Spectral Regalia

Full Pr Credits to Draconis pls give him some rep for his troubles :) ladies and gentlemen ch 48 marking the end of volume 2. can you believe 48 chapters have allready been made? i sat down and thought about it and im shocked at how far spectral has gotten and how i barely have skimmed the surface with its progress XD so much more to do.

as some of you know with the end of volume 2 comes a charecter poll for this thread so please take the time to vote for your favorite charecter introduced thus far.

that bieng said with volume 2's end this also means im going to update the information page on google drive to have the latest information so check it out every now and then as i will most likely be working on it :D

Enjoy this extra long special ch and im thankful you guys have continued to read my story so far it means im doing something right >; P

Please Rate/Follow/Favourite/Enjoy ch 48 :D

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----Ayames P.O.V---

She was relaxing in a round tub that seemed to be forged quite lazily as there were several dents as well as cracks in the metal interior, as well as the exterior, of the large single plate that was used as a makeshift bath.

Of course the only positive thing was the fact that privacy was given. The orcs were indeed dumb to a degree but the female ones also enjoyed their privacy.

The large bath tub, spanning 5 meters in diameter with a 2 meter length, was rested on a makeshift foundation of rock that seemed to be mixed with some sort of material to harden it like cement. Although it had a disgusting dark green color that made it unappealing.

The bath was more like a mini hot spring considering the area even had its own ceiling and the steam had all but gotten rid of sight for a couple of feet. Ayame was leaning against the uncomfortable metal edge with one of the face towels she had packed with her against her forehead.

She was grumbling to herself as she had all but been cleaned from the mud she was knocked in.

A sigh escaped her lips as she gazed blankly. Something indeed was on her mind. She began to recall her past up until events.

--Ayame Age 6---

A young boy was knocked onto the makeshift tatami mat as he was knocked out. With several individuals sitting crosslegged on the side lines as well as adults giving an awe like expression.

In front of the boy who had just been defeated was a young Ayame with a grin on her face. Her fist extended in front of her, balled up. She spoke “That’s what you get for underestimating me..Just because I’m a girl it doesn’t mean I can’t beat you!”

As she approached the boy to wail on him some more a voice wrung out. “Ayame, enough…” It was none other than her father Calias. Ayame gave a sort of pouty look while clenching her hands.

She turned and bowed to her father before heading off. She had been underestimated by the other students even though she was the clan leaders daughter. They had never seen her as an equal.

She was the only female kunoichi that had shown promise. the other female ones were treated worse and she had often tried to stick up for them.

She grumbled as she walked off to the forest just outside the estate and leaned against a tree as she curled up against her knee. “Why can’t they treat me like they treat each other…”

-------Ayame age 11--------

Practicing in the dojo with her fellow students as they were being taught the basics of the Pulsing Dragon meditation. Ayame was training with 12-14 year olds. The clan was indeed large as there were 16 students in this group alone. This was only one estate which was the main.

There were a couple other branch estates meant to house the excess students and families. Then again, the White Dragon clan, at one stage, had thousands of members. But everything changed when the demons attacked.

Ayame was in the front listening to her grandfather Shimaru, who was explaining the Pulsing Dragon meditation. “The Pulsing Dragon is something our clan alone has discovered capable of sharpening your senses as well as molding your mana to allow your body its full capabilities.”

As he went on to talk, adding that it would be disastrous if one didn’t train after using the meditation or even did it past their limits. There were several students behind Ayame who began to speak.

“Ayame thinks she’s so tough just because she’s the clan heads daughter…” One student whispered to another who then replied “Pfft girls shouldn’t be shinobi. They have no sense of honor and should just use their bodies for us true warriors..”

Shimaru, being an incredibly skilled master, picked this up. But Ayame, being closer as well as somewhat trained, also heard it. She got up in a fit of rage and stomped over towards both of those boys.

“You think my body is something you guys deserve!!! Here is a piece!!!“ Her fist, lacking technique, had plowed into the chest of one of the boys who was sitting cross legged.

He was not as skilled as Ayame and was caught by surprise and worry. He was sent skidding back several feet as his body twitched a bit. He was indeed in pain even though he was unconscious.

Ayame turned to the other boy in her rage and punched towards him this time, using technique. If it had hit directly it would indeed cause serious injury.

But at that moment Shimaru had appeared using his incredible speed and softly caught her small fist he spoke firmly “Ayame...The White Dragon does not allow internal fighting between members unless it is to spar. What you have done has broken several rules… You are suspended from this lesson until I allow you back. Go back to the main building and train in its dojo until you reflect on what you have done..”

Shimaru had to show no favor even to his own granddaughter whom he loved like his own daughter. As tears welled up in Ayame’s eyes she tried to show no fear in front of the others and then ran out thinking even her grandfather was against her.

But she didn’t realise Shimaru had also punished the two. He had given them a stricter punishment, having them train but also assist in the manual labor the female maids would have done as if to show them equality. Not only that but when their parents found out they were punished further.

------Ayame age 14--------

She smiled happily as she had found someone to consider her master at age 12. This was none other than Syrana who had visited several years ago on good will. In Ayame’s eyes Syrana had a powerful and tough aura about her that made her feel like this is the women she wanted to be like.

Syrana was currently showing Ayame some of her own survival and combat techniques. Shimaru had not minded. In fact he found it positive for her to look up to Syrana as a figure she could become like.

As Ayame was sparring with Syrana, trying to hit her using the knowledge she had of the White Dragon, Syrana was effortlessly dodging.

“T..Teacher, you’re too fast! Give me a chance!” Syrana only gave a sly grin as she replied “Ayame, in combat you can’t ask your enemy to give you a chance. They would only laugh.”

Ayame had removed a kunai from her hip belt and stabbed it towards Syrana, knowing she still could probably not hit her, and she was right.

In fact Syrana had stepped forward and used a hand movement to hit the kunai out of her hand as well as lecture her. “You need to grip your weapon better Ayame. Otherwise you will easily be disarmed.”

Ayame began to growl quietly while Shimaru was laughing at her misfortune. Even he knew he couldn’t win against Syrana who was a Sigil wielder. At most he could match her strength and skill without her using her Sigil. He was indeed faster than her as well, but once she used it he had no hope of winning.

Ayame began to listen more to Syrana and began to try and mimic her movements. Syrana would also allow Ayame to get closer and nearly hit her as if to motivate her to let her know she was getting closer to catching her.

“You’re so close Ayame“ Syrana smiled happily. It was like she had a little sister. She couldn’t consider Myra as a younger sister, more so an equal. A best friend.

Ayame was enjoying her life thus far with Syrana’s presence, but it wouldnt last long. At age 16 Syrana had to stop visiting because many things had come up she needed to tend to and she had not responded to Ayame.

-----Ayame age 16---------

She had matured to become beautiful and was currently in her room trying on kimonos until her older sister Izanami stepped in and spoke ”Oh dear younger sister...Are you trying to find some man to make your own?” Izanami gave a smirk as she approached Ayame.

Her hands then slipping over, as if exploring her body. “Your curves have not fully matured. Unlike myself” Izanami pressed her fairly large bust against Ayame’s back as if to show off.

Ayame blushed heavily with embarrassment and anger as she pushed her sister back and roared out “Not everyone can be as seductive as you!! Just because you have many lovers it doesn’t mean I myself am worried.. All I need is one! Now out out outtt!!!”

Izanami blinked, somewhat surprised at her sisters frustration, before being pushed out of Ayame’s room before she turned. The door slammed shut. “Hmph!.. Never appreciated. I was going to give advice to you..” Izanami walked off to find something else to do.

Ayame put on a blue kimono with a white flower decorative pattern with gold lining across its buds. She also began to experiment with looks. Trying for a more traditional appearance.

As Ayame walked out, feeling confident in herself, she had made it a goal tonight over the years to try and find a partner as it was the annual Dragon Festival. A festival that commemorates the move to this continent and the safety of the White Dragon clan, who had escaped certain doom.

For the younger adolescents it was used to find lovers and was a night of romance for them. Several of Ayame’s female friends had found dates, and even though Ayame was not asked by anyone she still wanted to go around and enjoy it. Maybe she would find someone. Although she was tough and more tomboyish she was still a young girl who wanted to experience romance.

Ayame walked out of her room to see the 5 year old Amias holding a wooden toy, gazing at Ayame. Amias then gave a shifty grin and pointed at her as he blurted out. “Wild girl!” A nickname given to Ayame by him because he had often seen her temper in action against many males. As if she were a wild creature.

Ayame only growled as her signature vein appeared on her forehead and she gave a soft donk on Amias’s head. “I am not a wild girl…” She pouted and walked off while Amias gave a teary look while rubbing his head.

The festival outside, which included members of the other 2 estate branches, was quite large with a few hundred individuals dressed in traditional clothing consisting of hakamas and kimonos as well as unique styles of clothing not seen anywhere else on Seleria. Then again, none of these styles were.

There were even several Sylph who had visited with Myra and Syrana before who made friends here and visited. But Syrana was not included, neither was Myra, as they tended to their own matters.

As Ayame made her way around she was full of confidence. She visited makeshift food stands that sold traditional White Dragon food. Such as red gill fish battered with a chestnut flower and then coated with a sweet fruit flower sauce.

Ayame began to indulge on these delicacies one after another. There were several boys who passed her laughing as one whispered “Look, it’s Ayame. It seems she couldn't get a date..And is eating her problems away, haha” While another whispered. “Shh, she will hear you. Didn't you hear what happened years ago..Besides, let’s hurry. Our own dates are waiting.”

Ayame cleared her throat and sighed as she shook her head slightly, as if trying to ignore them. She forced a faint smile to which the shopkeeper gave her two more and spoke “Don't let those bums get to you Ayame. Here, these are on the house” The man gave a hearty laugh. Before Ayame gave a proper smile. She was glad to know some people were on her side.

She nodded and thanked him before leaving. She walked around but it wasn't long before her heart began to tug painfully. Everywhere she went she spotted couple after couple. People she knew who agreed with her views were now with partners. Ayame felt betrayed, but that betrayal was sadness and jealousy in disguise.

The night went on with a fierce happiness for everyone other than Ayame whose mood went downhill to the point of her going out of the estate and leaning against the tree she had been to many times before.

Curling up against her knee with a sad frustrated look in her eyes. She then shut her eyes as she tried to relax and block everything out, but it seems fate had other plans for her.

(A.N This is a mature scene be warned!!)