“I hope you didn’t eat before coming here.” The Captain said with a look of irritation as if the blue district investigator was the sort to either make a mess or become a mess at the sight of blood and gristle. She motioned for the Kirana to follow her as she stepped over a small, dark wooden bridge. The rainy season was well underway, and some homes in the Red District had been built in the path of the Gold District’s irrigation system. Small streams would separate the property from the main road, and a bridge would be built to help accommodate those who were too old or small to take the leap needed.
The rains had been plentiful, and the water was up high enough for a few droplets to land on Kira’s ankle, splashing against the lip of the bridge. She followed after the Captain, an elite who found this to be a waste of her time. She had heard her speaking to a captain with a red ribbon around her bicep, her tone barely holding a modicum of respect. The gold ribbon that fluttered in front of her was bright and clean, and the stitching on the back of the uniform, in the shape of a well-detailed chrysanthemum, gleamed beneath dappled sunlight.
The thread used for Kira’s uniform was dull in comparison, hardly standing out from the washed-out black fabric. After all, Kira was confident that many had worn this uniform before it: it was one of the only sizes left and too big on her. She had to scrub bloodstains out of it and patch up the hole that made her simple sewn plum blossom's center crooked. Kira was not good with a thread and needle, and her father's hands were too much to hold onto them for longer than a second.
The front door had been left wide open, and neither investigator removed their shoes. Kira was led to the kitchen, where the murder had taken place. Burnt oil and salt hung heavy in the air, mixing with a metallic tang of blood and ash. There was something sweet and savory as well that reminded Kira of pork belly over a charcoal grill. Instead of causing her stomach to growl, it twisted and turned it, invisible hands wringing out her insides inside her skin. Kira didn't make a mess, but the sight was more gruesome than she had heard through gossip whispers.
The bodies of a wife and husband had been cut and sewn back together to create a raakgui that went beyond Kirana's comprehension. Those in uniform with red ribbons tied around the left bicep were busy collecting what evidence they could. They tried not to step over the large puddle of blood, but it was everywhere, with large splatters on the walls and flecks of red on the wooden ceiling overhead.
"This is what you'll be dealing with, " the Golden Captain said, disdain and dismissal lacing her face. She waved a hand, and someone noticed. "Bring him in." She didn't bother glancing at Kira as one of the evidence collectors left the room. "Your partner is-- look at me when I speak to you." Kira tore her gaze from the pool of sanguine blood, which was no longer warm and now very sticky. "Your partner is a criminal." She handed Kira a small, dried head of a mousedeer. "Keep this on you and crush it when your life is at stake because of him."
Banuk
The rains had been plentiful, and the water was up high enough for a few droplets to land on Kira’s ankle, splashing against the lip of the bridge. She followed after the Captain, an elite who found this to be a waste of her time. She had heard her speaking to a captain with a red ribbon around her bicep, her tone barely holding a modicum of respect. The gold ribbon that fluttered in front of her was bright and clean, and the stitching on the back of the uniform, in the shape of a well-detailed chrysanthemum, gleamed beneath dappled sunlight.
The thread used for Kira’s uniform was dull in comparison, hardly standing out from the washed-out black fabric. After all, Kira was confident that many had worn this uniform before it: it was one of the only sizes left and too big on her. She had to scrub bloodstains out of it and patch up the hole that made her simple sewn plum blossom's center crooked. Kira was not good with a thread and needle, and her father's hands were too much to hold onto them for longer than a second.
The front door had been left wide open, and neither investigator removed their shoes. Kira was led to the kitchen, where the murder had taken place. Burnt oil and salt hung heavy in the air, mixing with a metallic tang of blood and ash. There was something sweet and savory as well that reminded Kira of pork belly over a charcoal grill. Instead of causing her stomach to growl, it twisted and turned it, invisible hands wringing out her insides inside her skin. Kira didn't make a mess, but the sight was more gruesome than she had heard through gossip whispers.
The bodies of a wife and husband had been cut and sewn back together to create a raakgui that went beyond Kirana's comprehension. Those in uniform with red ribbons tied around the left bicep were busy collecting what evidence they could. They tried not to step over the large puddle of blood, but it was everywhere, with large splatters on the walls and flecks of red on the wooden ceiling overhead.
"This is what you'll be dealing with, " the Golden Captain said, disdain and dismissal lacing her face. She waved a hand, and someone noticed. "Bring him in." She didn't bother glancing at Kira as one of the evidence collectors left the room. "Your partner is-- look at me when I speak to you." Kira tore her gaze from the pool of sanguine blood, which was no longer warm and now very sticky. "Your partner is a criminal." She handed Kira a small, dried head of a mousedeer. "Keep this on you and crush it when your life is at stake because of him."
Banuk
