"So let me make sure I have this straight." said Kanae, slowly and deliberately. "You're currently living in the palace and studying under Duke Takarada's staff in order to become a physician. That's how you know Duchess Maria and Lord Hizuri?"
"Yup." said Kyoko, taking a drink from her cup. She had taken Kanae to the Daruma-ya, wanting a nice place to talk as well as eat. Yuusei sat a table away, wanting to give them their privacy but keeping close. The building was crowded, as it was dinner time, and Kyoko hadn't seen the Okami or Taisho once. They were probably busy keeping up with orders in the back. A part of Kyoko had wanted to introduce them to her friend, but she'd just have to come back another day.
Speaking of her friend, Kanae still hadn't touched her meal. She was staring at Kyoko, mouth drawn in a thin line as she scowled. Well, not really at her. Her friend was still processing the story she had been told. Kanae's eyes had narrowed, a habit the woman had when she realized something that made her upset.
"So... you're telling me you're providing the prince with that kind of service in exchange for letting you stay there?" said Kanae, a dark aura coming from her.
"T-that's– No! Of course not!" said Kyoko, color rising in her cheeks. "It's not like I wanted to become his concubine."
Kanae's face darkened further, causing Kyoko's own anger sensing demons to come out and enjoy the new meal.
"So you're saying that he forced himself onto you?" said Kanae, her voice dangerous through gritted teeth."I'll kill him."
"NO! Don't do that." said Kyoko, panicking. Perhaps she should have explained things a little better. "He's never forced himself onto me. Well, he tried it once but then I slapped some sense into him. He only made me a concubine because I yelled at him and he suspected I was trying to hurt him. It's not like he's a bad person. He's actually really nice."
"I'm sure he is." said Kana, voice skeptical.
"Stop jumping to conclusions before I finish my story." said Kyoko. "It's really not as bad as it sounds."
"Then stop making everything sound so strange. I'm still trying to figure out how this all happened, and you're not doing a great job of explaining."
Kyoko pouted for a minute before delving deeper into her story. She briefly explained everything that had happened since entering the capital and becoming part of Kuon's harem, about not getting along with Kuon or the harem at first, fighting with Ruriko and the contempt people had held for her at first for being a physician. Of course she left out sensitive material like Kuon's poisoning and the Accursed. She had promised to keep the details of those events secret. She finished her account by saying things were looking better in every way. She was making more friends and was hopefully getting her license by the end of the festival.
Kyoko's flood of words stopped, and Kanae sat, staring at her food while she thought. Kyoko allowed her to think, taking a bite out of her food. The whole thing did sound like a drama once told out loud. It was no wonder Kanae had thought Kyoko had lied about who she was. Her stomach twisted at the thought of Kanae still not believing her. Would Kanae still think she was lying?
"Your food will go cold if you don't eat it." said Kyoko, reaching her fork over the take a bite out of Kanae's dish. The spear wielder snarled, batting the fork away. With her own utensil, she stabbed a piece of food, holding it up to examine the piece stuck on the end of it.
"Why did you leave?" said Kanae, finally speaking.
"What do you mean?" said Kyoko, not understanding the question.
"Your home." said Kanae. "I know that you came here to study to be a physician, but why didn't you just stay at home to do that? Why did you leave?"
A part of Kyoko swelled at the question, thrilled that her friend was interested in her background. Unfortunately, the other half deflated because of the topic.
"It's... not something I'd like to discuss." said Kyoko.
Kanae raised her eyes to Kyoko's, glaring at her.
"But I'm sure Prince Kuon knows why you left." said Kanae, a hint of bitterness entering her voice. "You claim we are best friends yet you share more secrets with him then with me. Perhaps you found a replacement since we haven't seen each other in so long."
"I didn't have a choice! It's not like I wanted to tell him. He wouldn't have let me leave the jail cell until I told him what happened."
"Sure. Whatever."
"What about you?" said Kyoko, wishing to divert the attention off of her. "Why did you leave your home and become a mercenary? Why haven't you told me that story?"
Kanae sighed, finally starting to eat. The atmosphere sullen, Kyoko kept eating as well. She was surprised when Kanae started talking.
"I left because I couldn't take it anymore." said Kanae quietly.
Kyoko glanced at her friend to see Kanae, fork hovering over her food as she frowned in thought. She rested her chin in her hand as she leaned on the table with her elbow.
"The area around my home was not a good one." said Kanae. "We were always being robbed, barely making tax payments and never getting enough food for everyone. One day, a particularly violent robber showed up and attacked my family."
Kyoko's eyes widened, but she didn't dare interrupt. The last time Kyoko had tried to pry into Kanae's past, the woman had been tight lipped. The anger and pain in her eyes had made Kyoko too afraid to ask again until now. Kyoko wasn't sure what made Kanae start talking, but she wasn't going to risk her chances of hearing it by interrupting.
"No one tried to stand up to him" continued Kanae, her voice low in anger. "They just kept begging him to take their money and leave us. Those sort of pleas usually worked, but not this time. He was determined to hurt us. I couldn't stand watching anymore so I attacked. I was only 14 at the time, and scrawny. Needless to say I got a beating." Kanae rubbed the side of her arms.
"The man probably would have beat me to death, but I was saved by a passing mercenary." Her lips twitched, as if remembering the moment in her head. "He helped my family and then left without asking for anything in return. At that point I decided to leave. I followed the mercenary and demanded that he take me with him as his apprentice. Long story short, I was able to convince him. Now, I send enough money to my family each month to keep them out of the bad area of town."
"And what happened to your teacher?" asked Kyoko.
"We parted ways a while back." said Kanae. Her eyes were thoughtful, dancing with different emotions as she reminisced. Then they were on Kyoko again. "So now that I've told you my past, it's your turn to spill."
Ah, that's why she had started talking. Kyoko had wondered why Kanae was suddenly so willing to tell her background story. Judging by the way Kanae had told it, there was a lot of unaddressed pain in her history as well. If Kanae could expose her self to Kyoko, she should do the same.
So Kyoko told her. She explained about Sho and how he stole her idea. She also explained how she had been in love with the idiot before he betrayed her. She skipped over her family background, just starting that Sho's family had brought her up when she was little, spending many of her years working in their clinic.
Kyoko couldn't help a twinge of her resentment coming through, and she quickly had to pull back her anger lest she start yelling for no reason. Just thinking about the idiot made her demons come out. She'd been thinking of him less often now, but the wound was still fresh. Ignoring it wasn't helping it heal.
By the time she finished, Kanae was eating again, grimacing to herself. "I knew you weren't a normal girl, despite your appearance." muttered Kanae. "But this is ridiculous. How many scandals are you going to end up being a part of?"
"It's not like I asked for all this to happen." grumbled Kyoko.
"Indeed." said Kanae, and she finally smiled. It was the first time she had smiled since Kyoko had seen her again. Seeing it made Kyoko immensely happy. Kanae almost never smiled, but when she did, the woman might as well be laughing out loud. Kyoko's bad mood instantly retreated.
"So scandals aside, where do you want to go today?" asked Kyoko, eager to enjoy the festival with her friend. "Is there anywhere in particular that you want to go?"
"I thought you already had everything planned."
"Does that mean we can get you a desert rose!?"
They talked for a few minutes, debating on where they would go next. Kyoko was still trying to convince Kanae to get a desert flower - Kanae insisted that the it wouldn't suite her - when they were interrupted. A commotion had started in the side of the room, causing many people to turn and look. A group of men appeared to be in some sort of tussle. One of them was tall and handsome, wearing an expensive looking vest. He lounged in his seat, the sword by his side and well toned physique suggesting he was a fighter. Another man stood above him, shouting in his face. Two other men suddenly shoved the shouting man away, causing him to bump against Kyoko's table. It tipped over with a crash, forcing Kyoko and Kanae to jump to their feet to avoid being squashed by the man.
"Coward!" spat the man on the floor, growling at the handsome one. "Can't fight your own fights? Have to pay other people to take care of your own business?"
"I'd rather not soil my hands dealing with vermin such as you." said the handsome man, wiping his hands on a cloth with a grimace. "Makes me lose my appetite."
"Why you-"
The man on the floor jumped up, lunging at the other one. The two lackeys apprehended him, quickly knocking him back with a few well placed punches and kicks. Several other customers had to scramble out of the way as the man again stumbled backwards, knocking tables and chairs over in his wake. Kyoko couldn't help groaning in sympathy as she watched the man fall.
The man didn't get back up, instead spitting out some blood as he clutched his side, but the other two didn't let him recover. They advanced again, probably with the intention of continuing their beating.
In a flurry of motion, Kanae stood between them and the fallen man. Kyoko gave a squeak of surprise. When had Kanae left her side?
The men paused, then smirked at the woman who had tried to interrupt their sport.
"See here, looks like someone's got a death wish." said one of the men, leering at Kanae. "Would you like to play with us girlie?"
Kanae didn't respond, her gaze steady as she sized them up with her eyes. Then she calmly said "Is it your intention to be a pain everywhere you go Erik?"
The handsome man, who hadn't moved since the start of the fight, tilted his head at Kanae. He gave a wide smirk, one that reminded Kyoko of a hunter looking at it's prey, then stood up slowly.
"Kanae, how nice it is to see you." said Erik, motioning for his two lackeys to back down. They glanced at Kanae for a moment before doing so, allowing Erik to move towards Kanae. He stood slightly taller then her but he still managed to peered down his nose at her. "I was wondering if we might see each other before the finals tomorrow. Still haven't learned your lesson yet I see."
Kanae knows that man? thought Kyoko, glancing at him. Based on the expression on her friends face, it wasn't a pleasant acquaintance. At this point the entire room was quiet, everyone watching the exchange. This restaurant was one of the nicer one's in town, so it didn't usually have fights like a typical tavern.
"Make sure to pay for the damages." said Kanae, ignoring his taunt. "And this man's fee for a physician to see him."
At that moment, Taisho swiftly appeared. He squeezed Kyoko's arm for a moment, face gruff as he silently confirmed she was alright. Then he swept pass her, planting his feet beside the two in the middle of the chaos.
"Excuse me." said Taisho, addressing them in his usual curt voice. "You are disturbing the other customers. I must ask you all to leave at once."
"Of course." said Erik, giving a fake apologetic look. "It was not my intention to create such a disturbance. Let me apologize and make it right."
From his pocket, he drew out several gold and silver coins. Kyoko couldn't help but stare, knowing that what he had just pulled out was not a small sum. Well.. it was less than what Kuon had originally given Kyoko for a monthly spending money, but it was still a lot.
"My compliments to the cook." The man smirked, most likely aware of the hungry eyes that followed him as he strode back to his table, placing the money on it. He beckoned to the other two, swiftly leaving the restaurant.
Kyoko hurried over, bending down to help the man still struggling to stand up. Yuusei quickly assisted her as she examined his wounds, wetting a piece of cloth and pressing it against one of the cuts on his head.
She heard Taisho address Kanae. "Thank you for stopping the fight." he grunted, gesturing at the man Kyoko was helping. "But I'm sorry, can I ask you to take this man with you? You can come back after the excitement dies down."
"Of course." said Kanae.
Kyoko understood. The other customers would be uncomfortable with them here since they had become a part of the mess. It would be best for them if they came back after everything had calmed down.
"Tell Okami I said hi." said Kyoko.
Taisho grunted, taking a piece of money from the pile left by Erik and heading it to them. "For his fee's" he gestured to the man.
Kanae took the coin, grabbed her spear and led the group out as Kyoko allowed Yuusei to take the man from her and carry him out. She stayed close, knowing that the man probably had a few bruised ribs from the fight. He was still dazed, not entirely focused as they left.
They had barely taken few steps out of the restaurant when they were stopped by someone stepping in front of them.
"I must say." said Erik, arms folded as he smirked at Kanae. "I didn't expect to see you making pleasant conversation with a palace guard and some rich lady. Looks like you've come to realize what's important."
Kyoko heard Kanae growl, but couldn't see her face as she was standing behind Kanae with Yuusei. Kanae tried to step past Erik, but he blocked her path.
"Why the hurry?" he said silkily, smiling at her. "It's been so long since we've seen each other after all."
"Buzz off." said Kanae.
"Still as fiery as ever." said Erik shaking his head. He took out a coin from his purse, stepping up to Kanae and flashing it under her nose. "But all that fire won't do you any good if you don't control it. I could help you direct it you know."
"I've heard your proposal before. " said Kanae, batting away the coin. "I have no desire to become one of your mindless sheep."
"Too bad." said Erik, obviously not perturbed. He slipped the coin back into his pocket. "I thought you were smart enough to notice a good opportunity when it was presented. But it looks like you're just as stubborn as before." The man leaned forward, causing Kanae to stiffen as he invaded her bubble. "Pride will only get you so far. You're weak. You of all people should have learned that by now. You're just as foolish as your teacher, refusing such a great offer from someone like me."
Kyoko didn't like the way the man was talking to Kanae, nor did she like the way Kanae was acting in his presence. She could tell the man had something he was lording over Kanae since her friend wasn't responding like she normally would. Kanae wasn't making eye contact, eyes down as she trembled in silent anger. It was time to do something.
"Excuse me." said Kyoko, stepping up to the man. She gave him her most charming smile, pouring all of her teaching about etiquette into her form. Every inch of her exuded the grace of a wealthy young lady. Erik's eyes lit up, moving forward eagerly as his attention lingered on the jewels that decorated Kyoko's person.
"Why, how rude of me to ignore a lady such as yourself." said Erik, taking Kyoko's hand and kissing it. It took everything Kyoko had not to shiver as his did so. From the corner of her eyes she saw Yuusei stiffen, shifting his position so that he might drop the man to come to Kyoko's aid quickly. Kanae was busy looking at Kyoko in surprise.
"I'm sure a little slip up must be allowed." said Kyoko, giving a fake laugh. "The manner of our meeting was a bit strained."
"Indeed it was." said Erik. "My name it Erik Koenji. May I ask for the name of such a pretty little flower?"
"I couldn't help but over hear your conversation with Kanae." said Kyoko, ignoring his question. "And I wondering what deal you might have offered her."
"Oh, that?" he said, smirking. "I just wished to offer Kanae a better life is all. One that a fine woman like herself deserves, yet she refuses my generosity and continues to turn me down. Don't you think her foolish?"
Kyoko raised her eyebrows. "I'm sorry but I'm not sure I follow." said Kyoko, slowly. "You wish to offer Kanae a better life, it sounds like you were proposing to her."
"Heavens no." laughed the man. "I can't afford to marry a low born commoner like herself. Imagine the shame. I just wish to help cultivate her into becoming a better woman."
"You want her to be your lover." said Kyoko suddenly understanding. "What a coincidence. You see, I myself am a concubine."
Kyoko heard Kanae's breath hitch. Her friend was probably confused at her actions.
"Are you?" said Erik, his eyes dancing in greed. "Then perhaps you might be able to persuade Kanae to make the right decision. She is quite stubborn after all, but then, I prefer my women with fire in them. Makes the payment more worth it when I break them. Perhaps you wish to experience my services as well..."
She couldn't take it anymore. This guy was a slime ball
Smile still affixed, Kyoko slammed her heal into his foot.
Erik yelled in pain, trying to spring back, but Kyoko's foot held him there. She grabbed his collar, wrenching his head forward so that their noses were almost touching. She was dimly aware of those around her exclaiming in surprise.
"Trash like you doesn't even deserve to lick her feet." hissed Kyoko, her smile now clouded in an aura of furry. Erik cringed as she dug her foot in further, causing the man to squirm against her hold. "Kanae is worth more than anything you could hope to afford, so I suggest you back off before you get what's coming to you."
His other two lackeys finally shook off the shock, rushing forward to apprehend her. Kyoko quickly backed up, shoving the man away as Kanae stepping beside her. Erik stumbled back, arms flailing before clutching onto the other two to keep from falling.
"You!-" he growled, his face turning red in anger. "You will pay for that wench."
"Keep away from Kanae." spat Kyoko, shaking in anger. "And fix your pants, your greed is showing."
Not waiting for a response, Kyoko grabbed Kanae and turned around, dragging her away as Yuusei trailed behind them with the man. They sped down the streets, Kyoko's rage making her walk quickly past the crowds of people. Eventually she realized Kanae was trying to get her attention.
"Kyoko stop." said Kanae, finally shrugging out of Kyoko's hold. "What were you thinking?"
"We need to get this man to a clinic." said Kyoko, gesturing behind her and still walking. "There should be one just around the corner."
"That's not what I'm talking about." said Kanae, stepping in front of Kyoko, forcing her to stop. "Why did you aggravate him like that?"
"And why didn't you fight back?" shot Kyoko, angrily. It wasn't like her friend to be so submissive of someone. She didn't like seeing Kanae allow a prick like Erik to flaunt his wealth and lord over Kanae. It just wasn't right. "He kept saying such awful things about you and you didn't say anything. What does he have over you that you let him get away with being a jerk?"
"Because I can't afford to do anything about it." said Kanae, her expression showing a hint of fear and desperation. It made Kyoko freeze, pondering her friend before her.
"What do you mean?" said Kyoko, ignoring the crowd of people that walked past them, a few of them casting strange glances. They had stopped in the middle of the street, and Yuusei was still carrying the man.
"I mean, he's not someone I should mess with." said Kanae, scratching the back of her head. "Erik is a well known and respected mercenary as well as a noble. He's rich and has all the right connections, which allows him to get pretty much anything he wants. A lone mercenary like me shouldn't be making him an enemy. He's already caused me enough trouble as it is. I don't want it getting any worse."
"So what, you're just going to roll over and let him stomp all over you?" said Kyoko. "I thought the reason you left home was because you hated being weak. Have you still not grown up from that experience?"
Kanae's eyes flashed dangerously.
"Don't talk as if you know anything." she growled. "You don't understand."
"Then explain."
Kanae let out an exasperated sigh, closing her eyes and rubbing the space between her eyebrows with a thumb. "A mercenary's reputation is their life. The better it is, the better jobs you can get. Erik's connections are good, which means making an enemy of him makes it harder for me to work with any other mercenaries. My chances of making money would be reduced to nothing. I already have a hard enough time as I'm woman."
"Then why not show how good you are in the battle tomorrow?" said Kyoko, frowning. "I'm sure people would be impressed and want to hire you."
"It's not that simple." said Kanae. "He could spread rumors of me being a liar and a thief. No one would want me, no matter how good of a fighter I am. It would be easy given the novelty of my existence. And I'm sure he's bought out half of the other participants for the final tomorrow..."
That's right thought Kyoko, remembering what they had been saying before. From what she could put together, Erik was also a participant in the battle royal, having made it past the first stage. Kanae and Erik would see each other in the finals.
"What a creep." said Kyoko. "Just beat the crap out of him tomorrow. Then you can show everyone that you deserve to be respected"
"As I've said, if it was as simple as beating him up, I would have done that a long time ago. But unfortunately, he's a good fighter. I can't take him unless I take off my hood and cloak. Once I do that, he calls for the referee - who he's paid off- and then sends me off for being a woman."
The bitterness in Kanae's voice told Kyoko he had done this to her before. This Erik guy really sounded obnoxious. How in the world was he a respected mercenary? The few Kyoko had known had been crass sure, but not manipulative like he was. If only there was some way for Kanae to beat the crap out of him once and for all in the fight tomorrow.
An idea suddenly formed in her head.
"Moko-san." said Kyoko slowly. "If I said I could make it so you could fight him fairly tomorrow, would you be willing the do it?"
"Just forget it." said Kanae with a grimace. "It would be best to just take my small winnings now and bow out."
"NO!" said Kyoko, causing some people around her to jump. "The Kanae I know isn't afraid of backing down from a fight. It doesn't matter if he has money and fancy things. You shouldn't let him stomp all over you like that. If you win against him tomorrow than you won't have to worry about your reputation because everyone will know who you are and your talent. No one would bother to stand in your way. "
Kanae stared at her, eyes calculating as she considered. The disrepair that had clouded them was finally dispersing. She slowly nodded.
"Alright." she said. "What's your plan?"
It was supposed to be just another boring escorting job: Get a big group of mercenaries to scare off the sand demons, eat the free food and get paid. That was what Kanae had expected. So why were they being attacked by such a large group of thieves?
Kanae whirled her spear through the air, bringing it down on the thief in front of her. The metal sliced through his arm, causing the man to cry out in pain. He dropped his weapon, clutching the severed skin and slinking away. Kanae let him run, too tired to bother pursuing.
Taking large shaky breaths, she pressed her hand against her hip where she had been wounded earlier. With careful magic arcane pulses, Kanae wove a spell designed to stop the flow of blood. The magic made contact with her body, forming a temporary plug against the open skin. It hurt, but the wound wasn't so deep that it needed to be taken care of immediately. She glanced around, noticing that the fight was basically over. A few of her fellow mercenaries had fallen, blood coloring the yellow sand. The travelers were all clustered around each other, shaking and crying as they tried to calm both themselves and their beasts.
This had been a bad attack. If some of the guards hadn't been at least somewhat competent the whole group would probably have died. As it was, it looked like most of them had been hurt.
Careful not to aggravate her wounds further, Kanae made her way towards the center of the group. The site that greeted her surprised her.
Kyoko was kneeling in front of a middle aged woman, carefully stitching a cut with a thread and needle. Her movements were precise, exuding the confidence that only years of study could cultivate. There were a few others around her that had already been taken care of, presumably by her. Their bandages were clean, expertly tucked into place and holding against their skin.
"There, I'm done." said Kyoko, tying off the last stitch and cutting the tread with a bit of pulse magic. She then began wrapping the wound, continuing her instruction. "Just try not to aggravate it as much as possible, and keep it clean. If you're lucky it won't leave a scar."
'Kyoko is a physician?' thought Kanae. 'How was that possible?' It was the only explanation for Kyoko's abilities. Female physician's weren't unheard of, but they were still rare. Almost as rare as female warriors, and she had yet to meet another one like herself. A flutter of pride for the girl was immediately stomped out by Kanae, wondering where that emotion had even come from. It was just a profession.
The woman Kyoko had helped was thanking her. Kyoko stood up, gazing around her at the other travelers. She frowned when her eyes fell upon Kanae.
"You're hurt!" said Kyoko, hurrying towards Kanae. The warrior shied back, suddenly embarrassed by the girls attention. It wasn't like anyone was paying attention to them. The rest were all too busy making sure their loved one's were alright, and the other mercenaries didn't care.
"I can take care of myself." said Kanae, smacking aside Kyoko's outstretched hands. She limped away, intent on making it back to her pack where she had a few salves for healing. To her irritation, the girl followed.
"I can't believe you got hurt, you're such an amazing warrior." said Kyoko, easily keeping up with Kanae's limping. "Are you in pain? I have some medicine if you'd like some."
"I don't need it." said Kanae through gritted teeth. She found her pack, grumbling when she noticed it had been knocked over, the items spilling across the sand. She squatted down, grabbing at the things that had fallen and stuffing them back into her pack.. Half way through she realized that something was missing. Kanae let out a groan.
"What is it?" asked Kyoko. The girl was still there apparently. She was holding a bundle of Kanae's stuff, peering over her shoulder. "Are you ok?"
"Half of my water is gone." said Kanae, picking up a water flask. It was one of two she used to keep her hydrated. Each of the flasks had an arcane circle enchanted into it so that it held more water than it should. As an added bonus, it didn't increase the weight. They had both been very expensive for someone like her to get, and now she had lost one. To make matters worse, they had taken the full one, leaving her with the half empty bottle she now held.
"Oh, that's too bad." said Kyoko, tilting her head.
That was an understatement. With the amount of water she had left, it was doubtful that Kanae could make it through the desert without asking for help, and Kanae loathed asking people for help. Besides, it was likely the thieves had sabotaged other people's stuff as well. It wasn't likely anyone could help her. She might be relieved of her duties and sent back to the town without pay. What a waste of a week.
Kanae grabbed the pile of stuff Kyoko still held in her hand and shoved it into her pack without caring how it fit.
Another week without getting paid. Things were getting a little too tight for Kanae's liking.
"Kanae?" said Kyoko interrupting her thoughts.
"What?" said Kanae, biting back the harsh remakes that came to her mind. It wasn't the girls fault the bandits had attacked.
"How about we share to rest of my water?"
Kanae whipped her head towards Kyoko, confused. Kyoko was holding out her small flask, looking hopefully at Kanae. The spear wielder narrowed her eyes, now remembering that Kyoko didn't have anything else but that as her water source. Was it possible... yes. There is was. A magic arcane circle that make the inside of a container bigger then it actually was, and it was much more complex than the ones Kanae owned.
"Where did you get such a nice item?" asked Kanae, now suspicious.
"My dad was a physician." said Kyoko simply. "This was once the flask he used when visiting those that couldn't come to the clinic."
"And what do you want for the water?" asked Kanae, tentative. She needed to water in order to get paid, but she was sure this girl wouldn't give it to her for free. No one was that stupidly kind.
"I want you to let me take care of your wound." said Kyoko, looking sternly at Kanae. "You're going to get yourself killed by an infection if you don't take care of yourself properly."
Kanae just stared at her, wondering if she was serious. What kind of girl would demand payment in the form of being able to help someone else? Kanae's eyes roamed over Kyoko, trying to understand her thought process. The girl was trembling slightly, eyes dilated in fear. It was subtle, but Kanae could see the signs now that she was paying attention. Kyoko was not unaffected by this attack. She was just as scared as the rest of them, but had managed to hold herself together. Yet for what purpose? Did she want to take this opportunity to make herself invaluable to the group, thus solidifying her spot? It seemed likely.
"Fine." said Kanae, settling down and shaking her head. If it was going to benefit Kanae, might as well let the girl get on with it.
Kyoko smiled, and Kanae noticed how genuinely happy the girl appeared. For a second, Kanae saw her master in Kyoko, the first person that ever showed a filthy street rat like her any kindness. Maybe Kyoko wasn't as cunning as Kanae made her out to be. Perhaps the girl just wanted to help people.
Thanks for reading!
And thank you beta reader for putting up with me. XD
I can't believe that this story has 600 reviews. Seriously, some of your comments are so kind I feel like I don't deserve them. They make me even more determined to make this story even better!
Chainedheart999: "why did you decide to give Moko-san a spear?" Reason 2: Spear wielders are awesome! (Kaladin, Matrim Cauthon, Hak, and Balsa kick butt!). Reason 3: To give some variety to the different fighting styles/weapons of the protagonists. Reason 1: Kanae in cannon comes from a poor family and it is a part of her identity that I decided to keep in this story. Spears are considered weapons of the common folk since they are much cheaper and less complicated to make then other weapons. (Like a sword. Swords are usually considered weapons for the nobility and other high ranking people in society.) With this knowledge in mind, I decided that a spear would suite her position best.
Thanks again everyone. To reiterate, I encourage all comments/feedback/criticism/questions and promise not to be offended. XD
-Blushweaver
Many of you lovely readers have expressed concern that Blushweaver will stop writing now that she's in school. Don't even worry. She is as obsessed with this fanfic as you are.
-Imouto