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My Secret Girlfriend

(Is a Goddess)

Part 12

Wes hadn’t slept in two days. He stayed up attempting to finish the shrine to satisfaction as he practically lived at a shared workspace using tools rented from a big box hardware store. A few containers of discarded takeout food were littered here and there, but he hadn’t had a proper meal since the first day.

Knowing he had quite the task at hand, the rabbit put in for emergency leave at the store. The owner wasn’t too happy regarding the timing right before the holiday, yet relented since he rarely asked for much and had a good work ethic.

Despite his exhaustion, he focused diligently as he drew a contour with a pencil using a French curve as a guide. Satisfied with the result, he brought the piece of wood over to a jigsaw and began cutting.

Once done, he stopped the machine and heard his phone ringing. Sighing at the disturbance, he went over to answer without checking the contact. “Hello?” he croaked.

“Wes are you alright?” the voice on the other end asked with concern.

“Yeah, I’m just tired. How’s everything going over there?” he asked, blinking his weary eyes.

“We found our relic!” Becky exclaimed happily.

“Oh that’s great news! What is it?” he asked as his energy recharged at the good news.

“It’s a tanto, kinda like a dagger.”

Looking at the pieces already cut for the shrine, he was relieved the dimensions should fit the item. “That’s good, it should fit what I have cut already,”

“I’m really sorry to put you in a bind like this,” she apologized.

“It’s all good. It’s for Rei and I’ll go to the ends of the earth for you too,” he said, the exhaustion clear in his voice.

“Don’t forget to get some rest. I’ll call you before we leave.”

“I won’t. Love you!”

“Love you too!”

Rei called out from the background, “love you!”

“Love you too, Rei!” he said back before hanging up.

Taking a deep breath, he looked around at the wood scattered in the space. He still had to assemble the shrine and was now ruing the decision to fashion a torii gate. Realizing little was being done standing around, he delved back into work.

—————————————

It was evening in Tokyo as Becky and Rei arrived at the station on the Shinkansen. Relieved they finally had all the pieces in place, the girls decided to celebrate with a bar crawl. They headed to a famous alley filled with izakayas and came to one that looked promising. The girls headed inside as Becky tried her best to read the menu board before picking a table as the owners greeted them. They put in their orders which they received in short order.

“Kampai!” they toasted before drinking their beer.

“I’m so glad this is almost over. I can’t believe we did it!” Becky said with a relieved, yet contented sigh.

“You and Wes have certainly come through for me. I don’t know how I’ll ever be able to repay you,” the fox said with a hint of sadness.

“You know we’re not doing this for some kind of reward,” Becky retorted. A bobtail server brought them plates of skewers, setting them in front of the girls.

“These smell so delicious,” Becky salivated before biting off a piece. “Anyway, we just need to avoid Yoshinori and we’ll be good,” she continued.

“Mmm, yes, by all means. I don’t really want to fight, but it will be inevitable if worst comes to worst. Becky, he is powerful, you don’t have to put yourself in danger over my regard,” Rei said, taking a bite of her own skewer.

“I can hold my own and I’m still in excellent shape. It’ll be fine,” she responded, taking a sip of beer, the alcohol starting to give her a buzz.

“I appreciate it and I will say this before we move past this subject. No matter what the outcome is, I won’t hold it against you if you run,” she said with a look of sadness on her face.

Becky stared at her, not believing what she had heard. Even with the alcohol, she held back and looked away with a begrudging nod. Rei sighed, “look Becky, I don’t doubt your courage. All I’m saying is if things get too hairy, I would feel better knowing you lived.”

“I get it… I just don’t like the idea of abandoning you after everything we’ve been through…” the rabbit said, taking another sip of beer.

“I know, but I also know there’s a possibility we have to cut our losses,” Rei said looking into Becky’s eyes. Becky felt the calming energy from Rei and knew she was only trying to protect her.

“Let’s talk about something else… so, what exactly is going to happen once you level up?”

“Well, at first, I’ll have to spend some time getting to know my powers so I’ll be away quite often. You’re going to see more kitsune around and even wild foxes, since kitsune are chosen from them,” she answered.

“It sounds almost like it might be a tourist attraction. I hope we’ll have enough visitors to keep it going,” Becky wondered.

Taking another sip of her beer, Rei answered, “there are a lot of Japanese people in the area and I feel that tourists will help to keep things going. I can’t believe this is happening.”

Becky smiled, the alcohol taking hold. “I can’t wait to feel all those fluffy tails of yours,” she slurred slightly.

“It’s going to take a bit of getting used to. Yuto told me it seemed they tended to have their own minds when he got his,” she giggled, looking at her own wagging tail.

As the evening wore on, they visited more izakayas in the alley. Soon, they decided to make their way back to the hotel.

At the last two places, they cut back quite a bit, opting mostly to eat. As such, the effects of the alcohol had tapered off quite a bit, leaving them with only a light buzz.

“I can’t wait to sleep this off,” Becky yawned.

“We’re almost there,” Rei said sleepily.

“Care for a third?” a voice boomed from behind. The girls’ ears perked and Rei’s eyes went wide. Yoshinori stood grinning, walking slowly towards the girls as his footsteps echoed off the building almost otherworldly.

“So, what is your answer, Rei-sama?”

“My answer has not changed. I will never take you as a husband, nor any other. I have those that I love and love dearly and will never leave them,” she said resolutely, standing with a regal bearing.

“I see…” he frowned as the girls felt an ominous shift in energy.

“It seems I must take you by force.”

———————-

Wes slumped on the floor, his head thrown back as he closed his eyes. He was exhausted, yet sleep was elusive. Looking over, he couldn’t believe what he was able to do in the short amount of time he had. A shrine housing along with a stand sat on the table he was using. He was glad he got the artistry down and thanked the gods he was good at wood shop back in high school.

Although the main jump had been overcome, he still had another important objective. Looking around, he saw the materials he needed for a torii gate. This was almost as important as the shrine itself and time was running out.

Taking a deep breath, the rabbit willed his body to stand. He wandered over and surveyed the materials in front of him and he realized he was going to need help. Rubbing his face, he tried to think who he could call to help, but everyone he knew was either out of town or otherwise occupied for the holidays.

Wes formulated a plan where he could cut down the wood to make it more portable to take it to the site to be assembled. Even with that plan, erecting the heavy pieces into place was going to be a daunting task for one person.

As he tried to figure out a plan, his head began aching as exhaustion started to overcome him. He sat in a chair and before he knew it, he passed out.

Waking up after an undetermined amount of time, Wes was what he could best describe as light. He looked around and could visibly see his body, but he could not feel its weight. Looking around, he also realized his eyes did not have to so much adjust, but would focus at whatever distance he wanted. He slowly stood up and realized his body wasn’t subject to the constraints of balance. It was as if he just needed to will himself to do something and the rest would comply.

“It seems you are already mastering the first step usagi-san,” a voice rife with age and wisdom spoke.

His long ear perked as he turned to face the source of the voice. Sitting on the ground was a raven-haired fox, skin as pure as porcelain, wearing a simple white kimono with a red sash. Stepping up with ethereal grace, her many tails fanned out as she approached the rabbit.

“First step? I’m sorry, who are you?” he asked as he looked around at the strange surroundings. It seemed to be a wild area, hills, mountains and forests around him, yet there was something off, if not serene about it.

“I am Inari, young rabbit,” she answered, placing her fingertips to her chest in a regal, yet unassuming manner. Wes couldn’t help but be reminded of some of Rei’s mannerisms by the fox.

“Wait, Inari? Oh, I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean disrespect, Inari-sama… if that’s the right suffix,” he jumped to the ground, prostrating himself before the goddess.

“Relax, young usagi; It is just you and I. Your respect transcends mere ceremony as your efforts and cause have garnered my favor,” she said graciously, her words bringing comfort to Wes as he looked up. She crouched over him and he could see her eyes clearly now. Unlike Rei’s red irises and round pupils, hers was golden with vulpine slits.

“Your favor? I didn’t really do anything, though,” he said, sitting up.

“Do not be silly,” she replied, sitting down next to him.

“I have watched you since the moment you met with my favorite fox. Wes, I believe is your name,” she tilted her head as she addressed him.

“Uh, yeah, it is,” he answered, dumbfounded by the revelation.

“Wes, you have proven yourself selfless in your actions. Despite your interesting relationship, you still have Becky and Rei’s best interests in mind,” she purred, taking his hand. He looked down and could feel energy like no other. It was as if he was being recharged from the very earth.

Looking into the elder goddess’ eyes, he could see a beauty that rivaled Rei’s. The white fur on her ears and tails glistened like pure snow in the sun. Energy radiated from her and seemed to focus on himself. He felt a warmth within, immediately knowing Inari was responsible.

The goddess smiled at Wes like a young mother on her son, yet with ancient wisdom behind her eyes. “Wait, you saw… everything?” he asked with embarrassment.

Her eyes slitted as she chuckled, holding her hand to her mouth. “There is no need to be self-conscious, Wes; I offer no judgment,” she answered.

“So, what am I doing here, Inari?”

“Why, you are here to help Rei and Becky,” she answered, slowly arising.

Wes stood up and began following the goddess. “Help them, how?”

“The ladies are currently engaged in an altercation with another god, a suitor with less than honorable desires. I will not intervene in this aggression, as I do not believe in involving myself in the affairs of my divine foxes, yet…” she stood, turning her head, looking into the rabbit’s eyes. “That is not to say I will not assist those that will.”

—---------------------------------

Becky watched, entranced by the scene in front of her. Although she was to remain a spectator, she steeled herself in case her involvement was necessary. The fox and the wolf took their stances, watching each other, waiting for the right moment to strike. The tension was high and Becky could feel the energy from the gods as she waited for the battle to begin.

The rabbit swallowed and in that split second, the wolf struck first. He launched himself in a blink of an eye and swung his foot in a roundhouse kick, aimed to land at Rei’s temple. Seeing such an obvious move, she caught his foot, using the momentum against him and throwing him into a wall.

“Whooo, go Rei!” Becky cheered, tightening her fists as her blood pumped from the adrenaline coursing through her body.

Not reacting to the rabbit’s outburst, Rei pressed her advantage, racing to the wolf who was just regaining his footing. Using her energy, she landed her fist, full-body into Yoshinori’s core, knocking the wind out of him and back off his feet.

Standing proud, Rei watched as he once again rose to his feet. He laughed as he did, wiping a spot of blood from the corner of his mouth. “Impressive! I knew you would be no pushover, yet I had no idea you wielded such power. This will be interesting.”

“You’re kicking his ass, Rei!” the rabbit shouted, eager for a piece of the action.

“Don’t get too excited, Yoshinori’s testing my strength,” she answered grimly.

In a flash, Yoshinori was in front of Rei and began throwing punches at lightning speed, roaring as hits landed on the goddess. Grunting with each landed hit, she grit her teeth, never wavering her stance as she absorbed each blow.

Becky watched in horror as the fox was pummeled by the larger wolf. It was more than she could stand, but stood fast on her promise not to get involved until it was necessary.

Yoshinori lifted the limp fox off the ground, holding his fist back as he readied himself for the final blow. Rei’s red eyes were weak as she waited for the final blow. The wolf laughed as he swung.

In a split second, her eyes came to life as she blocked the blow, pulling her weight back. Now on the ground, she lifted as she spun off her feet as her tail followed through in a graceful assault and landed her fist with her full weight on Yoshinori’s jaw. The wolf flew back as his body tumbled on the ground in a heap before Rei rushed him, kicking him in the face once again.

“I will be nobody’s bride. Least of all one with questionable honor,” she growled in defiance.

“Heh, let’s step this up, shall we?” he sneered as a katana materialized in his open hand. Becky watched in horror as a weapon was produced, unsure of its power.

“Yes, let’s,” Rei responded grimly, foxfire glowing in her hands.

Charging towards the fox, Yoshinori held his blade aloft with both hands. The wolf leapt in the air and aimed a strike on the fox. The foxfire in her hands formed a pair of sais as the katana came down on her head. With a yelp, she caught the blade with one of the weapons, immobilizing the wolf’s attack. Kicking her side, Yoshinori’s blade was released as he thrust his sword in quick motion. Rei parried each strike furiously, ducking to avoid a strike to her head.

Becky watched the martial dance with fervor as she continued to cheer her fox. “C’mon Rei, kick his ass!”

Yoshinori thrust forward once again, a pattern now emerging in his almost hypnotic attack. Setting the fox up to take a decisive blow, he used the constant cycle of attack to throw her off with an unexpected change in tactics. Getting ready to switch his stance to lay an attack from an obtuse position, the wolf’s eyes went wide when the tables were turned on him.

Rei used both of her weapons to knock his katana in a wide arc, swinging his dominant arm up into an awkward position as she closed in on her own attack. Kicking him in the stomach, he was thrown off balance by the fox, thrusting her knives into his core as she growled in his face.

The burn of foxfire in his wound was a torment the wolf only used to victory was not accustomed to. He lay writhing on the ground in pain as Rei stood and watched.

“I do not enjoy this Yoshinori. Let this be the stamp on my final word,” she said in a strong voice.

“Enough! Clearly I am not taking this as seriously as the situation merits,” he shouted as he staggered to his feet, blood spilling from the wound, his black tail thrashing about in anger.

Letting out a roar, Yoshinori shifted forms into a large feral black wolf. The roar changed to a blood-curdling howl as Becky tried to fight her rabbit instincts. She was thankful that Rei had broken her of the worst of her habit, but Yoshinori’s shift took it to another level. Still, in spite of all the energy and terror he inspired, Becky stood fast, ready at a moment’s notice.

Wasting no time, Rei shifted to her full form, inspiring confidence in her rabbit. The growling dogs circled each other slowly, glaring in rage at one another, like a living yin-yang taijitu. They stood staring each other down as the rabbit looked on. “Wes, I really wish you were here, I need you…” she whispered to herself as she waited for the next move.

—---------------------------------

In a glade, Wes sat holding the lotus position. Next to him was the goddess, Inari sitting likewise. He sat focusing on his breathing, although in this realm, it was more a spiritual exercise than physical. Cool air blew gently as the trees rustled above. Slowly, he opened his eyes and looked over to the goddess who sat serenely. He admired her beauty and it seemed they were together for an age of the earth. While he did not forget Becky or Rei, he was in a place out of time. He knew he would see them once again, but when?

Curiosity began to take hold as he began to wonder what the goddess looked like under her robes. Striking the thought from his mind, he closed his eyes once more and went back to his meditation.

“While I do not fault your curiosity, you would be disappointed to discover the truth of my nature,” a voice echoed in his head.

Surprised, he looked over at the fox who sat motionless. Opening an eye, she peered at him. “I have nothing of which humans desire for intimacy. I am truly neither male nor female, yet I take on the feminine form as it is a source of comfort for my followers,” she spoke without opening her mouth.

Surprised he could hear her, he tried to communicate with her in the same manner. “I apologize, I meant no disrespect, Inari.”

“It is quite alright. Curiosity is no sin, yet you still crave intimacy,” she said psychically as she stood up. Wes began to rise, but Inari placed a hand on his shoulder.

“Please, stay where you are seated,” she spoke aloud.

Wes watched as she lowered herself and straddled his lap. She placed her hands on his shoulders and smiled. Leaning forward, she rested her forehead against his. A tingling sensation emanated from between his eyes as he could feel the goddess sharing herself with him. She shifted her body closer to his and despite not possessing any sexual organs, Wes could feel a warmth between her thighs as it pressed against his lap. Her breasts pressed to his chest and all at once, he could feel energy exchanging between himself and Inari.

They sat there for a time indeterminate as Wes experienced a closeness he hadn’t since he met Rei. Unlike Rei’s, it held an intensity yet was still very similar.

“Rei has this capability as well. However, she holds back due to your mortal form. However, there are no such barriers here and we can stay this way as long as you desire,” her voice spoke comforting in his head.

“Yes, I want to know more about you Inari. I want to understand Rei more. I want to be close like this with her and Becky,” he answered as his whole body seemed to become a vessel locked with hers.

“You commune with a goddess as me, yet you think of your lovers. You truly have others’ best interests in mind. Still, stay with me for a while, it is not often I am afforded the opportunity to do this,” she said, wrapping her arms around the rabbit.

“If I may ask, why is that?” he held her as they continued their exchange.

“There are not many who garner my personal favor to this degree. I also am using this contact to elevate your spiritual level. As our intimacy continues, so do the generations you sire will be blessed.”

“I thank you, Inari,” Wes said, sitting as one with the great goddess.

—---------------------------------

The second round was about to begin in the seemingly deserted street. Surrounded by the shield, the few wayfarers passively avoided walking into the intense confrontation as the two gods dueled for Rei’s freedom.

Becky clenched her fists as her body tensed waiting for the action to begin anew. “Come on Rei, you can beat him…” she whispered to herself.

The wolf leapt up once more, coming in with fury on top of the fox. Leaping out of the way, Rei dodged a powerful kick, yet was caught in the whirlwind of its power. Skidding on all fours, she careened into a building, yelping from the impact.

Before she could react, the black wolf was bearing down on her with teeth bared.

“Rei, look out!” Becky tried to warn in vain, her voice coming too late for her to react.

Rei caught a glint in his teeth before his fangs crushed down on her neck. The pain was intense as she howled in torment.

“Do you see what pain your rebellion brings forth? My fangs are of steel created deep in the ancient forges beneath the earth. No being can withstand its might. Submit to me or face your torment ten-fold,” he growled as her blood began filling his maw.

“I will never submit, least of all to you,” she croaked out weakly, yet her defiance remained strong.

“I will break your will!”

Yoshinori released his grip as Rei gasped from the momentary relief, yet she knew it was not of mercy that he relinquished.

The white fox’s majestic fur was stained as a crimson scarf. Stumbling to her feet, the fury in her red eyes did not abate. With quick motion, she leapt into the air and with a thunderous pounce, pinned Yoshinori to the ground.

“Get that sonofabitch!” Becky cried out, eyes tearing up as her lover fought the good fight.

Gaping her maw, a rush of blue flame hit the wolf in the eye, causing him to howl out in agony. As the fire consumed the fur and flesh, the wolf became a vision of hell itself as his head whipped about in pain and fury.

Rei felt a sharp pain in her side as her body was tossed aloft. When the dust cleared, Yoshinori crept closer to her as she moaned, a large wound in her side the locus of her new agony.

Blood dripped from Yoshinori’s eye as his face was a patchwork of scorched fur, flesh and bone. Looking at his tail, Rei saw a glint of steel at the very tip. She deduced that he whipped it into her side like a scorpion sting as she held him down.

Quivering as she rose, she could hear Becky’s voice both concerned and encouraging. This fight was for her rabbits, this fight was for those she loved. As she remembered this, she gained strength to rise once more, despite her weakening state.

“It seems you have more fight in you and I commend you, Rei-sama,” the wolf spoke as he gave a respectful bow.

“I fight for those I love,” she spoke regally, hoping he was admitting defeat.

“It seems love can be a source of strength. Love can also be a burden,” he growled as his remaining eye renewed its focus.

There was an eerie silence as neither party moved. Rei looked to the stars and could see the glittering carpet in the beautiful, clear night sky. More joined, numerous as a chilling realization occurred.

“Rei-sama, I divest you of your burden,” the wolf spoke solemnly as the sound of cutting air came from above.

“Becky!!!” Rei screamed as the rabbit tried to figure out what was happening.

Arrows, too numerous to count began landing in quick succession around the helpless rabbit as she ran back and forth trying to find cover. Yoshinori laughed at their despair as Rei did her best to get to Becky to shield her from the projectiles.

To her horror, Becky’s body fell forward, pierced by Yoshinori’s wrath. Three more found their target as she grunted with each sickening strike.

“She may yet live if I allow. Submit to me and the rabbit is spared,” he offered his end of the negotiation.

Her energy waning, the rabbit cried out, “don’t do it Rei!”

The fox ran over to the rabbit, tears streaming from her eyes and wept over the coughing girl. “Stay with me Becky, I can heal you once this is over. Promise me, just promise me you won’t watch,” she begged.

Becky nodded weakly as she endured the pain, unlike any she had ever experienced. Rei stalked back to the wolf. She lowered her head, seemingly in a bow, tears streaming from her eyes. “You are cruel that you would involve innocents in your quest for my hand in marriage. I never in my six hundred years would guess your search for power would be so craven.”

“I see you have finally come to your senses, Rei-sama. It hearkens me to know we will provide for strong warriors for generations to come, the likes the mortal world has never seen…”

“I am so sorry Becky, I am so sorry Wes…”

———————-

Wes felt a pang that awoke him. Looking up from the hill he had fallen asleep on, he saw the stars in the night sky above, strange constellations glittering in the blue-black canopy. To his side, he could see Inari stroking the head of a five-tailed fox before it ran off. Rising from the ground, she walked over to the rabbit as he stretched.

“It seems ill tidings are borne,” she said solemnly.

“Ill tidings?” he asked as he scratched his ear.

“I was hoping to help you to grow your powers more, but that is not to be. Although we are in a realm outside of time, we must act quickly to help your rabbit and our fox,” she spoke calmly, despite the urgency of the situation.

“What’s going on, what’s happening to them?” he asked in controlled panic.

“It is nothing that cannot be handled, yet also not without your intervention,” she came over.

She looked up into his eyes and brought his face closer to hers. Kissing his forehead, she gave the rabbit reassurance, “you have trained your spirit well, though there is much more to learn. You have spent the equivalent of three hundred years and will hold your lessons when your vessel finally frees your spirit. For now, you are to find the one that is the key. He will provide you with the answers for Rei-sama’s victory over her adversary.”

“How will I know?” he asked, trying to figure out what she meant.

“Let your love guide you and trust in your heart for your instincts shall never be deceived. Farewell, I am afraid we shall no longer meet thusly,” Inari said, sorrowfully. Her image faded as Wes felt a sudden emptiness. It was as if a death levied against his heart and he collapsed to the ground, panting.

Reminded of his mission, he closed his eyes and raised his head. Facing the strongest sensation drawing his attention, he stood up and followed the direction.

Light slowly broke over the horizon, indicating dawn, if dawn could be named in this realm. He followed the draw through a pathless forest, across rivers and streams, through grassy plains and rocky valleys.

Day turned to night countless times as he wandered with no guidance aside from his own instincts. It seemed months as he walked, using the lessons learned from Inari to guide him and overcome the perils of the spirit plain.

Though no physical body contained him, he felt another kind of exhaustion as he slumped over by a wide, fast-flowing river. Looking across to the other shore, he could see no safe route of passage, yet the draw grew ever stronger. Despite the powerful draw to the other shore, he felt another sensation, one that tried to prevent his crossing as if the river itself denied him entry.

Wes closed his eyes, seemingly for a moment while he rested. When he awoke, he saw a figure on the other bank, meditating. The draw was strong and the rabbit knew the figure on the other bank was the source. Still, he had to figure out a way across, but fear prevented him from venturing forth.

As an echo, Inari’s voice reminded him, “trust your instincts.”

Wes stood in front of the fast-running water, threatening to take him out to sea. He placed his foot in and as it sank below the surface, he could feel the river conspiring to bring the rest of him under. Almost out of reach of his hearing, eerie phantom laughter taunted him; laughter that prickled like ice into the depths of his very soul. It was unlike anything he had encountered so far in this realm. He had to choose: to abandon his quest and by proxy, abandoning those he loved so dearly or to continue at his own peril, even if it meant his demise. The thoughts of the future of his girls without his help made the decision easy.

Ignoring the fear, he placed his other foot into the water as his balance was challenged by the mighty river. Confident he would make it to the other end despite the danger, he strode across the water, the lack of depth surprising him.

However, halfway across, he found that despite his current progress, he was getting no closer. Suddenly, he found himself without footing as if the river itself willed its bed into further depths. Braving the strengthening current, he began swimming as the water fought him still, threatening immediate drowning as the river mocked his brave attempt. To his despair, he found himself pulled under, now being tossed around without mercy and with no surface for him to break. The rabbit couldn’t even tell if he was up or down in the water and soon, the sensation of drowning came upon him. Almost without hope, the temptation to give into the inevitable overcame him as he stopped kicking his legs.

As if a renewed burst of energy surged through him, Wes began to swim with determination to be back with his fox and doe. Suddenly, he broke the surface of the water, shouting, “I will not falter!” The thought of losing his girls kept him strong and before he knew it, he felt his feet kicking dry land.

Looking up, Wes saw the figure sitting unabated in a lotus position, candles surrounding him as a gentle breeze blew. Wes took in the serenity as he noted his dress, a kimono with pale blue crests embroidered. The figure was a young male Akita and despite never meeting him, he felt as if he had known him. Walking around the dog, he tried to find some kind of way to break the ice. Standing once again in front, he folded his legs and decided to meditate as well.

“Ohayo, usagi-san,” the voice sounded in his head.

“Ohayo, I am Wes, a friend of the goddess Rei. I was told to find the key to help her. Would you happen to have it or know of its whereabouts?” he asked in his mind.

“I am sorry to say I do not know the answer. However, a small part of my spirit remains with it and it will remain a potent force in aiding the love of my former life. That is all I can say on the matter,” the Akita answered.

Wes stood for a moment and closed his eyes in thought. Thinking back to what Becky had told him, his instincts guided him to the answer. Bowing, he thanked the samurai, “I can’t tell you how much this means to everyone. I can’t express my thanks enough.”

“I ask a great favor of you. Once you have reunited with Rei, please tell her I am well and… anata e no watashi no ai wa sekai o koete ikite imasu.”

“I will,” Wes answered before turning back to the river before blackness overtook him.

Opening his eyes, Wes found himself back in the shop he was using to construct the shrine. To his amazement, he saw the torii gate mostly done, with the exception of one small support piece. Hearing a chirp, he looked back to see a feral fox sit watching him before turning to go, disappearing from sight.

Still recovering from his experience, he felt different, renewed, yet ultimately changed. He no longer felt like himself. He took a seat and tried to make sense of what had happened as the limits of his physical body distilled everything.

Coming back to his senses, he grabbed his phone and called back the last number. The call rang several times before going to voicemail. Panicking, he tried once again. The ringing ceased, but there was no greeting. He could hear a loud commotion in the background and heavy, gasps, clearly Becky.

“Becky! If you can hear me, I know how you can help!”

——————————-

Becky’s body shook, the pain from the arrows was intense, yet she still wanted to fight. She tried her best to will some kind of miracle that would free her so she could do something to help her fox.

Seeing the wolf whip his tail around, she was elated to see Rei catch it in her maw. Yoshinori howled in pain as his tail was ripped from its root, leaving a gaping wound.

Rei looked ravenous as the appendage fell from her mouth as a limp toy. Blood flowed from Yoshinori’s wound like lava as his countenance turned murderous. Rei gave no quarter as her own image changed.

“Look away, I beg of you Becky. I will rescue you but do not watch what is about to happen,” she spoke into the rabbit’s mind.

Becky squeezed her eyes shut, trusting Rei’s warning.

Rei’s rage grew in intensity as the foxfire seemingly extinguished. Her eyes glowed as if possessed and a sudden heat charged the air as Becky could feel an eerie sensation creeping in, all but overwhelming the pain.

The air around the fox goddess distorted as a roar of thousands of furnaces rumbled in the air.

“I have tried to reason with you Yoshinori and even defeat you in honorable combat. However, it is obvious nothing less than your destruction will sate your wrath. I am loathe to do this, even to one I despise, yet to protect those I love, I summon from the abyss, Eternal Hell Foxfire!!!”

The ground under her maw burned as droplets of flame so intense, they were colorless dripped from her maw. The distortion effected a swirling tornado of invisible flame around Rei as she sited the wolf before her.

“I will not be defeated!” he howled in a maddening rage as he braced for the incoming flame. As if possessed by demons, the ball of fire screeched with an unearthly horror as it hurtled towards the wolf.

Yoshinori’s body was tossed to the ground like a child’s toy as the flames rushed, consuming him duly. Rei watched in satisfaction, yet with no joy as her adversary was seemingly defeated.

To her surprise, the charred corpse of Yoshinori stood, limping as it growled with no utterance of word. Like a prehistoric beast, it only thought of revenge as all sense of reason vanished.

Rei readied herself before hearing an unexpected strike of thunder from behind. Looking behind her, she saw Becky standing as a defiant warrior, wounded yet unaffected. Blood trickled from her wounds, yet her stance was as a ready fighter, waiting to tag in. In her hand was Nobu’s tanto, waiting to fell vengeance upon the wolf.

“I have made a promise and I intend to keep that promise,” she said as she took off in a run.

The wolf roared as the smaller rabbit headed towards him. He snapped his almost skeletal jaws at Becky, missing as she darted out of the way. With his body lowered, she took the opportunity to strike the soft underbelly.

Becky focused as she thrust the very tanto that belonged to Nobu centuries before. As the blade pieced the burned flesh, a bolt of lightning surged through Yoshinori’s body as he howled in agony, finally being felled, lifeless in utter defeat.

Panting, Becky collapsed from the exertion. “Thank you Raijin, thank you Wes,” she whispered to herself. Rei trotted over, shifting to her normal form and fell beside her rabbit.

“I’m so sorry you were involved. I don’t know what to say,” the fox cried as she held Becky close to her. Concentrating her efforts, she began healing her wounds.

“Don’t apologize, I meant what I said the other day,” she answered resolutely. Rei embraced the rabbit and held her close. “Thank you,” she whispered.

“You’re welcome!” a familiar voice rang out.

The girls looked to see Raijin and a rather stern-looking deer approach. The deer approached the smoking corpse and grunted. “Arise!” he commanded the defeated warrior-god.

The deer kicked the body, rolling it over to its other side. “I said arise, you lazy bastard!”

With no response, the deer shook his head, “Useless dog…”

Turning his attention to the victors, he approached as Rei bowed deeply, urging Becky to do the same with a tug on her shirt.

“Hachiman-dono, this is a surprise,” Rei said, reverently.

“Arise, young fox,” he said with soft authority.

“I never get involved with personal affairs of other kami, yet it pains me to see such dishonor that would involve an innocent, such as yourself, young rabbit. I apologize on behalf of this fool,” he addressed Becky with a slight bow.

“Indeed, Hachiman-dono and I thought we would watch the engagement as a laugh, considering Yoshinori is quite weakened. It surprised us that he held on for so long,” Raijin added.

“Wait, you’re telling me this whole thing was for your amusement?” Becky asked, astonished at the revelation.

“Mmmm, not quite. When he found out about Rei’s presence in Japan, Yoshinori made no bones about trying to keep her for himself. We kinda told him, ‘yeah, go on! Let us know how that turns out.’ When he left we started taking bets on his defeat. Surprisingly few takers on his behalf,” the rat chuckled.

“Becky, dear, don’t be too angry. This is how the gods are. It’s one reason I wasn’t too hip to the idea of marrying one and living among them,” Rei assuaged her lover.

“I guess…” she sighed, still trying to bring herself back down from the battle.

“I will deal with this whelp, personally,” the deer said as he disappeared with Yoshinori’s body.

“Deal with? You mean he still isn’t dead?” Becky asked in disbelief.

Raijin laughed, slapping her on the back, causing her to stumble,”Becky-san, you can’t kill a god!”

“Ugh… I need another drink…”

“Great idea, let’s celebrate your victory!” Raijin said as he put his arms around the girls’ shoulders, walking down the now busy street.

—-------------------------------

“I stood on the mountaintop, looking to the sea below. Thousands of ships as far as the eye could see dotted the waters. I laughed, ‘fools! Have you not enough of my wrath?’”

Becky sat, entranced by the rat’s story. The trio sat at a booth in the same club they had met at previously. A plate of fried chicken karaage sat between them and Becky and Raijin had whiskey while Rei nursed a beer.

“I set my taiko up and pounded out a beat,” he gazed at the rabbit as he started drumming on the tabletop, the bored fox taking a long draught of her drink.

“The winds I conjured rocked the boats, the sea began boiling and lightning strikes struck fear into their hearts. They ran about helpless to keep their fleet from sinking, yet it was no use. Ships foundered and disappeared into the deep, the rocks were the anvil against my hammer as the vessels were crushed like toys. Throughout the night, their cries were made impotent as my wind carried their voices away. The next day, the Mongols carried away what they could to limp back to the mainland and tell their Khan of his defeat,” he finished his story proudly, folding his arms with a grunt.

“I can’t believe I’m sitting here listening to history from the person… god that created it,” Becky said in drunken astonishment.

“You may one day stem the course of history, Becky,” Raijin said, taking a sip of his whiskey.

“Not to that scale,” she laughed.

“Don’t kid yourself, you’re primed for being a kami,” he responded.

“Wait, what?” she looked to Rei.

“You did an incredible job tonight, you helped defeat a warrior god. You have a warrior spirit and your cause was just. You are more than likely being considered for deification after your death,” Rei smiled with a hint of inebriation.

“That’s right. Your partner’s place is now guaranteed as well,” he added.

“Wes? How?” Becky asked, Rei’s attention now piqued as she heard the news as well.

“He has Inari’s personal blessing and guidance. From what I understand, he has had quite the journey. It was all to help you girls,” he took another sip of whiskey.

“How can a mortal become a god though?” Becky asked, incredulously.

“It happens more often than you think. Not quite that often, but it’s not that uncommon. Hell, Hachiman was Emperor Ojin. Your children will also be the beginning of a blessed family line,” he said as he stood up.

“I apologize for leaving so early. There is an unrelated matter I must tend to.” The girls all hugged the rat as they wished each other farewell. Becky and Rei headed back to the hotel to get rest and prepare for their journey home.

The next morning, Becky woke to her alarm sounding. She was groggy and slept deeply. Squinting, she checked the time.

“Oh fuck Rei, we gotta go!” she shouted, jumping out of the bed. Rei woke slowly before seeing the time.

The girls rushed getting their belongings together and brushing their teeth before checking out and getting a cab.

“I can’t believe I didn’t hear the alarm for an hour…” Becky rubbed her temples.

“It’s ok, we should be able to get to our flight on time,” Rei reassured the rabbit. Becky relaxed, seeing the taxi making good time to the airport.

Pulling up to the terminal, the girls rushed to the line going through to the international flights. Heading to the gate, they were relieved to see the line was still long and weren’t late.

“Thank gods, we made it,” Becky sighed in relief.

“I told you it’d be ok,” Rei smiled at the rabbit.

The two relaxed as they queued up in line. Suddenly a new sense of panic hit Becky as she started checking her pockets. “Shit! Shit, shit, no!” She opened her suitcase, rummaging through her belongings.

“What’s wrong?” Rei asked with concern.

Looking with tears in her eyes and an overwhelming sense of disappointment in herself, she whispered, “I left the amulet at the hotel…”

“Oh Becky…” Rei knelt down to hug the rabbit.

“Ok, can we get another flight?” the fox offered.

“Let’s see,” she stood up and walked over to the worker at the gate.

The bobtail politely and apologetically said there were no available flights with open seats until the new year.

“Wait, that flight, what number is it?” Becky asked.

“That would be flight 556, ma’am,” he informed the girls.

“I think that might be Hikari’s flight,” she said, checking the reservation she made for the priestess. “It is! Rei, I’m so sorry, it’s all my fault.”

“It’s ok. If I have to, I’ll stay behind and find the amulet and fly back with Hikari,” she said sweetly.

“You’re so incredible. I love you so much,” she said, hugging the fox.

“I love you too Becky. It might be a tad off from our plans, but everything will be ok,” she whispered into her long ear.

The arrangements were made to rebook Rei’s flight and the rabbit headed home to help Wes with the final preparations of their future together with their goddess.