r e f l e c t i o n s ; [OPEN]

[SAYURI]

Over a week had passed since Sayuri last met another of her kind. She had entered the peaceful domains of Okoru's Kingdom, a place that seemed to have resisted to war better than others. Nvertheless, although this could probably be the safest place in Japan (for now), there was little Sayuri could do there. Her prey was somewhere far away from there…
Nekomata, her family's murderer, was her only and true objective. This creature, leader of a great empire of kaibyo Youkai (lower ranked cat demons) had probably decided to cooperate with the demon lords in some way or another. It was obviously risky and somehow foolish to hunt Nekomata all alone, but Sayuri had never thought about the consequences at all. She was more spontaneous when it came to that aspect.

It was fascinating to experience how strong feelings can be sometimes; how hatred and anger can command you without you being able to control yourself at all. Human beings, for example, were extremely emotional and their feelings usually controlled them. However, Sayuri had also experienced such a feeling. The need of avenging her family had turned into an obsession and whenever she thought about failing, anger and sorrow filled her heart.
But it was not the right time to regret the past. Her steps had brought her to the beach of the East Sea of Okoru, very close to the border with the Central lands of Tadano. A soft breeze that smelled like water waved Sayuri's hair gracefully as she walked slowly over the sand. It was beautiful, indeed. Notwithstanding, even the most fascinating places have their own legends. It was said that a new and dangerous creature had settled down in that sea and that people had decided to not come close to it for that reason.

Sayuri smiled softly and stopped walking, turning around to face the immense horizon. Blue and intense, yet pure. It was amazing how such a beautiful place could really be the home to the devil. Difficult to belief, but maybe true… It was still a legend, so Sayuri would not really care about it until she saw the demon. "Some first need to see in order to believe…" She thought before closing her eyes and taking a deep breath, inhaling the salt air.

[REDEMPTION]

The waves came up to her feet, water swirling around them. When it left, she stepped to the side, out of the footprint holes, and waited for the water to come up and meet her feet again. She looked off into the distance, beyond the waters and finally off into the sky. Miss you, Brother. She closed her eyes and sidestepped again. The sword at her side began to pulse, its thirst, its yearning, for disaster used to be overwhelming, but now she found the sensation a bit sweet. Maybe bitter. She was never sure. She had conflicting feelings about the disaster the weapon desired. Although she felt the need for it, she felt repulsed by it.

You’re wasting time. . . .

She placed a hand on the sword, calming it, trying to make it understand patience, something it was never good with. I like wasting my time here. A smile crossed her face. The wind blew her hair, flows of crimson flickering back behind her, wild, untamed. She reached up with both hands to gather it and wrap a band around it. She wasn’t going to leave it down. Not today. Not with all the wandering she had to do. Not tonight either. She had a feeling she wouldn’t be getting much sleep tonight, if any at all. Another sidestep.

Someone else is here.

That wasn’t very surprising. Anyone who wanted a little peace and wasn’t scared of a little story of demons in the water would come here. The smell of salt wasn’t as strong as she expected, but then, she wasn’t covered in the water, and her sense of smell wasn’t quite as strong as most others’. Maybe that was a good thing.

She turned and began to walk down the beach along the waterline. Maybe she would find this person he was speaking of. Whoever it was, she didn’t feel the need to be very concerned. Cautious, yes, but not fearful. She’d come too far along in the world to be fearful of much of anything these days, at least, of anything that would try to kill her. It was her game to play. Not theirs. She would play it till the day she died, or maybe not. Maybe she would . . . keep playing. Who knows, right?

[SAYURI]

The cold water hit the rocks with strength as the soft breeze started to change into what seemed to be a wild wind blow. Somebody else was approaching and it was not to be underestimated. What a great aura, what a firing spirit it possessed… this Youkai had been living for long, very, very long. Sayuri could not really predict its intentions, but she had to stay alert, yet not feared.

Turning around slowly, the wind waved her long and snowy hair to the side. Her deep crystal eyes soon found the prey. Crimson hair dancing with the wind approached from the other side of the beach.
The albino fox demon remained quiet and emotionless; there was no need for her to abandon her position and neither was she going to change her trajectory for an irrelevant event.

The red-haired female kept approaching, confidence reflected in her eyes. Sayuri noticed the sword she was carrying with her immediately. Well, who would not? Its demoniacal aura could be sensed miles away. That sword was alive, which meant that it was powerful enough to assure an intense battle. But again, there was no need for starting a fight, yet. Sayuri had never shown much interest in unnecessary battles that could suppose a delay in her journey. There was only one demon she was looking for, a God she needed to destroy in order to avenge her family. Nekomata, the cat demon lord that seemed to have disappeared from world, but who surely was in connection with the new demon lords that had arson from darkness and that had caused so much chaos in the past years.

Nevertheless, this was not the moment to let emotions carry you away. A possible enemy was approaching and it was impossible to know if she was looking for a fight, although the calm expression in her face showed the opposite. Yet, never let a calm and innocent looking face trick you, or it will surely mean your end. "It has been quite a lot since I have last met another of my kind…" Sayuri started carefully, choosing her words with caution.

[REDEMPTION]

((The maroon italic text is the sword.))

She felt the demonic aura. Closer. Closer now. She could see a woman, with long pale hair flying. This youkai looked rather harmless, but the swords said otherwise. People were catching on. They wanted more powerful weapons all the time. They would steal them if they could. Redemption continued walking. She knew better to underestimate youkai these days. The higher ones anyway. The fire demoness was hardly worried about losing a fight or being killed most of the time, but there was nothing wrong with caution. She was sure just being there put others on their guard. It was quite expected. But she wasn’t looking for a fight today. She wasn’t going to look for a fight from everyone. That would be ridiculous!

Don’t stop and babble, Redemption. Keep moving. She wouldn’t listen to him if the other youkai spoke up. He never was a social demon. She had gathered as much from all their years together. Don’t you want to find your brother? Of course, she did, but she’d been searching for a very long time. It wouldn’t be fatal to let the search go for a few minutes. Besides, she’d already, technically, given up the search. What it was now was only a halfway search of sorts. Walking and travelling, hoping for something to turn up and never being satisfied. Well, that’s what happened when you hoped. Those hopes are usually crushed before a plethora of others who don’t give a care.

"It has been quite a lot since I have last met another of my kind…" By this time, Redemption had closed the distance between them. She paused only because of the girl’s talking. How long had it been since she herself had had a conversation with another youkai? There was no reason for her to be rude. She didn’t really feel like talking. For some reason her mind was having trouble searching for words.

She bowed her head in greeting. Whether she was talking to herself or to Redemption, she wasn’t entirely sure, but she would speak anyway. “Of those I have come across, there are not many of whom I can speak who are worth taking the time to meet.” The girl looked pleasant enough, though Redemption found herself looking down at her. Redemption was only a few inches taller, though, so it wasn’t drastic. She put on a small smile to show she was trying to be congenial.

[SAYURI]

Sayuri observed her movements in detail, still cautious. The way the other Youkai handled showed that she was just passing by, not really having the intention of starting a conversation. "Good one, Sayuri, when will you learn to just shut up?" She thought to herself while making a light bow in return to the newcomer's greeting. She had felt the need to make the comment, as if something had forced her to do so. Was it coincidence that she had met this female demon? Was it fate? The red-haired's words were comforting, though. No challenge this time and it was better that way, no doubt about it.

Minutes of silence. Both of them looked at each other with caution, but the atmosphere remained calm. Time to be polite for one of them and Sayuri was not too pride to make the first move. "Would I be abusing this causality if I dared to ask you for your name, my lady?" Her voice resembled soft and innocent, just like her appearance. "But I am aware of how impolite this would be if I did not introduce myself first, for why I will take the risk and tell you that I am called Sayuri." This was probably the longest conversation she had had in a very long time. It did not feel bad though. In fact, finding somebody intelligent enough to talk to was more like a gift to her.

Again the salty smell of the water penetrated Sayuri's nostrils, making her shiver. How could it cause so much pleasure in her? How could she be so sensitive and emotional? Sometimes Sayuri could act more humanly than normal Youkai would… could this suppose a danger for her in the future times?

The slight smile on the newcomer's lips made Sayuri smile as well. She had never been good when it came to interact with others, so she was not really sure which words to choose or how to move, reason for why she remained as much quiet as possible and frozen like an ice figure. She was not feared, though, just a little intimidated by the situation.

[REDEMPTION]

Redemption couldn’t really tell, but maybe this youkai was a little relieved at not being challenged to some sort of battle. It was a relief to her, too, she had to admit. No doubt, Liserion was seething within himself. Whatever chaos had he caused before being sealed? Who knew? Maybe her father knew. Well, he was dead. But then, from where did her brother get the sword? It made little sense, but that wasn’t what should be concerning her right now. She mentally kicked herself for going off into other thoughts while talking with another people. Talk about being rude. Even if the other didn’t know she was thinking of something else, she knew, and that was all that mattered in order to get her back on track.

She was a little surprised that the girl requested her name. Few people had the nerve, well, the will to ask, seeing as these were such dangerous times and you couldn’t really trust most people you met out and about. Inwardly, she was a little skeptical, but her name was known by so many terrible youkai that it hardly seemed to matter anyway. Sayuri had a soft voice. She was polite enough. She didn’t exactly sound like conversation was a regular pastime of hers, though. It was good to see the girl smile. Maybe she was coming around to be more at ease. Whether or not that was a good thing, Redemption would find out.

“I feel now that I must drop the formality,” she said with a more engaging smile and a small laugh. “I tire of formal language at times. I hope you understand.” Besides, it’s harder to be calm with such formal greeting language. “My name is Redemption. My brother used to add Ruquia to its end, but I find there’s little need for a last name of any sort.” Once they were past introductions and it was clear neither meant harm, it was common for her to drop formalities. They were not a boss. They were not someone she had to impress. This was a common conversation, well, common in nature, and just friendly in passing. Why be restricted? “I’m sorry, I have the tendency to be a little more talkative when I’m getting comfortable. Are you heading anywhere in particular?”

[SAYURI]

Sayuri's attention was newly caught by the sword Redemption carried with her. She had to admit that it was pretty difficult to ignore its presence. One of her weaknesses was that she was way too curious sometimes and this weapon seemed to have a very interesting history. Yet, was this something Sayuri should care about? There were moments in which it was better to push curiosity away and remain distant and cautious. But then again, the naive Youkai was way too emotional to let rationality play the role. She could be lethal, indeed, and the murderer of multiple creatures in this chaotic world, but she also was as warm hearted and sweet as her face showed. It was difficult to reach that hidden part of her, though, and nobody had ever got the chance to know who she truly was. Nevertheless, nobody ever knows what can happen in the future… nothing is possible.

Sayuri had to focus on the conversation once again or things could get a little spicy. Redemption seemed to feel more comfortable as well, which, on the one hand pleased the fox demon, yet, on the other hand, confused her. Did this mean that this conversation was going to last longer than she had expected? Bad thing, this was a territory she had never stepped into. Another confused smile appeared on Sayuri's face as the red-haired adopted a more informal way of talking. Yes, she was about to have a normal conversation with another of her kind. "I tire of formal language at times. I hope you understand." The laugh confused Sayuri a little more, but she tried not to show it. What was funny? Did she say something wrong or had she used a language that was not usual in those times? "I do understand." She perfectly lied as surprise took her. Her brother? Redemption was giving a certain type of information Sayuri never expected her to reveal. Not that it could be used against her, but it was more like a personal thing. "I guess I'll manage it better if I simply call you Redemption." She answered softly.

Redemtion seemed to be more talkative than her appearance showed. Mentioning her brother and the way he used to call her was pretty surprising. However, this could only be Sayuri's impression; a girl who has no idea of how to deal with a conversation. "I'm sorry, I have the tendency to be a little more talkative when I'm getting comfortable." That was positive, wasn't it? "Don't apologize, please. I'm just surprised that you share such information with somebody you barely know." Maybe that answer had been to risky, but you know what they say: no risk, no fun. But things got a little twisted as the new question was asked. Heading anywhere in particular…? "No, not at all. I consider myself a wanderer so… I go here and there without a real objective." Okay, she had not been completely sincere, but part of it was true. She was a wanderer and she did not have a fixed place she wanted to reach, but she could not go ahead and tell Redemption that she was after Nekomata in order to avenge her family, right? "And you? You seem to be passing by, but maybe I'm wrong. Are you looking for something in particular in these territories?" Now that she had got deeper into the conversation things seemed to be easier than she had expected. Words came out of her vocal cords fluently. Talking was way easier than she had imagined.

[REDEMPTION]

Something about Sayuri’s eyes was different, to Redemption. Maybe she wasn’t the only one who got distracted so often. Redemption was a little curious about this demoness. She didn’t appear to be a violent sort of creature, though she was sure that appearances in such cases as these were indeed deceiving. Sayuri may not be violent by nature of her character, but any youkai had a thirst for some sort of mischief every now and then. The fire youkai was herself curious. Always had been, too much for her own good. But she had gotten used to it. She’d learned to quell her urges. It wasn’t hard to keep from wondering about strange things if she really tried. It was actually like second nature now. Only when others show strange curiosity for her did she feel any curiosity for the other, or something in their possession. Like those twin swords. They weren’t exactly high demon profile or anything, but they weren’t just any old swords. That much was easy to tell, and Liserion was having a fit about them. He always did have fits about demon-touched weapons, despite the fact he possessed one.

She really hoped this didn’t make the other youkai uncomfortable, her being comfortable as it was. Sure, she was still cautious, but part of her wanted to throw caution to the wind. Wasn’t going to happen, but the thought was there. Maybe Redemption was just happy for once. Talking to someone who didn’t want to kill her, as far as she knew, was quite refreshing. “I always thought it was a little long, really, or maybe unoriginal.” ‘Redemption’ probably wasn’t supposed to be a name anyway. I do like my name though. She crossed her arms loosely and put her weight on her left leg, letting the other relax a little. The wind kept blowing, and she turned her head to look into it for a few seconds, getting her hair to go in the direction she wanted it to go—in other words, not in her face.

Redemption raised her brows at what the girl said. Surprised? Well, of course! Again, she mentally kicked herself. What was she thinking? She didn’t regret saying anything, but this girl didn’t seem comfortable with such information being shared. Seem. Didn’t seem. She just shrugged. “It’s not extremely personal. Just something that came to mind. Many people half my age and younger probably know more than they should about me. I haven’t exactly made a big effort to hide everything about me.” When you have nothing to lsoe but your life, it doesn’t seem to matter anymore. She turned her eyes back to Sayuri’s, filled with assurance. Redemption was a confident youkai, and it was hard for anyone to get under her skin with whatever she said. She wasn’t worried.

The sword began to pulse with a violent aura when Sayuri returned the question, and Redemption looked down at it with a stern expression. Laying a hand on it, it calmed, but feeling its anger, she held on to its hilt. Looking back at Sayuri, she replied, “I suppose I’m more like a wanderer myself. I’m a hired sword, by trade, I guess. Not a mercenary, mind you. I just help guard travelers. It’s not too hard of a job, and it usually keeps me busy enough. Keeps me going.”

[SAYURI]

Taiyou and Mangetsu seemed to have caught Redemption's attention as she examined them for a few seconds. It was fair, Sayuri had been starting at her sword for quite a long time, so it would not really harm her if the other took a look on her weapons. Sayuri's swords always remained calm, not willing to enter a battle if they are not requested by their owner. Both of them were like her father, calm and protective. They were not just two swords which she would use as a proof of her power. No. It was her father whom she carried with her, his spirit that remained into the swords' edge. "I always thought it was a little long, really, or maybe unoriginal." Sayuri laughed softly, yet held it as soon as she realized a possible offense in Redemption. "I believe your name is very original. Well, at least for me, since it's the first time I hear it." Maybe it was a common name, who knew? Sayuri was not so well-informed about other demons' names. She even ignored how the two demon lords were called. "I'm not good at creating nicknames and I don't believe there is enough trust between us for me to call you by one…" Shyly, Sayuri made another bow, apologizing in some way for her inexperience in this campus.

The fox demon could feel Redemption's eyes drilling into her own ones. Was she judging her? No, probably not. She did not look like a classicist. No, the red-haired was probably starting to notice that Sayuri was hiding more about herself than any other would. “It’s not extremely personal. Just something that came to mind. Many people half my age and younger probably know more than they should about me. I haven’t exactly made a big effort to hide everything about me.” By those words, Sayuri supposed that Redemption was known by many around the world, which proved, once again, what an ignorant the snow-haired was. Yet, why did she look so alone? Maybe people hated her, maybe humans did. Well, human beings hated, in general, all demons or anything that could not be considered as human. Yet, who does not suffer in this world? Everyone has his or her own worries, why wouldn't Redemption have her own ones? And now, just with a few words, it felt so difficult to see her as a cold hearted creature. How could Sayuri be so innocent and naive?

The sword, something had awakened it, its aura had changed momentarily, but Redemption had been very quick at calming it down. What was wrong? Did it have something to do with the question she had just returned? Either way, it was none of her business. She had not been sincere with her, so why would she be the same? "Another surprising detail… you help guard travelers?" A Youkai helping humans. Even if it was for money, this showed pretty much of her personality. "I would dare to say that I'm somewhat glad to hear that. I'm not sure why… but at least you don't seem to be part of those demons who kill and torture humans for pleasure." Thinking about what she had just said, Sayuri spoke quicker in her following adding. "Not that I have judged you, don't misunderstand me, but you know, there are only a few Youkai who do not harm humans if you know what I mean…" Her eyes looked away from hers for a moment as she let the wind refresh her face. This had been pathetic, extremely pathetic and ridiculous.

[REDEMPTION]

First time hearing the name. She wondered if she’d heard the word at all, or if Sayuri knew what she had meant. Her smile was stuck on her face. For some reason, this Sayuri seemed rather genuine in her speech. She lacked the certainty maintained by most dedicated liars, and she was showing more signs of uncertainty and caution than anything else. Redemption hoped she was not putting the girl too much on her guard. By now, she was only wanted to make the conversation more comfortable for the both of them. “I have a nickname, but I suppose, should we become friends, that you will learn it in time,” she said with a hint of laughter in her voice. Truly, this girl was a little intriguing. Just how old was she? She couldn’t be as young as she appeared. Youkai rarely were. Take her for example.

Having a good conversation was new these days. Rare and wonderful, to her. Most of the time, when she got the chance to speak, someone was retaliating and trying to make her eat her own words. That rarely, if ever, occurred—the eating of her own words—but the impertinence of some people was astounding. How did they ever make it through society? Right. There really was no society to think of, was there? Youkai did their own thing. It brought her thoughts to the current demon lords. She’d heard their power was great, but just how so? How did they keep those filthy lower youkai under their control. With so much of a demon concentration, you would think someone would’ve tried overthrowing them. Maybe there had been an attempt, and the lords were just too powerful. Well, she never paid much attention to rumors, so asking around was a little useless to her.

“Yes, I guard travelers, from humans to youkai alike,” she commented. “It’s not so much for the money, though, as it is to keep me busy.” With her family gone and few friends to speak of, Redemption felt the need to travel, and she couldn’t just sit around and be bored all day, could she? It wasn’t often that a chance to exchange a good glare came around by itself. You had to invite it. You had to look for it, and she found all of it quite amusing. She should her head at the girl’s assumption. Though right, she seemed to be in a hurry to make sure Redemption hadn’t taken her words offensively. Redemption shook her head.

“There is no reason our kind should be so hard on the humans. They are a destructive race, but then, so are we, by nature. Why we can’t cohabitate is beyond me.” Not really. She understood that they could never get along, but at the same time, she couldn’t help but continually ask herself ‘why.’ “I do not approve of human slavery, by any means. Our minds seem no different. The thought that they are intellectually beneath us is ridiculous.” She admitted to herself she’d met many a human who wasn’t the smartest box around, but then, she’d met more demons like that.

[SAYURI]

The wind seemed to calm down as the conversation advanced. It was weird, but it felt as if both of them, Sayuri and Redemption, were both feeling intrigued by the other one. The red-haired was obviously not stupid and Sayuri had been a little clumsy this time and had not been able to hide part of her emotions. Maybe she was putting her guard down without noticing it; just because she was feeling truly comfortable around the newcomer. The fox looked herself around, looking for a place in which she could sit down. Luckily, there were an amount of rocks just a few steps away, for why she decided to land on one of them with a agile jump. "I hope you don't mind if I sit down." She apologized politely. "Feel free to do the same, please." See? It was not that hard to interact with others after all, or maybe it was easy with Redemption, who knew? Sayuri wondered which nickname she had, but pushed her curiosity away as she heard the word friends. Were friends a good thing? She did not know, she had never got the chance to forge a friendship with anyone. The Youkai had actually rejected the possibility to have a special bond with anyone. "Friends…" She muttered to herself while looking at the immense horizon.

No, it could not be. Friends or lovers were a threat. She would be vulnerable to other enemies, always worried about her beloved ones' safety. Not that she did not want to have a friend, this was not really the matter. She had been alone since the day she had lost her parents. Over four-hundred years, Sayuri has been traveling around the world all alone without anyone at her side to protect her or comfort her. But then again, why would things change now? Yet, why did she feel so lonely now…? She sighed, pushing those thoughts away as she smiled again at Redemption. This was not the moment to think about it. "I see, so that is why you travel so much, right?" She asked as she heard Redemption explain the reason of why she had such a job. "Well, I suppose it is a good way to live multiple experiences. I'm the type of girl who doesn't really like to just stay at the same place without having something to do. I believe all of us have a goal in their life, don't we?" Or maybe not, she still was an ignorant after all.

It could be a lie, but Redemption was starting to convince Sayuri with her words. The way she thought about the relationship between humans and demons was very similar to hers. "Indeed, it's not fair to judge people by their origins or by their race." She stated in response to her words. "Our actions speak for us, they form us, they identify us as cruel or compassionate beings. Classicism is something I'll never understand." Higher positions or lower ones? What kind of purpose did this have? And then Sayuri laughed sarcastically at her own comment. "Why am I complaining? I talk and keep talking about how unfair this system is, but have I really tried to change something?" She looked deeply into Redemption's eyes, a disappointed smile drawn on her lips. "No, I have not." Was this the reason of her feeling of guiltiness?

[REDEMPTION]

“I think I’ll stand. Thank you, though,” she replied. She much preferred to stand. “Maybe in a few minutes.” She was glad Sayuri seemed to feel a little bit more comfortable talking to her. It may not have been the greatest conversation in the world, but it was a conversation nonetheless. Why it was so difficult to start one in the first place—and sometimes keep it going—what something that always seemed to escape her. She liked talking, and yet, she didn’t. It was a strange irony, but one she would not continue to fret over.

Redemption dug her feet into the sand, able to feel the slight warmth through her boots. The sun was lower now, and dark would be settling in within a few hours. She knew better than to keep them here for too much longer. Things often got pretty nasty after dark. But she had some time. Both of them did. It wouldn’t be terrible to wait a while. She glanced down at Sayuri, suddenly hoping that her mentioning of friendship had not caused her discomfort. It would’ve been quite the opposite of her intentions.

Why I travel so much? “Yes, it is. I guess I’m like you in that way. Can’t stand to stay in one place for too long. Makes me feel like I’m being watched or followed. Makes me feel . . .” She searched her mind for the right word. “Vulnerable.” Did she have a goal. Maybe. To find her brother. She thought she felt the brush of Liserion against the edge of her mind, but she ignored it. “I suppose we all have a goal of some kind. Whether we admit to it or not, or even know what it really is, that’s something each individual must decide.” I don’t think I would even know where to begin. She hadn’t voiced her thoughts on her brother in over a thousand years. Thought of him, yes. But not spoke.

“Don’t beat yourself up about it,” she told the girl. There was only so much any one of them could do. “One of us can’t defeat armies, and it’s difficult to find anyone who actually wants to help the human cause.” They’ll probably end up overrunning us in the end. But that didn’t bother her. Maybe their kind should die out. Maybe it should just disappear. Maybe it would be better for the world. It was hard to imagine a world like that, where humans were safe and the demon kind were no longer to be seen. In her head, it seemed plausible, despite the current circumstances.

“I prefer to save those I can, but none of us can really go out of our way to help them without drawing too much attention to ourselves.” They couldn’t help anyone if they were dead, could they? She was sure she could handle a good majority of soldiers, but then, that was her pride talking. She wasn’t the only old demon out here.

[SAYURI]

It felt strange, very strange. Two individuals meeting at the beach, maintaining a normal conversation. Youkai never used to socialize with others, not even with those of her own kind. They had other habits instead, habits Sayuri had never felt proud about. Demons, no matter how strong or how weak, always considered themselves as a superior race compared to human beings, yet most of them behaved like brainless beasts, which once again showed that stupidity existed among every single creature in the world. So, in other words, Redemption and Sayuri were pretty much behaving like two human women would if they met at the market (for example). Did it bother the fox? Not at all, there was no need to feel ashamed about such a behavior, indeed, it was showing a part of her she had never got to know, or rather a part she did not want to discover. Either way, Redemption was somehow helping her. Yes, she was a complete stranger, but she was the first one in centuries with whom she had started a conversation. Why she? Sayuri felt so young compared to her. She did not need to know how old Redemption was. For the way she talked, for the way she moved and for the way her eyes shined, the white haired knew she was standing in front of an ancient demon.

The wind was starting to feel a bit colder, which meant that there were only a couple of hours left before the sun settled down. Again the fox had let her emotions flow. Redemption noticed her discomfort immediately, although anyone would have been able to catch it. The best thing to do now was to switch the topic quickly, as if nothing had happened. "Do you believe in fairytales?" She asked as her eyes looked down at the infinite sea. "Do you think this new evil exists? Or is it a simple story people have invented?" That had been a rather rhetorical question. It was not so impossible to have a demon stirring in these waters, yet it was a good way to keep Redemption's mind away from the other topic: friendship. No, it obviously was not a good thing to talk about, at least not for now. She glanced back at the red-haired as she heard her saying that staying at the same place for too long made her feel somewhat vulnerable. "Watched or follow? Well, I suppose it is always safer to keep moving, specially when you're somebody that is usually hunted by others." Redemption did not seem to possess a great reputation. For the way she had talked about other people knowing too much about her and/or her feeling of being followed, Sayuri guessed the demoness had more than one enemy.

Redemption was right, she was not guilty for the existing differences between humans and demons and there was very little she could do about it. Finding other Youkai that supported her point of view was more than impossible, plus it was not her mission in life, at least not for now. Furthermore, why would she try to change things? Human beings would not even listen at her if she tried, they would probably try to kill her as they always do with every demon they come across with. "Yes, I know…" She agreed with the demoness after sighing. "But sometimes I feel as if I had the power to change the course of life… do you know what I mean?" She actually wanted to know if such a feeling was normal or if she was starting to rave. "You're different, did you know that? I can't really tell why, but you are." Was it okay for her to give out such a comment? Would it offend Redemption in some way? Sayuri had always been different, even from those of her own race. She was born as an outsider for being the only one with her traits, but she had always enjoyed being unique, it was a good thing in her opinion.

[REDEMPTION]

Redemption crossed her arms again, her down for a few minutes in thoughtful silence. At least it wasn’t awkward, being quiet for a few minutes. That in and of itself was a little strange, but she liked it. She didn’t have this type of experience often, obviously. Well, then again, maybe not so obviously. She wasn’t really sure if she sounded like it’d been a while since she’d had a good conversation. It didn’t really sound like it to her, but then, she always thought she sounded about the same no matter when she talked comfortably. She noticed her head was tilted a bit, and slowly straightened up.

Did she believe in fairy tales? No. Of course not. If there were such things as fairy tales, she would get her happy ending, the happiness she always wanted. Ever since her brother disappeared. All she wanted was to get him back. To at least find out what had happened to him, and perhaps . . . if he was even still alive. It was all very disconcerting, but she said nothing of her brother. That would be for another time, perhaps. It wasn’t the answer she would want to her question.

“I don’t believe in fairy tales,” she replied a little solemnly. “But I do believe in legends. Most of them, anyway. They all start with something, and though the legend is often a bit twisted after a while, you sometimes realize that it may not be far off from the true beginning.” She wasn’t sure if that made sense to the younger youkai, and she had to consider it herself for a little bit. “As for this new evil, I think it always existed.” She finally walked closer to the other youkai and sat down in the said cross-legged. “It may have only just appeared, but these things don’t just happen.”

She looked off at the sun. “I mean, I’m sure these warlord fellas could cook up something scary to hide something they wanted, well, hidden, but why would they do such a thing? I find it all much more intriguing if I consider the likelihood of the legend being as true as it seems.” I’ve certainly never swam around in the deep part of the sea. She knew there were probably many strange things under the surface that none of them knew about. New youkai, perhaps, or something else. You could never be sure, anymore.

Her head gave a slight nod when she was asked about her feelings on “changing the world.” She’d wondered about that many times throughout her life, and she’d never come to a definite conclusion. It always seemed a fool’s hope to believe one could change the world in any way. But maybe one thing at a time could do things. She had forever to live, unless her time came before she was ready for it. No, I think I’ve been ready for a thousand years.

Redemption turned her head to look over at Sayuri when she commented on her being different. Then she smiled. “I’ll take it as a compliment,” she said, continuing to smile to show she was not offended. Sayuri was different, too. Somehow. But maybe they were more similar than it seemed. Maybe one day they would find out, but she knew at some point that they would have to part ways. Everyone did in time. That’s the only way she knew, and there was probably no changing that, even if she did make a new friend.

[SAYURI]

Sayuri thought that a prolonged silence in a conversation would make her feel uncomfortable, but it did not happen. She was okay with a little break. The crashing waves began to lower down their temper, which meant that night was approaching. It was time for the sea to take a rest and regain forces for the next day. Also the wind stopped blowing so hard and turned into a gentle breeze. The Kitsune knew her question had been sort of senseless, but at least she had been able to switch the topic without major problems, plus, Redemption did not seem to care about it. However, the way in which she had intoned the word fairytales had caught her attention. Of course she did not believe in those childish stories, but maybe because her own fairytale had not been the one she had wished? Those type of fables usually talk about kings and queens, love and romance, the bad one who wants to murder the princess and the prince who rescues her from darkness with a passionate kiss. Furthermore, love always triumphed and darkness was destroyed, yet in real life things were way more complicated and unfair. Those who do not deserve to suffer, do; and those who deserve to die, succeed in their plans. World never treated the good ones with compassion.

Legends and myths were different, though and Sayuri was glad she was not the only one who believed in them. Redemption was right as she stated that they use to get more twisted with the time, but they always had some truth in them. Also coincidences did not seem to be real for the red-haired as she said that things don't just happen. And she was right, somehow. Sayuri never knew if fate played a role in everyone's lives or if just coincidence moved them. That encounter, for example, felt not like a coincidence, but at the same time it did. The albino could have met plenty of other demons or humans, but she had not. It was Redemption who had come in her way, if it had a special meaning was something she still had to discover. "Mmm… those things are always difficult to determine. Destiny or casualty? Evil is always out there, waiting for an innocent soul. I don't know what to believe, I ten'd to be the type of girl who just believes in what she can smell, hear, see and touch." They had different opinions in this aspect, good point. "I force myself to be extremely rational." Although she tried to be always rational, there existed moments in her past in which she had not been able to control her emotions. The demoness had a compassionate heart she wanted to preserve, but sometimes her feelings made her feel weak, which made her want to get rid of her most-likely human part.

It took a little before Redemption answered to the younger's comment, but it was a relief to see that it had not offended her. "It was a compliment." She smiled and looked back at the horizon. Only half of the sun was to be seen, the rest was already hidden under the sea line. "It's getting dark." She commented. "Should we keep going?" She then turned her head around and faced Redemption's eyes. "I guess we're taking the same direction." Sayuri explained softly as she pointed with her thumb behind her back. "You don't have to come with me, of course. It's just a suggestion, to make it less boring until our ways split up." She was doing it, she was finally socializing, treating somebody else as a normal being, feeling comfortable around another's presence. The snowy-haired stood up and shook a bit of sand from her kimono before looking back at Redemption and wait for her answer.