View source for 917/Morning of the Fox

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2016/01/24
|Location=Hisakata Residences
|Synopsis=The morning after the ritual to free Ayana from Riventon, Ikiko awakes to a frightened fox and a concerned father. How will she handle both?
|Cast of Characters=75, 86
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:86|A red fox (86)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Sunday dawns over the Hisakata house. Outside, the birds are chirping and chittering excitedly, fighting over a collection of donuts that were left behind the evening before by a physically and emotionally drained Prism Keeper Orange.<br /><br />It's those birds that wake the fox from its slumber. Birds, and the hunger in its belly.<br /><br />For the past six months, this little fox has lived a dream. It was turned into a girl, developed friendships, and fell in love.<br /><br />This morning, however, those memories have mostly faded. The little fox awakens an hour after it should have, if it meant to hunt for a morning meal. Dusk and dawn are the active times of this creature, but dawn has already passed.<br /><br />The fox awakens with a yawn, and stretches out, then finds itself wrapped in the arms of another, much larger creature. A fleshy, hairless creature. A ''human''.<br /><br />The shrill of terror that the little fox lets out sounds very similar to a screaming grandmother.<br /><br />The fox bounds away from Ikiko and crashes into her nightstand, then shrieks again and bounds away once more until it lands on her headboard and backs away towards the wall, trying to get away.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:75|Ikiko Hisakata (75)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>The ruckus that the fox kicks up awakens Ikiko. She slowly levers herself into a sitting position as she blinks owlishly, still somewhat tired from last night's ordeal. There was the ritual, and the gloom, and Ayana changing color...<br /><br />She gives the little fox a kind smile. "<span style="color:#afaf00">Good morning, little Ayana,</span>" she says softly, reaching over to pick up the bag of jerky. Good, there's still some left. "<span style="color:#afaf00">Would you like some tough-meat to gnaw on?</span>" she offers, holding out a larger piece of jerky by one end.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:86|A red fox (86)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>There's a little thumping of worried feet outside Ikiko's bedroom. Someone's coming.<br /><br />The fox stares at Ikiko with terrified eyes, but the jerky smells delicious. It seems torn between wanting to eat the jerky, and wanting to run and hide. And yet, the little fox understands those words. "<span style="color:#AFAF00">Scared</span>" it says. "<span style="color:#AFAF00">Hungry. Meat?</span>"<br /><br />The fox looks like it just might be about to bravely reach for the jerky with its maw when a knock sounds at Ikiko's door. "Ikiko?" it's her father's voice. "Is everything okay in there?"<br /><br />The little fox lets out another yelp of terror and runs straight for the corner. So intent on getting away is the creature that it doesn't fully understand its environment, and it rusn straight into the wall with a loud thump, then falls off the headboard and onto Ikiko's bed, where it staggers around confusedly for a moment.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:75|Ikiko Hisakata (75)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Ikiko Hisakata winces. Her parents -- ''that's'' what she forgot about last night! "More or less!" she calls back, then winces at her word choice. Explaining Ayana's current state might be a bit of a trick, but it shouldn't be too hard, all things considered.<br /><br />Calming down a scared fox? A bit more of a challenge, but still doable.<br /><br />Calming down a scared fox ''while trying to keep her parents from finding out about her canine-related powers?'' That... could be tricky.<br /><br />She takes advantage of the fox's momentary stun to stand up from where she fell asleep on the floor and sit down on the bed, scooping up the fox and cradling it in one arm. "<span style="color:#afaf00">Safe now,</span>" Ikiko murmurs softly, gently tapping the chunk of jerky to the fox's chin. "<span style="color:#afaf00">Tough-meat for now, then we can get you soft-meat later. I '''will''' keep you safe. Promise.</span>"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:86|A red fox (86)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>The answer does not console Ikiko's father. "More or less!? What's that supposed to mean?" She can hear the indecision in his voice. He's always given his daughter plenty of room to grow and experiment on her own, but he very much wants to open the door right now. "What was that screaming?"<br /><br />The little fox starts to yelp again, when Ikiko scoops it up, but then there is meat being pressed to its jaw, and its entire scream is deflated. Instead it opnes its mouth and goes to town on th eating.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:75|Ikiko Hisakata (75)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"It wasn't me," Ikiko replies. "Um..."<br /><br />She hesitates for a moment. There's not much she can say without giving things away. And if her parents pry into what's going on, who knows how much they'll find out about herself and Ayana?<br /><br />But what if she offers ''some'' information, but not all of it?<br /><br />She smiles and gives the fox a skritch between the ears. This just might work. "You know how I said a month ago that Ayana's brother was trying to tap into the power of the kitsune? And you know that she came over last night?" she calls to her dad. "Well..."<br /><br />A brief pause, then she continues. "I used the bond-breaking ritual with some purification measures added in, but it turns out there was an unexpected twist. Instead of Ayana being a human being turned into a kitsune..."<br /><br />Ikiko carefully stands up, carrying the fox with her as she walks to the door and opens it. "...she was a fox being turned into a human to artificially create a kitsune," she finishes, giving the fox more skritchies.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:86|A red fox (86)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"Well if it wasn't you, then who was it?" Ikiko's father asks, his voice growing stern. In a minute, she's going to receive a lecture.<br /><br />When she opens the door, Ikiko's father takes a step back and blinks as he stares down at the fox in his daughter's arms. "... oh," he says, and for several moments the man doesn't seem to know what to say at all. "Oh, Ikiko-chan," he murmurs once his mind catches up. "I'm so sorry. That isn't what I expected at all, although it does fit the myths rather ... appropriately. The Kitsune were never girls who became foxes. They were always foxes who became women."<br /><br />His voice is soft, and there is a sense that he might reach out and hug his daughter. But instead he merely stands there; available if she needs it, but not pressuring. "Are you alright? Does she ..." he pauses and trails off, then squints a little. "Ikiko, didn't she have black ears and tails?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:75|Ikiko Hisakata (75)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"Yes, that is how the stories usually go," Ikiko agrees, nodding. And it's '''very''' appropriate in Ayana's case! But as far as Ikiko is concerned, that's something that doesn't need to be mentioned to her father.<br /><br />Now, how to explain the color change?<br /><br />By hiding the truth behind other truth. "I did use some purification measures when setting things up," Ikiko remarks. "I think the influence of her so-called brother was much darker than we expected, since she changed color from black to reddish-orange as the bond broke down."<br /><br />She continues to pet the fox as it chews on the jerky. "I think reverting to a fox has her confused," Ikiko adds softly. "Maybe we can help her find her personality again?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:86|A red fox (86)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"Ikiko," Papa Hisakata replies, "she's a fox." He seems to think this is a logical conclusion for his daughter to work through. "There's not much personality for her to find." He sighs and reaches up to gently pat his daughter's shoulder. "I know this isn't what you want to hear, but you may have to accept that your friend ... is how she was meant to be, now."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:75|Ikiko Hisakata (75)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Ikiko Hisakata frowns slightly, still petting the fox. "I should at least keep an eye on her until we're sure there's no lingering effects from what she's gone through," she suggests, trying to think of a way to buy time. "May she please stay here for a month, dad? I used the full moon to help strengthen the ritual, so she should be alright if no problems occur before then. I'll be sure to take care of her while she's living here!"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:86|A red fox (86)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"A month!" Hisakata replies, then sighs as he considers his daughter's face. "Ikiko, she's a wild animal. She ought to be out ..." he trails off, then sighs. "Out in the wild," he finishes. But how can he resist his daughter's hopefulness? It's as if Ikiko had the tail, and it were wagging with desire. "You really are hoping she'll remember you, aren't you," he notes. "How will you even know if she does? What will you use to determine whether she's sapient, or merely a fox?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:75|Ikiko Hisakata (75)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"If she's still as clever as she used to be, I'm sure she'll find a way!" Ikiko smiles brightly. And talking to the fox in caninespeak when her parents aren't around will also help, too. "It'll just take time, tender care..."<br /><br />She lightly kisses the fox on the forehead. "...and love," she whispers softly, so quiet that only the fox might hear her.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:86|A red fox (86)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Ikiko's father stands torn for several moments. On the one hand, domesticating the fox ensures it will never truly survive in the wilds. On the other hand, here is his daughter holding the creature, and it doesn't seem to be protesting overmuch. With a heavy, longsuffering sigh, he says, "I will discuss it with your mother. For now ... find a way to take it for a walk or something, after you've changed."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:75|Ikiko Hisakata (75)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>If Ikiko had a tail, it'd definitely be wagging now! "Thank you, dad!" she beams, trying her best not to bounce around too much -- that's disturb the fox, after all. Instead, she gives her father a large one-armed hug (being careful not to squash the fox), then steps back into her room and gently closes the door behind her. She pushes the blankets on her bed to make a temporary nest for the fox, then puts the fox in the nest for a bit.<br /><br />After changing out of her pajamas and cleaning up from after the ritual -- and waiting until her father has walked away from the door -- Ikiko sits down on the bed next to the fox. "<span style="color:#afaf00">Welcome home, Ayana,</span>" she smiles, petting the fox again.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:86|A red fox (86)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>The little fox is finishing up its jerky by this point, and reaches up to scratch its ears with its hind legs. It turns round and round, then settles down into the nest and stifles a yawn. Right up until there is that voice. It looks up at Ikiko, startled, then tilts its head at her.<br /><br />"<span style="color:#AFAF00">Home?</span>" the little fox asks confusedly. "<span style="color:#AFAF00">What is home?</span>"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:75|Ikiko Hisakata (75)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Ikiko Hisakata reaches over to gently skritch the fox's head. "<span style="color:#afaf00">Home is like a nest that you can return to, where you feel safe and loved,</span>" she explains. "<span style="color:#afaf00">A place out of the rain and the wind and the cold, where dogs can't get you and you can find food without having to hunt.</span>"<br /><br />The skritches move over to the fox's ears. "<span style="color:#afaf00">If you come with me, I can take you to get tasty soft-meats, and I can get you some neck-things that will help keep you safe by letting others know that you're with me,</span>" Ikiko adds. "<span style="color:#afaf00">If you trust me, will you be willing to be carried around by me for a time while we get those things?</span>"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:86|A red fox (86)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>This isn't really a difficult decision for the little fox. After all, food has been provided ''twice'', along with a safe and abnormally warm bed. Its little tail wags slowly as it leans into those scritches, twisting around to gnaw gently on Ikiko's hand. That seems like an affirmative, at least.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:75|Ikiko Hisakata (75)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Ikiko Hisakata smiles at the friendly response. "<span style="color:#afaf00">Let's go, then,</span>" she says as she stands up. She scoops up the fox, cradling it in one arm again as she heads out the door and downstairs to the entry hall. "I'm heading out!" she calls to her parents, gently putting the fox on the floor for a moment while putting her shoes on.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:86|A red fox (86)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Curiosity gets the better of the little fox as she's set down. She steps towards the pile of shoes near the door and begins sniffing them ... or specifically begins sniffing the pair of soft white boots that belonged to Ayana. There's still a bit of mud on them from the koi-fish fiasco. The fox sniffs at the mud, then paws at it gently, then looks up at Ikiko.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:75|Ikiko Hisakata (75)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"<span style="color:#afaf00">Those were boots you wore on your feet when you had a human form,</span>" Ikiko murmurs quietly to the fox. "<span style="color:#afaf00">Sort of like how I am wearing my shoes,</span>" she adds, tapping a finger to her shoes.<br /><br />She scoops up the fox, then ducks outside. Her jacket isn't fully buttoned up to the top; if the fox wanted to, it could probably wiggle into the jacket to stay warm next to her!<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:86|A red fox (86)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"<span style="color:#AFAF00">I had a human form?</span>" the little Fox asks confusedly. But then they're on their way out into the street, and it's ''cold'', but more importantly ... the little fox does indeed wiggle, but it wiggles to get ''out'' of Ikiko's arms. Quick like lightning it scampers away to hide behind a tree and do its business.<br /><br />A few moments later, the little fox trots back towards Ikiko, holding its head high and licking its teeth.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:75|Ikiko Hisakata (75)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"<span style="color:#afaf00">You did,</span>" nods Ikiko as the two walk along. "<span style="color:#afaf00">And a number of human friends, too! Your name was 'Ayana', and you were a very, very good friend of mine.</span>"<br /><br />It's a bit of a long walk to the pet supply store, but Ikiko goes at a pace that the fox can keep up with. "<span style="color:#afaf00">If you'd like to hide in my jacket where it's warmer, just let me know,</span>" she offers, holding the unbuttoned flap open for a moment.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:86|A red fox (86)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>The little fox does keep up for a short bit, but then it gets distracted. Honestly, it might be best for ''Ikiko'' if she keeps the thing in her jacket, because now it's off sniffing at a random bit of wall beside the highway, beneath a street lamp. When the offer comes, the fox doesn't respond to it; it just keeps sniffing around curiously.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:75|Ikiko Hisakata (75)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Ikiko Hisakata blinks as the fox keeps sniffing around that part of the wall. That didn't have anything to do with Ayana... or did it?<br /><br />The recollection of the meeting from the other day comes to her mind. "<span style="color:#afaf00">A white-haired person who knew you in human form was waiting there a few days ago,</span>" Ikiko remarks as she walks over to the fox. "<span style="color:#afaf00">He mentioned that he owed you some help, but he didn't go into details, and he never told me his name.</span>"<br /><br />She scoops up the fox and tucks it into her jacket. "<span style="color:#afaf00">The sooner we get you the neck-things, the sooner we can get you plenty of tasty meat,</span>" she adds. "<span style="color:#afaf00">If you need me to place you down, just let me know.</span>"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:86|A red fox (86)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>The little fox's ears flick back as she's lifted, but mostly from surprise. It squirms a little until Ikiko places it in her jacket, at which point it seems more confused than bothered. Soon enough it settles, head poking out above the zipper, little nose pointed here and there as it investigates the world curiously. "<span style="color:#AFAF00">Warm</span>" the little fox notes, in a tone that distinctly sounds pleased.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:75|Ikiko Hisakata (75)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Ikiko Hisakata smiles and skritches the fox, then continues onward. As they approach the pet supply shop, she glances in the window to see who's working today. "Oh good, it's Matsukata-san," she murmurs. Tokaji Matsukata is a regular part-timer at the shop, and familiar with Ikiko stopping by to pick up supplies for the Animal Care club... including the occasional unusual or emergency item. Ikiko having a fox in her jacket isn't too likely to phase him.<br /><br />She picks up a collar and matching leash (in a blue as vivid as Ayana's eyes, natch), plus food- and waterbowls, a couple of cans of wet dogfood, and a heart-shaped decorative collar tag with 'Ayana' engraved on it in hiragana. Tokaji gives Ikiko an odd look when she puts the items on the checkout counter. "Club stuff?" he asks idly while he rings up the sale.<br /><br />Ikiko nods, pays, and thanks him, then heads over to a small nearby park. "<span style="color:#afaf00">Okay, I got the neck-things for you,</span>" she says to the fox as she attaches the tag to the collar. "<span style="color:#afaf00">This is a collar,</span>" she explains as she hold it up for the fox to see. "<span style="color:#afaf00">With this on your neck, people will know that you're protected by someone.</span>"<br /><br />She gently puts the collar around the fox's neck, sizing it for a correct fit. "<span style="color:#afaf00">And this is a leash,</span>" Ikiko continues, holding up the leash. "<span style="color:#afaf00">With this end attached to your collar and me holding onto the other end, people will know that you're protected by me.</span>"<br /><br />She then connects the leash to the collar, then skritches the fox again. "<span style="color:#afaf00">Now we can go get something to eat,</span>" she smiles. "<span style="color:#afaf00">I know something that you liked to eat when you were in human form, and I think you'll still like most of it even now.</span>"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:86|A red fox (86)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>The fox remains relatively content within Ikiko's jacket as the young girl wanders through the store, picking up items for her new pet. By the time they reach the park, though, the little fox is starting to get squirmy, legs kicking unhappily at being cooped up.<br /><br />The 'neck things' are inspected with brief sniffs, then she tilts her head. "<span style="color:#AFAF00">Collar?</span>" the little fox repeats. It seems to hesitate on that point for several moments, as Ikiko puts the thing round its neck. "<span style="color:#AFAF00">Wrong collar.</span>" It doesn't seem angry, just ... uncertain. And squirmy.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:75|Ikiko Hisakata (75)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"<span style="color:#afaf00">Your old collar went missing,</span>" Ikiko replies apologetically. "<span style="color:#afaf00">I don't know where it is.</span>" Well, it's not like she knows where Mikoto lives, after all -- or even if the collar's still there!<br /><br />With the leash in hand and properly attached to the collar, Ikiko helps the fox out of the jacket, placing the squirmy canid on the ground. "<span style="color:#afaf00">Ready to go for a walk?</span>" she smiles.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:86|A red fox (86)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Immediately, the little fox--'Ayana' is its name, it seems--begins sniffing around at the ground. It reaches the grass and has a sniff, then its ears flick up sharply and it rushes back to hide between Ikiko's legs. "<span style="color:#AFAF00">Dog.</span>" the little fox says uncertainly.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:75|Ikiko Hisakata (75)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"<span style="color:#afaf00">I'll keep you safe,</span>" Ikiko reassures the fox, giving it a quick ear-rub before standing up. She looks around, eyeing the surroundings to see what's around. No humans are nearby, and no dogs are visible.<br /><br />Still, that doesn't mean that there's no dogs in the area. Better safe than sorry, then. "<span style="color:#afaf00">This fox is named Ayana, and she is an Ikiko-friend,</span>" Ikiko states with a clear, projecting voice. "<span style="color:#afaf00">Ayana is part of Ikiko's pack, and should be given as much courtesy as Ikiko herself.</span>"<br /><br />She looks around a bit more, then kneels down to pet the fox. "<span style="color:#afaf00">Most of the stray dogs respect me,</span>" she explains to the fox, giving it more skritchies. "<span style="color:#afaf00">As do several of the local house-dogs. Any of them that heard me will now consider you as a friend of mine, so they won't attack you.</span>"<br /><br />A slightly defiant grin crosses her face. "<span style="color:#afaf00">And if any dogs that ''aren't'' my friend heard that, they'll know that you're protected by me, and that they'll have to fight me if they still want to attack you,</span>" she adds.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:86|A red fox (86)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>The little fox's ears perk up a little at being addressed as Ayana. Sure, Ikiko said the name earlier, but she wasn't paying much attention at the time. She peers out from between Ikiko's legs, then tangles her leash as she wraps round them once, then again, then tries to go back to sniffing the grass, only to find the leash too short to do so. She pauses and looks up at Ikiko, then turns around and starts gnawing on the leash.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:75|Ikiko Hisakata (75)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"<span style="color:#afaf00">Careful about walking around stuff when you have the leash on,</span>" Ikiko giggles softly as she disentangles herself from the leash, restoring the full length of slack to it. "<span style="color:#afaf00">If you go around something without going back the other way around it, you can wind up having less leash available to wander around with, at least until we get it untangled.</span>"<br /><br />She stands back up, looking around one more time. "<span style="color:#afaf00">Want to go get something to eat? I know a place where I can get you some tasty meats to eat,</span>" she offers. As a matter of fact, she's also starting to get a bit hungry. A sandwich sounds good right about now...<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:86|A red fox (86)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>The fox continues gnawing on the leash a moment longer, then turns away and starts to head deeper into the park--towards the Koi Pond, in fact. "<span style="color:#AFAF00">Food</span>" it explains as it tries to tug Ikiko that direction. But let's be honest, even as a girl Ayana was never really stronger than Ikiko. That hasn't changed.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:75|Ikiko Hisakata (75)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Ikiko Hisakata tugs a different direction. "<span style="color:#afaf00">I know something ''tastier'' than fish,</span>" she replies. "<span style="color:#afaf00">And it's easier to get, ''and'' people don't yell at you as much about it! Come on, we need to go this way to get to it.</span>"<br /><br />Through use of consistent pulling and the occasional carry, Ikiko brings the fox to a sandwich shop. She buys two sandwiches (pepperoni, cheddar, and alfalfa sprouts on wheat, plain for Ikiko; ham, pepperoni, beef, egg, turkey, tuna, and mustard for the fox) and a pair of bottled drinks (juice for Ikiko, water for the fox), then takes them and the fox to a bench on a quiet sidestreet. She serves the fox's food into the appropriate bowls, then takes her own sandwich. "Itadakimasu~" she smiles, then takes a bite of the sandwich.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:86|A red fox (86)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>The little fox is not hard to tug in the right direction. After only a few mis-tries, she realises that the leash is not going to let her go where she wants. So it's with a little bit of sullenness that the creature winds up following Ikiko, though it doesn't fight against the leash much the rest of the way. When they reach the sandwich shop, it sniffs at the air, then spins around thoughtfully before bounding into the air to try and get to that smell. It fails, lands, then tries again, then lands again, then lets out a low yowling noise.<br /><br />Of course, Ikiko keeps the fox waiting far longer, as they return to the park. But eventually the food is placed in a bowl, and the little fox starts diving into the food, shifting bread out of the way so it can get to the meat ... and msutard? The fox recoils immediately with a yellow-stained nose, blue eyes crossed in uncertainty. It licks at its nose, recoils again, then peers into the bowl.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:75|Ikiko Hisakata (75)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Ikiko Hisakata stifles a small laugh. "<span style="color:#afaf00">When you had a human form, you liked it with mustard,</span>" she says apologetically. "<span style="color:#afaf00">That's what the yellow stuff is called. If you want, I could wipe away the mustard for you?</span>" After all, the fox doesn't seem to be interested in the bread; she could use that (and possibly some napkins) to remove the mustard for it.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:86|A red fox (86)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>The little fox looks up at Ikiko, mustard still on its nose, then looks back down at the sandwich. It studies it for a long moment, then sniffs the mustardy meat again. After a moment it digs its teeth in carefully, then begins to eat more earnestly, quickly devouring the meat, mustard and all. Soon, Ayana's face is a mustardy mess. But at least she seems to be enjoying the sandwich.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:75|Ikiko Hisakata (75)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>With the fox feasting away, Ikiko eats her own sandwich at a more sedate rate. This should give the fox a longer opportunity to drink the water; it's easier to carry a bottle of juice than a bowl of water, after all.<br /><br />Once Ikiko's done with her meal, she gives the fox a smile. "<span style="color:#afaf00">Ready to go back home, Ayana?</span>" she asks. "<span style="color:#afaf00">We got what we came here to get; now we can go back home where it's warm.</span>"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:86|A red fox (86)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>There's still a lot of mustard on the poor fox's face, but she's managed to get some of it off through drinking the water. There's also still plenty of bread in the bowl, and water in the other. But at least the little fox looks contented.<br /><br />At Ikiko's question, the fox lets out a little yip of approval, then stifles a yawn. "<span style="color:#AFAF00">Sleepy</span>" it explains.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:75|Ikiko Hisakata (75)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Ikiko Hisakata nods understandingly. "<span style="color:#afaf00">Come on, then,</span>" she smiles, dabbing a napkin into the water and using it to clean off the fox's face. With the mustard removed, she tucks the fox into her jacket, then picks up the food- and waterbowls and empties them into the nearby alley before taking them home with her and the fox.<br> <br>
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