This is my entry for the February story contest. I just barely made it into 5,000 words... I hope you all enjoy it!
~ Lupin Drake: Head Diplomat
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IT WAS ANOTHER day in Ratholin 's Legion of Evil – all though; it was a quieter day than it has been earlier. Just the other day elven spies had infiltrated the camp, one had almost killed me, and we had added two new members with an odd hatred against elves to our ranks. We were still at war with the elves of course, and our battled has taken us to the northern mountainous regions filled with ancient forests.
I woke up that day around sunrise, as I tended to do, feeling restless, but only wanting to go back to sleep and pass the day away without a thought passing in my mind. But with all that I had to do, as there was no other diplomat within the legion, that was not going to happen without some complaints or someone worrying about my health.
So I unwillingly got up, stretched a bit, and started to go over my books to see if there was something I could do to end this war through peace; it was my job, but I was pretty useless at the moment. As the early morning progressed, I realized why I was in such a melancholy mood: my anniversary had come.
"You are distracted," Zel, the legion's vampire leader, said to me as others began warming up for their daily weapon's exercises around ten o'clock.
I looked down from the sky and over to her; she had caught me starring off to space, something I strove to not do. It was a deadly habit in war. "I apologize," I said. "I was just thinking."
"There's more to your behavior than that," she commented, her eyes narrowing at me. She, like others of her kind, was very perceptive. "You are not one to let small problems overcome you like this. What is wrong?"
I smiled bitterly, a kind face flashing in my mind for a nanosecond. "Today is just a day of great personal importance." I told her.
"I have all day," she responded cheerfully, her tone clearly stating that she wanted to be told every single detail of the story behind this. I let out a surrendering sigh and remembered a lesson I was once taught: to not keep too many burdens to myself. And besides, Zel was becoming one of my closest allies and friends in the legion.
~~~
Three years ago that day, I was still in my wandering days and did not know of the legion's existence. It would be a year after that did I stumble upon it. But anyways, the route I had taken after the last city I stopped at deposited me in the mountains, much farther north than I had ever gone before. I found myself liking the colder weather much more than the hot weathers of my southern home. As it was winter, I knew that I had to find shelter quickly, and it was chance I discovered that mountain city.
After being quickly lead into the city by its guards, a snowstorm hit and barricaded the whole city. I have to admit, I was afraid for a moment. This city was huge, and a snowstorm of such proportions did not seem natural to me. But it was two hours later in a pub/boarding house that I learned otherwise.
"This is a mountain city as you know," the owner, an old woman named Melissa Somers told me over some hot cider. I only knew that she was old because her brown hair was a faded color, and her two daughters looked a little over twenty. But despite the motherly aura she had, she struck me as a crafty person who knew much more than I ever would.
"Snowstorms like this are common in winter, and we have been able to survive harsher conditions," she continued. There is no need to worry child. Just find a job and everyone will treat you fine. Hard work is important to this city."
"This looks like a peaceful place," I remarked to her. "I do not suppose you need a diplomat or lawyer."
She shook her head as another suddenly came up to me. He was of average height of the males of his city – around six foot two, and he had a strong nose and chin, but those features were softened by youth. His deep-set eyes were a hazel color, matched with dark brown hair. "Well," he started. "I don't suppose you wouldn't mind a teaching position? The school here needs a new English teacher for seventh years."
Wanting to be of use, as I am like that, I accepted the job immediately, and learned about him after I learned the details of the job. Melissa said that his name was Raymond, and that he was not only the headmaster of the school this part of the city had, but he was also working to become a lawyer, even though he could fall back to being a sword smith like his father. Many of the area admired him, and some of the bolder and denser of the girls dreamed of marrying him one day. But he did not seem like someone who would do that.
Of course, I cannot say that we got along too well. All though we retained a pleasant professional relationship, outside of the school, we were like squabbling children. I found him annoying because he never seemed to keep himself in check – he often showed his emotions: happiness, sorrow and anger. But he was never violent, nor did he offend anyone with his openness. A small part of me admired him; he was free with his emotions, and seemed to have a never-ending supply of patience and kindness.
I suppose that he found me annoying as well; where he'd laugh, I would not respond. The same went with pretty much everything else, and I often kept to myself. The community was a close knit one and who was I to intrude upon this? I would never be fully welcome anywhere. I had learned this over and over again in other cities I had been to.
Raymond, being close friends with Melissa and childhood friends with her daughters Adriana and Irene, often visited the pub. During this time, he and I would somehow, some way, always get into an argument or debate, as I'd like to pretend they were. I usually ended up winning these, and I knew that he would become very angered that I would clam up and avoid speaking with him if I ever lost.
I performed my duties, became somewhat close to Melissa and her daughters, and became a decent teacher in the eyes of my student's parents. But nothing more. But I still ended up stayed there for six months, far longer than any other place.
~~~
"Why are you so cold to others?" Raymond asked one day.
"Pardon?" I asked, looking up from the poetry criticism papers I had assigned the class a week ago and was now finally getting to grade them. I noticed from the cold blast of wind that came in from the classroom door opening that it was snowing. I desperately wanted to go out and enjoy it, but papers did not grade themselves.
"You never seem to want to share anything," he continued. "You do a wonderful job teaching the children – no one doubt that. But you are the epitome of someone who cannot be reached by any means."
"It is more like… someone who does not wished to be reached by any means." I replied. "I am sorry, I am an outsider, and with this close knit community, I feel as if I am intruding upon all of you. I am leaving this place anyways."
Raymond let out a small chuckle. "You aren't intruding – some of the guys even have taken a liking towards you. But admit it: you are afraid of being close to someone."
"I never said or did anything that hinted that!" I exclaimed. I looked at him a little more closely, and saw that he was watching me intently. Like I did with everyone around me. He was seeking answers, and he was going to get them. "It is easier to leave if one does not have anything connecting one to a place." It was here that he gave a soft laugh, which confused me to no end. There was nothing humorous about this matter, or my feelings. "Enlighten me on what is so funny," I growled.
I really hated the fact that he always seemed to be able to rile me up.
"It's not that hard to figure out if someone is a wanderer or not," he replied. "We get them from time to time, and they usually leave within a week or stay. You are the most indecisive one we have ever had."
"And what do you mean by that?"
"It has been a little over five months since you have come here," he said. "No wanderer who has not decided to stay has stayed so long before. If you are not connected to this place, why not leave already?"
"I still have strings," I replied. "My teaching job and duties."
"I see…"
"Why did you come here in the first place?" I asked, putting up my defenses. I wanted the conversation to end that second or there would be hell to pay, and it was not as if I did not have the means to make that happen.
"Some of the guys asked me why you didn't seem to like anyone." He replied far too casually for my liking. "As I said, some of them have come to like you, and they sent me to ask if you happen to like any of them as I am the only one not afraid of you."
My eye twitched in annoyance. "It is inconceivable as to why someone would like me in any romantic sense," I said. "Could they not have admitted their feelings themselves?"
Raymond just laughed, and I felt my anger go down because of it. "That's what I asked them – but they sent me out anyways. A lot of these guys haven't had much luck in the love department, and they still get that classic schoolboy shyness. You should have heard them before that though, it was as if they were trying to woo you from their bar stools."
"Oh, really?" I asked, not noticing the conversation becoming informal at the time.
He nodded, a mischievous grin playing over his features. "It was pathetic – they were remarking how they admired your beauty, and a lot of them liked how you never seem to use any make up or beauty potions. Some of the more practical ones commented on your intelligence, independence, and how well you work with children."
I rolled my eyes at this. "They have no idea who I am – any comments on whatever beauty or other amiable quality that they suppose I possess is just lunacy. Tell all of them that I am not interested, nor will I ever be."
I then noticed that he frowned. "I told them you'd say something like that, but then Jacob started reciting poetry. He went overboard on your hair color."
I fingered some of the longer ends of my hair in nervousness; it was a habit I had begun to pick up since that council meeting so long ago. Or it felt so long ago… "Having red hair is a curse where I am from," I said bitterly, memories pushing their way through my mental barriers. "It is nothing to be praised of or recite poetry to."
"How is it a curse?" He automatically asked. "I think it suits you – what does it mean by having it?"
I scowled. "It is none of your business, and it does not matter anyways. I am a wanderer, remember? I am never going back home anyways."
His frown turned from one that was slightly displeased, to one I often found my mouth going into – one that was caused only when there was something I was perplexed about, but would soon find the answer to one way or another. "What happened?" he asked. "I’m not sure if you want to tell me, but no one should keep a burden like that to themselves."
I just shook my head. "No."
He then approached my desk, and put his hand on my shoulder, much like my brother did to comfort me when I was upset with something. "All right, I won’t ask of it anymore, and I will tell the guys to leave you alone." He took his hand away and smiled warmly. "The Festival of Spring is coming up soon, and you could use some fun and relaxation."
I ignored him and tried to focus on the papers in front of me.
"I might…" I said softly, feeling some sort of guilt welling up inside as I almost refused his offer. When I heard no reply, I looked up, and all he was doing was grinning for some reason. There was a light in his eyes, and he looked positively ecstatic.
"I'll be keeping you to that!" he said cheerfully, leaving the room in a better mood than I would have imagined him with after our conversation. I shook my head – back to work.
~~~
Two hours later, I had finished about ten more papers; some of them were rather easy to grade, and those were the ones that needed more work and improvement. Others that were difficult to decipher needed to tone it down or only professors would understand them. Then, the door opened once more and three figures stood in the doorway.
I looked up and met eyes with Melissa, who had a gleam in her eyes. Instincts told me that I should run very, very far away right that second. But she and her daughters were blocking the doorway, and I did not want to break a window.
"Oh, wipe that scared look off your face, dear," she said. "We just heard that you're thinking of going to the festival."
"I am thinking of it," I said. "But at this rate, I think I might not…"
"Oh, but you have to go!" Irene said. Her hands were clasped together in somewhat of a praying position. As usual, her long light blonde hair was pulled back, revealing a pair of wide and innocent blue eyes, and I felt myself wanting to agree to going just to get the too cute and pleading look out of them. "The Festival of Spring is so much fun, and even someone like you would enjoy participating in it!"
"What do you mean by that?" I asked.
Adriana, her sister, chuckled. All though there was a resemblance between the sister, Adriana looked more like her mother with dark brown hair and hazel eyes. "My sister means nothing by it, but you are too serious and stuffy for your own good."
"But besides the obvious, what is the festival about?" I asked. "There is something you're not telling me."
Adriana smiled. "The Festival of Spring is also like a celebration of love – our version of Valentines Day. It also acts as a time when everyone can let go of our rules of courtship for a day and not worry about embarrassing themselves."
"Here," Irene continued. "Not acting too outrageous is a key factor to our culture. But our elders knew that if we bottled up our feelings all the time, someone would rebel. So we have festivals doubling up as… free days if you will."
"Courting couples can also announce themselves to the public and declare that they will be married if they wish. Those who are interested in one another can begin courting each other." Melissa added. "As for those without someone, they can attend the masquerade, find someone, and pretend that they're in love."
"More often than not they end up as couples!" Irene squealed. "I love hearing stories from this festival, it's just too adorable!"
"I do not think I will be going then," I said to them. "I am not one for love, and to participate in something like this would be ruining it."
Adriana frowned. "If you don't go, then quite a few of the available men will be disappointed." I gave her a look that told her I could care less, and she gave me a small scowl. I was not going – love had no interest of mine, and it would be a lie to go.
"You're going." Melissa said sternly, suddenly pulling me out of my seat by grasping me by my upper arm. "You are going to enjoy yourself, and you will dance with at least one person. Everyone – even those not fully human – deserves some happiness."
I planted my feat in shock. "How – how did you?" I sputtered. This was something I was not expecting – how did she know that I was not human? I knew that my red hair signified that, but I doubted that anyone this far north, with such a different culture, would even know of something like this! If there were any kitsune up here, they were well hidden and had made sure to keep that way for many centuries.
She looked kindly over to me. "I am from the south originally, and it was a surprise to me to find one of your kind alone. But after listening to you, something told me that you were not proud of your blood, and you had left a hard life. Blame my motherly ways."
"Do you know too?" I asked, turning to her daughters.
The girls nodded. "But we don't think differently because of it!" Irene said quickly. "We were surprised, but we hold nothing against you! Blood does not make a person!"
I began shaking my head, shock settling and fear beginning to rise up. I was kicked out of my home, hated ever since I was born and never told, and it was the reason for so much pain in my life before I left the village. How could I appreciate myself, what I was, when so many whom I had looked up to only thought of me as less than dust? "No… I cannot go. I do not deserve to go or anything. Not even your kindness."
"Lupin," Melissa said softly. "No one else knows, and we could care less if you were half goat or something of the like." She then let go of my arm and gave me a gentle hug that took me back to the days I shared with my mother when I was younger.
"No one will care if they knew anyways," Adriana added. "Kitsune are not common here, and those that do come cause no trouble. Some of the older people in the cities and those who live higher on the mountains respect and honor them."
Biting my lip, I quickly composed myself. I should have been more prepared of the event of someone figuring out my secret. Then this would not have happened. But I tended to underestimate some people too. Maybe I deserved this…
"You can hang out with us." Irene then said. "It's not against the law for a girl who does not wish to go to the masquerade to not go. There are loads of other things to do!"
"Think on it," Melissa said.
"All right." I replied. "I will… think on it."
"Make sure to give us a response by tomorrow evening – we need to find a dress for you if you decide to go!" Adriana added, as they left.
"Dress?"
~~~
The rest of the day was not quite a pleasant one, and I could not sleep for a long time either. Thankfully it was a Friday, and I could sleep in the following morning, or my class would have known that something was wrong and speculated something. Those children might have been young, but they were not stupid either.
"What's wrong?" Raymond asked as I mulled over, still, my problems that were pulled out from me the pervious evening. He pulled over a chair and sat down next to me, his eyes not leaving my face. He wanted an answer I was not prepared to give.
I just shook my head.
"Did someone say something to you?" he continued. "Did someone make an unwanted move on you? Don't tell me that one of your students misbehaved in some way – "
"Stop it! No one did anything to me, and even if they did, it is not of your concern!" I yelled, causing about half of the conversations in the pub to stop as people looked over to us. Looking at them all in response, I let out a groan and turned around. That moment would have been perfect for some god or deity to appear and smite me – thunderbolt, the ground swallowing me, choking on my drink…
"Lupin?" Raymond asked softly. I looked up at him, and felt a blush come up from the soft expression he was giving me. But he kept his distance; he made no move to touch me – something I appreciated greatly. "I know we don't get along and you might not see us as friends, but I want you to know that you can talk to me if you'd like."
I blinked at him… amazed for some reason. He smiled and gave a quiet farewell.
"Go talk to him," a voice said to my left. I looked and saw a tall male dressed in boots, a large black overcoat and something that has a hood as well. And a Chyaku Norisu Scarf in the "Unknown Hero" style too. "You deserve some happiness in your life." I did not know who this man was, and could not inquirer him of his identity, as he quickly left the building, but I could have sworn that I saw one familiar eye...
But that was all it took to make me get up off of my arse and start following Raymond, trying to catch up.
"Raymond!" I called out in the less crowded street, as many were preparing for the festival. "Wait for a moment!"
He turned around and stopped, surprise coming over his face. "Lupin?"
"I am… I apologize for yelling at you at the pub…" I said, looking down. "I have come across some personal problems, and they are not… subject I like to think of."
"It's all right. We all gotta yell at others once in a while." He said, patting me on the shoulder once. "Hey, are you still going to the festival?"
"I mind as well," I replied. "Melissa might blackmail me if I do not."
"That'd be typical of her," he chuckled.
There was a slight length of silence after that. Some conversations seemed to like to just end abruptly and leave nothing else to go on afterwards.
"Hey… Raymond?" I asked, wanting to get if off of my chest. "Could I talk to you?"
"Sure," he said, a bright smile coming over his face.
~~~
He and I then went to a nearby park, and he quietly let me spill out a whole summary of my life and what exactly was wrong with me at the moment. I was secretly shocked that he was not appalled or repelled by me in the slightest; it was kind of unnerving to me that he did not even seemed to be shocked that I was part kitsune. But… it felt nice that he was not any of the above. And it was nice to have someone listen to me for a change.
"So…" he said in a mild tone. "Do you have any special powers or something?" he asked.
I had to laugh at this. "I might have the spell book my brother gave me," I replied, waving it in the air, "But I am not using it to obtain any powers. I have no need for them. And I doubt that I will."
"I see," he said. "But you have to admit, it would be awesome if one could have powers like you would if you unlocked them."
"Maybe to you," I said, smirking. "But I have my mind, and that's enough for me."
He let out a laugh. "You and that brain of yours! Heaven forbid anyone tries to beat you when you get it into full gear!"
"Like you do from time to time?"
"I'm stupid then. Heaven doesn't mess with stupid people."
~~~
The day ended pleasantly. He and I walked back to the pub/boarding house, and I was in a much better mood. I felt happier, and a lot lighter than before.
"See you later then?" Raymond asked as he made his way to leave through the pub's entrance, knowing that I was able to get to my room on my own. I gave a nod. "All right then," he replied. Suddenly, he swiftly leaned down, and gave me a small peck on the cheek, before walking away like he had done nothing. I was too surprised to move for a long time after that. Which then Irene and Adriana found me, and were puzzled by my lack of focus and my new found inability to speak.
"So…" Irene started as she passed me a cup of tea. "What happened back there? I know Raymond was with you, but give us details!
"He kissed her," Adriana then said with a bored tone.
"How did you know?" I asked, snapping out of it. "I gave no – "
"Hints?" Adriana chuckled. "It amazed me that you don't know that you blush easily."
"She has to go now!" Irene exclaimed to her sister. "You have to," she then added to me. "Raymond told us a few nights ago how he's been wanting to ask you to go with him, but he's been too shy to. I'm gonna get you the dress!"
"Please, stop her!" I exclaimed, as the blonde ran out.
Adriana merely shrugged. "There is no stopping her, and she's speaking about her masterpiece – a new kind of dress that will hit stores in two months. She wanted to see you wear it since you came here, she's a visionary like that."
There was a pause, and I made a move to speak, but she held up a hand.
"Raymond… has never had much luck in love." She said quietly. "He courted a few girls in past years, but he kept getting his heart broken. Getting tired of being hurt, he swore off love five years ago. He kept this promise until he met you. You might not see it, but he is happy around you – more so than I have ever seen him. If you do not love him, tell him immediately. He will appreciate it, especially if you offer to go with him as friends."
"I don't know if I love him or not," I replied carefully. "I do see him as a good friend… but I don't know. Going as friends seems like the only reasonable option."
"I have it!" Irene then gasped, coming into the room. In her arms, she held out a dress that looked like a cross between the Felicia style gown, and a kimono. It was colored like the Autumn Leaves Kimono, but it was modeled like the gown – minus the slits on the sides or the low collar. "I call it the Kitsune Robe, the sunset version."
Oh, the irony.
~~~
The next day was the festival, and my two friends forced me to wear my dress all day like they did with theirs. It was a tradition thing, but I did not like it all the same. And it was when I was putting up some decorations around the pub with Melissa did Raymond appear. "I guess this means that you're going to the festival?" he asked.
I turned from the banner and gave him a nod, grinning widely. For some reason, I felt a sudden burst of happiness in my chest. "They convinced me to be part of it, and I am debating the options between declaring insanity or enjoying myself."
"Then do you want to go with me?"
"Why not?" I replied.
~~~
Needless to say, Raymond was very happy with my answer. I personally think that he was holding himself back from yelling with joy and making a fool of himself. For the rest of the day, we both immersed ourselves in the various games, contests and dances. It was… one of the happiest days of my life. I cannot recall another day like it where I felt so free and safe from my nightmares.
But of course, all things have to end…
~~~
"So that's it?" Zel asked. "You went to a party with him… and then left?"
"We… did kiss later that evening as things settled down." I replied, feeling my face grow hot. "And… he confessed that he loved me. But…"
"But what?" she persisted.
I just shook my head. "I… haven't come to terms with that just yet." I turned to her and put on my best fake-that-hopefully-looks-real smile. "I'll tell you later, ok?"
She frowned, but nodded all the same. "All right… I am going to train with some of the rookies and kick their butts." She laughed evilly as she left.
I sighed to myself sadly. I couldn’t tell her the ending to that story… that one of Raymond's most trusted friends poisoned him and put him into a coma because of stupid jealousy. And that I left what would have been my new home heartbroken, knowing I might never see Raymond alive again… But that was why I was with the legion in the first place. I heard that elves knew cures for everything…
I just hoped I would meet one kind enough to give it to me.
~ Lupin Drake: Head Diplomat
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IT WAS ANOTHER day in Ratholin 's Legion of Evil – all though; it was a quieter day than it has been earlier. Just the other day elven spies had infiltrated the camp, one had almost killed me, and we had added two new members with an odd hatred against elves to our ranks. We were still at war with the elves of course, and our battled has taken us to the northern mountainous regions filled with ancient forests.
I woke up that day around sunrise, as I tended to do, feeling restless, but only wanting to go back to sleep and pass the day away without a thought passing in my mind. But with all that I had to do, as there was no other diplomat within the legion, that was not going to happen without some complaints or someone worrying about my health.
So I unwillingly got up, stretched a bit, and started to go over my books to see if there was something I could do to end this war through peace; it was my job, but I was pretty useless at the moment. As the early morning progressed, I realized why I was in such a melancholy mood: my anniversary had come.
"You are distracted," Zel, the legion's vampire leader, said to me as others began warming up for their daily weapon's exercises around ten o'clock.
I looked down from the sky and over to her; she had caught me starring off to space, something I strove to not do. It was a deadly habit in war. "I apologize," I said. "I was just thinking."
"There's more to your behavior than that," she commented, her eyes narrowing at me. She, like others of her kind, was very perceptive. "You are not one to let small problems overcome you like this. What is wrong?"
I smiled bitterly, a kind face flashing in my mind for a nanosecond. "Today is just a day of great personal importance." I told her.
"I have all day," she responded cheerfully, her tone clearly stating that she wanted to be told every single detail of the story behind this. I let out a surrendering sigh and remembered a lesson I was once taught: to not keep too many burdens to myself. And besides, Zel was becoming one of my closest allies and friends in the legion.
~~~
Three years ago that day, I was still in my wandering days and did not know of the legion's existence. It would be a year after that did I stumble upon it. But anyways, the route I had taken after the last city I stopped at deposited me in the mountains, much farther north than I had ever gone before. I found myself liking the colder weather much more than the hot weathers of my southern home. As it was winter, I knew that I had to find shelter quickly, and it was chance I discovered that mountain city.
After being quickly lead into the city by its guards, a snowstorm hit and barricaded the whole city. I have to admit, I was afraid for a moment. This city was huge, and a snowstorm of such proportions did not seem natural to me. But it was two hours later in a pub/boarding house that I learned otherwise.
"This is a mountain city as you know," the owner, an old woman named Melissa Somers told me over some hot cider. I only knew that she was old because her brown hair was a faded color, and her two daughters looked a little over twenty. But despite the motherly aura she had, she struck me as a crafty person who knew much more than I ever would.
"Snowstorms like this are common in winter, and we have been able to survive harsher conditions," she continued. There is no need to worry child. Just find a job and everyone will treat you fine. Hard work is important to this city."
"This looks like a peaceful place," I remarked to her. "I do not suppose you need a diplomat or lawyer."
She shook her head as another suddenly came up to me. He was of average height of the males of his city – around six foot two, and he had a strong nose and chin, but those features were softened by youth. His deep-set eyes were a hazel color, matched with dark brown hair. "Well," he started. "I don't suppose you wouldn't mind a teaching position? The school here needs a new English teacher for seventh years."
Wanting to be of use, as I am like that, I accepted the job immediately, and learned about him after I learned the details of the job. Melissa said that his name was Raymond, and that he was not only the headmaster of the school this part of the city had, but he was also working to become a lawyer, even though he could fall back to being a sword smith like his father. Many of the area admired him, and some of the bolder and denser of the girls dreamed of marrying him one day. But he did not seem like someone who would do that.
Of course, I cannot say that we got along too well. All though we retained a pleasant professional relationship, outside of the school, we were like squabbling children. I found him annoying because he never seemed to keep himself in check – he often showed his emotions: happiness, sorrow and anger. But he was never violent, nor did he offend anyone with his openness. A small part of me admired him; he was free with his emotions, and seemed to have a never-ending supply of patience and kindness.
I suppose that he found me annoying as well; where he'd laugh, I would not respond. The same went with pretty much everything else, and I often kept to myself. The community was a close knit one and who was I to intrude upon this? I would never be fully welcome anywhere. I had learned this over and over again in other cities I had been to.
Raymond, being close friends with Melissa and childhood friends with her daughters Adriana and Irene, often visited the pub. During this time, he and I would somehow, some way, always get into an argument or debate, as I'd like to pretend they were. I usually ended up winning these, and I knew that he would become very angered that I would clam up and avoid speaking with him if I ever lost.
I performed my duties, became somewhat close to Melissa and her daughters, and became a decent teacher in the eyes of my student's parents. But nothing more. But I still ended up stayed there for six months, far longer than any other place.
~~~
"Why are you so cold to others?" Raymond asked one day.
"Pardon?" I asked, looking up from the poetry criticism papers I had assigned the class a week ago and was now finally getting to grade them. I noticed from the cold blast of wind that came in from the classroom door opening that it was snowing. I desperately wanted to go out and enjoy it, but papers did not grade themselves.
"You never seem to want to share anything," he continued. "You do a wonderful job teaching the children – no one doubt that. But you are the epitome of someone who cannot be reached by any means."
"It is more like… someone who does not wished to be reached by any means." I replied. "I am sorry, I am an outsider, and with this close knit community, I feel as if I am intruding upon all of you. I am leaving this place anyways."
Raymond let out a small chuckle. "You aren't intruding – some of the guys even have taken a liking towards you. But admit it: you are afraid of being close to someone."
"I never said or did anything that hinted that!" I exclaimed. I looked at him a little more closely, and saw that he was watching me intently. Like I did with everyone around me. He was seeking answers, and he was going to get them. "It is easier to leave if one does not have anything connecting one to a place." It was here that he gave a soft laugh, which confused me to no end. There was nothing humorous about this matter, or my feelings. "Enlighten me on what is so funny," I growled.
I really hated the fact that he always seemed to be able to rile me up.
"It's not that hard to figure out if someone is a wanderer or not," he replied. "We get them from time to time, and they usually leave within a week or stay. You are the most indecisive one we have ever had."
"And what do you mean by that?"
"It has been a little over five months since you have come here," he said. "No wanderer who has not decided to stay has stayed so long before. If you are not connected to this place, why not leave already?"
"I still have strings," I replied. "My teaching job and duties."
"I see…"
"Why did you come here in the first place?" I asked, putting up my defenses. I wanted the conversation to end that second or there would be hell to pay, and it was not as if I did not have the means to make that happen.
"Some of the guys asked me why you didn't seem to like anyone." He replied far too casually for my liking. "As I said, some of them have come to like you, and they sent me to ask if you happen to like any of them as I am the only one not afraid of you."
My eye twitched in annoyance. "It is inconceivable as to why someone would like me in any romantic sense," I said. "Could they not have admitted their feelings themselves?"
Raymond just laughed, and I felt my anger go down because of it. "That's what I asked them – but they sent me out anyways. A lot of these guys haven't had much luck in the love department, and they still get that classic schoolboy shyness. You should have heard them before that though, it was as if they were trying to woo you from their bar stools."
"Oh, really?" I asked, not noticing the conversation becoming informal at the time.
He nodded, a mischievous grin playing over his features. "It was pathetic – they were remarking how they admired your beauty, and a lot of them liked how you never seem to use any make up or beauty potions. Some of the more practical ones commented on your intelligence, independence, and how well you work with children."
I rolled my eyes at this. "They have no idea who I am – any comments on whatever beauty or other amiable quality that they suppose I possess is just lunacy. Tell all of them that I am not interested, nor will I ever be."
I then noticed that he frowned. "I told them you'd say something like that, but then Jacob started reciting poetry. He went overboard on your hair color."
I fingered some of the longer ends of my hair in nervousness; it was a habit I had begun to pick up since that council meeting so long ago. Or it felt so long ago… "Having red hair is a curse where I am from," I said bitterly, memories pushing their way through my mental barriers. "It is nothing to be praised of or recite poetry to."
"How is it a curse?" He automatically asked. "I think it suits you – what does it mean by having it?"
I scowled. "It is none of your business, and it does not matter anyways. I am a wanderer, remember? I am never going back home anyways."
His frown turned from one that was slightly displeased, to one I often found my mouth going into – one that was caused only when there was something I was perplexed about, but would soon find the answer to one way or another. "What happened?" he asked. "I’m not sure if you want to tell me, but no one should keep a burden like that to themselves."
I just shook my head. "No."
He then approached my desk, and put his hand on my shoulder, much like my brother did to comfort me when I was upset with something. "All right, I won’t ask of it anymore, and I will tell the guys to leave you alone." He took his hand away and smiled warmly. "The Festival of Spring is coming up soon, and you could use some fun and relaxation."
I ignored him and tried to focus on the papers in front of me.
"I might…" I said softly, feeling some sort of guilt welling up inside as I almost refused his offer. When I heard no reply, I looked up, and all he was doing was grinning for some reason. There was a light in his eyes, and he looked positively ecstatic.
"I'll be keeping you to that!" he said cheerfully, leaving the room in a better mood than I would have imagined him with after our conversation. I shook my head – back to work.
~~~
Two hours later, I had finished about ten more papers; some of them were rather easy to grade, and those were the ones that needed more work and improvement. Others that were difficult to decipher needed to tone it down or only professors would understand them. Then, the door opened once more and three figures stood in the doorway.
I looked up and met eyes with Melissa, who had a gleam in her eyes. Instincts told me that I should run very, very far away right that second. But she and her daughters were blocking the doorway, and I did not want to break a window.
"Oh, wipe that scared look off your face, dear," she said. "We just heard that you're thinking of going to the festival."
"I am thinking of it," I said. "But at this rate, I think I might not…"
"Oh, but you have to go!" Irene said. Her hands were clasped together in somewhat of a praying position. As usual, her long light blonde hair was pulled back, revealing a pair of wide and innocent blue eyes, and I felt myself wanting to agree to going just to get the too cute and pleading look out of them. "The Festival of Spring is so much fun, and even someone like you would enjoy participating in it!"
"What do you mean by that?" I asked.
Adriana, her sister, chuckled. All though there was a resemblance between the sister, Adriana looked more like her mother with dark brown hair and hazel eyes. "My sister means nothing by it, but you are too serious and stuffy for your own good."
"But besides the obvious, what is the festival about?" I asked. "There is something you're not telling me."
Adriana smiled. "The Festival of Spring is also like a celebration of love – our version of Valentines Day. It also acts as a time when everyone can let go of our rules of courtship for a day and not worry about embarrassing themselves."
"Here," Irene continued. "Not acting too outrageous is a key factor to our culture. But our elders knew that if we bottled up our feelings all the time, someone would rebel. So we have festivals doubling up as… free days if you will."
"Courting couples can also announce themselves to the public and declare that they will be married if they wish. Those who are interested in one another can begin courting each other." Melissa added. "As for those without someone, they can attend the masquerade, find someone, and pretend that they're in love."
"More often than not they end up as couples!" Irene squealed. "I love hearing stories from this festival, it's just too adorable!"
"I do not think I will be going then," I said to them. "I am not one for love, and to participate in something like this would be ruining it."
Adriana frowned. "If you don't go, then quite a few of the available men will be disappointed." I gave her a look that told her I could care less, and she gave me a small scowl. I was not going – love had no interest of mine, and it would be a lie to go.
"You're going." Melissa said sternly, suddenly pulling me out of my seat by grasping me by my upper arm. "You are going to enjoy yourself, and you will dance with at least one person. Everyone – even those not fully human – deserves some happiness."
I planted my feat in shock. "How – how did you?" I sputtered. This was something I was not expecting – how did she know that I was not human? I knew that my red hair signified that, but I doubted that anyone this far north, with such a different culture, would even know of something like this! If there were any kitsune up here, they were well hidden and had made sure to keep that way for many centuries.
She looked kindly over to me. "I am from the south originally, and it was a surprise to me to find one of your kind alone. But after listening to you, something told me that you were not proud of your blood, and you had left a hard life. Blame my motherly ways."
"Do you know too?" I asked, turning to her daughters.
The girls nodded. "But we don't think differently because of it!" Irene said quickly. "We were surprised, but we hold nothing against you! Blood does not make a person!"
I began shaking my head, shock settling and fear beginning to rise up. I was kicked out of my home, hated ever since I was born and never told, and it was the reason for so much pain in my life before I left the village. How could I appreciate myself, what I was, when so many whom I had looked up to only thought of me as less than dust? "No… I cannot go. I do not deserve to go or anything. Not even your kindness."
"Lupin," Melissa said softly. "No one else knows, and we could care less if you were half goat or something of the like." She then let go of my arm and gave me a gentle hug that took me back to the days I shared with my mother when I was younger.
"No one will care if they knew anyways," Adriana added. "Kitsune are not common here, and those that do come cause no trouble. Some of the older people in the cities and those who live higher on the mountains respect and honor them."
Biting my lip, I quickly composed myself. I should have been more prepared of the event of someone figuring out my secret. Then this would not have happened. But I tended to underestimate some people too. Maybe I deserved this…
"You can hang out with us." Irene then said. "It's not against the law for a girl who does not wish to go to the masquerade to not go. There are loads of other things to do!"
"Think on it," Melissa said.
"All right." I replied. "I will… think on it."
"Make sure to give us a response by tomorrow evening – we need to find a dress for you if you decide to go!" Adriana added, as they left.
"Dress?"
~~~
The rest of the day was not quite a pleasant one, and I could not sleep for a long time either. Thankfully it was a Friday, and I could sleep in the following morning, or my class would have known that something was wrong and speculated something. Those children might have been young, but they were not stupid either.
"What's wrong?" Raymond asked as I mulled over, still, my problems that were pulled out from me the pervious evening. He pulled over a chair and sat down next to me, his eyes not leaving my face. He wanted an answer I was not prepared to give.
I just shook my head.
"Did someone say something to you?" he continued. "Did someone make an unwanted move on you? Don't tell me that one of your students misbehaved in some way – "
"Stop it! No one did anything to me, and even if they did, it is not of your concern!" I yelled, causing about half of the conversations in the pub to stop as people looked over to us. Looking at them all in response, I let out a groan and turned around. That moment would have been perfect for some god or deity to appear and smite me – thunderbolt, the ground swallowing me, choking on my drink…
"Lupin?" Raymond asked softly. I looked up at him, and felt a blush come up from the soft expression he was giving me. But he kept his distance; he made no move to touch me – something I appreciated greatly. "I know we don't get along and you might not see us as friends, but I want you to know that you can talk to me if you'd like."
I blinked at him… amazed for some reason. He smiled and gave a quiet farewell.
"Go talk to him," a voice said to my left. I looked and saw a tall male dressed in boots, a large black overcoat and something that has a hood as well. And a Chyaku Norisu Scarf in the "Unknown Hero" style too. "You deserve some happiness in your life." I did not know who this man was, and could not inquirer him of his identity, as he quickly left the building, but I could have sworn that I saw one familiar eye...
But that was all it took to make me get up off of my arse and start following Raymond, trying to catch up.
"Raymond!" I called out in the less crowded street, as many were preparing for the festival. "Wait for a moment!"
He turned around and stopped, surprise coming over his face. "Lupin?"
"I am… I apologize for yelling at you at the pub…" I said, looking down. "I have come across some personal problems, and they are not… subject I like to think of."
"It's all right. We all gotta yell at others once in a while." He said, patting me on the shoulder once. "Hey, are you still going to the festival?"
"I mind as well," I replied. "Melissa might blackmail me if I do not."
"That'd be typical of her," he chuckled.
There was a slight length of silence after that. Some conversations seemed to like to just end abruptly and leave nothing else to go on afterwards.
"Hey… Raymond?" I asked, wanting to get if off of my chest. "Could I talk to you?"
"Sure," he said, a bright smile coming over his face.
~~~
He and I then went to a nearby park, and he quietly let me spill out a whole summary of my life and what exactly was wrong with me at the moment. I was secretly shocked that he was not appalled or repelled by me in the slightest; it was kind of unnerving to me that he did not even seemed to be shocked that I was part kitsune. But… it felt nice that he was not any of the above. And it was nice to have someone listen to me for a change.
"So…" he said in a mild tone. "Do you have any special powers or something?" he asked.
I had to laugh at this. "I might have the spell book my brother gave me," I replied, waving it in the air, "But I am not using it to obtain any powers. I have no need for them. And I doubt that I will."
"I see," he said. "But you have to admit, it would be awesome if one could have powers like you would if you unlocked them."
"Maybe to you," I said, smirking. "But I have my mind, and that's enough for me."
He let out a laugh. "You and that brain of yours! Heaven forbid anyone tries to beat you when you get it into full gear!"
"Like you do from time to time?"
"I'm stupid then. Heaven doesn't mess with stupid people."
~~~
The day ended pleasantly. He and I walked back to the pub/boarding house, and I was in a much better mood. I felt happier, and a lot lighter than before.
"See you later then?" Raymond asked as he made his way to leave through the pub's entrance, knowing that I was able to get to my room on my own. I gave a nod. "All right then," he replied. Suddenly, he swiftly leaned down, and gave me a small peck on the cheek, before walking away like he had done nothing. I was too surprised to move for a long time after that. Which then Irene and Adriana found me, and were puzzled by my lack of focus and my new found inability to speak.
"So…" Irene started as she passed me a cup of tea. "What happened back there? I know Raymond was with you, but give us details!
"He kissed her," Adriana then said with a bored tone.
"How did you know?" I asked, snapping out of it. "I gave no – "
"Hints?" Adriana chuckled. "It amazed me that you don't know that you blush easily."
"She has to go now!" Irene exclaimed to her sister. "You have to," she then added to me. "Raymond told us a few nights ago how he's been wanting to ask you to go with him, but he's been too shy to. I'm gonna get you the dress!"
"Please, stop her!" I exclaimed, as the blonde ran out.
Adriana merely shrugged. "There is no stopping her, and she's speaking about her masterpiece – a new kind of dress that will hit stores in two months. She wanted to see you wear it since you came here, she's a visionary like that."
There was a pause, and I made a move to speak, but she held up a hand.
"Raymond… has never had much luck in love." She said quietly. "He courted a few girls in past years, but he kept getting his heart broken. Getting tired of being hurt, he swore off love five years ago. He kept this promise until he met you. You might not see it, but he is happy around you – more so than I have ever seen him. If you do not love him, tell him immediately. He will appreciate it, especially if you offer to go with him as friends."
"I don't know if I love him or not," I replied carefully. "I do see him as a good friend… but I don't know. Going as friends seems like the only reasonable option."
"I have it!" Irene then gasped, coming into the room. In her arms, she held out a dress that looked like a cross between the Felicia style gown, and a kimono. It was colored like the Autumn Leaves Kimono, but it was modeled like the gown – minus the slits on the sides or the low collar. "I call it the Kitsune Robe, the sunset version."
Oh, the irony.
~~~
The next day was the festival, and my two friends forced me to wear my dress all day like they did with theirs. It was a tradition thing, but I did not like it all the same. And it was when I was putting up some decorations around the pub with Melissa did Raymond appear. "I guess this means that you're going to the festival?" he asked.
I turned from the banner and gave him a nod, grinning widely. For some reason, I felt a sudden burst of happiness in my chest. "They convinced me to be part of it, and I am debating the options between declaring insanity or enjoying myself."
"Then do you want to go with me?"
"Why not?" I replied.
~~~
Needless to say, Raymond was very happy with my answer. I personally think that he was holding himself back from yelling with joy and making a fool of himself. For the rest of the day, we both immersed ourselves in the various games, contests and dances. It was… one of the happiest days of my life. I cannot recall another day like it where I felt so free and safe from my nightmares.
But of course, all things have to end…
~~~
"So that's it?" Zel asked. "You went to a party with him… and then left?"
"We… did kiss later that evening as things settled down." I replied, feeling my face grow hot. "And… he confessed that he loved me. But…"
"But what?" she persisted.
I just shook my head. "I… haven't come to terms with that just yet." I turned to her and put on my best fake-that-hopefully-looks-real smile. "I'll tell you later, ok?"
She frowned, but nodded all the same. "All right… I am going to train with some of the rookies and kick their butts." She laughed evilly as she left.
I sighed to myself sadly. I couldn’t tell her the ending to that story… that one of Raymond's most trusted friends poisoned him and put him into a coma because of stupid jealousy. And that I left what would have been my new home heartbroken, knowing I might never see Raymond alive again… But that was why I was with the legion in the first place. I heard that elves knew cures for everything…
I just hoped I would meet one kind enough to give it to me.
