Neige ran after Polyetta's other self to understand what was happening. He quickly noticed that Silva and Sepide didn't follow him but figured it would be fine if they were both together. The chase continued for a while until the woman turned around, a sort of knife in her hand.

"So persistent, it looks like I'll need to take care of you if I want to be alone." The woman looked at Neige for a moment, taking a few minutes to go past his familiar appearance "You look so much like Neige, and yet, you don't have the emperor's uniform. Who are you?"

Neige thought for a moment, it had been a while since he didn't need to use a fake name and needed some time to remember what it was.

"I'm Snow, my friends and I are just here to search for something."

"You're not a samurai?" The woman asked, a bit confused "Why were you following me?"

Neige couldn't admit the real reason, he just wanted to know what happened between her and her Neige. Instead, he managed to find another reason that could be helpful for him.

"I'm searching for a place called the dragon's nest, I need some water from there."

"That's it? You should have told me since the start. I would have guided you, but I'm a bit busy right now."

"If I help, can you guide me?"

The woman looked at Snow with a distrustful gaze, trying to understand his intention. She seemed inclined to refuse his help but at the same time looked like she desperately needed it.

"I'll show you something, you'll decide after if you want to help me." The ninja approached Neige with caution and handed her hand to him "My name is Rada. I'll trust you for now, but if you try anything, there won't be much left of you."

Snow shook hands with the woman, ignoring the threat she gave him.

"What do you want to show me?"

"Follow me, I'll explain on the way."

Snow followed Rada, unsure about what she was about to do. They silently walked together for a few minutes before the ninja suddenly asked a strange question.

"Do you have siblings?"

"Not really, I guess I have a friend I consider like my sister."

"If this sister and you worked toward something and she betrayed you at the very end, what would you do?"

"That's... A strange case. I think I'd try to understand why she did it and try to convince her if I believe I'm in the right."

"I see... I wish I had that strength."

The two walked silently for a long moment. Snow started to wonder what he would do if it happened, what if Polyetta suddenly betrayed them. It was no use asking that, he knew she wouldn't do that without a reason after all.

"From what I understand, you have a sister or brother that betrayed you."

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"Exact. It's the one that looks exactly like you, his name is Neige. We're not siblings by blood but I would let mine flow out of my body for him. I know he's thinking the same, and yet, he ruined everything we worked for. All we ever wanted was a safe place for everyone, a place where everyone could be free. Instead, he worked with the emperor and created a city where everyone is away from every problem."

"Isn't it what you were working for?"

"No... This place is neither peaceful nor free, only a pathetic display of their arrogance. They never teach children the danger of this world, never teach them how to defend themselves. Peace doesn't come from being sheltered from every problem, it comes from getting the strength to protect those dear to us... Neige was a proud ninja, like me... I understand his motive, but I won't let him take this road."

"I get it, and if I can help you, will you lead me to the dragon's nest?"

"Of course, but getting there is the easy part, it's rare that someone can get out of there alive, even more with the mystic water."

"I'll manage, for now, we need to deal with your problem."

The woman nodded, still not trusting Snow fully. Soon after their conversation, the two arrived in a big city. The houses were in a great state and the people around seemed happy. Snow was about to walk around but was quickly stopped by Rada.

"We're not allowed here, we need to be discreet. It's the city I told you about, everyone obeys without question, and those who don't are brainwashed until they become obedient members of the society."

"And is your friend here?"

"Neige? He's probably at the emperor's castle."

"Can't we go see him? I think I could convince him."

Rada looked at him with surprise and admiration but quickly focused back.

"You remind me of him... Maybe it's possible that you can, it's worth a try."

The woman went deeper into the city, trying to not be noticed. Snow followed her the best he could, trying to make their way to the castle.

The two arrived at the castle. Many guards walked around, making their infiltration harder. They both managed to dodge the men in armor, getting closer to Neige's room. Snow couldn't help but remember the old times when Polyetta and he would go on missions together. Everything changed with time and he didn't even notice it, if Rada's friend changed, maybe Polyetta changed without him knowing. She's been acting strange lately, this mission only made Snow want to get to his friend soon and ask how she's been doing.

"Snow? Are you alright? You seem unfocused."

"It's... It's nothing..."

Rada's eyes shined with the same violet color as Polyetta's, how long has it been since he looked at his friend in the eyes?

"Rada... Let's do our best, for both our friends."

The woman nodded, even if she didn't understand what Snow meant, she could easily feel it.

"We're almost at Neige's room, be on your guards."

Snow nodded and was about to continue until a voice suddenly stopped him.

"A ninja? I thought we already told you you weren't welcome here."

Snow turned around with his dagger in hand, quickly recognizing the voice. The girl with short red hair was standing there, along with a bunch of samurais.

"Silv! What are you doing here?"

"I should be the one asking that. Weren't you supposed to get holy water? I can guide you if you're that lost."

"Because you'd guide me without question? Like I'll trust that."

Silv stayed silent for a while. Both Snow and Rada were ready for the worst but were surprised by the girl's words.

"On the east of the village where you appeared. That's where you need to go."

One of the samurai next to Silv looked at her, dumbfounded by her answer.

"W-What are you doing? They're our enemies!"

"I know what I'm doing."

The man took his sword in his hand, prompting the others to do the same.

"The emperor may trust you, but I won't tolerate treason!"

Silv nonchalantly ran behind Snow and hid behind him.

"Come on my knight in shining armor, protect me."

Snow wanted to take care of Silv but was attacked by one of the samurai before he could. With a quick hit, Snow managed to put the enemy down. Another one was going to attack him but Rada stopped them before they could do anything. The duo worked together in an elegant dance, as if they did this multiple times. Snow and Rada made quick work of the enemies, Silv left during their fight but none of the two were focused on that.

"Are you sure you're not Neige? It's like I was with him again... I missed this feeling..."

"Let's get you back with your friend... I miss mine too..."

"But still, who was that girl? Do you know her?"

"Silv? She's-

Before Snow could continue, his watch made a sound. He quickly answered once he saw it was Silva, hoping they would be alright.