My Silver Protector

Chapter 2

The cold rouses me awake a few hours later and I startle straight up from my slump. It's much darker now than it been earlier.

The metal bars at my back dig into me with a vengeance. I pull away from them with a groan.

Being in such a dark place like this never bodes well with me. I'm always reminded of the time my mother left me in that house never to return.

The trembling begins before I can stop it. If I don't get some light, I know I will have a panic attack.

Heart pounding like it might burst from my chest, I pull the pendant that always hangs on my neck. Grasping it like a lifeline I feel relief but only for a moment, the ogre fire sputters out quickly as it appears. Not one trace is left in the glass pendant.

No...no... Panic grabs my throat choking me without mercy.

"Aoi?" a hand touches my trembling shoulder. I can hear Ginji frowning in the darkness.

"G-Ginji-san," his name falls from my lips like a prayer. I can't see him and that makes my panic grow only the more.

"It's so dark so I thought I'd use the pendant Odanna-sama gave me b-but there isn't any light left." I clutch the empty pendant hard, "I don't handle dark, cold places well." a strange hollowed laugh bubbles out from me. I try to take measured breaths. I have to calm down.

Ginji's hand releases my shoulder to find my hand. "Shh, you don't have to be afraid. I'm still here, Aoi-san," his voice is soothing and I'm already calmer. Whether it was because of Ginji himself or his kitsune powers being used on me but I'll never know. The choke hold around my neck eases as he keeps talking. "I promise not to stray from your side. I will keep you safe in this land." his arms draw me closer until I'm wrapped into the warmth that is Ginji. I don't have it in me to feel embarrassed that I'm wrapped in a man's arms so intimately.

A blue fire surrounds us almost like a blanket. It lights up the area around us in a light glow. It feels so familiar and safe. I could melt in its glow. The fire's owner looks ethereal in its wake. Something potentially dangerous stirs inside me once more as my eyes meet his in the light. I am lost in the depth of those blue eyes as they hold me.

"May I?" Ginji breaks the spell as he gestures toward the useless necklace I'm still gripping.

My fingers fumble for the clasp and I'm confused when I hand it to Ginji.

"I know it's not the same as Odanna-sama's." I watch as the pendant becomes alive with blue in his hands. I feel only slightly guilty that Ginji is replacing Odanna's fire with his. Maybe I should feel more sad since I do miss the master but if I have to be stuck in a bad situation, I rather have one these two with me.

Ginji places the necklace back into my hands, "My fire works similar to Odanna-sama's."

"Thank you, Ginji-san." I clasp it back on and he gives me a smile.

Minutes late, I feel my eyes trying to close once more. I lean back, landing on something soft and silky.

I don't know what tomorrow brings but for now I'm okay thanks to the silver kitsune by my side.