The Renegade: Oblivion

Ch. 9: A Lingering Frost

The Black Warrior took care to try and avoid Snowshoe the next morning, not because he was upset with her, but because he thought that his presence would pressure her into doing something she'd regret. Instead the moment he woke, he dressed himself and went outside, traveling through the woods and coming to the clearing where they met the night before.

He looked around at the place that had become so familiar to him over the past week. Now he wasn't sure when he would have to leave it all behind. He was at a moment's notice, waiting for his final farewell to the hills of Jiang-lao. So he sat, wanting to drink in all of these memories before they were gone.

The morning passed slowly, until the sun eventually crossed the sky and sank towards the horizon.

Aspect sighed and remembered how Isu had forgotten his warning, and his ears bent back with indignation. I'll give him a piece of my mind.

With that he turned tail and rushed back through the forest, heading for the palace again.

The moment he returned, Todokii came out to meet him. "Sir!"

Aspect paused and glanced at him. "What's the matter?"

Todokii looked embarrassed, and scuffled at the ground with his feet. "Well... I just wanted to say... Thank you. For all the work you've done in these parts."

The fox dipped his head. "No problem. Do you happen to know where the Shogun Isu is?"

The tanuki cocked his head, thinking. "...Last I saw him, he was in his room, speaking to Snowshoe," He replied. "But I would take care not to bother them. It seemed... intimate."

Aspect growled. "I'll see to it that I have my voice heard." He pushed past Todokii and continued on.

Todokii stared at him worriedly as he walked away. "...Oh, I do hope he doesn't do anything brash," He mumbled half to himself.

The black fox entered the right room at last and saw to his dismay Isu laying on a lavish couch, with Snowshoe by his side. The tiger hadn't noticed him yet and was murmuring softly into her ear, purring loudly. Snowshoe looked like she was about to throw up.

Suddenly Snowshoe turned her head and saw Aspect staring at them. She must have noticed the look of disgust barely concealed on his face, because her eyes widened and she cleared her throat uncomfortably.

Isu turned and saw him as well, and he sat up abruptly. "Ah! Mein! What would you like?" The tiger's face flushed red with embarrassment as he brushed aside some blankets with his tail.

Aspect couldn't help but glare at Snowshoe for a moment before turning his fiery gaze to the Shogun. "...You disregarded my advice," He spoke finally, his voice quiet with anger.

Snowshoe looked surprised, and she mouthed at him: What advice?

Aspect ignored her and fixed his glare on Isu. Isu shrugged sheepishly. "...I felt that I was making her lonely," He replied. "And she is my future wife, after all. You never said to leave her alone entirely- all you said was to give her space."

Aspect was about to reply, then paused. That much was true. Who was he to take away Isu's time from Snowshoe? Besides, he wasn't the one in charge here- Isu was.

He bowed his head, angry that the tiger was right and he had no reason to be upset.

But as he turned, Snowshoe cleared her throat again. "Isu, may I speak with him for a moment? Alone?"

He glanced over his shoulder and saw Snowshoe staring at the tiger expectantly. Isu sighed. "Who am I to not allow you this, my little fox? Alright, you may go. But don't be long!" He called as she got up. "We still have some... love making to do." His eyes narrowed to slits with satisfaction as he purred tantalizingly after her.