Shu
Shu had to blink the stars from her eyes when the emperor took his leave. She'd… just been in his royal presence. She, a dirty half-breed, had just been addressed by the emperor of her country. And now, on his behalf, she was to embark on a quest for the good of the kingdoms of Atlas. A small, dazzled smile began working its way across her lips, as she stood awe-struck, staring at the spot where the emperor had been.
Of course, the reminder that she'd have to work with people not only from her own country, but with past enemies as well, put a damper on her mood. Shu supposed it was a good sign that no brawls had broken out in the palace yet. In fact, even though the electric tension lingered, the citizens of Atlas had seemed to at least attempt some sort of socialization with each other. Maybe some would even be able to look past her perpetually foreign blood. And the fact that she had killed a few of their countrymen. Shu was hopeful, but not optimistic. Besides, they didn't have to like each other to fight together. Being a soldier had taught her that much, at least.
Shu and Wu turned to look at each other, and gave a small nod. People were already clearing out and forming their parties. They needed to ready themselves. In the next moment, the clamor of the palace fell away and they were once again standing in their little home, Shu's father, Han, sitting before them. A packed bag was at his feet. Shu was in her father's arms almost before he could stand. He whispered prayers in her ear for a triumphant quest and the good of Atlas, but most of all that she would return to him. They pulled apart and Han wiped a tear from his daughter's cheek. Then it was time to get ready.
Wu and Han helped Shu put on her light leather armor, making sure the ties were secure, but still movable. Shu put her hair up in a tight ponytail, her wispy fringe falling forward to cover her forehead and eyes as it always did. When they were done, Shu picked up the bag and hoisted the strap over her shoulder. Han looked between Shu and Wu one last time, his hands on their shoulders. Placing one last kiss on Shu's forehead, he gave them a sad smile.
And then he was gone.
Shu's eyes refocused on the one person she'd hoped she wouldn't have to deal with: Gentry. The Gallade had dropped them in the palace courtyard, right in between three people who seemed to be in the middle of something. A rather excited woman with an Absol, the other woman who'd been with Gentry inside the palace, and standing directly in front of Shu, the Leonias soldier. He was, of course, making a spectacle of himself, sitting atop his
dragon.
Her fingers twitched, but whether it was to make a fist or grab her sword, she couldn't tell.
She wanted nothing more than to have Wu just teleport them away, right then and there. Heck, Shu would just walk if he didn't. But… they'd appeared very deliberately in the middle of this group, in front of this man. (Shu had no doubt that was intentional on the Gallade's part. There would be payback.) She couldn't just run away from this. She
wouldn't run from this. Shu gave a quiet sigh, her shoulders lowering the slightest bit in resignation.
Fighting the urge to look (glare) at Wu, she opened her mouth to speak.
"Shu and Wu, soldiers of Phoenicis," she announced, looking over her shoulder at the two other women. She turned back to Gentry and raised her chin, locking eyes with him.
"You may find some use for us." She was already regretting this.
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