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Comforting warmth finds me on each side of myself, keeping the cold of the night far away. Giving me a place to lie and let my weary, travel worn bones rest in peace and care. My arms hold the contented warmth, the pair of them settling into the shelter offered. My eyes open to see the swaying branches of the mighty oak, my back resting against the venerable trunk of the tree upon the hill.

A flickering thought that this is a dream comes and goes from my mind. It doesn't matter if it is. I close my eyes and urge the pair that rest with me just a little closer, not wishing to know the truth right now.

A faint hum starts at my shield arm side, tune quiet and keenly familiar. Curiosity rises in me, making me want to know who exactly this is, but one of them starts to softly stroke the back of my head, lovingly soothing, urging me to stay put. I decide not to move after all, and instead enjoy the peace of this fleeting dream and the muddled sunshine seeping between the oak's leaves. I and my unknown companions are happy to let the mild summer warmth lull us into a sleepy daze.

Or so I think, until a furred hand lays atop my chest. And another joins it closeby, the pair whispering something sensuous. Something that doesn't need words. I reach under their clothes, as they do mine, and feel their...

My eyes snap open, the chill in the air worlds apart from the pleasing dream that lingers in my limbs, and from the uncomfortable tightness of my clothes at my loins, elsewhere as well. Dawn's light leaks into the hut, and a pit sinks into my gut as strength slowly fills my worn out body. I'm not used to getting this much sleep.

Was it all a dream, born from my hopeless yearning? Or did I have uninvited, and certainly unwelcome, visitors in the night? I doubt it would be Hibiki, but Akemi had too much interest in me, and I wouldn't put it past Hibiki to join in just to cause problems.

I struggle to sit up, expecting to disturb the reasons for my calm, pleasant night.

Sitting up, I drag my arms off of my chest, and out of the furs I had pulled over myself. The ground on either side of me is cold, the coals from last night's fire having long since gone dark. Confusion drags my gaze around the dark, shadowy hut, the solitude entirely unexpected. Rubbing the last of the lingering sleep from my eyes, I get up on my knees and try to make sense of everything.

That felt too real to be a simple dream, and the eager stiffness in my groin agrees. Yet here I am, alone and looking around a chilly hut. I don't fully trust it, even as I get up and get a fire going to fight off the cold and give me some more light, as what little light slips past the crude door isn't enough for what I plan, and I'm not about to let a breeze in if I can help it. Shaving some tinder off with my knife, I strike flint on steel and easily get an ember going. I blow on the tiny, glowing coals, then succeed in using them to coax a steady flame out of the sticks I had prepared. Once the fire is strong enough, I lay a piece of split wood on top, a nice chunk that will burn for a while on its own.

Retrieving my belt, I take off a pouch and sit down, the carved bones within clacking softly through the leather.

My side to the fire and a clear space before me, I pull out my runes. I hold them tenderly in my cupped hands, and whisper a question. "-Did any foxes intrude last night?-"

I throw the runes and watch as they bounce and twist. For a moment I'm worried they won't stop after how violently they've acted, or maybe even throw themselves into the nearby fire. To my distress, they jump and flip about from a power greater than my weak toss. Yet I fear too quickly. The runes settle one by one, until the last spins in place for a few moments before dropping sharply. My mouth starts to dry out as I read the spread. My brows furrow, and I read it again. Finally, for a third time, I read what is before me, muttering under my breath as if that might make it less unnerving.

"-A night of peace, a night of strife.-"

I scoop up the runes, half-readying myself to ask another question, but first I ponder the reading I got. Is it answering my question by saying I rested soundly, but tonight misfortune and misery will find me? Or does it mean to warn that there are kitsune that will make a move on me tonight? Are the runes telling me something else entirely, caring about only part of my question? Perhaps I read the runes wrong altogether. I don't believe I did, but I'm not the one-eyed god. I didn't sacrifice half the light of the world for the truth behind the mysteries of the runes, I merely learned what my father and his father taught me.

Worse, could it be that the runes are being manipulated by the magic on this mountain, intentionally or not? They've been mostly reliable so far. Especially when it comes to these kitsune. But how reactive they've been is worrisome.

I chew my tongue for a moment, contemplating my questions and concerns. Eventually, I decide it will do nothing good to sit around and think on this, so I decide to trust the reading to mean I had no visitors. I raise my rune filled hands, a new question taking shape in my throat.

A soft rattle of knuckles on wood stops me cold, my hands snapping down to softly let the runes down onto the ground before lunging towards my dagger near the fire. My heart beats like a drum in my head as my gaze snaps toward the door, the one entrance and exit in the hut.

"Egil?" a voice outside asks, familiar enough it shakes me free from the violent panic that just tried to grip me. "Egil," the voice that I slowly recognize as Yuuko says again. "Pardon my intrusion, but are you awake?"

"I am," I say through a clenching throat. "But a moment, please."

"Of course. Please, take your time," she answers with the utmost polite sincerity.

So much for my day being peaceful, I think to myself as I gather up my runes and start stuffing them back into their pouch. I nearly lost myself over someone knocking gently on a piece of wood. The rush in my head is fading swiftly, but there's a tension in my back that I suspect will linger with me for quite a while.

I hurriedly put my belt on, tie my rune pouch back on, and make sure my two blades sit comfortably. After that I slip on my boots, stand up in a hunched position to avoid hitting my head on the rafters, and make my way to the crude door, my mild panic mostly gone. I pick up the door and move it aside, the light outside making my eyes squint as I look out. Yuuko stands two steps back from the entrance, her hands in her sleeves and neatly folded in front of her.

"Good morning, Egil," she says, bowing respectfully.

"Good morning to you as well," I nod, stepping out into the dawn light. Wishing to get to the point of this visit, I ask, "Is there a problem?"

"Thankfully not," Yuuko says, her laugh more polite than mirthful. "I saw smoke curling from your hut and thought I'd offer you the chance to eat with us if you were awake. Or, if you would prefer, we can bring you your meal."

By habit, I want to take her last offer. I almost do, except it was offered too quickly for me to be comfortable with the idea. A meal would be brought to me, but there was nothing said about me eating alone. Even if Yuuko doesn't seem interested in me, Akemi certainly was last night. And there's still more sisters I've yet to be properly introduced to, some of which are sure to have been among those watching me intently over the winter.

I offer a polite nod and say, "I'll join everyone, and save your busy sisters the trouble."

Yuuko bows slightly. "Forgive me for being so forthright, but it is not impolite to eat on your own if you would wish to."

"Since you came to check on me, I might as well save everyone a trip and join the rest of you."

"Hotaru will be coming this way before she starts checking her traps. She'd be able to bring you a meal, if you wish to keep your privacy."

I shake my head, trying to make it clear I'm not feeling pushed into this. I hate this polite talk sometimes. "I'm certain."

"As you say, then. But, might I say something that is most certainly too forthright?"

I give her permission with a nod.

She bows, the angle shallow and almost grateful. "I know my sisters well, Egil. They know how important our work is here." She stands straight, and a polite smile settles onto her face. "None of them would dare interrupt any of it, so please, be at ease."

It's not the work that has me concerned. But I keep that to myself. "Then I'll trust they won't disappoint you or your eldest sister."

"Let us hope they do not displease Rin, or Saki for that matter," she says.

The smile she maintains just makes me miss Rin, but I don't have to look at it for long. With a gesture from her, we head off toward the hut we ate at last night. Yuuko keeps the same pace as me and stands far enough away I'd see it if she tried to touch me with her tails. That must be a deliberate consideration on her part, but even if it isn't, I appreciate it.

My thoughts are muddled enough about her eldest sisters. I don't need more reminders, or complications.

We make it to the hut soon enough. Yuuko opens the door with a wave of her tail, the crude boards sliding aside. She motions for me to enter first, so with carefully hidden reluctance, I do. Putting my back to her isn't what worries me, it's being the first to face whoever is in there.

Three kitsune are around the hearth. Akemi's blue eyes snap to me, Hotaru looks up for a moment, then stares back at the pot she's tending, and Miki sits with her back to the door with only her ears twisting to acknowledge my entrance. Akemi mutters something under her breath, no doubt about me, and Miki's tails fidget. I walk in two steps before glancing back to make sure Yuuko is following me. This will be more bearable if one of the kitsune who seems more interested in treating me as a guest than anything else is nearby.

She enters, gracefully ducking through the threshold, and waves a tail behind her once she's standing upright. The door slides back on its own with a thunk. An interesting magical trick, for sure, but the sound of it shutting instantly changes the demeanor of her sisters.

All three of them sit a little more properly as Yuuko circles around the fire. She sits beside Akemi, leaving an open spot beside her that would have me next to Yuuko and Hotaru. The message is clear, so I join them, sitting on my knees out of courteous habit instead of comfort.

Akemi looks like she's about to say something once I'm seated, but she's cut off by Yuuko. "Miki," she says to the two-tail focused on the coals and not anyone around her, "how are our sick sisters doing?"

Looking up, and trying her best not to even seem like she might so much as accidentally glance wrong in my direction, she sheepishly says, "Improving. None of them have illness in their lungs, so if we keep them resting, they should be well soon."

"I'm glad to hear they didn't worsen overnight," Yuuko says, passing a bowl to me. "If Miyu is okay with watching our unfortunate sisters by herself, would you assist me with the preparations today, Miki?"

"O-of course," Miki replies, dipping her head. "I will ask her after the meal."

"Thank you, little sister."

Suspecting that the three-tail Akemi wants to say something, and not trusting whatever it is, I ask a question that's been in the back of my thoughts before she can speak. "What happened with your sick sisters? I heard they fell into the river, but was that enough for them to all fall ill?"

"Tomomi fell in when the railing on the bridge broke," Yuuko explains. "Natsuki, who was nearby, tried to pull her out, but somehow ended up in the river as well. Kumiko fell in when she tried to help, but quite fortunately," she stresses that word, "Hibiki didn't end up in the icy water along with theml. She hauled them out. Yet it was a windy day."

I get the feeling Yuuko suspects Hibiki of causing it, or at least making it worse.

Miki, to my surprise, adds, "Icy winds cut right to their bones with their clothes and fur drenched. It's a good thing, sister, that there were fires going to warm them by, or it would have gotten worse."

"We can thank Hotaru for how quickly our sisters dried off," Yuuko says.

Hotaru, the five-tail, doesn't say anything. She seems too embarrassed, or focused on the cooking, to dare speak up.

"It's good to know it's not serious," I say. "Icy waters are a danger I'm all too familiar with."

That got most of the kitsune's attention. "Oh?" Yuuko says before any of the others, an opportunity I gladly take.

"I believe I mentioned I'm from a cold land," I say. "The winters are so harsh there, I've been pleasantly surprised with how mild it is here."

Akemi opens her mouth, but is cut off by a bowl being handed to her from Yuuko. At that moment, Hotaru speaks. "Egil," she says, "I apologize for interrupting, but might I ask you something?"

I glance at the five-tail, my gaze drawn to the white markings on her face that remind me of the path tears might take. She doesn't seem all that suspicious, but even if she was, I'd still answer the same. "Of course. And please, there's no need for everyone to be so polite."

"Will you need help with the roof of the building?" she asks.

A simple, straightforward question, and not at all what I expected. I honestly thought she'd ask me about my past or travels. I'm on guard because of it, but hopeful that she's more like Yuuko than Miki before she was corrected. "I believe I can manage it on my own."

"If you need assistance, I'm a fair climber and have good balance," Hotaru says. "Should you need the help, I can assist you with any of the work on framing the roof."

"I will keep that in mind," I say carefully. "I'm more familiar with building single season shelters, but Yuuko explained how she wants the structure built so well, even I understand what to do. Putting it together shouldn't be too much for me."

"And sister," Yuuko says, joining in, "I do need you patrolling the area until Kumiko is well again. I'd feel much safer if your sharp eyes were on lookout than focused on building."

"I only offer to try and help," Hotaru says, a sharp tinge of apology and embarrassment in her voice. "The roof beams will be quite difficult to put up alone."

Yuuko's polite, Rin-like smile returns. She looks to me and asks, "Will it be a problem? I apologize if it is, Egil. I am afraid I am not that familiar with matters of carpentry outside of planning."

I shrug. "I can do it, even the joinery you showed me. It's simple enough. I just need to make sure everything is properly carved and fits together before I start putting the roof's frame together. For the frame itself, I may need to put a temporary structure in place, but I only need a few tall, young trees for that." There's also bound to be adjustments I'll need to make before and after that, but there always are in woodworking.

"If you need assistance," Yuuko says, "then let me know. I will figure something out with whoever is free at the time."

I nod, and without much warning the food is suddenly being served. I have to wonder, with the look of mild frustration on Akemi's face, if Hotaru and Yuuko planned that just to frustrate her. The blue-eyed three-tail dutifully holds her bowl out while she's served, and the hut lapses into silence as we all focus on eating. It's a rice porridge this time, flavored with some mushrooms that were probably dried and stored away last autumn.

Even with all the kitsune here, this was a village with a lot of mouths to feed. There's bound to be plenty of food stockpiled.

The grim reminder of what happened to the people that once called this hut home sours any enjoyment I may have gotten from the meal. I simply eat to survive, my mind drifting between the work to be done and memories of the devastation caused by man-eaters. Or in the case of the village, the wicked choices made by one of their own.

I'm served a second helping, so I eat that without a thought for what passes my tongue. Yuuko speaks with Miki about herbs during the meal, the discussion clearly a continuation of something they spoke about in private as it makes no sense to me. Still, the sound of talking helps the meal pass quicker, and aids in taking my mind away from dark paths.

Once my bowl is empty a second time, I set it down, drink some warmed water, and think about how to politely leave. Any excuse about getting to work would be enough. It's only a matter of how to say it.

I set my empty cup down, and Akemi pounces on her chance to finally speak. "Egil," she says, "I should be able to help you, if you need it."

I stare at her, suspicious of her motives. I think everyone at the hearth is, but only Yuuko speaks up.

"Sister," she says, "aren't you busy mending the baskets we'll need for spring?"

"We won't be able to work the fields for a couple more weeks, at the earliest," Akemi insists. "Besides, I already finished with two thirds. I'll have the rest done, and the hoes repaired, well before we can start working the soil and repairing the fields."

All of Yuuko's tails wave back and forth as she stares at her younger sister, clearly considering her options, and presumably weighing them against her responsibilities.

Akemi takes that as her chance to push for what she wants. "Two sets of hands makes building a lot faster, even if they're inexperienced like me. That's what Setsuko always says, isn't it?"

"She does. However," Yuuko looks to me, "I am not the one doing the work, am I?"

It's fair to leave it up to me, I suppose. "I'll start on the work, and see how it goes. If I need help, then I can always ask for it."

"It would go swifter with aid," Yuuko says reluctantly, not sounding all that convinced. I suspect she's speaking as she should, considerate of her responsibilities, not how she wishes to.

"Don't you have to dig holes for the posts first?" Akemi asks, jumping back into the talk. "It would go twice as fast with help."

"That's true for the first steps," I point out, "but not necessarily for building. I have to hew a few pieces of lumber very carefully, something that requires skill. As for the rest, I'd rather not have open holes waiting to be filled up with snow or ice until I'm ready to put the posts in."

Her three tails swishing, Akemi shakes her head. "It will be clear skies for days."

"On that, she is right," Yuuko says, voice at the edge of a sigh.

I don't know if I trust that prediction, even coming from Yuuko who I find mostly trustworthy. The strange turns of weather I have seen in my life make it hard to believe that even the gods can know whether a storm will rage or winds howl, but perhaps the kitsune have the means to know. They have claimed a mountain as their own, after all, and perhaps that makes a difference.

"Egil," Yuuko says softly, looking patiently towards me, "you were gracious enough to accept my request to help. I cannot ask you to work with anyone else if you think they may slow you down."

Akemi's tails writhe at the implication she'd be a burden, but she keeps her objections to herself. She stares hopefully at me instead. After all, Yuuko is asking if I would accept the extra help.

If it weren't for something important to the family, I'd say no without a moment's hesitation. Instead, I consider what this project is about. I have weighty doubts about whether a man-eater can ever be purified, but that is not my place to decide. Yuuko will take care of that. I only have to worry about getting this project done and hoping that, when I return to the home farther up the mountain, that Saki and Rin are at a better place with one another. Short of my work actually being slowed, nothing will get in my way of returning.

With a sigh, I say, "I suppose I can't turn down help, since it should make the simple labor go faster."

Miki seems to shrink, while Akemi fights to restrain her grin. Yuuko, however, tempers her sister's excitement with a sharp look. "Do not make me regret this, little sister," Yuuko warns.

"I don't know what you could regret," Akemi replies.

Sighing again, and trying to hide it by standing up, I shake my head. "I apologize for my manners, but all this talk of work has me ready to get started."

Akemi starts to stand. "I'll-"

"You've so much free time, little sister," Yuuko interrupts, voice cold enough to freeze Akemi in a half standing position, "you can take Hibiki her food first."

"O-of course," Akemi replies, kneeling back down and bowing slightly.

"Be sure to bring a sturdy hoe," I say to the three-tail, before nodding to the rest of the kitsune.

Yuuko and Hotaru nod back, and after a moment Miki sheepishly does as well. I feel bad for how uncomfortable the two-tail is around me, but that's a problem I'm not sure I can or should fix. With that, I turn and leave, moving the door aside and stepping out into a deceptively gentle wind and the warm sun.

---

I take a needlessly long path back to the cleared building site, using the chance to stretch my legs. I feel lighter of limb and swifter of foot than I should, even after breaking into a respectable trot just shy of running. My strength is returning far faster than it should. I'm not displeased considering all the work I have to do, and with the eventual battle against the oni, but I find my health strange. Is it some quirk of the mountain air or the food I've been eating?

Finishing my long, winding path quicker than I thought I would, I push aside questions I can't get answers to. I'm in better health. That's all that matters.

I go and get all the tools I'll need. Setting them outside, and not seeing any kitsune coming to assist me, I go to where the lumber is stored. Hefting one of the logs meant to be a corner support, and the largest of the bunch, I decide to haul it over. I may as well have on hand a reminder for the size of holes I need to dig. Once I find the balanced center of the log, it's easy enough to bring onto my shoulder and carry it the short distance back.

Unlike my little run before, I feel the strain in my limbs as I move, but it's a good sensation. Even if my knees are annoyed with me for sitting politely this morning. The kitsune may have insisted it's okay for me to sit how I wish, but when they all sit like that it's hard not to think I should do the same.

Once I'm back at the clearing, I see Akemi approaching in the distance, a metal tipped hoe on one shoulder and crude wooden spade on the other. I carefully set down the lumber I brought, keeping it far from the stakes in the ground, and start stretching my shoulders.

Akemi arrives by the time I've got my back as loose as it will get. She rests her tools on the ground and bows respectfully at me. Her three tails swish with anticipation, but she remains silent. I notice her plain, gray dress is hiked up to her knees, her fox legs bestial with their paws and extra bend from their raised ankle, like the back legs of a true fox. I want to think that her state of dress is because she knows how dirty digging gets, but with how insistent she was about helping me, I have healthy doubts about her intentions being entirely pure.

"We're going to be working, there's no need to be so polite," I say, walking toward the tools I left out. "Honestly, none of you kitsune need to be so formal."

"As you say, Egil. I'll follow your lead."

Trying not to sigh at what else that could mean, I take my sword off my belt and prop it against a hut, not wanting to have it get in the way while I dig. I grab a spade for myself and turn toward the stakes.

"Start digging either of those two," I say, pointing to the stakes opposite the pair near me.

She nods enthusiastically and gets to it. I notice, with a touch of annoyance, that she tries to put a little sway into her steps.

I hide my annoyance by stabbing my spade into the soil, the cold, muddy ground splitting. Jabbing at the ground a few more times, I get a feel for how difficult this will be. Not terribly. There are no stones yet, and the mud isn't as bad as I feared. But most of my morning is going to be spent digging holes. I get started with the hoe, for an easier time on the shallow work.

Putting my back into it, I start carving up the dirt and scooping it aside, trying to keep a manageable pile.

Once the hole is deep enough I can only reasonably use the spade, Akemi speaks up.

"Egil," she begins, my eyes darting toward her to see if there is a problem. She's gotten about as deep as I have, and already bits of light mud and dirt have gotten on her dark brown paws. She meets my glance with an overly friendly smile, and continues speaking, "I have wondered something."

Tempted to act unapproachable and demand we only focus on work, I decide against it. I might be able to get some insight about the kitsune family out of Akemi, if not make the time pass a little faster. "And that is?"

"You have been staying with us for quite a few weeks," she says. "I hope our hospitality hasn't been lacking."

"I've been treated quite well as a guest," I say, stomping my spade in deeper. The hole is still dry, which is a good sign. Last thing I want is to hit water and deal with all the trouble that will bring. I'd need to ask Yuuko if we can move it to a higher spot.

"I cannot help but notice you've kept to yourself a lot," Akemi says, a pout in her words but not on her face. "My sisters have not been making you uncomfortable, have they?"

There's no polite, or safe, answer to that. So I decide to turn it back on her instead. "What makes you think they may have been?"

"Oh, come now," she stops digging for a moment and leans on her spade. "We all saw how eldest sister's mood changed, Saki's as well. Miki's too, I suppose." One of her ears flicks. "And now you're down here, helping dig holes instead of resting in luxury on the mountain as an honored guest."

She must be implying Rin, or Saki, is upset with me, or that I'm back to trying to avoid the master of the mountain. "I've rested for so long, I've become restless. Besides, now is the perfect chance for me to start baiting that oni by coming up and down the mountain periodically."

"So I've heard," Akemi says, sounding unconvinced.

I glance at her, then the hole she isn't digging. The three-tail's ears twist and lower in admonishment, but her getting back to work doesn't mean things stay quiet. "What I mean," she begins, at least using her spade again, "is that it seems there is something troubling you about my sisters. If there is, I can help."

"If you're concerned, then know I'm not trying to escape any problems."

"I see," she says, trying to smile at me, but I don't want to acknowledge it. I pretend I'm too busy with the labor to have noticed.

For a few peaceful moments she doesn't say anything, but I know it won't last. Not with how she keeps glancing at me or how her tails swirl and twist with anxious, restrained curiosity. "I must ask," she says, attempting to sound more dignified and not quite managing, "is it a matter about Miki, by chance? Thanks to Hibiki, it is no secret what she did when you first arrived in our home."

"No," I flatly answer, trying to kill any further questions.

But I do wonder if Hibiki included the part where Saki had to pull the drunk two-tail off of me, or how awkward it was for the eight-tail and I because of my state of complete undress and healthy arousal from the type of ambush it was. Somehow, I doubt those details made it to the six-tail. Even if they did, I have a suspicion she would not dare spread anything that might make Saki uncomfortable.

Akemi ponders my stark reply for some time. She's quiet for so long that I get the first hole finished. Or close enough for now, as I can stick my entire spade down and just barely touch the bottom. Not as deep as it should be for a lasting structure, but good enough for a temporary shelter.

I move to the second spot and begin breaking the ground up. As I do, I notice Akemi finishing the first part of her task, as well as how unconcerned she is with the dirt and mud clinging to her fur and clothes. I take a quick glance at myself and see I'm cleaner than her, somehow, despite me doing as much or more work. There's only a few streaks of dirt and mud on the hem of my clothes, near my boots and hands.

She moves on to start the last of the holes we'll need, but before she begins she leans on her hoe. "Egil," she says quietly, and with a surprising amount of seriousness, "you do not have to tell me about what's disturbed you this winter, but I truly must know something. Did Hibiki..." she holds her breath, as if searching for the right word. "Did she act untoward, as a host or otherwise, on the trip down?"

I stop digging, and lean on my spade. This is something I am willing to talk about, since I want to know more about the situation. "She certainly has her own pace," I say, letting my amusement leak into my voice.

Akemi's ears flick. "She certainly does. But what of my question?"

"She saved any trouble for Miki, I believe," I answer, mostly telling the truth. I'm certain Hibiki had wanted me to snap at her or get offended, but she was too obvious about it.

"I see," Akemi says. "Well, if you did not know already, Hibiki enjoys conflict and strife. Too much, if you were to ask me. Take care around her, especially with Rin protecting you."

That brushes against my curiosity enough that I decide to prolong this break from working. "What do you mean?" I ask, keeping my expression dull and words calm.

The three-tail tries to smile disarmingly, but it does nothing to me. "Oh, well, surely you've figured out that Rin has been keeping close to you so some of my sisters don't try," her eyes narrow a little, "anything you might find unwelcome."

"That I knew. But why should I take care?"

"Oh," she says, blue eyes widening. "Oh, you meant..." she closes her mouth, indecision crossing her face.

Do I risk prodding her into speaking? I think she'd tell me, but I know from experience it can be safest to say as little as possible when getting information out of someone. You want them to talk and feel in control of the conversation.

"I suppose," Akemi begins, "it is in your interest to know that Hibiki and Rin don't get along, but eldest sister is too proud to admit it. And Hibiki will, well, she's the last person you would want to ask about it."

"Hibiki has seemed disrespectful towards everyone."

"She almost revels in being rude, except towards Saki. But when it comes to Rin, it's something else. Hibiki is always trying to slight her, and will even belittle eldest sister in front of guests. But I just don't understand why."

So I'm probably right, Hibiki does have something like respect for Saki. "Has she always been like that towards Rin?"

"For as long as I have been alive, at least," Akemi says. "I've never seen them get along, and Shizuka told me it's been that way since Hibiki was very young. I suppose that's why Saki helped more with raising her than Rin did. Not that it was too unusual for Saki to help of course, since Hibki and Tsubame were twins, and both of them were handfuls even back then. Or so I've heard."

I nod, and wonder about something. The way she hasn't mentioned their mother strikes me as odd. Not even purposeful either, more like it is something that never crossed the three-tail's mind. Curious, considering how Rin has spoken disfavorably toward their mother before. However, I don't want to bring that up and risk turning this sour, not when I might be able to get a few more scraps of insight out of Akemi, so I aim to keep her talking. "Handfuls, huh?"

"Yes, especially with the twins Setsuko and Ahiko being born only a few decades before them. But enough about them. Tsubame, Hibiki's twin, has a wicked tongue too, but she wields it with much more care than Hibiki." Akemi shakes her head and continues in a much quieter, almost conspiratorial voice, "You didn't hear it from me, but a lot of my older sisters think Tsubame got all the sense of their father, while Hibiki got all physical talent. I'm not so sure, since Meiko and Saki are identical but nothing like those two, nor are Setsuko and Ahiko."

I notice Akemi doesn't seem bothered by the mention of their sister trapped by the oni. Curious, but not what has most of my attention.

I'm having to hold myself back from asking questions that will let me know more about Rin and Saki. I almost hate that I'm so interested in what Akemi has to say about her family, especially her eldest sisters, because while she seems clearly interested in talking, I don't think she's going to try to overstep any boundaries as I first feared. I already knew it was a fool's decision to hide away all winter, yet here is one more way it was a poor choice, it seems. I could have saved myself so much trouble by talking to the other sisters.

Even if Akemi has some interest in me, she's being polite and tolerable about it.

Careful to keep my expression as unmoved as I can, I make a soft grunting sound. "Hibiki won't know who said any of this," I assure her.

Akemi grins. "You could always taunt her and say that a concerned sister thought it was the right thing to do, warning an honored guest."

"Despite how I look, I like to pick my battles," I say, picking up my spade and returning to digging.

Akemi watches me for a few moments, until she decides to return to what she should be doing as well. The simple work doesn't cut off all chances for her to talk, however.

After she tosses out several scoops from her deepening hole, she turns an ear towards me and says, "Troublesome parts aside, have you enjoyed your time staying with us?"

"I can certainly say it has been interesting," I answer truthfully.

"If you want to make it more interesting, I'm sure I could help."

Looking at her without moving my head, wary of not only her words but how she said that, I see Akemi is at least still working instead of watching me. Even so, I'll need to head this off. "Telling me about your family is help enough. But, I must apologize to you, and the rest of your sisters, for keeping to myself so much. I've been a poor guest if this much is helping."

"Oh, no you haven't! And I'd be glad to tell you what I can, but I'm sure Shizuka could tell you far more than me."

I'd rather not talk alone with the seven-tail after she and Miki ambushed me in the bath. "Then why not Rin or Saki? I know them far better than I do Shizuka."

Akemi does look at me, surprise flitting across her features. "I suppose, but that's if... Well, I suppose you have spent the most time with them, haven't you? You should, well, it should be obvious they don't like talking about those sorts of things. Or maybe they're so used to duties they forgot how to talk about anything else."

If only it were that simple, I muse to myself. "Do you really feel so distant from them?"

"No, not at all. I have more early memories with them than I do with my mo- I mean, it's just that," Akemi glances away from me, her tails twitching back and forth, "I do not know how to say it. They are my eldest sisters, but more than that, they are the pillars of our family. I hope you do not think less of them because of any foolish words I've spoken."

I'd have to be deaf and dumb to have missed how she was about to say mother. I put that aside, for now, and speak as honestly as I can to try and calm the kitsune, and hopefully get her thinking about things aside from me. "Not at all. I simply wish to know more about them and your family, that's all."

"Shizuka would be much better at talking about that than me," Akemi insists. "But, I suppose, if I can help you," she looks my way, thin hope in her blue eyes, "I can tell you what I know. And anything else you need, of course."

"I will keep that in mind. But please, only say what won't get you in trouble," I say, while wondering if I should be more direct with my words. Akemi doesn't seem as familiar with the word games as Rin, or even Saki, is. What I'm saying without speaking could be going right over her head.

"It won't cause me problems. At least, not if we get our work done first. We don't want to upset Yuuko. Not that she'd be upset with a guest, but-"

"I understand," I say with a chuckle, politely cutting off the clearly flustered kitsune.

She nods vigorously. She turns her attention back to the hole she has to dig, and I swear I see it in her posture as she gets lost in thought. Her shoulders hunch and her tails move and swirl in different, chaotic directions. With nothing else to be said, we get back to working in silence.

I spend that thoughtful quiet trying not to think too hard about what I've learned. It sounded a lot like Rin and Saki have a parental role for their younger sisters, and what that says about their mother I'm not sure. That's assuming what I gleaned from Akemi is even right. She is, as she admits, probably not as knowledgeable as her older sisters. The young kitsune seems all too eager to talk, no doubt wishing to get familiar with me, if not endear herself to me. I'll have to be very direct if she gets any foolish ideas stuck in her head, but I can do that.

I struggle with what is or isn't true until, at last, we've got all four holes dug out. With work the center of my focus again, I check what she dug out, and find myself satisfied with the result. I nod approvingly, not at her specifically, while trying to figure out if she'll be of any help with the lumber work or not. I do need to debark a couple of of those logs, and surely she can't mess that up, right?

"What now?" she asks.

"We take a short break for water," I say, realizing a bit too late that I don't have any. Not unless I want to drink out of the river that's so cold its banks are edged in frost.

"Oh! I'll go get us water and some food," Akemi says, so full of vigor I doubt she knew what I was thinking, and is simply trying to impress.

I glance up at the sun, see it's at its midpoint in the sky, and nod. But when I look down, the kitsune is already hurrying off toward the huts her sisters are staying in. The energy in her steps has me shaking my head. If I have these kitsune figured out correctly, she is a few hundred years older than me, but it felt like I was talking to a young woman. Watching her, I get much the same impression from her boundless energy.

Turning my gaze away before she looks back, I glance between my tools and the sword I left resting against the hut.

I'll have plenty of time to work later. It won't hurt to get in a few moments of practice while Akemi is away and my body is warmed up from simple labor.

Wiping as much dirt off my hands as I can, go and pick up my sheathed sword. I get into the blindspot from the direction I know Akemi will come from, so I don't feel watched. Foolish, but I want to have few distractions. I breathe in and out, slow and measured, to clear my mind.

I don't put thought into it as I start slowly swinging and maneuvering my sword without drawing it. The added weight is good for working strength back into my limbs. I move slow and smoothly, body and mind falling back into memories of sparring with Saki. Fast motions are good for building reactions and certainty, but there's something about going slow that helps with understanding how each cut and thrust should truly flow. My boots land firm and steady on the cold, mushy ground as I dance against the strikes of an opponent that isn't here. Even if I wish, deep down, she was.

Despite my yearning and the unease it stirs within my chest, my sword doesn't waver. Practicing alone makes me realize how much I miss Saki's company, her wordless reassurances and sincerity.

I keep going through the motions of my solitary, slow duel, switching the hands I hold my sword with midway through. Once I feel a burning deep in my muscles I stop, my breath a fog and heart beating strong in my chest.

"Haha!"

My head, and body, snaps toward the mocking laugh behind me. I'm in control of myself enough to keep my blade sheathed, but there's certainly a hard look in my eyes as I face who crept up on me.

Hibiki, in her warrior's outfit of closely tailored dark cloth and both of her swords on her hips, leans against the side of the hut. A bemused, bordering on cruel, smile bares too many teeth at me. "Such a short blade," she chides. "You'd have to get in far too close for that to be of any use."

Her expression, that delights in showing off her teeth and fangs, burns away any trace of fatigue in my sinews. It also scorches any desire I have to be polite.

"Don't you have a prisoner to watch over?" I coldly ask, trying to quench the lingering embers of startle and anger in my chest.

She flashes a malicious smirk at me as she pushes away from the hut. "I was told to take a break by Yuuko, since she is showing Miki how the barrier works."

"And you're not guarding them? That beast is hardy as it is vicious."

"There is no need for me to be there, they're not taking the barrier down," Hibiki says with a dismissive wave. "Besides, Yuuko insisted I go stretch my legs, and I'm not one to disappoint my cute little sister."

And in stretching her legs so she just happened to come this way. Like everything else about her, I don't trust it's that simple.

"Now I must ask you," she continues, "aren't you and Akemi supposed to be building something? Or is there a reason you're practicing such sorrowful footwork and swordsmanship?"

"She's getting us something to eat and drink, and I'm taking the chance to keep my limbs loose," I say, ignoring the six-tail's insults.

"Moving like you did, it's incredible you didn't end up in the mud," Hibiki says with a mocking laugh.

I'm in no mood to deal with this, or her. I go and set my sword by the hut, on the other side, far from Hibiki. I glance back and see, to my disappointment, she's following me. I stare at her and say, "Unless you're here to help chop lumber, I don't see why you can't stretch your legs elsewhere."

"I came to see if Akemi was minding her manners, when I saw your pitiful practice." Hibiki shakes her head. "One cannot help but be curious about a foreigner that carries a sword. Yet disappointment is so easily found, isn't it?"

Her persistence is more frustrating than any of her attempts at slights or insults. But that's the point. Even if I know that, I'm in no mood to wait her out. Not when there's no other distraction for her nearby. "If you're so curious of me," I begin, "then perhaps you should ask Saki what she thinks of me, after all of our training and spars."

"I do not believe Saki-sensei," she says, stressing the honorific, "would have much to say about your swordsmanship. She is far too polite to the guests of eldest sister to ever speak ill of them."

I let slip a bemused grunt and shake my head, turning away from the six-tail. Akemi still isn't back, so I might as well get started on rough cutting a piece of lumber or two. There's a slim chance that might make Hibiki go away.

Of course, like a moth to a flame, she follows me. "Oh ho? Have I said something amusing, Egil?"

"No," I reply, starting towards where the logs are piled up. "I was simply thinking how pleasant it will be to return to training with Saki."

Hibiki creeps into the edge of my sight, her smile all but gone from her face. I definitely spoke too loosely. The six-tail is focused entirely on me now, and a new sharpness lurks in her gaze. "I do not believe it."

I stop by the logs I still have to cut to shape, but I hardly give the work ahead of me any thought. Hibiki is closer than I'm comfortable with, the flashes of her teeth when she speaks driving an icy knife down my spine. I believe I was right. Hibiki has some kind of respect for Saki, although it seems to be twisted.

Meeting her unsettling gaze, I say, "I'm sorry you feel such doubt."

"You are not," she says, voice dangerously low as she takes half a step closer to me. "Just as there is no way Saki has an interest in training with you. Not if she'd have other options."

I know it will be playing into her game if I respond, but I can't put my back to her right now. My throat is too tight and my fingers are itching to feel the comfort of a weapon. I face her head on, my stare turning icy. "Then go ahead and ask her about that, or I will speak with her about you next time I see her."

Hibiki tsks and sneers down at me. "She's training you out of deference to eldest sister and a desire to rescue Meiko, nothing else."

That, of everything she's said, pierces my patience. I keep it off my face as much as I can, but I'm certain she spots my frustration and rising anger. "I do not care if you insult me or my skill," I say calmly, "but you insult Saki. You've no idea what she, Rin, or I have spoken about this winter."

"How have I insulted sensei?" she demands, eyes narrowing. "I'm not the one that speaks so disrespectfully of her honor as a warrior by making her out to be some sort of mere training partner used to mend your arm."

I could shout at Hibiki, insult her, do everything that would play into her game of posturing and racing towards a conflict. I want to, the anger roiling up in me and chest tightening at the thought of teeth and claws urges me to give in to her pace. All of the strains from this winter must be coming out in me right now, the pressures trying to get me to crack at last. But I resist. I'm not a foolhardy, glory seeking youth trying to prove his worth through boasts and words. I'm far worse, I'm a coward that doesn't want glory or these stupid conflicts.

I laugh, the anger rumbling in my chest as the sound is anything but happy, and wave to a relatively flat spot of ground by the hut. "Since we don't have the same mother tongue to continue this in a battle of verse worthy insults, why don't you show me what makes you Saki's best disciple? You've nothing to lose after all, since I'm nothing but a foreigner with terrible footwork."

A turbulent wave of emotions flash through her eyes, all of them dark. "Is that a challenge?" she half-asks, half-demands.

"Anything but. It's a chance to spar with me, to see for yourself whether you're insulting me or Saki."

For more than a dozen heartbeats, each one thumping into my head, Hibiki glares at me. Daring me to take back what I've said. To drop my head in a bow and give up. But she must come to the realization that I won't, as she nods ever so slightly.

"For the sake of your usefulness to Yuuko and Saki-sensei," she begins, "I'll only go until you fall over."

"First to fall it is," I agree. "To make it easier on Saki and Yuuko, we'll also make it first with a bloodied lip or nose." My glare dares her to change the rules I've set out.

She makes a chiding sound and turns away from me, accepting it. Not like she had a choice, now that I know her weakness. She pulls her swords – still in their scabbards – out from her sash and sets the weapons against the hut. As she does, she and I both notice an unwelcome sight, Hibiki's six tails pressing together angrily.

Akemi, Hotaru, and Miki approach. They're carrying two pots each, no doubt bringing a meal to share. They're maybe thirty paces away, so I step past Hibiki and greet them with a curt nod when they're halfway to us.

"I am sorry about the wait, Egil. And greetings to you as well, elder sister," Akemi says with a faint bow, Miki and Hotaru doing the same. "I did not expect you'd be here, Hibiki."

"Yuuko insisted I go stretch my legs," replies the six-tail. "I happened to see Egil practicing poor footwork. No doubt passing the time until you returned, little sister."

"I see," Akemi says, doubt on her face, and in the eyes of Miki and Hotaru as well. "My apologies, Hotaru caught a few fish right before I came to them, so I had to help her and Miki finish cooking."

Hibiki steps past me, her gaze focused solely on Miki. "Is Yuuko alone with the prisoner?"

"She and I finished with the barrier," the two-tail answers, looking at her feet. "She wished to see to the charms and prayers herself, and sent me to go help Hotaru."

"As long as she is confident she can handle any trouble," Hibiki says sternly.

"It's Yuuko," Akemi says. "She can handle anything. Now, why don't we go in and have a meal?"

"Before that," I say, every kitsune's ears turning towards me when I speak up, "Hibiki and I have to finish something."

That mocking grin returns to the six-tail's face, and she takes a cruel glee in flashing her teeth. "Are you certain, Egil? I wouldn't want you to blame your loss on tired arms and an empty stomach."

"A loss is a loss," I declare, before turning my back on her and going toward the spot I'd picked out for this duel. I could call it a spar, but I want to be honest with myself, if nothing else.

Putting my back to Hibiki was a mistake. Icy teeth of terror hold against the back of my neck, hot fear tightening in my chest. But somehow, I stay in control of myself. I touch my pendant, fingers brushing against the charm given to me by Saki and Rin. Thoughts of those two start to quell the quiet, maddened storm brewing inside of me from the sight of teeth. If I closed my eyes, I'm sure I'd see Rin's gentle smile in one darkened eye, and Saki's reassuring gaze in the other. I don't give in to that temptation to shut my eyes and yearn, I only use it to steady myself for this foolish – but necessary – clash I've forced.

It's too late to run away now. I can only hope I don't cause problems by ending up on the ground.

I stop at the mostly dry, clear spot near the hut. It's a slight rise from everything around it and, from how firm it feels under my boots, solid enough to hurt if you land wrong. Taking off my belt, as I wear it for the ease of reaching my pouches and the familiar draw of my sword instead of to keep my clothes held in place, I sling the leather over my shoulder. I start pulling tight parts of my clothes, making sure I don't give any too loose spots for her to grab. All the while I keep an eye on the kitsune. Hibiki is where I left her, taking her time in following after me, instead stretching her legs in a display some men might find enchanting. With how she has been, I feel nothing for it. Only one of her sisters, Miki, stays with her, the two-tail's eyes wide and tails fluffed in fright. Hotaru and Akemi, seemingly resigned to what is happening, take the pots to the hut I've been staying in, the two- and three-tail moving swiftly.

Feeling a shred of pity for Miki, whose two tails twitch as Hibiki quietly harasses her, I do something as foolish as challenging one of my hosts. I call out to her, "Miki, would you come here?"

Her pair of tails go perfectly straight, fluffing out as she stares at me wide eyed. Maybe it was how firm my voice was, or more likely the fact I'm acknowledging her at all after what's happened. The two-tail glances at her sister, but only for a moment, as the six-tail scoffs loudly. Miki hurries towards me, trying to twist her tails together to hide her shock, all while keeping her gaze respectfully low. She moves like a servant or maid, which I suppose makes sense. I am an honored guest, even if I haven't been acting like it.

Miki stops two paces away from me and lowers her head. "Yes?" she asks, voice wavering.

"I would ask a favor."

"W-whatever can I help you with?" she eekes out, an odd mixture of fear, worry, and apologetic hope cracking through any attempt to be polite or dignified.

I'm not pleased with how afraid of me she seems to be, but it's different from what I'm used to with people. The small glance she dares to steal of me shows no terror or fright in her eyes. This is about what she's done, I think, and a fear she might cause problems after thrice swearing an oath to me.

"Watch over this for me while I deal with your elder sister," I say quietly, holding out my belt, my runes and other pouches clattering faintly.

"I-I will," she stammers, taking my belt, gently lifting it with both hands. She's very careful not to touch me which, considering the knife's edge my mind is balancing on right now, is greatly appreciated. She holds my belt gently, watchful of the dagger I left on it. "Egil," she begins, apology all over her face, "m-might I ask if you're really going to fight Hibiki?"

"Something like that," I answer, looking past the two-tail and at Hibiki. The six-tail meets my eyes with a sneering grin as she lets go of her leg she'd held high, her stretches seemingly over.

"I-I must warn," Miki whispers, taking a reluctant step closer. "She wasn't boasting. She is Saki's best disciple."

"And I like to think I'm Saki's friend," I tell her, not bothering to explain myself.

Hibiki is approaching, and both Hotaru and Akemi have reemerged from the hut. I push past Miki and breathe as I was taught. Slow, controlled, and not loud at all. To let only calm show, and not allow the fear in my chest to rise above the surface. Let the storm rage below, waiting to be let out.

"Still want to go to the first bloodied face, or whoever hits the ground?" Hibiki asks, standing just far enough away that I'm out of even her kicking range. "Or have you lost the nerve after-"

"Hotaru, Akemi," I shout, interrupting Hibiki and earning a glare from her. "If Yuuko or your eldest sister ask, this was my idea."

Both kitsune bow, ever so slightly. I don't blame them for keeping their mouths shut with Hibiki here. In fact, I want the six-tails undivided, furious attention. She might underestimate me that way.

Hibiki's sneer is at odds with her conversational tone as she says, "How polite of you. I'll be sure to not leave you unable to work, but more than that..." Her grin is wide and wicked, saying that she intends to make this miserable.

"My mind hasn't changed," I tell her. "A loss is a loss."

She takes a single step back before assuming a stance. Her six tails bunch up behind her, but her ears stay focused on me. Hibiki holds out her arm, hand held open and tight like a knife, and keeps her body slightly turned. "Whenever you're ready."

I raise my arms, hands loose fists, and bend my knees. I'm not going to take Hibiki lightly. I treat her like I would Saki, a true threat and someone whose skill commands respect.

With three sisters watching as witnesses, Miki behind me while Hotaru and Akemi spread out slightly beyond Hibiki, I breathe out and wait. There's no need to think or feel, this is no different from sitting by a river bank waiting for fish to swim into the range of a readied spear. The time will come and nothing I do will bring it closer.

It's almost peaceful, despite the fear I felt mere moments ago.

Hibiki's weight shifts, her feet moving so close to the ground they all but drag as she creeps closer to me. Her sharp, shapely eyes glare at me, a fire inside them. The kitsune is slightly taller than me, her legs and limbs naturally longer as well, but just like against Saki, I know how to fight someone bigger than me.

A faint breeze whips against my back. Hibiki twists into a kick that looks to be aimed at my leg but I know is truly meant for my ribs, so I hunch forward and rush her. She gets part of her kick in, but it's against my strong arm, and she quickly snaps her paw back. I make a few tight punches at her jaw, seemingly surprising her with how focused my strikes are, but she sways like a reed. She uses the edge of her palms to avoid and turn aside my blows.

As soon as she's got both legs firmly planted again, she snaps a knee at me, trying to shove me back. It only serves to have me duck to her side, my feet landing heavily. She might have insulted my footwork, but now that my boots are hitting hard near her paws, she tries to weave away, throwing a few fast punches I take on the arms and shoulders. She bobs forward, grabbing at my wrist, only to swing back and narrowly avoid the elbow I swing up at her nose, the cloth of my sleeve brushing against her thin whiskers.

Anger and surprise burn in the kitsune's eyes. I'm not the easy prey she thought I'd be.

Hibiki kicks low at my legs, hitting the side of my shin hard, but it doesn't even shake my footing. I press closer, taking a few vicious swings at her sides. I hit solidly, but get a kick to the thigh in response, the six-tail snarling at me. A distant crash of pain rings out in my limb, but it's so far away I may as well not feel it.

I'm going to bring her down, and get those teeth far away from me.

We trade a few more body blows, trying to force one another to lower our guards or fall down. She gives up before I do, the kitsune starting to back away and give ground, but she's not fleeing. She wants to create space between us so her reach can keep my vicious close fighting away, but the rising knee strike she tries will cost her dearly.

I lunge at her.

I catch her in a tackle, driving my shoulder into her stomach and ignoring the weakened knee that bashes into me. I hook one arm between her legs, press my head against her side to avoid her elbow, and wrap my weak arm behind her back. The weight of my body blow throws her off balance, stopping her for one vital moment.

I heave with every sinew in my legs, hips, and back. Her weight is nothing against the battle in my lungs and thunder in my head.

I haul the kitsune up into the air. I don't slam her to the ground, instead I whip her around and toss her with a loud, furious roar, throwing her like she's a sack of grain.

Hibiki arcs in the air, but one of her tails slaps the side of my face harder than should be possible. I barely flinch, however, and watch as she hits the ground in a twisting spin. Her tails soften her landing, the kitsune rolling like she's done this a hundred times before. She fumbles and turns over and over, before swinging up to her feet at the very end. She's a good ten paces away from me, dirt and mud all over her clothes and in her fur. The mark on the ground where she landed is at least four paces away, something I would be surprised by if it weren't for the heavy, hammering beats of my heart trying to drown out the control I have over myself.

I'm so close to rushing her and finishing what I started, to putting my hands around her neck, that I have to curl my fingers into painful fists to stop myself.

Hibiki, glare in her eyes and the look on her face one of resentful disgust, flicks her tails and returns to a fighting stance. She looks just as ready to rush me, and if it comes to a real exchange of blows, I'll have to fight hard. One, or both, of us won't come away from that walking. That short exchange has me sure of it – I got lucky that she wasn't expecting a tackle or for me to be able to throw her like that. The mad, vicious grin that's starting to spread on her face tells me I'll have to fight to kill.

Those teeth, no doubt ready to snap at my throat, are a problem. I'll have to-

"I believe," Akemi loudly speaks, my shoulders pulling taught as I resist an urge to snap my head towards the sound, "a loss is a loss, is it not, dearest sister?"

Hotaru steps in between us, her five tails spread out and eyes on Hibiki. Like she's shielding me from the six-tail, instead of protecting her older sister.

"Tch," Hibiki scoffs. Her stance relaxes, but her eyes have a dark fire in them still. She wipes the dirty half of her face with a sleeve, then spits on the ground. "You can't call that a fall."

My fingers curl into loose fists. She's not going to pretend to have honor, is she?

"Sister," Hotaru speaks up, "your lip."

Wiping at her mouth again, Hibiki suddenly scowls, her lips pulling back in disgust. A thin trickle of red runs over one of her fangs, where she must have cut herself on landing. "Fine," she spits, "but I will be speaking with Saki about you, Egil."

She turns and storms toward the hut she left her swords against. I don't relax until after she has the weapons in her sash and is walking away, her tails flicking in opposite directions.

I let my arms fall back to my sides, willing myself to appear calmer than I am. I breathe for a few moments while the other kitsune slowly gather before me. "Well," I breathe out, looking at the three of them, "tell me honestly, did I make a mistake?"

Akemi looks gravely at me. Only to burst out into a grin she tries to hide in her sleeve, a giggle escaping. "I can't believe you actually tossed her. That look on her face – I haven't seen her that shocked since we put mouth numbing spices in her food."

"Hush, he asked a question," Hotaru chides, before facing me. "It will be fine, Egil. But Hibiki might try and arrange another duel with you, through Saki."

"That I can deal with next time I see Saki."

Akemi tries to stifle her laughter, but is having trouble. Her loss of composure is, admittedly, relieving in a way. Knowing someone can laugh after seeing me do something like that, instead of watching me fearfully, is soothing to my raw nerves. That and my measured breaths make the pounding in my head recede.

With the three-tail still giggling, and Miki patting Akemi on the back to try and sooth her, Hotaru has to speak up. "Egil," she says with a bow, "do not worry about Hibiki. She won't know how to approach you for some time after that."

"Especially if we tell everyone about her spinning through the air like a leaf!" Akemi cackles.

Hotaru ignores her sister, but I think I see something like agreement in her eyes anyway. "Are you alright, Egil?"

I pat the spots I took hits, and I think I might only have a bruise on my leg. It could just be a welt that will fade after a good night's rest; I'll find out for sure later. As for the rest of me, I'm calm - the sort of shaky, unreliable calm that I know won't last. "I'm fine."

"As you say," Hotaru nods. "If you've no other questions, or concerns, would you like to eat with us? Or would you prefer to take your meal privately after all of that?"

"I think I'd like to be alone," I answer, happy to be given the choice. I was ready to fight to the death at the end there, and now with this false calm, I know I won't be okay for a while. "I'm not the celebratory sort after winning a fight," I add, trying to give a good excuse.

"I suspected as much – or rather, I and a few of my sisters have thought you're that sort of warrior. So do not worry, we understand," Hotaru says, shooting a glare at her sisters that seems to demand agreement.

Miki nods vigorously, while Akemi, finally clawing back control of herself, weakly bobs her head.

"Then we will let you rest after that," Hotaru bows. "I am sure Yuuko will understand, if not encourage you to, take the rest of the day off. Hibiki is... quite the worrisome sister, sometimes, after all."

"I'll be fine," I say, shaking my head. "Getting some food and starting on the wood cutting I need to do will help me. But if you want to get the food you brought for yourselves-"

"Oh, no," Hotaru interrupts, bowing in apology. "Please, do not worry yourself with that. We left it to stay warm near the fire, so you can have the rest for dinner, if you want solitude tonight."

"Thank you," I say, too grateful to turn it down, despite knowing it's too much for just me. I may honestly need to be alone for the rest of the day. Yet the consideration has me regretting that I did not get to know most of my hosts until now.

Which, now that my rattled mind thinks about it, I wonder if Miki blames herself for that in some way?

"It is no trouble," Hotaru says, snapping my thoughts back.

The three sisters all bow to me, Miki and Akemi seemingly intimidated into silence by Hotaru. Now that Akemi is composed once more, Miki anxiously steps toward me, holding out my belt in both hands, her gaze at her feet. I take it and, with a bit of guilty relief, feel from the weight that everything is still there.

"Thank you, Miki," I say quietly. "I'm glad you're taking your oath seriously. I'm sure Rin will be proud." That may hurt the two-tail, even though I mean it sincerely. I'm certainly not at my best right now.

"O-of course, thank you," she mutters.

With nothing else to say, they all leave the direction they came from. They walk off towards the other side of the devastated village, tails waving and swaying against the mild, but cold, breeze.

I stay outside for a few more moments, letting the sun warm the back of my head and my shoulders, before putting my belt back on. I walk back to the hut, and hope that the kitsune left some water to warm by the fire. I could use that right now.

---

The rest of the day passes in a haze for me.

The meal I ate after the kitsune left, I remember it being some kind of roasted fish stew, but little else. It was pleasant, and I contemplate thanking Hotaru for managing to catch so much in winter. The sisters are, despite a few of them wanting to get closer to me than I want, surprisingly pleasant. I let my injury in the fall, my fear of predators' teeth, and my willful blindness about Rin and Saki put me in a terrible mood. I've been a bad guest, for sure, while my hosts have been gracious about it.

I resolve to try and be more open, but still guard myself from any incidents like with Miki and Shizuka. It only firms up as I work on the wood. I chop several logs to size and debark the rest by the time the sun dips behind the horizon, the approach of dusk a good enough reason for me to stop.

After a lot of digging, chopping, and a spar that I'm still feeling in my leg and a spot under my ribs, I decide that even if I'm going to be more open with the kitsune sisters, I want sleep more than I do company. It will be easier on all of us if I'm not twitching towards a weapon any time one of them opens their mouth just a little too much.

I gather my tools, clean them off, put my sword back on my belt, and go into my hut as the sky continues to fade into a starlit black.

I eat some more stew as well as rice porridge, then get myself settled in for sleep. It felt good to be doing something again, instead of sitting around a house, but today might have been too much for my nerves. As I touch the charm gifted to me, I can only hope it means my dreams will be too tired to find me. That no kitsune came to check on me is a touch surprising, but not unwelcome given all that's happened. I'd rather be around them again tomorrow, when I am certain I can stay clear headed.

Warm beneath furs and next to a healthy bed of coals, I try not to think. An easy task, as my body needs this stillness, if not the peace of finally stopping after an active day.

Everything drifts to a calm, pleasant warmth. Like resting on a soft bed of grass in summer, the sun above kept pleasant by the shade of venerable boughs. Were I to open my eyes, I might even find myself in a dream, but I do not want to do that. I only wish to lie here and enjoy the rest, as once I try to look about, I know I'll need to get up.

The distant sounds of birds and the wind swaying wheat pass the moments. Whether it's memories or a dream, it doesn't matter. Nothing demands I move from here, where the aches and soreness of travel can fade.

A soft rustling of cloth brings something – someone – close. I still don't rise, as their soft humming puts me at ease. I know the song, but when I try to think about it, the tune drifts between my comprehension like smoke through my fingers. It's enough to disturb my rest with a growing curiosity. I could easily rise, open my eyes, or call out to them. Yet I don't feel a need to, not now. I wait as the humming fades but the presence draws closer.

Then it splits, the single presence becoming two, as one steps over me, then both settle in beside me. A pair, familiar from dreams long forgotten, rest beside me, lying with me in the summer shade.

Nothing needs to be said or done. As far as dreams go, this isn't bad.

We rest, glad for the company of one another. Or so I think, until their hands hold my arms, hugging them tenderly to a new warmth. A comfort, to be sure, but a temptation as well. To open my eyes, to draw them closer, to-

A savage shriek shatters the illusion.

I bolt upright, tossing furs aside and grabbing my cold dagger. I was dreaming after all, the satisfaction I'd felt so strongly washing away as an icy sensation courses through my veins. Was that scream a nightmare crashing through? Has the peace made me so weak that the sound-

A whooping roar, like bestial laughter from a hunter's horn, calls out into the night.

This is no dream.

I hastily set my dagger down and grab at my belt. I get it on in the faintest whispers of dying light from what little coals remain, then add some tinder to the fire. The brighter flames are enough for me to hunt for anything I can use as a torch. I'm not like the kitsune, I can't make lights to see by with magic. Nor do I remember the moon being fat enough for me to have a chance of navigating out there.

I can wait. I tell myself that so I don't go out and do something stupid. I can wait because Hibiki is in the village.

She's a miserable one to be around, but whatever is going on, she surely has her swords out to deal with it. I tell myself that as I fashion a rough torch from a strip of my clothes I cut off, some fishy smelling oil from a pot in the rafters, and a long stick. It won't last long, but it's enough for what I need.

That whooping laugh or a roar sounds again, only this time it's joined by a second farther off in the distance.

We're being attacked. Or hunted.

I stuff my dagger back into my belt, light the torch, draw my sword, and rush to the door. I don't have time to open it, so I kick it out of the way. I rush out into the dark, the sky a dark blue bordering on black. Dawn isn't far off, but that's not the only reason I can somewhat see.

Two of the huts, the ones where I know the kitsune are staying, are on fire. The roofs burn brightly in the night, and outside of one of them are six smaller, blue flames that whirl and weave like a moth. Glints of steel flash in the firelight as I start running towards the blaze, two swords flashing and striking at something big and hunched.

The blades must bite deep, as it screams and leaps back. The light of the flames show the hulking form of a man-shaped beast, at least a head taller than me. It resembles a monkey more than a man, its face leathery, furred, and a long tail behind it. I can see its lips are curled back, even from here, bright white fangs showing as it strikes at Hibiki with a spear of some sort. It's dressed like a priest, with a strange, boxy hat tied to its head with an immaculate red rope. This monkey-creature is no animal.

My feet slow down.

I heard more than one of these creatures, and I dare not rush in.

I glance around, and near the other hut I see something. A second bent, hulking shape is trying to attack another five floating blue flames. This kitsune fighter moves slower than Hibiki, but I can tell they've got a polearm and are keeping their opponent's spear and fists at bay just fine.

A roar of pain sounds from the one near Hibiki. It hurries away from her, but it isn't fleeing.

The monkey-creature must've seen the flame of my torch, as it's rushing right at me.

I see the blood staining the white of its clothes, and on its empty hands that beat against the ground as it charges toward me. I spot the bloody stumps on one of its hands where fingers used to be, the ice no doubt streaking red as its cruel teeth and fangs get ever closer.

I smell smoke, but past that is something worse. The sickly, rotting stench of a man-eater stings my nose.

Fingers tightening around my sword, I stay where I am, pretending to be frozen in fear. Once the beast is only five of its great, lopping strides away from me it roars, mockingly laughing as it sees an easy meal in me.

I let out a battle cry of my own, throwing my torch at its face. It must not have expected me to fight back, as it stumbles to a stop, its hat catching fire and a shriek of pain as its eyes are singed. I see the six blue flames rushing to come help, but I'm faster than her.

With the monkey man-eater's arms up and protecting its face, I draw my dagger and rush in. I duck, wanting to avoid its arms, and slash at its belly. My blade splits open its stomach, opening up its foul guts and spraying blood all over the ground. I jab my dagger into its thigh, stabbing and twisting as I circle around it, opening up muscle and a vein.

I dart back, away from the flailing arms, and see the rage and terror in its foul, red and yellow eyes. It knows it's dying, and it wants to take me with it. One great hand trying to hold its organs in, it stumbles and lunges towards me, trying to grab me with a brutish hand missing two fingers.

Blue flames rise, and steel glints with the reflection of flames. Hibiki's feet catch it in the back, knocking it down face first. Standing on its back, she hacks at its neck. Her curved blades need four heavy hits to cleave its ugly head from its body, ending the man-eater's foul life, yet she finishes each blow swiftly.

Her fur covered in blood, she looks at me, a vicious blue glow in her eyes. She looks every bit the monster the man-eaters do, an evil snarl twisting her mouth in a fury the likes of which she's never shown me before. "Can you fight?" she demands.

I flick some blood off my sword, checking my grip. I'm still fine. And even if I don't like her, at this moment she is my ally. "Yes."

"Then go check on Miki! I last saw her by the hut we're keeping the prisoner!" As if thinking me stupid, she points one of her gore soaked swords in the direction I'm to go.

There's nothing that needs to be said. I hurry off in the dark as half a dozen whooping roars pierce the pre-dawn air, closing in on the village.