Foxside: The Temple of Inari 54 - Ten Years of Foxes

[Fenric]

After answering a few more questions, Katsuo glances at the clock

Ok, class: last item for today. The first of the abilities that you will work on is your foxfire. It is an illusion of small ball of fire and the color will be linked to your own personal aura.

Many young foxes find it easiest to create first at the tip of their tail, but this is not in any way a requirement or limitation.

So, if we refer to page one of your packet...

Katsuo goes over the steps very slowly, then a bit faster, then finally at a "proper" speed: demonstrating each time. Then it is the class' turn.

[Recaiden]

[Ruined Temple of Darkness]

Kep sees the reformed "no kill" trap (:)), but the tunnel bends to the left again making much forward scouting impossible. There does not seem to be a follow-up to the two slots in the wall where blades most likely had come out with some force: fortunately not low enough nor far enough back to have caught our intrepid clone.

On he goes across the room, avoiding anything that looks about 1 step away from the first trigger. But from here on it's creeping and examining everything. No one puts in just one hidden deathtrap.

[deleteman900]

After answering a few more questions, Katsuo glances at the clock

Ok, class: last item for today. The first of the abilities that you will work on is your foxfire. It is an illusion of small ball of fire and the color will be linked to your own personal aura.

Many young foxes find it easiest to create first at the tip of their tail, but this is not in any way a requirement or limitation.

So, if we refer to page one of your packet...

Katsuo goes over the steps very slowly, then a bit faster, then finally at a "proper" speed: demonstrating each time. Then it is the class' turn.

Genji works along with him, struggling to stabilize the small ball of fire just a bit. He can summon it, but it seems to continuously sputter and nearly go out. A frown is written all over his face as he tries harder the second time, getting it a bit brighter, but still it gutters and nearly dies... He flushes slightly, looking around and trying to see if anybody noticed that he'd failed so far.

[Fenric]

[Ruined Temple of Darkness]

With careful sneaking and checking, Kep finds a dart trap, one to drop a chunk of ceiling on his head, one that launches spears from the floor, and one that seems like it would have released some sort of gas.

Finally, Kep stands in front of a smooth metal panel which lacks any obvious way to open.

---

[School]

The other children are not doing all that much better. A few of the littlest ones are crying from thinking they set their tails on fire, though.

Katsuo checks the clock once more

Our time is up for this morning. Your homework for tonight is to practice your foxfire: try to have a stable ball that lasts for at least five heartbeats.

[deleteman900]

[Ruined Temple of Darkness]

With careful sneaking and checking, Kep finds a dart trap, one to drop a chunk of ceiling on his head, one that launches spears from the floor, and one that seems like it would have released some sort of gas.

Finally, Kep stands in front of a smooth metal panel which lacks any obvious way to open.

---

[School]

The other children are not doing all that much better. A few of the littlest ones are crying from thinking they set their tails on fire, though.

Katsuo checks the clock once more

Our time is up for this morning. Your homework for tonight is to practice your foxfire: try to have a stable ball that lasts for at least five heartbeats.

If Genji had more time, he would've tried to help one of the littler ones, but as it was he needed to get ready for the next lesson and reluctantly put out the guttering flame he did manage, as he waited patiently, resolving to ask Jian for help, since she was a little older, and most likely knew how to do it.

[Morty]

[Tour of the Temple]

Batu nods, and bows to the priest.

"Thank you for showing me around the place. Now I think I'll go see those... Pokemon creatures. They sound very interesting. I hope to meet you here again."

[Recaiden]

[Ruined Temple of Darkness]

First things first, Kep knocks on the panel.
Then he looks around the edges to see if he can tell how it's connected.
Then he tries all the magic words they've heard of, starting with 'open sesame' and carrying on for some time.

[Tour of the Temple]

The priest gives Batu a nod.
"You are welcome, neighbor. Do enjoy the pokemon center, and when you return, you will likely find me."
And a wave goodbye. The tour completed, he heads towards the priests' quarters.

[deleteman900]

[Tour of the Temple]

Batu nods, and bows to the priest.

"Thank you for showing me around the place. Now I think I'll go see those... Pokemon creatures. They sound very interesting. I hope to meet you here again."

Genji has nothing better to do, so he tails along with Batu once more, "Truthfully, I haven't seen these pokey-men yet either."

[Fenric]

[Ruined Temple of Darkness]

Alas, none of those things is the right solution.

It does appear that perhaps the answer does not lie in physical means...

---

[School]

The school bell now rings, and Katsuo nods

Class dismissed.

Jian goes up to the front to see what else Katsuo needs her to do.

[deleteman900]

[Ruined Temple of Darkness]

Alas, none of those things is the right solution.

It does appear that perhaps the answer does not lie in physical means...

---

[School]

The school bell now rings, and Katsuo nods

Class dismissed.

Jian goes up to the front to see what else Katsuo needs her to do.

The poor tod was somewhat confused, having thought there'd be more than one class for some reason, but seizes the opportunity to pad up to the front of the room, giving a light bow first to Katsuo, and then Jian in lieu of interrupting any conversation that might be starting, and interjects as soon as he can without being rude to ask Jian for help with some extracurricular work, assuming that Katsuo is far too busy to help every kit that walks up to ask a question.

[Fenric]

[School]

Jian smiles pleasantly

I'd be happy to help you with your foxfire, Genji.

Katsuo hmms

I think you're supposed to be going for academic assessment, Genji: That will determine which classes you still need to take. Jian, please take Genji down to the school counsellor's office.

Jian nods

Yes, Dr. Katsuo. Come on, Genji.

[Recaiden]

A mystical temple lock for a mystical temple door.
Maybe they can come back and investigate later, but for now there's far too many options and it's probably something magical that Kep can't do.
He turns and starts picking his way through the traps once again, to get back to the exit to the underground, a more natural place, the river.

[deleteman900]

[School]

Jian smiles pleasantly

I'd be happy to help you with your foxfire, Genji.

Katsuo hmms

I think you're supposed to be going for academic assessment, Genji: That will determine which classes you still need to take. Jian, please take Genji down to the school counsellor's office.

Jian nods

Yes, Dr. Katsuo. Come on, Genji.

Genji wasn't aware that the older kitsune had a doctorate, and looks at him with newfound respect twinkling in his eyes, along with a bit of admiration. Regardless, he redirected his attention to Jian after a moment, unable to help the slight thrill that pulsed through his veins and quickened his heart as his tail swished... "Thank you for the lesson today, Sir." Genji addresses Katsuo, before very nearly skipping out of the classroom behind Jian, :p

[Rebonack]

[School]

You know who else goes to school here?

Why, none other than Khannie Vallarm!

Though, she probably wouldn't be going to one of the classes for the young kitsune. Mostly because she isn't one. As Genji leaves the class he may encounter the (apparently) human girl locked in a heated argument with another child presently staring at their phone! "No, it's dumb," Khannie insists, pursing her lips and and crossing her arms akimbo. "They aren't even real."

Okay.

Maybe not a heated debate.

The other child is too busy playing with their phone to give much of a reply, which seems to agitate Khannie further. She doesn't do anything about it, though. Mostly because her dad has been very clear that she isn't allowed to punch people. Unless, of course, the people in question are monsters of some kind trying to harm her or her friends. Then she gets to punch them as much as she wants. But a classmate playing a video game that she thinks is silly certainly doesn't fall into that category.

Khannie herself appears mostly unremarkable child with black hair and blue eyes. She's wearing an adorable kangaskhan hoodie along with a pair of cargo pants. Around her neck hangs a little pendant with what appears to be a brown and purple cats-eye marble hanging from it. Maybe she'll be encountered in the hallways? Stay tuned to find out!

[Morty]

[Pokemon Center]

"If they're really all magical, this should be very interesting," Batu says, as he makes his way towards the center. "I didn't know you could get so much magic in one place without something weird happening."

[Fenric]

[Ruined Temple of Darkness]

Alas, poor Kep does not find out that it's a simple Darkness spell to trigger the door.

Back, back through the silent darkness to the door with the warning sign. Then out through the door and into the wilds! It has been so long since anyone last came this way that underground denizens have given up lurking, and dust lies thickly upon the floor.

It is not so quiet here: the sound of flowing water echoes endlessly in the passages, and the ever so popular drip sound is frequently heard. The air is cool and damp.

---

[School]

Katsuo nods to Genji's thanks, and away they go. It takes no time at all to encounter Khannie, and Jian giggles

Hey there, Khannie. Still trying to convince people to stop playing the most popular cellphone game ever invented?

[deleteman900]

[School]

You know who else goes to school here?

Why, none other than Khannie Vallarm!

Though, she probably wouldn't be going to one of the classes for the young kitsune. Mostly because she isn't one. As Genji leaves the class he may encounter the (apparently) human girl locked in a heated argument with another child presently staring at their phone! "No, it's dumb," Khannie insists, pursing her lips and and crossing her arms akimbo. "They aren't even real."

Okay.

Maybe not a heated debate.

The other child is too busy playing with their phone to give much of a reply, which seems to agitate Khannie further. She doesn't do anything about it, though. Mostly because her dad has been very clear that she isn't allowed to punch people. Unless, of course, the people in question are monsters of some kind trying to harm her or her friends. Then she gets to punch them as much as she wants. But a classmate playing a video game that she thinks is silly certainly doesn't fall into that category.

Khannie herself appears mostly unremarkable child with black hair and blue eyes. She's wearing an adorable kangaskhan hoodie along with a pair of cargo pants. Around her neck hangs a little pendant with what appears to be a brown and purple cats-eye marble hanging from it. Maybe she'll be encountered in the hallways? Stay tuned to find out!

[Ruined Temple of Darkness]

Alas, poor Kep does not find out that it's a simple Darkness spell to trigger the door.

Back, back through the silent darkness to the door with the warning sign. Then out through the door and into the wilds! It has been so long since anyone last came this way that underground denizens have given up lurking, and dust lies thickly upon the floor.

It is not so quiet here: the sound of flowing water echoes endlessly in the passages, and the ever so popular drip sound is frequently heard. The air is cool and damp.

---

[School]

Katsuo nods to Genji's thanks, and away they go. It takes no time at all to encounter Khannie, and Jian giggles

Hey there, Khannie. Still trying to convince people to stop playing the most popular cellphone game ever invented?

Genji can't help but pause for a moment, entirely confused on what was going on right now. He isn't entirely sure what a cellphone is, but he at least knows what a game is, though that doesn't explain why she wants folks to stop playing it... Genji's tail swishes agitatedly as his mind races, trying to puzzle out the nuances of what has been said so far, and ending up seeming introspective at best, if not like he's completely non-talkative.

[Rebonack]

[School]

"No, I'm just trying tell them that it's stupid," Khannie retorts.

The child she was talking to gives a little squeal of glee before hurrying off, no doubt because something rare just popped up on his screen.

Gotta catch 'em all, you know?

"And I should know. I'm an expert."

Not really, Khannie. You've never caught a pokemon before, real or imagined. You just punched them.

Khannie's pretty sure that makes her an expert, anyway.

"I guess it's better than the video games where people just sit in front of a TV..." she admits. "But those are dumb, too. 'cuz they aren't real either."

But wait, what's this? A new person? Khannie decides to shift her attention to something far more interesting than flashing images on a screen. "Hi! I'm Khannie Vallarm! Are you new at the school?" She has gotten pretty good at distinguishing one fox person from another. A helpful skill when a goodly percentage of your school's population consists of fox people.

[Deathkeeper]

Sanctary

Nick turns of course, perhaps snaking his tail around Geneva's a bit early, but he's really not even thinking about it at this point. Jace lounges in the front row, on Nick's side mostly as a technicality. Zebes is being a kobold because the seats aren't built for tiny things. The rest of Nick's side is just some Union people of no real consequence.

Nick doesn't say anything. He's afraid if he does his heart might fly out of his beak the way it seems to be trying to beat its way out of his chest at the moment.

[deleteman900]

[School]

"No, I'm just trying tell them that it's stupid," Khannie retorts.

The child she was talking to gives a little squeal of glee before hurrying off, no doubt because something rare just popped up on his screen.

Gotta catch 'em all, you know?

"And I should know. I'm an expert."

Not really, Khannie. You've never caught a pokemon before, real or imagined. You just punched them.

Khannie's pretty sure that makes her an expert, anyway.

"I guess it's better than the video games where people just sit in front of a TV..." she admits. "But those are dumb, too. 'cuz they aren't real either."

But wait, what's this? A new person? Khannie decides to shift her attention to something far more interesting than flashing images on a screen. "Hi! I'm Khannie Vallarm! Are you new at the school?" She has gotten pretty good at distinguishing one fox person from another. A helpful skill when a goodly percentage of your school's population consists of fox people.

Genji is startled and jumps halfway out of his skin, "Hi... I'm uhh.. Genji. Genji Ikari, it's... nice to meet you?" He offers a single hand for shaking, not a paw, since he's much closer to human in appearance than fox. "What... what are you talking about? What was that child doing?" It's quite clear that phones were a new concept to Genji, and he wasn't entirely aware that Pokemon Go was even a thing. His tail swish-swish-swished like a mad-fox from the confusion and surprise, but he couldn't just run away, because then Jian would make fun of him, and probably tell Peng, and then he'd never live it down for forever and ever... D:

[Fenric]

[Sanctuary]

Caroline smiles, then looks up over Nick and Geneva's heads and begins the time-honored introduction

Dearly Beloved:

We are gathered here today to unit Nick Richards and Geneva Fischer in the bonds of holy matrimony.
If anyone here today knows any just impediment why these two should not be married,
let them speak now, or forever hold their peace.

---

[School]

Jian chuckles

It's a phone game where you catch little creatures called Pokémon by throwing little red and white balls at them. It is completely silly, but shockingly popular.

The trouble is... Khannie is a Pokémon, so you can see how it is just a trifle offensive. Though to be fair there is an even more tedious and ridiculous game called "Fox Simulator"... it's just nobody actually plays that.

If you ever want to hear a way longer and more eloquent rant on the subject, one of the priestesses here - name's Delphie - is also one. Just ask her what she things.

[Rebonack]

[School]

"Hi Genji Genji Ikari! You don't wanna know 'cuz it's dumb and there are better things to do than play video games all the time instead of climbing trees, and exploring caves, and shattering rocks with your fist," Khannie declares.

Khannie doesn't look much like a pokemon.

Currently.

She looks like a pretty normal human child. Which is mostly due to a neat trick that Grandpa Koi taught her, of which she's greatly thankful. It's just as well. She likes being human. Which means she's like her dad. And being like her dad is pretty much the best thing possible, as far as she's concerned. The only thing that ranks up at a similar category is learning fun things, fighting fun things, and jumping off fun things. All fantastic activities. But sitting around on a couch isn't a very fun thing. It's a boring thing. And with that point in mind, she glowers at the mention of Pokemon Go.

"It isn't offensive!" she pouts. "It's dumb! Lots of pokemon are feral, so it doesn't matter if they get beat up or caught. Unless beating them up makes them stop being feral because that happens sometimes."

Was it mentioned Khannie is from the Mystery Dungeon universe?

Good heavens that place is just bursting with fridge horror the longer you think about it. People just randomly losing their sapience and wandering out of town? Ugh.

"Why would people want to spend so much time chasing around things that aren't real when there are plenty of fun real things to do?" Khannie hrumphs. "Like just yesterday, I caught a butterfly and ate it! It tasted gross, so I probably won't do that again."

What does that have to do with anything?

[Sanctuary]

Well.

Geneva sure isn't objecting to the ceremony.

But maybe someone ELSE will!

...

......

Nope.

Fortuna doesn't seem to be using this moment to pop in and spread a bunch of chaos everywhere. That's probably a good sign.

[Recaiden]

[Ruined Temple of Darkness]

Alas, poor Kep cannot cast even a simple darkness spell.

There's that refreshing drip sound!
Kep sets down his briefcase, and opens it up so both halves are hanging sideways from the handle. And he lets all the foxes that were in the briefcase jump on out of their extradimensional holding space. Pale, triangle-faced foxes with big cupped ears that would give the fenethi a run for their money. They quickly scurry about, chirping excitedly and exploring this new space.

[deleteman900]

[School]

Jian chuckles

It's a phone game where you catch little creatures called Pokémon by throwing little red and white balls at them. It is completely silly, but shockingly popular.

The trouble is... Khannie is a Pokémon, so you can see how it is just a trifle offensive. Though to be fair there is an even more tedious and ridiculous game called "Fox Simulator"... it's just nobody actually plays that.

If you ever want to hear a way longer and more eloquent rant on the subject, one of the priestesses here - name's Delphie - is also one. Just ask her what she things.

Genji nods, "I can see where it would be offensive if folks were pretending to enslave your people. I don't think I'd take particularly kindly to that either...." Genji frowns, before turning to Khannie and saying...

[School]

"Hi Genji Genji Ikari! You don't wanna know 'cuz it's dumb and there are better things to do than play video games all the time instead of climbing trees, and exploring caves, and shattering rocks with your fist," Khannie declares.

Khannie doesn't look much like a pokemon.

Currently.

She looks like a pretty normal human child. Which is mostly due to a neat trick that Grandpa Koi taught her, of which she's greatly thankful. It's just as well. She likes being human. Which means she's like her dad. And being like her dad is pretty much the best thing possible, as far as she's concerned. The only thing that ranks up at a similar category is learning fun things, fighting fun things, and jumping off fun things. All fantastic activities. But sitting around on a couch isn't a very fun thing. It's a boring thing. And with that point in mind, she glowers at the mention of Pokemon Go.

"It isn't offensive!" she pouts. "It's dumb! Lots of pokemon are feral, so it doesn't matter if they get beat up or caught. Unless beating them up makes them stop being feral because that happens sometimes."

Was it mentioned Khannie is from the Mystery Dungeon universe?

Good heavens that place is just bursting with fridge horror the longer you think about it. People just randomly losing their sapience and wandering out of town? Ugh.

"Why would people want to spend so much time chasing around things that aren't real when there are plenty of fun real things to do?" Khannie hrumphs. "Like just yesterday, I caught a butterfly and ate it! It tasted gross, so I probably won't do that again."

What does that have to do with anything?

"That's an excellent question. To me, doing something with your own two hands is fun. Why, I remember when I was barely more than a kit, and how I'd play with some of the other young boys of my village. One time in particular was when most of the village was working to raise a barn. I wasn't big enough to really help with any of the actual construction, but we got to do little things to help everyone out, and for decades that barn stood. Every time I looked at it, even when those other boys were all grown men, with wives and younglings of their own, I remembered that experience, remembered that I was there for it. There's something to be said for putting hard, honest work into something, and getting to see the results like that, especially when it turns out well." Genji's frown turned into a smile, "Though that's not to say that we didn't play at sword fighting with sticks, and go swimming in the river sometimes. I even remember when we all hit that certain age, and all the other boys couldn't stop fawning over the girls. I thought it was kind of ridiculous at the time, but, well..." he glanced over at Jian, betraying his current thoughts on that issue.

[Fenric]

[School]

Jian grins at Genji: there are no secrets of that sort among the foxes.

How things change with time and perspective.

Then a gentle chuckle at Khannie - it's so cute how children will latch onto the first reason they come to for any given position and cling to it like a religious belief.

As you say, Khannie - there are far better things to do.

[deleteman900]

[School]

Jian grins at Genji: there are no secrets of that sort among the foxes.

How things change with time and perspective.

Then a gentle chuckle at Khannie - it's so cute how children will latch onto the first reason they come to for any given position and cling to it like a religious belief.

As you say, Khannie - there are far better things to do.

The fox looks away nervously as he realizes that he was caught, silly body making silly chemicals that she could smell, D: His attention re-focused on Khannie, internal turmoil (as minor as it was) calming significantly as he smiles, reaching out to ruffle her hair with a small grin, "It sounds like a horrifying concept, I agree with what you're saying for the most part. But unfortunately, unless they're actually hurting real pokemon, I don't think there's much we can do..." He says, almost sadly.

[Deathkeeper]

Sanctuary

Nick, Nick Jr, and Zebes all perk their ears, but no one stands up or speaks. This is good.
Jace might have perked his ears but his ears don't work like that, so no such action is taken.

[Rebonack]

[School]

When the conversation moves to the subject of 'back in my day' Khannie attention quickly begins to drift. They've been learning long division in class. Figuring it out was kind of hard, but she thinks that she's got it down now. Khannie has decided that she enjoys math. It's like figuring out a puzzle! Like strength training, except for you brain. And not the sort of strength training with brains that psychic-types do, either. Do they have to lift weights, except with their special attacks instead of their arms? Khannie isn't sure. Maybe she should ask Missus Geneva some time? She probably knows about that since she's a psychic type. Or maybe even Delphie! Delphie would know for sure. Jain might know if she does or not, Khannie should ask.

"Does Missus Delphie lift weights with psychic powers?" she asks, seemingly out of the blue. This is clearly a pretty important question.

Almost as important as Khannie getting to her class on time.

The bell is likely to be ringing any moment, but the girl has been so caught up in riveting debates and deep philosophical questions that she has quite lost track of time.

Then her hair gets ruffled, resulting in her scrunching up her nose and failing ineffectually. "Pokemon get beat up all the time. That's normal. It's how pokemon get stronger! Just last week I gained a level 'cuz a punched a giant mole rat popped out at me and Zebes when we were going for a walk."

Yes.

Khannie does in fact gain levels due to experience gain.

[deleteman900]

[School]

When the conversation moves to the subject of 'back in my day' Khannie attention quickly begins to drift. They've been learning long division in class. Figuring it out was kind of hard, but she thinks that she's got it down now. Khannie has decided that she enjoys math. It's like figuring out a puzzle! Like strength training, except for you brain. And not the sort of strength training with brains that psychic-types do, either. Do they have to lift weights, except with their special attacks instead of their arms? Khannie isn't sure. Maybe she should ask Missus Geneva some time? She probably knows about that since she's a psychic type. Or maybe even Delphie! Delphie would know for sure. Jain might know if she does or not, Khannie should ask.

"Does Missus Delphie lift weights with psychic powers?" she asks, seemingly out of the blue. This is clearly a pretty important question.

Almost as important as Khannie getting to her class on time.

The bell is likely to be ringing any moment, but the girl has been so caught up in riveting debates and deep philosophical questions that she has quite lost track of time.

Then her hair gets ruffled, resulting in her scrunching up her nose and failing ineffectually. "Pokemon get beat up all the time. That's normal. It's how pokemon get stronger! Just last week I gained a level 'cuz a punched a giant mole rat popped out at me and Zebes when we were going for a walk."

Yes.

Khannie does in fact gain levels due to experience gain.

Genji chuckles, but is otherwise thoroughly unsure how to follow the thread of the conversation after that sudden of a leap, looking to Jian for some assistance as he retracts the hand he'd used to patpat Khannie's head, tail swishing happily as patting the youngster's head really helped soothe his overactive brain. Maybe there was something to this whole pokemon thing after all...~

[Fenric]

[Sanctuary]

Caroline returns her gaze to Nick and Geneva with a big smile

Nick, do you take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife?
To have and to hold, for better or worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health;
forsaking all others 'til death do you part?

---

[Ruined Temple of Darkness]

Oh, my: would you look at that!

The river continues to flow, and condensation continues to drip, and a blind cave rat comes out to see what the commotion is.

---

[School]

Jian tilts her head and hmms

I don't think so? All I've ever seen her and her acolytes use is fire and divination with that stick she's always carrying around.

She smiles at Genji

Delphi is a type of creature called a Delphox. The name is coincidental, by the way, and she's quite sensitive about it. She looks rather like the Fenethi, but she's taller and has bright orange ear-fluff that sticks out.