Part 7
Still carrying Lilim, her mother sprinted through the dense forest. Her footsteps made no sound; the woman was a master of stealth.
However, their pursuers drew ever closer.
Some members of the Golden Leopard clan had exceptionally keen noses, and some of them must have joined in the hunt.
“We need to split up.”
When they got to a river, her mother stopped and set Lilim down. The forest was bitter cold at night, and there was a light dusting of snow falling from the sky.
“I’ll head southeast along the river. Lilim, you cross here and head due east.”
With that, Lilim’s mother took the small boy off her back and made to hand him over. “Take care of your brother for me, Lilim.”
“No…! I want to stay with you, Mother!”
“Don’t be huffy. This is only for a bit. We’ll meet back up in Midgar.” She hugged Lilim tight.
“But then why…why are you giving me my brother?”
“Lilim…”
“I don’t know how to fight. And I can’t run well like you can.”
“Lilim, listen to me.”
“Surely, he’d be safer with you!”
“Listen to me, Lilim!!”
“No…” Lilim buried her face in her mother’s chest and shook her head.
“Lilim…”
“If I hadn’t gotten the possession, if you two had just burned me to death… Father would still be… This is all my fault…!!”
“Your birth changed him, Lilim. All he cared about before was fighting with his sword, so when I saw him reading you a picture book, my heart skipped a beat. He went around bragging to anyone who would listen what a genius you were.”
“Father…”
“Getting to watch you grow up is the happiest we’ve ever been. Lilim…you might not know how to fight, but you’re such a smart girl. You have the knowledge to get you through any adversity. That’s why I know you’ll be okay.”
“Mother…”
“Please, Lilim. Look after him.”
Her mother handed her the small baby. Her brother looked up at her with confused, innocent eyes.
Large tears rolled down Lilim’s cheeks as she took him.
“Thank you, Lilim. We’ve been so happy, ever since you first came into our lives.”
“Mother… Promise me we’ll meet in Midgar…”
“You have to go now. Cross the river and hide your scent.”
Lilim stepped in the shallow river and did as instructed, then headed into the eastern forest, looking back over her shoulder every few steps.
After making sure Lilim and her brother had gone, her mother took off at a sprint and followed the riverbank to the southeast.
Her loud footsteps echoed through the darkened woods.
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