The Bloodforged Kin

Chapter 245 - 239: Ash - The Duality of Souls

Masaru "Ash" Saito was hacking ineffectually at a tree with a sword too beautiful and ancient to deserve such punishment. Chips of bark flew, but his clumsy strikes barely managed to penetrate into the wood beneath.

"Grandson, you must calm yourself. You are damaging your weapon."

His grandfather's spirit sounded pained.

"Shut up, old man. It's your fault we're here!" Even Ash knew that his words were a lie, but he was too furious - too humiliated to retract them. Ash's time in Safehold had been one insult after another, each stacked on top of the other like heavy stones on his chest. Tonight had been the last one, the one that crushed his chest so tightly that he could barely breath.

Everyone else had gotten stronger since joining Safehold. Even the damned useless residents there had gained levels and skills. But Ash? No, none for Ash. None for the one who had more potential and power than any of them. No advancement, no new skills. Nothing.

Things had started out well. As a Soul Domain specialist he was able to call forth the souls that were contained in his repertoire. His grandfather was a sword specialist with four skills to his name - one of which he forged himself by forcing a breakthrough when fighting one of those stupid Abominable Snowmen. Brady, his ice mage, hadn't gained any new skills, but wasn't in a hurry to do so. Brady was lazy and only put forth any real effort when his life was at stake. Even then, he never had a sense of urgency, knowing that if he took too much damage Ash would simply recall him and let his grandfather, Takeshi Saito, finish the fight. In the beginning, those two had been enough. They'd fought, he'd shown his power, and all was right in the world.

He'd lived up to Tess's orders and approached everyone of power in Safehold in good faith. He'd explained his power and how, at the moment of someone's death, he could take their soul into his repertoire, giving them a second life within him. They may not be truly alive in the conventional sense, but they could continue to gain levels and grow in power, thus not having to die, while also giving Ash more power himself.

It fell on deaf ears. The residents of Safehold were all fodder, not even worth giving the offer to. The Vanguard was his best hope, but that was mostly dead ends anyway. The Misfit Toys were a non-starter, their skills seemed to come from their masks. Ash didn't know if that would even work for him. Madison, Jason, and Leon were pointless. They had cool abilities and skills, but nothing he was interested in. The same went for Luna - she was a powerhouse when she wanted to be, but her skills and class were so alien to him that he didn't know how, or even if, her abilities would work well for him. That only left Cass and Tess, but there was no way in hell he was going to try to take them on. It would take a miracle to defeat either of them. He absently ran his fingers along the scars that Tess had left on his face - a mark of his shame and weakness.

The Mehta sisters were a fascinating concept, and incredibly powerful, but they functioned only as a duo. Their powers were based on them being twins, so he felt it would be pointless to try and get one of them. He'd need both, but even that was a challenge since he could only call one of them at a time.

Even so, he'd approached them about it. He'd shared tea with them while explaining his power. He'd stressed that his power was voluntary - that he could never force them, but he could provide them an out if death came for one or both of them. He wanted them to understand that he was offering them a lifeline! A way for one sister to not lose the other, should something terrible happen! It was a gift he was offering them!

They'd rejected his gift - politely at first, then more strongly as he approached them again. Still, he never gave up. He wanted their powers and he had to find a way to convince them. He'd talked with them again, and again. And another time. Their rejections turned from lighthearted dismissal to frustration, then anger. Then, finally, to humiliation. He'd seen them sitting together around a small fire in the Safehold courtyard, heads touching and holding hands as they talked in low voices to each other. He'd put on his most charming smile and adjusted his walk - he was a friend, here to once again offer the greatest gift anyone would offer them!

Then that brute, that mute ignoramus, Rock'Em Sock'Em, had stepped in front of him, silent and foreboding.

"Excuse me," he'd said as he tried to step around the man, only for the mountain-on-legs to step in front of him again. Ash had jerked his head back in surprise, looking up at the blank mask where a face should have been.

"Are you blocking me?"

Rock'Em just looked down at him impassively, arms crossed over his wide chest. Ash couldn't believe what was happening. He tilted his head to look around the man and caught the expressions of the sisters as they looked his way. Fear in small doses, annoyance in larger. They were scared of him? Annoyed by him? How was this possible? He was offering them a second life! Why be scared of it?

It wasn't their fear that sent him stumbling away in shame, though - he had to admit that he liked the fear. It was their annoyance. Their dismissal. Rock'Em acted like Ash was trying to make a move on them or something. As if he would be interested! They were attractive, no doubt about that, and Ash liked women as much as the next young man his age, but physical bodies meant so little to him since The System. They were just vessels that housed power now, and he desired people for that power. Didn't they understand that? He saw them for who they were - who they truly were, inside - and he admired them for that! So much so that he was willing to give up a space in his repertoire for them to live inside of him forever!

And they shunned him for it? Unacceptable. Unforgivable.

His anger had been a low simmer after that night, perfectly contained behind a charming smile and a quick wit. If any had known the roiling emotions inside of him during every strategy session, they hadn't shown it. But Ash knew they hadn't. He was too good at putting on the mask. It didn't stop the jabs he felt to his soul every time the sisters moved to stand away from him at the strategy table, or the sideways glances they cast his way.

The greatest humiliation had come today, though. He'd begun speaking less and less in their strategy sessions, having nothing to offer. The Vanguard obviously felt the same, since no one ever asked him his opinion. No one ever asked Ash what he thought, or what he could do to help. He was never assigned any tasks. He'd had to volunteer to seek out items, and even that was met with a dismissive nod. That was something they thought he could actually do - go fetch stuff. He'd been lost in his thoughts, fighting back the anger, when he'd heard his name.

"Ash?"

His head had shot up in surprise. They hadn't called on him in so long he hadn't been expecting it! He stammered a reply. "Uhm, yes?"

"Would that be okay?"

His heart thumped in excitement, which shamed him all the more. Here he was, the great and powerful Ash, excited over being paid any attention at all. How far had he fallen that even a simple question directed his way was enough to lighten his heart in the way it did? He felt his anger abate for the first time in weeks.

"I apologize, Tess," he said with a slight dip of his head. "I was lost in thought and didn't hear the question."

The titters of laughter stung but he ignored them as best he could, not wanting to extinguish the light he felt inside after so long in darkness.

"I asked if it would be okay to talk with Takeshi."

The light inside of him was crushed beneath the heaviest stone yet. He gritted his teeth. "I apologize, but I believe I have missed much of the conversation. What are you asking?" His eyes narrowed.

Tess noticed, because of course she did, and her voice was hesitant. "If it's okay with you, and Takeshi, of course, we'd like to get his thoughts on the plan. Has he been listening?"

"I have."

His shame deepened with the realization that even his grandfather had been paying attention. Fury ran through his veins, hot and dangerous. He wanted to unleash Takeshi and Brady together, freezing and hacking every person at this table to death! He took a calming breath before putting the mask on. When he looked up again to meet Tess's eyes it was with all the charm and charisma that he could muster.

"He has, and I am honored to help in any way I can." There was a shift and Takeshi was there, ready to give the wisdom of his experience. Ash could have listened in, but he ignored it. He sat in the darkness of his soul space, raging impotently.

The meeting had ended and Ash never bothered to question his grandfather on what it was about, simply storming off into the night. His ever-present swords were in his hands as he hacked and slashed his way through the woods, looking for anything he could kill. Nothing showed itself and Ash was secretly happy for it. The last thing he wanted right now was to have his grandfather come out and have to save him.

Ash's arms were tired from the swinging and he dropped to the ground like a marionette with its strings cut. A soft, gentle voice greeted him.

"Grandson, what troubles you so?"

The question rankled him but he needed someone to talk to. He and his grandfather had always been close. If anyone would understand, it would be him.

"Am I useless?"

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"No man is useless."

"But I can't do anything! I can't fight, you do that for me. I can't cast spells - Brady does that. I don't actually have any power. Everything that looks like power to others is what I get from you. I think the others see that now."

There was a long silence while Takeshi considered. "This may be true, but the opinions of others are of no matter."

"That's easy for you to say. People respect you."

"This was not always so. I had to earn respect through deeds and experience. As you grow in experience, others will seek out your wisdom. As you grow in power, others will seek that out as well."

"As you grow in power, you mean. I don't have any. Hell, I can't even advance my powers without you! You were able to break through and create an entirely new skill, but what do I have? Everything I have comes from you and Brady!"

Takeshi's tone was that of a patient mentor. "Is that truly so? You have seen others break through and force their powers to grow as they demanded. I have done it, the Torres family does it often - even that artist and the Bouchard children do it. There is nothing to say that you can not do so as well."

A flicker of hope lit in Ash's chest. Was what his grandfather saying true? Could he really push his powers and force a breakthrough? If so, how would he do it? He hated that he needed to ask the question.

"Grandfather, if you were in my place what would you do?"

There was a longer silence this time - Takeshi was a man who considered his words carefully before speaking. When he responded the flicker of hope turned into a bonfire of inspiration.

"We are your power because you have required it of us. Why must that be the case? Our powers are here, within you. We offer them freely - learn to use them."

Ash climbed to his feet in excitement, tugging at his vest and brushing off his black slacks.

Hours passed as he swung the swords in katas carefully dictated by Takeshi. With each swing and each lesson he leaned harder into his connection with his grandfather, exploring ways to pull more than just words. His arms were leaden and his hair was soaked in sweat when the first breakthrough happened. He felt something, a connection that he hadn't realized was there. It was not just to his grandfather, but to something inside of the man. Something that was being offered freely. It was ability.

The next swing was perfect. Ash's body following the form exactly as his grandfather would have. Excited, Ash moved into the next swing, and the next - each followed the other with ever-increasing precision. He began to push harder and harder, reveling in the excitement of executing the moves so perfectly.

He cut a devastating overhead slash, stopping the sword exactly where he wanted - then he stumbled and fell. The connection to his grandfather evaporated even as he hit the ground with a thump.

"What happened?"

Takeshi's voice was soft and distant. "I am tired, grandson. You have used much of my power, and I have nothing left to give this night."

Ash was irritated. "Brady, how about you?"

"Sure, boss, but I don't think it'll work. I think you used up your power for the night. Might need some rest."

Ash's irritation grew as he realized Brady was right. He didn't have a new skill yet, but he could feel it forming - an odd sensation that felt like potential waiting to be unleashed. He pushed his irritation down, not wanting it to spoil the moment. He had a spring in his step as he crossed back into Safehold. Even catching Nisha and Diya out of the corner of his eye couldn't quell his spirit tonight. They would see! He was on a path to his own power and they would all see!

He was out again the next day, too anxious to wait. His forms were perfect now and he pushed the skill harder, searching for something he knew was there, but didn't know how to find. He searched and sought, frustration mounting as his continued failure. He was getting ready to give up when he felt what he'd been looking for. A dark smile tugged at his mouth and he said it.

"I Cut All."

The tree in front of him split in two, sliced as cleanly as any laser. He felt the surprise from both his grandfather and Brady, fueling his excitement.

"You're up Brady!"

The day turned to night as Ash began to gain more control over Brady's elemental powers. When using them like this they weren't as strong as when Takeshi and Brady used them, but they were something at least. It was deep into the fourth night when another realization hit him.

"I am going to try something new. I need both of you to offer up your powers."

"What are you planning, grandson?"

Ash's only response was to step into a kata form. His body flowed through the motions with practiced ease by now, his grandfather's instinctual and well-practiced experience lending him perfect bodily control over them. His moment came and he reached out to both Takeshi and Brady both, pulling from each simultaneously.

"My Frost Cuts All." He leveled a swing at the tree in front of him and his eyes went wide as frost covered the sword, traveling from hilt to tip before launching in a wave of razor-thin ice into the tree. It splashed harmlessly against it, the ice shattering into tinkling motes of light.

"Why didn't it work?" Ash rushed to the tree, running his fingers over the tiny slit in the bark that was rimmed in ice.

"Grandson, that was incredible! You have merged the powers of each of us into a single one!"

"But it didn't work right! It should have sliced the tree in half!"

"I think you just got a little of each, boss," Brady said.

"I believe Brady is correct."

Ash groaned in irritation. Even if he'd only gotten half of each of their skills it should have been enough to do more damage than this. This wasn't power - this was nothing! Ash began smashing at the tree with the sword again, screaming in anger as he did. His form was sloppy and ugly and bore none of Takeshi in it.

His tantrum spent, he leaned against the tree, head bowed. "Every time I reach for power it eludes me. Why am I always so weak?"

"Grandson, I do not believe that the problem is one of weakness, simply inexperience. You have begun the path of forging a skill, now you need to bring it to fruition. It is there, in front of you, but you must reach out and take it."

"What do you think I've been doing, you stupid old man?? I've been out here busting my ass for days trying to take it! And all I get is this bullshit?"

Takeshi's voice lost its gentleness. "Your disrespect is unwarranted, grandson. Calm yourself."

Ash took a deep, calming breath, but refused to apologize. Takeshi continued, not expecting it. He knew his grandson too well.

"You have taken the first steps. You have trained and reached for greater power, as is right. You have learned to use the skills of us souls you have trapped, as is your right. But you have not taken the hardest and final step."

"And what is that?" Ash's response was petulant and mocking.

Takeshi sighed. "You haven't reached. You haven't forced The System to give you what you desire. You have waited for The System to give it to you, gift wrapped and on a platter. Your entire life you have relied on others, even more so since The System. You have demanded that we provide you the power you need and demanded that others succumb to your will. And yet you have never, not even a single time, demanded that from The System. Or yourself."

Ash twitched as his muscles clenched, his hands gripping the hilt of the sword so tightly that the leather creaked. "How dare you say that? How dare you?"

"Am I wrong?"

Ash fumed. Who was this old man, long since dead, to tell him who he was? Who was anyone? He was Ash Saito, the only one that could take on all powers! The only one that could turn his defeated foes into living fuel to advance his growth! He lived when others died, and their deaths fueled him! No one was stronger!

His grandfather's words echoed in his head. Was he that strong though? If so, why was he so afraid of facing The System? A deep part of him understood a truth he never admitted to himself: The System might think he was unworthy. It had granted him a power that relied on others - was that because it saw him as so weak, so useless that others would always have to fight for him? Had he ever really, truly gained a power on his own? Even his grandfather's power was given freely, and his grandfather had gotten him Brady. Those two were the ones that had done everything. If that was so, why?

Because The System didn't think he deserved his own power. It was dismissing him. He suddenly realized what he had to do - what his grandfather had been trying to teach him the entire time. Power had to be taken. The System had put humanity on trial and most had failed - their energy literally used to fuel the advancement of others. If The System saw humans simply as fuel, why shouldn't he? A thought occurred to him, both terrible and alluring - why hadn't he tried to use the powers of his repertoire before? Because they were human - or had been. Only now, they were dead. They weren't truly human anymore, they were power in its purest form.

"Grandson, no, please…"

Ash barely heard it, dismissing it as the noise of one long since dead. He threw his shame, insecurities, doubts, and failures onto a pyre that was lit with an unending rage that was ever-present. As it roared he lifted his head high and shouted into the night.

"I am Masaru Saito and I am powerful! Those that enter my soul domain do not protect me, they fuel me! They are the power that I wield! Their souls are mine and I will not be bound by them! All that resides within my domain is mine, and I will have it!"

Ash felt a skill form and received a System notification. In his excitement he never felt the shock and fear that erupted from his grandfather.

Skill Name: Dominion of the Repertoire

Level: 1

Description: You have transcended the limitations of your Soul Domain, no longer viewing the souls within as separate entities, but as extension of your own power. You may now manifest weaker versions of their abilities directly, merging them or wielding them as your own.

Effects:

Soul Integration:

You may now use any skill from a soul in your repertoire, including combining skills. The potency of the skills reaches a maximum of 50%, divided equally between all skills used.

Cost:

Using skills drains the soul's essence, weakening them. Skills used require a cooldown to be used again, the length of which is determined by the amount used.

Dominant Will: Once per week you may force your will on the souls within your domain, increasing the efficacy to 100%, forcibly overriding the will of the soul itself. You may also choose to fully consume the soul, exercising all of that soul's skills and abilities at 200%.

Cost: Each usage of this skill weakens the spirit permanently (5% per use). Extensive use will lead to destruction of the soul. Fully consuming a soul destroys it.