Tsukiko nodded at his words. Calm, right. She could remain calm enough, the sound of her heartbeat a steady song in her ears.

His steadiness softened her composure a little bit. At least she wasn’t facing this alone… If she had, she feared she would’ve done all the wrong things with her fear at the forefront. She tried copying his movements and stance. Trying to ease the knot forming in between her shoulderblades, she relaxed. She listed off the names of herbs in her head to distract herself from the rustling above.

When Haurto looked up, so did she, following his gaze to the darkness that loomed above them. It was hard to tell where the darkness of the creature began and ended due to the overcast night. She didn’t fully believe in legends, finding that over generations they changed the information to fit what they wanted. She would always fact check something if she was able. Or test things like the poisons and remedies. She was glad the scars were not visible in this new body. They were there, she could feel them. But as long as no one got too close there was no need to answer questions about them.

I agree

She responded quietly. Even if she was terrified, she wouldn’t go off of a story from centuries ago.

Tsukiko watched as something small and dark floated down towards them- towards Haruto. And at his startle, she responded. A small gasp escaping her and her ears flattening. Another breath and the feather floated to the ground in between them.

When he stepped closer to her at the sound above them, she resisted the urge to step back. She was surprised at his protectiveness but appreciated it all the same.

Whatever you want to do, I will follow.

Her voice was sure as it came out. Haruto was more knowledgeable than she in this instance, she would follow him whatever he chose to do.