The Fox and the Hound [Closed/Sataki]

Yuki’s crimson gaze lingered only briefly before it started to slowly shift, taking in the form of the Hollow in front of her. They really are like us, huh? I was certain that there would be something scary or grotesque beneath the clothes. Eventually her eye did return to the creature’s face. She was asked a question. Huh? I could have sworn it was shared.

Moving to the edge of the springs Yuki sat upon the rock right next to the Hollow, which allowed for her shoulders to also lift out from the water, although not much else. The zanpakuto remained sheathed and beneath the water, hidden from sight. After shifting it around she managed to spot a crack where she could push the end into. Now her weapon was sitting upright without the need for her holding it, ready to be drawn at a moment’s notice from its hidden location. Yuki’s hands shifted instead to the belt of her robes, untying them while she answered the other occupant of the springs.

“I could have sworn that this was a shared springs. I apologize then for my intrusion. Unfortunately I have a few questions to ask you before I make a decision on what my next move will be.”

The belt was untied and the robes were slid off from her body. Yuki sat up on her knees on the rock and turned, dragging the robes out and onto a nearby rock so that they may dry off. She returned to a seated position facing the man, now completely naked save for her eyepatch. Of course the heated water was hazy and covered any features held beneath the surface, in this case being everything below her shoulders.

Yuki’s hands rested in her lap beneath the water as she spoke, tail swaying freely behind her, also hidden under the surface. “I assume you are here to relax and not to feed. For that reason I did not approach you with my weapon drawn. That and it would have been rude. I do apologize for interrupting your moment of rest and if all goes well then I will attempt to make it up to you. It is never my intention to be rude to people, you see. Unfortunately I must ask you a few questions.”

She relaxed somewhat, sitting back slightly though remaining with a straightened posture while she sat upon her knees. “First, why do you feed upon Humans and Shinigami and not upon Hollows? I know that Hollows, even evolved Hollows, must feed upon souls for their survival, and most that I have encountered are driven by a never ending hunger. For you to starve would be cruel, but feeding upon helpless Humans and feeding upon my brethren is not something that I can allow.”

The single crimson eye widened slightly with surprise. Wait, what? Did I just hear that correctly? For the moment she remained stoically neutral, listening politely to his words. He hasn’t eaten Humans? Nor has he eaten Shinigami. Am I dreaming? Beneath the water Yuki pinched the skin on her right leg carefully with clawed fingers. I’m not dreaming. A sudden thought crept throughout her mind. I just insulted him greatly then. I will need to make up for that as well. Still, he could be lying, but it would be rude to assume that now. He does seem sincere and he did not slay the Humans who are here.

He continued to speak and suddenly the gigai of Sataki disappeared. Some of his boney mask remained clinging to his head. The most exciting features however were the fox like ears and the mass of fox like tails which rose from the water behind him. He is like me! Then again most Hollows tend to take on some animalistic form. Perhaps we are not completely alike. Still, to have these features still as an advanced Hollow is quite interesting.

As the features returned back to a state that mimicked a Human’s the boy in front of her smiled and complimented her. When he thanked her she bowed her head slightly forward and started to speak up.

“First, I would like to apologize for assuming that you fed upon Humans and Shinigami. It is just that every Hollow I have met so far, whether they be evolved or not, has feed upon them. For those intelligent enough to listen and hold conversation I try to offer them a way to remain as they are. I was going to do the same to you and had you not accepted then, following time spent relaxing here in the springs, I would have carried out my duties.”

Water started to slosh around behind Yuki as her tail wagged from side to side excitedly, ears perking up completely. She actually started to smile slightly, though she didn’t yet notice it at the time. “But you are different and that makes me very happy. You are the first one I have met that does not feed upon Humans or Shinigami. If anything you are what I strive to make all Hollows like. I thank you for the life style you have chosen. It has brought me some hope for my mission.”

Yuki’s smile faded away as she noticed it, her expression returning once more to its typical neutral state. “If there is any way that I can make up for my rude behavior then please let me know. Not only have I interrupted your relaxation but I have assumed the worst about you. Also I must be honest with you. I brought my weapon with me and it is hidden within the springs. Although I would argue that my bringing it was understandable, considering what you might have been, it is still somewhat rude to hide such a thing whilst approaching with peaceful words.”

For a brief moment Yuki considered revealing her full power to the Hollow. It is not much, but still, it might scare him off. I would much rather converse with him! This is exciting! I’ll keep it hidden for now. I mean, come on, when am I going to ever get another chance like this one? I don’t hold any intentions of fighting him now so it technically isn’t rude, right? Still it will be harder to relax if I am trying to actively hide it. Plus other Hollows may pick up on us. I would rather not be interrupted right now.

A soft breath of relief escaped Yuki’s lips as she released her power back to its fullest. “Regardless, if it is alright with you I would like to relax and converse here, if you do not mind of course. This sort of occasion is quite rare.” Who knows? Maybe I will make a friend here today!

Yuki’s smile quickly returned when she was informed that she was, in fact, not at fault for her earlier assumptions. Of course she knew that she was correct in the matter but even so it had felt rude. He seems not to enjoy my smell. I thought that I had washed enough.

The boy released his gigai once more, her eye drifting to watch his tails. He has so many! It must be difficult controlling all of them properly. Sataki commented on her ears and called them cute. Her cheeks grew warmer as the faintest of blushes appeared upon them, her ears responding by drooping back and to each side slightly. Suddenly she felt his reiatsu grow heavier although it was not enough to really bother her.

Yeah there are only two Humans in the area. I doubt they will check back here. We should have the place all to ourselves for quite some time! It will be good to relax for once. Her attention returned to the fox when he asked her if she wanted to see something cool. The wolf’s ears perked up and her tail wagged more excitedly in the water behind her.

As he raised his hand Yuki’s gaze followed it, widening once more as spiritual energy was formed. Instantly her tail stopped wagging and she tensed up. The attack was launched into the sky and she turned to make certain that it was not going anywhere that might endanger Humans. Thankfully it detonated within the sky, breaking off into a sparkly shape of some strange scene. She relaxed quickly and returned her attention towards him. He could have warned me first.

Her head tilted to the left as Sataki reached his hand out, eye following it closely now after what he’d just showed off. She couldn’t help it. Soon the hand was pressed against one of her ears. The fur was soaked but still quite smooth and the flesh beneath warmer than a normal person’s. She leaned her head slightly into the hand as it pet against the ear, her other ear drooping off to the side as her eye closed. Once more her tail started to wag behind her. T-that feels nice. I mean it is rude that he did not ask first b-but I guess I owe him at least this.

She decided to scoot forward on her legs until she was sitting right in front of him, stopping once her right knee brushed against his right leg under the water. “I’ve h-heard of a few other cases of Shinigami with similar features but I have not yet met with them. It seems my kind is quite rare. My father told me it was the result of a curse upon our family but that is all that I know.”

There were a few moments of silence as Yuki thought about what to ask him next. That and she enjoyed this petting quite a bit! This is opening up. I mean, how much more open can I get? I am making friends with an evolved Hollow! I am t-trusting one. Takuma would be proud! Or he would be disappointed because it is a Hollow. But he would be proud if I was opening up to anyone else I bet!

“What sort of things do you like?” she asked a bit more timidly than she normally would have. That is a good start I think.

Yuki continued to press her head into the hand as it carefully manipulated her ear. Whilst in her state of slight bliss she listened quietly to his answer to her question. He likes animals, especially foxes. That doesn’t really surprise me. Foxes are cute. I’ve only met a few wolves to be honest. They know not to attack me. I suppose they are pretty nice. Sushi is very delicious. I could definitely agree to it being good but I would not say it is the best. Nature is another good answer. It is broad but it is also quite enjoyable. It is a shame that Humans have harmed it in so many regions. Still, it is not our job to enforce how they live their lives.

The foxy boy moved onto the things he hated. It was nice because she didn’t have to ask him another question and instead she could simply sit and listen and enjoy the movements of his hand. I can agree with that. Dishonorable people are not something that I enjoy either. Believing one’s self to be a god is also sort of dumb. Sure there are some strong people but that is going a little too far. I would most certainly agree that disloyalty to one’s friends is quite vile. Wait, the moon? Why would he hate the moon? I think the moon is quite lovely.

Sataki shifted the focus once more. He was about to tell a story. I love stories! Unfortunately the hand was removed from her head. Her features returned instantly to neutral, although her tail continued to wag in the water behind her. As the boy slid out from the water her eye danced along his form, taking in everything that was exposed. Yep. As I thought, they really are like us. When he started to speak again she listened in closely.

By the time he had finished a faint frown had appeared upon her face, especially when he had started to cry. So it was him in his past life, I think? Or he is really into the story. I would guess the former. It is quite sad but wouldn’t he love the moon then if that is where his love is now? I certainly wouldn’t despise the moon for that. I would despise the people who put her into the moon. Still, I do feel quite sorry for him.

One of Yuki’s small hands moved up and out from the water, patting softly against the closest leg of Sataki. They were quite soft despite her occupation as a warrior. After all taking care of one’s body led to a stronger body and that led to a stronger warrior!

“So is she still up there now? Or is she gone?” she asked curiously. She hadn’t even noticed that night had fallen. It was growing a bit chillier, but that was simply one more good reason for her to remain in the water. Besides, I do not know if he would mind my nudity. It would be rude for me to simply exit right now.

A simple nod escaped Yuki in response to his answer although her frown also briefly made an appearance. A monster. I wouldn’t say that. If anything you would be the opposite.

Her hair was ruffled by one of his hands, causing her eye to close in order to avoid being poked by a stray strand. The man returned to the water once more. Before she knew it one of the long drenched fox tails slipped around her petite waist beneath the water, dragging her body close to his. She was caught off guard and ended up falling right into his side. Her arms stretched out to catch herself although to no avail as her face landed against the closest arm. Um, woops!

Instantly her cheeks grew flustered in embarrassment. Her arms wrapped around his body so that she could use him as leverage. The soft skin of her body brushed against his right arm as she dragged herself back up into a proper sitting position next to him, once more upon her knees. Of course now the left side of her body was more or less pressed against the right side of his. She didn’t really mind this, of course. It was warm and somewhat comforting. Her right hand idly slid down, fingers grazing through the fur of his tail that drifted outwards, dragging softly across the flesh beneath as she pet it.

“S-sorry” she responded meekly, bowing her head forward briefly. A deep breath was taken to calm herself down and her arms finally released their grip from around his body. Meanwhile her tail had occupied itself by unconsciously wrapping around his, embracing it in a sort of hug.

Yuki listened in quietly to his words once again and once again his hand returned to embrace her ear with careful rubbing motions. Her eye closed again as she returned to a state of bliss, her other ear falling back closer to her head. He has a kind heart. He wishes to change how we view Hollows but that is not going to happen if he is the only one like this. He could certainly use some help. I bet I could help. Our goals seem to coincide.

She heard her name which prompted her eye to open, crimson gaze lifting to meet his. He was asking if she wanted to be friends with him and instantly her face lit up with a smile. Of course she waited until he finished speaking to respond. “You seem to be a nice person with the same goal that I have. It will be difficult to convince others that not all Hollows are bad. But I would like to help with that. I would not mind being friends with you. That would make me quite happy.”

Her left hand unconsciously moved beneath the water to pat once against his outer thigh. “And stop referring to yourself as a monster. A monster is a horrible thing which does horrible things to people. You are not that, at least, I have not seen that and I know monsters when I see them.”

Like I thought. It really was his story. I seemed to have reminded him of her somewhat. I hope that it doesn’t hurt him. That would be rude.

Suddenly two fingers dragged carefully along the very outer edge of the ear that was being pet, squeezing slightly. They pressed inwards and massaged along the inner ear. Yuki couldn’t help but close her eye again, biting her lip slightly to muffle sounds that would announce the absolutely blissful feelings that ran down along her spine. The hand that rested upon Sataki’s leg squeezed gently. N-not that spot!

Unfortunately she couldn’t hear his next words. Everything was drowned up to her during the moments spent massaging the most vulnerable points within her ear. S-so good! It’s like he’s practiced t-this or something. I n-need to figure out what to say to stop this. Okay, think, think, t-think.

Thankfully for her she wouldn’t need to think of an excuse. Instead Sataki stood up. In turn Yuki slumped forward slightly, exhaling softly with a mixture of relief and dissatisfaction from being released from the state of bliss. Her cheeks were a bright red now, flooded by embarrassment. I n-need some fresh air.

Her gaze moved to watch as Sataki left, and once he was out of sight she crawled out from the springs. She grabbed the robes and pressed them loosely to the front of her body in order to at least preserve some modesty. It wasn’t as though she personally cared, she simply didn’t know whether or not he did. Isn’t wine alcohol?

Yuki looked up to the stars and the moon above, both of which covered the cloudless night sky. Beautiful.

By the time Sataki returned she had cooled off well enough. Her entire backside would have been exposed if it were not for the combination of her hair and her tail. Locks of black onyx stuck to her damp skin, covering up most of her back while her tail provided a cover for her petite backside. When Sataki slid back into the water so did she, tossing the robes out once more as she was submerged up to her shoulders again. She was once more sitting up against his right side, although this time her tail slid around his waist, returning the hug that she had been given earlier.

When she was handed a glass of white wine she bowed her head in gratitude. I don’t normally drink alcohol, but it would be rude to deny his offer. The warmth of these springs is not going to help but just one glass should be fine, right? She lifted the glass to her lips and took a few sniffs of it. Fruity but dry and certainly alcoholic. No sweetness at all. Oh well. Instead of sipping the drink she simply did what she did before when she tried whiskey: she chugged the entire glass. Instantly her cheeks returned to a flustered state and her face and chest grew warm. “T-thank you” she stated quietly.

Yuki tilted her head slightly to the left which caused it to bump against his arm. People sip this stuff? It would burn for longer that way. Also this stuff does not taste good. I do not think I will ever understand the value to these drinks. She felt his hand slip around her lower back, sliding along the smooth soft skin, although occasionally it was met by the faintest of elongated thin bumps where the tiny remnants of ancient scars remained.

Sataki spoke up about returning to his room and an offer for her to join him. The man took another glass of wine and started to sip at it before he spoke up about free food. I didn’t bring my gigai so I have no money to pay. I am already being rude enough by stealing a bath here. Plus free food means sweet stuff! I doubt they will have strawberries at a place this small but even so-

Her thoughts were suddenly cut off as the fingers returned to careful grinding along the most sensitive parts of her ear. It was sudden and it caught her off guard. A gentle gasp escaped her lips, mouth hanging open slightly and eye shutting once more as her body leaned slightly to the left and into his side. “O-okay. U-um, if you d-don’t mind. I c-can share” she stated quickly, hips wiggling slightly from side to side as blissful feelings rushed throughout her body once more. I-it would be rude to take his bed, after all. Oh, right! I almost forgot. I should make certain first.

“I s-sleep naked, i-if that is a problem then let me know now.” After all it would b-be rude to suddenly spring that upon him later. At least t-this way I can find somewhere else to sleep if it is.

Once her ear was finally released Yuki shuddered and responded to his earlier statement with a slight nod. She listened quietly to the details of his room. What? Really? In this resort? You’d never guess that there were elevators let alone private underground hot spring rooms! Now this I have to see!

Sataki exited the water and Yuki watched him as he took his leave. A brief moment was spent in the water on her own, both to relax after finally having her ear released and to sense for the Humans who lived here. They are together again and no longer in the front of the resort. Perhaps they have gone to sleep? If so I will be able to move about without consequence.

After grabbing her zanpakuto Yuki exited the water. She crouched down and grabbed the bath robes, not bothering to put them on as she was now completely alone. It is so nice outside tonight. Her gaze returned to the beautiful sky above while the chilled air cooled her body enough to cause faint wisps of steam to flicker upwards from it. I wonder if I will get in trouble for this sort of thing. Well, that is something to worry about later I suppose.

A gentle yawn escaped from her as she made her way back into the female changing room. The bathing robe was dropped off into a bin after she folded it up neatly. Next she grabbed her bundle of clothes, looping her zanpakuto through them. Once she was prepared she made her way into the resort itself, still completely naked. It wasn’t as if she was doing anything rude now. Everyone was asleep so she could not offend anyone.

She found the elevator after roughly ten minutes of searching for it. When she entered she looked over the various buttons. Right. The reading thing. Let’s see here. He said HW, and I would guess that the other floors would be numbers. Her eye carefully traced down along the column of buttons until it reached the bottom one. It was the only button with what she could identify as letters, so she pressed it.

When the elevator doors opened up Yuki stepped inside, glancing about at the massive room. There was a lobby which split off into a bedroom, a room with a bunch of technological devices, and a bathroom. Yuki decided to do some exploring first. She quietly made her way over and into the bathroom to check out the bath tub. As it turns out there was no bath tub here, only a shower, but it certainly did lead into a small private hot springs pool. He wasn’t kidding. She turned and next briefly glanced into the room filled with technological devices. There were comfortable chairs, something she recognized as being a very large television set, and some other strange boxy devices. Finally satisfied with her little exploration trip Yuki moved into the bedroom.

I told him we could share. It would be really rude if I woke him up right now, but I think it would be even ruder if I did not share. Sataki was asleep on the couch and the bed was certainly large enough to accommodate them both. Yuki walked over to the right side of the bed, setting the bundle of clothes next to it on the floor. Sheets and blankets were dragged back on both sides. She moved over to where Sataki slept, briefly glancing him over. He trusts people a little too easily. What if I were someone who did not mind lying? He would be slain right here where he slept.

Carefully Yuki scooped him up, lifting him off the couch gently so that she did not wake him from his slumber. She carried him over to the bed and laid him down on the left side. Of course she rested him on his side so that his tails would be comfortable.  Once she was happy with his position she grabbed the sheets and blanket on his side and dragged them up to cover him. Satisfied with the outcome she moved over to the right side, sliding onto the bed. She curled up facing away from him, dragging her own blanket and sheets up to cover her own body. Good night. It did not take her very long to fall asleep.

When Sataki woke up from his nightmare Yuki still remained comfortably asleep and facing away from him in the bed. Only her right ear twitched once in response.

It is okay! Do not worry about it. Just have fun!

When Sataki slipped out from the bed he would notice Yuki’s naked backside. While her hair was now dry and the side of her petite body was exposed her tail was wrapped up over her right leg, resting loosely in front of her. The bottom half of her smooth cheeks were exposed.

Something smells delicious! Yuki woke up some time after Sataki to the smell of bacon and eggs. She sat up on the bed, stretching her arms over her head with a gentle yawn, not caring that the blankets fell down to reveal her small bust. It didn’t matter much: Sataki was off in another room. Unfortunately, before she had the chance to venture out to her food Yuki felt another presence. I suppose my rest is over now.

Sliding out of bed Yuki slipped on her clothes within half a minute. She was well practiced by now. The zanpakuto was grabbed and unsheathed. Sataki is already heading up and he is releasing his power. There will be no time for pleasantries.

Yuki darted to the elevator and upon reaching it she leapt upwards from wall to wall, cleaving her way through the bottom of the elevator once she reached the top floor. Sprinting through the halls and cutting through any wall that fell into her path Yuki quickly reached Sataki and the Hollow. Unfortunately the couple had been slain. This Hollow was much weaker than she was. The full extent of her power was unleashed and with a rapid build-up of energy in her legs Yuki disappeared.

When Yuki reappeared she was right in front of the Hollow. Her blade flashed out while she spoke up. “I am Yuki Kameko of the fifth division. You are saved” she stated calmly to the Hollow, cleaving her blade straight through the mask and head in one powerful strike.

The blade was cleaned off with one sleeve before she sheathed it, turning to face Sataki, bowing her head. “I apologize for that. Our blades purify Hollows when they are slain. They are returned to the cycle of rebirth. I do not know if the weapons of Hollows do the same. I also do not know if the souls of these two Humans have also been purified but, just in case, I felt it necessary to rush here in order to finish it off. Also thank you very much for breakfast. Also I might have made a bit of a mess here. I can attempt to assist you with making repairs if you desire.”

Also you might want to recount your words in the post above and fix the numbers.