Mmmm, the Yakumos seem to have strange happenings at their place. No surprise that's the talk of the wood that they are hiding something. Frankly, I am curious, yet I do not chase said curiosities so foolishly. Of course, there are indeed rather odd things occuring at their place, however, odd things occur in general. Either way, the facts of the matter makes the gossip more interesting, as do the theories that come with them. Why yes, the theories are interesting.
According to Cirno dear, the strange noises are ghosts and things that Yukari summons as she slumbers. At least, that is what Ren states they are. Cirno, while bright, is a bit slow in some regards in that she believes almost everything told, yet very seldom questioning it, then again, Ren is very honest, so that may as well be the case, however, Ducks hasn't been married to him that long, as I tell her, "Cirno, they haven't been married that long."
According to Chen, its nothing, just noise. I know it is more than noise if she shakes a bit as she speaks. It isn't a cold shake she does, no, it's a nervous shake, the sort some do when they feel guilty or are hiding something. In that note, she is finding it harder and harder to explain away why they are becoming short on sweets and things considered. Surely, Chen and her kitsune siblings are not greedy children and neither does Ducks give them more than what is allowed. Naturally, to the that explanation, I would say, "You're well-fed, surely, however, you couldn't have eaten that many sweets." She then explained it away as mice, to which I noted that I wasn't convinced.
Suika tells me the Yakumos have a new pet and she knows that for a fact. No matter how drunk she is, which is an always often than not, she would never lie, then again, no oni has ever been known to lie, thus she would be no exception. After hearing a fair amount of theories, I found this one to be the most drawing. "So tell me, Suika," I say, "have you seen the Yakumos' new pet?" to which she responds, "Yes, yes, yes, I have, although said pet is wee a bit small."
"How small?"
"Umm, hmm, ummm, smaller than Chen, that's for sure, and she doesn't act normal."
"Hmm, do go on, Suika."
"She doesn't like any of the other kids I've seen around here, although she is curious."
"Really, now? Tell me, how did you come to see the Yakumos' new pet?"
"I took refuge in their attic for a night and that's when I saw her.".
"Really, well, tell me, what did she look like?"
"She was small, had small hands, wore a white kimono, sparkly eyes, and whispy hair. Very unusual things about her."
"Aside from being unusual in behaviour, how else is she unusual?"
"Well, she just looks unusual, no 'pet' looks like that and neither do they act as such."
Hearing Suika talk of the Yakumos' new pet made me want to see her for myself, yet, unlike the others, I knew not to intrude. All will come in the spring and all curiosities will be sated.