Rendezvous

Itsuki awoke first and gently shook Sachi awake. "Time to go."

Itsuki and Sachi left the building to see the now overcrowded streets. The narrow streets were full of people - merchants, workers, travelers, aristocrats, nobles. Merchants set up their stalls in hopes to make a sell. The workers continued away making food, outfits, or armor. The travelers wandered around excitedly like a tourist in a new land. The aristocrats and nobles elegantly walked around looking for their new big purchase. But the feeling of entrapment was still overwhelming to Sachi. She saw the eyes of the workers, how the life in them had faded long ago and they were only living by routine, by obligation. Her heart went out to the people; their light was stolen from them when all they wanted was to live and make their dreams come true. Sachi empathized greatly.

Itsuki grabbed Sachi's wrist and skillfully maneuvered them through the crowd. Sachi did her best to keep her head down to not draw suspicions. 

As Itsuki guided Sachi through the crowd, something caught Sachi's eye. She pulled back against Itsuki, stopping in her tracks.

"What is it?" Itsuki whispered.

Sachi stared at an item from a merchants stand. It was a delicate hair ornament, small enough to perch unnoticed among strands of hair, yet striking in its quiet elegance. At its center nestled a dark crimson gem, polished to a soft gleam. The color reminded Sachi of Nobu's eyes - deep, steady, reliable, and full of unspoken warmth. She saw it out of the corner of her eye and caught it by chance, but the moment she saw it, she thought of Himari. Of the ache left behind in her heart since Nobu had been missing. She thought maybe, she hoped even, that this tiny glint of memory could bring even a flicker of comfort to her friend's grieving soul.

Sachi pointed at the hair ornament. "Itsuki, I know I have no money, and I've been nothing but trouble, but I must ask you if it is at all possible to get that hair ornament? Once we get back, I promise to work at the tavern and help anyway I can."

Itsuki saw the determination in Sachi's eyes, unaware of what caused it, but she couldn't help but smile at the request. Itsuki turned to the merchant. "How much for that one?"

The merchant gleamed with joy that someone was interested in their creation. "You have lovely taste my dear. This piece was crafted with the feeling of love in mind, so I do hope it goes to someone special." The merchant handed the ornament over to Sachi as Itsuki paid for it.

Sachi accepted the ornament and stored it in her bag for safe keeping. "It will. Thank you." Sachi turned to Itsuki. "Thank you so much Itsuki."

"Of course. I'll take payment in you finding a way to help the world." Itsuki laughed jokingly.

"I'll do my best." Sachi nodded.

-

Itsuki led Sachi to an isolated part of the city and when no one was looking, Itsuki used her earth magic and parted the ground, revealing a hidden underground staircase. "Get in."

Sachi looked around and quickly entered the hidden passage. Itsuki soon followed, closing the ground back up behind them. 

The stairwell was dark and musty. Sachi held on to the wall, trying to feel her way down the dark steps. When the steps finally halted, a brightly lit tunnel was before them. 

"What is this place?" Sachi asked.

"This is one of the passageways the soldiers use to get to and from the castle quickly from the city."

"The castle?" 

"Yes, that's where we're headed."

Sachi's chest began to tighten. "Won't that be dangerous? Won't we get caught?"

Itsuki chuckled. "Don't worry, this passageway is not a popular one and thankfully for that, this is how I can meet my brother. We won't be going all the way into the castle. Unless you want to?"

Sachi paused for a moment. "You know what... I think we should."

"Huh?"

"We should go into the castle."

Itsuki sighed. "I was only joking though... I'm starting to get the sense that you don't understand sarcasm much."

"You might've been joking, but I'm serious. If we're to find a way to help the people and save the world then we need to see the rulers of this land."

"Is this world even worth saving anymore though?"

"It is! After all, I met Himari and Nobu and you in this world. You are all such nice people and that alone is reason enough for me to believe this place deserves saving. I also know what it's like to be treated unfairly and to live a life that doesn't feel worth it anymore, and because of that I want to help these people."

-

The faint sound of a bell.

The faint sound of a crack.

-

Itsuki thought about her family. "I guess you're right... There are people in this world that are worth fighting for... If you really want to get inside the castle, then count me in. Let's have an adventure since we're here!"

"Itsuki, keep it down." A voice whisper yelled.

Itsuki and Sachi turned to see a very tall and bulky man layered awkwardly in armor.

Itsuki started to laugh loudly. "Isamu, every time I see you, you're covered in more armor than before. You look ridiculous!"

Isamu whined. "Itsuki come on, you said you wouldn't make fun of me."

"I can't help it. I'm no solider but I know that's way too much armor."

"Well do you know what it feels like to be hit by a flying boulder or stabbed with a sword? That stuff really hurts. You can never be too careful." Isamu complained.

"Well then you should've stayed a blacksmith." Itsuki scoffed. "Honestly, no idea what made you think being a solider was a good idea. You've always been on the soft side."

"I thought if I was a soldier then maybe I could find pops..."

"Any luck?"

"I've asked around the different factories and no luck. Haven't heard of him being a solider either. I have a feeling he would be in the dungeons if he's still alive. But since I'm a patrol solider, I can't go and check the dungeons."

"What if you had prisoners?" Sachi finally spoke up.

Isamu jumped. "Who's this?"

Itsuki sighed. "What are you getting scared for? You couldn't have possibly not seen her standing here. But anyway, this is Sachi, she's a guest at the tavern and a friend. Sachi this is my older brother, Isamu."

Sachi and Isamu both awkwardly bowed their heads at each other.

"Nice to meet you, thank you for being kind to my problematic sister." Isamu greeted.

"Nice to meet you too. She's no problem at all, she's really nice actually." Sachi replied.

Itsuki rolled her eyes. "Okay enough with your awkward formalities. Sachi asked a good question. What if you took in prisoners? Would you have access to the dungeon then?"

Isamu thought for a moment. "It's possible, but no guarantee. Plus, whom would I even take as prisoner?"

Itsuki rolled her eyes again. "Us obviously."

"What? Why would I do that?"

"So, we can look for pops and Sachi also wants to get a look at the rulers of the capital."

Isamu turned to Sachi. "Why would you want to see the rulers?"

Sachi lifted her head, unveiling her cloak. "Because I want to save this world, not have it destroyed."

Isamu's eyes widened behind his helmet as he drew his sword. "You're the otherworlder aren't you? Itsuki, why have you brought the otherworlder here?"

"Because I wanted to show her the capital."

"Why are you even with it to begin with?"

"Because she's my friend and not some monster so stop acting like she is."

"But-"

Itsuki glared at Isamu. "She's my friend Isamu. She's not a bad person. Get a grip."

Isamu put his sword back. "You're right, I'm sorry. I shouldn't be doubting your judgement." He turned to Sachi. "Any friend of my family is also my friend. Forgive my poor behavior."

"No, it's okay, I understand." Sachi said.

Itsuki sighed. "Anyway... So, what do you think of fake arresting us to get into the dungeon?"

Isamu pondered. "I can't guarantee success or safety."

Itsuki scoffed. "As if you could keep us safe anyway."

"If you're both sure this is what you want to do... I don't really think it's a good idea though." Isamu worried.

Sachi and Itsuki looked at one another and nodded. "We're sure." They said in unison. 

Isamu sighed. "I don't feel like there's room for me to argue then... If you really insist... Let's go..."