Past Future Present

Luca awoke with his bed surrounded: Tsumugi curled beside him in her cat form and Lefn and Aiko sleeping around him in a protective circle. He looked at them all and muttered with a hint of exasperation, "Of course." Carefully, he slipped out of bed without disturbing anyone and made his way out quietly, dagger in hand.

The chill of morning clung in the air as Luca approached where the village chief stood waiting for him. "I'll be gone for a few days," he told the chief. "I'm leaving them in your hands, Chief."

The Chief nodded gravely, his hand offering reassurance to Luca's shoulder. "I will not ask where you go, Luca. I'll only ask that you come back."

Luca's eyes softened with gratitude. "I will.