Morning

When I wake, I instinctively reach for my necklace, and sit up startled when my hand clutches nothing but air. In the dim light, I recall the events of yesterday. It seems like weeks or months ago that I left to go camping with my friends, not one day.

From the noises in the cave, I can tell that at least one person is awake and moving around. I carefully scan my surroundings before I quickly get dressed. Using the waterfall, I wash my face. The cold water instantly makes me more awake.

When I step out of my sleeping area, I can see the outline of Arakan at the mouth of the cave. He is standing and watching the horizon. A small sound causes me to look to my left and I see Teruma sitting against the wall, his catlike eyes watching me.

"Good morning," I call out.

Arakan turns with a wide grin and replies "Good morning! You slept late!"

Teruma simply replies "Morning" as he watches me. It seems he is still pouting from yesterday.

"Nobu is getting breakfast today," Arakan I find me as he stands sideways so he can see me and the forest.

"Why are always watching the forest," I ask " you three are the strongest out there, right?"

"With the prize being as large as it is, there is a chance someone from a lesser tribe would try to steal you away." Teruma answers, but quickly adds "not that I am saying you are prize."

"Thanks" I smile at him. "But how would they know about me being here?"

"Word travels fast in our world, especially that of a new king. There has not been a king of the Yokai in over 490 years. Kami has ruled since then and is only now allowing for a new king to be chosen." Teruma explains as he stands and approaches me.

" I brought you these," he hands me a finely wrapped package "as atonement for yesterday".

I carefully open the package and inside is a thin gold necklace with a single pearl.

" It's beautiful," I exclaim as I hold the necklace up.

"May I help you put the necklace on?" He asks.

I nod and he gently takes the necklace from my hand and walks behind me. I can feel his gentle and warm hands as they brush my hair to the side. I still cannot believe how amazing he smells as he stands closer to me. His hand caress my neck as he carefully clasps it together.

"There"he said, stepping back and walking back around to face me.

As I look down on the necklace, I notice that the pearl is almost glowing, it is so perfectly white.

"Thank you" I say again as I look at Terum with a smile.

He smiles back at me with a happy, but almost wry smile. It is then I notice Arakan sulking by the cave.

"Teruma," he call "you stand guard, I have something I need to get." And with that, he leaps out of the cave.

As Teruma walks dutifully to the front of the cave, his tail brushes my legs. This makes me jump and causes goosebumps all over my body.

"Sorry," he apologizes as he looks back me, smiling. But his eyes say something different. They look at me like a hungry dog and I shiver.

"I need to, ahh" I start.

"Sorry, it is just my nature to be playful," he grins and turns towards the forest. "When you are ready to play, I am right here."

It was then the arrow went through his shoulder.