《The Dragon and the Wolf》


 Chapter 1

    --Xai Mountains, 6;00 AM--


    It was a quiet morning at the Hattori compound. The chirps and howls of the jungle wildlife began to rise with the sun, signifying the beginning of a new day. The compound staff began to wake to attend to their tasks. The groundskeepers were tending to the gardens and the surrounding greenery of the main house, and the maids were busy cleaning and tidying the interior. The cooks had begun the preparations for breakfast as Akane Hattori Von Ignis tried to finish her morning routine. She usually woke well before dawn for her daily morning exercises which included a short ten-kilometer sprint through the jungle, practicing her weapon katas in the training facility, and then cooling down with a tai¡¯xuan session. Usually, but this morning was¡­.different.


    Her sleep had been plagued by nightmares, having vivid recollections of when Ella had taken her innocence. Only to be awakened from that with what can only be described as¡­ a ''heat¡¯. A burning, creeping impulse for desire that began to manifest a few years ago. Ever since it has popped up at random times to torment her and gnaw at her psyche. The sensation usually started near her chest and slowly made its way down to persist between her legs, evolving into a persistent throbbing. Each pulse stronger than the next, demanding her to address the area somehow. She gracefully performed the slow flowing motions of the martial art at her favorite location: a perilous outcropping atop the great waterfall next to which the main house was built. She had hoped the cool mist swirling around her in combination with the exercises would quell the burning, but nothing was working.


    As the thin tendrils of daybreak began to shine through the morning condensation, Akane ceased her movements in frustration, the throbbing was just too much. She took a seat near the ledge as she prepared to give in to the compulsion. Unable to bear the heat any longer she began to move her hands over her abdomen caressing her stomach. Then she slowly snaked her hands lower down her waist, until they found themselves just outside of her damp underwear.¡­


    ¡°At it again I see,¡± A voice said from behind her. Akane jumped and removed her hand as Hanabi approached her ledge. Akane¡¯s deep red blush was hidden by the daylight rays beginning to envelop the valley.


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t surprise me that you¡¯re an early bird as well. Just like your mother.¡± She said, taking a seat next to the girl. ¡°I love watching the sunrise from this spot sometimes. Just takes your breath away doesn¡¯t it?¡± Akane nodded hastily, unable to speak as her earlier actions had merely made the urges stronger, more ravenous, grinding at her mental fortitude and beginning to drive her mad. She bit the inside of her lip drawing a bit of blood, but the pain was enough for her to hamper her rampant desires. She sighed in relief as the pulsating assault finally relented, her mind returning to its usual calm. She quietly sat with her aunt for a bit longer and steadied her heartbeat, silently watching the rays brighten into bright sunshine. After a while, Hanabi broke the silence. ¡°How about we head back inside? It¡¯s almost time for breakfast, I¡¯m sure you worked up an appetite as well,¡± The woman said. She stood from her seat on the ledge, patting on her behind to dust off her garments.


    ¡°Yes, very much so,¡± The girl responded, following her aunt back inside. It seemed that a very, very cold shower was in order.


    Back inside the mansion, Akane hastily retreated to the solace of her room, looking forward to the solitude to prepare for breakfast. Her room was simple, as she wasn¡¯t allowed many luxuries due to her mother deeming them ¡®distractions.¡¯ Her room was situated on the west wing of the mansion, which gave her a view of the valley below. Her space was tidy and simple. No television, no radio, she wasn¡¯t even allowed to keep many books. The only personal possessions she had was an alarm clock, a box where she kept a shattered amulet, and a picture of her when she was a toddler, her father, and mother smiling happily as they played with her outside the manor. Those times were long gone. When she stepped through the threshold to her chambers, she found a young, female housekeeper finishing up her morning cleaning.


    ¡°Oh, good morning Mistress Akane. I expected you to be out a bit longer,¡± she said. The girl was pretty. Her striking red hair stood out against the pure white uniforms that the housekeeping staff was required to wear. She had hazel eyes that looked bright and cheery, and freckles that dotted her pale cheeks as the girl smiled. Akane¡¯s heart skipped a beat.


    ¡°I am nearly done here, I will be out of your hair soon,¡± the young woman began to say, not noticing that Akane was paying no mind to her words. The Heat had returned in full force as she ran her eyes over the girl''s body. She could see the definition in her fit body through the uniform, her tight hips, and butt, her well-proportioned chest. Akane took a few steps toward the girl as she went about her duties. She was too busy chattering away to notice the slowly approaching assassin who was now fully entranced with the sight before her. The pulsing had begun between Akane¡¯s legs and began to burn like a newly lit fire. She was losing control of herself and she knew it, but there was nothing to be done about it. Whatever invisible force was manipulating her, was just too strong. The housekeeper turned around to notice that Akane had closed the distance between them.


    ¡°Is..is there a problem, miss?¡± She stammered, clearly uncomfortable with the girl invading her personal space. The green-eyed assassin stared at the girl''s lips as she spoke. They were inviting, delicious. Her heart rate sped up, and her eyes clouded over with lust. All she wanted was a taste. Quick as a flash, Akane had grabbed the girl and thrown her on the bed, straddling her and pinning her wrists behind her head in an inescapable grip.


    ¡°What are you doing?!-MMMF!¡± The housekeeper''s protests were silenced as Akane roughly pressed her lips against hers. The young maid struggled in vain to free herself, as the teenage killer pushed her knee up between her legs. Her screams muffled by the tongue of her mistress invading her mouth. However just as quickly as the sudden assault had begun it was over. She looked up to see Akane had darted to the other end of the room, her eyes filled with horror and her hands shaking uncontrollably. ¡°What...what have I done?¡± the girl said weakly.


    She looked up to see the terrified housekeeper who had begun to cry from the traumatic experience. ¡°I¡¯m...I¡¯m sorry. I didn¡¯t mean...I,¡± Akane struggled to find the words to say, as her own emotions and hormones were still running rampant inside of her.


    The housekeeper put a hand over her mouth to suppress her crying as she ran out of the room. Akane slumped against the wall burying her face in her hands, as she felt her own tears begin to form in her eyes. What was wrong with her? After what happened to her when she was twelve, the last thing she wanted was for someone to go through what she did. Was she really no better? She had lost complete control over herself, to the point where it felt as if she had taken a back seat to her own insatiable desire. But why had the housekeeper set her off? She was female, that¡¯s not how things were supposed to be. She knew that but seeing that girl just now had awakened feelings inside of her that no male had ever been able to do. This must be it. This must be what everyone in the compound whispers about when they think she cannot hear. The reason that they avoid her. Akane Hattori must be cursed. She sat in the corner of her room hugging her knees to her chests as she silently sobbed. For the first time in her life, she was scared.


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    Breakfast in the Hattori household usually was a tame affair. Hisayo and Satoru were already present with their attendants Zed and Shelty, helping themselves to the impressive spread of food upon the table.


    ¡°Good morning mistress Hanabi...Lady Akane,¡± Maya greeted the two entering women with a polite bow.


    ¡°Good morning to you as well,¡± Hanabi said cheerfully as she sat down opposite her sister at a table end. Akane nodded to the woman as she took her seat next to Zed, who had already offered her a plate of food he had prepared for her in advance.


    ¡°Did you complete your morning workout?¡± Hisayo asked her daughter, not bothering to glance up from the cup of tea she was drinking.


    ¡°Yes, Mother,¡± Akane responded


    ¡°I don¡¯t know how you do it, cousin,¡± Satoru interjected from across the table. ¡°Waking up every day at the crack of dawn just sounds like a huge pain, don¡¯t you want to sleep in for once?¡± The boy said as he poked his fork into a pile of sausage and took a bite.


    ¡°Your cousin¡¯s morning regiment is a testament to her discipline, a trait that is imperative in our line of work....a trait that you could use a bit more of,¡± Hisayo remarked.


    ¡°Oh sis, you¡¯re absolutely right! Akane you don¡¯t mind having Satoru keep you company, do you?¡± Hanabi said her smiling sweetly as she directed her question towards the girl, who was busy finishing her third portion of crepes.


    ¡°It would...be nice to have a companion with me at times,¡± Akane answered swallowing the thin pancakes and immediately digging into another. Hisayo rose her brow at the answer but said nothing else.


    ¡°See? The lady has spoken. Shelty would you mind dragging my lazy son off of his ass every morning to join Akane? It doesn''t matter how rough you need to get, and I don¡¯t care if he''s kicking or screaming.¡± She said to the blonde girl at her son¡¯s side, a sweet smile plastered on her face.


    ¡°I thought you¡¯d never ask, madam,¡± She said, blue eyes dancing with excitement as she flashed a sinister grin towards Satoru. He grumbled as he continued eating his breakfast. The rest of the meal continued in silence until a message alert appeared on Maya¡¯s tablet.


    ¡°Sorry to interrupt, Mistress, but it seems you have a request,¡± She said as she opened the message and began to view the contents.


    ¡°Me, specifically? I¡¯m flattered. What''s the job?¡± Hanabi asked.


    ¡°It is from the ruling regime in the Al Marib area. The civil unrest there has reached a fever pitch and they fear an uprising may soon take place. They are also hosting their annual martial arts tournament there and would like you to deter or quell any civil uprising that may take place. They are offering 250 million, up front of course, per your requirements,¡± Maya reported. Zed chuckled upon hearing Hanabi¡¯s offer.


    ¡°The arrogance of those people. The unrest is due to events like this, draining their own resources from their citizens just to make a quick foreign profit. These... trash will never learn.¡± The man finished gruffly.


    ¡°Now, now, Zed the politics of the common people are not our concern,¡± Hisayo reminded.


    ¡°Still they are offering a decent sum of money for a simple effort, not surprising as the event will most certainly be too prime a target for the dissidents to pass up.¡± She leaned back in her chair resting her chin in her hand.


    ¡°Will you take the job?¡± she asked.


    ¡°Well of course, what kind of woman would I be if I rejected such an impressive proposal. Maya,tell them their contract is accepted and I will depart tonight.¡± With that Hanabi took the last sip of her coffee and left the dining room to pack.


    --Later--


    Akane had finished her breakfast and had made her way to Hanabi¡¯s room. The tournament had been on her mind since it was mentioned in the contract briefing. The thought of prizes intrigues her since she had seen her sister¡¯s large collection of trophies she had won from similar events and now she was interested in trying to win one of her own. After, mulling it over in her head she had decided to ask her aunt to take her on the mission. She lightly knocked on the door to Hanabi¡¯s room.


    ¡°Aunt Hanabi, may I come in? There is something I would like to ask you,¡± she said. The door slid open and the girl entered the chambers. Her eyes quickly adjusted to the sensual dim lighting, various candles and incense burned to release calming aromas into the air. She found the woman in her closet selecting various outfits to put into her bag. Her trademark pair of Kukri blades hung loosely on their sheaths on her waist.


    ¡°What can I do for you, Akane?¡± She asked, tossing a pair of boots into her travel bag.


    ¡°I came to ask if¡­.i could accompany you on the mission,¡± Akane asked


    ¡°How come? The job is simple enough. I can easily handle it myself,¡± Hanabi stated, curious to the girl''s intentions.


    ¡°Well, I...I am interested in competing in the tournament, they say the prize is quite...spectacular,¡± Akane said a slight gleam in her eyes.


    ¡°So¡­you want to fight in the tournament to¡­win a prize?¡±


    Akane nodded in response.


    Hanabi glanced at her in slight disbelief for a moment. Then, she sighed.


    ¡°Fine, sure, get packed,¡± she relented.


    Akane had already disappeared from the room to get ready.


    ¡°Oh, and your mother wants to see you by the way!¡± She called back.


    Akane¡¯s shoulders sunk, as made her way to the elevator leading down to the depths of the compound where her mother''s chambers were located. The door slid open upon her approach and she found her mother, Hisayo, lounging in the darkened room. Her enormous pet tiger, Bento, stood by her side eyes fixated on another guest. Akane was shocked to see it was the young maid from earlier, her eyes darted to Akane nervously as she approached.


    ¡°So I hear you¡¯re tagging along with Hanabi,¡± Hisayo said. She wore her usual black tunic and pants yet instead of her animal-skin shawl, she had a crimson cape draped around her shoulders.


    ¡°Mother...¡± Akane said trepidatiously, averting her eyes from the matriarch. Hisayo rested her chin in her palm as she leaned back more in her seat. ¡°This maid does a good job,¡± She said, gesturing her head towards the red-head. ¡° She does her work diligently, is always on time to her posts, and the quality of her work is second to none. She even rather enjoyed attending to you.¡± Hisayo fixated her eyes on her daughter, the gold orbs glowing in the darkened room. ¡°Which begs the question, why did she leave your room in such a fit this morning?¡±


    A cold sweat formed on the girl''s brow, it took all of her willpower to control her heart rate and breathing as her mother continued to speak.


    ¡°Then I hear it was because she says you tried to...force yourself on her. How ridiculous! The girl was obviously trying to play for attention. Trying to squeeze more money out of us while she can. No daughter of mine would ever do such a thing.¡± The redheaded maid was trembling with fear, Akane could all but hear her heart about to beat out of her chest.


    ¡°You have no need to worry though,¡± she continued. ¡°I will make arrangements for a new housekeeper.¡± At this, the maid seemed to relax a little. ¡°My lady, I meant no disrespect. I was told to let someone know if I had concerns and I-¡± Akane was always stunned by her mother''s speed. The woman had trained her for her entire life, and she still was barely able to follow her movements. The poor maid, however, never even had a chance to react. By the time she had uttered the last word of her sentence, Hisayo had dashed across the room and ripped the young girl''s heart from her chest. She held the still-beating organ in her hand, as the maid''s brain was just processing what had happened. She stared at her vital organ in the woman''s hands and tried to take a few steps toward it in vain, hoping the woman would return what she had lost. After a few steps, she fell over, dead. Hisayo stood in front of Akane and placed her blood-soaked hand under the girl''s chin, raising it up to force the Akane to look her in the eye.


    ¡°Had I let her walk away, she would have told everyone that ¡®Lady Hisayo¡¯s daughter and heir to the Hattori family is a freak.¡¯ A lowly maid would have accused my daughter of being a lesbianand a sexual deviant. I couldn¡¯t very well let such accusations go unpunished.¡±


    She released her grip on her daughter''s chin and gave a sharp whistle. Bento quickly bounded over to the maid''s corpse and began to devour it ravenously. Hisayo squeezed the heart, crushing it like a ripe fruit in her hands. ¡°You will thank her. SHE paid for your sins. SHE is your scapegoat. You will accompany my sister to Al Mahrib, you will compete in this tournament and you will win. When you return, every trace of those...disgusting feelings of yours WILL be gone. Do you understand?¡± Hisayo looked her daughter in the eye, her golden eyes burning into her daughter''s wavering heart.


    ¡°Yes...Mother,¡± Akane said weakly. Bento roared as he finished his meal, his enormous fangs stained with fresh blood, the smell of the kill fresh on his breath. Akane hurried out of her mother''s chambers trying not to hyperventilate. The overwhelming fear she had held at bay burst out in harsh labored breaths. She went to pack with a renewed haste. She couldn¡¯t wait to leave the compound.

 The White Witch

    --AL Mahrib slums, 12:00 AM--


    Jan Jalara walked through the back alleys of the city. The cool desert air blew against his face as he navigated the twists and turns of the streets. The large neon signs advertising the tournament lit up the neighborhood casting an ethereal glow on the dingey tent-communities of the residents. Most people would avoid such a place, but Jalara felt at ease. This was home. He grew up in the slums and knew every corner of the area. These were his people, and it hurt him to see how people could be reduced to living like animals.


    Sure, the tournament was good. It brought a lot of tourists who in turn brought a lot of money, but instead of the massive revenue being distributed to improve infrastructure, or create more jobs, it was hoarded by the greedy leaders of the city. The council of Sheiks. The corruption had to be stopped and that is why he started the revolution, and why he was back in the slums now. His journey brought him to a door guarded by a large, mean looking bouncer. The bouncer nodded to him as he approached and opened the door to a smoky seedy looking bar. He entered the tavern which was relatively empty save for the odd patron and made his way to the bar.


    ¡°You missed happy hour Jan,¡± the bartender said as he set down a glass and filled it with a brown liquid. Jan took a swig of the glass, relishing the burn in his chest.


    ¡°I¡¯ll try to take the bus next time. Why¡¯d you call me, Les? You know it''s dangerous for me to be around here,¡± Jan replied.


    ¡°Oh relax,¡± the bartender Les, said dismissively. ¡°The troops don''t patrol way out here, and besides I think I¡¯ve got the answer to your little...firepower problem.¡±


    Jan sat up a bit on the barstool. He regretted that the revolution had taken a violent turn. He would have preferred diplomatic solutions, but the Sheiks excessive and violent retorts to their peaceful attempts had forced his hand. He was strong enough on his own, but he indeed needed another ringer to truly stand a chance.


    ¡°Rumor has it some foreign kid¡¯s been tearing through the fight clubs all over the region, and I mean they are straight up dominating. The contenders left in their wake usually have broken bones or are frozen solid. People have been dubbing them the ¡°White Witch¡±, and their path has brought them here for the tournament. Might be worthwhile seeking them out.¡±


    Jan took another sip of his drink mulling the information over. This ¡®White Witch¡¯ seemed to be a capable fighter, and a powerful ice elemental. Getting that kind of firepower to join the ranks would definitely tilt the odds in their favor.


    ¡°Sounds promising enough,¡± Jan said. ¡°How do I find this mysterious stranger then?¡±


    Les slid over a picture. In it depicted a teenage girl with snow white hair and grey eyes.


    ¡°Jeez Les you weren¡¯t kidding, she¡¯s just a kid. I can¡¯t ask a foreign kid to risk her life for our cause.¡± Jan slid the picture back over.


    ¡°These are desperate times Jan. The Sheiks have no problem using underhanded methods to try to get to you. We all know what happened to Aloy and his crew. We are all deep in this now, all of us are fighting to make a change. At least find her and see what she says. Can¡¯t hurt to ask can it?¡± Les took Jan¡¯s glass and refilled it. Jan sighed and quickly downed the burning liquid.


    ¡°I¡¯ll check it out. But if she kills me, it''s on you.¡± Jan said jokingly as he slid a few bills on the counter before sweeping out of the room.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure you can make the ice witch come around,¡± Les said, he washed Jan¡¯s glass and began to shoo away the few patrons so he could close for the night.


    --12:00 AM, Airspace over Xai mountains--


    Hanabi swirled the wine in her glass languidly before taking a sip. She looked across her seat at Akane as she quietly drank from her cup, staring out the window as the aircraft soared through the evening sky. It would be several hours until they reached their destination, but so far the trip was spent in awkward silence. She looked around the cabin catching glimpses of her other traveling companions. Maya was sitting opposite her and was deeply interested in her new book, while Akane silently stared out the window her hoodie pulled over her head and her hand resting beneath her chin. Well, she hasn¡¯t really spoken to her Akane much. Her niece was still a relative mystery to her, and what better use of time than getting to know her a bit, She cleared her throat.


    ¡°So Akane¡­.how are you? What¡¯s been going on?¡± She asked trying to kindle the fires of a conversation. Akane looked at her a bit confused.


    ¡°Nothing. You have been with me in the compound Aunt Hanabi, you should know this.¡± the girl responded. The fires died out. Maya let out a light chuckle at Hanabi''s flustered face from Akane¡¯s straightforward answer. The woman composed herself, finishing her wine before attempting to try again.


    ¡°O-of course. Just wondering if there''s anything I missed. So um...how old are you now anyway?¡±


    ¡°I am seventeen,¡± Akane once again answered, seemingly unfazed that her own aunt had failed to remember her age.


    ¡°That''s right! Of course, of course, you¡¯re at the cusp of womanhood you know. Oh! Tell me is there anyone you like? Well?¡± The woman had grown excited at the new line of questioning, much to Akane¡¯s dismay.


    ¡°Aunt Hanabi I¡¯m only around relatives, and I do not go on pleasure outings. There is no way I would have time...to meet someone,¡± She answered.


    ¡°That¡¯s right...but you¡¯ve at least had to have...feelings right¡­.aren¡¯t you curious about love or anything like that?¡± The woman pressed. Akane began to fidget a bit in her seat as she pondered the questions remembering her ordeal earlier. The fiery red hair, her beautiful hazel eyes, those full and inviting lips...


    ¡°NO!¡± The girl suddenly yelled, startling Maya out of her reading, and bringing a surprised expression to Hanabi¡¯s face. ¡°I mean...no..I..haven¡¯t¡± she finished quietly.


    ¡°Alright, alright no need to get touchy,¡± Hanabi grumbled. ¡°Was just trying to make conversation..¡±. Akane gulped down her water hastily and tightly crossed her legs, pulling up her hood to ride out the rest of the flight in silence, gritting her teeth as ¡®the heat¡¯ revisited her again.This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.


    --Al Mahrib outskirts red-light district 2:00 AM--


    Working off anonymous tips and various sighting, Jan Jalara arrived in the area of town known simply as Pleasure Alley. ¡®Why did it have to be here¡¯ he groaned to himself. Simply breathing the air in Pleasure Alley made Jan feel unclean. It was situated the perfect distance away from the main business districts to give citizens willing to have some adult entertainment; a discreet yet accessible location to indulge themselves. Since it was tournament season, the Alley was more alive than usual with foreigners and locals alike, looking to wet their whistles, in a different fashion.


    ¡°What I really want to know is why a teenage girl would be in a place like this,¡± he said to himself. He checked the photo he had been given and kept his eye out for anyone to that might match it. It didn¡¯t take too long, as he saw his quarry arguing with a bouncer outside of a strip club. Her snow white hair getting a pink tint under the red neon lights that illuminated the area.


    ¡°Like I said, kid. You¡¯re too young to get in. This place is for patrons twenty-one and older,¡± The bouncer said.


    ¡°Look, pal, I¡¯ve traveled a long way to get here. I have good money and I just want to relax, maybe look at a pair of boobs and get a lap dance ok? I won¡¯t even touch the alcohol so just let me in!¡± The girl said, making a move to shove past the bouncer. The man stopped her and gently shoved her back.


    ¡°Rules are rules. I can argue with you all day, but the fact of the matter is unless you''re going to age four years instantly you ain¡¯t getting in here. Now beat it! You¡¯re holding up the line.¡± The doorman shooed her away and began to et the other patrons inside, ignoring the further protests of the White Witch.


    ¡°Jackass,¡± she uttered before stomping off down the street. Amused by the spectacle, Jan gathered himself to follow the girl. He wasn¡¯t trying to be particularly stealthy, but if he was recruiting someone to fight in a revolution, he didn¡¯t necessarily want to do it in the open. He began to pick up his pace a bit when she suddenly rounded a corner into a dark alley. Strange, but it would make his conversation a little easier. He followed her into the alley, only to find it empty. His adrenaline kicked in as he grew alert. He couldn¡¯t see her, but still sensed her presence I the area. The alleyway suddenly grew cold and a mist began to form on the ground.  She was definitely here. ¡°I know you¡¯re here!¡± he called out. ¡°I¡¯m not here to fight, I just want to talk!¡± He thought his response fell upon deaf ears until a column of ice suddenly jutted out of the ground to knock him back into the wall. He then found himself surrounded by dozens of needle-sharp ice-spikes hovering inches for his face.


    ¡°Says the stalker chasing around a girl in the red-light district.¡± Her voice came from above, as she sat on a floating chunk of ice, casually checking her fingernails. ¡°So I¡¯m going to give you a few seconds before I skewer you. You should find some time in that window to tell me who you are and why you have been searching for me.¡± The ice spikes began to spin and slowly approach Jan, emphasizing her intentions.


    ¡°As I said, I only came to talk. Can you...put the spikes down please?¡±


    The girl said nothing as she hopped off the ice chunk. She walked up to Jan, eyeing him suspiciously. He took a moment to look at her. Her eyes were grey, and her eyebrows matched the color of her snow-white hair. A bone-tooth necklace hung around her neck, and her clothing was expertly woven from the hides of various animals. Jan surmised that she must have been a hunter where she came from.


    ¡°Start talking, or else..¡± Her palm began to emit an icy frost from it as she got closer.


    Jan sighed, he reached out his had and the girl was instantly swallowed up in a cocoon of sand.


    ¡°As I said... I Just want to talk.¡± Jan¡¯s statement was interrupted as he quickly summoned a wall of sand to shield him. The cocoon that held the girl suddenly exploded and a burst of deathly-cold air spewed out freezing the alleyway solid in seconds.


    ¡°So you¡¯re an elemental as well. Figured it¡¯d be something like sand being from around here.¡± She brushed the frozen sand off of her shoulders as the remains of the cocoon shattered. Jan stepped from behind his now-frozen sand wall.


    ¡°I guess that¡¯s why they call you the white witch,¡± he said. A frown appeared on the girls face.


    ¡°Is that what people have been calling me? It makes me sound like some fairy tale villain.¡± She gave Jan a once over before relaxing her guard. ¡°Despite those powers of yours you don¡¯t seem like a bad guy, so I guess I can tell you my name.¡± The girl reluctantly extended her hand to him. ¡°Its...Eira.¡±


    Jan took the girls hand, it was soft yet had a refreshing coolness to it.


    ¡°Jan Jalara, revolutionary and the most wanted man in Al Mahrib,¡±


    ¡°I could have figured that from the wanted posters, but you don¡¯t strike me as some ordinary criminal. No one around seemed eager to identify you or turn you in,¡± observed Eira.


    ¡°That''s because I have the honor of being the personal enemy of the Sheiks, the governing body who run the city and also the parasites who are bleeding it dry. I¡¯m trying to fight this corruption and help create a prosperous future for everyone.¡±Jan proclaimed. Eira nodded thoughtfully before patting him on the shoulder.


    ¡°Noble cause there, good luck with that Jan,¡± she said as she spun on her heel to walk away. Jan couldn¡¯t let her walk away. With her strength, she would be an invaluable asset to the resistance if he could win her over, but all of that would be useless if he could not do that. He had to hit her close to home.


    ¡°You¡¯re from the Ainu tribe aren¡¯t you? This city is a long way from the tundra¡¯s of the north isn¡¯t it?¡± She stopped and gazed at Jan over her shoulder as he called after.


    ¡°What of it?¡± she said. He could feel her begin to get on edge as the air began to grow frigid once again.


    ¡°You are hunters. You value strength over everything and have the resilience to survive in the harsh elements of the north. You need money. Your people are suffering due to the changes in the world. That¡¯s why you¡¯re here. You want to fight in this tournament to win the prize money and make a better life for your people. You and I are quite alike in that matter.¡± He slowly walked over to the girl who had still not turned to face him. Her head was and her hands were balled into fists.


    ¡°My clan is..starving. Developers are moving into our territory, forcing out our game and threatening our way of life. I am to be the nest chief, therefore it is I who must save them. I..cannot afford to come up empty here.¡± Eira¡¯s words may have been shaky, but Jan could still feel the conviction that they held. He walked around her and knelt so that he could meet her eyes which were clouded in thought.


    ¡°Work with me. I really believe that we can do some good together. Lend me your strength and help me make a better life for the people here, and I promise you that I will do all that I can to make sure the same is done for yours. You have my word.¡± Jan held her hand out to her in a gesture of friendship. Eira stared at it for a few moments, before taking it and giving it an accepting squeeze. She spotted something over his shoulder and a wolfish grin appeared on her face.


    ¡°Sure, but only if you get me into that tiddy bar.¡± He turned around to follow the direction she was looking to see a large neon sign of a nude woman standing next to the words ¡°Scandalust¡±


    ¡°If this is the way I get arrested, I swear...¡±


    -- Al Mahrib, Consulate Palace--


    Sheik Amon sat in the lounge, the expensive silks that made up the couch gave his old bones mech needed comfort. He watched a news report profiling some of the more popular contestants at the tournament on the television screen. The tourists'' excitement was electric as the large coliseum district was packed with guests and vendors. Good. He and the others would be poised to make another killing this year. There was a small knock on the door before one of his attendants came in.


    ¡°Report,¡± Amon said


    ¡°Good news your eminence, It seems your request had been accepted by the Hattori¡¯s¡± the attendant reported


    ¡°That is excellent. With them, on our side, the safety of the tournament is assured. However, that still leaves the problem of Jan Jalara. The revolutionists have started launching attacks on our armories and stealing from our banks, their forces and support grow by the day. If he isn¡¯t stopped we will have a full-blown civil war soon.¡± Amon put his hand in his head in frustration


    The attendant cleared his throat.


    ¡°Well sir, we could use the Hattori to take care of him couldn¡¯t we? It would be an extra cost, but I am sure they would be more than capable.¡±


    Amon¡¯s eyes brightened at the idea. ¡°That''s brilliant!¡± he exclaimed. ¡°Go, take the next day off. Enjoy the festivities of our tournament, I have provided you with an adequate bonus.¡±


    ¡°T-thank you sir!¡± with a bow the attendant hurried out of the room.


    Amon reclined on the couch letting the cushions envelop him. Soon, his problems would be dealt with and then the council¡¯s reign would be solidified. It was only a matter of time...