Asami's Shadow (Ryoma's POV)

Chapter 7

I almost didn't notice as a shadow seemed seemed break away from the trees as I glanced back.  She's...  I had to blink and focus on her form as it seemed the darkness clung to her.  I couldn't hear or steps or even the soft sound of clothing as the moved over each other.  Definitely strange... what are you?

I debated, she was weak and attacking her would only make her run, but she couldn't get far in her condition.  I looked at the forest.  What did she do in there?  Is she even armed?

I slowly drew my blade and went after her.  She spun and blocked my blow with her short sword.  Always more than what meets the eye with this one... She backed away, assessing the situation, but I gave her no time as I attacked hard, blocking her attempts to attack me.

She fell back into the defensive.  Still a true master at her craft, even weakened she's giving me trouble. 

Her sword arm faltered and she fell back again, waiting.  When I struck she somehow rolled behind me.  That leg isn't slowing her in the least.  She sliced at my back, almost dealing a lethal blow, but I countered.  She aims to kill.  But... Luckily, the force when our blades met disarmed her.  Now, she was ready to take flight.

I smirked.  "The little tigress fights fiercely for a princess." I had her cornered, but she showed no fear, just held my gaze as she plotted.  The sound of wings made me break my eye contact then I was met with those and talons.  The fuck!

I tried to cut down the bird, but somehow it anticipated this.  It dodged and continued to attack my head until suddenly it flew away.  I frantically searched the area to see Kaida no where in sight.  How in the hell...  I was frozen in place, somehow she had escaped me again.

I clenched my jaw as I stalked into the trees.  Too many pieces that I can't see...  She couldn't get far and even in flight she left no trace.  I began to look up into the canopy.  Could she even climb with that leg?  Well... damn...

Among the leaves, sleeping, high above the ground was Kaida.  I couldn't fathom how she got so high, relaxed on the highest branches of the tree.  I didn't want to startle her and she fall from that height.  So, I sat beneath, so if she tried to slip by I would notice.

I don't know when I fell asleep, but the sight before me when my eyes opened made my blood run cold.  Stalking through the brush was a large striped feline, intent on making a kill.  Tiger...

I glanced up, but couldn't see Kaida, but couldn't move and be seen by the beast.  I jumped when she landed in front of me.  How the fuck does she do that without making a sound? I grabbed her, pulling her close and covering her mouth because she clearly didn't see it.  I tried to muffle my groan when she bit me with a vengeance.  "Be quiet.  I'm not here to hurt you."

She froze as I whispered into her ear and started to struggle more until her eyes landed on the big cat in front of us.

I was mildly aware her teeth were still deep in my hand as we waited.  When he was gone she got out of my hold and turned to glare at me.  "Are you crazy?"

I was impressed as I looked over her bite, yes she bit hard and I was bleeding,  Wonder if she's a bi-  I shook the thought.  "If you bit any harder you would have taken a whole chunk off."

Her eyes widened as pink crept to her cheeks and she scowled before trying to walk away.  "Whatever..."

Again, I wasn't thinking as I grabbed her hand and cold steel kissed my throat.  Should have thought that through...  I slowly raised my hands, keeping my eyes on hers.  "I'm sorry about last night."  Her face was unreadable and she didn't move.  I noticed that she only had one of the swords I gifted her on her person this entire time.  She had both a year ago.  Where is the other one? "My intention wasn't to hurt you, but to test a theory.

Her head tilted slightly, but her sword arm held firm, there wasn't even a quiver to indicate she was afraid or faltering.  "Your theory could have gotten you killed."

Even her voice was even and I chuckled.  A deadly foe...  "If you weren't weak from your injury and had the twin to that blade, I'm sure it would have."

That caused her to drop her guard only for a second, I knew it was a risk, but I had to know.  What will she say I wonder...  "What do you know about my weapon?"

She was curious, so she couldn't kill me.  I carefully removed the threat to my neck.  "I know that it has a twin blade. I also know no princess or lady should be able to wield any blade so masterfully."

Her eyes stayed trained on me as she stowed her weapon. That struck a nerve... "Never confirmed I was either."

I rubbed my neck, the kiss of her blade still present as her eyes glinted with deadly intent. "That's true, but you never denied it either."