Shopping…seriously? Matsya thought.

  “Well, Robin said we had to pick up some stuff, and Ignis doesn’t wanna do it…so,” Monaha said, handing Matsya a list.

  “And you?”

  “Another assignment. No need to worry though, it won’t be as difficult as the one I brought you along for. I’ll most likely be done by late evening.”

  “Is that so?” Matsya lifted a brow, but didn’t say more.

  “For sure. Hey, if you're so lonely, why not ask the other sibling?” Monaha suggested.

  Robin’s sister. I’ve only met Robin once, an upperclassman that doesn’t show up too often. I know even less about his sister. “Is she even on the same level as us?”

  “Woah, simmer it down, if they heard ya, you’d be diced. But ya, she’s a first-year. She's pretty strong. She'll probably achieve her class soon.”

  Class…?

  “Ah, sorry, has he not explained that yet?” Monaha added.

  “No, but I think I understand what you mean when you say class, so I won’t need to hear an explanation until I get to that stage.”

  “Honestly, I didn’t see much when you wielded your fishing rod last time, but I got a pretty good guess on what you will become.”

  “How so?” Matsya asked.

  “Simple, there are only two classes that would have the need for a weapon or tool. You seem more adept at wielding your fishing rod than not. One group, Warriors, can wield a weapon or tool, but it’s secondary to their primary skill-set. While on the other hand, Meisters, use weapons or tools primarily. It’s a small distinction, but it becomes quite apparent down the road. Honestly though, asking Dushyanta may give you better insight. He is a Lord after-all.”

  “Thanks, I’ll think about it…”

  “Sure thing, well best get to the market before they close.”

  Dushyanta… It wasn’t as though I did not trust the man. However there was this invisible wall that I felt separated us. However, he did save me from a fate I wouldn’t be able to escape. Her voice has quieted down recently, I suppose that’s good.

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  Matsya knocked on the singularly used dorm room at the temple. Stripped wood flooring, golden ornaments hanging all around, murals following every wall; silk curtains fell like flags by roof corners. The temple was messy, but just as organized in its own way. A sort of cluttered structure that if memorized would erase previous concerns.

  “Damn who keeps knocking…” Muffled a voice beyond the door. Matsya stifled a smile. Busting open the cracking door was a girl just about Matsya’s age, half a finger taller. Sleek black hair styled as though cut with a chainsaw, the mass of choppiness reaching her elbows. What stuck out the most, past her brazen expression, especially to Matsya, was her deep amber eyes. As though a fierce predator was about to devour him.

  “Yo…” Matsya waved.

  “What ya want? Actually, who the fuck are you to come knockin’ at my door?”

  “I’m Matsya Fartford, I was planning on going shopping…”

  “Fart-ford, you’re joking.”

  “That’s my name.”

  “What ya need to shop for?” She asked, placing her hands on her hips.

  “I have a list here—”

  “Ugh! Hell no, Robin set you up for this didn’t he?”

  “You haven’t even—”

  “Get out of my face.”

  “Uhh, well I’m sort of new around here, and I haven’t been around the market specifically asked. I’m not even quite sure where it is.”

  “Are you a beetle?” She asked, enlarging her eyes as she clenched her fists with tight ferocity.

  “Huh?” Matsya couldn’t quite understand, until his field of view turned upside down.

  “I don’t like dumb-asses!” Sweeping Matsya, she rose up with an ominous aura that permeated sharpness. With a swipe of her hand wood splintered apart. The brittle flooring of the balcony flew up. Flinging fragments shot forth like shrapnel; a mini splinter twister so to speak.

  Holy! Four handsprings back allowed the separation needed for Matsya to gauge the neck popping tigress across from him.

  “So, if you don’t mind me asking, is your name perhaps also some sort of bird?” Matsya chuckled.

  “You think you're funny, you and him must get along quite a lot!”

  “I take that as a no,” Matsya glared, focusing on the hand signs to pull water from the air. Three spheres generated with wobbly form.

  “Water…?” The tigress muttered to herself. “I’m metal by the way,” she said loud enough for Matsya to hear.

  “Don’t need to tell me, I figured from the claws…”

  “You’re real cheeky, what was your name again? I don’t want Robin coming to me crying after I break his toy,” she grinned, showing off her shiny white fangs.

  “Matsya, Matsya Fartford.”

  “Hau Dicce, it’s nice to meet you, Fartford.” Wild frenzy let loose, a spinning whirlpool of invisible blades, a shredding beast hellbent on inflicting as much pain as she could muster. Indeed, that was Hau Dicce’s style.

  Ah…I may be in some danger… Matsya thought whilst bracing himself.