Maria woke up from the worst sleep she ever had. Both her back and her neck ached like never before. With a groan, she sat up and stretched.
When opened her eyes, she was not back in her private chamber within the imperial palace. She was on bare grass. A coat was over her body. The sky was a fiery red. Then she saw the blue-haired warrior sitting to her side, leaning against their horse, and memories of the previous night caught up to her.
She felt a sob well up in her chest, and tears in her eyes. She brought a hand to her mouth but couldn't contain her cries.
"You're awake," the warrior said, her eyes opening. "I'm sorry about what happened, but we should go as soon as possible. Who knows when those things might show up again?"
At her words, Maria managed to stifle the remainder of her tears. The warrior was right. She would save them for later.
"How far are we?"
"Only a couple hours." The warrior rose and walked to her. She handed her small pouch. "Have some food while I ready the horse."
Within the pouch was some dried meat. It was less than ideal, but she had no right to complain. As she ate, she watched the other woman work. Her hands were gentle towards the animal. Had it not been for the sword at her waist, she might have never took her to be a fighter.
"What is your name, warrior?"
The woman looked back at her briefly before answering.
"Tsubasa."
Tsubasa... Maria repeated the name in her mind. Wings…
Somehow, she felt it was most fitting.
In a matter of minutes, they were riding towards the capitol again. Maria chose to sit behind this time. She clung close to the warrior's back, being unfamiliar with riding a horse. The wind whipped the warrior's blue hair before her eyes. They reminded her of the scene in the forest last night.
A flash of blue locks, the silver glint of a blade, the ringing of its cut.
"You saved me last night," Maria spoke after a while. "Thank you."
Tsubasa did not answer immediately. Maria wondered if she didn't hear her against the wind, but after a moment, she answered.
"I was only doing my job."
Maria smiled slightly at the indirect response, knowing it was not truly so.
Then her thoughts turned back to the night once more. How many were lost that night? Aside from her companions, she could not even guess at the number of personal servants and hired guards.
" Our weapons… useless! "
What were those monsters? Among her vast experience, she had never heard of such beings in any legend. They killed mindlessly through mere contact, and were impervious to blades...
"Wait a minute!" Maria said, startling.
"What is it?"
"The retainer - the one who died before me last night. He told me that that their weapons were useless against those monsters."
"That is… strange."
"Indeed. But stranger yet, recall that your blade easily slayed two of them mere moments later."
Tsubasa briefly looked back at her, a confused expression on her face.
"You're right."
"How could it be so…?" Maria wondered. Her gaze dropped to the sword at the woman's waist. "Where did you acquire that sword?"
There was a pause.
"It was passed down to me from my family," Tsubasa said quickly.
"Then... do you know how it came into their possession? Who is your family? And where—"
Suddenly the horse slid to stop. Maria gasped and clung tightly to the warrior.
"I'm sorry. Please do not ask me that question," Tsubasa said, her voice barely above a whisper.
"I-I'm sorry as well," Maria stammered. "I will not."
Tsubasa nodded, then she dismounted.
"We will soon be upon the city entrance."
From then on, Tsubasa walked the horse, while Maria remained riding on top. Maria stared down at the warrior before here, head now brimming with questions about her past.
"You were right though," Tsubasa said eventually. "That my sword was not ineffective against the creatures is at odds with the man's testimony."
"Y-Yes… so I thought there might be something about your sword."
"My family always told me it was special. Perhaps they were right." Tsubasa donned her veiled hat. "If I may ask a favor, I would appreciate it if you would keep this between us."
"Oh…? Sure. I will."
It was then that the city entrance came into view. At the sight of Maria, the guards immediately let them through. As they walked through the main street of the city, they caught the stares of other pedestrians. Maria's unkempt appearance no doubt added to their whispers. Tsubasa kept her hat low to cover her face.
By the time they reached the doors to the palace, word of her return had already been spread. Two other retainers of hers were there to greet her.
"Maria-dono!" They rushed to her side and helped her down from the horse. "You made it back safely! But... where are the others?"
Maria felt a pang in her chest. "Girls… something terrible happened along the way."
"Don't tell us… bandits?"
"I am afraid it is far worse..." As she recounted the story, the faces of her retainers grew in shock. "Only this hired guard and I managed to escape."
"This is… unbelievable."
"We must report this immediately!"
Maria nodded in agreement. "Please request a hearing as soon as possible. Also, make sure this guard is rewarded generously."
"That is not necessary," Tsubasa said. "Just the original amount I was hired for will suffice."
"Nonsense, I won't have it. In fact, I ask you to come with me into the palace, and you may give your perspective of the events."
"Please excuse me, my lady," Tsubasa said, bowing deeply. "But I must decline your offer."
Maria looked questioningly at the warrior. "What do you intend to do?"
"I will accept my reward and be on my way."
Maria hesitated. Though technically a stranger, she felt that she wanted the woman around. Perhaps it was a sense of obligation to her savior, or an urge to uncover the mystery that they had touched upon. All she knew was that she didn't want Tsubasa to go.
"Please, would you stay at least one night?"
After a short pause, Tsubasa nodded. "I will… but not in the palace. A person like me does not belong there."
Maria sighed inwardly in relief. "I agree to your terms. Girls, find this guard a nice inn near the palace."
"Yes, my lady."
Tsubasa turned away, but before she left, Maria placed a hand on her arm.
"I will visit you as soon as I can, if not tonight. Is that alright?"
Tsubasa nodded. "You may take your time."
Maria smiled. She did not know why Tsubasa declined her invitation to the palace, as much of an honor as it was. But at the very least, she was glad that the woman was staying a little longer.
With that, they parted, and Maria stepped through the entrance into the imperial palace.