--Hattori Compound, Research, and Development wing--

Shelty leaned against the wall, eyes closed in thought as the analyst lit a cigarette and took a puff.

“So, would you care to fill me in?” he pressed again. “In all my years. I have never seen anything quite like this.”

“It’s still a little hazy,” Shelty started. “Only recently have memories of my ‘birth’ begun to return. I believe the awakening of my ‘siblings’ triggered it.”

The analyst, whom Shelty had come to know as Dr. Fukoda, leaned back in his chair.

“There are more of you?” he asked.

Shelty nodded. “We were created as a part of Draconia’s Project APEX. We were an experiment to see if super soldiers could be created by fusing them with what they called APEX cells, the extracted essence of spirits. There were five of us, I was the fourth to be created. Sometime during the countless experiments and tests, my body became possessed by...something and...well that's all I remember. Next thing I know, I’m on the street until Satoru finds me.

Fukoda sat in stunned silence. “Impossible. I’ve heard of cloning technologies sure, but to create an entire being...” He looked up at the blonde girl. “Those markings on your body, may I see a few?” He asked. Shelty hesitantly obliged as she rolled up one of her sleeves exposing her arm, covered in her trademark markings. Fukoda, traced his finger over the symbols as he examined them closely.

“I’m sure you know these aren’t any mere tattoos,” he remarked. Shelty scoffed at the observation.

“Of course, not too many babies come equipped with rad ink like mine. I always remember having them but I don’t know why,” she said.

“These are alchemical formulas, binding whatever it is they made you with to this human form. They were using alchemy to create super soldiers. Even still, to perform it on this level…must have required unprecedented sacrifice. A lump formed in Shelty’s throat. She was quite aware that her existence was far from natural, yet she did not know the price of which was paid for by countless innocent souls long past...

--Heart of Darkness, 8 pm--

Dusk had crept upon the old Hattori fortress, torches lit the perimeter of the open-air dueling ground as the two combatants stood opposite each other. Yuko stood amongst the group of spectators lining the ring as Hisayo and Hisui stood opposite each other. Tenri stepped out from the crowd, preparing to address them.

“The right for the title of Clan Head has been challenged, and shall be decided by combat.” He spoke. “It shall take place between two combatants and no others. “Weapons may be used but no powers or spirits may aid you in this fight. You will continue until your opponent is dead, as is our tradition. Combatants present yourself!”

Hisui stepped forward, her deadly looking spear in her hand, a confident smirk on her face. “I Hisui Hattori, daughter of Tenri, guardian of the forest and master of the seas, issue this challenge!”

“Do you have a witness to your claim?” Tenri asked. At this point, the red-haired Annya stepped forward.

“I, Annya Hattori, sworn protector of the House of Tenri, will bear witness to my master's claim.”

Tenri nodded and looked to Hisayo.

“I, Hisayo Hattori, daughter of Genbu, Clan leader and wielder of the solar flame, defend my title!” Unlike Hisui, Hisayo’s eyes had steeled with laser-like focus her resolve written on her face.

“And your witness?” At this point Yuko made her way through the crowd, muttering hushed “excuse me’s and sorry’s” as she pushed her way to the open.

“I-I Yuko Hiragi guest of the Hattori, bear witness to our Lady’s defense.” Yuko’s face flushed red with embarrassment. Hisayo had explained the nuances of the challenge and the traditional posturing that needed to take place before, but she had expected the event to be a bit less….public. If she didn’t feel like an outsider before, the hundreds of eyes on her as she recited those words literally made her feel as if she stood out from the crowd. Tenri stepped forward to say a few more words as Yuko scooted next to Hisayo who was examining the sword she had been given to fight with.

“Such a flimsy little thing,” She scoffed. “I suppose it will have to do.”

“Aren’t you the least be nervous?” Yuko asked. “I mean if I heard correctly, only one of you will leave here alive.”

“That’s right,” Hisayo nodded.

“How can you be ok with that? How can he be ok with that? He might lose his daughter tonight! Or YOU might die!” Yuko said in a harsh whisper. “Is this how things are always settled between you people?”

Hisayo shrugged “For matters of this magnitude this is the only way.” Before Yuko began to ready herself for another protest when Hisayo placed a hand on her shoulder, giving it a reassuring squeeze.

“You are about to witness one of the most ancient traditions in this world from one of the most ancient societies in the world Ms. Hiragi, there are many journalists who would kill to be in your position,” She said as she turned her back to Yuko. Hisui on the opposite end of the ring twirled her spear and began to take a few steps forward before stopping before a white line. “Watch, as I take my family back,” Hisayo stepped forward stopping at the white line opposite Hisui.

“Combatants, ready?”

Hisui raised her spear and Hisayo her blade. Yuko stood amongst the silent crowd. The air filled with tension as the fighters awaited the signal, like to rockets ready to explode upon take off.

“Begin!”

With a clang of steel and a mighty gust of wind, the battle had begun.

--

The sparks illuminated the area like fireworks as the two women clashed. Hisui’s ferocious assault was met by Hisayo’s confident defense. Hisui’s spearhead lashed out like a viper, sending inhumanly fast probes at Hisayo’s form, trying to exploit or create an opening. She grit her teeth as she was continuously forced on the defensive by Hisui’s spear. “Tch, she’s keeping me at range. Guess, this isn’t going to be easy after all.” The woman leaped back avoiding a wide sweep meant to take off her legs. She kept her guard up and took the momentary reprieve to regather herself. Even with their powers taken out of the equation, Hisui’s fighting skill was still slightly higher, and the fact that she wielded a long-range weapon made her a difficult opponent. Hisui dashed forward, closing the distance in less than a heartbeat, spear narrowly missing Hisayo’s head who managed to sidestep at the last moment, receiving only a scratch on the cheek. To her surprise, Hisui grabbed her and flipped her over her shoulder, slamming her hard on the ground, she quickly tumbled to her feet to avoid the spear tip that slammed in the ground right her head would have been. Hisayo was forced on the defensive once again, dodging and ducking the deadly swipes.

“Is running all you can do runt?” Hisui gloated as she pressed her assault. “Once a coward, always a coward. Another clang as their weapons clashed, the friction heating the steel of their blades causing them to glow molten. Hisui ceased pushing, the sudden change of force causing Hisayo to fall forward off balance. She twirled her spear striking the incumbent leader in the side of the head, the force sending Hisayo tumbling to the other side of the ring, her sword clanging as it separated from her grasp. Hisui fished the blade from the ground with her spear and tossed it outside of the ring. She pointed her spearhead at the downed Hisayo.

“Is this truly the best you can do?” She shouted circling the woman like a hungry predator.

“Your father, condemning us to remain in the dark of these woods. Forcing me to a lifetime of servitude, the rivers of this forest my only contact to the outside! All because he feared I would grow stronger than his precious children. It ends today! I will take my rightful place as leader and free us from this abyssal prison!” She lunged forward looking to run her through, Hisayo caught the sharp tip between her palms, blood began to flow from her hands as the razor sharp blade, tore into her skin as she struggled to keep the spear at bay.

“Oh, shut up!” Hisayo snarled. The weapon shot past as Hisayo rushed forward, catching her assailant by surprise. She grabbed hold of the spear with one hand and used the other deliver a devastating elbow strike to the chin of her opponent, she followed it with a powerful hook that knocked Hisui flat on her back, wrenching the spear from her grasp. Hisui tumbled over her face twisted in anger.

“We’ve ALL suffered!” she said as Hisui charged her again she countered with an open palm strike to her chest, sending her flying backward and knocking the wind from her chest.

“We’ve ALL been wronged!” Hisui shakily rose to her feet.

“Lies! You, have gotten everything you’ve ever wanted! Despite your weakness, despite your flaws, NO MORE!” Hisui charged again,

--

Yuko was on pins and needles watching the display. Up until this point, Hisayo Hattori had been the scariest person she had ever met. The recent events had shown her that there were monsters out in the world that were still to be feared, Hisui being one of them. She was anxious. She was worried about Hisayo. It made no sense. This was the same woman who had on two separate occasions nearly burned her alive, and whose specter loomed over Yuko no matter where she was. It was becoming clear that the once stoic woman was warming up to her though, as she didn’t feel the same “make a wrong move and I’ll kill you” vibes from her as much lately.

“If Hisayo loses now, what will happen to me?” Yuko thought. She was certain she knew the answer, a lump forming in her chest as her mortality once again became ever apparent.

--

Hisui centered herself, calming her rage and reigning in her emotions. She took on her own fighting stance and mirrored Hisayo before the two charged each other. The sounds of fists and feet colliding filled the air as they fought. Their movements, which used to be too fast for Yuko to see, were now slowing to be within her realm of perception, which meant they were getting tired. The battle would be over soon. Hisayo began to gain the upper hand her blows beginning to connect through her opponent's guard. She managed to maneuver herself behind Hisui, locking her in a devastating chokehold. Her cousin struggled as she attempted to throw Hisayo off, but to no avail. She struggled and clawed until she could struggle no more and Hisayo released her grip and Hisui dropped limply to the ground. Hisayo dropped to her knees breathing raggedly as the spectators erupted in whispers. The match had been decided. Tenri approached the unconscious Hisui with a bowl of burning incense and wafted the vapors in front of her face. A few moments later she awoke with a long gasp of air. She looked around initially confused before the reality of the situation hit her.

“Impossible..” She said softly, shaking her head in disbelief.

“It is decided. Victory belongs to Hisayo Hattori, she shall retain the title of Clan Leader.” Tenri announced from the center of the ring. He looked at his fallen daughter not bothering to hide the disappointment in his eyes. “The price for defeat is death.”

Hisayo nodded as she caught her breath and managed to stand to her feet. She walked towards Hisui who was still muttering softly still in denial of the situation. She grabbed her by the chin and forced Hisui to look at her, she wanted her to watch, to acknowledge her better before she snuffed out her life. A flash of fear crossed Hisui’s face before returning to stoic defiance. She was stubborn even in the face of her executioner.

“Go ahead..do it. Kill me and follow in the footsteps of your wretched father! Put me down like the beast I am!”

Hisayo covered her opposite hand in a curtain of flames. They burned wildly before they began to condense and the color changed from orange to white signifying the intensity of the heat, her hand now a solid glowing mass of plasma. Hisui did not flinch, she gave Hisayo one last glare before closing her eyes and accepting her fate. She could feel the intense heat begin to dry the air, she could feel the moisture drying from her skin. It wouldn’t be long until…

‘THWACK’ Hisui yelped as a sharp stinging pain struck her forehead, catching her off guard causing her to stumble backward.

“I’m not going to kill you, you idiot!” Hisayo shouted. “Despite your behavior, despite your hatred for me, you’re still my cousin!”

“Just, the one you keep locked in the shadows like a monster I’v--”

“Look around you! You’re not the only one that's down here Hisui! I nearly even locked my own daughter down here for god’s sake!” Hisayo let out a deep breath and ran a frustrated hand through her hair.

“If you don’t agree with my decisions or my motives, that's fine! I never claimed to be the poster child of good decisions or temperance; But cease this nonsense about being singled out!” Hisayo stood over her with her hands on her hips. The fiery hand of death was long gone and the only thing left in its place was a normal one, outstretched, offering to help her cousin up.

“You are a Hattori. You’re MY blood...and I’m going to need you. ALL of you by my side.” She stood to address the crowd. “Now I know that I have no lack of ire here, but I have come here today to honor my family, that includes you all. I am sorry. You all have been confined to the darkness for far too long, and I know how it looks. How it looks like I lord over you from our compound on the mountain, but I want you to know that I have not forgotten you all. It took years, but I managed to find the binding seal within my father's tomb.” Hisayo held up a glowing gem, inside of it housed a cloudy substance.

“Today, you are free,” She heated the inside of her hand with her fire until the gem began to melt and crack, eventually the gem shattered sending a shockwave through the woods. Soon after, shadowy apparitions began to rise out of the bodies of all the Hattori present and dissolve into the sky. Murmurs of awe and wonder began to fill the air as each of them felt their individual shackles being broken. The air itself began to brighten until the light of the full moon bathed the clearing in a beautiful, gentle, light.

“What...what is this light?” Annya asked in wonder, shielding her sensitive eyes from the gentle rays.

“Moonlight...how long has it been since I have seen it?” Tenri said as he stared into the sky. Hisui looked at her hands, then around at her brightening surroundings, her brethren reveling in being returned to the light. She felt tears begin to form in her eyes.

“Hisayo..you-”

“I came every year. Every year I searched the deepest, darkest reaches of these woods I scoured all of our texts and raided my own father and mother's tomb, but I spent all my time here looking for a way to get you all back.” She placed a hand on Hisui’s shoulder. “I said, I need you. We have all suffered at the hands of my father, and I promised myself I would not be the same so please.” She pulled her cousin close and embraced her in a hug.

“Support me Hisui, I need your strength”. She felt warm dampness on her shoulders as the hug was returned.

“As you wish...Leader.”

--Oshan, Draconian embassy--

Athena tried her best to suppress a growl as she walked through the embassy halls. The passers-by gave her a wide berth as she marched. Already giving off an intimidating aura, the new experimental armor she and her siblings had been provided with made them even more menacing. It was an all-black suit of armor that fit around her slender form perfectly, yet afforded the protection of the heaviest of equipment. It came with a regal helmet and flowing black cape, that when the full suit was worn she looked like an imposing knight of death. Good. She hated being in such close proximity with these insects, unfortunately, she was under strict orders not to squash these ones. She hated humans. She hated their weak, frail bodies, she hated their salty, sweaty smell, she hated them all. Though, she didn’t know why. It was a hatred that seemed as natural to her as the air she breathed. All except Father, whom she was here to see. Just as she rounded the corner to the meeting room and was sharply bumped into by a young intern carrying a stack of files. The papers scattered on the floor as she scattered down to pick them up.

“Oh my god, I’m so sorry!” She said as she attempted to gather the scattered documents. Athena summoned all of her restraint to keep from smearing the walls with the girl's blood. She managed a stoic expression as she responded

“Just watch where you’re going next time,” She growled leaving the girl to pick up her own papers and entered the office of William Douglass. She found him lost in his monitors, as usual, the design of some new project flickered off is screen as her heavy footfalls alerted him to her presence.

“You wanted to see me?” removing her helmet and tucking it under her arm.

“Ah, yes. I heard from Omega-2 that you had made contact with your missing sibling.

“I did. I didn’t think our neural connections would still be active after all this time...but It turns out it works fine. I don't know where she is though, she broke my connection before I could pinpoint anything.” She answered.

“Do you think you could do it again?” He asked, hands clasped in front of his face.

“You..want to find her? Why? We don't need her! I’m better! Isn’t that why you made me?” Athena became increasingly agitated. Duncan disregarded his creations anger, it seemed it was forgetting what it truly was.

“On the contrary, we DO need her. She was special, she was perfect and my greatest success. She is integral to the renewed strength of our empire and we must do everything in our ability to retrieve her. Am I clear?”

Athena gritted her teeth, keeping her frustration at bay. “What...do you need me for then?” She uttered weakly.

“Ah, yes” Duncan pulled up a map on one of his monitors. “I’m planning an expedition to the Xai region soon. There are some..artifacts that I need to retrieve from the area. I would like you and Ares to accompany me, and while we are there we will re-acquire your sister. I need you to retry to establish a link so we can pinpoint her location.” The area showed a mountainous region with a small town on the edge of a vast forest.

“She shut me out, I don’t know if the same trick will work twice,” Athena admitted. Disappointment flashed across Duncan’s face before he reverted to his usual calm.

“No matter,” he sighed. “There is more than one way to bait a beast. Don’t trouble yourself with the details for now, I will brief you on the full details before long but for now, you are dismissed.” No sooner had he finished his statement did he return to his work typing away at his computer. Athena stood there silently, wanting to speak but words failed her.

“Father..I..”

“I really must be getting back to work now. Please, excuse yourself,” Duncan interrupted leaving Athena no other choice but to bottle her concerns, silently leaving the room. She left with a foreign feeling, something she thought she would never be able to feel. A slight resentment

toward her father, and a lingering sadness that would begin to grow ever stronger.