Akane: Paying the Traveler Back

...Wait, Akane?

Ah! Long time no see!

A friend of yours, Akane?

This is a traveler who helped me when I first left the lands to the east and arrived in these parts!

You seem to be doing well. You always seemed... like the type to get into trouble.

I knew so little about the world back then!

Ah, so you've learned some things?

Nope! You see, I'm terrible at learning anything new! I may not have learned much yet, but I've found people who can keep me company until I do!

Right, Aldo?

I mean...

Ah, well, you know what they say, travel changes you...hehehe. Anyway, I'm free at the moment, and we have a lot to catch up on, so how about you join me for a while?

Yes! I'm famished!

Yes, yes... Don't worry, I have food.

...Wait, Aldo.

...Hold up.

Akane... The way she was talking before, she really depends on you.

I have to ask... You and that samurai woman, what's your relationship?

Well, we're of a similar age, so I guess we just get on well.

I think of Akane as a traveling partner. We fight side by side.

The way I see it, you really seem to have a hold over Akane. As her older brother I'm not sure how I feel about this, but I trust you Aldo.

Really... She's still young, but is skilled with that sword. I suppose I can trust you to look after her?

Shion, what's the matter? You're acting very strange all of a sudden.

Of course, that's what I plan to do... Just who are you?

I'm just keeping tabs on my little sister. Anyway, I'm counting on you to keep her safe.

Me? I'm just a nobody. Farewell.

...By the way, Akane... Did you ever find your brother? You came to this country to look for him, didn't you?

Sh-Shhh! That was confidential information! I've told everyone I'm here to train! If my brother found out, he'd kill me, for sure!

But Shion wouldn't do that, would he?

What kind of brother would do that?

L-Let's change the subject! Which way are you headed this time, traveler?

Hmm, well for now I'm resting up. I'm kind of stuck here actually. I hear monsters have shown up in the Karek Swampland. It's dangerous to travel through them alone. So for now I...

...Ah, I'm so sorry! I just remembered there's something important I have to take care of! Please just wait here, I'll be right back!

Huh? Akane?

Aldo! Let's go!

W-Wait, Akane!

Now's the time to repay her! Let's take down the monsters in the Karek Swampland!

We should keep her safe on her travels. Isn't that a good idea?

No! She may think we're taking pity on her! It would be better for us to secretly go out and take care of the monsters on our own! Let us sally forth to the Karek Swampland!

Huh? What are you doing? It's dangerous round here.

We know! This is where the monsters are!

Yes. They're stronger than usual. So keep your guard up.

I see! So when the monsters show up, you come out and hunt them!

No, no! They should move on on their own. I'm just here to stop people coming this way. If I went in to move them along myself I could get hurt. Let's just wait it out.

...But you're a sentinel! Sentinels and samurai, both follow the way of the sword! So to be so weak...

This will not do!

Hmm? That stance... You're from the east, aren't you? A female samurai? Never heard of that before...

Hey, Akane! Just calm down, will you?

No! I... I cannot let this pass!

Hey! What are you doing, just drawing your sword all willy-nilly like that?!

I'll show you... My true samurai spirit! Prepare yourself...

Wait! Okay, I get it, you're really a samurai! In that case, I yield, just come help me with the monsters. That should be easy for a samurai like yourself.

Well... That's what we wanted to do from the start. You were the one standing in our way!

Actually... I feel like you started all the trouble, Akane...

Aldo! A soldier must stand by his comrades!

The monsters are through here. Please, I'd love to see the spirit of a true samurai.

Don't you worry. Once I'm done with the monsters, I'll show you what I've got!

...There! Those are the monsters! Hehehe...

Resistance is futile, you little brutes!

Did you see that, Aldo? I took care of those monsters with ease!

Erm, I guess. Yeah Akane, you're pretty strong.

Hehehe... I may look like a newbie, but I'm a real samurai!

Right, next is that sniveling sentinel!

Okay. Let's go report back. Now that the monsters are gone we can open up the road again.

Oh, it's you. Did you get the monsters? You didn't get scared and run back this way, did you?

I am a Samurai! I would never flee from an enemy!

So you really got the monsters? You're better than I thought. I just thought you were some girl cosplaying as a samurai... But you must be the real deal.

Actually! I'm still a samurai in training! So I have a request. Mr. Sentinel, would you help me gain some experience?

Hey, now hold on. Cool down a little. What kind of "experience" are you talking about?

You see... I have felled many foes... But...none have truly tested me!

But now! For the first time...hehehe!

Agh!

Hey, Akane! Stop joking!

...I'm being serious, Aldo!

I may be new to the way of the warrior, but he has asked for me to show him the spirit of a true samurai...

So there's only one way to do it, to show him my most deadly moves!

...Hmm?

Hahaha! You should've seen how he ran off! That sentinel is really something, to escape like that when things got serious!

Ugh...he's quick to seize any opportunity... What did brother have to say about this? When pressing forwards doesn't work, sometimes it's good to fall back...

At any rate, the soldier's gone. So now the way is clear, that woman can continue on her travels.

O-Oh yeah, that was the whole point anyway! I'd totally forgotten!

Good going, Aldo! I can always count on you to keep the goal in mind!

I-I guess... Anyway, let's head back to the Unigan tavern.

...Akane! I was wondering how long you were going to make me wait here! What was this "important thing" you had to do? Come on, out with it!

Well, y'see... Hmm...well...

There's no need to get so mad. You see Akane was doing it for you...

Aldo! Not another word! I just wanted to pay you back without making a big deal of it! No need to force it!

...Akane...

...Sorry, that's just how I am!

So you'll never tell me?

......

Well, if that's how it is, Akane... You're saying you didn't run off and take care of the monsters for me? Or did you?

Wha?! But how did you...

Ahaha! So you really did it? Well, I guess that is like you, isn't it? You always had a strong sense of justice.

You saw right through my plot... I'm so ashamed...

So? Are the monsters gone?

Yes! We did it!

Thank you, Akane. Well then, time for me to move on. I'm sure we'll have plenty to talk about the next time we cross paths.

Yes! Farewell, traveler! Safe travels!

Take care of Akane. A wild horse takes a strong hand to rein in. Well, I feel like she may be a troublesome little sister, so best of luck.

What to do, Aldo. Do you think I paid her back?

I think so. She seemed happy, at least.

(But still, a sister?)

Hmm? Why are you looking at me like that?

(Well, I have a tomboy sister too... Compared to her, Akane is...)

It feels more like having a mischievous younger brother.

Wait... Are you talking about me?!

Wow! That's just what my older brother used to tell me all the time!

Really... Now I get what Shion had to endure...

Really... Now I get what he had to endure...

Don't worry! My brother's will was as hard as iron! Stronger than anyone I've ever met! I'm sure he's fine!

......