Deadly Clash

It took time to find gear that fit me. Soon enough, I had something under my red cloak that I felt good about. On my back was a simple blade in a scabbard, completing my outfit. I look like something out of a fantasy manga. And yet… I can’t even use magic.

“The sword isn’t too heavy, is it?” Chiaki asked in concern.

“No, it’s fine. I think I can wield it okay enough.” With this big sword on my back, I must look ridiculous.

“Great! Might be a good idea to give it a test run though. I think Azarin is in the training area. Wanna go meet him there?” Chiaki asked gently. I felt a little tired since it was close to night time, but I couldn’t really say no to that smile.

“Alright then. I guess some testing couldn’t hurt.” After that, we went on our way through the cold metal hallways. We passed several soldiers on the way, some appearing more cold than others. It was easy to tell who had been here for longer.

“Aaand here we are! Ready to test your skills?” Chiaki asked cheerfully while stopping outside one of the several metal doors in the hallway. It didn’t really look any different from the other sliding doors. Once she tapped a green button, it opened into a much larger rectangular room with sleek metal walls, and a glass wall with seats for viewing. Azarin was already there, staring blankly at the glass.

“Heya! Our friend here wants to test their skills. Would you mind helping?” Hearing her speak, Azarin seemed to change his composure instantly, giving a smile.

“Yes of course! It’ll be helpful for my notes,” he replied.

“Wait… are you sure? I don’t want to accidentally hurt you,” I mumbled softly. Azarin chuckled a bit.

“Don’t you worry about that. I know my limits.” He knows I can’t possibly hurt him. I drew my sword. They know I don’t belong here.

“Come at me when you’re ready, Yuka,” Azarin said with a friendly smile as Chiaki entered the glass viewing area to watch. I ran at him, gripping my sword tightly. Suddenly, he lifted his hands, a golden circle appearing before him right as I swung. Sparks flew as I struck it, but it didn’t so much as crack.

“Impressive. You certainly have more strength than you appear to,” Azarin commented. I let out a cough as I felt his boot connect with my stomach. I stumbled back, rasping for air. How is he so strong? I gripped the blade and charged again, delivering slash after slash to his shield. Not one broke through. Another kick sent me stumbling back.

“I think I should show you what I can do now,” Azarin said as light from the ceiling fell over his glasses. The door to the glass viewing area suddenly clicked. Chiaki blinked before walking to it, tapping to open it. It wouldn't open.

“Azarin? What are you doing?!” she cried, tapping it again and again. Two yellow disks materialized, spinning on either side of his head. I could see one eye behind his glasses, which stared back with a crazed look.

“Truth is… I used to work at a morgue. I studied many bodies of people that tried becoming Watchers and weren’t ready. So–I’m going to give you a mission. Stop the mad scientist, or resign,” Azarin explained coldly. I gripped the sword in my hands, trembling. First Kang… now Azarin. Even The Director… Everyone has looked down on me since I got here.

“I’ll stop you.” Those words I uttered were met with a disk flying at me. I raised my sword, stopping it from taking my head off. I slid back, gritting my teeth.

“You’ll stop me? Without any magic? Everyone here knows at least basic spells. It’s laughable that you were ever considered. I calculate your odds of survival even against me are very low. So go home,” Azarin said as the disk flew upwards as the second one came down to split me in half. I leaped to the side as the disk sent pieces of metal up, before the other looped back around. I rose my sword to block it, but the force was much more than I was expecting.

“Azarin! You’ll kill him!” Chiaki cried as I flew back. I smashed into the wall before falling to one knee, coughing. I don’t get it… why was I chosen? Why was I chosen? That question ran through my head as I stood, blood dripping from a cut on my cheek. The disks returned to Azarin, spinning next to him again.

“Are you done?” he asked.

“No… because I want to know. I want to know why I was chosen too!” I snapped before running at Azarin. I could see him watching me with that cold gaze, probably calculating my every move. In this moment, I had to beat him. Because if I couldn’t… then that would mean–that would mean those words were never meant for me.

“Charging me again? You tried this already,” Azarin said dismissively, the discs flying at me again. No… I didn’t. As the first disc flew at me, I sucked in a quick breath breath.

“Yuka, no! You have to dodge!” Chiaki cried, pounding against the glass. Chiaki… you’re the only one who's been kind to me. But I have to do this. I lifted my sword, blocking it… but at an angle. It parried off, and I gained more distance, managing to parry off the other the same way. I closed in on Azarin, my eyes narrowed.

“I’m not losing this!” I yelled, leaping at him with my blade. The discs were still coming back around, giving me an opening. I saw him lift his hand… but I knew he’d do that. In mid-swing, I let go of my sword, my face smashing against the barrier. I fell to the floor on my knees, the pain in my cheek returning in a violent wave.

“Yuka…” Azarin said softly as the discs disappeared. I looked up slowly to see him touching his own cheek, where blood was running from. My sword was stuck in the ground behind him. I looked back down at the floor.

“I know. I failed. Sorry, but I’m just not okay with hurting people. I guess I… I’m just not cut out to be a Watcher,” I said quietly before standing up. Before I could shamefully walk out, I heard a familiar voice from the corner of the room. Kang…

“You didn’t fail, so stop talking like that. Instead… pick up that sword, and come here. I think Yuka… I can make this work.”