Fighting for something more.

Walking out of the shady alley I appreciated the fact that the deal was struck.

The price was hefty sure, but I believed it to be worth it. 

Akari hasn't let me down before and by my own evaluation having critical information on the Jade Serpent Sect was worth its weight in gold.

The Jade Serpent Sect was a powerful foe, one to not overlook in the slightest. 

While we had our two new "Allies" this battle wasn't going to be a cake walk by any means..

Regardless, I had a good feeling about us, our group that is. I felt proud of myself for building something, being a part of something even if it may be fragile.

The next few days rapidly flew by as we prepared for the inevitable conflict..

Lian proved to be as useful as we thought. While I believed in Akari vouching for her I just couldn't help but be slightly suspicious of her usefulness.

Thankfully my suspicions turned out to be unneeded as Lian proved herself quite quickly as we prepared for the Jade Serpent Sect. 

Lian was out always trying to gather intel about the sects movements.

In the meantime me and Akari worked hard to at least try to fortify our surroundings somewhat. We hid our prized possessions under the floorboards of the clinic and while it was an obvious hiding place, if our robbers even made it here we would have bigger problems. 

The community around us has also been useful with word spreading of the upcoming conflict. The people around us were kind and often gave us food and supplies as a thank you for our services.

One evening, after we had finished our work, the sun set casting long shadows across the clinic. 

Akari and I were in the backroom going over the books, and information Madame Silk has been providing. We stood side by side going over the information Madame Silk had provided methodically. This daily activity had become a bit sacred between us and I enjoyed it even if the circumstances around it weren't great.

The scrolls spread out on the desk in front of me were filled with details about the Jade Serpent Sect. Their hierarchy, their movements, and most interestingly the influx of practitioners being sent to our area.

"They're planning something without a doubt," Akari said, as she spread out a map next to the scrolls Madame Silk sent.

She ran her slender finger over the locations described on the scrolls "Not only have they been placing more units in the surrounding areas. They also have been deploying more spies in our town, and if that alone wasn't alarming, look at this."

She slid over the scroll she was holding in her hand over to me "They have been buying up local businesses in this town." 

Akari's face turned sour as she made her final statement "They are planning a total takeover."

I frowned, leaning back in my chair. "Who would've thought a simple healer like me would've ruffled their feathers like this. It is ridiculous."

Akari's amethyst eyes stared at me down, her expression seemingly upset by the way her brow was frayed . "You can not be serious Al. Be serious with yourself! Everyone who knows you knows you are not just a "Simple Healer". You display unnatural powers from the people of this world. If not just your healing powers, then the way you calm me. I hate humans and if I could, I would tear them apart on sight. The old me wouldn't have given you a second to scream. But I can't anymore. It isn't like I lack strength" She looked down at her hands between clenching them 

"I just can't bring myself to do it…. You changed me in a way I would have never thought possible."

Had I changed the person Akari was before I met her? it seemed like a logical conclusion, but the moral implications made my stomach hurt. Does the beast-tamer skill have this affect on demi humans and Yokai? The thought freaked me out. 

I had come to this world hoping for a chance to be different, a fair ground level chance to prove myself… to be someone. But in this chase of self-satisfaction, I am caught in a spiral of political power struggles and war. 

I regret how I have lived this life but still, I can't waste it. I have affected the people around me and I can't help but to care about them.

I will take responsibility, because this won't be my only life, but it might be theirs.

"We need to be ready, they obviously see us as a threat" I said, my voice firm with resolve. "If they want to have a problem we can't back down."

Akari nodded in response to my speech, an approving smile displaying on her lips. "It will be hard Al.." She said as she took my hand in hers "but I will be here for you… to the end"

Smiling in response to her beautiful words, I echoed her "to the end.."

The following days were tense with apprehension. The clinic continued to operate, and the townsfolk seemed to sense the growing tension in the air. The usual chatter in the market square was subdued, and more than a few glances were cast my way as I moved through the streets. It was clear that the Jade Serpent Sect's presence was felt by everyone, not just us.

Lian returned one evening with a sweat trodden face. Her panicked ramblings rang through the clinic and turned the air heavy.

She had spotted a group of Jade Serpent Sect cultivators setting up camp just outside the town. They weren't even hiding anymore and that told me they were finally prepared for a frontal confrontation. 

"They have to be proven wrong," Lian said, catching her breath as she leaned against the wooden interior of the clinic

 "They are testing the waters and they want to see how they will react."

Akari's tails flicked lazily behind her as if she had heard the most boring news, but I knew she was stressed, I could see it in her eyes. Akari's eyes were sharp, calculating and deep as a ocean. 

"If they want a reaction they can have one. They think we are weak, but we will show them the effects of their hubris."

I glanced between the two of them, feeling a mix of admiration and anxiety.

Akari and Lian were both formidable in their own ways, but the Jade Serpent Sect was a powerful enemy and even worse a organization.

We were outnumbered and underprepared for a battle of attrition like this one.

Still, I couldn't shake the feeling that we had the ability to do it. While they fought due to orders. We were fighting for something more than power or control. We were fighting for each other.

"What's the plan?" I asked, my voice steady despite the unease in my chest.

Akari's smile widened, and she leaned forward, her amethyst eyes gleaming with determination. "We hit them first. Before they can make their move, we strike at their camp. We'll show them that we're not to be underestimated."

Lian nodded in agreement, her expression grim but seeming resolute. 

"I won't lie… it is dangerous but I can't see any other path before us. If we can disorganized their approach we can buy some time, and if we can remove a leader it is even better for the all of us"

I took a deep breath considering the plan, weighing the risks. She was right. It is dangerous but we can't run. The plan seemed the only viable option at the moment.

"Alright, you win." I said, my voice firm. "Let us all make it back home together after this, okay guys?"

Akari was the only one who broke the silence as she spoke the words I wanted to hear most 

"Of course Al… Always and forever!"