The God Out of Time

The Calm Before the Storm

Akiko lie awake at midnight running the images of the two people in her head. She looked over towards the god who was resting soundly, though not very godly. Xankai was sprawled out across his bed, his mouth was open and he was even drooling. Akiko giggled at the sight of the prim and proper god appearing this way. She stepped outside to get some fresh air, and upon stepping out her gaze was drawn to the moon. It was barely visible through the clouds, and was ominous. She sat down at the ledge and began to quietly talk to herself in order to feel more secure.

"Why were they so shocked to see me?" Akiko asked the question aloud that had been running in her mind since she had seen the dark god and the girl. 

"That one girl looked like she had seen a ghost!" She recalled to herself with greater confusion. She sat on this ledge overlooking the forest for about a half an hour before deciding that she should try to get some sleep so that she'd have some energy for tomorrow. She had no idea how much she was going to need that energy.

When Akiko awoke the god was already standing outside the shrine washing himself with water from the purification fountain. She got out of bed, then put on her usual clothing then decided to join the god outside of the shrine. When she stepped outside the shrine, the god had removed his kosode which exposed his bare back and chest. His body had several large scars that resembled a sword slice, or something of similar shape. Akiko quickly looked away, and began to apologize for looking. 

"I'm sorry, I didn't know." She said as she attempted to walk away. 

"It's okay Akiko, I am not ashamed of my scars. In fact I am proud of them, for it is a testament to my philosophy of peace. I have never killed a god, regalia, or human, but as you can see, refusing to fight has led to self injury, but it is better that I bear harm so that others can keep their life" The god stated while looking out towards the forest.

"You idiot" Akiko stated angrily, but her voice quivered slightly because her eyes were watering.

"Ha, I suppose in many ways, I am" The god said as he put his kosode and hakama back on. "But we have a life to save" He said with a softness to his voice and he extended his hand to Akiko.

"We do" Akiko stated simply and reached her hand towards Xankai's with a slight smile. 

As their hands connected and gripped one another's, the sun rose high enough that it peeked over the mountain and shined beautifully over the two.

Then with a blur of blue light, the two were gone.