As I gazed upon the awakening girl, her feeble attempt at gratitude did little to sway my stoic demeanor. The flickering flames of the campfire danced in my eyes, revealing the steel beneath the seemingly benevolent surface.
With a measured voice, I responded,
"Survival is no gift; it is earned. You were on the brink of the abyss, and I, out of practicality rather than kindness, saw fit to pull you back." My words cut through the air, leaving an unspoken truth lingering between us.
I observed as the child came to. Her journey was arduous with unending trials. No doubt she had questions in her wake to an unfamiliar environment unfamiliar and to me, a stranger to her, towering like a hawk over a serpent. It had been days spent tending to her injuries and I hadn’t decided what to do with her or why I helped her to this point. Inevitably the questions began to flow from her like a rainfall. They were simple questions, where am I, who are you,
“Fire country,” I murmured, unsure as to how I would answer the second question. I had a name, though it was not one I would have chosen. In fact, I was called many things… but never mind. “
As she struggled to rise, I observed with a detached interest, my eyes assessing her weakness.
"You're in my domain, the outskirts and borderlands of fire country," I declared, my authority resonating in each syllable.
"These are the badlands, a place where strength is the currency, and survival is the rule. Your ignorance could be your downfall unless you adapt swiftly."
Her inquiry about my identity warranted a response, but I remained enigmatic.
"I am Akira, the Queen of Battle. Questions matter little; actions speak louder. Remember that," I declared, the air thick with the weight of unspoken consequences.
I watched her confusion deepen, her vulnerability exposed.
"In this realm, your survival depends on your wit, not your gratitude. Earn your place, or the Badlands will swiftly claim you." My words hung in the air, a harsh reality settling upon her like the cold blades of grass beneath her.
As she sat, unsure of her surroundings, I offered no comfort.
"The Badlands are a harsh teacher, and you've just begun your lesson. Learn quickly, adapt, or be swept away by the unforgiving winds that sweep through these lands," I stated, my gaze unyielding.
With a subtle nod, I turned away, leaving her to grapple with the harsh truth of her newfound existence in the realm of the Badlands. In the end, my reasons for assisting her remained a mystery… even to myself.
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