The World Went Silent

Chapter 20

The white-haired woman sighed and brushed a few strands of hair out of her face. Ever since Miku's death, Haku had left the blue-haired merchant lady and moved to the chapel overlooking the sea. She had heard that the princess died in the revolution, and a part of her was glad. Now she was standing, overlooking the sea in a white maiden dress that she had bought.

Suddenly, a small squeal brought Haku out of her thoughts. Looking behind her, she saw what looked like a young blonde boy who tripped on one of the rocks. He wasn't bothering to get up. Blinking, Haku moved over to the boy, offering him her hand. When the boy turned to her, the white-haired woman realized that it was actually a girl. Why would she be dressed in boy's clothes? No matter. She was still someone in need, with tears streaking her cheeks and her body trembling. Haku didn't ask what happened, simply helped the girl into the chapel and tended to her scrapes.

"Do you feel any better?" Haku asked the girl, smiling a half-smile at her. The blonde girl blinked, then stammered something that sounded vaguely like a 'yeah'.

"My name is Haku," she continued, standing up to look at the girl. The more she thought about it, the more the girl looked familiar. But she couldn't put her finger on it. "Let's get you some new clothes, those look like servant's wear!"

The blonde girl flinched a bit, then nodded. "My name is Rin," she murmured, almost soft enough for Haku to not hear.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Rin." Right now, the best thing to do was help the little girl.