Warm Greetings ((Open...some one just post here!))

[kitsunemiko]

People darted back and forth, hurrying to get to there destinations. The side walks were crowded with people and car after car zoomed past on the streets. A young girl around the age of 17 was among the people who walked along the streets. Only she wasn’t in a hurry, she just enjoyed walking. She was well known as a priestess of a shrine who worshiped Inari and also for being one of the top students in Japan. Her school had let out and she was still in her pink and white uniform. Today was her last day attending that school; she would be transferring to another which was more in the area she was in now. But now wasn’t the time for thinking about school, she had the entire afternoon left to do anything she wished. Her mother wasn’t coming home until later that night so she didn’t have to go home right away. A gust of cold winter wind made her pull her brown fleece jacket closer to her. She really wished that her school uniform could have been warmer, short skirts and cold air never mixed well. As she continued her walk she noticed a small café, it didn’t look crowded and it looked like a nice place to sit down and grab a snack. So letting her stomach make the decision she walked in and sat down. She went threw her back pack and fished out a good book before ordering some hot chocolate.

The café itself was small but still plenty roomy enough, there was green and white marble on the floor and large windows lined the walls. The chairs were painted a dark green with a white velvet cushions. The tables where also dark green, with a white table cloth. Red roses sat in vases on each table creating a very nice affect. Waiters came by and took other customers orders, they were friendly. So all in all this place was a very pleasant place to come and sit down at.

Now it wasn’t often she had the time to sit down and read, she was usually either at school, attending to her duties as a Miko, or fighting off demons. All that work could really wear a girl out, so anytime to relax was taken to its limit. But that also didn’t mean she wasn’t open to any company, sadly along with her busy schedule also meant she had very little socializing times. Though it was for the best, most humans didn’t even know demons exist and how weird would it be to see her run off every couple of hours to fight these so called imaginary figures. She sighed and took a sip of her hot chocolate; it would be nice to meet a fellow human in this era that also had a second life of fighting mythical demons and also trying to balance everyday life with it.

[lnaydun]

Toko strolled down the sidewalk with an almost absent minded look on his face, the look of some one consumed by their thoughts. Who could blame the little fox though, it was less then a month ago that he had discovered the mysterious and enigmatic Bone eater’s well. Toko could never have imagined even with his vast life time of knowledge that the simple little stone well was actually a portal back to the great feudal age of Japan. Even now his addled brain could hardly grasp exactly what had happened to him and he was still in slight disbelief of the whole ordeal. The harsh moaning of a car horn shattered the serenity of his thoughts, bringing him back to reality just in time for him to leap out of the way of the incoming traffic with fox like swiftness. He blushed slightly as people around him muttered and stared bringing his hand up to block his face slightly as he walked, he must look completely inept walking straight out into traffic like a moron.

Nimble fingers ran gently through silky red bangs as the fox let out a sigh trying to compose himself before he made any more of a fool out of himself. His blood red eyes glancing into a nearby café, it seemed nice enough with fine marble floors and inviting velvet chairs. He rubbed his chin slightly and grinned knowing that a few slices of aburaage and cup of green tea would do him a world of good. Slowly he pushed the glass door open the soft jingle of a bell greeting his ears as he entered the warm and cozy café greeting a few of their patrons before he found a table he liked off in the corner of the room next to a young violet haired women wearing what looked to be a school uniform. He snickered to himself as the irony struck him that even though he was over a half a millennium old he still looked as if he belonged in high school himself. He tossed his hair slightly letting the thought pass as he called over a waitress and ordered himself five pounds of their finest aburaage and a gallon of their strongest tea, she stared at him wide eyed for a moment before running off to place his order returning with it promptly despite struggling under its great weight.

His eyes widened gleefully his mouth watering fiercely as he sniffed at the fried tofu, his nose scrunching up in an ever so fox like way. Thankfully Toko did not have to worry about anyone suspecting him to be a kitsune seeing as in modern times everyone thought it to be no more then a silly myth so he had allowed himself to fall back into all his fox like mannerisms. Even he had to admit that was one of the best things about modern times, even if he couldn’t drop this façade at least he could act like a kitsune without worry. Before he had even realized it he had downed all of the tea and cleaned the entire plate of aburaage, he wrinkled his forehead slightly and shrugged. He still had quite a craving but he doubted that the restaurant could fill it even if they brought out every last bit of aburaage they had, so instead he just leaned back in his chair and began to study the people in the room. Before his stare settled on the attractive young girl sitting no more then a table away, he quickly pulled out a drawing pencil and a thick notebook of high quality drawing paper. Flipping through the pages he found a clean blank page and began sketching her with care studying her every detail. He absolutely cherished drawing and was amazed sometimes even by his own skill not only that but when he drew he could almost feel a strange energy flow from the metacarpals of his hands almost as if a spell had been cast on them. Feeling so relaxed and doing what he loved put him in quite a jovial mood and he couldn’t help but shout “Beautiful!” as he finished the drawing and placed it down on the table so that he could get a better look at his work.

[kitsunemiko]

The book she had taken earlier kept her attention; it was a large composition of Russian Fairy Tales by Gillian Avery. Right now she happened to be reading one of her favorite fairy tales, one that her mother use to read to her. Though these were the original versions so they were much darker then you would find any decent parent telling there child. She slowly flipped though the pages, every once in a while taking the time to sip her hot chocolate. The sound of a bell entered her ears causing the young girl to pause in her actions and look up. Her large grey eyes fell on a rather tall interesting looking young man. ’Hmm haven’t see him around before, not to mention there’s a strange energy coming off of him…..’[/b] She frowned, what was she doing! This was her time to relax not to worry about puzzling strangers. With that settled she went back to reading her book, not even realizing that the stranger had decided to take residence at a table not to far from hers.

Her peace didn’t last long for his order caught her attention. Who in the world would eat, or drink that much! Sure she loved food herself, and could a lot more then what a normal person could. Not to mention she wouldn’t ever think of drinking that much, if one did that they would spend most of there time in the bathroom. She glanced over at the young man, whom acted as odd as the energy rolling off him. In fact she would say this man was a Kitsune in disguise. She checked her watch, she didn’t have the time to go on a chatting spree with this demon. It would ruin the small time of relaxation she had, after all she only had a few more minutes left to herself before she needed to go home and fix supper for her mother. It looked like she wouldn’t even be able to finish her story. So like anyone who was itching to find out an ending to a book she settled back down and began to read once more. It wasn’t long until the sound of pencil to paper reached her ears, the strokes were irregular meaning that whoever was making the noise wasn’t writing. More like drawing, the strokes where quick and sure. Whom ever was working sounded like a skilled artist. Well she wasn’t going to complain about the noise for she found it surprisingly soothing.

Of course peace never did last as the muffled ring of her cell phone reached her ears. She fished it out of her pocket and answered. It was her mother, announcing that she would be working later then planned and to make dinner with out her. After a quick goodbye from her mother she hung up her cell. It seemed she would have time to chat with the new demon after all. A loud exclamation fallowed by a bang made her snap her head in the direction of previously mentioned fox. Her eyes traveled down to where his were looking only to be surprised to find herself looking back. A soft melodic chuckle left her lips as she gathered her things and the rest of her hot chocolate. She gracefully got up and walked over to the young man.

”Excuse me I couldn’t help but notice that drawing you’ve done, especially now that you’ve so loudly proclaimed beautiful.”

She gave him one of her heart melting smiles, and a knowing look shown in her eyes. The jewel shards that were hidden in a pendant on her neck called out, which meant that this fox was in possession of some. Though knowing Kitsunes she doubted she would be able to get them peacefully. After all Kitsunes always did treasure beautiful things, if he had gotten attached to them it would be a difficult task making him part with them.

”I hope you don’t mind but may I join you? I noticed a few things…special about you and I would like to discuss them.”

She placed her hand near her nose and signed the word for fox, to those passing by it would look like she was just scratching her nose, but if you were looking straight at her you would get the message.

[lnaydun]

The soft chuckle struck at his ears its heavenly tone sending a shiver down his back for a moment, lifting his head to find the source only to be transfixed by two ethereal gray orbs. He quickly averted his gaze though slightly afraid that his pupil-less crimson red eyes might frighten her but more so because he found her gaze almost overpowering as if she knew more about him then he would like. The girl was much more stunning up close the elegance of her movements fitting perfectly together with her physical splendor. He blushed slightly as her voice washed over him nonchalantly and found himself slightly chocked for words

“Umm well I mean . . . what I meant, well you are beautiful don’t get me wrong but . . . I mean well I was just . . . well complimenting my drawing but well I also was . . . well ya know?”

Her radiant smile disarmed him completely his mouth actually falling open, gapping in awe. He could feel heat welling up under his skin and his throat grow dry as she sat down to join him. ‘By Inari, How did I manage to become so pathetic!?’ his mind screamed out crossly at him only able to nod his head slowly at her question to join him. He took in a sharp startled breath as he suddenly felt something pulsate deep within the palms of his hands as if something inside was calling out to him. He slowly rubbed his palms hoping the odd feeling would dissipate soon. His eyes narrowed almost like two red pin points focused intensely on her signing of the word fox knowing immediately what she meant he proceeded to question her in a low gruff tone.

“Who are you . . . you know what I am? Are you going to out me to the public or just black mail me into serving you . . . damn I never thought I’d have to worry about this crap again, I didn’t know anyone still believed in the legends strong enough to recognize me for what I am.”

This was all he needed the fox had everything he could have wanted in the world and now all of it had been thrown into jeopardy. Toko no Yami, one of the few Gobi no Kitsune left in the world, was now entirely at the mercy of this school girl he’d never even met before. He snarled inwardly to himself ‘What kind of teenager knows about Kitsune anyways! Why have you forsaken me Inari!!!!’ He ran his hand slowly through his hair, one of his nervous habits, and looked back at her with a gentle gaze introducing himself to her politely.

“Toko no Yami, at your service. Forgive my rude outburst earlier it’s been awhile since I’ve been found out. I shouldn’t automatically assume your up too no good even though it is likely. So what exactly is it you wanted to talk to me about?”

His eyes darted around at the various customers of the café knowing this was a much too public place to have any sort of discussion about this particular subject. He stood up looking kindly on her despite his suspicions that she may have awful intentions to harm or blackmail him somehow deciding to give her the benefit of the doubt.

“Surely a woman as educated and charming as you would agree that this is no place to discuss that particular type of business no? So why don’t you come back to my apartment its only a block away, it’s a little small but it works well enough and I think you’d agree it’s a little more private then a café.”

He bowed low to her and offered his hand to her in a chivalrous way waiting for her to except so that they could settle what ever business they may have in a safer location.

[kitsunemiko]

Another small laugh managed to find its way past her lips. It was normal for human males to fall to pieces, but a fox! Usually the Kitsune kind was suppose to be smooth elegant in everything they did. You could say they were perfectionists, so to find a Kitsune who would so easily stutter in speech just by a simple look from a human girl was certainly an interesting find. Now that she was closer she was more curious to see the drawing up close. If she didn’t know better she would say it looked like a grayscale photo taken by a camera. The detail was extraordinary for some one who did it in such a short time. Jewel shards or not, the gift for drawing was certainly natural.

”Every artist has the right to compliment there own work, you especially. Your work is quite amazing for something done in so little of time.

She was soft spoken and her words rolled off her tongue; her tone was kind and sincere. When she had given him her smile she had to stifle back another bout of laughter. After being given permission to join him she elegantly took a seat and went to work on finishing her hot chocolate before it just turned cold. A rare smirk appeared on her lips when the fox realized that she had discovered his secrete. How fun it was to watch demons realize they were at the mercy of a Human child. Though he didn’t provide nearly as much amusement as the Lizard had. The words that came next where to be expected but hurt non the less. She pouted a bit, now why would a cute girl like her mean anything cruel to a person she had just met. It would however smooth things over if she answered the questions she could at the moment.

”Well first things first I’m a miko at a shrine who worships Inari, that should answer some of your questions.”

That simple answer was one to many questions, well thought out to. Others who didn’t know the full meaning behind the conversation would think she was just discussing her work. But to the Kitsune it would tell him that because of her profession she was able to figure out his true identity. Another thing that could be interpreted out of that statement is that she meant no ill will against any Kitsune. After all Kitsunes was the breed that Inari made her messengers out of. His next statement made him seem more at ease, apparently he had been able to regain his composer.

”Its very nice to meet you Toko, I’m Yukina Hijikata.”

She held back the answer to his last question knowing full well that this wasn’t the time or place to answer it. Toko seemed to have come to the same conclusion as his strange red eyes darted around the room. As he spoke she couldn’t help but give an even more stunning true sincere smile. For someone who thought she was up to no good he certainly was polite, that was a trait you found very rarely in people even more so in demons. She nodded in agreement and took his rather large hand with her small delicate one.

((sry its so short had to rush))

[lnaydun]

A toothy grin worked its way across his face inching ever and ever wider while a slightly beguiling look filled his hazy red eyes ‘Ah a shrine maiden for the honorable Inari! Lucky day! Perhaps shes come to worship me and shower me with offerings!!!!! Praise Inari!’ He gave her a content look seeming quite pleased to have found her as if by the wiles of fate itself; surely whatever business awaited him with this girl could only be good. His hand firmly closed around hers as he led her out of the restaurant, leaving about a hundred thousand yen on the table before they left. The air had grown even colder by now even and Toko was becoming a little vexed by it being that he was never much one for the cold weather but much preferred the sunny aromatic days of summer. He sighed deeply a small cloud forming from his breath as it was exhaled, the sooner he got home the better. His pace quickened dragging the charming little miko behind him as he rushed onward to his apartment.

He came to a halt in front of a building so tall it seemed to dwarf all the others around it in size. His head tilted back slowly peering up at the huge name affixed to the front of the towering building.

“Enma Corp. This is where I work, but they were also kind enough to give me a humble little apartment on the twentieth floor. I think you’ll like it.”

He pushed passed the thick glass doors into the front offices of the building greeting a few people at the reception desk and flirting with a few girls as he slowly made his way to the elevator. The lobby was a grand and impressive place, High def TV’s hung from the walls with almost every type of game console one could hope for attached to them each showing off some of the corporations best projects. The walls were littered with memorabilia and concept art, most of it bearing Toko’s signature. As the doors to the elevator opened with a few soft clanks and thuds he bowed to Yukina waiting her to enter before he followed her in suit, pressing the number for the floor he wanted on the shiny gold plated panel before stepping back to lean against the guard rail his spare hand absent mindedly running over the velvet that lined the upper half of the machine. Soon a gentle clink sounded informing them of their arrival, a warm rush of air brushing their cool skin as the doors opened up to reveal Toko’s penthouse.

Even in American terms his home would be considered very large as one stepped of the elevator they could see his apartment made up the entire floor with two living rooms a den and three other rooms each equipped with a full restroom and shower it was certainly nothing to be scoffed at. The entire place was furbished in a very chic manner and anyone could see that whoever lived here obviously was slightly obsessed with injecting art into almost every channel of their life. Toko darted off to the kitchen fetching two cups of his finest sake offering one cup of the glitter gold liquid to Yukina before he downed his and glided on to his overstuffed couch with the greatest of elegance patting the seat next to him, inviting her over.

“Now my young Shrine maiden what is it you wanted to discuss? Oh and please make yourself at home.”

[kitsunemiko]

Her feet moved involuntarily as she let herself be dragged along the streets of Tokyo. The bitter cold sliced threw her, she would have to spring for a new coat soon. Her old fleece was tattered and some of the seams were loosening. So it did little to protect her from the harsh frigid temperatures. It wasn’t long until her cheeks had gained a light rosy tinge to them. Her grey eyes soaking in the sites, she would have to make sure to remember the streets they took so she would be able to get home. The cold must have gotten to her little Kitsune friend for now she had to jog to keep up with him. Her dark brown loafers made a small tapping sound as she had to quicken her pace. She was surprise that her shoes hadn’t fallen off yet. Which would have been a problem for the death grip he had on her hand would of made it impossible for her to go back and retrieve something.

Her breath came out in little puffs, glad that they had finally came to a stop. Her snow cloud eyes stared up in awe at the massive building. Did the Kitsune really live here? Yes she recognized the name immediately but never had she known there was an apartment somewhere in its labyrinth like walls. Those deep eyes considerably widen as he announced that he lived all the way up on the 12 floor. Her head snapped back up to see exactly how high that floor was only to be dragged through the glass doors.

Though never one to lose her cool for long, her composer was all collected before they ran into the first person they saw. Watching Toko she was surprised to discover that apparently it was just her that made him go into a stuttering mess. After all he had no problem with flirting with every single woman they passed. One thing that she had learn during her long years of life was how to soak everything in within a short period of time. Learning this as a skill proved to be most useful on the battle field.

As they reached the elevator the grip on her hand was finally released. She flexed her long slender fingers trying to get some feeling back into them. Elevators were one thing she never liked to much, it always had been a fear of hers of being trapped in one. Actually that fear came from a moment in her human child hood, since then she had always been slightly terrified of them. She looked up at the elevator wearyingly, timidly she stepped in the elevator doing her best to hide any discomfort. The only thing that managed to leak through her act was the small glint in her eyes and her scent was laced with unease.

A warm gust of air made her close her eyes in comfort, the change of temperature was certainly welcome. When she opened her eyes she was greeted with another shocking site, the place was huge!

”Why…you could fit my whole entire house in this one room…though we do have a small upstairs.”

It wasn’t long until she felt a cup of sake being placed into her hands snapping her back into reality. She had just been to absorbed in the sites around her to notice that Toko had even left to go retrieve the sake. Now she wasn’t a fan big fan of sake but she didn’t want to insult him so she accepted the offer and sipped it quietly. Her eyes trailed him as he went and took a seat patting a spot next to him indicating for her to sit down. Tired from that little jog she had she quickly a seat. A soft smile graced her lips, as she felt her tense muscles relax. The couch was extremely comfy, hardly like anything in the feudal era. Lately all she got to sit on was the hard ground with rocks and random roots, a soft puffy couch was certainly welcomed. Her eyes closed once again in contentment, her nose wrinkled up cutely in her own little fox manner. One eye open slightly as he spoke, its bright grey orb standing out against her dark eye lashes.

”Well as a Miko in the future I don’t get to see to many higher level demons roaming around with enough nerve to not even hide all there demonic features. I realized you were a fox by your behavior though, I wasn’t originally going to go up and talk to you but certain things came up that allowed me to have the time to. Since my job as miko has me running around everywhere I don’t get to socialize much. Though when I do I cant talk to anyone about demons its not like anyone believes in them anymore. So you being a Kitsune an all I thought you would be the perfect person to become acquainted with. I guess I cant complain much because I have recently met a few other demons…ones a short tempered mixed breed while the other is this egotistic cold blooded lizard whom I guarantee will eat dirt next time we meet. What I really want to talk about isn’t about your blood line but rather what you have imbedded into your palms there. Are you aware of the legend of the Shikon no Tama?”

During that little talk both her eyes had closed once again, she rarely got a moment to relax anymore and again she always took those times and used them to there full extent.

[lnaydun]

Toko seemed slightly shocked by her words and exclaimed in slight dismay,

“Well that’s certainly no way to live! When the company hired me on I made sure to demand this nice little pent house in my contract. I mean really after having all that open forest and land to roam around back in the former eras of Japan I really couldn’t have it any other way.”

As her body reclined on the couch slowly sinking into its inviting embrace he could not help but peer at her curiously. His forehead tensed slightly as he squinted his eyes at her studying her intensely, the way her nose crinkled was certainly a vulpine trait if he had ever seen one. Slowly he sniffed her scent on the air making sure to do it discreetly as not to be rude to her or invade her personal space. He grinned and chuckled softly she was certainly a fox; he had no doubt about it now especially since he spent most of his youth hunting down the cutest vixens he could find. His fingers ran feebly over his jaw line halting at his chin so that he could stroke it as he thought. ‘Hmm another fox eh? I haven’t seen another demon for quite sometime in the modern era, this is quiet a nice surprise. Then again if she is a kitsune as well that probably means that she’s not going to worship me and shower me with offerings . . . but I could always just charm the pants err skirt off of her and get her to worship me anyways hee hee hee I am just that handsome I could probably do it if I really wanted too. Hmm Then again I kinda turned into a blathering fool but why!?’ His swarthy eyes gently rested on her as he took in her form once more studying it slowly, her physical beauty matched that of some of the most gorgeous kitsune he’d ever laid eyes on maybe even surpassed it. Her eyes were so vibrant despite the fact they were a neutral grey, her hair was a unique hue of mauve more attractive to the eye then most others especially with the way the light glinted off of it giving it a nice sheen, and her frame was so delicate and feminine yet muscled enough so that it hid any sense of fragility. However, it wasn’t just her beauty that made him a mess it was the certain air of power and confidence that seemed to permeate her with an overwhelming potency. ‘Its no wonder she made me trip all over myself, she has a certain majesty about her. I sense this is a beginning of a very interesting friendship. Whoa do I always think this much? Wow that can’t be healthy . . . I wonder if she’s noticed I’ve gone silent, well maybe she’ll think I’m one of those tall, dark, and handsome guys that barely ever say anything I mean I am tall and handsome not sure what they mean by dark, wow I’m such an egomaniac. Ok Toko stop talking to yourself already.’

The fox’s eyes fluttered slightly as he arched his back and stretched his muscles hoping she didn’t think he was a nut even though he was pretty sure he meant the requirements for mental insanity. With a throaty cough he cleared his throat trying to recall what she had just said while he had been preoccupied by his own thoughts.

“Well I’m certainly delighted to have met you Yukina, I’m honored that you’d grace me with your beauty my young miko even if it is just because you are seeking something. This Shikon no Tama, I’ll assume that that strange energy I feel surging from my palms every so often is some how related to it? To tell you the truth I’ve only heard small murmurings about this jewel I know it’s highly sought after for some reason, perhaps you’ll tell me the story? And as long as where on the subject perhaps you’ll share with me you’re ranking among fox kind as well as why your scent is so intermingled with that of the humans?”

Toko was very amused by how much she seemed to enjoy resting on his couch, he couldn’t help but feel a little sorry for her from the looks of it she worked all the time and probably seldom got the chance to enjoy herself. He stood up slowly, careful not to disturb her too much as he walked off to his closet and grabbed a sweater before returning and laying it on her lap.

“I noticed your sweater was a little worn out and I’d be glad to give you this. It belonged to an old girlfriend of mine, when we broke up she dumped it along with all the other clothing I made for her back here but I couldn’t bare to throw them out after I put so much effort into making them. You two have similar physiques so this should fit you just fine.”

It really was a well crafted garment made with the utmost of care and effort. It was a nice and warm white cotton sweater with thin black belts sown into the seams pulling the fabric tight around the waist to show off her figure, a black emblem of a fox on the front contrasted nicely with the white while the inside was lined with a fine silver colored satin that pleased the skin with its touch. Its quality and style was that of something you’d see in one of the shops of the Shibuya district of Tokyo where some of the highest and most pricey fashions of the city reside.

“I hope you like it I mean I didn’t put that much effort into it really . . .”

You could tell he was lying through his teeth because he thought she might think he was strange if she knew just how much effort he did put into it and just about anything that had the slightest trace of art in it. He looked down at the ground in a slightly bashful way hoping she wouldn’t tear it apart with some harsh biting criticism which he always feared he would receive.

“Oh and I over heard you on the phone, your mom told you to just go ahead and make dinner without her right? Well I can always order in something for you, after all you are my guest even if you are here on business.”

He blushed realizing he was starting to babble on but he couldn’t help it he always did seem to do that when he was nervous. He sighed slightly and looked at her sheepishly.

“I’m sorry I know I must seem like such a loser right now and I don’t mean to drawl on like this. Please go ahead and tell me about your business here.”

[kitsunemiko]

She chuckled; she never minded the small size of her home. Actually she found it loads better then living outside all the time. When she was little she didn’t have a home, she was always moving around. So when she had a chance to have a home even if it was small she was by no means complaining. Her human mother had inherited the shrine from her grandfather; Yui had only been 6 years old in her human years. At the time they had been living in a small one room apartment. When they finally moved into the home built on the shrine grounds it felt gigantic. Only a few years after did Yui’s grandfather die leaving only her mother and her to take care of the shrine. Only problem was that Yui’s mother was working all the time so Yui took it upon herself to take care of the shrine. Little by little the shrine began attracting more and more worshipers, which intern helped them continue maintaining the shrine. Using the money she raised she hired people to do the little things that took time around the shrine leaving her to work on the gardens. ’It has been hard work taking care of the shrine, but its been worth it. Plus if I take care of it that’s one thing less that my mother needs to worry about.

”I really don’t mind the size of my house, it’s a really comfortable place live and we’re right on the shrine grounds. So we still have lots of land, which has some of the most beautiful gardens. You really must stop by someday to see them; I designed and take care of the gardens myself so I’m really proud of them. One think I’m most proud of is some of my flowers that bloom in early spring. I made some new species of flowers, they smell wonderful.”

’It would probably good if he did come, mom is always worrying about how I’m not making any friends. Poor Kanrya is getting suffocated when ever she comes over…I’m kinda scared to think what she’d be like if I brought a guy home.’ Her face scrunched up a bit in a slightly scared look as she thought of what her mother’s reaction would be. Vigorously shaking her head to rid herself of the thought she turned her attention back on Toko. Now her next observation certainly made her eyebrows shoot up in surprise. ’Did he just sniff me….?? By jeez I think he did and by that look he knows I’m a Kitsune. Though I guess it wouldn’t hurt for him to know… She doubted he knew what exactly she was or what level she was.

A familiar look came across his face a look that she recognized with one who was way to full of himself. When a look like that came across anyone’s face it was never a good thing. She began to fidget underneath his gaze; she never liked people staring at her especially like that. A wave of relief passed over her as he seemed to snap out of the little world he seemed to have been in. Maybe she would get a reply out of him now, for it had been a while since she had last spoken.

”Yes the energy you just described is probably caused by the Shikon No Tama. The story of this jewel is a long one so I hope your prepared to listen for I only wish to describe this once. The jewel was formed during a battle between the great Miko Midoriko and the powerful youkai Magatsuhi. Now Midoriko was one of the few people to ever have an even balance of the four souls within her. After seven days and seven nights of fighting Midoriko realized she wouldn’t be able to fight much longer. So as she was being drawn into the creatures’ jaws she captured its soul and fused it with her own instantly killing them both and then the Shikon Jewel was created. The jewel had burst from her chest and within the jewel her should and the demon still wages on in battle. The state of battle is now determined on whom possesses the jewel at the time.

The jewel was then controlled by various demons and humans until eventually it came into the hands of a taijiya whom entrusted it to a young Miko named Kikyou. Sadly the jewel leads her to an early demise. Now the story is that she was deceived by a demon named Naraku. Whom disguised himself as Kikyou’s hanyou lover Inuyasha, well as Inuyasha Naraku fatally wounded Kikyou who in turn got back at the real Inuyasha. She pinned him for 50 years against a tree. Of course since Kikyou at the time was still in possession of the jewel her hatred towards Inuyasha tainted the jewel. Which was Naraku’s goal, though he was unable to obtain the jewel because it was burned with Kikyou’s body. 500 years later the jewel made its appearance again when a young girl from the future appeared in the past possessing the jewel. She was the reincarnation of Kikyou and somehow the jewel ended up being shattered. Then she and Inuyasha went on a quest to gather the jewel and were joined but a few other people. Eventually they gathered the whole jewel but once again it was broken.

Now for why the jewel is so sought after is that it has the power to increase a persons power 10 fold. The reason I’m asking you about yours is for the fact I’m collecting them for the priestess whom broke the jewel in the fist place. Not to mention I’ve learned as long as other demons are in possession of these jewel shards then the more problems it causes for me here. So I hope you don’t think it rude of me to ask if you would be willing to part with the ones in your hands.

Yes she had rushed through the story but it was a really long one to tell, and after so many times you get sick of hearing or telling about it. ’I only can hope that my explanation was clear enough, I really rather not dive into anymore detail.’ She ran her fingers through her hair and sighed a bit. Now to put into words exactly what she was, and her rank as a Kitsune. A thoughtful look came across her face as a thought came to her mind. ’Hmmm I vaguely wonder what his reaction will be when I announce that I’m not only a demon trapped in a humans body but a 9 tailed demon at that.’ A smile spread across her face, and she gave him a mischievous look. Of course this would be a perfect time for one of those games she like to play so much.

”Well I’m not one to give out information about myself, but I am one to let people guess. So you’ll just have figure it out yourself, though I’ll be nice and tell you if you guess close enough.”

Her eyes trailed him as he got up from the couch, slightly wondering where he was going. He grabbed something from the closet and she tilted her head to the side cutely in curiosity. ’I wonder what that’s for… A slight surprised look appeared on her face when he dropped this incredibly soft material onto her lap. A questioning look came upon her face as she looked back up at him with that same cute head tilt she always did when she was confused. It wasn’t long though until he answered her question and she couldn’t help but feel a wave of gratitude wash over her. She held the sweater up to get a better look at it. A large smile spread across her face, it was beautiful. It was hard to believe some one was able to make something so exquisite. It even had a fox on it, this was a type of garment that she in her current state wouldn’t ever be able to afford. She grinned up at him and hugged the sweater.

”Thank you so much its beautiful, and it looks so warm. I’ve been meaning to get a new jacket anyways. As I guess you could tell the one I have is falling apart…not to mention the seem to my sleeve is almost completely ripped off from the last job I had to do. Again thank you so much, I love it, it even has a fox design! You may say you didn’t put much effort into but for something this nice to be made its maker must have put a great deal of care and time into it. I’m honored that you would even consider giving me this. Are you really sure you want to give something like this up I mean I’m sure you could get a lot of money for it instead of just giving it away.

It had come to a shock to her that he wanted to give something like this away, and especially to a person he had just met. She would feel kind of awkward to except such a gift from someone she had just met. Another unexpected surprise was when he offered to even order her dinner. She quickly shook her head no, but his offer did give her an idea that would make her feel a bit better about the sweater.

”I couldn’t possibly accept dinner after you’ve already been so kind, but allow me to at least cook you dinner in return for the sweater. Plus I’m quite sick of ordering out, I have time tonight to cook a nice homemade meal, that is if you’ll allow me to use your kitchen. Just tell me what your favorite dinner is and I’ll whip it up for you.

As for what business I have here I’m mostly in school, or off fighting demons both here and in the feudal era. When I’m not doing that I make some extra money here and there when ever I can find quick part time job. Like cleaning houses or tutoring kids at school. When I ran into you today it happened to be the first time in weeks that I didn’t have anything I needed to do.