After collecting more wood, Yuki went inside and tended to the fire before walking over and hugging Nana’s waist, burying her head into Nana’s lap. Nana could tell Yuki felt relieved. She reached up and gently stroked the top of Yuki’s head. “We just have to sit around until the training is over. But this is a change, normally, it is you letting me be spoiled.”

Yuki pursed her lips as she turned over and looked up at Nana, who was smiling back at her. “Your back is almost healed, and I took care of you, so I deserve a bit of pampering, no?”

    “Of course!” Nana smiled and continued gently, running her hands through Yuki’s hair. She really hoped one day, Yuki would open up to her fully and let her see her true form. She was sure Yuki was very cute. 

Yuki smiled as she closed her eyes. She remembered the time her mother used to do this. Petting her head, gently scratching her ears and under her chin. She loved those days. She had no idea if her mother and father were alive or not. She still had no clues as to where they were taken if they were alive. She could only hope that once she was strong enough, she could destroy the people who took them away.

Yuki’s breathing soon became steady as she hugged Nana’s waist. This was not her normal half sleep but a deep sleep, one that she had not had since she was in her village. Nana looked down at the cute girl peacefully sleeping and lowered her head, looking at the face she had seen change so much since they had been together. Nana wondered what their future would hold.

    A month passed, and their daily activities had changed slightly. Nana was now healed and was able to go out and help Yuki with gathering wood and other things like wild vegetables. At night they would help wipe each other’s bodies off on the spots they could not reach. Then they would curl up together and sleep in each other’s arms. 

It was early morning of the second month when Yuki woke up, her gaze hazy as she gently removed Nana’s arm from her waist. She looked down at the sleeping girl and smiled softly. They had grown closer. Much closer than she had ever thought. But she still had not fully opened up to Nana. But she had to admit she was very fond of this awkward girl who was a bit selfish at times but was willing to pamper her as well. They had been through a great deal together and had been living well the past few weeks without issue. It was like they were the only ones in the world, even though she knew Elder Nishikawa was watching over them. 

She reached out and poked Nana’s cheek a few times before doing her best to stand up, but she only got to sit up before being pulled back down. Nana had a habit of being clingy while she slept. 

Yuki sighed as she laid there feeling helpless. She closed her eyes and began cultivating. She had been getting closer to the peak of the third fate star. She was at rank seven at this time. She still had two more ranks to go. Besides enjoying the warmth that came with having someone at your side, Yuki and Nana had been diligently cultivating as well. The only thing that bothered Yuki was her devil cultivation was starting to lag behind. She couldn’t just start cultivating it with Elder Nishikawa watching. Nana might not mind if she knew about it, but Yuki still did not dare to reveal her dual cultivation.

The thought of being seen as an enemy and chased down because of her devil cultivation scared her. Yes, she felt scared. Scared that she would no longer have a place in this world and would never get a chance to kill her enemies.

The days continued by. The two girls did not dare explore too far from the cave. The amount of rank four to five demonic beasts had returned to the area. What actually caused the original Monster wave they did not know, but they both knew at this time they were not strong enough to fight too many of the demonic beasts in the area. While they did kill a few rank four demonic beasts, they were the weakest of the weak. They had struggled in the fight and even had to run away a few times. 

“Only a few more days….” Nana let out a sigh. “Then we can go back to the sect and bathe.” 

“Mmm… A real bath would be nice. We can then begin looking into earning contribution points for a few techniques.” Yuki really wanted to begin growing much stronger besides just normal cultivation.

“That would be nice.” Nana nodded her head. “Hey, Yuki, when we grow powerful enough, do you think we will find the people who killed our clansmen?”

“I know we will. We have to. Our people are waiting. No matter how many years it will take or how old they are, by the time we are strong enough, I will still find them. Even if there is nothing but bones left, I will at least avenge those who took such good care of me.” Yuki’s eyes burned with determination. This was something she would never forget. It was her motivation.

“I hope so…. Then when it’s all over…. Wil-Will we still be together?” Nana hesitated for a moment, but she still asked. She was nervous. She did not wish to part with Yuki. She was more dependent on her now than ever before. 

“I think that all depends on what the future holds. As long as we are both alive, we will always be friends.” Yuki hugged Nana’s waist and pressed her forehead on Nana’s back. She was currently helping Nana wash her back. But the scar that streaked across it looked rough and horrible. Nana was someone she could never abandon. “As long as you want me by your side, I will stay,” Yuki spoke softly as she trailed her fingers across the scar.