A dark past

Yanku shook his head, trying to free himself from the sensual cobwebs in his mind. He stepped away from Oshira and drew his bow, his arms shaking as he aimed at the great lord.

"Yui, run," he said, his teeth clenched, "I'll be right behind you. Run, my love, please."

Oshira stood straighter, prouder, she was starting to get angry. Her eyes began to glow.

"Run!"

As soon as Yui had turned to run, Yanku let his arrow fly. It didn't hit Oshira. Instead it flew over her shoulder, the breeze ruffling her dark hair.

"Hm," she mused, glancing over her shoulder, "Seems that you can't hurt me, can you Yanku? The kitsune blood in you recognizes who I really am. Well, I suppose that's one victory for me at least. Seems I'll have to do things the old fashioned way. Go ahead and run little fox, the hunting horn will be calling for you soon."

Terribly worried about Yui and frightened for their lives at Oshira's words, Yanku turned and ran swiftly after Yui. Oshira-sama watched him go and then turned away. She walked into the darkness and vanished.


"Yua!" Inmu called, finding Yui in a crumbled heap at the bottom of the stairs. He rushed down the stairway and checked Yui to see if she had a pulse.

"Oh, so there's another one of you," Oshira said, looking directly at Yua, "I should have known. After all, if Yui had been the only one I'm sure the twin kitsune would have shared her between them. As it is, you don't need to be frightened Yua. I won't be the one to hurt you."

She looked to Inmu who had his hand on the handle of his sword but couldn't seem to draw it, his teeth clenched angrily, and then Yui, who was still lying on the floor in a heap.

"Well, looks like you're right where I want you, doesn't it?" Oshira asked, smiling behind her o-men mask. She giggled.

"Dirty kitsune?" Oshira asked, "Oh, I wouldn't use those words if I were you. After all, your lovers are 'dirty kitsune' as well, and believe me, they are terrified of anyone finding out. They were hunted you see. All through their lives they have been chased and cornered and harmed. They have almost died a number of times, the poor things, but still they solider on. They even came when I summoned them, they are so loyal, even when they are afraid."

She looked to Yui.

"Lower your arm dear, you're only hurting yourself," she said.

"It's because of who I am," Oshira said, walking past Yua and gently holding Yui's arm, "My goodness you really did break your arm didn't you? Just sit down now and we'll get you taken care of, that's my good girl."

She stroked Yui's hair briefly and helped her sit more comfortably. Inmu tensed but didn't move.

"You are both part kitsune aren't you?" Oshira asked, "Tell me, have you ever heard of Inari Okami?"

Inmu held tightly to Yua, protecting her in case Oshira was just playing a mean and deadly trick.

"Inari Okami is the goddess of rice and kitsune," Oshira said, getting the bandages and such from Yua's bag and tending to Yui's arm, "She can take the form of a white kitsune with nine tails, a wise, old man, or a beautiful woman. She prefers being female, of course, but I digress. She's a vixen, very powerful and likes to tease and play tricks. She's mostly benign, even kind, unless you get her mad. Oh and one more thing. She's me."

Inmu's eyes widened and Oshira smiled vulpine like.

Oshira's sighed and Inmu winced at the feeling of Yua's nails digging into him.

"Well I suppose I shouldn't be surprised," Oshira said to Yua, almost sounding sad, "You do seem rather high strung."

She looked to Yui, finished up wrapping her arm and smiled kindly at her.

"How does your arm feel, sweet Yui?" she asked, "If it still hurts I could find some painkillers for you. I'm sure I have some stashed away somewhere."