.The drums stop here...[Soul line Activations. Penny & Shiori]

After that chaos in Caotang I thought it best for us to head to my hut. I wanted to show him the place I took my time to make the 'drums' stop in my mind. My little sanctuary. Ghost is glad we left Caotang. He hates the sheep there. They nearly nip his tail. But then.. Ghost doesn't like animals who are that much bigger than himself. He likes to be King in a sense. I'm glad we haven't had any more spider incidents since our first. It was nice that the people of Caotang gave us the pelt. They are pretty and I need to have the R&D study them. They have a mystical force. Its weird. But its like you can't sense a person when they have it on. Your sixth sense just can't feel the danger of someone close. Nearly got clawed to shreds by those damn tigers.

THe dirt path leading to my home is a a nostalgic walk. I smile and hum softly. I really do love it here. The smell of the summer blossoms is thick in the air and I look up to watch a pair of butterflies dance above our heads. My smile softens. "Butterfly... Butterfly... Wings to be free.. Carry a message to my lover... Your freedom the key.." I sing softly. Its an old lullaby from my mother. "Butterfly... Butterfly.. I long to be.. Can't I to.. Fly free as a can be.." I pause and peer over at Penny with a smile as we near the top and the small hut comes into view. "This is the place," I chirp and move ahead, smiling as the land spans outward from the cliff I built the hut upon.

"Isn't it beautiful, Pen?"

-292

Hard to explain to normal people, but the walk up to this place was making him feel more anxious than the damned tigers had. He couldn't really explain it to Shiori. Although no doubt, the quiet thoughtful act was spelling it to her enough. She couldn't understand. The drums had been a part of his life for a time longer than he could remember. Whilst he was carried by their beat he had no cares. No worries. No heart. He was just a puppet. The silence had given him a sense of self and individuality. And really now. Looking back. He wouldn't trade that for all the lack of worry in all worlds. He listened to her song about butterflies. It was a facinating little ditty, a song about freedom, and love. But he couldn't feel that for whatever reason. The song had a double edged meaning to it. He removed that hanker chief from his pocket. Black butterfly symbols on the top, decorating it. Freedom always came with a cost. And just like the butterfly, one would have to under go a change from their old life before that freedom would be complete. But even then. Just because you had that freedom didn't mean that you would not iss the constraints of your old life. Someties the chains and shackles of things that came before. Look far more comforting when presented with the truth of ones freedom. For Shiori, he felt she was just coming into her wings. But was she truely ready for them? Ready to give up the life she had once had?

Part of him had to doubt this. Nothing ever moved so quickly unlss it was forced. And soething forced was always something recented later on down the line. They approached the hut and Shiori introduced him to the magnifcant view of the place. The hut was nowhere near as large as her pent house. But with this kind of view and this kind of climate. Well he could see why it would be enjoyable. But even so. This wasn't his past. Not his time. And he was almost completely sure of that. Not that he could remember just what had came before. But still, this heat. These smells. No. There as nothing about them that even sparked something. The trade road had brought up a memory. But even then. That had only been the smell of horses. But...this place was peaceful. So far away from the chaos of life. He could see why the drums had stopped for her here. But as he looked over the cliffs view. He felt that this place would have no answers for him. In truth he had been expecting some kind of huge temple with chanting priests who had cleansed her of whatever taint existed in hr life. That had turned her back on the path of good, a path back to life and love and duty. But no, it apparantly had just been as simple as being in a place of peace and meditating.

" Yeah....it is beautiful...amazing even".

That was true. But, he wasn't looking at the view anymore when he spoke those words.Rather the Lady who had asked the question He let a smile creep on his face. But seconds later that smile would falter as he heard something that froze his heart. A drum beat...his heart was in his throat. Eyes frozen in terror. Slowly, flinching as they followed to the source of the sound. His fingers. Rapping against his trouser leg as they had once before. It was in his body now...in his head. He drew his hand away from the leg of his trousersand brought it to his head. Grasping his temple as the drum beat continued emerging from the core. There was fear in him now. He didn't want to g back to the way it was before. Back to the insanity. No matter what freedoms it brought him. He wanted these chains of duty. Of l-. Hahahaha. A laughing voice from inside his head. NO...not inside his head. It was coming from his mouth. He was losing it. Losing his grip. He felt as if he was in that ocean in his reams again.Being pulled away on the tide of madness. But there was something that kept him holding on, even if it was just scrap of himself holding on. He looked up from the pulling waters of this madness. And there was something. Someone...waiting for him on the shore. He needed to hold on. For them. To get back to them.

Meanwhile, his body had dropped to its knees. Back turned to Shiori...the laughter getting louder and louder. Starting from little more than a whisper. It then turned to face her. Penny's own face, a mask f anguih and pain. Yet despite this. He was laughing. There was something in his right hand. A mask. His hand was twitchy as it drew the mask closer. Almost as if some part of him was struggling against the est not to put that mask on. But even with that part, the march forward towards his face was strong. Drawing closer and closer despite the mild resistance. Until eventually. It was inches away from his face. And then. Pressed on. Silence for a moment. Then a rush of dark energy. A roar that was almost animalistic. As if some beast had just been unchained. It slumped its shoulders. Arms moving down. Hanging by his sides. Face staring at the soil. The masked face looked up at Shiori slowly. The mask seemed to exclude its own feeling of darkness. Even as Penny's body seemed to elude the same smoke like darkness that floated from him in his Oni human form. Something that could only be considered as a manifestation of his own power.

.The drums stop here...[Soul line Activations. Penny & Shiori] LordofMadness

It kept that slumped shoulder look as it stepped towards her. Slowly giggling beneath the mask. " Smell it do ya?.....I smell it......fucking cunt!". The giggling burst into insane laughter. " Don't know why he cares.....damaged goods ain'tcha?!". Mittens, who had been till now standing with ghost and Shiori. Jumped in front of Shiori. Hissing wildly at her master. Or. Was this her master? Mittens was part of Penny's soul, she knew far more about him than anyone would....and if she was taking a stand against him right now....what did that indicate other than the fact it wasn't truely him in control? And yet, he didn't even seem to notice...or was it. That he didn't care Mittens was taking this stance against him? He was moving forwards, stepping so that Shiori's back would be towards the cliff. Pushing her back with his on coming advance. Mittens seemed to notice this, and with one momment of bravery the tiny cat lundged at the masked one. If there ha been no proof that Pennywise was no longer in control of his body. Then the next action would prove it. He caught Mittens in the air. His hand grasping around her head. She squirmed in his grasp. He tightened his grip and she let out a meow of pain. For a second it almost looked as if he was going to pop her head like a melon. But then...there was that same twitch. Flinch. One that looked as if there was something inside fighting back against the madness that was the mask.

With that. The body merely slammed Mittens into the soil. " Bad kitty....". It stated before continuing its march towards Shiori. Mittens wasn't moving. Whether she was alive and just unconcious. Or was ultimately dead. Was not known. Again, with the next step. There was a twitch. A flinch. A hestiation. Something trying to fight back from within. " Don't know, what he cares for....hahaha......can smell it.....can smell it all over you....all over all you humans.....so dirty.....so corrupt......so fucking filthy....hahaha....". Gripping hand, clenching into a fist. "....Fucking and snorting and growling like pigs....like fucking pigs and dogs rolling in the dirt....you act so fucking pure....but you arn't anything but filth....act like yar better than the animals ya look down on....think your better than us....but your worse than me...worse than them.....". He stopped for a second....the giggling stopped. His hands shaking. Moved up to the mask. Fingers grasped around the edges. Trying to pull it off.His fingers and hands were twitching the resistance however didn't last long. Hands slwly moved back down to his sides. He looked at Shiori. Now close enough to see the eyes behind the mask. They were his yellow eyes. But there was the cloudiness in them. Just like there had been when he had been dreaming. However there was something clear. Whatever had a hold of him now was strong, and despite his mild resistance. It didn't seem as if it cared too much about tearing Shiori. Limb from limb...

It stepped forward in again, this time hand outstrectching to make a grab for Shiori. Meanwhile inside the mind, Penny still struggled against the tides of madness. Attempting to grasp control from whatever was trying to pull him away...to get to the person on the shore.

Word Count: 1525
Total Word Count: 1525

Unlocked " Lord of Madness" Soul Line 1000/1000
Learned: " Hysterical Strength" 525/500

My time here had been peaceful. I had let this beauty and silence surround me and let it smooth my soul. I don't know why it did. But with time I had gotten myself back under complete control. I had trained. Lost myself in teachings I had learned growing up. Ghost would watch as I would work myself into a sweat and smile even as I lay on the ground panting for breath. The discipline I had learned came back as I repeated the drill. Sensei's voice whispered on the winds.

I clasp my hands behind my back as I gaze at the world before me. I had almost remained here. But Izuya had brought me back to the present, having had me believe Jyn was dead. But if I had not returned.. I would have never found Penny. Would never have taken up the role I had been raised to take since I was born. I don't mind so much that I have the duty of one day being president of Kyro Corporation. Nah. Its just life. I can always vacation to this place if I need to.

Laughter makes me stiffen. I turn quickly and see Penny on his knees, the laughter growing in volume. "Pen.." I whisper, worry filling me. Something is wrong. I move closer and he looks at me, a mask in his hand. His eyes are filled with anguish and pain, like something is happening that he has no control over. I don't understand. What is happening? He is struggling and when I step closer the mask is pressed to his face and something slams into me. Like a force pulsing from him. I gasp for breath.

Fly butterfly...

My mother's voice. A whisper on the wind. I step back, eyes wide as his head turns and he looks at me. "Pen?" My voice is trembling. I'm scared. What happened to him? This is like some bad horror movie. That mask gives me the chills.

Butterfly wings.. Soar to the moon

Mother always sang lullabies her grandmother taught her. She said they were songs that had been in the Kinomoto family for many generations. He gets to his feet and I step back, my blade asking me to summon them to fight. But this is Penny. I can't hurt him. I might kill him if I bring out Jigoku. Giggling. The insanity in his laughter. This isn't my Penny. Yes.. I refer to him as my own. The man I have seen grow from that time in the alley. That's my doing. Well I believe so anyway. Mittens leaps in his path and I watch the scene unfold and I gasp in horror as he grabs her out of the air then slams her to the ground. "Mittens.." I whisper, unable to get close to see if she is okay. Ghost hurries to her side and grasps the back of her neck, dragging her away from Penny. But now I face him.

Ramblings are spewed and I am called filthy. This isn't Penny. "Pen... Pen.. What's wrong?" I say softly, afraid of him. Afraid for him. He stops mid rant and I see him twitch. Hands are lifting. Fingers grasping. Pulling. Prying. I look at the mask. He is trying to get it off. That has something to do with all of this. But then the hands move away and he looks at me. I can see his golden orbs. They are clouded and but there is something else there. I've seen it before in the eyes of the lower evolved demons. That malice. That clear will to rip me apart because I am human. I am weak in the eyes of demons.

He is moving toward me again, hand reaching for me. I saw what he did to Mittens. If he gets ahold of me.. I'm dead. My foot suddenly meets open air and I realize what has happened even as I try to regain my balance. But I had moved back too suddenly. I can't get my balance back. My hands grasp at open air and I fall back, a scream tearing from my throat as I tip over the edge of the cliff.

THe wind rushes around me as I tumble through the air. It can't end like this. Not like this. I can't leave Penny alone. Not with that insanity. I saw him.. Just for a moment in all of it. He doesn't want it either. This isn't how its suppse to be.

Spread your wings.. Its time to fly...

Something pulses within me. Like the key has fit into the lock and turned. A click. And then I feel it unfurling. "It can't end like this!" I scream and then I grasp at this new thing in my body. I hold on and it takes hold. I suddenly stop falling.

I blink. How... What happened? I look around me. I'm floating about half down to the ground. I turn in the air. I'm.. Flying? There is a shimmer in the air and I turn my head and my eyes widen at the pair of wings that flutter behind me. THey look to be made of pure energy. THey are so pretty. I hear Ghost yowl and remember what is happening. I'll deal with the fact I have wings later. Time to hope they work. I look up and as if its second nature I fly upward. Its like walking. You don't think about it when your doing it all too much. You just do it.

I come back up, floating there and I look at Penny. I have to get that mask off. I land gently, wings fluttering. My power feels so gentle and soothing. "Pen.. Penny. Its me.. Shiori.. COme on, Pen. Fight it.. Come back to me.." I whisper to him softly as I begin to near him. If he could just grasp his own sanity for a moment. I might be able to get close and get the mask off before he tries to kill me.

wc: 1302
Soul Line Activate: 1000/1000
Xformation: 202/500
Butterfly Charm: 100/500

There was a voice in the dark, as the waves of madness attempted to dislodge him from his place. Attempted to pull him back into the horror. To wipe away whatever was left of him. But the voice. It called out to him. made him pull stronger. Made him hold on in this vast maelstrom.

He'd reached out to grab her. But there was nothing there. Nothing but air. She'd fallen backwards. Part of him screamed in horror inside his own mind. But it was drowned out by that madness. All it was capable of was laughing. His hand clenched tighter and tighter. Nails digging into his own flesh. Causing blood to flow forth. The aura of darkness and madness flowed from him like a pouring poison into the air. But there was more to this current now. Something that passed against it. Floating in the air in front of him. There she was again. This madness that inheritied his body. That filled every art of it was infuiated with her presense. Wanted to wipe her off the earth, and thought he had been foiled in reducing her to nothing more than a smudge on the cliff side.

Wings at her back. Something familar. A flash in his mind of that day he'd seen them before. But only the briefest of glimpses. Something about her power. Her presnese that was soothing the soul. But then, the drum beat forced back against it. The waves of madness and pure flowing evil and anger. That beastial nature of an Oni. He found the twitching hand moving back up in and attempt to pull off the mask. But his other hand grabbed it. Forced it back down.

" Think yer just gonna put me back in the box?...is that it bitch?...hahahaha!....you've got absolutely no idea do you? hahahahaha.....I fucking hate you...you and your kind....Filthy fucking pieces of shit...wanna wipe you all out...wanna tear you to bits and eat the rest!....Peel off those fucking wings....those fucking wings....GONNA RIP YOU APART YOU BITCH".

It goes to make a move towards her, out stretching a hand to grasp at her leg. Aiming to pull her down and rip off her head. But it freezes. Eyes look back. Its own legs refusing to move a step further. It lets out a hesitant laugh. His right hand reaches up and grabs at the edge of the mask. But its got a force of its own. Almost magnetic. Stuck to his face like it doesn't want to come off. Maybe that was it. This mask was merely the incarnation of madness itself. Pulling it off, resisting its power wasn't going to be easy. But somehow. He was doing it. Still trying. Protecting her. From himself. From-

" Herself...hahahaha....Your fucking weak you know that? Don't wanna drink down that sweet freedom, you want to be chained to this bitch pathetic , fucking pathetic! ".

Crawling now from the seas, onto the shores. Something grabbing him by his ankle, a masked figure. Darkness behind him, filling him. " Shes gonna get rid of you ya know!...Gonna be nothing but a dirty little secret, dirty little secret!...Gonna get in the way of her life!". He raised his other foot and planted it right in the face of the masked figure...

Pennywise recoiled in pain. As if something had struck him in the face. A crack shot up the mask. Now was Shiori's chance...

Word Count: 570
Total Word Count: 2095

Learned: Masque of Madness Xformation 570/500

This power within me is odd. But somehow not new. No. It has always been there. Sleeping. Waiting for me to need it. Mother always said we had special blood. That the Kinomoto were peacekeepers long ago. I still don't understand what she was talking about. But maybe... Just maybe she knew about this power. She had to have known. Otherwise.. Why call me 'Little Butterfly'. Most mothers call their daughters princess. She even called Shioriko a butterfly. But in a different manner. She refered to her as a caterpillar that would need to grow. Mother. I wish you were here. I am scared I might lose Penny. I don't know what I should do. I wish I had had you growing up. I want your guidance, mother.

Flutter butterfly... wings of pure healing light... save the souls from madness' might...

Mother? I hear her voice. Could she be calling to me? I want Penny. I want his perverted comments and his silly curiosity for human things. I want the safety he provides. He has kept me grounded. Made me smile again even though my heart is still wounded.

Power. I feel it. But its pleasant and makes me smile serenely at him even as he spits vile curses at me. I move closer. I'm a butterfly. I'll chase away the madness with a gentle touch. I must hold him. "Penny... That's it. I'm here. Come back..." I say to him softly, feeling power curled in those words.

A crack in the mask. A faultering in the madness. He is fighting it. I move in close, hands touching the edges of the mask. I press aginst him, wings fluttering. He can crush me now if I fail to bring him back. "Pen... You promised to protect me.. Don't leave me.. you promised.." I beg. Practically pleading with him as I grip the mask and try to pull it away.

Twc: 1617
Soul line Activation: 1000/1000 [complete]
Xformation: 302/500
Butterfly Charm: 315/500

Still looking down, tht figure is still staring up. That mask. Not porcilean. No, looked like it was made of bone. Wanted to drag him back into that ocean. To drown there forever in the madness. But no, he didn't want that. But he did want power. And the mask seemed to respond to that. " Got the power yer lookin for, but not gonna give it to ya less ye give yerself to me". Pennywise looked down at the masked figure he let his hand slide. For a moment the figure laughed as if it had won. But Penny had other thoughts. He twisted his body on the beach. Flipping the masked figure over onto its back. He jumped on top of it and grabbed at the mask. He didn't need the figure behind it. Just that mask.

In the physical world. That was when the figure would grasp at the mask with both hands. Shiri in this close was dangerous. But her words, her words they pulled at that mask and the heart behind it with almost as much strength a Pennywise himself.

" Never gonna be rid of me forever ya know". Pennywise grunted. Tearing the mask off the face of the shadowed figure. He looked at the mask as it faded in his hands. He'd won over this madness. And gained its power. For now at least. But he was going to have to be careful how he used it. " Don't be so confident about that....".

The mask shattered under the pull. Dropping to pieces on the ground. The clouded look in his eyes changed. He looked up at her. The words she had said. They'd changed something. No. Not changed. Made something stronger. At this point he wanted to pull her into his arms. To embrace her to-. He shook his head. Wasn't his place. Not now. Her heart still belonged to that man. It had been too close. Too emotional. He couldn't make her, couldn't-. He didn't know what. He didn't want to think about it. Instead he just put on his mask of humour. Let out a little grin. And place a finger to her chin.

" Now now...Don't cry about it.....".

He breathed heavily. Whatever had happened had taken a lot of energy from him. "....Remember...if...I let anything happen to you....Kyouya....would....kill me....".

Word Count: 395
Total Word Count:2490

So close. Somehow I know I am close to getting him back. I refuse to give up. I float lightly, unable to stop myself as I pull at the mask and use my power to hold him in place as he fights the maddness within himself. I can't give up. If I die here... Penny will be alone with his. I don't want that. Mittens had tried to stop him and coulddn't ghost is trying his best to get her to awake. If Penny becomes lost.. Will she vanish over time? Somehow I feel that if he loses her completely.. He will never be the same.

The mask is cracking more and I refuse to let go. His hands lift and I wonder if he will crush me now. My wings flutter as I call on my power. Begging it to help me get him back. Then I feel the mask give and it shatters, falling to pieces on the ground around us. I look at him and I feel tears slipping down my cheeks. His playful voice is back. He is back.

"Pen..." I choke out his name, so many emotions swirling within me. He's okay. He's back. He touches my chin and says I shouldn't cry. Then mentions something about Kyouya killing him. "Idiot..." I whisper and I don't stop myself from throwing my arms around his neck and clinging to him as I cry tears of relief and happiness. He's back.

I then slump against him, dizzy. "I... I thought... I lost you.." I whisper. "Was so... scared.."

Twc: 1875
Soul line activate: 1000/1000 [complete]
Xformation: 375/500
Butterfly Charm: 500/500 [complete]

She was crying, and like it had before. It touched him somewhere he didn't think was possible before. But he had to remember. Had to remember his training in the forests. Even now...the words of the masked one run in his mind. Wern't just his words. He'd thought of them before. If she went back to him. It would be too strange. Too much. Too akward for him to be there. She wouldn't need him. Would cast him away like a dirty little secret. He knew it. She didn't need a protector if she already had one. But he kept up his silly smile. At least until she threw her arms around his neck and started cuddling up to him. Her cheek still wet from the tears that had came before.

He wasn't quite sure how to respond to this. If he took her in his arms he might be too tempted to move further. To let himself open to her. If he didn't. She'd wonder why he didn't. So slowly he decided that he would do it. Sliding his own arms around her back. " Shouldn't....worry so much...I'm tough....". Speaking of tough. Mittens slowly opened her eyes. And pawed at Ghosts face.Purring lightly. He let out a soft sigh.She slumped against him. She seemed tired. Maybe it was the use of her powers? Almost without noticing it himself. He ran a hand through her hair. Say it. Something inside him pounded away. Wanted him to speak to her. To what he really wanted. But no. He kept himself back.

She needed more than a shadow. "....Maybe you should rest before...we continue?".

Word Count: 276
Total Word Count:2760

I hold onto him, as if afraid he will vanish. We have only been together for a couple of weeks. But he means a lot to me. He has helped me begin to heal. My wings flutter and I feel my power singing from being so close. Its like he gave me my wings for real this time. I would have thought them crushed after what happend with Jyn. But... no. I'm really growing past it. Healing. My heart will carry scars, but with time they will fade and I can allow someone to hold my heart again. Though I know next time I do... I might not recover if its shattered. I don't think I can trust Jyn enough again to touch what he damaged on his own with his actions.

Arms hold me and I relax. My feet touch the ground and I lay my cheek against his chest, unable to let him go just yet. "I'll always worry, Pen," I tell him softly. I'm tired now and for some reason I know the wings will never go away. I can feel them, but I know they are not physically abled to be touched by anyone but me.

"I'm a little tired.." I admit.

Ghost watches as Mittens wakes and he puffs with pride as she seems to acknowledge that he kept her safe. He purrs in return and nudges her with his nose and looks to the hut as if to say 'You hould rest inside'.

Twc: 2122
Exp: 122
Soul line activation: 1000/1000 [complete]
Xformation: 500/500 [complete]
Butterfly Charm: 500/500 [complete]

So she admitted it, she was tired. Although, they had both had a long day. Man eating tigers. Temporary insanity, gaining the power to fly. Well over all things like that took a lot out of a persn, and he wasn't about to stan there and deny her the need to rest. So, he would do what he felt was right. What he felt she deserved. He moved his hand down behind her legs. And lifted her up into a princess carry. " Well then, we'd best get you into that hut and let you lie down for a bit". He himself was tired. Weak after that struggle. But he felt as if....he had to do this. As if he had to show her in some way. Even if he couldn't tell her. He walked towards the hut, Mittens got up, rubbed her head against Ghosts shoulder and walked down into the hut with Pennywise. He opened the door using his foot. And carried her inside.

He gave her a light look, his eyes..were different. His eyes almost mirrored the smile on his face. Something that was. Deeper, than she would be used to with him. He laid her down on the futon. He looked down at her as he placed her on the futon. His hair bangled down touching her forehead. His nose only centimeters away from hers. Their face almost touching. He stayed there for a moment. Keeping himself stead fast in his conviction. "....Get some sleep...I'll keep watch".

One moment I'm leaning against him the next I'm being lifted. I squeak a bit in surprise and blink rapidly the moment I find myself being carried like some damsel in distress. Like.... a princess. I can feel my cheeks heating as I blush. I lightly keep my arms around his neck as he carries me inside the hut. Its so odd. So... intimate in a way that I don't know how to describe just yet.

I gaze at him as he lays me down so gently. He is treating me as if I might break should he be too rough. His eyes are brighter though. There is something there I have never seen before, but I can't put a name to it. He remains close, our noses brushing. I suddenly ache for him to kiss me and chase away this lingering fright of losing him. But it wouldn't be fair to him if I lean up these scant few centimeters and press our lips together. No. Not fair. Too soon for myself. I'm still healing. If I want o kiss him.. I want to do so when I have a heart to open to him.

He speaks softly and my hand moves up to caress his cheek, a warm smile finding its way to my lips and making my gaze soften. He has become important to me and that is a start. "Stay here... just lay with me.. please?" I ask him softly. "Just till I fall asleep?"

Ghost watches Mittens curious now about the demon female kitten. But he thinks they can work together. Though someho.. he is beginning to think.. he might be getting himself into trouble with this she feline.

Twc: 2405
Exp: 405
Soul line activation: 1000/1000 [complete]
Xformation: 500/500 [complete]
Butterfly Charm: 500/500 [complete]

Did she know what she was asking from him? He had felt her own heart flutter when they had been that close before. A shared aching. And he didn't know how to respond to it. She wanted him to lie down wih her. Not to just keep watch outside and make it safe. It was...innocent enough...he supposed. Although even as that thought passed through his mind, he knew it to be for what it was. A lie.But, he would do it. For, he knew her heart was still wounded. And...all the while. He knew this was all different to him as well.He looked down at her. He hesitated for a moment. And that would be visible on his face. Then he realised with a slight chill. That his hesitatin, might spell out to her that he had been thinking of.

No. He had to just recover quickly. He gave a light smile. That emotion still in his eyes and he leaned down and stroked her cheek. " Sure, I'll stay.....I'm pretty tired too after all....". He climbed in after her. And brought an arm over her shoulder. Pulling her head to his chest. Meanwhile. Mittens looked over at Ghost. It was interesting to note the changes in her own master. And she suppsed that if she was going to be with this female for a long time. She would need to get along with the Tom cat. Not that this was proving to be a problem. He had been rather heroic in jumping in and dragging her out of danger. She lay down at the base of the huts corner room. Letting out a light meow/yawn.

Word Count: 275
Total word Count3318

Hesitation. Have I finally asked too much of him? I feel the urge to shy away from him. Perhaps I should keep our relationship more formal. This is personal. Private. Intimate. But he has never tried anything. No. We have not done more than kiss that one time many months ago back when we first met.

I am about to tell him he doesn't have to when his hand carresses my cheek and he agrees to stay with me. The futon is still comfortable. I had used dried grasses then piled furs of animals beneath the futon I had traded for during my last time here. It is nearly as comfortable as my bed back home in the present realm.

He climbs in with me and I am surprised when I find myself pressed against him. I haven't cuddled with someone in ages. I smiles a bit and press close to him. He is warm and with it being warm outside there is no need for blankets. I close my eyes, cheek pressed to his chest head resting in the crook of his arm.

"The butterfly lands... Careful now.. Don't crush its wings... handle it with gentle hands.." I sing softly and yawn as I nuzzle him, tired now. "Sweet butterfly.. carry my message... tell him I love him... tell him butterfly... before I die.." I finish the lullaby and close my eyes. "Pen.." I murmur his name as I drift off and finally rest.

Ghost follows into the hut and watches Penny and Shiori. He is suspicious of the male but he can see that his mistress needs the oni, even if he doesn't completely approve. He moves over closer to Mittens and lays down beside her in a position that guards her from the
door.

Twc: 2699
Exp: 699

He lay there, snuggling in enough to get comfortable. Although it wasn't easy. Not to say that the futon itself was uncomfortable. No, after all. This was th man who had slept in an alleyway for a few weeks straight. Even if it was mystical or otherwise. No, even if his body was relaxed. He couldn't bring his mind to do it. She snuggled in, her sng continuing. He knew there was more to that song that just a basic luliby. Call it intuition. But then there was something that almost froze him. She had whispered his name right before falling into the arms of sleep. That was something that was a step beyond friendship. But before he knew it. Exhaustion had taken him. And he was asleep too. On that beach again. Looking at the butterfly hankerchief. Did she feel something for him? He gripped the hankerchief.

Even if she did. Still had that man in her heart. If he took her. He'd be nothing more than what he was. A shadow. A replacement. He couldn't do it. For them both. Not yet. But even now. His other hand had found its way around her on the outside. To an onlooker it would seem like the perfect protective embrace. ittens was already asleep by the time Ghost made his way over. Joining Pennywise on the beach. Looking out onto the sunset. She sat next to him. He looked down at her. Smirked and rubbed the top of her head. She meowed at him. " Yeah. I know. I don't know if its right that I do it...but....theres time....at least...I hope...".

Word Count: 272
Total word Count3318

» .The door opens...Here come the drums.. [Soul Line Quest Part 1]
» Happy birthday (Akatoush Soul line)
» The Drums~ Spiritual Impression Quest
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» Stumbling Across a Penny I