What set it truly apart was the seeming prevalent attitude that everyone should be happy, not in a forced way, but in a way that they could enjoy. This was a place where warriors from opposing sides in a battle could come in, and eat at the same dinner table, even going as far as to share drinks. One's armor came off in a place like this, and they aimed to make it stay off for as long as possible. They even tried to convince people that happiness and light was the way to go in all parts of life.
And the idea that a place dedicated to such an ideal existed was enough to put a wide smile on her face.
"You," said a voice behind her as she stood on a private balcony.
The blonde turned to face the staff wielding woman who'd spoken. "Who, me?"
"Yes, you. Are you Rushuna Tendo?"
"That's my name. How can I help you?"
"First, tell me what this is all about?" the raven haired woman said as she held out a rather familiar wanted poster. "Isn't this about you?"
"I can explain! It's all a big misunderstanding."
"Is that so?"
"Yes, it is. I'm sure that Tenshi wouldn't do something like this."
"It has been sent out with her seal upon it."
"But she wouldn't act without a good reason," Rushuna replied.
"I agree."
"You do?"
"Yes, I do. I know the great Lady Tenshi would not put out a bounty without there being a reason behind it."
"Oh..."
"And as I, Touka, am the head of this inn, I must ask you one simple question," the staff wielder told her.
"What are you doing here?"
"'Here'? As in this spot? Well... I was enjoying the food, and I really like the baths..."
"Don't play games. I mean that I want to know what you're planning."
"Other than relaxing and enjoying the hospitality?"
"I meant after you left here. What would you do?"
"Umm... We were kind of... heading out into the wastes."
"What?" Touka asked with a blink. "That is rough on even the most hardened warrior. Why would you head out there?"
"I have my reasons."
"Like what? To avoid this trouble?"
"No. I'm sure that if I talk to Lady Tenshi, it'll be alright. But there's someone out there that I have to find."
"Why? Who is it?"
"Someone important," the blonde said simply.
"That does not explain who the person is."
"I know..."
"Then just tell me!"
"But..."
Touka scowled at the other woman. "Say his name."
"Vash the Stampede."
"Why would you seek out the 'Humanoid Typhoon'?"
"You think he's as bad as they say, don't you?"
"No, I don't."
"Huh?"
"He's a warrior who fights to end battles. I have great respect for him and his attempts, though I know that I am in the minority. There were tales told of his heroism, and how he'd fight to protect others, and I know one person who would speak of him with great respect."
"Wow..."
"But I do also know of the bounty on his head. Is that it?" the inn owner asked, "Are you going after him for his bounty? Perhaps in some vain attempt to get funds to deal with your own troubles?"
"No, I would never do that!"
"So, you say..."
"It's not just words."
"They are only that until you back them up with actions. So, what will yours be? Are you planning on attacking him? If so, I will not sit by and let another fool do so."
"I won't attack him! I could never hurt him!"
"Why not? With this poster, you are shown to be a violent person. Why would you not fight then?"
"Because..." Rushuna trailed off, looking at her feet.
"Yes?"
"He's my father."
For a moment, Touka stared in disbelief at the girl's words, but recovered quickly enough to look over the young woman while:
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(Posted Sun, 22 May 2005 18:35)
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