Church bells rang out in the middle of the nights, as the war sirens went off, and unconvinced civilians stared up looking for the threat. Most ran for cover, dodging into buildings and hid, hoping the war machines would pass without destruction to their homes and livelihoods. Meanwhile, at a local bar, locals gambled away with games of cards and enough alcohol to keep spirits loose, and wallets looser. There were few other patrons there, but most were taking shelter in a more secure facility.
"Um… are these alright?" Sakura asked, setting down a handful of cards.
"Again?!" Rose a complaint from one of the gamblers, having just lost, something that happened whenever Fai had her play in his place while he went to go do something. Not that he actually taught her the rules of the game. But she did have an lucky streak going on.
Fai laughed with amusement, as he brought back some food for them. "ahhah… well it looks like we won that round, didn't we? Now we'll have enough to buy food for the month and get you a nice coat of your own," Fai added affectionately. He knew even if they were sore over losing, that hearing it was for taking care of her would deter any hostility.
"Really?" Sakura asked, looking over at Fai, with spark in her eyes. It'd been some time since he'd bought her a 'brand new' present. Normally, they were already pre-used or foraged from the remnants.
"Would I lie to you?" Fai asked with a charming smile.
"Yes," came a voice from the corner, causing multiple heads to turn that way.
Sitting at the end of the bar was a large man, most of him covered by a black worn out cloak. He had a few emptied drinks in front of him and another in his hand. It seemed he'd been paying attention to the game of cards but this was the first time he called attention to himself besides for a new drink from the bartender. However what was plainly visible was his military boots, resting easily on the floor, hinting at how tall his legs were.
Fai smiled, as he gathered up their winnings for today, before having Sakura go to a different table to eat at, bringing the food there, before going over to the soldier sitting by himself.
"I didn't catch your name," Fai said cheerfully, leaning against the counter next to the dark dressed man. "Mine is Fai."
"Didn't offer it," was the response as the soldier sipped at his alcohol
"If I don't get one, then I'll just have to make up a name for you. Mm, like … Black Doggie."
"...It's Kurogane," Kurogane growled lowly. He could feel a nerve twitch at that, and finished off the glass, covering the top with his palm, a sign he was done, "how much for tonight?" he asked turning his attention to the bartender. Getting a quote, he paid the bill in cash, telling him to keep the change, before standing up.
"So Kuro-dog tags, you come here often?" Fai asked, trying to make casual conversation with him.
He could feel that nerve getting just as enflamed. However he told himself he couldn't care all that much since he was leaving and didn't plan on seeing them again."Not really," he shrugged walking over to where the young girl was eating. She looked up when the soldier approached, "Yes?" she asked softly.
Kurogane was quiet for a moment before he spoke. "Your guardian underestimates you; anyway, take care of yourself," he said before walking off, exiting the bar.
Once he left, Fai overhead some of the other men talk disapprovingly of the other for being a soldier, accusing him of their own prejudice of those in his personal occupation. Fai frowned temporarily hearing the chatter from some of the drinkers, and went over to sit with Sakura pushing that plaster smile back into place.
"Didn't you hear what that man said his name was? That one's no ordinary soldier," one of the men defended the soldier, one who'd been playing cards against the blond and the brunette. "I hear he defeated an entire army single handedly, and now he's just single handed."
Fai listened in, and thought about that as he ate with Sakura. He wondered if that was true, and if so, how the man would have lost his hand, thinking maybe the gambler would keep on talking.
"If he's so powerful, then how'd he lose his hand?" one sneered.
"You remember the raid on the orphanage four months ago?"
"Who doesn't.. the place was blown to parts, and the debris ransacked."
"Yeah well, Kurogane's the one that helped get every last one of those children out of the place before the bomb went off."
There was hushed voices after that from the other patrons about the soldier.
Sakura had overheard the conversation as well, and she softly spoke up to Fai. "Do you think that man is telling the truth?"
"Mm… well I don't see any reason for him to be making stuff up… But it does make you wonder if it is the same person. Kurogane, huh? Doesn't that make you want to go look around and see what he's up to these days?"
"If he helped the orphans, then maybe the other children will know how to find him. I can go ask around..."
"It's too dangerous to be out on your own…"
Sakura pouted a bit before she muttered, "he was right too."
Fai looked at her confused, not sure who she meant and also having missed what Kurogane had told her.
Sakura waited until Fai had fallen asleep, before tiptoeing carefully through the house. Grabbing her new coat, she bundled up and grabbed a small wad of money, splitting it up and stashing it in different pockets of her coat. Unhitching the door as noiselessly as possible, she slipped out into the night air, and was gentle to keep the door from making noise when she closed it, so Fai would continue to sleep. She then made a run for it, before he discovered her missing.
She made her way into town, taking the back streets, because they were more likely to have other children running around at night.
The sky was dark with clouds blotting out the starlight and the city lights dimmed. Sakura crossed through several blocks of the city, not finding a single person out among the streets so far. She was beginning to become worried she wouldn't find anyone, when a voice rang out in the dark.
"What are you doing out so late, kid?"
