《Empire of Death Saga: How A Sword changed my Life》


 Chapter 1:A Spark Of Light

    "Welcome to Kyoto, a pretty advanced city, yet traditional in some places. I am Taeko, a high-schooler, I am for some reason considered the weird kid since I like Sword-Fighting, like that''s a big deal.


    Anyways, I also go to a place around here which is considered a dojo, an unlicensed one, I still like it, but it''s kinda illegal. I didn''t introduce myself other than say my name, I have big spiky black hair, brown hair, and that''s boring, let me do this fast, I am awesome, I am 16 and already a master swords-man, more handsome than your average teen.


    As I said, I am an expert so I have a house full of medals and trophies, actually, my so-called house is a small apartment, my mom passed away when she gave birth and my dad is a jerk, he left my mom and died while riding drunk a motorcycle, and I wasn''t even invited to his funeral as his new wife called me a worthless punk since we couldn''t stand each other, so at my apartment it is very lonely, I barely talk to anyone at school since kids tend to avoid me, and guess what, today is Monday and school starts again after a wonderful weekend"


    Taeko got ready, and as always, forgot where his shoes were, silly boy. He reached for his backpack and opened the door and froze, it was the girl he liked, so his best move was to put on his hood, but sadly for him, she noticed him because of his big sword on his back.


    "Hey!"She screamed at him while waving with a big smile on her face. "So, what''s up? I saw you in class since the first day and you don''t look weird to me, not at all. Since you don''t have any friends, that''s what I heard, wanna be friends? My name is Yumi, what''s your name?". Taeko raised his head and looked her in the eyes and started blushing so he started looking towards the sky, so he wouldn''t look suspicious. "Isn''t the sky beautiful, Yumi?" "Yeah, it is".She said not knowing what were his motives."See those two clouds?" "Which ones?" "The ones I''m pointing at, they''re about to bump into each other?" "And?" "Yumi, they might just represent our destinies, you know why?" "Why?" Today I might''ve just found my first ever friend" Both their eyes lit up, and then Yumi said "Yeah I see a spark of light in your eyes, I can tell you''re happy, well I''m also happy to meet you. But what''s your name?" "Taeko" "Well, see you at school Taeko!"A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    "See you!"


    Then Taeko proceeded to walk inside and scream the words "I''ve done it" like a maniac. He sure knew his joke was cheesy.


    He left the tv on without realizing, what a dummy, he then took a look just to get a bit scared by the news. "9 people were killed while the attack took place, the criminals were trying to find a sword, so they attacked the area were the sword was told to be, after that a note was found" Taeko read off the tv.


    "There was a note who the following words were written on: Yomi is still here, in our soul, the sword is our savior, our master will come back soon." The boy froze in fear and took the sword off his back and said: "I will protect this sword even if it costs my own life, no matter what, I won''t lose against some trouble-maker punks, I don''t know what those assholes want to do with this sword, but I''ll make sure it won''t slip into their hands".


    In between chapter note:


    "Thanks for reading, I enjoyed your stay!"

 Chapter 2: Tick, Tack

    Taeko''s stress level was through the roof, he was not ready for what he heard. "Maybe just a misunderstanding, but this didn''t happen as some fools'' joke, after all, people were killed, and it happened pretty near me, those 2 kilometers away from the place where it all happened won''t help when getting away from them, anyway, I can''t just go to school, it''s weird but I need to be careful, what if those assholes come to school, or maybe even wait for me to come home, I need to watch out for anything suspicious, otherwise, I''m done for. You know what, It''s something the police will take care of, I won''t have any problems, I''ll let them take care of it!".


    Taeko was ready for school, physically, not mentally. The sound of the birds'' singing was covering the sound of the cars, his area looked like it was out a movie which took place in the countryside. The way that led to school was no less than 2 kilometers away, that worried Taeko, he thought he might meet those crazy men.


    He continued to walk just to be surprised by an accident. A policeman walked to Taeko to talk to him: "So kid, what are you up to?" "Sir I need to get to school, may I please continue walking" "Actually, no. We aren''t allowed to let anyone go this way, we need to take care of the accident" "Sir, you don''t understand! I need to go to school, my name is Taeko and the other way to school goes right were the murder took place, please sir, I might be in danger if I go to school on that route!"


    "Kid, an accident happened here, the car pilots are in great danger, I am a cool cop and not gonna bother your lies, you don''t need a shortcut to school, the teachers will understand. Okay then, have a good day". Taeko looked down like he did something wrong and quietly said "I''m sorry, Sir. You too have a good day!"


    He continued his way to school on the other route. "Keep chill, Taeko. You''re a really smart boy, you shouldn''t get scared by stuff like this. "Hey, kid" . Said, someone walking by Taeko. The man was in a black coat. Looked ready to rob someone''s house. He didn''t stop for no reason. "You''re one of them, are you?", Taeko." "Where the hell do you know my name from?" "You wouldn''t understand." "Shut up already" "I''m sorry Taeko but this will knock you out" "What do you?" Those were his last words before getting hit. He last saw a bone. It seemed weird for someone to use a bone as a weapon. Suddenly, Yumi, the young girl approached him. "Put him down" . She mumbled.


    Side note: Thanks for reading until here!


    Taeko felt a gentle tap on his shoulder, it was...Yumi?


    "What happened?" Yumi jumped to hug him "I''m super glad you''re okay, I thought you died!" Taeko was blushing continuously "W...What happened Yumi-chan?" "First off you don''t need to add the "chan", second, do you want to listen to the whole story?" "Sure"


    "After we talked I went home just to get my science book since I forgot it. When I saw that I need to take the other route I was pretty sad, then, I saw you laying on the ground next to a man. I rushed to help you and brought you here, at my house, and now after 2 hours, you woke up!" "What time is it?" "It''s 10 Am"This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.


    "But what about school? "Who cares, I''ll be punished but I have no parents. So am I gonna get grounded?" she started laughing. "Oh I didn''t notice we''re at your place, I was to caught off by the story. Anyways, I guess we''re a lot alike, I also am missing out on parents, I am sorry for your loss, I can tell you what happened to my parents if you want to."


    "Yeah, go ahead. After all, it''s about you being comfortable with it!"


    "My mother was a great person, that''s what I heard at least about her from her friends and ex co-workers, she died when she gave birth to me, no one knows why." "Must feel rough to not know what happened, I understand, and your dad?" "He left my mom, and married another woman, he died on his stupid motorcycle, that''s what I''ve been told by my step-mom, I don''t know how he was like since I never got anything told about him"


    "My parents...well, my mom died on duty as a policeman and dad died while he was over at a friend, yesterday at the attack" Taeko remembered everything and jumped to hug her even if he felt pain from the hit he took from the mystery man. "Look Yumi, they were coming after me, I didn''t get knocked out for no reason, I am so sorry for your loss!" "What are you talking about?" asked Yumi confused. He then squished her face and directed her head just to look at him and asked: "Can I entrust you with something very important and risky?"


    "Yeah, you''re my only friend and my best friend, why wouldn''t I help you?".


    Taeko smiled and proceeded to tell her what happened today. After they were done Yumi was shocked: "That is crazy!" "I know but you need to help me find out what they''re up to!" "Yeah, but...I don''t want to scare you or anything but what if that guy is your dad, you don''t know much about him or his death anyways, do you?" "Well, after everything is over I guess we''ll find out!".


    Taeko rushed to take his sword and cut his palm and said: "By this cut, we will represent the risk we took and by not bother treating the cut we will promise that we won''t abandon our mission!" "Yeah!" she quickly reached for the sword and cut herself in the palm!". He then looked her in the eyes, thinking that it was the right time to tell her how he feels: "Hey, Yumi, I just wanted you to know..." he then closed his eyes and screamed,


    "I won''t let anything happen to you because I care about you!" Yumi started blushing and said, "Yeah me too, I won''t let!" their conversation was interrupted by a policeman: "Kids, I''m glad you''re ok, we''ve tracked you with the security cameras. Good job, Young Lady! Your act was very kind!" "He is my friend, I had to do it", said Yumi smiling "Are we in trouble though for missing out on school?" said Taeko curiously "Not at all, actually you''re both ok. Now Young Taeko, may I get you to the police station along with Yumi, you''re the safest there, we''ll talk there about that man!" "Sure!" As Yumi and Taeko walked out of that door they knew their adventure was going to start.


    A man with a black coat standing on the other side of the street grabbed his phone out of his pocket and whispered: "I got them on site, a policeman is with them, won''t bother attacking now, get our men ready, I''ll follow them and give you the address, we also need to get the girl, she knows too much probably by now, we''ll execute her on sight when we meet her!" "Ok, boss! See you there!" the man with the black coat smiled and said to himself: "Tick, tock, your end is coming...TAEKO!"


    To Be Continued

 Chapter 3: Unexpected Attack

    The Black coated man was laughing like a psycho while staring at Taeko and the other two walking beside him. Taeko spotted him with his corner of the eye and got weirded out by him but decided not to call him out as he could have been a danger to others. He instead took a second to think about his mother. "What was she like, was she a good person like I was told? I guess I''ll never find out.


    Side Note: This chapter is dedicated to the story of Taeko''s mother. Enjoy


    It was a beautiful morning, an 8th grader named Suika was heading towards school when she met up with her crush, it was Shoto a young boy who was very young in class and at school in general, she walked up to him and saluted him: "Hey! How are you!" he first didn''t realize what was going because he was day-dreaming then looked at her and said:" Hey! I''m doing well, that bun while your hair is blonde looks very nice!" "Thanks! Do you want to go with me to the last party, you know, the 8th-grade graduation party?" "Sure, no one asked me yet so I would be very happy to, anyways why do you have a backpack on you and where are you heading at this hour?"


    "ARE YOU SKIPPING SCHOOL? ARE YOU CRAZY?" "Suika, today''s the last day, the graduation day, we won''t go to school until 7 pm!" "I am such a dummy! Anyways if I were to ask you! Where are you going?" "Going to a girl" Suika suddenly became upset and asked quietly "Who''s that girl?" "The Librarian." she became relieved and sarcastically said: "Haha, how funny!" "Sorry if it irritated you for some reason." "No no no! It''s ok, wait! You like reading too?" "I sure do!" "Maybe I can come with you!" "Like a date?" suddenly Suika''s expression went blank and she started blushing "No no no no, not like that!" "I just asked, maybe it could''ve been one." he smiled at her "Maybe it is" she smiled back at him. As the two arrived at the library they were greeted by a not so appealing kid, a Romanian in Japan? "Hello my name is Theo and welcome to Kyoto''s library, I am a computer''s genius, don''t get too jealous though!" his height was also not appealing with an amazing 147 cm "So you''re a worker here, aren''t you like in 3rd grade?" Shoto continued to laugh until Suika stopped him. "He might have a disease, okay little guy show me around!" "Come here, you beautiful lady!" then Shoto burst into laughing "A 3rd grader just hit on you." "Oh yeah, well he''s a gentleman, unlike you!" then, she proceeded to follow the boy "Jeez, that hurt."If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    Shoto then stopped them and asked to go to the bathroom as he felt a bit weird. The girl and the Romanian were starring at a computer "See girl, I can place a block if I click and a bed and then I can break it" "How''s that any fun? Can you do anything else?" "No, but it is fun!"


    A scream was heard from the bathroom, it was Shoto, she then rushed to him as she was worried. "Shoto are you...?" she was shocked by what she saw, Shoto was full of cuts all over his body and blood was coming out "Are you ok?" "Yes, yet not, please promise me you won''t tell anyone, I need to entrust with something." "Promise!" he then smiled at her and it all began...


    Back to the police station where Taeko and Yumi arrived along with the policeman. Taeko was taken along with the girl in another room to be interrogated "So Taeko, what happened?" "I was going to school when..." a huge explosion interrupted their conversation as bullets were shot the entrance to the that they were was just a big hole now, in the room near them there were many bodies on the floor and many masked men. And at the entrance, it was the man in the black coat who said with a big smile on his face "Hello." his words sounded friendly, yet terrifying. The policeman who brought them there reached for his pocket gun but was immediately shot in the head. Taeko was scared to death.


    "That girl is pretty cute, you care about her, Taeko, don''t you?" "You motherfucker!" "Let''s test if she''s bulletproof" he started reloading his gun, Yumi whispered to him "It''s ok if this is for the good of others, I''m ok with it!" she had tears in her eyes, yet she was smiling. Taeko decided to risk it himself he went for the policeman''s pocket and grabbed a flashbang he then pulled the trigger and before throwing it at the masked man he said "Watch out assholes!" he the grabbed Yumi''s hand and ran where he remembered as he couldn''t hear anything. Then a sound of a gunshot was heard, Yumi stopped, the flashbang''s effect was running out and what he saw shocked him. Her leg was shot. The man with the black coat laughed and said: "Oops, looks like I am too trained for your bullshit!" then Taeko reached for his sword and pointed at him.


    "You versus me, without any of your soldiers." "Alright, it''ll be fun, what are you gonna will me with, a katana?" he burst into laughter as he said those words. Them Taeko started thinking "This man must''ve been well trained to get her while he was blinded, his reflexes must be over the top! I must think of something, faster! I''ll need to think on spot, I am dead either way, I''ll just try, my only chance!" he then screamed at the mystery guy "Come here you asshole!" he then charged at him with his full speed...


    TO BE CONTINUED

 Chapter 4: Unexpected Guests

    Taeko didn''t think it all the way through, his only chance was to take a shot at hitting him, he knew, whatever happened, there was no chance to survive either way. They wanted his sword, after all, there was no reason to keep him alive.


    "Why even bother trying to hit me, your skill is uncomparable to mine!". Taeko was running towards him with his sword raised, ready to slash him at any moment, there was a small space between them, a normal human couldn''t survive Taeko''s hit. Only the mystery man grabbed on to his blade like it was nothing, blood was coming out of his hand, it was like he didn''t feel pain, afterward, he only laughed, only now Taeko got close to him, saw his big scary eyes, he looked like he was starring into your soul, his hand was skinny, his nails were missing and even some of them were replaced by knives. The man got his tongue out and licked his blood.


    "Blood spilled from a fight is the best blood, as a warrior myself I know the feeling of getting overwhelmed by my enemy, that feeling, is eating you up inside, you feel scared. Although you know your death is approaching you still fought me, what a brave young man! Sorry to warn you so late, but you ain''t playing any games with me.". His eyes looked right at him, his facial expression drastically changed. He then grabbed his sword from his hand, it was like Taeko''s hands were extremely slippery, he took the sword so easily.


    "Maybe he used a spell on me, or he weakened my body by scaring me, damn...I lost it all!" Taeko''s thoughts showed how unsafe he felt. It was the end of him.


    The man sprinted towards him, the pain was his target, to weaken his opponent. He didn''t bother using the sharp tip of the blade, instead, he took a pocket knife who didn''t look too useful for a fight and headed it towards Taeko''s stomach.


    "Is this it, I feel dizzy, I can''t feel any pain, I blacked out. Goddamnit! Now Yumi will die because of him, cmon Taeko, wake up, you can''t die, not here! I hear talking, I hear the mysterious man and some other guy...". "Boss, didn''t you just attack him with the enchanted knife?" "He thought he could win, crushing someone''s dreams is very fun, he may hear us, he thinks, how could I lose? Against him? Hahaha..."


    "Now, as I am your boos, my fellow weaklings, go ahead bring the girl here!". They grabbed her unconscious body and brought it to their boss. "Please don''t! Please! It''s no use, whatever I say, they can''t hear me. I need to wake up, now!" "Her lips are so gentle, put her on my lap, you know what... I might marry her. Hahaha!" "Wake up, Taeko, NOW!" Taeko jumped off the ground and punched him. Yumi''s unconscious body fell, but Taeko caught her. "Why would you do this, what did I ever do to deserve this?" said Taeko in tearsUnauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.


    "Boss, are you ok. Should we attack?" "Of course not, he is a minimal danger, not even a danger I suppose, hahaha!". The man took the pocket knife in his hands and attacked Taeko.


    Another blade went right past the man''s face. "Who are you, you managed to make me drip some blood. Hahaha!". A boy under a cape took his hood off. It was a young man with black-red hair, his appearance made anyone think he came from a rich family. "Hey, big bro"


    Silence aroused in the room. "So, Katashi, did you plan to save this young man and his girl-friend?" "I am here to stop your senseless doings, about that, you are right, Kaori. I indeed need to save them, now, how about you''d hand me that sword without me needing to use force"


    "How dare you mess with our Boss you..." his saying was interrupted by a clap of thunder. "So, your minions are foolish, as always. If any of you tries to say anything I''ll kill you all, and your boss.". They all looked scared, even though they had nothing to live for, death was what they feared the most.


    "Well, Kaori. I hope you liked holding that sword." .Something flashed before Taeko''s eyes, Katashi was in the other corner of the room they were standing in. "We''ll meet again, Katashi!", he laughed.


    "I can''t stand a chance against him with these weak troops, I''ll act scared and flee."."Well, then, see you later!" Said Katashi. Suddenly a flash of light appeared in the room, it was like a flashbang, everyone was blinded. Taeko felt like someone grabbed him on their back.


    After his vision was restored Taeko saw the boy who stood up yo Kaori earlier, he was carrying him. "Hope you''re holding tight to that girl.". Taeko was too weakened, he couldn''t talk.


    He brought them to a small cabin in the forest and gave each one of them a small bed to rest. After a few hours of resting Taeko woke up again to someone else''s house, it was a small room made out of wood, he was in a bunk bed.


    "Where is Yumi, I hope she''s ok, I must go check on h..." He jumped out of his bed only to get a gigantic pain around his stomach. "Stop it, dumbass, you have a pretty severe wound from your fight, I must admit, you fought like you had nothing to lose, pretty reckless.". Taeko heard the voice from the bunk bed, it was the guy from earlier, Katashi. "You''ve got some explaining to do! Now help me get up, I can barely get up!"


    TO BE CONTINUED

 Chapter 5: The Power of The Gods

    "You''ve got some explaining to do! Now help me get up, I can barely get up!" "Well, my name is Katashi, I am one of the users of the powers of the god of thunder and the swords, Takemikazuchi, one of the mightiest gods in my opinion". Taeko got more confused as he heard more about gods. "So it''s a war between gods, and who''s the Takemuchi guy again?" "First off, there is no war, just some unexpected things happened, as you heard, my brother and his armies are willing to summon the god of death, you know that, right?" "I guess I do, anyway, I was looking for something... Where''s Yumi?"


    Katashi pointed towards a door towards a room nearby. Taeko rushed towards it and opened the door. The room was empty, there was a chair and a bed and a painting. Yumi was sitting on the chair with a blank expression. "Yumi, you''re ok!" he rushed to hug her but she jumped from her chair to back off in the corner of the room. "Yumi, it''s me your...". He didn''t get to finish his sentence as he got interrupted by Yumi. "You''re the one who could''ve got both of us killed because you think you''re a strong hero, you are just an idiot who can swing a sword."


    Taeko started shedding tears, he felt like he didn''t know Yumi all this time. He suddenly felt numb, he felt like someone stabbed him in the stomach again. "Ahhh..." he dropped to the ground in pain. Yumi jumped to help him "Are you ok, Taeko?" she got worried as he couldn''t talk, because of his pain. Katashi walked in and started explaining everything: "The effects of the enchanted knife, they''re only a few in the world, people who work for gods usually get them, they are used in emergencies, but I guess Kaori just wanted Taeko to have a painful death, a stab from the enchanted knife can be mortal, after 1 week his body will be eaten up by Yomi, the god of death, it''s like he got sacrificed."


    Yumi started shaking as she holds Taeko''s hand. "Is there a way to stop this curse?" "I wouldn''t call it a curse, it''s more like a poisonous death. Why do you care, didn''t you just talk down on him a few minutes ago?". Yumi in tears said: "Tell me already, he''s my best friend at the end of the day.". He started laughing "It''s like in fairy tales, the power of friendship wins, well, I might have a method to save him, destroy the enchanted knife"


    Taeko smiled and started talking: "So what if I am in pain, like I am gonna give up like this, Katashi, is there a way I can borrow powers from the Take-something guy?" "Well, I guess you can, but he will judge you if he sees you weak like now, he will eliminate you.". Taeko forces himself to stand up "A weak man is someone who gives up, did you see me die? Like I''m ever going to give up!" Katashi smiled: "You are one strong guy, Yumi, don''t ever give up on him, he is someone pretty loyal from what I see."Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.


    Taeko looked down to see that he was holding hands with Yumi. He blushed and asked, "Did I do this, hahaha?". Yumi smiled and said: "No, I did. You should train maybe after you feel better" "Hey, Yumi, I have a question." "Say it!" "If we destroy that stupid knife and survive, you won''t ditch our friendship." "Don''t even think you''re going to die, and yes, I think I would not."


    "So nice, you idiot, Taeko, you''re going to die in a week, love is the last thing you should think about!". "Where''s the place where I can get my superpowers anyways?" "It''s an old temple, somewhere I only know from what I know, for your security, until I get the confirmation from the gods, you''ll need to study, you will be transferred to my school until the whole story is over, probably" "You own a school, I would love to see it!" said Yumi. "Well then, since our time is limited, I''ll go to my beloved temple, I will go discuss with the gods about you, Taeko, tomorrow you''ll be transferred to my school!" "Alright, we barely know this house but there is no problem!" "See you, take care!"


    Taeko and Yumi were the only ones left. Taeko asked: "Are you gonna let go of my hand it''s getting embarrassing." Yumi blushed and jumped away "Sorry sorry sorry, Taeko, if I disturbed you. And most importantly, I was too rude to you!" "I guess you were right, I can be a dummy sometimes."


    They went ahead and explored the house. "It is a mess, are you ready to clean, Yumi." So they started cleaning and about 2 hours later almost everything was done. Yumi screamed at Taeko "Don''t come to the hallway It''s very slippery!" "I''m ok, Yumi, I will be having powers soon, like I can''t walk on the floor without falling, it''s not a hard task at all!"


    He walked towards the windows he needed to clean from the hallway. Right as he was near Yumi, he slipped. They were looking at each other. Taeko started thinking fast "Oh no we''re gonna fall on each other, we''re gonna get to kiss because the position that we are, she''s going to think that I did it on purpose, she''s gonna think I''m a pervert."


    The house entrance was open, it was Katashi "WHY THE HELL ARE YOU TWO ON THE FLOOR?" he screamed at them. Taeko jumped and started feeling sick "Looks like my life is not a romance story. I just banged my head, damnit" she then smiled and said, "It''s ok"


    "Taeko, the gods judged you, you will be blessed with the powers in 6 days." Everyone froze. "I will have 1 day to defeat Kaori." "I''m afraid, yes" Taeko smiled and said: "Meh, I''ll defeat that punk no matter what his power ar...". He felt it again, the effects of the enchanted knife. "It hurts, bad, why, I seem optimistic, but I want this pain to stop, faster." Taeko was thinking.


    TO BE CONTINUED

 Chapter 6: A new start

    Last time on How a Sword changed my Life: Taeko''s wounds aren''t getting any better his decisions are limited, choose a painful slow torturous way, that would make a living hell of his life or fight for his life.


    Katashi stepped towards Yumi to whisper: "I can feel something''s different, what is it that you find attractive at him?" "He''s a nice, heroic boy, why wouldn''t I like him?" "You seem uneasy when saying that, I can feel that in your voice, there''s no way that''s the truth, you don''t scream at someone and then just love them like some kind of a Romeo and Juliet play is happening in your life." "He needs to focus. If I were to reject him, he wouldn''t pay attention to anything, like this I''ll make him enjoy his last days!"


    Taeko smiled and walked into the room: "Cmon, there''s no way I''m not surviving, thanks for everything but just act casual, anyway, I brought you a bag of ice in case you head hurt, I managed to find my way around the house I guess."


    Katashi and Yumi''s expressions went blank, as soon as Taeko walked out of the room they looked at each other uneased "Did he just hear it all?" "I hope not."


    "What was up with them, they didn''t seem happy, right now we need to be positive, no matter what!"


    A few hours passed by, the awkwardness was intense, no one would speak to each other, it was a house so silent, it was like it felt like living in an abandoned home, Taeko felt like he was in a prison where he was the only prisoner.


    "Goodnight, Katashi!" "Yeah, you too..." "Are you dead inside or something?" "Just sleep."


    Taeko started resting and forgot about all of his current problems. His nose smelled something sweet, something very soft pressed on his face. He opened his eyes to see Yumi near him and a flower field. The flowers tingled his hands, their smell, and their beauty created a paradise-like situation. "Yumi you''re hiding something behind your back I can tell!" she smiled and slowly got something from her back, it was the enchanted knife. She pointed towards his stomach and stabbed him.


    Taeko jumped from his bed. Sweat was all over his face. He felt anxious like he never did. His bad time ended. Katashi interrupted him: "A bad dream, I guess, isn''t it?" "Your assumptions aren''t wrong, why are you up so early, isn''t it like 6 or 5 am?" "It sure is, but I need to manage my school, it''s pretty hard, how about you''d come with me?"If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.


    They got ready and then got in Katashi''s car, an old Jeep. "I thought that someone who is a principal of a school would own something better." "Shut up already! I don''t have a reason to own a car since I mostly use my powers to transport myself. "


    After they arrived, they went to Katashi''s office. "So, what are we doing here, Mister Principal?" "I''ll start some paper-work, you can chill on the sofa." "Your wish is my command" A few minutes later Taeko''s snoring was covering any sound. As Katashi didn''t want to wake him up, he just tried to get used to the snoring. "That brat..."


    The bell rang for the first class. Taeko was still sleeping. Katashi tried to be as gentle as possible. He started screaming and shaking him: "Get up, you idiot, it''s time for school!" "Yeah ok, chill. One more minute!". Taeko''s words got him even madder. "I''ll show you one more minute!" There was one more sound coming from the office, a slap and then a door slam as Taeko and Katashi were in the hallway. "Katashi, where''s my sword? Maybe Yumi will think I''m cooler if I have it on me." "Don''t worry about it because it''s safe. A sword won''t make a girl consider you hotter, you idiot." "Did you know I dreamt about unicorns?" "That is the last thing I want to know. Cmon, wake up already, in 2 minutes you''ll be in class."


    The door of the class opened. "Good morning mister Principal!". "Wooah, they syncronized, hahaha!" "Taeko, this smiley boy, is your new classmate, be nice to him, have a good..." "Where''s his uniform." "Who is this old geezer asking about my uniform, Katashi?" "He is your teacher, say sorry already." "Alright, sorry." "What''s with that attitude, young man?" "Get yourself together, old man, as your student I am the one you should teach, don''t pick on me, as simple as that."


    The whole class went silent. Taeko noticed Yumi in the back row and ran towards her "Yumiiii, want to sit together?" "I''m sorry, but I have a friend here. Maybe next class, ok?" "I won''t let this girl ruin our day. Hello, my name is Taeko, as her fellow best friend or maybe even closer since yesterday I''d advise you to sit somewhere else." "My name is Ami. I am sorry if I disturbed you, I''ll let you sit here.". When she wanted to get up, Yumi pulled her shirt. "You''re acting weird, Taeko, what happened?" "I only slept for a few hours." "A bad dream?" "Yep" "What was it about?" "Yep" "Are you ok?" "Yep" "You won''t tell me what the dream was about, won''t you?" "Yep" "SILENCE!" "What are you on about, old man?" "Sit down where the seat is empty!" "Alright. One last question, why are we like 70?" "Most hours are group activities. We tend to group different classes up, even though there is an age gap." "Ahaaaa..."


    He sat near a girl, a quiet one. She had black hair. Her eyes were as big as some pearls. She was also short. She looked very young for a high-schooler. Taeko was looking at her like he discovered something new "Are you going to tell me I''m short and too young already?" "What? No, I think looking young shows that you''re gifted." "Thanks." "Why are you suddenly so happy?" "You reminded me of someone."


    TO BE CONTINUED


    Next Time on How a Sword changed my Life:


    This girl is pretty weird, maybe we could be friends. COMING SOON Chapter 7: New Friends

 Chapter 7: Time passes by

    "Am I sitting next to a demon or something? She keeps smiling when I act nice. It must be because of my beautiful features. If I was a woman, I would fall for myself.  Who am I kidding? I am half asleep, lonely, and abandoned by my only friend." "What are you a pervert? Will you stop staring at me, I am a girl, not your toy."


    "Did you mention that you''re a girl? You indirectly assumed the fact that I''m attracted to men. Now, I know I said you look young but just making sure, are you someone''s sister." The girl raised her foot. She header towards his legs, the last moments of Taeko''s beautiful life were passing by his eyes like birds migrating. And it was a final blow!


    "Respect a girl, moron." "Hahaha so funny, you demon." "If you don''t shut up I''ll hit you again."


    After 10 minutes of the teacher complaining about the students, the bell rang. A pretty solid guy, spiky brown hair with hatred in his eyes walked up towards Taeko. He looked pissed.


    "The class is so empty. I am only with this guy. He might want to be friends!" Suddenly, Taeko''s eyes lit up as he got excited by his thoughts. "Hey, my name''s Taeko. I would love to be friends."


    The boy raised his fist. Flames came out of his hand. Taeko didn''t get to react. He didn''t see it coming. He slowly headed towards his stomach with his fist.A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.


    "Aghhh." "Poor coward. Gets scared away and acts all scared now. Be careful who you''re messing with."


    Ami entered the class along with Yumi and got shocked seeing Taeko on the floor. They rushed to him. "Brother, what have you done?" "I tried teaching him a lesson. And suddenly, he screamed and dropped to the floor. He''s such a weakling." "I''m no weakling... I have been stabbed by the enchanted knife. I figured out you''d know." "The enchanted knife? No way you''re serious."


    He tried standing up but fell back down. He forced himself until he felt like he was suddenly rotating. He felt sick. He lost interest in doing anything. He tried once again but failed. He dropped, blood came out of his mouth. Then, he passed away.


    Taeko opened his eyes to find himself in Katashi''s home. He was holding Ami''s hand. She was asleep near him on a chair. "Damn, I must''ve slept for a while." he talked to himself. He got interrupted by Katashi''s voice. "You sure did, three days have passed. And her, she was with this whole time, we excused her not to go to school. I guess she felt guilty for her brother." "Huh, I guess she did."


    "Wait! Time passed so much. Which means that in 2 days I''m getting my powers?" "Well, about that. I have good news. As soon as you feel better, we''ll go get yourself some powers."


    Taeko''s eyes lit up. He was ready to get powers.


    TO BE CONTINUED


    Sorry for making this one shorter, the next one is going to be the best chapter, I promise.


    Next time: Chapter 8: Taeko vs Gen

 Chapter 8: Taeko vs Gen

    "I am assured that I will get better soon. My will power is stronger than this stupid wound." Taeko deeply analyzed the situation in his head. The fact that soon he will be able to thunder on his enemies made him think we were some god.


    Ami sure wasn''t moving. She was sleeping like she didn''t sleep for days. Taeko slowly god out of bed but his legs felt numb. Katashi told one of his good pals.


    The door slowly opened as a tall figure appeared. "Good morning! I have come to heal you, young man." Taeko started looking disappointed in a matter of seconds, but, no matter what, he couldn''t decline him. "Old fart teach, you probably got in the wrong house." Theo''s face got progressively angrier as Taeko continued to annoy him: "Who are you calling an old fart? Respect the elders, punk! Anyways, I didn''t get to introduce myself, didn''t I? I am Theo, one of the first apprentices of Ashitek¨­jin, the god of legs and hands. Now, I''ve been informed by Katashi that you got attacked by his younger brother. Is that right, Katashi...Katashi?" his tone raised as he noticed Katashi sleeping. "Oh yeah. Yeah..." He jumped out of his chair.


    Taeko''s curiosity was slowly eating him inside. "Katashi, before he gets to heal me or whatever he is going to do. I''d like you to answer me. Why do you even have a school when you are a hero."


    Katashi burst into laughing. "I wish I could be named that. Back when my brother became a worshiper of Yomi. He was considered a demon. So I had to follow his dark path. That''s what people thought actually. I had no friends. And now, I am forced to carry out a school. To avoid suspiciousness of me doing other practices. Now worshipping isn''t a crime, but way too many people use it to do evil. My wish is that one day I could sell this school. And maybe, I could live my life as I wanted as a child, a hero."


    Chapter 8.2: A new thunder-bender. Taeko!


    Everyone went silent. The atmosphere was so thick you could''ve cut it with a knife."I''ll get to work." Said Theo. He touched his legs. Taeko became confused "Are you kidding me or something? My legs still hu." He interrupted himself as he felt his legs perfectly fine. He smiled and said: "Nevermind, thanks!" Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work!


    "Now, get on your knees and tell the gods how you feel," Katashi told him. "I feel honored to receive these great powers." Said Taeko poetically. "Now, let me hit you." "Why would you h..." It was too late for answers. Katashi''s hand went purple, a thunder''s look surrounded his hand. It was a direct blow to the chest. Taeko angrily shouted. "How dare you this?" Katashi pointed towards him and said. "You''re surrounded by thunder."


    He jumped and screamed as a celebration. He accidentally woke up Ami from her sleep. "Sorry, Ami. I feel bad for making you wait beside me, I have a request. May I lead you home?" Her face went all red "It''s nothing. You can come, of course!"


    Chapter 8.3: The showdown between the benders


    Taeko got on his favorite hoodie and started to walk towards her home. She leads him there and at the entrance was her brother gen, with an angry face. "Sister, get out of the way. I''ll get rid of him fast." Gen dashed towards Taeko. Trails of fire were left behind him. In a matter of seconds, Gen was in his face. "I don''t want to spoil your death but the great white knight used thunder splash on Gen, the ugly human-toad." Taeko''s attack name was pretty lame. But it sure was powerful. His hand was surrounded by thunder. He made contact with Gen''s chest. A fire erupted in the shape of a tornado. Taeko went flying. "Losers like you belong in hell. Just give up already." Gen closed his hand. The tornado exploded.


    Taeko felt pain. The explosion made him feel like he was ripped from the inside. He raised his hand and prayed it would work. A clap of thunder appeared in the back of Gen, he turned fast and punched what he thought Taeko was. It was just a diversion. He used thunder as propulsion for his legs. Within a blink of an eye, Taeko was behind his back. It was a direct blow. Gen went flying towards his own house. He slowly got up. He started laughing like a psycho. "What is wrong with you? Is this a bad joke or what? You could''ve killed me?" Said Taeko barely standing up. Gen wasn''t doing any better, he also felt his legs numb and powerless. He was feeling like his own body was failing him. "I know that sword, Taeko. Only someone strong should wield that little sword of yours. Until then, I would be proud to beat you!" "You are out of your mind. Well, I guess I shall use all of my power." he smiled as he slowly drew his sword. "Sure, let''s show our full potential."


    The floor slowly was replacing with lava within a long-range. "A special move of yours?" Taeko laughed. He fully drew his sword. An aura-like field of thunder appeared around Taeko. A giant made of fire appeared before Taeko''s eyes. "Damn, that''s scary," he said it bored. A knight armor formed around his body from his aura of thunder. "Did I do this? Hehehe." He said to himself. The giant Reached his hand towards him. Taeko''s instinct was to use his sword. The showdown began within the warriors.


    Coming Soon Chapter 9: Taeko vs Gen part two

 Chapter 9: Taeko vs Gen part 2

    Taeko''s sword was heading towards the giant''s hand. A perfect cut. Without noticing Gen was in Taeko was in his face. He had a never seen before speed.


    Their fists almost collided. Their fight was interrupted by someone. The fire started emerging out of the ground. "Is this one of your powers, idiot?" said Taeko with an ironic tone. "Unfortunately, not. It is my sister. Well, before I can get rid of you, we must stop her." "Is that so?" "I''m afraid she could kill millions if not stopped."


    Taeko looked to his left. He saw Ami. She was smiling, she looked angry. She had a blue fire around her. "She looks like the devil himself." "I''ll go left, you go right, understood?" "Like it would be that hard.". Gen looked at him seriously. He barely could''ve seen his face throughout the flames of the fire. He still understood that the situation was, unfortunately, a serious one.


    Gen''s hand got a blue-ish look. Turned out he could''ve used those flames to all this time. Taeko charged with a punch towards her head. She screamed once.


    She explored the area around her, sending Taeko and Gen flying. She was heading towards Taeko. She smiled while slowly getting close to her.


    A thunder-like light appeared.  For the next seconds, everyone was blind. Taeko heard a loud bang from his right side. "Crap, what if this is Kaori. We''re all dead then." he started thinking fast, trying to find answers. He finally could see. It was Katashi looking pale and angry. "You''ve got some guts to cause all of this disaster.".Taeko rested his head, relaxed because of finding out who the mystery person was.


    Chapter 9.2: Plans for a Raid


    Gen, Ami, and Taeko were in a hospital. "Where the hell am I? I woke up from the bed. It probably was all just a dream. Right, a dream." "How dare you cause this much trouble?" Katashi said it disappointed. "Look, it was not my fault. Where am I, anyway?" "I heard the full story. You''re in the school hospital."


    He was in a room with only a bed and a desk. Pretty blank for a hospital. "At this point, waking up in random beds is something basic." "I am disappointed in you. But, proud that you learned to use your powers." "Thanks..." "Rest for now. Tomorrow we shall go fight Kaori." "What did you just say?" He screamed at Katashi.Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.


    Gen''s room was no different. A plant, a bed, and some tables to fill out the blank spaces. "Did it all happen in real life? It would be great if Fujita didn''t find out. He is such an asshole about things like this one." In the corner of the room was mister Fujita sitting in a chair reading a book. Fujita is one of the first fire benders and Gen''s sensei. "Ahem." Fujita tried to get his attention. Seeing Fujita gave Gen chills, it was like his worst nightmare happen. "Please don''t make me clean toilets for free at some restaurant again as a punishment." Bowed Gen to Fujita. "Not even close. As payback for you stupid acts. You shall help us defeat Kaori. "Seems easy." Everyone went quiet until Gen realized. "Kaori??" Gen exploded.


    Katashi walked in Ami''s room to find out her sleeping. Fujita was there near her watching. "You did talk with Gen, didn''t you?" "I suppose I did.". "I hope we can end his army once and for all. Anyway, Fujita. I have a request. I want you to make contact with the people from the Island of Peace."


    Chapter 9.4: A new Visitor


    Taeko kept staring at the ceiling. He was thinking of different scenarios. "Either way, if I don''t try. I would die as a loser." He told himself.


    He heard a knock on the door. "Who could it be? Probably Gen. He must want to bow on his knees for forgiveness." He started laughing. "Get in!" He screamed at the person knocking. A girl''s figure appeared. It was none other than Yumi.


    He jumped to hug her but fell on his right arm. He screamed because of his pain. Yumi helped him get up. "I am so happy to see you." Said Taeko. "We need to talk." "Sure, I have nothing to do anyway." Yumi was not looking him in the eyes and seemed shy. "I am moving. I am going to study at a different school."


    Taeko''s expression became blank. "Don''t forget, we''ll always be together. We love each other." Yumi''s facial expression rapidly changed. She burst into laughter. "Come on. Why would I ever like you?  Anyway, we''ll meet again." She wore an evil-looking grin while saying her last words. She left the room.


    Tako became angry and sad. "Stop!" he screamed after her. Katashi rushed into the room and found Taeko reaching his hand. "What is it? Everything ok?" "Didn''t you see her? Yumi was here."


    "She moved yesterday far away. I am sorry, I forgot to tell her." "Are you sure you never saw her today around here?" "Not at all, we even have a sensor for the entrance and windows so my idea would be for you to rest. Your tiredness makes you have hallucinations." Taeko agreed. But, he knew something was surely up.


    Meanwhile, Fujita arrived at the floating island of peace. He knocked on the gates. "Hi, Fujita." He turned around to see a familiar figure.

 Chapter 10: Essence of your Power

    Fujita couldn''t believe his eyes. Ena, the kid of Fujin. His powers were predicted to be enormous. He was the first bender at his age. He was only two when he became a worshiper.


    "I am afraid we can''t. Fujita, after the incident, when I was ten, our teams are separated. We''re no more than council-mates. My dad is at the council''s meeting. Excuse me now."


    "It was a big misunderstanding!"


    "I am afraid you''re the one who owes us a favor. Now go, you wasted criminals."


    Things were going just as bad at the hospital. Katashi tried to calm Taeko down: "You''re just tired. Even if, we can think of alternatives to what happened."


    "Katashi, I am supposed to be calm? I lost my life, all. I should''ve just given them my sword. Katashi, who even are you? I don''t know little to anything about you. You just decided to help me for your own sake, your interest. And now, I am cursed with some powers. I will die soon. You are just a coward. If you are so strong as you acted you would''ve helped me by now!" Taeko started tearing on his blanket.The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.


    Katashi''s expression went blank. He slapped Taeko all over his face. A spark of lightning appeared at the impact. Taeko went flying out the window. He was in the schoolyard.


    Taeko pressed his feet o the ground then launched himself after him. "You idiot, if you dare talk like that. Fight me!"


    Taeko analyzed the situation in his head: "He is surrounded by black sparks. He looks way out of my league. I think I can jump over him!" Taeko fastly got on his feet. He then jumped high. He raised his leg and tried to use his powers on it. "I did it. I will show him what I can do!"


    Taeko went full force towards Katashi''s back. Katashi turned quickly and punched him in the face as soon as he impacted with the ground. Taeko flew into the wall of the hospital. He passed out almost. "He predicted my attack."


    Peeking around the corner, was Yumi recording with the phone. "They are both two idiots. They will regret this." She laughed like a psycho.


    Katashi didn''t realize what happened. He looked towards his back. He immediately got scared of what he saw. A summoned portal opened. He got his phone out and called someone.


    "Fujita speaking."


    "They are here."


    Taeko slowly got up and saw Yumi. He started screaming Yumi''s name. "You bastard!" He used his powers to fly towards her. He grabbed her shirt and looked her in the eyes. She whispered in his ear: "It''s a bit too late."

 Chapter 11:The end of an Era

    Taeko grabbed Yumi''s SweatShirt. "You''re with them?" he screamed, you could''ve sensed the pain in his voice. He raised his fist as he was ready to blow her out of his face. "I am not weak, don''t worry."Taeko looked down to see arms of skeletons grabbing onto his feet. He applied pressure on his feet, he released a high-intensity volt attack all over the ground. After holding the pressure, he finally freed himself. He jumped back as fast as he could.


    "I might have to defeat you, ungrateful bitch." Yumi laughs, ignoring his words. She faced the sky and briefly said: "Look at the sky, he is coming." A man dressed in a coat similar to Kaori''s fell, making a hole in the ground.


    The alarms started ringing. A voice of a woman could''ve been heard in the school. "Dear students, we ask you to keep your calm, we are in an emergency." The woman continued telling everyone basic rules in case of bombings. Students in classrooms could be heard crying: "I don''t wanna die."  "I am so young."  "Mom, I am sorry."


    Taeko was facing the man in his eyes. At least what he could have seen of them. His mask looked like a deer''s skull, it was hard to see his face details. "So you''re the one. I will be very happy to kill you today." he reached for a little handle at his back. As he pulled it out more, it extended, it was a scythe.


    Katashi reached for the sword of Taeko on his back. "Taeko, catch." He boosted the sword towards Taeko, "This time, I won''t lose, promise Katashi!"


    Fujita came running into Gen''s room. "Get ready, they''re here!" Gen slowly got up and got his casual jacket on. "Let''s go."


    Katashi saw someone flying towards him. He looked at the man in the eyes. It was none other than Kaori. "Hello, brother." Katashi gave him a stare and didn''t respond.Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.


    Meanwhile, Taeko was still facing Kaori''s comrade. He charged Taeko. He took out his sword at parried his attack. The man quickly punched Taeko in his stomach. Taeko spat blood as he realized that his situation was getting worse. A feeling of confidence struck him. His promise to Katashi. He got as steady as a rock on the ground. He screamed because of the pain but took his sword in time. He blinked past the guy. To the left, then to the right after over him. A ball of lightning formed. He put his sword back in his back and said "Rest well." As he blinked, the ball exploded.


    Ami followed Gen and saw a girl. She looked lost. Gen recognized what she had on her belt. It was the enchanted knife. He gently pushed Ami "I go left, you go right." Ami showed him a thumbs up and executed.


    Gen attacked the girl was quickly thrown back. She grabbed Ami''s hand and started stabbing her with her claws. "It''s so good coming back."


    Taeko heard Gen''s scream from the other part of the school. He rushed to help. He quickly charged towards the girl. He saw her pull the enchanted knife. She stabbed him in the chest.


    She got a bit nervous as Taeko started laughing. Taeko started pushing it in and afterwards raised his palm. An explosion came out of his palm. He went flying one way and the mysterious girl along with Ami the other way.


    He slowly pulled out the knife out of his chest. Threw it on the ground and hardly stepped on it." This is over!" He destroyed it. A big explosion occurred out of the knife.


    Kaori was facing Katashi. He smiled and screamed, "We''re over here!" Smoke appeared everywhere.


    Taeko fell on his knees, he was feeling too much pain. The girl only left the body of Ami.


    Katashi rushed to Taeko. "You did it. You''re not so useless after all." Taeko hardly smiled "Shut up, you idiot."


    Fujita picked Ami up. "She is unconscious, hope nothing''s wrong."


    Katashi screamed, "We did it!"


    Taeko pulled his arm and whispered "No, it is just their plan. They will come back."


    Fujita''s phone was ringing. "Fujita''s speaking."


    "The island of peace, please, they are here."


    Fujita''s face went blank. "Oh no." He quietly said.


    END


    To be continued in The Island of Peace Saga: How a Sword changed my Life coming 13/10/2019