DISCLAIMER: At this point, I better fire this one out now. Should at some point, there will be uncomfortable scenes here that trigger traumatic experiences, you may wait out for the next chapter to come out tomorrow. In other words, READER DISCRETION IS ADVISED.

Also, as hinted in the announcement: SLIGHT LEMON WARNING.

With that out of the way, back to the regular scheduled chapter update....

Entertainment District, Eastern Torrs, Night.

Jinzy and Clara, still donning shrine maiden garbs were headed to the entertainment district of Eastern Torrs. To them, it is returning to harsh past and realities. But by their garb, they are out of place as no shrine maiden will dare enter there on their own accord. Sellswords and brutes were shouting at them obscenities as they walked onward. Jinzy was feeling all the harsh memories return but she had to find the inner strength to avoid breaking their disguise. Sayfuro was behind them but jumping from the rooftops of buildings.

Clara and Jinzy were then finding a pub until they heard a familiar voice. 

Dancer?: Get away from me! You do not have any money on you and this is not a brothel! 

The two went closer then they saw a dancer with grey hair and purple eyes telling off a drunken knight to stay away from her. The knight in his drunkenness said, 

Drunken Knight: Hey you! You said you are available for the night. My knighthood should suffice after I consume you and enjoy what we will be having... 

The dancers in shrine maiden outfits have heard enough and brought out their whips and each one coiled on the ankles of the night. They pulled and caused the knight to fall on his back and lose consciousness.

Clara and Jinzy then approached the dancer then when their eyes met, 

Clara and Jinzy: Amethyst! 

Amethyst then saw the shrine maidens who saved her were not really shrine maidens but Clara and Jinzy. 

Amethyst: Hey you two! Let's talk somewhere ...and Mr. Cloak and Katars, you can stop hiding 

Sayfuro was surprised that she can sense him but he obliged and they all headed to Amethyst's home near the outskirts slum area.

Slum area, Eastern Torrs Outskirts.

Amethyst led Jinzy, Clara and Sayfuro to her home. 

Amethyst: Well, you've been here before so here it is. 

It was quite small, with a lot of pots and pans at the side. 

Amethyst: Pardon if it's all messy, wasn't able to clean this up before heading out. 

Crying was heard in the next room, 

Amethyst: Will you excuse me? 

The visitors crept in and saw Amethyst calming an infant down until it stopped crying, she then soothed it by singing a lullaby and placed it back in the crib. Jinzy and Clara saw this and were amazed. 

Amethyst: What motherhood does to you huh. 

She saw Jinzy looking sad. 

Amethyst: Oh right, sorry about that Jinzy. Forgot you had close calls back then...even with.. 

Clara: No need to remind her but yes, I've been her shoulder to lean on in those days. But I see the little one you were coddling to sleep.

Amethyst: - giggles - Ah yes, that little guy. Danced the night away with a captain. Promised me he'd care for me and the little kid. Never returned, turns out I was only his side trip since he has a wife in the South. Never even saw the kid. That drunk you saw me swat away was not aware he stepped into a pub. He thought I was a brothel lass, which I am not given how hard it is nowadays to earn gold safely. As much as I'd want to be selling those things from Jappon, Aura or Branshaldo, the way of dance is all I know. 

The dancers knew that struggle. 

Clara: Well, we are all forced to learn to dance, but what we were not told is that our dance is to serve men. We are there as their pleasure pieces, not as artists 

Jinzy: At least you got away with just a kid and are still earning Amethyst.

Amethyst: We all have the governor to thank for this though.

Sayfuro: - surprised, - My apologies but can you please repeat what you said just now? 

Amethyst: - shocked - Governor Don Patricius gave us jobs. He made the cultural exchange a priority and it gave the East more prestige 

Sayfuro: - snaps back - And yet, slums still exist.

Jinzy: Look, we dancers do not earn much. We earn if we are desired even if it takes us hours of charming our clientele. We all have families to feed, at least for some"

Clara: I guess all we are trying to say Master Sayfuro is, we all had to be dancers to earn for ourselves and for our own families. Sure it is degrading to say the least, which brings merit to what Riff had said previously but there is more to life than being eyed and objectified.

Amethyst: Clara, first of all, are you trying to go above who you were? Don't forget that you had a... 

Clara was saddened but then she finally opens up to Jinzy and Sayfuro, 

Clara: I guess I have some explaining to do. You see....

Clara's flashback: Entertainment District, Eastern Torrs, Two years ago

Jinzy and I were strutting our dance moves in a pub and our only incentive was the raucous applause of inebriated and sober men. One mercenary caught my attention. Back then, I was daring in my movements with some semblances of refinement. The mercenary asked the pub chief for me.

Needless to say, I was impressed that I was finally wanted by a man, a very kind and considerate mercenary at that. He then said, 

Mercenary: You move with such grace like you don't belong at a stage of impurity and debauchery like that. Would you like to spend the night with me?

I pretty much said, 

Clara: Oh yes!\

NOW I GET TO PULL THIS UP SO....SLIGHT LEMON WARNING

He took me to one of the beds in the upper floors. He unclothed me then marveled at my nude form. Never did I experience this, then when he undid his clothing, I peered away. He told me, 

Mercenary: Let us enjoy the night away, my lady.

He kissed me all over my body, and from there, he took me and then began our night of passion.

After we had finished with the proceedings, he then told me, 

Mercenary: You truly love me. But not to worry, I shall return to you every night. To see you.\

He says this and holds me tight whilst we were bare as we all were at the moment of birth. Giddy as I was, I loved every second of us together and kissed him on the lips.

LEMON OVER (Just a test lemon. Real ones may come in later on...hence this teaser)

We have been rendezvousing for months on end. He always wanted me personally. At the very least, I felt wanted. However, I later found myself with child, for sure he is the father as he had been the only one who cared and loved me like this. I had to sadly work still but was made not to be on stage but to serve the clientele.

Suddenly, come the 5th month when my pregnancy already showed on me, one drunkard tried to have his way with me. He nearly had his way with me then and there, but my savior was there. The mercenary that loved me protected me by stabbing the drunk. Sadly, that drunk did not come to the pub alone. He had company and they took reprisal and in front of me as Jinzy and Amethyst was leading me away for safety, he was being bludgeoned and murdered.

When he was being laid to rest, the pub chief did know who he was. Sadly, I discovered while bearing our child that the mercenary was actually a prodigal son of an aristocrat. I could not go near for fear of shaming their son from beyond the grave.

Then came the time I brought the product of our love that night to the world. I was happy that our child is alive, but saddened as well. 

Clara: How can I feed my child? Her father is gone and I cannot let her know who her father was.

Amethyst: Clara, you may have to give that child up to the orphanage. We can help but that child will not be able to grow on her own while we work at night and sleep in the day. 

Jinzy: - sadly agreed - I am so sorry Clara.'

 I wept, even as my child held onto my finger, I had in my mind '

Clara: (mind) I don't think I can be a perfect mother to you. But for both of us to live, I have to give you to the orphanage, your life will be better in the hands of another. You're better off not knowing me as your mother...

Flashback over: Present day

Clara: So yes, I had a child with that mercenary. He was the first man I had who cared for me body and soul unlike the others who only see us as pleasure objects after a night. Sadly, I had to give up my child for both of us to live. 

Clara was weeping as she remembered, Jinzy hugged her and Amethyst as well. 

Amethyst: I am so sorry for what I said back then, but I regretted advising you that. That is why my little boy stayed with me. I did not want to give up on my child after seeing the pain you had.

Clara gained some composure then said, 

Clara: Jinzy, that is why I became motherly to you all. As the caring older sister of our band and troupe. 

Sayfuro was standing there but felt a tinge of pain, relating to the feeling of loss and abandonment but said to the dancers, 

Sayfuro: My apologies for my rather harsh tongue.

Amethyst: No no Mr. Cloak and Katars. I get your claim. We are susceptible to all this, but what can we do. Our governor feeds and cares for us yet we still starve. I thought he cares for all of us to have jobs.

Jinzy: Sadly, that is what he wants us to think. If he does care for the people, then how come we remain here in the slums? 

Amethyst: Look, so long as we live to feed our families, then we're okay. 

Clara: Okay? Have you known what of our other troupe members? What of our other friends? 

Amethyst: Some became mothers like me. Some lived on somehow. Others were never seen again after sometime. I don't know. But you all sound like spouting the High Priest's parroting. Have you two in your time away converted and begun to look down on your pasts? On me, someone whom you have lived alongside with? 

Clara: No Amethyst. I never turned my back on who I was. Nor has Jinzy, but you have to understand that we must look beyond our lives. How long can you live like this? I care for you still as the older sister but you don't deserve this type of life. Yes we are dancers but we can no longer feed into the egos of lecherous, dirty, uncultured men who only sees us as objects for their lust and pleasure. - rises up - Let us cut to the chase. The reason Jinzy and Master Sayfuro are here and maybe fate is kind that we reunite is because we are looking into the situation of the East and we have joined the Blade empire to bring in a new life for all of Torrs. Corrvin already allowed this disparity to still remain under the Governor's rule and only reinforces it. Are you still going to live like this? Or Will you aid us? We need all the numbers we can get.

Jinzy: It will be rough to brush off the stigma. I know it is, but know that the Blade empire is trusting. Heck, we were taken in despite what we are perceived to be. 

Amethyst was impressed at the glow and pride that her two friends have shown. Sadly she said,

Amethyst:  I am seeing different people from those I have shared the stage with. I wish to join you two but I have a child to take care of.

Clara: I understa.. 

Amethyst suddenly cut her off, 

Amethyst: But, I know of some dancers who can no longer stomach this regime. If you'd like, we can find them. My little boy is asleep anyways. 

All four of them left to return to the entertainment district.

Entertainment District, Eastern Torrs,

As the four returned to find potential allies, Jinzy suddenly felt dread. Clara and Amethyst ahead to find what they were searching for. Jinzy bumped into someone, unfortunately, not just any bystander or customer. It was Governor Don Patricius, upon seeing that he bumped into Jinzy

Don Patricius: Oh hey! Jinzy right? Want to come back to the mansion with me? 

Jinzy felt scared and said, 

Jinzy: No I never want to return with you, not after the unholy things you did and were to do with me. 

Don Patricius: hey, you practically robbed me! You stood me up. 

Jinzy: I did not want to take the money, your requests are foul and disturbing, even for me

Don Patricius: You dare shame me? The Eastern Torrs Governor? I shame you for your harlotry! I should and can have any woman I want. I can buy you, your dignity and your life from here on out. But....  - lays his hands on her sides, then caresses her face with his left hand - I can undo the damage, if you allow me one night with you. But I will double my offer to you from last night and you never speak of this and stay quiet.

Jinzy's uneasiness was already growing evident but she is unable to scream as she may blow their cover more than she already has. Governor Don Patricius even before wanting to once again buy Jinzy's services for the night was already fondling her with the face of a predator. Jinzy was shivering, nearing the point of tears as the Governor was feeling her around to force her into submission. Before the governor can be more frisky in his approach, he was knocked unconscious with a few fist shots at the back. The governor's escorts were ready with their swords but smoke suddenly appeared. Once the smoke cleared, the escorts were dead with multiple stab wounds. Jinzy opened her eyes to see Sayfuro come to her rescue. Sayfuro told Jinzy, 

Sayfuro: we need to walk quickly. Hop on my back. 

Jinzy did so and Sayfuro leapt with assassin-like speed and fled the scenery before Don Patricius would come to.

Sayfuro asked Jinzy while escaping, 

Sayfuro: Are you okay Lady Jinzy? 

Jinzy was a bit shaken and in tears but said,

Jinzy: Take me to Clara. Please! 

Sayfuro then sped up and with Jinzy on his back, they dashed and hopped to the pub where Clara and Amethyst currently are.

Oyasumi Pub, Entertainment District, Eastern Torrs.

The owner of the Oyasumi PUB was a friend of Amethyst's and per request of Amethyst, the PUB closed for the night as some of the dancers that are against Corrvin and Patricius have gathered there. Clara was there reconnecting with some of her former contemporaries. Clara then began saying, 

Clara: I know it isn't a busy night. But I am glad that you're all gathered here. As dancers, we all know the dangers our profession brings. Especially with drunken or abusive clients.

 Some nodded in agreement. 

Clara: There is...

Clara was interrupted by Jinzy and Sayfuro entering the room. Jinzy ran towards Clara and was in tears, shaken by what almost occurred. 

Jinzy: Clara, he almost tried to have me again. Don Patricius tried... 

Clara then hugged her to comfort and console after hearing this. Clara then said, 

Clara: As you see, Jinzy here was almost abused once again by the Governor of the East, Don Patricius. I know we cannot fight on our own given our numbers. But we have a means to add to our increasing shout for justice and change. I stand here before you not only as Clara, dancer of Eastern Torrs, but as Clara Mannequin, officer of the Blade Empire. 

Some of the dancers were shocked by Clara's confidence, but she continued on, 

Clara: Yes, it will be quite shocking as some of you may know what happened to the Blades but rest assured, once we work together with our allies, we will and shall ensure a future where safety and equal opportunity will be granted. A safer environment for all. Entrust your lot with us and we will make it happen along with Lord Patriarch Blade! 

The ladies were all cheering and Amethyst told Clara, 

Amethyst: We will gather all the dancers who support your cause and once liberation will begin, we will augment your forces. 

Clara and Jinzy then hug Amethyst. Amethyst then said, 

Amethyst: I may not be holding the line with you two but make us all proud. Show those who fear Don Patricius that his reign of terror backed by the Corrvins must come to its end.

That was Chapter 29. Apologies if it triggered some bad memories. Chapter 30 will be coming out tomorrow.