A Mission for Two

He hated this kind of weather, it was hot and humid; the scorching sun was beating down on everything, leaving its mark burned into them.

In the shade was borderline unbearable, but at least it was out of the sun’s fierce rays. Normally he would be training in his armor but the day was far too hot to wear all his armor, in fact he had traded in his normal outfit for a pair of tan shorts and a light blue t-shirt.

He had brought his claymore with him; he could not afford to skip a day practicing, even in this heat.  Leaning up against the tree, he looks skyward. There was a slight wind, but was barely enough to cool the sweat on his brow. Still, the breeze was refreshing.

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw someone walking towards him.

“Niro!” a familiar voice called. Niro turned to see a cute brunette approach him.

She was wearing a green, ruffled strapless top, a pair of shorts and a pair of sandals. Her hair was tied up in a messy bun.

“What are you doing out here? It’s dangerous,” she said as she walked over and sat next to him in the shade.

“I can ask you the same thing Yasashi,” he said with a smile.  

“I had some downtime before I have to report for a mission,” she explained.

“So you came to find me?” he asked.

“May…may...maybe,” she stuttered blushing.

Niro laughed and kissed her cheek.

Trying to compose herself, she managed to ask another question. “What are you doing anyways?” she asked.

“Training,” he stated.

“In this heat?” she asked slightly worried.

“Don’t give me that look, I am taking breaks and drink lots of water,” he commented.

“You better be,” she stated firmly.

Niro simply laughed, “I am, I promise,” he said with a smile.

“Good,” she said as she wrapped her arms around his neck. “So, what would I have to do to get a paladin to join me on my mission later today,” she asked with a smile.

“Hmm it depends,” he said as he wrapped his arms around her waist.

“Depends on what?” she asked with a slight pout.

“Well…” he mumbled but trailed off.

“Well what?” she said as she batted her lashes a few times.

A smile crept across Niro’s face, “I’ll join ya if do me a favor.” He stated.

“A favor?” she asked tilting her head slightly.

“My shoulder, I think I pulled something…” he commented.

Yasashi giggled as she gets up and sits behind him.

“Why did you say so!” she commented as she started to massage his shoulder.

“I wasn’t sure,” he stated.

Yasashi leaned forward and gave him kiss on the cheek, “So you’ll come right?” she asked.

“What is the mission?” he asked with a smile.

 “Not sure exactly” she answered softy.

“Looks like we shall have to find out later,” he commented.

“We shall,” she said as she wrapped her arms around his neck, hugging him from behind.

The temperature dropped with the setting of the sun.

Yasashi had told him to meet her at the gate, but he had been standing there for some time alone.

Along with all his armor and his claymore, he had brought with him a new toy, so to speak. It was a small dagger that could be easily hidden in his armor.

A few moments later, she can running up to him.

“You’re early! “She stated.

”I am?” he asked.

“Does it matter? Anyways, are you ready to go?!” she questioned as she spun around, the hem of her skirt dancing in the wind.

“I guess so,” he stated as started to walk forward.

Skipping along next to him, she explained the mission.

“We are to retrieve a sword,” she stated.

“A sword?” he asked intrigued.

“A sword in the stone to be specific,” she commented.

A smile flashed across his face, “a sword like that has to have a great power up in it,” he noted.

Taking his hand, she led the way through the forest.

Wearing armor was not the stealthiest approach to.

Every step he took, the clinking on his armor could be heard.

He looked over at Yasashi; she seemed to float like a butterfly as she walked.

It was like she made no sound when her feet contacted the ground.

“How… How are you so quiet when you walk?” he asked as his curiosity grew.

She smiled and turned to him, “It’s all in the hips!’ she said beaming.

“Oh….well then,” he mumbled under his breath.

As they walked on, they came across a lake.

“Niro, look the sword!” Yasashi cried as she pointed out across the water.

Just as she was about to run to small island via a little wooden bridge, Niro saw a reflection in the water.

It was neither his nor Yasashi; it was the guardian of the sword, the final boss.

“Yasashi!” he cried to the illusionist.

Turning around she cast a spell that acted as a combo breaker, allowing Niro to go on the offensive.

But not matter what the team tried, the boss refused to fall.

They had to think of a plan, something that could inflict a critical mass of damage to the boss.

Then a plan formed in Niro’s mind. He looked over at Yasashi who nodded in return.

Taking a deep breath, the two ran forth toward the final boss; losing was not an option.