A Cold Truth

Sayuri fluffed her tail as she lazed in her home, having sold all of her meals early in the morning, she had enough time to restock on meals before mid-afternoon, which left her with the much needed time to groom her tail and return it to its full glory. After a deep cleanse, intense conditioning, and some pre-detangling that took place in the bath. Sayuri now sat in the living room, with naught but a hoari loosely draped over her shoulders, enjoying the peacefulness of her home with a fine comb in her hands carefully and methodically running its teeth through her fur, lost in the sensations that such intense care brought with a bright, small smile on her face. There was truly nothing that could compare, to the feeling that a perfectly groomed tail could provide.

Once Sayuri was wholly certain that every singular piece of fur had been laid straight, she gently laid her hand atop her tail and softly chanted, "Warmth."

The gentle heat washed through her tail, carefully evaporating any water that remained among the strands of fur before moving enough to reach a vial of vanilla infused oil Sayuri had specifically ordered solely for her tail. Wetting her hands with the oil, she ran her finger through her fur, before washing over it with the comb once more. Once she was content, her hand washed over her tail once more as she smiled widely, as the fluff of fur gently laid in her lap. The faint warm scent of vanilla caressing her nose as she closed her eyes basking in the supreme greatness that was the fluff of fur in her lap…

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

While a Little Fox admired her own tail, a youthful figure sat in the dungeon with his seven party members. All seven pairs of eyes washed over to the figure as he motioned to a dwarf who carried a large pack, the dwarf immediately took the pack from his back and laid it down in the middle of the circular gathering.

"So, I'm sure you've all heard of 'Little Fox Meals'. Loki, brought up a brilliant point that they could be used for expeditions to raise morale. So, for our delve to the 30th floor, I have bought these… As Riviera has already found," the youthful figure sent a smiling gaze to the jade haired elf as she studied a linen wrapped box, "They have been enchanted with magic."

A young elf let out a gasp as she pulled a linen wrapped box from the box, while a wolf-kin raised a brow, "The magic has been studied, and most seem to think that [Mystery] has been used in the manufacturing process, though the lack of other sources for the meals on the market show that those people have failed to recreate the process."

The youthful figure gestured for the rest to grab a box from the bag, and once they had he grabbed one for himself, as he continued, "The magic seems to preserve the meal for up to 3 days in the same condition it was in when packed, any longer than that and it will began to lose heat and the food will begin to lose its intended form…" He paused as he peeled away the linen, and opened the lid of the box producing a satisfying pop, "It also seems to have a strengthening effect that protects the food within from any harm… Though, all of the magic's effects seem to disappear the moment you opened, marked by the pop you had just heard. As of now there only seems to be three different meals, I have bought quite a number of each…"

The youthful figure paused once more, as he bit down on a potato stick, allowing the jade haired elf to speak, a curious enlightened glint in her eyes, "This— Who made such a thing?" She opened her box with a pop feeling the sensation of mana fleeing the box, as she gazed down at the seared fish, steamed vegetables, and rice within, her gaze drifted to the box in the youthful figures hands finding the meal much less healthy looking, as he took bread wrapped round of meat into his hands, "I can't imagine why such magic is being used on food, instead of potions…"

The dwarf shrugged as he took his utensils from the top of the box, opening it with a pop as he was gladdened to find strips of meat dripping their wonderful juices over a mound of steamed vegetables, with a side of mashed potatoes and a healthy amount of gravy, "Who can argue with good food in the dungeon," he pulled a flask out from behind his chest plate as he began to eat.

The young elf meekly interjected, "What about the cooks?"

The youthful figure felt as if she had more to add, but her silence brought him to speak as two amazonesses traded their meals, "The cooks will still have their place in an expedition. The kitsune who sells these only has a limited amount every day. I had to arrive at day break just to buy these. Surprisingly enough, I found Ottar waiting the same as I was."

That caused a few curious—shocked gazes to drift his way, as a chuckle slipped from his lips, "It's slightly more expensive than dehydrated meals, but the taste, texture, and smell of these is far superior… Though the reason I brought all this up, instead of simply informing you of the change in meals and going into further details during our reports… Was that the Kitsune had casted magic on me—"

"What?!" The jade haired elf exclaimed but the youthful figure quickly continued.

"The chant sounded like a simple blessing, 'I wish you safe travels, and bountiful blessings'… I hardly even noticed the magic taking hold. Haven't the number of drops we received on the way down been slightly exaggerated?"

The wolf-kin's focus was solely on his meal, while a blonde haired youth stared at her fish. The young elf's eyes widened in realization, while the jade haired elf hummed in thought, "Your right… Nearly half the monsters we killed had left a drop… I had just thought that we were lucky…"

"This… THIS… is amazing!" For the first time the wolf-kin spoke, his face dirtied with remnants of his meal as he licked his fingers.

The jade haired elf sent him a cold look of disapproval, while the dwarf chuckled, one of the two amazons scooted closer to the youthful figure, a small piece of fish held between her finger, as she cooed "Finn~"

The youthful figure took the piece of fish from her finger and popped it into his mouth bringing a squeal from the young woman, as he spoke, "I still feel a warmth settled in my chest, so I think that the woman's magic has yet to fade… We've already experienced the 'Bountiful Blessings', so I'm inclined to think that 'Safe Travels' will help us along our path deeper into the dungeon."

The jade haired elf wiped her mouth with a square of cloth provided with the meals, "Have you inquired about the owner of the establishment? Perhaps she's a retired adventurer?"

The youthful figure shook his head, "I have asked, and the guild has no information on the woman aside from the fact that she had inherited a stall permit. No records of a Familia, or recorded entrances into the dungeon."

The jade haired elf frowned, "An unregistered Familia then…?"

The youthful figure shrugged, "I doubt it, if a Familia had the means to produce something like this they would capitalize on it. They wouldn't limit themselves to only three hundred meals a day, the profits would hardly be enough to keep a Familia running."

"A retired member from a Familia outside of Oriaro then," The young elf interjected, only for the youthful figure to give another shrug as he slipped a potato stick past his lips, "Your guess is as good as mine."

Their talks continued for some time longer before they packed up, ready to delve deeper into the depths of the dungeon, "Alright, Bete, Ais, and Tiona will take point until the 25th floor where Tiona and Ais will switch out with Gareth and I."

A chorus of affirmation sounded and they headed out…

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

Sayuri strolled through the streets of Oriaro, her tail gently swaying behind her as her eyes wandered the surrounding buildings. A dull red haori loosely draped around her body and fixed in place with a masterful use of an obi sash, allowing the wind to caress her pale legs giving them some much needed sun. Occasionally returning casual greetings with a kind smile and a polite nod, as she made her way through the streets of the Dungeon City.

Her dark silver hair had grown even darker through the months she spent in the city, and the soft silver was reduced to undertones in the darkness that stretched down her back in a loose, low hanging bun.

Her dark brows furrowed, as a hand landed on her shoulder, yet they relaxed as she turned to find a large familiar boaz staring down at her, his deep voice causing the fluff in her ears to tremble, "Here, take this."

He hadn't given her an option, as he shoved a sheathed knife into her hands, and promptly walked away without leaving Sayuri a chance to thank the man for his needless gesture. Briefly watching his retreat, she turned her cerulean blue orbs to the leather wrapped handle in her hands, and partly unsheathed the blade, finding it a deep monstrous red. Her dainty thumb washed over the flat of the blade, before gently touching upon the edge, feeling the sharpness indent—slice through her soft plaint skin, her eyes briefly widened.

Not even her knife at home; which she sharpens every few days, could cut through her inordinately pliant flesh without any pressure. Her eyes darted to look for the large man's back once more, but they couldn't even find his shadow, nor could she hear his occasionally heavy, occasionally light steps.

Fixing the blade back into its sheath, Sayuri stuffed her new cookware into her obi before continuing along on her stroll. Making a mental reminder to cook the surprisingly kind boaz a large and hearty meal for tomorrow, though she'll be giving up one of her personal meal boxes, it was a pitiful exchange when compared to the wonderful blade he had attempted to thanklessly gift her.

As her feet carried her down the street, Sayuri began to craft a meal in her mind, intent on providing the large man with the best meal he'll ever taste in his life.

As the sun began to, and hide behind the tall walls of Orario, Sayuri slowly retreated to her home. Taking in the gorgeous view of the city in the dim light provided by the lamps on the sides of the streets.

Finishing her day with a light meal, the Kitsune crawled into bed, and slowly drifted off to sleep…

Sayuri awoke before the light of the sun touched the sky, and immediately made her way to the kitchen. Grabbing one of her personal meal boxes that had been purposefully sealed to hold soups and other liquid-based dishes, she set it on the counter before moving to the ice box and grabbing a bundle of wheat noodles, marinated pork, two eggs, and a number of other miscellaneous food items.

Setting them aside, she returned to the icebox and grabbed her specialty broth that she used exclusively for her own meals when she felt like spoiling herself. The next few hours were spent putting the dish together, as well as making her breakfast and lunch for the day.

Sealing Ottar's meal, she rested her palm above the box as she softly chanted, "Warmth, Preservation, Protection… Imbue…"

The last chant dyed the geometric matrix in a brief prismatic hue as she imbued her appreciation for the gift into the meal, with the intent of the mana to enhance every aspect of the meal. Her mind felt sluggish from the massive withdrawal of mana, and her legs grew weak… Sayuri had brought herself to the edge of 'Mind Down', pouring in every available drop of mana into that singular meal…

Taking a few moments to stabilize, and collect herself, Sayuri heaved a long sigh before gathering her things and loading the cart. Spending a few little while longer to take a quick bath, and properly get dressed, Sayuri made her way out into the city.

As she drew closer to the designated location of her mobile shop, she spotted another figure next to the large boaz; what seemed to be a young cat-kin— A deep frown washed across her face at the blatant lack of care and grooming, the ignorant cat-kin gave to his tail… Its poor fur smeared with thick oil, giving it a disgusting gleam…

What an irredeemable young man…

Veiling her borderline aggressive displeasure, she showed Ottar a soft tired smile as he approached her cart, like always he bought two meals; slightly over paying as normal, however before he could walk off Sayuri pulled out a larger box wrapped in considerably higher quality linen. It wasn't overly extravagant, but it had been pulled from Sayuri's personal collection, so it had a certain measure of elegance in its simplicity, "Before you go, take this as thanks for your gift. It's truly a wonderful blade, and has made cutting ingredients a simple endeavor."

Ottar nearly deadpanned at her final comment, but his expression relaxed into a smile as he silently took the meal box. The moment it fell into his hands, he could feel the warm gentle mana stored within, however unlike the normal meal boxes; besides the obvious, a faint intoxicating scent of vanilla wafted from the box.

His large eyes stared at the meal for a long moment, as the ignorant cat-kin approached the cart and bought four Fish & Rice meals, and swiftly ran off.

Ottar lingered long enough for Sayuri to dip her head, "May your travels be enlightening, and may you have a truly wondrous experience."

Ottar returned a nod, before leaving Sayuri to lay down her pillow and smoothly fall into a seiza, her haori flaring outwards as she 'plopped' down, but was swiftly tamed by a deft movement of her hands.

The Little Fox watched Ottar retreat, her tail gently falling into her lap, as a small smile adorned her lips. Curious how Ottar would react to her meal…

She had no doubt that he would enjoy it, though she had no clue how much he would do so…

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

A youthful figure stared down at the two horns they received from a minosaur. The fang, scale, and talon they got from a Bloodsaurus, as well as the absurd amount of crafting material that had dropped from the Megalith they had just found and defeated…

The amount of drops they had received from anything Finn had killed, was becoming an issue. Not the amount of drops themselves, but the lack of storage to bring it all back to the surface. They had only been in the depths of the dungeon for a little more than a day, and it was beginning to look like they had been down here for three.

Let alone the fact that Finn and his Party had stumbled upon a 'Golden Thief Bug' nest as they were passing through the middle floors. Which supplied them with no small amount of 'Magic Crystals', 'Item Drops' and miscellaneous ores…

The pack that Gareth had brought was overflowing to the point that they had to dispose of their empty meal containers; allowing the dungeon to acclimate them, to even fit it all in the pack.

"We are shluld have brought a supporter…" Finn slowly spoke, and those around him couldn't help but agree to his words. "Ah! The mana in my chest disappeared."

The youthful figure exclaimed as the unnatural warmth in his chest he had grown familiar with faded from his senses, only then did he realize how 'empty' his chest felt without it…

"I see…" Finn muttered, "That could be a problem…"

"What?" The jade haired elf pressed a finger against Finn's forehead, injecting a small amount of mind to check his condition but he waved her hand away, "Now that the warmth the mana provided is gone, I find myself missing it to a degree. Like an emptiness that wants to be filled."

Riveria frowned, her gaze locked onto Finn's youthful figure…

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

[Somewhere Else in the Dungeon | 20 Hours Later]

Ottar found himself a seat on the floor of the 18th Floor of the dungeon, his gaze occasionally drifting to the 'Big Wall of Grief' with a special Meal Box in his hands. A bright red ribbon wrapped around its form, keeping the dungeon linen uniform around the box.

As he pulled on the ribbon, the faint vanilla scent grew warmer and tickled his nose, transmitting sensations that brought a smile to his face. As he peeled the linen away, and picked up the chopsticks that were provided the vanilla scent faded.

Opening the box with a satisfying pop, Ottar's eyes widened as a palpable wave of mana washed out from under the lid carrying a succulent, enticing scent to his nostrils that forced him to pause and stare down at the meal he had been given, he almost regretted not eating it sooner if not for the fact that it would have remained exactly the same as it was now, many hours later.

A milk brown broth, plump noodles framed by round pieces of pork, and two thick yolks stared back at him with a tempting smile…

That meal was absolutely devoured, leaving no trace of its existence… Having fallen under the pure might of a Level 7 ravenous beast, compelled by a hunger the boaz had never felt before…

For a long while he stared at the empty box, only broken from his reverie by the shattering of the crystalline wall…

A roar tore through the room, and Ottar peacefully set the box aside, before turning towards the behemoth that had spawned. The space around Ottar pulsed as [Stortus Ottar] exploded into motion, completely forgoing its activation conditions, he burst forward onto a long stride as his animalistic features grew more defined and the ambient pressure produced by his status swelled by many degrees, strengthening his presence enough to cause the Goliath to momentarily stall in its movement… Long enough for Ottar to butcher it limb by limb, for intruding upon Ottar's sadness that there was no more of that subjectively divine meal, and regret that he hadn't savored its delicacy. Never before had Ottar lost control of himself in such a primal manner… What had that Little Fox fed him…

Could he even go back to normal food…?

Ottar sat amongst the smoking remains of the Goliath, lost in thought as he contemplated the absolute delicacy he had just devoured. Wishing that he had savored it for even a moment longer…

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

[Status Updated! Positive Trait Gained! (Natural-Born Chef)]

Sayuri hummed lightly with a smile as she bestowed a blessing upon a gentle youth, with rather unkempt hair and a tempered gaze. However, unlike the pallum had done before, he lingered after he received the blessing inspecting his own body.

Sayuri watched him with an inquisitive glance, since he had just bought the last of her meals, taking the chance the Little Fox took out her personal box and slowly cracked it open, with a soft almost whispering "Itadakimasu…"

Despite her focus being split between her midday meal, and the youthful figure she didn't fail to catch his eyes dart over to her hands when she popped open her meal box. She sent him a polite smile before slowly eating her meal, making sure to to dirty herself unnecessarily as she simply enjoyed the moment.

"Miss Shizuka…?"

"Hmm?" Sayuri lowered her chopstick as she turned to the youthful figure, "Is there something you wish to ask?"

The Pallum's eye twitched, as his smile grew slightly forced before swiftly easing as he questioned, "I apologize if I sound rude but, what level are you?"

Sayuri slightly tilted her head, her brows raising, "What gave you the thought that I was an Adventurer?"

The youthful figure furrowed his brows as he scrutinized the Little Fox, who simply eyed him in response. He couldn't feel any ambient pressure coming from the young Kitsune, but the faint itch in his thumb told him that there was something off about her… The warmth in his chest signified that she had to have been part of a Familia at one point in her life, but the lack of pressure brought him to doubt that thought.

"Is there a reason why you asked? Ah! Don't worry, I'm not offended, I'm simply curious," Her words sounded sincere in his ears, but there was an underlying tone that he'd only heard from his Goddess…

"It's your use of magic," there was no point in hiding it, "I can feel it in my chest now, this meal is further proof of the fact—"

Sayuri gave a gentle smile, "I can use magic without a blessing, because I'm a Priestess. What you are experiencing, and the magic bestowed upon that simple box. All are a product of my Blessing."

Finn went silent, as Sayuri gave an apologetic bow, "I' sorry, I shouldn't have interrupted you. I simply didn't want any misunderstandings to spread."

Finn gave a dull nod as he processed her words, "Then may I ask, which God do you serve?"

Sayuri gave a polite, apologetic smile, "I do not know."

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

Finn sat in his office, his fingers interlocked under his chin as he mulled over his thoughts while staring at the unopened 'Little Fox Box' laid before him.

Priests and Priestesses were not concepts that were relevant on the main continent, and even in the Far East it was slowly becoming a relic of the past. Since the descent of the Gods, many ways of the old world had been forgotten and Priesthood was one of the many things that was soon to be left only to be found in history books. The fact that anyone could speak, see, and feel their Divine Countenance took away much of the mysticism that made that way of life fall into the background.

It didn't help that there were a number of Divine Beings that had fallen victim to their spheres of divinity, it was especially terrible for those who had a divinity related to the Carnal Pleasures. Only the most devout, or fanatic could maintain their beliefs; no matter how pure or skewed they may be, after seeing, hearing, and/or experiencing the object of their faith devolve into their most primal selves… Unable to resist the temptations, and calls of their divinity, becoming a slave to the very things they are said to hold dominion over…

Finn released a sigh, "She doesn't even know which being she prays to…"

Was it the strength of her worship, and faith that allows Sayuri to manifest mana in the form of blessings…

Perhaps it was simply the manifestation of her faith in the form of mana…

Was she lying to him…

Finn shook his head, drawing assumptions would only further skew his already muddled thoughts… He only had to go over what they already knew, and draw a logical conclusion…

"Haa…"

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

[2 Years Later] (A/N: Sayuri Shizuka - 17 | 3 Years Till Canon]

Sayuri carefully tied her hair up into two tails that flowed down her back, reaching the small of her back. Moving to stand in front of a mirror, the Little Fox spent some time adjusting her dark kimono and fluffing her tail before preening her hair.

Stepping back to admire herself, in a sudden bout of narcissism, Sayuri batted her eyes at her reflection before resorting to her most comfortable and intuitive expression. A small polite smile pulled at her lips, causing faint dimples to form at the corners of her mouth, while her eyes took a gentle crescent shape, her cerulean orbs revealing a blue depth Sayuri had never seen in her own reflection.

A hand rose to her bangs that framed her face, finding that more of the silver had drained from her hair, leaving it a dark-borderline black luscious gray. A finger trailed to her rosy lips, lightly shifting them to reveal the pearl white pronounced canines that hid underneath.

Stepping away from her narcissistic moment, Sayuri shifted her attention to the thin silk veil she had recently bought. A childish joy arose in the depths of her mind, as she likened herself to a Xia—

An itch appeared, and whisked away that thought before it had time to settle. Her cerulean orbs unfocused for a brief moment, before snapping back into focus as she moved to leave the room ignoring the veil laid on the bed.

Sending one last glance into the mirror, Sayuri made her way to the entryway to put on her footwear, before she stepped out of her house and locked the door. Slipping her hands into her sleeve, and interlocking her fingers once they were hidden, the Little Fox made her way out into Oriaro.

Having finally reached the legal age to partake in alcoholic endeavors, Sayuri made her way to the only restaurant that she trusted wouldn't allow her to either make a fool of herself, or make a mistake that could potentially ruin her life.

Sayuri didn't know why she had the intense urge to drink, but she had figured it wouldn't be the end of the world to try it at least once. With every ready to open shop in the morning, the only thing Sayuri really had to worry about was perhaps waking up late due to a hangover. Not that she knows how one feels, though she mentally likened it to a sensation similar, but less intense than 'Mind Down'.

As she drew closer to the 'Hostess of Fertility', Sayuri grew nervous as a faint sheen of sweat began to form in her palms. Checking that she still had her money pouch, and that her tail was still as elegant as ever, Sayuri reached the doors of the renowned restaurant.

With a fortifying breath, she swung open the door and stepped in, immediately taking in the lighthearted atmosphere, as a collection of voices, conversations, cheers, and laughter filled her ears. Her tail fell flush with her kimono, as she took careful steps into the establishment.

With every step, more eyes drifted towards her frame, while a young cat-kin— who took wonderful care of her tail— bounced up to Sayuri with a brought smile as she pressed a tray against her chest, "Welcome to the Hostess of Fertility! What can Anya serve you today?!"

The bubbly cat-kin playfully pulled Sayuri to an empty booth, as the Little Fox took a seat, Anya leaned against the table laying down a menu as she rested her chin in her palms. Her brown tail gently swaying as if it had a mind of its own, without looking at the menu, Sayuri softly spoke, "Anything the chef recommends that is light on the stomach, and a sweet wine."

"Oh! Okay!" The cat-kin bounced to her feet and hurried away leaving Sayuri alone at her booth as her tail curled into her lap. Gently caressing the fur laid upon her thighs, Sayuri allowed her mind to drift while splitting her attention to her surroundings.

The number of adventurers in the establishment was staggering, and the waitresses were among the strongest present. However, even though their presence was a mere shadow before the one she felt in the back of the establishment, it was comparable to Ottar's where he felt tyrannical… The presence she felt carried an indomitable sensation that nearly caused Sayuri to choke as her senses touched upon it. Her mana instinctually retreated inside of her body, hiding itself when the strand she had spread through the ambient mana touched upon the presence.

By the time Sayuri had collected herself, Anya had returned with a quarter filled glass of deep red liquid. The cat-kin laid it on the table before rapidly retreating and returning with a large tray bearing an assorted mix of snacks. Anya's smile had bloomed seeing Sayuri lack a reaction to the reveal of an amount of finger food that one 'normal' person could never hope to eat alone.

Placing two large gold-plated Valis on the table before the brunette could disappear, Sayuri turned her attention to the glass of wine. Gently, her fingers wrapped around its stem, softly caressing its bowled shape as she swirled its contents carefully bringing it to her nose as she took in the wafting scent.

It was surprisingly more pleasant than she had initially assumed, and as she brought the glass to her lips, allowing the deep red liquid to flow across her tongue, Sayuri found herself oddly pleased with the tingling sensation that washed through her mouth as she swallowed.

Grabbing a slice of apple between her nimble, slender fingers, she brought it to her lips with a soft crunch as her gaze drifted around the establishment. She reached out towards the tray once more grabbing a pecan, slipping it past her lips before taking another sip from her glass. Her eyes briefly caught the gaze of a deeply frowning wolf-kin who sneered as their eyes met, Sayuri's cerulean orbs trailed to his tail and was gladdened to find that it had been expertly groomed. Despite his scowl, Sayuri sent him a polite nod and warm smile that softened his expression with a hint of confusion seeping into his eyes.

As her eyes continued to wander across the table the wolf-kin sat at, she found a familiar youthful face being swooned over by a joyful amazoness. Catching his awkward smile as he plucked a morsel of food from the woman's, his smile grew more strained as he caught her gaze before breaking eye contact and turning towards a red-haired woman who was currently in the process of chugging from a mug, in what seemed to be a contest between the Divine and a Dwarf…

Sayuri pulled her gaze away, not wishing to intrude upon their meal any more than she already had, turning her eyes back to her tray of snacks as she brought her glass to her lips.

'Status'

With nothing else to do, expect enjoy the moment, Sayuri gazed over the window she called upon—

[

Name: Sayuri Shizuka

Titles - Little Fox

Physical Vessel: {Expand}

Race: Kitsune (Humelf)

Class: Priestess

Familia - Level: 0

Stats -

• Strength: I-0

• Endurance: I-0

• Dexterity: I-0

• Agility: I-0

• Magic: I-0

Skills -

• None

Magic -

• Magic Bestowal

Traits -

• Positive: Soft Skin, Pliant Flesh, Greater Athleticism, Feline Dexterity, Adaptive, Adorable Feline Ears, Elegant Feline Tail, Fast Learner, Magically Gifted, Survivor, Feline Priestess' Grace, Feline Priestess' Charm, Natural-Born Chef, Devout Priestess

(A/N: Feline Beauty -> Feline Charm)

• Negative: Insensitive, Infertile, Former Slave

]

It has been a while since her traits evolved, and even longer since a new trait had been added to the slowly growing list. Slipping a roasted peanut past her lips, Sayuri blinked away her status, while falling into thought.

The Little Fox had little clue why, or how she gained the trait [Devout Priestess] as she had never prayed, nor does she hold faith in any of the Divine Beings that walk this plane of existence. The only time she's claimed to be a Priestess was nearly 2 years ago, when the youthful figure she had recently learned was Loki Familia's captain had questioned her use of magic. However, the fact that it had evolved a number of her traits brought upon a new line of thought, that she set aside for another time.

She sent the youthful figure a glance, finding his finger sneakingly pointing her direction, following her gaze Sayuri caught sight of Loki; the red-haired Goddess, staring at her intensely. Despite her curiosity at the intense gaze, Sayuri returned it with a polite smile and a slight raise of her glass before shifting her gaze back to her tray of snacks once more. This time picking a slice of an apple to slip past her lips, slowly starting to feel a heat spread through her body as the alcohol flushed her face.

Laying the glass of wine onto the table, Sayuri placed her back against her seat and closed her eyes. She took a minute to breath, feeling the sensation of drunkenness; no matter how faint, in an attempt to familiarize herself with it.

Her hazy cerulean orbs fluttered open as a light figure began to approach Sayuri's booth, catching sight of the Goddess taking a seat across from the Little Fox, and helping herself to a handful of roasted pecans.

The two women stared at each other in silence for a long moment before Sayuri gently bowed, "Goddess Loki."

Her tone was soft and pleasant to the ears, while her voice wielded her curiosity. Loki showed a toothy smile as she placed her elbows on to the table, her gaze momentarily finding the Little Fox's bosom before rising to meet the young woman's cerulean orbs, "So, you're a priestess to a God you do not know?"

"That is correct Goddess Loki," Sayuri's tone was polite, as her hands clasped in her lap, her tail elegantly sprawled out on her side of the booth.

"I see…" The Goddess dawled as she popped a pecan into her mouth, after a moment to chew and swallow, she continued, "… and your meals, the magic contained within them is a product of a blessing only you can provide."

Sayuri stared at the Goddess, the polite smile slowly fading from her face, "Is this an interrogation? I don't believe I have broken any laws, nor do I think that such questions are necessary when a number of your Familia members frequent my stall. I don't wish to be rude, but you encroach upon a territory that I find quite personal…"

Loki's smile drained from her face as a solemn, serious expression filled its place, "I've heard a lot about you, heard how you suddenly appeared within Oriaro without any records of entering through the gates—"

"That's because I didn't," Sayuri replied flatly, her eyes narrowed dangerously as her tail flicked with an empty promise of violence, "I was smuggled into the City as a slave. Destined to become a mere prostitute in the Red Light District… To be forcibly inducted into the Ishtar Familia so I may never escape."

Loki's eyes widened as her mouth fell agape for a brief moment before her expression returned with renewed seriousness, Sayuri continued after a sip from her glass, "I escaped, through pure chance thanks to the unannounced arrival of Goddess Freya throwing Goddess Ishtar into a rage that left the slaves—myself without any supervision."

Little Fox's expression softened as she continued, "I awoke after my escape and wandered the streets of Oriaro, until a kind old man stumbled upon my dirtied sleeping form and carried me to his home. He bathed me, fed me, supplied me with a place to rest, showed me how to create a life in this city… He gave me the freedom I so desperately desired… Then he died, unfairly robbed of his remaining life by the destruction brought by Evilus—"

Once again, that cold apathetic tone slipped from her lips… Sayuri paused for a moment to collect herself, "I apologize, for my unseemly behavior…"

Loki simply stared, still processing that empty chilling tone as Sayuri continued, "He left his everything to me, and my only wish is to continue his legacy. Is that answer enough to satisfy your curiosity, Goddess Loki?"

Loki's gaze momentarily fell to the table as her mind raced through Little Fox's words, having heard not a single lie being spouted through the whole of the story.

"Yeah… Yes it does, thank you…"

Sayuri rose to her feet, "Then I'll excuse myself, may you have an unadventurous evening, Goddess Loki."

With a light bow, Sayuri slowly left the establishment. Her mind swung with images of the time she spent with Allen, before a cold blood thirst arose from the depths of her mind. However it was simply dismissed, Sayuri didn't need to spill blood, it was wholly unnecessary to realize her wishes.

Though— Sayuri shook the blooming thought from her mind before it could fully form. Such thoughts would only lead to her ruin, or imprisonment, neither of which would allow her to further the legacy Allen had left her…

Sayuri awoke early the next day with a formless weight in her mind, and an unfamiliar grogginess. She spent much longer in a warm bath nursing the weight in her head, and didn't arrive at the location of her stall until two hours after sunrise. Where a short line had already gathered, with Ottar stood at its helm a modicum of worry in his eyes at her fairly uncharacteristic unkempt state of dress, and the lack of the brightness she usually carried herself with.

Sayuri eased his worries with a warm smile, and bestowed upon him only the best of blessings. He lingered for a long while, looking over her loose, haphazardly draped kimono, revealing the damp juban underneath, and messy damp hair. Seemingly having decided to stand guard like a solemn sentry.

Her tail lazily laid in her lap, as Sayuri tiredly sold 'Little Fox Boxes' and bestowed blessings. Her cart filled with meal boxes parked on the side of her low stall, where she sat on her heels behind.

There were a few customers that fell into seiza across from her, on a woven mat that she didn't allow anyone to step on, that partaken in a light conversation whenever there weren't many waiting customers. Something that pleased Sayuri, faintly lightening her tired appearance, and bringing new softness to her smile.

As a lull appeared, and the line disappeared allowing Sayuri a moment of rest, she turned her gaze to her stalwart guard who had yet to leave to delve into the dungeon, "Ottar, you don't need to stay with me. I'm fine, just a little hungover from drinking for the first time last night."

Ottar's eyes drifted over to settle in her figure, before returning forward, "You shouldn't drink, it's bad for your health."

A sonorous giggle rose from her throat, forcing Sayuri to raise her hand to her mouth to veil her upturned lips, as a cheery glint appeared in her cerulean eyes, "I appreciate your concern Ottar… but if you going to stay, would you like to join me in a meal, I have a spare meal that I packed in case I wanted to wander the city."

The boaz's ears perked at her word, his eyes finding her once more, before he moved to her side and clumsily sat on his heels. Sayuri watched him with upturned lips, and a raised brow, "You don't have to force yourself if it's uncomfortable."

Ottar shook his head, a surprising seriousness in his tone, "I find it calming to sit like this… It helps me think."

Sayuri weighed the sincerity in his words for a brief moment before reaching under her cart and pulling out two elegantly wrapped boxes, passing one over to Ottar, she laid one in her lap, "I'll be honest, I didn't expect that from you Ottar."

She peeled away the linen from her meal box, and opened with a pop as she uttered a soft, "Itadakimasu."

Ottar followed her movements, opening his meal with a pop, before silently eating his meal with half-closed eyes filled with contentment. A giggle nearly slipped past Sayuri's lips as she found him oddly adorable in the moment before she turned her attention to her food, slowly joining Ottar in the shared meal.

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

[Tower Of Babel]

Freya watched through a crystal ball, as her champion joined the elusive, mysterious Fox in a meal. Her chin rested in her palm, as she watched with veiled curiosity.

It was because of that woman that Ottar's status underwent a change that the Gods had previously thought impossible. A skill had been rewritten, its conditions for activation completely forgotten, and due to that, her champion's strength has soared to new heights. Having grown capable enough to challenge Udealus alone, and since then he has only grown further…

Freya initially had wanted to claim the woman for herself, to test the limits of her strength and mind… but her champion had threatened her… Something she had never expected, something that only made her want the woman more…

Yet, Freya knew better than to push her strongest hand. It wouldn't do her any good if Ottar never returned to her as he claimed—threatened he would…

That woman was not her Odr… The priestess' soul was far too tainted with darkness, to be the destined one she so desperately sought. The only light within that dark soul, was that which manifested the woman's blessings.

How the woman managed to transmute a part of her soul into mana without a {Blessing of the Gods}, Freya probably would never know. Not even {Divine Knowledge} provided that answer, which showed it wasn't a method created by mortals, nor was it the ancient practices of channeling the ambient mana present throughout the world. However that revelation only made Freya curious about the unknown divine being that had gained her faith and listened to her prayers…

Thus, Freya decided to watch the young Priestess from a distance. Curious as to how she'll grow… and whether her object of faith would ever reveal themselves…

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

[Loki Familia Estate | Twilight Manor]

Loki played with the unfamiliar, comforting warmth in her chest with what little divinity she could manifest while in the lower realm. It was a mixture of mana, and a divine presence she had never felt before. It was a gentle presence that Loki subconsciously likened to spheres of divinity revolving around Family, Love, Fertility, Hearth, and Nature… Yet, when she tried to grasp upon its presence, and instill her {Divine Right} upon it in an attempt to reveal the Divine Being behind the Little Fox. It unleashed a cold, calculative, apathetic bloodthirst that conveyed itself as a warning.

It hadn't left any wounds upon her vessel, nor had it lashed at her divinity. It simply conveyed its intent, and the warmth in her chest faded. Though the fact that the Divine Being had been capable of exercising his divinity in the lower realm, while also veiling their spheres of influence informed Loki that she wasn't dealing with a 'normal' God/Goddess…

Perhaps it was one of the primordials that kept themselves hidden from their fellow divine…

Loki sighed as she leaned back in her chair, her gaze drifting towards the ceiling. If it was truly a Primordial, then the only person who could shed some insight was Ouranos.

A groan slipped from her lips at the thought of speaking to the ancient wrinkled sack of divinity…

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

Sayuri wheeled her cart away from the civilian branch office of the Guild, returning from her weekly deposit. Her tail followed the natural sway of her hips, as she hummed a tune she could hardly remember, from a time so distant in her memories that she could no longer envision it.

As the wind picked up, and began playing with her hair Sayuri came to a halt as a ball rolled in front of her cart from a wide alley. Not a moment later, a young child burst out and stumbled as he attempted to pick up the ball without slowing.

Luckily he managed to catch himself, but not before his eyes found Sayuri's frame, and he stared at her bright smile. She lightly waved, breaking the youth from his frozen state, her soft voice filling his ears, "Try to be careful, alright? Make sure to check both sides of the street before running out into it, I don't dare imagine what would have happened if you spooked a carriage's horse…"

"Ah… I'm sorry, prett—"

"Airen! Hurry up!" A youthful shout came from the alley interrupting the youth's words and Sayuri gave a velvety giggle, "Run along and have fun, it won't be long before the sun falls behind the horizon. I hope you have a wonderful time with your friends."

The youth lingered for a moment, his eyes absorbing the Little Fox standing before him before running back into the valley with a faint blush adorning his cheeks. Sayuri watched his back for a short moment to make sure he found his friends, before continuing along her path.

She stopped once more in front of her house to admire a particularly cute-looking ball of fluff in the sky that had taken the rough shape of a rabbit, before parking her cart under a canopy, and stepping into her house.

Only to be found with absolutely nothing to do, she had already cooked and packed all the meals that would be needed for tomorrow, and her tail has already undergone a masterful grooming…

For the first time in a long time… Sayuri found herself bored, and with nothing important to occupy her time, she decided that she'd return to the Hostess of Fertility to enjoy a glass of wine and soak in the restaurant's uniquely lively atmosphere.

Heading upstairs, Sayuri started a bath before moving towards her closet to figure out what she wanted to wear for the evening. Eventually she settled on a dark gray kimono with purple undertones and lining that left her shoulders bare, and had wide sheer sleeves that were just short enough that she couldn't hide her hands. Pairing it with a thin, silk white juban, and gray obi sash, she laid out her choice of outfit on her bed before moving towards her nearly full bath.

Sayuri carefully shedding her clothes, leaving them to lay on a clothing rack to wash later as she sank into the steaming water.

After thoroughly washing herself, Sayuri went through her hair, skin, and fur care routine. Using a mixture of vanilla scented oils that paired well with her natural musk, before gently patting herself dry. Using a quick chant of 'Warmth' to swiftly, and carefully dry both her hair and tail before stepping back into her room, draping the damp towel over a rack. Sayuri slowly dressed herself, occasionally looking into the mirror to align the various articles of fabric. Once she was sure that everything was set as it should be, Sayuri made her way downstairs, pulling her hair back before fastening it with a purple flowery ornament.

Slipping on a pair of footwear, Sayuri stepped out into the streets of Oriaro, and checked the position of the sun. Finding that had just begun falling to the west, Sayuri made her way to the Hostess of Fertility, as she approached the two story building, the doors slammed open as a figure was tossed from the establishment. He impacted the street with a groan, and forced himself to sit up.

As he caught Sayuri's passive gaze, he shot her a sneer as he slurred, "What are you looking at?! Huh, you want a piece of me?"

Sayuri lightly shook her head, her hands clasping before her body, "No, I was—" Her words were cut short as she instinctively stumbled back, a hand swiping past her face clipping her nose drawing a line of blood.

She fumbled over her feet in fright, having just witnessed her life flash before her eyes… Forced to relive vague, distant moments she did not recognize… Forced to relive his death…

Her body stiffened as the man's presence swelled, Sayuri fell to her rear as fear clutched her mind. Her face paled, and her pupils contracted as her perception seemed to slow. Her body moved on its own, just barely avoiding the man's foot as it planted into the ground, kicking up a cloud of dust.

Intuitively, a shout tore through her lips, "Protection!"

The moment the blue hue encased her body it shattered as a tremendous impact washed through her body.

"Protection!" It shattered once more…

Was this all she was capable of…? Was her freedom always something so fickle…? If she had strength—

"Protection!"

Was this all she could do?

Sayuri's body fell forward as a gust of wind washed over her head—

Was this all she was capable of…?

"Protection!"

Did she truly need strength?

"Protection!"

Was she going to di— 'NO'

"Protection!"

A voice screamed from the depths of her mind, was this why she needed strength?

"Protection!"

To defend herself against those who wished to claim her life, to steal away her freedom…

"Imbue—" Sayuri's perception seemed to slow, as blurred images, vague sensations, and a cold truth washed through her mind of a time when all she could feel was, "—Death."

The Little Foxes vision blurred, as darkness crept from the edges of her sight. A familiar painful emptiness invaded her mind, as a limp weight collapsed atop her body. Her ears rang with a piercing shrill noise, as muffled screams, shouts, and voices touched upon her mind.

Her body felt like she had fallen into cold water, while her mind burned with a scalding heat. The only thing her mind could process was the intense searing pain before an unending darkness claimed her thoughts…

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

[A Few Moments Ago]

Finn stood at the side of the crowd, watching as Sayuri 'calmly' chanted. Her magic manifests as a blue hue encasing her body, only to be shattered upon taking a hit from the drunk adventurer.

'Concurrent Chanting…' He muttered in his mind, readying himself to step in the moment things became dangerous for the Priestess. She danced around her opponent with light flowing steps, masterfully casting her barrier magic the instant before the adventurer's strikes landed.

Finn's eyes narrowed as she fell forward, one of her ears folding out of the way as she ducked under a wide swing, another chant loudly slipping from her lips blocking a blow to her chin. Her body snapped to the side as another chant filled the surroundings, blocking what seemed to be a skill…

The scene before his eyes repeated a few times before the Little Fox staggered back, her magic failing to absorb the whole of the impact from one of the Adventurer's skills. Finn moved, catching a change in Sayuri's eyes that he mistakenly assumed was fear, only for an ache to wash through his hand as Sayuri's voice sounded out once more…

This time distant, and apathetic, "Imbue—Death."

No geometric pattern appeared at her palm, as her hand slipped through the man's guard and touched upon his chest.

There was no pressure, no presence, no flash or sound that indicated magic had been used… Simply silence as Sayuri stumbled back collapsing onto the ground, while the Adventurer's body went limp falling on top of her just as Finn had reached them.

His fingers found the man's neck as a curse slipped from his lips, the familiar pulse of life missing from the man's body. Finn lifted it off the woman, finding her chest moving with shallow breaths, his gaze shifted back to the warm corpse he held in his hand. A chill ran down his spine as he re-envisioned the magic that had claimed the man's life.

Was this also something the woman's blessings could produce… or was it a separate magic bestowed upon her through her Patron…?

However, the thought that kept returning to his mind was how had Sayuri kept up with a Level 3; despite his drunkenness, without the greatly improved physique, perception, and reflexes that came with a status…

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

[Unknown Amount Of Time Later]

Sayuri awoke with a gasp, she lurched forward her body greedily heaving in a large breath only to be suddenly stopped as the clinking of a chain found her ears. A familiar cold weight bound her neck, while shackles locked her hands and ankles together.

Like a drop in a still pond, a ripple of unnatural calm washed through Sayuri's mind. Anger, sorrow, and calmness filled her whole being, melding into one complex sensation as she pulled at her bindings a guttural scream tore through her throat as her mind desperately sought the freedom it once had. Like an addict without their fix, a starved animal kept from the food it desperately needed, Sayuri's countenance devolved into that of a feral animal.

A guard outside the Little Fox's cell, who was about to explain to the young woman her situation, flinched as she tried to leap at the cell door. The chains pulled taut as she raged against her bind, he subconsciously took a step back as he had those insanity ridden eyes locked onto his frame.

Her screams echoed through the underground passages, giving the other prisoners much grief as they were violently pulled from their sleep. The moon shone in the cell from the small barres window at Sayuri's back, casting a darkness over her visage that seemed to be conjured from the deepest of the guard nightmares.

For a brief moment, his mind was engulfed with the fear of being consumed as the woman's pronounced canines caught the light. Her torn kimono writhed against her frame, while tears streamed down her cheeks mixing with the dried blood staining her face giving the illusion that she was crying tears of blood.

All Sayuri wanted… was her freedom, but it had been taken—robbed from her once again…

All because she wasn't strong enough… because she was weak enough that they could bind her in chains…

Never again. Sayuri screamed in her mind…

NEVER

AGAIN

Shall she be weak, a mere damsel a slave to those which wish to contain her. Who with time would smother her freedom…

Strength…

She earned it with bloody hands.

Weakness

She'll strangle every last ounce—gram—existence of it from her body…

Sayuri fell to her knees, her hands rising to her mouth tightly clasped into fists. Her cerulean eyes showed a depth of promised slaughter, her tail flicked with a certainty of violence…

They will regret putting her in chains, in smothering her freedom…

Sayuri promised to the very depths of her being, so deep that it unconsciously slipped from her mouth.

"I will be free."

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

(A/N: ~9070 words. Just under 10k, but I figured this would be a good place to end the chapter instead of writing another POV to fill the last thousand words.

Normally this is where I would do an info dump, but that will probably be in the next chapter, whenever I get around to writing it. If I haven't already by the time your reading this.

Anyways, as always hope you've enjoyed. If not, you know what to do, whether that be drop this Fan-Fic, drop a REASONABLE comment, or simply wait till the next chapter because you have nothing else to read.

All I ask is that you don't needlessly trash the work I've 'wasted' my free time writing.

Anyways, until next time.

~9207 Words with A/N… still not 10k…)