Stepping onto the front porch, Fukushu let out a long sigh. The kitsune was torn about what had happened, the Harris family reconnecting with magic was troublesome. He had never been on good terms with the family, despite an indifference bordering on respect for Yuriko. Still, what Casseus had done to her as an infant had not sat well. Fukushu was no monster. Yes he had no issues with killing but torture, especially of children, was a line he would not cross.
"Fukushu?"
Fukushu turned, noticing Darren had followed. "Catalyst," he replied, his voice low. Darren now shifted in place, unsure of how to respond.
"There is something I needed to add Darren," he said. "Something you need to be mindful of. The Normal are attempting to build their own Soul Drives. Be wary of any new ones you come across. They may function normally but will have loyalty only to the Normal."
Darren balked, stammering a thank you before going silent. He still had so many questions. "Fukushu you said you suspected Casseus had experimented on Ms. Yuriko?" Fukushu nodded, studying Darren carefully. "You also said you discovered the rumors to be true after visiting Yurikos grandchildren," Darren said. "Your leaving something out. How did you know Casseus was conducting magical experiments?"
"Yurikos godparents," Fukushu replied sadly. "You see, Casseus had captured not only Yuriko but her godparents. I learned sometime later that he was experimenting and torturing the children, which is why I severed ties and would not come to his aid. I did not imagine that he would torture an infant though."
"Yet he did."
Fukushu and Darren turned to see Yuriko now standing behind him. The kitsune and elderly sorceress now locking eyes with one another. "I apologize," Fukushu said softly. "Despite my hatred of your family, what Casseus did was unconscionable. You may not believe it Yuriko but I find torture to be abhorrent."
Yuriko simply nodded, despite her misgivings she could tell Fukushu was being honest. Still, she could tell the kitsune had no problem with murdering people, which wasn't much better. "I believe you," she said, the wizard now paused as she now tried tobread the kitsunes mind. "You sacrificed a great deal to bring us this information," she said. "Your home, you used it to bait the Normal to bring us this information."
Fukushu frowned before nodding. "Correct wizard," he grumbled. "However I do not like you invading my mind for such information."
"Wait you're homeless," Darren exclaimed. Fukushu simply nodded, staring off on the horizon. "A minor inconvenience. I will find someplace for my family soon enough."
Darren now looked to Yuriko, a pleading look on his face. "Ms. Yuriko we can't have Raiden and his family out on the street," he exclaimed. "They're trying to help. I know its hard but Fukushu is trying to change. We have to help if for no other reason than to keep Raiden safe!"
Fukushu and Yuriko glanced first at Darren before looking at eachother. They understood what Darren was insinuating and neither one liked it.
*******************************
"I can't believe you agreed to this!"
Fukushu simply sighed, apologizing once more to Abolith. The temporary arrangement Darren had proposed now found Fukushu, Abolith, and Raiden as house guests in Yurikos home. While Raiden was genuinely excited to be having a sleepover with Sachiko, his parents were to say the least apprehensive. "I agreed to this for the simple reason of protecting our son."
Abolith glanced back at her kitsune lover, the elf had been useing the guest bathroom that connected to their room. Dressed in a silky nightgown, she had been brushing her teeth as she prepared herself for bed. "And what of us beloved," she snapped, spitting out toothpaste as she now stomped towards her kitsune lover. "We find ourselves at the mercy of an old enemy. What is preventing them from destroying us?"
"I doubt we have anything to fear," Fukushu said softly. "Yurikos granddaughter is still present. They would not chance an encounter with them present." Abolith simply raised an eyebrow, unconvinced of Fukushu's logic. "I will stand watch tonight beloved," he said. "Lock the door after I depart. I will make sure nothing happens to you or Raiden."
Abolith sighed, easing herself into bed, placing her blade within reach. As angry as she was with this arrangement, she had gone without rest for far too long. With an annoyed grunt she simply rolled over as Fukushu sealed the room.
Fukushu rubbed his eyes, exhaling as he now thought of how this had happened. Somehow Darren had convinced not only himself but Yuriko to allow his family to stay here. Yurikos home was quite large and well-protected, meaning Raiden would be safe. Still, considering the animosity that existed between them, precautions were taken. Kitsune, dragons, fairies, even wizards were on high alert. If Fukushu or Abolith made any aggressive moves at Yuriko or her family, a large contingent of the magical world would descend on the home. It helped put Yuriko at ease but put Fukushu and Abolith on edge.
Making his way down the hall, Fukushu now glanced into Sachikos room. The two kits had obviously enjoyed their sleepover before passing into a fitful slumber. Both kits now laid sprawled across the bed with Rexie laying on a nearby pillow. The familiar watching the two carefully. Thankful that his son was safe, Fukushu now made his way downstairs, grabbing a cup of tea as he now sat upon the couch.
"Well now this is a familiar sight."
Fukushu turned, noting the six tailed Akira approaching from the darkened living room. "Reminds me of our centuries in the kitsune army."
Fukushu nodded, sipping his tea as he leaned back on the couch. "It does," he whispered. "And like then I am hoping for a quiet evening."
"As am I," Akira stated, easing himself into a nearby chair. "I promised Ayami and Yuriko that I would stand watch til morning. Just to be sure nothing happens."
"I did the same with Abolith," Fukushu replied. "She was.....displeased when I told her of this arrangement."
"I can imagine," Akira chuckled. The two kitsune warriors remaining silent for a moment. "So tell me Fukushu? Do I have anything to fear this evening?"
"No," he replied. "All I wish is for my family to be safe."
"As do I," Akira added. "I never thought the two of us would find ourselves on an overnight watch once more."
"Neither did I my old apprentice," Fukushu sighed, a small smirk crossing his face. "It appears many things are changing. Let us see if it is for the better."