Author's Note: The chapters are each as long as an episode.
Disclaimer: I own Yoi and Toboe. Code: Lyoko belongs to the French.
Unexpected Encounter
Aelita took command as she lead Yumi, Ulrich, and Odd through the virtual forest. They panted heavily from all the running.
It's just a little further, Aelita coached them onwards, I'm sure of it. I definitely saw a tower up there. But unbeknownst to the others, she was not sure. For Aelita had never seen this section of the forest before in her life.
Aelita pondered whether to stop and tell the others the truth, but it was Yumi who stopped them. For she suddenly went flying through the air, landing hard on the ground.
Ulrich was the first one to rush to her side, gingerly helping her to her feet. What happened? the stoney-faced boy asked her.
I don't know, she breathed.
Yumi, you just lost 40 life points, Jeremy said from his seat at the computer terminal in the real world. What happened out there?
His question was quickly answered as a lone Hornet came into the clearing and began shooting at the four teenagers.
Odd called out lazer arrow as he shot a ninja-like dart from his sleeve. His attack, however, missed the target completely.
It was Ulrich who used his japanese katana to defeat the monster. Well, that proves it, he said to everyone as the monster disintegrated, either there's a tower here, or that was one lost Hornet.
Everyone surrounded Aelita. Now where do we go, princess? Odd asked her.
She looked around dazedly. In the heat of the battle, Aelita had lost track of where they were headed.
The silence was enough for Ulrich. You're lost, aren't you?
Aelita looked down, ashamed. I've been lost for a while. That Hornet must have been lost too.
I don't believe this, Odd was busy complaining to Aelita when Jeremy interrupted. Just keep looking and see if you find anything unusual. I have faith in you, Aelita. She smiled, knowing he could see her.
Ulrich returned to Yumi's side. Can you walk? he asked her softly, though his features did not change.
She smiled at him and blushed behind her thick kabuki makeup. Yeah, I think so. But the minute she put her foot down, a sharp pain shot up her leg.
Jeremy typed a few things in the keyboard, and all of Yumi's data showed up on the screen. I think that when you fell, you damaged the leg the Hornet had shot. You should take it easy now, or you'll end up losing all your life points.
Yumi was disappointed. Then you guys should go ahead of me, she mumbled, scratching her arm in embarrassment.
I'll carry you, Ulrich offered quickly, concealing his own blush as best he could.
Yumi was about to protest, when Ulrich lifted her up into his arms anyway. Her blush shone through her makeup as she thanked him quietly. Aelita and Odd smiled knowingly at one another.
The group took only a few steps down the path, when suddenly the strangest noise echoed throughout the region. It sounded almost like a chuckle, or a whimper.
What was that? Odd asked, startled. There was no answer from Jeremy. Odd tried again.
After a long pause, Jeremy spoke. I don't know, he said as upset as Odd. I'm trying to look it up in the database, but I haven't found any hits yet.
Yeah, well, we're gonna get hit with something if you don't find out soon, Odd joked in the danger.
The chuckle resounded. It was closer. Everyone moved in to a huddle, and Ulrich set Yumi down in case he needed to battle with his sword again.
In the distance, Aelita spotted two figures approaching. One was shorter than the other.
Odd and Ulrich got their battle positions ready when they spotted the creatures. The two figures continued to come closer to the small group, and the chuckle noise became completely clear.
The sound was coming from the smaller one, who looked to be a little girl wearing a priestess' robes, and a black bandana across her eyes (with little holes to see through). A raccoon tail poked out of her robes and swayed behind her as she walked.
The girl made the chuckle noise again, which was actually crying. she moaned in a high-pitched voice, when are we gonna get home?
Her was a tall, red-haired boy who wore a red toga with his red fox appendages, including 6 fox tails behind him.
He stared on coldly, ignoring his whining sister. She sobbed more.
As the two continued to draw nearer, the group of four became nervous. It was Odd who broke first. Stop right there! he called to the two.
The brother and sister stopped in their tracks, now aware they were no longer alone. The leaf that had been held in the girl's hand made a popping noise as it changed into a wooden katana. The fox-boy fanned out his tails, as a small, blue flame appeared above each of them. Who's out there? the fox-boy called in rich tones.
I believe that's the question we should be asking you, proclaimed Odd proudly.
Do you recognize these two, Aelita? Jeremy asked her through his microphone.
Aelita shook her head no, and stepped up to them gingerly. What are you two doing here, she said after a long pause.
The little girl, who looked to be a couple years younger than the others, lowered her wooden sword. Her cherubic face was crumpled into a frown as her eyes swam, searching hopelessly in Aelita's eyes. We're lost, she said simply.
Aelita smiled tenderly. her sweet voice soothed the much smaller girl. Now can you tell me how you got here?
As the little girl opened her mouth to answer, her fox brother slid between them, laying a protective paw on his sister. We don't need your help, he snarled. The blue flames looked threatening.
Well, if you don't need help, then you have no reason to be here, Aelita offered. So we'll have to show you the exit. Suddenly, Odd, Ulrich, and the wounded Yumi looked much more intimidating.
The kitsune-boy stood his ground, though a drop of sweat ran down his face. His tanuki sister put a comforting hand on his arm, and nodded. He made the fireballs disappear as the girl's katana popped back into a leaf.
We would like your help, she said to Aelita. Wouldn't we, Toboe? she addressed her brother.
He stared at the ground, too ashamed about having to ask for help from a stranger.
Aelita smiled up at him, though he towered almost a head taller than her. She returned to the racoon-girl. Now, what can I help you with?
The girl was so relieved that tears began running down her cheeks again. I wanna go home. To the real world!
Aelita, Odd, Ulrich, and Yumi all exchanged glances as Jeremy gasped aloud. Y-you mean, you're not from this world?! Jeremy cried over the microphone.
Where did that come from?! shrieked the little girl as she hid behind her brother's tails.
You think it's possible? Odd addressed upwards, as if talking straight to Jeremy. he answered his own question, why not?
Ulrich would have grinned if his features allowed it. You de-virtualize us all the time.
Yumi cut in. And if there's any problems, you still have the materialization data you used on Aelita, right?
Aelita and Jeremy both looked down, despaired as Yumi realized she had reminded them of their failed attempt to bring Aelita to the real world.
What if Xana infects them? Jeremy recalled what had happened to ruin the last attempt.
Yumi tried to fix the mood she ruined. He only infected Aelita; not the data itself. The data should still be operative. As she finished her sentence, Jeremy was already analyzing the probability of this attempt.
But... what if their data gets reconfigured incorrectly? Jeremy tried desperately to think of an excuse.
That's the same risk we take every time, Odd sighed.
the tanuki spoke up, her eyes glimmering with hope, I wanna go home so bad, that I'll take the risk.
Jeremy gave in. But if anything goes wrong, it's not my fault. The mini-priestess jumped for joy and a smile curled on the ends of her brother's lips. Aelita, take them to a tower.
As they neared the tower, Xana put up little resistance. He only sent three Hornets, and one Mega Tank.
Toboe's legs were a blur as he used his fox-like abilities to keep a steady pace ahead of Aelita. His sister, however, did not have such skills and was falling behind. Aelita grabbed her hand as her brother slowed down, matching his sister's pace.
What's your name? Aelita asked the little priestess.
the tanuki-girl said proudly.
That's a pretty name, Aelita said breathlessly.
Thank you, so is Aelita. Aelita didn't stop to ask how Yoi had come to learn her name.
The three entered the tower as Ulrich, Yumi, and Odd defeated the last of the Hornets and faced the Rolling Ball.
Time seemed to slow down as the brother and sister stayed one step behind Aelita, who literally lit up the floor with each step. They dropped to a lower level in the tower, where a screen popped up before Aelita. Yoi and Toboe watched intently as Aelita entered in the code and Jeremy pressed Enter.
At once, Yoi and Toboe rose into the air, their bodies straightened as much as possible. Aelita smiled for them as balls of light surrounded them and made circles around them, warping their data into DNA.
In the real world, Yumi, Ulrich, and Odd had already come out of the scanners and Jeremy joined them to patiently await the other two's entrance. The scanner doors closed and released steam before opening to reveal two bodies hunched over, unmoving.
The form of Toboe had red hair with a red outfit. Meanwhile, in the other scanner, Yoi had her brown hair up in a ponytail with a giant black bow and wore a white shirt under brown overalls.
The four teens stared at the two bodies, hoping beyond hope that they would show some sign of life: a twitch or a gasp.
Long moments passed into eternity, and time stretched so that seconds seemed like hours. It was Jeremy who broke this painful silence. he whispered cautiously.
Silence followed. Neither figure moved. But then the little girl clad in brown groaned. Yoi moved her head to
one side, then the other as her eyelids slid open slowly.
Welcome to the real world, kid, Odd smiled as he helped Yoi to her feet.
Toboe's eyes shot open. He sat up straight, and stumbled to his feet, leaning against the scanner's interior for support.
Let me help you, Yumi offered, but Toboe pushed away the helping hand rudely. Ulrich squinted threateningly at the red-haired boy who, at his full height, loomed nearly a head taller than Ulrich. Toboe just looked away, to his sister. Ulrich would have defended Yumi, had not Yoi's excited talking distracted them
It's so dark, Yoi looked around dazedly. And all these smells! She closed her eyes and sniffed loudly. Everything smells so strongly. It smells beautiful and disgusting at the same time.
Must be the rusting metal, replied Odd, who kept a steady hand on the girl so she wouldn't wander far away.
She began to walk away from him, but tripped over herself, falling right into Odd. He helped her back up. Toboe glared at him.
Do you guys feel alright? Did anything feel like it went wrong, because nothing seemed to go wrong at this end? Jeremy seemed somewhat panicked.
Yoi looked down at herself, childish curiosity displayed on her face. I feel fine. Toboe stared ahead without changing his facial expression. Finally after a minute, he nodded.
Jeremy sighed with relief. Then we should get you guys settled at your homes.
Toboe and Yoi's eyes grew wide for a moment. Then Yoi looked down sadly. Toboe looked over to her. We were hoping that we could be with you guys for now.
Jeremy thought this over. Maybe they were orphans, or came from a broken family. Whatever the problem was, it would be simple to enroll them in the boarding school at least for a few days or until their parents caught up.
Okay, we'll set you up at our school, Jeremy said.
Odd interjected. Yeah, we can say they're my cousins, just like last time with Aelita, he dropped the end of the last word, realizing Jeremy was still sensitive about the subject.
Ulrich decided to fix his friend's mistake. Nah, it's my turn. They should be my cousins.
Jeremy nodded, covering up his true mood. Now that we've got that settled-
Um, excuse me, Yoi interrupted. What is Stunned silence followed that question.
Uh... what do you mean? Jeremy asked.
Oh, I ah, um... her mouth contorted to many different shapes before she finally closed it, blushing.
It's been a long time, Toboe finally spoke, his silky voice enveloping every syllable.
... So, ah, you see these two are my cousins and my aunt and uncle -- their parents -- wanted me to enroll them (my cousins that is) in this school, Ulrich was NOT a very good liar. Yumi, Jeremy, and Odd waited outside the door nervously to see what would be the fate of their newly devirtualized friends.
The principal stared at the nervous Ulrich, who scrambled to think of something else to say. Glancing over at Yoi and Toboe, the principal nodded. Alright, I'll just run a background check and see if they match.
The expressions on Yoi and Toboe's faces did not change at he typed on the computer for a few minutes. Finally, the principal sighed and scratched his head. I'm sorry, I can't find their birth certificates anywhere. All six teenagers grew nervous.
Then a beep sounded from the computer. The principal clicked the link that popped up, and found Yoi and Toboe's full birth certificates. I don't understand it, he said to the brother and sister, it wasn't here a minute ago.
So can we go to this school now? Yoi asked excitedly.
The principal returned the smile. Well, it's nice to find someone so interested in education. I must say, you don't find many students who show such... appreciation for the arts, going back on the subject at hand, he continued. I'll need to know the grade you children are in and then we'll be all set.
Yoi emerged skipping, while Ulrich gave the other three a thumbs up. Yumi, Odd, and Jeremy yelled out a cheer just as Toboe stepped out of the office. Ulrich and Toboe's unchanging lips curled into smiles as they nodded at one another.
We'll show you guys to your dorm rooms, Odd offered.
Yeah, let me see your cards, Yumi said to Toboe taking it out of his hands. After briefly analyzing the index cards of information, Yumi smiled. Hey, you're in the same grade as me. Oh, I know where that dormitory is; I'll show you there.
Odd twirled Yoi's card between his fingers. Managed to sneak her into our age group, eh sly? he addressed Ulrich.
Well, you know... Ulrich began proudly, but Odd cut him off.
And your dormitory isn't that far off from ours. Hey, let's show her, he lowered his voice,
Ugh, you can't get over that dog, Ulrich said.
Odd hushed Ulrich as he pointed to the inattentive faculty.
What's a Kiwi? asked little Yoi.
We're gonna show you, Odd said, putting his hands on his knees as one would when addressing a little kid like Yoi.
I'm afraid I'm going to have to miss out on this one. It's getting late and I have to start getting to work, Jeremy stretched his arms and yawned as he left the office. The remaining five teens stared after him.
Don't worry about him, Odd lowered his voice as Yoi anticipated he was going to tell her a secret. He's just working on a way to cure Aelita to bring her to the real world. Yoi's eyes grew bright.
And here, Odd said to Yoi as he opened the door dramatically, is a Kiwi. Ulrich sighed.
Immediately the little dog began barking. Yoi squealed and ran over to it. She picked it up and looked at it form every angle.
Is it food? she asked.
W-what?!! No, it's a dog, Odd cried out in horror.
It's a pet, Ulrich corrected seeing that nothing registered with Yoi. Haven't you ever seen a dog before?
Yoi frowned. Brother told me not to tell anyone, but when we came into that virtual world, we lost almost all our memories. All we could remember was that we were brother and sister, and that we came from the real world and needed to get back. I can't even remember how long we've been in the world.
Odd frowned sympathetically. Silence ensued.
The only thing that interrupted this unnerving silence was when Kiwi licked her. Yoi immediately started scratching Kiwi behind his ears and rolling around with him on Odd's bed. She giggled loudly in her playful wresting match with the dog, as if they had never gotten onto the serious subject.
Odd smiled at her. You like him, don't ya? he asked, scratching Kiwi behind the ears. Yoi nodded, nuzzling the dog. I knew you would, Odd declared.
After about an hour's worth of fun, the tired Kiwi curled up into a ball and fell asleep. Yoi thought this was very interesting, and curled up into a ball around him.
Odd looked over at the clock on the wall. Hm, it's getting late, you should head to your dorm room, his sentence was interrupted by the loud snores that came from both the dog and the girl curled up on his bed.
No way! he exclaimed loudly. You guys are NOT sleeping on my bed. The snores continued, undisturbed by Odd's loud voice.
Since yelling didn't work, Odd decided to try the next best thing. Putting his hands underneath the small girl's body, he tried to lift her up off the bed.
Ulrich stepped back into the room (after having left for the bathroom), and saw his roommate struggling at lifting little Yoi. he called for Odd's attention.
Odd turned to look at him, a bit embarrassed. Say, would you be a pal and help me get her off my bed? Odd said as cooly as possible.
Ulrich's lips formed a smile as he stifled laughter for his pitiful friend. Have you tried waking her up? he said, shaking his head.
For your information, she sleeps like a rock, Odd said, trying not to lose confidence. I've tried everything.
Ulrich walked up to the little girl and shook her shoulders. This didn't wake Yoi up, but it did awaken a bad-tempered Kiwi. Kiwi growled and nipped at Ulrich's hands. Ulrich cried out in surprise, and Kiwi returned to his comfortable sleep.
Ulrich said as he rubbed his untouched hands for fear of what might of happened, maybe that wasn't such a good idea. Have you tried yelling in her ear? He was happy to get Odd to do the dirty work.
Tch, of course, said Odd.
Ulrich sat down on the bed, deep in thought. he hummed aloud as he came close to the girl's ear. Taking a deep breath he said, Hey, look! Justin Timberlake just came up here and he wants to see you! as loudly as he could.
Yoi did not stir, but Odd got a real kick out of that. He was laughing so hard, that he had to hold his stomach. Justin Timberlake! he gasped.
Ulrich blushed and shrugged. Only thing I could think of to work on girls. What about you? Got any more bright ideas?
Odd shook his head. That's Jeremy's job. He looked over at the sleeping girl as if for the first time. She sure does look cute like that, though.
Ulrich sighed. Well, I have one more idea, but I don't think you'd like it...
Cramped together in the same small twin-sized bed, Ulrich struggled against the blanket-hogging Odd, as Odd was constantly awakened by Ulrich for
Toboe stood up in front of the whole class that morning, as the teacher introduced him. Now Toboe, is there anything about yourself you'd like to share with the other students?
The tall and sexy redhead stared coldly at the teacher for several long moments before opening his mouth. As he said, I have a younger sister, he gorgeous voice caught the attention of every girl in class who hadn't noticed his good looks.
The teacher smiled nervously, having expected the cold and distant boy to tear him in half before relating anything to the class. You may take a seat, he offered.
Yumi caught Toboe's eye as he came to the back of the class to sit next to her. Good job, Yumi whispered to him quickly as though what he did required tremendous effort.
The teacher spent the next few minutes writing equations on the blackboard. Immediately, every student took out their notebooks and began writing feverishly.
Toboe stared at everyone else before realizing that he should take out paper and a pencil as well. He stared at the long piece of lead surrounded by wood.
His deep thoughts were interrupted by Yumi saying, He looked over at her and she pointed to the blackboard, then continued writing. Toboe blinked a few times before putting the lead to the paper and copying each letter and number exactly as he saw them.
Looking over onto Yumi's paper, he saw that she had written much more than he had. He looked up at the board to see where she got her information from, but what she had written was not on the board. They seemed to be expansions of the equations he had written.
Toboe stared at the black board, then at Yumi's paper, then at his own. He realized he had no idea what he was doing. This aggravated him.
But Yumi seemed to know what she was doing. And he had already gotten help from her before. Maybe Yoi was right; maybe getting help would benefit them in the long run.
Gathering up as much courage as he could, he whispered across to her, Yumi, can you help me?
Yumi asked, loud enough for the teacher to hear.
The teacher was suddenly right on top of them. Can I help you with anything? he asked threateningly. Or would you like to share your little conversation with the rest of the class.
Toboe leered at him, rage boiling inside. But before Toboe could attack, Yumi interrupted. Standing up in front of the whole class, she said, I was just asking for help in this equation, sir.
A few of the other students started laughing. The teacher instructed them to carry on. Toboe's eyes went wide as he realized Yumi had sacrificed herself to keep Toboe safe.
Yumi and Toboe finally joined the lunch table, each carrying a tray of food. Yumi sat down and smiled at little Yoi. So how was her first day? she asked the other boys.
That's when she noticed the condition Ulrich and Odd were in. You guys look like death, she said, pointing to the dark rings under their eyes. What happened?
Sleepless night, Odd smiled and yawned at the same time. Rubbing his eyes, he shoveled a giant spoonful of shepherds pie into his mouth.
Jeremy took it upon himself to explain the event's of Yoi's first day. Well, we found out that Yoi is quite good at algebra, he said proudly.
And not so good at biology, Odd said with a mouthful of food.
Or gym, Ulrich added. Yoi grinned sheepishly.
Odd swallowed his food and smiled at the little girl. But next we have history class. All you have to do there is sleep!
Jeremy corrected him, You're SUPPOSED to listen.
But at that time, Toboe (who had been staring disgustedly at the grub in front of him) suddenly stood up and left the cafeteria.
Yoi tilted her head, staring after him, but it was Yumi who got up. She ran after him, carrying his untouched tray of food with her.
I wonder what that was all about, Ulrich mumbled.
Yoi suddenly became enveloped with staring at the food on her tray. She came up close to it and sniffed it a few times. Realizing that it was good to eat, she scooped some of it onto a spoon and emptied the contents in her mouth. She chewed a few times, an indecisive look on her face.
That's when she tasted it. Her eyes went wide as she swallowed and shouted out loud, WOW! This is GREAT! The three others sitting at the table shushed her as the entire cafeteria suddenly grew silent. Then laughter replaced the silence, followed closely by the return of all conversation.
Yoi looked around nervously, waiting for her cue to continue eating. When Odd shoved the rest of the pie into his mouth, she decided it was her time to eat. As if on fast-forward drive, she swallowed every item of food on her tray and even attempted to lick the tray, had not the other boys stopped her.
Her cheeks puffed out as she giggled to herself. That was really good!
Odd smiled. Just wait till you try real food, he said with a wink. Her eyes grew wide with excitement. So there were better things than this? The anticipation made her heart race.
Ulrich stood up suddenly and began walking away.
Jeremy was getting tired of this. Where are you going?
Ulrich stared in the direction he was walking. Yumi's been gone for a while. I'm gonna try to find her.
Jeremy decided it would be a good idea to let him go. After all, he knew better than to mess with love.
Ulrich did not have to look far, for he heard Yumi's pleading voice almost immediately after exiting the cafeteria. He followed the voice until he finally saw her.
Ulrich stopped in his tracks when he saw the beautiful Yumi. She was looking up a tree, the tray of food by her feet. He could barely make out what she was saying: Please come down from there. You have to eat something. You're human now, and humans have to eat to survive.
Ulrich's heart skipped a beat as she put her hands insistently on her hips.
Putting his hands in his pockets, Ulrich lowered his head and wandered over to where Yumi was. She didn't seem to notice him, so he tried speaking to her: So, uh. Whatcha up to? Feeding the squirrels?
Yumi didn't laugh. Instead, she sighed. Toboe ran up this tree, and I can't get him to eat a thing.
Had he been the romantic type, Ulrich would have probably said something along the lines of, Forget about him. Come away with me, or something like that. But all he could think to say was,
Yumi sighed at the top of the tree. Oh, come on! Come down from there.
Ulrich dared to lift his head and, indeed, saw the figure of a teenager up in the tree. Squinting, he saw the color red radiating from almost every part of the figure. Yep, he concluded, that was definitely Toboe.
Looking over at Yumi, Ulrich felt he should try to make conversation with her. So, uh, she looked at him and he immediately lowered his head to hide his blush. I take it he's not the listening type? he joked. Joke... what was he, Odd? He silently cursed himself for failing at being witty.
But Yumi smiled. That's one way of putting it.
Ulrich smiled to himself. So he was wittier than he thought. Scratching the back of his neck, he tried to think of something else to make her laugh. But nothing would come.
Finally, he abandoned all hopes of getting Yumi to come with him to the cafeteria, and left her behind at the tree. He felt as though he had failed at love.
Inside a room filled with notes pinned to a board and a poster of Einstein sticking his tongue out, Jeremy sat in front of his laptop. He stared lovingly at Aelita, her cheerful face displayed clearly on his mini computer.
So how are our newcomers? she asked, tossing her head.
Jeremy sighed. They're fitting in well, considering that Yoi says it's been a while since they were in the real world.
His smile faded. I promise, I will bring you to the real world again. His hand trembled as he longed to reach out to her and hold her hand.
Aelita fought against her yearning as well. I know you will, Jeremy, she said softly.
Jeremy wiped at his eyes, claiming there was some nonexistant bug on his glasses. Aelita nodded in understanding.
So, ah, is there anything new on Lyoko? Jeremy asked, desperate for a change of topic. Any Xana attacks we should worry about?
Aelita paused and looked down as if she were ashamed.
What's wrong? Jeremy asked about her uncharacteristic behavior.
Well, it's just that, for a second their eyes met, but she immediately broke away as though she were embarrassed again. It's nothing. It's just silly of me is all.
Jeremy grew worried. Aelita, you know you can talk to me about anything, he said sternly.
Aelita nodded and looked into his eyes again. There just haven't been attacks for a while. A long while. So I think it's just strange that he hasn't done anything, unless... her voice grew so quiet that at last she trailed off.
Jeremy prompted.
Unless he's up to something big, Aelita finished.
Jeremy's eyes grew wide for a moment, absorbing all that she told him. Then suddenly, he started laughing.
Hey, what's so funny? Aelita asked, feeling as if she was the butt of a joke.
Jeremy smiled widely. Nothing. I just wondered if perhaps Xana hasn't attacked because he's scared of us.
Aelita smiled, though still wary. I'm serious, Jeremy. Xana's up to something; I know it.
Jeremy grew serious and nodded. You're probably right. But what could he be up to?
His thoughts were interrupted by a knocking at the door. Without waiting for a response, Odd let himself in. We're taking Yoi for her first ice cream. Wanna come join us? It's sure to be entertaining, considering how wild she got over the cafeteria food. Toboe stood in the doorway behind Odd.
Jeremy sighed. No thanks. Aelita and I think Xana's up to something, so I'll be investigating.
Odd shrugged. Suit yourself.
Jeremy turned back around to face the computer. Now to see what Xana's up to. As soon as he started typing, he got the strangest feeling like he was being watched.
Turning his head, he saw that Toboe was still standing by the doorway, staring across the room at the computer. The look on his face was not that of curiosity, but of cold, calculating intelligence.
Jeremy's eyes narrowed. Could it be? He turned completely around to face him in his rolling chair.
Author's Notes: A tanuki is a type of dog that distinctly resembles a racoon. Legend says that tanuki spirits are good luck and like to drink sake.
Yoi literally means intoxication, as well as good and night. The name fits well.
A kitsune is a fox spirit with multiple tails (two to nine). The more tails a kitsune has, the stronger they are. Kitsunes are serious and wise, as opposed to their tanuki counterparts.
Toboe was not the original name intended for the character. I happened to have forgotten his name. (DAH!!) Toboe is the name of a character from Wolf's Rain.