Long braids of violet hair shook elegantly and deep emerald green eyes looked ahead after her eyelashes batted for a moment with the ever blowing wind. Her walk was full of grace and yet there was certain emptiness to it. Shiho Fuu, child of the soothing breeze, looked around what looked to have been a recently burned village. She still had some memories of the life she had led before beaching the Goddess of Wind. She had watched a village burn to the ground before, the word was never at peace and stable but constantly at war and it was the innocent people always the ones to pay the grave cost of such ambition. Back then, she would break down and cry whenever she saw such destruction and wonder why the world was so cruel and though she still felt some grief over this, she could not bring herself to cry anymore. She simply look dat the ashes of what once were houses, stables, handmade crafts and the incinerated remains of the inhabitants. She did not look away anymore either.

It was strange but, she should be glad she was a goddess now, however, that brought no comfort to her cold heart. With each passing day she felt less and less herself, emptier as if she were a mere spectre that remained of her essence. She sighed and avoided stepping on bones, broken glass or anything that could destroy the stillness of everything in this place. She wondered what brought this place to be so damaged, although, lately the Fiend would only tell her to do things and never ask questions, she still wondered about things, even when they told her she would become like most of their servants and simply do her job.

Part of that was true, ever since she came to their service she had obeyed every single order. She never asked any questions nor showed any sign of retraction or opposition but that did not mean she did not have a mind of her own and every night she pondered on things. A hand gently caressed a beautiful small necklace that matched her eyes, and her eyes coded for a moment, it was the mark of her servitude. She knew they did not only force this necklace upon her to mark her as a mere servant, but they never told her if it could harm her in any way. All they said was that she better not betray them unless she wanted to suffer. When she asked how that would be possible they replied that the necklace would be their ‘avenger’. It made her shiver lightly even now just to remember those words but she kept on walking.

So far she could not sense any life nearby aside from the nature that was found on the outskirts. Being in a civilised land, even if it was completely deserted made her uneasy. She had lost practice being among people and so walking out in the open did not please her at all and at moments she stopped thinking she might have heard someone nearby. She looked around whenever that happened and saw no one, and yet she could not move those thoughts away form her mind. She moved a lock of silken violet hair from her face and finally reached a small bridge, she crossed it avoiding the water of the small and beautiful stream where Koi carps swam in search of the waterfalls. It made her smile for a moment and though this place was full of sorrow, darkness and grief, her smile made it seem a bit less depressing.

When walking past the last home she saw something on the floor and she knelt and picked it up. It was a small doll and something in her stirred, she could tell this had belonged to a small young child who had probably suffered a great loss if not tok part in the list of those who perished here. She closed her eyes and held it against her for a moment, and almost as if she were her old self again she looked up to the sky and began singing a sad melody.

Her beautiful voice resonated in the fallen village and nearby forests, but her lament could never be entirely sad it was rather hopefully and a small ray of light enveloped her as she sang and holding the doll against her heart she smiled and kept on singing enjoying the melody she improvised and the response of the creatures of nature. Some birds joined in her song, she was not nicknamed nightingale for nothing. Suddenly, in the stillness of that place she felt at home and the song took in a deeper meaning and she forgot about her surroundings or fi whether she was alone or note and even began to lightly dance to the tune. Lifting her hands still holding the doll and turning around occasionally as if she were enjoying some time with a dance partner of her own.

Her eyes shone even brighter feeling a slight contentment from singing, it was her one comfort these days. A light breeze played with her long hair and skirt as she kept on singing and dancing, for now she had not been summoned but rather sent to the village to ensure no survivors were to be found, and if there were any, they would be taken to the Fiend. But, since she found no one, surely they would not stop her form enjoying herself occasionally, if just for a moment?

She wasn’t doing anything wrong right?

She shivered lightly as she sang on and turned around with the doll in her hands, oh she knew how the Fiend punished those who dared defy them as she had experienced their rage in her own flesh. They wanted her to constantly scout the area and ensure no miko gathered her Seishi so that neither of the four Gods could be summoned, but…well, they did not want their servants to stand in their presence idle in the meant time. And so she always made use of these precious moments to simply release what she still had hidden within, although she knew she had no way to escape this path before her, she did not want to lose herself in the darkness. That was perhaps her greatest fear…

Jin strolled cheerfully down the forest path. He was currently skirting the Kutou-Sailo boarder, and was far too close to Sailo for his liking. He decided to head further into the nation of Kutou, which meant sticking to the forest for the time being. He remembered a village coming up, and had enjoyed playing his flute in the town square in the past. The people had always been friendly and generous, and he'd never had to steal when passing though there.

But he wasn't the sort to stay in one place for long. He'd never had a home growing up, so the concept of it seemed alien and unnecessary to him. He stopped in mid stride when he spotted a mangy little dog running form the direction of the village. He dug though his pack and found a piece of dried meat before crouching and holding it out for the dog. It was dirty and hungry, and Jin could tell it was frightened. As the animal approached, Jin did his best to soothe it and find out what was wrong. Animals didn't always think in the same way that people did, but he managed to cobble together that there had been a fire in the village he was heading toward, and everyone had either perished or fled. The dog had watched his faithful owner die, and had only just managed to escape himself. Jin could tell, however, that he did not want a new master. Instead he dug around in his pack and pulled out a few more pieces of dried meat and dropped them there for the dog. Jin wished him good luck and continued on his path. Even if the village was gone, which was a sad thought, he knew no better path to continue toward the nation's heart. Besides, perhaps something useful had been left. He wouldn't loot the dead, he did have scruples, after all, but if there was something salvageable in the buildings then he might pick it up. He could sell stuff in the next village and make a little more money.

He had not gone far from where he'd left the little dog when he heard a lovely voice begin to sing. He stopped for a moment, and closed his eyes just listening. He swayed slightly and smiled. The melody was sad but still had a twinge of hope to it. Had the little dog been wrong? Had someone survived, and were they now singing a lament to their lost friends and neighbors? His curiosity got the better of him and he set off once more, wishing to see what creature could make such a lovely, heartbreaking sound. On an impulse, he puleld his flute from his bag and raised it to his lips.

He hesitated before playing however, and lowered it. He followed the stream to the outskirts of the town, and saw a woman, perhaps around his own age, singing and dancing softly on the bridge. As he watched her, he noticed two things. First was that she could not be human, as he could see a faint violet aura around her. Perhaps she was some deity or animal spirit, or something of that like? The second thing he noticed was that she clutched a small child's doll in her hand. It looked as if it was covered in soot, and he assumed it must have somehow survived the fire.

She did not seem to notice him, so he ventured a little closer, liming the banks of the stream and stepping onto the opposite end of the bridge from where she stood. He was curious as he watched her sing and dance, and was remined, in a small way, of his mother who always seemed to follow some inner music only she could hear. With a small smile, he closed his eyes and raised his flute to his lips once more before he began to play a tune that seemed to compliment her own. He drew upon the song of the nightingale for inspiration as he played. His eyes opened once more after just a few seconds to watch her once more.

Shiho had always been told that singing was just another form of prayer and that it reached the hearts of those who suffered and cleansed the air about them from any curses or darkness that could make their heart sink with worry and fear. In this case she was not sure way she was doing but it felt right, as if she used to do this same thing in the past and for once she felt once more like the girl she used to be. And she danced on still holding the doll in her hands and she sang with a smile on her lips she had not felt in such a long time. Her body had been broken and ill used so that she would become another of the many instruments the Fiend would wield to confront their enemies, or the ones he called their enemies. At times she was not sure why they were enemies. Actually she seldom understood why people had to take sides but they did and she could do nothing about it. All she could do was watch usually and pray and dance and sing… Now though, this felt different, she was releasing all the tension she had within and cleansing herself. It was one of the old ways she had to talk about her worries, joys and sorrows and since she had been taken by the Fiend and did not had the time or opportunity to do so then.

She was so in tune with the melody and nature that she did not even acknowledge the man who was moving closer to her. Even when the beautiful sound of a flute joined in, no she was in an ecstatic mode enjoying something she had not in a while. Perhaps it was foolish of her to do this when someone could see her but the whole village had burned to the ground, surely that meant no one would see? Besides, who else traveled through this forest at leisure? There were other routs to go directly from one kingdom to the next and that did not include this remote and hidden village. Her movements were graceful yet not childish for she was no longer one, she had seen too much war and sorrow and yet she was just on the verge of becoming a woman when she was made a goddess. Did that make her one already? Or was it the things you lived what made you one?

Her eyes opened and deep emerald green abysses looked around. She felt great comfort and the wind played along and she used a bit of her abilities to enjoy it soothing caress. But then, when her eyes opened so did the rest of her senses and she feared the beautiful melody of a flute following her song and she was instantly drawn to it. She stopped then and looked around trying to find the source of such beauty and she then silently began to walk toward it, she was not sure why but she also felt a somewhat powerful prince and she should be scared and doing her job but…Her curiosity was much more powerful.

Didn’t they say curiosity killed the cat? Well, Shiho was a very curious one yet she had never been killed. Her deep eyes scanned around as she walked on, still following the melody like a small and shy faun would slowly and suspiciously follow the call of a doe not stopping to consider if this was one of her kin or a hunter instead. Her steps were silent but firm and her violet hair shook lightly as if the wind emanated form within her. She felt no threat from this presence but as she had been proven worn in the past, with the Fiend, she would not make up her mind until she finally reached the sours of such music. And though she also wished to compliment the owner of such talent, she was a bit worried she had been too absorbed in her music to even realise she was n longer alone.

Jin continued to play as he watched the woman, enjoying the sight of her dancing, and the way her voice and his flute complimented each other. He had not played to accompany a voice since his mother had died ten years earlier. It was a wonderful feeling, and his eyes sparkled with his inner joy. She seemed to suddenly come to herself, as she stopped singing and dancing, but Jin didn't stop playing. His deep purple eyes watched, curious, as she seemed to look around for the source of the music, and slowly started his way.

He noticed, as he watched her, that she had a tentative way of moving, as if she were shy, or unsure as to what to do. Maybe she was a nature spirit, then, unused to humans. He silently hoped he wouldn't frighten her away, as he had intruded upon her quiet melody, and not the other way around. He continued to play as he considered briefly shifting into some animal, and hopefully putting her more at ease.

'No, you idiot.' He silently scolded himself. 'She'll know a cat or bird or something wasn't playing the flute.' At any rate, as she wasn't human, she would most likely be able to tell he was not a normal animal. He had encountered a woman who claimed to be a Goddess of Fate several years ago, and she informed him that, when he shifted into an animal form, his Seishi symbol glowed a faint blue on his tail, but that normal humans seemed to be unable to see it. He was sure this woman would see it, though, and that would likely not put her mind at ease.

Instead he stood still and relaxed, allowing himself to sway slightly to the gentle tune he played, hoping it would ease whatever nerves she seemed to be feeling. Jin had no intention of harming her, simply in sharing a lovely moment of music with someone with the voice of a nightingale.

Only once he was sure she had spotted him did he at last bring the improvised tune to an end. He lowered the flute slowly, and gave her his best reassuring smile. "Why'd you stop singing? I thought we sounded pretty good together..." He took a few steps toward her, but his posture was still relaxed, and nothing about him marked him as any sort of a threat. "Name's Jin, by the way." He game a charming smile. He stopped once more, still leaving a fair amount of distance between them so she wouldn't feel crowded. "I'd be more than happy to keep playing for you..." He said, effortlessly twirling his flute between his fingers. "If you'll sing for me again."

Shiho kept walking enjoying the beautiful melody which seemed to touch her heart deeply, it was almost as if it nurtured her spirit and slowly helped her be the person she used to. But how was this even possible? The Fiend told her she would lose herself in the darkness and up till that very moment she had felt that to be true but now, she was not sure what to think anymore. In fact, there were moments where she stopped on her tracks and gave a few steps backward, the Fiend would not appreciate her fooling around when she was meant to be searching for more information they could use to confront their enemy. sometimes she wonder why they would send servants to do all their work but decided never to argue on the matter, it was hard enough to please them, least of all if you angered them. And they had no problem in getting rid of those servants they deemed completely useless, so she best keep on working hard and please them, she had no other option now and wether she liked it or not this was her life now. This was the real world even though she could not believe the truth. She had come from leading a happy life and helping those around her to suddenly being enslaved to the will of darkness and though she had been terrified at first, she resigned soon enough when she accepted the fact that she could no longer turn back, there was no escape.

It was like walking in a dark maze that would swallow you up eventually no matter how far away you ran form the centre to find a way out, its turns and bends would all lead to the centre and once there, a vast void would absorb her and finally drain her last ounce of energy turning he ring a spectre to do as the Fiend command without second thought, without feeling anything for what she did and being completely empty of her very soul even. It was strange how much power they had gathered that they could do this to a goddess, but it had happened and now she was bound to their fate in a way, unless by any chance a miko gathered the Seishi and used up a wish to set her free. Which was less likely to happen since the Fiend would not let any of them gather their seishi and summon the Gods and even so, she was helping the Fiend so why would any miko come to her aid? It was hopeless and she only hoped that, despite what she was forced to do, the Fiend would be defeated so that she could find peace once more. She could no longer sleep at night due to this, for only nightmares and darkness clouded her mind and the less she felt like her old self the more she struggled to feel alive. At times she considered this was because maybe she was not evil at heart? So her goodness consumed her in an attempt to break free form the darkness so she was constantly experiencing an inner battle.

She noticed some beautiful birds fly around them and smiling she lifted a hand and one perched on her finger, it was a humming bird and she laughed softly and soon after the fires sang to the melody of her laughter before flying in circles above her and then accompanying her as she walked, it felt like a comfort and she enjoyed their company more than she ever would that of a living person. Or so she thought. But who was to guess what her thoughts would be on the man she was about to come across? She was not at all ready to meet anyone after her dance, in fact, she did not realise she was still holding the small and lovely doll in one hand until she looked down at the water of the river as it flowed with great majesty. She looked down at the doll in her hand and sighed before looking in front of her and the spell of the melody seemed to die out as her eyes opened widely when she saw the beautiful man standing at the other side of the river. He was much taller than her, and his spiky deep purple hair was of a colour she and never acknowledged before, and his eyes matched that intensity yet they were full of mirth and charm. this reminded her of a younger Shiho, the person she had finally given up on the moment she turned into a servant of darkness and she could not cut through the gasp of awe that escaped her lips and she quickly placed her free hand on her lips to cover her mouth. Her violet hair shook as the wind passed by and the water raged on. And he stopped playing his magnificent instrument, he was truly a talented young man, he seemed also able to wield a weapon and she found it strange that both of them seemed to wield the same weapon, looking down at her own katana resting in its scabbard.

She sensed many thoughts caressing his mind and was slightly puzzled, but then he stood gallantly before her and pose no threat and all his gestures seemed to beckon her to acknowledge this. And he smiled at her before he finally spoke, his voice was deep, much deeper than one would expect when looking at him but it was also rather cheerful and his words seemed rather bold.

“Why’d you stop singing? I thought we sounded pretty good together…”

She took one step back and blushed deeply at his words, “What?” She wasn’t expecting anyone to listen to her private song of enjoyment in the first place. She quickly looked down, anywhere but those dazzling and teasing eyes and laced the fingers in her hands to the small doll as if asking for protection or comfort in this slightly awkward moment. No one had ever asked her to sing, although in her household they enjoyed her voice, no one dared to be so blunt to this fair maiden. Yet, she could not expect everyone to behave the exact same way right? Her emerald green eyes fixed on the running water without realising that she could actually look at his reflection on the water and it was almost just as staring back at him from the other side of the river. “I… I could never match your talent with the flute, forgive me.” She bowed her head slightly, long strands of violet hair moved forth covering her face as she did so and then she slowly got the courage to straighten up and look into his eyes once more noticing he took a couple of steps forth.

“Name’s Jin, by the way.”

She moved a lock of violet hair from her shoulders back to her back as she said softly, almost silently, “I’m… Shiho Fuu…” Unable to be as polite as she would have liked to be she realised she was getting more and more nervous by the minute. It even made her forget what she was meant to be doing in this place and she took another step back when he approached even more. She could fight and she was a goddess so she had great powers of her own but for some reason, at this moment, this man seemed to make her feel so weak. And she was scared at such a feeling.

“I’d be more than happy to keep playing for you… If you'll sing for me again.”

She looked down again and bushed even deeper, was he truly asking this of her? And that smile, she took a few more steps backward not realising she was moving coder to the edge of the riverbank. She held the doll against her as if to shield herself form this gentle man and she muttered, “I’m… ” her eyes looked at his for a brief moment and she said, “I’m sorry…” she quickly turned and ran as fast as her legs could take her, but then eventually she realised she had been running to close to the edge and she fell into the river and she had been taken into her panic in such a way that she forgot she could use her powers to stop herself form falling in so stupidly. Surely the man would think her ridiculous and pathetic now. She tried to hold on to a tree root or a rock but the river was moving too fast and she could tell the current grew more and more, she was heading straight to a waterfall. Well done Shiho… she thought. Her hand was for some reason still clutching to that doll.

Jin heard a gentle tinkle of laughter, and it made him smile as he played. The animals around here seemed to like her, and he trusted their judgement. It came from his close bond to the animal life, but he knew they could tell the heart of a person, even if that person was unsure themselves. She spotted him at last, and he could tell he had surprised her. When he spoke to her, she seemed shy and nervous. Was she not around humans much? It made him wonder exactly what she was.

“I… I could never match your talent with the flute, forgive me.”

Shy and modest. He couldn't help but grin. This girl was something else. Usually someone with her pretty looks and lovely voice would be so vain, it would make him sick. Could it be she really didn't know how gifted she was? Had his simple, off-handed comment really surprised her? "Nah, if anyone can't compare, it's me and this old thing." He twirled his flute in his fingers once more before slipping it back into his back for the tiem being.

“I’m… Shiho Fuu…”

It was a pretty name, and he felt it suited her somehow. He noticed that his mere presence seemed to be making her nervous and try as he might, he didn't seem to be able to ease her fears. He knew he wasn't the noble looking sort, but surely she'd understand he didn't want to hurt her. He couldn't look that dangerous, after all. Well, he realized, he did have a katana, but he hardly ever used the thing, and had never been properly trained with it. It was there to keep others from messing with him, more than anything else.

“I’m… I’m sorry…”

Jin realized what was about to happen, and moved to stop her, but too late. His eyes widened as she tumbled into the river and was swiftly being carried away. "Damn it." He swore as he quickly dropped his pack, and his katana. Both would weigh him down, after all. With a deep breath, he dove into the river, shifting into a large carp to better navigate in the water. The symbol for 'Tail' glowed in blue on his tail, but only for those with the ability to see it. This form also meant he wouldn't have to worry about holding his breath as he swam. It hurt, but he pushed the pain to the back of his mind, and focused on saving Shiho. He felt responsible, after all. If he hadn't made her so nervous, maybe she wouldn't have tried to run.

Once he reached her side, he shifted back into his normal human form, and wrapped an arm around her. "Hang in there, I've got you..." He assured as he reached out and grabbed a tree root, stopping them momentarily, though they were far too close to the waterfall for his liking.

His mind worked rapidly, trying to figure out the best way to save them both. He could shift into something strong enough to swim upstream...a tiger, perhaps? Or he could take the form of a large bird and lift her out of the water...but even the largest bird he could think of would have trouble with someone her size, not to mention it would involve letting go of her, even for a second, and he didn't want to do that.

A sudden idea occurred to him, and he grinned. It was so simple. He mentally called out for the animals in the surrounding area, hoping one large and smart enough would answer his call. He grinned when he saw the dog from earlier emerge from the woods and start near where Jin still clutched the root. He tightened his grip, his arm around Shiho's waist to keep her from slipping away. The dog seemed to understand what Jin wanted, and stuck it's nose in Jin's pack, pulling out a rope he kept for various reasons. It carried the rope over and waited for instruction.

"Hey," He spoke to Shiho once more. "Just hold on to me, okay? I'll get us out of here. I promise." And now that he'd made that promise, he had to get them to safety. He took promises very serious, after all. Once she had a firm hold on him, he moved his arm, and the dog tossed him the rope. He caught it and nodded to the canine for it's help before he tied the rope to the tree root. It was difficult to do one-handed, but he didn't want to let go of the root until he was sure the knot would hold.

"Here goes." He said at last, and tugged on one of her arms to indicate she should wrap them around him. His neck, his waist...he really didn't care as long as she held on. "Don't you dare let go, you hear me?" He ordered once she had complied, and he looped the rope around the both of them before knotting it, again, one handed. At last he released the root, trusting the rope to keep them from getting pulled further down stream as he began to swim for the firmer part of the shore, using only his arms, as he didn't want to kick Shiho. He hoped she would realize and help by kicking for them both.

Once they were close enough, he pulled them up onto the riverbank. He pulled Shiho further from the edge before untying the length of rope that bound them. He then flopped over, rather ungracefully, on his side and took a few, panting breaths. He then sat up and looked at the girl, smirking when he saw she was still holding that doll. He shoved his sopping wet hair back from his face as he spoke at last. "You okay? Look, I didn't mean to scare you back there...I'm sorry."

He looked around them, and spotted the dog still roaming around. He gave a whistle, silently asking the dog to bring him his pack and katana. The dog complied, picking up the pack with his teeth, and carrying it over before returning and doing the same with the sheathed weapon. Jin dug around in his bag for the last of his dried meat. There went his dinner for the night, but the animal had been helpful, and that was worth repaying. "Thanks, buddy. Here you go." He tossed the dog the scrap of meat and watched as it ate, wagged it's tail, and then turned to leave.

He took a deep breath before finally standing, and holding a hand out to Shiho to help her up. "Are you hurt?" He asked. "If you want to head back toward the forest, I can build a fire to help dry us both out...maybe even find something for us to eat." He felt he needed to try and make it up to this girl. He had obviously made her uncomfortable, after all, and he wanted to show her he really wasn't a bad guy. Yeah, he stole from time to time, but, was that really so bad when it was just to survive? Still, he felt no need to share that fact at present.

”Nah, if anyone can't compare, it's me and this old thing.”

And though he earnestly complimented this girl, she had managed to get herself into serious trouble. She felt ridiculous and though she did her best to relax and think what she could do, she forget for a moment she was a goddess and felt once again like the young maiden who had a father and mother and lived in peace in her village making those around her as happy as she was. No thoughts on her current life came to her while she panicked and tried to hold on to something… anything. But her hands never managed to find anything strong enough to hold on to and she avoided screaming to try and not drown by the speed of the water, and just as she saw the waters nearby she kicked up to avoid them, and then suddenly stumbled upon a whirlpool. And her mind was still troubled with thoughts, and so she struggled to keep in the surface of the river and instead she fell deeper inside and struggled to breathe.

The second time she was pulled inside she noticed, or she fought she noticed, a strange symbol in a carpe Koi that approached her, and she gasped underwater when she saw it transform into the man. He had the ability to shape shift? Se could not believe her eyes and almost tried to swim away from him but the current was much too strong and though she finally made it to the surface after hitting the ground, she felt him swim closer toward where she was. She feared he might also be dragged into the whirlpool but he was not and he soon held on to her.

“Hang in there, I've got you…”

She caught some water finally and did her best to catch her breath, she instinctively ran her arms around his neck when he held her against him feeling the water pull them toward the waterfall and she looked further ahead and gasped. She could see it and almost feel the fall. Who was this man that could change into an animal at will? Could it be he was a Seishi of some sort? And yet he seemed to roam the land on his own with no intent to look for the rest, or such was the impression she had of him. But this made her bite her lower lip nervously, wasn’t she meant to tell the Fiend she had found a Seishi and bring him before them or keep a close watch on him? And yet, he saved her life…She felt terrible and she wished he had not saved her and let her drown in this river so that she could finally rest in peace wherever it was that goddesses when whenever killed.

She blushed lightly though, realising she was truly close to this man and facing him she could see his deep purple eyes more closely and she looked away quickly. This was not the time or moment to do such a thing, and she knew this. She sighed and concentrated on holding on to this man and trusting him despite only having just met him. Maybe she could learn more about him once this nightmare was over, she did not fancy sleeping with the fishes, to be honest. She noticed his grin, so he finally had formulated a plan for them to escape with their lives? She sensed magic leave his body, almost as if she felt nature being summoned, how could he be so powerful? And she noticed a cute dog approach them and it made her smile if for a moment.

“Hey… Just hold on to me, okay? I'll get us out of here. I promise.”

She nodded to his words and then realised the dog brought them a rope, and she had an idea, she gently moved around him and placed herself behind him still holding on to his neck with her arms as tight as possible and ensuring not to harm him, that would give him more room to work his way into setting them free. She then watched as he tried the rope to the tree root and then themselves, this man seemed to impress her more and more with each passing moment he surely had to be a sorcerer of some sort, or someone who could easily charm someone as feeble and meal as her.

"Here goes… Don’t you dare let go, you hear me?”

“I won’t.” She replied as she still held on to him and watched him as he began to swing his arms to swim to the edge and she realised he was not kicking, he probably did not want to harm her. She blushed slightly but then suddenly began to kick with her legs as hard as she could and then finally they were on safe ground. She quickly moved away from him blushing lightly and then moved to dry the edges of her sleeves and hair with a squeeze. She was soaking wet and it was so silly of her.

“You okay? Look, I didn't mean to scare you back there...I'm sorry.”

She smiled at him but it was then she realised she had a mild cut on her right thigh for when she and tried to comb a rock she had scratched her leg and truing to get up she fell again and looked at the fresh blood. She sighed, she truly hoped she did not appear pathetic in his eyes, “I’m sorry you had to do this…for me…” She did no dare meet his gaze, the only thing missing was for her to begin crying then he would just stand up and walk away right?

She was a bit surprised when he fed the dog the leftovers of his own food but then smiled at the dog and played with him and laughed and caressed the soft mane. He was such a sweet dog, “His name should be Gojou, he is so sweet…” Why was she saying that? She did not know but she did grow fond of animals rather quickly and this dog was such a sweetheart and had saved their lives.

“Are you hurt? If you want to head back toward the forest, I can build a fire to help dry us both out...maybe even find something for us to eat.”

She blushed lightly and nodded although she knew her wound would need tending to. But she took his hand and blushed lightly, he was so nice to her, why? Wait, he said something about drying themselves… Of course! She smiled, “I might be able to help on that…” Ignoring the cut in her leg she took his hand and then slowly lifted her other hand and summoned a small tornado, one truly small, just big enough to hold the two of them for a moment, and she laughed softly, “Hold on!” She took both of this hands so that they would not be thrown out by the light force and once she began to grow tired she dismissed the wind and they landed. She smiled for a moment realising these skills could also be useful to help others, but then, remembering the necklace she was worried and fora moment fell on her knee feeling her wound worsen, the cut looked more serious now and she felt a cramp all around her body but the pain was then gone. So… what the Fiend said was true, if she helped their enemies she would get hurt…

Gojou. <3

“I’m sorry you had to do this…for me…”

Jin shrugged it off, but gave her a friendly smile. "Don't worry about it, Shiho-san." He stretched, feeling some joints pop, as they often did after he used his shifting abilities. "I needed a nice, refreshing swim anyway." He smiled as he watched her reaction to the dog, and his smile widened when she spoke again.

“His name should be Gojou, he is so sweet…"

Jin silently checked with the dog before grinning at Shiho once more. "He says he likes that name." He laughed. "And it seems he's taken a liking to us, so he'll be sticking around after all." He helped her to her feet, noticing a small cut, and mentioned starting a fire to dry them off. That seemed to remind her of something.

“I might be able to help on that… Hold on!”

It was Jin's turn to be amazed as she seemed to summon a tornado that lifted them both up. Gojou barked at it, and darted out of the way, keeping a wary eye on what he now considered his people. Jin was truly amazed that she held such power. He had been able to tell she wasn't a normal human, but this seemed to be beyond the abilities of a Seishi...so she was, what? A wind goddess? He laughed. He'd never met a goddess before, and here his first impression had been to fluster her and send her for a swim!

She sat the pair of them back down, nd Jin was surprised to see both were now dry...well, dry enough, if not completely so. He also had a feeling his hair was even more wild than usual, but that really wasn't important. He looked into her emerald eyes and grinned. "Thanks. Neat trick." Gojou was beginning to make his way back over to them one more, sniffing excitedly as Jin released her hand to pet the dog.

The Seishi looked up with alarm when Shiho fell to her knees. That cut he'd noticed earlier looked worse. He tossed his pack over his shoulder and tied his katana back at his belt before he moved to her side. "Easy does it." He said gently as he leaned down and lifted her up. "Better keep pressure off that until we can get you patched up." She was lighter than he'd expected, but then again he didn't carry many women around, so he wasn't sure what to expect exactly. He turned, Shiho in his harms, and started away from the ruined village and back toward the forest. He could patch up her leg, start a fire, and catch them some dinner. He grinned as he walked. It'd been a long time since he'd had any sort of company like this, and it seemed Gojou intended to be his now-constant companion. He hadn't really needed another mouth to feed, but the dog had helped to save their lives, so he couldn't just send him on his way.

He entered the forest, and found a nice sized clearing. He spotted a fallen tree, and sat Shiho down on it. "There you are." He crouched nearby and began to dig through his pack. "I've got some stuff here that I-" Stoke. "Procured, that should help with that." He pulled out a small jar of ointment, and some clean cotton bandages. He sat back a little to look at the wound, and finally seemed to realize it was on her thigh. He blushed faintly as he looked away. "Can you take care of that, or do you need me to?" Gojou had followed them, and now sat on the ground beside Shiho, wagging his tail as he watched the pair.

”Don't worry about it, Shiho-san… I needed a nice, refreshing swim anyway.”

She was surprised at how easygoing he seemed to be, he was not angry at al nor did he seem to mind how pathetic she could be at times and how clumsy. She watched him stretch and then remembered what she had seen in the water and though it was not her place to stick her nose where it is not wanted, she felt she needed to ask to ensure she had not gone insane. Looking into his deep purple eyes she said, “Are you… well… are you a Seishi who turns into animals?” She felt almost stupid to ask that question but she still could not believe how she came across him and though she found him amiable if he was a Seishi she would be used to bring him to harm so she was beginning to think she would leave him since he had been so kind to her so that the Fiend could not find him and even use him against his own miko. Wait a moment, why should she care for his well being? She only just met the guy. But he was such a talented musician and he had helped her when she foolishly slipped into the river. She could not be so ungrateful right?

”He says he likes that name… And it seems he's taken a liking to us, so he'll be sticking around after all.”

She could not stop herself from smiling although she blushed lightly when he smiled at her, she was not sure why she was behaving that way and she shied away on the fur of the black labrador embracing him with a smile and whispering the name she had given him it was truly befitting of him was it not? Gojou licked her hand and neck and she moved away laughing, her hair sawing elegantly as her eyes opened and she smiled at Jin. It was strange how you could meet people that would change your life completely even from the very instant of the encounter. And though she still carried the burdens of a Fiend’s servant, for now she was quite happy and felt as if she were at home, something she had not felt for a very long time. She wondered though if this man would still warm up to her if he knew her true personality, she was not entirely as shy as she was being now but, something in his eyes and the way he reacted made her think she would not need to act with him, not that she ever would. But this gave her confidence and that was a feeling she no loner recognised.

"Thanks. Neat trick.”

She smiled and looking at him she could not stop herself from covering her mouth wit her hand and laughing at how his hair looked now. Her hair had not suffered that same fate since, well, this was her element so it did to affect her the same way it affected others she guessed. After laughing for a moment she gently leaned forth and though her hands hesitated at first, she felt he would not mind if she tried to sort out his hair for him. She had to admit his hair was rather soft and of such an intense colour she had never seen before. Her hands slowly moved and graciously tracing down the hairdo she slightly remembered he had had before the jump on the water. When she finished she looked at him and seemed quite pleased with her work, and then her eyes moved down to his own and then quickly turned to look away, why did she keep acting so awkward? Surely that unsettled him…

"Easy does it… Better keep pressure off that until we can get you patched up.”

She was taken by surprise when he picked her up and only after he spoke she realised she was in his arms and she was slightly embarrassed she caressed her hair in an attempt tp calm down and not make a scene or else he might just think he could not eve touch a hair in her head without her turning like a red cherry. And in any case, had it not been her the one to touch his hair? She mentally face palmed at the embarrassment, what had made her dare to do that? Oh dear, she was in such a predicament she could scarcely believe she was made a goddess, what kind of wisdom could such a foolish woman possess? She silently thanked him when he put her down and looked around while she sat by the log, Gojoi came to settle next to her and placed his head on her lap emphatic of her wound on the leg. She smiled tenderly and caressed his head and rubbed behind his ears.

"I've got some stuff here that I-Procured, that should help with that… Can you take care of that, or do you need me to?”

She silently watched him as he looked inside his bags before taking out things she had watched people use to tending to wounds but it was something she had never learned to do, was she meant to pour the liquid into her wound and simply bandage it or something? Gosh that sounded dull. She could not even tend to a wound, why did she never learn such important things in her past life? She blushed deeply and said, “I…” Oh dear, he would think her ridiculous, “I don’t know how… I do not mind you doing it, unless you prefer to instruct me…” She caught him blushing as well and felt sorry that he had to deal with someone the likes of her.

“Are you… well… are you a Seishi who turns into animals?”

Jin looked up when she asked that. So she must've seen him transform back in the river. Watching that could be a little disturbing for people sometimes. Still, he hated lying, and saw no reason not to tell her the truth. "I am." He admitted. He reached over and scratched Gojou behind the ears. "I can talk to them too." He tapped his forehead, and hoped she understood. "That's how I got this guy to give us a helping hand." He grinned back at the dog for a moment before turning to face her. "So you're...what? A Wind Spirit or something?" Since they were sharing, he might as well confirm his suspicions. He thought she was a wind goddess, but he decided to opt for a lesser being, in case he was wrong. Best to err on the side of caution when dealing with non-mortals.

Jin shook his head when she began laughing at, he assumed, the state of his hair. His mother had always been after him to keep it looking nice, but he'd never payed much attention to what it happened to be doing at the time. He did comb it, as no one would put up with a musician or worker who looked a mess, but otherwise, he never payed much attention. He was surprised however when Shiho reached over and began to sort out his hair with her fingers. It was a comforting gesture, and it had been a long time since someone had taken so much notice in him. "Thanks."

She seemed embarrassed when he picked her up, and he realized belatedly that he should've checked to make sure she wouldn't mind. Ah well, too late now, and it wasn't like he could just drop her and try again. So he carried her to the clearing and sat her down before addressing the issue of the wound.

“I… I don’t know how… I do not mind you doing it, unless you prefer to instruct me…”

Jin nodded, understandingly. "I'll show you, alright? Then you'll know what to do for next time." He gave her a reassuring smile as he dug a canteen of water out of his pack, and poured some on a scrap of cloth he kept for just such an occasion. "Watch closely..." He poured some water on the cloth and used it to clean the wound. Setting that aside, he opened the jar and scooped out some of the ointment with his fingers, gently applying it directly to the wound. "It might sting a little, but it works wonders..." Once he thought it was well applied, he took the cotton bandages, and began to wind them around the affected area. "Let me know if that's too tight..." It was so much easier to tell that sort of thing when treating your own wounds. Once that was done, he tied off the end, and gave a small nod at his handwork, wiping his hands off with the damp cloth. "That's all there is to it, Shiho-san." He said, smiling up at her.

He stayed crouched there for a moment longer, staring up at her emerald eyes. She really was a pretty girl...too bad she was some kind of goddess, they never went for mortal men. He had to stop himself from snorting at that thought. Why on earth would he think that way? He'd only just met her, and there was no reason he should be so fond of her already. Perhaps it was just that she seemed so shy and unsure. Jin firmly believed every man had an inner protector, and perhaps she just called to his?

He shook his head and stood at last. "I'll build us a fire, and then I'll head back to the river and catch some fish for dinner." He told her as he began moving around gathering kindling for the fire. "You and Gojou can guard the clearing while I'm gone." He smirked over at her as he started working on the fire. Once he had it going, he gave a little wave to her before strolling off back toward the river.

Once there, he shifted into the form of a large bear, and was glad he'd practiced fishing in that form as he began to skillfully catch the fish swimming by, slapping them up onto the bank just as real bears did. He wasn't sure how much Shiho would eat, but he planned to get enough to take some with him for the trip, especially since it seemed he'd have to feed himself and Gojou from now on.

He had only just left the clearing when a blonde girl emerged from the woods on the opposite side of the fire. Though she looked young and rather innocent, she was neither. She was actually the Fiend, Ignorance, though at present she was in her Taowu personality, and her normally blue eyes glowed a sinister red. "Little goddess..." She said, her tone deceptively light, hiding the power she possessed. "You've had a busy evening, have you not?"

Gojou growled low in his throat as he crouched protectively near Shiho. The Fiend ignored him. Animals were of no concern to her. "We see more than you realize, my dear." She strolled slowly around the fire until she was standing just a few feet from Shiho. "Lucky for you, we are always planning...we will allow you to go unpunished for not killing this Seishi on sight." She reached up a hand to absently toy with one of her blonde pigtails. "In fact, you do as you like with him. One Seishi can not harm us, not without his Miko." Her smile would have been sweet on any other creature, but simply looked frightening on her. "It could be that someday we will be able to use this little encounter to our advantage." She looked in the direction Jin had gone. "He seems to trust you. This is good." Her red eyes returned to Shiho, locking onto her emerald gaze. "You will not tell him of your connection to us." It was a direct order, and they both knew it. "Otherwise, your actions for now are none of our concern." She waved a hand, as if to stress this fact. She reached a hand out for Shiho, but Gojou snapped at her fingers. Taowu glared at the dog, which wisely backed off and whimpered. Taowu nodded and then caressed Shiho's cheek. "Keep up the good work, our little goddess, and you might just be rewarded once our plans are completed."

With that, the Fiend vanished in a swirl of blonde hair, having used her teleportation ability to make her exit as quick and unexpected as her entrance. Gojou nudged Shiho's hand, as if checking on her after the Fiend's visit, though he did not understand exactly what had just happened.

”I am… I can talk to them too… That’s how I got this guy to give us a helping hand.”

She looked at him as he spoke, he was honest too it seemed and she smiled briefly before turning her attention back tot heir furry friend and she cut her head on his neck embracing him deeply before she moved back a bit so her eyes could look back into Jin’s “You must be very powerful then, I sensed you calling to nature for help and nature is so vast and big, and the creatures in it so diverse, not just anyone can stand the loss of so much energy calling for help in the language of the wild. I’ll confess I am impressed.” Her eyes watched a leaf as it flew past and sighed, it was a pity that Jin was a Seishi, not because she did not want him to be powerful, she was simply instructed to destroy all Seishi she found and to inform the Fiend of them whenever she came across them. However, this one was not with his miko, so, if that ever came to pass she would have to let them know. She wondered, if Jin ever found this out, would he hate her for it and leave her in the dark? He seemed like a nice understanding person and at times she won deed if he ever took sides for he seemed so carefree. But it was one thing to have tolerance of others and supporting someone who could cause great harm.

”So you're...what? A Wind Spirit or something?”

She blushed lightly but her eyes did not leave his this time, “Well… you could say that… I’m a, well, a Wind goddess I guess.” That was what the Fiend told her she was when they captured her and surely that could only meant they intended to use her powers to say the least. She was probably too carefree when she used her skills in front of Jin but she had also watched him do the same so that implied they trusted each other right?

”Thanks.”

She smiled at him and nodded, she only hoped he did not think she was being to forward just because she ares touch his hair to put it back into place. These innocent gestures were at times confused, misinterpreted and taken for situations where a woman was trying to lure a man. And though that was probably the case in some situations, Shiho was just trying to be nice to Jin, after all he saved her life. And he did not seem to mind her company at all, so she probably would do her best to try and not be too shy around him, however, she could not promise that would happen immediately. It would take some getting used to.

”I'll show you, alright? Then you'll know what to do for next time… Watch closely… It might sting a little, but it works wonders… Let me know if that's too tight… That's all there is to it, Shiho-san.”

She silently watched all he did and nodded whenever he asked if she was understanding the whole process of healing. Regarding his question about the bandage she nodded so he knew it was fine as it was. She placed a hand on the bandage and smiled, “Thank you Jin-san.” She was not sure why she felt a bit warm and cozy but well she was glad that she had come across someone as patient and knowledgeable as Jin, she did not want to think what could have happened had it been someone else… She finally realised Jin had been staring into her yes for a very long moment until he stood up.

“I’ll build us a fire, and then I'll head back to the river and catch some fish for dinner… You and Gojou can guard the clearing while I'm gone.”

She nodded and busied herself having fun with her new furry friend until the air grew cold and she shivered lightly. It was a presence… that presence…

She gasped as she felt someone approaching and she knew it was a Fiend. ONce she saw Taowu she knelt on her healthy knee to not apply much pressure on the other and looked down shivering lightly. Yes, she feared these abominable beings. And Ignorance spotted her and approached ignoring Gojou’s growls which Shiho tried to stop. She dared not look up and instead stayed in that position for a very long moment, while the Fiend visited her.

“You’ve had a busy evening, have you not? We see more than you realize, my dear… Lucky for you, we are always planning...we will allow you to go unpunished for not killing this Seishi on sight… In fact, you do as you like with him. One Seishi cannot harm us, not without his Miko… It could be that someday we will be able to use this little encounter to our advantage… He seems to trust you. This is good… You will not tell him of your connection to us…. Otherwise, your actions for now are none of our concern… Keep up the good work, our little goddess, and you might just be rewarded once our plans are completed.”

Shiho had trembled lightly when the Fiend caressed her cheek and to her words she had nodded and replied humbly. And to her last words she finally said, “Yes My Lady, it will be as you say.” She could not believe she had to live with such a burden. She felt tears in her eyes but she embraced Gojou feeling his nose shake her hand gently and she closed her eyes trying not to make the situation worse than it already was.

“You must be very powerful then, I sensed you calling to nature for help and nature is so vast and big, and the creatures in it so diverse, not just anyone can stand the loss of so much energy calling for help in the language of the wild. I’ll confess I am impressed.”

Jin blushed faintly. That was quite the compliment. In truth, he'd never considered how much energy it took, or how hard it might seem to others. It was just somehting he'd practiced and gotten good at. "Not really. Gojou probably just answered because he hoped I'd feed him again...if it even reached any other animals." He laughed. still, it did make him feel good that she'd been impressed. From someone with her abilities, that had to be something special.

“Well… you could say that… I’m a, well, a Wind goddess I guess.”

"A goddess huh?" He'd thought so. "Should I be calling you Shiho-sama, then?" He couldn't help but tease the shy goddess, just a little, though hopefully not enough to send her running again...he wasn't sure he was up for two daring rescues in one day. "I've got to say, I'm pretty impressed myself. That thing you did..." He swirled one finger in the air to mimic the motion of the tornado. "...Let me just say, I'm glad we get along. I'd hate to see you angry." He could easily imagine the devastation her abilities could cause in battle or if she was truly angry. He dismissed the thought. He couldn't imagine this girl doing anything of the sort, she seemed too sweet.

Jin looked up from his fishing. It seemed something was upsetting Gojou, though Gojou didn't know how to explain it in a way that Jin could understand. Jin asked if whatever it was had been trying to harm either Gojou or Shiho, and the canine had said no, it made a lot of noise and then left. Jin shook his head, wishing, not for the first time, that animals communicated with him the same way people did...it would make things so much easier.

He gave a great shake, sending water droplets flying from his fur before shifting back into his human form. His arms were a little damp, but they'd dry soon enough once he was back at the fire. He grinned. Or he could ask Shiho to do her little spinny trick again. He gathered up the fish, and started back for the clearing, whistling a little tune as he went. It was only thanks to years of practice that he didn't drop any of the fish as he walked. He really needed to get a net or something for when he went fishing. Fish were slippery, and it wasn't like he could politely ask them to be still until he could cook and eat them. Well, he could, but they probably wouldn't listen...

Once he reached the clearing, however, he did drop them. Rather unceremoniously near the fire. Forget the fish, he could cook them in a minute. He wasn't sure what was going on, but he could tell Shiho was obviously upset about something. She was kneeling on the ground, and hugging Gojou who was trying his best to comfort her. Jin ran over and crouched next to her, placing a hand on her shoulder. "Shiho-san? Are you hurt? What's the matter?"

Could it have had something to do with whatever had scared Gojou? He gently lifted her chin to look into her eyes, searching for any hint as to what was suddenly bothering her. His own deep purple gaze was filled with concern and compassion as he wanted to make whatever was wrong right again.

”Not really. Gojou probably just answered because he hoped I'd feed him again...if it even reached any other animals."

Shiho watched him blush and at first she felt guilty for uttering such words, what would her parents think of her if they could hear her now? She looked to the floor for a moment, but then realised that he looked rather handsome when he blushed, she laughed at her thoughts and then realised she had been too loud and covered her mouth with her hands hoping he had not thought she laughed at him. Her emerald eyes looked into his own, like two gemstones used to make the same jewel and decorate it with the luminosity of one and the depths of the other. She smiled softly and heard him deny he was that skilled but she knew otherwise, “I am sure it did.” She could feel the life moving around them, how could any animal hear his call and not come to his aid? “You called for them so, they should answer.” In a way animals did not seem to her like people, they would aid their loved ones and tend to them no questions asked, whereas humans could betray their own loved ones…just like that.

"A goddess huh? Should I be calling you Shiho-sama, then? I've got to say, I'm pretty impressed myself. That thing you did...Let me just say, I'm glad we get along. I'd hate to see you angry.”

It was her turn to feel embarrassed and she looked down laughing softly at his words and the way he spoke and used his hands to express himself. But then she said humbly, “I am not that powerful, there are others much more powerful I would be unable to touch with my greatest skill. But it is better that way.” She smiled and looked into his eyes and she was worried, his last words made her remember those she now served and she felt a twinge of guilt and sorrow at the thought of ever telling him something like that. What if they forced her to fight him or even worse to…hurt him in any way? She shivered lightly but then hid it by caressing her furry friend once more and looking away. She hoped that day would never come.

After Ignorance left, she had felt a coldness unlike any other take over her and her body was almost frozen in place. She even forgot about the pain she felt in her leg. She felt tears blurring her emerald eyes at the memories of a darkness she could be part of and the destruction she could bring to this world if the Fiend ordered her to. She knew she could not disobey. She would either be tortured or forced to do as she was told so either way there was nothing she could do to prevent this darkness from claiming her. If only she could hide in cave or something and be far away form everyone else then she would not hurt anyone. She shivered lightly even though poor old Gojou was doing all at hand to comfort her. She felt as if suddenly all those emotions she had been hiding inside came out.

All those times she never cried, never complained, she never fought to break free form this unfair imprisonment. Even during her torture she never cried, she looked distant almost like a ghost or a spectre for the pain was too great for her to handle, and she knew that what worried her the most was the fact that she would be forced to do something she had always loathed and dreaded and she could not stop this. Her freewill had been stripped form her the moment she was captured and now she was just another minion, another pawn in the game of the Fiend to take over everything and bring down the Gods and their laws.

She almost did not sense Jin approaching and though she tried to react and smile back at him or do something not to cause him any alarm, the word of the Fiend echoed in her mind and she did not want to know what they could try and do to Jin should he find the miko and the other Seishi. She shivered once more as another gust of wind caressed her long violet hair and she heard him run toward her, she felt him place a hand on her shoulder and she looked down and tried to swallow a sob that escaped her lips. She could not do this, not now, not in his company!

“Shiho-san? Are you hurt? What's the matter?”

Oh she wanted to tell him but, she was torn in two. The Fiend forbade her telling him and though it was only fair he knew who she was now, she also did not want him to walk away and levee her. She was not sure why she felt so connected to a man she and only just met but, she could not give in to what would be the right thing to do. All this shattered her walls completely and she felt small sobs on her lips. She finally turned to look into Jin’s eyes but afraid that he might see the darkness she closed them for a moment before she leaned toward him, hiding her head on his chest and finally letting her sorrow drift away like a stream. All the pain and grief she had hidden for such a long time, she allowed it to come out and she cried bitterly. One hand clutched the shirt that covered his chest and she allowed this bitterness to finally pour out of her system.

She hoped he would not silly shove her off and leave, but she also hoped he would not think her ridiculous for crying over what he would never be told had frightened her. Maybe she should just walk away, just levee before she brought him immeasurable pain… “I…” Tell him… Her mind dictated and she tried to take breaths in between sobs but she could not, what would he think? “I’m…” She allowed the sorrow to proceed and she finally allowed the darkness to take her, and she felt dizzy as she whispered, “I’m sorry…” her body relaxed as it leaned on him and her eyes closed as the last tear fell down her cheeks and she passed out due to the amount of pain she had concealed.

Shiho laughed, and blushed, and Jin found himself thinking she was quite adorable when she did both. It was strange to think of a goddess as 'adorable', but she was. That thought, combined with the memory of her lovely voice singing, and he came to the sudden realization that, for the first time in a long time, he'd come across someone he enjoyed spending time with. He wasn't antisocial, not by any means, but so many people didn't want to see the man beyond the wandering musician and occasional thief. It felt different with Shiho, and he treasured that feeling, even if they parted company soon.

Such were his thoughts when he'd returned to camp, and found the cheerful seeming goddess on her knees and upset. He ran to her, and she leaned into him and began to cry. Without hesitation, he brought his arms up around her, and gently smoothed her hair, making the same sorts of soft soothing sounds his mother had always made when he'd been upset as a child. He didn't know what had her so upset, but he didn't ask either. She'd tell him, or not, when she was ready. In the meantime, he'd stay like this as long as she needed him to.

"I... I'm... sorry..."

She passed out, and Jin felt worry rise up in him like a tide. What was wrong? He quickly checked her pulse before he gently laid her down on her back. Gojou whined softly, and Jin patted his head. "I think...she's just exhausted, emotionally or physically...maybe both." He shook his head and pulled his cloak from his pack, folding it and putting it under her head. He looked down at her for a long moment, and carefully brushed some hair back from her face. He didn't know what was going on with her, but he'd look after her for now. It seemed someone needed to. He made sure she was as comfortable as he could, it was little comfort, but it was all he knew to do.

Gojou laid down beside Shiho, and Jin stood. He moved to gather the fish and set them to cooking so he'd have something for Shiho to eat when she woke before he returned to her side. He dropped into a sitting position by her head, and watched her face for a long moment. With nothing better to do until the fish were done, he pulled out his flute and began to play a gentle soothing melody. He did not want to disturb her, only to soothe her thoughts.

He played until the food was done. He stood once more and set the fish aside to cool, tossing a couple to Gojou before returning to sit by Shihou. On an impulse, he gently lifted her head, and the cloak he'd put under it, and rested both in his lap. He looked down at her for just a moment longer before closing his eyes. He then began to play again, hoping she'd be okay, and hoping she'd wake soon. He decided he much preferred to see her blush and smile, and hear her laugh. He didn't like seeing her cry, and knowing she was so upset...and he didn't like not knowing how to help her feel better.

The comfort. She had not felt so protected in a long time. In fact, she could not remember the last time honest arms wrapped around her or caressed her hair in an attempt to make the pain go away. She did appreciate the fact that Jin had not moved away, no, he did not get shocked and shied away from her pathetic show of weakness. But she had to let it all out somehow since it was becoming too strong for her to bear it silently. How to begin to enunciate the things that broke her very soul morning and night? On the one hand it was torture to be forced to serve someone you did not love or pledge your allegiance to, in her case, he was a servant of darkness now, everything she despited and had fought against during her mortal life. And now, she finally had powers that could fight, if not defeat, her foes, she was captured by the enemy and forced to wear that necklace that was too elaborate for her humble taste. On the other hand, it was not enough that she had to enslave her actions and will to please the Fiend, she was also given tasks to hurt the things and persons she loved the most and due to Ignorance’s threat she was determined they would force her to do something to upset Jin, if not harm him with her own hands. They were that way, she knew them by now. So it angered and frustrated her but she had decided nothing was to be done. She could not oppose them because then her doom would be greater.

The pain a goddess could suffer when cursed with a necklace like the one she wore was unimaginable. And it was the type of pain that would take a long time to disappear and it could end up with physical injury. But that was not the worst of it, but the way people would conceive her if they witnessed the evil she was forced to carry out. She would not be seen for the person she truly was bur rather for the terrible things her hands created. No one would stop to wonder if she was unhappy at this, or even look at her eyes filled with pain and grief. No, they would simply mark her as an enemy and if necessary would fight her off with weapons that could make a god bleed. And here she was now, in the arms of someone who had no idea what she truly was and her heart condemned such treacherous thing but she had not the will to tell him, to be removed from his warm and strong embrace, to be parted from his company and to lose sight of Gojou whom she now appreciated and liked a lot. both of them saved her life, and the fiend would make her repay them with their own deaths, she was certain of it. But she had not the strength to get up and run away, no , the more she cried it was as if she lost strength in doing so.

Oh Jin truly did not know what he had gotten into when coming toward Shiho as she sang in the forest! She weakly lifted her head once more and after apologising her yes stayed with the memory of his deep purple eyes. And then she finally passed out but did not feel as if she was being abandoned. Quite the contrary, it was almost as if she was still being looked after even when this person did not truly know the darkness about her. But he was a Seishi right? He bonded with nature and yet he did not sense this? Or was she still pretty much her pure self and the darkness had not yet manifested within her? Was that why she could still sing happily, feel nature bout her and smile and laugh? Although, the sorrow did seem to take over her as of late. She seldom sang these days and she walked the forest more like a spectre or ghost rather than a beautiful goddess.

When she passed out the darkness were far deep, and she almost felt enveloped by a presence that tormented her. She looked around and saw the Fiend, they were all laughing at her and one whipped her making her fall on her knees with a yelp. She received several more injuries and then one of them pulled her by the hair, forcing her to stand up and she slowly did so, and followed behind, “You keep babbling how you would like to break free, to be yourself again, well, either you ensure what you will see happens or we will never let you go and you will finally lose yourself…” Of course she could not have guessed what her eyes would behold, there was a whole kingdom in ruins and she could see corpses everywhere and as she approached to the cliff to see more clearly she gasped and covered her mouth in horror, she saw what looked like the Emperor and a lovely lady next to him, both dead, they looked pierced in many areas and then there were two red-haired persons, one a lady dressed in a rather revealing outfit and yet she knew she was a warrior, and the other knight next to her, both were also dead and their bodies were covered in bruises and scratches and she stumbled and fell on her knees and gave a cry of fear and pain when her eyes spotted…

No… this could not be happening! She closed her eyes and prayed that what her eyes could see was not true. But as she opened them again she immediately forgot she was in a desolated place fully of blood, destruction and death. She rushed toward the person pierced by one arrow. She could feel tears of pain as she ran a hand through her fringe and she shook her head, “No…please…please…wake up, tell me this is not happening… please…” He hand moved to caress his dark purple hair and his cheek but he did not move at all, the wind blew on his hair and clothes making her feel the loss far harder than ever before. She ran her arms around his neck and began to cry her heart out and a dark laughter sent shivers down her spine, “Why are you so sad Shiho?” She ignored those words and kept crying as she decided she would stay there, and never leave again even if the necklace tormented her for all of eternity, “Shiho…do not act so hurt, it is hypocritical and an insult tot he dead…” She frowned and gasped before she turned to look behind her, the dark voice emitted a smirk, “Do not act so surprised…do you not remember this is…your doing?”

She gasped and moved away from his beautiful persona and shook her head, “No, you are lying, I would never…” The dark figure approached her and smirked, it was cruel that he should enjoy himself so much when this was causing her so much pain. She fell to her knees, “Oh Jin… please forgive me!” To have hurt such a person this way, to have destroyed him and his friends, what was she thinking? The dark being lifted a hand to caress her cheek and lift her chin, oh but she remembered now, it had been an order, to betray that one person she had come to trust, so there as really no turning back fro here now, right? She had no escape and darkness was all there was for her. She noticed he lifted his hand for her to take. Once she accepted this, darkness would take over her forever and she would never be herself again. Looking back at Jin’s motionless body, her last tear fell form her eyes and she walked toward him and leaning forth and quite unsure of what she was doing, she kissed his lips briefly, they were cold, like her heart and she felt less and less alive.

She lowered her gaze, her fringe covering her eyes completely as she moved forth and noticed the black hand was still extended indifferently to whatever she could be feeling. She shivered lightly and slowly she began to extend her own hand to grasp the dark one and though she hesitated at moments and wanted to look back at Jin’s lifeless body, she did not, her hand slowly descending and touching the dark one and she felt great pain, as if she was being drained out of her very soul. And a voice resounded behind her, and a gentle melody filled the land. She removed her hand form that of the dark shadow and heard a voice she could not recall, “Shiho, why are you so determined to give in to the darkness?” She looked around and could not place where the voice came from, but it sounded powerful and demanding. She shivered lightly and fell on her back when the dark Fiend disappeared.

“I…I am a threat, I hurt others and… I’m…” she could not bring herself to say it but she bit her tongue as she finally admitted her greatest crime, “a murderer… I killed someone and now it hurts to much to continue living…” She could no longer cry, there were no more tears for her to shed. But the pain grew stronger than ever and she knew that if she live don she would only commit more terrible acts and live on watching the Fiend enjoy themselves at her expense, it was just too much for a single soul to bear.

“Why… why did killing him hurt you so?” Why? She did not know, she was too ashamed of what she did to even dare to talk about him now that he was gone, “He…was very kind to me…he spread joy and beauty wherever he went… and I…” she had killed him. She was far worse than the fiend ever would be. They were wicked and did not befriend others and then betray them, like she had. Oh could she ever find forgiveness wherever it was she was meant to go once she gave into the darkness? And yet the sun began to shine and the land began to turn beautiful and the voice… It spoke once more.

“Where there is love there should not be darkness… Where there is beauty there should be no destruction… Despite all this you still killed him? Killed the man you loved?” She felt as if she had just been stripped form something truly valuable for her but she did not speak, at first she was too confused to understand what the voice had meant.

The man she loved? What was this voice talking about? She shook her head and tried to cover her ears not to listen to the song anymore, but it was so soothing she could not simply ignore it. She had done a great evil but could she undo it and would Jin ever forgive her wherever he may go from here? Looking up at the sky she whispered his name, and the sound of the flute made a great beam of light move to her, almost as if it beckoned her to follow. She gasped in fear at first but then she slowly stood up, and she began to follow the light, she did not dare to look behind her, that was not the memory she wanted to keep of the lively young man. She closed her eyes for a brief moment as the light became too bright to see. but she kept on following it and used her hand to block the light to avoid getting lost, she did not even stop to think on where she was stepping, no, she trusted that bright light and the soft tune too much to even think she could be led into a trap.

The man she loved? She was still lying on her back the way Jin had set her and her eyes were still coded when her hand seemed to reach for something or someone, as she approached the light she wanted to take the hand covered in light, but she was hesitant to take it. She stirred lightly in her sleep but did not wake up just yet, instead she kept on thinking about what she had just been told, what could all this be? She had only just met the man… “The man I love…” she said in between dreams, and her voice drifted off with one soft whisper, “Jin”. She was still following the light and calling out for the one person she had done the greatest harm possible to, would he ever forgive her? The music increased intensity and she found herself running toward the light this time. Ands he increased the pace even though she could feel the tireless being to take over her. She finally reached out and touched the hand…

Her eyes slowly opened up and she blinked a couple of times. She noticed Gojou sit up happy she had woken up and he barked to announce this. She laughed softly and looked around, there was a fire and some fish, but where was Jin? The memories of her dream made her inhale deeply and sit up looking for Jin unaware that she had been resting her head on his lap this whole time and she had still heard the music, but where was he? Had she truly hurt him? Still in her sitting position she moved back, not considering to look behind, and she did so quickly. She only stopped when she accidentally hit something… or someone… And she fell to her back with a light yelp. Extending her arms to grab hold of something that might stop the crazy fall. Of course she did not stop to think that had she not given in to the panic she might have simply stood up and called out for Jin to ensure her nightmare would not take place. No, instead she let the fear take over her and she moved like a scared little kitten. Instead of concentrating to look for Jin, she was truly pathetic wasn’t she? Why did they make her a goddess in the first place? She truly had no mindset for something of this magnitude and she had fallen an easy victim to the Fiend. What could be worse than that? but alas, the memories of Jin pierced by an arrow still tortured her…

That was until she landed on her back and realised she had accidentally pulled Jin with her, his deep purple eyes looking as confused as her own. But, he was alive right? Or, was he? Had she finally gone mad? She was too embarrassed and shocked to even move. Gojou seemed amused and soon enough lost interest in them and began chasing its tail and sniffing around ensuring their surroundings were safe. A cool breeze played with the tones of their hair and stirred life into their personas and yet Shiho was still there, unable to move as if by a spell of some sort, and she could feel her cheeks redden, how could Jin put up with a person like her? And was he real? He felt real… He was not dead then? But the memories were still fresh in her mind, what had happened then? Had this been a warning? Or were the Fiend attacking her even in her sleep? The memories of Ignorance’s last visit made her shiver lightly, although she did her best to hide it, this situation she had accidentally put herself and Jin in was already awkward enough, she did not want him to just tire of her antics and leave… Although, if her dreams were a warning it would be best if he actually did leave… She did not want to cause him any harm…