“My invisibility lasted a full week. During that period, I alternated between wearing my Type B uniform and my overly formal battle surcoat, even though no one could see them or appreciate my sense of hygiene. I of course could’ve walked around school butt-naked, but I’ve dreamt enough times of being discovered without clothes on in public that the thought of risking it thoroughly frightened me. I didn’t even know why I bothered because I didn’t sweat and neither of my sets of clothes ever got dirty in The Maw. That was probably heaven-sent now that I think of it because I seriously suspect that, at that age, my sense of hygiene stopped at getting changed regularly and didn’t include doing my own laundry. “I didn’t mind having a vacation. I was glad to be away from the rigors of study. Still, I continued to attend some of my classes. I just found it impossible to do oral participation and always sat in the back because I didn’t want to distract my classmates and call attention back to

“I know it’s the cardinal rule of Slayers to never cry but I couldn’t help it. My tears fell in great rivers. I was sobbing my heart out and making a wet stain on my mom’s parka. “‘It’s all right now, son,’ my mom soothed me while rubbing my back. ‘I’m right here. Nothing’s going to hurt you.’ “As much as I wanted to, I couldn’t stop crying. I had realized then that a Slayer’s life was inherently sad and strict because of all the rules we kept making for ourselves. All the virtues of chivalry, honor, self-discipline and even duty to the Clan had tired me out.” “‘I was so afraid…’ I told my mom. “‘I know,’ she said. ‘But it was very brave what you did. Defeating the Ayakashi. Your father and I are so proud of you.’ ” Aki found herself sniffling a little. Temujin had never felt the care and affection of a real parent but he had often observed them in families outside the mines. Koumori-shishou once told him that Salamander senseis taught their students to be as hard as metal, espe

“He was mad!” Aki exclaimed. “Only the gods have the power to create or bring back life. It’s blasphemy!” “Is it though?” Sasha asked, his eyes lowered. “What’s forbidden and what’s fated? Who are we to pass judgment? The boundaries are muddled. If the shaman hadn’t reactivated my ki, I wouldn’t be here talking to you. And if my eldest brother hadn’t died in the hands of pirates, who knows if my parents would still have sought to limit me. Even the grownups can’t tell what’s right from what’s wrong. They’re so scared of death that they hold back from liv—” “Sasha!” Aki shouted in an admonishing tone. “Don’t tell me you believe the ravings of that lunatic? Shame on you. You of all people should know that some borders aren’t meant to be crossed, some secrets are never meant to be discovered by ordinary mortals.” “Gomennasai,” Sasha quickly apologized, suddenly realizing how he might’ve sounded to Aki. He had lifted his thoughtful, lowered gaze as though from a broken spell. “All I wa

“Ok, here’s the plan,” Temujin said in a quick huddle. “I’m going below deck and shoot the cannons. When they close the distance, we’ll make a sharp turn. Sasha, you drop our sea anchor on the left—” “Port side,” Sasha corrected. “— portside and fill it with as much water as you can. Aki, channel all the wind you’ve got to the sail. We’ll swing broadside so they’ll be in our firing line.” This was because their longship had no bow or stern cannons; all their cannons were located on the sides. Temujin finished with grim determination: “We’re gonna make these pirates regret targeting a Slayer ship.” “Yeah, we got this! The wind’s on our side,” Sasha said, referring to Aki. Temujin instinctively held out his hand for a hand-pile cheer and Sasha quickly accepted. Aki hesitated because of what happened last night, but when she saw both boys’ faces, she couldn’t help sharing their spirit and followed suit. They gave various cheers as they raised their hands. “Slayers!” Temujin cheere

Aki felt the ship shake and lost concentration for a second. Two kunai throwing knives whizzed through the fog and – Aki could swear – {curved} in mid-air, cleanly slicing both lengths of her tree-drop rope. Aki fell with a cry and tumbled down to the deck, hurting her left arm which she used to break her fall. A piece of her tree-drop rope fell through the gaping hole in their deck and to the main hold below. Before Aki could roll away and disappear in the fog again, the owner of the throwing knives stood above her. It was a woman, and a Stork like herself. Aki thought the female pirate had an exotic beauty in her braided long black hair, olive skin and green eyes, but the biggest impression she got from her was how she was dressed like a belly dancer because of her exposed midriff, long flowing loincloth, and strips of black gaiters (kyahan) tied around her thighs all the way down to her calves. Aside from her throwing knives, she wore a katar on her left hand. This was an iron weap