The Kitsune and The Werewolf

The moon rose high that night, a faint halo filled the sky reflecting the beams of the full moon magnifying their presence. Tonight I would need to be more cautious than normal. I was entering werewolf territory and their nerves would be on high alert. Normally you wouldn’t find me in such a predicament, but my Skulk would only permit me a few weeks stay before I needed to continue my duties. Unfortunately, as my luck would have it my vacation fell on their monthly lunar celebrations.  For being mindless brutes they sure do like to party, I thought to myself. The streets were filled with young children running about as their parents howled at the moon while fondling each other. Another unfortunate thing to happen during this time. If it wasn't for my father’s dying wish I would have never come to this town. Two months ago my father passed away. His heart had been failing for a while after I decided to join a Skulk. It wasn’t as close knot as a pack of werewolves, but then again I wasn’t suited for my father’s life. My father was a strong dark grey and white werewolf who fell in love with my mother, a black arctic fox. Being a kitsune she was unable to survive after giving birth to me, I took her fox and her life. My father did the best he could raising me, but he wasn’t cut out to take care of a fox.  When I was old enough I knew I needed more practice with my abilities and a charming red fox called Reynard invited me to a skulk meeting. They explained to me everything about kitsune life and I finally found where I belong. The skulk was an organization of foxes joining together with common interests, working as one force to claim better lives and living arrangements. We were the descendants of nobility, and while now we were reduced to skirmishing behind the scenes we made sure we wouldn’t miss any amenities.  So why now would my father request me to come back to his old pack? He had left them after marrying my mother and never once mentioned missing them. Suddenly upon his death he sent me a letter: Amalia,  My darling daughter, I know you have found a new home. Thos kitsune may provide you with knowledge no one else could, but they are only half your family. If you care to learn about the other half, I implore you to seek out Claire, she’s my cousin and runs a bar in the central district of the Jaeger Pack. They are a strong group and can protect you from any dangers you may face. With all my Love, Your Father and First Protector.  That little bit about facing dangers rubbed me the wrong way. He didn’t like that I was getting closer to other kitsune, we had a few fights about it before I officially moved in with them. It wasn’t a falling out, we still talked on the phone, but I was a business woman now, I couldn’t muck around the woods forever living off the land as he did. My fox was primed for pampering, and if I had to go through another chipped claw I”d have lost it completely.  Speaking of pampering these streets smelled like piss and barbeque. Hopefully this bar was going to be better managed. The front was a simple design. Wooden planks lined long ways layered up to the old roof. For it being in the center of a bustling city it was a very backroads biker bar. Thank Inari there were no bikes outfront. I don’t think I’d have been able to go inside if I knew I would have to face a ruff and tumble fistfist over some slut on a bull riding machine.  The inside looked slightly better, but the loose floorboards and musky odor weren’t the best of experiences. There were people lined up at the bar shouting at a middle-aged blond woman pouring drinks. As much as they were yelling she kept a smile on her face shouting back at them not backing down.  “You’ll get your drink when you make up with Connie you cheap bastard!” She yelled and slid a drink down the bar at a patiently waiting man who took the shot slamming it harshing before howling.  Oh great, the pack is in full spirits in here. I ducked my head trying not to draw too much attention to myself as I slid into a booth as far away from the bar as I could get. I’ll just have to wait until they leave before I approach. I know that woman must be my brother’s cousin, but stepping into the group of wolves was not the best idea.  When I was ducked down enough in the booth I snapped my fingers. My illusions as setting in making sure no one would see me until I wanted them to. ONe more great advantage of being a kitsune I was able to create illusions around myself, I could turn invisible, make people see their worst fears, all with just a quick snap of my fingers. I favored being not seen over fancy illusions, it was easier to just not deal with people at all.  A few more rounds of drinks were passed around as more howling started with each shot. It was giving me a massive headache and of course their moon goddess wouldn’t help me in any way. I dug into my bag getting my headphones out turning on some classical music as loud as it could go. The peaceful sounds of Bach echoed in my ears as I shut my eyes closing out the world around me.  I hit shuffle on my phone slowing my breathing hoping time would pass quickly. I couldn’t even get through one song before a tap on my shoulder disturbed me. This was funny for two reasons, first, I didn’t know anyone here so no one had any reason to come up to me. Second I was supposed to be invisible.  Opening my eyes I saw a tall black haired young man with icy blue eyes staring right into my soul. He wore loose fitting dark jeans and a white t-shirt displaying his many muscles. I looked him up and down waiting to see if there was some mistake, but me motioned for me to remove my earbuds.  Rolling my eyes I pressed pause and removed them, “Can I help you?”  Turning his head sideways he narrowed his eyes but was interrupted when a rather scruffy boy jumped on him, “Come on get back here! We’re going to start the run!” Mr. Icy Stare looked at his friend then back to me and pushed his friend away.  “Oh fine Sour Wolf! Sit by yourself!” pushing back and flying away to the bar the scruffy one rejoined the festivities.  “Care to tell me why he can’t see you?” His voice sounded like a smooth drink rumbling in his throat. It was surprising he wasn’t as intoxicated as the rest, but judging by his size he may have had a higher tolerance.  I shrugged back at him, curious how he could see me and fully waiting for him to continue hoping it would explain everything.  “You’re not joining in?” He pointed back to the group and I quickly shook my head more than eager to remain in the booth alone. He had other plans. He slipped in  across from me towering over the table, “It’s fine we can just sit here.” “We?” My first word to exchange had to come out as a squeak.  “Oh so you can talk? I was hoping to hear your voice before I had to leave.” “You heard it, now you can leave. I’m just here to talk with Claire. No offense, I’m sure all the she-wolves like you. I just have some business here and I have to get going.” I know I sounded harsh, but he was starting to get on my nerves. If he followed the natural law of nature he wouldn't even have seen me in the first place, what is so damn special about him? Sure, one could say he was objectively handsome. His jawline was well formed accenting his features in a way that most women probably would be driven mad over. He had the misfortune to sniff out the one person who wouldn't go for him “What business is that my Luna?”  Luna? Wait, he just called me some cliche werewolf term of endearment? Is he completely out of his mind? “I’m sure you aren’t used to hearing this, but I’m not interested. Please leave me alone.” Throwing his hands in the air he slid back out of the booth, “I’ll leave, but you’ll search me out eventually.” “No likely,” I mumbled, grateful I didn’t even know his name and overjoyed he didn’t know mine.  When he rejoined the group I saw them all crowd around them and turning back to me he smiled with those thin lips of his and then gathered all this breath into a loud howl. Soon everyone joined in as he rushed out the door with everyone following.  Claire behind the bar shook her head and looked at her watch, “Huh, you boy are a few minutes late.” Snapping my fingers, I let my illusion fall as I stuffed everything back into my bag. Rushing up to the bar I slapped my hand down, “Claire right?” She snapped up her head surprised anyone else was still here, “Oh sorry kiddo, I didn’t notice you there.” “It’s fine. I just wanted to talk to you.” “Well speak!” That attitude she had with those werewolves didn’t ease the slightest even after they left. This was going to be fun.