With the trotting of horses echoing through the wind, the journey had started once again. The plan to meet at the kitsune village, a hidden rendezvous point crafted by Kōkatsu the Almighty and Silvia Hemobi, was now underway. Only a day had passed, but great progress had been made in order to reach this destination.
However, despite the progress they made, a certain succubus was dissatisfied with how long it was taking.
Shiro: [Haaaaaaaah. Honestly, if I was running, I would have reached that spot by now.]
Slouching against her seat was the white goddess, Shiro Fuloreen. Though she had energy to spare, her body felt heavy from the mere thought of being in the village at a much earlier time.
Tequi: [But then how would we get there, Roro? Unless you carried us…Say, are you strong enough to do that? Maybe we should try that!]
Devi: [That would require our belongings to also be carried, Tequi. It’s an impossible feat. However, you do not need to worry, Shiro. We should be approaching the border soon, meaning it should only take until today ends at the maximum to reach the village.]
Within the carriage sat another pair of succubi, one of mauve hair and tan skin and another of red hair and blue skin. Hearing the response provided, Shiro raised an eyebrow towards Devi across from her.
Shiro: [Border? There’s a border here?]
Devi: [Originally, we were in Mazokuni. Even at this very moment, we still are. However, our destination is located in the kingdom next to it, that being Itazura.]
Resting her chest along her arms, Shiro pondered about the village and the kingdom it was stored in.
Shiro: [If I recall correctly, Itazura is a really wealthy kind of kingdom, right? It’s odd to think that everything wouldn’t just be castles and the like instead of having small villages around.]
Tequi: [There are certain parts of Itazura that enjoy the traditions of old! While the kingdom is often bright and thriving, some places focus more on being quiet and peaceful!]
Shiro: [I see. So it’s like a kitsune version of the Babylon Distract, only more peaceful.]
Devi: [A fine way to put it. Well done, Shiro.]
Receiving Devi’s kind smile, Shiro started to scratch the back of her head with a blush strapped to her face.
Shiro: [It was nothing. I just did some simple connecting in my head.]
In the middle of absorbing the praise given to her, Shiro and the others halted their conversation as the front window of the carriage slid open. The soldier by the front lowered in position, and looked towards Devi.
Bloodfire Soldier: [Lady Devi, we’ve arrived at the border.]
Devi: [Very well. Then I suppose it’s time to initiate the plan.]
From behind Devi came a pair of handcuffs that she held by a single finger, getting the attention of both Tequi and Shiro.
Shiro: [Oh, wow. I haven’t seen one of those in a while.]
Devi: [Oh? Did you assist in the arrest of someone?]
Shiro: [......So, hey! What’s the plan?]
After a brief silence, the track of the conversation was readjusted. Devi turned her head to face Tequi, with a mutual nod being exchanged.
Tequi: [Due to our plan being unknown by many, we’re going to need to put you in these. It’s as simple as we’re going to pretend to be arresting you, but really, it’s just so we can get across without a problem.]
Devi: [If information leaks about our plan, it could be dangerous for us. This is why the act is needed. I’m not proud of such an option to begin with, but I need to ask for an additional favor from you, Shiro.]
Shiro: [Sure. What is it?]
Tequi: [Devi isn’t the greatest when it comes to acting, or even lying for that matter, so you and I are the stars of the show this time! Unfortunately, it also means you have to act in the same way as that broadcast…]
Shiro: [That’s fine.]
Devi and Tequi: [Huh?]
Surprised by the quick response, the royal pair showed signs of confusion at Shiro’s agreement.
Shiro: [I’ve never been on the receiving end of handcuffs, but I know exactly how to play it up with them.]
Devi: [You must have quite the series of tales then. I’m intrigued to hear these when we get the chance.]
Tequi: [Alright! Criminal Shiro is a go!]
Firmly attaching the handcuffs to Shiro’s wrists, a thumbs up was provided between her and Tequi to confirm everything was alright. Devi then stood up, and moved over to hold Shiro by the back as they exited the carriage.
Shiro watched as the land once again came into view, and soon after, an outpost with many kitsune was laid out before her. As they noticed Shiro, loud gasps were released from each of their mouths.
Making their way to the front, they were met with two female kitsune who bowed to the royal figures.
Blue Kitsune: [It is an honor to be in your presence, Lady Devi and Lady Tequi.]
Tequi: [Thank you for your hard work! If it’s alright, we need to pass through here. We have a criminal to transfer.]
Gray Kitsune: [Understood! Well done on your arrests, Lady Devi and Lady Tequi! As expected of the strongest!]
Taking a deep breath, Shiro prepared herself for what would follow.
Alright. Here goes nothing!
Shiro: [Honestlyyyy~! I just wanted to have some fun with some nice humans~! Is that so bad~?!]
The reactions her words received were the exact looks she had expected.
Disgusted looks of disdain adorned the faces of each kitsune. Not just the two who had stood in front of them, but many others within the facility.
Quietly, she could hear the whispers of the two.
Blue Kitsune: [What a disgusting wench…]
Gray Kitsune: [I hope her penalty is execution…]
She continued to put on her fake appearance, but the words stung Shiro to her core. On the inside, she was saddened, disgusted, and horrified by the new image she gained.
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It was not just her however.
Turning her eyes, she noticed a visible twitch across Devi’s cheek. Though her expression was still as strong as ever, it was clear that their words had also affected her. Even Tequi had noticed this change, as her saddened eyes were focused on the very same woman.
Changing the topic so no further comments could be provided, Tequi focused on moving the process forward.
Tequi: [Alright! So, if I recall correctly, you two just need me to file some paperwork, right?]
Blue Kitsune: [Yes, Lady Tequi! We just need the files of both you and Lady Devi, along with her files.]
Tequi: [Perfect! We’ll start with her then!]
Moving over beside Shiro, Tequi reached her hand into Shiro’s pocket and pulled out her wallet. In the midst of doing so, a photo fell to the ground, the white backside being the only side visible.
Tequi: [Ah! Sorry! Let me get that!]
Reaching down, Tequi picked up the photo and moved towards the desk with it. As she reached the desk, she looked down at the photo out of pure curiosity, only to–
Tequi: [Oh? Oh?! OH?! OOOOOOOOOOOHOHOHOHO!]
Suddenly, she turned to Shiro with a smile on her face. However, she did not look towards Shiro’s eyes, but a location much lower.
Tequi: [I can’t believe it…]
Gray Kitsune: [Can’t believe what, Lady Tequi?]
Tequi: [Oh, nothing! Nothing! Just some things to interrogate about later, that’s all!]
As Tequi started to write, Devi turned to the kitsune who were whispering amongst themselves.
Devi: [If it’s alright to ask, I would like it if the information regarding this individual is kept a secret.]
Eyebrows were raised as the sudden comment was made.
Blue Kitsune: [May we ask why that is, Lady Devi?]
Devi: [Currently, it is unknown if there are any collaborators, or where these people are. In order to remain safe as we transfer her, we will require as little information slipping out as possible.]
Gray Kitsune: [Ah! Of course, of course! We’ll withhold the documents for now, Lady Devi! Please let us know when we are able to send them out!]
Devi nodded in agreement, which only proved to Shiro that she did not wish to speak. Not only due to the fact that she was lying, but also that she did not enjoy the situation that Shiro was put into.
Placing a pencil down, Tequi turned to face Devi with the same smile as before still resting on her face. The photo in her hand was now gone.
Tequi: [Alright! Your turn, Devi!]
Devi: [Very well.]
Though she had moved to file her own papers, Devi continued to bring Shiro with her. It was clear to Shiro that this was not intentional, but was instead a slip up within Devi’s mind.
The kitsune found the choice odd, however, they did not question Devi.
On the opposite side, Shiro grew worried over her current state.
They had just met, they had spoken only on occasion, Devi was not familiar with Shiro’s family.
Shiro enjoyed the idea of being Devi’s friend, and still viewed her as one.
However, there wasn’t a reason for this to have such a great effect on her.
She had hardly known Shiro, yet she was frustrated by the way she was treated.
A question was asked the same morning, a question about friends and how to make them.
Perhaps that was the very reason why she felt so bothered.
Shiro was the first person to teach her about such a simple concept, one that she was not familiar with, and thus, in Devi’s mind, Shiro was a friend from that alone.
While she continued to worry over Devi, Shiro casted her eyes down to her own paper–
Shiro: [Huh?]
Looking down at the page, she saw an oddity within her file.
Rather, it was not an oddity, but something that should not have been the correct choice if Tequi was the person who wrote it.
And yet, it was correct.
Before even getting the time to question this, Devi placed down her pencil and turned to the kitsune.
Devi: [I’ve finished the report. Please see to it that this is held until my word is given.]
Blue Kitsune: [Of course, Lady Devi! Have a safe trip!]
Once again, only a nod was given.
As she attempted to walk, an interruption from the kitsune was made.
Blue Kitsune: [Oh, right. Lady Devi, as per the letter you had sent us…here is the fatality rate.]
Picking up the letter with her free hand, Devi looked at the details listed.
A loud crunch was made as she gripped at the paper. Her eyes grew wrinkled as she viewed it, with her teeth on full display. The file alone had caused a great deal of pain onto her, but it was clear as to why.
Shiro casted her eyes onto the paper, and noticed the title. She held back as much of her horrified expression as possible.
The title of the document was…
Number of deaths via life draining after broadcast
It had only been days.
Days since that broadcast occurred.
And yet.
The number was displayed.
352,524
Following this number was a second section.
Number of succubi/incubi deaths after broadcast
Once again, the horrific number was shown.
210,520
Devi: [Over five hundred thousand…Over five hundred thousand were killed…]
Blue Kitsune: [Don’t worry, Lady Devi! After this transfer, the numbers should likely go down in no time!]
Devi: [...I can only hope so…]
In a low voice, Devi Bloodfire gave her response.
With her hand against Shiro’s back, the three walked back into the carriage. As the carriages started to slowly move again, Shiro’s handcuffs were taken off by a key from Devi’s pocket. The two kept their eyes focused on the floorboards below them.
Shiro: [...I’m sorry, Devi…]
Devi: [There is nothing to be sorry about, Shiro. I’m rather disgusted by what has occurred, along with what many now think of you. This should not have happened in the first place.]
Releasing the handcuffs from Shiro’s wrists, Devi turned to her seat.
Devi: [I need to rest for now. We’re about to leave, so I’d advise that you sit, Shiro.]
Shiro: [Right…]
Shiro continued to watch as Devi covered her eyes in frustration with two of her fingers.
Turning her eyes to Tequi, she reminded herself of a question she wanted to ask.
Shiro: [By the way, Tete, I’m confused about something.]
Tequi: [Hm? What’s up?]
Shiro: [When you were writing on my file, why did you write that I was married?]
The haunting smile had returned, as Tequi reached into her pocket, pulling out the photo from before. An odd sound was produced as she continuously wiggled it in the air with two of her fingers.
Tequi: [Gee, I wonder why?]
Taking notice of the photo, Shiro remembered its origin.
Her wallet.
Moving beside Tequi, she reached out for the photo–
Shiro: [Lemme see thi–HAAAAAAUUUUUUGGGGHHHH!]
Devi’s eyes became visible once more as she heard a howl that had almost sounded as though the person who produced it was dehydrated and out of breath. Turning her head, she noticed a horrified look on Shiro’s face while her hands were waving in the air, attempting to grab the photo Tequi was holding.
Shiro: [TEQUI! TEQUI! PLEASE!]
Tequi: [Wow! I’ve never seen you act like this! But I guess it only makes sense. I now understand why it was such a touchy subject!]
Shiro: [TEQUI! PLEASE! THIS IS REALLY BAD FOR ME! ESPECIALLY IN HERE OF ALL PLACES! I DON’T WANT THAT PHOTO BEING SEEN!]
Though Devi did not grasp the situation at hand, she noticed a detail on Shiro that she failed to notice prior to the original question.
Devi: [I failed to realize that you were married, Shiro. Was that ring worn when we first met as well?]
Turning her terrified look to Devi, Shiro’s fear only grew to an even higher degree.
Shiro: [I….I….Yeah…I was…wearing it….Uhhhh….I’ve been married for while now…but I haven’t really gone public….with it…]
Tequi: [And I can see why! After talking to you, and hearing certain details about your partner, I can definitely say that’s a perfect couple!]
Shiro: [TEQUI! PLEASE!]
Tequi: [I won’t tell, I won’t tell! I’ll give you the photo back. But in exchange, when we get the chance, I want you to tell me aaaaall about it!]
Shiro: [AND YOU PROMISE YOU WON’T SPEAK ABOUT IT?!]
Tequi: [I promise!]
Shiro: [THEN WE CAN SPEAK ABOUT IT PRIVATELY! BUT FOR NOW, PLEASE GIVE ME THE PHOTO!]
Tequi: [Alright! Here you g–Whoa!]
As fast as she could move, Shiro swiped the photo from Tequi’s hands and safely put it back into her wallet. Wiping off countless drops of sweat, she sat down at her seat, now with a reason to be exhausted.
Crossing her legs, Devi turned to face the tired Shiro.
Devi: [May I ask how long you’ve been married, Shiro?]
Turning her half shut eyes to Devi, Shiro spoke slowly with a hoarse voice.
Shiro: [Six years….Yeah….Six years….]
Devi: [Then if it’s alright for me to ask, I would like to present you with the same question you once asked me.]
A kind smile washed away the sadness that was once on her face moments before.
Devi: [...Do you love your partner?]
Taking deep breaths for air, Shiro provided another slow response.
Shiro: [...When you answered mine…you said with all of your heart…right?]
Devi: [Indeed. I said exactly that.]
Shiro: [Then…as for me…every ounce of my body is filled with love for my husband…!]
With an exhausted smile on her face, Shiro provided her love filled answer. A small giggle was released from Devi’s lips in response.
Devi: [Cherish that feeling. Always.]
The two smiles only grew as they faced each other. Moving herself up from her slouched position, Shiro rested her elbow on the window as she gazed at the outside world.
Her smile began to fade, as a question was beginning to form.
Shiro: [Hey, so…is there normally supposed to be a big dojo out here?]
Devi: [Pardon?]
Tequi: [Wait…there’s a dojo on your side? Our side has a big, colorful factory!]
Devi turned her body to face the same way as Tequi, only to see exactly what was stated.
A large factory with bright colors and lights surrounding it.
Carefully moving to Shiro’s side, the very same dojo that was described was seen.
Heading for the front window, Devi prepared to knock, only for it to open from the driver’s side.
Bloodfire Soldier: [Lady Devi, we’re unable to proceed forward. The gate ahead is stopping us.]
Devi: [Understood. We’ll deal with the matter. Ask for Night, Sol, and Estrella to exit their carriage and provide back up.]
Bloodfire Soldier: [Understood, Lady Devi.]
Closing the window, Devi turned to the two inside the carriage.
Devi: [We need to briefly exit. It seems an oddity has occurred.]
Tequi: [You hear that, Roro?! We’ve got an adventure ahead of us!]
Devi: [It is merely just so we may speak with the owners. Nothing more.]
Shiro: [Still, I get the feeling this won’t exactly be as easy as just talking to them.]
The two who had remained seated began to stand, and all three made their way towards the exit of the carriage.
Before they could arrive at the nearby kitsune village, they would first need to explore the strange buildings that stood before them.
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