Crimson Winds [Yoshi/Izanami/Open]

[Yoshida Izanagi]

Beautiful sunsets often rolled on the bitter winds of night. Blossoms were commonly flickering; dancing in the whims of nature. A man sat alone, staring at the walls of a large palace. How odd and almost ironic. When he was younger, he would have never thought of himself being even near it and yet, work often called him here. Day in, day out. As time progressed and a war was started, the man would simply look over the dispersing shapes of misguided people. War. It often ravaged the peaceful times like this. Brittle leaves that crunched under foot were swept with the scent of blood. Strong enough.. he could almost taste it on his tongue. As an animal catches the trail of prey, his senses were covered in the appeal of blood. In all honesty, it wasn't even appealing. It was shed to be shed. Crimson droplets and streams imprinted of flawless flesh with crevices deep as the ocean to veins that pumped out more. The memories would never cease. In fact, it was a part of who he was. Should he need to kill, he would kill. Slice them down, shoulder to waist, his katana tearing flesh. The echoing sound made him grimace. When fighting, it wasn't something noticed. Yet reflecting, the idea was less-than appealing. It was gross, disturbing and well- He could barely stomach it at times. No more. It had been his dream to prevent and it was something vain to wish. Fighting was needed for order. People were animals, waiting to feeds off the necks of one another, until a leader took charge. Could it be done though? Could a pack of wild creatures be united beneath a single figure. In the time of Yuuko, he thought not. Rebellion,was the only choice.

Grey irises wandered down, aged far beyond his actual years. Burden enough for the souls of many sat in the eyes of one man. The start was now. A wonderful woman at his side, though to him- To him she was the world. His flesh and blood and the dearest to him in the world. What if he couldn't uphold his plans? What if they fell through and in result harm came to her? He'd lost Izaya, his selfishness pushed his older brother and left the family with a missing piece, like a singed picture. The pieces would be reunited, he hoped. For now, guilt sat on his chest heavier than a full-sized horse. Would Izaya come home, one day? He couldn't help but cross his fingers childishly. How he would host calls to his ancestors for strength and courage. The upcoming feud... was his chance. He would get it done. At the time, he was simply a soldier, but his abilities were far above that. Strategy had been agreed upon and he would lap it up. A hunger for power, for strength to protect. To keep Izanami safe, to make Izaya proud and those of his people. The villager, the casual passerby. They had lives, some families as well, with little left. This country.. it didn't need to suffer anymore. Already, it had been drained so much. Life sucked away by the leech of time.

Eyes closed, then opened. The world around was piercing his brain as images filming within his retinas. Dancing shadows, fading figures. A peaceful day, one he could spend.. with his beloved sister. In his hand, a small trinket he had for her. He wasn't sure she would like it, but it seemed like something she wouldn't hate. A simplistic keychain with cat imprint. Sometimes.. things never changed. The world would rush by and they would be left with traces of who they were and would always be. Little sheddings of former skins that would always remain on hand. Some were gorgeous in design and others less desirable. One thing Yoshi always knew of, the past was unchanged, yet it afflicted the future. The footsteps in the past caused markings on the next layer of life. The dangling chain in his hand swirled and twitched at the breeze, as the man waited. Where was Izanami? He hoped she was okay, she would be there soon, right? The waiting game... he just sat there, cross-legged and patiently.

(THIS IS BEFORE THE MISSION. Yoshi is not Shogun yet, but IS leading the rebels against Yuuko.)

[Guest]

While her brother was sitting so calmly by the castle, Izanami found herself in a little bit of a predicament as she bolted down an alleyway while glancing behind her to see if they were still following her. She quickly ran into someone and let out a yelp of surprise, a hand clamping down over her mouth as the mans compatriots quickly joined them. The bottom of her blue kimono with its white underlayer slid back down to cover more of her legs since she had lifted up the bottom so she could run full tilt. Her boots felt a little tight about her legs, but that wasn't her biggest concern. She also wasn't concerned how hot she felt in her red jacket, though she certainly was thankful her hair was short. "I'm sure the boss will appreciate having you under his wing little birdy." What a terrible analogy! How did these thugs ever get by using words like that. Her hands were twisted and held behind her back, the idiot in sunglasses pulling out a gag that he tied about her mouth to keep her quiet.

But that was when she struck. Kicking her heel back up into the eloquent speakers precious nuts, he immediately fell to his knees which left her free. It probably looked like it happened so fast to the other two as she was now holding a knife that she kept hidden in her dark obi, brandishing it to the two before her as she dodged around to the other side of the big guy on the ground, panting slightly as she glared at them. Her grey eyes were as hard and sharp as steel as they growled and pulled out weapons of their own. "If you are going to try and kidnap a girl, at least know how to fucking speak." She snapped at them, knowing they would be extra confused by her sudden use of languages they certainly had no idea of how to speak. "The fuck is this girl saying? I thought she was supposed to be Aerugese!" "It doesn't matter, she matches her description we gotta get her!" So with the coordination of a pig, they both jumped at her, one with brass knuckles and the other with a knife of his own.

Grimacing, she ducked down and pushed away the knuckled mans punch, her blade flashing as she moved onto the other knife. The man coughed and slumped back as crimson blossomed in his gut, blood flowing over the hands that clutched rather unhelpfully at the wound as if it would close it back up. But his friend was proving a bit more difficult, blocking and parrying his blows. He was obviously surprised at the fact that she knew how to fight, her hand suddenly grabbing his wrist and twisting as she side-stepped behind him, the tip of her knife pressing slightly into his back. "Go back to whomever sent you and tell them they should do better next time. See to your friends and leave me alone. Or else you'll come to understand the fate of a fish. Gutted, deboned, and cooked to serve." Bringing up her leg, she kicked him hard in the back and wiped her knife off on the kneeling ones shoulder before booking it the hell out of there. Aiya, she was going to be so late to meet Izanagi!

She sheathed her dagger before she broke out onto one of the main streets, the palace looming on the horizon not too far from where she was. How in the world had this happened? One minute she had been casually leaving work to meet up with her dearest brother, and the next some group of thugs tries to kidnap her! She had no idea who would really want to kidnap her since the Empress hardly seemed the one to use such tactics. Then again... she did have ninja's at her disposal. But then she would have just sent them! Not a group of idiots like that. She bit her lower lip as she hiked up the skirt of her kimono to ease her in her running, really hoping that she hadn't gotten any blood on her! She could only imagine how Izanagi might react to that sight. That would surely guarantee those mens demise for he was as protective of her as she was of him, maybe somehow even more so. She hated when he could be a liiiiittle bit too overprotective, but he was usually pretty good about it! And honestly... half the time she didn't mind too much since he was all she had in this world. At least, in terms of family. Izaya was gone. He wouldn't randomly go out to eat with her, or walk with her anywhere. He wouldn't help her with the cats anymore either.

She slowed to a stop, her hands gripping her knees as she bent over and gulped at the air. It wasn't far now! She could get there- There was a soft clink of a chain nearby, making her ears perk up at the sound of it. That had to be him! Pushing herself upright, she forced her aching muscles to move at a jog, rounding a corner to see him perching chill as you please on a little wall in the palace's courtyard. A wide smile immediately broke out onto her pale face, the troubles of the events that had just occurred for she was about to see her big brother! "Izanaaaaaaaagiiiiiii!" She called brightly, her lungs feeling like they were about to explode within her chest as she slowed to a stop beside him, sweat beading her forehead. "Sorry... I... got out of work... a little late." The words came out between gasps for breath, grinning to him before sitting down beside him on the little wall. "I hope...you haven't been....waiting long?"

[Yoshida Izanagi]

His sister- where was she? His eyes opened slowly to scope and found not a young woman in a red jacket Worry and concern were starting and he began to wonder Did he need to go seek her out? Had something terrible happened to his most beloved little sister? Yoshida stiffened and his back straightened Perhaps, he would pursue her. Find his sister to make ascertain what was going on. As the wind blew, he turned his eyes towards approaching running. Ready to defend himself from a stalwart assailant, his hand rested upon the blade of his katana. His body pivoted and something sweet graced his eyes. A young woman with short dark hair. "Izanaaaaaaaagiiiiiii!" At last footsteps landed beside himself and a face he recognized was there before him He couldn't help smiling, if the slightest twitch of one.

"Sorry... I... got out of work... a little late." That seemed like a lie. There was something more to it. Her body was nearly pooling sweat. Oh well, she was okay. He wouldn't press the matter, even if his eyes were accusing and disbelieving . His left hand indiscreetly moved upon the keychain, pulling it up into his palm. "I hope...you haven't been....waiting long?" Waiting too long? Patience was a virtue that was driven into his head. Even IF he had waited long, to him, it was worth it.

As she slid down the wall, he found himself settling in next to her. "Not long at all." Honesty would pour from his lips, though it had been a good ten minutes, that wasn't long at all. "An odd time for a sprint, Nami." A sort of joy was covering his heart with a veil. A grin couldn't be contained. Even with self-control it was the need to be himself, be natural, that pulled at him when Izanami was wrong. An arm would slide behind her and tug the woman at his side into a hug, followed by a peck on the top of the head. Sweat filled his nostrils, but it wasn't the worst thing that had happened to him. "I missed you." Such an obvious thing to say, but it was accurate. In the palm, fell the little keychain. His own small game to see if she would notice the dancing cat or not. Just to not give any clues, he stared ahead, as if unfazed and unimpressed, but inside he could watch through the corner of his eyes. What would she do in the face of a cat? His throat let out a soft buzz of a 'hm,' as if he were deep in thought, which was normal for him.

"I hope you haven't been working too hard."

[Guest]

Izanami could feel a pinprick of fear stab into her as she saw the look that was in his eyes at her words, but she kept smiling in spite of it. Pushing herself up once she had caught her breath, she wiped her forehead with the back of her hand, pulling her red coat off so she could cool off a bit more. She thought she saw something move in his palm, but she wasn't sure, blinking as he sat down beside her. "Not long at all." Oh good! She was worried that she had forced him to wait a very long--"An odd time for a sprint, Nami." She shrugged lightly and closed her eyes as if miffed, sniffing at him as she flapped the fabric of her sleeves to help cool her down some more. "Since I got out so late, I had to sprint to get here since I missed the train." She suddenly turned and looked up to him with a bright grin, "I didn't want to keep you waiting too long!" The lie rolled off her tongue easily, not a hint of hesitance in her features as she fed him those words.

She practically fell against him even as his arm slid around her, already anticipating the hug from him as her breath finally began to calm down. She wondered if the top of her head was particularly sweaty when she felt the brief pressure of him kissing her amidst her short hair. "I missed you." "I missed you--" She didn't finish her thought as she saw the keychain that fell into his palm, her whole body jumping up as she saw what it was. It was a kitty! A dancing kitty! Omgitwasadancingkittyyyyyy!!!! She let out a small squeak of a squee, practically pouncing upon it as she lifted it gently from his palm to stare at it in the light. The kitty looked so happy!!! She giggled and threw her arms around her brother to hug him tightly, nuzzling her cheek against his shoulder in her affection.

"I hope you haven't been working too hard." Neh? Oh! Right. "Noooope~! I have excellent hours. We just lost track of time today because of the dinner rush." It wasn't entirely untrue, they did have an abnormal amount of people beyond the dinner hour from how things usually were. With her head resting against his shoulder even though she had stopped nuzzling, her expression softened as she stared at him with those grey eyes, "Thank you onii-san. I love it!" She ran a finger over the surface of the keychain, making a mental note that she still had to go take care of the cats tonight. Izaya used to join her upon occasion since Izanagi would often be busy with work, but maybe Izanagi would too now! She hadn't asked him just yet since he had other, greater things to worry about like his revolution! In the face of that, asking him if he'd want to come take care of strays seemed rather silly. Although, she was his little sister, and he probably would say yes anyways. "How was your work today?"

[Shula Brighton]

{BUMP}

[Yoshida Izanagi]

His sister. A beautiful flower that he always held near and dear, was beside him. For a moment, he felt complete, until he remembered his brother. There was an empty seat beside the both of them and his heart sank. It was his fault.. Izaya had left, because of HIM. Ugh the luck that Izanagi had could be seen as terrible at times. Did luck truly exist though? Or was it just a figment of his imagination? Maybe he was just delusional in such things? An endeavor that maybe he was just hallucinating about in his daydreams. The thought of his brother only stung him personally on a level he wondered if anyone could compare. Was this shallow pin-needle an imaginative or real feeling that sought to strike away his happiness, little by little? The cowardly needle he could not grasp. Despite how much he ignored it or distracted himself, it only burrowed deeper, taking away his each and every joy and silencing it. It was like an assassin of sorts; hiding in his wake until a smile had peaked and then- it struck.

His eyes turned back to the gorgeous woman before him. The long locks had long-since been gone and yet sacrifice looked just as beautiful. It was the payment she gave for the ability to stretch her wings. Everything good required sacrifice. His family was no exception. For his own freedom, his father and uncle had to die and though he had not done it, fate swept them away and still a new cage was there. There was always more turmoil after a flowing of peace. It happened commonly like water ripples, up and down and spreading upon the body. Such a small notion grew into something greater, small things rolled and then crested into bigger things that often beat away at a person like a stone. A cycle found its way, no matter the obstacles in the way. It was inevitable and yet the reaction is what gave the position for the next loop. A person wasn't a puzzle, but a path that designed their signature into the past, future and present. Where he stood now was what left him at a loss. A man could not ask more but for a family he adored and yet- he did. Was the man selfish? Or was that too only a misconception?

Grey eyes glazed over as he thought of the what was and what could be, while a kitten chased his finger while on a chain. An unsucessful trinket that knew not of its sur-realism. The sudden shift of weight was the only alarm the man felt as his sister dove for the feline figurine with gusto. After a few blinks, he couldn't help but bring up a smile to her. For now, there was no need to worry. His only mission, was to enjoy the company of a beautiful girl that sat in his company, appeased by his offering. A hand rested for a moment on her head, affectionate and kind. A brother's love showing for the first time in what felt like ages. It felt the same as then, yet was a detaching feeling as well. How could things be the same when he wasn't there? It hurt, to be honest. His morals were in a mix up as he commented on his own thoughts and curiosities. There he went, his mind drifting once again, when he should be enjoying the little moments. Again the question on what true joy was.

"Noooope~! I have excellent hours. We just lost track of time today because of the dinner rush." The energy she has was admirable. Thoughts of depression seemed to float away just as quickly as they formed. His heart skipped a bit and his chest warmed; a single joy. The little ones were the ones that were treasured most in the end. What he would give, just to see the smile on Izaya's face and- there he went again. Catching himself rather quickly, her kept only happy thoughts on Izanami. She deserved that at least. In some ways, she was stronger than him and it amazed him. His sister was not only stunning, but intelligent. Not often those two combined and it was something to be proud of. "Thank you onii-san. I love it!" There was a welcome to her behind his eyes and smile. The way he seemed just so happy to see her happy was enough to prove his point. The nuzzling affection made him chuckle. He was happy that she was happy. "How was your work today?"

The million dollar question. He blinked and looked off in thought. It seemed normal as any. Normal stresses equaled to a normal day, right? "It was just.. the typical day." He muttered truthfully.

[Guest]

Something was bugging him. She could read it all over him as he sat there beside her quiet and contemplative. What was troubling him so? What was he not telling her? She knew that he kept so much to himself for not wanting to trouble her, and that he didn't want her to take care of him but.... All they had was each other. She would take care of him in whatever way she could no matter how subtle it might be, or even if she had to press him for the answers to the questions that had begun to plague her. She stared up at him smiling at her, happy to see her so happy. And how could she not be? She got to spend time with her beloved onii-san! At her inquisition about his work, he looked away from her, staring off at something that she couldn't see as if it would offer him answers. There was weight in his features. She had heard that they were quite handsome features, and she believed those people to be quite right. Her brother was handsome, Izaya was handsome, and she was just Izanami. "It was just.. the typical day."

His answer made her frown slightly, her lips twisting as she attached the keychain to her key ring, staring at how it dangled there in the light as she sighed lightly. "Don't stress yourself too much ok onii-san? You carry a lot of weight on your shoulders." She looked up at him and smiled softly, the tenderness in her gaze one of the few things she could offer him now at this moment. "Don't be afraid to share it if you need to." She knew that he knew that he could. It was more of a matter of... would he? He could be just as stubborn as her at times, though it was a feature that often served him quite well. Although... A typical day hm? She could change that! She was going to ask him. "Ne, ne! Onii-san, do you want to come meet the kitties with me? I haven't gotten a chance to see them yet, and I'm sure they are looking forward to their dinner." It would surely bring a smile to his face right? She was pretty sure that he didn't have any problems with cats and they shouldn't mind him too much. He was so gentle! Yes, this would be fine.

So pushing herself up quickly, she ignored the protest from her aching legs and stood up tall as bright as she ever was around him. She held out her hands to him to help him up with a small giggle, her grey eyes showing her understanding even as she beamed at him. "I just need to get their food from a convenience store, but that won't take too long. We don't have to if you don't want to." Yes, she certainly didn't want to ever pressure him into doing something, he got that enough already. So... would this help him?

[Yoshida Izanagi]

"Don't stress yourself too much ok onii-san? You carry a lot of weight on your shoulders. Don't be afraid to share it if you need to." [/color] Share the pain? Share the weight that he carried? He had always said, he would give his sister the world, but not in this case. Perhaps, he meant to say, all the good in the world? Was it a greed that wouldn't let him release the rest? A selfishness he could not unravel as she smiled to him. She gave good to him, he could only return the good. Bliss was all his sister deserved and he would fight for it, until his body could no longer move. Then, he would be dead, anyways. The dull ache in his body numbed slowly from his thoughts. A drifting mind was always a good anesthetic. However, there were some instances he still found it to be a curse. His absent-minded incidences ended him with a foul taste in his mouth. He never seemed to know what he was doing at those times and felt exceedingly idiotic. However, to her request, he had nothing to retort.

"Ne, ne! Onii-san, do you want to come meet the kitties with me? I haven't gotten a chance to see them yet, and I'm sure they are looking forward to their dinner." Visit his sister's cats? The idea made him blink. Izanagi, himself, had never been to big of an animal person, but he did understand the urgency there was to some people, like his sister. She adored her cats more than breathing, or so it seemed. So to visit her pet strays seemed like a palpable idea he didn't shoot down. After all, his sister WAS passionate about the felines and he too, should appreciate something she enjoyed. Even if he hated it, he had a tenancy to put up a front just to appease her. She deserved the happiness, the enjoyment and who would he be if he took it away? Just an incredibly pathetic man. "I just need to get their food from a convenience store, but that won't take too long. We don't have to if you don't want to." Izanagi managed a nod to her.

It had been a short while, since he, himself, had been to the convenience store. It sounded like a good idea and the thought of buying some more noodles, made his stomach gnash hungrily. He felt starved. Starved like a small, homeless child, staved like Izanami's cats and just like the poor nation he lived in. Something had to give and in a way it would be replaced. However, the country was taken apart and put back together and this time, it was the wrong piece. As if someone had taken one such wrong cut out and forced it to fit, fracturing the whole mosaic that was Aerugo and the people within. Izanagi frowned at his own thoughts. He was supposed to be enjoying himself and instead he'd managed to rant about his country (in his head, nonetheless) for a good five minutes. No wonder people assumed him to be sluggish, when he was simply a deep thinker.

His body shifted and he rose to his feet, blade dangling at his waist once more. The whole of his gear so.. out of style in the present day, he looked odd. However, Izanagi had no remorse for being different. In the end, he knew his way was right and maybe, just maybe one day others would too. "Alright, I have no problem with that, imouto." [/color]Gently, his own hand slid in her hair, tussling the locks between his fingers. With a sincere smile on his face, her let the hand release and rest again on his hilt, if only by instinct. "Lead and I shall follow."

[Guest]

Even as she said those comforting words, she could see inside his eyes that he would never do it. He thought she didn't notice. That she didn't know exactly what it was he did to himself for her sake. Well that was all fine and good. She would always be the bright spot in his life for him no matter what was going on. She would protect him, she would make him happy, she would do whatever it took for him to keep on smiling and hold the strength he would need in order to be ready to lead the country as she knew he planned to. He knew what she had been through in that house over the years, and he had been the iron bars that had supported her, much as Izaya had been. She had seen plenty of bad things, so why were his burdens so much worse? What part of him thought that she couldn't handle it? In the end it wouldn't matter, they would always continue as they would now wouldn't they? As long as they were both happy.... that is what mattered most right?

In any case, he seemed to at least be relatively ok with her suggestion even if he wasn't the most enthusiastic about it. Then again, she was the one in their trio, now duo, who loved cats so very much. She didn't blame Izanagi for it, she remembered the last time he had interacted with a live cat and it had been... unfortunate. But such things were in the past now! Right? So this should be fine.... right? Oh she dearly hoped so. He nodded to her which brought about a whole slew of reactions from her. First she seemed to almost stand up on her tip toes, clasping her hands together as she squeed as if she were only a fifteen year old girl. In reality, she was ten years older than that, but whenever she was around her brothers that seemed to somehow shrink. She would always be their baby sister, and she liked things like that. "Alright, I have no problem with that, imouto." A soft blush blossomed over her cheeks as he tussled her hair, giggling softly as she stared up to find that there was a smile upon his lips. That was the most relieving thing ever for her. "Lead and I shall follow."

Clasping his hand in her own, the childish air seemed to fade away as she stared at him for another moment before turning to lead them away towards the convenience store that was on the way. The bright lights blinded her a little in the fading light of day as the lamps came on one by one to illuminate the streets around them. But the pair carved their way through the darkness towards their destination where Izanami broke off to dart inside. She quickly bought a few cans of cat food, handed her money off to the cashier, then returned to her brothers side with a big grin on her face. This was so exciting to her! As they drew closer and closer towards their ultimate goal, she couldn't help but feel like she was going to explode in joy. If she could, she would try to adopt the kitties that she took care of, but no! No, she was saving her money so that they could get spade, their shots, and hopefully bring them in so they could find new homes! Homes that would actually want to keep them.... While she was happy, her whole body language seemed to shift as that thought washed over her, her whole being calming as she tightened her grasp around the bags handles.

Yes.... they had once been loved... hadn't they? Once been taken into a warm household with parents and others to take care of them. But then once things were inconvenient either due to a move, or whatever circumstance... they are the first to be sacrificed in order for the humans to be more comfortable. Was that what had happened to her? Had she been some cat that her parents wanted and then threw away at the earliest convenience once they realized that she was not what they were looking for in a daughter? No matter how hard she tried for them? Yes... there were reasons she loved her cats so, that she wanted to take care of them. She saw herself in their eyes, in their cries, in how happy they were to see their savior. Her savior? She had three. Izanagi, Izaya, and her dearest sensei. What would have happened to her if they hadn't been there for her? She would have been like those abandoned cats. She would have gotten kicked around, starved for the light of life, and eventually... she would just die in the gutter. "Ready?" She asked him with a sweet little smile, tilting her head slightly.

[Yoshida Izanagi]

His sister was very ecstatic. In fact so much so that Izanagi jumped a bit at her shouting. So much vivid emotion he could see emanating off of her in waves. She was so excited, so happy about this, so it became obvious that he had made a good decision. Any choice that made his baby sister happy was one worth having been made. To see her gorgeous eyes gleaming from the obvious excitement she felt. It was a good feeling, one that resonated within Izanagi's full body, head to toe. He couldn't help but grin at her. It was heartfelt and heart warming. That was a true joy she felt and it was wonderful to witness. He had no qualms, even if the cats did hate him. At least, that's how he felt.

He followed her, trailing silently as a guardian for her being. Without a word, he watched her dart into a store and time became slow, Achingly did the world go by minute by minute that felt like hours. It never ended, the time his sister was without him and it bothered him. He wasn't used to being away from her, other than at work. How odd for a brother to get separation anxiety from his sibling, yet it was nothing compared to the pains in his chest for Izaya. How he prayed to Gods every night with hopes that he was fine. Whether or not they were for none, he couldn't stop. The family was incomplete without him, as if a large hole had been formed and they were but avoiding it. Izaya was the elephant in the room, forbidden to be spoke of, though all knew he was missing.It was only the truest of hopes that the man would come home some day. The wind blew briefly and his worries were again sheltered in the never ending mind of him.

A rather cheery looking sister of his own came out with a bag. "Ready?" The way she tilted her head, the sort of aura he always felt, Maybe their happiness was fake, but truthfully, Izanagi didn't know what to think, he simply walked over and ruffled her hair lightly. "I am as ready as I ever am." The soft chuckle he had was only a brief anointment upon his words and the gentle smile returned. One day, they would be better off. He would make the world a better place. For now, there were cats that needed fed. His gray eyes rose up to the distant alleys and streets, then back to Izanami. Hands found their commonplace, one upon his sword, the other at his side. "Shall we go?"

[Shula Brighton]

{BUMP}

[Guest]

Whoops, she might have startled her brother a bit with her excitement. Oh well, he was at least a few years older than her, he should be quite used to it by now. "I am as ready as I ever am." She grinned at that as she shifted the bag that was in her hand, double checking its contents before turning down towards one street. "Shall we go?" "We shall." And with that she took his hand and led him down a few streets. He was still tense, extremely tense despite any of her actions to try to calm him. Was he only going to get worse once he was shogun? She already hated how much he was getting bogged down now, she didn't want to ever imagine him being any worse off. At this rate, however, that seemed to be the case.

They walked for about twenty minutes before reaching a quiet little street not too far from a park, the night lights leaving holes in the darkness. Pulling out four of the cans, she pulled on the tab and clicked her tongue against the top of her mouth, walking over to the bushes to place them down. "BJ, Muffin... Mr. B, Alex.... Come out come out! I brought a visitor today~" She called quietly as she crouched down, the bag coming to rest beside her as she becconed her brother forward to kneel down next to her. "They're going to be shy, they haven't met you before. It's better to crouch down so you don't seem that much bigger than them." She told him quietly, clicking her tongue again as she peered out into that darkness. What if Izaya came home like this? What if she found him while feeding her cats? Wouldn't that be an amazing thing! "I'm sure he'll come back nii-san. Don't worry about it." The words flew out of her mouth before she could really think on them, but to her they were the truth. She did believe that Izaya would come home one day, and that one day everything would be fine. It may not be immediate, but it would certainly happen.

As if to reinforce her words, two sets of eyes peered out at them from the darkness, a gray tabby and calico warily padding their way over towards the brother and sister. "Thats right... It's ok BJ.. It's ok Muffin.. It's just my brother Izanagi. He won't hurt you, I promise. Come eat! Come on~" Her voice was gentle and sing-songy whenever she spoke to her cats, a bright smile filling her up as she watched them. A black cat with white splotches soon joined them, soon followed by an orange tabby. "I call the black one Mr. B because of his gold eyes and black fur. They make me think of those Batman comics that the other kids would read. And then Alex... I dunno, it just seemed fitting." She giggled softly, her voice a little bit above a whisper. The four cats stared at Izanagi, glancing back towards Izanami, then to the boy, and then finally their food. Stranger or not, if she was ok with him, then he must be ok. So they began to eat, much to her joy and relief. They really were so cute!

[Csilla Angelis]

{BUMP}

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