Tidal Florette - A Painted Soul I

Yumi - 29

Yumi had assumed the capital of Horaizon would have an elaborate arena, maybe even a stadium, to host an event that seemed this important. When a guard led her down deeper through the palace and outside to a secluded beach; some of her anxiety washed away in the familiarity of simplicity. Walls of sand gate off the coastline, creating a fairly private area for the duel. The audience she had nervously anticipated was not here for this match. Looking around, Yumi had assumed the capital of Horaizon would have an elaborate arena, maybe even a stadium, to host an event that seemed this important. When a guard led her down deeper through the palace and outside to a secluded beach; some of her anxiety washed away in the familiarity of simplicity. Walls of sand gate off the coastline, creating a fairly private area for the duel. The audience she had nervously anticipated was not here for this match. Looking around, she can see some of the palace guards waiting in view as though they'd taken a post; but it seems fairly obvious they've gathered in excitement. This isn't even half the audience I'm used to... I wonder if this is how every candidate is tested or if they're just keeping me a secret...

Yumi starts realizing how she's failed to appreciate this opportunity to face a reaper. These are legendarily powerful warriors beyond any mortalfolk; chosen by a god to protect the realm. Beloved heroes every child dreamed to emulate, even with the threat of the Ignited Temple's judgment. Yumi remembers when she was a child playing with the others in Ukiyo. How they'd dress up in what they imagined their favorite reaper to look like and pretend they had their powers. How the parents would laugh and call for help because some silly threat like slimy bears were overrunning the village. How she always would just put a single flower in her hair and say she was Jin.

And how they all believed she was the strongest of all.

Recalling those joyful memories bolsters a spring in her step. There was a time this would have been the greatest moment of her life. Had life not complicated itself she may have realized this sooner and not kept the Empress waiting.

As that thought hits the anxiety returns, ashamed of forcing the ruler of the realm to wait on her delay. But the Empress seems to be enjoying the fresh air and the sunlight, contently lounging on a throne of sand and speaking with Raelyn who's seated by them watching the waves. Yumi realizes the two of them don't seem to be having a rigid, professional conversation. They seem so personable and casual with each other that Yumi can't help but suspect there to be something between them more than what's on public display. They're both so beautiful... and so happy together...

Looking over at Favian and Sapha, they are an amusingly drastic dichotomy. Favian is fidgeting so much there's a small chance he has an odd song stuck in his head as opposed to anxiety. Meanwhile, Sapha seems to be on the verge of backhanding him so he'll be still unconscious. Yumi chooses to walk over and takes his hand, "What's going on? You know this is just a test right? No ones in any real danger?"

Favian's hand is shaky as he tries to give a reassuring squeeze. "Of course there's danger. We're on the brink of a war and this is practically a declaration. And if anyone gets hurt it's all my fault."

Sapha huffs, "People are already getting hurt."

"But not due to my actions."

Yumi takes his other hand and holds them both tightly with a gentle jostle to get his attention. "You chose to try and save the world. It's not your fault if they don't want to be saved, we're going to try and help them anyway."

As he tries to look away she pulls his face back to look her in the eyes. "I would have sat in the ruins of my home spending most of my days finding snacks for the sea birds if you didn't show up. I didn't have the motivation to think outside myself and my little world."