User blog:Roastedman511/A Lone Hunter, Chapter Four

My feet caused ripples in the water as I let them dangle off the pier, kicking them back and forth in the cold water. The weather had started to become a crisp cold in the mornings now, winter coming ever closer. Sheila looked at me with her usual blank look, probably wondering what I was doing.

I had woken up that morning to a certain someone next to me in bed. I had nearly fallen out of bed when I realized whose breast I had decided to snuggle up to thinking it was my pillow. Serena hadn't been too happy, saying that it was cold and that I was the only source of warmth in the house that she could find besides the blanket I had been using. She then accused me of trying to take advantage of her, when she was the one who came into my bed. The situation led to arguing and me needing to leave the house to relax before I said some things I would regret.

I had decided to come to the lake before my usual morning routine of hunting so I could relax in the water before it would be frozen over. Most of the Sahuagin would be moving to the caves in the forest with underwater pools, which meant I wouldn't be able to talk with Sheila or Quilla that often until spring.

I then felt something gently rub against my foot. I jerked back and saw my cousin with a slight smile on her face.

"What was that for?!" I asked, still surprised.

She got up onto the pier and sat in front of me, her blank look returning. "You seem troubled. Did something happen?"

I sighed and looked down. Should I really tell her what happened? I looked up trying to put on a smile and gave her a thumbs up, a gesture I learned from Gray. "I'm okay, just still a bit tired with it being the morning is all," I said, trying to hide my true feelings.

"You're lying." She said. The way she said it didn't make it easy to defend myself either. It was like saying her scales were blue, there was no way to they weren't.

"Nothing gets past you huh Sheila?"

"No, you just look sad."

"I'm angry if anything," I replied.

"Did you have a hard time with the Jinko that you're caring for?"

I nodded as I put my head on my knees. "Yes. I thought we were getting along for once, but now I'm not sure if I'm just being stupid or reading to much into things. Why do woman have to be so difficult?" I then realized I was talking to Sheila. "Not that you or Aunt Quilla are difficult or anything! It's just-" I tried to explain but just let my hands drop down after trying to explain what I meant. I then felt a hand going through my hair almost petting me.

"Don't worry. Mother says most men your age go through something similar. Just as Mamono have their mating seasons, men have their phases where they can't properly communicate with women. Usually, those they have an interest in. Maybe you're just trying to get used to her presence? Or you have feelings for her but can't confirm them on your own?" Sheila then suggested.

I looked up at her brown eyes and then to the sky. "To be honest I don't even have a clue. One moment she's complimenting my cooking and how I brought down an animal, next it's that I'm too close or 'tainting' her body with my touch while fixing her bandages or making sure the bones are healing correctly." I looked back at my Sahuagin cousin with my worried look. "Maybe I should just give her those potions and medicine and see her out? It'd be easier than having to deal with this on a daily basis or what happened this morning."

Her fish ears perked up. "What happened this morning?" She asked eagerly.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">"Do I really need to tell you?" I asked.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">"Gray said I'm the closest you'll get to what he called a 'therapist'." A smile grew on her face at using words she learned from the merchant. I silently cursed him for giving her my knowledge to use aginst me in our talks.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">"Fine, if you feel you need to really know." I took a deep breath. "I woke up to her in my bed, and thought her chest was my pillow and well, you can guess how that went..."

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">Her face reddened at the mention of my face in Serena's breast. "You mean you two are-"

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">"NO! ABSOLUTELY NOT!" I shouted. I made sure to cut her off before she said anything else.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">"So you two argued then and you came here to cool off?"

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">"Yes. I didn't want my temper to get out of control and say something I'd regret." I explained.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">"Well, why don't you go and hunt some deer or maybe a bear? You could also use those." She pointed at the runes around my wrist painted in green and blue.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">I shook my head at the thought of using such a thing for hunting. Sure I had shown a brief example to Serena with having my nails grow and become sharp, but it was still magic. That, of course, used my own spirit energy, as well as whatever else was around me.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">"And what? Have every non-single Mamono come looking for me because I want to let loose or maybe shoot a thing or two? No thanks, we both know how that went."

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">She silently agreed. "Yes, Mara does seem to especially find your skills... Desireable."

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">"That's sugar-coating it as Gray would say. That damn Werewolf can go and bite a porcupine for all I care. Not gonna let someone go and think they can hold me down. It's no good if the only one who cares about keeping poachers out is off screwing someone all day." I got up and gathered my clothes and boots before heading off. "Maybe some hunting would help," I said, grabbing my twin axes.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">"Maybe it would do you some good. Just don't do anything rash, okay? Don't need two injured people in your house." She said, her voice more on the caring side.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">As I found a tree with a platform in it I focused my magic to my arms and legs and began to climb up without using the usual branches. My nails dug in like claws bringing me up to the platform. I then began to go from tree to tree like a squirrel. I continued going from tree to tree, looking for anything to take some pent up rage on. I located a deer, but to me, it seemed too weak to be a good challenge.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">My eyes then widened as I saw some men in metal armor making their way through the forest. I stopped and got behind a tree, hiding from view. I could hear the clanking of armor as they marched. It was the sigil on their back that set me off.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">A rose with two wolves howling on either side. There may have been multiple groups of the Order, but that symbol wasn't one to easily mistake. I slowly walked up, the runes on my wrist now branching up my arms. I cracked my neck and stretched as I stealthily walked up to them. I failed to notice a twig beneath my foot. The snap made the four knights turn around and draw their swords.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">"Halt! In the name of the Chief God reveal your identity and allegiance! We were not aware any other..." The knight's voice died down as his view went down to my sharp nails. He pointed his word at me in an effort to intimidate me. I took my finger and moved it from my face.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">"The name is Rain, I'm a hunter in this forest," I told them.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">"Mind explaining those runes on your arm? They look like demon runes to me. What are you, some Incubus hoping to ensnare some helpless maiden?" He asked. He had a somewhat deep voice, maybe he was middle aged, around thirty human years?

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">"What are you? Some holier than thou knights looking for some helpless monsters to kill and present to your captain?" I retorted. The man gave me a grim look. The other knights began to surround me, their swords pointed in my direction. I smiled at how they thought they'd be able to stop me if I wanted to fight.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">Maybe they'll help me unwind... I thought to myself.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">"We are the chosen of the Gods! How dare you say such things and defend those demonic beasts!"

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">"Hey now, some of those demonic beasts are my family!" I said as I raced forward, my face in his. "Might I also add some of you sam knights killed my parents in this same forest, and I'm not exactly," I took my hand and let my sharpened nail draw a bit of blood from his cheek. "Happy seeing you here."

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">The knight took his sword and attempted to swing at me. I dodged to the left and kicked him into a buddy of his. They both fell over while the others attempted to strike me with my back turned I gave them a wild look before I dodged their swings as well.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">Were they even trying?

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">The knight had been talking to pointed a mail covered finger at me. "Kill him! He's consorting with the Demon Lord!" He shouted. As they other three tried to simultaneously strike me down I jumped up into the air. I almost laughed at the surprised look on their faces when they saw I was standing on their swords. I looked at the one who looked up first and decided he'd be first. I focused my energy into my right hand as I stabbed through his armor like it was dry parchment paper.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">I saw the life die in his eyes as I drew my hand out from his chest, his body crumpling to the forest floor. The other two looked at me with fear. The other one decided to charge towards me, his sword and stance low. Seemed this one knew what he was doing. He brought his blade low to hit my legs as I grabbed one of my axes and parried it.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">He stumbled back, his companions shocked at the speed I had been able to deflect his attack. I gave him no time to recover as I continued my assault. I brought my axe downwards, aiming for his head to end it quickly. The more time I spent using magic to enhance my own strength, the harder it'd be to get back home or get some food.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">He barely managed to block it using his right hand. Sadly for him, I had taken my right hand and drew my other weapon. I swung and cut through his armor into his side, and felt warm blood coat my hand. I'd have to wash that off as well. The knight gave me a look of desperation as he took his gauntlet covered hand he used to block and landed a punch to my face. I felt a bitter, metallic taste as he pulled back for another.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">Blood. That wasn't good, not in this part of the woods.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">I need to end this quickly.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">I backed up quickly, both axes in my hand. I assumed a stance and got low in case he planned on doing that low cut thing again. Once he began his swing I went to the right and launched myself from the tree using my right foot against the solid bark. I brought both the axes down on his head and left shoulder, crunching it like autumn leaves. I jerked them out and faced the two others. The middle-aged seemed to be their leader.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">I looked at them, my eyes filled with hate If they really planned on hurting anyone in this forest, I'd make sure they wouldn't leave alive. "You can try and run, but you won't be fast with all that armor on. Especially if you planned on hurting anyone in this forest."

<p data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;text-align:center;">POV CHANGE: Serena (first person)

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">I tapped my left foot and the floor as I waited for Rain to return. He usually wasn't gone this long, even when he was out hunting. At most he would've told me when he would be back whether it was hunting or he went to talk with the Sahuagin at the lake. It was common knowledge that the human was protected by them.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">It was one reason why I never went near there. I had heard too many stories of Mamono stronger than me at the time who were met with fierce resistance. Even Mara, the alpha of one of the biggest Werewolf packs in the forest, would think twice before going toe to toe with any of them when it concerned the human. My mind wandered to that night I saw him running toward me when I got caught in that bear trap.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">I had been wandering around, following a familiar scent I hadn't smelled since, well, last year. I blushed as I remembered my first time being in heat. My mother hadn't been able to cover at all how difficult it was to hold back my carnal urges. It had been an accident when I saw him. All I wanted was to get back to my den and then I saw the black haired male cutting into a deer with his claws like I would, his lips bloody from eating it. To me, he seemed perfect.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">He was the male I had in mind for a perfect husband.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">He had been able to outrun me, and even now he still amazed me. Why did I have to yell at him this morning? As a Jinko I did have my pride and found myself a strong hunter as well. Yet those eyes of his... They had the same worry and care in them on that night. All he was worried about was me as he cleaned my wounds and made sure I was fine before getting sleep. I put my paw on my lower right leg, a sharp pain going up as I got closer to the mending bone. It would take time before I could leave his home and let him get back to himself.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">Even with my somewhat better healing capabilities than any human, it would take another month or so before I could walk with a limp. the medicine he brought had been helping, though. It made it easier for me to walk with the wooden stick he fashioned into a "crutch" as he called it.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">I looked at the ceiling of his house, sad. My actions this morning had been uncalled for. I had been the one who intruded on his bed. I had even brought my body close to his in search of warmth! What else was I supposed to expect if he turned around?! I put my paws over my face in shame. I just hoped he was alright. We would get into arguments at times because of his stupidity, or my need to appear pure and strong. I should've taken his help instead of always being defiant. My ears perked up as I heard someone approaching the house. The crunching of leaves told me it was someone close to the door. I let my claws out, readying to defend myself if it was an intruder. I was met with the familiar black hair and blue eyes of Rain as he walked in taking off his cloak and boots.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">Yet all I could smell was a strong presence of blood. Even his aura, something all Mamono could see, was a bit dark. As if he had just killed something.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">Or someone. He was the Manhunter after all.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">"Are you okay?" I asked, struggling to get up from the couch.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">"I'm fine! No need to worry! Just a few scratches are all. Most of it is from a little fall and a few stray branches while running after some game. Nothing serious." He said, putting his hands up in surrender.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">"Are you sure?" I gave him a questionable look. I knew him too well now to know it must've been something else.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">"Yeah, and how come you're so caring all of a sudden? Or are you still mad after what happened this morning?" He asked. He had a bit of an angered tone in his voice. I went over to him and lifted his shirt up. To my surprise, most of the blood was already dried. Or the cuts had scabbed over. I took a quick glance at the muscles of his stomach before letting it drop back over. I let my breath out at the sight of his body. To think I had been that close to possibly getting to know it better. Every line and detail of his arms and legs. Even maybe further down as well...

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">What am I thinking?! I thought to myself. I looked away, trying to hide my rose face from his view.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">"Why did you have to check? I told you, I'm fine Serena. I need to be the hunter after all in order for us to have food. If I was injured, I wouldn't have to hide it from you. I'd tell you."

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">I continued to look away. "I was just making sure you weren't hiding any wounds. Don't be so stupid as to let your pride get in the way of proper care for your body. Even if it's just a small scratch." I made my way to the table where we would usually eat our meals. "So, what did you catch today?" I asked as I set my crutch near my chair if I needed it.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">"Couple of rabbits. There wasn't much out there while I was blowing off some steam. I can make a stew if you want." Rain said.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">"Sounds good. I am your guest after all, and," I looked down and swallowed the saliva gathering in my throat. I needed to tell him how I felt. I had been terrible to him while he'd been nothing but caring while I was injured. "I'm sorry," I said, hoping to be forgiven.

<p data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;text-align:center;">POV CHANGE: Rain (First Person)

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">My jaw dropped at what I just heard Serena say. Had she said she was sorry?

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">"Sorry for what exactly?" I asked her. I decided to sit across from her. Her black and orange fur seemed a bit on end as if she was expecting something. Was she apologizing for the events that happened this morning?

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">"Fo-for this morning, and how I've treated you. It was wrong of me to act how I did. I was the one who had initially been looking for warmth and thought your bed was the best option. I'll understand if you don't forgive me. I over reacted and I'm ashamed of it." She lowered her head in apology. So it was about this morning.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">I sat there dumbfounded that she was apologizing for her actions. I didn't expect this at all. I expected her to still be angry at me as usual when these things happened. This hadn't been the first time we found ourselves in a situation like it. I didn't understand how unlucky I was whenever I happened to walk in on her getting dressed or taking a bath.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">"If you want me to leave as well I understand, after all, I can fend for myself if I have to. I might as well go right now. I've been nothing but a bur-"

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">"No," I said. I made sure my voice sounded through the room.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">"What?" She looked at me shocked.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">"You heard me, I said you're not leaving, and you're certainly not a burden. You have an injured leg, and sure we argue, but that's all it is right? Just little disagreements?" I put my hands on her paws, making us both blush. She looked at me with those green eyes of hers. "It shouldn't affect how we both view each other. I'll admit, I can be a bit stubborn or idiotic at times."

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">"And I can be over reactive when it comes to certain things," Serena admitted. "My mother told me that there would come a day when I'd fall for a man, but I don't want it to be some spur of the moment thing. My father would tell me stories of couples who at first hated each other, but learned to love. I just don't want to end up making a mistake. I want to find a husband when I'm me, not in heat and not able to think straight."

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">I looked into the Jinko's emerald eyes. Was that affection? Or was this how she truly felt? I smiled and continued to look into those eyes of hers. "Okay then, so even if we have our disagreements, we won't let it bother us right? I might as well get used to you being here now, things need to change." I said before getting up and heading over to prepare dinner in the room I used for prepping my catches.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">I was glad I was able to cover that I had killed those Order members. It made me realize I had a purpose now instead of just going through day to day life. Though killing people seemed a bit off my list of enlightenment. Not something I necessarily wanted to make a routine.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">While fighting the Order members I found that I wasn't just looking for a way to let off some steam. It was more of I felt something was wrong. I had woken up early this morning, and what they had said as well had set me off. I didn't care about the whole war, I just didn't want any of it to happen in this forest.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">"You're really willing to give your life for these abominations? Even if one day you're no longer human?"

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">"At least I'm more human than you to see that we all have our own monster inside us and that every monster has a bit of human in them as well."

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">The conversation had resounded through my head as I gutted the first rabbit. I finished up and began to salt them to preserve some of the meat for a later day. I got a pot and filled it with water, then began to cut some vegetables. For once I was going to try and show a different side to Serena. I had been seeing her as just a burden, an obstacle I needed to get through. She wasn't though, she was someone that I could talk to besides family.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">Maybe it was time to change that and think about what she could be.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">What we could be.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">After some preparation and getting the bowls and silverware ready we both enjoyed the meal. Serena seemed to be enjoying every bit of it as her tail flicked back and forth. I let a smile show on my face and was shown on her face as well. For the past month, we had been able to get to know one another. She seemed to be arrogant and think me low as dirt. I thought she was a pain in my ass. Now we both saw maybe we weren't so bad after all.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">Was I becoming attracted to her? Was this what Quilla had defined as love when she taught me and Sheila? It was a warm feeling in my chest. Almost like that moment when I would see a big deer, nice and ready for hunting. Instead of a deer, though, it was this person who was in front of me. I didn't see her as a Mamono, or monster.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">I saw her as someone I cared about. Something I thought that wouldn't be possible outside of my family.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">"Why are you smiling like an idiot?" Serena asked me.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">I looked at her blazing red hair and green eyes and smiled. "No reason. By the way, if you get cold tonight or any other time, feel free to come into my bed."

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">She almost spat out the soup in her mouth with what I said. I then realized the context that could be interpreted as. I put my hands up in defense certain my face was all kinds of red.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">"I mean- You know- You know what I mean... Just make sure to wake me up before hand if you do." I said slightly embarrassed.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">I then heard something I never thought I would. The mighty Jinko let out a laugh. It was a gentle, pure laugh. She was genuinely finding joy in my act of trying to cover up my miscommunication with her. Yet it made me feel happy as well seeing her laugh.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">"I'm-I'm sorry I shouldn't but-," She took a deep breath before speaking again. "Thank you. I'll make sure to remember that next time. Though it might happen sooner than you think." She then pointed out the window. I looked behind me to see it snowing. It seemed winter was already making it's way to the forest. I was concerned now because of the animals that would be going into hibernation, and also the fact I'd have to gather firewood as well. I then looked at Serena.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">It'll be fine, you have a reason to go forward now. Two reasons now I though as I let my hand drift over the runes on my arm. Not even I knew what winter would bring. I never did.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;">'''A/N: Ah the fluffy feels! I love writing this stuff. And the fighting. I love the fighting. Now for winter to come my friends, which is ironic because NE getting a snow storm soon. Which might mean more time to write. Until next time everyone! Have a good rest of the day!'''