FoxFire
(Chapter4)

         Evan rubbed his eyes with his palms and took a deep breath to calm his nerves.  He stepped out of the office and moved behind the counter.  Nathan stepped into the doorway to watch from the office. 

         The mercenary at the front door forced his way through the thick glass, silenced pistol in hand.  He pointed it towards the other end of the shop.  A red dot passed over Nathan’s chest then moved to Evan.  “You the owner of this place, kid?”

         “That’s me.  The safe is on a time-lock delay.  You’re early.” 

         A downward shotgun blast turned the back door to a cobweb.  The second mercenary kicked it three times until it came apart.  He eased through the back door and lifted the pump-action weapon. 

         The first man in black gear, up at the front of the store, said, “We’re not here for your money, kid.  We’re here because you didn’t go to the meeting you were told to attend in your email last week.” 

         “Hmm,” Evan said, folding his arms.  “Go to some random meeting that seemed like spam to me… or attend game night, which I’d been looking forward to for quite some time.  No thanks.  2D20 trumps random emails, asking me to attend something that doesn’t interest me.”

         The second attacker kept his shotgun pointed at Nathan and Evan.  “Boy, you got one hella’ set of balls on you, kid.” 

         “I’m no stranger to bullies.  I’ve been pushed around my whole life.  I could have defended myself anytime I wanted but I always walked away from fights because they’re beneath me.  But you have guns and you’re leaving me with no choice.  So now we have to decide how to proceed: Diplomacy, departure or…”

         Nathan sighed.  “Kid, if you’re going to spew heroic speeches, write a good one and rehearse it first.  Please.  And remember to keep it short.” 

         “Yeah, you should listen to the old man,” said the man with the shotgun, near the counter.  “We’re here to kill you; we don’t care about the chump change in your safe.” 

         “If you were here to kill me, then why break in?  Why not just shoot an RPG into my store without warning?” 

         The mercenary up at the front said, “Because we need to document your ability, first, to see why you managed to survive our attack from the other day.” 

         Evan sighed in frustration.  “Everyone survived because I don’t like killing people.  So if that’s what this is about – some sort of trial – then tell me who you work for so I can talk to them personally.  I’ll fix this myself.” 

         Nathan shook his head.  “They’re not here to judge your past, kid.  They’re here to judge your abilities, document them and kill you.” 

         “Shoot the old man,” said the masked mercenary with the pistol.  The second gunman turned his shotgun towards Nathanial. 

         Evan clenched his hand; the shotgun’s barrel, handle and trigger all turned to glass.  “Nobody is killing anyone, here.” 

         “Evan,” Nathan stepped from the doorway, calmly, and faced the young man.  “They’re a hunting party, young man.  If you let them live, they will track down another person with abilities.  Possibly one who hasn’t even manifested yet.  Then a defenseless person dies, all because you refused to take action.  You can’t prowl for offenders currently taking hostile action.  You have to stop the people who have intent, before they can strike.” 

         The man with the glass shotgun swung his weapon at Nathanial’s head.  Instead of striking the old man and causing injury, a bolt of lightning raced back from Nathan’s body, used the gun as a conductor, and electrocuted the attacker. 

         Nathan turned about and tapped a finger against his chin.  “I thought glass was a bad conductor?  Must’ve still had metal components at the core.  Either that, or I’m stronger than I used to…” Nathan flinched at the sound of a gunshot.  He brought his hands up to either side of his head, rubbing at his ears.  “Son of a bitch that was loud!” 

         Evan flinched, leaving Nathanial to offer a wan grin.  “Oh, right.  Cusswords.  Forgot about that.  Sorry, kid.”  He glanced over at the mercenary, seeing the forty-five pointed in his direction.  Nathan smiled.  “Wow.  Kid, did you just protect me from getting shot?” 

         “I, uh… the bullet turned to glass when it passed through my… whatever.  Aura thing.  Uhm… didn’t you feel it pelt you?” 

         Nathan grinned. “When you get this old, everything hurts.  I just figured I pulled something from being startled by that noise.” 

         The man with the gun shifted it towards Evan then pulled the trigger again.  Nothing happened.  He tried once more to no avail.  The man threw his gun on the ground, reached for his sidearm then looked down at the glass weapon and discarded that as well. 

With no other weapons available, the mercenary reached into a netted pocket on his vest.  He withdrew a grenade, pulled the pin and threw it towards the counter.  With a grunt, the man dove back towards the front door just as Evan waved a hand – the broken glass in the door mended itself.

         The mercenary slammed into the front door and slumped to the floor, motionless.  Evan picked up the grenade and waved his hand around it.  Glass encased the pineapple-like device.  The object lurched from his grip with a dull thud. 

         “Whoa.”  Nathanial approached Evan and leaned in close to look at the glass globe in the boy’s grip.  “You made a bowling ball dense enough to resist the concussion of a grenade?” 

         “Ballistics resistant glass has layering techniques and thickness techniques that allow it to withstand…” Evan trailed off and bit his lip.  “Geeze.  Those guys actually tried to kill us.  Like, really kill us.”  He put the surprisingly heavy glass ball on the counter. 

Nathan tested it for weight then grimaced. 

         Dazed, the nearest mercenary got to his feet and reached for a combat knife.  Evan approached him, standing protectively in front of Nathan.  The mercenary drew his arm back then lunged.  The knife turned to glass.  By the time the blade met Evan’s skin, it transformed back into sand, its base element.  It ran down his shirt. 

         Evan closed his hand around the white powder then blew it in the man’s face.  “Silica.  Your knife isn’t going to…” 

         The man hauled off and punched Evan across his jaw.  The young man doubled over with a groan, immediately putting his left hand over his face.  He reached back with his right hand to keep Nathan at bay.  Evan stood up, slowly, only to take another hard strike, this time adjacent to his eye.  He groaned softly, tears trickling down his cheeks.  “Shazbot. That really hurt.” 

         “Kid, stop playing around or let me finish him off,” said Nathanial. 

         “No, no…” Evan shook his head slowly.  “This is personal, now.”  He closed his gangly hands into two frail looking fists. 

         The mercenary smirked, lowering his own fists.  “You scrawny little bitch. I’ll even let you throw one jab before I kill you and your friend.” 

         Evan narrowed his gaze, somewhat, unable to squint very well from the swelling of his right eye.  “Jerk.”  He drew his hand back and hit the man square in the mouth. 

         To Nathan’s surprise, the mercenary doubled back and put both hands over his face.  The man tripped over a glass display on the sales floor then flopped onto his side, eyes wide.  Nathanial leaned on the counter, adjacent to the register, and asked, “What did you just do?” 

         “I turned all his teeth to cheaply-made glass.  Then I hit him.”  Evan raised the volume of his tone, and asked, “How’d that feel, Gumby?  Bet’cha didn’t know you’ve got a glass jaw against me, huh?  And for the record, you hit like a girl.  You should have knocked me out with one punch.  You couldn’t do it in two.” 

         Nathan started laughing.  He put his left hand on Evan’s shoulder and shook his head, “Nah, kid.  Don’t taunt the guy.  Is this your first legitimate fight with a bully?” 

         “Yeah.  It felt pretty good.”  Evan waved his hand.  A wall of glass formed, followed by another, until the mercenary was caged in a box with slatted vents on the top.  “I keep several tons of quartz sand in the crawlspace under my store, pal.  You’re on my turf.  And, just in case you think you’re going to jump me somewhere far from sand, there’s silica in a lot of things.  From toothpaste to Fiber Optical cables to silicon components in electronics and…” 

         “Okay, okay.”  Nathan gave Evan’s shoulder another firm pat.  “Slow your roll, kiddo.  I’m going to write you a list of things to do.  If you wanna go ‘hero’ with this, fine, but you’ll need a sidekick to watch your back.  Make this list your manifesto and memorize it.” 

The old man reached into his pocket and pulled out a piece of folded paper and handed it to the young man.  “Don’t lose this.  I had the good sense to write this before I met you, knowing how this was most likely going to play out.  Glad I did.  Now, go study this kid.  I’ve gotta get these two jokers out of your store.  I have a few more errands to run today.” 

         Evan opened the page and held it to the left, so he could read it with his good eye.  “So, uhm… how long before the swelling goes down?” 

         “Oh, yeah.  You might have that for a week.  Go to the grocery store at the top of the block, buy a bag of frozen peas, put a few in a small ziplock baggie and hold that up to your eye for a little bit.  Don’t press too hard.  You’ll be fine, kid.  Trust me, you’ll live to find love.”  Nathan put his hand on the glass wall. 

         After a moment, with his glowing palm on the glass panel, he glanced back and said, “Okay, melting this glass is going to take longer than I thought.  Can you let this guy free?” 

         “Oh, okay.  Cover your mouth.  You don’t want to inhale silica dust.  It’s really dangerous.”  Evan waved his hand and the glass cage dropped to the floor in a cloud of white powder. 

         Nathan held his breath and touched the man before he could escape.  The mercenary seized up then dropped into the old man’s hands.  With all the gear, it caused the old man to struggle with the mercenary’s weight.  “Dammit.  I used to be able to carry thugs like this on my shoulders.  How about a little help?  I’ve got a pickup truck with a cap on the back.” 

         “Moving bodies in broad daylight? Oh geeze, Mister.  Let’s hurry before someone sees us.  Did I pass your test or whatever?”

         “I gave you the paper, kid.  Trust me, I know your potential.  At the bottom is a phone number.  Anytime you capture one of these morons, you call that number.  The guy who answers the phone is named Johann Foster.  He’ll make sure the right person comes to pick up the bodies.  All you need to tell him is that you’ve got unconscious mercenaries who tried to attack people with abilities.  He’ll know what to do.” 

         “Thanks.  I appreciate the help.  What was your name again?” 

         “Nice try,” Nathan said.  “You can call me Liam Neeson because I’m the toughest old guy you’ve ever seen.”  Carrington offered a sheepish grin.  “And because, like Qui-Gon Jinn, and Ra’s al Ghul, you needed a tough, manly guy who’s at the end of his life, to teach you how to be a rockstar, kid.” 

         Evan grinned at the StarWars and Batman humor.  The boyish-faced youth rubbed his chin for a moment, eyeing Nathanial, then said, “You kinda’ look like that guy, too.” 

         “Yeah, yeah.”  Nathan walked over to the other mercenary, whose neck had broken during the collision with the front door.  “I get that a lot.  By the way, you did a good job with the other guy.  Stopped him cold.”  Nathan tossed his truck keys to Evan and said, “Back the truck up to your rear door entrance.”    

         Evan looked down at the keys in his hand then headed for the front door and stepped over the motionless man.  “Is he…?”

         “He’s fine.  Just get the truck, across the street, and bring it around back.” 

         “Sure thing, Darkman.”  Evan offered a wan smile and headed out, across the street. 

X

 X

September 1^st, 8pm
San Francisco, California

         “Kalen Kincade, huh?” Nathanial smiled inwardly and shook his head  “Don’t you look just dapper.  Anyway, I’m a friend of Natalia.  I knew her husband, Niall.  He was old school so far as vampires go.  I was there when Masopic killed him.” 

         Kalen appeared stoic, standing in the doorway of the fancy mansion.  “Mistress Natalia found me after her husband was murdered.  She said she needed someone to be her personal hand-to-hand champion.  To keep her safe.  Natalia is special amongst us.”  The fair-skinned vampire motioned for Nathanial to step inside.

         Nathan shrugged then looked around the fancy foyer.  “Yeah, I know.  She’s related to the Loupe family.  Does the whole shadow thing.  But she’s also doing the whole blood-drinker thing.  Where is she?” 

         Kalen shut the front door and motioned for the old man to follow him.  “Let’s talk.”  He led Nathan from the foyer to the dining room, a grand hall meant for over a dozen diners.  Kincade sighed and glanced back at Nathan. “Mistress Natalia does not trust many.  YiaYia, of course.  She often trusts seers once they’ve proven their abilities.  Myself, surely.  But she also trusts you.  I’m not sure why and I’m not sure what has happened between you two in the past.  However, she is in a state of physical indolence.  Some call it ‘torpor’ and others call it ‘the sleep.’  I apologize if you’ve come to see her but she cannot be easily awoken.” 

         “I’m not sure I understand.  I thought she was awake until a little while from now.” 

         “The oracle said she’d be up in a year, see something depressing, work with a group of people to create a sense of order, then return to her slumber.”  Kalen frowned thoughtfully.  “I was recently visited by a geneticist named Doctor Aris Falcon.  He was full of information about the origins of our kind and how we were a bastard lineage of a failed punishment system for The First Age.  Do you know what that means?” 

         Nathanial sighed.  “Yeah.  But you’re not supposed to understand it yet.  Falcon was keen to point it out to other races, but it’s all too much to explain right now.  Look, Kalen, I came to see you, too; not just your Mistress.  I know she means the world to you, but trust me when I tell you that you’re going to play an important part, soon enough.  I, uh, spoke to seers that I trust.  Just do me a favor and stay in America for a while longer.”

         “Very well.  So, how is it that you knew Mistress Natalia, yet I’ve never seen you before?”

Nathan grinned.  “Maybe you were too busy trying to tame Karla.  You used to chase her skirt as I recall.”

         Kalen balked in silence.  “Who are you?”

“What?  Don’t recognize me because I’m old?  I’m 146 years old, man.  If you’re expecting a pretty face then I’m sorry to disappoint you.” 

         “Am I supposed to guess?  Very well, what are your abilities?”

Nathan folded his arms.  “Electricity.  Oh, and here’s something new for ya’.  My abilities are on permanent loan from the so-called First Age.  Whatever. It’s complicated.  It’s a shame Natalia is out for the count.  Now, other than her penchant for academia and obsession with ornate mirrors, I know she raises some pretty kickass vampires.  Kalen, did you know that Natalia communes with some pretty big power players?”

         “Excuse me?”

         “Ever met Tamamo-no-Mae?” 

         “I’m afraid I don’t know that name.  Sounds Asian.” 

         “Yeah, pal.  Japanese.  I was hoping Natalia would have been able to contact her for me, but it sounds like I’ll have to try doing it myself.  You should have a room with an oval mirror.  It’ll have a really intricate metal frame with Japanese lettering across the bottom.” 

         Kalen eyed the man for a moment then rubbed his chin.  “Nathanial Carrington?” 

         Nathan smiled.  “What?  You didn’t recognize me?  I mean, damn, you haven’t seen me in how long?  Hell, I lost count.” 

         “About one hundred seventeen years.  You’ve aged well, considering.  Last I’ve seen you, I would say you were about thirty.” 

         “Yeah,” Nathan said with a chuckle.  “That sounds about right.  Tunguska.” 

         A sly smile found the vampire’s lips, offering a hint of twin ivory-colored fangs.  “Indeed.  The day Karla discovered teleportation.  I assumed you died.  Considering the fact that the next time she teleported during World War Two, she accidentally killed a few sailors on the Eldridge.  I’ve not seen you in ages.” 

         “Yeah, literally.  So, since Natalia isn’t awake, can I use her god-mirror?” 

         “Very well, Mister Carrington.  I understand she has a unique and intimate belief system of how religion works and she claims there’s ranks between mortals and God.  What does the mirror have to do with anything?” 

         “It’s the only way I know how to contact Tamamo-no-Mae.  I’ve only ever seen two human people contact her.  Natalia is one of them and she did it on that mirror she always keeps around.  Please?” 

         Kalen tilted his head slightly, in a half-nod.  “Very well.”  He turned about and headed into a hallway. 

         Clear across the mansion, Kalen opened a door for Nathanial and said, “You’ll pardon me, I don’t believe in such things.  I’ve never seen anything in that mirror even when my Mistress appeared to be having a conversation with it.  She said it’s because I didn’t have faith; I respect Mistress Natalia, I’m openminded to lots of supernatural things.  However, I never saw anything in that mirror.  Ever.”  Kalen eyed Nathanial for a moment then added, “I hope you don’t mind that I won’t be joining you.” 

         “It’s fine, man.  I don’t mind.  Thanks for letting me try.” 

         “How is Karla?”

         “I still see her every day, just about.  She’s fine, man.  Same ole’ Karla.”

         With a nod, Kalen gestured to the door.  Nathan stepped inside and shut it behind himself then crossed the room, admiring various trinkets and artifacts.  Lore and symbols of gods from religions spanning throughout written history covered the walls.  At the far end, Nathanial approached a crystal clear mirror with an opulent metal frame.  It had elegant Kanji scrawl along the bottom, Greek lettering on the left, Egyptian hieroglyphics on the right, and an unknown language across the top. 

         He stood in front of it, hands at his sides, and said, “Tamamo-no-Mae.  If you can hear me, I need you to agree to send Sinopa Crevan here.  I kept my promise.  I never said anything to Sinopa or Jonny Parker.  And, even though I started talking to Sinopa again over the past few years, I never told her about the past.  I kept my promise.  But it’s time for her to come to California.  I had a dream last night that I spoke to her.  I can only assume she had the same one.  In it, Japan was missing something, and I suggested for her to go and speak to Jon Parker about the missing artifacts.  But, later in the dream, they never cross paths.  Then things grew dark, figuratively speaking.  So… how do we proceed from here?” 

X

 X

September 2^nd, Midday…
Yokosuka, Japan

Sinopa Crevan glanced at the reflection with a smirk. Her amber gaze lowered then lifted. She brought her hands up to touch upon the red locks that framed her face. With a subtle tilt of the head, she captured a sanguine ringlet. Sinopa tugged on it then moved the tendril of hair into position to better conceal the triangular orange-furred ear poking up on the top left of her head.

She hiked the back of her kimono and glanced at the bottom of three orange foxtails that brushed the backside of her legs. "What a pain," she murmured with a sigh. She turned her eyes up to the mirror once more and announced, "Tamamo-no-Mae, assist me, choudai." Silence. Sinopa frowned then added, "Kudasai?"

A white nine-tailed fox vixen trotted up to the mirror on the other side of the reflection. She sat down and curled her numerous tails around her lithe body. The vixen's ear flickered listlessly then she offered a relaxed yawn followed by a tilt of the head. The fox's whiskers lay back along her muzzle then she licked her lips and, with proper dictation and enunciation, spoke. "Sinopa, you seek my council, little one? Perhaps you’re finally asking yourself why you're seeing a white man in the first place."

Sinopa glared at her sensei in the mirror.  “Not amusing, sempai.  You’re the most sarcastic tenko I’ve ever met.”  She shook her head and sighed.  "You're a little more versed in love than I am," Sinopa replied.  The three-tailed kitsune took a deep breath. "I want to tell him. We're in love and I want to tell him."

"Sinopa Crevan, do you think before you rejoinder? Love with a human isn't possible. Konoe was beyond obsessed with me yet he ordered Miura to kill me. Ever have an arrow jut from your heart? Worst of all, I knew it was going to happen the day before, due to a prophetic dream. Being shot in the heart is as painful as the breakup, itself. If it wasn't for Genno-sama, I'd still be in that blasted stone, the Sessho-seki."

Sinopa brought her hand to her mouth, trying not to snicker in front of the mirror. "Yes, I know all about the stone, and the story of your spirit, the Hoji – your cursed soul after you were dispatched in this realm; did it really kill people?”

         Tamamo balked.  “I was a vengeful spirit before Inari-tenno?? resurrected me in the celestial realm.  But I never murdered anyone.  That was a horror story told to remind travelers to prepare for the dangers of crossing the country during that time period.  I’m not a murderer, no matter how Japanese Mythology may remember me.”

Sinopa smiled.  “Why are you still upset about that?  It happened in 1155 in the Western Calendar.”

“Hai, you obsess over following that calendar now that you’ve begun dating an American man.”

“But," Sinopa cleared her throat and continued where she left off. "I desire to spend my time with that man.  Tamamo-sama, please… You were in love for a long time. You were adored. You were respected and the humans flocked to you. The difference is in the modern era.  Sempai, nearly nine hundred years later, men are emotionally secure and more refined. More accepting. I'm sorry Emperor Konoe-Tenno?? acted the way he did when he found out you weren't human, but as I said... humans have matured in the last nine centuries. You've seen him; you’ve seen how he treats me, and the locket he gave me on White Day. He's splendid and honorable. He treats me with respect. He won't care if I'm a kami spirit fox, witch, or part animal… so long as I'm sentient and return his love. Jules-san is a good man."

The vulpine creature in the mirror bristled up. "You're a fool. Even if he accepts you, any other who finds out will not accept you. The supernatural societies of the Earth realm will frown on a young demigod walking amongst them. Where do you think Miura-no-suke got his magical arrow? The market?"

Sinopa grinned. "Again, sarcasm does not become you …Hoji."

"You're pushing your luck with me, young one. Lord Inari himself has even proclaimed I am the most beautiful of all kitsune. The most intelligent woman any Emperor has ever known – infinitely knowledgeable in all subjects, academic or otherwise.”  Tamamo sighed and shook her head with a look of longing.  “Oh, Konoe… Sinopa, I had our relationship laid out perfectly. All it took was for him to become sick and for someone to convince him I was working for a Shogun who sought to become emperor. All it will take is for your precious Jules to become convinced you're not good for his health… suddenly he'll take all that military training and hunt you down."

"Tamamo-sama… drama does not become you. Age is making you suspicious of everything and everyone, including humans.  And Jules retired from being a fighter pilot in the United States Navy, based out of Yokosuka.  He never received warrior’s training." Sinopa lifted her hand in front of the mirror. A small red flame appeared hovering above her palm. "I had a premonition last night; that is the reason I called upon you this morning."

Tamamo-no-Mae narrowed her golden gaze then the little multi-tailed vixen lay down upon her stomach.  She rested her elongated muzzle on the backside of her snow-hued forepaws. "Go on, young one; tell me your dream."

"Jules and I will be called upon to join a small group of people to help find artifacts that may save Japan… and possibly the Western World. I've spoken to him; we've agreed to speak about it over lunch and so he's returning to Yokosuka this afternoon. Every single one of my premonitions has come true."

"Yes, they have, Sinopa. However, all your past premonitions have been small-minded moments of clarity involving something meaningless, like who will win in a sports game, or what sort of things are worth investing mortal money into. Making your lover wealthy on matters of gambling is of no consequence. And it's certainly not on the same level of importance as Japan being in danger."

Crevan leered at the little fox in the mirror. "It's a serious premonition. The darkness in my dream came from across the ocean. It could have an enormous impact on the Celestial Bureaucracy, Tamamo-sama." Sinopa closed her hand into a fist. The fireball extinguished, leaving only a wisp of smoky evanescence from between her knuckles. "You must believe me. I wish an audience with Lord Inari."

"He's busy tending to more important matters, Sinopa. If you perceive something amiss, take care of it yourself. Display initiative, my dear. If you're not part of the solution, then that makes you part of the problem now doesn't it? With great ability comes great responsibility and your ability certainly outweighs the average human.

“Sinopa, you're the only demigod on Earth from our court, which makes you responsible for all of Japan at this time.”

         “You do not appear surprised to learn of what I’ve said.  You seem stoic.  Did you hear something?”

The white-furred fox in the mirror lifted her head from her paws. “I’ve not consorted with the Western Gods but will look into it – I am on good terms with the Olympian messenger, Hermes." Tamamo's ears lowered and her eyes narrowed. "Again, hear my bluntly spoken words: if you perceive that something needs to happen of great consequence… you have an obligation to take care of it yourself.  I will ask about and see what I can learn."

"Hermes?  The Greek and Roman gods are all but gone – without faith, our kind cannot exist.  Japan gives me my life, so my obligation is to the service of Japan.” 

         “Sinopa, you just said this threat is greater than Japan.  Does the threat originate from Japan?”

         “No, from beyond.”

         Tamamo narrowed her gaze, staring back from the mirror. “Then in order to service the land of the rising sun and to service the sun goddess, you need to take your investigation beyond the borders of Japan.”

         “In my premonition, innocent people die.”

Tamamo eyed her for a moment then she laid her ears flat again. “Without the Japanese people and their faith, we cease to exist and you die, along with the rest of the court.  Do what you must to keep them alive.”

“Why would Hermes help you, Tamamo-sama?”

The white-furred fox lowered her gaze. “I was close to his son, Pan; his death was a shame.  Hermes has always given me respect because I treated his son with respect.”

Sinopa nodded quietly.  She shifted her weight and fidgeted with the silk of her kimono.  “I'll need Jules' help. I'm nervous because I'll be telling him about me… about us. Today. He and I cannot work together on this matter if he doesn't know what I am capable of. And… I love him." Her eyes lowered. "Deeply."

"Dear me, Sinopa. Lord Inari doesn't have time for one of his messengers to be lovesick. Take some time away. Go have children, dear. Then, maybe, you can refocus on this realm again.  Trust me when I say that you would make a fine mother.  Go on.  Have children, raise a family while Japan faces certain danger."

"You were tasked to help me if I needed it, Tamamo-sama. Why are you acting this way all of a sudden?"

The fox in the mirror stood up on all four paws and yapped angrily at Sinopa. "Because I've made these mistakes so that you don't have to! And you're throwing away my help because you have no respect for me! You're only a three-tailed fox. You can barely wield the fire that you wave around your paw! You're too young to be gallivanting across the mortal realm, seeking adventure and trouble.  This nonsense with Nathanial Carrington will get you killed!"

Sinopa Crevan eyed her mentor then grimaced. "You know don't you? You know Japan is in trouble..."

Tamamo looked away. Again, her left ear flickered listlessly. "Perhaps I do. But I'm trying to help keep you safe. Remember, I was killed in the mortal realm. Shot through the heart, with no one but myself to blame. Had I not been so intent on romancing a powerful mortal, I would not have suffered the death of my earthly body. You may be able to heal a wound from a modern weapon, but if the bullet is magical like the arrow that took my life, then you too will experience the sensation of your life force draining out of your body. Lord Inari only resuscitated me in the celestial realm because I am a nine-tailed kitsune and I make his life easier. You're a mere three-tailed fox, Sinopa. Your loss would simply be a reason to mourn for an afternoon, eat bean curd and drink a cup of sake. That's all your death would amount to. So stop trying to seek it out."

Sinopa glowered at the mirror then opened her hands towards it, palms outward. The mirror immediately began to melt. Flames licked up the surface momentarily then the entire mirror shattered. She stomped her foot with a huff and a frown. "Tamamo, you can be such a... a..." She paused to think of the worst possible insult then raised her voice. "...Such a Korean Kumiho at times… you witch; you know what true love feels like. Fine, if something is in fact wrong then I will find Jules and, together, we will seek out a solution."

X

X

Hours later…

"Chère, wha's wrong?"

Sinopa closed her eyes and lowered her head somewhat. She fidgeted with her chopsticks then said, "Jules, I've not been entirely honest with you. And what I'm about to tell you may be difficult to believe but everything I am about to say is extremely serious."

"I hope this not about them tails, or dem ears you tryin' to hide in yo' hair, chère. I'd hate t' think you see me as unperceptive." He saw her eyes widen. "After two years, you start to know a girl, y'know?" He paused and looked her over, noting her expression of shock. However, he noted something else in her gaze and frowned. "That was only half, huh?" The Cajun accent danced from his tongue as he spoke. "Sinopa, ma belle, in two years, you ain't never told a lie, ain't never stirred the drama pot – and believe me, chère, I know some master chefs in tha' department – you've never faked yer feelings, neither. So c'mon. Out with it, chère. J'taime; I'm ready to hear whatever it is that got’cher eyes so wide."

Sinopa lowered her chopsticks and glanced around furtively. "I know that almost nobody here speaks English, but… let us keep our voices low, just the same." She licked her lips then glanced back at him. "I'm a kami, known as a 'kitsune'," she explained, pronouncing the word like, 'Keet - suh'nay.' "I can't tell you just how much my superiors disapprove of our relationship. It's considered taboo. But I’m particularly taken to you.  And, now, I'm tasked with searching for the reason why Japan may be in danger. Perhaps more than just Japan.  It’s possible that people will die."

"Wait, chère, you had one of them premonitions about innocent lives in danger? You never been wrong, ever. The lotto, the championship game, the damn Olympics! You had premonitions about alla' that, and now we's a wealthy couple. I know yer abilities're legit. You tellin' me that you're havin' dreams we all in danger?" He reached across the table and took her hands into his.

"Jules, it was awful. I saw the world coming apart. I saw the suffering. I can't let that happen and I don't even know how we can begin to stop it."

"Where'd the trouble take place in yer dream? Where'd it take root?"

"It started somewhere across the ocean. But I need to…" she trailed off then blinked. Clarity shined in her eyes. "In my dream, my friend was in danger. We rushed to save him and he said that we need to see the old thief."

Jules tilted his head. "Pardon moi? What t'ief?"

"I’m unsure the name and cannot be certain I heard it correctly, but I’ve heard of him and his exploits. His family comes from a line of thief guild members that hail back to the days even before Tamamo stalked about this realm." She pushed her bowl back towards the center of the lunch table. "Jules, love, we need to go to California. Something to do with rare artifacts scattered throughout the globe – that's what sets these events in motion."

"I'll get us there even if I must pilot the plane m'self, chère.  Let's get underway then, shall we?"

The kitsune shifted her eyes to the right. "I wish planes were more like trains, with private berths."

Jules stood up and came around to her side of the table. He drew her chair back when she stood and put his hand into hers. "They do on 'de rich planes. I'll put us into one; however cramped, it's still a bed, non?"

"You're a good man to want to help me like this."

He replied with a soft smile. "You've done made it possible so Jules Lenis Guillot cin retire, chère." The Cajun's smile broadened. "And I'm still young enough to enjoy it at only thirty-two years old, n’est-ce pas? With a swipe of de' plastic card, we'll be in California in a matter of hours."

"Then what're we waiting for?" she closed her fingers within his. "Do they serve sake on the plane?"

"There's an assortment of fine liquor, poupée. I know this be serious, though, cause, in two years, I ain't never seen you wanna leave Japan before, mon ange."

She nodded with a slight frown. "I feel I must privately warn the thief who was often contracted by the Esoteric Society of this realm. But first I must look up my old friend; I’m afraid he, too, may be in danger."

"You've a friend in California, chère?"

Sinopa walked alongside of him.  “Hai.  The one we go and see in my dream.  The one who tells us to see the thief.” At the next corner, the couple boarded a bus headed for the airport. "His name is Nathanial Carrington. He wields the ability to throw lightning and absorb electricity. The man in my dream had that ability and he was integral in aiding my cause.”

Jules pushed his hands into his back pockets and eyed her for a moment then smiled. "I ain' never met a 'supernatural' person before."

She glanced over at him with a smile then settled onto the bus bench at his side. She looked around but they were the only ones on the bus at the moment. Sinopa hiked the bottom of her kimono and showed him the bottom of the three foxtails that rested adjacent to her ankles. "Yet you've never brought it up or questioned it. I don't understand. Humans are supposed to be distrustful of my people, even though they pray to us and bring rice offerings. They worship us as demigods but distrust us as tricksters."

"Ya people are Japanese, m'amour. I'm American; different culture. I've been in wars, I've seen things that I cain't explain. Nor would I try. Then you come along and we connect. Yeah, you have ears in y' hair, but I ain't one to judge de' anatomy of such an intelligent woman, chère. So long as you and I are compatible then I cain't complain." Jules interlaced his fingers with hers. "There's jus' one bit-of-a-thing on my mind, chérie."

"Tell me, love."

He offered a smile at her pet name. "Darlin', you're a foxy lady, no doubt. But why you love ole' Jules Guillot? Hmm?"

"I never figured out that part," she replied then added, "But it’s true that I adore you." They smiled at one another then she asked, "How long will this flight take?"

"Oh, I dunno. It's best we get some sleep, non? You dun' mind sharin' a bunk wit' me, do ya?" He offered her a devious sort of grin, adding, "I know yer secret now, chère. No need t' be as demure with me as y' have been in the past, non? I look forward to this new level of openness, Sinopa. I reckon it agrees with our relationship verra' much."

She couldn't help but smile. "Oh, is that right?" She leaned back in the bench seat and put her head on his shoulder. "You're such a caddy flirt. I dare admit I enjoy your attentions."

"Oui, m’amour. Tha's why I do it."

         Sinopa replied with silvery peels of laughter.  “Hai.  Tamamo-sama is going to have kittens – that is the human expression, is it not?  I can see it now.” 

         “Oui.  Don’t try to win ova’ the haters, chère. You are not de jackass whisperer.  You let ya’ boss get away with way, way too much.”

Crevan glanced to the left with a frown. "She, uh… she isn't exactly my boss. I know that's what I told you about her, and I know I complain about her a lot but… she's a nine-tail. An elder. I cannot disrespect her – rather, I shouldn't disrespect her, even though I often do."

“Oui, she upsets ya.” Jules glanced up through the window as the bus came to stop at the local MagLev train station.  They made their way off the bus and headed to the northbound tramline.  Jules waved his cellphone over the ticket purchase kiosk, touched a button to add a second ticket, and then thumbed the ‘print’ key.  "So tell me about yer friend from California?”

“I've kept my roots into this realm trim. Just two people: my mate and my friend." She detected a hint of concern from him. "I'm sorry I've never told you about my friend before, Jules. Don't worry, though. Nathanial-san is too old to be any sort of competition. He's rather like a… Hmm, what is the saying? A 'grandpa,' I believe."

"I see. No worries, chérie. I'm not the jealous type; I trust you're a good girl. I'm jus' surprised I never heard of him before." They made their way from the mezzanine down to the track just as a train was moving into boarding position. "On another note, hon, I feel as though I'd be holdin' ya back. My only power be charm and th' ability to fly anything with wings."

"Oh I know for a fact that I need your help. I don't know why yet, but it was in my premonition."

"Ah." He offered a soft smile. "No worries, chère. We make too good of a team to be apart. We's perfect for one another, after all."

A smile found the corner of her mouth. "Perfect, hmm?"

"Ayup."

She stretched once more then slid her hand into his. "How do you figure? My people would never condone us together."

"I figure it like dis, ma belle… I be Romeo and you be Juliet.” He guided her to a corner seat.  Kanji came up on an LED screen; Jules understood enough to see that it was headed for Haneda International Airport in Tokyo.  “Star-crossed lovin' aside, we all know things would'a been much better off for that couple if they all's parents just let'em alone. 'Sides, we all know a woman dream of a bad boy who'll be gentle only for her. And every man wanna good girl who'll be naughty only for him, darlin'. I reckon we's perfect for one'a'nother. Le's show yer folks we mean how we feel. Le's get married, chérie."

She looked away to hide the brilliance of her smile. "Jules… As sweet as you are, let's wait until we finish in California to talk about such things. And let's follow the custom of your people. I'm infatuated with your traditions."

"No worries, mon ange. Yer worth th' wait." He drew her over, against his chest. She tucked her head beneath his chin then turned towards him, burying her face in the crook of his neck. Jules grinned. "I like that you’re finally opening up t’ show a little affection in public.  Getting’ you to open up hasn’t been easy.  So far as marriage, though, I promise ya this: We do it your way, chère. For now, sit back and relax.  This train’ll get us to Tokyo quick for sure.”

         “Hai.  Everything is perfect.  I only ponder one thing.”

         “Wha’s on yer mind?”

         Sinopa shrugged somewhat, face against Jules’ chest.  “Tamamo-sama knew Nathanial was in my dream.  She’s hiding something from me.  I can’t figure out how she knows I’m going to look for him.” 

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