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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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.

Rin wasn't sure how he'd be able to summon that power back; it did come out of nowhere and happened so quickly he didn't have time to focus on how it manifested itself. But he supposed he got the gist of it. It would just be a matter of honing in his energy to find the strength later. Who knew when they'd have that chance though, considering the state they were in. If Sousuke did have a broken bone back there, then he'd need a month or more to rest and recover. Unfortunately that was going to be the price to pay, and frankly, Rin was just glad they were alive at all.

Anyway, with Sousuke finally settled down, Rin turned his attention to Angel who by now was close enough for the tip of her nose to tap the backs of his fingers. It was easy for him to get along with animals for the most part and luckily for them Angel seemed to be receptive enough to take a couple steps out from her little corner. It's ok, Sousuke. I got this.

It's what he wanted to say once Angel carefully licked his hand, but, distracted by the sound of rushing water, he looked over in time to see it spreading from one end of the alley to the next. "Oy, didn't I tell you to save your energy?" Stubborn idiot. She didn't look like she was going to run anyway. Still, he gave her a couple minutes more to adjust to his scent and presence. They were this close already. No sense in ruining it now. "I'll just have to leave her on their doorstep and knock." Then he'd have to leave before they saw him. It seemed simple enough, didn't it? Then again, so did the rest of this prayer request.

Another minute and he was finally able to scoop Angel up with both hands and with some slight wincing stood back up to walk over to his shinki. "But that's for me to take care of. I need to send you back to the castle."

Who knew? It wasn’t like they could summon up ayakashi for a training session. And without their lives on the line, Sousuke didn’t know if they’d have the impetus to reach that power again. But if this was anything like the rest of their challenges, they’d find a way to surmount it together and claim that power for their own. It was already theirs after all; it’d just take time to find it again. The main point was that it had to be them together, god and shinki. But all of that would have to come later, when they weren’t a beaten pair out a shoulder and a leg respectively.

On top of almost losing, Sousuke was already frustrated at the impending down time he’d have to deal with recuperating from a broken leg. Granted, he was glad to be alive, but still… Frustrating. Being told he couldn’t anything bothered him. Even if his own body told him that. He lingered on the water sheet spread over the alley floor. Maybe it wasn’t much, but it was necessary insurance.

‘Urusei. If she runs, I’m not chasing her through the city.’ Stubborn idiot. Sousuke didn’t know what the dog was going to do so better safe than sorry in this instance. Minutes passed and the shinki took the time to slowly lave over his own wound with a light brush of water, never once losing enough concentration to prevent that watery blob of a bandage from staying on Rin’s shoulder. At least he could wash his own wound out without curling up and licking at it. Instinct wanted to, but the very-clear image of that monstrous dog chewing on his leg had him distinctly averse to putting his mouth anywhere near the wound. ‘Okay.’

Dog on the doorstep. So long as Rin had a plan to keep her there until the door opened that is. By the time he heard shoes step into the shallow film of water, his own pain had started to ebb. Only a little, but a little’s better than nothing. Sousuke blinked and lifted his head, water dripping from the side of his face. And shot Rin a glare. ‘No. I’m going with you.’ Who knew what else might attack Rin on the trip back?

Rin just hoped they wouldn't have to take another beating to rediscover that power down the road. He doubted that was the key to their success, and even if it was, he'd be hellbent to come up with Plan B. Nothing was worth them sacrificing their well-being, their lives for... at least not anything like this.

He ignored Sousuke's initial protests, because by now he was confident she wouldn't make a run for it, though it took some restraint to keep himself from walking over and holding his damn head down so he could actually stay still like he asked. And what was he doing keeping that tendril pressed to his shoulder still? Didn't he tell him to save his energy? Tsk. Stubborn as ever. He supposed there was no easy way around that.

With Angel cradled in the crook of his arm, Rin stopped beside Sousuke only to meet that glare with one of his own. Might've been hard to seem serious with a puffy white toy poodle in his arms, but, really. He was serious here. "No. You're not. I'm sending you back and we're going to get you looked at once I take care of Angel."

Sousuke didn’t back down from the returned glare. Of course Rin wasn’t going to agree with his wants right now. And no, that fluffy ball of white puff wasn’t able to detract from the red eyes locking with his own. Che… Rin was being serious and he didn’t like what was coming down the pipe. What if something else happened?

“Look, if you’re going to send me back, then “send” us both back to the girl’s house, drop Angel off, and then we go back.” How was that for a compromise? Of course, Sousuke wasn’t sure just how far or intricate Rin’s teleporting could go. As far as they knew, the teleporting only worked when a god went from the Far Shore to the Near Shore. But he was going to fight for the right to stay beside his god for the rest of this trip.

It was tempting to try and push himself up, show Rin he was able to stand and walk on his own… but even with his stubbornness, Sousuke knew he couldn’t stand right now. His leg was obviously broken and he had no desire to end up puncturing his skin with his own bone. Ewugh. The thought alone made him shiver. But… Tsk, he didn’t know. The shinki held Rin’s glare for a few more seconds…

…then silently dropped his head back into the water, glaring off towards one of the walls. ‘Fine. But if you come back with another scratch, I’ll deck you.’

He understood Sousuke's concern, but Rin had his fair share of concerns too if he decided to keep Sousuke with him. If there would be another attack, his shinki was obviously in no condition to fight or defend no matter how much he wanted to. He wouldn't forgive himself if something else happened to Sousuke and he was unable to do anything about it... What if this, what if that. None of that. He wasn't to gamble with his best friend's life.

Still, that proposed compromise was almost convincing... Tsk, but he wanted to have that broken leg tended to as soon as possible. Letting Sousuke deal with it for several minutes longer would be torture. He could always try to contact Makoto, see if he could watch and tend to him while Rin finished this prayer request. Ngh, but would his device even work at a time like this between the two shores? Too much thinking, not enough doing. So once he saw Sousuke rest his head back down on the ground he let out a sigh then slowly kneeled down beside him in the shallow puddle, free hand reaching out to rest on his head again.

"Hang in there, ok? As soon as I finish this, I'll patch you up." In his hold, Angel wuffed softly... before just for the hell of it Rin lowered her down to where she could curiously sniff (and lick) at Sousuke's cheek. Seemed like someone wanted to show her gratitude at least.

Che, couldn’t he be concerned with himself for once? Sousuke gazed at the brick wall in across from him. They had a lot of mess here to deal with, Rin’s shoulder and his own leg. Plus they had to answer the prayer as well, which meant another trip across town. And with their injuries, he doubted either of them were very up for that. But now Rin wanted to do that trip alone, after what they had just been ambushed by. And it wasn’t like Rin would be willing to simply leave Sousuke here in this state to wait for him to get back.

What else could they do at the moment though? He didn’t think Rin could transport back to the Far Shore and drop him off with Angel in his arms. Could gods bring normal Near Shore residents and things back with them? And that aside, how was Sousuke supposed to recover from this broken leg? And Rin from his shoulder? Were they going to holy water it off or be laid up for however long? He told himself he could handle it, but the truth was, the pain was there and it hurt so much his body was threatening to go numb to everything but his leg. As Rin knelt down next to him and that hand came to rest on his head, the shinki let out another frustrated sigh.

‘I’m not dying Rin.’ Even if he was bleeding and all, it was still just a broken leg. He hadn’t gotten punched through the chest. Sousuke blinked at the sudden wuff of air next to him and—‘Oy!’ Why was he lowering the dog down next to him?! A moment later, he got his answer as Angel started licking his cheek. The shinki made a little muttering groan noise in annoyance. ‘Seriously, Rin?’ But for his gruff, he didn’t pull away or try to stop it. Look, he was glad Angel was okay as well so there.

‘So what’s your decision?’

Of course, that was the other issue they needed to tackle. Healing themselves. He didn't know what otherworldly, magical properties existed aside from their usual powers, but as far as Rin knew, he couldn't cure broken limbs or scrapes, and on top of that he was pretty sure the holy water back at the castle would only be useful for treating blight. This was different. This was blood and open wounds. And what was he supposed to do about turning Sousuke back to his human self? He doubted he wouldn't sustain that injury if he reverted, which might even hurt more now that he thought about it...

"I know you're not," he said with a returned sigh of his own. "But whether or not you are, I won't take your safety lightly." At least little Angel seemed to be lightening the mood a bit, still licking and trying to wriggle out of Rin's hold so she could give herself a better angle to work with here. Hn. Cute. To think they went through all this trouble over something so small and helpless.

In the end, Rin lifted her back up to give Sousuke his breathing room back, then after a few beats to think he looked towards the mouth of the alleyway one last time as the world and air around them began to distort. In seconds the dark atmosphere vanished beneath their feet, soon to be replaced with the familiar scene of that quaint apartment complex just a street or two away. Thankfully the image was still fresh in his mind, so he was able to send the three of them to the top of the stairs without trouble, but just for safe measure he looked over to make sure Sousuke was still able to rest on his side (and in the shade as much as possible).

There. Happy? "Wait here." From the sounds of things, there were definitely people on the other side of that apartment door, so at least they wouldn't have to worry about waiting for them to show up.

Yeah that was there wasn’t it. Considering Rin’s shoulder was bleeding despite Sousuke’s continued care over it with that water bubble, it wasn’t exactly going to close itself up. Would it? How did godly bodies work? Were they like normal people bodies? And how was Sousuke’s leg going to work when he returned to human form? Would it be ratio or would his normal leg be crunched all nasty and wrecked? Tsk, better not to think about it and just lie here and wait for Rin to make up his mind. It wasn’t like it was going to change much either way for them both. Maybe a dip in the holy water pool would at least heal Rin’s shoulder. Maybe…

Sousuke huffed softly when Rin sighed at him, but he accepted the concern. Could’ve been paired with a god that told him to walk it off, so he was grateful he didn’t have to deal with that. And that dog was still licking him… Oy, he really hoped she didn’t get the animalistic idea to go lapping at the wound itself. Sousuke made a little, annoyed groaning sound when she kept licking at him. He might be a dog, but the person inside was miffed at getting licked on the face over and over.

Finally Rin got the hint and Sousuke was left with half his face in water and the other have styled up with canine saliva. Wonderful. But he didn’t have time to comment further before the world began to fade. ‘Rin?’ Wait, what was he doing?! Was he teleporting back to the temple with the dog in his—Oh. The apartment complex. Sousuke frowned a little as water and cement was replaced with a stoop and half a welcome mat stuck under his body. And great, there were people on the other side of the door.

This was a pathetic picture… Some random teenager showing up with the missing dog and a torn open shoulder under some strange water bubble. ‘Che.’ Rin told him to ‘wait here.’ Well, at least he could do that much; going anywhere was out of the question right now. So he settled for watching his god handle the rest of the prayer request from his current place.

[closed] When Lassie Goes Missing

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