Unforgiven (finished)

[Mishiranu Arashi]

The snow was swirling as it always did deep in the mountains of the Himalayas, the sky a blank white sheet. The life silent as the snowfall and there was nothing to disturb the gentle scene. The snow along a seldom walked path in the side of the mountain swirled more roughly without warning. As the snow seemed to tighten together a solid form in the white began to appear as if shaped in the icy gale. Then the snow burst leaving a hollow space in the storm of snow saturated in a hazy black mist in the form of black snowflakes. The hollowed space faded and there stood Arashi and his sultry companion Ranmyaku. Arashi breathed in calmly and looked around, the place was slightly familiar. He had ran wild here, and done horrid things to the people here.

You have no right to guilt, I only brought you here that day.. you killed the men and sucked the soul from that woman on your own, Arashi's swooned as Ranmyaku spoke through their bloody bond and directly into his mind.

"You can talk to me normally anytime you want," Arashi said mildly disgruntled. "You're forcing magic through me every-time you do that... it's a fucking acid trip."

Ranmyaku laughed at his response, and merely walked behind him as he started forward. She'd taken a liking to his sensitivity to her power, it made her feel more respected. Arashi hadn't felt her chaos in his system as much when he was still a real celestial. Arashi wandered on looking for the village he owed a debt more heavy then he could pay.

Nothing you do will save you, you should find a new way to ease your guilt, like ignore it, or get over it.

"I am not a beast, I was dragged down by things I didn't have the will to control but I can now attempt to make it right," Arashi said, not as affected by the swoon of her power.

Tell that to Tomoyo, I doubt she'll be as understanding. In fact, tell that to the families of the hundreds you've slaughtered thus far.

"Then you tell me what I am to do?"

"I'll tell you one thing," Ranmyaku said finally breaking her silence and speaking out openly. "You've taken a step back. Before you accepted yourself and acted as was your nature, something few in any realm can do. Yet, even then you were lost and always searching for what you should do. Now you've got no purpose and you're simply walking about pathetically and guilty. Stop trying to wash away sins, they go no where, you will forever be unforgiven"

Arashi paused, he shook his head, then continued on, there was some purpose for him. No enigma existed without purpose, and he wouldn't allow himself to be the exception.

[Augustus]

Augustus decided to prolong his stay in the Mortal Realm, thinking that if he continued training here it would be alright with his aunt, Na'ame. He had started at the base of the mountain and climbed his way up hoping to that he could make it to a village that was on his map. He had bundle himself up and brought necessary supplies for his climb but he started to think that perhaps this little adventure would do him in for sure.

He reached a certain spot in the mountain and sat down to catch his breath in the thin air. He felt sore all over and could feel the bitter air nipping at his nose and checks, which was probably close to getting frost bite. He pulled out his map to see if he was any close to that village. He looked around after seeing that it was close according to the map but his eyes fell on to figures. Wiping his eyes to try to see if it what he was seeing was in fact there, the heavy snow fall made it difficult to see but he could see them.

He made his way over to them before shouting out to them. "Hey! You know where there is a village around here? Could you point me in the right direction?"

[Mishiranu Arashi]

Arashi and Ranmyaku walked on and on without pause for hours without a soul making themselves known. Arashi's mind rattling off ways to go about what he planned to do. There were just so few ways to gain forgiveness in the world, and he felt mildly helpless. Ranmyaku, the scantly clad voice of unreason that she was, found his current state of mind highly agitating. Arashi could feel her discomfort, she liked him more when he was reckless and wild. Arashi wasn't sure he ever wanted that pulsing chaos back, so he kept her from entering his body anymore. Her power was much more potent then he'd realized before.. and he had more control of his own blood and ability without her fueling him.

"someone called us," Ranmyaku alerted Arashi of the coming stranger.

Arashi's first motion was to cover his face, his ears and eyes would put off most humans and his fangs wouldn't help either. He had to be careful about hiding himself, in the case that a celestial pass by and recognize him as well. He was much different since his descent from the winged angels of the choirs, but he was sure he could be found out. The person didn't have the oppressive aura of a bounty hunter or soldier, but he couldn't be sure. Arashi didn't feel anything hostile either, though that could be masked by most.

Arashi turned to face the person he hadn't noticed, and looked to Ranmyaku silently asking what he'd said to them.

He's asking about the village. I doubt we want him their with us... things will be hard enough as is.

Her response was noted, and Arashi would take her advice and lead the man away as best he could. Though, it was a dark deed to send someone randomly out into this blizzard without end.

"Hello friend, I am sure you are mistaken," Arashi called out as he made to shorten the distance between them. "there is no village up here in these hellish mountains. The weather is too harsh, there are none fool enough to settle here. Where did you get your map?"

Arashi had his hood up and his hands hidden beneath the long sleeves of his cloak. He didn't like meeting people, he never really did feel comfortable meeting people he didn't expect to meet.

[Augustus]

"Aw man," Augustus said to himself. Perhaps that guy at the village at the base of the mountain was right, that the old map that was posted was nothing and that there was no village up here. He suspected him of lying and penned in the location on his own map anyway but now there was this guy telling him there was no village out here either. "I got this map from home, I just marked where I thought there was a village up here."

He noticed that the woman wasn't wearing clothes that you would wear in weather like this and gave her a weird look. His water spirit, Adrian, who was hiding in his body, spoke up. "She's a sprite. A chaos one."

Augustus had frighten look on his face. Is this Shoko?!

No, Shoko was mostly a void user. At least according to the reports. But anyone using chaos are more than likely to have a volatile behavior. You should proceed with caution.

The look on his face relaxed a little as wondered about these two. "So what are you guys doing out here then. You don't look like you climbed all the way up here?" He started to stamp his feet to keep his circulation going and to keep his body warm. He could feel his face going numb which was the only part of his body that was exposed.

[Mishiranu Arashi]

Arashi was sure this person was more then a fool and would have no qualms walking around in circles in this deathly cold. He'd traveled this far up the mountain for a mark he thought would work. Ranmyaku snickered at the way he'd explained the map, she thought it was all to cute. Ranmyaku made a step forward to tease him, but stopped as he expression turned fearful and she wondered what triggered it. It wasn't as if any threats had been made. Arashi sensed the changed in expression and picked up the fear that flashed through the boy and vanished. Ranmmyaku was now suspicious and walked over to the stranger.

"Why're so concerned about us when you don't even know what you're doing yourself? Who climbs a mountain to chase a village they think is in the right place on their map," Ranmyaku said teasingly as she reached out to run a hand alone his shoulder.

Ranmyaku's real goal was to get a feel for what the magic she sensed was coming from. She could feel water magic but she didn't feel he was a celestial, leaving her to assume he either wasn't human or he was in possession of a rare water sprite that felt comfortable with a human master.

"I think you'd best simply go home Sweety.."

You're disgusting. Arashi thought, forcing the message through Ranmyaku's mind. She flinched only in the slightest from the surprise visit to her mind.

Finally willing to be inside me again? Ranmyaku responded as she looked at him for a moment, finding his feline eyes beneath their shroud.

"I would agree friend, anything that is hidden away up her would have been dead long ago in these storms. And if there is a hidden village I don't know about I would suggest you not bother them. I can only guess someone living all this way into a hell of ice would do so to avoid visitors. I doubt they'll react kindly to trespassers."

Arashi issued his suggested warning and remained hidden beneath his thick cloak, refusing to use his magic to remain warm. Arashi felt that he was warm enough, and as such he remained covered in the deep black garments that hid his face from view.

You should let me in that cloak with you.. I miss living inside you. We used to be so intimate, always together, hot and high with the chaos of the world. Come on, at least take a dip inside me for a while... I'm getting so cold.

Ranmyaku cooed in her silent telepathic link, the link that became more and more like a drug the longer Ranmyaku was left out of his body. His swoon clouded his mind momentarily, Arashi closed his eyes and settled his pulsing heart and the chaos reacting to her call in his veins. He hoped the kid would simply leave before anything happened to him. He knew these people of the mountains. He knew their ability and their dedication to the village. He'd seen it all, the memories of the souls here, and not many creatures could walk into that place alone and leave unscathed without a trick or two.

[Augustus]

Listening to her respond to his question, he frowned at her sensing that he was being teased. He watched her carefully as she walked to him and put her hand on his shoulder, making him feel uneasy. He hadn't noticed her flinch he moved away from her. The guy seemed to also suggest he go back home.

"Hrmp, if there are no villages up here, then I find it rather strange that two of you would just be up here walking around as if its a day in the park. But perhaps your business has nothing to do with me. And if there is a settlement out here just to remain hidden from the world, I'm sure they'll take pity in man that's about to suffer from frost bite and hypothermia because I don't think I'll be able to make it back down this mountain."

He took a quick glance at his map before putting it away and nodded to him to signal his leave. It was probably best that he leave to find this village on his own, he didn't want to stand around and suffer from the cold or irritate the two to the point of attacking him. Although a fight would probably warm him up a bit right now.

[Mishiranu Arashi]

Arashi felt a pang of guilt ever so mildly tremble in his mind and decided to step forward. Ranmyaku glared behind the retreating mans back, but Arashi wouldn't just let him leave. If this man were simply to walk away and freeze to death then it would be his fault. If he happened upon Tenmeigakure he would be beaten and captured by the ninja. Neither was a good idea, and Arashi wouldn't add sins to those he wished forgiven. Arashi took a few quick steps to catch up to the stranger and called out to him.

"Look friend I'm looking out for you here, you are better off going home then rely so much on the pity of a human being. Not all people are born with that, and if people make walls to keep you out they won't appreciate you climbing over them," Arashi made his newest plea as sensible as possible. Whoever this person was he was a fool to believe in others so much. Arashi knew personally that there was no one in any of the realms who was loyal enough to stand by you when the world crashes on you.

Stop wasting your breath. I can't believe the beautiful wrathful and impulsive Arashi I knew is begging idiots not to get themselves killed. You'd have drained his soul by now if you were your old self. Hell, he's already shown you all he wishes for. Did you lose your balls along with your wings?

I still have my wings, and I'll I've lost is my insanity. I have my mind and intend to keep it. Aren't you supposed to serve me?

That contract voided the moment your power over me subsided, you satisfy me and I'll care for you. I haven't got off on any of your latest actions. I need something spontaneous, lustful or vicious to happen soon or you're gonna get it.

Arashi felt his mind slip again as he listened to her silent accusations. She was becoming very anxious without her usual treatment. He could understand why she'd become that way, she felt mildly discarded. He felt her emotional storms just as she felt his calm poised mind. She hated the level headed way he was now, and Arashi knew it.

"Won't you at least let me walk you to the base of the mountain friend," Arashi asked kindly, hoping for a positive answer.

[Augustus]

Augustus stopped and turned around to see the guy behind him, telling him that his decision was foolish. He started to think that that maybe that this person wasn't human, that he doesn't know anything about human compassion and pity for another but perhaps he's been living too long among mortals.

Now he asked him he if he would walk him to the base as if it was the least he could do for his troubles. He started to consider it when his sprite made his existence known to them, appearing between his master and the unknown guy. "He will not. You're not to be trusted, you that have powers of chaos. We are leaving by ourselves without your help." Adrian turned to his master, "Your condition is deteriorating, we should end these adventures. There's important stuff that needs to be done back at home anyway."

Augustus consider what Adrian had to say and thought that he was probably right. Whatever suspicions he had about this guy was probably valid and wasn't going to argue with him. Instead he nodded to him and turned to leave, his sprite following in his wake.

[Mishiranu Arashi]

Arashi felt that his words had sunk in, even if it was harsh to preach mistrust it was truth. It passed his mind before that he had given up his faith in other peoples compassion and sympathy, but his life was a testimony of harsh realities. He was more or less placed into a corner and fed all the dark and savage things he had become. His life started in pandemonium and he was sure it wouldn't end in peace. Though, as soon as he was sure that he could get this person out of the harm of the cold another stranger appeared and it was immediately apparent that this one wasn't human. Arashi could smell the purity of a sprites power and it didn't take long for Ranmyaku to set her guard. Arashi himself stepped back and readied for a fight.

"...You're not to be trusted, you that have powers of chaos..."

Arashi felt a slight twinge of anger towards the stereotypical discrimination this fool spat at him. Ranmyaku hopped in and flashed her full rage through him and Arashi blood boiled. He forced himself not to ball his fists and commanded his veins to ice over as Ranmyaku began to pour her fury silently and without a motion into the air and into his blood.

How can you stand there and let him treat you like some fool? You extend your hand and he slapped it, just kill him so he doesn't have to worry about his frostbite anymore.

The mental hiss was stabbed into his mind with an injection of chaotic adrenaline and Arashi's body shook fr a moment as the magic built inside him. Chaos itself was a bomb of volatile energy, Arashi was feeling the beastial swoon he'd succumb to so many times before.

I won't.

Arashi refused her and his trembling body stilled, though any creature sensitive to magic would feel the chaos pour from him in waves. The snow around him turned to icy blackish daggers and fell around him. Seeing this he leaped away from the stranger about ten feet as to ensure he wasn't assaulted by the violent energy. Arashi sighed and shook his head, why did people have to be so stupid.

"That was bright, insult the very element of a sprite. All the while knowing the element itself to be volatile, you must be young. Even I wouldn't be that stupid. I'm simply trying to get him out of the freezing cold, but by all means trudge on without me. It's not like I know my way around here or something."

Is that it? You do nothing? Then I will.

Ranmyaku glared and crouched, her body beginning to change shape as she began to send off explosive waves of magic in random directions in her furry. Arashi saw this and vanished on the spot appearing in front of her, hood down as he glared at her. He was a good bit annoyed, and he found he didn't have many choices so he cut his arms open beneath his cloak.

"Go to sleep Ranmyaku," Arashi said in a cold and calm voice.

His sprite shivered a bit, more from the excitement of returning to the inside of Arashi's body then anything. though that excitement was followed closely by the fear she had of Arashi's cold demeanor.

Ranmyaku happily released her physical form, turning into a floating mass of blood before and slipping up the long black heavy sleeves of Arashi's coat. Arashi momentarily glowed an eerie hazy purple as the energy dispersed around him and the pulsing sprite was sated.

"You, just like the rest of the world are without understanding. You trust others will pity you and then so suddenly throw stones at something you know nothing of. Is this compassion? I show my neck and offer my hand only to be lashed by the blade of your tongue. If I'd let her run rampant here would I have been wrong? even if it proved you right," Arashi questioned them both. He was upset and lightheaded, barely a step from the edge of his sanity. Ranmyaku purred happily as she stretched through his body, and his body was worn already from resisting the chaos inside him.

[Augustus]

Adrian stopped when he felt the chaos energy, so did Augustus but he stopped mostly because he heard Adrian stop and could only feel a little bit of the energy when he did. Augustus looked back and narrowed his eyes at the guy. "Adrian simply told the truth. If your sprite can't handle the truth then perhaps she's the one that's young." His voice now had a tone of confidence unlike before, he turned around to face him. "You're asking me about compassion when you're the one that was trying to lead a poor person out of their way because you didn't want them in your hidden village? And even if you weren't a member of this village, you honestly think that I'm that stupid to see that you're not trying to deter me away from it? My sprite simply declined your offer to protect me and not out of malice towards you. Surely you had times when you're sprite protected you so you should understand. I'll like to thank you for offer but I'll politely decline if you don't mind." Augustus turned back around continued to walk off.

Adrian glared back at them before following his master. He didn't think that he should have been polite to them when they started to get upset. "Master, I don't think someone of your status should be talking to individuals that don't deserve your respect. Especially one's that don't seem to be of royalty."

[Mishiranu Arashi]

Arashi listened calmly to everything that was said, and realized that it was all pretty much off topic accusations. Arashi wasn't untrustworthy no matter how easy it was to send his ancient sprite off the deep end when she was on her period of sorts. Though, he had to agree she could benefit from growing out of that habit. there was no basis at all to his compassion comment however, he wasn't leading any poor person out of their way. This guy was already lost and asking directions, how could anywhere Arashi took him be misleading. Arashi found it all too funny and his laughter expressed this.

The stranger had went from wondering if he was wrong about assuming there was a village to accusing Arashi of leading him away because he didn't want him there. All the while without knowing where the place was if it actually existed, and no one nearby knew it existed because it was a secret village. Arashi bent over in laughter at this point,

"If there was no malice then why refuse under the reasoning that I wasn't to be trusted?"

Arashi shook his head in disbelief, he should be used to dejection but at least before it was due to some murderous rampage, not because he was sending a unknowing victim away from the secret ninja village full of assassins strong enough to contend with an angel in the proper setting.

Arashi wouldn't deny that Ranmyaku protected him, but never from some stranger giving fair advice. Normally she was the reason he was in the deeper shit and only stepped in at the moment Arashi was near death.

Arashi watched the other two walk away with a grin on his face, it had been funny. He had went too far into his questioning with someone who wasn't capable of seeing the illusions set into his own mind.

"We, if you happen to find this hidden mountain village you're looking for," Arashi called out as he waved. "I hope they don't kill you for your success."

Arashi vanished into a swirl of the blowing snow to the place where he would attempt to find his first glimpse of redemption.