Become the Same

“Old Master said you wanted to come with me.” Shanka tugged the folds of her cloak closer. They stood at the edge of the crowd around the bonfire.

“I’ve been training like this for over a year. I’m as capable as you are.” Rastaban lifted his head defiantly.

“If you say so.” Shanka turned and studied the crowd.

In this entire year, Rastaban hadn’t seen a single instance of Kana in her, none of her sweetness or gentleness. It was as if Kana had never existed. Shanka was a soulless soldier and nothing more.

Rastaban refused to become the same.