Anything for you (Ayato x Thoma)

Chapter III

   From that day forth Thoma always went to the market to buy the ingredients the cooks needed. He had also realized the dangers that came with it the first time he went there. He got attacked by a bunch of rogue samurai, fortunately, Ayaka was a skilled swordswoman and vision holder. She saved both of them and later gave him a weapon to defend himself with. It was a polearm. Although Thoma barely knew how to wield it he still appreciates the gesture. When he arrived at the market, which was several kilometers away from the Kamisato estate, he noticed how empty it was. He hadn't noticed it the first two times because he was either keeping an eye on Ayaka or being on the lookout for any possible threat. The merchants were all quite friendly and negotiating with them was easy enough. He managed to get almost all the products at half price. He also got to learn a lot about daily life in Inazuma, like how if you were a vision holder you should stay away from the Tenryou commission unless you wanted to lose it. He was asked to buy seagrass, which was a common enough ingredient in Inazuma, but surprisingly he couldn't find any. He looked around for a while, and that's when he turned a corner. There were two men dressed in purple armor, they seemed to be whispering about something. Intrigued, Thoma hid behind a stack of crates and listened.
-Have you heard about what the commissioner has planned? the taller one questioned.
-You mean the attack on the Yashiro commissioner? What was his name? Kamisato Ayato? the other inquired.
-Yeah, I heard they're planning on assassinating him later tonight when he leaves for his business trip.
-Do you think it's going to work? the shorter one asked.
-Well if it does, I'll feel bad for his younger sister.
-Yeah, poor girl.
Thoma was shaking, he didn't dare move. It was just like Ayaka said. He was worried, he had to warn the Kamisatos. What if they don't believe him? Then he'll take matters into his own hands. After quietly crawling away from the crates he started running. He ran as fast as he could. The Kamisato estate was far away and Thoma was soon out of breath. But he kept running, he was afraid of what would happen if they did manage to kill Ayato. He barely knew him so there was no real reason to mourn his death. Even so, Thoma persisted in believing that if it weren't for Ayato, he would have been executed. And what about Ayaka and the Yashiro commission? He had every reason to want to save him.
When he arrived at the estate, Ayato and a few guards in purple armor were packing things into a carriage and were preparing to leave. That was when Thoma realized he didn't even know what he was going to do. He couldn't find the courage to tell Ayato or anyone about the plot. So, on impulse, he hid behind a bush, groceries still in hand, and waited for them to leave. The carriage left at dusk and Thoma made sure to follow at a safe distance. He walked for hours, the company was always in his field of vision. At some point, they took a stop and the guards that had been walking alongside the carriage sat down. Some leaned against trees, others lay down on the ground. A few minutes passed and Thoma noticed Ayato step out of the vehicle and start walking away. He also noticed a few of the guards get up after him. Were they pretending to sleep? Worried, Thoma decided to follow as well. They reached an area far enough from the rest of the company.

-You can come out now. I know you're there, Ayato said. Thoma's heart skipped a beat. Was he talking to me? he thought. He let out a sigh of relief when he realized that he was talking to the armored men.
-How long have you known about us? one of the questions aggressively.
-Since we departed from the estate, he replied calmly. The moonlight shown on his white suit. His pale skin looked like it was glowing. Although Thoma could barely see due to darkness, he could tell Ayato looked elegant, so much that he found himself staring.
-Well then, since you already know about us, I guess we should get this over with.

The man leaped from his spot and ran towards Ayato weapon in hand. Thoma wanted to yell for him to watch out, but by that time the man had already reached Ayato. What made him stay in his place was the fact Ayato pulled out a sword and blocked the man's attack with one move. He didn't even struggle. His arm moved but his body stayed in place. With one move Ayato made his opponent's weapon fly out of his hand and land on the ground. He stabbed the man and he fell. That's when the next person came. Ayato repeated his previous actions except this time his adversary dodged. The two kept sparing and that's when Thoma noticed another man rapidly advancing behind Ayato. He pulled his spear out and ran toward the enemy. He knew he wasn't skilled with the spear, but he hoped it was enough. Just as the armored man was about to slash at Ayato, Thoma blocked his attack with his weapon. Surprised, the man took a step back. Ayato had just finished off his opponent when the man attacked again. This time it was aimed at Thoma, who quickly blocked the assault again. If it weren't for his childhood friend who had taught him a little about sword fighting, he wouldn't have stood a chance.
-Thoma, move! yelled Ayato from behind him. He did as he was told and nimbly moved out of the way. The man fell forward and was left to Ayato who dealt with him with one slash of his sword. Thoma let out a sigh of relief, neither of them got hurt and he managed to help in some way or another.
-Why are you here? Ayato asked. He sounded almost annoyed. There was no point lying, so Thoma decided to be honest.
-I overheard some people saying there would be an attempt to kill you and I got worried. I wanted to tell you, but I didn't think you'd believe me, so I followed you here, he replied while looking at the ground.
-I see, then... I thank you for helping, but I was already aware of the plot.
-Really? Then why didn't you ask for more protection?
-I don't need it. This happens all the time.
-Then, is there any way I can help? Thoma asked.
-Well, I suppose you could keep an eye on Ayaka forme and maybe act as a housekeeper.
-Yes, my Lord, I'll do my best, Thoma was determined to help the Kamisato siblings.