20

Dove

A muffled series of groans and exasperated cries guided my way. Sana was scrubbing at her robes with a soapy bucket in the corner. She glanced up at me. "Someone thought it would be funny to push me to the ground last night," she mumbled. "Said I should keep to the shrine where I belong. And these were the robes I cleaned for the ceremony."

Most Holy Foxes had little or no magic to defend themselves. No extra strength or healing. It was their duty to keep quiet about problems—especially when it came to the weapon-users they served. Her robes had several large mud and grass stains. I didn't envy her, it would take a lot more elbow grease to get that out.

Her robes represented her piety. I barely knew her, but I wanted to protect Sana. If not for what had happened to my temple, I too would be slaving away at a temple somewhere, getting pushed around by weapons-users.

"Who?" I asked, a grip on my dagger. "What did they look like?"

Sana's breath caught as she looked up at me, shaking her head as she eyed the weapon. "It's fine, Dove. I don't want anyone getting hurt."

I laughed, dropping my hand. "I kill demons , Sana. Not kitsune. I was going to scare them."

"No, no, no, Dove. I don't want to cause a ruckus."

I shrugged. "I can teach you some moves to defend yourself, at least. Those robes need to soak and I'm not sure when Kairos and Enko will be back."

Her eyes were sparkling in a dream. "How blessed, to find the one the goddess meant for you. And for her to give you three. "

I could see that hope in her face, the same as all Holy Foxes. That we would be the ones blessed by the goddess. Because without foxfire, we could never find our Fated mate, go into heat, and get pregnant. It was nature's way of weeding out those without magic.

She clasped her hands tightly on her lap, exactly as Holy Foxes were taught during long prayers to keep still. Not to fidget. I felt comfortable around her, more so than with the other students. She had lived a life so similar to mine we were bound to understand each other.

"What about it? Want me to go over some moves? I'm not great, but I can teach you what I know."

Sana hesitated. Holy Foxes were discouraged from violence. To my shock, she nodded, a glint of excitement giving her away. Spending all your time polishing and worshiping weapons didn't exactly discourage the yearning to fight. Her hands twisted in her lap, probably praying to the goddess for approval.

Sana and I headed up to my dorm, where Sana got more than one odd look for being so far from the shine wearing her distinctive white robes. By now, the news had spread about Vince, and none dared to do anything while I was there.

Inside, Sana's eyes went wide. "You all sleep here?"

I wasn't sure if she meant the size compared to what Holy Foxes were given or if she was talking about something sexual.

I passed her a set of clean clothes and ignored her question. "You don't want to get your only set of robes dirty while we practice."

She eyed the black clothing suspiciously. I suspected it was because it was against her nature to wear black. But after a moment, she confessed her thoughts, "You grew up in a shrine, but you stopped serving the goddess. You wear only black because those who serve the goddess always wear white."

I turned my back to her, occupying myself with a nothing-task so she couldn't see my face, but she wiggled her way in front of me once more.

"The attack on your temple?" Something about my expression must have given me away, because she rushed forward, wrapping her arms around me. "Oh, dear. Is that why you abandoned the goddess?"

I pulled back, my voice grating, anger seeping through. "I didn't abandon her. She abandoned me. You weren't there. You didn't see. She let demons kill—" I choked up, hardly able to breathe, only able to let a whisper escape. "All those people, so many children."

"But she spared you. Doesn't that mean something?"

I snapped around to glare at her. How could she understand? "Get dressed or get out, Sana."

She reluctantly changed into the clothes. She was a bit taller than me, leaving the t-shirt to expose an inch of her belly. She glared now. "Did you do this on purpose?"

"Good, you have some personality for a Holy Fox," I mused as I tossed her a new shirt. "Just wanted to make sure you weren't a total pushover."

She changed again and we headed out into the field. Now that she wore normal clothes, I was back to being the center of attention. Hearing several people mention who I was Fated to in the short five minute walk to the sparring courtyard. Usually in the form of a warning.

Ochre leaves billowed in mini tornadoes off the ground with the breeze. Sana and I settled on a spot away from the other students, facing each other.

First, I taught Sana some defensive moves in case she was attacked. By the end of the hour she showed a degree of confidence.

Since she had to leave to begin her morning duties, I pulled one of the old tarnished knives out of my bag, passing it over to her. "Keep this, just in case."

She shook her head, her eyes wide.

"It's to defend yourself. I hope you never need to use it. It probably doesn't have more than a couple good stabs left in it anyway."

She took the dagger reluctantly, taking the bag that held her white robes. "I'll get your clothes back to you tomorrow."

"Don't worry about it. You can keep them. You should have at least one thing to wear that doesn't stand out."

"Thanks for this, Dove," Sana began, her eyes shooting up to the large analog clock on the academy wall. "Crap, I'm late—"

A bell rang, an announcement coming over the speakers. "All students and faculty report to the auditorium for a mandatory assembly..."