Don't Fall, part 16

FIC START!

Sakinah pushed the brown bangs out of her face as she reached into the pocket on the vest she wore once she and Kain were down near the huge hole in the building King Edward had spoken of before. Inside was a folding boomerang with bladed edges. She held it up to show him. He had seen all sorts of weaponry in through his training days up until now, and he didn't see much to be impressed about. But there was the fact that she felt confident in using it, and the fact that she was more a mage than a melee combatant anyhow.

"Perhaps you should tie your hair back, for your safety," Kain said, trying not to sound like he was being overly bossy. "A boomerang is not an entirely accurate weapon on its own, you must have clear vision."

"That's actually a great point," Sakinah said with a nod, putting a red cap on her head to keep her hair from her face. "I thought a hat would be good enough, but the hat could come off at any time if I have to move around in combat… thanks, Kain."

"Mm," he agreed. "Still. You brought me out here to show me your boomerang skills?"

"I did," she said, taking the hat off so she could use a ribbon to tie her bangs up so they would not fall into her face. "I may not be as powerful as you, but…"

"When you don't have any experience, you aren't going to have much strength." Kain was encouraging. "But that will come over time. You have nothing to worry about, Sakinah."

With that, she turned her attention to the gigantic hole in the wall where the desert monsters were known to come in. She took a few steps closer, and the monsters outside sensed that there was a human nearby. So they came to the sound of her footsteps.

"If you have any problems with this, I will assist," Kain reassured her. "But I will stand back to give you an honest chance."

"I'll do what I can," she answered, tightening the grip on the handle area of the boomerang.

A large two-legged monster came in first, and while she was a little scared, she reared her hand back and gave it a forceful throw in the direction of the enemy. It hit dead on and circled back, though the creature did not die. Instead it took another step closer to her, and she did it again. Kain watched her every move, and with every direct hit, she seemed to gain more confidence at it. Sakinah eventually defeated her first monster all on her own, and ready to take on the next one that was coming through.

"Considering you have had no training in combat whatsoever, you're doing splendidly," Kain said, cheering her on. "These monsters are a bit slow, so they are perfect for training."

"Mm!" she replied, "I think I've got it!"

"I think you do, too."

It took her a little while, but she managed to kill a few more monsters before she grew exhausted from it. A few had scratched at her, but the wounds were not serious in the least. Kain immediately noticed when she seemed dizzy and grabbed onto her, finishing off the two that had come inside at that time, and made off with her to an area that the monsters would not respond to.

"I'm proud of you," he said. "Sakinah."

"My arms hurt from all the throwing…" she said, rubbing her shoulders with her hands. "But we shouldn't wait too long to go… I will be fighting along the way anyhow, and that's the real training…"

"Not to worry, Sakinah," Kain whispered, suddenly holding her close. "We'll go tomorrow, then."

She nodded, returning his affection. "Don't worry. I'll manage. I'll take care of myself just fine."

"No, no," Kain said, pulling her tighter. "I will always have your back."

"...Kain…"

The duo went to bed that night together. There was no need for the silliness of arguing where to sleep. Kain didn't even have to ask if she wanted to sleep together, she was the one who told him he couldn't sleep on the floor. Sakinah stared out the window at the desert night sky and Kain held her from behind, his cheek nestled in her soft brown hair. Even though Kain's dream was still on his mind, he dare not make the approach on her. Their relationship had just started, and there was no way of telling if this one would last.

"Mount Ordeals," she whispered as she looked out the window at the beautiful twinkling stars the way she always had out of her tower window back in Troia. "What kind of a place is this supposed mountain of truth?" Sakinah prayed to the Goddess, sinking into the mattress with all her weight.

"...it is the highest peak on our world," Kain answered sleepily. "Covered in all matters of undead monsters. But at the summit is a magical structure wherein there is a room of mirrors. This is the place that will help with your questions."

"I know it is taking a bit to get there, and I'm sorry to put you away from your duties."

"No, no, don't be." Kain yawned. "I offered."

"You offered, but… you still have work."

"You came with me, even though you still have work."

"...Kain."

"...Sakinah."

"Go to sleep."

"Yes, my lady."