Kitsune Bí
WEIß KREUZ FANFICTION

VIII. speak now or forever hold your peace…

Two blue foxes hid in the brush before a hill in the nogitsune clan lands…

: Ready, Crawford? The pack den of the Aresh is over at the next rise. The ceremony ground is an outdoor field… They'll wait for the moon to rise before starting. Don't forget to shift forms before…:

Crawford got the thought impression of a small circular field, cleared for the purpose before a hill.

: Hai. : They had practiced fighting techniques in both kitsune and humanoid forms and while Crawford seemed to grasp the principles of four footed fighting and learn reflexively, he had his clumsy moments. Nor would he be the equal of someone who had years and years of experience.

***

"Crawford-san, today we will practice on how to fight in our kitsune form. Do you know how canines fight?" Iraka-san had said taking their exertions to the walled garden of the safe house.

"They try to go for the jugular don't they and hold on with their teeth?"

"Aa, but have you seen them fight? How they use their hind legs as support and try to use their forelegs to draw even with their competitor."

"Like two stags over a doe?"

"Exactly. Though there is more to it than that with our powers… Let me show you, transform into kitsune form Crawford-san."

That Crawford did, shaking his ears a bit. The form wasn't as uncomfortable as he had thought of at first, just different, and the balance was something else.

: Rush me. :

: Aa. : Crawford charged at Iraka-kitsune and saw the blue fur flash by as he rushed. He didn't have the time to go up his hind legs when he found himself sprawled into the bush, a bit stunned.

: You shocked me with a bit of lightning in your paws while shoving? :

: Aa. You try? You've learned well enough to modulate your own gifts. Ready? :

Crawford and Iraka had gone to the Thunder Clan Lands for the last two days practicing on rabbits. A fine degree of control was necessary not to burn the animal, only to stun it. Fresh, raw meat was delicious when still warm and newly killed so that hunting for a pack entailed stunned, not killed, prey.

: Aa. :

A rush of blue fur came at him and he set himself up to hit it. He missed as Iraka dodged him but the bolt grazed the other fox.

: Not bad for a first try. Again? :

Iraka charged but this time to Crawford's surprise, the blue kitsune went up on his hind legs to 'push' against Crawford's bolt deflecting it in passing before charging again.

Something tells me I'm in for a hell of a day…

: Okay, that's enough use of powers. Let's practice the physical attacks first. :

In the next pass, Crawford managed to wrestle Iraka-san into the bush.

: Good. Now can you do it again? :

Iraka charged barely giving Crawford time to dodge. The precog earned one of the many bruises he got that day as Iraka managed by accident to fling him into a tree. And so it went on and on. Crawford never completely missed Iraka but never was so lucky that he'd hit the other blue kitsune two times in a row.

***

Besides I'd be fighting someone older and much more experienced than me…

With this firmly in mind, Crawford and Iraka intended the fight to be a human form matter. Crawford had fared much better with his combative training in human form, probably since he had been a trained by Estet. He had even shown Iraka a thing or two…

But now is not the time to muse over that.

The moon was shyly peeping over the horizon.

: Time to climb the hill and let them see us. :

Crawford did so unhappily. He had argued about the necessity of challenging Shan head on…

***

"Why do I have to challenge Shan in a duel? Why don't we just rescue Ayan without having to go to the ceremony at all?" Crawford argued as entered the human sized quarters of the Thunder Clan pack they were staying with. It had been a frustrating first day's training, nothing he did was quite right. All the rabbits he tried to stun were fried from his lack of control. To duel he would need better control other than the basics that could be imparted through the wordless telepathic teaching, kitsune could do to one another.

"Because you need to have rights over Ran-kit that would be uncontestable. You don't want to start a war don't you between the Clans." Iraka explained patiently.

"Relax. It'll come to you soon enough…"

***

Iraka had been right it did come to him after a bit more practice. But Crawford still had qualms and now as he climbed the hill that would make him visible to several potentially hostile foxes, they returned in full force.

They were all there, the nogitsune, standing still in the half-lit circle, all seven of them standing still like obsidian statues wetly gleaming in the moonlight. Their lean, unreadable faces, almost identical to Crawford's untrained, newly taught eyes were neutrally set against this invasion of their territory. They were all full adults from the set of their vulpine faces. Crawford learned that much from staying with the Thunder Clan pack he would be calling his own, finished features so unlike Ayan's soft features. Adult nogitsune much bigger than him and Iraka by virtue of kitsune race differentiation. The largest one down there was at least a foot bigger than him and the smallest, nine inches. He tried not to think of it too much as he crested the hill.

Outnumbered and outsized, what am I getting myself into?

: Thunder cousins, why have you intruded into our territory? : Asked a bass voice in Crawford's head as they stood on the hilltop.

: I have come to challenge the rite. I have prior claim over Ran. : Crawford said.

: Are you willing to challenge me then? : Said a tenor voice, slyly into his mind.

: Yes. : Crawford said calmly, though his hackles were rising at this new voice. A black fox of average size walked out of the blackness that must be the den entrance to confront them.

So this was his Ayan's cousin the one who wanted his red fox kit so much…

: Challenge me if you dare. : There was the challenge phrase.

: I do in fox-human form. : Crawford shifting into his were-kitsune form.

***

Aya was sitting miserably at the entrance of the den waiting for his cue to go to the circle when he heard a voice in his head that was strangely familiar. Then, unexplainably, Shan walked out leaving him behind.

That sounded like Crawford but how…?

: ...I have prior claim over Ran. :

Joy flooded Ran's little heart at the sound of that. Though fear soon began to overcome it.

How can he fight Shan? He's only human and susceptible to the controlling glare. He must be bluffing or has Iraka-san, Schuldich, Nagi and Farfarello with him. That's it!

Aya ran out to be puzzled by blue stranger. He sniffed in the air. He could smell the scent of Crawford mixed with something else.

Huh! Did my father betrothed me to some else who is claiming me now…or did Iraka-san find someone to help them…

Then the blue fox transformed into that much beloved form.

Ran ignored all possibilities and ran to him, to his beloved Crawford. Stopping short only to remember that Crawford might not want him now. But he felt himself being picked up and cuddled.

: Ayan-kit? It's me. Don't be afraid, I'm here now. I won't let him have you. It's all right. :

: Crawford? Gomen… :

***

Crawford didn't know when the little red fox had come out of the den and why he didn't notice him. But then, preoccupied as he was with his rival, he wasn't surprise.

: What have you to be sorry about, Ran-kit? If anyone who should be sorry, it's me. You're being true to yourself. Nothing you have done makes me want you less. You're mine. Mine not his. : Crawford said.

: Aa. But… :

: But nothing, you're mine. :

: Be careful of Shan, he's…dangerous. :

: So are you Ran's lover? Funny he has not spoken about you at all. Unsurprising really, a pervert like you? Taking such a young'un for a lover. : Shan's sly voice entered their conversation.

Crawford growled at that. His growl rumbled throughout the clearing, an angry sound in the stillness.

: I smelled your sexual musk on his fur. I'll be so happy to replace that with my own in the fullness of time. :

: Shan, let me go. If you really care… :

: Don't try to reason with him, Ayan. He's crazy… He won't believe you anyhow. He was insanely fixated on your mother. :

: Ah, so that's it. I knew that there was some strange reason...: The ruminating quality of Aya's voice gratified Crawford.

So my Ayan saw through you… He'll never go to you even if I lose this duel…Never…

: I reject you, cousin. : Aya added directly to Shan.

Crawford was elated to find Ayan's reaction. Stick that up your ass, you nutcase.

: Aa, you may now but you will forget. You will, once I get rid of this nuisance forever. : Shan was utterly smug when he said it.

: Shan! :

: But let's get on with the duel, shall we? : Shan said shifting negligently into his half-human half-kitsune form. His face sported a smug smirk on his face at Crawford's reaction.

He looks like me, a few things here and there but…

: Don't you think he would like to be my lover now? I can give him whatever he wants. Besides giving you what you want…power, wealth. Give it up and you will have all that you desire, I can read you very well, Once-Human. :

A sliver of doubt made it's way to Crawford's consciousness but only for a moment. The weight and snuggled at him comforted him.

: No. Ran is mine. :

: As you wish. :

***

: No. Ran is mine. : Aya relaxed at hearing this. He had tensed at Shan's offer.

Crawford's always been ambitious…it would have been easier to give what Shan wanted but he's giving it up for me…

New apprehension rose to take in its place as Aya felt Crawford ruffle his ears and put him down.

Crawford, are you sure of what you are doing…? I--I don't want you to die for my sake.

: Brad… :

***

: Don't worry, Ayan. It'll be okay. You know me. : Brad said, projecting more calm than he felt. Though the very act of reassuring the little red fox.

I won't let him hurt you if I have to die. I'll take him with me...

Crawford set himself for the attack he knew was to come. And came it did in a most unexpected form. Shan charged at him with his clawed hands extended.

Kuso, he's fast…

Crawford avoided being slashed on the chest by the thinnest of margins. His gift barely warned him of the other kitsune's move in time.

And hard to predict…

He dodged another attack this one to his head. He drew on the essence of the Mystical Realm to create a knife and tried to wound Shan's arm with it. The other dodged with lightning speed and pulled out a katana out from nowhere.

Now, what do I do…?

Crawford fended off a blow that would have finished him if it had connected. Wondering desperately what to do. He was as fast as any other kitsune which meant that he was faster than even Schuldich now but insanity had given the other even faster reflexes and the edge of being unpredictable even with Crawford's gift.

Something tells me, this is going to be harder than it seems…

***

Another swipe, another dodge, sweat began to bead on both combatants' foreheads. Crawford still couldn't figure out how to get through Shan's defenses.

Kuso, he's good, very good but I must be better… Wait a moment…a pattern?

Crawford wasn't mistaken there was a pattern, of a sort, he risk a quick look in the future and fought to keep the grim satisfaction from showing on his face.

A memory…

Crawford bored, watching Schuldich rush at Aya on the swordsman's left with a knife. Aya parried it with his sword getting knocked down for the nth time.

If we had been serious about killing them at that time…well, now I'm glad we weren't… I have you…It ends…either way it ends right now…

Crawford prepared to charge…

***

Aya watched on his view beside Iraka-san on the hill with a clenched stomach. His alarm increased as Crawford and Shan dueled with intense fury that didn't show any signs of abating any time soon.

They seem so well matched… If Shan kills Crawford…I'll--I'll never mate with him never…

Then it was over. Crawford rushed at Shan with his knife, which the nogitsune parried, while Crawford's other hand snaked out a millisecond behind to administer a lightning shock that threw Shan out of the clearing into a tree. The black kitsune didn't get up.

: Shan's all right. Just a bit heavily stunned and a little concussed from his contact with the tree. Ran-kit is yours by right now, if the kit doesn't object. : Said the bass voice of the pack leader who came to sniff at his kinsman. He was the largest kitsune Crawford had ever seen.

: I don't. : Aya interjected.

: Then shall we finish the rite with a different mate this time? : The Aresh pack leader seemed unfazed by this turn of events.

: Yes, please. But be aware that I will not take on Chief Alshe for you, nor do I have any intention of letting you use my Ayan for any sort political end. : Crawford said, more like growled at the pack leader, his hackles stood up on end.

: Aye, you have won the right. Every kitsune must respect it. Though you must realize that that it would not stop Shan from trying to undermine your mating. He was awfully taken by Ran-kit's mother. :

: Thank you, but the ceremony… :

: Yes. :

The pack leader walked back into the circle and murmured something in fox tone, the rest of the nogitsune murmured it with him and the circle began to glow. Dust motes seem to rise from the ground to form a white barrier with an opening.

: Ayan, shall we? :

: Aa. : Aya said, feeling very happy about what was about to happen. His apprehensions turning into joy for this moment that he bounded into the circle joyfully with Crawford.

Now this is what it's meant to be…

***

Crawford looked at the red fox kit beside him and grinned possessively. He was already in his blue fox form as they murmured in physical and mental language the vows that made them mates for life.

Mine, all mine…

***

: Ran-kit do you love him? : Kizie asked as Aya said farewell to his Aresh kindred.

: Yes, I really do, Kizie-baasan. :

: Are you really sure? I mean he is a pervert taking a kit as young as you to his bed and all… :

: It was really my fault there, Kizie-baasan. My power, my will made him do it. :

: But you're a kit and raised human, you can't be held responsible for that. Does he really care for you? :

: Yes, he does. I heard from Iraka-san how he had risked the Lady's wrath so that he could come and rescue me. He trained hard to do so too. : Iraka had taken Aya aside to tell him of what had occurred since Crawford was too busy with the Aresh pack who wanted to ask their new kinsman questions.

: I guess that counts in his favor, but if you ever need to get away… :

: Aa, I know 'baasan you will be there for me, ne? : Aya cocked up his head to stare at Kizie as the latter gave him a lick bath perhaps for the last time.

Aya felt eyes on him and swiveled his tiny head at Crawford who had sidled up to give him an inquiring stare.

: Brad-chan, this is Kizie-baasan, she was very nice to me when I stayed in the Aresh den. Kizie-baasan this is Brad Crawford, my mate. : Aya introduced Crawford with pride.

: I'm glad to meet a kinswoman that was kind to my Ayan-chan. I also appreciate your concern about me but that is between Ran-kit and me. : Crawford said nodding a little to Kizie.

: Yes, I guess it is but if you hurt him… :

: You don't have to worry about that. : The bone-deep certainty in Crawford's voice made Aya mew in contentment, rubbing his head on the white chest ruff of his new lifemate as the precog and Kizie stared each other down.

: I guess you wouldn't. : Kizie said grudgingly after a moment.

: Damned right, I wouldn't. Time to say bye-bye, Ayan. :

: Bai, bai, Kizie-baasan! : Aya said as he was gently lifted up by the neck-ruff.

: Fare well, Ran-kit. : The affection in Kizie's voice warmed Aya long after they crested the hill. They weren't going to 'gate straight away knowing that that could be dangerous since the 'gate could be used to trace their entrance into the human world. Iraka and Crawford agreed to find a secluded grove in which to 'gate.

I hope to come back here someday, though when I've grown up some and the situation's not as volatile…

***

: What happened? : Aya asked fuzzily. At one instant he was being carried by Crawford then another he felt like he was being dropped and things had faded into black.

: Are you okay, Ran-kit? Did that Thunder Clan bastard hurt you in any way? What am I saying…he did hurt you and he's going to pay for it! : Aya opened his eyes to see another small red fox stare at him with concerned gray eyes.

Those eyes, that scent seems familiar…

The thought lingered only for a moment before being replaced by indignation. Evidently this Fire Clan kitsune thought to rescue him from Iraka-san and Crawford.

Well, he'll learn his mistake soon enough. Where were you three days ago when I needed rescuing from Shan?

: Who are you? That "Thunder Clan bastard" as you quaintly put it happens to be my life-mate. Take me back to him and Iraka-tousan, immediately! :

: Ran-kit, it's me, your otousan, Luren. If someone tells you differently they're lying. Look we're even the same color. You remember me, don't you? :

: I remember a little. Are you really my 'tousan? You seem to be awfully tiny to be much older than I.: Aya asked looking at the Fire kitsune doubtfully. The other kitsune was only about three inches bigger than he was. When considering how much bigger the adults towered over him in the Aresh den and how Crawford and Iraka were at least twice his size, Aya really doubted that this could be his father.

: Fire kitsune are naturally small, it's our nature.:

: If you're my father, why did you leave me with humans in the first place? : Aya was still skeptical and unwilling to believe. Though the familiarity of the stranger's scent and sound of the voice that calmed him was starting to convince him.

: Because Void Clan chief's men were nearly on to me. You were malnourished and wouldn't survive the run any longer. I was determined to save you from them even at the cost of my life I did manage to elude them later but then your crazy cousin started to chase after me and I couldn't risk you. I thought I might have led him to you in fact but I found you in the company of Thunder kitsune rather than… Well, it's clear than on of those strange kitsune molested you. I can smell his sex scent on your fur. You're underage. He should have known that though you don't know it. I'm going to pound him into the ground for… :

: Argh! It was my choice. Why does everyone assume that Crawford molested me? I love him, he's my mate, end of story. :

: Crawford! That Schwartz bastard is kitsune! I might have known. Much now is becoming clear. Another kitsune pervert, pedophile, shotakon bastard, to take advantage of you like that... :

: How do you know of Schwartz? : Aya said, getting ready to run for all his tiny paws were worth.

This one knows of Schwartz and possibly Weiß a dangerous kitsune to know with connections to the human world.

: I work for Kritiker, Ran-kit. In fact, you've met me and thought me dead all this past year. :

: Huh. :

: Botan. I really enjoyed working with you, little one… :

Suddenly, Aya found himself being lifted into empty space and the air filled with snarling and snapping. Crawford stood in front of them, he was the one who was making half the sounds while Aya's "father" produced the rest.

: He claims to be my father. : Aya said to Crawford.

: Luren-tousan, if you are truly my father… You will understand. :

: Ayan. :

: Ran-kit! :

: Both of you should stand down and we'll talk. :

: Aa, the kit talks sense though I think it best to discuss this in my quarters in the human world. :

: Where Thunder Clan members will surround cub and me! :

: Where we will not be disturb by the Void clan chief's men. : Iraka said, unperturbed by the accusation.

Aya was not so sanguine. He leaped up metaphorically to his foster father's and his mate's defense.

: Iraka-san is not treacherous! He has taught me and taken care of me since he found me all forlorn in kitsune form in Schwartz' care and Crawford took good care of me when I was in fox form. He cared for me as a pet even before he became my lover. He didn't even know that part was real until recently. Please. :

: I consent then. :

The world blurred and they were in the lawn of a park in the human world. The adults all shifted to human form and took a cab over to Iraka-san's place.

***

"Okay, now that we're safe ground. Let's clear up this mess." Iraka said settling everybody in his living room.

Botan argued with Crawford briefly on whose lap Ayan was going to sit but Crawford won that argument soundly when Aya plopped onto his lap without hesitation triggering a stare-down.

: It's not like I haven't sat on his lap before. : Aya had projected exasperatedly to the red fox in human form trying to defuse the potentially lethal situation.

: Ran-kit! He was your enemy. :

: Emphasis on was. :

Why can't you let go on that point, I certainly have!

: He killed your human family, he had a hand in your foster sister's coma! :

I know you just have to bring that up. Aya almost rolled his eyes in exasperation at this recitation of ancient history.

: Aya-chan's awake now and doing better without me in her life. About my human parents…that was past, one couldn't live in the past. I can only remember them and honor their memory. :

: By betraying them with Schwartz? By sleeping with their murderer? :

: No by carrying on, by making a new family. Aya-chan will never understand as Crawford does about my assassin's life. Besides, Crawford became a kitsune for me. He fought Shan for me at great personal risk, when you were not there to protect me. I will not have you insult him just because what he did in his human life. Come to think of it, he wasn't that bad a human. He cared for me and cuddled me through the problems of being kitsune in a big city. He defended me from dogs, cigarettes and demented girls with baby clothes. He washed and took care of my wounds. What else would I want for a mate? Considerate and caring, what else is there? :

: Does he care about you beyond pet? :

: Aa, he does. : "Botan" lowered his gaze at the soft admission.

***

"Crawford, now I got Ran's side of the story. What about yours?" Luren asked in a seemingly conciliatory tone that held a note of challenge nonetheless.

: 'tousan! :

: No kit, he must answer to me. :

Crawford looked at the kitsune Kritiker agent with something like terror in his eyes. This is going to be a long afternoon it seemed that most male kitsune had this tendency to sermonize about pedophilia.

Here we go again…

"Ummm, Luren-san, if you really are Luren, Ran's father, you must realized that I have gone through this Inquisition once before with Iraka-san who takes seriously his responsibility as foster kitsune father to Ran."

"Good for him then." Luren chuckled a little at this show of frankness, defusing the tension that had built up in the room.

"So do I get off the hook this time?" Crawford asked.

These kitsune males sure a paternal lot.

"No, but I think I'll be less draconian about it. Start at the beginning when Schwartz kidnapped 'Ayan'. Speak freely." Luren said.

"Well, it all began when I had a vision of Ayan attacking Schwartz with flame…" Crawford said.

I think it was at that time when I saw the bemused expression on Ayan's face after falling off his desk that I fell in love with him...

In retrospect, Crawford was beginning to understand what endeared his Ayan to him. It was a mix of opportunistic charm and sweetness of the kit side of the redhead, quiescent till the quickening of kitsune blood. Combined with the silent demeanor and the practical side, a result of human upbringing, and the understanding of being a fellow assassin, these made Aya well nigh irresistible.

***

"So that was how it was, I didn't know until that night what I was doing with Ayan-chan was real. Then he got into the Void lands and I knew I just had to rescue him from Shan…" Crawford trailed off. The poor man really looked like he was trying to please Luren as the father of his kit-mate. In a way, Luren approved of him. He wasn't the ruthless leader of Schwartz on the couch, he was Brad Crawford, newly made kitsune trying to please his father-in-law. Luren approved of the sentiment.

"Aa. I think you have done what you must. You seem to be a worthy mate to Ran. But what are you going to do now that you know?" Luren asked, he said gathering himself to close in on his chosen prey. He was determined to extract the promise here and now on Ran's behalf.

The kit is too sweet on this man to be allowed free rein with their relationship…

"I--don't think we should be having sex until Aya's at least 200 years of age for one."

"Aa." Luren barely hid the triumph in his tone.

That and much more I intend to ask. I want to be able to interfere for Ran-kit's welfare when you fail him. I have failed him so many times that I can't risk doing it again…

: Brad… : Ran-kit wailed in both their minds, pouting cutely with all the force of a storm. He was also snuggling like crazy on Crawford's lap.

: Ran-kit! That is not negotiable! :

He must really stop thinking like a human…

: Are you sure you want to agree to that Brad-chan? That's too long to wait and I want you now! :

: Ran-kit! :

Crawford was red as a Fire kitsune's fur.

: Anyway, isn't it like closing the bag after the cat has gotten out? :

: You're still a kit… :

: Ran-kit, let me talk to your 'tousan for a moment, ne? : Iraka-san interjected.

: But Iraka-san…:

: Let me speak to him alone, Ran-kit. Object later kit, after I've talked to him. I don't think you'll disagree to what I will say to him. :

: Aa. :

: I think it doesn't matter anymore. Ran-kit has grown up with humans and is older than his years. Besides I can't see the Lady giving her blessing on the union if Crawford was going to be abusive about it. :

: But sex at that age? :

I can't believe that any sane kitsune would condone such depravity…

: Aa. But Ran-kit is the one deciding for his own body. We really can't decide for him anymore. He has been functioning as an adult for so long that it would be too late to ask him to be a kit. A chick can't be put back into the shell for our sensibilities. Though I do agree that he is a kit in his fox form and may not have sex in that form a while yet, but as a kitsune whose human form had grown up in the human world and matured accordingly, he is ready in that sense. :

: But, but… :

: You have to learn not to judge Ran-kit by kitsune standards some time. He isn't truly kitsune in some ways, not like us. :

: Aa. : Luren conceded the point unhappily, it was a hard thing to admit especially with his little kit pouting at him so cutely, looking so very young. But Iraka had a point. Luren as Botan had seen Ran at his fighting best taking on the Dark Beasts of the human world with the best of them. He should be more trusting of the kit's judgement but still…

I have failed him so many times, yet I can't give him what he wants in this. I guess I can't accept that my little kit has grown up and doesn't need me anymore. I thought I had the time to care for him and watch him grow but it seemed that I won't have the time after all…

: You'll have a second chance, sooner than you think… : Iraka said to Luren privately.

: What do you mean by that? : Luren didn't even know that he was projecting his silent thoughts.

: You didn't have to say it you know, I read it resigned assent, but… : Iraka begun to say but was interrupted by a louder, more cheerful voice.

: Thank you 'tousan and Iraka-san. And, umm, a question if you please. 'Tousan you said before that Fire kitsune was naturally small, what do you mean by that? :

: I mean that we never grow to much. Your mother use to tease me about it, you know, calling me kit and picking me up. Void kitsune are second largest amongst the kindred. :

: You mean--you mean that I'm not going to grow anymore. It's not fair. : The last came out in a wail that made everyone else smile.

: You might have inherited your mother's size. : Luren suggested by way of comfort.

: Don't worry if you don't grow any larger in your kitsune form, I kind of like you this way. Portable. : Crawford said, smiling.

The last statement made the kit's pout all the more petulant making Luren smile.

As it Ran's size was the only problem they're going to face… Oh well, at least he can be childish in this form… He doesn't behave like this in human form… They're going to have a hard time gaining acceptance from the other kitsune for this and for their human ways. But then, they have each other who am I to try and talk them out of this…

~TBC~

Author's Notes:

Aya-kitsune: You are going to make me inherit my mother's genes, aren't you, Silrayn-chan? *Cocks his head cutely at Silrayn rubbing around her ankles like a cat*

Silrayn: Heh, Brad-kitsune likes you the way you are… *snicker*

Brad-kitsune: Yeah! *Picks up the struggling little red fox kit in his mouth chanting* mine, all mine…

Aya: @__@