Ying the guardian spirit (1)

"So why were you, as you said, looking for me for a long time?" Emma asked, bringing the conversation back on topic.

"I have to know where you are if I am to protect you," Ying said, as if it was obvious.

"And why do you have to protect me?" she asked, then held up her hand abruptly. "Wait! Let me guess, because you're my guardian spirit?"

"Yes!" Ying said happily, flashing her a brilliant smile.

Emma's heart skipped a beat. She cleared her throat and turned away to hide her blushing cheeks. She was starting to feel really annoyed at how her body seemed to be reacting to Ying so strongly and obviously.

"Ahem... So let me ask you this," she asked, turning to face him again. "Why are you my guardian spirit? Does everyone have a guardian spirit? What does a guardian spirit even do?"

"Not everyone has a guardian spirit. You are special, little bird," he replied, grinning.

Emma felt a sudden warmth spreading through her body as he called her 'little bird', like a wave of flames spreading from her heart. She closed her eyes for a second, overwhelmed by the feeling.

"As to why I'm your guardian spirit, that is a long and complicated story," he said. With her eyes closed, Emma didn't see the mischievous glint that flashed across Ying's eyes as he continued. "A long, long time ago, a beautiful immortal lady put a terrible curse on me. Because of that curse I feel compelled to protect you, and so you could say I'm your guardian spirit."

Emma's eyes flew open and fixed on Ying, who was lounging leisurely against the wall.

"An immortal lady put a curse on you?" Emma asked, fascinated.

Ying nodded, studying her face closely for any reaction.

"Then... are you also an immortal?" she whispered.

Ying laughed, and spread his arms wide. "Isn't that obvious?"

Looking at him, it was indeed not difficult to imagine that he was an immortal being. Apart from the fact that he could transform into an enormous black wolf, he also had a very distinctive mysterious and otherworldly air about him.

And then there was his appearance. He was simply too handsome, too flawless. If he wanted to make a career as a model or actor he would have hoards of people worshipping him in minutes.

Emma remained silent for a while, pondering what Ying had revealed so far. There was one thing that stuck out to her.

"You make it sound like you have no choice about protecting me," she commented.

Ying looked surprised for a second, then he flashed her a smile. "Like I have no choice? Hm... I suppose you could say I have no choice. Because of the curse, I have to help you in any way I can. Or else I will suffer terribly."

"But-but... then you are being forced! You don't have a choice. That's awful!" Emma blurted out, horrified at the revelation.

Ying simply smiled his mysterious smile at her.

"So you don't really want to protect me? You simply have to?" Emma asked, her heart feeling heavy.

"It's not as simple as that," he whispered, smiling gently up at her. "The curse makes me care about you deeply, and therefore I can't bare to see you hurt, injured, or in danger. So naturally, I suffer if that is the case."

He stood up and moved towards her. Reaching out he stroked her hair gently. "I'm very happy to be close to you and protect you, little bird" he said, his voice low and gentle. "Please don't feel bad for me. I don't wish it any other way."