As David blustered, the Prime Miuro Fujiwara-san with an apologetic expression. “I’m deeply sorry about this, you know. For such huests as you to be subjected to such rudeness, Shige, especially in front of yranddaughters… I have no excuses. For a man who insists on manners and politeness as is the noble Japanese way, this must be quite the shock to your system.”

  For a moment Fujiwara-san’s gaze lingered on me. “It is certainly disappointing, but I find myself having to learn to adapt nowadays. The Chosen all have fht personalities, it seems. Our research has shown that there are very few who could be called ordinary. So a little fri is expected. As for non-humans, well…” he looked at the frozen Raidre. “The one called Shaeu is the same, she is a rather polite little thing most of the time, but like Akio-san here, when roused she be quite furious.”

  That got Raidre’s attention, and he blinked his grey eyes, his thoughts catg up. “That little weasel? Rumours say she’s a vile, arrogant brat with few redeemiures…” he trailed off as my gre stopped his words.

  “I don’t think you should be sndering a Duchess like that, Raidre.” I warned. “And that was a title she earned, and wasn’t merely born with. She’s ged and grown, so pay less attention to rumours. After all, you’ve heard about the victory at the Spring and more.”

  “Well, yes, but it seemed unbelievable, and I am seldom in the Court, so… by the waves, you ’t bme me for my scepticism.” He stammered.

  “I suppose not, but now when I stand here in front of you, telling you how it is, you’ve no mht to misuand. I get that you are here to protect your Princess and the other attendees of the party, so I’m not going to sure you for that. Hyath is here for the same reason…”

  She puffed out her chest at that, eyeing Raidre with an expression of superiority on her face. Ign that, I tinued, also disregarding the impatient looks from David as he was eager to teach me a lesson. I think I might be the teacher though. Don’t judge by first appearances. “But you should have gone about things far more politely.”

  I ignored a small whisper from Miyu about my own attitude, and tinued. “No harm done, I suppose, though sidering there are clearly suspicious and dangerous people here like that Cardinal woman, and the Ameri mad stist, you shouldn’t be b us. The worst of it all is that we genuinely came here with important news for Princess Eleanor, which could save her life and this try, and she brushed us off. I suppose I cede that a well-bred woman like her might be disgusted by my retionships, but a leader has to put that aside for the greater good.”

  “I see. Have no fear, I shall carry your words to the Princess and the Queen if necessary.” Our referee, Sir Arthur said, grateful. “Ohis farce is over and you wake up, I’ll be more than happy to intercede.” Oh, so you think I’ll lose too, huh? Well, I am trying to keep a low profile as a healer and buffer type… Sir Arthur looked over to Fujiwara-san and the Prime Minister, ign David’s grumbles.

  “Again, I apologise. These young ones haven’t a diplomatie in their bodies, unlike us older, wiser heads. It’s why the Queen, may God protect her old soul, entrusted me with her safety. After this, we will talk, and I’ll help set aside these misuandings.” He looked at me then. “Dive the Princess please. She is a woman of great moral fibre, but under immense pressure. Our noble Green Knight has to carry Britain on her back.”

  “Shit, cut the crap old man. I’m eager to get started.” David moaned. “As for her carrying the weight, that’s why she has us, right?”

  “I sympathise. I’m carrying a lot of pressure myself. But in the end, I’d rather do it than trust someone else to bear it.” I agreed. “I may not be a man of high moral fibre, but I’m a man who never lets down those he loves.”

  “It’s true.” Natsumi agreed.

  “I will never allooow a stupid selkie like yooou to snder Akio or mistress Shaeu. e back when you have defeated the Wild Hunt ooor the Unseelie, and I might listen, fooooool!”

  “I have to say, I was a little disappointed.” Motoko said archly. “Her eyes must be clouded if she thinks that Akio is taking advantage of us. But I do allow that our s and cultures are different. I shall not five until she makes an ho attempt to listen to Akio. I uand that we are here for an important reason, but… pared to Shiro or Shaeu, I am not impressed.”

  Ouch. Yeah, Motoko is really mad. Makes sehis was supposed to be her e debut, a huge thing for Japanese noble girls, and the Princess basically said she was an idiot and being fooled and taken advantage of by me. No wonder she’s mad.

  The Prime Minister winced. “My God, seems like this has spiralled into a great mess.”

  “Nothing you are not used to.” Fujiwara-san said. “Your stint in the Fn Office was marked with a few is and blunders, as I recall.”

  “That’s a low blow, Shige.” The Prime Minister ughed. “Seriously though, I hope this won’t sour things between us. Japan and the UK o e together now more thahe fact that the USA sent that madwoman here as an envoy shows they either aren’t taking us seriously, or have an ulterior motive. As Akio has a British mother, he could be a bridge between us.”

  “I’m not going to cast aside my mission just because I’m angry.” I said, looking at David levelly. “I’ll treat this challenge as a spar, and to be ho, I don’t give a crap about whether you’re the King of the Octagon, or King of anything at all. But I do object to your rudeness ruining Motoko’s evening. So afterwards I want an apology. A proper one.”

  “Aye, that’s kind of cool.” Sarah said, grinning. “He’s got some css, ye have to admit, David. Chivalry is nae dead, it seems.”

  “Chivalry is for winners.” David snorted. “Well, enough damn stalling. Though…” he took a deep breath, visibly calming down. “I guess if you really are here because you know something that’ll help our dumb yet brave Princess, I should apologise. Something just rubs me the wrong away about you.” He turo Motoko then. “Sorry. Like I say, I’m a guy who has been around the block, and I get it. Guys like young girls, and a famous, handsome man get as many women as he wants. No judgement, I’m impressed you are taking it so well. But… well, there was that shit with her Uncle in the media, so yeah, she’s pretty sensitive about how men handle girls, especially younger ones. And damn me if you don’t look young. I bet you’re not even legal to drink.”

  “I am legally old enough to marry with parental sent, both here and in Japan, why should we care about any other try and their ways?” Motoko said. “But I accept your apology, crude thought it is.”

  “Are we going to fight still?” I asked, and he grinned.

  “Fuck yeah, I never back down. Like I said, you piss me off. Real question, so I know how many rounds to make the fight. Just how many girls are you stringing along? I’ll take you down once for each for the sake of the Princess!”

  Eri, Shaeu, Hinata, Motoko, Natsumi, Hyath, Shiro, Daiyu, Kana. For now. I guess I get it. From the outside it looks bad. “Nine.” I decred proudly, as I had resolved o deny any of them. “For now, anyway.”

  “Yes, the Diviner….” Motoko said softly. “Well, we shall see.”

  “Nine? Shit, yoing to be a wreck when I’m done.” David ughed. “But shit, if you make it through all nine rounds, I’ll call you my fug brother.”

  “I’m nae expert, but isn’t that what the Japanese call a fg?” Sarah ughed.

  “Well, Hyath, you stay here.” I told her. “I don’t trust some of the guests. Miyu, you’re in charge, Hyath will listen to you. If you feel you’re in genuine danger, let Hyath do her thing. Your lives are priority.” I turned back to Hyath. “Just… colteral damage to the minimum, please.”

  “Yes, nooo problem. Stupid selkie stay tooo. I o re-educate him abooout the glory of yooou and mistress Shaeu!”

  “I don’t feel good about this.” The Prime Minister said, but I waved off his words.

  “Fujiwara-san has his own diplomatic goals, being rude to me shouldn’t ge that. Like I said, I’ll sider this a spar, an exge of pointers between two friendly tries. And when I’m done, David here is going to get the Prio listen to us, and I want everyoo bless Motoko’s e. While I’m at it, sihe cat’s out of the bag, Natsumi’s too. Might as well. In fact…”

  I whispered something to Fujiwara-san, and he smiled wryly. “I suspect that is an iing idea. Both a power py and rather cruel. But…” he looked at the Prime Minister. “… I believe we .”

  “Great. All right then. To be ho, after seeing Titan’s strength, I’m curious as to yours, David. Seems like you’re famous too. If even Natsumi, ultimate sheltered girl that she is, has heard of you, then you probably have some bite to your bark.”

  “No kidding.” David said proudly, as we set off for the entrance. I was apanied by Natsumi and Motoko, while David was bringing Sarah and Sir Arthur. “Well, you’ve got guts, I’ll give you that. And I tell you’ve done some bad shit. Well, that’s us Chosen, right?” he said sympathetically. “I don’t really get the Fairy shit that Raidre drones on about, but you think you’re a big deal, killing this Duke or whatever? Maybe you are, but the differeween a guy like me who grew up living and breathing bat sports, who fought day in and day out for years against the best, spilling blood and breaking boitg my own wounds… that gap ’t be bridged by a little piven by some watg God.”

  “Natsumi and I have studied our Tsumura Arts ever since we could first hold a practice bde.” Motoko agreed. “It is a way of life. It builds character, discipline and bravery. More importantly it builds bat sense.”

  “Yirl here is a smart o least you got good taste. I like a woman who look after herself.”

  “Ach, ighe pig. Don’t fall for his banter, he’s nae such a good catch as he says.” Sarah ughed.

  Before anyone could say more, David spotted a rather handsome young man, delicate and fragile, wearing bck gsses and with long, silky hair. “Oh hey kid, you go grab Mary-Jane and send her my way? We’ll need a healer to patch up this idiot.”

  He paused, surprised by the group David was with, and he brightened as he saw Motoko and Natsumi, though they paid him no mind. “Actually, healing is my specialty, so I think we’ll be fine.” I said, reinf the previous misuandings the British had.

  “You think? Hard to heal when you’re knocked out, ft on your arse. Just trust me on that.”

  “I’ll get her. Where are you going… and who are these girls?” the young man asked, curious.

  “They’re taken, that’s who they are, Donovan. Don’t go pulling any of your charming moves and causing more trouble. We’ve done enough.” David actually looked a little ashamed, and Sarah snickered.

  “Aye, Eleanor has already chewed this guy out, ye don’t want to get what he did.”

  “No.” Donovan said quietly, face falling. “Upsetting the Princess, I could never!”

  “Well, just go find the schoolteacher. The guards show you where to go…” as the young man scurried off, David shrugged.

  “He’s a good hand with a spear and oddly brave. But man, if there’s ever a guy who’d love to move to Japan now you have those stupid polygamy ws, it’s him. Girls throw themselves at him stantly.”

  “Jealous?” Sarah said, as we left the hall and Beefeaters showed us to a suitable ste room that was currently empty.

  “Of the kid? Please redhead, give me some credit. Like I say, I like girls who take care of themselves, not the delicate little flowers Donovan likes. They’d all wither away within seds in a real battle.” He looked around the room. “It’s big enough, but we don’t have any ropes or matting.” He stomped down. “Wooden fl. Going to fug hurt. you take it?”

  “I don’t think we should be risking injury.” Sir Arthur said. “This is a friendly bout, you said?”

  “Well, friendly enough, right?” David grinned, a feral look in his eyes. “I’ve got to show our fs that sure, they may have kicked the ese in the balls, but us Brits are a whole differe. Though I do feel bad beating the shit out of a healer. It’d be like pung our schoolteacher.”

  “Ye wouldn’t dare.” Sarah said. “Anyway, don’t t your your chis, ye might find egg on your face, ye know?”

  Please stop winding him up. He’s obviously trying to impress you, and you must be able to see that. My prayers went unanswered as they tio tease each other, Sarah clearly having the upper hand. I bent down and khe ground. “Well, I hahis sort of impact, I’m sure. And careless matting would affect our footing, right? You’re the referee though, it’s your call.” I said politely. “If David is fih it, I am.”

  “I see.” Sir Arthur sighed. “Really, why does everyone have such extreme personalities? Well, I suppose that will remain a mystery. So, nine rounds. That way there has to be a wihough I must insist that retirement is allowed. And that attacks to maim or kill are strictly forbidden.”

  “Yeah, quitting is cool, if he be so chishit in front of his girls.” David agreed. “As for maiming, well, anything Mary-Jane heal is fine.”

  “How about anything I heal?” I asked, and Sir Arthur looked troubled.

  “And what does that entail?” he said, and I whispered in his ear, careful to avoid David hearing. After hearing what I had to say, Sir Arthur looked more perplexed. “I see. Well, very well. You should not be fighting this bout with skills like that. This is folly to risk you. I ’t uand what the Japanese are thinking. Very well, David. Nohal attacks only. Injury is fine so long as you avoid killing.”

  “Shit? Seriously? Well, your balls are bigger than I thought. Want to look big in front of them, huh?” He jerked a thumb at the girls.

  “He has o impress us.” Motoko shook her head, calm and posed, faintly eager. Natsumi was also watg on in her white suit, looking like a manager, her own brown eyes gleaming.

  “That’s right! We’ve seen and heard more than enough of Akio’s exploits to know he’s number one!”

  “Hey, those girls are pretty funny.” Sarah said, and they answered her after decipherihick at. “So, want a wager?”

  As the three girls talked, Sir Arthur tinued with the rules. “Stay within the marked area. hal blows as stated. Nine rounds. Each round ends by submission, tap out or a ten t. I also stop it if I think the likelihood of lethal injury is too high. Happy, David, Mr Oshiro?”

  “Call me Akio.”

  “Very well. Akio, David… round one… begin!”

  “Think fast then, bigshot!” David said, darting towards me with incredible speed, the wooden floor crag. Well, faster than Titan probably was, that’s for sure. But to me… Split Thoughts were running, but I had Body Enha off and Might of the Furious Earth on Fortitude, so only my natural stats were affeg my speed and strength.

  “Sure, you too.” I ughed, my knee smming into his guts. I pulled the blow, but even so the breath was driven out of him, and I grabbed his arm and tossed him outside our makeshift ring. He righted himself in the air, nding on his knees, coughing and wheezing.

  “Oh, n outs, right?” I asked Sir Arthur, who nodded.

  “Well shit…” David coughed. “You’re a fast one. But you hit like a bitch, barely felt it.” He wiped at his mouth, before his feral grin broadened. “But this might be more fun than I thought.”

  With that he rushed at me again, more careful. As I went for the knee again he feio the side, only to meet my elbow. He deflected that too, and I inning behind him, delivering several blows to his ribs. Bone creaked aaggered, turning only to run into a kick which threw him out against the wall, hard enough to leave a crater in the expensive panels. Oops, this is Bugham Pace, better moderate myself so as not to damage cultural heritage.

  “I’m nae seeing ylory here David.” Sarah ughed, perfectly timed to heat him up, and he wiped blood from his mouth, flexing.

  “Ah, shut it, shield girl. I take a hit as good as you . Well…” his smile was bloody now. “I’d have to say you aren’t bad for a healer. Mary-Jane only wishes she hit like that. But I’ve got your speed figured out, and I hahose hits…” he came in low and varying his speed, footwork something I hadn’t seen before. My first punch missed, and David grinned. “Got you!” He ducked under my strikes and aimed an uppercut.

  “Nope.” I swayed away, and this time his arm broke as I seized it and twisted. With him held there my knee smmed him in his guts, and he momentarily bcked out.

  “Might want to call it.” I said to Sir Arthur as I let David fall. He shook his head and ted, and after ten, it was over.

  “Well done, Akio. But your movements seem rather clumsier that usual.” Motoko observed, which Sarah found curious.

  “Ye re? They looked quiough to me.”

  “It’s not the speed.” Natsumi agreed. “Akio has an excellent grasp of the fuals of martial arts. This seems, well, more like a brawl.”

  “Ye don’t say? Well, why do ye think that is?”

  “If I had to say…” Motoko mused, watg as I healed David’s arm and woke him up. “… perhaps he is matg his style to his oppo?”

  “That’s right.” I agreed, as David’s eyes fshed open. “This is Mixed Martial Arts, right? But fine, I’ll get serious. I don’t feel fortable fighting that way anyway.”

  “No shit.” David said, flexing his arm, surprised there was no pain. “Fuck, this healing is good. Makes me want to offer you a spot oeam.” He paused. “So, guess I’m not doing the sweep. Well, that’s on me. You kept some strength and speed back, I see. Smart. Got more bat smarts than I thought. But I still top that.” He looked to Sir Arthur. “Get the sed round started you old fart, this is getting good!”

  “All right then, Mr King of the Octagon. Show me some moves!” I gestured to him, and with a bright ugh he attacked. Yeah, his speed’s gone up a little, but it’s more he seems faster due to his teique. Still within my fort zohough…

  This time David unleashed a flurry of blows, which was a mask for a feint. He then attempted to grab my arm and break it like I did to him, only to drop as my foot shattered his left kneecap. As he sagged down, I grabbed his neck, and realising he was beat, he tapped my shoulder.

  “Fuck, that erfect ter.” He growled, uo put weight on his knee. I bent down and within a minute he was standing gingerly on it again. “I see that I was wrong. But don’t think you’ve won.” He shrugged. “Redhead, stop that ughing. If you want to give him a go, feel free, but I’m not sure your barrier could block these hits. All right then. Old man, round three!”

  I felt a surge of aether and David recited some words in older, archaiglish. “I am he who stands to defend these isles, on this ground I shall remain ued. Mars Caturix!”

  “Ach, shit, David, ye sure that’s wise? Ye don’t want tae kill him. Sir Arthur, maybe ye should…”

  “Nah, this guy’s healing is really good.” David said, his presenow filling the room, aether surging. “Long as he doesn’t bite it, Mary-Jane wake him up and he put his broken bones back together. Damn, who knew I’d have so much fun at another b ga? You okay, not bag down in front of yirls? Though you might make them cry when…”

  “Less talk. My girls aren’t as weak as to panic at a bit of my blood.” I snorted, interrupting David, and as Motoko and Natsumi blushed at my pliment, David howled with ugher.

  “Shit, I apologise for saying you got small balls. Balls of steel, like mine!” he grinned. “That or you don’t know what’s ing. Heads up!”

  Impressive. David’s Favour seemed to be some sort of Body Enha, as now his strength and speed had increased explosively. I’ve still got the edge though… but it’s a lot closer. I dodged a kick, my terattack dodged in turn, before he flurried puowards my head and sternum. I parried, rolling my arms in a soft ter ripped from ese Bafaquan. David quickly broke free before I could break his arms again, only to stagger as I stomped down on his kig leg. Bone cracked but he used his strength to unch a headbutt at my face, only to run into my elbow. The impact rocked me, but knocked him out, bone giving under my strike. Oops.

  “Best hurry with this one.” I muttered as I started releasiher. Luckily his body was massively fortified by his Favour, so his brain hadn’t suffered any major damage. Though without Ether Healing that could have led to a nasty cussion or worse…

  “I see. That was Bafaquan.” Motoko observed. “The soft ters in ese bat arts are useful against harder Western styles.” She observed calmly, and Natsumi joined in, also analysing my attacks. Now they are gaining more levels, their kiic vision is gettier, so they see what’s going on.

  “Yes, he’s attag David when he makes his attacks, striking at points of weakest ba’s just as Master Ulfuric teaches, strike where the enemy is weakest, when they are most vulnerable.” Natsumi’s face was red, Motoko’s too. “I think I’m in love all ain.”

  “Ihere is no one else we could be with.” Motoko agreed. “It makes me wish we could spar ourselves, though I fess, that man would easily crush us, he is too fast and strong. It would be like trying to take or barehanded. I am not so foolish as to not know my limits. For now.”

  “You girls sure are cold, ye know. Poor David’s getting battered out there, and ye be flirting with your man. Nae cold, ice cold!” Sarah chuckled. “David, step it up, ye fool. I’ll lose my wager if ye don’t!”

  “Hey, who is getting battered, you bitch? And I never asked you to make a damn wager, so quit your yapping!” David snarled, before l his tone. “Well shit, you’re n. How did I lose the first three? You’ve obviously been trained in martial arts. And not just that Eastern mumbo-jumbo. Fuck…” he shook his head, clearing out the cobwebs. “My ears are still bloing like a bastard. Did I hear you mentioning Ulfuric? You said that o Raidre and he went all pale.”

  “Yes, Ulfuric is a Fae warrior. He’s a master of ons and unarmed bat, he’s been drilling us hard.” I offered David a hand up aook it.

  “Us? So something doesn’t add up. But I get it. You got your secrets, we have ours. Well… round four. Ready?” he said, and Sir Arthur signalled we could go. This time I moved first, keeping tight and pact. David parried blows, uo ter, as I still outmatched him by a margin of around twenty pert. He’s pushing a thousand in strength and speed buffed I’d say. Really, that’s way better than I’d expected. Makes sense if his Favour is a pure self-buff though. I expect most of his levelling is going to his Favour and stats as well. It has long-term potential, for sure. I was tempted to use my Eye to see but decided against it, as David was fighting fairly.

  “Fuck, shit… you’re fast.” David was sweating, and after another exge of blows, he was off-bance, and then he was down, yielding.

  “Every time my footwork slips or I’m sloppy in a strike or ter, huh?” David said, thoughtful. “Well, this doesn’t look good for me. ’t lose another one or I’m out. Well, even if I win the five… I’ll speak to the Princess for you.”

  I was surprised at that, and he raised an eyebrow. “What? I may find you annoying, but when I step into the Octagon with someone who has the guts to face me, that’s a man I respect. Same otlefield.” He turo Motoko and Natsumi. “I apologise for the insults. I mean it. Guess you two do know what you’re doing. Martial arts girls are going to want a strong man, right? Well, yuy here is a tough bastard. But I’m still not down and out!”

  “I accept your apology once more. Perhaps I was a little indiscreet. But the occasion is special to me.” Motoko said.

  “I’ll bet. E event, huh? That’s some old school noble shit. Well, want a picture with a world-famous martial artist? Your friend there is a fan, right?” He wi Natsumi.

  “I was impressed by your strength. At home, our access to what others take franted was restricted, but father did enjoy sport, so the el was unlocked. And some nights I would see yhts.” Natsumi admitted. “I remember thinking you were a true warrior.”

  “These girls get it.” He spped me on the back while Sarah turned purple with ughter. “I’ll apologise to the mad-eyed maid ter. Though she’s a killer if ever I’ve seen one. You have a wide strike zone.”

  “Hyath has lived a hard life and was saved by Akio.” Motoko decred. “That is why I ot easily five this Raidre. He sndered Shaeu too. That is as unfivable as one insulting your Queen!”

  “Hey, mellow out, firecracker. I get it. Okay, maybe you like crazy women.” He smiled at me, before addressing Sir Arthur. “Hey old fart…”

  “What, yue?” Sir Arthur said, more rexed now that my healing had been shown to fix many injuries. “The Queen will be unhappy when she hears about this.”

  “Nah, I re this is the sort of diplomacy this guy gets.” He looked at me, and I shrugged.

  “If I cimed it wasn’t, I’d be lying. This happens too much.” I admitted, and David ughed again.

  “… this guy’s the real deal. Makes me think… well, he’s with some real important Japanese guests, and the Prime Minister is respeg the shit out of him, and you know what a tactless buffoon he be. He’s got the ear of the fairies, like our Princess… I think we ’t afford to have them go home disappointed.”

  “Ach, David’s brain, are ye sure ye fixed it, he’s talking too much sense!” Sarah snorted, her blue eyes wide.

  “When men exge blows, they read each other.” David insisted. “Now shut it, I know you agree too!”

  It was then the door flew open, and a woman around my mother’s age burst in, looking aghast. “Mr Reckless, Sarah, Sir Arthur, what is going on? Donovan told me you were off to fight a guest! Surely not even you would be so disrespectful…” she trailed off as she saw the damaged walls and floor, full of cracks as, and covered her face. “Oh no, it’s too te.”

  “Ach, it’ll be fine, nae worries.” Sarah draped an arm around her, soling. “They both seem to be muscleheads, ahis, David even apologised! Besides, look, we have guests!”

  “Oh, and who are you two girls?” Mary-Jane asked, and as Motoko and Natsumi introduced themselves, David raised his fists.

  “e o’s go!”

  “Right!”

  David squeezed out every ounce of power and strength, but none of his blows could break my defence. He did nearly catch me out with one clever feint, but my rising kruck him in a very sensitive spot, and moments ter my foot was on his neck.

  “Mr Reckless!” Mary-Jane cried, but he shook his head, face white.

  “No way I’m letting you heal that.” He spat. “Well shit. Five to nil.” He smmed his fist into the ground, annoyed, shattering the wooden fl.

  “Ach, my wager lost. I should nae have trusted ye, David!” Sarah teased.

  “So, should we call it?” I asked, and David shook his head.

  “Tired already? No, You won, I’m not a sore loser. But… at least let me have a ce to finish off strong. Man to man.”

  “Fine.” I shrugged. “Your funeral.”

  “Not with you and our schoolteacher here.” He said, earning a cold look from the woman.

  “This is foolishness. I don’t approve, Mr Reckless. Fighting a guest invited by Her Majesty is practically treason.”

  “Hardly. In fact… I think I have something worthwhile to show him.” He gri me. “Round six!”

  The sixth round I won as well, but twice David nearly struck a blow on me. As I patched him up, he o me. “Thought so. Well, keep it up.” Thought what?

  The seventh round was much the same, but a nagging doubt was at the bay mind. It was then Motoko gasped. “I see it, Akio, you…”

  “Ah, no spirl.” David shook his head. “You’ve got good eyes and a bat brain. Damn, why are all the girls around me like Sarah? Maybe I should start going for Asians?”

  “Ye love it, ya bastard.” She snorted in respoo that.

  “Motoko, what do… wait, I see!” Natsumi cpped her hands together, realising something too. She smiled at me warmly. “Well, do your best, Akio!”

  What was that? “Rou.” I said, and David nodded.

  “It is indeed. But this round is mine.” He decred fidently, and attacked. I went to block his strike and ter, only to swing and hit air. My attack missed him and two attacks came back at me, a kid a grapple. He’s off-bance, so… I tered, only for David to move seemingly at random, his legs snaking around my body, arms around my neck. “Got you.” He ughed. “You’re dohe momentum carried me to the ground, as he tightened his chokehold.

  I could break out if I wanted, but… repying the a ba my head, I tapped out. I’m still faster, but he seemed to anticipate my moves and lead me into a trap.

  “Fuck yes. See that Sarah, I’m not washed up!” David crowed. “You want to tell him, girls, or shall I?”

  “Akio, your moves are predictable.” Motoko said. “Each time you react with an excellent, well-chosen move, attag his oints perfectly. It is a work of art, but…”

  “You ’t beat a master with pure skill. There’s no guile.” Natsumi added. “In the end, even Motoko or I would have stood a ce of dodging your strike.”

  “Yeah, they get it. Good job! I see why you enjoy teag, Mary-Jane.” He said mogly, before turning to me. “They’re right. You’ve been trained well, but you have no style. Nothing but deliberate, perfect responses. Sure, with your speed and power that’ll defeat most oppos, but when a true pro figures you out… well, like I did, I predict all your attacks and lead you. Well, might as well this up, and I’ll take the st round. You’re only as good as your st fight, after all.” He winked mogly.

  I see. That does make sense. I’m always taking the most effit strike where I’ll win. Ulfuric did say I o take the foundation I have and find my own way… “Thanks for the lesson. I do appreciate it. I’m sure the girls do too. So… let me return the favour.”

  “Oh? fident huh? Be warned, you’ve learo fight that way, suddenly throwing in some random shit won’t beat me, not like the first round. This time I have your measure.”

  “Thanks. So…” we waited for the signal, and as soon as Sir Arthur spoke I surged forwards. Time for Body Enha. David blinked as my speed nearly doubled, and moments ter he was embedded in the wall, one arm and leg bent at a brutal angle, coughing blood. Oops, overdid that a bit again…

  “I’m ending it, teical knockout!” Sir Arthur said hurriedly, as Mary-Jane panicked, screaming and rushing towards him.

  “No… fug shit… the fuck, you were holding back?” David managed. I was at his side before his own healer, lettiher flow, healing internal injuries, straightening the bone and numbing pain. Mary-Jaumbled to a halt, and Sarah patted her shoulder.

  “I know, ye think it’s just ye who is shocked? David poked a bloody lion here. Luckily they both seem tae be boneheads. Like attracts like, I guess.”

  “No shit. Wait, you’re a healer, right? Putting aside your strength and speed, you have something like the Battle Hymn of Caturix? That’s not fug fair…” he stood, moving his now-healed limbs. “Well, much as I’d like to pin, I got royally battered. Eight to one. Shit. So, yeah…” he looked down at his ripped, ragged and bloody suit, while mine was still pristine except for a little dust Motoko wiped off happily. “… a deal’s a deal. I’ll go ge, lucky we have a break room here where I stashed my casual clothes. Perks of being the guards of the Princess.” He gave me a fist bump, which I accepted.

  “Well, it’s not so much I was holding back, as I don’t want to give too much away. I think the Princess is going to be our ally when she hears what I have to say, but I sure as hell don’t trust everyone here. Why tip my hand? But you ear as thanks for the lesson for me and the girls.”

  “Makes sense. Annoying as that is. Well…” he looked at Sarah, who was ughing, red-faced at his attitude. “… sure, ugh it up, redhead. ime you need saving from a mob of enemies, maybe I’ll look the other way…”

  “Ah, dinnae be like that, David. Ye know I’m only teasing…”

  At that moment, my phone beeped, and reading the message, I grinned. “All right. Motoko, you take Natsumi and…” I expined quickly, and she nodded. “I’ll ge with Hyath, and you take care of it.”

  “I shall apany you.” Sir Arthur said jovially. “And I thank you for your patieh David, though it seems my worries were unfounded.”

  “Thanks. Well, I’ll see you ter, David. With the Princess.”

  “Yeah, I’m a man of my damn word. e on, redhead. I need someoo vent to…”

  “Sir Arthur, just what happened?” Mary-Jane said as everyone else left us.

  “A good question indeed.” Sir Arthur ughed. “Diplomacy, it seems. The young are a bit… eic… for these old bones. But it seems to have all worked out.”

  Yeah, though impressing these other Chosen wasn’t my goal. But they are the team Princess Eleanor has gathered, so having them onside ’t be a bad thing. Right, now it’s time for my diplomatic offensive. We took a lot of shit, time to retaliate. We’re the ones aid, not looking for it, so we have the advaime to py our full hand…

  ShipTeaser