The Pentagram Child(12)

“Yes and maybe you’re losing your edge.”

“Ah my child, now you start to show your own weakness in your need for this fight…did my soldiers really do so little for you?” He came to stand opposite me and all at once he and I were clothed in Japanese robes better suited for fighting.

“They were nothing, barely even an appetiser.” I responded pulling out my own blade, taking beautiful note of some of the old battle scars the sword held. I grinned bringing it up closer to my face before resting it at my side in a ready stance, thinking it was only to be expected when you were over 700 years old.

We started to circle each other slowly making a meal out of who would be the first to break in battle.

“And your own Samurai?” I asked nodding to his weapon.

“Fudo Masamune and one of the few signed by the man himself.” Again I was impressed. My eyes widened as I realised this fight was more evenly matched in more ways than one.

“My sword’s brother, and no less than two five body blades fighting against each other.” I said referring to the highest measurement that can be considered for such a weapon, as to slice through five bodies in one isn’t an easy feat to accomplish.

“Vincent would be jealous indeed.”

“Now that I would like to see, my Angelic son does tend to keep his emotions in check doesn’t he and so like his mother.” I nodded in agreement and waited for the first move I knew would be not be long in coming.

“Rules still stand, we fight as men.” I said this time making my father roll his eyes.

“Now where is the fun in that exactly?”

“Scared of the challenge Abum?” I answered with a taunting question of my own. (‘Father’ in Sumerian)

“Quaking in my fucking boots!” He mocked before he charged at me just like I knew he would. He ran at me with his sword held high and I saw a flash of the burning rage flare in his eyes as it reflected in his steel. I blocked the attack and the sound of our swords clashing echoed, drowning out the sound of flames crackling from the centre of the room.

I spun on one foot and landed low to the ground holding my blade above me as I fended off another blow. I grinned at the feel of my father’s strength, relishing in it and the feeling of a worthy fight. Normally fighting against those so low beneath my own abilities was nothing more than an annoyance for my wasted time. A mindless chore that required very little thinking but this, well now, this was nothing short of a gift!

I swiped my foot out taking him by surprise and to the floor. I spun back up and attacked the best way that the sword was made for, slashing downwards using brute strength thanks to its curvature shape. My father not surprisingly blocked my attempt at getting at his heart and flipped upwards horizontally, using the motion to push me back with his sword.

I had barely taken a step back and he was once again coming at me. I met him head on and our blades collided. We became locked together with little space between us and our match in strength didn’t go un-noticed.

“How’s your Demon holding up…clawing to break free yet?” He asked pointing out the obvious, that yes, my Demon was riding me hard wanting to take over the fight as was its nature.

“My Demon is lucky enough to have such control in a Master such as I!” I snarled back and pushed harder against his blade. He laughed as I gained one inch at a time, forcing his body to bend backwards.

“My son, the controlled Master indeed…should daddy be proud?” He taunted and my Demon growled at the insult, trying to force its way to the surface. Just before my father’s wish was granted in releasing my Demon, I pushed off his blade and spun catching him at the side, leaving behind a slice of blood.

“At last! Well done my Etlu Maru!” He shouted joyfully and I tried to conceal my shock at finally being able to leave my mark for the first time. Never before had I ever drawn my father’s blood and up until now I wasn’t sure if he was even human enough to bleed after all this time. (‘Warrior son’ in Sumerian)

“I see now that your Grand Master taught you well, which makes me wonder…” He paused as he took further steps backward putting more space between us. I circled around him and swiped my sword forcefully in front of me. My father’s eyes took in the line of his blood that now marked the snow in a sprayed line from my actions.

“You wonder…?” I asked dragging his angry eyes back to my circling form.

“Who would win in a fight between two Grand Masters, as I too was taught by one in the family… tell me, does Takeshi know his father Munisai resides down here?” I didn’t even bother hiding my astonishment and my father used the moment to his advantage.