Shimmering Fox

In the morning, I'm awakened by the maid. She brings me breakfast and informs me to go join Kaoriko-san in the garden after finishing breakfast.

Later, I've joined Kaoriko-san in the garden. She enquires an abundance about me. I vaguely tell her about my past. Avoiding everything about being a god. Furthermore, I'd tell her that I'm heading west to Aokigahara. She is astounded and warns me that I may not come out of that forest alive once I step in there. Yet, she commend me on my bravery and asked me if she could tag along.

I refuse initially. But her skill of debating is undeniably top-notch. Cutting through everything I've said. I, therefore, let her come along with me. And so, I leave Kyoto and continue my journey with my new companion. Luckily, Kaoriko-San owns a carriage. Seems like we gonna meet sooner than I anticipated, Mother.

"Kaoriko-San, remind me. Why he's here again?" I asked as I realised that Munechika-san has also come with us.

"I don't know why either." Coldly replied, Kaoriko.

"Don't be so cold, Riko-chan. I said I'm kinda busy but it doesn't mean I don't wanna help you." He whimpered " well, you see, I'm here because you guys need a horse rider. And I happen to be the only person suitable for this job for some reason." nervously laugh, Munechika.

"By the way, Where're we heading to exactly?" Questioned, Munechika.

"Don't you pay attention! We're going to Aokigahara" Fumed, Kaoriko.

"What?!? Are you having a death wish or something!?!"

"Ask him, not me. I'm just here for a poetical purpose"

"I...... need to find my deceased mother......"

"Reasonable indeed, Aokigahara the place where earth and underworld are connected......" Murmured, Kaoriko.

"Well, if that's the case, We make sure you'll meet her quickly as possible. We promise!" Cheered up, Munechika.

Somehow, I feel like he indirectly told me to die.

"Certainly." Serenely said, Kaoriko.

Having travelled from dawn to dusk, we arrived at the little town called Koka. According to these two, this town is well known for its professional ninja services.

Now, we're having a sojourn at a ramshackle ryokan in the town. Initially, I expected something more luxurious since Kaoriko-San's an aristocrat and all. She couldn't stand such a commonplace. But astoundingly, She was more than willing to stay at the place. Furthermore, She was the one who selects this very place.

We share a room altogether. More unexpected of Kaoriko-San. She seems more easygoing than I imagined. Same room Same mattress, at least not the same hot springs though. That would be too awkward. Well, I'd better have a rest now. The path is still far.

"Sano-Kun, wake up!" A fainting voice called out for me.

"Gosh! please move. He shan't be awake by such tingling. I shall use my poem. Thunderous thunder..."

"That won't wake him! More like making his reunion with his mother faster!"

"I beg to differ. A mere zap wouldn't kill a man."

"Is something matter, two of you?" By that argument, I've no choice but to wake up soporifically.

Either of them appears to be frightened by something. Judge by Munechika-San who's trembling right now. Also, Kaoriko-San's heavily sweating. Honestly, She's rather hard to read due to her aristocratic personality. But thanks to Munechika-San, She likes an open scroll.

"A f-f-f... fox......" stuttered, Munechika.

"A fox?"

"A fox white shimmering floating al fresco......" Bafflingly spoke, Kaoriko.

Kaoriko-San is out of her mind once again. This must be something.

"You lost me, I'm afraid. Let's discuss this in the morning, shall we?"

I've returned to my slumber. However, those two appear to be too frightened to sleep. Therefore, I decided to sing a song.

"雨 潸潸と　この身に落ちて

わずかばかりの　運の悪さを　恨んだりして

人は哀しい 哀しいものですね

それで　も過去達は

優しく睫毛に　憩う

人生って 不思議なものですね......"

.........................................................

"Sano-Kun! Rise and shine!"

"Do not disturb him, Sanjo. The boy deserves a rest. We bothered him enough last night."

"True, but what the hell happened last night? Where does that ghost fox come from? And what're you reading Riko-chan?"

"Oh, this thing? I found it on his forehead when I've awaked. Must've been that mischievous little fox doing, I assume. "

"Ow Ow! What does it say?"

"'Follow the white fox.'"

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"Based on my assumption, I surmise that we ought to find that fox. Supposedly, it may attempt to inform us of something. Something crucial, perhaps? let us discuss this later with Susanoo-san, shall we? For now, Let's find something to eat. Have we anything left in the bento boxes?"

" 'fraid not. It's all out. Should we hit the town and get some supplies? I've to find something for a battle ahead, anyway. "

"Isn't your rustic hammer adequate?"

"Of course not! I'll never use my precious tools for reasons like that."

.................................

While Sano-chan is sleeping, Riko-chan and I decide to hit the town for supplies. Our ryokan is at the edge of town. So we have to take quite a walk to the market.

"Wow! This town is so cool! Look! They've got ninjas everywhere. They've even got a Ninja blacksmith shop. Can we check it out? Pretty please?"

"I suppose, I'd better obtain subordinate weapon also. For an unexpected circumstance. 'Better use a crane before you fall' " Agreed, Riko.

We walk into one of the shops and browsing stuff. There are tons of interesting things. Like that chained kunai, a ball filled with caltrops and these strange darts with threads on the bottom sides.

"Oi, Riko-chan! Find any you like?"

"Just gaze upon this Dagger! What an elegant dagger it is!" amazed, Riko.

"Riko-chan, that's just a tuna knife"

"Whatever! I'll take it" Ignored, Riko. "Excuse me, Owner! How much is this?"

In the end, She ends up buying that silly knife. For me, I just buy a dozen of smokeballs. In case something happens, I guess.

"Well, That was cheaper than I thought. We should go for breakfast next. I'm starving."

"I concur, What would you like for breakfast? Salmon, perhaps?"

"Nah, I prefer onigiri. It's more convenient. We can share it with Sano-Kun later too."

"What a remarkable idea from an idiotic mooncalf! Let's do that then."

"Sometimes I just feel like you want to murder me."

We've bought onigiris from within the market and head back to Sano-chan. But on the way back to the ryokan.

"Sanjo, Look!" gasped, Riko.

"Okay, Alright, let's run!........."

"What a scaredy-cat! We must follow it, Or else!" glared at me, Riko 

"Now, Come. We've got a fox to follow."