[closed] When Lassie Goes Missing

[takenwithhim]

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?

Comments

[sharkmaid]

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.

[takenwithhim]

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.

[sharkmaid]

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!"

[takenwithhim]

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.

[sharkmaid]

"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.

[takenwithhim]

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.

[sharkmaid]

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?"

[takenwithhim]

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.

[sharkmaid]

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."

[takenwithhim]

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.

[sharkmaid]

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."

[takenwithhim]

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?

[sharkmaid]

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."

[takenwithhim]

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.’

[sharkmaid]

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.

[takenwithhim]

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?’

[sharkmaid]

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.

[takenwithhim]

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.

[sharkmaid]

Despite his doubts, Rin hadn't yet ruled out the possibility of the pool back at the castle. They knew it could cure blight, but what if it held other properties as well? Even a temporary fix would prove helpful at this point. So he made a mental note to send them straight there as soon as this mission was complete. What did they have to lose? Well, except for a little more blood and comfort if this backfired...

At any rate, they were far from that now, and with Sousuke still beside him at the apartment door, Rin made sure to thoroughly think this through before proceeding. They couldn't bring attention to themselves, especially not in this state, and he couldn't leave Angel alone at the welcome mat for too long out of fear she would just run a second time. So he heaved a sigh, peered down at Angel, then lifted his hand up to ring the doorbell. All right. He needed to listen here. Make sure they heard him and were walking over-- Now.

"Ok, Angel," he said as he set her down at his feet. She looked up at him then over at Sousuke but thankfully didn't seem interested in taking off. Probably knew she was home. "You stay here. Sousuke and I have to go." Who knew? Maybe in the future they'd find themselves back here for one reason or another... though hopefully not to find her and save her from a pack of bullying ayakashi again. And as he thought it, Rin stepped back to quickly teleport himself and Sousuke at the bottom steps of the stairs right as he heard the apartment door unlock. Just had to make sure they saw her... and judging by the overjoyed voices and barking he heard, well-- Looked like their work here was done. Sloppy, bloody, but done.

"We did it," he said before bringing a hand up to grip at his sleeve. The pain was very much still there beneath Sousuke's water bubble, though he knew it was nothing compared to what his shinki felt. "Come on." Wince. "I'll take us home. ... How are you holding up?"

[takenwithhim]

Well they had to try something at the very least. Only then could they accept that this was going to be far more a hassle than either of them originally bargained for. Sousuke hoped the pool could cure his god and himself, but he disliked his own doubts about the effectiveness. And if it didn’t cure them… then what? It wasn’t like they could run off to the Far Shore’s Hospital for the Gods. How embarrassing.



So he was left thinking those thoughts and feeling generally down as he watched Rin focus on the apartment door. Sousuke was internally grateful he didn’t have half his body lying over one of the steps or something. Which, you know, could have happened from a semi-blind transport to the area. He listened to that heaved sigh above him, then swiveled his ears towards the door. More specifically the people milling around behind it. The ring of the bell echoed through the house and it didn’t take long before footsteps neared the door. Okay, Rin better think and move fast…



The shinki tensed up when Rin set Angel down. Oy… How could he trust her? Hell, if she tried to off again, Sousuke’d probably snatch her up in water and stuff her into the bushes nearby (… nicely). He wasn’t in the mood to play chase again. Saying nothing, he lifted his head again and watched the other dog nearby as Rin spoke to her. Little ball of fluff that she was. Despite his souring mood, Sousuke was glad she was home again. Her mistress would be so happy and that was worth it, right? When Rin returned to his side, Sousuke seemed to relax. Just a little. Because when the door unlocked and that sudden squeal of shock and utter joy, everything signed off as successful. They made it. It got them an experience in spades, but Angel was home without injury. No more restless hours for her mistress wondering if her beloved pet was oaky.



‘Aa. We did.’ Teal eyes flicked upward, following Rin’s hand as it gripped at his sleeve. The water bubble squished a little, continuing to pump itself over the injury in a soothing flow, but Sousuke knew it wasn’t going to balm it entirely. When he saw his wince, the shinki frowned at him, ears lowering in concern. ‘I’m fine. Let’s go back and get you patched up.’ As he said it, a good portion of the water bubble peeled away from Rin’s shoulder and splatted somewhere in the grass. It was replaced by another blob of water, fresh and cool. After all, Rin had been bleeding and that blood wasn’t going anywhere but floating around in the water bubble… so time for a clean bandage. And no, Sousuke wasn’t going to ‘stop fretting’ about him.

[sharkmaid]

Embarrassing or not, this was something they needed to do and Rin wouldn't settle for waiting around, expecting for a solution to fall right into their laps. Someone out there had to know. Bishamon maybe... She'd been here long enough to know all the answers (or at least most). No matter if it hurt, he'd find a way to fix this and keep them on their feet. They weren't done yet. Not now, not so soon... not ever. Sousuke might not have known that about them yet, but someday he would. Truly, their stubbornness knew no bounds.

Take this, for example. Worrying about each other, refusing to admit defeat or weakness in favor of seeing to the other's wounds first... When he saw Sousuke's ears droop, he almost reached down to give them a playful flick, but his shinki's words stopped him and so did that sudden rush of cool water replacing a bloodied portion closer to his skin. Tsk. He told him not to focus on himself. He told him to save his energy, sit still and rest. But even if he physically bound him, Rin knew one way or another Sousuke would find a way to do what he wanted, whenever he wanted. Sighing, he glanced at the makeshift bandage and the torn, soaked fabric underneath before turning his tired eyes back to Sousuke beside him. How he managed to stay awake was anyone's guess.

"I'll patch you up first. And don't argue with me." And just in case that wouldn't end the conversation, Rin kneeled down, touched his paw, then quickly whisked them away a third time to save them an agonizing trip across the city and back to the sakura grove. All of this teleporting was going to take its toll eventually... but he wouldn't let it just yet. Just one more time, he told himself as he gazed above them at the tall tree with its dark branches and bright pink flowers standing out like clouds in the blue spring sky. It was an odd sight to experience when combined with the scent of copper in the air... Just one more time. One more.

A rush of petals greeted them back at the castle grounds, floating and fluttering between the cobblestone cracks which happened to be several feet away. He chose to offer Sousuke a softer landing after all, cushioned in the grass and the shade... while Rin meanwhile ended up less conveniently on his side, half of his body on the stone, the other half sprawled out across the lawn. They did it... We're still together.

[takenwithhim]

Needed and able are a little different. Sousuke didn’t know what the ultimate result would be after the pool failed (if it did), but maybe it’d have to do with someone who could heal. That was the only other option he could consider. Which mean going to them and showing the injuries. Not something he realized he wanted to do. But then again, would he rather choose to tough it out with a broken leg and keep his pride or admit he’d gotten hurt and needed someone else’s help to heal up? … No comment. Whatever the result was, he wasn’t planning on letting this keep him down forever. He and Rin still had a lot more to do.

Sousuke frowned a little more when that hand came down and playfully flicked at his ears. Hmph, glad Rin’s enjoying this. But he didn’t look away or move otherwise. Had to make sure the new rush of water was going to stay put. It took some concentration, but since he wasn’t doing much else aside from lying on his side, it didn’t tax him much. The wound was far more draining. Figuratively and literally. Some of it was clogging and the matted fur and flesh was helping to staunch some of the bleeding, but his leg was still bleeding. Somewhat alarmingly, he couldn’t feel his leg much anymore either… Sousuke was tired, but his determination not to leave Rin alone to deal with any part of this fallout kept him doggedly awake despite the pain and burden. What kind of shinki would he be if he went down after something like this?

‘…Fine.’ The shinki shut his mouth. Obviously he’d been about to argue; even Rin could’ve sensed the hovering breath ready to do so. But since Rin was letting him keep that water bubble on his wound, Sousuke acquiesced to the treatment order. He couldn’t be completely stubborn and unfair, right? However, he did shut his eyes when Rin touched his paw. Teleporting was dizzy enough, but to do it with this much blood loss… No way. The scent of sakura told him they were back in the grove, probably near the tree that had brought them here in the first place. One more time and they’d be back to the castle.

With another round of vertigo behind his eyelids, Sousuke felt the world change and with a light settle, he was on the grass again. The scent of clear air, fresh grass, and drifting sakura that was unique to Rin’s castle met him instantly and he opened his eyes. Just in time to see his god flop down on his side in a very ungraceful position, sending up a cloud of sakura petals around his shoulders. ‘Oy. Don’t hurt yourself, Rin.’ Just because Sousuke was going to let him treat him first didn’t mean he was blind to his god taxing his strength with all this teleporting…

[sharkmaid]

Of all the times for him to be proud and stubborn, Sousuke just had to pick now. Yes, they did have more to do and they were going to do them, but first thing's first: they needed help. They needed to rest, recuperate and most importantly train to prepare for the missions and battles ahead. But as this last request just proved, they wouldn't be able to go this by themselves, no matter how simple the task seemed on the surface. Anything, anyone could catch them off guard at any time and who was to say the next time would be forgiving enough to see them alive?

As far as Rin was concerned, they were lucky, barely lucky, and that Sousuke even still had his leg intact was a miracle in itself. It was a shame they couldn't walk to the grove back the way they came through the city, a shame he couldn't keep his promise of tonkatsu for dinner for a job well done, but to be alive was surely a reward in and of itself.

Speaking of which, yes, he knew he was alive, even if he was tired as all hell and motionless in the grass, but at the sound of his name he slowly opened his eyes for the world to come back into view. "I already did, didn't I?" he asked with a scoff before lifting his head and eventually the rest of his upper half off the pavement. But what was a little bit of teleporting fatigue compared to what Sousuke was going through? So he forced himself to clench his jaw and tighten his muscles one by one, using them to push his body back up onto his feet so he could stumble his way over to Sousuke's side. He couldn't leave him there for long. That wound would only deteriorate the longer he spent wasting his time.

"Here..." Teleporting him after all that was out of the question, at least for a while. So like it or not, he was going to start sliding his arms underneath either end of Sousuke's body, one supporting one side of his neck, the other taking care to tuck under his upper legs. All right. Easy does it. If he moved slowly enough, he could pull him against his chest and try to carry him in some sort of strange embrace. Ngh, he was used to carrying around small dogs, but how hard could it be?

[takenwithhim]

When was he not proud and stubborn? Of course he had to pick now; he was injured and weak and embarrassed! It was hard enough not being frustrated at himself too badly. Reminding himself what they’d come from and gotten through together helped at least. But it still didn’t cover up the fact they were right here and now broken and bloody with no real idea how to fix that issue. Rest and recuperation could definitely happen, but Sousuke had no idea how to set, much less fix, a broken leg. Or sew up bloody gashes in someone’s shoulder. And he highly doubted Rin knew how to either. Big difference than simply bandaging cuts with a kiss-n-make-it-better.

He was glad to be alive. For all the pain and frustration, the failure of sorts over their heads, the future, they were alive. They’d triumphed over something together, learned a little more about themselves, and ultimately made it out with their lives from a place that probably would’ve taken them. The promises and ideas during the trip could come later or not at all. At least Rin was still here with him… and strange as it was, Sousuke was relieved. Because it went beyond simple humanity and Rin-was-his-god feelings.

Ugh, was that seriously the way he was going to respond to Sousuke’s attempt at caring? The shinki’s ears flattened and he glared at the grass and sakura beside him rather than try to lift up and shoot the look at Rin. ‘Baka, don’t keep doing it then!’ He appreciated Rin’s efforts getting them back here, shut his mouth when he wanted to protest it. But now wasn’t the time to go shooting himself in the foot for their sake. They both had to make it through this next part if they were going to keep going together, right? Sousuke wasn’t the only one injured, tired, and suffering from blood loss and frustration.

With a quiet huff, Sousuke finally lifted his head and rolled a little, trying to get his forelegs beneath him. He could at least stand up and try to hold his broken leg off the ground. Hobbling along was going to hurt like hell, but he wasn’t going to—Oh. He heard Rin stumbling over to him before he realized the other boy was leaning over him with those concerned eyes amid a pain-streaked face. ‘Oy. Stop it.’ Hands were nudging at him and it only took a second for Sousuke to realize what Rin was trying to do.

‘Rin—I said—!’ And tensed up as his body moved and his leg barely nudged the ground. The shinki slammed his mouth shut, almost biting his tongue in the rush to keep that high-pitched yelp inside. ‘OW! Okay stop it! Baka, don’t move me!’ Snarling at him wasn’t nice, but they weren’t in the best of moods now anyways. ‘Go… go find water and cloth or something to make a split. I’ll limp to the pool afterwards.’

Or begrudgingly allow himself to be carried… but not with his leg left to flop around freely like this.

[sharkmaid]

The extent of his medical knowledge came down to treating sprains, cramps, and other basic, sport-related injuries, so clearly they were both at a disadvantage here with something this intense. Still, he had to do something to buy them some time until they could seek out real help, so what limited resources they had would have to do. A little optimistic, but at least it wasn't unrealistic, right?

So he moved. Against anything and everything Sousuke wanted, against his insistent yapping in his head or glares in his general direction, he was going to get both of them into the castle and down those stairs to the pool one way or another. Ignoring Sousuke's protests then, Rin stayed as he was, knelt beside him in the grass and the petals, the right side of his torso already numb from a combination of blood loss and cold water pressed to his skin. All right, if he just put his hand here and his other one there--

Dammit, stop telling me what to do. Stop moving, stop arguing, just--

And with that snarl he unintentionally tightened his grip into his shinki's fur. "NO, YOU STOP IT!" he snapped back without a second thought, their combined pain and frustration eventually culminating into one sudden outburst. "SIT STILL and let me do this!" I'm not useless, I'm not weak, I can handle myself and I can handle you too. ... I won't let you do this to yourself again! Fingers twitching, knees wobbling, Rin pulled Sousuke to him, but with his shoulder as busted as it was, he severely underestimated their combined weight and couldn't lift himself higher than a couple centimeters off the ground. Cursing, he tried again. A second time. A third.

... Until finally he all but collapsed back onto his knees with a pained and defeated sigh, Sousuke still pulled to his chest and lap for what measly support he could offer.