Chapter 14: Sneaking Out
Three days later…
Shizuru groggily rose from her bed. Never could sleep well before a trip, she yawned softly, feeling especially like crap. The reason she left the same day Yuuichi assigned her the task of coming to the forest was so she could get on the road. Once she got moving, she could sleep better later that day.
The yawn seemed to stir Natsuki awake, surprising since she seemed to be such a heavy sleeper as of late, "Huh? Shizuru? Is it time already?" Her voice was low and husky, sending shivers down the knight's spine.
"Almost," Shizuru answered in a whisper. As if there was anyone else to wake up.
Natsuki groaned and turned over on her side, "Well wake me up when you're about to go. I want to send you off."
"Hai hai, get your nap in."
Shizuru readied herself in silence. The sun was barely out. Its light weakly broke through a small opening in the cave giving her somewhat of a guide, but she still struggled with her pants and belt buckle. Shizuru cursed at how complex human clothing was. The garbs, made by the wolves, she had been wearing were so much more simplistic-trousers, shirt, and sash and you'd be done, shoes completely optional.
After wrestling with her belt and naginata holster, she began lacing her boots. Surprisingly, lacing the strings together proved to be far easier. Shizuru checked her bags one last time. She arrived at the village with one bag and a bedroll, but this time she took the chance to procure a larger travel bag from one of the crafters in the village. The bag weighed heavily with supplies for her trek to Rein. A hefty weight in her satchel and the faint jingle of coins, a gift from the Guides, reassured her she had enough to resupply at Rein. A thoughtful amount of extra provisions were also packed with the thought of anything going wrong in mind. The Guides told her the path to Rein would only take a few hours since it was all downhill. Coming back would be a different story and take overnight travel considering she would be fighting uphill.
Ready, she stood and threw the pack on. In the corner, she grabbed George's saddle and threw it over her shoulder. One hand grasped her naginata and the other reached out to Natsuki's arm, "Natsuki, I'm about to leave,"
Mumbling something inaudible, Natsuki rolled over and threw her legs off the edge of the bed, "Alright…" she yawned.
Natsuki just got up and splashed some water on her face. After that, they walked to the field where George and Diana stayed. Both wild and tamed horses sheltered by the tribe slept and grazed the fields. Above on a tree perch, the large hawk watched over its four-legged companion and noticed Shizuru and Natsuki's approach.
Spreading its wings, it snatched the meaty treat held between Shizuru's fingers and perched on her arm, careful not to let its talons hurt her, "Ara, don't get too feisty now," she laughed and ran a hand over Diana's feathers. Shizuru whistled and George from across the field raised his head and trotted over.
Natsuki grabbed the saddle hanging off Shizuru's shoulder and approached the horse, "Easy there, friend," she said softly. She hadn't got much of a chance to be around the horse, but he seemed to trust her. Natsuki had him saddled in a few minutes, a pleasant experience compared to the other horses that have kicked the wind out of her in the past.
"Thank you for seeing me off, Natsuki," the knight said as the wolf hoisted her up on George's back, "Try to stay occupied, ne?"
"Oh, I'll try. Safe travels, Shizuru," Natsuki smirked. One hand waved as Shizuru urged her mount forward and the other stayed behind her back, fingers crossed.
When Shizuru disappeared down the trail and into unmarked territory, the wolf called out, "You guys can come out."
Nao, Nina, and Aoi emerged from some forest covering, "She doesn't suspect a thing does she?" Nina looked about, nervous because of the knight's cunning.
"I made she sure she wouldn't," Natsuki assured her, "Are you guys ready?"
Nodding, the redhead led the way out the clearing and towards the village, "Let's get started. The faster we do this, the faster you three can catch up with the knight," she said, "You guys remember what to do, right?"
"Nina and I will go get everyone's bags and come back here," Aoi recited.
"I'll distract my parents so they won't notice anything amiss," said Natsuki.
"And I'll steal the gold," Nao grinned, "Let's do this!"
"Wait, Nao," Natsuki called out before she could leave.
The cat stopped in her tracks, "Huh?"
"Just… don't take too much," Natsuki rubbed the back of her head, "I feel bad enough as it is."
"I don't plan to rob the whole vault, geez," Nao rolled her eyes, "Just two little purse-fulls is enough. They won't even notice it's gone."
"Alright… just wanted to make sure."
Nao and Natsuki walked together until they reached the base of the great tree, one making way for the vault past the tree and the other up it. Nao took one glance to make sure Natsuki was already up there, meeting with her parents before continuing on. Luckily, with the village still recovering and in mourning, no one was around to see her slip into the cover of shade.
The location of the vault was no secret to anyone in the village, no less her people. Her family knew everything, from every leader of every tribe down to their youngest of descendants, and to their dirtiest of secrets-both past and present. Even the humans they had crucial pieces of information on. They were the easiest to infiltrate since they never suspected their beloved house cats to be anything more than that. Cats.
She didn't need stripes for camouflage or bone crushing teeth. Her form right now could put any of the overgrown felines in line and she also had her dexterity to count on.
Some break-ins weren't without its challenges though. The only tricky part was getting into the vault without the two guards noticing. She could shift into a cat and try to slip in, but they might smell her. Quite easily actually. Listening in on their conversation, however, she saw a possible opportunity to seize.
"This has got to be the most boring job in the world," one guard let out a harsh yawn, leaning on his staff.
"Yeah, yeah, I got it after the first three times," the other grumbled. He was just sitting on his seat, slumped back in a posture unbecoming of a guard. He seemed as equally bored, even fed up with his partner, "Just a few more days and a new pair of unlucky guys will have this job for the week."
"I just don't know why the Guides send a pair to guard this place every week. No one here uses this gold."
Nao's face furrowed and she stuck out her tongue at him. This is millions of gold pieces we're talking about here. You can never be too careful, she thought.
"Hey, careful, they do have a very good reason. The equinox festival is coming up soon and those human ambassadors are coming this time. There's also that knight that's been living here. She can't know about this especially,"
"I guess you're right…" he sighed, "Still, we were over here while the village was attacked a few days ago. I wish we could have fought."
"Same…"
Oh, in need of a little action are we? I can give you that, Nao grinned. She stepped away from her cover and patted her face, as if molding it into an entirely different person.
Quickly, she rushed out from the bushes, a helpless facade showing and hollering in a distressed voice, "Help! An orphan is chasing me!" Nao feined a stumble toward the first guard. Quickly he caught her and his hair stood on end.
"A-An orphan?" He raised his voice urgently, scanning for any threats, "Which direction? If it was chasing you it can't be too far from the village!"
Nao summoned the fakest of tears from her ducts and pointed northwards away from the village, just so they don't sound any alarms, "That way… it was huge, you can't let it get any closer!"
"Maybe we should go get help," the second, most reasonable guard suggested.
"What? No, if we run off to sound the alarm it could get too close! One orphan is nothing for the both of us," the guard that caught her helped her to her feet, "Don't worry, we'll go investigate."
"Fine... You just stay here until we get back!" the other guard nodded in agreement and rushed off, the other following him.
The redhead stayed there for a few breaths until they were out of sight, "Great, that should keep them busy for a while." She grinned mischievously and slipped inside the vault.
When Natsuki reached the deck, she was already greeted by the sight of her parents. They sat rested on top of a hand-woven rattan mat, drinks steaming between them. The young wolf put on her best face before they registered that she arrived, "Oh, Natsuki!" Gouu's eyes widened, genuinely surprised she had come to visit so soon after their heated discussion a few days ago.
"I'm sorry, did I come at a bad time? You guys look busy," Natsuki said slowly, pretending to be bummed out. Her gaze shifted between the stacks of paper they had between them, obviously documents and reports from other tribes.
"No, not at all. You're welcome to sit with us if you like," Saeko patted a spot next to her. Natsuki took the liberty of seating herself next to the railing where she could see Nao from down below, "So how was your morning?"
"It was fine. Just sent off Shizuru not long ago," she answered honestly, "There's really not much to do now. That's why I dropped by."
Saeko laughed, "It seems like you two have grown on each other. She'll be back soon enough."
Although an innocent comment from her mother, Natsuki couldn't help but realize it was true. Since Shizuru came here they had done everything together, at first involuntarily. After that, they were practically inseparable. She nodded somberly to her mother, "I guess so."
Gouu was listening as they carried on their conversation. With the bleak quality of his daughter's voice, however, he could no longer pretend to be engrossed in work, "Listen, Natsuki," she picked up her head, just to show she was listening, "I'm sorry for earlier this week."
"Dad. It's alright," Natsuki said and smiled before he could say anything else, "I understand what you were trying to do."
"Oh. Really?" Gouu couldn't help but be surprised yet again. Usually she held grudges like this for a while. To see this change was both astonishing and refreshing, "I mean, I'm glad you do. One day you'll have your chance to go out there, Natsuki. I promise."
I'm feeling worse about this now, Natsuki grimaced inside. They obviously knew nothing about her little plan and she was taking advantage of it. She had to steel herself because she wasn't going to let her parents unknowingly guilt her out of this, "Hey, can I ask you guys something?"
"What is it?"
"Do you guys really believe in what Shizuru is doing?"
A moment of silence followed her question, but a definite answer resounded from Gouu, "I do."
"Yes, I do as well," Saeko added, "It will be a difficult path for her, but I believe with some perseverance she can do it."
"The tribunal is opposed for now, but with the festival hosting ambassadors from Aries, Windbloom, and Zipang, it's a chance to change their minds."
"What, Artai isn't invited?" Natsuki leaned in, her interest piqued now.
"Shizuru is the one representing them and we would rather have it that way," said Gouu, "Not that old crone they call emperor that started this all."
"When did you plan on telling her what happened? Or me for that matter?" Natsuki asked when she noticed the spite in her father's voice. She needed to know, now more than ever. You would think a knight sent on a peace mission would know more about why ties were cut in the first place. The history Natsuki knew had such a dark gap.
He looked away and fixed his composure before continuing, "Perhaps when she returns. She should know before the festival at the very least."
Natsuki nodded passively, not wanting to prod or say too much. She leaned back and let them return to work, curiously glancing over at the papers her mother scanned over every now and then. They were about the festival preparations, as well as about the recent orphan attacks on the various tribes. Saeko made no effort to hide the contents of the paper from her. It would be decades from now, but Natsuki would one day be doing the same.
Managing the village, protecting it, its reserves, tribal alliances, all of it seemed so complicated. She couldn't see herself doing it. Not alone at least. Then again, her parents had each other and Natsuki hoped she would have someone to help her through the same. She absentmindedly looked down past the railing. A few moments passed and she saw Nao crossing the agora, her hair the clearest speck she could see from so high up. The redhead stopped walking and looked up, signaling it was time to go.
"I just remembered I have to meet up with Nao," Natsuki announced as she got on her feet.
"Oh, you two finally catching up, are you?" Saeko's face gleamed. Her smile widened and her hands clasped together expectantly.
"Ah, yeah we are," said Natsuki, "Thanks for having me over mom, dad,"
"Anytime!" Gouu grinned, making her feel guilty yet again. She just hoped she could get through this without them knowing, ever.
"Well I'm off!" Natsuki exclaimed as she left the deck in a rush.
They watched her go, quite happy to see her so chipper now. What's more they were quite happy she was going off to accompany the daughter of the Yuuki tribe. Saeko said contently to her husband, "My, I'm glad they're getting along. I hope this keeps up."
"Nao! How'd it go?" Natsuki shouted as she jogged to catch up with her.
The cat quickly turned around and put a finger up to her lips, "Shh! Do you want everyone nearby to hear?"
Covering her mouth, the wolf quieted herself and looked around before speaking, "Sorry. Just got a little excited."
"Let's just get in the woodline before talking about this okay?" Nao sighed, "How did it go with Gouu and Saeko? Did they suspect a thing?"
"I don't think they do," Nastuki shook her head, "They think I'm off to hang out with you right now."
Nao chuckled and peered straight ahead, "Heh, I wish that were the case," She stayed silent until they reached the shade and cover of the trees. The agora began to disappear behind them and they made way for the field Shizuru departed at.
Two small bag of coins tossed in Natsuki's direction answered her question from earlier. Natsuki caught the bags and felt the small weight in her hands. She felt dirty holding it and made peace with her short life at this point.
"Yeah, I got it no problem. Those two guards weren't the brightest. All it took was a distraction and I got in and out before they came back," Nao winked, "Seriously, they should choose better guards for such an important vault."
Natsuki gave a nervous grin, "Thanks for doing this Nao, especially since you didn't have to."
Nao turned her head and huffed, "No problem."
Approaching the field, Aoi and Nina were already waiting. Nina was lying on the ground, hands behind her head and leg crossed over her knee. Aoi sat with her back against a tree, fiddling around with her hunting knife. The sound of Nao and Natsuki's footsteps caught their attention, "Did everything go well?" Aoi asked, hopping to her feet.
"Yes it did. We're just about ready to go," Nastuki pumped her fist in the air triumphantly.
Aoi hesitated at first, but asked anyway, "So are you sure you want to do this? It's not too late to turn back you know."
An almost immediate answer came from Natsuki's mouth. Despite the guilt she felt for lying in her parents' faces, she was ready to keep going. Moreso, she was ready to accept whatever happened if her parents found out about this, "Yeah, I'm sure. You don't have to come if you don't want to, Aoi. I feel bad enough lying to my parents, wouldn't want to force you along," she also glanced to the younger girl, "Same goes to you, Nina."
"Are you kidding? I'm going no matter what," Nina smirked.
The brunette approached Natsuki, a sure smile crossing her face now that Natsuki had at least considered her part in all this, "I just wanted to make sure. You're my best friend and I'm not letting you go alone," she giggled, looking at her little sister, "Plus if Nina is going, someone's gotta watch her."
"Very fair, sis," Nina said from the background, still not moving from her resting spot in the grass. She glanced over at them, specifically the redhead, "You don't want to come, Nao?"
The redhead threw her arms behind her head, "Nah, I'll pass. Someone has to help Saeko keep your father from coming after you if he finds out," she chuckled and began walking off, "Just enjoy and bring back something nice!"
Natsuki turned around, wondering if she should properly say goodbye. Remembering Shizuru, though, she stopped herself and called out, "Thanks again, Nao. I really owe you one!"
Her thanks was only met with Nao waving a hand, not even turning to meet her, "You bet you do!"
They parted ways from there. Aoi and Nina did a great job making sure they had everything for the trip towards the forest exit. Bags packed, gold secured, and the Guides unsuspecting, they locked in on Shizuru's trail. At first, their hearts were pounding from both excitement and fright. In all of their young years of foolishness, this perhaps had to be the most foolish thing they had done yet.
The trio slowly tracked Shizuru, first by scent, in order to keep their distance. As the hours passed, the nervousness they felt faded away, replaced by tension as they caught up with the knight's trail.
Shizuru sat atop a fallen, moss covered tree, resting and giving her horse a bag of feed. The sun that had climbed through the sky broke through the treetops, enveloping the knight and her surroundings in a warm light. She was already beautiful, but Natsuki oddly realized she had never seen Shizuru bathed in light like this. She looked like a different person. Her chest hammered and she had to force herself back, lest she risk Shizuru catching her out in the open and staring.
The knight, however, seemed oblivious to their presence, just as she was oblivious to their little plan in the first place. She soon packed up again and carried on. Shizuru focused more on following her path and paying attention to more immediate threats, like orphans, rather than the possibility of her friends trailing quietly behind her.
When Natsuki told her that Saeko and Gouu refused to let her follow, she felt relieved actually. It's not that she wanted to get away from her, but rather she needed to. No offense to Nao, either, but she just didn't want to see the redhead's face for a while. Shizuru had seen enough of her the past three days. With how much Nao visited, she may as well had been taunting her and telling her that Natsuki was hers. Well, she can have her while I'm gone, Shizuru thought. She didn't know where she was going with that thought, but a part of her wanted to make everything possible hard for that cat when she returned. Yes, that sounded fun.
All fired up now, Shizuru urged her mount faster. The terrain began flattening, a clear sign she was nearly there and it was safe for George to run through. As her form began to distance itself, Natsuki cursed and sped up their pace, "What's gotten into her?" She muttered. At their current speed, they were basically running through the brush beside the trail, ignoring the sticks beneath their feet and branches slapping their arms.
Aoi kept pace with her no problem, but looking back she saw her sister lagging behind. The smaller girl struggled, but she said nothing of course, not wanting to be a burden. She always tried to tough things out like this, but it was clear Nina wouldn't be able to keep up any longer. Aoi had to call out, loud enough for her friend to hear, but also quiet enough so the knight wouldn't pick it up, "Natsuki, you need to slow down! You're leaving Nina behind!" she then added, "Shizuru's going to hear us too if we don't be careful!"
"Tch," Natsuki slowed down and they halted to a stop. She reluctantly watched as Shizuru disappeared from sight, but pried her eyes away. She approached Nina, who leaned over, hands on her knees and catching her breath, "I'm sorry, are you alright?"
Nina nodded slowly as her heart slowed down to its normal pace, "I'm fine…"
"I know you want to keep up with her, but we can always track her down by scent, alright?" Aoi said sternly, almost angrily as she placed a protective hand on her sister's back. They began a more reasonable pace from there, this time led by Aoi in complete and utter silence.
Shizuru had to quicken her already fast trot to a full gallop when she heard the snapping foliage behind her. Someone or something was following her and it put her so on edge that she unholstered her naginata as she rode. From the sounds of the pursuing footsteps, she guessed it was either a small group or something large. Is it an orphan? The knight looked over her shoulder after a few meters, sweat beading her brow. She saw nothing, nor heard anything anymore.
"I can't lead anything dangerous to the town," she said to herself and pulled on the reins to direct her horse back in the opposite direction. Cautiously, she backtracked and patrolled the area. Strange, she thought, The forest isn't still. It's very much alive so an orphan can't be here.
While she continued her search, Aoi, Natsuki, and Nina grouped up together on a tree limb, praying she wouldn't look up. They stood completely frozen, too afraid to even breathe. Moments passed, slowly, so slowly it hurt. Shizuru drifted dangerously close to their location until, finally, she sighed and returned to her trail, "Ara, whatever it is, I think it's gone."
As she directed George back on the path, the trio hung their heads back in relief, thanking whoever watched over them from the skies. Quietly, they climbed back down, but as their feet touched the grass, Shizuru abruptly stopped and called out, "If somebody is there, you'd best come out."