The Once and Future King (Hetalia)

VI: The Killer

"No, please, you have to listen to me," Kiku said urgently. "You cannot go out there, it's too dangerous."

"I'll get to say when it's too dangerous," said one of the women. Kiku believed her name to be Dolores.

"But you don't understand what's out there," the easterner tried to reason. "Leave it to your men. They're already out there doing all they can to protect you."

"What? Are you saying we women can't fight?"

"Not at all. Please leave this to them. As a man myself, I know that they feel stronger and more confident knowing their family is safe. Do not take that security away from them. Go inside, and watch your children. I beg of you."

A throng of people were gathered around the central campfire. Kiku stood across from what looked to be the senior lady, while the rest of the women loitered around them, some trying to calm their frightened children.

"We're not afraid," said Dolores. "We'll take them on if we have to."

"Yes, but they are," said Kiku.

The truth sunk deep into the hearts of the women. They looked ready to head into battle when Kiku first showed up at the scene, but now they didn't look too sure.

"The young man is right," came a weary voice.

An aged man stepped through the crowd and leaned heavily over his walking stick.

"Elder!" said Dolores.

"Listen to him," said the elder. "He is speaking the truth. You're a warrior yourself, are you not?"

Kiku nodded slowly.

"Very well." The elder raised his voice and directed them to the women. "Head inside and lock your doors. Do not come out until the danger had passed!"

"But, Elder—"

The Elder gave Dolores a firm look. "I mean it. Protect your children. That is your duty."

Dolores bowed her head. "Of course, Elder."

She grabbed her six-year-old son and started heading inside. The other women moved to do the same.

"Thank you," said the elder. "Without your words, they would have run off to their deaths. I am forever grateful to you."

"N-not at all," said Kiku, flustered. "I am simply doing my own duty."

The elder bowed. "Nevertheless."

The sound of twigs snapping interrupted their conversation. It seemed like it came from the direction of the horses, exactly the place Kiku had been moments before.

A beaten path trailed away from the campfire and into the forest, leading right to the source of the disturbance. Kiku expected something to appear there any second.

"There aren't any huts back there, are there?" Kiku asked quietly.

"No," confirmed the elder.

"Then it's not a person," Kiku said, drawing his katana an inch out of its sheath. "I'm going to check it out. Make sure everyone stays inside."

"Be careful."

It may be a stray, Kiku thought, as he ventured back onto the path.

The ferns were dense here. He could barely make out anything safe for what would appear on the path. He could be ambushed any second, and even he didn't think he could react fast enough to fend off a surprise attack from the bushes. If something was currently hiding in there, he wouldn't know, and that made his situation all the more disconcerting.