The first month of winter is almost over, but that does not mean that Tokyo had become warmer. Even though Red misses the pink sakura petals hanging on the Cherry Blossom tree, he was sure he'd miss this chill the moment it was all over.
Still weakened, although true to what Humility said, the pain did subside, Red found difficulty doing his job. Sometimes, he gets really angry, but knowing that he might feel painful again, he tried his hardest to grow unaffected.
This time, his good friend Harry is doing his job of protecting the red haired girl, as he, was given a so called day-off, to reflect for himself. Although it felt unusual and weird for him to spend it alone, he was not against the idea either. He needs some time for himself.
He needs his life to...not just resolve around the girl. If...you'd call this a 'life'. He was so bored, just looking at the tall leafless trees as he takes a walk.
He sensed that something seems off, and quickly turns around, only to find nothing.
He frowned, then continued walking.
He felt a bit uneasy, seeing couples walk down the sideways, hand in hand.
He felt a hint of envy stir his chest. And he continued to walk faster, hoping to get rid of the awfully sweet view.
He tried so much to simply forget 'her,' since she seems to be doing the same, but seeing couples like this makes that mission almost impossible. His affections still lingers everyday.
Red stops at a bench. Then sat down. He noticed the ruby Gabby gave her 'that' day, and felt saddened. He removes it, and stuffs it on his pocket, wanting to forget all that reminds him of his affections. He wanted their partnership to be merely a 'job' so he wouldn't care, and hurt even.
"Murasaki can have her all he wants, I don't care,"
He lied. But maybe lying helps.
Even if he knows that what he said may never be true, ever.
First love seems weird, childish, but very hard to simply throw away.
He looks down and reflects what had been going on.
Suddenly, a cold hand found its way on his shoulder. He, alarmed, quickly turned to face it. Only to find her.
Tanken smiles. There was a weird thing on her neck, like markings and he doesn't know what it means. But he is very sure that those aren't there before.
TANKEN: You like it? It's a snow siren thing you'll never understand. Do you like it?
Her voice sounded different today. It was more cheery, the maturity gone. It's as if she was a new person today. So that weirded him greatly.
RED: Do snow sirens really change voices?
TANKEN: We can. I thought you'd like it. So...you...you seem alone.
RED: I am.
Tanken, now controlled by Jinko on the other side smiled and clapped her hands, sitting next to Red. Jinko was so happy, he could end the reaper right now. But he couldn't, since doing something that the host doesn't consider will end up pretty badly.
RED: So...uh, what brings you here?
Tanken did not speak as she motioned that some people wanted to sit on the bench.
Being in invisible form, the two were not seen, and it would be pretry awkward if they didn't stand up and look for another spot.
RED: Where should we go, then?
TANKEN: I know a place. Besides, it's not like you're in a hurry.
She boldly takes his hand, which surprises him for a moment, that he signals her to release him instead.
TANKEN: Okay, maybe I was too fast?
RED: Well, yeah.
Tanken looked visibly hurt, but she tried her best to smile it all out. Afraid that she would lose the chance to lure him closer, she waited patiently until the man is comfortable enough.
They visited a frozen lake, hidden from most civilization. Tanken saw that Red was at awe, and she smiles to herself as she drags him along to skate.
The lad was smiling, looking above him, perhaps mesmerized by the view of the wide wide sky.
The snow siren giggled, and true to her wishes, Jinko lifts the control off her so she'd be free to do everything she want. Besides, Jinko doesn't want this scene to be between him and the reaper. He'd intervene however, if things don't go as smoothly.
The Siren blushes at the sight of the reaper, now standing beside her as he looks above the sky. His handsome face, makes her heart shatter, and she took a deep breath before doing what she thought she does best.
She hummed a wonderful tune, but Red seemed to only vibe to it, not even bothering to look at her!
That pissed her off and she thought her plan was not working at all. She lost her patience as to no men had ever resisted her charm before.
Was her beauty fading?
She angrily pushes the reaper to gain his attention, to which she quickly grabbed to make her feelings and intentions known.
TANKEN: I know you've noticed, because I know you're not dumb, I like you. Besides, what does that weak tomato have that I don't?!
RED: Don't call her that! She's a human, you're a strong entity, please understand the difference! There's a huge gap between you both!
TANKEN: EXACTLY! I am more beautiful, stronger, and more experienced, and you still choose her? Isn't your love life with her complicated? You, a strong entity, with a mere pathetic human?
RED: Stop calling humans pathetic. You don't know their struggles just to cope for this world.
TANKEN: Struggles they put theirselves with in the first place.
RED: Hey, it's not like they wanted to-
Tanken's blue orbs turned white in deep anger. And her body was beginning to be covered in small particles of snow. Jinko used her once again to...put a little force, and hurt his foe a little.
She stared at him, looking like she had been disrespected, and decided to teach him a lesson. The siren was able to pin Red down to a huge tree with the help of her ability to control snow. Which put the reaper into surprise.
RED: Acck! H-hey, I did you nothing wrong!
Red yelped as his back bumped the tree, still on recovery mode, he was not able to do anything to release the strong grip of ice around his waist.
Red feels himself being crushed, as he slowly lose more of his energy. He looks at her beggingly, then she began to reason out to him, half of which was already Jinko that was talking to him.
TANKEN: Humans cheat, humans lie, humans don't even care if nature wilt and die. So...how could you defend them?
RED: But some are good too. I don't know what's wrong with you, but you aren't like this before. You were...totally more...I...I don't know, but you're mean. Very mean today. Why are you so mad at her?
TANKEN: WHY wouldn't I be? I have every rights to be angry at them!
Red tried his best to understand her and calmed her down.
Jinko smirks to himself as to how soft Red had been to women. So he once again let go of Tanken, while whispering and encouraging her to use her best charms yet. It seems like no matter what she does, Red wouldn't hurt or get angry at her.
Tanken shyly lets go of Red, while quickly apologizing.
RED: Look, if you have a problem you can always talk to me if I'm available. What had turned you into this...hm?
TANKEN: Wait, I can?
RED: Of course. I owe you a lot back then. So why not return the favor? Besides, I know you're not truly mean. Maybe you're just having a bad time. Or having flash backs, perhaps?
TANKEN: Thank you. And I'm still sorry if I had hurt you.
RED: This is nothing compared to...
TANKEN: Are you okay? Perhaps you're the one that needs a cheering up.
RED: Oh. Heheh, nevermind that. So uh, well, it's kinda awkward now, isn't it?
TANKEN: I apologize for my immature behaviour...for yelling at you and...lashing out my frustration to your human lover.
RED: We are not lovers.
TANKEN: Really? Then what is she to you?
RED: A friend? Someone to protect?
TANKEN: Really? So...do...do I have a chance?
RED: Hey easy, easy. Don't you think it's not befitting for a beautiful woman like you to suddenly ask someone that kind of question?
TANKEN: Did you just called me beautiful?
RED: I don't know, did I?
Red teases.
Tanken smiles then grabs his hand towards the forest. Even though Red doesn't like touchy people, especially if he didn't see it coming, he lets her hold his hand because he knew she might need it.
He knew the entity likes her. But he don't want to break her heart by straight up leaving her and rejecting her. He doesn't have the courage to give her hope as well. He reminds himself that she is just a friend. And once she realizes that Red was better off a friend, perhaps she'll see him that way instead of a lover.
Perhaps, not being dense could also be uncomfortable since you're wary of their intention. But that doesn't matter, what matters is that Red finds a way to make her feel better.
Since the woman seem to have a grudge with Gabby, why not bring her to her? So Tanken will know just how sweet and lovely the mortal human is.
Right! That seems like a plan!
But...what if she hurts him again out of anger? What if she lash out and hurt Gabby?
Red takes his hand away from her. Which surprised the snow siren and immediately stops.
TANKEN: What's the matter? Something wrong?
RED: I...won't...won't you hurt me anymore? Won't you hurt anyone, anymore?
Tanken smiles even in embarrassment, and nodded her head.
TANKEN: I promise.
Red then slowly shows just how relieved he was and tells her his plan.
RED: What if I take you to Gabby? So you can be friends?
TANKEN: T-take me to her? Oh...my. Are you sure she won't freak out?
RED: Nope.
TANKEN: Well, okay.
Red smiles then notices rain falling. He looks above and notices that it's already late.
RED: Well, you should get shelter now. And I...I gotta go. I'll come back tomorrow, okay?
TANKEN: Okay! Farewell!
Red waves at her one more time, before teleporting to his destination.
Tanken sadly looks at the now empty forest, still covered in thick snow. No animal sound could be heard, as they were all still in slumber.
She was so alone. As every time her spirit wakes, no one would dare greet her.
Jinko reveals himself beside her.
JINKO: Very good! Who knew it would be that fast? Just a bit more and you can finally kill her after gaining her trust. Their trust.
TANKEN: What if she's a good person?
JINKO: Oh, I've met her already, and trust me she isn't. So just stick to the plan, yeah?
Tanken purses her lips then nodded slowly.
JINKO: Perfect! That's my girl!
Jinko, in great happiness, shakes her.
TANKEN: Easy, easy, I'm getting dizzy.
JINKO: Oh, my apologies. But to be fair with you, you might be my greatest ally yet.
TANKEN: How flattering, Jinko.
JINKO: Yes, and as long as you stick to the plan, I might be your greatest ally yet as well...