"He needs to learn to cooperate better with others. Peckers, by their very nature, are community animals that communicate well and work in large groups. We do not have a comparable flock in the Bastion. If he is to accomplish anything, he should learn with another native animal that has already adapted. I think they'll be fine," the onmyoji murmured with a shrug, smoothing a hand fondly over Kaoru's hair and pressing his lips to the boy's briefly.

"But come. The journey is not overlong, but we should get there at a reasonable hour. As much I would love to spend time alone with you, a graveyard is hardly romantic. Perhaps we will have an unlikely stroke of luck and the house will be vacant enough that we can have some time together. A leisurely bath sounds nice."