Chapter I : Tournaments and Familial Difficulties

The helmet annoyed her, it felt wrong to conceal her own identity from her opponent, unchivalrous, cowardly. It was an irrational thought and Artoria knew it but after more than ten years of Kendo the thought nevertheless persisted. Releasing a calming breath, her attention returned to her surroundings, the lightly boisterous crowds, her confident team and the dull tones of the announcers; she listened to it all and then dismissed it.

"The final match of the national junior kendo tournament is here. Would Hyoudou of Kyoto Academy and Murayama of Kuoh Academy please make their way towards the match area, thank you." With the announcement over, Artoria strode forwards, her hand lightly holding her shinai.

The crowd's murmuring began to quiet as Artoria faced her opponent, the captain of the Kuoh Academy's Kendo Club. Murayama was an opponent she had often faced in prior tournaments and defeated soundly. But although victory was almost a guarantee, arrogance would grant her few favours and were she to fall here she would never hear the end of it from the talkative and cheerful Murayama. So, as she had done so many times in the past, she readied herself to fight.

She gave a brief bow, matching Murayama's own, before the referee ensured their two shinais just lightly touched before shouting for the match to begin. A small smile graced her lips as her blade shot forwards deflecting Murayama's own attack before striking her opponent's defenceless stomach. Even as she did so, she called out her hit, "body!"

Flags were waved as the referees confirmed the point and the crowd gave a light applause before both she and her opponent returned to their initial starting positions. As the referees called out the next round, Artoria watched Murayama retreat several steps back with her shinai held defensively. It was an advanced guard position designed to force the opponent to sacrifice either agility or strength. Artoria heard some of the crowd's recognition and appreciation of the move. However if Murayama expected it to change the outcome of the battle she was to soon be disappointed. Artoria rushed forwards, dancing around her opponent's blade, a hair's breadth from its edge, before striking at her opponent's helm and declaring her hit, "head!"

With those two strikes, the match was over. The referees declared Artoria's victory and the crowd released a polite but underwhelming applause, their disappointment almost tangible. She returned to the stands to the subdued congratulations of her fellow teammates as she removed her helmet. Wiping away the few droplets of sweat on her forehead she drank from her cold water bottle. Satisfied, she turned to the sound of her recently defeated opponent walking towards her. Murayama's normal grin not even ruffled by her defeat.

"I swear Artoria you and that shinai of yours have almost destroyed any faith I have in my own kendo skills. If it weren't for the fact that I know you beat everyone as soundly as you just beat me I'd have thrown in the towel after the third time you defeated me." Artoria, leaning back against the wall she currently stood next to, gave a wry grin in response to Murayama's remark before replying.

"I would be disappointed if you were to do so as I imagine the crowds would be. They wait with baited breath for that one moment where you finally defeat me. Still, soon we will fight no longer for the national championship but instead for the captaincy of Kuoh Academy's kendo club." Her response resulting in Murayam's grin growing into one of the largest smiles Artoria had ever seen her friend wear.

"It's definite then? You're transferring to Kuoh?" Murayama's excitement was barely held in check and when Artoria nodded in response Murayama released a loud whoop that resulted in some of those nearby giving them both questioning looks.

"Yes it is, the bureaucracy was completed last week. At the start of the next term I shall officially be a student at Kuoh Academy. I shall be in your capable hands."

"Don't worry, I'll protect you from the worst Kuoh has to offer. No one will get past the soon to be ex-captain of the Kendo Club. But don't think you won't have any competition for the title, if I can convince Yuuta to finally leave the Occult Research Club and join the Kendo Club I'm not sure whether you'll be able to win the title." Artoria's brow rose in response.

"The Occult Research Club? Surely he would not disgrace his blade by sacrificing valuable time to hone his skills with such frivolity? Do you think such an apathetic blade could challenge my own?" Artoria replied only slightly in jest.

"Not at all Artoria it's just that I'm worried that should you hurt him his entire fan club will be out for your blood." Murayama said with a laugh.

"Is it really that bad?"

"It really is! I swear he can't even enjoy a match because none of the girls would dare hurt him. I think it frustrates him a little as from what I've seen from his individual practice he's far more skilled than I am with a sword and from what I can tell he must practices while in the ORC. My guess is that they're the only group in the school he doesn't have to worry about fawning over him."

"Then he has nothing to worry about. As I will not disgrace our battle merely due to some overzealous girls. I look forward to testing my mettle against his should he be as skilled as you suggest. And should he be as skilled as you say I shall ensure that he does not let his talent languish merely due to the interference of schoolgirls. I am certain that my shinai will keep them at bay."

"I'll be sure to let him know." Murayama said with a laugh before walking away to her parents' car.

Kuoh Town, A week later

A week had passed and a strong wind blew in the afternoon air as Artoria stepped out from her bus into Kuoh's bus station. Appreciating the warm sun, despite the cool breeze, she made her way onto the street ignoring her windswept hair.

The streets were unfortunately busy with people rushing to both catch their buses and taxis or trying to quickly find a place to stay. And yet Artoria made her way with little difficulty as she passed through the slowly emptying streets, pavement underfoot. With her suitcase behind her, she marched along unhindered ignoring the loud murmurs that so easily manifested from crowds of people. She avoided the countless shops and cafes that littered the street, despite their enticing smells and her empty stomach's protests. Knowing that there was only one kind of restaurant that would satisfy her hunger.

Looking at her phone and realising that she had some way to walk she decided to enjoy a hearty meal, she began to search through her phone for such a place. Quickly hailing one of the parked cabs, she entered with her suitcase besides her.

"Where would you like to go?" She briefly considered the driver's words before finally making up her mind.

"A reputable all you can eat restaurant, do you happen to know of any?" The driver's face broke into a slight grin at her request.

"There are quite a few but there is one especially good that serves excellent yakitori." The thought of some fried chicken silenced her stomach's protest and Artoria couldn't help but nod firmly.

"Then I find myself relying on your expertise." With those words the man gave a chuckle and the taxi sped off into Kuoh's streets. All the while Artoria looked outside enjoying the view of her home town that she had so rarely visited since her time in Kyoto.

The streets were bustling with business workers and teenagers alike enjoying the summer weather. Artoria could not help but give a smile slightly at the sight. She had spent too long in the busy city of Kyoto. It had its beautiful aspects but overall the city was slightly too large for her own tastes. She preferred a place that she could fully come to know and appreciate. Still, she would miss the sights that dotted around Kyoto.

Her taxi finally pulled up next to a slightly out of the way restaurant that hid itself well. Giving the driver her thanks, she made her way towards the restaurant. Its outside was fairly unglamorous with a number of stained boards and the occasional mark of graffiti, yet it held a degree of character. However, more importantly the food she could smell coming from the restaurant smelled delicious. It was also reassuring to see the large number of people that resided inside, an assortment of older locals and students alike. Artoria knew that she would soon be enjoying a filling meal.

Later, outside the Huoydou household

It was a satisfied Artoria that stepped out of another cab outside of her old suburban home. It was as bland as all the other houses that sat on the street. But before she had left for Kyoto it had been her home. She noted the garden was meticulously well kept as she walked up the house's small pathway, no doubt her mother's work. Taking a steadying breath, she knocked on the house's wooden door before taking a step back and waiting for it to open. She didn't have long to wait and soon she was faced with a plain looking middle aged woman, her mother. She gave her mother an honest smile before trying to think of an appropriate first sentence to give to the woman she hadn't spoken to, outside of letters, for several years.

"Come in, come in! It's been far too long." As usual, her mother was more than capable of preventing her from feeling too awkward. With a nod, she stepped forwards into the house.

Surprisingly the house was mostly unchanged from how she remembered it. Of course one or two things had moved and a painting she didn't recognise hung from the opposite side of the room. Satisfied, she leaned forward and embraced her mother; who happily returned the hug.

"How have you been mother?"

"Oh you know, mostly fine. Just keeping an eye on the house and your father. Do you need something to eat?"

"No thank you, I already ate at a rather pleasant restaurant. If it's all the same with you mother I would like to begin preparing my room and emptying my bags."

"Are you sure? I imagine your father would be more than happy to give you some help." Artoria couldn't quite find it in her to entirely believe her mother's words. She imagined her father would grumble incessantly if he was asked to help her.

"No, it's fine I would not want to intrude. I imagine he will be quite tired after a day of work and simply wish to relax instead."

"Well at least come in and have a cup of tea first. I can't let my daughter's first moments at home be cleaning and putting things away."

"Very well mother, I could hardly refuse one of your cups of jasmine tea." Her mother gave a small chuckle before making her way into the kitchen and prepared a pot of tea.

With the conversation over for the time being, Artoria placed her suitcase against the side of wall before entering the living room.

The living room was hardly anything unusual, several seats were dotted around the room while in the middle of the room a small table sat with three cups atop it. The room itself was an off white and adorning the walls were a couple of simple paintings and a mundane looking clock.

Mundane was perhaps the best way to describe the house she had been brought up in. The only thing particularly unusual about the house was the lack of family photographs, but that was her father's touch. Sitting herself down on one of the chairs, Artoria watched her mother go about pouring her a cup of tea before walking over and passing the cup to her. Taking a sip, she let out a sigh of relief and allowed herself to relax somewhat. It had been far too long since she'd last drank a cup of her mother's jasmine tea.

But even as she enjoyed the cup of tea, she noticed her mother fill another two cups and heard the front door open, announcing her father.

"Hello dear." He smiled towards her mother before accepting the cup of tea she poured and then sat opposite Artoria on his own chair. "So, Artoria, how was the journey." She gave the mundane looking man a smile, holding back her tongue even as she replied.

"It was fine, thank you." A man she hadn't seen in several years and he acted as if she'd been away on a school field trip. Still, it was reassuring to know that she hadn't left for foolish reasons. Hopefully her father would simply treat her as he would any house guest.

"That's good, I imagine the bus journey wasn't too long." His voice hid any notion that this conversation was an unpleasant task. Artoria replied in kind, using the same skill she had mimicked from him at a young age. All the while her mother's face betrayed how much watching the conversation strained her.

"Yes, it was a manageable journey."

"Good to hear." As her father spoke, he finally took a sip of the tea her mother had handed him. "Ah, delicious as always dear, you do make an excellent tea. I suppose you had to find somewhere else to get decent tea while in Kyoto. Did you find any good tea houses? I do remember enjoying them when I last visited the city."

"Yes thankfully, I managed to find a satisfying tea house that wasn't too far from the school. Of course it could not compare to mother's own." She gave her mother a brief warm smile before returning her attention to her father.

"That's good, that's good. I expect you're quite tired after you're trip no doubt you've already had something to eat. Why don't you go catch an early one? You have your first day of school tomorrow right?"

"You're probably right father. I'll leave you for now, thank you for the tea mother it has really been far too long." After giving a brief nod to her mother and father she left for her room, picking up her suitcases along the way.

Her father and her had never had a pleasant relationship. They were capable of polite small talk but any more was a strain on the pair of them. And not without good reason as her father had always believed that she was the daughter of a tryst her mother may or may not have had prior to their marriage. She had once been sympathetic to his plight, even going so far as to desire his affection. After all, her appearance was quite dissimilar from her parents' and to be constantly reminded that she was the daughter of another man must have been painful. However, several long arguments resulting in her going to Kyoto Academy had dissuaded her of any hope towards reconciliation, yet alone affection.

Opening her bedroom door, she was greeted with a pleasantly surprising sight, her room was unchanged. Her bed was freshly made and several posters from her youth dotted around the room. Her bookcase was undisturbed and atop her desk sat several books which from a glance seemed designed to help her with the year's upcoming work.

But her prized possession was the bokken that hung from the wall. Her last gift from Irina before she left for Europe. Of course it was too small for her to use now but it served as a reminder for her closest friend. But despite how much she loved the wooden sword what truly brought a smile to her face was the stuffed lion toy that sat on her bed's pillow. Putting down her suitcase, she lay on her bed holding the lion to her chest and briefly closing her eyes as she waited for the sun to set.

Late evening, Artoria's room

Opening her eyes and noting that the sun had finally set, Artoria left her room with an appropriately sized bokken in hand. She walked down the stairs before slipping into the kitchen and out of the backdoor into the garden. Outside of her house, Artoria's gaze drifted around the garden that she had spent so many of her childish years in. She recalled the times she played with Irina and then, once her friend left, the countless hours she had spent perfecting her swordsmanship.

She closed her eyes and breathed in and out slowly, settling her mind. She listened to faint sounds of the town, the cars that drove by, the occasional song of a bird and the chirping of the crickets. All these sounds eventually faded away as the minutes began to pass. Until another sound came, the phantom sound of a battle, arrows flying, swords clashing and men dying. Until this too left and all that remained was the slow measured steps of a pair of armoured footsteps. Knowing that the time was ready, Artoria opened her eyes and firmly grasped her blade as she prepared to face her opponent.

A shadowed and blurred figure clad in armoured plate, western in design, stood proudly before her. Ever since she had begun to practice the way of the sword she had faced this figure. As a child she remembered trying to avoid fighting it, to instead talk to it. To no avail, the figure would immediately attack her and brutally defeat her if she did not prepare herself to fight. It was the reason she could so easily defeat her peers as they were nothing when compared to the figure who stood before her. Only once had she tried to avoid fighting altogether by simply going to sleep without practicing beforehand; it was the most terrifying and painful experience of her life and it had just been a dream, an echo of a memory.

The figure darted forwards faster than anyone armoured should have been able to move and certainly magnitudes faster than any of her other opponents in the kendo tournament had been. Immediately, she was forced onto the defensive, something that only ever occurred when she fought this phantom. Her bokken tried to block several of the armoured figure's initial strikes and yet each time she blocked Artoria felt her breath leave her and her legs shake in pain. Somehow she knew that were this figure any more real she would have been forced tens of meters back from the strikes' strength. Her sword could not match her opponent's own.

Artoria fought for what felt like hours, constantly on the back foot unable to properly mount a defence and never once did the few strikes she was capable of making hit her opponent. Finally, her foot slipped and Artoria knew it was the end, the shadowy figure's sword struck her through the stomach and she felt a ghostly pain strike throughout her body. Yet even as the pain blinded her and blood dripped down the side of her mouth, her own blade struck forwards faster than any other strike she had made so far and attempted to hit her opponent. But with contemptuous ease her opponent deftly flew back and Artoria's own blade struck the ground. As it did so, it flashed a brilliant crimson before smashing itself to pieces on the ground sending splinters flying, several of which cut her.

Letting out a pained gasp and collapsing to the ground, Artoria noticed the armoured figure vanish and a several droplets of blood fell from her nose onto the ground. Wiping the blood and sweat from her face, she brought herself up to a kneeling position and forced her frantic breaths under control. Only until they were deep, measured and calm did she allow herself to relax.

Artoria looked up to the sky, feeling the night's chill across her face, and watched the moon slowly make its journey across the heavens. Tomorrow was school and Artoria would need to get ready, but first she would stay and watch the sky for a little while longer.

A brief author's note, I've decided to just try and work on the one writing project rather than having several that I kept doing little bits and pieces for. I'm hoping that this will result in me updating regularly, at least weekly. I really hope to nail this updating business rather than just toying with one shots and short pieces. As a result, I've decided to take down my other works, at least for the time being, to force myself to just work on the one project. Any criticism is wholeheartedly appreciated and I hope you enjoy reading this as much as I plan to enjoy writing it.