He felt detached from himself. Not quite the same as when he’d lost his shadow. This was a different sensation. As if he was above himself, looking down. Like he was watching a puppet show. All that was missing were the strings.

Unsure of what to expect, given everything that had happened, Ryuichi made his way toward his horse.

Pim was there, along with Kato and Takara. For the first time, he realized just how young they all were. How much smaller they were than the other soldiers. They were kids, even though they didn’t feel like it most of the time.

How could they even hope to survive?

“You can do this,” Keiko said as she came up behind him. “Never doubt yourself.”

“Or me.” Masaru appeared at his side with an unconscious Haruki slung over his back. Was she ever going to wake up? At this point, he was pretty sure Masaru was doing something to keep her in that state. “I have no intention of allowing you to be harmed.” He smirked. “Or eaten.”

“You sure?” Ryuichi arched a brow. “Seems like every time I’m in a fight, you have something better to do.”

“Just me seasoning you up.”

Ryuichi snorted. “I don’t need any more seasoning. Call me mochi and be done with it.”

Masaru laughed before he headed to Koichi’s horse, where he draped Haruki over the saddle. Then he turned into a fox and went to join the others.

Ryuichi paused as he saw Kasumi. She was directing several warriors, but as she did so, a strange feeling went through him.

She works with your father . . .

He paused as he heard his shadow’s voice. How can I trust you? he asked Ryuichi-kage.

Why would I lie?

He could think of many reasons. Why would you tell the truth?

Because I’m you. We want the same things.

Did they? He wasn’t exactly sure about that. But as he watched Kasumi, he felt her treachery. She wore it like an accessory.

I’ll keep an eye on her.

He nodded at his shadow. Do that. Thanks.

It was the best way. No one would believe him if he told them Kasumi wasn’t to be trusted. She was a respected teacher, and he was an orphan foundling. Who would ever take his word over hers? He would need evidence.

Kato clapped him on the back. “You ready for this?”

He smiled at Kato. “You look much better than the last time I saw you.”

“Don’t feel a lot better.” He rubbed at his jaw. “Still feel like I was stomped into oblivion.”

Ryuichi started to speak, then stopped as he noticed Kato’s shadow. He stared at it. Unlike his friend, it didn’t seem to be raring to go. “Are you sure you’re feeling up to this trip?”

Kato pounded on his chest. “Fit as ever.”