The forest seemed darker than it had on their way in, the whisper of the wind through the trees carrying an unnatural chill. Kaede led the way, her posture tense, while Haruki followed close behind, gripping the satchel with the shard inside.
“You’ve been quiet,” Haruki said, his voice breaking the silence. “Unnervingly so. Should I be worried?”
Kaede’s amber eyes flicked back to him. “You should always be worried. Especially with Ragnor in play.”
Haruki chuckled nervously. “Great. That’s reassuring.”
She didn’t smile. “Something doesn’t feel right. Keep your eyes open, Shima.”
Haruki’s laughter faded, replaced by a nervous swallow.
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THE FIRST HINT OF TROUBLE
The path was uneven, roots curling like claws from the dirt. Haruki stumbled over one, cursing under his breath, but Kaede didn’t stop. Her hand rested lightly on the hilt of her sword, her ears attuned to the faintest sound.
It wasn’t long before she froze.
“What is it?” Haruki whispered, immediately on edge.
Kaede raised a hand, silencing him. She crouched low, her gaze locked on a spot in the underbrush ahead. Haruki followed her line of sight, though he saw nothing but shadows.
“Ambush,” she murmured, her voice barely audible.
Haruki’s heart skipped a beat. “How many?”
Kaede smirked faintly. “Enough to make this interesting.”
Before Haruki could ask what that meant, a figure burst from the trees, a gleaming dagger aimed straight for Kaede.
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THE FIGHT BEGINS
Kaede moved like lightning. She sidestepped the attacker’s lunge, her sword flashing as she struck the dagger from his hand. A second figure emerged, followed by a third, their weapons glinting in the fading light.
“Shima, keep that shard safe!” Kaede shouted, engaging the first attacker with a flurry of strikes.
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“Sure, no problem,” Haruki muttered, retreating toward a tree. “Just me and the world’s most dangerous artifact. What could go wrong?”
Kaede fought with her usual mix of precision and brutality, her blade a seamless extension of her will. She disarmed one attacker with a well-placed kick, then pivoted to parry a blow from another.
Haruki, meanwhile, tried to stay out of the way. He wasn’t entirely successful.
“Hey, watch the satchel!” he yelped as one of the attackers lunged at him.
Kaede turned just in time to see Haruki duck under the man’s swing, his satchel swinging like a flail. It connected with the attacker’s face with a satisfying thud, sending him sprawling.
“Nice one, Shima!” Kaede called, genuinely impressed.
“Yeah, totally on purpose,” Haruki muttered, clutching the satchel like a lifeline.
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AN UNEXPECTED ALLY
The skirmish continued, Kaede holding her own against the remaining assailants. Just as she disarmed another, a whistle cut through the air, sharp and piercing.
The attackers froze, their eyes widening in fear.
Kaede narrowed her gaze, her grip tightening on her sword. “What now?”
From the shadows emerged a tall figure clad in dark leather armor, his face partially obscured by a hood. He moved with an air of authority, his presence enough to send the attackers scrambling into the forest.
“Kaede,” the figure said, his voice smooth and laced with amusement.
Kaede’s eyes narrowed further. “Zain.”
Haruki looked between them, confused. “Uh, friend of yours?”
Kaede sheathed her sword but didn’t relax. “That’s one word for it.”
Zain chuckled, pushing back his hood to reveal a sharp-featured face and piercing blue eyes. “It’s been a while, Kaede. Still as charming as ever.”
“What do you want, Zain?” Kaede demanded.
“Relax,” he said, holding up his hands. “I’m here to help. Ragnor’s got half the region looking for you. You’ll need more than that sword and your sidekick to stay ahead of him.”
“Hey!” Haruki protested, earning a smirk from Zain.
Kaede didn’t lower her guard. “And I’m supposed to trust you? After last time?”
Zain’s smile faded. “I know I’ve got a lot to make up for. But you don’t have much of a choice, do you?”
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THE OFFER
Around a small campfire later that night, Zain laid out his plan. He had information on Ragnor’s movements, as well as a safehouse where they could regroup.
Kaede listened, her expression unreadable. Haruki, meanwhile, couldn’t stop staring at Zain.
“So, you and Kaede... what’s the story there?” Haruki asked, trying to sound casual.
Zain smirked. “Wouldn’t you like to know?”
Kaede shot Haruki a warning look. “Focus, Shima.”
Haruki raised his hands defensively. “Just making conversation.”
Zain leaned back, his smirk fading into a more serious expression. “Ragnor’s not just after you for revenge, Kaede. He’s after the shard. You’ve got something he wants, and he won’t stop until he gets it.”
Kaede’s jaw tightened. “Let him come. I’m not running.”
Zain shook his head. “This isn’t a fight you can win alone. Let me help you.”
Kaede didn’t respond immediately. Her gaze drifted to Haruki, who was watching her with uncharacteristic seriousness.
Finally, she sighed. “Fine. But if you betray me again, I’ll kill you myself.”
Zain grinned. “Fair enough.”