Dawn of the Samurai

"I can't think of anything that I would rather do. I've never had a brother to care for before. I like having someone to worry about."

 

"Then be prepared to worry a lot. I've always been a big bundle of trouble."

 

"Well I like a challenge. You are the first person who hasn't just seen me as a pest or a runaway." Maiko smiled and held out a thick woolen cloak. "Please take this."

 

"Thank you, sister." He said with a smile as he took the cloak.

 

Maiko studied him. He seemed in some ways a lot older than his years. Maiko guessed that he had suffered a lot and that he would never tell her truth. He needed someone to believe in him.

 

"What's with the strange look?"

 

"I was just thinking about all the horrible things you must have suffered and that you need someone to believe in you. I want to be that person."

 

"That would make me happy."

 

Maiko found a good spot and sat down, gesturing for Koza to join her. She held out a blanket to him and curled up in a ball, trying to get warm.

 

Koza laid down next to her and put the cloak over her.

"You look like you need it more than I do."

 

"No keep it. The temperature will get a lot colder as the night goes on. I will be fine and I'm used to sleeping like this."

 

"No, I insist. I am quite used to the cold myself."

 

"How about we share? That way we will have twice the amount of blankets."

 

"That's a good idea."

 

"I won't kill you in your sleep or anything, in fact I'll protect you. We can share warmth as well."

 

"I know you wouldn't harm me." He said as he moved closer to her and draped his blanket over them.

 

She spread her blanket and cloak over him as well. Snuggling against him for warmth she smiled. "You aren't scary to me."

 

"You're the only one who thinks that these days. Well, goodnight."

 

Kaia laid on the roof of the building they were staying. 'Hope I can pass the trail.....'

 

As predicted the weather was cold and Maiko realised that sharing the blankets was a good idea. She woke in the night to see Koza fast asleep, gently snoring. She smiled and drifted back to sleep. Thinking that she heard something on the roof she grabbed her staff and drew it to her side. She would protect Koza.