First there was the sound of waves, crushing repeatedly on the shore. Metsuhai felt he is lying on something very hard and not comfortable. Then came the pain, gripping his hands and other parts of his body. Words began reaching his ears.
"…right calling me here. Someone as important as yourself shouldn't endanger your life like this. Your father rightfully objects such recklessness."
"I thank you for your professional treatment," answered Chizues voice "but I can't accept your advice."
Metsuhai slowly opened his eyes. At first, everything was blurred. Metsuhai sat straight. Then he saw the purple sky somewhat covered with heavy grey clouds. He saw the orange sunset and the turquois waves storming through the rocky beach again and again. Here and there were seashells and the cold wind draining his body of heat.
"Oh, my second patient is awake. I'll be right with you. "
Metsuhai turned his gaze at the one speaking. Only three people were present on the virgin rocky beach other than himself. The one speaking to him was a brown haired old man wearing a white doctors robe and a periscope over his neck. He looked experienced and a bit tired with his wrinkled forehead. Chizue was there as well, bandaged almost like a mummy. The doctor used his swab to remove the last remnants of blood from her face. She sat on a large solid rock, her sword resting on her lap, looking amazing. Beside her was another stranger. A handsome black haired fighter wearing chainmail armor. This Euro-Japanese young man had a mischievous smile and a brown shoulder strap with a sun-like symbol and four blue stripes.
On his left hand was a light blue blade, attached to his forearm by a steel bracelet- like circle. On his belt was hanging a sheaved bastard sword.
"What happened?" asked Metsuhai "Where am I?"
"Cognitive functions working perfectly," remarked the old doctor.
Metsuhai looked at himself. His torn suit and burned palms confirmed he was not dreaming all the horrors he experienced. His right inner part of the forearm was bandaged with a grey, roughly made, tightly tied cloth. It was right on top of the hammer and sickle tattoo, its glow completely hidden now. On the outer part of his left forearm was a menacing black mark, resembling a spider. When Metsuhai moved his hand slightly a surge of sharp pain went through him- unbearable pain. Metsuhai rubbed the amulet around his neck automatically, not really thinking about it. The doctor took Metsuhais hands, rubbing in some smelly oil. It felt cold. The pain was only getting worse. The young warrior approached Metsuhai speaking with a soft voice.
"I am Marko Daichi, greater sergeant of the Order of the Sun. Glad to meet you."
Marko saluted, stretching his back, "I would shake your hand, but the doctor is on the job."
"Metsuhai Fugughuu, and I don't understand what's going on here. Except that I'm suffering horrible pain."
The doctor examined the spider mark.
"Demon magic, chemical weapon, never seen anything like it. And I'm the most experienced physician around. You are dying."
Metsuhai couldn't believe his ears. It's not fair. I haven't even kissed a girl.
"Can't you do anything, doctor Kin," interjected Chizue "You are by far the best we have."
"Well, there might be a way to slow it down. It is actually a cure for an older and less powerful version of the same venom. It would take months to adjust it to the new form. Anyway what I have here will buy you some time. I'll give you all I have on me now but it is but a small portion..."
Doctor Kin drew a small bottle filled with a nasty looking liquid bubbling within it. "…You will need more every day and few days from now this bottle will run out and you will have to buy the necessary ingredients for more. I am warning you, it's expensive. Very expensive."
Metsuhai drank a few sips and the pain immediately began to fade. He clenched his fists.
"I'll buy medicine as long as it takes, forever if necessary. I am not going to die."
The doctor shook his head but sent an understanding look. "If you change your mind, I can give you a painless death for free," stated the doctor "I did it before." The doctor pulled out of his pocket a square list of paper. "I usually have most of them, but… I lack one thing. Blue amphist powder… It's more than worth its weight in gold. I'll give you the full list of ingredients anyway. As well as the procedure itself. Good luck."
The doctor now turned his attention to Metsuhais right arm. Before he had the chance to unbind the grey cloth Chizue intervened "I took care of this, please leave it as it is."
"Are you sure my lady? It looks like half a job. Who knows what's beneath the bandage." The doctors hands were already on the bandage.
"That's an order," she declared. The doctor walked away a bit confused. "Okay," he said, somewhat displeased.
Metsuhai turned to Chizue. "It doesn't make any sense, what's going on here? Tell me Arisu- san." The doctor turned his eyes to Chizue with a puzzled look.
"Please call me Chizue-san. Not because were so close, just to make me feel good. I insist."
"Call me Metsu," he answered without much thought, "that's how my friends call me."
"Fine then, Metsu- san," she answered "Marko- san, please explain everything to him."
Now that I think of it, I was quite rude. Good, it didn't spark trouble.
"Thank you doctor Kin," said Marko "we are grateful."
"Then I shall take my leave," said the doctor "I'm needed elsewhere" and quickly walked away.
Marko looked to the horizon as he spoke. "Where should I begin. History I guess. Long long ago, the energy of humanitys sins and evil deeds became too strong. It materialized, taking form as another dimension, parallel to ours. It's a scary place of acid rain and volcanic activity. A place of hot ash and unbearable heat. We call it The Inferno. Together with this dark realm was born an evil army that seeks to destroy all creation. We call them demons. They are attacking dimension after dimension. Killing, destroying, recruiting local races, breeding, to make their army even more powerful. We estimate they have stomped on twenty dimensions already. And now they come here. Understanding the danger, more than two thousand years ago humanity formed an army." His gaze was filled with patriotic motivation as he continued. Like a general with a vision.
"A secret organization meant to protect earth from apocalypse. The demons outnumber us twenty to one or even more. No one ever managed to fight back to their legions. They were slowed down however, by a powerful barrier, which was far more ancient. Our ancestors made this natural force even stronger, creating magic beyond any power. It is indestructible. Questions so far?"
Metsuhai had no choice but to accept what was told as the truth. It fit well with what he experienced, although if he would have heard it a week ago he would dismiss this as just a delusion. Some things still didn't add up though.
"If there is a barrier protecting us, how were they here?"
"What you witnessed, though a massive invasion was but a tiny fragment of their forces," explained immediately Marko, "Coming through a temporary crack in the barrier. Besides, every spell has a counter spell. And indeed they found a countermeasure. A spell made out of the same source. This is how the 'ritual duels' were created. Both sides choose a fighter of great enough power. The fighters agree to duel, and thus the symbol of the ancient magic is forever curved into their body."
Metsuhai looked at the grey bandage for a second. Marco nodded and continued.
"The rules are quite clear. After agreeing on a duel, the fighters have to wait two and a half minutes to allow their opponent to prepare. The duels are one on one and fought to the death. All weapons, powers and fighting techniques are allowed. There is however a time limit of three days. Any interference to ones benefit will prevent that fighter claiming victory. So does failing to let the opponent prepare. Understanding the rules is vital, but even more important is knowing the implications."
Marko paused dramatically before continuing. "Each duel affects the barrier. When the demons win one, the barrier suffers great damage. It puts tremendous pressure on it. As their victories are piling up, the cumulative effect is devastating, putting an almost irreparable damage to the barrier. Making the dread from their next victory and its consequences worse. Each fight we humans win, makes the barrier stronger, so in theory we just need to win enough and everything will be just fine. It's a double edged sword. But there is an absolute limit. If either side gets to ten wins it's over. Ten for us means the Inferno realm will be sealed forever from all directions. No one will be conquered ever again. But…"
"…If they get there first the barrier will be gone. Humanity will never be the same again. At the moment they have the lead."
Metsuhai, deep in thought, considered aloud as he looks at Chizue "So if the red guy killed me, it would affect everyone. Scary. And unfortunately our victory doesn't count since we did it together." Chizue sadly looked right into Metsuhais eyes. "We didn't even come close to winning. Baron Phaulin is an invincible king of evil. Otherwise called a demon lord. My amulet merely sent him home, banishing him temporarily back into Inferno. And now it's broken." Chizue showed Metsuhai the angel statue, which now had a large crack going through all of it. "It's not meant for such level of power. Frankly it was sheer luck we caught him off guard. It's also a miracle this even worked."
Metsuhai panicked a bit. "So he is on the way back here as we speak?"
Marko shook his head. "Haven't you been listening? It will take him time to go around the barrier again, almost certainly more than three days and then it's as if the duel never happened. If we are lucky it will take him a hundred years, but knowing that demonic bastard, he'll find some way much sooner. Last time it took him ten years. He always comes back. Furthermore there are other demon lords. Some even more powerful." Marko changed back to his usual cheerful attitude. "But this isn't what you should be worried about. All you need to do if one of them shows up is to refuse dueling no matter what. They'll still kill you, but you wouldn't send us all into the abyss."
Metsuhai lifted a small stone, playing with it. "So what's the current score?"
"Very bad. Eight to four. All they need is two more wins and we're all gonna die. The barrier will fall apart… It gets worse. Since humanity only has four victories on its side and the demons have so many, one more loss without a win before it means the barrier would still be there but it probably wouldn't do anything. We'll be overrun in no time. So we are on the brink of annihilation."
Metsuhai shook his head in disbelief. "No way. Are you saying if I died humanity would fall with me? That's insane."
"That's reality for you," Marko said with a surprisingly light tone "Anyway ritual duels have been completely forbidden by the Order of the sun for ages now. It's the ultimate taboo. But sooner or later someone will break the rules. Eventually someone proud and irresponsible will do what should never be done. You surely know about Hiroshima and Nagasaki? There were no nuclear weapons involved. It was the eighth loss in a ritual duel."
Metsuhai couldn't believe his ears once more. This can't be… Wait, this story has some holes.
"The barrier doesn't seem to be very reliable. I saw small beings since I was a kid. And are you claiming nuclear weapons don't exist? I studied physics you know."
"The barrier stops grown- ups. These are infants," explained Marko instantly, "They go through without trouble like a low flying supersonic jet under a radar. And you've probably seen they are not very dangerous. Although from time to time the streets need cleaning like from a computer virus. Nukes definitely exist. Unfortunately as demons mature they are becoming more and more resistant to firearms. Any strong enough creature will simply ignore the blast as if it wasn't there. The energy will pass through them without causing any damage. Humanity could send all its Nukes to Inferno right now and the effect would be mediocre." Marko looked into Metsuhais eyes, than continued. "Back on topic. By a set of unfortunate circumstances, you were strong enough to duel. And you agreed. If the commanders of the order knew, they would almost certainly execute you. And that mark on your right arm will never fade, an absolute proof of what you have done. So Chizue- san and I decided to keep it forever a secret. A wise decision, don't you think?"
Metsuhai nodded without thinking much. The truth was it was too much. He started feeling overwhelmed. Demons, barrier, ritual duels, poison and apparently he wasn't safe even from the order itself. Marko seemed to know how Metsuhai felt.
"Look man, I know it's a lot to take in," he said, patting Metsuhai lightly on the shoulder, "just take it one step at a time. Take off that amulet. "
Metsuhai put his hand on his family heirloom, hesitating. "It makes me strong, why should I get rid of it? It practically saved my life." Chizue sighed but it was Marko who answered again. "No. That amulet almost got you killed and you didn't even have a clue. It was draining your power for ages now, giving some of it back when encountering strong demon energy. You could have been much stronger by now, if only you've trained. It hindered your development. Furthermore it almost ended the war, giving you the minimum power necessary for a ritual duel. You should lose that accursed thing."
Metsuhai still didn't want to part with it. Holding it in his hand with sour eyes. If they are speaking the truth, why did my parents do this to me?
"My mother gave it to me when I was six. She must have had a reason."
"It is possible she was deceived," suggested Marko "or had some other reason. Only she knows the answer to this question. However, now we must do what's right."
Metsuhai was finally ready to part from the gift. He took some bandages from his first aid kit, wrapping them around the small amulet. Hoping to contain its dangerous essence. Immediately he felt a bit lighter on his feet. "So what now?" Chizue wondered aloud.
"Lets discuss the situation," said Marko "your options are limited. We can only assume baron Phaulin told other dark entities about what occurred. Therefore the dark army soon will be on top of you, thinking with no real justification that they can still force you to duel. Than there are the agents of the order coming after you as well since ritual duel aura was released right near their main headquarters. There is also the need of medicine you cannot afford… what shall we do?"
For a moment all three sat together on a big rock, wondering, looking at the almost ended sunset. It would be almost romantic if not for Marko Daichi, or was it Metsuhai? I should be thinking about the future, and instead I'm thinking about Chizue. You have only met her yesterday, Metsu. Calm down.
Chizue broke the silence first. "Simple solutions are often the best. You should join the order of the sun. They'll never suspect a ritual dueller hiding right beneath their nose, in our capital. Also, while there you'll be completely safe from the dark army. You will learn that the order is a good place, with brave warriors and hard- working soldiers. You'll get used to it fast." If I join the order of the sun my life will never be the same again. But actually that ship has already sailed.
"I may be biased," noted Marko "but I agree. Once you join you could pick your armament. You'll be trained professionally and learn to fight, while simultaneously earning the money you need. This covers most of your problems. Just make sure to never untie that bandage. No one must know." Metsuhai agreed wholeheartedly. In a sense it wasn't all bad. He had an adventurous side to him after all. Besides, doing something of great value as a sacred job appealed to him.
Metsuhai pulled out his phone and dialed his father, Gin. As always, no answer. Whenever he came by, he would always spend time with Metsuhai and Hikary. However when he was away, he never called and was never available. It was a weirdness Metsuhai has already gotten used to. Metsuhai tried his mother next, but unfortunately no reply on that front either. Strange. But there is nothing I can do about it currently.
"If you are done wasting time," casually said Chizue "we should move. Before something goes wrong again." Marko objected with his soft voice "not yet, we need to make sure the order accepts him. He has power, but no control. He might accidentally use sorcery, which will get him into trouble immediately. Furthermore, classrooms and bedrooms are overfilled. They don't accept new recruits at this point. He has to show some power."
Metsuhai was nervous. How is he going to show power without the amulet on him?
"Since he is not a child anymore, the demands will be high," agreed Chizue "So what do we do about it?"
Marko put on his naughty look as he turns to Metsuhai. "I'll give you the basics. But first you should awaken your faith magic. It will give you tremendous advantage. Usually it takes years of rough training and meditation, but since you used sorcery already… "
Metsuhai reflected on the various attacks he used the day before. The energy beam, the tearing to pieces spell and the ability to deflect flames.
"…Your spirit and body just may be ready." Metsuhai wondered what's the difference between sorcery and faith magic but it was all clear rather soon. Marko proceeded to explain to Metsuhai the required meditation position. Metsuhai sat with closed eyes and crossed legs, putting his hands at the sides of his body. As if holding a glass of tea on each palm. "First you should draw out some power from within," Marko spoke quietly, like an old teacher "preferably from the stomach. Let it flow freely through your body. Energy is always moving, circulating through the body. You are going to tap into that force, and turn it to be truly yours. Remain calm no matter what you feel. Relax your muscles." Metsuhai concentrated and tried following Markos instructions. A weak faint aura formed around his hands. He felt great, even though a part of him hungered for greater power, like the power that flawed in him when Hikaris amulet was used. "Good, that's a start alright," complimented Marko "for now you are using sorcery magic. It is efficient and versatile but addicting. What's more important is that the order is not very accepting of sorcerers. So use this as a last resort…"
"…Now, to turn your raw power to faith magic. Faith magic forms around a persons core belief. It should be something you believe in and cherish. Something close to your heart…"
Metsuhai eyes automatically opened and wandered to where Chizue stood, looking into a small mirror. "Please concentrate, my friend" remarked Marko. "Right," quietly answered Metsuhai, closing his eyes again. What do I believe in?
"Some believe in god, or justice. Others in their own strength," suggested Marko "Others believe in some ideology, tradition or rules. Some believe in human kindness. What holds true for you? Whatever it is, you must believe with unwavering spirit. If you will lose your confidence and have your faith shattered, your power will fade into nothingness. Possibly to never recover."
Metsuhai concentrated to his limit. He thought hard about himself, his existence and place in the world. He wanted to believe in his family, but couldn't. He rejected one idea after another. The Japanese government? No. The goodness inside peoples hearts? They can be pretty cruel too. The amazing power of friendship? I hardly even have friends right now…
No matter what, his thoughts returned to Chizue. And then he knew.
I believe there are beautiful things in the world worth protecting. The aura around metsuhai intensified, moving in a circle with axe heads like waves. Beams of white magic jumped through his palms. One of them flying right towards marko. Marko easily dodged, so fast it was barely noticed. Quite a powerful blast roars behind his back. The second beam exploded far at sea. "Success," said Marko as Chizue clapped happily.
"Now he'll be accepted for sure," Chizue spoke optimistically, "have you seen the power? For someone who just awakened his power this is unprecedented."
"This is good, but not quite enough. He needs melee abilities. Let's see how it goes."
Metsuhai opened his eyes, getting up. His white aura seen no more. He was a bit dizzy but felt great, he could wield this power. First thing he noticed was something big headed right to him. Metsuhai instinctively put his hands in front of him as a defense. The next thing Metsuhai saw was a smooth long, blunt wooden sword in his hands. Marko held one as well. "Wooden swords," he explained, "we use them to practice. Although frankly it's a weapon like any other, that can kill no doubt. On guard." Metsuhai didn't have enough time to prepare. He didn't even got to say that he never held a sword before. Marko appeared right in front of Metsuhai in an instant, as if teleporting. He swung the wooden sword, aiming at Metsuhais neck. Metsuhai barely managed to block. But Marko didn't stop there. He kept attacking relentlessly. Striking from different angles and with different speed and power every time. Metsuhai was barely able to keep- up. As Marko attacks he began talking "there is European Style Fencing, with heavy strait swords using hitting and stabbing, relying on the weapons weight. "Than…" Metsuhai almost fell off his feet, struggling to defend. "…there is Kendo Fencing, the way of the samurai, which uses sharp and light swords, relying on cutting the opponent. (Metsuhai received a painful blow to the shoulder) And there are other more rare and exotic fencing styles like Taichi or Shaolin Kung-Fu." Finally Marko stopped attacking, letting Metsuhai regain his breath.
"You have a long way to go. Your turn. Attack me any way you want."
As soon as Metsuhai breathed normally, he went to the assault, swinging his sword, trying to copy one of Markos moves from earlier. Marko easily sidestepped the first clumsy blow and lightly tapped Metsuhai on both shoulders. Metsuhai attacked repeatedly and pointlessly. Marko dodged or blocked every single time, effortlessly. "You learned magic for a reason you know," said Marko with a light tone as he deflects another swing. Metsuhai stopped swinging his sword. He aimed his palm and released a white beam. Just before the beam crushed into him, Marko moved just a bit to the side. The beam passed inches away exploding quite far. Metsuhai released beam after beam but missed every time, feeling as his body weakens. He got angry. Why wouldn't it work?! Then power flowed from Metsuhais spider mark, filling him with power once more. But this time it was coal like and sinister. Crimson and black energy ignited around his body, and mainly near his palms. An unusual grin materialized on Metsuhais face. He released a wide stream of raging flames. Metsuhai remembered Phaulins devastating attack. The power level was different, but the resemblance was transparent. For a second it seemed the stream would swallow Marko, leaving nothing behind. He was clearly caught off guard. This time I've got him!... Wait, how is this even good? I might seriously hurt him. As the flames fade away, Marko was still there, holding his arm before his body. There were small burns on his palm here and there. The wooden sword laid near his feet. There was a spark of bravery in his eyes, something wild.
New emotions now stroke Metsuhai from the inside. Anger, hatred, the hunger to cause pain, based on nothing. There was also the desire to release more. Marko still had surprise written all over his face, but it was Chizues expression that finally brought Metsuhai back to his senses. She was shocked, her hand strongly closed on her blades sheave. Before Metsuhai decided whether to apologize or ask something, Chizue went into a nervous rant. "Where did you learn demon magic?! It's evil and you should avoid using it at all costs. It's of course completely forbidden by the order. It corrupts the caster from within!"
Marko looked at Metsuhai with strange curiosity. "I don't think he learned this. This is a side effect from the poisoning, if I'm not mistaken. You might not be able to avoid using it completely, but should try to suppress it as much as possible. This power can make you strong, but at a price. Be careful, friend."
Metsuhai bowed, apologizing, "I'm sorry I burned you. I had no idea what I was doing. Forgive me. I was frustrated I couldn't hit you but this is no justification."
Marko laughed it off, saying "don't mention it. I've been in battle before and these tiny burns are not much. What you should consider is why you couldn't catch me."
Metsuhai stared at Marko, not understanding. "look carefully at me as I move around," said Marko with his instructor voice. Metsuhai concentrated as Marko glided around gracefully. He said "you need to power up and unleash your maximum strength, and not a shade of your true ability. Otherwise you will never keep up with me." Metsuhai narrowed his eyes focusing only on Markos moves. His sight suddenly completely changed. He saw the white energy circulating in Markos body, making him stronger. Metsuhai looked at himself realizing most of his power is located in the stomach or around the hands. There was also slight sinister aura near the spider mark. Metsuhai closed his eyes, took a deep breath and when he breathed out the white power was unleashed. I have to try it out. Metsuhai took one step sideways. Metsuhai was sent flying fast, crushing into the rock Chizue earlier sat on. "This is very good," quietly stated Marko "Now let's work on your control."