#sabokoa

Chapter 2

WHEN SOMEONE KNOCKS on the door of her room, Koala is already fully awake.

  I’m surprised.

  Less than one day has passed since she joined the Revolutionary Army, yet she has been able to sleep soundly.

  “Who is it?” Koala asks, covering herself with her cloak.

  “It’s me, Rin.”

  The boy’s voice has a mischievous tone, and Koala blushes. She stands up and approaches the door without opening it.

  A deep breath, and then Koala asks, “Do you need something?” Her face is burning. Why does she feel like that around that boy?

  “The Commanders have arrived,” Rin replies, his tone turned serious, “and Dragon has granted you permission to assist at the reunion together with me.” A pause, and then he adds, “Sabo will be there, too.”

  “O-ok, give me a moment,” Koala replies nervously. Without realising it, she has started cleaning the door with her cloak.

  —When will I get rid of this habit?!

  Koala forces herself to stop and rushes to the mirror to comb her hair. Some strands still stuck out wildly, but she looks decent now. Koala has only one outfit with her, consisting of large brown pants and a yellow shirt, so she is ready in a moment. After taking a deep breath, she opens the door and says, “I didn’t think newcomers were allowed to the Commanders’ assembly.”

  “It’s a special case,” Rin replies with a large grin. “I put in a good word with Dragon-san for you.”

  “Oh.” Koala doesn’t know what to say.

  “Relax! I just think that your ideas about nobles and revolutionaries are interesting.” Sabo elaborates further. “You have the potential to become Dragon-san’s assistant.”

  So, you’ve recommended me only based on your impressions.

 Koala doesn’t know if feeling flattered or humiliated by that. After all, she hasn’t proven her worth yet. Her ambition clashes with her insecurities, though; how will she be able to show she is a valuable resource for the Revolutionary Army if she doesn’t want to stand out?

  “Are you ok?” Rin asks, concerned.

  Koala glances at him. He, too, is wearing the same clothes as when they met the first time: a white tank top, long green pants, and a hat of the same colour that contrasts with his purple hair. Despite herself, Koala’s eyes linger on Rin’s arms: the burn scars on them make her recall the mark on her back.

  “I got these around two years ago,” Rin explains, noticing the direction of her gaze.

  “—I’m s-sorry!” Koala stutters, ashamed. “I didn’t want you to bring painful memories back.”

  “It’s ok,” Rin smiles at her. “I like talking with you.”

  Koala’s face feels warmer, and she tries not to stare at his kind smile. “I… I like talking with you, too,” she whispers. She pauses before making up her mind and deciding she can trust him. “I have a scar, too,” she reveals; it’s the first time in years she tells about the mark on her back to someone. “I was a slave once…”

   Rin’s expression clouds. Even in her embarrassment, Koala sees flames burning in his eyes, but a compassionate light replaces them soon.

  Encouraged by his reaction, she continues, “The Celestial Dragon marked me with their ‘paw,’ but later my saviour tattooed a sun over it.” Koala smiles. “I’m free now.” She wants to believe it but, at the same time, is aware that her past still shackles her mind.

  “A sun…” Rin mutters, pensive. “I heard about Fishmen people searching for a “path to the sun…’” The boy looks at Koala with curiosity. “Is your saviour one of them?”

  “Yes, he was a fishman,” Koala replies sadly.

  Rin’s expression turns sombre at her careful choice of words.

  Koala’s hands close into fists and her shoulders tremble slightly. Soon, though, warmer hands take hers into them, and she looks up.

  Koala’s eyes meet Rin’s smile.

  “You aren’t alone,” he says. “I’m your friend.”

  Koala wipes the tears from her eyes and nods at him. “Thanks, Rin.”

  “It’s nothing—but here we are!” the boy says happily.

 Does he want to distract me from my dark thoughts?

  Rin has stopped before a door with the symbol of the Revolutionary Army’s flag carved into it. “This is Dragon’s office,” he announces with a grin. “The Commanders are already in.”

  Koala swallows nervously, trying to slow down her heartbeat.

  Be sure of yourself.

  Wishing to give a good first impression, Koala lifts her chin and follows the boy into the room with firm steps.

[TO BE CONTINUED]

I’ll try to update this multi-chapter story monthly to celebrate the #saboala_hd27cmday event. You can find the prologue and the first chapter linked in the comments!  ^^
(Sabo will be introduced in the next chapter!)