A few strands of her black hair drifted away. She didn't complain. She just adjusted and swung again. Sweat stuck to her forehead. Her breathing was quick. But she didn't stop.
Rhett: Normal hair loss, right?
The sun set. It was time to rest.
Rhett dismissed the swords. "Enough for today. You'll fall apart if you keep going."
Her cheeks, usually pale, had a hint of color from the exercise.
She formed a perfect ice rose and touched his hand with it.
"For you."
He laughed. "A thank you? It's beautiful."
She shook her head and mimed a sword swing with the rose.
"Use ice as a sword?"
She nodded.
"Smart. Just don't hurt yourself."
Joy Boy had finished his talks. He approached with a tired but happy smile.
Rhett didn't ask about the politics. That was Joy Boy's business.
He saw the siblings, A-Yang and A-Xing, helping rebuild. The town was different. People were working, crying at graves, but also helping each other. Hope was growing.
Joy Boy had made a difference.
Then, out of nowhere, Joy Boy threw down his wood, put his hands on his hips, and laughed. "When this is done, we'll sail! We'll bring smiles to the world! I have a crew now!"
The siblings copied him. "We'll be free!" "We'll see all the stars!"
Three idiots stood on the ruins, laughing.
Rhett hit each on the head.
Joy Boy grinned, hugging the siblings. "They're my crew!"
Rhett watched them, their eyes full of hope. He looked at the girl.
"Your crew, huh?" he said. "Get back to work."
They cheered and ran off.