Trianima

CHAPTER 10

After changing we wandered around looking for somewhere to have lunch. Mainly for Mikayla's benefit as whilst we have seen some places I didn't think she would like the menu as much as she thought. As most of the time she was basing things off the pictures and I wasn't willing to tell her the exact thing until we had left the restaurant so her reaction could be better hidden. Eventually we decided on a simple place that sold dumplings and a few other things, we shared a plate of dumplings and I ate some karrage chicken. She mainly stuck with rice and the dumplings, turns out that some of the things I actually ate were odd by her standards.

Whilst we ate I explained the details of the competition she was in, "So the competition is in two days, tomorrow we can spend in a similar way but the day before we will relax. The competition is televised and lasts for three days. It is an international tournament and you were able to enter because you are second-ranked in your age group of Australia and the first ranked isn't competing," I simply stated ignoring the shocked look on her face.

"When you said it was my international debut, I thought you meant a small competition not an actual international competition," her voice was deceptively light.

"Hey calm down... As a new competitor, you'll have a little press but not much as they will focus on the favourites. Also, the Australian number one for your age doesn't compete overseas so there isn't much pressure on you as the level is completely unknown," I explained trying to calm down as much as possible. At this point, we had finished eating and I quickly paid before continuing when we left the joint. "So you'll be fine but now you know why you're practicing instead of other things we could be doing..." I trailed off.

"So what will you being doing?" she asked me.

"Hmm, the dojo you're practicing at are competing in the tournament as well but in archery which is another section. I was invited to join the competition which will also be shown internationally, I agreed because if I don't attend a competition soon it will look suspicious considering my previous record..." I trailed off leaving her confused.

"Wait! You're internationally ranked an I didn't google your name the moment we had internet... I'm so stupid, just what is your previous record?" she ended in confusion.

"I'll just leave you to google it..." I trailed off not really wanting to explain that I was first ranked nationally in both opens and my own age group and third internationally in opens and first internationally in my own age group.

"That isn't suspicious at all," the sarcasm was almost visible around her as we entered the dojo.

"Anyway, I can shoot in this now because I will not be doing kyudo only simple targets so no formal wear..." I said as I summoned Arcum in bow form and grabbed some normal arrows as suddenly have arrows form of ice would be extremely suspicious. 'At least the lessons on the basics for the rest of the weapons were over...' I thought as I walked off to the targets.

I started at the closest possible distance and shot five arrows before moving back to the next line and repeating. I continued this until I made it to the opens distance where I fired the arrows I had before going to collect the arrows which were all circled inside the edge of every circle and one last arrow lied in the centre of the circle. I heard clapping, so I turned around to come face to face with the dojo owner. "I knew you were talented, but that is impressive. I am truly glad you are competing tomorrow, not many can see the beauty of archery until a true talent shows them," he said easily.

"I suppose that it has an association with the past that many fail to see how the art has progressed. The archers in the Olympic team's bows would confuse many who simply seen a stick with some string, and a practitioner of kyudo would confuse any unstudied in the art at the rules we follow," I replied as I removed the arrows from the target.

"Yet many things from the past carry into modern days and the future. Your bow, for example, is very pretty and well made, almost like it comes directly from a fantasy novel. Will you be competing with it?" he asked eyeing the bow a glint in his eye.

"No, I will purchase a new one tomorrow whilst Mikayla trains," I said ignoring that glint that made me uncomfortable, 'It is fair that you are not happy with his look, he reminds me of your mother...' Ventilo spoke into my mind as Arcum pulse in my hand.

"How bold, many would never enter such a competition after only owning the bow they will be using for less than two days. Many practice for months before they are confident with a new bow," the owner said his voice cold.

"I have not much choice as this particular bow is not a competition bow, simply for my personal use when I wish to shoot for fun," I replied my voice taking the same tone as his own frost coating the words. As he was about to speak Mikayla walked in packed up and ready to go, so I simply bow in respect before leaving the room the bow changing to an eagle as I entered the entryway. I give him a pat before the bow on my necklace returned as Arcum disappeared.

"Okay! I know you told me but that had to be the coolest thing I have ever seen!" Mikayla practically squealed as we left the dojo.

"Well soon you will see it again as next we are looking somewhere I can practice moving the ground and controlling the air so I can practice with Gladium and Ventilo," I reply as I move towards where I knew where one of the temples you can walk through and have to climb a bit was located.

"Wait, controlling the air! Moving the ground!" she squeaked in surprise.

"You didn't think an ancient weapon would just be a bow, sword, and fans! Their sentient what were you expecting!" I said with a laugh as I pulled her through the entrance.

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