Contents
Chapter 6: The Past
Overview
In Misaki’s past, she fights alongside Firebird and Whitewing, helping capture two killers while Yaotl Texca escapes when Robin blocks her lethal strike. Robin’s strict no-kill code clashes with Misaki’s pragmatism, prompting her vow to protect him at any cost.
Driven to improve, Misaki requests a sword from Koli, joins advanced sword practice, is outclassed by Kinoro Wangara, and gains Master Wangara’s personal training—setting her on a path to greater skill and purpose.
Summary
Misaki and Elleen ambush Malusian smugglers for Firebird’s mission. After Misaki incapacitates hired guards and ensures they won’t bleed out, the pair sprint to the main fight. Elleen’s illusions let Misaki close on the blue-flame tajaka Kolonka Mathaba, whom Elleen finally drops with a hurled slab; Mecatl Silangwe is already down, and Robin struggles under Yaotl Texca.
Misaki tackles Texca, wounding him, but Robin stops her from delivering a killing blow. Texca stabs Robin’s calf with Misaki’s dagger and flees through flame. Misaki tries to spear him, but Robin melts the ice to prevent a kill, allowing Texca to escape. The team mists the scenes to erase forensic traces, signals police for pickup, and withdraws as officers ignore a medical flare for the wounded guards.
On a rooftop, Misaki confronts Robin about endangering himself for criminals. Robin insists on a no-kill ethic and protecting North End’s oppressed communities; Misaki fears his principles will get him killed and declares she will kill to save him if necessary. He refuses, but promises to be more careful. Their charged exchange reveals Misaki’s deep attachment and solidifies her resolve to get stronger.
The next morning, Misaki asks Koli Kuruma for a sword with greater reach, moving beyond daggers. She then attends advanced sword practice, drills with Azar Tarore, and publicly challenges prodigy Kinoro Wangara. Despite clever adjustments and briefly disarming him, Misaki is outpaced and overpowered, ending the match defeated and shaken.
Master Makan Wangara recognizes Misaki’s purpose, not ego, and insists on personally training her. He assigns Tsusano-ryuu katas and schedules sessions, urging her to unite purpose and joy—marking a turning point in her development.
Who Appears
- Tsusano MisakiJijaka student; ferocious in street fights, clashes with Robin’s no-kill code, vows to protect him, seeks a sword, loses to Kinoro, gains Wangara’s training.
- Robin (Firebird)Street crime-fighter; injured by Texca, enforces a strict no-kill ethic, signals police, promises Misaki he’ll be more careful.
- Elleen Elden (Whitewing)Illusionist partner; aids with holograms, drops Mathaba with a slab, voices insecurity about being seen as a sidekick.
- Yaotl TexcaInfamous tajaka; grapples Robin, stabbed and clawed by Misaki, stabs Robin’s calf, escapes when Robin prevents a kill.
- Kokolonka MathabaBlue-flame tajaka; initially counters Misaki, then knocked out by Elleen’s thrown slab and arrested.
- Mecatl SilangweSmuggler; found unconscious before the final clash, later arrested.
- Koli KurumaInnovator-supplier; bristles at offers of payment, agrees to arm Misaki, hears her request for a sword.
- Makan WangaraMaster sword instructor; observes Misaki’s purpose, insists on training her personally, assigns Tsusano-ryuu katas.
- Kinoro WangaraProdigy swordsman; outclasses Misaki in a point match despite brief setbacks, shows restraint and concern.
- Azar TaroreAdvanced student; drills patiently with Misaki and recognizes her high skill.