Tales of the Fox and the Runaway

[Cottontail]

Junji snarled at the kappa's discrepancies against him, the fur he didn't currently have bristling. A corpse? Was the creature really going to call him a corpse when it looked like that? It had absolutely not place to speak whatsoever! He folded his arms across his skinny chest, snorting as he blew his wet hair out of his face. "Rethink your words, kappa. Just because you're having trouble doesn't mean you should put it on us. Just fix your own problems and leave others alone."


Mieko seemed less than inclined to leave the yokai alone with its problems. "Assassins?" she inquired, tilting her head, "Why would they try to kill you?" Surely the they could just deal with a yokai by setting up a few wards. They didn't need to resort to murder if they could truly avoid it. "Do you happen to know why they're building up a dam? The people upriver might need it, you know. Some areas around here have run pretty dry, so I imagine they're trying to keep as much as they can." She herself had never experienced drought, but she'd heard enough tales about it.


She tapped her chin, humming thoughtfully. "Perhaps you just need to learn to share the water. Everyone needs it, and no one can keep it all for themselves." She wasn't a peacemaker by any means, but she was certain this kappa was just overreacting. It needed to take a few moments to calm down and rethink his problems.

 

[Morris]

"That's mighty rich coming from you, my inugami friend." - Gengoro leaned towards Junji with an elvin smirk, none too subtly as a reminder of his own disposition. - "You are reliant on our little group for aid, nay? I don't think you're in a position to judge poor kappa." - he pointed it out to him.


Twigwhistle hopped to Gengoro's side, clinging into his kimono, trying to whisper to him. - "That's true and all, but we have our priorities, Fieldrunner. Remember?" - Gengoro nodded with a sigh. As curious he was for the kappa's problems and their source, his kin's hoshi no tama and Noboru's trapped soul were much more important to reclaim.


And, frankly, he agreed with Mieko's opinion: this kappa's anger was justified to a degree, but people don't build dams pointlessly over and over unless they had a reason, perhaps to prevent seasonal flooding or alternatively, drought. - "Judging from that impolitely oversized flood wave you sent in our direction, good kappa, I believe you river still has plentiful water to spare."


This commentary only made the kappa more furious than before. - "You dare... YOU DARE DECIDE OVER MY PROPERT- URK!" - that last sound was one of truly pedestrian source: abundant physical pain. The kappa's chest was punctured through by a thick, harpoon-headed arrow from behind.


"Come over 'ere!" - a bellowing male voice yelled, and the kappa was not dragged, but literally pulled through the air like a ragdoll by a piece of thin, but strong rope attached to the arrow's hind end. Gurgling and cussing, the yokai could not defend himself, landing inelegantly in the dirt among the shady shrubbery, where his bald-topped skull was splattered in a single swing of a heavy iron kanabo.


Twigwhistle whirled her naginata, and Gengoro conjured forth foxfire orbs, ready for anything, as two people emerged from between the shadows of the forest canopy.


One was lean, if tall, with a handsome middle-aged face, great eyebrows and a long moustache, a sly light glittering in his eyes. He wielded an improbably sized crossbow, a strange fan-shaped quiver on his back, and two swords - a tachi and a wakizashi - by his side. His face was overshaded by a plain, if well-woven straw hat. His companion, on the other hand, was a hulking brute the size of... well, a bear would be the closest competitor in physiology. He was old judging from his grey hair, but he was just so damn huge, stocky and bulky, his ragged clothes were oversized to the point of comicalness on the purpose to avoid any stretching, lest they'll be ripped at a mere move. He was missing one eye, as well as one hand, replaced by a hook-like artificial appendage.


Gengoro snarled. - "Murderers." - it was easy to make the connection: these were the men sent out to kill the kappa, and using the creature's distraction with their group, they took the chance and killed it off with insidious efficiency. It couldn't even try to protect itself. - "I warn you: no further."


It was the lean, skinny if muscled man who stepped forth, tipping his hat. - "There's no need for a dispute 'ere, good master fox. We only wanted 'tis cranky toad, so we'll leave you be if you lay down your claws." - he spat out a seed he was muncing on. - "I am Ichirou, and this tub o' lard 'ere is Ibaraki." - he bowed so low, it was almost theatrical. - "Sirs and ladies, we're pleased to make your acquaintance. How might we be o' service to you?"


@Cottontail

 

[Cottontail]

Mieko just about screamed as the yokai was viciously murdered in front of her eyes, a hand slapping over her mouth to silence herself. The blood only barely stained the water before easily being washed away by the river's lazy current, carrying its ruby waters with it downriver to wherever its destination may be. She immediately went for the wakizashi at her side, fingers wrapped around the handle. She didn't quite pull it out, certain that a fight would break out the second she did.


Junji wasn't as amicable, due to his first reaction being to extend his fingernails into claws and his teeth into fangs. He snarled, crouching down low as he stared at the strangers. His eyes gained a reddish hue as the pupils dilated considerably, his face twisted up into an intense glare. While he wasn't opposed to their getting rid of the kappa (it was terribly annoying, after all), he didn't exactly like the method on how they went about it. It caused those around them to be put in danger, and Junji wasn't about to stand for that.


Mieko's fingers tightened around the hilt of her sword, and she swallowed down whatever fear tried to linger in her throat. Stepping closer to Gengoro for a bit of courage, she lifted her head high and looked down her nose at the two tall men. "The first thing you can do for us is to explain just why you killed that kappa! It certainly seems you had no good reason to other than to gain a bit of coin, and that's certainly not a method any of us can abide by.


"Secondly, you ought to put away your weapons before we even consider doing the same with ours. You were the aggressor in this situation, and thus if you seek any sort of peace, I suggest you abide to my instructions." She had some high and mighty words, but her heart was fluttering in her chest. These men certainly looked roguish and rugged, and not in any way pleasing. Both had a frightening look about them, especially the one with the missing this and that. Mieko was absolutely not ready to let her guard down around them, because if anything these men were just a pair of ruthless mercenaries.

 

[Morris]

The giant of a man sounded up first, grunting with a sound that would have intimidated ursines. - "Hahaha! You sure got a load of guts for a little girl - and a smart mouth to top it off. Were you older, you'd be my sort of lady." - his big belly rumbled at his resounding snorting.


"Do not presume to threaten us." - Twigwhistle held out the naginata with one hand, signifying her strength hasn't waned just as of yet. - "You stand before a shrine fox of Inari, and we demand explaination for this... savagery!" - she tried to straighten her back to appear taller, but she wasn't very impressive with her own diminutive stature.


Ichimaru waved his index finger dismissively. - "Tsk tsk, now that's just ill-manner'd slander. We're honest-to-god sell-swords, with certified work ethics." - he gesticulated towards the kappa's brutalized carcass. - "This toady fella' here, he demolished the dam of a village up north 'tis 'ere river. And not just once, oh nay. Folks couldn't catch fishes and take water for themselves, all cos' of one upstart deformed turtle-man." - he elaborated. - "We did a good service to many little people by doin' this job. The fact we're gettin' paid is just a coincidental bonus." - he threw his arms beside himself threatrically, as if wanting a hug. - "There's no hate in our hearts, fellas. We just solve problems for simple folks!"


Gengoro, despite his best efforts, couldn't help but grimace. - "With a siege crossbow and an iron kanabo. Riiight. Forgive me if I'm a bit skeptical to believe every scrap of information you toss me. But trust me, I'm trying very hard."


The giant man shrugged. - "Look, I don't know how one girl-child ends up with two kitsunes and..." - he gazed to Junji - "...whatever he's supposed to be... but we did our business, and you have yours. So unless you're contesting for the prize on the kappa, we have no quarrel with you lot."


Gengoro hesitantly relented, vanishing his foxfire with a gesture. - "Fair enough. But the moment you endanger my associates, I'll be educating you as to why even onis respect kitsunes."


@Cottontail

 

[Cottontail]

Mieko made a face at Ibaraki's comment, looking none too pleased with it. This man was absolutely intimidating, and she certainly didn't enjoy his quips and comments. His friend really wasn't all that much better, and it took all of her willpower to not draw her sword on either of them. They were just too cheeky for how they appeared, and it made her all that more nervous. As Gengoro withdrew his foxfire, she offered him a wary look. She couldn't exactly say that was a good move, but she supposed she'd have to accept it anyway.


She huffed lightly, head still held high. "As long as you mean no harm, I suppose we've no need to come to blows." She dropped her arm down at her side. Were introductions meant now? The strangers had said their own, but that didn't make it safe to tell them. Still, she wanted to keep tensions as low as possible between them, so perhaps it was best to at least let them know something about her. Even if she was almost entirely impartial to it.


"My name is Mieko. I can't say it's exactly a pleasure to meet you, but... Yeah." She cleared her throat. Junji gave her an incredulous look, none too happy she was suddenly revealing her identity. For now, he kept his fangs out and claws drawn, but he allowed his body to relax slightly. He supposed he could at least give these men some reason to trust him. Though he'd gladly rip out their throats the minute he was commanded to. Hell, perhaps even if he wasn't commanded. These men would definitely put up a great fight, and he was always ready for that.


Mieko folded her hands in front of her, stepping around Gengoro so she could approach the men. Gods, they were definitely a lot bigger up close, weren't they? She felt absolutely dwarfed by them. She was entirely certain they could kill her just by picking her up and throwing her. She took in a deep breath, offering them her most pleased smile. "Are the people having that many troubles that they would need to hire, er, men of your line of work? Usually such things are often done by... Ah, criminals. It's hard to believe a town hired you to take down a measly kappa."

 

[Morris]

Neither Twigwhistle nor Gengoro made attempt to hide their silent contempt of the two headhunters from their faces, their judgements aligning with Mieko's. Ichimaru scratched his head with his elongated, nimble fingers. - "You don't know much of kappa, do you, lil' girl? Their hides are thick as a money-lender's purse, and they do magic o' the flashy-splashy sort. Them village folks were smart to hire us, you see. Right people fer the right job. We merely took a convenient opportunity to make short work of the toady. Can't blame us for handlin' things the easy way, can you?"


"Yes she can." - Twigwhistle put it bluntly. - "You are dishonorable killers. And I'm betting that you, big guy," - she gestured towards Ibaraki - "haven't lost your hand and eye by a birth defect. She's right to call you criminals."


"And if we are?" - Ibaraki grunted menacingly, before taking a swig from a gourd of sake he had dangling from his belt. - "Rest assured, we aren't. Those good days are gone." - he burped rather loudly, drips of the savoury liquid dripping from his unkempt beard.


Ichimaru himself settled down next to a trunk, and started looking for a refreshment himself. - "We've grown outta' that phase, youn' lady. Years fly by, and men ain't paying attention to their livelyhood 'till their arms start failin', and young ones take their place."


Gengoro was puzzling together easily what Ichimaru meant. Perhaps they were indeed bandits once; but they weren't young anymore, and someone younger and bolder must have had them kicked out. These two were scary, and their scars proved their experience - but the strength to support it was likely waning. The way they killed off the kappa was not surprising in hindsight. Kappa were indeed strong practicioners of water magic, and they seldom poke their heads out of the water and stay in one place for long. So they killed it with an ambush, saving themselves the trouble.


Frankly, as much as he felt a disdain for these brigands, he couldn't blame them for they way they chose to handle their undertaking. - "I believe we have no grudges to pick on. Mieko, were we about to leave, or would you rather stay and wet your feet for a while longer?" - he asked her, smiling casually.


"Wha- ?!" - Twigwhistle sounded up, whispering in a hissing tone. - "Don't tell me you'd trust these lawless jerks-"


"Twiggie, they mean no harm." - he told her. - "Trust me, they know their place." - he was fairly convinced of this. They wouldn't attempt anything out of the blue against two kitsunes. Ichimaru didn't bother reloading his crossbow, the intended hunt finished, and Ibaraki was likewise laying his heavy war club aside. The fact that he could swing it with one hand was impressively, but it's unlikely he could do it with haste anymore.


@Cottontail

 

[Cottontail]

Mieko looked warily at the two overgrown men, wringing her hands nervously. They seemed to mean no harm whatsoever, but it was still a bit nerve-wracking to have them around. Still, she did want to play a little bit more. Junji and her had been having quite a fun time in the shallow river, and she'd really hate to end that now. As long as the men weren't going to attack her, she saw no reason to end her fun. She turned her backs on the men, glancing at Gengoro. She reached out, briefly grabbing his hand and smiling. "You should come too, then."


With that, she made her way back into the water, beckoning to Junji so he would come along. He seemed a bit hesitant at first, eyes moving from the men back to her, but he eventually retracted his claws and fangs. He waded into the river with her, steadying her so she didn't go tumbling down when she slipped on a wet rock. Her retaliation was to splash water on him, which he offered a wicked grin to. He proceeded to push her face first down into the water, letting out a high-pitched giggle.


"Don't dish what you can't take, Mieko," he chided.


She promptly responded with sweeping his legs, knocking his down. Water splashed around the both of them, and their laughs mixed together as they wrestled about in the cool river. Mieko hadn't had this much fun in a very long time, so she was glad these mercenaries weren't here to ruin it. It wasn't often she got to play in water either, after all, considering most of the time it was too high and she simply couldn't swim. Now she was able to happily play about with this dog of sorts, who was more than happy to please her. It was definitely a fun time.

 

[Morris]

Gengoro was surprised at Mieko's invitation - he assumed she'd want him to be on the lookout for the newcomers - but it seemed the pull of her fun interests was returning in full swing. Looking beside himself confused, Twigwhisle gave him a comforting nod; she'd take over watch duty for him. Shrugging and relieved, Gengoro dashed to the water at full speed, transforming to his fox form mid-jump and bomb diving between Junji and Mieko, then casually flipping to his back and propelling himself about on the surface with his tails rotating at a steady pace, whilst he splurted a stream of water from his mouth upwards.


"Kitsunes are such majestic creatures." - Ichimaru remarked with a sincere smile. There was something about this mixture of heavenly grace and animalistic simplicity that he honestly found endearing, both in the stories he has heard and now, live in the flesh.


"Hmm... have you encountered any of our kind before?" - Twigwhistle inquired as she settled down near a trunk herself, letting the canopy of the tree cast a shadow over her.


Ibaraki scratched his beard in remembrance. - "Just twice. One time it was a trickster who messed around until I sicked my hound on it. Never saw it again. The other time, Ichimaru here paid respects at a shrine. For weeks, he was on and on about some vixen he met there."


Ichimaru's gaze wandered off to the sky. - "Aye, ne'er have I seen a woman like her in all my life, I tells ya! Almost made me wanna' be religious, really. That's how charmin' she was. A white fox of Inari, like you girly. Her gaze though, it was so icy, it could peel onions without tears. She said somethin' like I'll deserve everything that I'm gonna' get, whatever that means."


"Well..." - Twigwhistle tilted her head uncertainly at the story. - "If you two are going legit, it's going to account for something on your karma, so that's a good thing, right?" - she said, none too convincingly.


"Not meaning to be rude, but..." - Ibaraki sounded up - "Just how in the blazes did your group get mixed together?" - he glimpsed towards Mieko. - "One youngster, with a sword, as I see..." - he took notice of Mieko's wakizashi on the other side of the riverbank - "and three canines licking up to her. What's so special that she's got so, dunno, spirited away?" - he asked.


Twigwhistle pondered her opinions. She wasn't very good at lying, but she knew she better cover up their true aims; thus she settled for half-truths, to sound convincing: - "Mieko's family were retainers, but she was orphaned by the ongoing war. That wild fox, Fieldrunner, met her and she became his protegee. I'm... friends with him, so I agreed to help escort her to some distant relatives. As for Junji..." - she took a bit of a pause - "He's an inugami who lost his master recently. It felt so unfair to just leave him alone. After all, a dog should have a master, nay?" - she tried to show a gentle, friendly smile.


"It's going to be a wonder if that girl doesn't grow up to be a psychopath." - Ibaraki noted as he took another swig.


@Cottontail

 

[Cottontail]

Mieko shrieked with a loud giggle as Gengoro splashed water on the both of them, though Junji looked less than pleased. He crouched down, eyes watching the kitsune as he happily swam about without a care in the world. What did this dog think he was doing, trying to get Mieko's attention like that? It was sickening. He moved stealthily toward the kitsune, watching as the girl interacted with him, wading around him and occasionally flicking water on him. She had the broadest of smiles on her face, and she looked quite a bit like a child. It was endearing, but the inugami didn't much approve that it was because of a kitsune.


Thus, he made the decision to promptly scoop up Gengoro in his arms and toss him downstream, hoping he'd just slowly float away and give up on his miserable life. Mieko looked surprised at this, considering Junji was apparently a lot stronger than he looked. Said man settled down beside her in the water, merely grinning as he also picked her up, though this was in a more gentle bridal style. He bobbed her up and down in the water and spun around in circles, causing her to make a whirlpool.


She rolled with laughter, squeezing her eyes shut each time the water rolled over her face. "Junji!" she giggled, gently slapping his arm, "Put me down or I'll--" She couldn't voice her threat as more water splashed her in the face, going into her open mouth. Oh well, at least it was refreshing.


Junji smiled broadly, suddenly changing directions so he could get the whirlpool swirling the other way. "No can do. After all, isn't this much more fun? You don't even have to do any work!"

 

[Morris]

It wasn't until a minute or so later that the whirlpool Junji created with Mieko started swirling... more energetically than it had any right to. Another minute later, and it was moving without input, but absent-minded as Junji and Mieko were, it's not like they noticed.


An additional minute later, it quite literally tightened around the inugami's feet and pulled off the mud underneath, causing him to drop his hostage while Junji face-planted the water surface, which started spinning like a cart wheel on a bumpy road, and carried Junji downstream in an according manner.


Gently flowing by from the opposite direction, Gengoro was back in his human form, floating atop the water as if unaffected by relevant physic laws. - "Why, Junji, the water further down is refreshing! I'm sure it'll do wonders for your fur as well. No need to thank me."


Ibaraki scratched his beard at the unfolding supernatural sociopathy. - "Well... dogs will be dogs I guess. I wanna' ask something though, since I never got the chance to ask a kitsune before."


"Go right ahead." - Twigwhistle nodded.


Ibaraki was hesitant for a moment. - "Can kitsunes... well, truly change forms, or it's just illusion and you're the same physically at all times?"


Twigwhistle tilted her head. - "Oh... now that you mention it, I didn't think much about that." - she looked down on her hands, moving her fingers apart. - "Well, we can change from fox to human form just fine. But anything further than that is just deceit of senses, for us young kitsunes anyway. I think older specimen can do with their forms as they please, for reals. Haven't met any who flaunted that skill, though." - she admitted. Truly, Stargazer was the only elder she ever met, and she was not a show-off by any means.


"So... are you even a female?" - Ibaraki put it blunt.


Twigwhistle's eyes widened. - "I beg your pardon?! Of course I am!"


"Well, girly, you and your male mate could be magical crossdressers, and we would be none the wiser." - Ichimaru pointed it out. - "Heck, maybe you're e'en deceiving yourself, havin' been raised a girl and your mind attuned to it unconsciously or somethin'. But that's none our business." - he concluded. - "We'll be takin' our leave, don't want to overstay our welcome. Bye then, missuses." - he turned to his companion next: - "Time to carry off the toady before it begins to smell somethin' fierce. You comin', Ibaraki?"


The humonguous man slowly rose, taking a last sip from his tankard, half the liquid dripping from his beard. - "Yeah, yeah, whatever. Been a pleasure and all that crap." - he waved dismissively towards Mieko and her fellows, walking over to the kappa's corpse and hauling it up like some rag doll.


Twigwhistle eyed them with a hint of suspicion before they left, and then voiced her concern to Gengoro: - "Fieldrunner, are you a male?"


Gengoro shrugged as he sat up on the shore. - "Are you?"


"THAT'S NOT FUNNY!" - Twigwhistle proclaimed.


@Cottontail

 

[Cottontail]

Junji could be heard gargling further downstream, nearly drowning in the water as he tried to get a reign on whatever stupid magic Gengoro had placed on the river. Mieko sat up from where she'd plopped rather gracefully, the water rushing around her chest. Apparently these two canines would be duking it out for the times to come, but that wasn't necessarily a bad thing. It would provide quite a bit of entertainment. She stood up, wading through the water until she reached the shore. She watched the backs of the men as they disappeared into the forest. Hm. They were strange folk.


She sat down next to Twigwhistle, wringing her hair out. Her kimono was completely soaked, but it felt rather refreshing in the warm sun. It would at least keep her cool in the journey, even if it felt a bit soggy. The conversation the kitsunes had suddenly sported was rather silly, but she supposed it was just idle chatting. But who knew? Maybe Gengoro was really a beautiful female kitsune and he (she?) had been deceiving them all along. That would prove to be an interesting twist.


Junji eventually managed to crawl ashore, spluttering and dripping everywhere. His dark hair hung in front of his eyes, and he glared daggers at Gengoro. Did he think this was some game? Oh, in the near future, he would have the mutt's head for this. He quickly transformed to his canine form, shaking his whole body in an effort to get the water off. Unfortunately, it resulting in him looking particularly puffy, his fur morphed from the sudden onslaught of air. Could he ever win?

 

[Morris]

As they marched away from the group's commotion, Ibaraki and Ichimaru strode with a steady pace upwards by the riverbank's side, their destination being the village up the river. Not that they expected too much compensation, but at the very least they would get supplies for a while until they find something more promising an occupation. Or so they hoped.


"What has this world come to, honestly?" - Ibaraki was grumbling. - "Here we are, toiling like oxen after years upon years of pillaging, with nothing but these rags to show for it, carrying a rotting frog-beast to show off for dirt farmers. Meanwhile, some random kid is enjoying the protectorate of three yokai. Three. Damn. Yokai."


Ichimaru crossed his arms behind his neck, casually observing the breeze hustling amidst the upper foliage. - "No point in complaints, ol' buddy. For all I knows, perhaps that Inari vixen I met back in the day was right. Karma and all that piece o' heavenly garbage. As fer that girly, best stay our course away from her, I tell ya. Things like her three escorts together, that ain't no coincidence - some higher powers happen to like her, and we've had enough share of bad karma already." - he spat out a seed he chewed on, then lowered his arms.


He slid a hand over his tachni. Ibaraki took notice of his partner's precaution, and tightened his grip on his kanabo. Ichimaru was often mistaken as some dull-minded lazy comedian wannabe, but that was far from the truth of his capabilities. He had the eyes of a hawk by day and those of an owl by night. After a few steps, he halted, his gaze turned towards some tall, elderly trees, about twenty five yards away, dense with leaves and overgrown with moss on their sides. - "You can come pouncin' down, fellows." - he said in a raised voice. - "We are too old for hide n' seek."


In a moment, a couple of black-garbed figures approached them. Ninjas. Did someone dispatch them upon the two brigands to settle an old score? They couldn't be sure, hence they readied themselves for combat. The casual walking and sheathed weapons, however, indicated there was no hostile intent... for now. One wore traditional sneaking guise and a katana, whilst the other appeared feminine by build, and wore a skull-shaped mask, missing a piece, revealing her bald-shaven head and a terrifyingly dark iris. The former adressed them first. - "The two of you seem to be experienced. It is not a simple thing to witness us. Especially when we do not wish to be seen."


"Cut the crap and get straight to the point." - Ibaraki dictated. - "We have nothing on us to steal, and our bounties long expired."


The kuinochi stepped forth, pulling a couple of sai daggers from behind her back and pointing them at the nether regions of the two ex-criminals before they could even lift their own weapons. - "Heed me, cretins." - she whispered. - "I watched you in action. I listened to your exchanges in the past two days. I know who you are, what you want. I have needs of you. The compensation should be well worth your while. Far better than you'd get for that toad carcass."


The two gentlemen exchanged quick glances. Ichimaru tilted his head. - "You need a decoy. Typical Koga clan conduct." - with a sigh, he shrugged his shoulders, while taking note of the mild surprise in the kuinochi's exposed eye. Appearently, she did not count on him figuring out her allegiance so easily spot-on. - "Feh, tell us what needs doin', then we'll see."


"That white vixen in the girl's company happens to be my target of interest. I want to capture her - alive. I need you to distract the other two yokai for us." - she elaborated.


Ibaraki shook his head. - "Nope. Not our business. Goodbye." - Ichimaru lifted his hat as well. - "Same 'ere, nice meetin' ya, missy. Have a great day." - they merely walked by the sides of the kuinochi. It took a second for her surprise to escalate into frustration, but as soon as it did, she did a backwads flip in the air, landing right before the two men, and pointed her daggers in excessively dangerous proximity to their sensitive lower body regions.


"Don't you DARE ignore me!" - she hissed, irritated. - "I wasn't making an offer, dumbnuts, it was a demand! However, I can be a generous soul. Do as I say and I shall reward you appropriately. But if you reject me, then you'll perish!"


"And how's that different than what would happen if we crossed those yokai?" - Ibaraki pointed out the obvious flaw. - "They know we are no good folks. As soon as they realise the ruse you planned, they'll be at our throats. Were we 20 years younger, I'd say f*ck it, the odds would be in our favour. As things stand, you can give us no safety warranty, and I don't see how any reward of yours would be big enough for us to risk yet *another* load of divine retribution."


"First of all, you'd get to keep your manhoods." - the kuinochi answered.


Ichimaru tilted his head. - "That ain't much. It's not like they work like they've used to."


"Shut up and let me finish." - the kuinochi said. - "This undertaking is easier than you'd imagine, and has several catches to it. All worth their weight in gold. You'll see..." - she switched over to her maliciously charming, purring tone, leaning closer to whisper.


...


Moving on from their fun little detour, the heroes continued their journey towards the Boiling Valley. Twigwhistle's condition was wavering over the next couple of days; the hoshi no tama's absence was beginning to take its toll. At some points she felt normal, if magically inept, other times she barely dragged her feet, and required Gengoro to piggyback her.


"This is no good." - Gengoro muttered, more to himself than to his companions. He calculated they weren't very far away from their destination, just a few more days to scale the ever larger and steeper uphill roads. Twigwhisle slowed their advance considerably, and he feared over an impending ambush. He simply couldn't shake the feeling from his head that they were already under observation, that someone is just waiting for the right moment. As far as he could tell, this instinctual sensation wasn't lost on Junji either; they both gave up messing with each other for the group's sake, now that time was of the essence, even more so than before.


Twigwhistle was moaning, exhausted by the lack of magical power within her. She grasped Stargazer's hoshi no tama in her hands; she kept it close to her heart ever since Gengoro handed it to her. That mean kuinochi did not notice it on her, and now she grasped it as if expecting relief, which simply didn't come. - "I'm so sorry guys... I'm sorry... it's getting worse." - she felt nauseated, despite the fact she barely ate anything.


"It's alright, take it easy." - Gengoro told her. - "You need to conserve your strength."


"There's nothing to conserve, you stupid field fox." - Twigwhistle muttered, albeit with a tone indictive of melancholy rather than malice, as she leaned her head on Gengoro's own, his field of vision distracted by Twigwhistle's long white hair hanging down. She felt awful being a burden; Gengoro ignored keeping up the training with Mieko for her sake, and so close to a potential battle, she did not like this one bit. - "You know, maybe you should just put me down. If that crazy-ass kuinochi wants me alive, she'll come for me, and you guys can bust me out later."


Gengoro sighed deeply. - "Out of the question, Twiggy. We're not replaying this damsel-in-distress setup if I have anything to say about it!"


@Cottontail

 

[Cottontail]

Mieko was walking just ahead of Gengoro, in-line with Junji. She looked back at the two in worry, Twigwhistle's white hair a stark contrast against Gengoro's darker clothing. A heavy frown overcame her face. "You know, I could carry her for a little bit, Fieldrunner. It might not be much, but it would at least give you a break." In reality, she wouldn't be able to carry the weaker kitsune for long at all, considering the both of them were around the same size and height. While she was strong, she seriously doubted she could carry Twigwhistle for longer than half an hour.


Junji did not offer to help. Instead, he kept his crimson eyes focused on the road ahead of him, his nose twitching as his hyper-sensitive smell pulled in information from the surrounding region. While he could definitely feel that something was off, he could not smell anything. He let out an annoyed sigh, glancing back at the two kitsunes. He'd taken on his human form for now, considering he'd been told it would keep eyes off of them if they all somewhat looked human. Yeah, as if. Twigwhistle and Gengoro's exotic looks, Mieko's weapon, and his overall appearance really did make them stick out like a sore thumb. But at least they had human attributes. It helped enough.


What he hated the most about his human form is that he couldn't move as fast as if he was an inugami. He was stuck to padding along on two bare feet, and it was annoying. Junji was used to letting the wind run through his fur as he dashed along the trails. Now he was tethered to the side of Mieko as she fretted over her companions. While he cared for the girl, to some extent, he could really bother less with the kitsunes. Yet Mieko was insistent on staying by their sides. Obnoxious.


Mieko finally decided to call the group to a stop. Even though they hadn't been walking for long, she figured it would be better for everyone's sake. She took them beneath a large ash tree, the massive branches shading them from the harsh sun. She wiped the sweat from her brow, plopping down on the grass. they weren't truly out of sight from the road, but they were far enough away where they could easily hide themselves should they see someone coming along. Junji took a seat next ot her, and she unconsciously patted his head, earning a small grunt from him.

 

[Morris]

"I don't mind carrying Twiggy one bit." - Gengoro said as he laid her down gently. - "It's an ambush that I'm worried about. The kuinochi and her advisor did pass by, of that I'm certain. They didn't leave many tracks to speak of, but their scent lingers on the soil, and amidst the branches. I'm sure you sensed this too, Junji." - he adressed the inugami. - "Their trail leads straight towards the valley, of that, there is no mistake. But by following it, we may well be bumbling into a trap."


"Nothing the two of you guys couldn't handle." - Twigwhistle huffed and puffed. - "Provided that, just once, you'd both drop your boy-ish competition for everyone's sake." - That was a fair enough remark. Gengoro himself never harboured deeply rooted hostility for Mieko's third canine companion, but honestly, the inugami's simple-mindedness and overreactions over trivialities and meager pranks was wearing on his nerves. If he could not appreciate tagging along with kitsunes who risked their own hides for his own, and dragged his broken brain back from the edge of delirium, then truly, what reason was there to assume he'd not just leave them in a thick spot, merely to possess Mieko's attention all to himself?


Such selfish ignorance. And people say kitsunes are childish. Pfft.


He sank deep into thought. Should a confrontation await them in the Boiling Valley, he's going to be at a disadvantage. He cannot count on Twigwhistle to back him up with magic; Junji and Mieko might be able to fend for themselves, so long as the threat is physical in nature. But they were expecting to meet a sorcerer, one that would await them fully prepared. Sure, this Zhang guy is a mere human, but that was no reason to underestimate him. They would have to try and outsmart him, use guile instead of a face-to-face fight. And, in all honesty, a few more helping hands wouldn't be in vain...


Such ideas circulated in his head, when his ear got notice of whistling travelling upside the hill, in the vicinity of the proper cart road that they've purposefully avoided. - "Someone's approaching. I'll go check it out." - with that said, he set off already. Maybe he'd be in luck and it would be some travelling herbalist, so he could steal some pain-easing plants for Twigwhistle... but no. That's not what he found.


Instead, he saw the same two retired bandits they came across earlier at some river, casually walking uphill. The heck were they doing here, he had no idea, but his gut feeling was telling him this was not mere happenstance. While he did not reveal his position amidst the shrubbery, soon enough he realized the thinner of the brigands, that seed-chewing straw-hat with the weird accent, has spotted him, since he gave him a glance and lifted his headwear. - "Salutations, master fox."


Gengoro promptly leapt out to the road, foxfires lit around him. He put up a stoic frown. - "You've been stalking us. I don't appreciate that."


"You jump into our way, and yet you make accusations?" - Ibaraki grunted. - "Now that's some hypocrisy if ever I've seen some."


Ichimaru slid before Ibaraki, bowing so low his hat almost swept the dust on the pathway. - "What my fella' means to say, we haven't been after yours truly, per se. We're just coincidentally headed for the same direction at the same time!"


The kitsune lifted an eyebrow in curiosity. - "Is that so? Where are you off to, then? Wait, don't answer, let me guess: the Boiling Valley. That's pretty much the only place of interest if you continue along this road. Now then, why would a couple of elderly ex-bandits be headed that way?"


Ichimaru shrugged as he put his hat back on. - "Hot springs with hot hens. What more could someone of our age group wish fer? Come now, foxy boy, don't deny you didn't want to make a stop o'er there just fer that!"


Gengoro weighted his options. Chances are, these morons indeed weren't specifically tracking them. After all, he haven't met these two in the past days nor saw he signs that they were being followed by anyone at all. Perhaps he was just getting tense, presuming all the world is escalating into a conspiracy against their little motley crew. Maybe they are telling the truth, and just want to relax like old men tend to. Even so, there was no reason to let them near his comrades.


"By the way, Field-errand-fox, I've been wondering something." - Ibaraki stepped forth. - "We've heard some rumours in the village from merchants, about some upheaval in Odawara. Allegedly, it involved ninjas, western barbarians, and a pair of kitsunes." - he leaned closer, as if inspecting Gengoro's face. - "You wouldn't happen to know anything about that, would you...?"


The field fox didn't like this sudden turn. Not one bit. - "I don't see how anything I'd reply be a cause of concern to the two of you."


"Them ninjas, master fox." - Ichimaru put it simply. - "Things happen'd to us that we cannae forget. Or forgive. Old scores, you understand. And if my assumptions aren't off the mark, it's somethin' fresh for youse as well."


"What are you implying?" - Gengoro asked, maintaining an unshaken posture, but agitated within.


"Let's not toy with serious business." - Ibaraki stated. - "Odawara is right in the neighbourhood. And here, we have two kitsunes. You think us stupid? Here's what I think is the case: that girl you travel with is clearly of importance. She's not just some random urchin. The ninjas must have had specific targets in Odawara. She was one. And you, as her protectors, wouldn't have none of it, so you used your trickery to drag unsavoury foreigners into your personal matters - folks who would not be missed in case they die, and are excellent scapegoats for any bloodshed that ensued. Am I correct?" - he leaned so close, Gengoro could smell the garlic off his teeth.


The foxfires Gengoro conjured turned to a grave shade of red. - "If you are thinking what I believe you are thinking, I advise you to reconsider."


"What, you don't want us to help hunting more ninjas?" - Ichimaru scratched his chin. - "Ah well, yer loss. Come along Ibaraki, it's still quite a trippin' to the warm ponds."


And with that, they paced off, leaving a mildly dumbstruck kitsune behind. - "...now wait just a bloody second..." - he muttered.


It seemed Inari presented him with a golden opportunity, as if an answer to pleas unspoken, and he just let it slip away. Dammit.


@Cottontail

 

[Cottontail]

Mieko had watched Gengoro leave before turning back to the two still present. Junji looked a little huffy at Twigwhistle's remark, but was otherwise in good spirits. However, the kitsune in question was definitely worse for wear. She let out a heavy sigh, leaning over to rub the girl's back. "I'm sorry about this, Twiggy. It shouldn't be much longer until we get to the hot springs. We should be able to find you some medicine and rest there while we're at it."


Junji seemed to perk up a little. He moved behind Mieko just enough when he could prop his head on her shoulder, gazing at her with those dangerous puppy-dog eyes. She knew those by now. He often was either about to ask a favor or say something really dumb. "Speaking of," he drawled on, tilting his head until it bobbed against her own, "What're hot springs anyway? My old master didn't really get out much, so I didn't either."


Okay, she certainly hadn't expected that. In fact, she was a little surprised. "You've really never heard of a hot spring, Junji?" The inugami's pout said enough. She laughed a little bit, patting his head. "Oh, sweet puppy. What a sad life you live."


She shoved him off of her shoulder so she could go into her explanation. "Basically, they're naturally occurring spots of warm water. You can soak in them, and they supposedly have medicinal properties. Meaning, if we can get Twigwhistle to one, we might be able to rejuvenate her enough to continue our journey. Plus, all of us could really use a dip."


Junji seemed a bit happier now that Mieko had gone on to explain the situation. "Oh! That actually does sound quite nice." Next, he offered a sly smirk, gripping his feet as he leaned forward. "We'll have to make sure to bathe together, Mieko. It should be--"


"Absolutely not."


"But I didn't even--"


"No."


Junji was right back into pouting. "Really, Mieko, it wasn't anything bad. I just want to stay by your side."

 

[Morris]

Twigwhistle smirked meekly. - "Oh, we both know you mean well, Junji. But this is one of those human rules we should abide. In hot springs, males and females have seperate sections. Just so, you know..." - she attempted to pierce her hazy thoughts together as diplomatically as plausible - "...in case some individuals cannot control their... urges?" - the female kitsune was succumbing to wearyness, but tried to cling unto awareness. Inari alone knows what would that silly inugami do to Mieko if she took her eyes off of him.


...


Gengoro, hasty as he had been in his judgement, was backpeddling with full speed to reclaim control of the situation. With a magnificently elegant superb backflip, he landed conveniently in front of the two men. - "Could you please rehearse what you said, oh fine gentlemen?" - he asked, hands clasped, putting forth the most pretentiously innocent smile he could muster.


"Alright, look here, fox." - Ibaraki said impatiently. - "We can take a message. You don't trust us, and don't want us near your buddies. We respect that, therefore we keep going our way." - he took a step to the side of the road, to go around Gengoro, but with a petty leap, he landed in front of the big man, balancing on one toe.


"I plead that you forgive my erratic prejudices of you. Just as you brilliantly deduced, my oni-bodied friend, the roads my companions and I were forced to walk were beset with dangers. It can lead to one becoming overly cautious, don't you think?" - he tried to excuse his previous behaviour.


Ichimaru, onlooking, scratched his chin contemplatively. - "Understadable, master fox. Query is, whatever are you be expectin' with this sudden change o' heart?"


Gengoro took a few steps backwards, gesticulating slowly as he knelt down to grab two handfuls of dust. Casting them into the air, the dust swirled and formed miniscule animated figurines, iminating Mieko as he and Mieko fought off the ninjas, amongst them, the kuinochi, reconstructed from his own memories. The two ex-brigands leaned closer and watched with curious awe. - "Look upon the details. Their moves, weapons, their style. Any markings on their clothes, the designs of their garbs. What do you deduce?"


Ibaraki and Ichimaru exchanged a questioning look, before they nodded, almost at once. - "We recognize 'em, alright." - Ichimaru concluded.


"Koga clan vermin!" - Ibaraki spat on one of the dust figures, causing it to dissolve. - "Same bunch to whom we owe a debt. One paid in blood."


"They go after anyone if the money's good enough." - Ichimaru added - "Criminals like us two, refugees of noble bloodlines, heck, even yokai. And they aren't ashamed to kill indirectly. Poisons, bombs, involving bystanders, anything goes."


"That sums it up just about correctly." - Gengoro sighed. He was unnerved at the lingering bloodlust of the two old-timers, but on the other hand, this meant they need not necessarily be enemies. - "And, as a matter of fact, we do happen to be tracing them. They have taken... objects of great importance from my friends. I want them back. Assist us, and I will fulfill any wishes of yours so long as it is within my power. No lies, and no tricks." - he has taken up a more serious stance now: - "But I must know for certain you will not abuse my trust. Let us presume that... say, one or more of my group have a bounty on their heads. How can I know you won't double-cross us?" - he posed the question with sharp logic.


Ibaraki and Ichimaru exchanged a glance... and broke out laughing. - "Never heard of outlaw honor before, fox?!" - Ibaraki bellowed, his stomach rumbling as he let out a thundering laughter. - "Ye-he-haw, master fox!" - Ichimaru joined in. - "We have bounties too, ya know! If we brought anyone in, bossy men would lock us up as well!" - he chuckled as he grinned.


"...fair enough." - Gengoro let out a huff.


...


And it was thus that the kitsune brought together the brigands with his own band.


"Guys, guys!" - Gengoro came hopping in his fox form. - "Guess who I met on the road. We have guests!"


Ibaraki came approaching first, carelessly tearing the shrubbery and foliage before him before eyeing the companions. - "Heh. Funny meeting you here. Now where's the booze?"


@Cottontail

 

[Cottontail]

Junji glared at Twigwhistle, his annoyance evident in the way his brows furrowed and his body bristled. He wasn't taking too kindly to the kitsune's remarks, and it seemed he would be more than happy to snap at the girl, metaphorically and physically. Still, Mieko's careful watch of him kept him as bay, and he soon settled for leaning back on his hands and looking the part of a petulant child. "Fine. But I really don't want to spend that much time with Gengoro. He's obnoxious."


"He's the obnoxious one?" Mieko questioned with a raised of her brow, "Sure you don't have him mixed up with yourself?"


Junji stuck out his tongue, causing the girl to snort. Contrary to her words, Junji hadn't been too terrible as of late. He was relatively well-mannered, of course minding the obvious exception of how he stuck to her side like a tumor. He was learning his place within the group, and it was making him easier to deal with. She sighed, rubbing the back of her neck. Regardless of how he acted, they would be stuck with him for quite a bit longer. She would have to deal with him either way.


It was then Gengoro came through, looking like everything foxy. Mieko raised a curious eyebrow, opening her mouth to question him. The attempt was short-lived, however, for her eyes quickly met Ibaraki.


Oh.


Well, he wasn't exactly what she expected, nor was he the most pleasant sight. Regardless, the last time they'd met they'd left off on a relatively good note. Meaning she shouldn't be thorny toward him.


"Ibaraki, right? Uh, nice to see you again." She straightened herself up a bit, rising to her feet and brushing off her kimono. She took strong, well-paced strides toward the huge man, only stopping when she was just in front of him. She held out her hand, offering it in greeting. "I'm afraid we don't have any alcohol on us. Some of us can't handle it, and the only one who can already has enough on his plate.


@Morris