Shika pretended to listen to Natsume's idea.

So, she had absolutely no idea what Natsume said.

So, welp, hopefully that plan never happens.

Her brother, Ryū has transformed into a dragon and was flying around: trying to see any enemy patrols, so he could set them on fire... and possibly the whole forest in the process.

Shika was tempted to summon her deer, but decided to wait. Maybe it would be best if she had to escape. If she summoned it now and it died who knows how long it would take to come back.

But, she already planned to use her deer for something... she just had to wait.

When everybody else wasn't paying attention, when they were almost there, when she could sneak out and save everyone else, and then they'll realize she was right all along.

But that was a long ways away. And Shika didn't mind waiting. 

Keisuke began to walk with her. "I don't like this," he whispered.

"You don't?" Shika gasped. "But what about the rest of the town?"

"What? No! I mean, I want to save them, I really do," Keisuke protested. "It's just, I get scared easily."

Shika nodded, she could understand that. "Well, nobody is fearless," she told him. "Being brave is about rising over your fears, it doesn't mean being fearless." She smiled at him. "Besides, you're doing just fine, coming with us and all."

 Keisuke laughed. "Thanks, Shika," he said. "I'm really glad that you're on the team."

Shika laughed along with him, but her chest felt heavy.

Yeah, if only I can say the same thing about myself too.