Completion

Tariro and I were still recovering from our two previous trials. All of it had been much more exhausting than we thought. Between the Hands trial and the Balm trial, the worst had obviously been the latter. When one was confronted with a situation so stressful and unexpected, it was hard to recover. Our discussion with Anaya continued to make me shiver, even several days after. Healers had to face too many consequences and bad treatment in exchange for saving lives. It was so unfair.

In my two years in the Kingdom of Zimori before joining The Community, I knew that women were the only ones to be considered fitting for healing. But I had completely missed the difficulty healers had to live through when performing their tasks. My former lover had wished to become a healer himself, but he was never accepted simply because he was a man… At that time, I supported him as best as I could. He found his own way to practice and learn medicine in secret. What a tenacious and kind soul, I still miss him sometimes…

Anyway, I could not let myself wander too far from my next goal. Even though I was moved by how demanding and hard it was for women to heal in this Zimori, I could not forget what was soon waiting for me and Tariro, the Blades trial. We all knew that this last trial would come shortly, probably in less than a week. We were coming to the end of the first year since our arrival in The Community as new members. Tariro, Shungu, and I were training in the fighting room every evening. As for Gudo, he had given up any idea of training with weapons. He was satisfied with his performance during the Hands trial and had good reasons to be. Indeed, it was almost certain that he would be accepted.

On the other hand, the rest of our small group was determined to see this trial period through to the end. As promised, I had engaged myself to be harsh during my training fights with Tariro. I could see in her eyes the fire of passion. Her mixed feelings about the Balm trial had made her walk the last step toward her goal: become a Blade and live her life as a fighter. I have never seen someone progress as quickly as Tariro this past week. She was someone new after every session. Her moves were swift and precise. Thanks to what the older fighter called Mundra, which I suspect to be a Blade, and a good one, I was now efficient while fighting with a spear and a shield at the same time, and could then transfer this newly acquired knowledge to Tariro.

Shungu observed us more and more attentively recently. I could see him copying the moves I would show to Tariro. However, he was still too proud to ask me for any advice, and even if he did, I was not sure how I would react. Would I want to help him? For Tariro, perhaps. She sincerely liked him, and I could not help but soften my heart toward Shungu. Even if he was cold-blooded and distant with most people, he displayed a very different face when he was with Tariro. He suddenly became gentle and patient. It was quite disturbing to observe. Some part of me even suspected that there was something more than friendship between them. Even though it was forbidden to bear children as members of The Community, there were many ways to live an intimate relationship with someone without taking such risks. It was not my role to share any opinion regarding what they wished to share in private. I simply wish for my friend to feel love and respect from the people around her, and apparently, Shungu was capable of such qualities with her.

This evening, once our repetitive afternoon working in the field was over, the three of us headed to the training room. Our last session had shown me that Tariro was ready to fight seriously while holding a shield and a spear at the same time. I told her that for the next evening, I would fight seriously against her with both my spear and shield. She recently saw me fight sincerely, but she had yet to learn the shield, as we only used our spears. Back then, Tariro had been able to maintain her ground for some time and even managed to almost make me fall once. Nonetheless, she was not yet able to fully compete against me in a fight. Still, she had asked for a rematch once she was competent enough with a shield. And this day had come. In this moment, for the second time, I am going to fight my friend with the intent to defeat her as fast as I can. I hope she is ready for it.

Our bodies are facing one another, our eyes meet with tension, excitement, and focus. The first to advance is the one to signal the beginning of the fight. I have no intention to make her think for too long. This is not my style. Pushing on my left leg, I run for her. My strategy already prepared, I strike her head. Instinctively, Tariro dodges and retreats two steps behind. I follow her and decide to opt for the right side of her body, not covered by her shield. Speaking about the shield, Tariro puts his own before me as I try to bypass her. I have no choice but to stop and change my strategy. She is faster and uses her left leg to kick my right arm, which holds my spear. I step back, the hurting sensation clear and fresh on my arm. So, this is how sincere you can be. That’s not bad, Tariro. As I lose some time to praise her in my head, she uses the opportunity and holds her shield upward while jumping for me. Her simple move is well-timed, and she hits my jaw with determination. It is my turn to retreat two steps behind… Wait for me to pay you back, Tariro.

I observe her coming at me once again, not losing a second. She is on a successful sequence and thinks that everything is possible. This is during those moments that you will see the difference in our skills and experience. I pretend to be stunned by her last move and let myself open. While advancing on me, she finally understands the trap I prepared for her and stops at the last moment. However, it is already too late for her. Tariro tries to block herself from me with her shield. She is mistaken, I have another objective. I pretend to aim for the arm holding her spear so I can disarm her, but it is all a bluff. Once I am close enough, I retract my spear movement and use my right leg to press hard on her foot. She mumbles, surprised and hurt by my move. Yet, she does not let herself be distracted and counterattacks with the spear. It hits my shield, strongly enough to make me crouch. With her still good-shaped foot, she kicks on my shield, making me almost fall. In reaction, I slip my spear under my shield and make it slide fast on her already hurt feet. Tariro falls, losing balance on her feet. This is my opportunity to finish her. I drop my shield and seize her spear as she was trying to aim at my head and make me retreat. I immediately punch her face with the other side of her own spear while pushing on the uncovered side of her chest with my own spear. She screams with the hurt and fully falls, not able to continue the fight.

I let her time to breathe and ease the tension we shared during the fight. When I see her eyes, I exhale and cannot help but tease her, “That’s what you asked for. I hope you’re okay, determined girl.”

She closes her eyes on me and sighs with a soft chuckle, “You got me bad this time, you were definitely serious, I cannot complain, haha.”

We laugh together as I help her stand up. Soon after, we end the session and retreat to our respective bedrooms. I am confident in her fighting skills. Even though she cannot defeat me, she has become much better than many members. I am proud of her, once again.

The next day, everything went smoothly. From the morning meditation to the training session. This time, while fighting, we did not push ourselves as we did yesterday. Tariro and I had a few injuries from our fight. It was more reasonable to proceed with a simple warming session after an intense one. At night, before looking for sleep, I meditate for Yulin as I do every night. I did not experience anything similar after my discovery of the hidden door in the hall. Sadly, for now, I cannot spare time looking for a solution regarding this. I must keep my focus and energy toward the Blades trial. But, as soon as this matter is behind me, I will do all I can to cross this concealed opening. My instinct tells me that the spirit of the moon, Yulin, knows that I cannot progress for the present time. I have not felt them reaching me more strongly than the last time they did when pushing my body toward the right direction. I will not deceive them. You can count on me, Yulin, just a few days…

Tap tap tap. Someone is knocking on my bedroom door. Who could it be? Puzzled, I faintly open the wooden door and look outside. A male member is there. His face is familiar. he has a square chin, a curly mouth, and light brown curly hair. He must be around thirty years old. I often see him in the training room. He is quite a good fighter if I remember correctly. Raising his voice, he says, “Xia, I have been sent to your room to call for you. The Blades trial is beginning now in the gardens. Do not lose any time, or you will not have the opportunity to compete.”

I listen and am not surprised. I knew the last trial should come soon, so this is at night and outside. I wonder if they will ask us to leave the building. Filled with a mix of curiosity and apprehension, I leave my bedroom and see Tariro coming out at the same time. The man who just asked us to go does not wait for us and leaves on his own, his objective fulfilled. Coming near Tariro, I hug her and we do not wait to quicken our pace and join the gardens. On our way, I share my contentment with her, “I’m glad we have both been selected to attempt the trial. From what some say, it is not that easy to be chosen for the trial.”

Smiling tensely, Tariro retorts, “You’re right. Apparently, we are the only women attending it. Except for us, no one came out of the corridor. So yes, we are lucky to have a chance. Now let’s not waste it.”

I smiled back at her, her eyes exchanging shared strength and encouragement. We can do it, I am certain of that.

Arriving in the gardens, scattered orange lights blur our view. The cold of the night surrounds us as I analyze the scene before me. Short wood pillars have been positioned in a square shape in the usual Mahag Chase area, where we play the sports game with Tariro, Gudo, Shungu, and me. Those short sticks are actually pretty impressive torches, shaping the limit of our trial arena. Each flame is glistening with determination and tension. It can only mean that this is the place where our trial will be. Tariro and I join the other male members waiting on the left edge of the fire arena. They seem to be waiting for us. Their bedrooms are much closer to the gardens. It is no wonder they could be there before us. As expected, Tariro and I are the two sole women among the new members to attempt the Blades trials. I let my gaze shift between the various figures. Shungu is there too, but I do not see Gudo. Seeing how few efforts he made to learn fighting skills this last year, I am not surprised by his absence. Then, I stop my eyes at the man closing the line and watching us closely. This is Mundra, the old member I was the closest to during my fighting sessions. He is as strong as one can be with weapons. Its imposing slender figure displays the same confidence and self-awareness it always does. His hair is short and precisely cut. After defeating me once, he proposed to train me with the shield, which I accepted. In exchange, I had the opportunity to show him some of my moves from Linghua, my homeland country. Fighters in Linghua are more agile with their bodies and do not hesitate to jump around if it helps them during a fight. However, they are not as cunning and strategic as fighters in the Kingdom of Zimori. We had many things to learn from one another. I am glad he helped me with shield lessons. Yet, I wonder why he is there, among us. Is he one of the judges? As the silence stretches between us, I do not wait much longer before receiving a response.

Mundra comes forward and turns to face us all. Stretching his hand, he starts the introduction, “All of you have been selected for the Blades trial. This is already an achievement. I congratulate you, new members.”

Stop teasing us, Mundra. The last and most important step is right now. We will not fall into your obvious trap of self-contentment. I cannot speak for the others, but I know that Tariro and I are here to see this through to the end.

Focusing on the explanation, Mundra proceeds, “The final stage of the Blades trial is before you. The rules are simple: cross the torches and reach the other side. No more, no less.” He let his sentence die in the night, amusing himself with our incredulous and doubting looks towards him. Once he is satisfied with his performance, he adds the really important details, a laugh behind his voice, “I see you find it hard to believe, haha. I cannot blame you. Indeed, sometimes I can be a clumsy joker. So, I guess you want to know where the catch is. I will tell you. You see, behind the torches on the other side, many young goats have been attached there and are currently sleeping in the dry grass we put for them. What I said earlier is true, but there is something I forgot to mention. Everyone will be responsible for one young goat. One after the other, you will have to cross while bringing the young goat with you. The trial is a success if both your goat and you can cross without being badly injured.”

Suddenly, everyone faces change, particularly me. They would not dare threaten our lives or the goat’s life, would they? Mundra finishes, explaining the last obstacle, “And that’s not all! At the same time, three Blades members will attempt to injure you or kill the goat while you cross the area surrounded by torches. We have all kinds of weapons, so choose what you prefer to defend yourself and the goat. We will also give you a rope to attach to the animal. Perhaps this will help you. Oh, and one last thing. Before you start, let me warn you. For the first time since your arrival at The Community, you will fight with real weapons made of steel. You cannot kill any of the three blades members, nor will they kill you for the trial. The only living beings that can die tonight are the goats. Do not worry too much about your possible injuries, even the bad ones. As you know, we have extremely skilled healers in The Community. It should be alright. Today’s trial is about protection and priority. I wish the best to all of you. Now, let me call you one by one. So, who is the first to begin?” he looks at a small paper coming out of his hand. Searching through us, his eyes halt on me. No, do not tell me that… Immediately, he announces, “Xia, come here. You must choose your weapon and take your goat. Be ready in two minutes.”

So, I am the first one, of course… I do not lose any time observing Tariro or any other new members. I do not want to feel the burden of their unsure eyes. You can do this, Xia. Animals and fighting are both your specialties, and there is no way I will let my assigned goat be injured by one of them!

I must first select my weapon. I see a spear, but I am hesitant to take it. The spear, being my favorite weapon, does not mean this is the one I must take every time. In some specific situations, other weapons can be much better. And today is no exception. If I want to stay flexible enough so no one around me will have the opportunity to injure the goat, a mid-length blade would seem a better choice. Turning the spear all around me will be too much of a burden while protecting the goat. I must adapt my strategy.

The blade I select is sharp and elegant. I can see how well-crafted the steel is. As for the handle, its bell shape makes it comfortable. I like the carved patterns on it. Although it is far too small for me to deduce any meaning behind it, I appreciate the design. The varnish is thick and has been placed with precision. This blade is no ordinary craftsmanship. As always, I am impressed by the quality of the items The Community can procure. They sure are resourceful.

Okay, Xia, now, go find your goat. A member I do not recognize welcomes me and softly wakes one of the young goat spread on the ground. Soon, I walk beyond the limit of the fire area. I have decided to attach the rope around my waist. This is not very usual to move an animal this way, but I find it suitable for the situation. I will not have time to lose while defending the goat. Defense and movements are my best options to go through this.

Then, caressing and familiarizing myself with the goat in my responsibility, I hear the clapping sounds of Mundra’s hands. This is the signal. The young goat bleats at me as I start to walk in the trial area, the blade in one hand, the shield in the other. At first, no one comes to me. It almost feels too easy.

But quickly, a sound rose behind me. I continue to advance and wait for the sound to be closer. I did not leave much distance in the rope between the goat and me, so I could sometimes feel its soft fur scratching my legs. This way, I know the goat is safe. As for me, I am ready for the coming attack. Suddenly, the sound is much stronger than before. Here it comes. I turn my body in the other direction and see two men facing me. None is using shields. One has a blade similar to mine, while the other uses a spear. I should start with the weapon I know the most. I pretend to reach the one with the blade without paying too much attention to the other. Unsurprisingly, he decides to ignore me and directly aim for the goat. The moment I feel his spear move behind my back and reach for the goat, I turn my upper body and push with all my strength on his spear, using my shield to make it fall. It succeeds exactly as predicted. He is baffled for an instant, and I proceed with the rotation of my upper body to aim for his head and hit him hard with the handle of my blade. We can hear the sound of the hit as the man falls to the ground. One is out.

The other cuts my back with his blade and pushes me so he can focus on the goat, at least that is what he tries to do. Having anticipated his reaction, I dodge his attack while crouching down. He takes too long to recover. This is my chance. I twist my upper body back to its original position and hit the man hard on the side of his ribs. He screams a bit and puts one knee on the ground. While standing up, I cut gently both his feet and advised him not to pursue me any longer. Words are not necessary in many situations. Sometimes, an intense gaze can be enough to make someone understand.

Then, I continue my progress with the goat. The first two men being out, I wonder when the third one will come. The other side is already in sight. Only twenty meters separate me from the end. My eyes are focused on the finish. The temptation of reaching the end of the trial is too tempting. And so, I do not hear the third man coming from my left blind spot. He is almost at my level, ready to strike when the goat bleats, “Maaaaaaaaaa”. Without hesitation, I turn to look behind me. He is only two meters away. Thanks, little goat. Like the other, he fights with a single blade. An idea reaches my ear as I observe his position. He is too eager to fight. He thinks I am too far away from him and has let a large portion of his body open. What a fool. Decided to realize my sudden idea, I launched my shield with all my strength, aiming at his head. He was too close to me and too focused on the goat. This gave him no time to react. The side of the shield hits him hard on the face, his body crouching in pain while pain noises echo in the night. Soon, I am on the other side of the finish line, my hands caressing the sweet goat before me.

Joining the other members, I received a small round of applause. I am proud of my performance, but cannot ease the tension, not yet. I think about Tariro’s trial. She must still go through what I just experienced. I know she is capable, but I also know how quickly she can let anxiety run through her mind. The next new member is called by Mundra. I barely know him and do not really consider his trial. Instead, I bring the young goat back to its original place and help it fall back to sleep, petting its head softly. The time I am back with the others, one member had already attempted their trial. I had watched him from the back while taking care of the goat. He succeeded but not smoothly, I could hear his young goat rumbling from pain, poor animal… I do not know how to feel about this trial. Some part of me clearly understands why The Community made this choice. Having a living body to protect makes you experience something common for fighters. And at the same time, using an animal does not put your own life in danger, and allows everyone to be tested efficiently. However, it pains me to witness some pure and soft animals being used like this… I will pray for them to Zuva and Yulin and ask for the dead ones to be carried in the spirit world with care and love. This is what they deserve. I sigh. Except for meditating, there is nothing I can do for those young goats… I should focus my mind back on the trial and support my friend.

Shungu is the next to go through. He does well in the beginning but struggles in the end. While I observe him, it appears clear that his mind is not really focused on the young goat. He sees it as a burden and does not consider its needs and the appropriate pace it requires to feel comfortable. I clench my teeth as his goat bleats in pain… Damn you, Shungu!

One by one, everyone goes through the trial. I closed my eyes two times for two poor goats who died in the area, while unable fighters were unable not protect them… At least, they will not be my comrades once I am accepted into the Blades. At this moment, only one person remains and is still waiting for the trial. This is Tariro. I worry for her… Finally, Mundra calls her, and she reaches the starting line with her young goat. I smile when I see that she made the same choices I did. Her rope is tightened around her waist while she carries a blade and a shield. This can only mean that she trusts me, even if she is not as good with a blade as she is with a spear.

Mundra claps his hands, and Tariro begins to walk over the limit. She enters the trial area. Sadly, the first opponent quickly reaches for her. He did not give her any time to adapt to her environment. None of the previous new members has been attacked so soon. She is surprised but reacts swiftly to protect her goat, exposing her back to the other fighter at the same time. I tighten my fist as I see the tip of the opponent’s blade cutting through Tariro’s back. She does not let herself be carried away and turns her back to face her first opponent. He switches his blade to his other hand, hoping to daze Tariro for a second and use this moment to attack again. She does not care and slashes her blade through his right shin. He groans with anger and reacts with his shield, pushing Tariro back on her goat, intending to make her fall. It is no use, she jumps on the side and lets him move alone toward her goat. He is baffled by the quick judgment of Tariro, and at the time he turns to look at her, he receives a strong hit on his head from her shield. He falls. Well done, Tariro!

Even with the adrenaline, I can see how Tariro’s movements are slower from the cut she received in the back. She is such a gentle lady, preferring to hurt herself rather than the goat. She continues to walk, almost reaching the finish line. At this moment, the two last fighters move us to the side to face her. They were hidden behind us… One is coming from her left while the other is coming from her right. Swiftly, Tariro surprises them by rushing for the one on her right, completely ignoring the other. She bends down at the last minute and hits the man before her in the stomach. He retreats a bit, needing a few seconds to recover. This is enough for her to reach the finish line. Hopefully, the other opponent could not hit her in time. Finally, she did it, we did it.

We rapidly come back to our bedrooms, each of us deeply exhausted. I feel so tired that I barely meditated for Yulin this night. Perhaps I could have even skipped it entirely for once, but I decided against it. I still feel the pain of the two dead goats and have asked for their spirit to be carried out gently. This is the least I could do.

In the morning, I am miraculously able to find some strength to wake up. Reaching the hall, I see Tariro and Shungu. We all have similar faces. It has been some time since we could allow our minds to be tired and not think about what was to come next. Proceeding with the meditation for the sun spirit, Zuva, we relax a bit. After the communion, my shoulders feel lighter. At this moment, a large, aged voice can be heard from the front. This is the Herald, the messenger of the sun and the leader of The Community.

“Good morning, my early birds. It has been precisely nine months since I announced the trials you would have to face. Today, all of you did the ones you were suited for. You can be proud of your achievements.” The Herald stops and claps softly with his hands, soon followed by the members in front of him. He waits for the silence to come back and resume his speech, “Now, only one step remains, and that is to announce the results. Once you know which group you are assigned to, more experienced members will soon reach you and explain what you must do.” A cold tension engulfs the crowd. We are waiting for him to speak. He lets us wait. I suspect that he likes those seconds of power and control over us…

After what seemed to be an eternity, he begins,

“Tanaka, Mufaro, Anaishe, Mbiri, Dambu, Garikai, and Gudo, from this day forward, you’re considered as Hands within The Community.. Be sure not to lose one. Otherwise, you would become a half-member,” he laughs cheerfully as people applaud the selected Hands. Well done, Gudo.

Not losing any second, the Herald continues,

“Danai, Mudiwa, Aneni, Chipo, Mazvita, from this day forward, you’re considered as Balm within The Community.”

Another round of applause.

Suddenly, a fear surged within me. Neither Tariro nor I were announced for the Hands or the Balm. Does it mean that we are sure to be included in the Blades, or does it mean we have failed at everything? Do not tell me that this is possible… I cannot believe it. Tariro turns around and looks at me. I can tell the same thought has crossed her mind. We wait, fear boiling inside us.

Concluding his speech, the Herald declares, “Each new member that has not been called is now considered as Blades within The Community. Congratulations to all our new members.”

Finally… I reach Tariro’s hand and grab it with relief. The three of us are Blades. I sigh with delight. Yulin, marvelous spirit of the moon, I am one step closer to helping you.