Tomoe's POV: This cat is a pain in the ass! I pulled the vine made leash again, ripping the bakeneko off the tree. He claws scraping the bark wildly. Mizuki, who was walking ahead grunted at the sound of the cat's body hitting the ground as I tugged harder.
"Let me go! My Lord Nami will destroy you before you even get to the city!" His eyes widened as he slapped his hand over his dropped jaw. "City?" Mizuki asked.
The bakeneko brushed the dirt off his ceremonial robe, as he recovered from his unbalanced state… He looked at us as if he were god's gift.
"Our city is the center of all the universe, you are no match for he who rules it" I really hate the high and mighty. I felt the tingling sensation of fox-fire bursting forth from my palm. The cat's eyes widening as the blue flame danced inches aways from the skin of his face. Beads of sweat starting to trickle down the creases of his terrified expression.
"Talk" I roared. The cat fell backwards against the nearest tree, cowering. He ears flattened in terror.
"Our city has be prosperous for many years, but a curse has been cast on the forest" He gestured to the sick trees and venomous vines. "And the bakenekos themselves"
"What do you mean?" Mitzuki asked, his voice emotionless.
"The bakenekos are cursed to wilt away, as a flower does in the autumn" He sighed "Until Riku is found we are doomed to become extinct"
"Riku is dead" Mitzuki murmured.
"But his powers live on in the girl" The cat retaliated. Nanami. I wish I could take you away, back in time. Let you live the human life you always wanted.
"What does he intend to do with Nanami?" My harsh voice ripping at the coward.
"That I do not know, but the legend says of the primal blood to be returned to the earth" He looked up, gulping warily "And the only bloods left Nami and Riku"
In that moment a chilling wave washed upon Mizuki and myself. Nami wouldn't sacrifice himself.
"How long till this happens" Mizuki asked his voice slightly panicked. The cat held it's tongne. I suddenly lost it. Using a lot of the strength I could muster I slammed the cat deep into the bark of the tree. A large cracking sound echoing throughout the forest. Nanami's agonized face sprung too mind, I wanted to rip this guy to shreads.
The cat was terrified, shaking like a dead leaf in a typhoon. "It's the next full moon"
"But that's only in two days time!" Mizuki gasped. Was he surprised about the same thing I am? I don't know how Nami expects to hold Nanami for that long if she's as powerful as they say.
My ears pricked. More bakenekos were heading this way. Mizuki looked at me. He felt it too. This was not a random patrol, it was a search party for our friend here. Mizuki then transformed himself into a snake, hiding in the shrubbery. Coward, I thought to myself. I looked at the cat on the other end of the leash. He suddenly looked very smug. I don't know if I can fight multiple cats at the same time. A plan suddenly sprang to mind. If I were to be arrested I could then find Nanami a lot easier than I would trying to interrogate this damn cat.
Multiple figures suddenly sprang from the decaying foliage. Cats. Each of them wearing the same decorated, ancient garments. Obviously the police of the city.
"Aiko, are you alright" I female cat said running to the bruised bakeneko at the end of my vine.
"I'm okay Aina" My friend said letting out a relieved sigh as his bonding was cut. Two large cats suddenly grabbed my arms, I pretended to resist. I convulsed my body against their hands. Looking weak is the best way to get to Nanami right now. They started hauling me away.
"Wait, one of them got away" The cat, who evidently is called Aiko spat. He obviously wanted us to suffer for his humiliation. On Aiko's word two of the eight cats that had surrounded me took off into the growth of plants. Honestly I hope they catch him.
"Take the fox to the city" The female cat, Aina called at the large cats who held me in restriant. I battled with the need to fight back. I will save you Nanami.
Mizuki's POV:
I've got to get out of here quickly! I heard the skilled, balanced footsteps of the incoming bakenekos. I must get to Lord Natsu… I turned back into my human resemblement. Running on the root infested floor as fast as my feet would carry me. I ripped through my pockets: Saké, Shogi chip, small bottle of saké… Transport talisman. Yes I knew this thing would come in handy. I held it both hands, starting the spell... Natsu. I thought. Concentrating. I was still running through the forest! How does this thing work. I'm starting to get out of breath, all I can hear is the two or three cats catching up. Oh yeah! I quickly swallowed the paper.
"Natsu!" I shouted on the top of my lungs. Light. It was blinding and enveloped me incredibly fast...
Tomoe's POV:
The city was dying. All though it was beautiful, it had a sickness upon it. You could see it as clear as day. The huge city stood in the centre of a huge clearing of the forest. I was being pushed through what appeared to be the main road. The city was made of varnished wood and colourful stones. Deep green moss blanketed everything thing in site. The dark pebbled streets were bustling with hoards of bakenekos. But the crowds were rather shallow compared to what I anticipated for such a large city. The bakenekos whispered amongst themselves. I scanned the crowds. All of them held different appearances but somehow they all looked identical. The eyes, the symbol of a bakeneko's strength were all rather dull. Each cat held what were considered normal eyes even among humans. I was too used to Nanami's vibrant colours. Whispers pierced the air. The cats looked at me with fear and judgment. I walked faster. Each step closer to Nami, so I could destroy him.
The road started to grow wider revealing a massive courtyard. It was obvious that the courtyard was intended decorative and elegent but even it too was succumbing to the "curse". A huge palace consumed the horizon of the forest. But unlike the rest of the area, it seemed o be ammune to the rot. It was extremely colourful, shining metals reflected the sunshine. I vast door stood before me and my captures. It was painted a shining purple colour and alive with ancient carvings laced in pure gold. Hmm the bakenekos are really suffering! Two polished guards then opened the doors reaveling a busy throne room. The noble cat yokai paused. Staring as I was pushed further into the organised crowds. An empty throne lay ahead. It had an evil aura. Though it was prestine and screamed royality… It didn't seem to fit. The bakeneko captures, put weight against my shoulders. Forcing me onto my knees.
"Ah Tomoe the familiar" A musically smug voiced cheered. I kept my head down, I already knew who it was. Nami glided into view. Dressed like a king he sat upon his throne self-satisfied. "What brings you to my kingdom, sight seeing?" He chuckled.
"Where is she…?" I asked emotionless. I'm not fucking around!
"She? Hmmm you may have to be more specific" He said scratching him chin.
"Nanami Momozono" I said "Where is she!"
"Gosh calm down Tomoe, shouting is not good for your skin" He laughed. The court joining in quietly. "If you want to see her that badly you should have just said" He looked to the far right of the room "Nanami, someone is here to see you" A figure walked closer to the throne. It's steps were boh elegant and malicious. Nanami was dressed head to toe in black and red ceremonial garments. Her face was completely emotionless as she looked at me.
"Who is he?" She said coldly. Her eyes were so dark. Nanami!