22 _ Collecting The Bounty.

After leaving the store, they had gone to purchase some horses, as their journey was still long and rough, using their feet as transportation would be simply fatiguing.

Hikaru had chosen a sorrel with spots of white on its coat. It was in excellent health with its strong legs and sturdy back. But Lucian on the other hand , was finding it difficult to make a decision. His previous horse was tough and dependable, never afraid even in the face of danger but it was now dead. If he made a mistake of choosing a wrong horse, it could cost him his life.

Kaya moved towards the Paint , who grazing leisurely on the hay put before it. It was singled out from the others as wounds were visible around its back and legs but the horse ate on not bothered by the injuries. It huffed as she lay her hand on it's back but neither gently as she began stroking the black and white stallion's neck. As he nuzzled his head against her shoulder , she whispered. "Can I trust them? They seem like good men but men can be so unpredictable . And Lucian why does he make me feel so...

Kaya saw Lucian cone up to her and she fell silent. She watched him walk towards her, his gaze locked to her face. She looked away and focused her attention on the mottled horse.

Lucian joined her on the other side if the horse. "Will you not prefer something more gentler?'

"No." She smiled. "He is one of those wild creatures that have been hardened by circumstance. One who must be willing to change before he will yield."

Kaya's gaze fused with Lucian's dark blue one over the horse's splotched back.The closer they were to each other , the more the tension between them mounted.

Lucian wondered if her last sentence held a dual meaning, one about him. "A loyal horse is important. He could save your life" He said as an afterthought , knowing the conversation was no longer about the horse but them. "A bad one could make you lose it."

"True but in a way we are all like this horse. We are wounded but in our hearts. Hiding our true selves."She glanced at him. "Who truly are you Lucian?"

Kaya could sense that he was deep in thought. He did not talk about his past. She tried to grasp from hints from his words and expressions. She could not forget how he looked when he had placed his word against the Bandit's neck. What had created such bitterness, such an empty feeling in his eyes? Making him feel it was he against the world?

Something terrible had caused him to harden his heart, or try to harden it. Yet he seemed so forlorn and vulnerable, craving for love , affection , freedom. He seemed so confused, so alone.

Whether he knew it or not , Lucian needed to be needed.

And she needed him.

Lucian and Hikaru went to the shop keeper who informed them that the price for both horses were 10,000 zen.

Instead of handing over the money , Lucian placed a wooden shard before him and the shopkeeper instantly recognized the insignia. It was from Chen , the notorious owner of the pawn shop and for these men to have this meant that he owed them some money and that any charges he had to make should be referred to Chen.

Hikaru decided that it would be better that way because it would make them an open target, carrying such a huge sum and the second gain was that it was definitely be a nuisance to That old bastard.

"We will be back later to collect them." He said as they all exited.

While Lucian and Hikaru relaxed under the shade of the tree , Kaya decided to take a look around . Everywhere was in a stir. People where bristling around as the air was termed and abound with energy. Children ran past her with cheery smiles on their faces, raising up dust as she leaned against the wall.

Out of nowhere, she felt strong hands come upon her and dragged her back. Kaya screamed before her attackers tied a piece of cloth around her mouth to silence her. Lucian swerved his head acutely. Without a moment's thought, he ran after her with Hikaru shouting behind him. The square was crowded as it was difficult to move past all the people and he collided with a thick man before jolting forward.

Hanji dusted his shirt as he watched the individual that had bumped into him. Whether it was his serendipity or just the latter's bad luck, The bandit could not help but smile as he motioned to his men to follow silently.

They had found their man.

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"Let go of me!" Kaya fought against them with great effort as they took her into one of the deserted structures and bound her hands together behind her , setting her against one if the columns of the abode.

"Are you sure that he will come for her?" The man asked the first one that appeared to be the leader.

"He just might..." He grinned . "But if he does not, we resort to our next order of action."

The second man walked to the entrance.

Lucian walked into the building some seconds later as his eyes slowly scanned the area. Seeing no one in sight, he went over to Kaya and began to loosen the knotted ropes around her hands. But as he was doing this, Kaya tried to talk to him but her voice was muffled.

"Just stay still." Lucian cautioned. "I will get you out of here."

"Drop your weapon." A thick deep voice called out from behind. He swerved round and came face to face with the man he had saw watching him earlier when they had just arrived.

Lucian held on to his sword , refusing to comply with the given directives. The man scoffed as he repeated his statement once more .

"Drop the sword...or she is as good as dead." He pointed behind Lucian and he saw that another man had seized Kaya and had a blade to her throat while she whimpered in dread.

"What do you want?" Lucian questioned as he laid down his weapon and stared straight at the man.

"There is a very motivating reward for anyone that brings you to Dai Xiu and we want that bounty." The leader gave a sly grin. "But whether you get there dead or alive ...That is up to you my friend."

Kaya wriggled her hands as she attempted to break free from the ropes. After twisting and turning , the bonds broke off and she let them fall gently to the ground. Looking up sharply, she sighed in relief as the man holding her was busy watching the unfolding events. Now that her hands were free , she reached for the dagger that Lucian had given her. She had tucked it underneath her shirt for coverage so that it would be easy to access when ever she needed it.

And right now was as good as ever.

She twisted and quickly moved her hands to the limit and cheered silently when her fingers felt the handle of the blade. Putting all her strength , she raised the sword and stabbed the blade into his abdomen. The man winced in pain and Kaya quickly moved away from him. The leader was temporarily distracted by the plight of his companion when he felt the sharp end of a knife against his spine.

"Go home while you still can." Hikaru whispered.

The cowards did not need telling twice before they took to their heels almost crashing into Hanji who edged past them.

"What? Do you want to collect the bounty too?" He sighed.

"No." Hanji spoke with a dismal sterness as he pulled off his cloak and took out his two swords and pointed it at him "I just want to kill you for fun."