Only a few feet away from a small kitsune village were multiple outposts that had been set up. Watchtowers, large tents, and many other structures were created in order to ensure the safety of those who peacefully lived beyond these stations. Each of the kitsune that patrolled the area were colored differently from one another. From hair, to eyes, to their outfits and even their skin, a single kitsune would be vastly different in comparison to the one beside them. However, a common pattern existed on their outfits of choice. A flower with nine fox tails for each petal.
The symbol…of the Kōkatsu family.
Guiding the group was an incredibly tall, and absurdly muscular kitsune. With her messy black hair, and fur-based kimono, the daughter known as the Strong Second, Kiyomi, focused on preparing for what would come next.
Advising each of the kitsune around her, she continued to shout with her deep yet kind voice.
Kiyomi: [Good, good! Keep her moving! We’ll need that over there! You two! Could you get some more supplies from the storage tent? Thanks! Alrighty! Everything seems to be coming along nicely!]
Turning her eyes to a watch tower, Kiyomi provided a question to the short, pink kitsune that shaded her gaze with her hands.
Kiyomi: [You see anyone yet, Shion?]
Shion: [Nope. Not just yet…Wait…Oh! There’s some dust being kicked up in the distance! It’s a hefty amount too!]
Slamming a fist into an open palm, Kiyomi gleefully bared her fangs in celebration.
Kiyomi: [Finally! Now that’s what I like to hear! Whether that’s Miss Shiro, or the Helig lady is something we’ll find out later. For the time being, it just means we’re waiting on one more group! Although, we don’t even know if the other three gods are gonna show up, so maybe we’re waiting on more. Still, it’s nice regardless of how many!]
Shortly after her celebratory words, a small tug was felt against Kiyomi’s kimono. Turning to face this force, Kiyomi was met with a finely dressed, blue snake woman.
Poi: [Hello. I believe your name issss Kiyomi, correct? I am Poi of Lady Ssssilvia’ssss group. It issss nisssse to meet you!]
Extending her hand, Kiyomi smiled as she provided a not too firm grip, avoiding a possible injury.
Kiyomi: [Nice to meet you, Poi! As you correctly guessed, I’m Kiyomi! Second child of the Kōkatsu family and the backup commander when Lady Kōkatsu is busy! I assume you have a question for me?]
Nodding to confirm, the woman softly spoke to Kiyomi.
Poi: [I wassss wondering…Rather, we all were, but where issss Missss Kōkatssssu?]
Kiyomi: [Ah, I see. Lady Kōkatsu is a bit busy visiting some family friends.]
Poi: [Family friendssss?]
Shifting her body, Kiyomi pointed to a house within the village that stood near the highest point of the cliffside.
Kiyomi: [See that house there? She’s known the people in it for a while now. Me and my sisters have even joined her sometimes when she comes to visit. She wanted to speak with them before we take our big departure. Don’t know what’s gonna happen after we leave, now do we?]
Poi: [Ah, I undersssstand now. Well, if sssshe issss able to at a later point, our Lady would like to sssspeak with her.]
Kiyomi: [I’ll pass on the message for you, don’t worry!]
Poi: [Thank you kindly.]
The two bowed, and Poi slithered away towards her own camp. Taking a deep breath, Kiyomi turned her attention to the Kōkatsu family forces once again.
The preparation for the next step within their grand plan had once again started.
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Though kitsune were often female, there existed the rare commodity of male kitsune as well. As to be expected, in order for another kitsune to be born, this would mean that a mate would need to be found. It was not uncommon for kitsunes to experiment in breeding with other races, however, it was far more useful for a mate of the same to be found.
Thus, the male kitsune were often valued at a much higher degree. Families would often give birth to multiple children, as to both continue their existence, as well as the chance for another male to be born. This would, of course, create the existence of kitsune families.
While Kōkatsu’s family largely consisted of female kitsune, there were a handful of children within the family that were male. In fact, some of the kitsune who were lovers of members in her family were included within these numbers. Thus, the Kōkatsu family was able to grow from just the roots of their team alone.
Sitting in a small house was Kōkatsu, who had a female kitsune who was around eight years old seated in her lap. Her skin was pale white, with her hair being the same color, and a single tail that shifted in position behind her. Dressed in a pretty orange kimono, the girl continued to smile with closed eyes as Kōkatsu caressed her hair.
Beside her sat Kaoru, who gently rocked a much smaller female kitsune in her arms while chanting a sweet lullaby. The kitsune had the same features as the other who was much older, with the only difference being that she had worn a small purple kimono.
Beyond the table of tea in front of them were the parents of the two girls, who smiled as they watched the two take care of their children as nicely as they could.
The mother with five tails, Haruki Suzuki, and the father with three tails, Syouji Suzuki spoke to the deity and friend that sat before them.
Syouji: [I must say, Machiyo and Ikuchiyo are always in quite the good mood when your family arrives here, Kōkatsu. They’re often rather happy, but they seem a tad bit extra joyful when they see your face coming through the door.]
Kōkatsu: [That’s just because the little missy here sure loves to spend time with me, isn’t that right, Machiyo?]
Machiyo: [Yep yep! Auntie Kōkatsu is the coolest!]
After receiving the excited reply from the girl in her lap, Kōkatsu provided her with a rewarding, soft hug. In response to this, the girl quickly moved her arms around Kōkatsu and squeezed as hard as she could. The strength of which wasn’t very large, given the small power behind her childish arms.
Haruki: [You had mentioned that your group will travel soon, correct?]
Kōkatsu: [Yes. I’m sorry to be a bit of a burden with my family for the time being, but we might need to spend our night in the village for at least another day or two.]
Haruki: [Ah! Please don’t regard your work as a burden! You have done quite a lot for our village, let alone our home! It would be wrong for us not to pay you back in some way!]
Waving her hand in the air, the motherly kitsune attempted to assure Kōkatsu that there was nothing to worry about.
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Interrupting the conversation however was the little girl within Kōkatsu’s lap, who attempted to speak with her parents.
Machiyo: [Can I join Auntie Kōkatsu on her journey? I wanna go have fun adventuring with her and everyone else! Please? Please? Please?]
Kōkatsu: [I’m sorry sweetie pie, but I don’t think it’s a good idea for you to join me. Especially with how young you are right now. You should just study hard and grow strong for your little sister.]
As Kōkatsu caressed the girl’s head, she turned to face Kōkatsu with a pleading look.
Machiyo: [Please, Auntie Kōkatsu? I’m really strong! I can do it! If I can’t now, then can I do so when I’m older?]
Putting a finger against Machiyo’s lips, Kōkatsu leaned in close with a smile before speaking to her again.
Kōkatsu: [Listen, my sweet Machiyo. I care about you a lot, and so do your parents. If something happened to you, either now or later, I wouldn’t be able to forgive myself nor would I be able to face your mama and papa. The Kōkatsu family has a lot of people without those two very important things. I’m not sure about letting a little missy who still has a family that loves her into the family. I’ll always visit you though, and I’ll even bring souvenirs on occasion just like I always do!]
Machiyo: [But…But what about–]
Kōkatsu: [They aren’t part of the family either, sweetie. I’m sorry. Just know that I still love you like one of my own, ok?]
Machiyo: [...Do you mean that…?]
Once again, a soft hug was given by the Mother of All.
Kōkatsu: [Of course I do, my sweet child.]
A smile had once again returned to the girl’s face. Her mother provided a small giggle in response as she spoke to Kōkatsu again.
Haruki: [I must say, Machiyo is making some excellent progress in the Ablaze technique.]
Kaoru: [The Ablaze technique?! She’s already started to learn it at such a young age?!]
Kōkatsu: [Oh? Looks like our little star here is doing quite well then. She’s managing to use both her element and her matōki at the same time without too much of an issue already? I guess she could help out my family if she becomes a mentor.]
The Ablaze technique.
Not much had been known about this technique. In fact, the origin and place in which users of it had lived was this very same village.
There was merely only one piece of documentation regarding this technique that existed throughout the world. The ability to combine both your element and your matōki into an attack, without causing harm to your body. If done correctly, the result of which could be phenomenal.
However, that was if the technique was done correctly. For many, this was still unknown knowledge that they had yet to comprehend.
For this village however, it was a practice that many participated in and attempted to master.
Kōkatsu: [It shouldn’t be long now until everyone else that we’re waiting for shows up, but should they be late, would it be alright if we stayed here for just one more night?]
Syouji: [Of course. It’s a question that does not need to be asked, as we’ll accept you into our home at any time.]
Kōkatsu: [Thank you very much, the both of you.]
Machiyo: [Does this mean I get to sleep with Auntie again?!]
Kōkatsu: [Yes, my sweet little fox! You’ll get to sleep with your Auntie again! She’ll give you all the hugs and stories that you want!]
Kaoru: [I’ll join you as well, Machiyo! Don’t worry!]
Machiyo: [Yay! Yay! Auntie Kōkatsu and Big Sis Kaoru are gonna stay with us again!]
A room filled with love and joy was formed within the small household.
Much like their preparations on the outside of the village, the Kōkatsu family prepared for the possibility that they would need to rest there for just one more night.
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After a small period of being unable to move, the large group of carriages continued their trotting through the open field. With two newly gained members who joined the other high ranking officers in their carriage, their plans were now set back in motion. However, after nearly three days of travel, along with the extra amount of time before two separate groups had met in the middle, the village was now in sight. Though there was still some distance between them, they could finally see it within the distance.
Looking out her window with excitement filling her heart, Shiro was happy to once again reunite with many of her dear friends.
Shiro: [It won’t be long till we see them. I wonder how they’ve been doing. It’s been almost a week since I saw Kō, and a few hours more for Silvia.]
Sitting across from her, the royal succubus displaying colors of red, blue, black and thin layers of gold kept her focus on the excited goddess.
Devi: [Do you see the two of them often?]
Shiro: [I see them almost every day! At most, I’ve gone a day or two without seeing Silvia. As for Kō though, the only thing she’s passed is the nine hour mark, but that’s just because I’m sleeping and then I have some free time in the morning to myself.]
Tequi: [Wow! She cares about you a whole lot!]
Shiro: [Yeah, but it’s not just me though. She has a bunch of people she cares about. Anyways, there’s nothing unusual that you detected on the outside of your arrow barrier thing, right?]
Tequi: [Nope! We should be smooth sailing from here!]
Setting her posture upright, Shiro smiled at the mauve succubus before her.
Shiro: [Perfect! I really can’t wait to see all of them!]
As she set her sights to the window once more, a static sound started to play within her ear.
This sound was provided by a brand new piece in her attire, that was given by her new high ranking officer within her team, Migi Paribozijiou. Due to his expertise in engineering and crafting tools from mere scrap, he was able to conduct earpieces for many members of the group. These, of course, included Devi and Tequi themselves, along with their very own high ranking officers.
As the static was replaced by a voice, Shiro along with the other two paid close attention to what was being said.
Migi: [Hey, Lady Shiro. We aren’t expecting anyone approaching us, are we?]
Placing her finger on the earpiece, Shiro spoke aloud in the carriage.
Shiro: [Hm? No, I don’t think we are. Why?]
Migi: [Well, thanks to my super nifty and great gadget I created, my Ultra Radar, I’m getting a heat signature nearby. It seems like there’s also a sound accompanying it.]
Shiro: [Thanks for the heads up! Stay on guard in case anything changes!]
Migi: [...Yeah, see…that’s the thing.]
Confused over his comment, the three raised their eyebrows in succession with each other.
Shiro: [What is it?]
Migi: [Whatever or whoever this thing is, it’s fast.]
Shiro: [Fas–]
Before Shiro could finish her reply, a surprised jolt came from Tequi. Holding her hand up, she flexed her pinky and returned it to a neutral position while the two watched.
Tequi: [Well, I’ll be. One of my arrows got destroyed.]
Shiro: [What?!]
Devi: [Are you alright, Tequi?]
Tequi: [I’ll be fine. It’s not like this causes any damage to me to begin with. The bigger problem is this target.]
Moving her fingers in a much quicker motion, they watched as Tequi focused on making a specific pattern between each of them.
Shiro: [Are you able to detect them? I’m picking up a signature myself if you need some help!]
Tequi: [I can sense them, but the problem is trying to keep up with them. They’re real fast! Now I understand what your rockstar meant when he said that!]
Once again, two more fingers broke free from the ability at play. Shortly after, a loud thud could be heard outside their very own carriage.
Shiro: [What was that?!]
Much like moments prior, the radio in Shiro’s ear activated.
Migi: [Hey, Lady Shiro! So…I’ve got some more bad news. Whoever this person is seems to be attacking our carriages now. Hidari was able to help with keeping our ride fine, but the others might be in trouble if this continues.]
Shiro attempted to digest the unfortunate info, but before she could do so, Devi stood up from her seat. Grabbing a hold of the latch atop the ceiling of the carriage, she prepared to open it with another hand placed on her sword.
Devi: [I’ll deal with this…Shiro?]
…Only for Shiro’s hand to be placed on top of the sword.
Shiro: [It’s a lot more risky if you handle things. We don’t know who or what our enemy is, along with the fact that they might see you as a far greater target. Let me handle this. Besides, I can catch back up to the carriage in no time. Tequi, if you could, keep the arrows on standby for about five seconds after I leave.]
Tequi: [You’ve got it, boss lady!]
Viewing the thumbs up provided, Shiro turned her eyes to Devi. A firm nod was exchanged between them, and after Devi opened up the roof, Shiro emerged from the carriage like a bullet.
Sensing her target, she quickly caught up and grabbed their extended arm.
Shiro: [Let’s take this somewhere safe.]
???: [Huh?! The hell are n’ya doi–WHOOOOOA!]
Pulling the small figure towards a safe distance behind the carriages, Shiro continued to move through the air before she passed the arrows by several feet.
However, her target did not plan on cooperating forever, as shortly after dragging them through the air…
???: [HAAAM!]
Shiro: [OW!--FUCK!]
…A razor sharp pain dug into Shiro’s hand, causing the two to crash into the ground.
Pulling themselves up, they stared at each other with differing gazes of irritation.
Shiro: [What was that all about?! I was just moving you! Nothing more!]
???: [N’ya don’t get to decide what I do! Now beat it!]
Attempting to flash over to the carriages again like lightning, the small yellow figure with minimal clothing attempted to move.
Stopping her movement was Shiro, who managed to perform the same type of sprint and now stood directly in front of her.
Hissing at the woman clad in white, the cat girl stepped a few feet back as she displayed her bloodstained teeth.
???: [Fine then. I’ll jus’ take care of n’ya first!]
Shiro: [May I ask why you’re doing this, or if there is someone you’re working for?]
???: [I decide if I move, and I decide if I attack! Nobody bosses me around! Those…things were makin’ too much noise, and the weird lights around them got my attention! So now, I’m gonna focus on breakin’ them, but first, I gotta do the same to n’ya!]
Despite the girl’s harsh words.
Despite her intentions.
An odd light started to shine within Shiro’s head.
Shiro: [...You’re alone, aren’t you?]
???: [What’s it to n’ya?!]
Placing a hand to her chest, Shiro provided her words to the cat girl.
Shiro: [My name is Shiro. Shiro Fuloreen. One of the eight gods of the world.]
Stancing herself on all fours, the cat girl provided an aggravate look towards Shiro’s introduction.
With a tiger-like bra and skirt, and yellow short hair, fluffy yellow ears, a slim yellow tail and fearsome yellow eyes, the girl provided her name.
Bachi: [Bachi! Just Bachi! I’m the strongest in the world, and the girl who is gonna tear n’ya up!]
The cat without a home, Bachi, spoke her name to the kind hearted goddess.
A battle of pure speed and lightning was now underway.
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