Is This My Path A Shadow Dwellers Tale

Sunlight glistens along the hundreds of windows of great skyscrapers lining the sky. Along these reflections are thousands of rose pedals and buds that float across the skyline of the buildings’ rooftops. The buds gently fall apart and other pedals reform into new buds. They all are transparent and light in red color of pure energy. Energy created by special Seals placed on the small pillars along the corners of the buildings’ rooftop corners.

Such a beautiful place.

I once saw these Seals form into circles with the symbol of this Clan. Falling apart as the rose hidden within the symbol remained then floated out into the air. I was told they are renewed by workers who have abilities to harness such energies to create a beautiful site along the sky. These Repairers are some of the most gifted with such powers. Still strange their Eou can only manipulate and create things that are already planned. Only scan with their power of an object already created and form a memory. The type of material and its formation and cannot be able to create new material or shapes. Rebuild what once was and only what once was.

A more magical version of construction maintenance workers I see them as. Many workers I have met feel jealous at times. Workers who wish they can harness such powers of the Constructors.

People cable of making new.

Even with there being a mix of standard construction workers and the Repairers who are identified wearing their own custom clothing with the Clan symbol printed across the backs. While all other workers wear standard uniforms of blue and black helmets of the Clan symbols on the sides and Constructors in special white uniforms with red decals.

The most powerful Repairers who can create entire buildings are the ones usually placed in charge of some construction companies, but mostly the sites. Never has there been a non-Wielder user in charge of any construction site but commonly appear running companies if my memory serves me correctly.

Below these roses down on the streets I see thousands of people who dwell within this great city. This city of Osaka, The Great Rose of the Mojon Hon.

In this world that I have entered, it is still hard to understand that Japan no longer exists but in books and memories. And these states are not ruled by elected officials but by these Clan families. The state becoming known as Clans and a new form of a country that is different from what I have read on the world history. In some ways like the ancient Greek City states. Japanese but separated by the few differences of their Eous. The Mojon Hon is a Clan of great power and ruled by not one, but two Royal Families, the Sugiyamas, the First Seat and then the Yoshimotos, the Second Seat. I am still amazed they have ruled for hundreds of years and have only grown stronger over those centuries. One Clan of two different Eous, which normally was what created two separate countries.

But that is a whole other story to go into. Right now, I must focus my concern elsewhere. My mission as a Rogue Warrior in this world of Clans that once made that state Japan. A mission that is taking far too long to get started.

Feels odd introducing myself to these people, “My name is Ishida Kawanari. Last of the Burudoragon and am honored to be your guest”.

I am just turning 16 years old and have already been a Rogue Warrior since I was 14 years old and yet still feel hopeless on what I am doing here. They’re Japanese and that doesn’t feel strange being here, but I am also a Dragon Samurai. With no home for me to go to except to the Sage’s Mountain. The only other one of my kind who found me in the forests at the slopes of his mountains in a burning car. A burning car that somehow did not harm me at all.

Even after asking him he still isn’t sure how I got there. But someone saved me from our extinction. Well, I keep telling myself that but once I die, we are gone forever. He took me in after finding no signs of my parents. But the Sage Has some idea of where I came from. My yellow eyes being part of his family line he told me once. He is my ancestor and it is hard to believe he is thousands of years old. My people’s creator and he is still here. I am the last of his direct family and he raised me, the ancient still guiding the future. Wish he never left our people like the rest of the Sages. Maybe he could have saved us if he stayed?

I still have dreams of it every night. The Night of Last Flame.

He never did figure it out and ultimately gave it up who got me there and what happened to our people. But he couldn’t leave a baby alone which any normal person could never do. Still like to know if all that training was absolutely worth the bruising, bleeding, sweating and struggle was going to help at all. The Blue Dragon is a creator with great heart and wisdom who seeks to defend and teach the world of harmony, honor, peace, responsibility to better both themselves and for all of mankind. A power where it can only be used if the user truly believes in giving his life and upholding his honor to protect the world and seek out peace for them and to instill a sense of harmony and peace of mind to end the darkness that drives man to destroy. Let the light of their flame truly wake and guide to the last and true form.

The goal isn’t through force. Force only if those who seek to conquer others who seek such righteous goals. The darkness deep inside every man is always there and spreading to crawl out. It is due to this that I have not gained the power of the Dragon. Inside me is a fire with no control. A fire that burns anything and everything. No purpose to direct its fire, but that is what blue flame gives, control and order. The White Fire is not far, but not easy to obtain for first comes the darkness before the light.

I know I cannot obtain my power not through force, but through harmonization. This is no easy thing for the fire, the Dragon that has formed within me is confused, angry, scared and will fight anything. It is always a struggle to master it. Maybe once I find my way in this world, a reason to do something I believe is worth doing to achieve my selfless goals, then maybe my own power and soul can finally be completed? It is one thing to use the tool of the Dragons, my sword, to harness such power. Ultimately, I must master such things within my soul. To make the soul of this sword, the Hell Reaver, become one with me into a true Dragon, a true Burudoragon.

Seeing this grand place makes me think of all the tests of spirit in my training in combat, responsibility of making my own home the Sage tried teaching me. In keeping my sword sharp but also sheathed as long as possible. Looking to stay alert for surprise attacks or listening to how people communicate to understand their true intentions. I read so many books and scrolls of human history in order to understand them and find ways to quell violence and seek solutions for peace and harmony for them. While also understanding what makes the various peoples have their own identity.

But that was nowhere near what the world is really like. There was one thing the Sage failed to teach me. How to actually communicate to people at the individual level.

Socializing.

So far in my time here in the world.

I haven’t done so well in that department.

I am shy like most Japanese people from what I can tell, but I know the problem is I really don’t understand how to talk to people. In my case I was raised by one old man. Even he wasn’t quite like most humans. I always had this desire to reach out to people and to also find a connection to someone. Friendships and comrades and maybe one day love. But again, I can’t really figure out how to even start to talk to people or even figure out what to talk about.

Damn, this has led to rather awkward conversations and even some misunderstandings that have led to confrontations. That usually have me leaving bruises rather than good impressions. At least my fighting skills are improving from this but still like to avoid that.

One thing I learned was to try and look for places where people interact or at least where interacting with each other which is the point. What were those weird things where you go to some place in a large room? Where people put name tags on their chests and go around to try to talk to each other. Now I remember that it turned out it was for people with anger management. Simply reached out with my hand and said, “Greetings, my name is Ishida Kawa-

Suddenly the man just flipped out and started slapping me.

He apparently also was extremely scared of getting diseases from people. Soon all the others thought I was rude for not washing my hands even though I did that that morning. He swung a punch and well, my instincts kicked in and I took his arm and twisted it and strained it. He is lucky I didn’t break it since he was a non-Wielder it could have easily broken. And all the others got pissed and attacked me even when I tried to use a healing power on the man and suddenly, I went into combat mode when they surrounded me and after four seconds in. Twelve people were on the ground in pain and I stood there getting lectured by the lady hosting the gathering and I tended their wounds. After that, she kept trying to get me in her program claiming after I had hurt all those people and that I also had anger issues.

Glad I was able to slip away from that since she was of another Clan.

Makes me happy to be a Rogue and not be bound to a single Clan, flag or people and their laws. Best option it seems for me to do in this world but still not sure of this path.

We are still a folk, even though once united, this Clan or country was the first created when Japan broke. Back to its old borders and unclaimed territories. Which, as I read, was never resolved even under the state that was created. She told me Warriors couldn’t accept such a thing and still had loyalty to the Japanese people. So, they basically became mercenaries in a sense, the Rogues. Being hired by Clans to perform missions under contracts that they believed, after careful research, would maintain peace and prevent wars. By having small special operations of spying, assassinations, escorting, even negotiating and sometimes provide security.

Lady Gena, the Wanderer, was one of the first of these Warriors that did come together to create a code of honor. To always seek missions not purely for the money but purely for peace to the people even if some didn’t want it. A greater sense of purpose instead of material desire they called the Rogue Creed.

But as expected, this code fell apart and the etiquette of keeping distance from each other but never taking missions to kill one another was abandoned as more and more Warriors seeking money broke such unspoken rules. Ruined the name of the Rogue Warriors. Now it is full of criminals more than anything and most of them just seek out money or the thrill of killing without many repercussions.

One disadvantage of not having an organized group in hindsight.

I only became one thinking this was the best way to help all people. And this is a big world, so it be best to start out solving the problems here in the Clans. But lately, I don’t know if my faith has become stronger or rather weaker in this idea.

I want to help the world, but the various peoples are looking to help themselves, but no one can really find an answer. Try to help others and they turn on you. Try to help yourselves they come in to take or ruin your people. People are different, and people are clearly making their own lives and worlds. Even people amongst their own are falling apart or divided in some aspects. It seems rather a weak purpose in my position.

I have seen some places with their own people and doing well. Others struggling and many others either trying to help or take advantage of them. Is my position truly the best option? Choosing no sides is difficult, but I refuse to only serve one group at the expense of all mankind.

But for now I will hold my honor in my current contract and wait for the order from the Clan I am helping currently end their conflict. A conflict with a neighbor they have fought for hundreds of years. This Clan called the Ko Mizu clan, the High Water.

Those people they are fighting are the Rokkubare, Rock Valley clan. The Ko Mizu came to me only just two days ago asking for a special Warrior to find a group of Rokkubare. These Warriors have been a serious problem it appears for them in this war for at least a decade now. Probably since these Warriors were born into this war, they were raised to fight and only to think in fighting. When they became combat ready, they have proven themselves seriously effective. Particularly one Warrior the Ko Mizu told me of. This man armed with a massive, crudely made blade has been able to destroy whole companies of troops on his own. He clearly seems to be the leader of this group for every report indicates this man always at the front of every attack.

The Ko Mizu have very few Warriors of their own and are always on missions in their war with the Rokkubare to where they need some outside help but no direct involvement of other Clans coming in. I can see parallels in history when a civilization relies on foreign Warriors or mercenaries. Means they are weak and soon will fall being a weak population now.

In recent years, I have been making friends with the Mojon Hon Clan, who is the most powerful Clan amongst all the others. Well, so far, they are but most others aren’t looking to challenge them since the Clan was wise to make friends with the other most powerful groups. That has made some peace with the threat of others gaining up on you. Who are trained professionals while most of the others are smaller average people with a big heart but rather weak strength to really keep themselves safe. Best to avoid a fight by making friends if you’re too weak yourself to fight but again others will see and take over. Or like most of history, you let yourself fall apart.

These two Clans have been at war for various reasons ranging from weapons being stolen, treaties being broken, people walking in and starting fights leading to massacres. The Ko Mizu blocking trade to weaken the Rokkubare and vice versa. Both sides are equally harsh to each other but regardless I was hired by them and they never truly occupied the Rokkubare and always seem to leave. They tell me the dispute started when the Rokkubare grew stronger, they decided to expand more control over a precious resource that one can live without. The key to life, as water is and the Ko Mizu who viewed it as a sacred place and part of the source of their Eou.

Centuries ago, the only water source came from a river that flowed into the valley that the Rokkubare live in from the mountains the Ko Mizu lived on. Here they had control of the access to this water and the Rokkubare wanted to remove them to have no possibility of the Ko Mizu using it as leverage. Since this particular water was the source of their Eou, the water had particles of this energy flowing within it originating from a spring in their capital. This was a great insult to a holy place, a Clan looking to cut their source of power and holy origins. Both sides have always started fighting for one reason or another, but personally, I think they are actually two Clans with power looking to gain an advantage over the other before that Clan decides to do the same.

For now, I think I’ll wait for some information from the Ko Mizu. They have been looking for the current location of these Warriors for hours now. And also, their identity to make it easier for me to begin my search and take them out, which I appreciate. For once a clan going out of their way to make my job easier. Though I am bored out of my mind walking around this city. Seeing so many flags and logos along the city streets showing their national pride as Mojon Hon is actually quite beautiful. In a strange way, I enjoy it, seeing people being of one kind but also seeing the individuals wear their own clothing and hair styles walking amongst each other going to work or school or just having a day off in the city. Seeing the soldiers off duty and police having a drink with people in small coffee shops. This unity and harmony as a single people is a warming sight to behold. Yet it is hard to see that sometimes it takes sacrifices to make such a thing. Some of which I made or helped others make.

Need to ignore that for now.

That part of my life isn’t something I want to think about.

I want to enjoy my time off so it be best to try and mingle with these people. The Mojon Hon do know of me to some extent since my identity is fairly well known. They appreciate how I have helped them out so well in my short time here. And how I have held onto the old Rogue ways of honor and more importantly, of being Samurai.

Rather not be like a Ninja and do missions that really seem cowardice in some ways. Better to be a Warrior, a Samurai Dragon who faces his opponent in a fight where skill and power wins the day. Not this sneak behind and stab you in the back cowardice they live by. But there are some uses in that sadly in this modern age. And I have taken advantage of such things at times when the missions call for it. I still rather prefer to avoid such missions but if they are the best option, I will take advantage of such things. No point dying so easily and never come close to achieving anything.

During all these missions though, I have given my opponents a chance to fight me like true Warriors. Rather face my opponent with honor. It also might be because I find it more fun which is good, I guess to have noticed this. Might save my life taking note?

Walking down these streets, even though I clearly have my weapons on my person and don’t belong to a particular Clan, they know I am a Rogue. But again, they know who I am and seem to accept me. Gena funny enough was once a proponent of the laws the Clans decreed when they house Rogues. Make it clear to their citizens that they are obviously Rogues. And are here under contract by always wearing their weapons in public. Easier to track too for security as well.

Ironic since she is one too.

Mama is quite an interesting woman.

I laugh just thinking about it, how she hates being called that.

Now the Clan’s special Warriors are always nearby to watch, according to these laws. Even for those Rogues who have proven worthy to be considered friends of the Mojon Hon. But I can tell if they like me or not if they walk near you or keep their distance or don’t even look in your general direction. Which indicates that they don’t like you as well from my understanding. But if they take a peak and move on without a noticeable disdain in their eyes, I believe I am doing well with them.

I’ll ask Gena the next time I see her.

But they still mostly try to avoid interacting with Rogues, for most don’t like the idea of not belonging to a people. Taking missions for money and some really hate those who left their own Clan and get paid to take missions against their own. They either don’t know what my real beliefs are or think I am someone who is willing to help you one day and turn on you the next. Very mixed feelings at times they probably feel. I wonder if I will choose one day to take a mission against them? Hope not, they are a noble people.

Just heard something nearby? An event it seems.

It looks to be an arcade of some kind where it is being held? A lot of people are crowded inside sitting at computers playing games and some people are grouping up near an entrance to a large room. This might be a good place to start trying to meet people?

Let’s give it a shot.

Most people here are a waste of my time from what I have seen so far. Not because they are crappy people but with the few I listened to talking, have issues. They just are so sucked into the games they are not trying to talk to any real people. Those who are trying have their own groups of friends. So, I just find it awkward to try to talk to them. Some also have a sense of being uncomfortable of me walking around in here with my weaponry on me out in the open.

The large room where a lot of people have gathered there has gotten rather loud and someone on a speaker begins to announce the start of a tournament.

That sparks some interest in me.

I walk into the room to see that there are stairs leading to seats for an audience to watch the tournament lining the walls. The room is tall enough to have about 8 levels of seats for spectators to watch. The room is circular, surrounding a lone table with two computer monitors facing each other on a raised platform. Two young men about my age are playing their games on their keyboards and mouse very intensely. I can see the fierce competition in their eyes. This gets me more excited to watch, makes my Living Fire yearn to compete against them. On the opposite end of the room is a huge screen of the game these two are playing.

The game is filled with colors and sounds of powers, very similar to the real thing, being used in an intense fight of a game based on fighting with hand held weaponry. Some moves look very similar to real combat like Jujitsu, Greco-Roman Wrestling, standard boxing, Drunken boxing and so much more that I am rather impressed. But I can see the details are still a little off in how they perform them but still very close to the real thing. But still not close enough in a life-or-death fight that would easily lead to your death.

Some images flash into my mind for a second. Some man who was fighting me in some fire fight with a scream and look of intense pain and anger as he charges me with a knife. I see myself laying on the ground and raising my pistol to fire into the man.

Those, however, still haunt me.

The fear both in my mind and on his face along with the anger was such a terrible thing to see. First kill is always difficult when you watch the life you take goes out in front of you.

The real thing is less articulate, less clean.

Pure brutality.

Stop this and try to enjoy this place.

Mama’s voice tells me and I listen.

I watch people grow more and more excited as the battle stays close. Some announcers under the screen on their own table lose their minds and having cameras broadcast this event also spur up the excitement. Highlights and replays go off every 20 seconds of what the players are making. The players get to the end and the one on the left with a red colored jersey finally ties it up. The final round leads to a tie breaker with his opponent using yellow apparel. He switches some abilities that bring in his opponent closer. His opponent uses close range attacks but takes advantages of using counters relying on his opponent making the move resulting in him having less effective offensive abilities. So, he changes his attacks that he can use to bypass his counters that will make his enemy stunned in place. Allowing him to take his time using as many moves before his opponent can recover and attack. By keeping him close, his abilities will make him vulnerable.

For non-Wielders, hell, even just normal civilians they have good instincts.

His opponent in the red hasn’t changed his abilities. He has become very overconfident in his strategy. I already see who will win based not of skill with the keyboard but based off what they are thinking. His opponent will take too long to recover but will fail to change up his attacks until it’s too late. I can see it coming like as if I can see the future.

The man came in and immediately lost his advantage and was mercilessly pummeled until his character was brutally killed with a hand grabbing into his skull and ripping out an opening. A moment later, the character reached in and yanked out the brain in a meaty mess. The crowd erupted in cheers of victory with the yellow shirt player standing up, arms in the air victorious.

But I had already left by then.

Seeing games taking advantage of the real thing in killing each other? That is something I have no interest in or a liking to. Don’t quite understand why man, even in times of peace can still find ways to indulge in violence. One thing to compete but to enjoy replicating killing each other. So strange how man feels that way? I felt a little joy for a second there too watching a competitive match but not so sure how I feel about that. Even though it was fake, it is still based off the real thing.

I think I’ll walk around to find better people. But most of them here have left after the tournament and I see only empty rows of computers. Time to leave it seems but I see one row has someone down there.

Just one person.

Should think about this and decide if I should go. After thinking it over, albeit a few times, I will maybe, introduce myself. Still feels weird since it was kind of a secluded area but at this point I might as well try it. I clinch my fists and close my eyes to mentally ready myself and begin to make my way to this individual.

Make sure my tone is good and poster showing a friendly but confident man wanting to hangout in some way. Even practicing saying certain things like, “How are you, what game are you playing?”, should help me out. Very basic and simple but a good start. “That is interesting my name is-wait, what the hell?

Plan is ruined, this is a lady in front of me. This young girl, she looks to be my age, is a seriously stunning woman. Smooth shiny skin and hair cropped just above her shoulders. It was so pink it seemed unreal, it has to be for no other Wielders of that color live here. Her eyes were like sparkling diamonds of a light blue like the clear waters of a tropical paradise. Her white tank top was loose and stopped above her belly button and she had a regular sized skirt of a light red and was of a lean build, not too small and not too big.

She was, for a woman, of short stature, but still a stunning sight to behold. I can’t believe she is here of all places. Most of the girls I saw really didn’t fit the look like this. Most really have very unappealing or average figures with strange hair designs that do not compliment their facial structures. Something that the few bits of foreign media have influenced this place.

I am staring and can’t stop.

Staring for quite a long time, too long in fact. I don’t want to come off like a creep, need to find a game to play. Quickly, I must use this monitor right next to me. Okay, let’s begin to play but how do I play this thing. Good, there is manual, this should help me out. So many fighting games here, why are we always looking for such things?

I look over a few times to see if she has even noticed me but so far, she hasn’t even looked once in my direction. Must really enjoy that game for I don’t think she has even blinked. But the look on her face doesn’t suggest she does. Then again, she has a look like she doesn’t feel anything at all.

It is so blank.

Crap, how do I handle this now? I suck at socializing with people but with pretty girls. I am such a mess at this and remembering all the other times I’ve tried really isn’t helping me. Maybe this time I can make something happen? Focus on simply being friendly and control your feelings. You completely have this under your control. I take a slow deep breath and close my eyes. I stand up straight and turn to walk confidently to the young lady. Almost like marching to glory over an army of enemies.

Yeah, that should help, hopefully.

Just as I close the distance, I begin my introduction, “Evening young lady, nice to meet you”. The girl continues to play and doesn’t even bother to look my way. You idiot, why would you call her young lady when you are just as young as she is? They are not as traditional anymore and that is how you start this? Okay regroup and rethink on this. She clearly didn’t like that, so I have to find a new way to get this going. We rarely sweat but if I could right now, I would be drenched. Going stiff and becoming restless to a point I forget to breathe and begin losing oxygen while my fire builds in internal panic.

“Relax, I’m just focusing on this game, take a seat”, the girl furiously makes a few combo moves. Holy crap she responded to that? I am in a much better place than I thought I was in. I finally take a big gulp of air and feel my heart rate lower.

“Thank you so much it would be awesome to join you”, I bring up a chair next to her. Seriously, it would be awesome? The hell are you thinking? Are you even putting any thought into this? Of course I am but making really stupid decisions. But somehow this is working of all things.

Guess I should just stick with what is working.

“May I ask your name? Mine is Ishida Kawanari”.

The girl still doesn’t look in my direction. That must be a very good game.

I look over to see that it is another fighting type like before. This game seems similar to an old series that was once popular. I noticed those old games earlier when walking through the building seeing the names of games that people were playing. They talked about how old it was and yet still had replay value. She faces a single opponent that appears to be what they call an AI. Programming of some kind that the game basically can play against humans is what I have been told. It dawns on me that this one is called Soul Key, the first one if I had to guess on the cover.

The young girl seems very good but is struggling against just this one character that uses a spear of some kind, “My name is Rei, so why were you watching me for so long? Do you fidget like that when you’re nervous?”

She lands a few good strikes on the AI. Amazing sense of awareness from her. For a civilian she has good instincts of her surroundings. I feel rather embarrassed, and I think she is going to think I’m some pervert staring at her like that without just simply introducing myself.

So, I think up of a lie, “I was seeing how you were doing in that game. Looks like it has been a struggle so far”. She nods but still doesn’t look in my direction.

“It has been the bane of my existence today”.

As she says that her opponent finishes her off for the third time.

“Damn it”, Rei exits out the game and finally looks at me for the first time and she smiles at me, “You do have good looking yellow eyes though”.

She stares right into them.

I make a very noticeable blush which she spots. She looks at me confused and then has a wave of realization across her face, “Oh, I’m sorry for that I am rather blunt. This is embarrassing”.

“No, no, no, it is totally fine. It’s rather nice to have a girl actually even say such a compliment like that. Was about to say I rather didn’t expect to see a girl of your look here”.

She also kind of blushes and smiles, “You’re very blunt too I see. You were staring because you find me attractive, such a guy. And to speak of those other girls like that too, looks only matter?”

“Well that is a man for you, but not always the looks can sway our hearts. Even the most beautiful can be a curse to man’s soul. I’m impressed by your instincts even when distracted by a game”, she tilts her head smiling with her eyes closed taking in the compliment of her natural skills.

I look to see the games is back in a character menu.

“Speaking of which, what character are you going to try now?”

She looks back to the monitor and makes a grunting sigh, “I have no idea. I have been using so many at this point I might just give up. Probably just go home now”.

“Never do such a thing”, I reach over and select a character, “Try him, his move sets might work”. Rei ignores the character I select, “You don’t like it when someone loses hope do you?”

“Aware of both your surroundings and can read people, very impressive for a civilian. Being trained as a Warrior I was shown the moment your spirit gives before the body, that is when you are defeated, but always holding hope makes you a stronger person for yourself and those who you protect”.

“I can see that from that look in your eyes”.

“Just a part of my nature, I guess. Either way, I believe you are more than capable of beating this. Just watch your enemy and take your time and then move accordingly. You already know the strengths and weaknesses of these characters but even then, it really comes down to how intelligently you fight. Keep that focus till the end. Always the mind is the greatest weapon for victory”.

She looks into my eyes and sees the belief I have that she can win. I can see the same confidence build in hers but something else is there but can’t really tell what it could be. I use my Dragon Senses to search for any Eou signs, but see no heat patterns in the grey world through those senses. She is non-Wielder after all, just painted her hair pink. In most Clans she would have been fined and forced to cut her hair if she persisted. Make it too easy for spies and insult too many Wielders for copying, but this isn’t a Clan of that color, not even the other color.

She cracks her knuckles, “Time for the final round”.

She selects her character and arena and starts up the game. She starts with a more cautious approach and makes a few simple strikes. This character she faces seems balanced overall in speed and power. I have always leaned towards medium range attacks and timing attacks with powerful counters, truly formidable. She seems to share the same sentiment and makes feints.

This opponent carries a wide but short dual wield swords, but a spear for special attacks. He has long brown hair with a short beard, scars along his exposed chest. Thick pieces of armor covering the shoulders and calves. He is very similar to that of a Greek warrior. She lands some hits but gets hit by a strong counter and she struggles to get out. When she does, she then looks into her move list and for the first time, she makes a smile on her face when playing the game.

She moves forward again creating feints to lure him in and attacks with a power move just as the AI tries to advance right into her attack. After this she hits her enemy into the air and continues to pummel him, not letting him touch the ground again. Eventually after the first two rounds she is on the verge of winning until she loses a round as the AI moves much faster from before. She tries to back up, but the speed is overwhelming.

“When he makes the last stretch of that combo when he spins, dive under him to stop it and hit him with upper cuts”.

She nods and blocks as the combo starts. Just as I predicted, she slides at the right time and upper cuts the AI and begins to activate her character’s final move.

“Finally, it is done”, she watches the move playout with her character grabbing the man’s leg and flies into the air to spin and toss him to the ground. She charges energy into her legs and dives down to land her kick with both legs onto the man below her. She hits him in the face in slow motion and then a spark of energy flashes across his face and a massive explosion erupts. The dust clears after a moment, and she stands victorious giving a thumbs up.

Rei jumps up into the air with the keyboard flipping as she cheers. I also jumped up at the same time cheering her on, “Yes, just as I predicted in that final move, he would speed up but slow down to make a power move. This game is fast but nowhere near the speed of my eyes and reflexes”.

I don’t realize it that I was letting loose a little bit of my blue energy over my body and eyes as I stood slightly crouched clutching my fists. I see her kind of laughing at my excitement, “Oh sorry, I just really can get into the moment in situations like these”.

“No need to apologize, it’s just a part of your nature as a Warrior. It felt great to get that win”, she smiles at me.

“Yeah, that’s true, congrats on that victory”.

She nods thanking me, “It really was you who helped me win that fight. Your encouragement and knowledge were what won the game”.

“But it was you who made the moves to win it. In the end it was you who made the key decisions to get to the end”, I said feeling a bit warm hearing her speak so kindly about me.

“I really was having a rather boring day today. But I’m glad I stuck it out, ending up running into a guy like you”. She nods but something comes up on her face that makes me think she wants to ask a question, “You are kind of a cool guy, maybe a pervert but a cool guy so far”, she said.

“I’m not a pervert, ugh”.

She chuckles, “Sure you aren’t, but I would like to ask you something”.

Starting to feel nervous again of an old familiar feeling. Is she about to ask me out or just to hangout, maybe get my number? Wait one second, don’t think ahead for it is too early to tell if that really is the case. Besides, you are the man, you need to be the one making the move.

“What is it?”.

She seems very nervous to ask as well. She seems rather scared to ask her question, “You can do things like this game right?”

I look back to the monitor, “Umm, yeah I guess most of that stuff like the powers, sure but why do you ask?”.

She seems tense, “You have killed people with those powers haven’t you”. That caught me off guard but maybe it shouldn’t have since I am a Rogue. I have heard some people aren’t too fond of those like me.

“Some, not many but some I have”.

She waits a moment, I feel myself getting uncomfortable.

“Have you been paid to do this, to anyone?”

I know where this is going, “Need money in this world just to make a living. But I don’t just fight for anyone, only those who are just or missions that could bring peace between clashing Clans”.

“That is what they are supposed to be anyways”, I wait for her response, but she seems to be thinking something over.

“I see what you mean. Just not really into those ideas really. People are different and have their own ways. I don’t mean to insult you, but I don’t see why you think you must fight for everyone. That is something we humans will never get past. Best to just stay where we are and not bother to go into other peoples’ lives and just keep ourselves strong for those who come at us. Just the Rogues seem blind by a hope of something that is never going to happen and fundamentally struggles with that fact.

Peoples are different from one another and will always pursue something to better themselves. They all have a right to exist as their own people. Also going from saving one people to then turning your back on them the next is wrong. Belonging to no one really, trying to help all when most people just want to be left to their own destiny they desire. You and Rogues look more lost to me as a whole but some like yourselves are good people we can sometimes count on. Just wish you were one of us than a temporary acquaintance.

In fact I would like that. Maybe if you join us, you could take me out for a date. But you belong to no one and it wouldn’t make sense to get involved with a man always fighting everyone and having no people, no home. Being hunted for the trouble you could cause. I have seen Rogues live miserable lives fighting, hopping from one job to another, then losing their faith and just disappear. Besides, the Clan most likely wouldn’t make you part of this country. And you’re a Dragon, if things were to become special between us, marriage family. Well, we couldn’t have one, I am a non-Wielder and would have to a Dragon. Or I would die trying to have a baby”.

I can’t think of any words to respond to that, but I try at least, “Never was a part of a people to begin with. So, I chose to be with humanity and at least offer some kind of help and good to all where it might be best. That’s how I at least justify my life. To have some purpose to offer my power and soul to protect others, like my ancestors. But maybe something like family isn’t necessary, hell, even if different Wielders could have children, my blood would dilute and die out anyways. But I see where you stand and I understand, I still would gladly risk my life to keep you and all others safe”.

She nods understanding me on this belief I hold, “It is still noble. I respect that. At least for the moment to our people, you are a friend. Just not meant to be is all. Well, I am not a Wielder so even if we were together, it would only just be us and nothing to pass on is what hurts too. I wish you luck on the path you’ve taken. Would have been nice to maybe share some of my life to a guy like you. But one life will never be enough to protect all, especially once that life runs out. Farewell, Ishida Kawanari”.

She bows and waves goodbye as she walks away. I stand there facing off to her leaving. She stops and looks back for a moment to say to me, “If you do decide to come back here and decide to stay and allowed. I would like to play again with you”.

I make a small smile and nod to her. She smiles and walks around the corner out of sight. In some ways, that moment sums up most of my existence in this world without the Sage.

And that’s why, I feel lost here.