The Sounds of the Terra Thicket was peaceful and quiet as the morning birds chirped in the morning, and the leaves danced in the wind. The wind blew a gentle breeze while the sun rays beamed through the tiny cracks of space left in-between the leaves.
It's morning over the mountain as the morning sun brought life to Sheep Aria Village, the Fruit Gardens, the Terra Thicket, and the Lumber House. Suddenly in the peace and quiet of the forest a sudden Snap echoed through the forest. The snap was very familiar during this morning as it is most mornings. The echo of the snap riveted through the forest is a gentle rhythm following the noise to the Lumber House. Etching closer to the Lumber House is the young man named Takara who is the one responsible for that snapping sound. He was chopping wood as the snap sound of chopped wood made echoes throughout the forest as he continued making firewood for the Village. Despite how most of the village treats him; the young man still goes out of his way to provide the firewood the Village needs.
"You have some nerve…" Another young man's voice was heard as Takara felt a smooth stone hit his back.
Stopping what he was doing he looked back to see Mekara with a couple of stones in his hand. Taking a deep breath Takara simply turned around and continued working.
"Don't give me that turn of your cheek garbage! Look at me!" Mekara yelled out throwing another stone that hit Takara at the back of the head, not making the young man flinch.
"What do you want? What did I do to get you this mad?" Takara asked softly before he chopped another piece of wood.
"You had dinner with them…" Mekara growled in a low and angry tone.
"They were just being nice Mekara, there's no need to-" Takara calmly replied before turning, and then covering his face to block the rock Mekara had thrown.
"You don't understand, I want and need you to stay away from Hisuinome." Mekara stated, walking up to Takara as they looked each other in the eye. Mekara being the shorter of the two glared up to Takara's eyes as they were calm, yet saddened. Without warning Mekara punched Takara in the face as the taller young man simply stood there and took the punch as if he wasn't fazed.
But despite his calm disposition Takara still felt the pain of the punch, he took a breath and simply looked back at Mekara who gritted his teeth for a second before throwing another punch across Takara's other Cheek. Yet still Takara stood there and only looked at Mekara who only grew more angry.
"You're seriously not going to say anything? Not even going to fight back!" Mekara shouted as he shoved Takara who fell and got nicked by the Axe behind him. But despite the cut on his left arm Takara still didn't say anything as he simply looked at Mekara.
"Tch You're a pathetic coward you know that? Well C'mon Soldier! Fight back! I bet you don't even know how to use your sword." Mekara yelled, looking at the sword on Takara's belt, and in its sheath. He grabbed one of the wood logs in his hand and pointed it at Takara.
"Get up. C'mon Get up, and fight back! There's no way a cowardly, pathetic, BASTARD child like y-you lived and J-Jargal didn't!" Mekara's Frustration started to show more and more as Takara didn't say a word as he stood up and looked at Mekara with a soft look.
"Mekara… I know you don't want to hear it… But Jargal and I became closer during those months we had left… I'm not going to fight you, Jargal wouldn't want us to fight." Takara calmly replied as he unclipped his sword and it fell to the ground.
"You don't have any idea what it's like… I lost my Only Brother!"
"So Did I… And I know what it's like Mekara, my whole family is gone at least you still have-"
"SHUT UP!" Mekara shouted, slamming the log on Takara making him fall on his side.
"You don't have the right to lie to me, Jargal hated you just as much as the rest of us. The longer you're here the more trouble that awaits us here. I should just kill you here and now…" Mekara said, throwing the log at Takara and kicking him in the stomach.
"But I'm not going to be what you are… And What Your blood is… Because despite what you are you are always going to be a killer… Just like your mother…" Mekara Spat at him and then walked away.
"Hahh… You are right about one thing… I am a killer… But not in the way you think…" Takara sighs, slowly getting up to his feet and spat out some blood. "At least he's getting stronger… Is he lying about him and Hisuinome… If he wasn't then why did she and her family invite me to dinner?"
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"Hmm. Getting that beam out was the right choice. Now I don't smell anything funny." Hisuinome Commented, with a joyous smile as she stretched her arms up to tie her hair into a ponytail.
"Oh yes that's truly a blessing, that young man certainly is very talented." Nomin agreed, fixing Kouki's hair for the day to come as it was well into the morning.
"It's a shame everyone else isn't in a rush to use his services. You know I was talking to Delbee and Sarnai the other day. They don't have any grudges against him… Well for the most part…" Hisuinome shrugged looking at her mother with a smile.
"Well that's good. Are you planning on seeing him today?" Nomin asked with a sly smile.
"Definitely! He's going to be working at the Lumber House today. I was thinking about bringing him some food to eat, probably even talk to him for a bit. Do you think he'll teach me how to fight with a sword if I ask him?" Hisuinome smiled with an innocent smile on her face.
"Maybe. But you wouldn't want to make him too uncomfortable would you? I mean he is a sweet young man but perhaps you should take it slow and become friends." Nomin says as her daughter nodded in understanding.
"Yea, He does need a friend." Hisuinome smiled as she grabbed a basket.
"He Might need more than that to be perfectly honest, Hisuinome."
"Hm Wait you mean-"
"No Silly, Look Takara is hurting, No matter how much he tries to hide it, He may be starting to get a little comfortable with us but no matter what we do he won't willingly share his emotions with us. Something I learned from your father is that some men tend to not express their emotions or keep everything bottled up inside them." Nomin informs while Hisuinome gave her mother her full attention.
"Right… Dad always made it an effort to hide the bad things with a smile to protect us…" Hisuinome states with a bittersweet smile.
"Yea… But nonetheless, I do encourage you… The both of you can be his friend. It may take time but when he starts to empty himself to you, be respectful, be positive, and show your support." Nomin Smiled looking at Kouki and then Hisuinome with a smile.
"Understood Mom… Heh… I don't I've ever seen you be this supportive of another boy." Hisuinome teased as her mother giggled.
"He did save you two, plus… Every Child deserves a parent, However some Parents don't deserve children. It's honestly a miracle to see how Takara is right now. Any lesser man would choose the easy way and stir violence. But Takara isn't like that." Nomin smiled as her daughter nodded.
"I agree. Do you want me to pick up a Pie at Aunt Gina's I was planning on stopping by."
"Hm… Sure but get it on the way back so you can have a Pie for Takara and a Pie for us. Plus they're going to be having a meeting today, I think we're voting to see who's going to the City." Nomin pondered with a hand on her chin.
"Oh I wish I could go! I've never been to a City before." Hisuinome exclaimed with almost a begging look on her face.
"I'll try to put in a good word."
"Aww Kay!" Nomin and Hisuinome joked with each other in teasing voices before Hisuinome left with her basket and Kouki stayed with his mother.
"Oh and on your way, Get some Olive Oil Balm from Uncle Baatar… I think we might need more, Kouki is showing signs of Dry Scalp." Nomin sighed softly, looking at her son's head.
"Ok no problem Mom, I'll See you two later!" Hisuinome replied as she started walking further into the village saying hello to everyone as she made her way to a certain Yurt that had the sweet smell of apple, and berry pies came through its door and windows.
"G'morning Aunt Gina!" Hisuinome excitedly greeted, entering the Yurt. Upon coming inside she sees how Aunt Gina's Yurt looked like a bakery from the inside.
"Good Morning Hisuinome! How're you doing this morning sweetie?" Aunt Gina asked, looking at the young woman.
"I'm doing good! I'm surprised you haven't gone to the meeting already. I was definitely hoping to catch you before you went." Hisuinome smiled walking up to the counter.
"I had to get some pies, cookies, and other desserts before I head out. You're just in time, Hisuinome, what can I get you?"
"Can I get two pies, one apple and one berry?" Hisuinome askes setting her basket to the counter.
"Sure thing! I'll get it packed for you. Today and these next few days the women will have it easy aside from gathering in the Fruit gardens. What're your plans?" She asked carefully, placing the pies in the basket.
"Probably relax with mom and Kouki, Walk with Delbee and Sarnai, or even talk with Takara." Hisuinome answered nonchalantly, causing the older woman to pause and look at her with a worried look hiding behind her forced smile.
"Oh? Takara huh? And why him? I thought you were closer to Mekara?" She asked looking at Hisuinome.
"Honestly… Takara needs a friend, I'm not sure he sees me as a friend yet. And on the note of Mekara. I think I need to spend more time away from him. He's been distracting himself by trying to spend time with me. Plus Mekara is not the same anymore he's been more… Angry." Hisuinome explained with an uncomfortable look when she talked about Mekara.
"Is that so? Well I would be careful around Takara… His Mother was an angel before her dark side started to show. Evil runs in his veins so I'd advise you to not get too involved with him. These Pies… They wouldn't be for him would they?" Aunt Gina asked a hand on the basket as if she's trying to decide something.
"N-no… My mom asked me to pick these up today along with some Olive Oil Balm." Hisuinome promised with a sweet smile.
"Well ok, and for the Balm. Baltaar actually delivered some to me earlier. Here you go sweetie one Olive Oil Balm." Gina stated with a smile, handing her one balm container.
"Oh Thank you!" Hisuinome smiled, getting the balm and placing it in the Basket.
"No Worries." Gina replied, waving the young woman goodbye.
Hisuinome smiled and waved Aunt Gina goodbye as she exited the yurt and sighed holding the basket tightly.
"Well that was Interesting…" Hisuinome thought to herself looking down at her basket with a smile.
"Oh Well. I wonder which pie Takara would like." She thought to herself before making her way to the Lumber House.
As she walked the cool breeze of the mountain hit her face and made her hair flow slightly as it was tied into a ponytail. She simply smiled enjoying the peace and tranquility of the valley. The Grass in the village swayed a beautiful enchanting sound as the river ran next to the village and through the forest. She continued to walk through the village soon coming across Delbee and Sarnai who had their baskets as well.
"Morning Hisuinome!"
"Morning Hisuinome!" Her friends happily exclaimed, waving to her.
"Morning Delbee, morning Sarnai." Hisuinome happily responded back to them, giving them a hug once they got close.
"Hey where are you heading to this morning?" Sarnai asked, looking at the Basket Hisuinome carried.
"I'm taking a pie to Takara at the Lumber House. I'm sure he'll be hungry after he's all done." She informs them with a sweet smile on her face.
"I shouldn't really be surprised. I mean after you taught him how to clean his clothes something told me you two would become friends." Sarnai says while Delbee smirks at Hisuinome.
"I mean yea, He's honestly really sweet. Though he doesn't smile at all…" Hisuinome replies, holding her chin as she tries to imagine him smiling
"I don't think he's ever smiled before. Not like we'd notice anyways. But if you're going there I think… Sarnai should go with you! She is the oldest out of us!" Delbee pointed, smiling at the two.
"Would you want me to come, Hisuinome? It wouldn't sit right with me if something happened to you." Sarnai asked her as Hisuinome gave her a polite smile.
"I'll be fine. He won't hurt me." Hisuinome reassured them with a smile as Delbee and Sarnai looked at each other.
"Well ok, Just be careful. And if you want, most of us are having a Picnic near the river. Interested in coming? I know the boys and Mekara will be there." Sarnai said smiling at Hisuinome.
"You know normally I would, however I'd rather avoid Mekara for the time being. He's been very, very different from the Mekara I've come to know. I mean I don't feel as comfortable around him anymore.'' She commented with a slight shrug.
"I completely understand. Mekara and I never got along to begin with." Sarnai stated with a shrug.
"Really?" Hisuinome asked, looking at her friend curiously.
"Yea. Jargal would always be bailing him out of trouble because of his laziness, and his mischievous nature." Sarnai
"Mischievous?" Hisuinome asked almost in disbelief.
"That's putting it lightly… However ever since his brother left… and you know… Mekara has changed slightly… But he's still lazy." Sarnai remarked with a shrug as Delbee nodded.
"That he is. But maybe one of these days he'll grow out of it." Hisuinome said with an optimistic tone.
"Maybe. Well Hisuinome, be careful ok?" Sarnai smiled looking at the young woman.
"I will Sarnai." Hisuinome returned the smile as they separated.
Once they Separated Hisuinome starts walking through the village, into the grassland between the Forest and the Village. A gentle breeze blew through gently waving her hair with its flow. The feather grass swayed its moments with the wind, a few gentle bugs flying in between not bothering the young woman on a stroll. She smiled, taking in the atmosphere with a breath of peace.
The air around had a nice pine fragrance as she walked into the forest, the sounds of dirt, and fallen leaves crunch under her boots as she walked towards the Lumber house.the bird chirping with the leaves rustling in the wind adding whatever sound to her peaceful walk.
Sooner than later a snapping sound was heard. This snap had a bit of a rhythm to it as she got closer to the Lumber House.
"Yup he's working alright." Hisuinome spoke to herself with a smile as she got closer to see Takara's back towards her as he chopped some wood.
"Good morning Takara!" Hisuinome greeted him with a cheerful tone as she walked to one of the empty Workbenches and set the basket down. Waiting for his response she took some food out of the basket.
"Good… Morning…" Takara replied softly as he continued chopping the wood.
"Have you been working hard, Takara? Glad I came just in time to give you a break and something to eat! I brought over some lamb chops, bread, and a pie for you to eat." She said plating the food as Takara turned around to look at her.
"I… I don't need it. Thank you… Though."
"Hey are you ok? You sound… Hah! Takara what happened?" Hisuinome gasped in shock as she saw the welts on his face, the scuffs, and tears on his clothes. The plate she had in her hands was dropped on the floor as she turned to look at him.
"I-It's fine… I'm-"
"No You're Hurt! Sit down here and I have some Healing Balm you can use." Hisuinome instructed in a worried tone sitting next to him after she had dragged him to one of the benches in the shade.
Without resisting Takara simply complied with her orders as he watched her grab some healing balm gently spreading it on her fingers before looking at his injuries.
"Y-you don't have to do this…" Takara shyly commented, looking away as she spread some healing balm on his bruises.
"It's the least I can do. Plus I could already tell you're used to pain, however how can you defend us if you don't take care of yourself and mend your injuries?" Hisuinome asked him as she grabbed her container of water, wet a cloth to clean the wound on his cheek gently.
"Hrmm…"
"I'll be quick ok?" She reassured him as she put the balm on the wounds she had quickly cleaned.
"Ok… Thank you…" Takara said, letting her clean and treat his injuries.
It didn't take long for Hisuinome to treat his wounds as he was very cooperative with her, simply allowing her to work. Plus as a Soldier he knew better than to fight this process. So as she was finishing up she went to his hands to see if they needed treatment. While looking at his hands she noticed he had a few calluses on his hands evident of how hard he works and with how it formed on his hands she could tell he had hours of training with a sword.
Minus the Calluses his hands felt rough, sort of like it was hard dried leather. Her hands are the complete opposite of his, smooth, gentle, and supple. As her hands touched his hands her face went from concern to soft in a matter of seconds as she couldn't help herself but gently rub a thumb on his palms.
"You must work really hard." She said softly as Takara nodded in response, taking a glance at her hands and her face trying to read what her thoughts were by looking at her face.
"My… Father's hands were rough too… Yours feel more rugged."
"More rugged?" Takara asked as Hisuinome let go of his hands, giving him a soft smile and nod.
"Yea. It's a good thing but you should take it easy from time to time." She said looking at the food she dropped with a sigh as she went to pick it up.
"O-Ok… Hm… Thank you again…" He said, watching her throw the food into the fire.
"It's not a problem Takara. Besides, you need a break. I have more food for you, let's eat." Hisuinome said with a smile, walking to the basket.
"It's fine I'm not-" Before Takara could decline his stomach had started to growl forcing the young man to have a slightly embarrassed face.
"Uh… Nevermind… Thank you… But you didn't have to… What would Mekara think of you being here?" Takara asked as Hisuinome paused with her back towards him.
"It shouldn't matter what he thinks. I'm not promised to him. Even if I were, I would still come here to bring you food. You protect this village and he does not." She said after taking a deep breath as she brought him another plate of food with a kind smile.
"I see. Hm… You're very kind, Hisuinome." He said looking at her before he accepted the plate she gave him.
"Thanks but I'm simply doing what any other person is supposed to do." Hisuinome smiled, grabbing a plate and joining him to eat after a small prayer they did to eat.
"Hey out of curiosity… How did you get hurt?" Hisuinome asked him before taking a bite.
"Hm… It's something I can't exactly share… But I'm fine." He said before taking a bite himself. However while his face stoically hid his feelings Hisuinome could see his eyes clearly and saw a different response in them.
"I see… If you're ok then I won't press any further. But just know you can come to me whenever you need to." She reassured him with a kind smile as he looked at her and nodded.
"Thank you… I'll keep it in mind… So why did you come today?"
"Hm? I thought it was obvious. I'm mainly here to give you food, talk to you, and eat." She said with a bit of a confused look.
"Oh ok… Hm… If you feel like you owe me You don't -"
"Ok wait I'm sorry to interrupt but I'm not here because you saved me. Yes that's a… I think the word is 'Factor'... Well anyways I'm here as a friend. Everyone needs one right?" Hisuinome asked with a smile.
"Yea… Everyone does… Thank you and this food is really good." He says with a gentle tone as he took another bite.
"Really?!" With childlike excitement Hisuinome leaned closer, her eyes sparkling at the compliment he gave.
"Y-yea?" Takara leaned back a tiny bit as Hisuinome squealed loudly as she threw an arm upwards.
"Yes! I've finally mastered lamb chops! You have no idea how hard it was for me to get it down." She stated, as her body language and her tone of voice had a positive feeling about her.
"Was it that hard? You made Tsuvian quite well."
"Well Tsuvian is easy to make in general because you just have to boil the food. Once the prep is completed. But what I did here was cook it on my stove. And I typically have a hard time with that."
"I can sort of relate." Takara said
"You can cook?"
"A little bit… We had to learn how to cook rations just in case." Takara shrugged a bit.
"You should cook for us sometime then." Hisuinome curiously said looking at him with a smile.
"I never said it was good."
"It doesn't have to be good now but I'm sure with enough practice it'll be great! Like what do you know how to cook?" She asked him as she collected their plates after they finished and brought out a pie.
"I… I can cook Fish." He said with a slight nervous look and shrug. Then looking at the pie as his sweet tooth was coming in.
"Oh Fish is really good. Oh, do you like Apple or Berry Pie?"
"I like both. I rarely get to eat them… Aunt Gina never allowed me to have some… Well… At least in front of her…"
"She was very defensive when I asked her about the pies. But now you get to have pie!" Hisuinome with an excited tone cut out a perfect triangle shape of the pie to hand to Takara on a new plate.
"Yea… I guess now I can. Thank you." Takara replied softly.
"No smile huh?" Hisuinome noted putting a pie on her plate all while having a smile.
"You want to see my smile?" Takara asked her, looking at her curiously.
"O-oh I- Hm well… Sorry I didn't mean to come off like that I was noting that I've… Well… Never seen you smile hehe…. This is so embarrassing…." She explained with a nervous smile, and rose-like cheeks due to her embarrassment.
"Yea I was… Just thinking out all is all… Heh…" She added rubbing the back of her head.
"It's fine… I… haven't smiled in a long time in fact… But if you want me to… I can…" He replied shyly as he put his plate on his lap. Once he did he put both his fingers on his cheeks and pushed them up forcing a smile to show to Hisuinome.
"Well Don't Force it if you don't want to." Hisuinome giggled sweetly as Takara put his cheeks down, returning to his stoic, yet soft look on his face.
"You sure?"
"I'm Positive. I appreciate the gesture but I'd rather have you smile naturally instead of forcing it." Hisuinome Chortled with a sweet smile.
"Ok… I'll… Do that then." Takara replied, picking his fork up to take a bite out of the pie.
"Is it Good?" She asked, carefully studying Takara's face.
"Hmm Hm." Takara hummed with his eyes closed as he was savoring the taste of the pie. His face softened and glowed a bit showing Hisuinome he's enjoying the pie.
"Hm…Mmmm!" Hisuinome then squealed in delight as she took in the flavors of the apple pie she gave them.
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"That was good, Hisuinome. Thank you for the food." Takara said as he watched Hisuinome pack the plates into her basket.
"My pleasure Soldier Boy. Hey, what're you going to do now?" Hisuinome asked him as he went for his Axe.
"I'm going to continue working and-"
"Seriously?! Nuh uh Nope! Not doing that Mister!" She grabs the axe and holds it away from Takara.
"W-wait Wh-"
"No sir! I told you, you need to rest. How long have you been working?" Hisuinome asked with a bit of a pout.
"Um… Eight hours." He begrudgingly answered knowing he wakes up earlier than the Village.
"That's longer than I thought… Look, get some rest especially because you are injured by whatever… Or whoever hurt you." Hisuinome expressed this by putting the Axe on the workbench and gave a small smile at him.
"Hm… You have a point…" Takara shrugged when he looked at his Aching arms that she had patched up earlier.
"Good, I'm glad you're not stubborn like most of the boys here. Hehe." She giggled in response.
"Well… My grandmother always told me not to argue with a woman who genuinely wants me to be better…" He says as an image of his Grandmother appeared next to Hisuinome.
"She was a big influence in your life huh? I wish I could've met her." Hisuinome smiled at Takara who still had his stoic expression.
"I'm sure she would've been happy to meet you. I didn't have any friends growing up so-"
"Wait, did you just call me your friend?" Hisuinome interrupted him as she had an excited and surprised tone. She looked at him with a sparkle in her eyes as he bit his lip and looked to the side blushing.
"I… Guess I did… I'm sorry I wasn't thinking straight, I-"
"No no it's fine. I actually like the sound of that Takara. I'll gladly be your friend, it's honestly an honor." She claimed as she put a hand on her chest showing her genuine intentions.
"An honor?" He asked her. Hisuinome Simply nodded with a smile.
"Yes, that's right. Look minus the fact you did save me and my brother, I could tell you have a gentle and big heart. It reminds me of a saying… Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends." She quoted to him as Takara looked at her with a bit of a shocked expression.
"That's from-"
"You've read it before?" She asked him, smiling sweetly and with curiosity.
"I have… I'm just surprised you'd use that to describe me."
"But it's the truth. I've seen first hand how you're not afraid to jump into action. Not anyone would do that unless they have a big heart. Thus why I truly believe it's an honor to be your friend." She smiles sincerely at him, making his cheeks more red.
"T-thank you… I'm not used to these nice words… I don't know how else to thank you… hm…" Takara replied, scratching his cheek in embarrassment.
"How about walking me back to the village and getting some well earned rest for starters." She suggested while walking up to him and nudged him with her elbow.
"Ok… I can do that." He replies with a nod, putting his padded leather tunic on and making sure his sword was strapped to his waist.
Seeing he was ready Hisuinome smiles as she walks next to him on their way back to the village. While the two walked the forest trail Takara mainly stayed quiet as they walked scanning their surroundings.
"You're always on guard aren't you?" Hisuinome asked, looking at him.
"I learned how to be. Especially in the forest, wolves, bears, and even Lions in rare occasions can appear here." He answered her, still being on guard.
"I've seen wolves and bears at a distance. But never a Lion, I would find it hard to believe yet… Your eyes tell me differently. Tell me about it." Hisuinome softly spoke as she gave him her undivided attention.
"It was one time. I was Twelve years old and I was hunting for some boar to eat. I would often stay perched in a tree and jump on the Boar to stab them through the head to earn a clean kill. One of those days I saw a lone Lion kill a boar with ease. It was a massive male no more than six hundred pounds. It was beautiful and frightening at the sametime." Takara shared as he could see her eye that wasn't covered by her bang sparkle.
"That sounds amazing Takara! You know despite me never seeing a live one. Lions mean a lot in my old home. I'm not sure about this village though." She smiles hoping to peak his curiosity.
"Really? What did they represent in your village?" His curiosity was peaked.
"Lions represented bravery, and Strength!" She said with a smile looking at him.
"Oh so more the less what they represent in this village."
"Gek! I… Guess… Heh… Dang…" She nervously replied, rubbing the back of her head.
"I guess Our villages aren't that different then."
"Yea more or less. Adapting here was fairly easy, though they're more strict here." Hisuinome said as they start seeing the Village in sight.
"You know, you remind me of a Lion." She States looking at him.
"I… do?"
"Yes, Because Lions are only brave and strong. But they are very noble." She smiles at him as he stood still for a second looking at her.
"Me noble? I'm sorry but-"
"You don't have to be of high status to be noble. Regardless you do have those characteristics despite what the others speak of you." In this moment her ponytail started flowing with the wind slightly as the shade of the trees started to disappear and open up the sun rays lighting her smile up.
"I… I see, Thank you Hisuinome…" He responded in his moment of shock and awe.
"Hehe no need for thanks Takara. It's what Friends are for. Now then Mister head home and rest up! I'll come by late today to change your bandages. AND that's not up for debate." She ordered tapping his chest with her finger.
"O-ok… I will Thank you for visiting me today." He bowed slightly showing his respect to her.
"It's not a problem, but most importantly, thank you for walking me back. I can visit tomorrow again, If I'm not busy."
"Ok, If it pleases you."
"So Formal… Well then Takara I'll see you later tonight. Bye bye!" She waved to him goodbye as she went into the village.
"Goodbye… I'm sure of it now… Her Smile… Isn't Fake…"
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While making her way home Hisuinome Sees her friends Sarnai and Delbee who were walking back to their own yurts.
"Hey you two! You guys are early. I thought everyone would be at the River for the majority of the day." Hisuinome said walking up to her friends.
"Well that was until Mekara showed up." Sarnai stated with an annoyed tone.
"Oh no… What did he do this time?" Hisunome asked her as Sarnai looked at Delbee as they both then gave a troubled look to Her.
"He's bragging about how much stronger he is than Takara. That his sword is just for decoration and other stuff." Delbee answered reluctantly.
"We knew he was full of it so we left, Especially after the things you told us. He even said Takara was crying after they supposedly fought this morning." Sarnai added looking at Hisuinome.
"D-did he now?… Where is that Lummox?" Hisuinome uttered with a tone her friends have never heard before.
"He's… Still at the River…" Delbee shyly answered as she couldn't see Hisuinome's eyes as a shadow from her bangs covered her eyes.
Hisuinome didn't answer but nodded, gripping her basket tightly as she stormed off to the River.
"Uh oh… C'mon Delbee." Sarnai said taking Delbee's hand as they followed Hisuinome.
At the River there were multiple people sitting in groups of three to four simply enjoying a picnic next to the River as the gentle breeze of the wind and the running water had set up a calm atmosphere. However one group had three young men sitting at the bank of the river with fishing poles.
"Still blows my mind, I was seriously considering asking him for sword lessons." The taller of the three said to the young man with the light blue bandana, a light blue deel suit, a somewhat shaven head smiled pridefully,
"Indeed Batu, I can teach you some things!"
"Like you're good at teaching Mekara." The shorter man with soft black hair that covered his ears and blue eyes, wearing an orange deel suit stated with a sarcastic tone.
"Oh Shut up Atlan!" Mekara shouted as they went back to fishing.
"Well If you were able to beat him then I guess I don't need any sword training since I'm stronger than you." Batu nonchalantly claimed as he focused on the water.
"Exactly, and with that in mind we don't need Takara here. He's nothing but a coward." Mekara boldly claimed not seeing the young woman he cares for deeply walk up behind him.
"Mekara…." Hisuinome growled, shocking the boys as they turned around.
"Hisuinome? Oh hey Hisuinome! Hey did you come and-"
"YOU ARE SUCH A PATHETIC EXCUSE FOR A MAN!" Hisuinome shouted as slapped Mekara across the face hard, making him stumble backwards into the water.
"OW! What was that for?! Huh?" Mekara asked holding his left cheek as he looks up and sees Hisuinome's Teary eyes, flushed face, with a frown.
"I don't like it when men lie, Especially those I USED to consider a Friend. I keep seeing your true colors Mekara, and I'm disgusted. You're pathetic, dishonorable, lazy, and as I see now, you're a liar. Because you know Takara wouldn't fight back because if he did then this village would be against him. You call him a coward yet he is the only one Man enough to turn his cheek." Hisuinome explained to him as she drew eyes at the commotion.
"You can't be serious, Hisuinome, Y-you weren't there. I fought him a-and I beat h-him into a pulp… H-h-he got what he deserved." He stuttered as Hisuinome crossed her arms.
"I know you're lying. Because you stutter when you get caught in a lie." Hisuinome stated as she turned to leave.
"W-wait Hisuinome I-"
"I think you did enough Mekara. Don't wanna make your chances even worse." Atlan warned as Mekara stood up.
"So wait… You didn't fight Takara?" Batu asked him, confused.
"S-Shut up Atlan…"