Disclaimer: Birdie does not own Genbu Kaiden.
Tomite was not a happy camper. In fact, he was so unhappy, he was almost ready to storm right out of the campsite and never look back at the bunch of them.
The other seishi were all so gloomy. Sure, Kutou wanted to kill them, and, given their luck, probably would. But they could at least cheer up to keep their own limited morale higher then it currently was. Even Rimudo, who Takiko was so infatuated with, could only offer scowls to the disheartened Priestess.
Tomite glowered at the man sitting across the fire from him. The smart assed, gender confused prince was ruining everything for everyone. If it wasn't for him, the Seishi would perhaps have a little more respect among the nobles. But even that was wishful thinking. All of Hokkan seemed determined to rid the country of its own saviours.
Was it so hard to accept someone that was feared? That difficult to place trust in a higher power? As Tomite glanced at Takiko's sullen face, he wondered how people could be so determined to hate and fear her. She was a thousand times more lost and afraid than any other person in this world. And yet too few would offer the help she so desperately craved. Even her own Seishi didn't give her the consolation and support she silently begged for. Her eyes, filled with wonder when she had first appeared, were now darkened with despair and hopelessness.
Why did no one offer her what she needed? It was easy to see what it was she needed. Tomite looked at the other seishi sitting quietly around the fire, their faces mimicking a small portion of the fear and sadness their own Priestess held. They were all so glum. And yet no one tried to mend the situation.
Well, if the world was going to be that stubborn, Tomite would be a stubborn ass right back at it. With a loud, exasperated sigh, he stood and approached the Priestess.
Takiko timidly offered a cheap smile, but he outshone her. With his beaming grin, he offered a gloved hand and pulled the priestess to her feet.
"We need to get some new supplies. You can come along and see the town if you like."
Takiko frowned, mentally examining their recently replenished packs. "What do we need?"
"Some distractions and a few smiles."
The Priestess paused, eyes wide as her mind replayed the phrase, and then let out a laugh. She clasped his hand and let him lead her towards the nearby town.
She smiled for Tomite, but never told him how happy his simple offer had made her. She didn't need to. Her smile was enough to let him know.