[center][url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wuC1fHTnuJs][img]http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k111/Soly222/thatgirl_zpsbnjagwvd.png[/img][/url]

[img]https://txt-dynamic.cdn.1001fonts.net/txt/b3RmLjcyLmZmZTVmZi5VbVZ1SUZOb2FXMXBlblUsLjAA/stingray.regular.png[/img][color=pink][h3]恋 清水[/h3][/color][color=#ff86c2]☰[/color][color=#ff88c3]☱[/color][color=#ff8bc4]☲[/color][color=#ff8dc6]☳[/color][color=#ff90c7]☴[/color][color=#ff92c8]☵[/color][color=#ff95c9]☶[/color][color=#ff97cb]☷[/color][color=#ff99cc]☰[/color][color=#ff9ccd]☱[/color][color=#ff9ece]☲[/color][color=#ffa1cf]☳[/color][color=#ffa3d1]☴[/color][color=#ffa6d2]☵[/color][color=#ffa8d3]☶[/color][color=#ffaad4]☷[/color][color=#ffadd5]☰[/color][color=#ffafd6]☱[/color][color=#ffb1d8]☲[/color][color=#ffb3d9]☳[/color][color=#ffb6da]☴[/color][color=#ffb8db]☵[/color][color=#ffbadc]☶[/color][color=#ffbddd]☷[/color][color=#ffbfde]☰[/color][color=#ffc1e0]☱[/color][color=#ffc3e1]☲[/color][color=#ffc6e2]☳[/color][color=#ffc8e3]☴[/color][color=#ffcae4]☵[/color][color=#ffcce5]☶[/color][color=#ffcde6]☷[/color][color=#ffcfe7]☰[/color][color=#ffd1e8]☱[/color][color=#ffd3e9]☲[/color][color=#ffd4e9]☳[/color][color=#ffd6ea]☴[/color][color=#ffd8eb]☵[/color][color=#ffdaec]☶[/color][color=#ffdbed]☷[/color][color=#ffddee]☰[/color][color=#ffdfef]☱[/color][color=#ffd9ec]☲[/color][color=#ffd2e9]☳[/color][color=#ffcce5]☴[/color][color=#ffc6e2]☵[/color][color=#ffbfdf]☶[/color][color=#ffb9dc]☷[/color][color=#ffb2d8]☰[/color][color=#ffacd5]☱[/color][color=#ffa6d2]☲[/color][color=#ff9fcf]☳[/color][color=#ff99cc]☴[/color][color=#ff93c8]☵[/color][color=#ff8cc5]☶[/color][color=#ff86c2]☷[/color]
[color=#ff86c2]☰[/color][color=#ff87c3]☱[/color][color=#ff89c3]☲[/color][color=#ff8ac4]☳[/color][color=#ff8cc5]☴[/color][color=#ff8dc6]☵[/color][color=#ff8fc6]☶[/color][color=#ff90c7]☷[/color][color=#ff92c8]☰[/color][color=#ff93c9]☱[/color][color=#ff95c9]☲[/color] [color=#ff98cb]I[/color][color=#ff99cc]n[/color] [color=#ff9ccd]t[/color][color=#ff9ece]h[/color][color=#ff9fcf]e[/color] [color=#ffa2d0]c[/color][color=#ffa4d1]h[/color][color=#ffa5d2]e[/color][color=#ffa7d2]r[/color][color=#ffa8d3]r[/color][color=#ffa9d4]y[/color] [color=#ffacd5]b[/color][color=#ffaed6]l[/color][color=#ffafd7]o[/color][color=#ffb1d7]s[/color][color=#ffb2d8]s[/color][color=#ffb4d9]o[/color][color=#ffb5da]m[/color][color=#ffb7da]'[/color][color=#ffb8db]s[/color] [color=#ffbbdc]s[/color][color=#ffbcdd]h[/color][color=#ffbede]a[/color][color=#ffbfdf]d[/color][color=#ffc1df]e[/color] [color=#ffc4e1]t[/color][color=#ffc5e2]h[/color][color=#ffc7e2]e[/color][color=#ffc8e3]r[/color][color=#ffc9e4]e[/color][color=#ffcae4]'[/color][color=#ffcbe5]s[/color] [color=#ffcde6]n[/color][color=#ffcee6]o[/color] [color=#ffd0e7]s[/color][color=#ffd1e8]u[/color][color=#ffd2e8]c[/color][color=#ffd3e9]h[/color] [color=#ffd5ea]t[/color][color=#ffd6ea]h[/color][color=#ffd7eb]i[/color][color=#ffd8eb]n[/color][color=#ffd9ec]g[/color] [color=#ffdbed]a[/color][color=#ffdced]s[/color] [color=#ffdeee]a[/color] [color=#ffdbed]s[/color][color=#ffd7eb]t[/color][color=#ffd3e9]r[/color][color=#ffcfe7]a[/color][color=#ffcbe5]n[/color][color=#ffc7e3]g[/color][color=#ffc3e1]e[/color][color=#ffbfdf]r[/color][color=#ffbbdd].[/color] [color=#ffb3d9]☴[/color][color=#ffaed6]☵[/color][color=#ffaad4]☶[/color][color=#ffa6d2]☷[/color][color=#ffa2d0]☰[/color][color=#ff9ece]☱[/color][color=#ff9acc]☲[/color][color=#ff96ca]☳[/color][color=#ff92c8]☴[/color][color=#ff8ec6]☵[/color][color=#ff8ac4]☶[/color][color=#ff86c2]☷[/color]
[color=#ff86c2]☰[/color][color=#ff88c3]☱[/color][color=#ff8bc4]☲[/color][color=#ff8dc6]☳[/color][color=#ff90c7]☴[/color][color=#ff92c8]☵[/color][color=#ff95c9]☶[/color][color=#ff97cb]☷[/color][color=#ff99cc]☰[/color][color=#ff9ccd]☱[/color][color=#ff9ece]☲[/color][color=#ffa1cf]☳[/color][color=#ffa3d1]☴[/color][color=#ffa6d2]☵[/color][color=#ffa8d3]☶[/color][color=#ffaad4]☷[/color][color=#ffadd5]☰[/color][color=#ffafd6]☱[/color][color=#ffb1d8]☲[/color][color=#ffb3d9]☳[/color][color=#ffb6da]☴[/color][color=#ffb8db]☵[/color][color=#ffbadc]☶[/color][color=#ffbddd]☷[/color][color=#ffbfde]☰[/color][color=#ffc1e0]☱[/color][color=#ffc3e1]☲[/color][color=#ffc6e2]☳[/color][color=#ffc8e3]☴[/color][color=#ffcae4]☵[/color][color=#ffcce5]☶[/color][color=#ffcde6]☷[/color][color=#ffcfe7]☰[/color][color=#ffd1e8]☱[/color][color=#ffd3e9]☲[/color][color=#ffd4e9]☳[/color][color=#ffd6ea]☴[/color][color=#ffd8eb]☵[/color][color=#ffdaec]☶[/color][color=#ffdbed]☷[/color][color=#ffddee]☰[/color][color=#ffdfef]☱[/color][color=#ffd9ec]☲[/color][color=#ffd2e9]☳[/color][color=#ffcce5]☴[/color][color=#ffc6e2]☵[/color][color=#ffbfdf]☶[/color][color=#ffb9dc]☷[/color][color=#ffb2d8]☰[/color][color=#ffacd5]☱[/color][color=#ffa6d2]☲[/color][color=#ff9fcf]☳[/color][color=#ff99cc]☴[/color][color=#ff93c8]☵[/color][color=#ff8cc5]☶[/color][color=#ff86c2]☷[/color]
[h3][color=yellowgreen]❦[color=pink]❀[/color]┈┈┈┈[color=pink]❀[/color]┈┈┈┈[color=pink]❀[/color]┈┈┈┈[color=pink]❀[/color]┈┈┈┈[color=pink]❀[/color]┈┈┈┈[color=pink]❀[/color]┈┈┈┈[color=pink]❀[/color]❧[/color][/h3][/center]
[indent]

Everything seemed to happen so quickly to Ren. Just as she had wrapped her arms around Raiko out of fear, she jumped back releasing him from her grip. He felt as if his entire body were on fire! Raiko knew exactly what demons were outside, and it was tormenting Raiko, he was in so much pain. And Ren felt weak, unable to do anything to soothe her friend. What was happening? Why was all of this suddenly happening? Ren’s eyes grew wide when she saw the new color in Raiko’s eyes. They had gone from their cherry blossom pink to a blood red, and it sent a strong shiver down Ren’s spine. What Tanaka had said before suddenly made more sense… he was a demon. When Ren’s mother tried to protect Raiko, a sudden force erupted from his body, throwing both her and her mother back. Ren slid across the floor, but Yuu had slammed against the wall.  [color=pink]“Mom!!”[/color] Ren quickly scurried across the floor, sitting beside her mother’s unconscious body and wrapping her arms around her. 

Outside, Ren could see Tanaka chanting a few prayers. It was slow, but one by one some of the demons began to vanish. At the rate they were going however, it would take hours for all of them to vanish. One was practically at the door, and even Tanaka seemed worried at how much the demon wasn’t being fazed by the blessings on the shrine. The demons wanted Raiko to go with him, and Ren began to shake her head, tears forming in her eyes. [color=b5484b]“I’m sorry. I’m doing this to protect you.”[/color] As Raiko put his hand out, taking the dark blue hand of the demon in his, and Ren found the strength to get to her feet, charging behind her friend.

[color=pink]“RAIKO! NO! DON’T LEAVE ME HERE!”[/color] But it was too late, as Raiko, the demon, and all the other ones suddenly vanished in front of Ren’s eyes.

That was the last time that Ren had seen Raiko, until she turned 18.

The morning of Ren’s 18th birthday, the entire village began to gather in the center plaza, where everyone would chat about the day’s happening. Today was the day that Ren would begin her journey as a True Priestess and banish out all demons she came across on the island of Japan. All of the people of the village collected supplies and gifts for Ren to take on her journey, and Ren took a deep breath as she pulled her comb through her hair for one final stroke, before tucking it in her hair. So many feelings were running through Ren’s body, excitement, fear, anger, sadness. It would normally be very overwhelming for most people, but after training over a decade under Elder Tanaka, Ren had gotten better at controlling her outward appearance of emotions. Priestesses had to remain calm, as to let the villagers believe that everything was under control. Not that there was anything going wrong in the village. Ever since that day when Raiko was stolen away, no demons ever came back.

Raiko… These days Ren tried not to think too much on that name. After he vanished, Ren had cried for an entire day, and anytime she thought of him she began to cry. Even now, she could feel the tears pushing behind her eyelids, but she quickly dismissed the thoughts and patted her cheeks. [color=pink]“No crying, no crying. You’re strong, and it is your birthday. No one cries on their birthday.”[/color] Ren spoke calmly to herself, before rising and exiting the temple. Firmly grasped in her right hand, stood the Chowa. Before Ren turned 16, she had to perfect so many skills in the ways of the Priestess-hood. Much to her own luck, things came significantly more natural to her than other students. Things that took some of the other priests or priestesses several years to perfect, just took Ren a few months. Though she was meant to be respected because of who she was “destined to be”, it never failed to stir up jealousy from other priestesses. Ren felt guilty about that too. She didn’t strive to be better than anyone, she didn’t want to embarrass anyone… It was simply how the world decided to make her life work.

At 16 Tanaka determined that Ren was finally able to wield and control the Chowa. A feat that had taken Tanaka herself 20 years to perfect, Ren was at her level in 2. It really was unfair, and Ren never tried to brag. But Tanaka always flaunted Ren around for her abilities, perhaps Tanaka just felt proud that she got to be the master to a True Priestess, and that seemed to Tanaka a greater honor than being a True Priestess. Entering the center of the village, Ren was greeted with all of the gifts for her journeys, hugs, kisses, and pats on the back from fellow villagers. [b]“I remember when I still held you in my hands as a baby… Now, you are off to save all of us… You will be in our prayers every day.”[/b] Yuu spoke up, holding onto Ren for the longest hug. Ren didn’t want to let go either. As much as she loved the idea of exploring the world, she knew she would miss all of her friends and family here.

[b]“Ren.”[/b] A rather deep voice spoke up from the crowd. A few people began to part, allowing Ren to face the owner of the voice- Taiki. A man just a few years older than Ren. After Raik-… after the demons visited the temple many years ago, Taiki became Ren’s new “best friend”, if Ren had to call it something. He was nothing like Rai-… Well, he was very serious, and a little dull. But he was also very strong, and very protective. In fact, he was the head Commander for the warriors of the village, the men who trained in order to defend Seiki from human invaders. Much like how Ren and Tanaka were in charge of defending Seiki from spiritual invaders. [color=pink]“You big Oaf. You better not start crying.”[/color] Ren teased him, giving him her bright, sweet smile. But he continued to watch her with a straight face, Ren had never seen Taiki smile before, and it had been a challenge she had hoped to defeat over the past few years… unsuccessfully though.

[b]“I know what I’m about to ask is foolish. But, I have discovered that of everyone in this world, there is no one I would rather spend it with than you.”[/b] The smile on Ren’s face waivered, and a few people began to murmur and smile in the crowd. That was probably the most emotional statement Taiki had ever gotten out of his lips. It probably took him a lot of effort to show “such emotion”. Oh no, what was he doing? [b]“I know as a Priestess you cannot be romantically involved with someone… But I know there is no one else in Japan I would ever want. If you return- No, [i]when[/i] you return to us, after you have cleared our homeland of demons… I am asking for the honor of having you as my wife.”[/b] Taiki got down on his knees, bowing deeply to Ren. Once again, a brand-new expression from Taiki that she had never witnessed. Now everyone was staring and talking, and Ren could feel the heat rising up to her face. Her eyes darted to Tanaka, who simply shrugged. It technically was Ren’s choice. She could be engaged as a Priestess, but once she was to get married, she would have to leave. It would be a shame to lose her status as a True Priestess, but according to prophecies, by the time she would return home, there would be no more demons to banish. So then came the real question- did she want to say yes or no? Something deep within her gut was saying no, no, no. Don’t do it. But Ren’s sympathetic heart was telling her to just say yes. By the time she did return, perhaps Taiki would [i]actually[/i] find another girl, and no feelings would be hurt, as Ren did not feel the same way for Taiki. And Ren knew she wouldn’t be able to bare the weight of hurting such a strong man, and close friend. Hey, not like she had anyone else to give her heart to. Everyone was starring more intently, as Ren was taking the time to ponder. [color=pink]“Oh- Um, ye-eah. Yes. That sounds fine, Taiki.”[/color] Ren pulled her smile back on her face, and the crowd of villagers began to cheer and clap. Taiki rose to his feet, reaching in his satchel and pulling out a necklace of a dragon’s fang, putting it around Ren’s neck.

[b]“This has brought me protection in all of my own journeys. And I give it to you so that you will also return to us safe. Only people from our village will know it means you are taken, but… at least it will serve as a reminder to yourself.”[/b] Ren looked up to see if Taiki was smiling but even now, at what would probably be the happiest moment of his life so far, he still held such a straight face. So scary! Ren put her hand on the dragon’s tooth, feeling the smooth bone and nodded to Taiki. [color=pink]“Thank you, Taiki.”[/color]

With many farewells in order, her bag procured over her shoulders, Ren began on her arduous journey. First stop- Ryoshi village. A maritime village on the Serpent River that flowed down from the Serpent mountain. It was a few miles away, so Ren figured that by sunset she would arrive. A message had arrived to Ren the day before about sightings and issues with a demon terrorizing the locals. Tanaka informed Ren that this would be a good place to start, and that with each town to traveled to, she would hear more and more about other regions in need of her spiritual help. The fear had vanished from Ren’s chest, and now all that was left was the desire for adventure, and the prospect of saving humankind. It was a great weight to bare, but Ren was ready to take it on. With that Chowa tightly held in one hand, and her head up high, Ren felt unstoppable. That was until, about halfway to Ryoshi, Ren was stopped by two random men, standing in the road by a broken cart.

The two men saw Ren approaching, both getting sly grins as they approached her. [b]“What a beautiful face… A geisha, perhaps?”[/b] Ren made a sick face at the comment. It was obvious she was a priestess, but this wouldn’t be the first time a man made a lewd comment like that to her. Tanaka and Yuu both told Ren all the time that she was quite beautiful, in the face and in her figure, and that she had to be warry of untrustworthy men. [i]You will meet many different people and things on your journey. Just remember… not all demons and spirits are evil, just as not all humans are good.[/i] Tanaka’s words echoed in Ren’s head, and she stepped away from the approaching men. [color=pink]“If you continue on the road, the village of Seiki isn’t too far. Tell them Ren Shimizu sent you, and they will be able to help you with your cart.”[/color] But the two men continued to move in on Ren. [b]“Oh? But I imagine your village doesn’t have as many cute faces laying around down there…”[/b] The two men looked at each other with a malicious intent. The crescent moon on the Chowa began to spin rapidly, and Ren’s eyes moved to it. The Chowa was trying to warn her that these men were no good. Gee, thanks, didn’t figure that one out on her own.

[/INDENT][center][h3][color=yellowgreen]❦[color=pink]❀[/color]┈┈┈┈[color=pink]❀[/color]┈┈┈┈[color=pink]❀[/color]┈┈┈┈[color=pink]❀[/color]┈┈┈┈[color=pink]❀[/color]┈┈┈┈[color=pink]❀[/color]┈┈┈┈[color=pink]❀[/color]❧[/color]
[/h3][/center]