The Time for Bonding

Maya opened the door to The Tender Lender loan company. She peered around the door, took a look around and sighed. "VIOLA? Are you in here? I was hoping we could... well... bond a little bit by going to Kurain Village." She stepped through the door and closed it quietly behind her. "It's pretty. I thought you'd like to see what it's like there." Maya's eyes shone as she spoke about Kurain,

Viola looked up from her desk. This desk wasn't gold plated anymore, but it had a stable furnishing. (MAHOGANY!) Viola was quietly shuffling through some papers. Without an assistant, Tender Lender wasn't able to run at maximum efficiency.

She looked up from her desk and noticed a familiar face. "Welcome to-" She got cut off by her surprise to see Maya, but continued on her sentence, without a change of expression. "You are one of the people in the hospital a few days ago, are you not?"

"Yup, that's right!" Maya smiled. "I wanted to see you and ask if you wanted to go to Kurain Village with me. It's really nice there~!"

She looked up from her desk, her face turned a little more disgruntled. "I would most certainly consider the offer. But since I am the owner and assistant for Tender Lender, I have too much work on my hands to go anywhere at the moment."

"But," Maya frowned. "Shouldn't you have a little break? I mean, it'll only be for a day or two..."

"I will need someone to run the Tender Lender while I am gone. I'm certain you know someone, who doesn't work a lot."

"I know! Why don't you ask Trucy or Polly?" Maya smiled again. "I'm sure they won't mind looking after the place for a while."

"I'm afraid ones young as themselves wouldn't be able to handle the job. Tender Lender used to be a very vicious company. We've made several enemies in the past. Not to mention my grandfathers mob has many enemies."

"A-ah..." Her smile faded slightly. "I'm sure Nick won't mind helping them..."

"If you can manage to pool together some people who can protect the store while we are away, then I will accompany you. Please return here with the sufficient staff needed."

"U-um... couldn't you just shut the shop until we get back? It won't be long you know." Maya rubbed the back of her head, getting nervous.

"Pity. I enjoyed the deal we had going. I was considering going as well. But we much keep this shop open, no matter the case."

Maya sighed and mumbled, "I'm sure I can find some people who can look after The Tender Lender..."

"Then please do. But until that time arises, I must be getting back to work." Her head slumped back down to her papers as she began to ruffle them again.

Maya sighed, rubbed her head and walked out of the door. Who could help look after The Tender Lender whilst they were away?

After a while, she returned with Polly, Trucy, Phoenix and Klavier, who were completely clueless on what was going on. "There! Is this enough?" She smiled.

"I'm certain it will be enough." She got up and looked over at them. "I've left instructions on your posts and duties, while I am away." She said, walking out the door.

They all nodded as Maya followed Viola. At last, she could bond with the mysterious girl.

"So, Kurain it is yeah?" She smiled at her.

Viola nodded back to her, unsure about what Kurain was, but was happy to be out of the office for once. "So how do you suppose we get there?"

"Well, it takes about 2 hours to get there by train. I want to go back to the manor..." Maya thought for a moment. "You don't mind do you?"

"Of course not. As long as I can accompany you. I do not wish to be left alone during out visit." She said, walking back into the store and packing a few things.

"Ok, good! I know you'll like it there. It's pretty..." Maya sighed at the thought of her home town.

Viola and Maya made their way onto the train. She wasn't used to traveling, and every bump or turn the train made, made her head feel worse. The train arrived at the village a little while later, with an abrupt stop. Viola slipped from her seat and knocked her head against the ground. Not hard enough for anything fatal, or any memory loss, but hard enough to knock her unconscious.

"V-viola?! Are you ok?!" Maya bent down to her and poked her lightly. She's out cold...

Maya picked up Viola and carried/dragged her out of the train. She took her to the manor, and once there, laid her down.

She woke up soon later and felt her head. The bandages were wet, most likely due to the blood that they soaked up. She shook it off and stepped outside, to the sunlight. She blinked for a moment as thoughts rushed through her head. For some reason in the Kurain village she felt...nostalgic.

Maya saw Viola wake up and approached her slowly. "V-viola, are you ok?" It was obvious that she was concerned. "Would you like some clean bandages?"