The way back to the village was long and painful. Tsukiko led the way, her brother's bow in hand with an arrow knocked, resting against the bowstring. Her eyes ploughed through her surroundings as she kept her form poised, ready to strike at any assailants that tried to take advantage of the situation.

But so far, no one had come.

They hadn't come across the traders that they had saved in the clearing, but Tsukiko found herself caring less and less about them as time went on. Ryuu's harboured...