Asami's Shadow (Ryoma's POV)

Chapter 31

"Almost there..."  Sayomi sounded far away as she moved faster.  I fruitless looked around, seeing nothing as night began to take over our surroundings.  She went through a bush and I hesitated for a second before I followed.

I was surprised that we emerged into what used to be a cabin from what I could tell, but nothing was in it except dirty blankets scattered on the floor.  Cleanliness was not on her mind apparently as she sat and began to sort through the items in her bag.

I sat in front of her, noting a bow and arrows along with several unlabeled vials and gunpowder.  What could she possibly do with this stuff?  The weapon makes since, but... gunpowder?  I pointed at the stuff.  "What will you do with this?"

She pursed her lips as she looked at me.  "My job."  Cause that tells me a lot.  Thought I could at least help.  She sat back.  "We should rest, we have a busy day ahead of us."  I glanced around and the corner of her lips turned up.  Here?  But...  "Not up to your standards, My Lord?"

Okay, the fact that she kept throwing in my nobility when I was uncomfortable was annoying.  I wouldn't back down, this was the world she said would kill me and I wanted answers. "No, this is fine."

I went to a wall and leaned against it, closing my eyes.  I heard her shift and saw she had laid down in her spot and did the same.  Keiko, you never minded getting dirty as a child either...

I felt the exhaustion that traveling here brought and allowed sleep to claim me, remembering when I first laid eyes on my betrothed.

***

I nearly split Youta's head in two with my wooden sword.  "Hey!  Watch it!"

I smirked.  "Too slow, My Prince."

He frowned and took up his stance again and our fight began anew.  I was about to hit it again when a bright flash of red knocked him over.  "I save you!"

Youta was confused before he beamed at the small child who literally saved him a trip to the infirmary.  "Yes you did Keiko, good job."

She giggled as he set her on her feet and she frowned at me.  "You're bad, no more play with him."

Youta chuckled.  "He's my friend and we were training."

She looked at him curiously.  "Tr... trai...ning?"

He nodded.  "To fight and dodge... things like that."

Her face lit up.  "I want to try!"

He scratched his cheek.  "No... it's not meant for girls, Keiko."

She deflated.  "Why?"

He shrugged.  "Girls play with dolls and dress up a-"

She turned on her heel.  "So... boring stuff.  No."

He went after her, but she dodged his hand when he reached for her and she snatched his sword.  "Keiko..."

She smiled innocently.  "You stood like this, then did like this..."

I was impressed as she moved from one position to the next, but he gently stopped her.  "Yes, bu-"

She tilted her head.  "I like this, not stupid dolls... you do training, I go find Mommy."

I raised my eyebrows as she skipped out.  "Who is that?"

Youta sighed, clearly not happy she left.  "Keiko, my cousin."

I nodded.  "Who doesn't like dolls and dresses."

He gave me a suspicious look.  "Ho-"

I crossed my arms.  "She said it and... she is dressed like a boy, just colorful."