Legend of Twin Princesses

Chapter 3

Chapter 3  
  

The festival of fireworks, a holiday for the three major powers of the Xygen. A day where they shared their beliefs for a common goal. The kingdom of Matsusato, the floating city of Nova Aeris and the Yamagawa clans formed a ceasefire and worked together the same day three decades ago, to fight against the empire known as The Blanks. A major victory that ended their invasion, they celebrated by lightening up fireworks, thus the name.  
It is Matsusato’s turn to host the event. Nobles, leaders, generals, even a common adventurer from the three powers and even neutral villages can enter and have fun. Various competitive activities, trade caravans and feasts await. The Matsusato peacekeepers army was deployed to ensure the order and safety of everyone involved. The queen’s vanguard was in standby mode, just in case.  
The major attraction of this holiday is a tournament where warriors from the land regardless of the allegiance can duel in a one-on-one fight. Champions are being rewarded handsomely ranging from tax exemption, enormous amount of gold, political marriage and sometimes living weapons.  
And for the three years, it has hailed a certain representative from Yamagawa clans, the champion: Kei Yamagawa, the next in line for the leadership of the clan.  
  
  
“Mother, here I am.” Hikari bowed in front of the queen.  
“You’re up so early.” Sayuri said while pouting, “You have plans for today?”  
Hikari shook her head, “Since father forbidden me to take up training for today, I guess I will just take a stroll.”  
“Very well.” The queen said as she sat down to her throne, “There’s this yearly tournament again. I was planning to save a spot for you and your sister. Do you want to join the clash?”  
The younger princess shook her head again. Sayuri smiled as she knew the answer. Hikari never joined the tournament proper at all because either she joins the peacekeeping army as a volunteer or she stays at home training.  
“… And you also may not join the peacekeeping army.” The queen announced.  
Hikari stared at her mother before letting out a sigh.  
“Do you think I have forgotten what we said yesterday? We want you to have fun. Take a break from training.” Sayuri said, “You’ll likely be missing out a lot.”  
“Mother, I am grateful that you are looking out for me…” Hikari replied, “Since I will not do any training nor not allowed to volunteer for the army for today, then I shall surrender my sword.” She detached her sword from her waist and gave it to the queen with her head down.  
Sayuri smiled as she took the sword, “Thank you for honoring your promise. Now have fun.”  
“Thank you, mother.” Hikari said as she bowed and left.  
  
  
Hikari wandered around the town to see if there’s worth of any attention. Among the things she saw were those sweet treats made by the merchants from Nova Aeris, arm wrestling with the Yamagawa giants and card reading by Matsusato’s sages.  
I am glad to see cheerful faces of people. However, this is just one day. After this, it’s going to be small-scale wars again. She thought, I wish this would never end.  
True, after this day they will be back to their own beliefs. Because it is not an alliance, the campaigns for conquest will continue as if nothing happened.  
Reaching some stalls, she saw a shop that sells exotic masks and traditional armor.  
If I can not get fun here, I guess I can join that tournament and see how I have progressed.  
One that got her attention is a hooded cloak that can cover from head to toe, a black and white colored kimono, a rabbit mask and a wooden sword.  
This should do…  
She smiled. With these items, either she could go somewhere to resume her training or she could join the tournament. She looked around to see if somebody can recognize her.  
All clear. Here we go.  
After a few minutes, she emerged as The White Hare of Matsusato.  
“Cool name huh?” the store attendant said, “thank you for your patronage, miss wanderer.”  
It’s a good thing that the attendant didn’t notice it was the princess he was talking to.  
“By the way, miss wanderer. Are you planning to join this year’s tournament?”  
Hikari nodded silently.  
“What I have heard is that there will be more newcomers than last time. Someone has rumored that the three princes of Nova Aeris will be joining. New students of the Yamagawa high academy will join with some of them having living weapons.” The store attendant spoke.  
“What about Matsusato?” she asked.  
The man sighed, “Well that… aside from the eldest daughter of the queen, they have no luck finding a representative. You’ll be the second just in case. And nobody knows you. The other daughter of the queen either doesn’t care about fighting or rather just weak.”  
Hikari gulped behind the mask. That’s too much old man! I’m just not interested. 
“Hopefully we win this time, missy. It’s becoming weary to see the same champion again.” The attendant said as he waived goodbye.  
Hikari reached for the old man’s hand and put on three gold coins.  
“Don’t worry, old man. I will do my best. Thank you for the bits of information you provided.” She spoke as she fled the scene.  
  
  
Back at the palace, Rei and Sayuri were training for the upcoming event. Despite of just a day and half of training using the shikigami, Rei got a grasp of its capabilities.  
“As long as you have the focus and the willpower, using the shikigami will be less of a pain to you.” Sayuri reminded, “Now form your bandages into throwing knives, and hit the targets.” 
Rei peeled the bandages from her wrists. After a few seconds, the torn bandages turned into knives. She threw the knives to the target dummy and only hit one. 
The queen sighed and planted her face on her palm, “Looks like you need to work on your aim…” 
“I will do it again.” Rei replied, her hands are trembling. She tried the same step and hit the dummy only once. 
“Your shikigami can provide you the weapon that you need, but you will still have to rely on your reflexes.” Sayuri said while grabbing the blades on the floor. She flicked it and hit the dummy without missing. 
Rei, unwilling to accept the fact that her aim is off, stomped the ground. What if she hears this, I’ll be turned into a laughingstock? 
“Think of something you really want to hit with those blades. Maybe it will help you focus.” The queen said while handling the blades back. 
The elder twin princess closed her eyes. The image of her sister flashed in place of the dummy. After positioning her blades in her hands, she let out a scream and threw the blades. The sheer accuracy and strength of her throw caused the dummy to be cut into pieces and scattered all over the place. 
“Whoa! That is too much!” Sayuri exclaimed, “the more strength you apply, the easier you become tired.” 
After hearing that, Rei’s knees trembled. She came back to her senses and saw what happened to the dummy in place. The queen offered her hand to help her maintain her balance. 
“M-mother, have I done well?” the princess asked while trying to lean on the queen. 
“Not bad, but still needs some refinement.” Sayuri answered, “still, please be careful using the shikigami. That’s everybody’s wish.” 
Rei let out a giggle. I know. It’s just a matter of time. Shikigami, are you willing to help me out until the end? 
Of course, master. 
Very well, then we’ll show that bitch what we’re capable of. 
“Take a nap and a meal. We will need your presence in the tournament.” The queen said as she led the princess to her room. 
“Thank you, dear mother.” Rei replied before lying down to sleep. 
Sayuri smiled, then frowned as she left the room. She knows that there will be issues once Rei gets stronger. The more intense the sibling rivalry will be, one of them will probably lose and die.
 
 
“This looks interesting.” Sayuri said upon checking the list of the participants for the tournament. Before the tournament starts, the leaders of the major powers will have a meeting in private about the status of the enemy empire, defense and the event itself.
The list showed two prominent rivalries. Princess Rei of Matsusato and Lady Kei of Yamagawa. Included on the list were the princes of Nova Aeris, two of the top students of Yamagawa High Academy, the leader of the notorious Yamagawa raiders, three magicians from some neutral towns and a certain White Hare from Matsusato. Most of the participants are living weapons user. 
“Care to explain to me who is that White Hare of Matsusato?” the current leader of Nova Aeris, Jacques asked.
Sayuri shrugged, “Beats me. I have posted no recruitment notices, nor have heard about that ridiculous name.”
The three leaders laughed.
“But seriously, where’s your other daughter? I have heard she’s a much better fighter…” Kurenai, the leader of Yamagawa asked.
“That kid… I insisted she take a break from her duties. I confiscated her weapon and have her go to the festival.” Sayuri said after a sigh, “I cannot get her to join for other reasons.”
“She is one of a kind…” Kurenai commented.
The queen smiled upon hearing such compliments.
“We have to start the tournament now. Time flies…”
The two other leaders nodded and followed the queen to where the main event will be held.


“Hi there, princess Rei.” Greeted by one participant in the players hall. As Rei turned, she saw a girl of same age as her.
“It’s been a while, Lady Kei.” The princess replied while bowing.
“It is…” Kei replied while leaning on her giant mace, “You don’t need to be so formal, you know.”
Rei smiled, “For once, I wanted to be formal. Especially, you are one of those warriors that I respect.”
The so-called rivals shook hands. For the three years, it is always a spectacle in this tournament. Whenever they fight, it brought the best of them. However, Rei never won against Kei. Despite the loss-streak, Kei’s attitude simmers the heat between them, a trait that calms down the unusually fiery princess.
“Thread lightly, my friend. This time it’s going to be tough.” Kei mentioned. She glanced at the participants and pointed her lips towards a huge muscular man having a drink in the corner alone, “That is the leader of the Yamagawa raiders. Extremely dangerous man, even in our lands. He promised not to be as destructive as he is as long as someone gives him a good fight.”
Rei sighed and stared at the man’s weapon, “Isn’t that a living weapon?”
Kei shook her head, “No. But it’s the armor that you need to be concerned. It is the much prized ‘Hellish Metal’ armor from our academy.”
“Looks really tough…” The princess whispered.
“Tell me, princess Rei. Have you heard about that so-called White Hare of Matsusato?” Kei asked while looking at figure sitting on the other corner silently.
“White Hare?” Rei replied, “I have heard none ridiculous title like that.”
“She’s your other representative, they say. And she looks mysterious.” The ninja commented. She approached the cloaked warrior together with Rei.
Hikari sensed the two coming. Clearing her throat, she faced Kei.
“Any problems?”
Kei and Rei looked at each other before facing her. Despite of the mask covering her face, they can feel a murderous intent in her.
“Ah… no n-nothing.” The ninja answered before hurriedly wrapping her arm to Rei’s neck and walked away.
Why do I feel I have met that creep before? Rei asked herself as she gets dragged by Kei, She does not look that scary and yet we’re shivering! Something is not right…
She saw another woman approaching the White Hare. The woman wears an oni mask and an all black dress.
“I can’t believe I would see you here… Princess Hikari.” A familiar voice whispered to Hikari’s ears as she sat in front of her.
Hikari scowled behind the mask, “Spira, you troll. What are you doing here?”
The lady in black chuckled as she showed half of her face to the princess, “Looks like we need to skip introductions.”
Hikari, knowing that any reckless move could reveal her presence, decided not to move. However, she clenched her fist on the table which was visible to everybody 
“Don’t you worry, little princess. I’m just here to enjoy the spectacle.” Spira brought her fan and pointed it at Hikari’s chin, “I’m surprised you even joined this tournament. Do you think you’re up to it?” She asked as she repeated tapped the princess’ chin with the fan.
Hikari gripped her wooden sword with her other hand, but Spira stopped her. Gust of wind formed from their seat, which attracted the glances of all the other participants of the tournament.
“I said don’t you worry…” the lady in black said.
Hikari looked around. She noticed that Rei is glaring at her like anticipating a fight. She hid and sword back to her cloak.
“Good girl.” Spira whispered, “Now listen to me. Your sister is in a grave danger.”
“…”
“I have forgotten to tell her, that the shikigami I gave is a corrupted living weapon.” Spira continued as she chuckled, “Sooner or later, her personality will probably be consumed… or the shikigami will cease to function.”
“You rotten bastard-!” Hikari growled as she hit the table with her fist. Before she could continue to speak, somebody grabbed her arm.
“Excuse me, are you a participant as well?” Kei faced Spira as she pulled Hikari to her side.
The lady in black covered her face with her fan, “Oh sorry, I’m just here to provide moral support to my stupid child.”
“I don’t think you are, missy. Because this is the players’ hall. You should be outside. You are creating a mess here.” The ninja replied while pointing to the exit.
Spira stood up as she hid her fan to her waist and faced Kei, “Oh, sorry little girl. Please excuse me.” Then she looked at Hikari, “… despite of the mask, I can see your face contort in anger. Forget everything I said. I was just joking…” she added as she walked away chuckling.
Hikari could only glare at Spira. Her fists trembled and her face drenched in sweat. 
“Are you okay?” Kei asked as she held Hikari on both shoulders.
Hikari nodded as she sat down to calm herself.
“To think that you scared us with your presence and now you are shaken up. What’s with that woman?” Rei called as she approached Hikari.
“…” the younger twin princess shook her head and glared at her sister. She wanted to tell her, but her disguise won’t let her. She let out a sigh before looking away. Rei was about to reach for Hikari’s mask when the noise of exploding fireworks filled the player hall.
“It’s time. Good luck…” Kei told Hikari and Rei as everybody went to the major battleground.


The tournament started with a draw phase in which fighters can choose their opponents. Rei chose to fight the Yamagawa raider leader. Kei ended up with one of the top students of their school and Hikari, unwilling to choose an opponent, was picked by the crown prince of Nova Aeris to be in the next match.
“Me Striker Serizawa. You opponent!” the hulking Yamagawa raider leader shouted, “You puny princess stay at yo throne!”
Rei could only laugh as a response. She peeled one of her bandages and formed it into a paper plane. Striker could only watch as the paper plane flew into his head and tapped his forehead.
“You funny, princess!” Striker growled as he prepared his mace, “Me crush. Me destroy you!”
He swung the mace despite of the distance from his opponent. The elder twin princess wasted no effort to distance herself from the hulking warrior and threw blades straight to his shoulders. Although she saw the blades embedding to her target, Striker continued swinging his mace. 
“!!!” Rei wide-eyed when she saw the ground exploding as if somebody planted a miniature bomb underneath it. She tried to step back, but another explosion happened right in front of her. Bandages flew from her back and formed a large block to shield her from the next attack.
With the explosions causing the dust to fly, obscuring everybody’s sight, Striker stopped swinging and waited. Paper blades darted to his position and hit his shoulders and legs.
“What’s this? Bugs bites much pain than dis!” he exclaimed while removing the blades stuck in his body by flexing his muscles. His armor glowed and in an instant, his wounds healed as if nothing, drawing a gasp of awe from the spectators and the warriors in the players’ hall.
The dust cleared and saw Rei holding blades in both hands. She ran towards her opponent and leapt after reaching a considerable distance. Before she could throw, Striker swung his mace in her direction. Though she didn’t get hit, the wind pushed her back. As she landed on her feet, she saw the hulking warrior with his mace already above his head.
“SMAAAAAAAASH!!!”
With full force, Striker slammed his weapon at Rei. Bandages flew from her back and formed a gigantic wall in front of her, effectively blocking her opponent and causing the mace to bounce. Striker lost grip of his weapon and stumbled. The elder twin princess quickly formed a long sword from her bandages and dashed towards him. Aiming at his foot, she leapt to gain extra force and stabbed, nailing her sword to the ground with her target.
Striker howled in pain as he saw himself unable to move his right foot. He tried to remove the sword, but his fingers are too big to even hold it. After a long grunt, he lifted it and shattered the sword. His armor glowed again and just like last time, his wounds healed.
Rei peeled some bandages and tried to shoot them directly to her opponent to ensnare him. As the bandages wound to his arms, Striker yanked them, pulling her closer and causing her to stumble on her front. He repeated the action until the princess found herself lying on her stomach in front of him.
“Time to squash bug!” Striker exclaimed before he lifted his foot to stomp Rei.
The bandages on Rei’s back formed wings and expanded. As Rei stood up, the wings glowed and exploded into smaller papers. The pieces, as if being directed by the wind, fell towards her opponent like rainfall. The scattered papers cut like blades, severely wounding Striker and shredding his armor as well.
“That’s how bugs attack!” Rei said as she pointed her hand to the injured opponent.
Striker, trembling at the sight of his wounds, raised his hands.
“CAN’T FIGHT BUGS! CAN’T FIGHT BUGS! GET ME OUT OF HERE!” the warrior bawled as he ran towards the exit.
Rei sighed as applause filled the arena.
I won’t let you down, master. Shikigami whispered in her thoughts.
Of course, with this great power of yours, I can do anything!


The next match, it was the White Hare of Matsusato against the crown prince of Nova Aeris. Both participants headed to the arena and bowed to each other and to the audience.
“My name is Jackson, the crown prince of Nova Aeris.”
“Call me… the White Hare.” Hikari replied.
“That’s not your actual name. Anyway, not that I care.” Jackson teased as he pulled out his poleaxe.
Hikari pulled her toy sword. Almost audience in the arena started to fall into laughter and uproar.
“Not only you are fully clothed on a hot summer day, but you’re going to fight with a toy sword?! How ridiculous!”
“Hey has somebody lost their child here?! Get that kid out of the arena and get us an entertaining match!”
“Are we misled?”
“Kid! This is a serious battle! This is not a child’s play!”
The leader of Nova Aeris and Yamagawa can’t help but to laugh at the sight while Sayuri buried her face in her hands in shame.
The other fighters in the players hall also were in uproar on what they were seeing.
Kei: That White Hare has guts.
Rei: a toy sword?! What the hell is that person thinking?!
Third prince of Nova Aeris: Whoa, easy win for big bro.
Yamagawa top student 1: I cannot bear to watch this.
Second prince of Nova Aeris while playfully flipping a gold coin: That is funny.
Jackson tried not to laugh and struggled to pull a straight face, “I can’t believe this. Are you mocking me?”
“White Hare, are you sure that is going to be your weapon?” the referee asked.
Hikari nodded as she placed her sword on her right hand. She began to tap the sword to the ground.
“Crown prince Jackson. Are you ready?”
Jackson nodded and faced his opponent, “I wish I could see your face and know your name. I want to remember this fight.”
The referee raised his hand. 
“FIGHT!”
“GUHAAA!”
Split seconds after the referee motioned with his hand, the crown prince was airborne with his poleaxe broken and his eyes turned white. The White Hare twirled her sword and put it on her waist at the same time her opponent hit the floor.
The arena went silent for that moment. Most of the audience are wide-eyed, some have their jaw dropped, some dropped their paper fans. The second prince of Nova Aeris was stunned and didn’t notice his gold coin dropped. 
Hikari looked around and saw everybody who laughed at her earlier, staring silently at her. The referee was also stunned to the point that needed to be tapped on his shoulder to come back to his senses.
“Winner! White Hare!”