((OOC: Title because Hotori's name almost kinda means 'Fire Bird'. xD))

Hotori tossed and turned in her little cot. They were camped out in the woods just inside Konan, and she was fairly sure she was the only one not sleeping. She'd had a long day, and travel was quite exhausting, but shortly after she'd fallen asleep, she'd had a terrible dream that something had happened to her aunt back home while she was stuck in this world. After that, she'd been unable to get any more sleep, and had instead curled up on her side and thought about home.

She was enjoying her time here, and loved the friends she'd made, but it didn't make up for the fact that this wasn't her world. She sat up and stared at the fire for a long moment before very quietly slipping out from under her blanket. She slipped on her shoes and turned to distance herself from the others. As she left theor clearing, she couldn't stop the sniffles as her eyes welled up with tears. She didn't want the others to know she was upset, so she quickly slipped away into the quiet nighttime woods. She stopped once she was sure no one at the clearing could hear her, and dropped onto her knees by a large tree stump. She decided somewhere in the back of her mind that she'd have a quick cry, and once that was out of her system, she'd return to the clearing before anyone missed her.

Arms folded on the stump, and face buried in their concealing safety, she began to cry. "Oh...Aunt Midori..." She mumbled between sniffles. "Please...please just be okay..."

((OOC: Hope that was okay. xD))

Everyone enjoyed sleeping, well -most people at least. Not Isamu. To him it only represented the best moment for evil to attack, to catch you unawares, but it also took you to a realm you could not escape so easily, while some dreamt beautiful things, Isamu’s mind was flooded with dark memories and nightmares. The ice knight slept little, and he needed little rest. He was used to this way of life now, and it did not bother him if he could not be like everyone else, he simply chose not to. Full stop. After ensuring everyone was safe and after a couple of hours of sleep, he dressed himself, ensured to have his weapons with him, and then he decided to climb a tree to have a better view of their surroundings in case anything evil drew near. He rested his head on his hands and looked up at the stars, he recognised every single constellation and though he found the subject rather fascinating something inside him had died out that day he lost his loved ones, and that day he was abducted and tortured mercilessly. There was still a scar on the lower back that came just where the torso is to remind him of such treacherous fate. He sighed and closed his eyes for a moment and though he was as cold as ice he was utterly emphatic. He always knew when someone was upset, rephrase, he could sense the moods of people. After all, a good bodyguard keeps his charge happy right?

He then looked down and noticed Hotori left her tent and ran into the woods, he raised an eyebrow, what did she think she was doing running away like that? His seishi activated and he quickly jumped from tree to tree, silently, following her like a shadow, as if no one truly knew where she was off to. Once she finally decided to stop he sighed in relief, and then he looked at her deeply through his deep amber-brown eyes and knew she must have had a nightmare. He sighed, probably Felix was the best person to comfort her, he was not god at the closeness, he had issues with people and he had his reasons… Torture could change a man… He winced at the memories and slowly and silently slid down form the tree landing with a noseless thud. He was quite the expect at these things now, anyone could be confusing him for an assassin no doubt and that thought made him grin for a brief moment. And then the light in his eyes sparkled and he walked silently toward her and he heard her between sobs.

She was calling out for a member of her family, right? He sighed and eyed her, she probably missed her homelands and he could vaguely related to said feeling. In al honesty there was a moment when he missed his peaceful life, his family, his home…But he was realistic, that would never be granted to him again. Upon the impulse of the moment he silently approached her just enough to hear her speak almost to herself yet loud enough for him to pick every word.

”Oh…Aunt Midori…Please…please just be okay…”

He sighed and decided to let go of his prejudices and traumas if just for a moment and he knelt on one knee behind her and pulled her against him, he then said softly, “Cry, do not refrain, I’m here.” He closed his eyes and held her warmly, not too closely, but enough to ensure she knew she could cry with him, —heck she could be herself around him, he would never judge her for her choices, after all, people drew their own destinies. He could not believe what he was doing, and yet, he knew the Priestess needed it right now…so he bit at his pride and usual cold demeanour and just embraced her.

Hotori sensed someone behind her, vaguely aware it was one of her Seishi, though she was too distracted with her own thoughts to focus on which one. 'Probably Sei-kun...' She thought with another sniffle. She wasn't surprised when they embraced her, thinking it was Sei, but was surprised when the voice spoke and she recognized it as Isamu.

Still, the comfort was appreciated. She reached up and gripped the front of his shirt, turning to continue her cry. After a moment, she felt she needed to offer some form of explanation, so as the tears began to subside, she began to speak through sniffles. "My aunt and I...we're the only family each other has..." She reached up a hand to wipe one of her eyes, though the other still gripped his shirt. "I haven't ever been away from her this long...not since...since my parents died..." A pause to take a gulp of air, though her voice still trembled. "She's not a young woman anymore and...and I've been taking care of her...but I dreamed she died...in a car accident, just like my parents..." She shook her head and gave a small laugh, though she was still sniffling. "And you don't know what a car is, Isamu-kun, but it's a terrible way to die."

She shook her head again, trying to overcome this silly bout of self pity she was currently stuck in. "And it's not fair for me to get so upset. Everyone has left home...lost something...just to come and help me with this quest..." She shook her head. "But we're so far away from my home, and I can't help but miss my aunt with all my heart." She pulled away for just a moment and looked up at him, her emerald eyes still shining with tears.

"And all I can think is...what if something happens to her while I'm here?" She leaned forward as the tears started again, resuming the embrace he had offered. "Or worse...what if something happens to me here...she'd never know what happened!"

Isamu felt the miko relax to his touch which was truly puzzling to say the least. No one had ever shown such tolerance to the cold man's proximity or touch. Yes, people knew of his reputation as a powerful and reliable bodyguard and they gladly paid him as much for their safety, but few dared converse with him much or be in such intimate proximity as if his skills would turn on him and transform him into their enemy. Even though, if his customers ever got injured or the sort, Isamu was more than capable of tending to the injuries. He had a vast knowledge on healing herbs and remedies, he was after all a General not long ago. He never seemed to care though if people kept their distance from him…he did not wish to grow close to any person especially because of all the pain he experienced in the past. No, no man was ever strong enough to go through the same hell of a life twice. It would be his undoing and that was the last thing he wanted right now. He wished to concentrate on the new path ahead and dismiss anything that could relate to his past. He wanted a new life now, one dedicated to protecting others. It was one of those things he truly enjoyed and he knew that being his main objective granted him the certainty that he did not lead a meaningless life. Despite what he suffered in that cold cell in Kutou, he also pondered on the way of life he wished for himself, and now, he felt at peace as the travelling bodyguard.

Now this way of life would be harder. He was fully aware of that. Not only because he now had a duty toward Hotori as his miko being one of her seishi, but also because he could only protect her now, he could no longer stride too far form her. But he came to the conclusion that it did not displease him completely, since by protecting her, he protected the whole of Konan. That ensured he did far more than just protecting one person at a time right? And he could still carry out his old job whenever there was peace and Hotori remained in the castle. It gave him a good reason not to be too close to the castle though — he had his reasons not to want to go back there, yes, that plan sounded good to him. He wasn’t ready to affront that part of his sickening past.

He remained there still, granting her as much comfort as the Ice Knight could render, but he did not know what else to do. He allowed her to take a hold of his shirt and she accepted his offer and cried her heart out. He was unmoved or at least he did not look like he worried for her sake, no, he was here for her. Feeling was one of the hardest things for him at this stage, but he knew when someone needed him, this was not the first time he saw someone cry nor would it be the last. Some of his protégées would need the comfort of someone who would sit next to them and simply listen to them as they exposed their recent misfortunes, after all, those who hired Isamu were mainly wanted people, innocents caught up in a strife, among other things. He never protected those he did not deem worthy of his blade…

Instinctively a hand moved to caress her long tresses of blueish-green hair. It felt like silk, he did not remember touching anything this soft before. He frowned and then moved his hand away as he was once again distracted by her words. She was talking, that was a god sign.

"My aunt and I...we're the only family each other has… I haven't ever been away from her this long...not since...since my parents died… She's not a young woman anymore and...and I've been taking care of her...but I dreamed she died...in a car accident, just like my parents…"

He looked down at her, this was the very first time she ever mentioned anything related to her past. At least in his presence. He was a bit shocked but he silently allowed her to talk, to relieve her heart from the burden of her emotions. He processed the information and came to realise that probably she had suffered much when she lost her parents and in a way he was glad she had not been completely alone tom that moment on like he had. He watched her as she wiped some tears away form her eyes, she was a very strong person, was she aware of that? Not just anyone would go through this whole ordeal and fight against her emotions as vividly as she did. Hotori was truly astounding and he was honoured to be one of her seishi. He only hoped he did a good job, it could be difficult to deal with all the people in the fellowship as he was not used to travelling in big groups unless he was paid to be the bodyguard of a caravan or travelling troupe, even then he would keep his distance…

"And you don't know what a car is, Isamu-kun, but it's a terrible way to die.”

He heard her laugh and her words seemed to have the desired effect. Yes, she was not from this world, so there were still many more things he did not know about it but was eager to learn. Maybe he sounded foolish but he always indulged in his curiosity, it made him marvel at the amount of things that still waited fro him to discover, to say the least. It was one of the small pleasures he granted himself. His eyes examined her for a moment and he said, “I understand.”

"And it's not fair for me to get so upset. Everyone has left home...lost something...just to come and help me with this quest… But we're so far away from my home, and I can't help but miss my aunt with all my heart.”

He was a bit surprised, although he hid it well in his usual emotionless façade. His deep amber eyes locked into her emerald abysses for a moment before he said, “It is normal to let your feelings out form time to time, as far as I recall, you had never mentioned any of this before, it took its toll on you and the nightmares you made it worse.” He allowed her to move back to regain composure, however, his eyes never left hers, he wanted her to know she could tell him anything, trust was important between a bodyguard and his charge, but he also wanted her to know that he respected her and her decisions and that he also took what she said seriously. These were delicate matters of the heart.

"And all I can think is...what if something happens to her while I'm here? Or worse...what if something happens to me here...she'd never know what happened!”

He allowed her to seek shelter in his arms once more although his body tensed for a brief moment, he had to make use of all his determination to relax once more and remember she needed his comfort. And then the last words shook his thoughts. He gently moved a hand toward her face and with a finger he titled her chin so their eyes met. “If your aunt was able to bring up a woman as strong and determined as you I am certain she will live on for many years and remember you fondly. However…” his eyes were cold again but not in an uncomfortable way but to emphasise his next words, “You have the seishi looking after you and, I promise you this, I will NOT let you die, I am a bodyguard after all and I never fail.” his words were perhaps too pompous but he did wish to make her feel safe in his presence and forget these doubts of hers. Yet, he was dead serious, he would do everything even lay down his life for her safety.

A part of Hotori still felt surprise that Isamu was the one comforting and reassuring her. He had seemed so distant from the rest of the group up until now. Still, now that she was thinking a little more clearly, she could sense the sincerity in all that he said to her. There was also a gentleness, if reluctance, to the way he touched her hair, and the eye contact, which made her wonder if he'd always been as cold and distant as he seemed.

“It is normal to let your feelings out form time to time, as far as I recall, you had never mentioned any of this before, it took its toll on you and the nightmares you made it worse.”

His words made her smile, just faintly. He was right, really. The loss of her parents was something she'd only ever really talked about with Shouri, and even then not much. She tried not to dwell on the sadness, wanting instead to make others happy and find her happiness through them. It felt nice to completely confide in someone else...someone removed from the situation back home. So she continued to confide, telling him about her fears that something would happen to either herself or her aunt.

“If your aunt was able to bring up a woman as strong and determined as you I am certain she will live on for many years and remember you fondly."

Those words comforted her, but also stuck her as odd. She was surprised to hear herself called a woman. She had assumed Isamu, like Sei and Haru, thought of her as some kid they had to keep an eye on. She didn't feel the strength and determination he mentioned, but she did appreciate the sentiment.

"However…You have the seishi looking after you and, I promise you this, I will NOT let you die, I am a bodyguard after all and I never fail.”

His words had the desired effect, and eased away the last of her concerns. "I know." She said softly. "I know you'll protect me...you all will, and I've been worrying for nothing." She gave one last sniffle, taking a deep breath before sitting back just enough to wipe the remainder of her tears from her eyes. On an impulse, she caught hold of the hand he'd used to lift her chin so they were looking eye to eye, and held it in both of hers. She looked down at the hand for just a moment before looking back up at him. Their eyes locked, and she gave him a genuine, beaming smile. "Thank you, Isamu-kun...for everything." She gave his hand a gentle squeeze. "Thank you for listening...and understanding. It really dows mean the world to me." Every impulse in her was to hug him in thanks, but she had a feeling, despite his comforting her, that he may not be receptive to such an action. For all she knew, she was pushing it by taking his hand. Still, she felt she had to show her gratitude somehow.

She released his hand after another moment and reached up to push her hair back out of her face before looking back to Isamu. "Can I ask just one small favor...please?" She said, biting her lower lip for just a moment before pushing forward with her request. "Can this be...our secret? I really don't want to worry the others unnecessarily. They've all been so...protective...I wouldn't want to worry them with bad dreams and the like, you know?"

((OOC: Hope that was okay. My friend showed up to take me to the store when I was about half through with the post, so I sort of lost my stride. xD Also, I tried to make it a little longer to more closely match your posts. ^^))

OOC: It was a great post my dear and thank you for making them longer, although you really don’t have to but it is greatly appreciated you have a great writing style!

IC:

Isamu looked distant for a moment, looking beyond them, beyond the forest, beyond this world. He could relate to her emotions of loss for he knew them all too well. He took a deep breath and forced his mind to concentrate on the person that needed his help now. Part of him was used to comforting others, but he never resourced to rendering physical nourishment rather than simply listening to what others had to say without judging them for their choices. No, this was all new to him and he was not at all comfortable with such proximity, especially when the person seeking shelter in his arms was the Suzaku no miko. He owed her respect and she had to be comfortable in his presence. He could not afford to scare her away and lose her trust, that would make his job as a bodyguard quite tedious. It had happened before when he began to work as a bodyguard. He learned from it and it never happened again. He always ensured to learn from past mistakes. But, to his surprised, although slightly surprised, the Priestess accepted his support and even seemed to slowly recover and return to her usual cheerful self again. He realised he had been holding his breath and he looked away. He had really lost touch with his human side, at times he did wonder how that happened, but he deemed it had been his body. The pain had been so great it had shut down anything within that could force the pain to be so great that he would go mad.

That had been his enemy's intent right? Make him lose all hope and give in to despair. Deep amber eyes looked back at Hotori sensing her abysses scrutinise his face. He wondered what could be on her mind but he said nothing hoping she did not dislike the fact that, well, he did not speak much. Even now, this conversation was turning out to be one of the longest he had ever taken part in for over a decade is not more. He was rather impressed that she had taken so well his touch and assurance. He could not begin to consider what made her trust him that much. She was completely relaxed and like a helpless foal in his arms. And…she confided in him. She could have gone to any of the other seishi to find better encouragement than any he could ever give her, but instead she stayed here and took what he offered her. For a man so used to his solitary existence, this was utterly shocking. Though, it did not mean he did not enjoy said circumstance. In all honesty, he was glad he could service his miko that way as well. A bodyguard had to read his charge’s emotions and ensure he or she is always comfortable and with spirits to finish the long journey ahead, regardless of the enemy that could be after them.

He noticed his words made her smile, good. That meant he could say some more things to ensure she would not give in to despair. Isamu took a deep breath and exhaled as silently as a butterfly and then said, “It is good to talk about the past, it helps you be strong enough to accept it and the move on. Your loved ones will always be with you and perchance now they are much closer to you than they had ever been.” Lifting one hand he gently wiped off the remaining tears with his finger. His hands that were so rough for all the years he wielded weapons to protect others, yet it could be gentle when need be. Then he moved his hand downward so that she closed her eyes. He then took her hand and placed it on her chest, where the heart lies. “Can you feel them? Can you see them now?” His point was that they remained in her heart and if she closed her eyes memories of events in the past would flood her, sweet remembrances of holidays gone by, small but happy moments where her parents would shower her with their affection, moments where nothing mattered and nothing could ruin them. The real world forced you to keep those memories deep in your heart to used them when such situations got far too difficult to bare.

He let go of her hand and moved slightly back. Many would deem him a hypocrite for saying all these things, but it was not his fault, he was a broken man and that did not mean he did not try to do this, Suzaku knew he had tried many times and nothing happened. No comfort came to his aid, no fond memories returned to him, he had suffered far too much that even those memories would be too painful to remember. Instead his being was replaced with a cold void, an emotionless man who fought to make others happy, to prevent others from falling into the doom he was forced into.

"I know…I know you'll protect me...you all will, and I've been worrying for nothing.”

He was glad his words had the desired effect and she was calmer now. She had decided to confide in him and he would honour such trust. He was determined to do so. But then, something inexplainable happened. He suddenly found himself rekindling those darker memories of his. Protect her? Would he truly be able to do so when… As he woke up he found himself surrounded by what used to be his home, there was no rock standing, no, it was all ash and dust and the vapours and smoke of a purposely started fire remained making him cough several times. He felt great pain on the back of his head and was confused, where was he? His eyes darted forth, if only he had never looked that way! What he saw marked his heart, like a thousand daggers. his mother’s body completely churned out and he could see broken bones, oh he could remember what happened…she had been abused, tortured, dehumanised before she burned to death. Tears of rage, anger and pain clouded his vision and just as one fell to the black ground he gave the most piercing cry he ever could have and that day he cried like he had never before. And never again would he shed tears…

But then…

Everything went blank and a voice brought him back from that painful memory. His eyes were wide in shock and pain but they soon recovered their amber light yet at the feeling of someone touching his hand they grew darker and he gasped fighting the urge to move away. He recognised his miko, he could not move away now, not when he had managed to comfort her. He was still unsure what made him remember that but any emotion left his body almost as fast as it came and his usual cold demeanour was once again looking down into her deep eyes so full of life and emotion. He would guard her with his life.

"Thank you, Isamu-kun...for everything… Thank you for listening...and understanding. It really does mean the world to me.”

He nodded unsure as to what to say at a moment like this. But his eyes looked down at the way her both hands were clasped on his own. Did she truly trust him that much? Was she not afraid of his presence? He decided to ensure she was indeed well now and that nothing else bothered her. “Think nothing of it. That’s what I am here for.”

"Can I ask just one small favor…please? Can this be...our secret? I really don't want to worry the others unnecessarily. They've all been so...protective...I wouldn't want to worry them with bad dreams and the like, you know?”

Te moment she released his hand he moved back slightly but not too obviously recollecting his thoughts before his eyes turned back to look into hers, he raised an eyebrow when she bit her lower lip. Truly? Did she trust him that much that she would rather only confide her fears and thoughts to this cold man, this Ice Knight? What comfort could anyone find in the cold of a snowstorm? For that was the way his heart was now, as tempestuous as the coldest place on this earth. Nevertheless, he silently thought for a brief moment before saying, “It will be as you wish.” She did have a point though, the other seishi cared so much about her that they would worry beyond measure and that would affect the way they protected her. Isamu, on the other hand, was a master at disguising his emotions and also truly good at not letting them rule his actions, overall the perfect bodyguard, but everything came at a price, in his case it was his own self.

Hotori would have missed it had she not been watching his face, but something in what she said seemed to cause him a moment of pain. He hid it quickly, but she had seen. Moreover, she could sense the brief flashes of pain and sorrow, but those were just as quickly gone. Even though he seemed to return to his usual self, she knew she had been correct in sensing his emotions. As part of her abilities as the Suzaku no Miko, she could not only sense her Seishi's emotions, but when she focused, she could tell to whom it belonged. It didn't work over long distances, as she could not sense the Seishi she had yet to meet, but it did work for those close to her, and at that moment, no one was in closer proximity than Isamu.

She gave a small nod when he agreed not to tell the others, but she couldn't shake those flashes of emotion she had sensed from him. She bit her lip once more, her brow furrowing slightly as she looked up at her Seishi once more. Without a thought, and without hesitation, she reached up and gently placed her hand on his cheek. "Are you alright, Isamu-kun...?" She asked gently. She held her hand there for just a moment before allowing it to drop back in his lap, though she maintained the eye contact.

"Please know that, should you ever need someone to listen, I'm here..." She felt suddenly shy, making such an offer, so she glanced away for a moment. After clearing her throat, she resumed the eye contact and continued. "I may not know much of this world, or be able to offer much advice, but I can listen, as you have listened, and I can promise to keep it between us, just as you have." Her smile returned. "Because that's what friend's do, Isamu-kun."

She realized she was quite close to rambling, something many people had accused her of in the past, and something she was worried would ruin this moment-whatever it was-assuming, of course, she hadn't already. So, instead of voicing her thoughts verbally, she instead tried to convey them with her eyes and smile. She hoped he'd understand that her friendship, once earned, was near-impossible to lose, and that no matter what he felt he had to hide from her, and for whatever reason, none of that would matter. He would have to actively, openly, and remorselessly betray her trust to lose her friendship. Although she wasn't certain how things stood for him, this small encounter in this nighttime wooded clearing had cemented, just a little, this feeling. She felt closer to him than she had before, and she hoped it was something that would continue.

((OOC: I'm not sure if she just mentally friendzoned him or not. xD Still, it's got to start somewhere, right? xD))

He noticed that glint in her eyes, a change in her face and a rather alarming sense of compassion that he never valued form anyone. He wished for no one’s pity, any way, he had come here to comfort her not all the way around and so he quickly broke eye contact. He did not want her inquiring after his past, an experience he wished to forget as soon as he could. He wised to break free of his life, to only protect and serve this win need of his help. That was al he wanted, he cared not for the past or the present. Moreover the only future he saw for himself was the long-awaited death that would come to him sooner or later. Pit only seemed to stager him and anger him. It was not that he did not value the hearts of others but when he needed help no one came so pity was of no use to him now. He sighed and ran a hand through his fringe and it gracefully moved back to place and the ever blowing wind played with his long dark hair. He dared not look into her eyes fora long moment, he had forgotten she was the miko, and she had special abilities. He would have to simply do as usual and keep his mind shut from any emotion, lock his memories and not let them out. Put his mind blank. That had been the one thing to save him from going mad when he was being tortured in that cold and isolated cell in Kutou. He also did not wish to burden his miko.

He had been watching her since he agreed to join them and he knew she worried for every single one of her seishi and he did not want to add his name to the list. So he had to pretend everything was well, right? He finally regained composure and
honouring his nickname of the Ice Knight, his eyes regained their usual coldness and he looked back into her eyes the moment she spoke again. His amber abysses shinning with the light of the stars making them more mysterious than the dark side of the moon. He did not want her telling him she did not trust him since he could not keep his emotions in check; he did not wish to be reminded either that they had a quest to fulfil and this was no time to feel sorry for himself. In other words, he did not want a lecture. And he had not given her any reasons for such, he was done with people, he was done with being rejected and, more importantly he was done with suffering.

"Are you alright, Isamu-kun…?"

He silently watched her as she bit her lower lip and frowned, although, he did not expect her to place a hand on his cheek. He gasped and locked his eyes on hers unsure as to why she did that and uncomfortable with the closeness. But he respected the Priestess and did not wish to offend her by pulling away. Yet, her words also surprised him. No one had ever asked if he was ok, not once since the incidents that cost his parents’ lives. No one ever approached him and asked what he thought or how he felt. And yet… this young woman who had just felt sorrow herself and had left her home and family, she had enough heart to care for her own protectors. However, he wished not to torment her on the subject, besides, his past was so grim that he thought that if he were to tell her she would simply walk away. She would think him a coward and a crying and spoiled child. No, besides, he had never spoken of this to anyone and he was not about to break the rule now. He simply watched her hand move away and said, “There is nothing to worry about Hotori-sama.”

"Please know that, should you ever need someone to listen, I'm here… I may not know much of this world, or be able to offer much advice, but I can listen, as you have listened, and I can promise to keep it between us, just as you have…Because that's what friend's do, Isamu-kun.”

He was rather taken aback by her words and his eyes fixed on hers trying to read the reasons she could have to make such statement. Was she playing around or did she actually truly mean this? Earning Isamu’s trust was something extremely difficult to acquire due to past circumstances and this truly made him weary. He found it hard to believe that anyone would be interested in hearing about his past or even caring so much as to try and help him but he could not believe Hotori’s intentions to be anything but sincere, her eyes never lied. that was mainly how e always knew if something was the matter she was quite transparent. She smiled at him and offered him her friendship, could there be anything more valuable than this girl’s innocence? However he looked away and said with a strict air, “I have come to cheek up on you, to protect you and render you comfort, that is all you need to know.” He would not let his feelings betray him to his miko again, he waned to push them as far back form his head as possible. yet he found himself unable to stand up just yet, as their eyes locked once more in a battle to scrutinise each other but his soul was empty once more, only darkness and cold could be sensed within him, he would not make the same mistake of letting his emotions flow again…

Looking at her still he added more softly, “Are you feeling any better Hotori-sama?”

“I have come to cheek up on you, to protect you and render you comfort, that is all you need to know.”

With those words, Hotori just knew she had messed up. It almost always seemed to happen when she tried to reach out to others, to offer true friendship. It hand't backfired with Shouri, but Shouri was different. Knowing what little she did of Isamu's personality, she should have known he wouldn't just open up and accept her offer. It seemed so obvious now that she thought of it, but in that moment it had just felt like the right thing to do. Still, even after realizing it was the most plausible reaction for him to have, it did hurt. Just a little. She looked away again, preparing herself to get up before she said something else to upset him.

“Are you feeling any better Hotori-sama?”

She looked back up at him. His voice was softer. Perhaps she hadn't messed up as horribly as she'd thought. After all, if he was actually angry with her, wouldn't he not care if she was feeling better? It eased the hurt feelings, and she smiled once more, though it was a bit self consciously. She still felt a little silly getting so upset over a dream, even if it was natural. "Yes, Isamu-kun, I am feeling better."

She seemed to suddenly realize just how close in proximity the two of them had been this entire time. She blushed faintly as she reached over and used the nrearby tree stump to push herself to her feet, focusing her gaze on brushing little bits of dirt from the front of her qi pao. Once she was sure her face was no longer red, she looked back to him with a smile. "We should probably head back to camp soon..." She said with a small smile. "The last thing we need is one of the others waking up and asking what we're up to..." She realized that made it sound like they'd been doing something they shouldn't have been, and her faint blush returned. "Not that we're up to anything, I mean..." She shook her head, hating that she seemed to be saying all the wrong things tonight. She wasn't sure what it was about Isamu, but she didn't want to say the wrong thing...give him the wrong impression, or make him think she was anything less than serious.

"I'm sorry if I woke you up earlier when I left the camp..." She decided to apologize for that, before she said something else wrong. "It's quite late, and I'm sure we've got a long day of travel ahead of us tomorrow." She smiled a bit broader as she added. "I do appreciate you coming to check on me though. I think I needed a friend more than I realized tonight." Her hand shot up to her mouth just then, mentally ready to kick herself for calling him a friend when that seemed to upset him earlier.

He realised that, even if it was for just a moment, Hotori seemed hurt by his words, and though he felt slightly bad for having been so rude to her…he simply could not bring himself to confide in another person. He had never learned how and his life never permitted him any need or emotion to make him speak of what he endured. He could be betrayed again for all he cared, and sometimes it was the most pretty little flower that had the greatest thorn. He had not undergone the pain and survived to fall for the same trick. Besides, it would interfere with his role as a bodyguard if he bounded with any person, and surely his enemy was still out there somewhere and he would use anything and everything to get to Isamu. He always did…

Hotori could not expect him to simply to cave in and accept the friendship she so openly offered. She truly did not know him, how could she be so sure she wished to render him comfort? how could she be certain he deserved any of it and that she had what it took to make that friendship truly valuable and not fall into the dark pits where Isamu currently dwelled? One thing he knew, he did not wish to drag her along, he did not want her to taste this darkness, for once inside she did there would be no way out. He felt completely lost to the world at this stage, like a shadow of what he once were, an empty knight who only barely survived in this world by stopping others from experiencing what he did. Now that it was in his power to save others and he held no hatred toward his lonely existence, he followed his path faithfully. He stared at her when she looked away, she was hurt…he had hurt her, not intentionally but…at this moment he was speechless, what could he do to make her smile again? He looked around for a moment and finally spotted something that could help ease the pain and he smiled cunningly.

"Yes, Isamu-kun, I am feeling better.”

He nodded feeling relieved that she was smiling once more. Her eyes no longer showed the hurt and rather shone with the light form the moon yet his glistered with the light form the stars. Two celestial bodies that rendered hope to the dark sky guiding those in fear and promising a better tomorrow.

Isamu noticed the way she looked away form him and blushed and did her best to hide it. She stood up and began to fix her attire. There was something about the way she would shy away from being embarrassed that he found slightly amusing, however, to not make her uncomfortable he said nothing of it but instead looked around to ensure no one was nearby. He then stood up and removed the dirt from his knee, the wind blew strongly on his cloak and he stood at his full height towering over the miko. He looked down at her as she suddenly began to talk.

"We should probably head back to camp soon… The last thing we need is one of the others waking up and asking what we're up to… Not that we're up to anything, I mean…"

He raised an eyebrow and watched her blush again. Now, although, he wished to keep his distance from everyone especially the Priestess, he did not want her being unable to communicate with him. He did not want to intimidate her, that was only useful to fight the enemy but not his charge. He needed her to be comfortable around him, yet, perhaps there was something he could do to ensure that was the case. He eyed her and said, “They are still asleep…” he sensed no one nearby ad he grinned for a moment, “Although, they would never forgive me if you were not allowed your beauty sleep.” He decided ignoring the last words she uttered would make her feel more at ease, yet, he wondered why she blushed so much. He was, after all, a simple bodyguard, nothing special. All these years, especially with the treason forged on him, he never thought of himself as gallant, a knight in shining armour or even someone any lady would find handsome. The enemy had truly destroyed him, right?

"I'm sorry if I woke you up earlier when I left the camp...It's quite late, and I'm sure we've got a long day of travel ahead of us tomorrow…I do appreciate you coming to check on me though. I think I needed a friend more than I realized tonight.”

He crossed his arms across his chest and closed his eyes with a smirk, “I have had my share of sleep, I do not need that many hours, in fact, you did not wake me up when you left your tent.” Someone had to look after the party right? He realised the way she tried to stop the last words from leaving her lips and he sighed. Yet something inside him moved him to approach her and remove the hand from her mouth and kiss it briefly before saying, “Hotori-sama, if a friend is what you need, I will always be here for you. I will protect you through thick and thin.”

He decided that in that way she would confide in him and feel more at ease in his company. He then took a few steps back and said, “Do not move…” He looked around and his eyes finally fixed upon those dark orbs that were looking back at him. He closed his eyes for a brief moment before she began to emit a chirping noise which then mimicked that of a young barn owl. He then took something from a small sachet and placed it on his right hand, happy that he used gloves otherwise this would not have been possible. It was then when suddenly golden wings flew past them and the beautiful small barn owl landed graciously after manoeuvring and then began to eat the food he held out to it. Once it finished he whispered some words and began to caress its chest. turning to Hotori he said, “would you like to touch him?”

Given the earlier comfort Isamu had shown her, Hotori was only mildly surprised when he took her hand and kissed it, offering himself as a friend to her. She smiled gently. Perhaps she had misunderstood his earlier reaction. Although she could sense the feelings of her Seishi, she really tried not to. It felt too personal, somehow. She watched as he took a few steps back from her, and was about to follow suit when he spoke once more.

"Do not move..."

What was wrong? Were they about to be attacked? Hotori froze instantly, her emerald eyes wide as she watched Isamu for any sort of hint as to what she should do. She relaxed visibly, though she remained still, when she realized he was calling a nearby bird and offering it some food. It was a beautiful creature, some sort of owl, if she wasn't mistaken, a lot like the ones she'd seen at the zoo with her aunt. She smiled fondly as she watched the owl eat it's food.

“Would you like to touch him?”

Hotori nodded silently. She very slowly took a step forward and lifted a hand to caress the bird the way she had seen Isamu do. "He's beautiful..." She managed, barely above a whisper. "I had no idea you had such a way with animals, Isamu-kun..."

Hotori loved animals, and her biggest regret was that her aunt's allergies kept her from being able to have a pet back home. She lived by the belief that animals were better judges of character than people, and the fact that this owl trusted Isamu spoke volumes, in her opinion, of his character. Regardless of however he may act to the other humans in their group, she could see now that he really was a good person. Not that she had thought otherwise of him, of course.

"Thank you for sharing this with me..." She said sincerely, watching the owl as she continued to stroke it gently. She still spoke in a quite voice, not wishing to frighten the bird away. Its feathers were softer than she'd imagined they'd be, and the soft sounds it was making only served to widen her smile ever-so-slightly. She wondered if the owls in the zoo would've behaved the same way if they were given the chance, or if they would shy away from people, even if they offered food. She looked back up to Isamu, lowering her hand from the lovely creature. "How'd you learn to do that?" She wondered, fascinated. "To mimic the bird call, and how to handle it?"

samu always looked at others examining every word, deed and gesture, it was the best way to know how to deal with a customer without growing attached to them or even talking much to them. Holding long conversations were not something he enjoyed, although, at this moment he had been busy comforting his miko. Yet, surely even she knew this was not something he did every day right? It shocked him in a way how much he cared for the happiness of others, but he decided to push the thought aside for now. At least now she was all better and they could return to the campsite and resume the night's rest. Although, he feared he would be restless until the morning came, there was something about the darkness that he could not stand, was it the fact that it stopped you form seeing what could render you protection?

He was glad she did not move as he requested and trusted him fully. He had hoped to please her and erased all thoughts of her previous nightmares with this little deed. Although, he did not expect her to be that thrilled about it. It was a good thing, of course, but, he honestly did not know what to expect when it came to others. He had lost much practice due to being so isolated. but it was something he had done to himself…And he did not believe he regretted that…At least not yet.

“I had no idea you had such a way with animals, Isamu-kun…”

He merely replied, “you cannot judge a book by its cover.” He was happy when she nodded and approached to pet the beautiful golden-winged owl. It screeched gently and he smiled if just for a moment. those creasers had kept him company for many years, even as a bodyguard they were his allies and he trusted them with his life.

All the experiences they had shared, the only creatures he considered loyal and truthful and who had helped him when he had lost hope. Even now they had helped hi look after the miko and the rest of the seishi and they would continue to do so.

“Thank you for sharing this with me…”

“The world is full of wonderful things, you just need to open your eyes to see them behind the darkness.” Yes, he enjoyed making others happy although at times his words surprised him, how could a man so cold be able to render such courage and comfort? He would never know. His eyes met those of the owl one last time before he frowned, so they were not alone it seemed…

“How’d you learn to do that? To mimic the bird call, and how to handle it?”

He said simply as he extended his hand and moved it upward with an impulse allowing the owl to go back to its tree, “years of living in the wilderness I guess… these were always what you would call ‘friends’ to me, before you came along Hotori-sama. now that will be the secret you will keep for me.” He then turned end began walking back to the campsite,

Hotori nearly laughed at Isamu's choice of words when he told her not to judge a book by it's cover. Not because she didn't see the truth in them, but instead because she found them quite ironic, considering that it was thanks to a book that she was standing here now. She wasn't sure if Isamu knew that it was a magical book that had brought her here, but she decided that was a topic for another time. It wasn't important, after all, not really. She watched the bird fly back to it's perch before looking back to Isamu.

“Years of living in the wilderness I guess… these were always what you would call ‘friends’ to me, before you came along Hotori-sama. now that will be the secret you will keep for me.”

Isamu turned and walked off without another word, and she lagged behind in the small clearing for just a moment, surprised he had confided, even such a small thing, in her. Quite suddenly, she realized he was heading back to camp, and she jogged a few steps to catch up with him. Once they reached camp, she looked around, seeing that everyone really was still asleep. It was a bit surprising that they had had a fairly long conversation, at least for Isamu, without the others stirring in their sleep.

She found she wasn't quite ready to go back to sleep just yet, though she was sure that was what Isamu expected her to do. Shre reached out and caught the edge of his cloak, giving it a soft tug before releasing it in order to get his attention. "I think I'm going to read by the fire for a little while..." She spoke, barely above a whisper, though this time it was to keep from disturbing the others. She hoped Isamu wouldn't mind the company, especially since she'd be quietly reading.

She crossed to her things and took out a book Haru had bought her. It was a book of poetry, and she had often sat by the campfire reading from it until she felt sleepy. Once her book was in-hand, she returned to the fireside and settled down close enough for the light to allow her to read, but far enough to be safe. She had endured a lecture or two for sitting too close to the fire in the past, and didn't wish to hear another one. She held the book close for a moment, enjoying, as she always did, the texture of the cover and the soft sound of the handmade pages as she turned them, looking for where she'd left off.

He heard her laugh and closed his eyes for a moment it seemed his job here was done. She was back in her good old self and now all he had to do was escort her toward the campsite where everyone else expected them to be. In all honesty he did not want any of the other seishi to find out they have been out, they would be angry at him for allowing Hotori to wander away from their reach, but he was never far though. He had followed closely at walking distance without her knowing and granted her some time to herself. At times like these that was exactly what you needed right? Besides, she surely was not used to travelling in the company of so much people and now here she was, accepting a charge to save their kingdom and travelling with persons she had not always known before. In fact, he had been rather surprised that she spoke so loosely and trusted her instincts around Isamu when she truly did not know him. Most persons though him a cold and gloomy character, but she did not. Why? He raised an eyebrow as he turned to look back at her, he could tell she still wished to ask or learn about his past but this time she refrained from insisting, which relieved him greatly. He sorted the edges of his gloves and then looked back at her waiting for her to be ready to go back, he also did not wish to rush her, after all, she had just recovered from something she had been experiencing since she arrived to Konan. He could not blame her for the reactions she had, anyone would in such circumstances.

She seemed pleased with the answer he had granted her and though it slightly revealed something more about him, it was no painful memory nor anything he wished to keep hidden, however, it would make her happy and she would no longer inquire after his past. Right? He hoped so, when he turned to walk back the wind blew on his cloak and hair but that did not make him flatter or stumble. It could be a symbol of what he was like in battle or whenever protecting a charge, he would focus so much on the task at hand that he would fight each and every single obstacle possible to each his goal. He could still remember the various wounds he had sustained, but he healed fast and his skin was perfectly unmarred with the exception of the one scar on his back, which symbolised the enemy that probably still haunted his steps now, despite the many years that had passed since then.

He felt her jog for a bit to keep up with his pace and once she was walking next to him he turned to look at her. She was smiling brightly and looking back into his eyes. He turned to look back at the path they followed, however, as the barn owl suggested he could now feel they were not alone, someone was hiding and watching from afar. As they left the scene of their interaction, a hooded figure stood up from crouching on a tree branch and smirked, he then turned and left.

He sensed Hotori had a bit more energy now, which probably meant she would not be sleeping any time soon. He placed a hand on his belt as he walked on and once he could spot the bonfire which was already in ashes he decided he would turn it back on for her to keep warm. And then her words confirmed her suspicion.

"I think I'm going to read by the fire for a little while…”

He nodded and said, “I will feed the fire.” without another word he moved to the bonfire and worked on getting it back into a crispy medium-sized flame. He did not want her getting hurt. Once that was one he cleansed his clothes and gloves, for a man who had seen much war and turmoil he truly knew how to keep his attire clean, even when fighting an opponent, it could be said he was rather well versed in the martial arts, but he also took pride in it. And this helped him develop some refinement…

When she settled by the fire and began reading he placed a water skin next to her for her to keep her body hydrated, especially since she would be sitting next to the fire. He then climbed back up the tree branch he had been sitting on and leaned his back on the trunk and stretched one leg on the branch and the other was gently folded as he drew his shamisen, the only belonging he still had which reminded him of his childhood and his parents. He closed his eyes for a moment and then began playing a soft and soothing melody.

((OOC: Internet's back! At least for the moment, so I'm taking advantage of it to try and post. ^^))

It didn't take Hotori long to retrieve her book and return to the fire. She watched Isamu build the flame up so she'd have better reading light, and then smiled a silent thank you when he gave her some water. She sat her book aside long enough to take a sip before finding the place she'd left off and resuming her reading. She was glad she could read the writing of this world, though she had not quite learned to write it herself. It was similar to the Chinese she had learned back home one summer, and thankfully whatever differences there were, she could easily work out with context clues. She had never questioned why she heard Japanese when those around her spoke, but she was sure they didn't know her native tongue. She had assumed that, on that same note, the others heard their native tongue when she spoke to them, except for words that didn't translate well, like 'Tokyo'. She was in a magic book, surrounded by people with magical powers, after all. If she questioned everything, she'd likely drive herself insane quickly.

She read in silence for a moment before she picked up on the soft notes of a melody. She looked around for the source, and pinpointed it as the tree Isamu was currently residing in. She'd have to add that to the growing list of things she had not known about her Seishi. The music was beautiful, and reminded her of a song her mother had sung to her when she was small. She was surprised that she remembered the words after all these years. Before she even realized what she was doing, she began to sing the words softly, her gaze losing focus on the page before her.

"My mommy said if I'd be good,
She'd send me to the store.
She said she'd make some gingerbread,
If I would sweep the floor..."

She closed her eyes for a moment and leaned her head back. Opening her eyes once more, she looked up through the clearing at the stars beyond. She shook her head slightly and pushed the memories away. They were happy ones, but she wanted to save them for another time. Besides, she feared she might wake the others if she continued to sing, even though she was trying to be quiet. She only hoped Isamu would continue to play, as it was quite peaceful to listen to. She turned back to her book with a smile and continued to read quietly.

((OOC: In case you're curious, this is basically the song Hotori was singing, only slower and with no yodeling. xD My mom sang it to me when I was little, and now I sing it to practically any kid I babysit, so when I needed a song for her to sing, it seemed the natural choice. xD))