(TC2) The Path of Resolution.

43 - A petting experience with the inugami!

█▄█ —Huh? Me and Hikari-sama are alright I guess... but didn't you see a kitsune who was with us anywhere?— Reiko asked the unknown boy

╣♦╠ Hikari seemed to identify the boy and smiled. —Good morning, Keita-sama—

—Ah... S-stop the 'sama', please.. U-uhm... Was it a quite lively and cheeky kitsune?— Keita commented, looking at Reiko

█▄█ —Yeah, that sounds like her.— Reiko nodded

╣♦╠ The boy nodded smiled. —She was the first waking up and said something about going to check for the others.—

█▄█ —Oh... thank you for the information.... um... Keita-sama?— Reiko thanked the boy as she sighed with relief, repeating his name after Hikari said it earlier

╣♦╠ —Otou-sama told me that one must always talk respectfully when talking with a temple deity after all.— Hikari replied to the boy's first words, but she also sighed a little with relief, knowing that everything seemed to be fine.

█▄█ —Y-you are a deity here?! U-um... I'm sorry if I sounded rude by accident!— Reiko suddenly realized that she might have been acting improperly towards the boy if he was the deity... she bowed apologetically

╣♦╠ —No no no, I-I'm glad you decided to bring the innocent to the temple... It flatters us.— The dog boy's tail slowly wagged a little as he smiled, blushing.

Then made a gesture of denial with his hands. —It's fine, u-hm... The Yamamoto always exaggerate things, h-hehe... Do you want some tea? It'll help you recover a little from y-yesterday's chaos.—

█▄█ —Oh, it would be wonderful... is it really alright though?— Reiko asked to make sure, she never talked to deity before after all

╣♦╠ Hikari giggled a little, though she seemed to try hold herself with it. —My father always tell me terrible stories about the west-traditional district and this place.—

█▄█ « He reminds me a bit of Hikari-sama to be honest... someone put in position of power, despite not seeming entirely into it, and having a cute timid disposition most of the time... » Reiko thought

╣♦╠ —I-it's perfectly fine, d-dreamers think I'm just a boy working for the temple or begging for money anyways, hehe...— The blushing dog boy said as he hurried up a little to the kitchen.

—He really doesn't look too confident, uhm, right? Haha...— Hikari scratched the back of her head and looked at Reiko.

—Thanks for coming to the rescue yesterday, Reiko.— She decided to comment suddenly, or just again show her thanks for it.

█▄█ —It's no problem Hikari-sama, as a servant of Yamamoto I have to protect you when necessary.— Reiko smiled, and patted Hikari's head

╣♦╠ Hikari blushed while being patted like that and she slightly pouted as well. Deciding not to make the situation uneasy she moved away and changed theme.

—Do you know it? The traditional district, or west district. It is said from our home that it is a rather dangerous place for the evil bakemono, not only because the Yamamoto and Raiten are here, but also because it is the place of the Inuchi temple....—

█▄█ —Sorry... I probably allowed myself too much again..—Reiko apologized after seeing Hikari pout and move away when she patted her head, for some reason however, unlike earlier with Soma, she had no problem going through with it... could it be Yukira's recklessness infected her somehow? Or was it just because Hikari wasn't exactly powerful and respected like Soma... so it was easier for her to pat her head due to her cuteness?