A Year Later
Seventeen-year-old Sakura struck the glowing orange wrought iron on the anvil, shaping it into the graceful curve of a battle axe. She stepped back after a good twenty minutes, wiping some sweat off her forehead. The heat from the forge contrasted with the brisk cold air from right outside the blacksmith. John came to her side, peeking over her shoulder to inspect her work.
"It's looking good, Psych." He paused, looking at her, handing her a flask of water. "Stay hydrated, though," he said with a smile.
Sakura smiled back at him, taking it and gulping down a long swig. She swiftly went back to work, striking the curve of the axe more.
After an hour and a half, she stopped for the day, going back inside the weaponry store. She took another swig of water, scanning the room for potential customers. She smiled to herself when she saw an archer looking at a few bows and crossbows. The girl had a confused look on her face, a slight frown tugging at her mouth. She looked like she could use some guidance.
Sakura sidled up next to her and spoke:
"An archer, eh?"
The girl jumped a little, turning to look at her. She smiled back after a moment, scratching the back of her head sheepishly. "Yeah. Trying to decide whether or not to try out the crossbow."
Sakura shrugged. "I personally use a crossbow more often. But it really depends on your skill level and what it is you're using it for. Compound bows come in handy for hunting because they're quieter and you can load an arrow much faster. This also makes them handy in competition. They're also a lot lighter, making them perfect for travel."
The girl frowned, looking at the compound bows, still thinking.
Sakura chuckled. "On the other hand, crossbows often require less skill and practice than compound. So, if you're having some trouble with compound, crossbows might help you out with that. And crossbows have higher FPS, or arrow speed. Which gives you an edge on hunting and competition. Compound bows usually only reach 350 or lower, where crossbows can reach up to 400 FPS. Which makes them highly ideal for speed competition or quick animals while hunting."
The girl smiled, gazing at the beautiful crossbows they had on showcase. "You know, I think I'm going to go for it." She paused, looking at Sakura. "See what crossbows have to offer, you know?" she said, her smile widening.
Sakura smiled back. She pointed at one just above the girl's head. "I suggest that one. I've used it myself a couple times, but don't tell my boss I've been toying with the merchandise," she said with a teasing tone.
The girl laughed lightly, taking the crossbow and heading to the counter where John waited.
Sakura smiled after her, but the smile disappeared as she felt an arm snake around her from behind. A rough voice crooned in her ear:
"Hey pretty girl. What is someone like you doing working in a place like this?"
Sakura rolled her eyes, grabbing the arm and twisting out of the man's hold. She easily slammed him against the shelves, knocking down several weapons on stock. Before he could break from her hold, she kneed him hard in the crotch, keeping him pinned as he leaned over, coughing in pain at the sharp jab to his sensitive area.
"If you think you're the first perv I've had to subdue in here, you're dead wrong, sir. And if you think being a customer will protect you from me defending myself, you need to realize you're in the wrong kingdom, buddy. No obligation to polite customer service here," she bit out, glaring at him.
He nodded, still in too much pain to reply. Sakura released him and backed away, only for him to grab her butt.
Without a moment of hesitation, she turned on him once again, slinging her fist, knocking him to the ground easily. He let out a string of expletives at her as he quickly got up and backed away. Sakura didn't flinch at a single one of his nasty, degrading insults. The red mark spreading across his face as a result of her punch took away the sting of any of his words.
