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He'd wandered, for how long nor how far he did not know. Far from the green fields of Britain, from the snows of the Netherlands. Past the mountains, across deserts, the shadow wandered, aimless. He did his best, of course, to avoid meeting anyone. While it might have been safer to travel in a more... permissible shape, the glamour would only work to a certain point.

Heaven only knew when a child might spot him and give it all away.

Onwards, across rivers and lakes, through forests, and then deeper into those yet still, eating whatever slow, simple beast he happened to run into. There'd be more than a few farms near the area that would be missing pets and livestock, no doubt, and more than a few frantic stories of a hulking, shadowy beast with glowing red eyes making off with squealing pigs and bleating goats.

Upwards now though, as if heedless of the mountain in his way. It was only when the scent of humans reached his nose that he finally faltered again, pausing just short of the line of trees that opened to... what looked to be some sort of temple.

Ah... no, he wasn't interested in running into any holy men, he'd dealt with that before. Hunger though, as ever, chewed at his innards, and he stalked just behind the treeline, hoping to spot something edible to steal.

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Cue so much screaming from the monks. Shock, fear, horror, and the paddling of sandals on the cobblestones as several of them came rushing over to the spot 'Sanzo' had melted away at. Still others hung back and prayed. Out loud. Something about someone called Buddha and someone else called Kanzeon Bosatsu and--

And Koumyou rested an arm against the tree and wheezed, laughing quietly but with so much force he could barely see straight.

...Naturally that drew attention into the woods and those brave enough to run up to the spot rounded the tree and found their priest just Dying, in a whole other way.

"Sanzo-sama!"

And in between wheezes, "A test!" wheeze, "It was a test! You all passed. Good job! Sake for all!"

"...S-Sanzo-sama, you know we aren't permitted to drink..."

"And neither are you..." That was a brave mutter from one of the other monks.

Koumyou slapped the tree, gasping for air, "Another test!"

"That definitely wasn't a test."

Everything he wanted to avoid is now happening, he hates the sound of screaming humans so much. Wrapped around the tree, hiding in the shadows of the boughs, he huddles there, staring downwards as the rest of them finally figure out where their leader went.

He's the fucking goblin cackling under this tree, please come get him.

He said not a word, made not a single move, not a sound, just staring down at the collection of monks gathered around the tree. At least he was sure that none could spot him now.

Yes, other than the rather tiny boy with the impossibly golden hair, in among the other monks and dressed the same as the rest of them in simple and unadorned robes.

Purple eyes that could perceive too much, even if he'd been older, had fixed upwards at the shadowy thing that Koumyou seemed to have no problem wheezing directly under.

He sees you.

What you gonna do now, spooky.

Even as the older monks all turned to disperse back to their duties at Koumyou's dismissive wave, Kouryuu stayed where he was and stared -- no, glared -- up at this unexpected presence.

.... Go away. The branches swayed as if stirred by a breeze only it was caught in, gentle but there. The shadowy face and ember eyes stared back, the expression only partially challenging.

... But mostly pleading.

Don't tell.

The boy blinked, and suddenly his expression wasn't so intense either, as if Elias had pleaded aloud.

He turned his attention to the older priest instead as the rest of the monks finally left earshot. "Are you okay, Master? Nothing is... bothering you?"

If that shadowy evil looking -- but not feeling -- thing was bothering Koumyou, Kouryuu would kick its ass!

"I'm fine, Kouryuu," Koumyou managed after catching his breath from all the wheezing. "Just having a chat with a new friend."

What's up Elias you been adopted already.

"...Are you sure?" With another glance up at the creature, but Kouryuu's brow was furrowed with uncertainty, not aggression now.

"I'm sure, I'm sure," Kouryuu literally waved him off. "Go back to your sweeping, Kouryuu..."

One last glance up, a little fierce again -- don't you dare do anything stupid you big shitty shadow -- and then the boy turned and headed back for the temple.

what huh. who's the friend. who's the friend.

.... Is he the friend? .... He didn't ask for this. But he still wasn't leaving, still treed after all. 'New friend' was better than 'cut down this tree and attack the shadow monster in it', so he'd accept that for the time being, the shadow creature's long tail wrapping tightly around the trunk as his claws sank into the wood.

The very fact that the child wasn't screaming though, nor even trying to get anyone to look at him, that was promising. He wouldn't relax until the monks began to head back, child included, and should Koumyou linger, there'd be words from up there.

"You're a terrible person." Look what you made him do!

Look, calling you his new friend is the best way to keep the kid from asking too many questions.

You're still not Koumyou's weirdest 'friend'. Who can possibly top Ukoku?

"Is that so? That's rather refreshing to hear."

Slowly, the beast slithered lower in the tree, either forgetting his promise to never show Koumyou his face, or perhaps, no longer caring. Bone skull and sharp teeth, four sets of horns and blood red eyes, a shaggy mane of black fur and feathers creating an impressive ruff around his neck.

If it was possible for an immobile bone face to look miserable and disapproving, this would be it.

"Why did you do that?"

"Why, to get out of work, of course!"

Yes, that was Koumyou's reaction.

"That's a terrible reason." He pulled himself just a little further from the tree, his body massive, and still partially in the branches.

Yes he is concerned that the man might pull something else, he's trying to be very cautious.