Chapter Three
Chapter 3: Training the Sons
3-2: The Meeting Place
Toshin, Toshiro, and Amane made their way towards the cave, slowly but surely. There was no stopping them. Toshin was a trained and well experienced swordsman with a family trait that can solve problems extremely quickly but it's very disturbing to see up close. As they walked Amane looked around, keeping a look out as they traveled to their destination. He was feeling some weird things as they walked on but wasn’t sure what it was. He stayed quiet and kept an open mind for what could happen next.
Toshin kept an eye on them both and was also picking up on the same thing Amane was. “Keep looking forward, Amane. Your feelings are right. We’re being followed. Keep your hand on your sword and your mind open, both of you.”
“Yes sir.” Amane and Toshiro replied in unison.
The two of them walked side by side and kept their minds and eyes open. Toshin was well aware of all his surroundings, as it was second nature to him at this point in his life. They just kept moving forward and making progress. They were at the edge of town when four guys jumped out finally after following them for so long.
“You won’t make it out of here!” One of them yelled.
“We’ll see about that.” Toshin replied.
The four of them surrounded Toshin and the boys.
“If you’re old enough to have a sword you’re old enough to die by one.” Another yelled, as he went for Toshiro.
Amane blocked the blade with his own drawn sword. He forced the man back with a push and stood in front of Toshiro. “I got you buddy.”
“T-T-Thanks.” He replied, stuttering and nervous.
“Toshiro, stand strong. Draw your sword and hold it like you were shown.” Toshin sternly commanded him. This was a real life situation and he wasn’t willing to let Toshiro be distracted or hurt.
“Y-yes sir.” He replied.
“Nice block, Amane.” Toshin added.
“Not letting anyone get to my best friend.” Amane replied with his eyes narrowed on the enemies around them.
“I appreciate that.” Toshin said.
Toshiro drew his sword into hand as he was told and got ready. Amane stood beside him while Toshin stood behind him. The four guys began attacking one after another. Toshin took two on his own and dispatched them quickly, removing their hands from the blades and their souls from their bodies. Amane was slightly slower as he used his sword to slash the attackers leg and then his head off his neck.
Toshiro was struggling without training as he was being humiliated by small cuts to his arms and hands. Toshin watched him instead of helping for a minute. “Straighten your posture. Hold your sword up. Block attacks. Counter attack.”
Following what his father said, Toshiro successfully blocked an attack and went for a counter attack. Unfortunately it was unsuccessful as the attacker blocked and stepped back. Amane kicked the guy in the back and into Toshiro’s blade. Toshiro pushed his sword further into the guy and pulled it back out. “T-thanks, Amane.” Toshiro said.
“No problem, I just did what I could to help you.” Amane replied with a smile on his face.
“You’re going to have a lot of training to do, Toshiro. We’ll handle it later, though. Come on, the cave isn’t far.” Toshin added.
“Yes sir.” Toshiro replied depressingly.
“Don’t worry Toshi, I’ll help you when you aren’t busy. What are friends for right?” Amane said, nudging him lightly.
“I’d appreciate that.” He replied while perking back up a little bit from his somber mood.
“Quickly.” Toshin was trying to hurry them up before more enemies could come for them.
The three of them gathered up the swords and brought them along with them. Amane and Toshiro were carrying two they picked up, while Toshin was going to defend them.
It didn’t take long before they finally arrived at the cave entrance and together they walked in. Fujimoto and Sage walked in shortly after. The three of them discussed what to do among themselves, while Amane and Toshiro practiced with their swords. Amane taught Toshiro the same basics he was taught. Keeping up his practice like he should have been doing until all this happened and teaching Toshiro what he knew helped to speed up his training, as well. He spent time correcting his stance and helping him understand what was going on. Toshiro had battle experience before his actual training began so he knew what to expect now. Amane was going to keep practicing as well, adding more training for himself and Toshiro. Combat sparring to the point of exhaustion to force them to get better.
“Hey Toshiro, you want to meet up here a few times a week and train together in peace?” Amane asked.
“Sure, sounds like it actually helps us..well me. I don’t know how much more training you need, Amane. You handled yourself pretty well, in my opinion.” Toshiro responded and was impressed with his friend’s skill already.
“I can do better but I appreciate your sentiment.” He smiled as his head started hurting slightly as he closed his eyes for a moment.
“Are you okay?” Toshiro asked worriedly.
“Yeah, my head just started hurting. I’ll be okay.” Amane responded.
The adults were talking about what to do as the boys trained more.
“It’s settled then. We’ll hold a meeting and get them to agree to move out of the town.” Sage said with conviction.
“Best idea there is really...” Fujimoto added," ...and it was Amane’s.”
“He takes after his mother after all.” Toshin said jokingly.
“Hey. No..no, you’re right.” Fujimoto laughed. “I’ll need your help to get them out of town. They’ll try to kill me on sight. I don’t want innocent civilians getting hurt.”
“Agreed.” Sage nodded.
“Also in agreement.” Toshin added. “We can’t fight your war, Fujimoto. If we side with you and fight it’ll also put us at odds with the rest of your clan and bring fire down upon our clans as well.”
“Believe me guys, I thought about that. I wouldn’t have you fight my battles. I can take care of myself. I’ll need your support to start a campaign outside of the town and that’s all I’ll ask of you.” Fujimoto stated.
“You have it.” Sage replied.
“The real battle starts soon.” Toshin added.
“Right.” Fujimoto nodded in agreement. “Boys, let’s go.”
The five of them came out of the cave and began making their way back to town. The three of them together were basically unstoppable but with them having to watch their children it was an added layer of difficulty. Fujimoto led them out with Toshin on one side and Sage on the other with Amane in the back, and Toshiro in the middle being the least experienced. It was a quiet trip back to town and there was nothing happening, anywhere. There wasn’t even any foot traffic or anything nearby. No wind. No leaves. Just silence. Something was about to happen. Something was wrong. They reached their destination in an eerie silence. The sky had darkened and the roads were poorly lit.
“This just screams ambush.” Toshin stated, quietly.
“It feels weird.” Toshiro added with confusion coming out in his words.
“Something is here.” Amane said, confused just as Toshiro was.
“You picked it up too, Amane?” Fujimoto asked.
“Yeah, something is waiting for us and something is watching us. I had this same feeling earlier before running into an old man.” Amane added.
“I felt this the night I was stabbed.” Sage spoke up. “It’s like being stuck in a fog.”
“Get ready.” Toshin said sternly.
Each placed a hand on their swords and prepared. Fujimoto pushed the door to the side and looked around. It was empty. “Clear.” He yelled out.
“This is really weird.” Amane said to himself. “Reveal yourself. Whoever you are.”
A dark cloaked figure revealed himself from the shadows and smirked," You have good sense, Amane. Not many would have known I was here. Your skills of perception are leagues better than I expected.”
“Who are you?” Amane asked.
“Just a sorcerer who likes watching you.” He replied.
“That’s creepy.” Amane looked around," Where are they?” He asked upon not seeing anyone nearby.
“Oh they’re still in this room, I’m just holding you captive in dark energy. Testing your spiritual stamina. I need you to get stronger than you are. Only one such as yourself can dare to challenge me and I’ll push you as hard as I can and when the time comes, I’ll destroy you.”
“Not if I remove you from our world first. You’re not a sorcerer, you’re THE Sorcerer.” Amane stated coldly but also in a bewildered manner.
“Like I said, LEAGUES more than I expected. You’ve done well to figure out who I was quickly. I’m going to orchestrate this entire thing for you to get stronger.” He replied with confidence and a sense of assurance.
“STOP! I don’t want to fight my family. I’ll get stronger without this.” Amane shouted at him.
“No, this is more fun. I’ve seen the future of your power. This is the only way. THE ONLY WAY.” He retorted, coldly and sternly.
Toshiro thought to himself, What is Amane talking about? He was so confused at this point because he didn’t feel anything different besides what everyone else had noticed. What was so different about Amane’s abilities in comparison to those around them? He had so many questions about what was going on.
The fogginess subsided and the room was full of people. They walked right into the trap that was set. The dark cloud looming over them was only going to get worse from here..and now Amane knew why. They were all being manipulated.
“YOU KILLED JUNCHIRO!” Someone yelled.
“WE WANT YOU REMOVED FROM POWER!” Another shouted.
“KILL THEM!” Another spoke out.
“I didn’t kill anyone.” Fujimoto added.
“LIAR!”, a person yelled out.
“STOP.” Amane shouted. “YOU’RE ALL BEING MANIPULATED BY THE SORCERER.”
Whispers of the sorcerer spread quickly but no one cared. Some even accused them of working with him. No one wanted to believe anything. This entire situation had become a lost cause with only one imminent path before them.
Amane’s head began hurting more as he heard a voice, ”No one will believe I was to blame. No one has actually seen me for years. Now you won’t remember, either.” Amane fell to the ground from a standing position. His father is hovering over him and asking him if he’s okay but there was no response.
“Toshiro, quickly take him to the back room.” Toshin spoke.
“Yes sir.” He lifted him up and pulled him back," DAMN THIS ARMOR IS HEAVY.” Toshiro shouted as he pulled Amane slowly.
“Now listen up.” Fujimoto said angrily and annoyed with the entire situation. “I didn’t kill Junchiro and I don’t know who did. If we're going to settle this; let's get out of our city and head to the fields where there is nothing. I don’t want any civilian casualties. I don’t want our homes ruined.”
“I back that plan.” Sage followed.
“As do I.” Toshin added. “If you want to fight; get out of our city.”
“Agreed, we’ll leave the city and then we will kill Fujimoto.” Their new representative spoke. “We’ll form an army and come after you.”
Another guy stood up," Then we’ll form one to protect him.”
“We have a war on our hands.” Fujimoto stated somberly.
“A civil war within your clan.” Sage added.
“This isn’t good for anyone.” Toshin replied.
“Tomorrow, you will all pack your stuff and prepare for battle. I didn’t want this but it's inevitable. Say goodbye to your loved ones; since some of us won’t be coming back.” Fujimoto sighed and turned his back on everyone heading out the door.
“Fujimoto, your son.” Toshin added.
“I’ll go in the back entrance.” He replied.
Toshiro had made it to the backroom finally after hauling Amane across the floor. He was breathing hard and a bit ragged. More surprised he managed to get that far without hurting himself. What was the purpose of him wearing this heavy armor? How did this armor work? What did it do for him? When did Amane get so strong? Was it because of the armor?
Toshiro began thinking to himself, What would it take for me to get stronger? Is there something that you could teach me? He said, looking downward towards Amane. The dark fog covered the room as time almost stood still within it. What’s with this feeling again? Toshiro thought to himself. Was he picking it up now, as he had experienced it before or was it letting him feel it?
“You want to be stronger.” A voice said from within the darkness. “I can feel your desire to be stronger.”
“Who are you?” Toshiro asked.
“That doesn’t matter. What does matter is that I can make you stronger.” The voice replied.
On the floor passed out Amane was beginning to burn up. Sweat dripped from all over his visible body as he was squirming in pain. “What’s going on with him? What are you doing to my friend?” Toshiro pleaded with the voice.
“I’m not doing anything. He’s awakening and in time so will you, Toshiro.” The voice responded.
“What do you mean awakening?” Toshiro questioned the voice.
“Do you not feel it? The cold across your body. The heat disappears from your skin. Your powers will awaken in time. Your mind is unprepared for the frozen glory that is your powers. Your opposite lies before you; your better half.” The voice replied.
Toshiro paused and focused on certain phrases that were said specifically: your better half. Was the voice telling him that Amane was always going to be better than him? Was there any reason to try to get stronger? Seeds of doubt had begun entering Toshiro’s mind. “I HAVE NO REASON TO BELIEVE ANYTHING YOU SAY.” Toshiro shouted.
“My proof lies before you on the ground; convulsing and heating up. Sweat running all over his body. Your proof of self is all you need. Look at your hands.” The voice responded.
Toshiro looked down to see his hands had changed to a light shade of blue. Startled from this realization he started trying to heat his hands up by rubbing them together.
“That is not going to help. It’s natural. It’s within you. Soon enough, your body will change with it. Could be hours, could be months. Could be years. Try to enjoy yourself, Toshiro.” The voice sneered as it faded off from his mind and the fog lifted.
Toshiro shouted," WHO ARE YOU?!” But the voice was already gone from his mind as the fog dissipated around him. Confused and somewhat hurt by the fact that someone didn’t think he could be as good as a friend. Instead of being angry, he tried to remain calm and remembered that Amane didn’t feel that way at all and even thought they both could be better. However, he couldn’t ignore what the voice said regarding the powers that were coming to him.
Amane was still out on the floor as his mind traveled freely from thought to thought and encounters with the Sorcerer, he was the old man. He was the figure who stabbed Sage which he based on the feeling Sage mentioned. He was the clouded darkness who actually killed Junchiro. Why was Amane so important to him? What was he trying to accomplish that he couldn’t do on his own as strong as he was? Something just didn’t add up and Amane couldn’t figure it out either.
Waiting, Toshiro began pacing around the back room. Finally, after several minutes of silence then hearing the arguing stop outside and within his own mind, the back door opened. There stood Fujimoto with Sage and his father. Each of them, with a concerned yet somber look on their faces.
“How’s he doing?” Fujimoto asked with concern.
“He’s burning up and sweating but he hasn’t budged much besides convulsions.” Toshiro responded while keeping quiet about what had happened in his mind when they were busy. Sweat trickled down his face as he hid what happened from them.
“He doesn’t look so good, Fujimoto.” Sage stated.
“You’re right. Almost like he’s being burned up from the inside.” Toshin added as his eyes shifted to Toshiro before heading back to Fujimoto.
“I don’t know what to do. Maybe, Jade will know.” Fujimoto responded.
Toshiro nodded in agreement, ”Mother’s know best, right?”
“That they do.” Toshin added quietly.
“Can you get him home?” Sage asked with concern.
“I think so. He’s light enough and this was my armor before. I know the tricks.” Fujimoto replied.
“I hope he feels better soon.” Toshiro stated.
“I’ll pass along your sentiment when he wakes up.” Fujimoto lifts up Amane onto his shoulder. “Okay, maybe he’s slightly heavier than I expected.” He chuckled lightly and turned towards Toshiro," Thanks for watching him for me, I owe you one Toshiro. I appreciate your help and concern. You’re a good friend.” He placed his hand on his shoulder and smiled at him. “Thank you.”
Toshiro blushed in embarrassment and smiled awkwardly," It’s not a problem. He is my friend after all.”
The group split up and headed their separate ways for today. Fujimoto took Amane back home and began preparing for war. Sage headed back to his own home to rest still recovering from his injury. Toshiro and Toshin began their walk back to their house which wasn’t too far away from where they were.
Toshin had slowed his pace down to match Toshiro’s so that they could talk along the way. He had questions for him after noticing how he was acting in the meeting chambers back room. “What happened while you were in there? I saw your face dripping sweat as you told us nothing was going on except him convulsing.” Toshin stated in a stern voice.
Nervously Toshiro sighed at the question, there was no way to keep things from his father. “I was spoken to.”
Toshin looked at him with narrowed eyes," By who?” He demanded to know.
“I don’t know just a voice. It said a lot with a little time.” Toshiro spoke low, so only his father could hear him.
“What did it say?”
“That myself and Amane are awakening. He was burning up and I’m freezing. My skin is turning pale blue. My body temperature is dropping internally.” Toshiro added.
“You’re becoming a cryomancer like your ancestor Aurora.” Toshin said with a smile.The genes for cryomancy were in his child and it was something he was happy about. A thought crossed his mind on who he received them from but something inside of him said it was a gift from Icylyn.
“Really?” Toshiro said, surprised. “Wait, that should have been obvious to me. The voice said I wasn’t ready for the ‘Frozen Glory’ of my powers.”
“We have training to do, son.” Toshin stated.
“I’m ready.” He said aloud and thought, I’ll be better than Amane. I’ll prove that voice wrong.
After they made it home Toshiro headed straight to bed thinking about the events of today. He was exhausted and worn out from everything they did and what happened. He skipped a bath and decided sleep was more important. As he slept his body began changing. Cold air was rising from him as he slept. Water vapor was freezing and hitting the ground like hail. His skin had gone pale blue as his room became frigid like his body.
Toshin watched him from a distance, unable to get close due to the freezing of everything. His son was going through a metamorphosis that hadn’t been seen in decades. He was proud of him and concerned for his life. If this was his destiny he’d see it through along with him.
Days had passed and Amane had finally woken up back at home; his mother watching over him. Everything just seemed like a dream now. What happened? Was the question he wanted to know the answer to.
“Morning Amane.” Jade spoke softly, seeing her child wake up for the first time in days.
“Hey mom. What happened?” Amane asked.
“You passed out from exhaustion.” She replied.
“I don’t remember that happening..or anything after meeting that guy at the door.” He added.
“Hmm. You have a loss of time, maybe it’ll return to you. As for now, you should start your practice.” His mother stated.
“Yes mother. Wait, where’s Dad?” He asked.
“Your father is out fighting in the war. He’s been gone for three days.” She replied with concern and sadness in her voice," Now go train and put your armor on.”
“Yes ma’am.” Amane replied and did as she asked as he headed out for the morning training.
A day after Amane woke up, Toshiro had as well and was back on his feet. His icy blue eyes now turned into a frost white with a hint of blue. The room had returned to normal as his powers awakened partially, but not fully. They were getting stronger but he didn’t have the stimulant to activate them completely.
He walked from his room to the living room area and saw his father," How long has it been?”
“Several days, my son. It seems to take some time.” He got up and hugged Toshiro. “Had me worried for a bit since I couldn’t get close to you at all. Your room was frozen over entirely. All I could do was wait for you. I am very glad to see you back up again.”
Toshiro hugged his father back, "That explains why I’m so hungry.”
“We’ll get you some food. A feast for my son.” Toshin spoke.
“Are you going to cook?” Toshiro asked, confused.
“Hey, I was quite the cook in my youth. I'll have you know. Now watch and be amazed as I show you the culinary training that I endured at your age.” Toshin said with a large smile as he stood up. Toshiro stepped back in surprise and wasn't sure what to say about that. “Don’t give me that look. I’ll whip you up a feast in no time.” Toshin walked into the kitchen and started rummaging around looking for his special set of knives. He reached into several cabinets and moved things around. Making as much noise as he could as he set up pots and pans on the wood stoves in his kitchen. “Ah ha!” Toshin shouted as he pulled a rolled up set of knives from the very back of the cabinet. Unrolling he revealed his customized utensils and laid them out on the counter. “With these tools. I will cook you a feast fit for a clan head!”
Toshiro sighed to himself and just watched. His father was going crazy as he started cooking for him. The heat in the kitchen was making him sweat and he was moving so fast it was as if he was in a battle. To Toshin, he was in a battle...a battle in the kitchen. Ingredients pulled out of everywhere, fruits, vegetables, meat, noodles, and bread. He had an assortment of ingredients to work with and he was going to use as many as he could. Toshiro sat down at the table and just waited while he watched the show his father was putting on. Within the hour Toshin had a feast cooked up and laid out on the table. This was an entirely different side than what he was used to seeing from his father. Seeing this made him wonder; how much of a better cook his Mom was than his Dad, if his Dad could cook like this?
Toshin sat down at the table with his son and spoke confidently," Enjoy your feast. After this we train.”
“Yes sir.” Toshiro replied excitedly.
As they began eating, Toshin decided to fill Toshiro in on what happened during the time he was out. The Fuseishutsu Civil War had officially begun.
“While you were asleep, the Fuseishutsu clan went to war with each other. The outskirts of town and into the fields has not been a pretty sight for anyone to see. Amane woke up just yesterday after whatever was going on with him. He’s back at training as well and according to his mother plans to go out to war with his father.” Toshin stated.
“I’m glad he’s awake after that. I wasn’t sure if he was going to make it out of that whole thing with the way his temperature was fluctuating, it was pretty terrifying to watch.” Toshiro sighed," I knew he’d want to join in as soon as you said they went to war. He’s been training like crazy lately.”
“Don’t let that get you down, Toshiro. A lot can change during your training. Amane has a head start but you can catch up with time.” Toshin placed his fork down on his plate. “You see, the armor he wears enhances his spiritual abilities which is something that runs in his family line. You can’t mimic that training. It’ll boost power and speed to a high level at the cost of your mobility while wearing it. It can put you in a lot of danger if you can’t raise your spiritual level to its max while using it. Exhaustion can make the entire thing worse because you won’t have strength at all.” Toshin explained as detailed as he could.
Toshiro sighed in relief," I don’t think I could do that anyway. I don’t know anything about spiritual power.”
Toshin chuckled," You will in time. Ask Amane for advice when you can. Fujimoto could also teach you something about it but there is no telling when you’ll see him again and if you’ll see him again.” He said the last part concerned and confused about the fate of his life long friend.
“Do you not think he’ll make it?” Toshiro asked quietly.
“I believe in him but war does things to people. He’d also give up his own life to save as many people as he could. He’d jump in front of a sword to stop others from being hurt.” Toshin explained.
“He’s a real savior, I see.” Toshiro responded, even quieter than before.
For the next couple hours, they sat at the table and ate the food that Toshin had prepared for them. This was the last day Toshiro was going to have a normal life with his father. The new normal was going to be training most of the time, together. After seeing this, he may even learn new culinary skills to go with his hobby of drawing. That all just depended on what his father made him learn during their training.