Chapter 2:

What is My Purpose?

The Cursed Iris: A Tale of Fate and Time


Now we transition back to Katsumi who was still thinking about his conversation that he had with Aimi. It seemed to frustrate him, because the area around him seemed to be on heating up.

"Why did she sound like Totomaru? It's kind of annoying."

"And why is that? I don't think you've ever told me about them," Kumo asked skeptically. He already didn't know too much about Katsumi to begin with, all he knew was that Katsumi did something terrible, he was captured, put on trial, and punished. For some reason they decided to trust a talking badger.

"Totomaru was my master," Katsumi answered in a somber tone. His body language changed, not only that, but the temperature also around him dropped. "He was like a father to me and my sisters. He also taught us how to use spiritual energy, how everything works in the three realms."

"So why were you so mad about the way Aimi sounded?"

"Because..." Katsumi mumbled under his breath.

"Because of what?"

"He's also the one who captured me and turned me into Takamagahara. After that he completely disappeared without a trace."

"Sounds like a terrible father," Kumo remarked.

"Why are you so snarky? It's annoying."

"And you're destructive... so what is your point?"

"Gah! You're impossible!" Katsumi angrily yelled. "But anyways Totomaru's disappearance changed the balance of the three realm's power distribution."

"Why is that?"

"It was because he was known as the Half-Breed King," Katsumi replied, and that's when Kumo noticed something about how Katsumi answered, the tone in his voice was completely different from before.

"The strongest hybrid in the three realms. He was able to overcome so many things and he was the only being in existence to wield the ashen flame."

"Yeah..."

"And you were supposed to be the next Half-Breed King? That's your dream, isn't it?"

"........."

"I'd take that as a yes, but if that's your case; then how exactly did you end up like this? You're a capable fighter through and through. All you needed to do was take the exam."

"........"

"Now I understand you a little bit more, but Katsumi question."

Katsumi looked at Kumo and it was surprising to see the expression on his face. Katsumi was crying, his eyes were puffy, tears were flowing from them. His body trembled as well, "Katsumi it'll be okay," Kumo reassured, but will everything truly be, okay? How exactly could any of them know if. Especially if they had to wait on a certain person, they don't even know exists. It's a crazy situation that they're finding themselves in.

"Master also told me I'd be important to the growth of this person, but I don't even know how..."

Kumo stared at him with a worried look. "How what?"

"I don't know how to change myself. How am I supposed to help someone else before myself?"

The air around them became tense in a way, and Katsumi summoned a fireball in his right hand. He stared at it with disdain that you would think he hated it with every fiber of his being.

"I'm hated by everyone in the three realms. I am a half breed that's of two realms, one blessed and one cursed, but when people see me, they only see the cursed one. I've honestly hated the way they always looked at me, but I wanted to prove to them that I wasn't bad at all. That's why I accepted that power of that sword..." his voice trailed off.

"And that's how you ended up in the situation you're in now, Katsumi," someone replied behind him and Kumo.

Katsumi turned around and he saw a girl about 20 years of age, white hair, red eyes, and she was at least 5 feet tall. She wore a smile that Katsumi used to wear, a cross between mischievous and sincere. A smile that no one could hate.

Katsumi stared at her, "Oh it's you Chiyoko."

She saw that his eyes were empty, like he'd just given up. "So, is that all your big sister gets?"

"Why are you like this? Did Aimi come and talk to you?"

"Yes, but Chiyoko I've been thinking about some things."

Chiyoko stared at him skeptically, "And what is that?" she questioned as she walked towards him.

"Just a lot of things. Like what would this world be like if I just never existed? Or why am I the one who was chosen for this?"

The questions seemed to have made Chiyoko irritated, "Katsumi..."

"What?"

"Why are you so damn depressing now!?" she yelled as she punched him. The punch sounded off that the birds outside the village Katsumi guarded flew away.

Katsumi hit the ground and he grabbed his cheek. "What was that for?"

"I needed to smack some sense into you."

They gave each other a stare down, "Fight me Katsumi," Chiyoko stated in annoyance.

"Why should I?"

"Because you seem to be tense, so I'm going to be a responsible older sister and help you out."

Katsumi calculated the risks of fighting outside the village. They already have shown that they hated him, so personally he didn't care what happened to them. But Aimi and everyone else would be on his case.

After a few moments of silence, he sighed. "Can we please fight just a little bit further from the village? I already waste enough time living here, so I don't want to destroy it."

"Alright fine, but you know I can just erect a barrier around us, so it's only limited here, right?"

"Oh yeah, I kind of did."

He's worrying me, I've never seen Katsumi in a mood like this. Not even when Totomaru turned him in. I want him to feel better about his situation and himself.

"I guess you never heard huh?" she asked enthusiastically.

He looked at her confused as ever. "Heard what?"

"That I have been named as one of the strongest wizards directly working under Aimi herself. One of the Ten Avatars of Vishnu," she stated with a sort of gleam in her eyes.

"Avatars of Vishnu?"

"Or the Dashavatara, the ten main incarnations of the god Vishnu as the name states. I was honestly surprised that they chose me, although I'm the weakest one of them all as I am the 10th incarnation."

"Still, that's pretty good though, I guess?"

"It is, but now all I got to do is harness this new ability of mine and I'll get stronger."

"So that's why you want to spar?"

"Nah, I honestly just want to beat you up because you're being depressing. I need you back into your groove."

I also want to show him that it doesn't matter what your background is, you can make it far in this world if you work hard enough. I became an Dashavatara just for him and Sayuri.

"Okay, I'll spar with you," Katsumi groaned as he stood up.

Chiyoko chuckled, "Katsumi do not hold back."

"Do I ever?"

"Alright then, I won't hold back either," she stated as she became surrounded by the same black fire that Katsumi uses.

Kumo stared at them both. "It seems like Chiyoko's spirit energy is on an entirely different level than Katsumi's. She's almost near a monster when it comes to this."

"Oh, badger you're wrong to be honest. Katsumi is only the same level as me right now. If his spirit energy wasn't sealed away to a point, then he'd be as powerful as the 7th Avatar."

Plus, he has that perfect mimicry skill, but he doesn't know how to use it. If I do use my soul force here, then would he know how to use it?

Soul force is the awakening of one's spiritual energy. It is only the basic type of awakening for the next stages that is specific to races. Although only 3 races can access that next stage, demons, gods, and dragons. Dragons can awaken the next stage of soul force called a dragon cry, demons are able to awaken the next stage called demonic reign, and gods are able to awaken the next stage called god song.

Not many have awoken any of these, but Chiyoko thinks that if Katsumi learns soul force, then he'd be able to awaken his demonic reign. She'd rather that not happen just yet, because she doesn't want him to attract attention from those bums in Takamagahara. She does care about her baby brother, because she is just that good of an older sister, am I right?

"All right Chiyoko are you ready?"

"Yes I am."

Katsumi's energy was still on the rise that Chiyoko was surprised he still had that much left.

"Well, I guess I'd better not hold back, although I was before."

Chiyoko's fighting style mainly dealt with her using her feet and lower body to get off attacks. Using the fire, she wields as propulsion of some sort. Katsumi is the very opposite as he uses his upper body, but he's also more of a mixed fighter. Chiyoko sometimes hated sparring with him because of this.

"I'm ready," Katsumi stated as the black fire around him appeared. This time the fire seemed a lot stronger.

Chiyoko smirked, "You had better be Katsumi," she mumbled, as she did it was like she vanished from Katsumi's sight.

That psyched him out. "She's gotten faster."

"Fire Demon: Cursed Sole!" Chiyoko yelled as she appeared in front of Katsumi kicking him.

The kick was a lot more powerful, and not only that Chiyoko's flames amplified it. The impact had caused Katsumi to be knocked back to the edge of the barrier.

He recovered and the attack seemed to have caused him to become weak at the knees.

"What is this feeling?"

Chiyoko had a huge grin on her face, which kind of irritated Katsumi, "What the hell is that smile for!?" he yelled as he pointed at her frustrated.

"Katsumi do you remember the first time we trained with master?"

She then attacked him again, which this time Katsumi was able to dodge.

"Yeah, I remember. First rule: Study your opponent's moves and form a plan on how to counterattack."

"That's correct," she replied.

Katsumi got a weird feeling in his body that made his hairs stand on end. He followed it and dodged an incoming black fireball.

"Rule two: Never let your guard down. No matter what."

He caught it and he devoured it. Which made Chiyoko giggle, "So you've finally figured out how to eat them?"

"Yeah, and it wasn't easy," he stated with a gleam in his eyes. "Now I've got a blaze in my soul."

Chiyoko made a confused expression, That's so corny, but I'll let him have this.

"Alright little brother, show me that blaze then."

"With pleasure!" he exclaimed, after he did, he charged at her full speed.

"Fire demon: Griping Fang!" he yelled as he punched at her with a fist surrounded by black fire.

"Fire Demon: Cursed Sole!" Chiyoko yelled countering Katsumi's attack.

They were locked in a stalemate or so it seemed. Chiyoko slightly had the advantage over Katsumi, it was mainly because she was more versed in her fighting style than he was in his. Plus, she was holding her energy back even though she stated that she wouldn't.

I know what you're thinking, 'Didn't she say that she wasn't going to hold back? Why did she lie to Katsumi like that?' well the answer is simple: Katsumi's unpredictability. He's so unpredictable that if she did go all out against him, then he'd basically become just like her. Remember that skill I mentioned earlier? Well, no one really knows the inner workings of it, but basically if he subconsciously thinks that he must surpass someone he will match that energy. Not only that he can copy moves and abilities that he sees once, but only if he has an affinity to the element. That's why I'm going to hesitate using soul force. I'm not a cheater or anything, it's just I don't want anyone to find out about that ability, not even him. Now back to our sparring match, Chiyoko thought as she stared at him.

"Now burst!" Katsumi yelled as his flames got hotter and fiercer.

Kumo stared at them both in awe as the ground and the environment around them trembled. It was as if it were afraid of what would happen to it.

Chiyoko dispersed Katsumi's flames that surrounded her using her spirit energy.

"Oh-ho, our clan may be on the lowest tier, but your flames are stronger than any others I've faced."

"If I remember correctly the tiers are Gods first, Dragons in the middle, and Demons last. I don't think I've ever tried eating any of their flames, have I?" Katsumi asked.

Chiyoko became frustrated again, "How in the hell am I supposed to know?" she questioned as she attacked him again. "Stop being a dumbass, those two types of flames can literally kill you!"

She kneed him in the face. Katsumi stumbled, his nose was bleeding, and he was slightly disoriented.

Chiyoko continued her attack, "Rule number three was literally: Fight to survive!" she yelled locking her legs around Katsumi's head.

"What the heck?"

She flipped along with him, causing a large impact crater.

He coughed up blood, and Chiyoko jumped out of the crater.

"She was overestimating his abilities, wasn't she?" Kumo asked with a worried tone.

"Nah, I never overestimate Katsumi's abilities. I made sure to state that specific last rule because he's given up on doing just that," she stated with calm expression.

Katsumi was lying in the center of the crater, Fight to survive. He thought to himself.

Fight to survive.

Fight to survive.

As he continued to think it his body began to pulse. Chiyoko felt the slight change in his spirit energy, which made her worried.

"Something isn't right," she said nervously. This feeling gave her chills that she's never felt before.

"Katsumi, I see you're back in a situation where you're about to die."

"Why are you here?"

"Silly, I'm you, why wouldn't I be here?" the disembodied voice asked him.

"I do not need you. This is only a sparring match with my older sister, so can you please leave?"

"Fine I'll leave you alone this once, but that third rule of master's is one I will follow. Even if I must erase you and that other one, I will survive."

Cough.

Katsumi sat up and Chiyoko was at the edge of the crater staring at him.

"Wow, she beat your butt Katsumi," Kumo said in a condescending tone.

"Shut up badger, this isn't over yet," Katsumi grumbled as he stood up.

I will survive even if I must erase you and that other one, he remembered.

Chiyoko felt Katsumi's energy return to normal, and she sighed in relief. "Thank goodness. Glad that half didn't take over."

He needs to learn to accept that half.

"I know that, but that's a problem he needs to handle on his own."

Katsumi took in a deep breath as he stared at Chiyoko, he had seemed to be focusing his energy, which had Chiyoko curious.

"It feels so sharp and refined. What exactly is he doing?"

"Stage 1!" he yelled, and his right arm became covered in spiraling teal tattoos, his hair went two toned of black and white, and his body seemed to have bulked up.

"This is definitely interesting."

Chiyoko smiled and the air seemed to tremble around Katsumi as if it were nervous. She felt the same way, but this was the first time Katsumi made her nervous. It was almost as if she were in the presence of some monster.

Well, he technically was a monster.

"Shut it you," Chiyoko replied.

Katsumi bared his teeth, and it gave Chiyoko a cold sweat. "Here he comes."

Just as she said it, he attacked.

She blocked it and tried to counter but Katsumi was too fast, because he countered her with the exact same move, she used earlier on him.

She hit the ground, which caused it to cave in on itself.

Katsumi jumped up into the air, "What next?" Chiyoko asked herself as she stood up.

His fist became surrounded by wind, and that surprised Chiyoko. "That's not his affinity."

She was in awe as Katsumi connected his punch to her face. She was knocked away, and he followed, "So, my reincarnation was a half breed vessel?" Katsumi inquired.

His voice was different from before, "Who are you?" Chiyoko asked.

"That's none of your business brat."

He clasped his hands together as he raised them over his head as he did, they became surrounded by lightning.

"What the hell?"

Katsumi brought his hands down and his attack connected. As it did lightning streamed off the aftermath and a plume of smoke followed.

The smoke began to clear, and Katsumi or whatever was in his body smiled.

"Chiyoko Nakajima, you are one interesting individual. Your little brother knows any and everything about you, well besides your weaknesses, that is."

"Little idiot doesn't know everything about me because I bet, he didn't know that I could do this," she replied from the clearing smoke. Her body was covered in fire like tattoos, and she had demon horns protruding from her head.

"You and your family are both remarkably interesting. No wonder the gods have been watching your bloodline for millennia. Now I see why they had me reincarnate into this brat."

"Yeah, yeah. Shut the hell up and get out of my little brother dumbass."

"So, you'd rather have that other half who killed thousands, than a god who can change the world?" he asked.

He made a gesture as if he thought of something. "Well technically this kid is half a god."

Chiyoko stared at him with an annoyed expression, and he was laughing at his own joke. She wondered what was his deal why was he so weird about things? Plus, that lame joke really frustrated her (a lot).

He wiped a tear from his eye, "Ah, I'm funny," he chuckled, and then he looked up.

"Hey reader what do you think?"

Chiyoko tried to plan to figure out who was the spirit or god possessing Katsumi.

Wind, lightning, those elements? No, it can't be, why that one?

"Hey you."

"Yes, what is it girl?"

"I think I know who you are, but what I'm more curious about is how did my little brother become your reincarnation. Also how exactly did he awaken you?"

He scoffed as he laughed. "Well, that's simple, his spirit energy resonated with mine. He's very capable, especially with that perfect mimicry skill of his. So unpredictable, so wild, so strong; reminds me of myself in my hay day."

"Yeah, that attitude definitely belongs to that god."

"So, Chiyoko are we going to continue, or no? The iris girl is arriving soon, and I want to make this vessel as strong as ever so I can fight her myself."

Chiyoko calculated every way, but she couldn't figure anything out.

She sighed, "Well, I guess I'll have to use that," stated Chiyoko as she dusted her body off. "Man, I really wanted to save this for a surprise. Ya know? Being a good big sister and having a surprise for my adorable little brother, but since you want to be an asshole, I have to spoil it..."

Her energy began to rise slightly, and her body gave off a heat that seemed to have started to melt the ground around her, "Took me a while, but I've figured out how to finally use master's white flame or something similar to it."

Totomaru's flames could burn anything, even magic itself. Chiyoko knew that she didn't exactly pull it off, but she figured out something that was close enough to it. She loved that she's one step ahead of him because they both share the same dream.

She chuckled. "My little brother lost hope for that dream, and it's my job as his older sister to help him realize his dream and his life's purpose. My purpose is to help is purpose."

The mystery god stared at Chiyoko. "You sound like that woman. I hate it."

"Well, that's too bad that I sound like an older sister. Now I'm going to make you go back to sleep, and I'm going to get my little brother back."

On one hand Chiyoko was furious, but on the other she was nervous. Not just for her, but for Katsumi as well. That was still his body, it was just possessed; she wanted a way to get him back to normal. Sure, he was a spoiled brat from time to time, but she loved him unconditionally. Plus, what would Sayuri (their younger sister) think of them both if they were beaten so easily.

She snickered, I love them, I wish we could live as a happy family again. Or as happy as one could be when you're a bunch of half breeds hated by society.

Her energy continued to spike, and it seemed to have manifested into a physical form. It was almost fire like, and it had a whitish hue to it.

"Interesting, are they sure that she isn't the reincarnation of that woman?" the mysterious god asked.

"Now Soul Force! Pyro's Fury!" Chiyoko yelled and her energy exploded around her. It destroyed the barrier, caused the grass around her catch fire, and it sucked the oxygen from the air.

"What is happening? I've never felt energy like this before," Kumo stated as he stared in awe.

"Now, this is power," the mysterious god exclaimed with a smile.

Chiyoko stared at him, "Since you didn't want to leave my brother, I'm going to make you leave," she stated with a strained expression.

"I get it now; you can't hold that form for long. That's the drawback to soul force," he summarized. He raised his finger, "I make you a deal, I'll give this idiot his body back."

"You will?"

"Of course, but on one condition," he said with a slight grin.

"And that would be?"

"When this boy finds my naginata I want him to fuse with it so we can merge into one. I want us both to fight you as one, although I somewhat like him and he possibly won't like me, I can still get him to use the full extent of my powers."

Chiyoko was confused, but she thinks she understood what he was saying. "So, you're saying that once you both merge, then you'd make Katsumi stronger?"

"No, no, no. That won't be up to me, that's up to him. I'm only here as a kindred spirit inside this brat's body. I kind of like him, so I'll stay with him, but I want to meet that Iris everyone continues to say he's connected to," he said as his voice trailed off.

"What's wrong?" Chiyoko asked as her soul force wore off.

"Nothing, it's just this boy needs to find his purpose. Maybe that Iris is his purpose, maybe it's neither you nor I who can change him but them."

"I won't deny that I've been thinking the same thing but tell me something."

"Yes girl?"

"Why are you willing to help my brother? Accounts say that you were a selfish, arrogant, and brash god, but for some reason I'm seeing a different side of you."

"I am those, but now I think it's a time for change. I want to grow alongside Katsumi Nakajima, the boy who has the power to defy fate itself. Then that Iris is the one to decide the fate of the Three Realms, I would love nothing more than to see how this would turn out. I chose to be a candidate for reincarnation, so did my bitch of a sister and my cuck of a brother. I don't know where those two ended up, but this boy," he explained. 

"He's different than the ones I've seen over the eons. I desire growth and Katsumi desires a purpose; this journey will provide us with both. That's why I am willing to help him."

"Do you really think he'll find a purpose in this?" Chiyoko questioned worried and afraid of what his answer would be.

"Why wouldn't he? I mean the only one in charge of his destiny is him. He's the only being with the ability to defy fate, he, the Iris, and the Bell Flower will be the ones to change what everyone thinks of half breeds or anyone that's different from them. I just know it, so I will be the one to support him with all my being."

"That really nice of you, sleazy god," Chiyoko stated with a smile.

He chuckled. "Don't compliment me yet. The Arcane Dragon is going to awake and if this boy isn't ready then we're all done, along with the other two."

"I don't know what the Arcane Dragon is, but I know he'll be ready," Chiyoko reassured.

"One can only hope, but hope is only rejecting reality. I'd rather not hope on a future if this boy isn't a part of it."

"Katsumi Nakajima, the one who can defy fate. If only he had a purpose in this world," the mysterious god mumbled. "We are one in the same, he and I. I'll accept you as my vessel if you accept me as your guide, kid," he finished, and then Katsumi's body went limp.

Katsumi would've hit the ground face first if Chiyoko and Kumo wouldn't have caught him.

"You really are Katsumi's older sister," Kumo stated in shock.

Chiyoko smiled at his statement. "Who else would I be?"

Chiyoko, I know what you're thinking, and this is the same reason why you became an Avatar of Vishnu... another version of her stated.

"I'm just trying to be a caring big sister, that's all my other half. I've accepted you, succeeded in one way more than another, and not only that I've gotten to the first stage of getting my Demonic Reign."

And that's what worries me.

"My mother is a god, not you, so why are you being such a worrywart. I know what I'm doing. I'll train Katsumi to control more of his fire and call it a day."

Alright, I guess.

"You really need to stop second guessing me please."

No, I won't because your recklessness gets us in so many bad situations. Plus, you've brought so much attention towards us by becoming an Avatar of Vishnu.

"I did this for a reason, but you'd never understand," Chiyoko retorted.

Katsumi opened his eyes, and he saw himself in a white space, "Ayame Akiyama is her name? Maybe just maybe if I meet her, then possibly I can find my purpose. I must get stronger if I must protect her. I want to protect her, but I'm too weak to be able to protect anyone, not even myself."

"You're not weak, but you are a fool. Now wake up Katsumi Nakajima, you're my vessel and I have accepted you. You must accept me now," a disembodied voice stated.

Katsumi had heard this voice before, but he didn't know where.

A person who looked like an older version of himself appeared in front of him. Katsumi know he's seen him before, "I know you..."

"Well of course. I am you and you are me Katsumi Nakajima."

"What the hell does that even mean?"

The person laughed, and Katsumi got mad, "Why are you laughing?" he yelled at him.

"I find you funny. I'm glad I was reincarnated into you, so listen, there's some things I must tell you, but we have time. So, I'm going explain to you until the Iris arrives. Also, you must get stronger, nothing is going to be easy. I will make sure you're ready to protect that girl. I will also make sure your spirit energy is up to par. Your older sister said you're as strong as an Avatar of Vishnu, so we're going to make sure she's not lying."

Katsumi nodded, "Okay, I think I understand what you're saying."

"No, you don't," the man said.

"Yeah, I don't," Katsumi replied dejectedly.

He chuckled. "Well, no matter, you'll soon understand everything about the future."

"I've got no future, but I'm willing to listen to you."

"I was like you once. I still haven't found what I was looking for, but you and I are similar and different in so many ways. Katsumi, I want to help you find your purpose, and I want you to help me grow. I need you and you need me."

"Okay, understood."

"I hope you do, now wake up, your sister is worried and so is the badger."

The room and the man disappeared, then Katsumi's eyes shot open. It surprised both Chiyoko and Kumo, that they stumbled back.

"Katsumi you're finally awake," Chiyoko said relieved.

"How long was I out?"

"A week," Chiyoko replied. "But while you were out, your body was being weird. Like your spirit energy completely changed."

Kumo agreed. "It was as if someone took over your body."

I am you and you are me. Katsumi remembered.

"Chiyoko, Kumo listen, I know what I must do."

"And that would be?" they both asked.

"I have something to protect. Even though I'm not strong, I will get stronger, and I will protect everything I hold dear. I will not give up ever again."

Katsumi may have found his purpose now. Even if he hasn't met Ayame yet, he's still more determined than ever to protect her. Maybe she can change his outlook on the world, maybe she won't. The boy who can defy fate is still a prisoner to it. Everyone is a prisoner to their own fate, but it's up to you if you want to go against it. Will Katsumi do that, or will he continue to stay a prisoner? That is for him to decide.

"I've given the blade to Kohaku Akiyama, now all I have to do is make sure the timeline progresses as normal, and then proceed to make sure the singularity is ready to go when that girl arrives. When that happens, everything will be in place, and a timeline where I rule over everything will be created. But first things first, Ryusai is everything in place on your side?" a mysterious figure asked.

"Yes sir, but I have a quick question."

"What is it?"

"Well, if you knew your daughter was going to come back to this time why didn't you bring her back when she was born? I mean she is the descendant of the strongest bloodline in the Ko."

"You fool!" he yelled, and that made Ryusai flinch. "I needed her to grow to be a compassionate girl, so when she comes all of it will fade away. She needs to be shown the true nature of the world, it's all a part of my plan. The Arcane and the Apocalypse, one of my creations and another born before the start of existence. Either way they're going to destroy the three realms and I will rule over the remains."

He began to laugh at the thought. "They think they can defy fate, but everything that has happened has all been because of me. I am fate and no one can escape me."

He claims he's fate, but Katsumi has the ability to defy it. Who is this mysterious figure and why does he call himself fate? How does he know Ayame? Was he the one behind Katsumi destroying most of the country's population? Why does he want to create a branching timeline? And what is the Arcane and the Apocalypse?