The Bird Tamer

20

Hawks found himself laying among the tree leaves, the group of men down below hadn't noticed him or atleast he hoped they hadn't. He couldn't recklessly fly around now that the sun was out, so he allowed himself to stick to one branch.

The men down below were carrying boxes onto their wagons, and he was sure it wasn't anything good. Judging based on the way they were armed, this amount of men was about the same amount that had attacked you that one time.

As He eyed the group and it clicked, this group was traveling in mass group due to the fact they didn't have a magical creature or anything. This group was carrying weapons and a lot for a reason, they were more vulnerable. Unlike the previous group who consisted of five men, they were too confident but only because they had Tokoyami to their use. Those men hadn't thought to release Tokoyami when in the forest, which lead to their deaths.

It made sense why these men seemed more on guard, they didn't have a well protection besides their new toys.

He smirked as he looked down at them, they were nothing but prey to him at this point, but he was on a mission. He couldn't afford to act recklessly with you around. If he was alone he also wouldn't last, considering the amount of gun powder they had in those wagons.

A branch breaking under him, had him ducking down as another man made his way towards the group. This man however wasn't dressed like the rest, he seemed like a regular townsfolk.

Shit, stupid bastard Hawks had half a mind to pull the man back but the sound of the branch had made the other men turn

"Hey! Who goes there!",one of the men yelled as they stepped forward

"Just a farmer!",the newcomer called as he came into view out of the protection of the shadows

"What business do you have this deep in the forest?",the man asked the farmer as he held his sword up

"Uh, I mean no problems but a few farmers are wondering how much longer they must be out of the forest",the farmer spoke, fear was evident in his posture

"So men how much longer?",the man smirked as he turned to his group

"As long as we want",one yelled out

The man turned back to the farmer,"Ya heard him, not out before your time in this forest is shortened."

As he spoke he cocked the gun making the farmer step back, his face had paled. Hawks could only watch, this man was nothing to him but a fool. If that man was either his songbird of the new kid, he wouldve jumped in. He watched as the poor fool took off in a sprint but a bullet was faster, the man barely made it inside the forest oncr again before he was hit and fell to the ground. The men burst into laughter, and he held back his growing hatred.

He prepared himself to fly away but the small sound of the man's groan of pain pulled him back. He cursed at himself as he flew cautiously towards the man, at further inspection he could see the bullet had penetrated the man's lower hip. He should be able to survive, hesitating he picked the man off and flew off.

"W-who are you?",the man groaned out

"Shut it",hawks grumbled, as he saw the familiar wagon in sight

Tokoyami stood up as he approached, he found amusing the shockex expression the kids face as he saw the man in his arms. He was quick to place the man on the ground as Tokoyami approached.

"You've brought a stranger to the camp",Tokoyami spoke

"Yeah I'm aware, but first...how good are your healing skills?",he grinned at the boy who stared in slight disbelief

After some convincing hawks watched as Tokoyami set to work. He had half a mind to wake you but after seeing you peaceful sleep he couldn't bring himself to wake you up. The man was in a bit of a terrified fit upon seeing dark shadow and hawks wings.

"Calm down I saved you show gratitude",he growled out, his hatred for humans was still there however you were an exception

"Sir give us details of the men that shot you",Tokoyami spoke up trying to loosen the tension

"They arrived a few days ago, they've taken over our town. They patrol and force everyone to go indoors at curfew",the man began speaking averting his fearful gaze

"Curfew?",hawks leaned in curious

"Around late evening they force us indoors, theyve forced us the close our Windows until given a signal",the man quickly spoke

"Are there anymore of them?"

"No, they've made the forest their base which we farmers use as the forest has rich soil",the farmer explained,"The others were to scared to say anything so I brought it upon myself."

"Well I think you were rather foolish",hawks sighed as he leaned back,"you could've died sir."

"I couldn't stand down and watch my town being tormented!",the man spoke up angrily

"Don't worry sir we'll do what we can to solve this",your voice spoke up from behind

"(Y/n)!",hawks chirped up the once bored expression changed into a soft one, and unaware his feathers had fluffed up

You approached them and nodded at the newcomer, before turning towards hawks,"Explain."

Hawks suddenly lowered his head,"Ma'am! While out watching this man was attacked in an effort to reach out to our enemy. They shot him and I believed him to have valuable information for our mission."

"I see...that was reckless but smart, good job",you turned towards the man, he seemed old around his 40's considering the aging hairs,"Sir may I know your name?"

He flinched ,"Its Mr. Ross, sorry young lady I'm just surprised I expected you to be a freak."

This brought a scowl to your face,"My soldier saved you and you repay him by addressing him as freak?"

The man's expression faltered at your cold demeanor,"No, don't take it wrong kid but I appreciate my life being saved but I can't expect much from a women-."

He stopped mid sentence as the tip of a two blades touched his neck. A rather angry hawks and tokoyami had stepped forward.

"Sir, I plan to relieve this town of those men. However I can't put aside the disrespect towards my men and most definitely not me",you spoke firmly even though your heart was speeding up

"I-I'm sorry, pardon an old man's foolish tongue",the man stuttered out

"This once, guys",with that the blades backed up,"Now sir let's get you home."

The frightened man was more then willing to lead the way as you both walked off leaving the other two behind. You had him show you the shops and any store that could necessarily be of help. Without knowing a big war was about to begin.