The cat stretched lazily, then purred, “Really, Mai-chan.  Why did you let her go? We all know you want her with you tonight.  Now those crude ronin will probably hire her.”<br/><br/>The purple haired girl groaned, “I don't want to take about it.”  She threw an angry glance at the  ronin—they way they were treating the other girl was not making the samurai happy.  Not at all.<br/><br/>Growling, she poured another glass of tea.  After a while, she ordered a fresh pot and more sushi.  She pledged quietly to stay here 'til she was sure Mariko was safe.