Snippet #1890472

Mayumi Saya woke up to a rooster crowing. The morning was just beginning, but already she could hear some of the bustle of the city. Nearby some neighbors were talking, rather loudly actually. The annoying rooster was still crowing like the world depended on it. Someday I am going to kill that bird, Mayumi thought to herself. But for now, we need the idiotic thing.

She slowly got out of bed, rubbing the sleep from her eyes and looking around the small bedroom. Her younger brother, Hikaru, was still peacefully sleeping on his bed, his dark hair falling messily over his brow. Mayumi walked over, brushing his hair back and kissing him on the forehead. He always could sleep through anything. She quickly pulled on her clothes, grabbed her bow, arrows, dagger, and papers. She was getting a new job today as a bodyguard to the governor's son. This should be so fun, she thought to herself sarcastically. But she couldn't complain. This job brought in more money than both of her parents jobs combined. Maybe now they could get decent food on the table and keep Hikaru in clothes. He was growing so fast now. Mayumi smiled as she softly closed the door. Her parents had already left for work. She grabbed some bread and a bit of cheese and left the house, closing the door behind her.

As she walked further into the city, the houses changed from small, one or two room wooden houses to larger two or three story brick residences. The closer she came to the mayor's house, the larger and grander the houses became. At the same time, the further in she got, the fewer people milled about until she was all alone standing in front of the governor's mansion. She walked around to the side entrance and handed her papers to the guard stationed by the door. He looked them over, scrutinized her appearance, gave a firm nod, and rung a bell by his head. Just a moment later, a young woman's head popped out and the guard handed her the papers.

Her eyes scanned the paper as she said, "Well then, the new bodyguard. This way." She turned abruptly and Mayumi entered through the door into the large kitchen. They quickly waked through several hallways, finally reaching their destination. "Wait here," the young woman said, quickly walking away.

Well then, I guess that is it then, Mayumi thought to herself. Now to wait. She leaned up against a wall and waited. After a few minutes, her eyes drifted closed as she thought about what she would do later.