@• arataki itto • 'Sit up straight, keep your head up and mind your manners.'
Ei's eyebrows furrowed at the all too familiar instructions and nodded slowly, adjusting herself to make sure she was presentable. She hadn't been given any type of information on what was happening but she assumed it was important if she was dressed up in more than just her usual black and purple robes; she wouldn't complain openly but she really hated fighting with the all too long sleeves of her new ones. Her lips parted to ask a question but the look her advisor offered was one that said she wouldn't be getting an answer and she accepted that, settling her hands on her lap and pressing her lips together. Her view consisted of the main door to the compound, two guards on each side with her advisor waiting, seemingly impatiently.
@• ei • Miko blinked and tilted her head "mmh.. yeah it happens to every company, every nation I think.."
She smiled and nodded "mmh~ she really likes you so maybe she'll let you~ She doesn't even let me put it on.." she said before standing up and going over to her house to grab the little collar hanging off to the side. "Here. Hold it out to her first and see if she'll respond to it. If she doesn't run away then you can open the collar and slowly put it around her neck~"
@✾ yae miko • 'Mhm,' she could feel herself tugging at those strings of doubt, sighing softly, 'I believe that will happen again one day, to the leaders.' Ei knew that as time progressed, not every nation would so easily be ruled over and not every leader would make the sacrifices needed for their people.
'Oh?' She looked up at Miko, smiling, 'You think?' Ei had never bonded with anyone or anything in her life, so it made her happy. 'I could.. give it a try?'
@• ei • Miko nodded with a small pout "yeah.. at one point everyone paid respects and loved and needed them and now they're just stories.. then again that happens to basically everything.. everyone.. leaders, heads of a nation.. even business owners.."
"Luna? It somewhat suits you Miss Ei~ You two make a cute pair. Ah that reminds me.. Luna needs a collar.. she's been refusing to put it on but maybe she wouldn't mind it if you would put it on her.. would you like to try?"
@✾ yae miko • 'It's sad, don't you think..?' Ei felt like she could sympathize with the gods and the things she'd been told, the stories that bounced around the family and on the streets. 'I guess that would depend on what the truth was.. but imagine being such a mighty being that people loved and cherished.. to one day lose all of that because you couldn't provide or protect them like you were supposed to..' she trailed off, a faint frown forming on her features. She felt like she'd seen face the same fate but she did her best to brush the sad thoughts away.
'I guess I've already got a favorite then,' she cooed teasingly, gingerly offering scratches to her head, 'might have to keep an eye out for her.' Ei looked up at the pointing and nodded slowly. 'Ooohh.. I see, I see.. that's so cute!'
@• ei • Miko smiled and nodded "right? It's quite nice~ I actually made myself a little room in here too so I can sleep and stuff" she said, pursing her lips "I was told stories about them and when I was little I've been to a couple festivals with my mom.. but yeah most shrines are now just abandoned. Although I did happen to come across a nicely kept one in another island when I was looking for a place to establish the cafe."
She smiled and reached out to gently poke the little fox's back "Well it seems so~ You're definitely special. I've never seen her so friendly as she is being with you." She said before pointing to the little name plaques in the individual houses "they do~ and most of them do have it on their little collars~ This one here.." she said, pointing to the one on the other's lap "is Luna~"
@✾ yae miko • 'It is.. it's so pretty..very homey,' she mumbled softly, 'ah.. yes, I've had to look into it before, I wasn't aware what happened to it. I'm glad it's being put to good use.' Ei pursed her lips in thought and looked over to the latter, tilting her head; 'Do you still believe in the gods..? When I was little, my father would tell me stories about them.. and, I was always told to pay my respects because of being blessed with a vision but.. I've grown up not seeing a sign of them anymore.. no mote festivals, no more gatherings.. most of the shrines of Inazuma were abandoned.'
'She seems so sweet.' The purplette was more than content to let the small fox roam onto her lap, reclaiming her spot from before, 'I suppose I'm special?' Chuckling softly, she couldn't help but feel soft at the words, carefully petting her. 'Do they have names..?'
@• ei • Miko smiled softly when the other followed her into the interior of the shrine, the interior decorated with paintings of Sakura and a lot of toys and structures for the foxes. “It’s nice right? This apparently was an old shrine. It eventually got abandoned when the people who worshipped the gods of the shrine faded away and eventually abandoned and lost animas sort of gathered since not a lot of people came here. Then I found the place and decided to turn the place into something more welcoming for people who actually care about animals.”
She watched as the fox the other was carrying back to the shrine came back and nudged and curled up against her. “She seems to really like you” she said, looking up at the other. “I’ve never seen her that attached with anyone before.. she’s normally the shy one that kind of hides away in the corners or always tries to run away from the shrine whenever there’s a chance..”
@✾ yae miko • formed a tiny o and she nodded in understanding, making a mental note to be very kind about touching Miko's ears. 'Very,' she answered, almost saddened at the loss of warmth but that wasn't her greatest concern. Ei followed with ease, not needing to be told twice as she was way too intrigued with her surroundings not to listen. 'This seems like such a nice place.. it's very calming.'
'I've never heard of it.. but, I haven't heard if many things.' She felt somewhat embarrassed at her lack of knowledge but she couldn't really be blamed for what she knew and didn't know. The purplette was careful in joining her on the floor, settling to watch as the creatures made way to their own places. One in particular though, was happy to nudge right against her, earning a soft coo. 'It may be hard getting me to leave at this point..'
@• ei • Miko smiled and nodded "they are but it's okay as long as you're gentle with them" she said, letting out a faint hum as they reached the top. "Pretty, right?" she asked, letting go of the other's hand so that she can head over to where all her other foxes were "come over here. This is where all the other foxes are resting" she said, motioning for the other to follow.
Miko nodded and hummed "mhmm~ pet therapy is quite common too~" she said, letting out a soft whistle to gather all the fox to the livingroom area of the main cafe and sat down on the floor "come~ you can hang out with them a little before you need to head back~"
@✾ yae miko • 'Are you sure...? Aren't they sensitive?' She pondered it for a moment but decided that once they got up to the top, she would be more than happy to offer the latter a few pets. Ei couldn't ignore the swirl of feelings in her gut at how nice it was; how free she felt. 'Mhm. You never know when one may try something.. There's plenty of people who would like to me see gone,' she answered, shrugging it off like it was normal and for her, it was. She had lived her life knowing how much danger she would be in at any moment.
Ei chuckled softly. 'Pet therapy..? I see..' It didn't sound bad actually and in reality, she needed it more than she knew. Happy to reach the top, she looked around in awe, taking in the surroundings, her eyes brightening up considerably. 'It's so pretty..' she mumbled, shifting her weight as she took everything in.
@• ei • Miko smiled and shook her head "you can touch~ It's okay~ I like pets" she said before the other took her hand and held it firmly. They started walking hand in hand up the stairs and hummed, swinging their arms lightly "mh? Really? I mean I guess you were pretty protected~" she said, giving the other's hand a gentle squeeze.
Miko let out a soft giggle adn tilted her head "trouble? What trouble would that bring? They have pet therapy~ You could just call it that" she said, letting out a soft huff of air as they finally reached the top of the stairs "NIce ot meet you~ and welcome to the shrine~"
@✾ yae miko • 'O-oh, I wouldn't.. I wouldn't want to invade your space in such a way.' Ei had rarely become flustered, simply because she had no reason to but the idea had her cheeks heating up considerably. 'I do appreciate that,' she mumbled and it took a second for her to register the offer before carefully taking her hand, glancing around. 'I've never been allowed to be this close to someone, especially a stranger.. it's odd.'
Ei beamed at the idea. 'I would love that!' She nodded quickly, stumbling just a tad in her step but chuckling. 'My bad.. I don't see why they wouldn't allow it. Hm, as long as I don't end up in public and people start putting pieces together.. then, I'll end up in trouble.' Trouble that she didn't understand, honestly. 'It's a pleasure to meet you as well.'
@• ei • Miko smiled and let out a small hum "you can touch it if you'd like. Once we get up to the shrine. I wouldn't want you to stumble and fall down the stairs or end up hurting yourself.." she said, holding her hand out "would you like a hand?"
"Hm... We could arrange something.. If you won't be allowed out.. maybe we could arrange something where I could bring a couple of my foxes over to your backyard once in a while? It would be a little adventure for the foxes too and you wouldn't have to venture too far to see them and play with them. And the guards won't get too worried over not having you around" she said, smiling widely "I'm Miko~ It's an honor to meet you Ei~"
@✾ yae miko • 'You do!' She nodded happily, 'They look really soft, too.' Ei wondered what it would be like to have such appendages but knew it would end up a distraction, constantly wanting to touch the soft things. She blinked back to reality and looked at the bottom of the stairs, up to the top with a soft hum. 'I'm sure it is,' she assured, looking in awe at all the pretty decorations, fine with walking up the stairs, almost a bit too distracted to walk completely straight. The purplette did her best to pay attention and walk without tumbling with the fox, excited to experience the shrine without it just being a view from one of her homes windows.
'Mm.. I've wanted to for a while but unless I'm going to run away, I don't think I'll be exploring for a while.' She sighed deeply, knowing that even the idea of running off would be difficult unless someone was going to help her. 'I wouldn't want to cause you that much trouble.. You'd have guards all over the place and I wouldn't want to disturb the little foxes, either.' Ei shook her head to shake it off and smiled a little. 'It is quite a surprise, yes? I apologize for not introducing myself in a more proper manner.. I'm Ei.'
@• ei • Miko smiled shyly, her cheeks heating up when the other had leaned in closer "hm? Oh heh.. yeah.. I have ears that resemble this little fox's~ don't I~?" she asked playfully as they neared the stairs leading up to the shrine. "We're almost there. Just up this flight of stairs. The little work out is worth it I promise" she said looking at the decorations that followed up the side of the stairs "the shrine, the foxes and the view of inazuma when you're up there really makes up for it all"
"Ah that really .. It's really nice being able to explore sometimes.. you're always welcome to visit whenever you'd like~ I can give you my number and you can just call or message me when you feel like visiting and I can close off the cafe from the public" she said, shaking her head "oh no you didn't I was just surprised to have run into you out of pure luck.. who would have known~"
@✾ yae miko • She shook her head and tsk'd at the words. Hearing the words, she inspected her a little closer and flushed upon realizing the features she'd completely missed. 'I.. oh, I hadn't even noticed,' she chuckled sheepishly, turning his attention back down. Ei could feel the warmth sink into her bones at the nuzzling, earning a small sound. 'Aw.. hi there, love,' she cooed, shifting her hand just enough to offer a light pet over the little ones head.
'That's sounds so nice,' she chimed, brightening a little at the thought of being surrounded by a hoard of the sweet, fluffy creatures. 'Ah, no. This is the first time I've been outside the compound in.. two years? I only get to leave for meetings,' she nodded a few times, 'I've never even seen the entire expanse of all the islands considered part of Inazuma.' It was a sad thing, honestly and the more she thought about it, the more defeated she became. Blinking, she stopped when she realized the other had and looked over to her. 'Hm? Did I say something wrong?'
@• ei • Miko nodded with a small pout "yeah.. but what can I say.. some people are just pure evil." She said, smiling at the other. "Well I can't help it.. I'm a kitsune myself, I relate on a.. special level with these foxes" she said, looking down at the small fox who had seem to awaken and was now nuzzling against the other's arm. "Ah look who's awake~"
Miko blinked and tilted her head as she waited for the other and nodded, a soft giggle-like laughter leaving her lips "yes a puppy pile~ Which is quite accurate actually since foxes are canines just like dogs" she said, blinking a bit in confusion at her words "You're not? Maybe you could have one of your guards accompany you? I could arrange something for you if you want to come visit outside of the hours we're open so you don't come when we have other people at the shrine" she said before she stopped walking and turned towards the other. "wait.. come again? The person in charge? Hold on.. You're.. oh-"
@✾ yae miko • 'It's never occurred to me that such people exist.. foolish, isn't it? I know people tend to hurt other people but I feel like it may take a special type of evil to harm animals.' Looking up at the latter spoke, she found it sweet that someone would do such a thing for them and it made her coo. 'That's very nice.. You seem like a sweet person.. I'm sure they would all agree given the chance to answer.'
'Oh! Like a.. what was it..' the purplette had heard a term for things like that before but found herself at a loss, taking a moment to search for the word, 'a uh, puppy pile?' She was hopeful it was the right term having heard one or the staff speak about it before. 'Ah.. I wish that was an option. I'm not often allowed out.. it's quite dangerous for me,' she mumbled, frowning, 'If people knew that the person in charge of everything was in arms reach, it would go south quite quickly.. I'd love nothing more than to be able to come visit or, or see anything, really.'
@• ei • Miko pursed her lips and nodded "I agree.. people with such ill intentions should be punished indeed" she said, letting out a soft sigh "most of the foxes at the shrine were rescued or abandoned by their moms.. so I guess we're kind of a little sanctuary for them." she said with a small hum.
She glanced over at the other as they walked, a fond smile lingering on her lips. "she is, isn't she? It feels really nice when they all snuggle up with you when you're taking a nice nap. You should definitely come visit~ I'm sure she'd love to see you more especially when she wakes up. You can come hang out with us from time to time!"
@✾ yae miko • 'That would have been a shame..' she mumbled, frowning at the thought of anyone wanting to bring harm to such a cute little thing, 'I suppose that type of person would just have to be punished, huh?' It was a thoughtless comment, something that she'd make sure happened if she found out anyone was causing such trouble for harmless animals. 'I can't say I feel otherwise,' she chuckled softly, 'I've never really held any animal, so I feel special.'
Ei was beginning to ponder the idea of a pet, one that could roam around the compound and bring her a little company. She followed along, taking a few glances around occasionally, a thoughtful frown on her features. 'Hm? Oh, it's nice.. she's very warm,' she answered, 'I wish I could visit more after today, that sounds lovely.. it must be nice working at something like the shrine.'
@• ei • Miko smiled when she realized that the other didn't mind the fox at all and let out a soft relieved sigh "I'm just glad she didn't run into some mean person or get hurt or anything.." she said, reaching over to pet her head lightly "She seems to like you" she added, seeing how the fox was tucking herself into her arms and fast asleep.
She nodded and turned, pointing towards the direction they would be heading to get back to the cafe "it's this way then~" she said, letting out a small hum in acknowledgement "well.. in that case.. how does it feel... to be holding one~? and when we get to the shrine you'll.. be surrounded by a lot of them" she said playfully as she began to walk in the direction of the cafe.
@✾ yae miko • 'Nothing wrong with that.' Ei, herself, had taken naps on the back patio just to be in the sun, so who was she to judge the little creature? She found it adorable. She cooed over how the fox seemed to tuck as far possible against her as it could and she wasn't at all upset, happy to see that she was well liked. 'I don't mind.'
Ei wasn't often allowed out, she'd only really been out a handful of times, so she was aware they wouldn't be able to go without at least someone keeping an eye on them. She brushed that thought off though and nodded; 'I would like that.' She wondered if the question made a certain impression of her and briefly looked down, focusing on the fox before nodding slowly. 'I've .. I've never even heard of one,' she mumbled, gesturing for the woman to lead the way, having no clue where she needed to be going.
@• ei • Miko smiled when the lady approached her and let out a soft laughter at her words "I mean.. true.. but.. it's equally nicer up at the shrine but.. I guess she just wanted a new napping space.." she said playfully, blinking when the fox curled up more into the other's arms "ah.. she never likes being woken up.. I'm sorry to be such a pain-" she said, rubbing the back of her neck apologetically.
Miko blinked and tilted her head "are.. you sure? I could just take her from you.. but if you really don't mind you could come with me~ That way I could show you all the other foxes we have at the cafe too~" she said, blinking a bit at the question that followed "oh.. a fox is a type of an animal~ You're holding one right now" she said, pointing to the curled up creature in the lady's arms "that right there is a fox~ is this your first time seeing one~?" she asked, tilting her head slightly.
@• yae miko • Holding the creature in her arms, she cooed gently as she curled up further towards her, seemingly unwilling to be woken. She blinked hearing the words and just looked at her, more than confused over the words. Offering a look towards the guard, she gave a faint gesture that she was fine and made her way towards the stranger, more than happy to return her little friend and send them on their way. 'Don't apologize.. everyone will go where they seem fit,' she stated, 'especially if it involves a nice nap.'
Ei offered a smile and attempted to pass the fox to her but it wasn't playing out to be the easiest thing in the world as she didn't seem to want to detach. 'I.. It seems as though she doesn't want to go. I don't mind escorting you both back.' she chuckled lightly, looking up to her once more, 'though, I do have a question, if it isn't too much.. what is.. a fox?' She asked, head tilting and blinking at her; she didn't realize just how weird the question sounded.
@• ei • Miko bit her lip and gestured to the napping fox, looking at the unwavering guard "oh come on.. please sir? It's not like I can go in and take her.. I'm trying not to rudely trespass-" she said, sighing softly. Her attention shifted when the door opened and a lady came out and walked over towards the fox. He smiled and bowed her head apologetically "She's a gentle little fox.. just likes adventures.. This.. isn't her first time sneaking out.. but this definitely is the farthest she's ventured off to..." she said, puffing her cheeks lightly.
When the lady picked up the little fox, she let out the huff of air she didn't know was holding and smiled up at her "thank you so much.. and I'm sorry for being such a bother so early in the morning.." she said, holding her arms out for the fox.
@• yae miko • Curious of the sounds coming from outside, Ei slowly got up from her spot and moved towards the front room, pushing the door open to peek outside. She watched the interaction, looking between the stubborn guard and unfamiliar face; everyone was unfamiliar to her. Finally, she attention moved to the small creature, head tilting even further. Going outside was almost a rare occasion and for the sake of enjoying the sunlight, she slipped out behind the guard and quietly shuffled her way towards the fox. She wasn't just going to let it stay there, especially when it had a home. Despite being under such lock and key, she had full ability to do as she pleased.
She ignored the guard trying to tell her to go back inside. 'Does she look like she's harmful?' She asked, gesturing to the woman and then the fox, 'quiet, now.' Ei crouched and slowly moved towards the small creature, making it to gently brushing over its head with a smile. 'Let's get you home,' she mumbled, gently picking him up and straightening her figure, walking over the pink haired lady.
@• ei • Yae stood frozen in place when she spotted her lost fox behind the fencing of the property. How was she going to get it out of the property without being noticed? She looked around to see if there was something she could lure it out and towards her discretely but there was nothing. A small sigh left her lips as she crouched down, letting out a soft whistle towards the fox "come on..! We should go back.." she whispered, whistling again as she tried to get the fox's attention.
When the fox seemingly ignored her and curled up in a nicely sunlit area in the middle of the yard, she sighed and stood up with a defeated sigh. That's when she noticed one of the guards watching her and the fox interact. She blinked when she looked up and saw the guard, pointing to the fox "uh.. h-hello.. that's my fox.. she escaped from the fox cafe I own.. can.. you get her for me please..?"
@• yae miko • Like any other morning, Ei awoke with a migraine, a distaste for the sunlight and a subconscious loathing for the schedule she would have to follow. First it was the breakfast prepared for her, as always, without her ability to choose what she wanted and then it was a shower and getting dressed; she knew how things were going to play out depending on the outfit she was given. Upon noticing the pressed, purple suit, she knew there would be phone calls and meetings- enough technology to make her head spin but thankfully, she had someone for that, too. She wondered if there were people out there wishing they had a life like hers but why would anyone choose to have a life in which they did nearly nothing on their own? Getting caught up in her thoughts, she frowned; Ei hardly knew how half the things in her own home worked.
Her attention settled on the presentation sat before her, binders and papers spread across the table so far she couldn't read the titles. She'd long become deaf to the man speaking on the conference call, something about a nation's meet, one she had previously looked forward to. Only when she heard a few of the guards shuffling around was she back in reality, wondering what the fuss was about.
@• ei • It was a normal morning for Miko. She filled the bowls of her foxes in her cafe and set them down on the designated spots and called them in to eat. However that’s when she noticed that one of the bowls are still untouched. Blinking, she counted the gathered foxes and realized one was missing and soon panic started to hit. That’s when she noticed the door was cracked open. Did she really forget to lock the door last night? Where would the little thing have run off to?
She watched as the other foxes finished up their breakfast and quickly gathered them all back up into their houses and made sure the cafe was secured before hurrying out and down the shrine in the search of her lost fox, hoping it was still close by. Not catching any traces, she sighed and took a deep breath before using her electro vision and began to search for any traces of her lost fox. Catching a faint trace of paw marks on the streets, she hurried after them, stopping only when she found herself in front of Tenshukaku. “Oh..”
