thenearshore | [closed] When Lassie Goes Missing

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[closed] When Lassie Goes Missing

Who: Rin Matsuoka

sharkmaid and Sousuke Yamazaki

takenwithhim
What: The God of Love has heard his first prayer request. The Dog of Water has his first job.
Where: Various locations in the Near Shore
When: May 1st, throughout the day
Warnings: None to be had, save for awkward and amusing moments.

This would be day five of his new life as a shinki. Sousuke knew at some point he’d stop counting the days. They would blur into the “normal” and what he had previously been completely hostile towards would defuse into something acceptable. Odd that on his first day here he’d been completely against subjugating himself to the role of some god’s personal shinki. To willingly give someone the ability to control and change him, much less to admit to himself he needed to rely on someone else for his own success, failure, well-being even, made him feel irritated inside and scoff at the notion. While he still had that streak of rebellion and his desire for personal freedom, Sousuke couldn’t bring himself to say his partnership with the God of Love, Eros, had been a detriment.

Rin wasn’t the kind of person who wanted to control him or make use of him like a weapon or a tool. He was always fast to remind Sousuke that he was a human (even if he was, albeit, both shinki and dead), and never once tried to force him into something he didn’t want to do. Of course, it’d only been four complete days. Though Rin had already professed a desire for the two of them to be truthful and open to each other, Sousuke still wasn’t sure just how “open” he wanted to be with Rin. Embarrassingly enough, though, it was a little hard to be worried about how “open” to be with someone when that said someone had barged in on him stark naked in the shower. (Rin had a good reason at least, but Sousuke wasn’t about to let him live it down. Yet.)

Routine days they’d been. Sousuke stubbornly refused to sleep in a separate room from Rin (be that meaning he spent the nights on floors, couches, cots, or whatever else, just not in the same bed, thank you), so they ended up waking together. Morning practices, washing and talking, breakfast, and then, joy of joys, getting lost in the castle again. Rin said he knew where they were going and always had an excuse, but Sousuke professed his god didn’t have everything mapped out yet. Getting lost became “exploring” and off they went again, Rin flying ahead and Sousuke following behind. Some arguments here and there…

Beyond that, Sousuke was starting to become a little more adjusted to the idea of turning into a canine. A little more adjusted to the fact he could make some kind of strange barrier with his hand (which is definitely didn’t use to get back at Rin a few times for teasing him, of course not). A little more adjusted to the idea that Rin was a god, and not just a god, but his god.

Now, as he stood by the fountain, gazing at the water swirling within the basin, Sousuke wondered just what sort of things gods were supposed to be doing anyways. They had four nice, peaceful days here… but even he could tell the two of them were getting a little antsy. The idea and urge of getting out and doing something wouldn’t leave Sousuke alone.

Che, where was Rin now?

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Don’t forget having those pompom poofs like the poodle they’re looking for. And you would completely trip over them your first few times out in that body. Just you wait; it’s going to happen and he’s going to laugh at you. Sousuke’s glad Rin didn’t have a camera while they’d been learning about their powers and such because a lot of those moments were damn embarrassing. But right, that later; they have a job to do.

Of course he was going to pay attention to any mistake Rin made right now; they were already picking on each other since the step out of the house. Fair’s fair.

Sousuke flattened his ears a little at the sight of the cars driving across the road. The scents here were strong and he was having trouble sniffing out Angel’s specific scent. Food, exhaust, people, hot gravel, grass, all the things that came swooping in with every breath and lighting up in his mind. At least he was starting to figure out how to separate the bunch and focus on the one single. He felt Rin stop by his side and glanced up to him before putting his head back down to the ground. ‘Aa. In the neighborhood area, the scents aren’t as distracting.’

To explain himself at least. Drifting off to the right, Sousuke began working the single scent from among the multitude—Gross, not walking over there! Until he locked onto it and continued down the sidewalk, thankfully staying parallel to the city rather than going into it. ‘She’d better not be shacking up at some friend’s house.’ Who knew with dogs, right? Then tensed a bit at that comment about pork. A huffing snort and he glared up at Rin, ears flat again. ‘She could be like you and end up in a sakura grove forever.’ Jab jab. Just be glad he wasn’t smacking him with his tail again.

Fried pork sounded really good right now, though…

Pompom poofs? Please. Just because he was some god of love, didn't mean he had to be some fluffy little poodle like Angel, ok? He could pull off being something bigger and stronger and fiercer than that! Like... a Doberman! Those were pretty cool dogs, weren't they? Just you wait. If ever the opportunity arose where Rin could show off, he'd be sure to rub it in Sousuke's face. Before strutting around in his not poofy form, thanks.

... Wait, why did he even care about that?

Those silly thoughts aside, what Sousuke said did made sense. Less distractions, less noise and mess of scents from all directions. He sincerely hoped they wouldn't have to go running straight into Tokyo today. Thankfully, that didn't seem to be the case, and off they went down the sidewalk towards a few little cafes and shops. Hn. There were bound to be several scents around here too. Maybe having a second sniffer would have actually helped. "If she was, I'd think that friend would've helped return her by now." And if they didn't, well, then they'd have to ask for her back. Nicely. Right?

"Wh-- Oy, just what're you trying to say?" Look, it wasn't his decision to have all those damn trees around the place! And it wasn't like he stood around them all day or anything like that! Glaring back, Rin contemplated retracting his previous offer--no fried pork for naughty dogs, you know--but something caught his attention out of the corner of his eye and he paused, looking up in time to spot a flash of white disappearing around a corner. "Ah! Did you see that?"

Look, he’s just going by what he sees. And he sees the need to relentlessly tease you because of what you keep doing to him. So there. But all jokes aside, Sousuke has given thought to Rin being a dog and yes, he’s seen Rin as a Doberman. Those are really nice dogs after all. Sleek and powerful. Good work dogs and they’re police-related too. Guard dogs. Like German Shepherds. They’d get along perfectly. And Sousuke’d show him all the ropes to being a dog because he has so much more experience than you.

You won’t even get the chance to rub anything in his face, Dobie.

He lowered his head again, then lifted it, testing the scents in the air. There was a stronger pull coming from another direction, but it was relatively spread out. Just “left” didn’t really give him a focused point. The city looming on the other side was a relief though. Though the cafes and shops ahead, few as they were, wasted no time in spilling out all their good scents and distracting his pupper nose with the whole mixture. It was hard to find Angel’s scent when he was obviously far more attracted to the scent of grilling meat and vegetables… ‘That friend?’ Either he forgot or hadn’t paid attention to that little reference earlier.

But before he had the chance to get an answer (or answer Rin’s flustered question), Rin’s eyes snapped to the side and Sousuke quickly jerked his head in that direction. ‘See what?’ But with nothing better to run on (and it was in the same direction as the scent), he broke into a run in that direction, breathing through his nose to keep the scents flowing. Okay there was something this direction at least!

All right, all right. So Sousuke has the upper hand (paw?) when it comes to being the best dog, so maybe Rin wouldn't mind a little bit of teaching and training to get him on the right foot (... paw?). That's assuming his teacher will be gracious and not so snooty, you know. Though he can understand having a hard time avoiding the latter, what with such a long snout and all.

All the better to have things rubbed in, as far as Rin's concerned.

At first that was what Rin was afraid of: the various, tasty scents mingling in the air which were bound to throw his companion off. And when that question came up, hell, Rin was sure they would be lost in no time at all if Sousuke couldn't even concentrate properly on the conversation. Never mind. Wasn't important. Not when they were clearly onto something here!

"There!" he said, pointing off in that same direction before taking off towards it right as Sousuke did. "I saw something white! Go around that corner!"

Stop thinking so hard about it. It’s going to hurt your brain. Though Sousuke will be more than happy to teach Rin the tricks of being a dog (even if he’s still learning some of those things himself). And you got your own snooty sniffer too so hush. After all, it’s not just being a dog the shinki has to learn about. Rin’s got to learn how to be a god and both of them continue to learn about their new powers daily. Well… kind of quasi-daily. He hopes that won’t come bite them in the butt during this prayer request.

Sousuke quickly puts his paws to the pavement and goes dashing around the corner, not paying attention whether or not Rin’s keeping up with him. And for a moment, it all looks the same… until he sees another flash of white and goes after it. The scent’s back too and it’s strong. Fresh. That’s the good thing. The bad thing… is that he can smell other things. Dog things. Other dogs. And it doesn’t seem like Angel is such a pure little thing either because she’s definitely bounding off without a care in the world towards what’s probably Doggy Ugly Country.

‘We might have a problem if there’s a lot of dogs where we’re going.’ Of course, she could simply pass right through and none of them would have an issue... Sousuke hopes.

Silently, Rin hoped they wouldn't find themselves in a sticky situation today either. They've trained, but not nearly long enough to be prepared for something as dangerous as an ayakashi attack. From where they stood, he couldn't see or sense any nearby, at least not yet, but he wasn't about to let his defenses down just because of that. They could see the finish line up ahead, drawing closer and closer with every step...

"Just stay on the trail. We can't let her slip by now." He picked up the pace, arms pumping at his sides while he kept up at Sousuke's side, though once they darted around the corner into another alleyway, Rin paused and clenched his jaw. Other dogs. Quite a few of them actually. They couldn't have been all strays, could they? Though now that he thought about it, something did seem off about them...

Fists clenched, Rin kept his eyes on the flash of white now bounding towards the other end of the alley. Looked like a dead end... which could have proved both a blessing and a curse, really. A low growl from behind soon caught his attention and with a quick glance of his shoulder Rin noticed a couple more of those strange dogs beginning to creep up from the shadows. Looks like he spoke too soon.

"Sousuke," he started as one of the phantom dogs bared its fangs and snarled, "they're ayakashi."

Sousuke was starting to feel some of that pressure regarding their lack of training. The buildings on either side of them, while not city-scale close, were enough to make him feel closed in on and anxious. The scents around them were definitely not the friendly park and vendors they’d come from. It was ominous, threatening, and the idea that they might actually have to fight was starting to grow more prominent in his mind. Dammit, why’d that dog have to take this turn?

‘She’s here.’ He knew that much. Her scent was piercing through the air easily, cutting past the stone and other animals that left their scents around. Coming to a stop in the middle of a juncture of alleys, Sousuke glanced to the side, ears flattening a little at the area. This didn’t look good at all. Other dogs. He saw them. But instantly realized those dogs weren’t normal dogs. Not with that fur coloring and the shield-like thing on their heads. Their scent twisted in his noise and he snorted, giving his head a shake at the acidic burn.

A flash of white, just as Rin saw it, and Sousuke twisted towards it, ears flattening more as he realized their little Angel had just corned herself in the alley. He took a step towards the alley, but instantly jerked his ears forward at the sound of that growl. The Shepherd about faced in an instant and swept around behind Rin, planting himself between his god and the creeping canine ayakashi. Canines and teeth bared, lips quivering in a warning snarl, Sousuke’s back arched as a dangerous sound rippled through his throat and chest, matching the phantom beasts’ snarling sounds.

‘Get her. I’ll cover you.’

"Aa. She is." He could see her on the other side, hidden a bit in the shadows but definitely recognizable as their missing pooch. But what was supposed to be a simple mission was now more than what they bargained for, and as they ayakashi moved in close Rin quietly cursed himself for being so lenient. He knew it seemed too easy... Then again, who could have predicted it would turn out this way at all?

No sense in regretting it now. They were cornered. And if they didn't act soon, poor Angel could find herself in the same situation. That was a story he didn't want to have to explain to her owner.

At first he thought that snarl came from another one of the wolves, but closer inspection showed Sousuke's fangs bared and fur standing on end in retaliation. Hn. He was really getting worked up, wasn't he. "I'm not leaving you to fend for yourself. You'd be outnumbered." They both were, to be fair, but two against six still gave them better chances. So Rin kept his feet planted firmly to the asphalt, eyes focused forward... and right as he noticed one of the ayakashi's paws shift he swung his arm to the side with a bright red glow emanating from his fingertips.

"Let's go, Yumeki!" And with that he whipped his arm at another sharp angle, sending that ripple of energy outward and across the front of one phantom wolf to punt it backward into the alley.

Sousuke didn’t get a chance to actually see her, so he was relieved that Rin did. He could tell by her scent, but still being human under his dog, he relied on his sight more. Teal eyes narrowed and he spread his front legs a little in a braced position, the fur on his back rising as he focused on the six animals crawling from their places in the alley way. Dammit, this was exactly what he was hoping wouldn’t happen. Not like he or Rin could’ve foreseen it. But it definitely hammered home their dalliance in terms of training. Well… if anything, they were getting their first test run whether they liked it or not.

Better them than the dog they were trying to save. After all that work tracking her down, he wasn’t about to let his time go to the wayside because of a few stupid monster dogs. Another low sound rippled in his chest and throat when one of the dogs stepped forward towards Rin and he instinctively jerked his head towards the ayakashi, teeth snapping in a vicious motion that was far more bite than bark. Like hell was he going to let one of these things touch Rin.

‘One of us has to make sure she’s all right.’ But even as he said it, he knew the protest was futile. Rin wasn’t going to budge from his shinki’s side. Hn, stubborn guy. Sousuke appreciated it even if he thought of himself as a little more expendable than his god. After all, couldn’t gods heal and repair their shinki? The sudden shift to the side and glow of red snapped his attention and he quickly swept his attention across the group of them. But it wasn’t until that final call of his name that he felt his powers actually break loose from their confines.

Water splashed beneath their feet and a pool swarmed out under them, covering a good few feet radius with an inch of two of the alleyway’s pavement. At least that’d give them an indication of when an ayakashi got into their range. Little orbs of water blipped upward from the pool and Sousuke snorted a little at his lack of practice. The pool and these “bullets” of water were the pinnacle of his abilities at the moment. ‘We’re practicing more when we finish.’ No question. And snapped off several rounds of “bullets” towards the ayakashi.

It surprised him a little when Sousuke snapped his teeth at one of the ayakashi, but it seemed effective and the beast backed off on its advances, albeit after snarling and barking back in defense. Where did they come from, he wondered, and what reason did they have for wanting to stop them? He supposed ayakashi didn't even need a reason though, did they? They just did because they could...

So, no, Rin wasn't budging from this spot, not when the monsters were so unpredictable and certainly not when the two of them were inexperienced. Well... looks like they were going to be practicing a little harder today.

"If you've still got the stamina." A playful jab, just a little, and once the water began to spread and lift up off the ground, Rin prepared another burst of energy in his hand to pick off the ayakashi who might have fended off the water bullets quicker than the rest. Aim for the legs, incapacitate them quicker. The first one he struck came bounding back with a feral bark, eyes burning green, but he was quick to send it flying back again with another slash.

"We have to start picking them off one by one!" 'Rending' as he remembered it was called. But they hadn't practiced that... so how could they hope to do it?

The thing got near him and he had no intention of letting it view him as some kind of easy prey. He’d bite its face off if he got the chance to. Since he was in this body and couldn’t use his fists and legs like a human would. The bestial vessel may have a human mind, but some canine instinct made its way through regardless. When the ayakashi backed away from him, Sousuke turned his focus towards the others, ignoring the snarling and barking he got from the retreating one. They didn’t seem at all interested in leaving…

This was going to be a trial run then. ‘I’ll be ready to go long after you’ve gone for a break.’ To retort that jab and he quickly broke into a run. Staying within the pool he’d created, Sousuke traveled the perimeter, summoning more of the bullets from the water splashing up around his legs. While it might look like a spray at most, that spray had a hell of a sting to it, the power behind each of them enough to drive hard into flesh. Two of the ayakashi took the barrage to the front and were driven backwards. But when they returned, Sousuke couldn’t tell if they’d been damaged or not.

A feral bark snapped his attention to the side and he quickly searched for Rin, for the assaulting canine. Only to watch as his god successfully fended for himself. Well good. He jerked backwards, away from two jaws snapping down in the air where he’d been, and landed on his feet beside Rin. The canine monsters kept more towards the edge of the pool, prowling around. As for the mention of picking them off… ‘You know how to kill one of these?’

Sousuke’s ears flattened and he bumped his body against Rin’s legs. ‘Backwards. Let’s get to the mouth of the alley so they can’t go around us or flank us.’ Which also meant they couldn’t get to Angel and she couldn’t get past them either.

It was interesting to witness, this almost feral, instinctive side to Sousuke he wouldn't have had the chance to see were it not for these powers, and in some strange way, he found it suited him. The longer he stayed in that form, the more similarities he came across, but of course he wouldn't dare mention it, assuming he wanted to keep his shoes in one piece... or all his kitchen utensils out of the garden.

But those instincts could only get them so far on their own, and as it happened, these ayakashi weren't cowardly enough to back away and give in just yet. Still, at least they got the message loud and clear now from that barrage of water bullets, and from where he stood Rin could tell they were more hesitant now about approaching the pool as before. Hurting them was one thing. Completely eradicating them was another.

"Not exactly." In theory, they could keep at this until they successfully wore the creatures out or bought themselves enough time to grab Angel and escape, whichever came first, but there were no promises of them not being followed afterward, and most importantly, they couldn't leave these ayakashi to harm anyone else. With Sousuke pressed to his legs, Rin looked down before taking a step back as instructed. If all else failed, at least they'd have an open escape route where they could gather themselves and try again.

"I just know we need to rend them, but that's something the two of them have to do together." Perhaps combining their powers somehow... Before he had the opportunity to suggest anything more, however, there was a flash of red and blue as one wolf lunged forward towards his shinki, teeth and claws bared. "Watch it!"

Sousuke dropped to his feet again, legs bracing as the water swarmed around his ankles. This was his god and he wasn’t going to let any of these damn beasts get close to him! Teeth bared again and abruptly lashed out with a snarling series of barks at the next ayakashi to step into the pool. The water around them spiraled within the pool, though it instinctively stayed serene around Rin’s legs wherever he stepped so as to not disrupt his footing.

He felt the creatures in front of him, their instincts pressing against his own. They weren’t going to be stopped by something as simple as a few water bullets and some god throwing them around the area. Sousuke didn’t know what they wanted. Did they want Rin, his godly abilities? Did they want Sousuke, a shinki’s powerful spirit? Or did they simply want Angel, for whatever reason to torment the little girl who wanted her back home safe and sound? They were hesitating at least… Sousuke continued to slowly stalk closer to the perimeter of the pool, keeping himself between Rin as the pair of them relocated towards the mouth of the alley.

‘Then we’re in trouble.’ Because it didn’t seem like beating them off was getting the message through. And even if they had cut off any attempts at flanking them, they also just cut off their own retreat. Forwards at least. They could still go for Angel behind them and maybe escape up the walls and over the walls or something… ‘I don’t know how to rend them.’ Sousuke glanced back towards Rin, ears flattening. Only to tense up when he saw Angel. She was definitely in the alley behind them, huddled in a little ball in the corner half behind a trash can—

Watch it! The yell snapped him out of his surprise and Sousuke jerked his head back around. Teal eyes widened as teeth and claws flashed into his face. Fast! He shoved backwards, head and shoulders pulling in retreat—

Snap!

A shrill, canine yelp of pain lanced through the alleyway and Sousuke felt the bones in his back leg crunch between a pair of jaws. He slammed on his side, water splashing in a halo around his body. Pain seared up his leg, held between the ayakashi's teeth, and the pool of water around Rin’s legs scattered like the shinki’s concentration, hovering bullets falling to the ground like rain. The other five ayakahi wasted no time and flung themselves towards the pair, charging the mouth of the alley with snarls and raking dirt under their legs.

It was strange, that was for sure, walking on water like this, and he wasn't sure what would happen if any of these ayakashi tried to step forward and give it a shot themselves, but if the spiraling and violent nature around the edges was any indication, then he had a feeling they would have been in for a struggle. Still, if they were this determined, this violent, then it didn't matter what Rin or Sousuke threw at them. Whatever they were after, they seemed adamant on taking it.

But they wouldn't let them have it so easily. Hell, they wouldn't let them have it at all, and even with their limited training and knowledge, Rin refused to back out. These ayakashi were stubborn, but he and Sousuke were even more so.

"We'll just have to come up with something." Muster up all their energy, attack at the same time, anything to generate enough force to bring these beasts to their knees. Unfortunately, he didn't have near enough time to prepare before that attack took them completely by surprise and in the blink of an eye one of the wolves had its teeth in Sousuke's leg. He didn't need to see it to know something went horribly wrong; he could hear it. That snap, that high pitched yelp, the painful cry echoing between his ears...

"SOUSUKE!" he shouted as water splashed about his feet, and in an instant something seemed to click in his brain. An angry, protective instinct, boiling hot deep within his core like molten lava. And as it happened, the glow in his palms began to flare. He needed to act quickly. There were more coming after them... and Sousuke-- With energy rising like flames from his fingertips, Rin leaped up from the pool beneath him then promptly flung his arm out to send a long burst of light lashing forward. It made contact quickly, striking the five ayakashi across the chests and faces like a whip to send them flying backward or skidding across the pavement into the street. He'd deal with them later. For now... that one.

He said nothing as he grit his teeth and turned his head towards his shinki, but his eyes seemed to flash and burn the moment they locked on to the wolf with its jaws still latched onto Sousuke's leg. He could push it back, send it flying... or-- With Rin's feet pressed to the scattering pool, water rose up his ankles and legs like a slithering snake, and once it reached his hands it joined with the light in a twisted, blue and pink mass. From there, everything happened so fast, he didn't have time to think. Arms whipped forward, directing the tendrils towards the ayakashi to wrap around its muzzle and hind legs to start. Naturally, the creature resisted, but with a few more yanks and tugs Rin forced its mouth open to free Sousuke's leg. Tsk. That looked like it hurt. How deep did it go, how hard did it bite? And as if driven by those questions, Rin snarled as he manipulated the twin forces once more, this time hauling the ayakashi into the air, watching it struggle, watching it fight... then consuming it within a large floating orb of dense water.

All the while he never lost focus on it. Yes, he was aware of the other five, but knew he had enough time to take care of this one first. And it was drowning. Clear as day, wriggling and uselessly swinging its limbs forward and back as if it would be able to escape. But before it could have that chance, Rin formed one last pillar of water, took aim, and sent it hurdling through the bubble and the ayakashi's chest.

"Rend."

Beams of pink spread outward from the wolf's torso until in a burst of light and water the creature ripped apart. Pieces of dark, shadowy matter flew through the air then were promptly sucked inward to a single point where they eventually converged... into nothing.

If those things dared try to step into the pool, Sousuke was planning on sending the slowly circling waters into a quick run. Not only did the water help them keep their distance, know where the ayakashi were coming from, but he wanted to use it as an offensive carpet if they did try to run through it. If they even made it through the edge, which was definitely not as calm as the center, where Rin was. But withstanding the storm of bullets and Rin’s offense… he should’ve known it wouldn’t hold them out forever.

Pain seared up his leg and he gasped in effort to keep his concentration going. But it was in vain and the water grew agitated and weaker as thinking about anything but the hurt ripped his focus away. He instinctively jerked, pulled his leg against the jaws clamped around it, but all that did was make the ayakashi bite harder and he felt the skin under his fur rip against fangs and sharp teeth. A high-pitched whine slipped out of his mouth whether he wanted it to or not and he dragged at the ground with his front legs. Shit… if he was like this, how could he protect Rin?!

He twitched at the shout of his name, his heart slamming hard in his chest. Rin’s anger, his panic seemed to flow outward in an obvious rush. Two of the ayakashi around them hesitated on their feet, breaking their charge and eyeing the god warily for a moment. Just for a moment. Before shoving forward and charging once more into the disappearing pool. Three of them focused on driving into Rin; the other two rushing to finish what their partner started on the downed dog. Sousuke clenched his eyes shut as the sound of howls and the pressure of an oncoming assault washed over him. This couldn’t be it—!!

Only to jerk them right back open when solid impacts whammed into the air above him. He had a split second to see the five canine monsters get flung backwards and bounce and skid along the alley floors. The next moment, he was literally stuck in the middle between a very angry god and a monster who was no longer thinking about his leg being its next chew toy. But it didn’t let him go either and its hot breath sank into the bleeding wound. Sousuke winced at the sensation of its drool dripping into the tears, burning him beneath the surface. The pool of water was almost completely gone by now, drying up with its creator’s focus.

And returned. Sousuke blinked. How… Rin. Rin was using it, calling it out from the shinki to meld with his own power. The ayakashi tensed up as the tendrils wrapped around it, hips jerking and one leg picking up to pull at the one going for its hind legs. The wrap around its muzzle seemed to startle it and its eyes flared open. Instinctively it shook its head to try and throw the noose off, blood flecking between its teeth. But the water and light easily enough forced its way inside and soon the creature’s jaws sprang open with a snarling sound from its throat. Sousuke dropped to the ground again, panting hard as his leg blazed. But he was free… Was something broken? Was it infected? He didn’t know. Too distracted watching Rin literally entomb the creature in a ball of water.

Maybe it was cruel to let it writhe and suffocate within the water… but Sousuke was hard pressed to find pity for a mindless creature that just shredded his leg. No remorse as Rin abruptly hurled a spear-like projection of water and light straight through the bubble, lancing the ayakashi clean through the chest. Rend. Rin’s power, Rin’s strength, coupled with Sousuke’s own. Tearing and ripping the shadowy image under the turning water ball. Until everything enveloped upon itself, folding and wiggling like some three dimensional spiral. Until—blip—nothing was left.

Except five more ayakashi charging back into the alley way, teeth bared and claws driving towards Rin’s back.

Every gasp and yelp drove a spear deeper and deeper through Rin's chest, because though he couldn't physically feel the pain, he was connected enough to his shinki, his damn best friend, to know it hurt like hell. But like hell could he be asked to stand around and wait for something to happen. He might have been inexperienced, but he wasn't helpless, and Rin was going to make sure these creatures remembered that one way or another.

Then, to his utter surprise he seemed to find a way. Purely instinctive, he wanted to say. But that wasn't something to bother with right now. He needed undivided focus and any loss of that could break this connection before he could successfully take these creatures down. At least one was out of the way and in a flash of light (and maybe even a faint scent of blood) it disappeared into nonexistence. Right. One down. Five more to go. ... But first, Sousuke.

Lowering his hands, Rin returned the water to the gathering pool at his feet, and in a moment of clarity turned to his injured shinki as he struggled on the ground. Yes, he was free, but the fur around his back leg was matted and wet, coated with dark blood... No, no, it wasn't supposed to be like this. He needed to get him out of here. Somehow... "Sousuke, don't move," he said, doing his best not to panic while he tried to come up with a solution. Would teleporting him back home even work? No, even if it did, there was no promising someone else wouldn't find him and take advantage of his weakened state. And Angel. Was she still safe?

His eyes darted to the end of the alley to check on her. Good. Still hiding, still fairly covered up. If he kept this up, then--

Rip!

With Rin distracted, one of the ayakashi took advantage of the moment, and with a powerful leap soared over the water to swipe its claws across the god's right shoulder. Startled, Rin stumbled forward, just in time for another wolf to take a shot at nipping at his leg. Thankfully he managed to whip it back, but the damaged was already done. Blood soaked into his shirt from the back, spreading from four deep claw marks along his skin.

Sousuke could only watch silently as the ayakashi within the ball of water vanished, speared and swallowed by the mixture of water and energy from his god. Somehow, somehow Rin found a way to defeat them. He knew, by himself, he could never defeat an ayakashi, but then again, gods couldn’t defeat them alone either. They had to work together. Despite being in pain and struggling to stand, Sousuke felt his power being used, knew that Rin had won because of them both.

They weren’t powerless. They could win. Together. He pushed one leg down, rolling towards his side and trying to get his feet beneath him. It hurt. His back leg was bleeding and he didn’t even know if the bone was connected anymore. Even if Rin found a way to kill them, there were still five more and Sousuke wasn’t going to let himself flounder on the ground in a bloody, defeated mess. Two legs now. Three legs. He clenched his teeth, ears flattening on his head as he finally dared to move his injured hind leg.

A sharp whine rushed out and his leg buckled under him without hesitation. Blood leaked from the wound and even amid the pain he felt the bone shift unnaturally. Broken. ‘Shit.’ The curse floated into Rin’s mind and Sousuke dropped onto his three legs again, crouching with his chest close to the ground. He wouldn’t be able to put any weight on that leg. Not unless he wanted it to get even worse… and letting it dangle was… Frustration welled up in his chest, frustrated at himself for letting his guard down, for being a burden to his god right in the middle of their first battle. The caution not to move came a little too late and he lowered his head even as he lifted his eyes. No… He had to keep focused!

Right as Rin looked away to find the dog, the reason they had even come out here in the first place, Sousuke’s ears swiveled. Noise. He jerked his head up, eyes widening at the sudden appearance of the entire pack. In slow motion, the entire scene played out. From the bodies twisting through the air to the gleam of light off one of the creature’s claws. Digging into Rin’s shoulder and ripping its way through his shirt and skin. Sousuke let out a shocked bark, rage strangling his throat a second later. ‘RIN!’

He couldn’t move, couldn’t stand, but like hell was he going to let Rin suffer. A fierce glow swept through his eyes and the almost-faded pool of water around them abruptly poured itself into life anew. Swelling and whirling into a maelstrom of current and furious waves, it spiraled about Rin, keeping him in the center of its vortex. Dark water spilled outward from somewhere within the swirl, sliding through the water until it turned the shade of ocean water far below the surface. Keeping the ayakashi at bay with threats of dragging them under and drowning them, the pool extended several tendrils of water, slashing at the five creatures and multiple times attempted to reach for them, intending to bludgeon them or grapple. Another tendril lifted from the surface, the calm interior that remained around Rin’s ankles, and pressed to his shoulder, cool pure water with sakura petals dancing within it. Easing onto the wound to help balm the burn. It was defensive for the most part, but right now, that’s what Sousuke wanted, to make sure Rin was safe…

And if any ayakashi attempted to so much as jump over the outer rim’s waves, the tendrils below the surface were waiting to ensnare them.

The scent of blood was everywhere and it made his head spin, not because of how intoxicating it was, but because he knew where it was coming from. Because he foolishly let his guard down at the worst possible moment, his shinki was bleeding out on the ground, defenseless and in pain he could only begin to imagine. Yes, he knew they needed practice, but not at the expense of their own lives. So as unfortunate as it would be to call the mission off, at this point Rin felt as if they had no other choice. He needed to keep the rest of the pack at bay then swoop in the teleport the two of them to safety, maybe even Angel too if he could manage. At first, it seemed like the perfect plan, but that sharp curse distracted him and sure enough one thing led to another.

"Ngh! Sousuke, stay down!" he growled as he brought a hand up to grip his injured shoulder. He couldn't move his arm properly and every breath in stretched and pulled the skin tighter over each deep gouge, which didn't spell anything good for their chances of escape. No. He had to keep focused. They needed to get out of here, it wasn't supposed to end like this--!

His feet shifted, ready to make a run for Sousuke anyway, but before he had the chance, the swirling, angry waves lifted at his feet and kept him pinned in place with shock. Flickers of energy left behind from his previous attack shone through the dark water like electricity and as the waves propelled forward towards the pack of ayakashi, Rin felt that shared frustration and desperation surge between them. To be honest, that was probably the diving force behind the attack, which made it as effective as it was, catching the lunging wolves off guard and successfully grabbing them by the legs after a few squirms. Rin couldn't see much from where he stood, and it wasn't like his focus could drift once he felt something cool and soothing pressing against his open wounds.

Water with that slight tint of pink floating near the surface-- Look, Sousuke! It's a sakura pool!

Gritting his teeth, Rin straightened to the best of his ability, because he knew they weren't going to have another chance as good as this. His injuries be damned, he swiped his fingers across the watery vortex and with an sharp arc tried to manipulate the tendrils to move upward and spread, raising the wolves high into the air just as the first before proceeding to absorb their bodies in dense, dark bubbles of water. "Come on, Sousuke," he hissed through his teeth, eyes flickering over at his shinki. "Let's finish this!"

This was pathetic. They might not have trained much and yes, it was stupid for them to have taken things so lightly. But to find themselves reduced to this mess already? Sousuke growled in his mind as the pain continued to lance in rhythm through his body. Blood pouring down his leg, his skin scraping over a broken bone, struggling to stand, while his own god was holding his shoulder to try and keep those bleeding gashes beneath the water doing its best to soothe them. And a pack of five beasts circling around them, hunting them. They were nothing but injured prey to these damn things! Angry at himself for being so weak and defenseless, angry at these creatures for not having anything better to do than pick on fluffy white dogs.

‘How will that help,’ the shinki snarled back in return, pushing himself up onto his three good legs. He left the four one to dangle behind him, doing his best not to put any weight on it. Stay down. Yeah right. Rin was out an arm it looked like; if he could still fight with that limitation then like hell was Sousuke going to accept lying like dog in the gutter (no offense meant). So he let his frustration and his anger fuel his thoughts and feelings, let it swell into his power and create a literally maelstrom around Rin. Offense and defense in one, a threat and a shield. Something to keep them protected while they figured out their next step

It was a fueled response and Sousuke felt Rin’s power leaking through his own. Flecks of light within the dark waters, splitting between the frothy crests and curls. The pool seemed to swell outward, tendrils snapping and cracking among the surf as it drove the five creatures backwards. Sousuke’s eyes narrowed and something seemed to flex inside him, like a muscle he didn’t know he had pulling taut and bulging. He lashed out without knowing how it really happened, but the water caught hold and rewarded the god and shinki with one of those beast’s yelp of surprise. Catching them and holding them down. Initially his intention had been to block them and give Rin and himself time to retreat… but seeing them on the defensive, knowing they would only attack more people if he let these monsters go… No, he wanted them done for. Finished.

The water kept itself pressed to Rin’s wound, a gentle current lapping over the injury and soothing it with its coolness. As Rin straightened as best he could, Sousuke also rose to his full height on his legs, glaring through the waters towards the ayakashi. No, they wouldn’t have another chance. Shoving the pain aside, he braced himself and focused entirely on their goal. Fueling the water so Rin could use it alongside him. Tendrils swarmed and jerked, tying themselves in twines around the wolves and pulling them into the water. They struggled, but the onslaught was simply too much too intensely. Lifting them off the ground was their final end and the moment they were separated, they were theirs. With a splash, the five were pulled straight into the maelstrom about them, vanishing under the water. Call him cruel or vengeful, but Sousuke let them take a few scrambling “laps” around the pool before Rin finally pried them out into five dense bubbles of dark water.

‘Aa.’ There was no gentleness in his voice. They’d end these monsters. Just like the first one.

"For one thing, it'll keep you from bleeding out," he argued only for Sousuke to completely ignore him and stubbornly try to stand anyway. Tsk. Of course he would. If a busted shoulder wasn't going to hold him back, then what would? Clearly not this. And as Sousuke forced himself onto three legs while keeping up the angry offense, Rin scoffed, half amused. Yeah. Of course you would... but can't you ever listen to me just once when it comes to your well-being? Swimming in the relay, the toughest leg of the relay, exerting himself until he might never be able to swim again--

This situation might have been totally different from their sport, but they were still risking so much. One wrong move and they'd be done for.

No. They couldn't run. They couldn't give up. These annoying bastards needed to be killed no matter how much energy and pain it took. So with Sousuke's power keeping his wound sealed, Rin clenched his jaw before letting out a powerful shout as his own power crackled and whipped across the alleyway like red hot lightning. Let me be your strength so you can be mine! We'll finish this... together! At last with the bubbles sealed, Rin honed in that same energy into his core then watched it burst through the water and up each individual tendril, sharpening the tips before they lashed out and pierced through each and every ayakashi in one fell swoop.

"REND!"

He wasn't sure when the pack finally stopped moving, only that they did, and once he could no longer sense their energy, Rin squinted up at the bright beams of light emitting from within each creature's body. They lasted for only a handful of beats before consuming the wolves completely and just like the first stealing them away into nothing. Quiet fell over the small alleyway with little more than the sound of water spilling back into the calming waves. Finally, they'd won, and with a sharp wince Rin lowered himself down onto one knee for a rest.

If Rin expected Sousuke to listen to him, he was going to be disappointed. He was already stubbornly tunnel minded right now and intent on ridding the world of these stupid creatures. Not just for their attack on him, but because they dared to hurt his god! Frustration over his own weakness fueled within his rage over Rin’s injury and there was a dark satisfaction brewing as he watched the creatures get swallowed by the water orbs and the sharpened tendrils driven in by his god’s power. Hating them? Not really. He got no pleasure in killing them, but contentment rather in knowing they couldn’t hurt someone else again. Each jolt of pain from his leg to his mind reminded him of that. These creatures made their decisions, even if it was nothing more than natural urges. Sometimes, nature fought back.

That final shout split the air and with it, the energy he sensed from the creatures began to fade. One after another as the water consumed them into nothingness. The light made him wince and he cringed to avoid being blinded. But soon enough, it was done and with a final drop of water into the pool around them, it was finished. The pool began to die away from its angry lashing and revolutions. Waves began calmer swells and swells ebbed down into gentle flows. Until the surface settled entirely became a glass-like reflection of Rin and Sousuke amid the floating sakura petals and the flickering light of Rin’s energy.

Only to be broken with a splash as his god dropped to his knee. The water tendril remained on his shoulder; holding his wounds and soothing them as best it could with the cool liquid. Sousuke turned his head to look at Rin, content to know he was all right. Hurt, but all right. He’d be able to move. ‘You got them. Good job…’ His voice faded and the shinki dropped to his side, landing in the water with a heavy thud. Almost instantly the pool quivered and the edges of it began to drop away, falling to the ground as his focus nigh-literally bled out of him. It hurt… it really hurt. But he refused to fall unconscious completely.

So the tendril of water holding onto Rin’s wound at least remained.

As for himself... Rin had to agree with that sentiment. There was no hate, no defined pleasure either in finally watching the creatures suffer and writhe beneath the wretched waves at their hands, because instinct told him this was wrong and twisted. To destroy or kill anything went against his nature. Defeating, fighting, yes, maybe. But this? Even killing something as dark and vile as the ayakashi didn't feel right.

At least they could be content knowing they wouldn't come back to harm anyone else, and no other dogs for that matter.

So with the last flash of light returning to the void, Rin let out a heavy sigh then finally managed to crack one eye open just as the water beneath him began to calm and reflect like a natural pond. Any other time, he might have taken a moment to admire the sight, especially the fragile flecks of pink floating along the surface, but that splash stole his attention and in an instant he opened both eyes to focus on his shinki nearby. Sousuke... He looked awful. He sounded awful. And yet all this time he still managed--

Glancing over at the tendril atop his shoulder, Rin swallowed then forced himself up onto his feet again, his footsteps creating gentle ripples on the quickly retreating water. Sure, the battle was over, but how were they supposed to deal with the aftermath? His powers didn't have healing properties as far as he knew and like hell was he going to take Sousuke to a vet to treat those injuries. Who knew what turning him back to his human form would do either...

"Sousuke, save your energy," said as he made his way over to kneel beside his shinki and gently rest his hand on his back leg, being careful not to touch near the wound for now. "I'll be fine. Just let me focus on taking care of this, ok?"

It was wrong, killing them. But unfortunately, if they didn’t take these monsters out, they would do worse. Sometimes something had to be sacrificed for the better of other things. And simply put, these things would have killed them if they didn’t defend themselves. Sousuke reminded himself of those facts, repeating them in his mind as the rest of him seemed content to shut down and black out. No, he wasn’t going to lose himself right now. It hurt, his leg wouldn’t move, but he could stay awake. This wasn’t a horrific injury. He’d power through it and be ready to go again soon. Keep telling himself that. Keep telling himself…

He had to keep the tendril of water safely over Rin’s shoulder, tending to the injury and blocking anything that might want to get into his skin. The rest of the water finally dissipated into the ground as the shinki’s remaining grip on it gave away. The rest of his focus was on the cap of water covering his god’s injury. But it felt nice to finally rest after being put through such a fast and surprising wringer. They’d really survived that, hadn’t they… Stupid of them to be caught so unprepared, but they made it. Together. Guess they did make a good team after all.

By the time Rin reached him, the water was no more than wetting the ground in puddles, as if there’d been a recent rainfall. Sousuke heard his steps spattering through the water, ripples turning into wet sounds. Despite his own pain, he was wondering the same questions. How did gods and shinki heal from damage? They knew about blight and holy water, but was it that simple with gods? And if Rin did turn him back into his human form… Shit, he really didn’t want to deal with a broken leg. Call him stubborn and immature, but what a suck way to end a prayer.

‘I’m not moving,’ he groused. Only to tense up and shoot Rin a slightly-panicked glare. ‘Oy!’ But shut up when that hand only stayed on his back leg and didn’t go near his wound. For a second he thought Rin was actually going to try and touch him there or something. The shinki flattened his ears a little, but then dropped his head back to the ground with a wuff of breath. ‘Tsk, before you focus on me, make sure you get the dog secured first.’

Because if Angel bolted, they were in a heap of trouble.

They were pretty damn close to killing them, that was for sure, but whether they came close to it or not, Rin knew those ayakashi needed to be dealt with to prevent them from harming anyone else (or any other dog for that matter). And, in some twisted way, if it hadn't been for them, then he and Sousuke wouldn't have discovered these new abilities resting inside them. They were still inexperienced... but this was still a start. He needed to keep telling himself that. Over and over again until it was properly engraved in his mind.

Still, what a rocky start this was, and as he stared down at his shinki bleeding out on the ground he felt his chest tightly clench. That looked like it really hurt. ... Was a little bit of battle experience seriously worth coming face to face with death like that?

Clicking his tongue, Rin looked away from the wound before deciding to rest that same hand on Sousuke's head instead, smoothing the fur back over his ears. It was more instinctive than anything. That's what most dogs liked, right? Being comforted just like this. Ok, so Sousuke wasn't really a dog, but he sure acted like one when he was like this. "You just moved." But anyway, his shinki was right. He did need to focus on the reason why they were out here in the first place. Angel...

Looking towards the back of the alley, Rin spotted that same shivering ball of white fluff in the corner behind a couple of trash cans. All right, so she hadn't made a run for it yet. Probably too terrified to do anything, understandably. But how could he get her to trust him? Originally he thought Sousuke would be able to help with that. Dogs usually looked to other dogs first before people, right? But after giving his shinki another pet between the ears he slowly stood back up, knowing it had to go this alone for the time being. "Take it easy, ok?" he said over his shoulder before turning back to start slowly approaching their cowering pup. The moment he came within a foot of reaching her, she peeked around the corner to curiously sniff in his direction.

Ngh. Probably didn't smell too good, now that he thought about it. Blood, dirt, and a strange combination of cherry blossom petals. Sinking down to one knee, Rin held a hand out anyway for her to inch towards whenever she was ready. "Come on, Angel. Your owner misses you, you know."

It was a painful lesson; they got their butts kicked and had wounds to lick. But they still won, they protected Angel, and both of them had all their limbs intact. Their enemies were defeated and they knew what they had to work on in the future, including this new talent that kind of came out of nowhere but still fit. Inexperienced and probably a little too naïve to think this would be so simple. It was their first prayer request and they got it in spades. Stand up, move forward, get better. That was what they needed to focus on right now.

Minus the standing up part, because that wasn’t going to help Sousuke at the moment.

Yes, it did really hurt. It felt like his leg was alternating between lighting itself on fire and sitting there like a dead weight that made him stomach threaten to hurl. The saliva from the akayashi was still in there and he hoped that wasn’t going to end up doing something to him. Asides from making him feel gross.

Hand. Sousuke blinked when a warm palm and fingers settled on his head. But any thought or effort to protest silenced as Rin smoothed over his head, stroking along the shorter, softer fur. He sighed silently and simply let his head rest on the ground, eyes gazing to the mouth of the alleyway while Rin pet him. Okay, he could tolerate it once. Because it was good for both of them. And it was comforting… like it or not. His breathing seemed to still a little as well, pain soothing somewhat.

To the point he missed the touch when Rin left to deal with their little runaway. He was pretty sure this part was supposed to be another thing Rin was going to rely on his canine form to help with, but… Rin’d have to deal with it on his own for now. Sousuke closed his eyes and focused. Maybe he couldn’t help as he originally thought, but he could at least do something.

Water slowly swelled from the puddles left behind, stretching out thin and reflective over the surface of the alleyway until it reached from one side to the next. There. It was very shallow, but if Angel tried to dash around Rin and escape, Sousuke could at least snare her with the water and keep her from escaping. At the moment, he’d prefer a terrified dog in the water than a terrified dog running off into the city. ‘How are we getting her back? We can’t just appear in her owner’s room. And we don’t want to show up at her front door looking like this.’

All bloody and busted. She’d probably scream and call the police.

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