Beneath an evening sky alight with sunset, Sumire returned to Two-Tails Village with her head held high.

Everything was just as she remembered it. The dirt streets, worn into the forest by all of the cats who came before her, were narrow and lined with fishmonger stands and carts loaded with fine silk and brocade. A pair of bakeneko children scampered past her, giggling and batting at one another with their paws, stumbling as they tried to run upright, and an old, graying nekomata with a wooden cane walked past her, cat ears sticking up out of her hood. Sumire just wanted to relax, her homesickness slowly ebbing away as she set foot on familiar ground once again, but she knew she couldn't. She saw the worry on the elders' faces and felt tension in the air; she knew a fox was somewhere.

"Hey!" cried a little nekomata that pawed at her calf. "Why are you walking around with a human face?"

"I just came back from Living World," Sumrie explained, and the cat's eyes widened.

"Really? You went there? What did you do? Did you eat anything tasty? What are humans like?"

"Sumire!" she heard a frantic cry that cut off the little cat's questioning. "Sumire, is that you?"

Her mother and father hurried down the road, bending to run on all fours in their panic. Her mother reached her first, rising to stand on her hind legs, though Sumire still dwarfed her in human form. She wrinkled her nose when her mother leaned in to sniff her, rubbing her furry cheek against Sumire's side before she pulled back, tears welling up in her eyes. "It's you. You've come home."

"Mother," Sumire said softly, and sunk to her knees to wrap her arms around her. "I missed you."

"What of the kitsune?" her mother whispered. "Tamamo-no-Mae has moved on, but she left another fox here. He will want to hear—!"

Her mother suddenly stopped speaking, ears flat against the sides of her head as her shoulders stiffened, and Sumire stood to her full height when she saw another human figure approach from behind a hut. The stranger was taller still, looking down at Sumire with glittering amber eyes, a dark haori coat over a delicately embroidered navy blue kosode and hakama.

Two black, angular fox ears rested upon his head.

"So you're the one," he said, his voice softer than she imagined it would be, "who was sent to the Living World."

She swallowed her nervousness and nodded.

He came forward, looking down at her with a dangerous gleam in his eyes. "Then you must have something to tell me?"

Sumire held her ground. "Yes," she said fearlessly, holding his gaze. "Kurama is dead."

She heard her mother gasp behind her. The villagers were beginning to gather, some of the elders who recognized her stopping in their tracks and watching in apprehension.

"Oh?" the kitsune said, and to her surprise, he didn't sound particularly excited about it one way or the other. "I see. You must be tired and hungry." He gestured behind them at a tavern. "Want something? I'll treat you."

Sumire stared at him, shocked by his nonchalance, but managed a nod and fell into step with him.

"You don't have to walk so far away," he commented, and she glanced at the space between them self-consciously, "Do I really seem that frightening?" He didn't give her quite enough time to answer. "I suppose I am a fox, and you've been taught your whole life to fear and hate me." He paused in the open doorway of the tavern, pulling the curtain hanging in the doorway aside, and glanced back at her. "But don't you think we should give ourselves a fair chance and get to know one another?"

Sumire looked back and saw her mother and father watching her nervously, afraid they might lose her when she'd finally come back to them, and she tried to smile and reassure them that she'd be alright. She didn't know what to make of this kitsune yet, but she didn't intend to lose her life after she'd come so far. "You're right," she said, "I would rather we do that, as well." She bowed respectfully. "I am Sumire."

The black fox gave her a small but charming smile that made her heart beat faster. He bowed his head in turn. "I am Sagiso."

Kurama had told her that she should behave as though he was dead.

"This will be our best chance to learn what Tamamo-no-Mae is planning," he said. "We know she left one of her followers in Gandara and another in the Safe Land. It's likely that the latter is staying in your village to keep the surrounding area out of Spirit World's hands." His gaze grew distant. "And between the two foxes who remain, I believe I know which one awaits us there. He held the least hatred for other apparitions in his heart."

"Is it one of the foxes from your story?" Sumire asked curiously.

"Yes. You remember Sagiso? He was much more level-headed and cautious than the others, very observant. I'd rather not fight him, but if I must, I would like to have the element of surprise."

"You say he's observant and cautious. How do you know he'll believe me if I say you're dead?"

"Tell him Akemori came between us, overcome by his grudge against me," Kurama said. "That we fought to the death, and that you feasted upon our remains."

Sumire had frowned. "And he won't know I'm lying?"

Kurama chuckled bitterly. "It's very nearly the truth, isn't it?"

"Kurama and Akemori are both dead, then?" Sagiso mused as he tilted the udon bowl to drink the cloudy broth left at the bottom. "A shame. I'd hoped we could meet just once more, all five of us, for old times' sake. Seems it wasn't to be."

Sumire couldn't even touch her food, appetite ruined by nervousness, and stirred the noodles in her bowl self-consciously when she felt Sagiso's eyes on her.

"Tamamo-no-Mae will want to know all of this," he said mildly, "but that can wait." He offered a gentle smile. "You can relax now. You've earned yourself reprieve."

"Ah," Sumire murmured, looking away when her face heated up.

"You have questions," the kitsune said, watching attentively as she tried to take a bite of her food. "Please, ask. I'll answer the best I can."

"Well," Sumire paused, thinking carefully, "what are you allowed to tell me?"

"Anything you want to know," Sagiso assured her. "Surely you're curious as to what Tamamo-no-Mae's intentions are? Or maybe you wish to know how the village has been in your absence?"

She bit her lip nervously. "You're...nicer than I thought you'd be."

Sumire worried briefly that she'd overstepped the bounds of polite conversation and offended him but Sagiso hunched over the restaurant counter and laughed. "I suppose I must be," he said, smiling warmly. "I'm sorry, this isn't something to laugh about. I can tell you're still wary of me, and I don't blame you. But you don't have to worry. Two-Tails Village is under my protection now."

"Protection?" Sumire repeated.

Sagiso nodded. "Spirit World has been intruding further into Demon World," he said. "Tamamo-no-Mae is busy elsewhere in the Safe Land, and I feared King Yama's armies might consider invading in her absence, so I've chosen to stay behind."

"I didn't think she cared what happened to us."

"I'm not going to lie to you," he said quietly. "This village matters very little to her. But it means a lot to me."

"Why?"

He seemed to be sitting closer suddenly, their clothed legs pressing against each other as Sagiso smiled at her. "Some of us have outgrown our anger over the centuries," he said simply.

True to his word, Sagiso indulged her with whatever answers she sought, explaining that her departure had led to a renewed hatred of Spirit World in the village and that a handful of young cats had left for the edge of Demon World, intending to storm the imperial palace. Sumire recognized all of their names; bakeneko and nekomata she had grown up with, other frightened faces lined up beside her on the night Tamamo-no-Mae arrived in the village. "They were slaughtered," the fox said solemnly. "There's been great unrest since."

She fought back tears, clutching at her robes bunched up in her lap. "And Tamamo-no-Mae?" she asked. "What does she intend to do now?"

"She's preparing an attack on Demon World beyond the Safe Land. Gandara will fall first, and then she'll move on to Alaric and Tourin. She hopes to convince King Enki to join her cause, but if he can't be persuaded, she's prepared to strike him down."

Sumire blanched at how casually Sagiso spoke of the golden fox claiming entire countries.

"But there's nothing for you to worry about," he assured her. "Osunoro and I have recruited a fighting a force among the denizens of the Safe Land. There's no need for you to put yourself in harm's way. You can remain here with your family." He smiled brightly. "Someday, there will be no imaginary line dividing new and old Demon World, nor even Spirit World or Living World. It will all belong to us. You've hardly seen what's beyond the Safe Land. There are so many places I'd love to show you." He stopped, a light blush dusting his cheeks. "Only if you'd like to go, of course."

Sumire, too, could feel her face reddening, her stomach fluttering with a pleasant nervousness. "Maybe," she said noncommittally, but it still made the fox's smile widen.

As promised, Sagiso paid for both of their meals, waving down the trembling kitchen staff. "You probably want to see your family," he said. "But could I convince you to walk with me for a bit? I want to talk without the entire village listening."

Sumire's ears swiveled nervously and she wondered if he somehow knew what she was planning. What could he want to talk about privately? Still, she nodded, hopeful that Kurama would keep his word and intervene at the first sign of trouble.

He led her to the edge of the village, starting down a path that lead into the Forest of Divine Waters, walking slowly enough that she didn't have to hurry to keep up with his long strides. "It must have be difficult for you," he said. "Being forced to obey the whims of creatures you've been taught to fear. I'm sorry you had to go through all of this."

"It hasn't been easy," Sumire admitted. "I worry about the future. Tamamo-no-Mae seeks vengeance, and perhaps she deserves it, but I'm afraid she'll trample us beneath her feet on her way to obtain it."

Sagiso stopped walking, turning to face her. "Not just her," he murmured. "All foxes deserve vengeance."

Sumire swallowed nervously, craning her neck when he came to stand directly in front of her. The forest was silent, not even a stray breeze daring to blow through the kitsune's territory, and the silence made her heartbeat sound even louder to her own ears.

"But it's a vengeance that belongs to you, too," he said, clawed hands coming to rest on her shoulders. "We apparitions of the old world were all wronged by Spirit World in its quest for power, and we will all reap the benefits of the revolution. You have no reason to fear Tamamo-no-Mae, Sumire; there's a place for you in the world she will create."

When he pulled away, turning to walk deeper into the woods, Sumire suddenly realized just how hot her face was and touched her hands to her cheeks self-consciously. She hurried to catch up to Sagiso who kept a casual pace as he smiled fondly up at old, flowering trees. He stopped beneath a towering demon maple tree, leaning back against the bark and folding his arms over his chest, hands resting in the sleeves of his robes.

"There's a place for all of us," he went on. "Even Kurama, if he would only accept it."

Sumire froze. "What...what do you mean?" she asked, struggling to keep a nervous quiver out of her voice.

The black fox chuckled. "It's alright," he said, "you don't have to lie anymore. I know he's still alive."

"He isn't."

"Sumire," he said sharply, and she flinched at his tone, shrinking back from his snarl and wide eyes. Sagiso composed himself, smile returning to his face. "I can smell him. He's rubbed fragrant demon leaves on his skin to disguise his scent, but it's still unmistakable so close." His eyes flicked to a spot deeper in the woods. "You hoped to catch me by surprise, didn't you?"

Sumire stepped back from Sagiso nervously as she caught a glimpse of Kurama's silver hair before he emerged from behind one of the trees. The foxes stared each other down in silence for a time before Kurama opened his mouth to speak, but Sagiso interrupted him.

"It's good to see you again," he said, his gaze softening. "It's been some time since I've seen another fox." He gestured back towards the village. "Have you eaten yet? The cats make the best grilled fish I've ever had."

Sumire could see the hesitation and disbelief on Kurama's face.

"You expected a fight, didn't you?" Sagiso asked. "I bet Akemori really is dead. It's terrible that we fought for so long to survive and now we're killing each other."

Kurama stood his ground. "Hasn't Tamamo-no-Mae ordered my death?"

"She has. But I hope to change her mind." Sagiso stepped forward from the tree, pulling his hands from his sleeves. "Please, Kurama, let's talk," he pleaded. "There must be a way solve this without violence. I believe she can be reasoned with."

"I doubt that," Kurama said, though he managed a smile. "But it will be nice to talk for once."

Kurama had seen the village from a distance but seeing it up close was completely different.

It was livelier than he expected, and despite the obvious nervousness of the cats who peered out of their windows and scurried out of his path as he walked, there was an air of celebration and optimism. A merchant with striped fur offered him free dumplings, explaining that he'd come just in time for the Shining Festival. He'd been hesitant to accept the food, but Sagiso had insisted he accept their hospitality.

"There's still a bit of wariness," he said as he took a couple dumplings, offering one to Sumire who took it reluctantly. "And that's understandable. But I think they've begun warming up to me."

He lead them to one of the squat straw-covered huts and knocks on the door.

A black-furred nekomata answered, his gaze hardening. "You've brought my daughter home?" he asked gruffly.

Sagiso smiled in a reassuring manner and stepped aside so he could see Sumire behind him. Kurama watched the old nekomata's expression carefully as his gaze softened into both relief and resignation.

"Come in," he said, "and welcome home, Sagiso." He turned his back on them and disappeared into the house. Sumire scurried inside first, followed closely by the kitsune who had to bend slightly to fit inside the doorway.

"Are you staying with my family?" Sumire asked curiously.

"Ah, yes." Sagiso gave a sheepish smile as though embarrassed. "They've been very kind to me. Chiri reminds me of my own mother in some ways." He glanced over in the direction Sumire's father had gone. "You're more than welcome to talk with us, if you'd like, but I'm sure your parents would like to see you."

Sumire nodded, shrinking down into the form of a cat and padding away. Kurama heard heartfelt meowing through the wall and hushed voices, a feminine voice nearly in tears that whispered, "Please don't ever leave home again," and he felt relieved somehow.

"So," Sagiso began uneasily, "we have much to discuss."

"We do," Kurama nodded.

"Let's sit." He opened one of the sliding doors and led Kurama into the next room where a table and cushions were laid out. They settled across from each other at the table and sat in silence for a minute. "Where to start?" Sagiso muttered, shaking his head with quiet laughter. "So much has happened."

"Start at the beginning," Kurama urged. "Tell me what's happened since I saw you last."

"That was hundreds of years ago," the black fox laughed. "Wouldn't you be bored by a story that long?"

"No. I want to know what happened in my absence." Kurama lowered his gaze. "I want to know how it came to this."

Sagiso frowned. "You were there for that, Kurama. You remember the end of the Hunts, the things we did for revenge."

"Revenge is one thing," Kurama said, shaking his head. "This is another altogether. They know Tamamo-no-Mae's name even in the Living World. Her slaughter of everyone she met after fleeing the palace has cemented itself in common folklore."

"She would be glad to hear that, I'm afraid." Sagiso sighed heavily. "I'm afraid I don't understand any better than you. We didn't go with her to the Living World and she talks very little about what happened there. We only found out what she'd done second-hand from other demons who had seen her rampage. When she resurfaced in Demon World again, she was completely different."

Kurama's brows furrowed. "Something happened to her in Living World?"

"It must have," Sagiso murmured. "The first thing she told us was she never wanted to be called Zenmai again. She wore the same human face she'd had while living at the emperor's palace all the time, even around us." He averted his gaze. "She used to be so passionate. She was merciless, yes, and she believed there was no reasoning with her enemies, but she loved Demon World. She just wanted to have a home again. Now I worry she's lost sight of that."

"Excuse me?" they heard just before the sliding door opened and Sumire's human face peered through at them. "I don't mean to interrupt, but I'm going to catch some fish for the festival tomorrow night." She blushes a bit. "My parents said you might want to come along, Sagiso. And you can come, too, Kurama."

Sagiso's solemn expression melted into a tranquil smile. "That would be wonderful, thank you." He glanced at Kurama. "Would you like to join us?"

For just a moment, Kurama caught himself thinking that something wasn't right. He went back through his memories of the day, looking desperately for a warning of some kind, evidence that there was a trap waiting to be sprung, that Sagiso was leading them both along, and he felt guilty when he realized he was doing it.

"Couldn't this just be the truth?" Kurama thought. "Couldn't it be that Sagiso has found a home among the cats, that he truly believes Tamamo-no-Mae can be talked into giving up her crusade? That Sumire…."

He didn't know why he was thinking of Sumire. She stood timidly in the doorway, tail curled around one leg shyly, a faint blush dusting her cheeks. She wasn't even looking at him. Sagiso looked back at her with something in his eyes that startled Kurama and made him feel uncomfortable somehow.

There was nothing wrong with this, was there?

He forced a smile. "Yes," he said, "I would love to."

He followed Sagiso and Sumire back to the forest again, watching them walk a few paces ahead. Sagiso's hand ghosted at her waist, hesitantly settling there when she jumped but didn't pull away. Kurama found himself thinking, for the first time in quite a while, about lying in bed beside a golden fox with dreams of having a family of his own.

Why had he spoken with such disdain for the Living World? If he'd gone along with her, would he have been able to prevent whatever happened?

He looked at Sumire and began considering his regrets.