{Month: January}
{Date: 1/8}
{Time: Day}
The day continued peacefully with everyone spreading around the citadel to complete their various tasks and training. While everyone was busy with their own delegations, Risa and I travelled to the lower areas of the castle, where the Royal Blacksmith Room was located.
Reaching the door to the blacksmith room, I pushed it open to see Sophia inside working on a trident upon the weapon table. I began to approach her with curiosity, Risa following behind as well and closing the door behind herself.
"Working on your old trident, huh? Planning to have it supercede your old one?" I asked, peeking over Sophia's shoulder to inspect her work.
Sophia pushed my face away gently, daring not to allow me to distract her from her work. Carefully placing a rare magic crystal within a socket at the center of the blade, the sapphire crystal began emitting a beautiful blue light.
"There...my Trident of Ràn is complete," Sophia sighed with relief, leaning back in her seat before glancing up at me. "Geez, Stella...you just have perfect timing don't you? Why are you even down here?"
"I could ask you the same, but my answer is right in front of me. As for me, I've decided to use my own gathered materia to enhance, transform, and create a new Lunar Arm," I said, making my way toward the iron table then summoned my Vesper Argentum and Nyx upon the table.
Sophia tilted her head with curiosity as she watched me work upon my weapons, her elven ears twitching at the sounds of the hammer beating against steel. She rose from her seat to approach me, watching as I took the blade from Nyx and merged it together with the blade of Vesper Argentum.
Resulting of the merge was a sleek blade blade with a razor sharp golden edge, the steel shimmering to life as if responding to the new upgrade. The blade began to emit energy, a blend between black and white, showing a fusion between my prowess and my late mother's influence.
I picked up the katana from the table, holding it with a reverent grip as I admired the finished work. "Turning my first creation into an Upgrade... blending speed, power, and elegance into one. Vesper Argentum meets Nyx...and this blade shall be known as Meneki."
Sophia let out an impressed hum at my new weapon, crossing her arms and stood closer to inspect the blade with me. "Meneki... wasn't that your mother's old nickname back when she was an active queen?"
I nodded with a smile on my face as I stared at the katana in my hand, letting out a nostalgic exhale and hummed. "Yeah. Nicknamed after the Lunar Princess that watched over Semelia."
"What are you going to do for your other Lunar Arms? Weren't we supposed to make three of them today before we went out to the training grounds?" Risa asked, her twinkling eyes following each wave of my blade with pure wonder.
"Yeah, they are going to be repurposed from my Elemental Swords. No need in carrying five swords around, it's not practical in the slightest. I was thinking of my a few ideas," I answered, settling Meneki upon the table before materializing my Water Sword into my hand.
"Like?" Risa asked, her voice filled with interest in my idea that I had planned.
I chuckled lightly at her innocent interest in my ideas, reaching toward her and poking her forehead gently. "You'll see. Just watch.."
With that, Sophia and Risa watched as I went to work with the native materia I collected along my journey along the southern areas of Cynthia. Skillfully working my blacksmith proficiency, I transformed my Water Sword into a Polearm, and my Earth Sword into a Shield.
With my two new Lunar Arms, Pago, Spear of Nights, and Noctu, Shield of the Moon, I had increased both my range and defenses for any occasion. Using Lunoirium, a rare materia only found in Lunia, my weapons had Darkness fused with them, offering a permanent Lunar Boost.
The three of us finished up around the blacksmith room then began treading back up the stairs to the main floor of the castle. Following behind Sophia through the aquatic corridors, we all made our way outside to the royal training grounds, the sounds of weapons clashing and rallies filling the air.
I glanced around the expansive field, the training grounds guarded by four towering defensive walls with mages and barons standing guard for any intruder. "Pretty secure area you have here...Lunia could use an upgraded training grounds honestly."
"It's nothing too special, truly. It's just your average outdoor dojo in my opinion, however the large space is very useful for running Mock Battles and Army Drills," Sophia replied with grace, her gaze drifting around and admiring her army's hard work.
"Alright, Senju! Rush him down with your Earth Crusher!" Saya commanded with fiery excitement, pointing her finger toward Darkwing.
"Darkwing, don't let him hit you! Counter with Rising Storm!" Izumi called out, her gaze never leaving the electric grace of her eagle.
Senju let out a battle roar as he charged toward the lightning avian with his paws encased with stone kneaded from his Earth Energy, launching blitz attacks toward Darkwing. Darkwing quickly soared through the air to evade Senju's attacks, looping around in the air before swooping to the sky while rotating quickly.
Senju stood strong as a small storm formed from Darkwing's very wings and kenetic energy, his fur whipping around in the high winds and his eyes continuing to track down Darkwing. Senju felt the whirlwinds from the storm cutting into his body, but used his Yang Energy to passively heal himself.
"Don't worry too much about it, Senju! She only has one main move in her kit, break out of this with Reversal Claw!" Saya yelled toward her panda partner, a confident smirk stretching across her lips while she watched the battle.
Senju let out a roar as he cloaked his paw in natural energy before swinging it around in a counterclockwise rotation, equalizing the storm's rotation and dispelling the growing thunderstorm. Senju smirked at Darkwing with equal confidence, knowing he had the elemental advantage.
"Huh, having an old Beast Battle. I remember when Leo and I used to go at it before his fusion with Selenoath," I said with nostalgia in my tone, my back against the wall and my eyes focused upon Saya's and Izumi's training.
"Did you ever win any of them?" Sophia asked, glancing over at me with a curious expression.
I chuckled softly at her question, closing my eyes and crossing my arms in deep thought. "For the most part? Nah, he still remains undefeated when it comes down to Beast Battles."
Just as Sophia was about to ask her next question, the mock battle began to intensify between Senju and Darkwing, both Beasts giving it their all through their master's guidance. Darkwing skillfully held his own against Senju, but was at a disadvantage with Senju's balanced offense and defense making it harder to deal significant damage.
Darkwing looped around once more and began beaming straight toward Senju, his lightning energy surging around his body as he impacted straight into Senju's belly. Senju chuckled as his belly rippled to evenly distribute the blow throughout his body, his eyes flashing as he readied his immediate counter attack.
"Do it now, Senju! Revenge Crush!" Saya cheered with a blazing passion, waving her arms in excited circles.
Senju gathered Yin Energy around his fist then delivered a crushing blow upon Darkwing, the impact sending Darkwing flying past Izumi and crashing into the wall behind her. Saya cheered loudly as she won her mock battle against Izumi, hopping up and down with exclamation.
Izumi let out a disappointed sigh and scratched the side of her head, wondering where she went wrong during the mock battle. "I just don't get it... Darkwing gained a Beast Boost yesterday, but it's still not enough to even compete with Senju.."
"It's because you had an Affinity Disadvantage plus Darkwing, being a Fulgar Eagle, isn't on the same level as Senju beast wise. Earth is stronger than Wind and is immune to Lightning. It's the only Affinity with a natural immunity," I explained as I approached Saya and Izumi with a watchful eye, my gaze shifting toward an ego high Saya.
"However, Senju also has a unique Affinity Synthesis with his master being Saya. Magma, the combination of Earth and Fire, a Synthetic Affinity that grants the user to burn away aura," I continued, walking toward Saya then grabbed her wrist and rose it up, exposing her for cheating by granting Senju Fire Access.
Izumi tilted her head at the sight of Saya's Ignis Crest, her eyes sparkling at the beauty of the fiery design. "Wow...you can do that with Crests..?"
"Oh come on, you're reaching so damn hard! Do your arms hurt?" Saya denied, rolling her eyes at my accusatory statement before snatching her arm away from me.
Risa giggled softly at Saya's fiery defiance, amused by her attitude and spunk. "I like Saya, she really knows how to get it done. Besides, there's no rules saying she couldn't grant Senju access."
"Exactly! It was a fair and square win for me! See? Someone agrees with me around here!" Saya hummed, walking around me to get to Risa and rested her arm upon her shoulder. "Hey, you're pretty cool. My name is—"
"I'm not letting you corrupt Risa with your bandit ideologies, one cheater is already enough in my kingdom. Plus, Izumi is still damn there brand spanking new to the army, and this is the one time she's getting actual training outside of me. Can you tone it down?" I requested with a gentle yet stern tone, placing my hand upon my hip like an exasperated older sister.
Saya rolled her eyes at me with a light groan, shrugging her shoulders with a dramatic sigh. "Fine, I won't use Ignis's power to embarrass your officers," She said with sarcasm, raising her hands up languidly.
I chuckled at her sarcasm and rose an eyebrow at her slight disrespect, summoning Meneki into my hand and lightly jabbing her against her stomach with the handle of my blade. "Embarrass? You had to bust our two of Senju's strongest moves for an Eagle you can find locally in Southwest Cynthia. You want to talk about embarrass?"
Saya huffed as I jabbed her and stumbled back, her hand placed upon her stomach for protection. She glanced up at me with a fiery gaze, her hair gradually setting into flames. "Oh..? You sound like you want another round of these hands! I'll give you some real embarrassment!"
"Ha! You couldn't even beat Risa, and I literally just recruited her. In fact, Risa! Tell me what Saya's gonna say next," I said, snapping my fingers with queenly authority.
"Pfft...tell her what I'm gonna say next? You're just deflecting from the fact that—" Saya began.
"This time, with proper rest and knowledge of your abilities, I will for sure have you on your ass!" Saya and Risa said at the same time, Saya shaking her head in disbelief after hearing Risa say her exact words perfectly.
"Wha—" Saya asked in genuine disbelief, her head snapping toward Risa and noticed her closing her book with an innocent smile.
'Yeah, this book is the best thing to ever happen,' I thought to Risa, holding in my laughter by biting my lips and pinching myself gently.
'For real, I didn't know I could ragebait by guessing someone's exact words!' Risa replied mentally, unable to contain her soft giggles as she felt Saya's confused gaze fixated upon her.
"Tch! Nevermind all that! What I said stands true! If you believe you have a chance against me when I now know how you roll, think again! I, Saya the Barbados of Doom, will defeat you here!" Saya challenged, leaping backwards and summoning her twin daggers then prepared herself for battle.
"Oh man, there she goes again," Senju chuckled softly, stepping out of the way and lowered himself onto all fours. "She seems to really have it out for you, Lady Stella."
I sighed with mock exasperation and let out a light chuckle with amusement, looking up to meet Saya's determined gaze. "Yeah, I figured, but I guess I can turn this into a minor teaching lesson."
Turning Meneki into energy particles, I began shifting the particles around me into Earth Energy to construct a basic stone shield with a stone sword. I held my sword with a reverse grip and took on a defensive stance, brilliant orange energy flowing around my body and granting me natural defenses.
"Ha! You're going against the best Assassin in Sylvannia at a disadvantage? Lowering your offenses and speed for better defense and stamina won't save you from me!" Saya laughed, lowering her stance then charged toward me at great speeds.
Saya lunged forward with her best foot, slashing down at my shield with the fiery edge of her blade. Her blade made contact with my shield, searing the surface of my defenses but I stood firm in my stance, bumping her with my shield before countering with a backhand slash.
Saya stumbled backwards, but quickly caught her footing and retaliated with a flurry of swift slices. I blocked each of her strikes, the surface of my shield catching fire due to the Affinity Disadvantage, but I didn't let a minor setback stop my advance.
"It's over for you, Stella!" Saya taunted, knocking my arm back with a powerful slash then followed with a serious downward slice.
Her fiery edge crashed down toward me like a pillar of judging flames, but my body reacted in time to dodge to the side, leaving behind a bluish-purple silhouette of myself in place. Immediately, I countered her with a powerful shield bash then added A Cells into my body to fire a Mud Blast from the surface of my shield.
Saya groaned as she was blasted backwards, her trajectory headed straight toward a training session between Leo and Miyuna. The two quickly dodged Saya with Mira catching her from behind, letting out a knowing chuckle at the mud covered bandit.
"Heh..~ Four for Stella, Zero for Saya," I chuckled softly and lowered my shield, reverting my mud shield back into stone.
"Whoa...that was so cool..." Izumi gasped in awe, her gaze unable to leave my stature, her mind wondering how she could Synthesize Affinities as well.
Saya got out of Mira's gentle hold, using her flames to rid of the mud around her body. She shook her head with annoyance then looked up at me with fire in her eyes. "Alright! You want to play games! We can play!"
Saya bellowed with her heart, Ignis's flames surging from her heart as she reached to the sky to summon her true weapon, a fiery black sword with a golden edge with a ruby at the end of the handle. Golden chains began to extend from the ruby, wrapping around Saya's arm like a golden serpent.
"Haaa! Witness my Master's Prowess! Barbados, respond to me to defeat Stella!" Saya called out, her hair shifting into a fiery orangish-red color. Black armor with golden outlines formed around her body with a red line of flames acting as a scarf.
Miyuna grunted softly at the intense heat Saya's true form produced, but her eyes were unable to look away from the blazing beauty of her best friend. "Saya... Barbados finally responded to you again?"
Leo's heart thumped at Saya's intense prowess, Selenoath's spirit growing curious of the flames she was near. His body stood on guard, his eyes shining with a draconic might as he tried to understand why his body was reaction this way.
Mira took a few steps back from Saya with an intrigued chuckle then looked up at me with a raised eyebrow. "Well, Stella...how will you beat this one?"
Senju wasted no time with picking up Izumi and placing her on his back, sprinting out of the way of the battle zone as Saya came charging toward me with ignited passion. He stood on the sidelines and watched as Saya and I clashed in a heated spar, amazed by the power Saya managed to draw out.
I laughed as I evaded and clashed with Saya while dancing around the battlefield, my heart pounding as I was put on the back foot for once. "So, that's all I had to do to draw out this power? Throw a bit of mud on your face?"
"I could've drawn out this power any time I wanted, but I saw now as the best time!" Saya retorted, leaping in the air and slashed downward, breaking my stone sword in half then kicked me away with a super effective Blaze Tornado Kick.
I grunted heavily as I was sent flying across the training grounds, my body landing hard against the ground. I huffed lightly and chuckled as I stood onto my feet, a burning sensation crawling around my body from Saya's finishing blow.
"Yeah! How'd you like them apples huh? Me and Barbados are undefeated in true combat!" Saya laughed with pure arrogance in her tone, her hands pridefully placed upon her hips.
I closed my eyes and flipped my hair backwards, the vessels in my body all flowing with W Cells and generating wind energy around me. I began enhancing my cells around my body, the winds blowing harder around my body, crackling lightning shifting in gradients between orange and purple circling around me.
"That was cute, Saya, and I'll admit, you knocked me down...but you forget that I am not a one trick rookie like you," I said, opening my eyes and used the lightning energy around my body to summon a dagger.
I flung the dagger toward her then warped toward my dagger, landing a thunderous dropkick against Saya's body, sending her flying backwards. I summoned another dagger and flung it toward her while falling backwards, my body turning into a bluish-purple silhouette before warping toward Saya once more.
Saya recovered in the air and noticed me in front of her, her body unable to react quick enough for my next strike. She groaned heavily as I sent her crashing toward the ground with a lightning infused strike, a dust cloud forming where she landed.
I used the wind currents to safely land on the ground then dusted myself off with a royal smirk, my gaze fixated upon the dust cloud in front of me. Risa watched the battle on the sidelines in awe of my natural movements, her eyes sparkling and her own adrenaline matching my own with the desire to also enter the spar.
Suddenly, a figure appeared behind me with her hand placed upon her katana then launched a quick slice toward me. Her blade cut through my spatial silhouette, leaving her open for my thunderous counter.
"You're too slow, Natsume!" I taunted, knocking her backwards then leaped in the air for a crescent kick.
Natsume dodged my attack gracefully then landed an icy blow upon my stomach, but the strong winds around my body nullified her icy aura, adding onto the current storm roaring around me. Knowing the Affinity I was controlling was Storm, she grabbed her Earth Katana then enhanced it into Crystal before smashing her blade against my body.
I grunted heavily with shock from the concussive blow of her crystallized blade, the blunt force sending me sliding backwards along the ground. Natsume charged in swiftly then leaped in the air with an aerial slash, but I evaded the attack and countered with a strong blast of storming winds.
"It's not enough!" Natsume called out, slicing through the blast of wind then striking the top of my head with her weapon.
She landed on the ground then began rushing me with a blitz barrage, finishing her flurry with an uppercut to knock me into the air. She took a deep breath and exhaled slowly as she watched me fall back down, rushing forward with a single slash.
I opened my left eye and slightly warped the training grounds with Kuroana, warping Natsume into an open area which left her open for Victoria's attack. Victoria bellowed as she slashed down at Natsume from above with Azura, breaking through her guard and getting her to the ground.
"Your Highness! Let's do it, Black Sword!" Victoria bellowed, tossing her katana in the air.
I warped toward Victoria's katana and slashed down upon Natsume, releasing a blast of Black Water energy around a small area. I leaped away from the puddle of black water on the ground and handed Victoria's weapon back with a light chuckle.
"We haven't used that technique in ages... It felt nice," Victoria said, grabbing Azura from my hands and smiled at me.
I nodded in agreement and hummed lightly while I fixed my hair, my heart still racing from the previous battle against Saya. "It should've been enough to at least weaken her Crystal Aura. Still, till this day, I don't know what the counter for Crystal."
"Well, Crystal doesn't follow the natural elemental nature. It's one of the only Mastered Affinities with no weakness. The only way to beat Crystal is through Affinity Repositioning," Victoria said, keeping Azura ready and generated a water serpent around her body.
I took a moment to think about what she meant with her plan, my brain taking a moment to think until it finally clicked in. "Forcing her Crystal into Plant? Will you have enough energy for that? You'll need a lot to get it done."
"Just keep her still and leave the attacking to me," Victoria nodded, readying her weapon with a determined expression.