Swiper No Swiping!
Summer 2021, Week 3
Sunday afternoon
Linden, The Heights
Storyteller
It had been several days since Uncle and Xander had first come to the store and made the deal with the owner, and Uncle had come in every day to maintain the blades in the shop. On Sunday afternoon Uncle sat towards the back of the shop, sharpening a broadsword, as a customer walked in. Customers always made Uncle nervous while working this job, considering he never knew what they might be after. All it would take is one person to undo all of his work by buying that sword... "Hello! If it's a blade, it's our business! What can we do for you, today?" The owner calls out from behind the counter near the back.Isaac Crysentine
Being this close to the Wards was rather unsettling, as that was Bolt’s territory, but Isaac didn’t let it get to him. He needs an actual sword; better than the fake he had bought earlier. The blade had snapped in two when he swung it against a metal pole, like seriously? This time at least, Isaac was going to buy a blade from an actual bladesmith and not a pawn shop. As he walked in, the owner’s welcome call was a warning feeling in his heart. I’ve come to the right place. “Hello! Just, gonna look around. I intend on buying a blade from you today, but I need to have a look around first.” He gave a small smile, as if practicing his appearance and his mannerisms for the future AERI program spotlights and began to walk around the store. Most of the items were of the standard European blade. Some seemed like they were meant for cosplay, but most looked rather dull. I can’t really ask for appearance, but this is going to be something I’ll be using for the rest of my life ideally. Searching with his eyes and walking slightly, Isaac was brought before a small barrel in an obscure corner of the room. The ornate wrappings and decoration of a beautiful Japanese Katana caught his eye. Slowly, he picked it up with his right hand. It was much, much nicer than the one he had bought with Andre and had a hue to it that radiated power. This is the one. Without a second thought, he grabbed it from the barely and brought it to the counter. His phone was ready with his Apple Pay, linked to the Evos Funds allotted to them by the mayor. “This one, I would really like this one please.”Uncle
Uncle's eyes widen a bit as the boy takes up the katana he was working towards buying. He'll take the fancier of the two, kids these days always go for the flashiest option, right? He won't pick that one... Surely... Damn it, he's actually going to do it. "Are ya sure that's the right pick for ya, Kid?" Uncle calls out, still sharpening the blade in his hands.Storyteller
"That one will cost you 400 USD." the owner says plainly, seemingly ignoring Uncle’s interjection as he turns a small payment machine towards Isaac. It was one of those strange all in one devices that allowed cards, digital wallet payments, and even some mainstream cryptocurrencies, but required both the seller and buyer to use the same device to process the transaction.Isaac Crysentine
The remark by the man in the back catches Isaac off guard, but he just shrugs and says, "It feels right in my hand. Not too light, not too heavy. There's something about it that just feels good, ya know?" Without a second thought, he brought his phone down to the device, ready to pay for the item he had delicately picked up. Hope the Mayor doesn't mind too much about this... also hope that it doesn't actually break this time.Storyteller
The transaction goes through quickly and the owner hands him a receipt. "A pleasure doing business with you. If you ever need repairs or maintenance supplies, we can handle that as well, so don't be afraid to stop by again some time!" he says somewhat cheerily.Uncle
Uncle sighs. "Did ya even give any true thought to this, Kid? There're plenty o' blades in this shop, why go with the first one ya pick up?"Isaac Crysentine
Isaac smiled happily at the store owner, not knowing what else to say besides a very energetic "Thank you!" He then turns to Uncle, having considered his words slightly before saying, "I gave some thought, but like I said it feels right. Sometimes you don't need any logic or reasoning - you just need your gut instinct." Almost gleefully, Isaac put the sword, sheathed and all, tied to his side. He could feel the weight it brought with it, and the strength of the metal as well. "Actually, what it's made of is of genuine concern to me, and it felt like some really strong and resilient metal."Storyteller
Uncle finishes the last bits of work for the sword he was maintaining as Isaac gives his reply, then he wordlessly walks over to an empty mount on the wall and hangs the sword back up. Without so much as a glance at Isaac or the owner Uncle then turns towards the door and walks out. "Where the hell are you going? Your shift isn't over!" the owner call out to him.Uncle
"I need a break; the work'll get done in due time." he says as he exits the building. He stops just outside the door and props himself up against the wall, waiting for Isaac. As soon as Isaac exits the building he speaks up. "So, you fancy yerself to be a swordsman, do ya? Got a good eye at least, I'll give ya that."Isaac Crysentine
He had seen Uncle leave the store before he finished his transaction but didn't think much of it. Having him talk to him outside of the context of the store was... different. "Well, I wouldn't call myself a swordsman per say, but you could say I find them useful for what I do." Isaac smiled slightly, putting his hand on the back of his head and shrugging as he spoke. "And I agree, this sword is something else. I'm really lucky to have found it."Uncle
"Ya don't deserve it, Kid." he says flatly. "Ya don't even know the half of what it is ya now possess, beyond a well-made sword. The Honjō Masamune should be owned by a proper swordsman, not some amateur..."Isaac Crysentine
Isaac could do nothing else but stand there, shocked in an angry and surprised manner as the man spoke his words. "The.... the Honjo Masamune? What, how? And what do you mean an amateur swordsman? You don't know a thing about me." He got defensive, and felt his emotions get the better of him. Who the hell does this old man think he is?Uncle
"A proper swordsman would have known what he had seen right away, there would be no mistake. Ya hold a Japanese National Treasure, a centuries old blade forged by a smith who's only rival was the mysterious Sengo Muramasa. Only an amateur enterin' into the art halfheartedly would lack that knowledge at yer age. So, I gotta ask... what does that blade mean to you, really?" He stands up straight and turns to Isaac as he asks the question, his voice calm but with a tinge of uncertainty.Isaac Crysentine
"What it means to me..." various thoughts coursed through his mind. His reasons for wanting to be a hero, for wanting to save people, for wanting to help people against bullies like Bolt. "I...I can't say, but this means a lot to me. I won't lie and say this specific blade is my whole world, but the quality and the capabilities I could have with it would let me fulfill my dreams. And everything I'm doing right now is for that end."Uncle
"If ya can't properly describe what ya hold in yer hands, then how much does it truly mean to ya?" he says, suddenly reaching into the large bag he was carrying on his back and pulling out a worn machete. "This is a tool. Tools are extensions of the self an' to be used that way is the upper limit o' their potential. Many blades are no more than tools..." He tosses the machete onto the ground and quickly draws Kazeshini, holding it in front of him but not brandishing it. "This is not just a tool. This is its own entity, forged by the flames of a master smith's very soul. A part of Muramasa lives on within it. The same can be said of that blade ya got there an' Masamune. This is a partner that will face the world with me, an' never betray me for so long as I do not betray it. I'll say it again, ya don't deserve it. I bet ya even with years of trainin' ya'd never be able to land even a single blow on me with that sword."Isaac Crysentine
The kid stood there, somewhat dumbfounded and not sure what to say. Part of him thought: I…I literally bought this with my own money. Another part of him thought: This old man really just tried to show me up. Unfortunately, the 2nd half got the better of him, and Isaac got himself ready to land a blow on the old man. “If you get cut up, you asked for this.” Isaac suddenly lunged, but he did a little sneak. He concentrated, and as subtly as possible he used his Fire Feet so as the man could not see them igniting or spewing fire but still with enough force to give him added momentum to move forward faster and attack the man. I guess I can call this Fire Maneuver Feet, heh. Just when he was about to make contact, Isaac brought the sword from a lower point upwards at an angle as fast as he could. Again, he used his fire to very slightly move his hand faster than it normally would but subtly enough so the man wouldn’t notice. I got him.[x2 Minor, -2 Ep]
Storyteller
Somewhat anticipating an attack Uncle was ready to move the blade to defend, using the backside of his own sword in such a way that the curve almost 'hooks' under the other so that it doesn't easily slip away. Quickly he redirects the force of Isaacs swing, grabbing his own blades hilt with both hands and pulling up and somewhat overhead so that Isaacs swing goes over the old man. It takes him more effort than expected and he has to lower himself in the process to dodge the swing, but he takes the opportunity to pick up the machete off the ground before jumping back a bit and taking a proper stance. Every movement seemed carefully planned and perfectly executed, though his movements did not come from a power but rather from decades upon decades of training and honing the movements and skills. Even so, Isaac had very nearly landed the blow, and some may question how he failed to strike the old man. Many fall in the face of Chaos, but not this one. Not today.Uncle
"Would ya like me to go easy on ya? If I don't use Nitōryū then ya might actually have a chance with speeds like that. Though, that was raw power with little skill; sloppy at best." As he spoke, he concentrated on his arms and strengthened his bones to better handle the impact of Isaacs sword against his own in the future, now that he suspected there was more to this kid than meets the eye.[Type 2: x2 Minor, -2 EP (8/10)]
Isaac Crysentine
Damn, does this sword feel good. Isaac came to a stop a bit off from the man, but he felt fired up. “Use what you want, I’ll land a hit on you regardless.” He readied himself again, but this time he told himself it would be different. I need to go faster. Isaac knew he didn’t have the skill, but if he could maneuver himself at speeds that were quick enough the man, logically, should not be able to keep up. A small voice in his head said Again, and it filled him with a vigor that sent him charging forward once more. Fire Maneuvering would be his friend, filled with small, precise, yet sharp movements that would not be possible with the additional Force of fire added in. Still, he kept it subtle, as this was all happening in front the store still. The large overhead strike he had started was immediately thrown to the right, and then left to fall down and up with precise movements. Please tell me this will get him.[x2 Basic, x2 Minor, -2 EP]
Uncle
The old man braces for the overhead swing with both blades, then after seeing the signs in his opponents form that told him a shift was coming, he quickly moved the blades, one to each side. Uncle catches the strike as the two blades clash then quickly swings his other blade down at Isaac's sword in an attempt to disarm him, or at the very least create an opening. "Speed an' trickery will only get ya so far, Kid. I've seen every trick in the book..." he says, continuing to focus on his arms and keep them reinforced.[Type 2: x2 Minor, -2 EP (6/10)]
Isaac Crysentine
Isaac could feel the sword slipping from his hand. No... was his final thought as the sword hit the ground, clattering. "Damn." He just stood there, looking down at the fallen blade. The fire user looked back up to the old man, seeing his stance unwavering, unbroken. "You're something else, aren't you?" Steadily, he grabbed the sword once more, letting the weight and balance fall into his hands. Faster. He was past the point of caring, and sooner or later he would be made public through his participation in the AERI team regardless. Hotter. Isaac looked the man dead in the eyes as he used his 2nd power to channel fire into the blade, letting it light up against the setting of the sun and the growing shadows. It was obvious, and they were still in broad public, but he didn't care. I will not be told up by some old boomer from who knows where. He let the flame burn, the crackling of the fire and the shine of the blade working as one to give off a powerful glow. "I don't think you've seen every trick in the book, old man." Smiling widely, he now more obviously used his fire to do even faster maneuvers and approach the man at higher speeds at speeds. I can't hurt him, but this is a duel. He also has to be good at not dying if he's this old and is this good at fighting - kinda like Mr. Akira actually. Isaac brought the blade down first from his right, then went for an upper hand swing, then turned it into a poke, and while it was still sloppy the guidance of what were strong, opposing forces from his fire made sure they were powerful strikes.[Manip. x2 Minor x2 Basic, -2]
[Imbue x1 Normal, -3 Ep]
Uncle
The swordsman kept his eyes locked on his opponent as he prepared the next assault. The flames did not seem to spark a reaction from him, though he took note of it and started to toughen the skin of his forearms and hands. "Finally done warming up? Let’s see ya get serious, then."[Type 2: x4 Minor, -4 EP (2/10)]
Storyteller
Uncle moves to block the first strike with the machete and the two blades make contact with a loud clang as Isaac's increased speed makes the impact more powerful: A devastating blow! But even with such an impact the old man’s arm does not budge and the blow is deflected in the end, though in the moments during these impacts he can feel the heat of the flames. As the flaming sword is quickly maneuvered for the second-strike Uncle moves the machete to block this strike as well and a second loud sound can be heard though this time it was the sharp and quick scraping sound of metal bending, the swordsman's machete becoming severely dented from the impact to be specific. Again, the fire user redirects his blade for another strike; Such a terrible assault cannot be left unanswered! The flaming blade is thrust at the old man who quickly uses his other blade to divert the attack just enough off its path to miss its mark, just barely missing his torso. This attack could have been devastating, but it provides an opportunity. Press this advantage, Give them no quarter! Without missing a single movement Uncle drops the machete as he closes what little distance remains directly following the missed thrust. With his now free hand he grabs hold of the flaming blade near the hilt, grasping it firmly before swinging Kazeshini at Isaac's chest. He uses the back of the sword so as to not cut him, but he swings with as much force as he can muster, and his form ensures the strike is well placed even with the harder edge alignment from swinging a katana backwards. As he does this his hand is mysteriously not cut though his skin is licked by the flames and begins to burn. The burning seems slow compared to what most people might experience from holding a flaming sword for an extended amount of time and he shows little signs of the pain he no doubt feels... but the some of the burns are still likely to be severe. This man understands that adversity and existence are one and the same. Once again it was Uncle’s intent to separate Isaac from his weapon, but this time he intended to not only disarm but to take the blade in the process as well and thus end the duel.Isaac Crysentine
With every single one of his attacks having failed, Isaac quickly found himself on the defensive once Uncle started pressing his clear advantage of the situation. Try to keep up. React like you would against Mr. Akira. He would, in fact, not react in the same way Isaac did against Mr. Akira. The unrelenting attacks by Uncle left him staggering, and it wasn't until Uncle grasped his hand onto the blade itself that Isaac realized he was in trouble. The sudden blunt force of the man's hilt against his chest left him reeling, and soon he was keeled over on the ground, disarmed and watching the man hold the katana he had just bought for $400. "How... how did you do that without getting burnt?" The wheels in Isaac's mind started to turn, slowly processing that maybe this man too wasn't exactly what he seemed.Uncle
He sheathes Kazeshini and grabs the other blade by the hilt using his now free main hand. Holding up the hand he had used earlier to grasp the blade he slowly turns it as he displays the burns. "I did get burnt, just not as badly as others might have. I didn't survive the last century using nothin' but luck, this body is more durable than it looks... I take back what I said, Kid, maybe with a year or two of training ya could land a hit on me. That has more to do with this power ya got than yer skill with a blade but ya show promise nonetheless. Had you started training at a younger age ya could have been a fine swordsman by now..." He pauses for a short time as he extends a hand to Isaac, offering to help him rise to his feet. "Though I stand by what I said about ya not deserving it yet, this blade should only be held by someone with enough trainin' to truly respect what it is. Though I've heard of a blade that might be more fittin' for someone with yer skills... Have ya ever heard of Hephaestus the Smith?"Isaac Crysentine
Isaac took the man's hand, and soon he has back up and ready. "Hephaestus the Smith? No, I don't think I have. Can he make swords? Is it possible for him to make something like that for me?" He pointed at the sword Uncle had just sheathed, excitedly thinking about a very personalized, his very-own fire sword. "Where can I find him?"Uncle
"Legend has it that Hephaestus forged many blades an' filled them all with power that lasts to this day, power beyond the craftsmanship of these swords. He forged swords that harness the power of nature. Among them the legends tell of blades that are naturally cloaked in flame like ya did to this one, an' even blades that become the very flames that envelop them. Many will say that such works are only a myth, but I've seen one myself... a blade enveloped in wind that can cut from a distance by turning the very air it cuts through into a sharp projectile. Hephaestus existed, I'm sure of it. The where is the part that remains a mystery, for now." He pauses for a second then speaks back up in a very different tone, speaking much clearer and with almost none of the accent he had used until now. "Do you truly wish to walk the path of the sword?" The question held a weight to it that made it feel like a trick question as he stared down Isaac.Isaac Crysentine
The fire user looked at the man, taking in the story as he spoke. "I do wish to walk the path of the sword. It is something I must do if I am to properly fulfill and accomplish the tasks set before me. I'll find Hephaestus's blades, and I'll use the fire one, since I'm sure there's a fire one if there's a wind one ya know, to protect people with all my might."Uncle
The moment Isaac finished speaking Uncle presented him with another question. Then immediately he followed it up with a third question. He spoke without hesitation and with the same clarity that he had spoken the first question. "Are you prepared to die in pursuit of these goals? And if so, are you prepared to take a life when the need arises?"Isaac Crysentine
"Take a life..." Isaac was in the hero business for a reason, but he wasn't about to take someone's life. His job was to save people and stop those who might hurt others, not to actually end others. "No, I don't think I will. What I do, I protect people. I keep them alive. I'm not going to waiver on that regard."Uncle
"You are choosing a dangerous path, and most of those who oppose you will not show the same weakness." He raises the blade to emphasize what he is referring to with the next line. "This is not for threats or for looks, it is for cutting, and for stabbing; It is something designed for the act of taking a life. You can choose to wield it to protect what is important to you and do your best to refrain from killing when unnecessary, and there is something that could be seen as admirable in that, but there will come a time when you will have to make a choice... One day you will be forced to kill or watch helplessly as that which you desire to protect is taken from you. And if you chose not to act in that moment... that is when your kindness can truly be called a weakness. I'll ask you this only once more: Are you prepared to take a life when the need arises?"Isaac Crysentine
Isaac stood there, motionless. This guy is really trying to push this. He considered it for a second more. "If there is absolutely no other option, then yes. Until then, I will actively look for a way to win without the loss of life. All life must be protected, and I think I would be failing at my job if I did otherwise." Isaac still hadn't exactly said what his job was, but he figured the perceptive man would have figured it out by now.Uncle
Content with the answer, the old man flips the sword around in his hand so that he is now holding it by the blade near the hilt, with the hilt pointing toward Isaac. "Then I suppose this blade is perfect for ya." he says with a slight smirk, returning to his previous accent. "Perhaps it was fated that the one to find this blade would be a kid as arrogantly optimistic as the one that forged it, an' who am I to fight against fate? Ya still don't deserve it, not in yer current state, but I'll give ya a chance to remedy that. Just remember that if ya don't keep up with yer training I won't give it back to ya the second time I take it from ya."Isaac Crysentine
The fire user was now definitely in shock. The man was returning the blade to him, to he who the man had so ruthlessly torn down for his lack of skills and experience with the sword. "I... I don't know what to say." Isaac grabbed the hilt of the blade and slowly drew it back to both his hands, holding it gently yet firmly. It was as if the blade itself was radiating with a new energy he had previously not detected - but perhaps it was his own appreciation for the sword growing. "I won't let you down, sir. I'm going to train and become a swordsman that can beat even you." Isaac gave a devilish grin and a wicked thumbs up, before also saying: "You know, you're a good fighter. And I know damn well no normal person can take a burn like that and have it be minimal aftereffects. If you ever want proper work, stop by the police station and tell them a bit of your story. I just might see you again."Uncle
The man simply nods at first, but then as an afterthought he speaks up again as Isaac is about to leave. "Briar Park, Tuesday Afternoon. There is a building there across the street to the west, if ya want some pointers then don't be late. I'm already showing someone else what to do, one more observer shouldn't hurt."Storyteller
As Isaac leaves, the door to the shop opens and the owner comes out carrying another sheathed sword. "I saw what happened. I know you had your eye on that blade, and after seeing that display you put on, I feel compelled to tell you the truth. I got my hands on that sword in a... less than legal way, so I didn't want to admit that I knew what it was, but I know the work of Masamune when I see it. I may not be able to prove it but if my ancestors are to be believed I am descended from one of his students. It may not be a legendary katana known around the world like that one, but this is another of his blades that I've done my best to maintain over the years, as has my father before me, and his father before him. It's the Sakabatō Masamune, a blade on par with the 12 Saiju Ō Wazamono so long as it's in the hands of a master. I'd rather a real swordsman have it than to let it sit in my shop unused... Will you honor my family and wield it in our name?" The man holds the sword horizontally in both open palms, extending his arms out towards Uncle in offering.Uncle
Uncle takes hold of the Sakabatō hesitantly. "First that kid convinces me to let him keep that sword an' then ya offer me another of the legendary smith's work? And not only that..." He pauses to pull the blade partially out of the sheath, revealing the strange nature of the weapon and confirming his suspicion; The blade was reversed, with what would normally be the cutting edge being blunted and a sharp edge running along the back side of the blade. ".. it's this blade, of all blades? Is the world tryin' to tell me somethin'?" He returns the blade fully into the sheath and then places it onto his belt alongside Kazeshini. "It will be an honor to wield it as well, thank you... I guess this means me and that kid are walking the same narrow path now, huh." He laughs as the shop owner gives a slight bow and returns to the store.Storyteller
"Don't forget to stop by whenever you need any repairs, we're almost always open." The blacksmith says as the door begins to close behind him.
Type
Record, Historical
Medium
Digital Recording, Text
Authoring Date
July 4, 2021
Authors
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