It was somewhere, Hitomi recollected, she'd visited as a child. Or maybe in a past life. Incredibly mountainous. Emerging like vicious fangs, from the thick fog that engulfed the landscape, from the jaws of a tremendous valley, that sank down almost infinitely into a dark pit. Absurd, almost sinister, laughter choked the silence and the lily haired gal span around in her night gown, confronted by a sleek, silky, raven furred fox. Those intense violet eyes. There was something that cast feign assurance and trust over her, as her gaze was captured by the creatures gleaming orbs. It's soul gem sat neatly in its bushy breast. An astonishing glare of light erupted from the fox's tail and it flickered in the dimming light of the skies, like a torch. Agile, like a cat, it sneaked past her, towards a pitch black wood.

Mentally hooked, the naive girl followed it. The tail was so blatant and clashing in the dark, but without sight of it, the feign promise of protection slipped away, and Hitomi found herself panting in attempt to keep up with the entity, darting around and under now totally surreal birthing of trees. She squealed, attempting to untangle her hair from sticks intruding her path. It was getting harder and harder to keep up. She didn't know why the impulse to chase the creature had seized her, or what it would grant her in return if she caught up with it. Was it going to show her something? Invigorating drum beats began faintly echoing in the space, crowding ever further with the arms of the earth, stretching up and branching out into fingers of stubborn shadow in the settled night. The beats got louder, consecutive, mimicking her heart, her pace. She was tearing up now. She'd no idea what was happening. Cackling formations, like tar crept from the trees undergrowth and cracks, seeping out into the 'pathway'. They taunted her, high and low, before the fox abruptly stopped.

'HITOMI!'

Hitomi opened her eyes to find herself on the roof of her building, arms out stretched and standing just on the rim. An immediate rush escalated in her being, till a scream sounded, as she thrashed her body to the iron bars, containing the safe perimeters of the roof. She clung desperately, feeling a strong rush of wind blast her delicate features. Eyes shut tight, she couldn't bare the idea of glancing below at the cars, blaring.

'Hitomi, come here'

'K-Kyouko... w-what's happening?!' she cried, tears dashing down her trembling form.

'I saw you walk out, up here to the roof. Then you climbed the barrier and... looked as if you were going to jump'.

'Help me!'

The tomboy dashed from the doorway to her, assisting her climb back over the cold iron construct. The emerald eyed maiden thrust herself at the red head, arms wrapped around her desperately. She sobbed into the taller girl's hoodie, fingers clawing slightly at the material, terrified. She was literally a step away from falling to her death. Shakily she spoke, lips quivering, eyes washed with fright.

'I saw a black fox... w-was following it. I d-dunno why... I trusted it, but...!' she stumbled verbally, her voice cracking every chance she had to properly communicate

'It's okay. Let's go back downstairs. It's cold out here' the magma maned girl spoke warmly, stroking her hair. Slowly, she guided her human companion back into the confines of the building, arm around her waist protectively'.

Kyouko had promised the rich girl her guard throughout the night, which was laid evident in the morning, by her apparent weariness. Aburaage was supplied to her as a 'Thank you' and it was devoured instantly. It was the weekend now and, so, there'd be a new form of schedule for Hitomi, commended by her mother of course with no argument. Still somewhat shaken by the events of last night, everything being very overwhelming, her attention span was little and found herself with the worst of her mother. The servant from last night had tried to persuade Miss Shizuki to calm herself, but little was made of the discussion.

'For goodness sake, girl. You're hitting the high notes too early!' she whined, tapping the side of the wooden table stand with a short rod.

'Yes, mother'

'That friend of yours had better not distract you from your studies. I have an eye for spotting out delinquents' she hissed.

'She is no delinquent, mother! I just didn't sleep enough last night' she shot, turning sharply on her stool.

'Don't. Back chat me, madam!' she warned, approaching her, the tip of her rod below her chin. 'I don't want my daughter falling pray to a no good girl and her insidious ambitions. Probably a streetwalker with clothing like that...'.

'Mother!'

'Enough. I'll say it now, I don't like her. I don't trust her and would prefer you not see her ag-'

For a moment, the miserable hag winced, like she'd gotten an electric shock. Brushing off her dress, she clamped her hands together. Her face masked by an unreal smile.

'How about another go then, darling?' she cooed in delight. It occurred to the mint haired gal then, that her mother had been under the influence of her 'bad influence' of a friend. She smiled knowingly in response and nodded.

'Of course, mother' she peeped, happily and returned to her rehearsal.

The fox sat up on the balcony, head squished between the wooden bars to over look her human host. Wagging her tail at the reception, she proceeded to watch Hitomi play, once again, becoming entranced in the music.

'Purple eyes?' queried the redhead, raising a brow. After the practice, they'd decided to take a trip outside. While she was bundled up in her olive green cashmere coat, gloves and boots, with black leggings and a long skirt. A gentle snow was falling.

Hitomi nodded, as they walked together along the street.

Kyouko murmured to herself, frustrated 'Fuck sake, Akemi Homura...'

'Homura?'

'She's the one who attacked you last night and is one of the loyal guards of the governing Kitsune. She's a Nogitsune and has been persuading adoption of misanthropy among Kitsune for a long time'.

'W-Why is she doing this to me?'

'The existence of the Kitsune has been spread word of mouth among humans for centuries. Somewhere along the way, they engaged in united hate against us, due to new superstitions and beliefs, and we turned into a shunned myth. Industrialization destroyed a mass of Kitsune homes and territories. Some people are aware of our existence, but keep their mouths shut. Homura wants as little interaction with humans as possible, 'cus she thinks they'll rediscover us and try and wipe us off the map. It's like we've been demonized. If she even discovered our connection, she'd be furious'.

'Well, I was never taught that. I never thought of Kitsune as potentially harmfully. Just... maybe a little naughty'.

Kyouko couldn't help but snort and chuckle under her breath.

'B-But, I didn't mean to stumble across the ceremony, Kyouko. Can't we talk to her?'

'She's a stubborn bitch. Even Kitsune who are thought of as compassionate towards humans she hates'

'S-So, what can we do?' Hitomi trembled, hopelessness descending on her.

'I can't protect you alone, I'll need help. So, I'm going to seek the guidance of... shall I say, a veteran'.

End of Chapter Nine

(Things are gonna be getting darker now, just a heads up. Some violence on the way soon too. If you're still reading after the wait, thank you and I hope you've been enjoying this. Mami is given a proper intro in the next chapter, followed by Homura :D)