"Is it me or has Douma-Sama become even more...happy than usual?"

"No I noticed too! He seems so calm and give out deep insightful advices that even I was taken back. It seems like he is much of a good mood."

"Yeah he's more stimulate than ever."

"He also wears that beautiful handcrafted crown with Lotuses attaches around it. For a while. Instead of his black crown. Have he made that beautiful craft? Or someone have given to him as a special gift?"

"Have he spoken to the Gods and Buddha for the second time and gave him a solution for our paradise?? Is that why he is very enlighten?"

"Or maybe he knows how to actually get in to paradise!"

All the rumors and gossiping spread like wildfire however this is not in bad terms as it brings out the positive view about the cult and their leader. They are more encouraged and faithful on their founder that they keep on meeting with him and pray more for him.

It spread other villages to who wants to keep seeking freedom. Some travelers will come across the country just to meet and join him.

For that, the temple has become popular than ever.

New worshipers such as elderlies, individuals from far away villages, families with more children and many more from different backgrounds.

And as well bringing exotic gifts.

"This is for you, Douma-Sama." An old man wearing a brown yakuta handed him a black box with his knees down on the ground.

Douma gave out a curious look, "What is inside of it?" He asked as he took the box out of the old man's hands.

"See and find out my lord." He smiles softly.

The little prodigy lifted the top box's cover and sets it by his beanbag. He takes a look of the inside.

He widened his eyes.

"Fans?...and there are two of them?" Douma parted his lips and gently lifts one fan. He gently opens them with two of his hand and reveals such beautiful design that have taken his breath away.

The fan is made entirely out of shining gold, a lotus design engraved across them and a hoop of jade-colored strings hanging from their bases.

This is going to be his everyday use.

As Douma was about to the touch the fan's edge with the index of his finger, the old man stopped him.

"Don't. The fans I have brought and made for you aren't ordinary fans. They contain sharp edges. They are made for you as primary weapons." the old man said, pointing at the fan.

Douma quirked an eyebrow, "Weapon? But why would I need a weapon for? It's not like an assassin is gonna come here to get me or some unknown monsters exists."

The old man let out a chuckled, "you may never know but I recommend to hold onto them for your outing or with your worshipers. Especially at night. For your own sake."

"And how do you possibly made two beautiful fans into a weapon with your own hands?" He cocked his head. His lotus crown (made by Kotoha from their anniversary) also titled along with his head but he carefully made sure they don't fell out.

"Because I can from a village. A sacred place where we build unbelievable unique weapons into anything specifically swords for battles. It is a hidden village where we must keep ourselves secret for the safety of continuing making remarkable tools for the purpose of humanity." The old man said carefully on his words on not to exposed his village nor the reason they keep making such weapons. He doesn't want to look like a loon in front of the leader.

Douma hummed at his description about his whereabouts and his reason. He didn't specifically understand what kind of his village he was talking about but he did made it sound like it is exclusive to know.

Well he doesn't care. He just wants the lovely fans, it goes well with his preference.

"Thank you for your magnificent masterpiece you made for me. If you say they are useful for my sake then I will use it, but I will also use it for other purposes if you don't mind." Douma smiles.

"Of course my lord! It is your gift after all. You can do whatever you want but be careful when you use them on yourself and the people in your surroundings. It can be a lethal weapon if not used wisely. I recommend to practice on them. You may come up with special techniques with the two fans."

Douma nodded and took a look of the beautiful art piece of a gift he receives. This is gift is the 2nd best gift he ever has.

—————-

"Douma-Sama you have been in delightedly fawn for a month now. It's quite amazing how you rises more faith on this religion based on your high spirit. Any special happening may I asked?" Hisashi asked giving Douma his tray of dinner full of tempura.

Douma grabbed a piece and tossed in his mouth, "Honestly no but...it's something else that have me keep up."

Hisashi raised his eyebrows, "Oh really? Like what?"

"Sorry Hisashi but it's personal." Douma said taking another bite of his tempura.

"Oh! My apologies my lord." He bowed down.

"It's okay." Douma nodded. "But..." he use both his index and middle finger to indicate his servant to come closer. He complied and once he is near him, Douma whispered.

"But it's rather someone."

"Ahh I see." Hisashi smiles.

A child crush. Even our master Douma must've found someone his age. It's okay, he may be our gifted leader, but he's still a child.

Douma stopped his in his eating and look up to his servant.

"You want to talk about this someone?"

Douma looked over his bald-headed servant to see anyone is near the shoji door, "But this is have to be super confidential, Hisashi. I'm trusting you not to tell anyone even my parents."

The bald servant hold up his arm and the other touched where his heart is, "You have my word my lord."

This made Douma smiles, scooting up closer to his servant on his platform.

He tells him almost everything about Kotoha; her soft and gentle side, bubbly personality, her great listening abilities, singing talent, warm smile, her creative crafts which Hisashi hummed in realization from the lovely handmade lotus crown he is wearing was from her from their friendship anniversary.

Douma added he is more closer in ways he couldn't describe.

"She also allows me to open myself up to all you guys, and discover my inner capacity for...something that I want to actually feel. You know? I don't know how to exactly explain, but she makes me want to be that way." Douma said with a soft smile. His cheeks appears to be slightly red.

Hisashi nodded his head, seeing his leader being so content when he's talking about her. It drives positive energy. It could explained his happiness around his followers and him for a while, they are in the range of positive vibes because of him and this Kotoha girl. His followers tend to have more energy, and feel motivated, inspired and less stressed when he's this happy. His fawn over her have changed him.

"It sounded like you are in love." Hisashi commented with a light chuckled.

The little prodigy look up with a raised brow, "What do you mean?"

His servant cleared this throat, "It seems like you idealize her and her best traits and gloss over the less than positive ones. You enjoyed her companionship very much. You become more affectionate towards, more attention than I say. As you think of her more when you two are apart, wanting to see her soon. Have you come up with plans, even feel more willing to try new things, or things you previously didn't care or know, simply because their she enjoys them."

The yellow-oak haired boy widen his eyesight.

He recalled the playful activities and moment Kotoha have him done that he once thought to be total absurd or strange things to done like the rolling on the ground, the seed planting, the Predator and the Prey, and so on but in the end he had fun doing them than he thought. Even continue on doing them again when she's with him.

"Furthermore, you want to spend as much time with her as possible. Even if you're busy, you probably find yourself arranging your schedule to see her. Such as sacrifices. You might feel completely dedicated or protective to her, ready to do anything and everything to help her through a tough spot or even just make her life a little easier."

Douma nodded his head when he remembers the moments he would stayed little longer for Kotoha either for comfort or showing her things that her naive mind needs to know. He even made a big decision to sneak out in the middle of the night to the big woods to see her.

"Resulting...Empathy and your fast-growing attachment can fuel your desire to be there for her and help her however possible."

Douma stood up when he pointed them out.

"By the way my lord....please answer but how you managed to see her? I never heard of a Kotoha here in the temple or even seen another little indigo girl with the description you described." Hisashi asked.

Douma sits down. He guess he has no choice plus he trusts him not to tell or even make remarks on his sneaking out.

So he told him the truth.

As expected he didn't judge nor commented on his sneaking. Hisashi trust his leader and his judgements well-enough to know it's nothing harmful. As long he's coming home safe. In fact, it's fair at least.

His parents have took away his daily breaks or prohibited him to go outside without supervision.

He may sees him as his leader, but he knows Douma is still a child.

A child like him still have tons energy they need to release. It is important to be physical active for his age, feeling the fresh air surrounding him as he goes out and play freely like a normal child should do. Now he's getting outdoor time at night, even though he shouldn't do it in the night but what choice does he have? The way his parents are prohibiting their only child to do so.

To him it's cruel.

At least he won't be alone in the dark because he will have a companion of his own age he is bonded with.

——————

"This book thingy has really cool drawings but too many scribbles on each pages." Kotoha rested her chin on her hand as she's laying on the ground with her stomach looking at a small literature her parents have given her.

"I wonder what its saying?...." she leaned her head in wonder.

She suddenly felt a tapped on her shoulder. Turned her head and smiled widely.

"Douma!"

"Hey My Kotoha-Chan!" He kneels down and give her a big hug. Kotoha hugs back.

"How are you!" Kotoha pulls back and him a poke on his nose.

"Great! Today one of my new member have made me have made me two beautiful crafted fans!" He pulls out one closed fan from his yakuta and laid both of them on the floor.

"Woahhh." Kotoha was about to grab on but Douma held her hand.

"Don't go open the fan like it's regular. This is different." Douma demonstrate as he took the closed fan with both his hands. He gently pulled them apart, revealing the beautiful crafted designs. Kotoha patted her lips and stunned.

"Pretty!!" She was about to reach his fan but Douma moved his fan away.

"Kotoha like I said this isn't an ordinary fan. They are also weapons. The edges are quite sharp, so not a place to touch." Douma showed her the fans edges, she could see some sparks on the tips indicating they are pointy as a knife.

"You can use your fans to prevent the heat and from dangers! That's cool, pretty handyyyy." Kotoha winked letting out a giggle which Douma giggles as well.

"You want me to show you? I tested this and I gotta say...they are sure handy." He smiles. Kotoha nodded and Douma grabs a handful of grass and stood up.

"If I were you, I will step couple of step backs."

Kotoha held an 'oh okay!' expression but obliged anyway. She stood up and take 5 steps back.

"Okay watch this." With that being said, he tossed the grass strands up in the air then held his fan against his chest, in a blink of an eye the grass strands were sliced into pieces.

Kotoha's eye's widen.

"That...that-that was amazing! So fast!" Kotoha said in excitement tone. She covers her mouth with her small hands as her smiles grew widely, all antsy.

"mhm! I honestly didn't believe him at first until I tried and surprisingly it wasn't what I expected this fan will do when it comes as a lethal weapon." Douma closed his fan carefully and placed it back on his yakuta.

"It's cool but also dangerous. You must be real careful when your using, Douma." Kotoha went up to him, hoping to touch the fan. "But...can I try though."

Douma cocked his head, "I don't think so."

"Whyyyy?"

"Because you're not ready."

"Please my Douma pleaseeee." The indigo girl place her hand onto his hand, hoping it will help at least.

But that didn't convinced him. He shook his head.

She wrap her arms around his chest. Rubbing her chin again his small cheek. "Pleaseeee my Douma."

Seeing her trying to make small attempts makes her look even cuter. He giggles.

"Fine but let me help you."

——————

Standing by her, holding her hand that held his golden fan bringing gently and carefully to her chest and having the fan not to be too close under her chin or perfect hair or any other her beauty features that won't get cut.

It's the last thing he wanted to do.

"Okay make sure you don't swing your arm right away. Otherwise you will get a cut on you since you would be unaware how close your arm was to your face from your eagerness. Be aware where you aiming at. Hold the fan in your hand in a closed position. Make sure the part that will slide open is facing downwards. Flick the fan in the right direction. The moment I toss the skinny tree branch, you swing the fan. Got it?" Douma instructed, stepping away until he is the right distance enough.

Kotoha nodded, excitedly to do the fan trick.

Douma then tossed the stick, signaling her with his other hand to do it.

Kotoha grins with her tongue out than raised her arm, clutching the end of the fan. She flicked her wrist with enough force. It extend the folds of the fan. She then swing her hand with all her might at the stick, resulting the stick to break into pieces. Her light green eyes widened.

"Ahhh Cool! You see that Douma!" Kotoha bounce on her toes up and down in excitement, releasing a squeal.

Douma chuckles at her reaction and walk towards her, "I did and you did awesome for your first try! Beginners luck."

"Thanks to you Douma! You know how to teach because you're smart." Kotoha said with a smile until an idea popped in her head. She looked to her side, seeing her open book laying on the ground. She looks back at Douma.

"Hey...since your smart...can you teach me...how to read?" Kotoha shyly asked, looking down the ground.

The little prodigy cocked his head with a eyebrow raised, "What? You can't read?"

"I-I...don't know how to...or even write." she confessed embarrassing.

He held a shock expression.

How so? I know she isn't bright but how can she grow up, surrounded by her parents, not knowing how to read or write? Is she even educated? Do they even teach her any educational materials that are necessary for this world such as reading and writing?

"Just to let you know, reading and writing takes time to learn with step by step process even much information to take in." Douma explained retreating his fan back from her fan. Kotoha firmly nodded.

"I may be stupid but I can handle it don't worry!"

——————

Kotoha is trying to handle it.

She is trying to understand what Douma is telling her but his words is hard to comphrend even he is showing her, it is hard to say the word out loud.

"C'mon Kotoha. Look, say it with me..hap..pil..y... eve.r...aft...er."

Kotoha places her finger under the three words, concentrating on them "Ha-ha-hah...plyee...eva-eva...I cant! That's too long and hard to pronounce those hard words." She groan while ruffling her own hair out of frustration.

"I thought you said you could handle it?" Douma said holding his grin back.

"It just! I never knew it is gonna be this hard..." Kotoha let out a long sighed with her eyes closed.

"Let's not give up okay. I know there is a lot of teaching but it will be worth it when you read. You will know what's going on if someone writes you a letter or give you lists or leaves you a note." Douma give her a pat on the head with a smile. Kotoha leaned to his patting.

"How about this? We will do three more words and we will wrap up and play!" Douma suggested turning the next page.

"Alright!—"

They both suddenly stopped on their movements from the sound of rustling noises coming from the back of the where the further trees are.

"Did you hear that?" Kotoha asked siting up.

Douma also sit up and nodded, looking at the location where the noises occurred.

The rustling noises made again.

Along with a small grumble.

Startling the little Kotoha, clinging onto his sleeve with fear look on her eyes. "Douma..I'm scared."

However, Douma wasn't startled and kept on observing unknown sounds. He couldn't see what creature is lurking in the dark woods. But he does know Kotoha and him can't make any noises that will attract the creature. He knows they have to leave quietly and find somewhere to hide.

Then there are some leaves being crunched down, indicating something is on its way to them.

Tears form on the little girl's eyes, clutching onto him tighter, "It's comin-"

Douma immediately placed his hand on her mouth to stop from letting something know they are both here. He whispers to her ear, "Be quiet. We need to get out but as quiet as possible but quickly too. Grab your book."

Kotoha nodded and immediately grabbed her book to her chest, fear lingering in her as her breathing rapid a bit.

"Do you think it may be a demon?" She whispered but in a more frantic way.

He shook his head, "They don't exists. It could be an animal but I do know we can't be here any longer."

Douma noticed she started to tearing up and her small form began to quake. He pulled her hand to his, rubbing her knuckles try to ease her, "I will protect you okay. If it comes out, I will use my fan to go make them go away."

But Kotoha shook her head, holding his hand tighter, "No no don't! It will kill you. I don't want you be killed please don't. Let run as fast as we can."

"That depends if the creature runs faster. If it is catching up to us, I will have no choice but to defend us. I have to." Douma stood up along with her with his hand connected hers. "I'm gonna be okay. All it matters is we get out of here alive."

Kotoha hesitated but slowly nodded.

"We made a promise together remember?" Douma smiles softly with his thumb rubbing onto her hand. "We will never leave each other. I'm gonna stick to our promise." He forward her face and placed a peck on her forehead.

Kotoha widened her eyes.

She Quickly snapped out of it and smiles brightly, "Yes you're right and I will never leave you too."

The moment was gone when the noises became closer to them. Fight or flight mode have occurred on their little minds. Kotoha tug his arm, indicating to run before it comes out of the bushes. Douma took a few seconds to observe before he pulled Kotoha to his side and began to run to the other direction.

Moving their small legs in a high speed as they could, hoping they are gettng further away where the unknown creature is.

However, they heard something sprinting up behind them. Catching up to them.

Kotoha let out a whimpered, clutching her book to her chest. She's making sure she doesn't trip on anything in the dark woods and keep up to her pace with Douma's.

Douma use his free hand to pull out his fan from the inside of his yakuta.

I guess I have to take down that thing.

"Kotoha, I'm gonna throw four swings at them, keep on running and don't stop until you find a hiding spot. I will be there Okay? I won't even try to kill if my 4 attempts didn't work. I will run too but don't look for me." Douma told her firmly.

Kotoha wanted to protest but the footsteps are getting near them. She has no choice but to accept it. "Please be careful and come back!" She said holding back her tears.

Douma gave her a squeez and smile, "I won't I promise." He opened his fan and let out a tempting sigh. "On the count of three; I will let go of your hand as I am gonna stop running. Whatever happens don't look back okay." Kotoha nodded, closing her eyes as her tears are coming out.

"1...2...3!" He stopped his tracks, letting his small hand on hers go, seeing her run pass by as fast as she can. He held his fan on the side, held his arm up and brought the fan to his chest. He took a deep breath once the creature is getting near. He opens his eyes and fully turned around as he swung out his fan. Hearing, tree branches and bushes being cut down but not the creature.

In fact.

There was no creature in sight.

This confuses him.

I swear it was literally behind me. How did it vanished quick?

Before he could think more, he felt something rubbing on his legs. He flinched and look down to see the creature.

Two big bright blue eyes of a small grey haired pig head, looking up to him with it's small pink snout, making the oink noises.

It is a baby boar.

"Ohhh I knew some animal was coming after us." He crouched down to meet the same level as the baby boar. "How did you got a separate from your mother?" He gave the boar a small pet on the head. "You scared my friend you know?"

Kotoha-Chan.

He stands up and runs around to see if she have gone far. But he can't see due to how dark the woods have got. Barely any moonlight reaches down here.

"Kotoha-Chan!" He called out.

No response.

"Kotoha-Chan come out now it's just a boar!"

No response.

"Kotoha!"

Not even a slight sound.

This is made him feel strange but in a uncomfortable way. Even thinking of the possible things could've happened to her, have made him get sick to his stomach. He feels his heart began to race, eyes dilated as his chest began to ache.

"Kotoha!" Without thinking he began to ran to the same direction she headed, he could hear the baby boar is following him behind but he doesn't care. He wants to find Kotoha that matters.

This is one big endless woods, and they are out here in the dark. No light or village at sight. One small girl who is still getting used on directions on the woods shouldn't be sent alone. She could've trip on a branch, fell into a hole, or in fact bigger and dangerous animals are lurking around here and she may have encountered them—

Stop it! Why am I thinking like that? This never happened...I'm usually not worried but...It's so unsettling to think of what could happened to her...I hope she's safe!

He could feel his own breathing becoming uneven with his sudden pants from on the tension on his chest. However it's not from running.

Looking around, he is now far out of their hang out and it looks like he is still surrounded by bushes and trees. Still to dark to even see.

"Kotoha!" He shouted but felt his voice was uneasy.

Than he heard her scream.

He widened his eyes and immediately followed the sound where is coming from. He pushes the branches out his way, going through the bushes, not caring if it left a ripped on his yakuta, he wants to get to her before something happen.

He could hear the baby boar made a small squeal behind him and quickens its tiny legs and went up ahead to Douma, seemingly knowing where its going. He let out a confused hummed but decided to follow the boar of it knows where her scream coming from. He paced up and following behind the boar, making sure he is following every paths the boar is taking.

Once they arrived, Kotoha is laying on the ground, her opened book laying down next to her along with the bigger boar on top of her with its legs on both side of her.

This is a huge threat.

Eyes widen, hands trembling but not from fear.

He reaches his fan inside his yakuta and take a step forward. Focus on the bigger boar, mostly on the neckline

He couldn't see any blood stains on the teeth or from Kotoha but he could see even from distance away that her chest goes up and down rapidly. Perhaps from fear.

He has to scare the wild one off of her or else it will hurt her. However, he has to make immediate action if the boar start to eat her.

The boar lowers its head.

That's his signal.

He took rapid steps with his fan open out, flicking, ready to swing at the dangerous boar.

But he heard a bunch of giggles coming from Kotoha.

When is he closer to them, he sees the boar playfully licking her all over her face as Kotoha's giggle turns into laughs.

"Huh?" He stops at his tracks, looking at the two on the ground.

Unaware of their presence until the little boar interrupt their moment as it when went up to them, kneading its head on the bigger boar's neck. The bigger boar kneads its big nose on top the little head.

"Awwh is this your baby?" Kotoha cheerfully asked leaning her head up, began petting the boar's head.

Douma cocked his head, Is that large one is the mother?

"Kotoha-Chan?"

The indigo-haired girl turned her head, brightens her eyes widely to see him alive and not injured. She gently pushed the two boars off of her and immediately got up and ran up to him, giving a tight hug before Douma could react.

"You're back!! I was so worried!" She began to sob. She clutched onto his yakuta, burying her face on his shoulder. "I thought I lost you..."

Douma smiles and hug her back, "I thought the same. I thought you were getting eaten by the boar."

Kotoha back her head up, wiping her tears to look at him and nodded, "N-No I was running deep into the woods but I kinda got lost! But I meet this boar when she jumped out of the bushes once she saw me." She pulled the hug away and pointed to the big boar, she let out a giggles, "I thought she was gonna attack me but it looked like she was looking for something or someone. You should've see the look on her face! All sad and worried. She thought she lost her baby forever in this big woods. That's why I was trying to comfort her by playing her. It worked but I guess too good because she already love me when she jumped on me." She went by to the mother and pets her head. "But you found her baby! Where was it?"

Douma let out a chucked and closed his fan and put it back inside his yakuta, "You know the creature that was running after us? Well it turns out to be her baby." He walk towards them and kneeling down to the baby.

Kotoha gasp, "Really!! I thought it was a terrifying monster but it was actually this cute baby boar?" She let out a sigh of relief but realized something, "Wait Douma....you didn't hurt it did you back there when you stayed behind?"

Douma shook his head, "Actually I missed it. Since it was small, my attack didn't went through her baby. Lucky for the little one."

Kotoha places her hand against her chest, "That's a relief!"

They both looked at the two mother and its child, the mother hugging her baby in a way for comfort and relief for retrieving her child back. Seeing this beautiful bond have made Kotoha smile widely.

"It must be nice. To be a mother." Kotoha placed her hand together, fawning at the beautiful sight.

Douma took a notice at her reaction and sees how much with one moment between a mother and her child, touches her a lot.

"You really want to be a mother. Don't you?" He asked.

The little girl nodded, still staring at the two.

"I see..."

He felt something dropped on his nose. He wiped it off with his pointer finger, revealing a water drop.

Don't tell me...

Than another drop, another, and three more.

"Ah! It's raining already?" Kotoha grabs her book from the ground then covers her head as the sky lightly pouring rain.

"Not too much but I do know that we need to find shelter before the rain gets worse." Douma looked around to find any good shelter that will prevent them from a rain but since it is too dark, the rain are getting through the trees, it is going to pour hard soon. And if they decided to go home early, the rain will be already pouring by then and it won't go well for Douma making wet footstep sounds as he's sneaking in.

He than suddenly felt a nudge by his leg. He looks down and sees the mother boar urging for them to follow her and her child. Taking a head start on the path.

"I believe she wanted us to come with?" Douma said looking at the mother boar leading them.

"Really? Maybe she's leading us to her home!" Kotoha already take further steps behind the two.

"Wait hold up!" Douma called out before catching up to them.

——————

"Ah cave?" Douma said, looking around void in the ground, specifically a space large enough for them to enter. The form by the weathering of rock have extend deep underground.

"Cool! You guys live here?" Kotoha asked the two boars as if they understand her. She walks around and sees the dark and hollow. She sees the the walls of cliffs are edgy or in different sizes make it look how the inside of the cave look like.

The mother boar boar began to settle in her home as she lay down, having her cub to be laying in front of her, cuddling each other for comfort. Closing both their eyes, with the sound of small snores coming out of their noses. 

Awwh so cute!

Kotoha's eye sparkle at the adorable sight. Making her heart melt.

Douma look out the cave entrance and see how the rain is looking.

He furrowed his eyebrows when he sees how heavy the rain had become. Heavy pitter-patter noises hitting to the ground.

Good thing we came in here on time. But it doesn't look like the rain will calm down for the entire night.

He sighed, "It looks like we are gonna spend the night here." He walks toward Kotoha, holding his cloak as the cave become colder when he walks deeper.

Kotoha widened her eyes in content, "Really! We are gonna have our first sleepover!" She said jumping.

"You seemed excited spending the night inside a cold cave, outdoor with nothing to sleep on." He said, raising his eyebrow.

"Doesn't mean we could make the cave comfy for us..." An idea popped on her head.

She walked pass him and found a right spot that isn't too far to the entrance nor too deep of the cave. Just in the middle. Kotoha lowered and placed her book gently on the ground. She then kneels down and began taking her big red obi and pulled it out. She placed it down and first thing she did was making a knot on her kimono that way it still sticks together. This confuses Douma.

"Kotoha-Chan What are you doing?" He asked walking towards her.

"I'm using my obi as a pillow!" She said as she's making the red stand into on puffy ball making it be comfortable enough for both of their heads.

"But it won't prevent our head touching the hard ground with one." Douma pointed out. "Besides how is a cloth gonna help our heads to rest?"

"Well this is the only idea I come up with. You got any other option?" Kotoha said with a bit irritated on her voice.

He was taken back. "Okay."

When she's done, she turns her head to him, "Can I borrow your cloth that's around your neck?"

He looked at his purple and black cloth with a rectangular pattern. Then pulled it out and give it to her.

"Thanks!" She crumpled into a ball and combined with her puffy red obi into one.

"Hey be careful. I know you're making them into a pillow but don't wrinkle my cloth out." Douma confronted.

Kotoha rolled her eyes with a laugh. Once she made into one, she turned her head again, "Can I use your cloak?"

He held his cloak, "You're not using it as a pillow."

"I'm not. I am gonna use it as our blanket!" Kotoha said, having her hand out gesturing him to hand it to her.

"On the ground? But it's gonna get dirtied up." Douma whined.

"We can't sleep in a freezing cold, Douma. Please." her head is tilted down and the eyes are looking up, with a begging expression. 

Douma groan loudly, "Fine. You owe me a new one if my cloak ends up having stains." He took off his cloak off of his shoulders and gave it to her.

She placed his long black cloak neatly and spreading the wrinkles out of the cloak to make it look one clean blanket.

"What's a point of doing that if we are gonna get in anyway?" Douma asked cocked his head.

Kotoha let out a giggle, "I-I'm so used of doing this. It's a habit! I like to do it that way because it make it look nice and comfy to get inside. That's what my mommy does! And she taught me how to. Does yours?"

The little prodigy shook his head, "She uses our servants to do the jobs. Cleaning, cooking, and even supervision. I even have my own personal servant who is in charge of bring my food or tea, letting my followers in, and keep an eye on me everyday."

Kotoha furrowed her eyes, "Your mommy doesn't even tucker you in on your futon or give you a Goodnight kiss or even say goodnight."

Douma shook his head, "I seen her few times a week and she checks up on me to see how am I doing on my meetings. She congratulated me for making them happy. That's all. Is that a problem?"

Kotoha held a sad look on her face to hear his response, she doesn't sound like a mommy at all! Even if she is his mommy, she doesn't even act like one...how does he live a mommy-less life like that even when his mommy is around?

"It's kinda sad."

"Why is that?"

"Your mommy doesn't show you any love or any affection. Does your dad does the same? Does he even show protection?" Kotoha asked with a worried look.

Douma furrows his eyebrows, "No. he does what my mom does except they both go on their separate ways, doing their own personal life. He wants me to continue on his old role as a new leader of the cult. He told me help people from their suffering, that's the purpose of the cult. I already told you."

Kotoha felt her heart aches, his parents are bad parents! They only care of him being the cult leader, not as their own son. They aren't nothing like family...there's no real love....How can he even live with those monsters?

"Do you love your parents?"

Douma didn't respond at her question. Even though the question is simple and broad but he didn't reply right away. Giving her a blank look with a line mouth, being silent for couple of seconds. He then shrug his shoulders, "I feel pity for them. That's all. I'm gonna stick being the leader."

Kotoha look down on her lap with a sorrow expression, closing her eyes.

That's why he doesn't see the purpose of marriage and having a family.

Even with his parents, he's lonely and doesn't know that!

No. He's no longer alone anymore...

"Your parents....well...they can't give you what they supposed to do but it's okay. You don't need them or their love." Kotoha told him with a smile.

You have me.

Douma gave her a confused look, "What you mean by that?"

Kotoha turns her head away as her cheeks became suddenly red.

"N-nothing! But...I'm gonna tell you...Don't live up to your parents needs. It's your life only, not theirs. You have to stick up for yourself on something you don't want to do even if your parents don't like it, you don't have to satisfied them. I told you before but stick up what you believe. Live your life! They may be your parents but you have to be the one to do what you really want to do."

"But—"

"But you can't let them...use you like that. Even if it's for the sake of the Eternal Paradise. You're the leader and you can make differences on the cult and they can't do nothing about it. Your followers look up to you. The Gods and Buddha have spoken to you, and for that you have your own purpose. Your purpose isn't theirs for them to decide. If they can't support that, don't listen to them. Stand up for yourself no matter what! Don't let them treat you as you are their puppet." Kotoha gave him persistent grin.

He widened his rainbow eyes.

Kotoha looked out the cave entrance and sees the rain bucketing down from the sky. She crawls inside the cloak, laying her head on both her obi and Douma's cloth gently.

"Time for bed!" She tucked in, curling up in his cloak. She pat the empty side next to her, gesturing for him to join.

He hesitated before going up to their supposedly new bed. Once he is by the side, he took out his golden closed fan and set it above their "bed". He then kneels down and holding the cloak as he crawled in. Feeling the coldness from the hard stone ground the moment he lay in his back. He could feel from waist to his hakama pants of the cold ground, shivers down his spine. He doesn't like the hard ground making it uneasy for him to lay. He slowly placed his head on the "pillow" as he's pulling his cloak up to his chest. Looking up as he's trying to adjust their new bed, not liking it right away.

He then felt an arm wrapped across his chest. He looks to his side where Kotoha is.

"I know this isn't like a real bed, and I know it feels weird laying on the cold ground but we have each other to sleep." She gave him her soft smile.

That smile he will forever cherish.

She scoots closer to him, snuggling on his side.

He felt a lot warmer than he was before.

He never shared a bed with someone or other children his own age. He never once thought sleeping next to someone especially with her. However, having her by him makes laying on the cave ground become strangely comfortable. Feeling even warmer than his cloak could provide him.

He wants to feel the whole warmth.

He turns on his side, returning the same gesture.

Usually it will surprise Kotoha, but this time it's not. She was hoping he will snuggle her back.

He wrapped his arm around her back and placed his chin on top of her head, sniffing the delicate scent coming from her soft hair. The lovely aroma of hers have made his eye lids getting heavy.

That's good because he needs to sleep right away if he needs to wake up early and go back to his temple before anyone finds out he's gone.

Before he closed his eyes, Kotoha spoke.

"I want to be with you forever, Douma." Kotoha muffled through his small clothed chest while closing her eyes.

He rubs her indigo hair, feeling the familiar soft and smooth texture of her dulcet dark strands through his fingers while tightening his hold around her with his other arm, cradling her. Feeling blush appear on his face.

He smiles, "I want to be with you too, Kotoha-Chan."

Nestling in each other arms gives them a sense of closeness and relaxed intimacy. Encouraging the feeling of safety and security around them. Happiness lingering in.

This special embrace Kotoha adores, having her snuggling up to him knowing he will be there the entire night and tomorrow morning. Letting her body relaxes completely, feeling safe with him. Thinking of her future with him, wondering what they will do when they get older. She knows her feelings for him is strong. It is hard to say three simple words to him without standing to see his reaction is like. However, it's okay since being his friend is still have it's benefits.

Although, she dreams to share her life with him. Hopefully when he will come into terms, perhaps marriage. She wants him still be her best friend and her partner she will have children and grow old with.

She smiles, closing her eyes.

To Douma. It made him feel welcome in her arms. Knowing he doesn't need to use his false persona to make her happy, being the way he is is better for her. And he prefers that way too.

She's the only one providing him with the comfort, sensation he doesn't know he needs.

Because of her, he was able to express himself lively instead of acting.

They grew into their fond of cuddling, allowing them to enjoy a restful and deep sleep.