Book I — Chapter 4: A Tale

Written by: Fern

Needing to settle more matters over a few more days at the Mahucrin village, Crea allowed the two to take a break from their duties and enjoy some time at the carnival. The tents were filled with plenty of strange and exotic things, food, and people; with guests traveling from all sorts of places to spend a night at the inn and enjoy a day or two of the show. Rui and Haruno were already familiar with the bustle of a major city, so that didn’t bother them, but the locals, not so much.

Deciding to set an example as future Parali Adventurers, the two took it upon themselves to manage any guests that might be overly disruptive or seem to wander off. Some visitors take the opportunity to travel to the shrine at the edge of the forest after a day of fun to pay respects and enjoy a quieter moment. The only problem is that the journey is long, and there were regular reports of people getting tired or lost and needing assistance in some way or another.

It was during one of these occasions that they noticed something unusual. Rui and Haruno were following a couple of humans on the trail to the shrine when, in the middle of their journey, their conversation suddenly shifted.

“Reason I asked you to join me is because I heard there was some high quality product you can pick up around here.”

“You know I can’t say no to such an intriguing opportunity. The shrine though? It doesn't strike me as the type.”

“No, not the shrine, but beyond it.”

As they continue their conversation, Rui and Haruno glance at each other, with Haruno rolling her eyes at the extra work about to face them. The visit to the shrine is a simple affair, yet an exhausting one for the visitors. Several flights of steps lead way to the shrine’s main gate, so they take a moment to admire the scenery before paying their respects. As is usual for these past few days, the shrine hosts several visitors during this time, meaning the keepers of the shrine are fairly busy.

The two humans eventually sneak out beyond the shrine, in the direction of the Great Forest, following a trail of clues that one of them is barely putting together. Rui and Haruno continue to follow them, keeping distance to not be noticed as they fumble along. The sounds of wildlife are relatively quiet, but the Great Forest has its ways of tricking you. The trees are denser here than back in the valley, and no visible trails or real landmarks are noticeable. The two stop for a moment, the leader looking for their next heading, and Rui and Haruno decide to break their silence as they discuss what to do.

“Where do you think they’re headed?” Rui asks.

“I think more importantly, how are they going to get back to the shrine?” Haruno retorts.

“We both know you’ve been making a return path this whole time,” Rui says, glancing down at the journal in Haruno’s hand. “Are you mapping the trail too, in case we have to come back here?”

“Of course. If these two are willing to follow a rumor here, who's to say the next group of idiots won’t as well.” Haruno replies.

A slight shift in the bushes from behind causes them to turn around. From which a tiger emerges, stalking towards them. Rui and Haruno reach for their weapons, but the tiger never bears its fangs or claws. Instead it watches them with an almost curious gaze. As it approaches, it shifts slightly, morphing into another form, one of a Hucrinis boy, probably younger than they are. His ears are those of a bear, and his tail is that of a tiger, a confusing mix of two animals. The same curious gaze besets him, as does a slight scowl to his eyes. As he walks closer to them, he gets face-to-face with Haruno, mere inches away, before his eyes soften slightly.

“I hope you two aren’t planning on doing anything bad to these people.” He says, still staring at Haruno

She backs up slightly to establish distance, but the boy doesn’t move, letting her disengage. “Who are you, and what do you want?” she asks.

“I am called Kemuri. I want you to leave, but I am here to make sure nothing bad happens. This place is dangerous, as you two know, and I do not want any accidents or ambushes to take place.” He says, continuing to watch Haruno’s movements.

Rui, who had been mostly ignored during this exchange, speaks up. “Then we want the same thing. We’re from the Parali Adventurer’s Academy, and we’re just following them to make sure they get back safely.”

Seemingly content with the explanation, the boy joins them in following the two humans through the woods. “Many more travelers have been taking this path recently, probably because of the tents. This area does not usually get many visitors, so I have been needing to keep a better eye on the folks who decide to venture out into the Great Forest.”

Rui seems interested in what Kemuri said. “Why do they come out here, is it a test of courage?”

“Rarely will the children come out here for one of those, but they usually do not go this far out. When it is the older ones, the foreigners, and this far out from the shrine, it is usually because they are here to see…” He pauses, his voice and face shifting. “Her.”

“Who’s Her?” Haruno asks, mildly concerned.

He points to the two humans as they approach a rather large tree. They are examining the area when suddenly a trap springs, and they are suspended in the air, caught by a large net.

Rui, Haruno, and Kemuri are about to rescue them from their predicament when they hear a voice from above. “You’re not a boar.”

From somewhere in the tree branches, a woman descends to ground level. Dressed in long robes and a giant hat, a hint of boredom gleams from her silver eyes. With a wave of her hand, she releases her captives and they fall to the ground. The illusion of the tree fades as well, revealing a treehouse-like cottage from which she supposedly emerged from. As they pick themselves up one of them speaks. “You’re the one they told me about, you’re the hermit, right?”

“I’ve had my share of rumors about me.” She admits, “But there’s no value in errant words. Is there anything of value you have brought here to these woods, or are you just here for idle chatter?”

“I know better than to come to a place of business empty-handed. I was told you deal in some high-quality goods. Me and my companion here were looking to exchange for some of your finest product.”

“My finest product would be wasted on you, three drops could serve an elephant.” She smirks at their proposal. “However, I have much more plentiful, much more reasonable products that I believe are in line with what you are looking for. Please, show me your ‘sincerity’ in doing business first, and I will find you something suitable.” She leads them to the cottage, where they conduct their business.

Now that the three are alone, they begin to talk again. “They will be out soon, then it is just making sure they get back to the shrine safely.” Kemuri assures them.

“Excuse me if I’m being ignorant here, but can Hucrinis be two animals? I thought it was only one.” Haruno inquires.

“I haven’t heard of anything like it,” Rui adds.

Kemuri responds. “It is believed to be impossible, and is the reason why I was considered a bad omen to the village. It is why I can assume the forms of my animal lineages, and why I live here now, with the animals.”

“So you’re the ‘wild one’ the kids were talking about.” Haruno states.

“That is a story the adults tell their children to keep them from venturing into danger,” Kemuri explains. “In truth, I was cast out and had no choice but to seek refuge in the woods. The shrine workers help me from time to time, and in exchange, I keep wanderers safe from danger. That includes you two as well.”

The humans emerge from the tree, carrying a few flasks of distinctly deep red liquid, content with their negotiations. As they venture on their path back to the shrine, Rui, Haruno, and Kemuri continue following them, quietly chatting while the humans boast to each other.

“All this for potions? What is it, Elixir?” Rui questions.

Kemuri shakes his head. “A different kind of elixir perhaps. One that numbs and muddles the senses, and instills unwarranted confidence. Though I have heard that she spikes it with some healing potion for that extra kick.”

“What better way to sell something made to make you feel better artificially than to make it actually make you feel better as well, I guess.” Haruno muses.

They make it safely to the shrine, and Kemuri sees them off. “I appreciate your concern with these two, but I assure you I have the area under control. No need to put yourselves in danger and make my job harder.”

“Have you ever thought of becoming an adventurer? Someone with your skillset could be useful fighting monsters and helping others.” Haruno asks as they ready to part ways.

“Maybe one day, when this place needs less oversight, I will consider it. But for now, this forest is my home.” He responds, before turning away from them. Shapeshifting back into a tiger, he makes his way swiftly and silently back into the woods.

“What a strange person.” Rui wonders out loud.

“The both of them,” Haruno adds.