Runaway (4)

 "Hi, Woohee. I'm Sakura."

Woohee waves one of her arms but seems to shy to come all the way out of hiding.

"Why don't you go introduce yourself, Josh?"

"Okay."

"The young boy slogs his way over to the tree and kneels down next to Sakura.

"I'm Josh."

I guess I shouldn't have expected more than that but I was hoping his introduction would be more enthusiastic.

"They seem like good kids."

"AHH!" I jump back from the voice suddenly appearing next to me. Only after I see the burning red hair of the the fairy leader do I begin to calm down.

"Do you have to do that? You're going to give me a heart attack."

"It's not my fault you can only see what's right in front of you." She shrugs.

"What, so you have eyes on the back of your head or something?" I throw up my arms in exasperation.

"I believe you humans call it the perception stat; By concentrating on my surroundings, I'm able to fully grasp its composition."

A quick glance at my stats reveals my miserably low perception stat which hasn't increased at all since I came to this world.

My frustration turns to curiosity as i consider the consequences of what I've just heard.

"How thoroughly can you register the composition of your surroundings?"

Inari smirks as if seeing a fish bite the bait.

"There are Nineteen Humans in the area, other than yourselves; twenty-two birds roosting upon the tree to you left and five hundred forty six insects within a meter of where you're standing."

"You could just be making those numbers up. I doubt you are but I can't verify it myself." The conversation has taken an odd turn and I realize I have no control over where it's headed.

"You were assaulted earlier which has led to swelling and increased blood flow to your right pectoral, The slight flushing in your face and defensive stance tell me you were talking to someone you find attractive about an hour ago and the sloshing liquid in your bladder tells me you need to use the bathroom." Inari says as she stares directly into my eyes.

"Neat. I actually do need to relieve myself, do you mind?"

"Of course. And before you ask, there are no monsters in the area."

"Thanks."

I step deeper into the woods as my mind races from the barrage of information I just endured.

My whole body relaxes. I can feel the tension fall from my shoulders.

Again, I'm not dead so at most she's only threatening me. While it is intimidating to be seen through so completely like that, it does raise some interesting questions. Will I be able to make similar deductions if I raise my Perception stat high enough? Does it provide some kind of sixth sense?

I finish my business and return to the group of children and fairies.

"So, you wanted to make a deal of some sort?"

"Something like that." I try not to give away my surprise that she's figured out the purpose of my visit. "I was hoping you would help me and my friends navigate the forest."

"What's in it for me?" Inari asks as she raises an eyebrow.

"Nothing." I say flatly.

"So you want me to waste my time helping you wander around the forest?"

"Well, for one it doesn't have to be you specifically. I doubt all the fairies need your help avoiding monsters otherwise I never would have found Woohee in that cave by herself. Secondly, I'm just asking for a favor. I need to make some money to support my family and it'd be much easier if we could safely dive deeper into the woods."

"Woohee will help!" the young fairy says as she flies up to my side.

"Why thank you, Woohee, but Inari is going to have the final say in this."

Woohee looks up at the leader of the fairies with her big puppy dog eyes. I can tell by the pained expression on Inari's face that my request is all but granted.

Inari frowns and suddenly both fairies vanish right before my eyes.

Man, I'm really off base today.

"Alright, that's cool. Thanks anyway."

"Who are you talking to?"

I turn around to see a man with a large feathered hat walking my way from the depths of the forest. He is flanked on either side by two more men.

"What do you mean? There's no one here." I reply.

"You were clearly talking to someone." He stands with his hands on his hips as he speaks to me, as if talking down to garbage.

"How could I be? I'm the only one here."

"That's what I'm asking." He asks in frustration.

"It's a damn good question cause I'm asking the thing." I say in mock exasperation.

"Phh, whatever," The man sighs. "Come on boys."

Three men trod past me to leave the forest. On a whim I shoot him a question.

"Hey, what's your name?"

"Finch, the leader of Goldmark. I'm sure you've heard of me." He says while looking smug.

"Nope."

I head over to the kids without waiting for a response. Internally I'm feeling pretty proud of myself that I remembered to ask someone for their name.

"Who was that?" Sakura asks.

"That was um... Shit I just asked him and now I can't remember. I think it was Mark or something. Anyway, he's the leader of Goldmember."

"His name is Finch and he's the leader of Goldmark."

"Ah, that was it. Thanks." I say as I turn to Inari.

"That was quite the rhetorical technique. I don't think I've ever seen that before."

"The key is to say something so stupid that they don't know to respond." I say while stroking my chin.

Inari smiles as she observes me.

"Very well. I'll take you up on your offer. But I'm sure you're aware of the consequences of betrayal." Her tone darkens near the end to punctuate her intentions.

"You'll kill me; got it. Anyway, we have enough stuff for today I think so how about we all meet up tomorrow." I offer.

"Sure!" Sakura shouts, excitedly. It's amazing to see her change her tune after meeting the fairies.

"Okay."

"I can't say for sure that I'll have time to join you but I'll make sure to send someone as your escort."

"Woohee can't wait!"

"Perfect, we'll see you then."