Ash and Kai

The moon hung high above as Ash and Kai moved silently through the dark
forest, nearing Castle Mach. The scent of damp earth and pine filled the air, but Ash’s mind was
elsewhere, consumed with thoughts of Aria. His boots pressed quietly into the wet ground. Beside him,
Kai trotted with a steady rhythm, her blue eyes gleaming in the night.
Ash glanced at her, Lyra’s most trusted ally, now entrusted to him. He wondered if Lyra would approve
of what he was doing—seeking out Aria after everything that had happened. But there was no time for
second-guessing.
Suddenly, a rustling in the bushes ahead made Ash pause. His hand instinctively reached out, and with
a flicker of light, twin daggers materialized in his grip, their edges gleaming faintly. His body tensed as
three ragged-looking men stepped out of the shadows. Their clothes were tattered, their faces dirty and
scarred—bandits.
"Look at this, boys," the leader sneered, his crooked grin showing a mouth of yellowed teeth. "A knight
out for a stroll with his dog. Hand over your coin, boy, or this ends bad for you."
Ash gave a small smirk, the faint light catching his emblem. "You’re messing with a Sakamoto," he said,
his voice low and confident. "Do you really think that’s a good idea?"
The bandits exchanged glances, the name seemingly sinking in. Instead of fear, the leader let out a
laugh, harsh and mocking. "A Sakamoto? Well, well, boys, looks like we just hit the jackpot! That name
alone is worth its weight in gold."
One of the other bandits nodded, his rusty blade twitching in his hand. "We could ransom him. Bet his
family would pay a fortune to get him back."
The leader’s grin widened as he eyed Ash, his greed almost tangible. "Forget the coin. Tie him up. The
dog too."
Kai growled, her fur bristling as she stepped forward, baring her sharp teeth. Ash didn’t flinch, his eyes
narrowing on the leader.
"Last warning," the man said, drawing a rusty blade from his side.
The leader let out a mocking laugh. "What’s this? Hiding behind your mutt? Afraid to get your hands
dirty, little knight?"
The other bandits joined in, their laughter echoing through the dark woods. "Looks like a pup with no
bite," one of them jeered, his crooked teeth glinting in the faint moonlight. "How much do you think his
family would pay for him?"
Ash's expression remained calm, but his voice dropped lower, sharper. "Kai."
Kai crouched low for a heartbeat, her muscles coiling like springs before she exploded into motion. The
nearest bandit barely had time to raise his weapon before she slammed into him, sending him
sprawling onto the ground. His eyes widened in panic as her massive paws pinned him down. She
growled low, a warning that froze the others in their tracks. Then, with a flash of blue, her jaws opened,
unleashing a torrent of searing fire directly into his face. The man’s scream was muffled by the roaring
flames, his arms flailing wildly as his face was consumed by the intense blaze. His movements slowed,
then stopped entirely, his blackened eyes turned toward his companions as if pleading for help.
The other two bandits froze in terror, their eyes wide as they watched their comrade burn.
"Run," Ash said calmly, his daggers vanishing in a faint shimmer of light as he lowered his hand.
The remaining bandits bolted, disappearing into the woods with panicked shouts, leaving behind the
charred remains. Ash turned to Kai, who was licking her chops, her blue eyes glinting with satisfaction.
"Good girl," Ash muttered, patting her head. He paused, staring at the scorched man. "Blue flames,
huh? I still can’t get used to that." He knelt beside her, running his hand through her thick white fur.
"You’ve always been strong, Kai, and I’m glad you are. It'll make this trip a lot easier."
Kai huffed softly, as if agreeing with him. Ash chuckled, standing up and looking down the path ahead.
"Let’s keep moving. We’ve got a castle to reach."
The silence of the forest seemed to grow heavier as they continued onward. The air became colder,
and soon enough, the shadowy form of Castle Mach loomed in the distance. Even in the faint
moonlight, the castle looked dilapidated and weathered, its walls cracked and overgrown with ivy. The
flag of the Machida family flapped lazily in the wind from the highest tower, bearing the image of a mule,
a fitting symbol for a family known for their stubbornness and lowly status among nobles.
Ash eyed the flag as they approached the gates. The gates were ajar, and the guards barely spared
Ash a glance as he approached, their faces bored and indifferent.
"Great security," Ash muttered under his breath, pushing open the creaking gates and stepping inside.
The courtyard bustled with activity, alive with the clatter of hammers and the scrape of wood against
stone. Laborers hauled heavy beams and buckets of mortar, their movements quick and purposeful.
Deep scorch marks darkened the castle walls, while splintered wood and rubble covered the ground.
Ash stepped forward, his eyes drawn to the remains of what had once been a stable, now reduced to
little more than ash and twisted iron.
He knelt by a charred beam, running his hand over the surface. "What happened here?" he muttered,
his mind racing. He couldn’t tell if this destruction was Aria’s doing or something done to her. Had she
been here during the chaos? Was she caught in it? He pressed his palm harder against the stone, as
though trying to feel some answer through the charred remains. Kai nudged his shoulder, breaking his
train of thought. He glanced at her, his voice dropping. "I hope you’re still here, Aria."
The scent of sweat and sawdust filled the air as the workers moved in a steady rhythm, their hammers
and saws clattering in the night. Ash moved past them, heading toward the main keep, where he knew
Daichi, the head of the Machida family, would be holed up.
Inside the castle, the air was stale and cold. The stone corridors were narrow and dimly lit by flickering
sconces, and the sound of Ash’s steps echoed faintly off the walls. A young woman stood near the
entrance to the hall, her pale face partially hidden beneath a tattered hood. Her clothes were simple,
patched in places, and her hands clutched a bundle of folded linens.
Ash stopped in front of her. "I need to see Daichi," he said firmly.
The girl glanced up, her wide eyes betraying a flicker of fear before they darted to his golden hair.
"You’re a Sakamoto," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. "It’s obvious." She hesitated for
a moment, then nodded quickly. "This way." She turned and led him through the winding halls, her
steps quick and silent.
Ash followed, his gaze briefly lingering on her. The faint bruises on her wrists didn’t escape his notice,
nor did the way she avoided meeting his eyes. He felt a pang of unease but said nothing. Finally, they
reached a large wooden door. She stopped, motioning to it.
"He’s inside," she said, stepping back quickly, her head bowed.
"Thank you," Ash said, his tone softening slightly. The girl nodded once and hurried away down the
corridor, disappearing around a corner.
Ash knocked once, then stepped inside without waiting for permission.
The room was small and sparsely furnished, with a single desk set in front of a grimy window. Behind
the desk sat Daichi Machida, a bloated man with greasy black hair and beady eyes that gleamed with
lazy disinterest. His clothes, though finely made, were stretched tight over his belly, and his fingers
were sticky with the remnants of some pastry he had been munching on. Two little girls—likely his
daughters—were running in and out of the room, delivering papers as Daichi barked orders at them.
Ash's gaze lingered on the two girls. They were small, their clothes worn and their faces drawn with
exhaustion. The older one’s hands trembled as she worked, her fingernails chipped and darkened,
while the younger girl moved with a stiffness that spoke of pain. Their eyes were hollow, and Ash could
see the way they flinched at Daichi's every movement. It was clear they were more than just servants;
they were prisoners in their own home.
"Close the door, will ya?" Daichi grumbled without looking up. "I don’t like drafts."
Ash ignored the command, stepping closer.
Daichi paused, finally lifting his gaze to look at Ash. His eyes widened slightly as he took in the emblem
on Ash’s tunic—the symbol of the Sakamoto family. "Well, well, well," he sneered, wiping his greasy
fingers on a handkerchief. "Should I kiss your boots, Little Prince? What brings a highborn like you to
my humble abode?"
Ash's jaw tightened, but he kept his composure. "I’m not here for pleasantries, Daichi. I’m looking for
information on a girl named Aria."
Daichi leaned back, folding his arms over his chest. "Aria, huh? You’re talking about the girl who blew
up half my prison." He chuckled, though there was no humor in it. "Quite the mess, that one."
"I need more than that," Ash said, his voice firm. "What happened?"
Daichi leaned back further, his chair creaking under his weight. "Grant was supposed to keep her
locked up, but the fool couldn’t handle some drunk idiot with a big sword who stumbled into my prison.
Useless bastard let some guy waltz in here and free her. Next thing we know, half the cells are in ruins,
and I’m stuck with the repairs."
Ash frowned. "A man with a sword? Who was he?"
Daichi waved a hand dismissively. "Some lowlife. Drank too much, swung a sword around like he was
invincible. Not much else to say, really. Grant got his ass handed to him, and now I’m short a few men."
As Daichi spoke, the younger girl moved hesitantly towards Ash, her eyes wide with something akin to
hope. She opened her mouth, her voice barely a whisper. "M-mister, are you here to—"
"Quiet!" Daichi's voice cracked like a whip, making the girl jump. She recoiled slightly, her eyes filling
with tears as she stepped back, her small frame trembling. Ash clenched his fists, a surge of anger
rushing through him, but he forced himself to remain calm. He couldn't afford to lose focus now.
Ash pressed his lips together, his patience wearing thin. "Aria, where did she go?"
Daichi gave him a bored look. "Do I look like a tracker to you? She’s long gone, boy. I’ve got bigger
problems than some runaway girl." He glanced toward the door as his daughters came rushing back in
with more papers. "Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got work to do."
Ash's frustration simmered, but he knew he wouldn't get more out of Daichi. He glanced at the two girls
again, their frightened faces tugging at his conscience. Their hollow eyes seemed to plead silently for
rescue, and the thought stabbed at him. I should help them. No one else will. He clenched his fists, his
jaw tightening as his thoughts spiraled. But Aria’s out there. If I lose the trail now...
His gaze lingered on the younger girl, her trembling hands clutching papers tightly to her chest. How
long could they even survive like this? What kind of person walks away?
He forced himself to look away, focusing on the door. I know what kind of person. The kind who has
someone to find. Layne would never forgive me for this. He’d tell me to help them. He’d tell me justice
mattered more than revenge. But he’s not here. And revenge is all I’ve got left. I must find her.
His chest ached as he took a step back. I’m sorry. Whether the apology was for them or himself, he
didn’t know. Without another word, he turned and left the room, the door clicking shut behind him.
Justice demanded he act. These girls deserved better than the pitiful existence Daichi had forced on
them. Yet, a sharper, darker emotion stirred in him. Revenge. The image of Aria’s face filled his mind,
her defiance and her guilt tangled together. She was his priority, and her betrayal still burned like a
wound. Aria had to answer for what she’d done to Layne, and nothing—not even the cries of
justice—could take precedence over that.
Outside, the cool air hit him like a welcome relief from the suffocating atmosphere inside. He made his
way to the back of the castle, where the explosion had occurred. The courtyard was still a mess, the
marks of battle clear in the jagged gashes across the stone and the deep, slashed grooves in the
ground. Ash stepped closer, kneeling near a blackened wall. His fingers brushed over the jagged lines
scorched into the stone, marks left not by a blade, but by the intense, unrelenting force of magic.
Kai sniffed the air, her ears twitching as she moved to his side. He scratched behind her ears, his voice
low. "We’ll figure this out. She couldn’t have gone far."
Kai huffed softly, nudging his arm. Ash smiled faintly, scratching behind her ears. "I know. She’s not
what I expected either."
He leaned back against the wall, his thoughts swirling. "Aria... she killed Layne, but this? This wasn’t
just some girl. What's she plotting? There’s something more to her." He glanced down at Kai, who
stared back at him with her sharp, intelligent eyes. "What do you think?"
Kai growled softly, as if agreeing with him.
A breeze stirred the ashes, carrying a faint smell of scorched wood into the air. Ash stood, brushing dirt
from his knees. "We can’t stay here, Kai," he said. "Let’s move."
The two left the courtyard behind, stepping into the shadowed forest. Moonlight filtered through the
canopy, speckling the path with silvery patches. Somewhere in the distance, a stream gurgled faintly,
its sound blending with the soft rustle of leaves.
Ash’s thoughts churned with each step. He glanced back toward the castle, the image of the two girls
lingering in his mind. "I left them," he muttered to himself. The bitterness in his voice surprised even
him.
Kai glanced up at him, her ears twitching as though she understood. She let out a soft huff, nudging his
leg. Ash sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I know," he murmured. "I couldn’t help them. Not this
time."
The air grew colder as they ventured deeper into the woods. Kai suddenly froze, her nose twitching as
she sniffed the air. Her ears perked, and she let out a soft huff, her fur bristling slightly. Ash watched
her closely, his brow furrowing. "What is it, girl?"
Kai sniffed again, more intently this time, before glancing back at Ash. Her body stiffened, and she let
out a soft huff. Ash frowned, stepping closer. At first, he couldn’t tell what had caught her attention, but
then it hit him—a faint, bitter smell carried on the breeze. It was sharp and strange, cutting through the
damp forest air.
"Alcohol?" Ash murmured, his voice low. The realization sank in, and his eyes narrowed. "Daichi
mentioned the man who helped her escape was drunk... This must be him."
"Alcohol?" Ash murmured, his voice low. His eyes narrowed as he straightened, his mind racing.
"Daichi said someone drunk helped her escape. This must be him."
Kai let out a low growl, already stepping forward, her movements deliberate. Ash followed, his hand
flicking outward to conjure a dagger as they moved. The faint scent grew stronger with each step,
weaving through the earthy aroma of the forest. It was a lead—a trail.
"If this is the man Daichi mentioned, then we’re on the right path."
Kai huffed in agreement, her pace quickening as the scent became more distinct. Ash kept close, his
heart pounding in anticipation. Together, they pushed deeper into the woods, the shadows thickening
around them as the scent guided their way.
The forest swallowed their footsteps, leaving only the sound of rustling leaves and the faint, persistent
trace of alcohol leading them forward.