After his descent, Haze picked up his katana, sheathed it, and tried to massage his hand to ease the pain. The impact had done some damage, but he didn't have time to dwell on it. After a moment, he straightened up and got moving.
"There's no way what just happened wasn't done on purpose. Damn bastards!" he said in stride, taking occasional glances backward.
Moving forward, he noticed surroundings similar to where he had crashed down, though not as rough and chaotic. [One of them might have spawned around here too,] he thought, going in for a second look. He examined the tree and noticed scratches on the bark, along with a hole that looked like it had been made by a knife. Feeling it, he realized it was quite deep.
"What could have made this—" he started, then gasped as realization hit. [Must have been used for leverage.] Someone had been here, and they'd used the tree to steady themselves, just as he had.
There was no reason for him to waste time there, so he moved on. He tried to remember the weapons each of them had selected, but he couldn't. It was no use.
Approaching the end of the forest, he heard noises. [What could it be?] He stood still, held his breath, crouched down slightly, and began taking measured steps toward the source of the sound. Hiding behind a tree, he looked ahead and saw a stream.
"A stream? Don't tell me!" Haze muttered under his breath. He had been to Heichi before, and the sight of the stream triggered a memory. He was close to town, closer than he'd thought. His eyes scanned the area, taking in every detail. The stream was narrow, clear water reflecting sunlight and a rocky bank. On the other side, he spotted a boy, no older than fifteen, crouched by the water's edge. The boy was alone, filling a small wooden bucket with water. He didn't look dangerous, just a kid doing chores.
But Haze knew better. Appearances could be deceiving, but this boy might be his only way out of the forest and into town without drawing attention. He had to act quickly. Capture the boy, keep him quiet, and get the information he needed.
[No noise, no mistakes,] Haze thought, his grip tightening on the hilt of his katana. He crouched low, moving silently through the underbrush. The boy was focused on his task, completely unaware of his presence.
Haze had to be fast. The others were out there somewhere, and this boy might have seen who left the marks back in the forest. Finally, he crossed the stream, the cold water soaking his boots as he stepped onto the opposite bank. The boy had already stood up, bucket in hand, and was walking along an open path. The trees here were sparse, almost as if the forest continued but wasn't as dense as before.
Haze's eyes narrowed. He had to act fast if he wanted any information at all. Moving silently, he trailed the boy, his footsteps barely making a sound. After a moment, he increased his pace, closing the distance between them. In one swift motion, he reached for the boy's mouth, clamping a hand over it while grabbing his neck from behind.
The boy froze, his body stiffening in shock. The bucket slipped from his hands, water spilling onto the ground as he struggled to free himself. Haze dragged him into the shadows of the trees, his voice a low whisper. "Shhhhh. I won't hurt you."
The boy's muffled cries turned into panicked grunts, his struggles growing more frantic. But Haze's grip was firm, his tone calm but commanding. "Mmmm mmm," the boy tried to shout, his voice muffled by Haze's hand. Finally, he stopped struggling, his body going slack as he realized Haze wasn't going to let him go if he kept trying to resist.
Slowly, Haze released his hand from the boy's mouth and neck, though he kept a firm grip on his shoulder to prevent him from escaping. The boy stayed still, his breathing ragged but controlled, his eyes, wide, darting nervously.
"Who are you?" the boy asked, his voice trembling with fear. He started to turn his head, but Haze stopped him with a hand on his cheek, forcing him to look straight ahead.
"Don't turn back," Haze warned. "I ask the questions, you answer, and I let you go. Nod if you understand."
The boy hesitated, then gave a small, reluctant nod.
"Where were you heading to?" Haze began.
"M-my house," the boy stammered, voice shaking.
[That probably wasn't what I should have asked,] Haze thought. "Where are we?" he rephrased.
"The forest, not too far from town," the boy answered, his voice steadier now.
"I see…" Haze paused. "What's happening over in Heichi right about now?"
Panicking, he answered "I-I… the Fushens are slowly taking over the town. Most of my friends and I got scared of what might happen to orphans like us, so we're living close to the forest now."
Lowering his voice while his grip tightened slightly on the boy's shoulder. "Has anyone else been through this path aside from me today?"
The boy winced but nodded quickly. "Yes, just one. He went that way," he said, pointing in the direction he had been headed.
"Let's go," Haze said, more of a command.
"What? Go where?" the boy asked.
"To town," Haze responded, his eyes scanning the surroundings for any signs of danger. Just then, the boy realized Haze's grip had loosened slightly. Seizing the opportunity, he twisted around swiftly.
"Good, my height," the boy muttered, pushing Haze's hands upward and breaking free. Before Haze could react, the boy grabbed his other hand and pulled him closer, reaching for Haze's sides to pickpocket him. Instead, his fingers brushed against the hilt of Haze's katana. He stepped back, pulling the sword free and pointing it at Haze. The blade gleamed softly, its tip few inches away from Haze's neck.
Haze was now disarmed, shocked, and in a bit of pain from his fall earlier.
Haze's instincts kicked in, his body moving before his mind could process. He took a slow step back, hands raised in silent compliance. But the boy mirrored him, closing the gap, blade still aimed at his throat. A smirk surfaced on his face, subtle yet laced with triumph.
"Now," he said, his voice cloaked in confidence, "I'll do the asking, and you'll do the talking."