Varin is a slix - a magical beast, charged with protecting whoever lives in the house he is attached to. When his family dies in a fire, he promises himself never to grow close to any hum ans ever again. But his determination is tested by Du Nasu - the fierce, gifted daughter in family of immigrants fleeing civil war, who seems determined to be his friend. Worse, he must also face off against the evil tarsier Id Ilbu, sent by a goddess of revenge to wreak havoc on Du Nasu's family. Aided by his long-time love Paya, the garden-god the Green Hedgehog, and a little girl who won't give up, Varin faces up to the furry menace - but may finally have met an enemy who is beyond him .