Yasuke : Rise of the Black Dahlia

Yasuke, Chapter 8 : Thirty Days

After King Leonidas promised his forces under King Musa's command, he was escorted out of Neserus and went back to Spartania. The two had agreed that within merely thirty days, Yasuke and Eradius would be escorted to the Kingdom of Spartania to train. Once there, be would train for six years before returning to Neserus and enlisting in Musa's Order. While King Musa and his subordinates readied Yasuke and Eradius for King Leonidas' training, Leonidas was getting his entire Kingdom ready for the arrival of the Black Dahlia. His knights were just finishing their sparring sessions, and Leonidas planned to explain the situation to those who were unaware.

"If you guys didn't know already, I made a pledge to King Musa." Leonidas stated. "There's a possibility that the Kingdom of Namunda and the Kingdom of Neserus will be at war soon. If that does come to pass, our forces will assist them."

"King Namunda is being led by the former Prince Nobunaga, correct?" one of the young knights asked.

"That is correct, Dom." Leonidas responded.

"He's probably after the Black Dahlia." another one of them commented.

"King Musa and I have both came to that conclusion as well." Leonidas continued. "That's why Yasuke, the kid with the power of the Black Dahlia, is coming to Spartania."

"He's coming here?" Dom asked.

"In thirty days" Mephistopheles commented.

"When he arrives, we all we begin a much more harsh and intense training session than ever before. So, I want these thirty days to be stress-free and rejuvenating for you. You are not to train, in any way, for the next thirty days. If you feel the need to get physically active sometime during that point, I have various activities that you can do."

"What do these various activities consist of?" Dom asked.

"Me and Mephisto will demonstrate."

Leonidas equipped a small, rubber, and round object out of a bag that was near his feet.

"This is what we call a ball game."

"Ball game?"

Leonidas began to walk forwards, pushing the ball back and forth between his two feet.

"You are not allowed to use your hands in this ball game." Mephisto commented. "King Leonidas' mission is to get the ball to the goal. My mission is to keep him from getting the ball to the goal."

"Where's the goal?" Dom asked.

Leonidas kicked the ball to the left of Mephisto as Mephisto rushed sideways to stop it.

*SWOOSH*

Mephisto caught the ball with the tip of his right foot. It was just an inch or two away from two sticks stuck into the ground, with a net between them.

"This is the goal" Mephisto stated as he pointed to it.

"Let me try." Dom stated.

"Sure, go ahead." Leonidas stated as he moved to the side.

"But not against Mephistopheles, I want to go against Logias."

Logias and Domitia both were two of the top prospects. Naturally, the two always sought competition with each other. Domitia would always call Logias out no matter if it was wrestling, swimming, or just combat.

"Very well" Logias stated as he got up and took Mephisto's place.

Logia and Domitia shared a lot of traits. They were both the tallest of Spartania. They were both top prospects, being considered above the likes of Mephistopheles and Rasmus. They shared the same build, both very much in shape. Except, Logias is the most peaceful Knight in all of Spartania and Domitia is one of the most combat eager.

"Domitia and Logias are back at it once again I see." Elaea stated.

"As always." Leonidas stated as he walked to her. "What's on your mind, my queen."

"I'm a little concerned with the decision to have Yasuke come here. It will be a clear indicator of our alliance with King Musa and there's no telling how they'll respond because of that." she continued.

At this point, the junior knights were beginning to notice Leonidas and Elaea's conversation. Soon, they started to chime in as well.

"What are you suggesting?" Leonidas continued.

"What are we to gain from bringing Yasuke here?" Elaea asked.

"Elaea, we have a tremendous opportunity with this child." Leonidas replied. "I've already spoke to you about what this will lead to. I have to change him before that happens."

"King Leonidas, what's going to happen?" Mephisto asked.

"Yeah, did you have another vision?" Dom chimed in. "Tell us, what did you see?"

Elaea just crossed her arms as she glared at Leonidas.

"It's a possibility that King Musa will lose track of what actually matters." Leonidas admitted. "That he'll encourage Yasuke to become something that's not needed."

"Didn't you swear loyalty to him?" Logias asked. "You wouldn't do that if you was unsure of his character, right?"

"I'm not sure of anything yet." Leonidas answered. "I just recognize what I saw as a possibility. So I'm taking precautions to eliminate that possibility, that's it."

Another knight came from behind and placed his hand on Leonidas' shoulder.

"King Leonidas." he said. "We want you to remember that we trust you undoubtedly. We're just curious and want to make sure we're aware of any potential casualties."

Leonidas turned around to see his only two appointed Bishops, Perseus and Hercules.

"Perseus...Hercules." Leonidas uttered. "I'm not sure which direction this war will go. The only thing that I'm sure of is that we have a good opportunity in training Yasuke. We should not waste it "

"We'll train him like he's one of ours then, my king." Perseus replied.

"In the meantime, find a way to keep busy without training. We all deserve rest before Yasuke arrives." Leonidas concluded.

"Captains Perseus and Hercules." Domitia inquired. "You two want to face off against me and Logias in a ball game?"

"Sure." Hercules replied. "If you don't mind losing, we won't mind winning."

"Domitia is crazy." Mephisto thought. "He challenges the two captains in any possible way, and always ends up losing."

"Thirty days." Leonidas thought. "I suppose I should spend my time thinking about what I will teach him first.".