A Goetia's Journey (Helluva boss X KNY)

Part 14-Star breathing

Octavia P.O.V.
Weeks went by and I continued to struggle with snake breathing. Obanai was trying to be as patient as possible but I could tell he was getting frustrated. I've seen Iguro get mad before and it isn't a pretty sight. While attempting the second form of snake breathing I managed to slip back and land hard on my back. "Oww....." I muttered as I rubbed my back. "Iguro said that I need to pick up the pace with snake breathing! Uhh.....I really don't want to get on his bad side...."I said out loud standing up. I've been really stressed lately. Right After 9 hours of hard training I had to go to the butterfly mansion and study everything about demons, and on top of that I had to continue with my grimoire studies. And I could tell that if I didn't master this soon Iguro was gonna kill me! "Why aren't you training Via!? Relaxing is the last thing you should be doing! You barely mastered the first form of snake breathing!" I whipped my head around startled at his sudden voice. "Sorry Obanai! I'll get right to it!" I said quickly picking up my wooden sword. He was right to be tough on me. He sighed in annoyance. "Via, you've come so far. Don't give up now." He said fixing my posture. I nodded. I immediately remembered what Rengoku had told me. Maybe if I let Obanai know he would be interested in helping me. Besides, I didn't want to keep wasting time on something I was struggling so much with. "Hey Obanai, Rengoku told me about creating your own breathing style especially made for you. T-this is just a thought, but maybe if I can't improve much on snake breathing, then why not create my own?" I asked looking at him eagerly. He stopped for a moment. He looked at me taken aback. "I mean, that wouldn't be a bad idea...." He said. "So? What do ya think? Should I try and create my own?"I asked. "Well....tsugukos really only use the breathing style of their teachers. But.... I guess for you I will make an exception." He said with a sigh. I was quite happy with Obanai. "Well Via, if your going to create your own breathing style then I can't help you much. I can really only give you tips and advice."He said walking away. "Wait! What do you mean by advice?" I asked. He stopped and turned to me. "Well, what kind of technique best suits you? Obviously not flexibility, so how do you fight best? What will your breathing style be based off of?" He explained. "Oh ok... thank you Obanai!" I said. "No problem, now get to work! I have multiple mission to complete." He said sprinting off. "Ok....?"
I picked up my wooden sword and took a deep breath. "Ok.... What will my breathing style be based around? Constellation, the moon, a night sky? Hmm, all these things certainly do remind me of stars. Wait, that's it! Star breathing!" I said quickly popping my head up. "I guess that's what I'll call it. Ok, now comes the hard part, creating the forms." I sat down and started to think about it. "I want to be able to attack and defend at the same time, but attack long range when necessary. Hmm....." I thought about if for a good 20 minutes. I then stood up and began to practice the first form. "Ok Octavia.....breathe, and focus." I said with my eyes closed. I swung my sword multiple times but ended up failing. "Uhh.... This is harder then I thought..."I said standing back up. Before I went to do it again I remember what Obanai had told me. He said to think of a memory that made you angry, and let it all out in your attack. I repositioned my feet and shut my eyes tightly. I thought back to when mum would get violent with dad. When she would throw insult after insult at him when he was already broken down mentally. I grit my teeth and tightly held my sword. I stepped forward and went to swing my sword. "Star breathing, first form, starlight slash!"I yelled. A purple and blue starry aura emerged from the sword as I slashed a tree in half. My eyes shot opened as I glared at the tree split up the middle. I caught my breath and smiled confidently. "This is going to be fun." I said wiping the sweat off my head.
After that day I created form after form with star breathing. I practiced everyday until I perfected them. Before I knew it I created ten forms in total. Obanai has been out in missions lately so I never got the chance to present it to him.