Chapter 4 [U]

Spring, 686YE

Natsuki Kruger grunted as she lifted her heavy knapsack onto the wooden table. It was clearly overfilled and its contents spilled out haphazardly across the desk. She quickly sorted the assortment of items into different piles based on their general appearance before collapsing heavily into chair behind her.

Her rough plonking into the chair was relieved by a finely made purple plush pillow made from Caradosian silk, stuffed with soft feathers. The cushion had been a gift from Shizuru when she'd returned from a diplomatic mission in Caradosa. It was a gift that Natsuki sorely appreciated, her rump saved as she usually spent hours sitting at the desk, on the hardwood chair.

Running a hand through her thick mane, she lets out a rare grin as she eyes the spoils before her. She picked up the specimen that was she was most interested in - a chunk of rock that had thick, pale yellow lines running through it, dusted by a powder of sorts.

She had went out on another exploration across Vitilus - the land that bordered the sea was so different from the dark forests of Kagen - it intrigued her to no end. There were new maps to be charted, new sights to see and new materials to be found. Her trips were usually done solo, mostly when Shizuru was away for one of her "boring political whatchamacallits". Invitations had always been extended to her, but she had vehemently shook her head at them and the Violas decided to leave her to her own preferences. The last time, before she had turned to leave, Shizuru had giggled at the dark head that was staring at the floor and said, "When Natsuki wants to come, just let me know. There will always be a seat for Natsuki."

Natsuki's ears had perked on this, her eyes lifting to meet Shizuru's as gratitude and relief flooded over her. Kagen rarely had such excessive formalities - their population size and its sparseness just didn't call for it. Moreover, she just wasn't comfortable with having that many people milling around, dressed to the nines and making idle conversation.

The door creaked open, pulling her away from her thoughts and a dark figure on fours padded in, bumping his head lightly on the chair's handles. Setting the specimen in her hands down, she bent over and pressed her head into his snout, "Thanks Duran, it was a long flight." She scratched the Wolcon behind his ears and he closed his large brown eyes in contentment. When he was satisfied enough at the attention, he turned and plodded off a distance away and curled up in his own bed.

Natsuki eyes roamed around the room that she now called hers. It had grown sizeably in the two and a half years that Alyssa and her had first sought refuge in Vitilus.

Flashback, Spring, 684YE

When Admiral Tetsuo and Lady Fio had dropped by after a few months of their living there, they had noticed that Natsuki's room was getting messier and messier, from random things that she had gathered from her scavenging missions. Within the month, they had brought it up at the dinner table, that they had prepared a much larger room. By the end of dinner, they've offered to let the girl take a look before she decided to move, with Shizuru and Alyssa tagging along close behind as well.

Nudging the door open, Natsuki found that the room was an extension of her current bedroom, but also had a study area, complete with a large desk and shelves, adorned with sparkling Vitilus glass bottles of different shapes and sizes, that Natsuki could store whatever knickknacks she procured from her exploration trips. There was even a small fireplace with a row of bookcases and a comfortable looking seat. Alyssa had immediately been drawn to it, nestling herself as she reached an arm out to beckon to Miyu who was standing silently outside.

"Well, what do you think, Natsuki?" Tetsuo tilted his head as he stepped into the room, beside the girl. "Would you like to move into this room?"

"I.. Yes", Natsuki swallowed a lump down her throat, "It's wonderful, thank you Oji-san." Alyssa and herself had been told a couple of times that they could call them that - it was easy enough for the small blonde child, but a little harder for her more reticent older sibling. Lady Fio had now knelt beside her, gently tucking a loose dark tress behind her ear gently. "Thank you Fio Oba-san."

The Admiral's smile broaden as he watched his family's interaction. "Oh!" he exclaimed, remembering something, walking over to the Alyssa and picked the seven year old up in his arms, "And as for you! I also happen to have something I think you'd like." Offering a hand to his wife, he helped her up, turning his head as they left, "I'll leave you girls to the moving then!"

The last Viola in the room tilted her head slightly when they were alone, arms crossed behind her back, "Would Natsuki require assistance to move?"

She nodded - the stuff in her old room had indeed been piling up, and she was more than grateful for the help rendered.

End Flashback

A strand of dark hair fell, obscuring her view and she puffed a short breath upward to get it out of the way. She cast a glance over her shoulder - the room was empty and Shizuru's favourite spot by the reading corner - where she would usually be nestled comfortably with a small teacup in hand - was vacant. The brunette was away again, at another meeting of sorts with the Southern Vitilus governor and would be away till her slated return at the end of the week.

Shaking her head, she returned to the task at hand, grabbing a small square paper from a stack and laid it out on the desk. With her left hand, she picked up a small glass bottle and her right absently picking out a flat scraper from the pile of tools. Pale yellow powder filled up the vial as she carefully transferred it from the paper and she continued working on it until five vials were filled. She stored these vials carefully to the left and discarded the slab of stone carelessly into the junk pile on the floor beside the desk. Done, she reached out for the next item. The wood was tinged with a reddish hue and was very much different from the birch and pine wood back in Kagen - they were much lighter in shade.

Earlier in the day, she had inadvertently found a grove of trees on the way back - she had only planned to explore the seaside cavern that day. It was only because she had spare time on her hands and knowing for a fact that Shizuru wouldn't be back anytime soon, that she'd had taken a more scenic route. "This way, Duran," she called to her steed, giving a soft tug in the direction of the grove.

It wasn't long before the charcoal gray Wolcon arrived at the destination and landed with a light thud, leaves scattering as he closed up his broad wings. His rider dismounted and he flopped on the ground, paws crossed as he watched her habitually toss her hair to the back with a flick of her left hand. She retrieved a yellowed scroll and a short black charcoal pencil from the satchel slung across her shoulders, occasionally turning herself around as she tried to get a sense of her bearings, constantly murmuring under her breath, "Let's see here.. I think.. Huh."

It was a while before she was finally content with the dozen musings going through her mind. She tapped the parchment and scribbled something on it. Her eyes then looked up, meeting his hazel ones and his tail thumped happily in response. "I'll just be a while, in the meantime these are for your hard work," she set out a dish, filling it with water from a small canister and laid his favorite dried meats out. He crooned as she nuzzled her head to his, a familiar goodbye - before she turned on her heel and left for the thicket of trees.

Duran had was done with snacks and water before he found something far more interesting - kicking up the scattered leaves. The more he rolled and dug his paws through the fallen foliage, the higher they flew. And it was in this very upside down position that he spotted his raven haired rider emerging from the trees, an arm full of chopped wood and the other armed with a small axe. He perked and rolled upright immediately at the sight of her, the sudden movement kicking up another swirl of leaves which he chomped at to keep it out of the way.

Her brows were cocked as she approached, dropping the pile of wood beside him before affectionately scuffing up the spot behind his right ear. She knelt to stuff her bulging satchel with the new pieces, periodically grumbling under her breath when some pieces couldn't fit. Eventually satisfied with just about two small pieces abandoned, she tucked the axe on her waist-belt and Duran knew his master well enough to know it was time to go. Standing, he shook whatever remaining leaves off himself and doused his rider with some unneeded leafy love. She harrumphed in response, a hand grasping the reins, the other cradling her invaluable knapsack and hopped into the saddle to make their way home.

Back in the room

Picking up a handsaw, she picked up one of the smaller pieces of redwood and started to saw them down into roughly similar sizes. Laying each block of wood down on the paper, she started to pick up labeled bottles off the shelves directly above her desk. She sniffed the first bottle and scrounged her nose as she pour the liquid on the wooden blocks. "Vinegar," she mused as she copied third chemical names onto the paper, "Citric.. and seawater." She set the few aside and peered at the previous sample materials but there weren't much changes, "Maybe in a few more days?" she mused.

The door behind her scraped ajar and a white snout poked in, before using the rest of her furred body to push it aside. "Thank you Artemis." Alyssa's soft, airy voice floated in and her nine year old sister appeared at the doorway, making her way to the large wooden desk. "Onee-san," Alyssa murmured shyly, a hand tugging at Natsuki's sleeve, "Would you come listen to a new song?"

Never one to deny her sister, the chair scraped against the stone flooring as Natsuki pushed herself off, replying, "Of course, Alyssa, just give me a minute to clear things up."

The blonde girl shook her head at the mess on the table as she watched her sister dart around, shoving the lining papers back into their holders, corked the open bottles and returned them to their rightful places on the shelves. "Did you manage to find what you were looking for?" Alyssa asked, sky-blue orbs studying the schematic of what looked like a fragmented blade that was held together by a whip-like cord, clipped at the top right hand corner of the desk, away from the usual mess that happened in the center. She knew her sister was busy with a strange and complex project. The fact that she had asked her one day during lunch, if she could borrow Miyu's time for awhile was a testament to that. Of course Alyssa had readily agreed. Her older sibling had never asked for anything and Alyssa wanted to show her that she was now old enough to help.

"Let's go, Alyssa," Natsuki announced, pleased it took her just five minutes to make the clutter look a little more manageable. She habitually held out a hand for her sister, and the blonde grabbed it readily with a grin, headed out to meet Miyu who was waiting in the hallway. The stoic woman gave Natsuki a short nod in greeting and followed after the duo. "I did, by the way," Natsuki replied to Alyssa's earlier question, "Miyu managed to find an old an old blacksmith she knew a year back."

"The third iteration should be completed, Natsuki-san. I handed the revisions and the new materials to him almost three weeks ago," Miyu automatically replied, turning her head and her gaze met Natsuki's.

"Arigato, Miyu-san. I think I might be able to pick it up this time. Alyssa, would you like to see it and maybe test it out with me, after I collect it?"

"Of course, onee-san!" Alyssa nodded eagerly, unable to help but have a bounce in her step. She loved her protector - she'd always feel safe with her around and she didn't know how she could make it through those sleepless, tearful nights without looking for her back then. They arrived at Alyssa's room and entered - the girl's room wasn't as large as her sister's, but it was of a brighter shade. Partially because of the choice in color of the bed sheets - a soft sky blue that matched her eyes; and partially because it wasn't marred with a collection of odd objects. A gleaming piano stood proudly in the middle of the room that was gifted to Alyssa by the Violas the same day Natsuki got her new room.

The young ranger took her seat in her corner while Miyu took the pianist's chair and Alyssa stood in front of the single audience, teetering between her heels and toes as Miyu shuffled through the musical sheets. An rare smile from Miyu came, signaling her readiness and Alyssa began.

In a lush green forest, where the sunlight streams,

Through the leaves, it dances, in golden beams,

The rustling trees sing a lullaby so sweet,

In this place, our hearts find peace, they meet.

Like the roots of Kagen's ancient trees,

Our love stands strong, steady as the breeze,

Though life may lead us far apart,

The forest holds our steadfast heart.

In the forest's quiet symphony,

We find our way back home.

Sister, our love's a timeless journey,

Together, never alone.

Alyssa opened her eyes when she concluded, inhaling a deep breath into her lungs. She peered up at her sister - her face was etched with both melancholy and amazement. "Alyssa," she broke out in her husky voice, "C'mere." The child complied and was lifted off her feet and into her sister's lap. She is enveloped in a protective arm and the younger gazes up at her mentor and guardian, "It's beautiful, when did you and Miyu write that?"

"We were practicing for a while after Oji-san and Oba-san gave us the piano," Alyssa replied, before throwing two short arms around her sister's neck. "I wanted the first song to be for you, nee-san."

Her older sister returned the hug, leaning her head against Alyssa. Breaking off awhile later, she ruffled the golden head affectionately before suggesting, "It's almost time for dinner, what'd you say if we head down to Mai's?"

"Miyu helped a lot to write it out and she's so good with the piano!"

"Of course Miyu's included," Natsuki laughed getting the hint. She letting Alyssa slide to the floor before she stood, turning to the quiet girl who was still seated at the piano, "If it's okay with you?"

The woman acquiesced with a small bob of her head and rose from her seat.

Meeting Mai

Mai's place was quite a distance away, tucked away at the far corner of the Vitilian capital city. They had met the young chef one day when a younger six-year old Alyssa was feeling down. Natsuki had decided to take her out of the palace compounds to explore the meandering streets and hopefully get her cheered up. They were still very new to the Vitilian city back then and Alyssa's attention was easily absorbed by almost everything, from the paved sandstone roads lined with clusters of flowers to little benches and colorful clothesline hanging overhead from quaint houses.

The sun was almost setting when Alyssa's tummy had rumbled loudly in protest and Natsuki looked around to realize that they had no idea where they were. Sheepishly, she turned to Miyu who had been trailing behind, "The palace, is it far?"

Miyu glanced up and around, "Thirty minutes back at least."

"Onee-san," Alyssa tugged, "This way, I smell food!"

The trio navigated through the street, led by a determined blonde and found the source of the aroma. It was really more of a hole in the wall than a full fledged diner, if there wasn't such a wonderful smell, they would likely have walked right by the place. As Natsuki stepped up to the counter, she noticed there wasn't even a menu and the place seemed to be manned by only a single woman who was bustling around behind. "Excuse me," she cleared her throat.

"Oh! Hello! It's dumplings and noodles today," the redhead exclaimed as she saw customers, "Please take a seat!" she gestured excitedly at the empty table with four stools outside.

"Ah," she glanced down at her sister who was nodding eagerly at the prospect of food and sighed, "Okay."

The meal soon arrives, a steaming plate of plump and perfectly formed dumplings, carried out by an extremely happy woman. "You can have these first, I've started on the noodles, just wait for a while 'kay!" she instructs.

Glaring at her as she disappeared behind the kitchen, Natsuki picks up the chopsticks, prodding at one of them. Alyssa had already chomped on one, the delight in her face apparent. She picks up the little golden-brown dumpling and bites into it and raises a brow. The golden-brown, slightly crispy edges were a perfect contrast to the flavorful fillings of meat and herb. She stuffs another into her mouth and turns to look for the chef.

Balancing three bowls between her two arms, the redhead sets them down on the table. The bowl was vibrant - colorful vegetables of green and orange neatly chopped and put alongside what looked like deliciously grilled, succulent meat. No one waited to start on the next dish. "Hmmmm," the woman beams gleefully, taking the last empty seat without warning, an elbow propped on the table and rested her head on her hand as she watches the table devour her food. Natsuki's mouth was too full from scarfing down the noodles to growl at the redhead's infringement of their personal space. "I'm glad you liked it. Oh by the way, I'm Mai, Mai Tokiha. Please come support me often 'kay?"

Natsuki grunted in response.

It was then, which had marked a new beginning of a symbiotic friendship between a outspoken chef and a taciturn hunter. The first time Natsuki came by though, Mai had been pleased to see a returning customer, but was immediately startled when three dead quails were thrown on the counter, feathers and all. The grumpy customer had her arms crossed as she looked away, but managed to blurt something intelligible, "Can you make something. Please."

"Ah," Mai nodded, "But only if you come help." Sensing her hesitation, the redhead explained, "It'll take too long if I everything alone, maybe you can help dress the quail? You'll be a lot faster than me, and besides, I'll need to prep these," she said as she picked out a few bell peppers and potatoes from a crate beside her.

The hunter blinked, but nodded. The duo worked in silent efficiency, and their synchronous efforts were soon rewarded with tidied up kitchen and an excellently roasted quail, with a crisp skin but tender and juicy meat beneath. Mai had again, taken a seat beside her, earning a wary look but the plate was shoved over. Gratitude shining in her violet eyes at the gesture, Mai wondered out loud as she munched on a drumstick, savoring the honey glaze she decided to add on as a last touch. "Mmm, however did you get ahold of these? These don't come cheap at all."

Green eyes peered up at the girl who seemed to enjoy having monologues with herself - she was now babbling on about how else she could contrast the taste of the quail. "The rest, they're yours," Natsuki offered. The chef looked at her incredulously, as if she'd grown another head. "Payment for the meal?" she gestured.

"No! That's way too much! I'll be profiting off you! Wha-?" Mai stopped short as the girl stood up, interrupting her mid-sentence.

"It's fine," the hunter licked her chops, satisfied and nodded at the bewildered cook, "I'll be back."

"Wait, I cant possibly not know the name of my best supplier AND customer now, right?!" Mai demanded, hopping off the chair, arms akimbo.

She sighed, "Natsuki Kruger. See you, Tokiha-san."

"It's Mai!" she hollered back at the retreating figure. "Byeee! See you soon!"

Natsuki's future weekly visits were cemented via this quick exchange. The hunter would appear with whatever she'd found, wild fowl like quail or duck; other smaller game like rabbits or the occasional boar. She got to hunt, a scrumptious meal and the entertaining company of a very passionate friend. And for Mai, she gained herself a perfect listening ear, an assortment of new ingredients to add to her menu, and finally making some money from her venture.

"What's for today Mai?" Natsuki asked as the group settled down around the table.

"Oooh, Natsuki!" Mai's head bobbed happily, she propped herself over the counter, "And Alyssa-chan and Miyu-san! Come, come, sit!" she ducked under the entrance and ushered her guest to the table. "Today I have a nice stew that might be just about ready!" She looks up - the now golden glow of the sun had now faded into reds, oranges and purples. "Scratch that, it's ready!" she ran off to the back.

The stew arrives quickly with Mai's serving prowess, Alyssa sniffing curiously at the gently rising steam, an aromatic blend of spices and herbs. She picks up her spoon eagerly, scooping at a chunk of meat which fell apart with the touch. "I added just a dash of Vitilian wine from the south!" Mai starts to explain as the girl digs in, but then she chuckles at Natsuki's huff that was directed at her, eyes screaming that her sister is wayyy underage, "Oh come on, it's just for the taste, besides, look at how happy Alyssa is!"

The blonde was nodding her head in agreement and unable to dispute further, she grumbles to herself. She dips her spoon into the thickened broth, scooping up a colorful array of diced root vegetables coated in the luscious broth.

"So tell me!" Mai plops herself down as usual, a interested glint shining in her eyes, "Any new places you've been, new contraptions designed.." she trails off, knowing this topic would set off a nerve, "New people? Eh? Eh?" she nudged her friend's shoulder cheekily, dodging the distracted one-handed swat as the dark haired girl refused to stop eating for her sake.

The redhead bursts out laughing, glad to have found a friend who could always make her smile.

A/N: Obviously not a songwriter, please forgive.