The Art of Combat

Guess I still have many things to learn about the little noble girl, Aystaria thought as she chuckled in a cute way. Placing the notebook back down onto the desk, Aystaria made her way out into the hallway before running into Emyria. She was dressed in her school uniform, and appeared as if she was about to leave.

“Good morning, you’re up earlier than normal,” Aystaria said as she spoke in a cheerful tone.

“Well, you promised to teach me after school so long as I focused on my studies. That was the agreement.”

“I am aware. Don’t worry, I won’t be cruel, and not hold up my end of the bargain.”

“Same. I look forward to training with you.”

For a second, Aystaria was surprised to see Emyria smile. It wasn’t a fake smile, but one that was genuine, and showed that she cared about the task ahead. After saying good-bye, Aystaria watched as Emyria made her way down the hall, and out of sight. She is in high-spirits. That’s good, she will need it for the training I am going to put her through. Guess I should take a bath too. I feel like I haven’t had a decent bath in months, Aystaria thought as she took a moment to stretch. As she made her way down the hallway for the bathing chamber, she noticed Reina, and Lyis heading in the same direction from down the opposite end of the hallway.

“Miss Pynn, good morning to you.”

“Morning to both of you as well. What are you two planning for today?”

“We were thinking of taking a relaxing bath before our shifts started.”

“Funny, I was about to as well.”

“We should bathe together then,” Reina said with a smile.

“If it’s all right with the both of you, I’d rather bathe alone,” Aystaria said in a nervous tone.

“Are you sure?” Reina asked.

“Yeah. I…”

Aystaria was silent for a second. She thought carefully, trying to choose her words in a methodical manner.

“Hey, we get it. You’re self-conscious of your body. I was like that too.”

“Uh, yeah… you got me there,” Aystaria said as she rubbed the back of her head nervously.

“There are two baths for the males, and females. You can take the female one. It should be empty. We can take the other,” Reina said with a smile.

“Thank you for understanding,” Aystaria said as she made her way into the bathing room.

The chamber was akin to that of a large lake or hot springs with warm water that stopped just above the knees. Unlike a common bathroom, the bathing chamber resembled that of a natural spa sitting in the mountains. Small rocks, and other earthy objects were carefully placed to preserve a sense of the mountains—evening going so far as to include a waterfall that appeared as if it was formed naturally. Okay, I know this is a manor, and the family is rich, but this is more than I thought it would be. Then again, this shouldn’t surprise me, Aystaria thought as she carefully removed her clothes. Slowly, she unwrapped the bandage that covered her whole arm, and stared upon the mark that she recalled in grave detail.

The skin of her left arm appeared as if it had been mauled, and peeled away at certain places. Although the skin had managed to heal, the scars remained. Every time she looked at the scars she recalled that dark time in agonizing detail. He spared no expense at my pain, and did this. I will kill him, even if I have to die to do it, Aystaria thought as she removed her skirt.

“You made me what I am, so I’ll make sure that you never exist,” Aystaria said aloud as she entered the water.

“Hey Aystaria, did you say something?” Reina asked from the other side of the wall.

Crap, the two bathing areas are side by side. Guess I should have been more careful, Aystaria thought.

“Don’t worry about it, Reina. I just was thinking aloud about what I was going to teach Emyria when she returns.”

Aystaria sat down in the water as she allowed the warm rejuvenating liquid relax her body all over. I hope Emyria is taking her studies seriously, Aystaria thought as she closed her eyes.

#

Emyria wrote down each word that Miss Feldia said as she furiously took notes, and asked questions on things she didn’t understand. Miss Feldia could only smile, and part her knowledge as she explained about the various commodities that made up the world. The hours passed until the school hour was over. Without delay, Emyria rushed out of the classroom, and made her way home. Entering into the main foyer, she was greeted by the sight of Aystaria who smiled as she was just about to make her way down to her room.

“You’re here a lot earlier than I thought you would be.”

“Well, you said you would teach me, so, let’s get started.”

“Have patience. We will begin soon. First, I need to grab my sword.”

“Why do you even have that blade? I noticed that it’s lighter than other blades I’ve held. The metal appears unique, and it seems like it’d be impossible to break,” Emyria said as she followed Aystaria to her room.

Aystaria grabbed the blade as she twirled it, removing it from the sheath in the process while catching the blade in hand.

“This blade has a deep, and enriching history. Pretty sure that would just bore you though.”

“Wait, what is that inscription on the blade?”

Near the sword guard was an engraved inscription on the blade that was in a set of runes Emyria failed to understand. Aystaria simply smiled as sheathed the blade, and rested it on the back of her lower hip.

“I actually have no idea. Anyways, we should get started. You ready?”

“Yeah!”

That was the first time that Aystaria could feel the joy in Emyria’s voice. She was ready to learn, and willing to do whatever it took to see it through to the end. The two of them made their way out into the garden. As they made their way down the hall, the two of them ran into Reina, and Lyis.

“Are you two off to study, Miss Hyteria?” Reina asked.

“Yup. Aystaria is going to teach me combat techniques, and how to fight like her.”

Reina, and Lyis eye’s glanced to each other as they smiled.

“Why don’t you two join us, I could actually use assistants,” Aystaria said in a happily upbeat tone.

“Us? But Miss Pynn, we don’t know anything about combat.”

“Is that so? Still, I think you two should come. Don’t worry, nothing dangerous will happen.”

The four of them made their way out into the garden as the sun was just over the city.

“So, what am I going to learn first?” Emyria asked in excitement.

Aystaria looked over to Reina, and Lyis as they stood close to Emyria’s side.

“Well, first, I’d like to make sure we’re all honest with each other.”

“Honest how?”

Aystaria looked over to Reina with a smile.

“Care to share with us, Miss Reina?”

“What do you mean, Miss Pynn?”

“I see.”

Aystaria sighed. Without skipping a second, Aystaria grabbed one of the hidden daggers strapped to her thigh, and threw it in Emyria’s direction. In that moment, Emyria felt her life flash before her eyes as the dagger continued its course to pierce her head. Emyria blinked only once to see the tip of the dagger stopping only a few inches from her eye. What just happened? Am I dead, Emyria wondered as she tried to process what had happened. Standing before her was Reina who had managed to catch the dagger between her index, and middle finger. Standing just in front of Emyria was Lyis who had a blade on him.

The two of them appeared serious, and showed no signs of love as they had before. Emyria had known the two of them for a long time, yet, she had never seen their faces show such signs of hostility. In the mist of the commotion, four more maids appeared as if they were always hiding all along. They were armed with various weapons, and surrounded Aystaria as if they were ready to kill her.

“W-What is this?” Emyria asked.

“The truth,” Aystaria said.

“Miss Hyteria, I am sorry that we lied to you, but we were not allowed to reveal the truth unless your life was in danger,” Reina said as she twirled the dagger, and readied herself for combat.

“Emyria, your maids are all highly trained assassins. They are to protect you with their lives. Isn’t that right, Lord Feriun, and Lady Alyzie?” Aystaria asked as she looked up to the balcony.

Emyria looked up to see both her parents with an expression of disgust.

“Mom… dad?”

“You know we should have you executed, Aystaria Pynn,” Lord Feriun spoke in a deep voice, his tone as serious as an ox.

“Oh I’m well aware. Don’t worry, if I was going to actually kill your daughter, I could have easily done it already. I just wanted all of us to be honest with each other. After all, I hate dishonesty,” Aystaria said cheerfully.

“…”

“If you don’t mind though can I use your maids to teach? Would be better for both of us, don’t you think?”

“Very well. Do as you will. We are paying to to teach her. If she succeeds in her studies then that is all that matters.”

Without another word, lord, and lady Hyteria headed back into the manor as each of the maids stood ready to engage Aystaria.

“Well, Miss Pynn, it seems we are apart of your lesson now,” Reina said with a smile as she threw the dagger back to Aystaria.

Keeping up her nonchalant expression, Aystaria caught the dagger the same way Reina had before twirling it between her fingers as she holstered in its sheath. Removing a piece of the bandage from her arm, Aystaria tied it tightly around her eyes until she couldn’t see anything.

“You’re going to fight like that?” Emyria asked in a surprised manner.

“I am. Now, there are four maids here, plus Reina, and Lyis. In total that is six. I will not kill any of you, but I want all of you to attack me as if your lives depended on it.”

“What are you thinking, Aystaria!?”

“I’m going to show you how I fight.”

Aystaria stood there calmly with her same cheerful expression. She appeared more than happy as the six maids carefully moved in with their weapons at the ready. With haste, one maid rushed forward from the behind as prepared to pierce her blade into Aystaria’s heart. Even though the maid’s footsteps were soundless, verging on the point of nonexistent, Aystaria swiftly dodged the blade, and stopped the momentum of her rush by grabbing her arm. Like a flash of lightning, Aystaria coiled her left leg around the maid’s right leg, and slammed her onto the ground with only her palm. Not giving Aystaria a moment to evaluate the situation, two maids rushed from the sides as one aimed for the neck—the other the leg. Moving like the flowing water, Aystaria calculated, and dodged the blades before grabbing one of the maids with her legs, wrapping her thighs around her like a coiled viper. The force of the maid’s head hitting the ground was enough to knock her unconscious as Aystaria set herself up to take out the other maid by using only one index finger—the same trick she had showed to Emyria.

Like a candle flame, the maid fell to the ground as her body devoid a bodily fluid that felt like a release of pleasure from between her thighs. A loud moan escaped her mouth as she was unable to hold back what she was feeling. Reina, and Lyis continued to hold their weapons at the ready.

“Did you just…”

Aystaria rubbed the back of her head, and smiled nervously.

“Yeah, I didn’t mean to hit that nerve that controls that, but I was off by a bit.”

“That’s—”

The other maid was caught off guard which distracted her from Aystaria’s mad dash over to her. In just two hits, the maid found herself on the ground, leaving only Reina, and Lyis left. Aystaria walked forward slowly as the two of them kept their guard up.

“You two realize I haven’t even drawn my weapon yet. Is this the best assassin’s such as yourselves can do?”

“You said you didn’t like dishonesty. Aren’t you being dishonest by not revealing your true self, Aystaria?” Lyis asked.

“And what truth would that be, Lyis?”

Without taking a chance for Aystaria to get closer, Reina rush forward with her blade ready to swing. Aystaria continued to dodge each of the attacks as if they were being swung by a mere child. As she continued to dodge each attack, Aystaria could feel the presence of Lyis rushing from behind. Like the other maids, his footsteps were as silent as a ghost. Aystaria could only smile though as dodged a vertical slice from Reina that was intended to split her in two. Maneuvering behind Reina like a dancer, and grabbing her wrist as she wrapped her arms around her, Aystaria controlled Reina like a puppet.

Emyria could only look at the stage of the battle in shock. Aystaria was carefully positioned behind Reina with her hidden dagger pressed up against her throat. Lyis stopped dead in his tracks as the tip of Reina’s short sword pressed gently against Lyis’s chest.

“Lyis, it’s best not to move,” Aystaria said in a cheerful manner.

“Who exactly are you?” Reina asked.

Aystaria giggled as she lowered her dagger.

“I’m just a simple tutor.”

Aystaria removed the blindfold, and focused her gaze on Emyria.

“So, are you ready to learn how to fight like this?”

“But that’s impossible!”

“Pretty sure I just did it, so… your statement is invalid,” Aystaria said with a smile.

Sheathing her dagger, Aystaria placed the blindfold around Emyria’s eyes.

“A-Aystaria, there is no way I can do this.”

“Relax, you won’t be fighting.”

“What am I supposed to be learning then?”

“Learn to feel the wind around you, the small vibrations in the ground. The smell of scents that give away a presence. In fact, remove your shoes, and socks then tell me what you feel.”

Emyria removed both her shoes, and socks as she felt the freshly cut blade of grass against her feet.

“Now, relax. Focus on the wind, the vibrations of the ground, and the smell in the air.”

Emyria took a deep breath as she tried to focus on the various things Aystaria had said. Ten minutes passed as she struggled to understand what Aystaria meant with her words.

“Aystaria, I don’t think this is working.”

“Maybe it’s best you learn in an active environment.”

“What do you mean?”

“Come on.”

Aystaria grabbed Emyria by the hand, and dragged her off into the manor without warning. Before long, Emyria found herself standing on the side of the street as people walked by giving weird glances as to her appearance. Why did I sign up for this again, Emyria wondered as she felt the cold stone ground against her bare feet.

“Aystaria…”

“Emyria, just trust me. Close your eyes.”

Emyria closed her eyes as she felt Aystaria grab her hand.

“It’s okay. Relax, and take in the sounds of the city.”

Emyria calmed her breathing as she tried to focus on the sounds of the bustling city. She could hear the sounds of people walking about in various directions. The faint smell of smoke in the distance she knew was the lit oven of one of the bakeries across the street. As she continued to feel the area around her, she realized she could visualize the people, the buildings, and even the wind in her mind. While it wasn’t a clear picture, she started to understand that sight wasn’t her only sense.

“In combat you need to rely on more than just your eyes. It’s possible you could be at a disadvantage when you fight. As such, it is always best to heighten your senses to a keen level.”

“What did you use to do before you were a tutor?”

Aystaria was quiet for a moment.

“In due time. For now, focus on your training. I don’t like slackers,” Aystaria said cheerfully.

#

Reina placed a stack of papers on her desk as she looked over to her little brother. He was busy looking through all the files the Hyteria family had on each of the noble families. Of all the files, the Pynn family was well established throughout the land. They were considered one of the most lethal military families that did not lose to anyone. They were prideful, and refused to show weakness even in the most fearful of situations.

“Manage to find anything, brother?”

“Nothing. The Pynn family was a prestigious military family. They were tasked with overseeing the Light Bearers, and the activities that went on.”

“Does it say anything about their daughter?”

“No. It doesn’t even talk about the mother or father, only Aystaria Pynn… a noble who is clearly labeled as male.”

“Wait… so they had a son?”

“It looks like it, and he died during the fall of the south tower.”

“But that can’t be right…”

“Unless…”

“Aystaria is an impostor.”

“What should we do, sis?”

Reina thought for a moment as she paced back, and forth from one end of the room to the other.

“Okay, only we know about this, right?”

“Right.”

“For now, we shouldn’t tell anyone, and simply watch Aystaria closely.”

#

Emyria cleared her mind as she listened to the sounds of the city, and felt the vibrations of the world under her bare feet. She had been standing there for hours with Aystaria by her side as she trained her mind to view the world in a different perspective.

“Now, trying filtering out the noise around you, and focusing on try to find out something that stands out to you.”

With the sounds of the people—as well as horses, and carts driving past—Emyria found it hard to train her mind to focus on anything in particular. As she continued, she wondered just how Aystaria was able to do it while in combat.

“It’s hard to focus on anything with this noise.”

“Try focusing on the next street over. What do you feel?”

“There’s… people.”

“What kind of people?”

“It looks like… kids.”

“Good. What else?”

“There’s a man.”

“And?”

“He’s looking around as if he is looking for something.”

“Focus. How does he feel?”

“I don’t know.”

“No, you have to focus. Tap into his emotions.”

“I…”

“You can. Just isolate yourself from the rest of the world.”

“The man seems… lustful.”

“Mhm. Now, think. Where is he in relation to his emotions?”

Emyria continued to focus on the man until she finally understood exactly what Aystaria was getting at.

“That man is going to rape one of those kids!”

“We need to inform the Maiola Knights.”

“There isn’t time for that, Aystaria. We need to do something,” Emyria said sprinting off to the end of the block.

Aystaria sighed as she turned in the direction of where the Maiola Knight’s headquarters was. I should probably have started with teaching her how to not rush into any situation, Aystaria thought as she quickly made her way over to the headquarters. As she entered approached the building, Aystaria felt something bump into her body. Standing in front of her was one of the undertakers. Although this one was similar to the previous one she had seen, this girl was clearly different.

“It’s the gender of two, how do you do?” the Undertaker asked as she looked to Aystaria with a child-like smile.

“Has anyone ever told you Undertakers that all of you are… extremely odd? I’m putting that mildly by the way.”

The Undertaker giggled as she twirled on the ball of her foot.

“All the time, that’s why the Judges let us stop crime.”

“Right, well, I need two Judges as soon as possible to come to that street just over there,” Aystaria said pointing to the street.

“I can see, but the action cannot be.”

“And if I was to say the daughter of the Hyteria family could be raped, would that change your tune, or soon I dig your tomb?”

“When you put it that way… Judges will be there post-haste.”

“So, you can comprehend fear,” Aystaria said with a smile.

The Undertaker giggled as she moved her face closer to Aystaria’s.

“Fear is something all of us have to deal with, you smell with fear from The Pit.”

“Don’t push it, Death Dealer.”

“Loud, and clear, avoid the topic of fear.”

“All right, please make sure the Judges know.”

“The Judges will know, and we will show.”

Spinning around in a half-circle the Undertaker skipped merrily into the building as Aystaria closed her eyes. She could sense that Emyria was already confronting the man. I need to get there quickly, Aystaria thought as she looked around the city. Moving past the people, and ducking into a nearby alleyway, Aystaria looked up at the walls of the buildings. She noticed a few stacks of wooden crates that she could use to get up to the roof of one of the buildings. Getting a quick running start, she jumped into the crate with a light-footed step, and jumped up to the roof. Moving quickly across the rooftops, Aystaria closed in on where Emyria was.

#

Emyria felt herself being pinned against the wall as the man stared into her eyes. She had baited the man into going after her to a back alleyway where he could have his way with her. The man was dressed in a brown gentleman’s jacket with a black pair dress pants, and matching dress shoes. He appeared as if he was in his mid-twenties, and had a considerably well-paying job.

“So, you said you’re worth one silver coin, right?”

“I said get off of me you jerk. I never agreed to anything!”

“Come now, you are the one who invited me.”

With a swift knee to the lower belt, Emyria had forced the mad down onto the ground which allowed her to run away from him as fast as she could. Moving deeper into the alleyway, Emyria turned a corner hoping to get away from the man as best she could. As she continued down the alleyway she quickly realized she had made a grave mistake upon turning another corner. A dead end of a cold brick wall greeted her as she turned around, hoping to find another way. Before she could move, she froze as she saw the man was between her, and the exit.

Crap, if I had a sword on me I could easily take this guy out, Emyria thought as she watched the man slowly creep forward. Emyria could sense the evil intentions the man had as she continued to back away.

“You shouldn’t have done that, because now I’m extremely pissed.”

“Then you don’t want to know how I feel right now.”

Aystaria’s voice rang out from the shadows of the dark alleyway as the man appeared taken by surprise. Emyria continuously looked around only to be confused by where Aystaria’s voice was coming from. Landing from off the one of the nearby roofs, and behind the man, Aystaria rushed from a crouched position like a wolf as she quickly took the man down without any effort.

“Aystaria!”

Aystaria stared down at the man with a cold expressionless face. There was something that was different. Emyria could see that Aystaria’s emotional state was one of intense anger. As the man stood to his feet he wiped his nose clean of the small

“You’re going to regret fu—”

Before the man could finish his sentence or even get up, Aystaria had kicked him straight into the nearby wall.

“Be glad I can’t cut the thing off that makes you a man, otherwise I would.”

As the man slowly stood to his feet, the sound of heavy boots could be heard closing in on their position. Aystaria turned to Emyria as two Maiola Knights appeared.

“I have much to say to you, but right now you need to come here.”

Emyria could tell Aystaria wasn’t joking around. Emyria stood by her side as she looked upon the two knights She could feel the aura radiating off of them like the sun to the point that she understood the rumors surrounding the knights. They were not meant to be crossed in any way. Aystaria gently grabbed Emyria by the hand, and whispered into her ear.

“Be respectful, and careful of what you say.”

While Emyria had been in the city all her life, she had never seen any of the knights before. Many of the students at school would talk about them, but everything was only gossip, and rumors that held little in the way of merit. One of the knights stepped forward, and looked to Emyria.

“State what has happened here.”

Emyria looked over to Aystaria, who nodded. Stepping forward, Emyria spoke in a timid tone.

“Well, you see sir—”

“Judge. You do not call a Maiola Knight anything else.”

“R-Right… f-forgive me, Judge.”

“Is this your first time?” the knight asked.

“Y-Yes… Judge…”

“Allow me to inform you on the workings of our system. We are the judges that enforce the rules of this city. When a violation occurs, two judges, and an undertaker are dispatched to the area of altercation. We judges serve as the judge, jury, and executioners in a case. The undertaker’s job is to clean up in the circumstance that an unfortunate event happens. Two judges are a representation that both sides have a fair state in their case. One judge serves one party, while the other serves the other. Do you understand?”

“I do, Judge.”

“Good. Now then, I’ll ask you once again. State what has happened here.”

“Judge… I… I was trying to stop this man from having his way with a child.”

As Emyria said this, she could feel the sign of annoyance that Aystaria was giving off to the answer she had given. The other knight stepped forward as he looked to the man.

“State what has happened here.”

“Judge. I was just minding my own business until she appeared, and offered to show me a good time.”

“You liar!” Emyria shouted as she looked over to the man with disgust.

“Silence!”

In that instant, Emyria shut her mouth.

“Seeing as how there are no witnesses, a monomachia pepoithisis will commencement to determine who is right.”

“A what?” Emyria asked with a puzzled look on her face.

“The two of you will fight to the death. Who remains standing is right.”

“Wait, wait, wait, wait… I can’t kill a man… even if he has questionable intentions.”

Aystaria took Emyria by the arm, and stared into her eyes. Emyria could see that Aystaria was no longer smiling or cheerful. She appeared cold, and serious. While Aystaria began to lecture Emyria about what was going to transpire, one of the knights headed off to grab two swords that were used in a monomachia pepoithisis—duel of convictions.

“There is no backing out of this, Emyria. You will have to kill this man to prove yourself, and I can’t help you.”

“But there has to be something that can be done that doesn’t involve us killing each other.”

Emyria turned to the knight as the other one was just returning.

“Excuse me, Judge. Is there any other way do this to be settled without killing each other.”

“The alternative is that both of you serve your sentence. For you, this would mean three years in the dungeons.”

At these words, Emyria’s face went ashen as a ghost. She was stuck between the quandary of saving herself from the dungeons or killing a man who should only serve time for years, maybe even life. Emyria continued to battle what she was supposed to do as one of the knights handed her a sword. She stood in front of the man that she didn’t want to kill. Combat, and fighting were one thing, but taking a life was one thing that she wasn’t ready for.

Holding the blade in her sword-arm, Emyria felt her knees growing weaker as she stared at the man across from her. He was unfazed by holding a blade, his stance revealing that he as not untrained. A calm stance, his back straight, and his sword at a perfect forty-five degree angle showed that he was at least trained by the military or at least a hobby of sorts.

Aystaria studied the stance of the man, and felt a chill down her spine. That’s the Gentleman’s Stance used by members of the Locuir family. This isn’t good. If it was me, I could take this guy easy. Emyria could win if she wasn’t afraid of killing him, Aystaria thought as she leaned against the wall of the building.

“Let the monomachia pepoithisis commence!” one of the knights announced.

In the blink of an eye, the man stepped forward as Emyria readied her guard. Okay, I just need to get past his defenses, Emyria thought as she stepped to the left. The tip of the man’s sword followed her movements. Taking a second to breathe, Emyria steeled herself. Rushing forward with her leading foot, Emyria engaged in a series of blows that were meet with the echoing sound of metal scraping against metal. She continued to attack repeatedly, only to fail to land even a single strike on the man.

Before she could react, she could feel something stringing around her lower thigh area. Looking down for a second, Emyria could see that man had managed to cut a section of her school skirt as well as a small paper cut of a wound that started to ooze blood. Looking back into the eyes of the man, she could see a prideful smug look. He was confident that he would win. As Emyria tried to figure out what she could do to win, the man rushed forward with speed that made Emyria nervous. She struggled to block the incoming attacks as tried to formulate a plan to counterattack.

Emyria continued to block until she felt her body getting tired. Even if she was able to block most of the strikes some were had managed to get through, and cut her in various areas on her body. She was slowly losing blood as the minutes passed. Another strike from the man, forced Emyria to falter in her footing which forced her to block a follow up strike with only half her strength. In that moment, she could see her life flashing before her eyes as the tip of the blade was aiming dead for her head—square between the eyes.

The tip of the blade continued forward, forcing Emyria to blink. In that split second, Emyria was frozen by what she had witnessed before her. The blade had missed her head by a few inches as Emyria tried to process what had happened. She noticed her blade had moved ever so slightly to the man’s chest, and was piercing through close to his heart. Emyria could feel her hands shaking as she realized what she had done. Stepping back like a frightened animal, Emyria began to breath rapidly as her heart started to be beat faster. The face on the man turned from a smug look of pride into a state of worry, and panic. Looking down at the sword that had pieced his body, he tried to speak only for blood to rush out through his mouth. Without any words, he fell to the ground like a brick.

Emyria could no longer hold herself up as she fell to her knees. Tears began to form in her eyes, her mind racing with what she had done. I… I killed a man, Emyria thought as she felt a hand on her shoulder. Looking up behind her, she could see Aystaria who appeared to show a mixed state of emotions. Aystaria knelt down, and gently wrapped her arms around Emyria.

“There, there.”

“It is done. Bring the Undertaker,” one of the knights said looking over to the other.

Emyria began to cry as she couldn’t hold back what she had done. The feeling of taking a life was something she had to deal with, even if she was only defending her position. A few minutes passed before the undertaker appeared. Skipping merrily over to the body, the Undertaker smiled as she poked the dead body with her silver rod.

“Judge, this body is in fact dead.”

The Undertaker pulled out a small vial with a small red skull labeled on it as Emyria was confused by what the little girl was doing.

“W-What are you doing?”

“Hehe. I’m going to dispose of the body, sweetie,” the Undertaker said with a giggling grin.

“Emyria, don’t speak, and look away.”

“This is life, it all comes down to a knife,” the Undertaker mused as she poured the liquid over the body.

“I think that’s enough out of you, Death Dealer,” Aystaria said in a cold tone.

“Don’t worry about me, hehe.”

Once the Undertaker was finished pouring the liquid over the body, she made her way back over to the knights. Without another word, the knights, and the Undertaker left from the site as Aystaria continued to hold Emyria close.

“Aystaria… I… killed a man.”

“Emyria, if you truly wish to be in the military then this is something you will need to get used to. If you don’t have a heart of stone, you or people you love will die.”

“I never wanted to kill anyone though…”

“I know. Let’s get you back home, okay?”

#

Aystaria couldn’t help but feel at fault as she entered her room. She had to explain what had happened to Emyria’s father, and mother, followed by consoling Emyria until she fell asleep in her bed. I shouldn’t have pushed her to learn like that, I should have started slowly, Aystaria thought as she laid down on her bed. The sound of rain began to drum against the roof of the manor as the wind picked up. Standing to her feet, Aystaria looked out the window—taking note of the dark clouds forming overhead.

They are probably going to be more active, Aystaria thought as she looked over at the lantern. She had almost burned through the first candle as it was closing its last breath in the world. Before Aystaria could replace the candle, the last flicker of the flame died out as the room turned pitch black. In that moment, Aystaria could feel her body tense up as a cold chill overtook her. No… No! Not again, Aystaria thought as her breathing started to increase into a state of hyperventilation.

“No! No more!”