Chapter 93

There was a long moment of silence, a few rustles of fabric, then, "You are the one Kunou mentioned." Another pause, and I could feel my tails twitch as they tried to hide behind me, mirroring my nervousness, "Where are we?"

"We are in the Sirzechs Hotel, an easy walk from Kyoto Station." I replied, "The students visiting from Kuoh are housing here during their stay."

"I think... I would like to order room service then. I am dreadfully thirsty, and I feel we might need to discuss what happened in my absence." Her voice was kind, comforting, but I still couldn't shake the smallest spark of dread.

I remained knelt on the floor while one of the guardians behind me spoke quietly on the room phone. "Refreshment will be here presently."

"Thank you." Yasaka replied, "For one of my rescuers, you are acting rather timid." She laughed, the same 'fu-fu' Akeno liked to do, "Why?"

I considered my words, thought about it a moment, then answered, "I don't know." I dropped my hands to my side, put my feet under my rear and sat Japanese style, though I couldn't quite bring myself to look at her directly. "There is so much I just don't know about what I am, or what I've done. I came to your territory, borrowed your authority, disrupted a thousand years or more of dedicated tending with the dragon veins..." She didn't interrupt, so I continued, "I kneel before you, feeling like I've wronged you before ever meeting you. With my mismatched tails, seven in all, and having accomplished this count in less than three years. Without even knowing the most basic of things about what I am."

I hunted for words, digging deep into the primal side of my emotions, at the edge of where I felt 'reason' and 'instinct' glared at each other from across a blurred line. "Sitting before you, I feel... like a child before her elder."

Since becoming Kodori, I'd had many people who had taken care of me. Mia Grande, a mother figure sure, but more of a guardian and guide, protecting me while she eased me into my new home of Orario. Hestia, my Goddess, who offered a mother's comfort when needed, but not the guidance as She was too new to the world Herself. Ryuu, Aisha, the girls at the Hostess of Fertility, trusted sisters all. My Familia, the only family I'd want.

But kneeling before Yasaka, I felt like a child. Me, dungeon delver, hunter of monsters, god slayer, tyrant killer, dealer with angels and devils alike, mother/father of seven! Yet, before this woman who's slender limbs, soft form, and gentle power didn't feel threatening in the slightest... I felt like a child. A guilty child.

There was a rustle of fabric, then a single dainty foot, then another stepped off the bed in front of me. With a slightly unsteady motion, the kimono clad legs moved forward, bent, knelt...

And I was suddenly wrapped up in darkness. Very soft darkness. Very soft darkness that smelled nice, and apparently offered a perfect ear pat service. If my ears were on the sides of my head, I might not have heard Yasaka say, "There there... You've done well." as my hands gripped the sleeves of her kimono, wanting to hold her, but unable to muster the courage to hug her.

There was a tap on the door and the sound of quiet footsteps. A moment later the door opened and a cart was rolled in.

"Oh! Sorry to interrupt..." Locked in the prison of a really good hug/ear pat I only sort of knew the voice, "I wish Sona-chan would let me hug her like that."

I could suddenly see the light again, the retreating view of a staggeringly massive bosom just barely contained in a slightly rumpled yet nice kimono. "You would be... Serafall Leviathan?" Yasaka asked.

I looked over at the mini Devil King, who was dressed as a traditional Japanese woman in a blue kimono. Picture perfect from nice hair ornaments right down to wooden gata sandals and tabi socks, "No need to be so formal, Yasaka-san. Just Serafall is fine."

"Mmyeh?" Kunou made her first attempt at a word at the smell of food coming off the cart, "Mother?" A pause, an eye rub, another eye rub, then a sudden pounce as Kunou saw her mother standing there with a smile, "Mother!" She then proceeded to cling to her as if she'd been away for years, instead of days.

Serafall and I shared a look and I stood up to help her get breakfast served.

Part way through a passably good breakfast, my phone buzzed quietly. I looked briefly at everyone, found that they were too busy eating to mind if I looked at my phone, and checked it.

FoxintheHat: She's awake isn't she? Is she okay?

Fox2: Yes and yes.

FoxintheHat: Can you ask...

Fox2: After breakfast. Still in the building?

FoxintheHat: It's a free day.

I texted her the room number, and made a rough guess on when we'd be done with our meal. I put my phone away and resumed eating, still feeling a little... subdued, but much better now that I'd... I dunno? Gotten an official headpat? The instinctual side of me was feeling much better at least, and the food had regained its usual flavour after yesterday's bout of everything tasting like soggy crackers.

When we finished, Yasaka and Kunou returned to sitting on the big fluffy bed, a makeshift throne of sorts, leaving Serafall and I to sit in the armchair I'd slept in, and I on one of the padded dining room chairs from the mini kitchen.

"Before we begin, I suppose..." Yasaka paused as some one knocked on the door, "Please." She said to one of the guardians.

"Ma'am." He replied, going to the door, making a thoughtful noise, then opening it.

"Thank you." I heard Maki say, followed by the quick kicking off of a pair of house slippers. She entered the room just ahead of the stern looking crow guardian, took a quick look around the room, then knelt beside me just as nervous as I'd been when Yasaka woke up.

A few of my tails went to wrap around her back and side, and she (for once) tugged them a little tighter around herself. Kunou gave her a friendly (but reserved and formal) wave, "Um, hello Yasaka-sama."

Yasaka smiled, "You... Hmm..." She looked at Maki a little closer, leaning ever so slightly forward, "Hatsu, correct?"

Maki looked a little shocked, but nodded, "Maki Hatsu." She replied.

"I knew your mother. She was one of mine before finding a partner and leaving my service." She frowned sadly, "I heard what happened as well."

"Big sister made sure it wouldn't happen to anyone else." Maki said after a moment, "Though..." She tugged at her own tails nervously.

"No need to worry." Yasaka smiled, "They would both be proud you live on. All youkai are precious, and in this era, we become rarer. I hear from the devils, that they too are suffering from the same decline."

Maki seemed to sit straighter, a weight off her shoulders. But then she realized what Yasaka meant. Maki carried the blood of two races in decline, and her children would be a boon to both. This of course turned her into a stuttering idiot for a moment, until Serafall saved her.

"My little sister saved her from the last act of that nasty hunter." She said proudly, "And aside from a few... What did she call it? Academic difficulties? She's been fitting in really well."

"That is very good to hear." Yasaka nodded, "I assume you were part of the efforts to rescue me?"

"Yes, Yasaka-sama." Maki nodded.

"Then I am doubly thankful, and in your debt, as well as that of the rest of the visiting students." She idly pet Loaner, who hadn't moved from his spot on the bed, "What would you ask of me?"

If there had been a breeze in the room, Maki might have fallen over. After a moment though, she said slowly, "Can... Can you tell me more about my parents?"

"Certainly." She nodded, "If this trip is similar to last year, you'll be leaving in the morning?"

"I'm sure I could fudge the head count tonight at lights out." Serafall said, "Just don't miss the train home."

"If you wished to spend the night at the Hidden Capital, I could open your mother's old room." Yasaka nodded, "I'd like to thank the rest of the ones involved as well. Could that be arranged?" She asked.

"Name the place and time." I said, "They've all been hoping for a chance to meet you." Especially Issei, I didn't say.

"And you, Kodori-san? What would you ask in return?" Yasaka asked.

"I would like to learn about what I am. I've been very lucky, finding friends here who could at least help me stumble along," I put a hand on Maki's shoulder, "But otherwise, I have only the barest of ideas about what I am." I smiled slightly, "And a proper vacation."

"I would be pleased to teach you." She replied, "Kunou?"

"I got my mother back." She replied, hugging Yasaka tightly, breaking the 'proper' atmosphere and not seeming to care. After a gentle headpat to get her to let go, Kunou pointed at me, "I want Kodori-san to cook for us just once!"

"Kunou! You would ask a favour of one who did you a service?" Yasaka admonished.

"Yes mother, I would." Kunou replied, slipping off the bed and standing in front of her, "Because she makes the best pasta."

"Hm. I do recall I owe my little sister a tickle..." I mused, my tails tightening around her, the rest joining in, "Talking about me behind my back, little sister?"

"Uh oh."

"But I wouldn't mind at all." I let Maki go, for now. "Speaking of. Unless your daughter has somehow managed to eat it in her sleep, you have a desert waiting for you, Yasaka-sama."

"Very well." She smiled, "After desert, you may invite the students involved to the Shrine of the Hidden Capital."

After seeing Yasaka enjoy my cheesecake so... enthusiastically (like her daughter, complete with that 'holding cheek in surprise' motion) I felt myself able to relax a little. It reminded me, I realized, of Orario, and how I classified the Gods there. Powerful, Divine, but really just quirky people. I told her I'd send out the message in a half hour, so she could arrive ahead of us and clean up a little. She hadn't been harmed really, but she had probably been wearing that same kimono since her capture.

This gave me a chance to collect Delly and Shinkage...

"Hey boss." Delly yawned as I went to visit Leonardo's room. "Still sleeping. Poor guy probably hasn't had any real sleep since they started wrenching around in his head for monster making." Like before, or rather still, Leonardo had that slightly alien looking faceless mother figure next to him, giving him a lap pillow.

"Well, Azazel says he has a room ready for him." I made a meaningful motion with my phone before putting it away, "He'll be here in a minute or two to ship him off."

"Oh good!" She perked up slightly, then sighed, "I'm getting pretty tired."

"Well, you can have a nap until tonight. Yasaka-sama is awake, and has invited us all over. We'll be leaving in about twenty minutes or so." I carefully picked her up and we shared a cheek to cheek rub, "Best fairy helper. I just need you to hide the big metal cat. I can sustain that once you cast it, and you can have your nap."

"Is he doing okay? He took a real nasty fall."

"Had to shake some rocks out of him, and I'm going to need to work on his body a little when we get back, but no lasting harm. Also, it's going to be pasta night over at the shrine. I'm guessing its a little penance for our plan with the ley lines." I could already feel the angry light bulbs in the background getting quieter, a sign that Yasaka had already started to put things back in place.

"Just don't let me sleep through it." She smiled, "Oh good he's here." She added when the door opened again.

Instead of going to the Hidden Capital directly, I finally took the time to really sight see. After a bunch of co-ordination and texting back and forth, we arranged for 'the victory party' to be in the early evening, so that everyone could also go play tourist, drop things off at their hotel rooms, and get back in time for curfew after the party.

I took a bunch of pictures, mostly for Akeno who had ever so subtly mentioned she missed seeing a lot of the places on her list last year due to poor planning. Being the attentive person I was, I did some sight seeing in her place. As an added bonus, being a newly made local hero to the youkai population, (and provider of cookies) I was guided to all the best hidden spots and overlooks, places that only the truly adventurous could find. I certainly didn't mind a little wall climbing, cliff scaling, or tree hopping for some really epic pictures of the more historic temples and shrines.

Of course it shouldn't have surprised me when I met Wukong and Yu-Long at my new favourite Udon cart, on my way to the Inari Shrine.

The pair of them were enjoying a bowl of (if I was reading the cart's menu right) super deluxe ramen (the picture showed these things as twice as high as the bowl itself). Yu-Long was far too busy acting like it was the tastiest thing in the world (though it was really good) to notice me at first. Wukong however was slurping his noodles as if it were any other meal, and raised an eyebrow at me as I approached.

After finishing his mouthful, "That looks even better in daylight." He nodded at my dress/gown/battle kimono, "Hm, that's not your spell is it? Making the cat-"

"Dragon."

"Look all fuzzy?" He finished without skipping a beat.

"No sir." I shook my head, "She's still sleeping, but I've a fey as a familiar. She's quite handy at this sort of thing." I put a hand on Shinkage's back, "And yes, we didn't get to explaining. He's the shadow of the Red Dragon Emperor. Formerly a copy, now an individual."

"Apparently working wings would be 'breaking the laws of physics'. So I am in the body of a cat, the next best predator."

"Well, pardon the mistake then." Wukong nodded, "Stop stuffing your face and greet the lady already." He turned to look at Yu-Long, and I noticed what looked like a cigarette behind his ear. A clever way to hide staff for sure.

"Sorry." Yu-Long said after finishing his mouthful, "I really have to visit more often! The food is so good here."

"Oh sure, the Celestial Orchards aren't good enough for a dragon." Wukong sighed, "Kids these days."

"I'm no expert, but wouldn't most of creation at this point be a child to you?" I bowed to him as Yu-Long laughed and Wukong sighed again, "Though, since I found you two, I'm extending an invite. Dinner at the Hidden Capital's Shrine. I'm cooking."

"Well now. Would be a travesty to skip a party." He smiled, "Where are you headed now?"

"Well, it's been twice now that I've been unable to climb the steps to the Inari Shrine." Loaner chose that moment to peek out of one of my sleeves, "Perhaps this time I'll manage. Then I'll descend and head to the Capital. Going to be a very big meal, and I'm guessing I'm not going to have electricity."

"We'll meet you there then. As soon as this one stops stuffing his face."

The Fushimi Inari-taisha. With its (I wonder if anyone has actually counted) 10,000 red Torii, multiple little shrines on the various stairs upwards and up the mountain past it... It was a grand place. Each of the bright red Torii had a name on the back, listing the person (or in some cases business) of the one who donated to the shrine.

To me though, as I started up the steps (taking one last paranoid look around, and seeing that nothing was about to ambush me) I felt... welcome. Like I'd just entered the Hostess of Fertility, or even the front gates of the Hearthstone Manor. I made sure to brush my fingers over every Torii I passed, to give a nod to every little shrine, and a scratch under the chin to each of the fox statues (and occasionally fox guardian, earning myself a playful nibble for my trouble) as I climbed the steps. I'd obviously never been there, but it still felt weirdly sentimental.

And while I didn't go to the top of the mountain, I felt myself drawn to the main shrine. Sure, I was going there anyhow, but it was a gentle almost insistent tugging, like someone pulling my sleeve and asking me to come play outside.

Youkai were all around as well. Some watched me pass in silence, others waved, some spoke my name and bowed their heads (if they had a body to bow with). I accepted it, as much as I was reluctant to do so. I didn't have the heart to tell them I wasn't Inari's, but made sure to nod to them all, thankful they had accepted me, and were helping put the damage we'd done right again.

I finally came to the main gate, pausing to give it a good look. Grand... Bright red pillars and borders. Clean white walls. Some gold borders on the second floor balcony... It was... Well I felt it didn't quite match the Goddess herself. It was tasteful for sure, but it seemed to... complicated for the down to earth seeming Goddess.

On either side of the huge gate, were a pair of stone pedestals, each of them topped by a big fox statue, sitting on guard eternally, with a nice red vest tied around their necks. With all the people around, they were still, but I could tell they weren't just statues.

"Just visiting." I told one of them, "Keep up the good work." The statue replied with a very subtle wink.

The tugging at my metaphorical sleeve grew at little more insistent, and I followed it through the gates. I was getting a little more attention too, from tourists mostly, but also a few of the priests who were conducting various small rites and answering questions for the guests. For a moment I thought my illusion had failed, but I could feel the slow drip of mana feeding the spell still. Maybe it was my dress?

I ignored it for now, and simply followed the tugging. It really was like a child tugging on my sleeve, as it led me around. First to the cleansing well, were I observed the ritual of washing both my hands then touching my damp fingers to my lips, before rinsing the little bamboo cup off and setting it over the well to dry. Then to a huge wall of hanging wooden tags, where people had left their wishes for good fortune, better grades, romantic success etc. I made sure to give as many as I could a read, before the tugging at my sleeve started up again.

I was led to what was basically a shop window. A small shed with an open window, almost like a food stand. But instead of food, it was selling blank tags. The Miko behind the counter looked at me, and offered me a polished dark wood tag, bowing her head at me. She was even holding it out with both hands, holding the corners of the tag like she was offering it to me formally, not just as a courtesy.

"How much?" I asked quietly, checking again if Delly's illusion had failed.

She didn't reply, simply shaking her head and moving just a tiny bit closer as best she could with the counter between us. Instead of simply taking the offered bit of wood I reached forward with both my hands, holding her hands and feeling how cold... nervous they were. She shivered just a little but didn't try and pull away. I held her hands like this until she finally glanced up at me.

"Thank you." I said letting my hands slide over hers, taking the tag as I went and giving her my best smile.

The Miko, a pretty yet normal young woman, looked at me with awe, and I knew at least part of Delly's magic wasn't working.

Then I remembered... Delly had said she couldn't hide my eyes. I bowed my head to the poor girl, mentally kicking myself for forgetting. I had also forgotten to tint my magic sunglasses.

Too late now. But what's a fox to do? I returned to the giant wall of hanging tags, and looked at the nice polished bit of wood in my hand.

"Any idea what to wish for?" Shinkage asked.

"Silly dragon." I replied, using a fingernail (and a little application of natural weaponry made from a speck of my fox aura) to carve in a single Kanji.

Home.

I hung the tag, brushed my fingers over it, then felt the ghostly tug at my sleeve again. This time I was led past another stand, through a little knot of tourists, past another fox statue (which I still gave a chin scratch to) until finally it stopped in front of a small shrine building. Ornate with the same sloped roof of black clay tiles, and all the same red paint and white panelling, it was still a tiny structure. Maybe three metres to each side and about that in height. Enshrined in this little shrine, was a bronze backed mirror. The bronze frame was polished to a gleaming shine, and the mirror itself didn't have a single streak on it. The small pedestal it rested on was similarly clean and cared for, but it was only about hip high, so I had to kneel to look into the mirror properly.

"What do you think?" Lady Inari asked as her face appeared in the mirror, her smile at my surprise childlike, her laugh (the same fu-fu as Akeno) mature, "I hope you liked it?"

I recovered from my surprise and nodded, "It's a grand place." I smiled, "I'm glad to have finally been able to visit. And for your little tour."

"It was my pleasure. Thank you for doing your best, protecting the city. And for doing your best to make sure the damage done wasn't permanent."

"I regret it needed to be done at all, but I'm not the one you should thank for the recovery efforts. If you wish to thank Azazel, who might look like an irresponsible layabout but actually takes this peace effort seriously, he's taken a liking to a local brand of cherry sake." I smiled, "Just slap him if he tries to get handsy though."

"I know just the place to get that sake." She nodded, "Now you should hurry down the mountain, I just happen to know that one of the stoves you'll be working with is a little tricky."

"Thank you." I bowed my head.

"And say hello to Sun Wukong for me."

"Certainly." I paused, feeling that she was being hesitant about something, "You wouldn't happen to have time to join us? I've been told I make a mean pasta."

She blushed slightly, then said, "Please leave a seat open for me... but you mustn't tell anyone I'll be there before I arrive... its a bit of a rule..."

"I understand." I smiled, remembering another thing, "Thank you for Loaner. He's a good fox."

Loaner's head peeked out of my sleeve, and he gave the mirror a silly fox smile, before sneezing and ducking back into my dress someplace.

Inari gave me one last smile, and I was suddenly looking at my own reflection.

"Hello!" Someone said brightly as I set foot on the last step at the bottom of the stairs. There wasn't anyone around me aside from Shinkage, but I made sure anyhow, looking left and right, then towards the voice. "You must be Kodori." She was speaking English too.

Dark school uniform, purple cape, an old style reed broom and a big somehow not floppy pointed hat, "Le Fey." I greeted, "A pleasure. I mean, I hope it's a pleasure, I'm on vacation."

She took my warning with a smile, bowed like an adorable version of Arthur, and replied, "I just wanted to thank you for the cookies. They were really good! And to make sure everything was being put back in place."

She didn't back away as I got closer and I didn't feel the tingling of any magic, so I motioned her to follow me. I had a lot of cooking to do, and didn't want to delay the party, "Your little stone worked perfectly, and Levia-tan was tickled pink that you're such an avid fan."

She laughed, "Yay! I know we don't see eye to eye on a lot of things, you know, between factions and stuff, but it's still good to know." She took a couple steps ahead of me, stopped and turned, "I was wondering if you could actually ask that fallen angel person. I want to help put the ley lines back in place. I'm sure you feel it more than I do, but it's really disruptive."

I frowned thoughtfully, then made a guess, "A 'bigger picture' thing?"

"Yes! With magic all but forgotten to the world, preservation of the ley lines is important. Fewer and fewer people can fix them when something goes wrong, and Kyoto is one of the most influential magical nexuses in the world." She looked sad, and the expression felt like this was some kind of cosmic injustice, "I knew you would do your best, but the sooner things are back in order here, the sooner most of... umm... China, India, bits of Australia and a good portion of the former USSR, can go back to being all harmonious again!" Her smile had returned by the end of her explanation.

I thought about that a moment, and between blinks, I could see... it looked like a bright light was flashed into my eyes, bright enough that I could see the little blood vessels in my eyelids, but the background was black, and the lines were different colours. It felt like an eyeblink of acute awareness on just what she was talking about. I shook my head and got my phone out.

Fox2: I have an odd volunteer for the restoration efforts.

SmugSensei: Oh? Anyone we know?

Fox2: A certain sister of a certain swordsman. She's looking at the big picture and wants to help.

SmugSensei: And your thoughts about her sincerity?

Fox2: I won't tell if you don't.

SmugSensei: Maybe we'll be done by dinner then.

He sent a location, and I relayed it to Le Fey, "You're hired." I said, "Payment will be dinner, but!" I held out a finger before she could celebrate, "You and your brother have to walk there. No opening portals or anything."

She smiled like a human sized Delly when she was making a deal, "Is that your condition?"

"Aside from the usual rules of host and guest, yes." I shook out my sleeve, and Loaner hopped out of it, "Here's your invitation, and don't drink anything on your way through the Capital."

"Oh it's Loaner!" She knelt down and Loaner happily hopped into her arms and accepted her headpats like an old friend. "I haven't seen you since the academy!"

Seriously? Just how popular was this little guy?

"Dinner is in about two hours." I started to walk past her, "Oh, just you an Arthur. Sun Wukong is going to be there, Vali doesn't like my cookies, Gogz-kun is way too big, and Kuroka should go visit Koneko."

"Oh dear... I'll be sure to tell Bikky to... I dunno... Visit Canada or something." She made an adorable thoughtful face, "We'll be there." She said, a little tingle of magic pulsing off her body, making the colours of her skin and clothes fade into the background, an invisibility spell, "Bye for now!"

And with that, her broom levitated up, allowing her to sit astride it before it carried her off towards Azazel.

"That went well."

"I might want to warn people before they show up though. Just in case."

"Good idea. And remember to take your own advice, no drinking."

"Maybe after, but certainly not on the way."

As before, I walked through a veil of mists under an arch of trees and through a town from the past. The people were weird and friendly, the town old fashioned yet clean, and the steps leading to the Grand Shrine swept and inviting. Kunou was waiting at the top of the steps to greet me, all but leaping into my arms for a hug while a small host of others, other kitsune, bowed at my arrival.

They were all wearing fox masks (funny when you think of it), priest or miko robes, and had their tails (all of them single) exposed. Even as I put Kunou down, they greeted me formally, yet gave no names. It honestly felt a little uncomfortable.

From my point of view, with them hiding their faces and not giving names... It was like they felt they were beneath my notice. Unworthy to be anything but present. A faceless servant or soldier.

I wasn't going to tell anyone, but I was SO going to make extra pasta for them all.

Kunou clapped her hands and reminded them we were going to be having guests, and they all vanished, returning to what ever duty they had been on before my arrival.

I made sure to tell her that I'd invited a few extra people. Wukong and Yu-Long, who might not have helped directly, but were sent just in case. But also Arthur and Le Fay, who did help directly, and were helping even now.

"Hmm, this shouldn't be too bad." I nodded as I arrived in the kitchen, "Almost like home."

It was a fairly large kitchen, made of clay brick and stone. Aside from the style (Japanese, obviously) it was exactly like the stuff at home. There was just one problem.

"No firewood?" I looked around a second time, then clapped a hand to my forehead, "Foxfire."

"You wouldn't expect us to burn wood needlessly, would you?" Kunou smiled, "Firewood is for rituals, or keeping the chill of winter away."

"Understandable. But..."

Yasaka entered the kitchen, ahead of a small squad of masked kitsune all holding shopping bags, "I suppose this will be your first lesson, Kodori-san." She smiled, a trio of small blue flames appearing in the air around her, "I've been thinking on what you said. And after a little consideration, I noticed something."

The masked group went about putting the groceries away around the kitchen, then stored the bags (all sturdy cloth shopping bags) and left. "I try and be clear with my words. It usually saves time." Like with talking to Gods.

"You kept saying 'what I am'. But never 'who'." She walked towards us, nodding with satisfaction at some of the food stuff that had been stacked around the kitchen.

"I am Kodori Haruhime." I nodded, "I am many things, but I will always be me." I smiled, remembering my first weeks in Orario, the body switch, the weird place I'd landed in, the near total restart of my life. But under it all, I was still me. "However... I may have a problem with foxfire..."

"Oh? It certainly can't be a question of power." She smiled at my answer.

"I can't use weapons. Unless they are natural, like my hands and feet, claws or teeth." I swished a ghostly fox out of my tail, and it went to nibble at Kunou's pant leg with a playful grr. "There's a chance, even if I can summon foxfire, that it will simply be light, with no heat." I looked around at the kitchen, "And experimenting with fire while cooking for guests, is a bad idea."

"Hmm." Yasaka tapped her chin, then clapped her hands once.

"Yasaka-sama?" A pair of kitsune appeared at the door of the kitchen. One man, one woman, they both had aprons on. Ah, these would be the usual cooks.

"You will assist Kodori-san with the flames." She said with a smile, "But only that."

"Yes, Yasaka-sama." The nodded, stepped into the kitchen, then with a wave of their hands, a blue fire lit up under every stove.

I smiled, then put a hand on Kunou's shoulder. "I'll need at least one actual assistant."

"Very well." She smiled.

My resistance to flame and heat surprised them at first, as I put my bare hand directly onto the flat stone cooking surfaces, telling the two cooks to raise or lower the temperature accordingly. But that was just one of many little things that surprised them.

While I couldn't use knives or forks to hurt a person, I could use them to cut up vegetables, meat, tofu and fish with super human speed and accuracy. Who ever took care of the knives was very diligent with their care, and they were perfectly sharpened.

I also put Kunou to work, but her task was to use the bread stove. That's all. I didn't want her moving any of the heavy cast iron pots or pans, and I certainly didn't want her going up and down stools to stir pots of various things. No. She was in charge of the bread. Both the fire, and the taking in and pulling out of the various loaves. I made sure to start the first two batches at different times, so she wouldn't have to worry about rushing to pull them out before they burned.

The next big surprise for them, were my tails. I'd trained long and hard for them to be almost as useful as a hand. With my unbreakable grip and adventurer status, they were easily strong enough to manipulate heavy cast iron pots.

When asked about the chance of getting my fur into the food, I laughed. Ever since I had become an adventurer, my 'unbreakable grip' actually stopped me from shedding without a brush or the like. Unfortunately (or fortunately since brushing was one of the greatest pleasures I never admitted to) this meant they always looked like they needed grooming. This wasn't to say I did silly things like use them to stir the pots or the like. Just move stuff around.

Part way through, Maki arrived. Smiling the biggest smile I'd seen on her, probably from the greeting the local Yokai had given her on the walk through the town, she took one look around, rubbed her hands together and grabbed an apron.

Delly woke up near the end of the preparations, probably because of the variety of scents coming from all the different pots, and was told her first duty (before tasting the sauce, bad fairy!) was to spread the word that it was about twenty minutes to dinner time.

And then it was done. I could already hear the adjoining room filled with friendly chatter, so I knew they'd all arrived. But before I gave the signal to the waiting masked kitsune squad...

I clapped my hands once, getting everyone in the kitchen to focus on me. To my two flame suppliers, "You can stop now. Thank you." I felt bad, since about half way through the cooking, they were sweating as if they themselves were on the stove, but they endured. "Gather around all of you."

To the flame providers, I handed a little blue mana pill, "Now." I said quietly, "I need to make a couple of announcements. First, eat those. They'll restore a little of the power you've spent, and let you make it to bed time." They didn't hesitate, and slipped the pill under their masks, "Next. For you, the dedicated staff, the pot and pasta on the last two stoves are yours. The last sheet of bread as well." I raised an eyebrow at the first person who looked at me, "You worked, you eat. It's my gift to you." I continued, "I would like an extra place set between Yasaka-sama and I." Another raised eyebrow at the next one to start to question the order, silencing them. "Excellent. Now aside from those two pots at the end and that sheet of bread there, let's serve dinner."

With silent efficiency, they stormed out of the kitchen. Pots, plates, pans, baskets, they were all moved out as Maki, Kunou and I took off our aprons and shared high fives.

Everyone was sitting at single really long and low table. Most sat cross legged on the floor cushions provided. Others (like Yasaka) knelt, sitting their rear down on the bottoms of their feet. Others still sat legs straight, under the table itself. But no matter how they sat, the mood was already feeling festive. While the food was being brought out, the chatter had died down to a low roar, and I was pleased to notice that the 'odd' guests weren't being ignored or shunned. Arthur was chatting with Xenovia and Irina on either side of him. Wukong was talking with Azazel. Yu-Long was sharing a story with Issei and Saji. And Le Fay and Serafall were laughing and smiling like old friends (or hard core fans of the same anime.) Everyone was fitting in.

As Kunou, Maki and I took our seats, most of them paused what they were doing to wave or raise their stone tea cups at us, the cooks, before settling down a little further.

If Yasaka thought it was odd that I left the seat next to her (originally my seat as I was the next ranking kitsune after Kunou who sat on her other side) she didn't comment. Instead, she raised a hand for silence, "Once again, we have the students of Kuoh visit us here in Kyoto. While later than intended, I welcome you all here to my home." A little cheer, "It may have been a little more exciting than you were expecting. But, while I look over these lands, I am still a stranger to you all. Despite that, you helped my daughter, helped me, and returned order to Kyoto."

She then shifted backwards just a little, and bowed to the table. Kunou also backed up a little and bowed.

Then, stepping from the shadows behind Yasaka, Inari and her huge white fox appeared. She knelt at the place reserved for her, and joined the other two in bowing to the others. After a moment the three sat straight and nudged themselves forward a little.

Issei spoke up, "You don't have to bow, Yasaka-sama." He was trying REALLY hard keep his eyes on Yasaka's face... but failing, "There was no way we could let something like that happen without trying to help. Right?" He saved himself by looking left and right at his fellow students, "I mean, we might not get along sometimes, but we're all trying for peace right?"

Irina picked up for him, "The three factions have made peace, and have started to reach out to other celestial domains. What sort of example would we be setting if we didn't help?"

"I didn't even have to mention we were already under the obligation of our new treaty to help them." Azazel chuckled.

Yasaka blinked, then looked to Inari, who nodded slightly, "I didn't know that was signed."

Inari spoke, motioning to me, "It is official, but until a certain thing happens, it hasn't been made public."

"When I get back, I'm going to put you all to work." I said with a smile.

Yasaka continued, "So on behalf of Kyoto, I thank you." She only bowed her head this time, "And again, while my greeting is a little late, I offer my hospitality." She picked up her chopsticks and started to serve herself some pasta, signalling the start of the meal.

The meal itself went off flawlessly. With their huge kitchen and my experience with serving a wide variety of tastes, everyone was enjoying themselves. For the most part, I only kept an ear out for discord, in case someone started to argue about something. But I needn't have worried. Our two 'enemies' were conducting themselves with perfect manners, Wukong was keeping Yu-Long from eating everything in reach, and no one was being served alcohol, who shouldn't have it.

Inari's huge fox still seemed to have a grudge against me or something, but the Goddess didn't seem to notice or care. Maki was getting along famously with Kunou and Yasaka, her previous nervousness around the elder Kitsune gone now.

"So you'll be staying a couple more days Sensei?" Kiba asked, having already eaten his fill and enjoying the tea.

"Yeah. I've been offered a lesson or two. Even Maki has more of a handle on being a Kitsune than I do."

"Don't be too long or you'll miss the culture festival." He said.

"I may or may not have heard Sona-san wondering if you'd run a food stand." Saji added.

"We'll see." I said, not committing to it one way or the other, "Just don't burn the place down."

They laughed, and conversation turned away from me for a time. Inari spoke to me next, quietly getting my attention, "You are a wonderful cook."

"I heard fried tofu was a favourite of certain Goddesses. Thought I'd try my hand at it." I replied.

"I have to thank you, Kodori-san. You and the others helped keep Kyoto safe. Even if you aren't mine, I am still very proud of you." She smiled, and I couldn't help but see the face of Hestia over hers for just a moment. It was exactly what I needed for this gathering to feel... complete. Like I really was home, even if it was just for a moment.

"I was given Hestia's power, so that I could go and do things to make Her proud." I replied, "No matter how far away from Her I am."

She smiled brightly, and we both went back to sipping our tea and enjoying the festive mood.

It was a little later than it should have been, but the party broke up, and people started to head back to the hotel. Rossweisse was a little distraught at the hour, but used her teacher's authority to let the other teachers know that she at least knew where the late comers were, and that they were fine.

Azazel had confirmed with Yasaka that the ley lines were as good as they were going to get without a little time. Le Fay chimed in that it was more that the land was 'sore' and not 'wounded'. To myself and the other more sensitive people in the room, the once terrible white noise was down to a very small buzzing in the ears. The adorable witch assured us that she would make sure the rest of Asia was recovering, and ask for help if she needed it.

Loaner was put back into my care. He almost immediately tried to pick a fight with the big white fox, who responded by licking the side of Loaner's face, and lifting the tiny fox clear off the ground while doing so.

Inari herself despaired at how much I needed to brush my tails. This prompted my collection to boff me on the back of the head as if to say 'even She said so'.

Issei asked Yasaka for a hug. And got one. He then passed out. This may have been one part potential nosebleed, and one part having Xenovia, Asia and Irina pout at him while giving their own 'assets' a lift, asking poor Issei if they weren't good enough for him.

Eventually though, those staying the night waved to those leaving.

I wasn't ready for bed yet, so I had decided to take a small tour of the grounds. Now that I wasn't worried about the 'Heroes' wrecking the place, or making anyone an orphan, I was much more inclined to take in the sight of the place.

"You seem to be in a better mood." Wukong said. He was sitting on top of a stump, looking up at the moon and smoking his pipe. "I had a chat with that Azazel fellow about you."

I stood next to him, looking up at the moon as well, it would be full soon... "And?"

"You're from beyond the Gap, aren't you." He took a pull from his pipe, offered it to me, took it back when I declined, "Such a thing should be impossible. A 'closed system'. Yet, here you are."

"If it makes you feel better, I'm working on leaving as best I can." I shrugged, "The Heroes admitted that they were trying to get to the Great Red, but were a little off target. Instead, they picked up a part of the Nameless Black Dragon. I was just in the right place at the right time."

"Oh? Don't you mean 'wrong place'?"

"No. I don't want to be here, sure. I've a wife and children waiting for me." I shook my head, "The thing is though, they took a part of the Nameless Black Dragon. And while its Body is 'dead', a massive dungeon that spawns monsters endlessly, capped by the Gods themselves by the tower of Babel... It still acts like a wounded animal. It sees us, the adventurers as an infection, tries to kill us even as we plunder the place and stop the monsters from reaching the surface."

"An interesting place you come from." He scratched his chin.

"We can damage the walls, and for a short while the monsters stop spawning. Too much though, and the monsters increase. Doubling or more, trying to stop who ever is was from hurting it further. But right now, the dungeon sections I'm recovering are parts of an open wound in the dungeon, and the monsters are going mad. The city I'm from is under siege from below, and eventually, the defenders will tire, and the city will fall."

We were silent a little longer, watching a cloud pass by in front of the moon, "I see. So this place of Gods... You've met Takemikazuchi there, but not here."

"They are similar enough, if you know the handshake too." I smiled.

He chuckled, "True." He tapped his pipe out onto the stump then pressed his thumb over the little glowing ember, "It explains a great deal about you. If that is the world you are from." He stood, stretched his back like an old man, "I'm curious how much that Takemikazuchi has taught you."

He tried to hit me with a backfist that was somewhere between karate and drunken fist. It was a lazy attack, with precision sure, but not much speed or power. I met the back of his fist with my open palm, "I will do my best to honour His teachings.

NOTES!

Yes, before Kodori gets back to the 'main' plot line, she has a little more to do in Kyoto. :) I know many of you have been waiting for Kodori to develop as a Kitsune, well, that's next.

Party on. :)