Chapter 13: Asking Permission

She sighed what had to be her fiftieth time during the walk back to the cave. Now, the wet soil of the practice grounds outside greeted her, splashing with each step she took. The pond nearby overflowed from the recent rains. The silence and the seclusion of the place made it feel much like the home she grew up in as a child. Without the hot-headed wolf she so admired filling the space, it really did feel empty.

The image of Nao kissing Natsuki's hand scratched at her nerves. In a way, she felt played. Shizuru kissed her. And Natsuki kissed back… in her own way. The wolf said they would speak about it. She gave her that small glimmer of hope she had a chance earlier that morning and then Nao came into the picture suddenly. Natsuki, besides her embarrassment, barely looked bothered by the redhead. It was almost as if she was used to it.

"I've only been here for a fraction of the time they may have known each other. Maybe they're together..." Shizuru mumbled. She entered the cave and shut the door behind her. Sighing once more, Shizuru pressed her back against the door and tilted back her head until there was a soft thump on the wood, "Maybe I'm just overthinking it."

Looking around, the home was a complete mess. They hadn't been able to keep up with the place, not for the last two or three days. Clothes and blankets littered the floor. The fire pit, especially, was filthy with wood ash and empty bowls.

"At least I'll have something to take my mind off things," Shizuru said as she leaned over to pick up the first of the dirty clothing.

She threw them into a woven basket by the door. Another time they would have to wash them by the river and hang them to dry. Hopefully no rains would come anytime soon to ruin that plan. Her bag was fine so she placed it on the low table, flap open, to check through its contents before leaving for Rein. The bowls, however, couldn't wait.

They had nothing clean for the night's dinner, "No choice I guess," Shizuru checked on the water in the wash basin and got to washing their dishes.

Time barely passed when Shizuru finished washing the bowls and began changing out of her clothes. She hardly had one boot off her foot when Natsuki arrived, "Shizuru? I'm back," she announced and immediately spotted Shizuru on the ground unlacing her other boot, "I had a feeling you were here. Why did you leave without me?"

Putting on the best face she could, Shizuru just smiled and jubilantly tugged off the last boot with a sigh of relief, "Ara, I didn't see Natsuki when I got out," she lied, "I figured I could come back myself. We come to the same place anyway,"

"Really? I thought I was standing out in the open,"

Shizuru shrugged and tossed her footwear against the wall. She abruptly changed the subject, hoping Natsuki would drop it, "Can I see the bag Saeko gave you? We should make something to eat," she held out her hand. The sack was tossed her way without question and she looked inside to see two very dead rabbits. Another bag inside had a few other ingredients—rice, carrots, potatoes—to use to make any dish they wanted. Beneath it all she even realized there were a few bottles of prepared broth.

"Can we have soup?" Natsuki licked her lips with a bit of excitement.

Please don't do that, Shizuru turned away with a blush on her face. She placed the bag by the fire pit, "Soup sounds good," she said, "Just let me get changed and I can start a fire,"

Natsuki shifted her gaze away as Shizuru reached for the back collar of her shirt and pulled it over her head, "I can do it if you'd like—"

"Ah, ah," Shizuru stepped closer and waved her finger in Natsuki's face. She didn't know if it was because of earlier, but she definitely felt… bolder, "You relax. You're still recovering,"

"I'm not a cripple! I'm not even on crutches anymore," the wolf held her hands out at her sides, trying her absolute best not to look down. Although pleasant that Shizuru was shirtless in front of her another time that same week, her current attitude confused her most, "What's with you right now anyway?"

"Nothing is wrong," Shizuru crossed her arms and rolled her eyes, not very convincing body language when someone says they're fine, "Just let me do this, please?" Her voice remained its usual collectiveness, but something about it made Natsuki stop in her tracks. It sounded like she was begging for her to listen.

Defeated, Natsuki sat down, "Okay. You win."

"Thank you, Natsuki." The knight stepped away to slip on a new shirt.

"Yup," Leaning back, the wolf just tilted her head and looked right at her, through her rather, "Just… tell me what is going on… if there's anything even going on. You can talk to me you know?"

"I know," Shizuru turned to the door, "But there's nothing wrong."

Before Natsuki had a chance to respond, Shizuru had already shut the door behind her. She took her time, or as much time as she could. Gathering the firewood outside the door wasn't exactly a groundbreaking task so she slowly unlaced the tarp protecting the wood from outside rain and moisture.

Picking out a few chopped logs from the top of the pile, Shizuru set them aside and threw the tarp back on. The awkwardness that ensued when she stepped inside crushed her. Silently and evasively, Shizuru lit the fire and prepared the kettle with water and broth for the soup. She took out a knife and began the dirty task of skinning the main part of their dinner.

She spared glances, now and then. Natsuki occupied herself with the curios in Shizuru's bag. Among them were the uncompleted map, small eyeglass, and compass. She looked like a kid tinkering with toys. Natsuki likely never saw those tools in her life, "I can show you how to use those one day," the knight said as she peeled back a section of skin from the first rabbit.

"Hmm…" Natsuki hummed, peering through the eyeglass while lying on her back.

The kettle had barely begun to boil and Shizuru realized she still needed to peel the vegetables before adding anything else. She interrupted her friend's tinkering, "I'd hate to ask Natsuki of this, but can you peel the vegetables?"

Instantly shooting upright, Natsuki set the eyeglass down and nodded vigorously, "You bet!" Anything to get things going faster.

Shizuru smiled, forgetting about how upset she was for the moment. She decided it was best to let go of what she saw and how she felt for the moment. Shoving it aside won't make things better, but for now it made living much, much easier, "Thank you for the help, Natsuki."

Soon, the home was filled with the scent of food, a mixed aroma of cooked meat, spices and boiled vegetables. The soup warmed them up, but Shizuru had to admit it was a bit on the meaty side. Every spoonful held several cubes of chopped meat, outnumbering the ration of vegetables to go along with it. Looking at Natsuki scarf down her food, though, it made sense. The shapeshifters still needed meat despite having dishes mixed with vegetables and fruits.

"Have your people always eaten like this?" Shizuru asked out of the blue.

"What do you mean?" Natsuki spoke with her mouth full, but realizing her bad manners, swallowed her food.

"Like soup, stew, rice dishes," the knight ran through just a small list she's seen throughout her stay, "I never thought much of it until now, but the food here isn't much different from our own." Although very simple recipes and not quite as elaborate as cuisine from the capital, they were very similar.

Natsuki paused and lowered her bowl, "Hm, I guess it's always been this way?" she seemed troubled by the thought now, "We may be wolves at heart, but we can still eat just about anything."

"It makes me wonder just how different we are,"

"Maybe not too much when it comes to things like this," Natsuki said, "There was a point our people exchanged cultures, after all."

"That's true, cooking may have been exchanged during the time. Though I can't say I knew too much about that period," Shizuru admitted, "No one back at home knows about this at all."

"I don't know too much either. None of my generation does. What happened was awful from what I heard so the storytellers never speak of it," said Natsuki, "My parents said they remember like it was yesterday, though. I never really got to ask them, maybe we should?"

"Ara, a very good idea. There are still many things I need to ask them," Shizuru finished her food and set down the bowl. Suddenly, she remembered something crucial she had forgotten from being so upset earlier, "Oh, I'm going back to Rein in three days."

Natsuki sat up, her eyebrows furrowed with both concern and curiosity, "What, why? Are you coming back?"

Shizuru's chest pounded with conflicted feelings. The younger woman clearly didn't want her to leave and possibly never come back. Seeing the growing dismay the longer she stayed silent kind of made her happy. At the same time, she remembered the moment at the tree. Should I ask about that? Shizuru wondered, but her words were caught in her throat when she attempted to speak about it. Instead, she shoved it aside yet again and smiled, "Ara, of course I'm coming back. I just need to take care of some business,"

Relief washed over Natsuki's face, "How long will it take…?"

"A week maybe? Though that's just a guess," Shizuru put a finger to her chin, "It depends on how far it is to get there. They haven't given me the directions out yet." Despite the travel time, Shizuru only planned to stay a few days and head straight back.

"A week hm…" Natsuki asked, almost timidly, looking up and down at her, "Can I, uh, can I come with you?"

Shizuru dropped the cup she was drinking out of, "Ara, um… I don't have a problem with it, but I don't think that's my decision to make," she knew her next comment would make Natsuki feel like an absolute child, but it was true, "It's up to your parents."

Like a struck chord, Natsuki instantly frowned. She stayed silent for some time, but it was only when Shizuru debated saying something that she huffed and said, "You're right. It's kind of wishful thinking that they would let me go out there."

"You never know, give it a try,"

"Eh… I don't know," Natsuki mumbled, "In three days right?"

"That's correct,"

"I'll see if I can talk to them by then," she got up and headed for the door.

"Ara, going somewhere?"

"Just out for a walk. There's still time before the sun sets."

"I suppose the exercise will help you a bit," Resting was always fine, but knowing Natsuki, lying around too much would just make her bored and on edge. So Shizuru didn't really protest her going out. She wanted some time to herself as well—to pack and to brood, "Just take it easy, alright?"

"Alright, later. Thanks for the food, by the way. I'll take care of the dishes when I'm back," Natsuki waved as she walked out the door.

"Whaaaaat? Are you serious?" Aoi slammed her palms on the ground, "That's so sudden, though!"

"Mm," Natsuki nodded vigorously.

They were all convened outside Aoi and Nina's home, cross-legged on the ground and shaded from the bright sun by a sloped canopy crafted from leaves and bamboo. Compared to Natsuki's small cave, the sisters' home was an actual cabin built from wood. Their late father handed it down to them.

And during his time, the people in the forest were still on friendly terms with outside humans. Homes like these rose in popularity during that period when the building technique was taught to them. The wooden homes were sturdier than small huts and much easier to make than locating an unoccupied den somewhere. Natsuki was actually one in the minority when it came to her choice in housing. Everyone either had huts they built and maintained, tents made from hide, or cabins like Aoi and Nina's.

But coming to admire their father's luxurious hand-me-down and considering making her own was not why Natsuki was here, "So what do you guys think?"

"I—I don't know Natsuki. It seems like business she needs to do herself," Aoi admitted.

"I think it'd be an excellent learning opportunity. Do it." Nina chimed in quickly with a sharp glint in her eye, "In fact, I really want to go, too."

"Nina!" Aoi groaned, unable to contain her sister's natural curiosity, "You know we're not allowed to go out there. It could be dangerous."

"But don't you want to go?" Nina slowly turned to face her.

"Hnng…" Aoi gritted her teeth.

"Yeah, don't you?" Natsuki leaned in with a grin.

"I mean… yeah I do, but that is besides the point," Aoi motioned with a hand as she explained, "We've never had a need to leave the forest and no one's ever been allowed in the past. We won't even fit in out there so I doubt your parents would say yes."

"Come oooon, if you both go with me maybe they'll say yes?" Natsuki said, her forest green eyes glimmering, "Mom and dad have all those coins that have been saved when the village used to trade with humans. I'm sure they could give us some for clothes."

"Yeah, but by the time we buy clothes we'd already look suspicious…"

"I'm sure it'll be fine. The more the merrier," Nina nodded.

"Come on, Aoi, please?" Natsuki begged and clasped her hands together.

Aoi slumped her shoulders and mumbled, "You don't need to ask me, I feel like I'll be dragged along anyway…"

"Yes!" the wolf pumped a fist in the air triumphantly, "Should we go right now?" Natsuki asked her.

"Again, why are you asking me?" She lifted a brow.

"Because you know more about the outside and my parents like you."

"…I guess there's no time like the present. We don't have much time if we want to ask."

The massive wolf quickly turned around, "ABSOLUTELY NOT!" He bellowed at the three girls. His roar practically sent Natsuki and Nina reeling back and blocking their faces. Aoi just stood there with a sigh, unfazed and unsurprised by Gouu's anger.

"Told you guys…" she whispered.

"I didn't expect you to find out so soon, nor ask this," Saeko took yet another sip of her tea, "Dear, put away those teeth before you drool all over the floor."

Gouu gave a frustrated growl before calming himself. His form suddenly didn't seem so monstrous, fur previously standing on end returned to its normal and pristinely groomed appearance. He made no efforts to turn back, though, since he was just about to leave to make his rounds, "I don't understand why you three would want to venture out like that. It's simply too dangerous."

"Well you guys had no problem letting Shizuru stay here all this time," Natsuki began. She paused. The look in her father's eyes told her to choose her words very carefully, "A few days there wouldn't hurt, would it?"

"We let her stay for many reasons," Gouu stated.

"Well, we judged she was a very nice person," Saeko started.

"Besides her friendly intentions, she's also harmless by herself," he finished for her, "Out there, humans outnumber you, all of us and they can be very unforgiving to those that are different, things they can't understand."

Natsuki couldn't really believe that. Right now whenever she tried to imagine what another human would be like, she could only think of Shizuru. And the knight wasn't cold and unforgiving. She was much better than that. Natsuki took a step forward and placed a hand on her chest, "They don't have to know what we are," she said, "Father, please,"

"No," Gouu said flatly once more, "What happens if you're put in danger? Your instincts are going to take over. You'll panic and you could hurt people."

"That's a little far-fetched don't you think?" Natsuki frowned.

"Not as far-fetched as you think," he said solemnly.

Aoi looked away when he said that.

Natsuki threw her arms in the air, "Fine! Sorry I even asked!" she made her way towards the door. Nina followed after her and Aoi, hesitantly. She just hoped this wouldn't sit badly with the two Guides.

"Wait, Natsuki…" Gou reached out towards his daughter. She gave somewhat of an acknowledging grunt and he knew he could not say or do anything to make her feel better. Instead he just begged, "Promise you won't pull anything?"

"Yeah, whatever," She rolled her eyes and left.

Nina and Aoi took their leave after giving them a proper farewell, "I apologize for this," Aoi lowered her head timidly.

"It's okay child. I'm sorry, too," Gouu sighed and waved as they left. Slowly his hand dropped and he peered at Saeko, "She's going to try something, isn't she?"

His wife took another dragged out sip from the warm ceramic cup, "Hm… who knows?" she said, "Don't you think you were a bit harsh?"

"Maybe… I just don't want her to hurt herself. Or anyone else for that matter…" He watched as Saeko got up and approached him. Her hand ran through the side of his face. A pleasant feeling.

"Let's apologize next time we see her, alright?"

"Mm, okay dear," Gouu nodded and then cleared his throat, "I should be heading out soon. I'll see you later tonight."

"Be safe." Saeko giggled as he nuzzled his snout against her cheek.

Natsuki landed on her feet at the end of her drop from high above. Shortly, Nina and Aoi followed, the sounds of their landing disturbing the thin layer of dirt beneath them, "Are you okay, Natsuki? That kind of fall can really hurt your leg," Aoi walked up to her, careful to keep her distance. She knew that troubled expression and knew even better not to get too close.

"Yeah… I'm fine. Guess my leg's better than I thought," Natsuki said solemnly. She felt no anger, not enough to lash out at her friend at least. A rain cloud seemed to form over her head and she really seemed like a kid that couldn't get what she wanted. But how she would react in the hours and days to come would surely separate her from a child, "This sucks," she kicked the dirt.

"I know, but it's probably for the best, Natsuki," Aoi said.

"Hmp,"

Nina even seemed disappointed, but tried to be optimistic, "Maybe one of these days we'll get to go out there freely? Like when Shizuru finally makes peace between our people."

The wolf hunched over with a groan, "Eh… and just how long is that going to take? She hasn't even met with the tribunal yet."

"My, Natsuki, you're quite impatient."

"Ack!" She jumped when she felt something soft brush against her leg. Something small and furry. Something small with red fur and green eyes and a familiar voice, "Nao! How many times have I told you not to do that?!"

Looking down, she saw the relatively large house cat. Nao's coat was long, but well-groomed with a deep red coat, black patterns, and a white undercoat. She looked quite elegant with the ruff around her neck and bushy tail that wrapped around Natsuki's leg endearingly.

"My bad, it's a habit."

"Nao! Long time no see," Aoi kneeled down and picked her up. She gave her a hug, a bit too tight for Nao's comfort, but she couldn't help it. She absolutely adored the house cats of the feline tribe. They were small and adorable, not that the large predatory relatives weren't beautiful as well.

"Yo, it's good to see you Aoi," the cat let out a distressed meow as she lightly patted Aoi's face with a free paw, "Too tight… C—Could you put me down? I really don't like being picked up…"

"Sorry, I forgot…" the brunette laughed and set her down.

Just like that, the cat was replaced with that of Nao's regular form. She had a hand on her chest like she was gasping for breath, "You… haven't changed one bit," She then looked at Natsuki, "So what do you plan to do?"

Natsuki blinked, "You heard all that up there?"

"Yup. Though I didn't mean to," Nao crossed her arms and leaned back, "It sounded like you really wanted to go."

"I did, but there's not much I can do about it," the wolf shrugged depressingly.

The sight made Nao's stomach drop, but she couldn't let them see that get to her. She placed her hands behind her back and leaned in so she could meet the deep greens, "Do you reaaally want to go?"

Natsuki nodded slowly, "Y—Yeah."

"What if I told you I could help out?"

Aoi slapped her hand on her own face, "Nao, no…"

Lifting a brow, Natsuki said lowly, "I'm listening…"

A/N: Hey guys, it's been some time since the last update. I'm sorry since it's because of all the mandatory overtime at work, but things are better now. This chapter was a bit tricky for me, which contributed to the fact it took so long to come out. I hope it's good though and you can look forward to the mischief Nao has planned for the three girls!

If you ever want to get an idea/reminder of when I might get another chapter out (late Wednesday through Saturday), just check out my profile or Twitter.

For anyone wondering, by the way, Nao is a Main Coon. The ruling family she's in are all house cats (save for Mikoto). They pretty much outnumber all the big cats like Kazuya, but despite that they hold a lot of power.