Kitsunebi 狐火 || Kemono Jihen

Chapter 2

Chapter 2
The Kemonoist

❃

"It's a pleasure to meet you. My name is Kabane."

"That's Shiki and Akira. They work here," Inugami introduced.

"Huh? Someone new?" Akira looks back and forth between Inugami and Kabane. He wasn't as affected by Kabane's sudden presence at the office while Shiki, on the other hand, was still glaring at Kabane.

"So, Kabane, would you like to work here?" Inugami offers.

"Now you're recruiting him?"

Kabane didn't respond right away so Inugami decided to explain the job further. "One thing about Kemono is that whatever we do, we act so that we won't give ourselves away to people, for us to each preserve our unique ecosystems, but once in a while, one of us will step out of line.

Kind of like a bear wandering into a human settlement. We're a detective agency that stands between those that do so and humanity, taking on cases ranging from consultations to arbitration disputes, all the way up to mortuary services. You could call us 'Kemonoists'."

"Kemonoists?"

"I won't ask you to answer right away. Just think it over for me."

"Huh? Then he's a Kemono, too? He smells a little unusual, " Akira inquiries.

"Yeah, Kabane is an Immortal Demon-and-human hanyo." Inugami answers. "A hanyo? That's why. Just like Shiki, then."

"Riiight, " You say with a smirk. If there is one thing you do know, it's that teasing Shiki from time to time is the best. His reactions always made you giggle inside.

"Hey! Look, nobody asked you two!" Shiki retorts. He points at Kabane. "And you! Those are my clothes! Don't wear them without asking!"

"Don't blame him. I was the one who gave him your clothes, " You defend. "Besides, you've got tons of clothes like those. Why does it matter?"

"It absolutely matters! That's one of my favourites!"

"I'll give it back." Kabane unzips the jacket.

"Huh?! I don't want it!" Shiki interjects. "I would never wear something that someone else has already worn!" At this point, Shiki was just trying to be petty.

"Man, you're such a pain, " Inugami mumbles.

Shiki calms down a bit. "How old are you?"

"Probably 13," Kabane responds.

"Oh, really? Well, I'm 14. You'd best keep that in mind, " Shiki warns and then tries to leave the room.

"Shiki, where are you going?" Akira asks.

"The bathroom."

"Oh, hold on, " Inugami stops him. "He doesn't have anywhere to sleep tonight..."

"He's not sleeping in my room, understand? He's an outsider, right? Let him sleep on the sofa." Shiki scoffs and walks away. "Jeez..." Akira sighs. "Sorry about him. That's just the way he is. Pay him no mind."

"He's right, " You agree.

"Okay, " Kabane says.

"I'm Akira. Nice to meet you." Kabane doesn't say anything and simply stares at Akira as if in awe. "Hm? I-Is something the matter?" Kabane comes back to his senses. "Oh, forgive me. I was just thinking what a pretty girl you are." You stifle a laugh. "J-Just so you know, I...am a boy, all right?!" Akira runs away crying. "Kabane-kun, you dummy!"