Kitsune of the Blue Sun

[Keeno POV]

Waking up for the second time today wasn’t as nearly as unpleasant as the first, though the dull headache wasn’t nice.

 

{KEENO!  WHAT HAPPENED!?  WHY WEREN’T YOU RESPONDING TO ME!?}

 

“Ama, please stop yelling, I’ll explain if you just let me.”

 

{*sigh*Keeno, I was terrified.}

 

“I’m sorry, Ama, but it’s not like I knew I was going to end up in my ancestor’s spirit realm.”

 

{Huh?…WHAT!}

 

That one statement by me seems to get Ama extremely mad.

 

{If you were there, then…}

 

“Yes, I saw them again.  But there are several pieces of good news to come from that. The first being that the incubator is gone, soul and all.  That taboo breaking mongrel’s torture did her in, and it doesn’t help that he literally ripped her heart out and ate it.”

 

{…How repulsive.}

 

“Oh, believe me, I know. I was there to watch it happen.  Also, that dragon taboo is some nasty stuff. That rat looking mongrel’s soul is basically being held together with pure spite at this point.  Honestly, it was just pitiful.”

 

{Are you going to spare him?}

 

“Hel no.”

 

{Good.}

 

“There is something I do need to discuss with you though.”

 

{And that would be?}

 

“Well, for starters, Fafnir stripped the taboo breaker of the name Fafnir, and she wants me to take up the name. She said I didn’t need to use it on anything official, but she would like her last living descendant to still have the name. And apparently, I can use it with other dragons for a small boost to respect or something.”

 

{Hmm.  What do you want to do, Keeno?}

 

“I don’t know, that’s why I was asking you.”

 

{This isn’t something I can decide for you, Keeno.}

 

“…”

 

I furrowed my brow.  Going over things in my head, aside from the two people that used to be tied to the name, I had no real reason to not take it. And I feel like granting the last wish of someone is something that I should do if it was in my power, especially as the goddess of Death.

 

“I think I’ll take it.  I mean, it was part of the last wish of my first ancestor, and aside from calling me by Keeno one time, she didn’t really strike me as a bad person.”

 

{Keeno Fafnir Okami…a bit of a mouthful, but it works.}

 

“I’m only using Fafnir when necessary. I still prefer just Keeno Okami.”

 

{…}

 

“What?”

 

{I’m getting a feeling that there is something else missing…something extremely cute for you.}

 

“*sigh*New title.”

 

{What is it?}

 

The unhidden excitement in her voice made me embarrassed to say it, but I knew Ama, and she would pester me until I told her.

 

“*SIGH*Draconic Fox Princess.”

 

I tried whispering it, even though I knew she would hear it anyway.

 

{…Yes…Extremely adorable.}

 

“???”

 

{Why the confused face?}

 

“I just expected a bigger reaction.”

 

{Keeno, what exactly could I do beside scream at the top of my lungs with how adorable that title is?  I can hug you, or kiss you, or wrap you in my tails. That isn’t to say that I feel oddly proud, but still.}

 

“A reasonable argument.”

 

{I am nothing BUT reasonable with my arguments, my beloved.}

 

“She says when our she uses petty facts in our ‘arguments’ when we’re together.”

 

{All’s fair when it comes to bedding you, Keeno.}

 

“Oh really?”

 

{Yep.}

 

“Good to know.”

 

Before we could start flirting with each other more, the door to the room opened and Emma walked in.

 

“You’re finally awake, my Lady.  I was worried when you just randomly disappeared yesterday.” (Emma)

 

“Sorry about that, Solar Convergence is the day I get to see my wife, so I’m normally not available those days.” (Keeno)

 

“I see.  Anyway, it’s perfect timing that you’re back, we’re about to have a big meeting and the commander wants you to be present.  Your two companions are already there.” (Emma)

 

“Perfect timing indeed.” (Keeno)

 

I got up and was about to start changing clothes when Emma approached me and started to help me.

 

“Emma, I can handle this myself.” (Keeno)

 

“I know, but I’m also your maid, so I should help you.  For old time’s sake?” (Emma)

 

“What is your ulterior motive?” (Keeno)

 

“I want to pet your tails.  For some strange reason, they’ve been drawing me in and I just can’t hold back anymore.” (Emma)

 

“…Fine, but only this once.” (Keeno)

 

“Yes!” (Emma)

 

And so, Emma assisted me in changing clothes like she used to when I was little, focusing mostly on my tails while she was at it.

 

“Bliss.  This is way better than Selkie’s.” (Emma)

 

“Oh?  I thought you two weren’t that close.” (Keeno)

 

“We’re not, but she’s usually my tent mate, and she’s a very erratic sleeper.  I’ve lost count how many times I’ve woken up almost being suffocated by her tail.” (Emma)

 

For some reason, there was a nagging feeling in the very back of my mind saying that I should scold that girl for neglecting her tail care, but I managed to ignore it until it went away.

 

“Anyway, let’s go, we’ve been keeping them waiting for too long.” (Keeno)

 

“True.” (Emma)

 

We left the room and walked until we were back in the room I met the Commander and Prince for the first time.  When we arrived, I looked around the room and saw the aforementioned commander and prince, along with Sigurd, Pram, Freya, and a few other people I didn’t know.  I nodded at the commander in greeting before moving and sitting next to Pram.

 

“Welcome back.” (Pram)

 

“Nn.” (Keeno)

 

The commander looked around the room and, after making sure it was silent and everyone was paying attention, cleared his throat.

 

“Now that all are present, it’s time to go over the plans for our next move.  Before that, though, a report.  Thanks to the efforts of Sigurd, his squad, and the three new arrivals, we’ve taken the border forts, thus securing the border for ourselves.  Sigurd has sent riders out to gather supplies and allies for us and, with the information given by the new arrivals, we have a rough timeline.  Best case, we have only two months to wait before supplies and allies arrive, and we can finally make a move on the capital.  That is, like I said, the best case, assume we will make a move before then as always.” (Freyr)

 

Some chatter started at this news but was promptly stopped by the commander.

 

“Don’t get your hopes up too high, people, we are, as always, still balancing on the edge of a knife in this fight.  Supplies and allies will mean nothing if we are all dead before they arrive, so keep your vigilance.  The enemy’s movements have been becoming more aggressive lately, meaning they are realizing they are getting cornered.  This is when they are the most dangerous.  I received word earlier today that one of our scout groups was ambushed by a battalion of Soul Soldiers and all but three survived.” (Freyr)

 

The mood in the room suddenly hit rock bottom.  Some stifled gasps, and other sounds of anger or sadness before Freyr called the room to silence again.

 

“I know what you are all feeling but save that anger for the battlefield.  It is to the enemy’s advantage if we rush in headlong for revenge.” (Freyr)

 

He moved over to the large table with the map that had been turned on its side so everyone in the room could see it.  It had new marking on it that weren’t present when I saw it last.  The side with the border was marked blue, while a larger portion was covered with black markings.

 

“Soon, we will move onto these territories and attempt to take these three cities.  We do that, and we’ll have taken control of roughly half of the country.  This is crucial since it will also push them further into a corner, thus increasing the danger they pose even higher.  The good news though, is that there has still been no movements my Duke-” (Freyr)

 

I assumed he was trying to call the taboo breaking mongrel by the name Fafnir, but it seemed that my ancestor taking the name from him actually had an effect on anyone that tried to speak it.

 

“*Ahem*This means they are fortifying their remaining territory, making what we have to do much harder.  They WILL push back, and they WILL NOT spare any of us.  Be prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice for the freedom of our people.” (Freyr)

 

The Commander then started to issue orders to several people who immediately got up and left the room.  He continued to do so until the only ones left were Sigurd, Emma, and me and my companions.

 

“Lady Okami, I would like to request that you fight alongside us in the battles to come.  I have spoken with your two companions yesterday about this, but they both said that it was ultimately your decision.” (Freyr)

 

“Of course, we’ll help, but we will need compensation afterwords.  That is how adventurers operate.  In this sense we are like mercenaries, but seeing as our goals are in line with the rebellions’ to a point, the compensation will be light.” (Keeno)

 

“And that compensation is?” (Freyr)

 

“The location of the Dead Zone.” (Keeno)

 

The air around Commander Freyr and the Prince seemed to freeze when I said that.

 

“What do you want with that information?” (Prince)

 

“That is none of your concern, Prince.  All you need to know is that, in the end, it will benefit all of you as well.” (Keeno)

 

“As the one that will become the ruler after this is all over, I demand you tell me, niece.” (Prince)

 

“My Prince, calm yourself.” (Freyr)

 

“Freyr, this is of no concern to you, as a royal, it is my duty to make sure the Dead Zone is kept safe from all that would use it for evil.” (Prince)

 

“Like. I. Said.  It’s of no concern to you, Prince.  If you need reminding, we’re the ones that hold the power over this negotiation, not you.  You are in no place to demand ANYTHING of us or our motives.” (Keeno)

 

“You da-” (Prince)

 

“My Prince, you will be silent, this is not the royal court where you hold the power, but a negotiation between a commander and potential allies.  You will NOT jeopardize this for us, or I will lock you up myself.  And Lady Okami, while I do understand we are in no position to ask your motives, it is necessary for us to know why you want this information.” (Freyr)

 

“There is something there that is like a poison to this country.  It’s the same in several others outside of Falheim as well, and I am here to make sure it is gone.” (Keeno)

 

“What?  I’ve never heard of such nonsense before.  What is your proof?” (Prince)

 

“I’ve already taken care of it once, in a country called Vanir.  Of course, I know that this information is of no use to you, so I will divulge a small detail.  It’s something that only those with draconic blood can handle.” (Keeno)

 

The Prince still looked like he didn’t believe a word I said, but the commander’s eyes widened in surprise.

 

“I see…then there was more to them than just a long lineage.” (Freyr)

 

“What are you mumbling about, Freyr?” (Prince)

 

“Her words hold weight, my Prince.  The Duke house is one that holds draconic lineage and is the only other house aside from the royal family that has ever been allowed at the Dead Zone.” (Freyr)

 

“…Tch.  Fine.” (Prince)

 

“Lady Okami, the Dead Zone is located in the mountains directly behind the capital.  There are two ways to get there, a passage located directly behind the throne in the castle, and another path below the castle where all the dead in the capital and its direct surroundings are brought and disposed of.  If what you say is true, then your best bet to getting there will be either of these two places.” (Freyr)

 

“Alright.  You have my power at your disposal until the taboo breaker Lucius is dead and the capital is taken.  Me and my companions will join Sigurd’s squad.  Any objections?” (Keeno)

 

“None.  I thank you for your cooperation.” (Freyr)

 

“May the Goddess of War bless our path to victory, the Goddess of Life protect ours to the end, and the Goddess of Death’s blades cleanse the souls of our enemies.” (Keeno)

 

{Hehehe.}

 

‘Was that really necessary, Keeno?’ (Freya)

 

‘Why not?  It’s funny for us in the know, isn’t it?’ (Keeno)

 

‘It really is.  They have no idea how lucky they are.’ (Pram)

 

After a few more brief words, we left the command room to start the preparations to depart for the next battle.

 

Chaos Realm:

???

What’s Astraea’s Mofu bud doing?

Order: Umm…no clue.

Mofu bud: Mofu~*poof*

…

Order: …

Mofu bud: Mofuuuuuu~ *goes back to snuggle in Astraea’s tails*

Crisis: Wahahaha!  I have arrived!

Evelyn: *stays silent and instantly cuddles up to Astraea*

Crisis: It’s no fun if no one reacts.  What are y’all looking at?

A book Astraea’s pet eldritch Fluff bud poofed into existence.

Order: And this strange rock thing that came with it.

Crisis: Hmm.  Gimme!

Order: NO!  I BANNED YOU FROM EVER USING NECROMANCY AGAIN!

Crisis: Tch.  Killjoy.

Well, since she’s not allowed to use it, I might as well ‘drop’ this into Keeno’s storage ring.

Order: I thought we weren’t allowed to give her any more gifts.

We’re not giving her anything.  I’m just conveniently ‘dropping’ it and being too lazy to pick it back up.

Order: …Oh no, I just so happened to never see it in the first place, so there is no way this is going to mess up the order of things. *wink*

*Wink*

Crisis: Why am I even here?

Payto and Order: So Evelyn can be with Astraea in her moment of need.

Crisis: *Sob* Oh woe is me; the Goddess of Insanity being lowered to the level of convenient transportation.

Order: *Pats Crisis’ head* Now, now, you know that’s not true.