The surge of triumph is, perhaps, premature. After all, there is still so much they cannot control or do not know. Hasty, also, because while Kouri has been affected, it isn't the simple happiness he was most hoping for.

But then so little of Kouri is simple, now. He decides to be content with this measure of success.

"It is I who should be thanking you," he says, the only reason he doesn't reach for Taiki's hair being his not wanting to spook the small animal now nosing curiously at the kirin's fingers. "Truly, I would be lost without your guidance."