As she set the swords back into the box for the time being, she already knew that having them in her life will certainly heighten her chances of survival.
«So, Master Itsuki…» Kara stood up and looked at Inei. «Are you ready to have a real conversation?»
She heard the man chuckle again, before he raised his hands and took off his mask and hood.
«If you wish, Nakano.» He replied with a charming smile.
«Tea or sake?» Kara asked, tilting her head to the side.
The man stepped back to the door and knocked on it. A servant slid it open a bit and Itsuki whispered something. The servant nodded and closed the door.
«Might I suggest talking in the garden?» Itsuki gestured towards the opposite door and Kara nodded.
They settled on the patio, and a moment later the servant appeared with two cups and a clay bottle. Setting the tray between Kara and Itsuki, the servant bowed and left. Itsuki poured the fragrant wine into the cups and offered Kara one of them.
«I always wanted to ask why do you stay by my side? There are other shinobi to look after me.» Kara took the cup with a shy smile.
«I was assigned as head of your safekeeping. Even though you didn’t need me all the time.» Itsuki replied.
«You did help a lot, however. And I am grateful you were there for me.»
«Of course.»
«But was duty the only reason?»
The man sipped his wine before answering:
«No. You… intrigued me. You are different. And I was trying to get to know you better.»
«You know, usually people talk to reach that goal. You, on the other hand, were as silent as a mute.»
He chuckled again:
«I find it easier to know people by what they do and how they act around others. You have shown a great deal without words.»
Kara took her time before saying anything else.
«I am sorry.» She said finally, looking into her cup.
«For what?»
«For my actions in the battle. I was unarmed and should have stayed out of it.»
«You did what you thought was right. Though unarmed, you helped. And you saved my life…» Itsuki smirked. «Twice.»
«And you watched over me when I was wounded, so don’t mention it.» Kara winced.
«It’s not the same thing, Nakano. You saved my life twice.»
«And you haven’t?» Kara glanced at him. «The two starving men at that window, remember? And the three men that tried to rape me later that day…»
He shook his head with a stern expression on his face.
«That was different. The first ones would hurt you, but were not about killing you. And the three… Well, they were after your body and not your life.» He said.
«Still…» Kara reached out and touched his hand. «Thank you for being there for me then.»
To her surprise, he raised her hand to his lips and kissed it.
«I still owe you a debt.» He said. «Thank you for saving my life.»
«It would have been easier if I had a weapon from the start.» Kara tried to joke, though she felt strange after such a gentle sign of affection from him.
She wanted to free her hand, but he squeezed it a little and smiled.
«I hope I will not make you uncomfortable, but I have a question about that rune of yours…» he set down his cup of wine and pulled Kara’s sleeve up, showing the bracer with the red rune in it.
«Yes?»
«You said it was a mark that you were meant to be a sacrifice?»
Kara tensed up a little, before answering:
«Yes. My world is different from this one. I was meant to listen to others, follow what they think and do what I am told. I was raised to sacrifice anything I want for something I did not need…» she said with a sigh. «I was not looked at as a person. Rather than… someone’s property…»
She noticed that Itsuki narrowed his eyes and for a split second he looked very shocked and angry.
«Seems to me you have escaped from all that.» He finally said.
«I did. But it cost me a lot.»
«Your family?»
«And my so-called friends.» Kara shrugged her shoulders. «So I was very used to living on my own even before the portals sent my world falling down into the abyss…»
«I am sorry.»
Kara glanced into his eyes and noticed his sad look.
«For what? I was never really a part of the family, nor was I ever a great friend, according to those guys. What I lost… is what I did not need.» She answered with an awkward smile.
«Still… To live through something like that – it’s… ghastly.»
«True. But I try not to think about it. If it weren’t for them and their despicable ways, I might not be here today. And who would be saving your life then?»
Itsuki chuckled.
«Destiny has its own ways, I suppose. And you are right. If it weren’t for you, my life could have ended… And the castle might have been overrun with demons.» He smiled at her.
«You give me too much credit.»
«I’m serious. The oni you killed last… it was a demon lord.»
Kara frowned, surprised, and shook her head.
«No way…» she smirked.
«It’s true. While everyone was busy with the horde, the demon lord could have opened a few more portals. And we would have lost the battle. But you called him to a duel and he couldn’t resist.»
«Wait… you mean to tell me that not everyone can put those down?»
«Well, yes. Lord Ryuu and a few other warriors could, but most samurai in the castle are unable to face a demon lord one on one and win.» Itsuki shrugged his shoulder. «You surprised us all there.»
«Oh.» Kara froze, looking away. For a couple of minutes she sat there, thinking over what he just said and drinking wine to settle her nerves.
«Do you remember the drum?» Itsuki suddenly asked.
Kara glanced at him and raised her eyebrow:
«At the pagoda?»
«Yes. I’ve spoken to the monk after your little prayer and the storm…» Itsuki said with a gentle smile. «The man thinks you’ve been heard by the gods no less.»
«I’m not sure if I really believe in gods, Inei… Itsuki…»
«Call me whatever you like, Nakano. They are both my names, as are many others.» Itsuki chuckled. «As for the gods… I think you are twisting the truth a little. After all, you have so many on your body. Dragon, Phoenix… they are gods… Your raven is also a servant of the gods… and the phrase on your arm…»
«Yes, you’re right… Gods favour the strong.» Kara sighed, looking down. «I guess… I look up and see the skies, wishing the gods could hear me? Or, maybe… I don’t know…»
She suddenly pulled her knees up to her chin and hugged her legs, shrinking to a little ball as if to protect herself.
«You know, I’ve had a lot of time to watch you, Nakano. You have more strength in you than many other people I know. I understand