"Ahh, young love. Such a fickle thing."
"Have a nice day!"
I bowed, calling out to the customer as she left. The woman smiled as she walked, cradling the fresh bag of sweets in her arms. I let out a small sigh of relief.
It was my second day working at Japanese Confections Onodera, and dealing with the clientele was as nervewracking as ever. Working in retail was something I'm sure everyone has bad experience with, but somehow this wasn't so bad. I knew the whole staff, after all. It only made me nervous because the shop's typical patrons were very… well, old-fashioned I guess. Wagashi, the sweets we made, are conventionally meant to be eaten alongside tea. Tea being a pretty big part of Japanese culture, I guess it made sense for Wagashi to follow suit. Either way, working with customers had never been my strong suit. In my life before Raku Ichijou, older folks didn't really like me very much. Why that was, I don't particularly recall.
'My old life…' I mused. 'I haven't thought about it in a while. Wonder how everyone's doing…'
"Thanks for holdin' down the fort, kid!"
A hand on my shoulder jerked my attention back. It was my boss.
"Of course, Ms. Onodera," I bowed slightly, "I hope those deliveries went well?"
As far as my job went, my responsibilities were threefold. First, I'd show up early in the morning to work on confections in the back. Then, after setting everything on display, I'd run deliveries from our shop and pick up stuff from our suppliers. Nanako handled deliveries today though— she had some contracty-legal things to work out with a supplier and had to take the bike anyway. Two birds in the hand are worth a stone in the… um...
...Ignoring my skill with idioms, that left me to man the register: a job that was typically hers. I was surprised at how easily she trusted me in handling the money— it was only my second day after all— but Haru was out with Fuu, and Nanako never let Kosaki near the thing. There was probably a story there, and I could guess how it ended.
"They did, thank you." She sat on the small stool behind me, stretching her back out. "How was your first day behind the counter?"
"It went well!" I offered her a bottle of iced tea out of the team refrigerator, "Kosaki was a big help. Oh, and I made sure to write down all the transactions, like you told me."
"Ah, good. I'll check them later." she said, taking the tea. She took a few sips before capping it. "Has Haru come back yet?"
I shook my head. "She's still out. They should be home within the hour, I think."
After hearing that her sister had gone and seen 'Truck Destroyer 3' with a bunch of her friends, Haru'd taken it upon herself to see a movie of her own. She took Fuu to 'Meowsville', that tearjerker of an animal movie that Raku had wanted to see. In the original timeline, he was forced to sit through some romcom with Chitoge... but he still came back the next day to watch it. Not that he'd ever tell anyone.
"If you see her on the way out, tell her I'm in the back," she said, standing and pushing into the kitchen, "You're off the clock. Good work today."
"Huh? Oh, uh, thanks… and I will."
She didn't seem to hear me as she vanished behind the curtain.
I sighed with relief. Nanako may like me, but damn she was scary. Before she went over there I saw her on the phone with that supplier, and if looks could kill, he'd be dead through the phone. He said he couldn't get her the shipment they'd paid for until that Tuesday, and well…
Our delivery bike was a cheap, petite little thing. Hearing its tires screech against the pavement was… frightening.
Especially since it didn't have an engine.
I took off the shop uniform's hat and wiped my forehead with it. Not that I was sweating, I was just exhausted. Force of habit I guess? If that makes any sense…
"I'm back!" a girl's voice called, "Oh, good afternoon."
I looked up. It was nice seeing Haru in street clothes. She had that yellow sleeveless blouse that bared her midriff, and capris that cut off so high they may as well have been shorts. And heels. Short ones that were barely above flats, but they were definitely heels. A little pink bow on her hip completed the look.
In a rush to grow up, I see.
"Hey Haru-san," I pointed a thumb over my shoulder, "Your mom's in the kitchen."
She nodded and walked past me, through the curtain.
Haru and I… well, we got along, at least. She didn't have any particular interest in me; romantic, platonic, or anywhere on the spectrum. Just another coworker. A few words here and there, and that was it.
Personally, I was fine with it. Haru and I didn't have much in common at the moment, our taste in wagashi aside. She'd still tease us whenever Kosaki and I were in the same room, but only when her mother wasn't around. Nanako always found a way to lump her in, and the junior high student would walk away, face hot and seriously ticked off. Taste of your own medicine or something, right?
Haru emerged moments later, in full uniform. "Alright, I'll take over from here Ichijou-senpai. Thanks for your hard work."
"It's my pleasu—" I blinked. "Wait, 'senpai'?"
She shrugged, as she opened up the register, looking over the receipt log. "You're my sister's age, aren't you? I'll be attending Bonyari next spring, so you're my Senpai."
Head start, huh? Sheesh. Why can't kids just enjoy their youth?
"Well, in that case… you've been working here years longer than I have." I gave her a small bow, "I'm in your care, Haru-senpai."
She sputtered. Taste of your own medi— Oh, I said that already. I guess Haru got a lot of that.
I waved over my shoulder as I went into the back room to change.
Working here was… it wasn't as extravagant as you might expect. It was pretty normal. Just like any other job, honestly. It was nice that I knew everyone though. I was running deliveries last time, but I got to stick around the shop today, so… Kosaki and I ended up talking the day away. Surprisingly, 'Truck Destroyer 3' had a romance sub-plot that was actually pretty good. Kosaki ended up liking it a lot.
Unbuttoning my shirt, I took it off and hung it over my arm. Folding it neatly, a quick set of numbers opened my locker and I placed it inside. I began to unbuckle my pants and take them o—
The door opened.
"Raku-kun, have you seen th— Eep!"
There was a clatter as she dropped the tray she was holding. Luckily it was empty. And metal.
"Sorry Kosaki…" I threw my casual shirt on quickly, "I should've locked the door."
"No, no, it's fine!" she looked away, "I'll um… Sorry to intrude..."
She covered her eyes and ducked out of the room.
Whatever I said about working here, I take it back. It was something special, to say the least.
"See you next week!"
Haru waved me out the door with gritted teeth. As protective of her sister as ever.
I sighed… So much for my good impression. Well, another day, another shift in the bank. Huh. Wonder when payday is.
Ah. Don't take it the wrong way. I loved working there, and money was far from my motivation. It's just… I'm a teenager again. A little pocket change couldn't hurt. After a movie and dinner with friends, my wallet took a pretty big hit. The lack of a full-time job was a blessing... and a curse.
"S-See you Monday, Raku-kun…"
As the door closed, I looked over my shoulder to see a blushing Kosaki waving timidly.
On second thought, school was way better. No contest.
!
Lost in thoughts, I almost walked into someone.
"Sorry, uh..." I took a step back, "Oh! You're... one of Haru's friends, right?"
It was Suzu Ayakaji. Fuu-chan, as she liked to be called. But she dropped off Haru ten minutes ago. Why was she still… Ah. Going through her photos.
"I am…" she looked up from her camera. "You must be the new employee. Haru told me about you."
...Whoa. Hearing Haru's voice was one thing, but Fuu's was definitely another.
Suzu wasn't in the anime too much, so I didn't get to hear her voice actress often… It was a nice, mature tone. Moreso than I'd expect from someone her age. Her best friend was on the complete opposite end of that spectrum... Somehow that made Haru's fierce personality all the cuter.
"That's me…" I dispelled my thoughts, "My name's Raku Ichijou. I started working here last week."
She bowed lightly. "It's nice to meet you. I'm one of Haru's friends. She calls me Fuu-chan."
I blinked. Formal. And yet somehow not? She gave off this... vibe. It's hard to explain.
"So… How long have you known the Onodera family?" she inquired. "Haru tells me you and her sister are quite close."
W-Well, she's not wrong, I guess. Kosaki recommended me for the job, after all.
"It's a long story…" I admitted, rubbing the back of my neck, "Around ten, eleven years? We were separated for a while though. I've known Haru just as long, but she doesn't seem to remember me. She was really young back then."
Her eyes widened ever so slightly. Did it sound familiar? Suzu definitely hadn't been there, but she might have heard a story or two from Haru at some point...
...That's right. Before I forget...
"This may be a bit forward of me, but…" I bowed to her, lower than she had. "Thank you for taking care of Haru these past few years. It's nice to know she has good people like you looking out for her, even after all this time."
She stood there, flustered.
"Ah… um…" she fidgeted with her purse, "It's… my pleasure."
I grinned and waved. "Well, I'd better get going. You should too, before it gets dark. See you."
She was too dumbfounded to wave back. Her camera dangled from its strap, forgotten in her confusion.
"Oh. One more thing."
I called over my shoulder.
"Haru likes low-ponytails, just so you know!"
And I walked on.
"You're an idiot."
I froze. Then shut the sink off, and wiped my hands with a towel.
'Hello to you too, Otama…' I put the towel back and began to work on the rice. 'Really, a stunning conversationalist you are.'
"Ufufu~" she giggled, "Thank you, thank you."
It was a Sunday evening. I'd planned on visiting the shrine atop the mountain as soon as my shift ended… but I had to watch the shop until Nanako came back, so now I had a lot less time than I thought. I finished my homework Friday night— we'd all made plans for Saturday, and I figured I should— so that was one less thing to worry about. Still, if I left within the hour, I should be back before midnight.
"I know I said to make all the changes you wanted…" she sounded tired suddenly, "But if you leave characters speechless every time you walk away, it's gonna' come back to bite'cha."
'What's with the backpedaling?' I thought back, honestly curious, 'I know I can be pretty reckless… and that's something I'm trying to change for the most part. But I'm living the only way I know how. I'm not the most subtle person out there.'
"Sure, sure…" she sighed. Somehow, I felt she didn't believe me. "Just… be careful, okay? One day you might wake up in a world you no longer recognize… and entertaining as that'd be, I don't want you regretting this wish of yours. There aren't any second chances from here on out."
I blinked.
'For the record, 'waking up in a world you don't recognize' is what got me into this life in the first place,' I popped open a can of sweet tofu, 'And I happen to like it. Look, I understand the whole 'stick to the timeline' thing— I lived it for two weeks.'
I began shaping the rice into little balls. '...and it sucked. Stress and worries around every corner, wondering what you did wrong, praying you did right. It was awful. And you pulled me out of that… Thank you by the way.'
There was a pause.
A single-breath laugh. "I'm just doing my job. This is all in the terms of our contract."
That was new. 'Contract?'
"Oh, sometimes we call wishes 'contracts' instead," she explained, her voice picking up again, "Since there're terms and conditions and clauses involved… Bweh. It hurts my head just thinking about it."
She made a little squeak of pain. Somehow, adorable.
'That… makes it sound a little less fun on your part…' I set aside the rice balls, 'Calling it a 'contract' I mean. Knowing you, I figure you'd name it something… I dunno'... 'cooler'?'
I stopped my work to make air quotes at the word.
"Hey, it's not like I came up with it!" she giggled, "It comes from our heritage, actually."
That got my attention. '...How so?'
"Well, we Kitsune are traditionally Youkai!" she adopted a playful "teacher" voice, "Or demons, I guess, depending on who ya' ask. You know how demons usually make contracts with those who summon 'em? It's from that."
'Huh… so you're a demon then?' I began stuffing the rice balls into the tofu packets. 'A demon goddess… kinda' sounds like an oxymoron.'
"Kitsune aren't evil though!"she argued playfully,"We might play around, but we don't hurt anybody! ...who doesn't deserve it at least. We pull pranks every now and then, and they're totally harmless! ...mostly."
I'm not even attacking you and your defense is falling apart.
"I heard that!" Crap. Forgot she could. "And that too! Kitsune are fun! Free-spirited! And helpful to those who ask! We never let a debt go unpaid! They're genuine, good-willed beings! With feelings!"
'Again, I'm not attacking you at all. I'm sorry if I offended you somehow…' I clapped my hands together in the shrine-prayer position, 'Really, I am.'
"Oh! Um…" she paused. "No, I'm sorry. I get really touchy about my heritage. It's just…"
There was another pause. This one was much longer.
"I worked really hard for this position." she said after a long while, "I'm the highest ranking Kitsune in the entire Divine System. I'm really protective of my brothers and sisters."
'Ah… I see.'
...
wait what.
'Sorry to pry…' I looked up from my work again, 'But what's the highest-ranked Kitsune deity doing, looking out for me? Not that I don't appreciate it, but don't you have better things to do?'
Another pause.
A long pause.
"I'm not exactly in high demand…" she breathed. "...Kitsune… There aren't many of us left. As the years go by, our followers grow fewer, and our shrines go forgotten. And when a deity is no longer worshipped…"
She trailed off. I got the message.
'Oh, I… I'm so sorry…'
"Don't be." Her voice was sad, yet peaceful. "Like I said, Kitsune always repay a debt. That's why I'm here with you."
I smiled gratefully. I hoped she could see it.
'Thank you, Otama. I'm honored.'
I finished making the inarizushi with a determined gaze.
Silently, I vowed to keep the Kitsune alive.
"Ooh~ I'm so excited!"
While I couldn't see the fox deity, I could picture her bouncing off the figurative walls. I readjusted the small bento I was holding, letting the cloth bunch in my hands.
"I can tell,' I replied with a laugh, 'I hope the other you is just as enthusiastic.'
"Are you kidding!?" she practically squealed, "It's been ages since someone's visited the shrine! Ooh, I get all giddy just thinking about it!"
It was a five kilometer hike up the mountain behind the Shuei Faction. I was about halfway through. I had some winter pants on, and some kind of windbreaker jacket. It was cold on the mountain, and the low branches and thorny brush creeping along the overgrown path told me long-sleeves was a good plan. I'd pat myself on the back, but the clothes upon it weren't my idea.
"So? So~?" it was almost like she was standing next to me, jabbing an elbow into my ribs with every word. "What'cha gonna' wish for? Undying love? Unending wealth? World peace?"
'I'm not doing this for a wish…' I mumbled, 'I'm doing this 'cause I want to. If what you say is true, then Otama probably wants a friend. I'd be glad to give that to her.'
...Even if it meant her crashing at my house, like Yomeiri. She could turn invisible, right?
"...That's not gonna' work, you know…" Otama's tone shifted. Like a parent playfully scolding their child. In her voice, it was... "Just listen. Granting wishes are what give Otama purpose! You remember how she was in that reality. She followed him home and stalked him until she could grant a wish! Anyone's wish!"
I twitched.
'I better watch myself…' I cleared my throat, 'Not that I don't appreciate her helping me. It's just… well, she doesn't have the most helpful track record when it comes to wish granting.'
There was an entire visual novel dedicated to exactly that.
"Hey, it worked out, didn't it?" we've had this argument over and over... "They ended up together! There were some supernatural happenings— so what? That kinda' stuff needed to happen, with how slow they were going."
'You ever heard of stopping and smelling the roses?' I mumbled, 'It's not about the destination, it's about the journey. Just let them live their lives, and it'll work out.'
A sigh.
"If I hadn't interfered, you know how it would've ended."
…
Hm. I guess I did.
It may be an alternate reality— a different Raku. A different Chitoge. A different Kosaki or Tsugumi or Marika, or Ruri. But Otama let us see something that never could've happened without her. Something special and one of a kind.
Seriously. Seeing Raku and Ruri date was… "special" to say the least.
'That may be true…' I conceded, '...But that doesn't change the fact that those wishes were granted in the most roundabout way possible. You can't deny that.'
"And why would I?" she giggled, "It's way funnier! Ufufu~"
…No arguing with that.
Pushing through the brush, I came upon a clearing. I was about halfway up the mountain… this'd be a nice place to rest my legs.
I sat upon the grass, cold from the moisture, and laid my back against a tree. Reaching into my pack, I withdrew a small thermos. Tea. Green tea, by the smell. Or at least, that's what it said on the packet anyway.
I took a small sip. Damn. Scalding. I guess Raku would be the type to invest in high-quality stuff for his kitchen… and that extends to his choice in food containers. Seriously, I think the tea's hotter now than when I brewed it.
It definitely did the trick though. It was almost ten… My eyes were drooping the whole walk up. Slowly though, I felt a growing warmth in my stomach. Caffeine at work.
Gently, I rested my head against the smooth bark of the tree, and let my gaze wander. There was an opening in the branches above, and the moon shone brightly through.
Man… nature's something.
I let my eyes close, focusing on the slow hum of the wind. The rustling of the leaves, light chirps of faraway crickets… Peaceful. I could sleep out here, if it wasn't so cold.
I took another sip of my tea. The heat was… manageable. I took another and another, before I set the thermos down with a happy sigh.
"...Hey, Otama…" I spoke aloud. "Tell me about yourself."
"Hm?" she paused. "What do you want to know?"
"I…" I capped the tea, so I wouldn't spill. "I dunno', anything."
"...What's there to tell?" she sighed, "I'm just your regular old fox deity."
"Well…" my eyes fell on the grass, following the breeze, "I'm just… curious. I wanna' know more about you."
"More about me?" a laugh, different from the others. "What more is there to know?"
Her voice grew small.
"Besides, you already…"
Hm? I already what?
She huffed, suddenly a bit annoyed. "You already know all you need to, right?"
"I just wanted to talk with a friend…" I grumbled. "Is that so much to ask?"
A pause.
"...Sorry…" she apologized. "I don't know what came over me…"
"N-No, no… it's fine…" I assured.
Wonder what that was about…
"..."
Oh, right. She can hear my thoughts.
Let's change the subject.
I rubbed a hand against the back of my neck, working out the kinks. "Tell me about your family. The Kitsune."
"...They're amazing." she said, like it was the simplest fact in the world. "They're fun, they're honorable, they're powerful… They're… my family. I have nothing but love and respect for them."
I smiled lightly, taking a sip from the warm tea. "Any stories from your childhood?"
"Ufu… I can definitely think of a couple." she giggled. "I was… a troublesome kid. I was never too much of a problem, but I'm sure I gave my parents a headache."
"Our clan was… our clan is famous among Higher circles." she corrected herself."As spirits, we're some of the strongest mages… our magic is pretty different from everyone else's. You know, we have shapeshifting of course, like you'd expect. But we also had all sorts of spells. We've got a sense for fire magic… We, of the Crimson Demon Clan, I mean."
"Wow…" I mumbled. "It's so strange to think magic really exists. Is it something I could learn? Or is it a skill you're born with?"
"Hmm… you could probably do it if you tried." she admitted, "But it would take a long time. Lifetimes past what you have left. It…"
She trailed off.
"...I guess I could teach you, if you wanted... but I won't." she sighed. "Not that it wouldn't be hilarious watching you try and learn, but it's been illegal for humans to practice magic for a long time."
"Illegal, huh?" I breathed. "It's probably for the best. Can't imagine what the world would be like if we could."
That's just playing with fire. Literally.
"So if you weren't born with it, how did you learn?" I asked. "Did your parents teach you? Or…"
"My parents taught me the basics…" she was getting kind of into it. "We actually have a formal school for it. Like, an actual school where we learned magic. I started a bit late for my age, so they taught my younger sister and I around the same time."
"A magic school…" I let the words into the night air. "I feel like there's gotta' be some cool stories there."
"Hell yeah there are!" I could feel her grin. "There was this one time, we snuck into the classroom during lunch and put thumbtacks in the teacher's chair!"
I blinked. "That's… huh. I figured you'd use magic if you were gonna' pull a prank like that."
"No way!" she cried. "Our teacher was an Arch-Wizard! Any kind of magic trap we put down would be noticed for sure! But that kind of power changes how you see things. Someone who uses Energy Ignition or Light of Saber every day wouldn't expect somethin' like a tack, would they?"
Huh. Never thought of it that way.
"You… sure put a lot of thought into poking your teacher's butt."
"Ehh… the adults in Kouma are cool, but we were kids." she laughed it off. "Kitsune too. Little pranks like that are what get us outta' bed in the morning."
I laughed too. That was so… her.
…
"...I forget you're a goddess sometimes."
"Wh-Wha?!" she sputtered. "I mention it like, every time we talk!"
"Yeah, I know, it's just…" I struggled to think of the words. My mind failed me. "When you think 'god', you imagine formalities and reverence and all that. The first time we met, you laughed at the way I died."
I expected a giggle or something. My answer was silence.
"...I'm not the best with decorum."
"I'm glad. I got a friend out of it."
More silence in reply. This one felt… happier than the last.
...
"…You know… I used to think godhood was a curse."
"Really…?" I mumbled. "Why would you think that?"
"Haa…" she let out a weary sound. "It's not as glamorous as you think it is. We're taken from our homes. We can never see them again… you're given a new name. Not even a name, but a title. And you're never called by your name again. Only your title. For years, decades, centuries… Your title. Over and over, until it's all you know."
A humorless laugh.
"It's been so long, I don't even remember my name."
"They go through so much... to make you one of them. Part of their system. So many unfair laws and stupid regulations… and if you step out of line, you're destroyed. So many rules… it's like hell for a Kitsune."
She sighed, as if to take back in her resolve.
"...But I did it. For my people." she said it like she was reminding herself. "And I wouldn't trade them for anything. I would do anything for them. For my family. For the people I care about. For…"
She trailed off again.
…
"...You're an idiot."
"Wh-What?!" I've never heard her so angry. "Are you saying my—!?"
"That's not what I meant."
I let out an angry breath.
"You love your people. So much. That goes without saying." I started. "And I'm sure they love you too. They have to."
I glared off into space.
"But nobody wants you to sacrifice yourself. Nobody." I grit my teeth. "And if they do, well, they were never worthy of your love to begin with."
"To give up so much for the ones you love… it's unbelievably heroic." I admitted. "And incredibly naive. People like to glorify sacrifice, and martyr those who do. But I don't agree with that for a second."
I closed my eyes.
"The most heroic thing you can do is win, go home, and live. Live with your loved ones. Give them the gift of your presence. Not just the memory of someone who lived and died for them. If you went and did, I know they'd never forgive you. I definitely wouldn't."
"I'd scream and cry and throw myself at everything, begging for someone, anyone, anything to bring you back. You're not helping anyone by leaving us. If you think I'll go about my life hummin' some happy tune after you went and died for me, you've got another thing comin'. You know? I, uh… I…"
"I'd miss you."
…
"...You really haven't changed."
"What was that?"
"It's nothin'." she giggled. "Thank you though. It was nice to hear that again."
…
"...I don't really get it, but… you're welcome." I gave a small smile. "I'm always down to call out people for doing stupid things… especially if the stupid person is me. I never let that go."
"Ufu… I'll try to keep myself in line."
I grinned.
"And hey…" I hesitated, "Why not... choose a new name? It might not be… your old one, but it'll still be yours."
"...You know, I've thought about that before, but I could never come up with anything."
"Really?" I sealed the tea, and stood, preparing to continue walking. "Why's that?"
"I… I guess on some level, I was always searching." she admitted. "Searching for that name. My old name. I could never think of… what it was, so I never decided on one."
"Hm… tell you what?" I offered. "I'll throw out suggestions, and if any of them sound familiar, we can go off of that?"
"Mm… Okay! That sounds fun!" she agreed. "There are a lot of names out there though… and there's a chance it's in Kitsune language, and you've never heard it before…"
I shrugged, "Where's the harm in trying? We're bound to find something that comes close."
"Besides…" I grinned, "Somehow, I just know it. Someday, I know we'll find it. Together."
"Together…" she mused. "I like the sound of that."
I smiled, as I left the clearing.
"How's Minori sound?"
"Too innocent. Not fitting."
"What about Ayumi?"
"Mm, it doesn't feel right."
"Maybe Makoto?"
"Maybe… Nah, it's too boyish. Next?"
"Hmm... Okay! What about…"
Suddenly, a shrine.
It was old. Very old. Moss had grown over some of the stone, and the wooden floors were weak, some parts even rotted. But I was prepared. Three hours of scrubbing, demolition, and woodwork later, and the place looked no worse for wear.
I was surprised I got it done this quickly. The shrine itself was in a small grove so it got some sunlight, but the inner rooms were dark and damp and I had to deal with mold on top of mold on top of mold on top of mold on top of...
I wiped the sweat off my brow. Otama'd been talking to me on and off as I worked, offering little tips, or just making fun of me when I messed up. If it wasn't past midnight and I wasn't on-the-floor exhausted…
Speaking of, it was past midnight, and there was no little Otama in sight. Maybe she was sleeping? Older Otama seemed to, every now and then.
'Ah, well. I'll just have to come back some other time. For now though...'
I placed the inarizushi upon the altar, closed my eyes and prayed.
…
…
…
"Wow!" a familiar voice exclaimed, "The shrine! Did you do this?"
"Otama…" I grumbled, not opening my eyes, "You might be a goddess, but you shouldn't interrupt a prayer. It's rude."
"Ah! I'm sorry…"
There was some shuffling beside me before it stopped.
I shook my head and continued to pray.
…
…
…
Oh.
I opened one eye slowly.
Kneeling beside me, was Otama. No, not that Otama. This Otama.
Surreal.
I'd only seen Otama in person once before. And while that was a different Otama, their attire was… blinding as ever. Bright orange design atop a bright orange kimono, with a neon pink obi around her waist. Two bushy fox tails, two perky fox ears. Dark violet hair… close to my shade. Aww. She's like a cosplaying little sister.
"One of those 'little sisters' can hear you, by the way."
...I can feel my face heating up.
The flutter of shifting fabric brought me back into reality. The Otama at my side had finished her prayer and stood, politely waiting for me to finish.
Aww…
"Bite me."
With a silent laugh, I put my thoughts aside and began to pray again.
I opened my eyes a few moments later. Satisfied, I stood and turned to face the patient little spirit-girl.
"Sorry about that…" I bowed. "I was just making an offering."
"It's okay." she smiled. "It's nice to know humans still pay their respects."
I frowned a bit. When was the last time someone visited this girl?
"Welcome to Inari Shrine." Otama bowed to me. "I am the Otama of this realm, and I thank you for your offering."
A blink of confusion.
'Wow. Formal. You really used to be like this?'
"Ugh… Don't remind me…"
Huh. I guess even gods can be embarrassed by their past selves. Wonder if she had a chuunibyou phase?
"Oh, the inarizushi? It's nothing really…" I deflected. The girl tilted her head, a confused expression on her face.
"...Excuse me, mister…" she frowned, "Are you a god?"
My jaw had never dropped before, but it came pretty close this time.
"...Uh… me?" I pointed to myself dumbly, "A god? What makes you think that?"
The girl shuffled on her feet a bit.
"S-Sorry for assuming..." her little ears drooped, "But your Radiance is so strong! I thought you were an Overseer at least!"
What? Radiance? Overseer?
An inner squeak.
"...Crap."
An inward glare.
'...Otama, what's going on?'
A muted sigh.
"...Radiance is divine energy. The power of the gods." she made a sound like she was struggling. "Your soul is covered in it."
I blanched. 'My soul is what? How'd that happen?'
A pause.
"Normally, you being here in this universe would violate several laws…" another pause."...so I granted you a protective aura. It keeps you from being forcibly affected by other gods, like this Otama. It keeps Them from sending you back to your own time. It keeps you bound to this reality. It keeps you alive. It keeps you here…"
I felt as if some words had gone unspoken.
'I see…' I lay that thought to rest. 'That's… a lot to take in.'
"It was the only way."
I breathed a laugh. 'That so?'
Turning to the fox spirit before me, I bowed my head.
"Sorry, Otama-chan…" it was my turn to apologize. "I'm only human. I never meant to mislead you."
"N-No, no! It's alright…" her tails curled. "Only humans can make offerings, so I should've known…"
I breathed a sigh of relief.
She tilted her head. Her ears fluttered a bit. "But if you're not a god, where did your Radiance come from?"
Gently, I took in the sigh that I let out back then.
Where do I even begin? With a 'yeah im from another dimension where none of this exists but one day another you pulled me into the body of a harem protagonist'? No one would believe that. Hell, I barely believe it myself.
Alright… I should tell her the truth. Or, I could lie…?
I gazed upon curious, sparkling eyes, as her tails swished back and forth.
...Yeah, that's not happening. Who could lie to that face?
"..."
Please stop judging me.
"Listen, I…" I struggled to find the words. "...I barely understand it myself. All I know is I've been chosen by a goddess to do some stuff… and I got her blessing in exchange. I guess that blessing is this… 'Radiance' thing."
I clapped my hands together in apology, and bowed my head.
"I'm sorry for deceiving you."
Silence was my reply.
Then muttering. A lot of muttering.
I made a tentative glance upward.
"A blessing… of Radiance? Giving holiness to a human… That's a Class 5 crime! That kind of power is given to Arc-level bodies and higher… And if the Council didn't stop them, this must've been… Wow… Who is he? And how did…"
Having ignored my apology, the girl finally stopped muttering and looked at me. I wonder if she knew I could hear everything she was saying?
Not that I could make heads or tails of it. Class 5? Arc-level bodies? My head's starting to hurt…
"U-Um… Mister?" I was pulled from my thoughts by the familiar voice. "What's this goddess' name?"
I blinked. Uh…
"Megumi."
!
! ! !
"Wh… W-W-WHAT!?" Otama practically screamed. "How did you kn—… Where did that come from?!"
'I just said the first name that came to mind…' I averted my eyes. 'It kinda' works, doesn't it? Megami means goddess and it's not far off from that…'
"I-I guess…" she sounded embarrassed somehow. "Stupid…"
What?
"Nothing. I wasn't talking to you."
Something told me to let it go…
"Hm… Megumi?" the Otama frowned. "I've never heard of Her. But isn't 'Megumi' a human name?"
I merely shrugged in reply.
"I… guess I shouldn't question Them..." she looked away. "They gave me such a nice name, after all. But mister, how did you meet 'Megumi'?"
If only I knew.
"..."
"She… came to me in a dream." I was 'asleep' when we met, so that was true. "I don't remember too much from back then…"
The girl nodded to herself, as she looked down in thought. Her tails wrapped around her waist, over her obi.
"...Okay!" she seemed to reach a decision. "Hey, Mister? Can you stay here tonight?"
Huh?
"Huh?"
"Wh-Why?" I stumbled over my words. "What's going on?"
The girl nodded, determination in her eyes… and a cute expression. Gagh, I just wanna cuddle her like a stuffed animal.
"...You have strange taste."
Hey, for the record, you're not any less adorable, so stuff it.
"I have to meet Her!" Otama pleaded, "If Megumi can do something like give you Radiance, She can help me!"
"Help you?" I parroted. "Help you with what?"
"My race, the Kitsune…" she put a hand over her heart. "We're in trouble! People don't pray to us anymore, and…"
She breathed resolution. "If Megumi can give me enough Radiance to be a full-fledged deity, I can save them! Please, you have to take me to Her!"
"I… I wish I could…" I stammered, trying to think something up. "But I have no idea how. I've only ever seen her once."
Twice, if you count alternate Otamas and different dimensions.
"She came to you in a dream!" she took a few steps toward me. "That's how She talks to you, so I just have to be around when it happens!"
She looked right up at me, from my feet. "Please, stay? I wanna' meet Megumi!"
I retreated into my headspace.
'So, uh… 'Megumi'...' I started. 'What should I do here?'
"H-How should I know?" she still sounded flustered. I guess she wasn't over it. "You dug your own grave on this one."
'What was I supposed to do? Not answer her questions?' I sighed. 'Don't pull the 'this is your story' spiel on me right now. If what she said about crimes and stuff is true… And if universe-traveling is such a big deal, I don't want to get you in trouble.'
…
"...You have a point." she consented. "Alright… let her come home with you. I'll work something out."
'Awesome…' I let out a breath I didn't know I'd been holding. 'Thank you…'
…
…
'Wait, 'come home with me'? As in, to the house?'
"Just like Yomeiri." she let out a small laugh. "Fate's a funny thing, huh?"
Damn straight…
"Please?" her voice brought me into reality. "It's not much, but in exchange, I can grant any wish you have?"
"Th-That's very kind of you…" I scratched my cheek. "But it'd be wasted on me. Besides, I don't have much to wish for."
I have a feeling my wish has already been granted.
"Then…" she fidgeted. "What should I…"
I sighed, and knelt down to her height. I pat her head.
"Look…" I ruffled her hair a bit. Her ears twitched. "I can't stay the night out here, but if you're dead-set on meeting her… I guess you could crash at my place. It's a big compound, so I'm sure we have room."
"T-To your house, mister?" her eyes brightened… before they dimmed. "I… I wish I could, but I can't."
I frowned. "Why not?"
"I can't leave the shrine…" she said, resolutely. "I have to be here to thank all the people who come and pray!"
"Oh, people still come by, huh?" I grinned. "That's great! When's the last time someone did?"
"Not too long ago! Maybe three-hundred years...?"
. . .
'Megumi… how do I take this girl away from here.'
It was more of a statement than a question.
"Lower deities are bound to their place of worship." her voice was calm. "Unless they form a contract. Ask her to be your patron goddess."
Patron Goddess?
"Sometimes, deities make deals with mortals. In exchange for the god's favor, the humans will worship them unconditionally. It's how gods on the brink of extinction survive, and why many families and clans have deities associated with them."
I see. Will that work here?
"Absolutely."
Alright then.
"Listen, Otama-chan…" I started, "Have you heard of Patron Deities?"
"I have…" she perked up. "Wait, are you asking me to be your Patron Goddess? Really? Me?!"
I scratched my cheek. "Uh… yeah. Is that a prob— Ack!!"
The girl tackled me in a flying hug. "Thankyouthankyouthankyou! I promise, I won't let you down Mister! I swear on the Crimson Demon Clan!"
"I'll uh…" I returned the hug, gently. "I'll be counting on you…?"
She only hugged me tighter, as the moon hung in the sky.
