Woven Threads By MoonlightGoddess

Chapter 1- Cut

Cruel white-hot lightning arched across the sky as the wind howled like a wild thing through the trees. The rain fell in icy-cold sheets, soaking every living thing to the bone. Feet pounded through the night as a black shadow darted from tree to tree. The figure half-turned as the howl of a wolf sounded throughout the wild. Frightened blue-gray eyes illuminated by lightning widened as they watched shadows crawl closer and closer.

She rounded past the trees, jumping over a stray root that jutted from the muddy soil. Her breath came harsher and harsher to her throat, fear clawing its way up her breast, trying to press her into strangulation. She sobbed once, her crystal tears flying from her face lost in the rain as she ran. Fly! Fly! Fly! the night screamed at her, as she tore on, skidding and slipping as she went. The soft blue glow of her miko powers briefly lit up the trees as she dashed past, seeming to fly on shadowed wings.

Minutes passed, hours, who knew anymore? She raced on, faster, faster! She must go faster! They were almost upon her, her once-friends-no-more. She stumbled over a rock, the sharp motion startling a cry from the bundle in her arms. Soft blue-green eyes peered out of the blankets, into her own, trusting, yet afraid.

"Mama," he whimpered uncertainly, "Where are we? What's wrong? Why did we leave?" She glanced down into her adopted child's face. They were good questions, questions that must soon be faced, but not now. No! Not now! She had to find safety! She must fly! Fly! Fly! Fly!

There! A cave round the edge of the cliff they were nearing. It was a slim chance, but one that must be taken. She reeled her head around once more to check for the followers. They were close now, clawing at the ends of the cloak wrapped around her body, pulling at her heels. They were almost into the cave now. She put on a burst of speed, a last hope for safety.

She pulled out of the grasp of the hunters and rushed into the cave, muttering a spell of sealing as she went. The cave's entrance blazed with holy light as the pursuers were thrown back, dashed against the trees, howling in despair. She staggered in the cave slowing, letting the precious bundle in her arms fall to the soft, soft ground. A black battered katana clattered to the floor. She hit her knees, her eyes closing, and knew no more.