--- Last Time ---
Girl 1: I hope she puts a leash on it.
Girls: *Laughing*
Girl 4: What, the fox or the heart-breaker?
Girl 3: Both. Oh and wait, I was told that they’re still rounding people up, so it might take a few days for us to get in contact with our families.
Girls: *Sigh*
--- Later That Evening ---
*With the girls settled back in their rooms for the night and Yi once again being watched over by the medics, Huxian, still in the form of a small white fox, trotted towards his own room, merely offering a nod to passing agents who barely batted an eye, used to their commander’s abilities. Upon reaching the room, he leaped up, grasping the door handle with his paws and used his body’s momentum to swing it open. With a soft sound as he dropped back to the carpeted floor, he entered, tail swishing behind him.
On the bed, where he had left it in his hurry to find the Jiangshi earlier, his communicator rang with a familiar theme. Cursing softly, hoping it hadn’t been ringing for long, he jumped onto the bed, batting the communicator closer and attempted to answer it with his paws. Unfortunately, it seemed that the lack of dexterous fingers merely made the screen unsure of which part was being interacted with. Cursing in Chinese again, he transformed into human form and, with now possible fingers and thumbs, finally managed to answer.
Huxian: Agent Yin here. What’s your emergency? If it’s not an emergency or a certain Miss Hunter, then please launch your complaints to the complaints department, who will send them to the incier- I mean, will answer them in due time.
Rodessa: Idiot.
Huxian: Ah! Since you fulfill one of the first criteria, welcome to my personal hell, how may I help you? No, seriously, I feel like I’m working with zombies here.
Rodessa: In hell? You sound like hell! You’re not neglecting yourself again, are you?
Huxian: Ah….no. Not exactly. Just….I’m just a bit tired. Its a long day and it’s….its going to get longer the next few as well. The target’s moving faster than anticipated….we’ve still got civilians in danger too. Kids at that. Of course, making sure they don’t end up in the crossfire, but the target’s either smarter or more stupid than we thought, sending cannon fodder out in broad daylight…I hate targets like this.
Rodessa: As much as I feel for the children…. They’re not my concern. You are. I want to see you - let's switch to video call.
Huxian: *Tired smile* Alright. One moment.
*With a few adjustments to the settings, the screen display changed, revealing Rodessa, in one of her signature ‘numbers’ it was inspiration worth for her exhausted partner, hair draped around her shoulder barely covering her exposed chest. She was lounging in a hotel room. If only out of habit, Huxian gave her a wolf whistle, though seeing one of his closest companions, whether she was dressed in an outfit that would slay any weaker man or not, did ease him a little. Maybe he missed her more than he thought. That or the drain from the peach sword and spending time in his much smaller, fluffy and more vulnerable form just made him happy to see the one usually in charge of watching his back or petting him in just that nice spot behind the ears.*
Rodessa: You look rough, Huie, but I must say, the tired pretty boy look is alluring too. Still… you look like you overdid it. Are you sure you’re ok?
Huxian: Honestly….not really. But I’m going to be resting as much as I can. I’m thinking a vacation after this, though. Might do me some good. Uh….actually….when was the last time I had vacation again? I forgot.
Rodessa: Rude you forgot our dat- Uh! I mean our vacation in the Russia? We found that cute coffee shop the one that sold those-
Huxian: Oh, no, I remember that perfectly. No I meant….how long ago was it?
Rodessa: Last December.
Huxian: Ro...am I due a Vacation?
Rodessa: Overdue one, to be honest. How about when we’re next off, we go to that island of foxes. It would be cute. I think I told you about it last time. Oh, then we can go to Shibuya, or Akihabara! I wanna do some shopping and eat good food. Oh, and then we can go to your house and go to that spa what do you think?
Huxian: Well...hey, I’m currently in my home country. Can’t particularly go around Japan right now, but once my job’s done here it might be nice to see how the old hunting grounds are doing, so to speak. Though if it’s done early I might be able to join you in Japan. Where abouts are you now, anyway?
Rodessa: *Pout* That’s what I meant. I’m in Izumo by the way. Plus, if you’re a good boy, I’ll give you a rub down once you come home to me.
Huxian: Oh? *Flirty grin* Does that mean I get you as my personal maid? I can get down with that.
Rodessa: Me? Your maid? Oh sweetie, keep dreaming. But if you can settle for a sexy massage then-
Huxian: Oh really? Tell me more. After all, you need to provide lots of motivation so I can hurry up and finish this up so I can fly over there. *Teasing smirk* What will you do with little old me?
Rodessa: *Flirty eyes* Well, what do you want me to do, big boy?
*Rodessa moves the camera onto a tripod giving Huxian a full view of her little corner to the hotel room, she undoes the lace woven robe exposing more of her frame.*
Rodessa: See, fluffy, I’m more of a romantic. I am a pure and saintly lamb - all can think of is a hotel sweet, bubble baths, a bottle of wine maybe music-
Huxian: What kind of music, rose bud?
Rodessa: Something slow and sensual, to get you in the mood, of course. Maybe a candle lit dinner. Either way, it would be ‘us’ time...Or would you… just want me? *Wink*
Huxian: *Gentle laugh* You’d probably end up cooked. Either because I’m just that hot, or you’d blush yourself into flames.
Rodessa: *Teasing* Hm… is that so? I’m not a little girl anymore. I’m wise in the way of your type now, I think I can handle you. Besides, I know what to do to get you to submit. Like putty in my hand.
Huxian: *Raised eyebrow, teasing* With Sushi?
Rodessa: *Side look, sigh* No. if I do that, then you’ll give in easily ‘n’ that won't be fun, now will it?
Huxian: Ah, you never said it had to be fun, only that I’d ‘submit’. But go ahead, educate this lowly, uneducated male.
Rodessa: *Coy* It’s easy, fluff. I’m a woman after all. I just have to out dominate you, plain and simple. You like the hunt, but you’re at your most vibrant when you’re challenged, like a wild beast looking for stronger pray. You enjoy the hunt as do I. But the satisfaction of winning is nothing compared to finding a partner that can challenge that, or even take you down.
*Huxian chuckled at that, glancing to one side, hoping that Ro didn’t quite catch the flash of pain. He coughed into one hand, trying to pull his mind away from the far darker angle it had taken - damn being tired. Instead, he offered her a grin, hoping it didn’t carry any of his inner thoughts*
Huxian: Ah, but that involves catching first. As you say, what’s the point in the hunt if they just let you catch them without a chase at all?
Rodessa: The struggle, a macavelen chess match that will leave you on your toes, grinding your teeth with anticipation. The build of ecstasy as our little dance hits its climax won't that be a thrill?
Huxian: Ah, but in this case, it seems I’m not the one hunting. I think you’d be hunting me. It’s a bit of a different game when you’re the one being chased. I’m told I’m difficult to catch.
Huxian [Inner Thoughts]: Especially now....since its in everyone’s best interest they never, ever catch me...
Rodessa: We'd be hunting each other, fluff, hence the fun of the game, no? I’m strong enough to handle you. And I want to test out my wiles on a stronger target than those… whales of DNA that are buzzing around back home.
Huxian: Ah, still having problems with those? I thought you cowed them all by now. Or did they somehow get amnesia and forgot about it. You should handle the poor babies with kid gloves, otherwise they’ll forget the lesson you’re giving them by damage to their remaining brain cells.
Rodessa: *Chuckle* I want to conquer men, not boys. Plain and simple, Huie.
Huxian: Yes, well, you know how those back home have illusions of grandeur. They think playing as men makes them men.
Rodessa: Yup, and that’s why I want to test my skills with a certain Blanc I know.
Huxian: Well….you can try. As they say, practice makes a perfectionist...or something.
Rodessa: ...Hey, fluff, you’re not you normal flirty self…. Are you that injured? If so, go see a medic. I’ll leave so-
Huxian: Ah, no, not injured. Just….just tired. *Weak smile* I really do need that vacation…
*The girl seemed unconvinced, but let it slide.. barely*
Rodessa: … Then finish up quick so we can have our sexy rub time I want to spoil you properly, Ok?
You want me to sing you to sleep like I used to do? I’ll end the call once your asleep.
Huxian: *relaxing a little, almost shy* ...Will you?
*The girl started singing, a gentle melody. Smiling sleepily, Huxian curled up by the phone, just out of sight of the video and transformed himself into his fox form, knowing he probably wouldn’t last long in the waking world. Slowly, the song brought him to the land of dreams like a gentle rock of a wave sweeping a shell back to sea. The adult voice tenderly changing into that of a young child singing. It was like the voice of an angel.*
Young child: ‘Rest your head, little pup, remember my song mum bring you luck, sleep, child, rest your head, papa makes your bed, sweet child, dream of summer, and of me, in your heart I’ll always be, remember me. Dream of me, be with me...’
*By now, Rodessa could probably hear the soft breathing of one in deep slumber. On the bed, curled up tightly, Huxian was lost to sleep, only the faint flicker of an ear, or twitch of a paw showed his journey through dreams, comforted by the voice of his trusted partner.
In the realm of dreams Huxian seemed to dreaming of a small child with lupi ears, singing to herself, it looked like she was waiting for someone.*
Little girl: Oh, you're finally here? I was waiting for you. You took your time, kitty. What kept you?
Huxian: Ah, sorry. I had to go over a few things about the meeting with the council in a few days. I’m sure I mentioned how stubborn those crotchety dragons can be sometimes. I’m sorry I kept you waiting, though
*He approaches the child, coming to sit beside her*
Huxian: Is that a new song? It’s very pretty. Like you
*Smiling, he gently pokes the girl on the nose*
Little girl: *Chuckle and loving eye* if you think your getting out of this by compliment, that's a nono kitty. I'm your finance! I’m your priority number 1! But, if you kiss me, I’ll forgive you. Oh, ‘n’ mama said one day, when I have your pups, I have to make a song that will sing them to sleep, so yeah. I guess it's drift number 1.
Huxian: *Teasingly* Oh, I must be your priority if I’m part of your income.
*He laughs softly, reaching over to pet her hair.*
Huxian: I believe the word you’re looking for is ‘fiancée, little one. Though I do think if your father heard you say that I’d be the target of a fox hunt with Engetsu as the hound. And, of course, your mother will laugh at him. It’ll hurt his feelings at being ganged up on.
Little Girl: *Serious eyes* If papa tries anything, we’ll just envelope.
Huxian: I suppose being posted would be one way of evading him.
Little Girl: *Pout* I’m serious! I wanna be with kitty forever! I’m gonna grow up to be prettier than mama and smarter than papa! I’ll be kitty’s best wife, you hear me! So don't cheat on me, I’ll grow up real quick! Quick! So… so take me serious…. Or… if you don't want me, then I’ll perform a miracle. *Downcast eyes*
Huxian: ...Even if I’m cursed?
Little Girl: I don’t care about all that!
*The little girl casts a spell making her appear as a young woman, late teens, she leans in kissing distance away.*
Young Woman: *Cupping his cheeks* All I want is you, don't you get it? If you’re cursed, then let me take some of the pain away. If you’re hurt, let me heal you. When you laugh, let me be the court jester. For you, only you, I’ll lay down my life. I love you, Hue…
Huxian: *Hand covering her’s, eyes closed* I don’t want you to die for me. I want you to live. Always, always live, no matter what. Never let my curse end your life.
*The Young Woman, kisses him tenderly before pulling back.*
Young Woman: The only thing that could kill me is the thought that you would never want me. You’re my reason for living, after all. So tell me, Hue… will you let me love you? Can I live with you? Can I be one with you?
Huxian: I’ll stay with you as long as you need me. Though, when you grow up, ask me again.
Young woman: You’re too cruel...You’re avoiding the question again…. You know my feelings will never change and yet…
I may look like a child… I may be young but my heart is as old as yours...
*Her eyes filled with tears, packing up her belonging and the spell she casts fades*
Little Girl: Let’s go home, dinner would be ready by now….
Huxian: I….it’s not that. Only…I may seem….OK now, but inside my soul is still shattered. With the time I’m spending with you and your family, I’m fixing it piece by piece, but…
Little Girl: *Turned away from him, tears falling* You loved her that much… Would you like me to perform that miracle instead…? I don't mind if it’s for you… I’ll do anything… I’ll even… perform…. *In audible* I perform that miracle. To make you happy.
Huxian: No. I told you, never ever die for me. I want you to live. After all, how would I ever heal if all I do is get those I care for killed. Li- She...was my fault. It’s my cross to bear. All I need is time. Maybe then I won’t just bring death to my loved ones any longer. Could...If you want to do something for me...can you wait that long? Though only if it makes you happy too. After all, you gave me a reason to stay around. I don’t want to ever take that life from you.
*The voice of the young woman overlaps the girls as she turns to him, acting strong through her tears.*
Little Girl: Could you ever love only me? Would I be enough? When your heart, when your soul still longs and will always long for her… how long will i have to wait till you tell me you love me again… I’ll wait just tell me how long….
Huxian: Why do you think I ask you to ask me again when you grow up?
*He moves closer and, without warning, scoops her up and begins heading towards the house. Even so, he still talks*
Huxian: I’m not a seer, despite my ability in sorcery. But know that, even still healing, I care for you. If there is a chance I can...recover from my curse, I think you’d be the only one I could.
Little girl: ‘You could’? I don't understand? What do you mean?
Huxian: And that is why you need to be older. You’ll understand then. We adults have a secret language you have to learn after all.
Little Girl: *Pouts* Don’t treat me like a little kid!
Huxin: Oh never, my lady.
*Stopping for a moment, he wipes away her tears, giving her a peck on the forehead before holding her tight*
Little Girl: I hate you sometimes, with your pretty boy face. Meany, dummy, bad kitty, jerk… stupid Hue…. I...still love you. Idiot.
[END]
