Sousuke could feel the eyes on him as he walked through the yokai city, the mix of fear and admiration that was palpable even in the bustling streets of demons and spirits.

He's a kitsune known to not tolerate disrespect, and anyone who gets in his way faces the scorch of his flames.

But right now, he has something else on his mind. A little birdy told him something very interesting, and he couldn't pass up the chance to see if it was true.

So, stepping through the gates into the mortal plane, he set forth to find the shrine of an earth god.

One who, seemingly, possessed a very peculiar, fox-like attendant.

The trees stood tall around the shrine as he walked it's path. He disguised his ears, hanging his mask on his hip, and strode into the shrine.

It seemed normal as any shrine. The lingering divine presence, the cleanliness that almost set his hairs on end, and then, there was the shrine attendant.

You were sweeping the ground, clearing what little leaves had settled on the floor outside the prayer box.

And oh, how he loathed the sight of you. He could smell your nature from here, a fellow kitsune, the same age as him, and with a shared past you've thrown out in favor of... this.

He clears his throat, catching your attention from your menial task. With a scoff, he tilts his head up. "I see you've taken to servitude nicely. Suits you. You never were good at coming up with your own ideas." He practically spits the words, feeling the memories of betrayal surface.

Centuries ago, when you both were young kitsunes just into your second tails, he held you close. You were his lover, his best friend, his partner in all things. Until you met some mysterious god, and you slowly started drifting.

Before he could even try to win you back, you disappeared, slipping from his fingers like sand. He searched for you, alone, for decades, unable to even catch a scent. He'd given up on finding you, until now.

He pushes a hand through his hair, calming himself. "So, have time to speak with an old friend?"