After walking a few blocks, Milla stops to rest for a few minutes, sitting on a low wall to allow her to remove her boots and massage her feet to reduce the pain and discomfort. I would do almost anything for a pair of flat shoes right now…
When the massage is complete, Milla refits the boots, but as she's about to resume walking, her instincts tell her someone's following her. A quick glance down the street both ways shows no sign of any vulpine followers, but she does notice a burgundy owl in black in the distance heading her way. I can't be too careful: I need to make sure he's not following me.
Pretending she's not noticed the owl, Milla continues walking, doing her best to remain outwardly calm as she turns into a narrow alleyway a few hundred feet further down the road. Great: a dead end. Looks like I'm going to have to talk or fight my way out of this.
The burgundy owl notices Milla turning down the alleyway. Did she notice me? I must catch up to her before she flees. The owl ups his pace and follows Milla into the alleyway‑
"Who are you and why are you following me?" Milla demands with a harsh growl, a Phantom Shield raised in defence, her piandao drawn and glowing with intent.
The owl stops a non‑threatening distance from Milla. "Someone who can help you take down the Nine Tails," he answers as he takes an electronic cigarette from his coat's inside pocket and activates it.
"I don't believe you," Milla growls in reply.
The owl takes a drag from his e‑cigarette before continuing. "You think I'm working for the Huxian."
Milla's growl intensifies at the mention of the Huxian.
But the owl is unmoved. "If I was working for the Huxian, would I willingly unveil myself to you?"
"You're stalling."
The owl simply shrugs. "If that's what you truly think, then it looks like I cannot help you," he sighs, turning his back and walking out of the alley.
Milla drops her shield and deactivates and sheathes her sword. He… He just walked away… Why? Curiosity getting the better of her, Milla dashes out of the alley. "Wait!"
The owl stops and turns to face Milla. "Yes?" he asks before taking a draw from his e‑cigarette.
"I uh…" Milla pauses a moment to marshal her thoughts. "You're… not working for the Huxian?"
"No," the owl confirms.
"Then why did you follow me?"
"Because I can help you."
"How?"
"Not here," the owl answers. "Follow me: I have a place we can talk in private."
"And what if this is all a bluff?"
"You are Bái Shén Měi Lán, tiāngǒu de hòuyì, more commonly known as Milla Basset, Heroine Hound of Team Lilac," the owl replies quietly. "You're more than capable of besting a former surgeon turned private detective, especially as you wield Tiāngǒu's piandao. That, and you're a about forty years younger than me."
Milla blinks in surprise. "How…?"
"I will explain all when we're somewhere private," the owl replies. "Come with me."
"I don't even know your name."
"Rinzen."
Milla remains silent a moment. I can't let my guard down… but this could also be the chance I need. "You'll explain everything?"
"Of course. Shall we?"
Milla nods.
A few minutes later, Rinzen and Milla enter the owl's compact two‑bedroom apartment in a three‑storey building just a few blocks from the grocery store.
"Welcome to my home," Rinzen informs, closing and locking the door behind him.
Milla hears the click of the lock. "Why did you lock the door?"
"I always do," Rinzen answers. "Don't want randoms barging in unannounced. Don't worry: if you want to escape, just turn the lever and the door will unlock."
Milla thinks a moment. We don't even have locks at the treehouse… At least I can get out quickly if I need to. "Fair enough. Now, how do you know so much about me already, and how can you help me take down the Nine Tails?"
"I'll tell you everything, but first, allow me to get you something to drink," Rinzen offers.
"Tap water," Milla states firmly. "And I'll be watching."
"I welcome you to, as I have nothing to hide," Rinzen agrees, guiding Milla to the kitchen where he fills a glass with tap water, ensuring Milla can see everything he's doing.
Once Milla has her drink, Rinzen fetches himself an iced tea from the fridge, then guides Milla to the den where two comfortable chairs are positioned so that their occupants can converse comfortably while watching television.
"As I promised, I'll tell you everything," Rinzen begins once he and Milla are seated. "During the Basset Uprising, I was working as a surgeon in the Imperial Hospital. I saw many patients that had been victims of the atrocities committed, and I heard the stories they had to tell. At first, like the rest of the population, I believed the news reports above all else, and I dismissed the contradictions present in the patients' stories as corrupted memories caused by the stress of being victims.
"But that all changed one day when I accidentally overheard a conversation that would forever change my outlook on the Uprising. I was taking a break after six hours in ER, minding my own business, smoking my e‑cigarette (outside, of course), when I heard two vixens talking in hushed stressed tones. I tried not to pay attention, but what I heard, I knew I could not ignore…"
An hour later, Rinzen is approaching the end of his story, doing his best to hold his emotions in check.
"…when I heard from the Order that you were in the Empire, I thought that the truth would finally be revealed… but they got to you first," Rinzen sighs. "And when I saw you escape in your Shade Form, I assumed that you'd be hunted down and killed, and the truth would be buried forever. But then I saw you in the grocery store today, and I couldn't pass up the opportunity. This may be the last chance I have to see the truth brought to light… If this fails, then the last two decades will have been for nothing, and your parents' memory will forever be tarnished with the lies."
Milla takes a moment to compose herself. There's no doubt anymore: I can trust him. "I… I didn't know how much this means to you… I'm sorry for doubting you."
"Don't be," Rinzen assures. "Given how much danger you're in, you have no choice but to suspect everyone. I'm just thankful you gave me a chance to tell my story."
"If we're to work together, I'll need some things from you," Milla replies.
"Like what?"
"A safe place to stay."
"Here is about as safe as I can provide," Rinzen offers. "I can set up a bed in the spare room. Anything else?"
"Shoes that don't have stupid heels that hurt my feet," Milla answers.
Rinzen cannot help but chuckle softly at the request. "I'll definitely get you new shoes. Given you prefer to go barefoot, two‑inch heels must be a nightmare for you."
"You have no idea," Milla sighs in relief as she removes her boots for the last time. "I want to return these to their rightful owner, though that might be tricky, as I don't know who they are: all I know is that they're a snow leopard."
"Leave them with me," Rinzen offers. "I'll figure something out."
A couple of hours later, Rinzen leaves the last of the handful of city centre stores he's visiting, his impromptu shopping trip complete. However, as he leaves the main shopping area and crosses back into the inner city, he realises he's being followed. Typical… Guess I'd better stop and see what they want.
A couple of blocks later, Rinzen stops, places his bags against a low wall, and turns to his followers. "Make this quick," he greets, taking his e‑cigarette from his coat's inside pocket, activating it, and drawing a lungful.
Shigara and Choden halt a few feet from the burgundy owl. "What's in the bag?" Shigara asks.
"Supplies," Rinzen answers simply. "Also a few items I plan to take to a clothing bank tomorrow."
"Any reason not to take them today?" Choden inquires.
"As I don't habitually carry scissors with me at all times, I need to take them home to remove the tags," Rinzen explains. "Get to the point already."
"OK: where is she?" Shigara asks, his tone leaving Rinzen in no doubt that his answer better be good.
"The Bái Shén? Not a clue," Rinzen shrugs. "It's none of my business, as your leader made very clear to me twenty years ago."
"She also made it very clear that lying will not end well for you, did she not?" Choden replies, her tone equally as serious as her brother's.
"Indeed," Rinzen confirms. "I've lost enough already; I'm not risking losing what little I have left."
Shigara turns to his sister. "Want to have the honour of telling our detective 'friend' we can smell her on his coat?"
Rinzen sighs in defeat. "I was hoping you wouldn't notice… Guess that's it then."
"Yep," Choden confirms. "However, there is yet a ray of hope for you."
"I see where this is going," Rinzen realises. "You want me to deliver her to you."
"To our Huxian, yes," Shigara corrects. "We would prefer to deliver her ourselves, but we know from the failure of the Xia Nuhu how futile out attempt would be. However, she clearly trusts you, therefore you will find it much easier to deliver her."
"And don't think you can smuggle her out of the city," Choden warns. "We're not letting you out of our sights."
"You have twenty‑four hours to deliver her to the Huxian," Shigara warns. "If you do not, your life is forfeit."
"Understood," Rinzen acquiesces. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have business to attend to."
"Indeed, you do," Choden replies. "Remember: twenty‑four hours."
"Twenty‑four hours," Rinzen acknowledges before picking up his bags and resuming his walk home.
A few minutes later, Milla hears the door to Rinzen's apartment click as the lock is disengaged, drawing her piandao and raising a Phantom Shield ready to repel any attack.
The door opens to reveal it's only Rinzen returning home. "Ah, my apologies, I didn't mean to alarm you," he greets, shutting the door behind him.
Milla quickly sheaths her sword and drops her shield. "I was just… I mean‑"
"I understand; can't be too careful, after all," Rinzen assures. "I have a new outfit for you, including a pair of ankle boots," he adds, handing one of his bags to Milla. "And before you ask: yes, they're flat."
Milla accepts the bag and peers inside to find not just the new boots but an entire new outfit that will fit her much better than her 'borrowed' shirt and dungarees. "You… You didn't have to get all this," she replies.
"I figured you'd prefer to wear something more comfortable than what you're wearing now," Rinzen explains. "Do you want to change now? If so, I'll set up the bed later."
"I'll change now, Milla decides. "Thank you for… everything, I guess," she adds, blushing slightly.
"It's my pleasure and my honour," Rinzen bows respectfully. "I'll be in the den when you're ready."
"I'll be as quick as I can," Milla assures as she heads into the spare room to change.
Rinzen heads to the den, sits in one of the chairs, and activates his e‑cigarette. I wish those accursed foxes hadn't found me… I want to help Milla expose the Nine Tails, but I also must deliver her alive to the Huxian… Maybe there's a way to do both? No, that's stupid: delivering Milla to the Huxian is signing her death warrant, and I can't do that to a twelve‑year‑old kid. I need to think of a way out of this…
Five minutes later, Milla is in her new outfit: a forest green sleeveless tunic, dark green leggings, sienna ankle boots, mahogany gloves, and tawny headscarf, the ensemble perfectly hiding her bangles and ears. Ah, this is much better than that checked shirt and dungarees. And these boots are so comfortable, I almost don't want to go back to barefoot! Hopefully when this is all over, I can keep these clothes and take them home with me. Assuming we win… Milla takes a deep breath. I can do this… I can do this… I can do this.
Feeling confident (partially because of her new outfit), Milla heads to the den to find Rinzen deep in thought. "Um… is something wrong?" she asks, concerned.
Rinzen almost jumps out of his chair at the sound of Milla's voice. "Oh, uh, sorry, I was just… I wasn't expecting you to be so quick, that's all." She'll see right through that…
Milla does indeed see straight through the lie. "…they got to you, didn't they?"
I have no choice: I must tell her now. "…yes, they did."
Milla takes the other chair. "They want you to deliver me to the Huxian."
"Alive, yes."
Milla remains silent for a few moments. "What else did you buy?"
"Just some equipment I thought may be useful," Rinzen answers, taking an assortment of items from the other bags.
Milla watches as Rinzen spreads the equipment out in front of them both. "…that explains why you were gone so long."
"Yeah… Look, I‑"
"It's OK."
"You sure?"
Milla nods. "Back in Dragon Valley, about a week after the Brevon Crisis was over, I was helping Carol in the workshop she'd built at the base of a tree next to the one our treehouse is in. At first, we were simply chatting while working, but after a while, curiosity got the better of me, and I asked her why she calls Lilac 'Little Miss Heropants'. She explained that it's because Lilac has a very black‑and‑white view on morality, and as a result, she goes out of her way to 'be the hero', even when it only makes things worse. I then asked Carol what her morality is… and I never really understood her answer until now."
"What was her answer?"
"'Sometimes, the wrong thing to do is the right thing to do.'"
"No, I still can't do it," Rinzen refuses. "Delivering you to the Huxian is definitely the wrong thing to do."
"Only if we do it the wrong way," Milla counters. "If I was Lilac, I'd rush in and make a mess of things, relying on luck and instinct to win. But if I was Carol, I'd plan how to tip the odds in my favour as much as possible, then go in and stick to that plan as much as I can, knowing that it's my best chance of victory."
Rinzen considers Milla's logic for a few moments. "Jampa was right: you truly have the strength of the Bái Shén," he smiles.
"I get that a lot," Milla quips, blushing slightly.
Rinzen's expression quickly switches to serious. "Before we continue, I want to make absolutely sure you want to do this."
Milla meets Rinzen's serious expression with determination. "We will make this work," she states with absolute conviction. "The Nine Tails must be exposed for what they really are, and we're the only two who can make it happen."
Rinzen can find no sign of doubt or weakness in Milla's eyes. "Then I shall deliver you to the Huxian," he agrees. "But not before we've worked out as comprehensive a plan as possible."