The city gates loomed ahead, massive stone monoliths etched with the marks of countless travelers, merchants, and soldiers who had come before them. Dust churned under Laine's boots, swirling around the cobblestones and drifting lazily through the humid air. The jungle behind them had been merciless, its shadows, roots, and the soldier's relentless pursuit pressing upon them, but the city brought a new kind of tension—one that was quieter, subtler, yet no less dangerous.
Laine carried Airi in his arms, her small frame light compared to the burden he felt in his chest. Her wide eyes scanned the city with awe, and every so often, she pressed closer against him as if the bustling streets might somehow be more threatening than the jungle.
"She's… still so small," he muttered under his breath, tightening his grip. The weight of responsibility pressed down on him like a stone. "How can I… truly protect her?"
Airi stirred slightly, sensing the tension in his body. "Brother… what's wrong?" she asked softly, looking up at him with innocent, trusting eyes that made his heart ache.
Laine's jaw tightened. "It's nothing… just… this city. The jungle was simple—clear threats, clear rules. Here… anyone could be watching, anyone could strike at any moment."
Airi frowned. "But… you'll protect me, right?"
He hesitated, the words catching in his throat. For the first time since the jungle, he couldn't answer immediately. His grip on her tightened instinctively, the way a predator would hold something precious.
"I… I don't know if I can protect you from everything," he admitted finally, his voice low, almost a growl. "Not yet. The soldier, the shadows… the world outside the jungle—it's bigger, more dangerous than I imagined. And… I can't always be at your side."
Her eyes widened, worry flickering in the depths. "Then… what will we do?"
Laine set her down gently on the cobblestone street, letting her legs brush against the stones. "You're strong… but not strong enough yet. That's why I'll train you. I'll make sure you can protect yourself. I'll make you stronger than anything this world throws at you."
Her small hands clenched at his cloak, determination shining through her fear. "Brother… I want to be strong… for you… for us."
Laine nodded, feeling a mixture of pride and worry. "Then we'll start now. But understand… it won't be easy. You'll need to push yourself, harder than you ever thought possible."
The city stretched before them—busy streets, bustling markets, the smell of bread, roasted meat, and unfamiliar spices, mingling with the less pleasant odors of animals and refuse. The hum of conversations, clattering carts, and the occasional shout of a merchant created a chaotic symphony. Laine moved carefully, alert to everything, his senses straining to detect danger.
They approached a market stall overflowing with fabrics. Airi's eyes lit up at the sight, and she tugged gently at Laine's sleeve. "Brother… look! The colors… they're beautiful!"
Laine glanced down at her. Her hair was still messy, her clothes tattered from the jungle, and the sight struck him hard. She had endured so much, yet he realized that survival alone wasn't enough. "You like it?" he asked, voice softening despite the weight in his chest.
"Yes," she admitted shyly. "I… I've never had anything like it."
He reached into the soldier's bag and counted the coins silently—gold and silver that could buy a new life for a short while. "Gold will buy it," he said. "And food. You need both more than anything else right now."
The merchant bustled around them, offering fabrics, silk scarves, and embroidered clothes. Laine selected a soft, teal-colored dress for Airi. "Try this," he said, handing it over. "It'll fit you. Trust me."
Airi's eyes widened, taking the dress carefully. "Brother… really? For me?"
"Yeah," Laine replied, trying to keep his voice steady. "You earned it. After… everything."
She blushed, but there was a glimmer of pride in her eyes. "Thank you… brother. I… I'll wear it."
They moved to a small eatery tucked between larger shops. The smell of roasted meat and fresh bread filled the air, making Airi's stomach growl audibly. Laine handed over a few gold coins to the clerk, careful to remain composed.
"You… you eat a lot, don't you?" he asked quietly, observing her small hands picking up a piece of bread.
"I'm hungry! We've been traveling for days!" Airi laughed softly, the sound easing some of the tension in his chest.
Laine shook his head, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Then eat. But remember—strength isn't just about hunger. It's in control, discipline… and knowing when to act."
Airi chewed thoughtfully, then looked up at him. "I… I want to learn. To fight… to be strong. For you… for us."
Laine's chest tightened, the reality of his promise pressing down on him. He reached out, brushing her hair gently aside. "And you will. But first… we survive today. Tomorrow, we train. I'll teach you everything you need to know—how to move, how to fight, how to protect yourself and me. But it won't be easy."
Her gaze hardened, determination blazing in her small eyes. "I'll do it, brother. I'll work hard. I'll be strong."
Laine adjusted the bag over his shoulder, glancing at the streets. "Good. Because the world outside the jungle won't forgive weakness. We need to be ready for everything—thieves, soldiers, even shadows that linger… even the power within ourselves that we can't yet control."
Airi nodded solemnly. "I… I'll be ready. I'll train with you."
Laine's heart ached at the thought of the dangers ahead, yet pride mixed with worry filled him. "That's my girl. But remember… training isn't just about fighting. It's about control, patience… knowing when to strike and when to hold back. Strength without control is dangerous—even to yourself."
She met his gaze, eyes shining, unwavering. "I understand. I… trust you, brother."
He let out a deep breath, the tension easing slightly. For the first time since leaving the jungle, he allowed himself a small smile. "Then we start tomorrow. But for now… eat, rest, and remember—while I'll protect you, one day I want you to protect yourself too."
The sun dipped below the city walls, casting golden light across the cobblestones. Lanterns flickered on, painting the streets in warm amber tones. Laine and Airi found a quiet spot near the marketplace to settle for the night. The coins in the bag reflected the sunlight, reminding him of both promise and burden.
Laine's gaze hardened, determination sharpening. "Tomorrow… training begins. You'll see the world is harsher than any jungle. But together… we'll survive. You'll be strong—stronger than anything that dares come for us."
Airi's hand found his again, holding it tightly. "I'll try… brother."
He looked down at her, heart heavy but resolute. "And I'll guide you… every step of the way. Always."
As the city hummed around them, shadows stretched across streets and alleyways, hinting at the dangers that waited. Laine adjusted the bag of coins, feeling its weight—not just metal, but the burden of survival. Yet for the first time, he allowed himself a spark of hope, knowing that with Airi by his side, and training to come, they could face whatever the city held.
And somewhere in the crowd, unseen eyes flicked toward them, watching, waiting, the hum of the city masking intentions both curious and dangerous.