FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

My Secret Girlfriend (Is a Goddess)

Part 8

A week had passed and life for Wes and Rei continued uninterrupted. The fox-goddess still fretted over the decision that had to be made, yet tried her best to keep her countenance up. The troubling news was at the forefront of her thoughts, yet she wanted to wait until Becky returned from her trip before she informed them.

Autumn was in full speed and the trees were painted with hues of red, green and gold. The chill in the air was much more apparent and the skies were soon overcast as the sun fought to bathe the earth with its life-giving rays.

Taking advantage of the last of the bearable weather, Wes and Rei strolled through the woods; the very same where they had met. They took their time as they looked in wonder at the trees that were turning and the animals hurrying to fatten themselves for the coming winter. The fox leaned down and picked up a red maple leaf and gazed at the detail. She savored the simple, yet complex beauty, unsure if she would ever see it again.

“It's really beautiful isn't it?" she wondered aloud, smiling sorrowfully.

“It's almost as red as the points in your fur," he remarked, gently taking the leaf and comparing. The fox giggled softly before Wes stuck it in her hair and she laughed in delight.

“Oh wait, hold on," he said, taking his phone out to snap a picture. Rei stood coyly, brushing a bang out of her eye, smiling sweetly as Wes took her picture. The result was as silly as it was beautiful, perfectly capturing Rei's true personality.

A breeze blew, kicking up the colorful leaves, the rustling drowning out the chirps of the birds. The couple traveled through the woods, taking in the changing foliage and soon came upon a familiar opening.

“Hey, it's the place where we first met," Wes remarked.

“And first made love," she added, smiling almost bashfully.

“Are we here for a repeat performance?" Wes asked, embracing the fox as they kissed. As he drew back, her eyes were closed as she smiled.

Rei gracefully made her way to a rock and took a seat. Looking around, she took in the surrounding nature, savoring all it had to offer. Her tail gave an occasional flip as leaves fell around her. Wes took another photo of her before sitting down next to her.

“Something's been bothering you, Rei. Is everything ok?" he asked with concern.

Taking a deep breath, she thought for a moment before answering. The fox looked into his eyes, her red ones dancing with his brown ones as they did when they first met. Her heart soon became heavy as she could no longer hold back her concerns.

“Wes, there is something I have to discuss with you and Becky. I hate to even say anything now before she comes back, but it's eating me up and I have no one else to talk to…"

Wes' heart began to race at what the possibilities were. Was she having second thoughts about their arrangement? Was she taking Becky as a sole lover? Did he do something wrong and was unaware? Questions raced through his mind as worry began to take hold.

“Rei, you know you can tell me anything," he reassured her as he sat next to her.

“If it's anything I've done…" he began before the fox interrupted, placing two fingers to his lips.

“No, no. You've been wonderful," she said, softly.

Wes put his arm around the fox as she leaned into him. The couple sat there listening to the woods as Rei prepared herself to speak.

“Wes, when I first met you, I had not spoken to another being in quite some time. I was lonely beyond words, but there was little I could do about it. Being outside of the land I was attuned to was difficult, but I had enough prayers from my humble little shrine to keep me going. My few followers were what kept me alive and gave me purpose.

“I felt the new world was amazing when I arrived and that my future would be bright. However, I didn't feel welcome right away, so I wandered the forests near the limits of my shrine when I wasn't answering prayers, much like I did centuries ago. Then I saw you," she looked into Wes' face with a serious expression.

“When I saw you take care of that kit and the aura around you was kind, I took a great chance. I put my very existence on the line when I made the first move as I couldn't be sure what the result would be. You very well could have run and told everyone what you saw and I would have to fade away. Your very act of staying saved my life, which is why I will always be so grateful for your and Becky's love," she said before kissing him.

“I understand what you mean," Wes began as he leaned forward. “Even though I had Becky, her traveling hadn't made things easy. I was always lonely as well when she was abroad. I would never think of leaving her, but I had to keep myself busy when she wasn't around. It's one of the reasons I have my motorcycle, it gave me something to do when I wasn't at work. Other than walking in the woods, I don't really have any hobbies. One of the reasons I haven't moved in with her was that I didn't want to be in such a large empty place alone.

“I am so grateful for your love and friendship, Rei. My little apartment has so much life in it now since you came home with me," he said, turning to gaze into her face.

Rei took a deep breath and dropped the news on Wes, “I really wanted to tell you and Becky this news together, but it might not be the best decision to wait… My boss is being promoted."

“Well that's good news," he said excitedly, not cluing in on the significance of what he was just told.

“I am next in line for succession and therefore I must be promoted. I will become a four-tailed fox and my powers will expand," she continued.

“This sounds great! You can help so many people," Wes enthused.

“Indeed… it also means I must vacate earth and ascend to heaven…" she added, sorrowfully.

“Oh…" Wes was speechless. He sat next to Rei, contemplating the news. “What about our pact?"

“Our pact would be severed and reassigned to a kitsune that's next in line," she said, frowning as she looked down, ears folding back.

“But you'd be able to visit us, right? I mean, it's not ideal, I don't want you to go, but if you came back, it wouldn't be so bad," he asked.

“Wes, if this was to happen, you would have no memory of me. Even with the kitsune as guardian, it wouldn't be old enough to take a mortal form. In fact, you more than likely wouldn't even know it was there. You would have exceptional luck, but you would never see it."

Wes stood up and massaged his temple. Clearly, he was agitated by the sudden news and began pacing.

“Rei, there has to be another way. I can't accept a life knowing you were never in it. Becky and I would feel lost without you. You're more than just a friend and lover, you're family to us and I can't stand aside and accept this kind of fate without trying to find a workable alternative," he said in a heated voice.

“Wes, how do you think I would feel? I would live for eternity knowing the two people I have loved the most would cease to even know I exist!" she countered, panting as she was worked up. The fox stood up, ears folded back and tail thrashing behind her, she looked into Wes' eyes with growing tears.

“Six hundred years, Wes! Six hundred years it took for me to trust someone to be as close to you and Becky as I am. Not only one person, but two! I am heartbroken over this, and for once, I don't know what to do. I just don't know what to do! I have to choose between love and my very existence! My love hasn't even been a year old, but don't think I regret one moment we have had together, because I don't! I would trade my immortality if it meant I could spend five minutes together with you! Do you know how little five minutes seems to me? Five minutes out of six hundred years?" she croaked.

Rei touched Wes' face as she looked into his eyes through her tears, “but if it's all I had, they would be the most treasured moments of my whole existence!"

They stood for several moments just gazing into each others' eyes. The moment was as surreal as it was familiar. “Wes, for my centuries of life and everything I've learned, for the first time, I just don't know what to do…"

Wes felt the bottom drop from underneath him. He knew she had little choice and it was weighing on her. As the light dimmed and the trees took on a nocturnal hue in the fading light, he tried to find something to say.

“I'm sorry, Rei. I should be more understanding. I overreacted," he apologized.

“Wes, I don't want to fight. I want to make the most of my time with you and Becky. It's hard to understand what another person goes through, and I know what I am, I'm not normal, but please just try…" she cried as she pushed into his arms. The couple stood in embrace for imperceptible moments before finally parting.

“Rei, when does this all happen?"

“New Year's Day," she answered.

“Then we have three and a half months to make the most of it," Wes said with a comforting smile.

“I am so sorry for this…" she sobbed.

“Don't apologize. I'm sorry for lashing out," he said, kissing her forehead, the fox sighing at his affection. Holding her hand, Wes led her back to the rock where they sat back down.

Rei nuzzled into his neck, their bodies keeping each other warm from the coming chill. As the light faded further, blue orbs of foxfire faded into view, illuminated the area. Rei curled her tail so Wes could hold it on his lap, the white and red fluff keeping him warm. Holding hands, they listened to the water flowing down the stream, remembering their first encounter.

Wes began feeling her lips against his throat, kissing slowly along his neck. She put her hand on his shoulder, pressing her breasts into his side.

The fox slid around until she was crouching in front of him, kissing him deeply as their tongues danced in lust. She gripped the front of his sweatshirt, tugging him towards her as she pulled him from the rock and onto the grass where she laid back, pulling him on top of her. She wrapped her legs around trying to be as close to him as possible.

Even with the heavy sweatpants, Wes could smell her scent. The fox-goddess laid on the ground, almost trying to devour her rabbit as she kissed him hungrily. As the orbs of foxfire floated, they cast an unworldly glow on the proceedings while the last of the sunlight faded.

“Wes, make love to me, nice and slow. I want to savor every movement, every thrust," she whispered into his ear.

Wes peeled the fox's red sweatpants off, revealing her wet petals to him, ready for their intimate encounter in the glade. Her tail twitched in anticipation as Rei watched the rabbit take off his own. She bit her finger with a lusty look as she watched his length spring to life, an enticing offering.

Getting down on all fours, the rabbit crawled closer to the fox as she pulled her legs back, her dewy folds pushing forth, invitingly. The rabbit placed his length at her entrance as he leaned down to kiss his goddess.

“I love you so much, Rei," he whispered.

“I love you so much Wes," she gasped as he pressed his weight forward, his hips pressed against her entrance, burying his girth deep inside.

Rei wrapped her legs around his waist, crossing her ankles as she held him inside her, becoming as one with her love as possible. Wes savored the sensation of her warmth enveloping him as he felt her walls pulsing rhythmically, her lust coming forth each time.The fox gripped Wes's back as she felt him stir the lust within her womb. As she closed her eyes, her mouth slacked as her core rode the precipice of climax, not wanting to crest just yet.

As she felt him continue to edge her she felt a slight shift in his rhythm. Pulling his legs together, the rabbit stiffened up and pushed further in, hilting himself against her body. A heavy wave crested over her as her orgasm surged forth from the move, hitting her hard.

“Wes! Wesss! Nngghhhah!" she cried out as she tightened her grip, her nails digging into his flesh. Her walls crushed his steely girth as her body gave in. The only thought given was how much she loved him inside of her body during the height of her pleasure.

As Rei caught her breath, she relaxed her grip, feeling the euphoria settle in. Wes shifted to change positions, but the fox held him steady, refusing to let him budge.

“Stay on top of me. I feel closer to you like this," she begged, her fingers gripping, pleadingly.

Smiling into her eyes, he leaned forward, kissing his lover as he began to pump his length inside of her once more. The rabbit's musk mixed with her scent as the two continued their lovemaking under the otherworldly glow of foxfire. Rei savored every moment, every sensation as she let her lover take her once more.

With all his weight, Wes pressed against Rei and staying put, watched the fox grin as she squeezed her walls around his girth, trying to keep him inside. He could feel his tip pressed against her core as she flexed her soaking pussy around his cock.

Rocking his hips, the rabbit stirred his girth inside Rei, stimulating her cervix. Her jaw slacked as she felt a strong climax build inside her belly. Her tail flipped about as a deep tingling sensation in her extremities as her whole body started to give in to pure bliss. The foxfire seemed to react as it glowed with more intensity, blue flames beginning to drip from the orbs, splashing around them on the ground, seemingly igniting, yet consuming nothing.

“Wes, I love you! Nnggg, I love you so much! Huff, fill me with your love, my rabbit!" she cried out as her orgasm pushed over the edge.

Wes thrust against her hips, hilting himself fully in the fox's womb. He gushed forth his seed as heat bloomed in her core. Rei squeezed her eyes shut as her fingers, toes and her walls clenched. Grimacing as the intensity of her orgasm was almost too much for her, the only sounds she could issue forth were pleading whimpers and gasps as she held onto her lover.

The blue flames on the ground began to ebb as Rei let herself succumb to the euphoria, Wes grunting as the last of his seed filled the fox's belly. Recovering from his own rush, Wes panted, smiling at Rei as she touched his face, illuminated by the azure glow of the foxfire. He leaned in for a kiss under the floating orbs in their private place within the forest.

---

The week had passed quickly, the pair making the most of their time together. They talked about a lot, went out on dates and made love several times a day, time permitting. The clock was ticking and they wanted to spend as much time as possible together before the seemingly inevitable. Soon, Becky came back home, the buck and the fox-goddess meeting her at the airport.

“This is such a lovely place. It reminds me of a log cabin," Rei marveled at the architecture.

“This city is definitely proud of its airport. There's even a movie theater on the main concourse for travelers waiting for their flights," he pointed out.

Among the myriad of travelers, the pair spotted Becky, looking tired, dragging a suitcase behind her. Looking up, she spotted the pair and smiled.

“Beckyyy," Rei ran up to the doe as she cleared security.

“Reeeeiii," Becky caught the fox in her arms. Wes caught up and hugged her before kissing her, the two exchanging loving looks.

“How was your flight?" Wes asked, taking her luggage.

“Ugh, I had some oaf behind me get drunk and belligerent with the flight attendants. I tried to get some sleep, but he wouldn't shut up," she answered, rolling her eyes.

The group followed the crowd to the luggage carousel and stood, waiting for her camera equipment to arrive. They watched the luggage portal with the patient and not so patient passengers when the conveyor belt came to life. As various pieces of luggage came around and some went back, the passengers picked their pieces, inspecting the tags before leaving. Soon, hard cases pushed the curtain aside as it traveled around to the waiting rabbits and fox. Rei and Wes helped carry Becky's things as they headed to the long-term parking lot.

“So what have you been up to since I've been gone? Not like I didn't know," she winked, as they walked to the car.

“Yeah, there was plenty of that," Wes answered, scratching his head in embarrassment while Rei giggled.

“Well, I hope you have some energy for me, still," Becky grinned, set her bags down at her car, shifting her hips.

“You know I'll always have energy for you," he kissed her, their tongues dancing briefly, stopping before anyone noticed.

“Mmmm, you're not lying," the doe purred.

“Uh, there's something we need to talk about, though," Wes said as they entered the vehicle.

In Becky's apartment, the three sat in her living room, hunched over in thought. Rei told Becky the news, the doe still digesting what she was just told.

“Are you sure there's no way around it?" she asked.

“I'm afraid not. If I deny the promotion, my life is forfeit; I will cease to exist. If I had a larger shrine, I could hold out for years, due to the power of the worshippers, but what I have barely qualifies as one," she answered.

“So, what if we made it bigger?"

“If I had time, we could do it. Unfortunately, there aren't a lot of shrine priests in this country and it could take years to train one to take over. Plus, we would need to find land to build on and that could take some time," she answered.

“What about a stop-gap? What if we could get the very basics of one going that would be enough to keep you alive until it's finished?" Becky asked.

“It may work. However, there is no guarantee I won't anger Inari by denying my destiny. Even Yuto would be unable to help me if they are angered," Rei sighed, taking a sip of iced green tea.

“What if you take the promotion, but are tied to the shrine?" Wes asked. Rei's ear perked up. She realized there might be a light at the end of the tunnel.

“It's fairly common in Japan to have higher ranked gods have a shrine dedicated to them. It makes it easier for them to stay on earth for longer periods," she rubbed her chin in thought.

“That way, you'd still be in line for succession and be able to stay on earth," Wes said, excited that there might be a way.

“It would have to be approved. But it's worth a shot!" she said excitedly.

---

The fall chill settled in as clouds shielded the city from sunlight. Despite the colorful foliage, the city and the surrounding countryside were consumed in gray. A brisk wind blew through the streets, forcing the denizens to brace themselves against the cold.

Rei, Becky, and Wes sat at a tea house in the Asian Gardens in the Old City section. The tranquility of the koi swimming lazily in the ponds in front of the diminutive pagoda helped settle the nerves of the two rabbits as they gazed out the windows to ease their minds.

“You should not feel so troubled. My power is great and terrible, but I assure you, you do not incur my wrath," a male voice spoke with an amused, yet confident tone.

The rabbits looked up to see a quite handsome fox dressed in a suit with a luxurious peacoat standing before them. Looking behind them, they noticed his five tails all white with red points. The power he exuded was more than they were expecting and it caught them off guard.

“Yuto-sama, welcome. I am glad you came to meet Becky and Wes," Rei said, standing before bowing.

Wes and Becky stood up hurriedly, bowing in reverence, “yes, thank you for meeting us, Yuto-sama."

“It is my pleasure to meet Rei's lovers," he said, returning the bow.

Sitting down, Rei poured a cup of tea for the fox as the rabbits watched, transfixed, his multiple tails, each moving seemingly with lives of their own, yet still in unison.

“So, I am sure I know what this meeting is about," he said in a friendly tone.

“Yes, we're concerned with losing Rei. I understand she has her duties, but surely there must be some sort of compromise?" Wes asked.

“Sadly, there is not. Her very existence lies upon her ascension. I do not know if you are aware, but she has already put off her promotion. She was eligible for centuries, yet she felt tied to the land. Since she was doing much good for the people in her village, I did not press the issue. However, it is a very different situation now. As it is, her life is dependent upon the shrine that was brought here to the west and its few worshippers," he explained.

“Her life is tied in with the amount of worshippers, correct?" Becky asked.

“As are all of those of divine provenance, myself included. Eventually, unless the family that worships at her shrine flourishes, she may fade from existence," he said, looking at Rei with sorrow.

“What if the shrine was expanded and drew more worshippers? Would she be able to be promoted and stay on earth if a larger shrine would be tied with her?" Becky asked.

“Higher level gods that are able to stay on earth for longer periods are typically tied to shrines that were built up by the people of the village over the course of time. They grew as the shrine grew. It is possible since this is the same shrine Rei has been tied to," he said, thinking it over.

“Then there is a chance!"

“However, she was never intended to stay with the shrine; she was always meant to ascend. The followers fell off over the years as the people vacated the countryside to live and work in the cities. This is also why the cities have the most shrines. Even the gods have attuned themselves, thusly. Raijin-sama and his brother even perform in a rock and roll band, if you can believe it," he said, chuckling.

The rabbits looked forlorn. Rei remained stoic, however, she felt like she was losing a battle. Yuto looked at the group and cleared his throat. “What I am saying is that it is not impossible. It will just be extremely difficult. I do believe with how dedicated to the mortals Rei-sama has become, it would only be fair if I could bring it to Inari's consideration," he said, standing up.

“You mean you'll help us?" Wes asked, hope in his voice.

“What I am saying is I will present your unique case to Inari. I will do what I can. Now, if you would excuse me, I have duties to attend to. I thank you for the tea. It was lovely to meet you," he said, bowing before turning to leave. Outside, the rabbits noticed a feral five-tailed fox run off before disappearing.

The group breathed a collective sigh of relief, hoping for the best. “I hope Yuto-sama can come through for us," Becky said.

“He is very wise and can be persuasive, but he said he's talking with Inari, himself," Rei said.

“That's good right?" Wes asked.

“Yes and no. It is in that it saves us time, but without bringing it first to Inari's assistant, it could mean that he would be bringing up such an important situation on his own, before he is even officially promoted. He is taking a great gamble on my behalf," she said, taking a deep breath.

“Wow, I didn't know that Rei. But I have a question, why is he taking such a gamble for a long shot?" Becky asked.

“Yuto-sama and I were lovers," she said.

“Really?!" the rabbits asked in unison.

“Yes, after Nobu's death, I was inconsolable. Yuto-sama was there for me and kept me from trying to find his spirit in the afterworld. His compassion endeared me to him and for a century, we became lovers. However, when he became a five-tail, we had to end our relationship," she reminisced.

“No wonder he's so supportive of you," Wes commented.

“Soooo, what was it like?" Becky asked, demurely.

“What was what like?" Rei asked. Becky looked around and stuck her finger in her fist, moving it in and out. Rei laughed, getting what the rabbit meant.

“Ooooh! No, it isn't the same as it is on earth. Even though we take on our sexes in our mortal forms, we don't engage in intercourse. Instead, we're just spirit-bonded, so to speak," she clarified.

“I see," Becky answered

Almost a week had passed since the three had met with Yuto. They were quite anxious to see what Inari's decision would be. Even though they didn't discuss it much, it was certainly at the forefront of their minds.

Rei was at Becky's loft, helping her cook dinner while waiting for Wes to arrive after work. Rei was chopping vegetables while Becky prepped the oil for the stir fry. “Ok, do I have any sesame oil?" the rabbit asked herself.

“I think I saw some in the pantry," Rei turned her head to answer before continuing chopping an onion.

Becky rooted through the walk-in pantry, “oh yes, here it is!"

The girls were content as they sang to the radio playing. “I'm running on sunshine! Whoa, and yeah it feels good!" they sang in unison.

“Rei-sama," a voice echoed in the fox's head.

“Yuto-sama?" Rei asked aloud, drawing Becky's attention.

After a moment of silence, Rei answered back, “yes, we can meet up later."

Becky looked inquisitively at the fox, “was that Yuto?"

“Indeed, Inari has made a decision. He's coming over to let us know what they said, in person," she said, taking a deep breath, settling her nerves.

“Rei, I have a feeling Inari will come through for us," she consoled the fox, placing her hand on her shoulder, giving her a kiss.

Soon, Wes had come home from work. While eating dinner, they informed him about Yuto's visit. Later that evening, a knock came from the front door. The three looked towards it, Becky getting up to answer. Looking through the peephole, she saw Yuto standing on the other side waiting to come in. The rabbit opened the door and welcomed her guest.

“Good evening Yuto-sama, welcome," she bowed as she let him in.

“Oh, what a lovely place," he looked around, admiring the apartment.

“Yuto-sama, can I offer you a drink?" Rei stood up bowing with Wes following suit.

“Please, if I could trouble you for some sake. It is evening and there is much to discuss. I would like for everyone to be relaxed as we discuss things," he said.

The mood lightened. They realized that the outcome might be promising. Becky gathered a bottle of sake and cups as they sat on the floor around the coffee table in the living room. Becky served Yuto first, then Rei, Wes and finally herself. They raised the cups in a toast.

“Kampai!" they announced, the rabbits learning from Rei, the proper Japanese toast. Becky refilled the cups before the discussion was started.

“First, I would like to thank you for hosting me this evening on such short notice," Yuto began.

“Can I offer you some stirfry, Yuto-sama? It will only take a moment to reheat," Becky said.

“Thank you, but this won't take too long," he responded before clearing his throat.

“I had a discussion with Inari about the current situation," he began. The three waited for the result.

“Inari wasn't quite convinced that you two needed Rei-sama and that her promotion should go on as planned," he stated. The three felt their world ending. Rei's ears folded back as she bit her lip, holding back tears while the rabbits looked to each other in worry.

“That is what she had said before I plead your case," Yuto took a sip of sake as Rei looked to him in hope.

“To establish a shrine for a goddess of your rank, you will need to find land to build upon. The good news is, you can move the shrine from the restaurant to the new location. You will need to build some kind of housing for it, but something should at least get you started," he instructed.

“The next thing, and this will prove most difficult, is getting a priest. Priesthoods are typically inherited and most serve their family's shrines. You may luck out and find one that is willing to strike out on their own. However, chances are, you may need to persuade one," he said, taking another sip of sake.

“I can imagine that will be pretty difficult. I mean, trying to convince someone to leave their family's shrine to start a new one in America with a pair of rabbits that have no idea of what they are doing…" Wes lamented.

“There are shrines to the kami outside of Japan. In fact, there is one in Hawaii, so it is not unheard of. The difficulty is in getting a priest to establish the shrine in time. This is Inari's caveat: you must have the basic foundation of the shrine established before New Year's Day. Otherwise, Rei will be promoted and you will have no memory of her," he reminded them of the grim reality.

“But it can be done," Becky said, looking at the glimmer of hope.

“Yes," Yuto affirmed.

The group sat in thought. Time was of the essence and they tried to formulate a plan. Becky stood up and looked at Rei.

“Rei, we're going to Japan," she said firmly.

“Wes, start looking for suitable land for us to build a shrine," Becky instructed, Wes nodding in agreement.

“Becky, I cannot go back…" Rei interrupted. Becky looked at the fox with curiosity, not understanding why.

“She is correct. Rei-sama is bound to the limits of her shrine. If she attempted to leave, it would not bode well," Yuto added.

“I'm so sorry Becky, I feel like a burden," Rei sighed. The rabbit frowned as she went to the fox. She put her forehead to hers and looked into her crimson eyes.

“Rei, you are not a burden. You will never be one. Please, don't ever think that," she said, softly, comforting the fox.

“What if you took the shrine with you?" Wes asked.

“There is a simple ceremony that can be done to bind her to a more portable object. However, we need someone who can perform the ritual," Yuto offered.

“Do we know anyone?" Becky looked at Wes and Rei, who sat in thought.

“There was a young Shiba Inu years ago that was descended from a family of shrine-keepers. I remember seeing her visit a festival with her family and she had some latent powers. The ceremony is simple enough to do that she wouldn't have to have training," she pondered.

“Hopefully she still lives in the area," Wes said, sipping his sake.

“I still feel her aura and I have an idea of where she is; but she would be living in the outer metro area, near the very limits of my shrine. I would be pushing it, but it might be worth it," Rei said.

“There you have it. I wish you all well on your endeavor," Yuto said, raising his cup with the others before taking a final drink.

---

Becky drove through traffic to the suburban area outside of town. Relying on Rei's intuition to guide her, they drove farther away from the city. Soon, Rei doubled over, crying out in pain. While her suffering increased with every measure of distance from her shrine, the goddess felt herself weaken.

“Are you ok?" Wes asked, worried, as she laid across the backseat.

“I'll be fine, just keep heading in this direction and I'll tell you where to turn," she said, weakly.

“Rei, if we have to find another way, we will. You don't have to put yourself in danger," Wes chimed in urgently as he looked at her with worry.

“Two blocks away, make a left and stop about halfway down the block."

Becky did as she was told and followed Rei's directions. The car made its way slowly down a tree-lined street, parking in front of a nice house. The three sat in the car, wondering what to do next. They weren't sure how to approach the stranger in her own home, if she was even home.

“So, what should we do?" Becky asked. Rei slowly sat up, her head hanging forward with her white hair over her face. She looked pale and was panting, looking at the rabbits with agony.

“Help me to the door. I'll help explain things," she struggled to talk.

“Rei, we need to get you back home, you're getting weaker!" Becky urged.

“No, I can't! We don't have time, we need her help," she said before doubling over and coughing.

The rabbits helped her to her feet and supported her as they walked to the front door.Becky rang the bell as Wes held up Rei. After a moment, an attractive Shiba Inu in her forties looked through the glass to see who was there. Seeing no threat, she answered the door.

“Hello? Can I help you?" she asked, folding her arms as she looked upon the unusual scene.

“I know this is going to sound weird, but our friend needs your help," Becky started.

“It looks like she needs a doctor," she said, looking at Rei with concern.

“A doctor can't help her, but you might be able to," the rabbit continued.

“Me? How? Is this some sort of joke?" she asked incredulously.

“Not at all. Our friend Rei is a goddess and she needs to be bound to some sort of amulet. She's attached to a shrine and we need to bring her to Japan, but we can't do that unless she's released from the shrine," she urgently explained.

“A goddess? Really?" she raised an eyebrow, smirking in disbelief.

“Yes, she's supposed to be promoted to a four-tail, but will have to leave the mortal world, unless we dedicate a shrine to her. We have to take her to Japan so she can help me bring a relic and a priest back," Becky answered.

“I think you've been taking too many edibles and knocked on a random door," the Shiba Inu said, raising an eyebrow in disbelief.

Rei used all her energy to stand on her own, ignoring the rabbits' pleas. She held out her hand and with every ounce of strength, produced a globe of foxfire. She gripped her arm in support before collapsing, Becky catching her just in time.

“I'm not making this up! I need to get her back before we lose her," she urged.

“Ok, but I'm not sure what you want me to do. I'm not a trained priestess," she said, taking the situation seriously.

“We just need to get her to her shrine, she'll tell you what to do," Becky shouted as she ushered Rei back to her car.

The Shiba Inu followed the rabbits in her own car back to the city. They pulled up to the restaurant, Rei still feeling weak, but better. The Shiba Inu looked around the restaurant, part of her still wondering if it was some kind of joke until she saw the small shrine in the back with a bob tail praying at it. Rei, despite her weakened state, granted the wish and the Shiba Inu saw the shadow of a kitsune run past her with a scroll in its mouth.

“Holy shit, a kitsune," she said in hushed tones.

Rei doubled over, with the rabbits holding her up. The patrons looked to her in concern, hoping it wasn't a case of food poisoning.

“She's ok, everyone. She just overdid it earlier on a hike," Wes reassured everyone as they saw her being helped into a chair as an Akita brought her water.

Taking a sip of water, Rei addressed the Shiba Inu, “I apologize for not properly introducing myself. My name is Rei. These are my friends, Wes and Becky."

“I'm Hana, nice to meet you. So what's going on? What would you like me to do?" she said, bowing her head.

“I need to be transferred from that shrine there into an amulet so I can travel with Becky to Japan," she said as her strength returned. Rei told Hana her story, including the fact that they were her lovers. The rabbits looked embarrassed as they heard their situation being told to someone they had just met.

“It's quite alright. My daughter is in a similar situation. I'm a little jealous if I was to be honest," she chuckled, easing their concerns.

“Rei-sama, I'm afraid I know very little about sacred rituals. I was shown some prayers when I was ten, as well as the kagura dance, but that's all," she demurred.

“It's simple, all you have to do is concentrate and invite me to enshrine a new object," Rei said as Becky produced a small fox figurine. She handed it to Hana who looked over the white porcelain fox.

“I'll give it a shot," she said, holding up the object and closing her eyes. Tuning out the world, she could feel a power flowing through her. She could tell it was time to act.

“Rei-sama, I invite you to inhabit this object as your new shrine," she said, her voice sounding with an unearthly resonance. Soon, the Shiba Inu opened her eyes and looked around, “did it work?"

“There's only one way to find out," Becky said. The group drove back to Hana's house. To everyone's relief, Rei felt no ill effects as they journeyed.

“Thank you so much, Hana. You have no idea what you did meant to us," Becky smiled, hugging the dog.

“No worries, I'm glad to help. Listen, I may be able to help you in finding a priest," she said as they parted. They looked at Hana as she continued.

“My family does come from a long line of shrine keepers. I have a cousin with twin girls that just finished training, they may be able to help you," she said, folding her arms as she leaned against the wall of her house.

---

A week went by and the temperature began dipping. Cold winds began carrying away leaves from trees, leaving them bare for the coming winter. Skies became overcast as the famous Pacific Northwest dreariness set in. Still, despite the gloomy weather, there was hope in store for the fox-goddess and her two rabbits.

“Uh, yeah, go ahead and put that in the corner for now. I'll deal with it later," Becky instructed Wes as he brought a box of belongings into the living room.

After meeting with Hana, Wes and Becky discussed their plans to buy a house with Rei. Realizing the reality of this plan was now unlikely, the plan was altered to Wes and Rei moving into Becky's apartment while they get the shrine established. Eventually, they would build a house on the property so they could begin their new lives as caretakers. The news moved Rei to no end and happily agreed to the plan.

“Where can I put this?" Rei asked as she carried another box into the apartment.

“Oh, are those clothes? They can go upstairs," she answered while she helped Wes stack the box on top of another.

Becky's phone began ringing. She went into the kitchen and picked it up off the counter. “It's Hana," she announced.

“Hi Hana! How are you?" she asked. The conversation seemed one-sided, but one could grasp the direction.

“That's good… yeah, we're doing fine, Wes is finally moving in… ha, ha, ha, yeah, well, you obviously know how that goes…" Becky laughed nervously as her face flushed.

“Ok… ok… That makes sense… Can do… Definitely, I'll get back in touch once the plans are made… you too, bye!" she sang as she hung up.

“Hana can help us, one of the twins wants to come to America and help us out. The only thing is, we can't get her right away because of Immigrations, but she can get a tourist visa to get the shrine established and at least keep Rei with us!" Becky announced, excitedly.

Rei stood, her hands over her mouth in disbelief. Her tail started wagging rapidly as she stood in shock that she may very well be able to stay with her beloved rabbits. She started laughing as Becky ran over to embrace her.

“I can't believe this is happening. I really should thank Hana for her help, she went above and beyond for someone she didn't know," Rei gasped.

“Rei, I didn't know you when I met you and you were with Wes. Obviously, you proved your divinity, but even aside from that, you're special. There's something about you that brings the best out of people and I think Hana feels it too," Becky said, looking into her eyes.

“Thank you, I owe you so much for this. I owe Hana as well," Rei smiled through tears of happiness. Holding Rei close, Becky told her fox, “we do as well. For now, though, we need to plan our trip abroad." Stroking her ears, she whispered, “Rei, you're going home."