11 Friendship is as Hard as a Shell! (1/2)

Once the group has reached the entrance, The guards greeted them and proceeded to open the door. ”Have you ever been in our village, Mariko-san?” Gentaro asked. ”No, Not yet. Not that i would bother anyway” Mariko looked away. ”And Why is that?” Gentaro looked over his shoulder. Mariko looked at one of the guards. ”People treat me like shit” Mariko cursed, surprising everyone. ”W-What do you mean exactly?” Gentaro was very curious. ”When i got old enough to think, I had a dream of visiting all the villages, Study their cultures, Get to know lots of friends from different villages, You know, Adventure. But that dream was easily shattered when i made my very, Very first trip outside” Mariko became sad and looked at the ground. Everyone was quiet and was so eager to listen. The gate made a loud noise, indicating that they're free to go inside. ”The first village that i visited was the Soma Village” Mariko clenched her fists once She said the name. They went inside and left their horses, Gentaro ordered the guards to take care of the horses, Then They began to walk on the way to the Center.

”When i reached their gates, I was so excited. My first visit to my neighboring villages. I even greet the guards with a big smile. Of course, They were affected and smiled back. But as soon as i told them that i came from the Jima village. Their smile suddenly fade, And of course, So is mine, I wondered why..” Mariko shook her head and sigh. The group was starting to get worried, They remained silent as to let her proceed. ”Then They asked if i'm somehow, came from the North. The guards knew that the Jima has Northern people inside their village, So They asked for some reason. As soon as I told them that i am, They looked at each other, They seem lost of what to do, Then one of them asked me to wait while He talks to the other guards. And i swear, I caught his pal one time giving me a look that i can't bear to stay cool. He looked at me like i'm some pest begging to have residence on their village” Mariko sighs, Then She continued. ”It became even worse when i finally got in. People were looking at me, Like, They're seeing a ghost or something. The people in front me are moving away like i'm some enemy who'll kill someone who stands in my way. When i talk to a person, They will bow and apologize then run away. I don't feel so welcome!” Mariko was interrupted by the lively chatter on their arrival on the Center. ”So noisy” She complained. ”Well, I'm pretty sure our people here have no problem with you” Gentaro convinced her to calm down. ”Oh yeah?” As they're walking, Mariko fasten her pace to catch a person. ”Hey, Where do you buy some foods here?” Mariko tried asking the person, As She predicted, The person didn't answer and looked so uncomfortable. ”Fine, You can go” Mariko sigh and the person walked away. She waited the group to catch up with her.

”See? Your people doesn't differ” Mariko told Gentaro. ”How about we change your clothes? Don't forget about that” Itsumi told Mariko. ”I told you, I'm comfortable with what i'm wearing” Mariko responded as They stopped in the spot. ”That's why people don't talk to you! You look like you just left a cave! And with that scary face of yours, You look like you're always looking for trouble!” Ayumi rather teased her than actually meant to say it, Mariko looked at her body. She was wearing enough cloths to cover her breast and her lower body. Then Mariko looked back at Ayumi while touching her cheeks. ”Do my face really that scary?” Mariko asked Ayumi seriously. Ayumi stumbled on her words as She was expecting her to shut her up instead. ”U-Um.. Yeah, I guess so.. When the first time i saw you, I thought you're going to hu..hurt us” Ayumi were fidgeting her fingers as She talked. Mariko just sighed and looked into people. ”B-But! Actually! You're not a bad person at all! I think!” Ayumi tries to reassure Mariko. She looked at Ayumi. ”Of course, I'm not a bad person” Mariko weakly smiled. ”Yes! You're not a bad person! Those people just don't know who you really are! So it's natural they act that way! But if you let them see that you're actually a good person, They might change!” Ayumi cheered her up, Mariko looked at her, surprised, She can't respond to those words. Itsumi giggled and patted Ayumi's head. Gentaro just chuckled at the scene. ”Ayumi-chan is right. Since your preference on clothing is just like the Northern people, People here at South will normally fear you for your appearance. But, It's no problem for as long as you try your best to look kind and make them think of the opposite of how they think of you. Or rather, Make them think not all of the Northern are bad people” Itsumi told Mariko.

”So, In short, Just act so kind? Then They will gradually become friendly towards me?” Mariko asked, Itsumi responded with a nod. Gentaro laughs loudly and brings himself to the conversation, They all looked at him. ”Don't worry! Chiho-san here is asking you to train her, right? If everyone see you together with her, I bet They will think again before avoiding you again!” Gentaro lively spoke. Mariko was surprised and looked at Chiho. ”I guess that would work..?” Chiho shyly talked to Mariko. ”All of the Saijun people already know who Chiho are! She's the daughter of Commander Yagano! Or that hero from the stories whatsoever! If people see you hanging out with her, They'll be surprised!” Gentaro told Mariko with a big smile. ”Y-You really are the real thing, huh?” Mariko turned to Chiho. ”Y-Yes.. No matter how many times you ask, I'll be the only one” Chiho were irritated and forced a smile. ”You're the daughter of Akihiro... No wait, What was his real name again?” Mariko turned to Gentaro. ”Yagano! It is Commander Yagano!” Gentaro smiled widely. ”Yagano, huh..” Mariko looked back to Chiho, Then She reached for both of her hands and raised it between them. Mariko smiled brightly as She holds Chiho's hands, They both looked at each other's eyes. ”It's settled then! If i have to do it, Then i'll do it!” Mariko grins. ”Mariko-san!” Chiho suddenly thinks of her training with her Father, She tried to remember everything so It can be useful during her training with Mariko. ”I'll believe on you!” Mariko told Chiho. ”Yes! I'll do my best!”. Chiho responded with a bright smile. ”Huh?” Mariko's smile fades as She fell into confusion. ”Eh?” Chiho were also confused at her reaction. ”I..I believe on you that You're the real deal!” Mariko regained her smile, But Chiho couldn't make it to smile again. Gentaro loudly laughs at them. ”Nii-san..” Itsumi looked over Gentaro.

”Oh, You foolish kids! You didn't understood each other!” Gentaro laughs loudly again. ”Nii-san, You're awfully loud right now” Itsumi told Gentaro, He coughs and smiled at Itsumi. ”Sorry, This is my first time seeing an amusing Northern kid!” Gentaro responded. ”But Chiho-san, I bet Mariko-san also wants to believe on you that you'll do your best at your training” Gentaro told Chiho, Who was disappointed. Mariko quickly realized and tightens her grip on Chiho's hands. ”O-Of course! I will do my best to teach you on combat too! I will teach you everything!” Mariko desperately tried to make her happy, Chiho noticed her attempts so She smiled. ”Yes, I'll be counting on you!” Chiho nodded. Mariko let go of her hands and rests her hand on her axe. ”It might not be much, But i can only make you get used to swing an axe” Mariko looked at her axe. ”That's fine!” Chiho told her. ”Heh, I thought you like swords and such. And I don't know why but i prefer axe than swords” Mariko preferred Axe more than swords. ”Is it because You're born from the North? They do use axe and longer ones as their main weapons” Ayumi asked. ”Welll, I guess so” Mariko responded. ”Now, Now, Let's not just stand here, Sun's hiding, You get some rest” Gentaro went ahead, Then the rest of them followed. ”Speaking of rest” Gentaro stopped, and so the others. He turned to Chiho. ”I guess you haven't visited the inn?” He asked to Chiho. ”Y-Yes.. You know why..” Chiho shyly responded. ”You got me all worried there, Specially that an enemy went near and you went into them. Something could have happen” Gentaro continued to walk as He tells his worries. ”Right, I'm sorry” Chiho apologized. ”You shouldn't be that reckless, You know” Gentaro said his last words before He walks in silence. Then Ayumi suddenly shouted. ”Yeah! I don't know what she was thinking! She suddenly pulled me along with her! And When we get there, That's where we met Mariko-san! With the girl who speaked Rus-what so ever language!”.

”Russian, It is Russian, Ayumi” Mariko corrects her. ”I didn't know that girl speak a different language, She straight up spoke with me with our language” Gentaro were surprised to know. ”Yeah, That idiot could speak the same as we do, Though in their case, They call it Japanese” Mariko recalls the name. ”Japanese?” Gentaro repeated the name. ”Never heard such language, And you say that it's the same way as ours?” Gentaro asked. Mariko responded with a nod. ”Weird” Gentaro didn't know what to say. ”That idiot even hid the fact that She can speak the same way as ours, She spoke her language even though no one can really understand her. Bitch had no choice in the end, She finally spoke our language when we noticed her wounds” Mariko laughs. ”Um, You keep saying bad words even though you have a kid around you? How rude!” Ayumi talked about her cursing. ”You're a kid but you don't talk like one” Mariko responded, Giving no answer for Ayumi. Then Mariko looked over Ayumi. ”I know some REAL kids back on my village, They are far different than you are, They're more playful, More.. I don't know, Fun to hang with?” Mariko mentioned the kids back from her village. ”Yeah, Definitely fun to play with. Unlike you, You're so irritating. You know how to talk back on arguments!” Mariko gave an annoyed look to Ayumi. She didn't respond and just looked away, pouting. ”Damn, Chiho-san? Did this kid had an education about Philosopy or something?” Mariko looked at Chiho. ”H-Huh? I...” Chiho couldn't answer, Mariko just sighed. ”Whatever..” Then They proceeded to walk in silence.

After a minute, Mariko broke the silence. ”Hey, Where is this.. Inn you talked about? I'm tired” She asked Chiho. ”It's near the entrance” Chiho responded. ”Huh?! Then Where are we going?! Hey, Leader!” Mariko turned to Gentaro to ask. ”I'm bringing you to our finest dressmaker! I'll give you free dress!” Gentaro responded. ”Huh?! You made us walk this far for that?! I even told you i'm fine with what i have?!” Mariko were pissed. ”Oh? Is that so? Then You can go to the inn now!” Gentaro responded with a smile. ”You damn old fart! Walk us there so we're even!” Mariko shouted at Gentaro while pointing her finger on him. ”Old? But i'm only-” ”No one cares!” Gentaro tried to answer back but Mariko cuts him off and stomped on the ground. Then Gentaro suddenly became serious. ”Fine, Fine. Sorry for bringing you all the way here, I really thought a new dress will make you more comfortable. Do you want a carriage on the way back? I'll call one” Gentaro looked around to look for a soldier. Mariko were surprised. ”H-Huh?! W..Wait..” She just watched him talk to a soldier. The soldier nods and went somewhere. ”Alright, A carriage should arrive here, Just tell them that you're with me so they wouldn't charge you some money. Then We shall get going” Gentaro waved at the three and walked away. Itsumi, Who's quiet the whole time, said her goodbyes and waved, Then jogs to catch up with Gentaro.

The three was left standing on that spot. Then They stepped aside. ”Great, You made a leader call horses for us to go to the inn, FOR FREE! Even!” Ayumi looked at Mariko. ”See? You just won't shut up! I said walk with us! not bring us a carriage!”. They started to argue. ”You didn't say it but you made him feel like you're asking for a ride!” Ayumi shouted. ”Hell it's just what you think! What if He really just feel sorry?! You always making me look bad!” Mariko shouted. ”Well i'm sorry but you already look bad, I'm just letting you know!” Ayumi shouted. ”Nah i bet you looked worse when you get stabbed!” Mariko shouted, Ayumi suddenly stopped as She remembers the scene. The two noticed her stop. ”I.. Look, I'm sorry.. Didn't mean it” Mariko calmed down and regrets saying it. ”You're finished?” Chiho spoke, Who are so done with the two shouting at each other. Chiho sigh. ”Look, Ayumi. I'm sure She didn't mean it” Chiho pats Ayumi's head. ”I know! I just... It's scary”. Ayumi stands closer to Chiho. ”I'm truly sorry, Ayumi” Mariko apologized again. She looked up to Mariko. ”No.. It's my fault for picking on you too much” Ayumi responded. ”Look, kid. You have to get that attitude off you. It's not right for a child like you to be that way” Mariko were truly irritated at how She behaves. ”But, In..” Ayumi started to tears. ”Ayumi-chan?” Chiho crouched and held her by her arms. ”Back from our village, The soldier said....” Ayumi recalls the scene at their village, Chiho became even more worried. Ayumi looked straight at Chiho. ”In this time of war? If you're not tough..” Chiho gasps and shook Ayumi. ”Ayumi!” Chiho shouted her name, Ayumi then cried loud. ”That's not something you need to understand! You're too young!” Chiho shouted, She's about to broke into tears, But She held it. ”But..! If i don't, I'll end up getting harmed again!” Ayumi spoke between her hiccups. ”That's why i'm here! I'll protect you no matter what!” Chiho hugged her and Ayumi keeps crying. ”Look, kid. You looked like an idiot brat more than a tough one. You shouldn't think about things like that for now and enjoy what you currently are right now”. Mariko crossed her arms and sadly looked at the walking people. Chiho looked up at her worryingly. ”Specially that a war is erupting. You have to cherish your childhood. When there's war, Even at Chiho-san's age are being recruited by the army to help defend their village. So enjoy your freedom right now before that happens” Mariko sadly looked at Chiho.

”Because once your country asked for your strength, There'll be no coming back. And once you vowed to protect your village, Death will always be your companion at war” Mariko proceeded. ”Mariko-san?” Chiho called her. ”Please, Enough” Chiho shook her head. ”I'm sorry... Just.. Don't let her change again” Mariko apologized. Ayumi stopped crying, let go of Chiho and wiped her tears. ”No... I think, I can already do it” Ayumi looked straight at Chiho. ”What do you mean?” Chiho asked. ”I know i'm too young to think these stuff.. But i already seen enough, I even saw you cut a man's head” Ayumi told Chiho. ”I'm.. Sorry you have to see that” Chiho apologized. ”But that doesn't mean-!” ”No!”. Chiho were interrupted by her. ”I.. I promise I'll be a good girl again, But i also wanted to be strong... No, To fight along side with you!” Ayumi spoke with determination, Chiho couldn't believe at her words. ”What a bad big sister you are, Chiho-san” Mariko spoked. They both looked at her. ”Ayumi saw you decapitate someone? Heck if i knew that already, I wouldn't be giving some shitty life advice or something” She smugged. ”And If She's that strong spirited and so serious about that, Then there's nothing you can do. You'll just hurt her even more if you try to force her to change back” Mariko told Chiho. Then Chiho turned to Ayumi. ”She's... Right, you know. You're like, forcing me against my will” Ayumi weakly smiled. ”Don't worry, I know what i'm doing. I told you i'm not a little kid anymore you know?” Ayumi remained her smile. ”Oh, Ayumi.. I don't know” Chiho hugged her tight. ”Just why is this happening, This is just so cruel! Everything was just fine! Yet, Why! I don't want this!” Chiho started to cry loudly.Ayumi couldn't hold back anymore and also broke into tears. It was the first time She heard Chiho cry that much. ”Onee-chan! I'm sorry! Please don't cry! I don't want you to be like this!” Ayumi hugged her tight. ”Tsk. Goddamn it, Those people” Mariko cursed their enemy as She walks near Chiho and pats her shoulder. This stopped her from crying further. ”Don't worry, Chiho-san. We'll beat their ass back to wherever they came from!” Mariko grips Chiho's shoulder and encouraged her. Once Chiho looked at her, Mariko gave a wide smile. Making Chiho giggle. ”Y-Yeah, I'll make sure they'll pay for what they have done.. You damn Prohorovkans” Chiho suddenly remembered the name and burns it into her mind.

”There we go!” Mariko punched Chiho's shoulder, Surprising both of them. ”Nothing will happen if you cry, Best save those tears when you hear the people calling out your name as you beat every single of the enemy!” Mariko smiled widely again. The two looked at her and turned back to each other and laughs. Then They stood up. ”W-Whoa! Since when?!” They saw people looking at them. Mariko noticed that the crowd were smiling at them before they started to walk again. Then She heard an old man. ”Chiho-chan really have good friends on her side isn't she? As expected of the Daughter of Commander Yagano”. Mariko were surprised at the old man's words. Then She heard a younger man. ”And that friend of hers looks beautiful too, aside from her clothings” Mariko crossed her arms. ”Just what's wrong with how i dress? At least, I'm not like those idiots with full black dress and those large red stars on them” Mariko compared herself to the Prohorovkans, Or rather, Only to Takumi.

Then the Three heard a stumbling noise coming near. It was the carriage that they're supposed to ride on. It stopped in front of them. ”Apologies! I am late!” The soldier apologized. ”Eh, Took you long enough! The inn is closed!” Mariko shouted at him. ”Don't expect a pay!” She continued. ”Of course not. We ran out of available coachmen so i was hurriedly assigned to be your ride” The soldier explained. ”Hah, No wonder you're lightly armored. I can't believed you stopped in front of us and said you were late. I thought you're going to fight outside” Mariko said her final sentence before riding the carriage. The two followed quietly. ”So, I'll take you to the inn?” The soldier asked. ”No, Take us back to Tsuchiya you dumb fuck. Didn't you hear what they said to you? I thought you were assigned? The leader himself even told you to give us a ride back to the Inn!” Mariko took down the soldier. ”Alright, Alright. I understand” The soldier scratched his head and made the horses move.

On the way there, Mariko sigh and spoke. ”Can't believe i was the one who cheered you up, Chiho-san. I should be the one who's supposed to be treated that way, You being the daughter of a brave knight and all” Mariko puts both of her hand behind her head and let her head rest on her palm.”Sorry, I lost my cool at that moment, I couldn't process things anymore and broke” Chiho shyly smiled at Mariko. ”Yeah, That's pretty natural i guess.. In war, Many people tends to lose their minds” Mariko looked up. ”Hey, Chiho-san?” Mariko called Chiho. ”Yes?” Chiho responded. ”Do you think, Those guys will eventually come this village too?” Mariko asked. ”That's... I'm not sure, But that's definitely possible.. They might have visited here with friendly faces, But i think they will know about the Tsukosa eventually and come after every village here at Ekigatamura.. I wish that doesn't happen” Chiho predicted the escalation of the invading enemies, while looking both sad and nervous. ”Specially if that girl we met before turn against us” Ayumi mentioned Takumi. ”Yeah. That idiot.. If She doesn't show up tomorrow, I'll find her and give her some beating” Mariko dropped her arms on her side. Thinking of something, She remembered about the Takumi's promise, She got excited on the inside just thinking about being able to fly and see the world from the skies. She tried her best to hide her giggles, But the two noticed her anyway.