The sun beat down on the scorched earth as Kaito crouched beside _Kōen_, who was now a sleek fox sniffing the sand for any sign of movement. The air vibrated with the distant hum of Shadow Slaves, and Kaito's senses were on high alert. That's when Lia emerged from the shimmering heat haze like a mirage, her striking features—high cheekbones, sun-kissed bronze skin, and piercing amber eyes—standing out against the wasteland's bleakness. A tangle of dark, wind-swept hair framed her face, and a silver ember-shaped pendant glinted at her throat. She wore patched leather armor that hinted at curves, a rifle slong over her shoulder with an air of effortless cool.
"Fireborne, huh?" she said, her voice low and smooth, curiosity dancing in her gaze as she scanned Kaito and _Kōen_. "Heading for the Last Ember Market? Heard the Shadow Slaves are crawling closer."
Kaito stood, _Kōen_ shifting to wrap protectively around his legs, the ember dragon's fox form bristling slightly. "Just passing through. What's your business?"
Lia smiled, a flash of white teeth, and tapped her rifle. "Scavenging supplies. And maybe looking for a fight. The Weaver's whispers are making traders nervous. They say the shadows are getting hungrier."
Without warning, Lia swung her rifle's butt in a fluid arc, testing Kaito. He sidestepped with practiced ease, _Kōen_ growling low as sparks flared on Kaito's palms. They circled each other, tension crackling like the ember sparks in the air.
"You don't trust easily," Lia said, eyes narrowing, as they broke apart after a brief, careful clash. Her movements were light, almost playful, but her gaze stayed sharp.
"Don't need to," Kaito replied, breathing steady. "Why hunt the Weaver? You think they're worthy