I doubt I will ever get tired of the view of my town, well it's not mine yet but it will be. This view is also my own, standing alone atop the cliffs that protect the Southern half of Utai Village. In my opinion it is much bigger than a village though, heck it could practically be called a city now. The quarry around the corner to the West side of the cliffs allowed the village to get where it is now. The huge supply of granite made it east to build the buildings and the walls that protect the Northern half of the Village. But, before there even was a quarry Grandpa saw the potential of this town and decided that he wanted it. Gramps was, what you would call, an outlaw, or gangster, or bandit, or whatever else, and wanted a good place for the Kisaragi family. So he and the family came in and did just that, taking over the town with less than legal means.

But when dad took over, he changed how things operated, being the big softie that he is. He changed the gang to a private security business, calling it Kisaragi Security. So instead of extorting people for protection money, he has a tax that he uses to provide protection for the town, essentially being mayor or sheriff or whatever. And, after he created this 'legal' business, a mining company moved into town and hired us to protect quarry workers. There were even train tracks put in that go straight form Vale to here. So the village expanded from there and why Utai will be mine, eventually.

From up here I can see the entire village, beyond the stone walls protecting the Northern half, and deep into the forest. Sneaking away to climb the cliffs has become my new favorite hobby, even if dad always complains about it after. Staring out over everything, I like to think that I can even see the city of Vale from here, just on the edge of the horizon. I've always wanted to visit Vale at least once to see what a real city is like, how things are inside the walls of one of the four kingdoms. But then dad starts grumbling lame excuses like; 'it's dangerous away from the family, too expensive,' or 'you'll just get arrested for stealing or causing a fight.' Pft, like I'd let myself be caught. I'm the best there is in Utai, well except for Jessie I suppose, but he doesn't count being my teacher and all. Then he goes on with stuff like, 'why do you want to leave me and your home?' with a stupid pouty face. Then I have to explain that I just want to see different places, then he teases me about being an aloof child, that's when I get annoyed and leave to go climb something. If anyone is a child it's him that's for sure.

Which is the reason why I am sitting here now. Gazing out from the top of the cliffs to clear my head, and enjoy the view too. Having been here so long the sun was starting to get low in the sky, tinting the village in a yellow hue. Knowing it is just stupid to climb in the dark, I got up from my seat and did some stretching. After I tightened my headband, to keep my shoulder length, straight black hair out of my face, I moved to the edge and began the decent back into the village.

At the bottom I dust myself off and head straight back home, knowing dad probably sent Jessie to find me by now. As I walk through the streets, the people heading home or still out finishing what they can before night falls greet me as I pass by with waves, nods, and smiles. I return them all even knowing they only do so just to stay on the families good side, not all that different than the kids at school.

About halfway home I spot a familiar face across the street. He is tall and svelte, with short brown hair, and sun kissed skin. As usual he was wearing his boring black suit and white undershirt. "Hey Jessie!," I call to him catching his attention, and as he walks over I continue, "I see you are still fetching things for the old man I see."

When he reaches me he replies, "you know he sends me to find you because he worries about you."

"Yeah yeah," I wave off the concern and proceed to teasing. "So when I am in charge, will you be my lap dog as well?"

He just sighs and shakes his head, "c'mon, let's head back," then turns and starts back to the house. As I follow I look at the back of his jacket at our family crest. It depicts a water serpent that is trapped inside a round crystal. Dad said it is some kind of protector of Utai, but I think Gramps just made it to look cool.

Growing bored, I decide to continue bothering Jessie, "hey Jessie."

"Yeah?" Looking back to me over his shoulder.

"You know when I'm boss, I won't let you wear that same boring suit everywhere," I say with a grin.

"For the last time Yumi I will NOT wear a dress!" Jessie clearly annoyed with this reoccurring topic.

"C'mooooon, you would look so pretty," I whine. "All you would need is some make-up and a wig," which he just ignores, strutting along with his arms crossed. "Gah, fine," changing strategies, "do you at least wash that suit everyday?"

Rolling his eyes he replies, "I don't wear the same exact uniform everyday, I have many different sets."

"Seriously? You have copies of the same outfit that you wear everyday?" I say, adding in a tone of disappointment.

"That is why it is called a uniform," he says slowly like I'm an idiot. "It is what a 'professional' wears to work."

"Professional my butt," ignoring his tone. "A real professional wears something that does not hinder their effectiveness, like a stiff suit for example."

Jessie turns his head to me with a mischievous grin. "Okay, how about a deal then little miss professional?"

I narrow my eyes in suspicion to this 'deal,' "go on."

His grin grows as he elaborates, "I will change my uniform IF, you wear a dress to school starting tomorrow."

"No," I answer immediately, "there is no way I am wearing a dress to school." Jessie starts laughing at my defiance of dresses. "Besides, how could I cover the beauty that are my legs," gesturing to my mid thigh khaki shorts.

He just laughs harder at this and points out, "you know your boots go up to your knees covering like, half your legs right?"

I notice we are nearly home, but I still need to defend my wardrobe. "That is why I wear belly shirts to make up for it," gesturing to my olive green t-shirt that stops at my belly button.

"Pft, whatever you say kid," he scoffs and stops at my door and gestures inside. "Just go talk with your father."

I turn my nose up at him and enter the house with exaggerated gestures. You could probably consider my house more of a mansion actually. The entry way is large with a huge staircase in the center leading to the main office where dad works, and the halls to the left and right lead to bedrooms. The doors downstairs lead to various other rooms like the living room, study, dining room, kitchen, etc. Jessie closes the door behind me from my grand entrance and moves past me and up the stairs.

I follow after and at the top he knocks on the large double doors to dad's office to announce my arrival. "Mr. Godo, your daughter is back," then opens the door to push me inside, and again closing the door behind us both.

The office is large and full of old things that old men like. Leather chairs and hardwood coffee table off to the side, in front of a mantle place. Book shelves on the other side full of leather bound books and antique nick-knacks. And in the center, right in front of a large window to the back gardens, a large office desk cluttered with papers. Behind the desk in another leather office chair is the current leader of the Kisaragi family.

"You made it back a bit earlier than usual, the sun is still in the sky, or well just barely," Godo says with a gruff voice. He is a larger man, tall and wide. Back in the day when he still had muscles, he was probably quite intimidating. Now you can tell he does not leave his desk much with the lack of bulging muscle and the addition of a bulging gut. He has short, slicked back, black hair, brown eyes, and beige skin, colors that I got from him. People have said we look a lot alike, but I definitely do not see it. Especially because I am only about a third of the size of him. I just think people are trying to butter up the old man, saying he is as pretty as me. "So," he continued, "where did you run off to this time?"

"I just went for a walk to get your nagging out of my head is all," answering with a shrug and acting casual.

"So you just happened to walk straight up a cliff-side?" Jessie interjects.

I turn to shoot a glare at him, "and how do you know that huh?"

"The dirt on your gloves and boots," he replies coolly.

"How many times do I have to tell you to not climb those damn cliffs Yumi!" Dad yells at me.

I turn back to dad, "dunno, probably about a hundred or so. If you say it another hundred times I might actually remember," my reply dripping with sarcasm.

"What do I need to do then? Cut off your fingers? I know you would just climb any fence I would put up." Dad continues to scold me, "one of these days your going to fall and your head will get smashed open like a melon."

I just roll my eyes at his exaggerations, "I know those cliffs like the back of my hand, and even if I do slip I use my semblance to keep me tied to the rocks."

"That is not a good thing! You are using improper climbing equipment and your unsupervised."

"My semblance rope is twice as strong as anything they can make and I have my knives to use as anchors."

"Throwing knives and shuriken are NOT proper climbing equipment," Jessie interrupts again.

I just wave him off, "that is not the point anyway."

"That is the ENTIRE point we are making Yumi," dad says.

"MY point is," I tell him. "I can't stay locked up inside these walls, I want to go out into the world."

Dad sighs and puts his head in his hands, "just stay off the cliffs Yumi."

I throw my hands up in exasperation and storm out saying, "I'm going to eat dinner." Pushing past Jessie and slamming the door shut.