Movement 1: The Kitsune Queendom


    It all just feels like a waste of time, doesn''t it?


    <hr>


    The Machavelli bobbed in the gentle waters of the morning sea, anchored close to the coast of the Queendom. On the shore was a large forest, which easily concealed an operation to move cargo off the ship and onto the land. Several rowboats made trips back and forth. Alisson and Ardinand both watched from the deck of the Machavelli. They would be parting ways here.


    “Will you be alright, Nuam? The city will be dangerous, you’ll be out in the open, exposed…I read the guidelines about you, you won’t have any weapons or armor, and only one fresh inductee from your 51^st…”


    Ardinand looked over at Alisson concernedly, his arms crossed. Ardinand was a man who resembled Alisson’s, some might say ‘princely’ looks, but his browned hair and red eyes marked him as one of the Arquis bloodline, like his younger brothers. He and Alisson’s resemblances stopped at their positions and aesthetics, however.


    “I’ll be fine. I’ll have Celistine with me. She’s more than a match for any manner of rogue kitsune or Irinian scum.”


    Alisson responded, feeling the cold wind of the sea blow at his face. Ardinand sighed.


    “There are some bigshots in the area, you know that as well as I do– the Crimson Swordsman comes to mind. And they say Sir Remis is on station at the border to the Queendom right now…Who knows what other heavy hitters might be lurking.” Ardinand shook his head. “Just remember, you won’t be alone in Ahvaratsu. My group will be nearby, just call if hell turns up early.”


    Alisson looked on at the couple dozen men that had departed the Machavelli, under Ardinand’s command. They were the majority of Sidonian military assets being sent to the Queendom; The remaining manpower consisted of himself and Celis, and their apprentices. That was all. This separate team would make their way into the city unannounced, while another group of envoys would enter from the port. This was not something any side in the conflict knew about. If the Queen learnt that Sidonia was sneaking in a hardened platoon of fighters complete with heavy equipment, there’d be a scandal. Ardinand had brought with him fighters of the 56^th, and some of his personal guards.


    “And Alisson, keep Marenix safe for me, will you?”


    Alisson gently smiled and bobbed his head.


    Ardinand departed shortly after, and the Machavelli rose its anchors to start its final sail toward Ahvaratsu, the Kitsune Queendom’s capital.


    …


    The docks were ablaze with activity. Ships came and went, unloading and loading both people and goods. I’d never seen such a hustle and bustle before…Sidonia doesn’t have any ports of this size.  The trip here was uneventful. Me and Ashlynde finally drilled using weapons with our masters, but with the rocking ship, it was hard to keep my footing at first. The crew was quiet and solemn the whole journey.


    But we’re finally here. Sun beamed on my face from the clear blue sky. Sea birds flew overhead, and a din of voices and industrial noises filled the area. I could spot deeper into the city the unique Kitsune architecture, the signature pagodas and red bricks most of all. All around there were Kitsune, people who had on their heads large, fluffy fox ears. On their backs swayed a varying numbers of fluffy tails, most had only a few, though.


    Departing the Machavelli in a large group were the envoys sent by Sidonia, and those assigned to guard them, being me, Ashlynde, and our masters. Of course, it’s not like one could look at our party and immediately know our affiliations; it’s not like we wore insignias of Sidonia or anything, but we didn’t take steps to hide our faces either.


    Almost immediately after setting foot on the docks however…


    “Alisson! Over here!”


    A particular Kitsune with orangey hair and large, devious red eyes ran toward us. I looked to my master worriedly,


    “Do you know her…?”


    Alisson sighed with a small smile. “Yes. She’s an old friend.”


    As she approached, I realized she had seven tails, the most I’d seen thus far.


    “Hi there! Oh, it’s been too long you two!”


    She embraced both Celistine and Alisson in a hug, which they reciprocated, albeit not as energetically.


    “I was assigned as your guide here in Ahvaratsu.” She looked to the rest of the unamused diplomats, and curtsied, lifting the hem of her hakama. “I am Tsuharane of the Areni clan. But you can just call me Tsuhara.”


    The kitsune led our entourage into the city proper. I listened intently to her descriptions of the various buildings and shrines we passed; some were hundreds of years old. The streets were wide and filled with activity. Most of the residents were Kitsune, but I could make out the occasional human here and there, but no other kinds of people.


    Tsuhara led us to where we’d be staying for the duration of our visit. A district in the city was cordoned off for governmental affairs, and a large building within seemed to play host as an embassy. We had the whole top floor to ourselves.


    The entourage of Sidonians was quick to disperse, spreading out to their individual rooms, some already departing to meet with notable figures in the city.


    As soon as we were alone with Tsuhara, her tone changed drastically.


    “Political theater is such a bother sou…” She let out a sigh, her shoulder’s slackening. “Surely you two are all dirtied-up from the ship-ride, are you free? Let’s go to a bath! And who are these two kids you’ve got following you around…You two didn’t get busy as soon as you left me in Daigoro, did you?”


    The ‘sou’ seemed to be some kind of enclitic or catchphrase I wasn’t familiar with.


    “This is Marenix and Ashlynde, they’re our new apprentices. Please treat them with the same courtesy you would us.” Alisson spoke for us. “And yes, we’ll take you up on your offer.”


    “Ah, I see…apprentices…”


    Tsuhara eyed me up and down. I felt her eyes touch every part of my body and I felt a shiver run down my spine. She gave a quick lick at her lips after looking me over.


    “Cute boys tend to mass in packs, I see…How many of you will there be by next year?”


    Alisson sighed. “You can ignore her, Marenix. It’s safe to do so most of the time.”


    I felt a blush on my face, and once I realized it, I covered my cheeks. It was a strange feeling I’d never felt…No one had ever called me cute before. Something deep within me wanted to interact with Tsuhara more, but I followed in Alisson’s footsteps and remained stoic as best I could. We walked out into the city, mostly in silence. It was a little scary. They were supposed to be old friends, so why were Alisson and Celis not speaking with Tsuhara in public? Well, they were, here and there, but it was about such mundane and boring things that I tuned them out. I watched the walls of the city pass me by as we walked.


    On them were posters, rather legal notices, speaking of shrines being closed down, and certain Kitsune customs being met with legal fines if done in public.


    We arrived at a bathhouse that Tsuhara is apparently a regular at. Kitsune have a very strong bathing culture, even I know that. There are tons more baths of varying types here in Kitsune cities than in Sidonia…Hygiene here is a pass time, whereas in Sidonia it’s more like a duty. I can’t say I dislike the idea. Tsuhara, being someone high up in Kitsune society, got us a private bathing room.


    That was another thing unique to the Kitsune, their baths were public and social. Of course, we Nekomata are pretty much the opposite, so I think it was courtesy that Tsuhara got a private room. But that still means that I was left with the conundrum before me…


    I was shaking nervously next to Alisson in the men’s changing room. It was just us here, but…I have to…strip? Here? I’ll be nude in front of A-Ashlynde? I was frozen, my mind a mess. My prudish Nekomata brain couldn’t comprehend it. Alisson, noticing my trembling, let out a sigh, and threw a nearby towel over my head.


    “It’s okay. You can use one of these.”


    Alisson, my savior! My angel! “T-thank you…master!”


    “I was just like you not a year ago, Marenix.” Alisson averted his eyes from me, frowning. “I understand how you’re feeling, and innocence is a good thing that should be a preserved, but…There are lines dividing practicality and triviality that once we look at through unfiltered lenses, are stupid to worry about.”


    I peered up to Alisson, feeling that he was about to talk at me for a while. I wrapped the towel around myself and then started stripping off my clothes slowly as he spoke.Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    “You are born nude. Animals all around the world are nude. Think of the raw power that your body can exert, the techniques it can employ; the ingenuity of your nude brain to use tools and to adapt…in a battle of life and death, it matters not if someone can see you nude…What matters is that they can see how you’ve refined your body, reflected in its muscles, its shape, and speed; And there’s no shame in being proud of it therein if you’d like to.”


    “Um…Are you a nudist, master?”


    Alisson’s eyes widened and he shook his head. “No. There are very good reasons socially why we use clothes to cover ourselves. It’s a factor of social cohesion, a string in the embroidery of society. I’m just telling you that…Here in a situation like this, with people you like…Ashlynde, that is…it’s okay to not be ashamed of yourself.”


    You could just tell me that instead of going on long winded rants, but thanks for the affirmations anyway, master.


    “I’ll try…”


    Alisson started to thus strip like me, and I couldn’t help but peer over at him. I had imagined Alisson as being either super ripped or totally skinny but…he’s actually just somewhere in the middle. I mean, I guess that makes sense…


    My eyes lowered and I looked back down at myself, and then back to Alisson, and then back at myself. My face started to grow red again.


    “Something wrong, apprentice?”


    Alisson tilted his head blankly, his eyes as innocent as an angel.


    “No, nothing...”


    I looked down and resolved not to look at Alisson anymore, tightening the grip on my protective towel.


    …


    “Wow! You’re developing in all the right places Celi-sou!”


    Tsuhara said, not even waiting for me to take off my clothes before saying that.


    “Shut up, stupid fox…You didn’t even see me the last time we bathed.”


    “I don’t need to see to notice the way you carry yourself…it’s totally different! You and Alisson really must’ve–”


    “Shut up...! I’ll hit you.”


    Tsuhara shrugged smugly. “All I can say is: I’m disappointed I didn’t get there first.”


    Ashlynde, between the two of us, looked on blankly.


    “Er…What are you two talking about?”


    “Isn’t it obvious? We’re talking about se-!”


    I smacked Tsuhara upside the head.


    She fell over, chuckling to herself. “Ow…! There’s no need to take your anger out on me…”


    “She does that to me too…” Ashlynde mumbled.


    “Anger over what?” I asked, irritated.


    “Anger that stems from your tiny, small, petite, miniscule breasts!”


    I rolled my eyes at her. She was bigger than me. Big deal.


    I should’ve taken Alisson’s lead in ignoring Tsuhara…Talking with her is just a way to make me look like a fool in front of my apprentice. Speaking of which…


    Before Tsuhara could stand, I quickly wrapped a towel around her.


    “W-what’s this for?”


    “Master’s orders.”


    “U-uh…okay…”Ashlynde quickly submitted to my will.


    Tsuhara was quick to object however, “A towel? In a bath!? That’s like using a fork to eat instead of chopsticks! You gotta do it right…”


    She slipped behind Ashlynde, about to disrobe her when I grabbed her by the scruff of her little conniving neck.


    “Stay away from my apprentice.” I growled.


    I don’t want this stupid fox seeing my Ashlynde in the nude.


    “What’s there to worry about? We’re all girls here…And those two boys are basically girls too…But whatever, suit yourself, Nekomata…”


    She looked on demeaningly. I’d like to see her try some sort of Nekomata custom that makes her embarrassed…Like…What do we even do? Drink coffee? I wasn’t ever taught anything like culture. Just how to contribute to our fratello and Sidonia. I’ll have to ask Alisson.


    …


    Alisson and his apprentice sat in the bath quietly, clearly hearing the women shouting before they entered. The two apprentices sat nervously stealing glances at each other; The sight was quite adorable. Alisson suddenly realized that him and Celis probably looked the exact same in months prior.


    However, once they were in the bath properly, the mood in the air changed drastically.


    “So, why are you Sidonians really here?” Tsuhara asked, her face straight.


    “I would rather we relay Sidonia’s intent directly to the Queen…But as I understand it, there’s a long waiting period…” Alisson responded.


    Tsuhara nodded briskly. “I’ll put in a word to get you a meeting with her as soon as they can manage. But for now, I’ll have to be your humble courier, you must understand.”


    Alisson closed his eyes. “Officially, we’re here to negotiate trade deals with the Irine Principality’s trading partners in the coming event that the Queendom as a nation ceases to exist.”


    Tsuhara’s face darkened. Alisson continued slowly, “In truth, we’re here to cleanse this city of them. High Command believes that by severing the head of the Irinian snake in the Queendom, we will halt their integration at large of your people. At least for a time.”


    “…Just the four of you? Unless those lame-looking ambassadors were really shinobi or something, I don’t think you have the numbers for that…They control the city, Alisson.”


    Alisson glanced at the two apprentices, tepidly listening as steam rose from the wooden bath. He figured it didn’t matter to have them here for this. Alisson agreed to come here for a reason.


    “Yes, I’m aware. They have some embassies and barracks here and there. We’ll flatten them in due time.”


    Tsuhara shook her head angrily. “No! You don’t get it. It’s not just a couple buildings and a group of humans here…They’ve implanted themselves in our society…Degenerate nightclubs, the tearing down of our shrines, the banning of our traditions, an influx of migrant humans! Already they have collaborators all throughout the Queen’s cabinet, and most of the trade associations are controlled by them…Irine is behind it all. We even have to praise Prince Iridide just to be ‘inclusive’ with the Irinians…The Queen is not like the Lady Sidonia…that’s to say she can’t push back against this anymore.”


    Alisson was silent for a long while. “I see. I assumed the two sides were on equal footing at the very least.”


    Tsuhara looked into the water with a frown. “We’re losing the war. Culturally, economically, there’s so many human norms that are just common now here…” She looked up to Alisson, “Surely you understand how we loyalists feel...No, we’re not loyalists, we’re just normal Kitsune! Real Kitsune! They’re the ones labeling us loyalists! Like we’re supporting some dictatorial Queen and we’re terrorists or something…They want to tear down the monarchy, oust the Queen…But that’s how we’ve lived for generations…”


    Tsuhara started to shake. “Ever since coming back from my mission to Daigoro, it’s been so demoralizing! My own clan’s shrine was turned into a warehouse for Irinian arms!” She clenched her fist. Tears started welling in her eyes. “They can’t do this! This country is for us…for Kitsune! I don’t care if all these humans are coming here seeking a better life, they’re doing so at the expense of the thousands of years of our labor and work to improve this land!”


    Alisson frowned. He hadn’t seen Tsuhara break down like this before. Alisson opened his arms, and motioned for Tsuhara to come closer. Seeing this, Tsuhara shifted forward and fell into Alisson’s embrace. He let her cry into his shoulder for a while, caressing the back of her head.


    “I can’t begin to understand how it feels to see your people come to this.” Alisson spoke softly. “But it’s okay, Tsuhara. We’ll get rid of them. All of them.”


    A long few moments passed in silence. He understood how she felt; returning your home only to find it suddenly so alien and wrong.


    She leaned away, and looked into Alisson’s eyes. “But there’s only four of you…and two of you are just…” She looked over at Ashlynde and Marenix. “Useless apprentices…You can’t hope to dismantle such a deeply rooted parasite…even if you manage to pull it off, you might end up damaging the host as well.”


    Alisson bobbed his head. “Trust me. I might not know exactly how things will play out here, but I swear on my name that by the end of it, the Kitsune will have their sovereignty, and their dignity.”


    Tsuhara looked into the water with a small smile. “I can rest assured then, surely sou…”


    With Celis pouting at him, he gently pushed Tsuhara away from him. Tsuhara leaned back, lifting up her hand and clenching and unclenching it. “I should’ve thought to check just what kind of package Celi-sou has to work with…” Her eyes shifted over to Marenix, “Did he impress you?”


    She was probably saying that to get them to forget about her crying and lighten the mood a little. Alisson sighed.


    “Um…” Marenix reluctantly opened his mouth to answer, but Alisson was faster,


    “Playful your intentions may be, and as much as me and Celis are fine with it…Our apprentices may not find the same belittlement of physical structure as something to be disregarded.”


    Tsuhara looked at Alisson, furrowing her mouth. “You could just tell me not to make fun of them, but you still put things oh-so eloquently when you’re embarrassed, sou…”


    The rest of the bath was uneventful, barring Tsuhara’s lecherous manner. He was pretty sure Tsuhara was a virgin, so he didn’t know why she carried herself like that.


    A year earlier, Alisson would’ve thought that bathing with his apprentices and some fox was abhorrent, as such lower creatures shouldn’t have the privilege to gaze upon him or share the same body of water. Now, it all mattered so little to him.


    …


    After eating out with Tsuhara, we parted ways with her and made our way to the embassy. That whole bath was probably the most uncomfortable I’ve been in my entire life. That stupid fox only made things more embarrassing for me, at times even Ashlynde played along with her. I asked Alisson afterwards why he even decided to take her up on the offer, to which he responded that there were certainly worse places to have a private conversation. So, I guess it was a matter of my master and Tsuhara speaking privately; they must be cautious because of the separatists.


    “Hello there, Alisson Vi Nuam! I’m Captain Versatsu, I’ll be keeping you and yours safe over your stay – So just come to me if you ever have any problems!”


    A booming kitsune introduced themselves as we entered the building. He was a tall, broad-shouldered man. He was apparently the captain of the city guard. Along with him were a couple other kitsune who would be guarding the embassy to keep us safe. Again, it seemed to be a defense that was in place because of the separatists.


    Hmph. I smirked. I’m a VIP.


    Moving on, we found our rooms and got acquainted. It quickly became evident that me and Ashlynde would be sharing a room here…But compared to sharing a bath, sleeping in two separate beds was far easier.


    …


    With him and Celis finally getting some privacy, he could get down to business. They both lay in bed, talking quietly.


    “Our objective here is simple. I want to meet the Queen.”


    “To get her on your side?” Celis tepidly responded.


    “Yes, to get her on my side. Well, and to seek the Moonlight Cannon. I believe I can put the technique to use in ways the Kitsune would think unorthodox. There’s also the matter of the spirit that lives in one of the shrines here, if possible, I’d like to meet with them. There’s any number of boons they may grant us once they learn of our intentions.”


    Alisson remembered his last encounters with spirits. They were small, peculiar things, hosting swaths of old knowledge and tools, and all bearing child-like appearances. The ones Alisson had met were above all else lonely – He didn’t know if the one living here in a shrine would be like that. That was to say, that lonely spirits, and people, were easier to sway to one’s side.


    “I want to spend this time while we’re being a decoy here finalizing some plans I’ve been thinking about…But they all hinge on what happens here with the Separatists, and what kind of person Queen Tsuhagara turns out to be.”


    Celis frowned a little and averted her eyes. “That’s great and all but…There’s something that really bugged me today…”


    “Oh?” Alisson tilted his head.


    “Don’t get all close like that with Tsuhara.” She flashed a glare at Alisson. “I didn’t like it.”


    Alisson smiled gently. “Don’t worry…She’ll get no closer than that to my bare body.”


    Celis still wore a soured expression, but reluctantly settled in next to Alisson for the night. He gazed out the window to their room, overlooking the city. For being touted as a bastion of traditional ways, the city hosted a lot of night life.


    ***