Chapter 10

She came to him once more, Kitsune insisting that she and Yuuji speak about his other power alone and away from the school.

She was persistent, stating they started sooner than later on his understanding of divine energy, after all, the more he learns about it and cultivates, the better Ryujin will be. She took him to a forest, out of Tokyo. In fact, he had no idea where he was, but was told to prepare the day before. "I wish to see how you would react with the other creatures of divine energy. Keep in mind that an introduction is very important, and they will determine if you are worthy of their help. None of these creatures will know that Ryujin is within you. It will all be on your own merits!" she warned.

Kitsune went one farther stating creatures of the divine will shun him if he offends any of them, they don't take kindly to humans, let alone demonic sorcerers.

He gulped his pride a little but understood. Yet after the little warning, Yuuji then remembered these creatures have assisted him before. Kitsune of course was one of them and that of her sisters. If there was one thing he knew about them it was this…

They love sweets!

Since then, he prepared and was taken to a deep, dark woods. Along the way, Kitsune turned and said. "I have closed off your cursed energy for the time being, after all, you will be asking for Divine energy," she explained. Looking to his hands, he found the markings around his wrists were gone… in fact, all the curse marks were gone! That's a good indication on when he has his curse power or not when needed.

"Thanks, I didn't want to blow up…" Yuuji said nervously.

There, in a clearing, Kitsune pointed to an odd circle made of mushrooms. "This is known as a fairy circle, you will stand there and try and persuade them to help you. Understood?" she asked.

He nodded. "How would I go about doing this?"

Kitsune however remained silent. There would be no hint to this, so. Yuuji would just be himself!

He approached the circle with a backpack in hand. From there he began to sense the creatures lingering and waiting in the forest. He set aside his bag before he looked about. "Excuse me… Hello!" he said in a friendly tone. Then he went on his knees and lowered his head. "My name is Yuuji Itadori, I am sorry to bother you, but I was wondering if I may ask for some divine energy from you if you have any to spare?" he said aloud.

When he raised his head, he began to see the creatures coming out of the forest. They were curious to him, but some were disgusted. "I'm sorry my appearance isn't that good, I didn't wish to look like this." He said and laughed. "Oh…" reaching into his bag, he took out the containers. He placed them a good distance outside of the circle and yet spread them about. "I brought some sweets with me. Whether you help me or not, you are most welcome to them," he said and smiled.

More were appearing now.

Some still skeptical as they approached, but they took a small treat he cut up earlier for a more manageable size. "These are hand made mochi, one of my favorites." He explained. "There are also kit-kats, I likes these, oh and there are moon cakes too!"

He watched in aw as the creatures came before him. He has seen them in fairy tales and never thought they really existed… then again, he should have known better considering he hunts curses now!

He merely sat there and talked with them as they ate. "Sorry for barging in here, I was told to ask for assistance. Thank you for your time though, it's appreciated." He said gently.

As quickly as they appeared, they vanished once more. He turned to Kitsune and shrugged. "Guess the demon sorcerer thing doesn't sit well with them," he said offhandedly.

However she smiled warmly to him. "You are the first in a long while to show respect to them. Despite them being small, people tend to think they are weak and should be forced to submit… but no, you have been gentle and caring… they appreciate that." she said.

When he turned back around, they all returned and carried little drops of yellow light. "Oh? Is this for me?" he asked.

Their heads nodded. Despite how small it was, merely the side of a raindrop, it was divine energy offered to him.

Graciously, he lowered his head and placed out his hand. "Thank you very much!" he said.

Little by little, the drops came into the palms of his hands. By the end of it all, he had two large handfuls of energy. "Everyone… truly… thank you!" he said.

Kitsune then approached. "Now, absorb it," she decreed. "Use that feeling you have of thanks and graciousness, and take the energy into yourself."

He nodded.

Yuuji meditated as he slowly felt the energy pull into through his hands. He has to do it slowly.

The process was a lot harder than he anticipated as it took two hours to take it all in! When he was done, he felt as if a warm blanket came over his body. It felt… wonderful in a sense.

"Wow…" he whispered.

Those who gave him such a gift paused and stared at him oddly. "Oh… uh… Kitsune, do they want me to do something?" he asked of her.

She nodded and pointed to his forehead.

Yuuji opened the massive eye on his brow.

When it opened, those around him froze in amazement. Suddenly, the creatures that could fly were doing so around him with great excitement! So much so he was lifted up off the ground! "Whoa! Hey! HAHA!" he laughed childishly.

He was dropped but landed on his feet. They then vanished once more. "What was that about?" he asked.

Kitsune snickered. "You have earned their favor… and now they are telling others of you… they also now know about Ryujin," she explained. "It's been a long time since they have seen or knew if he was still in this world. You just confirmed it for them… they will help you from this moment on. Well done, young master,"

He felt rather proud of himself, but at the same time, he doubts he would ever have the heart to ask these creatures to help him in battle!

He sighed aloud to it all, that was when Kitsune peered over at him oddly. "Young master… you don't seem quite yourself…" she said offhandedly.

Yuuji had done his best to hide it for the past while, he's tried to distract himself from it, but it appears he couldn't hide it from Kitsune. He paused to her for a moment but then said. "I… I don't think I have ever felt lonelier since this has all happened…" he said offhandedly.

She looked to him with confusion. "Kitsune, I don't even know what I am anymore. My friends are doing their best to keep me encourage as well as Sensei, but… I have never felt lonelier. There's no one here for me to relate to, no one knows my struggles or the obstacles I face. At the same time… I think they are all still scared of me."

He went silent, looking to Kitsune, he saw tears come from her eyes. "Oh… Young master!" she wept. "I never considered such a thing before…"

"It's okay… I think I am getting use to it, but at the same time, that pit in my stomach forms. I guess, it's how it has to be right?" he said offhandedly. "I went from a demon vessel, to a demon sorcerer, now a dragon's vessel… a curse… I don't even know what's me anymore…"

Kitsune gently placed a hand on his shoulder. "Young master, Yuuji…" she said gently. He was stunned that she spoke his name! "Let me tell you this. Out of all mortals I have ever come across, you have been my utmost favorite!" she decreed. "I am sorry for your troubles, but know that you are not alone. Your friends are one thing, but call for me and I will always answer you! Even if you wish to merely speak or have company, I will answer!" she stated.

Kitsune has been like a mother to him, carefully raising Yuuji to understand his own power, at the same time ensure that he doesn't use too much! He nodded and thanked her for her offer. "I just wish I had someone like me to relate to," he said with a sigh.

"Perhaps you will one day, but for now young master. Take solace that you do have friends to look to, you are never alone, especially with the creatures of the divine!"