Shiori Novella One-shots

End of a Thief(?)

A/N: Sorry it's a little late, life got a little hectic yesterday.

You plunge into the narrow alleyway, the cacophony of pursuing footsteps reverberating off the walls. The pitter-patter on the cobblestones intertwines with the shouts of "catch them!" that echo through the miserable city. In this unforgiving urban landscape, survival hinges on your prowess as a seasoned thief, and this relentless pursuit is just another facet of your daily existence.

As you huddle in the shadows, waiting for the coast to clear, an unexpected voice breaks through the chaotic symphony. The melodic tone of a young girl's voice cuts through the air, prompting you to turn your attention to the sight of a peculiar cat-eared creature sitting before you. "Hello, meowster~ Do you have any food for me?" she asks, her gaze locking onto yours with doe-like innocence. The temptation to respond tugs at you, but a disconcerting feeling creeps in as you notice her eyes glowing with an eerie light that sends a shiver down your spine.

~~~~~

You look down at the bread in your hands briefly, before looking up at her. You need to eat, but you hear her stomach rumble a little. You tilt your head at the sound, and she blushes.

"You didn't hear nyathing!" she hisses softly, narrowing her eyes at you. "Right?"

Slowly, you nod your head. You need to eat, but clearly, she does, too, so you tear the loaf in half and hesitantly offer half to her. Her eyes light up and her hands dart out to take the loaf before you can change your mind.

"Thanks meowster~ It would have been a shame if I had to call for help..." she grins cheekily as she brings the bread up to take a bite.

"There it is..." you mutter hoarsely under your breath, now realizing that you came very close to being caught thanks to this girl.

Taking a closer look, her golden eyes are framed by monochromatic hair, split down the middle between black and white. She watches you from her perch, your tattered clothes hanging loosely from your thin frame.

"You look pretty rough... Need a place to stay?" she asks you, with an adorable tilt of her head.

"That -" you start before a coughing fit takes you. It settles a couple of minutes later, and you take a deep, rattly breath before continuing. "That would be nice..."

You can tell you don't have much longer anyway, and if you're going to pass, better to do it in the company of, at least a seemingly, friendly person. You look up to find the woman watching you, her eyes filled with sympathy.

"I don't want pity... I've made it this far on my own..." you tell her as you narrow your eyes.

She shakes her head. "I know. I can tell, ya meow? I'm just offering a place 'cuz it's cold..."

You relax, and nod, and proceed to follow her. She guides you through the city's alleyways, around guards, and eventually into a building. Looking around, you can tell she's been here a while. She tells you to rest on the bedding in the corner, while she makes some warm drinks. Nodding gratefully, you go over to the bedding and let yourself collapse.

The woman watches you from the corner, as your breath slows as you fall asleep, each inhale a rattle. Eventually, your breathing stops completely. The woman calmly walks over to your body, kneeling beside you, and strokes your hair.

"You did well..." she whispers as a single tear falls down her cheek.