Snow White with the Red Hair: The Valkyrie

Human Nature

Akari had changed into another outfit before their departure into the village, for they didn't want her attracting as much attention in her previous ensemble. They knew how many lust-driven men wandered the streets. Prince Zen disguised himself as a commoner, dressing in his practice clothes for sword fighting. Kiki, Mitsuhide, and Obi all wore their normal clothing, as they hardly ever looked as regal as the prince. And the Castanic had been given a cloak and hood, hiding her away from prying eyes.

The five of them ventured into the village while Shirayuki stayed behind with the Chief Herbalist.

Upon arriving in the village, Akari witnessed the everyday life of all these mortal commoners. Many men and women were trading. Others were working, hauling carts and heavy objects about. Children were playing along the streets.

She felt a small thump in her head; pain vibrating throughout her skull. It were as though she had seen this all before, but couldn't recall where.

She seemed to have a habit of lingering behind with this group. She stopped walking upon seeing a small girl crying. The child had gotten a ball stuck on the roof of a house. This fascinated her. Why did humans express so much emotion for such little reason? She would've walked away if not for her curiosity. What would happen if she got her ball back for her? Would she still be sad? Or would she become... happy?

Of course, considering that she would get the ball back, it would have to be subtle. The prince and his aides specifically told her not to attract too much attention on their visit. Picking a stone up from off the ground, she eyed what walls and solid foundations she could use to angle the trajectory of her throw.

At this time, Obi stopped to call Akari to come back with the group, but stayed silent, curious as to what she was doing. In one quick motion, she threw the flat stone at a wall. It bounced off, rebounding from a small wooden pillar holding up a shop, angling off an iron pot, and bouncing from a decorative dragon head on the rooftops before knocking the ball down. It bounced once before landing perfectly in the little girl's arms. Her sad demeanor seemed to disappear, as though she hadn't been crying there only a moment ago. She turned to run off when she saw the disguised valkyrie towering over her, staring at her without any expression on her face.

The child didn't scream or run away. She simply gazed at Akari with wonder glimmering in her eyes. The Castanic had never seen such purity or innocence in a pair of eyes before. Her mouth dropped open slightly, but she shook her head subtly, bringing herself back.

"You should be cautious of your surroundings. There might not be a coincidental mishap to get your ball down next time."

A swoop of her cape, and she turned to catch up with the prince and his aides, staring only at the dirt road. She kept walking, until a pair of boots in her path stopped her. Lifting her head, she found Obi smiling at her.

"What?" She questioned.

"I saw that."

"I am not aware of what you are speaking of. I was merely observing a situation that happened to be resolved by fate."

"Uh huh..." He placed a hand on his hip, raising an eyebrow with a smirk on his lips. "You weren't kidding when you said no one taught you how to lie. That was the worst lie I've ever heard."

"Your first mistake was believing that I joke." She stepped around him, continuing down the dirt path. He walked beside her, placing his hands behind his head now.

"There's no shame in admitting you helped that little girl. It was a good thing to do."

"Humans are so petty." She spat. "Why is it that they fuss over every little thing?"

"I suppose it has something to do with the importance of it; what it means to that person. If it's something you value out of sentimentality, you're sure to make a big deal about it. It's just the way it is." He narrowed his eyes in her direction, raising a brow. "It's like when you obsess over your Madame's happiness."

"I am not as petty as—"

"That's a lie." Her eyes widened slightly, and she looked over at him as he looked away. "You may not think so, but when you take it into perspective, you're the same as any other person here. There is no difference."

They finally caught up to Zen, Mitsuhide, and Kiki when they realized they weren't following behind.

"Where were you two?" Mitsuhide asked.

Akari opened her mouth to speak, but hardly uttered a sound before Obi did.

"Sorry. It was my fault. I wanted to show her something."

"Okay..." Mitsuhide raised an eyebrow, but shrugged it off.

They continued walking down the road, silent as they gazed at their surroundings.

"What is it that we are here for?" The disguised Castanic asked.

"Nothing in particular." The prince answered.

"Huh?"

"I just wanted to see how the people are doing."

She reflected on this. The Second Prince of Clarines, whose lifestyle was ravishing and high-class, wandered into the village dressed as a commoner from time to time because he wanted to see how to common folk were. All out of the kindness in his heart. This group of people strongly believed in the idea of compassion. Shirayuki believed in it. Obi believed in it. Zen believed in it. And so did Kiki and Mitsuhide. Perhaps... perhaps it was for the strong, for she could never find the strength to grant someone mercy.

Suddenly, they all heard the struggle of an elderly woman lifting a rather large crate from off a cart. Zen quickly acted, catching the other end of her crate before she fell over. He took it from out of her hands.

"Here. Let us help you with that."

"Oh, thank you, young man." She smiled a wrinkly and kind smile. Akari's Madame never smiled like that.

Mitsuhide, Obi, and Kiki joined Zen in helping that woman unload her cart. She stood there for a moment, finding this to be an act of kindness. Hesitantly, the valkyrie joined them, taking up boxes far heavier than any of the others took. She carried two or three of them at once, which concerned the prince and his aides. But upon setting the crates down, the elderly woman complimented the girl.

"You are very strong for a young girl like yourself! And very lovely! You must work hard."

"Thank you. I try my best." Her voice was monotone, but she was truly being modest, appreciating her compliment. She placed an aged hand upon her cheek, viewing her face. This stunned the girl for a moment; Zen, Kiki, and Mitsuhide taking a hesitant step forward in case something were to happen.

"You remind me of my niece who lives in another village."

"I am flattered. Thank you for your kind words."

"No, no. Thank you for helping me. Oh, I only wish I could do something more for you."

"There's no need. Think of it as a friendly gesture." Kiki spoke.

"Mmm." The hooded girl nodded in agreement.

"Zen, we really should be going." Mitsuhide advised.

"Alright, alright. Have a nice day, miss."

The group turned and started walking back through the village the way they came; Akari experiencing a sudden change of heart and mind.