Prompt: Charity

Sequel to Wagashi from Storm Clouds of a Faraway Sky

"Once again, as a reminder, please avoid areas of flooding. Please secure your belongings and stay away from the windows of your residence." The radio announcer's voice faded in the background, as Akane walked through the room. Flashlight, batteries, water bottles. She ran her mind through the supplies again, trying to calm her nerves. This certainly wasn't the first typhoon she'd experienced, but she was alone, in Obaa-chan's house. A sudden gust of wind tossed the chimes over the porch, and her attention was drawn to the forest stretching beyond.

I wonder how Kougami-san and the other youkai are doing.

The last time she'd seen any of them was three nights ago, before the storm had shifted direction. Kagari had cracked jokes that raised Ginoza's hackles, though Akane laughed anyway. And Kougami had devoured every bite of the manju offering, tongue slowly running over his teeth afterwards. Despite herself, she blushed at the memory.

A loud boom of thunder made her jump, and she spared another look to the dark treeline. Then, branches snapped and gave way, a large shadow springing out. The dark wolf form was instantly recognizable. Kougami paced about, ears pricking up when she opened the door.

"Hi, Kougami-san. Are you alright?"

"Fine." He sounded curt. "Looking for shelter."

"Why don't you stay here? There's plenty of room."

His tail swished at her offer but he said. "It's not just me. The others too, and more than Gino and Kagari."

"They can all come in! And please hurry, it'll rain soon."

A huff escaped him, close to laughter. "You're too generous, Tsunemori. Then, I'll call them over." And he reared his head, howling. Beautiful and haunting, it sent a shiver down her spine.

Immediately, the trees rustled. Akane spotted Kagari first, the weasel bounding eagerly. The dark silver fox was Ginoza, but the sandy fox following him was unfamiliar, muzzle whitening with age. And from above, a crow and swan swooped into the yard.

It couldn't have been a moment sooner, because lightning cracked, a white ribbon flickering on the horizon. Akane urged everyone inside, and Kougami was the first to transform back. As he walked past, he touched her shoulder and the corner of his mouth lifted in gratitude.

Kagari had a wide grin, eager to explore the house, and Ginoza, who actually wore glasses in his human form, surveyed everything with an air of suspicion. The others also introduced themselves as Masaoka, Kunizuka, and Karanomori. They seemed polite enough…at first.

"So, you must be Kougami's human." Masaoka gave a wry smile.

"Eh?!"

"Oh, look at her blush." Karanomori reached over to pinch her cheek, the shoulder of her white kimono slipping precariously. "Shinya really picked a cutie."

Kunizuka didn't add anything, but the sparkle of amusement in her dark eyes was almost as bad.

"Hey, Akane-chan! This is all you have to eat?!" Apparently, the kitchen was being raided by a certain weasel. She ran in to find a mess, pots and pans strewn everywhere, but Kagari held up a hand. "No, don't come in here. I'll cook, it's my way to pay you back."

She would've protested, but Masaoka steered her around. "Go on, ojou-chan, we'll prepare a feast for dinner and you can take it easy. Why don't you find Kou? He must be keeping watch."

The house had darkened, as if night came early, and she nearly tripped over his tail when she entered the living room. His hand gripped her forearm to steady her.

"Oi." In the low light, his eyes glinted silver.

"Th-thank you."

"Am I not supposed to be here?"

"No, that's not it!" She sat beside him. He had been facing the windows, directly surveying the foreboding landscape. "You just surprised me. Were you watching the weather?"

"The raijuu are awakening." The way he talked about legendary thunder beasts was unbelievably casual. "You gave us shelter, so we protect the house in exchange. Gino's at the other end. And it sounds like the others are slacking off. I hope they're not bothering you."

"It's alright. Everyone's nice. Although, they said I was your human…?"

Kougami coughed, turning slightly away. "They haven't met a human in a long time, so they've forgotten their manners."

"Is it really that rare to interact with people? In the folktales, it seemed youkai encounters were a given."

"It wasn't common but not unheard of. But as centuries passed and humans built roads and nations, they drifted away from the world of youkai. At least, that's what I was told, a long time ago. Your grandmother would probably say the same."

She wondered who had first told him about the separation, but she didn't ask. Instead, she said. "Obaa-chan would be thrilled to meet all of you, let alone in her house."

"You're worried about her."

"Her hospital is further inland, which is good. I just hope they don't lose power." Meanwhile, the rain had begun to fall, pattering against the windows. The glass panes became enveloped in a clear sheen of water, like sugar syrup. "Once, when I was younger, we went to a festival and she bought me amezaiku. You know, the candy in the shape of animals? Mine was a pink jellyfish and I thought it was too pretty to eat."

"Did you?"

"Eventually, but I don't think I could ever try making my own. I've been working on taiyaki and I was deciding on the fillings."

His ears snapped forwards, adorably so. "What flavor?"

"I'm not sure yet. What would you like?"

"What would I like?" He repeated. "Never been asked that before. It's a very human question."

She wryly smiled. "And youkai can answer."

"Then…I've heard of chestnut."

"That sounds good! I'll prepare it for the next offering."

He gave a crooked smile, a pointed canine showing. "Ah. I'll look forward to it."

She stared for too long, her heartbeat suddenly pounding. The sound of rain faded away…

A flashlight beam cut across the room. "What are you two doing by the windows?" Ginoza interrupted, the light reflecting off his glasses. "Don't you know it's dangerous, especially with the thunder beasts loose?"

"How else are we supposed to stay vigilant?" Kougami retorted.

"You haven't lived in a house, you wouldn't understand. And wouldn't you know better?" He glared at Akane, and she only had a flimsy excuse.

"I'm from the city…"

"Honestly, you two." He strode off, muttering and belatedly calling out. "The kitchen doesn't need any help so don't go in!"

There was another roll of thunder as they retreated to the opposite side of the room, and Kougami clicked his tongue. "I can round the perimeter. What about you?"

"I'll clean up in here and look for the games we have. We can make the most of the storm."

"If you see a blue and white youkai that's crackling with lightning, let us know right away." And with that, he ruffled her hair, tail sweeping against her legs. It happened so quickly, she couldn't react before he exited into the hallway.

Maybe, the static electricity in the air was rampant. Why else would she feel this charged?