Welcome to the new world

Closing the door behind us, we left the shrine building. The sun was still high up in the sky, and we had plenty of time left today.
“Say, would you accompany me for a trip?” Ayame asked me, peering at me from the side.
While it was formulated like a question, it didn’t feel like one. She continued along without waiting for me reply. I chose to follow her. There wasn’t much else I had planned for today, thinking the previous affair would take longer.
As when went down the stairs, I followed up her question “So, where are we headed?”
“You will see.”
At the end of the stairs, we took a turn, and kept on walking.

We didn’t talk that much, just continuing out stroll. The silence wasn’t harsh, it felt relaxed, almost comfortable. And it allowed me to better take in the surroundings. We were going through less frequented streets, leading to the outskirts of the town. Soon enough, we were surrounded by rice fields. The mountains provided a scenic backdrop to it.
This was one of the things I enjoyed about the more rural area. You could just take a walk, and enjoy the nature around you. And even better, I had company that enjoyed it too. I could see it in her eased posture and the gentle smile on her face. I doubted many of my acquaintances from middle school in the large city would have an interest in these kinds of activities.

As we walked further, we got closer to the forests that were near omni-present in the area. I saw Ayame’s head perk up, looking around. I followed her sight, and saw a few white shadows dash around us. They all headed to the nearest opening in the forest, which gave way to a trail. Next to that entrance was a small shrine. The fox statues and red tori made it obviously an Inari shrine.
We drew close. And surely, the small white shadows came out of hiding. They were small foxes, looking intently at us.
“You see,” Ayame broke the silence. “these little guys are messenger foxes. Due to the many Inari shrines in the area you can find them pretty much anyway.”
We were now in front of the shrine. Ayame crouched, and the foxes gathered around her. She started petting them, which they seemed keen on. I crouched down too, a few steps away from her. Many of the small foxes regarded me with caution. Then, a more curious fella started walking to me. I held my hand out. After sniffing it, he leaned his head against it, rubbing his head against my palm. Satisfied with that reaction, more came over to me. It seemed they had accepted me.

“I am happy they took to you.” Ayame glance over, smiling all the while.
“I take it normal people can’t see them?”
“Yes. So, while it might be tempting to try and pet them whenever you see some around, it might be good to refrain when you aren’t alone. But, that is not why I brought you here.” Her expression turned serious. “They aren’t called messenger foxes without a reason. If you are in danger, you can call out to them. Generally, they arrive quickly. Then, describe your situation to them. They will run off, and look for help.”
I took a closer look at the ones around me. “They understand human speech?”
“Yes. They speak too, though you might have trouble understanding them.”
“Is it because I am new to this?”
“Yes. Before, we said you had abilities. The most basic one is something we refer to as spirit sense. It allows you to perceive the magical word. Currently, you can only see things. But, as you interact more and more with it, you will get better. In the end, you should be able to converse with them.”
“Is that so. …Are they saying anything about me right now?”
“Well…” She looked at the foxes around her. After nodding a few times, she turned back to me. “You are good at petting and giving scratches.”
‘So that is what the spirits’ evaluation of me amounts to. But at least it is something positive.’ “If I can ask them to send for help, it means others might do the same, right?”
“Yes. Which is one of the other reasons I wanted to bring you here. If you ever see one of them approach you, it means you are needed. For now, simply following them should be enough.” She pondered for a moment. “Another case might by they want to warn you from danger. Let’s see…”
Ayame turned to one of the foxes further away. I followed her line of sight. The white fuzzy spirit looked at her, then to me. Without any forewarning, it rose its tail, its fur standing on end. I could even hear something like a growl. As suddenly as it had started, it ended. “With this they will tell you to stay away. Whether it is danger, or a place you are not supposed to go it.”
“I think I will get the message.”

For a while, we stayed silence, giving most of our attention to the smaller ones. About half an hour later, they spread out, walking to god knows where. I took a glance at Ayame. It seemed as if something was still in her thoughts. Taking a guess, I spoke up.
“But that isn’t the entire reason you brought me here, right?”
“Well, yes.” Discomfort spread on her face. I knew what it might be about. Going to it directly could be hard, so I drafted a route to the subject.
“Say, are they so friendly to you because you are a kitsune, or are they like this to everyone?”
“They generally take to most kind people. Some even tend to spend time around a few elderly people, keeping them company, even if they can’t be seen.”
“Still, you must hold a close position to them, no?”
“Kind off.”
“I take it them warming up to me so quickly might have a meaning?”
She squirmed a bit. “Yes, you might be onto something.”
Silence descended upon us once more. I turned my head to the shrine. Walking to the offering box, I threw a five yen coin in, and prayed for a second. I kept my focus on it. And, same as before, I could make something out, although only weakly. It could be due to it being a smaller shrine.
Anyway, I tried reaching out towards it. I felt it coming closer and closing. Then, shortly before reaching it, a sharp chop on me head interrupted me. It mad em lose focus, and called me back to reality. I looked around me, but Ayame was still standing several meters away. Surprise was written on her face. I bowed, and stepped away from the small shrine.
In a few hasty steps, Ayame had taken my spot, and prayed to. Some seconds passed, and she stopped to. We both walked out through the tori. Then, facing each-other, started talking.

“So, what was that?”
“…” After some fidgeting, Ayame heaved a sigh. Then, she started speaking. “It seems that you got a warning.”
‘That doesn’t good.’ After Suzune telling me not to affront the local deities, I did just that. “What did I do wrong?”
“Ah, not that kind of warning. Not a reprimand, but a sign of caution. You didn’t feel a headache right now, right?”
“Yes.” Now it clicked in my head.
“You were stopped before it could happen.” For some reason, she looked sad. And it played into my previous thoughts.
“You had hoped I could receive help with the seal, and try to remember a few things, right?” A shock ran through Ayame. ‘Bullseye.’ But, I couldn’t really fault her. I too wanted to know about the past.
With a dejected look, she quietly asked “Was it uncalled for?”
“…” I couldn’t get angry with her. “No. In fact, I should thank you for coming up with the idea. But by now, I have decided to play the long game. I will wait for the seal to go by itself.” Yes, this was the path I wanted to walk. As the kitsune stilled seemed despond, I tried to cheer her up. “And I hope I can count on you during it.”
“Huh?” Her face shot up, looking at me.
“I know I might be asking a lot of you, but I hope you can help me out and guide me along the way. Sure, I could turn to Suzune or Mori. However, I think it might be more …fun with you?” I followed my gut instinct for the decision.
Still, it had a visible effect on her: Her eyes brightened up, and her frown changed into a smile. “Alright, you can count on me! I will show you all there is to see!” She bushed her chest out triumphantly. “So, when should we meet tomorrow?”
“Ah, well.” ‘Seems like I have to break it to her.’ “You see, as tomorrow is the start of golden week, I already have plans with some friends from school.”
I could see a tremble run through her. “Yeah, right, there was something…” A blush rose to her face. If I remembered correctly, I had overheard her group also making plans for next week. Seemed like she had forgotten about it in the heat of the current moment.
“Well, we are still in contact. If either of us has a free day that overlaps, we can meet up. And who knows, we might cross paths by chance.”
“Yes! There is always chance…” Ayame could be seen with a smirk, almost giggling to herself.
‘Why do I feel like it won’t be chance anymore?’ Pushing the irrational thought aside, I moved back to the present. “So, are there other places to check out?”
“Oh, sure.”
And so, we left the forest behind us. She led the way, and gave me insight in some of the older areas of town, specific landmarks, and a few tidbits of information on the spirits around us. A few hours later, we decided to end the tour. After saying farewell, we split ways, and I made my way home.

This evening, I got a message from Suzune.
‘Hello.
Ayame gave me your number. Thought I should write at least once.
Again, congratulations.’

Now, I had a way of contacting her. …And I seized the chance to ask her a question I couldn’t before.
‘Good evening.
…I know the following might sound a bit weird, so I hope you do not misunderstand.
The actual question: Why is Ayame so obsessed with me?’

It was the one thing that stood out to me. It might not have been the most fitting description. There was practically no reason. Sure, it had to do with something in the past. And I had a rough idea regarding it. But as I couldn’t recall it, I hoped to gain a small amount of insight from this. It was in contrast to my resolution, but I could at least try at times to gleam some info. Especially when it didn’t concern just me, but others as well.
But alas, my hopes were dashed.
‘Don’t ever let her hear that.’
Just a single sentence answer. I got a mental image of Suzune being upset with me, similar to the time in the café.
Then, my phone rang. I was a bit startled as it was unexpected. I saw the name, and accepted the call.
“Hello.”
“…” I got silence as a reply. Then, I heard a heavy heave, before Suzune spoke. “Again, don’t let her ever hear that. Or I will make sure you regret it.”
“I know. That’s why I wrote you know, and didn’t ask at noon.”
“So you do have some semblance of delicacy.” She was upset. But soon, it passed. “I know you didn't mean it badly, but still…”
“Let me guess, it is related to the past.”
“…Yes.”
“And you can’t tell me.”
“Yes.”
“Knew it.”
“But,” unexpectedly, she continued the discussion. “it was not something I knew from the beginning. Ayame told me herself yesterday. Which is why I knew that there might be a person who could do something about it. In fact, I now know your exact situation. It isn’t anything bad, but not something outsiders can interfere with.”
“So…” ‘By that, doesn’t it mean the other person that could lift it is no outsider. And actually involved. Just who-’ As I could have expected, my head started throbbing. A few seconds later, it passed enough for me to focus on reality again.
“-alright! Answer me!” Suzune called through the phone.
I quickly replied to reassure her. “Ah, yes. I am alright.” I actually was. The previous time had been waaay worse.
“…” She went silent for a moment. “No more talking about anything of this. Got it?”
I didn’t want the subject of the past be banned, but had no choice but to agree. “Got it.”
“Good.” Alas, she didn’t leave me without hinting at some hope. “Don’t worry, I have a feeling that things will work out for you, and things will fall into place sooner than later.”
“And your feelings usually prove right?”
“Most of the time.” ‘That’s a shrine maiden for you.’ “But, back to the original topic. Even if it doesn’t make much sense for you, please play along with her. I can promise you, you will not regret it in the future.”
“Alright.” I thought if I should mention something, and decided to do. “Actually, I had already planned to do so. I can’t tell you why, but when I am with Ayame, it just… feels correct, you know?”
“I know. And probably better than you. Anyway, I’ll leave it at that.” ‘Mysticism should be her field, so I guess I can count on that prophecy.’

Without my input, she continued the conversation. “By the way, have you anything planned for next Sunday?”
“Hmm. I might head to the festival with a few friends from school.”
“Good. You might see me, but we best don’t interact.”
“Alright, I won’t bother you. I take it you will be busy with work?”
“Yes, but not only that. You will see several non-humans gather during the festival. I will be looking over them. If you talk to me, they will flock around you for the rest of it. IT isn’t anything bad, but might be hard to explain if you are there with other humans.”
“Got it. Then, I am looking forward to it.”
Pride entered her voice, as she began gloating. “I am sure you are. And it will be awesome, you can count on that.”
“You sound confident.”
“Yes. Because I know it will top everything you have ever seen.” Now that was a challenging statement. “But, best I don’t spoil too much. Alright, enough for today. Bye.”
“Ah, goodbye.” I removed the phone from my ear. Before hanging up, I could hear Suzune still mumble. “How do I hang up again? Wait… this button, ri-” It looked like she wasn't that tech savvy. After all the help she had given me, maybe I could tech her about it in the future? I am by no means a master, but that might make it easier for me to emphasize with her situation, and explain it in easier terms.
Now, the evening had a satisfying conclusion. With a week of fun coming up, my heart started soaring high. It would be great.