#[ mutual | annienne ]

[featherchan]

Pushing her bike along the path. Kanako whispered every vivid, colorful profanity word to herself, feeling as if fate were mocking her at her expense. In preparation for a fencing tournament, the young raven had stayed at the school's gymnasium much longer than she had anticipated. Before realizing a little too late, that she only had about 10 minutes to get home. To add to her misery, her bike chain decides to snap and fall off. And when she tries to call her brother to lament her problems, her phone's battery decides to die on her too.

Already angry, frustrated, and physically and mentally exhausted, she dreaded the outcome of coming home late and having to suffer the joint reprimand from her brother and parents. She can only deal with so much, especially given how fragile her patience is these days. And so, the Lioness decided to ignore her late grandmother's warning by taking a shortcut route home, which she had always been forbidden to take. "Kanako-chan, I believe this is a dire idea…" D'eon, her late grandmother's gentle and overprotective spirit guardian, hovered over her. "I don't care! And I don't have the energy to debate with you or argue with my brother when we get home. I just want to get home in peace!" The young raven continued on with her grumbles. And the Lioness never understood why her grandmother always forbade them (her siblings and herself) from taking this route, since nothing ever happened, until now.

Abruptly halted, feeling a chill as the hair on her neck rose. Even on these warm nights, cold breaths escape through her pale pink lips, causing her body temperature to drop drastically. She shivered as the color from her face drained. This was bad. Being reminded of her grandmother's teachings, whenever they felt that way, it meant that a dangerous being that was bound to the living, an ill spirit chained by its own sins, was close by. And with her trembling breath and will, feeling its intense glare on her back, it almost felt like she was facing something deeply evil and menacing, like a demon.

The guardian desperately wanted to shield and guard her charge, yet the blonde female knight could only offer her advice. Whispering to her. "My lady, listen to me carefully. Drop your bike and run." D'eon stays close to her, painfully watching her shiver from the cold and fear. "On the count of 3…" As the knight slowly counts down. "3…" The Lioness quickly ditched her bike and tried to make a run for it, but the spirit was quick and blocked her path.

"Do not look into its eyes…" Did she mention how fate has a funny way of mocking her? Of course. She looks into its eyes, inadvertently giving it the power to control her. Paralyzed, she was unable to break away from its hold or even make a sound. And slowly, as it reached out to her, she felt like an eternity had passed as she pondered each mistake that had been made. Before shutting her eyes tight and awaiting her painful fate.

[ starter for @annienne ]

[featherchan]

Quickly, she waved both her hands up. "Oh no! It's alright. And it's not your fault for not knowing…" Before she could consider the offer (for the ride), she tilted her head, and a part of her was tempted. Never had she seen another guardian spirit like Hao before, which intrigues her yearning and curiosity to know more, about the fiery guardian. And hitching a ride on it would definitely be an experience to remember. But as she began to imagine it, it dawned on her, from the perspective of those who can't see the supernatural, they would appear to be floating in the air. And in the era of social media, it could lead to a disastrous outcome. "T-That's alright…" She was forced to decline. "My home is just around the corner, but I welcome the company…" As she yearns to get to know her new friend better. "Well, not exactly. But the route to my house leads to the nearby town…" She explains.

Soon, witnessing Hao entrap the spirit with ease, there was a part of her that admired the greatness of his abilities, along with fear. Snapping out of it. "Y-yes…" She quickly replied to his invitation.

Walking along with Hao, the walk was quiet. She struggled to strike a conversation, as various questions popped up and swirled within her thoughts. That she became unsure which question to ask him first, without sounding impolite or being a little overwhelming. The curious Lioness yearns to know more about Hao. Why did he call her a Shaman? And why is Deon deem to be unique? Where did he learn his abilities from? And if they could hang out more again? And so forth. That led her to feel so conflicted and also lost.

         HAO'S INSIGHT DIDN'T RELY ON THE MANIPULATION OF REISHI; the knight's hesitance was laid bare, unmistakable in the creased lines of her countenance and the narrowed, suspicious gaze she directed at him. In truth, Hao found solace in the knowledge that the girl possessed a guardian spirit, one willing to safeguard her, for it became abundantly clear that she lacked any formal training as a shaman—at least not of an advanced caliber.

         “I extend my apologies, Kanako-san, for inadvertently keepying you from returning home,” Hao expressed, infusing his voice with utmost sincerity. “I don't want you to get into trouble,” he concluded, his genial smile gracing his features.

         The girl's perplexity, her uncertainty surrounding him and his abilities, swirled within his mind unbidden. Yet, he found himself more accommodating of such musings than the hatred and fear that often permeated the thoughts of others. He allowed her contemplations to linger, granting himself a welcome respite. If her grandmother had not imparted shamanic teachings upon her, Hao pondered the possibility of extending his offer to provide her with the required training. Perhaps she could even join him in his cause.

         “Ah, are you going to the same town as I am? Maybe I can give you a ride,” he proposed, gesturing with a wave of his hand toward his spirit companion. The earlier encounter with the spirit momentarily slipped his mind, but the fearful glimmer in Kanako's eyes swiftly reminded him.

         Hao turned his gaze towards the spirit, humming in contemplation. It seemed that the time had come to satiate the Spirit of Fire's hunger. “Don't worry, Kanako-san, it will no longer pose a threat to you,” he reassured her. Almost as soon as the words left his lips, a cascade of luminous beads materialized in the air, swiftly coiling around the spirit, ensnaring it within the grasp of the Spirit of Fire's hand.

         “Shall we go?” Hao inquired, extending an invitation to their joint journey.

[featherchan]

Hao observed his followers from atop of the hill, casually sitting down with one leg bent to rest his arm on. He enjoyed knowing that they trained to be stronger, ever-resilient and hardened. His eyes flitted over to one girl in particular.

"Kanako-san," he called out, an unassuming smile on his face. "Do you have a minute?"

[ Inbox Suprise / @annienne ]

Kanako has been in a better mood since she made a friend who is like her, those who can see unworldly spirits that wander around them. He had even taught her things that linked to her maternal grandmother's side, of their abilities, and how to harness them. Making her feel closer to her grandmother, yet she couldn't help but question why her grandmother hadn't taught them any of this when she was alive.

Agreeing to meet Hao again. She smiles when she sees him and calls her over. "Hao-san…" Calling his name. She was quickly greeted by several hateful glares from his "other companions". Especially from three girls with interesting looks, who gave her glares that were filled with venom. The Lioness didn't pay mind and was somewhat accustomed to those hateful and intimidating glares. As she often pretended not to see the weaker spirits who threw almost similar negative looks at her way, especially in a public setting.

Sitting next to him and Opacho. "I brought you and Opacho some homemade bento." Hearing that he wanders a lot and doesn't have a permanent home confused and saddened the Lioness. "I make them myself…" A little gesture of thanks for teaching soul abilities and being her friend.

[featherchan]

Before the end of 2024 comes to a close, I would like to thank every one of you. It is an honor to be your mutual, to interact with you, and for some, to be your friend. I look forward to the coming years of writing with you, inspiring each other in our plotting and writing, and fangirling over the fandom that brought us together. Along with our friendship to grow and bloom through these shared experiences.

So, Happy Holidays and Happy New Year to all of you.

Tagging : @champiionic , @coollyinterferes , @goldenthreadstories , @calmlythrilling , @shouga-nai , @strcngered, @starsmuserainbow , @roleplay-abiogenesis2 , @quiet-or-die , @lightcreators , @praeteritus-memories , @multiandmany , @cartoonslackers , @illholy , @eternalstarlights , @cauterisen , @sillymuses , @ridiculed-baker , @merveiilles , @ofaflower , @empathicstars , @marshalforgotten , @aonokumura , @annienne , @arcgeminga , @tsukuharuko , @caelumangeli , @honoosenshi and to all.

[featherchan]

"MY LADY!" The blonde knight screams, as she watches the ill foe step closer to her ward. Once a knight and soldier for the King of France, she instinctively attempted to reach for her rapier to defend and protect her Lady. But she soon realized, with painful clarity, that her rapier was no longer by her side, when she became nothing but a spirit. Feeling enraged, helpless, and hopeless, she did something ridiculous by putting herself between her ward and the ill spirit. It could have been deemed a worthless attempt to protect her Lady, in other people's eyes. But she will not sit idle and allow her sworn oath, as a knight to the late Hanako Ryuuzaki, to be broken.

And if it was like the late Madam heard her desperate prayers, someone stepped forward to eliminate the ill-gotten soul. But wary of the newcomer, she stepped forward. "Who are you?" Fiercely guarding her ward. Deon's eyes lock on a young boy. And something about the air around him, the flames that he has conjured makes the knight feel uncomfortable and wary of him. Her gaze soon quickly returns to her young ward. "My lady?" Concern is still stressed in her voice.

With the air clear, and being able to breathe easily again, the Lioness was still shivering from the cold, the after-effects of the encounter still lingered. Her hands began to subconsciously reach for the closest source of heat, where she grabbed the boy's hand. Slowly, the light in her eyes began to return along with her senses. And touching her cheeks, feeling the warmth again. Her eyes darted to the boy's hand that she was holding closely. Realizing he was like her, before she had the chance to compose herself, she impulsively placed both of her hands over his and asked in an unexpected manner. "Would you be my friend?" Quick to tackle the impolite situation, the Knight cleared her throat before speaking. "My lady, you're being a little too forward…" And realizing what she had done, she quickly pulled her hands away as her cheeks turned pink from embarrassment. She bows her head slightly in thanks to the other person. "My name is Ryuuzaki Kanako. I apologize for my impulsive behavior, and I'd like to thank you for saving my life…"

        RESTING AGAINST A BRANCH, Hao laid on his back, enjoying the late evening breeze as it drifted by, his long strands dancing in the air. He let out a contented sigh. Quiet evenings like this, when most left the streets, when lights were turned off; it was a time Hao greatly enjoyed. It brought peace, however shortlived, to his ever turbulent mind.

        Hao cherished moments like this.

        Opacho was soundly asleep on a branch next to him, and the Asakura let her. They travelled a long distance today and she deserved her rest. Keeping his mind on her while simultaneously gazing at the starts, Hao could finally let the tension of the day wash away. His shoulders relaxed, his mind cleared, Hao resolved himself to a quiet time.

        The thought barely crossed his head when he was smacked by a frantic mind. Seconds later, a strong spirit materialised into the area, just below the tree he rested on, eyes fixated on a girl in the distance. The pieces slowly connected together as Hao's mind painted a picture of what was going on, and what would probably happen if he let it all play out.

        Hao couldn't care less about a human getting possessed by such a strong spirit; in fact, he would probably encourage the spirit to go after them, let it have its fun.

        Before the future king could relax back against the tree, his mind was yet again assaulted by the girl's thoughts turning frightened by the second. It seemed she noticed the presence of the spirit, after all. Clever for a human—

        His thoughts cut themselves off when he observed the presence of another spirit, the girl's guardian spirit perhaps. It appeared protective over her; Hao sensed that much. Now intrigued more than he wanted to admit, he watched as the scene played out. It would be a test as any other, to see if the girl was powerful enough. Should she join his followers, she needed to be of a strong will and mind.

        Counting the seconds before the malicious spirit would eventually attack, a decided frown crossed Hao's face. His lips curled in distaste when he took notice of the girl's hesitance. Pathetic. Kanako, was it? Eh, she had no place in his ranks if she couldn't fight a simple spirit.

        Hao would have laid back once more if Kanako's guardian spirit didn't catch his attention. Interesting. A powerful spirit and yet the girl didn't know how to utilise their bond to its full potential. Maybe if he could train her?

        The decision was quickly made. Hardly moving from his place, Spirit of Fire materialised right next to the hostile spirit, making quick work of it before it had the girl fully under its command. A second later, Hao jumped from his position, swiftly landing on the ground beside the frozen girl.

        “Good evening,” he greeted the spirit with a warm smile. Spirit of Fire had the evil spirit in its hold, dutifully following Hao's silent command until he could think about its fate. “Are you alright?” he asked.

[featherchan]

The way the stranger spoke to them both, made it obvious that he was able to perceive and converse with the Knight, and it was not strange to him at all, almost a norm for him. With one hand against her chest, the guardian bows her head. "We are fine." She spoke on her Lady's behalf. "I cannot thank you enough for saving my Lady..." And, as Kanako lifted her head, upon hearing his reply to her inquiry, a light gasp escaped from the Lioness's lips. "Really?!" Her cheeks turned slightly pink, becoming almost shy and embarrassed. "T-Thank you, Hao..." She smiles back in return, as happiness, joy, and excitement beam in her chest.

Seeing how the mere child and his guardian were able to restrain the ill-vengeful spirit with ease, it makes the Knight feel even more uneasy by the second. She wondered if she should warn her Lady to be wary of him. But watching the boy and her Lady interact, it makes the female Knight happy to see her ward finally being able to make a friend. Many don't understand her lady's unique blessing, making it almost impossible to share or talk to anyone, besides her siblings. That she always seems quiet and reserved to other people, with no friends of her own, and often lonely, due to it.

But hearing the boy, Hao, speak about familiar spiritual terms and noting what she was. Behind her straight face, her emotions darkened. As a spy, she learned to read people, but she could never read the late Madame's intentions. D'eon never understood why the late Madame only taught the basics to her grandchildren, despite admitting they had capabilities that far surpassed her. The Madam even forbade the Knight and all her guardian spirits from teaching their ward any knowledge, making them swear on her deathbed.

Looking confused, Kanako tilted her head when Hao spoke about certain unfamiliar terms. She knew what a Shaman was, but never expected to be called one. And what the heck is a, 'seirei-class'? Looking up at D'eon, in her eyes, her Knight had always been special to her. The Lioness even read up on her biographies and picked up on the art of fencing, so she could get to know her better and grow closer to her guardian. But was D'eon really that grand, that she was recognized by others? These questions piqued her curiosity to know more.

"Well, I-" "Forgive me, my Lady. You need to get home quickly, or else..." Kanako faces palmed to herself. Due to the sudden life-threatening excitement, she had forgotten why and how it occurred in the first place. "I apologize, Hao. I need to get back home as soon as possible..." She then hung her head and her lips turned into a frown. "But.." Raising her head with a small smile. "I can walk you to the path that leads you to town..." Pausing and remembering. "Um..." She nervously looked towards the ill spirit that was still in Hao's guardian's grip. "What should will happened to them?" Still slightly frightened by it, she actually took a step back. Feeling her body turning cold being in close proximity to it.

         HAO WATCHED IN AMUSEMENT AS THE YOUNG WOMAN GRABBED HIS HAND. His relaxed smile soon turned into a sombre expression as the knight fussed over her shaman. 

         “Don't worry about it,” Hao assured, the corner of his eyes crinkling as the smile returned. “I trust you both haven't been harmed?” he added needlessly. They were safe as long as he was with them. Trusting his spirit, Hao walked over to the Knight, raising a hand toward her in a friendly manner, showing no harm. 

         Ryuuzaki Kanako was her name. That could be easily extracted from her excited thoughts, but he refrained from voicing this out, choosing to hide his reishi for the time being. Not for long though, the girl quickly shared her name in complete trust. 

          “My name is Hao,” he introduced himself.  “I have no reason to refuse your friendship.” He grinned, looking much like his easy-going twin. The shaman knew that smiling was the quickest way to gain anyone's trust.

         “It's not every day I get to meet a strong shaman and an even stronger spirit,” he appraised with a quick wave of his hand. 

         Never mind the Spirit of Fire standing at large just behind him; the evil spirit in its clutches as it tried to escape in a futile attempt. “I hardly did anything. That spirit is not even close to seirei-class.” He brushed it off, and instead regarded the Knight with a focused look. “You, on the other hand,” Hao started but opted not to finish his sentence.

         “Hmm...I was heading to village near from here. I have some business to finish. Would you care to join?” He had no need for more followers, but nothing hurt from having some companions along the road.