Gone with the wind

[Akabane Jarvik]

Nar Shaddaa

Akabane had disappeared from his faction for awhile and he expected there to be consequences, but for now he searched and searched hoping to find his love. That's all he cared about at the time. All of his attempts seemed to be useless as he couldn't find any trace of her, going everywhere he thought she'd be. He was thinking about giving up since it was the easy way out of this but that wasn't like him. Akabane always tried his hardest even when the odds were against the young man. Most times he was able to get something out of his efforts but he just couldn't see that happening with this particular one. Finding one little lady in this massive galaxy was almost impossible and the force provided no help in his endeavor. Someone dear to him vanishing without saying anything was worse than them dying. Akabane hated being in such a deep hole, he could do nothing.

His search led him to Nar Shaddaa, a planet filled with crime and those ugly slugs that he'd met one time. He could handle the slug from before because guarding her life was top priority, but Akabane was sure he'd throw up if one came into his view once more. That would certainly be unfortunate for both him and the slug. The person he'd been looking for wasn't here either. He asked the people around the city and felt for her presence in the force but there were no signs of her on the planet. Another failure.

He punched a wall in frustration so hard that his hand started to bleed. A grin formed on his face and a thought popped up in his head, I'm stupid. Akabane walked to a nearby bar to use the restroom. It definitely wasn't an attractive sight to see, blood all over his hand. Looking good was a must for this man. Besides, one could catch diseases from letting a wound stay open. He was for the most part healthy and had no interest in becoming sick. Akabane located the bathroom and headed straight to it. He turned on the faucet once inside and washed the inflicted area twice to be safe, exiting the building soon after. Before he left, the stench of alcohol found it's way into his nose. Admittedly he felt an urge to drink but he refrained from doing that and went outside instead. He noticed some water was left on his hands and he dried them off on his coat, then he continued on his way walking down the quiet street.

[member="Khaori"]

 

[Valgærd]

Nar Shaddaa

Master hated this place. That's one of the reasons he'd sent me. I had enough credits to buy my transport here and back, clothes enough to hide me on the streets, and a simple vibroknife that was the message I was to deliver. None of it was mine, of course. I don't own anything. It didn't make sense for your coat pocket to own the credits within it, thus, I understand that everything I had, everything I am belongs to my Master.

But right now, I was lost.

My heart sank, my gut clenching in horror. I was a failure. Master would be so disappointed. Why would he bother keeping someone so useless? If I failed here, there would be no use bothering to return to him. I might as well climb one of the tall spires and fling myself off it, save him the trouble.

I didn't want to do that.

So with a deep breath I turned a corner, entering a somewhat quiet street. There was nothing of note down here, but I began walking down it anyway. I already knew what was behind me. Might as well walk on forwards and see what lay ahead. I kept my head down, walking with my arms folded and shoulders rounded forwards. Be as small as possible, as quiet as you can. My hair fell about my face, long and black, it shielded me from the outside. I raised a hand, tucking a few strands behind my ear on one side so I could see better where I was going.

Suddenly there was movement ahead. A man emerged, tall and determined-looking. He dried his hands on the long black coat he was wearing and turned in the direction I was moving.

Instinctively, I moved to one side, tucking myself against the wall so he could walk passed without having to step around me. However, as he approached, it occurred to me that he might know where I was meant to go. Normally I wasn't to speak unless directly addressed, especially in Master's presence. However, on this errand I'd been sent, new instructions had been set in place. After all, I had a message to deliver.

So it was in a tiny, shaking voice that I dared address the man, keeping my gaze locked on my toes as I did,

"E-excuse me..." I muttered, "... I am... so sorry for inconveniencing you, Sir. But... c-can you help me?"


[member="Akabane"]

 

[Akabane Jarvik]

Paper dragged across the street as his eyes instantly locked onto it. There was nothing special about that random piece of paper but he still stopped moving and took a moment to give it some attention. Maybe he wanted to read the contents on it or perhaps this was a way of feeling sorry for himself, acting as if he was that little paper blowing in the wind. Either way he thought something so little deserved some recognition. Akabane realized how weird these thoughts were, but there was nothing else to think about. He wondered if going to the bar might've been a better choice rather than walking around aimlessly. The paper left his view, he chose to walk again after a few seconds. With a sigh he was off.

Akabane noticed the woman ahead but said nothing to her initially, placing hands in his coat pockets. She moved aside and gave him plenty of room to move past her. He wasn't sure what to think of it, giving her a warm smile as he walked by just in case she saw him as a threat. Akabane stopped all of a sudden and turned around when the woman spoke up. Her voice sounded fragile-like, he was scared to say anything but that would make it awkward. Plus, he'd never ignore a woman and never did he refuse to listen to one's request. His bright red eyes looked into that of the young woman's as he offered up a small smile and prepared to speak.

He remembered what she said and shook his head in disagreement, "An inconvenience, Miss? I have no recollection of you causing any problems for me." Akabane nodded and then agreed to help, "and what can I help you with?" The woman was being very respectful. He had no idea why she'd speak to him in that manner because he certainly didn't earn that kind of treatment. Not that he disliked it but something about it made him feel uneasy.
"I'm Akabane. Feel free to shorten it or call me something else. I don't mind. Oh and you can speak to me as you would a friend. No formalities needed." he added, hoping she'd understand.

[member="Khaori"]

 

[Valgærd]

The man had put his hands in his pockets as he walked past me. However, as I spoke, he stopped and turned. Immediately, I bit my lip and lowered my head further, keeping my gaze fixed on the ground. I could feel his gaze burning into me, even though I kept my head bowed. A shiver raced down my spine as he spoke. He seemed perplexed at first, unsure of why I would be an inconvenience. Of course, without Master around I was not quite as recognisable as his property, occasionally that gave others a propensity to treat me like something I am not; an equal.

He asked what he could help with, a simple enough question.

But then he went on to provide his name, and suggest that if I liked, I could shorten it. Why would I do that? That wasn't what I'd been taught to do. Then he tried to explain, mentioning a word that made me forget myself for a moment and lift my head in confusion,

"F-friend?" I asked, "I... am so sorry, A-Akabane, Sir. I... don't understand."

I blushed, my cheeks burning as I scowled at myself and dropped my head once again. Khaori you useless piece of garbage, not understanding what he wants? I frowned at my feet as I took a deep breath to calm myself. Punishment for my lack of knowledge would come in time. For now, I had to complete my original task... or be punished for failing that, too. So with another deep breath, I answered his question,

"I-I'm looking for... this cantina..." I held out my piece of paper with the name of a cantina scribbled on the bottom. "Do you know where it is. Sir Akabane?"

[member="Akabane"]

 

[Akabane Jarvik]

What? She didn't understand what he meant when he mentioned the word friend? Strange girl... he thought, as he began to stare at her. That was definitely something he should not have done to a stranger. Akabane stopped once he became aware of this. He retained eye contact and wondered why a woman at her age wouldn't know the meaning of the word. Didn't everybody know about friendship? Sigh The meaning of the word was unimportant right now, he wanted to focus on helping her first. They could have that conversation later if she was still curious, though it appeared to upset her. Akabane would avoid that topic completely if it made her feel bad. He wasn't the type of man who took pleasure in causing a woman's unhappiness. It was the worst...

She held out the piece of paper, asking him if he knew where a certain cantina was. He looked at the scribbled words and nodded. It was a good thing he went inside of it earlier to wash his hand because that was the place written on the paper. Akabane was going to tell her this right away but the way she addressed him didn't settle well. The 'Sir' really bothered the young man. He'd help the woman as long as she spoke to him normally. "I think I may know of it." he paused, thinking about how to say his gathered thoughts. "I'll take you there but in return, call me Akabane. No 'Sir', there's no reason to be formal around me." Hopefully she'd understand this time and lose all of the unneeded words. It wasn't like he deserved them in the first place.

"Do we have a deal?"

[member="Khaori"]

 

[Valgærd]

I bit my lip, frowning at myself.

It wasn’t because this man thought I was strange. Most people did. I was used to that. I am strange, an oddity, out-of-place when not at my Master’s feet. No, I was frowning because I’d upset him somewhat. I could feel him through the force. He was not exactly making concerted efforts to hide his feelings right now. He felt of the dark side, although that didn’t seem to fit with how he was behaving. An oddity himself, perhaps, like me.

Of course, it’s absolutely not my place to pass judgement on others, so I simply let the thought slither into and out of my mind as he looked at the piece of paper I showed him.

I was flush with relief when he mentioned that he might know of it, not only that, but he would take me there. I couldn’t believe how lucky I was. The price was that I wasn’t to call him ‘Sir’. It was to be his name. I smothered a grimace, but nodded at his question,

“Yes… A-Akabane.”

My cheeks were flushed. I didn’t like it. It wasn’t my place to use his name. Names were for people to use. Objects like me were not. Still… it was his command that I use it, and I was nothing if not good at following commands. So, with a sharp inhalation and a squared jaw, I nodded to myself,

“We have a deal.”

The rest of what I wanted to say was at the tip of my tongue; please can you take me there now? But the deal had been struck. Of the two of us, he was the only one in a position to make such demands. It was my purpose to be patient, to wait, and to do only what I was commanded to.


[member="Akabane"]

 

[Akabane Jarvik]

Akabane looked down to see a frown on the young lady's face. What a pitiful face, he thought. He had made her feel uncomfortable somehow. This aroused a similar feeling in him as he focused solely on the frown, blocking out everything else. Well, until she spoke. That snapped him out of it and he returned his gaze to her eyes. He thought nothing of it before but now, he noticed she never actually made eye contact with him. The ground had stolen her eyes from the start. Akabane also noticed her face was growing red after she'd called him by his name. A small chuckle let out as a gloved hand went up to cover his mouth. Saying his name by itself was embarrassing? He couldn't be sure what was going on inside her head but it was nonetheless funny. Akabane stopped the laughing soon after it had begun.

His first discovery was left behind and replaced when he saw her cheeks become red so he revisited it and wanted to do a test. The test would possibly cost him a finger or two since he'd be touching her without any permission. However it would help him understand the girl a little, hopefully. Akabane was mainly wondering why she wouldn't look at him. Forcing a lady to speak wasn't like him so he'd be careful with his actions. He stepped forward placing his index finger below her chin and slowly raising it, of course only if he still had his finger attached. Her reaction to his little stunt was unpredictable but he'd continue if she did nothing. Once her head was tilted back enough for her eyes to have nowhere to run, he'd speak. "You haven't let me see those brown beauties for awhile now, Miss. Is it my face? The red eyes? Please tell me." Akabane stared her down more than ever, smiling half way.

[member="Khaori"]

 

[Valgærd]

This man seemed discontented with my accepting of his deal. It wasn’t enough. I wasn’t enough. I could feel from him radiating… pity? Longing, even? As if I’d kept something from him that he wanted, perhaps? That feeling sank into my gut like poisoned meat. He let out a chuckle, but all I could do was bite my lip and keep my eyes on the ground.

This… Akabane reached out and placed a finger upon my chin, tilting my head up to face him. I flinched, but his touch was gentle, soft even. Obediently, I let him move my head up. Now with nowhere to hide, I was forced to look into his face. My cheeks burned deeper as I hopelessly fixed my eyes on his.

My breath caught in my throat. Looking into people’s eyes was not something I did. It was improper for a slave to make eye contact. However, this was what the man had requested. So I resisted the urge to squirm to drop my gaze.

He spoke, half-smiling as he gently chastised me for not letting him look into my eyes sooner. I bit my lip, shaking my head ever so slightly,

“I… I’m so sorry Si—Akabane,” I corrected myself, “it’s… n-not you… at a-all. It’s… simply… i-improper… for a slave to look into the eyes of a free man.”

I was blushing deeply now. That was the most words I’d said at once in a while. My eyes widened as I waited timidly for Akabane’s response. My heart was in my throat, my mind whirling.

[member="Akabane"]

 

[Akabane Jarvik]

She allowed the man to move her chin the way he wished, very submissive. He wasn't sure how to react because she had already been acting strange earlier and now, this? Akabane was a little worried... the young lady didn't resist his touch. Any woman usually disliked a random man touching her so it made him worry more. What an odd girl, he thought with his hand still supporting her chin. Then her answer came as she tried her best to let it out. When the young lady said one particular word, his hand fell to his side. A slave? His head fell too, eyes closing in silence. It all made sense now... the 'sir' and the uneasiness, he should've known. After a sigh he raised his head as it was before, except there was no smile now.

Akabane was good at hiding it but he was angry. He initially thought the girl was just shy and bad at socializing, though now he knew the real reason for her behavior. This information was truly upsetting, the way she degraded herself made it worse. He took action while trying to stay calm about the matter. "I understand," he forced himself to smile. Akabane went for her hand to hold it with his two, preparing to speak. "But I, Akabane, will set you free if you do so desire, Miss. Please don't forget that." His eyes were honest and sincere, showing a concerned version of himself. Akabane let go once he was finished speaking and placed both of his hands in his coat pockets.

He'd remembered something after the slave chat. Akabane forgot she asked him to help her with directions. "Oh! Pardon me. It seems I've forgotten to show you the way to that cantina. Shall we go?" he'd already turned his body around in the direction of the bar, as if he was demanding that they go now.

[member="Khaori"]

 

[Valgærd]

Oh no.

I had made him upset. His hand fell from my chin, his head dropped. He let out a sigh, no longer smiling. Immediately, I dropped my head, my cheeks burning as I bit my lip. I frowned, biting down on the soft flesh until the sting drew tears to the back of my eyes and I could taste the metallic, salty tang of blood in my mouth. Still I kept my head once again facing the ground and hidden by the silky curtain of hair. I kept my breaths as tiny and shallow as I could, not wanting to upset him further by making any loud noise. Stupid girl, you went and upset him. You don't deserve to be shown where you need to go.

Even though it was heavily shrouded, I could sense the anger.

It was a mystery for only a moment or two. I understand, he'd said. He understood... and yet he was angry. But then, he took my hand into both of his, speaking with a voice that rang with sincerity. His words, however, struck me to my core. I was so surprised by them, so fearful and off-put, that I raised my head in shock, staring fearfully into his earnest gaze as I took a step backwards from him,

"Please... n-no..." I stammered, "... M-my Master takes care of me... he's... who I am... he is... my whole world. I... w-would be n-nothing... without him..."

I let out a soft sigh, before hurriedly once again dropping my gaze to the ground, clasping my hands together as he retracted his to his pockets. After a moment, he spoke again, offering yet still to take me to the cantina. As he asked if we should go, turning his body as if to leave. I hurriedly fell in step behind him, ready to walk in his shadow as was my proper place.

"Y-yes, thank you... Akabane. I'm... unworthy o-of your... kindness."

[member="Akabane"]

 

[Akabane Jarvik]

Akabane nodded even with his conflicted feelings. Upsetting her further would only yield a terrible atmosphere. That wasn't something he was willing to chance, thus why he started towards the cantina. He realized that knowing about her personal life wasn't necessary for completing this task. Although this was true Akabane, even while knowing this was still curious. She was a slave on a mission and that's about all he knew.

He started to say 'Miss' but stopped halfway through the word. Name! How could I forget to ask? This was the first question he should've asked before anything else. The 'Miss' was getting old anyways so he asked for her name. "What can I call you, hon?" He tried to speak in the most friendly way possible. Akabane wasn't sure if she'd give him her name but it was worth a try.

The cantina was not too far away but far enough that Akabane could tell a quick story. He felt it was almost needed after her last few words about being unworthy of his kindness. It was a story about Esther, who was the reason why he was disgusted by slavers. "Do you mind hearing my rambling?" before an answer could be given he'd speak. "When I was a young lad, many years ago I befriended a very sweet girl... a slave, like you. Her name was-," he stopped for a moment to catch himself. Akabane didn't want to say her name so he lied, for it was a name he locked into his heart and wouldn't let go of. "Her name was never given to me but I know it had to be beautiful... anyway, we became close friends after a couple months. Our relationship never went past the friend stage. Not that I wished us to be lovers, I just thought I should note this because it's very important." he paused for a second time preparing to say the next part. Inhale. "So the slaver got mad one day, I remember it clearly... she threw the little girl into a rainy alleyway right as I turned into it. Ya see, we were meeting there that day and I suppose one of the other slaves leaked it to their master. I immediately charged towards her, a woman. The sight of seeing my friend on the dirty and rainy ground filled me with anger. Without thinking.. I ki-" he stopped himself for a third time after almost admitting to be a murderer. "I knocked out this woman and brought the little girl to my ship, in attempt to help her get away. However I think my actions hurt her rather than helped. She fell asleep that night but when morning came, she was gone. That's the last time I saw her."

An odd story? Maybe, but there was a reason for it and now he'd reveal that reason. "You may be wondering why I told you that story. I'll tell you. It's a story about friendship between a slave and a random guy. They were equal in both of their eyes despite having different social statuses. So again, why? I hope you now see that I am not the average free man. In fact, I'm not really free in the first place. I, myself have a master and-" he felt like he was talking forever and maybe saying a little too much. "I apologise for speaking so much, madam."

[member="Khaori"]

 

[Valgærd]

To my relief, the man that was my rescuer began towards the cantina. Perhaps I would be able to finish my mission after all. Perhaps my punishments for causing myself to be delayed would be minimal. Perhaps I would be able to return home successful in the end. Perhaps… perhaps it would all work out for the best. We walked together for a short way, Akabane a few steps ahead of me and I walking in his shadow.

But after onle a few steps he seemed to pause, as if he’d been about to say something. He asked me what he could call me. The question caught me off-guard at first. Of course, normally my station was apparent, sitting at my Master’s feet or doing his bidding; others knew what I was and what to call me. Out here, however, alone… it wasn’t so black and white I guess.

“Slave.” I replied simply, “Girl, whatever you like, Si—Akabane.”

Damn, that was a difficult habit to suppress. I supposed that there may be the follow up question of my name. I cringed, taking in a deep breath as I prepared to give him the answer before he asked,

“I uh… also used to go by Khaori.”

He asked if I minded hearing his rambling. I shook my head, of course not. I’m a slave. I exist to serve. It was my purpose to be whatever was needed. So, as we walked, I listened, drinking in everything he said. He left out her name, saying he hadn’t known it. There seemed to be a lump in his throat, as if her name had in fact been divulged to him; but was too painful to bring up. The reason soon became apparent, as he spoke of how he tried to rescue her, but it had backfired. After a moment he explained why he’d told it.

But he uttered one last word that made me stop in my tracks, a sudden gesture that would have likely caused him to turn and look at me,

“Please, Akabane,” I begged, “Madam is not a title you can bestow on me. ‘Girl’ or ‘Slave’ will… will do fine. And there's... no need to apologise. You are not speaking too much.”

I sighed quietly to myself. I had thoughts on his story, a theory about the girl about which he'd spoken. However, it was far from my place to say anything. On the contrary, in fact. It was my job to listen, be respectful, and quietly do as I was told. So instead of saying anything more, I quietly nodded, ducking my head to once again look at the ground.


[member="Akabane"]

 

[Akabane Jarvik]

The first answer she gave him was unsettling. Akabane has no intention of calling her either of those names that she recommended. 'Girl' and 'slave' was insulting if you asked him. He felt better when she mentioned the old name, Khaori. Ah, Khaori? he thought it was a wonderful name, much better than the other two. It made him wonder about her more... just when was she called Khaori? He inferred that she wasn't called that by her master, of course he could've been wrong. Akabane sighed and then gave up on the whole thought part and continued on to the cantina. It wasn't his business anyways.

He frowned when she said he couldn't call her madam. Akabane knew she acted this way because it was her way of life but it really bothered him. "Miss Khaori, I won't do as you wish. In this moment, at this time, you are Khaori, a girl who asked for my help. I won't treat you like I'm in control or the one with authority, because I'm not." Akabane stopped moving for a moment and covered his mouth and then started moving again. "All I'm saying is you should know your worth... and don't tell me you aren't worth anything because you are," he added. He was going a little too far in what he was saying, acting out a little but he thought it was necessary. Akabane walked while thinking, don't give me that crap.

[member="Khaori"]

 

[Valgærd]

I felt the dissatisfaction from Akabane at my answer. Perhaps he... didn’t like the titles my master used? I was aware that other slaves had different titles sometimes but… those were mine. He frowned at me, causing my heart to race in my chest. Once again, I’d done something to upset him. It was a relief my Master wasn’t around, if he saw how much distress I was causing Akabane he’d likely have me flogged… or worse. I grimaced, I would have to tell him when I returned, and accept whatever punishment he saw fit.

He spoke, using my name. His words made little sense to me. Of course I was Khaori; the girl who was a slave. Wy would he not accept all of me? Only once had I seen someone so vehemently against what I was. I shuddered at the memory. Master hadn’t been pleased with him.

I was pulled from the memory as the man accompanying me stopped to cover his mouth a moment. He said that I should know my worth… another peculiar titbit I didn’t understand. As he started walking again I kept in step behind him. I’d sensed that he wanted to make conversation, even though he hadn’t directly commanded me to engage him. What should I do, then? Obey the lack of spoken command and keep quiet? Or obey the implied one to speak? I decided to do the second, perhaps I could make him see.

“Mister Akabane,” I replied quietly, “I know my worth. Master’s made it abundantly clear to me. He’s very patient in teaching me, even though I’m a stupid girl and take a long time to learn. I am worth exactly as much as I can provide. I do what I’m told, I earn my place in his house. I mess up, or embarrass him, I’m as bad as the refuse and ought to be treated as such.”

I nodded, satisfied with my answer, as we drew nearer to the cantina,

“Do you know your worth, Mister Akabane?”


[member="Akabane"]

 

[Akabane Jarvik]

Akabane's reason for acting out was because of his concern, but he realized he may have been going too far even though he was just trying to help. Knowing little about her past and saying everything he did was careless. He still went on and spoke his mind anyways as an inconsiderate person would. I should stop, he wanted to apologise but somehow, he felt like it wouldn't matter. Khaori's reply was unexpected along with her question of if he knew his worth. It made him chuckle a bit since no one had ever asked him something like that. Akabane carried a grin and as they continued to walk, he thought about an answer to give her.

As he prepared an answer a fond memory aided him in finding out just what he was worth. Aevan? That's right, I know... In failing to find his dearest Akabane didn't think himself to be worth anything. A man who couldn't protect the one he loved was essentially unworthy of being their partner, and that was him. He saw the cantina was in their view so he answered quickly. "Well, Miss Khaori... I know myself very well and I can say that I don't have much worth. On Kro Var I trained to be the best warrior in my clan but I allowed it to be destroyed because of my lack of skill at the time. That makes me worthless I believe if I cannot protect those around me when my sole purpose in life is to do just that." He paused to inhale and gather some more thoughts. "However I've served a great man and his organization, which I can now call my home. Maybe I can change my worth in the future... yeah, maybe."

He came to a stop when they were standing in front of the cantina. "Here it is. Can I bring you a drink before we part ways?" he asked with a smile lingering on his face. It was his way of making it up to her for prying into her life.

[member="Khaori"]

 

[Valgærd]

As we walked, Akabane gave me the answer to my question.

I sensed that my asking it had caught him somewhat off-guard. His words were quick, and as I glanced up I noticed why. Ahead of us, the cantina came into view. My heart leapt. My goal lay within. As I listened to the man in front of me, my hand moved to the vibroknife strapped to my thigh, hidden beneath my coat. Master’s message would be delivered soon, and I could return to his side.

“So, you are worthless because you were unable to complete your task, but you hope to prove yourself to the man you serve? It sounds to me like you would make an excellent slave.”

I immediately bit my lip, lowering my gaze as my hand fell to my side. That was far too bold to say. I sighed, this was one of the reasons I didn’t like being away from Master, I became too loose-lipped and bold.

He stopped out the front of the cantina, turning to face me. He asked me a question, offering to bring me a drink. Keeping my eyes lowered, I shook my head.

“I cannot thank you enough, Si—Akabane.” I replied quietly. “You’ve done more for me than I can express. Please, if you ever find yourself on Dromund Kaas, my Master would surely reward you for your help.”

I bowed low, stooping towards the ground as my hair fell over my face. However, before giving him an opportunity to protest my declining his offer, I turned and slipped through the door, my hand again moving to the knife on my thigh.

Time to deliver that message.


[member="Akabane"]

 

[Akabane Jarvik]

A chuckle came out of his mouth once more. It was funny. Akabane would apparently make a great slave. A slave? No, I'd certainly be killed for disobedience... He doubted slave Akabane would've survived if it we're a thing because he was a fighter. Those who fought back naturally experienced a challenge and he was sure that's what would happen. He wiped the grin off his face before speaking. "Our relationship is different, Miss Khaori. Calling him a strict teacher is a better way to put it. I'd never serve a slaver, I'd rather eat a bullet." Akabane meant every word. Being forced to lose an arm for someone was something that angered him. It'd be different if he pledged his loyalty like present day, but slavery... no, there'd be a blood bath.

When she declined his offer a frown replaced the smile on his face. Akabane nodded as she thanked him for helping her and mentioned her dwelling place, including that her master would reward him if he ever visited the place. He shook his head slowly indicating he had no desire to receive a reward. It wasn't hard to give someone directions in the first place, asking for a reward was a ridiculous request. Of course he knew there were people who did think such a thing to be required, but not him. He started to speak but she disappeared into the cantina so quickly. After a sigh he stepped forward and turned around, leaning his back on the cantina's walls while pulling two items out of his inner pockets. Akabane pulled out a cigarette from the rectangular package and lit up the end, taking in some smoke and releasing it.

She really was weird... I don't understand women anymore.

[member="Khaori"]