She smiled gently. There was absolutely nothing that could go wrong with this day. It was snowing and it was beautiful.
She sat down in her chair when there was a knock on her door. She opened it and someone fell into her arms.

Dark haired and about five ten since he had experience his growth spurt, Hiei Jaganshi was badly injured. He had been separated from the rest of the Spirit Detective team. Then, some followers of the Saint Beasts had attacked him.
Damn! he thought. I hate to actually think this, but I am in pain.

He went to the nearest house and knocked. A woman, an incredibly beautiful woman, opened the door and he fell into her waiting arms.

"What the-!" she gasped, staggering under the weight. The man was lithe, but pure muscle. She finally got her balance and brought the man in from the snow.
She laid him on the sofa and looked at him.
"You look ill, netop. Moreover, your forehead burns with fever. Who are you?" she murmured. After a few seconds, she shook her head and began to treat the mystery man. And she prayed that Crabby Abby would not turn her telescope in the direction of her home.
Several days passed before the fever broke and the delirium ended. She had listened to him talk about his friend, Youko Kurama, and several acquaintances. Even a boy that he considered quite the idiot.

When he finally awoke, she greeted him in Ninnuock, her native tongue.
"What the hell did you just say?" he queried.
She shook her head. "Quinneke," she said, pointing to herself.
"Quinneke?" he said.
She smiled. "Quinneke!" she repeated. Because he reminded her of the legendary black fox, alone and strong, she pointed to him and said, "Wakwa."
He shook his head and replied, "Hiei."
She looked thoughtful. Then, she said, "Wakwa Hiei!"
He looked resigned. "That will suffice." He started to stand, but fell.
"Apsh! Apsh!" she ordered, dashing over to push him back down.
I must be truly ill. A woman has placed me flat on my back?! She said her name is Quinneke, he thought. I suppose 'Apsh!' means to sit or lie down. He tried so hard to be logical.
He laid back and she grinned. "Apsh, Wakwa."
He smiled weakly. Then, hoping that she may understand a word or two, he queried, "What does 'Wakwa' mean?"
She looked at him. "Wakwa. Mean?" She pointed to the picture of the black fox.
He turned away before he grinned. Fox? Fox?! Wouldn't Kurama get a kick out of that?
She tapped him on the shoulder and he faced her. Quinneke held out a bowl of broth and made motions of eating. He nodded and took the bowl.
He took a sip and blinked. It was quite flavorful and rather delicious. Before he realized it, he had drank the entire bowl. "Quinneke?" he called.
She appeared, a worried look in her eyes. When he held out the bowl and motioned that he would like some more, she laughed and got some more broth.

She checked his wounds daily. It had been two days since he had awakened.
She looked at the sword wound and her brow furrowed. It was not healing. In fact, it was actually not changing at all.
"Wetomp?" she said, getting his attention. She motioned to the wound and shook her head.
"No change, hmm? I'm not surprised."
She bound it up again and sighed. All of the other wounds were doing good, even though most would leave scars.
"I wish you could understand me, Quinneke."
But I do, wetomp! However, I don't know who you are! Are you safe, or dangerous?! she thought. You don't act dangerous, but appearances are often deceiving.
She moved to walk away and he grabbed her wrist. When she tugged, his grip tightened.
There was fear in Quinneke's eyes. Then, quite clearly, she said, "Let me go. Now!"

"What did you just say?" he queried, shocked.
"I said for you to let go of me."
"So, you do understand me!"
"I do."
"What is your name?"
He was furious. What had he said over the past days? Had he informed her of the existence of the Spirit World?
"I am known, in English, as Allyna Emerald. In Ninnuock, I am Quinneke."
"Well, Allyna, where am I?"
"Tumbling Creek, Missouri, United States.
Startled, he asked, "What is the date?"
"Today in January 15, 1876."