The next morning light streamed in through a small window above the bed Akiko was sleeping on. She awoke groggy, and with a splitting headache “God what a crazy dream.” she spoke out loud as she stretched eyes closed. As she opened her eyes, she saw the room around her, a small metal basin on a wooden stand, a wooden wardrobe, and a coat rack full of coats that were several sizes too large. She screamed, then started crying pulling her knees to her chin

In ran the woman she remembered saving her “What’s the matter sugah?” the woman slowly sitting on the bed near Akiko. Seeing that she was frightened Mama D tried to comfort her “Those bad men ain’t gonna bother you no more. We took care of that, we sure did.”

“I don’t care about them…I don’t know where I am or how I got here.” Akiko spoke between sobs.

“Oh no sugah, how about I make something a little stronger than tea, and we eat some biscuits with fruit and a little sweet whipped cream I made this morning. Then we try to figure all this out.”

Hearing of food had Akiko’s stomach growling furiously, she quit sobbing and started laughing uncontrollably for a few moments. “This is all crazy, but I cannot deny that food sounds wonderful. Thank you for helping me last night. I am scared.”

“Oh sugah, I can only imagine. But first let's have a little bit to eat. That stomach of yours sounds like a bear after hibernation.”

Akiko giggled a little bit. While Mama D was getting their breakfast together Akiko felt her ears, coming to a full realization that she was not human. It bothered her less than she expected, she did love her cat earmuffs, and headset. Although she was pretty sure that her ears were more vulpine than feline, either way she could manage. Then she inspected her tail just for confirmation, it was definitely a fox tail, bushy, red with a white tip. The fur was softer than she expected, she was stroking her tail as Mama D walked in.

“That is a pretty coat you have there, I cannot say I have ever met a beastman. I know it sounds terrible, but that is the common word for those that are human with some animal physical characteristics. Enough chat, gotta feed that grizzly belly of yours.” Mama D set the trays on the bed and poured something that smelled like coffee into some tin cups. “Careful now sugah that’s really hot. I added some honey to it to cut the bitterness. Let me know if you like it.”

Akiko dove into the food with abandon, it was at that moment the best food she had ever eaten. Once the food was finished and the coffee pot empty Akiko was feeling like a person again and some of her fears were settled for now. Mama D scooped up the empty platters and started to head into the kitchen “Alright now sugah, we done ate a decent breakfast, after I clean these we gotta talk out these fears. Get your feet beneath you.” Akiko nodded and began assessing her situation Okay Akiko this world is not your original world, well at least not the same time. Your name will be Kitsune and we will behave like our Kitsune would. We will become a badass assassin, we have already got one body under our belt, that should be the hard part. she felt tears starting to well in her eyes No! None of that, we are going to be a haderned assassin, the best in this world. A stupid street thug means nothing. She wiped the tears from her eyes. When Mama D gets back we will figure out where we are and get some info on this place, who runs it and where we can get some funds to find someone to train us. Shit, we gotta get rid of that street thug’s body. Mama D will help, she has made one body disappear. Alright, plan made. We will do this. I am Kitsune.

Mama D had not returned yet, so Kitsune decided to look around the house in the daylight. In the bedroom the only thing she had not noticed from the bed was a large, iron bound oaken chest secured with a large, heavy lock. That’s interesting, a proper rogue would pick that and leave. However, I won’t be evil to those that help me or are good. Rule one: don't be an evil bitch. Be a bad ass bitch. With that room fully explored she exited through the curtain. The kitchen was simple, a painted sink set in a counter with some drawers,and a simple table with two chairs. Why two chairs? Figure that out later. Kitsune tapped the sink and it proved to be metal with a dull thud. She began easing the drawers open, keeping her ears peeled for the sound of Mama D returning. Inside the drawers was only simple, but well taken care of kitchen ware, some earthen bowls without cracks, sharp rust free knives, forks, spoons, a rolling pin, some different wooden utensils. Well that’s all orderly, nothing sinister. She looked at the sitting room and it appeared rather normal, if a bit spartan. Just the cushioned wooden chair, a stool and the iron stove. Akiko decided to have a seat in the chair and await Mama D.

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The wait wasn’t too long, maybe five minutes. Mama D came in with two wooden buckets full of water. Kitsune hopped up to help her “Oh no baby, I got this. Gotta keep up the work so I don’t get old. An you still recoverin’ from being half starved.”

“If you insist.” Kitsune stated as she sat down

“I do, we will put some meat on your bones before long trust me. Actually, since you’re up, mind helping me clean the dishes?”

“I would love to.”

After a few minutes Mama D began humming softly, Kitsune noticed it had a definite rhythm to it. “What song are you humming?”

“I will tell you after we get you sorted out. I promise.” Mama D said, handing another wet dish for Kitsune to dry. Once they finished the clean up Mama D directed them to the table. “All right, to begin, what is your name sugah?”

“Kitsune, and I apologize for this morning. I was disoriented and awoke in an unexpected place.” Kitsune responded in an almost cold business-like manner.

“Nothing to apologize for suga-Kitsune. You had at least one traumatic event. Do you know how you ended up with those fellows?” Mama D had seen this reaction before, putting a brave face on to bury the trauma. She wasn't too surprised or worried.

“Not at all, I don’t even know how I got here, or where here is."

"Where we are is Mers Coast. Fabled to be home to merfolk. I ain't never seen one though. This port is called Sirens Echo, not sure why other them damn merfolk tales. I am Deena, better known as Mama D around here. Would you tell me about where you came from? Your parents?"

"I have never heard of Mers Coast or Sirens Echo. Deena is a pretty name, but Mama D fits you better. Where I came from was a place called Cloverdale, I'm sure it's further than imaginable from here" Kitsune released a slight giggle "And my parents were never around much. Always traveling for business" Kitsune's voice hardens out of anger "I was left in the best schools and they often sent gifts, but they have never had time for me."

"Some parents are like that, they think material goods make up for time apart. We know now where you are and from. What is it that you want to do Kitsune?"

"One thing I need help doing is disposing of a body. The jackass that you took care of had a helper. I snuck up behind him in an abandoned warehouse that I had sought refuge in, and I killed him." Kitsune paused and took a deep calming breath. "He was the fi… first p, p, person I killed." A tear rolled down her cheek.

"Oh honey, I will make sure you never have to do that again."

Kitsune's face went cold and serious "Mama D, I want to get better at protecting myself, foremost. This recent event has taught me that it's a hard world. I need to be harder. I must be able to eliminate those who seek to hurt me or those innocent. Can and will you help?"

Mama D scowled hard for several moments before speaking "Kitsune, you are asking to begin down a path that leaves more than physical scars. I walked it myself for similar reasons. If you are sure you want this path, I will help in every way I can." Seeing Kitsune ready to agree Mama D extended her had palm out "Hold on, the offer will stay, think on it after we dump what is sure to be a bloated corpse tonight."

Later that evening after telling Mama D all she could remember about the warehouse. Kitsune and Mama D were on the streets with hooded cloaks searching for the abandoned warehouse. After Mama D with her brandished morning star persuaded a thief that they weren't easy targets they found the warehouse. The sliding door was closed, but hanging off track. Mama D a solidly built woman grabbed the door and lifted it back to its track, releasing a noxious odor making both gag momentarily. "You stayed in there? Here take this rag I soaked in some mint tea. Should help."

Kitsune nodded, unable to speak from the smell.

"Well you have some fortitude that's for sure." Mama D's voice was muffled from the rag. "I wasn't sure how I wanted to do this before we got here, but we are burning this rotten building down. Luckily no one has built near to this mess and it rained recently. So it shouldn't spread. Where did you leave him?"

"Umm, Mama D I can see in the dark very well. The body is over there. I forgot to tell you." Kitsune walked to her victim. He was face down and he was oozing out if the stab wound in his back.

"Good hit, pure luck I'm sure. Luck is good to have though. Step back, it's gonna get hot quick, ease the door a touch. Let me know if anyone is near."

Kitsune did as was asked, no one was around and a light rain had started. She gave Mama D a thumbs up. Mama D didn't start the fire. Kitsune realized her mistake after a moment "All is clear." She called quietly. She heard a cap unscrew and Mama D curse before a splashing sound then a lantern was lit and tossed. The light arcing towards the body to explode igniting the putrid remains and the nearby boxes and barrels."Run girl." Mama quietly ordered as she ran towards the door.

Once outside they darted down nearby alleys keeping in the shadows. Mama D right behind Kitsune, trusting her night vision. After a few minutes Mama D called a stop, they were far enough away and she was winded. Let's ease back home follow me. She took a long twisting route, just in case they had been seen and followed.

Inside the house Kitsune blurted out "That was exciting!"

Mama D shook her head. "I knew it."

Kitsune cocked her head to the side "Knew what?"

"That you're the right kind of crazy."

They shared a laugh, got into warm clothes and slept.