The water was cold now. I'd been sitting in the tub too long, and was pruning. I was trapped in thought. When my uncle died and my father was depressed like I am... I couldn't understand how he could not recover. Now I get it.

I wrapped a towel around my body and gently rubbed fabric the against my moist skin. The cloth wasn't a quality I used to, but at this point I couldn't care
less. I needed to clean this day off more than anything.

I strolled back into the main bedroom and spotted Kai lying on the bed, staring up at the ceiling. He appeared deep in thought.

"Kai, I'm out," I said gently.

Kai jerked from his daze and peered over at me.Realization began sinking in that I had no clothing. I blushed deep red and turned my back to Kai.

Kai cleared his throat and tapped my shoulder. I peeked over my shoulder and noticed he was holding a stack of clothing.

"Here," he motioned for me to take the clothes, "I got these for you. The innkeeper said they were her daughter's."

I pressed my eyebrows down in confusion, "What happened to her daughter?"

Kai didn't answer. Maybe I'm better off not knowing. I grabbed the clothes from him.

I entered back into the other room and slipped into the new clothes. Some kind of dark green top... and pants. I've never worn them before. I mean they are common amongst the common women, but the aristocracy, like me, would never dare. I guess we have to keep up this whole low profile thing.

I felt strange in these clothes. They were much more fluent to move in. I steeped back out awkwardly, feeling conflicted over this newly discovered freedom in clothing.

"Looks like a good fit.," Kai said examining my outfit. Finally, making his way up, he stared me in the eyes. "Is something wrong?"

"I've... never worn pants before. It's just a bit strange is all."

"You'll get used to them. They're much better than those restricted hoops you wear all day long," he spoke slightly scornfully.

I drew my attention down at the floor.

"I'm going to sleep," I walked over to one of the beds and snuggled myself under the blankets.

"Goodnight, Scarletta."

But, I slowly began to realize just as I fell asleep, that I was not in fact Scarletta anymore. Than... who is this new person who has replaced her.

The early crack of daw poured in through the cracks of the windows. I peered from the small opening of my eyelids. I saw Kai's silhouette walking around the room.

"You're awake. Now go get ready."

"What's the rush," I groaned.

Kai flipped the covers off of me, "you're training."

I pressed my hands into the mattress, and pushed myself out of the my sweet spot on the bed.

"Huh?"

Kai tossed clothing on top of my legs. "If you want to survive, you have to learn how to fight Scarletta."

"Its Scarlett now."

"Since when?"

"Since we left the castle and I lost my title."

"Whatever 'Scarlett', just go get yourself ready. You're doing laps."

My lungs have never burned so much in my life. I gulped down the water as if my life depended on it. I thick sheen of sweat covered my skin, especially on my forehead.

"Well?" Kai walked over to me and crossed his arms over his chest.

I swallowed and closed up the bottle, "well what?"I was pissed, and wasn't in the mood to deal with his unclear questions.

"Did you have fun?"

"Go to hell," I chucked my water bottle at Kai, but he caught it in his hand. He smirked, quite pleased with himself.

I rolled my eyes and grabbed the water back from him, refusing to look him in the eyes. I took one last gulp of water and went to go sit in the shade. I put my head on too of my bent knees and closed my eyes for a few minutes, enjoying the serenity of the forrest.

"Listen, I know you think I'm being harsh on you, but you really do need to be more in shape if you're planning on keeping away from the demons after you."

I peaked up from my knees, "it's fine. I get it."

Kai went down on his knees and placed his hands on my knee-caps. "Choose a weapon."

"What?"

"You are going to need to learn to defend yourself. So, I'm bond you with a weapon, like my scythe. We can go buy it in town."

"What is there?"

"Um.... there's long swords, maces, axes, war hammers, claymores,broadswords. Oh, hey I know. how about a sabre.

"I don't know what that is."

"There are different looks to it, but basically it's a sword that's curved and it covers your knuckles. I'll have to get a baldric to hold it."

"Sure," I shrugged. "Let's do it."