The trio left the camp at first light, the quiet forest alive with birdsong and the distant rustle of unseen animals. Despite the peaceful surroundings, tension crackled like an exposed wire. Kaede walked ahead, her hand never far from her sword, while Zain and Haruki trailed behind.
“So,” Haruki began, glancing at Zain. “What’s the deal with you and Kaede? You two have some history, huh?”
Zain smirked. “You could say that. She doesn’t like to talk about it, though. Not even to her... what are you? Partner? Luggage carrier?”
“Assistant,” Haruki corrected. “And what about you? Rogue ex-boyfriend? Former bandmate?”
Zain chuckled. “Let’s just say I was once on her side. Until I wasn’t.”
“Cryptic,” Haruki muttered, glancing at Kaede’s back. “She really knows how to pick her company, huh?”
“She picked you,” Zain quipped, earning a glare.
Kaede’s sharp voice cut through their banter. “If you two are done gossiping like old women, keep up. We’ve got a long way to go.”
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A FRACTURED PAST
As they traveled, Kaede couldn’t help but steal glances back at Zain. Memories she’d buried long ago began to resurface—missions gone wrong, whispered secrets, and the bitter sting of betrayal.
She clenched her fists.
“Something on your mind, Kaede?” Zain called, his voice light but laced with knowing.
“Plenty,” she replied curtly.
Zain shrugged. “I’d imagine so. Can’t blame you for holding a grudge.”
Haruki watched their exchange with interest. “Okay, seriously. What happened between you two? Did he leave you hanging during a mission? Steal your favorite sword? Forget to wish you happy birthday?”
Kaede stopped abruptly, spinning on her heel to face them. “You want to know, Shima? Fine.”
Haruki blinked, surprised she was actually answering.
“Zain and I worked together. Trusted each other. And then he sold me out to Ragnor.”
Zain’s smirk faltered. “It wasn’t that simple, Kaede.”
Her glare could have cut steel. “It was exactly that simple.”
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NEW ALLIES, OLD WOUNDS
The group reached a small village by midday. It was quiet, the kind of place where everyone knew everyone, and strangers stuck out like sore thumbs. Kaede kept her hood up, Zain followed suit, and Haruki... well, Haruki just tried not to look suspicious, which made him look incredibly suspicious.
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“Why are we here?” Haruki asked as they ducked into a dimly lit tavern.
Zain gestured toward a table in the corner, where a woman with short, spiky hair and a crossbow slung over her back sat nursing a tankard of ale. “Meeting an old friend.”
Kaede raised an eyebrow. “Friend, or someone else you betrayed?”
Zain sighed. “One mistake, and you’ll never let me live it down.”
The woman looked up as they approached, her sharp green eyes narrowing. “Zain. Thought you were dead.”
“Nice to see you too, Mira,” Zain replied, sliding into the seat across from her.
Mira’s gaze flicked to Kaede and Haruki. “You trust him?”
“No,” Kaede said flatly, taking a seat beside Zain.
Mira smirked. “Smart girl. So, what’s the job?”
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UNWELCOME VISITORS
Zain leaned forward, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial tone. “We’re on Ragnor’s radar. He’s after something we’ve got, and we need to get out of the region before he catches up.”
Mira took a long sip of her ale, considering. “Ragnor doesn’t like loose ends. You’re walking into a trap if you think you can outrun him.”
“Which is why we need someone who knows the lay of the land,” Zain said smoothly. “Someone with connections.”
Mira snorted. “Flattery won’t get you far, Zain.”
Before he could respond, the tavern door creaked open, and a hush fell over the room. Kaede’s hand went to her sword as three men in dark cloaks entered, their eyes scanning the patrons.
“Looks like the game’s already started,” Haruki muttered, shrinking into his seat.
Kaede’s gaze locked with Zain’s. “We need to move. Now.”
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A SUDDEN ESCAPE
The cloaked men moved with purpose, splitting up to search the tavern. Mira watched them with a bored expression, but her fingers twitched toward her crossbow.
“You’ve brought trouble to my doorstep, Zain,” she said quietly.
“Wouldn’t be the first time,” he replied, grinning.
Kaede stood, her voice low but commanding. “We split up. Haruki, you’re with me. Zain, Mira, cover our exit.”
“Bossy,” Mira said, smirking. “I like her.”
Kaede didn’t wait for a response, grabbing Haruki by the arm and pulling him toward the back door. The sound of chairs scraping and boots thudding against the floor told her the cloaked men had noticed.
“Uh, Kaede? They’re following us,” Haruki said, glancing over his shoulder.
“Good observation,” she replied dryly, kicking open the back door.
They emerged into a narrow alley, Kaede already scanning for the best escape route. Before she could decide, one of the cloaked men appeared at the alley’s entrance, blocking their path.
Kaede drew her sword. “Stay behind me.”
“Gladly,” Haruki said, clutching the satchel tightly.
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AN UNEASY ALLIANCE
The fight was short but intense. Kaede’s swordsmanship was as sharp as ever, her strikes precise and lethal. Haruki, for his part, managed to avoid getting stabbed—a victory in his book.
When they finally regrouped with Zain and Mira outside the village, Kaede was fuming. “Next time, warn me before you drag us into a death trap.”
Zain shrugged. “Where’s the fun in that?”
Mira laughed, slinging her crossbow over her shoulder. “You’re lucky I like a good fight. I’ll help you, but only because I want to see how this plays out.”
Kaede didn’t respond, her eyes scanning the horizon. The encounter had left her shaken, though she’d never admit it.
Haruki stepped closer, his voice soft. “You okay?”
“I’m fine,” she said curtly, though the tightness in her jaw suggested otherwise.
As they set off again, the group now one member larger, Haruki couldn’t help but feel like they were being drawn into something far bigger than they’d anticipated.
And Kaede? She couldn’t shake the feeling that the shadows following them were only growing darker.