Spectral Regalia

Ch 48: In a Time of Need

----Ayames P.O.V---

She was relaxing in a round tub that seemed to be forged quite lazily as there were several dents as well as cracks in the metal interior, as well as the exterior, of the large single plate that was used as a makeshift bath.

Of course the only positive thing was the fact that privacy was given. The orcs were indeed dumb to a degree but the female ones also enjoyed their privacy.

The large bath tub, spanning 5 meters in diameter with a 2 meter length, was rested on a makeshift foundation of rock that seemed to be mixed with some sort of material to harden it like cement. Although it had a disgusting dark green color that made it unappealing.

The bath was more like a mini hot spring considering the area even had its own ceiling and the steam had all but gotten rid of sight for a couple of feet. Ayame was leaning against the uncomfortable metal edge with one of the face towels she had packed with her against her forehead.

She was grumbling to herself as she had all but been cleaned from the mud she was knocked in.

A sigh escaped her lips as she gazed blankly. Something indeed was on her mind. She began to recall her past up until events.

--Ayame Age 6---

A young boy was knocked onto the makeshift tatami mat as he was knocked out. With several individuals sitting crosslegged on the side lines as well as adults giving an awe like expression.

In front of the boy who had just been defeated was a young Ayame with a grin on her face. Her fist extended in front of her, balled up. She spoke "That's what you get for underestimating me..Just because I'm a girl it doesn't mean I can't beat you!"

As she approached the boy to wail on him some more a voice wrung out. "Ayame, enough..." It was none other than her father Calias. Ayame gave a sort of pouty look while clenching her hands.

She turned and bowed to her father before heading off. She had been underestimated by the other students even though she was the clan leaders daughter. They had never seen her as an equal.

She was the only female kunoichi that had shown promise. the other female ones were treated worse and she had often tried to stick up for them.

She grumbled as she walked off to the forest just outside the estate and leaned against a tree as she curled up against her knee. "Why can't they treat me like they treat each other..."

-------Ayame age 11--------

Practicing in the dojo with her fellow students as they were being taught the basics of the Pulsing Dragon meditation. Ayame was training with 12-14 year olds. The clan was indeed large as there were 16 students in this group alone. This was only one estate which was the main.

There were a couple other branch estates meant to house the excess students and families. Then again, the White Dragon clan, at one stage, had thousands of members. But everything changed when the demons attacked.

Ayame was in the front listening to her grandfather Shimaru, who was explaining the Pulsing Dragon meditation. "The Pulsing Dragon is something our clan alone has discovered capable of sharpening your senses as well as molding your mana to allow your body its full capabilities."

As he went on to talk, adding that it would be disastrous if one didn't train after using the meditation or even did it past their limits. There were several students behind Ayame who began to speak.

"Ayame thinks she's so tough just because she's the clan heads daughter..." One student whispered to another who then replied "Pfft girls shouldn't be shinobi. They have no sense of honor and should just use their bodies for us true warriors.."