Macrophile.com

[Mr Nelg]

Hey guys. This is a story I've been writing over at BigFurs.com. It's a little Macrofurry Adventure story, and since I've also taken up roots here, I thought I'd share this with everyone here as well. Let me know what you all think.

Enjoy.

===============================================


“THE ATTIC”
By Nelg


As the tarp was pulled off, it disturbed about an inch layer of dust, creating a small cloud. The two people who were next to the tarp started a coughing fit.

The man off to the right, with short dark hair, got a face full of it, catching him off guard. “I said, carefully, Dave,” Tony snapped in between gasps for air. He franticly waved his hand about trying to clear the space in front of his face. The tall man with long red hair pulled back in a pony tail ignored him, as he had ducked out of the way, just as the dust got airborne. He gave a few short coughs, before he tossed the trap aside.

“Just some old paintings,” Dave said, as he observed the neat stack in front of him. There were a stack of paintings, eleven high, all on top of each other. Resting next to those, were a row of seven paintings, standing upright. Tony stopped coughing long enough to open an eye a pear at the uncovered treasure.

The first painting he saw, was the front painting of the group that had been standing upright. It was a man and a woman, obviously husband and wife, posing for a portrait. The man had neatly cut jet black hair with a trimmed mustache. The woman had long blond hair, tied in a bun behind her head. They both looked middle aged, perhaps in their late fifties.

But both of them looked sad forlorn. The man was holding the woman’s hand in a comforting way, while his face seemed to stare past his viewers into nothing. The woman’s face seemed to show regret. Tony cocked his head at the couple in the picture.

His thoughts were interrupted as Dave strode forward and picked the painting up, looking it over. “Wow,” he hummed, “Must have been REAL satisfied customers.” He put it aside, and started going through the others. “Crap, crap, crap, mega-crap… Y’low!” He picked up the next to last one at the end, and held it up high. It was of a young Native American girl, possibly in her late teens, lying prone by a crystal clear stream, with a clay pot. She wore, ONLY a red woven dress around her waist. He turned to face Tony. “You really don’t need this, do you?” He asked.

Tony made a face. “God, how desperate are you?”

“I’m not perverted,” Dave said, setting the painting aside. “I’m just a found art lover.”

“So was Hermann Goring,” Tony replied.

“You owe me something for helping you clean out this attic, Tony,” Dave answered, as he started going through the other stack of paintings.

“Fine, take it,” he said, while turned around. “What ever you don’t take will go on E-Bay.”

He walked over to another tarp covered object, which looked to be hiding a wardrobe. Tony Collins and his best friend for six years, David Goldfarb were cleaning out an old Victorian mansion that, Burt, Tony’s older brother had inherited from their late grandfather. Their father knew about it, and suggested that Burt sell the place rather than pay the taxes on the place. Having spent the better half of a day walking around the rooms of this place, Tony understood why.

Nobody had lived in the house since the First World War. It’d been bought by numerous people since, but no one had actually lived in it. It’d been used mainly as a summer retreat by it’s numerous owners, until their grandfather got his hands on it. The place wasn’t rotting off its hinges, just abandoned. Tarps covering what little furniture that hadn’t been removed. Cleaning crews had come in from time to time and cleaned up, but nothing more. But hardly anyone had come up into the attic.

Cobwebs and dust outnumbered the junk that littered the room. The door hadn’t been opened in so long, that the door handle had rusted shut. Much against Tony’s wishes, Dave had managed to open it with a good old fashioned shoulder charge. Now here they were, cataloguing what ever they could find.

Gripping the tarp carefully, Tony slid it off, and lay it down on the ground, trying not to send up as much dust as Dave had done before. It was an old Victorian wardrobe, with elegant doors, no legs to stand on, and a small mirror on both doors. He tried the handles, and found that they worked. Opening it up, he found only an old wedding dress, hanging up by its self. Nothing more.

Closing that, he looked up at the top of the wardrobe. There seemed to be something just on top of it. Grabbing a small wooden box, he placed it in front of the wardrobe, and climbed on top to get a better look. There was some sort of parchment up there, rolled up, and hidden up here, as if deliberately. Reaching over he grabbed it, and pulled it off.

Just then, there was a loud crack, and the box he’d been standing on gave way. Tony cried out, as he fell over backwards, grabbing whatever he could to try and stop his fall. He grabbed the edge of the wardrobe, but only succeeded in pulling that over as well.

The crash echoed throughout the attic as Tony landed on his back with a loud ‘Oomph!’ He lay there moaning, before he was aware of Dave hovering over him.

“And you told ME to be careful?”

“Ow,” was all Tony could say.

“Hey, are you okay?” Dave asked, helping his friend to his feet.

“I’ll live,” Tony muttered, brushing off his jacket. “But I think the wardrobe is…” He trailed off as he looked over at the wardrobe, or rather, the wall behind it. There, in the wallpaper, was the outlines of a door. You had to look really hard, but you could make out the indentations in the wallpaper. “Would you look at that,” Tony muttered, walking forward, putting the rolled up parchment into his parker pocket.

“Ohhh, secrets,” Dave cooed, as he felt the wall with his hands. “Maybe there’s a dead body walled up behind here.” He gave a mock evil laugh.

“Here, help me move this first.” Tony said, as they moved the fallen wardrobe further away from the wall. “Now, where’s the box cutter?” Tony asked, looking around.

“On me,” Dave said, as he pulled the Stanly knife from his left pocket, and dug it into the wall. He dragged it down to the floor, and up again, until he hit wood. Then dragged it along to the right, before hitting wood again. Then finally, he dragged it down towards the floor again, cutting an outline of a door in the wall. “Here, come help me with this,” Dave motioned for Tony to pull down the wallpaper.

They both grabbed the top of one end, and peeled it right off.

There was a door behind it, with no handle. “Hey, what’s that?” Tony asked, pointing to the centre of the door, where something was etched into the wood. They both leaned forward, and observed the marks.

“Looks like some sort of carvings,” Dave muttered. “No, more like writing.”

“What is that,” Tony cocked his head to one side. “Chinese?”

Dave glared at him. “Chi…!?!” He cried out. “It’s Japanese, for God’s sake.”

“Well, it’s all Greek to me,” Tony said with a shrug. “Wait, you took Japanese in High School. Can you read it?”

“That was nine years ago, I’m not too sure I can remember any of it.” Dave said, looking over the carvings once more. “But I’ll try. Now, let’s see…” He drifted off, as he muttered to himself, too low for Tony to hear. Suddenly, Dave smiled. “Ahhh,” he cried out, “It’s a poem.”

“What’s it say?” Tony asked.

Dave cleared his throat, and spoke loudly enough so Tony could here it. “Please open this door. So that I may journey on. To the land of Gods.”

“That doesn’t rhyme,” Tony said.

“It’s a Haiku,” Dave replied. “It’s a Japanese poem. They have three versus. The first verse has five syllables, the second has seven, and the third has five. Seventeen syllables all up, that’s how it works.”

“Okay,” Tony answered with a shrug. “But I think something got lost in translation there.”

“Let’s see…” Dave muttered, ignoring him as he felt alongside the left side of the door. “If these are the hinges, then…” He moved his fingers over to the right side. He sighed as he stood up straight. “No handle, how are you supposed to open this thing?”

“We could use the crowbar,” Tony suggested, looking at the space between the door and the wall. “That could pry it open.”

“Great,” Dave said, looking around. “Where is it?”

“I think it’s on top of the box we used to pack up the books in, down in the dinning room, down on the ground floor,” Tony said, rubbing his chin. “I think.”

“Only one way to find out,” Dave said, making a beeline for the door. “Just give me a few minutes.” And then, he was gone.

Tony stood there, listening to the sound of his foot steps receding down the stairs, and then, silence. He looked back from the attic entrance to the door in the wall. He walked over, and stuck his fingers into the gap between the door and the wall. “I think I can just get this…” He muttered, and pulled. The door didn’t budge. He tried again, pulling harder. “Gahhh!” He groaned. It seemed to be stuck fast. He’d have to wait until…

The door gave way with a loud crack.

Tony cried out as it caught him by surprise, he let go off the door, and fell over backwards, landing in a folded up tarp. He felt what was like a blast of cold air, hit him before he hit the ground. Tony coughed violently, as dust fountained up around him. When he cleared the air, he opened his eyes and looked over at the door.

It hung wide open.

“Hey,” he cried out, getting up, and rushing over to the attic entrance. “Dave! It’s open. I did it! I got it open!” There was no answer. “Dave!?!” Still nothing. Tony shrugged. Dave probably was out of earshot. He then turned around, and headed towards the open door, and looked in.

He gasped.

Inside, there was a small room. With a staircase. The staircase seemed to go up in straight spirals. His mouth hung open, as he followed it up. It looked to go on up forever. He pulled his head out of the room, and looked up at the ceiling. It was just a few meters above him, and then he looked back into the room. The stairs still kept going up forever, disappearing into the darkness.

“Impossible,” Tony muttered. He looked back outside the room once more, before slowly, cautiously, entering it. It was real, and no illusion. He walked forward and placed his hand on the railing of the staircase. It felt brand new, and not as old as the railings of the mansion.

He let out the breath he’d been holding, as he rubbed his hand along the smooth railing. He looked up the centre of the staircase once more. It didn’t seem to end. Man how high was this thing?

Without even realizing it, he lifted up one foot, and placed it down on the first step. It didn’t even creak. It felt solid, and he tested it, before moving his other foot forward onto the second. Nothing happened. Then he was on the third, fourth, fifth.

Tony paused, as he looked back at the open door. It was still there. He looked back up, and continued climbing the stairs. He found himself walking faster, almost jogging, as he climbed higher and higher. He kept on climbing the stairs, not realizing how high he was going, until he stopped, and looked over the edge towards the ground. The stairs vanished down into darkness; the bottom could not be seen.

He looked up, and could make out something. A light. His eyes widened, as he began to hurry towards the top. The light got brighter, and brighter, until…

He reached a level platform, and the stairs came to an end. He stopped, covering his face with his arms at the bright light. Slowly, he walked forward, walking through a wooden archway, and out into the fresh air.

Fresh air!?!

He lowered his arms and blinked his eyes into focus. And lost his breath.

Before him, loomed a huge garden. No, huge was an understatement. It was titanic. Trees higher than he’d ever seen. Plants that bloomed in beautiful reds and blues, and yellows, and purples. He spun around and looked at the doorway he’d just come through. It was an archway that was framed by what looked like a Japanese house. He rushed back inside, and leaned over the railings, looking down. The stairs spiraled down into darkness. He rushed back outside and looked around.

The garden was still there. He looked up, past the trees, to see a beautiful blue sky. “Wow!” He gasped out, nearly falling over from looking up so high. Looking back down, he saw a small dirt path, leading off towards…

Just over the tops of the trees, he could make out the roof of a large house in the distance. A house within a house!?! “Okay,” Tony gasped, holding his hands out before him in self defense. “Reality has officially clocked of for the night.” He looked back at the doorway he’d just come through, and then towards the roof in the distance. “Well, I’ve come this far.” Tony muttered, and with a shrug, started jogging down the dirt track towards the roof.

As he jogged along, Tony kept his eyes on the roof, topping the trees in the distance, until the tree tops covered it completely, but that didn’t stop him. He followed the path, until it opened out to a large walk way towards…

Tony came to a screeching halt. Before him, was a gigantic Japanese mansion. It was three stories tall with a front porch that stuck out more forward the rest of the building, with a small flight of wooden steps leading to a pair of large sliding doors. To the right and left, it extended on, unremarkable. But it was the size that was amazing. The rest disappeared into the trees around it.

“Unbelievable.” He gasped.

He jogged forward, down a stone path, towards the steps. He stopped just in front of the first step, and reaching up, placed a hand on the wooden structure. It felt solid, almost brand new.

Then he paused. Was this such a good idea? He looked back down the path he’d just come down. Surely Dave was back in the attic by now, and he’d have seen the open door, and the staircase, and seen the fact Tony wasn’t there. How much time had passed? He looked down at his watch.

The digital watch was off. There were no symbols, nothing. “Huh!?!” He grabbed his watch and shook it. Still nothing. “What the hell?” He cried out loudly.

As if in reply, there was a soft hooting cry, like an owl, in the forest. Tony paused, his breath caught in his throat, as he spun towards the forest. He heard the soft hooting cry once more, and this time, it sounded much closer than before. Then, he heard a crashing sound in the underbrush. Then silence. He waited, and heard it again. It sounded distinctly like something big moving slowly through bushes.

Something big!?! Big trees, big house. Big animals.

Get out of here!

Spinning around, Tony grabbed the front step with both hands, and hauled himself up. He ran for the next one, repeating the process, not bothering to look back. Finally, he reached the top of the porch, and ran for the double sliding doors. They were big, but he didn’t care. The crashing sound drew closer, and turning over his shoulder, he saw the bushes shaking. Spinning around, he grabbed door, and pushed hard. It slid to the right. Not much, but enough to squeeze himself through.

Tony forced himself through the gap he’d created, and fell down in a heap on the other side. He got up on his hands and knees, and crawled away from the entrance, crawling for the nearest corner. Once he got there, he spun around to place his back in the corner, and hugging his knees to his chest, glanced around.

The mansion was huge. He was in some sort of open area room, with three massive doorways. One on the right, the left, and straight ahead. Off to the left of the door in front of him, a staircase vanished up to the next floor. In the middle of the room, sat a table with cushions around it.

“Wow,” Tony muttered again.

Suddenly, there was a pounding from outside the door he’d just come through. He looked towards the door, just in time to see it slide towards him. He barely managed to roll out of the way, as it came crashing into the spot were he’d been resting. As he came to a stop, he saw something rush through the door, making the same hooting noises as he heard outside. He froze.

Then, the creature came to a stop, standing just before the large table in the middle of the room, and Tony could get a good look at it. What he saw made his eyes bulge out of their sockets.

It stood like a man, but it wasn’t. Its body was build like a small child, of 12 years, but it wasn’t. It wore a Japanese Kimono; it wore sandals, and had socks. But it also had a large fluffy orange tail, hanging out the back. And a large fox head on top of its shoulders. But the scariest part of all was it was well over fifty feet tall.

Tony wasn’t sure what he was looking at. Where he should scream, or run, or what. His mind just couldn’t come to grips with what was standing in front of him. The creature held something in its left hand. It looked like a sea shell of some kind, which it then raised to its muzzle, and blew into it. That same hooting sound he’d heard from outside filled the air.

Before Tony had a chance to even think about it, the sliding door to the right of him opened suddenly, and another fox-human entered the room. This one was much larger, about 90 feet tall. It looked older, more about mid-20’s. Its body was more slender, and…

“What have you found today, Hitomi?” The creature spoke in pure English. And with a woman’s voice.

“Look at this, Oneesan!” The younger fox-thing cried out in a female voice, jumping up and down, while holding up the shell. “I found this down by the ocean. Isn’t it wonderful!?” She then blew on it again.

“Yes, Hitomi,” the older fox-woman said nodding her head. “It even sounds wonderful.”

“Can I show this to Jane?” The younger fox cried out excitedly.

“I’m sure she’d love to see it, Hitomi,” she replied. “But make sure you’re not disturbing her.”

“Oh, I will,” she said, “I’ll be really quite.” Then, she bonded up the stairs, and out of sight.

“Well, back to work,” the fox woman said, as she turned around, and headed back to the door she’d entered from, humming a sweet melody.

Tony was still frozen in the exact same spot where he’d rolled to. He hadn’t moved during the whole ordeal that just unfolded before him, and he suddenly felt his lunges screaming for air. He let out a loud gasp, and collapsed to the floor. He’d been so shocked by what he’d seen he’d forgotten to breathe. “Damn,” he muttered. “What the hell is this place!?!” He looked around the room once more. “Well, I may have come THIS far, but I sure as hell ain’t going any further.” He turned around and headed for the double sliding doors, which that little fox-girl had left wide open. “I’m outta here.”

The sound of the sliding door opening behind him shot through Tony like a thunder clap. He spun around, just in time to see that older fox-woman opening the door. Basic instinct took over and he dived for his corner again. Just in time, as a large sock covered, sandaled foot slapped down, just inches from him. It lifted and rose away.

Tony gaped up at the large bellowing kimono as it sailed past him, followed by the swishing orange-red tail. “That Hitomi,” the fox-woman sighed, as she walked towards the front door, “She left the door open again.” She walked over and slid both doors shut.

Tony screwed up his face and clenched his fists in silent frustration at the sudden end to his quick exit. Damn, that meant he’d have to give himself another hernia trying to open the door again. Just then, there was a loud pounding from upstairs, which made both the fox-woman, and Tony turn their heads towards the top of the stairs. Hitomi suddenly appeared half way down the stairs; she was still carrying that shell.

“Oneesan!” She cried out, pointing back up the stairs, “Jane isn’t in her room, do you know where she is?”

“She might be out with one of your brothers, Hitomi,” The fox-woman said, as she turned around to face her. “Why don’t you try the…”

Tony never heard the rest of what she said, because as she turned, her tail turned with her, spinning around, and slamming straight into him. He never got a chance to scream, as he was aware of an orange blur that suddenly rushed towards him. Then, there was a sharp fuzzy felling, and he was airborne.

He screamed as he was thrown across the room. His limbs flailed about, as he somersaulted through the air, to land on one of the soft cushions that surrounded the table in the centre of the room. Well, at least that cushioned his fall, but his back still hurt. He arched his spin, as he reached under with a free hand to feel his back.

Just then, the light above him darkened abruptly, and he was suddenly aware of two large objects, hanging over him. “Uh-oh,” he grumbled, as he blinked into focus two fox heads.

The two fox creatures were kneeling over him, their faces marked with what insanely looked like surprise. For a few seconds no one moved, and then the younger fox-girl’s lips parted as she grinned.

“WOW!” She squealed, “Another human! Look Oneesan, another human!”’

“I can see that, Hitomi,” the fox-woman said curiously looking at Tony.

“Now Jane can have a playmate.” Suddenly, something rushed towards him, and he was airborne again. As he rose, he felt leather beneath him, and he realized she must have scooped him up in her hands. Then, his decent slowed, as he found himself face to gigantic face. She smiled a friendly smile. “Hello,” she said, “I’m Hitomi, and this is my big sister, Misako.”

“Hello,” He replied. Tony turned to look at her.

“What’s your name?” Hitomi asked.

“Huh? My name?” Tony hadn’t managed to take it all in as he spun back to face Hitomi. “What is my name?” Hitomi nodded. For a split second, Tony had forgotten his own name. Then it came back to him. “Oh, I’m Tony. Tony Collins.” He looked back and forth between the two fox creatures. “I… W-who are you… Uhh…?”

“Kitsune,” Misako answered.

“Kit… What!?!”

“Kit-sue-nay!” Hitomi replied.

“We’re fox-sprits,” Misako answered. “Or gods in the form of foxes.” She smiled a quite smile. “Which ever you are most comfortable with.”

Gods!?! It suddenly hit him like a bolt of lighting. “The land of the Gods!” Tony exclaimed, remembering the Haiku from the door.

“That is one name for this world,” Misako said. “You must have spoken the incantation before passing through the Torri.”

“The… Torri?”

“The gateway from which you passed from your world, into ours,” Misako answered. “Ms. Archibald came through one. You must have used the exact same one as she did.”

“Who!?!” Tony cried out.

Hitomi giggled. “I think you should see for your self.” Misako said, standing up. “Hitomi, please bring our guest and follow me.”

“Okay, Oneesan,” she said, standing up herself. Tony was pushed back into her hands by G-Forces, as she rose.

“Wooah!” He cried out. “H-hey easy up th-ere!”

Misako walked towards the sliding door in front of them, next to the stairs leading up to the next floor. Tony clambered forward over Hitomi’s cupped hands, to grip the edge of her fingers as he peered out. They walked through the door, down a hallway, towards a ‘T’ intersection. And another set of double sliding doors. Misako walked up and pushed them both aside, allowing the entire group to walk outside.

Tony had to cover his eyes with a free hand at the sudden bright light, but once he got his vision adjusted, he gaped in awe at the spectacular view. The back yard was a spacious, almost semi-circle cliff top, overlooking a brilliantly blue ocean. To the left and right, were tall mountains. The mountains on the left, were covered in trees, while the mountain on the right, had gushing waterfalls cascading down in torrents.

“This way,” Misako called out, as she turned to the left, towards the forest. Hitomi bounded along behind her, causing Tony to cling on for dear life. They came to the edge of the mansion, towards a vine covered archway, leading off into the forest. Walking under it, they passed over an arched wooden bridge with railings, and down a dirt path.

“Where are we going?” Tony called out.

“To the dock house,” Misako called out.

They came to another vine covered archway that lead to a stone path, roofed by tree tops that snaked its way down a hillside, towards the sound of crashing waves. Tony breathed in through his nose, smelling the salty air. Another world? So this all wasn’t inside his attic. He paused as he thought about how to go about explaining all this to his brother? What would that do to the sales value? One corner of his mouth rose slightly. He could just visualize the add in the paper.

‘FOR SALE: One Victorian mansion, plenty of rooms, very spacious, lost of land and privacy, and a portal to another world of giant fox creatures.’

This time, he chuckled. He wondered how people would react to that? Still, that door. Who built it? Why? He paused. And who was Ms. Archibald?

Just then, they exited the forest, and came out onto a rocky shore. A long, wooden jetty projected into the sea, alongside a large wooden shed like structure. Tied up next to the dock, sat a large sail boat.

“Wait here with Mr. Collins, Hitomi,” Misako said. Hitomi nodded, while Misako walked over to the dock house, and knocked on the door. A voice called out, and she opened it, and walked on inside.

“This is so exciting,” Hitomi said down to Tony, still sitting on the edge of her fingers. “We haven’t had any human visitors up here since Jane. Ohh, I just know she’s going to like you.”

There was that name again. Who was this Jane? “Uhh, Hitomi, was it?” Tony called out, moving back to the centre of her cupped hands. She nodded. “Who is Jane?”

“Hitomi?” They both looked over to see Misako standing by the entrance of the Dock House. “You can bring him in now.”

“Oh,” Hitomi said, as she hurried for the Dock House, causing Tony to hang on for dear life. “You’ll find out in just a moment.” She reached her sister, and held up Tony towards her.

“You need to be more careful when carrying him, Hitomi,” Misako warned. “He’s very fragile, just like Ms. Archibald.”

“Okay,” Hitomi nodded. “I’ll be much more slower from now on.” She lowered Tony to chest height, and walked into the Dock House. The overwhelming smell of fish hit his nose, causing him to cover it with a free hand.

All around him, hung fish of all sizes. Some were flayed, others were still fresh. Here and there, skeletons littered the floor. Ahead of him, stood three large fox creatures. Unlike Misako, and Hitomi, these ones were male. They wore shirts and shorts, but no footwear. It was impossible to tell between features, but the best he could, was with their different coloured shirts. The largest one wore a light blue shirt, the middle sized one wore a dark green shirt, and another just a little under his size, wore a pale white shirt. This one wore a white bandana around his ears.

“Father, brothers,” Hitomi said, holding out her cupped hands towards them. “This is Tony. Tony Collins.” They all leaned over to get a better look at him.

“Uhh, hi?” Tony replied meekly with a short wave. Man these guys were intimidating.

“It’s male,” the middle-sized fox stated.

The biggest Fox nodded in Tony’s direction. “Greetings, Mr. Collins, was it?” Tony nodded.

“Yessir!” He hastily replied. “Tony Collins, that’s me. Tony Collins. Hah ha ha.” He clapped his hands together with a nervous chuckle, which pitted out.

“There’s no need to be afraid, Mr. Collins,” the biggest fox replied. “We won’t hurt you. We have no reason to.”

“Yes, so I’ve been told,” Tony said softly. “But it’s still all… So much to take in at the moment.”

“Don’t worry, give it time,” the big fox answered with a gentle smile. “You’ll get used to our size.”

“Give it time?” Tony cried out. “B-but I can’t…”

The big fox cut him off, as he continued talking. “My name is Hitoshi.” He leaned back and pointed to the middle-sized fox, next to him. “This is my eldest son, Kenichi,” and then to the smaller bandana wearing fox. “And my youngest son, Hideaki.”

“Nice to meet you,” Tony said with a wave. “But I really can’t…”

“Well?” A female voice called out from behind the foxes. “Aren’t you guys going to introduce me?” That voice caught Tony by surprise.

They looked over their shoulders away from Tony. “W-who was that?” He called out, pointing. They looked back at him, and Hitoshi smiled.

“Tony Collins,” he said, standing aside. “Meet Jane Archibald.” As he stood aside, Hitomi moved forward, carrying him towards a large cutting table, where fish lay in pieces.

There, on the edge of the table, stood a woman. A normal human woman, wearing a miniature kimono, much like the female foxes wore, along with the socks and sandals. Only she wasn’t Asian. She was European. She had long blond hair, tied up in a bun, much like the traditional hair of Japanese women, with the chop sticks in it, or what ever the hell they were called.

He gaped in shock at her, as Hitomi walked carefully over to the table, and lowered her hands down, till they touched the table top.

“Go on,” Hitomi urged, “Say hello to your new friend.” Tony looked from her, to the mystery woman in front of him.

“You’re… You’re…” he stammered.

“Tony, wasn’t it?” She asked, with a cute smile. She rolled back and forth on the balls of her feet. “Hi!” She gave a quick wave, looking a little nervous herself.

“You’re…” Before he could say, ‘Human,’ he paused, as something about her finally got through to him, slower than it should’ve. “You’re American!?!”

[Mr Nelg]

“Of cause I am,” she replied, “Just like you.”

“But… How!?!” He spread his hands before him.

“I came through the Torri,” She answered, but her cute expression vanished as her mind drifted slightly. “Though I can’t remember how long ago that was.”

“Perhaps you two would like to get better acquainted back at the house?” Hitoshi said from behind them. “We still have a lot of work to do today.”

“That’s fine,” Jane said up to Hitoshi, “We can continue this back in my room,” she gestured between herself and Tony, and then turned towards Hitomi. “Hitomi?” She carefully reached over, placing her cupped hands at the table edge. Tony balked. “It’s okay,” Jane reassured him, as she placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. “I’ve been through this many times, and besides, she carried you all the way here, didn’t she?”

She had a point. Tony shrugged, and stepped out, into Hitomi’s open palms. Jane climbed on behind him, holding onto him, as she guided him into the centre, where they both sat down.

“Bye father, bye brothers!” Hitomi called out. They nodded, as she turned around and carefully headed for the exit. Tony grabbed for the one of her thumbs, as he held on for dear life. As he was jolted around, he managed a glance over at Jane, who seemed to be better of than he was. She was sitting down, occasionally swaying with the movement of Hitomi’s hands, as though she’d been through this at least a hundred times.

Hitomi jogged back up the same path they’d come down earlier, back towards the mansion. “H-how do you do that!?” Tony cried out to Jane, as he was jolted back and forth.

“It’s easy,” she said, placing her hands down by her waist. “Try centering your weight down here. Then, move your weight in the opposite direction to which ever way her hands move.”

Tony observed her. Man she made it look so easy. “Well, you only live once,” he muttered, as he let go, and was thrown onto his face. “Oomph!” He cried out. Hitomi’s palms were covered in fur and pads. They had a hard leathery almost rock like feeling to them.

He was aware of Jane’s laughter. “Don’t worry about it,” she said, “It took me a few times before I worked it out.” She then reached behind her, to grab hold of one of Hitomi’s thumbs, and with her other hand, reached out to Tony. “Here, take my hand.” Tony grabbed it with vigor, and she helped him sit up straight.

Once up, he moved closer to her, as he made for the side of Hitomi’s hand, grabbing onto the same thumb as she was. Tony looked over at Jane, to see that she seemed to be blushing. He realized he was awfully close to her.

“We’re home,” Hitomi called out, as she reached the sliding doors that lead back into the mansion. She opened the left side door with her elbow, and rushed on in. She then rushed back to the open area at the front of the mansion, and climbed up the stairs. Tony watched as she reached the top, and ran around to another set up stairs, leading up to the third floor.

She reached the top, and hurried down a long corridor towards a sliding door at the end. “Welcome to your new home,” Hitomi said, as she opened the door with her tail.

The room that she opened up wasn’t very large by their standers, but it large enough to be considered a decent sized property back on Earth. There were no other doors leading into the room, but there was a large window at the other end. There were a miniature set of stairs, leading from the window, down towards…

In the centre of the room, was a small pond, and in the centre of the pond, lay a large mansion. Well, large to humans, but to these kit… Fox-things, it’d be a model house in comparison. It only came up to Hitomi’s chest in height.

“It’s… Beautiful.” Tony whispered.

“Isn’t it?” Jane said from beside him. “Kenichi spent three weeks building it for me. Hitomi and Misako did the garden for me.”

“I planted those trees by the entrance.” Hitomi proudly announced. Tony looked over at the normal sized trees by the mansion entrance. They looked like those Minnie trees that the Japanese grew. Damn it, what did they call them? He shook his head. All those times he’d spent with Dave, listening to him spout on about Japanese culture. Oh, how he wished he’d actually listened to him instead of just nodding his head and saying ‘Uh-huh.’

Hitomi walked forward slowly, towards the edge of the pond. ‘Now she’s being careful,’ Tony thought sarcastically, as Hitomi lowered her cupped hands to the ground.

“Come on,” Jane said, grabbing his hand, and pulling him off Hitomi’s. “Let me show you around.” She led Tony across an arched bridge across the pond. Below, Tony saw giant gold fish swimming around, just a little bit bigger than a Killer Whale. He shuddered visibly.

They finally reached dry land, and a pebbled pathway, that lead to the mansions front entrance. Tony felt a little awkward at being amongst normal sized objects again. But a quick look behind him at the gigantic smiling fox-girl quickly reminded him otherwise.

“Come on,” Jane called out, as she opened the sliding door, and pulled him inside. The room he entered was almost an exact replica of the front entrance of the Fox’s mansion.

“You live… here?” Tony asked, looking all around him.

“Yeah,” Jane nodded. “This is where I sleep. The whole mansion,” she spread her arms wide and looked up at the ceiling, as if indicating beyond their little toy house. “Is really my home.” She suddenly grabbed both his hands, leading him towards the stair case. “Come, let me show you around.”

“Home,” Tony repeated as they climbed the stairs. “Hey, wait a sec, where did you come from?”

“I could ask you the same question, Anthony,” Jane replied, as they came to the top. “But since you asked. I come from West Virginia, the United States.” She led him to a second flight of stairs.

“Hey,” Tony said, “That’s exactly…” He dropped off. That’s exactly were he was from. Or rather, where the house was. “What was your address?”

“It was a mansion, just outside of Durbin.” She answered, as she headed up the stairs. Tony quickly followed. “There was a road that lead off Highway 220, up to our house.”

“That’s my house!” Tony cried out, snapping his fingers. Jane waited up at the top of the stairs, for Tony to catch up. Once he reached her, she shrugged.

“I guess it would’ve been sold by now.”

“Sold by now?” Tony looked confused. Jane started towards a large pair of sliding doors. “Huh? What do you mean? From what I learned of the houses history, nobody’s lived in the house since the first world war.”

Now it was Jane’s turn to look confused. “The first what?” She stopped in mid stride, her hands frozen in a grab for the doors. She looked rather shocked.

“The First World War,” Tony repeated. “Everybody knows about that. It’s early 20th century history.”

“20th century!” Jane looked white as a sheet. She suddenly reached out and grabbed his parker roughly. “What year is it!?! From where you come from! What year is it! Tell me!”

“Whoa, take it easy, will you!” Tony removed her hands from his parker before she tore something. “It’s 2007.” Jane’s jaw dropped. “Why, what was the last year YOU remember.”

She paused. “I… I don’t know.” She said softly. “It’s been so long, I’ve forgotten.”

Tony saw her lower her head. She seemed so sad all of a sudden. “Okay,” he mussed. “Wait, I’ve got it, can you at least remember who the president of the United States was?”

That got her. She looked up with a smile. “Oh, that I remember. It was Rutherford Hayes. I know that, because about three weeks before I arrived her, I remember the election results were announced, and I remember my father was really happy about Mr. Hayes being elected.” She lowered her eyes. “That was the last time I remember my father being happy. That’s why I remember it.”

Tony just stood there, his mouth hanging open, unaware of how sad Jane had become. He was too busy thinking about something else. “Who the hell is Rutherford Hayes?” He said. Jane suddenly reared back, covering her mouth.

“Watch your language, Mr. Collins!” She cried out, and gave him a gentle slap on the cheek for good measure. “You shouldn’t say such fowl words in the presence of a lady. Didn’t your mother teach you any manors?”

“Gezze, time out! Take a breather, will you!” Tony moaned, rubbing the side of his face. “Lord, when were you raised, the 1800’s?” Jane opened her mouth to speak, when Tony held up his hand to silence her. “NO wait, don’t answer that.” He rolled his eyes.

“You aren’t a sanitary worker, are you?” Jane asked with suspension. “I’ve heard some of the language those ruffian’s use.”

“NO, I’m a free lance computer programmer for Television Studios.” Jane just looked at him as if he’s suddenly sprouted a second head. “Oh, forget it.” He muttered. He turned around.

“Wait!” She cried out, grabbing his arm. “I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to upset you, it’s just…” She trailed off. “I haven’t seen a m--- a normal person in… quite a long time.”

“Wait a darn minute,” Tony said, “If you were born in the 1800’s, how can you still be young, let alone alive?”

“Oh,” Jane said with a smile. “I asked Misako about that one day. She said that up here, Time has no meaning.” Tony looked down at his wrist watch. It was still off. “Although the Kitsune themselves age. It’s a slow process; they still grow old and die. But that takes about a millennium to happen.”

“Holy cr…!” Tony quickly cut himself off, before he finished that sentence. “Amazing.” He said instead. “And we won’t be affected by time?” Jane shrugged.

“I don’t fully understand the laws of this world ether, even for the length of time I’ve been here.”

“Hey wait a minute,” Tony interrupted, “how did you get up here?”

Jane sounded irritated. “I told you before,” she said. “I came through the Torri, just like you did.”

“The Torri?” Tony asked. “Oh, that’s right, the gateway. You mean that door in the attic.”

“The secret door.” Jane said. “It was hidden behind a wardrobe.”

“Do you know who, uhhh…” Tony trailed off as he tried to word his question.

Jane shook her head. “No, I don’t know its origin.” She then gave half a shrug. “All I know about the houses history is that the man my father bought it from said that it was built around the late 1600’s.”

Tony just nodded. “Hey, wait a minute, how did you get the door open?”

“I got the phrases translated,” Jane with a smug smile. “It was only a matter of writing down the symbols and taking them to the city museum.” She shrugged one shoulder. “It was purely accidentally that I quoted the poem before the door. I never realized that was the key, until Misako told me about it.”

Tony thought back. Dave had read the poem, out loud. That’s how he’d opened the door. His eyes bulged. Dear God, Dave! He’d forgotten all about him. What was he doing back down there? Had he called the police? Was he already up here?

“Umm… Tony.” Jane seemed anxious about something. “Can I ask you a question?”

Tony looked over at Jane with surprise. “Uhh, Sure.”

“Do you know… What ever happened to the previous owners of the house? Your house, I mean.”

Tony thought for a moment. “I’m not really sure.” He answered honestly. “All I know is that my grandfather had this house. Dad didn’t know where he got it from.” He paused. “Grand dad never talked much of this place. In fact, he never spoke of it at all.”

He looked over at Jane. She had gone quite all of a sudden. In fact, she seemed sad. “Oh,” was all she said.

“Hey, are you okay?” Tony asked, moving closer to her. “Is everything all right?”

“Huh?” It seemed that he’d caught her of guard. “Oh, it’s nothing, it’s…” She sighed. “No, it isn’t nothing. I just… miss my parents, that’s all.”

“Oh.” Tony quickly cut himself off. He was about to say, ‘They’d be dead by now.’ He knew that wouldn’t go down very well with her. “Hey, why didn’t you go back?” He suddenly thought about that. If she’d been up here for over a hundred years, what stopped her from taking the stairs back down?

“I don’t know the reverse incantation,” Jane said, her voice on the verge of tears. “No one up here dose.”

“Reverse… Incantation!?!” Tony did a double take. “You mean-- There’s no way back!?!”

Jane gave him a sarcastic look. “If there was, do you think I’d still be here?” Tony just stood there. “The door back in the attic won’t open from this side,” Jane said, pointing to the ground, as if anticipating his next question. “I’ve tried. At the entrance to this world, that little house, the staircase is no longer there.” Her face grew bitter. “All that is in there is a small dusty room. Nothing more.”

“How!?!” Tony cried out. Jane just shrugged.

“I told you before, I don’t understand the laws of this world. All I know is what I’ve been told.”

“Oh God,” Tony muttered, nearly collapsing from the shock.

“I’ve been there before,” Jane replied without emotion. “Trust me, crying won’t help. Neither will complaining about it.”

Tony just stood there, unable to reply. “How did YOU deal with it?” He finally asked.

“I cried.” She answered. “I cried for about two days. I didn’t want to speak to anybody, I didn’t want anybody to speak to me.” She sighed. “After a while, I kind of got used to the place. Everything being big and all. Have you ever read ‘Gulliver’s Travels?’ By Jonathan Swift?”

“Uhhh, no.” Tony replied honestly. “I saw a few movies about it though.” Jane looked confused, and before she could say anything, Tony said, “I’ll explain later. By the way, what was your point?”

“Point? Oh, the book. The end chapter, talks about Gulliver returning home, and finding all the normal sized people strange. He was looking up and couldn’t find his wife, when she was right in front of him.” She smiled. “That’s how I felt with you. You’ll get used to looking up as well.”

“Hey,” Tony quickly asked. “Is there anything beyond this place. I mean, this property, that the foxes own?”

“Oh, there is,” Jane said excitedly. “There are numerous properties scattered around. And there’s a market place, where all the God’s come to trade.”

“God’s trade?” Tony asked.

“Yes they do,” she nodded. “Oh, I know it’s all arcane and a lot to take in, but life up here, is pretty much simple, and medieval. They have a system of rule that’s similar to ancient Japanese culture.” She smiled. “I’ve done a lot of reading since I’ve got here.”

“You can read Japanese?” Tony asked. Jane shook her head.

“No, I can’t. It’s this place. It translates everything.” He cocked her head to one side. “Didn’t you ever stop and think about how these Kitsune can speak pure English?” Tony nodded. “They’re actually speaking Japanese. This world, or something in it, translates everything we see and hear. Writing and speech.”

“Magic?” Jane shrugged. “Wow,” was all Tony could say. For a moment, there was silence. Nether one of them said anything.

“I’m so glad you’re here, Tony Collins,” Jane finally said, carefully taking both his hands. “It’s nice to see another human face. And a face I don’t have to look up at.”

He smiled at her. “You’re welcome.” He replied, drawing her hands up to his face, and kissing them, gently. She smiled back at him.

“Ummm, Tony,” she said in a soft voice. “I was wondering… Would you, ummm…” She seemed to be having trouble finding the right words. “Would you like to… Do you want to… have… sex?”

“Huh?” Tony looked surprised. That came out from left field. “Why?” Was his only response.

“Because I haven’t seen a man in over one hundred years, that’s why.” She turned around and opened a set of double doors behind her, that led into a bedroom. “Come on.”

“But…” Tony was cut off as she grabbed his arm, and pulled him into the room. “It’s... It’s all so, sudden!”

“You’re not a homosexual, are you?” She asked. Tony shook his head. “Then what’s the problem?”

“I… I just… I barely even know you,” Tony blurted out. “I don’t know what you like, your favorite colour, what your favorite hobby is. I don’t know a thing about you!”

“There’s no need to rush, Tony,” Jane said, “We’ve got a long, long time to get acquainted.” She reached behind her head, and pulled those chock stick things out, and giving her head a shake, allowed her hair to fall free around her shoulders. She then reached behind her back, to undo that large piece of cloth around waist.

“T-then if we’ve got all the time in the world, why hurry into this!?!” Tony asked.

“I told you,” Jane said, as she let the large cloth fall from her waist. “I haven’t even seen a man in over one hundred years.” Her dress parted slightly, giving Tony a clear view of skin underneath. Especially her cleavage. She wore some sort of silk trousers from the waist down. “I’ve waited long enough.”

“N-now, wait…!” He put his hands out in front of him, to hold her back, but his hands found her breasts instead. “I…!” He was stunned. “I…! I…!” He stammered, but a glance at Jane’s face saw she wasn’t angry, just smiling. She reached out with both hands, and cupping his cheeks, she pulled his face to hers, and kissed him.

That ended all resistance he had. As they kissed, his hands moved to the edges of her silk robes, and pushed them back from her shoulders to hang from her elbows, exposing her naked upper torso.

“Take me,” she whispered as they broke from their kiss momentarily. And with that, Tony lowered her to the bed and had her.

***

Tony looked up at the ceiling, one hand resting behind his head, the other, curled protectively around Jane, who was nestled into the left side of his chest. Matted and tangled sheets covered their nakedness, while outside; a setting sun flooded their room with rich oranges, reds, and yellows.

“I’ve forgotten how good that always feels,” Jane murmured, as she wrapped an arm around his chest. “Thank you, Tony Collins.”

“You’re… welcome,” Tony muttered, a little confused.

“Is something wrong?” Jane asked, looking up at his face.

“I’m still trying to come to grips with everything that’s occurred in the past few hours.” Tony said, looking out the window, towards the brilliant display of the clouds outside. “No way back. Now this is my life.” He waved the hand that was behind his head around at the room.

“I’ll be here to help you, Tony.” Jane said, placing a caring hand against his cheek, and turning his face towards hers. “It will be tough, trying to adapt to a new way of life. But I believe you can do it.” She paused, as she lowered her gaze. “The best advice I can give you, is to try and not think about your old life.”

“Well,” Tony muttered. “I didn’t have anyone too special in my life. Come to think of it, I didn’t have anyone.” As he spoke, Jane let go of him, and rolled over, covering herself with the sheets. “Huh? Jane, did I upset you.”

“No, it’s just…” She sighed. “It’s ancient history now, Tony. Don’t worry about it.”

“I’m here for you, if you need me…” Jane raised her voice, interrupting him.

“I said, don’t worry about it, Tony,” she snapped.

“Jane,” Tony said forcefully. “If we are going to be spending the rest of our lives together, we need to be open with each other.” She didn’t respond. “Now, I’m not asking you to tell me now, nor am I asking you to tell me tomorrow. But I am asking you to tell me eventually. When ever you feel up to it. Besides,” he gave a wolfish grin, as he glided a free hand over her sheet covered hips. “If you get too upset, we can always have more sex to make you feel better.” He leaned down to kiss her neck, before tickling her behind the ear.

“Hey, stop it!” She said with a giggle, as she playfully pushed his face away. She sat up on her elbows, and shook her head at him. “You push a hard bargain, Mr. Collins,” she said. “All right. But only when I’m good and ready, okay?”

“Aye, aye!” Tony replied. He looked at her for a few seconds, and then asked, “So do you feel ready now?”

Jane scoffed loudly as she rolled her eyes. “You cheeky little…” she trailed off, as she reached out with a hand, and pushed him down onto his back. “Just for that, you’re going to make love to me again, but this time,” she straddled his waist. “I’m on top!”

Suddenly, the sound of a door opening filled the room. “Jane, Tony,” Hitomi cried out. “It’s time for dinner!”

“Always when you’re in the mode,” Tony muttered, as Jane climbed off him with an irritated sigh.

“We’ll be right there, Hitomi!” Jane shouted out as loud as she could.

“Okay!” Hitomi cried back. They gathered up their clothes, and got dressed before heading down the stairs and outside, to where Hitomi was waiting for them. “How come it took so long for you guys to come down here?” Hitomi asked, from her kneeling position on the other side of the pond, as Tony and Jane crossed the bridge.

“Never you mind, dear,” Jane said, as they reached the other side. “I’ll explain everything when you’re much older.”

“Ohhh, Phooey!” Hitomi crossed her arms. “Why do you have to treat me like a little child? I’m 200 years old. I’m not only bigger, I’m also older than you!”

“But you’re still too young to know other things, dear,” Jane replied. “Now, how about taking us down to the dinning room?”

“Humph,” Hitomi scoffed, as she cupped her hands, and lowered them down to the ground, allowing Tony and Jane to climb on board. “I will have to get a definition of maturity one of these days.”

A lovely aroma of smells wafted up the stairs from the kitchen, as they made their way down the stairs. “Mmmm,” Tony hummed as he took a deep breath in through his nose. “That smells good.”

“Fish,” Hitoshi said, “Fresh from the sea.”

“Along with fresh herbs, spices, and vegetables, picked from our garden.” Misako added. “And home made sauces.”

“I made that one myself,” Hitomi said, indicating with her nose towards a wide bottomed, narrow toped bottle made of clay. She then walked over to the left corner of the table, where a smaller table had been placed. On that table, sat a tiny table, with miniature cushions around it, and a smaller array of plates and Japanese cutlery.

Hitomi lowered her hands onto the first small table, allowing both Jane and Tony to walk off, and onto the wooden structure. The table which they stood on was more like a raised platform, allowing them to be seated higher as they sat at their special table. The even smaller table was big enough for them to sit at to be considered normal size.

Hitomi suddenly sat down just off to their left, while Misako sat on the opposite side. Hitoshi sat at the head of the table, just behind them. The two brothers sat down as well, Kenichi sat down next to Misako, and Hideaki sat down next to Hitomi. He was still wearing that bandana. Tony couldn’t help but wonder did that guy ever take it off?

“Well,” Hitoshi said, spreading his arms wide, as he looked down at his two small guests. “Tonight calls for a special celebration, with the arrival of our newest guest, Tony Collins!” The other foxes bowed deeply.

“Ah, gee; thanks!” Tony shrugged. “But you really don’t have to roll out the red carpet for me.”

“Why would we want to do that?” Jane asked. The others looked just as confused.

“It’s an expression,” Tony explained. “It basically means making a big fuss over something.” Everyone around the table only just nodded.

“Well then,” Hitoshi said, lifting up his chop sticks, “Let’s eat!”

Tony just stared at the utensils in front of him. The chop sticks were the only things there. He picked them up and looked at them, before Jane appeared beside him, holding hers. “Like this,” she instructed, as she helped Tony apply the proper technique.

The rest of the dinner was a big ‘Q & A’ session for Tony. The Foxes asked all the questions and he gave the answers. What was the world like? What was his life like? Questions about technology left them baffled. How on earth were you to explain something like the Internet to creatures who’d never conceived of the idea of Electricity let alone computers.

Still, Jane didn’t seem to mind the talk about the world she’d left behind. But she seemed more interested in what had been going on in the world rather than the technology side of things.

The one person who didn’t join in the conversation, was Misako. She just ate quietly while Tony spoke, and the others asked questions. Hitomi was rather inquisitive as a young child always is. After they’d all finished dinner, Hitomi carried both Jane and Tony back to their room, while Misako cleared the table.

“So you can actually control lighting without a mental connection with the weather?” Hitomi asked as she slid open the door with her foot.

“Amazing isn’t it?” Tony replied, having no idea what Hitomi was talking about. “But yes, pretty much.”

“Well, I don’t like it,” she said, walking over towards the doll house. “When you bend the laws of nature you risk braking them beyond repair.” She lowered her hands down to the ground, allowing both Tony and Jane to climb off.

“That’s what your Father always says.” Jane said as she helped Tony climb down. “She’s just trying to sound grown up.”

“Humph!” Hitomi crossed her arms and spinning around, took off.

Tony watched as she left, slamming the door behind her, and he turned to Jane with a confused expression on his face.

“She’s just trying to impress you, that’s all,” she said with a smirk. “You are a guy after all.”

“But she’s like… How old is she again?”

“She’s still just a child, Tony,” Jane said, taking his hand and leading him across the bridge back to the house. “But she dose get other ideas into her head.” She paused. “Do you remember Gulliver’s travels?”

“Haven’t read it, remember?” Jane nodded.

“Oh yeah, you said that earlier. Anyway, the character of Glumdalclitch, a 9 year old girl, is responsible for looking after Gulliver, and she falls in love with him, even though he’s an adult and she’s only nine.”

Tony opened his mouth to speak, but he paused, and jerked his head back in realization at what Jane was getting at, and she only nodded in reply. “Whoa, I’m not into cradle snatching!” He cried out. She put a finger to his lips to silence him.

“I know,” she said. “You don’t have to worry about me getting upset or angry at you about it.” Tony sighed in relief. “Come on,” she said, pulling him towards the house again, “There’s something I want you to see.”

She led him past the house, around the side to the back, where there was a miniature set of stairs, leading up to the massive window. He remembered seeing those earlier, and she pulled him towards them. “Up here,” she said, as she led him up the stairs.

At the top, she pulled him towards the glass and pointed out to…

“Whoa!” Tony took in a deep breath. The view was spectacular. The window overlooked the ocean, with the moonlight shining down on the water, sending light sparkling in every direction. The surface of the water was constantly broken by the splashing of dolphins, as they jumped into the air, somersaulted and crashed back down. “Stunning!” He whispered. Jane approached him from behind, and put her arm around his.

“I always used to come up here at night, wishing I could share this site with someone special.” She said, leaning her head against his shoulder.

“Beautiful,” Tony muttered, as he continued to watch the dolphins play in the moon light. “Absolutely beautiful.”

“Who, me?” Jane asked, as she turned his head towards her. “Or the scenery?”

“I was looking at my reflection,” Tony said with a sarcastic grin. Jane looked surprised, before she scoffed.

“People from your time period sure have a strange sense of humor.”

“We only act that way around strange women,” she chuckled, as he put an arm around her.

“You’re mean,” she moaned, as she snuggled in closer to him.

Tony just stood there for a moment, looking at her reflection in the glass, as she sighed happily. Well, he may be trapped up here forever, but hay, at least he was with a woman. Jane Archibald. He couldn’t help but think about how pretty she looked, with the moonlight on her face, and resting her head on his shoulder. There was something about her that just made him want to look at her forever.

He raised an eyebrow. Was this love? Sure the sex was wonderful and she had a great body. But he was also feeling secure. Contented. He just liked to be near her. He looked back at the ocean again and smiled.

Huh?

There was something in the ocean. NO. Not the ocean, the glass, or to be precise, the reflection of the glass. At first, he thought it was Jane, but it was much larger, and had pointed ears. Hitomi? No, it looked to be much larger. More slimmer. He furrowed his brow, and then arched it as he realized.

“Misako?” He turned around, and looked behind him. All he saw was a tail, slinking away, and then, nothing more.

“Huh?” Jane looked over her shoulder. “Is something wrong?” Tony just stood there, his eyes locked on the open doorway. He was pretty sure Hitomi had closed it, and he never heard it open. “Tony?” He looked back down at Jane. “Are you okay?” She asked.

“Huh? Oh yeah, I’m fine,” he said, looking back at the door. “I just thought… I thought Hitomi closed that door.” Jane looked over at the open door.

“Hmmm, hey you’re right,” Jane said, looking at the doorway. “She did close it.” She turned to him. “Did you see anyone?”

“I thought I saw…” He trailed off. “I’m not too sure who I saw.” He said.

“Are you sure?” Jane asked.

“I’m I sure about what?”

“About you don’t know who you THOUGHT you saw?”

“All I saw was a silhouette in the reflection,” Tony said. “It looked like… Misako. I really couldn’t tell.” He looked back at Jane.

She had no expression on her face. She was looking directly at him. As if she was thinking about something.

“Hey,” he said, “Are YOU okay?”

“I’m fine,” she said, curling her arm around his. She led him back towards the stairs, “You feel sleepy?”

“Well, not really,” he answered truthfully, “I mean, I’ve had quite a shocker of a day, and I’m still trying to wrap my head around everything that’s happened…”

“Let me repeat that,” Jane suddenly stopped him firmly with a hand on his chest. “I said, Are You Feeling Sleepy?” She let her free hand trailed down his chest to his waist, towards his…

“Whoa!” Tony cried out, jumping a little as she grasped him tightly. “Well, maybe I do feel a little tiered.” She released him. “Nympho!” He whispered to her.

“Pervert.” She whispered back at him. “I’ve seen you sneaking glimpses of my chest area.”

“That’s ‘cause I know what’s under them,” he replied pinching the cloth between his for finger and thumb.

She grabbed his shoulders. “Like I said before,” she pulled his lips to hers. “Pervert,” she whispered before she kissed him. Tony returned the kiss, encircling her waist with his arms. As they kissed in the moonlight, Tony couldn’t help but think about what the future had installed for him.

***

[Mr Nelg]

Tony didn’t know how long he’d been awake for, as he lay there in the futon with Jane curled up by his side. His mind was a million miles away, thinking about what lay ahead of him. Nothing that he could see that would be interesting. What had Jane done to keep herself busy?

Looking after this place? His eyes floated around the room. It was pretty clean and well looked after. At her size, she couldn’t exactly help around the mansion. Still, he couldn’t stop his mind from wondering back to what he was leaving behind. Fast Food, Microwaves, washing machines, computers, the Internet… The list went on and on. Luxuries he’d taken for granted no longer present.

Jane hadn’t had those things present in her life, but she did seem to harbor some sort of deep loss. Tony wrinkled his brow. What could it have been?

He’d have to be careful how he addressed that topic.

“Good morning, Tony,” he looked down to see Jane was now looking up at him, wide awake. “Sleep well?”

“Considering what I’ve lost, yes.” He shrugged.

“You seem to be taking it rather well,” Jane said, sitting up.

“Well, like you said, there’s no use complaining about it,” he then looked down at Jane. “And I suppose I’m extremely lucky that I had you to help guide me through it all.”

She hugged him. “You’re so sweet to say that.”

Just then, there was the sound of a screen door sliding, and the pounding of feet. “MORN’N JANE! MORN’N TONY!” Hitomi cried out, as she bowled over to the house. “ARE YOU ALL AWAKE!?”

Tony turned to Jane. “Is it always like this?”

Jane shook her head. “She was like this the first few weeks after I arrived. She’s just excited to have a new human in the house. Get used to it, and then before you know it, she’ll leave us in peace.”

“So, all we have to do is get used to a few weeks of her busting in like a bulldozer, before we can have quite peaceful mornings.”

“What’s a bulldozer?”

Tony chuckled and was about to answer her when he stopped in his tracks. Something Jane had said earlier had gotten through to him slower than it should’ve. “Wait, why would she be excited about a new human?”

For a second, Jane gave him a worried look, before realizing he wasn’t familiar with this world. “Well, since your new here, I think I should be the one to tell you. You see, humans are extremely valuable to Gods, Tony.”

“How so?” Tony asked.

“Okay, there are a lot of arcane laws in this world that I still don’t understand, but, it would appear that Gods, the Gods in this world by the way, need certain energies that only we humans can emit.”

“Now I’m even more confused.” Tony responded.

“Very well then,” Jane replied with a sigh, as she looked about, thinking about how she was going to explain this. “It’s like this. The creatures of this land are Gods in some form or another, and like all Gods, require worshipers.”

“We’re not going to have to bow down 12 times a day are we?” Tony asked, a horrified expression on his face.

Jane laughed. “No, no!” She chuckled. “What I mean by worshipers, is that they need humans to believe in them. And no, we don’t have to praise them or worship them or anything else for that matter.”

“Then…”

“Stop interrupting,” Jane sighed, “I’m explaining this as best as I can. Us being with them is all they require. By living with this Kitsune family, I’m being exposed to them all the time, and my belief in them is intensified by seeing them with my own two eyes, and not with faith. By believing in the Kistune family, I’m actually increasing their good fortune, their happiness and their wealth.”

“So we’re a good luck charm?” Tony scratched his head. “Well, that’s a, uhhh, spin on things.” He suddenly had images of people he’d meet in the past, who’d collected ornaments that were supposed to attract good luck. Elephants with their trunks up by the door, plants that were supposed to attract money. And of cause, the ol’ lucky rabbits foot.

“I suppose if you wanted to get a plain and simple answer, yes.” She smiled, as she held up her finger to emphasize the point. “But a very unique, rare kind. I’m considered part of the family, but I’m not a pet.”

“Wow,” Tony muttered. He then blinked as something else flared through his mind. “Hey, what happens now that they’ve got me?”

“Well, I have no doubt their good fortune will double, quite possibly even triple.” Jane answered with a smile. “Ever since I came along, the family business has been very prosperous.” Tony thought about that. The Kitsune looked like the old peasant fishermen he’d seen in those documentaries about ancient Japan. Double their business. He suddenly got a mental image of one of the Kitsune in a jet black business suit sitting behind a wooden oak desk, yakking into an I phone below a massive sign that read, ‘Fish R Us’, and he couldn’t help but snort.

“Don’t worry,” Tony said, waving away Jane’s confused look. “I thought about something that made me laugh. You wouldn’t get it.”

“ARE YOU TWO AWAKE OR NOT!?!” Hitomi hollered right outside their window. “BREAKFAST IS READY!!” Tony stuck a finger in his ear and wiggled it around.

“Man, dose she have to shout so close?”

“Like I said before,” Jane replied, doing up her hair. “You’ll get used to it.” She then turned and slid open the window. Hitomi’s big brown eyes blinked back from outside. “Yes we are, Hitomi dear,” Jane answered as she wiggled a finger at her. “So please, keep your voice down.”

“Sorry Jane, sorry Tony,” she replied, her voice notably softer this time. She looked past Jane to see Tony putting on his shirt. “What’s THAT you’re wearing?” She asked.

“This,” Tony plucked at his shirt. “It’s called a shirt, Hitomi,” he replied, walking over to the window. “It’s what all humans wear.”

Hitomi stifled a giggle. “They don’t wear that,” she said. “They ware what we ware, not those bizarre flaps.”

“Can you remember what I wore, when I first arrived, Hitomi?” Jane asked. Hitomi nodded. “What I wore wasn’t like anything you’d ever seen before, remember?”

“Yeah, but it was still close to proper clothes, Tony’s is nothing like what we ware.”

“That’s because times have changed back down on earth, dear,” Jane said. “Remember, I told you that myself.”

Hitomi’s eyes narrowed at being shown up. “It still looks wrong.” She said with a huff.

“She’s still just a child,” Jane said to Tony, “You just have to be patient with her.”

“I am NOT a child, Jane,” Hitomi cried out. “I’m 200 years old!”

“Of cause you are, dear,” Jane answered. “But when I hear those words from your father, then I’ll agree with you.” Hitomi pouted as she sat down outside.

“Patient, huh?” Tony said. “You sure like showing her up.”

“Believe me,” Jane said with rolled eyes, “If you’d seen some of the trouble she got me into by just playing with me, you wouldn’t be so sympathetic.”

They didn’t take long getting dressed, before they walked outside to where Hitomi sat, waiting for them. As per usual, she cupped her hands, and laid them out for Jane and Tony to climb on. Then, carefully as she could, she rose to her feet, and headed down stairs.

“A very good morning to you both,” Hitoshi greet the two humans as Hitomi brought them into the dinning room. “How was your sleep, Mr. Collins?”

“I had a great nights sleep,” Tony replied, as Jane squeezed his hand a little. “Thank you for asking.”

“That’s most pleasant to here,” Hitoshi said. “Ms. Archibald’s first night was… somewhat eventful.” Jane just rolled her eyes.

“That was a long time ago, sir,” Jane answered. “I’ve adapted since then.” Tony caught a quick glance of the two brothers, doing something. He saw a quick smile from Kenichi, while he was positive he saw Hideaki snickering. Tony frowned at that; but before he could further pursue the event, Jane suddenly grabbed his arm and drew him over to their table where breakfast was waiting for them.

The breakfast conversation was of the days schedule. The boys and their father were heading out for more fishing, while the girls were going over their house keeping duties. Tony thought it was a little sexist, but decided not to bring it up.

“Well,” Hitoshi said after everyone was finished, “There’s not time like the present to get started.” His two sons nodded, as all the males rose, and headed for the back of the house. Hitomi and Misako went around the table clearing the table of all the dishes and utensils. Tony and Jane handed their’s to Hitomi.

“So,” Tony asked, turning to Jane as Hitomi left the room with Misako towards the kitchen. “What happens now? With us I mean.”

“I usually go upstairs and clean around my house,” she said, “But other than that, the day belongs to us.” She spread her arms wide, “What ever we want to do, we can…” She suddenly cut herself off, as her face grew serious. “But we can’t leave the property, not without one of the family guarding us.”

“What!?” Tony was taken back. “A-are we prisoners?” He asked fearfully.

Jane did a double take, looking almost horrified that he’d even think something like that. “NO,” she almost shouted it. “I told you, Tony, We’re part of the family, and we’re NOT pets.” She placed her hands on his shoulder in reassurance as she spoke.

“Then, why?” Tony demanded.

Jane sighed. “Will you be patient!?” She said. “Why is it all now, now, now, with you Mr. Collins? Are all people from the year 2007 as impatient as this?” Tony gave a quick nod.

“Yeah,” he replied apologetically, “remember that instant communication’s thingy I told you about last night at dinner.”

“The Inner Net?”

“Internet,” Tony corrected. “Everybody’s connected to everybody else within seconds. We get information within a minute.” He shrugged. “I guess I’ve been so used to it, that I’m a little too impatient.” He gave a weak smile. “I never really thought about it at all.” He gave a soft laugh. “Man, talk about never missing something till it’s gone.”

“Well,” Jane said, “I’m glad I never had that, I don’t think I could handle the world moving THAT fast. After all, slow and steady wins the race.”

Tony nodded. “Now, what were we talking about again?”

“Yes, not going beyond the property.” Jane’s face returned to its seriousness. “Tony, do you remember what I told you about the value of humans to the Gods of this world?”

“We’re extremely good, lucky charms.”

“And we’re extremely rare. So rare that I’ve never heard of another human up here, ever! As far as I’m aware, you and I are the only humans in the land.”

“You mean, someone might steal us?” Tony looked shocked. “But… Gods don’t…!”

“Steal?” Jane finished for him. “I told you before Tony, life up here is just like it is down on earth. Well, just like ancient Japan. There’s an economy, there’s a local government, and their’s crime. Other Gods might want some prosperity of their own to increase their wealth. However, the crime up here is very honor bond.”

“What dose that mean?” Tony asked.

“Well, take us for example. What’s there to stop someone from just coming onto the property, and stealing us? Honor. Their Gods after all, and so outright stealing is dishonorable.” Jane responded. “However, if we were to set foot outside the property without a guardian, then the rules change. Its finders keepers. That’s what stealing among Gods is like.”

“Oh,” Tony said. “So, crime up here is like exploiting loop holes.” Jane nodded. “Okay, but if one of the family is with us, that’s fine?”

“Oh yes,” Jane nodded. “Misako has taken me into town a few times. It’s… overwhelming to say the least. Everything is huge, and everyone stares at you.”

“Wait,” Tony asked. “You said their’s a government. Dose that mean that there’s samurai, and shoguns, and an emperor?” Jane nodded.

“It’s like ancient Japan, Tony,” she answered. “Exactly like it was. After all, these are spirits and Gods of ancient Japan. So, naturally, their lifestyle would mimic the lifestyle of the people who worshiped them.”

“Wait, hasn’t any of the important… uhh, Gods, demanded that the Kitsune hand you over to them?” Tony asked.

“They have offered money, and positions,” Jane said with a sigh. “But Hitoshi turned them all down.” She smiled. “Just having me is worth much more in time to come. He’s well known among the community because of it, and his reputation as a fair and honest trader is excellent.” Jane’s face beamed with pride. “My presence in the house hold attracts more and more positive energies for the family, and no amount of money or power is going to cause Hitoshi to just sell me away like a trinket.”

“Cool.” Tony said.

“Where?” Jane asked. “It’s quite warm right here.”

“It’s an expression,” Tony said with a chuckle. “If something’s ‘Cool’ it means that it’s very good.”

“Cool?” Jane tested the word. “I don’t get it.”

“Long story,” Tony replied.

“Have you got some place to be right now?” Jane asked as she crossed her arms. “Because we have all the time in the world.”

“How about we go for a walk around the joint,” Tony asked, looking over his shoulder. “I’d like to see more of this place.”

“Joint?” Jane just shook her head, before walking to the edge of the table. “Hitomi?” She called out to the kitchen. Hitomi came out a few seconds later.

“What can I do for you, Jane?” She asked, leaning down with a smile.

“Can you take Tony and I outside, please,” she said, “Tony would like to see more of the property.”

“Okay,” Hitomi said, as she cupped her hands together for them to climb onto.

Tony and Jane both walked into her palms, and sat down, as she carried them over to the front door, slid it open, and placed them down on the stone path before the stairs.

“I’ve gotta go, Jane,” Hitomi said, heading back to the door. “Have fun.”

“You too, Hitomi,” Jane waved her good-bye, before turning to Tony. “So, where would you like to start?”

“Don’t we have to worry about wild animals?” Tony asked, looking off into the surrounding bushes and trees.

“Oh, they won’t harm us, unless we try to harm them.” Jane said, patting his shoulder. “They’re not like the animals back down on earth. These animals are more, passive.”

“Very well,” Tony said with a shrug. “So, where would be the best place to start?”

“Oh, the gold fish pond,” Jane said, grabbing his arm and dragging towards a stony path in front of them. “That’s very beautiful”

Tony had to admit, the fish pond was beautiful. The giant gold fish were spectacular to watch, as they swam this way and that. She then took him to a garden with beautiful plants that Tony couldn’t pronounce. Jane laughed at his attempt, as she led him into the forest.

“So,” Tony said, “How is it pronounced again?”

Jane laughed again, as she started to answer, but stopped. She was staring straight ahead, her face frozen in an unreadable expression. Tony frowned, and followed her gaze. She was looking down a small dirt path that lead off into the trees. Tony looked back at her, and down the path.

“Is something wrong?” Tony asked. He looked back down the path again. It did look oddly familiar.

“It’s…” Jane trailed off.

“Wait!” Tony cried out, looking back at the path, then behind him, at the roof of the mansion, framed by the trees. It then hit him. “That’s it!” He snapped his fingers, drawing Jane’s attention. “This is the path that leads to…”

“…The house!” Jane finished for him. “Yes, the one that leads… back to earth.” Tony suspected that the pause in her speech was because she was about to say home.

“C-can I… take a quick look?” Tony asked, pointing down the path. Jane looked like she’d been forced to swallow a bitter pill.

“Fine,” she said. Tony started down the path, while Jane just followed in tow. He rounded a corner, and spied the house once more. Exactly as he’d last seen it. A one story house that looked like it was from ancient Japan. He looked back over his shoulder to see Jane wasn’t coming. She just stood behind him, in a position that didn’t let her see the house.

“Please,” she called out to him. “Don’t take too long.” Tony nodded, and jogged over to the house. The inside was dark, but once he walked through the door, his eyes began to adjust to the darkness, and he looked around.

The whole room was empty. Nothing. Just as Jane had described it. No staircase could be seen. It was as if it never existed at all. Dust covered the walls, and floor, while the only light source was from the doorway.

Sighing, he turned about, and walked out. He really was stuck up here.

“Why did you have to do that?” Jane asked sternly as he returned to her side.

“I…” he shrugged his shoulders. “I just wanted to see for myself.”

“You didn’t believe me?” Jane asked.

“No!” Tony cried out. “It wasn’t that at all, it’s just…” He sighed. “I thought maybe… I just needed to see with my own eyes, that all.” He said.

“Can we go now?” She asked, the irritation in her voice just momentarily slipping out.

“Yes, lets,” Tony said heavily, as she lead him back to the mansion.

There was nothing spoken, until they reached the mansion. “Please, Tony,” Jane said, as she turned to face him. “I don’t ever want to go back there again, okay?” Tony nodded. “Too many memories resurface every time I see that house. These days, old memories are painful.”

“There really is no way back.”

“Tony!” Jane warned. “Stop it!” The look in her eyes told him to listen.

Tony nodded quickly, and decided to changed the subject. “Hey, I just remembered something. Back at breakfast, when Hitoshi was talking about your first night here, you answered that you’d adapted since?” Jane nodded. “But when you said that, I saw Kenichi and Hideaki snickering. What was that about?”

For a split second, Jane let her expression slip. It was of shock, surprise, and a quick dash of horror. She quickly regained her calm expression. “There are many things that transpire in this world, Tony Collins,” she said, giving his arm a gentle pat. “And when you’re ready, I’ll tell you about them.”

Tony was curious now. He’d seen a quick flicker of embracement in her eyes as she spoke. “What’s wrong with now?” Tony asked.

“You people from 2007 and your now’s,” Jane sighed. “Well, Tony, you’re up here now, and that instant telegraph system you have, isn’t up here with you, so you’re going to have to learn a little patients. And like I said, when the time is right, I’ll tell you.”

“It can’t be that bad,” Tony replied. “I won’t get mad. I promise! Look,” he said placing his hands on her shoulder. “I know back in the 1800’s, there were a lot of social taboos women weren’t allow to do, but in the year 2007, people are more openly about things. So you don’t have to worry about me taking it the wrong way.”

“If I tell you everything at once, Tony, it might be a little… overwhelming.” Jane answered. “Besides, Misako…” she paused, then waved it away with the flick of her wrist.

“Huh? Misako what?” Tony asked.

“Have I shown you the back of the property yet?” Jane asked with a smile, deliberately avoiding the question.

Tony sighed. It was no use. She wasn’t talking. What on earth did she find so embarrassing? “No, you haven’t?” He said.

“Come on!” She pulled his arm along.

***

It was late afternoon by the time the two finally returned to their specially designed house. A fiery orange and red display filled the room, casting an eerie glow off the house in the rooms centre.

“I swear, I haven’t seen that many fish in my life,” Tony said, as they walked over the little bridge.

“And it’s all thanks to you, Tony,” Jane said, giving his arm a hug. “You’re bringing more luck to this family.”

“Because I believe in the Gods?” Tony asked sarcastically.

“Well, its hard not to believe in them, isn’t it?” Jane responded, as she opened the door to their house. “What else could they be?”

“An acid trip?” Tony said with a chuckle. Jane just looked at him. “Oh right,” he slapped his face with the palm of his hand. “You never heard of the 60’s.”

“60 what?” Jane asked. Tony sighed.

“This is going to be a doozy trying to explain.” They headed up to their bedroom, Tony telling Jane all about the era of free love.

“My God,” She gasped once he was finished. “No wonder people from 2007 have such terrible manners! And to think, Cocaine is actually bad for you.”

Tony thought about all the Columbia drug lords. “You have no idea.” He smiled at her. “Though you took some things better than I thought you would.” Jane nodded. He’d been explaining about wild sex as carefully as he could, fearing she might slap him in the face for being so blatantly explicit. But she had only nodded, and at one point, smiled. He’d seen that glint in her eye when she did that. Maybe her pent up sexual frustration from not seeing a man in over a hundred years? Well, that would explain why she took him to bed so quickly after just meeting him.

“After telling me about all the wonders, I suppose I would’ve thought anything possible. However, society is so different.” She shook her head. “Negro’s have full rights, and so do women. Swearing is openly tolerated among friends.” She frowned. “Although I still find that hard to believe.”

“Well, sometimes it is, when people are trying to be funny, or angry about something, or just trying to emphasize a point.”

“And I can’t believe that the flag has 50 stars. Where did they all come from?”

“How many did your flag have?”

“38!” Jane answered. “Colorado had just recently become a state.”

“So much has changed,” Tony said. “Where to begin?”

“How about we just have some quite time together, Tony,” Jane asked. “Just the two of us, watching the sun set?” She smiled at him. “Before you came along, I always used to do that when ever I felt sad. Or confused.”

“I would love to do that,” Tony answered, and together, the two of them walked out the back, and up the specially made stairs, to the window. The sun was just hovering above the ocean, turning it into a magnificent sea of gold. Below them, waves gently washed up on the rocks with calm, timed motion.

They both stared out at the ocean, while Tony slipped an arm around Jane, she leaned over to wrap both arms around him. “Wow,” he muttered. “This world is just so beautiful.”

“How I’ve longed for this day,” Jane whispered with closed eyes, as she snuggled into Tony. “Someone to share this with. Truly, my luck has changed for the better.” Tony smiled down at her, and she smiled up at him. For a moment, nether said anything. Then Tony leaned down, brushed some strains of hair from her face, and kissed her forehead. She smiled broadly, and reached up to kiss him on the lips.

The two of them stood there, kissing as they were bathed in the orange-yellow glow of the afternoon sun.

“Excuse me?”

They both tore away from each other, and spun around. The voice from behind them was so sudden in nearly frightened Tony half to death. Jane looked equally caught off guard. Standing at the doorway into their room, was Misako.

“Oh, Misako,” Tony said. “You gave us… quite a shock. Sneaking up on us like that.”

“I’m truly sorry, Tony-San,” Misako said with a slight bow, “However, I came up to take you both down to the dinning table. Dinner is just moments away from being served.”

“Oh, okay,” Tony said. He then paused. “Wait, doesn’t Hitomi usually do that job?”

“Hitomi is still getting the rice ready,” Misako answered, as she crossed the floor, walking around their house, towards the window sill, where Jane and Tony stood. “So I thought I’d come up and bring you both down.” She cupped her hands and placed them down on the window sill.

“Oh well,” Tony shrugged, “Let’s go then.” He took Jane’s hand and the two walked into Misako’s open hands. They both sat down, as Misako carefully lifted her hands away from the sill and exited the room.

Tony had to admit, Misako was far gentler than Hitomi. Her movement was soft, and fluent. He leaned back into her pads. This was more like it. He’d have to get Hitomi to take a few lessons or something along that way.

Hitomi was rushing back and forth from the kitchen as they arrived in the dinning room. She was carrying a large steaming pot when she returned, placing it very carefully in the centre of the table.

“Mmmmm,” Tony sniffed the air. “Smells good.”

“Well, I did help cook it,” Hitomi said with a confident smile.

Misako placed her hands down on the table, allowing both Jane and Tony to climb off. “You know,” Tony whispered to Jane, “That wasn’t half bad. I wouldn’t mind being carried by her again.”

“Of cause,” Jane answered, the iciness of her response sent shivers up his spine.

“Whoa!” Tony muttered, turning to look at her. “I almost got frost bite from that response, what gives?”

Jane looked surprised, before she realized she was asking her what was wrong. “You…!” She started, and then paused, as she looked behind him very quickly. She sighed and shook her head. “You’ll find out soon enough.” She then turned and headed for their table. Tony watched her, before looking back over his shoulder to see what she’d been looking at.

It was Misako. She was staring directly at him. The look on her face was unreadable. He turned back and sat down at the table with Jane.

The three males came in soon afterwards and dinner began. Hitoshi asked both Tony and Jane what they’d done that day, and Tony took over explaining, telling them about how magnificent he though their property was, how beautiful the flowers and plants looked, and the spectacular view.

Jane just sat beside him the whole time, calmly eating her meal, not saying a word. It wasn’t until after dinner was finished, did Tony turn to her and ask, “So what’s wrong with you this time?”

Jane gave him a quick look, before turning away. “Tony,” she said slowly. “Do you love me?”

“Of cause I do.” Tony shot back. “Well, I’ve only known you for two days now, but yes I do. And here’s why.” He held up his hand as he counted of points with his fingers. “One, I’d be totally screwed without your guidance. Two, I’d probably still be upstairs curled up in a ball, not wanting anything to do with anyone. Just like you were. Three, You like hanging around with me. Not because I’m the only guy up here, but because you like me for me. You listen to what I have to say, and you’re whiling to compromise to make me happy as well.”

She suddenly spun around, placing a finger against his lips, silencing him. “Please, Tony, I haven’t told you something. Something I’ve done, while I’ve been up here, and I fear that you might take it the wrong way.”

“Oh, is this the ‘Thing’ you didn’t want to talk about earlier?”

“Well, shall I take you to back upstairs?” Tony turned to see Misako hovering above them. Tony raised an eyebrow. For something that huge, she sure made very little sound.

“It’s that time already,” Tony said, turning to take Jane’s hand. “Let’s go.” They both climbed into Misako’s cupped hands, as she lowered them to the table. Then, ever so gently, lifted them up and walked off up the stairs.

Misako took them into their room, placing her hands down in front of the bridge that led to their mansion. Jane climbed off first, and Tony started to follow when Misako’s fingers suddenly curled up.

“Hey?!” Tony turned to look up at Misako, who’s expression was still blank.

“I would like to have a word with you, Mr. Collins,” Misako said. “If that’s all right with you?”

“A talk? About what?” Tony asked. “And what’s wrong with here?”

“In private.” Misako said. Tony stared up at her, before turning to look at Jane. She had her back to him, her head hanging slightly.

“Jane?” He called out to her. She turned to look at him, a worried expression on her face.

“Is that fine with you, Ms. Archibald?” Misako asked. She looked up at Misako, before she shook her head.

“I don’t mind.” She said.

“Mr. Collins?” Tony turned to look back up at Misako. He looked back at Jane, who was heading back into the house, before turning up to Misako and shrugged.

“Okay.” He said.

She rose without warning, that Tony fell over into her palms. She was out of that room so fast that Tony didn’t even realize that they were in a different room. This one had a futon with a small table, with painting. They hung all around the room. They were of different animals. There were foxes, but also Raccoons, Wolves, Cranes. They were all anthropomorphized, much like the Kitsune. All of them were done in the traditional Japanese old-style paintings he’d seen.

“What do you think?” Misako’s voice broke him out of his trance.

“The paintings?” Tony asked. “Their… great!” He said. “Did you paint them?”

She nodded. “This is my room after all.”

“Your room…?” His voice trailed off as he looked around once more. The sun had long since sunk and the moon shone in bright brightly, bathing the room in an eerie glow.

“I brought you here, to ask you something,” Misako said, as she walked over to the table and placed her hands down, so that he could walk onto its smooth surface.

“Uhh… Sure.” He said. “Ask away.”

She walked over to her cupboard, and slid it open. “I was wondering if you would…” She paused, before she reached into her cupboard, and pulled out a lantern. She then hooked it to a stand next to the table, before she leaned down to look Tony directly in the eyes. Tony realized that the top half of her kimono was loose, giving him an ample view of her cleavage.

“I-if I would…?” Tony stammered.

“…Would you pose for me?”

“Huh?” Suddenly, she produced a long roll of paper, setting it down on the table next t him.

*Man, where the hell did THAT come from?* Tony thought.

“Can I have permission to paint you, Tony Collins?”

“Umm,” he paused. Paint him? He blinked in surprise. That was it? That’s what Jane was so upset about!? He shrugged his shoulders. “Go for it.” Tony answered. “I mean, yes, you may paint me, Misako.” She smiled down at him.

“Thank you.” She said, as she reached under the table, and pulled out a wooden box. She opened it, and pulled out a brush, and what looked like some sort of ink wells. “Please, sit,” she said with a nod. “You’ll find it more comfortable that way.”

Tony nodded, as she sat down, cross-legged. Misako looked at him for a moment, then turned to her paper, dipping her brush into one of the wells, and began to paint away.

Tony sat there, the lantern flickering in the darkness, bathing the table in its reddish glow. He kept as still as he could, while Misako painted away. She would occasionally stop painting, to turn to look at him. Studying him for a few moments, before turning back to her painting.

Tony smiled. This was the first time he’d ever molded for anything. There was a snippet of excitement as he sat there, watching as she painted away.

Finally, she placed her brush down, and turned to smile at him. “Finished.” She said. She then held up the paper, and turned it towards him.

“Wow,” Tony gasped. It was him alright. Only the top half of his body, his hands locked together, his face staring of on an angle. It was still in that traditional Japanese style, but he could recognize his face when he saw it. She really was extremely talented. “You are incredible.”

Her smile broadened. “Thank you, Mr. Collins.”

“Please,” he said, “Call me Tony.”

“Thank you, Tony.” She said, putting the painting down. “You may go back to your room now.” She paused. “If you want to.”

“I’m actually feeling a little sleepy now,” Tony said, unsure of what she meant by that. “I think I’d like to go back to my room now.” She nodded.

“As you wish,” she said, cupping her hands, allowing him to climb into them.

Tony didn’t think about much until Misako placed him down in front of the bridge leading to the house. He thanked her, and waved good-bye as she left the room, sliding the door closed behind her.

He turned to look up at the house. It was dark. No lights on, or anything. Was Jane already asleep? If not, he would have to ask her about what she was going to tell him just after they finished dinner. He started across the bridge, determined to make her feel better. No matter what it was, he would be sympathetic. No matter what she’d done, he’d forgive her.


***

[Mr Nelg]

Sun was shining into the window as Tony opened his eyes. It was morning. He yawned and whipped the sleep from his eyes, as he sat up. He looked over at the space next to him on the futon.

Jane wasn’t there.

He frowned. Last night, when he’d come back to the mansion, she was fast asleep, and he had decided not to disturb her, but rather, wait until morning to talk to her. Now, she wasn’t here.

For the first time since he was up here, Tony felt lonely. “Jane?” He called out. No one responded. That was odd. He threw off the covers and stood up. Grabbing his pants, he exited the bedroom, and searched the mansion.

Nothing. He exited the back, and climbed stairs, hoping to get a better view of the whole room. Maybe she was somewhere he couldn’t see from the ground.

Jane was standing by the window when he reached the top. No expression on her face. She just stared out at the ocean below.

“Ah, there you are,” Tony called out to her, as he hurried over to her side. “Where have you been?” She didn’t answer, but instead sighed. “Jane?” He asked.

“Well?” She asked.

“Well what?” Tony was shocked by the bluntness in her voice.

“Aren’t you going to ask questions?” Her voice trailed off, almost teary.

“Questions?” For a second, Tony forgot about everything. “Oh yeah,” he snapped his fingers, “I was going to ask you about that THING you wanted to tell me about.”

She did a double take. At first, her expression was one of shock, and then she looked puzzled. Finally she cocked her head to one side. “Ummm, what happened to you last night?”

“Last night?” Tony turned towards the exit. “Misako just wanted to paint a portrait of me.” He smiled. “She’s very talented. Has she ever painted a portrait of you?”

“She… painted you?” Jane looked dumbfounded. “That was all?”

Tony nodded. “Yep. She painted me, and then took me back here. You were fast asleep by the time I got back, and so…” he folded his arms, “What’s this ‘THING’ you so desperately wanted to tell me about.”

Jane’s face went red. She was deeply embarrassed about something. Then almost immediately her expression turned to one of deep contemplation.

“Uhhh, hello?” Tony asked. Jane turned towards him, her face completely emotionless. “Is everything okay?”

“Morning guys!” The two of them had been so enthralled with each other that they’d failed to notice Hitomi’s entrance. Both of them turned to face Hitomi with surprise on their faces, before looking back at each other.

“Later,” Jane whispered to him, as she squeezed his hand in comfort. “Not in front of her,” she added before he could ask.

“It’s great that you’re both up,” Hitomi said as she maneuvered around the house towards the window sill. “There’s a surprise waiting for you down stairs.” She cupped her hands and lay them down on the sill for both Tony and Jane to climb into.

“A surprise?” Tony asked as he helped Jane up.

“You’ll see,” Hitomi chirped, as the two of them sat down. She then made her way out of the room and down the stairs, bumping them about as she hurried. Again, Tony envied Jane as she held on with skill avoiding the turbulence that Tony endured.

The entire family was seated around the dinner table as Hitomi reached their destination. Tony was about to ask what the occasion was, when he spotted something different. Or rather someone new. Hitoshi sat at his usual spot at the head of the table, but now, there was someone else sitting to his right. That spot was reserved for Misako, but she now sat one seat down from her father, while her regular seat was occupied by a crane.

Like the foxes, this crane was anthropomorphized. The crane had no breasts like Misako did, so Tony believed it was a male. Where as Hitomi wore simple garments, the crane wore some elaborate silk clothes that were a swirl of blues and whites. He also had human style hands much like the foxes did, rather than feathery wings; and just like the foxes, he was gigantic.

The crane’s massive head swiveled around to face the two humans, as Hitomi approached the table. He waited until both of them stepped off her cupped hands, and on the table before he spoke.

“I must confess, Hitoshi-san,” he said in a define male voice. “I believed you were exaggerating when you informed me that another human had arrived.” He turned back to look directly at Tony. “Tony Collins, isn’t it?” Tony nodded. “Tony San, let me say that it is an honor to meet you.”

“Wow,” Tony nervously chuckled, “Uhh, Thank you! I’m just not used to this type of attention.”

“Indeed,” the crane hummed. He laced his fingers… feathers… whatever they were, he laced them together and leaned towards Tony. “Allow me to introduce myself,” he said. “My name is Hatake.”

“Nice to meet you,” Tony said, bowing his head slightly.

“You do have an understanding of your importance?” The crane asked.

“Just enough to know that gods consider humans valuable.” Hatake nodded.

“Well, I have been talking with Hitoshi, with regards to a possible deal,” he turned to look Hitoshi with an unreadable expression, before turning back to the humans. “He has declined once more the possibility of a sale.”

Jane squeezed Tony’s hand and leaned over to whisper in his ear. “Told you so,” she said. Tony squeezed her hand back and smiled.

“However, he has agreed to the sale of offspring.”

Years ago, when Tony was 10 years old, he saw a Buggs-Bunny cartoon, in which Buggs through some SNAFU ended up in the United States Army. He recalled the look of Bugg’s dull surprise as the camera zoomed in on rabbits stoned face to the sound effect of shattering glass. He remembered falling over backwards at the sight of that, thinking it was the funniest thing in the world.

Now, entering his late twenties, that scene was the only thing that could come close to mirroring what Tony’s expression was as Hatake spoke that last sentence, and now; it seemed so fucking stupid.

“What?” Tony asked meekly. His voice came through so softly, Hatake had to ask him to repeat it two times.

“I said we have come to an agreement to bargain for any prosperity between you and Jane.”

Tony just stared back, blank faced. “I… see…!” Was all that came out. He turned to give Jane a suspicious look. She didn’t seem too distraught. “Is this… something you’ve just arranged?”

“Oh no, Tony-san,” Hatake said with a small shake of his head. “This is an agreement we’ve organized ever since Ms. Archibald first joined us.”

***

“WHY THE HELL DIDN’T YOU INFORM ME OF THIS EARLIER!?!” Tony spun around to thrust an accusing finger directly into Jane’s personal space. “YOU SAID WE’RE PART OF THE FAMILY, AND NOT PETS!”

Jane cringed visibly as Tony paced the floor of their bedroom back in their customized house. “Tony please,” she whimpered. “Your language…”

Tony snapped around to shoot her daggers. “Oh, my dear,” he growled. “I’ve got a far more colorful repertoire ready to unload if you keep giving me the runabout!”

Jane looked petrified in his presence. Tony had kept deadly silent during their meeting with Hatake. He’d tuned out most of what was said after that, and the next thing he knew, both he and Jane were taken back upstairs. He’d waited until he was sure they were all alone, before he exploded.

“W-what?” Jane asked.

“I mean,” Tony said calmly. “Tell me what’s going on, before I get REALLY mad!”

“Tony please, calm down!” Jane pleaded. Tony promptly folded his arms.

“Tell. Me. Now.” He hissed through his teeth. “Was this the ‘THING’ you wanted to tell me about?”

“No,” Jane answered meekly. “This was something…” she trailed off as she gave Tony a pleading look. “Please, Tony, I never had any say in this matter,”

“That doesn’t sound like part of the family, dreary!” Tony warned. “Those were the exact words you used.”

“At the time, I never thought much off it,” Jane cried out in defense. “I never dreamed you’d come through, because humans coming to this world are one in a million.” She put her head in her hands. “I didn’t think this would actually happen.”

“Oh, and I’m supposed to feel sorry for you, now?” Tony scowled. “Knowing this a little earlier would’ve been nice to know instead of just throwing it in my face the very moment I turn around.” He turned away from her as he threw his hands into the air. “Christ on a cross, what other little details about this world haven’t you filled me in on?”

“Tony, that’s not fair!” Jane almost shouted. “I’ve tried my best to help you fit into the world, and getting mad at me because of something I’d completely forgotten about…”

“That’s not why I’m mad,” Tony snapped, snapping around to glare at her. “You lied to me, Jane, that’s what’s got me steamed! You said we were part of the family, NOT PETS!”

“But we ARE part of the…”

“AND SINCE WHEN DO FAMILY MEMBERS SELL OFF THE FUCKING KIDS!?!” Jane was nearly bowled over by the sudden rise in Tony’s voice. Her face show terror. She was on the verg of tears. Tony backed off and stood back, arms folded. He felt a little sorry for startling her, but in his mind, she deserved it.

“W-why?” She sobbed.

“Why what?” Tony was a little more calm this time.

“Why are you behaving like this?”

He nearly choked. “WHY AM I…!?! HAH!! It’s all MY fault now!?!” Jane only whimpered in response. “Don’t try and change the subject, Missy,” Tony warned. “This is all YOUR fault!”

Jane burst into tears. Tony just rolled his eyes.

“I’m gone!” He said, as he began to walk towards the exit.

“TONY!!!” Jane grabbed his leg. “Please, DON’T LEAVE ME!!! I CAN’T LOSE YOU TOO!!!”

He glared down at her pathetically clinging onto her leg with uncaring eyes. Although he did feel some pity for her. “Christ, woman,” Tony snapped back, yanking his leg free from her grasp. “I’m just going out for a walk.”

“T…then you will be back!?!” Jane’s eyes were tearing.

“No…! Yes…! I don’t know!” He shrugged and walked out the door.

“TONY!?!”

He slammed the screen door shut behind him.

***

He climbed the last step to look out the window that overlooked the ocean. He stared blankly out, before kicking the window in frustration.

“FUCK!!!” He screamed.

A little voice inside his head told him that he really shouldn’t have been so hard on Jane, but right now he couldn’t give a rat’s rump. How dare she keep something like THAT from him.

Selling kids off to the highest bidder!?! A quick mental image of a toddler like fox child staring into a glass cage while a small human boy jumped up and down on the other side excitedly to the fox child’s cries to his mommy that he wanted ‘That One,’ briefly entered his mind. He slapped his face a few times to shake the image away.

This time, his comparison wasn’t funny.

“FUCK!!!” He screamed again, and this time he punched the glass. “Ow!” He moaned, nursing his hand.

It was then he felt the anger subside, slowly melt away, leaking down his legs and onto the floor below. His shoulders sagged. He HAD been a bit over the top with Jane.

“Fuck.” This time, it was a half strangled whisper.

Tony turned to look back at the house again with a pain of regret. He had been too hard on Jane. Flexing his fingers he started down the stairs, but paused at the bridge leading back to the house. Maybe now wasn’t the best time to go see her. She might not be whiling to listen.

Perhaps a stroll around the family property would help him. That should give Jane enough time to cool off.

It took him about half an hour to climb down the stairs all by himself. Hitomi wasn’t around to carry him, in fact, no one was around. He couldn’t find anyone. Tony didn’t think too much off it, and on the bright side, he was actually pleased. He just wanted some alone time.

The sun was setting behind the house as Tony wondered off into the forest. He was heading back to the small house that lead him into this world.

“Maybe I shouldn’t have exploded like that,” he muttered as he walked along, eyes down. It was true; He was rather truculent…

Tony folded his arms in defiance, not whiling to admit he’d done any wrong. “She deserved it.” He snarled through his teeth.

He kicked a pebble out of his way in frustration. Having kids just to hand them over to the highest bidder. How could you forget something like that!?

He reached the old house, and walked inside. Nothing. No exit at all. He half expected that. Sighing with disappointment, he sat down just outside the door. Outside the sun was just starting to disappear behind the mansion, casting long shadows across the ground.

“Oh, Jane, I’m so sorry…” he muttered without realizing it.

“Sorry for what?”

“OH FOR THE LOVE OF…!?!” Tony nearly had cardiac arrest from that. He looked up to see Misako hovering nearby. She was off to the left side of the house, paused in what looked like a controlled stroll, her hands clasped together in front of her. Her face was pointed down but her eyes were staring straight at him.

“I apologies, Tony-san,” Misako turned and bowed deeply towards him. “I often forget that you’re not fully adjusted to our world.” She paused. “Or our appearances.”

Tony just nodded in response. “So,” he asked, “What are you doing out here?”

She lifted her head to the red-orange sky. “I like to take a stroll around the woods before night falls,” came her reply. “When ever I’m lonely, or frustrated, I take a quick walk by myself.” Tony smiled at that. Boy, he could relate. “It helps clear things up, even allows me to blow off some steam.”

“A-men to that,” Tony replied. “I suppose I just wanted some alone time as well.” The sun had now slipped below the house and the woods began to darken.

“We should go back to the house now,” Misako said as she approached the house. “Would you like a ride back?” Tony smiled and nodded his reply. Misako knelt down and extended an open palm towards him, allowing Tony to climb onboard.

As she rose, Tony realized that he found himself directly before her open kimono, her kneeling position allowed for an excellent view of her cleavage and the darkness behind that. Although Tony was getting a bizarre sense of Déjà vu, he found his minds wasn’t dwelling too much on the thought.

He glanced up at Misako’s face, that unreadable expression stared back at him. For an instant he could’ve sworn he saw a smile. And in response, he smiled back.

He never fully realized when they came home, only that Misako reached out a hand to open the sliding door.

“Here we are,” she said.

“I always enjoy your rids the most,” Tony confessed, as she lowered her hand to the ground, “But don’t tell Hitomi that.” As he climbed off, she smiled. This time he was sure of it. He smiled back. “Hey, I just realized something,” Tony looked around. “Where did everybody go?”

“The town,” Misako answered. “Or rather, the Mayor’s house. They need to work out a few details in regards to your and Jane’s future.” The good cheer evaporated once again from Tony.

“Great,” he muttered through clenched teeth.

“You must learn to accept this, Tony-san,” Misako said, kneeling down before him. “This is our culture. This is the way we live. There are many things about your society that we find disturbing, but we don’t tell you you’re wrong.”

“Wha-!?” Tony was surprised.

“I heard you yelling at Jane.”

“You heard that!?” Tony was a little worried.

“You shouldn’t have been so angry with her, you know.” She never had a say in the matter ether.

“How did you hear all that?” Tony asked, dumbfounded. Misako’s left ear twitched.

“I can hear far better than humans,” she responded. “All I had to do was sit outside your door, and I can hear everything as though I were standing right there.”

“Really?” Tony asked, and Misako nodded. “Okay, what did I just say?” He covered his mouth and whispered as softly as he could muster.

“Space Monkey’s taste better with cheese,” Misako replied and Tony just blinked back at her with surprise. “Although I believe I may have got it wrong, because I have no idea what that means.”

“No, no,” Tony muttered with a shake of his head. “You got it all right.” It was just then, that another thought crossed his mind. If she could hear all that, what else had she heard?

“I assure you, Tony-san,” Misako answered his unspoken question. “I have not been eves dropping on you or Jane.” She bowed her head slightly. “I respect your privacy.”

“Ummm… Thank you, I guess,” Tony answered, scratching the back of his head. “Look, Misako, could you give me a lift back up to the house? I need to apologies to Jane.”

“Are you sure?” Tony blinked in surprise.

“Excuse me?” She turned her head, as if looking up the stairs towards Jane.

“From the tone of your last conversation, it might not be wise to return to her at this moment in time. Might I suggest that you wait until morning before conveying your apologies to her?”

Tony rubbed his chin. Last time he’d seen Jane, she was in tears. He again folded his arms in defense. Well, he had been PARTLY responsible for that. Maybe Misako was right, but…

“Where should I go? I mean, if I can’t…”

“My room should be sufficient.” Misako cut in. For the next five seconds nether one of them said anything but just stared blankly back at each other.

“Well, I guess that would be okay,” Tony responded. Before he could say anything more, Misako’s open hand was in front of him, her palm eagerly awaiting his presence. He blinked his surprise at her, before slowly stepping onto her outstretched fingers.

He barely got his last foot of the ground before she was suddenly rising. He cried out in alarm as he stumbled forward, rolling down her fingers to land in the middle of her palm.

“Gentle, GENTLE!” Tony cried out. That was totally unlike her.

“My apologies, Tony-san,” Misako quickly tossed down at him.

He had barely sat upright when he realized she was opening the door to her room. Wow, that was quick. Then, before he knew it, the door was closing behind him. He looked around as if to look at the door, but Misako’s body blocked his view.

A sudden falling sensation told him that Misako was sitting down. He looked over the edge of her palm, and saw that they were sitting on her bed… futon. He looked back up at Misako, and she was just staring down at him. Tony looked around for a minute before looking back up at Misako.

“That was… quick,” he called out.

“I thought you might wish to go to bed straight away,” Misako responded.

“No, no,” Tony said with a small wave. “I’m not THAT sleepy.” He caught a quick glimmer of something in her right eye, too fast to figure out what it was.

“Tony-san,” he never realized when he’d been raised before her face, but the sudden appearance of her huge expensive eyes caught him of guard.

“Y-yes?” He stammered.

“Would you like to watch me dance?” Tony was stunned.

“DANCE!?!” He starched the back of his head nervously. Man, Misako sure knew how to catch him off guard. He shrugged. “Why not; No harm in that.” Besides, he had been impressed by her painting.

She lowered him down to the futon covers, and waited for him to climb off. After he did so, she rose and glided over to her cupboard once more. Opening it, she pulled out two folded fans, and a sea shell; One that looked remarkably similar to the one that Hitomi had found the first day he arrived here.

Misako did something to the shell too fast for him to see, and placed it on the table where she’d done her painting. She then turned the larger end towards him and stood back up to stand just before him in the center of the room, between the futon and the window.

Outside the sun was sinking below the ocean horizon painting the room in a fiery orange, red glow, which illuminated Misako’s outline as she raised her two arms, and with a quick flick of her wrists, opened the fans.

Suddenly, Tony felt light headed. No, not quite, something else was going on. He gasped as he realized he could hear soft music. His gaze immediately fell upon the sea shell, pointed at him. The music didn’t seem to be coming form it, but rather inside his head. How did it do that!?!

He turned to ask Misako this but she gave a quick bow, twisting her upper torso sharply to the right, as she used her left fan to cover half of her face, while the other poised straight up in the air. Tony forgot all about the question, as he sat there, mesmerized by the sight. Misako held that position for a few moments before raising and twisting into another odd angle.

Tony realized that she was moving with the rhythm of the tunes that played in his head. He mouthed the words ‘Oh,’ as he watched her movements, fluid in time with the music. Her legs stretched out, as she moved around in circles, her tail lashed and snapped as she knelt and rose, kicked and twisted.

The music changed to a more fast paced tune, harsher with more striking beats, causing Misako to at one point to leap across the room like a dancer at the opening night of Swan Lake. Tony gasped as she did this, nearly falling over backwards from craning his head to follow her.

Then the music slowed down, becoming more mellow and soft. Her movements slowed too, becoming more graceful than athletic; almost robotic. He was unaware of when the music had slowed down to a more soothing sound, reminding him of those relaxation CD’s he used to listen to back when he was studying at Uni. He blinked a few times and accidentally yawned, trying in vain to stifle it.

He quickly glanced up at Misako to make she hadn’t seen that. She was too engrossed in her dance to have noticed. He smiled at her as he leaned back to rest on both his hands. He blinked a few more times. His eyes were getting tired.

He swore in frustration as he leaned forward to rub the sleep from his eyes. Not now, not while she’s performing. He didn’t want to look rude.

When he next looked back up at her, she had moved in alarmingly close; merely a scant three feet from him. He gasped leaning back from her. Her tail came around, and sailed just above his head, causing Tony to duck. He looked back up at her, confused.

Doing this, Tony never saw the tail come back and this time, it made contact. But it wasn’t like the last time he’d been struck by her tail. This time it was more gentle, and soft, like walking through dry bed sheets on the washing line, only it was soft and fluffy.

An electric tingling sensation rocketed up his spine, causing Tony to visibly shudder. As the tail left Tony didn’t bother to look back up at Misako; instead he fell back onto his palms.

“Whoa!” He gasped. He moved to sit forward, but the movement caused his whole body to shudder and he fell backwards onto the futon cover. For a brief moment in time, he couldn’t move. Panic filled his mind but just as quickly faded. There was a new sensation in Tony’s brain. A calm feeling he’d never felt before. It helped him regain control over his limbs, and he easily sat up.

The music was still playing. A low almost mournful tune filled his mind causing him to close his eyes. His body swayed a little as he drunk in the sensations. Peace, clam, tranquility.

He opened his eyes and saw Misako, still dancing. Her graceful movements hypnotized him. He couldn’t take his eyes of her as she moved. All thoughts of anger towards Jane were no longer there. In fact, he couldn’t even think of why he was angry in the first place. He watched as she continued to dance; not even caring when she danced closer to him like she’d done earlier. He craned his neck upwards, watched her whole body move with such grace and control.

It was then, that something else registered in Tony’s brain. A smell. A strange musky, smell, that had an almost relaxing feeling to it. Tony closed his eyes and breathed deeply. He groaned, and felt a stiring in his pants. His eyes slowly opened and his vision was amazingly clear. He automatically shifted his sitting position, unaware that his pants where uncomfortably tight.

Her tail once more brushed over his whole body causing Tony to breathe in deeply, taking in the scents that bombarded his smell sensors. He breathed deeply, loudly. Sounds seemed to stretch out, the music now faded into incomprehensible soft noise, while Misako’s foot steps echoed loudly with every step.

He tried to open his eyes, but he just couldn’t. His lids were just too heavy. In fact, his limbs were starting to feel heavy as well. He found it difficult to keep sitting up straight. His arms were tired of pinning him up, and were now trembling.

The tail was back, brushing his face, knocking him back. No. It was different. There was fur, but it felt shorter, and there was a harder substance; mixed in with a leather feel to it. Tony didn’t feel any alarm, not even as the new feelings enveloped him, encasing him within a womb of warmth.

Tony sighed happily, snuggling into the new sensations. He felt so safe. So calm. The womb suddenly opened, spilling light into Tony’s new world. He cracked open his eyes and glanced sleepily up.

Misako’s face beamed lovingly down at him, a smile on her lips. Tony returned the smile, before his eyes closed once more.

Suddenly, Tony sat bolt upright. He gasped loudly for breath, before looking around. It was night time. The window showed the night sky, alive with thousands of blinking stars. He looked down at himself. He was still in his clothes, lying in a makeshift futon.

Looking around, he realized he was sleeping on a desk. He looked around, and saw Misako, sleeping in her own futon not far away. He frowned at her. What had happened!? He scratched his head in deep thought. He was hot and the air seemed rather humid. He reached up and pulled of his shirts, leaving him clad in his pants and socks.

He looked back out the window. It’d been late afternoon, and now it was the dead of night? Or at least it looked like the dead of night. He looked back at Misako, giving her sleeping form more study. He soon wished he hadn’t.

She lay half curled up on her futon, a single sheet draped across her waist, naked. She wasn’t wearing any clothes at all. One hand rested along the length of her body, while the other was lying near her head on the pillow. She lay facing him, her furry breasts pushed together, forcing them outwards. Two perfectly rounded furry spheres…

His pants were feeling stretched and Tony quickly turned away, blushing. He quickly pushed those thoughts out of his head. What had happened? Had he passed out? Gone to sleep? He felt a tinge of embarrassment. Had he fallen asleep during Misako’s dance? He turned back to look at Misako, or rather her sleeping face.

There was a long, satisfied smile on her lips. He frowned. That was exactly the smile that Jane had, had on her face the first night that they had…

He quickly turned away. NO! No, there’s no way that could’ve happened. He snuck a quick glance back at her face once more. Could it?


TO BE CONTINUED...

[Duct Tape Fanatic]

Wow, epic story, thanks for sharing it here. Well developed characters and conflicts abound, you certainly have talent for this sort of thing.

[gadabout]

Ive read this on BF myself, good stuff, like the new chapter too (give and take a few errors).

Keep up the good work

[Nodqfan144]

Good story keep it up

[kool kitty89]

Very well done, I'm only through 2 chapters though.

Made me think of Spirited Away.

[Kusanagi]

Read the first chapter on Bigfurs awhile ago, and I honestly forgot about it (more active here), but wow I really almost missed out on an awesome story. Well crafted and original, with a main character I can get behind, though naturally the last update is a cliffhanger.

I can only hope the next update is soon, and you'll bring it to M.com as well as Bigfurs.

[Freshmeat]

This is some truly remarkable stuff. even the research into the japanese culture took me a little off guard. Excellent work, keep it up.