Kitsune of the Blue Sun

Chapter 185- Meeting with Sif and Future Discussion

[Keeno POV]

The carriage ride was actually quite short, all things considered. When we entered the red-light district, I noticed a sharp increase of scantly clad men and woman trying to solicit any passerby into using their services. Ignoring all of that though, we headed toward the biggest building in this part of the city. It had four floors and was built in such a way that water cascaded down carved channels like small waterfalls lightly throwing mist into the air. Two buff kitsune men stood on either side of the entrance with stern expressions. When the carriage stopped, and Zofia got down from the coachman’s chair the guards seemed to recognize her as their expressions changed.

“Lady Zofia, you’ve come earlier this week than normal.”

“Miss Aniya has no clients today, so you should be able to meet with her.”

“Oh!  Thank you for the information, you two. Though before that, I have to do my job.” (Zofia)

Opening the carriage door, I stepped out and the two guards became completely stiff. They looked at each other before kneeling with their fists across their chests.

‘Ama, I’m getting tired of this.’

{I don’t like these two.}

I had to stop myself from smiling at the tone of Ama’s voice.  Glancing at Zofia she nodded.

“Please stop before this becomes a scene.  She has a meeting to attend, and we can’t go in if you don’t move.” (Zofia)

They practically jumped to their feet and moved to the side while opening the double doors. We stepped inside and a wave of heavily sweet perfume assaulted my nose. I understood the reason it was needed, but it still wasn’t pleasant. Stepping up to the small counter where a kitsune woman wearing nothing but a bottom smiled at us. She seemed especially happy when Zofia winked at her.

“Welcome, lovelies. How may I please you today?”

“Hello Aniya, my Lady here has a meeting with Madam Sif, so if you wouldn’t mind leading us there.” (Zofia)

It was then that the lady looked over at me and, as is becoming uncomfortably common, she stiffened up seeing my tails.

“Yes, please come this way.” (Aniya)

She led us deeper into the building and up a few ramps leading all the way to the top floor. On the way there I couldn’t help but overhear the sounds of moans, grunts, and slapping showing that the soundproofing here wasn’t the greatest.

{I think that’s the point. I’ve heard some mortals get off on the sound alone.}

‘Hmm.  Makes sense, though I’d prefer only hearing your sounds. Those are much more pleasing.’

{I agree, the sounds you make are simply divine.}

Making it to a heavy door the lady leading us here knocked four times. A second later the door opened with Sif on the other side.

“Welcome, Princess Okami.” (Sif)

She stepped to the side, inviting me in. I smiled lightly and stepped forward. Just as I passed Zofia, I turned to her.

“Feel free to do whatever. This meeting is going to last a while, and I don’t want you to be bored just sitting there.” (Keeno)

Zofia looked like she wanted to protest, but the lady that led us here smiled and hugged Zofia’s arm, killing any kind of argument she had.

“Let’s let our Lady’s meet. You and I have a lot of catching up to do.  We can even call it a date.” (Aniya)

Zofia could only look down while blushing as the kitsune woman led her away and into a room down the hall.  With that over with, I stepped into Sif’s office, and she shut the door. The second it was locked, all sounds and smells from outside were gone.

“That’s much better.” (Keeno)

“Yes.  Even though there is a reason for it, even I can’t really stand the smell and sounds for all that long.” (Sif)

“I think it’s that we prefer the sounds our own wives make over those of random people. The smell though, it is quite sickening.” (Keeno)

“You make a good point, Princess.  Now, shall we officially begin this meeting?  There are many things I wish to discuss and I’m sure there are things you’d like to ask about as well.” (Sif)

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“Yes. Though first things first, please drop the Princess. This meeting is personal, so there is no need to stand in formality. I’m just here as a kitsune worried about other kitsune, not the princess of a country.” (Keeno)

“I’ll try.” (Sif)

I nodded my head with a smile.

“Now, the state of our people here can be described simply as slaves.  Even the ones that live in the city and aren’t used by the nobles are treated as nothing but sexual objects by anyone with enough influence or money. This isn’t to say most citizens here don’t care about our plight, but they are just as afraid of retaliation as we are. If someone gets in the bad side of a noble or anyone with influence, the get banished to the desert with the excuse of ‘saving resources.’” (Sif)

“Hmm. I’m surprised there hasn’t been some kind of rebellion.” (Keeno)

“The nobles have too much manpower. Even in the slight chance one does break out, the number of resources used would outspend what can afford. Goddess Amaterasu’s blessing is very helpful in making this city livable, but it can’t provide everything we need.  Especially with those eternally burning flames everywhere, not to mention the recent raids of those strange monsters.” (Sif)

“Well, and I’m only telling this to you because I want to see how much I can trust you, but the eternal flames are no issue. With the help of one of my mother’s friends, I’ve already put out several of them. I planned on getting to the rest once I finished my business here.” (Keeno)

This made Sif’s tail puff up as her ears twitched in shock.

“You mean-!” (Sif)

“Yes, I’ve been helping already. I assume you know the other work the Eclipse Knights do?” (Keeno)

“Yes.  Though I’ve never paid for their services before, I have been told of that kind of work from regulars who do deal is shadier work. From my sources, many lesser nobles have been found dead recently, and a handful of more prominent ones as well, the most prominent being that bastard Ign.” (Sif)

“The one who stole my hair after that mongrel cut it off?  I see.” (Keeno)

It looked like Germans Freki didn’t keep a tight enough leash in the Death Spirits seeing as I didn’t order him dead yet, but I didn’t really care.

“Yes, that’s the one. Though I’m happy to say that all of the kitsune he kept there were brought to me the same night, though they couldn’t tell me who rescued them. The most I got from them is that it was a mysteriously hot woman.  Though by the way they said it, I get the feeling they meant it in the temperature sense more than looks.” (Sif)

She began eyeing me with a knowing look.

“While it wasn’t me personally, I do know who it was. Though it seems they acted much earlier than they should have.  Ah!  Did any of the rescued ones happen to know what became of my hair that was stolen?” (Keeno)

“No.  Though, and this is just a rumor, I believe one of the nobles that was investigating the murder has become gravely ill due to an object he confiscated from the manor as evidence. At least according to one of his servants who frequent one of my establishments.” (Sif)

“Interesting.  Oh, before I forget, seeing as you would most likely have this information, can I get a list of names of nobles that have captured most of our people?  Just so I can have a physical object to mark when one of them is…taken care of.” (Keeno)

“I can prepare one soon.” (Sif)

“Thank you.” (Keeno)

“Moving on, and I know I’m being extremely forward by asking this, but what exactly is the nature of the people you have helping our people?  You did say that one of them acted hastily, so it had me curious.” (Sif)

“Before I answer, Sif, how much can I trust you?  Outside of our people’s shared plight here, as a person, can I trust you to keep secrets, or are you someone who will use flowery words and false promises to get in my good graces only to stab me in the back when I’m most vulnerable? And before anything else, I will know if you are lying.” (Keeno)

The seriousness in my voice and expression made her jovial attitude disappear as she stared at me with slight trepidation and fear.

“I apologize for any aspect of myself that would lead you to being distrustful of me, but I should ask the same from you. In the end, you are also a noble, and I have been acting in good faith, but if you have designs for me that will hurt me or my family, let alone the rest of my people, then I must say my good faith is misplaced. I may be a fox, but unlike the reputation we have, I value my honesty, if someone like you feels I’m untrustworthy even after all of the things I’ve done here, then our conversation is over. I will accept any help you give me, but I will treat it as a transaction, not a request.” (Sif)

Her words brought out from the fear and trepidation sparked a fire in her and her attitude completely changed. And every word she said was true, which caused me to smile and do my best to hold back from laughing.

“Pfft. Sorry for testing you like that, it’s usually not my go to method, but your words give me reason to put my trust in you. So, I’ll tell you about my helpers, and I have an idea for things to do with this country once I’m done here. But first, what’s your thoughts on religion?” (Keeno)

This abrupt change in topic completely threw her off and all the bluster she had vanished as she flattened her ears and tilted her head.

“I mean, I follow the Goddess Amaterasu, naturally, and I pray to God Phobos for a better Fate for our people, but I don’t really think about it all that often.” (Sif)

“Ignore that annoying playwright who thinks he knows best for everyone, make your own Fate.” (Keeno)

{Tell her Keeno!}

“Isn’t that heresy?” (Sif)

“What’s he gonna do?  Smite me?  Nah, that idiot has his own problems to deal with. Namely figuring out how he is gonna apologize and make things right with Hresvelgr. But those things aside, how do you feel with becoming a Head Priestess?” (Keeno)

“I’m a brothel Master, I don’t think such a drastic occupation change would fit me, not that I even understand why we are discussing this.” (Sif)

“It’s a preface. My helpers are the Death Spirits.  No better spies and assassins than the ones that help Ama take care of souls after all.” (Keeno)

“But spirits can only…be……oh gods!” (Sif)

“I’m only 24 and I have four tails, this is only supposed to happen when we live for hundreds of years. My wife can’t travel with me because she can’t descend, and I have a mission in the mortal world before I can ascend.  Starting to get the bigger picture here?” (Keeno)

Sif had started becoming catatonic.  It was honestly kind of funny watching her expression change from one to another until she nearly started foaming from her mouth.

“Ama, I think I said too much too quickly.” (Keeno)

{One of her wives is nearby, so if needed you can call her to help her, but I don’t think it’ll be necessary just yet.}

“Ok. If you say so, Ama.” (Keeno)

After a few minutes Sif seemed to somewhat recover.  She stood up and walked over to a bookshelf, pulled a book down, and opened up a cool box full of alcohol.  She took a bottle out before shutting and sitting back down.  Pouring a shot into a glass she pulled out of a ring; she downed it in one go before pouring herself another one.

“I’m actually talking to a god…” (Sif)

“Yep.  Two if you count Ama listening in and speaking to me one-sidedly.” (Keeno)

She downed the second shot and poured a third one.

“…I don’t know if I should prostrate myself and apologize for any rudeness I’ve unintentionally done, or to drink myself to sleep and treat this all like a dream.” (Sif)

“If you want my opinion, just accept the reality.  We still have a lot to talk about, so the faster you do so, the better.” (Keeno)

“…Would you like a drink too?” (Sif)

“I’d love one.  It’s been a while since I had any alcohol.” (Keeno)

{Don’t go too far, Fia isn’t here to reign you in if you get drunk.}

“I wasn’t planning on getting drunk, Ama.” (Keeno)

{Just saying.}

Sif poured me a shot and I picked it up.  The smell of the alcohol was strong and when I downed the shot, it burnt as it went down.

“*Cough*Whisky…*cough*at least its not vodka.” (Keeno)

“Not to your taste?” (Sif)

“No, I love it, just haven’t had any in a long time, wasn’t ready for the burn.” (Keeno)

“Sorry about that.” (Sif)

“It’s fine.  Now, continuing on, though you may not want to hear this part.  I’m here for the Dead Zone, it’s what will allow me to get my fifth tail and allow this place to actually progress.  Of course I mean to take care of the eternal flames first, but before I can finish that job, I need to help my people out and put someone in charge who won’t destroy everything this country could potentially be.” (Keeno)

“Though there is a lot I want to say and ask, but the most important thing is why becoming a priestess has anything to do with this?” (Sif)

“Because I need someone here aside from Margaret to be able to run things, and, though it’s a bit presumptuous of me, I at least want a say in who takes charge.  And, seeing as this place has the biggest connection to kitsune of any country I’ve been to so far, might as well make it a place where me and Ama are worshipped, seeing as basically every kitsune I’ve seen has bowed to me or treated me like some miracle made flesh.  Plus, I get this strange gut feeling that you and your wives would fit the role perfectly.  Of course, I’m willing to give benefits for basically being the head of state and such with almost no notice.” (Keeno)

“What are these benefits?” (Sif)

Her tail swished back and forth while her cheeks were slightly flushed.

“Mine and Ama’s blessings so that you can become immortal, lifespan wise, which extends to your wives as well, Margaret’s support as my Valkyrie in Lokir, whatever the perks of being a head of state entail, a way for you to do something more than just run brothels.  Probably more that I can’t think of at the moment.” (Keeno)

“…Mind if I take a few days to deliberate this and talk this through with my wives?” (Sif)

“As long as you can make sure they won’t spread anything.  I’m not ready for my identity to get out yet.” (Keeno)

“I’ll make sure of that.” (Sif)

“Very well.  Seeing as you are drunk though, I feel we should call this meeting here.  If you need to contact me more discreetly, look to the sky and find one of my ravens.  You remember them, right?” (Keeno)

“I dooo.  They were really intimidatingggg.” (Sif)

“Hehe.  Well, goodbye, my future head priestess.” (Keeno)

Standing up the fox woman stared up at me as I turned around and made my way to the door.

“Thank youuuu…Mistress Okamiii…for saving our people…” (Sif)

“It’s only natural.” (Keeno)

Opening the door I stepped into the hallway.  Looking around I saw Zofia and her lover hanging around next to the door.  Zofia had several lipstick marks on her neck and arms and probably other places I couldn’t see and she had a glow about her that only comes from having had a wonderful time.

“Sorry to break you two lovebirds apart, but it’s time we left for the day, Zofia.” (Keeno)

“Yes Princess!” (Zofia)

She quickly tried wiping off all the visible marks and project an air of normalcy, though she failed at it miserably.  Deciding not to say anything about the marks she missed we were led to the exit.  After leaving to the carriage, I smirked at Zofia while making sure we were in earshot of her lover.

“Once everything is settled here, I want an invite to the wedding.” (Keeno)

This made both of them blush, making me wonder how two such people could still be so innocent.

{Love makes people act in ways they normally wouldn’t Keeno.}

‘I know that, but it’s still surprising seeing someone else aside from Freya and Fia looking like that.’ (Keeno)

{You just haven’t seen too many other people in love like that, though I’m the same, so I really can’t say anything more.}

‘Meh.  All I need is you and my family, so I don’t really care.’ (Keeno)

The carriage started moving while Ama and I talked meanwhile Sif was explaining everything to her family, trying to make a decision that would change the world once it was made.

Chaos Realm:

Luna: Fufufufufufufufufufufufufufufuahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!!!!!!

Tamamo: I know you were having fun torturing a mongrel, Luna, but is it really that funny?

Luna: Oh, I’m not laughing at that, though it WAS fun.  I’m laughing at the fact that most all of what Keeno was saying to Sif was spur of the moment.  I mean, I know I’m good at adlibbing, but that was impressive.

Tamamo: True.  But hey, she is inherently becoming more fox like just by being in a place full of kitsune, so isn’t it to be expected?

Luna: True.  Who knew just being in a place with other kitsune would affect her like that.  I expected it to be more like Sif teaches her how to act like a kitsune over it just being a passive effect thing.

Tamamo: Different world, different rules, I guess.

Luna: Yeah…

Tamamo: I know that look.

Luna: You’ve been so busy recently; I haven’t gotten to spend all that much time with you.

Tamamo: I know, but that’s changing today.

*Tamamo cups Luna’s cheek tenderly, slowly pulling her closer until their lips meet; signaling the beginning of a very active time to come*