A Little Rain Must Fall *Kiyoshi

[Ito Kiyoshi]

“It is my honour to be able to help you.” Kiyoshi finally managed a smile for his strange guest. “Not herbs, no.” He explained using the term his Grandmother always had. “I am touched by Ama-no-Uzume. I do not require herbs to bring you her blessings.” He rose to his feet and went to get the water. He filled a small jug and brought that along with a glass. Takias might well get thirsty again whilst he was gone looking for a healer. He knelt back down and poured some water into the glass which he then offered to Tak. “You are however correct that the Kami's touch would be distracting to the clarity of your thoughts.” He gave a small nod of his head. “So as you wish I shall refrain.”

It felt good to be able to talk openly to someone again. Kiyoshi had been very much alone since his Grandmother had passed on. No-one else seemed to speak Japanese and though his English was perfectly competent he missed talking to his Grandmother about Japan, the far away home that he had never seen. He could only observe the Matsuri alone and his early life was beginning to take on a dream like quality, it was so different from how he lived now day to day. Only keeping his promise to his Grandmother to tend the tiny honden had kept him anchored to his past. But just sitting here talking to Takias made everything more solid again, more real.

In the short time he had known the shinobi he had already become the closest thing Kiyoshi had to a friend. He felt a momentary stab of panic that Takias might die or that the Kami would take him away again. Both of these were things he could act upon. The later by prayer and offering and the former by seeking out a healer. It was beginning to get darker and the vampires would soon be up and about, but they did not so much frequent the Burrow and the place Kiyoshi was thinking of was not too far away. “I shall return soon. You have my word.” he promised and settling Tak as best he could, Kiyoshi headed back out into the world.
. . .

The place he had heard rumours of was the ruins of an old church in the oldest part of the Burrow. There were supposedly mutants or angels or both living there though any definitive statement was somewhat lacking. Kiyoshi cautiously entered the seemingly deserted place. “Hello?” he called quietly, wanting to whisper but feeling foolish. “Is anyone here? I need help for my friend, he is hurt.” According to his Grandmother 'angels & demons' were just another kind of Kami who had been wounded by the breaking of the natural world and could only wear one face now. He murmured a brief prayer that he would find a gentle-faced, angel-Kami that would be willing to help Tak.

(TAG: Valene)

[valeneangiola]

Exhaustion had called Valene back to sleep for a day or so while she was off. It had been a busy few days, prior she had succumbed to the rest required of her form. Eyes fluttered as the gentle call seemed to beckon her from her slumber. Shifting up from where she rested, she could feel the need pulling her to the church in the oldest part of the burrow. The need called to the guardian she was and without hesitation, she disappeared only to reappear behind Ito. " Hello, You called?" She stood behind Ito a serene smile upon her face. The while slip dress flowed about her and in her haste, she had forgotten her shoes barefoot she stood upon the floor. Her hands clasped before her in a simple gesture of patience. Her eyes glittered the brilliant blue of caring and compassion as she looked over Ito, though she could feel his need for help she could not place what his hurried distress was that called to her. He did not seem to be injured himself.

Her hands released, and she stepped forward. " I can sense you are hurried and restless. What may I do to help you? Are you sick, or dying perhaps a family member or loved one? " Her empathic abilities stretched their tendrils out as she spoke. Her brilliant crimson locks shifted about her as she realized the ethereal glow of her refreshed powers were streaming off her. She calmed them down, and the light seemed to dim as she did not wish to scare the person before her. She smiled waiting patiently now for the one before her to answer what might be the need which he had sought out the aid of an angel.

" Take me to them." Her hand extended finally as she urged Ito to take her hand and guide her to where he might need her help.

[Ito Kiyoshi]

Kiyoshi was beginning to wonder if he was mistaken about this being the place he was seeking when he suddenly heard the most melodious voice imaginable. He spun around to find himself face to face with a vision of perfect beauty that could only be the source of the musical voice. With her brilliant red hair seeming to dance in the night breeze she resembled nothing more to Kiyoshi than a living flame. Truly he was in the presence of a Kami and it was not fear that poured from him but wonder and adoration.

He bowed deeply to her and explained quickly but in reverent tones how his friend had suffered a fall from a great height and how he feared that bruised and bloodied as he was he might not survive his injuries. In his awe of the angel-Kami, Kiyoshi did not even realise that he had automatically shifted back to Japanese as the 'appropriate' language in which to beseech aid from a Kami. His relief as she agreed to help was palpable.

Still somewhat dazed he hesitantly took her hand. His own hands were encased in tight black leather gloves, in fact there was no skin exposed on his whole body except for his face. He hoped that the angel-Kami would not take offence. Nervously he led her back towards his apartment. She was not the least conspicuous creature in the world and he took as obscure a route as he could for their return trip, glad that it was not a long one and they could walk it quickly.

. . .

Once inside the lobby of the apartment building he relaxed slightly, the occupants of this block tended to keep to themselves and undoubtedly many others here had their own secrets that they did not wish to see brought to the attention of the VSF. He led her up the two flights of stairs and unlocked his door, opening it slowly and calling softly to Takias in Japanese as he did so. The last thing Kiyoshi wanted to do was startle the injured shinobi, that would be a very dangerous thing to do.

“Takias, it is I Ito. I have brought a healer. The Kami has come to aid us.” he said quietly as he led the angel-Kami into the apartment.

[Takias Kaneshiro]

As Tak waited, he could feel the full effects of his adrenaline rush wearing off. Every bone and muscle on his body hurt from his fall. His body broke out in a cold sweat and he began to shiver. This was not good. If the people whom Ito had spoken of came now, he would be taken without a fight. He would have to kill himself to keep himself out of their hands, the way a true shinobi would.

Tak knew that would not happen. The Kami had brought him there for a reason. They would not let it end this way, not this soon. They needed him to perform some function that required more physical strength and agility than a normal man so they had given him the gift of the feline added to his own body. For that he was grateful. He would be an even more powerful warrior.

Tak began to hear every sound around him. Water dripped somewhere, sounding like someone was beating a metal drum. Something roared form outside, probably one of the dragons he had encountered earlier, perhaps coming to avenge its mate. He was cold, his shivering became intense. He reached for the blanket Ito left and pulled it over his bruised and broken body.

Every sound he heard caused him to turn his head and look for some unseen presence. The enemy of the Kami might be trying to defeat him while he was weak. He could hear them scratching at the floor and ceiling. Little did he know it was just the rats and insects that lived in the walls, but to him, they were monsters coming to kill him. Tak was going into shock.

The sound of Ito's return and even moreso the sound of his voice was a godsend. It helped to pull him from his madness a little. "Ito...the enemy...they come." he gasped. He coughed and blood filled his mouth, coating his felinesque teeth. "You must hide." The words sank in and he looked at Ito with confused eyes, "The Kami?" He asked bewildered and looked behind Ito to see something he had never seen in his entire life.

A beautiful woman with hair like fire and eyes like ice stood behind the boy. She was radiant. There was no doubt that she was Kami. He breathed a gurgley sigh of relief and closed his eyes. "Save me." he whispered as blood trickled out of the corner of his mouth. The world lurched and spun and began to fade, "The darkness comes."

[valeneangiola]

Valene felt her hand taken and no she was not offended when he kept on his glove. She allowed herself to be hurried and guided through the obscure way he took her. She felt the urgency and need flowing off him, and it caused her to be tense as they navigated the back ways and into the apartment building. Up the two flights of stairs and to the apartment, she had kept quiet the whole time and moved by the need and urgency she felt.

Once they entered through the door the pain as well as the urgency of the matter hit her. She did not need to see past Ito to know that the man within was in grave peril. Already she could feel his body's shock and the mixture of his emotions rolling around. She released Ito's hand and slipped past him. With only a gentle touch to Ito's shoulder the glow of her hand sending soothing waves to Ito. She would need him to remain calm.

As she took in the form of Takias the sadness showed in her eyes as she hurt to see him in pain. Moving forward with haste as he asked her to save him, she had sunk beside him her hands placed to his form and the curative waves sent out to his body. Immediately, she allowed herself to feel within him by the therapeutic waves of her power, and slowly she would start to knit and heal the worst of his injuries working from the inside out. She fought to pull him back from that brink. She held nothing back.

The blood that had seeped from his form tinged the pure white slip dress she wore, soaking slowly up into the fabric. The brilliant glow of her blue eyes gleamed as she looked over him. " Shhh." She soothed him. " I am the light that repels the darkness. I am the guardian. " The creed of her station slipping past her lips as she sought to sooth him. If he began to be fearful, it would make her job harder. Gently, she maneuvered her hands. " Ito..." her voice soft. "A cool cloth or Luke warm water to help stave off his fever that will come as I heal him please. " She knew that keeping the temperature of the body stable was a must in this. The pain and the heat of the pressures of her healing would build.

Pulling one back from the brink of death would take time and she knew it would exhaust her energy but, she could not fail. Exerting the energy she could she closed her eyes and lost herself within the healing then.

[Ito Kiyoshi]

The sound of Takias' voice, even ragged as it was and edged with delirium, lifted a huge weight from Kiyoshi's shoulders. He had been terrified that the shinobi might die before he returned or be taken back by the Kami because he had not been swift enough to aid him. But now the angel-Kami was here and Kiyoshi had no doubts that she could save Tak. The shinobi's faith was far stronger and purer than his own; he was unquestionably worthy of her favour and her healing gifts. “We are safe for now Takias; the Kami will make all things right.” Kiyoshi reassured him. He hoped that Tak was just confused about 'the enemy', he had seen so sign of the VSF on the way home. He had to trust that the angel-Kami would have noticed.

He stepped aside with a bow as she hastened to Tak's side and it was practically on autopilot that he locked the door and paid his respects to the Kami of the honden. Kiyoshi remained silent, still filled with an awed wonderment at the transpiring events, as the Kami's power radiated from her in soothing waves, pouring into Tak's shattered body. He leaped to obey as she requested water and a cloth, fetching both quickly and kneeling down beside Tak as he placed them next to her. Kiyoshi wished that he could do more for the shinobi, but his fate was now quite literally in the hands of the Kami.

So quickly had his entire world been turned around by the arrival of this man. There had to be some greater synchronicity to the crossing of their paths. Kiyoshi contemplated the angel-Kami; he had found her far more easily than he had expected to. Did she know the purpose for which Tak had been summoned? Was it to aid her in return? He did not believe for a moment that this was the last time they would see her. She had said she was 'the guardian', of what he did not know but they were indebted to her now and that meant she would call on them when the time came.

Kiyoshi dipped the cloth carefully in the cool water and pressed it gently to Tak's forehead and the sides of his neck to cool his raging blood. He softly murmured the appropriate prayers of purification and balance as the angel worked her miracle.

[Takias Kaneshiro]

Tak nearly lifted a hand to touch the angel but he knew better. One did not touch a Kami without an invitation so his hand dropped again. He trusted the Kami and something told him to trust Ito so he nodded and closed his eyes. He let the Kami do her work on him. He could feel things that would make any other man scream with pain.

Bones began to knit together, sharp edges finding their way back together like puzzle pieces then healed. The wounds in the internal organs that were punctured by the broken bones, closed and healed, the bleeding stopped.

All these things were painful but Tak would make his ancestors proud. He gnashed his teeth and clenched them together. His fists were clenched so tight his knuckles were white and the color drained from his already pale face. Heat engulfed his body but the cool cloth on his head felt cold and helped to soothe him.

Soon the heat lessened and the pain disappeared and he let out a relieved sigh. Fatigue overcame him and he only wanted to sleep. But he had questions for the Kami. He needed to get answers. "My sincerest thanks respect madame." he said softly in his native ancient tongue. "May I know the purpose to which you have taken me from my home in my time brought me here, 600 years in the future? What will you have of me?" He was sure to keep his voice low and not make eye contact so she did not think she was being challenged.

[valeneangiola]

As Ito had helped her, she smiled. Nodding her approval to him. She felt the strength it was taking from her as every little bit she had she gave to heal and pull Takias back from the brink of death. Thankful Ito nor Takias knew exactly how close he had been to holding hands with death and walking down that lonely road. Closing her eyes she sighed when she felt the last of the most intensive wounds heal themselves. He was saved, and it gave her a breath of happiness to know that she had succeeded in saving another life. Finally, the glow and heat would start to soothe and cool bringing the core temperature of his body back down to a human rate and perfection. " You are healed but you will need several days to rest and recuperate. It was a very strenuous healing of your body. You may even be a little sore. Please be very careful." A gentle brush to his forehead her hands dropped from his form and rested in her lap as she stayed kneeling, for the moment, by his side.

A glance from Ito to Takias and she waited. Nodding to Takias at his thanks. " Valene, My name is Valene. " She smiled. " And there is no need for thanks. It is my pleasure and my reason for living. " Tilting her head, she felt the need and desire for something off of him. It was the curious kind her empathic abilities were strong enough to pick up on that. As he followed with the question, she blinked. Staring at him for the longest time. " I am sorry Takias. I wish that I could tell you what your purpose is for, but it is not my place. You needed help, a guardian angel, and that is what I am. Though I do not know I can try to find out and ask, but it has been a very long time since I have been in contact with any of the other heavenly hosts. " Her eyes saddened when he did not make eye contact, and she shifted her touch to his shoulder. " Why do you fear me? I am not nor will I ever be a threat to you." She did not know he thought she might feel threatened. Feeling sorry for Takias and Ito, she glanced to the two. He did pose a very good question, and she could probably ask or seek out the answer for him if he really wanted her too.

She looked to Ito and sighed a gentle smile. " You did well I thank you for keeping calm and listening to what I asked. It would have been much harder to accomplish without your help. "

[Ito Kiyoshi]

Kiyoshi also breathed a sigh of relief as the pain racked tension in Tak's body began to dissipate. The water in the bowl was quite warm now with the heat that had poured from him as the angel-Kami had ministered to his injuries. Kiyoshi had not doubted that she would save Tak but to see the shinobi forced to bear such pain was frightening. He wished Tak would have allowed him to drug him first, but that was just selfishness on his part, it would have been purely to spare Kiyoshi's sensibilities, the shinobi had his own code with regards to such things.

He held his breath as Tak asked his questions of the Kami, not that they were inappropriate at all, they were entirely the proper questions to ask, but he too had a burning desire to know the answers and he hoped the Kami did not find it improper for him to remain and listen. Kiyoshi's curiosity had been the cause of much trouble for him in the past and it would doubtless remain the source of great peril for him in the future if this days events were any indication of the direction the Kami would have him take.

He was a little disappointed that Valen did not immediately know the answer to Tak's query, but he told himself that he should not have been surprised. He had sought out a very specific type of Kami to heal Tak and all Kami had their own purposes and domains of interest. That she was willing to commune with the other Kami to help them to obtain answers was more than they had any right to expect. He maintained a respectful silence whilst Takias and the Kami conversed, raising his head to respond only when she addressed him directly.

“We are eternally grateful to you Kami-Valene...” Kiyoshi bowed to her from his kneeling position as she complimented his obedience; his Grandmother's spirit would be proud that his deportment had met with the Kami's approval and he allowed himself a small pleased smile. He must remember later to make an offering of thanks to his Grandmother for all she had taught him that had allowed him to help Tak today. “The Kami will always be honoured in this house.” he pledged.

[Takias Kaneshiro]

Tak knew that many Kami worked independently but some did work in twos and threes and all answered to some being somewhere, to which he was unsure. He had been trained in the faith and how to respect it so that he did not offend the Kami. Offending a Kami could ruin your life.

His eyes darted to her face in confusion, "It is not fear, mistress, only respect that I show." his eyes dropped again before he could make eye contact. "The masters at my school teach that one does not make eye contact with a Kami unless invited. A shinobi knows no fear as the Kami have intended." He was worried that if she reported to the Kami that he had shown fear, she may punish him brutally, perhaps even kill him and make him come back as a woman. For someone from his era, that was a bad thing, a punishment.

The angels touch was warm and inviting; comforting. Tak found himself making a noise he had never made before...it was a low rumble that came from his chest that was not a growl...it was a purr. Tak tried to make it stop but could not. He finally held his breath to make it stop but how long could he do that for? Not long in his weakened state and soon he began to breath again, the purr started up again, "Forgive me. I mean no disrespect." he sighed.

[valeneangiola]

Valene smiled as she looked at Ito. "It is my pleasure and purpose to be of help to you Ito. Thank you for having faith in me. As well as the honor you bestow upon me for asking for my help." Turning her gaze back to Takias. " Well Takias you have been invited. I prefer being able to look into the eyes of one I have healed and see that they are indeed feeling better." Her hand reached out, and she patted his lightly in a gentle and caring way.

At the sound of the rumbling purr, she let out a soft laugh that was one of enjoyment shaking her head. " No no it's ok. A bit... unusual" Looking at him, she reached out to make sure that she had not accidentally missed something in healing him but found that she had not. Intrigued she studied him quietly for a moment. "You have not disrespected me Takias and I have no belief you ever will. " She then pulled back and shifted slightly to stand looking down to the mess of her dress. Sighing a little she shifted to sit with her legs tucked up beside her now. " If you feel you are secure I will depart soon. I must rest a little myself. " looking to the two she thought about her next actions carefully.

"I would like to return later to check up on you both and see how you are coming along in your recovery. I can only assume with the stealth which I was brought here under and your questions that you wish to remain unknown about to others. If you permit I will return secretly just to see that you both are alright." She waited then looking to the two unsure if they needed her further assistance and keeping a close eye on the purring Takias just to make sure he was not over tiring or becoming discomforted.

[Ito Kiyoshi]

Valene's gentle laughter was an intoxicatingly beautiful sound and it left Kiyoshi feeling a little light-headed and euphoric. He could only imagine how her touch had affected Tak when just her voice was enough to leave him dizzy. Was this how others felt when he used his 'gift' on them? He had never experienced such intoxication himself; beyond the permanent dilation of his pupils his body did not respond at all to drugs or painkillers of similar type to those it produced naturally.

He realised when she sighed and stood up that Tak's blood was all over her formerly pristine white slip but he could not think what on earth to do about it and he hoped the Kami did not take offence; cleanliness was very important to the Kami. Perhaps as a healer Valene did not find blood as unclean as some Kami did? “Is there anything I might offer to you Kami-Valene? For your comfort or to help restore your energy? How best might I show thanks?” he asked respectfully.

Kiyoshi bowed his head again to Valene. “You are welcome to return here whenever you wish Kami-Valene. It would do us great honour to be so blessed by your presence.” He had not anticipated that the Kami would want to return later, but given Tak's questions and her willingness to help him resolve his destiny, it seemed that she would be a recurring presence in their lives from now on. Whatever fate was in store for Tak must be important for the Kami to take such a direct interest in his continued well-being.

[Takias Kaneshiro]

Tak listened to the two of them talk. He was a man of very little words and listening always got you farther than talking. He needed to see where he was, assess the situation, figure out why he was there, whom he needed to help and he would need money to do it. Ito had given him enough hospitality without him infringing on him further. Honor demanded repayment, especially since he needed more of Ito’s help. For now, he must repay his debt to this Kami.

“My honor demands I repay my debt.” He said softly as he stood up and began putting on his armor. When he got to sorting out the problem of his tail, he grabbed it and stuffed it down his pants. “This thing…” he complained then let out a catlike growl. “I will not know what is required of me or how to perform my duty unless I have knowledge of my surroundings as well.” He grabbed his harness and put it on, sliding his swords into place on his back.

“I need supplies if I am to stay here, tell me are there woods nearby? I need stones to sharpen my swords, oils to tend to my armor, these can be made from vegetation.” He began checking hidden pockets that had throwing stars, daggers and other little ninja toys that he carried hidden in his clothing. “And food…” he said softly as an afterthought. He was starving and craving the oddest things. He would kill for cream and savory meats. “Is there a lake or river where I can fish?” he asked, thinking a nice fish would fill his empty stomach quite well and hopefully he would find some wild rice along the shore.

Tak was more tired than he had ever been, but without the earlier pain and shock of injuries, his self-control was back. He would eat and care for his equipment before he indulged in the luxury of sleep.

[valeneangiola]

As Valene stood herself, she looked down at the silken fabric that was stained with Tak's blood already it was turning a shade of brown that had her frown as she bent to rip it clean baring just the hint of her legs now above the knee she sighed. Her hand came up in motion to Ito. " You show thanks by believing in me and calling on me for help. I as..." her voice trailed off as Tak stood then and started to move very fast in his preparation of himself.

At first, she started at him in bafflement then it was confusion and finally slight anger and disappointment she stepped forward and placed her hand on his shoulder tilting her head to look at him. " Have you so little care for my words and work that you will not allow it to fully take hold and give it the rest your body needs to finish its work? " Yes, she was a little offended now as he seemed not to heed her words for what was best to him.

Stepping back her hand dropped and her eyes teared slightly out of frustration always the hard warriors so quick to rush off even at the possible danger of their own health it was frustrating to the Guardian in her as they never seem to know the taxing work, they put their guardians through. " If this is what you feel you need and must, then I have no power to stop you. There is a sanctuary near here created by the mutants. However, I cannot tell you it is safe, or that you will not run into dangers there. I just wish you would be sure that you have healed properly."

A turn of her gaze given to Ito and then back to Tak as she looked between the two. " I have fear this is not the last time either of you will need me and seeing as how your own guardians did not heed to the answer to your call when you so desperately needed them. You may find me where you did before should you need me before I return" She sighed and looked down to the door. The desire to give them a feather was there but, alas she was not on hallowed ground. So she could not. At least not right now. " I will return in a few days. I hope that you will be here Takias so that I may know you are alright. Ito you as well. " Turning now she made her way towards the door with the intention of leaving. Yes she could have just vanished but she was tired and wanted the walk.

[Ito Kiyoshi]

Kiyoshi was stunned when Tak stood up and began to redress himself. It was not that he doubted at all that the Kami had indeed healed him but he had hoped that the shinobi would sleep a while so that he would have time to think through how he was going to explain things to him and perhaps he too could sleep. Given the frantic way his evening had played out, Kiyoshi had no intention whatsoever of trying to work the clubs tonight and had thought that a little extra sleep might do him some good too.

He nodded his head respectfully to Takias, he couldn't make the man do anything he didn't want to and had no right to give him orders but there were things he desperately needed to know before he ran into the VSF again. “There is time for all things Takias-sama and many things that must be told before you seek your destiny. It would shame me to have you depart my home so unprepared.” Kiyoshi hoped he had set the correct tone in his request as words were all he had to restrain the shinobi.

Valene's reaction to Tak's dogged determination to observe his shinobi Matsuri terrified Kiyoshi. The anger of a Kami was no small thing and he was not entirely certain why she was so angry. One did not however question such things. He was further confused that she believed the other Kami had deserted them. Had they not led him to find Takias in the first place? and then to find the sacred place where Kami-Valene dwelt? Clearly his understanding was at fault here. Valene was a different kind of Kami to those his Grandmother had served.

His eyes widened in horror as Valene directed Tak to seek the Sanctuary. He didn't want to make the Kami even angrier by contradicting her but he couldn't let Tak think that was anything other than her seeking to punish him. He shot Tak a desperate look, shaking his head emphatically as Valene turned away from them. The Sanctuary was a sacred place and to trespass there without appeasing those who dwelt with the Kami was horribly wrong, not to mention dangerous and illegal.

Kiyoshi did not rise from where he knelt. He felt entirely out of his depth between the shinobi and the Kami and could not imagine anything further that he could do or say to either of them that would not just make things worse. He bowed respectfully low and murmured a formal farewell and thanks to Kami-Valene, hoping that Tak would heed his warning and wait for him to explain after she had gone.