She slowed as she crossed the wooden engawa. The tea house was a marvel of intricately carved white stone pillars that seemed to shimmer in the glow of soft lantern light. Despite its impressive size, the combination of stone and wood made the space feel intimate and homey. A long wooden table dominated the room at its center, its surface polished to a mirror sheen. Kitsunes were coming in and out carrying trays of food and drink. "looking pretty good, if I do say so myself." Little misaka rubbed her chin.
Mikoto was led to an empty seat to the left of the head of the table. Fidgeting slightly. She looked around and noticed the four kitsune staring at her from across the table. She was acutely aware of her outsider status. But Aikko noticed the impropriety, bared her teeth, and hissed at them as she took her place on the right next to the main seat at the head of the table. Her posture relaxed.
She glared back at the four kitsune. The four high-ranking kitsune took their seats, their expressions a mix of untrusting curiosity and a hint of smugness as they observed the vampire in their midst.
"This is going to be a battle of something?" little misaka said. She had her nose stuck inside a formal Japanese tea ceremony etiquette book. "Ok…. let's see…yep, thought so," she nodded. "What?" Mikoto spoke to her inner demon…avatar. "We fake it." She snapped the book close and tossed it high above her, and it disappeared.
The lack of help from her inner avatar caused her to sigh and slowly close her eyes, "I have dealt with Royalty, wild wolves, and other things that go bump in the night…but why didn't I learn about the Japanese tea ceremony?'
"don't forget your nemesis," little misaka said, "little kids, especially those boys who tried to see your underwear. But you fooled them…who wears shorts underneath a skirt? You Did!" she laughed.
Inside, she cringed, but outside, she sat, eyes closed, calm and collected. She opened her eyes, revealing crimson-speckled brown eyes, more vampire than human. The four kitsune smiled challengingly, tilting their heads as their four tails slowly rose behind them.
"Fox god version?!" little misaka laughed. "We fake it!"
The silence between them was heavy. The kitsune's smiles remained fixed, but their eyes glinted with barely concealed ferocity. Mikoto's fingers curled tightly, her knuckles whitening as she fought to maintain her composure. The air thickened, charged with unspoken challenges and thinly veiled hostility. She listened to each of their hearts beating; she heard no fear. The other kitsune ignored the confrontation as they silently set the table. Each moment stretched uncomfortably long until…something magical happened like someone had cast a spell, despite the table being set when she arrived. The mingled scents of sweet treats and savory snacks filled the area. At the center, a large, ornate tea container steamed gently, the aroma of brewing tea adding another layer to the sensory experience.
She kept an eye on the four kitsune across the table when she heard the gentle rustle of leaves and the soft padding of feet on a stone path. They could see Kuro approaching along a winding garden pathway, behind the flowering shrubs and ornamental trees, through the open shoji screens. The kitsune matriarch emerged from the lush greenery, stepping gracefully onto the polished wooden engawa and entering the room with serene authority. That quickly shut down any hatred with a strength that caused even Mikoto's breath to catch when she saw what she was wearing.
Kuro wore the simple attire of a shrine priestess—a white haori and a red hakama—yet she exuded an aura of unmistakable power. Despite its simplicity, the outfit amplified her presence rather than diminished it. Her nine tails fanned out behind her like a living tapestry. They seemed to fuse into one larger, longer tail as she approached.
"Am I sensing a little posturing going on?" she said, "So exciting. " She looked across the table and eyed the four kitsune, a glint of "manners!" in her gaze.
As Kuro took her seat at the head of the table, Mikoto couldn't help but marvel at how the unassuming garments only heightened the kitsune's regal bearing. Something in how the fabric draped, in the confident set of Kuro's shoulders, spoke of centuries of wisdom and authority.
"My apologies for the delay," Kuro said, her voice rich with a hint of something feminine and wild. "I was taking care of some final business." She gestured for them to pour the tea, and the room fell into an expectant hush. "Shall we begin?"
Mikoto couldn't help but feel that this simple act of hospitality was laden with significance, the prelude to a conversation that could change the course of her journey. She was watching Kuro, with steam rising and swirling around her as if it had been trained, curling around the length of her ears and slipping into nothingness.
She leaned forward, took a deep breath, and steeled herself to ask the question that had been burning in her mind since her arrival.
"Kuro," she began, her voice tinged with urgency, "I need to ask you about Ro—" Kuro raised her hand, palm outward, in a gentle but firm gesture. Mikoto's words died in her throat.
"Forgive me," Kuro said. Her blue eyes held Mikoto's gaze, "Let's handle the small things first, shall we?"
Mikoto blinked, momentarily thrown off balance. She glanced at Aikko, who gave an almost imperceptible nod before returning to Kuro.
"Of course," she replied, trying to keep the frustration from her voice. What would you like to discuss?" she asked, hoping to center her emotions.
Kuro's tail swayed gently as she reached for her teacup. "Tell me, Mikoto-san, how are you finding our garden? I trust Aikko and the others have been hospitable." Her eyes thinned, and she looked at the four kitsune, who glared back. Aikko slowly bared her teeth, and her four golden tails spread like golden fans, beautiful and threatening. The four kitsune lowered their glare.
"Trouble in paradise? Or maybe…" little misaka said, "someone maybe is challenging to be the next leader? Maybe?" Little Misaka couldn't hide her excitement. The images flickered across her wide eyes as she watched the screens.
Mikoto hesitated, wanting to get her answers and the need to observe proper etiquette. She could feel the eyes of the other kitsune watching each movement carefully.
"Your garden is… beautiful," Mikoto said, choosing her words carefully. "And your people have been very kind. The baths were particularly refreshing."
"I'm pleased to hear it. And the tea? I hope it's to your liking."
Mikoto raised the delicate cup to her lips, inhaling the fragrant steam before sipping. Her eyes widened as the flavor bloomed across her tongue - earthy and complex, with notes of something familiar yet tantalizingly different.
"This is… incredible," Mikoto said, taking another sip, savoring the taste. "Where did you get something like this?,"
A knowing smile played across Kuro's lips, her blue eyes twinkling with amusement. "Ah, I'm glad you appreciate it. Ronan has always had a knack for collecting… how did Aikko put it?" She glanced at her daughter.
"Needful things," Aikko supplied, her lips curving into a smile. The other kitsune nodded.
"Yes, needful things," Kuro continued. "The seeds for this tea were among the many plants he brought with him from Earth. He has quite the green thumb, you know. He is constantly experimenting, always something new."
Little misaka is sitting in a café scene—a small table and chair. Soft wind blowing, she wore a bright yellow summer dress and large brim summer white hat. The attractive woman was dressed as a waiter, black and white and tight. She was standing close to the table, holding a beautiful silver kettle. Little misaka was holding a delicate bone white teacup. "Are we talking about the same Ronan?" little misaka said. Taking another sip, "But damn! This is good tea!"
Mikoto's grip on the teacup tightened slightly at the mention of Ronan's name. "So, he's been here for a while then?" she asked, trying to keep her voice neutral.
Kuro nodded, her tail swaying like a snake. "Oh yes, we have been here long enough to establish quite the impressive garden. This tea is just one of his many successes. He has a way of… adapting things from your world to here. "
The kitsune matriarch took another sip of her tea before fixing Mikoto with a penetrating gaze. "But I suspect you're not here to discuss Ronan's horticultural achievements, are you, Mikoto-san?"
Mikoto set her cup down, getting ready to ask what she wanted to ask—the moment she had been waiting for had finally arrived. "No," she admitted, meeting Kuro's eyes. "I'm not. I need to know—"
"About Ronan," Kuro finished for her, nodding. Her blue eyes held a mix of understanding and something else Mikoto couldn't quite decipher. "Yes, I thought as much."
She leaned forward slightly, anticipation building, but Kuro's following words made her pause.
"But first," the kitsune matriarch continued, her voice gentle yet firm, "a few more small things, if you don't mind."
Mikoto couldn't help but feel a flicker of frustration, quickly suppressed. She nodded, forcing herself to relax back into her seat. "Of course, Kuro-sama. What would you like to discuss?"
She reached for a small, intricately decorated box on the table. "Tell me, Mikoto-san, what do you know of kitsune?" She opened the box, revealing an assortment of delicate, colorful sweets. "Please, help yourself. These complement the tea quite nicely."
Mikoto reached for one of the sweets. She realized that Kuro was testing her patience, perhaps even her character. Or something else?" She took a deep breath, reminding herself that in this realm, on this goddess's home ground, she would need to play by Kuro's rules.
"I'm afraid my knowledge is limited," Mikoto admitted, selecting a pale pink confection. In my world, kitsune is mainly known through folklore and legends. They are shapeshifting fox spirits, known for their wisdom and…" she hesitated, choosing her words carefully, "…sometimes their trickery."
A soft chuckle rippled around the table. Kuro's eyes sparkled with amusement. "Not entirely inaccurate," she said. "Though I assure you, we are quite real. "
Mikoto took a bite of the sweet, its subtle flavor melding beautifully with the lingering taste of tea. As she formulated her response, she couldn't help but wonder how much longer Kuro would make her wait before addressing the real reason for this meeting.
With a tilt of her head, Kuro asked, "What else?" She chuckled, allowing her sharp canines to appear.
"Perhaps the baths?" she asked, running her finger along her mouth, which was open enough to show her fangs.
"ah, yes..the baths," Kuro said, her voice carrying something close to an unpleasant history. Maybe a joke went too far. She raised her cup, using the motion to hide the slight grimace that crossed her face. As she sipped her tea, she closed her eyes, not in appreciation of the flavor but in a moment of quiet resignation. She lowered the cup, her expression smoothing. The moment was gone, but tension lingered in the lines of her mouth. Hinting of memories not visited.
"What did you think?" Kuro asked.
Mikoto hesitated, sensing the tension in her voice. "well, it was….impressive, I supposed. The size was certainly something…."
Kuro interrupted, holding the cup and saucer in her palm. "so you noticed? A mischievous spark in her eyes. The other kitsune across the table exchanged glances, barely suppressing their grins. "my daughters thought it would be funny," she continued, breathing and blowing across the cup.
Aikko's ears flattened slightly, and she expressed pride and sheepishness. " And I am sure you can see the noticeable difference?"
Mikoto, her curiosity piqued, whispered, "What does she mean by that?" she searched Kuro's face for a clue.
Little misaka quickly typed on her keyboard, "checking memories now…bathhouse, naked foxes, and giant statue and now compare crazy strong fox goddess to the stone statue and ooooohhhhh yea, we can see the problem."
"the chest?" Mikoto leaned close and whispered.
"yes…" Kuro's eyes narrowed as she put the cup and saucer on the table. The four kitsune eyes gleamed with anticipation. Kuro pursed her lips tight as a smirk played on the corners of her mouth. "as if I was that big," she said, putting her hands on her chest.
One of the kitsune burst into poorly stifled giggles, and another's tail thumped rhythmically on the ground. Aikko, trying to maintain some composure, bit her lip, but her shoulders shook with silent laughter. One with her eyes filled with mischief piped up, tears slipping from her eyes. "we thought it would make a grand impression, Mother, and those boobs only appear during birthing." This set off another round of snickering among the sisters.
Kuro shot them a look of equal parts. I will be getting revenge and fondness for her daughters. "I am sure they do," she said dryly, with a hint of amusement. But consult me before immortalizing my best assets next time." She sighed and turned her attention to Mikoto. "Take this as a compliment or not…but may you have daughters like mine." She groaned with a smirk.
"I do.." Mikoto said, shaking her head and taking another drink. "trust me, I feel your pain."
Kuro sighed, leaning back from the table. She took a sip and watched the tea swirl in her cup. Her brilliantly colored tail swayed gently behind her. "And another small thing," she said, her blue eyes narrowing slightly as she spoke, placing the cup of tea on the table. "So, Mikoto… I have spoken to Aya and Gullah, and I am certain you have noticed…"
"why is she asking about them?" shot through her mind. Mikoto mirrored Kuro's movement without showing her surprise, setting her tea on the table and leaning back, hands resting in her lap. Kuro's question had caught her a little off guard. Why was she talking to Aya and Gullah? And yes, she had noticed. She had noticed since dealing with the dragon queen. She and Vita had talked about it. Carefully considering her response, she held back information until she could see where Kuro was going with this.
"Noticed what?" she asked, her crimson-speckled brown eyes meeting Kuro's intense blue gaze. She held her gaze like a queen going into battle, and a mask of polite curiosity rose to protect what was hers.
Little Misaka chimed in, "Oh boy, here we go. Brace yourself for some fox-style family drama over fancy leaf water."
Kuro's pointed ears twitched almost imperceptibly. She could see it in Mikoto's eyes, so protective, she thought. She saw the vampire in her, but the human showing through held her attention. Her lips curved into a slight smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. "I have meant no disrespect, but a few of my daughters have taken a shine to both. Of course, they have something in common with them."
Mikoto's fangs were barely visible as she spoke, her voice carefully controlled. "Aya and Gullah have always been very close since I met them.," she admitted cautiously. "but what is between them is between them, and no one should…"
Kuro's tail twitched slightly. Her ears pricked in attention. "Aya is with a pup," she said bluntly, watching Mikoto's reaction closely.
"And what's your point?" little misaka said. "tell us something we don't know?" she closed her eyes and pursed her mouth tight. "but..if you say Gullah is with pup, then now you're talking?" she hmph, "I will be asking embarrassing questions, and I will be getting answers!" she slammed her fist into her palm. "ouch! Damn that hurt!" she hissed, rubbing her hand.
Mikoto's hand trembled slightly, listening to little misaka, but she kept her composure. "you need to shut up!" Her eyes flickered momentarily. "yes …I know,". She answered, "It has been for a little while." She said," And everyone is happy for them."
Kuro nodded, her expression softening slightly. "I'm glad you're aware. You see, Mikoto, natural births are quite rare in this realm. It's something to be celebrated and protected." She paused, her tail swaying gently. "Four of my daughters are also expecting. It's a time of great joy for us." Mikoto's eyebrows raised slightly, sensing there was more to come. "That's wonderful news," she said carefully.
Kuro leaned forward, her blue eyes intense. "Mikoto, I'd like to make a request. I want Aya and Gullah to stay with us. Aya will be giving birth in about four weeks, and I believe it would be best for them to be here, where we can ensure their safety and provide proper care." She sighed, "It will take you that long to reach the next…..his city." her expression became dark and twisted. she held a silent snarl.
"did she eat or drink something bad?" little misaka said, "she didn't like him..did she? Sniffing a small cookie and popping it into her mouth." the way the words came out, they must have tasted bad." She licked her fingers, "don't blame her much."
Mikoto felt a jolt of surprise at this information. Four weeks until they reached the next garden? She hadn't realized they were that close to their destination. Her mind raced, calculating the implications of this timeline. Outwardly, she kept her composure, but her voice held a hint of curiosity as she responded, "Four weeks… I see. That's… sooner than I expected."
Kuro tilted her head slightly, noting Mikoto's reaction. "Yes, the main garden is about that far from here. But for Aya and Gullah, it's a critical time. The journey ahead could be dangerous for them."
Mikoto nodded slowly, her mind still processing this new information about their travel time. She felt a pang in her chest as she considered the request. "They're valuable members of our group, Kuro. I'd hate to lose either of them, especially now that I know how close we are to our goal."
The fox goddess's voice was firm but gentle. "I understand your attachment, but this is about more than just your journey. A new life is at stake. My daughters came to me, concerned about Aya and Gullah's well-being. They also have pups and would be excited about adding them to their small pack. They will be safer here, surrounded by those who understand what they're going through."
Mikoto nodded slowly, conflict evident in her eyes. "I could talk to them, explain the situation…"
"No," Kuro interrupted, her tone leaving no room for argument. "You must order them to stay. Otherwise, their loyalty to you will compel them to continue on this dangerous path. As their leader, you must make this decision for their and their pup's safety."
"I am pretty sure you are familiar with each of the gardens. Most gods or goddesses who oversaw them created them to breed the next generation of warriors. Obedience is engrained in their very being." she said. "I know the garden you come from, and that goddess is either dead or in hiding. so since you have claimed it, they will have no choice but to..."
"I am not their ruler. Kya is.."
the fox goddess shook her head, "No...you are their ruler; you are the one they worship. If you told them to follow Kya...then that is what they will do." she waited, watching as Mikoto processed the information.
Mikoto sat back as the weight of the decision settled on her. She could see the truth in Kuro's words, even as she regretted losing two trusted companions. "You're right," she admitted finally. "They would be safer here. And the pup… the pup deserves a peaceful start to life."
Kuro reached across the table, placing a comforted hand on Mikoto's arm. "I promise they will be more than safe in this garden. We will care for them as our own. And when your journey is over, you can return to find them if you like."
Mikoto met Kuro's gaze, seeing the sincerity there. She nodded, a mix of emotions playing across her face. "Thank you, Kuro. I'll… I'll tell them tonight. It's the right thing to do, even if it's not easy."
"You're making a wise choice, Mikoto. Sometimes, true leadership means making difficult decisions for the good of those we care about," she said, looking visibly relieved. She reached for her tea and leaned back in her chair. "So enough of the small things." Now, how about that one big thing?" She looked around the table and the room.
Mikoto watched them, the other kitsune taking their mothers' word to heart. Even the ones who had set the table. She could see them, waiting silently, peeking through the bushes in the gardens.
"Tell me more about Ronan," Kuro said.
She drank her tea, letting it linger around her mouth and breathing in the fragrance. She looked over at Mikoto, her blue eyes glinting with a sharp, feral edge and the depths of unshakeable devotion of a lover. Her gaze was nothing more than a declaration of an unyielding claim.
"oh shit…." little misaka said out loud, not that she had to be quiet. "tread softly. We have seen that look before."
"Father?" she heard them whisper behind the bushes in the dark.
"he does that to them…" Mikoto said, taking a drink and helping herself to another cookie, "doesn't he." Taking a bite.