American Kitsune, Vol. 11: A Fox's Mission

By Brandon Varnell

THE WAR CONTINUES...

Kevin, Lilian and Iris have reunited with Christine, yet several major hurdles keep this reunion from being truly heartwarming—though it certainly hasn’t stopped things between Kevin and the girls from heating up. Christine introduces them to Orin, an ornery and perverted old monkey with a thing for flat chests, who has no intention of joining Daven Monstrang’s alliance.

Dark truths are revealed, enemies show their fangs, and Kevin still has to convince Orin to ally himself with Daven Monstrang and Kuroneko. But in order to convince Orin to join their alliance, Kevin, Lilian, and Iris will have to prove themselves by confronting a threat none of them are prepared for.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Brandon Varnell
• Release date: Jan 19, 2022
• ISBN: 9781951904500

Book preview

Chapter 1

The Third Saint

Despite being mostly empty, Full Brooks Café managed to convey a friendly atmosphere. Warm wood floors and lightly colored walls were illuminated by the natural sunlight that filtered in through the window. A few lamps sat in corners where the sunlight didn’t reach. Several tables sat in the center of the café, while booths lined the wall farthest from the kitchen.

Kevin and his companions had taken a booth. Lilian sat next to him, sipping at her caramel mocha latte, while Iris and Christine sat on the opposite side. Several empty plates sat on the table, remnants from their recently finished lunch.

Christine was a yuki-onna—a yōkai race consisting only of women. Yuki-onna had powers over ice and generally preferred colder climates, which made their friend something of an oddball since she hated anything cold. She ate hot foods, drank hot drinks, and lived—or used to live—in a desert well known for its nearly unbearable heat. Her porcelain skin, which reminded him of a doll, and her ice-blue eyes, which sparkled in the light, were clear indicators of her origins.

But Christine wasn’t just a yuki-onna. Kevin knew that she also had bakeneko blood in her. He wondered if her small, doll-like body had something to do with the two contrasting yōkai types stunting her growth. He didn’t really know.

She hadn’t changed since the last time he’d seen her. Her tiny figure was still clad in the same black gothic lolita attire as before, and even her personality seemed to be the same. Upon first greeting him, Christine had blushed, stuttered, then gotten angry. He was just glad she hadn’t gone full tsun-loli on him. He didn’t want their relationship to be like the one between Saito Hiraga and Louise Francoise.

Wow, I can’t believe we’d run into each other out here, of all places, Kevin said with a grin. I’m glad to see you’ve been doing well for yourself, though. When we returned from Greece and learned that you’d left, all of us grew really worried.

W-worried?! Christine squeaked, her cheeks seeming to frost over. When a yuki-onna blushed, their cheeks turned blue instead of red.

That’s right. Ah! But we still had faith that you’d be okay, Kevin assured the girl. We knew you could take care of yourself.

Speak for yourselves, Iris said. I thought she’d get herself killed.

Shut up! Christine snapped at the vixen. You mind your own business and let Kevin compliment me!

… A moment of silence passed.

Did she just…? Lilian started, her eyes wide with wonder.

… Admit that she enjoys it when the stud compliments her? Iris finished, appearing equally surprised, though not for long. An amused look swiftly replaced the shock. Uhuhuhu.

Christine also seemed to have realized how her words could be taken. She squeaked, and steam burst from her ears like heat from a lava vent.

Th-th-th-that’s not what I meant! I just—I mean, I don’t get many of those! Shut up! It’s just nice to hear that someone has faith in me! That’s all!

Calm down, Iris chuckled, patting the girl on the head. We’re just messing with you. Ah, I missed that tsundere personality of yours.

Who’s a tsundere?!

But seriously, Christine, what are you doing all the way out here? Lilian asked before taking a sip of her latte again. She came away with a brown foam mustache on her upper lip.

At Lilian’s question, Christine turned glum. Her shoulders slumped as she looked down at the table, though Kevin had the feeling she wasn’t looking at the table, but through it instead.

I… during the battle with that kitsune who was trying to kill you, I was completely useless. I couldn’t be of any help. Iris even ended up getting hurt because of me. Her shoulders shifted. Kevin imagined she was clenching the fabrics of her dress underneath the table. In the end, I couldn’t help any of my friends, and one of you almost died because of me. I didn’t want that to happen again. I want to be someone that other people can rely on, so…

We understand, Lilian said, placing her hands over Christine’s. We know how you feel, and as your friends, you can count on us for support.

As she looked away from Lilian’s brilliant emerald gaze, Christine’s cheeks flushed a light shade of blue.

Th-thank you.

You’re welcome.

So, if you’re here, then does that mean you’re the contact that Kuroneko was talking about? Kevin asked.

Nodding, Christine focused back on him.

I would assume so, she replied evenly. Orin is my benefactor. He’s the one who took me away from that orphanage in Alaska, and he gave me my monthly stipend when I was living in Arizona. He told me that I was supposed to meet some people out here and take them to see him.

That would be us. Leaning back in her seat, Iris subconsciously thrust her chest out. Christine eyed the other girl’s bouncing breasts with a mixture of disgust and envy. We’re the ones that Tigress sent to find this Orio guy.

It’s Orin, Lilian corrected.

And who the heck is Tigress? asked Kevin, though he imagined that was just Iris’s new nickname for Kuroneko. She came up with weird nicknames for people she actually liked.

Anyway, we should probably get going. Christine stood up. It’s a bit of a drive, and we have to do some walking, too, so the sooner we leave, the better.

Standing up as well, Kevin left enough money on the table to cover their tab. They’d eaten quite a bit. Having not been able to eat anything since yesterday, he, Lilian, and Iris had been ravenous.

Turning to Lilian, Kevin almost facepalmed when he saw how much foam she had on her mouth. The redhead didn’t even seem to realize it was there. She blinked several times when she saw him looking at her.

Is something wrong, Beloved?

Not really. You just have something on your face.

Lilian raised her hands to feel her face, but Kevin grabbed her wrists, stopping her.

No, let me get that off for you, he said before leaning down and kissing her. Lilian leaned into him and tilted her head up as she kissed him back. He let go of her wrists, and her hands found purchase around his waist. Meanwhile, he placed his hands on either side of her face, his thumbs gently caressing her cheeks as he tenderly suckled on her upper lip, ridding it of the foam, then did the same to her bottom lip, simply because he could.

U-ugh, I’d forgotten how lovey-dovey these two could be, Christine said, her cheeks flushing a pale shade of blue.

Hm, that was a clever move Lily-pad just pulled there, Iris muttered, cupping her chin. Maybe I should have also given myself a foam mustache so the stud could lick it off.

Christine gave Iris a disgusted look. I see you’re still trying to interfere in their relationship. That’s not a very good thing for a sister to do, you know.

Heh… Iris smirked at Christine, who bristled at the look. You’ve been out of the loop, Tsun-tsun. Lily-pad and the stud have made me their mistress. Leaning down, Iris cupped a hand to her mouth and whispered into Christine’s ear. The three of us have become in-ti-mate.

Christine stared at Iris for what seemed like hours. Her brain seemed to have short-circuited, and it needed some time to properly reboot. When it did, she responded in the most natural way possible… for a tsundere lolita.

WWHHHHAAAATTTT?!

Christine’s voice echoed through the city.

Christine seemed displeased as they followed her. The girl stomped through the streets, the few people who were also walking down the sidewalk scattering when she approached. Steam poured from her head as she muttered harsh words under her breath.

Can’t believe it… those two… kill them both!

Kevin could actually feel the sweat coalescing on his temple and leaving a wet trail down his face.

Um, Christine, are you upset about something? he asked.

Of course I’m nyupset! Christine snapped. Nyow shut up and follow me.

Okay, so Christine was upset, so upset that she actually sounded like a hissy cat. Kevin wondered why, but he couldn’t really think of the reason. Could it have been how he’d kissed Lilian? Probably not. She’d seen him and Lilian kiss plenty of times, and she’d never gotten too upset. She didn’t like him anymore, not like that anyway. They were just friends.

I’ll never understand girls.

Christine eventually led them to an old Ford truck. It looked like someone had cobbled it together using a bunch of spare parts that could be found in a junkyard. The left door was blue, the right a glaring red. Its hood had been painted a most obnoxious shade of yellow, and when combined with the black fender, it made Kevin think of a bumblebee. Much of its body was also covered in dents and marks. Kevin didn’t think it looked very safe.

You drive this piece of crap? Iris asked. Despite how rude those words were, she sounded more shocked than mocking.

Watch it, Skank, Christine warned. This might not be the best car in the world, but at least she runs.

She? Iris made a face. You actually gave your car a gender? Were you that lonely living out here in the Boondocks?

Christine’s face turned blue. Sh-sh-shut up! You don’t know anything, Boobhead.

Ha! She called me Boobhead.

Watching the two trade barbs, Kevin felt an odd sense of nostalgia.

Is it weird that I kind of missed this? he asked his mate.

Lilian contemplated his question for a moment, but then shook her head.

I don’t think so. I kind of missed this, too. Her lips twitched into a grin as she took out a sketchpad. Plus, watching these two argue is giving me some ideas for my manga.

Kevin chuckled. Of course.

Look, just get in the damn truck already! Christine snapped.

Iris raised her hands in surrender. All right, all right. Yeesh. So angry.

Christine glared at Iris, who chuckled some more as she opened the passenger side. The truck was one of those really old ones that only had two seats—one on the passenger side and the driver’s seat.

Sorry, but I only have one seat. Two of you are gonna have to sit in the back.

Iris grabbed Lilian’s hand and pulled her to the trunk.

Lily-pad and I can sit in the trunk. It’ll give me an excuse to make out with her.

Lilian blushed, but she didn’t say anything as they climbed in. Christine was stock still for a second, but her wide eyes soon panned over to Kevin.

Please tell me she’s joking, she said.

I wonder, Kevin mumbled. Anyway, let’s get going.

Moving around to the driver’s side, Kevin held the door open for Christine, whose icy face was the epitome of embarrassed.

Th-thank you, she mumbled as she sat in the driver’s seat and slammed the door closed.

Kevin walked around to the other side and got in. There was no seatbelt, showing just how old this truck really was. Christine started up the engine, which coughed and shuddered before emitting a low bass rumble.

Christine pulled out of the parking lot and drove down the road. Kevin studied the passing structures, most of which were small and old. This place really was the definition of a middle of nowhere town. It felt quaint and unobtrusive, the kind of place where everybody knew everyone else. Oddly enough, despite all of the traveling he’d done, Kevin had never been to a place that felt so far isolated from the rest of the world. This place felt almost free from the problems going on outside of this little community.

S-so! Christine said, her voice abnormally high-pitched. H-how have you been doing?

Kevin smiled as he wondered why Christine sounded so nervous. She hadn’t acted like this for a while.

It must be because we haven’t seen each other in so long.

I’ve been doing well enough. A lot has happened, but I don’t regret anything.

Th-that’s good, Christine mumbled lowly. So you and Lilian are still, uh, mates?

Yep! Kevin felt warm as he thought of Lilian. Their bond was stronger now than it had ever been. The many trials and tribulations they’d faced had forged a loving relationship that was stronger than diamonds.

And… what about Iris? Christine tried to sound casual. What’s your relationship with her?

Iris? Kevin blinked.

N-never mind! Christine squeaked. Forget I asked.

Kevin wasn’t sure why she wanted to know about his and Iris’s relationship, but he was glad she’d decided to rescind her question. His relationship with Iris was strange at best and immoral at worst. He honestly didn’t know what he should think about it. Of course, the truth would come out eventually, but he at least wanted to catch up before Christine scolded him about how he was sexing up both Lilian and Iris.

I’m really glad to see you again, Kevin said, quite suddenly in Christine’s apparent opinion.

W-what are nyou saying so suddenly?!

H-hey! Watch the road!

The car swerved several times, moving into the opposite lane before Christine righted it. Kevin felt his heart leap into his throat. It was a good thing there were no cars driving down the road, or they would’ve surely suffered from a head-on collision.

Minutes later they were leaving the small town. Black top became dirt, and buildings turned into trees. Kevin leaned against the window. Outside, all kinds of flora and fauna zoomed by—he didn’t recognize any of the trees, but he definitely recognized many of the animals. There were a lot of deer. Several mammals darted between the trees. Kevin wondered if he would see any bears.

So, this Orin guy… he’s your benefactor? Kevin asked Christine.

That’s right.

They hit a bump. Kevin’s ears twitched when he thought he heard a muffled moan coming from the trunk.

You mentioned that you came here because you wanted to get stronger, Kevin added. Does that mean you’ve been training?

I—well, yes, somewhat.

Somewhat?

I haven’t gotten as much training as I wished.

Why is that?

Because the old fart’s a perv, Christine declared with a scowl.

Kevin didn’t say anything at first. He needed to contemplate this new information, so he stared at the passing trees. It seemed Orin was one of those perverted masters. He must have been a Dirty Old Man type of master, Kevin concluded, like Master Roshi.

I’m sorry to hear that, he said sympathetically. If you want, I can write a very strongly worded letter to the author for you.

No thanks, Christine said, then paused as she realized what Kevin had just said. Wait. What did you just say?

… Never mind.

Phoebe had long since stopped screaming. She wasn’t even sure if she could scream anymore. Her throat felt raw, like someone had poured boiling lava down it. She wouldn’t have been surprised if her esophagus had melted from screaming herself hoarse.

She dangled from the ceiling. Her arms, raised above her head, were shackled by a pair of manacles attached to a set of chains. With her feet dangling off the ground, her arms were carrying all of her weight.

The manacles had rubbed her skin raw. Blood poured from her wrists, leaving a glistening wet trail down her arms, the shoulders of which had popped from their sockets.

She wasn’t wearing any clothes. They’d stripped her clothes off soon after they’d arrived. Phoebe understood what they were trying to do. They wanted her to be as uncomfortable as possible. By exposing her body, she was supposed to feel naked and vulnerable, to better interrogate her. However…

Our interrogation isn’t working, a voice said from outside her field of vision. She never saw any of the people who tortured her. She guessed they were trying to give her a fear of the unknown.

Have you tried enchanting her? another voice asked, this one female.

Yes, enchantments didn’t work either.

Great. Another stubborn prisoner. Put her in the cell with the other one. We’ll try interrogating her again later.

Sure thing.

A blurry figure appeared in her field of vision. The manacles holding her opened, and she fell forward, into the arms of her torturer.

Damn, this chick is fine. Hey, do you think I can—

Finish that thought and you die, the female voice said.

Tch.

Phoebe would’ve winced as she was unceremoniously dropped to the ground, but she didn’t have the strength.

Her body was dragged along the stone floor. Skin peeled off her heels, and a thin line of blood was left behind like a trail from the B-budget movies some of her fellow yama uba liked.

The world spun in and out of focus. Phoebe knew this had more to do with her own mind than something else. Even though she was only semi-conscious, she was at least lucid enough to recognize that the pain and blood loss was causing her vision to blur.

Loud squeals emitted from steel bars as a door was opened. She was dragged through the bars and thrown into the room, where her head cracked against the pavement.

Here you go, her torturer said. You two can keep each other company, fucking bitches.

As the steel bars slammed shut, and Phoebe’s eyes unsuccessfully tried to adjust to the room’s darkness, a sound to her left drew her attention.

She was not alone.

Despite how much it hurt, Phoebe strained her senses, listening. She could hear the creaking of metal, the groan of steel, and the wind rattling through a set of bars somewhere in the room. Laughter from down the corridor informed her of the warden’s location. Closer to home, practically next to her ear was the soft, raspy breathing of someone who’d been through the same torture as her.

Creaking issued from somewhere to her left. Footsteps, slow and agonizing, followed. Then a face swam into her field of vision, though she was in too much pain to see.

Phoebe? a familiar voice asked.

Her lips dry, her throat parched and cracked, Phoebe barely managed to produce a single word—a name.

… Heather…

When Christine said that it would be a long drive, she really hadn’t been exaggerating. It took nearly an hour to reach the first point of their destination—a little, out of the way area that was not quite a parking lot, where Christine parked her truck. It was, in all honestly, just a small clearing surrounded by a lot of trees and bushes.

We’re gonna be walking from here, Christine told Kevin as she hopped out of the truck. He followed suit, and they both walked to the trunk. All right, you two. Time to get out of the—

Christine stopped talking. It seemed she needed several seconds of staring to properly understand what she was seeing. Kevin couldn’t blame her. It wasn’t every day you saw two vixens making out.

Kevin took several deep breaths as Lilian and Iris lay tangled in each other’s arms, legs, and tails. He wasn’t sure who initiated it—his bets were on Iris—but the two were having a full-blown makeout session. Iris had stuck her hands down Lilian’s shorts and was directly massaging her buttocks, her fingers digging deep into the redhead’s plump tush. Meanwhile, Iris had plunged her tongue into the other girl’s mouth and was stirring up saliva between them. The loud moans they produced caused Christine to look like her brain had been fried.

… What… this is… what is going on…? Christine didn’t seem quite capable of thinking properly.

Kevin only sighed as his morals waged war against his libido. How was he supposed to feel about this?

Buah! Lilian gasped the moment Iris’s lips and tongue finally released their hold on her. This didn’t stop Iris, who didn’t hesitate to lick and nibble on her neck. I-Iris! W-wait… if you keep going like this… I’ll—and all over Christine’s truck! OH!

Christine’s face turned a shade of frozen tundra blue when one of Iris’s hands suddenly slipped further down Lilian’s shorts and pressed against her back entrance.

A-aren’t you going to stop them? she asked Kevin who, after a moment of staring, closed his eyes, took several deep breaths, and shook his head.

There isn’t much that I can do to stop them, he informed her. If I tried, I would likely only make things worse.

A-AHN!

Lilian’s body quaked as a mixture of sweat and juices leaked down her legs. The girl looked to be on her last leg. Her bosom heaved with each shaking breath she took. Well-developed thighs and slender calves shook in the aftermath of what must have been an impressive orgasm.

Christine’s face went poof! as massive amounts of steam rose from her head.

H-how can this get any worse? asked a highly embarrassed Christine.

The look Kevin gave her was more serious than anything she’d ever seen before. "Iris could always drag me into her shenanigans and turn that into a three-way sexathon."

Christine blinked. Once. Twice. Three times. Her body shuddered. Her face swelled with color.

Kevin could practically see the girl’s thoughts as she imagined him joining in the threesome. Her face suddenly swelled with what appeared to be anger, but then, almost inexplicably, it relaxed. She looked back at him. He tilted his head and, as if that was some kind of stimulus, a massive amount of blood shot from her nose as she rocketed backwards, cracking her head against a rock before crumpling unconscious to the ground.

Huh… Kevin murmured to himself as he wiped the blood off his face. For some reason, I didn’t expect that reaction from someone as straight-laced as Christine.

Lilian, her mouth once again being thoroughly explored by Iris, moaned in agreement, or maybe she was begging for mercy. It was honestly hard to tell.

You okay there, Lilian? Kevin asked.

Puagh! Lilian somehow managed to pry her lips away from Iris. B-Beloved…

Yes?

… I can’t feel my tongue.

Well, that isn’t good, Kevin said, rather unnecessarily.

Christine woke up exactly five minutes later. Quite understandably, she couldn’t look at anyone else as she led them through the forested terrain.

Kevin found the experience absolutely fascinating. There was so much wildlife! He’d seen a number of animals in this area that he’d only ever seen at the zoo. Birds of all kinds flew through the canopy overhead. Deer leapt between large brambles, appearing and disappearing as if playing hide and seek. Mammals roamed the forest floor, and reptiles clung to trees and rocks. They followed a small stream for several miles, from which Kevin could see plenty of fish and even a few amphibians lounging around, croaking strange tunes.

While Kevin took delight in traveling through the forest, Iris wasn’t quite as enthused.

Who the hell would want to live all the way out here in the middle of freaking nowhere? she asked.

Someone who doesn’t want to be bothered, Skank. Orin’s a reclusive jerk who rarely ventures into human territory—except when he’s being a perverted bas—kya! Christine screamed when she slipped on a rock. Lilian, who traveled by the girl’s side, caught her with a tail.

You okay? asked the redhead.

Y-yeah… Christine took a deep breath. Thanks.

Lilian beamed at the girl. Anytime.

Hey, nature boy! Iris called out to Kevin, who was lagging behind the rest. Stop wasting time and hurry up.

Kevin could’ve argued with Iris, but for the sake of keeping things peaceable, he merely quickened his pace.

This, unfortunately, turned out to be a mistake. As he passed Iris, she leapt onto his back, her arms locking around his neck, legs and tails coiling around his waist. More importantly, her twin mountains pressed into his back like two massive marshmallows.

U-ugh, Kevin grunted as he stumbled forward. What are you doing?

He could actually feel Iris grinning into his back.

I’m tired. Carry me.

You mean lazy, Kevin corrected. Even so, he reached underneath Iris and cupped her bum. His actions earned an appreciative moan from the fox-girl, who took a moment to grind against his back. Stop that.

Why?

Because I can’t concentrate when you do that, and I’d rather not have my clothes smell like your sexual secretions.

Oh, I like that. Sexual secretions. Very nice. Mind if I use it sometime?

Kevin would have shrugged if he wasn’t carrying her. Sure, whatever floats your boat.

As Kevin swiftly caught up with the other two members of their party, Christine turned to Lilian. Doesn’t it bother you?

What? Lilian asked, clearly not understanding what Christine’s question was about.

Those two. The yuki-onna pointed at Iris as she nuzzled her nose against Kevin’s neck, making the poor boy almost trip again. Doesn’t it bother you that your sister is getting so close to your mate?

Lilian tilted her head, appearing genuinely confused. Should it?

You didn’t like it when Lindsay or I got close to him, Christine muttered bitingly.

That’s because you and Lindsay were a threat to my position. Lilian thrust out her chest. If either one of you had become closer to Kevin than me, then he would have never become my mate. She shrugged. Iris isn’t trying to steal Kevin from me, so I don’t mind it when she’s like this.

She looked back at Kevin, who was busy bantering with Iris.

Say, Stud, have you ever wondered what it would be like if I gave you a tail job while you were driving?

I haven’t, though I suspect that’s more for my own sanity than anything else—and if you did give me a tail job while I was driving, I’m pretty sure it would lead to our deaths.

As always, whenever Iris spoke with Kevin, it had something to do with sex. Lilian knew that her sister thought about more than just sex, but anyone else would’ve been appalled by how often it cropped up in conversation.

Besides, Lilian continued, I trust Kevin.

O-oh… Christine suddenly looked depressed about something, but before Lilian could ask her about it, she spoke again. Anyway, we’re here.

Lilian looked around, yet she couldn’t see anything that would point to this being their destination. All she could see were trees, bushes, and animals.

Where is here exactly? she asked, her ears twitching as Kevin stepped up beside them.

Orin’s home, Christine answered. Where else?

You sure you’re not hallucinating? Iris asked as she reluctantly climbed off Kevin’s back. Because I don’t see anything.

It’s a barrier, isn’t it? Kevin stated as much as asked.

Christine looked impressed. Yes, there is a barrier here. I don’t really understand how it works, but I know that it not only creates the illusion that nothing is here, it also keeps anyone who isn’t tuned into the barrier from entering.

Then how are we supposed to enter? asked Lilian.

Don’t worry, Christine assured her, walking up to a tree several yards to their left. Orin taught me how to tune people to the barrier, though I’ll need a drop of your blood.

Sounds like some kind of kinky blood ritual, Iris stated.

Christine glared at her.

It isn’t, so get your mind out of the gutter. She paused, then spoke in a softer, more contemplative voice. Although I’m kind of surprised it isn’t. Orin’s a perv, so you’d think he’d make every ritual he has lecherous.

So, he’s like a really old version of Eric, Lilian concluded as she pricked her finger, blood welling on the tip. What do you want me to do with this?

In response to the question, Christine removed a panel from the tree, revealing that, rather than a wooden hollow, this tree possessed what appeared to be a very complex network of glowing blue veins.

Just place a drop of blood right on this little circle here. Christine pointed to a small blue circle within the hollow.

What is this? asked Lilian as she allowed the drop of blood to fall from her finger. The tiny circle’s glow shifted from blue to red. Then the blood melted into the tree, and the color changed back to blue.

It’s Scriptwriting, Kevin said. Iris took Lilian’s place by the tree, nipping her thumb and letting some blood drop onto the circle. It’s one of Orin’s special talents, the ability to externalize his techniques by infusing youki into writing.

It was similar to a kijo’s ability to use spells through the use of kanji. Orin could take any spell that he knew and, by drawing a representation of the spell’s concept, infuse the technique into a living but non-sentient object.

Now I understand why Orin prefers living in a forest.

The abundance of non-sentient life within a forest far exceeded any place else. It wouldn’t surprise Kevin to learn that several more techniques just like this had been set up all around the forest, additional defenses, traps, and powerful illusions that could induce nightmares. Within this forest, Orin was practically omnipotent.

You know a lot about Orin’s abilities despite having never met him, Christine commented.

Kuroneko told Lilian and me a lot about him and the other Four Saints when we were in California. I was interested in knowing what kind of yōkai the others were. Kevin looked into the hollow before sighing. Anyway, I’m afraid this won’t work for me.

What? Christine didn’t appear to understand.

Kevin scratched the back of his head. The truth is, barriers all break whenever my left hand touches them. If I walk through this barrier, even if my blood has been infused into it, the barrier will be destroyed.

Christine stared at Kevin like she couldn’t believe what she was hearing. She then turned to Lilian and Iris, a question on her face.

It’s true, Lilian said. Kevin has broken Kotohime’s barriers several times whenever they spar. It’s gotten to the point where she doesn’t even bother putting one up anymore.

Christine was still incredulous. Her very expression seemed to define how little she believed them. Kevin didn’t blame her. Even he didn’t know much about this power, not how it came to be nor how a human such as him had acquired such an unusual ability. However, she also seemed to sense that they were serious, for she eventually relented with a sigh.

All right. Fine. I’m not the best at manipulating barriers, especially ones that don’t have some connection with ice or fire, but I can probably create a small gap in the barrier for you to pass through. It won’t last long though, and it won’t be very big. You’ll have to pass through it quickly.

That’s fine with me, Kevin said.

I can’t believe I’m actually doing this.

Christine walked up to a small section of the forest. It didn’t look different from any other part, but there seemed to be something there, invisible, indefinable—a barrier.

You two go on first, Christine said to Lilian and Iris. Just keep walking. Once you’ve crossed the barrier, wait for us.

Lilian and Iris looked at each other. Grinning, Iris took Lilian’s hand, their fingers entwining. The two took a slow breath, then walked forward. One step. Two steps. Kevin watched, blinking several times when the pair disappeared. It wasn’t a fast disappearance either. It looked almost like their bodies were slowly dissolving until nothing remained.

Well, Kevin started, you don’t see that every day.

Okay, Christine released a deep breath as if preparing herself for something strenuous. I’ll only be able to open a hole for a second, so you’re gonna have to be fast.

Right.

Kevin bent his knees and prepared to sprint. It had been a long time since he’d been in track. The affairs of yōkai had forced him to quit, but even so, his body still remembered how it felt—and it wasn’t like he’d gotten any slower. He still trained to strengthen his body every day.

Christine raised her hands in front of her body. It looked like she was getting ready to summon something.

The air shimmered in front of them. Ripples appeared as if someone had thrown a pebble into a lake, starting from her hands and steadily expanding. She took another deep breath, then released it. The air grew colder. Icy particles gathered in the atmosphere. Kevin shivered, but the coldness seeping into his bones didn’t last as a small line appeared in front of him. The line then expanded into a rectangle-shaped box.

Kevin burst into action. He pushed off the ground, launching himself forward like a missile. He whizzed past Christine, sprinting through the hole and skidding to a stop on the other side.

What he found on the other side of the barrier was shocking. An entire community lay sprawled out before him. Large trees nearly one hundred times thicker than anything he’d ever seen acted as houses. Looking at the trees nearest them, Kevin saw that the trees had been hollowed out. Windows allowed a glimpse of the inside, while wooden doors gave them a sense of privacy.

The trees also seemed to have stories. Circular platforms surrounded many of the trees, and numerous walkways connected each platform together. People walked along these walkways, rushing to and fro as they carried boxes and other items. There were also many people traveling along the ground, which held a bazaar of some kind. There were many people shopping and trading wares.

While this place wasn’t as large as Saint Byakko, nor did it have the modern yet oddly Asian look of Neo Seiryuu, there was a lively atmosphere about it, a sort of good-natured friendliness that the other two places didn’t quite have.

Woah… Kevin muttered as he stood beside Iris and Lilian. This is…

Really cool, Lilian finished.

Iris didn’t say anything, but Kevin could tell that even she was impressed. If she hadn’t been, then she would have made a degrading comment about it.

Christine walked in front of them and made a sweeping gesture, as if to encompass the entire village.

Welcome to New Genbu, Christine said. Come on. I’ll introduce you guys to Orin.

Kevin, Lilian, and Iris followed Christine further into the forest village. Twigs and leaves crunched underneath their feet as they steadily moved into the light pedestrian traffic. From up close, it became clear that this place, which was filled with people, was indeed a bazaar. Stalls lined the space on either side, set up between trees as the owners gathered crowds with their flamboyant shouts. Most of what was being sold was produce. Fruits and vegetables were in abundance, though several stalls also had fresh game—fish and deer. Some of the stall owners were cutting up the deer and frying them on old-fashioned charcoal barbeques.

I wonder, do all of the Four Saints have their own community? asked Lilian as several people called out a greeting to Christine, who returned each one with a wave.

I wouldn’t know, Christine said. I don’t know any of the other Four Saints. But I can tell you that this community was only formed within the last month or so. Before that, Orin and I lived mostly alone here.

I guess the war has caused yōkai to congregate around the Four Saints, Kevin said as he cupped a hand to his chin.

That’s mostly it, Christine agreed. A lot of the people you see here are refugees who’ve been displaced by this war. They came here after somehow learning that Orin was living in this forest.

I guess the Four Saints really are famous in the yōkai world.

It really was shocking to think about. Kevin knew, objectively, that the Four Saints were a well-known group of yōkai. At the same time, having only learned about them within the last year, it still amazed him whenever he learned something new about the group that Davin Monstrang belonged to.

Of course they are. The Four Saints are the ones who made North America a free nation for yōkai. Without them, this place would be under the control of one of the greater yōkai clans. It’s only natural they would be well-known figures in our world, Christine said as if that was obvious.

Our world. Kevin didn’t think that term could apply to yōkai anymore, not with the war between humanity and yōkai that was happening worldwide. He didn’t say anything, though, because he understood what she meant.

Heya, Christine! A man waved at her as they walked by his stall. I saw you leavin’ early this morning. Grabbing some new members for the community?

These three aren’t new members, Gramps. They’re here on business.

The man laughed. He was an old man with wrinkles lining his face, especially around his eyes and mouth. It was hard to determine his age, especially since he wasn’t human. Wearing a baggy white shirt and tan pants, his large round ears twitched on his head. Kevin couldn’t see a tail behind him, but he assumed it was a shorter one, since this person was a kuma.

Kuma were bear yōkai. Also known as onikuma, the name itself was derived from a combination of oni, which meant demon, and kuma, which was the Japanese word for bear. Among the middle-tier of yōkai, they were one of the more physically powerful species. They were also known for their fierce tempers, though this old man seemed quite mellow, perhaps because of his age.

So I see, the onikuma said, his eyes landing on Kevin.

The air suddenly grew tense. Choked. Kevin could feel the animosity pouring from the onikuma, whose glare was fierce enough to melt through steel.

A human? The onikuma’s harsh glare looked almost lethal. You let a human inside of our sanctuary?

A crowd gathered around them, surrounding the group. When they heard the onikuma mention that Kevin was human, mutters broke out.

A human? Here?

What’s a human doing in our home?

We should kill him before he can inform his friends!

Kevin felt his muscles tense. The hairs on his neck prickled as the hostility directed at him reached a peak. His instincts screamed at him, telling him to pull out his guns and unload a barrage of bullets into the yōkai around him.

Lilian and Iris also sensed the hatred. They moved to either side of him, as if to protect him from the glares. Likewise, Christine moved, standing in front of him, protecting him from the onikuma’s glare and returning it with a vicious one of her own.

You would protect this filthy monkey? the old onikuma’s voice was a low, hate-filled growl.

The air around Christine grew warm as her lips peeled back to reveal pearly white teeth. Kevin actually felt heat waves searing his face, causing him to break out into a sweat. For just one second, he also thought he saw two triangular objects on Christine’s head. However, when he blinked, they weren’t there.

Am I hallucinating? And what’s with this heat?

You would dare insult Kevin? Christine voice sounded like the angry hissing of a cat. You, who doesn’t even knyow the first thing about him, would insult this person?

The onikuma took an unconscious step backwards. He seemed to hesitate for a moment, but he soon returned to glaring at Christine.

That boy is a human. They’re the entire reason this war started. Because of them, we’ve been driven out of our homes! Our lives have been destroyed because of humans like him!

Christine’s glare became, surprisingly, even angrier. She looked ready to claw the onikuma’s face off. Kevin thought he saw her nails becoming sharper.

She would never get the chance, however.

Because a sphere of compressed light suddenly struck the onikuma in the face.

Gya! The bear yōkai screamed as he held his