Tiger Kunoichi: The Two Dragons

Chapter 4: Prince Shimututufu (Shituku)

His black, short and straight hair was the first thing that caught Shikari's attention. It's like he's different from every other men she saw in Central Ametiger. She looked at his other features. He was wearing the Golden Dragon Longpao. On his back was a backpack-like basket carrying the goods. He also held a bamboo-like staff on his hand.

As for Shikari's response, she was silent. She knew that strangers can lead her into a trap and that she could not trust them. He removed his basket and put it and his staff aside. On her right. Then, he sat between her and his things.

Shikari had a blank expression when the man continued,"You seem a bit tired lately. I just thought I could help you rest until you're ready to get back on your feet."

"That's okay. I'm fine. Besides, I got food and water of my own," she said.

"And I have a lot more than you have. What if you run out of food and water and there's nothing you can do, but to look for them?" said the man.

"I'm careful with food. As for the water, I can at least find the lake," she said.

"Hmm," she could hear him like he's thinking. "Very well, then. Where are you off to?"

Now, that's the first question the man asked Shikari. She didn't know if she could answer since she's briefly talking to a stranger. Who knows? It might even lead her to a trap while he's taking advantage of her trust.

Instead of answering, she narrowed her eyes at him as she asked for confirmation, "How can I trust you?"

That's when he told her everything about himself and his life.

"My name is Prince Shimututufu, but my friends know me better as Shituku. I live in the Kingdom of the Golden Dragon where our powers create life just as the Golden Dragon does. Generations ago, we're supposed to marry a person that comes from the Kingdom of the Shadow Dragon, but we were all so afraid of their symbolic dragon itself that we couldn't. In this generation, it will be our last chance to continue this mission or there'll be no more peace in the world of Ametiger. There was a girl in the Shadow Dragon Palace, whom I was friends with. We've been getting along really well ever since we were kids. I never noticed she has a thing for me until the day after my eighteenth birthday. I only saw her as a good friend, so things might get awkward these times. The next day, I was forced to date her. I tried getting along with her as just friends, but she kept on doing things with me like flirting, kissing, hugging, cuddling and even called me cliche nicknames. Soon, I had enough of her, so I packed up my things and go out on a journey to the Temple of the Two Dragons to resurrect Gold and ask her if that girl and I are a perfect match."

"That's where I was going", she replied,"I went through the same struggle as you have except that my parents chose a flirtatious prince that I was supposed to marry. He kept on flirting with me and begging me to marry him everywhere. I kept on rejecting him multiple times, but he never accepted defeat until I said 'yes'. Soon, I had enough of this guy, so I went to the matchmaker for some help. I learned that I should go to the Temple of the Two Dragons in order to—"

Shikari fell silent as if she didn't know what else to say. If she said that it's in order to find the right person, Shituku would most likely give her a look that says "It's too early to start a romantic relationship". So in order not to ruin it, she finished it,"In order to... find someone who can help me along the way."

Then, for the first time ever, she heard Shituku chuckle, "That's good. Because I'm only here to help you. You can turn your back on me if you want, but when you run out of food and water, you're on your own."

Without even thinking, she stopped him, "You can help!"

His face turned to her.

Shikari didn't know why she just said that. Was it because she really needed some company? Or was it because she needed someone who's capable of nutrition knowledge? Either way, she's glad she asked him for help, even though she didn't know if she could trust him. Otherwise, her food will run out quickly.

"Y-You can help me on the way. I could use a company like you, Shituku," she said.

A smile appeared on his lips,"Alright, then."

Shikari could feel him wrapping her arm around her shoulder and what she felt was like a mix between electricity and magnetism. It's like the two of them were becoming stronger together especially thru physical contact.

They talked like they're getting to know each other. Shikari felt like they're becoming friends and that she decided to trust him. But then, a warning bell went off in her head, Don't you ever think about trusting him just yet. The more trusting he is, the more likely he'll take advantage of you.

After Shikari felt like her feet were rested, she began to finish the apple he gave her during their conversation before rising onto her feet. Turns out, she didn't feel any pain at all. Instead, she felt like she wanted to run around and keep walking. But she had to focus on a mission. A mission to find the Golden Dragon with Shituku as her companion.

"Seems like you're rested, huh?" Shituku asked her.

She turned to him and chuckled, "Yeah. Now, let's pack up and keep moving."

And so, they both packed up their things and kept moving. But just as they stepped outside, the bandits suddenly appeared with their weapons pointed at them.