Chapter 40: Dragon Slayer Festival IChapter Text
With only an hour or so left until Susanoo is scheduled to take me away from Yomi, I'm left with mixed feelings. My time in Yomi has been great if I'm being honest, the experience has been the opposite of what I was dreading. I had been dreading that it would be another moment where I would be forced to prove myself to someone I couldn't care less what their opinion of me was.
Instead, I've managed to find a proper friend, catch a glimpse of the true heights of power in this world, and satisfy my urges to fight to the death without repercussion. Not only that but I've made meaningful progress in refining my skills in combat. If I ignore the fact I haven't eaten in a month, and I haven't seen my family or my student, this has been the perfect month.
I took yesterday off to spend another full day with Izanami, as both a consolation for my impending departure and to reassure her that I would return. I managed to finally convince her to reach out to others that control the various underworlds by subtly inserting the idea into every conversation. She even sent out a few of her butterflies out to deliver her introductions to the various deities at the end of yesterday.
Neither Izanami nor I have any real political acumen -me because of my inexperience and her because of how long it has been since she's had to deal with politics- so we decided being genuine is best. To that end, the letters were mostly letting their intended readers know who Izanami was and why she was reaching out now instead of thousands of years ago. With the dozen or so letters sent out, I'd imagine at least one recipient will be upset for some reason but with any luck, the rest are well received.
I'm still expecting a sad departure when Susanoo arrives but hopefully, Izanami was suitably convinced that I will be back and we don't get to find out whether she can force herself to cry. As much as I wouldn't mind staying in Yomi, I do have a family to get back to. That is definitely something Izanami can understand; I won't bring it up unless I have to though, that would be cruel.
I've set aside a collection of tomes that I want to read and residences that I still need to explore the next time I visit Yomi because honestly there was too much for me to go through at once. When people talk about the wisdom of the dead and the amount of lost knowledge that could be obtained they forget the sheer legwork you need to do to find the useful information.
It reminds me of the depiction of the celestial bureaucracy in The Journey To The West where it would take months to file for a thunderstorm, except I can't delegate the labour to others. I have to personally go find whatever information I need and dig through the tomes to find what is truly useful. It doesn't help that the dead tend to ramble about their lives rather than focus on their techniques. To be fair, that is likely because these are private memoirs not meant to be read by anyone but who wrote them.
During my remaining time here I have two last goals; destroying Gomu-kun, and wiping out Izanami's army in one shot.
I flash Izanami a grin towards where she's sitting on the sidelines of the training ground. She perks up a little but keeps a generally morose posture. Her mood has been backsliding the closer we get to my departure and I can't really do anything to fix that.
'Byakko can you cuddle up with Izanami for a bit?' He grumbles half-heartedly but saunters over to Izanami.
He wraps himself around her and she immediately entangles her fingers in his fur, 'For this indignity, you will suffer.'
I snort as he pretends to sulk. From his expression, he's very much enjoying Izanami's ministrations. 'Sure, Byakko, at least make an effort to look put out will you?'
He growls at me and Izanami takes that as a sign to try harder at combing through his fur. This causes his growl to cut off pre-emptively as he melts, rumbling in contentment. I snicker and focus on my training dummy for the last time.
I already know what I need to do to destroy it but actually applying that has been difficult. Yesterday and the day before I finally had enough confidence to attempt condensing my Ki into every blow without destroying my body. My body is now strong enough to mitigate the internal damage and hold together at the point of release. Too much Ki or too many attempts still causes the damage to build up but it's minimal enough that I can ignore it for the most part.
Each successive blow brings Gomu-kun closer to its breaking point, finally doing visible damage to Izanami's creation. Each hit is like a bomb going off on the inside of the creation with every successive strike increasing the potency of the explosion. The issue is that I need to string them together in the same spot without getting hit by its attacks.
Again, easier said than done.
I square up against the construct and glare it down, pointing dramatically at my foe, "Today one of us falls!"
"Pfft." I grin when Izanami tries to suppress a laugh and fails.
My grin falls away as I divert all my attention to the task at hand. I envision the ideal series of attacks and deflections in my head based on the previous spars and suck in a deep breath.
"You can do it, Ibaraki!" My lips twitch but I maintain my focus and fire off a straight punch to the constructs chin and the flesh bubbles as my Ki is expelled inside it.
The flesh of its face settles down instantly and the construct throws a side kick. I step in closer and smash my fist down on its knee even as my other fist strikes its chin again. The kick still hits me in the side but between me moving closer and striking the limb, it only bruises my ribs.
I trap the leg in the crook of my elbow and duck under a vicious left hook that flies my way. Once again, I strike Gomu-kun in the chin and immediately follow up with an elbow strike. I'm forced to back off as its forehead comes screaming towards me in a headbutt.
I continue dancing backwards to avoid the reverse-roundhouse kick and watch as the flesh around its head continues to bubble outward. Gomu-kun follows the kick with a quick jab and I flip him over my shoulder, sending him crashing into the ground.
Grappling him is normally a terrible idea, as proven when he traps my arm like a vice. I grin savagely as I tear my arm off at the shoulder, but not before overloading it with Ki. My severed limb detonates, the explosion focused once again towards the dummies skull.
My arm regrows even as I mount the prone Gomu-kun and begin to rain rapid jabs with my remaining arm on its face. By the time it retaliates and sends a punch that disintegrates my remaining arm completely, Gomu-kun's head has swelled to double its normal size as it struggles to stay together.
The arm I had ripped off myself has only regenerated up to the muscle but it will have to do as I push everything I have into a final blow. There's a satisfying detonation as my exposed knucklebones dig into the bridge of Gomu-kun's nose, and pierce through his head into the ground below.
With a hole made, the internal pressure takes the opportunity to vacate the skull of the fresh corpse and I'm covered in a spray of blood, bone, and brain matter. I'm tempted to lick my lips and enjoy my success but manage to hold myself back.
That would be a really shitty way to get stuck here permanently.
Narrowing my eyes I make sure it is dead and when I'm satisfied it won't get back up and kill me, I rear my head back and shout my triumph to Yomi.
Over the roaring blood in my veins, I can hear Izanami clapping excitedly, "Good job, Ibaraki! You did it!"
I blush, embarrassed at the praise, if only because the way she said it makes it sound like a child being praised for simple math. I know she doesn't mean it like that but damn if it isn't a bittersweet feeling to be praised like that as an adult.
"Are you ready to move on to archery with me, Izanami?" She looks between me and Byakko before her shoulders slump and she nods despondently.
I snicker and leap to the top of the tree platform I made almost a month ago. Without me coming every day it would have certainly withered by now and I'm a bit sad that once I leave it will die.
The perch is like… a monument to my time here, and I'll be sad to return and not find it where I left it.
Izanami pops out of a portal at my side and waves her arm out at the distant terrain. The undead army re-emerges from the floor of the underworld in a cacophony of wails and clattering bones.
"You killed over eight hundred and fifty last time. One final push should get you to the even thousand." I frown at Izanami's words knowing that it's the accuracy that is holding me back not the number of arrows.
The issue is that by focusing on accuracy the number of arrows fluctuates downward and vice versa.
My hand hovers hesitantly over the bowstring as I take another glance at Izanami. I smile wryly as I draw back my bowstring. She looks at me questioningly as the arrows form and I wink. As the arrows fly we Izanami stares intently at the result but my gaze doesn't shift from her.
When she turns to me, a question in her eyes, I shrug trying to hide my embarrassment. "Looks like I'll have to return soon to beat this challenge."
Izanami gasps with barely restrained joy as I glance at the fallen army of undead save the sole remaining being standing in the centre. I continue examining the damage dealt with my bow upon Izanami's creations even as she pulls me into a hug.
I smirk as I hear Susanoo clear his throat from down below, sounding bereft of amusement at the position he found us in. Izanami's eyes sparkle as they dart downward to Susanoo and she pulls the two of us through another portal before I can blink.
I shiver at the chill and glare at the portal while Izanami is distracted by her son. Every time I pass through that thing the portal tries to rip out my soul.
It's good training but still… I don't have it in my heart to tell Izanami how uncomfortable the experience is either so I'll just bear with it.
I tune back into the conversation soon after, "-Yes, mother, I've been eating healthily. Yes, I'll see about bringing my wife next time I visit."
"You also need to give me more grandchildren! It's been centuries since I've had a grandchild to spoil." Susanoo sighs as Izanami glares him down.
"I'll have to talk to my wife about that, mother." He makes eye contact with me and flicks his eyes towards Izanami. I act purposely obtuse as I pretend not to understand his intentions.
"It sounds to me like you're just telling me what I want to hear." Izanami puts her hands on her hips and leans forward menacingly.
"Would I do that, mother?" I snort and Susanoo glares at me.
"Hmm, I don't think so… Still, it has been a suspiciously long time since I've had a new grandchild. Do you need to see a healer?" Susanoo's face goes blank as he walks around Izanami and grabs me by the scruff of the neck.
"And we're leaving now. Goodbye, mother." As Susanoo opens a portal I start to laugh and wave my goodbye to Izanami.
The portal closes once we're through and Susanoo drops me on the ground, dusting himself off. He frowns at the hand that was touching me and I would be offended if I wasn't still laughing my ass off.
After I recover from my laughing fit, I give him a malevolent grin, "You know, for someone so advanced in age, fertility issues are nothing to be ashamed of."
He glares at me balefully and in an impeccable show of restraint, he doesn't smite me. "Keep pushing it. See if you make it through the day alive."
I snort and give him a cheekily salute. I look around us, noticing the giant boulder behind us covered in sealing talismans. I had assumed we would go directly to our destination but instead, we are… Hmm…
Ah, we must be outside the original passage to and from Yomi.
I'm interrupted from trying to figure out our exact location when Susanoo begins speaking, "Everyone else has arrived at the beachhead."
He nods to himself after a moment of consideration, "I believe this is fashionably late enough for me to make my entrance."
He clamps his hand on top of my head and my stomach flips with nausea as he teleports us using a method far less friendly than the last.
That's more in line with the petty image of him I've been constructing.
My knees hit the ground as I'm unceremoniously dropped by Susanoo on arrival. I spin around and glare at him but he's already in motion past me.
"Bastard," I mumble under my breath as I look around. Towards where Susanoo is heading are various groups of people, obviously being the other pantheons and their representatives. I see Fujin and Raijin nearby and wave excitedly.
Raijin grins and shoots finger guns at me before elbowing Fujin who notices me and waves. Near them are two more presences that are clearly divine, though they aren't gods I recognize by sight.
'One feels like Water, the other Thunder and… Swords?' Byakko helpfully points out and I notice the two glance at me for a moment before returning their attention to Susanoo who arrives next to them.
So Suijin and… I have no idea. I should have brushed up on my knowledge of the Pantheon before this. Hopefully, I won't have to embarrass myself.
From the gods, my gaze next drifts to the other representatives for Japan; or I assume so given their proximity to Shinto deities.
The first one that catches my eye is a young man with grey hair, yellow eyes, and glasses. He's traditionally handsome, I suppose and dressed in a rather formal outfit with slacks, a collared shirt, tie, and a blue blazer. Is he here to fight or chat about his parent's fortune?
I grin when I look deeper and feel the draconic aura he's suppressing and an element not unlike Senjutsu intermingling with his draconic power.
'Wood.' I nod along to Byakko's interjection.
My grin widens when my eyes flicker to movement beside him and I see Suzaku Himejima for the first time in over a year now. My eyes drift languidly over the vermillion red kimono she's wearing and how it hugs her curves.
Not only does she seem more confident based on how she carries herself, but her power has also swelled significantly. So she's inherited the Vermillion Bird then? This is already shaping up to be fun!
My eyes flick upward in time to meet hers and she flinches minutely. I pout at the reaction but I'm not too surprised. I've grown up enough to admit I may have come on too strong last time.
Er, that and I technically crippled her for a bit. That might have been scary for a squishy human in hindsight.
I start heading over towards them even as I catch sight of another two people our age near Seiryuu and Suzaku.
One is someone in full samurai armour finished with a white mirror polish and red accents… an odd choice for a fight on water but okay… I can't even tell if the person inside is a man or a woman from here. Still, how do they plan to fight on the water with that much armour?
The other causes me to have mixed feelings. Quite simply she's the Tengu heiress that I had saved from captivity. She's wearing normal combat gear if a bit light. In this case, preserving mobility will be more important so she is using sensible gear.
A quick check of her Ki shows me she's grown rapidly in strength since then but her power still falls a fair amount short of everyone else in the group. It's good to see she's making a serious effort to get stronger and that another Youkai is here to represent our Pantheon.
The less exciting part of her presence is the blush she gains when she notices me approaching. I can't believe I managed to pick up a fangirl. Worse, I never did learn her name and it's been too long for me to ask without it being awkward.
I take a quick glance over my shoulder at the ocean and… Well… I have no idea where this is…
Expanding my Ki sense to its limit shows we're on an island, and I know we're near Japan. So, Okinoshima maybe? I can't even guess my position based on where the sun is because I just came from Yomi and I have no idea what time it is.
'Sado Island, perhaps?' I guess it doesn't matter that much.
It has to be an island between Japan and the mainland given where Jormungandr and Leviathan were breeding. Though considering how big they are that could mean anywhere from the northmost end of the Sea of Japan to the middle of the East China Sea.
I school my expression into something less excited as I approach the others and Suzaku relaxes a bit. "Hey, Suzaku, Princess, how have you two been?"
The Tengu heiress blushes fiercely at my term of address and thankfully stutters out an alternative. "You can call me Shinobu-chan, Ibaraki-sama."
So that's her name! She takes my confusion as waiting for the answer to my question, thankfully. "Oh, I've been well, thank you."
Out of the corner of my eye, I notice Seiryuu pushing his glasses up the bridge of his nose and smirking in amusement. While he's amused at the obvious crush, I'm just trying not to sigh. I'll have to subtlely discourage this crush.
Maybe that's a bit unfair to her but, unless I'm reading her wrong, she'll peak in power soon and end up leading her clan instead of going out into the wider world and challenging herself. I don't think I could be with someone who would limit themselves to such a small portion of the world.
After seeing Crom Cruach and reading the lives of legends I don't think I can be content with where I am now; nor can I be content with a partner who doesn't also seek the zenith of the world.
Back to reality, Suzaku frowns and regards me like I'm a particularly dangerous animal. You know what, fair enough. "I've been well also."
I catch Seiryuu's eyebrow raise minutely at her answer and I almost do the same. I realize we aren't exactly friends but does Suzaku really think anyone believes that response? Even the samurai guy is probably sceptical!
"Right…" I shake my head and turn to Seiryuu interested in meeting him. "You must be Seiryuu then. It's nice to meet the current Azure Dragon host."
His head dips minutely and he smiles in greeting, "Indeed I am, and you must be the leader of the newly returned Oni, Ibaraki. I must confess that our families were fairly certain that your species was wiped out in the Heian period."
My grin sharpens even as my eyes narrow, "Eh, you know how it is, if someone competent isn't there to do the job it doesn't get done."
I buff my nails on my chest and stare at them bored by his subtle insult, "Honestly, I'm shocked the Principle Clans are still around, diminished as they are."
A deep rumbling chuckle echoes out of the samurai armour even as Seiryuu's smile grows strained. "Good one, demon. If you are as skilled in battle as you are in trading barbs you may be worth remembering after I defeat you today."
I turn to the samurai and now that I'm looking directly at them I realize they're quite tall. They aren't a literal giant but they're over seven feet tall, likely closer to seven and a half. I don't know how much of that is the armour though.
"Oh? What might your name be samurai? I'll need it so I can forget it when I beat you." The samurai chuckles again, tilting their helmet back and placing their hands on their hips.
"All right! You may have the honour of knowing my name. This young lord is addressed as, Yoshishige no Senzaemon!" I blink dumbly because what the hell is up with that name?
I shoot quick glances at the others and see they all have a similar reaction, "Cool, nice to meet you Yoshishige-san."
"I was not finished!" The samurai shouts and suddenly there's an armoured horse -that I swear wasn't there a second ago- right beside him.
He slaps its flank and it snorts, steam shouting out of its nostrils as it tilts its neck back pridefully, "This is my prized steed, Hikaru Tsukige! Both he and I have been blessed by our lord Yakata-no-kami with immense prowess in war."
"We have come to bathe in the blood of the dragons! To feast on the flesh of mighty beasts! To sharpen our blades on their scales-" I tune out the chunni rant with the knowledge that he will continue babbling in circles about his meritorious actions.
I don't know why I expected the samurai to not be a weirdo but I retract that assessment.
Tapping my foot and expelling some Ki an apple tree swiftly grows beside me. I snap one of the apples off and toss it at the samurai who nods in thanks before feeding it to his mount. "A polite demon too. What strange times we live in."
He even laughs like a weirdo! "Fufufufu, perhaps it is possible that we become comrades in arms!"
I ignore his diatribe in favour of replaying the fluidity with which the apple was caught. The samurai moves in that armour as though it is part of his body, without being hindered much at all. The precision with which the movement was made was also incredible. They are definitely strong enough to pay attention to.
Should their skill in combat be above the slight glimpse I just saw I may actually believe they have been blessed by Hachiman.
"Where have you been, Ibaraki-sama?" Shinobu moves closer to me only to blink and scrunch up her nose. "Actually, I can probably guess given how you reek of death and decay."
I laugh and nod, "You would probably be right too. I don't mind if you call me Ibaraki though."
Her eyes widen as she waves her hands in denial, "I couldn't! You're my benefactor, how could I be so rude?"
"It isn't rude, I'm offering." I shrug nonchalantly. It goes unsaid it would be more awkward if she continued with the honorific.
I snap an apple of my own off the tree and sink my teeth into the first food I've had in a month. I moan aloud in utter bliss, my eyes slamming shut, as the sweet juice and bursts into my mouth and the tender flesh slips past my teeth-
My right eye peeks open and I notice the other four staring at me. Swallowing, I frown at them defensively, "I haven't eaten in the last month and this apple is fucking delicious, okay?"
'Perhaps do not make erotic vocalizations if you wish to avoid people staring?' Oh, hush you.
I polish off the rest of the apple and offer some to the rest of the group. Nobody takes my offer and I start to look around again. Spotting the other groups of deities and representatives.
"Do you guys know when we're starting this?" I ask the others.
Shinobu looks embarrassed as she shakes her head, Seiryuu frowns in annoyance, Suzaku sighs as she shakes hers, and Senzaemon;
"I do not! I am sure we shall be notified soon!" Senzaemon yells their denial.
I frown again, debating what I should do to entertain myself. I could flirt with Suzaku but I'm not really feeling it right now and I have the sense to tell she isn't in the mood either.
'So you are capable of recognizing other peoples moods and not ignoring their feelings. Is this the pride that comes with seeing a child you raised grow?'
Pfft, no, silly tiger. Suzaku just reminds me too much of Akeno right now and it's messing with my game. Give me a bit to work through that and we'll be back in business!
'Ah, there's the familiar shame and disappointment.' You love me, Byakko, don't pretend otherwise.
Alternatively, I could also get to know my fellow Japanese representatives more. Yet we aren't a team or anything so that could be done at any point by visiting them after the event. I literally know where three of them live and the other I likely can find out.
I look over to the Shinto gods and see they're still chatting so we probably have a bit of time. I think about heading over to catch up with Fujin and Raijin yet before I can start heading over there Fujin shakes his head minutely.
That's a bust.
"Have you been busy since I last saw you, Suzaku?" She glares at me before assessing my expression and blinking in surprise. Did she not think I was genuinely asking?
I see Shinobu fidget beside me and she looks away as though uncomfortable. Seiryuu smirks and is about to open his mouth before Suzaku shuts him up with a glare, "Yes, I've recently had to take over for most of the leadership of the Himejima Clan."
I tilt my head wondering why she would have to. Surely they have a bunch of elders to deal with the actual running of the clan. "What did you take my advice and wipe out all your dissenters or something?"
Suzaku blushes and looks away and I beam with pride. "No way! This is amazing! You have to tell me everything. You burnt them all to death, right? Wait describe their screams and don't leave out any detail."
"Can we not talk about this?" She pleads, sounding quite conflicted that I'm praising her. Shinobu looks as though she feels awkward at the topic as well, and Seiryuu looks disgusted. Senzaemon is too busy brushing his horse's mane to react, though we wouldn't see his reaction anyway.
Ah right, most people probably wouldn't react positively to her killing a large portion of her clan. Tch, those people are what I like to call boring.
"If you're uncomfortable then sure, I can back off." Suzaku looks surprised that I let the topic go and I barely manage not to pout. I can be aware of the feelings of others and act accordingly every once in a while!
With that juicy topic bared from my grasp -though I will find out the details later- I'm left wondering what to do instead.
'Scope out the competition. You were never told you couldn't.' I grin in response to Byakko's suggestion. That is the best idea I've heard today!
"I'll see you guys when this thing starts!" I wave lazily as I head off toward the nearest group to ours.
Shinobu squawks in surprise and Senzaemon laughs saying something along the lines of, 'As expected of my rival.' I ignore that and pray to my benevolent goddess that I misheard because being his rival sounds like a headache.
I say the nearest group but none of the various delegations are situated near each other.
I'm not exactly surprised given how we're from separate nations and there are different Pantheons of deities present. If nations can't get along easily, the deities that embody those nations would have as difficult if not more difficult a time getting along.
As I get closer I focus my Ki sense on the group to scope them out even as I scan them with my eyes for any notable features.
My first observation is that they have a Sage with Ki reserves comparable to mine. The young man must be a representative given his age and he has short brown hair, sharp features, and is wearing ancient Chinese armour. The most telling feature though is the tail wrapped around his waist like a belt.
I'm not truly surprised that Bikou would be present today but his presence wasn't something I had thought of before now.
My attention is then diverted by the 'smaller' signature beside Bikou, watching him chat with the rest of his group. I say he has a smaller Ki signature than Bikou but upon recognizing the figure I know for certain that he's simply hiding his strength. Standing at a diminutive metre tall with long golden hair, a golden band around his forehead, and wearing a monk's cassock and prayer beads in none other than Sun Wukong.
I don't even bother looking at the rest of Bikou's group and make a beeline straight to The Great Sage. As I approach he tilts his sunglasses down and I see his fiery golden-red eyes regard me curiously.
So cool!
Honestly, if he looked more like Bikou instead of a short old man, I'd be tempted to make a pass at him. The original monkey king in his youth would be universally sexy and I'm almost glad he chooses to appear as an old man.
I mean, if he looked like a young man I'd be willing to hold his Ruyi Jingu Bang. Just saying.
Bikou notices my approach and smirks straightening out his hair, "Hello, beautiful. If you've come to scout out the competition, you have a good eye for power."
I ignore him and continue to his ancestor, stopping in front of him, "Hello! Can I have your autograph, sir?"
I thrust out a piece of paper towards Sun Wukong while Bikou sweatdrops, "Of course, young lady. Who should I make this out to, hm?"
"Ibaraki, please. I'm a big fan of yours. Especially how you defeated the entire army of the heavens by yourself!" I sigh happily, imagining the chaos the image invokes.
'Tone back the hero worship a bit, cub.' Byakko grumbles.
"Haha, yeah, those were the days." He sighs wistfully before glancing at me shrewdly, "My life is better now though as a free geezer. You'd do well not to try and recreate my feats; that path only leads to either death or solitude."
I wave away the accusation in his words easily, "I'm not going to pick a fight with everyone. Only those who would be willing to fight me. I enjoy fighting, not senseless cruelty."
I pause for a moment then tag on a caveat, "Well... I'll also go after anyone who deserves it. This is hardly the time to make enemies of the entire world even if I like fighting. Tenuous it is, this peace we are in is fragile."
"Not a terrible outlook. I'll admit that when rumour reached my ears that the Oni were emerging again I had expected something different from their leader." He smiles and it's pretty nice to make a good impression on someone like this.
I nod in agreement because it is a fair assumption. My ancestors were royal assholes.
"I like to think I moderate my impulses fairly well. As I said, I'm a fan of yours so I can recognize the need for restraint at times even if I enjoy my freedom." He strokes his beard and smiles.
"Hm, I see." And he does, how could he not given his history, "Well, I'll leave you to chat with your peers."
"The younger generation should interact with each other, not focus too much on what us old fogies are doing." He glances over to where the other members of his Pantheon are chatting before starting to head that way.
"I'll see you around, little lady." Sun Wukong walks off at a pace that looks slow but he covers an absurd amount of ground with each step.
I glance down at the autograph he left me and squee internally. He signed it so fast and I was too busy talking to him to really look at it but the calligraphy is amazing. He even cast a spell on it to protect it for me as well as transmuting the paper into an awesome scroll!
'Just drop it in here and I'll find a place to set up your new shrine to the old man.' Byakko snarks and for a moment I debate the merits of enshrining this. At the very least I can pass it down to future generations.
'Please act like you have some dignity.' Fine, we'll see if you get to gaze upon this treasure.
"Are you okay? Do you need to take some time in private after that?" I turn my attention back to Bikou who is making a flicking motion. Rude.
"Yeah, sorry. It isn't every day you get to meet the Victorious Fighting Buddha." I scratch my neck sheepishly as my new treasure vanishes into my mindscape.
"Actually it kind of is." Bikou fires back and it startles a laugh from me.
"Good point, dude. My name is, Ibaraki, it's a pleasure to meet the current Monkey King." I greet him with a kung fu salute because it seems like the gesture least likely to be a major faux pas.
He returns the gesture with a smile, "A pleasure to meet you as well, Ibaraki. I'm glad you recovered so soon after meeting my ancestor."
My lips twitch in amusement, "I didn't mean to skip over you all like that but come on."
Bikou barks out a laugh and puts his arm around my shoulder leading me to the rest of his group who are watching the proceedings with varying degrees of amusement. "Come, come, let me introduce you to everyone."
He points me to his nearest companion, "This here is my good friend, Wang Chongyun, the current Roc Demon King."
In contrast to Bikou's nearly human appearance, Wang Chongyun's looks fall far closer to his avian roots. Though given Bikou is a monkey, I suppose he shouldn't look too inhuman.
The Roc Demon King is shirtless first of all, unlike the armoured Bikou, and the back of his arms, neck, and the top of his head are covered in blue and purple feathers. The feathers around his neck and atop his head form a long mane similar to hair and his facial features are distinctly avian. Thankfully he's wearing pants, even if they cut off at the knee to show more feathers behind his calves.
Overall, he's definitely built for speed rather than power but looks can be deceiving.
"A pleasure." He says simply, crossing his arms and giving a sharp nod.
I flash him a grin before Bikou moves to the next person. "This cold beauty is the direct disciple of the Frozen Lotus Immortal, the Frostfire Daoist Yu Wei."
She is stunning, simple as that. White hair, a pale complexion, light blue eyes, and a touch of blue eye shadow to make the colour of her eyes stand out even more. She has flowers made of ice laced through her hair and is wearing a flowing white daoist robe.
Cold beauty sums her up fairly well… or Chinese Elsa.
Dammit! now I'm not going to be able to think of her as anything else.
She glares at Bikou then gives me a sympathetic glance and a small smile, "Don't let him flirt with you too much, he's freshly engaged and needs to learn not to."
Bikou's arm around my shoulder tenses causing me to laugh, "He's not really my type anyway."
I toss her a wink and she blinks in confusion. Ah, a sheltered woman.
Bikou groans having seen my wink and the remaining man who hasn't been introduced laughs. He's a mountain of a man, with an even larger bow strung over his shoulders. He also has a club attached to his waist which is his backup weapon from the looks of things. He looks to be a year or two older than me and Bikou but that could just be the facial hair, of which he has a lot.
"Barking up the wrong tree again, Bikou." The Monkey King sputters in embarrassment and I lean forward intrigued.
"Just last month we were journeying across the countryside and met a local river goddess. My friend, Bikou, couldn't resist flirting with her. She demures politely but Bikou doesn't take the hint. Not more than a few moments after the goddess' wife appears and drops the whole river on him." I break out into laughter along with the man telling the story while Bikou sulks despondently.
"Ah, that was great." The mountain of a man wipes a tear from his eye.
He straightens up and pounds his chest with a fist, "Apologies for the late introduction. My name is Feng Meng."
My eyes narrow and dart between him and his bow. I recognize the name vaguely... My actions, however, kill his mood and cause him to sigh, "No you don't need to expect imminent betrayal. I may be the reincarnation of Houyi's disciple but I would like to think I'm a good person."
Bikou's eyes narrow as though referencing the humiliation he just underwent while I wave my hands in denial. "Whoa, dude, I wasn't insinuating anything. I just had difficulty placing the name even if it was vaguely familiar. It isn't like you heard my name and immediately assumed I would kill and eat you."
He relaxes a touch and flashes me a grateful smile, "I forget that the same stigma my name carries doesn't apply so much to foreigners."
"Just have an archery competition with me after this and we can call it even." I grin at him even as I look around to see where their final member is.
"Shouldn't you guys have five people here?" Yu Wei frowns in confusion while Feng Meng smiles.
"The powerhouses and their disciples in our country are more secretive than other countries. We were all surprised that four of us showed up. A Daoist Immortal's disciple is especially uncommon." Bikou nods along to the explanation while Chongyun continues for the archer.
"There is also the fact that not just anyone would be chosen for the opportunity to slay dragons. It is quite the privilege to be able to feast on dragons." The Roc demon grins and I find myself mirroring the expression.
"Yes! You're finally speaking my language!" We share a quick fist bump even as Yu Wei looks between us with mild disgust.
I glance at Bikou and see he is also less than enthused by the idea, "Ah, I'm a vegetarian sorry."
"Feng Meng, help me out here. Dragon's are good eating, right?" The bulky archer chuckles while shaking his head.
"Dragon meat is poisonous to most humans. My apologies, friend, but I don't think I can back you up." I click my tongue while moving closer to Chongyun.
He smirks and we both look at the others with disdain. "Such weakness. I had expected better from our peers."
"So then, new best friend, are we going to be eating the dragon meat raw or cooked?" I hook our arms at the elbows and hear Bikou gag causing my grin to widen. I'm especially glad that I came over here now.
After thoroughly grossing out Bikou and Yu Wei by debating whether a water dragon counts as fish or snake when used in dishes, I said some quick goodbyes before moving on. As enjoyable as it was to talk to them, I want to see who else showed up to this event. Now that I've seen Bikou it makes me wonder who else I could run into here.
The only person I'm glad I didn't run into is Cao Cao. With Sun Wukong being present and still being Indra's vanguard, there was a possibility of Cao Cao being present on Indra's orders. If that were the case I might have tried to kill him right here and now.
Sure that would have meant the removal of a future threat -provided I was able to kill him before someone stopped me- but the political issues would have been a nightmare. Even with Cao Cao's methodology and views in the series Indra still favoured him, as nonsensical as that is. I still have no idea what Indra's goals were in canon since his actions were all over the place.
And my mood is soured.
'Don't think about useless things then.' Always the voice of reason, Byakko. Though we shall see whether I share any dragon meat with you if you continue with the attitude.
The next group I approach is only two people which is unexpected. Sure, I had lowered the number I was expecting since meeting the Chinese delegates but isn't this too pronounced a difference?
There is a slim Asian woman with brown hair wearing clothing that is of a style I don't quite recognize and chewing on some odd plant stem. It isn't a clothing style my mother has spoken about at least. I can tell she's a god but she doesn't seem all that powerful if I'm being honest. To the point that I could probably take her in a fight; or not lose at the very least.
Some local earth goddess maybe? She isn't part of the Chinese or Japanese delegations so Korean?
The other is a young man who looks to be a simple martial artist. He's wearing a simple hoodie and some rolled-up blue jeans while standing casually. He has enough Ki to be able to use Touki so he could conceivably do something. I shouldn't make assumptions I guess, for all I know he's a master magician who is hiding his power.
"Hello! My name is Ibaraki from the Japanese delegation." I give a small bow towards the elder of the two.
"Nice to meet you, kid." The woman smiles, speaking without removing the stem. "The name is Ungnyeo."
I don't recognize the name but I nod as though I do. I look at the young man with her but notice he's wearing headphones under his hoodie. He is completely dead to the world there isn't he?
Ungnyeo sighs and jerks her thumb at him, "My ward's name is Haneul Park, not that he can hear us. Ugh, kids these days have no respect."
"Sorry if this is offensive but why are you two here if you only brought one person?" Ungnyeo waves away my apology easily.
"No offence taken, it's a valid question. Mostly we had to send someone considering where we are." She must notice my blank look because she elaborates.
"We're on Jeju island, kid. It would be bad form to use a Korean island as the venue and not have anyone from our country representing us."
Ah, that makes a lot of sense and I say as much, "I had been wondering where Susanoo dropped me off."
Ungnyeo gives me a look of pity, "Not the best sponsor you could have gotten but you made it here in one piece so he must not hate you."
I grin victoriously at her as I puff up in pride, "I made friends with his mother before he could seriously contemplate killing me. I'm untouchable now!"
She snorts and shakes her head in wry amusement.
"You're either a genius or insane." She gives me another once over then pauses, "Or both."
"Is Haenul over there going to speak or are you going to fill me in on him?" I take a glance at the boy who is still spaced out with his headphones on.
"I'll have to do it. If I shut his music off he would want to fight you and now isn't the time or place." The Korean goddess sighs though she looks like she finds it funny instead of annoying.
"His name is Haenul Park as I said already and his hobbies are martial arts. He comes from a long line of freakish martial artists and when he found out he could test his skills against dragons he wouldn't take no for an answer." My smile becomes more genuine hearing that.
I look back at Ungnyeo with a feral grin, "He's strong then?"
She raises a brow before facepalming, "Everyone is a damn battle maniac these days. Yes, the kid is strong and no you can't fight him now. Just visit Gwangju sometime after this spectacle is over, I'll bring you to his families dojo."
"Thanks, Ungnyeo!" I pump my fist victoriously as she groans.
"Just go bother the Norse or something." She shoo's me off and I take my leave, heading unerringly toward the very nordic looking individuals off in the distance.
It doesn't make sense to me that I'm the only one mingling with the other factions. Even if you just want to scout out the competition that would be better than sitting around in your own group waiting.
'Perhaps the others are simply not social bulldozers.' I try to pout and be offended but the conjured mental image is far too hilarious.
'Fair enough, buddy.' My laughter carries me all the way to the Norse contingent and I don't even have to paste a smile on because of it.
The Norse gods don't seem to be nearby so they're either concealing themselves or talking to some of the other deities here. The Norse only have three participants in my age group who regard me curiously as my laughter stops.
Two burly men one blonde one red-haired and both with long hair and bushy beards make up two-thirds of the group. The redhead is wearing a bear pelt over rough pants and his body is covered in scars. Curiously he isn't carrying a weapon but then again he might not need one. The blonde in contrast is wearing a set of leather armour and wielding a long axe, he also has a shortsword in a scabbard on his belt.
The third member is a strikingly familiar white-haired woman in full valkyrie armour, none other than Rossweiss. She isn't carrying a weapon but given her feats of magic in canon, she is the weapon.
"Haha, what did I say brother! The ladies of this land would come to us before long. No woman can withstand their lust when faced with a proper Norseman." The blonde cheers to his redhead friend.
"Of course, Orrin! These women have wept long enough praying for our arrival. Today we shall begin showing them the pleasures denied to them. We shall begin with this woman here! What say you, fair maiden?" They grin at me with open arms and my lips twitch.
I make to respond to their 'generous invitation', Rossweiss, however, beats me to the punch.
"You scoundrels cease your l-lewd provocations at once! We have been trusted to represent our faction by Lord Odin, with Lord Vidar even personally leading this expedition. At the very minimum if you can't act with dignity for your own sake do it for our leaders!" I'm shocked at Rossweiss' tirade not having remembered her much from canon.
Wasn't she a gag character or something?
The two men in unison turn to her and speak in a dry tone as though stating the obvious, "You're just jealous."
Ah, there's the gag.
Rossweiss flushes in indignation but takes the high road and ignores them. "I apologize for their rudeness and hope this embarrassing display will not reflect poorly on your perception of the Norse."
"It's fine really. If they looked like you I might have even been tempted." I flash Rossweiss a grin as she flushes for an entirely different reason.
I look to the two men who are disappointed yet already recovering their good cheer, "My name is Ibaraki and I'm one of the Japanese representatives."
I wink at Rossweiss then grin at the other two, "It's a pleasure to meet one of you."
"I like this one, brother. She's got spirit!" The redhead says to the previously identified Orrin.
"Sassy enough to be made into a proper shieldmaiden, that's for sure Agnar. She even has the guts to flirt with the 'Valkyrie-who-has-never-had-a-boyfriend.' " Wow, he said that epithet out loud.
"If she's not careful our Rossweiss might cling on to her thinking this is her only chance of getting married." I almost chuckle at the absurdity of that claim, instead biting my tongue to stop myself.
Rossweiss is rapidly growing angrier and sparks of magic are coming off her. I clap to get their attention, "Right, enough of that."
"I just came over to introduce myself and check out who the other factions brought along. I hadn't planned on being dragged into whatever this is." I start walking away only to stop and turn around.
"I hope you two are half as skilled at fighting as you are at running your mouths, otherwise Rossweiss will be the only one from your faction worth a damn. Later."
I ignore their shouts and provocations and begin heading back to where Susanoo dropped me off.
Enough socializing, time to get serious.