Yuu could feel Nobuo wanting to get out, visions blurring his drive for his goal as he blankly stared at his tea while it was happening. The hospitable gesture was seen as a potential threat, and he did not take it too well as he glanced up and pushed his tea cup forward. From what he saw, he had been drugged once by a similar gesture and in a similar fashion. History was repeating itself to some degree and he was not willing to bring down his guard twice to the same thing, even if the man was truthful. Yuu, or rather Nobuo spoke from the experience, and more like a person rather than someone bent on killing, "I would rather not eat or drink what you provide. One bad experience is one too many." He sat up, posed like he was an unmoving noble talking to his peers. He grabbed Toshi's hand, as if to tell her to calm down since he was there. After all, he was given the task to protect Toshi, whether or not he felt anything for her. He wasn't too sure just how much information Toshi wanted, or even if she'll listen to the answers. However, he knew her questions were more dire than his since she was the one who had decided to come back. "Toshi, I'm here, and so is the family sword. You wanted to find out about your family," he talked to Toshi as though he were doing it out of duty rather than showing any feelings to Toshi.

Toshi's hand went towards the tea then stopped and dre back curling as if she was frightened, her eyes going to Yuu as he spoke her eyes closed as they lost their sparkle "The sword won't work..." she said gently her voice but a low mumble "Free or not... one, they are still family and two, they are higher ranked" she her voice seemed diffrent almost like it was dead as it spoke

She felt the lack of love from Yuu's form and it made her heart faulter, the shield dropping as she fell to her knee's the male elder dropping the cup allowing to smash on the floor as she caught her, his eyes going to Ken'ichi "How long!" he demanded as he began to cheak her over

Ken'ichi lowered his head "four months weakened, three months sealed" he replied, the elder stood and glared at him keeping Toshi in his arms "Tengu or no, I'll deal with you later... " with that he grabbed Yuu's and and dashed off to a nearby room

The room would be much like that of nobility or royalty of the area she had been brought up in. Moving to the bed he placed toshi down and looked to the seal, a worried look on his face for her

It was true that Nobuo was concerned for Toshi's safety, but at the same time he was just overly skeptical about the sincerity of the elder's actions, thinking that they were some sort of facade to throw him off. And if he couldn't use the sword, at least the sheath or some other loose object around the area could do some damage if there was a need for it...but he just might do that because he felt like doing it. His desire to kill the man grew more intense by the minute, thinking more and more about just how many wrongs this man had done to him, Toshi, and many others and leaving less concern about getting any answers for Toshi. "You do know what will happen to you if you do any harm to her," his arm changed and he positioned his long, sharp claws just inches from the man's neck.

The other elder followed quickly too, though right before Yuu could move any closer, she swiftly wrapped her arms around his and pulled it back. While to her, it was undignified to perform such actions, she wanted to protect her partner and make sure that their investment was properly taken care of, "You fool! Can't you open your eyes and see that we're trying to help her?!"

Toshi would remain uncontious as she was checked over, hearing the boys words and feeling his claws at his neck "If I was going to harm her boy she wouldn't be in a room designed for her comfort and security" he hissed slightly in return "Beside's you are the cause!" he called out cheaking toshi's eyes

"Your link is diffrent to any we have seen created over the years..." he closed Toshi's eyes and went to a small box in the room opining it "Your abilitys lie in your emotions, if she feels a lack of love in you, something like this might happen again" he say taking some herbs out of the box and began to make a concoction where he stood

"The only reason I believe that it is this bad at the moment is because she is in a weak state, the only thing keeping her from true death is the true love she holds for you" he say walking back over to toshi and had her drink the medicine he created just a moment before

"She is weakened there is nothing I can do for her on that point but the medicine will prevent her from getting any worse" his eyes falling on the sea once more as his eyes studied it "This can't be removed by anyone" he said looking to his partner "She placed it there because she denie's her linage, until she comes to term with that..." he paused and sighed "the seal will not be broken meaning she will not be able to recover quickly" what he failed to mention was the 'if at all'

Nobuo was a spirit of hatred and vengeance, and love was just something that couldn't fit in, despite having the awareness that he did have it at before, several times. He knew it wasn't normal, but that wouldn't change unless his own spirit was appeased, but he didn't have enough of his memories to figure out what it was that he needed to do. He just knew he had to do something, and it was clawing inside his mind, trying to break free. Despite promising to protect Toshi, he grinned, "So when I am weak, she is strong..and when I am strong, she is weak? It's starting to look like that." So long as Toshi wasn't dead or hurt he was ok with it, his own selfish emotions now emerging. It meant that he can get closer to fulfilling what he wanted, whatever he was after.


He reached down, his fingers gently combing through her hair and then lightly brushed over her cheeks. She was the exact resemblance of a person he once knew, someone he once gave his heart to, but he couldn't feel love towards her, only the satisfaction in knowing she was a stepping stone. A tool to help him advance, so to say. And he didn't care if it ended up being a person.

He looked at the elder, "Maybe I want her to sleep like this, for me. So don't let her know about her heritage..or better, don't let her wake up." However, as he was almost ready to make sure that the elders would do just that, the words echoed through his mind, and suddenly he snapped his head up, realizing just exactly what had come out of his mouth. His arm reverted back and he started to worry about Toshi again, "How long does that medicine last?" Yuu looked to Toshi again and grabbed her hand, tears welling up in his eyes, "I'm so sorry..This is my fault.." He knelt down, his hands wrapped around hers and brought them closer to himself, feeling her warmth within his hands and his forehead, and hoping that she would respond to his touch.

The male elder sighed listening "At the moment yes, if one of you is strong the other will be weak" he continued, though he found it curious how he was being selfish about the whole thing but still showed her kindness and love in his own way. He noted something in his mind to tell the others later

"I told them I would answer any three questions and I will..." he say glaring at Nobuo "I am many things, but one of them isn't a liar" he scorned, but he watched as a fight seemed to come into play. Watching the change he realized that the true personality was back in his form. On hearing his question he thought back "twenty four hours after consumption... then it is required to take it again" he would say contently

Toshi's eyes opened a little feeling Yuu's hands in her own, she smiled "I know why we can't balance" her voice was weak, sounding like she was exhausted "Yuu, it's not your fault... don't blame yourself... I don't wa..." she trailed off her breathing got lighter as she fell into a slumber

"Toshi!!" Yuu yelled desperately trying to get Toshi to come back. He doubted Toshi's words about him not being at fault for her current condition. Even the elder said it was his fault for the fall in her health, and he believed it. "There has to be some other way to help her.." although he knew that the people standing around him were dangerous, he also had no choice but to rely on them to keep Toshi's health from worsening, and he looked up into the man's eyes seeking his help and advice.

The elder looked to him with a smile "There is nothing I can do to get her energy back... she is one of a kind" with that he stood and walked towards the door, but stopped glancing back "You are the cause, so you would be the cure in my opinion" he muttered as he advanced once more "You need to balance yourself before you can balance against her so neither are weakened" with that he walked out the room knowing his companion would follow likely with questions of her own

"How am I supposed to do that?" Yuu knew he needed to settle things within himself once and for all since he was aware that as his other self, he would put Toshi in a less desirable state to get to his own goals. He knew he needed balance, but he didn't know how to accomplish it. It was bad enough that there was never a distinct separation going between their minds and the transition was difficult to pick up on. He sighed, looking down at Toshi, "I don't know what to do..." Resting his head upon the bed, he sighed and wrapped his finger in Toshi's.

----------

"It would be impossible for him..he doesn't have what it takes to achieve balance," from what she had seen, it would be too difficult for the two spirits to come into peace with one another. Both had different ideals and goals that were conflicting with one another. And Toshi's health was dependent on Yuu coming to terms with Nobuo. All seemed hopeless.

The elder stood at the door as he was asked the question "You must find a common gound to begin with as you are oppisite sides of the same coin..." he began bringing his hand to his head he sighed "when this happens you must give him an insight to the love you hold and he will give you insight to the hate he does..."

Turning he looked to the boy "You give up to easily and will never gain his respect, until you gain that... she will remain in her coma" his words were cold and harsh but in his mind needed for motivation "You have two questions left" with that he fully left the room

"you give him to little credit, they have made a bond stronger than any we have seen... and their's wasn't forced, meaning he is more likely to suceed for her" his words where calm "they are the closest we have had to perfection, don't count them out"

Yuu closed his eyes, desperately seeking out Nobuo's presence within himself. His breathing slowed and he became more calm, slowly drifting off into darkness, thinking that he was most likely just falling asleep while trying. What was the use if Nobuo was too stubborn to come out for Yuu.

Then, he felt himself forced into a different position, his eyes flew open. He tried to get up to see where he was at, but his body wouldn't move the way he wanted it to. Instead, it was as if someone was controlling his every movement, nothing was done out of his will. He felt himself sitting up in the ragged blanket, the morning rays of the sun peeking through the many holes in the wall. He somehow felt familiarity with his surroundings, as if he had known them for a long time.

Soon afterwards, new information flooded his head, telling him that this place was only a temporary shelter that he had crashed into for the past week. He had a job to do, as he was hired to perform a job, and the money he earned was used to keep him and his younger sister alive. He would go out on long trips to fulfill his duties and come back to collect. It was a dangerous job, but it paid well.

Suddenly, he snapped his head up, now back to where Toshi was. He bit his fingers, wanting to gnaw on them. It was a very vivid dream, or memory, but whatever it was it had seemed too real to him. A vision where he had no control and gradually started fitting into the part as if he were there, "Toshi, wait for me.."

Yuu closed his eyes once again, drifting off again and waking up where he had left off: back in the broken building. The job was highly dangerous and he hoped that his sister would stay out of it this time. Yuu fell into it more naturally than he did the first time, as though he were actually living as this person and also as though being 'Yuu' had never happened. He quickly stood up, brushing the dust off of his pants, and he grabbed his sword and traveling bag, placing them over his shoulders like someone who was a carefree bum. After, he walked outside, taking in the view of the forest and the life around it.

And now he realized..this was a memory that Nobuo couldn't access unless Yuu himself wanted answers as well. A key memory for both Nobuo and Yuu in their own journeys. He didn't know how it would play out, but he had a gut feeling about what would happen, and it wasn't a good one.

A girl ran up behind his her clothing a deep gray and kind of tattered, her long black hair stopping mid way down her back, her ice blue eyes glowing like moon sapphires in the light. She looked quite thin and sickly but stopped behind Nobuo "Brother... you don't have to do this, we can go back to the villiage... I'm sure the elder's won't be mad" her voice was filled with worry, the voice would seem familure to him as she spoke as if he had been around it for a while

"I must. It puts food on our plates and more importantly..in our bellies," Nobuo wasn't all too surprised that she had followed him all the way out there. He had only stopped for the week because he had obtained an injury from a fall, and must have been more than enough time for Fumiko to get a good shot at catching up to him. He playfully placed a hand on her head, and with a devious smirk he rapidly moved his hand about, giving her a noogie, "This is what you get for following me. Go back home. I have an important mission to get to."

The girl looked to him with sorrow filled eyes, somehow she knew that he was on one of those sucidle missions that no one else was dumb enough to take "We can work for that... I almost lost you last time... not again!" she held on to her ragged top, her voice showing she didn't want him to go but she knew no matter what was said he would go even if it meant knocking her out like he had the last time

Feelijg his hand on her head she smiled a little she just couldn't stay mad at him that was until he started to give her a noogie "Enough!" she cried out holding her head "I'm sorry... please stop" she got teary and pouty, hearing his words she shook her head "No, I want to come... please don't make me go back" her voice sounded scared, especially since she left without asking permission

"You would only get hurt if you follow me," Nobuo stopped teasing her and gave her a hug, softly humming a tengu lullaby as he rocked back and forth to soothe her, stroking her hair. It had only been his ninth mission out, but he didn't do it just for the food, as he spoke of so often to Fumiko. He knew he only had a few months to a few years to live, and he was gathering the money in preparation for it since he wanted Fumiko to be living well even after he would pass away, but he had hidden most of it from her for the time being. He had someone who had agreed to tell Fumiko about it after he died. For now, he let her remain in her blissful ignorance, not knowing what fate had in store for them, "You are my little star, Fumiko." He nuzzled her hair and sighed, "If you want to come with me, you will have to learn the way of the sword and of our offensive magics. I can't have you coming with me while you're defenseless.."

Cuddled into into nobuo her head going onto his chest "I could be helful" she pouted, she knew there was very little she could actually do because of her illness and even her own family seen her is nothing more than a burden "Why do you care for me Nobuo? Your a high born" her voice quivered a little as she spoke, she was quite afraid of the answer she might be given

Giggled a little as her hair was nuzzled "I know Nobuo, and your my protector" her voice was soft as she spoke, hearing what he had to say about her learning magics and sword style she shook her head "They'd beat me like last time" her voice sounded panicked as she looked down to a seal on her left hand, "They blocked my form and magic because i will never have use for my form and I'm to low to use the races magic" her voice sounded sad as she spoke

"One day, that will all change. We'll figure out how to get that seal off. My magic isn't strong enough to take it off, but maybe one day I can," he finally decided to sit down, opening his bag and pulling out some jade fruit. One was for him and the other for Fumiko. At least they can enjoy a peaceful moment while they still had one. "You know I care about those in need. I saw you were in need of help, so I gave you some," at least, that was how it initially started off. And as time passed while he met her more often, his feelings grew stronger for her. He started blushing, "But..you know I have feelings for you. You're more than a friend to me. You're like family. One day, I'll make it so that there will be no social hierarchy. Everyone will be able to live equally."

He took a bite out of the fruit, the inside was transparent like lightly colored jelly, but had the same consistency as an apple. Nobuo, trying to lighten the mood, made every effort to make the fruit look that much more delicious and tempting to eat, "Mmm, it is so good!" He chewed it slowly, making it look like he was savoring every bite.

Listened to what he said and looked down "if they don't kill me first" she muttered "I didn't have permission to leave but I was worried about you, so came" she held back tears "They say i'm no better than a human, that I'm not real tengu" she brought down the sleeve over the hand that bore her seal, she was ashamed that she had been sealed because of something one of the higher children had done

Seeing the jade fruit her eyes lit up almost as if it was a rare thing to see, taking it she leaned up and kissed his cheek a light blush coming to her cheeks "You are going to rid us of the elders? Won't that bring chaos? Is't your father an elder" her voice shook thinking of all the bad things that could happen

As she was about to answer a tengu swooped down and landed infront of them both, his hand on his sword he would be clad in black and dark jade green clothing. he was about to say something to Fumiko but noticed who was beside her and moved to his knees bowing "Lord Nobuo..." his voice showing obedience as he spoke "I will make sure she is punished for bothering you when I take her back to the villiage" his voice showed no emotion just pure loyalty to the younf man

Fumiko seeing the man knew that it was bad and placed the fruit down instantly knowing she was forbidden such things, she quite quickly move behind nobuo and clench his top shaking, she was scared about being caught and wha would happen for punishment this time

Nobuo stood up, glaring down at the man who had just spoken about punishing Fumiko for going out of her way to see him. That and he interrupted their personal time together. "You will do no such thing! I forbid it!" he protested, and he made no effort to hide his rage, "If she must go back to the village, you must make sure that she is not punished. She did nothing wrong in coming out here to see for my safety."

He bent down, picking up the fruit and tossing it up and down, then held it firmly in his hand. It was just a matter of time before Fumiko would be found out, but he would protect her no matter what. Though again, he was one to throw off subject matters often, "Ken'ichi, have you ever tried one of these?" He used his sleeve to clean the dust off, "You work too hard. You need to take breaks every once in a while and lighten up." The apple was pressed against Ken'ichi's forehead, and moved back and forth as though to try to get his words...or rather the fruit...through his head, "Eat this, I'm sure you're hungry."

In fact, his bag was filled with nothing but food, so he had more than enough goodies and treats to go around. Food mattered much more to him then other daily necessities, often so much that he was scolded by his parents for not being more normal and health-consciencious. Though, despite what they said, there were still secret rooms and compartments around the mansion he lived in where he could hide his stuff and get away with eating when no one was looking.

Remained in his bow he listened to what was said to him, he felt the glare stabbing into his form, though shaking inwardly he remained as still as a statue "Lord Nobuo, I can not go against tribe traditions, nor your father's word... she left without permission or a good reason" his voice was still filled with respect, but what could one expect from him "Y-y-you... I will try my lord" he trailed off, he might as well have asked him to kill an entire army by himself and he would have had more luck

Feeling the cold fruit on his brow his head remained in it low possition "It is jade fruit... my family and I are allowed some fruit daily" though he was in a lower class than the one infront of him, he was still of noble origins meaning the rule of lower food wasn't forced apon him instead boundries where set in place, hearing what was said he rose looking to the girl whith his deep jade eyes "I do not need it, the forest will provide for me" with that he turned his back to his young lord and the lower girl, after all if he couldn't see it how could he possibly report it

"Aw c'mon, no one will have to know what you did out here. Just only the three of us, doing whatever we want. Doesn't that sound nice? Living like a free man and equal?" he chuckled, knowing that Ken'ichi was as stubborn as a rock, but it was still worth trying to pursuade him and doubly as fun doing it to play around with him. But his eyes brightened and he was enlightened to a little something. He always thought the food was retrieved from crops and farms, but he never thought it was possible to grab anything from within the forest, "Is that really true? The forest provides those type of things?" It meant he could put his money on other things that weren't found in the forest.

Remained where how he was sat listening to every word that was spoken to him “Young Lord it doesn't matter I would know...” his words stern but respectful “Rules and traditions are put in place to bring order into a chaotic world, and if it means I must serve until my last breath I shall do so happily” his eyes closed, his voice showing conviction in every word that he spoke

Hearing the disbelief in Nobuo's voice he stood without a word and headed towards a tree, jumping he landed on a branch and began to pick some sapphire cherry's from the tree. He lifted his mask and smiled to the tree “Thank you for giving to us, we will return to you soon” he whispered his hands going to the tree lightly caressing it after which he brought his mask back down and jamp from the branch to land silently in front of Nobuo

Kneeling once more he held the fruit up almost as if it was an offering to him “My family are not like your's Lord Nobuo, we must hunt and fend for ourselves...” his voice was calm as he spoke “We are servents after all, and it is expected of us” his voice showed he was content in his life, once the fruit was taken from his hand he turned his back once more to allow them privacy of sorts

The whole time Fumiko had been watching the goings on, she looked so confused about the actions of the superior tengu “Master Nobuo...” just saying those words to him made her heart sink but while the other was around she had to go by rules “Aren't you both the same?” she was confused because the other Tengu was wearing bright colors and good clothing

"Rules and traditions, if there are too many, can bring pain and despair," he knew full well what it has done to some of the people in the lower classes, and he didn't like those traditions imparticularly. He always felt bad when he saw someone getting punished and treated poorly just because of those rules and traditions, "They are no good if innocent people are treated like trash."

His eyes followed Ken'ichi, watching his actions and using his abilities to gain a closer look and hear what was done. Amongst the tengu, he was considered one of the top ones in the sensory department, making him extremely useful when it came to missions where he had to move around in an area with few people around, but not so much when there was an army in front of him. It seemed to him that there were other traditions that he was unaware of, ones that were held by families such as Ken'ichi's. Afterwards, he had been given the sapphire cherry, his fingers ran over its smooth exterior, almost in awe of it as he now learned that these fruit actually came from such trees. ((so sheltered lolol x'D))

"Of course there are those who wear the same garments as normal tengu. Those are ones that are branched from the main houses and subjucated to serve, those from other clans who have been classified into a lower class, and so on. Those with the dull colors had an ancestor who was stripped and cursed of the privileges, so the descendents would continue to carry that shame with them.." his eyes went to Fumiko and back to Ken'ichi, saddened by just talking about it. His arm went up, a sleeve was used to dry the excess moisture from his eyes, and then his arm went back to his side, "So you see, our traditions are cruel, like the one on who wears what clothing. They punish those that don't deserve it, ones who weren't responsible for any wrongdoing." he knelt down and placed the fruit into his bag and picked up his gear again, and then grabbed Fumiko's hand and turned to talk to Ken'ichi again, "So I hope that one day you will reconsider. Try to live outside of those rules and traditions, and help the innocent and those who need it."

He chuckled, being cheery again to change the mood of where the conversation had led them. At least he could leave Ken'ichi with something to think about, and he hoped it hit its target, "I know you have a heart, Ken'ichi. It's okay to use it once in a while, ya know." It almost implied that Ken'ichi was uncaring, but he knew that Ken'ichi did care for something or someone at least. Though he wondered just who or what exactly it was that Ken'ichi gave his feelings to.

He tugged on Fumiko's hand. He felt that he was going to stick with the traditions and allow her to get punished if he were to take her back home. He didn't want that to happen, and so he tried to get her to casually walk away with him, as though forgetting Ken'ichi's purpose in coming there, "Where to where to? I know there's a human village nearby. It's very fascinating and I think you might like it."

“Even highers are punished lord Nobuo... this is why we have cast outs” his words were void of emotion as he spoke on the matter, it was something that had been quite literally beaten into him “Also lord Nobuo every race is the same, there are always going to be people who are hurt because they are classed as lower” his words sounded as if they where of personal experience

Remained how he was listening to him as he explained to Fumiko “You do not have to explain how things work to the girl Lord Nobuo... she only requires to know we are not on the same level of nobility” once again his voice was respectful as he spoke to his young superior “The are perhaps cruel but it is our way My Lord”

Hearing the movements behind him he stood and turned looking at them both “Innocent people are always going to be harmed it is the cycle of existence, one that no one can escape” his voice showing he believed every word he spoke “My path has been set young Lord as has yours” taking a deep breath he sighed drawing his breath inside he was shaking it was the first time ha had ever drawn a blade to a superior and was nervous about it

“I do have a heart, but it takes second place when duty is involved please forgive me my young lord..” his voice seemed almost saddened at what he had been asked to do “She must return to the village and be punished unless a reason can be given to why not” his voice showing he was serious on the matter, but his eyes showed there was something else that wasn't being told

Fumiko listened to every word taking in the information wondering where she fit in, she looked at her grey garb and sighed, hearing ken'ichi's words she felt almost uneasy and hid behind Nobuo as she seen the sword shaking, she was petrified knowing that the man in front of them was known to be the best using stealth and swordsmanship within the whole village

"Just because it happens doesn't mean it has to be accepted. We are beings who are capable of making choices, and rules cannot live if there is no one to follow them," he stopped, sighing and then taking a long breath, becoming serious once again. He turned around, seeing the drawn blade and then looked up into Ken'ichi's eyes, appearing hurt and angry that he had raised a sword against him after expressing his feelings and opinions to Ken'ichi.

It was true that his father's orders had higher priority than his, but at the same time he saw that he could use Ken'ichi's own tactics against him. "And you hold your blade against someone who is higher than you? I'm sure there's a rule against doing that," he smirked, not being the one to have memorized all the rules and traditions since he didn't really like them in the first place. He was certain it would have gotten Ken'ichi in trouble, and pointed at the sword, "And so you wouldn't mind being punished for that? ...Rules or no, I think it's going too far, raising a weapon against family."

"If you aren't going to back down, then I will be the one to accompany her. I will explain to my father and make sure she remains safe," he raised his bag and sword, holding them out to Ken'ichi. It was clear what he wanted just from the gesture, "Can you carry these? I will carry Fumiko as we head back, and i don't think I can carry everything." His wings spread from his back, the feathers were smooth and almost perfect, having an elegant purple sheen on top of his black as he moved them about. He waited for Ken'ichi to make a move so that he can pick up Fumiko.

“You are correct my young lord, but we are happy within our society. There has never been a tribe war because the laws and traditions are in place, everyone knows their place and are happy within it” his voice was respectful as he spoke on the matter, he seen the emotions on Nobuo's face, he so far had given two times where this course of action could have been avoided but his young lord seemed to have missed them

“Yes I am, and your are correct there is a rule against it, but it was an order to bring her back” he say listening to the next part “No I wouldn't mind taking my punishment as I have done wrong by pointing this blade at you” his eyes closed for a second “Family...” he paused for a second sheathing the sword away “No my lord, I am not family I am a servant” his voice calm as he spoke such a sentence

Walked forward and took the bag as had been requested of him without making a single noise, allowing Nobuo to Take the girl in his arms and fly up before he done the same jade like flecks seen in his otherwise black wings and followed behind him “You know your love with her is forbidden” he say his fist clenching as he spoke that, his words holding some pain in his otherwise normal void tone, it seemed there really was something on his mind

Ken'ichi was perceptive, and Nobuo didn't like how he had been found out, but it was hard to tell if Ken'ichi had figured it all out prior to meeting them there or if he had figured it out upon seeing them there, "I cannot deny what I feel. I won't let traditions get in the way of my happiness, I'll make sure of that." He gently rubbed Fumiko's head with his cheek, though he noticed something odd with the way Ken'ichi had spoken. He felt that he hit some sort of weak spot, and he asked bluntly, "Is there someone that you love?"

Ken'ichi was bound by duty to the elder and continued to fly towards the village and though he knew what would await withing the next forty eight hours he couldn't way a word, he knew it was wrong what was going to happen to her but laws where laws "I have known for at least a year about your relationship" he said quietly, the villiage was on the horrison, he smiled sadly from under his mask, he wanted to tell him to take her and run but he couldn't

Ken'ichi looked to Nobuo with jade eyes and spoke "Myself, no... I have yet to find a mate, and your father has forbidden it for the moment" he say gently as he looked at the now sleeping girl "Love is an important factor..." with that he fell silent once more

"That's too cruel! He shouldn't step into someone's life and prevent them from finding someone whom they can love!" he was outraged by how his father would do such a thing. He knew his father was strict on the rules, but that was going beyond any rules or traditions that he remembered. Ken'ichi was missing out in more ways than one, he thought. And he continued, keeping a steady pace as they drew closer to the village, feeling that he'll be able to make everything alright and have Fumiko get away without punishment, unaware of the exact danger that awaited for them at home.

“I serve without question my young lord” his voice was calm and filled with truth “I am lesser born and believe your father s doing it in my best interest” he stopped flying and looked at Nobuo, he raised his mask “Run...” his words where not that of a suggestion but an order, he couldn't bare it, he knew the girl had little time anyway through illness, but at least she could spend some time knowing what happiness was

"Pardon?" Nobuo didn't quite understand if Ken'ichi was being random or if it was indeed an order. He stopped flying, a few yards away from Ken'ichi and looked at him with a puzzled look. "If there is something you need to say, then please speak in a way I can understand," he blushed a little, slightly embarrassed he ended up telling Ken'ichi to clarify himself.

Looked at him with stearn eyes "You heard me Nobuo... take her and run, do not return to the village" he flew downwards landing on the ground silently, shifting out of his tengu form he moved towards the village, he could bare many things but this was not one of them. He knew his brother knew nothing of it, it was the rest of the elders that were plotting so in the long run he was indeed doing his duty

"Ken'ichi, wait! You would get in trouble for not bringing her, right? Are you willing to take the punishment for coming back empty-handed?" he was concerned. If anything, the order hinted that something severe was waiting for them, otherwise Ken'ichi probably wouldn't have tried to help them at all. And, the punishment probably would have been delivered to Ken'ichi for failing, "You can't possibly go back there either. Why don't you come with us?"

stopped when he was called, his jade eyes looking at his young lord a gentle smile on his face as he heard the questions "Yes I would and yes I am" he didn't even take the time to think the questions over, he just answered them as if his mind was already made up "I will face my fate young lord... but someone with little time to live should know some form of happiness... now go before I change my mind" he smiled and continued towards the village once more

At all, Nobuo thought that Ken'ichi was referring to himself rather than Fumiko since he didn't have a lot of time to live, and only his family should have been aware of it. He was completely unaware about Fumiko's illness and so he didn't worry for her as much, "Ken'ichi..you're a brave soul." He smiled, and then spread his wings further as he was getting ready to take off in the opposite direction, "Thank you for your kindness. I will repay it back someday."

Ken'ichi stopped and pulled something out of his pocket turning around, he placed the small brown back in Nobuo's bag "There is enough medicine to last her short life... Take care of her and stay away from tengu villiages, she is to be executed on site for seducing you"

hearing his praise he shook his head "I am not brave, I just believe everyne needs a little joy in their life... and I do not do this for repayment, even if I did I wouldn't be alive to reclaim it" he smiled and walked into the villiage his smile fading as he did so

"Ken'ichi.." tears ran down his cheeks and fell from his chin and onto Fumiko. It was more depressing information than he had anticipated and he wasn't prepared for it, especially knowing that two people were going to die, and even more so because it told him that Fumiko would have a shorter life than he would either way. He wanted to stop Ken'ichi and save him as well, but he knew it wouldn't do him any good. He prayed to the gods to aid Ken'ichi, to help him come out of the village unharmed, "Ken'ichi, I have sent prayers to the gods to protect and guide you onto a safe path.."

Fumiko opened her eye feeling something tapping her head and smiled, until she seen his tears, she felt her heart sink "Nobuo?" her voice showed concern, she moved her arms moving around his waist "Please don't cry" her eyes skanning the area "This isn't the way home" she looked up to him with a concerned tone

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Ken'ichi walked to the temple steps, his jade eyes scanning the area to see if he was in the clear but he knew even if he was it would only be for a short time, so would rather meet his fate now

"I know it's not the way home," he smiled, but his tears continued to flow, "We can find a place to live, and live happily. We won't have to worry about those traditions and rules.." What he didn't mention was that he now knew that Fumiko didn't have long to live, and that Ken'ichi would most likely get executed. He would do whatever he could to honor Ken'ichi and give Fumiko a happy life, for what was left of it.

"Why are we leaving?" she looked concern, her hand moving her hand going to his cheek trying to wipe away the tears "Why are you crying?" she ask though she then noticed the other Tengu wasn't around "Where is the other person?" she blinked "You didn't did you" her eyes went wide, and she hugged him tightly believing they would be hunted

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Ken'ichi moved deeper into the temple, his jade eyes falling to his sword "Forgive me for what I'm about to do" his voice was a meer whisper as he went through a hidden door and down a corridor till he gets to what seems like a lamp "Enough is enough..." he changed to his tengu form his eyes glowing a deep red around his form appeared flames "Destroy everything" with that he turned aroundand walked out of the room as the flames done the task they had been ordered

Before the smoke was to noticeble he walked out of the temple and villiage never looking back even when he heared the calling of people he said their was a fire "No one else will be harmed by them... she deserved better" with that he vanished into the forest