Chapter 6: The Snow Witch
Jun paced around in his room in the Winter Rook, lost deep in thought. He didn't even notice as the old door creaked open, a younger woman poking her head around the corner. "Big brother?"
"Hm?" He looked up, managing a tired smile. "Hello, Emi."
Jun's younger sister was still in her teens, but boasted impressive magical ability, giving her her position as the Winter Bishop. Shorter than Jun, her hair and eyes were the same lavendar and sea-green, but her hair was much longer, clipped back in a loose ponytail. Like her brother, she was also surprisingly tan for a Winter native. "Big brother, I'm worried about Domani."
"So am I," he sighed. The trip back to Winter had been nothing short of hell, Jun making arrangements with Nikado and Ameko to get Rosabella's body back to Winter. The cat had been able to offer a short trip through the forest streams to get back, but Ameko had been scarce, as had been Domani, staying with his wife's body. Once back at the Winter Rook, he had reclaimed his infant daughter and locked himself away, preferring to stay alone and leaving Jun and Emi with handling all the details. He had never felt so exhausted from his work, coupled with the sense of his own failure. What was his promise worth? He'd said he would protect her, and he had failed to do that.
Emi scowled at him, putting her hands on her hip. "Big brother, stop being so...you. We need to think about how to best help Domani and the kingdom, right?"
"Right," he sighed. "Is Rosabella entombed?"
"Yes, and Domani wouldn't even come out to see her. The two of you are terrible," she said with a continued scowl. "I'm going to go tell him that."
"Emi," he sighed, getting up to go after her. "You really need to learn to take other people's feelings into account."
"There's taking feelings into account and then there's just feeling sorry for yourself. That's what he's doing now," she stated firmly, her fine lavendar hair catching in the breeze of her own walk. "At least you're doing something. Domani can't afford to sit back and lock himself away right now. What if Neverland attacked?"
"Woe be to the Neverlander that attacked now," Jun said with a shake of his head. "Leave him be, Emi."
She turned to give him another stern look before she stopped in front of the king's bedroom, trying the knob. It was locked. "King Domani?" she called, knocking firmly. "Open the door, please."
"I am sorry, but I wish to be left alone right now," came a quiet voice from within.
"Fine." She scowled, then sliced open her finger, drawing a quick design on the door.
"Emi!" Jun said in alarm, but she had already activated the spell, knocking the door in neatly. Jun sighed. "There are better ways of doing that, you know!"
"Domani!" Emi shouted as she stepped into the room. The man was sitting on his bed, Fia in his arms, the king stroking her hair gently. He looked as if he hadn't shaved or possibly even bathed since he returned. "You're a mess," she told him firmly. "You need to have a shave and a shower right now, or I'll make Jun drag you in there."
"Who said I was going to do any such thing?"
"You will because it needs to be done and you're good at that," she replied. "Domani, it's time to get off your butt and get back to work. You have to think about the kingdom. Rosabella's kingdom." He flinched at the name, but she pressed on. "You can't hide in here forever."
"I can if I want to," he mumbled, holding Fia to his chest.
"No, you can't," she replied, stomping her foot. "Not when there are people that depend on you. Look, you love her, right? You want to make her happy? Do you think this would really make her happy?"
"It doesn't matter," Domani said in a quiet, choked voice. "She's dead. My Rosabella is dead."
"And we're still alive," Emi countered, "and so is Fia. I'm sure Rosabella is watching you from the heavens. Do you really think it would make her happy to see you like this? It's the last thing she would want!"
Domani opened his mouth to say something, and Jun raised a hand. "That's enough, Emi. You've said your piece. I'll handle it from here."
She scowled at Jun, but turned on her heel, storming out of the room. "I'm sorry," Jun said. "Although she is right. Lady Rosabella would want you to take care of yourself."
"She doesn't understand how I feel," Domani muttered to himself. "None of you do."
"Of course she doesn't, sire," Jun answered coolly. "She saw her mother and all the friends she knew die. She doesn't dwell on the dead anymore. She focuses on the living. It's the only way she can cope. Losing Lady Rosabella is a tragic thing, and nothing can heal that wound. But it pains me even more to see you doing this to yourself. I'm sure she would feel the same way."
"How do you know what she feels?"
"You knew her, Domani, better than I did. If you think she would condone this for a moment, you are wrong. I'm sure she would scold you worse than Emi did." Jun sighed as Fia began to fuss in Domani's arms. "You're scaring Fia. She doesn't know what's wrong, she just knows that you're sad and she's scared. Let's get you cleaned up. You'll feel better afterwards."
Domani no longer had the strength to resist as Jun lifted Fia from his arms, comforting the girl. "I can't, Jun. I can't go on without her."
"You have to, because of her," he answered. "She gave you this kingdom and this little girl. Will you let them be destroyed."
"Sometimes, Jun, I do not like you very much," Domani sighed, but finally pushed himself off the bed, running a hand through his long silver hair. "What am I supposed to do, Jun?"
Jun was silent for a moment. "About the White Kingdom, sire."
The king's back went tense at the mention of the other kingdom. "I do not wish to hear about them."
"We need to, in order to continue our best interests, sire," Jun stated. "If the White Queen is killed as things are, with no heir and no other member in her court, the White Kingdom would probably fall for good. That would leave Neverland a very large border upon which to attack us. We can't stand by and let them be destroyed. I'm not suggesting we send armies or anything. Just one person to help."
"Just one person?" Domani looked at the knight in curiosity. "What person?"
Jun met his eyes evenly. "The snow witch."
Domani made a face at the mention of the name. "I don't care what she does. If it gets her out of our borders, all the better. You think she'd do it?"
"I think there's a decent chance she might. Let me speak to her."
"Do as you wish." Domani moved off to the bathroom.
Ameko had barely managed to do anything since Rosabella's death, and Nikado was concerned. The woman's courage was badly shaken by the Bandersnatch, and he couldn't offer any good ideas to even defend themselves against him, which might have eased her mind. The holes in the wall were repaired automatically by the castle itself, but the barrier was weaker than before, and Nikado knew it was only a matter of time until the Bandersnatch attacked again. And this time, Ameko would die, unable to defend herself and having no one else to sacrifice themselves for her.
Except me, the cat added sourly, but I doubt I'd make much of an impression on him. The cat left Ameko in bed, hopping up onto one of the exterior sides of a tower, peering out. From here, he could get a good look at the kingdom, checking absently for the monster, but no Bandersnatch was inside. Where's a vorpal blade when you need one.
A person some distance away caught his eye, and as he watched, the woman collapsed among the grass. He couldn't tell what was wrong at this distance, but something prompted him to let go of the tower, springing from the edge of the wall to a tree, moving in that direction.
Ameko was barely aware it was almost noon when she got up, dragging herself down the stairs, not really sure of where she was going. Avoiding the great hall, she walked around the outer courtyard, mind lost in thoughts she could barely track. The sound of the gates opening made her turn in anxiety, going over to the gates in time to see Nikado carrying a woman inside. "Who is that?" she asked. The woman was dressed in an odd robe with wide sleeves, her pure white hair falling down to her waist and her skin deathly pale.
"Don't know, but she's not doing too hot. Looks like she fainted, but she doesn't seem to be injured," the cat grunted, carrying her inside through the kitchen and down to the cooler.
"I'm a little surprised," she said. "I didn't think you'd rescue a complete stranger."
"Why?"
"Well, she is human."
"No, she's not," he replied, grasping her hand and touching it to the strange woman's forehead. The skin was cool to the touch, almost like ice.
Ameko's eyes widened in surprise. "What is she?"
"A snow witch, I believe. And probably a pretty powerful one at that, to be this cold. She probably can't tolerate the relative heat in White that well." Nikado dug some chunks of ice out of the cooler, setting them next to her body as he paced around inside the cold room, trying to keep warm himself.
"Which begs the question: what is she doing out here?"
"She was asked to do it," the woman spoke up suddenly, opening her eyes. They were a light, icy blue, and Ameko was sure that Nikado's assessment was correct. "She rather has a fondness for the child that asked, so she surmised it might be worth looking in to."
"Someone asked you to come out to White?" Nikado asked.
"That would be correct, cat. To be precise, I was requested to come to this very rook," she said, sitting up. "I thank you for your hospitality so far. If it would be more comfortable for my hosts to proceed with further conversation outside, I would most humbly be able to acquiese."
Ameko looked over the woman. Her way of speaking was oddly formal, and her voice was soft, her manner dignified. But there was something about the cool light in her eyes that she couldn't dismiss. "We wouldn't want to put your health at risk," Nikado said with a frown.
"I shall be fine. I have previously inhabited locations that were less forgiving in temperature. I merely have not traveled greatly for several years, and thus I am less acclimated to it. I shall adjust shortly." She rose to her feet in a smooth manner, giving the pair of them a bow. "Shall we depart from this place?"
Ameko frowned, but opened the freezer door, following the woman out. "Did someone from Winter send you?" Nikado asked her. "Why? Who are you?"
"I, sir cat, am Yukita Yamato, and you would be correct in your assessment that I am what many refer to as a 'snow witch'. And you must be Lady Ameko, the Queen of the White Kingdom," she said with another bow to the younger woman. "It is a pleasure to meet you. I have been requested by the Winter Knight to assist your kingdom."
"I appreciate it," Ameko replied sincerely. "Shall I make you some tea?"
"That would be most appreciated. I find that conversation is more aptly achieved over a cup of tea," she replied. "Please do not feel obligated to serve it cool. I am adequately capable of tolerating hot tea and do quite enjoy it."
"Here, I'll make you some tea," Nikado said to Ameko. "You two talk."
"I am in your debt, Cheshire," Yukita said with another bow to him.
"This way," Ameko offered, leading her back through the kitchen to the dining room, pulling out a chair for her. Yukita accepted gracefully, her wooden sandals clacking on the stone floor. "That's a lovely outfit," Ameko observed. "Is it Autumn in origin?"
"Yes, that would be an accurate assumption," Yukita said with a nod, "although, of course, much of Autumn's culture comes from a location in the Mirror World."
"You know of the Mirror World? In that sort of detail, I mean?"
Yukita gave her a smooth, almost sly, smile. "I am well-versed in many things of both the Mirror World, Wonderland, and Neverland. I have had ample time to accumulate such knowledge."
"Please tell me!" Ameko begged, seizing her hand suddenly. "Please tell me...how do I defeat the Bandersnatch?"
Yukita met her eyes evenly. "You don't. As you are, you stand little chance of a victory against the Bandersnatch. He has been alive for a very long time, White Queen. The number of bodies he has left behind are countless."
"Then...I'm sorry to have made you come all this way," Ameko said quietly, lowering her head. "I think he'll come back for me soon. I can't defeat him."
"Of course you can't when you're busy feeling sorry for yourself," Yukita pointed out. "You are so terrified that you have already lost to your fear. You can't face a real enemy if you can't face yourself, White Queen."
"But I don't know how. I saw him, Miss Yukita. I saw him destroy my grandparents. I've never seen anything so horrible, so violent and sick. I wasn't even able to imagine such a thing."
"Now you have," Yukita replied calmly, "and thus you can move along and begin to conquer it. It's a necessary step in your ascension, White Queen."
Ameko sighed as Nikado brought out the tea, curling up on the end of the table. "What do I need to do, then," Ameko said in a low tone. "What do I need to do...to make myself stronger?"
"That would be a good start," Yukita replied, pleased, as she took a sip of the tea. "This is quite an excellent brew, Cheshire."
"Call me Nikado," he said with a flick of an ear.
She smiled. Ameko found herself wondering, but then remembered that Yukita had already given her name. She'd done it with absolutely no fear, as well. Either she knew Nikado wouldn't use it against her...or she didn't care if he tried. "Your power should be adequate, for the moment," Yukita said after a moment, taking her time to enjoy the tea. "What you must now possess is a greater understanding."
"I need knowledge," Ameko stated. "You know what I need to know?"
"Yes, although if you expect me to simply give you answers then you are not perhaps as ready as I first believed. Do you know the right questions to ask?"
Ameko considered the question seriously, taking a moment to sip at her own tea. It was surprisingly bitter, moreso than Nikado's usual effort. "I'm not sure."
"That will pass for the moment, I suppose. I shall give you a question, then. Are you aware of the affinity of the White Rook and the White royal family?"
The younger woman was silent for a long moment. "Is it time?" she asked at last.
"You would be correct."
"But it's not as simple as that," Ameko said after Yukita didn't continue. "It's not like I go traveling to the past or the future. This castle remembers what's happened before. It was hiding inside time." A sudden realization came to her. "When I'm restoring the castle...I'm not repairing it. I'm returning it to a previous space in time."
"Very good so far," Yukita said with a nod.
Ameko tapped her fingers on the cup, puzzling through what else could be connected to her thought. "So it's not that I cast time magic. It's that I work through time in order to do what I do. It's an affinity, not a type." She frowned, trying to think of how she could word it better. "For example, the barrier around the castle works by not allowing someone to pass through that space in the present."
"Excellently done, White Queen. You've captured a small understanding."
"So what all can I do with my power, then?" she asked.
"What do you believe you can do?"
Ameko considered. "Or is a better question, what can't I do?"
"Are you asking me or informing me?"
"Informing...I guess." Ameko crossed her arms. "So to defeat the Bandersnatch, I need to think of a better way to use my powers. What can you tell me about the Bandersnatch, Miss Yukita?"
"Now that is a fair question to ask," the snow witch replied, setting down her cup. "The Bandersnatch is one of the generals of Neverland, one of the highest ranked. He's one of the original creatures created by the King of Neverland. More powerful, but in some ways, his early creations are also more imperfect."
"Imperfect how?" Nikado asked, ears perked in Yukita's direction and tail swishing.
She smiled at him. "Some of his early creations do not always keep their loyalties with Neverland."
He sat up at that, fixing her with a gaze. "You mean it's possible for monsters to leave Neverland?"
"Monster is such an inelegant word," Yukita stated, "please do not use it again. Yes, those who possess a greater depth of soul than the current flimsy designs are capable of throwing off their fetters. Any creature with a soul has the ability to choose its own path in life."
"If that's so," Nikado challenged, ears folding back, "then how come no cats have ever gone to Neverland?"
"They're not physically able. Neverland's energies are a poison to them. Therefore, Neverland is the greatest threat to them."
"The Bandersnatch," Ameko pressed. "What are its abilities?"
Yukita looked over at her, then took a sip of the tea. "Its main ability, as you have put it, is that it is able to absorb the techniques of others by defiling them with its own poison."
Ameko nodded slowly. "And what are the limitations on that ability?"
Yukita smiled. "Very good, White Queen. As you have surmised, there is a weakness to that ability. That magic that he absorbs comes from the living. The power can be sustained only for so long when the owner of that power has deceased."
"How long?" Ameko pressed. "Would fifty years be enough time for it to vanish?"
"More than ample. What makes you think that he has not found others to absorb power from in the meantime?"
"That's fine," she said with a nod. "At least I know he's not going to be using my own kind of power against me. I don't have enough knowledge of it to be able to fight him on an equal footing inside of time. I think...that's how he took out the White Court the last time. He started with the weakest and killed the others to absorb their power in order to take on the White Queen. Miss Yukita, I have another question. Why did the Bandersnatch attack at that time? If he's been around a long time, why not a different generation?"
Yukita looked at her for a long moment, then went back to her tea. "That I do not know. It is something I would endeavor to discover, should our paths cross again."
"You've met the Bandersnatch before?" Nikado asked.
"Many times, Cheshire. He and I have a long understanding."
Ameko put her cup down, looking at Yukita. "Is it because you used to work alongside him?"
Nikado sat up, but Yukita seemed unbothered by the question. "Alongside would imply some kind of kinship, I believe, and that we did not have. But yes, we both worked under the King. He is the one that created us both, after all."
"You're not just a snow witch," Nikado said in surprise. "You're the mother of all snow witches."
"That would be an accurate statement."
"Why did you leave Neverland?" Ameko asked her.
"Should I not have?"
"No, but the King of Neverland made you to be obedient to him, right? How did you undo that way of thinking?"
Yukita set her own cup down. "Love."
"Love?" both Ameko and Nikado echoed.
She smiled at them. "It has a way of changing your thinking, shall we say. Did you think I established my line by siring with just any creature that crossed my path?"
"Hardly," Nikado replied. "That would be far too undignified."
The smile grew slightly. "Indeed it would, Cheshire. You understand quite well, although I should expect a cat would know something of dignity."
"I'm sorry," Ameko apologized suddenly. "You must still be exhausted from all this heat and here I am asking all these difficult questions of you."
"If you feel the desire to continue your expansion of knowledge, White Queen, then by all means we shall keep going," Yukita told her. "This will not affect my health. Cheshire, is there another pot of tea on the stove, perhaps?"
"I'll go bring it out." He hopped off the table, bare feet padding down to the kitchen.
Ameko paced around, thinking. "Thank you for coming out here, Miss Yukita. I feel a little bit better about my chances against the Bandersnatch. He will come again for me."
"That would be a certain outcome, yes. You have other questions for me?"
"I have so many questions, but I don't know where to begin," Ameko said with a shake of her head. "I guess a good question would be, what should I do now to prepare myself for when the Bandersnatch returns? What if he attacks before I'm able to face him?"
"Are you frightened of facing him?"
"You'd have to be a fool not to be, or very powerful," Ameko replied, "and I'm neither, I hope. But I don't feel like it's an impossible situation. I won't freeze up again like I did. I can't afford to. Miss Rosabella...died because I let myself be controlled by my fear. It won't happen again."
Yukita kept her eyes on the other woman as Ameko paced around. "Then I would say you are at least prepared within your spirit to meet him again. That should be the defining aspect. If it is power, arrangements can be made around that. Power is easy enough to gain. Courage is not."
Ameko nodded. "Will you be staying long, Miss Yukita, or at least the night? I still have many things I wish to ask of you, but now isn't the time for some of those questions."
The snow demon nodded. "I will be staying as long as necessary. I am not one to become a part of your Court, but I will be honored to share my knowledge with you, White Queen."
The next morning, Ameko awoke early, and for once, she felt ready to face the day. The pain and guilt of losing Rosabella to the Bandersnatch was still there, but the fear of the Bandersnatch had lessened to a controllable degree, and her limbs felt unshackled, able to move again.
Nikado was asleep at the foot of her bed, ears perking up as she sat up. "Are you awake? How do you feel?"
"I feel well. I'm going to see if Miss Yukita is up," she declared, throwing off the sheets. "Would you mind stepping out so I can change?"
He stretched and hopped off the bed, tail held high as he left, shutting the door behind him. Once outside, he sniffed the air, and could detect the faint odor of cooking, coming from the kitchen. "Whatever you're making, it smells good," he observed.
"I have performed better," Yukita sighed, tossing the meat around in the pan, "but it shall have to suffice. I have updated the spell upon the cupboards, but meat will still be in short supply. Do you prefer yours raw or cooked?"
"Either is fine, so in the interests of not being messy, let's say cooked." Nikado climbed up onto a shelf, watching her from above. Leaning forward, he sniffed at her.
"And how is my smell, Cheshire?"
"Good," he said after a moment. "You don't smell like Neverland at all."
"I would think not. After all this time away from Neverland, their negative energies would probably be as deadly to me as they are to you. Were you concerned that I was lying to you?"
He shook his head. "I was just curious. I've never met someone like you before."
"And you never will again, in many senses," she replied, picking up a plate and sliding the meat onto it. Nikado noted with a start that she was no longer in the Autumn-style dress from before, but now in something more classic, more suited to the inner kingdoms, and with sleeves short enough to prevent them getting dipped in the cooking. "It's a shame about your mother."
"You knew my mother?" he asked in surprise.
"There were quite a few that knew of her outside of your forest. I make it my business to keep informed of the current events in our world, and your mother was a good source for me. I would say that she should have never trusted that man, but how can one go wrong with love?"
"When it's only one-sided," Nikado muttered.
"Are you afraid of having a love that is one-sided?" Yukita asked with a sly smile.
"No. I don't plan on ever falling in love," he stated, tail swishing.
"My dear Cheshire, no one ever plans on falling in love."
He looked out the window, staring at the dust motes that drifted down in the morning light. "I don't have anyone of my own kind to love, Yukita. Of either kind."
"I do not believe that is true, either," she said with a slight smile.
"What do you mean by that?"
"Good morning," Ameko greeted, stepping down into the kitchen. "That smells fabulous. How did you make it?"
"Starting with the questions early in the morning, I see," Yukita said with a soft smile as she handed Ameko a plate. "It is a simple enough recipe. It comes from the Black Kingdom."
"Do you know a lot about the other kingdoms?" Ameko asked.
"I have been to all of them, so I would say that I know a fair bit about them," the snow demon replied.
"Even to Summer?" Nikado asked.
"The weather is certainly horrendous, but the company is actually quite delightful."
Ameko took a seat, Nikado jumping down from his shelf to curl up on a chair, resting his arms on the small kitchen table. "Well, first things first," Yukita stated. "After breakfast, we will have to see what all needs to be taken into effect, but from what I have seen so far you are in a rather lamentable state of affairs."
"Lamentable?"
"You have no fresh sources of food," she stated, "no meat, eggs, or a ready supply of vegetables."
"I planted a garden," Ameko protested.
"Yes, but it is hardly ready for use yet. And you cannot continue hunting animals nearby forever. We will have to see about getting some livestock."
Nikado perked his ears at that. "Perhaps a cow," he suggested, trying to sound casual. "They're low-maintenance and have lots of uses."
Yukita smiled at that. "Then we will see about getting a proper staff in this place. Are you familiar with the nearby settlements?"
Ameko shook her head. "I've been told that I need to do that, though."
"Indeed, you do."
Nikado grinned, then frowned as he noticed Ameko's expression. "You don't like cows?"
"No," she said softly. "I think he's back."
"My, what an impatient fellow," Yukita observed, getting to her feet. "And we have not even had breakfast yet." She handed Ameko a slice of bread before walking past her.
Ameko followed, the bread almost forgotten in her hand. "You're going to face him?"
"I said nothing of the sort." Yukita entered the great hall with a swish of skirts, stopping a few feet inside the hall. Ameko went to the doorway, Nikado following.
The Bandersnatch was once again in the center of the hall, grinning as he spotted Ameko. "Hello, White Queen. I've come for you again."
She scowled, fingers twitching. She wasn't sure exactly how she was going to fight, but damn it all if she was going to get killed without a struggle.
Yukita held out an arm. "This is not the place or time, White Queen," she commented calmly.
"He seems to disagree," Ameko pointed out.
"Yes, I do," the Bandersnatch agreed, tongue lashing out. "Or do you mean to fight me instead, Biela? I wouldn't mind trying my hand against you."
"White Queen," Yukita said firmly. "You are a queen. It is unbecoming to yield to this sort of thuggery. This is not the place or time for you, as I have stated."
"I'm not going to let anyone else be killed on my behalf," Ameko replied. "I'm not sitting by and doing nothing."
"Actually, I must insist that you do exactly that for the moment," Yukita replied. "Cheshire, if you will."
"Huh?" Nikado spoke up from behind Ameko. "What do you want me to do?"
"Take her away," Yukita stated. "I will hold him here for a while. You must not let her return until she understands what it is she needs to defeat the Bandersnatch. Do you understand?"
His ears shot up. "All right," he said slowly, putting an arm around Ameko.
"Hey! Cat!" she protested as he took off at a run through the kitchen, making his way out the back door. With a spring, he jumped into a tree, bare feet catching the bark with his claws, and then he leapt up to the wall, jumping over. "Damn it, Nikado! Put me down!"
His tail poofed out at the use of his name, but he kept running, making his way through the trees to the edge of the forest. Behind them, Ameko gasped as the castle shimmered, a crystalline shield encasing the entire castle. "No, Yukita! I can't let her face him alone!"
"Stop being foolish, Ameko Satoka," he told her. "Yukita is a former general of Neverland and the mother of all snow witches. You think she can't hold her own against him at the least? You belittle her."
Ameko finally stopped resisting, but continued to look at the castle before it disappeared from view between the trees. "It's not right. What does she want me to do? What does she expect me to do out here?"
"I don't know," Nikado replied, "but I can't let you go back there until you've figured out what it is you have to do. You know that better than anyone, Ameko. You're the White Queen."
"There's a limit to what I can do, though!" she shouted at him. "I don't know everything, Nikado. I'm not all-powerful. I can't just throw power around willy-nilly and it'll all magically make itself work!"
"Look," Nikado told her. "I have an idea. Let's stay in the forest for a bit. Things have a way of working themselves out here. We'll stop by my place, and then we'll take a walk around. You already have the power to do what it is you need to do. You just have to figure out what it is. The forest can help with that."
"How?"
He shrugged helplessly. "It's the forest. It has its own rhyme and reason. Even cats don't understand what it is that makes this place tick. But we do all understand that while we're here, we learn."
Ameko let out a sigh. "Since you won't let me go back until I do, I guess I have no choice. Which direction is your...house?"
He nodded. "Well, it's more of a nest in a tree. You'll see when we get there." He hopped up into a tree, sniffing the air, then hopped back down, gesturing for her to follow. "This way."
"You're not lost, are you?" she asked slowly as she followed.
"No. Why would you think that?"
"Well, you were just looking around, and...I figured you already knew where we were."
"I do know where we are. I'm just making sure nothing's changed," he replied. "The forest has a tendency to do that, you know. Even in my territory, I have to be careful. Why, just the other day, I--"
The cat abruptly vanished from sight, and Ameko gasped in surprise. There was no noise or anything to indicate that a spell had happened or that he was still there, so she guessed it was a stream of magic. Which meant only one thing to do.... Stepping forward, she jumped into the stream of magic.
The world went out of focus, shifting in to various colors and blurry shapes before it snapped back into focus, dumping her on top of Nikado. The cat let out a little growl of protest, wriggling his way out from under her. "That was reckless," he scolded her.
"You were saying about things changing?" she pointed out lightly.
"Yeah, yeah, don't remind me," he grumbled, climbing up into a tree and looking around, taking a sniff of the air. Scowling, he looked around some more.
"Are we lost?" she called up to him.
"We're not lost," he replied immediately. "I just don't know where we are right now. Be quiet for a moment and let me listen."
She did so, falling quiet as he looked around again. "We're rather deep into the forest. Surprisingly so. That was a long stream."
"How far away are we by foot?" she asked.
"Dunno. Perhaps a day or so. I've never really been around here."
"How are we going to find our way back?" she asked with a frown, feeling a bit of worry.
"We'll use my sense of direction and the streams," he replied. "Like I said, cats don't get lost."
"Look, it's okay if you admit you're lost--"
"I'm not lost!" he shouted at her. "Lost would imply that you don't know where to go, and if you'd be quiet long enough for me to figure it out, I would."
She couldn't help but giggle, shaking her head as she let him look around. "All right," he said at last, hopping down. "This is the direction we need to go. Stay close."
