He took me outside and told me to place the talisman in the center of my hand and chant the word, "Yūgō." I repeated what he said, and the talisman floated in front of me before opening. In its core, a swirling mixture of black and purple flames spun violently. He then told me to touch it if I wanted to claim the power of the mindless Nekomata. I placed my index finger into the center, and instantly the flames surged upward, pouring into my eyes.
It felt like an explosion of energy, a sea of opportunities waiting to be unleashed. I stared down at my palms and saw purple flames circling my wrists like bracelets. The elder explained that my training would be unique and that it would take time to master this power — years, even. I hoped he was exaggerating, because I didn't have years. He told me that for the next few days, I would begin adjusting to the village and its customs.
I asked him for a mirror and, when I looked into it, my eyes reflected at me like a cat's — purple, glowing, sharp. Jominara walked back into the room and said she would show me around the village tomorrow. For now, she wanted to help me find a place to stay for the night. I looked out the window and saw Nekomatas of all shapes and breeds — humanoid, feline, canine — living peacefully, joy in their movements. The elder noticed my optimism and said that once, they had been even happier, back when balance still existed.
Jominara guided me to a small hut made of golden lumber, a single-bedroom dwelling that would be mine until training was complete. Inside, the place looked like a log cabin or a lakeside home — simple but warm. She left me there, and I tried to get a feel for my new power before resting.
The elder had listed the skills that came with this Nekomata bond: raw destructive power, gravitational control, aura augmentation, spiritual discharge, soul discharge, and something called the Final Eye. I wasn't sure how to use them, but I wanted to try.
I sat down, closed my fist, took slow, deep breaths, and looked inward. My mind drifted into my inner space, where I saw it: a purple, beating heart radiating a misty aura. It pulsed continuously, each throb stronger than the last. This, I realized, was the life force of the mindless Nekomata.
I pulled myself back to reality and began experimenting. Opening my palms, I summoned the flames and let them stream around the room before pulling them back in. Next, I focused on the gravitational pull. Similar to my old levitation ability, I projected ripples of energy, purple and translucent, from my hands. When they hit the carpet, it lifted off the floor like it weighed nothing. I let it fall back and reset the flames.
I walked to the window. Outside, the village was quiet. Everyone must have already gone inside for the night. I figured I should do the same. It had been nearly two days without rest, and my body needed it. Confident that no one was tracking me, I lay down and drifted into sleep.
In the morning, I met with Jominara, and she brought me to eat. The dining hall was a medium-sized building filled with Nekomata of every kind. Their diversity startled me — humanoid, house-cat, doglike hybrids. I tried not to stare, but something about it unnerved me. Jominara told me to activate my Neko eyes, so I wouldn't stand out. No matter how much I looked the part, though, it didn't feel natural.
We sat down and were served soup — tangy, miso-like, with a faint taste of fur. Jominara told me I didn't have to eat it, but I knew I needed energy. I forced myself through it, finishing every drop while she ate at her own pace.
While waiting, I noticed three young Nekomata approaching our table. They asked Jominara who I was and why I was here. She dodged their questions, telling them it wasn't their concern. They seemed harmless, though, so I decided to introduce myself anyway. Jominara tried to stop me, but I kept it simple — just my name, age, and a few interests.
The three of them introduced themselves. The oldest was Sera, sixteen, cheerful and bright, the type to stay positive even under pressure. The second was Kuki, fourteen, talkative and laid-back, but she didn't seem to take much seriously. The youngest was Suzuki, eleven, quiet and timid, clearly nervous at first but slowly calming down. Their distinct personalities made them easy to read.
By the time Jominara finished eating, the two girls begged her to let them tag along with us. She hesitated but eventually gave in. We left the dining hall — which they called the Cat Bowl — and began our tour of the village.
She showed me the learning houses, which were essentially schools. We passed statues of former leaders and monuments to past events. She led us through markets buzzing with trade, past lakes glistening under the sun, and along rows of homes. Finally, she brought me to a vast training ground they called Battle Zeno.
I asked her why it was called that. She only said it was named after a battle fought here long ago. The way she said it, I could tell it was something painful, something she didn't want to talk about. I let it drop.
Not long after, she ended the tour and told me it was time to return to the elder for training. She seemed distant, almost haunted. There was something personal in her connection to this place. I wanted to ask, but I didn't push her.
When we arrived, I went straight to the elder and told him Jominara and I had completed the tour. He nodded and said, "Now that we know your brother is beyond saving for the moment, your training can begin."
Even as he spoke, I knew Manny was still my top priority. No matter what he believed, or how far Nazo twisted him, I wasn't going to let my brother slip away.