In front Jingū's eyes, that event occurred in slow motion; the swing of their guns, the excitement in the stands, even the water around it.

Sobek's claws traveled fiercely to her neck; her left arm, holding the sword, unconsciously moved to block the attack.

His claws struck metal, a metallic shriek arose, and the waters churned around them, but the tragedy was witnessed by Jingū.

It tried to resist, but the metal wasn't able so ended up breaking to make way for the crocodile's hard claws, until it split completely. A sound wave arose from such a severe impact, drawing the attention of both.

The broken piece flew into the air as Jingū and Sobek tried to figure out what happened; the God understood it first, but the human's mind was so blocked she didn't even know how she had gotten there.

When the metal hit the ground, it produced the typical metallic sound brought Jingū's mind back to reality; her mind, her ears, her eyes.

– … Huh?…

Still, she was barely able to mutter that sound. The crocodile for his part jumped back to contemplate his act with a better point of view, with a relaxed posture and with his guard down.

With a very noticeable tremor arising in her limbs and body, she raised her left hand to see the piece of sword still had. Between so much disorder she felt, her mind could barely emanate a thought with terrible concern.

« … M-Miss Hrist?… Are you…? »

– Sobek… Sobek has cut Jingū's sword in half!

Heimdall's frantic shout brought sound back to the stadium.

– Just as Poseidon did with Sasaki Kojiro, Sobek follows in the footsteps of his predecessor!… Just as Jingū took away his trident, Sobek has claimed the life of her sword!

Soon after, the gods stopped their surprise and filled the stadium with their cries of praise and arrogant pride. With all the noise arose, Geir was left very confused.

– W-What? What happened…?

She walked down the hall to a balcony overlooked the bleachers; she peeked out of it and, in addition to hearing from the Norse storyteller, she was able to see the stage with her own eyes. That made him bring hands to mouth.

– J-Jingū!

Along with Sasaki watching the fight, she had the memory of Poseidon destroying the sword in a very similar way. Although she knew how it had ended 1000 years ago, the purple-haired couldn't help but shed a tear in surprise.

Lif and Lifthrasir broke away from her embrace; the older one was left standing on the chair while the younger one got down and ran from side to side in terror.

– Ahhh! – Lifthrasir shouted as she ran – Jingū lost her sword! Sobek broke it!

– I know, I know! – answered the older one with the same expression – We're lost! Without a weapon, there is no way to attack again!

– Don't worry. No problem.

The way Lifthrasir said it as clenched her fists caught Lif's attention.

– What are you talking about?

– What is going to happen…! – the younger explained – Just as big sis Hrist did with Sasaki Kojiro when they faced Poseidon; it'll be repeated… Jingū will do the Re-Volund, and she'll be able to defeat Sobek!

Lif was silent; she got down from the chair and with her hand up slapped her younger sister in the face.

– Don't be silly!

– Huh!?

– Big sis Geir said Brökk and Eitri are the ones who give divine weapons to humans. So… That's not going to happen! There is no Volund or big sis Hrist, only an ordinary divine weapon that has just been split in 2!

Noticing it, Lifthrasir screamed again, but with more fear and volume in her voice.

– … Ahhhhhhhh! We're lost; there is no divine weapon to continue fighting!

In the seats of Greek gods, while the 3 children were surprised and amazed by the feat of the Egyptian crocodile, the GFOC laughed with amusement.

– It seems everything is over. Jingū Kougou has lost her divine weapon.

– And knowing now they don't have the help of the Valkyries due to the Volund, this means the defeat of Jingū. – Hermes concluded.

Athena bit the tips of her fingers in concern, before Ares was the next to speak.

– I can't help but feel bad. If she doesn't give up now, she'll have to fight unarmed against a furious and indestructible crocodile.

– If you say it out loud, it feels bad. – accompanied Hermes with empathy – It's unfortunate to know Jingū will have to finish against Sobek without a weapon. Obviously she can't; it will be better if she gives up.

– Will she give up? – Zeus asked with a light laugh – Or… will test her resistance against Sobek?

Athena was silent for a while longer, until the sparkle in her eyes sparkled with an excited smile. Searching in her pockets, found a piece of strawberry gum which brought to her mouth as settled into her own seat.

– The best part of the fight is coming.

– Huh? – The 3 looked at her with surprise.

– Indeed. Now, Jingū Kougou has the opportunity to show her nature as the blessed of the Gods, what a thrill!

The humans could only remain silent in anguish and concern.

Sasaki had a mental conflict, remembering his training with Jingū and his fight against Poseidon; the fear he had felt in that fight revived in his spirit seeing his disciple on stage.

Emperor Oujin stood up from his seat and looked at the arena trying to speak at his shock.

– … M-Mother…?

Sasaki snapped out of thoughts when the emperor next to him said it; he also rekindled a memory of the night before in mind.

The young emperor put his hands to mouth with tears began to run down his eyes. Fear filled his body as thought about what might happen to his mother next.

– M-Mom… your weapon…

The woman held her feelings with the broken handle in hand; Sobek heaved a heavy sigh and relaxed his face.

– Please don't take this personally, Your Majesty. I was just settling accounts.

– … Huh?

– You know it. Eye for eye, tooth for tooth; hand for hand and foot for foot… – he adjusted the trident to attack again – You lost my trident and I got it back. Now I've made you lose your sword, I hope you can get it back.

He immediately launched at the woman with the trident pointed directly at her; the shocked woman could only stand there watching him.

– Sobek attacks Jingū again, even though he took the weapon from her!

Jingū's natural instincts overrode her conscience, forcing her to jump to her right to avoid the crocodile. She fell onto her side wounded by the water whip, causing her to cry out again, and then she was up on her feet in a heartbeat, grasping her handle with both hands.

Geir was quite scared, but…

– I shouldn't distrust her… – said to herself, squeezing her hands one with the other – I know she can still fight.

Sasaki decided to take a seat next to Emperor Oujin; as soon as he noticed him, the emperor addressed him with a bow.

– Sasaki Kojiro, the first winner of Ragnarok! It's a pleasure you take a seat next to me!

– There's no need for that – Kojiro smiled very calmly – I came here to support your mother and shut up those who say she can't.

– So, I appreciate you taking your time for that!

– I already told it. There's no need to thank me.

Then the young man straightened up to have a slightly more informal conversation.

– Did you… did you know my mother?

Before Sasaki answered, Oujin thought about his question a few times, realizing he should correct himself with a nervous touch.

– I mean… I don't think I've met you in person. I think you and I have a lot of age difference…

» I mean…! I-I'm not saying it because of your appearance, but because of the times we live in! Although… although I don't know much about history… uh… I think you and I…

Sasaki laughed a little amused.

– You're right. You and I live in different times; I think I got to hear stories from you and your mother. But…

» I know her 'cause I trained her a few hours ago.

– Really?

– Yes. I told her about my experience in my fight and taught her about my skills, to reinforce it.

– I thank you very much, Sasaki Kojiro! – Oujin bowed again – Thanks to your teachings, I'm sure my mother will win.

 » I mean… I know her very well and I know she's very strong and has sword skills, and she maybe could by herself…

» I-I mean…! I don't say your experience is useless! Of course your teachings will help her…!

Sasaki laughed again, remembering the many talks he had with Jingū the night before to get to know her.

– Yeah, she was right…

– Huh? – Oujin paid attention – About what?

– She told me a lot about you: her son was a good boy; now I can see it and check it with my eyes.

» I can notice you love your mother in a wonderful way. With someone like you in these stands, she has the best possible support.

Oujin smiled confidently again, and returned his gaze to the arena. Sasaki fell silent to remember his training with the empress.

« Jingū Kougou is an impressive woman. A warrior with incredible potential, plus raised a good emperor for our nation. With all these achievements made by herself, I can't imagine she can lose; Not to mention Lady Hrist did on her behalf… »

She swallowed softly, also remembering his conversation with the Valkyrie.

« Lady Geir probably already knows what she did. I don't think it matters now…

» Jingū has everything she needs right now… Even lady Hrist! What matters is she can win! »

The Japanese's hands trembled with the handle between them, trying to organize her mind for everything was happening; Sobek, playing with the pitchfork, looked at her a little impatiently waiting for an answer.

Behind him, the voices of the gods of all the pantheons, especially those of Egypt, shouted in applause to support their G-O-G.

In particular, the pair of shadow Egyptian gods were much more trusting of the crocodile; the Cow goddess screamed with great effort almost crying, while the Falcon god spoke with strange words.

– Come on, Sobek! You can, you can, you can!

– Show us your silly fetishes, crocodile, and win once and for all!

Sobek could hear the screams of those gods, which brought a smile of great relief.

« Hathor and Khonsu… You did come to see me… Then I won't let you down! I could never forgive myself! »

The crocodile launched into a second jump with his Pharaoh's hand; Jingū responded again with her instincts to jump to the left side and dodge it, this time spinning on the shattered platform.

The rocks coming off the platform caused a few other injuries to her body as continued to roll; she rose, straining her right arm for support, her left gripping the hilt of her sword. She took several breaths quite painfully, showing even that action was beginning to be difficult.

Sobek laughed and raised his finger in a playful shake of his head.

– No… Too bad, Your Majesty! You're losing a lot of points for your throne. At this rate, I'll have to kill you and crown your child.

The woman looked back at the sword, bordering on despair again.

« Miss Hrist… Are you still there?… Please answer me, Miss Hrist! »

Geir had many things on her mind impatiently, which shook with bold denial on her face.

– I don't know why I keep doubting… She has come so far, especially since has sister Hrist!

She clasped her hands one with the other, showing in her eyes the discomfort of saying it.

– I don't agree or accept it, but she has it. All she needs is… do the Re-Volund, just like Sasaki – directed her intertwined hands to chest – Come on Jingū; do the Re-Volund.

– Although she has luckily been able to dodge god Sobek's thrusts, Jingū is still in that state without a divine weapon with which to face the God of the Seas…! Have we reached the end of the fight at once!?

– What's wrong with her? – Lif raised a hand to her chin doubtfully – Why is she still holding that broken handle? Has no case anymore; it's useless!

– Maybe she has a plan… – Lifthrasir commented – Just like Sasaki Kojiro!

– He hadn't plans! But, anyway… – the older one sighed with disappointment and sadness – Without a divine weapon, there is nothing she can do. All remains is to surrender or dead.

Lifthrasir was annoyed by that conclusion, but her sister was quite right about it, so just shook her head with a furious face.

Jingū swung the sword as her mind tried to communicate with it; but in mind there was no such effect, and with nothing to do afterwards, decided to speak out loud to try to reach her Valkyrie.

– M-Miss… Hrist… Answer…

The pair of Valkyries blanked, and looked at each other.

– Huh? Did "Hrist" say?

– I don't know. I think we heard wrong…

– Tell me… something… – Jingū spoke again a bit trembling – Miss Hrist…

With ir the little Valkyries were able to confirm it.

– She said "Hrist"! Big sis Hrist… is… is…!

The crocodile let out a low sigh, reaching a hand to scratch his head, and looking confused as the woman spoke to the piece of sword.

– Very wrong, Your Majesty. The kings must be one step ahead, but you're one straight down. You're not ready… and I won't allow it.

After having been as if on pause, the crocodile returned to attack head-on; Geir's face showed impatience while Sasaki tried to remain calm, since they both had exactly the same thought:

« Do the Re-Volund! »

Jingū barely managed to wave the sword repeatedly, as if she wanted to wake it up.

– Miss Hrist! Please talk to me!

– Your Majesty… – Facing her, Sobek launched the points of the trident at her head – The people await for you!

Jingū was really scared.

Her instincts tightened the left hand on the handle; with quick movement using all the adrenaline felt at the moment, she mustered the remaining strength to swing the sword and…

Block Sobek's trident. The weapon shard entered the space between the spikes, so was able to block the trident's advance dead in his tracks even with all her wounds. Geir and Sasaki were shocked and confused.

– … Huh?…

– Jingū has… stopped Sobek's blow! Although she no longer has a divine weapon to fight with, she hasn't given up yet!

– … Is it true… Your Majesty…?

Jingū looked up and saw a somewhat unpleasant scene; Sobek stared at her, managing to smile showing all teeth as if he were some perverted stranger.

– You still haven't given up?

Jingū freaked out even more, also raising her right arm even though it hurt to push Sobek's trident. The crocodile gave way and backed away, and though she almost fell on face from restrained momentum, she finally steadied and took the piece of sword with both hands.

– Jingū Kougou still hasn't given up! The fighter of humanity has not fallen yet!

In stands of humanity silence and surprise invaded them; only a very few among them made sounds to support her.

– C'mon mom!

On the other hand, Sasaki looked at her with great confusion, although he decided to deny what was thinking.

« Surely she has a plan in hands, but… » Without avoiding it he thought about it again « Why doesn't she use the Re-Volund? »

– Fury of the Nile!

Hammer thrusts slammed from the air to the ground, wiping out all available space to flee. The woman began to hit with her weapon to deflect the attacks, with obvious inefficiency due to the bad state of the sword; all while her mind was still in chaos.

« Miss Hrist…! Please help me! »

In the special seat, the Valkyrie Lifthrasir shook her sister Lif.

– Big sis Hrist! She said "Hrist"!

– I know, I know!

– So big sis Hrist is with Jingū!? Did she do the volund!?

– I don't know! I don't know!

Lif separated from her sister and shook her head repeatedly.

– Is it true!?

– Sis, we've been together all day long! What you don't know I don't know either!

Lifthrasir looked back at the arena, showing new confidence.

– If that is the case… There is still hope! Jingū can do the Re-Volund to retrieve her sword, so we won't lose!

– You're right, if it happened!

Using randomness without any style, Jingū swung the sword back and forth to come out alive; to Egyptian's surprise, he was able to observe the woman's divine weapon gave off a purple glow allowed her to more accurately deflect the thrusts of the trident.

« Is "it" again! What she used to cut my scales… I must know what it is! »

– That won't be enough, Your Majesty!

Sobek let go of his attack and leapt into the air to hover over her; Jingū in terror took the sword again to shake it, while the crocodile changed hands with trident.

– M-Miss Hrist!!

– Quione-Tiro-Demeter!

The trident advanced in a straight line from top to bottom in the middle of the arena where Jingū was. The woman in terror saw the attack, coming from the ancient Poseidon, and by inertia her broken sword moved from side to side to strike the thrusts.

The woman put all her effort and emotional focus into her arms to deflect the thrusts, which caused a purple glow on her weapon; it again interested the Egyptian crocodile was reflected in his gaze.

The lunges and force in the Quione-Tiro-Demeter caused the platform to split in 2 and the water ran over its surface in wild currents; she hadn't noticed, so the waves hit her legs and fell face up on the sunken surface. Instead of taking the opportunity to annihilate her, the crocodile jumped to submerge in the water of arena.

– After his long and deadly combo, Sobek has decided to enter the water for the second time!

– Jingū! – Geir shouted again, this time more impatient than before – The Re-Volund!

Sasaki was starting to lose patience too; using his Senju Musou tried to find a viable solution for Jingū, but among everything saw he only had one "correct" answer.

« Come on, Jingū. You just need the Re-Volund. »

The woman desperately turned to the other side to try to find the crocodile, but the turbulent movement of the waters and the reflecting sun didn't allow it; so went back to the sword, waving it once more as her tears began to well up in her gray eyes.

– Miss Hrist! You said it would be under control… Please talk to me…!

« J-Jingū… »

Her Valkyrie's slow voice filled her mind, causing the Japanese to smile hopefully.

– Miss Hrist! A-Are you okay?!

« Y-Yes… Just a little hurt, but I'm still whole. »

– T-Tell me, what are we going to do…?

Suddenly Sobek emerged from the water into the sky, bringing behind him a huge column of water flew alongside; the stands turned to see what the crocodile was about to do. Jingū knew she was reaching the end.

– Miss Hrist…! What I do!?

In midair, Sobek began to spin the tip of the trident forward so the water formed a small tornado, stopping it in direction of the woman.

– Rain Army!

The water from the whirlwind began to break off and, forming small spheres, they all flew at full speed towards Jingū like the stabs of the trident. Not only in appearance, but also in lethality: their high speed caused such spheres to pierce and destroy everything in path, the main target being the arena platform; the woman could barely move her sword as randomly tried to get rid of those deadly spheres.

Her growing whirlwind of emotions once again influenced her sword piece; the same previous purple glow emerged, causing her weapon to repel the water and not only that: her movements managed to cut the water spheres and cause them to only be splashed on the arena.

In the Greek seats, Ares realized it and widened his eyes quite surprised.

– I-It can't be! She's cutting the water with a broken divine weapon!

– Of course she does it! – Athena replied with emotion – That's the power of the blessed of the Gods! So beautiful~!

The emotions in Jingū were running high; her concentration was on physicality, while her heart and spirit everything boiled uncontrollably, brimming especially with fear and despair. Without realizing it, the glare from sword grew even larger, making it easier to defend against Sobek's water.

« Jingū, let's do the Re-Volund! » Hrist spoke with confidence « You're doing very well, but with that we can completely recover the divine weapon and finish off Sobek once and for all. »

– Huh!? But I…

Such a comment made her lose concentration; the shine of sword was lost and without avoiding some bullets of water hit and wounded her. Just Sobek decided to lower his trident, so the whirlwind calmed down, the bullets stopped and all the water fell to the platform with a crash, generating splashes ran through the arena.

Once he was done, the crocodile god landed on little platform remained and ran towards Jingū readying his trident. The woman tried to catch her breath, but her head began to pound with everything was happening besides her emotions; she again froze.

– I don't know…! I don't know how to do it…!

The woman turned to her sword.

– Miss Hrist! I-I don't know how to do it! I can't do it!

Geir, Lif and Lifthrasir with words, while Sasaki from his mind. But they all asked the woman for the same thing:

– Jingū! Re-Volund!

The woman snapped back to reality and realized Sobek was already a couple feet away, preparing the trident with his best shot.

– Your Majesty, my third test! Thanatos Tou Vasiliá!

The crocodile god thrust the trident forward in a frontal attack with all his might, generating ripples of air around it escaped in its wake.

Among all the collection of words and actions the crocodile expected his rival to do, more considering those purple flashes from a moment ago, what happened next was the least expected.

In fact, no one on the Elysium Fields saw it coming.

– I GIVE UP!!!

Jingū closed her eyes, raised her outstretched palms, dropping the handle of her sword, and went completely still.

She only felt a strong rush of wind hit her face, before a resounding silence allowed her to hear heartbeat and heavy breathing. And the next thing was the crocodile's surprised words.

– … What?

– Ehhh!? – Heimdall expressed himself in the same way – What…!? In the middle of the fight, Jingū Kougou… gives up! She throws her sword to the ground and surrenders!

Geir let all her breath out with a white face.

– What?

– Whaaaaaaaaat!? – Lifthrasir and Lif screamed in fear and looked at each other – What the hell!? Jingū gave up!?

Emperor Oujin was in shock; he could barely believe it, so much so fell backwards off of his seat.

– Lord Oujin! – the servants attended him immediately. Sasaki expressed the same thing, bringing a hand to the scarf around his neck.

– What? Can not be.

The woman was keeping her hands up and eyes tight shut as around them the first murmurs began to rise in the stands.

After a few seconds opened her eyes a little, realizing the god's trident was a few inches from her face; Sobek had stopped her frontal attack in its tracks, keeping himself completely still and with face, before wrapped in arrogance and amusement, now with an expression of astonishment and disbelief.

Those emotions barely allowed the God to repeat his question.

– What did you say… Your Majesty…?

–… I-I…

The woman whispered in fear; immediately closed her eyes again and screamed using all the remaining strength of her.

– I give up! I give up!

– Huh!? – Sobek blinked several times – Really!? Gives up?

Her lips began to tremble visibly as gazed at the ground, falling silent.

Sobek decided to withdraw the trident and with a single blow pinned it to the ground; As soon as heard it, Jingū heaved a sigh of relief and, no longer having strength in her limbs, fell to knees.

– I… I can't… I can't do it, neither it nor this… I can't! I surrender!

– H-Huh… J-Jingū Kougou gives up… For the third time… This is…

Heimdall looked to stands of the leading Gods for an answer, but they were just as confused as he was.

– What!? – Athena got up from her place, very confused and annoyed – My pretty Jingū gave up!? So easy!?

Ares was very puzzled, but seeing his younger sister like that was a good opportunity to brag.

– How I expected it. She is no match for Sobek.

Athena pouted angrily at him, then looked back at the arena.

– I-I don't understand… S-She's the greag empress who has the favor of the Gods! Even was able to cut off the pressurized water moments ago!

– You're right – answered Hermes, also surprised – She was giving a good rhythm to the fight. W-Why does she give up?

– There's only one explanation – Ares spoke again proudly – ​​The Gods are superior to humanity; this fight proves it!

Athena grumbled under breath, glancing several times at the arena.

The stands of humanity silently wondered about that fact. Bit by bit murmurs arose among them, and sooner than expected, the human spectators again fell into their complaints and jeers.

– Really? It must be a joke.

– For this they sent a woman?

– I knew she was a bad choice!

– Thanks to her, we have our second loss!

No one in the stands said a good thing; those who had supported her; Oujin, Geir and Sasaki and some others, could only remain silent listening and looking at the stage.

Lif and Lifthrasir ran from one side to another very scared.

– What's happening!? Why did she give up!?

– I don't understand it either!

– This is out of our plans!

– I know!

With phone Heimdall called Thor for an answer; he answered as soon as dialed.

– Lord Thor?

– I'm Syf; my darling is indisposed right now.

– Lady Syf…! W-What do we do? It only happened once…

– With Buddha a thousand years ago, right? Hadn't they given the victory to his human representative?

– Yes, but that was… something different.

– I don't see much difference. Give victory to Sobek; it will be much easier.

– Ok.

Heimdall ended the call at same time his tablet beeped, giving him a big scare.

– Ah--! It's the administration… From Lord Zeus… – he read the message was sent to him in a low voice – That's it…

Jingū Kougou vs. Sobek
Fight duration: 13 min. 07 sec.
Surrender of Jingū Kougou.
Winner: Sobek.
0 - 2

– So the administration accepts this. In that case… – he raised the Gjallarhorn to regain attention in the stands – This event was a surprise to everyone, but the hosts of this second Ragnarok have already given their answer.

Humanity again began to complain, deducing what was going to happen. The Japanese woman was able to hear what was being said behind her back, which caused to clench her fists helplessly as her eyes began to cry.

– The victory of the second round of Ragnarok is a point in favor of--

– NO.

The crocodile spoke, giving a roar so deep it silenced Heimdall in an instant.

Also in stands they were quite scared with such a growl from him, being the most terrifying he had sounded so far. The only ones who weren't scared were the gods mentioned by Sobek himself as Hathor and Khonsu, who watched intently as if they were waiting for him to do that.

The Crocodile god folded his legs and sat down on the ground, startling the woman a bit from the sudden movement. Put his arms on knees and looked at Jingū with genuine interest, which surprised Heimdall.

– Lord Sobek?

– No, Heimdall. I don't accept this victory.

– Ehhh!? – In stands the Trinity of Egypt; Osiris, Isis and Horus, let out a cry of surprise– What are you saying Sobek!?

– Huh? Don't you accept it? – Heimdall blinked a few times.

– Rather, not like this. – He turned to the woman to speak to her, changing his voice to a calm and courteous tone – Your Majesty, look up.

– Huh? – The woman obeyed out of inertia, looking at her rival with her wet and red eyes.

– Your Majesty, I don't accept your surrender.

– Uh… But I…

– I don't accept it. Now explain to me, why have you given up?

Everyone in stands was silent, as if they had agreed at same time they agreed with the crocodile: they want to know the answer to that question.

Jingū was silent for a moment, looking down at her hands in a fruitless attempt to calm her emotions.

– I… Because  can't. I can't do this.

– Do what?

– Save humanity! – instantly put her hands to face, to cover the sea of ​​tears began to overflow uncontrollably – I can't fight for humanity! It's impossible; I can't do it!

Her sobs covered the silence in the stadium, filling the eyes of the humans with pity and hurt. Sobek just kept looking at her, but silently waiting for her response.

When spoke again, she lifted hands from her face a little to look at herself.

– I… I-I shouldn't even be here. I'm not… I'm not the great empress you think… I-I just…

» I'm just a country girl.

191 AD

In a small dojo there was a mixed crowd; young swordsmen were practicing with wooden sticks against each other in pairs, using their best blows to beat rivals.

Among all of them there was an outstanding figure; not because of the way used its weapon, nor because of a different physical complexion, or the weapon it raised, but because…

She was the only woman in the dojo.

– Everyone to the corners! Okinaga, to the front!

Okinaga Himiko, a 22-year-old girl; years later she'll be called the woman blessed of the Gods, Jingū Kougou.

All the young men moved to sit on the edges of the dojo, leaving room in the center for Himiko to come forward with the teacher of them all. They took up their weapons, bowed, and took sides for a training duel; the girl took a deep breath, remembering her lessons, and was she who started the attack.

Their blows were very different. The strongest, fastest and most experienced teacher was the one who did most of the offense; Himiko had to be on defense, with finer, uncoordinated movements, though she used all her concentration.

Before long, a blow from her master on hands caused her to drop the sword and fall on back. The teacher sighed in disappointment.

– Okinaga, you're defeated and… unfortunately, dead.

– Y-Yes. I'm sorry…

– No apologies. Take a sit.

Behind her some young people laughed and commented on the way she fought, being very delicate at all times. She listened to them and silently took a seat, being inwardly disheartened.

The training day continued with duels between the other students and the teacher, all of which lasted longer than Himiko. Several hours passed and, after the sun had passed the highest point of the day, it was the teacher announced the end.

– This will be all for today. I'll see you tomorrow – he directed attention to the girl – Okinaga, please come. I want to talk to you.

– Huh? Y-Yes.

The teacher sat down in his place, at the opposite end of the exit, and the young woman imitated in front of him. As soon as assistants let out the last of the students and closed the dojo, the master spoke firmly.

– Okinaga, you're out the dojo.

– Huh? – Himiko didn't get the message at the moment, but thinking about it more than once made her realize – What!? Why!?

– You're not getting any better.

» You've been studying here for almost 16 years, and you continue using your sword like that 6-year-old girl my father received; I'd say it's an achievement to hold a fight for 2 minutes, but it shouldn't be like that.

» With such mediocre results, I can't keep you here.

– Please…! – Immediately, Himiko threw her forehead to the ground in a pleading bow – Don't kick me out of the dojo! I beg you!

– How do you want me not to do it, even more knowing what you are? – His words changed tone – My father knew very well, and I see it. Those fine movements you make can only be achieved by masters… You have so much potential! But, when you take the sword, I can see the doubt invades you.

Himiko thought about it, nodding her head.

– It's true. I always have doubts.

– Why?

– Because I'm afraid of failing, and I'm afraid of being a big disappointment.

» I-I know my father feels disappointed in me when he always wanted a boy, so… I wanted to please him with sword art, knowing he too was a swordsman a long time ago.

» But… I'm not as strong as he's, and my biggest flaw is hearing the voices of people around me when I shouldn't. I want his pride perched on me, but… I'm not like him.

– You don't need to be like him to make proud. You can do something else to--

– What else can I do? A young girl as weak and cowardly as me… What else could I do, to make my father proud of me?

Silence hung in the air until Himiko raised her face from him, red from feeling about to cry.

– Please don't kick me out. I work very hard on land with my parents to get enough money to pay you. I want to continue here… I want to continue doing this.

The teacher thought about it a couple of times, scratching his head doubtfully. So gave his conclusion with a low sigh.

– Alright. You can stay.

Himiko's face lit up immediately.

– Thank you very much, sensei--!

– With a one condition. – raised his hand with one finger up – You have a month to prove to me you're a swordsman who has been studying for 16 years. Otherwise, I won't even consider a second opinion, okay?

– Yes! I won't let you down!

The girl rose to hug him, but the man held out his hands to stop her.

– Let's leave that for a month. Now you can go.

– O-Okay!

Once they said goodbye, the young woman walked to her house, carrying her own wooden stick and towel to dry off the sweat. As walked forward, she thought about what the teacher had told her.

– "I don't need to be the same as my father"? But… – she frowned with disappointment– ​​How could I make him proud of me?

She walked through the dirt streets of the town, to the fields on the outskirts. Wandered around the huge muddy field for a bit, until found a couple of elderly adults inside it doing the planting.

– I'm here; mom, dad!

– Himiko…!

Okinaga Himiko, her mother; the woman left the field and, before hugging her daughter, used her clothes to try to clean hands full of dirt and mud.

– You're back from the dojo, how was your training?

– It was… good – she smiled sincerely – As always: an exhausting challenge.

– I would love to give you a hug daughter… But… – the woman sighed, now dirtier than she was before.

– No matter! I'm dirty from training too.

– Of course it matters, young lady!

Okinaga Nosukune, her father. The man intervened from where he was, planting small plants in the muddy ground, his expression serious.

– You shouldn't be here! You should be at home, getting ready for lord Ameno.

– It's true, daughter! Lord Ameno will come today.

Both parents nodded, Himiko only managed to sigh a little annoyed as the young teenager she was.

 "Lord Ameno", full name Ameno Hibiko, was a royal boy from the kingdom of Silla*; more specifically, was the prince of that nation.

A couple of years ago Ameno was in temporary residence in Japan for diplomatic reasons, years in which met Himiko by chance; the boy fell in love with her, and he began to try by all means to marry her. At first Himiko was seduced, with the idea she could take advantage; but getting to know Prince Ameno up close made her realize he was the kind of man she didn't even want to share dinner with. She tried to become an impossible woman to conquer, but the acceptance of her parents for that relationship made everything quite complicated.

Thinking of a way to get out of the engagement, Himiko had an idea.

– Can I help you with the business?

– You already helped us all week; it was what we were left with. Today is your day off to be with lord Ameno – Nosukune spoke rudely.

– But I want to help you… Like when I was a child!

– Daughter, you must be tired from your training. You better rest with lord Ameno today.

– She wouldn't be tired if she stays at home, how it should be!

The rudeness of such a statement from her father lowered Himiko's spirits; she affirmed the things was carrying on her back and her footsteps redirected back to the village, her head lowered.

– Yes father. I'm going home to get ready.

– I'll accompany you daughter – Hime affirmed quickly – To help you put on something nice and elegant.

– Very well. Go.

Nosukune kept working, without looking away. Once Hime finished removing the excess on her hands, accompanied Himiko as they both walked slowly to her home.

Himiko was silent for a long time, letting out a disappointed sigh as stared at the ground.

– Dad doesn't love me.

– What? Of course not! – Hime exclaimed immediately – You know what happens with him.

– I know. He wanted a son… not me.

– Of course not. Of course he loves you, and don't doubt it – regardless, Hime reached out and took Himiko by shoulder to give her a half hug – He will always love you for being his daughter, just like me; we both love you with all our hearts. We show it in different and sometimes strange ways, but it's what we feel for you.

Himiko smirked.

– Thanks mom.

– Dear Himo?

The manly voice interrupted her mother-daughter moment lowered Himiko's spirit again; she looked up, and saw Ameno Hibiko, the prince of Silla, accompanied by a bunch of servants a few feet from her.

– Lord Ameno! – Hime bowed head immediately, forcing Himiko to do the same.

– H-Hi… Lord Ameno.

– Dear Himo, I already told you don't need to be formal with me! You can call me "Sir Hibiko".

– Y-Yes…

– Anyway! – The prince approached the girl – What are you doing in these fields? Why are you so dirty?

– Excuse her, lord Ameno! – Hime spoke quickly – She has just returned from her swordsmanship lessons--

– Swordsman? – Without hesitation, Hibiko laughed mockingly – Dear Himo trains to be a swordsman?

Himiko chimed in, forcing a kind smile.

– Not at all! It is… it's the way we say to the family business… Helping in the fields! It's just nonsense.

– I see! – Hibiko laughed a little, before Hime intervened again.

– Give us a few minutes, and my daughter will be ready for your date.

– There's no hurry! My servants can take care of dear Himo right now.

– N-No!

The girl immediately refused, which caught the attention of Hime and Hibiko. Therefore, she corrected herself by clearing her throat.

– I mean… I'd like to have a moment with my mother, if I may, Your Majesty.

– Of course… – Hibiko agreed with pride – But don't forget impatience is my forte!

Saying this, both women continued on their way, now more hurried than before, until reached their humble wooden home. Shortly after entering and closing the door, Hime began to undress her daughter to take her to the bathtub.

– C'mon, daughter! The prince of Silla won't wait for us for long.

– Yes mom.

– By the way. I ask you just out of curiosity, but… Why didn't you accept lord Ameno would take care of you?

– That? Because I…

Himiko noticed a possible window.

« Could be…? Could this be my chance to confess I don't want any of this? To get rid of this…? In that case, I must…! »

– The truth is I…

– What's up daughter? Tell me.

Within herself, Himiko began to gather enough strength to speak and give the whole truth; she even began to be tempted to confess the truth for which she trained the sword and the warning she had received. Almost like a wide open window, she was about to say everything.

But, at that moment, an external thought entered her head. One it made her change mind, lower her head, and give a fake smile.

– Nothing. Just… I felt nervous with that request. And I preferred to be with you.

– My child…

Hime couldn't help but wrap her arms around Himiko and squeeze as hard as could into a hug.

– How fast you grow, my little Okinaga Himiko! I still remember when you were a baby in my arms… Have I told you the story of your birth?

– Yes, mom. Whenever you have a chance.

– Because it was the great moment in this family – Hime smiled, while she explained briefly – For 6 years we were waiting for the birth of our first child, and our prayers were answered with you as our great blessing.

Himiko felt welcomed with the love felt from her mother, so returned her hug. Both were like this for a while, until Hime separated from daughter to continue with her beauty routine.

– There is no time to lose. Lord Ameno is still waiting for us.

– Yes mom.

The girl from head to toe was bathed and dressed by her mother, wearing a rather elegant kimono and jewelry her parents had bought with much of her money; all so her daughter looked the best in front of Ameno. In particular, Hime took a very special item from her nightstand: a necklace with 2 small, smooth river stones.

– Take this too! – Her mother put it to hold Himiko's hair – This is the most special.

Himiko saw herself in the mirror a couple of times, especially seeing that pair of stones.

– Mom, if they are so special… Why do you let me use them so lightly?

– I do not think so. Also, the important thing is it's a blessing from the Gods will fall on you.

– Blessing?

– It's a story I hadn't told you before – Hime smiled as began to explain – I'll take advantage of these moments to tell you.

» During those 6 years we were expecting a baby, I visited the temple of the Gods; I made many prayers, for several hours a day and several days in year, patiently waiting for an answer from Heaven.

» One day, a priest gave me these stones; he told me I deserved them for so much insistence, as if it were a punctuality award, but he also explained to me why they'll serve as a blessing.

» According to a legend, almost a thousand years ago there was an ancient god on earth who helped people; he healed their ailments, cured diseases, brought radiant joy wherever he went and prosperity to the people. In the priest's words, he was the god of fortune.

» These stones were taken from a spring over which that god of fortune shed his tears after accomplishing his work; in them, there's the last essence of fortune that deity gave to humans, and for 700 years it passed from hand to hand until that temple dedicated to that God.

» He told me that, seeing the devotion and hope with which I made my prayers, he expected them to be answered, and so he gave them to me; hoping I might receive the luck of that God of fortune to grant my wish.

» A year after that was your birth. It seems the man spoke the truth, and not only because of you but because we all have survived this far together.

» So… When you're older, you have your own family with a husband and children, these stones will pass into your hands to bless your all family and your future. So you will be the… "the Blessed of the Gods".

Himiko had quietly paid attention to the story; although it seemed strange and to a certain point absurd, hearing such a story from her mother's lips with the feelings that it entailed was something pleasant for her… especially for those moments would be difficult.

As she was being carefully made up by her mother, Himiko recalled the thought moments ago had stopped her mouth from confessing the truth:

« If I do this, even if I don't want to, my parents will be happy and proud of me. It's the only thing matters… »

Publication Date: 06/23/22
ASFD

Reminder: Chapter updated every 21 days.

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New terms:

* Silla: former name by which the entire area of ​​Korea (north and south) was known.