Inside the Phoenix Household. (Part 7)

Kindly they let me wear a garment that exudes flicker.

Watching them I knew something was out of order.

As their gazes always make me wonder.

I look at myself trying to be proper.

I readjust the soft reverse mail that tightens on my waist along with the thin wrap-around cloth that reaches past my toes. At least the first layer of clothing is much lighter now. The right pauldron with a phoenix decor and red scarf that's wrapping my upper body with the edge being hold by a biting phoenix head.

(This actually looks very nice but it's so hard to walk).

"Are you sure this is a male garment?"

Yuria nods ecstatically to my question saying:

"Yes of course! It suits you the best!"

I look at Saya who now wears something similar to me but with a long sash instead of a pauldron. I look at her for approval but she ignores me and continues to walk along with a wry smile on her face.

"You look fine Sova."

Saya finally speaks with her back turns on me. I nod at her saying:

"Thanks."

"Ahem."

Yuria clears her throat as she gathers our attention.

"Alright, we're getting close to the throne room where Mistress Yuwei resides."

"Oh, Finally!"

As she said that, we arrive at a grand stairway leading above. There are rows of decorative pillars with an elegant phoenix statue beside each one. The long purple carpet that stretches down from the large double gate above till where we stand.

"Weird..."

Saya stops and voices her thoughts as she holds her chin. Stopping in my tracks I ask her:

"Hmm, what's wrong Saya?"

She shakes her head from my question saying:

"It's just weird. Usually, there would be royal guards guarding in this hallways but all I see is the phoenix statues instead. What's even weirder is the fact that their not even golems cause I sense no magic."

(Really? I mean if I have to be honest, I don't even remember what the royal palace looks like. Even though I have lived in here for a year).

I walk closer to her asking:

"Have you been in a royal palace before Saya?"

"No."

She shakes her head before folding her arms and continues saying:

"But the information I gather and the archive I read will always tell a heavily guarded throne room. Well, there's no point thinking. The Phoenix Sector have been isolated for almost a decade so it's not weird that things deviate."

I look at Yuria who is waiting for us near the stairs saying:

"Sorry for making you wait. Please lead us again."

"No, no, no, please don't apologize. I'm a maid so it's my job to wait and serve."

"Say that to the maid who left me back at the massage room."

Yuria lowers her head saying:

"Urk! I have nothing to say to that."

"C'mon Saya, stop that."

"Sorry, that just left me with a bitter experience and a surfacing bad memory."

I comfort Yuria saying:

"It's okay. Please just lead us for now."

Yuria nodded saying:

"Yes, as you wish!"

Ascending the huge stairs as I feel the statues watching me. The huge opulent gate filled with all kinds of decor and the most eye-catching is the giant phoenix that is opening its wings just above the gate.

(Now that I think about it, I don't think the entrance of the palace is like this).

The huge gate opens and a bright purple light shines upon us. Blinding me and making cover my eyes.

"Speak of the fallen."

I suddenly get pulled inside and drag to the ground. As I try to get up, I was quickly pinned down with a stomp in the back and felt something sharp touching the back of my neck.

"YEYE LIXUE, STOP THIS AT ONCE!!!"

Sis Yuwei's loud voice resound. Without being able to resist with a weapon behind me I lay down as I wait for what's to come.

"Be quiet Little Yu. Talking about something funny, I heard that this boy manage to capture Xueque?"

"Ah! That he did. And I'm very proud of him. It proves him helping us with our problem. Are you going to repay his kindness with such cruelty!?"

"Help? Are you sure he didn't collaborate and betray her in the end? I hope you also realize he killed- I mean spirited your mother away. And not only that, I'm sure the spirits told you that he actually use magic right? Which if you remember, he is an Owlian. And in addition to that, he then turns to a monster in the middle of the fight too, a sign of what those Zealots of the Theocracy called demonification. Or a maybe, a Monster King's corruption?"

"That's... The moment she got cursed by the monster king. She is not my mother anymore. As for Sova, I... I still believe in him. He's innocent."

There was silence for a moment. When Uncle Lixue breaks the silence saying:

"I don't know why you choose him over your mother or where you get your confidence little Yu but are you hiding something from us?"

*tock* *tock* *tock* *tock*

The sound of Yuwei's heels gets closer. A bright purple flame lights my surrounding. Not long after, great heat and pressure fill the room.

"LET ME REMIND YOU that I am the EMPRESS of the Phoenix Family. I can cut you right where you stand for churlishness and treason Commander Lixue. The things you blurt out of your mouth is questioning the ancestors wishes that you so willingly swore to follow and protect. I hope you know where you stand. So let him go or I shall purge you right where you stand."

Her cold words pierce through my skin and send shivers down my spine even as both the heat and pressure presses me down.

"Tch! Let him go!"

The heat and pressure disappear when Someone grabs my hand and helps me stand.

"Sorry young'un. It's nothing personal."

(That voice...)

"You're Gongzu?"

"Oh! I'm glad you remember someone like me young one. Now come, let me help you."

He brushes my clothes and sits beside the rows of elders and I could finally see the situation. There Sis Yuwei stands between the stairs that lead to a magnificent throne. With a phoenix decor while the pillars line up on the room with great spaces between them where hundreds of elders sit. Uncle Lixue stands in the middle across Sis Yuwei with a fancy robe that's more eye-catching than the elders.

He glances at me before looking at Yuwei saying:

"Then let me question your choices one last time and ask you this. Are you sure that he is that airhead and innocent Sova? From all we know, he might be an impostor. Lest you forgot what May said."

(The real me?)

"..."

"I may not like those Owlians but at least May and that green giant have proven herself to you, to us, and to everyone. That both of them is someone we need and essential to this Sector. And even if they got spit by the populace, the people still can't argue with the results they bring. I mean are they really gonna kick one of the five Special Rank Hunters in our Sector? Or are they going to kick one of the people who helped both races to make a truce and help with the coming of those refugees? Of course not! But for him? He's completely useless here. Other for his already controversial looks!

And the fact that "He" suddenly met you at the diner, where no one supposes to know other than the dying Orange Tigers and the Grey Reapers. And then, he holds the Grey Robes insignia and bringing another unknown individual that is a Bihai no less. While also surviving the Reliquary and much more with that Rana Song. Worst of all, he had the guts to betray the kindness you mother gave you!? He is the definition of suspicion Little Yu. Think about it!? Or is this another one of your intuition?"

(Suspicious... Me? I...)

"..."

"..."

They both suddenly got quiet. When Sis Yuwei walks closer to me asking:

"Are you okay Sova? It seems you've fixed your arm."

She pats both my cheeks and then my shoulders as to check me.

"I-I'm fine. And yes, it's thanks to a maid name Kanami."

Even with my answer, she tucks her knees in and pets my head. Showing a face of concern she holds my cheek and makes me face her.

"Kanami is it? Yes, I never knew her qi blocking ability is this strong. She will receive her bonus. Nonetheless, I'm Sorry, Sova."

Her hands were warm, maybe it was the remnants of the flame she disperses just now or her care but it makes me calm. I look up at her saying:

"I can assure you I am no Impostor."

She smiles and pets me asking:

"It's okay. I can tell."

(Huh? She can? Could she know the mysteries of my past- fake past?)

Yuwei stops caressing me and turns around shouting:

"The discussion is over, you can all return to your designated sectors now. And try to remind the others that it's almost time. And as for Tianzu, Ninel, and Sanki, you know the drill Yeye Gongzu. They're all yours."

"Yes, my Mistress! I'll make sure they will come! May the spirits be with you!"

"Yes, Maam! May the spirits guide you!"

They stand and clasp their hands, bowing before being engulfed in bright light and dissipate. Leaving only Uncle Lixue with a disgruntled look on his face when he says:

"I warned you Little Yu. May the spirit protect you."

And disappeared. Sis Yuwei takes a breather saying:

"Yes..."

And goes back sitting on her throne as she presses her forehead as if she got a terrible headache. Worried I try comforting her saying:

"Sis Yuwei, I'm-"

"Oh! I'm so happy you're okay!"

Yuria comes and hugs me tightly when she flinches and lets go of me. She quickly falls to her knees and bows down till her head hits the floor shouting:

"I'm so sorry!!! Please forgive this little one! Greetings and high praise to her majesty!"

Sis Yuwei smile and reply saying:

"Of course, please stand Yuria."

She stands up saying:

"Oh~ I thank her Majesty and is happy beyond belief that Her Majesty would remember this little one's name."

(Is this, suppose to be how to act in the presence of someone like Sis Yuwei? It's... Really overbearing).

"Of course, you're talking about a Lord of multiple Segmentums. Sometimes you have to do even more."

Saya explains and walks beside me in a calm manner.

"Then what about you?"

I ask her in my curiosity.

"Heh, I have no need to bow nor kowtow. I may be born in this city and as a noble at that. But as you can see, I have no allegiance."

"Oh? To be honest, I never really bow down like that... Should I do that now? I kinda feel bad seeing Yuria doing it by herself."

"You don't have to!"

Yuria interjects and walks closer to me.

"That's right. You're my sworn brother, so you really don't need to meddle on that stuff unless on foreign land. So what brings you to visit me, Sova?"

Sis Yuwei rests her head on her hand as she says that. I look up at her trying to meet our gaze saying:

"I-I just want to say sorry if I cause you any troubles... No, what Uncle Lixue said is true. I'm sorry I spirited your mother away... And don't you think he's right? How can you tell I'm not an impostor?"

"Hmm. As for how well that's a secret I have to keep."

She descends and stands infront of me saying:

"But other than that It's okay. You haven't done anything wrong. I may have some good times with her but at least I know that she died peacefully."

"O-oh? I've been meaning to ask but did you learn most of the things by speaking with the spirits?"

"Of course, you'll be surprised by how much they'll speak if they like you. But if you're wondering, that's not how I recognize you."

She caresses my head and continues saying:

"So, let me ask again. What brings you to meet me? Could it be about what I said back during breakfast? Talking about breakfast..."

She uses her other hand to open my headband and brush my hair aside. She touches the wounded part softly as I feel a little burn before placing her forehead just above mine. As I feel her breath she continues saying:

"I'm sincerely sorry Sova. It seems my impulses got the better of me once again.

Feeling my cheeks becoming hot, I back away shaking my head saying:

"It's okay Sis, if not for that I'll probably keep charging ahead without thinking. So that's why I'll explore this city and gain more knowledge about um... Tic? Tac? Tec-Yes! Technology! And then meet Sis Fei. I already ask Saya to help me be my guide too."

"Oh, I see..."

She walks past me and looks back at me with a caring smile saying:

"Come, let us stroll this palace together. We can speak as we travel. I hope you can serve us a bit longer Yuria."

Yuria bows shouting:

"Yes, of course! It is my pleasure!"

Sis Yuwei nodded and look past us saying:

"Hmm? Could it be..."

Sis Yuwei suddenly walks back to her throne and shouts:

"Jinyi!"

(Who?)

A great black tempest went behind me and blows away, making my clothes flutter infront. Surprise by this, I look back to see someone taller than me, that I have to look up. He stands close to Aunt's size if not taller. Wearing the same armour as Uncle Lixue but more grand and opulent with a huge kite shield on his right pauldron and a dark purple scarf wrap around his neck.

He looks down at me saying:

"Oh, sorry, please excuse me."

His voice sounds subtle and fleeting, which makes you wonder if someone else heard it?

"Ah, yes!"

(Wait, if Sis can summon him like that, why didn't she do it during the invasion?)

I reply back at him and back away when he walks infront of Sis Yuwei and,

*clank* *thunk*

He kneels down as his armour clamour and his kneel makes a sound, he clasps his hands saying:

"Greetings Mistress, is it perhaps my turn?"

Sis Yuwei nods and pulls out a black curve blade with a simple black sword with a red handle that is still sheathed inside. She raises the sword and flames gather around it in a swirl of purple flames and suddenly a creat that looks like a bird who eats its own wings form. And she presented it to him saying:

"Yes, you'll have the entire 87th, 234th, and 311th army at your disposal. Hunt both all the lingering spirits and remnants that haunt my realm."

He takes it with both hands saying:

"As you wish, my Mistress. Please excuse me."

He greeted goodbye and was quickly engulfed in black winds before disappearing. Sis Yuwei nods and starts walking down. Curious, I unconsciously ask:

"What was that about?"

Sis goes down and holds my shoulder saying:

"You'll know soon enough if you do travel like how I told you."

"Sis, I still don't understand."

She shakes her head saying:

"Then take your time."

And started walking again. I follow her and the other follows suit. Descending the stairs outside the throne room, I ask:

"Say, Sis?"

She looks at me replying:

"Yes, Sova?"

"Before I leave the Sector. Can I visit the people in my neighbourhood? Sure some may treat me poorly but there are still those who help me."

"Hmm... I see. I guess it's going to take a lot more time to get them to follow the rule. But hmmm..."

Sis Yuwei holds her chin in thought before saying:

"Yes, this could work too. I shall prepare the items and equipment both you and Saya will need."

"Really!? Thank you, Sis!"

She caresses my head saying:

"Of course," and look at Yuria saying, "Yuria come forth."

"Yes, My Mistress! What do you need of this little one?"

"Please go ahead and prepare the training ground."

"Why, yes! Of course! It'll be done before you know it! Please excuse me, my Mistress and Honoured Guests. May the spirits bless you."

Yuria bows and diverge from us. As she phases inside the wall leaving only Me, Sis Yuwei and Saya. Curious I ask:

"Training ground? Are you going to train?"

"Well yes, but it's for you."

"Huh? Really!? You'll train me?"

"Of course."

(Sis Yuwei is going to teach me now? Does that mean she's going to teach me how to summon those spirit weapons too? Hmm, and does that mean Sis Rubeca actually have spirit weapons too? And I can barely recall it but is the weapon I use against her mother considered a spirit weapon?)

As the questions storm my head. I unconsciously ask:

"Does that mean you're going to teach me how to summon a spirit-"

I stop mid-sentence and halt my steps.

(Wait... I just realize she's like a really important figure right now. Isn't she suppose to be very busy? Does she have time to train me? Did I disturb her back when she was with those elders?)

"What's wrong Sova?"

Sis Yuwei stop and look at me with worry. I look at her asking:

"I just realize, but aren't you a very busy person now? Do you really still have time for me?"

She suddenly pets me saying:

"What's gotten into you today? You don't need to worry about me. I was supposed to be free from work for work a few days ago for my exams but thanks to the emergence... Well, you get the point."

"But still!"

She messes my hair saying:

"No buts! Come now, let us bring our lost time these past years Do you not wish to?"

"I do! But-but-"

"Then shush and follow me now. You're one of the people I can be selfish with. So please don't take that away from me."

She grabs my hand and pulls me forward. Feeling her hands, It's warm just like May's. Without being able to resist I was forced to follow her. A memory of her dragging me to the garden surfaces. Seeing everyone gathering together as we all smile together while being bathed in the warm sun surrounded by walls of beautiful flowers.

(Here I thought both of them have changed. So do both May, Sis Rubeca and me).

"But I guess there are some parts that are always nice to remain the same."

As the surrounding go blur, Sis Yuwei laughs a little saying:

"Fufufu, of course!"

"Wha! Wait for meeee!?"

Saya shouts as she chases after us.

*************************************

As we arrive outside, I could see Yuria holding a staff on one hand and using the other to levitate a barrel and place it on the long table. As she saw us, Yuria suddenly panics and doubles her effort trying to quickly finish. Saya grabs the edge of my clothes saying:

"Huff, huff, what was that for!? Damn, I'm suddenly grateful that I train my stamina in the gutters."

Saya holds her knees as she takes a breather. Sis Yuwei looks at the tired Saya saying:

"Well, I'm glad that you at least have the stamina. If you're going to guide a Martial Artist then you better make sure you can keep up with them."

"Well Sorry! All the Martial Artist I guide back then were just makeup artist who knows nothing but their looks. Unlike real one who awakens by themselves. By the way, does anyone have any stamina potion? Or fatigue recovery at least?"

(Makeup? Artist? Real ones? So there's True Martial Artist like Yosova said, Traditional as Moriz says, the Regular probably someone like me and then there's Makeup Artist...?)

Curious I ask Saya:

"Wait, I'm getting even more confused. Makeup artist? What's that?"

"Huff, well they are people who didn't awaken real qi like yours but just meditate and using herbs and literal shit to live longer. Basically natural makeup."

(And here I thought with how Angie overreacted Martial Artist are a dangerous occupation that all warriors take a bet and succeeded to become stronger).

"I guess... I don't know what to say."

Sis Yuwei pets me saying:

"You don't need to. Now, I've been ignoring this for a while but why are you wearing a skirt?"

"Skirt?"

"Of course. But if you want to I won't stop you except if you went too far."

(For some reason I got the feeling I knew it deep inside).

She walks ahead to where the panicking Yuria is saying:

"The top can be used by both genders. Well, not many people use the scarf and pauldron anymore but those are usually used by men and captains in the last century. But your wrap-around skirt is called a skirt for a reason."

*sigh*

I sighed saying:

"Well, I just... I guess I'll wear distributed clothes then next time I got it."

"Don't be like that. Sometimes you just have to enjoy your one time experience. But enough chatter."

Sis Yuwei uses her right hand to open the barrel and grabs a wooden single curve edge blade with a red handle with a crossguard so small it makes you wonder why put it there in the first place?

"Now en garde! Show me the fruits of your labour."

"Wait, are we really going to start now? I mean I'm wearing a skirt and so are all of you."

"Well, I'm wearing sports shorts underneath and this dress may look like a fancy dress but it's a combat dress weave by turning metal to strings so it's flexible and durable. Coupled with multiple high-grade enchantments and blessings. To prevent assassinations- well it's for emergency battles."

(I feel like she just said something disturbing but...)

"What about me? I'm wearing a dress- formal clothing at least let me change."

"Well, I guess that is true. So strip off."

"Huh?"

"I said to strip off. You're a man, aren't you? What are you so ashamed of?"

"W-what! No, I'm... Besides, I don't want to strip anymore. I had enough!"

Sis Yuwei suddenly disappears and came out infront hugging me saying:

"Are you saying you've been strip before by somebody else!? And saying enough means you've been stripped multiple times... Sova, I... I'm sorry to hear that. I can only offer you condolences. I can't take your virginity back. I'm sorry! I... I'm sorry I can't help you when we're separated!"

She caresses my head and hugs me more tightly as she says that.

"What are you talking about!?"

(And Virgin? What's that?)

"Yes maybe wearing this dress is a little bit unfair. Yuria, bring us some training gear."

(Phew~ guess I'm not fighting naked).

Yuria who is levitating a huge shelf puts it down saying:

"Yes, Maam!"

And opens the shelf to reveal an array of thick white clothes, helmets, leather armours, and pauldrons. Sis Yuwei lets me go saying:

"Now come, let us change."

"What?"

She holds the collar of her dress and just pulls her clothes away. But instead of ripping, her dress was still okay. As I look at Yuwei, I realize she's wearing almost the same clothes as Sis Fei this morning. Her tank top which reveals a little of her rubber black upper garment and Sports Short revealing much of her jade white skin.

Unlike Sis Fei, Sis Yuwei looks even more mature, as her large chest makes her top to lift a little and show her belly button from time to time. Seeing her like this makes my face even warmer.

I quickly turn my back and squat down to avoid looking at her. Covering my face I can only think:

(Maybe hanging out with girls is seriously making me feel weird now. What's going on!? I wasn't like this a few years ago!)

"What's wrong Sova? Wear your gear- Wait... Could it be... I see I guess it's normal for someone your age? Hold on... Isn't such events suppose to happen a few years ago for you? Well, either way, I'm done changing, you can change now."

"What?"

I cover my face to hide my reddened cheeks and look up at her. Seeing her already wearing her gear she makes a gentle smile and walks away. I took a breath in and out before standing up.

"My Lord, let me help you. Here are your training garments and training clothes to help you move easier."

Yuria came to my side offering her help and clothes.

"No, it's okay. It's not the clothes like I'm wearing is- you know what? Please do. I scared that I might rip the clothes while I try to remove it.

"Yes, my pleasure!"

I reply to her back and as she helps me remove the clothes, Saya came beside me saying:

"Heh, I never knew you're the type to train like this. Looks can be deceiving I guess."

"Wait, what kind of impression do I give?"

"I don't really know how to describe it. Like since you're pretty cute and clean, act polite and sometimes flustered like a girl, plus that you can stand your ground and fight..."

"Wait, do I act like that?"

"Yes and you moan pretty cutely too!"

Yuria suddenly adds her thought as she helps me out. I feel my cheeks becoming hotter and the fact I can't cover it with my hands raise up, I can only look down to hide my face.

"Yes, just like the daughter of a merchant or a boss of a company. But who also knows how to defend herself. Who also turns out to be a man."

"Man? You must mean women dear guest. I mean sure she's pretending to be a man but just failed to do so."

Yuria says that after finishing, leaving me with only my undergarments. Saya unveils her tail and folds her arms saying:

"Really? Did you ever seen his front?"

"Well no, but-"

Saya makes a twisted smile saying:

"Then you're are horribly mistaken. I'm the one who has been held deeply in his arms as he pulls me in the bed. And I can assure you I felt something down there."

(This is the first time I've seen her make that face).

"Saya, I think you'll get her to misunderstand- UHYAAA!"

When suddenly I felt my private parts being grasped. I look down seeing Yuria holding it with a shocked and disbelief face.

"Nooo!"

I push her away and dash as far as I can. Without looking, I stop and look around seeing the entrance from whence I came. Alone, I cowered down near the pillar of the entrance.

"That's- that's the first time someone ever held it..."

Feeling someone petting my head. I look up seeing Sis Yuwei smiling with care saying:

"I can't believe she actually holds it to confirm it. She's more daring than I thought. I guess Ryoulin chose right."

"Sis... I'm sorry for running away. It was all so-"

"It's okay, it's okay. Now come."

She stops petting me and gives her hand. I take her hand as she pulls me up, she only dashes once feeling the wind pressure. And before I knew it, I'm back at the training field.

I see Yuria crouching down while covering her face while Saya is there laughing to her heart's content. Sis Yuwei lets me go and walk further away saying:

"Go equip your gear and choose your weapons. And why not talk it out with her too."

I nod at her suggestion and walk to Yuria saying:

"Um, Yuria. Sorry for-"

"What are you saying sorry for!?"

"Huh?"

She stands up saying:

"It's my fault for misunderstanding and assuming things without knowing the truth. So, it is me who should ask for your forgiveness!"

She went down on her knees and press her head down till the ground saying:

"Please, punish me for my insolence! I did something so unforgivable!"

Flustered, I kneel down and hold her shoulder saying:

"Um, please stand. I don't think I can speak to you properly like this."

She looks at me with teary eyes saying:

"You're not gonna punish me?"

"No, I won't so please stand."

Yuria stands up slowly and brushes the dust of her skirt before standing straight but still looking down. She clutches her apron tightly saying:

"So... What do you wish me to do? Do you forgive me?"

"I don't think I can forgive that-"

"I knew it!"

Her voice trembled in fright as she quickly shakes in fear.

"You know, where did you get the idea to even grasp someone's balls in the first place?"

Saya suddenly asks. Yuria suddenly froze and life seeps away from her face as she says:

"I-it's because since I thought he really is a girl. I-I let my self in and took a bath with him. So he's... The first man to see me naked. And I even said stuff like man definitely like seeing women naked and other embarrassing stuff."

Her face becomes even harder to see as she says all that. I quickly respond saying:

"I'm sorry. If only I tried harder! It's okay if you take back your words-"

"Don't say that."

Yuria looks at me with orange eyes burning in spirit saying:

"I said that I'll follow you till you find true happiness. And I'm someone who follows her words, so if I take that words back then I'll betray my self and I can't take that! So, Master Sova, please forgive my actions and let me follow you."

Surprised by her sudden determination, I can only nod saying:

"I see, alright then. I guess this shall be bygones."

I agreed and head to the shelves and start wearing the training gear. Yuria comes beside me saying:

"Let me help Master."

As I finish wearing the pants, she helps me put on the armour and finally I wear the helm and face Sis Yuwei who is tying her hair up to a huge bundle before pinning it with her luxurious amethyst hairpin.

I look at Yuria asking:

"Say, can you give me a spear?"

She nods saying:

"Why, of course!"

Yuria opens a crate and retrieves a spear made of pretty dark wood and present it to me. I take it saying:

"Thank you, Yuria."

"Yes, my pleasure," and back away.

I twist, twirl, spin and turn the spear around as to get adjust to the weight and balance. As I walk towards Sis Yuwei. Sis swings her wooden blade around as to get used to it. I stop around five meters apart from her when she stops swinging her sword and looks at me saying:

"So, are you done?"

I nod at her saying:

"Yes. To be honest, I just broken through a new realm recently and wish to test out my newfound strength. So I won't be holding anything back."

I place my left heels forward and pull the spear over my right shoulder. Making a wrath stance. Since I've been using long weapons, Sis took the initiative to teach me a few stances for longswords which can mostly be used by most long weapons. But the only losing part is the fact that I lack a crossguard so I have to be careful that my fingers don't get lopped off.

Sis Yuwei smiles and takes a stance. She leans forward as she places her left foot back. She folds both her arms above her chest and raises her sword above her head before pointing it down.

"Woohoo! Go, Sova! I'm cheering!"

"Yes, good luck to both of you!"

As Saya and Yuria both cheers, I set my gaze straight only for Sis Yuwei. She smiles at me in anticipation as she tightens her grip. I dig my right foot deep as I prepare to dash ahead.

(Get ready, I thought to myself and for some reason, I get a sense of familiarity right now...)