The boy in question didn't come to join the waking world again until late the next morning. This time when he found himself somewhere unfamiliar he didn't go off and panic. Gouto was still in bed with him, trying his best to keep him warm with his small feline body; a kind gesture coming from a not always kind mentor.

Gouto woke as soon as he did, greeting him with his usual commanding gaze. "How are you feeling this morning?"

"I'd be lying if I said I wasn't in pain..." the teen muttered, rolling over on his side to push himself into a sitting position. He looked around the room, eyes seeking out his host. "If you're looking for the detective," Gouto climbed onto his lap, a hint to stay laying down, "He's in the office."

Question answered Raidou nodded once. But still he wanted to talk to the man. If anything he wanted to find out where his demons were, as well as a few other things. He called for him. Nothing. Seems that sound didn't carry too well in this place. He looked to Gouto instead, silently asking if the cat would fetch him with pleading eyes. Gouto noticed this and heaved a soft sigh, "You've got the eyes of a dame, Jouhei. Weapons, they are." The cat leapt of his lap and onto the old wood floor, trotting towards the door. "I'll fetch the oaf. Stay here."

But before Gouto could make it to the door, the voice of a certain detective carried into the hall. He was talking quickly, his voice somewhat stiff as if he was a little put-off by the person he was having a conversation with. "Yes... No, he's awake... Well, yeah, he lost a lot of bl-... What? But he's still... Yeah... Yeah I get it... I'll tell him... Understood." The voice grew louder then stopped just outside the door, the sound of shuffling fabric against the wood floor being the only indication that the man was still there. The door clicked open, Narumi peeking in to see if his charge was awake. To his relief, he was. "Good morning, kid." He smiled, stepping in and closing the door behind him to hide the mess in the hall. "Feel any better?"

Raidou watched him, eyes curious. What was with that conversation outside the door? He must have been on the phone, and talking about him... But to whom. The Herald? His clan? The chief of police? He nodded to his question, moving to lay back down. His head didn't feel quite right anymore.

Narumi joined him at the edge of his bed, pocketing the mobile phone as he did. "That was your boss. She wants you to report to Shinoda tonight. I'm assuming you know what she means." So the Herald had come calling for him. Looks like his little vacation was up. Raidou didn't look happy about that at all. Not one bit. He nodded once, eyes far off. But his hands were trembling. Was he scared? And why? Was it because he'd gotten hurt so bad and passed out on the job? What were they going to do to him? "Hey..." Much to his surprise, a warm hand was placing over his own shaking ones, Narumi's off-beat attempt at comforting him. "Are you all right?" His voice was soft, but still had that playful tone to it, as if he didn't quite get the severity of the situation, or he knew more than Raidou did.

The summoner simply nodded and carefully moved to sit up again. He held back a wince of pain, kept himself from the automatic response of holding his aching side and stomach and slid off the bed. "...I have to go."

The hand shot up to steady him, pressing him back against the mattress again, "She said not til the evening, I got her to agree to that, at least. You've got some time, so rest." Narumi had bargained with the Herald? Was he crazy? Raidou just stared up at the man, looking more than a little surprised, just a little scared. This kid... Even if his face was blank his eye looked like those of a man awaiting his execution.

Narumi couldn't help but feel the pang of empathy gripping his heart. This poor kid... "Hey, if you're in pain, why not make that pixie thing of yours heal you?" A valid question. Raidou was awake now; he could easily command the demon to do his bidding.

"Where are they...?" he asked quietly. They? Probably asking about aforementioned demons. Narumi hitched a thumb towards his closet and stood, fetching the boy's demon summoning apparatus. "I stashed it in here." The man returned shortly after with his arms full of the boy's holster. The sword and gun were conveniently left in the closet, however. "Which one is the fairy?"

Raidou just stared, eyes widened. Was he really so weakened that he couldn't even sense them near? He felt ashamed. "...Right breast, third in..." Narumi plucked through the tubes, pulling out the one indicated. "This one?" How does he fit them in these little tubes? Weird...

The boy nodded once, holding a hand out for it eagerly. Their fingers brushed briefly as Narumi handed the metal tube over, his eyes flicking between the pale hand and the boy.

The young summoner took the tube in hand and let his eyes slip closed, going quiet. Curious. The silence dragged out, finally Raidou parting his lips slightly, as if to speak. But no words came as the lips moved, forming little syllables in silence. Narumi could just barely hear something being uttered, air ghosting through those lips. He was whispering something, something pretty long. A chant? An incantation? As he whispered the little top of the metal tube began to spin, unscrewing itself from its base.

An incandescent green glow sprung up from the slowly opening tube, bursting out into a small bouncing orb of glowing matter, before dissipating completely into... nothingness. What Narumi could not see, however, was a barely hovering and very exhausted looking Pixie. She greeted her master with a tired smile, lowering herself to rest on his lap. "Raidou-sama, I'm so glad you're okay!"

Equally tired blue-grey eyes opened and he looked down at the little fairy with the barest of smiles. She didn't look to be in a good way either. He asked quietly for her to cast something called 'Dia' on him, promising he would get something to help her and someone called Tam Lin as soon as he could.

The fairy complied, holding her hands up to chant the spell of healing. All Narumi could see was a vague flicker of a shape every now and then, and the warm glow of light that centered around Raidou's chest. So whatever it was that Raidou had did have the ability to heal him. Fascinating. "Does that feel better, master?" Raidou gently felt at the bandaged wounds over his stomach and chest. They didn't sting anymore when he pressed on them, only ached just a little. He nodded once and urged the fae into her tube, asking that she rest herself.

Narumi blinked once the glow again dissipated, wondering if what he just witnessed was an illusion or not. Instead of asking dumb questions, he reached around behind Raidou to loosen the bandages and see for himself. The skin around the stitching was almost fully healed now, and the redness was going away. It made him smile. "Man, that fairy thing packs a punch, healing-wise." Raidou smiled lightly at the compliment to his demon. But it seemed almost forced. His eyes were sad. Narumi picked up on this right quick, "You mentioned her and someone named 'Tam Lin'. Is he another fairy?"

The boy shook his head softly, staring down at the tube in his hand sadly. "...He's an elf..A fairy eater..."

That somber expression, the way he cradled the tubes in his hand... "Something happened to him."

"My demons are gravely injured..." That explained the sour mood. The way this kid was cradling that tube... Those demons must have been his only friends. He worried for them not like pets or summoned followers, but loyal friend and companions. Narumi could see it in his eyes; the guilt, the deep sense of concern. "Is there a way to heal them?" Narumi asked. Naïve as he was about the whole summoning business, he was willing to help if it meant this kid would have a reason to smile again.

"I don't have the means... I lost what few healing items I had for them in the battle against the Cerberus. Any others were used in battle before..." Meaning they could not be healed. And it seemed it was breaking the kid's heart.

Then, Narumi had an idea. He recalled a rather strange fellow that didn't live far from him. A foreigner whom rented the living space beneath the local convenience store. He heard rumor from Tae that he had dealings with demons, experiments and whatnot... It was a long shot, but it'd be worth a try, right? "I think I know someone who can help."

At the mention of possible hope for the welfare of his demonic companions the summoner's head shot up, gaze locked with Narumi's. God he looked cute. With eyes like that staring up at him Narumi could easily pinpoint this kids age. No way he was older than 18. Less maybe. A faint blush pinkened his ears as he cleared his throat, "If you can walk, I'll take you there. Deal?" Sixteen, maybe. Seventeen at most. Why the hell is the Yatagarasu hiring a boy so young?

"I can't pay..." Out of funds? Well, no reason to bring your wallet out devil hunting with you anyway. Narumi felt his eye twitch at that. He didn't have much money either but... "I'll cover you this time, deal?" Really, how much could it be? Raidou seemed concerned with this idea. Either because he didn't like taking things from strangers, his pride was against it, or he just felt bad putting him out, he seemed upset having to borrow money. It wasn't until Gouto spoke that he began to consider the idea. "May as well take his offer, Jouhei. The Herald won't do you the same courtesy." The decision essentially made for him, Raidou accepted without another complaint. This cat really had the boy pussy whipped, pun very much intended.

Narumi stood once more to head to the closet, "Then it's settled. I'll grab you a shirt to wear. You might fit into some of my older stuff..." His attention turned to the brimming wardrobe, mostly consisting of business casual and the current trends of clothes. Frequent shopper? You bet. On the top shelve however was a recently unearthed Rubbermaid filled with clothes from more than a century ago. Just your generic articles; t-shirts and sweats, some faded jeans, a couple jackets... "These should do the trick... You're about the size I was before I entered the force." A size he had longed to go back to, but his love for coffee and sweet pastries had caused him to fill out back in the day. Even though he had lost the extra pudginess involved with eating too many sweets, his bone structure never quite went back to what it was before.

A loose-fitting t-shirt and a white-washed pair of jeans was tossed towards the boy, scaring his cat and causing it to skitter away hissing ("Watch it!"). "Try those on. I have a belt for the pants if you need it." Raidou easily caught the article of flying clothing, the tube he was holding quickly set on the bed before he'd gone for them. And looking them over now that he had... he didn't seem pleased. Not that he looked disappointed or anything either. He was blank, even his eyes. But with a small nod he slowly got to his feet, entrusting his demon laying in her tube on the bed to his host while he made his way to the bathroom to change.

Narumi went about dressing himself in the meantime, keeping close eye on the tube on the bed while he did. His outfit was much more in fashion; a burgundy v-neck shirt with loose-fitting black jacket and a pair of dark jeans. More casual than he would have liked, but he didn't want the kid to feel too terrible about wearing his hand me downs. But he didn't skimp on the head-gear, a grey pin-striped fedora went along with his ensemble nicely.

It was damn near fifteen minutes before the teenager reappeared, looking more than a little uncomfortable. Lengthwise the clothing fit him fine, but even that didn't help. The jeans were slipping down around the boys hips and the shirt just seemed to make him look smaller. The look on his face was just a little less blank than before but his eyes said it all. He was not happy being dressed like this. But what choice did he have? He'd seen his school uniform hung up in the bathroom and jumped for that. But upon his discovery of it he also found it to be full of gashes and pretty much unwearable. His hat survived, though. He had it firmly planted on his head now actually.

It struck Narumi as strange that the boy would throw his school cap on along with that outfit. He might not be a designer or anything quite so creative, but he couldn't see how it would work well with his current attire. "Any particular reason you're gonna wear that?" He motioned to his own hand with a bit of a grin, handing the belt to the boy so his pants wouldn't end up around his ankles.

Raidou gratefully accepted the belt but said nothing about the hat. He pulled the length of leather through the loops in the jeans, fastening it in front. The belt, much to his dismay, was a little big for the summoner also. Well, no matter. It would keep the pants on his hips at least. Once more Narumi had to stifle a laugh. His previous theories about the boy being too thin were entirely correct. Note to self, feed the kid.

"Ready to go?"

A single nod was his response. It was becoming a theme here. This boy was far too quiet. Good enough, Narumi decided. "All right, let's go."

The office was on the third floor, and as usual the elevator was out of order. It was to be expected in a building as old as this, but it never the less irked Narumi. The kid was barely on his feet and having to do three flights of steps was surely a chore. He'd have a word with the land lady after this... once he paid his rent, that is.

The street just outside the Ginrou-kaku building was bustling with shoppers browsing the wares of the local stores. While a lot of places in the area had been bought out by larger chains, this particular part of town tried to hang on as long as possible to their old storefronts. One of which was a convenience store at the far corner of the street near the bridge. It used to be solely an antique dealing place, but times had changed, and even the owner stuck in his ways knew he had to change along with him. He still prided himself in beating the big-box dealers away with a stick, and even did a little antiquing on the side. His success was due in part to the man who took up residence in his basement. Or at least that was the rumor.

"Welcome to Konnou-ya." An older man, perhaps in his late sixties greeted them. But no sooner did he say hello did he glower at the man he saw, "Narumi-san, what brings you here?"

Narumi sensed the tension and sought to escape the old man, and quickly. "Just here to see Victor, sir. I got a client for him."

"A client, you say?" The old man perked up. You could practically hear the cashier drawers going off in his head. He quickly crossed over to Raidou, paying no attention to his shabby dress. "Greetings, I am the owner. If you need anything, anything at all, I can find it for you... For a price."

Raidou seemed just a touch intimidated by all this new and shiny around him. The owner seemed nice enough, however, if not a bit of a gold digger. The boy bowed low at the waist, showing quite a bit more manners than he had the detective. "Thank you for the help, sir."

The owner of Konnou-ya looked positively delighted, "Ah, any child with these manners must have a wealthy upbringing!" Narumi rolled his eyes, mumbling a quiet 'spare me' before tugging on the boy's wrist. "Now, if you don't mind, we got people to see."

Nonplussed, the owner waved them away. "Off you go then. Hm... That Victor, what is he doing in my basement, I wonder?" An act? Or did he truly not know what the man did for a living? Either way, Narumi figured he was the right guy for the job, if the rumors rang true, that is.

Past the doorway to the basement was a long staircase leading to a huge dark room. Cages here and there, one or two gurneys on the side, speckled with what could only be blood. And operating table in the middle. But what really arrested the duos attention was the large pieces of machinery along the back wall, one in particular with visible electric currents running down it. Well, this had to be the place.

In the center of the room hunched over one of the gurneys was a frazzled looking fellow in a lab coat, looking like something out of the Frankenstein novel, surgical gloves, goggles, and all. Narumi instantly regretted bringing the boy here; the place looked more like an evil lair of a psychopath than someone who could do any sort of healing. But before he could grab the boy and run, the man spotted them, whirling around with arms in the air. "Welcome to my laboratory, Gouma-den!"

Narumi took a half-step back, urge to run still very much there. Maybe if I grab the kid now...

But Raidou took the lead here, taking approximately two steps forward and bowing politely. "I'm Kuzunoha Raidou. This is Narumi." He righted himself and motioned to his companion, all business. "I was told you could heal demons. Is that true?"

The man couldn't have looked more delighted if he had just been given a grant to get an actual medical lab and not set up shop in someone's basement. "Yes! I am a scientist specializing in the occult! If you have a demon on you, I would be most obliged to fix their wounds for you!" Narumi wasn't quite convinced, but he allowed the two to continue their conversation.

At least the man had Raidou's trust. Then again, that wasn't exactly good. This boy may have been a hard nut to crack but any idiot that looked into his eyes could tell he didn't know the way of the world.

The young summoner brought out two tubes from his pocket and approached the most likely more than a little mad scientist. "These two were injured badly in my latest endeavor. One is dead." The tone in his voice told both the scientist and detective that he was broken up about it, if not the expression within his eyes. The foreign man, Victor as they were told, swiped up the two tubes and eyed them in the light. "Ah yes, a fae and an elf... These I can treat!" He grinned, looking entirely too excited by the idea of getting to 'heal' two demons. "The price is six thousand yen."

Once more Narumi felt himself twitch. Six thousand? That was half his monthly food bill! But... I can't stand that broken look on his face... Maybe I can get the Herald to reimburse me...

Narumi dug into his wallet and pulled out a wad of cash, money he had planned on handing over to the landlord for utilities. He'd have to make a run to the bank later and hope it wasn't dried up again. "Here, kid. Get your pals fixed up."

Raidou offered a small smile to him, eyes still filled with worry. He really didn't want to take his money, but with one demon dead and the other in critical condition he had little choice. Accepting with a low bow he handed the money over to the foreigner, whom took it graciously. "I shall now heal your companions. It will take but a moment. Wait here!" Victor took the tubes and disappeared behind the electrical apparatus, leaving Narumi and Raidou to their own devices as they waited.

"Erm..." Narumi cleared his throat, head still spinning slightly from the sudden weightloss in his wallet. "Say, kid, how long have you been in this biz, exactly?"

Raidou watched the man leave and sighed, looking less than pleased. Never the less, his demons were in capable hands and would soon be healed. "I succeeded the title of Raidou one month ago. I was stationed here a week later, deployed just a few nights ago. This is..." his eyes were cast downward, face sullen. "...my first mission."

That... explained a whole lot actually, including how the boy managed to get so royally beat to hell and left to die, or how he was still so nerve-wracked about being out of touch with his boss. The Herald would put the fear of god into any man, let alone someone who was new to the job. "So you've only been in the city for a few weeks, haven't you? No wonder you seem so lost..." And scared of people, for that matter.

"It's the first time I've ever been outside my village..." Wait, those still existed? Well, yeah, they must have; buried deep in the boonies of the mountains to the north. And if the kid had been that secluded before, only to be thrown into the real world not knowing anything, with no friends or support... it was a damn miracle the boy hadn't lost it. Or ended up dead in the streets, Narumi feared. Did the Herald seriously think it was good idea to leave the kid on his own in a place like this? "Just how old are you anyway, Raidou?"

"Seventeen last month." A short answer as usual, but a surprising one regardless. So Narumi's suspicions were correct. This kid was still in high school and he was out neck deep in the summoning business. Decidedly not a safe place for someone his age. "Jeez, isn't there a child labor law for that?"

Raidou remained silent, eyes forward. He was eager to have those summons back in his hands. So much for conversation.

After a few less than pleasant noises from the rear of the lab, mostly which consisted of running electricity and what could very well be a saw of some sort, Victor emerged, tubes in hand, an almost maniacal grin upon his face. "Behold! The treatment is complete!" The tubes were presented to Raidou, the energy from the creatures within brimming so livelily that even Narumi could sense it. The boy accepted them with a small nod and slipped the tubes into his pocket. Happy they were safe and well again he offered his thanks with a small tip of the hat.

With that task completed, the two excused themselves out of the dark, dreary, not to mention downright creepy laboratory. Narumi, for one, was glad to get a breath of fresh air once they were out in the open again. "I didn't know that guy lived so close! Hell, I didn't even know people like that existed outside of storybooks... Talk about creep show..." But he did what he promised, even if it was a bit out of his price range, Narumi had managed to help the boy in a way he couldn't figure to help himself. At least now his mood looked to be a little brighter... "Are those two up to speed again?" He asked, motioning to the tubes that were tucked away.

"...Yes." As usual the kid was a brilliant conversationalist. But at least he looked happier now, less tense. For that alone, Narumi was grateful. This kid... really no one else but what was in those tubes, did he? "Must be hard for you, kid. The Herald is a tough mistress."

"Not really. I was trained to handle this kind of thing." Though apparently he wasn't trained to handle social situations. The whole thing really irked the older detective. "Do they really train someone so young for a job like that? Hunting demons and all that jazz?" He could hardly believe it. Kids his age should be going to school and studying for exit exams, not running around risking their lives fighting off beings most could not see. Raidou didn't share the same sentiment. Coming from a place that trained children from a very young age to be demon hunters, he knew little else. That was just it. The job was his life. He was the job, and had to be no matter what. In response to the man's question he gave a firm nod. "I was trained since I can remember."

"That's a shame..." Remarked Narumi, "When I was your age, I was taking the exit exam to enter the police academy..." The man mused, pulling his hat off to fan himself. Perhaps today was not the day for a jacket, the heat was already getting to him. The teen beside him gave no reply but instead leant him an ear. He was a good listener at least. Now if only he could get the kid to talk a little more. "Of course I think I was a bit more a delinquent than you..." The man went on, grinning mischievously. "I'm surprised my mother didn't beat my rear raw sometimes." His grin quickly turned into a faraway, somber sort of smile. "Although she did get really worried about me sometimes, especially when I went into the Homicide division." Again, Raidou gave another small nod. But at least this time Raidou looked over at him, though strangely bright blue-grey orbs eying his form. Bewitching, curious. Honestly looking at him like that Narumi had half a mind to suspect the boy was female if he didn't know any better. Eyes like a dame. Weapons indeed, and powerful as any blade or blow.

Somehow Narumi's ears were turning red again. What was that all about?

Perhaps a subject change would help, "...So, now that you're friends are all fixed up, how about lunch?"

Lunch? After he'd just spent all that money on him? Just how well off was this Narumi fellow anyway? Raidou opened his mouth, ready to protest only to be interrupted by his stomach making a nice loud, rather embarrassing growl. The summoner's cheeks pinked and his gaze lowered. With much chagrin he nodded.

Narumi found himself laughing again. Oh, his wallet was going to hurt for this, he was sure. But something told him it'd be worth it in the end. Maybe he could squeeze a few finder's fees out of the local police. Speaking of, had Raidou reported to the cops about the demon yet? He'd ask later, and perhaps get a few spare coins out of it, since he did save the boys life...

Now, now, Shouhei, that's not proper of a gentleman. Extortion is for gangsters and the military.

"What kinds of food do you like, Raidou-chan?" He leaned a little so he was closer to the boy's face, all smiles again.

If Raidou was uncomfortable by the unnecessary closeness of the man he didn't show it. He kept his eyes forward and face blank, thoughtful. "Anything is fine." Not much was here in the big city that suited his tastes anyway, unless he went to a more traditional area that is. Somewhere things were home cooked with patient preparation and not doled out in mass quantity like an assembly line. All this fast food stuff people often ate out of convenience hurt his stomach.

The detective took this into careful consideration before snapping his fingers in sudden realization. "We have some time before you have to report. Why not get some curry rice? I know a place!" And I have a tab there!

Raidou seemed to brighten at that. Curry rice? That sounded mild enough. He accepted with a little smile. That was all the go-ahead Narumi needed. "All right! Then let's head up the street to Tawara-ya. They have some really spicy curry rice. That okay with you, Raidou-chan?"

He nodded once, looking pleased despite the add-on. He'd live with it since the man was being so hospitable. It would be in poor taste to debate it. Besides, the idea of having something a little more traditional put him in a good mood. His stipend from the Yatagarasu didn't afford him much in the way of proper food. He'd been living off convenience food for the last two weeks and he was at his wits end with it.

Narumi pointed heroically up the side alley between the shopping market and the Ginrou-kaku building, "Onward, to curry rice!"

To this awkward display of total dorkery Raidou found himself laughing a little. Just a bit of a chuckle under his breath, barely audible. But the smile accounted for more than enough. And what a glorious smile it was, even more so that it was hardly ever seen. The detective decided then and there that the six thousand and two bowls of curry rice on his tab would be well worth it if he could see the morose boy smile like that again.

The sun was just beginning to set when the two of them pulled up just outside a large expanse of woods. He brought his clunker of a coupe to a stop on the old street-car tracks, long abandoned for the sake of busses and bullet trains. None of them went out this far anymore, not enough people coming to pay their respects, he reckoned.

They called it Shinoda Shrine, or that was as close to a name as it would have; a location and what it was meant to be. The place was one of the less popular and far less kempt shrines to the Goddess Inari; while the larger more heavily trafficked shrines were kept in good condition, this one hidden far in the woods at the end of a mile of crumbling steps fell by the wayside. Most tourists would get about half-way and turn back if they even bothered to climb it as well.

But Narumi knew why the shrine was still there, why Raidou was ordered to come there. The detective himself had found himself before the altar in Shinoda on a few occasions, all of which lead back to the boy's employer. This was where the Herald could be called.

"Ready to face the music, Jouhei?" Gouto, as usual, set the tone for the ill-fated meeting. While the feline guardian was in just as much hot-water as he was, somehow Raidou was feeling the heat far more. Gouto didn't have anything to lose, Raidou had everything and then some.

The kid was nervous, more than. But what could he do? He'd failed the clan and fainted on the job from his injuries before completing the task assigned. He was as good as cursed if not worse. Still he traversed the unsteady terrain that was the old steps, having to mind his footing so as not to slip and break something. Narumi followed close behind, noting the boy's apparent worry. The Herald was a scary woman and the Yatagarasu was definitely a force to be reckoned with, but what he really had to wonder if they'd be that harsh to Raidou even if he was new to the scene. "You all right, kid?" he felt compelled to ask.

"I'm fine," came the reply, almost automatic. Something he'd noticed about the kid already; when it came to anything involving his job he suddenly lost that sense of warmth he could feel just hours ago when they were having curry and chatting about useless things. He became robotic, cold, like he was focused on his task and nothing else. But he couldn't help but notice Raidou was stiff like he had a pole up his back and his hands seemed to be trembling just the slightest. Nothing one would noticed unless they really looked hard but it was there. He's really shook up about this, isn't he?

The two finally reached the top of the winding stairs and were presented with the image of a once glorious shrine, now rotting and crumbling around their ears. Yet even with age it appeared as though the shrine itself was being fixed up, likely the work of some rookies on the team trying to get in the good graces of the Herald in hopes of better assignment. Good luck.

In the center was a small donation box and a faded, braided rope connecting to the prayer bell. Narumi knew what happened next; just a tug and the Herald would appear from the shadows. How, he wasn't sure, but just because he didn't know the physics behind it didn't mean it was impossible to do.

"Well, go on." The cat at Raidou's feet urged. Now or never.

Raidou was rightfully hesitant but he'd accepted his fate, made peace with it on the long trip up the stairway to the shrine. One of only a few possible outcomes would happen after he pulled that bell, most if not all unpleasant. He'd likely never see Narumi again. The idea hurt a little. Just when he'd met someone he could almost call a friend.

The young man climbed the last few steps up to the shrine platform, stopping just as he set foot on even ground. Slowly he turned back to the man who had cared for him, helped him in suck a dire time... and smiled sadly. "Thank you. It was nice while it lasted," was all that was said before he turned back to the little broken down shrine. He let out a little breath, preparing himself as he took the rope in hand and tugged.

Nice while it lasted...? Wait, they aren't seriously... "Hey kid, wait-!"

Before Narumi could finish, the shadows reached out from behind the platform like a dark mist, materializing into the form of a woman wearing a traditional kimono, a cowl concealing half her face. She regarded the young man with a slight nod and little more. "Greetings, Kuzunoha Raidou the fourteenth... I see you are well enough to walk again."

The boy slowly turned to her, regarding her with a low bow at the waist. "I was well taken care of." The comment caused the Herald to turn her attentions to the smartly dressed detective. "Narumi Shouhei, you have indeed repaid your debt to the Yatagarasu. You have my thanks for aiding the young summoner."

With such praise the man couldn't help but feel a little awkward, "I just did what anyone would do if they saw someone in trouble."

Somehow the Herald seemed less than convinced of that, but refrained from commenting. Instead her unseen gaze turned back to the boy before her. "And what of your mission to dispose of the Cerberus?"

The summoner righted himself, giving her a full report. "I trailed it for two days through Tsukudo and engaged him. I was unable to dispatch it but I was able to damage it significantly."

"So you were unable to defeat the Cerberus whom killed three civilians?" It was less a question and more of a general statement. A generally demeaning statement; you could just hear the disdain in the woman's voice.

"Yes." Raidou replied straight out. There were no excuses or 'but I will's, no petty promises. He told it like it was. Best to be straight with that kind of woman. You'd live longer that way. That at least pleased the Herald, "Then, what do you intend to do, young summoner?"

"Track it down and lay it."

The Herald nodded, pointing a single finger to the boy. "You are to return to your base of operations and prepare for tonight. Do not rest until the Cerberus has been driven back to whence it came. Am I clear, Kuzunoha Raidou the fourteenth?"

"Yes." Cold and firm, like a proper soldier. Narumi could see it then, the resolve in the boy's eyes. He'd find the beast and kill it, even if it cost him his life. But he also seemed relieved. It made him wonder if he'd just gotten off the hook or something.

The Herald lowered her hand and slowly began seeping back into the darkness, "You have your orders. Do not allow another innocent to fall to this beast, young summoner."

And then, she was gone, the three of them letting out a collective breath now that they were in the clear once more. Of the group, Gouto was first to speak, "Shake a leg, Jouhei. We need to get back to base and prepare as soon as possible."

"Yes..." Without another word the young Kuzunoha turned and hurried off down the path, passing Narumi without so much as a goodbye. But before he could slip into the night just as the Herald had, a firm hand grabbed the boy's wrist. "Hey, hold on a second. Where're you going?" The boy stopped only when he was at arm's length, unable to go any further without dragging Narumi with him. Still he did not turn to him but neither did he try to pull away. "...I have to go back to base. I'll have to prepare for tonight."

Narumi just centered a look at the back of his head, "Aren't you forgetting something? Your gear is back at the Agency."

"I'll pick it up and leave."

The man's brow twitched visibly, but he let it slide. He knew the kid for what, a day? Maybe two? He really had no say in his life or his life choices. Still, something about how he was being shrugged off really irked him. "...I'll drive you back then."

"I'll walk from the agency," he insisted, gently tugging his arm, a good hint he wanted to be let go of now. Narumi complied, dropping the boy's hand. "Fine by me." At least there was a compromise. Raidou continued toward the car, Gouto following closely behind.

The ride back to the Agency was completely silent save for the rumble of the two-seater's engine. The mood between them had taken a complete 180, and it was severely bothering the older man. One moment Raidou was damn near cheerful, discussing benign topics like music and what kind of desserts he liked, then suddenly he was sullen and cold, as if every bit of emotion Narumi had managed to draw out from him had been sucked away by the Herald's boney hand.

This is what the Yatagarasu does to people, he reminded himself. They train soldiers in a way not even the militaries of the Western cultures would see as humane, and Raidou here was no exception. He'd continue on his mission even if it meant his own death, because facing the underground organization with negative results could mean death in itself. It came right down to warrior's honor. Success or die trying.

As they climbed the stairs to the third-floor office, Narumi paused ahead of the kid. "Say, Raidou... Earlier, before you talked to the Herald..."

Raidou was still very much the blank shell he had been the whole car ride. He was no more intrigued with his question, no more interested in it than any normal person would be on finding out the exact number of years it took for reel film to rot. And he answered it as such; with an only semi-interested gaze. "When you said 'It was fun while it lasted'..." Narumi pressed on, a slight twinge at his heart when he remembered that sad smile on the boy's face. "What did you expect the Herald to do to you?"

"It didn't happen, so it doesn't matter..." the boy muttered, moving past him on the stairwell. Narumi wanted to pry, hell, he wanted to grab the boy and shake him for being such a sullen little robot, but that wouldn't help matters, would it? Instead, he allowed him into the office to fetch his things, watching him with a fresh cigarette in his mouth. Raidou was quick about his work, hurriedly stepping into the bathroom to change into his ruined uniform. He came out with it on, as well as he torn cloak. The clothing Narumi had let him borrow was folded neatly and set on his bed before the summoner went to leave, strapping on his little array of concealed weaponry as he went.

Trained eyes observed his movements up until the boy got to the door. Finally, Narumi spoke again. "Raidou, before you go..."

The paused at the door, turned and waited for him to speak as he toed on his shoes. He offered him at least that. A business card was offered to him, "If you need anything, even if it's just a place to crash for the night, you know how to reach me." As he spoke his eyes never once left Raidou's. Narumi felt for him, he truly did. This kid was out seeing things many would never be able to handle seeing, and not just that, he was fighting them day after day. His very life depended on these continued battles... yet he still pressed on with no one but himself and an ornery cat. The man felt, if anything, he could at least offer the boy a shoulder to lean on if he needed it.

At first the boy thought not to accept, just tell the detective that he should put him out of his mind, just forget about him. But when he took a second to think on it...

He didn't know what made him take the offered card. He left swiftly after that, hurrying back to the little flat in the middle of Ginza he called his base.

From the bay window of his third floor bedroom, Narumi watched the boy flee into the night, taking a long drag on his cigarette. "Kid..." he murmured, flicking the already consumed butt out the window and into the still damped gutters, "Be safe out there." And come back a live, please. He added for his own sanity. Now there was naught more to do but fix himself a quick meal and rest, and preferably try to get his mind off the young boy who forced his smiles away, hiding his emotions from the world.

If he was even allowed to feel them at all.