#gonna be sayotsugu long term

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Reason to Stay: Chapter 1

Summary: When Sayo, a roaming mercenary archer, journeys to the town of Circle looking for work, she never expects to find a reason to stay.

Author Note: This is my project for NaNoWriMo 2018, which means the intention is to write 50,000 words in the month of November. My goal is to write the whole project this month and update once a week. I have never successfully completed a fic of this length, but I am ready to change that. Every bandori character will make an appearance, though some only in cameos. 

Welcome, and thank you for going on this journey with me!

Chapter word count: 2700

Sayo walked up the cobblestone road at a brisk pace, eager to reach her destination before noon. She carried her bow strung over one shoulder, within reach if she were to need it. The quiver sat next to it, stocked full of arrows she’d both bought and fletched herself. A sword on her hip provided for close quarters combat, though Sayo was much more comfortable with the bow. Her bag weighed heavy against her back, full of the rest of her possessions.

She kept her long teal hair tied back as not to get caught in tree branches or, even worse, the string of her own bow. For armor she wore a light leather armor, which was sturdy enough to protect her from glancing blows but light enough that she could travel on foot in it. Since Sayo traveled frequently from town to town, that was an important perk.

The road Sayo walked was surrounded by fields on both sides. After hiring her for a few short jobs, the head of the nearby village sent her this way. He said the town’s castle was looking to hire archers, and as a mercenary Sayo was always looking for work. Governments didn’t pay better than other folk, but they were less likely to double cross her.

As Sayo approached the outer wall of the town, a few trees cropped up on the sides of the road. This side of town was protected by a three meter wall with a large gate over the road. Above the open gate a sign read “Circle” which Sayo had been told was the name of the town. She assumed that if they knew anything about defense then the other sides of the town would be similarly protected. A couple of city guards stood watch at the gate, barely paying Sayo any mind as she passed through.

Once inside, Sayo took in the new sights of this city. Near the edges she passed by both small and large houses. Local farmers went about their business as she passed, not paying any attention to the newcomer.

As she made it farther into the city, Sayo passed by the city markets. There was much more activity here, people milling about and trying to buy or sell goods. It already looked to be a healthy city, and Sayo had only just arrived. She kept her guard up as she walked by the stalls, always wary in a new location. One delicious smelling croquette shop almost distracted her, but she had to find work before she could eat.

As she walked through town she could see the castle in the distance. It towered above the other buildings, standing at least 20 meters high by Sayo’s rough estimate. It had a tower in each corner to keep an eye for invaders and was decorated in red banners. A young woman stood on guard on a wall between two of the towers, looking out over the city. She was equipped with a bow, which was as it should be for a wall guard.

There were guards on the ground as well, with one positioned at the castle gate. The woman looked to be around Sayo’s age, perhaps a little younger, with shoulder length brown hair tied up in two odd looking nubs. She wore light armor and carried a short sword and shield. Even as she stood guard her eyes darted from place to place, watching people as they passed by. Her gaze jumped to Sayo as she approached, showing that at least she was doing her job.

“Hello!” The guard greeted Sayo loudly. “What brings you to the castle, stranger?” Her words were vaguely unfriendly, but her tone the exact opposite. She kept her hands relaxed by her sides, so Sayo didn’t take it as a threat.

“I’m looking for work.” Sayo didn’t bother with small talk. “And I heard they’re hiring archers at this castle.”

“Oh!” The guards eyes lit up even brighter than before. “So Moca got the word out, that’s great!” She beamed, eyes moving to the bow on Sayo’s back. “One moment, I’ll have someone fetch Ran.” Turning towards the open gate, she somehow raised her voice even louder and called inside. “Hey, Otae, can you go get Ran?” She gestured wildly with her arms. “I know you’re guarding that door, but I’ll keep an eye on it!” She shot a thumbs up through the gate before turning back to Sayo. “My name’s Kasumi, what’s yours?”

“Sayo.” The archer responded bluntly, not sure how she felt about this energetic guard. Did this person actually focus and do her job? It didn’t seem likely based on how she behaved.

“Where did you come from?” Kasumi asked with as much enthusiasm for small talk as she’d had for calling her fellow guard. “Is it far away?”

Sayo was less enthused about making conversation. “I’m from Haneoka.” She said simply.

“Wow that’s so far!” A few people walking by turned their heads at the outburst as Kasumi leaned towards Sayo excitedly.

Sayo refused to take a step back. “Not really.” She replied at a normal and socially acceptable volume. “I’ve only been on the road for a year.” Reluctantly she added this detail, caving into the small talk and hoping this Ran person would arrive soon.

“I’ve thought about traveling, but could never get enough time off of work.” Kasumi leaned back out of Sayo’s personal bubble, pouting a bit. That sounded strange to Sayo’s ears; a normal guard should be able to take time off. Were the work conditions poor here?

Before she could ask, someone approached from inside the castle. “This is who Tae sent me to get?” The woman asked Kasumi, sharp red eyes analyzing Sayo’s form. She had shoulder length black hair with a distinct red streak though one portion and dressed simply in a brown tunic and pants.

“Yup!” Kasumi’s energy returned. “This is Sayo, she’s an archer looking for a job.” She pointed at Sayo with both hands.

Ran nodded once. “Follow me.” She said, turning on one heel to head back through the gates. Sayo breathed a sigh of relief as she followed, glad to be away from the sheer noise Kasumi produced. They walked past another guard Sayo assumed to be Tae; a taller woman with long brown hair who was staring blankly dead ahead.

They made a few turns, Sayo making sure to remember which way they came from just in case of trouble. As they passed through a courtyard, a tinny sounding voice called out. Ran stopped walking abruptly at the sound.

“Raaaaaan.” Another girl with shortish light brown hair was lounging in the courtyard. “Who is this? Is Ran cheating on Moca?” She held her head tilted as she looked up at them. Another strange person, Sayo thought.

Ran merely scoffed. “I’ll tell you later.” Was all she said before resuming walking, ignoring the other woman’s calls for her to return. Sayo didn’t cast a glance back as she followed; she didn’t know that person and thus didn’t care.

One turn later and a quick walk down a hallway led Ran and Sayo to their destination. When Ran opened the door it looked to be a weapons supply closet. Ran scooped up a large sack that sat near the entrance and turned back to Sayo.

“I’ll hire you today to take these swords to the blacksmith. They’re all rusty and need repair.” Ran held out the bag, but Sayo was hesitant to accept it. Were they not looking for archers? This wasn’t exactly an archer’s position. Ran noticed her hesitation and added, “You’ll be paid one hundred coins upon your return.” Well, there was no question then. Sayo wasn’t above doing this, not for a hundred coins. The swords weren’t even worth that much covered in rust.

“Deal.” Sayo accepted the bag, able to hold it in one hand despite its weight. “Where can I find your blacksmith?”

“She has a forge near the market. When you leave the castle turn right, then walk straight until you smell burning metal, about a kilometer away. When you return, ask Kasumi to bring you to my office.”

“Very well.” Sayo adjusted her grip on the bag, making sure she had it securely.

“Come,” Ran gestured. “I’ll show you how to get back out.” She walked past Sayo back out into the hall, and when Sayo exited she closed the storeroom door. Sayo followed Ran back the way they came, indeed making the same turns in reverse to reach the front. Once there, Ran bid Sayo farewell with a nod an went back into the depths of the castle. Sayo walked out of the gates, telling Kasumi she’d be back. The excitable guard waved as Sayo turned right and walked off into town.

She passed through a different but similar region, with many people going about their days around her. The crowd was thick, so she had to be careful not to bump anyone with her bag of swords.

After about ten minutes of walking Sayo started looking around for a forge. She figured she’d walked far enough that it should be close. It turned out that, as Ran had said, she smelled it before she saw it.

The putrid scent of burnt metal was hard to miss, and guided Sayo off the road and towards a small building with one open wall. Inside a young woman stood over an anvil, examining some kind of weapon. She had shoulder length light brown hair, though it was darker color than the girl in the courtyard had, with noticeably muscular arms and a pair of rimmed glasses on her face.

“Excuse me.” Sayo called out as she approached, not wanting to startle the girl too badly. “Are you the blacksmith who works with the castle?”

“Indeed I am!” The girl spun towards Sayo, a grin on her face. “What beauties have they sent me? Huehuehue.” She laughed oddly as she eyed the bag in Sayo’s grasp.

“Ran would like these swords repaired.” Sayo deposited the bag next to the anvil, and the blacksmith opened it to look inside.

She picked one up, holding it up to look at it better. “Ooh these do need help. Tell Ran it’ll be my usual fee.”

“Will do.” Sayo nodded firmly. She was about to turn and leave when the blacksmith stopped her.

“Oh.” She dropped the sword back into the bag, moving to the back of her shop. “I just remembered, these are done and can be returned.” She grabbed a similar looking sack to the one Sayo had brought, though a little smaller.

“Thank you.” Sayo accepted the bag, which as indeed lighter than the one she’d brought. She bid the blacksmith farewell and made her exit, pretending she couldn’t hear the woman cackling at the swords in the distance.

Sayo had only made it about thirty steps from the blacksmiths workshop when she felt something odd. It felt like someone was watching her. She looked around slowly at the people around her, pretending she was merely taking in the sights of a new town instead of searching for someone. None of the common folk were looking her way, and though she always had a niggling feeling that Hina might’ve followed her the other girl was nowhere in sight.

As she looked around, the feeling vanished. Even though it was gone, Sayo stayed on alert as she walked back to the castle. Maybe she shouldn’t stay in this town too long, she mused. If someone was watching her here then it might not be safe.

When she arrived within eyesight of the gate, Kasumi gave a huge wave to welcome her back. Sayo didn’t return it, figuring she could use the excuse that her hands were full.

“Welcome back!” Kasumi greeted her.

“Thanks.” Sayo said politely. “Can you take me to Ran’s office? She told me to ask you.”

“Sure, in one minute.” Kasumi agreed, probably since the order came from Ran. She called inside to the other guard to come watch her post for a few minutes and then led Sayo into the castle.

They weaved through completely different hallways than before, stopping at an ordinary looking door.

“This is it.” Kasumi said with a gesture. She was about to walk away, but seemed to remember something. “Are those weapons from Maya?”

Sayo had no idea who Maya was. “Is that the blacksmiths name?”

“Yeah!”

“Then yes.” So that was her name. Such an odd person, that blacksmith, Sayo couldn’t help but think as she remembered the odd laughing.

“I’ll take them, the most recent batch was for the guards.” Kasumi reached out for the bag, and Sayo handed it to her. “Thanks! See you around.” She said, walking away while somehow still waving even as she carried the sack.

Sayo knocked on the door, and when a voice told her to enter she did. Ran sat at a wood desk in the back, facing towards the door. She had a quill in hand and was writing on some parchment. Sayo walked in and stopped in front of the desk, waiting for Ran to finish.

When Ran was done writing she put her quill down and looked up at Sayo. “That was quick.” She commented. “How did it go?”

“I found the blacksmith with no trouble and exchanged the weapons for a finished batch, which I entrusted to Kasumi.” Sayo summed the task up in one sentence. She left out the part about being followed after leaving the blacksmith.

“Good.” Ran sounded pleased, even if her expression didn’t change. She opened a drawer in her desk and pulled out the number of coins promised earlier. “Here is your pay.” She double counted the coins before depositing them into Sayo’s hands. “I’ll have more work for you tomorrow, if you’re interested.”

Even though she was thinking about leaving, one more day wouldn’t hurt. “I’ll be back then.” Sayo said, confirming that she’d been paid the correct amount and depositing the coins in her bag. She said a brief goodbye, which Ran returned, before walking out the door.

Sayo retraced her steps to exit the castle, escaping without having to see Kasumi again since the guard was still off dealing with the weapons Sayo brough. She turned left this time when leaving the castle and looked around for an inn.

It only took her a few minutes to find one. A sign proudly proclaimed it to be “Michelle’s Hideaway” with a pink bear drawn next to it, which wasn’t too suspicious of a name. It was of decent size and constructed out of wood planks.

Sayo entered and wasn’t offended by what she found. It was a standard little inn with some tables, a bar, and some rooms. She went to the bar to talk to the proprietor, a young woman with odd grey eyes and shoulder length black hair. Sayo had met a lot of people with similar haircuts that day.

“Do you have any rooms available for tonight?” Sayo asked, and the woman nodded.

“Just for you?” She asked to clarify.

“Yes, and I’d like a meal as well.”

“Alright.” The woman pulled out a key from under the counter. “It’ll be 30 coins to stay per night and five for the meal. You pay upfront.” She said the last line slowly and flatly, as if it had been an issue before.

Sayo had no problem with that and took 35 coins out of the ones she’d earned that day. She passed them over to the woman and received the key.

“You’re in room four.” The woman said before Sayo walked away. The room numbers were carved above the doors, so she was able to find room four with no problems.

Once inside, Sayo took off her weapons and sank down onto the bed.

She would go eat in a little while, but for now it was time to rest.

Today had been a long day, and even though she might leave town shortly it seemed to be a nice place so far. The people were a bit odd, but they were odd everywhere else too.

As she leaned back, Sayo released the ever present tension from her shoulders and for the first time that day allowed herself to relax.

Chapter 2