Italics- Tsukiyomi talking

Bold- Kurando talking to Tsukiyomi (or just his thoughts)

Son's path

A few weeks after Kurando sent his last letter his Master disappeared for a few days. He woke one morning to find a note, stating Kawashima had urgent business he must see to and he'd be back as soon as he could.

Kurando sighed, and could do nothing but worry until his master returned. Kawashima had changed since the incident in China. He'd aged, lost his ambitious drive. They'd received news Yoshiko had survived, but it didn't comfort Kawashima much. Nothing could take back what had happened. And Kurando would never be able to heal the pain between father and daughter.

What should I do? I can't stay here forever, yet I can't leave Master like this.

This is not something you can influence, little one. Wait and see what happens, then decide. But no matter what, you must return to your proper role as leader when you come of age.

I know…but it won't be easy.

Kurando was halfway through a self-appointed calligraphy lesson when his master returned, striding through the room without glancing at him.

'Kurando, get your things together. We leave for Mukyo-An immediately.'

Kurando stood, about to ask what was going on when he saw a small girl wander into the room, looking confused and cautious. She gazed after Kawashima, glancing nervously at Kurando.

'Hello,' Kurando said as kindly as he could. 'I'm Kurando, Master Kawashima's student.'

The girl gave him an alarmed look before running after Kawashima into his room. Kurando heard his Master's voice speaking in Chinese.

Why has he brought a young Chinese girl here?

He sighed, and moved to gather his things for the move. He knew by now he'd only find out when his master felt the time was right.

The girl was staring blankly at the pond, eyes filled with a sorrow Kurando recognised. He kept his distance, knowing already she wasn't comfortable with him.

'Come Kurando.' His master bid, sounding tired. 'Let's leave her alone.'

They entered the house and Kurando automatically began preparing tea. Once they were both sat he dared voice his thoughts.

'That girl, she was in China, wasn't she? Her family?'

'Indeed. But it's not that simple. That girl is Hsien-Hsi, the fourteenth child of the Prince of Manchu Shangi.'

'…So she's a princess.' Kurando said cautiously, but his face must have betrayed him. Kawashima shook his head.

'It's nothing like that. Her father was a friend of mine, so I'm doing what I can to help.'

'By bringing her to Japan?'

'By adopting her.'

Kurando was silent after this, not sure how to respond. He could only think of how Yoshiko would feel when she found out.

'Kurando…I want to hire you as her official bodyguard.'

Kurando looked up from his tea in shock.

'Really? Me?'

'Of course. Your skills are exceptional and…I think she'll be more comfortable with someone closer to her age.'

'But she looks like she's six.'

'Seven.'

'That's still an eight year gap.'

'It's still closer than me.' Naniwa chuckled.

'…She doesn't seem to like me much.'

'Let her adjust. Will you at least take some time to consider it?'

'Of course, I owe you that much, Master, but I'll still need to return to the village when I come of age. What will you do then?'

Naniwa, for once, didn't have an answer.

Kurando knew a little Chinese from his lessons over the years, but it was still proving difficult to talk to Hsien. He realised it was his eyes, the colour scared her and she often called him a demon.

She has been through a lot, Came Tsukiyomi's opinion. Trust will not be formed easily.

I know, Kurando sighed, Especially if I earn it and then she sees me fuse. I couldn't really deny her demon accusations then.

…Little one, I think I have a solution. Will you trust me?

Always.

'Hsien-Hsi, can we talk?' Kurando asked gently, sitting cross legged by the girl gazing into the pond.

'A demon destroyed everything precious to me. I don't want to talk to you.'

Kurando sighed, but steeled himself before continuing.

'You're not entirely wrong about me. I have the power to fuse with the Goddess of the Moon, Tsukiyomi. Some would think of her as a demon.'

Hsien looked up sharply and started crawling backwards, away from him, her eyes never leaving his. Kurando tried to appear calm as he continued.

'We would never hurt you, Hsien. Kawashima is my master, and he's asked me to protect you. I'm your bodyguard, and I'll make sure nothing bad ever happens to you again.'

Hsien's sharp gaze hesitated, filling with agony.

'You couldn't have protected me from that.'

Kurando slowly climbed to his feet, trying not to startle her. He made sure their eyes locked before beginning to loosen his control on Tsukiyomi.

'We're strong, Princess, I'll protect you from anything, no matter what.'

He watched her face closely as he fused, surprised at the blank look. Tsukiyomi stood, careful not to move as the girl continued to stare.

After a few minutes her young face morphed into rage. She shot up, beating her small fists against Tsukiyomi's stomach, screaming.

'You're the same! You look like that thing! Damn you!'

Tsukiyomi remained still until the girl collapsed into a sobbing heap. Tsukiyomi wrapped her arms around her as they sank to the floor. As she clutched to her, she fused back into Kurando.

'It's okay, Princess. I'm not the one who did this, but I do have the power to keep you safe. Please let me.'

They stayed that way a long time. In a way, Hsien has never let go since.

Is it just me who thought Tsukiyomi looked pretty similar to Seraphim?