FSE

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Spring, 1491. In the hills northeast of Kannonji, southeast of Odani in the Omi province.

Twenty four years ago the Onin War began in the capital of Heian-kyo (Kyoto), and nearly 11 years later it left the city in ruins. This caused the collapse of the Ashikaga Shogunate and central authority which allowed warlords to consolidate power around their respective clan bases. Among the peasant revolts and rise of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism was the employment of ninjas, famed for their skills of active espionage.

It was the dead of night, and the full moon casted its light to a dark wooded hill below. A figure silently stalked through the shadows of tightly packed trees, climbing to the top where a single story building was. Geta sandals stepped virtually silent in the wooded terrain. An owl hooted nearby breaking the silence for no more than a second. The unknown person stepped behind a tree and scanned the moonlit surroundings with a keen eye.

'One guarding...' One figure was spotted by the edge of the tree line in the full light of the moon.

'And one waiting...' Another stood by the building a greater distance away. 'Aren't there more? Yes.' Eyes focused on the building uphill. 'I found my targets.' The figure stepped closer, weaving through the thinning tree to the one standing guard on the edge of the open hilltop. By comparison shadows were loud and inflexible. A black socked hand grabbed a handle and slowly drew a sword without a sound. Every step backed by training was precise to avoid stepping on a leaf or stick. The sword handle was gripped tightly when the first target was within striking distance. Triangular ears dialed hearing a distant door open. The unknown person stopped seeing a group leave the building.

"Let me go!" A fox yelped as he was dragged outside.

"All we found was this kid." A rugged tabby cat threw the young fox at the feet of a tall coyote.

"Nothing of value in that building?"

"Nothing." The tabby replied in dismay. "Not even copper coins or a piece of bronze."

"Did you hide anything?" The coyote turned to the fox with a sinister smile. He swallowed nervously as the canine drew a small dagger.

"N-No! Just leave me alone!" The short fox stammered at the weapon maliciously pointed at him.

"I say we force it out of him." A ferret sinisterly suggested. The young vulpine feared the worst as all three loomed ominously over him. An odd choking noise erupted from nearby, sparing the fox from an untimely death.

"Huh?" They looked over and at the edge of the moonlight was a fallen body.

"Tajiro!" The coyote barked but the body didn't even twitch at the voice.

'More bandits?' The fox trembled at the thought.

"Go see what that was!" The coyote ordered the lanky ferret beside him. He nodded and cautiously walked across the moonlit grass. He drew a short sword and stepped into the dark shadows of the trees.

"He's dea-Agh!" The ferret's pained voice cried out in the night. The three remaining bandits looked at each other fearfully. A sleek figure slipped from shadow to shadow before entering the moonlight. Orange and white facial fur along with a sleeker muzzle told that a vulpine was standing before them. With the geta sandals on, the person was a full head taller than Aoki. The figure wore a simple mens kimono with a standard hakama (shirt-trousers) held together with an obi (sash) around their mid section. However, the owner's muzzle was sleeker and feminine. The figure's kimono had the swell of a female's chest too.

"A vixen?!" The bandits were astonished at the sword brandishing figure. A full moment of silence passed from the shock alone.

'A-a vixen!' Aoki could hardly believe his eyes.

"Is this a joke?!" The coyote blinked several times.

"Hiding in the shadows to kill..." The tabby cat that dragged Aoki outside stepped forward. "Female or not you're messing with the wrong group!" He pulled out a dagger and charged at the female. The vixen raised her sword and stepped forward with a well timed strike. The feline tried to step aside but her strike prevailed and sliced through him. The raccoon ran off into the forest for dear life leaving the coyote alone beside the young vulpine.

"Nosettsu." Her feminine voice spoke clearly, in control. The canine rigidly tensed hearing her voice. Aoki gulped nervously. "I have a mission to kill you and your bandits, for robbing homes and buildings." The vixen declared in a smooth voice. She stepped forward and readied her blade. The petrified coyote prepared to strike but the vixen was ready for him. He screamed before being silenced by a cold slice. Aoki watched with terrified eyes as the body fell to the ground with a silencing thud to his left. The lone fox now standing before her was left in a trembling mess. His ears lied flat against his orange furred skull in a pathetic show of submission. His voice failed to form in his clenched throat, far too afraid of the impending death. His brown eyes stared in widened fear at his soon to be murderer. The kitsune sighed. 'I can't kill an adolescent boy.' She withdrew her sword and returned it to its sheath with a smooth clink. The terrified fox stared up at her for a moment and realized that she wasn't going to kill him.

"You saved me!" He wailed bowing down to kiss her black furred foot.

"Huh?" She backed away from the prostrating youth who she thought was a robber. The young vulpine crawled to her and groveled shamelessly. 'He acts like a sandal bearer.' She watched him lift her foot again and start kissing it. Her geta sandal fell loose and landed on the ground.

"Oh! Sorry ma'am!" He slipped it back on, even taking care to slip the thong of cloth between her two middle toes comfortably.

"Stand up. Who are you?" She questioned him. The red fox immediately jumped to his feet and stood tall, but remained about half a head shorter than her.

"I am Aoki! Those bandits were robbing me, but then you showed up and saved me!" He breathlessly explained with tears in his eyes.

"Ok, calm down." She firmly spoke. "So you live here?"

"Y-yes!" He wiped his eyes, regaining his bearing. The vixen's expression softened seeing that he wasn't the suspected bandit she thought he was. "Thank you!" Aoki grasped her hand and held it dearly.

"Ah, you're welcome." She mustered a quick grin finding his praise very odd.

'I can't believe this is happening!' Aoki's mind was still processing the entire night of events. "What are you doing?" He watched as she stooped down beside the fallen coyote. The vixen parted his kimono and cut free a piece of his undershirt. She also took the short sword from his hand and the weapon's sheath.

"Proof and a little personal reward." She shrugged before standing back up. Aoki tilted his head in confusion. The vixen stuffed both somewhere inside her kimono. "How old are you? Fourteen or fifteen?" She guessed looking over the young male fox. Aoki wasn't armed, nor was he dangerous to her.

"Eighteen." He surprised her.

"Really? You could have a family of your own by that age." She mused.

"I don't have a family. I lived in that building for most of my life, and it's awful." He pointed to the old lonely building before looking back at her. This time he noticed a few tails flickering behind her back in the moonlight. "You're a kitsune!" He gawked at her six tails. "Does that mean you can perform magic?" His innocent fascination amused her.

"All kitsune are born with their number of tails, and this shows how skillful they are." She stated with a mischievous eye and started walking down the wooded hillside.

"Really?" He followed and asked with naivety laced in his voice.

"Eh... Not so much. The tail is a ranking of luck more than anything else." She replied with a shrug. "You're born with them, nothing more."

"Oh. Well I like yours." He looked at the white tipped orange appendages behind her in the shadowy moonlight. She looked over her shoulder seeing that he was following her.

"Aren't you going back?" The vixen asked.

"I don't want to because I'm forced to stay in that house. The head of the village won't let me leave unless I become a general's sandal bearer." He followed her down the wooded hillside to an unused pathway.

"Then why are you following me? You'll lose your way back." She flicked a few tails at the vulpine. Branches and twigs snagged at Aoki's fur and clothes while he tried keeping pace with the kitsune.

"Can I travel with you?"

"No." She quickly answered.

"No! Please let me travel with you!" He wailed.

"Hush!" She snapped at him. "You're not accompanying me." The fox's black ears pinned back shamefully.

"Please!" He whined. "I'll do anything you want: clean the floors in your house, shop for you, collect water for a bath-"

"I have no need for someone to help with those tasks." She swiftly cut him off.

"I'll be your sandal bearer-!" He quickly thought. Even though the task was demeaning, she saved his life from a gang of ruthless bandits.

"A sandal bearer." She chuckled in amusement at the offer. "Me having a sandal bearer." The idea sounded more practical than the others. "Well if you're my sandal bearer then you won't have to bark about all of those other tasks." She remarked.

"Will you let me accompany you?" He clutched the sleeve of her kimono. Reika wasn't in the mood for arguing, especially after successfully accomplishing a mission.

"I don't think you should associate yourself with me."

"Please!" He whined. The kitsune couldn't believe the answer she was about to give.

"Fine. I will." Her voice sounded somewhat regretful, but it was still a yes.

"Oh, thank you!" Her tails fluffed feeling him suddenly hug her from behind.

"Ok. Let's keep walking unless you really want me to haul you back to that building." She diplomatically threatened.

"Sorry!" He immediately backed off and they resumed walking through the dark moonlit woods. "What's your name?" He asked her. The kitsune hesitated, but didn't see any harm in telling the young adult male.

"Reika." She said leading him around a large tree and into a small clearing with a few small bushes. "We'll stop here Aoki." Reika took a seat on a tall stump. Aoki looked around the dark section of forest, unsure of where they truly were. The kitsune cleared her throat.

"What?" The fox spun around and looked at her expectant gaze.

"You don't have a clue as to what a sandal bearer does, do you?" She flatly pointed out.

"No..." He admitted with ears pinned back.

"That's fine." She sighed. "I don't really need one anyway." The kitsune kicked her geta sandals off. "But I appreciate your interest in assisting me."

"What are we going to do?"

"We will rest here until the sun comes up." She lied down. 'Hopefully I will figure out what to do with you by then.' The kitsune thought to herself. Aoki looked around the somewhat grassy ground in the woods.

"On the ground?" He dumbly asked.

"Do you see a bed somewhere?" She sarcastically retorted and rolled onto her side. He bit his lip and lied down on the cool ground a short distance away from her.

"Hey, wake up!" Aoki was shaken from his sleep.

"Huh? What's going-!" A black furred hand covered his muzzle. The fox looked up finding Reika crouching beside him, ready to depart.

"Quiet!" She hissed. "We have to leave."

"Why do we have to-" A swift hand covered his muzzle a second time. The kitsune's black ears dialed precisely. All six orange tails of hers were still.

"We're being followed." She whispered. "Very closely." Aoki shook off the last cobwebs of sleep and scrambled to his feet. Reika held his wrist and tugged the young fox along. Before they could even exit the clearing, a group of a dozen armed soldiers suddenly sprang forth from the surrounding undergrowth and trees. Aoki's stomach sank.

"Don't move!" A voice bellowed as the two foxes were surrounded.

"Damn." Reika clenched her teeth. An old tiger stepped forward, armored, and wearing a four square emblem in the shape of a diamond.

"I am Ishihara of the Rokkaku clan." The old tiger stated. "And a six tailed kitsune is rare indeed, especially if it's you Reika." Aoki looked back and forth at the two as the old tiger continued. "You are a kitsune from the ninja village of Ueno in the Iga province. Most of your kind are strong warriors and cunning spies."

"Who aren't seeking fights by peacefully traveling through Japan." Reika frowned.

"I doubt the bandits you killed last night would agree." Ishihara surprised her.

"Murdering a murderer is not a murder in my eyes." She replied cooly.

"Your tongue is sharp like a sword." The tiger replied. "I should expect as much from your kind."

"You shouldn't talk bad about a vulpine, kitsune or fox." Reika warned. Ishihara ignored her comment.

"It has been a long time since I have had the opportunity to bad mouth you personally. How old are you now? Thirty six?" He guessed.

"Thirty one." She corrected him, holding back a spiteful remark.

"Even my intelligence is wrong about you." He mused in a chuckle before noticing a smaller companion beside the kitsune. "And who might you be?" The tiger looked at Aoki who trembled before the feline's suspicious eye. "An accomplice of yours Reika?"

"No." She diverted the tiger's attention from the innocent Aoki.

"Well if you're helping him then it can't be for a good reason."

"Why don't you let us through?" The vixen demanded.

"That's not going to happen." He growled. "You're going to stay in Rokkaku custody until I decide what to do with you." The tiger seemed satisfied and stepped back.

"You're not taking my belongings or money?" The kitsune was surprised. Without her sword, Reika would have little chance fighting a prepared soldier.

"No. Then I would really have a fight on my hands." The old tiger admitted. "I will have guards posted around your temporary estate, and if you decide to leave then two will accompany you wherever you go. Try to escape, and they will kill you or the boy." He threatened with a low growl. "Take her and the boy away." He ordered and departed with two of the soldiers.

***

They were led by the remaining small contingent of soldiers down to a road for the rest of the afternoon before reaching a small town. Clouds collected in the sky by their arrival, promising rain. Aoki wasn't as worried as he was relieved that a worse fate wouldn't be awaiting them soon. Reika was more or less annoyed that she had been found and captured. The fact that her sword and belongings were not taken irked the vixen, but it was starting to make sense.

'Ishihara is a smart tiger.' Reika shut the door behind her quietly. If she killed both guards in broad daylight without her or Aoki being injured then the rest of the village would report her. Overnight, a whole domain would be hunting her down. It was not in her best interest to fight in the slightest.

'He must be planning to send someone over to the Iga Republic and use me as a bargaining token.' She thought to herself.

"This is your home." One of the soldiers barked and halted before a tiny walkway leading up to a nice house. A decent sized yard surrounded both sides and an even greater space covered the backyard with a few trees.

"Thank you." Reika coldly replied and walked Aoki to the front door.

"Where do you want your geta sandals placed?" He bent over and retrieved her footwear at the door.

"Hm? Oh, inside by the door is fine." Reika flicked one of her tails and opened the sliding door. Aoki didn't hesitate to find a spot. 'You don't even own a pair of your own.' She realized seeing his dirty black furred soles. The smaller fox wiped them on a mat before exploring their new home. Aside from the main room there was a kitchen, two bedrooms, and a spare room. "At least this place isn't half bad." Reika managed to find a silver lining in her thunderstorm of a situation. Heck, it was probably meant for a high level administrator.

"It's a lot better than the building I was stuck in!" Aoki appeared from around a corner. The young fox's white tipped tail swished excitedly. She had a hard enough time believing that he was eighteen, but being a happy prisoner under Rokkaku Ishihara's control rubbed her the wrong way.

"Why did you want to travel with a complete stranger like me?" Reika turned and asked Aoki. "A female stranger who killed four men with ease." She reminded him. Now that the kitsune pointed that information out, it did seem odd for Aoki to travel with her.

"I didn't want to stay there forever or be forced into the military." He simply replied.

"When you so readily begged to be my sandal bearer than some general?" She rested her hands on her hips.

"You saved me..." His tail and gaze drooped to the ground.

"Well you're very lucky, because it wasn't my mission to save you." Reika scolded him. "What would your family think if they knew you ran off with me?"

"I don't know... I'm an orphan." He said barely above a whisper.

'I shouldn't have asked that!' Reika wiped her forehead. The vixen could feel her frustrations giving her a headache. The kitsune sighed and retreated to the main bedroom leaving Aoki to stand alone in the main room. "I need to relax and think calmly." She took a deep breath and exhaled. The kitsune set her long sword and newly acquired short sword beside the pillows. Reika pulled the cover back and sat down on the large futon. 'Nice and soft.' She ran a hand over the exquisite bedding. It was certainly better than sleeping on the ground or at a shady inn. She performed a short breathing exercise and meditated. When the vixen opened her eyes again she found Aoki standing in the doorway staring at her. An awkward stare ensued, but Aoki managed to speak first.

"I'm sorry Reika." He quietly spoke.

"You don't need to say that. I'm sorry for snapping at you. This isn't the situation I expected myself to be in." Reika admitted.

"It's ok." He quietly replied.

"Come in and sit down." She offered with a kind grin. The fox joined her on the bed without hesitation. "I can tell there's something on your mind." Rika looked at his curious expression with a knowing look. He nodded.

"Is it true that you're a ninja?"

"Well I guess there's no way I can tell you different." She mused. "Ishihara explained it well enough. I'm from the Iga Republic, and I have been trained as a ninja from a very young age."

"How does he know so much about you?" Aoki inquired. The kitsune's six tails weaved nostalgically in the air.

"Do you know about the Onin War that ended over a decade ago?" Reika asked.

"Not very much." He shook his head.

"I see, well, twenty four years ago a war escalated in the capital city Kyoto. The conflict almost lasted eleven years and towards the end every clan in the country began independently fighting amongst themselves for greater power. I participated in the war during the last year and a half as a ninja. I was only sixteen." She admitted much to Aoki's surprise. "During the final months a castle controlled by the Rokkaku in Kannonji was attacked by a force led by the shogun. I was one of the ninjas employed by the shogun to help attack."

"What happened?"

"I killed one of his retainers during the fight, and he has held a grudge against me since then. Whenever I try passing through Rokkaku land I always have to be secret about it or this might happen. You know it isn't hard to spot me." She chuckled and raised her six white tipped tails.

"That's true." He smiled and pet one. "And they're soft." Aoki giggled. Reika rolled her eyes in amusement and flicked the appendage out of his grasp.

"They're just like your tail."

"But I like yours." His compliment was very much appreciated.

"Any other questions?" She inquired. Aoki thought for a moment.

"Why didn't you fight him?"

"We were outnumbered pretty badly, and if he harmed you on anyway then I could not forgive myself. Ishihara is the uncle of the clan's current leader, and he has a lot of power over us right now." Reika sighed and rested her muzzle in her hands.

"Oh." Aoki realized the severity of the situation.

A light drizzle outside pattered over the roof of their temporary residence. The quiet rumbling of distant thunder promised more rain for the village and surrounding countryside.

"It's already difficult see. I think we should get a good night's rest to figure out something in the morning." Reika advised. Aoki nodded and started to stand up.

"Where are you going?" She put a hand on his shoulder.

"There was a smaller guest room to sleep in." He pointed but Reika shook her head.

"You're sleeping with me. I don't trust him." She patted his back. The last thing she needed was for Ishihara to kidnap the boy and use him as a bartering piece.

"Wait. What?" He asked as she untied her obi (sash) and disrobed in front of him.

"We're going to bed together." She flicked a tail at the bed she was sitting on.

"Is it alright if I sleep with you?" Aoki quietly asked.

"Why would it not?" She set her grey-blue kimono and white skirt-trousers (hakama) aside leaving herself only clad in a light undershirt that failed to cover her bottom.

"You're a vixen and I'm a fox." He pointed out.

"Doesn't that mean we're both vulpine?" Reika countered with a slight grin on her thin black lips.

"Well..." He scrunched his muzzle in thought.

"It's already turning dark outside." She patted the space beside her, deciding for him. "We're not going to escape tonight unless we want to fall ill by morning." With a little reluctance her younger companion disrobed as well down to a light undershirt, albeit, with his back turned. Aoki lied down on his back beside the kitsune, but sleeping beside her still irked him. If it wasn't for the already dimmed light then Reika would've been able to see him easily. The kitsune pulled the cover halfway up and lied back to sleep. Aoki stared up at the barely visible ceiling. Even with the darkness and cover, he was still apprehensive about sleeping with a lady, one he hardly knew at that! The multiple tails touching his leg didn't help either. The fox's eyes widened as lightning suddenly lit the room from outside.

"Ah!" He hugged her body close as thunder suddenly crashed nearby, reverberating over the countryside.

"It's just thunder." She lifted her arm and consoled him with a pat.

"I don't like it!" His voice was muffled from her undershirt. Reika brought her around around his side comfortingly. Aoki blinked looking at the vixen's shape through the dark. 'She smells nice.' He found her scent soothing through the thunderstorm.

"Where are we going?" Aoki asked as Reika slid the door shut behind him.

"I'll tell you in a moment, but I want you to put on my geta sandals first." She pointed to her footwear in his hands.

"Ok." He obliged and set the shoes down before slipping them on.

"Hmm. You're a little larger than me." She remarked before motioning for Aoki to take them off.

"I don't understand." He shook his head but quickly knelt before her. "May I put them on you?"

"Sure." The kitsune grinned and lifted a leg, then the other as the geta sandals were slid on. "Thank you."

"You're welcome. So where are we going?"

"I am taking you to shop for some shoes." Reika pointed to the fox's bare feet.

"Wow! Really?" He exclaimed with wide eyes.

"Mmhm." She nodded. "It would be odd if my sandal bearer didn't have anything to wear himself." The young fox could barely contain his smile until they approached the spear armed guards.

"What about them?" He motioned towards the two husky guards at the end of their pathway.

"Don't worry about them." She reassured him.

"We are ordered to accompany you." One stated with a deep voice that sent a shiver down Aoki's spine.

"That is fine." Reika cooly replied holding up a hand. The kitsune walked ahead into the village with Aoki by her side and the two guards a couple of steps behind them.

"What are we going to do?" He asked peeking back at the two tiger guards behind them.

"We will play his game... for now." She stated with a half grin and resumed walking through the small town. The morning sky was sunny with a few lingering clouds from last night. Townspeople were out starting their chores and opening shop. Reika merely glanced the small buildings while Aoki curiously eyed each one wondering what the owners did. "Let's stop here Aoki." Reika pointed to a small shop with farming hats and mats laid out for sale. The two soldiers patiently waited at a distance.

"Good morning. What sandals do you have sir?" Reika asked a Shiba Inu hungrily presiding over a small bowl of noodles.

"Morning!" He quickly ate his mouthful and set the air of chopsticks down. "I have the ones you see right there." His white and tan furred hand pointed over to a small part of his stand where a dozen or so pieces of footwear lied.

"Thank you." Reika glanced at the wooden geta while Aoki looked at every other item. The wood appeared crude in design and the leather thong straps were clearly misused. 'These geta sandals are atrocious!' She wrinkled her muzzle and looked at the straw sandals, Zori, next. Basic and humbling, a pair caught her eye. "Here Aoki, try these." The kitsune picked up a decent pair.

"Okay!" He hastily put a conical straw hat back. The young fox slipped them on and took a few steps.

"Do you like them? They look nice on you."

"I do." He nodded with a beaming smile. "They fit."

"We'll buy them." Reika paid the canine a dozen bronze coins.

"Thank you miss!" He beamed a smile and pocketed the coins.

"There. Now you have a pair of shoes." Reika placed a hand confidently on her hip. "I can give you a pair of socks if you need two." Aoki was too enthralled with the new footwear to hear the offer concerning socks.

"I like them." His tail wagged with each step he took. Without anything else to do, Reika let Aoki indulge himself for the morning and afternoon. He explored the village with her and ate a simple meal all while under the careful gaze of two guards.

**

"Can we stand on the bridge for a while?" Aoki pointed up a path in the grass to a small arching structure bridging two banks across a creek.

"Sure." Reika followed the young fox. The guards also followed at a distance. The little dirt path was dry, indicating that the area hadn't received any rainfall in a few days. The walked along the wavy path and overlooked the area from the small Bridget's low viewpoint. The scenic country area was a pleasant sight for the vixen. Her six tails swayed and twirled calmly. 'The cities certainly don't look this beautiful.' She looked across the small expanse of untouched landscape at the center of the little lakeside village. The central field was largely acting like a natural garden of sorts where the little bridge acted as its heart. The grass was well kept and a few flowers dotted the flat space. Beyond the village was a farmed field, and unused field, and a tree line. Her meditative gaze was interrupted by the anxious fox beside her. Aoki leaned over the wooden railing, unable to fix his gaze on any single point for longer than a moment.

"Alright, I'll ask." Reika looked over at Aoki. "How did you end up in that old building where those bandits were?" The younger fox stared out across the creek before looking up at her.

"My parents died when I was very young. The forested hill that we lived on was poor, and no one wanted it or to adopt me. So a person or two would come up daily to make sure I was taken care of."

"Why couldn't you just leave and make a living on your own?"

"I never had the money, and I was under the threat that if I left then I would be forced to become a general's sandal bearer on Kannonji."

"So you were stuck there for years? Alone?"

"Mhm." He nodded. "It's very lonely on that hill. I never had anyone to play with, and no one wanted me to abandon the house because that would mean abandoning my family."

"Do you have other family?" Reika asked.

"No." Aoki shook his head. "That's why I wanted to leave so much. I don't have a family." He softly spoke. A hand comfortingly rested on his shoulder. The young fox looked up at Reika. The vixen took a deep breath.

"Loneliness is a painful form of suffering." She sighed staring up the creek. The kitsune had plenty of experience being alone despite traveling so much. Surrounded by so many, yet being completely isolated in urban areas could take a toll on one's psyche. Most days were spent working towards a mission anywhere between undercover reconnaissance, sabotage, or assassination. Very little time was leftover for moments like these where the kitsune could relax and enjoy the beautiful world around her. She fondly watched a light breeze ruffle a few leaves and blades of grass. "Let's go back to the house." She beckoned him with a few tails. They left the bridge and walked through the village.

"Hey, uh Reika?" Aoki asked.

"Hmm?" The vixen looked at him and noticed that his black tipped ears were pinned back.

"Thank you for buying me a pair of sandals." He shyly spoke. An arm rested across his shoulder.

"You're welcome." She was suddenly greeted with a strong hug. 'Clingy fella.' Reika patted Aoki's back until he backed off. The foxes held hands all the way back to their temporary residence. Aoki took one last glance behind his shoulder at the two guards from the front door. The armored husky and raccoon were setting up post at the road in front of their temporary house living quarters. He stuck his tongue out and slid the door shut with a satisfied sigh. It was nice not having two guards breathing down their necks when they were inside.

"I'll get your sandals Reika." He quickly offered and plucked them off her feet.

"Thank you, Aoki." She padded over to the low table in the center of the main room and sat down. Her tails calmly rested behind her.

"Do you have any spare socks with you Reika?" The younger fox delicately placed his new sandals beside the kitsune's

"Yes." Reika stared off at a wall with a concentrated look. Her mind was thinking of more important things. One of her triangular ears turned hearing Aoki exploring the home. 'Rambunctious.' The word was a fitting description. The kitsune folded her arms and looked towards the wall ahead. Her mind pressed to more significant matters. 'I really need to reach Koka to collect that bounty, but I'm stuck here.' She sighed at the lost time. The kitsune's six tails waved in the air methodically behind her back. Traveling by a main road would lead to a quick conflict, yet, walking through the rugged woods and back trails wouldn't be any faster heading south. Laying low reminded the vixen of a turtle hiding in its shell too much. 'At least Aoki is happy.' Reika grinned at the pair of sandals that she had bought for him. Without reaching a clear conclusion, the vixen stood up in an elegant stretch, arcing all of her six tails. "Where did Aoki go?" She looked around the room. Quiet thumping nearby caught her sensitive ears. In a nearby and empty room she found the younger fox making deliberate jumps and slow motions.

"Pssh! Waah." He made funny noises through his clenched teeth. "She takes down this robber... and this robber." He swung an imaginary sword in his hands. Reika shook her head in amusement. It really didn't surprise her that someone left secluded for so long acted half their age. The fox froze when he spotted the kitsune standing in the doorway. "Oh... Uh. Hey." He composed himself. The six tailed vixen merely turned around and walked away. "What?" Aoki bounded up to her.

"Nothing." She had difficulty holding back a little smile. "I need you in here."

"The bedroom? What so we have to do in there?"

"Let's sleep early tonight. We have a long day ahead of us tomorrow." Reika slid the bedroom door open.

"It's not even dark yet." Aoki didn't understand why she would say that when guards would follow their every move.

"We're going to wake up really early. I have plans that require me to be elsewhere." Aoki slowly nodded at her lighthearted tone.

'How is she going to manage that?' He looked around the room that oddly served as a prison.

"C'mon. I need you to be well rested too." She set her clothes aside and laid down. He nodded and joined her, but gave plenty of space for the six tails. Aoki stared at the ceiling but closed his eyes with nothing else to do. Reika's ears listened to the silence attentively. In barely half an hour her ears detected slow, relaxed breathing. She rolled onto her side and faced Aoki. The young fox was sound asleep, oblivious to the world around him. 'He doesn't know what he has gotten himself into.' Reika reflected on her life as a ninja. Living a subversive life in plain daylight was hardly different to living isolated on a mountaintop. The kitsune closed her eyes, and a grin surprisingly formed on her thin black lips. "How funny." She softly mumbled to herself. It was pretty ironic that he ended up as her sandal bearer rather than some Rokkaku general's in Kannonji.

Long before the sun was due to rise, the temporary home in the Rokkaku village was secretly in preparation. Reika and Aoki were inside at the front door, dressed and readying themselves for an escape.

"Why are we leaving through the front door?" Aoki asked as he slipped her sandals on her feet.

"There's only one door to this building which means no one will suspect us breaking through it at night." She explained. "Besides, I don't want to mess with a wall that could be booby trapped." The kitsune silently opened the door and peeked outside. The sound of crickets greeted their ears. There wasn't much to see, but no guards were stationed outside to spot them. "No one is outside. Let's go." She crept outside. Reika's ears dialed back, failing to hear Aoki follow her. "I don't intend to die by Ishihara's hands... do you?" She looked back at him expectantly.

"No." He quietly shook his head.

"Then follow me." She whispered. The young fox stepped outside without hesitation. Aoki shivered at the sudden rush of cooler air that was moist from a recent drizzle. Reika silently shut the door behind Aoki and led the young fox away from the house. The cool grass beside the dirt road crunched softly beneath their sandals. Aoki held onto one of her tails so he wouldn't become lost. The darkness was obstructed with a few variously placed lanterns and a partly cloudy night sky. It was enough light to navigate without being visible to others.

'Hm?' Reika noticed an obstacle ahead. Two guards were stationed by a dirt road leaving the village. One held a lantern, but both were armed. The kitsune noted a spear, short sword, and long sword. 'That's hardly enough to slow me down.' Reika smugly grinned but knew better than to attack. She halted and lied low to the ground with Aoki. He was shivering fearfully. "Hey." Reika whispered. "We're going around these two guards to reach the trees outside this field. Stay low in the grass. It isn't very tall." She explained.

"Okay." He nodded. The kitsune led him through the field, making sure to stay a fair distance away from the guards.

'Uh oh!' She noticed the lamp's light suddenly set towards them. "Duck Aoki!" Reika softly barked. The two dropped in the grass like falling rocks and remained still. Aoki struggled to calm his breathing. He stared at the tips of grass above them as light shined dimly above them.

"What are you doing?" A guard asked. Aoki swallowed nervously and gripped Reika tightly.

"I thought I heard something above the crickets." The Shiba Inu holding the lantern stated.

"It's a dark night. Your ears are tricking you." The former guard reassured him. The canine raised his nose in the air for a moment.

"My nose can't smell anything except dew." He remarked and returned to his post on the dirt road. The foxes breathed a much needed sigh of relief.

"Aoki." Reika patted his side. "Slowly stand to a crouching position." She started moving.

"Ok." He shakily rose. The pair quietly crept away from the guards. The rest of the field was open for them. A creek was quickly crossed and each running step theough the grass brought them closer to freedom. The village soon became their backdrop a fair distance away. Reika followed the tree line before entering the forest.

"Ok. I think we are far away enough to talk." She said without stopping. Leaves and sticks crunched or snapped softly beneath their footsteps. Aoki finally released the tail he had been holding onto.

"When did you think of this plan?"

"When we first walked into the village."

"You're really smart." The young fox admired her cunning skills.

"Thanks." She grinned. "A little planning goes a long way." They trekked through the moonlit fields and trees until the sun just began to rise over the mountains to the east. Aoki diligently followed, but was glad when Reika finally slowed down.

"Where are we?" He looked around the unfamiliar forest.

"We're not too far from your house." The kitsune stated.

'My house?' Aoki felt his heart sink. "Are you leaving me here?" He worried, but the six tailed kitsune ignored the question. She looked around before approaching a certain tree with a low branch. Aoki watched her stick an arm into a hole in the trunk.

"These are my packs that I hid before killing those thieves at your house." She pulled out a filled rucksack, and a half empty rucksack from a hole in the tree trunk.

'How much can Reika plan ahead? She's smart!' Aoki was astonished as she checked both of their contents. "I can carry one." He quickly offered. Reika tossed the eager fox a bag and set out taking a different direction through the trees. She looked over her shoulder at Aoki who was keeping up with her just fine despite the hours of walking through the countryside. Maybe it was living a life of loneliness as a paid assassin, but Reika was starting to like the idea of the younger fox accompanying her. The kitsune stopped and placed a hand against a tree to think. Aoki nervously watched her scan their surroundings.

"So... Are you leaving me?" He feared that she would abandon him at any moment. Reika hid a tiny grin from the young fox.

"Well... I can't abandon my loyal sandal bearer." She stopped and put an arm around his shoulder. The wave of excitement that filled his face brightened her core.

"Thank you!" Aoki tightly hugged her. Reika couldn't help but smile at the sweet gesture.

"C'mon. We can't stop here to hug." She nudged him along. "We can go a little further."

"Where are we going to go now that you have your stuff?"

"We will go to Koka in the south where I have some business." Reika explained as they marched through a thicket of bamboo.

"What kind of business?"

"Ninja business." She teased and stuck her tongue out. The vulpine pair stumbled upon a small pond against a cliff face. "We can set up camp around here." She paused to look around. "Over here will be good." She walked around a section of thick underbrush.

"Why not beside the pond?"

"Just in case someone has a farm nearby or a traveler knows the area." Reika set her swords and bag down.

"I can help set everything up." Aoki offered.

"You sure? Fire pit and everything?"

"Mhm!" He nodded.

"Thank you, and since you're taking care of that, I'll take a bath in the pond." She walked around the underbrush to the water. The surface was still and Reika eagerly slipped out of her clothes. The open air contently kissed her naked body. She approached and took a testing step in. Each step brought shivers through her core until she swiftly sat down. "Ooh! This never gets old." The vixen shuddered from the initial cool shock reclining to soak her body. "Ah." She grinned. Relaxing in a cool pond was the best way to end a long day of walking. 'And Aoki offers to help unpack everything...' The kind young fox proved to be far more valuable than an ordinary sandal bearer with his company alone. Her mind unraveled and mellowed out at the fortunate events. Black and orange ears dialed forward hearing something rustle in the leaves. Alert and ready, the kitsune sat up and opened her eyes. Standing a few steps from the water's edge was a harmless site. Aoki was holding his shirt, but the young fox fidgeted staring at her and the water.

"Oh, it's you." Reika grinned with relief. The last thing she needed was a group of soldiers to stumble upon her taking a bath. "Well there's no need to wait on my six tails for a bath. Come here." A tail tip flickered, beckoning to him.

"Uh." He bit his lip nervously. "I can wait." The fox offered taking a step backwards only to bump into a tree.

"Don't feel shy, you can bathe with me." She uncovered her white bosom hoping to encourage him. The vixen's pink teats and lower half of her areolae poked free from her wet fur.

"You're really pretty." He looked away feeling a blush form under his cheeks.

"Thank you." The vixen's smile beamed at the compliment while he stripped down and set his clothes aside. Aoki stepped in and sat down beside her in the shallow water without a word. "Water's nice and cool isn't it?" Reika lifted a tail up and slapped it down with a splash.

"Mhm." He nodded with a subtle grin. It helped him forget that he was sitting beside a beautiful nude vixen. Aoki jumped in his seat as something flew out of the water and onto his lap. "A foot?" He breathed a sigh of relief at the black fur and pads.

"Did you think it was a fish?" She giggled wiggling her toes at him."

"Maybe." He grinned at how funny it seemed and picked up her foot before setting it underwater.

"If you had washed my foot without question then I truly would've believed you were meant to be a sandal bearer." She smiled.

"I would have if you asked." He admitted. Her smile only brightened.

"No that's alright. I already washed my feet, but I would greatly appreciate it if you could get my back." Reika turned around.

"Sure." He agreed and scooted closer. The water between them rippled as all six of her tails rose up. Aoki brushed them out of the way and reached for her back. The orange tails struck back. "Your tails are in my way!" He giggled batting the six wet appendages away.

"Tails? Couldn't be." She feigned innocence. Aoki battled with the tricky appendages only to have all of them wrap around his arms and legs.

"I guess you caught me." He pried one off only for it to curl around him again.

"My back please." She kindly reminded him, holding back a giggle.

"Oh! Ok." He poured water over her and rubbed the vixen's back. Reika enjoyed the little treatment from him, and regretted that he finished so quickly. Aoki started to wade away, but a hand caught his wrist.

"Ah, ah. Let me return the favor." She insisted and pulled him back. The young fox fell into the water with a splash. He tried to stand back up but Reika's knees held his sides, and her feet ended up between his legs. Aoki found himself locked in front of the kitsune. Hands delicately combed through his fur and poured water over his back. "You really needed a good bath. There's so much dirt in your fur." She rubbed through his orange coat generously. He leaned back into her gentle touch. "There. Much better." She poured water down his back.

"Thank you for washing my back."

"Do you need me to help wash you anywhere else?" She asked

"No thanks. I'm fine." He found it a little awkward that Reika would offer that. She backed away and waded a few steps from his side. Aoki took little notice of the twinkling gleam in her eye. The kitsune bent over and scooped a few handfuls of water at him. "Ah! Hey!" He laughed as she splashed him. The young fox jumped up and splashed her back. She jumped away in the water and he gave chase, bending over to splash the sneaky kitsune. Reika and Aoki jumped around and splashed each other until they were dripping wet and panting.

"Let's take a break." Reika raised her hand for a truce. The foxes waded ashore. Without the splashing battle, Aoki could see the kitsune's uncovered body clearly. It was already obvious to Aoki that Reika was a red fox. Most of her body was covered in a beautiful orange, and her front from chin to thighs was white as snow. Her lower arms and legs were in a typical black sock pattern. However, her nether regions instead of being a pure white had a light dusting of grey giving her femininity a darker appearance. All of that, of course, was dripping wet and clinging to her body. "You are staring Aoki." The kitsune giggled. She waved a hand in front of his line of sight to catch the young male's attention.

"Sorry." He looked away nervously.

"It's okay, you already know that I'm a vixen." She grinned and batted his side with a pair of wet tails. He giggled at the wet slapping sound. Reika laid down on the grass and relaxed. Seeing that she was ok with it, he felt less embarrassed about it.

"The bath was a lot of fun." Aoki smiled and lied down beside her.

"It was the most fun I've had in a long time." She agreed. It was never as much fun to stop anywhere by yourself. 'I can't even think of the last time I could play around like a little girl.' She thought to herself.

"What do you like to do for fun?"

"Things like this." She closed her eyes and grinned. "Relaxing without a care in the world and playing around." The warm early afternoon sun felt heavenly on their fur. Aoki watched her for a moment before doing the same. A minute of serene silence passed before Reika spoke up. "You mentioned something about people visiting you in that house. How did that work out?" The younger fox thought to himself.

"Two of the three ladies that visited never talked kindly to me and were always stern. I think they worked a Buddhist temple."

"I'm no Zen Buddhist." She chuckled. "That life is way too strict and solemn for me." Reika lifted her black foot in the air and began rotating it.

"What kind of life do you and other ninjas follow?" He curiously asked.

"I cannot speak for others like me, but I suppose I'm a Taoist because I don't like to get in people's way," she continued rotating her foot in the air, "although, I'm sure the robbers and others would disagree with me." The kitsune chuckled to herself and set her leg back on the ground. They finished air drying their fur with a short nap. The afternoon sky was cloudy, and it didn't look like it would clear anytime soon. "Ah, there's only a little bit of sun left for the day. Are you dry enough?" Reika sat up and stretched to her feet.

"Mmhm." He nodded feeling over his ruffled and unkempt fur.

"Good." She stood up with a flick from every tail. He watched Reika pick up her clothes and walk back to their camp.

"Aren't we going to get dressed?" Aoki gathered his garments and followed her.

"It's just you and me here." She brought an arm around his shoulder. Aoki looked around with a grin. He did not mind being in his bare fur. "But I don't want you to forget where you put your clothes in the morning."

"I won't!" He found that hard to believe. Around the corner, Reika was surprised to find Their little camp neatly organized.

"Wow. You really did set up everything." Reika admired the work he did. "How did you learn to do this?"

"Being alone gave me the time to tidy the house up. Sometimes I pretended I was in the woods."

"I appreciate it. You did a good job."

"Thank you." He shyly grinned.

"You're welcome." Reika flashed a grin. The kitsune started a fire. Cooking and cleaning up took less time too. The kitsune never had anyone to help her like Aoki. By the time the sun was setting, both foxes were well fed and happy.

"I can't thank you enough for all your help Aoki. You're worth a lot more than a sandal bearer to me." Reika ruffled his head fur. "This time we can sleep in." She smiled.

"Thanks." He gave a tired smile in return. The fox flopped down onto the ground with a satisfied huff. He curled into a ball and tucked his tail around his waist. Reika laid down as well and listened to the dwindling flames crackle and pop. On the other side, she watched Aoki peacefully sleep.

"Hey... Aoki." She whispered. He stirred.

"Huh?" The fox's head rose half asleep.

"Come sleep with me. I have more than one tail for you to wrap yourself around with." She flicked a few tail tips. Aoki rose to his hands and knees and crawled towards her. She lifted her arm for the young fox, and he lied down on his side facing her. His front pressed to her side and an arm laid across her midsection. "Goodnight." Reika curled a few tails around his back for warmth. She draped her hakama (shirt-trousers) over them for good measure. Aoki snuggled close and fell asleep. She looked down seeing his leg resting comfortably on her own. 'I guess he is comfortable being naked around me now.' She thought to herself wearing a smile. It was the vixen's personal philosophy that everyone should socialize while bathing. And taking a bath was the perfect time to reinforce those bonds.

'I wish we could stay here longer.' The kitsune listened to the peaceful darkness. Relaxing and goofing around a pond with someone wasn't something she could indulge on before. 'Maybe we can come back in a year when Ishihara gives up his search for me.' She fondly thought. The kitsune rarely made plans in the future, but it seemed more worthwhile since Aoki was with her. Reika found herself lightly rubbing Aoki's back and stopped. 'Are you growing soft for a young fox Reika?' The kitsune asked herself. The faint grin on her thin black lips seemed to be enough evidence.

The kitsune and fox were walking along a rough path through a forest of bamboo.

"Are we almost there?" Aoki asked. The young fox was happily walking in his sandals.

"Koka isn't far if we stay on this path." Reika grinned. The vulpines packed up their makeshift camp a few days ago. They traveled along down rural paths and the countryside alike since then. There were few travelers that they passed, which only aided in their escape from the Rokkaku general. The foxes noticed another traveler approaching them ahead. The boar was heavily armored and wielded a rather large naginata. Reika could hear his heavy plodding steps as he approached. The whole scene was off for a typical traveler. The look in his eyes was more than a warning to Reika. "Get behind me." She placed a hand on her sword and stepped in front of Aoki. "To the tree!" Reika barked. Aoki scrambled away and the kitsune faced the mysterious stranger. He had green and red colored armor of a foot soldier covering most of his body. The emblem on his shoulder armor explained the sudden appearance.

"I am Nangamu." The boar declared gripping his weapon. "And I have been sent by Ishihara of the Rokkaku clan to kill you." Reika eyed. Her opponent keenly as his jaw proudly jabbered. "I'm surprised that you aren't running like the fox you really are." The boar smugly grinned.

"There's no need to hide from a single idiot." Reika grinned drawing her sword. Nangamu snorted angrily and charged. He swung the pole arm blade and struck down at the vixen.

"Reika!" Aoki screamed as the loud clash of metal pierced his ears.

'He's strong!' Reika gritted her teeth. The boar's blade was held at bay above her head by her own blade, but just barely. The kitsune moved his blade and held her sword firmly with both hands, pointing the tip at the boar. He backed away to utilize his weapon's reach before swinging his pole arm. They clashed and the air filled with the sharp tang of metal on metal. Nangamu struck quickly with well aimed precision, but Reika was able to counter or even outright dodge his heavy blows.

"You evade and block well, kitsune." He admitted during a pause.

"Don't praise me when you swing that stick like an angry child." She snidely nipped at his pride. The boar roared and tightly gripped his pole arm. Nangamu came upon her with a ferocious move to strike down. Aoki expected a loud clash of forged metal and covered his ears. At the very last instant the kitsune stepped diagonally towards the boar, avoiding the blow as the naginata's tip struck the earth. The boar's expression of total shock sealed his fate. Clearly within range, Reika drove her blade almost to the hilt through Nangamu's heart. Her move was so swift that the wind could scarcely have the speed to catch up. Aoki gasped at the sight. The six tailed kitsune pulled the bloody blade out causing blood to spill onto the grass below.

"Y-you-!" Nangamu coughed painfully and dropped to his knees. Reika stepped back and flicked the blood off her sword.

"There is a saying that you truly know yourself at the moment of death. I wonder what you learned." She sheathed her sword. The boar fell forward with a stiff huff from his armor. The brightness in his eyes immediately dimmed. 'That takes care of him.' Reika nodded to herself and looked over where Aoki had stood. The young fox was silently watching with a fearful expression. The kitsune hurried over to him. "Hey. Are you alright Aoki?" She knelt in front of the fox and checked him over. The younger fox managed a nod. "Good. Let's go." She quickly turned the young fox around and hurried down the path. Aoki tightly held her hand while frequently looking over his shoulder. Luckily, no one else attacked them along the rest of the road. The road was empty all the way to town where several farmers were busy in the surrounding fields.

Reika quickly led Aoki into Koka, but it was a big town for the young fox. The streets were busy and alive with people walking, yelling, selling, or a combination of all three! Incenses and perfumes being offered at small shrines or the town's main temple complex mixed in the air, barraging the nose with varying smells. The sound of a koto being played nearby added another layer to the mix of urban sounds. Various people were carrying goods, bought and ready to be sold. A group of kids laughed as a bag of rice fell from a cart.

'Wow!' Aoki was terrified and excited all at once. A black socked hand suddenly stopped him on the edge of the wide street.

"Stay right here, and don't lose sight of me." Reika warned him. "I'll be right there if you need anything." She pointed to the corner of a shop hidden in the shade of a larger adjacent building. He nodded and watched the kitsune navigate through the crowd. Reika knocked on a tabletop and stood by the shady corner connecting to an alleyway. A few rough appearing men were standing nearby, but she didn't pay any attention to them. A figure appeared from the inside of the shop. The shade covered most of the person's upper face, leaving only a white furred jaw and throat visible. Pointy ears and prominent whiskers revealed that he was a domestic cat, but little else.

"What brings you by Reika?" His muzzle curled into a grin. "Money?"

"When is the answer any different?" Reika slyly answered. "Ah, but I'm in a hurry today so I don't have time to chat."

"Ok." The dealer looked at her expectantly.

"Is there a bounty on the master-less samurai Nangamu?" She asked.

"One moment please." The feline disappeared for half a minute before returning. "No. Anything else?" He curiosity inquired. Reika slipped a hand into her kimono.

"Nosettsu's bounty." She handed the feline a piece of cloth.

"Ah. I only have one problem though..." He shuffled around before producing a small pouch of coin for the kitsune.

"Problem..." Reika weighed the bag in her hand noticing the feline was apparently paying her half of her earned sum.

"I do not have all of the money for you here. Go to the station in Kyoto. You will find the rest of your money there in good company." He grinned before disappearing somewhere in the back.

"Kyoto, huh?" Reika hid the pouch of money in her kimono. The vixen looked up but quickly hid her face and tails. A group of soldiers wearing the Rokkaku emblem and brandishing spears walked by. 'Better get Aoki.' Her eyes looked back and spotted the oblivious fox idly standing in the open. At the edge of the street, Aoki watched the world quickly pass by. So many people were walking different ways that his eyes could hardly keep up. The young fox lived near Kannonji, a town of similar size, but never visited. The peasant town of Koka was a big shock for the isolated fox from the forested hill. Aoki felt like a little kit, powerless and helpless. He jumped feeling a hand rest on his shoulder.

"Reika!" He blew a sigh of relief seeing the kitsune's face.

"We can go. I have what I came for." She led him down the street, away from the perusing soldiers, and out of the town. They walked alongside a dirt road with deep ruts from carts and rickshaws. The countryside and little poor rural dwellings were a nice refreshment from the urban clutter. Meager pastures and farms created a scenic, but very telling tale. 'War has kept this place poor.' Reika noted to herself. An older woman signing an elder tune helped lift the mood.

"So... What did you think about Koka?" Reika asked.

"It was big." Aoki concisely answered. There wasn't much that he wanted to say. It was only the afternoon, yet he had experienced more in half a day than his entire life. But not all of it was pleasant. Aoki was relieved that Reika wasn't injured, but he was still shaken up from the intense fight. The six tailed kitsune was in a similar mindset. 'I cannot believe that Ishihara sent someone after me.' The kitsune thought to herself. 'Although, that isn't the first time he has done that.' She remembered the forgotten faces of foxes, badgers, dogs, and felines. Most had evidence or proof that the Rokkaku had hired them over the years to counter something that Reika was doing, but others lacking evidence made up with convenience. The foxes passed fewer and fewer people along the western road. Thick groves of bamboo and trees gradually overtook the subtle hills and pastures. After another half mile of walking, Reika led Aoki through a small patch of trees to an isolated field away from the road.

"Let's set up camp here." She stopped where the trees and grass met and dropped her pack. "We've walked pretty far from Koka. We should be fine here for a while." Aoki didn't say anything but set the bag down anyway.

"Hey, you feeling alright?" Reika noticed his quiet demeanor. "You haven't spoken since I killed that boar."

"Y-yeah." He nodded.

"You're lying." She flatly pointed out. Aoki bit his lip but didn't reply. They both knew how shaken up he was from the deadly encounter. Reika stood in front of the fox and looked at him in his eyes. "Listen. The world isn't in harmony, and we have to live with it." She placed a hand on his shoulder. "Staying with me won't be a fun game all the time. You're an adult. You must see this."

"I know." He solemnly nodded. The kitsune wiggled her nose and looked over the fledgling adult. Everything about his body was small, and his strength clearly did not make up for his height.

"Hmm. I think I should train you." She nodded to herself.

"Train me?" Aoki could hardly believe his ears.

"You need to know how to defend yourself. You're eighteen already, a man." Reika kicked her geta sandals off and placed her hands on her hips. "What would you do if someone killed me right here?" She promptly asked.

"Cry..." He truthfully answered.

"No!" She smacked her forehead. "You'd cut his ass off for me!" The male fox's tail fur stood on end at her answer. Reika drew her short sword. The small curved blade glimmered in the direct sunlight.

"What are you doing with that?"

"I'm going to teach you how to at least use it, and disarm someone attacking you with it."

"For self defense?" He presumed.

"Learning to use the sword is for killing. If you wish to call it self defense, fine, but you will still use it to kill unless you want to be killed." Reika explained with complete seriousness. Aoki nervously nodded. "Hold the knife like so." She demonstrated with a firm grip. Aoki watched her flick it into the air before snatching the blade cleanly and handing it over to him.

"Ok." He mimicked her and gripped the handle firmly.

"Good. Widen your stance, ready your body, stand straight." Reika commanded him. Aoki did as she asked. "Now try to attack me." She challenged him.

"Attack you!?" His neck fur stood on end. "This is a real weapon. Why don't we use a wooden one?"

"A ninja would never carry a wooden sword to practice with. I have enough to carry anyway." She glanced at both packs resting in the grass.

"Can't I just watch you perform it?"

"No. You can only learn how to use a weapon by using it." She insisted.

"Okay." Aoki nodded and took a deep breath. He looked at Reika and wondered how to go about attacking her. The kitsune stood there innocently enough. 'I could never hurt her in a real fight.' He knew better. The young fox stepped forward and struck at her. He gasped as she half stepped and swiftly grabbed his wrist. In an instant he was disarmed. Reika forced his arm and twisted it behind his back. "Argh!" Aoki coughed. The short sword was now in Reika's possession, and pointing in front of his face. He did not want to find out how sharp the metal blade really was.

"Let's try again." Reika impatiently barked.

For the next half hour Aoki disappointed the female ninja time and time again with different attacking scenarios with the short sword. He could feel her frustration seeping through her skin and fur. The young fox found himself defeated with his arm held behind his back another countless time.

"C'mon! You can't win like that!" She yelled and released him again.

"You're yelling at me." He sniffed and rubbed his wrist.

'He is soft... but there is no other way.' Reika took a deep breath and rubbed her forehead. The whimpering fox standing before her didn't look so prepared. Reika slowly exhaled. "Sorry for being so rough." The kitsune stepped forward and put an arm with a few tails around him.

"I understand." He quietly spoke and rubbed his eyes.

"I'm definitely not the best teacher," she patted his back, "but the world is a far less forgiving teacher towards its pupils. No one will give you a second chance like I will."

"Thanks." He managed to say.

"Try to cheer up." Reika heartily patted his back. "We will spar for a while, rest, eat, spar more, then sleep together in the countryside. What more could you want to do in a day?" She grinned. Aoki mustered a grin. He hoped that it would include traveling, and less fighting.

Summer, 1491. The countryside between Koka and Kyoto in the Omi province.

"Are we going somewhere special today?" Aoki asked as he walked beside Reika through the country woods. It was a bright and cheerful day. The sun was shining pristinely above without a single cloud, and Reika's extra happy demeanor promised something special.

"Yes. A bathhouse!" She proclaimed. "We could use something more than cold creek water." Reika and Aoki had been traveling through the countryside and villages on the edge of Rokkaku lands east to the capital, Kyoto, for almost a dozen days. When they could stop for a while Reika would do her best to give the young fox some lessons in "self defense", but Aoki didn't show any signs of promise so far.

"Is it nearby?" Aoki looked through the trees.

"You'll be able to see it soon enough." The kitsune paused at a certain spot. "I'll keep my things hidden here." She placed her sword and large bag behind a bush and tree, free from the path's view. Aoki followed her out of the trees down a path that led to a large building. A single guard was positioned by a low set of stairs leading to a double door entrance. Reika didn't pay him any attention and walked by with her head held high. Aoki held his head in similar stature only to be stopped.

"No males allowed." The guard kicked Aoki back.

"Ouch! Hey!" Aoki protested. Reika quickly rectified the problem. The tiger guard was roughly thrown over the kitsune's shoulder and down to the ground.

"What in the-" He started to sit up only for a claw to poke his chin.

"He is with me." Reika firmly told him before leading Aoki inside the female only bathhouse.

"Ugh..." The tiger laid back down waiting for his head to stop spinning. Aoki fanned his face while looking around the changing room. The fox could feel the humidity from the main room. Reika didn't waste time and began to disrobe.

"I've never been in a bathhouse before." Aoki looked around the dressing room curiously.

"You haven't?" Her ears perked up. "How did you bathe back in that wooded hill?"

"A creek nearby if I could. Sometimes I had enough time to bring a bucket of water uphill when I was alone for a day."

"Well I am here to fix that." Reika smiled.

"Is it fine if others see me naked?" He hesitantly clutched his garments while Reika pool to the floor. The kitsune stepped out of her hakama (shirt-trousers), completely nude.

"It's fine. You'll see naked fur and bodies like when you bathed with me." She explained with a nod.

"Oh! Ok." He stripped himself in an instant while Reika folded her own clothes.

"You can leave your clothes with mine." She patted her folded garments on the shelf. He started to run into the bathing room but a swift hand stopped him. "No misbehaving. It's supposed to be a time to socialize and bathe. No splashing or yelling." She gave him firm warning.

"Ok." He nodded and walked beside her into the main room. The steam was fairly thick and the few windows gave the interior a dim setting. Therefore the humidity was stronger but two dozen or so nude females bathing and chattering inside could be seen fairly easily. Aoki looked around wondering what he should do while Reika grabbed a few items.

"Go fill a bucket and grab a rag, then we'll sit over there and wash ourselves." She pointed to the items on his left and the short stools to his right. "We can share my soap." The vixen held up a small bar before walking through the bathhouse. Aoki retrieved a square cloth with an empty bucket and filled it in the small pool of hot water. When he was ready Reika was sitting along the middle of the wall. Only a few were seated nearby as he walked across the bathing room.

"Hi." He smiled at a naked snow leopardess gawking at him, too stunned to cover herself. Low murmurs were passed around as Aoki sat beside Reika .

"At least they aren't bashfully covering themselves." The six tailed kitsune whispered as she washed herself. Aoki used the rag to wet his fur before picking up the soap.

"What do I use the soap for?" He held the slippery bar in his palm.

"To clean the pads on your hands and feet along with dirty spots on your fur. Be sure to wash it out though before we go into the bathwater." Reika told him. The fox sat idly stared at the bar. "Haven't you used soap before?" She glanced over at him.

"Only a few times..." He admitted. "Oops." The soap slipped out from his hand. He stumbled off the stool to his hands and knees just as it skittered out of reach on the floor. The fox watched a black socked arm pick up the soap. 'Huh?' Aoki looked up finding a female raccoon crouching in front of him. She was around his age and height with a small black bosom with grey teats to match, petite muzzle, black facial markings, and a beautiful ringed tail.

"You dropped this." She handed him the small bar.

"Thanks." He grinned.

"Do you mind if I sit next to you to wash?" Her tail flicked towards the stool beside his.

"No. That would be fine." They both stood up and sat by Reika.

"Hello miss." Reika peered around Aoki to see the raccoon sitting with them. "Has he caused you any trouble from sliding around the floor?"

"No ma'am." She grinned kindly. "If you don't mind me asking, who are you two?"

"Not at all. I'm Reika, and he is Aoki. We've been traveling for many days."

"Then it comes as no surprise that you two stopped at a bathhouse." She stretched a leg out. "My name is Sena."

"It's good to meet you Sena. If you do not mind me asking, why is everyone surprised that my friend here is in a female only bathhouse?" Reika glanced around at all the looks Aoki and her were receiving.

"It is for females only," she pointed out the most obvious fact, "and most of the males living around here are a rough and rowdy bunch of foot soldiers. Although everyone is probably pleased that he isn't that kind of person."

"Is that why a guard was outside?" Aoki asked.

"Yes." She nodded. "How did you two get in?"

"Oh. The guard was kind enough to let us both in. Aoki is a good person like you said." The kitsune smiled much to the young fox's surprise. Reika and Aoki washed themselves while the latter chatted to Sena. "Get my back while you talk your jaw off." Reika smirked.

"Yes ma'am!" Aoki quickly turned to the kitsune and rubbed through her orange fur with the washcloth. Sena curiously watched them and scooted her stool closer.

"Is she your mother?" The raccoon whispered. Reika's ears perked up in surprise.

"No!" Aoki laughed. "I'm her sandal bearer."

"Sandal bearer?" Sena looked at him quizzically.

"He volunteered," the kitsune looked over her shoulder while Aoki washed, "to be my sandal bearer when we met. He's eighteen and fully capable."

"Oh." The raccoon watched as the young fox finished rinsing Reika's back.

"Thank you Aoki." Reika turned back to face the wall.

"Do you mind if I wash your back?" Sena asked him. The fox was caught off guard.

"Uh... Sure." He turned to face away from the kind raccoon. Her gentle hands went to work and rubbed the wet cloth over his back.

"Is this alright?"

"Mhm." He nodded and relaxed wearing a content grin.

'He's socializing better than I thought he would.' Reika watched from the corner of her eye. "Ready to go into the bath Aoki?" She stood up when they were finished.

"Yes!" He quickly rose to his feet.

"It was nice talking to you." Sena held his hand.

'If he stays in the town for a week then she will want to marry him.' She mused to herself.

"It was nice meeting you too." He gave a short bow before following Reika to the large pool of water.

"I thought you weren't going to look at anyone?" The kitsune joked.

"I did not!" His ears folded back.

"Watch your voice." She whispered noticing a few heads turn. Luckily the steam and dim setting helped obscure his body.

"Sorry." He stepped into the bath with her. The hot water seeped through their fur to the skin. Aoki quietly sat down enjoying the warm tingling over his whole body. The vixen sank up to her neck in the relaxing water.

"Ah." Reika sighed pinning her ears back. "I needed this." The footsore vixen softly moaned. 'If Aoki was rubbing my feet then I would be in bliss.' Her cheeks softly blushed at the thought. The vixen scanned the oblivious females in the bath with her and Aoki. At least they hadn't heard Aoki was a male... yet.

"Haha! When she turns around her breasts swing too! I bet she's knocked down her husband so many times!" One leopardess chuckled to a group of friends.

"I hope the rains don't flood the road back home again. Did you know that bandits stalked this peaceful area at night a few years ago?" Another lady conversed.

"I thought my husband was possessed by an evil spirit because he awoke from sleep howling in pain. I searched the bed one day and found a thorn on his side!" A Shiba Inu cackled. Reika chuckled to herself at the last one and outstretched her legs. Their topics for conversation were amusing as well. Her feet bumped into someone across from her.

"Sorry ma'am. Oh my..." Reika recognized a familiar face. "Who would imagine finding you here, Yuki?" She grinned at the white vixen. "Sugitani Yuki."

"Yuki?" Aoki looked over at the fox.

"Goodness. My eyes must be fogged with steam to not see you already here Reika." The vulpine waded over to them in a close circle. The two vixens shared a brief hug.

"I can't believe I'd find you here of all places with us."

"I know! Have have you been?"

"Same as always. Running around on a mission."

"I see."

"How have you been?"

"Just fine." Her gaze met Aoki's. "Who is this? A friend of yours?" The snow white vixen asked.

"You could say he's my sandal bearer." Reika grinned.

"Your sandal bearer?" Yuki chuckled at that. "And only you would think to bring a male inside a female bathhouse." The two tailed kitsune shook her head.

"There should be more unisex bathhouses like the Iga province has." Reika frowned. "Modesty shouldn't mean hiding yourself from the opposite gender. Just think of how that would affect a relationship or-"

"Ok, ok. I don't need to hear that tirade again." She held up a hand. "I'm happy that the Rokkaku cleaned up this section of the Omi province."

"Funny that you should mention that clan." Reika mumbled with a sigh.

"Uh oh. Did something happen?"

"You might say that." She stirred a finger in the water. "I was on a mission to kill a group of bandits that caused trouble along the Iga and Omi border during the winter. I tracked their whereabouts almost to Kannonji to the north before I located them."

"That's a long trek on foot for a few ruffians." Yuki stated.

"They're a bad bunch and worth a high price." Reika added. "So I find them breaking into a lone building on a wooded hill. One guard by the woods, another by the house, and the others presumably inside ransacking it. Others came out and I quickly disposed of everyone.

"So you took care of the bandit leader?" Yuki presumed.

"Yep." Reika nodded proudly. "And that's when I met Aoki." She looked at him with a smile.

"She thought I was a bandit." Aoki chimed in.

"Is that so?" Yuki could hardly imagine the young fox as a ruffian.

"He gave me a big hug and thanked me for sparing his life." Reika chuckled. "That's when I figured out he wasn't a bandit."

"Good thing that you're not careless with your sword." Yuki smiled.

"Me? Careless?" Reika gave an innocent look. Her white kitsune companion rolled her eyes.

"What curiously strikes me is why a young fox like yourself would be in a lonely house?" Yuki turned to Aoki.

"I lived there my entire life after my parents passed away. No one would allow me to leave."

"That's terrible, forcing you to stay alone in a house your whole life." Yuki sympathized.

"It was really lonely before Reika came along."

"The Rokkaku didn't want to leave it uninhabited for some reason. I think they didn't want to deal with recognizing the loss of revenue from unoccupied land." Reika presumed. "I should've guessed that someone within the Rokkaku family wouldn't be beneath such an act."

"Well, you are a ninja. You're not exactly of high standing yourself, you know." Yuki pointed out.

"I fight honorably," The six tailed kitsune boasted, "if they find me." She added with a mischievous grin making Yuki chuckle.

"I'm sure of that. But how did you run into the Rokakku on bad terms again?"

"A general caught us and both to some village. We escaped during the night and have been traveling by rural roads and forest trails."

"Oh my. That's a lot, even for you."

"I don't want a word spoken that I am around here." Reika lifted a hand out of the water to scratch her muzzle. "We had an encounter with the clan weeks ago."

"I won't say anything if they question me." She promised.

"Thanks. I've been training him just in case something goes wrong."

"You're training him?! He's at least five years older than the normal age to begin such tasks."

"It's just a few self defense things. Besides, he's eighteen." Reika added as if it was an obvious fact.

"That old?! Oh... Reika." The two tailed vulpine shook her head dismissively.

"Not only that, but I'm nearly a head taller than him." She brought a hand out of the water and ruffled his head fur.

"Hey!" Aoki pulled away from her hand.

"He is cute." Yuki grinned, looking at the young adult fox.

"He is." The six tailed vixen placed an arm over his shoulders. "Any fun news over the past year when you visited the town of Anotsu in the Ise province?"

"Where's that?" Aoki asked.

"Along the coast to the southeast." Yuki kindly informed the fox. "I heard from a group of sailors that a group of strange foreigners were stowed away on a Ming trade ship in Nagasaki."

"Do you know where they were from?" Reika asked.

"No." Yuki shook her head. "But they smelled so awful that the officials apprehending them had to pinch their noses to stop from gagging." She wrinkled her nose.

"Yuck." She wrinkled her muzzle. "Don't they bathe regularly?"

"I suppose they don't from that account." The white vulpine shrugged. "Or they were stowaways for a long time."

"How odd..." Reika shrugged and relaxed in the warm water. Aoki was tempted to fall asleep in the water. The tranquil minutes ticked by like seconds. A hand suddenly stirred him.

"Huh?"

"Well, I am glad to have shared a bath with you, Yuki." She stood up and stepped out.

"We're done?" The younger fox looked up at Reika.

"Yes. I don't need you to soak yourself into a raisin." She teased and the fox gradually stepped out.

"Take care Reika. I hope to see you again before long." Yuki reclined so that only her head was above the water.

"It's great to see you again Yuki." Reika bid her friend farewell and led Aoki to the back doorway.

"Who is Yuki? How do you know each other?" Aoki asked.

"It's a long story that I can tell you when we leave." She grabbed two brushes on a low shelf before leaving the bathhouse, dripping wet. They entered a small garden area contained within a fence where a few females of varying ages were grooming themselves or simply laying in the sun. A few looked up at Aoki, but the young fox smiled kindly and followed Reika to a few pre placed mats to lay down on and dry off in the sun's warm rays.

"Can I look at the plants on the fence?" He pointed at the far end a few meters away.

"Sure. Just come back here to sun with me and groom yourself." She nodded and laid down. He walked over and observed the flowers while Reika spread her tails in the pleasant sun. 'Ah, this is great.' The kitsune watched him looking through the little flowers on the vines with a small sense of pride. The skunkette reclined on the mat beside Reika looked at Aoki with mild surprise.

"Is he with you?" The skunk asked Reika. Her harsher voice gave away her age, and gravity seemed to pull on her breasts with a noticeable sag. Reika was glad that her body at thirty one was still young.

"Yes he is ma'am."

"He's very well behaved for a male his age. I think you have a great impression on him."

"Thank you. He's certainly curious and loves to explore everything that he sees." Reika watched Aoki for a moment. His tail swayed contently as he looked through the white flower bearing vines. 'You're a handsome fox Aoki.' The six tailed vixen admired his damp, but youthful body. If it wasn't for his height then plenty of females would be eyeing him, but Reika could see past his physical side. The fox didn't ogle anyone like she had expected, and his manners were impeccable for a first time visit to a female only bathhouse. He was more of an adult than she first gave him credit for. The aforementioned fox came back with a tiny white flower in his hand.

"Here. I picked this for you." He offered the flower to her.

"Aww. Thank you." She fondly looked at it in her palm. Aoki sat down beside her. "How does this look?" Reika managed to fit the small stem above her triangular ear.

"You look beautiful." He refrained from smiling too hard from staring at her. The kitsune felt a blush form on her cheeks and laid down to finish sunning her fur. It felt nice to care for someone who also cared for her. Aoki sat idly. He looked over at the naked females of varying ages to his left, but the six tailed kitsune sprawled out beside him had his immediate attention. The vixen's voluptuous breasts seemed to eagerly look back at him with their taught fleshy peaks. Her vulpine figure was sleek and strong with subtle curves that all females possessed. 'She's beautiful.' His cheeks warmed subtly. Reika was very caring even though she was a hard teacher. He looked up only to see that one of her eyes had been open, watching him the whole time with a little grin.

"You have wandering eyes." She whispered with that teasing smile on her muzzle. The fox looked away pinning his ears back.

'Don't think about those thoughts.' He reminded himself and glanced at his groin, grateful that nothing had arisen. Reika stretched and sat up.

"Here." She handed the idle fox a brush. "Start grooming yourself. Your fur looks dry enough."

"Okay." He started with his arms. Other ladies coming and going from the bathhouse noticed that an adult male was amongst them. The reactions were mixed, but respectful. Whenever Aoki's gaze met their own, some would look away and others would give a kind grin. 'I wonder if the guard is allowed inside if someone sneaks in.' Aoki daydreamed over the question. He tried reaching his back only to feel another brush trail down his back. "Ah. Thanks." He hummed feeling Reika comb through his fur. He liked the vixen's gentle touch.

"My back next?" She turned away and looked over her shoulder.

"Sure." He ran his hand and the brush through her lovely orange fur. Everything about the kitsune to him was very beautiful, and her fur coat was no exception. Aoki helped brush a few of her tails before they laid back in the sunshine together. The sunning area was peaceful and quiet. "It's really relaxing out here." He looked at the trees around the enclosure.

"Bathhouses normally are." Reika grinned. The older lady skunk sprawled out to her left was a perfect example. She looked up at the clear blue sky with satisfaction. "I'm glad that I brought you here for the afternoon." Reika sat up.

"Mmhm." He contently hummed.

"Come on. You can't fall asleep here." She teased.

"We're leaving already?" He watched Reika stand up and stretch her tails.

"You sound disappointed." She helped him up.

"I am. Why can't we stay a little longer?"

"By the time we return to camp the sun will start to set." A few eyes glanced at them leaving. He followed her around the side of the bathhouse where a tall hedge grew, obstructing any view.

"Why is there a hedge around the whole bathhouse?" Aoki asked.

"A lot of men would take pleasure in seeing a naked lady, so it is best to make this a private place." They returned to the front changing room through a side door. Inside a few ladies were undressing and talking, but otherwise took no notice of the foxes among them. "Clean fur, a warm bath, sunning outside, and brushed fur..." Reika spoke warmly. "What did you think of the bathhouse?" She asked as they dressed.

"I love this place!" He blurted out which drew attention towards them. A tigress and female Akita Inu glared at Aoki scornfully.

"Is that a young man?" They whispered between each other.

"I believe so."

"Maybe that's her nephew."

"The guard must have been snoozing earlier." The kitsune ignored the rude display and tied her sash loosely. Reika looked for her footwear on the shelf but didn't see it.

"Do you have my- I should've guessed." She spotted her gets sandals in Aoki's hands. He merely grinned as he knelt down and placed them on her feet. "Are you ready?"

"Yep!" He quickly put on his sandals. The sun had arced to its position in the late afternoon when Aoki and Reika stepped back outside fully dressed. The guard noticed the kitsune and immediately stepped aside. "Have a nice day." Reika slyly replied to the nervous tiger.

Summer, 1491. Kyoto, Omi Province.

The weather was typical for the time of year. Mostly cloudy and warm. The humidity clung to the air but a gentle breeze loosened the moist thickness. The potential for rain was almost always present with the amount of cloud cover. The setting seemed fitting for the city of Kyoto in Aoki's opinion. Most of the houses and buildings were in dilapidated shape. There were even half cleared lots of rubble everywhere they turned. The streets had few people. He noticed that monks were fairly populous than other towns.

"Who are they?" Aoki pointed to a group of armed canines and felines talking to each other. "They look like monks."

"They're sohei from Mount Hiei. It's a little ways north from here where a large temple complex exists. They belong to a sect of Buddhism that believes in fighting."

"They won't fight us, will they?" He asked.

"Not unless you want to." Reika teased. Aoki shook his head and stayed close to her side. Reika glanced around the streets and buildings as they walked. "This place sure does bring back some memories." The vixen looked around the city. 'Quite a few unpleasant ones too.' She hated to admit it. It was the city where she completed her first missions at the age of sixteen during the final year of conflict.

"Do we have to worry about the Rokkaku being here?"

"No. Not directly anyway. Kyoto is controlled by the Hosokawa clan. That old tiger can't march in here and search for us."

"Good." Aoki felt a little relieved.

"You should see everything in the autumn." Reika motioned with a hand. "Any pond, stream, or bridge looks beautiful with dazzling reds, yellows, and oranges." Aoki imagined the beautiful sight.

"Is your home like that during the autumn?" He guessed.

"Mm... For the most part." She thought about how the seasons affected her hometown of Ueno to the southeast in the Iga province. Autumn was a beautiful time of year for the forest surrounding Ueno.

"Is this where you're meeting that guy?" Aoki asked as they approached a larger building than the surrounding houses.

"Bunpu isn't some guy." Reika chuckled. "He is part of a civil administration unit here, and has a high standing." They stepped inside to a jungle of stuff.

"Is this a shop?" Aoki asked.

"It should be." Reika chuckled and lifted her foot. The whole building had a messy feel to it. Jars, pots, papers, burning incense, and plenty of other odd items occupied the large room. Aoki took Reika's sandals off before following her through the interior maze.

"Hello Bunpu." Reika approached the left side of the room.

"Ah, hello Reika." A magistrate was in the building sitting behind a low table with plenty of papers and seals. He was a white male fox with black facial markings and tail tips.

"He's a kitsune too!" Aoki was surprised to see seven tails resting idly behind the fox.

"Loud kit you have there." Bunpu remarked and cleaned his ear with a finger.

"He's fascinated by everything like a kit." Reika grinned at the fox.

"I see." His dark brown eyes twinkled in amusement. "What do I owe the pleasure of your company Reika?"

"I understand that there is a deposit of money in my name here." Reika approached him. Storing money was often a tricky problem for the time period. Knowing a government official made things a little easier for short term safe storage.

"There is!" He stood up and walked over to a small pile and retrieved a small pouch.

"Thank you Bunpu." She hid it in her kimono. "I see your office is still a shipwreck."

"You know me all too well Reika." He sat back down. "If I tidy things up, someone will want to fill up the new space." They looked over hearing something crash to the ground. Reika gave the younger fox a testing eye.

"Sorry!" Aoki quickly tidied up the space.

"He's Aoki, my sandal bearer." Reika explained.

"Sandal bearer?" His head turned quizzically.

"It's a long story." She smiled and turned to leave.

"Leaving so soon? No tea or idle chat?"

"Sorry Bunpu, but I have this guy to watch after." She flicked a tail towards Aoki.

"I see." He nodded. "Take care." The seven tailed fox bade them farewell.

"Where do you spend all of that money?" Aoki asked as soon as they left.

"Oh. Here and there." She shrugged. "It certainly isn't free to feed you." Reika pointed at his stomach. The younger fox couldn't disagree.

"Can we look around for a while?" Aoki asked.

"I don't see why we can't." Reika grinned and led him through the streets to another section of town. Despite the extensive damage suffered during the Onin War, Kyoto still had that archaic essence to it. Reika showed the few elegant buildings that remained; a garden and a few temples. Little else was worth mentioning. She led him to an older building where the plots around his had rubble and weeds leftover. It was a mix of a castle and a very large two story house. "I fought in this building." She recalled. "It was one of my first missions and I was tasked to spy on a few positions from here."

"Was it dangerous?"

"Everything I do is dangerous." She found his question humorous. "It was risky. Three different groups fighting can create a complicated environment for a ninja. But it gave me the experience I needed."

"How do you get a mission?"

"It's a little complex." She took her time answering. "Someone has something that needs to be done and I am assigned to whatever it is."

"Don't you have any choice or preference?"

"Sometimes." She half shrugged. "I prefer anything over reconnaissance because it pays better." The vixen patted the space on her kimono where the pouch of coins was hidden. "Come on. Let me show you around." She waved for him to follow. Aoki stepped inside to a darker interior. Spider webs covered corners and dust was visible. The wooden walls were worn and showed signs of warping due to neglect. A few floorboards squeaked under their footsteps.

"This place is creepy." He rubbed his arms as a chill ran up his spine.

"It definitely changed since I was here as a teenager." She acknowledged and walked across a room, then around to another room with open windows. "I don't think it's safe to go upstairs." She put a foot on the first and second step only for a whining squeak to sound off. "Imagine falling through there." Reika pointed up at a small break in the second floor.

"I'd rather not." He eyed the large possible splinters. "Does this whole floor wrap around?" Aoki pointed ahead.

"Yes. We can look at the rest." Leisurely followed him. Aoki heard a creaking sound and turned to the stairs, but no one was there. "What's wrong?" Reika asked.

"It doesn't feel right." He rubbed his arms and tucked his tail feeling a creeping chill crawl up his spine. They were in a secluded place without many exits.

"I know this place like-" Reika's ears perked up. She shoved Aoki to the wall just as a near silent thump landed.

"Hey-!" Aoki's voice dropped seeing a funny looking knife sticking out of the wall right in front of Reika's nose. They both looked to the other end of the room where someone was standing. The figure was well hidden from the concealing garment. Only green eyes surrounded by black fur, and a canine muzzle could be seen. No emblem. No identity. A bushy tail motionlessly pointed towards the floor. One heartbeat passed before the assailant charged at Reika with a straight bladed short sword. The kitsune drew her katana and met her opponent in the middle. A loud clash erupted followed by lighter parries. Unlike the fight with Nangamu, the boar, the covert canine was agile and quick witted. Hard decisive were rarely sought for. Aoki watched wide eyed as the kitsune and enemy clashed. An arm grabbed Reika, trying to outmaneuver the ninja.

Reika kicked the figure back and slashed with her weapon. Another sharp hit of metal echoed throughout the room. The unknown enemy's weapon fell to the floor with a clatter. The concealed canine fled out of the room. Reika dashed after in pursuit, and the sounds of fighting ensued in the other room. Metal colliding and striking along with growls or thumping of feet on the wooden floor. Aoki looked around the room and spotted the short sword in front of him. He crept forward and reached out with a shaking hand. He managed to grasp the handle and slink back to the wall. Aoki stared at the short sword that he cradled in his shaking hand.

'Ok Aoki. Go!' He told himself, but nothing happened. The blade silently stared back at him with his partial reflection. 'Stand up! Run!' His voice was loud and clear in his pounding skull. Nothing happened. A hand suddenly shook the fox from his petrified stupor.

"Get up! We need to leave!" Reika pulled Aoki to his feet. The creaking of wooden floorboard echoed throughout the castle. They stormed out of the building and veered left o to another street. Reika led Aoki through a few alleyways leading out of the city and into the countryside. He noticed that Reika continually looked over her shoulder while they ran towards the tree line, away from any houses.

"Is anyone following us?"

"I do not think so." Reika peeked over her shoulder a third time before veering with him into the woods. A low rumble of thunder echoed across the area. 'Rain.' Reika frowned hearing the familiar pattering above the trees. A rain shower was never fun to avoid, and was always a challenge to those traveling or far from home. The foxes ran into a small grassy clearing as the shower began starting in earnest. They spotted a barn ahead and ran inside where it was dry.

"We made it." Aoki panted only to feel how wet his clothes and fur were.

"Yeah." Reika shook as much as she could off. "I think this place is abandoned too." The kitsune looked around the dilapidated building. If anything was stored here, then it that was a long time ago. The roof was holding up well to the loud pattering of rain above. Some planks of wood were missing from the walls, almost akin to rustic windows. "It's abandoned." She confirmed. Reika stripped down until she was naked and flapped her clothes in the air before hanging them to dry. 'We were lucky to find this place.' She folded her arms and listened to the rain. Her tails fluffed out hearing a sharp sob. Aoki was curled into a ball by the entryway with his hands covering his eyes. The whole moment back at the castle had suddenly rushed back into the younger fox. "Aoki, what's wrong?" She knelt down in front of him. It took him a moment to look up at the concerned vixen.

"I'm sorry that I couldn't do anything." He sobbed. "I had the short sword..." His gaze rested guiltily on his black socked arms. A hand gently rested on his shoulder.

"Hey." She softly spoke. The younger fox looked up into her eyes once more. "We're both alive, and that's the most important thing." She leaned forward and hugged him. Aoki nodded and clutched her back protectively. The warmth of her body was the most comforting thing he had felt all day. The showers outside were forgotten for the intimate moment. Reika gradually undid the hug as Aoki calmed down.

"Come on and help me make a fire. You need to get out of those clothes and dry your fur before you catch a cold." She helped pull him up. He nodded and disrobed while the kitsune scrounged for dry wood inside the barn. Aoki hung his clothes on a low beam and ruffled his damp sections of fur.

'I'm so lucky to have her.' He thought and stared into the veil of water pouring outside. His gaze looked over to the six tailed vixen hard at work trying to create a spark. It didn't take her long to catch a spark and start a healthy flame.

"The fire is ready." She flicked a tail, beckoning him to warm up. Aoki walked over and sat down beside her. The flames were warm against their white furred fronts. Reika looked at him silently staring at the fire. "You know..." She scooted up to him. "Most men smile when a naked lady hugs them." Reika smiled and wrapped her arm around his shoulders. She leaned on him and rested her cheek against his own in a light nuzzle. A little grin formed along his face as they warmed themselves by the fire together.

'Aoki...' Reika's heated whisper called the fox. A romantic mood was in the air. The smiling todd fox sashayed towards her. The kitsune's tails curled up invitingly as he laid down beside her. They daintily covered his lap. His warm smile and dreamy eyes warmed her heart to its very core. Their muzzle bridged closer and brushed together. Whispers were exchanged like love poems, and some caused the other to blush. Eyes dreamily gazed at each other as they connected into a serene kiss. Reika moaned and groped Aoki's back. Her tails excitedly waved feeling him reciprocate. One hand reached around her back and the other held her side with a thumb resting under her breast. When they finally parted, Aoki was laying in Reika's lap with their fronts completely snuggled together. They had only tasted each other, and Reika's smile only widened feeling that he was ready. Below, the fox looked up at her through the tuft of white fur. The way his muzzle rested between her breasts was adorable! 'Oh! A mature vixen needs... a strong young love-!' "Huh?" The kitsune blinked awake finding herself inside a dim building. No one was in her arms either.

"Where are we?" Reika sat up in alert. Her ears were even standing up tall, but the familiar dreary interior reminded the kitsune where she was. "Oh yeah. We're hiding at a barn." She remembered. Her hand rested over the heavy pouch of coins inside her kimono, feeling so,etching nagging at her mind.

"Did you call for me?" Aoki jumped back inside the barn.

"Uh. No." She stood up with a stretch and yawned. "I just woke up from a nap. "Where were you?"

"Looking around the barn since it stopped raining. There's a well that way." He pointed.

"That's good to know." She looked around the barn. They had been bogged down at the barn because of rain since their eventful brush with death yesterday. "Do you have my socks and sandals?" She asked.

"Yes!" He quickly retrieved both items. Aoki wiped the vixen's feet clean and dressed them.

"Thank you." She grinned and took a step outside. The air was humid and warm, but not too thick from the lingering cloud cover.

"Where are you going?" Aoki knew that he couldn't follow in his zori sandals, unless he wanted to possibly ruin them.

"For a long walk. You can stay there and watch over everything." The ground squelched beneath her petite steps. The ground was soggy, but geta sandals were made for overcoming wet terrain.

"It's getting late." He pointed out.

"I won't be gone too long." She promised and continued walking. Aoki watched watched her disappear through the trees, but resigned himself to staying. Reika walked over the wet leaves and onto a little trail that led to a country road out of the woods. The vixen paused and looked ahead at the edge of the city. Reika brushed a finger over her lips. That kiss from her dream was too real.

'I wish that it was real.' She thought to herself and checked over her shoulder before walking down the road to Kyoto. The kitsune silently walked into a more sorrowful part of town with a fixed gaze. Poorer families, shanty homes, abandoned building, and unfurnished temples replaced the finer buildings closer to the imperial palace. Garbage was visible in shallow ditches, and large bags of rice or buckwheat were carried by hand rather than cart. Ever since the Onin War, the city had become a roving ground for looters and thieves. She approached a shanty stall in the rougher part of the city. The sign above had 'Sake' written in red.

"He asked where I spent all of my bounty money." She whispered at the hefty pouch of coins in her robe and approached. There was an ugly crowd of ruffians, but a crowd nonetheless. Thugs, bandits, prostitutes, and everything else hidden during the darkness of day likely showed up to buy something strong. Anything cheap to forget a day's worth of suffering. Reika sat down and ordered a cup from the Akita tending to everything. The bar always seemed to bring the most negative thoughts from her mind, and then drown them in alcohol. Numbing the pain of her past and present worries was worth the expensive token. She ordered a second cup.

'The emperor is a figurehead. The shogun is equally weak. Japan is divided between feuding families and warlords...' Her mind rambled off the numerous problems of the feudal government that were completely out of her control, yet affected her duties. 'That's why clans like the Rokkaku do whatever they want.' A small scuffle nearby broke out over paying for a drink. Glass broke and curses were exchanged before it was settled, bot no one paid any attention that wasn't involved. Reika was lost in her own thoughts.

'I don't want to lose him.' She sighed heavily when Aoki came back to her mind. The kitsune loved his company, and even came to liking the fox unlike any other male in her life, but the chance of losing him was always present. Never before did she have to worry about someone else while on a mission.

"If he stays with me, then I will only be placing him in a path of danger." She glanced around the bar. Aoki would run into bad people like this more often than he would otherwise. "Ugh." She shuddered as the stiff drink passed down. "He's so much younger than me." That fact didn't bother her for a relationship, but that made the fear of death an all too real possibility. Reika had seen how quickly young men could die during war too many times. Even the possible positive thought about bringing him to her home southeast in Ueno had a caveat.

"I can't leave him in Ueno whenever I have a mission. How would that be any different than living on that forested hill?" She asked herself the tough question. He would accompany her no doubt, but there was too much risk involved.

"Eventually he will be targeted because he's associated with me." The kitsune dismally thought. She had plenty of enemies and few allies to help her. 'His heart is just too... pure for fighting." Reika clenched her teeth and ordered another cup.

Aoki's eyes preened the grassy tree line ahead. The sun had all but set and the sky was quickly fading into darkness. An old lantern that he had found while scrounging around was now lit, hanging on a post.

"I hope Reika is alright." He looked at her bags and his zori sandals neatly tucked in a corner. The fox's worried gaze returned to the darkening dirt path through the grass ahead. Just as he was afraid that something terrible had happened, his ears perked up hearing someone along the pathway. "Reika!" He spotted the kitsune stumbling towards him. "Are you okay?" He hurried to her side and supported her.

"Me? I'm doing great!" She giggled leaning forward. Aoki helped balance the tipsy vixen and her swaying six tails to the barn. His nose wrinkled at the smell of alcohol on her breath.

"You should lay down Reika." He helped the kitsune sit down. She giggled at him before nodding a few times. Aoki looked at her with concern. He knelt down and started clearing a space for her to lay down. Reika salaciously licked her lips. Behind Aoki's back, she eagerly kicked her sandals off and loosened her obi (sash). He finished clearing away the dust and dirt when a body pressed against his back.

"Huh? Reika?" He froze feeling a hand slip under his clothes and caress his inner thigh. The younger fox wrestled away from her and spun around. The vixen leaned forward on all fours giving him a lovely view of her chest. Aoki's back bumped into the wall. He had seen Reika naked before, but never potently erotic before. The fox covered his lap feeling his body react on its own. The kitsune noticed with great interest.

"Let me see." She cooed and undid his clothes. Aoki was frozen stiff as she freed his erection from its prison. Her eyes widened gleefully at his arousal.

"Reika!" He nearly screamed. The predatory lopsided smile at his privates scared him. He reached to stop her, but a firm hand grabbed his wrist. She quickly grasped his rigid member.

"Mm. Nice and hard." She cooed. His back arched feeling her thumb mercilessly caress his length.

"Oohhh." Aoki bit his lip and whimpered. The fox had never been touched so intimately before. The leathery palm and fingertips, not to mention the soft fur, excited his nerves. She hiccuped and snapped him from the sexual stupor. "Stop!" Aoki blurted out. To his surprise, she stopped, but only for a moment.

"Why stop when we're in love." Her unfocused eyes looked between him and his lap.

"As your sandal bearer-" The vixen suddenly cackled, and released him.

"Sandal bear... er." She laughed and craned forward. Their black noses nearly touched. "What if you really are my sandal bearer? Would my foot pads and toes rubbing your lovely length be better?" Her voice almost slurred. "Or are you a man who has a desire for traditional things?"

"R-R-Reika." He blushed profusely at her dirty talk. "Don't say that!" The vixen did not pay attention to his pleas and yanked off her hakama (shirt trousers). Her tails were erotically swaying behind her. Reika gave him a determined look and grabbed his legs. "What are you doing?"

"Come here." She smiled and pulled him away from the wall. "Come to me." The vixen easily held him. A firm but gentle hand nudged him to his back while another grasped his erection. Aoki groaned and clawed the ground as she manipulated his inexperienced body. Reika loomed over him, keeping his legs spread with her own. In a flash she yanked her loose sash off and hastily began disrobing. Her clothes pooled around their feet while Aoki gawked at her. The vixen's beautiful body was on display for him, but he was confused. His body and mind disagreed about the situation. The vixen's black socked hand messily rubbed over his chest, causing the white fur to ruffle. The young fox defiantly raised a hand between them.

"You want me, don't you?" Reika feigned disappointment.

"I-I do, but-" He struggled to find words able to penetrate her buzzed skull. She didn't give him the opportunity and brushed his hands aside. Reika leaned forward and closed her eyes. Thin black lips puckered slightly to kiss him. Aoki loved her but he didn't want it to happen this way, not when she was drunk. Two hands rested on the vixen's shoulders to stop her. "You are drunk." He whispered watching her tails partially coil around him instead.

"Ah, only a little." She giggled before pressing her lips to his. He melted under the lovely kiss.

"Mmph! But Reika-" He squirmed a little to no avail.

"Shhh. Shhhh." Reika hushed him with more kisses. "How could you resist them-uh... the strongest ninja in the entire domain?" She hiccuped with a bubbly smile. Aoki's nose scrunched at the smell of her normally sweet breath that had since soured. The vixen laid down snugly on top of him. Her breasts squished against his chest and his rigid member was sandwiched against the heat of her groin. The pink tip poked free between the vixen's downy thighs, below her rear.

"Re-!" He couldn't even say her name.

"I could ride you across the countryside." She suggestively gyrated her hips. Aoki bit his lip feeling her lovely soft fur caress his erection. The fox closed his eyes as she prepared to kiss him again. Tears painfully welled up as he waited for the inevitable. Her lips suddenly touched his with a noticeable weight, but were motionless against him. Aoki opened one eye, then the other. Nose to nose, the kitsune was lightly snoring with closed eyes. She had passed out on top of him!

"Oh my... Oh my..." Aoki caught his breath and prayed thanks to the heavens above. The fox stared at the lantern and listened to his heart thundered loudly before carefully slipping out from underneath the unconscious kitsune. The awkward arousal quickly left his body with much relief. With shaky hands, Aoki rolled the kitsune onto her back to a more comfortable position on the ground. The three tails closest to him curled around his leg, as if to apologize. His hands carefully swept the dirt off her beautiful coat out of respect for her. Aoki picked up her kimono and dusted it off. He noticed the coin pouch on the ground and picked it up. He wasn't too surprised at how light it was now, and set it aside. He dusted her hakama as well and draped both garments over her. The sight of the normally boastful, commanding, and sweet lady was depressing. He covered his eyes feeling more tears well up inside him.

'Stop... Stop.' He told himself, but he silently cried anyway. "Reika will be ok." He wiped his tears away. "She is drunk." Aoki took a few deep breaths looking at the unconscious kitsune. Her ajar muzzle softly snored as if they had merely trained for a whole day, and needed a long sleep.

"You've done so much for me; take me to a bathhouse, save me from those bandits, and even buy me a pair of sandals." He recounted the many kind deeds that she had done for him. Aoki knew that without her, he would still be stuck on that house on the wooded hill.

'It's my turn to take care of you.' He gave a firm nod and vigilantly watched her sleep.

Teeth gleamed in the morning light as a yawn pierced the sleepy tranquility. Reika opened her eyes feeling her body wrapped around someone else. The vixen opened an eye and smiled seeing Aoki safe in her arms.

'Ugh.' She closed her eyes feeling her head ache with a dull pain. "Mmnnn." She roughly grumbled feeling her whole body ache in a similar manner.

Her hand grazed over a small spot of rough fur at the bottom of her nether regions. Reika sat up and let the makeshift cover pool in her lap. 'I'm naked.' She looked at her breasts, but the vixen always slept that way.

"What?" She felt the crusted white fur on her cheek from drooling. Nothing was adding up. "Hey, Aoki." Reika nudged him awake. At first he grumbled, but a persistent nudge made him wake up.

"Reika! You're awake!" He sounded astonished and quickly sat up. "Are you feeling ok?"

"A little rough. What happened last night?" She quietly asked with a scratchy throat. "I was out... then I wake up here with you?" It all seemed surreal through her foggy mind. She crossed her arms feeling insecure.

"Do you need some water?"

"Yeah. That'd be nice." She nodded. He quickly got up and went outside where there was a well. "Thanks." She took a cool sip. The water was a much needed refreshment. "You're quiet." She felt uneasy about mentioning it. "Tell me what happened." He stared at the ceiling for a few moments.

"You..." He paused to take a deep breath. "You talked dirty to me." Aoki shuddered imagining her warm fingers curling through his fur like they did last night. The betrayal stung his heart heavily. "You were drunk and disrobed... Then you touched me." The fox's lip quivered as he pushed the memory away. Reika watched aghast as the memories flooded back into her cloudy mind. The bar, staggering back, disrobing, and groping! "It feels wrong to say-" He stopped feeling a finger rest on his lips.

"That's enough." Reika whispered. The vixen remembered more than she wanted and slipped her hand back to her lap. She stared at the ground with an expression of disbelief for the longest moment. Aoki didn't know what to say, and he was afraid to say anything. Reika suddenly sat up and dressed herself without saying a word. Aoki looked up and watched her tails slip away outside. He felt a terrible knot form in his gut and looked around the barn.

'She forgot her sandals!' Aoki noticed the pair of wooden footwear laying forgotten to the side.

Reika walked far into the woods, and when she heard Aoki yell her feet only ran faster. The vixen only stopped when she was sure that there was a good distance between them. She broke down and cried. It was a pitiful wail and sob from a normally well focused vixen.

"What have I done to him?" She cried to herself. "I bring him to danger and then seduce him while I'm drunk! 'I ruined our love for each other.' Reika's ears folded back pitifully and cried more. She wished that he was with her to share a hug. Her hands were damp with tears when she finally stopped.

"The gods and Buddha certainly favor me more than you." A laughing voice spread dread through the kitsune's core. Reika looked up with wide eyes hearing the old deep voice that had an all too familiar ring. Standing around her was Rokkaku Ishihara the tiger along with a company of soldiers. Two soldiers were armed with bows, ready to immobilize the crafty ninja vixen. Even though she was unarmed, the kitsune was still dangerous. "My intelligence was correct. You are in this area." His brow raised happily.

"Intelligence?" Reika was confused.

"I understand that you had a run in with someone the other day." He hinted.

"You hired that assassin!" She barked angrily. The tiger merely chuckled.

"Nangamu couldn't do the job. No one in the past could do the job for me, but this time something was different-"

"Why don't you hurry up and kill me." She spat.

"I don't have to kill you now that you're in my hands." He sneered at her attempt to goad him.

"Is this a sick game to you?"

"I'm following orders loyally like you do. I don't need an Iga ninja who killed my retainer all those years ago snooping in Rokkaku lands." Ishihara grew tired at seeing the kitsune free to move. "Seize her." The vixen wasn't in a mood to fight, and surrendered much to the tiger's surprise. Her wrists were quickly bound with rope. Even her tails were securely held. The older tiger stood proudly before her like a hunter cornering its prey. "I thought you had cut your belly open in suicide when you failed to appear outside the house for two days." The old tiger grinned. "But that's when I remembered the young fox was with you." Reika glared at him with the intention to bite if he stepped too close. He looked around the area before frowning. "Where is that boy?"

"Gone." She growled. "I found a good place for him to stay-Ah!" The kitsune shrieked as he slapped her cheek roughly.

"Do not take me for a fool! Your swords are not on you right now, so he must have them."

"He's not here." She growled at the tiger once again.

"Hm. I guess if he shows up then we will have him captured as well." The tiger grinned only to smell the air more closely. "I can smell his putrid scent all over your filthy body." His brow raised. "It smells... like... you two mated each other." His eyes widened, finding the discovery amusing. Reika gritted her teeth at the raw memory of last night. Ishihara lifted her chin. "Why not let me take you?" He grabbed her breast. Reika's eyes widened before swiftly kicking him in the gut.

"AH!" He groaned stepping back.

"I'd rather spill my guts all over this ground." Reika spat at him.

"Careful with your words vixen." Ishihara growled and composed himself. "Those who do not live righteously should not live at all."

"You're one who loves talking about a pious life, but not living one." She retorted. The tiger held his cool.

"This time you will not escape." He grinned smugly. "Bring her back to camp!" Ishihara immediately ordered and the entire contingent began marching. Reika shuffled along and grumbled at her captors.

Through the bordering bushes and within earshot, terrified eyes watched the whole scene unfold before Reika was marched away. Aoki held onto a tree as he stood up. His body was shaking feverishly.

'They have Reika!' The fox stopped himself from panicking and took a lot of deep breaths to focus. 'What if I have to kill someone?!' He cringed at the thought of slicing someone open, but remembered his training. 'No. I can do something now.' He firmly nodded. "I have to help her!" The fox declared.

Crickets noisily sang in the night, but not everyone was in such a spirited mood. Reika stared at the ground wearily. She had been tied to a tree while standing. Sleep would be near impossible, and Ishihara likely wanted her exhausted to prevent another escape. The half moon provided some light to see by, but there wasn't anything that she wanted to look at. The vixen had been taken to a small camp where a few tents were pitched. A dead fire indicated that every soldier was soundly asleep. Even those supposedly on guard duty joined in on the fun of their successful apprehension of the cunning kitsune.

'...' Her thoughts were blank, consumed with guilt and despair. She wasn't a samurai, but there was a great shame in being captured as a ninja. 'I deserve this.' She couldn't find anymore tears to weep with, and resigned herself to the cruel fate. Her ears failed to hear the footsteps behind her tree. A sudden tug stirred the vixen from her dismal stupor. She looked to her side and saw black hands cutting the rope that bound her.

"Aoki?" She whispered. The hands stopped for a moment before quietly resuming. Her heart raced when the rope was finally cut. Reika looked around the tree and found the shorter fox with her short sword and cut rope in hand. To her surprise he tossed the rope aside and knelt down. She felt a familiar touch around her ankle and lifted her foot. She watched him wipe the bottom of her foot clean before sliding her sandal on. 'My sandals!' The vixen didn't even realize that she had forgotten them. Aoki lifted her other foot and cleaned it before properly donning it with her other geta sandal. Reika was at a loss for words when he quickly stood up.

"Let's leave. I have your bag and belongings nearby." Aoki tugged her along into the trees. Reika followed him a short distance through the woods.

"You came back for me?" She couldn't believe it. The fox didn't say anything and led her through the trees. After a small distance he crept around a large tree and knelt down where her weapons and bags were.

"Here." He picked up and handed the bag to her. Reika noticed the pouch of coins tied to her bag and felt the weight in her palm. She had about half of the bounty remaining after wasting it so readily the other night.

"Why did you come back and save me? You could've been killed!" She scolded him and wiped her eyes.

"I couldn't leave you." He stopped himself from choking up. "You saved my life Reika."

"I am glad that you are safe." She hugged him tightly before stepping back. "I'm so sorry." The vixen apologized with a bowed head. "I broke your trust by leaving you and drinking my worries away. Then I took advantage of you..." Her hands balled into frustration. "I wish that I had talked to you instead. Maybe then I wouldn't have to stand before you as a failure." She solemnly finished. The vixen was surprised to feel a pair of arms wrap around her back. Aoki gently hugged her before taking a step back.

"I forgive you." His muzzle curled into a little grin. A similar grin found its way onto Rieka's face. Their ears dialed around to the nightly forest noises. "What do we do now?" He asked.

"We have a few hours before sunrise." Reika looked around the dark forest only partially visible under the half moon. "I guess we can start walking, like we always do." She grasped his hand. Aoki liked the idea and agreed. The vulpines began walking through the dark forest, just like the night when he became her sandal bearer in the spring.

"I thought I was going to lose my mind and scream when that old tiger slapped you." Aoki felt his tail and hackles raise at the fresh memory.

"I don't blame you." Reika placed her arm around his shoulders. "But I wish we could stay to hear that old tiger scream in the morning when he finds out we are long gone." They both laughed as they walked through the moonlit forest with crickets chirping around them.

Spring, 1493. Ueno, the Iga Republic.

Reika entered the large building as she was called. The main room was fairly large with six figures sitting in a wide semicircle. One badger, two tigers, two kitsune, and one raccoon of varying ages. All had been skilled ninja at some point in their lives, despite their softer appearances. Reika silently padded to one side and bowed before taking her seat. Burning incense gave the air a sweeter scent to mask the stuffiness.

"You wished to see the council about resuming missions?" The old male badger inquired.

"Yes." She firmly stated.

"We have a task that requires your expertise." He looked over to a three tailed kitsune to his right.

"We understand that you know Omi province very well." The red fox began with a scratchy voice. "We would like for you to investigate the area around Koka for the summer, and watch the heir to the head of the Rokkaku clan. He is only a boy, and likely guarded, but we wish to know what kind of character he has. We trust you with this task." He finished with a short nod. The vixen looked around the council.

"I would like a different mission." Reika surprised the council.

"What do you have in mind?" A Shiba Inu curiously inquired.

"I'd prefer a reconnaissance mission to the east or west." She surprised the group of six. The council members looked at each other before one replied.

"You can investigate the town of Anotsu in the east." He offered. It was more of an official diplomat's job, but Reika's expertise easily qualified her.

"I'll take it!" She quickly bowed, ready to leave.

"But before you go," she was stopped, "why do you want a different mission?"

"So my sandal bearer can safely accompany me." She grinned. The vixen received a few confused expressions, but they ultimately dismissed her. Reika left the council's building and walked along a pathway through town wearing a large grin. The sound of a koto being played gently gave the air a sweeter tone than all of the spring flowers. Ueno wasn't a large city, but more of a modest town with plenty of farms in its basin. Hilly forests surrounded the place like a fort, adding to the area's natural isolation. Aoki didn't mind the small setting as long as he was with her. The past year and a half they spent in the Iga Republic was done so leisurely. Reika and Aoki traveled through the forests like they did two years ago; stopping by a pond or stream to play and relax, or find a field to watch the stars together.

The kitsune passed by small houses before reaching the place that she called home. A few bamboo plants along the dirt path led to the modest front door. Their house was small with little spare room, but very clean thanks to Aoki. Before Reika met Aoki, her house served as a place to mope and had fallen into serious despair from neglect. A lot of hard work was put into the place. Reika opened the front door and stepped inside.

"I'm home!" She kicked her footwear off and slid the door shut. "Aoki?" She called but didn't receive an answer. 'Where could that fox be?' Her tails flickered in thought. The vixen checked the rooms before opening the back door. There, she found her husband sitting outside, gazing around the flowering trees with a contemplative expression. He wasn't the same feeble adolescent that she found on that lonely forested hill two years ago. As if by fate his gaze met hers, and the fox was on his feet in an instant.

"You're home!" He ran up to Reika and hugged her. His kid-like enthusiasm never grew old.

"I wasn't gone very long." She chuckled at his over excitement.

"I thought you would be with the council for the whole day."

"Not when I have you to come home to." She rubbed noses with him. "You weren't at the door to take my sandals." She teased.

"I was out here writing a poem." He walked over to the ink brush and paper.

"I would love to hear it." She sat down with him in the grass. Aoki held the paper up and readied his voice:

I sit by the pond

nothing makes me happier

when I see you

The little silence that followed made him feel self conscious. "I'm still working on finding the right words." He bashfully rubbed his neck.

"Aww. I think it's really nice." Her eyes didn't waver from his. Neither said anything as their muzzles slowly started to crane closer. It only seemed natural to do so. Their eyes closed halfway as their lips joined. A blissful heat spread throughout their bodies. Tails flicked into the air as the kiss deepened, allowing their tongues to dance intimately as one. An indescribable warmth remained on their lips, even as they parted. Aoki's ears were splayed back as a funny giddiness overtook his senses. He had never felt anything like it in his life!

"Wow." He nibbled his lip. Reika liked his positive reaction and leaned to his ear.

"Let's continue this inside." She whispered. The foxes quickly went inside and shut the back door. "Now..." Reika sat down on the futon bed facing Aoki. "May we consummate this love eh-properly?" She grinned untying the sash to her robe. The shy, but wholehearted grin on Aoki's muzzle confirmed his answer. He reached forward and slipped her sash off. Reika was only wearing a kimono, and it parted slightly without the proper restraint. His hands slipped under the cloth on her shoulders and slid down. The kimono followed his hands and exposed her arms, then breasts and torso until the entire garment pooled around her. The kitsune's tails flickered happily in their new freedom. Reika's body was past its prime by age, but no one's eye could doubt how beautiful she was. It could easily deceive some, but Aoki knew better. Underneath that pristine coat of fur was a wiry body, fine tuned to kill. Yet, it was equally loving and caring to those closest to her.

"Hm?" She hummed in question at his shy demeanor.

"I'm a little nervous. Are you nervous too?" He asked.

"Mmhm." She nodded feeling her ears splay sweetly. "I promise to be gentle." She grinned and set her silk garment aside. Aoki watched her reach forward and untie his sash, letting his garment loosely open up. She effortlessly disrobed her husband and set his garment aside. It came to no surprise that he was already erect with excitement. Now they were both facing each other naked. After being with many naked females, especially her, Aoki was able to admire the kitsune for her entire form rather than a few select parts.

"I think we have seen each other naked more times than anyone else, even at a bathhouse." She mused.

"Or a pond." He added.

"Ponds are always a lot of fun." Reika smiled and extended her legs to Aoki. A particular look in the vixen's eyes caught his attention.

"What are you thinking about?"

"I still kind of wished that you were my sandal bearer." She admitted looking away with a shy grin.

"I like your feet." He pet one much to her enjoyment. "But I like all of you too, and most of that love isn't for your body."

"You should be a poet. I know what you're trying to say, but the words aren't there yet." She smiled.

"Thanks." He grinned. "But, uh... Why your feet?"

"Well..." She trailed off unable to contain her grin. "I might have a fantasy about you with them. Just a little fetish." The kitsune quickly added.

"Like what?" Aoki was afraid to ask.

"Mm..." The kitsune relished the thought. "Rubbing them after a long day of walking-I mean if you wanted to!" She blushed at her ideas. "I sound ridiculous."

"That's not so odd." He admitted.

"You're the only person that I would tell it to." Aoki picked up her foot with a light grin and placed it in his lap. Reika watched with starstruck eyes as his hand touched the bottom of her foot. Her black sole was leathery like his own, but was fairly soft and well taken care of.

"Can I rub them like this?" He lightly pressed his thumbs to her foot and kneaded gently.

"Oohh." Reika covered her muzzle as she lightly moaned. The kitsune didn't care if he was barely touching her foot or rubbing it without care, just as long as he was doing something to it. "Yes, that's perfect!" She splayed her four clawed toes before contently leaning back. His touch was so tender, faithful, and pleased her in every way. Reika opened her eyes when he finally put her foot down and picked up the other one. 'Gods...' She felt her body shudder in arousal. Put of the corner of his eye, Aoki saw Reika's hand slip down to between her legs, and start tracing lines over her sex.

'She's really enjoying this!' He felt proud to share such intimacy with the kitsune. Reika shuddered and withdrew her hand when he finished.

"Thank you. That was heavenly." Her flushed face made him beam proudly.

"I should rub them more often!" Aoki offered and rubbed over her legs next.

"Don't tempt me, or I'll start expecting it." She enjoyed the light continuing massage. The further up her traveled, the more the vixen parted her legs. The romantic mood deepened as Aoki traced around her midsection generously with intent. His fingers brushed against her sex occasionally until he was lightly rubbing the vixen's womanhood. The sliver of pink skin was warm, and a hint of dew indicated how aroused she was. Reika spread her legs invitingly for him and reclined back to her elbows. Aoki contently explored his wife.

"You smell..." He started off but couldn't find the right word.

"I smell?" She tilted her head with a lopsided grin.

"Good." He admitted and pinned his ears back. Reika blushed at the funny compliment.

"Well..." The vixen thought. "You can lay down to get closer if you want." Her eyes twinkled with desire. Aoki laid down to his front and brushed his hand over the vixen's mound of fur. His nose inhaled. Her womanhood didn't exactly have a sweet scent, but since it was a part of Reika he cherished it nonetheless. He parted her dark grey ticked white labia revealing her pink insides glistening with dew. His eyes widened at the sight. The vixen chuckled at his curious exploration. "Don't let my gender intimidate you now." Reika brushed his cheek with a leg. Aoki slyly grinned and leaned forward. The fox planted a soft kiss on her sex. The kitsune's toes clenched in response. Aoki naturally started lapping along the line of her opening. Reika laid on her back and focused on her lover's tongue. The younger fox delighted in her soft little coos and moans.

"Do you want me to continue?" Aoki paused and looked up from her thighs. Between the lovely curves of her breasts was a smiling muzzle watching him faithfully. Reika gave a nod for him to continue. He obliged and pressed forward.

"Oohhh. Yesss." She hissed feeling his tongue finally dip between her aroused folds, and his nose bump into her sensitive clit. The kitsune was in blissful heaven. "Ohh... Ooohhh." Aoki heard Reika moan with more strength. He earnestly pressed forward, wanting to hear her finish. Reika gripped the bedding below and managed to prop herself onto her elbows.

"S-s-stop." She managed to say. A confused Aoki pulled back.

"Did I do something wrong?" He asked licking his lips.

"N-no!" She shuddered feeling her body burning to finish. The kitsune sat up and rested a hand on his shoulder "I want to finish with you." Her other hand grasped his erection. Aoki arched into her hand. "You probably won't last long either, and I'm close enough as it is."

"What do you have in mind?"

"Mm. I know what to do." She rose to her knees and scooted forward until their fronts unevenly touched. The kitsune winked at him and gradually descended, guiding him inside. The younger fox arched his back from the silken heat enveloping him. Aoki grabbed the vixen's rear to help stabilize her. His muzzle ended up resting between her breasts looking up at her. "There. Better?" She asked in a motherly voice petting his head. "That's a good place for you."

"It's a compromising position." He coyly admitted. It looked like he was carrying her. Reika chuckled and watched him nuzzle her tuft of fur.

"We can't move a lot either." She found that her idea was pretty silly for a practical purpose.

"We can lay down."

"Good idea, but I'll take the lead." She winked and pressed his shoulders back until the fox was laying down on the covers. Aoki certainly didn't mode the lovely view of his wife. Fully impaled on his lap, Reika wiggled her hips. He clutched the blanket feeling her walls caress and rub his member. The kitsune carefully reclined down to her elbows. Her eyes locked onto his and they shared a kiss. He only broke it off when he felt something brush over him. He looked down and saw the vixen's breasts dangling for his pleasure as if to beg for his touch. Aoki eyed them, but hesitated under the kitsune's gaze. "Go ahead and touch them." Reika winked. He reached up and cupped the soft white furred breasts. She growled lustfully feeling him gently rub, caress, and tweak interchangeably. They resumed kissing while he lavished her body with attention. Even though she was on her elbows their muzzles had plenty of room to connect and love each other. Their hips joined the passionate symphony, creating moans and fluttery sighs. Their passion quickly reached a pinnacle. Reika held her muzzle to hold in a euphoric scream. Bodies jerked and strained before suddenly relaxing. Her eyes finally half opened to look at the fox below her. Aoki had a similar expression on his panting face. She pulled him in for a rough kiss that quickly mellowed into an intimate coupling. Their muzzles dissolved into licks and nuzzles.

"That was wonderful." She sighed as her arms tired.

"Mmhm." He hummed. "Oof!" He coughed as Reika unexpectedly laid on his front.

"Sorry." She wrapped her arms around him and nuzzled his chest. He rubbed her back in reply. The red fox and kitsune contently snuggled close and watched each other. They felt the other's every breath and movement. It was heavenly.

"So what did the council say?" Aoki asked.

"They'll let me do a safer mission in the Ise province to the east."

"They did?" His eyes and ears perked up.

"Mmhm. But you know that it's dangerous working for me." Reika smiled and traced a lone finger around his collarbone. Aoki rubbed her back gently. He could see her tails flickering around lazily.

"I'm your sandal bearer. I have to go wherever you go, correct?" He replied. Reika closed her eyes and focused on his roaming hand for a moment to think.

"That's true." She conceded. "I guess I cannot persuade you to leave my side then."

"Never." He rubbed her shoulders and stared into her loving eyes. "I love you." He softly whispered and pressed his lips to hers. Reika shared the brief and light kiss before rubbing her nose over his.

"I love you too." She whispered and snuggled with him.