Marksman

A war has left a nation torn and its remaining heirs escaping with their lives. Little did the Admiral know that by taking them in, it would alter the life of his daughter drastically, especially when her curiosity draws her closer to the budding marksman. One night, after receiving news of her abduction, the ranger departed on an arduous journey, vowing to bring her home safely.

Previously:

She silently thanks Yamada for the arrangements and alters her course toward the woods instead. It was the best place to lose the troop of men sent to slay her.

Chapter 16

Italics – Thoughts

Eyes followed the team of soldiers jogging through the thicket, waiting for the opportune moment to strike. The leading members of the team had already made their way through and there were a few stragglers left trying to catch up with the rest. It was a perfect chance. The sniper inhaled, feeling for optimum tension in the bowstring before the projectile was released.

"Fuck!" the last man in the line screamed in anguish as the arrow tore through the thin fabric that barely shielded his calves. His legs fumbled from the hit, causing him to collapse on the ground, tumbling a short distance before coming to a stop. He clenched his jaw in agony as he held onto his leg – the arrow had pierced through the bone.

"Bauxen!" he hears cries of his name and rustling through the trees. A head pops out of the bushes – it was the soldier in front of him. "Bauxen, are you alright? We're coming!"

"Get away! There's a .. !" A sickening thunk cuts off his sentence and Bauxen watches as his comrade splutters his dying breath, falling flat into the ground. "Shit! Shit!" he curses and presses himself flat onto the dirt, frantically dragging himself toward the bushes where he might have a better chance of surviving.

Bauxen didn't know if he should feel relief or fear as he felt himself being lifted off the ground.

"No!" he screams, struggling as he refused to be picked up by his comrade who had appeared from behind. They were sitting ducks here!

"It's fine, the rest are coming," his comrade reassures him and hoists Bauxen up despite his protests, propping his form against himself. Before they could take a step forward, he felt a sharp pain in his chest. He looks down and realizes that Bauxen's head had lolled to the side and there was blue feathered arrow sticking through his neck. "What the hell?" He struggles to prop Bauxen's weight but found his strength draining and instead, collapses with Bauxen on top of him.

The sharp pain intensifies as they land on the ground and it was then that the Arixian realized that the projectile had penetrated through Bauxen and was buried deep into his chest as well. He groaned, grappling with the dead weight on top of him but it only served to aggravate the fatal wound. He closes his eyes and submits to his fate, his wishes of fame and glory vanishing as his view starts to darken.

From her perch, seeing no movement from the fallen Arixians, Natsuki snatches her arrows and darts in between the trees. She fingers through the remaining arrows and purses her lips – there were not enough. Even with taking down the last three, there were almost two dozen left, hot on her tail and they would not give up on the search. She had, after all, torched their general alive. They were trained, deadly and most of all, vengeful as she had picked them off one by one.

She would have to be on the move incessantly from here on out, and there was no room for mistakes.

XXX

At the same time, on Duran

"There!" Aoi points to a small speck of light glistening above the canopy, deep in the woods.

Duran yaps his assent and spans his wings, tilting them leftwards toward the source. He lands easily, claws embedding into the thick gnarled bark. Yamada emerges through the leaves with a rustle and murmurs, "So this is her." He notices her state of undress and shakes his head, unbuckling his large cloak and gently covers her up. "And Natsuki?"

"Tomoe alerted the guards. We were also unable to get the key."

Yamada sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose, "I guess stealth wasn't very much of an option. But let's not waste any time. Chie, I'll need your help in preparing some defenses. Aoi, I'll leave Princess Viola in your care."

Aoi nods, picking up the unconscious Shizuru with some assistance from Duran. The Wolcon lowers his frame slowly, bringing his muzzle to nudge his missus gently. He had smelt and sensed the fear emanating from Shizuru in the encampment and he trots off after Aoi, following at a distance. He knew his rider had entrusted her mate's safety with him and he was determined to guard her with his life.

Yamada notes Duran's intent and leaves the Wolcon to it, turning to Chie, "Let's set up a temporary shelter. On our part, we have to make sure everything is ready if the remaining Kagenites are to gather here."

Some Time Later

"We're here," the young Kagen woman who had been her companion for the entire trip informs her. Nao lifts her head, expecting a town of some sort but when she only sees the same view of tree trunks in the distance, she glares at the Kagenite, "If you think this is funny, well, it isn't! I'm tired trudging through the woods and I just want to sit down! Jeez, how the hell do you people keep moving! We've been at it for almost an entire day." She slouches and starts picking on her bandages that Nina had done up for her.

The woman bends down and slaps the offending hand. She looks directly at Nao, amusement dancing in her amber eyes but her face as stern as ever, "Stop that. You will only aggravate your wounds. Also, look up, Nao."

The redhead raises her brow and peers up, squinting. "I don't see anything, Nina," she drawls.

Nina's lip twitches and she doesn't respond. Instead, she uncoils a thick rope that was wrapped snugly against her waist and ties it around an arrow, before sending it soaring through the branches. Nao glances around and realizes that the rest of the Kagenites were doing the exact same thing. Nao shrugs to herself and settles for watching Nina meddle with the ropes. Halfway through, she loses her patience and throws her hands up in exasperation, plonking down on the ground with a sigh.

Nao swore she spotted a smirk on Nina's face and she kicks her ankle lightly. "What're you laughing at?"

Nina beckons for Nao to stand, which Nao accedes to. She then pulls Nao closer, wrapping an arm around her waist, earning a rare squeak of surprise. "You'll see in a second."

They ascend up into the trees quickly, Nina's hands tugging firmly on the rope and the other secured safely around Nao's waist. Nao had held her breath the entire way up, but on Nina's announcement of, "Open your eyes, Nao." She felt whatever breath she had left knocked right out of her.

There was a little settlement, right up amongst the tallest of trees, hidden between vines and branches. The Kagenite camouflages were virtually flawless. Their usual attire of tan and viridian blended with the environment seamlessly – right to the tip of the caps. Shelter was fairly rudimentary, made out of simple planks of wood and canopy of leaves. Most of the Kagenites that came along with her were fairly content with leaning against the tree trunks, with a leg dangling off casually. Nao notices Aoi was also around the little makeshift settlement, handing out fruits to those who had just arrived.

"Yo," Nao greets her as the brunette approaches her, peering into the basket the woman carried and started to pick and choose.

"Just grab anything, Nao," Nina chides her, "They're all delicious."

Nao grumbles, but takes two large, juicy looking peaches and takes a bite out of it. She was starving. "Where's Shizuru?" she asks between mouthfuls. "She's safe, right?"

A tall man suddenly speaks up from behind her, causing her to jump slightly, "Princess Viola is this way." Yamada gestures to the largest shelter in the area. Nao scowls at the man and sticks her tongue out at Nina who had raised a hand to hide her chuckle. With a huff, she follows him, trying hard to balance on the branches.

XXX

Shizuru had many dreams. When she was a child, she dreamt of days in the sun with Kiyohime, sprinting down the white, sandy beaches with her parents. As she grew up, it became more of an anticipation of the adventures with her newfound friend that just arrived in Vitilus. Shizuru would always remember how she got Natsuki laughing – she had a sizeable laugh for someone who always preferred to seem more sullen than others. They had chanced upon a beautiful field of flowers – but it turned out that Shizuru was mildly allergic to them, causing to her to sneeze continuously for the entire day.

As she advanced to her adolescent years, when she realized that her affection for Natsuki changed, she started to have far more amorous dreams. Her cravings for the girl often left her blushing in mid slumber as she fashioned her dark-haired companion in a plethora of ways. It was her dream after all, right? Dream Natsuki was as shy as usual, but just as curious. And she always had a way with her hands, knowing exact spots to touch that made Shizuru go weak. Shizuru had always wondered at that time, if they ever were to have their first kiss, how would Natsuki taste like?

Shizuru found her dreams changing again a while after they had officialized their relationship. This time, she found reality and fantasy starting to intertwine itself. They had their fair share of passionate encounters and playful romps around her family's mansion, all in which ended with entanglement in each other's arms, breathless panting after multiple euphoric highs. The most memorable dream was on their second anniversary.

Flashback

With last nights' events still fresh in her subconscious, she started to dream. And a most fantastic dream it was. Shizuru didn't remember that she had dozed off, but she must have, as she cracked open her eyes when she felt Natsuki's familiar fingers brushing the base of her neck. She trailed down slowly, between the deep valley of her bosom. Her arousal only made her nipples more visible and the sheer, fitting nightgown that she donned did not help. Natsuki reached for her breast, fingertips circling the peaks and leaving Shizuru inhaling deeply with each brush. "Nat..suki. Meanie," she breathed as she felt the insurmountable pressure building up in her center, evidenced by the wet patch between her legs.

"Good morning to you too, Shizuru," Natsuki replied, her lips ghosting over the shell her ear as she spoke, her husky, morning voice sending reverberations through Shizuru. Wait a minute.. morning?

Shizuru opened her eyes again, a strange sense on deja vu hitting her – why was she waking up again? Natsuki was propping herself up with a hand to Shizuru's left, peering at her with amusement dancing in those gorgeous emeralds of hers. The sunlight was filtering in through the windows, a beautiful summer morning. Ara, ara. So much for dreams when the real deal is right in front of me.

"You were calling for me, princess." Natsuki murmurs, nuzzling her neck gently. She breaks away and pins Shizuru's arms down, straddling her, confidently declaring, "But this time though, I'm in charge."

Yes, Shizuru Viola had many a good dream. She always thought the best dreams were when the lines between fiction and reality were blurred. What could be better than waking up to her beloved on a lazy summer morning to further her dreams into an actual orgasm?

End

However, after the latest incident, the dream – or rather, nightmare – that she was having now proved her wrong.

Trapped. Helpless. Restrained. Drugged.

Every negative emotion that was bottled up in her capture felt like it was magnified tenfold. Tomoe was looming overhead, pressing her weight against her and forcing her thighs open. She had reached under her garments, roughly tearing them open, revealing her ample bosom. Shizuru struggled but it felt impossible to throw her off as she continued manhandling her.

Tomoe hunched, bending lower to bring her lips against her nipple. Tomoe's touch was harsh and unpleasant and Shizuru stiffened, furrowing her brow from the pain. She caught a glimpse of blue and she felt immediately alarmed – Natsuki had seen and heard everything. "Get off! Get off!" she screamed, successfully wrestling herself out from Tomoe's grip with newfound strength and shoved the perpetrator off. She wrapped her arms around herself, clutching her frame tightly.

"Shizuru! Hey, it's alright," she heard a familiar voice beside her. She felt a hand touch her and she instinctively shied away from it. Shizuru opened her eyes only to find Nao seated at the edge of the bed, her green eyes wrought with worry. It was just a bad dream. Just a bad dream, just a bad dream, she chants to reassure herself. She inhales deeply and swallows to compose herself. But if Nao was here, that meant.. "Where's Natsuki?"

Nao faltered and Shizuru's brow crinkled in concern, "We were separated from Natsuki. She disappeared and we were unable to locate her. They've already sent scouts out, but.."

Right on cue, someone outside asked politely, "Princess Viola, Nao, may we come in?"

Nao glances at Shizuru, who nods softly. She unwraps her arms from herself and composes herself with a deep breath, running an absentminded hand though her hair. She peers up at Nao, who gives a nod of approval before standing to open the door. Sakomizu, Chie and Aoi enter.

"Thank you, Nao," Sakomizru smiles warmly, adjusting his frames with one hand. He gave her a polite bow, "Princess Viola."

She rises, placing a hand on his shoulder, "Please. There's no need for formalities. I'm just glad everyone made it out safely.. but, do you have any updates on where Natsuki might be?"

Sakomizu sighs, heaving his broad frame, "We've sent out a number of scouts, but all have returned with nothing. Yamada himself is out there searching for her and we will inform you once we have any news."

Nao shrugs and tries to comfort Shizuru, but she only knew how to do so in Nao-style, "Don't worry, Shizuru. Maybe she's just, lost or something. I mean, have you seen these woods? I think I'd lose my head here if it weren't attached to my shoulders!"

Chie frowns, "No Kagenite will get lost in the forest. It is impossible."

Nao glares at the short-haired girl, "And what do you know? This is your entire fault to begin with!"

"That's not the point! But we should really limit the possibilities to those that are at least probable, not random guesses!"

"Ohhh, like the possibility of YOU scheming against US?" Nao snaps back angrily, scowling.

"Please Nao, please Chie, we're all on the same side. The most important thing is just to find Natsuki," Aoi tries to reason with both.

"I don't understand what's with this woman and all her negativity!" Nao huffs angrily, swinging her hand in an exaggerated motion at Chie.

"I am not being negative, Nao. I am just being objective! It will increase our chances of locating her!"

Shizuru places a hand on her chin, clearing her throat softly to get their attention, but their argument was getting louder and louder instead, drowning her out. "Please!" her voice cuts through the commotion, crisp and compelling. Its effect was immediate and the silence brought a certain relief to her. "Please, I am feeling a bit unwell. May I request that we adjourn this conversation?"

Glances were exchanged and the silent Sakomizu speaks up, "Of course, Princess Viola. We apologize for disturbing your rest. I will discuss the plans when you are awake later."

"I appreciate it," Shizuru smiles. The group slowly files out of the room with Nao shutting the door softly behind her.

Sakomizu places a hand on Nao's shoulder when they're outdoors, "Nao. Preparations have already been made to send Princess Viola back to Vitilus. It is not safe for her here."

Nao shakes her head, "Shizuru wouldn't go anywhere without Natsuki. It's impossible to get her to leave."

"Yes, which is why we will have to enlist your assistance.." Sakomizu replies, as they walk to the edge of the tree house.

Shizuru crosses her brows when the conversation dies down. She moves away from the walls and settles on her bed, closing her eyes. She had already figured the purpose of Sakomizu's visit. But Nao was right. There was no way that she would ever think of even leaving Natsuki behind while she was being transported safely back home. No way.

If Natsuki still wasn't back by now, it meant that something had happened. And Shizuru would risk everything to find her. But to do so, she would have to seek help from Natsuki's favorite furry friend.

It was a good thing she knew where, and how to look for him.

XXX

Natsuki takes low, wide steps, shuffling softly through the thick layers of fallen leaves as she scaled down the slope. She ducks behind a tree and lets out an exclamation of surprise as the tree trunk beside her found itself a target instead of her. The sheer force of the throw showered her in splinters. The large axe drops to the ground and she frowns at it. They weren't exactly the best with their aims, but boy, did they have the brute strength.

She peeps out from her hiding spot and let loose another arrow that lodges itself between her attacker's eyes. A quick glance across the battlefield tells her that this was almost an impossible fight. She had slowly whittled their numbers down to almost a dozen, but it had been an extremely exhausting and drawn out fight. The signs of fatigue were showing, after almost spending an entire day on the run. There was barely time to get a gulp of water by a creek, before a spear landed inches from her, nicking her left arm.

Her ears prick as she heard the soft rustle of leaves. The first runner had caught up to her. She instinctively reaches to grab a handful of arrows, but there were none left. She hadn't had the time to make any more as well. Cursing under her breath, she quickly slings her bow and pulls out her twin daggers. The soldier was searching for her and she had the element of surprise. Arixians weren't good in the forests and she had to use that to her advantage for now. The crinkle of the dried leaves gave away his position – to the left! She swung out, catching him by surprise and burying the hilt of her blade into his neck. He spluttered and dropped on the ground, dragging her down with his dead weight. Hunching over the corpse, she yanks the dagger out through blood and bone, before she snatches the shield from his hands and slings it across her back.

She glances up at the tree beside her – she didn't have much time to consider her options, but would she have enough time to get up there? Using the blood crusted blade, she pulls herself up skillfully and was just halfway to the top, when a mace came flying straight at her. The shield against her back splintered, knocking the breath out of her and she winced at the sheer force of the impact. A quick glance backward and she realized two soldiers had already caught up. As the other solider took his aim with a broadsword, she scaled erratically upwards, deftly changing direction abruptly as she heard the whizzing weapon come straight at her. The dull reverberation of metal against wood signaled that the tree trunk had successfully blocked a blow for her.

Suddenly, a sharp pain tore through her calf and she faltered, causing her to almost lose her grip on the footholds. The third soldier had obviously taken extra caution cut her off from the opposite direction. His hatchet was buried deep into her calf, drawing fresh blood and making her escape almost impossible. Natsuki glances up: a gnarled tree branch was just a little way off. She inhales, licking her lips as she prepares to make a jump for it. She falters from her injury, her reach falling short of the branch and her body slamming against the tree trunk.

She narrows her eyes as an unexpected shower of fronds came raining down and wonders momentarily if she had gained extra pounds. A shadow lands on the branch overhead before making a leap downwards, battering through the Arixian men. The bowman doesn't miss a beat, taking the opening created and hoists herself up. She collapses against the mossy trunk and shreds off the sleeve of her shirt as a makeshift tourniquet on her thigh before scanning the battlefield below her.

It was her Wolcon in the heat of the battle, tearing off a man's head with its powerful canines. The large beast had positioned itself strategically, cutting off any reinforcements that might have aided the soldiers currently pitting themselves against a blur of red. Natsuki knew then that Shizuru had come for her.

Shizuru was in excellent form, the tail of her naginata whipping through her opponents with ease with a flick of her wrist. She had the perfect balance, not sacrificing offence for defense; nor neglecting defense for offence, cutting down whoever had stepped into the path of the crimson whirlwind. With Duran was covering her back, she concentrated on the incoming adversaries.

Upon seeing their ravaged comrades, the remaining men hesitated, creating a perfect chance for the Princess to make full use of her weapon's range. In a quick motion, her red whip curled around him, the sharp teeth along the long lash hooked deep into his flesh, causing him to scream in pain. She closed the distance between them easily, before releasing him from the grasp of the weapon. She flipped her naginata around with her fingers, sending the solid blade through his neck, decapitating him.

With barely a flinch as the blood splatter onto her, she moved forward with practiced footwork, effortlessly sidestepping a polearm and deflecting an axe. The reverberation of the clash barely fazed her and she used her weapon's length to her advantage, slashing clean across the attackers. Her gaze is redirected as a wide-set soldier in full plate mail comes charging at her with a huge two-handed axe and her ruby eyes locks onto her target. As she braces herself from the impact of his swing, a projectile speeds past her and the large man abruptly splutters, clutching his throat desperately as he collapses mid-charge.

Shizuru eyes the area – Duran was finishing off the last man with a deadly swipe of his claws that tore his lower limbs off. She glances upwards where the projectile had came from and her form relaxes as familiar emeralds return her gaze, coupled with an impish smirk. Shizuru expelled a breath; relief and happiness washing over her as she heard her beloved's voice again, "Uh, could you get that for me? I really like that dagger. But I'm just a little.. uh.. kind of incapacitated.. right now."