On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor

Three Hundred And Seventy

As David blustered, the Prime Minister turned to Fujiwara-san with an apologetic expression. “I’m deeply sorry about this, you know. For such honoured guests as you to be subjected to such rudeness, Shige, especially in front of your granddaughters… I have no excuses. For a man who insists on manners and politeness as is the noble Japanese way, this must be quite the shock to your system.”

For a moment Fujiwara-san’s gaze lingered on me. “It is certainly disappointing, but I find myself having to learn to adapt nowadays. The Chosen all have forthright personalities, it seems. Our research has shown that there are very few who could be called ordinary. So a little friction is expected. As for non-humans, well…” he looked at the frozen Raidre. “The one called Shaeula is the same, she is a rather polite little thing most of the time, but like Akio-san here, when roused she can be quite furious.”

That got Raidre’s attention, and he blinked his grey eyes, his thoughts catching up. “That little weasel? Rumours say she’s a vile, arrogant brat with few redeeming features…” he trailed off as my glare stopped his words.

“I don’t think you should be slandering a Duchess like that, Raidre.” I warned. “And that was a title she earned, and wasn’t merely born with. She’s changed and grown, so pay less attention to rumours. After all, you’ve heard about the victory at the Spring and more.”

“Well, yes, but it seemed unbelievable, and I am seldom in the Court, so… by the waves, you can’t blame me for my scepticism.” He stammered.

“I suppose not, but now when I stand here in front of you, telling you how it is, you’ve no more right to misunderstand. I get that you are here to protect your Princess and the other attendees of the party, so I’m not going to censure you for that. Hyacinth is here for the same reason…”

She puffed out her chest at that, eyeing Raidre with an expression of superiority on her face. Ignoring that, I continued, also disregarding the impatient looks from David as he was eager to teach me a lesson. I think I might be the teacher though. Don’t judge by first appearances. “But you should have gone about things far more politely.”

I ignored a small whisper from Miyu about my own attitude, and continued. “No harm done, I suppose, though considering there are clearly suspicious and dangerous people here like that Cardinal woman, and the American mad scientist, you shouldn’t be bothering us. The worst of it all is that we genuinely came here with important news for Princess Eleanor, which could save her life and this country, and she brushed us off. I suppose I can concede that a well-bred woman like her might be disgusted by my relationships, but a leader has to put that aside for the greater good.”

“I see. Have no fear, I shall carry your words to the Princess and the Queen if necessary.” Our referee, Sir Arthur said, grateful. “Once this farce is over and you wake up, I’ll be more than happy to intercede.” Oh, so you think I’ll lose too, huh? Well, I am trying to keep a low profile as a healer and buffer type… Sir Arthur looked over to Fujiwara-san and the Prime Minister, ignoring David’s grumbles.

“Again, I apologise. These young ones haven’t a diplomatic bone in their bodies, unlike us older, wiser heads. It’s why the Queen, may God protect her old soul, entrusted me with her safety. After this, we will talk, and I’ll help set aside these misunderstandings.” He looked at me then. “Do forgive the Princess please. She is a woman of great moral fibre, but under immense pressure. Our noble Green Knight has to carry Britain on her back.”

“Shit, cut the crap old man. I’m eager to get started.” David moaned. “As for her carrying the weight, that’s why she has us, right?”

“I sympathise. I’m carrying a lot of pressure myself. But in the end, I’d rather do it than trust someone else to bear it.” I agreed. “I may not be a man of high moral fibre, but I’m a man who never lets down those he loves.”

“It’s true.” Natsumi agreed.

“I will never allooow a stupid selkie like yooou to slander Akio or mistress Shaeula. Cooome back when you have defeated the Wild Hunt ooor the Unseelie, and I might listen, fooooool!”

“I have to say, I was a little disappointed.” Motoko said archly. “Her eyes must be clouded if she thinks that Akio is taking advantage of us. But I do allow that our customs and cultures are different. I shall not forgive until she makes an honest attempt to listen to Akio. I understand that we are here for an important reason, but… compared to Shiro or Shaeula, I am not impressed.”

Ouch. Yeah, Motoko is really mad. Makes sense, this was supposed to be her engagement debut, a huge thing for Japanese noble girls, and the Princess basically said she was an idiot and being fooled and taken advantage of by me. No wonder she’s mad.

The Prime Minister winced. “My God, seems like this has spiralled into a great mess.”

“Nothing you are not used to.” Fujiwara-san said. “Your stint in the Foreign Office was marked with a few incidents and blunders, as I recall.”

“That’s a low blow, Shige.” The Prime Minister laughed. “Seriously though, I hope this won’t sour things between us. Japan and the UK need to come together now more than ever. The fact that the USA sent that madwoman here as an envoy shows they either aren’t taking us seriously, or have an ulterior motive. As Akio has a British mother, he could be a bridge between us.”

“I’m not going to cast aside my mission just because I’m angry.” I said, looking at David levelly. “I’ll treat this challenge as a spar, and to be honest, I don’t give a crap about whether you’re the King of the Octagon, or King of anything at all. But I do object to your rudeness ruining Motoko’s evening. So afterwards I want an apology. A proper one.”

“Aye, that’s kind of cool.” Sarah said, grinning. “He’s got some class, ye have to admit, David. Chivalry is nae dead, it seems.”

“Chivalry is for winners.” David snorted. “Well, enough damn stalling. Though…” he took a deep breath, visibly calming down. “I guess if you really are here because you know something that’ll help our dumb yet brave Princess, I should apologise. Something just rubs me the wrong away about you.” He turned to Motoko then. “Sorry. Like I say, I’m a guy who has been around the block, and I get it. Guys like young girls, and a famous, handsome man can get as many women as he wants. No judgement, I’m impressed you are taking it so well. But… well, there was that shit with her Uncle in the media, so yeah, she’s pretty sensitive about how men handle girls, especially younger ones. And damn me if you don’t look young. I bet you’re not even legal to drink.”

“I am legally old enough to marry with parental consent, both here and in Japan, why should we care about any other country and their ways?” Motoko said. “But I accept your apology, crude thought it is.”

“Are we going to fight still?” I asked, and he grinned.

“Fuck yeah, I never back down. Like I said, you piss me off. Real question, so I know how many rounds to make the fight. Just how many girls are you stringing along? I’ll take you down once for each for the sake of the Princess!”

Eri, Shaeula, Hinata, Motoko, Natsumi, Hyacinth, Shiro, Daiyu, Kana. For now. I guess I get it. From the outside it looks bad. “Nine.” I declared proudly, as I had resolved never to deny any of them. “For now, anyway.”

“Yes, the Diviner….” Motoko said softly. “Well, we shall see.”

“Nine? Shit, you’re going to be a wreck when I’m done.” David laughed. “But shit, if you make it through all nine rounds, I’ll call you my fucking brother.”

“I’m nae expert, but isn’t that what the Japanese call a flag?” Sarah laughed.

“Well, Hyacinth, you stay here.” I told her. “I don’t trust some of the guests. Miyu, you’re in charge, Hyacinth will listen to you. If you feel you’re in genuine danger, let Hyacinth do her thing. Your lives are priority.” I turned back to Hyacinth. “Just… collateral damage to the minimum, please.”

“Yes, nooo problem. Stupid selkie can stay tooo. I need to re-educate him abooout the glory of yooou and mistress Shaeula!”

“I don’t feel good about this.” The Prime Minister said, but I waved off his words.

“Fujiwara-san has his own diplomatic goals, being rude to me shouldn’t change that. Like I said, I’ll consider this a spar, an exchange of pointers between two friendly countries. And when I’m done, David here is going to get the Princess to listen to us, and I want everyone to bless Motoko’s engagement. While I’m at it, since the cat’s out of the bag, Natsumi’s too. Might as well. In fact…”

I whispered something to Fujiwara-san, and he smiled wryly. “I suspect that is an interesting idea. Both a power play and rather cruel. But…” he looked at the Prime Minister. “… I believe we can.”

“Great. All right then. To be honest, after seeing Titan’s strength, I’m curious as to yours, David. Seems like you’re famous too. If even Natsumi, ultimate sheltered girl that she is, has heard of you, then you probably have some bite to your bark.”

“No kidding.” David said proudly, as we set off for the entrance. I was accompanied by Natsumi and Motoko, while David was bringing Sarah and Sir Arthur. “Well, you’ve got guts, I’ll give you that. And I can tell you’ve done some bad shit. Well, that’s us Chosen, right?” he said sympathetically. “I don’t really get the Fairy shit that Raidre drones on about, but you think you’re a big deal, killing this Duke or whatever? Maybe you are, but the difference between a guy like me who grew up living and breathing combat sports, who fought day in and day out for years against the best, spilling blood and breaking bone, stitching my own wounds… that gap can’t be bridged by a little power given by some watching God.”

“Natsumi and I have studied our Tsumura Arts ever since we could first hold a practice blade.” Motoko agreed. “It is a way of life. It builds character, discipline and bravery. More importantly it builds combat sense.”

“Your girl here is a smart one. At least you got good taste. I like a woman who can look after herself.”

“Ach, ignore the pig. Don’t fall for his banter, he’s nae such a good catch as he says.” Sarah laughed.

Before anyone could say more, David spotted a rather handsome young man, delicate and fragile, wearing black glasses and with long, silky hair. “Oh hey kid, can you go grab Mary-Jane and send her my way? We’ll need a healer to patch up this idiot.”

He paused, surprised by the group David was with, and he brightened as he saw Motoko and Natsumi, though they paid him no mind. “Actually, healing is my specialty, so I think we’ll be fine.” I said, reinforcing the previous misunderstandings the British had.

“You think? Hard to heal when you’re knocked out, flat on your arse. Just trust me on that.”

“I’ll get her. Where are you going… and who are these girls?” the young man asked, curious.

“They’re taken, that’s who they are, Donovan. Don’t go pulling any of your charming moves and causing more trouble. We’ve done enough.” David actually looked a little ashamed, and Sarah snickered.

“Aye, Eleanor has already chewed this guy out, ye don’t want to get what he did.”

“No.” Donovan said quietly, face falling. “Upsetting the Princess, I could never!”

“Well, just go find the schoolteacher. The guards can show you where to go…” as the young man scurried off, David shrugged.

“He’s a good hand with a spear and oddly brave. But man, if there’s ever a guy who’d love to move to Japan now you have those stupid polygamy laws, it’s him. Girls throw themselves at him constantly.”

“Jealous?” Sarah said, as we left the hall and Beefeaters showed us to a suitable storage room that was currently empty.

“Of the kid? Please redhead, give me some credit. Like I say, I like girls who can take care of themselves, not the delicate little flowers Donovan likes. They’d all wither away within seconds in a real battle.” He looked around the room.  “It’s big enough, but we don’t have any ropes or matting.” He stomped down. “Wooden flooring. Going to fucking hurt. Can you take it?”

“I don’t think we should be risking injury.” Sir Arthur said. “This is a friendly bout, you said?”

“Well, friendly enough, right?” David grinned, a feral look in his eyes. “I’ve got to show our foreign guests that sure, they may have kicked the Chinese in the balls, but us Brits are a whole different beast. Though I do feel bad beating the shit out of a healer. It’d be like punching our schoolteacher.”

“Ye wouldn’t dare.” Sarah said. “Anyway, don’t count your your chickens, ye might find egg on your face, ye know?”

Please stop winding him up. He’s obviously trying to impress you, and you must be able to see that. My prayers went unanswered as they continued to tease each other, Sarah clearly having the upper hand. I bent down and knocked the ground. “Well, I can handle this sort of impact, I’m sure. And careless matting would affect our footing, right? You’re the referee though, it’s your call.” I said politely. “If David is fine with it, I am.”

“I see.” Sir Arthur sighed. “Really, why does everyone have such extreme personalities? Well, I suppose that will remain a mystery. So, nine rounds. That way there has to be a winner. Though I must insist that retirement is allowed. And that attacks to maim or kill are strictly forbidden.”

“Yeah, quitting is cool, if he can be so chickenshit in front of his girls.” David agreed. “As for maiming, well, anything Mary-Jane can heal is fine.”

“How about anything I can heal?” I asked, and Sir Arthur looked troubled.

“And what does that entail?” he said, and I whispered in his ear, careful to avoid David hearing. After hearing what I had to say, Sir Arthur looked more perplexed. “I see. Well, very well. You should not be fighting this bout with skills like that. This is folly to risk you. I can’t understand what the Japanese are thinking. Very well, David. Non-lethal attacks only. Injury is fine so long as you avoid killing.”

“Shit? Seriously? Well, your balls are bigger than I thought. Want to look big in front of them, huh?” He jerked a thumb at the girls.

“He has no need to impress us.” Motoko shook her head, calm and composed, faintly eager. Natsumi was also watching on in her white suit, looking like a manager, her own brown eyes gleaming.

“That’s right! We’ve seen and heard more than enough of Akio’s exploits to know he’s number one!”

“Hey, those girls are pretty funny.” Sarah said, and they answered her after deciphering her thick accent. “So, want a wager?”

As the three girls talked, Sir Arthur continued with the rules. “Stay within the marked area. No lethal blows as stated. Nine rounds. Each round ends by submission, tap out or a ten count. I can also stop it if I think the likelihood of lethal injury is too high. Happy, David, Mr Oshiro?”

“Call me Akio.”

“Very well. Akio, David… round one… begin!”

“Think fast then, bigshot!” David said, darting towards me with incredible speed, the wooden floor cracking. Well, faster than Titan probably was, that’s for sure. But to me… Split Thoughts were running, but I had Body Enhancement off and Might of the Furious Earth on Fortitude, so only my natural stats were affecting my speed and strength.

“Sure, you too.” I laughed, my knee slamming into his guts. I pulled the blow, but even so the breath was driven out of him, and I grabbed his arm and tossed him clean outside our makeshift ring. He righted himself in the air, landing on his knees, coughing and wheezing.

“Oh, no ring outs, right?” I asked Sir Arthur, who nodded.

“Well shit…” David coughed. “You’re a fast one. But you hit like a bitch, barely felt it.” He wiped at his mouth, before his feral grin broadened. “But this might be more fun than I thought.”

With that he rushed at me again, more careful. As I went for the knee again he feinted to the side, only to meet my elbow. He deflected that too, and I was spinning behind him, delivering several blows to his ribs. Bone creaked and he staggered, turning only to run into a kick which threw him out against the wall, hard enough to leave a crater in the expensive panels. Oops, this is Buckingham Palace, better moderate myself so as not to damage cultural heritage.

“I’m nae seeing your glory here David.” Sarah laughed, perfectly timed to heat him up, and he wiped blood from his mouth, flexing.

“Ah, shut it, shield girl. I can take a hit as good as you can. Well…” his smile was bloody now. “I’d have to say you aren’t bad for a healer. Mary-Jane only wishes she can hit like that. But I’ve got your speed figured out, and I can handle those hits…” he came in low and varying his speed, footwork something I hadn’t seen before. My first punch missed, and David grinned. “Got you!” He ducked under my strikes and aimed an uppercut.

“Nope.” I swayed away, and this time his arm broke as I seized it and twisted. With him held there my knee slammed him in his guts, and he momentarily blacked out.

“Might want to call it.” I said to Sir Arthur as I let David fall. He shook his head and counted, and after ten, it was over.

“Well done, Akio. But your movements seem rather clumsier that usual.” Motoko observed, which Sarah found curious.

“Ye reckon? They looked quick enough to me.”

“It’s not the speed.” Natsumi agreed. “Akio has an excellent grasp of the fundamentals of martial arts. This seems, well, more like a brawl.”

“Ye don’t say? Well, why do ye think that is?”

“If I had to say…” Motoko mused, watching as I healed David’s arm and woke him up. “… perhaps he is matching his style to his opponent?”

“That’s right.” I agreed, as David’s eyes flashed open. “This is Mixed Martial Arts, right? But fine, I’ll get serious. I don’t feel comfortable fighting that way anyway.”

“No shit.” David said, flexing his arm, surprised there was no pain. “Fuck, this healing is good. Makes me want to offer you a spot on the team.” He paused. “So, guess I’m not doing the clean sweep. Well, that’s on me. You kept some strength and speed back, I see. Smart. Got more combat smarts than I thought. But I can still top that.” He looked to Sir Arthur. “Get the second round started you old fart, this is getting good!”

“All right then, Mr King of the Octagon. Show me some moves!” I gestured to him, and with a bright laugh he attacked. Yeah, his speed’s gone up a little, but it’s more he seems faster due to his technique. Still within my comfort zone though…

This time David unleashed a flurry of blows, which was a mask for a feint. He then attempted to grab my arm and break it like I did to him, only to drop as my foot shattered his left kneecap. As he sagged down, I grabbed his neck, and realising he was beat, he tapped my shoulder.

“Fuck, that was a perfect counter.” He growled, unable to put weight on his knee. I bent down and within a minute he was standing gingerly on it again. “I can see that I was wrong. But don’t think you’ve won.” He shrugged. “Redhead, stop that laughing. If you want to give him a go, feel free, but I’m not sure your barrier could block these hits. All right then. Old man, round three!”

I felt a surge of aether and David recited some words in older, archaic English. “I am he who stands to defend these isles, on this ground I shall remain undefeated. Mars Caturix!”

“Ach, shit, David, ye sure that’s wise? Ye don’t want tae kill him. Sir Arthur, maybe ye should…”

“Nah, this guy’s healing is really good.” David said, his presence now filling the room, aether surging. “Long as he doesn’t bite it, Mary-Jane can wake him up and he can put his broken bones back together. Damn, who knew I’d have so much fun at another boring gala? You okay, not backing down in front of your girls? Though you might make them cry when…”

“Less talk. My girls aren’t as weak as to panic at a bit of my blood.” I snorted, interrupting David, and as Motoko and Natsumi blushed at my compliment, David howled with laugher.

“Shit, I apologise for saying you got small balls. Balls of steel, like mine!” he grinned. “That or you don’t know what’s coming. Heads up!”

Impressive. David’s Favour seemed to be some sort of Body Enhancement, as now his strength and speed had increased explosively. I’ve still got the edge though… but it’s a lot closer. I dodged a kick, my counterattack dodged in turn, before he flurried punches towards my head and sternum. I parried, rolling my arms in a soft counter ripped from Chinese Bafaquan. David quickly broke free before I could break his arms again, only to stagger as I stomped down on his kicking leg. Bone cracked but he used his strength to launch a headbutt at my face, only to run into my elbow. The impact rocked me, but knocked him clean out, bone giving under my strike. Oops.

“Best hurry with this one.” I muttered as I started releasing aether. Luckily his body was massively fortified by his Favour, so his brain hadn’t suffered any major damage. Though without Ether Healing that could have led to a nasty concussion or worse…

“I see. That was Bafaquan.” Motoko observed. “The soft counters in Chinese combat arts are useful against harder Western styles.” She observed calmly, and Natsumi joined in, also analysing my attacks. Now they are gaining more levels, their kinetic vision is getting better, so they can see what’s going on.

“Yes, he’s attacking David when he makes his attacks, striking at points of weakest balance. It’s just as Master Ulfuric teaches, strike where the enemy is weakest, when they are most vulnerable.” Natsumi’s face was red, Motoko’s too. “I think I’m in love all over again.”

“Indeed. There is no one else we could be with.” Motoko agreed. “It makes me wish we could spar ourselves, though I confess, that man would easily crush us, he is too fast and strong. It would be like trying to take on Grulgor barehanded. I am not so foolish as to not know my limits. For now.”

“You girls sure are cold, ye know. Poor David’s getting battered out there, and ye be flirting with your man. Nae cold, ice cold!” Sarah chuckled. “David, step it up, ye fool. I’ll lose my wager if ye don’t!”

“Hey, who is getting battered, you bitch? And I never asked you to make a damn wager, so quit your yapping!” David snarled, before lowering his tone. “Well shit, you’re not wrong. How did I lose the first three? You’ve obviously been trained in martial arts. And not just that Eastern mumbo-jumbo. Fuck…” he shook his head, clearing out the cobwebs. “My ears are still bloody ringing like a bastard. Did I hear you mentioning Ulfuric? You said that name to Raidre and he went all pale.”

“Yes, Ulfuric is a Fae warrior. He’s a master of weapons and unarmed combat, he’s been drilling us hard.” I offered David a hand up and he took it.

“Us? So something doesn’t add up. But I get it. You got your secrets, we have ours. Well… round four. Ready?” he said, and Sir Arthur signalled we could go. This time I moved first, keeping tight and compact. David parried blows, unable to counter, as I still outmatched him by a margin of around twenty percent. He’s pushing a thousand in strength and speed buffed I’d say. Really, that’s way better than I’d expected. Makes sense if his Favour is a pure self-buff though. I expect most of his levelling is going to his Favour and stats as well. It has long-term potential, for sure. I was tempted to use my Eye to see but decided against it, as David was fighting fairly.

“Fuck, shit… you’re fast.” David was sweating, and after another exchange of blows, he was off-balance, and then he was down, yielding.

“Every time my footwork slips or I’m sloppy in a strike or counter, huh?” David said, thoughtful. “Well, this doesn’t look good for me. Can’t lose another one or I’m out. Well, even if I win the next five… I’ll speak to the Princess for you.”

I was surprised at that, and he raised an eyebrow. “What? I may find you annoying, but when I step into the Octagon with someone who has the guts to face me, that’s a man I can respect. Same on the battlefield.” He turned to Motoko and Natsumi. “I apologise for the insults. I mean it. Guess you two do know what you’re doing. Martial arts girls are going to want a strong man, right? Well, your guy here is a tough bastard. But I’m still not down and out!”

“I accept your apology once more. Perhaps I was a little indiscreet. But the occasion is special to me.” Motoko said.

“I’ll bet. Engagement event, huh? That’s some old school noble shit. Well, want a picture with a world-famous martial artist? Your friend there is a fan, right?” He winked at Natsumi.

“I was impressed by your strength. At home, our access to what others take for granted was restricted, but father did enjoy sport, so the channel was unlocked. And some nights I would see your fights.” Natsumi admitted. “I remember thinking you were a true warrior.”

“These girls get it.” He slapped me on the back while Sarah turned purple with laughter. “I’ll apologise to the mad-eyed maid later. Though she’s a killer if ever I’ve seen one. You have a wide strike zone.”

“Hyacinth has lived a hard life and was saved by Akio.” Motoko declared. “That is why I cannot easily forgive this Raidre. He slandered Shaeula too. That is as unforgivable as one insulting your Queen!”

“Hey, mellow out, firecracker. I get it. Okay, maybe you like crazy women.” He smiled at me, before addressing Sir Arthur. “Hey old fart…”

“What, you rogue?” Sir Arthur said, more relaxed now that my healing had been shown to fix many injuries. “The Queen will be unhappy when she hears about this.”

“Nah, I reckon this is the sort of diplomacy this guy gets.” He looked at me, and I shrugged.

“If I claimed it wasn’t, I’d be lying. This happens too much.” I admitted, and David laughed again.

“… this guy’s the real deal. Makes me think… well, he’s with some real important Japanese guests, and the Prime Minister is respecting the shit out of him, and you know what a tactless buffoon he can be. He’s got the ear of the fairies, like our Princess… I think we can’t afford to have them go home disappointed.”

“Ach, David’s brain, are ye sure ye fixed it, he’s talking too much sense!” Sarah snorted, her blue eyes wide.

“When men exchange blows, they can read each other.” David insisted. “Now shut it, I know you agree too!”

It was then the door flew open, and a woman around my mother’s age burst in, looking aghast. “Mr Reckless, Sarah, Sir Arthur, what is going on? Donovan told me you were off to fight a guest! Surely not even you would be so disrespectful…” she trailed off as she saw the damaged walls and floor, full of cracks and dents, and covered her face. “Oh no, it’s too late.”

“Ach, it’ll be fine, nae worries.” Sarah draped an arm around her, consoling. “They both seem to be muscleheads, and get this, David even apologised! Besides, look, we have guests!”

“Oh, and who are you two girls?” Mary-Jane asked, and as Motoko and Natsumi introduced themselves, David raised his fists.

“Come on, let’s go!”

“Right!”

David squeezed out every ounce of power and strength, but none of his blows could break my defence. He did nearly catch me out with one clever feint, but my rising knee struck him in a very sensitive spot, and moments later my foot was on his neck.

“Mr Reckless!” Mary-Jane cried, but he shook his head, face white.

“No way I’m letting you heal that.” He spat. “Well shit. Five to nil.” He slammed his fist into the ground, annoyed, shattering the wooden flooring.

“Ach, my wager lost. I should nae have trusted ye, David!” Sarah teased.

“So, should we call it?” I asked, and David shook his head.

“Tired already? No, You won, I’m not a sore loser. But… at least let me have a chance to finish off strong. Man to man.”

“Fine.” I shrugged. “Your funeral.”

“Not with you and our schoolteacher here.” He said, earning a cold look from the woman.

“This is foolishness. I don’t approve, Mr Reckless. Fighting a guest invited by Her Majesty is practically treason.”

“Hardly. In fact… I think I have something worthwhile to show him.” He grinned at me. “Round six!”

The sixth round I won as well, but twice David nearly struck a blow on me. As I patched him up, he nodded to me. “Thought so. Well, keep it up.” Thought what?

The seventh round was much the same, but a nagging doubt was at the back of my mind. It was then Motoko gasped. “I see it, Akio, you…”

“Ah, no spoilers, girl.” David shook his head. “You’ve got good eyes and a combat brain. Damn, why are all the girls around me like Sarah? Maybe I should start going for Asians?”

“Ye love it, ya bastard.” She snorted in response to that.

“Motoko, what do… wait, I see!” Natsumi clapped her hands together, realising something too. She smiled at me warmly. “Well, do your best, Akio!”

What was that? “Round eight.” I said, and David nodded.

“It is indeed. But this round is mine.” He declared confidently, and attacked. I went to block his strike and counter, only to swing and hit air. My next attack missed him and two attacks came back at me, a kick and a grapple. He’s off-balance, so… I countered, only for David to move seemingly at random, his legs snaking around my body, arms around my neck. “Got you.” He laughed. “You’re done.” The momentum carried me to the ground, as he tightened his chokehold.

I could break out if I wanted, but… replaying the action back in my head, I tapped out. I’m still faster, but he seemed to anticipate my moves and lead me into a trap.

“Fuck yes. See that Sarah, I’m not washed up!” David crowed. “You want to tell him, girls, or shall I?”

“Akio, your moves are predictable.” Motoko said. “Each time you react with an  excellent, well-chosen move, attacking his weak points perfectly. It is a work of art, but…”

“You can’t beat a master with pure skill. There’s no guile.” Natsumi added. “In the end, even Motoko or I would have stood a chance of dodging your strike.”

“Yeah, they get it. Good job! I see why you enjoy teaching, Mary-Jane.” He said mockingly, before turning to me. “They’re right. You’ve been trained well, but you have no style. Nothing but deliberate, perfect responses. Sure, with your speed and power that’ll defeat most opponents, but when a true pro figures you out… well, like I did, I can predict all your attacks and lead you. Well, might as well wrap this up, and I’ll take the last round. You’re only as good as your last fight, after all.” He winked mockingly.

I see. That does make sense. I’m always taking the most efficient strike where I’ll win. Ulfuric did say I needed to take the foundation I have and find my own way… “Thanks for the lesson. I do appreciate it. I’m sure the girls do too. So… let me return the favour.”

“Oh? Confident huh? Be warned, you’ve learned to fight that way, suddenly throwing in some random shit won’t beat me, not like the first round. This time I have your measure.”

“Thanks. So…” we waited for the signal, and as soon as Sir Arthur spoke I surged forwards. Time for Body Enhancement. David blinked as my speed nearly doubled, and moments later he was embedded in the wall, one arm and leg bent at a brutal angle, coughing blood. Oops, overdid that a bit again…

“I’m ending it, technical knockout!” Sir Arthur said hurriedly, as Mary-Jane panicked, screaming and rushing towards him.

“No… fucking shit… the fuck, you were holding back?” David managed. I was at his side before his own healer, letting aether flow, healing internal injuries, straightening the bone and numbing pain. Mary-Jane stumbled to a halt, and Sarah patted her shoulder.

“I know, ye think it’s just ye who is shocked? David poked a bloody lion here. Luckily they both seem tae be boneheads. Like attracts like, I guess.”

“No shit. Wait, you’re a healer, right? Putting aside your strength and speed, you have something like the Battle Hymn of Caturix? That’s not fucking fair…” he stood, moving his now-healed limbs. “Well, much as I’d like to complain, I got royally battered. Eight to one. Shit. So, yeah…” he looked down at his ripped, ragged and bloody suit, while mine was still pristine except for a little dust Motoko wiped off happily. “… a deal’s a deal. I’ll go change, lucky we have a break room here where I stashed my casual clothes. Perks of being the guards of the Princess.” He gave me a fist bump, which I accepted.

“Well, it’s not so much I was holding back, as I don’t want to give too much away. I think the Princess is going to be our ally when she hears what I have to say, but I sure as hell don’t trust everyone here. Why tip my hand? But you earned it as thanks for the lesson for me and the girls.”

“Makes sense. Annoying as that is. Well…” he looked at Sarah, who was laughing, red-faced at his attitude. “… sure, laugh it up, redhead. Next time you need saving from a mob of enemies, maybe I’ll look the other way…”

“Ah, dinnae be like that, David. Ye know I’m only teasing…”

At that moment, my phone beeped, and reading the message, I grinned. “All right. Motoko, you take Natsumi and…” I explained quickly, and she nodded. “I’ll change with Hyacinth, and you take care of it.”

“I shall accompany you.” Sir Arthur said jovially. “And I thank you for your patience with David, though it seems my worries were unfounded.”

“Thanks. Well, I’ll see you later, David. With the Princess.”

“Yeah, I’m a man of my damn word. Come on, redhead. I need someone to vent to…”

“Sir Arthur, just what happened?” Mary-Jane said as everyone else left us.

“A good question indeed.” Sir Arthur laughed. “Diplomacy, it seems. The young are a bit… energetic… for these old bones. But it seems to have all worked out.”

Yeah, though impressing these other Chosen wasn’t my goal. But they are the team Princess Eleanor has gathered, so having them onside can’t be a bad thing. Right, now it’s time for my diplomatic offensive. We took a lot of shit, time to retaliate. We’re the ones offering aid, not looking for it, so we have the advantage. Time to play our full hand…