Cold Blooded

Preparations

Chongyun, Saya, and Ajax began to get ready to leave as soon as Pulcinella and his party were gone. Though not entirely understanding what was happening, Teucer and Anton also jumped in to help.

"Hey, Chongyun," Ajax turned around, his arms filled with supplies. "You use a claymore, right? I have an old one somewhere in the shed out back. Go ask Tonia if she can get it for you."

Chongyun nodded and went off to find Tonia. She was in her room with a map in her hands and Saya besides her. "This path will take you to the docks fastest, but... it's probably a better idea to go around this way." Tonia traced different paths across the drawn landscape as Saya watched closely.

"Why wouldn't we just go that way?"

"Well, Ajax... when he was younger..." Tonia looked down at the map and rolled it up. "Just trust me. You don't want to go that way."

"Hm, okay..." Saya took the map and tucked it into a case that she had tied to her belt. "Oh, Chongyun, do you need help with something?"

Chongyun opened his mouth to try to tell them about the claymore, but nothing came out. Instead he pointed to Tonia's sword and then at himself.

"Um... Oh, do you need a weapon?" Though it took a moment Tonia picked up on what he meant. "Yeah, okay. Ajax has a few of his older ones somewhere in the shed out back. Come with me and you can take your pick."

Chongyun smiled and followed Tonia outside. They came to a small shack that was chained close.

"We keep it locked so the younger boys don't accidentally hurt themselves." Tonia explained. She slipped a key out of her pocket and carefully placed it in the lock. The chains fell away and Tonia pulled open the shed's doors.

Inside was everything you would expect to find in a shed and everything that you would never plan on seeing in a shed. Next to a rake was a pile of polearms so sharp they each looked like they could pierce the hide of a lawachurl with a single strike. Besides a pile of rope and a few bags was a collection of swords that gleamed with eternal fire. Along the walls were garden shears, tools, and racks of claymores almost as tall as Chongyun.

"Take your pick," Tonia said with a smile. She waved her arms wide as if she were presenting a prize after a competition.

Chongyun stepped up towards a claymore that had a blade of white iron and a hilt that curved and twisted into dark blues. The pommel was marked with a shining orb of noctilucous jade. Chongyun slid his hand down the flat of the blade and reached for the hilt.

It fit well in his grip and the balance was amazing. It was a gorgeous weapon, worthy of a mighty warrior. Chongyun felt a bit inadequate as he turned it over in his hands.

"Oooh, that's a nice one," Tonia whispered in awe. "I haven't seen that one in a while. Why don't you come try it outside?"

Chongyun stepped out of the shade of the shed and into the snowy landscape. He swirled the blade through the air and it cut at the sky like an extension of his arm. It usually took Chongyun a little while to adjust to a new weapon, but this one felt as if it was made for him.

Taking a deep breath, Chongyun swung the blade over his head and cut down towards the snow. Upon impact, three blades of ice shot forward and hit against a tree at the edge of the forest.

The cuts were shallow, but a small laugh rose from Chongyun's throat. He hadn't used his vision in years. It was comforting to feel the power flow through him again after all this time. Chongyun turned towards Tonia with a smile and she smiled right back.

"There you two are," Ajax said, popping his head outside. "Come on, we're gonna head out as soon as the sun sets." Taking notice of Chongyun's new blade, he added. "Nice choice, buddy. Claymores were never my favorite, but that one was always really good to me."

Chongyun's smile grew. He and Tonia began to head back towards the house. Tonia quickly spun around and headed back to the shed without a word.

"We forgot something," Tonia called as she made her way back to Chongyun. She held out a few black leather straps and a sheath for the new claymore. "Ma doesn't like us walking around with our blades out in the house. We can use this to secure it to your back."

Chongyun nodded gratefully and buckled the sheath over his shoulder. He slid the blade into it and rolled his shoulders. The weight of the blade against his back made him feel safer and better prepared for the night ahead.

"Okay," Ajax clapped his hands together once their little group was gathered around the table. "The sun will set soon. I have all our bags. Saya has the map and her compass. Chongyun, you are only in charge of taking care of yourself, alright?"

Chongyun wanted to object, but there wasn't really much help he could offer. He remained silent and nodded instead.

"Perfect," Ajax slipped his arm through the straps of a large backpack. "Make your last preparations and we'll be off."

"Yes, sir!" Saya said with a smile and a salute. Chongyun mimicked her salute and couldn't help the smile that pulled at his lips.

Ajax smiled in return, but it was a sad, regretful smile. "Let's do this, team."

Chingyun nodded again and went off to find Ma. She was in the kitchen searching through the cabinets. She stood on a stool and muttered to herself as she picked up one jar and then another.

"Oh, Chongyun!" The woman jumped with surprise as soon as she noticed Chongyun's presence. "I'm collecting some herbs that might end up helpful during your journey. Do you need help with anything, hunny?"

Chongyun nodded and lifted a strand of hair. He made a cutting motion with his fingers then pointed towards Ma.

"You want me to cut your hair?" Ma asked incredulously. "Are you sure? You saw the other boy's hair, didn't you?"

Chongyun smiled and nodded. He repeated the cutting gesture and pointed towards Ma again.

"Well, if you insist..." She set down the herbs and fished out a pair of scissors from a drawer. She pulled over the stool she had been standing on and motioned for Chongyun to sit. Ma set down a rag as Chongun sat down.

Taking a slow breath, Ma carefully untied the rope holding up Chongyun's hair. She lifted a handful of his long hair and began to cut away at it. She was not skilled by any means, but she was careful and loving as she carefully cut the hair.

"There you go," Ma breathed quietly once she was finished. "I tried to keep a tiny bit of length. I'm sorry it's so messy."

Ma handed Chongyun a small mirror from a drawer. The uneven hair fell just a bit above his eyes and covered the tips of his ears. It was short in the back and it felt a bit odd to have no hair brushing against his neck.

Chongyun ran a hand through his new hair as a smile split his face. He stood up and wrapped Ma in a tight hug. Taking a step back, Chongyun dipped into a grateful bow and smiled wider.

"Well, I- I'm happy that you're so happy," Ma said as a small blush began to creep up her neck. She beamed with pride. "Run along now. The sun is almost set."

Chongyun bowed once more and rushed out of the kitchen. He stumbled into the main room where Ajax stood with a backpack over his shoulders and a small frown on his face.

"Nice hair, Chongyun!" Saya called as she twirled her lantern in her hand. She reached up with her other hand and ruffled Chongyun's hair. "Short hair looks better on you."

Chongyun smiled and turned towards Ajax, who was now smiling. "Looking good, buddy," the man laughed. He looked from Saya to Chongyun and got serious again. "Okay, it's time to head out."