Page 49 of Fumiko and the Finicky Nestmate
“Of a sort,” Juuyu agreed.
“He reminds me a little of Harmonious Starmark. His smile.”
“Moon is brother to Harmonious’ mother.”
Akira looked pleased by this revelation. “And he’s Boon’s partner?”
“He is.” Juuyu supposed it was as good a time as any to lay some groundwork. “Although Moon has more years, Boon is our leader. Our strength is currently divided. Moon seeks the bandit, while Boon seeks the Rogue. If they are one and the same, then our paths may converge. Here.”
Eyes widening, Akira whispered, “Does Suuzu know the Rogue might be here?”
“Nobody knows where the Rogue is. Everything is speculation.” Juuyu looked to Sinder. “Although I do not think the Gentleman Bandit is a dragon.”
Sinder’s eyebrows shot up.
Juuyu signaled for patience. They would have to talk later. “Do you require rescue?”
Akira tentatively suggested, “We could sleep here tonight, couldn’t we?”
“What about dinner?” interjected Sinder. “They’re expecting us, and we can’t be rude. Switch with Juuyu. Since Colt and Hallow are at work, it’s up to you and me to entertain the ladies. We’ll bring back a tray and tuck you in with Moon after that. Yeah?”
“You’re right. Yes, okay.”
Sinder lifted, and Juuyu pulled.
Before Akira left, he caught Juuyu’s sleeve. “You’ll stay right here, won’t you?”
Eyeing the confines of the room and the available floor space, Juuyu bowed to the wishes of his brother’s nestmate. Grown or not, Akira would always be a chick in his nest.
With a flick of his fingers, Juuyu silently urged Sinder and Akira to give way. Once they were both hovering on the threshold, Juuyu took truest form. It was a close fit, but he managed with only a minor crush of feathers.
Akira was clearly used to this sort of thing, for he was quick to help adjust the curve of Juuyu’s trailing tail feathers.
Fanning a wing over his sleeping teammate, Juuyu took a deep breath and trilled the opening notes of a nestling song. The same one that Father had sung over him. Much as he’d sung it over Suuzu.
Colt had spoken of shared jokes, but for Juuyu, family was more about shared songs. And because Juuyu’s team shared bonds as strong as those of family, he transitioned into a song of love and trust. Because Moon was where he belonged. And a phoenix’s song could enter dreams and guide a slumbering soul into peace.
Juuyu gave himself up to a song for the first time in far too long. Though he knew his music couldn’t reach beyond the barriers protecting this room, he sang for the sea, for the stars, for the fragrant flowers in the branches overhead.
Hours passed, and he dimly registered Akira’s return. Juuyu preened and tucked, fluffing his softest feathers over Akira, who was quickly reclaimed by Moon.
Even after both were deeply asleep, Juuyu continued softly tuning. This was restful for all of them, and it allowed Juuyu to review the facts of their mission. At this stage, it was impossible to say which details were important, so he assumed each held value. Without focusing too hard on any one thing, he rearranged the pieces, searching for patterns.
Sometime later, Sinder tapped on the door and entered, an uncharacteristic interruption. By now, the dragon knew Juuyu’s habits. And left him to them.
“Hallow came back.”
It felt early. Shifting into speaking form, Juuyu checked his watch. It was early.
“He needs a word.” Pleasant smile. Pleading gaze. Sinder was clearly trying his utmost not to let his tension bleed into Moon’s haven.
Pausing long enough to make sure Akira was properly covered, Juuyu whisked out, closed the door, added a sigil to alert him if anyone stirred, and pivoted to face Hallow.
The bat crosser was doubled over. Not injured, but winded.
“Colt wants you there. Now.” Hallow shook his head. “The Stave is safe, but there’s been an attempt.”
EIGHTEEN
