"Mommy, where's Putiko?" Ryoko asked as she ran into the lab with her doll held against her chest. Washu looked up from her laptop and let out a sigh before confronting her daughter at the bottom of the stairs.
"Ryoko, how many times have I told you not to come down here by yourself?" Washu asked as she knelt in front of the little girl.
"But I'm not by myself. You're here," she said as she gave Washu the puppy-dog eyes. Washu chuckled and shook her head, unable to resist the little girl's charm.
"I don't know where Putiko is," she said, answering the question presented to her when Ryoko entered the room.
"Oh," she said as she looked at the floor in disappointment.
"Did you as Mikollious? Maybe he knows where he is," Washu suggested.
"I already asked. He doesn't know either," Ryoko said as she lifted her head to glance around the room. She then wrinkled her brow and pointed a finger at the tank that Washu still had yet to relocate.
"What are those?" she asked innocently. Washu looked over her shoulder and let out a small groan as she saw what her daughter was taking an interest in. She hoisted the little girl off the floor and made her way to the tank that held her three gems.
"These are very special to your mommy," Washu said as she saw how entranced the little girl was with their swirling rivers of reds and pinks.
"Oh. More special than me?" she asked.
"Nothing is more special than you, little Ryoko" Washu chuckled.
"How old are they?" she asked in a flat voice, fully engrossed in the sight.
"Very old," Washu said.
"Older than Mikollious?" she asked. Washu let out a chuckle and kissed Ryoko on the forehead at the comparison in age.
"Not that old," Washu chuckled, thinking that would make for interesting dinner conversation later on that night.
"Why are they floating? Is there water in there?" Ryoko asked.
"Yes," Washu said, knowing that if she could barely comprehend these gems, than Ryoko would be clueless.
"You must really like them, huh?" she asked in a small voice.
"Why do you ask that?" Washu asked as she tilted her head.
"Because you spend a lot of time down here," Ryoko said as she lowered her head. Washu then wrinkled her face and let out a sigh before resting her head on top of Ryoko's as she thought of an answer.
"I'm sorry, honey. I don't mean to spend so much time down here, but I have a lot of work to do. Do you understand?" Washu asked as she craned her head to see Ryoko's face.
"Yeah," she said in a voice that totally betrayed her answer. Washu then let out a huff and gingerly sat down on her floating cushion before speeding up the stairs, causing Ryoko to shriek with laughter at the sudden speed-trip. By the time they reached the top of the stairs, both were laughing from the twists and turns that were taken at a high speed on the hovering cushion.
"That was fun! Let's do it again!" Ryoko cheered as she giggled at her mother.
"I have a better idea," Washu said as they made their way to the kitchen to prepare a picnic before heading off into the fields behind the castle.
***
Putiko slowly wondered the streets, shying away from those who gave him dirty looks. Washu would occasionally ask him to go into town to gather supplies for her experiments, and most have grown accustom to him showing up and respected the fact that he wanted no trouble. He always kept his head down and respected everyone as if they were royalty and it had gained him a few friends.
"Putiko!" he heard someone call. He looked up to see a plump man standing by a fruit stand, waving his hand and smiling at the beast. Putiko smiled and gingerly trotted over to him before sitting on his haunches and tilting his head as he examined the man's appearance. He has run into this man before and had come to know him as only as The Fruit Man. His belly was large and gave him the Santa Claus look while his face was overgrown with a thick black beard and mustache. His hair was a bushy mess on the top of his head and his clothes fit loosely, despite his large size. Whenever he spoke, it was a deep voice that would scare even the strongest Clav into obedience if he was to shout. None of the 'commoners', as Mikollious puts it, knew the Clav's language, so Putiko had resorted to facial expressions and gestures to ask questions and such. He dared not speak for those who didn't understand his race, would take his growls as a menace and that would be a mess Putiko didn't want to get into. He then indicated the man's clothing with a curious look.
"Nay, it's not me clothes, good friend," the man said as he posed for the beast. Putiko comically held his chin in thought as he narrowed his eyes before smiling and nodding his head and rubbing his belly.
"Aye, you're a smart one! Me scale is grateful for that blasted diet me wife pegged me with!" the man said as he slapped Putiko on the shoulder with a hearty chuckle that caused his still large belly to tremble.
"What are ye in search on this fine mornin?" he asked, trying to spark a conversation with the beast. Putiko merely shrugged his shoulders and watched the people as they passed.
"You mean to tell me that ye out on your own today?" the man asked with a slightly surprised look on his face. Putiko merely nodded his head.
"And what about the little one? She's still not allowed to join you?" the man asked as he pulled a roughly rolled cigarette from his breast pocket. Nope.
"Ye haven't convinced Miss Washu to let her out, have ye?" he asked. Nope.
"It's for the best, I suppose. I be hearin a few things floatin around these streets that would give Washu good reason to keep the little on indoors," the man said as he leaned down so that he could lower his voice and still be heard. Putiko looked at him with a curious look and tilted his head, wanting nothing more than to ask this man every question going through his head.
"Aye, they say her father's searchin for her," he whispered, causing Putiko to give him a shocked look.
"They say he comes in the form of a human and has the uncanny golden eyes of a Clav whilst his hair is as silver as the pendent the King boasts on his breast," the man said. Putiko then felt the sudden urge to go tell this news to Washu, but then thought it to be hogwash, seeing Kotuku was executed over four years ago. He then smiled and shook his head while waving away the comment as if it were nothing important.
"Nay, don't be so quick to brush it off, me friend. I've seen this man with me own eyes and it brought me the worst cold chills that tickled me all the way to me spine and back up again," the man said as he idly grabbed a piece of fruit from his cart. He then handed on to Putiko who smiled and shook his head again before holding the fruit up with an accusing glance.
"Aye, you're right. Too much food and not enough work. If some of these peasants would buy me fresh fruit, their bellies be endin up as full and generous as me own!" he said, his voice growing in volume until it was an all out shout over the market. Putiko rolled his eyes and shook his head before rising to his feet and bowing slightly to the man for the fruit.
"Think nothin of it, Putiko. And tell ye mistress that her little girl is as precious and beautiful as a pearl in the midst of a summer's sandstorm. And I also have to ask of ye, to keep this 'father' thing off your tongue. Don't want to scare the poor lass," the man chuckled as he waved Putiko away.
***
The streets were crowded and people were shoving left and right, but that didn't faze him. Not at all. He had his sights set and nothing was going to stand in his way. He then pushed and shoved his way through the mob and stopped at the foot of a man munching on an apple while sitting next to a healthy pile of fruit.
"Who was that, might I ask?" he asked as he looked down at the man.
"That be the servant of none other than Washu herself," the man said in a jolly voice as he lifted his head. His face then fell and he swallowed hard, not wanting to choke on his apple. This was the man he had warned Putiko about.
"I see. Is there a way I might have a counsel with this…Washu?" he asked impassively.
"Uh…I…I don't know, good sir," the man replied, unable to hold back the tremble in his voice. The gold-eyed man looked down at him and stared at his plump features for a long time before chuckling low in his throat.
"I am not to be feared, merchant. The little girl you speak of…who is her father?" he asked.
"I not be permitted to speak of such things, sir," the man said, not wanting to hold any conversation with this man.
"I see. Can you at least tell me her name?"
"Her name be Ryoko."
"Ryoko…a name befitting of a demon, I suppose."
"I must warn ye, good sir. Lest you value your head on your shoulders, I would not speak of Washu's daughter by those means and with such leisure."
"I am not worried about that, merchant. I have one more question and I would like you to answer to the best of your knowledge if you wish to live long and healthy."
"And long and healthy I shall live. What is your question?" the fat man asked with a gulp. He was scared and this man knew it very well. He seemed to thrive off it.
"How old is this Ryoko and what does she know of her abilities?"
"She be a bit over four years, sir. Just a little tot. As for her abilities, I am uncertain. I've heard nothin of them," the fat man said. The gold-eyed stranger remained silent for a long time before letting out a sigh and reaching into a small pouch attached to his belt.
"Don't eat your whole stock. You'll make nothing that way," he said before tossing him a gold coin and plucking an apple from the cart.
"Thank ye, good sir," the fat man said, before remaining silent for the rest of the day. Something about that man didn't settle well, and he prayed he hadn't endangered Ryoko or Washu in any way.
***
"Putiko! Where have you been? Ryoko was searching for you earlier," Mikollious said as the beast entered the throne room.
Where is she now? Putiko asked as he sat in front of the king.
"She and Washu had left hours ago with a healthy basket of food. On a picnic I would guess," Mikollious said with a smile. Washu had been spending a lot of time in her lab and he could see how it affected Ryoko, so this was good that they had a day out together. Putiko nodded and immediately headed for the fields, knowing he would find something of their whereabouts. He stepped out onto the grassy fields and smiled as the breeze ran through his fur and took a deep breath, enjoying the fresh scent of wildflowers and clean air. He then chuckled as he spotted Washu's hair a little ways away and let out a grunt before bolting off through the fields and stretching his legs. He then swiftly came up behind Ryoko before either of them noticed him and swept her up off the ground. She clung to his back with a screech and giggled uncontrollably as Putiko made a large circle and returned her to Washu who was just shaking her head.
"I would like it if you didn't give my daughter a heart attack, Putiko," she chuckled as Ryoko fell into her lap, recovering from the sudden shock and giggles.
I couldn't help myself he said. Washu then proceeded to clean up with the help of her servant before Ryoko tugged on her sleeve.
"Mommy, do we have to go back so soon?" she whined.
"We can't stay out here all day. The sun's hot today, and there's no shade here," Washu said as she picked the basket off the ground.
"But it's dark in the castle. I like it out in the sun," Ryoko said as she twirled around with her arms out. Washu chuckled again and knelt in front of her while smoothing out her daughter's dress.
"Than what would you like to do?" she asked with a tilt her of her. Ryoko thought for a moment before smiling widely and jumping up and down.
"I want to go see the fruit man that Putiko has told me about! The one in the market!" she cheered. Washu gently chewed the inside of her lip in thought at this proposal. That would mean going into town and Washu was still a little weary of such a trip. There was a lot of things she would rather her daughter not see that went on within the city streets, but then again, she couldn't keep her caged up in the castle. That was un fair to Ryoko.
"I don't know, Ryoko," she said slowly.
"Please? Putiko will be with us. He wouldn't let anything happen. Would you, Putiko?" she asked as she looked over at the beast with a pleading look. He smiled and shook his head but stared over at Washu, knowing this wasn't his decision. Washu smiled and let out a long sigh before giving in and nodding her head.
"Very well. But you don't wander off, understood?" Washu asked sternly. Ryoko let out a cheer and viciously nodded her head before skipping all the way to the castle.
***
The streets had calmed their traffic and Putiko found it easier to move around, considering his bulky size. This was Ryoko's first trip into the city and everything had her in awe and the littlest things would draw her attention. She had pointed out a few things and Washu let out a groan as she saw that it always happened to be jewelry. Expensive items that Ryoko would loose in a matter of hours if not minutes. Ryoko tugged on her arm and dragged her over to one stand where a woman sat, wrapped in elegant robes and Washu knew that this was quite the pricey stand.
"Must you always choose expensive items, Ryoko?" Washu asked before noticing how the woman was looking at her. Washu ignored the surprised, slightly awed look of the woman's features and lazily glanced at the jewelry around her. It was all too flashy and gaudy for her tastes, but like always, there was something that caught Ryoko's attention.
"Mommy, I like this one!" she cheered as she pointed to a small bracelet that would sit her wrist in about a year or so. She was a good child and always followed the rules laid down for her, and touching things while in the market was a big no-no that Washu had brought to her attention before even leaving the castle gates.
"That is very pretty, Ryoko," Washu said as she gently picked up the bracelet to examine it on a closer scale.
"Mommy, you said no touching while in the market," Ryoko reminded her with a childish wave of her finger. Washu chuckled and ruffled the hair on her head before returning to the bracelet.
"Some of us know how to handle the responsibilities that go along with touching, little Ryoko," Washu said as she returned her attention to the bracelet. It's twist of gold was obviously fake, but still shimmered enough to light up in the sunlight, yet it wasn't the gold that had caught her eye, but the three red rubies that were imbedded in the false gold. If Washu didn't know any better, she'd say it was her gems that she now held in her hand. She then tilted her head and stared at the bracelet for a long time before looking down at Ryoko with a small smile.
"You like this?" she asked.
"I do, but I think I would loose it," Ryoko said in a small voice. Washu raised her eyebrows at the little girl and smiled at her ability to realize the obvious. Washu glanced over at the woman basking in the shade of the stand and saw an attentive look on her face. She wasn't stupid and knew who Washu and Ryoko were, as well as who Putiko was, who was standing obediently by their side. Washu then knelt down with the bracelet in her hand and held it between them so they could both see it.
"I'm proud of you for admitting something like that, but you know what I think?" Washu asked curiously.
"What?"
"I think that this would be good for you. You like it, so if you like it as much as you say you do, you won't loose it and you'll take care of it," Washu said.
"You really think so?" Ryoko asked, truly unsure about this.
"I do. An I think that if you still have it after…oh let's say a year, you know what mommy will do for you?" Washu asked with a smile.
"What?" Ryoko asked, growing more excited with every word.
"Mommy will let you have a pet of your own," Washu whispered in the little girl's ear. Ryoko smiled from ear to ear and jumped up with a laugh and a clap of her hands.
"Really?!" she asked.
"Yep. But you have to take care of this first," Washu said. Ryoko nodded her head and ran over to Putiko and tackled him out of excitement.
"Mommy said I can have a pet if I take care of my bracelet and don't loose it!" she whispered urgently in his ear. Washu couldn't help but laugh at her and turned to the woman who was smiling as well and made her purchase before heading for The Fruit Man's stand.
***
Mikollious looked up from his throne to see Tashacca, his wife's Clav, running towards him and tilted his head as she stopped before him.
"Tashacca. How nice to see you," he said in a cheery voice. He always enjoyed her presence. She was quiet and mannerly, like Putiko, while her fur was short and as white as snow with thin, pale purple tiger strips. Her hair was extremely long and the same color as her stripes and that is why she belonged to the Queen. Usually, they chose their Clav once they reach at least two years in age, but Paradise had fallen in love with her colors the moment she saw her and demanded she have her and raise her herself. She requested that the link between them not be established, seeing Tashacca considered the Queen her mother, but Mikollious had refused her request for his wife's protection. The only downfall about her is that her tail was a scant two feet long. One foot under normal standards.
The pleasure is mine, my King she said with a small smile.
"Where is my wife? Why are you not with her?" he asked curiously.
I have a message. There is someone who would like a counsel with you, my King she said.
"You know very well I do not take counsels without Paradise present. Find her and bring her to me before letting this…" Mikollious asked, but trailed off and waved his hand for Tashacca to tell gender.
Man, sire she said.
"Bring her to me before letting this man have my counsel," Mikollious said before waving her off. He sat for a moment and thought about who would want a counsel at this time and why. His law had already been passed and he has heard of no trouble within the city walls, so this confused him, yet he wasn't going to refuse a counsel when one is requested. Paradise walked into the room with Tashacca after another few moments of waiting and took her seat before telling Tashacca to retrieve the man.
"Any idea as to what this is about?" she asked once the Clav was gone.
"None at all," Mikollious said. They sat in silence, pondering this idea before a tall man walked into the room with a black cloak on and a hood over his head, covering his eyes. Mikollious wrinkled his brow but waited until the man paid his respects, which where extremely lazy in style.
"You are not of this region, stranger. I can tell by the cloak you boast," Mikollious said.
"I am not, your majesty," the man said in a low, almost sinister voice that sent chills up Mikollious's spine, causing him to shift in his seat.
"What is your name?"
"I have no name in which I go by, majesty," the stranger said as he lightly bowed his head.
"Than state why you are here. What do wish to gain from this meeting, stranger?" Mikollious asked.
"I had hoped I would see Washu with you, but I see her nowhere," he said. Mikollious took a sharp breath and wrinkled his brow in confusion.
"And what led you to believe my servant would be present during my counsels?" he asked.
"I did not know she was a servant, majesty. I was led to believe she was a member of the Royal court," the stranger said with another slight bow of the head.
"Well, she is not, and she is of no concern of you. Are you done?" Mikollious asked.
"I wish I were, majesty, and I would apologize for my actions, but I do not seek forgiveness from you," the man snapped harshly but before the king could answer, the room was filling fast with his army, and settled in his seat.
"You have a quick tongue, stranger. One that usually causes one to loose their heads in this kingdom," Mikollious bellowed as he stood. He then realized, by the fierce nature of his army that he didn't have the upper hand in this matter and quickly took his seat again.
"I believe you will find that you're in no position to argue, majesty…"
***
Washu let out a tired sigh as they finally found this Fruit Man Putiko had spoken to Ryoko about. Her feet and legs were tired from so much walking and the heat from the sun was starting to make her dizzy. She thanked the gods that the man was found in the shade next to a cart piled with fresh fruit. The man was fat but it seemed only to be in the belly. As if he dipped into the ale a little too often, but his face wasn't hard and callused like that of a drinker, but soft and gentle, like that of a father who would gladly let his grandkids sit on his knee while telling stories of the past. Putiko smiled up at Washu and Ryoko, seeing Washu also had the burden of carrying the little girl, before running over and greeting the man in his usual manner.
"Why, Putiko! This be the second time I've spoken with you today, my friend!" the man said with a chuckle. Washu smiled and shook her head in amusement as she heard the deep, hearty voice this man had. Truly a man who gave no cause to hold a menacing title. His eyes then fell on her and his smile gave way to surprise, much like the woman at the jewelry stand. He then smiled and bowed his head to her while removing the small cap from his head.
"Me Lady Washu. What brings ye out on a day like this?" he asked, indicating the hot sun.
"Putiko had told me of a 'Fruit Man' that he visits while in the market, so I thought I would meet this man. I take it that would be you," she said with a smile as she placed Ryoko on the ground.
"Aye, it be me, ye servant speaks of, me lady," the man said with a swift, slight bow of his head. He then looked down at Ryoko and smiled widely as the little girl stared up at him. Her face was as blank as a sheet of paper and her eyes were only half open, as if she were tired.
"And this must be the famous Ryoko I've heard so much about," he said as he hunkered down to her height. Washu smiled at her and saw that it wasn't exactly that she was tired, but she was too curious for her own good. Curious to the point of silence.
"Ye such a pretty little thing. Prettier than the stories say," the man said with a hearty chuckle as he stood up.
"What do you say, Ryoko?" Washu asked when the little girl remained silent. Ryoko then shook her head as she realized her own silence and shocked all three by walking over to the man and tilting her head at him curiously, acting as bold as a Clav on the battle field.
"Thank you. What's your name?" she asked in a childish voice. It was such a sudden change in attitude that The Fruit Man didn't know what to say at first and slightly stumbled over his words before shaking his head to clear his thoughts.
"Me name be short, and easy for such a young tongue to say. It be Pat," he said with a slight bow and a large smile. Ryoko giggled at him and followed him to his seat and wasted no time in crawling into his lap, causing him to glance up at Washu to see if this was something she would allow or not.
"Ryoko…" she said in a slow, low voice, causing the little girl to hang her head slightly before getting off and standing with her hands behind her back. She knew that tone, but always seemed to find a way around it.
"Pat, can I sit in your lap?" she asked in an innocent voice. Washu chuckled and shook her head as she rested a hand on her forehead.
"Not exactly what I was indicating, little Ryoko, but if it's okay with him, it's fine by me," Washu said with a smile. Any friend of Putiko's was a friend of hers.
"Than of course ye can! If ye mum is hunky dory with it, than I would be more than happy to let ye use me as a chair," he said as he opened his arms to help lift her up this time.
"Pat, why do you sell fruit?" she asked once she was settled.
"Because no else has it to sell, lass," Pat said with a chuckle, causing his belly to tremble again. Ryoko giggled and smiled up at him before tilting her head.
"Do you supply the castle with their fruit too?"
"I do not, lass. Me supplies aren't large enough to fill all your tums at the castle," he chuckled as he tickled her stomach.
"You talk funny," Ryoko giggled.
"Ryoko, don't say things like that. It's rude," Washu said as she wrinkled her brow at the little girl.
"Sorry mommy," she said.
"Don't apologize to me. I think the merchant deserves that apology," Washu said, trying to hide a smile. She could never get mad at her. Not once, has she ever felt anger towards the little girl in any way. Not even a spark of irritation.
"It's all well, me Lady. She is young, still, and we all now how little ones speak their minds," Pat said with a smile.
"I don't believe any child speaks their mind as much as this one does," Washu said with a smile and a roll of her eyes.
"It only brings on the learning experience, me lady," Pat said.
"You call me Lady. Why? I am only a servant and no different than Putiko himself, in a way," Washu said as she tilted her head.
"Than why do ye insist on calling me merchant and not by my given name, Lady?" Pat asked with a respectful bow and a smile.
"I apologize, but I've lived in the company of royalty for so long that it's become a habit of mine," Washu said with a sheepish grin.
"It's all well, me lady. Besides, the King made it a law. I'm shocked to hear that you know nothing of it," Pat said.
"A knew of it, yes, but I didn't know what it was about. Tell me. What is this new law?" Washu asked curiously.
"Any person that boasts the kingdoms crest on their breast is to be treated as royalty, me Lady," Pat said before indicating the small, elegant crest of Clavs and swords on the bosom of Washu's dress as well as Ryoko's dress.
"How interesting," Washu said as she lightly ran her fingers over the stitching. Only then did she realize that not many in the castle boasted this design, save for her, Ryoko, and the King and Queen. She couldn't escape it, no matter how hard she tried. She was part of the Royal family and it was now a law that she be treated like one.
"Is something wrong, Lady?" Pat asked after seeing her detached attitude. She snapped her head over and smiled sweetly at him while shaking her head.
"No, nothing is wrong. I might as well ask about resent happenings while I'm out," she said as she watched Ryoko fumble with a loose thread on her dress.
"Not much to tell, me Lady. The streets are quiet and peaceful, like they should be under such good rule," Pat said as he watched Washu gently tear the thread from Ryoko's dress so that she wouldn't play with it and make it worse. She would have the nurse stitch it up when they returned.
"I see. I find it hard to believe, even under Mikollious's rule, that the streets are as quiet as you say, merchant," she said with a smirk, seeing she had him in a corner. She was still unable to call him by name, and she found it odd, but let it be for now. It didn't bother him. She then tilted her head as she saw the nervous look on his face and wrinkled her brow curiously.
"Believe me, Lady, for they are quiet and peaceful," he said, trying to hide his uneasy expression with an awkward smile.
"It's wrong to lie to a member of the Royal family, merchant. Tell me the truth," Washu said, surprised at the stern tone in her voice. Pat cleared his throat and indicated for her to pick Ryoko up and stood when the child was off his lap.
"I've heard rumors, me Lady, about a man who where's a black cloak and hides his face from the sun," Pat said as he idly sorted the fruit on his cart. Washu wrinkled her brow and looked down at Ryoko who was now resting her head on her shoulder with droopy eyes.
"There are many men in this city. Why would one wearing a cloak be of any threat?" Washu asked.
"There is something that doesn't settle right in me gut about him. His eyes are as gold as the sun and his hair is a silver as any metal I've laid eyes upon," Pat said.
"I see. And does this man have a name?" she asked.
"Everyone has a name to go by, Lady, yet his has not been heard be these old ears, but I have seen him. I've spoken with him, and I do not wish to frighten you, me Lady, but I will not lie to you," Pat said before sitting down again.
"I'm waiting," she said.
"He was asking about Ryoko, me Lady," he said with an almost worried look on his face. Washu felt her gut tighten at the idea but remained silent so that Pat could finish. "He asked how old she was, and how her abilities were faring. I told him nothing, for I knew nothing." Washu thought about this and found it to be most confusing. She glanced over at Ryoko and noticed she had dozed off and was unaware of what they were speaking of.
"Forgive me, Lady. I meant not to frighten you," Pat said as he lowered his head.
"You've done nothing wrong, merchant. When did you last see this man?" she asked, suddenly worried about this situation. Many knew of Ryoko, but none knew of her Clav abilities, which Washu had suppressed. Only those who live at the castle knew of them and even they spoke nothing of them.
"At mid-day, me Lady. After me first encounter with Putiko today," Pat said. Washu bit her lip in thought and nodded her head slowly as she continued to think of this.
"He be headed in the direction of the castle, if it's of any use to you," Pat said.
"Thank you, merchant. Here is a token of my appreciation," Washu said as she handed him a few gold coins. He then smiled and bowed his head slightly before handing her two of the reddest apples he had on his cart.
"This is the best I have, Lady. I hope no harm befalls you or Ryoko. I would suffer so if I found otherwise," he said. Washu took the fruit and beckoned for Putiko to come.
He was worried about you finding out. He told me not to tell you Putiko said as they walked. The street's crowd was thin and he was with his mistress, so he had no fear of speaking to her.
"Putiko, I made the decision to leave out this link between us. Don't give me reason to install one," Washu warned as she heard the secret kept from her by her servant.
I'm sorry. I was worried that it would frighten you he said.
"Well, life isn't exactly a bowl of cherries, Putiko. You take the good with the bad," Washu said.
Would you like me to carry her? Putiko asked as he saw how long they had to walk and how tired Washu really was.
"No. I have her, and I won't let her go, Putiko. You can bet your life on that," Washu said as she stared ahead of her with thought on finding this man before he found them.
**************************************************************************************
The past two chapters have been really long, but I hope they won't be so lengthy in the future. Sorry bout that.