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Hwa-Jae left it all behind as she hurtled to the sky. The temple, Elder Sister Pyya, the ashen bodies of her sisters, even her friend Koge... all became distant specs as she hurtled through the sky surrounded by her blazing orange aura. She had to get away from it all after Pyya gave her a directive: to find Cineza, face her in battle, and destroy her if necessary. The very thought horrified Hwa-Jae; this was the one person she called sister and meant it more than just a term shared with the Kasai. At one point their bond was stronger than any metal, one no flame could ever hope to melt.
That all changed when the truth was revealed, that Cineza attacked and slaughtered the Kasai, her family, at the orders of her new master: The Black Fire Witch. Not only that, but Cineza took Old Master Pyya prisoner and now planned to use Hwa-Jae's mentor as bait to lure the novice into a trap on Mount Paozu. Her mission was clear, but Hwa-Jae did not give it any focus. Despite everything that happened, she still felt like she was in a state of shock. How could Cineza had done this? How could she have gone rogue and kill everyone they together called "Sisters."
She needed time to reflect, time to mourn, time to think. The Temple grounds were not suitable for such. Neither were the cities. Hwa-Jae needed a place of pure solitude, where no one was likely to bother her as she tried to set her path straight. While she considered the mountains like Mount Kiwi or Mount Frappe, Hwa-Jae wanted to go somewhere that had absolutely nothing to do with the Kasai. To that end, she sought the only place she could think of, a place higher than any mountain. As she soared, the clouds gave way to the pure blue of an unobstructed sky as she saw her destination.
The Lookout.
Hwa-Jae did not know how likely it was that anyone would be on the look out. Perhaps Cambia and her son Okra, or the surly Komatsu, or perhaps even the prideful Nasu would be there. She tried to sense if anyone was there, but her ki was shot from the emotional trauma of recent events. She could barely sense her own power, let alone someone else. If there was either of those three, then they would do as they did the last time they met; mostly ignore Hwa-Jae as the primitive human she was an squabble about saiyan nonsense. They had their issues.
She had hers.
As she landed on the Lookout, Hwa-Jae fell to her knees, her energy spent more on controlling her own emotions than keeping upright. A part of her wanted to cry, but her entire body felt numb. Instead, she casually dangled her legs off the edge of the platform and looked down on the Earth below. She sighed and hung her head, uncertain of not what she had to do, but rather what she should do.
Yet would there be answers in the clouds? Hwa-Jae did not think so.
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It was a surprisingly peaceful day on the Timeless Lookout. Atsuko had almost forgotten what those were like, in recent memory it had all been filled with war, talks of the events that took place. It... Was a much needed change of pace, to be left alone to her thoughts and gain a little more of her old self back. Not that she was beginning to hate her friends, but she just needed time to adjust, this was giving her the perfect opportunity. But as the Knight relaxed in the throne inside the Palace, she would sense a power approaching.
A fairly high one, the Albino Saiyan perked a brow as it stopped at the edge of the Timeless Lookout. She'd stand up from the throne and begin to calmly make her way outside. It didn't take her long to spot the girl with long red hair. The poor thing seemed to be rather distraught... Atsuko could relate, for a variety of reasons. She'd just continue a calm pace over to her. "You know, you don't have to sit outside. You can come in if you like.", the Albino Saiyan spoke softly. She would stop at a fair distance from Hwa-Jae.
"I don't think we've met. Allow me to introduce myself.", the Saiyan would proceed to bow politely. "I am Kami Atsuko Inoue, the current Guardian of Earth.", she would introduce herself, soon returning to her upright posture. "But there's no need to use titles, you can merely refer to me as Atsuko.", she added. With that, the Knight would then walk over to the edge of the Lookout, glancing out towards the clouds. Even to the Earth beyond them. "A pleasant view, isn't it? Though... I get the sense that's not why you're here.", the Saiyan admitted, turning her gaze to Hwa-Jae once more.
From Atsuko's stance, it seemed clear that she was not only refined, but well guarded. There was a certain type of air about her that showed just how well trained she was. A master in many respects, but even then, she looked so young as well... "I won't pry, unless you wish to speak... Just know that I'm willing to help however I might be able to.", the Albino Saiyan then stated. In the end, it was up to Hwa-Jae on whether or not she wanted to accept such an offer. Atsuko wasn't the type to force an issue.
The Albino Saiyan wasn't certain of the girl's race. She looked remarkably Human, but her energy felt different; she didn't appear to be a Saiyan either. At least, the Knight could note no tail that was present. Having met a few Elemi before, she would say that the energy was most similar to theirs, but it wasn't something to be said for certain. Atsuko wouldn't say her guesses aloud, either. No need to open up that particular can of worms when she was trying to be polite and helpful to someone in need... This was part of her job.
Being a Guardian of Earth meant more than just fighting all the time. This served as a healthy, yet humble reminder of that fact. Maybe this was exactly the change of pace she needed after all, something away from all of the constant battling, just helping someone on their way... Hwa-Jae certainly seemed like she needed the guidance right now. The Knight knew that look only too well, hell, maybe it just allowed her to hide away from her own problems for a little while. The Saiyan wasn't sure, she just knew it was something she had to do.
"You don't need to sound so depressed all the time.", Excalibur would add into the rambling thoughts. Atsuko restrained herself from cracking a smile at that. "I know. Just difficult to think of things to be happy about recently. Feels like it's all standing on the brink of a war... I can only think about the people that would get wrapped up in it, too.", the Saiyan responds. A mental conversation now taking place. Although the Albino Saiyan was careful not to ignore her newest guest, that would be far too rude, after all! It wasn't the first time she dealt with multiple conversations, in any case.
"I keep telling you that you need to do more than train. You barely even sleep anymore.", the Sacred Sword chastised the Wielder. "I can't afford to rest much... There's all of the outstanding issues with the Saiyans, and then there's the threats to the Universe. If I'm not strong enough, who's going to keep it all safe? I wouldn't trust Nasu with that duty.", she replies. "Too stubborn for your own good... Well, at least you've made the conscious decision to help this new person. At least stick to her for a bit?"
The Albino Saiyan would close her eyes. "I will, Excalibur.", she'd open them after a little while... She could understand her friend's concerns. The Albino Saiyan had been pushing herself so much, for so long. But a part of her felt like she had to. She lost, devastatingly bad to Nasu. And at that point he was influenced by a dark energy, and then she ended up in the care of the Demon Queen, of all people. They couldn't afford more risks like that, and her students needed to be more prepared for the future, on top of it all.
It felt like she was trying to keep it all from bursting at the seams. But she was able to suppress all of that emotional turmoil. The red haired woman didn't need something like that at the moment, she needed someone strong to lean on. Atsuko was willing to be that, it wasn't the first time she had done that for the people of Earth, it certainly wouldn't be the last time. So now silence had once more taken control of the atmosphere on the Lookout, as she waited to hear what Hwa-Jae had to say about all of this.
Hwa-Jae was not completely oblivious to her surroundings, even though she was mired in the cacophony of her own thoughts. She stood up when addressed by the new voice and looked at the newcomer. Hwa-Jae immediately noticed that the woman who spoke to her appeared very pretty, even when dressed in her armour. Her very presence seemed to exude a kind of dignified strength though Hwa-Jae could not sense her power. Whether it was because of her own senses so muddled by her emotions or if the woman suppressed her ki, it did not matter. She did not act in a hostile manner but instead was welcoming, perhaps more so than the three saiyans that Hwa-Jae met when she first visited the Lookout.
However, everything changed once the woman introduced herself as Atsuko Inoue, guardian of Earth and Kami all rolled into one armoured package. That made this her Lookout that Hwa-Jae was using as her moping grounds. Hwa-Jae quickly stood up to show proper respect, only to forget that she was standing on the edge of the Lookout and her heels were tipping her over. With a cry she swung her arms around and managed to stay upright and on the platform. This made for a great first impression to be sure, Hwa-Jae sarcastically chided herself.
She quickly collected herself, clasped her hands in front of her, and provided the Kami a courteous bow. There really wasn't a guide to how decorum when it came to the Kami of Earth, at least none the Old Master deigned to share with her students. How was she supposed to address the Kami? Atsuko said that such titles did not matter, but that was easy for her to say, she had the big one of the two. She was possibly the most important person on the Earth with all the responsibility of protecting the world. Casting titles aside was easy. Hwa-Jae was minuscule in comparison.
"Ahh..." Hwa-Jae breathed in to steady her nerves. Once she felt ready, she did her best to introduced herself. "It is an honour to meet you, Kami Inoue, er... Atsuko. I am Seuta Hwa-Jae, novice of the Kasai Hato Katachi Temple. I can leave if I'm being a bother, I just needed to... to get away from the world. This is the highest point after all. Higher than all the mountains I've been climbing at least."
"I came here once before," Hwa-Jae explained, "with a saiyan named Nasu. I helped him recover when I found him on the ground. He showed me this place and I met his sister and brother. You, uh, weren't there. They were squabbling about something so I wandered when I was here last. I didn't get very far, mind you! I just found locked doors and a room filled with clocks. It's a very nice Lookout, to be sure and I am sure you are very proud of your clock collection!"
Hwa-Jae gave a nervous laugh and rubbed the back of her head. What exactly was she doing, making stupid small talk with the Kami of Earth. This wasn't helping her nerves at all. If anything, they were simply getting worse. Her laughter faltered and her shoulders slumped as Hwa-Jae's melancholy took hold once again. Her situation definitely did not improve with the arrival of the Kami.
Her voice trembled as she spoke. "I don't mean to trouble the Guardian of the Earth with the problems of one so small such as I." Hwa-Jae clenched her fingers together as she thought about the Temple. She could still smell the ashes and burnt flesh. As she stood still, she wondered if it was wise to involve the Kami at all in her affairs or those of the Kasai. Then again, the number of Kasai was reduced by one hundred and eleven. Only four remain; a novice, a weakened mentor, a kidnapped master, and the rogue who committed the sin. What would the ashes do about it now?
She looked down over the edge of the platform to where the Temple once stood. "I thought coming here would give me perspective. But I just don't know what to do. I'm sorry, Kami Inoue... Atsuko... Someone important to me, someone I considered my Sister betrayed and attacked me and my order. Now I'm left with nothing but a ruined home, dead Sisters, and the directive to bring my Sister to justice and... terminate her... if possible."
"I've... never taken a life before. The very idea... it horrifies me. I've trained all my life to be a fighter, a Kasai Guardian, one who protects people with the living flame... I always knew the day would come where I'd have no choice. But that it would be my Sister... I don't know what to do. I can't possibly raise my hand against her. But if I don't, the dead will never see justice."
Hwa-Jae sighed, her gaze downcast towards the world. "I'm sorry, Kami. You must hear this kind of thing often. You most likely have much more serious concerns than the mewling of one such as me. I don't expect divine intervention, I just thought giving my troubles voice to a listening ear would help me. All I am left with, though, are more doubts."
She could feel her body tremble. Despite the assurances of the few friends that remained, she never felt so alone as she did now.
Apparently the new guest ended up more than a little surprised by the Knight's appearance, nearly falling over the edge of the Timeless Lookout, but the Albino Saiyan reached out and grasped one of the flailing arms, gently pulling Hwa-Jae back onto the platform safely. "Careful, that's a long fall. Even though I don't doubt you can fly.", the Saiyan stated. True, she probably would have been able to steady herself in time, but it was better not to take the chance. Thankfully the short distance made it easy for her speed to kick in and prevent a long fall to Earth.
Shortly after, Hwa-Jae would bow out of respect, then properly introducing herself to the Knight, who would give a calm nod. "A pleasure to meet you, Seuta Hwa-Jae.", after addressing that part of her words, she would continue. "You're not being a bother. This is part of my job as well, allowing people to come in for shelter and find the answers they seek.", the Albino Saiyan explained. But then she would fall silent listening to what the red haired woman had to say. Apparently she came here once before with Nasu... Apparently she ended up helping the Kami's older brother.
Then Hwa-Jae ended up meeting Cambia and Komatsu as well. The Saiyan would close her eyes, thinking it over. "I'd guess they were squabbling over me. The 'black sheep' of the family.", the Albino Saiyan explained as she then opened her eyes, turning her gaze to Hwa-Jae. "Nasu ended up like that after the fight he forced me into. Though I can safely say that I walked away from it much worse off.", the Albino Saiyan added. "But I digress, that's in the past now.", the Saiyan would look back to the lands beyond the Lookout once more.
She would listen intently to Hwa-Jae's words all the same. The girl was going into what troubled her so. It was a problem that she could understand entirely, the Knight would let out a small sigh after hearing the full explanation. "Quite a lot on your plate, isn't there?", the Saiyan asked rhetorically. "I know the struggles of a familial betrayal. I expected more out of Nasu... He's my brother, if that wasn't clear.", the Saiyan elaborated briefly. "In turn, Komatsu and Cambia are related to me. Though I must admit I've been growing distant from them in more recent memory."
The Saiyan would state before moving to change the subject. "So you say your sister is responsible for taking everything away from you... I can understand why you struggle to raise arms against someone you once held dear; maybe you still do.", the Albino Saiyan then looked Hwa-Jae in the eyes. "No one can decide what the right action to take is, no one but you, that is. If you want vengeance... I'm hardly in the position to talk you out of it. If you wish to speak with her, even if it's through battle first... I can hardly fault you for that."
The Albino Saiyan would finally begin to address the woman's conundrum. "If you require assistance, I would be willing to give it. Earth has become surprisingly peaceful for the moment, and I may be able to ensure that there is no further bloodshed... Again, if that is what you would prefer.", the Knight added. "Failing that, feel free to make this your home. You hold a remarkable power, and I think you have a great potential waiting to be realized.", Atsuko continued her assessment of Hwa-Jae, there were not many on Earth with a strength such as hers.
"I know that the others that assist me in defending Earth would be willing to accompany you on any of your journeys, Seuta Hwa-Jae... It's why we're here. We assist any on Earth that are in need.", the Albino Saiyan explained. In a normal situation, she would have extended the offer for Hwa-Jae to join the ranks, but... She felt that it may simply be rubbing salt in the wounds after having lost the order that she grew up with. That was another thing that they could relate upon. Atsuko spent her entire life raised in a Monastery...
The thought of it and her people being wiped out was a heart-wrenching one. Yet it was one that could have become a reality if things had gone just a little differently... It still could happen, if she wasn't strong enough to defend her home from all the threats looming in the Universe. This served as a grim reminder that Atsuko needed to expand the Knights even further, she would need to train them much more so that they were better prepared for their relentless enemies. But as her mind raced with such thoughts, she ended up looking a little more serious than intended.
She'd adjust slightly, replacing her frown with a light smile and suppressing her emotional panic. "In the end, if all you wish to do is talk... We can do that as well. I often don't have many people to hold a conversation with, so it is a nice change of pace.". the Knight stated. Luckily she was able to keep her vulnerabilities brief, or she dubbed them vulnerabilities. Cambia and others kept suggesting that she needed to be more open with how she truly felt, but... It meant revealing weakness, and she just couldn't afford that.
She needed to be strong, that didn't necessarily mean uncaring. "So is that why you've been pushing everyone away, Atsuko?", the Sacred Sword inquired. "It's for their own good. They're not ready yet... Chris just came back, and he looks unfit to return to duty. We're stretched thin, and I don't know if I can control myself around Nasu. It's bad.", Atsuko would respond. "You're focusing on everything else again. What about you? You're feeling lonely again.", Excalibur would confront her on one of the many cruxes of the matter. But the Albino Saiyan just fell silent in the conversation.
Atsuko didn't know how to solve every problem. Hell... Not even most of them.
Now that was a surprise to Hwa-Jae, finding out that Atsuko was not only a saiyan like Nasu and his family but a member of that family as well. Strange that there did not seem to be resemblance, what with the blonde hair and blue eyes which were a sharp contrast to Nasu's darker features. Hwa-Jae would have guessed she was in that "Super Saiyan" form, but she doubted Atsuko would be able to hide her power at the same time as multiplying it. Also, her hair did not have that tinge of gold that Nasu's super saiyan form had. She tried to look around Atsuko's waist for any sign of a tail, but could not see anything. Perhaps it was under the layers of armour?
By this time Hwa-Jae realised she was trying to get a look at the Kami's behind for a tail and instantly tried to make her face as nonchalant as possible. She really didn't need to start stepping on Atsuko's feet. As far as she was concerned, if Atsuko said she was related to Nasu, Cambia, and Komatsu, then she was a saiyan just like them. Of course this meant she could turn into a giant monkey as well, something Hwa-Jae still considered utterly ridiculous. Someone like Atsuko going "ape" just continued that line of thinking.
Still, she seemed genuine in her concern for Hwa-Jae, though the latter did not know why. Why did she bother with someone like Hwa-Jae who wasn't even capable of the strength of a super saiyan? Granted she was stronger than the average human and capable of flight. Perhaps that was why Atsuko gave her time? Then again, why did the idea of Atsuko being sincere bother her so much? It was just as possible that the Kami wanted to help, just as Hwa-Jae wanted to help people. Maybe after everyone she met and the things she encountered, Hwa-Jae was under a paradigm shift of her own. Doubt filled her mind and made her tentative to everyone and everything.
Hwa-Jae looked to Atsuko. "If you don't mind me saying, you don't seem like the black sheep," Hwa-Jae said, "Kind of like Cambia, if Nasu and Komatsu are what typical Saiyans represent, then you don't appear to be typical. You haven't called me primitive or weak yet, for example. Not that I could do anything to stop you if you wanted to say such things. I suppose I'm a little surprised that a Saiyan from another world is the Guardian, though I'm sure you proved yourself worthy of the position. I suppose you can turn into a golden warrior with spiky hair as well then? And a giant monkey?"
She turned away, unable to look Atsuko in the eye. "I do still care about Cineza, my Sister," Hwa-Jae said, "We grew up together in the Kasai Temple, trained together, lived together. She was always my big sister, looking out for me whenever I got clumsy or made a mistake. Her destiny was supposed to be great, a leader within out Sisterhood... I still can't believe that she destroyed the Kasai. I want to believe that maybe a villain controlled her with magic to do such an atrocity. When I looked in her eyes they were so different... the irises were slits, like that of a serpent. And yet when I saw them, I knew they belonged to her. They did not seem clouded."
The eyes of a serpent, Hwa-Jae thought, or those of the Dragon. Could she have found the means to ascend like she always wanted to? If she truly has become the Dragon of the Kasai, then all is lost. Her power would be too great to overcome.
"I don't want vengeance," Hwa-Jae said with a little bit more conviction in her voice. "The Old Master said that vengeance is like an uncontrollable flame. You set fire to the tree that wronged you, but you burn the whole forest just to get to it. Then you have no wood to build a house. Er... understand that the Old Master always uses fire for allegories. In any event, what I do want is... answers. I want to know why Cineza destroyed our shared home and murdered our fellow Sisters. Why she joined forces with the feared enemy. But..."
"She's too strong," Hwa-Jae lowered her head in shame. "We fought on Mount Frappe and she was able to resist the cold of the mountain. I... I didn't. She was always stronger than me, always one step ahead. I thank you for your offer to help, but... this is a Kasai matter. If someone else fought my battles, what would that make me but a coward? I have to face my sister on my own. I need to train harder than ever before if I am to meet her on Mount Paozu, where she waits for me."
Hwa-Jae clenched her fists. Her hands trembled as she felt her fury and her despair enacting a tug-of-war inside her head. What was she to do? There was no clear answer. Cineza needed to be stopped and it would be so easy to ask Atsuko for help, or even call Nasu to pay his debt to her. But then she would live the rest of her days wondering why she hid behind the strong rather than joining their ranks herself. Something inside her, something foolish, demanded that she be the one to mete out justice against Cineza. Perhaps it was pride. Nasu would be one to relate.
At the mention of others, Hwa-Jae looked around the Lookout. "I don't see anyone else," she said, "and my senses are still, well, 'muddled.' I guess I would like to know more about the Lookout, if you don't mind. Nasu wasn't really much of a host the last time I was here. I mean, do you get any other visitors? What about humans and their planes? Does this place have a store of wisdom? Maybe I can find answers from that?"
Just as she finished her question, Hwa-Jae stomach began to rumble. Her cheeks flushed red as she gave Atsuko an embarrassed face. She had not eaten since the day before last when she set out to climb Mount Frappe. The climb and her battles against Cineza and an insane Pyya drained her. "Er, you wouldn't happen to have a well-stocked kitchen, would you? I don't mean to impose, I just haven't eaten in days."
Hwa-Jae seemed to grow rather curious as Atsuko mentioned that she was in fact related to Nasu and the others. The Knight knew well it was because that meant she was a Saiyan; though she didn't look it. She could understand the confusion and the curiosity. The truth of the matter was, the Albino Saiyan only kept her true race a secret because she hadn't been very fond of the Saiyans recently... She had no more weakness in her tail, but even so she hid it away, preferring not to give away such a crucial detail. She preferred being Human.
Anything at all was better than being a Saiyan, in her perspective. Maybe that would change with what Komatsu was intending, a 'day spent being a Saiyan'. Maybe it'd just make her more set in her ways... But she owed him enough to at least try. Atsuko could only hope that he would appreciate the gesture, if nothing else. Her family hadn't been all that caring as of late, then again the Knight hadn't exactly been avoiding the subject of burning bridges. She meant it when she said that she wanted to be left alone, and that the Saiyan Alliance had to leave Earth.
But here is where it ended up, Komatsu being stubborn and trying to do the right thing. Or what he perceived to be the right thing... The Saiyan knew that he was pushing himself so much because he wanted to do right by Tomoroko and Natto... But the Saiyan couldn't keep that promise if the Alliance was what she thought it was. She wouldn't even for them, they'd just have to understand that. What would interrupt her thought pattern? None other than Hwa-Jae stating that she didn't think Atsuko was the black sheep. It prompted the Saiyan to arch a brow.
But she listened to the girl's words. She ended up chuckling a little at her guest's enthusiasm. "I suppose you have a point... Still, I think Cambia fits in with them more than I do, at this rate.", the Saiyan stated. "She has a child to look after now, too... I wouldn't be able to fault her if she put him first and wanted him to grow up with his people... Though I do express a bit of sadness.", the Saiyan would admit. She would have heavily preferred if Okra grew up away from the Saiyans.
Or at least, 'True Saiyans'. "Well, I may be a Saiyan, but I wouldn't exactly say from 'another world'. I was born offworld, but I spent practically all of my life here on Earth.", the Albino Saiyan would respond with a light smile. "I'm as Earthling as you are, and same as anyone else that prefers to make their home here.", the Knight would add. There wasn't a hint of hostility in her tone of voice, however. And it was about time to address Hwa-Jae's next questions. "To answer your questions... Yes, I can go Super Saiyan. I can control the Great Ape form at that."
After that, Hwa-Jae would turn away as she began to address the matter of her sister. "It is still possible that she is being manipulated. Not all forms of trickery are through dark magics, Seuta Hwa-Jae. Whoever gave her this power that you speak of, they could very well have the capabilities to convince people of a great many things through silver tongued words.", the Saiyan stated. "Not to inspire false hope... But it is a possibility, and one that you may want to factor in, at least until you know more.", the Knight added.
Still, the red haired woman mentioned that she didn't want vengeance, and that was rather admirable. The Saiyan could only say that she wished she had the same type of conviction. She once did, but she lost so much patience for her family and her race. Atsuko would give a nod as Hwa-Jae explained one of her master's lessons. "Your master sounds very wise. It is true that to act upon vengeance can lead to horrible paths. It almost always does.", the Knight would reply. Still, it seemed that the woman didn't want any help with this Cineza.
She could understand it being a personal matter and a Kasai matter, but even so she had to make the offer. "I don't intend to fight. I would merely shadow you to be sure that the event does not rage out of control, and that you don't lose your life. If she is as dangerous as you say, then it is possible that such a battle could endanger Earth. I would rather be safe about it, but I'll let you handle the issue.", the Saiyan explained her reasoning... Still, Hwa-Jae was searching for training? The Albino Saiyan could certainly give that.
As Hwa-Jae asked another set of questions, her stomach would rumble just audibly enough that Atsuko could hear it. And then the woman admitted that she hadn't eaten in several days. The Saiyan would laugh lightly once more. "Come on, I'll show you the way to the Dining Room. The Kitchen is right next to it and we can find you something to eat.", the Saiyan would address that part first, calmly making her way towards the Palace. "To answer your questions, there are others that make their home here, yes. Primarily the students of my Martial Arts.", she would keep the conversation going.
"Humans don't tend to come here very often, at least not the civilians. The Lookout is too high for most Planes to feasibly reach it as well.", the Knight elaborated. "We do have a library here, yes. An archive kept by all the previous Guardians.", with that, she'd glance back at Hwa-Jae. "I would be willing to train you, too. You and I are very much alike, though my style makes use of the sword, it does still teach how to fight without a weapon. You needn't make a decision just yet, think on it if you wish."
The Albino Saiyan would then extend the offer. She was willing to make Hwa-Jae into her pupil, but only if she was willing.
Atsuko appeared to be much more thoughtful than her brothers, at least as far as Hwa-Jae could gather. She was a bit surprised to find out that Atsuko grew up on Earth and not on Natto. Perhaps there were other saiyans who lived on Earth as sort of refugees? The reasons could be as varied as the saiyans themselves. They might have wanted to escape the cycle of violence their people seemed to live for. They could have wanted a better life on a peaceful world. Hwa-Jae decided not to press the issue currently, as she only just met Atsuko, but put that line of questioning aside for another day.
"Maybe Cambia fits in more with your brothers," Hwa-Jae offered, "but something tells me otherwise, and that was the way she wanted to raise her son. Nasu seemed to push the idea of raising Okra in a tube of some sort and letting technology do the child-rearing. Cambia didn't seem to like that idea. I didn't say it at the time because I felt it was not my place, but I silently agreed with Cambia. A parent should raise their children, not a calculator. Also..."
Hwa-Jae's face lit up as she recalled little baby Okra. "He was so cute! Why would anyone want to put such cuteness in a tank. I gather saiyan children grow up quickly like earthling children, so why rush things? Besides, I could see that Cambia loves him very much. They should be together, not separated by glass or whatever. A mother's love..."
Simply saying those words brought forth painful memories not just for Hwa-Jae's heart, but quite literally to her head. She felt hot flashes pang across her forehead. She once again saw brief glimpses of the past flash before her, but only for a short moment. Her mother's face, shrouded in shadows. Her father's laughter. The roar of the flames that consumed her home. Her own impotent cries.
Hwa-Jae pressed a hand to her head. "Sorry," Hwa-Jae said, "I shouldn't dwell on such things. Old Master Fuega said that to dwell on the past is to cause immense self-pain, and I didn't bring the medicine that helps me with such. The Master of the Kasai is indeed very wise, but it comes with the territory. She's over a thousand years old and founded the Temple as a refuge for lost girls. She can't fight because of her advanced age, but it's because of her centuries of wisdom that the Kasai have endured. I have to find her so that the Sisterhood can endure the betrayal of Cineza."
When Atsuko mentioned that Cineza could be manipulated by other means and pose as a great danger to Earth, Hwa-Jae fell silent. Her Sister and best friend waited for Hwa-Jae on Mount Paozu, the sight of the third of Fuega's braziers. Yet after their clash on Mount Frappe, Hwa-Jae did not detect Cineza's presence at all. While she granted that her ki senses did not extend to the entirety of the Earth, if Cineza caused more fiery rampages, she should have felt something or at the very least heard something. However, there was no news of infernos sparking across the land. It seemed Cineza only had one target in mind and that was the Kasai Temple. What was her final goal in all this and more importantly, what role did the Black Fire Witch have to play? Cineza spoke well of that fiend when they battled. There was some trickery afoot and Hwa-Jae would get to the bottom of it.
Most of all, she needed to get to Cineza somehow. By destroying the Temple and betraying Hwa-Jae, Cineza broke her heart in a way she would likely never heal. It seemed only fair that Hwa-Jae become stronger so that she could break Cineza's face. The body could heal from that. Then Cineza would face justice.
Once her stomach made her demands known, Hwa-Jae was quite pleased to hear that the Lookout had a kitchen and Atsuko would take her there. This stopped the rumbling, somewhat, of which Hwa-Jae was grateful. The longer she went without food after being drained of energy, the crankier she became. It would definitely not do to become grumpy around the Kami simply because she did not get enough calories into her system, though she wondered if the Lookout had enough food. Granted it must to feed saiyans, considering how much she saw saiyans eat before.
Atsuko then did the utterly unexpected and offered to take Hwa-Jae as her pupil under her school of martial arts. Hwa-Jae simply stood still, her mouth agape. "Y-you are willing to train... me?" She said in complete surprise. "I'm... I'm honoured, but... am I worthy for such training? I'm still just a novice within my own order. I haven't even mastered the basics of what my teachers have shown me. And... shouldn't there be a test or something I have to pass to get such training? I'm willing to show you what I am capable of to demonstrate my willingness and abilities, have no doubt of that!"
However, her stomach quickly objected by grumbling louder than ever before. Hwa-Jae thought her entire body shook from the cantankerous demands of her own body. "Eheh... after lunch though," Hwa-Jae said, her embarrassment complete. "Just one of my many weaknesses, I guess. Energy conservation has always eluded me because my power is always, well... 'on,' and I'm not particularly skilled at suppressing it."
As they walked together, Hwa-Jae asked, "So what kind of martial arts do you teach? You say you use a sword, but I have to admit I don't have any weapons training beyond staves and... well, 'improvised weapons'. I just don't like what weapons represent to me. I prefer my hands. I can control them. Somewhat. Would I have to wear armour as well? This is a lot to take in, I'm feeling a little overwhelmed. Maybe I'll be able to concentrate once I stop my stomach from mutinying against me."
Hwa-Jae would begin by saying that perhaps Cambia did fit in more with the Saiyans, but it wasn't a perfect fit as Cambia desired to raise her child herself, rather than go through it via the Saiyan method, which was to essentially place their babies within a... Tube of sorts. The Knight would lower her gaze to the ground as she contemplated this. "It sounds pretty horrible... I almost think I was lucky to be sent to Earth at such a young age.", the Albino Saiyan admitted. Because of that she was able to grow up with a family that loved her.
Rather than having everything automated and soulless. There's no telling just how differently she would have turned out if that was what happened instead. "I can see why she'd disagree with that. But even so, she's made it clear that she wants Okra to learn about his people... Even going so far as to give him a Saiyan name. It's none of my business, but even so I find it disappointing.", the Saiyan admitted. It was clear that there was bad blood between the Kami and the Saiyans, or at least the Alliance for certain. However, Hwa-Jae's sudden silence at the mention of a mother's love...
It was not lost on her. Atsuko could vaguely remember a motherly figure, but the details were sketchy, it was pretty far back. The odd thing however, was that it wasn't Tomoroko she was recalling. That much she was certain of... But her guest would apologize for her seeming decline in health, and the Knight simply shook her head. "It's alright...", the Knight would respond, though in this case there was one thing that she disagreed with Hwa-Jae's master on. "It's true that dwelling in the past and letting yourself be consumed by it is a bad thing."
The Knight would state. "But we can't merely forget it, either. To push it aside and act as if it were nothing means that it is still a weakness to us; we just ignore our fears until they grow too great to face.", the Albino Saiyan explained. "Whatever happened... Well, that's yours to keep, I won't pry. But there is no shame in coming to terms with what has occurred in the past. It's almost always better to just let it out rather than keep it bottled up inside forever.", Atsuko would give her own two cents on the subject.
"I've seen what it does to people... Trying to silently shoulder that sort of burden.", that would be the last thing she would say on the subject, letting it rest for now. Though there was one thing to take away from this; she didn't necessarily say that her Master was wrong, just her own views on the matter, and she was letting the red haired woman come to her own conclusions. Now however, the matter would turn to Atsuko's offer of training, Hwa-Jae would express her surprise over being offered such a thing, and the Knight would chuckle lightly.
"You've the strength for it, and you remind me very much of myself. Furthermore you're willing to set vengeance aside in an attempt to find justice. On those levels, you've already proven worthy.",the Albino Saiyan would respond. But then she would calmly stop and turn towards Hwa-Jae. "But now that you've made mention of it, there is a trial, yes. Something that I do to ensure that all Knights are ready. I have something here on the Timeless Lookout that's called the Sacred Holy Water.". the Saiyan explained to her guest, pausing momentarily to let her process it.
"The Sacred Holy Water grants a boost to one's strength, but it comes at a cost. Everyone who drinks it suffers as if they were poisoned; for very good reason. The Sacred Holy Water targets the evil in one's heart and soul and eradicates it. It is not a painless process, and those with particularly dark nature do not survive it... Those that do come back stronger, and purified however.", the Albino Saiyan explained everything about the water, she wanted it to be transparent on just what it was the Sacred Holy Water did. Hwa-Jae deserved that.
"Once you've eaten, you can make the decision on if you wish to drink the Sacred Holy Water.", the Saiyan stated... After that, she'd take a breath, staring the red haired woman in the eyes. "If you successfully capture Cineza and should you decide it is necessary, we can give her the Sacred Holy Water as well. I cannot guarantee her survival if the evil within her has become too great... But if you are willing to take that risk, it may restore her to her normal self.", the Knight would let that hang in the air. The atmosphere admittedly becoming more tense than intended.
Atsuko would proceed to lighten up a little and make a gesture for Hwa-Jae to follow once more. "The dining room is in here, for now let's get you something to eat. You can decide what you'd like to do after that.", the Saiyan would enter the dining room, and sure enough there was another doorway leading to what appeared to be a kitchen, the Knight would keep her pace towards it. "Feel free to make yourself at home, or you can come into the kitchen and decide what you'd like to eat, hopefully there's something to your liking."
The Albino Saiyan stated, and then she'd begin to gather what was needed to cook. Come to think of it, Atsuko was feeling a little hungry herself... Maybe she really did need a break from her constant training. It was important to pace herself, she knew that. But part of her didn't want to take the risk of resting just because it meant that she wasn't catching up to Nasu... He was still stronger than her, barely. At least by her last check with her senses. She wouldn't be satisfied until she was at least equal with him.
It wasn't because of pride, but because she needed that strength to defend Earth.
Hwa-Jae did not know how to respond to Atsuko's words on the past simply because there was nothing she could do to reach into her own memories. Every time she thought back to her time before her time with the Kasai Temple, incredible pain rushed through her head. It was no simple headache either, but something crippling that required rare medicine to cure. Her lack of medicine meant she did not dwell on the past simply by necessity. She wanted to face her past, to see the faces of her parents and remember them and their love for their daughter. She also wanted to know more about the woman with the burning crown and what she meant to her.
However, priorities needed to be established. First, she needed to get some food in her belly as the now near constant rumblings were starting to become a bit of a distraction. Secondly, she needed to listen closely to Atsuko and her special training as it could mean the difference between standing up to Cineza and getting thrashed again. Those were the most immediate concerns. Her memories could wait until Cineza was defeated. Justice and healing needed to be sought first and foremost.
Atsuko seemed to deem Hwa-Jae worthy of her training, which only humbled Hwa-Jae further. It took her years to show the dedication, strength, and skill to be deemed ready to take on Kasai Guardian training. They just met, but already Atsuko already considered Hwa-Jae ready. She wasn't sure what it meant to be called a 'Knight', but considered it no different than being considered a Kasai. From what she knew of knights, they wore large plated armour, wielded heavy swords, rode fine horses, and rescued fair damsels in distress. Maybe they slew a dragon here or there. Would that be expected of Hwa-Jae?
Then Atsuko mentioned a test; drinking something called the Sacred Holy Water. The name alone seemed to give the water an air of reverence and she had not even seen it yet. What was she supposed to expect from such a test? Would she drink the water and be fine, or would it burn her insides? Hwa-Jae had not done anything wrong, she thought. Maybe once in a while she got frustrated especially she was hungry, but it was not like she was a thief, a liar, or a killer. The idea that she would willingly take something like a poison gave her pause.
Hwa-Jae steeled herself. She clenched her fists and turned to Atsuko. "I'll drink the water if that's what it takes! I'll down a whole pitcher if it gives me the ability to defeat Cineza and make her see reason! That water will find that I am not lacking in conviction!"
Atsuko then mentioned that the water could purify Cineza if she was properly captured, but Hwa-Jae almost jumped on the chance of purifying her sister. However, she stopped her revelry. "The water," she said in a low, questioning voice, "It's not something that considers all factors of a person, does it? If a person has evil in their heart, the water will hurt them. Possibly kill them. I'll take the water on myself first... but if the water does have that effect on people, then I'd rather save for a second-to-last resort."
The last resort, obviously, was death.
Before she had her fill of sacred water, Hwa-Jae needed her fill of food. Once they made it inside the dining room. It appeared to be fit for several people at a time, with plenty of fine furniture to sit on and utensils to use. Those were nice, but Hwa-Jae's mission was clear. She made a beeline to the kitchen as per Atsuko's allowance, eager to get started in making her meal. Once inside, her eyes lit up at the possibilities. There seemed to be every food item her heart and her oven of a stomach could ever want. There also appeared to be an array of tools and implements that any competent cook could use to make an assortment of delicious meals.
A shame that Hwa-Jae was not such a cook. She did not train in the art of meal preparation, leaving that to the Sisters who were not so physically inclined. The best she could do was take a hunk of meat, light a fire, and cook it up right there. She did manage to find a suitable piece of meat, beef if she wasn't mistaken, and promptly held it up with one hand while igniting a fireball in the other. Hwa-Jae held the meat over the flames, letting it cook naturally off of the heat of her ki.
As she stepped out of the kitchens with a slab of meat in one hand and a fireball in another, she sought out Atsuko. "So while I'm cooking this up, I'm curious about the Lookout. This place seems like its utterly timeless. It doesn't seem old at all. I was wondering if it's a new building. What else does it have besides a library and a kitchen? What about the room with all the clocks? I don't think that is just for telling time. This place is huge, I bet it has all sorts of facilities that are useful to you and your students."
With the aroma of cooked beef wafting into her nostrils, Hwa-Jae licked her lips as she closed her hands around her hinotama. Not to look like a complete animal, she hastily went back into the kitchen, found a knife, and quickly cut the slab into smaller chunks, piling them onto the plate. She also snatched up a bread roll and some fruit. It made up for a light snack, so once she set that down in the dining room, she went back for some more. There she scooped up some soup from a waiting pot into the largest bowl she could find, then decided a bit more fruit was required. By the time she finished collecting food, she had three large plates and a heavy bowl of soup waiting for her.
"Did you want anything while I'm running around?" Hwa-Jae asked Atsuko as she returned with a cup of non-sacred water.
Hwa-Jae had fallen unusually silent in regards to the past, whatever happened was either very personal, or perhaps she didn't recall it... Whatever the case was, the Knight let the subject rest. If the red haired woman wished to discuss it, then she would bring it up in the future. Atsuko saw no reason to pry any further, at least for the moment. Still, the Albino Saiyan's guest seemed to be very humbled by the words of encouragement; she meant every last one of them. Hwa-Jae was definitely on the stronger side of the spectrum as far as Earth was concerned.
Even then, she appeared to be self taught. Sure, the Kasai taught her a great many things, but Atsuko could liken this to the time she spent in the Monastery within the Mountains, she learned many things there, but the Knight learned far more through journey and oddly enough by gaining a mentor of her own; Excalibur. The Sacred Sword taught her several things, including the Martial Arts, how to control her Super Saiyan forms... She'd come far with Excalibur's guidance, and now she was extending that to her students. With her dear friend helping along the way, of course.
It... Hadn't been going as well as she hoped, truthfully. Ayami ended up going into personal exile, and though she returned briefly, she had set off again and Atsuko just wished her well, as long as she was living in peace, that was really all that the Albino Saiyan wanted. Then there was Chris, who... Well, he ended up dying in his first major battle, and though he's come back to life, he's fallen mysteriously ill. That left her third student. Cambia. She did have a fourth that she intended to train, but now Hisashi was nowhere to be found.
Atsuko hoped that she could do better for Hwa-Jae. Though she suppressed that doubt, it was something that the red haired woman didn't need to see right now. Certainly not when she was filled with such a conviction in regards to the Sacred Holy Water! The enthusiasm was rather infectious. It prompted a laugh out of the Saiyan. "Don't worry, you won't need to go downing any pitchers. A single cup will be plenty.", she would respond... Still, it seemed that Hwa-Jae made her choice already. The Albino Saiyan figured it might have ended up that way, her students were nothing if not headstrong and fearless.
True, her latest guest wasn't exactly a student yet, but Atsuko intended for her to be one. However, some of the excitement died down as Hwa-Jae considered the prospect of using the Sacred Holy Water on Cineza. The Knight listened intently to the red haired woman's words. She was expressing her concerns about the water not factoring in everything about a person. Atsuko could understand it well enough. So she'd merely offer a kind smile. "It does factor in such things... After a duel with Nasu, I ended up trapped in the Realm of Demons."
Atsuko explained. "Otherwise known as Makai. There I met the Demon Queen, who turned out to be rather kind... I suspect trickery was involved, but I have no real proof. Regardless, the only way to easily leave Makai was by drinking a water that is a counterpart to the Sacred Holy Water; it rendered me corrupted, brought out my darker aspects... Twisted me into a demonic form, of a sorts.", the Saiyan elaborated further. As much as she was decrying it, however... She knew that other side of her was still a part of her. Very decidedly so.
But it didn't have to be in control. That was the key. "I drank the Sacred Holy Water, and I was purified. If there is still good in Cineza, if she hasn't given up entirely on that front... Then she could be purified. But if she has fully embraced the dark, then I'm afraid that it would lead to her death.", the Saiyan then stated. She stared Hwa-Jae in the eyes. "However, something tells me that if she is that far gone... Well. A chance is better than nothing at all.", she approached that topic carefully, but the meaning was clear.
If Cineza was already going to die, then there was little risk in using the Sacred Holy Water. After that? The red haired woman immediately pulled out a slab of meat from the fridge and practically instantly cooked it with a seemingly magical fire. The Knight once more arched a brow, but then chuckled lightly at the sight. Well, she was hungry indeed... Atsuko would merely prepare a meal for herself through more conventional means, and then finally join Hwa-Jae at the table. After that, she received a few questions about the Timeless Lookout. Atsuko pondered it over as she calmly ate some of her own food.
Once she had finished her bite, she'd finally respond. "Funny that you mentioned it being Timeless... That is part of it's full name; The Timeless Lookout. It is so called because it extends even further back than the first Kami. No one knows who originally made this structure, or why it is maintained in such a state... Or even why it holds rooms such as the Pendulum Room, the Hyperbolic Time Chamber... Or a doorway to a dimension where the previous Guardians reside.", the Saiyan explained, seemingly taking some pride in her home.
"But all Guardians take up the duty of defending it, alongside Earth. Countless have done so before me, and if luck holds, countless after me will do the same. The Library that you mentioned houses all of the records of the Guardians before... Even the very first. It does have a very mystical air about it, even after all these years, very little is known about it... But it has been well used by those seeking to defend Earth.", the Albino Saiyan elaborated. "That room with the clocks is the Pendulum Room. Be mindful in there, it is capable of transporting you to false realities."
Atsuko warned. "Mainly used for training. When I'm not watching over Earth, that's where I spend my time."
Hwa-Jae sat at the table with her three plates filled to the brim with food and looked down on them in anticipation. She licked her lips as they curled into a smile. As the aroma of cooked meat sailed into her nose, all of her problems seemed to melt away and give way to just satisfying her hunger. She smiled at gave a traditional "I gracefully receive this meal!" as thanks to both the meal itself and Atsuko who acted as her host. With all of the larger portions, Hwa-Jae went without chopsticks and decided to use a knife and fork. With all the niceties out of the way, Hwa-Jae set to work.
When she said she would gracefully receive her meal, she meant it, eating politely and cleanly though not slowing down at all. Her hands and utensils moved like a blur, seemingly slicing up chunks of meat, chewing them for a second, only to repeat the process. In a matter of moments all of her plates were cleared of food, leaving only apple cores and skins from fruit. Hwa-Jae picked up her plates, went back to the kitchen, and returned a moment later with the second course. The "blast furnace stomach" demanded a sacrifice of two days worth of food, and Hwa-Jae would not disobey lest she felt her tummy's wrath.
By the time she finished her fourth course of food, Hwa-Jae started to feel satisfied. When someone like her went days without food and used so much ki in battles, she needed a moment to stop and refuel, so to speak. She sat back to let the food settle, giving a cheerful "thank you for the feast!", once more as thanks to Atsuko and to the food itself. Now that she had her energy back, she could take on Atsuko's test with the sacred water.
As Atsuko spoke, Hwa-Jae listened though she balked at the idea of a "demon realm" and that Atsuko was sent there because of Nasu of all people. "Why did Nasu send you to the Demon Realm?" she asked, "How did he manage to send you there? He doesn't appear to be a sorcerer at all. He didn't seem like a bad guy either. Arrogant, yes. Full of himself. Kind of rude..." She then realised she was talking about the Guardian's brother and quickly waved off her comments. "Sorry! I just... didn't think he would do such a thing."
"So there really is a demon realm." Hwa-Jae heard of such a thing, but never imagined the demon realm or Makai to be a real place. Then again, she never imagined aliens like saiyans to be real as well. "The demon queen was nice?" Hwa-Jae looked at Atsuko confused, "That is completely at odds with what a demon is. I mean, it could be possible that there are good demons, couldn't there? I have never believed that anyone is truly born evil, but rather are taught that by their mentors and peers. If all you know if evil, then that is the only way you know how to act."
The conversation shifted back to Cineza, as it often did being that she was the end goal. Perhaps if it were not for Cineza's assault, Hwa-Jae would have trained with Atsuko under happier pretences, for Hwa-Jae to grow strong without a looming threat. Regardless of if the Sacred Water would work to heal Cineza of her darkness, Hwa-Jae was getting answers. The Black Fire Witch had her claws in this calamity, she knew it, and she would do everything in her power to save Cineza from such a monster.
However... "I'll do my best to save my sister," Hwa-Jae said, the feeling of dread coming over her again now that the food was gone. "But I also took an oath that I would protect this world from any threat. To use the Living Flame of the Kasai against those who would spread evil. Corny speeches aside, I take my duty as a Kasai Guardian very seriously. Even if I'm just a novice. If Cineza is too far gone I'll... I'll make sure she never wields the flame against anyone ever again. What she has done has brought dishonour to a sect that has stood for centuries. Cineza will answer for her sins one way or another. I should be the one to do it after all. She hurt my family and broke my heart. I should reply with a swift, sure hand."
But could she? Hwa-Jae had doubts on her convictions in that regard. She would take on any test, any foe, but could she deal the deathblow? Could she strike down her sister. The image already formed in her head; she could see Cineza's serpentine eyes glaring at her, hearing her voice shout at her "Do it! Do it!" then followed by mad cackling. In another instant though Hwa-Jae could see Cineza's eyes returned to normal, pleading for mercy. Mercy she did not extend to her Sisters. Hwa-Jae's heart wavered. She had a duty to perform, but her doubts continued to linger.
"So this Timeless Lookout is one big training ground, it sounds like," Hwa-Jae said as she stepped out of her seat, looking around the room in wonder. "It sounds great to be able to have so many means at your disposal. Would you be willing to allow me use of these same facilities, should you find me a capable student?"
Hwa-Jae then regarded Atsuko carefully. She took a deep breath and steadied herself. "All right," she said, keeping her voice strong. "Whether or not I just had my last meal, I'm ready to take on the Sacred Holy Water. I'll follow your lead, Kami Atsuko. I'm ready to show you my conviction not only as a martial artist, but as a protector of the Earth."
Hwa-Jae ate with a practiced gusto that Atsuko that... Honestly, she had never seen before. As a Saiyan she didn't have the 'overwhelming appetite' that was common in her race. Sure, she still ate enough to be healthy. But she didn't practically inhale food as some of the ah... Others that didn't have table manners. Still, Hwa-Jae was a step above that, hitting the fine line of refined eating with haste. Honestly she seemed starved, which would only make sense if the red haired woman had gone without eating for several days, that certainly seemed to be the case. After finishing off several portions...
Finally she slowed and began to relax. Atsuko couldn't help but just smile, it was refreshing to see something... Decidedly not about fighting or survival or anything like that. Just someone trying to make it through life, there was a time where the Knight was just like that. That type of innocence wasn't easily returned. The Albino Saiyan was admittedly a little fearful for the young Kasai, they shared many similarities indeed. Atsuko could only hope that she wouldn't follow in all of the same footsteps. Not all of them were pleasant or life changing in the way she would have liked.
Still, pleasantries would fade as Hwa-Jae then turned the conversation towards Nasu. First by asking why he sent Atsuko to Makai, or how was able to, she could understand where the misconception started. Still, the young Kasai then proceeded to apologize for the 'rude words', which prompted another chuckle out of Atsuko. "I've said far worse things about him... I don't think very much of him, to be honest with you.", the Saiyan stated. Her gaze lowering to the table and her expression growing a little more grim to match it. It was clear to see just how much hatred she held for him.
"I don't even view him as my brother. I did once, briefly.", the Albino Saiyan added. "He took up a dark power so that he could defeat me in a duel. So he marched here to Earth with a band of soldiers in tow. All poised to prevent any interruptions.", the Saiyan continued in her explanation. "That was the 'official story', in any case. They were actually there to be sure that Earth wasn't in danger, same for anyone on Earth. They also wanted to make sure that neither I or Nasu died."
The Knight paused after that. There was a genuine flash of anger as she was recalling all of those events. And a surge of power to match it, but one that she suppressed soon enough. "They assured me it wouldn't get out of hand... Well, it very clearly did. To make matters worse, during the duel a man called Jarvis appeared after having used the Dragon Balls to make himself into a godlike entity. He began to kill several people, including one of my students... Endangered the lives of many others, and there was a chance for me to stop him."
Atsuko said, now looking at Hwa-Jae. "I had the choice of forsaking the duel, or being a 'True Saiyan' and finishing what had been started. I had my opening, I could have struck Nasu, but he may have died... Since he was my family, I asked him to surrender. Naturally, he didn't like that. So I decided to just leave so I could stop Jarvis... He sent his attack after me.", the Albino Saiyan elaborated. "After that, the Demon Queen opened a portal right in front of me. I had no time to react, certainly not enough to evade the portal."
Atsuko continued. "So I chose to dive through the portal without hesitation. If I couldn't deal with one threat, I had a gateway to another. Nasu sent his attack after me even faster and left me broken within Makai... I was entirely vulnerable to Nakiya. She could have done anything to me, even take my life. All because Nasu needed to have his pride. His victory that was being 'stolen'... The Saiyans that were accompanying him did nothing. They just saw a 'disgrace getting what she deserved'.", she finished that particular story with a heavy sigh.
"I don't think highly of Saiyans either... I was raised all of my life to believe that Demons were my greatest enemies. But I've met many that have proved me wrong. Nakiya is almost one of them, I still have my reasons to doubt her. But she spared my life, and she spared me from humiliation by Nasu... When I was left utterly broken, she... Built me back up.", the Albino Saiyan admitted with a bit of regret. That was the weakest moment in her life, and it wasn't something that she would easily forget. Not unless she managed to pay Nasu back for every last second of it.
After that, their conversation turned to Cineza and Hwa-Jae's own trial regarding the Sacred Holy Water... Someone so eager to defend Earth, she really would make a fine Knight... Holding no fear about the Sacred Holy Water as well, instead just asking to be taken to it straight away. The Knight would smile in response, able to put the past behind her now. Atsuko would stand up and give a calm nod. "Right, the Sacred Holy Water is this way, I'll take you there now.", after saying that, she would calmly walk out of the dining room.
The Albino Saiyan kept pace through the halls. She knew the fastest way to the chamber which housed the Sacred Holy Water. "Oh... And to answer your question, as my student you would gain access to many things here, yes. With the exception of the Hyperbolic Time Chamber, that requires a little more.", she stated, then entering the room and continuing towards the table which held the grail. She would carefully lift it up and pour the water into one of the cups. After that, she set the grail back down and turned towards Hwa-Jae.
"Seuta Hwa-Jae, you understand the associated risks. Should you refuse to drink the water, no one would think lesser of you. If however you wish to continue despite this, then you may drink from this cup. I wish you well in either choice."
WC: 1,045 Total WC: 6,130 __________________ Offering the Sacred Holy Water to Hwa-Jae! Important Note: Hwa-Jae's PL at the start of this thread was 97,523. That means she qualifies for the 10,000 PL boost from the Sacred Holy Water!
Hwa-Jae listened to Atsuko recount her battle with Nasu and it only made her a little uncomfortable. Nasu, the saiyans, demons, it was all just so overwhelming. Perhaps she misjudged Nasu after all. She wondered if Komatsu and Cambia were not so different. Atsuko did not seem related to Nasu at all with how saiyans seemed to work. Hwa-Jae recalled how the other saiyan she met acted in a similar, if less exaggerated. The last thing she wanted was a confrontation with the warrior race, as they could be great allies, but they needed to learn that Earth did things differently than they did, regardless of how strong the saiyans were.
She looked to Atsuko once the Kami recounted her tale and spoke to her earnestly. "If I make it through the Sacred Holy Water and defeat Cineza, I'll do my best to help you protect the Earth. I may not be as strong as a saiyan but if I don't stand up for my home, who will? I'll show you that I can be a capable martial artist under your tutelage! If the saiyans or demons or anyone threatens Earth, they'll face my flames."
Of course, that sounded like an idle boast. She could still remember the feeling that Nasu's various super saiyan forms produced. The best she could do was unleash her latent potential, but that was paltry compared to the power of the saiyans. Still, she would not cower in the face of strength. She would not hide in the dark when she had a light to use against it.
Atsuko then led Hwa-Jae towards the Sacred Holy Water. The room was large, yet it only held the ornate chalice that Hwa-Jae guessed contained the water itself. The Kami poured the Holy Water into a cup and then offered it to Hwa-Jae. She held the cup gingerly in her hand, looking into its contents. It appeared to be just normal water, but there was something about the liquid that seemed... off. Not in a threatening way, but it scratched something in the back of Hwa-Jae's mind.
She looked to Atsuko who waited for her to take the drink. "Well... cheers," Hwa-Jae said with a small smile, then lifted the cup to her lips and took a swig of the water in one gulp.
Her eyes bulged as immense pain surged through every nerve in her body. She tried to clamp down, her teeth grinding against one another as she felt the pain only get worse. The agony she felt was nothing like anything she felt before. No flame ever hurt her like the Sacred Holy Water ever did. She gripped at her throat where the water produced the most excruciating pain. The room began to blur all around her as she struggled against the poisonous effects of the water. Even the taste was foul, like drinking out of sewage drain.
Unable to hold back anymore, Hwa-Jae began to scream as the pain simply became unbearable. Every ounce of her body fought against the agony, but to no avail. Hwa-Jae fell to her knees, grimacing and screaming. Her body became numb, yet the pain remained. Lifting her fist, she started to pound the polished tiles of the floor, hoping to bring back some sense of feeling. Yet as her fist connected, she felt nothing.
Her screams continued unabated, while her eyes rolled into the back of her head as she felt darkness take her.
***
Hwa-Jae opened her eyes to darkness. As she climbed back to her feet, she could only see an empty void around her. There was no telling left from right or up from down as even the surface she stood on was pitch black, giving the expanse a nauseating feeling of infinity. Hwa-Jae turned every which way to get a sense of direction, but no avail. She was alone in the cold dark, save for her own thoughts. Hwa-Jae tried to extend her ki senses, but she could not sense Atsuko or anyone. Was this the effect of the Sacred Holy Water? Where did it take her?
She could sense herself only, so this must have been the depths of her own heart? Hwa-Jae felt her shoulders slump. Why was there so much darkness within her? What did it mean? Was there more evil within her than she realised? Hwa-Jae thought if she did anything particularly evil. There was no pranks she helped Cineza pull back when they were kids, her general crankiness whenever she was getting hungry. Those really didn't count as evil, did they? Hwa-Jae turned her head to see if there was something, anything, but there was only the endless dark.
Did I fail? Hwa-Jae felt her hands shake as anxiety came over her. She needed to get out of this darkness before it consumed her. The feeling of a great weight pressing down on her shoulders only added to the feeling of dread. And it was starting to feeling incredibly hot in this endless void.
Wait, hot? Hwa-Jae tried to find a source of the heat, but it was just a feeling clutching to her skin, like the heat was directly pressing on her underneath her uniform. The feeling was not pleasant in the slightest, more like her skin was radiating heat even greater and more painful than the Sukinbanigu ever did before.
Hwa-Jae needed to steel herself. She found her courage and gave a great shout to the darkness that surrounded her. "I'm not afraid! If the Sacred Holy Water wants to show me something then get on with it! I'll burn away all my fear if I have to!"
"But you cannot burn what is already on fire."
From just a few feet away, Hwa-Jae saw a ring of fire suddenly spark to life in front of her. Rising from the darkness in the centre of the flames, a being of pure fire and scorching lava ascended upwards. Sporting a pair of horns, a mouth filled with jagged teeth and having flames where eyes should be, the creature looked like a demon. It hovered in the air in front of Hwa-Jae, simply staring at her with its blazing face. Hwa-Jae could not tell, but she thought she saw the fiery fiend smile at her in a sinister manner.
"I am you," the creature said, floating towards Hwa-Jae, "I am your burning shadow. I am what you fear most, the loss of control. So long as you wield the flame, you can be lost to it. At any moment you can lose yourself and go... wild. Like me. A Wildfire."
The darkness suddenly turned into a burning arena, where the flames surrounded Hwa-Jae and the Wildfire. Now Hwa-Jae could clearly see Wildfire in front of her, and the creature looked absolutely ravenous.
"You... you can't be what's inside!" Hwa-Jae shouted, taking a fearful step away. Without warning, the Wildfire surged toward her, its molten claws extended.
"Burn! Burn! Burn!" The creature cackled madly as it raised its burning hand, signifying the beginning of a fight. "Those who sow in flames..."
"In ashes they shall reap!"
*** WC: 1185 TWC: 6690
Last Edit: Jul 31, 2016 15:34:15 GMT -5 by Deleted
Hwa-Jae opted to finish their conversation before drinking the Sacred Holy Water, which was fine in the Saiyan's mind. There was the admittedly unlikely possibility that she would end up dying from this trial. Atsuko didn't think it would happen, but she couldn't rule out the possibility, that's why every student she takes up had the chance to refuse it. It was never something that they had to do, and it was entirely a choice. The Albino Saiyan only had the plans for forcing it if one of her students had become corrupted in some form, or they were going down a dark path.
In any case, the red haired woman said that if she made it through the Sacred Holy Water and then defeated Cineza, she would devote herself to the cause of defending Earth. Even more than that, she was eager to show that she could be a capable Martial Artist under the tutelage of the Knight. Atsuko smiled lightly. "I admire and respect your courage.", the Albino Saiyan would respond... Hwa-Jae would make for an excellent pupil indeed. "I look forward to seeing how your journey goes.", she would add. Careful not to say 'I have high hopes for you'
Or something to that effect. It would likely only place more pressure on her. Hwa-Jae didn't need that right now. With that out of the way... She made the decision to drink the Sacred Holy Water, as every other student before her had done without hesitation. Atsuko would just give a light not at Hwa-Jae's last comment. "Cheers.", the Saiyan stated. After that, the red haired woman drank the cup of water, and it wasn't much longer before the effects would start taking toll on her... It was still something that the Knight didn't like seeing. But it was a part of what made the Knights so effective.
Soon enough Hwa-Jae's screams would fill the chamber, and after that she fell unconscious... The Saiyan sighed lightly as quiet returned to the room. It always took a little bit of time for them to recover from it, but she could tell that the red haired woman was still alive. Evidenced by the faint energy signature and that she was still breathing. The Knight would calmly sit down next to Hwa-Jae and assume a meditative posture. For now, there was nothing to be done but wait. Either Hwa-Jae would stir from her sleep...
Or she would fail in the trial and die. Atsuko sincerely hoped that she wouldn't fail, however. "I'd have to come to Otherworld to speak on your behalf... So don't go dying now.", she'd comment quietly. With that, the Saiyan closed her eyes and began to meditate. At this point, Excalibur had decided to take up conversation once more. "I'm surprised that you've made the decision to take up another student.", the Sacred Sword said. "Yeah... I've failed so many of my students. Hwa-Jae seems to want this, and I'm not exactly in a position to refuse the help."
The Albino Saiyan responded. "You can't always blame yourself for the past.", Excalibur protests. But Atsuko just lets out a small sigh in response. "It's the truth. If I was stronger, I could have beaten Nasu, and then saved Chris.... I wouldn't have gotten taken to Makai, and then Ayami wouldn't need to disappear like she did. I still can't get into contact with Hisashi. And Chris is... He's still struggling with that affliction. The Knights are in ruins, as much as I don't want to admit it.", the Saiyan replies. There was still Cambia, but she didn't know what to expect from her.
"It would be ideal to change things that have gone wrong... Yes, I won't deny that. But you know that if you were that strong, Nasu wouldn't have stopped trying to beat you somehow. It would have just made him stop for a small amount of time before trying again. Another situation could have cropped up just like this one.", Excalibur argued. "Exactly why I hate him. Because he could do anything like that again and there's nothing to stop him except for his easily damaged pride... The little bastard.", the Saiyan retorted.
"I won't deny that he's a loose cannon. As much as the Saiyans want to deny that anything that bad will happen again... They've done nothing to show it. Not even an apology for what happened.", the Sacred Sword would finally voice agreement with her wielder. "That's why I give Komatsu such a hard time... He wants me to do a lot, even if he doesn't realize it. To just act like everything is fine now... I know he knows what it's like, and yet he's acting like I'm in the wrong.", Atsuko expressed her frustrations as she recalled how their last talk went.
She was corrupted then... But even so. "He wants to follow his parents' legacy. Even if he doesn't realize it, that's why he gets so defensive about it.", Excalibur explained. But that just prompted a sad smile out of the Knight. "I don't think he realizes that I don't have a place in that legacy... I'm not a Saiyan, and I don't want to be one. I can be his sister, but I don't think I can manage much more than that. I hope it doesn't break him when he does realize that.", the Albino Saiyan replies.
It was truly a messy situation. Komatsu was trying his hardest to smooth over the situation, almost to the point of trying too much. The stress of it all was going to catch up to him sooner or later; Atsuko knew it well. She recognized all the signs because she's experienced them herself. Yet, she didn't know what she could do to help him. Asking him to stop wouldn't get anywhere, and even if it did... She knew that it'd hurt him just as much, if not more. But she couldn't change how she felt. As long as Nasu and his goons were in charge...
Atsuko wanted nothing to do with the Saiyan Alliance.
WC: 1,015 Total WC: 7,145 _________________ Since Hwa-Jae is on a personal journey at the moment... Thought Atsuko should go on one of her own.
The Wildfire grinned at Hwa-Jae, revealing its long rows of razor sharp teeth before dashing off towards with burning claws extended. The beast that dwelled within her heart moved faster than she anticipated and she only just managed to get away from swipe. Hwa-Jae took on a more defensive stance as she regarded her foe; the Wildfire burned with an intensity that made Mount Kiwi's lava feel like a warm breeze. If Hwa-Jae was going to stand against such a creature, she needed to be able to withstand the fire it produced.
However, how could she face the Wildfire in a physical contest of strength and skill when she was not using her body, but fighting within the depths of her own psyche? It was not her flesh and bone that would strike the Wildfire or block its attacks, but her very essence, her very being. Was this the effect of the Sacred Holy Water? If so, then Hwa-Jae was truly under the throes of powerful magic. Was the Kami Atsuko watching over her prone body? Was her body suffering in the real world? Was the battle against the Wildfire the source of the suffering? There was no way to tell. Hwa-Jae could only guess that by defeating the Wildfire, her burning shadow could she be freed from the effects of the Sacred Holy Water and return to consciousness.
As the Wildfire raised its foot and slammed it down with an axe kick, Hwa-Jae deftly dodged to the side and took on an offensive stance. With a shout, Hwa-Jae rushed towards the Wildfire and lashed out with a side kick. As soon as her foot got near though, the Wildfire easily caught the heel in its lava-cracked hand. With astounding strength, the Wildfire lifted Hwa-Jae by the leg and followed up by slamming her into the "ground". As she collided, Hwa-Jae shouted from the impact but managed to recover to her feet.
"It's... so strong." Hwa-Jae glared at the Wildfire as it advanced towards her, its clawed feet trailing flames with every step. Just as it got close, Hwa-Jae raised an open hand and launched a fireball right into the Wildfire's face. The hinotama exploded on impact, covering the area in flames, but otherwise had no effect on Hwa-Jae's enemy besides knocking the head aside. The Wildfire lowered its empty gaze towards Hwa-Jae and let out a roar that shook the expanse of the psyche's arena.
The bestial nature of the Wildfire gave Hwa-Jae an opening and she planned to capitalise on it. Pushing off with her lead foot, Hwa-Jae burst forward towards her enemy and struck it with a hard palm strike right on the chin. The Wildfire flew into the air from the impact and landed on its back, allowing the Kasai a small smile of satisfaction. With the Wildfire stunned, Hwa-Jae went on the offensive as she leapt into the air. She positioned herself mid air so that both of her boots would stomp on the Wildfire's abdomen. When the leather struck lava, Hwa-Jae rapidly stomped down on the creature's stomach in rapid succession. She then flipped away as soon as the Wildfire took swipes at her legs.
"Had enough?" Hwa-Jae said with confidence. Such bravado died when she saw the Wildfire kip up easily seemingly no worse from wear. Not only was it unphased from Hwa-Jae's attacks, but the flames that made up the Wildfire's body seemed to grow larger, brighter, and hotter. Her mouth agape, Hwa-Jae could not believe that her blows did no effect. How was she supposed to fight something like this if she could do damage?
The Wildfire continued to advance slowly all while flexing its fingers, eager to strike. Instead of another attack with its claws, the Wildfire raised an open palm towards Hwa-Jae. Her eyes widened at realization for what was to come as an orb of ki took shape near the palm followed by the orb igniting in raucous flames.
"Hinotama..." the Wildfire hissed and the technique Hwa-Jae used so often flew right towards her. She only just managed to push away with her feet, but the explosion from the fireball as it hit the ground shook her flight. With her trajectory disturbed, she could not mount a defence as the Wildfire took flight above her. The mad creature raised both of its fists and slammed down on Hwa-Jae's exposed back with a double axe handle strike that sent the Kasai careening into the ground.
Flat on her front, Hwa-Jae groaned as she struggled to get up. The Wildfire laughed at Hwa-Jae's misfortune as it stepped closely to her. "You cannot win," the Wildfire said, "Not against your very nature. You struggle against what it means to command fire every day, but every day you find yourself slipping. Anger, frustration, rage, despair. Your morals may say otherwise, but deep down you know what your first instinct is. You want to burn all your problems away."
"That's not true!" Hwa-Jae shouted as she got back to her feet. "I keep true to the code of the Kasai! I don't look at my fire as a weapon but a means to protect people!"
"You forget the very nature of fire, stupid girl!" The Wildfire roared back, "Fire burns! It consumes! It leaves nothing but ashes in its wake! The more you try to resist, the more likely you will fall to the chaos! Just give in to the roaring flames that dwell within your heart! Embrace what I represent. If you do not, you will never beat Cineza. You will never know true power. Allow me to... demonstrate."
The Wildfire raised two fingers parallel to its face, still maintaining its toothy grin. Hwa-Jae looked in fright as she realised what the Wildfire was doing. The air around them began to crackle with energy as the Wildfire focused its energy in those two fingers. Faster than Hwa-Jae could ever manage herself, the creature gathered enough energy to unleash the technique. Her technique.
Lowering her fingers towards the ground, the Wildfire grinned, the light from the flames giving her a gruesome visage. "Backdraft... Arc!"
The Wildfire raised its arm in one swift motion and from that an orange arc of pure energy formed in the air. The arc spun around once before righting itself, tearing the ground apart as it ripped towards Hwa-Jae just as she used it against enemies herself. The Backdraft Arc was the first technique of her own creation, yet here was this monster using it just as well. How could that even be possible?
Before she could wonder about that, Hwa-Jae needed to worry about the Arc coming her way. She knew no other technique save for one. Hwa-Jae brought her own fingers close to her eyes and began to rapidly charge them with ki. The Wildfire's arc drew closer, not giving Hwa-Jae a lot of time. Deciding on this course of action, she quickly lowered her hand and brought it up in the same motion as the Wildfire displayed while shouting "Backdraft Arc!" herself.
Her Arc did not have to go far as it collided with the one launched by the Wildfire. The combined explosive power created a massive firestorm. The shockwave from the blast knocked both Hwa-Jae and the Wildfire far from each other. For her part, Hwa-Jae tumbled on the ground but managed to stay on her feet. The Wildfire spun around in the air but maintained her flight. Once the explosion dissipated, the two glared at each other, each furious with their foe.
Both zoomed towards each other only to clash with their fingers entwined in a grappling struggle. Hwa-Jae brought all of her strength to the fore, but the Wildfire did the same and neither combatant gave the other an inch. As they struggled, Hwa-Jae realised just what she was facing. She could feel it, even if she could not detect the Wildfire's ki. Everything started to make sense.
Hwa-Jae released her hold on the Wildfire's hands and quickly back flipped away from the fight. "This has gone on long enough," Hwa-Jae said, "I can't beat you."
The Wildfire cackled, the flames of its body rising in victory. "Yes! Give in to the chaos of the flames!"
Hwa-Jae smirked. "But you can't beat me either. It's just like you said. You are me, you are my burning shadow. Even fire can create a shadow if the light cast upon it is strong enough. The Sacred Holy Water must have taken the role of the light. I always thought I could maintain control of the fire that I use as a Kasai, but you're right, I still wear the gloves of a novice who can't control the fire perfectly. And I do still have my emotions like anger and rage. If I give in, I'll just be like you, a wildfire that cannot be controlled, only snuffed."
"But I'm realising something. I need you. The fire that burns within me is chaotic and powerful, but I don't have to control it like a leash on a dog. I have to guide it, just as some bushfires are used to guide the growth of plains and forests. We are fire. I am fire. I accept you for what you are; a part of me that empowers my flames. If I lose you, the very nature of fire, I wouldn't be able to wield the flame."
The Wildfire stopped, looking confused for a moment. Then it spoke softly. "The flame... accepts you, the one who will guide it."
From the Wildfire came a brilliant white light that blinded Hwa-Jae. The darkness gave way to a white void, and the flames that surrounded her burned in unison. Where the Wildfire stood now a new figure floated above the ground. The light was too bright for Hwa-Jae to see but she was able to make out the outline of a woman who exuded warmth. Most noticeable was the mane of literal fire hair that crackled on her head. The figure then extended her hand. Hwa-Jae looked on in awe and amazement. She reached out to to the hand, only just able to touch the figure's fingertips.
"Hwa-Jae," the figure said, "It is time to wake up..."
***
As her eyes opened, Hwa-Jae gasped for air, rolling over onto her hands and knees. She coughed with each deep breath but managed to stay upright. Everything was coming back to her from the Lookout to the Sacred Holy Water to Atsuko who sat next to her. It didn't feel like she was out of it for a long time, but it also felt like she had been battling for hours. Sweat dripped off of her face, but she was able to sit upright.
After a moment to collect her breath, Hwa-Jae spoke. "I... I did it..." she breathed out, "I made it out of my own... heart. Kami Atsuko, I..."
"I didn't see darkness," she said as she spoke, "but... Fire. Chaos. Chaos I could not purge... because I knew I couldn't. I wouldn't. I am Kasai, and Kasai are those who wield the Living Flame. I hope you are not disappointed... but I had to accept what I am. I can control myself, but the chaos of fire cannot by controlled. To lose it would be to lose an important part of myself."
Hwa-Jae stood up on shaky legs, stumbling for a moment as she tried to regain her composure. She looked to Atsuko. "I'll understand if you don't want to train someone with so much chaos in her heart... I'll accept your judgement."
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