Chapter 10 - A Happy Feast

So that didn’t go as planned, he laughed to himself. He felt at peace though.

“Okami, don’t move around so much,” he chuckled, gripping onto her tighter.

She was sitting on Znake’s shoulders, while he held onto her ankles so she didn’t fall. She rested on his head to balance herself.

“Food!” she yelled, thrusting her fists into the air, giggling and almost falling backward.

Znake chuckled again and pulled her higher onto his shoulders then continued to walk toward the hospital.

“Stop being silly.”

Suddenly, Haruka burst around the corner.

“Hebikami-sama!” she yelled, breathlessly. “Oh, there you are. Chasuki's grandfather is here and he is not happy.”

“Oh, dear,” he replied solemnly, taking Okami off his shoulders.

“Aw,” Okami protested, pouting.

“You should hurry before he loses his temper,” Haruka gulped, ushering Znake forward.

Znake took Okami's hand and followed Haruka into the hospital. He didn't want to leave her here and taking her back to her room would take too much time. While they were hurriedly walking, Okami could hear muffled shouting booming down the passage. She didn't recognize any of the voices until one of them spoke up.

“Grandfather, please!”

“No, Chasuki. This is outrageous. I demand to speak with the Hebikami immediately!”

“Please, calm down, m'Lord. Our Head of Medicine has gone to fetch the Hebikami. I'm sure they'll be here soon,” a nurse said, her voice trembling.

Znake turned around the corner and braced himself. As soon as Chasuki's Grandfather saw him he turn his rage toward Znake. He stood defensively in front of Haruka and Okami.

“There you are!” he bellowed. “How could you allow this to happen? My precious granddaughter was nearly killed because of your incompetence!”  

The nurses in Znake's general direction ducked under desks and hid behind doors as every time Charuki's grandfather spoke a blast of wind ripped around the hall.

“Please relax, Fu-gen” Znake raised his hands passively trying to appease him.

“I shall do no such thing until I get some answers!”

Another wave of air rushed passed everyone.

“Why's it so windy?” Okami asked, popping her head out from behind Znake's leg.

“Okami!” Chasuki squeaked happily and ran up to her.

“Chasuki,” Okami hesitated, remembering that they hadn't spoken since the incident.

“You're okay,” Chasuki smothered her with a big hug.

The tension in the atmosphere dissipated as the young children embraced.

Okami giggled, “Of course I'm okay. Those spiders were no match for me and Kage. How're you?”

“I'm fine, thanks to you, Onee-chan.” Chasuki absently touched her fresh bandages.

“So you're the girl who saved my Chasuki?” Lord Fu frowned, stepping forward. “But you only look a year older than her.”

Okami looked up, taking in the man before her. He was dressed neatly with leather shoes, steel grey slacks and a rich purple coat, wound tightly around him. The buttons, cuffs, collar and edges were laced with gold. His grey beard and hair were styled in place and his eyes were a stone blue. He had a stern and conservative look about him. Okami looked back at how Znake and Haruka were still rigid and clicked as to what was happening.

“Yes, I did,” Okami huffed and crossed her arms. “So stop being angry at Znake. It's not his fault that those spiders were there.”

Znake tensed and Haruka stared at Okami with bulging eyes.

“Okami,” she whispered desperately, pulling her cheeks with her hands.

Everyone watched Lord Fu, waiting for his reaction. He made the tension worse by staring at Okami, but she didn't falter.

“Very well,” he finally chuckled. “What did you say your name was?”

Lord Fu offered his hand.

“I didn't, but it's Okami,” she grinned proudly, accepting his hand shake.

Haruka sighed heavily, sinking to the floor. Her legs felt like jelly. Znake's shoulders relaxed and he mentally thanked himself for bringing Okami with. She might have a future in negotiation, he mused.

“You must be very important if you made Znake so serious,” Okami commented while shaking Lord Fu's hand.

“I'm sorry, Lord Fu. She's new and uh, still doesn't know everything about Buten,” Haruka laughed nervously, intervening. She began to usher Okami away before she said something else that would make Haruka's life more difficult.

“Nonsense,” Lord Fu waved her away. “A fresh perspective is sometimes all we need. This one seems very lively.”

“You have no idea,” Haruka grimaced.

They watched the children chat and Lord Fu thanked Haruka for her swift action in helping Chasuki, which she was flattered by.

“I almost forgot, how is Kage?” Chasuki asked.

“He's fine,” Okami smiled. “He's resting up stairs. Actually, he's probably hungry.”

Okami was reminded that she was also hungry when her stomach growled.

“I know, you can come over and eat with us! Can she, grandfather?” Chasuki's eyes twinkled.

“But of course!” he cheered. “A fine way to repay such a great deed.”

“That would be great!” Okami jumped. “Can Kage come with?”

Chasuki hesitated, but Lord Fu replied, “Certainly, bring anybody you want with.”

Okami smiled wildly and ran towards her room, “Kage'll love this!”

Haruka exchanged a glance with Znake and he nodded.

“Hang on, Okami,” Znake caught her before she disappeared. Then turning to Lord Fu he said, “We will meet you there, Fu-gen.”

Lord Fu nodded and made his way back home with Chasuki. Znake turned to Okami.

“You're coming with?” She asked, blinking up at him.

“Yes, but only to make sure you don't cause any more trouble,” he replied teasingly, ruffling her hair. “Go fetch Kage and change your clothes. There should be some new ones on your bed. We'll wait for you here.”

Okami giggled in response then ran off happily to her room.

“But Hebikami-sama, you can't be serious,” Haruka protested. She was shocked at his decision. “She's too...”

Haruka trailed off, trying to find the right word was difficult.

“Hyper,” Znake filled in and nodded. “I know, that's why we're going with.”

“We?” Haruka blinked, small scarlet pools appearing on her cheeks.

“Yes,” Znake repeated, confused by her question. “So if you have any important things that still need attention, I suggest finishing them up or handing them off to someone while you're gone.”

“Hai, Hebikami-sama,” Haruka smiled and ran to her office, calling for a few nurses to follow her along the way.

Okami opened her door, spilling the passage light into the dark room. Kage lay peacefully on the blankets he had scrunched up into a makeshift bed.

“Kage, guess what!” She ran up to him.

He perked up his ears at her voice and lazily opened one eye.

“We're getting treated tonight!” She grinned widely. “At Chasuki's house! Come on, get up. I don't want to arrive and all the food is gone.”

Kage fully awoke picking up on Okami's excitement. He stood up and stretched backward flexing his paws on the blankets and then forward stretching out each of his hind legs. Okami pulled her tattered clothes off hurriedly, not even bothering closing the door. She was too excited at the prospect of receiving food. She grabbed the white dress off her bed and sniffed it. She inhaled the fresh smell contently.

“Okami.” Came a voice behind her.

She turned her head to see Ghost stepping into the doorway. He paused abruptly eyes widening seeing Okami’s bareback. He slapped a hand over his eyes and blushed profusely.

“Put your clothes on!” he yelped.

She tilted her head and frowned at him. “That’s what I’m doing.”

She ignored his whimpering and pulled the soft dress over her head, straightening it neatly.

“Are you done?” he whined.

“Yes,” she rolled her eyes and huffed.

She stepped out into the passage, surveying Ghost in the light. He had multiple plasters and bandages wrapped around his arms, head, nose and legs.

“You're okay,” he breathed in relief, still recovering from his blushing. “Wow, you don't looked hurt at all.”

“I heal quickly,” Okami averted her eyes like she was embarrassed about it. “But how are you?”

She looked at him with concern.

“Ah, I'm fine. Haruka patched me up pretty good,” he shrugged, attempting to appear nonchalant about it.

Kage stepped out from behind Okami and nudged her with his nose, eager for the food she mentioned.

“Okay, okay, Kage,” she pushed back.

“Are you going somewhere?” Ghost asked, raising his eyebrow.

“Chasuki's grandfather invited us over for food,” she grinned widely.

“Whoa, really?” Ghost sounded very impressed. Lucky, he thought grumpily.

“Hey, you should come with.”

“What? I can't just show up,” Ghost protested. “That's not how things work here.”

“Why not?”

“Ah...Well, with certain people you have to respect them a lot and um, well, you can't just do things without their permission,” Ghost struggled to explain how noble status worked. He doubted Okami would care about it anyway. “You should ask Haruka that.”

“I don't quite get it,” Okami shrugged, “But Chasuki's grandfather did say I could invite anyone I wanted, so come on!”

She grabbed Ghost's hand and ran to the front entrance. Kage trotted behind them while Ghost complained that Okami was pulling too hard. They rejoined Znake at the front of the hospital and waited for Haruka. He chuckled upon seeing how uncomfortable Ghost was at having Okami hold his hand. Haruka arrived three minutes later dressed in something more casual instead of her rigid nursing uniform: a lovely petite pink flower dress with white shoes. She'd even done her hair up. Of course once she saw Kage she demanded that Znake make him stay at the hospital. Okami reminded her that Lord Fu had specifically invited Kage, which left her speechless.

“Let's just go already,” Okami nagged, annoyed that they had already spent so much time here. She pulled Znake to the door.

“All right, Okami. We're coming,” he chuckled, following her out of the hospital.

Haruka rushed up alongside Znake and whispered, “Hebikami-sama, are you seriously going to allow her to take that huge dog to Lord Fu's house!?”

“You heard her, Haruka. Lord Fu did technically invite Kage,” he grinned.

Her heart sank. This is going to be disastrous.

The streets were lit by small decorative lanterns, providing a warm calming light and the evening air felt cool and relaxing. The sun had just set, still casting enchanting reds and oranges across the sky, while on the far side of the city night blues began fading in. Some stars had already appeared and twinkled brightly. As they walked toward the Fu household, Okami and Ghost ran about in front of them. Haruka watched the children and Kage play. She risked a glance at Znake, he was smiling cheerfully, they almost looked like a family. Oh my goodness! Haruka’s eyes widened, she blushed at her inappropriate thought.

“They act like siblings,” Znake chuckled, turning to Haruka. “Even though, they’ve only known each other for a short time.”

“Huh? No! I mean, yes, they do,” Haruka faltered, her mind still struggling to terminate that thought.

She could feel her cheeks burn and avoided making eye contact. Znake stared at her quizzically, raising an eyebrow. She clasped her hands in front of her and just stared straight ahead.

“You all right?” Znake asked, resting a hand on Haruka’s shoulder.

At his touch, Haruka felt her stomach flip.

“Ah, Okami! Don’t do that.” She swiftly pulled out of his grip and walked faster toward the children. Thankfully Okami was mischievous.

“Aw, but-” Okami began, pausing halfway up a fence.

“No, buts. Behave yourself.” Haruka wagged a finger at her.

Ghost laughed. “Butts.”

Haruka glared at him and he smiled nervously.

“I want to see what’s on the other side,” Okami whined.

“You can’t just climb wherever you want,” Haruka reprimanded, resting her hands on her hips.

“Listen to Haruka, Okami.” Znake added.

Okami sighed away any snappy comebacks and jumped off the fence. Okami’s bare feet made a soft pat as they hit the paving.

“She doesn’t have shoes,” Haruka noted looking at Znake, her arms flopping to her sides.

He simply shrugged turning his hands up. Haruka sighed in exasperation.

“Relax, Haruka. That’s an order,” Znake winked.

She blinked at him in shock, her mouth agape. She could feel her cheeks buzz again, but she huffed, “Fine.”

Okami looked between the two of them curiously. The group traveled in silence for the next five minutes until Znake stopped in front of a grand building. It had a high outer wall with double doors made out of finely polished wood. Each had a gold insignia pressed into the wood and a guard standing rigidly at every post. The top of the wall was tiled like a roof, behind it a spectacular garden rose in tiers until it met the base of the main house. It was a towering three story building, with large windows and a curved concave tiled roof that spike up at the ends, very traditional like. Gold railings ran up each hip of the roof, curving up and down again like a dragon’s back. On the ridge of the roof a large gold ornament shone brightly in the setting sun. Each floor of the house had a small roof of its own about a meter long. They also curved upwards. Below them thick wooden support beams extended upward in a square pattern. Bright paper lanterns hung from every one, illuminating the house magnificently.

Znake approached the archway.

“Hebikami-sama.”

The guards bowed and one pushed the grand doors open. Znake nodded in thanks and ushed the group in. A few of the guards raised their eyebrow at Kage, but said nothing. A stone staircase trailed upward toward the house, each step masterfully decorated with engravings. Haruka gulped, even the garden steps looked extravagant. She looked at her clothes. I am so underdressed.

Just then Okami tugged on her skirt. Haruka looked down, sighing. “Yes?”

“Ghost thinks you look nice.”

Haruka blinked in surprise, speechless.

“Okami,” Ghost hissed, feeling embarrassed.

“What?” She turned to look at him. “That’s what you said.”

Haruka chuckled heartily, finally relaxing. “Thank you, Ghost.”

“Don’t mention it,” Ghost looked down, fists at his side.

Znake smiled. It was good to see Haruka unwind, she worked too hard in his opinion.

“Znake!” Called a voice up ahead.

They all turned to see Lord Fu waiting for them at the top of the stairs.

“Fu-gen,” Znake greeted, ascending the remain steps.

“Chasuki, your friends are here.”

Chasuki ran out from behind her grandfather and squeaked. “Okami! Kage!”

She was surprised, but happy, to see Ghost and greeted him with the same zeal. Once the whole group reached the main house Lord Fu guided them to his right, around the side. However, once he saw Kage he jumped back in alarm.

“Good heavens! What is that?”

“That’s Kage,” Chasuki giggled. “You invited him too, grandfather.”

“Oh, I did.” He frowned at the large panting dog.

“He’s Okami’s companion,” Znake explained. “He also helped protect Chasuki.”

“Don’t worry. He won’t hurt nice people,” Okami grinned, patting Kage’s leg.

Lord Fu cleared his throat. “Well, I suppose. Yes, if he helped, but make sure he behaves.”

Okami nodded, then turned to Kage. “You heard him, Kage. Be good.”

Kage huffed and nipped at her ear, as if to say ‘You too.’

“Okami. Ghost. This way,” Chasuki sprang happily.

Lord Fu smiled at the children as they ran in front of them.

“I can’t tell you how happy I am to see that Chasuki has some friends. She’s been so lonely. Even if one of them is a giant dog...” He trailed off.

“I must apologies, Znake,” he began again. “For my behavior at the hospital. Very brash of me.”

Znake waved his comment away. “Don’t be, Fu-gen. It’s only natural.”

They walked to an large outdoor dinner table, that had been ladened with food, it creaked under the weight. Think canvas had been pulled over above the table, creating a roof. It swayed gently in the breeze. Okami’s eyes widened in amazement. She had never seen so much food and so many different kinds. She pulled in a deep breath, making her stomach ache with excitement.

“Do you like it?” Chasuki shifted nervously.

“Do I like it?” Okami repeated, grinning widely. “This is the most amazing thing I have ever seen!”

Chasuki giggled happily. “Then let’s sit down.”

The children rushed to the table. Lord Fu sat at the head of the table with Znake taking the seat to his right and Haruka sitting opposite him. Znake pulled Okami into the chair next to him, making sure to keep her close, and Chasuki sat next to Okami. Ghost was the last to sit, hopping into the chair next to Haruka. Lord Fu glanced nervously at Kage, but he calmly sat behind Okami. Even sitting down Kage’s head rose over Okami’s chair, his keen eyes regarding the glorious layout of food. Okami wiggled her fingers and reached for some steaming leg of meat. Znake calmly grabbed her hand away.

“Not yet,” he whispered.

She looked up at him, her blue eyes disappointed, but she sat up straight and place her hands in her lap.

“A toast!” Lord Fu raised a crystal gold rimmed glass. “To Okami and Kage for protecting my precious granddaughter.”

“Grandfather,” Chasuki shifted uncomfortably, curling some hair behind her ear.

The table raised their glasses, but Okami looked around confused. She reached for a glass in front of her, but Znake cleared his throat.

“The one next to it,” he offered.

She raised the second glass and glanced at Znake, bewildered. He smiled encouragingly. Six well dressed men suddenly emerged from a side door carrying large jugs. They moved around the table uniformly filling the raised glasses and then stepped away to the side. Okami found that strange and frowned. Lord Fu emptied his glass and set it down. The rest followed. Okami sniffed the contents before she sipped it. It flooded her mouth with a sweetness that made her tongue tingle. It was strong, but not overpowering. Okami quickly finished the glass. She was a little disappointed that it was gone, but suddenly one of the men stepped forward and filled her glass. She smiled in delight. Lord Fu clapped his hands and the men set down the jugs, reaching for a plate respectively. The man behind her took Okami’s plate.

“Miss?” He enquired, gesturing at the table.

Her eyes sparkled and she whispered. “Everything.”

The man raised an eyebrow. Znake interjected, “Maybe half of everything.”

Okami’s serving assistant bowed. “Very well, Hebikami-sama.”

Okami glared up at Znake. How could he expect her to only eat half of everything here. All of the food gleamed temptingly.

“You have to save room for dessert,” Znake smiled.

“Dessert?” Her eyes glowed then she agreed, “Yes, half of everything.”

Once the men were done they placed a plateful of food in front of their respective person. Okami waited to see if she need to do any other strange ritual before eating, but everyone simply begun.  A plate of food was also prepared for Kage and he lapped up mouthfuls of the succulent meats. She licked her lips and reached for a large piece of ham. However, she froze, noticing everyone else using the shiny silver utensils. She looked at either side of her plate, there were so many knives and forks she didn’t know which one to use. She stared at her plate of delicious food in distress. Chasuki’s family was clearly powerful and influential. Okami didn’t want to offend them with her lack of table etiquette. She glanced at Znake, trying to not make it obvious. Then Chasuki nudged Okami gently.

“Use this one, Onee-chan.”

Chasuki pointed out the correct combination of knife and fork. Okami smile gratefully. Then cut her ham slowly and ate quietly. The tender meat was roasted to perfection, melting in her mouth and she sighed contently. In no time Okami had finished every spec of food on her plate. She resisted the urge to lick it clean. Her stomach still growled greedily. The others were all still eating, even though Okami had restrained herself. She shifted awkwardly.

“Are you finished already, dear girl?” Lord Fu addressed her.

“Yes,” Okami nodded, then added quickly, “It was very good.”

“Then by all means, have some more!” He laughed sincerely.

Okami grinned as her serving attendant picked up her plate and began filling it with food again. He set it down in front of her and also replaced her used knife and fork. Okami grabbed the correct utensils and resumed eating. This time she put extra effort into eating slowly. Even then she finished before everyone again, but refrained from asking for another helping. She was determined to wait for the dessert. If it was anything like this meal, it was going to be extravagant. Lord Fu made conversation while eating, asking Haruka how her position as Head of Medicine was treating her. Haruka replied modestly, but Znake insisted that it was a taxing job.

“Not as much as yours, Hebikami-sama,” Haruka bowed her head.

“It’s all the same,” Znake replied.

“Good man,” laughed Lord Fu. “A leader is only as good as his people.”

“I firmly believe that as well,” Znake smiled.

“So, Okami, tell me more about yourself.”

Okami glanced at Lord Fu, pulling her eyes away from studying the lusciously decorated house.

“Where are you from?” He offered.

Haruka and Znake exchanged looks.

“West,” she replied simply.

“Westwind? West City? Westridge? West Highland?” Lord Fu asked, smiling.

Okami shook her head. “Just west. Honestly, I don’t remember.”

Lord Fu nodded gravely, understanding. “How did you end up in Buten?”

“Kage and I were traveling and then we found it.”

“Goodness, I hope it wasn’t just the two of you.” Lord Fu blinked, surprised.

“Kage and I are good, but we had help. The wilds were tough but we survived,” Okami smiled, turning to look at Kage. No one seemed to notice, but her smile had a sad hint to it.

At the mention of his name Kage perked his ears and turned his head.

“Heavens,” Lord Fu sounded disturbed. “That’s quite dangerous. No wonder you’re such a strong fighter. You’ll be an excellent addition to The Academy.”

“That’s what I thought as well,” Znake added, slightly proud.

Haruka rolled her eyes, resting her head in her hand and sighing at how chuffed Znake was.

Lord Fu motioned for the serving attendants to come forward. They began packing up the plates and food, carrying them off on trays. One at a time they left through the side door and returned shortly with new trays. Okami could already smell the hot sweetness wafting from under the lids. She gripped her chair in excitement.

“I did a lot of travelling during my youth. Pity the roads aren’t as save now. I would have loved to take Chasuki on some of my trips.”

“Where did you go?” Okami asked, her interest perking.

“Oh, all over, my dear girl. Of course back then there were more places to go,” he chuckled nostalgically.

A silver serving tray with a shiny lid was laid down in front of everyone. Okami could see her reflection staring excitedly back at her. She grinned and her reflection grinned back, a brilliant white smile with pronounced canines. Her dark hair flared wildly in every direction. She leaned forward staring into the polished metal. Her reflection moved closer to, making its nose bulge. Okami giggled and moved her face around, distorting her image. Lord Fu clapped again and the serving attendants removed the lids.

“Whoa.” Okami’s mouth fell open.

A tower of ice cream and hot fudge sauce dripped onto honey coated wafers, topped with star shaped sprinkles. Small fruit pieces dotted the dessert as well. There were at least three flavours of ice cream. Okami could see pink, dark brown and white poking out from under the drizzled sauce. The smell captured her nose and she sighed, completely engrossed. Once again, multiple spoons accompanied the dish. Okami frowned at them. Chasuki helpfully pointed out the appropriate one.

“Enjoy,” Lord Fu smiled.

Okami nervously took a small spoonful of the dessert, her skin tingled with eagerness. She tried to fit a bit of everything on her spoon. Her mouth exploded with flavour and she savoured each bit like it was the last. Okami felt as if she had been dragged out of her body and could see her surroundings in an almost omnipresent way. Her hearing increased and she became hyper alert. It was an exhilarating kick from the sugar.

“Did you enjoy it?” Chasuki pipped up.

“It’s incredible!” Okami praised.

Ghost enthusiastically nodded in agreement, his mouth too full to actually speak.

“Yes, a lovely meal,” Haruka bowed in reply, smiling.

Chasuki’s eyes sparkled happily.

Znake cleaned his mouth with his napkin and rose. “Certainly exquisite. Not to put a dampener on things, but it is getting late, Fu-gen, and the children have had a trying day.”

Lord Fu rose as well, nodding. “Yes, of course. Always a pleasure, Znake.”

Znake nodded in return. The others stood up and followed Znake to the front of the house. Lord Fu and Chasuki accompanied their guests to the stairs.

“Oh,” Lord Fu exclaimed, suddenly remembering. “Chasuki, why don’t you fetch that gift.”

“Yes, grandfather,” she squeaked and ran off.

“A gift?” Znake asked.

“Yes, for Okami, of course,” Lord Fu smiled.

“You’ve already treated us to a meal,” Znake interjected.

“Nonsense, that was just a small part of it,” Lord Fu waved. “Heroism must be rewarded.”

Chasuki returned with two attendants carrying a white box each with golden ribbons wrapped around them. With a click of his finger, they removed the lid. Each box contained three outfits of breathtaking blue, white and black oriental silk.

“Lord Fu,” Haruka gasped. “These are astounding gifts...”

“Best silk in all the land,” he replied proudly.

“But,” Haruka began. “Okami is a…bit of an adventurous girl. These will get dirty.”

“The second box has plainer ones for common day usage.”

Znake sighed softly, there was no way they could turn down a gift from the Fu family.

“What do you say Okami?” Znake asked, nudging her toward the gifts.

“They’re very beautiful. Thank you.” Her eyes sparkled as she touched the silk.

The top blue outfit was a short midnight blue dress, with separate sleeves, that flared out slightly at the edges and cuffs. A beautiful gold pattern was stitched softly into the silk, reminiscent of the night sky. It was so excellently made that the gold and blue looked like a single fabric.

“Wow,” Okami said breathlessly. “And these are for me?”

“Yes, my dear. As a grateful grandfather, this family will always be indebted to you.”

Then Lord Fu, Chasuki and the two attendants bowed. Haruka silenced a gasp with her hand, Ghost’s mouth hung open and even Znake was speechless.

“Thank you for saving, my granddaughter!”

“A pleasure,” Okami bowed back.

Kage also joined in and dipped his head. Lord Fu rose, wiping away small tears.

“May you farewell, Okami and Kage.”

They said their goodbyes and Znake accepted the gifts. As they descended the stairs Okami and Ghost waved to Chasuki. The walk back was as silent as the night sky. Okami walked ahead with Kage, pointing out stars.

“That was quite a shock,” Haruka said softly to Znake. “I’ve never seen Lord Fu bow. And to an eight year old girl.”

Znake nodded, still surprised himself. “She certainly has a way of winning people over.”

“Like you?” Haruka said teasingly.

“I suppose so,” he laughed, bashfully scratching the back of his neck.

“That’s because I’m adorable,” Okami grinned from up ahead.

Znake raised an eyebrow, grinning.

“What? How did you hear us?” Haruka blinked.

“You’re loud,” Okami shrugged.

Ghost snorted.

“I am not,” Haruka glared, raising her voice, her annoyance perking again.

“All right, let’s call it a night, shall we?” Znake intervened before things got out of hand again.

“Goodnight, Haruka,” he said calmly.

“Goodnight, Hebikami-sama,” she sighed and bowed.

They split up and Znake led Ghost and Okami down another path. Haruka glanced back over her shoulder.

“But I’m not tired,” Okami looked up at him.

“I’m sure you’ll think differently once you lie down,” Znake grinned.

“Aren’t you going back to the Hospital?” Ghost asked, cupping the back of his head in his hands.

“I thought Okami could stay with us until The Academy opened,” Znake explained.

“Really?” Ghost tried not to sound too excited. “We can make a blanket fort!”

“What’s that?”

“Oh, it’s a lot of fun. You’ll love it,” he grinned, passionately.

“As long as you don’t make too much of a mess,” Znake grinned.