But Gabriel didn't notice their fear. He wrapped his arms around Xuanwu's neck, its presence grounding him as he buried his face in its warmth.
Kain had told Gabriel a story about Xuanwu the mythical tortoise which was the origin of his contract's name. According to Kain, his Xuanwu was related to that mythical tortoise and was one of the first 4 beings on the planet created by the most supreme 'Golden Dragon'.
The Black Tortoise, White Tiger, Vermillion Bird, and Azure Dragon, were each responsible for governing a portion of the planet in the Golden Dragon's stead, and Xuanwu held supreme dominion over the Water element (with some secondary earth elemental control) and was responsible for creating the Winter Season.
Gabriel didn't know how much of the story Kain told it was true, but he felt happy and proud to know that Xuanwu was so special.
A rustle broke his reverie. Gabriel glanced back, Xuanwu's calm demeanour reassuring him it wasn't a threat.
