miyu does not feel it is time to tell us yet,” he said.

 

“No one asked you, hostage,” Satsu retorted, turning to him angrily. “You’re lucky we haven’t tied you up and dragged you all the way up to now.” Despite her grumbles, Satsu ceased all complaint. Ichiro glanced about questioningly before turning and setting off at a sprint, calling to them. Miyu sighed and her shoulders sagged. Another painful chase through the forest. She was grateful for Larva pulling her out of a tricky situation but she wouldn’t mention it.

 

*   *   *

 

Ichiro left them at the roadside on the other side of the forest and by then they were tired and deprived of supplies.

 

“Lucky for you,” Ichiro instructed them before departing, “I know for sure that the village of Daie is only half a mile from here. Just keep following the road and you’ll pass right through it.”

 

“Praise be to the gods,” Satsu sighed, enjoying the sunlight after the impending darkness of the forest. Miyu smiled to herself. She knew what Satsu was thinking. A small village may not be full of riches but it was time for the legendary thief to put her skills to use. Miyu didn’t approve, but she wouldn’t stop Satsu. Chisato had tried on numerous occasions and it hadn’t worked. Larva yet again kept his stoic demeanour about him. They set off along the dusty track, each mulling over what Lady Ranka had told them.

 

*   *   *

 

The village of Daie was small but busy. It was made up of little houses surrounding a square with branches of farming land surrounding the area and filling the space. Stalls with brightly coloured tents filled with many fruits and other trinkets had been set up in the cobbled square and all the inhabitants were out buying their groceries. Miyu wandered among the crowds, glad she no longer had to worry about anyone recognising her. Larva followed her closely, watching for any thieves. Satsu had slipped away, probably to rob something and then cause a commotion. It was her favourite game, steal something valuable, get it out of sight and then leave a small clue and have the whole town in an uproar. Usually she left a small piece of silk to symbolise the Shadow Thief.

 

Miyu smiled at the thought when suddenly a man threw himself in front of her and began begging her to buy some of his charms. She tried to explain that she did not have any money when the man suddenly propelled himself at her, catching her arms and breathing in her face.

 

“Money is not the only currency I except,” he drawled.

 

Miyu was disgusted and horrified, twisting away. She wanted to summon her flame but then she feared she would have the entire village after her. Small villages were always swarming with superstition and witch and demon sendings were still common. She tried to pull away again but the man’s grip was too strong. He grinned at the thought of having a lone defenceless girl at his mercy. Suddenly something round and hard connected with the sound of hammer on stone. The man let go and staggered, glancing about with his good eye for the source of the attack. A foot then collided with his stomach and he fell to the ground and he looked up to see a tall man standing above him, red eyes flaming and pale hands balled into fists. Miyu stood a few paces away, shaking.

 

“Never come near her again,” Larva snarled. The man nodded terrified and then rose quickly and disappeared through the crowd that had formed. Fights were rare in the village of Daie. “Miyu,” Larva turned caringly. “Are you alright?”

 

Miyu didn’t move, her eyes burning. Why didn’t she defend herself? She turned and fled through the crowd, wanting to be alone.

 

“Miyu!” Larva called after her, but she had vanished. He sighed and pushed after her. No women tried to stop him. The mask had to be working.

 

*   *   *

 

The spot was quiet and secluded, just outside the village. It was a grassy slope running smoothly down into fields of hay dented with apple trees cropping up so often. In the distance a blood red sun sank slowly beneath the silhouette of mountains and bathed the lands in an orange glow. Miyu sat at the trunk of a tree, knees brought up to her chest in a protective huddle. Her right hand hung down by her side and a small flame flickered hesitantly in the centre of her palm. She watched the setting sun with golden eyes and then glanced down at her own fire. Her flame seemed so pitiful compared to the sun’s great glowing orb. Would I give up? Miyu asked herself. No, I would never fail my mother.

 

“Mother,” Miyu whispered sadly. “I can’t do this.”

 

Her flame extinguished itself at that thought. She leant back against the trunk and twined her fingers through her hair. Was she being unfair on Larva? He only wished to help. No, she would fend for herself. A shadow passed over her. She clenched her fist. Starting from now.

 

Miyu swung round, hand outstretched and sent a spiral of fire towards her target. The man screeched and tried to bat the fire from his black clothes. For a moment Miyu thought in horror it was Larva but then realised that this man was only half the height and his face was wrapped in black cloth except for a single slit for the eyes. Finally he turned, his clothes singed but generally unharmed.

 

“You it is you,” he grinned, or Miyu supposed he was grinning, triumphantly. “Lethes awaits you!”

 

He snapped his fingers and instantly Miyu felt herself taught with an electric pain. Lethes? Now she remembered, her brother, Lord of Thunder. She tried to writhe away but the current held her fast. Slowly she raised her hand still pinned to her side and summoned and fireball. The assailant had only two seconds to realise what was happening when he was yet again engulfed in fire. Only these flames did not just singe his clothes. These were flames of anger and they burnt deep into his flesh. The man writhed and howled but would not die quietly.

 

“No, I will not fail you, Lethes!” he shrieked and raised his hand to perform a death spell. He muttered, his eyes wild and the incantation grew, as did the sparks in his right hand. Miyu tried desperately to break her bonds but now she was held fast.

 

So this was the end, she thought numbly. To be picked off by a disciple of her jealous brother.

 

She could not fight. Could not run.

 

As the spell became ready Miyu prepared herself to embrace death.

 

There was a swipe and spatter of blood. Miyu reopened her eyes to see the man rigid, his arm raised but no hand at the end, only a gored stump. The hand now lay limp in the grass. Slowly her attacker fell to his knees and his murderer stared blankly down at his corpse. Larva kicked the body out the way.  Miyu stared angrily at him. She tried to hold the expression. Tried………

 

It was no use; Larva’s expressionless mask of duty could not keep her infuriated for long. He bought his pale hands up to his face and removed the mask. Underneath, his features were furrowed.

 

“I apologise,” he said, turning away. “That was your victim.” He began to walk away but stopped as Miyu arms threw themselves round his waste.

 

“No,” she whispered, pressing her forehead into the small of his back. “It is I who apologise.” There was silence. No words were needed to be exchanged. Miyu felt at piece as she rested against his back. She felt his long fingers curl round her hands and smiled.

 

“I was worried I had come too late.” Larva broke the silence.

 

“No,” Miyu said again. “Your timing was flawless.” Larva turned, his fingers holding her chin. Miyu leant in against his chest and breathed out. Larva smiled as the fire goddess released her sorrow. She brought one of his hands up to her face and pressed it against her cheek. “Larva.” He looked down. “You have my consent to be my guardian.” There was a pause, and then, “No. I want you to be my guardian.”

 

Larva squeezed her fingers in a silent confirmation.

 

*   *   *

 

Far away, perched on a village roof with a bag of stolen apples clutched in one hand, Satsu watched the two holding each other and took another bite out of a half eaten apple. She envied them in a way. She leant on one elbow and fished a bit of silk out of her pocket, dropping it lightly on the windowsill.

 

Satsu had never loved anyone, not that she hadn’t tried. A number of men had interested her on first impressions, but then they’d end up being loud and constantly drunk, or thick and out of work, or a fine man who suddenly proclaims he is a guard.

 

Yes, Satsu mused tossing her apple from one hand to the other. Her profession always got in the way of her love life, and then her mother had told her so often that men were unreliable and bound to break your heart, so the prospect of falling in love had left her.

 

Yet this picture of trust before her stirred something within the thief’s hard heart.

 

*   *   *

 

The next morning………

 

Miyu rose from the hard futon and blinked in the bright morning light filtering through the shutter slits. They had rented out two separate rooms; mainly because Satsu refused to sleep in the same room as her hostage and still kept at the notion ‘he’ll nab Miyu while we sleep’. Miyu looked across the room to see Satsu sitting in the corner checking through all her weapons. She wore a sombre expression as she flicked each knife experimentally before plunging them back into the depths of her travelling coat.

 

“Hey,” Miyu called softly. “Are you okay?”

 

Satsu nodded. “You’re awake. Shall we go to breakfast?”

 

“What about Larva?”

 

Satsu shot her an irritated glance. “I think Larva can escort himself to breakfast, Miyu.”

 

“I’m sorry,” Miyu shrugged, rising from her bed.

 

She recalled last night, wandering back into the square with Larva to meet Satsu. He had been especially quiet and she wondered if he had forgotten the time under the apple tree. Satsu had gone to bed early, a sign that meant she was in a bad mood and Miyu and Larva had been left alone in the bar. The conversation became slightly more comfortable. Larva did not say much about himself; he was more of a listener so Miyu described the inside of the palace to him in great detail and then moved onto the secret routes she used to get into the slaves quarters. All she had learnt about Larva was that a rich lord had adopted him along with his two brothers, Lemures and Spartoi. She asked if he missed them and the response was ‘greatly’. Finally the hours became late so Larva escorted her to her room. She was disappointed that the evening had gone so quickly but then had taken her hand and kissed it softly and formally before turning to his room. Miyu had stared at the patch of skin his smooth lips had touched. That night she had slept with a faint smile upon her lips.

 

She turned to find her white kimono and red obi laid out neatly on the floor. Miyu hastened to put them on and then waited until Satsu agreed they could go. As they descended down the stairs to the bar Miyu realised that it was only two days ago she had escaped from the palace. It felt like much longer. She wondered how Chisato was coping, and whether her father actually cared that she had vanished.

 

The bar was smoky, much like the one at the Moonwhistle Inn except less crowded. She immediately spotted Larva’s tall profile sitting at the bar counter on a stool. He had removed his mask and was currently trying to ignore an infatuated barmaid. She smirked to herself and pushed over to him. As she pulled up a stool next to Larva Miyu could tell that he was glad of their arrival. The barmaid gave a disappointed last look at Larva before turning to serve her other neglected customers.

 

“Down here first thing and the hostage instantly starts taking advantage of poor young girls,” Satsu sulked sitting deliberately two chairs away from Larva. Larva was about to reply when Miyu firmly shook her head and mouthed ‘not in good mood’ to him. He nodded and turned back to his beverage that had been spilt over the counter, seeing as the barmaid had been concentrating more on him than the drink. Miyu ordered a fruit juice and then turned back to Larva who had been watching her with a muted expression.

 

“So, where do we set off to?” Miyu asked. She already knew they were travelling to Genawa but she felt she needed to pick up a conversation.

 

“The town of Genawa,” Larva replied, eyes still watching her. “From what I heard-”

 

“Whilst you were eavesdropping at her door,” Satsu finished ominously. Miyu saw Larva trying to ignore Satsu’s icy comments.

 

“Satsu, leave the hostage alone,” Miyu grinned as Larva rolled his eyes and took another swig of beer.

 

Satsu was about to reply when the door burst open from behind letting in a chilly breeze. A man stood in the doorway; shoulders sagging as though out of breath.

 

“She’s back,” he panted. Several people leapt to their feet.

 

“Where?”

 

“North of the village. Quick, we may be able to nab her this time!” The man turned and jogged off to the next house to give the strange news. A large group of men rushed out after him.

 

“What is happening?” Miyu shouted over the chaos. The barmaid turned and replied in a loud voice.

 

“A strange lass has been appearing lately at strange intervals. She must be demon of something because everywhere she goes something of someone gets frozen. We call her the Ice Maiden and ever since Go Narita’s son got frozen he’s offered over 500 gil to anyone who catches her. My husbands out 24/7 because of this damn gel. Hey, where you going?”

 

Miyu was already heading towards the door, Satsu and Larva close at her heels.

 

“Miyu?” Satsu demanded as they entered the sunlit square. “What’s going on? I’d like an explanation.”

 

“Reiha has come,” Miyu murmured, eyes scanning the area. “She has come and is calling me, and it is my duty to answer.”

 

“Miyu,” Satsu growled. “You’re talking like that damn Ranka. I want sense, not mumbled garbage.” Larva hesitated, wondering whether to strike her for ordering Miyu, but decided against it. Satsu was a lethal fighter and he did not want her as an opponent.

 

“My mother asked me to find her,” Miyu answered and then set off at a run.

 

“What?” Satsu yelled following her. “Her mom?”

 

She got no reply.

 

*   *   *

 

A great throng of villagers had formed at the outskirts of Daie. They were staring up at a girl, perched atop a rock just out of reach. Some of them yelled obscenities; others just shook fists or weapons. Miyu saw her from afar, a short girl, shorter than Satsu with snow-white skin and hair black short hair tied in loose pigtails. A blue symbol was etched clearly upon the skin of her forehead and she wore a long white kimono.

 

“Demon!” a man shouted from the crowd. “No longer shall you bring us ill fortune.”

 

“Foolish humans,” her voice rang high and clear. “Always meddling in others business.” She glanced up and Miyu saw her chilly eyes widen slightly as she caught sight of her. Looking down at the mob, she smiled. A few men backed off. “Those who are wise will leave us,” she said darkly. “Those who remain will now understand the meaning of winter chills.” Many men turned and edged away whilst some stood resolute and determined. “My, my,” the ice maiden sighed, “you fools are persistent. A lesson.” She raised a hand. “Do not meddle with the gods.”

 

An icy torrent streamed from her fingers, catching the villagers with its wrath. The ice former quickly upon their frightened faces and petrified bodies. Soon only cold statues of the villagers remained.

 

“Reiha!” Miyu stopped before her, anger burning.

 

“Who calls my name?” Reiha turned to Miyu quizzically. “Ah, sister. We meet at last.”

 

“You two are sisters?” Satsu exclaimed, astounded.

 

“Reiha, why did you steal the lives of those innocent people?” Miyu shouted.

 

“I gave them a chance to live, but yet again humans prove to be weak. I am a god,” she laughed mirthlessly. “I am merciful for a god. If a god spares all the humans who get in their way, then they are just weak.” Miyu scowled at her. She had a feeling that she and Reiha were going to have many disagreements. She felt Larva standing closely behind her and was provided with confidence due to his closeness.

 

“Mother sent me to find you.”

 

“Yes, mother also came to me. She said I would find you and we are to go put Lethes in his place?” Reiha smiled to herself. “Lethes is our big brother and has become strong in his elements. I believe he discovered a legend long ago that has driven him to do some drastic things. He has become very powerful and I do not think I could defeat him alone.”

 

“I would assist you,” Miyu added.

 

“Ha!” Reiha laughed sharply. “You? You have only just discovered your element, little sister. You would only slow me down.”

 

Miyu scowled. “If I am so useless then why did mother summon me?” she shouted.

 

“Mother needs all the allies she can retrieve to stop Lethes. I believe just finding me was your test. Well, you have met me here now so you can go home and come back when you are stronger. I will summon brother Quenta and we will bring some sense to Lethes. We will inform you of our victory later.”

 

Miyu’s teeth clenched. A flame sparked into life. Reiha smiled amused and gazed down at her little sister.

 

“Do you want to fight me?” she laughed. “You will not win. I can tell you.”

 

“Enough!” Miyu snapped, looking up. “I will not be ridiculed!” She cast her flame forth, waiting for the cry of horror, but it did not come. Reiha had vanished. Miyu turned and only leapt away in time as a shower of icicles pierced the ground where she stood. Reiha lowered her hand.

 

“Not bad. You are agile but I was going easy on you. Miyu, I will not travel with you. That is final. However, I will not prevent you from following me to Lethes. I believe he lives high in a mountain of darkness. It’s whereabouts I am not sure of but I will leave it to you to find out. All I can say is go west.” Reiha turned away and began to vanish. Just before leaving completely she added, “Miyu, next time I see you I will expect a proper opponent.” Then she was gone.

 

Miyu bowed her head in frustration and felt two arms wrapped round her body. She slightly cheered up at Larva’s act of warmth and leant back in his arms.

 

“Opponent?” she said to his mask. “I wanted her as an ally, not an enemy.” Larva stroked her cheek and placed his hands over her eyes so she could relax in darkness.

 

“Hey,” Satsu called and her voice no longer sounded sharp, but forlorn. “Can we get going?”

 

Miyu nodded, her face still hidden in Larva’s hands. His touch soothed her thoughts and she focussed.

 

“We head west.”

 

*   *   *

 

The evening came quickly and they three sat down in an overgrown field of grass under they rapidly darkening sky streaked with red and pink. They had managed after a while to get a fire going and Miyu huddled closer to the warming flame. Larva had removed his mask seeing as there were no infatuated females in sight. Satsu yawned and removed her long coat to reveal a short tunic underneath. There was a sound of many blades and other weapons clinking together as she set the garment on the ground. Miyu smiled and glanced at Satsu, who had now picked up a rock and was sharpening her long sword. It reminded Miyu of something.

 

“Satsu, you said you would teach me to fence.” Satsu looked up.

 

“Yes,” she said thoughtfully. “I am sorry, but we haven’t had much time for lessons.”

 

“There’s plenty of time now,” Miyu commented airily, though there was a hopeful to her voice.

 

“Alright,” Satsu sighed heaving herself to her feet. She placed her heavy long sword by her feet and drew out a thin bladed sword. Miyu placed her hand on her katana but Satsu shook her head. “The katana has the sharpest blade and this is only a practice lesson. We do not want any damage done. Sheath your sword.” Miyu let go reluctantly and accepted another thin bladed sword Satsu found in her coat. Satsu took up a fighting stance and Miyu copied her, one foot before the other and standing at 45^odegrees but facing straight on. “Let me see how well you can defend yourself already, then we shall work on your moves.”

 

“Very well,” Miyu nodded and prepared herself to fight. She didn’t know why but she felt some form of inner strength and was almost ashamed to admit, but she was looking down on Satsu. Her thoughts kept repeating, ‘I am a god. No mortal is going to beat me!’

 

“And……… fight!” Satsu snapped and the two fighters plunged. Miyu felt herself move forwards, her hands flicking from side to side of their own accord. She managed to block Satsu’s first moves but then knew the thief was going easy on her. Satsu frowned in effort and quickened her pace. Miyu continued to black and jab until she felt the tip of the sword touch Satsu’s stomach and froze. Satsu smiled softly in defeat.

 

“Touché,” she whispered. “It seems that being a god gives you quick reflexes and that was not much of a match.” Miyu looked away, guilt forming for beating Satsu. “However,” she turned to see Satsu grinning, now holding her heavy long sword. “I will show you a true match of power.”

 

Miyu felt her insides contract at the sight of the thick blade hovering before her eyes. Larva stood up in protest but Satsu merely smirked. “She is a god,” she laughed as Larva paused. “This should be child’s play. Right, Miyu?”

 

“Larva,” Miyu whispered. “Please sit down.” Larva sank reluctantly to the ground. “Satsu, seeing as you get to use your favourite weapon, let me use my katana.” She drew the thin sword from its sheath and gave it an experimental flick through the air. The blade hummed and Miyu preferred wielded such a weapon. The blade was lighter and more to her taste.

 

“Then we begin.” Satsu bowed and once again they prepared to fight. There was a long pause as the two sides paused, ready to strike. It was Satsu who moved first. As she swung Miyu brought her katana up to deflect the blow and nearly collapsed under the impact. The strokes were now heavier; one wrong move could cost her a limb, or worse, her life. Miyu went for her agility to see if she could sneak a blow in but Satsu was too fast. Dust filled the air as the two opponents skidded across the dry dirt track, swiping. After a few cunning attacks from Satsu Miyu found herself pressed against a tree trunk. She could see no escape and saw Satsu flying towards her. She was going to lose. She waited for Satsu to slow, to notice her defeat. Satsu however did not notice her and assumed Miyu was still in the battle. As she arrived at the trunk and swung her blade, Miyu eyes filled with fear.

 

The blade came ever closer………

 

“Miyu!” Larva cried.

 

*   *   *

 

And thus I leave you again to ponder what will happen next. Please don’t kill me! Thanks for all the reviews. Each review makes me so happy *sniff* so keep ‘em coming. Be prepared for the alleged Chapter Five. Coming soon………