Drake was standing in the living room, eyes hurting after a six-hour marathon of Grimgar: Ashes and Illusions. He had rewatched the entire series, memorizing the details he would need.
His backpack was packed with neatly portioned food, and he wore the clothes Urokodaki had given him — practical, nondescript, perfect for blending in. His katana rested against the wall within easy reach. Modern clothes would attract too much attention; this way, he could train, fight, and move freely.
Drake smirked to himself. "Yume… I am coming."
"System… let's go."
A swirl of colors enveloped him, the light of the dimensions painting the room with shifting hues. When the colors faded, he was standing in a bustling city.
Ortana stretched before him, more beautiful and vivid than any animation could capture.
Drake took it all in, scanning the streets and rooftops. Then he turned toward his destination: the Thieves' Guild. Sure, becoming a Warrior might suit his skills better, but he couldn't ignore her... Barbara.
The massive tree that housed the Thieves' Guild loomed ahead. Drake approached, a wicked smile creeping across his face. He stepped inside.
"Is anyone here?" he called, his voice casual but loud enough to echo through the hall.
"I would like to join the Thieves' Guild," he added, affirming his presence.
A voice rang out from the shadows. "You? You look like a samurai." Drake didn't need to see her to know it was Barbara.
Reacting instantly, he drew his sword, ready. With his enhanced senses and already knowing where the attack was coming from, this was going to be easy — or so he thought.
"Slap."
A sharp strike landed on his wrist, sending the katana clattering from his grip.
'That's… one of the thieves' skills…' he thought, impressed despite the sting.
"You're good," Barbara said, her voice teasing.
She stepped out from the shadows.
[Image Here]
Tall, athletic, with fiery red hair framing a mischievous, confident face. Her piercing eyes gleamed, and her leather armor hugged her agile, curvaceous form.
"But…" she added, suddenly grabbing Drake's head and pressing him against her chest. "Are you sure you want to join, little samurai? You're gonna have to throw that katana of yours."
Drake's mind went blank for a moment. 'I… I can't breathe…' he thought.
Yet, despite the tight hold, a strange sense of bliss spread over him. He wasn't panicking; in fact, he looked like he was in paradise.
'Please... choke me more...'
Barbara finally loosened her grip, pulling Drake's face away from the soft prison of her chest.
"Hey. You alive in there?" she asked with a smirk.
Drake blinked rapidly, eyes unfocused for a moment. "Huh—? Oh! S-Sorry!" He straightened himself, cheeks flushed scarlet.
Barbara tilted her head, studying him. "Now that I look closely… you're pretty handsome, aren't you?"
Drake turned even redder. Compliments alone were rare for him—receiving one from a gorgeous thief? Practically lethal.
"A-Anyway… so, uh… will you let me join?" he asked, trying to regain some dignity.
"Of course…" Barbara purred, leaning forward.
Drake's eyes involuntarily dipped.
They're so… bouncy…
She lifted his chin with a playful finger, forcing him to make eye contact—even though he had clearly been admiring a different part of her.
"But you'll have to throw away the katana," she said simply.
That snapped him out of his trance immediately. Drake stiffened, looking at his sword lying on the floor.
"My katana…" he whispered, as if the idea alone was painful. "Isn't there any way… to be a thief while using one?"
"You're asking a lot, aren't you?" Barbara teased, eyes glinting with amusement.
Then—Drake's brain fired a miracle neuron.
"Ninjas!" he burst out.
"…Ninjas?" Barbara blinked.
"Yeah!" Drake nodded vigorously, already committed to the lie. "My parents are from a tiny southern city in Grimgar. Before it was destroyed, we had assassins there—called ninjas. Basically thieves who specialize with a katana."
Barbara leaned back, interest sparked. "Huh… never heard of them."
"Well, the art's basically extinct," Drake improvised confidently. "But I trained with my father. Katana or not—it's all about technique."
Barbara tapped her chin thoughtfully. "Isn't a long weapon like that… inconvenient for assassinations?"
"Not if you know how to use it," Drake replied instantly, saying absolutely anything to protect his sword. "For people from my city, throwing away our katana is like throwing away our life."
He bowed deeply—full Japanese style.
She stared at him for a moment… then chuckled softly.
"…Alright. Something new might be fun to try." Her smile widened. "Welcome to the Thieves' Guild, little samurai."
"Really?" Drake slowly lifted his head, eyes bright. "Then… can I call you… Sis?"
Barbara raised an eyebrow. "Sis?"
"Well… calling you 'master' gives old-man vibes. And you…" Drake's gaze roamed her figure—carefully this time. "You look way too young for that."
"Do I?" she teased, crossing her arms—making them bounce a little on purpose.
Drake's entire face turned red.
He looked like he was about to explode.
Literally.
To be continued...
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How was this chapter? Liked it?
I know, it's been like a month since I've last posted, but I was busy.