Humming to herself Ashi paused as Onikiri, Kotetsu, and Yoshi ran by, thankfully the two shrine spirits had thought to feed the dog and care for her while the land goddess was away. Looking over her shoulder she waved at Tomoe as he stopped swiping to push his hair back over his shoulder. After the surprise peck the wild fox had explained that he had made himself her familiar so that he could protect her better, raising an eye brow she had grinned asking: 'If that's how you form a contract does that mean you had to kiss Mikage too?' The fox had blushed before tossing a small fire ball at the roof opening a whole so water could pour on the teen's head. Maybe it was her but the kitsune looked much more attractive with long hair. Sensing a different demonic aura coming up the shrine steps the deity turned smiling as Kurama cleared the top. "Oi bird brain, sup?" Smirking the crow walked over messing her hair.
"I had nothing to do today so I decided to come see the famous Mikage shrine. The signs you put up really help finding this place, and the little foxfire balls leading the way aren't bad either."
"You think? I'm glad they helped I had to nag foxy for nearly an hour before he would do it." Setting her duster aside she led the way into the shrine. "Would you like something to drink?" Taking a seat at the low table Kurama shook his head.
"Nah I'm fine. It really has taken you nearly a week to get this place back in order hasn't it?" Sighing she let her head thump against the table.
"Yes thank God for weekends though I can sleep in tomorrow because its Sunday and Tomoe is going to get knocked out if he ever wakes me up early on a Saturday again." A snort came just before the shoji screen door slid open.
"You shouldn't make threats you can't keep." Flipping the bird in his general direction she groaned.
"I could just order you to let me sleep in." Grinning he pushed her over so he could sit down beside her, sipping a cup of tea.
"You could but you won't." Glancing between the two Kurama laughed.
"You two sound like an old married couple." Raising her head the teal eyed female glared at him.
"Don't even go there. I've decided I'm going to be single forever, or end up with a demon, but this ass-" She jerk her head towards Tomoe, who had smacked her on the back of the head with his tail. "Won't let me hang around any demons but you. So what do ya say to raven haired chicks?" Chuckling and rubbing the back of his head the tengu gulped feeling Violet eyes staring at him.
"As much as I love you Ashi, I'll have to decline that offer. Besides I've still a few years before I'm of age anyway." Shrugging she leaned back on her hands catching the fox's tail. Watching the fox from the corner of her eye she placed the fluffy appendage in her lap running a hand through it.
"Have I told you how much I love your tail today Tomoe?" Scowling the kitsune flicked it.
"Yes and every day since I returned to normal." Smiling Ashi hugged it before siting it back on the floor. Kotetsu floated into the room carrying a folded bundle of clothes.
"Tomoe-dono here are Ashi-sama's clothes." Taking them form the small spirit the fox nodded setting the cloth down in front of him. Raising the material next to her he frowned.
"The color doesn't really suit you but it will have to do. Mikage is male so there are not many kimonos around the shrine." Letting the fox manhandle her to see if the traditional clothing would fit she frowned.
"Why do I need to wear that anyway? You've never had a problem with my choice in clothes before." Huffing the demon folded the kimono back up placing it beside him.
"One of Himemiko's familiars delivered an invitation to her moon viewing party tonight. You must be dressed for the occasion." Blinking slowly at the gaping crow across from her she turned towards the fox.
"Won't I just be in the way though? I thought you didn't want me to associate with youkai." Picking his cup up again Tomoe smiled.
"Even though you are weak, you are a goddess. Stand proud and be yourself, I will be behind you every step of the way, my lady." Blushing she tweaked his ear.
"Thank you, foxy." Focusing on the crow across from her, the grin never left her face. "So Kurama did you know you have the same name as two different anime fox demons…"
Fidgeting with the hem of her t-shirt Ashi followed behind Tomoe, having forgone wearing the kimono. After Kurama had left having visited for several hours the fox demon had drug her to her now fully accommodated room to help her get ready, ordering her to strip so he could assist her in putting the kimono on. After replying with a 'no way in hell' she had thrown him out of the room which he had been so nice to decorate even after she insisted he didn't have to, to find something to wear that didn't require Tomoe's help to put on. "I wonder how Himemiko and Kotarou are doing?" Tomoe snorted glancing back over his shoulder at her.
"How can a catfish princess and a human have an intimate relationship?" Scowling she sighed.
"Foxy you lack tact. Don't say that in front of Himemiko you'll hurt her feelings, females no matter the species are very sensitive." Quickening her steps to come to his side she bumped him. "Why don't you try falling in love with a human gi-" A snarl cut her off, blinking back at the demon beside her she frowned.
"I will never fall in love with a human." Rolling her eyes Ashi grabbed his free hand mindful of his claws to pull him along. He tightened his hold on her hand pulling her back beside him. "You wouldn't fall in love with a fox demon either would you?" A soft smile crossed her face as she looked up at him.
"I don't know, maybe. You don't get to pick who you fall in love with." The kitsune stayed quiet the rest of the way to the swamp.
"Ashi its so good to see you." Darting over the tiny catfish demon peered up at her with her blue eyes. "You seem well." Stepping back the deity nodded.
"Yep right as rain. I've been wondering how you and Kotarou have been doing." The Princess smiled.
"Well as can be hoped. I've agreed to see him again so I've kept Tomoe's magic in my body." Nodding slightly to the silent fox, mist wrapped around them as the fish waved her fan out. Ashi gasped not being used to the sudden image change; the palace was gorgeous with lanterns hanging from the ceiling and marvel pillars lining the hall. "Let me show you around my palace." Happily following behind the catfish princess the goddess rolled her eyes hearing other demons whispering about her, only for them to stop as Tomoe walked by baring his fangs.
"Tomoe-sama we've missed you!" Tilting her head to the side Ashi laughed as the wild fox was glomped by three fish demons. Folding her arms she watched as he tried to worm his way away from them.
"The three little carp princesses, it's been a few decades." They gasped giggling.
"We aren't small anymore." One started.
"We've grown up to be beautiful." Another one finished. Backing up the fox held up his hands.
"Yes I can see that." All three darted forward again two catching his hands while the last grabbed his tail. Snarling he rounded on the third ripping his hands free from the others. "Never touch a fox's tail. That is for a fox and his mate only." Paling they whimpered huddling together, blinking his pupils rounded again as he calmed. "Please forgive me, all foxes are protective of their tails." Inching forward slowly they nodding before giggling again.
"Will you be my partner tonight?" A different one pushed her out of the way.
"No be my partner." Rolling her eyes Ashi nudged the demon closer before turning to Himemiko.
"Tomoe can reacquaint himself with the carp princesses while we continue on, if you don't mind Princess." Shooting his master a dirty look the kitsune muttered.
"Traitor." Sticking her tongue the land god followed after Himemiko when she took her hand missing the lingering look the youkai sent her.
"I'm sorry you must feel uncomfortable without him here." Waving her off the deity laughed.
"No I'm fine without him, I just feel like I'm going to break something if I move around too much your home is just so magical." Staring at her like only a catfish Princess could Himemiko frowned when she continued. "He'll probably have more fun with them anyway, their beautiful, I'm just a plain Jane."
"You let me borrow your clothes before, now it's my turn to return the favor." Slowly following after the Catfish demon she gulped not liking the sound of that.
"No way this is your closet?!" Looking around Ashi suddenly felt very small, this one room was almost as big if not bigger than her old apartment, it was lined with shelves and gems and jewelry. Turning to a servant the princess nodded towards Ashi.
"Help her dress anything she wants to wear is fine." Waving her hands around the god seemed to be looking for a way to escape.
"No really you don't have to do this. I can't afford to pay you back if I mess up your nice clothes." Holding a hand to her mouth the Princess laughed.
"I don't mind really, besides ever female wants to look desirable in front of the male she wishes to have as her mate." Taking a second to absorb what the short demon had said she laughed.
"You think I want Tomoe as my mate? Whatever would give you that idea?"
"I've seen the way you two act around each other. You trust each other and care greatly for him." Running a hand through her hair Ashi sighed.
"Truthfully I don't know what I feel for Tomoe. Yes I do care for him but my mate? He would never go for it, and aren't mates for life? I'll die thousands of years before he even looks old. I couldn't do that to him, he deserves a demoness that can stand by him not a weak little human girl." Patting her head Himemiko smiled.
"Humans becoming gods does not happen very often but a select few have the ability to truly become a god once they reach a certain level of power, like Mikage. He was once human 2000 years ago and he is still alive. Now let's change the subject to something more cheery, what are you going to wear?"
I hope no one minds the additions I've made to the story line, but I love Kurama and his wings are just so cute! So review I've discovered I'm a review whore! Thank you black star for finding my goof.