Koko wa Kimi no Uchi, Koko mo Bokura no Uchi

[Raimeiken]

((Whee! First thread with Reiko! Closed, closed.))

Screeching gulls whizz about high in the sky as the salty breeze lift them higher into the sky, their shadows casting lightly against the foaming crests crashing onto shore. The golden sun shone down onto the mighty ocean vessels lined against the water front of Yanbo Harbor, the towering masts with sails safely rolled away casting their lte morning shadows onto the decks of these magnificent ships.

"Uwow~!" A young girl emerged at the landing steps and bounced down to the rhythmic clickidy clackidy tunes of her wooden shoes, eagerly casting her sights left and right with bright eyes and cheery smile. "So this is Akashima! Hountou omoshiroin da ne~! What do you think, Setsunachan?"

The red-hair girl spun around skilfully on the tip of her geta, the billowy trims of her light blue yukata flitting against the salty breeze like tiny wings of a bird, her bright orange ears pricked and bright against the rising sun. Far above, still making her way down the rickety plank with unsteady legs, another similar being edged her way down with a face not so bright. The dark blue outfit, with a rather short length and revealing a pitch black tail underneath, offering the other passenger no respite from her torment.

"Please... Master Konoka..." Setsuna mumbled even as she reached the solid stone path, a large pack towering above her head. "Next time... Please find a ship that doesn't rock so much... Urgh..."

The Kitsuna leaned against her makeshift walking stick, a curved length of white oak even longer than she was tall. Its noisy tap tap sound as the duo made their way down the busy streets laid with stone was just torturous to the sea-sick maid.

Ugu... I feel like throwing up... Setsuna cringed as a wave of bile churned in her stomach, but the foxgirl forced her eyes shut and swallowed hard against her will. A lump in her throat moved itself down into her body, spreading its bitter sensation into her senses which made her even more sick. However, still, she managed to drag her weary form after the lively master who bounced about from one streetside stall to another, marvelling at the different wares on sale and tasting all the new food she could find. Looking up at the Welcome to Yanbo Harbor sign hanging from a lofty post cleared her head a bit, but the queasy feeling remained and bounced around in her gut from time to time.

"What a great way to feel sick." She murmured to herself as she trailed after her Master, leaning against the stick with each step she made. At least she still had the strength to move about.

"Kochira, Setsunachan~" Konoka waved her hand at the sweating maid as the red-hair foxgirl stopped at a booth, still as cheerful as ever as she turned back to gaze at the crystal figurines. Setsuna thought about just standing there for a while, too tired and sick to move about or else she would end up flat on the ground. However, upon seeing Konoka's smile as she browsed the cute little glass statues, the maid could not help but smile back. Fighting through the rising heat of the day and the heavy load on her back, she lumbered across the road with the long white stick in hand.

"Hey, Sets-chan!" Konoka beamed as the maid reached the stall whilst holding up a small glass figure of a nine-tail fox. "Look at this! It's just like the Kyubi figurine back home! Whadaya think? Should we buy some as souvenirs?"

Setsuna eyed the figures cautiosly, wondering what exactly inspired the artist into creating such a figure. The girl had heard of such a creature, known to the general populace simply as Kyubi. However, for herself and her master Konoka, they knew of this creature by another name. One which declared a deeper meaning...

"Ano, kore wa ikura desu ka?"

Before Setsuna could utter a word, her master was already deep in conversation (and barter) with the trader, happily exchanging Akashiman words with him as if it was her own language. Both of them knew, however, this was not their home and only bore striking similarities only. But such similarities were disturbing, down to the very language they used.

Setsuna looked around warily about the area, noting the sun which now stood high above her head. The large pack no longer offering any respite with its shadows. Setsuna wanted to duck into the tiny shadow under the booth's short roof, but the oversized pack dissuading her from doing so without it come crashing down within a moment's notice.

I wonder, though... The black-tail Kitsuna mused as she returned her gaze to the young master as the red-hair girl reached for her purse. Will this travel help us find our destiny...?

"Uwah? Taihen da!"

The maid's eyes snapped immediately to her master as if bitten by a snake, a sense of dread washing over her already drained face. Konoka herself was busily probing the pockets on her clothing, reaching into one pocket with her left hand and patting down the side of her belt with the other.

"What's wrong, Master?" Setsuna slowly inched towards her charge, trying her best to avoid knocking over the stand with her oversize backpack.

"The bag of coins Master Hirata gave us!" Konoka looked up at her maid full of distress. "It's gone!"

"Are you sure, Master?" The black Kitsuna asked again, wondering if they had left their only bag of fortune on the ship they had sailed in with. A slight movement caught the corner of the foxgirl's eye, however, and she immediately knew what happened.

Dropping the large pack onto the street next to the stall, Setsuna gripped the long stick of white oak in her left hand and charged after a young boy with scruffy clothes and tattered pants. In his hand, the brown leather pouch flipped through the air haphazardly and showed off the distinctive crest of the Fujiwara's Winged Staff icon.

"W-wait, Sets-chan!" The young girl in light blue yukata called out in a panic, her mind flashing back and forth between chasing after her friend and staying with the merchant to take care of their belongings. After a few hesitant thoughts, Konoka bowed apologetically and left the large bag for the storekeeper to look after. It would only be until the two of them returned to pay for the glass statues, after all. It was not like they were not going to return anytime soon.

"Sets-chan~" The red-hair foxgirl shouted after her maid, trying her best to keep up with the dark-hair one while trying not to trip on her skirt at the same time. "Chotto matte yo!"

[Reiko]

The right kind of noises could be more soothing than silence and the sounds of the sea were it. But of sea wasn't the only sounds that echoed in the docks at this hour, for all the ships had come to port so the sea was drowned out by the yelling, bartering and the tramping of feet on wood.

Ki knew the sounds well and more importantly knew how to focus her fox ears in a way to hear the important sounds like the voices of her kits as they followed and was ready to pick out the sound of drawn steel; the vixen mother was still a ronin.

The kits themselves were just having a ball. They were older and starting to enjoy the greater mobility of their almost adult bodies as they chased each other around, tails wagging to and fro for balance and just because they were having a good time. The pair still played like little kits and Ki did nothing to dissuade it, even join them if it wasn't in public.

Doji instead went to her purse to see that her coins were not there causing her tails to twitch and her cheeks to blush. "You're Kidding Me! I forgot it." The vixen huffed as she placed the coin purse in her kimono as she messed up her hair to relieve some of the frustration that her mind should fail like this and she made a shopping trip only to forget the money.

"Mom, what's wrong?" Chiyo asked as she tugged on of the furry black tails.

"I forgot the money; we can't buy anything." Ki said and chewed on her lip. "I left the gold in the drawers by my mat." She would have continued but a strange scent came to her nose. There was the spicy cinnamon hint of panic in the air mixed with smell of damp yet clean fox fur. "Forget it, something more interesting's happening." Ki grabbed Chiyo's hand and when Ryo arrived she grabbed his as well and followed the scent.

Two fox girls were giving chase to a local cutpurse. The one with similar coloration to Ki's hair was doing well while her parter with hair that made Ki think of the golden sun rise was not doing as well.

Ryo said nothing as he watched the chase and the fox tails weave while running. He was feeling nervous seeing two girl kitsune that were not of his blood and he was simply quiet unlike most the time. He made no protest when his mother wanted to follow.

"This should be fun." Ki smiled, forgetting the fact that she had forgotten her coin. Might be a good chance to shake some rust off of her sword arm.

[Raimeiken]

"Sets-chan~! Chotto matta yo!"

Setsuna could hear her master's voice crying out from the bright townsquare they first stopped by at, the lumbering pack of clothes and travel gears still safely wrapped within the many layers of cloth and canvas. It was not the focus of her attention at all, nor did she have to worry about the equipments becoming undone and looted while she chased down the pick-pocketing kid trying to get away. She could see it was merely a human child, probably no older than twelve, and as skinny as a bamboo stick. It would not be long before she caught up and lay the smack down on his skinny backside.

The two figures flitted across the road, narrowly escaping the idle roll of a red merchant wagon that crossed their path. The kid skilfully ducked and slipped under the murderous wheels, sliding out the other side with only a few minor scrapes to his pant legs. In surprise, the owner stopped the cart to glance at the frantic boy. Then, the wagon shook as a dark-hair girl in a short yukata vaulted into the air, her deep-colored tail and matching shorts flashing in the mid-noon sun. The Kitsuna rolled against the road on landing but quickly sprang to her feet, almost within an arm's length from her target.

Then she saw the small, dark alley the two were headed for. What a perfect place to get lost and never heard from again.

"Oh, no you don't!" Setsuna found herself shouting angrily, as if wanting the kid to know he would not be getting away scot free today.

With a forceful sweep of her white oak "stick" at the heels of her prey, the pick-pocket tripped against the obstruction and tumbled head over heels into the alley, crashing against a pile of crates coated with misty white flakes all over its surface. The black-hair Kitsuna, sliding to a stop just short of the sprawled form of her prey, knelted down to retrieve the pouch of coins she had been chasing after for all those minutes on the street.

"What I'd do to make Master Konoka happy..." She mused, weakly lifting the heavy bag of coins from the groaning thief's hand as she gasped for air. "I wonder where she is-"

For just a split second, she thought she saw something move in the shadows of the quiet alley. And it was all the split second she saw before a heavy, solid object struck her clean in the gut.

Whump-!

An odd sensation swept over her after the fateful noice, feeling numb all over and extremely light. She could see the wide blue sky fly by her eyes, the earth-tone buildings broken by a few sloping sapphire ceramic roofs of nearby stores. The bright red wagon she had leapt from just moments before.

The dusty, brownish white stone road she had been running on just a second before.

-Thud!

"Setsuna!" The cute, alarmed squeak the Kitsuna knew belonging to her Master rang through her ears above the throbbing headache and ripples of pain spreading from her abdomen. Her world spun out of control as she tried to get to her feet, but it felt like the ground kept on moving back and forth under her.

"Setsuna-chan! Daijoubu?!" Her Master kept asking, her words sounding distance and garbled.

Ugu... How am I supposed to stand with all this moving? The Maid grumbled silently to herself as she tried to focus her sight, everything still feeling out of synch and all that could be seen was a blur of white, green and red. Stumbling to the side, Setsuna slumped against the worried Konoka who immediately tried to make her maid sit down. Setsuna merely stuck out her arm and braced against the support, still groggily trying to make sense of what exactly hit her so hard.

Oww... my ribs... Gripping her side as the sharp prick ripped through her gut, the girl attempted to squeeze out the pain to no avail. It continued on its aggravating rant, sending warning signals flaring all over her battered form.

"Yo, kitty ears! This belong to you?"

The word was accompanied by a long thin object that flew through the air as if it weighed nothing. Setsuna barely had any time to notice, much less prepare for the surprise attack, and the projectile struck clean against her forehead with a sickening thwack! and sending the girl falling over backwards onto the hard dusty street.

"You must be some spicy little punks to be sendin' Taka runnin' for his life, gals." The speaker smirked from the shadows, followed by a clamor of rowdy laughter and sneers ringing through the streets of Yanbo Harbor. The large, muscular man stepped forward into the square with powerful stomps, shaking the very earth he walked on with each step forward.

Setsuna groaned painfully as she finally managed to prop herself up, her forehead turning bright red in one spot where she was hit by her own stick. The back of her head seemed ready to split as well and she could even barely keep her head from wobbling along with the ground. Through half-dizzy eyes, she growled fearfully and pushed herself up with the stick she was struck with, her weapon still looking to be in better condition than its owner.

"My, my. Such spunk under those small frames." He grinned amusingly, stopping a short distance from the two Kitsuna with his hands on his hips. After a moment of recovery, Setsuna noticed some very disturbing details about her aggressor.

His long, black hair was nicely pulled back into a tight ponytail, which flowed out behind him like a steady stream of black water. His muscular form was only held together by a set of tight brown shirt which showed off every single major muscles and nearly bursting at the seams. His skin was also quite fair - too fair for just any regular underworld thug. Even after noting in the fact he sported a modest set of beard and mustache, he still looked to clean to be a common thief. The boots he wore also looked too worn to be used only in such a city as this - not to mention its size, which would easily eclipse Setsuna's face with no problem.

"I take it you're the one who kicked me, sir?" Setsuna growled, still holding her side as Konoka rushed to relieve her strain.

The man chuckled as if it was merely a child's curious question asking if the chicken came from the egg. He casually pulled out a small brown pouch from his pocket and held it in his hand by two fingers, letting the item dangle in the mild breeze sweeping through the seaside town. The white winged staff showing clearly against the bright midday sun.

"And I take it this belongs to you?" His grin never left his face even after seeing Setsuna bring her weapon to her side, her right hand leaving the brown shoe print planted on her clothes and hovering near the forward end of the white oak's tip.

"You know you could just ask nicely if you really wanted this." The man continued his casual banter as a crowd began to gather, his half-dozen followers flocking out to his side and supporting the still unconscious young boy. "Or do you intend to chat with that sword of yours instead?"

-!!!

[Reiko]

Ki laughed with mirth as she saw the younger genko (black fur kitsune) take a leap over a cart. Such athleticism would truly make a great warrior, and Ki felt that this girl really reminded herself when she was young. "All this for a stray purse; she's really got spirit." Doji said with glee to her children. "You two could learn something from her about tenacity." The mother vixen teased as she lead on.

Ryo was rather captivated by the scene himself, the girl was truly beautiful to him and the idea that the jump might lead to a scandalous sight brought blood to his head even though the thief chasing fox girl was more practical in her dress so it wasn't much.

"Brother! Stop acting strange. She just jumped." Chiyo said as she tugged on Ryo's hand. "It's not like she's the only girl you ever seen." The young white vixen taunted her brother. Chiyo loved to taunt him when she had a chance since he used to and would still steal her toys on occasion.

Ki soon slowed herself down to watch the little rogue get taken down with a well placed trip. The show seemed over but Doji still went forward at a slower pace, casual for a bit. But then Ki noticed another form near her and before the nine tails could yell out the bold fox girl fell to the thief's friends.

It was a horrid tragedy in Ki's eyes to see the little hero take such abuse while trying to get up. The man was bigger than her and likely unnaturally muscular. Still The heroic girl was going to fight. A samurai like spirit that Ki would consider kin. It didn't seem right to mess with the fight but then again this crook was a big man and obviously playing with the girl and her friend.

Nothing ever good happened to kemono when they got into trouble, especially the girls. The ronin vixen smiled to her children. "You two, when I make my move, go help the two girls out and get them to safety." With a twitch of her nine tails, she went forward, her feet not disturbing the dust that settled on the streets of Yanbo Harbor. "Excuse me." She said with a polite bow to some of the cowardly rabble that were content to watch a girl face a dreadful fate. Once through the crowd she gazed up at the tall and muscular man, his thin beard smiling.

"Whatd'ya want? Want to join your sis in a beating?" He laughed and kicked dust at the other kitsune girl.

"I'm sorry but I really don't care for beating and would rather you leave my 'sis' alone. Now if you would kindly please return their coin and we could be on our way." Ki bowed low and on her hands and knees, long hair hiding a smile as her blade had slipped from it's obi and fell on the ground, easily within reach.

"I don't think so, lady. You'll be joining her in the beating. I'm tired of you hairy girls running around." The large man smiled and moved to stomp on the nine tails' head.

But Ki saw the motion and she grabbed the sheathed onitachi and brought the sword up to his masculine weak point. The large crook gave off a yelp like a whipped dog as he fell to the ground and Ki rose up, drawing her blade and resting it on his neck, so lightly it wouldn't draw blood even though it was one of the sharpest swords in the land. "Now would you kindly return their coin, I don't feel like holding my sword here all day." Ki smiled as the man threw the pouch out.

Chiyo and Ryo finally got through the crowd to see Ki had won and the thief was skulking away, having trouble walking and only to be apprehended by some guards. Thankfully the guards knew who was the criminals and also it would look bad to arrest a bunch of girls for protecting their property.

"Are you Alright?" Chiyo asked as she held a hand out to the young dark haired girl. "Mom took care of the thug. It'll be safe now." Ki's daughter made a reassuring smile and Ryo came in only able to gulp, not sure what to say other than "hi".

"Sorry I didn't get there sooner. You two okay? can you walk?" Ki asked hoping they'd be alright and not wanting to see her fellow kitsune face any more trouble.

[Raimeiken]

Everything happened in a blur of hands, feet and words. Just moments before, she was being threatened down by a very powerful mountain of muscles who practically saw through her actions. He could even tell that the stick of white oak hid the five-foot blade of her nodachi, something that would not be so apparent to the normal eyes. Setsuna was sure she was going to have it bad, possibly risking an arm and a leg just for five hundred measly pieces of gold. But it was not just her money, after all, but her Master's as well. As the servant to the Fujiwara Family and as a swordsmaiden, the Kitsuna was not going to let some underworld thug get the best of her.

The battle did not begin, for another had already stepped in to help her cause. At first glance, all that Setsuna could think of was the massive bundle of black fox tails and beautiful robe her "savior" carried with her in graceful strides. There was a slight fragrance of excitement following in her trail, even well after the short-lived conflict ended. Setsuna, however, remained awestruck even as she was being pulled away from the scene by two young kits who appeared to be around her age, one of them later introducing herself as Chiyo whiler her brother Ryo merely mumbled to himself.

K... Kyubi... Jin?

Setsuna remained dumbstruck even as the "mother" returned from her bout, unscathe and appearing even more impressive than during her short fight. She had heard only legends of the Nine-Tail Warrior back in her homeland and it appeared to her more as a legendary story than a real account of history. In her study, only the strongest of the skilled swordsmen could ever achieve such a legendary form - in fact, all throughout history of her kin held only one account of anyone achieving the status. It all seemed to far-fetched to be true, however, and she regarded the story to be mere fabrications of her people's dreams.

Having seen one eye-to-eye, however, changed everything she had believed on the subject.


"Thank you for helping us." Master Konoka took the initiative of introduction and quickly thanked their rescuer, bowing low in gratitude. "I am sorry to have caused you trouble."

Setsuna forcefully dragged herself onto her feet using the sheathed nodachi as a crutch, grunting with every small ripple of pain that ripped through her side and head before shakily bowing to the tall Kitsune. She also noticed their small pouch of gold had been retrieved from the dusty floor by the boy kit, who shyly dusted the leather bag off before presenting it to her.

"A-arigatou." The genko weakly replied as she accepted the pouch, most of her strength sapped by the pain in her side. The chocolate-brown kitsune turned red for a moment and quickly retreated, much to Setsuna's surprise. She wondered if she had done something wrong, but dismissed the thought for the time being.

"Ah-! Shitsureishimaimashta~!" Konoka blurted out, red-faced with guilt, as she composed herself and quickly bowing down again in apology. "I haven't introduced myself and I have already troubled you with our plight! My name is Fujiwara Konoka, heir to the Fujiwara Family from across the sea. And this is my servant, Nanakaze Setsuna."

The maid nervously glanced over to her master who was quickly apologizing to the obviously skilled warrior, wishing that she had been better to avoid humiliating her master in front of public eye. If only she was a bit stronger...

"I'm not sure how I can repay this debt, ma'am." Konoka spoke up once more, smiling beautifully at the nine-tail swordmaster as they stood conversing at the square. The gathering of townspeople had dissipated once the show was over and the gang of thieves had disappeared along with their leader. The sun bore down on them relentlessly and Setsuna was beginning to feel the after-effects of the blow to her head. Everything started to become blurry once more, though the floor had stopped rocking long ago much to her relief.

"I know!" The red-hair Kitsuna suddenly spoke up, startling her weary maid from the daze. Setsuna snapped to attention, still leaning on her makeshift crutch to steady her legs. "It's not much, but will you please accept this humble gift from us?"

Konoka beamed as she pulled out a small square of cloth and poured the gold coins into it, the golden round bits sparkling in the Akashiman sun.

"We don't have a lot, but please. This is our gratitude to you."

Setsuna merely stared at her Master as she offered the two hundred pieces to the dark-hair Kyubi-jin. The maid said nary a word, partly from her training as a servant to not speak up unless necessary. In her mind, she could only think of one thing over and over again.

If only I was stronger... I wish I was strong like you...

[Reiko]

Ryo shook his head as he realized he had to say something if he didn't want to be the village idiot and he worked hard to find the right words as he returned the pouch of coin. "Y-You're Welcome." He managed to say before his mind came up a complete blank. The kit wanted to impress the two kitsune girls but he just couldn't think of anything but to keep silent as his mother and Chiyo talked to them.

"Yeah, I'm glad we were able to help." Chiyo cheered as she smiled at the two girls. These two had potential to be great friends to the young fox girl. Doji smiled seeing her kits getting excited over the two new fox girls. She smiled and twitched her tails before bowing to the pair. "I'm Doji Ki. Ronin of the Doji Clan, at your service." Being a ronin put her a lower rank than Konoka by human standards but with Kitsune she had more tails and was the elder making her more important, so Ki just bowed as equals.

Still the gift was a nice offering for the help. Ki had felt a little guilty for even thinking about taking the gold but being a mother meant that she would have a good use for the coin. "I am very grateful for the gift and it is more than enough to pay any debt. I was just being nosy anyways." Ki giggled as she bowed one more time and pocketed the money. It would have been rude to turn away a gift like that and Doji just couldn't figure a graceful way to avoid taking the coin.

"I take it that you two are pretty new around here." Ki said as she looked at Setsuna and Konoka then to her kits, sure that her children wouldn't mind. "My home's a bit of a walk but me and the kits are more than willing to help with the journey and it'll be more comfortable than any of the affordable inns in this town. Would you honor us by being our guests?" Ki blushed a little as she completed her offer, this way she wouldn't feel so dirty for taking the gold. She'd be saving them money by not having to go strait to an inn while the younger genko recovered from her injuries.

Ryo blushed and sighed in relief. He might actually get a chance to talk with one of the girls if they stayed with him.

Chiyo cheered with her tail wagging like an excited puppy. "We're going to have so much fun!"

[Raimeiken]

((Notice: Bunnying has been Approved))

...Ronin?

"Arigatougozaimase, Doji-san!" Master Konoka immediately thanked the Kyubijin with a graceful bow, her servant naturally followed suit hastily. While the heir to the Fujiwara Family did not think much of the warrior's status as a ronin, Setsuna was beginning to have mixed feelings about who this person really was. Usually, a warrior of such awesome power and skill as Doji Ki would be greatly welcomed among the rulers of her home country, where wealth and fame waited at every footstep the Ninetail would go. What, then, lead her to become master-less and stranded in the middle of a strange continent?

Before the genko could muster up an interjection, her master was already happily engaged in light-hearted giggles with the silver-hair foxgirl. There was no use asking her master for the differ now - Who was she to go against her master's wishes when it was what she happily chose?

...There you go again, Master Konoka... Setsuna heaved a sigh, wiping beads of sweat that threatened to blind her vision. Instead of a frown, however, Setsuna felt an irresistable smile make her way across her face. Wearily looked back the way she had come, she luckily found that their travelling pack remained within the shade of the figurine stall instead of disappearing along with a thieving local.

"I'll go get our travelling items, Master." The Kitsuna maiden announced to her master. They would need their gears, obviously, before the two of them could head off to their "temporary" shelter. Setsuna could not help but remember that the elder Doji Ki spoke earlier that the den was going to be a good distance away, the mere thought bringing new waves of weariness and grief to the maid. Heaving another heavy sigh, she trudged onwards to the stall to reclaim their gears.

But what could she do? It was her duty, after all, to carry the supplies...

"Umm... Nanakaze-san..."

Setsuna glanced up from the ground where the large pack of clothes and other items sat, not realizing she was leaning dangerously over her makeshift crutch and almost falling flat on her face. Turning around to face the speaker, she met the vivid emerald eyes of the dark-hair Kitsune who had earlier given her the stolen pouch of coins.

"If- if you will..." He stammered, a cute shade of red spreading across his face while the boy tried to keep a straight face. "I will carry those bags for you."

Setsuna blinked, confused by his gesture of kindness even when he motioned towards the pack. Setsuna stared blankly at Ryo and leaned forward to grab the armstraps, bracing herself for the weight of clothes and other miscellaneous items to bear down on her tired form. She was halted once again by a pair of strong, warm hands which wrapped around her own almost in unison.

The maiden pulled her hand back in surprise, almost as surprised by the move as Ryo whose face went bright red in response.

"I- I'm sorry!" He stammered, staring down at the smooth cobblestone street. Setsuna glared at the young Kitsune with a mix of surprise and confusion, wondering what exactly he was trying to do. "I'm sorry about that, Nanakaze-san! I just... wanted to help carry the baggages for you... umm..."

Setsuna remained silent as she relaxed her grip on the shirasaya nodachi at her side, still staring confoundly at the blushing guy.

"Umm... Thank you...?" Setsuna finally broke the moment of silence, letting out a breath of sigh when she realized Ryo was not going to take 'no' for an answer. Almost instantaneously, his face lit up and he enthusiastically shouldered the burdens with lively springs in his steps. She could see, however, that he was having some trouble with the enormous pack by the strain on his face.

"If you're tired, I'll resume carrying these bags-" She spoke plainly to Ryo, half-wondering how long he would last before collapsing on his knees. The chocolate-hair kit, however, cut her off with a smile that did not betray his resolve.

"N- No, I'll be alright" He forced the words through a grin, clearly just realizing how heavy the lumbering pack really was.

All she could do now was sigh.

"Fine." She huffed, reaching out a hand to the young kitsune inching forward on slow, steady steps. "Just grab my hand when you feel like taking a rest, Ryo-san. I'll take my belongings the rest of the way."

"Setschan~ Ozoindane~!" The servant heard her master's sweet voice calling out her name, who was waving her hands out in the distance. "Let's go, ne? Don't be shy about letting Ryo-kun carry those bags for you."

What does she mean, shy?!

"What do you mean by that, Master Konoka?!" Setsuna stammered as she hurried after the departing trio, her face starting to burn uncontrollably the longer she let those words linger in her mind. She hoped her fair master was only joking about her being shy.

[hr]

The walk indeed took quite a bit of time before the small band of Kitsune reached Doji's den. The genko had to keep on doubling back on her path, lending a hand to help her young backpacker out on more than three occasions where he was losing his footing. More than twice they held hands as the group made their way through the Akashiman Central Bazaar, both Ryo and Setsuna keeping a firm grasp on each other's hands. The two of them lagged behind Doji, Chiyo and Konoka but Setsuna did not really feel afraid or alone... for some reason unknown.

And at long last, the five Kitsune arrived at their destination. A home away from home for both young Kitsuna, in a sense. The simple wooden architecture looked quite similar to the ones she last saw along the rice fields a good distance away, the maid reasoning it to be the traditional architecture style of the populace of this land. Upon entering through the sliding doors, however, revealed more than just superficial similarities to her home across the sea. Everything from the layout of the threshold, where the floor rose up from the ground where each of them took off their wooden sandals and turned them outwards towards the doorway, to the thatched floor material which held the texture of woven reeds.

"Ahhh~ Hountou ni sugoina uchi da wa, Doji-san!" It was her Master Konoka who immediately blurted out with a squeal after seeing the simple yet homey establishment. Excusing herself for being impolite as a guest to this place, the cheerful young Kitsuna was immediately whisked away by Chiyo to show her new friend their room for the night. The mother Kyubijin excused herself and disappeared into the house, for what reason Setsuna could only guess.

While the others were busy going about their business, Setsuna herself stayed at the doorway and helped ease off the large pack from the young Kitsune's back. Setting the nodachi against the wall instead of on the sword rack on the shelf, she carefully eased the luggage from the boy's back before letting it drop softly onto the floor.

"Thank you." The maiden stated blankly, albiet with a small grin on her face as she looked at Ryo who was venting visibly at the doorstep. She would have to look at him in a different light now...

"Ara~? Nanio shiteiruno, Setschan?" Konoka poked her head out from the living room, spotting her servant chit-chatting with the brown-hair boy.

"N-Nanimonai, Konoka-san!" The servant quickly turned away from Ryo and drew away, lugging the pack onto her back. "I'll, ah, I'll go put these away in our room, Master!"

"Naaa~ Poor Setschan." Konoka could not help but smile as she watched her maid hurriedly flee the scene, leaving the nodachi by the door as any respectable warrior was accostumed to do when entering another warrior's house. "I think I may have teased her too much. What do you think, Chiyo-chan?"

With a wink and a smile, Konoka excusd herself and sat down at the table while her hostess got things ready in the back. The two of them resumed their little conversation of boys, clothes and flowers.

What a fine day it was going to be...

[Reiko]

The trip went well. Ki was happy to see her kits getting along with the new foxes and glad that Ryo stepped up and carried Setsuna and her master's bags even though if he didn't Ki would herself but it seemed to make her child happy to impress the girl. It was cruel to have the girl walk all that way but Ki had her reasons. The Thieves probably had friends and waiting around town would be asking for an ambush and if Setsuna was bed ridden or even simply relaxing when that happened it would be a disaster. At least here the fox girl would have friends and Ki as a guardian and if it meant a painful walk versus death it was worth it to Ki.

The kyubi jinn smiled to herself to see Chiyo open up to Konoka as well, making quite a pair of young ladies. Doji really wished she could join in, talking about this and that with matters of girls. But the nine tails had missed out, missed that phase of life when she was living on her wits after her father died. "I'm getting too old." Ki shook her head and put some noodles and vegetables in the boiling pot before looking at her reflection. The vixen didn't look old, she actually looked fairly young like a woman that just lost the last of her girlishness, she looked too young to be a mother of such kits. But still she was feeling old in her heart even though her body could out do most men.

"Maybe I'm still trying too hard to be a man." Doji laughed as she stirred the pot and smiled. "at least I can cook." The mother nine tails smiled inwardly as she hummed and swished her tails, fighting a battle to keep from getting depressed.

The battle was over and the udon soup was done. A severe lack of creativity to serve kitsune udon to kitsune but Ki just wasn't feeling very original at the time. Placing the steaming hot bowls at each place and smiling at Chiyo and Konoka and finally at Ryo as he came in to sit down. The boy was blushing a little and not sure if he should be smiling or frowning as he felt like he blew it.

"I guess I lot happened while I was cooking." Ki said as she looked at the boy. "Hey, don't worry. She probably feels the need to help out with cleaning." Ki smiled and went down to her guest rooms, guessing Setsuna would be there and went in with hardly a knock for the vixen tended not to when at her own home.

"Hey, soup's ready. I think you should take it easy, me and the kits can really help out. You're still hurt. Hey, after dinner we could soak in the hot spring, really helps me when I've been injured."

[Raimeiken]

unpacking had never been a painful experience. It was something the maid was used to doing everywhere the two of them went, but today the task felt especially taxing on her battered form. By the time Setsuna finished removing her master's clothes and set them into the storage closet, the bruise in her ribs flared as if struck by a burning club of iron.

Ooh, boy... The maid groaned as she slumped on the floor and leaned against what was left of the giant travelling pack, the only remaining items being her own sets of clothes. I don't think I can move another inch...

It was just then that the Nine-Tail Warrior surprised her with the invitation for dinner. The maid quickly composed herself, suppressing any visible signs of pain she had been silently complaining to herself about and bowed gratefully to the invitation.

"Thank you for your kindness, Doji-san." Setsuna replied, feeling the ache in her side flare again as she straightened her back. Fighting through the burning sensation, she slowly got to her feet and made her way to the dining room with a bit of strain showing on her face. She would have to do something later about that bruise...

[hr]

"Itadakimasu~!"

Setsuna remained quiet as the five Kitsune ate dinner, the genko girl savoring the simple yet delicate flavor of the udon while her more lively master openly commented on their hostess' skill. As with many of the royalties in the Fujiwara Family, Konoka had tasted many of their homeland's finest dishes and delicacies. When it came to food, the auburn kitsune could tell a wide range of flavors in just one bite. For Setsuna, a delicious dish was all she needed to know.

"Su- Sugoi yo!" Konoka exclaimed in delight after tasting the lightly-seasoned soup, breathing in the warm steam radiating from her bowl. "The softness of the noodle really draws out the sweet, mild flavor of the soup! Mmm~ This is so delicious! You're such a wonderful cook, Doji-san!"

And all the while, Setsuna could do nothing but smile light-heartedly to her cheery master. The Auburn Kitsuna was having a great time with the new-found company and it made the servant's heart all the more brighter to see her master in such a good mood. It was almost enough to make her forget everything and just smile quietly to herself...

"Setschan~ Don't you agree?" Konoka suddenly spoke up to her maid, who was just about to put another chopstick full of the wonderful thick strands of wheat into her mouth.

"Mrm?"

Her master smiled warmly and looked across the table at a blushing kitsune boy. "Don't you agree that Ryokun is growing up to be very handsome?"

H-Handsome?!

Setsuna almost choked on a strand of udon when she heard her master's question. What was she thinking, speaking openly to the son of their hostess like that?! The maid felt her face burning hot when her eyes met those of the chocolate-hair boy and she quickly averted her gaze downward into her bowl of soup.

C'mon, think of something to say! Her mind raced for the right words, trying to think what words of agreement she could find that would not betray her thoughts...

"Umm... Yes. He is."

Ahh! Not like that! Setsuna's mind wailed as her mind made up the notion that she was interested in him, the only physical sign of the thought being the deep red blushes forming on her face.

I mean- I mean-! I mean, he's growing to be very handsome! No, I didn't mean it like that~! You should've just said "I agree" and be done with it!

"You see, Ryokun. Even Setschan thinks you're quite good-looking. So don't be too shy to talk with us girls, ne?" Her master continued with the banter, joined in by Chiyo's chiding remark about 'having to watch her brother's back a lot more' when they go to the city. Setsuna, however, could not bring herself to look up from her half-finished bowl of udon to see what Ryo's expression was across the table.

The genko decided it best not to try, opting to finish her udon soup as quietly and quickly as she could amidst the lively chatter of her master and their host.

What a day...

[Reiko]

Doji smiled a happy little smirk as she heard how well her noodles went with her new guests. The vixen mother had gotten better at cooking since the days of sticking fish on a stick and in a fire until it was black and tasted of ash but she never imagined her cooking to be complemented so well, not to mention the extent on the details was something that Ki would never think of. Food was good or bad, sweet or sour, mild or spicy and that was the greatest detail the vixen was capable of and it seemed that Setsuna the maid was much like Ki on the matter.

"Well I do my best. Glad you like it." Ki blushed and tried to stay modest, for she disliked people with hot air. "Being a mother tends to have you learn things you never thought capable of. As a kid, I thought that I could never make a half decent rice ball and now I'm getting such complements. Domo miss Fujiwarasan." Ki bowed and began to eat her udon, enjoying her own work more.

The dinner turned to making Ryo and Setsuna to blush in embarrassment as both Chiyo and Konoka were being vixens and playing mischief with the other too. "Well I'm glad you think that." Ki laughed. "I'm the one that gave him his looks, well at least the tail." The vixen laughed hoping to draw some attention away though the nine tails shot a look at Chiyo. "Don't say that. You're no better than he is there; I have to keep both your tails out of the fire."

Chiyo blushed and looked down and Ki was stunned at the fact she probably made things worse. "I'm sorry Chiyo, I didn't mean any harm. Just don't bad mouth your brother like that." Doji wanted to give her self a spanking for her own lack of judgment. "Well at least the foods good."

The Doji family was rather quiet for a few moments. Ki knew it was probably her fault and being the oldest and most experienced gave her some responsibility on keeping people from getting hurt. And on the subject on getting hurt. "Um... Setsuna..." Ki started as she tried to sound the words in her mind. "I really want you to get some rest, you need to recover and I would want you to ask me or the kits if you or Konoka need anything. You're as much a guest here as your master and you need to take it easy for a little bit." Doji prayed that she didn't offend with her words.

[Raimeiken]

"G-Gomen ne, Doji-san. Watashi wa shitsureishmaimashta." Konoka attempted to make amends for what she perceived as merely a harmless comment. Even if she was merely a young teen, the young heir of the Fujiwara Family would need to watch her manners in the future to come.

"...Well, I thank you very much for this fine and lovely dinner. I am also very grateful for having us in your household. We will not be staying here for too long lest we discomfort you."

"Hey, Konoka-san! Let's go to the hot spring now!" Chiyo beamed, excusing herself from the table before leading her guest away towards the changing room. "You'll love it, I promise you. Setsuna-san, you should come to!"

The maid had just finished her bowl of udon when the question arose. By the time she looked up from the table, fearing her eyes would meet with the young kit across the table had she done so, Konoka was already halfway out the room smiling with her new friend. It struck a sad chord in the genko's heart to see her master so happy even when not by her side, for the two of them had always been together from the time they first met. Nanakaze Setsuna, the Maiden Demon Slayer, felt for the first time what loneliness actually was.

The young maid averted her eyes and gently placed the used chopsticks at the side of her bowl, silently letting go of a sigh and excusing herself from the scene.

"I thank you for the wonderful dinner, Master Doji. I shall remember your kindness for eternity."

[hr]

The Black Kitsuna folded her master's robes in silent torture, setting aside her own for when she would visit the onsen after her master's return. Lit only by the lone candle at the far wall of the room, the atmosphere appeared to be mocking the maid's own aching heart.

I guess... Setsuna let her shoulders sag after having set the light-blue yukata out into a neatly-folded bundle. I'm not that strong after all...

"Setschan? Doko ni mo irun kana~?"

The paper door slid open to reveal the silhouette of a Kitsuna still dressed in her travel clothes, shadows obscuring the expression upon her face. The maid solemnly straightened her shoulders and turned to face her master, the light-blue yukata in her hand.

" I was on my way to the onsen with your belongings, Master Konoka." She spoke calmly, masking the shameful feeling of neglect in her heart.

"Hey, you." The flame-hair master knelt down in front of her servant, touching her lightly on the shoulders with soft hands. "Come on, I can't leave you hanging out here alone, now can I? You're my best friend, after all."

Setsuna blinked back a tear at the surprising tone of voice, but she quickly noticed the warm smile that belonged to no one but her own best friend. After a few seconds of silent contemplation, the two Kitsuna made their way to have their evening bath... together.

"Oh, I almost forgot." Konoka suddenly spoke up as she opened the sliding door leading to the hot spring. "I invited Ryokun to come join us, too."

"Na-Nan desu ka?!"

"Oh, calm down, my silly best friend~!" Konoka chided her friend with a smile. "I was only joking~"

The shocked expression on the maid's face hung in disbelief for a few seconds before the frown turned itself around into a smile. Unable to hold back her own realization of being tricked by her master, Setsuna let out a giggle which her flame-hair lord joined in unison.

[Reiko]

Ki walked up to the door of her spring with a smile though her ears perked and face blanched when keen kitsune hearing picked up some words. They couldn't, was that why they Ryo had disappeared? Ki worried that she might have to have the guests longer than planned for they became early mothers but when Konoka's voice became a giggle and she revealed her joke then Ki sighed with relief and smiled.

"Mom you're too serious. You're tails got all puffed up!" Chiyo giggled and yanked on one of the ebon furred tails making Ki yelp.

"Hey, don't do that, I thought I taught you not to pull tails. It's mean and it hurts." Ki giggled and pulled Chiyo's tail as she opened the door and took her daughter in the open room with the spring.

"Mom, you're being a hypocrite."

"Just showing you how it feel to have your tail pulled." Ki giggled as she let go and bowed to her guests before making a nervous smile. "I hope you don't mind us joining you two. My tails kinda got puffed up and I got tired of smelling my own sweat and Chiyo wanted to see her new friends again without the pretense of clothing."

"Mom!" Chiyo yelped as she blushed. "I just wanted to talk to Konoka and Setsuna some more before bed."

"Either way you're going to have to take off your clothes." Ki smiled as she let her kimono slide off and turn back into the magical base cloth and folded it while placing it on a rock and Chiyo hastily threw hers off but a glare from Ki made her pick it up and start to fold it.

"So Setsuna, how are you doing?" Doji asked as she recalled the fight earlier. "I hope he didn't hurt you too bad. maybe if you're feeling better tomorrow we can have a little spar. I was really impressed with your handiwork."

"Mom, all you care about is swords!" Chiyo laughed.

"I care about my children," Ki returned and smiled at the other two kitsune, "and I care about my friends."

[Raimeiken]

Setsuna almost let out a surprised yelp when she heard Doji and her young kit enter the onsen, believing that there would only be her master and herself bathing for the night. She immediately remembered that this was the lord of the house and that the Ninetails could do whatever she wished.

Realizing she was being addressed, the genko maid sheepishly smiled at the mention of a sparring match.

"Thank you very much for your hospitality, Doji-san. I am feeling much better now. Perhaps by tomorrow I will be able to honor my stay with a match with you."

The dark-hair Kitsuna ducked shyly into the water, the unsoiled white cloth perched upon her head even as her cheeks disappeared underwater. She had not dreamed of even matching blades against such a skillful warrior, even if the one addressing her was a ronin by social standards. In truth, Setsuna had been skeptical about the Kyubi's sense of honor because of her label, but the recurring thought on the matter only further caused the child to become blushed with shame.

No wonderful warrior like her could be a ronin without a reason...

Setsuna smiled affectionately as she observed her master converse lively with the young kutsune, a strange and hollow sensation piercing through the warmth of the onsen water. For some reason, Setsuna was not used to seeing her master talk so freely with anyone else in their journey aside from herself. Perhaps it was just her paranoia getting the best of her mind...

But I must become strong... if I am to protect my master...

Her deep brown eyes drifted back to the motherly warrior, wishing to have at least a tiny bit of strength and power the elder kitsune possessed. It was not so much as envy as it was before... nor a feeling of spite which she never had. More or less, it was of deep reverence to her undisplayed prowess.

[hr]

thud... thud...

Heavy, unsteady footfalls echoed in the dead stillness of the forestland near the homely fox den of Doji Ki. It crept closer and closer, feet pushing softly against the carpet of leaves and grass and arms brushing aside low-swinging branches. A soft rustle from a cherry tree whispered in the winds, marking the only warning of arrival from the prowling beast.

Its burning yellow eyes darted forward towards the den, completely camouflaged and unseen to its mind. However, it sniffed at the air with grotesque holes on its muzzle and bore its teeth.

With a lonesome, sorrowful howl, the beast advanced upon the hidden den of the Kitsune family... Guided only by its monstrous nose and unsated hunger.

[Reiko]

Ki giggled slightly but then place her hand over her mouth to stop the sound. Setsuna was acting pretty cute but she was still being embarrassed by the nine tailed woman. It wasn't in good form for even the lady of the house to barge in on someone when they were bathing. Though it wasn't her coming in with her daughter that got the embarrassed response but the mentioning of a spar. She seemed not too happy with her skill even though Ki was actually impressed.

"Heh, don't worry about your skill, when I was your age I couldn't dream of using a sword that size; I had to use a light katana and..." Ki broke off as she heard some sound and she looked to Chiyo and Konoka to see if they were up to any mischief but they were just gossiping. Something was there and Ki had a good feeling what it was.

"Ryo! If you're peeping I'm going to make you wish that never had a bottom attached to your tail." Ki yelled. It was hyperbole but Ryo was going to get punished. The vixen went to the wall where she heard the stick break but she soon realized that it wasn't Ryo, her son would never smell that bad, ever.

"Everyone! something's here!" Ki yelled as the wall that kept people from looking in collapsed, almost crushing Ki if she didn't move in time. A monster the size of a small elephant had broken through the wall. It was an ugly beast with a face like a dog that was old as the world and fangs as sharp as swords. Ki fell back and went for her sword, not caring that she would fight the beast naked and with the wind gently nipping at her skin.

But as it happened it was one of the few moments that Ki was too slow. The kyubi was taken by surprise as she was ensnared in some sticky web. Still it was no worry for the fox girl, she cold beat the trap and the monster by turning into a dragon. Doji concentrated on her form and the change but nothing happened and the strands burned the fox woman causing her to yelp. The strands were blessed by some an unholy god but any god was all that was needed to stop fox magic.

"Run away! Please run!" Ki pleaded to her new friends and her daughter. "Get Ryo out if you can." Ki didn't want to lose her children as well. Looking into Chiyo's fear struck eyes, Ki pleaded for them to run again."Please."

To think that such a surprise at her own home was enough to cost Ki her life. This was home and she, her family and her guests were supposed to be safe here.

[Raimeiken]

Chaos broke loose in an instant.

Setsuna lunged for her master just as the roaring of the Beast shattered the tranquil night, throwing the tiny piece of cloth above her head across the Kitsuna's bare form.

"Master! Run!" The genko shouted and stood her ground, hip-deep within the onsen water. Setsuna knew she had to stay behind, not to help the Lady of the House chase away the monster but at least to buy some time for her master's safe escape.

"Sets-chan!" Konoka cried back as she stopped at the door, despite Chiyo's frantic grasp on her arm. "C'mon!"

"Go!" Shouting over the din of Doji's battle with the monster, the dark-hair Kitsuna leapt into the fray. She was not taking no as an answer. "Chiyo-san! Please take care of my master for me!"

I must become strong...

Water splashed everywhere as the genko rushed to the nine-tail ronin's side with fire dancing in her eyes. She was determined to help and, if need be, slay this monstrosity before the ronin would be harmed any further. However, no plan came to mind even as she reached down to puck the fallen Onitachi from the bottom of the pool - and realizing that the blade was far heavier than she had believed.

I... must... become... stronger!

Grunting heavily as she lifted the blade up above her head, the young warrior let out a spirited cry and charged forward at the demonic wolf.

"AAAAAAHHHH-!"

The wolf snarled and bore its teeth at the inexperienced warrior and drew its enormous hand across his shoulder. Even though Setsuna could see what was about to happen, she had not even a second to rethink her brash actions or redirect her path. She could not afford hesitation in the face of an enemy, but even then her footing faltered at the mere sight of its massive dark-grey knuckles looming in her face.

-Thwack-!

The black Kitsuna literally skimmed across the onsen, numbing sensation enveloping her mind in spite of the bright red droplets trailing in her wake. Rolling twice within the warm water, the thrown rag doll came to a sharp halt as her back struck the edge of the hotspring. There, she remained inanimate with streams of crimson flowing from her forehead into the tainted pool... Her mind drifting on the edge of Darkness.

Meanwhile, the Kyubi's sword sang as it flew through the air in a graceful high arc above the Ronin's head...

[Reiko]

Ki struggled harder as she saw her new friend fall to the wolf. the girl just wasn't experienced enough for such a monster even with a great sword like the onitachi. Ki hardly could believe that her home would turn into a ruined battle ground so quickly but at least Chiyo, Konoka and Ryo got away. At least there was that small fact to comfort Doji but it wasn't much. No she and Setsuna was going to die.

Everything was ruined so quick, small clouds of red blood tainted the pure spring, much of the wall was wreckage and even the home looked a mess even though non of the battle took place there. Even the sky went gray from the kyubi's heart. Ki was ready to give up even though her blade had landed so close. She did try to reach it but to no avail and then she screamed at the wolf. "You damn Demon, kill me first!" She yelled but the wolf didn't care, it felt its strands of it's webbing had her and he wasn't sure that the other fox was truly out.

Doji kept struggling hoping to break free but she wasn't strong enough to break free but then a pair of feet were next to her an grabbing the onitachi from the ground. It was Ryo.

"Ryo, you should have run." the vixen whined to her son, she had given up and was crying now that she was going to lose a friend and her son.

"Mom, i have to save Setsuna." the boy said as he tried to heft the blade.

"Don't, please." Ki begged as the boy took a step further.

"Mom, I can't let her die for trying to protect us, she doesn't deserve it."

Ki thought for a moment and then she had an idea. "Cut me lose, quick."

The creature made a ghastly wolf smile at Setsuna as it was ready to have a good meal and it was going to savor everything. The beast smelled the girl with powerful sniffs as it enjoyed the scent of her blood.

Ryo was quick and used the blade to cut the webbing away and even made a cut on Doji who yelped and the beast turned to see the mother sitting up. The beast was quick to turn and lunge at the woman and rip her throat out. It pounced and was sure to have the mother before she could even grab the sword from Ryo who fell down at the sight of the wolf charging but the spell that held Ki was broken.

The beast found it couldn't tear out the vixen throat or even find it for she have changed into a dragon the beast latched on to a segment of the dragon and the fangs went through causing the dragon to scream but it wasn't near fatal and merely made Ki more angry. She tore at the wolf with her greater strength and ripped its throat out instead and dropping it into the pool.

Once that was done Ki went back to her normal form and she ran to Setsuna, the pool was completely red now but it was the blood of the monster that was the reason. "Setsuna! please speak! please!" The woman said shaking the girl but then stopped, she had to stop the bleeding. Ki summoned some bandages and worked at stopping the girls blood flow then taking the one tail genko to bed. "Please be alright." Ki whispered to her new friend.

[Raimeiken]

Silence.

Silence was the only sound which met her ears. Silence so soothing Setsuna did not feel like waking up. It had been so long since she had last slept so peacefully... Free of any worries or concerns. It almost felt like a sin to feel this good... All alone in serenity...

...hmm...just like heaven...?

The genko snapped open her eyes upon distraught realization, forcing her mind out of the euphoria and back to the painful reality. She clearly remembered everything that happened just moments before, or so she believed. She rememered a monster... or perhaps it was a demon... it had broken into the Ronin Doji's hotspring bath area and trapped the veteran warrior in its web. She remembered reaching for the sword, hefting it awkwardly and attempting a charge at the beast.

Then a gigantic shadow swept across her vision. Searing pain. Dulling shatter.

Darkness.

"Yokatta~ You're finally awake!" A familiar voice chimed close to her ear as the warrior maid rolled her eyes around the room, still lying feebly in bed.

In a bed?

"M-Master Konoka!" The maid sprang out of her bedsheet at the sight of her friend and master, a thousand questions running through her mind concerning the welfare of the red-hair Kitsuna. Was she hurt by the demon? Did she injure herself running away? Was the monster dead? Setsuna wanted to ask them all at once, but her body refused to attempt such a futile task and simply broke her concentration with a sharp pang in her head, forcing the genko to halt in her tracks.

"Oh, silly Setsuna. I'm alright." Konoka flashed the weakened demon slayer a warm smile. "And don't worry about that demon. Doji-san took care of it so it won't be coming back here again."

...Doji-san. Again...

Setsuna slunk under the bedsheets as the name came up once more, feeling the dark clouds looming on her mind again. The veteran warrior had already helped the Kitsuna back at the docks once, the battle against an intruding demon here only further proved how powerless the black Kitsuna was in the face of danger.

If only she was stronger...

"Hey, Sets-chan? Are you alright?"

The genko jumped in surprise as she turned her head to look, suddenly realizing her master was only mere inches away from her face. All of a sudden, the maid's only thought was on whether the two of them were too close to each other or not. She could almost see what was going on in Konoka's eyes, but she did not pay attention to what was in the reflection.

All of a sudden, Setsuna felt it just got a little warmer under the sheets.

"U- umm..." Setsuna swallowed, feeling her face burning up with no apparent reason. "Master... Where's Doji-san...?"

Maybe it was just her, but the room definitely felt a little too warm.