Shadows in the Forest 'Open'

[Leaf]

Leaf rolled his eyes at Mika's question, but then smiled and said, "Yeah I missed you. Hope you didn't miss me too much." Although Leaf was a little irritated that Mika had disappeared without warning earlier, he wasn't about to reprimand her for it. After all, she returned safely, so it was alright. "Yeah, we're going to head out after I get back, so make sure to pack up any last things, alright?" Leaf affirmed before he headed to the edge of the trees. He looked back again to make sure Mika was alright before disappearing between the trees.

Following the marks that Mika spoke about, Leaf found his way to the stream quickly. The clear water seemed refreshing and it made Leaf excited to bend down and splash his face with the cool liquid. Letting out a large breath of joy, the boy continued to shower himself with the water. It felt so nice, especially after spending a night outside. After having enough fun with the stream, Leaf wiped his face dry with the edge of his shirt before bending back down to take a long drink, satisfying his dry throat.

Making his way back to the camp, Leaf saw a clump of brown fur flash through the bushes. 'A rabbit.' he thought, licking his lips. He just now realized how long it had been since he had last had a meal. Shaking his head, Leaf continued back to the camp. It would be rather pointless to catch it now, especially since the fire had already been put out. They could probably get a bite to eat at the town later, anyways. Pushing past the trees, Leaf found himself back where Mika. "Ready to leave?" he asked.

[Jezbel]

"Daw... I'll always miss you Leafy!" Mika said smiling. "Ok," She said looking around there wasn't much. The clothes on her back, her pack. She watched Leaf leave and when he turned to her she waved. Once she was sure he was well out of site Mika grabbed the shirt that was on her pack. She walked behind a tree and quickly changed into her favorite black shirt. It was about three courter length, V neck and could work as a sweater. But Mika mostly just over lapped the fabric and tied it in the back. It fit the girl snuggly and was easy to move around in. She walked back over to the camp site and looked it over not seeing anything.

She walked back over to the fire and made sure it was all out. Starting a forest fire was not on today’s to-do list. The small girl was about to turn when a glint of glass caught her eye. Mika turned and saw her bottle of fuel. She quickly reached down and picked up the bottle. Thank goodness she didn't forget that, it was very had to get. At least for someone her age. Mika jumped slightly when she heard Leaf, surprised he was back so quickly."Yup!" She started to walk when she stopped and looked around, "Ah Leaf, where are we going?"

[Leaf]

Leaf smiled at Mika when he saw her. He was fully awake now that he had been able to freshen up at the stream. "Well, to be honest I don't really have a clue," he said sheepishly as he scratched the back of his head. "But I was thinking that if he headed down the stream back there we would be able to find a town sooner or later. At least, that's what I've always found in the past." Civilization always congregated around water sources, and this knowledge never failed Leaf when he needed to find some people or resources that only towns or cities had.

Leaf then peered around the campsite. The fire had been put out completely, but he still walked over and kicked the coals around, blending them with the surrounding soil as best as he could. It was best to remove the signs of him being their in case any of the bounty hunters decided to continue pursuing him today. Plus, the ditch that Mika fell into earlier indicated that there was human activity in this area, no matter how remote it seemed. As he finished smoothing the fire pit over and placing some loose gravel over it, Leaf turned back to Mika. "Let's go, then," he smiled as he headed over to the trees. He took a last glance back at the site and decided that he did a good enough job.

Heading back toward the stream, Leaf looked at the signs that Mika had left on the trees earlier. He was a little concerned that they would give hints to his whereabouts, but decided to not worry about it. After all, after they reached the stream and began to follow it, they would be harder to track. As the clear water came into view again, Leaf said to Mika, "Let's head downstream. That way we might be able to meet a main river."

[Jezbel]

Mika shot a smile right back at Leaf and said, "It shall be an adventure then!" She waited off to the side as he made sure the fire was completely out and covered up. She wondered slightly if he was covering a trail... But she wouldn't press it after all they had shared last night she felt if they were in real danger Leaf would tell her. She glanced around looking at the marks from time to time though she thought she could find her way back to the stream. She nodded to Leaf and started to walk down the banks, it was still muddy from the previous rain so her thin shoes got stuck a few times. Then an idea popped into Mika's head. She stopped a bit out of the way and took off her shoes. Wiggling her toes in the mud for a moment before she started walking. It was easier to hold her shoes then wear them she found out.

It was quite a ways down stream when Mika saw some boulders that look to have pictures in them, children's drawing upon closer expecting. She pointed them out to Leaf before hopping onto the giant rock and leaping to the next one. She giggled and started to find paths with the stones. Mika twirled on one and caught a sent, "Hey Leaf you smell that?" It was like fresh bread sitting out, she could also just make out faintly children laughing. "I think we found are village!" She jumped down and whipped her feet clean on the grass then slipped on her shoes, "I think it's this way." Mika said pointing to the right. She was happy that her arm wasn't hurting as much as yesterday, though she made sure that she didn't move it to, to much.

[Leaf]

Leaf watched Mika hop on the stones and silently hoped that she wouldn't fall. A broken arm was already enough to take care of. He caught the scent of fresh bread as well and smiled when the warm fragrance wafted into his nose. It was warm and homely and a good contrast from the smoky coals from the night before. "I think we're almost there, too!" he grinned as he picked up his pace, following Mika to the village. It was an exciting feeling and Leaf knew the feeling well. It was the feeling of wanting to wag one's tail, even if he did not have one.

As they approached, outlines of small houses appeared and there were people visible in the area, going about their daily business. The clear stream ran like a ribbon along the side of the village, giving a source of livelihood for the citizens of this quaint little place. Leaf stretched his arms and observed the place quickly. So far, he believed that he had never visited this place before. It was also a good distance from Yamanash, where the center of Sanchu's city business was.That was a good thing, seeing as he would probably go unrecognized. "Why don't we go and get something to eat? Then we can go get your arm properly fixed up." he smiled at Mika. She seemed just as excited to be in this place as he did.

[Jezbel]

Mika smiled as houses began to appear, the village seemed small and in her eyes cute! She looked back at Leaf and nodded "Yeah, I didn't even think about eating when I put the fire out sorry." She saw a group of children nearby and thought that would be a good idea to ask for directions. "Hey I’m gonna go ask them." She called over her shoulder already jogging toward the group.

She slowed down when she was only a few feet away from the kids. It was a group of five, three boys and two girls. One girl was tall, to skinny, and had the bluest eyes. The other girl was short and had brown hair tied back in a braid. The boys looked as though they could be brothers, all had dirty blonde hair and blue eyes though the blue varied. The tallest and oldest looking had pale blue eyes with a dark out lined, the middle had blueish green tinges and the shortest had big dark blue eyes almost too big for his head. "Hello," Mika said to them she didn't have to bend the over most of them were taller than her but that’s not saying much. "Me and my friend are looking for some place to eat. Do you know where we could go?" The children looked at each other before the youngest boy said "In the town square Rosa's has the best food," They all nodded in agreement, "Just fallow this road you'll find it." Mika smiled and looked back to Leaf. She hadn't asked where the doctor's was on purpose thinking it would be better to ask an adult. She raised an eyebrow to Leaf wondering if there was anything else he would like to know.

[Leaf]

Leaf laughed when Mika apologized and said, "It's no problem! I think I prefer a more refined meal this morning anyways." Remembering the rabbit he had seen earlier, Leaf smiled to himself. The rabbit was in luck today, seeing as the wolf in him wasn't in much of a mood for hunting. Rather, the thought about having to skin and clean the animal, was going to take more time to prepare and Leaf was about to take a warm loaf of bread over that any day.

Following Mika, Leaf approached the children. They seemed young, with the oldest looking about 13 and the youngest nine. The boys sported dirty blond hair, which reminded Leaf of himself in his childhood. When he was their age, he was already an orphan and working to become a thief. The innocent face of the young boy gave Leaf a nostalgic feeling as well as a tinge of envy for the happiness he never had. What would he be like now if he had a normal life like these children? Would he be a simple civilian, living a peaceful life somewhere where he wouldn't need to worry about being hunted? Would he be able to trust more people and not be afraid of betrayal the moment his back was turned? The smile on Leaf's face hung still, but his eyes seemed to grow colder, making his expression an awkward grimace.

Mika asked the kids about food, and while the older kids stayed silent, the young boy had no reservations in confiding his thoughts to them. When they got an answer, Mika turned back to Leaf, giving him a chance to speak. He looked at her, smile wiped from his face. He then turned to the children and asked them, "Do you guys know who I am?" They looked at him oddly before shaking their heads. The young boy piped in cheerily, "Why? Are you someone famous?"

The question made Leaf's insides lurch for a moment before forcing a smile on his face. "Never mind. Forget that I asked that," he said in a voice that almost trailed into a whisper. The young boy didn't seem to want to give up, though, and pursued his answer. "Are you famous, though? I always wanted to meet a famous person!" he exclaimed, gazing at Leaf with his large, clear blue eyes. 'More like infamous.' Leaf thought dryly, but he forced a laugh and patted the boy on his head. "No, I'm not famous or anything." The boy went silent, but the resilient look in his eyes showed that he was still doubtful. Leaf looked at Mika, then back at the boy. Sighing, he bent down in front of the boy. "Look," he whispered to the boy. "Be thankful for the life you have, even if it's not full of riches and fame. It's better than what many people can ever have."

Leaf then stood up and motioned for Mika to go with him. He then began to walk down the road the children pointed them down. Behind him, the young boy yelled, "But wait, mister! You didn't answer me! I don't understand!" Leaf turned his head back and waved at the children before continuing walking forward. These kids had a future. They had nothing in for them being tied up with a thief like himself.

[Jezbel]

Frowning Mika watched as Leaf's expression turned darker, what had happened? She hadn't said anything about where they were or who they were. The question he asked to the children seemed to clear things up for her. Mika guessed that he was thinking of his past and he had been to the town. Definitely don't want to run into the guards if he has, Mika thought. She stood there quite unsure about what to do if they did recognize them. But luck was on their side as the blue eyed boy said no.

But he kept asking if Leaf was a someone famous. Mika opened her mouth to say something when Leaf answered the boy. Standing there mouth open Mika listened to Leaf's advise. She didn't realize it was still opened until Leaf started walking. Quickly snapping it shut she started to walk away but she was unable not to say something to the children turning back she said "Sorry he's in a mood but do listen. Enjoy having fun with friends and always love your family." She smiled "Well now that the serious stuff is out of the way thanks for the tip about the food. Bye!" She called running up to Leaf.

Mika looked at Leaf and hit his arm (with her good arm), not hard but not soft. She didn't say anything, she didn't even look at him. Her silence was saying, Really? Must you be so serious? They're only kids. She walked along and soon enough they came to a small town.

It's houses were made of wood,most with shingles some with straw roofs. There was a small well in the middle of the town were some woman where standing and talking most likely gossiping. The towns residents rushed around smiles upon their faces having a nice day. After all the sun was shining, sky clear of clouds all around good day. Mika fallowed the road to the square where she saw a small shop a sign Rosa's painted in bright blues and flowers around the edges. Mika grabbed Leaf's hand and started pulling, well more dragging him to it. Her stomach growling and she was just all around excited to try something new, previous bad mood gone within seconds.

Inside was a small shop table littered the floor. A boy looking the same age as Leaf swung by them and handed them a list of food available, "Come with me," He said smiling at Mika and Leaf. He lead them to a seat in a corner of the place, "I'll be right back for your orders, the Strawberry Pancakes are the best for something sweet." He said leaving them to get seated.

[Leaf]

Leaf kept walking forward and did not elicit a response when Mika hit him on the arm. She was displaying her disapproval for his actions and caused Leaf to reflect a bit. He knew that he shouldn't have acted that way toward the kids, but he couldn't help but feel this way when he saw their peaceful lives. It was all because of a simple, childish reason: jealousy. No matter how hard he tried, Leaf couldn't throw away the past which he had already written out. The memories still addled with his feelings even if he knew that it wasn't their fault. It was just that deep down, he wanted to have a wholesome family and live a nice life and it just wasn't fair that these children could just have what he yearned so much.

Soon, the two had walked into the village. The peaceful little place was tranquil and people were going about their daily business on this fine morning. Leaf, however, had drowned back into his thoughts, and didn't seem to be able to absorb the cheeriness of the place. While it was full of life and happiness, it also reminded Leaf of the town he and Shadow visited. It had been the same, buzzing with people and full of houses. Even the gossiping women next to the well gave Leaf deja vu. Hopefully, they wouldn't end up silent like the last village. Leaf shook his head. The tragedy was definitely not going to repeat itself. Not as long as Leaf could manage it.

As Leaf continued to wallow in his sentiments, he found himself dragged into a shop by Mika. The immediate fragrance of food distracted him and he became aware of his surroundings. He was in an adorable shop filled with tables. A young man about Leaf's age led them to a table in the corner and gave them a menu. Leaf sat down and watched Mika before taking a look at the list of food. Almost as if it were cued, his stomach growled and a surprised look came onto Leaf's face. A smile then stretched across his face as he said to Mika, "Well I'm ready to have some of those strawberry pancakes!"

[Jezbel]

Mika frowned at Leaf's sadness it wasn't fun to see a friend depressed, even in the slightest. She kept her thoughts to herself unsure if it would be a good idea to talk to him about it or not. Maybe it has something to do with Shadow...Mika thought to herself. Maybe he feels guilty about spending time helping me and not looking for Shadow. After all he had been his brother in a way. Now feeling guilty Mika kept her eyes on the menu. Maybe i should tell him he can go, the thought maybe a very uncomfortable knot in her stomach form. She didn't want Leaf to go; she was having so much fun with him. That made her feel even worse thinking she was being far too selfish. Though when a smile on his formed on his face all those thoughts faded into the back of her mind.

"FINALY! Gosh i thought you would be Mr. grumpy for the rest of the day!" Mika smiled at Leaf, "Yeah the pancakes sound really realy good. I'm thinking with some milk. Funny i can't remember the last time i had milk..."Mika said lost in thought staring out the window for a moment. It was true she couldn't remember, she could barely remember the last good meal she's had. Mostly just game Mika caught herself or vender's food most likely nothing like this. The thoughts bounced around her mind for a short while before a flash of movement caught her eye. A bird flew past the window bringing Mika out of her spacy moment. She looked out window and saw some children playing in a patch of grass; a man was standing in the shade of the tree. Upon a closer inspection maybe Mika would have noticed the man looking into shop staring at the two almost as if he were waiting for them.

Mika looked back at Leaf and started thinking of events after this she sighed, grimacing at the thought of a doctor. Ewwy! Why did i have to go and break my arm? She thought looking down at the makeshift cast on her arms. But there was no point in beating herself up over it. What's done is done and now they just had to live with it. The boy had come back smiling he asked "And what can i get you today?" Mika replied with a "Those strawberry pancakes sound wonderful so a plate for my friend and one me please. Oh and a glass of milk." Mika glanced at Leaf making sure this is what he wanted as the waiter asked, "Is that all?"

[Leaf]

Startled by Mika's sudden outburst, Leaf sat up, eyes wide. However, his stunned face soon melted into a relieved smile. "Sorry for making you worry," he said, scratching his head sheepishly.  He knew that he had to start keeping a better hold on his feelings now that he was interacting with someone else. It was just that after being isolated, his emotions tend to have more extreme ups and downs. Additionally, he wasn't prepared with a facade like he usually did during the height of his thieving times. Therefore, his memories did much to sway his mood.

Leaf watched Mika order when the boy came back. When she looked at him, Leaf shook his head and told the boy, "No, that's all." The waiter smiled and nodded before heading back to place their orders in the kitchen. Leaf's gaze followed him until the figure disappeared behind a door. Leaf then proceeded to explore the shop with his eyes. It was rather homely with an intricate taste to the area. It gave a very heartwarming feeling, which was amplified by the scents that wafted from the kitchen. This made Leaf wonder how long it had been since he had been in such a warm environment. In the past, he had always steered clear of places like this for some reason. It was partially because he didn't want to be recognized, but inside he always felt like he didn't belong in places like this. Leaf had grown up in the slums of Obscur and the concept of family and warmth always escaped him. Even now, with people like Mika and Shadow who cared, Leaf still wondered whether the hole left from his childhood could ever be sealed.

Leaf looked at Mika and then her arm. "How does your arm feel?" he asked. The makeshift splint held the limb in place, but Leaf didn't know how well it would hold. Furthermore, it surely wasn't comfortable to be pinched by two sticks, even if the cloth was there. They definitely had to find a doctor soon, or else they might risk more problems than just a broken arm, such as an infection or whatever else that came with injuries.

[Jezbel]

Mika smiled and shrugged, "Can't change the past. Just be careful of in the in future." She wasn't sure where that had come from but it was the truth none the less. She looked around the small shop, taking in the hominess. When will I be in a place like this again? She thought watching a family gather around a table, laughing and living in the moment. Why did things have to change? What would the future hold? Mika will never know until the future happens. "It hurts, but I bet it would be a lot worse if you hadn't put that makeshift case on." She looked at her arm and up it under the table. Now uncomfortably aware of the red and slight swollenness. It was bothering though after being on for a few hours it’s just something she got used to.Wait! Is that a good or bad sign? She frowned with worry looking down at it, almost as if it wasn't her own arm. The waiter came back holding two plates of warm strawberry pancakes and on glass of milk. This cheered her up, thoughts forgotten. "Thanks so much!" She said smiling up at him then waiting just until her turned she took a sip of milk. "How can Milk make things better?" Mika asked Leaf.

She ate and all too soon she was done the sweet and creamy pancakes. "I'll pay," Mika said getting up and quickly walking to the cashier before Leaf could say anything. Giving the amount of money asked, she in turn asked for the location of the doctor. Happy to get directions she began walking out the door, motioning for Leaf to fallow. "You know -" She cut off her sentence seeing a group of men walking towards them, seemingly blocking them in. They were all older then her mid-thirties maybe and one late forties. He seemed to be in charge, she saw him nod in their direction and the group pick up pace, slowly turning into a jog. They were closing in on the two quickly, too quickly. She stood froze in fear, not sure of what was happening. "Leaf!" She managed to squeak out.

[Leaf]

Leaf's concerns were temporarily set aside when the waiter returned with their orders. As the fresh, steaming pancakes were set in front of him, Leaf could feel his saliva begin to well up in his mouth. Taking a big gulp, Leaf waited for the waiter to turn before taking a huge bite. The light, fluffy texture of the pancake was so enticing and the sweetness of the strawberries with a touch of tartness only made them more delicious. "Milk's great," Leaf exclaimed between bites, "but these pancakes are amazing!" He quickly wolfed the rest down, completely enamored by the taste. He had never had such a satisfying meal.

"Man, I'm stuffed." Leaf grinned as he patted his stomach. "But I could totally go for seconds." The plate in front of him sat empty and Leaf wondered when would be the next time he could have such a great meal again. In his mind, he made a note to remember his place so he could come back. After a moment, he realized that he should pay, but Mika had already beaten him to the check.

"You really didn't have to…" Leaf said as he followed Mika out the door. She had gotten directions to the doctor and that was their next destination. However, the were cut off by the sudden approach of a small group of men. Leaf narrowed his eyes and stepped in front of Mika, trying to block her from the group's view. They were approaching way too quickly. Leaf's mind spun as he watched their imminent incoming. It was too late to escape nonchalantly and would be difficult to bolt away, especially if Mika had a broken arm. Furthermore, it would only induce a chase by making them look suspicious.

"Good day, sir," Leaf smiled widely at the lead man, hoping that he would be able to talk his way out. After all, there was just that one chance that they were mistaken. "Is there any way I can help you?" he asked, trying to act as naturally as possible. The man looked somewhat familiar to Leaf, but he couldn't put his finger on it. Hopefully it wasn't anyone hostile, but for the most part, the people he knew were hostile figures.

[Jezbel]

Mika for once didn't object to being protected like this. She grabbed the back of Leaf's shirt clenching it tightly in her good hand. He's probably just being over protective. Her thoughts seemed to tell her but her mind was so cluttered with other thoughts that it didn't really make sense. The other thoughts screamed at her to run, that something was off but she couldn't. Her legs wouldn’t respond not even to shift her position. Her cluster mind and racing thoughts only feed the fear slowly growing in the pit of her stomach. Burning a hole into what little hope she had of getting out of this peacefully. Mika could barely mange enough courage to peak around Leaf and look at the group of men. They all looked pretty scary to Mika, she wanted to go back into the shop and have some more pancakes but that wasn't going to happen now.

"In fact I think you can." The oldest looking one said to Leaf, "You see we're looking for someone, a thief. Think of it you could be his twin." The leader was just playing with Leaf. He knew what he was looking for and now that he had his prize within reach he wanted to enjoy it a little. Even if it were only for a short period of time."Ever been to Yamanash? That’s the last place we saw him when he chased him into the woods." His eyes seemed to dance with memories. He then gave a deep long laugh one that could only be reached from the bottom of one’s stomach. He had his fun now; after all they were getting paid for this. His smiling face twisted into an ugly sneer and said, "Get em." The men around them ran forward a blood thirst look in their eyes, ripping their swords from their sheath. They weren’t worried at all. After all what could two teenagers do against six armed men?

[Leaf]

Leaf began to tense up as the leader began to speak. The words seemed almost too unexpected at first, but Leaf soon realized that he was only jesting them. It was like a cat playing with a mouse before pouncing on it. The thought made Leaf angry and he began to grit his teeth, fuming. Of course! These were the band of hunters after him before he ran into the woods and found Mika. How did they catch up so quickly? Leaf then felt Mika's grasp on his shirt, making him remember that he had someone to protect. "Run when I tell you to," Leaf whispered to Mika. "It's me they're after."

"What're you mumbling about, boy?" The older man demanded as they pulled their blades out. They began to advance, their swords gleaming in the sunlight. "Nothing really. Just saying how rude it is for you to interrupt our morning." Leaf said lightly as he took a step back, pulling a pebble from his pouch. He hefted it briefly before snapping his wrist and sending the stone flying. The leader stepped back, his sword dropping to the ground, the sound of metal against earth still ringing. His right hand had a red patch forming and the man clutched it, groaning in pain. "Y-you dog! Get him!" he commanded.

The other men raised their swords and began slashing down toward Leaf. Seeing the blades, Leaf grabbed Mika and pulled her out of the way. He probably tugged on her bad arm, but that was better than being sliced apart. "Go! Run! Don't worry about me!" Leaf shouted, giving the girl a push before turning back to the face the men. He was going to distract them and buy her time to run. After she was able to make some headway, he would be able to escape afterwards. But for now, he had to face these cronies. "Come and get me, you thugs," Leaf beckoned, giving a small smile. "Don't underestimate me, though, because the little dog can become the big bad wolf."