Rebirth Chapter 6

The Men in Blue

The silver coins lasted Suzu at least four days, and by the end of those four days she was rather disappointed to go back to her old lifestyle. She didn't like stealing, it was never a pleasant thing to take from another, but she had to survive. Rurijo landed on Suzu's shoulder and chirped lightly. Suzu smiled and stroked the small bird's head with her finger.

The two moved through the village slowly. Suzu's stomach growled the minute the scent of roast pork floated from a restaurant. She also couldn't help, but stare at all the fortunate people who sat at tea houses with hot tea and sweets. How she wished she could be one of them.

A small bakery was located in a corner of the main street. It was rather quiet, since there was a much bigger, mainstream bakery in the center of the village, where everyone flocked to for the daily specials. Suzu felt sorry for the small bakery, and drooled over the delicious pastries and breads that sat on the shelves inside. She didn't want to steal from a business that was already suffering, but Suzu was so hungry. She stepped inside and greeted the baker, who merely looked up from his newspaper and then ignored her. Suzu quickly stuffed a few rolls into her pockets when the baker wasn't looking, then ran for it.

The baker however, noticed. "Hey, you! Police! Police!"

Suzu cursed under her breath when two men dressed in blue robes came chasing after her, swords in hand. Rurijo fluttered around, then took off with the wind, leaving Suzu alone. Suzu continued running, only to stumble over a twig. She collapsed face-first on the ground. She yelped in pain and quickly scrambled to get up, but the shadows of the policemen were already looming over her. Suzu froze and slowly looked at them over her shoulder.

One was a bulky man, with a strange mustache. He was the first to speak, "Finally caught you, Little Red Riding Thief."

The other one was taller and lanky. He smirked, "You're coming with us."

Suzu swallowed the lump that formed in her throat.