---------------------------Chapter 2 comfort----------------------------------


The silent downpour beat upon the house steadily; casually, the winds howled and bickered. In the sky above, lightning; acted as a guide for its furious companion thunder, while it laid havoc to anything that dare challenge its enraged vigor. Inside Shenhua's house, she sat alone, slouched in the corner; without purpose. Across the room, Ryo leaned against the wall with his eyes closed; pondering. Ryo knew the feeling of losing someone he loved. It hadn't been a year since he had lost his Father. The pain hurt him deeply, even though it didn't show physically. But still what could he do to help her? No...the better question was: "What should I do?" He had to do something;because something was better than nothing; in this situation. Ryo walked over to her, fighting anxiety along the way. She was only a few feet away, anxiety made it feel like a mile. Slowly, he crouched down to her; prompting her to open her eyes. Eyes, that were still with great distress; concealing the beauty of her eyes. Her face, lacked the constant smile it usually contained. How could he bring that back? He wasn't very good with words.

"Shenhua..." Her name were the best words of comfort Ryo could think of.

Although she acknowledged her name being called, she did not respond. Right now, her heart felt very heavy; even words from one adept at comforting, would do little for her now. Words would do little... With little warning, Shenhua sprung up and jumped into Ryo's arms; weeping hysterically. Ryo eyes widen considerbaly as she met his center. He wasn't that much drawn back at this. Finally, he realized; moments like this are little on words, and more on touch. Firmly he placed he arms around her backside; looking up at her ceiling as he did so. Outside the storm begin to let up, adapting to the mood of things.

~The Next Day~

Ryo eyes open and immediately he saw Shenhua's face. She was still sleeping though. Her eyes closed, a strand of hair dingled over her right eyelid. Shenhua beauty was remarkable, even in her slumber it made Ryo stare in awe so much; that he didn't notice her suddenly open them, and glance back at him.

"Ryo..?" She said quizically.

"Uh...."

Ryo immediately blushed, and act as if he was staring in a boat.

Shenhua begin to giggle because she knew he was staring at her, and the way he was staring at her.

"Ryo, thank you. For comforting me, that is."

"I did what I felt was right. I deserve no thanks." Ryo countered.

"Don't be so hard on yourself. You didn't have to do anything, but you did."

Shenhua got up and went into the kitchen, Ryo followed.

"Sit" She instructed.

Ryo did as he was told.

She sat a dish in front of him she had prepared earlier. They both ate breakfast quietly as the sun rose to high noon.

Breakfast was gone now, both now stood in front of the Shenmue tree.

"At lot has happening within a two day span Ryo. We were destined to meet each other, but I don't know the purpose. Your mirror is our only lead. Baliu village will have clues, but I don't know if it will have the answer.

"I came this far. I don't intend to stop now." Ryo responded

"Then lets go."

Ryo and Shenhua headed down the path to Baliu village.