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The icy drops of water on her skin didn't bother her. The rain fell mercilessly, making great melody for Udagawa's despondent walk. With each step she took, her heavy leather boots left marks across the muddy ground. From time to time the cold breeze cut across her face, thus being the only sensation Tomoe was able to feel at that moment.
The urge to laugh bitterly bubbled in her throat, however, she held it back. It was ironic that she would try to convince Shirokane that she was fine when they both knew it wasn't the true. Who in their right mind would be excited about the possibility of being summoned to fight for the king in a battle against the other kingdom? Even more so when the reason for the war was just a question of expanding territories — there was no reason for Udagawa to be happy with that news.
Unfortunately, she had no way of denying the request. Having been a graduate of the kingdom's Knight Academy, it was her mission to answer the king's letters. Her opinion wasn't important; and if she wanted to keep her honor intact, Tomoe should go to the palace to join the army.
A resigned sigh escaped her. Her steps remained slow and steady, even though it was getting harder and harder to get her boots out of the mud. The wind made the leaves rustle, creating an intriguing harmony with the sounds of raindrops falling on the grass. However, Udagawa wasn't listening to any of that — she was more busy listening to the soft, precious words swirling around her mind. She could still feel Rinko's warmth when she hugged her, the way she had crumpled her cotton blouse from the strength with which she had held the cloth and the sad and determined shine in her black eyes.
I don't... want to... lose you, Tomoe.
Ah, if she had ever doubted the love that Shirokane felt for her — something that, as far as she remembered, never happened after they started dating —, after hearing that, there was no longer any distrust left. Definitely.
Don't worry, Rin, I promise I'll get back to you.
Pinky.... promise?
Pinky promise.
And if there was one thing Tomoe avoided at all costs, it was breaking a promise. Whatever happened, it would not be for the kingdom she would fight. No, she would fight to ensure that she made it back to Rinko alive, no matter what the cost.