“Warren, look how small she is.” Akane demanded, holding Sophie like she was a doll in front of Warren.

“Hello!” Sophie said with a wave.

Warren looked up from the pile of papers he was filling out. He saw Akane standing in front of his desk with the little girl. Behind them he saw Tarz and Sarah talking over a map of the town which had been spread out over a large brown table. Then after them was the front door of the police station. Warren looked at it, wondering what the sheriff was up to. He had asked the deputy but got no answers, all he knew was that he was not allowed to follow the sheriff. He looked back at Sophie.

“Hi.” Warren deadpanned, looked into Akane’s eyes.

“Akane I’m busy, the sheriff wasn’t kidding when he said we had a lot of pages to sign. How come you’re not doing the same?”

“I finished.” she answered. “Why are you taking so long?”

“I’m actually reading the papers, which you must not have done.”

“I have not. Why should I? I’m doing something more important, which is showing you how small this child is. She amuses me.”

“Well they’re legal documents so I’d say they’re worth reading”

“That’s a lotta papers.” Sophie remarked looking at the papers on Warren’s desk.

“Yep.” Warren concurred.

“I wouldn’t worry about the legal niceties. Just know it’ll legally allow you two to do what you want to do.” Tarz said from a nearby table, breaking from his conversation with Sarah, his eyes glued to the map.

“Yeah I don’t expect any form of benefits or compensation but I’m surprised it says we’ll technically be deputized.” Warren said in mild amusement.

Hearing that, Akane handed Sophie over to Warren, quickly strode to the map.

“I’m a deputy now?” Akane asked, staring into Tarz’s eyes.

“I mean...technically. It’s an emergency act so don’t think you can add it to your resume or anything.” Tarz responded.

“But I am a deputy now?”

“Yes?”

Akane whirled around, asked “Child, do you know what this means?”

Sophie jumped out of Warren’s lap, her eyes wide with excitement

“You’re like Sheriff Earp from the comic!”

“Yes child!” she whirled back to Tarz. “When do I get my badge?”

“You don’t get a badge.” Tarz denied.

“What?”

“You don’t get a badge.”

“Orc...the offenses you have committed against me continue to grow. I was going to wait until all this was over before I ended you but it looks like there’s a change of plans.”

“Akane don’t try anything,” Warren warned.

“I won’t let you stop me this time. There has been too much injustice”

“Wait wait let’s calm down. Ms. Akane, what do you need a badge for?” Sarah asked.

“For cosplay.” Akane answered.

“For what?”

“Cosplay. Cosplaying as your favorite characters is a form of enlightenment.”

“Ugh Mr. Warren what is she talking about?”

“I think it’s like..dressing up?” Warren guessed.

“Correct. Now give me my badge.” Akane demanded of Tarz.

“No.”

“If you don’t give me one the child will cry.” she said, pointing at Sophie. “Child now!”

“Eh…..eh…..eh” Sophie grumbled, trying to make tears come out but to no avail. “I’m sorry sword lady I failed.”

“Child you can never fail in my eyes but it appears we need to continue your training.”

“What training?” Sarah questioned.

“Nothing.” Akane sputtered. “Orc can I at least wear a cowboy hat?”

“Sure?”

“Good. Though it will be an incomplete outfit, it's better than nothing. Warren, go get me a cowboy hat.”

“No.”

“All the men in this room disappoint me.”

Warren and Tarz exchanged looks, shrugged.

“I must leave, it is imperative I obtain a cowboy hat.” Akane announced.

“Are you sure it’s ok for you to leave?” Sarah asked.

“I will return shortly. If you are in danger, I will come. Warren-while much weaker than me- will keep you all alive long enough for me to save the day should I have to.” Akane stated. “Right Warren?”

Warren curtly nodded, too tired to contest.

“Alright but hurry up, the sheriff should be back any minute. Don’t think about running away, I’ll hunt you if you do” Tarz threatened.

Akane looked at Tarz, stuck her tongue out. She strode to the front of the police station, exited.

“Ms. Akane is certainly unique.” Sarah commented.

“That’s one way to put it,” Warren said.

“Oh you should be nicer Mr. Warren, she’s a sweet girl.”

“When I first met her she almost killed me.”

“I’m...sure she had her reasons.”

“Was that supposed to be an insult?”

“No no not at all! She just doesn’t seem to be the kind of person to do cruel things for the fun of it.”

Warren nodded in agreement.

“So how do you know each other? Why are you traveling together?” Sarah asked, changing the subject, genuinely curious.

“The story of how we met is complicated, as to why we’re traveling together, I honestly don’t know. I intended to come here alone but she forced me to bring her along. She said she came along to ensure I didn’t die, though I’m sure there’s more to it..” Warren explained.

“Well Tarz told me you’re here to find Andrew Mason which is a suicidal mission. You’re lucky to have her. But have you thought maybe the reason she came along with you is because-”

“Stop. It’s not like that.”

“Ah but it could.”

“It’s not”

“Ok ok I’m just joking.”

Warren sighed. He went back to signing the legal documents as Sarah went back to explaining her plan to Tarz. Warren finished signing the last paper when he felt a tug on his arm.

“Bearded man.” a voice said in his ear.

Warren looked to his right to see little Sophie staring at him.

“What is it?”

“You gotta help me. I’m making a gift for sword lady. Help me color please.”

Sophie threw a bunch of crayons onto the desk, placed a paper in front of Warren. It was a crudely drawn rendition of a police badge. The lines were squiggly, there were flowers everywhere, the word “sheriff” was misspelled as “sharif”, the colors were pink and purple instead of gold like a real badge. There were a lot of white spots indicating it was incomplete.

“Go ask your mother for help,” Warren said.

“I can’t, she’s busy. You gotta help me please! I want sword lady to be happy. She’s sad because she doesn’t have a badge, I must give her one.”

Warren saw the distress in her eyes. He saw how much it meant to her, sensed how she and Akane had a real connection.

“Alright, I'll help,” Warren said.

“Ok you use the purple crayon.” Sophie ordered.

Warren colored where Sophie directed, rushing to finish the drawing before Akane returned.

***

Akane walked through the streets of Redrock, the sun bearing down on her. The heat was like a weight that weighed Akane down, making her movements sluggish. Sweat poured down her brow, making her want a hat for the shade in addition to looking cool. She had walked down multiple blocks, looking for a clothing shop but had no idea if she was going the right way. She had taken right and left turns at random which hadn’t worked in the slightest. She was as lost as when she started. The buildings didn’t help, they were either clearly abandoned or had signs that were unreadable due to wear and tear. But there was a more important problem that afflicted Akane. It was a feeling that she felt, something she couldn’t shake. It was the feeling of being watched. Akane flicked glances at street corners, rooftops, anywhere someone could hide to trail her but everytime she looked there was nothing. That didn’t matter, if her instinct told her she was being followed, she was being followed. Losing whoever was following her was now her number one priority. She took a sharp left at an intersection to see a crowd of people gathered down the street, about fifty in all. They wore strange clothing, wearing large flowing purple ceremonial robes with golden stripes. In their arms were purple umbrellas that blocked the sun’s deadly rays. The crowd was assembled in front of a large grey building made out of bricks. It had a triangular roof of the same color, a golden star perched on the very top. Akane recognized what type of church it was, it was a church of Vienna-the goddess of fate-the goddess that had a fondness for humanity. In front of the church appeared to be a preacher giving a sermon as he stood atop a wooden box. He wore an outfit very similar to his congregation, except his robes were even more extravagant, and wore a large purple hat with a yellow brim. Akane decided she would lose her stalker by joining the crowd.

“Blessed be sister” a church goer said to her.

“We’re not related,” Akane deadpanned.

Akane travelled further into the crowd, lightly pushing people out of the way.

“Are you new my friend?” another asked.

“We’re not friends”

Akane was now within earshot of the preacher.

“Sons and daughters of Vienna, blessed be this day” the preacher pronounced.

“Blessed be” the crowd intoned.

People started to look at Akane, expecting something of her. Akane stopped, realizing if she didn’t join in she would stand out, ruining the point of joining the crowd in the first place.

“Blessed…..be” Akane muttered.

People nodded their heads in approval.

“Do you feel the heat brothers, sisters? The way the sun saps your energy? The lethargy it inflicts? To many of you it appears to be a detriment to our quality of life but I disagree, for is the heat not Vienna’s will? When the gods created the earth, was it not her will that Atrad be a mighty desert, where the sun shines like nowhere else? Where else can we find dunes as mighty as ours, that gives growth to the spice that keeps this town afloat? Brothers and sisters, isn’t the sun a blessing from Vienna herself?” the preacher asked the crowd.

Akane looked around and saw the crowd nod in agreement. She nodded slowly, not really understanding what was happening.

“Yes it is! Thank you brothers, sisters. We are in agreement that what may at first appear to be unfortunate, is in fact a blessing. It is not true of just the sun, but of recent events. As you know, yesterday we lost valued members of this community. But like the sun’s heat it is not something to be saddened by, for it was Vienna’s will. They are in Vienna’s embrace now.”” the preacher continued.

Akane saw members of the crowd slowly nod their heads in agreement. The preacher must’ve been speaking of the men she had killed yesterday. If only they knew their killer was in the crowd among them.

“But do not think that means there will not be punishment. An attack on one of us is an attack on all of us. The one responsible will face swift, holy judgment”

For a very, very brief moment, the preacher locked eyes with Akane. She began to feel unease, perhaps joining this crowd wasn’t a good idea after all.

“We know who did it. Our wondrous defenders, the Humanity Defense Front, have already found the culprit. A woman, an outsider.”

Eyes started to look at Akane. She could feel glares piercing her from every direction. The tension was now palpable.

“And you know what brothers, sisters? I believe that such a person is with us right now. It is time for judgment” the preacher hissed.

It was time to move. Akane threw her elbow into the face of the nearest person. Kicked the head of another. If she didn’t take the offensive, the crowd would swarm her. Even now in the midst of throwing punches and kicks, she could feel people getting closer, hands attempting to grab her.

To make room Akane grabbed the legs of one man, swung him around in a circle, knocking down dozens and making room. But the crowd continued its slow advance towards Akane, slumbering towards her like the undead. They had weapons out now, knives held in the hand that wasn’t carrying an umbrella.

“I was wondering where you were. Tell me, where’re you hiding with Sarah? The bearer of the abomination? Do you know you saved a heretic?” the preacher asked, unmoved from his elevated position.

After the word ‘heretic’ was spoken, the crowd increased in speed. They started to fight with more ferocity, making Akane have to move faster to keep them off her as she ducked under knife swings, broke bones.

“You too are now a heretic outsider. You’ve gone against Vienna’s will. But it is not too late, reveal the location of Sarah and the living sin. If you do, Vienna may save your soul yet.”

Akane ignored the preacher’s sham of a bargain, looked for a path she could take to get out of the crowd. She couldn’t find one.

“May I guess where they are? There are not many places they can go. Hiding among the non-humans? Hmmm no that’s unlikely, they aren’t that foolish. My word could you all possibly be at the police station? Has the sheriff finally gone mad?”

Akane had punched another man to the ground, looked up at the preacher with anger in her eyes.

“Looks like I’m right. That’s a shame. The Grand Master’s meeting will not go according to plan. Your corpse will help put him at ease.”

The preacher jumped off his platform, began to walk through the crowd. The crowd went out of the way to ensure the preacher walked with no impediments. Akane continued to fight, starting to become tired. She was receiving small cuts from her assailants.

“May Vienna forgive you for your transgressions”

Akane sensed a major attack coming from behind. She whirled around and threw a punch. Her fist connected with the fist of the preacher’s, the collision causing a shockwave to push many of the crowd to the ground. They looked up at them, in awe that Akane had withstood the preacher’s attack. Akane’s red aura was emitting against the purple aura of the preacher.

“You truly did kill Richard. Your power is impressive. If only you used it to benefit humanity”

Akane looked at the fist that was pushing against the preacher’s, blood was running down her knuckles. The amount of aura the preacher had was immense, he had to be a monk. In a hand to hand fight, she was going to struggle.

“That’s enough Roper!” a voice called out to them.

In Akane’s peripheral, she could see a cloaked figure. She had no idea who it was but the voice sounded feminine. The preacher looked away for a brief moment, which gave Akane the opening to hit him with a straight jab with her other hand. Her jab however, failed to pierce the preacher’s aura, making it feel like she punched a wall. The preacher turned back to her, a surprisingly somber look on his face. Akane jumped back. There was a gap of a dozen feet between the two.

“Why do you interrupt the will of Vienna?” Preacher Roper asked the newcomer, though was looking at Akane.

“It’s not your place to fight her Roper.” the cloaked figure stated.

Akane got a better look at the new arrival. They had on a large brown cloak with a hood that prevented their face from being visible. It was very similar to Akane’s outfit in fact, the brown cloak looking like a mirror image of Akane’s black one. Were they a friend or foe? Akane couldn’t tell yet. She focused once again on the preacher. Roper was the name. She’ll remember that, he’s on the list of her targets now.

“I agree, in most instances, it is not appropriate for a man of faith to engage in combat, but you must know, this is an exemption. You’ve been gone for a few days so you must not know but-”

“I am well aware of what has transpired. I arrived after the last council meeting, James has told me everything.” the cloaked figure retorted.

“Then you must know why this outsider must face Vienna’s wrath.”

“I know. But I have business with her.”

“What possible business could you have with-”

“It is none of your concern Roper!”

The preacher recoiled at the outburst. Whoever this person was they clearly had some authority. But Akane wasn’t assured she was safe yet, in fact she was more on edge. Was one fight interrupted only for another one to begin?

“I advise that you help your congregation. They appear to be quite injured.” the cloaked figure recommended.

As if on cue, the church members began to rise. They looked injured but their movements didn’t indicate it. Blood was dripping down their robes, limbs were broken but none of them winced or moaned in pain.

“My congregation is fine. Vienna protects them.” the preacher declared.

The cloak figure didn’t respond, and began to stride to Akane. Akane took a few paces backward, unsure if she was about to be attacked. Ready to run if need be.

“You do know I will tell the Grand Master about this. Do you think he will approve of such an action?” Roper warned.

“He’ll approve it because I’m doing it.” the cloaked figure snarled, looked back at the preacher.

“I see. Just remember, you are not a member of the council. You’re a hired hand. You have no real authority here. You’re just lucky to be in the Grand Master’s favor.”

“I’m leaving Roper. This discussion is over.”

The cloak figure stopped next to Akane, said “Come with me”

“Why should I?” Akane asked.

“Because I just saved your life. It’s the least you could do. Don’t worry, I won’t hurt you.”

Akane pondered her options. She could make a beeline back to the police station, but something told her she wouldn’t get there, the cloaked figure would catch her. It was a strange feeling, this lack of confidence. She decided she was better off taking the gamble of accompanying this stranger, nodded her assent. The cloak figure led her to a deserted street, some 4 blocks away from the church, then headed into an alleyway. The cloaked figure stopped in its path, its back facing Akane.

“Is it really you?” the figure asked.

“Yes. Who else would I be?” Akane asked back, confused by the question and confused in general.

“Hmm I should be more direct. If you’re really her, tell me, what is the Otani litany against fear?”

Akane narrowed her eyes, a chill coursed through her body. The Otani litany against fear was a chant all members of the Otani family were taught to calm their nerves before a mission, it was only known to members of said family.

“How do you know of that?” Akane questioned.

“Just answer the question. The fact you know what I’m talking about already gives me confidence, but say it, I must know if it’s truly you. I assure I won’t hurt you if you do.”

Akane pursed her lips, hesitated. After a minute’s pause, finally said “Fear is the mind killer. It is the little death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past I will turn to see its path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing, only I will remain.”

The cloak figure nodded, pleased by Akane’s words.

“So it really is you Akane. It’s been 7 long years. I’ve always wondered what happened to you. Everyone else thought you were dead. I knew better.”

Akane got into a battle stance. She didn’t know who this cloaked figure was but she knew two things, one: this person is a relative of hers, and two: that meant they were an enemy.

The cloaked figure whirled around, said: “Akane don’t worry I’m-”

Akane stepped in, threw a straight jab. The blow almost connected but the cloaked figure flipped away further down the alley. Akane pursued. She threw punch after punch, the figure dodging each one. If they were in an open space Akane could’ve launched kicks or flanked but the walls of the alley allowed her only to punch.

“Will you please calm down!” her target pleaded.

Akane didn’t listen. She kept up her barrage of attacks until her target had enough. Akane had thrown a straight but the blow was swatted away. A hand, armed with a wrist blade, came towards Akane’s face. Akane tilted her head to the side, the blade scraped Akane’s cheek. She felt blood trickle down.

“Cousin stop it!”

The cloaked figure removed their hood, revealing a face strikingly similar to Akane’s. They had the same small round chin, a nose with a slight point along the edge, and a face unmarked by blemishes. There were differences however. Their eyes were an emerald green and their hair while being the same color, was tied into a ponytail. They slowly stepped away from Akane, to show that they weren’t a threat.

“Do you recognize me now?” they asked. “It’s me, Kaya”

Akane narrowed her eyes, shifted through long buried memories trying to remember the name. Then it hit her, she did have a cousin named Kaya she was close to. The image that came to mind was of a little girl that followed her around the Otani estate all the time. The younger girl had stuck to Akane like glue, always asking to train together, knowing full well that it wasn’t allowed for a daughter of the main branch to participate in combat drills. The woman presently in front of Akane did have the same face, but the Kaya in her memory was small, not 6’0.

“No you’re not” Akane responded.

“W-what?”

“The Kaya I knew was...this tall,” Akane said, putting her hand around her thigh.

“Very funny cousin. You know people get taller as they get older right? You’re not the same height you were back then are you?” she sarcastically asked.

A single drop of sweat flowed down Akane’s head. She hadn’t grown since she was 13. She was 19 now, almost an old lady. That meant her cousin was 17.

“...Right.”

“But you do believe me right? I know it’s been years since we’ve seen each other. When I saw you I couldn’t believe what was before my eyes either. But after trailing you and hearing you recite the litany, I know it’s you 100%.”

“You do know things only the Otani family would know. But tell me this, what’s my favorite color?”

“Black. I remember the conversation. You wore an all black dress for a tea ceremony when your mother yelled at you for wearing a color meant for funerals. You were sent back to your room to change and I accompanied you. While you were changing I asked why you wore black all the time. You replied because it was the coolest color. Oh I also remember the time you painted your room all black, then there was that time you painted your turtle black. After that you painted-”

“Enough! I believe you. You remember more than you should.”

“Heh I can’t help it, hanging with you was the only fun I experienced back then. After the incident, all the joy of living at the estate was gone.”

Akane didn’t need to ask what her cousin meant by ‘incident’, it only could’ve been in reference to one event. The time when her family tried to kill her, when her father sacrificed himself to save her.

“So are you going to finish what the family started?” Akane asked, wiped the blood off her cheek.

Kaya looked at her, a serious demeanor replaced the kind one she had a few seconds ago. She shook her head.

“No cousin I have no reason to. The family thinks you’re dead, that’s all that matters. I came to see if it was really you and give you a warning. I know you killed Richard, perhaps you plan on liberating the town from the Humanity Defense Front. You need to give it up. It’s for your own safety. They’re involved with things that are...dangerous and unnatural. ”

“Not happening. I’m saving this town from evil.”

“Why? What are you even doing in RedRock of all places?”

“To buy a cowboy hat.”

Kaya tilted her head.

“Huh?”

“I’m here to buy a cowboy hat. Unless you meant why I originally came here.”

“Yeah that’s what I meant.”

“Oh, I came to help a friend. While doing so I discovered the evils committed here, as a hero I can’t let it stand.”

“I don’t know what you mean about being a hero but you and your friend need to leave. I can’t let you kill their leader. I know he’s an evil man, but I’m obligated to protect him with my life.”

“When did you become a racist cousin?”

“I’m not! This is just a job, he reached out to the family, paid a lot of money for us to send a bodyguard to protect him. That’s all it is. I care not for the man himself.”

“I heard our family became mercenaries after my father died, but I didn’t think we became money grubbing scum, working for whoever as long as the coin’s good. What happened to our honor? Did that die with my father too?”

Kaya didn’t retort, for she knew herself that it was true. The family was a shadow of its former self.

“Things have changed since your brother became head of the family but it’s not our place to judge. We do as told.”

“You gave the position to one of the men who killed my father? Despicable” Akane sneered.

“The eldest son leads the household, you know that.”

“Even a coward such as Ryuji?”

“Watch your mouth cousin, I understand your anger but I’m still a loyal servant of House Otani. I can’t let you disrespect my leader like that.”

“Hmph. So what of the rest of my family? What’re they up to?”

“Your other brother Orochi serves as the second in command. But in reality all he does is stay in his room reading comics and order figurines in the mail, I don’t believe he’s trained in years. Your mother is still alive, though she is..” Kaya paused, trying to find the right word. “...quiet.”

“What do you mean?”

“Ever since you were presumed dead, she’s become quite melancholic. She stays at the shrine most days, praying. Besides that she serves as the maiden of the household for neither of your brothers have married yet.”

“You make it sound like she cared for me.”

“She did. I can tell she misses you every day.”

“Lies! My mother hated my guts. You remember how she treated me.”

“I think she only wanted what was best for you.”

“You know nothing cousin!”

Akane backed away, closed her eyes and took a deep breath to calm herself down.

“I’m sorry.” Kaya muttered

Akane opened her eyes, looked at Kaya.

“It doesn’t matter. The past is the past. Now tell me, what of my grandfather and the other elders?”

“They still live though tensions between the elders and the head of the house are quite high. They say he’s not responsible enough, spends too much time with women.”

Akane thought to herself that her family sounded like a joke now. No wonder her father wanted her to lead the family when she came of age, he must’ve known how neither of his other sons could’ve led.

“The family sounds like it’s falling apart,” Akane commented. “Good. They’re not my family anymore. My real family is in Ayana.”

“I’m not surprised that’s how you feel. In fact I’m happy you’ve moved on cousin, you seem to be well. That’s why it’s all the more reason for you to get out of Redrock and never return” Kaya said, getting back on track.

“I already told you no. I’m set on destroying the Humanity Defense Front. They’re on the list. The only way to get them off it is to end them.”

Kaya slowly nodded her head, realizing what she’ll have to do to get her point across.

“Cousin if you mean it, then I will have to kill you. I’m on an assignment, I will not fail it. You know the Otani motto: ‘success or death’”

The air between the two women became heavy, the weight of the words sinking in for the both of them.

“I won’t kill you cousin. But if you try to stop me I will fight you” Akane pledged.

“And if you fight me, I’ll finish what the family started. Heed my warning, leave this place and enjoy your second chance at life. I’m giving you this option because I care for you. Don’t be a fool.”

Quietude ensued. Their bodies became frozen, ready to spring to action at any moment.

“I won’t run cousin. Do you wish to start things now?” Akane asked.

Kaya loosened her body, sighed.

“No cousin, if you really want to do this, we’ll do things the right way. The Otani way. We need to have a true duel, rites and all. It’ll happen when you invade the Humanity Defense Front’s base.”

Akane nodded in agreement.

“I can take my leave?” Akane asked.

“Yes. It’ll also give you some time to think, perhaps you’ll change your mind.”

“I doubt it.”

“Very well cousin, have it your way. You know despite all this, I’m glad I was able to talk to you again.”

Akane walked past her cousin, stood at the very end of the alleyway, and looked out at the sand ridden street.

“Likewise. Tell me, do you know where I can go to buy a cowboy hat?”

“There’s a hat shop two blocks from here to your left. Don’t tell me, are you really going to fight me with a cowboy hat on?”

“Yes. I will look cool during our duel.”

Akane heard a chuckle behind her.

“You never changed, that’s good. I’ll see you then. Prepare to die a warrior’s death.”

Akane looked behind her, and saw that her cousin had already disappeared. She walked out of the alleyway, took a left, ready to get herself a cowboy hat.