Intermission Week: Part 1

  Everyone that fought hard during the Tournament had to spend a few days recuperating. Some got out quicker than others as their injuries were less severe. Tang, Mai, Li and Kazumi were first to leave after only a day or two of being treated by the healing personnel provided by the Tournament. Each of them went they're own separate ways with Tang cursing to herself every step of the way.

  As for the others, they all had to spend at least three days due to their injuries from their fights. Ume stayed behind to wait on the remaining injured since she was friends with two of them. However, she did have a word or two to say to Maya in regards of her fighting style.

  Some time had passed as three individuals finally came out of the medical room, seemingly talking with one another until Ume approached them.

  "Well I'm glad you're all well. Looks like you've all had some time to connect during the treatment." She eyed Maya with a glare, who in turn sheepishly looked away, twiddling her fingers. It was clear that she was trying to avoid something.

  "Umm... Y-you see... What had happened was...-" She had a hard time explaining but was cut short by a pat on the head from Gale, who decided to speak up on the matter.

  "Well it's true that she never intended to kill me directly. As bad as the situation could've been, I guess I was a little lucky to have such a thing to keep me sorta safe. Truth be told, I still haven't figured out how to use it properly. Seems to only come out if the situation calls."

  "Yeah~... It's just sis that has this far as I'm aware. Strange in of itself, but having sis around still is more of a blessed relief than I could ever ask for."

  Everyone shared a brief giggle amongst each other before Ume got back to the main issue at hand, requesting to speak with Maya privately for a moment. The sisters were a little hesitant, but this was an unavoidable matter that would only rear its ugly head in the future. With not much to say on the matter, they reluctantly agreed and decided to wait for them outside.

  Despite the apparent chummy nature everyone was giving off earlier, Ume still wanted to press Maya out of concern for her newfound friends. It was good to be cautious and even Maya picked up on this sentiment, drooping her ears down and preparing for what may be a smack in the face. Unfortunately, this wasn't the case.

  "... So you're not going to punish me?" She turned her head to stare back at Ume, who only seemed to sigh while holding a hand to her head.

  "As much as I'd love to on a personal level, it isn't really doing me any good aside from a brief satisfaction. There are more important matters I'd like to discuss first. To start things off, it's your fighting style. You probably know that it has been banned from practicing for a very long time due to its infamous history. The fact that you know it is already an anomaly and likely is going to cause trouble for you now, no matter the circumstances."

  Given that, there was no telling when the officials may target Maya because of this discovery or what kind of things would come out of this. Worst come to it, she'll be exiled to the Forgotten Maw, a place where laws don't really matter all that much. It has a reputation for being home to countless criminals, with some notorious figures well-known for their heinous acts.

  "Well~... I don't like to talk about it much, but my Father taught me before he was executed not too long after. Though I guess you could say that I'm a bit familiar with the Maw if you're wondering. Visiting him was always fun but, there's no atonement for sinners aside from eventual death by the jurisdiction is there?"

  That statement was already proof that the law system was strict. Fair treatment wasn't always a strong suit when it came to trials and enforcement. She herself wasn't around for most of them, but there were articles spread throughout the town with headlines depicting that yet another criminal was sentenced to either death and/or exile.

  "I'll agree with you on that. My family was also rather unfortunate as well. There's not much I can do about the matter, but it looks like you're no stranger to run-ins with the enforcers."

  "You sure know a fair bit. Thankfully I wouldn't have to worry about it much longer either way. Call it a mercy for all that I've went through..."

  She was sad for a moment, but Ume seems to understand what's being said.

  "I can only hope you enjoy these final moments. My apologies for prying too much, but I'm relieved to have done so, shameful to admit."

  "It's ok. You were only looking out for your friends. Speaking of which, I guess that makes us in the same boat on the terms of being newly acquainted with those two."

  They both shared an honest laugh amongst each other before Gale and Rumin decided to check in on them. Seeing that it was time to get going, the group got together and discussed what they should do for the next few days. Gale was first to mention getting back into training since they haven't gotten anything done while they were healing, but everyone decided against it. What good is hard work if you never get to enjoy yourself now and then? This was now their time to finally treat themselves and they were going to capitalize on it.

  "Training is all well and good sis, but we really should do something else. Completely unrelated to fighting like going to the hot springs or trip through the forest. Like anything of that sort, you know?"

  "I agree with Rumin on this one. Can't say I've ever seen a day where you've actually unwind. Albeit I've only met you recently, you certainly do give off the energy of someone who's never gotten to relax."

  "Oh come on~. Give me a break will ya. I've actually relaxed before..." She was trying to brush it off, not letting them know that she actually admits to the fact.

  "Yeah... Like ten years ago." She laughed and playfully punched her sister in the shoulder. "Definitely been missing out on a lot of things. You have no idea."

  "Apparently so. I'm sure it'll be fine Gale. It's not everyday we get to have this kind of opportunity; so let's try to enjoy ourselves before the tournament kicks up again. Our bodies could use the break."

  Gale could only chuckle nervously as everyone ultimately agreed on having some leisure time together. With that said, they all left the facility talking to each other about what they think they should do for the next few days. A suggestion that sticked was a day at the mountain hot springs, while some passing ideas were being passed back and forth.

  Back at the dojo, Hiraku was pacing throughout the halls. The encounter with those agents really left an impression. While the images witnessed was pleasing to the eye, he couldn't help but to fret over the potential threat of his next batch being his last. Did they finally got tired of his product and found something better? Or could it mean that his life depends on the success of the fated deal?

  The possibility of that last thought sent a shiver down his spine, but he was more worried about losing the funds he's been living off of up to this point. With the tournament taking place, he doesn't have access to his sources of producing the means. There was only one other place to go if he even wants to have a silver of a chance of success...

  "I don't like the idea of what I'm about to do, but it's far better than facing reality or admitting my sins. If Master can see me now, he'd be disgusted... It's his fault that I'm like this now. If he didn't take in those two orphans, my life wouldn't have to be in this much danger! Guess I'll have to go to that place..."

  Hiraku had to lie to himself in order to verify his own personal self-image. He wanted to blame anyone else for what's happened and what's to come, even if he knew that it was wrong to do so. With no other option left, he made the final decision of taking a trip down to the Maw. It wasn't the safest choice, but it was least likely to cause as much of loss in comparison to trying his hands in the village.

  No one would care all that much for anything that happens to anyone from the Maw as they were already exiled in the first place. Though, this is the first time he'll be heading to such a place and there's the chance he may run into one of the Twelve Fangs while there. It was risky, but it was the best he can do. Before departing, he left one of the students in charge and told them not to mention anything about his absence.

  "If anyone asks, just tell them that I'll be out for a while..."