A gruff voice booms like a blow to my ear, “Umeji-kun, get up already! We have weary guests who need nourishment!”

Springing from my futon on the floor to a defensive crouch, I scrabble for my sword and stiff muscles protest moving in the chilled air. Where the hell am I? This plaster walled room filled with antiques isn’t mine.

Then Soujou-bou peeks through the door before disappearing again. Taking a deep breath, I let the shakiness dissipate. I’m at my new master’s house for training, and he put me through hell yesterday, despite my being in good shape already.

He bellows down the hall, “The Date clan arrived after the messenger told them you and Nakamura-san were here. Hurry, now!”

So, I holler as I snag the tray that holds the formal clothing Soujou-bou expects me to wear. “Be right there! Did my aunt return last night?”

“Yes. She’s still sleeping. Don’t wake her with your yelling!” His shouting echoes into my room.

“You decent, Tatsuya?” The quiet voice of the one I’m not supposed to wake comes through the paper of the shoji door.

“Decent enough.”

In her kitsune form, Aunt Hisako yawns as she uses her snout to open the door, then pads into my room. “Soujou-sama, as good a king, leader, and teacher that he is, couldn’t be quiet to save his life.”

Don’t laugh. The Great Tengu might hear better than he lets on. My fingers fumble as they quickly wrap my obi belt around my waist and create the specific knot with the thick fabric.

Switching to her human form, my aunt tsks. “Tatsuya, that’s a terrible knot for your obi. It’ll come out in no time. I know you’re in a hurry, but the Date clan is worth making yourself presentable for and you need to get used to wearing a kimono daily. Your master is a stickler for some aspects of tradition.”

So, I close my eyes. My aunt and I have had nothing but trouble from Date Sari. “How do we know the Dates aren’t bringing more problems?”

“We don’t.” She tugs at the knot in front of me and turns the sash so it goes to my back. “I hunted a pair of rabbits and dressed them last night, knowing you’ve never had to deal with that. Soujou-sama will help you, if you ask. He’s an excellent teacher. Though, he’ll chide you for being a city boy.”

Her teasing warms me inside and gives me hope that this meeting won’t be a disaster. She waves her hand toward the door. “Off with you, now.”

“Ki boost first,” I volley and share energy. To conserve her limited ki, she returns to fox form.

A few moments later, Soujou-bou has me grill the meat. I’ve never had rabbit before. Each of the pieces is so tiny, but the charred aroma makes my mouth water.

“Stop turning it so often. It can sit there for a few minutes while you prepare the rice.” As he creates the side dishes, he grumbles and his feathers rustle, “Umeji-kun, for being Nakamura-san’s apprentice, you’re rather worthless.”

Ouch. “I’ve lived in Tokyo most of my life, sir. Never tried rabbit meat or any other wild game. But I’m a quick study,” I respond.

“Indeed…”

That tone. Something’s up. Movement catches my eye thanks to a quick word of kotodama magic. He slips in chestnuts as he moves to block the view. I wouldn’t have put them in with the variety of vegetables, though there’s no way I’ll say so or he’ll think I’m judging his cooking skills. So I mumble, “Chestnuts.” Remember that.

He harrumphs. “Pay attention to what I told you to do.”

“Yes, sir. Uhm, may I ask why you help with the cooking instead of having your servants do it?”

“Being able to provide for yourself and those under you is a skill everyone should have. No tengu nor student should be above even the most menial of tasks.”

Aunt Hisako said Soujou-bou prefers tradition. But this is the second aspect where he breaks from the old ways. Usually, leaders expect to be served.

Bringing out breakfast gives me a first glance at the guests. The morning sun peeking through the shoji panels on the window highlights bandaged wounds and the foxes’ tired eyes speak of dangers faced. Old smoke and singed fur scents hang in the air, diminishing the tang of the fresh pickles on the tray I carry. They’re both leaning on the wall as if exhausted.

Hackles raise on one of the kitsune pair, as I kneel and set dishes of grilled rabbit, natto, rice, miso soup, and pickled vegetables in front of them on the table.

“What thievery was allowed at the Date clan’s expense?” a red male growls as he advances on me.

Backtracking before he decides I’m a threat, I put my hands up. “Please forgive what appears to be stolen magic. It wasn’t intentional. I’ll be happy to explain after you’ve had your fill. Please, enjoy.”

“Polite words don’t cover for the travesty you’ve committed. That’s my sister’s magic you have. I’d know it anywhere.”

“Quiet!” the silver female snaps at the younger fox.

“But Sari’s dead because-”

“Now, Hoji!” When his head dips, she continues, “The human is correct. Inari-sama required my attendance for your sister’s judgment.”

I’ll be damned if I apologize for Date Sari’s death. I’m not the one that caused that witch to die. But I can at least respect their grief.

“Please,” I say, gesturing to the bowls. “I’ll leave the room so you can enjoy the food while it’s still warm.”

“Did you prepare it?” Hoji asks.

“I assisted.”

After shoving the bowl away, Hoji curls up by the table as his stomach growls. His mother barks and nips his rump, then digs into her meal.

Out of no where, Soujou-bou’s thundering voice from behind makes me jump. He extends his wings as if he’s a raptor about to pounce on prey. “Date Hoji, you would dare to refuse my hospitality or that of my student?”

We all shrink in the Tengu King’s imposing presence.

Hoji’s head and ears droop as he kneels. “N-no, Soujou-sama. Forgive my rudeness. It won’t happen again.” He retrieves the bowl and wolfs the rabbit meat down.

“You may not know when your next meal will come.” Sitting with the fox family, Soujou-bou says, “Umeji-kun, you need not sit apart from us when you eat. Bring in bowls for everyone. Then let us find out why Date Miwa and her son dared use a teleportation spell on my mountain.”

Not long after I sit, I end up refilling their bowls. How long has it been since they’ve eaten?

“Thank you for the meal and your hospitality, Soujou-sama,” Miwa says as her son nods in appreciation.

“It was delicious,” Hoji adds, then glances at my aunt. Perhaps he wishes to make up for his snobbery?

“As to our intrusion and going against your wishes, my good Soujou-sama,” Miwa continues, “Please forgive our actions done only in the flight for our lives. My husband and daughters are dead at the hand of the oni, Ibaraki Douji, who claims my eldest enthralled her.” Her paw covers her face, and she takes a deep breath.

Soujou-bou runs his hand over his chin and beard. “A single kitsune enthralled Ibaraki, you say?”

“Likely,” she sobs.

How did Date Sari manage it?

Hoji nuzzles his mother’s shoulder and picks up where she left off. “My eldest sister died defending us, despite her reduced animal state. She still recognized and protected our family, becoming the oni’s target of choice. When Ibaraki shouted ‘Death to all kitsune’, we fled. As they gained on us, I shoved my mother through a hastily made portal before closing it behind me.”

“Could they trace you?” Soujou-bou asks as he purses his lips.

What’s it take to track a portal?

“We entered on the edge of your lands, hoping it would be indistinguishable from other forested mountains.”

Then my aunt pipes up, “Is Ibaraki intent on your family only?”

“What are you insinuating?” Hoji narrows his eyes.

Straightening her posture at the challenge, she adds, “The Date clan isn’t the only one to suffer losses. The messenger, Yoshirou, brought news of other clans being attacked.”

Under his breath, Hoji mutters, “What has Sari started?”

“I’m hoping it’s not the extinction of our race, Date-san,” Aunt Hisako says with a dead calm that gives me the shivers.

After swallowing the last bite of my meal, I ask, “Aunt, do you think I should train away from the clan if the kitsune are in danger?”

“You’re Nakamura-san’s relative?” Hoji’s voice cracks.

It takes effort to keep the grin off my face. “Technically, I’m more closely related to you. Your sister was my seven-times great grandmother. Aunt Hisako’s brother-in-law was the father of the child your sister bore. Small world, huh?”

“So my daughter’s line continues?” Wiping the tears from her eyes, the mother perks up.

“Yes, ma’am.” I give a bow because of her positive response. “My name is Umeji Tatsuya. I’m honored to meet you, great grandmother. Please, be kind to me.”

Returning the pleasantries, she pads closer. “Grandson, I am Date Miwa, and I am pleased to find you at last. I knew my daughter had a girl, but she hid the child, and we could not find her. We heard snippets but had troubles tracing her line. You’re a connection to the grandchild I never knew.”

“Don’t expect me to be an uncle to the brat that caused my sister’s ruination.” Hoji turns his nose up.

But Grandma Miwa snaps, “Hoji! Your sister chose the path that led to the death of herself, your sister, and your father!”

Hoji’s grieving. So his anger is to be expected.

Aunt Hisako scoots beside Grandma Miwa, letting the proximity to one who’s been her enemy speak. “Tatsuya is common kin, linking our families now.”

“Will it be possible for us to put aside centuries old enmity for the sake of our species?” Grandma Miwa asks.

“Perhaps we can work toward that end.” My aunt at least has the decency to leave the avenue open. How hard will it be for her to set aside her feelings about the Date clan after they declared they were on different sides of the Meiji Restoration over two hundred years ago?

Hoji’s staring at my aunt again. What’s up with him?

As I clear the table and do the dishes, my new grandmother directs Hoji to help me with the work. So much for a moment of peace. Too bad Su-chan had to stay at the Nakamura clan den to research her half of the magic she received from Date Sari. It would have been much more fun. Damn, I miss her.