Fire Bird

6

Akira's eyes widened: What do you mean?

The mix of hope and fear on her face amused him

He smiled, and in a gentle tone said: We could be friends..

Akira blushed, and dropped her gaze, but not after glaring at him for a bit

She didn't know if he was only messing with her, or telling the truth

She hated what she'd become, craving company and affection

Centuries ago, when she was free, she had never needed anyone, or wanted anyone for that matter

Now she was reduced to a frightened, insecure little girl

Kai interrupted her self loathing: Do you know exactly what their mission is?

Akira shrugged: Tokagawa is a bit different from his predecessors, he has spiritual powers, albeit not comparable with your human right there.. That was the reason they charged him to investigate some odd occurances, and solve the matter. The head priestess here nominated her to be his partner

He nodded: You've been cooped up for a long time, but I assume you have noticed the changes in the auras around here

She shrugged again: I've felt a few things out of order

Kai: We should probably join them, to discuss the course of action

She made a face, but still followed him

When they got back to their charges, Nagisa was blushing, and even though Tokagawa wasn't, she could tell he was acting a bit shy. This made her wonder what she'd missed. She glared at Kai, she had allowed the stupid wadatsumi to distract her with no satisfactory results

Kai: Nagisa.. Have you two decided on the next step?

She nodded: We've heard rumors about things going awry in the North. We're thinking of going to investigate

Akira looked at Tokagawa for confirmation, he nodded

Tokagawa: Good, we'll be leaving in a couple of days, meet us here the day after tomorrow, after sunrise

Nagisa: We would need horses

Kai grinned: You don't need horses, you have us

Akira frowned at him: You've really lost it. Have you no pride left?

He ignored her: It's more practical this way. Horses would need more rest, and will take more time than us, to reach the destination

She protested: You can't decide for others

Tokagawa looked at her, his eyes begging her to concede: Akira, please

Her cheeks took on a faint taint, and she replied begrudgingly: Fine..

Kai could barely keep from laughing: I can take both of them, if you can't carry anyone

She snapped: I'm perfectly able to carry even both

He smirked at her: Are you volunteering?

She barked at him: No!

Tokagawa: Maybe you should carry Nagisa, and I should go with Kai. It would be a good opprotunity for you to get to know eachother

Akira: It would be better if you were the one coming with me

He was going to protest but Kai cut in: I would feel better if Nagisa rided with me instead with her

Tokagwa sighed: Fine..

They said their goodbyes and Tokagawa and Akira left

Nagisa: I would have liked to get to know her better

Kai: I know you would, I still remember how it was when we first met. You were really curious, wouldn't stop following me around and asking questions

She blushed: I was only a little girl then

He smiled: True, but your interest in mystical beings only grew

Nagisa: I am a priestess, this is how it should be

Kai: It wasn't a good idea for you to ride with her, Akira is a Hinotori, her body will be surrounded by flames. The prince would be fine, but you I'm not so sure, she doesn't like you well enough

Nagisa's face fell: Oh..

Kai: She wouldn't try to burn you on purpose. This is just how she is. She's bound to protect him, so he won't be affected. She doesn't trust easily, especially after what had happened. Did you know that a priest was the one who bound her?

Nagisa: No, his highness only told me she was bound, but not by whom. This explains a lot

Kai nodded: Just bear with her. She's not that bad

She smiled: I'm sure she is a good person, otherwise his highness wouldn't think so highly of her

Kai only smiled