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Desert wind and dust batter my clothes, slipping into my boots despite the wrappings on my legs. I keep walking the trail, thoughtless persistence pushing me ahead as the sun dips behind the ragged rocks, taking away merciful warmth. Winter is harsh, no matter the lands, every breath I take dry and cold.

As I continue ever onward, the scenery around me grows less distinct, darkening as a starless night sky looms above. As I stop and listen, and the green of a mossy forest eeks into the edges of my vision, a soft realization comes over me when no scent tickles my nose.

I'm dreaming. Sharper than I usually remember, but the hazy uncertainty of everything around me is too unreal to be the waking world.

Yet even knowing that, I don't stop and rest. I keep onward, pushing further into the forest. Past trees and boulders, beyond ruined stone walls and underneath canopies of ferns. Greenery that shouldn't be together, all from the dozens of different lands I've traveled through or tales I've heard, stitched together in the patchwork world of dreams. But unlike most of my dreams, there's no hair raising fear breathing down the back of my neck. No pit in my stomach because a predator is lurking just behind me, stalking me. It's nothing more than my feet taking me ever forward, towards an ever changing horizon.

Ahead, two pillars support a curved piece of wood, the structure painted bright red and hanging with peculiarly knotted ropes. A torii, yet another memory laid out on my uneventful dream. I pay it no mind and go forward, walking beneath the threshold it represents.

On the other side, I hear the drone of insects deep in the old forest. The ferns are gone, the trees venerable and gilded in moss. I proceed cautiously, the world about me no longer changing whenever I look around.

Strange, but dreams follow their own mysterious rules.

I continue onward, listening to the rise and fall of the insects' noise. As I go deeper, there are smooth stones laid out on the forest floor, arranged to weave about the gnarled roots of ancient trees. I don't realize I'm following the path until it's taken me to a shallow stream bubbling along. I stop at the edge of the water, wondering if I'll soon wake, when I notice something else in the insects' incessant droning.

A note, like a distant song, lurks beneath the noise. My legs are moving shortly after I hear it, splashing me across the stream and taking me to what must be the source. The song gets clearer as I draw closer, but I cannot pick out the words or language. With the fervor of a simple purpose, and confidence born from the safety of a dream, I push onward toward the singer.

Only to realize, hearing the harmony of different voices, that it's two singers. Something about them pulls me closer, and as I round the corner of a particular boulder, I can finally make out the words, the language familiar as it is foreign. Three more steps and I feel the song is familiar, as are the two singing. Something comforting about the pair puts a new energy in my steps, draws me closer to a huge, vine covered tree in the distance. A large, knotted rope spans the mighty trunk, and I know on the other side are the pair of singers.

I make it around the trunk, a flash of fluffy fur flicking in the edge of my sight as the song stops...

---

My eyes crack open to the sight of an empty room. The night before floats in my thoughts with not a memory of a dream clinging to me. As I breathe in the cold of the wintry early morning, an absence unsettles me. I expected terror and guilt to plague me all night, to once again wake with panic and battle in my veins. Yet here I am, huddled next to the very same wall I fell asleep against with my arms doing nothing but tightly holding a blanket. My mind is as sharp as ever and my body only a little stiff, not a thing wrong with my flesh and blood.

It certainly is a relief to not have fear thick in my blood in the morning, but there's an emptiness in my chest. Like something is missing, even if my body is still whole. A flickering fear urges me to ignore it, yet with the truth so obvious to me, I cannot.

My shameful desire from last night to hold someone close still remains. No, it's far worse than that. I want to hold Saki and Rin, together, even if for only a brief few breaths. If I could do that, I might have the strength to face whatever brutal storm I walk into next.

But they're not here, and even if they were, it would only reignite their troubles if I did something as foolish as move for them both.

An urge to lie back down batters at me like the tide, tempting me into trying to do something that's no better than running away. It would be so easy to do nothing, to act as if last night never happened. It did happen, and no matter how afraid I am to face myself or anyone else, the empty pit in my chest won't go away if I stay in here brooding over my doubts and unanswerable questions.

Standing up, rubbing my stiff knees as I do so, I let the blanket fall off of my shoulders and take a deep breath. Holding it until I can feel an ache in my lungs, I sigh silently, pretending it will help blow away troublesome things like how I feel about a pair of kitsune. That empty feeling is still there to taunt me, only to be joined by another. My stomach growls, turning my frown into a sneer.

First the longing for something I cannot have, and now hunger because of a lavish winter life. The steady supply of food has gotten me too comfortable if hunger is chewing at my stomach already. Yet it's a problem I can solve, something that can occupy my scattered and uneasy thoughts, so with a sigh I welcome the hunger. Even though I'll have to attend the group meal, I suppose that's better than shutting myself away again. Or depriving my body of the sustenance it needs.

I run my hands through my hair and then scruff of a beard, half-wondering if I should borrow or make a comb soon, I scoff at myself. I can feel the urge to hide myself away, to let my wandering thoughts take me anywhere that isn't outside of this room. Gathering my scraps of courage, I make for the door-wall. The sight of my belt, along with sword and dagger, off in its corner tempts me, yet I don't stray from my course. Closing my eyes and breathing in quietly, I slide open the door and step out, leaving my weapons and their comforting familiarity behind.

Opening my eyes in the hall, I turn to shut the entrance to my room, only to catch sight of movement. I look toward the source, I see a pair of kitsune step out into the hall from a room beside mine. My fingers freeze against the skeletal frame of the sliding door as I try to decide if I should head back in. There are some encounters I don't wish to have right now, courage or not.

Brown eyes, ringed with white fur, focus in on me. Not a heartbeat later, glacier blues join them, and my arm finds the strength to finish closing the door to my room. Rin and Saki both approach, Rin's hands folded in front of her while Saki's arms hang hidden in their sleeves. Their dresses are the same as the night before, but as they get closer, I notice both kitsune seem a little off. Their fur is tousled here and there, Rin's hair messier than when I last saw her, dresses skewed a little, and their movements sluggish. Almost as if they'd only recently gotten up, or hadn't slept at all.

"Good morning," they say together, Saki noticeably quieter than Rin.

"And a good morning to you both," I reply.

Once they're both an arms length away, they stop. Rin asks, "Did you sleep well, Egil?"

Trying not to stare at either of them for too long, lest my thoughts wander to how finely their dresses fit them, I nod. "I feel rested, if nothing else."

"It sounds as if your rest was troubled," the nine-tail says, all while Saki looks somewhere between my jaw and the top of my chest.

Surprised, yet glad, to see that the eight-tail isn't completely avoiding looking at me, I answer quickly, hoping to put the question behind us. "I slept fine," I say, their closeness reminding me all too sharply of the pit in my chest. "I have to wonder if you two managed to get any rest for yourselves."

"Saki and I did talk for a long time," Rin admits, unable to smile. "But we eventually found the time to sleep."

"After checking on you, at my insistence," Saki says softly, tilting into a bow. "It was presumptuous, but I wished to be certain our sisters were leaving you alone."

"It's anything but," I reply gently, fingers twitching as I fight to keep my arm down. "Thank you, Saki."

It would be so easy to touch the eight-tail's shoulder, let her know I'm truly grateful, but I can't.

Saki's bow only deepens. "I hope I did not overstep," she says.

"You didn't. If anything, I'm relieved that I've got you two looking out for me," I say, looking from Saki's down turned brow to Rin's eyes.

Saki straightens back up after a moment, but it's Rin who speaks. "If you'd like," she begins, several of her tail tips swishing about slowly behind her, "we can have a firm talk with our sisters about what it means to respect your privacy. If you wish, that is."

Swallowing, I glance between the pair, the half step of distance between the sisters making me uneasy. I can't help but feel there's significance to the slight space between them, or I could merely be imagining it. Neither of them seems to be leaning away from the other, and I haven't heard anything hostile from either of them yet. I want to hold to the hope that last night put them on a better path, but I'm not so young I can entirely trust a delicate thing like hope.

"If it won't cause trouble, I'd appreciate your sisters understanding I don't want anymore 'offers' from them," I answer after a moment or two too long. Saki's gaze dips back down, and I can't keep myself from saying more. "Before any of that, Rin, Saki, I'm sorry about last night. About putting you both in an unpleasant situation."

"Egil," Rin begins, taking a slow step closer. "I'm honored you spoke with us. I think we all needed it."

Saki moves closer, her hidden feet making it look like she floats forward. "I agree."

"Something else Saki and I agree on," Rin says, not allowing me a chance to speak, "is that nothing you said has changed how either of us feel about you."

They're dangerously close, as if trying to chase away my thoughts. It would take no effort at all to put my arms on both kitsune, but I can't. "If you're both willing to withstand my foolishness," I say, "last night was no dream, was it? I'm not misremembering what was said about how you two feel, am I?"

A quiet exchange of glances is shared by the sisters. Saki seems to plant herself more firmly, her shoulders shifting subtly, as Rin answers, "If you're asking if I still feel myself falling in love with you, Egil, I do."

"I," Saki says, voice faltering. She falls silent for several heartbeats before managing to continue, but she can't bring herself to meet my eyes. "I am ashamed to say the same."

"I should be the one ashamed," I say quietly. I can feel myself on the edge of a cliff, but stepping off isn't so frightening as it was last night. "I can no longer deny or turn from my feelings for both of you, even though I desperately want to avoid causing you two more trouble. Even as I continue to question myself. Yet, I can't stop myself from thinking about both of you."

A flick of brown eyes dart up, Saki's controlled composure shattering as she breathes in. Only for her to freeze herself over again, the surprise and emotion burying deep beneath her dispassionate expression.

Rin starts to say something, only to stop and glance at Saki. The sisters share a look for a tense moment, until the eight-tail looks away first. Saki stares at me, but is unable to make eye contact as she quietly says, with great conviction, "There is no shame in the truth."

"My sister speaks wisely. And perhaps," Rin begins, folding her hands into her sleeves, "now isn't the time for any of us to sort out matters of what our hearts desire? We will have plenty of time to figure all of this out."

Looking between their compassionate stares, I nod. "I suppose we can all talk about this later."

Saki's sleeves stir by her sides, the eight-tail's weight shifting as she nods at me. Some sort of hesitation is gone from her, but I don't want to guess as to why. "We will."

"Agreed. So let us put it out of our minds for the moment," Rin smiles. She gestures gracefully with one hand, motioning past me. "Now, Saki and I were going to see what our sisters have made for the morning meal before tending to the shrine. If it would not make you uncomfortable, would you like to join us there?"

"Will eating together get in the way of your duties?" I ask. With how they said last night they couldn't eat with me this morning, I can't help myself, and ask, "Or anything else?"

The sisters don't so much as twitch at my insistent, worrying implication about causing more strife between them.

"It only matters that I get my duties done today," Rin says, dipping her head. "As for what clearly worries you, Egil..." she trails off, glancing at Saki.

The eight-tail manages to look at her older sister, then me. Softly, Saki says, "We realize how rude we've both been."

"Saki is too polite to say that I've been most unfair to everyone, even myself," Rin smiles, first at her sister, then at me. "But she and I both agree we wish to know you more, Egil. And to make certain that we avoid behaving so unsightly to you."

My words are leaden and tongue wooden, but I still manage to speak under their combined gazes. "I thought this wasn't a time for a complicated talk?"

A delicate, dry chuckle brings one of Rin's sleeves in front of her mouth. "You're right. Perhaps I'm too happy knowing I haven't driven either of you away."

"Usually I'm the one driving people away," I say, shaking my head and trying to put on a smile to lighten the mood. It doesn't feel right, but it does seem to relax the set of Rin's ears.

Saki's tails vanish behind her, no doubt bundling up. "Your stubbornness has its charm," she says, tone wavering slightly as she tries to join in our efforts to relax the mood.

With it seeming like all of us are trying to put on a front for the others, a knot of tension slips out of my back. The absence is more noticeable than the knot itself was, but I'll take what I can get.

Before I do something stupid like pat them both on the shoulder because of the change in mood, Rin lowers her sleeve and speaks. "My sister and I need to get ourselves more presentable for the day ahead, after waking from such a short night. Shall we meet you at the kitchens, Egil?"

I bite back my curiosity about exactly why they were in the room next to mine, as I don't entirely believe it was to keep their sisters away. That was probably part of it, but surely they didn't need to be right next to where I slept to keep the few sisters in the house at the moment in check.

Instead of asking questions, I nod. "Then I'll meet you both there."

"We will see you soon," Rin says, bowing shallowly to me, Saki joining into the polite gesture.

I return the bow, then the two kitsune shuffle past me, walking on either side of me. As they pass, it feels as if their tails flick against my clothes, but clearly purposefully. Not trusting myself, I wait several heartbeats before setting out on my own. I want to look back toward them, but I know I might follow them if I do. Rin never said anything about me not being welcome to join the two of them, but making any such assumptions could cause problems. I dare not carry the thought any further.

When I step outside and into the early morning, the bite of the cold is a relief to my confused head and heart. There's not as much ice as the day before, the icicles hanging from the eaves thinner. Winter's end isn't far off, the inevitable change of seasons comforting. Soon the world will be budding and green again, and I can put this dreary winter behind me.

Breathing in the soft, shadowed light of the dawn, I head off to get myself sorted out instead of focusing on the thousands of questions racing in the back of my mind. It's all too much right now, but I know I'll have to let the rippling worries surface soon enough.

As I set foot on the stone paved walkway, I catch sight of a large black bird as it lands on the wall surrounding the house. It's too far away for me to make out much of it, but the way its head twists leaves me feeling watched. Seeing the black bird reminds me too much of tales from my homeland about ravens, how two of them serve the one-eyed god as his eyes and ears in the wider world. Before I can think better of it, I make my way toward the bird, an urge to get a better look at it driving me on.

There are crows in this land, and some part of me wants to be certain that's all the bird is. I've seen too much in this world to shrug off what many men consider superstition.

Yet as soon as I have taken three steps toward it, the black bird flaps its wings and takes off silently, twisting and flying back toward the forest it surely came from.

Swallowing, I try not to think of its appearance and quick retreat as some sort of omen. I rub at my pendant, uncertainty and memories of my homeland swirling together. The one-eyed god's pair of ravens watch all that happens in the world, and every night they tell him what transpired. I'd be a fool to even think that's what it was, but thoughts of the gods prickle the back of my neck anyway. I've seen enough across many lands to believe the gods are real, in some fashion.

Feeling foolish about such thoughts over nothing more than a bird, it does sadly remind me of my purpose on this mountain. How it's changed from hunting down mere rumors of a man-eater, to getting Meiko back to her sisters and dealing with the monster within the forest. To say nothing of the personal trouble I've caused for myself by developing feelings for two women, both of whom appear to still be interested in me.

Any gods of any land would no doubt laugh at me for my wariness, but mostly for my unwillingness to chase the women so obviously interested in me.

---

After refreshing myself, I go to the communal room that is becoming all too familiar. I slide the door-wall open, being first greeted by the smell of rice and millet porridge, then the stares of a few inquisitive kitsune. Tsubame looks right at me, her expression tightly controlled indifference, while Miki and Mariko both quickly glance away as if to pretend they hadn't looked up. Shizuka doesn't react at all, only continuing to stir a pot as I step inside. My attention isn't on any of those four, or even Rin and Saki sitting at a second hearth and tending the fire, or the sitting cushion between them left conspicuously empty. The two of them look impeccably groomed, and Rin's hair is held back by a silver comb.

The sharp stare of another kitsune, one that hasn't been up here since the incident with the village, bores into me, its owner wearing a thin smirk. A six-tail, she's sitting at the same hearth as Saki and Rin, close to the eight-tail yet looking to keep her distance from the master of the house. I recognize the six-tail's half-open but intense eyes, yet to my shame I cannot recall her name. She holds herself in a way that reminds me of Saki's intensity, only with blatant arrogance and pride carved deeply into her dismissive expression.

"Egil," Rin says, not half a heartbeat after I shut the door-wall behind me, "please, sit where you like."

I consider the wisdom of sitting across from Saki and Rin for half a heartbeat before my feet boldly move. The unspoken invitation of sitting between them is surely the safest place in the room, or so I try to lie to myself as I move in and kneel down. I settle in beside the pair, the other kitsune in the room either openly or slyly staring at me or their older sisters.

It's as if the younger siblings can sense some change in how I took my seat. Miki and Mariko turn their eyes back to the fire of their hearth, seeming to withdraw in on themselves. Shizuka rests back ever so slightly, her expression peaceful as it is impossible to read. The lithe Tsubame pretends to look at Saki instead of Rin. The other six-tail, the one whose name I can't remember that sits at the same hearth as me, openly stares right at me. That smirk she wears doesn't deepen, but it certainly sharpens.

"Sister," Rin says, managing to pull away the attention of a single ear from the six-tail, "as I had been about to say, I am surprised you made it up the mountain so swiftly."

"It's easy to walk up by starlight," she says, blinking slowly and turning to face her eldest sister. "Yuuko insisted on receiving the first talismans today, and I dare not disappoint my dear younger sister when she's in charge."

The tone of her voice is too laced with mockery for me to believe she cares about disappointing this Yuuko, a four-tail if I remember correctly. If I'm right, one of the few kitsune who never shot me overly curious and friendly looks.

Saki stirs beside me, laying a single tail behind me, just barely touching my back. "Hibiki," she says icily, "watch your tone."

The smirk vanishes, the six-tail dipping forward slightly. "Forgive me, sensei," she says, tone much more polite. "What I meant to say is that I was asked to bring back axes and better carving tools as well. And by Yuuko's request, to ask if Egil would be willing to offer his strong arms."

I can't hide my surprise as I feel my brows raise. Right as I glance at Rin to see what she thinks of her clearly disrespectful sister, the master of the house lays a tail against my back, letting it settle on top of Saki's. A calm, polite smile hides Rin's thoughts, but she's got that dangerously noble look to her. The sort I'm glad not to be on the receiving end of.

"Hibiki," she says, "surely Yuuko said why? I cannot imagine why she would need him with so many free hands down there."

Breathing in deep, and letting it out with a sense of exasperation, Hibiki shrugs, lifting her hands up. "Well, Natsuki, Tomomi, and Kumiko have been ill ever since falling into the river. They're past the worst, but Yuuko has them on bed rest. Which leaves us short handed with everything we need to do. I suppose Yuuko thinks Egil could continue their work until they've recovered."

"And how did they come to fall into the river?" Rin asks, her sweet and polite tone managing to still be demanding.

"The railing on the bridge gave out," Hibiki says with a sigh. "Tomomi went in after Natsuki, then Kumiko and I hauled them both out. I'm the only one of the three not ill, and we lost an entire jar of rice as well. All in a season when the fish are hiding."

Another tail drifts against my back, but it's Saki this time, laying her tail atop Rin's. I glance at the eight-tail, but she says nothing. She only stares at Hibiki with an intensity that could turn a lesser being to stone.

"How fortunate for you, dear sister," Rin says, so politely I don't know if she's suspicious or genuine.

"With all respect," Hibiki says, barely bowing her head, "there's no fortune for anyone. There's much to do in the village and on the roads leading in. Three of us are bed ridden, one has to watch over them, and I'm here. We're very short handed."

"You're right, of course," Rin nods. "I trust one of you is still guarding the child."

"The half-kappa? We've got a watch on him." Hibiki shrugs, all but scoffing. "Not that he could get out of that barrier."

More tails lay against my back, from Saki and Rin at almost the same time. Are they trying to comfort me, each other, or themselves? I'm on the edge of unease from the questions they've spoken and the ones in my mind.

"Be certain you keep a watch on Taro," Rin commands. "I trust my barriers, but at least one full blooded kappa survived. And who knows what else Kenta might be planning?"

The self-certain twinge of a smile fades from the six tailed Hibiki's mouth. She bows, and in a much politer tone than I've heard from her so far, she says, "I'll personally take over part of the watch when I return."

"Thank you, Hibiki," Rin says. "Oh, and I will be certain to send more medicine down. Something to help should anyone else have a mishap with cold water."

"We brought plenty of medicine, eldest sister. You do not need to worry."

Rin folds her hands neatly into her lap as she stares silently at her younger sibling. She places yet another of her winter fluffed tails against me, thoroughly distracting me from the tension between the sisters. Again I wonder what the tails touching me are really about, rousing a question I've wanted to avoid. Are they competing, working together, or am I reading too deep into it? Is it to get my attention or to show their interest in me? All I know for certain is that there's a spreading sense of relief in my chest from feeling close to them, even if my heart is trying to climb up my throat at the same time.

"I would hardly be your eldest sister if I did not worry about you," Rin says, sharp smile unwavering. Hibiki bows just a little deeper, and the nine-tail continues. "After all, it is my duty to watch out for all of you, is it not?"

"You've been like a mother to us, dear sister," Hibiki says, hint of her teeth adding a subtle venom to her words.

The mood in the room changes. Hibiki's eyes flick up, first to Rin whose expression hasn't changed, then to Saki. It's hard to miss how the six-tail's posture stiffens as she realizes Saki is glaring at her. "Speaking of duty," Hibiki says, eyes darting down, "Yuuko was insistent about having help, be it Egil or anyone we can spare up here."

"What does Yuuko need help for?" Rin asks politely, head tilting slightly. "She must have told you why."

"She believes she can purify the half-kappa," the six-tail explains. I feel Rin's tails press harder against me. "But she needs some sort of shrine built, and being so infuriatingly polite even when impatient, she requested me to pass on the message when I came."

"I see," Rin says, demeanor softening. "If she is confident in her chances with the ritual, I'll see to it that extra ginger and garlic is sent down. I doubt she has enough for a hundred days."

"Perhaps," Saki says, looking past me to her eldest sister, "I should go."

Rin leans forward and starts stirring the neglected pot of porridge. "We will discuss what to do with our honored guest after we eat."

"As you say," Saki nods, handing out bowls. She passes one to me last, and it's all I can do to keep my attention on the bowl instead of her.

"Best not to let the meal get cold," Rin says, smiling calmly as she serves out portions.

The morning meal passes in silence at our hearth, but the trio of sisters at the other talk in hushed tones among themselves. Miki whispers secretively to Mariko, who spends most of the time shaking her head or getting cut off by the two-tail. Shizuka leans forward now and again, usually to let Mariko have a chance to properly answer. Or so I assume, as their hearth is much livelier than this one.

Aside from Saki and Rin's tails resting against my back, their focus is clearly on Hibiki. Their six tailed sister keeps her sharply shaped eyes on her meal, yet even so something about her reminds me of a predator biding its time. Only I don't know if I'm prey she's waiting to see alone, or if I'm a possible threat she's merely sizing up. Perhaps it's neither and Hibiki is only trying to keep her wits about her under the withering attention of the two kitsune at my sides, the kitchens nothing more than neutral ground.

I look down on my porridge and try to put all else out of my mind, but no sooner do I start to relax does my spoon scrape the empty bottom. Glancing at Saki and Rin I see they've both finished as well, while the rest of the sisters in the room appear to be working on their second bowl, even Hibiki.

"If it is no trouble," I begin, "I will excuse myself. I'd like to take a walk before anything gets too busy."

"Might we join you?" Rin asks. "Talking and walking can be quite pleasant when combined."

Saki silently dips her head in agreement.

"I'd be glad to have you both along," I answer.

Ears all around the room twitch and pivot, but I pay their sisters no mind. The tails against my back drift away one by one as empty bowls are set down. The three of us rise, and Saki takes the lead toward the door. The hair on the back of my neck prickles under intense gazes, but I don't give Hibiki the satisfaction of glancing at her, nor do I wish to upset the pair who stole their way into my bath the other day. I simply walk with the two older sisters out and into the chill of a dwindling winter.

---

Once I've got boots on, Rin drifts ahead of us by half a step, taking the lead while Saki moves beside me and matches my steps. Neither says anything as we walk so I keep the silence and try to admire the glistening icicles hanging off the edges of the tiled roof. We make it to a short wall and pass through a circular, full moon shaped entryway into the frozen garden beyond.

We walk across fresh, thin snow, my boots marring the powder while Rin's steps hardly leave a trace. She guides us under the barren tree near the center of the garden, stopping and staring up at the snow coated branches.

"Would it be presumptuous of me to speak plainly with either of you?" she asks, not looking back down.

"No, sister."

"I find it much easier that way," I say, knowing such truthfulness could hurt. Better to take that risk than not.

"I suppose I should have expected nothing less from either of you," Rin breathes out heavily. She turns, putting her side to us as she continues staring up into the branches. "I'm quite afraid of Egil going back down to the village."

The way Saki moves beside me, her weight shifting subtly, I can tell she's about to speak. Suspecting Rin intended that for me, I cut Saki off, glancing apologetically at her, and ask, "Why are you afraid, Rin?"

Saki's slightly parted mouth closes, but instead of withdrawing into herself she manages to nod at me. As if accepting my quiet apology.

Rin doesn't answer right away. Her shoulders sag despite her gaze being turned to the higher parts of the tree, but eventually she speaks softly, calmly. "Why wouldn't I be?" One by one her nine tails start to droop. "You've gone twice, and both times you've gotten hurt because of a burden that isn't yours."

"Sister," Saki mutters, moving forward, practically floating with how still her dress is. She places a hand on Rin's shoulder, the nine-tail kitsune closing her eyes and breathing deeply.

Caught on a precipice, knowing I could step forward and comfort her, perhaps get myself closer to them both, I find my feet are heavy as lead. I can only work my tongue against the roof of my mouth as it dawns on me how Rin might be feeling. The night she came to me in the village is still fresh and painful in my heart, as I even with my eyes open I can almost hear her agonized crying and pleading. She's lost the village, and she's afraid of losing me - either to violence, or, despite my assurances, to one of her younger sisters.

I'd rather my arm be broken again than try to muddle my way through this.

Saki, patting Rin on the shoulder, saves me from having to figure out what to say. She makes sure to meet my eyes for a moment before speaking in hushed tones. "I can go down to the village instead."

"Wouldn't that get in the way of you two talking?" I manage to ask.

"It would only be for a few days," Saki says.

"Egil," Rin says, a soft, sad smile reaching her eyes more than her mouth, "I'm touched that you are so concerned about us. It's thanks to you that Saki and I are on a firm path to working things out, solving a problem we made by not talking to one another properly. Now that we are, a few days' wait won't hurt anything."

I chew on the edge of my tongue for a moment, wondering if she's trying to subtly absolve me of guilt for causing their sisterly strife. I can't say it's working, but somehow I suspect she didn't expect to cut through all of my worries, spoken and unspoken, with only a few words. Knowing she cares enough to try chips at me, stirring up fears about why she and Saki would possibly care about me. Worse, it leaves me worrying more about something else, the ever present problem lurking in the forest. "And what of Kenta? Wouldn't it set back our plans on that?"

They turn to me. Saki with a questioning look, while there's nothing but dread in Rin's gaze.

"Now's a good time to start our bait," I explain, a twisting knot in my throat wishing I was lying. Rin glances away while a hard understanding settles over Saki's expression. "It's not a mere excuse," I say, words rough on my tongue, "there's a real reason for me to go down carrying tools. I don't know how cunning or wary this oni is, but I do know that tricking your prey into comfort with a routine is important when hunting a predator. If I'm not wrong, he's afraid of getting too close to Saki, as is Meiko. But she approached me when I was with Rin, so maybe if Kenta or Meiko see me start going up and down, they'll think I'm working in the village. Instead of fearing that Saki is planning something."

Rin's tails wind up, curling into one another as she stares back up at the snow dusted branches. She stays quiet, but the set of her jaw makes me think she's afraid to speak.

If I could make my feet move, I'd draw closer. Instead, I can only wait, floundering like a fish on land. Until Saki, once again, speaks up.

"Egil is not wrong," she says darkly.

Rin's mouth starts to part, but she turns her head swiftly. I can only see her hair, white as the snow cover around us, as she says, "I know that."

"That's not all you fear," Saki gently says, moving in front of her sister, "is it?"

"No," she sighs, right as Saki wraps her into a hug.

There's a tense moment where I fear the sisters will be at each other's throats, but to my surprise, Rin meekly returns the embrace. Surprise flows into relief when I see those nine bundled tails come apart and the older sister lean into the strong Saki. A fear I hadn't put to words settles at the sight of two siblings able to support one another in such a simple, widespread way. No matter the land, I know the sight of a family that cares for each other when I see it so plainly.

"Rin," Saki murmurs, "I think Egil will understand if you do not want to say it."

"She's right," I say.

Shaking her head, Rin mutters, "It's Hibiki."

I almost fold my arms at hearing something so unexpected, but I keep them by my side instead. Better to appear relaxed and unmoved as if it doesn't bother me.

Saki, knowing more than me, pats her sister's back softly. "Are you afraid she'll play her games with Egil, or that she'll incite something with one of our sisters?"

"Both," Rin murmurs. She extracts herself from the comforting embrace, and weakly looks towards me. "Our sister Hibiki, she is..."

"Too mischievous for her own good," Saki finishes.

"Her mischief and pride are not all I worry about," Rin says. "She has nothing but respect and admiration for Saki, but sometimes it feels like Hibiki has made it her life's goal to annoy me."

"I've seen the type," I say with a shake of my head. "Two of my cousins would always manipulate the dumber ones into fighting, then pin it on someone else."

The nine-tail frowns. "I fear she's too cunning for her own good sometimes. I have concerns that she may have 'helped' one of our sisters not get out fast enough, all so they'd fall ill."

I nod. "Because she might think the village is too boring?"

"Or," Rin begins, swaying lightly side to side as she shifts from foot to foot, her discomfort completely breaking her normally noble demeanor, "she's planning something bigger. Perhaps to make me jealous."

"Hm," Saki grunts, ears almost flattening as a thought crosses her face. She looks to Rin, and whispers, "If she thinks you and I are..."

Her sister speaks up before the words are finished. "You understand it's not mere wisps of my jealousy and fear."

"I don't know if she would," Saki says. "Before Egil came here, she's been telling me of a man she met. It seems he wasn't intimidated by her peculiar ways. I don't think she'd go after Egil."

"If she's the type to enjoy a chase, she'll find nothing of the sort from me," I say.

"She enjoys goading people into her pace," Saki states.

I nod. "Then a chase, of sorts."

"Once she is amused enough."

"Well, I expect I can confound any games she tries to play with me. Now that I know she might."

"But what if she's planning to guide another of our sisters?" Rin says, glancing at Saki, then flicking her gaze to me. Rin's eyes widen just a little as if realizing I'm still here, stiffening up as she faces me fully.

That precipice is there again, my heavy feet at the edge of a cliff. Whether I want to retreat or try to soar, I have to say something. Letting out a misting breath into the cold, I step forward, looking between the pair. I stop close enough either could reach and touch me if they want to, but not so near that they might shrink away. "Rin," I say, making sure she meets my eyes before looking to her sister, "Saki. I may regret saying this if it strains things between you two as siblings, but the last time your sisters made moves on me I realized something."

I have the rapt attention of them both, eyes and fluffy ears.

"You two are the only women I've been comfortable around. And more than that, I'd never be able to forgive myself if I did anything so crass as to bed one of your sisters or not speak to you if my heart changed from what I've told you both." I make sure to lock eyes with Rin, as Saki's expression clearly believes me while Rin can't hide her uncertainty. "So if I have to thrice swear a vow to make it clear that I'll not touch your sisters and throw Hibiki in the river if she tries any tricks, I will."

A thin smile spreads on Rin's face before she nearly doubles over in laughter. It starts as giggling, but there's nothing normal about it. Saki only lets out a sigh and grabs Rin, who sounds halfway into hysterics.

And before I realize it, my hand is with Saki's supporting Rin as she tries to calm and collect herself. Since I made the move, it's too late to back out now, so I start and try to comfort the kitsune. Thin, laughing apologies eke out of the nine-tail, but I've already guessed the laughter isn't from mirth. She's been tight as a bow string, and what I said must have snapped it all in an instant. I don't know if I should be worried or relieved that I managed to do that.

"I wasn't jesting about tossing Hibiki into the river," I say softly, while Saki strokes Rin's hair. "But I can be if it will make things easier for you."

"I," Rin chokes back a giggle, "I know you were not joking. But it's..." she scrunches her face and has to take a few moments before she's got her breath back. "I didn't... Oh, Egil, you were so serious, and I've been dreading Hibiki sticking her nose into this that I..."

The nine-tail nearly folds in half as she struggles to breathe between hysterical laughs. Glancing at me pleadingly, Saki hooks her arm under Rin's and mouths something that looks like, "Follow me."

I copy the eight tail, heart in my throat when my side is pressed against Rin and my arm is brushing Saki's against the nine-tail's back. It's not hard for the two of us to coax the hysterically laughing kitsune, who to my dismay looks to be shedding a few tears as well, up. Tails curl around us both, so at least Rin has enough presence of mind to cling to the people trying to help her. We round the tree, doing our best not to drag Rin, and come to the stone bench.

Saki lashes two tails at the snow, swiping away much of it. She has to do it a few more times before we can ease Rin down along with ourselves.

The cold of the bench stabs me through my clothes, not that I can give it much thought. Even though I no longer support Rin, she's holding onto me, an arm over my shoulders and tails curled around my back, their white tips holding my arm. She's focusing on nothing more than breathing, her head bowed and eyes closed.

Looking to Saki, I'm both relieved and concerned when her brown eyes meet mine. She shakes her head, and I notice Rin is clutching onto her sister in the same way the nine-tail holds me. I didn't believe her stress maddened breakdown to be a ploy, but seeing proof helps ease me into the situation of being so close.

Breath by breath, Rin regains her composure. While we wait for her to say something, the wind rustles the tree branches, but thankfully the snow on them stays put.

"I am sorry," Rin manages to utter breathlessly. "Nothing was funny, but Egil, you spoke with such conviction that I..." her words drift off as she breathes in deeply, body trembling under my arm.

"Sister," Saki says, "do not strain yourself. We all know this winter has been hard on your spirit."

"It's more than my spirit," Rin whispers, eyes still closed. "Fear, apprehension, worry – it's like they all snapped at once. All because," she mutters, piercing blue gaze looking at me, "I believe you, Egil. Thrice spoken or not."

Despite her words, the nine-tail sags, her arms pulling away from our shoulders. But her tails remain on us both. Rin leans on her elbows, but even with the pose more befitting a simple laborer and her obvious exhaustion, she still looks graceful.

"I'm not the best with words, but I only meant to reassure," I say, trying to put on a smile. I don't think it comforts either of them, but even if it's hiding my own doubts my intent is still pure.

"I know you do not wish to hear it, Egil," Rin says softly, clearly caught in her own doubts, "but all I can think of is how I should apologize to you."

"For caring?" I ask, careful to speak gently. I lean forward as well, not trying to hide my worried mood behind a fake smile anymore. "Being on edge?"

"For not doing what I know is wise," she sighs, eyes closing and head shaking. "Yet here I am, so caught in my feelings and worries, I don't want to admit that I'm as terrified of you getting hurt as I am one of my sisters stealing you away." There's an agony in her voice that's so sharp it cuts into me. "It's not my place, yet trying to act as I should is..."

"Painful," Saki whispers, her downcast eyes telling me she's speaking for Rin and herself.

Ancestors in your halls, I'd sooner face you all in battle than be stuck here. Caught with two women who want to love me, and my own weak heart unable to choose one. As much as I want to cast my feelings aside, I care for them both. Just as I know that there's no good answer.

Rin folds her hands together and nods to her sister. "I was going to say crippling," she muses, "but Saki is right."

"Well," I breathe out, "I suppose that makes three of us not knowing what to do."

"I know what I should do," Rin says. "Tell you to not worry about me, that my heart is firm and cold as stone, and to carry on as if nothing has happened."

"Only I'd still worry about you," I say.

Saki stirs. "As would I."

Rin considers her hands, staring at the pads on her palms. "Then perhaps I don't know what I should do after all."

I breathe into my hands and rub them together, trying to encourage a bit more warmth into my fingers. "If you are worried something might happen to me," I say, "or that your sisters may try to sway me, Rin, we can come up with another plan to deal with Kenta. One that doesn't need me to go down to the village."

Four fox ears and eyes turn to me at once. Saki's as still as stone and just as unreadable, but Rin has a look of guilt straining the edge of her mouth and eyes.

"No," the nine-tail mutters, "the plan is good. And my concerns aren't-"

"They matter to me," I cut in. "Both of you matter to me, and so do your concerns. Besides, if we cannot completely commit to the plan with everything we have, we may as well find another way."

Hands squeezing together, Rin looks lost for words. I'd be amazed to see her like this if I hadn't caused it, instead I'm chewing the edge of my tongue because of what I said. I don't regret a word of it, but perhaps I should speak more carefully.

"This," Rin begins, fingers curled together, "fear is not something that I can allow to control me. It's shameful enough how I've already acted."

"If it would help," Saki quietly says, ears flicking under my gaze, "I can speak with Hibiki, and we could send someone else down with Egil."

Rin's gaze turns from me to the eight-tail. "I suppose our sisters would appreciate an extra set of hands. And Hibiki isn't likely to let her bad habits control her if someone else is there. If," Rin sneaks a glance in my direction, "you do not mind, Egil, we could try that. To keep the plan alive."

"If Hibiki is as much trouble as you say, the extra company down the mountain might be useful. But would that truly ease your worries, Rin?" I don't want to say the obvious, that two kitsune have already worked together in an attempt to seduce me, but if I must, then I will.

"It does not ease my mind entirely," she breathes out, breath barely misting. Glacial blue orbs meet me, baring every scrap of her doubt and hope. "But I trust in what you said. I will risk faith in you, if you would not be burdened by it."

"I shouldn't be," I say, standing up. Rin's tails try to reflexively hold me back, but their fluffy warmth isn't that strong. The two of them start to move as well, but stop when I step in front of them and crouch. My heart races as I reach out and put a hand on each of their shoulders, my sight flicking between them both.

With their attention firmly on me, I speak. "I've said it already, but I care about you both. Perhaps too much, too quickly, and too deeply. I truly do, and," my words falter with my tongue, but through sheer will I continue with a wavering voice, "I do not know the proper way to approach this. Were it only one of you, then-"

My heart nearly leaps into my throat when Rin reaches up and puts her hand on mine, holding my touch to her shoulder and warming my fingers. A measure of doubt drains out of the nine-tail as a faint smile reaches her mouth, the look unable to hide her deep longing. Meanwhile Saki, staring at my hand on her shoulder, hesitantly crosses an arm over her chest, her black furred hand resting atop mine. Not to copy her sister, I realize looking into the eight-tail's anxious eyes. The way her soft thumb pad strokes one of my knuckles, how her shoulder relaxes and her eyes close tells me everything: She wants my touch just as much as Rin.

"Egil," Rin murmurs gently, "there is no need for you to worry."

"I-"

"Hush," soothes Saki.

Her nine-tail sister leans her head to the side, her cheek brushing my fingers as she whispers, "Please, let us not worry, if only for a moment longer."

Saki squeezes my hand softly, head lowering and eyes telling me the same without speaking.

I'm utterly defeated.

"I'll gladly give as long as you want," I mutter.

I can't manage to lie to myself, or them. Even with my heart beating sharply in my chest and making my head light, there's a great relief in feeling them stay instead of pull away. And perhaps a thrill in that part of me that craves the kind of comfort only a woman can offer. Spoiled only by how cruel it must be to not be able to face this properly and settle my split feelings.

A few moments, or maybe half the day, pass, I cannot tell even with my knees bent into a crouch. There's only the two kitsune women who, instead of wary or afraid of my touch, want nothing more. It's as pleasant as it is agonizing when I can't choose between them, that splintering thought driving deeper even as I foolishly and brashly enjoy the meager intimacy with them both. Saki's furred hands, lightly calloused from her many weapons, has a touch as tender as her fur is soft. Rin's fur is smoother than silk and comfortingly gentle as she leans into me.

For a few breaths, I manage to forget everything but these two. The reprieve is sobering, my mouth drying as the weight returns to my shoulders.

After a while, Rin shifts her head up and murmurs, "Time is cruel."

"It is," Saki agrees, eyes cracking open into regretful slits.

I take that as my cue to pull away. As I do, their hands linger on me, neither kitsune wanting to let go, but once my knees are straight again, they can't pretend their hands are stuck to mine any longer and they let go.

Rin starts to stand and I take half a step back. Once the nine-tail is on her feet, Saki rises, flowing upright like a reed released from the wind.

"When you return from the village," Rin says, "perhaps the three of us should take a retreat. To ease our spirits, if not take the time to have the discussion mentioned earlier this morning."

The eight-tail considers her sister for several moments, then steals a look at me. "A true rest would do us all good."

"Egil?" Rin asks, hands folding in front of her, putting a noble and reserved air over her.

She's very good at hiding her feelings and thoughts, but she doesn't keep any of it off of her face this time. Neither of them do. The open hope and vulnerability in their eyes drag a nod out of me. "I have no objections."

"Thank you," Rin bows lightly. She straightens with a sad sigh, and turns her head to her sister. "Saki, we will need to work swiftly if we wish to attend our duties."

The eight-tail dips her head in acknowledgment.

"I apologize for rushing, Egil," Rin says, "but if you will get your belt and sword and wait by the gate, we should see this done before our doubts consume us."

Saki folds her hands into her sleeves. "It will not take us long to speak with our sisters and have supplies prepared."

I wonder if I should ask if they're both okay, if my foolishness hasn't made things worse for them. But they're not shying away from one another. Saki doesn't look bothered either, her face placid but far from a controlled mask. As for Rin, I have to trust she'll work out her jealousy with her eight tailed sister.

Not half a breath has passed before I decide my best answer is to nod and turn away. Somehow I make it out of the garden before my fingers, still fondly remembering each kitsune, curl inward and I let out a ragged breath. Even if I haven't spoken it, those two are sharp enough to know I'm close to falling hopelessly for them.

---

Parting with the pair dims my spirits, but with a task to complete, I manage to keep my lingering worries from surfacing. They simply ripple at the surface of my mind, tumbling and thrashing so much it sinks a pit into my gut.

But it doesn't delay me. I get my belt, knife, and sword. I spend a few moments to get satisfied with how my blades draw, and that my pouches are out of the way, then I make my way back outside. I don't know if I should be surprised or grateful to find the pair of boots waiting for me when I go out onto the walkway, but regardless of my mild confusion it doesn't stop me from putting them on.

As I continue on, I find my eyes drawn to the snow covered rooftops, searching for any hint of a black bird. Of all the things to unsettle me today, I wouldn't have thought it would be spotting a simple bird in the morning. My ancestors would certainly be amused if they knew that, though I don't know if they'd mock me or find my concern understandable considering how far the one-eyed god's servants can travel. But I needn't trouble myself, as there are only snow and ice covered tiles above.

Palm resting on my sword pommel, I take a slow path to the gate, to give the kitsune more time to prepare. With nothing but icicles and clean walls for my wandering eyes to look at, my walk ends sooner than I like when the heavy doors come into sight.

Standing at the gate is the six-tail, Hibiki, her garb dark of the same design as the clothes I've seen Saki in before. Only Hibiki's sleeves are tied much tighter around her wrists, and it looks like all of her weapons are carried openly. Four knives and two sabers are in her red sash, and even sheathed I can tell the swords are the broad bladed sort from the land I passed through before this one. Dao, if I remember correctly, single edged and good for chopping. If she can use two at once then she'd be quite the frustrating foe, making me almost wish I had a shield.

I breathe out and remind myself she's an ally, not an enemy. Still, I have to consciously take my hand off my sword as I draw closer.

Her ears turn toward me, but Hibiki doesn't say anything, even when I stop just outside her reach. She stares intently at something toward the house, so to avoid conversation, I look the same direction.

Three of her sisters approach. Rin leads while Saki takes the rear, with a certain two-tail in the middle, wearing a brown dress fit for travel and with a covered basket lashed to her back with neatly folded and creased white cloth. Miki casts her eyes down when she sees me, either embarrassed or ashamed. The dangerous grin that creeps onto the edge of Hibiki's mouth, showing the very tips of her predatory teeth, makes me wish I hadn't kept her in the edge of my vision. I focus on the two kitsune I don't mind, nodding at them both in turn.

Rin stops and gives a shallow, but kind, bow to me, Saki bowing a little deeper while Miki looks ready to tip forward with how deferential her gesture is. Rin seems pleased by my own polite response and looks past me at Hibiki. "I hope," she says, relaxing into her commanding presence, "that I did not cause a wait."

Her six tailed sister grins despite the intensity of Rin's imposing, dignified stare. "Hardly, dear eldest sister," Hibiki says with a sharp, almost insulting tone aimed right at her sister, tone immediately softening. "I know I'm not traveling alone, so I do not mind a wait for everyone to prepare."

"Then you will not mind waiting a few moments longer," Rin says, pointedly turning to face me.

As if reacting to an unseen cue, Saki gently guides Miki forward with a hand on her shoulder, the two-tail's gaze trying to avoid looking up.

"It was decided," Rin says, her hand replacing Saki's on Miki shoulder and guiding the nervous kitsune to the forefront, "Miki will be joining you two. We all trust she'll remember her oath and apologies, of course."

I swear I hear a malevolent snicker from Hibiki's direction, but I don't want to give her the satisfaction of looking over. I needn't bother either, as Saki's cold brown eyes snap toward the six-tail, surely silencing anything further. I know when to keep my mouth shut and let the carefully spoken play unfold before me.

Rin doesn't even twitch an ear and gives me a soft smile. "Miki is quite dutiful after all, even if she has much to learn," she says. "It will be a good experience for her, helping care for our ill sisters at the village and aiding Yuuko in her ritual."

"We will be happy to have her," Hibiki cuts in, sounding a little more reserved with Saki's cold stare focused on her. "I'm sure her long, strong legs will be put to good use."

That was said so purposefully I know it was meant to try and stir lustful thoughts in me. Unfortunately for Hibiki, my thoughts aren't so easily distracted. Not when I'm watching Rin and Saki so carefully. Rin is utterly placid, still as a frozen pond. Yet the way Saki tilts her back is so slight I almost wonder if she hasn't moved and it's nothing more than a trick of the rising sun. Except, the hint of displeasure at the edge of her mouth has me convinced she's trying to rein in her six tailed sister before she gets too blatant.

"I am sure Yuuko will see to our dear, youngest sister being made useful," Rin says, unmoved by the subtle implications being thrown around. "After all, our other sisters seem to think so."

"I'm certain she'll have my full confidence as well," Hibiki quips back.

"You mean she does?" Rin asks, in what I suspect was preemption of a rebuke from Saki.

"Of course, eldest sister," the six-tail replies, the term of respect sharp and insulting coming from her mouth. "My tongue is letting me down today."

"Then let us both hope it is all that will fail you today," Rin says politely. "If not for the rest of the year. We're going to need those swords of yours, and the hands that wield them, focused on protecting the ritual."

Hibiki tilts her head ever so slightly, an inquiring look.

"Indeed," Saki says coldly. "I will entrust you'll see to the safety of the ritual once it starts, Hibiki."

Stiffening, the six-tail nods. "I won't disappoint you. Nothing will disturb our sisters while they try to save the boy."

"I am glad," Rin says, "that you understand the importance of each task we must accomplish."

As if that settles everything now that she's got the final word in, Rin pats Miki on the shoulder before gracefully taking a step around her. She ignores Hibiki, and the six-tail seemingly accepts that she won't get a rise out of Rin.

At the same time her older sister moves, Saki comes around, flanking the nine-tail and putting Miki behind the both of them. There's enough of a gap that I can see the two-tail anxiously watching her oldest sisters, while Hibiki is entirely obscured.

"Before we part," Rin says, looking me in the eye with a thin smile on her face, "Saki and I have something for you, Egil. A gift from us both."

From within a sleeve, Saki produces a small, square silk bag of deep blue, no bigger than my thumbs side by side. It's tied at the top with a colorful, finely knotted string, arranged in a purposeful and intricate pattern. Symbols are embroidered in white thread, and as the eight-tail offers it up with both palms, I can sense the magic. The hair on the back of my neck prickles oddly, but with both Rin and Saki looking expectantly at me, I do something utterly foolish. I take the strange charm without question, careful not to touch Saki's soft palms, and failing. It doesn't escape my notice she withdraws her hands slowly, and even though a sliver of worry has me glance at Rin, the open calm and relief on her face relaxes me.

Perhaps I shouldn't worry about Rin being jealous after the three of us managed to admit to one another how we feel. It doesn't begin to ease the concerns and questions that weigh heavily on my shoulders, but it's a start.

I look closely at the charm, not only to distract myself, but because of how keenly aware I am it has some sort of power and meaning. No knowledge or hints are obvious, so I glance at the pair who gifted it.

Rin's smile brightens her eyes, and to my surprise I even catch Saki faintly grinning. I'm shocked further when the eight-tail speaks in a quiet voice. "It is to help with your rest," she says.

"Think of it as a ward against a worrying night," Rin explains.

I don't know if she means against the disruptions of nightmares or the two-tail behind her, but she must notice me watching Miki out of the corner of my eye. The nine-tail master of the house takes half a step forward, as does Saki, the two of them blocking their sisters from my sight. Not that I'd notice them anyway, with how sharply aware of my own heartbeat and the closeness of the two kitsune I've become.

"In truth," Rin says softly, "this is what we rushed off to prepare. Saki and I started it last night, as we agreed on its purpose quite easily."

Saki, shifting her weight as some kind of doubt flickers behind her eyes, starts to speak. She stops, but at an encouraging smile from Rin, manages to find the will to speak her mind. Or, more likely, what they already agreed to say. "It will let you dream peacefully, as long as you keep it with you at night."

Staring at the charm, wondering how something so precious can be so light, I find myself at a loss for words. I trust they speak nothing but the truth, yet I cannot find an appropriate thanks for the gift. Not because I fear being in their debt, like I would the faeries, but because there are no appropriate words in their tongue. If this little silk charm can give me a night without fear of waking in terror, or even uninterrupted rest, then I have no way of repaying their thoughtfulness.

"You needn't say anything," Saki says.

"The hope on your face is more than enough," Rin murmurs gently. "I am happy our gift is as well received as we'd hoped."

When I manage to fully look up at them, their relieved and delighted smiles keep me in stunned silence. I hadn't thought it possible for me to be left even more speechless, yet the situation has me entirely off guard. Their gift, undeniably thoughtful, has even greater weight after I spoke with them the night before. I'm not so shocked that I can't see how this dulls the fear that, should I ever get intimately close to a woman again, I might lose myself in terror waking next to them. Not a cure to the real problem, but one of its predictable symptoms. I can't help but think they know this, or at least suspect it a possibility – but instead of fright, gratitude swells in my chest, along with something dangerously close to deep affection.

So despite what Saki and Rin said, and even if Hibiki and Miki must be listening in on us, I can't let my only response be silence. Jaw working wordlessly for a moment, I manage to find control of my tongue at last. "I feel honored to be looked after so thoughtfully," I say, the polite phrasing leaving me dissatisfied.

Yet Saki and Rin both dip their heads, seeming pleased by my response. They look ready to move on, and perhaps that is for the best. I still have a long, awkward walk down the mountain with two of their sisters ahead of me.

Only, the dissatisfaction in me is too much to let it go at a merely polite, proper response.

Before the two might turn away, and uncaring of what their sisters hear, I speak back up. "I'll be sure to keep it close by," I say, reaching up and pulling my pendant's leather strap free from my clothes. With a little finesse, I manage to loop the charm's string next to the silver rune I wear. Putting it back away, safely underneath a layer of clothing, I add, "I'd hate to lose a precious gift from you two, after all."

Saki's hands start to fold into her sleeves, only to stop herself with unusual, shaky hesitation. Rin retains her composure much better, but I have to wonder, because how their ears twist, if the two of them are blushing under that fur. I have to imagine I look a little flustered myself, being so close to the pair and from how much the gift means.

"Elder sisters," Hibiki says, tone frightfully polite, "I almost forgot to ask you both a few things."

Rin's smile goes from soft and gentle to firm and distant in the time it takes for her to turn and look at her six tailed sister, while Saki breathes in and turns to stare with dispassionate focus.

"And that is?" Rin asks.

Hibiki motions behind her, to the gate, or maybe the forest that lies beyond. "Is there a tengu in the area? The birds have been acting strangely."

Rin shakes her head slowly and smoothly. "No."

"Then could it be...?" Hibiki lets her words drift off, tone dangerously serious.

"If the oni could use birds, he would have done so earlier, and now he wouldn't dare do anything to rouse our suspicion," Rin says. "Speaking of suspicion and the oni, I want you to inform our sisters not to rouse his concern. Saki, Egil, and I are intent on succeeding with our plan."

Instead of dipping into a respectful bow of acknowledgment, Hibiki just faintly nods. She glances between Rin and Saki, openly favoring the eight-tail. "And if our wayward sister happens to appear?"

"Only intervene if she casts a spell on Egil," Rin says.

"Then," Saki speaks up, tone as serious as her expression, "make a show of driving her off."

Simple, but clever. While I hope it doesn't come to that, considering how easily their lost sister Meiko took me down with her magic, I keep that to myself. "Making our prey think I'm valuable," I say. "A good backup plan."

"As you say, sister," Hibiki bows, while angled toward Saki.

The utter disapproval in Saki's cold, stony stare seems to actually get to Hibiki. She makes a show of bowing to Rin next, doing her best to keep an impassive face. The family dynamic is obvious as it is uncomfortable to witness. The six-tail clearly has something against her eldest sister, and is either afraid of or deeply respects Saki.

And Miki, I hadn't thought I'd feel this about her, but I feel sorry for the two-tail. She looks more uncomfortable than I am, keeping her eyes safely on the ground. I don't think she volunteered for this trip, not with what Rin said earlier and how the two-tail's attempts at seducing me were met with rejection. If I'm not looking forward to this, then Miki must be dreading it.

"Well," Rin says, moving toward the gate itself, "I wish all of you a safe trip."

The nine-tail gestures to the heavy wooden gate, and it creaks open by means that must be magical.

Miki and Hibiki head toward the gap, not bothering with any parting words. I take a moment to look at the threshold to the kitsune's home, then Saki and Rin. "I'll see you both soon," I say, only making the tense knot in my chest worse.

Seeing a soft smile on both of their faces is enough to push me toward the open gate. It's not the best parting, but I hope they understand the meaning behind my words. I won't run away from the confounding feelings between us three, and even if another crisis unfolds while I'm out at the village, I won't let that stop me from coming back. Even if it means I have to fight off a valkyrja, a chooser of the slain to be taken to the halls of the gods, I'll keep that silent promise to myself. So that I can focus on what I must do, no matter my doubts or what comes.

The gate creaks shut behind me, and I follow the shifting tails of two kitsune I don't exactly trust down the mountain.