Ichi heard Rikya out for awhile after that. She began to tell him about how he has the power of a channeler from his mother's side, and that he used it during the fight with the Mountain Lord to kill it. Ichi found himself furiously nodding his head. Rikya is someone he really wanted to spend more time with, he kept thinking. Ichi decided after the conversation hit a lull to bring it up. Rikya was in the middle a warm explanation of what else Ichi did during the fight with the Mountain Lord.

"... so when you stabbed the stick into the Mountain Lord's belly, again, without realizing it, you imagined that the flow of your full energy went into the strike. You must have used some powerful image for you, something you trusted deeply, that allowed you to evoke the magic of the cat."

"Samurai." Ichi answered.

Rikya nodded.

"I see. That explains why you were able to that attack that wounded the Mountain Lord. It was a brilliant strike, even the Mountain Lord expressed delight."

"At the time I wasn't conscious."

"So, then that image of a samurai's strike must be very strong. That's a magical ability."

"I already know some magic, then?"

Rikya nodded, resting a finger on her chin.

"You have at least four."

Ichi pulled up his shirt, and Rikya blushed. Ichi noticed, then with a nervous smile he pointed to the seal on his chest.

"Myon put this on me. Know what it is?"

Rikya sidled close, her breath warm as she traced her hand across the squiggles on the paper over Ichi's heart. Ichi like how the top of her black hair floated just under his vision. Rikya felt so small.

"Myon's pretty scary. All the girls at school are. Except for Satou, who I live with on the weekdays, and she hates magic. That's why I like her." Rikya pulled back, mumuring.

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"I can tell from my 'Path Weaving' ability that it's there to help you grow. Myon's intent, tendrils flowing from her to you are all over it."

Rikya rested her finger on her chin again, looking at Ichi's abs with interest.

"Myon must have put it on as a collar. It's a powerful blessing and a curse at the same time. I could remove it for you, easily."

Ichi put down his shirt, to Rikya's disappointment. She rubbed her knees together nervously.

"Rikya, would you teach me how to use my magic?"

Rikya looked Ichi in the eye for a moment, then stared away.

"Sure. But, you'll have to stay in here. I'll bring food and bedding. My dad is one of the Seer's Council members and the rest of my family are..."

Ichi nodded at Rikya.

"It's fine. Everyone in this village has their weird families. My grandpa had a slime door with a cave filled with some stuff my dad wanted me to have. It was really cool, but, definitely weird."

Rikya laughed lightly.

"Do you like it here, in this village, Ichi?"

"The village? No. You, though, are the first person sensible person I've met." Ichi nodded.

Rikya paused, her mouth agape. "Thanks. No one has ever told me that before."

"Satou is probably an angel as well." Ichi nodded.

"How did you know?" Rikya gasped, her hand covering her mouth.

Ichi looked at Rikya.

"Really?"

"Really."

"Huh."

"It's not as glamourous as you'd imagine, though. Her dad is on the Seer's Council too, he handles the finances."

"An Angel in Finance?"

"Moral systems support laws, where else would angels be but supporting the rules of the world?"

Ichi made a huh noise in response.

"I was just guessing. Really, it's mostly because she's cute as well."

Rikya blushed, looking down.

"This personal attention is stifling. Little overwhelming."

Ichi reached out with his right hand towards Rikya's hand. For a moment he froze, thinking about when he head patted Syon unconsciously. This is different, Ichi thought, if there's anyone in this world worth trusting...

Ichi patted Rikya's head. Rikya grimaced.

"Could you stop?"

Ichi removed his hand.

"Ah, sorry. Did I upset you?"

Rikya waved her hand at Ichi.

"No. It's just, a little much for one conversation. Too exciting, my hearts pounding."

Ichi stood up. Give her space, Ichi thought. Rikya didn't seem like she would be the one to tell him to go.

"I'm going to go tell Myon I'll be staying here," He walked to the door and pulled it open, then turned around.

"I'll be back soon, so don't mind me." Ichi said to the kneeling girl.