Note 1: To begin with, you don't have to worry about never seeing this fic finished. First, because I hate that, and then because I already have the whole story in mind until the end. The only reason there is a space between publications is that I don't really know how to separate the story into chapters. XD

Note 2: For those who have watched the Katsugeki/Touken Ranbu anime, there are several kitsune in the Saniwa citadel, not just Konnosuke. Episode 6 manages with seven different foxes in particular. I'm going in this chapter and the following ones to refer to these kitsune as well as to one another completely unknown. Since they aren't named in the anime, I dealt with it myself. Their descriptions will correspond to that of the episode and you would also recognise these seven foxes by the fact that they have names similar to Konnosuke (Intentionally). The other, described and named otherwise, will be purely fictitious.

Travelling through the Citadel of Time with the impetuous winds, the cherry petals were twirling gracefully on this late morning. Thus seated against the imposing tree standing in the centre of the castle, the Sage was browsing through the pages of a book old enough to crumble into dust in his hands at the slightest moment. On the right pages, lines and lines of text followed one after another to tell a story that the left pages described using precise Ukiyo-e engravings.

It was not some work like any other. Recounting the genesis of the world, it described that day when, having then given birth to life and death, the Primitive Gods had created the first earth so that they could bond with it.

The centuries had not ceased to pass since that day, and today demigods were granted the power to travel in time. And if until now they had only used this power to study the past closely, some had preferred to use it in order to change the facts, to definitively rectify history as it was known. Hence arose the conflict between the Government of Time and the History Retrograding Force. Their real objective, as to the fact of wanting to modify historical events, was however still remaining a mystery.

Letting his head rest against the trunk with a sigh, the Saniwa closed the book on his lap. He, himself, was unaware of the reason which pushed him to delve into these old legends, because, whilst they provided answers to the events of the past, they were of little use to those of the present.

His gaze drifted to the right and he stared at length at the rectangular red and gold box beside him containing the Emperor's present. The object had not left him for some time, almost as if he was trying to prove to it that he was not going to abandon it in turn. Even though he had not yet breathed the slightest spiritual energy into it, the will and the spirit of the Uchigatana were greatly felt. Very much alive, Kashuu Kiyomitsu was only waiting for an order from his master to be able to serve him at best.

With the precious book wedged in place under his left arm, he got up whilst grabbing the box with his free hand and started to walk out of the courtyard.

"You never stop surprising me, sensei. "

These sudden spoken words forced him to turn round as he faced a tall man with long grey hair held in a ponytail, and with drawn but delicate features. Wearing an auburn kariginu with excessive gold embroidery, his piercing olive green eyes seemed to accuse him of a crime known only to him. Firming his grip on the box as he caught the suspicious gaze of his interlocutor, he leaned forward slightly and greeted him summarily:

"Fujiwara no Mugetsu-sama. "

"I always find you studying the more complex books… although, it is rather rare to see you outside. " the veteran continued whilst approaching the boy.

"As much as it is rare for you to be outside the Council chamber. " replied the latter, shrugging his shoulders slightly before resuming his walk with his new companion.

"Will you be present for the Kitsune no Yomeiri tonight? I just spent quite some time preparing it with the festival-goers. "

"I had no idea it would still take place. "

"It is true that given the current situation, all Saniwas are required at the Citadel of Time at all times. " began to explain the council member, his eyes closed and one hand raised in the air. "However, it would be a shame to deprive the population of our annual festival. What's more, even I know that constant work can be destructive for the body and mind. I think that everyone deserves a little rest every now and then. "

"And so, all Saniwas can safely leave the castle tonight? " the Sage tried to confirm as he tilted his head towards Fujiwara, interested.

"On the condition that they make sure they are always available if need be. " added the latter with an unbending smile.

"Of course. " the Saniwa whispered whilst turning away.

Soon enough, they faced the door of his apartments and he was about to greet his elder to take his leave when the veteran suddenly grabbed the box containing the damaged blade, his grip firm as he took a step towards the cherry-haired boy, whispering near his face in a disapproving tone:

"This kind of decision could very well lead to your downfall. I suggest you consider your possibilities carefully. "

"With all due respect, Fujiwara-sama, I don't think you can understand. " the Sage simply said diplomatically whilst releasing the object from the grip of the latter.

"Do not think that you are above all risk because of your abilities. You will regret it bitterly. " Mugetsu indicated, narrowing his eyes before stepping back.

"Like you, you mean? We are nothing alike. " the Saniwa retorted irritably. "I would have never enacted this law against the betrayal of Touken Danshi. "

"I did it for good reason! " the council member retorted angrily, clenching his fists under the long sleeves of his garment.

"That you suffered losses, that your way of acting did not please your Toudans to the point that they decided to leave you, is only the proof of your incompetence as a Saniwa. " the boy exclaimed, abruptly opening the sliding door behind his back.

"Watch your words! Do not forget who I am! "

"Oh, I do not forget. And there was a time when I admired you. There was a time when your Touken Dashi would have willingly sacrificed themselves for you. But your past has made you bitter, and rather than learning from it, you have sunk into a rage and the constant need for revenge. "

The Saniwa shook his head with disappointment at the dismayed face the veteran now wore as if he had just realised the extent of his mistakes. Without any more words, he entered and closed the door with a sharp gesture before leaning against it casually. He had been harsh in his words, but no one could ever fault him for having been insolent. After all, the only one who could have been heard in this hallway was Fujiwara himself.

Xxxxxxxxxx

The mechanical gears hanging on the wall went off into a sinister grinding, making yet another spin in the void. There was an oppressive silence emerging from the room in which he was standing. Today again, their more than derisory number had been noted, the hundred or so unoccupied seats reflecting all the more the state of emergency in which the Government of Time was.

The first conflict which had seen the Retrogrades clash with Saniwas had decimated more than one, wreaking terrible havoc within their side and granting a certain advantage to the Revisionists, whose troops seeming endless, were putting them at risk even by being able to count on an entire citadel of Touken Danshi.

He was feeling weary before he even had started.

There were so many other resources unique to a Saniwa that could be harnessed in this endless struggle. Non-negligible assets that could make all the difference. Because they were capable of more than just bringing tsukumogami to life. And for several nights already now, his sleep had been disturbed by strange dreams which he hoped wholeheartedly to be only mere dreams.

The battlefield was atypical. In the middle of this shopping street straight out of a quaint feudal Japan in which he stood, a group of the History Retrograding Force was duelling against samurais. Like an invisible spectator before a scene, he was watching them tirelessly continuing to get up despite their serious wounds with the hope of dealing so much as one blow to the enemy. Without a doubt, these samurais were his Touken Danshi... The end seemed inevitable though as they collapsed one by one, their indefatigable will fading with the only ally still standing when a Yari appeared out of nowhere abruptly stabbed him with his iron blade.

Within his chest, his heartbeats suddenly ceased. All different, but all fallen. Of the three Uchigatana he had counted, the one with red-painted fingernails had been the last to be hit. A second, with long brown hair and whose shoulders were covered with a haori in the colours of the Shinsengumi, had repeatedly tried to stand up, unsuccessfully. As for the third, whose dragon tattooed in black ink on his arm was bathing in blood, it was not said that he would be able to open his eyes one day again...

He frowned, trying to remember the state of the green-haired Wakizashi and the red-haired Naginata he had thought he caught sight of, to no avail... His memory was no more than a confused blur from which he couldn't manage to separate the memories. Swords so mighty… destroyed so easily by the adversary… If such a future were to happen, then…

"Saniwa-sama? "

The call to his title snapped him out of his thoughts and, lifting his head, he gave a benevolent smile to the creature leaping from seat to seat to come and sit in front of him.

"Something's the matter, Yūsuke? "

The little fox, almost entirely white save for its tail sporting the usual kitsune orange colour, cocked his head to the side with a rather surprised look stretching its features.

"It's up to me to ask you that. The meeting has been over for almost half an hour now. "

"Sorry, I didn't see time go by. " the Sage replied, giving a contrite smile to the animal.

"Is everything all right? " the latter asked, putting a comforting paw on the boy's hand.

"Hmm-hmm… I was just thinking. "

"You should think in front of something to eat. It isn't good to work on an empty stomach. And, I could always accompany you, I heard that there were inarizushi on the menu today! "

Chuckling with amusement at the cheekiness of the furball, the Saniwa shook his head derisively before grabbing him into his arms, petting his head as he was slowly leaving the room.

"Oh really…? Let's try and see then. "

Xxxxxxxxxx

A kaleidoscope of colours shimmering under a glass dome, the constellations of the Chinese zodiac were slowly coming one after another in the library's artificial starry sky. Similar to an observatory in its circular shape, it was emitting a warm and dazzling golden light like a sun, and its wooden shelves adorned with gold patterns were filled with billions of books in contents and covers of all sizes and genres. A touch of modernity in this immemorial decor, pale green holographic screens were displayed here and there to deliver information or offer advice to find one's way in the building.

Having roamed the upper floors with a keen eye, the cherry-haired boy suddenly stopped in the main aisle and let his fingers brush the transparent armillary sphere to his left as he was picking up a random book from the shelf nearby. He didn't know exactly what he was looking for and was wandering the room aimlessly, oblivious to the fact that it might well take hours before he could finally find the object of his desires.

A familiar voice then rose quietly in the air and turning round, he smiled at the sight of Asahi seated at one of the many desk tables available, writing in a small notebook with an almost ominous frenzy. Without thinking twice, he approached him gently, putting his head over his friend's shoulder to read the documents he had been working so hard on.

"There are many breaking points from the Muromachi period to the Azuchi Momoyama era, including the takeover of political power by the Ashikaga clan to the unification of the country by Oda Nobunaga and his vassals. Breaking the flow would take little effort if not— "

"What is it? " he questioned all of sudden, shifting to lean against the edge of the table right next to the young man.

Startled by this apparition, Tsuji's silver pupils widened in surprise before his face quickly became expressionless as he lowered his arms onto his work, stealthily hiding his notes whilst turning to his childhood friend with a somewhat forced smile.

"You have a knack for appearing where we least expect you. "

"And your spiritual power must really be at its lowest for me to surprise you like that. " retorted the Sage, frowning.

"I was focused, that's all. " the young man simply answered, waving a hand in front of him as if to close the topic.

Tilting his head to try again to glimpse at the pages of the notebook his companion was working on, the Saniwa observed with some suspicion the complex timelines drew therein, all describing a break in the flow of the past.

"So, on what were you so focused? " he asked a second time, puzzled.

"Oh, that? " Asahi hesitated, gazing at his papers for a moment before putting them quickly inside some book, then continuing in a mischievous tone whilst winking at him: "Nonsense. You know, I don't have your extraordinary memory, I need to revise my fundamentals from time to time. "

"You? " said the boy with a pout, suddenly wary.

"Yes, me. " the silver-eyed man declared, ending the discussion for good by questioning him in turn. "For what reason are you hanging out in the library today again? "

"Nonsense too. " the Sage related, an enigmatic smile adorning his face.

"Well, here you are again hiding things from me. " his friend sighed, turning around on his chair to face him.

"You think? " he reflected aloud whilst raising his head to the ceiling, letting his gaze gets lost in the moving constellations. "I didn't have a clear idea when I came here earlier. I just thought I would know when I'd have found it. "

"Found what? "

"What I came for. "

A silence only interspersed with the sounds of pages turning and holographic screens ringing the search results invaded the room, the Saniwa and Tsuji revelling in it, each pondering on the other's previously spoken words. Eyes closed, they seemed unwilling to break this moment of lightness, savouring with concealed pleasure what they would soon be deprived of.

"Following your instinct is good. But be careful that it doesn't lead you to make errors of judgement. "

Abruptly opening their eyes, the two friends turned in the same movement towards the person who had just appeared beside them. As mysterious as ever, the little white-haired girl was standing there like a porcelain doll that would have been put on display, too fragile to be used. Asahi then straightened up and, along with the Sage, they greeted her briefly with a nod of the head.

"Kagura-sama, I haven't seen you. "

"What's this whim of sneaking behind people's backs?! "

"You are the only one who didn't realise that I was there. " Ōhara signified, slightly surprised.

"What? " the young man exclaimed, turning in shock back to the boy. "Since when?! "

"I did realise there was someone, but I didn't know it was Kagura-sama. " the latter announced, chuckling lightly.

"You two… " Tsuji huffed, shrugging his shoulders in discouragement. "Well, while you're here… I heard that incapacitated Saniwas would not be allowed to direct a citadel? "

"This is what the elders recommended to the Council. " Kagura indicated, approaching the Sage to hand him the book she was holding firmly in her arms until now.

"I suppose it was inevitable. " said the latter mechanically, too focused on the work which he grabbed with curiosity. "Because they lost some of their powers, they could never have summoned tsukumogami, and even less take care of them afterwards. "

"They will be assigned other tasks. "

Shinsengumi: Chronicles of Blood and Storms.

The cherry-haired boy smiled softly as he read the title, and thanked with a look the little girl who just nodded imperceptibly. It seemed that she had found before him what he had been looking for all this time…

"So the number of Saniwas will be even smaller than we thought. " Asahi pronounced in a whisper as if speaking more for himself than anything else.

"Indeed. " Ōhara only had the time to say before the silver-eyed man suddenly moved, hurrying towards the exit, his book containing all his notes still in his hands.

"Sorry, I have to go! We'll meet again… probably. "

"He's been behaving strangely lately. " revealed the white-haired girl, her face still impassive, her tone cold.

"I noticed too. " the Saniwa confided as he watched with distrust the young man's silhouette disappear behind the library's doors. "I have a very bad feeling about this. "

Kagura let a shiver run through her without moving at his words, her hands gripping her obi tightly. This disturbing feeling, this feeling that what awaited them would be even worse than what they imagined. History repeating itself indefinitely, stained by the blood of combats and the tears of the dead. If the future was only a reflection of the past, despite all the wars, despite all the losses, then what was the point of fighting? It looked more and more like a futile struggle, with no winner or loser. And she didn't know how long she would manage to last in this never-ending battle.

"I'm not an expert on this period, but I have other books like this in my office if you are interested. " she informed, a sweet and rare smile blooming on her red-painted mouth.

"Thank you. " whispered the Saniwa, also taking the direction of the exit, followed closely by the little girl.

Xxxxxxxxxx

In the bluish sky that night, the stars seemed to twinkle to the rhythm of the music echoing across the street. The Kitsune no Yomeiri was in full swing, with food stalls selling oyakudon, tempura soba, agedashi dofu, and other savoury delicacies to a crowd of adult customers whilst younger ones multiplied the game stalls from Kingyo Sukui to Yoyo Tsuri. All wearing fox masks, the townspeople were dressed in brightly coloured yukata.

Walking through the matsuri, the Saniwa was watching his surroundings with amusement as he absent-mindedly petted the head of the kitsune resting on his shoulder.

"I love festivals! " the latter exclaimed playfully as he was inhaling the fresh air filled with the smell of fried tofu.

"I think what you love most is the food, Ryonosuke. " the Sage replied with a mocking laugh as his fingers were sliding along the pink scarf the animal was wearing around his neck.

"Hehe… It's a kitsune festival after all. " the little fox justified himself, leaping to the ground to walk alongside the boy with a bored pout. "I haven't seen a lot of Saniwas though. "

"There's nothing we can do about it. Most must be busy with orders from the Government of Time. " the latter explained before narrowing his eyes when catching sight of something at the other end of the matsuri and pointing in its direction at the attention of the furball. "Well, there is at least one. "

"Kohaku! "

Impatient and overexcited, Ryonosuke darted abruptly through the crowded alleyway, zigzagging and making his way between the various stalls and its occupants with ease and agility to finally join another white-furred kitsune, if not for his tail and ears showing off red and black highlights, and wearing a kabuki mask on the side of his head. Standing still a few feet away from him, Shiraishi Seimei also seemed to have noticed the presence of the Sage and was waiting for him dressed in a dark hakama with white stripes and topped with his usual saffron-yellow haori.

"I wasn't expecting to see you here. It's a good surprise! " cried out the little white fox in way of greeting when the two newcomers joined them at last.

Smiling softly, the Saniwa nodded imperceptibly, and they all began to stroll again through the matsuri aimlessly. In front of him, the kabuki-masked creature wasn't leaving his master's shadow for a second, and chuckling quietly, he decided to observe him more closely.

Slightly taller than all the other kudagitsune in the castle, Kohaku actually happened to be a shikigami that the saturnine had taken in years ago as he was wandering alone in this world. A dedicated and accomplished servant, his jovial character often contrasted sharply with the personality of the dark-haired man without this being of significant consequences in their relationship, the two remaining extremely close.

"Seimei-san, will you buy me some azuki treats? "

"You've stuffed yourself enough like that already. "

"Haaaa? But you said I could have some this year… "

"Then ask me again next year, and make sure you haven't eaten anything before. "

"Meanie. "

Covered in scattered grey clouds, the hazel moon was rising high in the sky, announcing that midnight had just struck. Having inexorably moved away from the festival, the group finally decided to rejoin the great Shinto shrine of the town at the edge of the main road. They thus crossed the red torii with a slow pace, and Shiraishi headed towards the altar on the steps of which he sat casually before taking out a small bottle of sake and two thin cups from a bag hanging on his belt. Pouring himself in an abrupt gesture, he filled the second cup more delicately and quickly raised his glass to savour its content before immediately picking up the bottle to empty it again of its liquid.

The cherry-haired boy smiled as he saw him do so and also grabbed his drink to calmly take a sip of it, gazing tenderly at the two kitsune running after the fireflies flying above them in the distance. In the dark night, his golden pupils seemed to hypnotise the saturnine who let out a loud groan to get a grip of himself whilst slouching against the stairs.

"You found it, at last. " he said, pouring the Saniwa back on when the latter handed him his empty cup.

"Hmm? Oh, are you talking about Katsumi-san's regalia? "

"You seem more rested, so I guess you no longer cross the past looking for it. "

"Hahaha, yes. I suppose I presumed a bit of my strength, but I was finally able to locate the sword. "

"Oh, and what kind of blade was Katsumi so interested in? " Seimei asked, leaning back on his hands.

"Ayanokoji Sadatoshi. "

"Emperor Meiji's favourite Tachi. " huffed the dark-haired man with a whistling. "Impressive. She never does things by half. "

"Yes! " the boy agreed with a laugh, amused. "It's a true work of art. "

"And a strong, resistant katana. " the saturnine concluded, waving aside the remark with a movement of his hand. On the battlefield, only the strength of the weapon counted, not its beauty.

Through the woods bordering the shrine, the wind was picking up gently, a cool breeze causing the leaves to dance and the surface of the nearby river to tremble. The Saniwa stretched like a drowsy feline as he straightened up, filling the cups with liquor one more time before drinking his own down.

In this festive atmosphere, despite knowing the restrictions imposed by the council, he wanted to be able to forget his responsibilities for a moment. To the sound of music, for each hour passed, demons and spirits were singing and dancing. Even though ordinary people could not see them, they could not hide from the eyes of priests like him. And if even the supernatural world could celebrate, then he didn't know why he would go without.

"Fujiwara-dono came to consult me yesterday. " Shiraishi suddenly related, grabbing his glass to offer it to his companion. "He told me about your exchange the other day. "

"It amazes me that he even talked about it. " indicated the Sage, drinking the cup before abruptly placing it on the ground to stand up.

Sighing, Seimei got up, in turn, to catch up with the boy who had moved away, and gripped his arm tightly to force him to face him.

"I'm not here to lecture you. If anything, that doesn't look like something I'd do… But if you keep opposing the elders this way, you might get in trouble! And no matter how powerful you are or whether the Emperor grants you some sympathy, you will no longer have your place here. "

"Better to be an errant Saniwa than to disregard your own principles. "

"Grrrr, I've heard that somewhere before! "

"Me too! "

Rolling his eyes as he was stepping away, the dark-haired man pinched the bridge of his nose irritably with his fingers and sighed again whilst plunging his red-purple gaze into the Sage's golden one to declare in a softer tone :

"Don't make the same mistakes as some. This citadel needs you, this world on the road to perdition needs you. Without you, history could be irreparably changed. This present and the future... would no longer be, and our existences might no longer have any meaning. "

"If you think I don't know that…" the Saniwa hissed as he moved closer to the emakake, his teeth painfully biting his pale lips as he was reading the wooden plaques one by one.

"This man… lost everything because of one thoughtless decision. I know you condemn his actions, and so do I, but others could suffer his fate as well. Even if it means sending these Touken Danshi back to nothingness, I still prefer to think that they will be safer there than with masters for whom their lives would have no value. "

"One sword. It only took one sword for him to send dozens of others to their deaths, Seimei. "

"His first sword. His favourite. The one he cherished the most. And the one who betrayed him by trying to change history to save his former master. " the saturnine recalled, watching the little foxes out of the corner of his eye to make sure they were okay. "It broke him. A Saniwa and his Touken Danshi are intrinsically linked. Their pain is his or her pain. You can't imagine how he must have felt… this sadness, this anger, all of that added to his own distress. "

"And that justifies not making much of the rest of his Toudans anymore and sacrificing them one by one without remorse? " the cherry-haired boy asked whilst turning round, frowning.

"Of course not… but we are also human. When evil strikes us, it ravages and destroys everything in its path. " Shiraishi whispered with a sad smile.

"You can be sure I won't go down with all hands. " the Saniwa expressed, giving his companion a determined look.

"I am sure of it. " the latter nodded, shaking his head derisively. "Kashuu Kiyomitsu, eh? "

"Yes. "

In the dark night, the festivities ended, the music and the songs giving way to the nocturnal silence. Beyond the mountains, the sun would soon rise, and take with it the laughter and joy of the previous day. It was a new day that was beginning.

Walking towards the altar, the Sage collected their things whilst the saturnine called back the two furballs. In the arms of their respective masters, they fell asleep quickly and the latter shared a tender smile when seeing them do so.

If ever there was only one left to stand alone against the Historical Revisionists then may the gods make it be him. thought Seimei, looking distractedly at the boy.

Endnote:

Ukiyo-e: ("image of the floating world") is a genre of Japanese art that flourished from the 17th through the 19th centuries. Its artists produced narrative woodblock prints and paintings of different subjects.

Primitives Gods: are the Gods who gave birth to the two deities Izanagi and Izanami who presided over the creation of the world and Japan.

Sensei [先生]: Teacher; instructor; master (of smth)

Kariginu: is the ordinary dress worn by the Kannushi, Shinto priests in Japan. It was also a hunting outfit for the nobles of the imperial court.

Kitsune no Yomeiri: ("the fox's wedding"), which is similar to the "monkey wedding", is a strange event. Formerly, in the mountainous countryside of Japan, some people sometimes saw kinds of lights in the distance, like lit lanterns flashing on the horizon. Their number varied from ten to the hundred, gradually increasing. These phenomena were called Kitsunebi ("Fire of Foxes"), according to a legend that tells that these lights come from the breath of the foxes. For the witnesses of the scene, these brilliant sparks reunited by tens resembled processions of lanterns as they are organised for the weddings. So, we came to think that it was indeed a fox wedding. Here lies the origin of the expression.

Haori: Sort of short or long jacket worn over the kimono.

Inarizushi: Pocket of sugary and vinegar fried tofu, filled with vinegar and sugary rice too, and various other ingredients according to recipes.

Muromachi: Era which extends between 1336 to 1573.

Azuchi Momoyama: Era which extends from 1573 to 1603.

Ashikaga: The Ashikaga clan was an important Japanese samurai clan that established the Ashikaga Shogunate and ruled Japan for more than two centuries, from 1336 to 1573. It was also the clan that owns the greatest number of famous swords including Mikazuki Munechika, Ichigo Hitofuri, Honebami and Namazuo Toushirou, as well as Oodenta Mitsuyo etc.

Oda Nobunaga: was an important daimyo (warlord) of the Sengoku period in Japanese history. He was known to have possessed swords as Souza Samonji, Heshikiri Hasebe, Yagen Toushirou etc.

Vassals: The vassals of Oda Nobunaga were the famous Toyotomi Hideyoshi, Ieyasu Tokugawa and Masamune Date. It was only after his death that they were torn apart in the battle of Sekigahara for power. Masamune was faithful to Ieyasu, and Hideyoshi was faithful to the late Oda.

Oyakudon: is a donburi (a bowl of rice) on which various garnishes are placed.

Tempura Soba: The Tempura are shrimp fritters, while the Soba is one of the many kinds of ramen.

Kingyo Sukui: Goldfish scooping is a traditional Japanese game in which a player scoops goldfish with a special scooper.

Yo-yo Tsuri: is a small water balloon filled with air and water. It's attached to a rubber string which has a loop on the end. You use a "fishing pole" which is a paper string with a metal hook attached to the end of it to try and pick up the water balloon. The term yo-yo refers to the fact that the ball bounces in the hand in the same way as a yo-yo or a tap-ball.

Yukata: Lightweight kimono wear mainly in summer.

Matsuri: meaning festival in Japanese.

Kohaku: If you want an accurate picture of the little fox, I highly recommend typing Onmyoji Kohaku in your Google search bar, because the little plush comes from there.

Kudagitsune: are types of spirit possession in Japanese folklore. Here, the foxes.

Shikigami: are sort of spirits invoked to serve an Onmyoji, like a familiar spirit in the West.

Azuki: red bean paste which the kitsune are said to adore.

Emakake: Panel where are hung plates of wood on which are written wishes that the worshipped God of the sanctuary must realise.