11 Friendship is as Hard as a Shell!

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.

After the silence since their conversation died. Their carriage stopped and the soldier spoke. "We're here at the Inn. Also, Gentaro-sama said that you should also tell the innkeeper that He asked for them to let you stay for free. Don't forget about that if you don't want to pay" The soldier reminded. "Yeah, Thanks for that, old man" Mariko answered as She left the carriage. "H-Huh..." The soldier worryingly looked behind him. Chiho noticed him and She lightly bowed. "T-Thanks for the ride" Chiho thanked the soldier. He forced a smile. "Y-Yeah, Don't mention it. You girls have a nice rest" The soldier waved while the two left the carriage, Then went away.

"Alright, Time to rest!" Mariko stretched her arms up. Then She saw a name above the door. "Hirashiko? The hell's with that name?" She complained. "We should have walked here, That ride made me sleepy, Let's just get in" Ayumi told them to get in while looking at the bright window. "Alright then" Mariko reached for the door and opened it. The chatter of people and bright lights greets them. "Wow, It sounded so quiet from the outside, What the hell" Mariko looked around. The place is fairly big enough, The place was designed with white walls with elegant flower patterns with them. The lightnings are bright white, hanging in both the ceiling and the walls. The one in the walls are small, But it has design. The big ones are on the ceiling with much bigger design. The floor was just default brown but with patterns, Which somehow made Mariko disappointed. The bar was on the right side accompanied by tall seats, It was also occupied by people. To left side, There are tables along with barrel seats with them, They are also full. And surprisingly, In the end of the room lies the 'Reception' area, There's literally a name on the wall above it. It has table surrounding a small spot. "Wow, This is so far different from what we have from Jima" Mariko observed the people and looked at Chiho. "Astonished?" She saw the two looking around, choosing something to land their eyes on. "Heh, I'm just as surprised as you are" Mariko smirked. Then She saw the woman, Most likely the bartender, looking at them. The girl has shoulder-length blond hair and her blue eyes caught Mariko, She looked a little bit older than the three. The Woman then looked at the 'Reception' area and shouted. "Hey, Suzuka! We have three girls here!". The two also heard the shout and made them look at the bar. Then suddenly, They saw a girlwith green hair popped out in the reception with a loud bump.

"M-My! Welcome to Hirashiko!" The girl, Who had the name of Suzuka, hurriedly pulled up the wooden door and moved out, She closed it back down and She jogs to the girls and bowed. "W-Welcome to Hirashiko, My name is Suzuka Hirashiko and i'm currently running the Inn". She greeted them again. Mariko observed her. Her light green hair is actually long and braided, and is hanging in front of her right shoulder. Though She looked older than them, She still looked shy and clumsy for Mariko. Once Suzuka pulled her heads up, She immediately saw Chiho. "My! Chiho-san! Gentaro-sama told us you're staying here from now on! Please! Come!" Suzuka invited them to come near the 'Reception' area. "Yeah, I guess We'll stay here for now" Chiho responded. Suzuka happily jogged to her area. "That lady looked so happy" Mariko whispered to Chiho. "I know right.. Maybe because of me?" Chiho shyly whispered back. Mariko chuckled. "Heh, Yeah". They went in front of the desk and waited for Suzuka, She was looking for something underneath the desk. "There you are!" Suzuka found it and laid to the desk, It was a book. She opened it and looked for a page that's a little bit empty, Then She rotated it for the three to see, Then She brought out a quill. "Write your name here please!" Suzuka happily told them. Mariko and Ayumi let Chiho to do it. Then Mariko looked at Suzuka. "No pay, Right?" She asked. "Yes! Even if Gentaro-sama didn't told us about it, I wouldn't even charge Chiho-san for it! I would let her stay for free!" Suzuka responded. Then She noticed how Mariko was dressed and looked at her, worried. "Um, Miss? Why are you on your underwear tonight?" She kindly asked. "Huh?!" Mariko shouted. surprising everyone near her. "What do you mean, Underwear?!" She asked loudly. "U-Um.. I mean.. Why are you not wearing any dress? The men are lo..looking at you" Suzuka lowered her head while closing her eyes.

Mariko quickly turned around, She saw in slight second that some of the men are gazing behind her, They averted their eyes without even moving their head. She blatantly threatened them. "Listen here!" Mariko took her axe and pointed at them. "M-Mariko-san!" Chiho were surprised, along with Suzuka and Ayumi. "You're lusting into a wrong woman here! I am a Northern person and I LUST! For Blood!" She shouted, Making a silence on the room. The other men, most likely younger ones and some girls, including the bartender, looked at her while the ones who were guilty didn't. She moved the axe across the room. "If i saw any more of you fucks staring at me another time, It'll be your last moment!" She shouted further. Then She sighed and puts her axe back. Then She slowly turned back to Suzuka, Who was completely shocked. She immediately bowed, Her head even hits the desk with a loud thud. "I..I'm sorry for asking!" She apologized. Mariko gasps as She quickly realized She just sets herself loose. She turned to Chiho, Who were scared, shakingly holding the quill and Ayumi peeking behind her. She had nothing to do but apologize. "N-No, It's not your fault.. I-I'm sorry..." Mariko scratched and lowered her head. Suzuka pulled up her head on her apologies. Her forehead had a red spot, from hitting the desk. "L-Look, you even hurt yourself" Mariko softly spoke. "O-Oh, Please don't worry about it!" Suzuka touched her forehead.

Mariko looked over Chiho, Who were still looking at her. Then Her eyes landed on the book. She already wrote their names, But on the lastest, It only has Mariko. "M..My last name is Sakitama" Mariko told Chiho. "A-Ah, Yeah..!" Chiho quickly snapped back and wrote her last name. Chiho finished writing their names and handed the quill to Suzuka. They talked about the rooms, while Mariko dived down to deep thoughts. She brought out attention and even threatened the people, She felt awful afterwards, But the thought of She was being stared at left her angry and couldn't hold herself. She didn't mean to burst out like that, It was those men's fault. Mariko quietly looked down as Suzuka and Chiho talks. Ayumi peeked at Mariko one more time to see her looks sad. Ayumi thought of something. "Your room is just upstairs, It's the fourth room. You can go there now" Suzuka laid a key on the desk, Chiho picked it up. "Later, I'll come up there to put your name beside your door" Suzuka told her. "Alright, Thank you" Chiho bowed and called for the two to come with her upstairs. Facing the reception, There's a hall in their right, Two doors facing each other before the stairs on the left on the end of the hall. Mariko silently followed Chiho towards the stairs. Ayumi pretended to follow behind but She went near the desk's door.

"Um.. Suzuka..san?" Ayumi called for Suzuka. "E-Eh?" Suzuka were surprised to hear her, Ayumi's body can be seen under the door so Suzuka opened it up. "Ayumi-chan, Is it? What do you need?" Suzuka looked at Ayumi. "Um.. About Mariko-san" Ayumi looked down the ground. Suzuka gave her a worried look. "Yes? What about her? I-It's not like, I don't have a problem with her" Suzuka immediately told her that She's not bothered by her. "Um.. Actually, Mariko-san is a good person". Suzuka was surprised at what Ayumi said. "Onee-chan and Mariko-san are actually good friends now. She even worried about me even though She just met me, And i guess She didn't mean to do that, So please don't think of her as a bad person" Ayumi asked Suzuka. She was touched by her words. "Don't worry, I knew She was not actually a bad one when She became quiet the whole time after her shouting. She looked like She deeply regrets her act and looked so down!" Suzuka smiled at her. "Y-Yeah, I saw her too.. It's just.. Maybe her Northern blood is the reason She can be violent at some time, But please, Still think of her as a good person!" Ayumi asked one more time. "Of course! I will make sure to tell everyone about it!" Suzuka nodded with a smile and rubbed her head. Then Ayumi smiled wide and bowed. "Thank you!" She happily appreciated her kindness. Suzuka nodded one more time. "Alright, It's getting late. I think you should go up there now, I bet they're wondering where did you go"She patted her head one more time before letting her go. "Alright! I'll get going now!" They waved at each other and She ran upstairs.

Suzuka closed down her door and saw the bartender coming. The bartender placed her right arm to the desk. "Hey, That girl with purple hair before... She couldn't be.." She whispered to Suzuka. But Suzuka smiled at her. "Ah! About Mariko-san?" The bartender was surprised that She was smiling.

Ayumi counted the door as She reached the floor, She remembered their room being the fourth one. She easily found it because the door was slightly opened. She opened the door and went inside. She saw the two sitting on beds. There were two beds on the room, The first one near the door was for Two people, And the last one next to it is for only one person. The two looked up to Ayumi. "Where have you been? Bathroom?" Chiho asked. "N-No..! I.. Ah, Yeah, I went for a pee.." Ayumi lied and closed the door behind her. "Geez, I'm about to be worried at a second there" Chiho stood up and took out the gun to place it on a desk. Ayumi went near to look at it. Then Mariko spoke. "H-Hey, Chiho-san?" Mariko called Chiho. "Yes?" Chiho turned to look at her, She became worried when She saw her down. "I'm.. Sorry, I didn't mean to burst out like that" Mariko apologized. Chiho quickly looks for a word to stop her from being sad. "N-No! It's alright! I-I kinda know the feel of being started at!" Chiho walked near her. Ayumi remained on where She was standing. Mariko looked up to Chiho. "I-It's fine, really! You don't have to.." Chiho stopped as She saw that Mariko was still not convinced. Chiho sighed and sits beside her. "Look.. I kind of expected that violent side of yours, Given that you're from the North. And i know you were so mad that you didn't get a hold of yourself back there but you didn't mean to shout and point your weapon to them, So it's fine! Please don't be sad!" Chiho consoled her. "Just.. Just why are you so kind to me?" Mariko looked at Chiho, surprising her. "I just happened to be with you because that leader asked to, And i don't have anything else in my life to do so i went to your side.." Mariko looked straight at Chiho, Waiting for her answer. "It's because..." Chiho giggled at her, Surprising Mariko. Chiho stood up and looked at her. "Because! I think of you now as a precious friend!" Chiho gave her a bright smile. Mariko couldn't speak. Ayumi also went on Chiho's side and smiled. "That's right, Mariko-san! You are our friend now! Whatever happens, We'll always be together!" She told Mariko.

"Y-You two.." Mariko couldn't believed at what they have said. "Of all people, Why me" Tears started to flow out from Mariko's eyes but She's wiping them off. She was crying, But She giggled anyway. "The Hero? The brave knight? I couldn't believe i would met his daughter and act so kind to someone like me" She proceeded to giggle while still wiping her tears. "Mariko-san.." Chiho felt happy and nodded. "Chiho-san.. Can.. Can i..?" Mariko stood up and asked something to Chiho. "Yes? What is it?" Then She slowly approached Chiho and wrapped her arms around her. Mariko hugged Chiho. "Yes! Of course! It's okay now.." Chiho hugged her back. Ayumi noticed just now how tall Mariko is compared to Chiho, So It looked a little bit weird for her. "Geez, I wanna hug you too!" The two separated each other to look at Ayumi. "Of course" Mariko sat down to the bed. Ayumi ran towards her and throws herself to Mariko. Ayumi giggled as She hugged her. Mariko laughs. "It's weird the three of us cried on this day" Mariko told them, laughing. "Yeah, I know right.. The situation those Prohorovkan gave to us, really hits us hard.. I'll make sure They'll pay for this" Chiho clenched her fists when She said the name. Mariko nodded. "Yeah, We'll beat their asses hard!" Mariko responded. Then They did what they needed to do before preparing to sleep, The Inn got clothes for them to change and sleep with.

"I guess i should sleep here" Mariko sat on a one-person bed. "No! I want to you to sleep with Ayumi-chan!" Chiho told Mariko. "Huh? Come on, I'm fine" Mariko were about to lie down, But Chiho ran to her and moved her away from the bed. "Come on! You should sleep with Ayumi-chan!" Chiho smiled as She stole her bed. "W-Why though? I don't want to-" Ayumi slumped herself into two-person bed. "What do you mean, you don't want to?" Ayumi slaps the bed beside her, GesturingMariko to sleep with her. "You might be chaotic when you sleep" Mariko told Ayumi. "C-Chaotic?" Ayumi held her laugh. "Y-Yeah, Like.. You move a lot.. I wouldn't be able to sleep so.." Mariko scratched her head. "Don't worry! I don't move much!" Ayumi laid her head on her pillow. Mariko just sighed. "Fine.." She looked at Chiho, Who's already lying down on the bed, Watching them. "You sure you're fine there?" Mariko asked. "Yeah, I used to sleep alone so i'm fine!" Chiho smiled. "Heh, I also used to sleep alone so that was a bad excuse" She responded as She lie down next to Ayumi. She sighed in relief to be able to finally rest. Then Ayumi moved closer to her and giggled. "H-Hey!" Mariko raised her voice. "Even right now, You're buggering me!" She shouted to Ayumi. "Huh~? What did you expect from a child?" Ayumi hugged her by resting her one arm on top of her and closed her eyes. "C-Chiho-san?!" Mariko tried to move Ayumi away while looking at Chiho. But Chiho already turned away from them and Ayumi's resisting to remain close to her. "Goddamn it!" She whispered to herself, Thinking of a restless night. But not too long ago before She felt sleepy and eventually fall asleep.

A faint footstep came from the door. Then a few second, someone spoke. "There!" And walked away.