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Side Story 1: Kurokumo Clan

One day, Ishmael came up to Kiya with a request.
He didn't say no, of course. It would be ouit of line to do so in his eyes, even if she insisted that it was fine not to come with her.
Perhaps it was because they were actually close friends that he decided to accompany the Captain through a busy market. He didn't really care that heads were turning - In fact, he liked showing off a lot, even if he would never admit it.
Kiya Kurokumo Clan
Look at them, staring at us. Don't they realize you're a Captain and can slice their heads off anytime?
Ishmael Kurokumo Clan Captain
...I think they do, Kiya. That's probably why they're trying not to cause trouble.
Kiya Kurokumo Clan
Fair point. What are we doing here, exactly?
Ishmael Kurokumo Clan Captain
You'll see soon enough.
Kiya Kurokumo Clan
Not helpful.
The two of them enter a restaurant, and are immediately tended to with great care. Ishmael orders some kind of meat dish, but Kiya, on the other hand, always seems to have something to say.
Kiya Kurokumo Clan
These don't look appetizing.
Ishmael Kurokumo Clan Captain
It's fine. Just order what looks good enough to fill your stomach.
Kiya Kurokumo Clan
I won't eat anything. You're the one who's hungry.
Ishmael Kurokumo Clan Captain
Come on, do I have to order you every time?
Kiya Kurokumo Clan
Yes? That's the whole point of you being a Captain?
Ishmael Kurokumo Clan Captain
You're so difficult. Fine. I command you to order the garlic squid, or whatever.
Kiya Kurokumo Clan
...Good enough.
Always so stubborn, Ishmael notes. She shakes her head, laughing a little. They get their order through and chat about things that don't particular matter.
To Kiya, it was pointless. There must be a reason why she took him here.
Was it one of the servers? The manager? The owner? Someone must have had an overdue payment. He looks around, eyes darting towards each person in the restaurant.
He taps the hilt of his sword, just waiting, even after the food is served and he mindlessly eats.
Then...
Ishmael Kurokumo Clan Captain
Hey. Hey, are you even listening?
Ishmael snaps her fingers in front of Kiya, bringing him back to reality.
Kiya Kurokumo Clan
What? What? Did something happen?
Ishmael Kurokumo Clan Captain
Haah...I see what you're doing.
Kiya Kurokumo Clan
Do you?
Ishmael Kurokumo Clan Captain
Okay, look. I didn't actually bring you here for something important.
She gently grabs his hand, lifting it off his weapon. Her face scrunches, clealry frustrated but not wanting to impose.
Ishmael Kurokumo Clan Captain
You've been on the lookout, even until now. I figured you needed a break.
Kiya Kurokumo Clan
I don't need a break. The Kurokumo's safety is important to me-
Ishmael Kurokumo Clan Captain
I know! I know, and I don't want you to think about that right now.
Kiya Kurokumo Clan
...Sorry.
Ishmael Kurokumo Clan Captain
We're just here to eat. Not as our jobs, but as friends. And if something does happen, we'll be back on our feet in no time.
Kiya Kurokumo Clan
I don't mean to get carried away. I'm just...bound by duty.
Ishmael Kurokumo Clan Captain
Everyone is. Especially me.
Ishmael Kurokumo Clan Captain
But even I know when there's a time to get away from duty for a bit.
Kiya Kurokumo Clan
....
Kiya Kurokumo Clan
Thanks. For inviting me here. I guess I needed it.
Ishmael Kurokumo Clan Captain
Eat your fucking food or I'll slice that hand off.
Kiya Kurokumo Clan
Excuse you!
They both laugh, continuing their pointless conversations like nothing really happened. She won't hurt him like that, and he knows it very well.
Both of them were bound by their own duties. Though, as she said.
They can always avoid it for a little bit.