✧ FOX TALES ✧

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✧ VULPESLY ✧ ---- archived .

[vulpesly-archive]

blog is officially archived! my queue has some things left to post over the next day--if you have replies to me in your queue/drafts, you don't have to change them, i'll still get a notification for it and will move it to the new blog if you choose to follow me there!

[phasmascript]

She can come with? Itsuki looks at the moon rabbit gently held in her arms. Even if Yutu regains what they desire, able to leave this place behind, Yutu would take her with them. If happiness is warmth and she feels that warmth with Yutu, does that mean she’ll be happy to go with them? Should she? All she feels is something heavy seeding in the pit of her stomach. Fear. Leaving would mean she’d be punished.

Being free of her parents and their endless missions and punishments. It’s hard to imagine. “… I want to stay with you, Yutu.” Her hold tightens just a little as she gives a light and gentle hug to Yutu.

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She isn't one to voice her desires often, so to hear Itsuki do so would have been enough to bring joy to the rabbit. But for that wish to be to remain with them? Yutu does not have the means to express the warmth Itsuki's words bring them; the ice that's gripped their heart for long years feels a little lighter, a little less all-consuming as the rabbit nestles closer.

Yet putting that into words might confuse the poor child, or even worry her. Instead, Yutu chooses to respond with a playful jest. Tiny paws reach up to pat at Itsuki's face as they smile.

"Oho~? Do you really want to stay with me? Or do you want to go with me so you can be a moon princess, hmm hmm?" The shikigami laughs then, wiggling in Itsuki's hold as their voice takes on a sing-song quality. "Oh, little moon wants to live in the moon palace and eat moon cakes all daaaay, such big dreams she has~."

[phasmascript]

Shinobu watches the duo, the silent little girl, and the shikigami who speaks on her behalf. A child, hardly even old enough to be out of primary school, yet spending such time tracking a mountain on family orders. Shinobu had a great distaste for the Ashiya clan’s child rearing methods. The boy whose body served as host for a veritable number of foxes had more will than this girl did. Only fear shines in those dull golden eyes.

“Only by the will of the kami am I allowing it.” Shirohebi ever had a soft spot for children it seemed, considering how he doted upon the fox children when the brought whatever creature or critter they had found under a rock or stump. Shinobu sighs. “But very well, I welcome you to our humble shrine, esteemed guest.”

Shinobu makes a motion for the duo to follow, gaze kept firm on the duo, and the trembling child in the shiki’s arms. “Shirohebi-sama.” It was rude to ask this, but the worse the girl’s distress is the more hostile her shikigami might become in response. He knows his beloved kami wants to fret and check upon the girl- but now was not the time. “I will handle this. We can’t have the child passing out, now can we? I’d hate to find out what angry thumping we’ll receive for it.”

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A look of dismay flashes across Shirohebi's face before he dips his head, conceding. "You are correct, of course." As much as he would prefer to remain and ensure this child recovers, he is all too aware it is his very presence that has distressed her, he will only make matters worse by staying.

"You need only call should you require me." Taking a stay away from the three, the kami vanishes from sight. Shinobu at least will be able to sense his lingering presence, a watchful eye kept on their guests even if Shirohebi has all but otherwise withdrawn.

For their part, Yutu eyes the spot where Shirohebi had stood a moment ago before deeming the snake gone. Gently, they set Itsuki back onto her feet. They continue to remain close to her, a hand on her shoulder to provide silent support even as they turn their attention back to the priest.

"Thank you for your hospitality." Hand to their chest, Yutu sketches a measured bow. Their smile never falters, not a hint of its warmth reaching their eyes. "Please allow me to introduce ourselves: my mistress is Ashiya Itsuki-sama, and I, her humble shikigami, am called Shingetsu."

[phasmascript]

When his feet touch the ground, he gives a small stretch, taking note on what hurt and how his body was reacting. After all it took a lot to hurt a hunting dog. Shiga can only imagine what that strike would do to a building. But is nothing compared to the hand ruffling his hair and shoving at his head.

“I am not a child.” A small huff as he adjusts the mess that was now blood soaked hair. “And I won’t lag behind. I am certain that I will be healed by the end of the week.” Or at least enough to get back to work. A few injured ribs weren’t the worst he could have gotten. His head was still attached to his body and Shigure was safe and sound.

A deep breath in, wincing a little when it aggravates his ribs before he steps inside, holding the door open for Chibi and his teacher. “Will you be accompanying me to the infirmary or will you be going to write the reports?”

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"Not a child? Considering you're half my age, I'd beg to differ. Unless you're implying I'm old." That calls for another swipe of her hand through his hair, sending it into further disarray. He can grumble all he likes, but Shigure is not so easily dissuaded; she may be his senior officer but she is also the only person on the team immune to his dour demeanor. A little teasing is a must if she's ever going to teach him to lighten up.

Chibi watches the two a moment before deciding to join in on this game of showing Shiga affection. As Shiga speaks, the lion butts his head into the boy's side, huffing.

"Do you want me to accompany you?" An eyebrow is quirked at her student. Choose your next words carefully, Shiga, because she's already made up her mind and will only change it with the right answer.

[phasmascript]

“I’m not very smart, but I’m not dumb either. Haru-nii is hurt- a lot.” A broken arm? Or was it sprained? Kyusaku can’t tell, but they had been told Hunting Dogs were strong, so if Haruki got hurt it had to be bad. Not that Kyusaku understands how someone more normal would feel pain. Kyusaku frowns a little, trying to think, even as Haruki tries to cheer them up.

"How about... we go to your room? We can watch cartoons?? Or read? You should rest when you're hurt." Right?

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"A good plan, Kyu-chan~! Off we goooo!" With that, Haruki sets off in the direction of his room. His stride isn't as springy as it usually is but his smile is back, and he's even humming a little to himself. No amount of bandages or medicine compares to getting to spend time with Kyusaku.

Haruki sets Kyusaku down first on the bed before joining them, moving a little gingerly. As soon as he's on, he flops down with a sigh of relief, not even caring that he's laying the wrong direction. Too much effort to move, nothing wrong with being kind of sideways! "Okay, we're heeere. What do you wanna do? Watch something or read?" Pay no mind to Haruki trying to cover a yawn, eyelids drooping, as he speaks.

[phasmascript]

Mutsuki isn’t wrong. Yutu always seemed to be gently guiding her into growing desires and opinions, to think beyond the orders handed down to her. Emotions and desires, they are foreign to her. What she likes? Things she wanted to eat. Did she have such things? Was she allowed to haves wants and desires? It has Itsuki frown a little before slowly looking up at Mutsuki. He isn’t watching her. But he still wants to know.

“… Spinach… I … like… when dinner is made with spinach. Does that work?” It isn’t candy or sweets, but it’s something Itsuki hoped could be considered a like.

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Honestly, Mutsuki isn't expecting an answer. Or at least one with any real substance. He can recall too well how difficult it had been for Gengetsu to express her preferences when she'd first began to break out of her brother's hold, and Itsuki seems far worse off than Gen ever had.

But then she speaks, providing not just a simple answer but placing emphasis. It's not an empty response, startling Mutsuki into turning to look at her again. So she does have things she likes...

"Spinach, huh? You're a pretty interesting kid." He might have joked about spinach being rabbit food but Mutsuki suspects she's still too uneasy around him to handle playful teasing. Instead, he laughs quietly, ducking his head. "I'm a fan of spinach too, actually. Do you like it cooked or no?"

[phasmascript]

Lucifer sees how this guy was going to play, and in all honesty- he can respect the lack of effort. After all trying was such a drag and it was much better to push work onto others while taking the easy road. Finishing off the rest of the snack, he shrugs his shoulders.

What are you. A vague question. One Lucifer will answer with some 'seriousness'.

“A NEET. Life is better when you leave all the work to others. Are you in cosplay or is that some type of uniform for a job? Oh and give me another snack.” One more snack would be just enough to keep him full for the next few hours.

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Mutsuki has a vague recollection of hearing the term before, so if he remembers right, it has more to do with a lifestyle than being a particular kind of creature or occupation. Not as useful of an answer as he'd like, but he hadn't asked a very specific question on purpose, so he can't be mad about it.

"So you're some kinda social vampire, is that it?" Asked as Mutsuki holds out the bag he'd opened, offering up some of the snacks within. But not before he snags a few more for himself to nibble on.

"It's a uniform, yeah. But I'm off the clock so don't go causing trouble, it's a pain having to do extra work. You got a name?"

[phasmascript]

"Do you think me a fool to believe that?" She eyes him, trying to figure his motives. Considering the scarf turned table runner, she can only assume it was sentimentality once more. Did he still want to protect them after everything he had said to them? After the dreams he had crushed? How annoying.

The younger foxian simply eats in silence, even if her own negative thoughts have the food taste bitter on her tongue. At this rate she would be late getting home. Xiaoyu would notice. She would also be late for her nightly lessons too. Her teacher would notice as well, and not be pleased by such turn of events.

"There. The food is eaten, you've tended to my wound, now can I leave?" Her aching wound could be endured. She had work to do.

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He can feel her gaze on him, scrutinizing him, to which Jiaoqiu shakes his head. A noncommittal shrug is given. "No, I suppose you're not a fool. Foolish? Undoubtedly. But never an actual fool." Still not a proper answer, of course. Some things never change, including Jiaoqiu's inability to give a straight answer where his own motives and feelings are involved.

Once the food is finished, he holds out a hand for the dish. He cocks an ear toward Zhihao as he does, listening for any warning signs she's in more pain than she lets on. She certainly sounds more lively than she had, and the wound has been given the proper attention, so she should be okay to leave.

"I think final judgement belongs to your little friend." A nod indicates GuGu and his impressive impersonation of a weighted blanket. If the creature weren't a living horror more likely to terrify than placate patients, Jiaoqiu might have considered obtaining one for his own work. "Because whether or not I say no, I suspect you'd find a way to flee anyway. You've yet to outgrow that stubbornness."

[heartbloomd]

for @vulpesly !

"He~llo~ there~ ♪"

Each syllable is spoken with a singsong cadence as Inari leans over, disturbing the one who's been sitting there minding her own business. Of course the kami would greet one of their numerous children upon spotting them in the wild—-even if that child would rather avoid them. Especially if that child would rather avoid them. For what it's worth, they restrain their cheeriness... for now.

"What are you up to, my dear? Is there room for one more?"

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When one is daydreaming up ways to make a troublesome little kami and priest suffer (without killing them, because promises were made), it can be rather startling to be interrupted mid-scheme. The kitsune jumps as the voice calls out. Although much to her credit, Tamamo recovers herself quickly, turning a smile toward the speaker even as a hand smooths down the bristling fur of her tail.

But the smile falters and the hand stills, fingers gripping fur tight as shock runs through her. Oh no-- She recognizes the presence standing over her. Even if Tamamo has never met the kami in person, any fox of her age and experience would know that tell-tale presence. It's not unlike finding herself suddenly standing in front of her parents and their scrutinizing gazes.

Ugh, that's the last thing she needs.

"My, my, most unexpected. To what do I owe the honor?" She forces her smile back, thin and without warmth.

[vulpesly-archive]

blog is officially archived! my queue has some things left to post over the next day--if you have replies to me in your queue/drafts, you don't have to change them, i'll still get a notification for it and will move it to the new blog if you choose to follow me there!

[heartbloomd]

A snake! And he looks like Shiro!

The shark plush bows its head in turn, tail waving back and forth. Polka—-the fake one—-smiles at the statement as he pictures the albino alligator; this snake spirit certainly resembles the pet they're on their way home from visiting. As for the questions... he blanches, considers how best to explain.

"That's... complicated," he admits. He glances around to ensure there's no one else within earshot, and he lowers his voice just to be safe. "I am a sorcerer, yes. This body belongs to Polka-kun," the shark plush wiggles again, "but I'm keeping it safe for the time being. You can call me Riz."

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Aside from a curious tilt of his head, the snake does not show anything resembling surprise to be told the souls of these two were not inhabiting their own bodies. If anything, Shirohebi seems almost reassured by the explanation, going so far as to nod once. "I see. That is good. One must always be respectful when inhabiting another's body to ensure it comes to no lasting harm."

"Are you in the midst of a ritual then?" The snake looks between the two, tongue flicking. "Please, do not let me interrupt you if so. I would not wish to intrude upon any matters of import."

[heartbloomd]

from @vulpesly : RECOVER :  for one muse to return the other’s lost belonging descendant. [ shirohebi @ kirika or laire ]

There's no shortage of potential risks in a city—-plenty of little incidents that can result in a child being separated from their guardian. At a glance, Kirika can tell that the white snake is not a normal animal, though it's not often she encounters a youkai that other humans can see; the panicked and fearful reactions make that obvious.

Thus, she's quick to intervene before someone steps on the poor dear, gingerly lifting the snake to the safety of her shoulders.

"Are you searching for someone?" she asks. That's how it appeared to her, but other pedestrians were proving to be dangerous obstacles. Some cast odd glances in her direction, and they give her plenty of space. "This should be a better vantage point. Lead the way!"

Kirika keeps her own eye out for any unusual individuals. Between the two of them, it doesn't take too long to locate their target. A kami? She approaches with a satisfied grin.

"This little one belongs with you, I presume?"

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While Shirohebi is confident his granddaughter would manage to find him again--this is hardly their first time becoming separated in the city due to their mutual curiosities--he is not expecting her to reappear in the company of another. Still, the young snake seems unharmed, merrily greeting him with a wave of her tail. She is very pleased to have met a new human.

"Indeed, that little one is one of my grandchildren. You have my thanks for returning her to me, young one." Shirohebi offers a courteous bow of his head, the movement mirrored by the little snake before she slithers to the outstretched hand of her grandsire.

"She did not cause you any trouble, I hope?" At Shirohebi's question, the snake rears back, aghast, before vehemently shaking her head.

[phasmascript]

Itou smiles gently when Haruki seems to relax. While he knows that neither of them can or will fully relax till they are safely out of here, it was a good start. Now if only they could get out of here, but it was better to wait instead of attempting to dig their way out, not that they could.

“You don’t need to apologize, Haruki-san. There isn’t anything wrong with being afraid of the dark.” A gentle pat on his fellow hound’s head before he pause just a moment. Was the things he knew that interesting? Itou doesn’t think so but now isn’t the time to argue. “Well… my father is a school teacher, so we had lots of books in our home. I liked to read even if I’m not the smartest. And if I wasn’t reading I was helping with the animals or picking flowers in the forest.”

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As Itou talks, Haruki plucks at the edges of his cloak, trying to focus on listening. The mention of animals and flowers gets the ghost of a laugh from Haruki. "I can't picture you little, 'though it's easy to imagine you playing with animals or picking flowers."

"Is your dad nice? I feel like teachers should be nice but aside from Kitamura-sensei I don't know any myself. Other than from movies and stuff. Most teachers in movies seem kind of awful." He's rambling, he knows, but the closed space around them doesn't feel as stifling when he's talking or listening to Itou talk. Plus, it's nice to learn more about Itou after all the new little things the other Hunting Dog has taken the time to teach him. "You seem like the kinda person who'd be a good teacher too."

[phasmascript]

Niimi gives a weak smile and nods his head. It could be worse. That’s the only thought that keeps him from throwing a fuss wanting to go home. Resting among the tree would help him feel better and having Jono hold him. Even taking icky medicine was better than sitting here.

“I just get sick really easy is all- I’ll be fine, just a headache and stuff.” But rest sounds nice. Niimi knows it’ll get worse the longer he stays here in this dirty and damp place. But he wants to help. He has to help, because he can in a way no one else can.

“Even if I get really sick… I can’t leave. Please let me keep helping.” What did they do with sick kids? If Niimi suddenly left then the guards would notice and it would ruin the whole mission. Niimi frowns, stepping forward and leaning into Haruki a little.

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Haruki is pretty sure he's should break Niimi out of this place and make sure he gets somewhere safe. But to put Niimi in less danger means putting all these other kids in more danger, so he hesitates, glancing from the fox to the other cells around the room. Which one is the right choice to make? He doesn't know. And he can't ask his teacher for guidance this time either.

It's Niimi's plea as he leans into Haruki that decides for him. If the fox still wants to help, then--

"I... guess you can stay." Although Haruki's uncertainty is clear in his voice, and the way he fidgets with his sleeves. "If you get sicker 'though, I gotta get you out of here. Deal?" And hide a missing kid from the guards how? Haruki doesn't have the slightest idea, but he'd figure it out. He just knows he couldn't forgive himself if he let Niimi get worse only because it made his own mission a little easier.

Turning to Niimi, Haruki puts a hand on his shoulder to brace him. He peers a little more closely at the boy's face for all the good it does at telling him anything about Niimi's condition. He doesn't know the first thing about looking after people when they're sick besides bed rest and warm food. Neither of which are very available right now. "C'mon, you should rest for now. I can sit with you if you want? Maybe you won't be as cold then, I dunno."

[phasmascript]

“No child deserves to suffer the way the two of you have. That’s why we are Hunting Dogs. To help protect and keep people safe.” Even if they only took arms against the most dangerous of threats, it was something. And something was better than nothing. Which makes this all the more frustrating. He has no idea how to help Haruki and Kyusaku. Not without robbing Kyusaku of the chance to share what had happened and on their own terms.

Helping a child learn without just giving them the answers was a hard task. And when their pasts were as dark as the two children he was trying to help… “Even when you get to be my age, those lingering wounds of the past might start to sting a little. But time dulls that sting. For you and Yume-chan those wounds are still fresh.”

“As for getting Yume to believe you… that will be a hard task. It’s not my place to share either of your pasts unless it’s demanded of me.” As the government knew the factual account of Haruki’s past. “But for your sake, I’ll give you a hint. Let’s say, and this is a hypothetical so think instead of arguing it’s absurdity, I betrayed you after everything. Would you be able to trust the next person that offered to guide and take care of you?”

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Despite what he's told, the moment the hypothetical question is spoken, Haruki puffs up with outrage. He looks ready to argue the point, even opens his mouth to do so, before catching himself and remembering Kitamura's instructions. Haruki slumps, arms crossed as he tries to quell his indignation and instead think over the scenario.

It's an awful scenario to think about. Imagining Kitamura betraying him is the stuff of nightmares, just trying to picture it makes Haruki's stomach clench and chest grow painfully tight. The person he looked up to the most, the person who had given him a place in the world, turning his back on Haruki... and someone else coming along trying to take his place?

Eyes squeezed shut, Haruki shakes his head. No, it's unbearable even as a hypothetical! "I couldn't! Not even a little!" But Kitamura's point has been made. Kyusaku's had their trust broken and it won't be easy to fix it. If it can be fixed at all.

"But still--you didn't know if I'd trust you or not, but you still tried. I'll do the same for Kyu-chan. Even if they can't ever trust me fully, it's okay."

[unsavedx]

"Th' ice cream truck song is meant t' attract kids whether they're heard it before or not." This declaration is resolute, affirmed by a nod of Junior's head. Already, he's pulling up a music app to find the correct track—-but he'll refrain from playing it until they're closer to where the girl might be.

Now let's see, plaza, colorful places, food... His memories can be a chaotic place, cities blurring together. It'll be easier to figure out some answers once he's actually there.

"I know some spots," he says anyway. There's a candy store near there—-he's certain of that, at least. And some sculptures and other artsy stuff? "Are ya okay t' walk, or should I give ya a piggyback ride? We don't wanna waste any time."

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A flicker of doubt crosses Setsuki's face, unsure if this guy is versed in ice cream truck trivia or just making things up on the fly. But either way, he does have a point: they don't really have time to waste, and Setsuki questioning things would be just that.

Setsuki takes one shaky breath before nodding, doing his utmost to look sturdy on his feet and not like a good gust of wind would knock him flat. "Yeah, I'm good, I can keep up." A gives the fox perched on his shoulder a look. Worse comes to worst, he'll let his companion take over for him; his body could endure a lot more with a fox spirit providing the energy. He'd just need to do it without this guy noticing.

"Thanks, by the way, for helping," Setsuki continues, falling into step and letting Junior take the lead. "I know she's not helpless but I don't like the idea of her running around all by herself here. We're not from the city."