Kitsunetsuki

Chapter 2: Somehow I got mixed up with a bunch of youkai

On the first day at her new school, Karen found herself in the same class as Nozomi. Karen's enthusiasm was readily apparent as she looked around, her smile beaming. She watched the students coming and going, trying to figure out who was a god and who was a youkai. For some, animal ears and tails made it obvious. For others, it wasn't so clear. The variations on the humanoid theme around her made it seem like a cosplay event, but this was one where the characters were real. She could barely contain her excitement at being in this new world.

"You're taking this awfully well..." Nozomi commented to her friend as they waited for class to begin.

"Eh? What do you mean?"

"Well I'd expect a human in your position to be overwhelmed..."

"Are you kidding?! This is awesome! Say, do we have any special powers, like flight, or laser vision or...?"

"We're gods, not comic book superheroes..." Nozomi answered with a pained smile.

Just then, the room quieted as a short little girl entered. Despite her diminutive stature, her aura demanded attention, and all eyes were soon upon her. It was clear from the way she carried herself, as well as her glasses and white lab coat, that the girl was attempting to exert an air of adult authority, but the only thought that went through Karen's mind was that she wanted to hug this tiny, cute creature. Disappearing behind, then slowly rising from the podium at the front of the class, the small girl finally spoke.

"Okay, okay, everyone, take your seats... My name is Tenjin. I'll be your homeroom teacher, so let's try to get along, I guess..."

The little girl's voice was unexpectedly deep, yet still childish, and monotone, as though she were disinterested and couldn't be bothered to teach the class. She began giving the kind of standard orientation explanations any teacher would on the first day of school as she wrote notes on the blackboard. With this, Karen was amused to see the first supernatural act since coming to the school: the teacher was floating in order to write on the higher parts of the board that she otherwise would be unable to reach. As Karen marveled at the sight, she had a thought...

"I thought Tenjin was a man..." Karen whispered to Nozomi.

"Same family, different god..." Nozomi answered back.

Karen realized that it seemed gods belonged to families, and that the more well-known names among humans were actually those of a clan. She quickly scribbled a note with her conjecture and passed it to Nozomi. Nozomi scribbled something on the paper and passed it back. Karen read the reply:

"You're half-right."

Tenjin completed her introductory material and returned to the podium to address the class.

"So, uhm...first up I'd like everyone to do self-introductions. Those of you who are gods will be finding familiars soon, and likewise you youkai will be looking for masters. So, all of you pay attention to the introductions and see if there's anyone you'd like to work with. Of course, you don't have to find someone in this class, but it certainly makes things easier for me if you do..."

Karen was excited as the first student, a youkai, walked to the podium. The youkai's stunning ruby red hair was cut short and complemented by a pair of deer antlers, a slightly androgynous face, and sharply fitting jet-black uniform, which, although it was clearly a boy's gakuran, the youkai's respectable chest and hourglass figure left no doubt that she was, in fact, female.

"I am a kirin. You may call me Kirin. As I am strong and beautiful, I respect only strength and beauty. I will serve only strong gods or cute goddesses. The right to name me belongs to my future master."