The Bird Tamer

19

"I don't value someone based on their skills if I did that, I'd have no value. We're moving on",you spoke firmly as you held the reins

The wagon began moving as he flew silently alongside you. He wasn't hurt, but he was deep in thought. Was his wording wrong? Wasnt his skills enough? Did you want more from him? His eyes scanned around as he flew closer to the wagon.

He glanced over, your eye bags had been getting darker. Your complexion in general seemed to be worsening, he couldn't place his finger on it but it just seemed off. He'd made sure your food was eaten, and the amount of rest you got. Yet you didn't seem to be getting any better.

"We're approaching",you warned as he took the sign and dived back inside the wagon.

Inside wasn't bad, you'd placed mattresses for them to lay on. He could hear Tokoyami sleeping soundly, he envied him. He rested his wings as he leaned back, and relaxed his shoulders. He could begin to hear the sound of people's voices and other wagons, giving him hints of your arrival at the new town.

He pulled out the map, and crossed out a town, there were four small towns that the bastards were planning in staying. You were at the second one, needing two more before moving to the main town. The others probably preparing and heading to meet up there. He sighed as he glanced over to Tokoyami, who must've woken up due to the sounds of the towns folk.

"Morning kid",he greeted the other

"Where are we?",the boy asked as he sat up

"Our next stop",he replied as let himself fall onto the mattress

Tokoyami stood up peeking through a hole in the walls trying to get a glimpse of the people outside. Keigo however remained seated just trying to get off the bad feeling that had been growing.

"Sir, I've realized I am unaware of your man",the boy turned towards him

Keigo grinned,"Call me hawks."

"Hawks..",he hummed out in curiosity,"Is there a meaning to the name?"

"Nah just my wings",he replied grinning

"Hey guys it's safe",your voice called out making them turn towards the door as it opened.

You stood there hands on your waist as you helped them out.

"The inns here have all been booked so we'll be camping out", You explained as you tied the horses down letting them feast on the forest grass.

"(Y/n) I haven't asked as I didn't want to come on as rude but what are you guys doing?"

You turned towards him,"Well I'll explain but first let's prepare camp."

He nodded as he followed your lead setting up the necessary which wasnt much. He watched your moves, you moved freely as if you hadn't killed someone in the last town. He glanced towards hawks who was bussy sharpening a sword. Hawks through him off, even dark shadow was having a hard time figuring him out.

"Hey Kei-",Tokoyami heard you begin to call but a hand covered your mouth

"Its hawks",he said with a smile

He frowned but didn't want to push further, if his name wasn't for him to know. He would respect that after all they hadn't asked why he was in a cage or had a shadow with him.

"Tokoyami!",you called him over as you had started a fire,"Lets talk, hawks went hunting."

He nodded as he joined you besides the fire.

"Let me hear your questions",you smiled softly

"Firstly why are you two traveling for?"

"Hmm well we're on a mission but I'm guessing you want more than that",you chuckled,"Those men that captured you, as your aware are nothing but bastards. I come from a group of people who want to put a stop to them. We're traveling because we have information they'll meet up in these towns and here we'll dispose of them shortening their numbers."

"How can I be sure you aren't feeding me lies?",he asked

"You're smart for being weary but if you don't believe me, ask hawks he himself was a tool of their plan. Just like you."

"Mr hawks was-",he was interrupted as hawks burst through the shrub causing a scene

"Ke-Hawks!",you ran over as you helped him up

"Songbird, Shit",he cursed as he stood up brushing off leaves and dirt from his wings

"What is it?!",you asked as he kept mumbling to himself, he avoided your questions Making you irritated,"Hawks."

He stopped at the sudden change of tone to your voice, as he turned towards you.

"I am your captain so explain now",you said as you tilted your head up, you hated this but a leader needed to act like a leader

His heart skipped a beat, as pride filled him seeing you stand up. He suddenly bowed.

"Sorry ma'am I got so worried I neglected my role",he spoke hurriedly,"I came across another came full of men with weapons. I believe them to be our target."

This surprised you, as you had been sure they were staying in the town not outside it. This wouldn't change the plan but it did affect depending on their number.

"How many?"

"About 20 or more, I didn't get a number as I didn't want to be spotted ma'am!",he answered quickly

"Good, this will be harder than expected. For now let's not show our position. Hawks you'll be in charge of following and keeping an eye on them. Report their movements."

"Yes ma'am!"

You turned towards Tokoyami,"how good are your combat skills?"

"I'd say pretty good, with dark shadows help I can fight."

You nodded,"Alright lets continue with what we were doing and we'll make a plan later."

With that you turned and began walking back but stopped,"Hawks."

"Yeah?",he asked as he stopped a fee steps behind you

"I'm glad you came back",you smiled softly as you returned to the fire

To Tokoyami it must've seemed as if any second hawks would've ran away but what you meant with your words were simple. Even hawks had gotten it's meaning as warmth filled him. You'd been proud of the fact instesd of engaging for his revenge he'd come back and prioritized the mission.

"Anytime",he breathed out as he stood up and turned towards Tokoyami,"Do me a favor kid, protect her while I'm gone."

"Leave her safety to me."

"Thanks kid",with that he flew off

Tokoyami watched him fly off, as dark shadow appeared. Since the sun was up now, it was safer for him to be out.

"I still have my doubts",dark shadows grumbled

"Lets help, they helped us",Tokoyami said as he walked back to the fire,"Besides (y/n) has respected your privacy."

Dark Shadow grumbled something incoherent, before shrinking down. Tokoyami approached you, Hawks had been right. Your complexion didn't look well.

"(Y/n) I believe it'd be best to rest if you want to plan and attack."

"You're right",you sighed as you forced yourself inside the wagon

"Do not be worried I'll be here if anything were to come",Tokoyami said confidently

"Thanks."