A faint sound disturbed the quiet of the forest.
At first it was barely noticeable. The sound was soft and distant. It almost blended into the natural rhythm of the wind.. Gradually it became clearer. Footsteps.
Leaves rustled under movement and small branches snapped quietly beneath steady weight. The sound was not random or scattered. It was organized. There were many of them sixteen demi-humans in total.
From between the trees shadows began to shift. One by one figures emerged, moving cautiously as they scanned their surroundings on guard against any danger. Some appeared older their faces worn with fatigue and experience. Three children stayed close to the adults clinging to them as they walked. The rest were a mix of middle-aged individuals their movements slow but determined.
Among the demi-humans seven were cat demi-humans. Their ears stood upright twitching slightly as they listened to every sound around them alert and cautious. A few members of the group stood out. They wore outfits, fitted and practical clothing that resembled that of guards or escorts. Each of them carried a weapon: swords, short spears and daggers. Two were women and five were men and from their posture it was clear they were the protectors of the demi-humans.
The others looked less prepared. Their clothes were simple worn like those of villagers. Some had injuries, bandages wrapped around arms or legs. A few leaned on others for support as they walked exhaustion evident in every step.
Step by step the demi-humans moved through the forest. Then they saw Miyuki. Beneath a tree Miyuki lay asleep her body still and peaceful completely unaware of their presence. The demi-humans instinctively slowed, their eyes shifting as they took in the scene until they noticed Haruto.
Haruto stood nearby and in that instant the atmosphere changed, suspicion and tension quietly settling in the air. From a distance the scene looked clear to the demi-humans. A human standing over a demi- girl lying defenseless on the ground. To the demi-humans there was one conclusion. He had captured Miyuki.. Now he was about to turn Miyuki into a slave.
A young cat demi-human girl stepped forward slightly her ears twitching sharply as her gaze fixed on Haruto. A weapon rested across her back marking her as one of the guards. Her voice was low. Firm. "We should save Miyuki before he enslaves Miyuki or worse." The other demi-humans silently agreed, their grip tightening around their weapons.
Meanwhile Haruto remained unaware of their thoughts. From his perspective the demi-humans were simply a group passing through the forest perhaps even heading in the direction. A flicker of hope crossed his mind. Maybe the demi-humans could help. Maybe they knew where other demi-humans lived or where he and Miyuki could find safety.
He took a step forward intending to speak.. Before he could say a word, an arrow shot toward him. His eyes. His body reacted instantly. He twisted to the side barely dodging it as the arrow flew past his head and struck a tree behind him. Another followed. Haruto raised his arm instinctively deflecting it enough to avoid a direct hit.
"Wait—" he tried to shout. "I'm not—". The demi-humans did not listen. More arrows came, forcing him to retreat behind a nearby tree. His breathing grew uneven as he pressed his back against the bark his mind racing to understand what was happening.
Then it hit him. Miyuki. His eyes shifted toward where Miyuki lay. The demi-humans were not attacking Miyuki; they were only targeting him. Which meant the demi-humans thought he captured Miyuki. "They think I captured Miyuki " he muttered under his breath.
His grip tightened slightly. ". If thats what the demi-humans believe " he thought, glancing back, toward the approaching demi-humans their weapons ready, their expressions filled with hostility. "Then words were never going to save him Haruto."