#quieted

‟I will assist.” Kage said softly, lilting, and Benkei sagged back on his heels, eyes wide. Kage had no eyes for anything but Yoshitsune, however, and it seemed likely he had not noticed. Benkei rather suspected he was beneath Kage’s notice, in the general course of things, but wasn’t, quite, foolish enough to argue that.

In honesty, though Benkei was always the first to espouse his own strength and ability, he wasn’t entirely confident in his technique being able to restrain . . . that, the vicious darkness of something utterly other curled in Yoshitsune’s heart - the oni that dwelled within him, now his power had fully awakened. Benkei had drawn his usual boastfulness around himself and promised his master he could and would, not allowing any of his niggling uncertainties to show. Yoshitsune had been twisted up enough by distress as it was. Kage ghosted closer and Benkei tensed, only now thinking that Kage, the mononoke, the inhuman and unfathomable creature who had chosen to follow Yoshitsune for his strength and power - Benkei suspected - as much or more than in return for his actions saving Kage. . . Kage might not approve - or even allow - such a thing as locking away that power. Or he might leave, if Yoshitsune was so bound - or strike out, either at Benkei or - though he doubted it even if Yoshitsune were bound to little, nothing, more than any other human - at Yoshitsune himself.

His attention seemed fixed on Yoshitsune. ‟I serve my master,” Benkei said bluntly, ‟as I have since he was a child.” he added, lifting his chin. Dark eyes glittered as Kage approached. Benkei couldn’t decide how much to be on guard, and remained where he was, still, watching. ‟He wishes to lock it away. His power.” Kage mused. Benkei wavered nervously, but ruthlessly strangled down the unease he felt, looking back down at his master.

‟What is it you do?” Benkei jolted at the whispery voice that seemed to come from everywhere around him, taking a short, sharp breath. He swallowed, looking around, but there was nothing- The moonlight glimmered on something as cool and distant as itself, and Benkei’s gaze snapped to the fey creature as he approached. His eyes were fathomless dark but somehow sharp, and Benkei’s fingers itched for his spear, his skin crawling. ‟What is it you do?” Kage repeated, circling closer, eyes never leaving Benkei’s, yet. . .

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Don't we?

That is very kind of you to say, thank you. I appreciate it. ♥