There was a gentle cool breeze Blowing through the valley as the soothing sound of the waterfall echoed in the valley. The sun's ray of lights dimly lit the valley as it began to rise beyond the mountain range shining through the few yurt tents that were caught in the light.
In one of these tents two women slept on their bed together both with their long Raven black hanging messily around them, all the while a young boy with lighter black hair slept between them hugging the taller woman's stomach. The sun shone in their room making the two women's eyes twitch and groggily sit up."Haaaa!... You can sleep in mom... I'll get breakfast ready!" The younger woman said, stretching her arms up and looking at the clothes nest where she hung her dark green deel dress, black pants, and her boots next to it."It's ok Hisuinome, It's going to be a long day today. The knights are leaving today and the women agreed to make them a feast. Speaking of which, do you mind taking Kouki with you today?" Hisuinome's mother said, sitting up fixing her hair into a ponytail."Sure I can take him. I was planning on picking more fruits today for Aunt Gina, she had asked me last night and I now know why she needs more of them." Hisuinome said fixing her hair into a ponytail as well but with a bang over her right eye, and putting her clothes on."Ah yes she told me she wanted to make pies for the knights before their journey back to the capital.""That's good, speaking of Knights. Hey mom, what's the story with Takara?" Hisuinome asked her mother as she went to their small kitchen."Only that the village doesn't like him for some reason, I'll be sure to ask because they should be happy that at least he came back but I understand why the ones who didn't have family return would be upset." Her mother said opening a cabinet and grabbing some eggs out."You know Mekara said he didn't have any, and his demeanor towards that boy was something I've never seen from him, perhaps they don't get along or he was just upset that Takara had come home alive while his brother did not." Hisuinome said starting a fire for their stove."They had a small plague wash over this village before we had arrived. I think Mekara was one of the few boys infected so he couldn't leave and fight. You know I overheard the soldiers talk with that Takara boy and they have great respect for him, I don't know why the other villagers look at him as if he's some curse but he looks like a nice boy." Hisuinome's mother shrugged before she scrambled some eggs in a bowl and started cooking them in a pan over the stove."You think so? Well we'll be seeing him around so perhaps I'll get to learn more about him.""Normally I wouldn't say this because I know how diligent you are. But do be careful especially around Mekara. I know he's a good boy and all but I don't think he'll be in a good place for a while... Though if he's with you then-""Hold up mom, let's not do that. I agree that Mekara's a good guy, but he's nothing more than a friend. Plus I'd want someone like Dad." Hisuinome said, taking some fruits and cutting them as her mother paused before looking at her daughter."How so?" She asked as Hisuinome looked at her with her bang covering her right eye as she smiled at her mother."Someone who's strong, caring, patient, can provide for me and our family with food whether it's from hunting to gathering. I don't care which, protection, and most importantly someone I can laugh and cry with." Hisuinome said, tending back to the fruits."Aw... Hito would be so proud to hear you say that.""You think so? I'm not too sure, if Dad was still around he would not approve of me hanging around with the boys of this village... Then again with the work that has to be done around here I don't think he would be as strict as I'm thinking." Hisuinome said as she touched her chin looking up."Hehehe oh no when you were born he told me If any boy even thinks to look at her they'd have to beat me in swordsmanship! Hah... He was so overprotective, one time he forced me to go back to bed just so he could hold you throughout the night." Her mother smiled walking up to her so she could see Hisuinome's right eye that was normally hidden until she moved her hair behind her ear."That sounds like him.""Yea... Oh by the way, Altan and Batu's mother came to me the other day.""Hm? Those two? What for?" Hisuinome asked while placing fruits in a bowl and handing them to her mother."So keep this in mind they didn't come at the same time but here's what they said Nomin, my son cares deeply for Hisuinome so we like to arrange a marriage for them! Just like that! Full confidence, spunk and the exact same line as well." Nomin said doing a motion showing Hisuinome how the mothers had moved in her story."Oh Lord, so what'd you tell them?" Hisuinome smiled with a look of unbelief wash on her face especially about what she had just heard."What did you think I told them? Of course I'd love to!""Mommmm!""Hehe I'm just kidding sweetheart, What I actually did was politely decline and tell them I'm not arranging for my daughter to marry anyone she doesn't like. That it's her choice who she wants to be with." Nomin said softly pinching her daughter's cheek."Hehe thanks mom. Now while you're finishing up here! I believe Kouki has slept long enough. Hehe..." Hisuinome said as an evil smirk found itself on her face as she quietly walked over to the boy who was still asleep clutching his mother's blanket."Hehe.... Tickle tickle tickle tickle!""Ahhh! Hahahaha!" The young boy started bursting into tears and laughter as he felt his sister tickle him all over constantly saying "wake up silly! Tickle tickle!""C'mon Kouki time to get up! Or else there'll be more Tickle attacks!" Hisuinome said, hugging him on the bed as the boy laughed with his sister."Ok ok! I'm up big sister-""Ah! No no! What's my name?""Hmm... Hisu... Hisu... Hisuinome!" The young boy said with sparkles in his eyes as Hisuinome smiled at him!"You got it! Come here you, with your chubby cheeks!" Hisuinome said, picking her little brother up curling him as she started teasing him in her arms."Hehehehahaha Stoaawwwpp hahaha." Kouki said, trying to hold his laughter and get free."Hehe ok!" Hisuinome said, putting her little brother down before he ran to Nomin, hugging her leg and saying good morning."Aw Good morning my dear boy! Is someone ready for today?" Nomin asked picking up her son and hug him just like Hisuinome did earlier."Yawp!" Kouki said, smiling in his mother's arms."You better cause you're going with me today!" Hisuinome said, looking at her brother with a gentle smile."Yay!" Kouki said, hugging his sister in excitement."Hehe Ok you Olives breakfast is almost ready, go set the table." Nomin said, putting her son down as she went back to cooking their meal."Ok! C'mon Kouki let's get the table set." Hisuinome said with a bright smile on her face as her eyes looked towards the day awaiting the gifts of the present.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~As the sun rose on the valley with the cool breeze, the soldiers had woken up to begin their last day in Sheep Aria Village. A few soldiers had decided to collect water by the river stream, while others stretched, fellowshipped, tended to the horses and walked around the village. One in particular was Takara who was walking the village with his sword strapped to his hip, bow and quiver on his back, and his eyes to the skies as he rubbed the lion pendant that was given to him.It had been three months since he was last in the village. It still had that the soft and calm smell in the air, the lush green grass, the simplistic mountains with snow on them, the soothing sound of wind blowing, trees swaying in the distance, the morning songs provided by the birds and alarming roosters of the farms, the echo of the waterfall in the distance, the feel of the gentle wind that came from the mountains around them, and the taste of fresh air Takara never thought he'd miss thanks to the battlefield. Walking through the village when it was so quiet was his favorite time to himself and relaxing in the calm atmosphere before the other villagers awakened for their days, which meant for Takara to be with the soldiers until they leave, and after they leave for him to do his job before he was sent out to war. To be a Hunter.Hunting is one of the main tasks men learn in the village, and one Takara enjoyed only for the fact he can be away from the village for a period of time. Whenever he's not hunting he's helping chop wood for the villagers, and bringing stray sheep back to the flock whenever he finds any. He loves to help his village because it is his home, the mountains, the valleys, the waterfall, the forest and the grassland in the valley painted a picture of a peaceful home to him despite the history he had with the village."You should've died, you know." A voice said as Takara looked down from the skies he was watching to see a young man in front of him."Mekara... Look... I... I'm sorry about Jac-""NO! You don't get to say his name! Why did you even decide to come back?" Mekara said, looking at Takara with a glare that spoke hatred to him."Why do you hate me? I can understand the others judging me because... Hah... of that... But why do you? after all we-""It's because you're a bastard child, a cursed child. and you remind me of him, everyone thinks that here, and the fact you're the only one who came back alive... Only further proves you're a curse." Mekara said, spitting on the floor looking at Takara."Hah... Look I'm nothing like him, or her... If I could I-""Mark my words Takara, if it wasn't for your soldier's training I swear I would've killed you and no one would bat an eye." Mekara said, pointing at Takara while the survivor in turn looked at him with a shocked expression on his face."I... I wouldn't doubt that... Now... If you don't mind... I'll be... with my brothers." Takara said with his head down walking to the area the Terrakon soldiers rested in."Enjoy it while you can... No one will ever accept you here... I don't know why you bothered coming at all." Mekara said while Takara stopped to look him in the eyes."I fought to protect our home. No matter what anyone else says... This is my home too. If you went to fight yourself then perhaps things would be different." Takara glanced at Mekara before he started to walk away."Tch... Whatever..." Mekara said walking the opposite direction crossing his arms with an annoyed look on his face.Despite the peaceful atmosphere the village had earlier it would soon change as Takara walked through the village seeing villagers wake up and leave their Yurt tents to begin their day. However as he passed they would glare at him a lot like Mekara did earlier but with more of a disgusted look. The treatment the villagers give him is enough to make anyone leave or lash out. However, Takara doesn't as he only accepts the people's resentment towards him and moves on hoping one of these days they'll accept him for who he is.It's one of the reasons why he decided he went to the battlefield with the other men in his village that were able to go. He had hoped when he went to fight he'll come back accepted by the villagers, or he'll die and the villagers will honor his death. Obviously both scenarios didn't happen for him making his heart feel heavy with sadness that it gives him thoughts of claiming his own life. Although, ever since he came from the battlefield he had a new sense of confidence built up thanks to the battle and the friends he had made with the soldiers, knights, and being titled 'honorary hero' would give anyone an extra motivational boost to push harder."Yo Takara!" A knight called out as he and a soldier were walking towards Takara bringing a small smile to his face as he looked at the two."Hey Zac, Ishil. How are you guys this morning?" Takara asked with a rare smile on his face."Good for the most part, how about you?" Zac asked looking at the young man as Ishil gave a silent nod as with his hands said in sign "I'm good and you?""I'm ok for the most part." Takara said, repeating himself in sign to Ishil."It must be tough to be back home isn't it?" Zac asked, looking around as some villagers gave Takara a disgusted look."Yea you could say that again... You guys are leaving tonight, correct?" Takara asked, looking at the two."Yea we are, King Matias needs any men he could get, with Cruzog gone a new era of peace is here though there are still some Garuk-Nai out and about." Zac said, crossing his arms."Much like that small group we had encountered on the way here. You know it does leave me concerned especially if the Garuk-Nai were to somehow find their way here near this village... This place would not stand a chance against a Garuk unit." Takara said, holding his chin looking at the village."But, I don't think you'll have to worry about it much." Ishil said, then put his hands down after."You sure?""Yea from the looks of it the mountains are your friends from attacks and there's only one clear road here unless you navigate the forest correctly." Ishil said as Takara nodded in understanding."Hm... I see, Well I'll see you both tonight for the sending away feast." Takara said, smiling at them."See you tonight Takara." The two said, before departing with Takara.With a more relaxed mind Takara continued his walk to the forest enjoying the beautiful morning and clear skies the day had brought. seeing more of the villagers awake, Takara had decided to go to the forest to enjoy the peace his home has to provide. Walking the forest gave him a great feeling of happiness in his gut and heart as he walked through the forest listening to the tree leaves sway with the wind, the birds singing, and smaller animals calling out to each other while skittering around the area, or climbing trees. It's here where he won't encounter any judgment or threats by anyone; just him and nature.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Ok Kouki listen to your sister you understand?" Nomin said to her son as the boy gave her a cheerful smile."Ok mommy!" The boy excitedly said as he then looked up at his sister and held her hand."Ok Hisuinome... Please be careful out there." Nomin said, placing a hand on her daughter's cheek."Yes Ma'am, I won't let anything happen to Kouki." Hisuinome said tightly gripping onto her little brother's hand"Good now I'll see you tonight we the soldiers and knights eat, Hisuinome you'll be helping the women serve them.""You got it mom! We'll be back before sunset." Hisuinome said with a bright smile on her face.After saying their final goodbyes, Hisuinome and Kouki began their walk through the village as the morning sun lit the blue clear skies as sounds of chatter and activity filled the air showing the liveliness of the village and how busy it gets on the daily. Soon they went and ran through the shepherd's area running by the sheep as the Shepherds on duty smiled at Hisuinome and her brother running through the field shouting Good Morning to the Shepherds with their respective names eventually reaching the forest."Ok Kouki, remember what I told you?" Hisuinome asked, looking at her little brother."Stay by you, don't let go of your hand when walking, don't touch anything that looks like food, because it can maybe kill me!" The boy said with a cheerful smile on his face."Good now hold-""Hisuinome!" A boy's voice was heard in the distance as Hisuinome looked back where they came from to see Mekara running towards them."Mekara what're you doing here?" Hisuinome asked, looking at the boy as he caught up to them, then took a moment to catch his breath."Isn't... It... obvious... I'm coming with you." Mekara smiled looking at Hisuinome, making the young woman swear she saw his eyes sparkle."Hm... Hisuinome?" Kouki said, hugging her leg with a possessive look on his face appearing as if he's going to cry."I'm sorry, Mekara, but It's just going to be me and Kouki, you know Brother and Sister time. Besides, aren't you supposed to be helping with the farms today?" Hisuinome asked politely, giving him a small smile as she put her hand on her brother's head."Aww C'mon Hisuinome, going to the forest with you is so much more fun!""Hah... The answer's gonna be no. Plus all me and Kouki are going to the fruit gardens to pick fruit and then come to help prepare meals for the soldiers and knights." Hisuinome said, putting her free hand on her hip."Ugh... But the farms-""BOY!" An old man yelled out in their direction."Ahhh! Grandpa Yaru!" Mekara Yelped, going behind Hisuinome."Tch... Seriously Mekara." Hisuinome said as she and her brother moved out of the way for the older man to walk up to the young man."T-traitor!!" Mekara said as looking at Hisuinome who looked at him and gave a teasing "Bleh" face."You idiot! You know the young men are supposed to be helping with the livestock today!" The Old man named Yaru said to Mekara, pulling his ear."Ow Ow! But T-""He's a soldier now, Boy! Plus despite what he is at least he pulls his weight! Now get going!" Yaru said, smacking the back of Mekara's head, making the young man go to the farm holding his head."Kouki.""Yes Sis?""Laziness never pays, understand?" Hisuinome asked her brother with a smile looking down at him."Yes Ma'am!" Kouki said, doing a small and cute salute to his older sister."Hmhehehe C'mon let's get going!" She said happily as they went into the forest.Despite the people of Sheep Aria Village living in an open plain valley deep in the mountain ranges of the Terrakon Kingdom, The forest of Terrakon was located next to the village. The forest had provided lots for them within the past several decades. The forest has stretched out and covered two thirds of the mountain ranges which stretch across more than Twenty thousand miles. They called this forest the Terra Thicket, a boreal forest that beautifully glowed during the fall season as the Pine, Birch, Larch, and Poplar trees span across the mountains and land providing great bounty for the beautiful animals that roam inside and for the foraging and hunting villagers that also seek a share in the bounty it provides. Naturally it also provided its fair share of dangers and since it's so vast one could easily get lost since not all of the forest had been explored. The predators here are strong and mighty, with the numerous wolves that number in the dozens per pack, to the Noble Lions that prowl the mountain side, and then the mightiest bears that stand at ten feet tall and are dangerously territorial. When entering the forest it is wise not to go alone unless you know a certain route.Despite the many dangers and uncertainties the forest has Hisuinome despite being wary of her surroundings enjoys being in the forest with all her heart. The beauty of nature had truly shone upon entering the forest, the sun's rays of light created beautiful images of shadow art and light that shined in between the swaying trees. The leaves that swayed and flew with the wind created a soothing sound that placed a gentle smile on her face. Accompanying the sounds of leaves were the songs of birds, and the soft drumming of woodpeckers that echoed throughout the forest. And finally the whistle of the wind that tickled her ears as it brought a gentle breeze that tickled her nose and face."Haha... Ah it feels really good out here!" Hisuinome said with a small giggle to her voice holding Kouki's hand as they walked the forest together."You really like the forest sis..." Kouki said looking at his sister with amazement in his eyes."Hehe I sure do Kouki! The forest can be so relaxing and fun at the same time. It may be a bit dangerous here but I'm not worried one bit." Hisuinome said twirling a bit as she walked."Are we going to pick a lot of fruits today?""We sure are!" Hisuinome answered her brother continuing their walk through the forest.Luckily the two didn't have very far to travel within the forest. Not far into it is a Shed the Villagers use as a station to chop wood and cut down trees that have become too old to bear any sustenance. They call it the Lumber House as it's only a mile away and many of the villagers go there to get wood for repairs or to get wood for new yurts. Several miles away from the Lumber House is a beautiful small field within the forest and near one of the low peaks of the mountains is located at. In this field it holds multiple bushes and trees that are very abundant with fruits such as glistening apples, Ripe Watermelons, Sparkling berries from grapes to currants, juicy Muskmelons, and then sweet onions and ginger. Ever since it's discovery young women will venture here to forage the fruits and berries the Fruit garden provides. And to preserve the garden they plant the seeds into the small fields to allow nature to do the rest. And for Hisuinome it's one of her favorite places to go.By the edge of the garden's range is a small cliff Hisuinome loves to go to just to sit down or hide herself if she ever feels down. It was a pretty well elevated place for even her to worry about the risk of falling down. However she didn't care because whenever she sat on that cliff or stood by it, she'll see a view that she had fallen in love with. This small cliff had given her a jaw dropping view that is the village in the open plain valley of the mountains with a single river flowing down its side with the waterfall and its pool straight ahead of it. However today would not be the day she'll see the view as it's a view She'll love to show Kouki however he is far too young to enjoy a view as such without getting scared or as the four year old is famous for... Tripping on himself."Pho!" Kouki fell on face as he and Hisuinome were close to the garden."Hah... Again Kouki?" Hisuinome asked with a smile putting her hands on he hips and Kouki got up and laughed his fall off."Sowy!" Kouki said holding his sister's hand as they got close to the garden."Hehe don't worry about it. I used to be like th- Wrraaaa!" Hisuinome screamed slightly falling on her face almost dragging Kouki with her if he hadn't let go."Hisui!""Mou! That's not my name!" Hisuinome said lifting her head up looking at her brother."Hisui-Hisui-Hisuinome! Do you have nums?!" Kouki asked seeing if his big sister was hurt."Hah... Nope... Old habits just die hard..." She said sitting up."YOUR GONNA DIE?!""No Kouki... Cmon lets get going... We really need to work on your vocab..." Hisuinome said, quietly muttering the last part just after they reached the garden."We're here! We're here! We're- Owie!" Kouki said getting a small chop on the head."Hey no running around what did I say?""Hmm... Stay close to you..." The boy said rubbing his head fighting back tears."Good! Now lets fill this bag so we can get back and possibly enjoy Aunt Gina's famous pie!""Haaaa! I luv Pie!""Love Kouki...""Oh... Lo-love!" Hey said smiling at her."Hehe there we go! C'mon Let's grab a few apples first." Hisuinome said, taking her brother's hand and taking him to a tree that's bountiful with apples.With careful instructions Hisuinome spent the next hour teaching her brother how to carefully pick the right and ripe fruits. She also taught him how to climb trees and to identify fruits that are edible and those that could kill you. After her thorough instructions the two started picking little by little from the garden. To Hisuinome this was a regular day but for Kouki and his big heart was having a hard time containing his excitement and his desire to be daring."I'm going to pick! The best berries! I'm going to pick the best berries!" The boy sang causing a smile to appear on his sister's face."Just remember what I taught you, hehehe.""Yes ma'am! I'm going to pick the best berries! I'm going to pick- hm?" Kouki stopped for a moment as he suddenly saw a strange stick in the bush he was picking berries from."Hisuinome... What's this?" The boy asked, reaching for the stick."Hm what is it Kou.... Ki... That's a boar footprint..." Hisuinome said quietly as she looked at the ground behind the bush and saw a decent sized boar footprint with a trail of blood stretching along the path she had seen."Hey Kouki we shou-"Squeeee-Hon-honk!!!!"Hisuinome!" Kouki cried out falling on his butt as a bloodied, and a large boar burst out of the bush and jumped over Kouki freaking out. The boar was missing a tusk and had multiple scratches, scars and arrows stuck to its hind.Without a moment of hesitation Hisuinome quickly rushed over to Kouki and took him into her arms. The boar was still running around as it slammed into a tree then diverted its attention to Hisuinome and Kouki, making Hisuinome map out a possible escape for her and the boy. The Boar then charged towards Hisuinome who in a moment of instinct ran away from the boar forgetting about the escape route she had thought of. Knowing she wasn't going to outrun the pig she dived into a bush making the pig run past them as it slowed down to change its direction towards her."Hisuinome... That-""Shhh shhh it's ok just wait." She said getting on her knees and looking for the boar however when she saw it she realized she needs to move quickly as the boar was already charging in her direction. Seeing the weight under it's hooves as it stamped the dirt beneath it, the blood red eyes that stained it's already black pupils dilated with a killing instinct, the heavy breathing of the boar as it ran to her gave her that feeling of dread as she reach in her back pocket for a small tool women who forage use to dissuade predators and other territorial animals. She reached desperately for the pellet allowing her breathing to become heavy as she fumbled for her tool dropping a few of them and almost Kouki. Her heart and mind were racing from this sudden encounter as it filled her with anxiety and dread.
"I'm so sorry Kouki!" Hisuinome thought to herself bending down and hugging Kouki close as she used her body to shield her brother awaiting the hard blow to her back.Feeling the heavy thuds in the grounds as the boar etched closer to them, they could only wait for the hit. However with a squeal and a large crashing sound the Boar had fallen before it could even reach them."Hisui-""Woah..." Hisuinome said looking at the boar as it landed next to them dead on the ground showing a trail where it had slid. Though what drew her attention the most was a strangely designed arrow of black coloring that was large and stuck into the side of the boar's head.
The shaft was a slick black color of a material she wasn't familiar with, while the fletching and nock of the arrow was also black and looked greasy. She had wanted to touch it however the odor it gave out reeked with effluvium stopped her from doing so. After looking at it for a few more seconds she quickly picked up the stuff she dropped with Kouki in her arms and headed to a bush away from the Boar's corpse."Hisuinome what's goi-""Shh Kouki... It's Garuk-Nai..." Hisuinome said quietly taking a musk-melon, opening it up to cover herself and Kouki with its juices as she took a deep breath.
With a few shuffles from a distance the siblings could see and hear four figures marching towards the boar. The figures were mutated humans under the command of Cruzog who perished earlier this month. They had the build of grown men only shorter than an average man, their skin was a sickly grey color on the verge of scale like, with mild fur in place of body hair, their eyes had range from blank white to goat like eyes showing their age, blank pupils being the young ones and goat like being the older ones. Their jaws were the shape of a man's but they had disfigured and mismatched razor sharp teeth, ears pointed and fat, their heads varied from bald to different hairstyles, and their noses were not like men's but are in the shape of a ram making their faces flat. As they got closer Hisuinome saw that they wore black tattered cloaks with hoods, tar covered leather armor, broken leather boots, tattered trousers, heavy Effluvium scent, and mud over them telling her they've been out here a while."!won taem siht tae s'tel sruoh rof ereh tuo neeb ev'ew.""!evac eht ta namahs eht ot siht ekat eW !on.""!htnom eritne na rof srellewd evac ylsaem tub gnihton neeb ev'ew llef gozurC droL ecnis revE ...namahs namahS.""!gozurC stcerruser namahS eht litnU .edroh eht pleh tsum eW !gninialpmoc tiuQ.""?taht llems uoy oD ...tiaW?""?tahw?""...snamuh... namow dna yob gnuoy A..."Not making out what they were saying Hisuinome only watched them ready to run if they needed to. However they started moving their heads to look around the area while even smelling the air. After a few seconds two of them looked in her general direction and started walking unsure of her exact location."We have to go now!" Hisuinome said getting up and grabbing a tool that fit the palm of her hand.The moment she got up from the bush the Garuk-Nai started running after her. Not surprising to her that these monsters were fast, so the minute they were close enough she threw down the tool that exploded into a flashing light on them disorienting them but not her or Kouki as she covered the boys eyes and closed hers as the flash bomb exploded on the Garuk-Nai. Without another second of thought she picked up the boy and ran back to the forest as fast as she could. She steadied her breathing running through the forest hearing those footsteps in the distance as the mutants were running after her. The blood in her veins became heavy as the adrenaline rushes to her lungs and her body using everything she had to run and keep Kouki in her arms. The further she got the more she could hear thuds in the ground in the distance start to close in little by little. But she keep running trying to lose them she heard arrows whizzed and zoomed past her luckily not piercing her body but did graze her a few times. Seeing no escape she looked around and saw a steep edge of the forest that she ran towards and slid down that elevated slope in the forest to pick up speed to escape pushing past leaves, dirt, and bugs til she reached the body.Rolling on her sides she quickly got up without another word only those ensuring Kouki they'll be ok. This time with him out of her arms she grabbed his hand and picked a tree for them to hide behind. By luck however that tree had a small opening in its trunk that she and Kouki climbed and hid as it was big enough to hide them both."Hisuinome... I-""Shhh its ok... quiet.." She told her brother hugging him seeing spare bark inside the trunk putting it over them to hide themselves.
Slowing her breathing down Hisuinome waited as the thuds in the ground etched closer and closer. She felt her heart and Kouki's heart beat rapidly hearing them scuffle around, and stomping as she felt them touch the tree they were hiding in.The noises they make only sent shivers down her spine; they, bleated like goats but had a low growl to them as it had a low hoarse sound to it, making several clicks as well. They were very close and her heart beat became faster, and harder with every step and sound that came closer as the smell of Effluvium became more accustom to her nose making her fight back the urge to gag and cough, as she buried her nose in Kouki's hair and his face in her chest in an attempt to for him to not cough due to the smell. From a small hole in the Bark she could see them outside the hold of the tree as they looked at it and came closer. Her body froze with fear and she couldn't do anything not even reach for the flash pods in her pocket, The biggest one of the group placed it's hand on the edge of the tree trunk's hole as it's head begins to go and Hisuinome could see it's monstrous appearance. "!hself naM ...tiaW!" One of the Garuk-Nai said from the outside causing the big one to turn out instead of going into the hole and making a haunting bellow and bleat as they all left the tree alone going somewhere else to where she did not know."Kouki wait here..." Hisuinome said quietly looking at out the hole and climbing out of the tree trunk looking to see if the coast was clear. The sight of the trees were endless as the wind grew still only slightly moving the leaves in the trees above.The coast was clear from what she could see. Her heart had slowed down and her breathing had returned to normal sighing a breath of relief. "Ok Kouki, Let's-" Before she could finish she felt a liquid drop on her forehead. At first it had felt like sap from the tree however when she touched it to inspect it the liquid was viscous black, sticky that when she touch it her fingers got stuck for a bit. She soon wiped it off on her black sleeves, until another drop of black liquid fell on her deel dress, once on her chest, two on her shoulders, then on her cheek. The smell of the liquid started to become more apparent to her; stopping her heart, her breathing became still, her eyes widen, and her throat choked as she slowly looked up to see the smallest of the Garuk-Nai from earlier mounted on the tree above her, looking down and dripping its tar like secretions down as its bleated growl foamed saliva in its month. With a final snarl the Mutant jumped off the tree and pounced at her. "Hah!! NO GET AWAY!!!" Hisuinome shouted getting out of the mutant's way; but the mutant had grabbed her leg making her fall to the ground.She had heard stories about what Garuk-Nai had done to villages and women they had raided, things she had never want to experienced. The mutant clawed at her trying to get a hold of her, but the young women had too much resistance throwing leaves, small rocks, dirt, and kicking the mutant away not wanting to leave Kouki who was still hiding inside the tree trunk scared. However these mutants were breed for war, violence, and persistence in getting what they desire. However it also means they were quick to temper; the mutant grew angry with Hisuinome as he grabbed her legs and pulled her towards him and struck her with the back of his hand, stunning her with it the force and strength he posses.The hit nearly made her lose consciousness as her world spun for a moment. She was in a daze up until she felt the greasy hand of the mutant placed on the back of her head and shoved her face in the dirt. He pinned her to the ground using its superior strength to keep her down as she struggled to get up from his grasp."Go ahead and Ssscream! No one will Come!" The Mutant snarled mocking the defenseless girl. He pinned her hands down as he noticed she was reaching for something in her pocket."Stop it... Let me-" She struggled to said as the mutant was shoving her face into the dirt chuckling to himself."Kouki.. Don't look please..." Was all she could think as she looked up to the mutant with fear struck eyes as she knew the Garuk-Nai's intentions."Hahahaha..." The Mutant chuckled at her looking down and using his free hand to reach down below Hisuinome.Without another word or thought Hisuinome shut her eyes awaiting the worse to happen to her. "Haha Tsen eht fo trap won er'uo- GAH!" The Garuk-Nai gagged letting go of Hisuinome.While the Mutant talked Hisuinome heard a faint whistle fly towards them until a whishing sound was heard cutting off the Mutant's speech. Opening her eyes She saw the mutant have an arrow lodged into its mouth, then another whish sound was heard as the mutant had another arrow bolt pierce it's head making it fall backwards off the woman. With her eyes in disbelief she looked back to see a young man in brown and black Gambeson armor, pants, boot, with short curly Raven black hair and Lilac purple eyes with no emotion in his face run towards her with a bow in hand."Hey are you ok?" The young man asked kneeling down next to her."You're- Hah!" Before Hisuinome could answer him the two heard a loud growl close by as the Young Man grabbed an arrow from his quiver making it fly hitting a Garuk-Nai that was running towards them with two others. The man didn't kill the mutant as the arrow hit his shoulder and still pressed on,"Tch... Quick get going!" The man said drawing his sword and tightening his fist on it showing he is very familiar with it."Kouki c'mon." Hisuinome said reaching inside the tree trunk and grabbing her little brother holding him.With a loud howl a mutant swung its sword at Hisuinome but was blocked by the who used his gauntlet with heavy metal armor on it blocked the sword strike making it stumble back getting kicked by the man."Go Now!" The Man said glancing at her before dodging a sword strike, and delivering a backwards elbow at another Mutant's head."Right thank you!" Hisuinome said running away from the fight and heading back to the village as she was familiar with this part of the forest. As she ran she stopped to glance at the man who saved her before continuing on her way with her brother in her arms."Please don't die."