Kei winced at the man’s words. He looked down at the small creature and decided the man was right. If he was going to take care of the phoenix he would not be able to do it on his own, he wouldn’t be able to touch the creature without killing her. The baby phoenix clucked at him again, and he wondered if it would have the memories of its past lives, specifically where he had accidentally killed her. As selfish as it was he really hoped that she would only remember what happened in this life.
As Niall introduced himself as such Keisuke hesitated to shake his hand. The man looked at the offered appendage and then pushed himself off the ground and onto his feet, ignoring the hand as he did so. When Niall asked for his name again he was a little hurt, considering he had already given it, but he supposed people generally ignored him anyways, so he cleared his throat. “Ah.. Keisuke Hotaro, I was just a traveller passing through when I saw the phoenix fly overhead.”
"And I left my bag a little ways that way and need to get it. You are coming with me. Where is your gear? I can't help but notice you don't have anything with you." Kei raised an eyebrow at the boy’s commanding tone, he hadn’t recalled agreeing to accompany Niall anywhere, though he supposed forfeiting his name for a second time after being told he couldn’t be trusted with the bird on his own could count as agreeing to go. Keisuke was more than aware he wasn’t wearing the rest of is usual get up, hyperaware of it actually, it felt like one wrong move could be catastrophic and his mind had been on high alert the entire time. “I do have a few things I left over there, it isn’t very far and shouldn’t take more than a few minutes if you’d like to come.”
He said it and started back towards his clothing without waiting for a response, he knew that Niall wouldn’t have any choice but to follow if he seriously wanted to keep the little phoenix. Keisuke was positive the little bird would follow the moment he was out of sight. He followed the path was shriveled trees and wilted shrubbery back to the small pool he had left his clothing at. Upon inspection he hadn’t done nearly as much damage to the surrounding forest as he thought, though in his rush he had managed to throw both his shirts into the pool.
Sighing he stripped off the trench coat and carefully fished both articles of clothing out of the water, managing not to hit any fish he wrung the tank top out to the best of his ability and slipped it on and did the same for the shirt, but instead of wearing the long sleeve shirt like a wet cloth he only slung it over his shoulder, sliding the coat back into place he inspected his gloves. By some miracle they had remained dry and Kei slid them on with ease, satisfied. He looked up, hopeful to see if Niall and the baby phoenix were there waiting for him."Um.. you shouldn't have to worry about feeding her, a phoenix is technically immortal, if she does eat its only for pleasure."