Chapter 09. Relief Mission (5) — For You

After calming down, Yao Yao seemed to relax a bit.

I offered her a cup of water, but she shook her head, eyes darting away. She’d been trembling since waking, answering with only nods or shakes, no words.

“Want some porridge?” I asked softly. Yao Yao shook her head again, covering her face like she was hiding her wounds. Duh, Ami, you’re so dense!

“Hey, you, you, out now!” I pointed at Snake, still staring at her, and Wei, sulking in the corner. Panther and Fox had already slipped out when Yao Yao woke, off to handle work, leaving these two pains in the butt. Who’d want strangers gawking at them looking like that?

Once they left, I lowered my voice. “Sorry, I wasn’t thinking.”

“Try some water, okay?” I held out the cup, voice warm. Yao Yao hesitated, then nodded.

My face lit up—she was opening up! “Oh, I forgot to introduce myself. I’m Ami…” I froze, suddenly blanking. Realizing I had no title or status beyond “Ami,” I felt like an idiot.

Noticing my awkward pause, Yao Yao gave a faint smile, and it warmed my heart.

I grinned, perking up. “What’s your name?”

She hesitated, then whispered, “L-Lin Yaorin…” Oh, so that’s her full name!

“What a lovely name! Can I call you A Rin? No, maybe Little Yao… wait, that’s not right…” I trailed off, brain scrambling over how names work in her realm.

“Y-Yaorin…” she said shyly.

“Yes! I love that one, hehe!” I laughed.

She looked embarrassed, eyes flicking away.

“You hungry? I’ll grab porridge,” I offered.

Yaorin shook her head. “I’m… not hungry.” I nodded, figuring she was too tired to eat, but she couldn’t keep this up and get better. Still, pushing her wouldn’t help.

“Alright, just tell me if you want food, and I’ll whip something up,” I said with a friendly smile. Yaorin nodded, then drifted back to sleep.

I gently shut the door to not wake her, then jumped as I turned around.

“Hungry yet? Big bro’s got a tasty dish for you!” Wei grinned, all eager.

“No way! Go cook for your brothel babes!” I snapped, stomping downstairs.

I looked around for Snake or Panther to ask about the plague, but they were nowhere. Wei trailed behind like a puppy.

“Don’t you have anything better to do?” I grumbled.

“Aww, I just wanna pamper my little sis while I’m here,” Wei said, all dramatic and mopey.

“Who needs that? Scram!” I shot back, ice-cold.

“Ouch! Why so harsh? It’s just us against this cruel world. We gotta stick together, face the trials—” He was mid-rant when he noticed I’d ditched him. “Ami? Where’d you go?”

Just spit it out next time! I ignored his theatrics, stepping outside to check things out.

Since we got here, the relief team’s been killing it—fewer people sprawled on the streets, dying. They’ve got it under control, so that’s one less worry. Now, the big issue: the plague.

I said I’d help find the cause, but I’ve been sidetracked by a million things. Clearing the toxic dust was a huge step, though. Before, the sick kept piling up, no end in sight. We’d ruled out water and air when we arrived, and now the dust too.

If it’s not those, then…

“Squeak squeak!”

A pack of rats scurried through cracks and alleys in this grim place. People here barely have food, so why are these rats still thriving? I stared, puzzled.

Rats… rats… I repeated in my head. This was the lead I wanted to chase. I remembered bits I’d picked up from top Caelora healers. They’d mentioned a plague, rare in normal conditions but rampant in filthy, war-torn slums—spread by rodents living in nasty sewers.

That theory got brushed off as weak in shiny, perfect Caelora, where no one believed such “dirty” creatures could exist. I only knew that much because the guy who discovered it quit soon after, swearing off the job. I hadn’t brought it up since, and with my party-girl streak, I forgot he’d ever been such a serious scholar.

“What’s on your mind?” I jumped, glaring up at Wei.

He grinned, all innocent. I ignored him, kept walking.

“Hey, where you going? Wait for me!” Wei tagged along.

I stopped, turning with a flat voice. “To the medical tent. You really wanna come?” Wei froze, his grin stiffening, eyes darting away. “Still a coward, huh,” I tossed out, walking off.

Wei stood there, head down, hands limp, silent.

——

I pushed through the tent flap, light flooding the room, brightening it up. Spotting Snake wiping down a patient, I stepped over.

“Need help?”

He had a cloth over half his face, eyes crinkling with a grin.

“Nah, go help Pardus check stuff out.”

He nodded toward Panther, chatting with the healer. I nodded, heading over.

They were talking about the plague’s cause, but I only caught bits. When they paused, I raised my hand. Panther turned, voice calm.

“What’s up?”

“I think there’s another possible cause,” I said, eyes steady.

“Oh? What?” he asked.

“Rats.”

Both Panther and the healer flinched, caught off guard.

“Why rats?” the healer asked.

I explained the theory about plagues spreading through rodents in filthy places.

If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it's taken without the author's consent. Report it.

They listened, nodding. “Worth checking. Better safe than sorry,” Panther said.

Panther sent teams to search, and soon they caught three live rats and found a few dead ones near the grain stores. A healer brought them to a wooden table, dissecting one. As she cut, a foul stench hit, and tiny black spots covered its liver and spleen. She frowned slightly.

“Same symptoms as the patients.”

“Looks like you nailed it,” Panther said, observing closely.

He immediately ordered the grain stores sealed, traps set around the buildings, and a full-scale rat purge.

A week later, the number of sick dropped sharply.

“Damn, you’re racking up wins!” Snake teased, elbowing my shoulder.

“Haha, thanks,” I grinned. Calling it a “win” felt too big—I just spoke up for what others couldn’t.

Wei had vanished since that day. “Said he’d look after me…” I mumbled, staring at the bread in my hand, then shook it off.

Whatever.

“Oh, Yaorin’s walking now, isn’t she awesome?” I beamed.

“Whoa, recovered that fast in a week?” Snake marveled.

“She’s been diligent with rehab. Didn’t eat at first, but then she got serious about food and asked me to help her walk,” I said, smiling.

“Where’s that playboy, though? Haven’t seen him since,” Snake asked.

“What, you miss him?” I teased.

“Huh? That’s creepy!” Snake shuddered.

I giggled, but the laughter didn’t last long.

“Miss me, huh?” Wei popped up, slinging an arm around me and Snake.

“So touching, missing your big bro after just a week. Guess you were hiding your—”

Thwack!

I elbowed him hard, and Wei doubled over, groaning. Snake cackled.

“Hold up,” Wei staggered after us.

“So, what’s your deal with her?” Snake asked, curious.

“Stranger.” — “Siblings!” We said at the same time.

Wei looked at me, fake-teary; Snake nearly dropped his bread.

“Siblings?” He stared, like he was thinking, No wonder they’re both so childish.

“I’m not his sibling,” I huffed, walking on.

“But, like, actual siblings? You don’t look alike,” Snake pressed.

“No.” — “Obviously!” I glared at Wei.

“Distant cousins, super distant.”

“What? You’re breaking my heart,” Wei whined.

I gave him a blank stare, no pity.

“Why’re you back anyway?”

Wei went quiet, then flashed a smug grin—the kind that screams trouble.

I turned away.

“Wait, I’m serious this time,” Wei grabbed my arm, all sincere.

I paused.

“Ahem!” He cleared his throat, pulling out a stack of papers. “Ta-da!!!”

“What’s that?”

“Ahem! Plague cure,” he said, hands on hips, chin up like a peacock.

I flipped through, floored. He called it “the plague,” detailing symptoms, causes, treatments, and drugs to cut death rates. I couldn’t believe Wei hid this from me! After all his stubborn refusals…

I wanted to praise him, but that smug face… Nah.

“Pretty cool, huh? Be grateful for your handsome, genius brother!” Snake and I stared, speechless.

Compliment him, and he’d float to the clouds.

“Thanks… for helping,” I mumbled, embarrassed, avoiding his eyes.

Wei blinked, eyes sparkling, lunging to hug me.

I bolted.

“Ami, wait for meeee!”

“No way!!”, I kept running.

——

Two months flew by like a blink. The relief mission was a success, and it was time to head back.

Wei’s medicine was a game-changer. The plague faded, people got healthy, and the streets buzzed with life—vendors shouting, markets thriving. Hard to believe how grim it was before.

But the guy who deserves the most credit? Nowhere to be seen. Next time I catch him, I’ll let him know.

I stretched, loosening up, feeling lighter than ever.

“Whew!” After changing, I hummed a tune, carefree for the first time in ages.

Stepping out, my face soured.

Fox was there, probably waiting for me.

I ignored him, turning away. He’d tried talking a few times, but I hold grudges like a pro, so no dice.

“I’m sorry!” Fox called after me.

Oh, now you’re sorry? Should’ve thought of that before running your mouth. I kept walking, not looking back.

“I’ll give you all the transit scrolls, okay?” he added.

Transit scrolls? Hmph, not tempting. I don’t need—

I froze, realizing they could be useful.

“Y-You better not take ‘em back!” I spun around, still a bit pouty.

Fox blinked, then cracked a small smile, stepping closer. “No take-backs, promise,” he said, his grin softening as he handed me four scrolls.

“W-Well, you seem sincere… I-I’ll forgive you,” I said, playing it cool, not grabbing them right away.

When he kept holding them out, I snatched them. “Hehe, mine now!” I giggled, clutching the scrolls, skipping along. Gotta use these to surprise Bear. I smirked, picturing his dorky face when he sees me.

The villagers sent us off with a big fuss, everyone shoving gift baskets at us. We politely turned most down, just taking a few as tokens.

“Phew! Good thing I dragged Zorion along back then,” I said, flopping into the carriage seat. Yaorin smiled. “You’re always so full of energy, aren’t you?”

Oh, right—Yaorin’s coming with us. I accidentally summoned her with the transit scroll, indirectly causing her trouble, so I begged the team to let her join.

They weren’t thrilled at first, saying a human like her living among beastfolk would be tough and suggesting a separate, comfy setup. Fair enough, but Yaorin didn’t want that, her eyes teary, insisting on staying with me.

I worried she was scared of beastfolk, but she shook her head, saying it didn’t matter. Knowing how much she’d suffered, I couldn’t say no, so I pushed the team again. After some heated debates, they agreed, but warned that if issues popped up, she’d have to leave.

“Hehe, you’re just as lively, always looking radiant,” I teased.

Yaorin blushed, all flustered—too cute!

“Oh, time for your medicine. I’ll apply it,” I said, eagerly grabbing the salve Wei secretly made for her.

Thought he didn’t care, but he’s surprisingly thoughtful. So weird.

“Your scars are healing so well, I can barely see them up close,” I said.

“Really?” Yaorin touched her face, visibly happy.

“Totally! See for yourself,” I held up a small mirror.

“Wow… this medicine’s amazing,” she marveled, voice soft.

Yaorin’s always so gentle—eating, walking, talking, all delicate, with her petite frame and refined features that make you wanna protect her. I stared, grinning like an idiot. She noticed, blushing.

“I-Is something on my face?”

“Yup! Tons,” I nodded.

“T-Tons?” she stammered, panicked.

“Tons of prettiness,” I burst out laughing. Yaorin turned red as a tomato, covering her face.

“Ami, you!” I giggled.

“W-Why don’t you ask?” Yaorin suddenly lowered her voice, hesitant.

“Huh? Ask what?” I tilted my head.

“About… my past,” she said, voice fading.

“If you wanna tell me, you will, right? Like now,” I said, patting her head gently.

Yaorin looked down, sniffling.

“Why’re you crying?” I asked, worried.

“I… I’m sorry,” she said, wiping tears.

“Sorry for what? I’m the one who messed up, making you cry,” I said, brushing her tears away.

She shook her head, saying it wasn’t my fault. After sniffling a bit, she hesitated.

“Actually… I was a courtesan in the capital.” Her voice choked.

“You don’t have to say it if it’s hard,” I soothed.

“No… you’ve been so kind, I can’t hide it,” she hiccuped.

“But I wasn’t a full courtesan… I never served anyone. Really!” Yaorin looked up, eyes pleading for trust.

I blinked, then softened. “I believe you.” I smiled. “You know, the past doesn’t matter. Just be you.”

Yaorin froze, like something was stuck in her throat.

“You okay?” I asked.

She nodded, smiling. “Yeah, I’m better now. Thanks.” Her smile bloomed, radiant as a flower.

The rest of the trip, we chatted happily, steering clear of personal stuff.

After five days on the road, we finally got home.

First thing I did? Dive into a huge bathtub. Three months without a proper bath—ugh.

“Ohhh… paradise,” I sighed, brain empty, soaking in the warm water.

“Miss, Yaorin’s asking for you,” a servant said.

Yaorin? Something up? Reluctantly leaving the tub, I replied, “I’m coming.”

“You’re not resting?” I opened the door, inviting Yaorin in.

She was too busy admiring the room, murmuring, “Your room’s so beautiful…”

“Haha, you think?” I said, laughing awkwardly, not elaborating.

“What’s up?” I offered her tea, asking.

Yaorin sipped, eyes down. “I just… suddenly wanted to see you…” She looked up, nervous. “Is that… okay?”

“Uh, no, it’s fine…” I said, a bit stiff, chugging my tea.

“More tea?” she offered, reaching.

“No, no!” I waved my hands, laughing nervously.

“I’m probably bothering you… I’ll go,” Yaorin said. I blanked.

“Uh, um…” I walked her out, smiling. “Rest well, okay?”

She nodded, gave a small smile, and left.

When she was gone, I shut the door, muttering, “What was that about?”

A weird feeling nagged me, but I pushed it away. My head buzzed, craving sleep. I face planted onto the bed, eyes shut, but couldn’t drift off. Something kept circling in my mind, but I didn’t wanna deal with it.

“Argh!” I yelled into the pillow, just to vent. Tried closing my eyes again—still no sleep.

“This sucks…” I sighed, flopping onto my back, staring at the ceiling, thinking of Bear.

I sat up, fishing out a transit scroll from under my pillow, hesitating.

What if he’s busy, training, or out somewhere?

I flopped back down, bummed, flipping the scroll over and over, then buried my face in the pillow.

“I miss him so bad,” I mumbled, mopey.

Flap flap! A familiar wingbeat snapped me awake.

“Blanchi? You came to see me?” I perked up, hoping for something tied to its leg.

“There it is!” My eyes lit up, bouncing with excitement, then I froze, embarrassed. Sitting down, I carefully opened the scroll.

“Let’s see… where’re you taking me?” I hummed.

The tiny script came into focus, no longer hard to read. A flash of light sparked, growing, pulling me in.