A Hero Emerges

It was another ordinary day in the camp. Everyone was woken up to start work. As usual, the children and women were sent to carry all the rocks that the miners were pulling out. Kanami carried out her bags of rocks and set them on a pile outside of the cave. As she worked through the hot morning, she kept telling herself to hold on. Kazu-kun would save her. She had to hold on for him.

As the day carried on, Kanami noticed the guards bringing in more workers. It had been two weeks since her own capture, but it seemed like she had been there her entire life. She did exactly what the guards told her, and she never was beaten. As long as she kept telling herself there was still hope, she could hold on.

Kanami took particular notice in a man with a ragged, brown cloak that covered his face. He looked normal, but Kanami couldn't help but stare at him. She gasped when the guards pushed him to the ground and kicked him. They kept telling him not to die right away and that he better get on his feet. Kanami wanted nothing but to help him, but she was in no position to do anything for the poor man. She just dumped her bag and went back into the cave. Still, she couldn't get the man out of her mind. His presence was familiar, but she couldn't identify it.

The sun was directly overhead, the hottest part of the day. Kanami was sweating by now, so much that she had to take her jacket off. She wished now that she was in the cave picking away at the rocks. At least it was nice and cool in the caverns. Her arms and legs were starting to shake as she carried her bag to the rock pile. She continued to push herself and have faith. Please hold on. Kazu-kun will come for me soon.

At that point, she came to a halt. Her figure trembled in pain as she dropped her bag. She had pushed herself to the limit, and now her frail body had to rest. She fell to her knees, thinking she would faint from exhaustion, but she didn't. She looked down and saw an arm around her waste. Someone had caught her. He put a bottle to her lips, allowing cool water to drip down her throat. Thinking it was one of the guards, she quivered in fear and apologized weakly.

"I'm sorry, sir. It's just so hot out and I needed to rest." Then she heard it. Someone was crying in fear as a guard's angry voice rang in her ears. Kanami looked up and saw the same lady that gave her the bread on the ground in tears. The guard had his stick in the air, ready to strike. The woman covered her eyes and waited for the impact but instead heard a child's scream. Kanami had run in front of her and received the stick's blow on her right arm.

"What do you think you are doing?" the guard asked as Kanami turned to shield the woman.

"Please, don't hurt her," Kanami begged. "She just needs to rest."

"Didn't you hear me? I said move!"

"No, I won't run away. I can't allow you to hurt anyone else." The guard laughed and raised his stick in the air.

"So, you want to take a beating for her? Alright then!" The guard swung down on Kanami's back several times, causing large, bloody gashes in her back. Kanami wouldn't back down from him. She wasn't afraid. Finally, Kanami fell to the ground, panting in pain from all the blows. The guard only cackled as he raised his stick again. "Apologize or I will break every bone in your body." Kanami couldn't say anything. She wasn't even coherent anymore. "Alright. You brought this on yourself."

Kanami closed her eyes and waited for the final blows, but all she heard was a man's voice. It was so gentle and kind.

"Stop. Don't hurt these people anymore. It isn't right."

"How do you know it's not right?" a guard yelled. All Kanami could hear was the sound of punches and groans, but the voice continued to speak.

"I know this isn't right. You are evil, and I must punish you." Kanami could make out more fighting, then explosions came. A few minutes later, the sound was replaced with cheering from the prisoners. Again the man's voice came close to the girl. "Hurry! We need to get her inside and help her." She felt strong, warm arms pick her light body up and carry her away. Just before she lost consciousness, she heard the man's voice one last time. "Just hold on. We are going to get you some help. Hold on."

Yes, I had to hold on…for Kazu-kun.

Sorry, I've been so lazy about updates. I have to spend more time on the computer. I'm so sorry, but thanks for being patient.

Alimoe: Thanks. Actually, my paper was for two classes: English and U.S. History. In English, I got a 96, and in History, I got a perfect score. I love History so much. I was so happy when he told me my grade. But anyways, I'm getting off the subject. You think you could update your story What is This Feeling? I really want a new chapter. Thanks again and cya.

LiL PriNCeSs Me: Sorry, I don't think Kazuma will be in the story for awhile. I kind of want to keep my story similar to the TV Series, with a few twists of course. He will be in this story, and he will have a huge part.

Pimp Troyce: Thanks for reviewing. I'm glad you thought my writing was elogant.

Again, thanks for all the reviews. Please continue to be patient. I'll try to review soon. Cya.