"Did you know Yoshi could breathe fire?" Liya asked.

Helly paused, and then said, rather guiltily, "Ah. Well, yes. I did." Ne dithered for an instant, then continued, "I heard about what happened tonight. He's usually very shy about that power. He must have taken quite a liking to you, to defend you that way."

Liya had been staring at the ceiling. She felt her face warm up for the nth time and looked at the window instead.

"I coulda taken him, you know," she mumbled. "That assassin guy."

Helly chuckled. "I don't doubt that, and I'm sure Yoshi doesn't either," ne said gently. Nir smile faded some then, and ne added, "I am sorry you've been alone up until now, Liya. I know it can be hard not to give up."

"Sure," Liya answered, flipping onto her side, facing the window. "But me and my brothers--that's what we're good at, not giving up."