Chapter 2.5
“Why would two women ask about me, Riku?”
“Well I may have told them about you first, but…”
“I would prefer not to, Riku.”
“Come on, Katashi. They admire you. They would like to meet you. Some company for dinner. A drink. And then we go on our way. Besides, you are heavy with thought. What better way to take some of the weight off so you don’t go stumbling around with your burden.”
Katashi hesitated. Perhaps Riku is right. I need to relax a little. He always cheers me up and some female companionship would be nice. “Okay, I’ll go.”
“Ha, that’s the spirit!” Said Riku clapping his friend on the back.
They made there way to a tea house, often frequented by young Tatakai. Many zealots were drawn from the ranks of the highly disciplined Tatakai that came from the nearby Academy, such as Katashi himself.
They went inside and two young zealots, recently graduated from the Academy were sitting in a side booth. Katashi had seen them before but did not remember their names. As they sat down, the tea was served and Katashi realized that as he was savoring the aroma, Riku had introduced their companions.
Blushing, Katashi said, “Very nice to meet you both.”
The thinner of the two women poured their tea and the two men sipped the hot green tea with undisguised relish. They carried on with some small talk about the unusually warm weather lately when suddenly Riku grasped Katashi’s sleeve.
“Katashi, I don’t feel so well.” Riku slumped down and Katashi felt a cold chill running through his body. His vision started to blur and he looked to the two young women. What were their names?
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