Chapter 07. Relief Mission (3) — A Dim Light

While Ami was lost in thoughts about the transit scrolls and her plan, in another corner of the bustling capital, the pleasure house thrummed with life.

Laughter, music, and the clinking of glasses filled the air.

Amid the revelry, a young man, thoroughly drunk, was surrounded by courtesans pouring wine, dancing, and singing.

“Bottoms up! Haha!” He raised his glass, downed it, then flipped it upside down, laughing heartily.

“Young master, sit still, or I can’t pour properly,” a courtesan playfully scolded, holding a wine jug.

“Haha, my apologies, beauty,” he slurred, pulling her close.

“Oh, what about me?” another pouted.

“Haha, I haven’t forgotten you, darling,” he turned, still chuckling with glee.

Suddenly, a flap flap sounded outside the window.

A curious courtesan glanced over.

“A pigeon?” She spotted a pristine white bird perched on the sill and approached, noticing a small scroll tied to its leg. She reached for it, but the pigeon fluttered up, avoiding her.

“Ow! That hurt!” she yelped as it grazed her face.

“Where’re you going?” She chased it, but the bird landed on the drunk man’s head.

“Good gods, why’s there a bird here? Yao Yao, get it out!” The courtesans panicked, waving their hands to shoo it.

The man, plastered, kept raising his glass and laughing, oblivious.

Yao Yao rushed over to grab the pigeon, but it darted upward, dodging every attempt.

Then… gulp! He raised his glass and swallowed something. The room fell silent.

“Got it!” Yao Yao cheered, catching the bird, but froze when she turned back. Everyone paled, some covering their mouths, gagging.

“W-Water for the young master, quick!” a courtesan screamed, face ashen.

Yao Yao ran out, nauseated and shivering. “He… he swallowed the bird’s droppings.”

The chaos continued as people fetched water, while the man laughed on, clueless. Poor guy, but whatever.

Yao Yao looked at the pigeon struggling in her hands.

“You caused a big mess, you know that?” Studying it, she found its white feathers oddly beautiful.

“Hehe, serves him right,” she giggled, stroking its feathers.

“Yao Yao! Where are you?” another courtesan bellowed, furious.

“Y-Yes, I’m here!” Yao Yao shrank, trembling. The woman stormed over, slapping her hard across the face.

“How’d you let that bird get to a guest? Can’t even keep watch!” Yao Yao froze, eyes welling up, shaking.

The pigeon lay still in her hands, as if sensing her anguish.

“I-I’m sorry,” she whispered, head bowed.

“Tch! Cry, cry, always crying! Why does the madam keep a useless thing like you?” the woman yelled, venomous.

Yao Yao endured silently until another courtesan called, stopping the tirade.

“Kill that bird and get back here, you little wretch!” the woman glared, then stormed off.

Yao Yao sat there, head down, staring at the white pigeon in her hands. She wiped her tears, choking, “You’re so lucky, hic, free to fly anywhere.”

She paused, wiping more tears, voice trembling.

“While I’m… hic, stuck in this place forever.” Tears streamed down, unstoppable.

“Yao Yao? Where’s she? Not back yet?” the woman’s sharp voice rang out again.

Yao Yao jolted, standing quickly. She glanced at the pigeon, then released it.

Wiping her tears, swallowing her sobs, she adjusted her clothes and walked off, but stopped when she stepped on something. Looking down, she lifted her foot, spotting a small scroll.

“A scroll? From the bird?” She picked it up but had no time to think.

She headed inside, carrying her resentment and the tiny scroll, unaware of where it would lead.

——

“Ugh, why’s it taking so long?” I sat by the window, chin propped on one hand, eyes scanning outside expectantly.

The murky dust out there made my heart burn with impatience.

I stood, paced, then sat again, fidgeting restlessly.

“Come on, factoring in flight time and finding him, it’s bound to take a while,” I told myself, crossing my arms, foot tapping the floor.

“But half a day? That’s too long!” I ruffled my hair, slumping down, frustrated.

At this rate, I’d have no face to show Fox. He’s always glaring daggers at me—when I eat, during relief work, all the time. If I messed up now, what would I say? Anxiety crept in.

“Maybe I should go to him?” The idea sparked, then fizzled. “But I’d need more scrolls,” I sighed, slouching at the table, fiddling with the wood to distract myself.

Then, flap flap!

I sprang up, face lighting up at the familiar sound of wings.

“Blanchi?”—the name I’d just given my cute pigeon. But my joy lasted seconds before I wailed, “Wait… the bird’s here, but no person? And the scroll’s gone?”

What’s going on?! I groaned, racking my brain for answers.

“Could it be…” I froze, “someone took it?” Why didn’t I consider that? I berated myself, staring at Blanchi, thinking, but coming up blank. “How do I explain this to Zorion…” I muttered, despairing.

——

In that pleasure house, the scene remained lively as ever.

Laughter and music drowned out cries of pain.

Whack! Whack!

“Learned your lesson, Yao Yao?” A courtesan lashed a whip repeatedly at the young girl kneeling before her.

Yao Yao’s hands trembled, blood dripping onto the cold ground.

“I warned you—no extra nonsense. You let that bird in to embarrass me, didn’t you? Do you know how much damage a sober guest could cost this place?” she spat viciously.

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“No, I didn’t—” Whack! A harsh lash struck Yao Yao’s back, leaving a red welt through her thin clothes. She gasped, stifling a cry, body curling in pain.

“I told you, don’t interrupt me!” the woman roared, circling her, listing every fault.

“Don’t think being the daughter of a former star courtesan makes you special. If we didn’t hope you’d have half her charm, the madam wouldn’t keep a useless thing like you!”

She paused, sneering, leaning close to whisper, “Keeping you is just for servicing those filthy old men.” She laughed heartily as Yao Yao trembled, pain searing her body and soul.

Resentment surged. Her mother was sabotaged by this woman out of jealousy, and now Yao Yao faced the same torment for stepping out of line. Everyone in the pleasure house knew but stayed silent, even the madam. When her mother was alive, the madam fawned over her; now, with her gone, the madam ignored Yao Yao’s existence to avoid crossing this woman.

“Such twisted injustice!” Yao Yao bit her lip, whimpering.

The woman’s face darkened. “What did you say?”

“Hahaha!” Yao Yao suddenly laughed loudly, startling her.

“Are you out of your mind?!" the courtesan shouted, eyes blazing.

“Me? Out of my mind?” Yao Yao struggled to sit up, staring into her eyes. “You told a joke, I just laughed to make you happy.”

“You insolent brat—!” she roared.

“Funny, isn’t it? A gutter rat like you—good for nothing but spreading your legs—calling my mother, the only courtesan who never sold her body, a whore? Now that’s a joke!” Yao Yao sneered, fear melting away. She had endured too long, haunted by the thought of sharing her mother’s fate—a woman of brilliance, a blazing star in her eyes—betrayed and killed.

“Someone like you… spineless, filthy, hideous, pathetic, loathsome……” she spat each word like venom, “…will never—”

Crack! The whip struck her face, hurling her to the ground.

“… I thought I’d leave your face untouched so you could still service the guests… but not anymore,” the woman hissed, voice like ice.

“You’re insane—and keeping a lunatic will drag us all down.” She lifted the whip high. “Let me send you to your precious mother.”

The lashes rained down, savage and unrelenting, every strike a burst of rage. Yao Yao’s flesh split open; pain dulled to nothing. Her vision dimmed, the world spinning. The last thing she saw was the white pigeon’s scroll slipping from her sleeve, slowly unfurling.

Earlier, its presence had burned away her fear, giving her the courage to bare her soul. Now, it witnessed her ruin.

She let out a faint, crooked smile before her mind faded to black.

The scroll’s letters shimmered faintly, then—suddenly—a blinding light engulfed her.

She felt herself torn into it.

And then—nothing.

——

I was spiraling, unable to figure out how to find the lost transit scroll, my mind a mess, when a panicked shout from the next room jolted me.

“What—what’s that?” I sprang up, rushing to the trio’s room, shoving the door open with a bang, not bothering to knock.

“What’s going on?” Snake and Panther stood frozen, faces stunned, staring in one direction.

I followed their gaze and gasped, “A girl?”

She lay sprawled on the floor, covered in blood.

I dropped to my knees, not daring to move her, and shouted, “Can you hear me?” No response. I leaned close, checking her breathing—weak, labored. My fingers pressed her neck; her pulse was faint.

“Why are you just standing there? Get a healer!” I yelled. Snake bolted out.

“Pardus, warm water, clean cloths, now!” Panther ran off, and I grabbed a dry cloth nearby, pressing it hard against her worst bleeding wound.

Blood still seeped through my fingers. “Hold on… help’s coming,” I whispered, draping a thin blanket over her to keep her warm. But her breathing weakened, and the blood kept flowing.

“Why’s it taking so long!” I gritted my teeth.

Someone was dying right in front of me, and I was powerless.

No, Ami, don’t panic! If you lose it, who’ll save her?

I took a deep breath, trying to slow my racing heart. I had to stop the bleeding, no matter what. I pressed the cloth harder, feeling hot blood ooze through.

Then, a bone-chilling cold hit me, making me tremble.

Why now?

I shut my eyes, wincing through the pain. My cells felt like they were splitting, burning cold, then melting strangely. I groaned but kept my hands firm on the cloth. The room spun, my breaths ragged, and I bit my lip until it bled to stay alert.

Then, the sensation vanished as mysteriously as it came. I opened my eyes, checking the girl.

Her breathing… steadier? The blood… stopped?

I was stunned, barely processing when Snake burst in, panting, dragging a healer.

“She wouldn’t come, so I carried her,” he said, exhausted.

Can’t blame him, I thought, stepping back.

The healer examined her immediately, face emotionless like a machine.

“I’ve stopped the bleeding. Tell me what you need, we’ll get it,” I said, anxious.

“Mostly external wounds, many deep, like repeated whip lashes in the same spots,” she said flatly. “Rest, apply medicine, take it regularly, she’ll recover.” She stood, grabbing bandages.

Panther returned with a basin of water and cloths. “No clean water here, so I checked several houses. This is all I got.”

I took them, saying, “Thanks,” and set them by the girl.

The healer glanced at the basin, picked the cleanest cloth, wrapped it around her hand, and wiped off the dust and dried blood—just enough to clear the stuck bits.

She bandaged quickly, precisely, as if time itself was bleeding out.

When it came to cutting the girl’s clothes, I signaled for Snake and Panther to leave.

They nodded and slipped out quietly.

The healer drew a small knife, slicing neatly through the worn fabric on the girl’s back, revealing bruised, scarred skin.

I shuddered, swallowing hard, wondering what she’d endured. The cloth stuck to dried blood, and each tug drew a faint moan from her lips.

“Hang in there, almost done,” I whispered.

Soon, the healer finished bandaging. The girl’s face relaxed slightly, though sweat still poured. A long, red scratch marred her cheek—it hurt to look at.

The healer handed me a prescription, saying curtly, “Rest, take and apply medicine regularly, three weeks to recover.”

Then she left. “Thank you,” I bowed, reading the paper.

Familiar herbs for healing, but finding them here was like climbing to the sky. Another faint moan came.

I checked the girl, then remembered something, rushing out to call Snake and Panther.

“Can you help move her to the bed?” They were still outside, nodded, and carefully placed her down.

I tucked a blanket over her, thinking.

“You know her?” Panther asked, finally speaking.

I shook my head. “Nope, first time seeing her.”

“That light when she appeared—it was a transit scroll. I thought you sent it?” Snake said.

I froze, surprised. “Really?” I rubbed my forehead, exasperated, glancing at the girl.

“How’d she get a transit scroll?” I muttered, forgetting to answer, then gave an awkward smile. “Uh… I did use a scroll… but not for her.”

Snake and Panther exchanged looks. “Then how’d she get it?” Panther asked.

“That’s what I’m wondering!” I blinked, their question obvious.

“What? You didn’t track the scroll?” Snake asked.

I blanked. “Track? How?” They sighed, launching into a long explanation about transit scrolls.

“Oh, gods…” I clutched my head, banging it against the wall, cursing myself for forgetting.

They pulled me back. “Just check it now,” they said.

“I still feel so stupid…” I moped.

I grabbed Blanchi from my room, and we examined its lens. Just as I was about to activate it, “What are you three doing?”

Fox appeared out of nowhere, voice icy.

We flinched, nearly yelping.

“Making noise,” I replied, turning back to Blanchi.

“And who’s that on my bed?” Fox pointed at the girl.

Snake and Panther looked at me.

I instinctively glanced away. Oh no. My spine chilled as Fox crossed his arms, foot tapping, waiting.

“Uh-um…” I fidgeted, twiddling my fingers.

“Ugh,” Fox sighed. “I knew it. What trouble did you cause now?” His voice was flat, unsurprised.

“I-I didn’t track the scroll, so it… got—”

“Got what?” Fox cut in, voice rising.

I flinched, mumbling, “Summoned the wrong person.”

He was about to explode, his foot tapping faster.

I looked away, not daring to speak. “S-Sorry…”

Fox held out his hand. “Give me the other three scrolls.” His tone was final.

“But I—”

“Now.” His voice sharpened. I reluctantly handed them over.

He snatched them and walked off.

I cried inside, but it was my fault. Turning back to activate Blanchi, Snake propped his chin, smirking.

“Letting it slide? I thought you’d wail and beg.”

I frowned. “What do you take me for?” Ignoring him, I focused on what happened.

After watching Blanchi’s lens, I was dumbfounded.

That idiot… in a pleasure house?

“Pfft!” Snake burst out laughing when the guy swallowed Blanchi’s “gift.”

I sat there, stunned, feeling helpless, angry, and guilty for the girl.

“It’s my fault she got punished like that,” I said, head bowed, dejected.

Snake’s laugh stopped, replaced by awkward coughs.

“Don’t blame yourself—it was out of your control,” Panther comforted.

“Thanks…” I mumbled. But no matter the reason, she suffered because of my mistake. Her condition now was surely tied to that slap in the memory.

I pursed my lips, face falling. Snake patted my head. Panther stayed quiet, then said, “If you feel guilty, take good care of her to make up for it. Self-blame solves nothing.”

I looked up, giving a small smile, nodding.

He smiled back, satisfied, and stood. “We’re stepping out. Watch her, okay?” Panther pulled Snake along. He’s quiet but the kindest and most perceptive of the three.

“Right, I’ve got to take good care of her!” I perked up, eagerly checking on the girl.

“You’re okay now, Yao Yao,” I said, smiling, then froze.

Her eyelids fluttered, like she was waking.

I panicked, wondering if she’d be startled seeing me. But she didn’t fully wake, settling back.

Go make her something to eat then, I thought, adjusting her blanket before stepping out.

“Not keeping watch?”

Tch! Fox was still there.

“Why’re you still here?” I asked. I was only scared earlier because I felt guilty, not really scared.

“You think just looking after her will erase what you did?” Fox asked.

I stopped, frowning. “Speak clearly.”

Lately, Fox was weird, more hostile than before.

“Fine, the truth is that girl nearly died because of your negligence.”

I flinched but forced my voice steady. “I know.”

“Oh? You know and still act like this?” he sneered. “You’re even more shameless than I thought.”

Tch! What the hell is wrong with him? My anger trembled through me as I glared.

“If she wakes up and sees the person who indirectly caused this hovering around, how’ll she feel?”

Guilt, unease, and fury twisted in my chest. “What do you want me to do?” I shot back.

Fox went quiet, voice low. “Go back.”

Back where? “No!” I snapped, louder than intended.

“Stop acting like a child. Since coming here, have you helped with anything? Or only made things worse?” he pressed.

“Y-You…” I stammered, head bowed, fists clenched tight.

Fox didn’t stop. “Not only useless—you’re a burden. This isn’t your place.”

My nose stung. Don’t cry, don’t cry, I repeated in my head. Right! I’m clumsy, I cause trouble, but…

I tried to hold my ground, but Fox gave no opening.

“Go back, take her with you. You want redemption? She can’t recover here. Or… do you have some other agenda?”

What?! That crossed the line! I jerked my head up, ready to retort when—

BAM!

Snake came out of nowhere, fist slamming hard into Fox.

I gasped. Panther caught me before I could move.

“Go downstairs. We’ll handle this,” he said firmly.

I nodded, turning away.

Fox sat on the floor, wiping blood from his mouth, silent.