scarlet princess

(41) Suspicions and conspiracies part 2: Long time, no see

Tamaki's POV

When I got back to my window thankfully undetected I was surprised to find that red ermine laying on top of a pile of papers. Curious about the mess sitting on the desk I walked up and pulled out a file from underneath the sleeping summon, browsing through the case file I quickly noticed it was a transcription of a classified event. 'Don't tell me...' I scrunched my nose and knitted my eyebrows together, pensively studying it. 'What's she up to? She better be careful or else she'll get in who-knows-how much trouble.' I shook my head solemnly "Baka" I muttered under my breath. I then set the file next to the summon carefully to not wake the sleeping creature.

REIKA'S POV

I was hopping from tree to tree, on my way to the outskirts of Konohagakure, my old home; But I just can't stay in a play that holds too many negatives for me. I had enough I don't need more.

I hop down from the treetops and spotted something watching me from another branch, a bird-like figure

"Hey there, it's okay I won't hurt you" I cautiously say, in a blink of an eye the bird swooped making me instinctively duck down but what I didn't know was that the bird was perched docilely on top of my head. I let out a light and bit awkward chuckle "You scared me, don't do that." Then I immediately took note of the type of bird this creature was. it was odd and I didn't notice before, I mean you don't see an owl out in the afternoon. Also is it me or does it look and feel oddly familiar?

Walking towards the secret entrance to a hidden grotto. Standing there waiting was my blue-haired friend. "Hey, it's so good to see you."

She turned around and rushed at me, we both embraced each other "It's good to see you too...but-" she paused "You shouldn't have." She forebodingly replies "The powers in the shadows want to take advantage of what you posse" she adds cryptically

"The Sharingan." I muttered, easily figuring It out, to which she replied with a curt nod "I'm not surprised, everyone wants power and would do anything to get their hands on it, no matter what kind" I said unfazed with a shrug "But I think you're underestimating me, my friend. We both know I'm no walk in the park either." I added with a sly smirk

"No, never!" she awkwardly chuckled, playfully hitting my shoulder "I know you're super strong and can protect yourself; But what your attempting is risky. I don't see why you're trying to gather information defending him? You said it yourself, he's dead to you, they both are."

"I'm not, but if my hunch is right he isn't the only perpetrator in this crime. I'm not defending him or the actions he did, I want justice too; but I do believe there's more. The conspiracy is bigger than just that."

she nods in agreement "I agree. I heard my mother go on about something related to just that."

"Well it wouldn't surprise me that she doesn't know that," my glance drifts to my feet "it's not like it wasn't too much of a secret" I muttered "How did you figure out what I was up to anyway?"

"You just told me." she let out a lighthearted laugh. Seconds later I realized my mistake and then cursed under my breath. "But for real, the Ermine; I admit I snooped through it, but to my defense, I was worried and wanted to know what you've got yourself into." I nodded even tho I didn't completely buy her alibi. instead just thought that curiosity got a hold of her nothing more nothing less. "You're playing a dangerous card, if Lady Tsunade found out she'll have no choice, then you'll be wanting within all of Konoha for this," she said foreboding with a sense of urgency and panic. Her unwavering expression turned to a concerned filled one

"It's fine. What she doesn't know won't kill her, right." I shrugged nonchalantly "Plus I have every right and just reasons to know, they were my clan after all." I argued

"I understand you want to get retribution for your clan but making yourself Konaha's number 1 if not a top priority enemy won't do you any good if the whole village wants your head for treason. You're lucky you're not accountable for desertion already."

"Who's side are you even on?!" I growled with a bit of irritation

"Yours, but...I don't want you to do...Reika you're my best friend but..." she trails off stuttering trying to find the right words "I understand" I sighed giving a reassuring glance "-you want to make sure I'm alright like any good friend would do for another. Am I right? But I've been through the worse possible scenarios even if this gets me into trouble it won't matter much to me, just another thing to look out for." I hugged the blue-haired girl

"What are you guys doing here?" A voice asked, we both glanced around for the owner, the milky eyed Hyuga to be exact "Didn't you say you were busy? I didn't expect you meant this. Is that Kireina! But I thought-" she utters in complete surprised

"Hana, Why are you here? How?"

"Well, I followed you." the milky-eyed girl replied "You sorta looked Suspicious so I followed my instincts and tailed you." her eyes glanced off to the side, growing apologetically "Sumimasen, I didn't mean to-Reika why didn't you... We missed you you know. Why didn't you return?"

I shook my head "Gomen'nasai, I can't. Too many bad memories associated here." I state solemnly, rubbing my arm bashfully "How much did you hear?"

"Enough to know what's going on." she replied "I'm With Tamaki, it's a brash idea. You know we can't help you if you dig your nose too deep. You're super stubborn, you know that." Hana flatly said with a bored expression

"Eh, I've heard worse." I mummer-ed with a nonchalant shrug; I paused gathering my thought of that split second, opening my mouth but closing it just as quick a bit unsure I'd want to ask them even if I do trust them. I just don't think I am ready to confront that side just yet.

"Kyia-Chan, Hime!" a tiny voice, that I recognize as my summon called out interrupting my thoughts. "Gomen'nasai," he said in between breaths, panting a bit "But I couldn't help to observe something interesting."

I raised a brow, curious about what the stoat meant, but besides my curious nature, I'd rather avoid the rabbit hole for the time being.