Laughs broke through the chatter of a crowded street. Sienna and Kamadra were draped in bags bursting with sweets and snacks. Kamadra bit into a fresh skewer, the sauce had already replaced the makeup around their mouth.

“I can’t tell you how excited I was to come here.” The food muffled their words. “I wasn’t allowed to come last time because none of the elder’s would let me travel alone.”

“You would have loved it! Last time the second event was to retrieve fruit from a rampaging vinewood.”

Sienna reenacted some of her memories. People screaming and running away from unseen attacks, some of them ending up hoisted into the air and immediately slapped back down. More confident competitors taking the hits head on, only to be launched into the horizon. And finally of her oldest sister skillfully dodging while continually moving forward.

She took a moment to settle her breathing before continuing. “They ended up going straight to the semi-finals for the matches because so many were too injured or just gave up. But that’s okay, most spectators only come to watch the matches anyway.”

“I can’t believe I missed that! Ugh, you’re so lucky to live here.”

Kamadra pointed two pastries out to the vendor. “I’ll take these two, they’re the cutest.” Before stuffing one in Sienna’s mouth.

“Hmm, that’s really good. Let me get some too Aunty.” She handed the hearty woman several copper pieces.

“My sect is entirely focused on cultivation, so the most entertainment we get are the four arts.”

Sienna was completely engrossed in her snack. “How’s that?”

“It’s as fine as one could imagine, though you can only play the same songs or paint the same landscapes so many times before it becomes a chore. It got so bad that I memorized the number of tiles in the entire sect.” Kamadra threw their head back.

“Now you gotta tell me, I love pointless facts.” She joked.

“Twenty-three thousand seven hundred and fifteen”

Sienna gave an exaggerated whistle. “Did you just make that up?”

“Maybe you should visit sometime and you can confirm for yourself.” They winked.

“I’ll take your word for it. I’d still love to come and visit.” She quickly added.

“Am I invited as well?” Hyrua suddenly added.

“It took you long enough to join us.” Sienna complained as she handed him everything they bought. “We were running out of room.” She grinned.

She suddenly remembered earlier and energy ran through her body. Sienna through a confused Kamadra over her shoulder.

“Dear Elder Brother, don’t you think we should be proper hosts to our beautiful guest? How can we not show them the games we like to play as well?”

“Sienna. Please don’t. I’m supposed to be keeping an eye on you two, and they’re gone.”

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She was already turning a corner halfway down the street. Kamadra bouncing on her shoulder the whole way while letting out a giddy scream.

They had zigged and zagged down several alleys.

“Sienna.”

She finally put down Kamadra and took their hand before starting off again.

“Sienna.”

It wasn’t until they rounded another corner that Sienna started to slow down and finally looked back at her disheveled friend.

“W-why are we running?”

“It’s a game we play all the time. I give him the slip and he has until sundown to catch up or else there’s a punishment. This should be far enough, he has a terrible sense of direction.” She led them into a small tailor.

“What kind of punishment?” Kamadra mused while browsing different styles.

“Nothing much really. I usually make him buy me a treat or use him as a practice dummy for a technique I’m working on.”

Sienna noticed Kamadra admiring an outfit in the mirror. It was far more simple than the short robes they were already wearing. The more muted colors complimenting their dark tan and accentuating their light hair and eyes.

“We could make him take you on a date. It was pretty obvious he was interested the moment you showed up.” Sienna put a few hats on them before deciding none of them worked.

“That’s probably because of my physique.”

“Oh-ho, I’m loving the confidence you’ve got going on.”

Their face rosed as Kamadra clarified. “No, no, no. I didn’t mean it like that. Well maybe. No not entirely. I was born with a unique physique.” They brushed their short hair back. “It’s related to my cultivation.”

“I did hear rumors of a ‘Divine Hearts genius born with two bodies as one’. Is that you?” Sienna’s eyes lit up as she shouted.

“You’re disturbing the other customers.” An uninterested man said from behind his book.

The two of them glanced around the empty shop. “We’re sorry shop owner.” They bowed together.

“So it is you then, right?” She asked as they continued browsing.

“That’s half right. The sect elders call it the Body Salmacis. But, that in itself isn’t too rare around one in a few hundred thousand.”

“So you have a-”

“Yes.” Kamadra cut off. “I also have a special innate energy. Do Atmma. Or dual spirited.”

“What does Do tamma. Abba.” Sienna threw up her hands. “What does that mean?”

“From the moment I was born the masculine and feminine energies in my body had achieved perfect balance. It’s the combination of these two things that is a once in a hundred years occurrence that essentially makes me tailor made for duo cultivation.”

The shop owner looked up again. “Didja have a question about something?”

“No sir, thank you.” Kamadra replied.

He mumbled something before kicking his feet onto the desk and returning to his book.

“So you think this is why my brother is interested in you? I mean he does spend a lot of time reading. But, I don’t think he’s so against training that he’d try bedding someone to get stronger. No offense.”

Kamadra burst out laughing.

“That’s it, either buy something or get out. You’re interrupting my story.”

Kamadra brought up an outfit that looked a little big for them and gave the man a little extra before they left.

“Here this is for you.” They handed the bag to Sienna. “Even warriors need an outfit for every occasion.”

“Oh you didn’t have to do that. You’re our guest.” She refused.

Sienna wasn’t against the gesture itself. If it was a snack or weapon, or even artwork that fit her taste, she would have accepted without thought. But, she had trouble when it came to fashion. Partly because of her giant size compared to other women, but mostly because she found most feminine robes constricting.

“Think of this as a gift between new friends. And don’t worry, I developed a bit of an eye for fashion in my boredom. I think this would match you well.” Kamadra gave a cute smile that held a subtle threat.

Sienna hesitantly took the cloth bag and walked off in a random direction.

“So how does your physique do that to Hyrua? Because I’d love to be able to mess with his head easier.” Sienna awkwardly joked in an attempt to reset the mood.

“Oh, it only works if both parties are attracted to one another.”

“I knew it! Well not that. But I knew I felt something between you two.”

“You’ve got me. I have to admit, the difference between his appearance and his personality is actually really cute. He’s so soft and I could tell he’s used to making himself look smaller. Plus his body is just…” They wiped some drool from the side of their mouth.

“You’ve got quite a lecherous side don’t you.” Sienna teased.

“Can you blame me? He’s just so beefy and I just want to-”

“Okay, okay. I support you but I’d rather not talk about what you’d do to my brother.”

“Sorry.” Kamadra fell back on a cute expression.