Barton Forest

[Shion]

*Looking back at Kitsune’s wound then at Graewulf’s tears she wonders what the significance is but recognizes it is very important.* Ummm…Kitsune what is the importance of the tail? I’m sorry to ask but I don’t understand. * Her ruby eyes study Kitsune and then Graewulf again trying to find an answer. Seeing Kitsune's tears she takes a hand and wipes them away.* Don't worry I won't hold it against you.

[Kitsune]

*She sighs softly, her eyelids sliding open partially to reveal her silver eyes* I sacrificed my tail to save a human. The tail will never grow back and so...I'll never have 9 tails again. You see, being a 9-tail basically means your the most powerful of the kitsune kind. You can live forever as long as you weren't banished. Since I sacrificed mine, I'll never become a 9-tail again meaning my life has been shortened. I'll never be as powerful as I once was.

*She shuts her eyes once more and sniffs* Do I regret my decision? No, I know that if I had been in the same situation, he would have done the same for me. At least...I hope he would.

[Zester]

Kitsune

*She opens her eyes slightly and looks at them both. <i>Goodness, now they know I have a heart. They'll start treating me like an oversized puppy soon enough.</i> The familiar growl returns to her voice as she speaks* Don't think me to be the soft type. *She shuts her eyes once more and pricks an ear toward Graewulf. <i>Damn him...</i> She sniffs inwardly, fighting off her own emotions. <i>Now I'm starting to cry...</i>*

*finally getting a hold of himself, graewulf lets go of Kitsune and bows.*

Thank you, lady Kitsune, for showing mercy to a mere mortal such as myself. I owe you my life. *he licks his lips, wondering how his next statement will affect his life*
You have my undying and complete loyalty. Any other oaths I have sworn are second to your wishes. I will do anything you ask of me, to the best of my abilities. I only make the stipulation that they be your wishes, and not those of any organization that you are a part of. I am your friend, your protector, if you will accept me. This I swear.

*he kneels and sets his sword at Kitsune's feet*
*Peril just stares at him in awe, wondering if she'll ever understand humans...*

[Kitsune]

graewulf

*finally getting a hold of himself, graewulf lets go of Kitsune and bows.*

Thank you, lady Kitsune, for showing mercy to a mere mortal such as myself. I owe you my life. *he licks his lips, wondering how his next statement will affect his life*
You have my undying and complete loyalty. Any other oaths I have sworn are second to your wishes. I will do anything you ask of me, to the best of my abilities. I only make the stipulation that they be your wishes, and not those of any organization that you are a part of. I am your friend, your protector, if you will accept me. This I swear.

*he kneels and sets his sword at Kitsune's feet*
*Peril just stares at him in awe, wondering if she'll ever understand humans...*

*She opens her eyes once more and blinks in disbelief. <i>Is he serious...</i> She attempts to sit up, but fails, falling to her side again. She stares at him briefly before speaking up* I... I thank you--

*She argues with her better judgement. <i>Don't do this. Graewulf, you have no idea how much trouble will fall upon you if you align with me. It's one thing to be my friend, but what you're doing...</i> She shuts her eyes* I can't allow you to do that. My life is wreckless, my duties are dangerous... to put you through the things that may come... I would not be a good friend.

[Shion]

I see. So nothing can be done? *Not willing to believe it she stands up and kicks the ground in anger before turning back to Kitsune and Graewulf. I have to do something. Kitsune accepted me as her friend and saved this man’s life. I have to be able to do something in return. I’ll get you another tail some how Kitsune. I swear it! She keeps her vow silent afraid Kitsune might try to stop her.* Kitsune, do you think your the only one that walk a dangerous trial? I'm sure we all do. Let him walk it with you if he wishes it. I already decided and I think he has too.

[Zester]

Kitsune

*She opens her eyes once more and blinks in disbelief. <i>Is he serious...</i> She attempts to sit up, but fails, falling to her side again. She stares at him briefly before speaking up* I... I thank you--

*She argues with her better judgement. <i>Don't do this. Graewulf, you have no idea how much trouble will fall upon you if you align with me. It's one thing to be my friend, but what you're doing...</i> She shuts her eyes* I can't allow you to do that. My life is wreckless, my duties are dangerous... to put you through the things that may come... I would not be a good friend.

*he raises his eyes towards hers.* The sacrifice you just made..how else can I repay you? My conscience will never leave me in peace if I simply walk away. I..I'm honored and truly glad that you consider me a friend, and care enough about me that you would deny my oath, but...I must repay you somehow. *glances at Shion* She speaks the truth. *his conscience wars with his survival instinct..She said to forget it, man, are you insane? Take this gift and leave...*

[Kitsune]

Shion

I see. So nothing can be done? *Not willing to believe it she stands up and kicks the ground in anger before turning back to Kitsune and Graewulf. I have to do something. Kitsune accepted me as her friend and saved this man’s life. I have to be able to do something in return. I’ll get you another tail some how Kitsune. I swear it! She keeps her vow silent afraid Kitsune might try to stop her.* Kitsune, do you think your the only one that walk a dangerous trial? I'm sure we all do. Let him walk it with you if he wishes it. I already decided and I think he has too.

This... *She opens her eyes, tears gathering in their corners* This wouldn't have happened had I covered my trail. I should have cleared the blood away. In fact, I shouldn't have tainted the monks' blood in the first place. I... I brought this on myself. I...I brought this on him. I will not drag another human down. *She clinches her teeth as she forces herself to stand, her other 8 tails whipping around behind her. Her voice comes out in a deep growl as she winces in pain.* I will not hurt Graewulf again.

[Shion]

*A image of a young woman appears in Shion’s mind. A girl with bright red eyes like her own and long light purple hair. Smiling she bows at Shion. In reality Shion steps in front of Kitsune and places her forehead against her friend’s and begins to talk very softly as if another person were inside her.* So by your own reasoning if Graewulf chooses to be your ally then any pain caused by it will be his fault not your own. Let him do it.

[Kitsune]

graewulf

*he raises his eyes towards hers.* The sacrifice you just made..how else can I repay you? My conscience will never leave me in peace if I simply walk away. I..I'm honored and truly glad that you consider me a friend, and care enough about me that you would deny my oath, but...I must repay you somehow. *glances at Shion* She speaks the truth. *his conscience wars with his survival instinct..She said to forget it, man, are you insane? Take this gift and leave...*

*She looks at him as her eyes shift back and forth between silver and gold* You should follow your instincts. They will lead you in the right direction. Your heart will often lead you astray. *She turns away and looks off into the distance* Don't pledge your loyalty to me... because if you die protecting me...I'd have lost my tail for nothing. *She winces and falls to the ground with a heavy thud. The sound echoes through the forest and causes the wildlife to flee in various directions. She growls loudly.* Meh...

[Shion]

Kitsune? *Kitsune’s collapse breaks any trance she might have been in and worry for Kitsune's health consumes her.* Damnit! Kitsune why not?! Let him be your ally!

[Kitsune]

Shion

*A image of a young woman appears in Shion’s mind. A girl with bright red eyes like her own and long light purple hair. Smiling she bows at Shion. In reality Shion steps in front of Kitsune and places her forehead against her friend’s and begins to talk very softly as if another person were inside her.* So by your own reasoning if Graewulf chooses to be your ally then any pain caused by it will be his fault not your own. Let him do it.

*She looks at her through narrowed eyes* I can not allow it. I -will not- allow it. *She shuts her eyes and growls again*

[Zester]

Kitsune

*She looks at him as her eyes shift back and forth between silver and gold* You should follow your instincts. They will lead you in the right direction. Your heart will often lead you astray. *She turns away and looks off into the distance* Don't pledge your loyalty to me... because if you die protecting me...I'd have lost my tail for nothing. *She winces and falls to the ground with a heavy thud. The sound echoes through the forest and causes the wildlife to flee in various directions. She growls loudly.* Meh...

*he frowns* Kitsune..*sigh*..I'll drop it for now, BUT! You haven't convinced me, and I am still in your debt. *he shakes his head, watching her fall to the ground* In any case, you're not well. I -will- stay with you until you've recovered enough to defend yourself. *he looks her straight in the eye*

*Peril moves besides him, looking into Kitsune's eyes and directing her thoughts solely at her* He's serious, you know. I'm not sure what he'll decide...why don't you ask for any crazy favor? like, ask him to skritch you to sleep, or something..it might not work, but the way his mind works..it just might make him understand..

[Kitsune]

*She draws in a deep breath as Peril speaks to her. She slowly opens an eye and stares at them.* I'll never understand either of you. I almost killed you, Graewulf, but you want to protect... *She looks at Shion* I almost killed you as well, now that I think about it. I've caused nothing but trouble for you both. Why do you worry for me so? *Her mind is confused by their kindness. Most humans wouldn't have given a care about her condition, yet the two of them remained close and even pleaded to help her in some way. <i>My parents...were wrong about humans. They aren't all that bad...</i> She looks at them and tilts her head*

[Shion]

*Trying to lighten the mood she smiles and laughs at Kitsune outright.* You kill me? I think not. I can handle myself Kitsune, but trouble will find my no matter where I go. *Tilts her head like Kitsune and looks deep into her eyes and smiling with all her heart.* Don’t you think it is better to face such troubles with friends then alone? I do and I am willing to bet so does Graewulf.

[Zester]

Kitsune

*She draws in a deep breath as Peril speaks to her. She slowly opens an eye and stares at them.* I'll never understand either of you. I almost killed you, Graewulf, but you want to protect... *She looks at Shion* I almost killed you as well, now that I think about it. I've caused nothing but trouble for you both. Why do you worry for me so? *Her mind is confused by their kindness. Most humans wouldn't have given a care about her condition, yet the two of them remained close and even pleaded to help her in some way. <i>My parents...were wrong about humans. They aren't all that bad...</i> She looks at them and tilts her head*

*he smiles very softly, feeling the confusion in her aura* I'm staying, then. *He drops into seiza facing away from her, looking out at the forest, alert. He turns his head to look at her, his eyes still serious* My offer still stands, my friend. But..*closes his eyes* I'll respect your final decision. *he turns away, and a tear forms in his eye, wondering why life has to be so complicated.*

*Peril lays by his side, joining him in guard duty.*