Hara-Kiri(n)

Chapters

Kumamoto Hills, Foreign Bandit Encampment, Prison For Kami
Through The Torii Gate, Air Swirls Unnaturally, Lands Unrecognized
A Vow Of Silence, A Most Talkative Autumn, The Peaks Of Peril

Kumamoto Hills, Foreign Bandit Encampment, Prison For Kami

You're tense, Anonzo Sato. Conflicted thoughts swirl and seep their way through your mind. Your hands, wrapped in the protective gauntlets of your well-worn armor, tremble on the reins of your steed, Kiko.

You have your orders. Ascertain the location of the Bandits, remnants from the thwarted Mongolian invasion, and return with the information. It's taken you a few weeks, but you've found them, squatting in the squalor of a conquered homestead, stationed in their tents and encampments.

But something otherworldly is afoot, beyond simple banditry. The shimmering glint of whatever swirls between the poles of the Torii gate makes that abundantly clear.

You counted a dozen during your watch, which means you're outnumbered. They're remnants of the Mongolian invasion fleet, so they're roughly equally as armored. They've been busy, so their camp is somewhat fortified.

Return to your lord, and impart your findings. Haste is of the utmost importance. The faster you act, the quicker the wary party rides to enact righteous justice. It's simple, obvious, and the only answer now.

So why do you hesitate?

Kiko, your chestnut brown mare with black socks, nudges you with her snout. Her intelligent, curious eyes observe you from under her tousled blonde mane. She has always been a perceptive creature, seemingly far more clever than most of her behooved peers.

They've done something to the Torii gate, and likely the local shrine. The bandits are traversing it, and are capturing the local spirits. How? Why? It's vile. Profane. Cruel.

Your gaze can't help but slip back towards their camp, viewed through a gaze of growing fury.

It's a homestead, nestled in the hills. Or, it was. Likely the attendants of whatever nearby shrine they've ransacked to commit this atrocity. The fate of the owners is unknown, but they've usurped the building for storage and sleeping... you weren't optimistic for their chances. Several 'Ger', their Mongol-style tents, pepper the area around it. Sharpened logs cover most of the line surrounding their encampment, but there's gaps, their work unfinished. Near the back of the camp, closer to the forest and hills from the small clearing, is the Torii gate.

Wait. The trees. You didn't notice until now. They haven't cut any of the local flora, as the nearby woods are untouched; they must be pulling their lumber supply from the portal. Your blood boils. They continue to sully everything they touch, as if capturing the very creatures was not enough, they must defile the very home they drag them from? Foul invaders.

You counted roughly a dozen, shifting through the gate as they come and go. Last you counted... eight in the main camp, four inside the Torii.

You squeeze the reins tighter, slowly petting Kiko's snout.

"...If I was to make a foolish decision. One born of anger in the face of injustice... would you make it with me, Kiko?" You whisper quietly to her. This was not a decision you could make alone.

She chuffs in your face, hot breath moving your hair. She presses further into your hand.

They were capturing the local spirits. If you were right... Kirin, holy spirits of benevolence, whose arrival is said to impart the direct appearance of a new ruler.

And they had one... potentially more, in an iron cage, possibly through the Torii.

And it saw you, Sato. This is why you hesitate.

It pawed at the bars of its containment with its hoof, looking right at you. Staring.

It asked for your help.

Your teeth grit hard enough to chip, as you pull forward every ounce of your courage.

The choice is made.

Your hands untie the string that keeps your Menpo -- your mask -- from your belt, sliding it from its hold and tying its string around your head, nestling it secure. The comfort of its visage emboldens you. Your helmet, untied from your hip, promptly follows, sliding overtop your head, secured. Only your eyes, glaring harshly and roiling with fury, are exposed.

Taking grasp of your saddle, you put your foot into the stirrup, and swing yourself up and onto Kiko's back. She paws the ground, impatient. She was a mare of action, sharing your desire to do something. She was a War-Horse after all.

Your hand finds its way to the handle of your blade, sitting in its sheath. Your grip tightens on it, your other hand wrapping the reins around your arm several times, holding them tightly, pulling the lead taut.

With a firm kick, you spur Kiko to face the interlopers camp, her hooves tearing up dirt as she spins. She's a War-Horse. You're a Warrior.

The part that comes next, is deeply familiar to you both.

On the back of Kiko, her hooves carve the grass below as she vaults the log you were tucked behind moments prior, storming downhill towards their camp. The wind whips past you as her mane flows, picking up a terrible speed. Leant forward, slightly lifted to counterbalance and match her powerful movements, you draw your blade, holding the steel aloft in the air.

You could not stand by and allow this disgusting act to defile the lands you called home. Who could, in the face of such vile behavior?

There's a large gap in the side of their stake-wall, unfinished. They likely hadn't been settled here for very long -- and you would ensure it stayed that way. Your grip on your blade, on the reins, turns your knuckles white as Kiko huffs loudly, matching the tugs of her lead to steer her. Nearing the wall, Kiko's powerful haunches launch herself through the gap with little hesitation, fully in the air as she soars over half-constructed walls.

Kiko lands with a thud, hooves stomping and sliding into a turn as you reposition, spotting your first adversaries. A dozen feet away, startled by the clamor of hoofbeats and the abrupt arrival of a mounted rider, stand two bandits pulling themselves from a crate brimming with alcohol. They are clad in an assortment of pilfered, local armor, and makeshift protective gear of their own make.

This only adds to your fury. You will give their confusion no chance to find understanding.

They barely have time to shout as the sturdy, muscled barrel of Kiko crashes into one, crushing him underfoot in a muffled scream, sturdy hooves stamping the life from him. The other stumbles back to reach for his weapon, away from Kiko -- but as he fumbles for a blade, you lean off the side of your loyal steed -- driving the edge of your blade across his exposed neck, leaving him grasping at the crimson that stains his chest and spurts from his new cut.

He slowly slides down the front of the tent, turning it's near-white covering a sickly red. Kiko stomps, nickering impatiently.

Six left, on this side.

A grisly count, but you've little choice about it. You're already deeply outnumbered, and losing track could be fatal.

Your eyes flicker to the Torii in the distance -- right as another of them starts to emerge from one of the several Ger they've erected just up ahead, holding one of their sabers in a tight grip. His head is on a swivel, face twisted in upset, looking around and shouting in concern. His language is foreign to you, but the intent is obvious enough.

Your attention renewed, a kick spurs Kiko forward. Neighing loudly and charging the lone Bandit as you cling to the saddle. By the time he's figured your direction, quickly turning to face you and trying to take a lowered stance, his desperate swing comes far too late -- your own bloodied sword has cleaved across his underdressed chest, adding his blood to the fresh stains and throwing him backwards to the ground.

He lands with a heavy thud, clutching at his injury. Gasping and shouting unintelligibly between labored breaths is all he can manage before Kiko's hoof completes the ordeal, descending with a definitive crunch.

Five left, on this side.

It's only been a few moments, but the exertion and adrenaline has you and Kiko huffing loudly, your own breath hissing out of your mask.

But there's no time to rest, Sato. Distant shouting draws the ear, the voices of several shouting in a foreign, confused cacophony. Kiko's own ears flicker, head turning to the same sound that alerts you. It's coming from other side of the house they've commandeered, on the other side of the camp. Must be the others you counted, rousing from their own stations. The element of surprise has been lost, but it served it's purpose.

Kiko stirs, pacing over the blood-stained grass, turning towards the emerging voices. You brace yourself, inhaling slowly, tightening your hold on the wet blade. Just as you're about to urge her on, a flicker at the edge of your vision catches your attention.

It's the metal cage holding the kami they've captured—the Kirin, mere feet away. It gazes at you, Anonzo Sato, with wide, brilliantly orange eyes, just as it did before. It's a magnificent creature, which makes it all the more exasperating that it's confined behind man-made bars. It blinks, and you feel its gaze piercing through you. Its expression remains unchanged, yet it extends a hoof through the bars, pointing. Could it be--?

You whirl around, turning your furious gaze to match Kiko's, towards the encroaching shouts.

A trio of the remnant offenders emerge from the other side of the stolen home, two bearing swords and one with a bow. Since you'd caught them off guard, they were only partially armored, likely disrobed for comfort like the ones you ambushed earlier. That may be your saving grace against their numbers.

The bow is a threat, and not one you can afford to waste even a single moment against. You're a large target with Kiko, and they have distance.

You spur Kiko forward, leaning low, trying to make your form smaller. You and Kiko are both armored, to some degree -- hopefully enough to protect from their arrows, or at the least, to lessen their blow. Kiko launches towards them, making a loud, angry whinny.

The two swordsmen match your charge, shouting something in their language; just as an arrow whizzes past your head, thwapping into the thick material of the Ger behind you, still stained by it's owner.

Powerful hooves pummel the ground below as you race forward, using the stirrups to lean off the saddle.

You reach the first swordsman -- with a cocky shout, he sidesteps your charge, rearing back to slice at Kiko as she passes. Unfortunately, he'd been expecting Kiko to try and give you room to swing. But Kiko had no such intentions -- you pull her reins taut, as she digs her hooves in, sliding and turning on the spot -- it was a flashy maneuver the pair of you had spent months perfecting, and the results show. The swordsman eyes widen, as the only part of Kiko he meets is her hooves. Backed by powerful legs, the sudden spring-like kick caves in his skull and bends his helmet, the bandits body flinging into a crumpled pile on the ground a few feet away.

Another shout of anger, and yet another arrow flies by, barely missing your leg before embedding itself in a distant fortification. You've hardly even a moment to process the near miss as Kiko shakes her head, suddenly rearing up and backpedaling several paces. The unprompted maneuver nearly throws you off her front, your chest colliding with the back of her neck, just as Kiko narrowly evades the furious slash of the last swordsman. You grip tightly to the saddle, your legs squeezed so firmly together that they begin to sting.

"Good, Kiko!" You praise, pushing past the sudden disorientation, and re-orientating yourself on her back.

Shifting your weight, you position your blade high above Kiko, nudging her sides with your heel. She responds by rearing up again, causing the swordsman to stagger backwards as she thrusts her forelegs into the air. You take advantage of his retreat, Kiko landing on all fours and closing the distance. Leaning forward and practically hanging from her, your blade sparks as it meets the second swordsman's, batting his next attempt of harm upon your mount aside. It's not your sword that he needs to watch out for, but the ground behind him, as he trips back over a loose pile of pilfered supplies. A fatal mistake that leaves him at the mercy of Kiko's hooves, as she does what she's trained to do. The crunches are meaty, and wet, before his warbling is cut short.

Three left, on --

-- An arrow pierces Kiko's shoulder, penetrating the protective padding encircling her barrel. A sharp whinny of agony escapes her as she bucks, catching you off-guard—your grip on the reins slackens. Despite your efforts to cling on, you're dislodged from her back, cascading into a rolling fall.

You crash into the dirt forcefully, the impact expelling the air from your lungs. Colliding with the back of several boxes, the ground offers little cushioning for your fall. The rush of adrenaline provides some relief, but the sharp pain radiating up your side suggests you've likely bruised something.

With blurred vision and labored breaths, you force yourself upright, leaning on one of the boxes for support. Several targets remain in your reckless assault -- three to be exact -- and you cannot afford to let that archer continue harassing Kiko. Despite her panic and pain, her frantic kicking and spinning make her a difficult target, a fact underscored as the archer's next arrow misses it's mark, and thuds into the house.

No time for pain, Sato. Act, now!

Your lungs burn as you gulp down air, mustering your breath. With scant time for a battle cry, you force out a strained shout anyway, vaulting over the boxes with labored breaths, your hands tightly clutching your sword as you charge at the startled archer.

Your sudden aggression puts panic in his movements as he fumbles an arrow, shouting something worried in his native tongue. You're closing far faster than he was ready for.

He succeeds in notching an arrow, you continue your charge, angling your body low in a gamble. He anticipates a sidestep, uncertain of the direction, his gaze shifting rapidly as he draws the bowstring.

It's a split-second decision — his hasty shot flies prematurely, even before you have to evade, the draw too weak. The arrowhead skims off your shoulder armor, twirling to the ground behind you, disappearing into the grass.

He holds a hand up, backpedaling with a panicked shout -- you split his raised hand with a brutal downward strike all the way to the elbow, before it carries through, burying deep into his shoulder. His screams only stop when you wrench the blade out, his shoulder parted from his chest -- and slam the pointed edge through his middle, gutting him with a savage twist of your sword.

With your foot, you pry the bloodied blade from his torso, stumbling back several feet. You hunch over, leaning on your knees, panting as he slumps to the side, blood dribbling from his mouth.

Two left, on this side.

And, still four on the other... your eyes widen. Footsteps, dangerously close and closing still, tear you from your count. Instinctively, you dive to the side, rolling hard on the ground. A heavy club slams into the dirt where you had just been standing, sending chunks of earth flying. You chastise yourself under your breath as you twist to your feet -- for all you know, all six could be on this side. You couldn't afford to lose focus now.

The pilfered club, a Kanabo likely taken from inside the raided homestead, is hefted back up and over a mighty shoulder -- a sizable bandit with a full head of height towers over you, half-dressed with a bare chest. Despite his lack of armor, the sneer on his face diminishes any confidence that might stem from such. He's well-muscled to match his stature, and wields the weapon with ease, like it were nothing. With its weight, his power, and the metal studs that brace the club, that's going to hurt if you let him hit you, armor or not. If not outright kill you, considering the monster of a man holding it.

Kiko whinnies, visibly distressed by the arrow protruding from her side. She attempts to bite at the shaft of the arrow, her head thrashing in discomfort. For the moment, she remains at a safe distance as the last bandit on this side dashes past her, racing towards the Torii gate.

Focus, Sato. If he's getting the others, then time is short. The rest might return through that Torii gate at any moment.

Clutching your blade firmly with both hands, you broaden your stance, your sandals digging into the earth. With the tip of your sword aimed straight ahead, you fix your gaze on the brute, taking deep breaths to steady yourself.

The sneer seems glued to his twisted face, the oversized bandit taking wide, brash steps towards you. He's underdressed... but getting into range with him is risky. You'll have to play this careful, and find your openings.

He draws back, unleashing a broad, unexpectedly swift swing -- you duck low and scramble back, the club sweeping overhead. Keeping low, you plan to use his recovery as an opening, as you have with the others. But right as you're about to lunge forward, his rebound swing comes flaring past, forcing you to shuffle backwards again, taking to a neutral standing. He's purposely keeping you warded away.

The brute says something to you in Mongolian, but you're not versed, nor do you care to be. His meaning is obvious enough. It's a taunt, given the way he points at you, and drags his thumb across his throat, smiling. He's confident, and compared to you, still fresh to this battle; a fact he's well aware of, and intends to abuse. A flicker of thought crosses you, wondering how many others he's faced down while he's been trapped in your homelands, to inspire such a brimming cockiness.

The brute approaches, hardly giving you a chance to even catch your breath and keeping you on the defensive. His flailing swings with the club are fast, matched only by his speed on the backswing. You find yourself constantly retreating to dodge his blows, nearly sprinting backward as he pursues, brandishing the club with reckless abandon, catching it and whipping it back around.

You make an unfortunate miss-step as he closes in, stumbling back on one of the felled bandit's weapons, losing your footing -- an ironically similar mistake to that of one of the earlier bandits. Your eyes widen, well aware of the fate that waits you if you so much as hesitate, but you can't return to your feet in time before he closes in. You instinctively curl up, drawing your arms in tightly, just as the club strikes. A piercing pain shoots through your arm and chest. With gritted teeth, you do your best to absorb the impact with your forearms, yet the force sends you reeling backward, sprawling on the ground. A dull, throbbing pain suggests your bones may be fractured -- though you desperately hope such isn't the case.

He's not stopping, Sato. He's laughing, approaching slowly. He knows he has the advantage.

Get up, Sato.

Groaning, doing your best to ignore the pain, you try to push off the ground, to quickly rise to your feet -- right as a boot slams into your torso, hurtling you backwards.

You collide with a hard, metallic object, a sharp pain racing up your spine, eliciting a loud wince from you. Despite the protection of your armor, the impact is painful. Reaching back with your hand, you search for the cause, and grasp a solid iron bar -- it's part of the cage containing the creature, the Kirin.

But that doesn't matter right now -- the Bandit doesn't intend to let you rest for even a second. The brute is raising the club overhead, ready to cave your skull in. You don't have time to think, Sato.

Ignore the pain -- MOVE!

A low groan escalates into a fervent yell as you dodge to the side, just as the brute's club crashes down onto the cage's top. A dreadful sound erupts as the studded wood collides with metal, the roof and bars warping from the impact. Inside, the Kirin barely acknowledges the fresh dent in its enclosure, cocking its head curiously. It slowly steps to the far end of its confinement, pressing against the bars at the opposite side.

The club is stuck, wedged in the twisted metal of the bandit's own making. The brute's face contorts with effort as he attempts to pull it free, his forceful tugs unsuccessful. This is your chance. Your jaw clenches -- the grip on your blade is steady, and so is your resolve.

You leap forward, propelling yourself upward and swinging your blade in a savage arc. His chest is exposed, his weapon trapped; there is no finer opportunity. Your blade carves across his chest, drawing a pained, surprised shout from the brute. Crimson blossoms from the fresh wound on his torso as he buckles to one knee.

Before you can contemplate a follow-up, he's abandoned the club and left it protruding from the cage. His lips twist into a snarl, anger fueling a sudden bare-handed assault. Your overcommitment was meant to guarantee a deep strike, yet it wasn't as sufficient as you'd hoped; he seizes your sword-bearing wrist, twisting it's lethal edge out of the way, before he hammers your side with a robust punch -- the same flank that had just endured the club's impact.

It feels like all the air in your body just got expelled by the blow, a shock of splintering pain leaving you breathless, unable to gasp for any more. Deep pulses of numbing pain seep through you -- it's all you can do to curl up and twist away. His fist slams into your side, again and again, finding yourself subjected to a savage, vengeful pummeling. His grip holds your wrist at a painful angle, and the seeping waves of sharpness in your side forcefully compels you to drop your sword.

Your armor is sparing you from the worst of this brutes sheer strength, absorbing his blows as his clenched knuckles slam into your chest-piece. But you're disarmed, blade to the grass -- the Kirin glancing between the two of you from inside the cage.

You can't stay like this, Sato -- you need to break this grapple. But he's a monstrous grip, and the hail of blows just don't stop, stifling your breathing. You need to break his focus, go for something that'll buckle him, shatter his unending assault, anything. Thinking is hard -- but you don't need to be creative.

Fed up with the agonizing deadlock, your body reacts instinctively. You hoist your leg and drive your foot into his knee. The Brute clenches his teeth and emits a hiss of pain as his leg gives way, loosening his hold on you. Your kick propels you backward, granting a brief respite and the distance you desperately need.

However, his respite is brief. As he rubs his leg, his glare shifts back to you, leveraging the cage to aid his strained ascent. You feel your back and side protest under the ongoing strain, yet you dismiss it, rising to your feet. Complaints can wait. Your hands rake through the soft earth, disoriented, as you stand with a clenched fist full of dirt.

With both hands raised and poised, you wait in eager anticipation. Disarmed, your sword lies close, yet you dare not glance its way -- not until another opening is won.

He's already got his own hands raised, the sneer giving way to an infuriated scowl. He inches towards you carefully, scanning you with furrowed brow. The brute can't afford his own chance to free the club, either. You'll have to force your opportunity with naut but what you were born with.

Your breathing is shallow and uneven as you struggle to regain your bearings, yet you push through. This time, you take the initiative -- you launch forwards, faking an exaggerated strike with your right; as he reaches to catch it, you swiftly retract and fling your clenched left hand out, throwing the grasped dirt into his surprised face. The brute recoils as the bloodied muck gets in his eyes, shouting and clawing his face. He lashes out wildly, blinded -- but you stay back, not ready to close in just yet. It's the opportunity you've been waiting for.

You glance down, then around, and your gaze meets that of the Kirin, still bound within its iron cage. It gazes beyond you and gestures with a hoof. Your eyes track the motion, uncovering a familiar, stained sword.

By the time he's smeared the dirt from his vision, scowling, the first thing the brute see's is the pointed edge of your sword. One hand gripping the handle, the others palm pressed to it's pommel, you thrust forward in a sharp stab and drive it straight through his neck. The steel buries itself in fleshy crimson as you crash down upon the brute, topping you both over, anchored by the blade.

He gurgles, grasping at you as his back slams on the bloodied dirt below. You descend upon him, the blade planting firmly in the ground beneath, keeping you both rooted. The brute starts wildly battering at you, slamming your sides, arms, anything within reach with his clenched fists, each threatening to crack bone with wild, frenetic strength -- you have no choice but to weather this barrage, as digging in with your heels and wrenching your blade free is the only action you can muster.

It spills a tide of viscous red as it's pulled free, slicing across his neck on exit.

As you stagger back and away, you wince as pain pulses through your trembling fingers. The brute's movements slow to a sputtering cough, his body twitching. He lies sprawled on the ground, your sword now free of his flesh. You pant heavily, hunched over and leaning on your knees for support, your chest heaving with quick, heavy breaths that burn your already ablaze lungs.

That's... seven? No... five.

Five left.

Thinking is hard. Moving is harder. You have sustained a severe beating, and your vision is blurring at the edges.

Your arms ache, your chest throbs, your stomach and sides in no better condition. Part of you wonders just how much more you can take, if this rash decision of yours demands any more from you. You can hear the brute gurgling his last a few feet from you. A grim reminder that pulls you from the pain... you don't have time to waste, Sato. There's more. Get up. Move. Not if you can -- you must.

You push yourself up to stand tall, readjusting your grip on the blade. You trudge slowly around the fallen brute, your weapon hanging loosely by your side, its tip nearly scraping against the path below.

The camp is clear, for the moment. Those remaining are either patrolling or beyond the portal. You have a brief respite before they might return. It's time to tend to yourself, the Kirin, and your mount.

First, attend to your steed, for she shares in the pain. She's huffing, pacing in circles around the now deserted camp, agitated by her injury. You step into her path, hand uplifted to soothe her as you draw near.

She whinnies at you, shaking her head. You'd offer her comforting words, if they'd come out as anything more than a pained wheeze. You place your free hand to her snout, patting her. Silently thanking her. The touch calms her for the moment, but she's clearly unhappy with her new protrusion.

You gently press a palm against her flesh, surrounding the arrow protruding from her body. Your other hand lets go of your weapon, allowing it to clatter to the ground as you grasp the arrow's shaft near the wound.

Kiko butts your head softly with her snout in acknowledgement. In one fell swoop, you yank it free.

She flinches, making a distressed nicker, but eventually calms under more patting, and more assurance.

Neither of you had time to handle properly tending to the injury just yet. With every moment that passes, the risk that more might pile through the gate grows steadily. Your eyes flicker to the house, central to their encampment. There might even be some inside, sleeping.

Breathing is a little easier, now that you're not being battered around. Thinking, too, is a little easier. Now that Kiko no longer protrudes an arrow, your focus should be... the captured Kami.

It watches you approach, tilting its head. This close, it's far easier to get a proper look at it, even through the bars that contain it.

It's a small creature, likely... two and a half feet tall, roughly. It comes up to your thigh, just above your knees. Though that doesn't include the horn that juts from it's head. Rich orange eyes stare at you, though the creature bears an... unbothered expression, eyes half-lidded. As with your small knowledge of Kirin, you know they're supposedly a mix of deer, and dragon... yet looking at it now, something about that description seems amiss.

It more closely resembles a diminutive version of Kiko, a blend of horse and dragon. Its body is cloaked in ochre fur, complemented by yellow-green scales adorning its back, hooves, and snout, anchored at the base of a deep-red horn. A luxuriant, soft, almost pinkish-red mane encircles its head, draping over its chest like a lion's mane. Its tail and the hind 'knees' are also adorned with copious tufts of fur in the same hue.

As you draw near, the Kirin promptly emerges from the rear corner of its enclosure, advancing towards the bars nearest to you. It halts adjacent to the indentation left by the brute, club still jutting out of it's ill meeting. It fixes its gaze upon you, Sato.

Struggling, you kneel to offer a respectful bow. This creature is revered as holy, and still, you know you must clarify your intentions, even if your actions have been speaking for you already.
"Allow me to free you, Kirin," you whisper. Speaking is difficult, your lungs still painfully irritated.

As you look up, it stares back, its head tilted slightly. Then, as your gaze meets, it paws at the bars with its hoof once more.

A creature of few words, indeed, but you don't hesitate. The door to the cage, already damaged by the blow from the club, is merely jammed. Bracing your foot for leverage and gripping firmly, you give a strong chain of hard tugs. Without the threat of closing assault, you're able to spend a moment forcing it. You're greeted to the result of the cage door opening with a piercing screech of metal against metal. The cage door, loosed from it's hinges, makes a 'whump' sound in the dirt as it topples.

You huff, standing back. The Kirin surveys its newfound freedom, simply walking out of the cage.

It was free... but not safe. Until the bandits were dealt with on the other side, more of these creatures might be engangered, as with whatever other number of local spirits they might be trying to capture. You should --

The Kirin nudges against your legs, causing you to freeze and your eyes to widen. As you slowly look down, you find it pressing against your leg, much like a cat would to display affection. It stares up at you, remaining entirely silent. Its expression seems unamused, or perhaps bored? You begin to wonder if they are just not very expressive creatures, considering it's kept the same face despite the numerous violent acts it just bore witness to. Maybe they show their feelings more through physical acts?

It paws at your leg, prompting you to kneel attentively despite the pain. You silently wince, not wanting to upset it with a sudden noise. Now at eye level with the creature, it leans in and licks your nose -- or rather, the nose of your Menpo. Despite that, the gesture's intent remains clear. Affection. A thanks?

Now you're certain they are creatures of benevolence. That, and you've made the correct choice, Sato.

Your attention shifts to a series of distant shouts, with the Kirin shying behind you. You spin around, standing, positioning yourself between it and the bandits who slowly emerge from the Torii gate, their figures materializing from a shimmer as they pass through. Kiko is close, matching your movements as she hovers nearby, striking the ground with a hoof.

Right. Five more.

Unlike those you had just battled, these warriors were neither relaxed, surprised nor celebratory. They were fully armored and equally armed, vestiges of the Mongolian Invasion, clad in scaled iron and leather with thick cloth akin to your own lacquered metal. The central figure is distinguished by an additional plume of red fur on his helmet, appearing to be the leader, if the way the other four look to him is anything to go by.

Two of the remaining four wield curved sabers and bear small shields. The third brandishes a large, greatsword-like curved blade -- a Dadao, by your recollection. The final two flanking the group were equipped with shortbows, already fitting new arrows to the string.

The situation is grim, Sato. You are completely outmatched, your body aching from the recent skirmish. Kiko is injured, and you've a freed Kirin to protect. Maybe... you can buy said Kirin the right moment to escape. Take on as many as you can in a valiant stand, giving it a chance to flee. That would be the right, honorable thing to do here.

With resolve hardening your heart, you're on the verge of looking back at the Kirin, to urge it to flee. You're prepared to hold your ground here, to fight for every second you can.

Instead, a strange warmth surges up your spine, commanding you to look ahead; your head turns, not of your own volition, to the bandits.

The leader, with his sword resting on his shoulder, shouts commands to his fellows. In his other hand, he holds... it's another Kirin. This one lies motionless, its white fur, vivid ginger mane, and bright green scales resembling those of the Kirin behind you.

He dangles it in the air by its scruff, laughing as its hooves flail, before he levels his sword towards you in a challenge. A dare. He knows as well as you do, how slim your chances of survival here are.

Kiko chuffs, growing more agitated with every moment. Red still seeps down her shoulder, staining the padding she bears around the wound.

Heat creeps up your back, seeping into your chest. Your body becomes engulfed in warmth, the dull aches of pain fading, overtaken by a novel sensation.

You feel... angry.

No, not you, Sato. You're disturbed by their mistreatment, of course, but this is different. This is new. This... this is rage. A deep, vengeful hatred. And it doesn't belong to you.

The touch of the first, ochre-colored Kirin against the back of your leg sends a wave of heat through you. This isn't your anger; it's the Kirin's. And it's incandescent with fury.

Your blood doesn't merely simmer, Sato -- it seethes, roiling, boiling with rage. Your teeth clench so tightly they feel like they might shatter into pieces, your clutch on your sword so firm, you fear the hilt may fracture and splinter.

The expressionless Kirin is feeding its latent, true feelings into you, Sato. Using you as a Vessel for its fury. This is how it speaks, not with words, not through expressions, but through emotion.

The words of the Bandit leader are harder to hear, as sweat dribbles down your forehead, your temple. There's a crackling in your ears, and the heat flowing across you is unbearable, as... flames, flicker into your view. It burns, Sato. The Kirin's rage has given manifest, seeping across your armor, your flesh, in a swirling storm of red-blue fire.

You have no words for them, as their words find little purchase on you. The rest of the camp seems to... fade away, out of focus. The bandits are glancing between each-other, hesitating. The leaders sword falters, lowering as his mouth stops moving.

You raise your sword to your side, the deep blue flames flickering from your forearms, as their embers twist to a bright red. Your entire body, your sword, crackles and twists with a flowing, fiery fury. Your pain is dulled. Your thoughts are clear.

Even if you could understand the words the bandits utter, their impact on you would be minimal. The surroundings of the camp blur into obscurity, your vision being focused by the fire that dances on the edges of your vision. The bandits exchange wary looks, uncertainty's worrisome grasp taking hold of them. The leader's pointed sword falters, his speech slowing, his eyes widening.

With a measured motion, you lift your burning blade, the deep blue flames licking your forearms, shifting to a vibrant red on their ends. Your form and weapon alike are enveloped in the dance of a flowing, fiery fury of another. The pain from the burning recedes, and your mind sharpens.

It's not a yell, nor a shout that escapes your lips, but a primal, gutteral roar as you surge ahead, enveloped in a cascading torrent of flames, charging directly at them, covering untold meters in mere seconds. Regardless of the distance you cover or the speed at which you cover it, the presence of the Kirin remains close, almost as if it's a part of you. You're moving with a swiftness that surpasses any previous experience you've ever had, even outpacing the times you've ridden upon Kiko.

The two swordsmen, coerced forward by their leader, advance to confront you with faltering courage. However, their shields are quickly proven to be no match for your blazing sword, which melts through them as you slice, severing their shield-bearing arms and leaving them vulnerable to your fiery onslaught, their screams unheard over the raging, crackling fire that fills your ears. Their fur-lined armor ignites with each hit, rendering even a glancing blow deadly.

Your strikes are brutal, their blood hissing and sizzling as it meets the heated metal, their wounds cauterizing in the instant they are inflicted.

The leader shouts something, attempting to use the captured white-furred Kirin as a makeshift, living shield. By presenting it towards you as an obstacle, he inadvertently exposes his forearm. You adopt a low stance and slice upward, cleanly cutting through his gauntlet and catching the Kirin. Flames from your body leap forward and envelop the creature as you hold it close, seemingly shielding it from the risk of further harm.

Recoiling, the leader grasps his severed limb and yells in pain, while the two archers with shortbows, overcome by panic, retreat through the Torii gate. The blood on your blade hisses in response to the intense heat, creating a horrid smell.

The leader, with his remaining arm, attempts a desperate swing but is swiftly cut across the chest, the blade slicing through his armor as if it were butter.

As his body, now still and ablaze, collapses to the ground, you advance towards the gate, your steps leaving behind a trail of embers on the grass. Concentration becomes more challenging as the intensity of the flames that dance around you swell, engulfing both you and the Kirin in your grasp in a roiling inferno, their light intense and alive with crackles and flickers.

You step through the shimmering wall underneath the Torii gate, urged forward by the latent desires of the Kirin. You're no longer in control, it feels like. Like every urge, every motion, is spurred onward by the Kirin that envelops you.

The sensation of crossing through domains is barely registered -- akin to passing through a thin veil of water.

Your awareness of the surroundings slowly continues to dwindle... but you can make out a forested village with quaint, round houses nestled into the hills and trees.

In the village center, as the bandits retreat there to regroup, you spot additional iron cages, holding several more Kirin, each a different hue.
There's also a human girl, too. She appears young, possibly one of the villagers who resided here before the bandits invaded.

The anger being fed through you, surging within you grows, making your thoughts even more elusive. Time itself seems to blur, with your body acting almost entirely independently, as if your mind is detached from the actions the Kirin is forcing you to take.

You fell them. Cut them down. The remnant bandits stood no chance, as the arrows they embedded in your chest smolder.

You're uncertain of the sequence or method -- only that they have ceased to move. That they burn.

Your gaze settles on this side of the gate. It's not a Torii here; rather, it appears as though branches and vines have intertwined, forming that same shimmering veil through more natural means.

Beyond, more figures become visible, stirred from the disturbance. Nearly a dozen, all armed like the others. Possibly another patrol or a returning raid. But it doesn't matter. A sense of resolution decision seeps through you.

You find that your sword ascends, gripped tightly and ablaze with a brilliant orange glow, as you come to a halt before the gate. Flames from your very being gather around the blade, and with a swift motion, you slice through the gate's border.

The gate splits, igniting into flames, its swirling veil twisting and warping until it vanishes, the encroaching figures on the other side fading from view. Until the only thing you see through what little is left of the twisted vines, is the forest just beyond it.

The sword falls from your grasp, quietly clattering onto the ground beneath.

The flames are dissipating. The heat, the burning... the warmth is departing. The anger is subsiding. You feel whole. Satisfied. Content. No. That's how the Kirin feels.

You, Sato... you feel cold.

You collapse as the pain, unabated, surges back in an overwhelming wave, racking your body. It's so sudden, so fast, and hits so hard, not even a noise escapes you.

You don't even feel yourself collapse against the ground, Sato; unconsciousness claims you long before that.

Author's Note

Through The Torii Gate, Air Swirls Unnaturally, Lands Unrecognized

???

An island, floating in... nothing. An island, carved of earth and drifting aimlessly in a vast of expanse of sheer, pitch-black darkness.

A river softly carves through it, misting softly as it rains down from somewhere above, sweeping over, and spilling out, downwards into the nothing below.

A massive cherry blossom erupts from the ground behind you, branches overhanging the entire island, its petals slowly falling, seeming to never run out. It's roots crawl over and brace the entire little chunk of floating dirt, digging in and out at various angles.

Close to the other side of the tree, opposite of the river, is a small pond. Diminutive in comparison, it's source is but a dribble leaking from above into it, with the tiniest little creek running from it and over the side.

Sato, you find yourself seated under the tree, on your knees. You're comfortable. You don't hurt. It's... quiet. Peaceful. You feel like you could stay here for an untold length of time.

From here, you can see there's a single large white fish, bearing a vivid orange streak, swimming in a circle, like a... Yang, but with no Yin.

On the other side of the island, in the little pond, is a smaller, deep blue fish. Like the other, it bears it's own streak of black, swimming aimlessly a circle, like a... Yin, with no Yang.

Each swims opposite the other, as if they were each two separated halves of a whole. Watching them brings a sad feeling to your heart, and a sour feeling in your throat. When you gaze upon the large one... you feel guilt. Loneliness of your own design, and an upset at yourself. When your vision falls upon the smaller of the two, a spike of betrayal and jealousy settles in your chest, that makes you want to glare upon the other fish. The whole island feels... like it's bathed in a deep sorrow. Feelings of guilt, and pain ebb around you, Sato.

Perhaps the reasoning is the pond itself. Upon a focused inspection, the water that holds the little fish is... dark. Mucky. Downright filthy sludge. Certainly not water good for a fish to thrive.

Perhaps if the two were joined together again?

The thought seems to meet some untold, unseen resistance. You get thing awkward pang, this feeling, of how that belief is... not yours to make. Beyond you.

And yet, you want to rise. But roots, spreading from the cherry blossom, hold your legs firm. They slowly grow and grasp your lower body, holding you to your knelt position... like this is not for you to decide.

...But how could they hold you, Sato? You, who burns with the flames of benevolence? Who charges headlong into the unfavorable, letting little stop you in the name of what is right?

The roots crumble, curling in on themselves as they crumble to ash around you, the cherry tree recoiling away. The flames, deep blue twisting to red as they flicker, softly glow over you.

A new feeling emerges in your chest. This feels wrong, like this action itself is profane. Like you intrude upon something. Like you meddle. Like what you are doing, is not for you to decide, Sato. That you should not even be here.

Yet, here you are. You look at your hand, as it softly crackles in a familiar mixture of flame and ember. That hasn't stopped you, has it? To do what feels right. No, Sato. This is right.

You kneel beside the little pond, watching the little fish struggle. It's hard to see it, with its deep-blue scales in the thick sludge-like water. It's as if the water itself is trying to shield the fish from your sight in this filth. It looks like watered down ink, likely suffocating the poor thing.

You reach in, carefully scooping the fish into both of your palms. The flames broil away the sludge, purifying the water as the fish continues to swim. Now freed of its burdens, unharmed by the intent of the heat that exudes from you, it's tail flickers as it slowly twists and turns in place.

With great care, you slowly walk it across to the river, to the awaiting white fish that dwarfs it. The roots try again, erupting from the ground, tearing it apart and clawing for your legs. It's a pointless endeavor, as they crumble and falter, turning to ash as they so much as near you.

Your knee settles in the grass, and with great care, you lower the little blue fish into the river -- this water, in comparison, is already warm. It's calm, crystal clear, welcoming even. The moment the little blue fish leaves your palms, the big white fish encircles it, trailing innumerable circles around it -- as if it had missed it. In moments, the two swim in circles again, centered in the middle of the babbling brook. Any time the little fish struggles or slows, the big one pauses, waiting for it.

You still feel like you did what was right.

But you can't shake this feeling, that you're unwelcome. It's a smothering, claustrophobic sensation. You have broken some kind of balance with your actions, Sato -- the sorrow that has sat in this place, the guilt, has left, but in doing so, has opened the way for upset and anger.

You glare at the tree. It had tried to stop you... this emotional assailant seems to stem from it. Perhaps, something foul in disguise, its deception in it's chosen form as something familiar, something dear to you. Something from home. Whatever it is, it desires the misery of the creatures you choose to aid. Like the Mongols, to the Kirin. And you have made your stance on such a thing abundantly clear already, Sato. You have done what you know is right, and you will continue to do so.

What feels right... is to join the fish? To step into the river, where warmth and welcome await. But the flames that flicker around you, the scowl on your face, finds that your hand now holds a blade.

You turn to the cherry tree, watching it's branches gnarl, it's leaves turn a sickly black. They fall faster and in greater number, unending as your vision is clouded by their sheer volume.

A Quiet Hovel

You startle awake, gasping loudly.

Part of you wishes you didn't. Everything hurts. Your entire body pulses in a dull, aching pain that racks your whole being. From a mixture of the beating you took foolishly taking on a bandit camp by yourself, to the scorched strain on your body when you... well, when you burnt alive, Sato. The smell of your own cooked flesh sits in your nostrils.

You force several pained blinks, staring at the wood-braced ceiling of... some kind of little hut. The ceiling seems quite low, as if built for quite the short man. If you stood, you would likely hit your head.

You're laying on the floor, on some kind of... worn, old blanket. It's not a material you recognize, but it feels soft. There is furniture, but it is too small for you to even consider using. Much of it has been pushed aside, to clear the spot of which you lay. Your head is propped up by a fairly hard, warm pillow. Your chestpiece and sleeves have been removed, stacked against the wall nearby.

Some kind of salve, viscous and slimy, has been spread overtop of your injuries. You're heavily bruised, the purple welts jarring across your body... but it doesn't feel like anything is broken. And there's... burn marks, spotted all across you. It's pretty bad, and the main source of your discomfort.

...That's right. The Kirin. You... Sato, you were on fire. Real, actual flames flickered and burned across your body, your blade, your armor. You served as the vessel for the Kirins fury, the justice for its judgement. You felt it pour its emotions into you, and now you bear the mark of such an action.

That's...

An honor. But what a painful one.

You groan, carefully rubbing at your eyes -- even attempting the action sends a pulse of sharp pain through your system, and you audibly wince.

Your pillow flinches and shifts in reaction, lifting your head as it moves.

... It what?

You try to turn your head slowly, pushing through your bodies immediate complaints through sheer curiosity, and are met face to face with the Ochre-Colored Kirin that you had first rescued. Your head currently leans on its scaly back, its nose nearly pressed to yours.

It slowly blinks several times, likely having just awoken itself, as it's eyes roaming to look you over. And then it licks your nose.

It's face is, of course, entirely expressionless and bored, as you've come to expect from it.

But through the contact on its back, you feel... a pulse. An ebb of concern. Is the only way it can express emotions through physical touch?

You're torn from your thoughts by sudden realization. You're laying on a mythical creature. Not of your own choice, but that doesn't change anything. You should get up, this can't be anything but disrespectful.

You go to shift off your back, to lift up, but pain racks your body again. A hoof, tender and careful, reaches out and presses against your shoulder, urging you to hold still. Ever so slightly, it shakes it's head.

You sigh, unwillingly slumping back down, your head resting against the warm body. This was... highly inappropriate. Had they tended to you? Were the others alright? There had been more cages... and a person. And... Kiko. Had she come through the gate?

Thinking is hard. It hurts.

You can feel... you feel...

Your eyes close, a calm, gentle warmth, a feeling of care emanating from the Kirin that you lay your head on.

Sleep takes you again, Sato.

Fifteen Years Ago, The Anonzo Estate

A firm, callused hand slaps your shoulder, urging you forward. Your father grins, leaning to point forward into the distance.

"Come, Son. It's time we made a man of you yet, hm?" He laughs, striding past you.

Ahead, the Clan's stables, abuzz with midday activity. Numerous steeds and even more stablehands ferry food, drink, and care alike for the stored horses. For your birthday, your father had decided on quite the gift. Riding lessons. Your feet quickly scamper to keep up with your fathers paces, the strong smell of hay assaulting your nostrils. Your nose scrunches, barely stifling a sneeze.

Your father is paused by some of the fencing that extends out of the stables, leaning against the posts. You quickly hop up beside him, staring into the pen.

There's a few stablehands tending to the horses and other activity to gaze upon, but what draws your attention is the young mare in the pen's center. Shes's young, but clearly spirited with the attitude she exudes. A messy blonde mane, thin chestnut fur and black socks just above each of her hooves. One of the hands is trying to catch her as she runs laps around him, reins hanging loosely. Every time one of the other stablehands tries to step in to help, she barrels through them or ducks between them, whinnying in defiance.

It's fairly entertaining.

"Right there, son. You see her? Kiko, they've taken to calling her." Your father gestures to the mare as she trots in place, to the opposite side of the hands.

"I see her, father. What about her?" You ask, glancing to him. His words are... foreboding. You recognize this tone of his.

Your father's bemused grin warns you of another of his... unusual approaches to the lessons he enjoys imparting on you.
"Get in there, boy. You're to tame her, and you're not to leave the stable until you can sit upon her with ease."

Well, it was entertaining.

"Father... I've no experience with horses." You weakly protest. You're already aware it's not going to work... you'd just like the chance to complain about it, at the least.

"Good thing it's a young one, then. Watch the hooves, watch the teeth... and don't let it step on you. Simple, eh?" He grins.

"...Yes father." You mutter, mood deflated. You know better than to argue with him... else he finds a way to make it more difficult, as a point to teach you yet another lesson at the same time. One was enough.

"Hey! Let the boy handle her!" Father calls to the hands -- they look over, between each other, and shrug. They meander to the fence you're both stood at, climbing up and out themselves, before they help hoist you inside. One offers you a sympathetic smile of pity.

Alright... you glance to your father for confidence as you slowly tread towards the young horse. He points towards the horse, Kiko, shouting words of encouragement.

She chuffs loudly, pawing the muddied dirt below as you get closer. You're feet away now, and she watches you with tense interest, ears pinned back. Perhaps, if you're slow... you reach a closed fist out towards the horse, inching closer. Ever so slowly, ever so carefully, watching her movements.

Her own pawing of the dirt seems to still, and she watches your hand suspiciously. Her head leans forward slowly, as if to sniff it.

You glance to your fath --

Wow, the sky was blue today. Few clouds, too. When did the sky get in front of you?

Your father comes into view, leaning over you. When did he get up there? Or, when did you get down here?

He looks worried for a moment, but that familiarly bold smile soon returns.
"Told you to watch out for the hooves, Sato. She's quite spirited, isn't she?" He chuckles, patting you down.

"She'd spun around and kicked you the moment you got close. That'll teach you for taking your eyes off her." Your father informs, looking up. Your eyes follow -- she's trodding in place on the opposite side of the pen, again. She nickers loudly... taunting. Still the master of the pen.

Your chest hurt, obviously, but your father found nothing broken. And true to his word, once your breath returned to you, he had you get right back to it.

It's nothing short of a miracle that nothing cracks or breaks as you attempt numerous versions of different approaches. But nothing quite seems to go your way, even with some additional encouragement or tips from the stablehands.

You're getting more familiar with the ground then you are with her, at this rate. It takes another three times of getting bowled over or knocked down to realize that, just maybe, this isn't quite going your way.

Let her approach you?

Easier said than done, considering she has no such plans.

Somehow, your birthday riding lessons turned into numerous days of waking up, breakfast, and spending the entire day at the stables, before heading to bead with bruises renewed.

Your father would stop by to check on you and your progress. Most of the actual help came from the stablehands willing to offer you some advice.

It took weeks before she lost interest in knocking you around. Eventually, she even came to tolerate you. You tried feeding her by hand.

Of course, she was far from tamed, and bowled you over again soon after. That was a common theme, for the pair of you.

It's hard to say if Kiko was ever actually tamed. More like you came to an understanding.

A Quiet Hovel

The next time you open your eyes, the pain has subsided immensely. Your body is no longer racked by dull, pulsing waves that make your lips curl and your body tense. It's a latent, sore tingle now.

You also find that you no longer have a 'pillow', your head on the floor. Had you upset it?

The answer is found pretty quickly as you glance up. Instead, it now sits directly on your chest, curled up like a cat. You freeze stock-still the moment you notice it, unsure of what to do.

Now, there's a thick layer of bandages that cover your torso, most of the bruises and burns hidden.

It's asleep, if the soft snoring, rising and falling of its chest, and firmly shut eyes are anything to go by. It's also incredibly warm, seeping heat like a gentle campfire. It's an enchantingly beautiful creature from this close, sleeping soundly against you. Definitely more horse-dragon than deer-dragon. It's tufted tail is nestled against your neck, tickling your skin with just how soft it is.

... Perhaps it's alright, if it is the initiator in this interaction? Quietly, you contemplate the ramifications of your actions, and just how strange the situation you find yourself in is, now that pain does not rob you of your focus.

Had it... bonded to you? You released it from its cage, and shared in its emotions, protecting its others. Its fellow kind. It was certainly a unique experience for you.

The others. You grunt in sudden recollection as the memories come piling back; there had been other Kirin here. It was some kind of... village for them, on this side of the Torii. And other cages... holding more creatures, including the one you grabbed from the leader.

And a human, not bearing their heraldry.

What of Kiko? Had she come through as well? She had been injured, her wound untended -- worry settles in your gut. You pray you haven't rested too long. But someone had been tending to you. Someone with medical knowledge, and access to materials.

You want to rise, to check on Kiko, the other Kirin, to exit this tiny abode you're being cared for in. But... there's a mythological creature sleeping on your chest. At least your injuries look like they're improving. How long have you been asleep, truly?

Carefully, and with the utmost respect... you slowly place a hand on the scaled back of the sleeping Kirin. It's like a miniature forge rests upon you. It's back surprisingly smooth, despite the numerous scales that cover it. In an instant, you feel a wave of... comfort. Safety.

It trusts you.

You purse your lips. It doesn't stir from the touch. If anything, it leans into it. You'll have to rely on your voice, if you've even still got one.

"...Exc...use." You manage -- it's a raspy whisper, your throats soreness flaring up the moment you speak, and your tongue is dry. You don't even get close to half of what you wanted to say out of your lips.

You feel it start to shift. One of its eyes slowly opens, stopping about halfway. It's usual, bored expression. Though it seems to perk up, if ever so slightly, on seeing you awake.

And then it licks your nose. Again.

... At this point, all you can do is deeply hope, pray even, that you're not overstepping some deeply laid or unspoken boundaries for local Kami, Spirits, Yokai... anything that would take issue with cuddling one of them so blatantly.

It slowly steps it's forelegs off your chest and to the floor, stretching like a cat as it takes it's sweet time removing itself from you. Hooves stretched forward, rump in the air, leaning forward... and leaning back, with little urgency. Perhaps a sign things aren't as worrisome as you might fear.

It's only once it has finished rousing itself, and fully hops down off you, that you're able to get up -- and it seems intent on staring at you expectantly, maintaining a surprisingly solid eye contact.

Perhaps it wants to see if you're well enough to rise. With gritted teeth, you slowly push yourself off the ground. Now that you're actually trying to rise off of it, you find the ground to simply be padded dirt, smoothed and pressed. The furniture is... simple. Most of the construction here is. Tribal, almost.

Breathing is hard... but doable. Your lungs aren't as irritated as they were, but you'd hardly rank using them in your top five favorite activies right now.

As you teeter around, first to your knees, the Kirin hovers close out of concern, as if ready to catch you. Probably. You aren't sure how it would do so without... hands.

You glance to your elbow. A soft, gentle wisp of some kind of... shimmering soft-orange glow has a hold of your arm, helping you balance. The Kirin's horn glows the same color, highlighting a mark engraved upon it.

That... you aren't going to tackle that right now. It already burst into flames.

You're going to have to learn bodily expressions if you keep dealing with these creatures... and you're unsure of how it's actually helping you up, but... you appreciate the returned care.

It doesn't take too long to get your cuirass re-applied overtop the bandages that cling to your body. While easier if you had some help, present company doesn't exactly bear enough thumbs to be of any real assistance, though not from lack of willingness. The Kirin continues to remain close -- very close -- carefully watching you strap yourself in your protective layers. It might be able to help with that glowing thing, but that would involve teaching it how your armor works. Which, would take time, and certainly wasn't a priority. Somehow, despite being so visibly concerned, it still looks dead bored. Such an odd thing.

Once you get to your feet, you nearly hit your head, flinching and pausing just short. Right. Very low ceilings. Keeping a ducked posture, the Kirin guides you towards the door -- which you have to crouch through as it holds it open with a hoof. Your own helmets ornament nearly catches the doorframe, requiring some odd shuffling on your end.

The Kirin Village

Bright light threatens to blind you, glaring down from above once you finally emerge. It's well into the day... though you aren't sure which, or how many have passed. You're thirsty, hungry... but not quite as in pain as you were, and tired has been replaced with sore. Overall, a net positive for the moment.

Your sandals dig into a bare dirt path, carved between tufts of grass, as you're tickled by the softest breeze. A little trail that spirals out from the equally small abode, carving between thick grass, towards the center of this... village.

You rise from the half-sized door, raising a bare hand to shield your eyes from the light that glances through the canopy. These trees... they are not of your home. They are tall, with massively thick leaves, and with strange fruit growing from their tops and branches.

There's a number of stumps roughly speckled on the far side, where what remains of this sides 'Torii'. Now, little more than cinders and broken sticks. The removed trees make the clearing feel awkwardly large. Must have been where they were getting wood for their encampment. The air is humid, making you appreciate that gentle breeze all the more. It's a fairly open clearing, with a good view of the clear sky above... it's a very vivid, light blue, clouds wisping distantly. It feels... unfamiliar. At the edges of the village, it quickly forms into a dense, thick forest, rife with vines and strange foliage.

The Ochre Kirin suddenly squeezes between your legs, startling you and nearly lifting you off your feet as it moves through your space. It's mindful of the horn, thankfully, before it slowly meanders down the little dirt path, glancing back at you.
...Your fault for not moving out of the way? At least it feels comfortable around you. Your eyes trail after it, settling on the the fountain beyond it that serves as the central figurehead to this natured plaza.

As your vision wanders, you see several other Kirin roam idly, performing... alarmingly mundane tasks. One is doing laundry in the river that slowly cuts through this little village... it seems to be bedding and sheets, worn down by the scales that cover their bodies. Several more simply sit around, in front of or even atop of little hillside or tree-side homes, much like the one that you just emerged from. Basking in the sun Thankfully they don't look any worse for wear. Or upset. Or... much of anything.

They're a variety of colors, all sharing that same expression. Half-closed eyes, and a disinterested stare that perpetuates a feeling of innate, perpetual boredom. Though it seems they're... a little larger, on this side of the gate. You're noticing it now that you can see so many of them, and the Ochre Kirin provided a plenty helpful example. Prior, they had only reached up to your thigh. Now, they were nearly up to your waist, if not over it with the horn.

As the Ochre Kirin reaches the fountain, it leans down to drink from it's edge. This must be how they split their water source... fountain for drinking, river for other needs. The fountain at least looks refreshing. Beautifully clear, and gently waving as soft currents caress it through the village. Your thirst demands you to, at least respectfully, try it. The way the Ochre Kirin continues to glance at you, then the water, and then to you again is evident enough. Slowly, cautiously, you walk down the dirt path, after the Kirin. You don't feel... unwelcome, but you can't shake this feeling that you aren't supposed to be here. Though that seems to be a common feeling, apparently.

There's several larger structures speckled between the homes as well, which draw your attention thanks to one notable point. They're all empty. Compared to the paths and areas around the houses, they have... what looks like a stage, a storehouse, and a few other buildings reminiscent of towns.

Across the river, far on the other side, there's a stack of iron cages, all opened and empty to the side of this clearing. It seems the Kirin managed to free themselves, and had disposed of their constraints, though it's not difficult to notice the wide berth they give them.

Several pairs of curiously bored eyes wander to follow your movements, as you near the riverside. You're drawing the attention of the numerous Kirin that populate this little hideaway, now that you're out and about. There's even a surprisingly large one with cream fur and an aqua mane, near twice the size of the others with a neck to match. It watches you from it's distant home, sharing the others expression of muted curiosity. It seems to be the only little hut that's actually sized large enough that it could fit you.

You swallow hard under their sudden visual assault, still hoping your presence doesn't offend. So far, you are tolerated in their realm... probably, and hope to keep it that way. You may be in the good graces of one Kirin, but you're not yet sure about the others just yet.

Your worried glances to the other, watchful Kirin have distracted you -- you nearly trip over the Ochre Kirin as you reach the fountain-side, stopping suddenly and balancing yourself. It continues to drink, only pausing once you have paused yourself, watching you from the corner of it's eyes. Assured you're not going to tip over it or knock it into the fountain, it resumes lapping.

It nods towards the water, which splashes quietly from a single spring that softly mists the water with it's downpour. Slowly, wincing through pain, you kneel beside it, resting on your knees, hands on your thighs. A slow sigh escapes you as you settle, catching your breath.

You're... exhausted. Surviving that ordeal took a lot out of you. Best to take it easy, Sato.

Slow, quiet, paced breaths. You close your eyes, basking in the light breeze.

There's a hoof pawing your knee. You crack an eye open, glancing down. The Ochre Kirin rests a hoof against you, sat beside yourself. It tilts it's head, nodding at the water. About as good of a permission as you might ever get. it watches as you slowly untie your mask, the strings draping loose as you gently place it into the grass.

You lean, letting your fingers dip into the cool water of the softly spraying, in-ground fountain. If it's their water source, hopefully it's clean... but you aren't terribly worried. The water seeps through your fingers, pooling in your palm. It's arguably the cleanest, clearest looking water you've ever laid eyes upon.

You lift it to your lips, the refreshing liquid sparing you from the parched throat that ails you. It may be the very best water you've ever had, if simply from need alone. The Kirin seems pleased, it's ears flickering as it watches you scoop handfuls of water to your mouth, drinking deeply. It takes some restraint to not simply lean in with your mouth and drink directly.

You cough suddenly, sputtering out the precious liquid -- having forgotten a rather important thing amidst your sudden thirst-bound binge. To breathe. You sit back on your heels, hefting deep breaths, calming yourself. There's no need to rush.

...

A deeply familiar whinny echoes out from across the village. It rips your attention from waiting water, towards the other side of the clearing.

She's already charging over, towering over every other creature and abode -- even the largest Kirin barely comes close to matching her height, and not even close to her stature. Kiko. She's alive and well -- and on this side of the Torii. You aren't granted much of a chance to think about the ramifications of such, as she comes sliding to a halt with her hooves dragging through the dirt, nearly bowling you over. The Ochre Kirin watches curiously, tilting it's head as it watches. It didn't even flinch as the full-sized horse came screeching to a halt beside it.

Kiko nickers with prudent, attention-demanding urgency, practically shoving her snout into your face. The smile that creeps onto it is a warm, relieved one, as you wrap your arms around her head, pulling her close.

"Well, that may explain why they're so willing to tolerate you so." A youthful voice suddenly calls out, from behind Kiko. Your eyes flash open, leaning to look past your steed. It's the other human you saw prior, if only for a moment -- now, without the flames obscuring your vision, and the adrenaline usurping your focus, it's much easier to get a look at them.

He looks to be teenage, adorned in a decorative, if a little dirtied, shrine-keeper's wear. He looks tired, but bemused, with red under his eyes.

"She'd hardly stay still long enough for me to bandage her, or clean her of the blood. Neither hers, nor theirs..." His words trail off. He contemplates something for a quiet moment, before continuing. "You, on the other hand, didn't so much as budge while I tended to you. I wasn't sure if you'd make it, considering how badly you'd come out of... that 'state', but that one there wouldn't leave your side." He continues, nodding at the Ochre Kirin as he joins your little growing gathering at the waterside, hands tucked into the sleeves of his jacket.

"Tolerated?" You ask, surprised.

"You arrive in a flurry of flame and blood, hot on the heels of their oppressors, dealing death at the end of a bloodied blade. And yet, your gore-stained mount holds you in an incredibly high regard, and you willingly trap yourself in a foreign realm while carrying two of their ilk, despite being covered in wounds. To say you made quite the first impression with the locals is an understatement." He explains.

"...Ah."

"Ah indeed. I'm Incogni Kaito."

"Anonzo Sato."

"How are you feeling? After... all that?"

Now that a parched throat and a dry tongue no longer assails you, words manage to find their way to your lips. They aren't complex ones yet, but they're enough. Kiko softly pulls from your grass, chuffing in your face before she begins to graze on the greenery around you, leaving you to discussion.

Shinto and Bushidos vast opposites aside, there's little to not simply be respectful, here, even with the difference in age. You're not fully aware of anything quite yet, but it seems he's been nothing but helpful.
"Alive, thanks to you. And... strange." You bow, lowering your head.

"I'm allowed my freedom, unbound to an iron cage thanks to you and Burnt Ochre. It's the least I could do." He returns the bow, before taking a seat in the grass close by.

"Burnt Ochre?" You ask, idly tying your mask to your belt again, so as not to forget it.

"Her name." He imparts, looking to the Ochre Kirin that you rescued.

Your gaze, too, follows to the waist-height draconi-horsian. It -- or, she, seems far more intent on sharing your gaze, and looks to take it as some sort of invitation. She climbs onto your lap, settling like a confident, self-assured feline, kneading and pushing against your legs to make a comfortable spot for herself, curling up.

"Her? They speak?" You parrot, looking to the stranger for answers. They hadn't said so much as a word to you, yet.

He stifles a dry laugh. "Er... not quite. I've learned a few of their names, during our time here. She is Burnt Ochre. The other one you saved, that you were carrying in your arms, is Autumn Blaze. She's looking forward to meeting you as well, but has to wait. The largest one is Rain Shine, their leader -- and it's through her benevolence that we're allowed to stay. That sentiment is especially important towards you, and Burnt Ochre." He explains, watching Ochre climb upon you. Is that... a pang of jealousy on his face?

At hearing her name, she perks up, looking to the now shrineless priest. Then up to you. Her ears flicker when she meets your gaze. She's not exactly shy about holding it.

"Because of the fight?" You repeat, again. Short sentences are an apt exercise in helping you find your words. They come easy enough, without straining your still-tingly lungs.

"It's best left to Autumn to explain. She's the one Kirin who can speak, and the reason is..." He slows his words, clearly caught in thought.

"Sorry I... what happened?"

"Don't remember?" He asks softly.

"I do, it's just a... fiery, painful blur." You respond.

The Kirin snuggles a little closer against you when you say painful. You feel a pang of guilt ebb from it. One of your hands instinctively settles on its back, surprising yourself with your own movement.

"Fair enough. We... are in the Kirin's realm, if that hasn't made itself obvious." He gestures around, pointing out the village. Most of the Kirin continue to creep closer, watching the gathering while still keeping some distance.
"My family has tended a shrine in their honor for generations, some of us even blessed with interacting directly with them every few years. Usually, very minor interactions... a passing bow or a chance sighting." He continues, glancing into the distance.

Your eyes follow his, and you find they settle on the ruined remains of the portal that leads to this village. They're nothing but broken, ashy sticks and bramble now -- and you notice your sword stuck in the ground, jutting upwards in front of it. So that's where it went. You felt something was missing, but hadn't been quite able to place it.

He starts speaking again, drawing your attention once more.
"And now here we stand, accomplishing the generational dream of my family. To walk with them, talk with them... All it cost was everything." He dryly chuckles, biting his lip and looking away. It's clear what has happened was rough on him. Bittersweet, in a morbid way, and left to process the loss on his own. "And we have no way back, either. Not that I blame you, but... that hardly changes our circumstances."

"I'm sorry, for your loss. I haven't... upset them, or you, have I?"

"No, no. They are... well, there's one that you'll want to speak to. They appreciate the timely rescue, but there's an... uncomfortable nuance to the situation, and a reason why Autumn isn't here now. She's actually not allowed within the village, normally, but I shouldn't deny her the chance at that conversation. She's... a bit starved for individuals to talk to, and is eager to meet you."

"She's banned from the village? Why?"

"For the same reason they considered banning Burnt Ochre. The flames. But, we should go, if you're able. Autumn should really be the one to explain all of this." He urges, slowly rising to his feet, starting to walk along a winding path, partially overgrown with grass that leads towards the trees. It likely sees very little use, comparatively.

You look down at the Kirin on your lap. Burnt Ochre is her name... well, seems you clued in partially already, referring to her as Ochre. You hadn't expected them to have such... fiery names.

She's matching your gaze, staring into your eyes as yours stares into hers. Your hand is still on her back, palm to the off-green scales that protect her spine.

"I... need to get up. May I?" You ask the Kirin upon your lap.

She licks your nose.

The young Shinto Priest stifles a laugh into his sleeve, pausing to remain nearby and not get too far ahead.
"She's deeply concerned with your well-being. Like I said, she hasn't left your side since you came through."

"Wait. How did you and the other Kirin get out of the cages?"

"It wasn't too difficult once there weren't any of the Mongols left to ward the Kirins magics. Broke the locks. Took the better part of a day... and the bodies took most of the second day."

"Magic?" You repeat. You're reminded of the strange glow that had first helped you to your feet. Was that magic?

"No concern for the bodies?" Kaito snorts.

"That was my next question." You're quick to add.

"It's alright, I understand. Of those two topics, you're far more familiar with one than the other. But how familiar are you with Kami and Yokai?"

"Loosely. I've heard stories, done some reading."

"It..." He purses his lips, sighing. "They captured Rain Shine, when she noticed that the shrine wasn't being kept like it normally was. They chained her, and forced her magics to keep the portal open."

"Are they unable to defend themselves?"

"They actively work against their own defense mechanism. Come, Autumn will explain. You can probably move Ochre yourself, if she still refuses to budge."

"Is... that alright? To just pick her up?"

"You can ask her. They understand us, they simply do not speak, or express emotions well."

You glance back to the Kirin on your lap. Your very warm lap, thanks to her.
"...Is there anything specific or special I need to do?" You ask aloud, worried.

"Hm? Oh, just be respectful. They're quite understanding."

Your mouth slowly presses tight together, thinking. Your hand still rests on her back... and she's still emanating this feeling of concerned, warm trust.

Perhaps you can send something back?

With your palm to her scales, you try envisioning yourself carrying the Kirin in your arms. She's not quite small, so your imagination takes a little bit to figure out the best way to politely remove her from yourself...

She tilts her head, reading your face with slow, half-lidded blinks.

Her tail starts to flick around, Icogni watching curiously... as she pushes up, and climbs onto you awkwardly. Her hooves over your shoulders, barrel pressed to your chest. Your arms instinctively raise to hold her.

Well, not quite what you had in mind, but... with her off your lap, and now in your arms, it's a familiar enough stance to push yourself to your feet, without too much trouble. She's really not that heavy, surprisingly -- just very warm. Like a soft, safe to touch, fluffy campfire with a horn. That has a penchant for licking your nose.

She stares at you, nose to nose for a moment. She doesn't lick it this time, though. Burnt Ochre seems more interested in just... looking at you.

Her scales, like always, are smooth to the touch, each individual scale slightly lifted but hardly pointy. Her fur is soft but trim, the real fluffiness coming from the tufts that jut from her joins and tail, and the lush mane that encircles her head and neck. At one point, Ochre leans her head too far down, and clacks her horn against your helmet, startling you both. A hint of embarrassment flows from her, for a moment. For such a benevolent, mythological creature... she's very easy to understand.

...You smile softly.
"Thank you, Burnt Ochre. For your care. You're very kind." You say quietly, keeping a gentle tone.

...Did she just blush? Burnt Ochre suddenly glances away, pushing out of your grasp and hopping to the ground, quickly trotting past Kiko, and heading up the ill-used path.

Did you do something wrong? You feel oddly cold, now that you're not holding a small heat source. Your empty hands return to your side, as Icogni looks confused, staring at you.
"...What was that?" He suddenly prods, stepping forward.

"What was what?" You ask, confused.

"That!" He gestures suddenly, pointing to the slowly escaping Kirin, who now refuses to look in your direction.

"I... thanked it? Respectfully, as you said?"

"You..." He trials off, shaking his head. "Nevermind. Come on." He tsks, quickly taking after Burnt Ochre.

You're stood beside Kiko, confused. Was it something you said? Something you did?
"...What is going on, Kiko?" You mutter softly.

She chuffs hot air into your face, entirely unbothered by the emotional complexity of the situation, going back to grazing. Well, it was good to know Kiko hadn't changed, and was likely the one to keep you grounded during this entire... slowly-enfolding mess.

You're feeling better now, at least. Physically. Emotionally, there's a lot of consequences and ramifications you haven't had a moment to process yet. That even with their numbers halved, the bandits were still there... that you'd ignore orders and acted emotionally, putting yourself and Kiko at risk.

You sigh, patting Kiko's side. Worried thoughts for later, once you've spoken to Autumn. You start after Ochre and Incogni, moving a bit slower than them. The soreness is still there, even if it is muted, though you're not lacking for company. Kiko slowly trails alongside you, keeping your slowed pace.

You pause, taking a slight detour to stop for your weapon, Kiko going stationary as she waits. Pulling it from the earth, you quietly inspect it. The blade is warped, and stained with boiled blood. Untouched since your arrival, likely. It would need some significant care, and until then, was likely not much use to you. A guilty pang settles in your chest about it. The blade had been a gift, after all.

Little remains of the portal 'back home'. Originally grown of branches, bramble and what was likely a very nature-centric effort, now sits thoroughly cleaved and burned. It's shape has been ruined, with a good pile of ash and burnt wood speckled the ground beside it.

Your blade doesn't fit in the sheath that sits on the back of your hips, so neither of these things were exactly a good development. You're forced to tie the blade to the outside of the temporarily pointless container together with some of the ornamental string from your armor. You'd find somewhere safer to stash them later, away from the elements. Probably with wherever Kiko's gear is.

Icogni is waving at you, waiting for you. As is Ochre, head tilted in your direction. You nod, patting Kiko once you get back to her, meandering after them and towards the enthickening trees. You've an Autumn Blaze to meet.

A Vow Of Silence, A Most Talkative Autumn, The Peaks Of Peril

Thickly canopied jungle is quick to surround you, Sato, as you trek along the path. Compared to the other dirt-roads that snake their way through the village, this one is overgrown with grass and roots, incredibly underused. In fact, you realize it's the only way in or out of the village, that isn't tied to a now-defunct portal.

The Kirin seem to get all their food from the surrounding area, but never go much deeper. There's a couple of them that watch your little group curiously on the edge of the clearing, in the lazy midst of collecting fruits from the various plants. One of their horns is glowing, pulling fruit from the highest part of the tree, down to itself. Another plucks berries from a bush, dropping it into a little basket. Somehow, they manage to make it look like the most mundane task with how slowly they handle it. With how... relaxed they are, it seems more plausible the Mongols were able to roll over them.

The other Kirin don't seem intent on following, either. The few that had slowly been approaching your little fountain-side gathering now watch from a distance, the village slowly getting obscured by the shrubbery as you trek deeper. Rain Shines' lifted gaze allows her to watch you from beyond their multi-colored crowd, until the village disappears from view, and your little troupe is subsumed by shrubbery of thick, tropical descent.

Kiko slowly walks alongside you, matching your slowed pace, granting you something to lean against. After days of minimal movement, even with most of your injuries healing oddly quickly, movement wasn't easy. You're limping, and there's a sturdy pang of hunger in your stomach.

Kaito walks slightly ahead, leading the way. Hands tucked into sleeves, he seems familiar with his surroundings already; more so than can be said for you, Sato. It was a lot of strangeness to process.

And the Kirin that seems intent on accompanying you very closely isn't quite helping. Burnt Ochre is glued to the opposite side of you, mirroring Kiko, though she's far too short to use for support. Not that you would. Mythical creature.

...That keeps purposely bumping into your leg, staring up at you wide curious, bored eyes.

"Well, I never expected a lone man to come charging in to our rescue. How did you find out our homestead was attacked? Where's the rest of the war party?" Kaito asks, turning to look back as you all walk. He'd probably walk alongside you for an easier conversation, but... the two equine creatures on either side of you aren't particularly partial to giving up their spots.

"I'd been sent to scour the mountains for their trace. I was meant to report back, but..." You trail off, the fiery results of your brash actions flicking like embers in your mind.

"You were seen?" Kaito asks. "You could have ran. They hold no horses. Well, held, now."

You glance down, sharing a surprisingly... intimate gaze with the little Kirin? It's a good thing Kiko wasn't the jealous sort, the way it slowly blinks it's colorful eyes, maintaining a firm eye contact, bumping against your side with its always-surpridingly warm self.

"...Of a sort." You mumble.

"I can't imagine charging into a Bandit encampment alone. You... aren't all up there, are you?" Kaito laughs.

Honestly, probably not. But judging by the way she's glued to you... maybe that wasn't such a bad thing.

The Jungle Just Outside Of The Kirin Village

It's not as far a trek as you originally feared. Kaito keeps you willingly distracted with idle conversation, aware that you aren't quite back to fully mobile form; but that getting a chance to actually speak with one of these creatures takes an important precedence.

Though he does most of the talking you two manage some chatter about home, and the doubts of if you'll see it again. All the while, Kiko serves as a willing support for you to lean on -- not that Burnt Ochre doesn't try her best to offer herself as one, either. She's just as glued to you, only a bit too short to properly lean on. Her gaze, bored as it may seem, is stuck far more to you then it is to the rarely trodden path. Every time she bumps into your side, or your leg, a tickle of concern and care ebb up your body.

The jungle that once so quickly thickened is just as quick to sparse out, the dense canopy opening to reveal the proper blue sky oncemore. It's now that you realize just quite the precarious position that this little pocket of jungle is placed.

Turns out, you've been climbing an ever so slight incline, and you're greeted with tall, sheer cliffs that plummet straight down. The view is impressive, stretching widely over craggy mountains and thickly forested jungles that stretch far, distantly connecting with a large, sparkling body of water. You're not certain the direction, but if the entirety of the Kirin's village was nestled up this high, tucked away behind these strange trees... then it serves as their trap just as much as their protection, as proven by recent events.

Kiko chuffs at you, noticing you idle a short distance to the stoney lip, watching the distance. Up here, unguarded by the windbreaker of trees, a soft breeze rolls over you providing an ample, relieving cool that seeps through your armor.

"Quite the view, is it not?" Kaito comments, pausing to turn and watch you.
"It all but helps affirm we are no longer in our realm."

The two of you watch as distantly, a small blob lifts from far off mountains, taking to the air.
"...What is that?" You ask idly.

"Autumn says it's a dragon. Something about the Kirin's draconian lineage means they typically leave them alone, but they don't like tempting fate."

"...Seriously?" You turn, casting an incredulous gaze on Kaito.

"You'll need to keep an open mind around here, Sato. If you thought the Kirin or their magic were the strangest things... apparently, the Sun and Moon clash for a spot in the sky. I've yet to see it myself." He chuckles, continuing up the ever so slowly raising, winding path. The rarely walked grass and dirt had turned to pebble and rock, now outlined only by the edges of this clifftop forest.

"They what?" You call after him, but Kaito simply keeps walking. You blink several times, processing the statement.

A glance at your more equine companions aids little, unfortunately. Kiko seems more interested in simply raising her lip at you, nickering loudly. Meanwhile, the much more silent Burnt Ochre is firmly pressed against your leg, staring out into the open, swaths of distant land. It's a little hard to decipher through emotion... but you think she might not be a fan of heights.

A tentative, almost cautious reach of your hand brushes the fringes of her mane, intent on trying to offer any semblance of comfort if your suspicions ring true.

She's almost startlingly quick to lean into your hand, nuzzling your hand with soft fur -- and purring?

...These creatures continue to confuse. You aren't sure if they're more horse, dragon, or cat, but at least this one is affectionate. You two did share a very... unique experience, which according to Kaito, was one he was entirely unfamiliar with. Which, if the very shrine-keepers who worshipped these creatures never experienced such...

Burnt Ochre tilts her head, blinking slowly at you, chin nestled in your palm. You aren't sure how you missed it before, but she has some serious eyelashes -- it's almost surprising you couldn't tell it was female, now. Why the change? Was proximity or your odd little bond altering your perception?

You aren't given much more time to ruminate on the matter, Kiko nudging you with her snout. Kaito is waiting ahead, and past him, close to the cliffs edge, looks to be a little home.

Autumn Blaze's Home

"This is...?" You mumble as you catch up beside Kaito, arms in his sleeves as he watches you.

"Where Autumn Blaze lives, yes. Not too far, thankfully, but outside the village limits." He explains, nodding for you to follow.

Without much path left, Kiko starts to drift back towards the greenery, and away from the cobbled surface of this little plateau, sniffing out grass. You pat her side in thanks for her support, watching her meander a short distance away.

Burnt Ochre seems intent on quite the opposite, staring at you expectantly. She nudges your leg with her nose, mimicking what Kiko had done to you moments prior. Is she asking for your attention?

"Sato?" Kaito calls for you. You're this close yet you pause again, assuredly confusing him.

...You hope this isn't interpreted poorly, but you're just trying to meet expectations. You lean down, patting Burnt Ochre's side like you had Kiko.

Kaito looks like he wants to criticize you, but Burnt Ochre paws at your leg with a hoof, like she's trying to return the sentiment.

Such a strangely endearing little creature.

"Apologies." You say to Kaito asks you rejoin him again -- you're likely not the best travel companion considering how often you tend to stop, and how slow you meander the path, but he seems patient enough for a youth.

"It's fine, Sato. I can't begrudge you for your curiosity nor your injuries, considering both are what got us out of our predicament. Truthfully, I'm curious what Autumn has to say about you and your friend, there. It's almost like she's broken the vow, but remains non-verbal..." Kaito starts to mumble, his words drawing your curiosity.

"Vow?" You go to ask -- but before you can, a burst of noise from the little abode draws your ear, shortly followed by your eyes.

Compared to the quaint, homely architecture that constitutes the villages construction, this little plateu-top abode looks... hand-made by comparison. Or would that be hoof-made? Rather than nestled comfortably into the side of a hill or tucked under the protective roots of an overhanging tree, it looks more like someone put together a home from gathered scraps, and the remnant furniture they could scavenge. Not to mention the numerous decorations that bore... drawn faces on a variety of objects. Most of which, decoration and abode, were fairly unfamiliar to you, Sato. Though this close, you see they aren't as far from the forest edge as you thought. A little alcove of trees and grass runs close to the back of their home, connecting and sporting several odd additions. Like Kiko, whose currently eating the grass growing out a frowning pot.

What was familiar, was the Kirin that had it's head stuck out from behind the curtain that lead to the inside of it's home. With white fur and a bright orange mane, your memory is quick to remind you -- it's the Kirin that you'd wrenched from the Bandit leaders grasp. Back then, however, she had been asleep, eyes closed.

You expected another bored, emotionless looking Kirin more intent at staring at you, perhaps with a few words thrown between long pauses. Not so with this one. Her eyes look like they're about to bug out of her head, with a wide, excited smile plastered across her face.

"You're here! Took you looooong enough!" She exclaims, dragging out her words before launching out from the doorway and charging forward towards us.

"Not doing the silent bit again?" Kaito prompts, to which Autumn eagerly shakes her head.

"Oh, darn -- should I have? No, too late for that now. Hello! I'm Autumn Blaze! Who are you?" Autumn perks up, quickly trotting over to... Kiko, staring up at her.

Kiko leans down, chuffing in the Kirin's face, scrunching her nose. Autumn's face scrunches in turn, before giggling.
"The silent type! Kaito told me you don't talk, but I'll get you to open up eventually. Unless you fell in the river, then... well, your coat is nice!" Autumn beams, before spinning in place -- and locking eyes with you, Sato.

In a moment she's at your feet, staring up at you with wide eyes that sparkle, a pearly smile plastered across her face. Ochre walks past you, standing beside her, both of them staring up at you.
"Now, you... who might you be, my gallant rescuer?"

"Uh... Sato." You offer, meeting her hoof. She shakes your hand with quite a bit of energy, smiling at you. She's looking a lot better than she did when you first wrest her from the Bandits clutches.

"You look hungry, if the way you're hunched over is any clue. Or is that the burns? Ochre said there was a lot of burns. Well, either way, you've been asleep for days -- of course you're hungry! Come sit, I was just setting up some breakfast."

Ochre watches you expectantly, nodding for you to follow.

Your stomach growls. You are pretty hungry... it's been days since you ate, apparently. You're quick to follow.

...

Under the calm midday sun, a short distance from Autumn's awkwardly flammable abode and the nearby trees that rustle in the wind, a fire crunches, crackles and spits embers as Autumn works over it. Kaito is stood, hands clasped between his robes sleeves, watching. Kiko grazes nearby, chewing the grass. This seems to interest the two Kirin, who keep glancing at her. They seem deeply interested in her, like she was an oddity nearly so similar to themselves.

You consider standing, like Kaito, but Ochre nestles herself against your leg, patting one of your feet with a hoof, motioning for you to lower yourself and join her. You relent, happy to take a seat -- being awake is making it clear just how little energy you're working with, from the exertion of the previous days, and the lack of proper nutrition. You nearly topple, surprised by your lack of strength, only to find Ochre offering herself as a support, pressing herself against you to hold you up.

Autumn has a variety of fruits, vegetables, and even fish currently stuck on sticks, hanging over the campfire. She's even got a small pot, bubbling with some kind of stock. You recognize a few of these items, but most of them are foreign, or weirdly similar to the ones of your home, but with notable color or texture changes.

Autumn, content everything is quietly cooking for the moment, promptly sits beside Ochre, staring at you.
"You probably have... loads of questions. Kaito did, but he's no fun and acted like he already knew everything."

"H-hey! My family has recorded all of our interactions with the Kirin for generations! I-I'm allowed to flaunt some level of knowledge!" Kaito retorts, flustered.

"Even when most of it is wrong?" Autmn grins, getting a huff from Kaito.

Considering their... spiritual position as local deities, Kaito seems to be pretty casual with them. One can't forget Kaito's age in this; and with his own position as a Priest, now likely the last of his line... well, if they could maintain a more friendly demeanor, that might explain why Ochre was willing to be so...

You glance down at your furred, scaled companion, pressed against you. Half-lidded eyes that portray disinterest and boredom betray her true intentions, as she continuously ogles you. Feelings of... warmth, and care softly ebb from her, continually concerned with your long and short term well-being.

"So! Questions, Sato?" Autumn prods, drawing your attention again and scooting closer.

You swallow, the water from earlier helping your parched lips to find words.
"Why can you speak --"

"But Ochre and the others can't? Oh, did Kaito not spoil it?! Wonderful!" Autumn claps her hooves together, sitting back on her haunches.

"You asked me not to." Kaito mumbles.

"They're all under... The Vow of Silence." Autumn says dramatically, waving her hooves in the air. "And for... well, a reason you're probably already familiar with."

Autumn sighs, a guilty look falling on her face. The injuries may be hidden under your armor now, but the limp in your step, and the clear duress you're under, are all but stark reminders.

"The Flames." She says simply.

The Fire? The confused look on your face prompts her further.

"That bond you had with Ochre was...new. She's part of this confusion, actually. It's why Rain Shine is willing to let her, you and Kaito stay in the village." Autunn explains.

"And you can't?" You ask.

Autumn blows a raspberry, shaking her head.
"Nope. I managed to break the Vow... not being able to speak, to express emotions was driving me crazy. The other Kirin are managing, though, so I guess I'm just a special case. Liking my feelings and all that."

Kaito gives her a sympathetic look, but she continues.
"Have you heard of Nirik before?"

You shake your head. Kirin was already a stretch for your knowledge, but you'd never heard of a Nirik before. Ochre pangs with a feeling of... confused familiarity. You rest a hand against the scales on her back to comfort her without realizing -- but she leans into it. Your worries about overstepping some sort of spiritual boundary are quickly fading.

"Well, that's what Ochre became. That's what I could become, and that's what the Vow stops the other Kirin from doing." Autumn states, motioning with a hoof.
"Kirin are in tune with one emotion above any other. Their Anger. We don't... handle it very well. It inflames our magic, and turns us into Nirik, where we... burn with anger. As I'm sure you're... aware."

"So Ochre became a Nirik? But what of the Vow?" Kaito asks.

"That's the confusion that has Rain Shine unsure of how to handle it. She is still, clearly, under some level of the Vow... but she accessed her emotions."

"She emanates them, too." You add quietly.

The following silence surprises you, as both Kaito and Autumn stare.
"...She what?"

You glance between the two, feeling pressed to continue.
"When I make contact with her, I can... feel what she is feeling." You explain, softly patting Ochre. She blinks slowly at you, tilting her head. As if for an example, you feel...

...You're not sure what that one is, actually. It's very warm. Like... Happy, but... melted. Trying to find the words for feeling another creatures Emotions is difficult.

Autumn moves closer, placing a hoof on Ochre's back, the two sharing a long stare.
"...Nothing." Autumn hums, curious.

"Perhaps a side-effect of your... unique entrance." Kaito offers, leaning to rotate a few of the slowly cooking items.

"What does it feel like?" Autumn prompts.

You purse your lips. The wafting smell of the food is distracting, but you ignore it as best you can.
"Like... dull feelings in my own head. Like on contact, my body is being fed what she's feeling."

"Well, considering how smitten she is with you, it's probably a pretty pleasant feeling." Autumn teases, sticking a playful tongue at Ochre. Ochre's eyes widen, waving a hoof at Autumn like she's trying to smack her. Kind of like how a cat would bat something with it's paw.

"Smitten?" Both you and Kaito ask at the same time, sharing a mutually confused look.

"Whatever happened between you and Ochre has altered both of you, in a way no other Kirin has experienced." Autumn offers.

"Can it be repeated?" Kaito asks, but Autumn shakes her head.

"I don't think it would be the kind of thing you could force. You remember how they looked. Plus, I don't think it's particularly pleasant for the Non-Kirin." Autumn points out. You didn't exactly escape your strange bonding unscathed.

Ochre is looking away. You think she might be embarrassed to be the topic of a discussion about bonding.

"Oh, enough of that for now. The food is about ready!" Autumn waves for you to get closer, as she stirs the broiling pot, plucking a few of the crispy-looking items from the fire.

Fine with you -- you stomach growls excitedly, unashamed.

...

"How did... the bandits secure a portal between our world and the Kirins?" You manage between bites. Lightly seasoned fish, a broth of something thick, and various strange, crunchy greens and fruits. Some bitter, some sweet -- all hastily devoured by the surge of hunger you weren't even aware of.

"Magic" Kaito adds between much more reserved bites.
"They kept Rain Shine imprisoned, and forced her to maintain the portal, or they'd hurt the Kirin. When you shattered the portal, you also broke her bonds. She got most of us out of the cages after that."

While he might be offering you some judgement based on your fervent consumption, neither Autumn nor Ochre seemed bothered.

"Rain Shine didn't know what to do about what happened, once we got everyone out. You and Kaito, your weird friend... we just hoped you'd pull through. Thankfully, Kaito was able to help direct our efforts for healing you. I'd never seen burns so bad." Autumn explains; she's actually rather pleased you seem to enjoy her food so much, while Ochre is just happy you're eating, watching you stuff your fave while ebbing feelings on relief. She seems to care a great deal about your wellbeing.

As you find yourself to care a great deal about hers. You realize she's hardly touched anything herself, more intent on watching you eat. In a potentially bold maneuver, you place one of your untouched, still-sizzling stick-with-a-fish in front of her.

Ochre seems hesitant as she glances between it and you, trying to push it back towards you with a hoof.

"Please." You whisper softly. She pauses, staring at your face. One of your hands softly rests on her back, as she still sits against you.
"You've already done so much for me. Take care of yourself, until I can care for you in turn."

"Goodness, get a room." Kaito snorts, before Autumn smacks his arms several times. She's grinning widely, shushing him.

They confuse you, but Burnt Ochre draws your attention back down to her with a hoof softly placed on your leg. You can feel that warm, melting feeling again as she leans up, and licks your nose.

Autumn covers her mouth with her hooves, hardly hiding the wide smile on her face, while Kaito rolls his eyes and continues to eat.

...Was that intimate? You aren't sure. You also aren't quite in the right headspace, Sato. You glance towards the grassy edges of the forest -- Kiko quietly grazes. Probably fine.

Ochre is actually eating now, which is good. You return to your own meal, though Autumn's gaze seems far more glued to the two of you.

"So... you too can catch aflame?" You ask, meeting Autumn's stare.

"Oh, yeah. If I get a little too worked up. It's why I try to keep nice... and calm. A few breathing exercises, that kind of thing. Staying positive." She nods, taking a deep, meditative breath.
"Kaito has actually helped introduce me to a few more methods."

"It's the least I could do for all your help." He responds simply; Kaito seems a bit less interested in looking in your direction now.

"Could the same happen to Ochre?" You ask.

"...I don't think so? She's still under the Vow, but something about interacting with you seemed to circumvent it." Autumn offers, shrugging.

"Perhaps it altered it? From emotional strain, or the clashing of Vows."

"Clashing of Vows?" Autumn tilts her head.

"The terms and rules he holds himself to in order to carry those swords. If the Vow could lose to a stronger one, it could explain their temporary bypass to Ochre becoming a Nirik." Kaito explains.

"What kind of Vow could you be under for that to happen?" Autumn snorts.

"That if he fails in his duty, his life is forfeit at his own hand." Kaito explains simply, in your stead.

Both Autumn and Ochre stare at you with wide eyes.

You simply nod, continuing to eat. Your stance on such was already dicey because of your choice to neglect your Lord's orders... but your circumstances were hardly regular, right Sato?

Ochre grabs at you with her hooves, glaring at you. You feel immeasurable worry and upset ebb from her.

"You... why would you ever take a Vow like that?" Autumn asks, confused.

"Bushido. 'A Warriors Lifestyle'. For the brash and foolhardy." Kaito retorts, continuing to eat. Seems he isn't particularly approving of your lifestyle.

There's no sting to his words. He's a grieving youth, and the Spiritual path he follows is one that often clashes with yours.

"Such a decision would be upon my Lord, to decide the consequences to my actions." You reply, softly patting Ochre to try and ease her concerns. It doesn't seem to help much.

"Your... Lord?" Autumn asks, confused.

"Rain Shine is your leader, right?" You prompt, to which both Ochre and Autumn share a glance, before Autumn nods.

"My Rain Shine would decide if my actions, which were to observe, not engage, would deserve punishment." You explain grimly. It's not a topic you've had much time to think on since your awakening, but it's far from a pleasant one.

"For helping us? That's... stupid!" Autumn exclaims, shocked.

"Tell me about it." Kaito rolls his eyes.

"And what about your weirdly tall friend who doesn't talk? Is she under a Vow, too?!" Autumn presses, deeply concerned.

You look at her pointed hoof as she points to an unbothered Kiko.
"Mm? No, Kiko is a War Horse. She would find another rider in my family."

Kiko's presence seems to mostly confuse them, but Autumn sighs, shaking her head.
"Well... I suppose that makes this little bit of bad news slightly less bad."

Kaito glances at Autumn, apparently already aware of what she's about to speak on.

"You're... stuck here." Autumn informs bleakly, toying with some of her leftovers.

"What do you mean?" You ask. If they could make a Portal here...

"Rain Shine's horn was damaged. Trying that kind of magic again could irreparably injure her... and healing a horn is a dangerous endeavor. For the foreseeable future, you can't go home." Autumn explains further, as Kaito nods along. Seems he was filled in in this already.

"...I see." You nod, pursing your lips.

Looks like your judgement would wait, Sato. Rendering it yourself seemed...

You glance down at the Kirin still pressed against you, now practically half on your lap out of continued concern for your wellbeing.

...Best to wait and see what your Lord thinks. Disparaging local spirits probably wasn't something he'd desire from you.

Seems neither you nor Kaito had much waiting for you back home, either. You had Kiko. You had your life. And now, it seemed you had... waist-height spirits that could burst into flame to care for.

"Well... thank you for informing me." You nod.

"...I thought you'd be more upset." Kaito muses.

You can only shrug.
"Assisting here seems a noble duty enough. It's not like I'm particularly eager to race off and find judgement, either..." You admit.

"Thank you for the food, Autumn. You're very kind." You bow, appreciative. "Is there anything I can do to repay you and your villages kindness?"

Burnt Ochre seems relieved by this, nuzzling into your chest.

There's a flush on Autumn's face, as she starts cleaning up.
"Well! At the moment, no. I'd suggest more rest. Probably. I'm not really... medically orientated. But when you're feeling better, come by to visit, okay? Promise not to burn you." She smiles sheepishly.

"I'll help you figure out what to do. They're still recovering from the whole thing, so there's a few gaps they wouldn't mind help with." Kaito says, helping stomp out the fire with dirt, and a hasty foot.

"Sounds good. Thank you, all. That includes you, quiet one." You add, looking down at Ochre.

Nose lick.

"Uh... Oh, Sato! Can I speak with you for a second?" Autumn says quickly, nudging Kaito. "Help get their tall friend -- Kiko, was it? And get Ochre to help you. I wanna ask Sato something."

"Uh... alright." Kaito complies, if a little confused.

Ochre rubs against you, before stepping around to approach the ever-complacent Kiko.

Autumn is quick to pull you aside, pulling at your tassels with her hoof. How do they even bend like that? That's... strange.

"Everything okay?" You ask, concerned.

Autumn glances past you, towards the others, before motioning for you to get closer.

Curious, you lean down, braced against your knees as you offer an ear.

"You... what happened with Ochre."

"Mhm?"

"I'm not sure what is was, but... emotions are a big deal for Kirin."

"As you've said."

"And Ochre is... well, the experience altered her, too. I think the two of you shared something seriously special."

"How do you mean?"

"She's smitten with you, Sato. I've never seen her so head over heels. And through the Vow?" Autumn waves her hooves for effect.

"I'm... not quite following."

"I think you are. She's been glued to your side since you arrived, Sato. You saved her from those other Humans. You shared an incredibly personal moment, driven entirely by passionate emotional bond." Autumn continues to explain, eyes glued to you.

"It was certainly a warm one at that." You joke, trying to lighten the tension worming into the conversation.

"She likes you, Sato." Autumm states bluntly. She's staring at you, trying to gauge your surprise.

"I'm aware, Autumn." You nod.

"...You are?" She asks, surprised. "When?"

"Once I realized other Kirin didn't share her tendency for physical contact. And the numerous times she's licked me." You explain. Once you saw that they could, in fact, speak... her interactions with you spoke a lot clearer. And her choosing to be your pillow. Or her climbing on your lap. Or licking your face. Or pressing into you. Or the numerous other interactions where her emotions ebbed far more than just polite concern.

That warm, melty feeling. Something like happiness, but... mushier. The burns were but proof of your bond. You and Burnt Ochre were intertwined now.

"...Yeah, that would do it. Sure, we can be affectionate, but... you two get on like a married couple." She sighs, relieved, before breaking into a giggle.

"Do we?" You question.

"Please. Let me care for you." Autumn mimes, mocking you playfully, feigning a dramatic tone.

...Ah. Not quite your intention, Sato, but it seems you've been flirting with the local deity by accident. Best not draw their ire.

You look over towards the others -- Kiko and Ochre are sniffing at each-other, nose to nose while Kaito tugs at Kiko's reins to try to get her moving. No such luck, unfortunately. If Kiko didn't want to go, she wouldn't budge.

"It was good to meet you, Autumn. Thank you for the meal." You bow.

"Hey, least I could do. You kind of... saved us, and all. Just... come visit, yeah? Don't get too many conversational partners, on account of the whole Vow thing." Autumn nudges you with a hoof, not quite sure how to take your bow.

The Jungle Just Outside Of The Kirin Village

Parting with Autumn, you're feeling a fair bit better. Sore, certainly -- your injuries still linger, and they likely will for a long time. The effects of your entry, and now consequent stranding in this strange land are doubly told by your scarred body, and your damaged gear.

You showed Kaito how to properly inspire Kiko to cease with her grazing. Apparently, he's not as experienced with Horses as he'd like to be, and gladly took the opportunity to try and gleam some of that knowledge from Kiko, who plays along well enough. You're sure he appreciates the distraction, as recent events weigh heavily on you both.

Though, something physical weighs on you the heaviest. Ochre, who seems intent to remain glued to your side, even as she meanders forward; her side never leaves yours, often bumping or rubbing against the other. Doesn't matter how slow your limp is, she holds no issue in matching the relaxed pace. She perks up every time your fingers brush the scales on her back. They're hard, not unlike some styles of scaled armor you might have seen before... but there's a flexibility to them that allows them some surprising movement.

Most of the walk back is done in silence, with Kiko distracting Kaito, and Ochre not being much of one for conversation. Though, you do prompt one question.

"Why doesn't Autumn help cure the Vow from the others?" You ask suddenly, drawing Kaito's stare.

"...Two problems. One, she can't. The flowers she ended up using don't grow around here anymore. Two, the Nirik problem is still painfully prudent to them. Even if your arrival came with saving them, it was done in the manner that they still fear, Sato." Kaito explains.

"Could they not be taught to control their emotions, or the flames?" You ask.

"I do not know. It's difficult to discuss the idea with one who can only shake or nod, and who barely holds the interest to do either." Kaito sighs. Apparently, it's something that bothers him as well.

For now, there's little you can do about it. But, you aren't going anywhere anytime soon, evidently. Perhaps there's time to figure something out, since they seem alright with you remaining in the village. Silence falls between the two of you again, as the edges of the village start to near again from the thick breadth of the forest.

The Kirin Village

Several of the nearby Kirin pause as your little troupe returns, watching you with that same bored expression, betraying their underlying curiosity.

"You should get some rest, Sato. We'll talk about what the village needs tomorrow." Kaito offers. Rather than handing you Kiko's reins, he simply... drops them. Kiko is hardly one to waste the moment, already wandering off to go find something tasty to graze on. A mare of a simple mind.

"Sure. Do they not... mind?" You ask, nodding to Kiko.

"Not at all. They think she's like Rain Shine, the large one of them. Fits right in, actually." Kaito smiles softly, staring after Kiko.

"Huh. That's good." You nod.

Kaito agrees, giving you a short wave before wandering off. He's likely got his own place to stay within the village... and may just need some time to himself.

Ochre nudges your leg, nodding towards the little hovel you awoke in previously.

"Is that your home, Ochre?" You ask.

She nods slowly, before nudging you again.

"Are you offering to host me during my time here?" You ask again, leaning down to brush her mane.

She nods, but quickly foregoes it to lean into your affections.

"Thank you. You're very sweet." You say softly, thanking her.

She glances away, quickly trotting up the path, over the river towards her home. She seems to fluster easily.

Sighing softly, you trail after her. You honestly... could go for a nap, Sato. Energy wasn't something you were full of quite yet.

You can see Rain Shine past Ochre's home, watching your return with a tilted head. As politely as you hope to come across, you wave. She doesn't do much of anything back, but blinks. Hopefully, that's... something.

Burnt Ochre's Home

Since you aren't in need of medical attention for the moment, by the time you duck back into Burnt Ochre's little hovel, she's already partway through some re-arranging. The ceiling isn't terribly tall, considering the only tall Kirin is Rain Shine, so you'll have to get used to ducking when you stand.

The old blanket you'd been laying atop of on the floor has been folded up and tucked away. Her sparse furniture has been pushed back to it's original spot, and now she's making the bed. You note the lack of any secondary bed, right as Ochre perks up at your arrival.

And pats the top of the little wooden bed. It doesn't seem to be... quite your size, but if you tuck your legs, you could probably fit. A bit strange, with how it's elevated off the floor like that.

After a short consideration, laying your weapons down beside the doorway, you look towards Ochre as she watches you.
"Do you... mind if I disrobe?" You ask aloud.

She tilts her head. You haven't seen any Kirin wearing clothes thus far... so maybe it simply wasn't a thing here. And sleeping in armor while trying to recover from wounds didn't sound particularly pleasant.

So, you begin to undress, pulling the tassels and unstringing your armor as you gingerly stack it alongside your armor, observed by a curious Ochre the entire time. It takes you a few minutes, but you seem to have her rapt attention. Thankfully, undressing is a far easier task than dressing in such an attire, and you enjoy deep breaths once you're down to just your hakama.

Ochre had seen you shirtless already, but they hadn't bothered in getting much else of your armor off. Apparently, following a quick inspection of yourself, most of the actual scarring seemed to focus primarily around your torso and arms. Burnt Ochre seemed interested in getting a chance to inspect you, too. She'd gotten closer while you were setting your things away, now looking over your far more casual clothes.

Glancing at your face, it feels like she's almost asking permission, holding a hoof in the air.

You nod.

She gingerly presses it against your robe, curious at the change in texture. Gone are the armored segments of your armor, leaving only a comfortable, material robe to cover your furless skin with. For a moment, Ochre seems to hesitate... before pressing her nose against you, quietly smelling.

Ochre seems partial to your scent, the way her tail ever so slightly swishes.

"So..." You mutter quietly, startling her from her snout-based activities. Ochre looks up at you, tilting her head.
"One bed?"

She turns in place, trotting across the small home before parking herself beside the strange bed once more. And pats its top with a hoof, looking at you expectantly. Is she offering her bed to you?

You'd ask where she would sleep... but you had a suspicion that would likely soon be confirmed.

Trudging after her, you lean your hands into the awaiting bedding. It's similar to the blanket, woven from something local. Considering they're scaled creatures, perhaps they're used to tougher linens. Not uncomfortable, but you realize you're going to be missing the beds of home pretty soon.

She pats the bed again, getting a small laugh from you at her urgency. You oblige, climbing atop of it. It's a weird feeling, being this high off the floor with the intent to sleep. You hardly get a chance to get comfortable, however, before your answer to the one-bed problem is quickly made prudent.

Burnt Ochre hops up on the bed with you, staring at you as she waits for you to get comfortable. She seems a touch impatient, even, huffing hot air from her nostrils at you.

You eventually find a comfortable position on your side, legs curled in, watching your interested observer to see her reaction. Once you've stopped moving, Ochre wastes no time digging under your arm with her horn, lifting your limb and squeezing herself in against you in your grasp. At this point, you've entirely disregarded the worry that you're overstepping some kind of spiritual boundary with this level of contact.

She is... oozing that warm, melted feeling. It almost feels like it's bubbling, boiling as she presses up against you. She seems deeply interested in your complete lack of fur, tracing your hand with her snout, nose to your skin.

"...Thank you, Ochre." You say softly. Her ears twitch, lifting her face to yours.

You expect another nose-lick. It's routine, at this point.

Instead, her half-lidded gaze slowly inches closer, until you feel her lips press against yours.