[IC] A Tale of Two Swords

[xenon]

The Three-Legged Dog wasn't the most reputable tavern in Asmoth City. Located in the Grey district, near the docks, on streets that were less than welcome. No, not the nicest place, by any stretch of the imagination, but it was a place where you might find a decent bodyguard or two. And where Tom Minshull was going, he might need a few such people.

Tom rubbed his cheek as he considered the offer of the rogue, in front of him. He'd had trouble with the sneaky cloak-n-dagger types before. It was probably best to hire simple sword carrying brutes. Sword carrying fighters never tried to cheat him, never smart enough to steal from him, and didn't try and renegotiate their contracts halfway through a job.

"Sorry pal, we need swords... or bows, even," Tom finally said. "Daggers just wont cut it."

The rogue was disappointed, rose from his chair and slunk off into the crowds. Tom couldn't help but feel disappointed too. He'd spent all day recruiting and only found two bodyguards for the trip north. And now he was turning away one of the few candidates he had. Not good. In less than an hour, he would leave the city on the dangerous North South road, heading up to the snowy regions where he could trade his wares for some particularly rare and expensive goods.

And where he could try to find a buyer for his special, secret prize.

Hopefully, he could get at least one more bodyguard for the journey............

[xenon]

CONEJITOOOO

Body guard? That could be easy money! Mei Xiao had overheard the conversation between the man and the rogue. How much was he offering? Maybe I could get him to raise the offer just a tad. A place to stay will be good enough.

"Excuse me, sir. What job were you offering that.. Rogue?"

Mei slowly approached tom, keeping her hand on the handle of her sword, just in case. It was clear she was a very cautious woman as she stayed pretty far from the man. This caused her to have to raise her voice so he could hear her. Mei was a fairly attractive, 5'1 woman with short, straight black hair and shimmering blue eyes. How could this woman help him? She was so small! She fidgeted with the white wrapping on her dao as she waited for a respond.

XENON

"Excuse me, sir. What job were you offering that.. Rogue?"

Tom looked up from his ale to see the owner of the sweet-pitched voice. It was a surprise to hear such a voice in a place like this, but it was even more of a surprise to see the dainty female in front of him, cautiously keeping her distance. He paused, then opened his mouth to speak, a little unsure.

"I err..." Tom started, looking her up and down. "I'm looking for another bodyguard to escort my caravan up to the northlands. Just muscle work - keep the cart maintained, guarded from thieves and highway robbers." He actually felt stupid explaining the job to this young woman, as if she was cut out to be a bodyguard. But he finished anyway. "The job is a week long, pays well. 50 gold a head. Bonuses if I do well in the market, and you do well as a bodyguard. You know anyone that'd be interested, lady?"

At this point, Vaughn walked into the tavern, spied Tom at the table, and walked over. "The cart is ready, boss. And Saiyan is back. We're ready when you are." He didn't even notice the young woman stood away from Tom's table.

[Conejitoooo]

50..50 gold?! I need the job!

"I-I'm interested, sir. I'm very good with a sword and.. I have a special ability. If you want, I could show you! I really need this job."

Mei looked up at him with pleading eyes, cupping her hands together.

"Please.. I may be small, but I can fight."

What if he doesn't accept me? I really need this job.. Her eyes landed on the other man. Is he one of the guards? Who is saiyan? Her eyes narrowed slightly as she looked behind him, seemingly looking for this sayian character. Her gaze went back to tom, her eyes still pleading.

[xenon]

"I-I'm interested, sir...." Tom had a feeling she was going to volunteer herself. He took in a breath and started rubbing his cheek again. In this country, in the life of a merchant, you often see strange things. Tom had learned to roll with the punches. "I'm very good with a sword and.. I have a special ability. If you want, I could show you! I really need this job."

Truthfully, it didn't matter how ridiculous this woman's claim was, those puppy dog eyes made Tom want to throw all logic out of the window and hire her right there.

For Vaughn's part, he was just realising he'd interupted a conversation, but before he could apolgise, his eyes were fixed on the swordswoman. Well I'll be a son of a goblin, he thought.

"Please.. I may be small, but I can fight."

"Not bad," Vaughn commented. Although it was unclear whether he was talking about the fact she can fight, or the fact she was utterly gorgeous. "We have an opening, don't we boss?"

Tom suddenly snapped out of his own thoughts. "Eh! I'll decide whether we have an opening or not, get your arse back to the caravan and look mean."

Unfortunately, a few local thugs overheard the young woman advertising her fighting skills. They started throwing jibes, making unflattering comments and casting doubts on her abililties.

"She can fight, eh?"

"Ooo, the little minx has claws, I love to see that."

"She's nought but a girl, ha!"

One of the thugs, a little more brazen than the others, rose from his table and sauntered over. "That sword looks more like a collectors item at an auction, babe. You sure you can use it?"

Vaughn piped up. "Watch your mouth, pal..." he started, but the thug had already attempted to slap the young woman's bum.

[Conejitoooo]

Mei let out a scoff as she heard the thugs speaking. This minx will kick your ass.. In one swift motion, the sword was brought out of its holster and the blade was pushed against the brazen thugs neck,

"Unless you wish to lose that hand and your life, I suggest you back up."

Her eyes were now glaring and her voice was stern as she pushed the blade against his neck even more. Mei turned her gaze on vaughn. Who is he?

"Ahem, hello.."

Mei then turned her attention back to tom,

"So, what'll it be? I dont need much.. Just a place to stay and some gold."

Her blade was removed from the thugs neck as she slipped the sword back into its scabbard.

[xenon]

Tom was wide eyed. This was exactly why he'd learned to roll with the punches. You could circle the world one hundred times and it would still manage to surprise you right out of your socks. The speed of which, this pleading young woman had turned into a deadly demon, was staggering. Even Vaughn was speechless, which wasn't usual at all.

"Ahem, hello.."

"Err, hello," Vaughn stuttered back, before letting out a nervous chuckle. He looked at the thug, who was sensibly backing up, hands up to show he wasn't worth killing. Then back to the woman. "That's a mighty fine sword you have there."

This small ruckus had drawn the attention of many now. At the other end of the taproom, around a big table, a mafia lord named Fingers, was now watching. Tom noticed as much and cursed his luck. He just hoped that this thug, who'd just been embaressed, didn't work for Fingers. And he didn't want to hang around and find out. Now was not the time to be getting wrapped up in the affairs of local crime lords.

"So, what'll it be? I dont need much.. Just a place to stay and some gold," was the young woman. Tom was about to answer but more voices in the crowd sounded off.

"She made you look like a cowardly little boy, Biff," one voice shouted. Tom couldn't see who.

"Wow, Biff," another said, shaking his head.

Tom was wise enough to know that this situation was not over, and he should get out of here quick. It was time go. "Vaughn." he ordered as he got up and nodded to the door, signalling it was time to leave.

"But what about her?" Vaughn asked, making steps towards the door.

"She can handle herself," he said at first, but then realised that it would be pretty cold of him to just leave her here to suffer the aftermath. "You want a job, you got one, let's be off," he said, barely looking at her and hurrying to make an exit.

The warehouse where his caravan was, was only three streets away. As were town guards and general civilization. Here though... the streets were run by Fingers and his men. Hopefully they would be away without any trouble.

[Conejitoooo]

~

[Conejitoooo]

Mei couldn't help but smile at toms expression. Was he impressed? Did I get the job?

"Er, hello" "That's a mighty fine sword you have there."

Mei looked at vaughn and smiled slightly, tilting her head,

"Why, thank you."

She said, before looking back at the thug she had embarrassed. Biff, huh? What a dumb name.. She looked over at the man tom was seemingly scared of. He looks.. Nice. Her eyes widened slightly as she heard tom speak again.

"You want a job, you got one, let's be off,"

Haha! yes! Mei pulled her hood over her head, hurrying behind the pair. She could help but steal glances over at the shady man, fingers. Is he some sort of gang lead? A mafia boss? Is he dangerous? Mei was going to stick around to find out, quickening her pace to match those of vaughn and tom. Her eyes seemed to glow a bright blue as her hood casted a shadow over her eyes.

Who is she? What is she?

[xenon]

10 mins later....

"I'm sorry Fingers," Biff squealed, his face pressed into the table by a strong, ugly looking man. "I didn't mean to embarress you." Fingers looked at the pitiful Biff with cold indifference. "I didn't think-"

"No, that's your problem, Biff," Fingers said with a calm menace. "You never think. Balgruff, take him out back and teach him a lesson." Biff cried for mercy but was dragged away easily by the giant Balgruff. Then Fingers turned his attention to one of his trusted leuitenants. "Damien. That trader... Tom was it..? Make sure he doesn't make it to the next town. Bring the girl back alive, if possible. And take the loot. Kill the rest."

Damien Price nodded silently, then got up and left the tavern.

---

[Conejitoooo]

Mei kept her eyes on the ground as she walked, only looking up when she heard a horse whinny. Ha, horses! They're.. Beautiful She seemed lost in her own little world, finally snapping out of her trance when vaughn spoke.

"Name's Vaughn, by the way," Vaughn told the woman. "I probably should've started with that, ha!"

Mei stared at him for a moment before nodding, taking her straw hat off and holding it close to her chest as she bowed.

"Im Mei Xiao.. You may call me whatever you see fit."

"Hile, comrade," Saiyan announced. "Saiyan." He offered his hand to shake.

Her eyes went to saiyan. So, this is saiyan? He's.. Tall.. Her eyes narrowed slightly at his hand before landing back on his face.

"Mei Xiao.." Was all she said before walking around him, putting her attention back on the horses. It was clear she wasn't too fond of men as she tried to keep her interactions with them as short and sweet as possible.

[xenon]

f

[Conejitoooo]

Mei didn’t seem to be paying attention to the two men, seemingly forgetting they existed.

"What about you? You were awfully desperate to land this job,"

“Huh? Oh, I just need the money. As for why there are two sword wielding warriors, I have no clue..”

Mei looked up at the pair with wide, shimmering eyes, strands of her black hair falling over her face. How was a woman like her going to help them? And what was that special ability she spoke about? Nobody knows. Mei turned her attention back on the horse she had been petting.

“What a beauty..”

Mei mumbled, smiling slightly. She seemed to enjoy the animals company more than she enjoyed the pairs. She ignored the pair, only speaking if spoken to.

After a minute of petting the horse, she turned around to face the two, heaving a small sigh,

“When will this job stop? How long will it last? Will we all be getting paid?”

It was clear mei was a very curious person. Once she asked one question, she couldn’t help but ask another. Ugh, I don’t want to speak to these.. fiends.. But I do need some answers. What are we guarding? Who was that strange man at the tavern? Where am I..

[xenon]

f

[Conejitoooo]

"Had enough already, have you?" he quipped

Mei's nose scrunched a bit at her comrades teasing. I can tell this one is the idiot..

Had enough? Never.. Well, as long as i get paid, ill stay as long as i need to. She looked him up and down and put her hands on her hips, shaking her head.

"I don't get tired easily, sir."

"I believe you are hired throughout the snow regions, swinging west unto the City States. It's about 2 weeks work, give or take, for hold ups."

Her eyes widened slightly. Two weeks?! Two weeks with these idiots? Ugh.. Its worth it, I suppose.. Mei pursed her lips before heaving a deep sigh.

As for the answer about getting paid, this brought a small smile to her face. She had been in many contracts before and many didn't pay her as much as the rest of the crew because she was a 'little girl'.

"No, I mean... she said to me that she had a special ability, ere it all kicked off in The Dog."

Mei couldn't help but overhear saiyan and tom talking. I forgot i told him that.. Will he make me show him? He'll probably forget, The old bastard. She turned her attention back on vaughn and bowed.

"Good bye, sir."

And with that, she climbed onto the wagging, sitting as far away from saiyan as possible, her short legs dangling from the top. Mei kept her eyes on the road, not acknowledging her comrade at all.

The feeling of the window through her hair.. The birds singing in the trees. It was just like how. It was calming. Mei couldn't help but smile. This isn't so bad...

Her attention finally went to saiyan. His sword is nice. Mei tilted her head, unintentionally staring at him. I wonder where he got it from.. Did he make it? That's cool~! Her eyes had a strange, child-like sparkle to them now. What was she thinking about? What a strange woman

[xenon]

f

[Conejitoooo]

"You're from China, correct?"

This question caused her to jump a little.

"Oh, yes.. Im from a village called-..."

Mei stopped herself. What if he knew about her? She was pretty notorious in china because of her escape.

"My mother was born on the island of Tsu Wushu, just off the coast of mainland China."

"Ive heard of tsu wushu.. Its a beautiful island.. I bet your mother was beautiful." Strange, he didn't look like he was of asian descent. Her eyes were still fixed on him, her head tilted

A charming smile painted her lips before disappearing. Did she just.. Smile? That's rare. Her eyes went back on the road ahead, her legs swinging in front of her. It was clear she had a lot on her mind. Lost in her own little world, Mei began to hum a beautiful tune. She laid her head back, keeping her eyes on the sky.

[xenon]

f

[Conejitoooo]

Mei knew how it felt go be away from everything she loved. She was alone here. The way saiyan spoke about his mother made her seem like the most beautiful woman in thw world.

"I hope she is well. It's been a while since I last sent a letter home."

Mei seemed saddened by this, her once emotionless face shifting into one of sadness. I feel bad.. Perhaps, i should he a little nicer..

"Perhaps.. When we stop, you can write her a letter..I know how it feels to be away from the one you love the most."

Her hand stretched out towards him, but was quickly pulled away. What am i thinking?! He could use this information against me. I have to stip with the mushy stuff. Focus. Her sad expression disappeared as she looked forward. Once again disengaging herself from the interaction. Mei was, in fact, a very strange woman. At times, it seemed she only cares for herself, keeping a wall between her and everyone else. And sometimes.. She seems like a caring woman, wanting to make everyone feel better. It was confusing.

"That.. man.. The one who hired us. He was talking about me.. What did he say?"

Even though she had already heard most of the conversation between saiyan and told, she was curious as to what saiyan would say. The bustle from a nearby town could be heard in the distance.. Music, laughter.. This took meis attention off of saiyan and back onto the road ahead. Perhaps, they could stop there and get something to eat. Mei was very hungry.

I should've brought some food.. Ugh.. I can barely focus..

Mei's attention went from her ever growing hunger to vaughn and tom, who were debating which card game were based on skill and which were total luck. What are they rambling on about? A small chuckle could be heard from mei as she leaned forward to listen. Her eyes seemed to soften a bit, giving her face a sort of glow. It was true that mei was a very beautiful woman. Her personality didn't match her appearance at all

[xenon]

f

[Conejitoooo]

Mei listened to the bustle of the nearby town while waiting for saiyan to answer. A small smile painted her lips. The loudness of this town reminded her of home. All the festivities.. The laughter spilling out of every door and window. It was beautiful to her. The sound of children playing warmed her heart. Mei was just about to go back into her own little world before saiyan finally spoke,

"His name's Tom,"

"I dont care what his name is, sir."

Mei shook her head, giving a light shrug. Such sass. Her attention flicked from saiyan to tom, who announced they wouldn't be stopping anytime soon. Damnit.. I'm so hungry! Her lips pursed as she crossed her arms, pouting a bit. Her pouting stopped when saiyan spoke once more.

"He wants you to sign a contract into his service. He normally takes care of that before we start moving but..."

"He didn't get time to present the contract to me because-.."

The sentence was cut off by the mish-mash of people. Mei sat up straight, reaching down to pull her sword out of its scabbard. What the hell do they want? Is that.. Biff! That idiot from outside the tavern! A sudden anger was over Mei like a tsunami, her earrings flashing a bright red before reverting to their normal color, a bright orange.

"Get off the wagon, surrender your weapons and this can be painless," Damien said loudly.

"Shit.." Was all Mei could say. Of course, they'd get robbed at a time like this. They could've robbed us at anytime! After I ate, before I got hungry.. Anytime! But they choose now? idiots..

I'm too hungry for this shit. Lets just get this over with.. Her eyes were fixed on Biff as she spoke to Saiyan, still filled with anger.

"What should we do?"

Mei already had her plan of attack, she just wanted to know Saiyans. Perhaps, they'll see that 'special ability' Mei spoke about before she was hired. She was ready to do whatever she could to protect her comrades, despite showing a strong dislike for them.