"Actually...there is somewhere I want you to wear this." Ren stated with his charming intelligent smirk.

Kyoko raised a brow curiously. "Where?" she asked.

Ren settled himself by taking a breath in and releasing it. "I've been debating this for quite some time…" he started as he ran one fine clawed hand through his wheat blonde hair. He paused anxiously as he turned his head towards the window momentarily. He then turned his gaze back on Kyoko. His emerald eyes were clouded with uncertainty. "Seeing my father again has reminded me that I do still have duties and obligations...It's been far too long since i've been home...and you are right. I have caused my mother too much heartache. I should see her." Ren's lip curled into a reassuring smile. "If there is anyone I want to approve of us. It is her...and only her. I want her to meet you."

Kyoko felt the blood drain from her head and she lost her balance. Ren swiftly held her before she hurt herself and guided her to the bed. He grabbed the kimono from her light grip she had on it and placed it carefully on the bed next to him. Ren turned his attention back to Kyoko and gently tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "My mother is as gentle as a summer breeze. I promise" he chuckled under his breath.

Kyoko shook her head. "I'm not afraid of that. I'm just surprised...when do you want to go?"

Ren stood up and walked towards the door. As he let one hand rest on the handle, he looked over his shoulder and grinned. "I'll let you know in the morning" he then exited the room shutting the door behind him.

Kyoko pouted. "Idiot...it is morning…" she sighed and fell back onto her bed and stared at the ceiling. She couldn't stop the creeping anxiety in her heart. She took a deep breath as she tried to calm her jitters. She closed her eyes and quieted her mind as she slowly drifted off to sleep.

Ren quietly walked through the halls of the rustic manor as he thought deeply about the conversation he and Kyoko had just finished. He wandered aimlessly as he thought about the impending meeting. He was scared out of his daze when something small wrapped around his fluffy tail. He looked down and saw a small coyote girl smiling up at him. She had honey golden fur on her tail that looked like it was dipped in ink at the ends. Her hair was black with golden highlights and the tips of her ears matched that of the fur on her tail, with black tips. Her eyes were bright, and intelligent. She smiled at him warmly that was enough to melt any heart.

Ren smiled and knelt down to her level. He placed his hand on the top of her head and gave it a gently rustle. "What is it princess?" he asked playfully.

She giggled at his compliment. "What's wrong Lord Tsuruga? You look worried." She asked curiously. Ren chuckled and let out a sigh.

"Is it that noticeable?" he chuckled. He let out a quiet sigh. "I guess i'm uncertain what my friends will think of Kyoko." The Coyote girl nodded in understanding.

"Your friends will like her. She's nice and pretty. Only one that fights with her is my older brother. But that's how he shows his feelings. It means he likes her." She smiled at Ren. Ren chuckled and shooed her along on her way. He let out another sigh as he rounded the corner when something caught his eye. In the early morning light he caught the soft silhouette of a familiar figure. He turned his attention towards the figure. It was young Shotaro. He was leaning against the door frame ahead of Ren staring out towards the garden. Ren softly padded quietly towards him and cleared his throat. Shotaro jumped slightly, coming out of his deep thoughts.

"Oh. it's you" he stated as he turned back towards the garden. "So...you hear to collect your play thing?" he scoffed.

Ren narrowed his gaze slightly at his insinuating tone. "And if I am? She is my pact mate. You are very uncouth for a lord's son."

Shotaro smirked, flashing his smart gaze at Ren. He gave him a shrug. "If you ask me. She deserves better. She wants a comrade. An equal...will she ever be that to you? Or is she just a pretty little pet you can parade around. Attached to you like an accessory. Ready to be-" Shotaro was stopped from finishing his sentence when Ren's fist connected with the side of his face.

His punch connected with enough force to knocking Shotaro off balance. Shotaro rubbed his sore cheek and glared at Ren. Ren's eyes narrowed dangerously at Shotaro, making his blood run cold for a second. "Someone had to stop that smart mouth." Ren sighed out in aggravation as he unclenched his fist and returned to his usual relaxed demeanor. "As for Kyoko. She is much more than an accessory. I hope to be an equal for her. But considering my status I wonder if she can keep up."

Shotaro spat out the blood from his mouth. "She shouldn't have to keep up. You should match her. If she can't keep up you should slow down before you lose her completely..." Ren scoffed.

"For once...you are right. Question is. Will they accept her." he mumbled to himself.

Shotaro's keen ears heard every word. He grinned. "They won't. You know it...as do I. But she won't let that stop her from making you proud...she'd give her life to please you."

Ren sighed. "That's what i'm worried about. That and the court."

Shotaro scoffed. "The court...nothing but a bunch of stiff, old foxes with nothing better to do but judge everyone and everything else" Ren swallowed his laugh.

"Sounds about right...but I wouldn't take her if I didn't think she was strong enough. Most days I believe she can take them..but deep down I worry." Ren shook his head and walked away. "Guess we'll see what she's made of."

Shotaro's eyes narrowed mischeivously. And his lips curled into a devious grin. "Why wait?" He stated as he walked away, leaving a perplexed Ren behind. Shotaro made his way to his father's chambers and pounded on the door.

BANG BANG BANG

Lord Fuwa was startled out of his sleep by the sudden sound of his door rattling in it's track and the vibrations of the wood as his son pounded on the door.

BANG BANG BANG Went the door again. "Who in the hells is crazy enough to-" he stopped and let out a sigh…"Shotaro" he sneered.

BANG BANG went the door again but before Shotaro could finish his third round of knocks the door slammed open and he saw a rather frazzled and irritated coyote standing before him. Shotaro just grinned haughtily. "Oh good...you're awake after all" he jested.

Lord Fuwa sighed as he tied the sash of his robe around his waist. "What is it? I know you don't seek me out unless there is something you want."

Shotaro forced his way into the room past Lord Fuwa. He made his way to the large writing desk and sat in the chair. He crossed his legs and stared at his father with a serious look. He let a ghost of a smile form on his face. "Father." Shotaro began. "I've finally decided on who I want as my future mate."

"Lord Fuwa's brow narrowed. He crossed his arms and swished his tail back and forth. "Oh? Since when are you interested in women?" He let out a sigh. "Ok..i'll bite...who is she?"

Shotaro smirked deviously. "Kyoko"

Shotaro watched as his father went pale white from shock and then deep red as his ire rose. "Are you INSANE!" he bellowed.

Shotaro laughed. "Relax old man." he retorted. Lord Fuwa crossed the room and pulled Shotaro by his collar across the table so that he was face to face with him. "You can't seriously want to challenge Lord Tsuruga to a battle for his mate...he'll murder you."

Shotaro pried his father's hands from his collar and readjusted his kimono. "Of course I do. But he won't murder me. I'll concede to him." Lord Fuwa looked at his son with confusion.

Shotaro looked at his father. "I know this makes no sense. I'll explain." he began. He told Lord Fuwa about the Ren's idea of presenting Kyoko to the Kitsune court. "You and I both know this is a terrible idea. Lord Tsuruga's entrusted you with Lady Mogami's safety correct? Why would you willingly allow her to go someplace where she may be harmed. That's just folly and you know it."

Lord Fuwa sat on the edge of his bed and crossed his arms. "Even so. She is his mate he can do with her as he wishes. Besides he outranks everyone...how can we tell him what to do? I assume you have a plan?"

Shotaro nodded. "Sending Kyoko with Ren to meet the kitsune court is a bad idea. You and I know they'll tear her apart mentally." Shotaro walked around the desk and leaned against it. "You may not be willing to stop this. I don't want to do this either...I know what Lord Tsuruga's going to do to me."

Lord Fuwa rubbed his temple. "Then why? Why would you throw your life on the line like that...for a girl? I know you like her but-"

Shotaro pinned his ears back and looked away. "It's...not that…" he mumbled.

Lord Fuwa stood up and stared at Shotaro. "Why then!" He demanded.

Shotaro stared back with a steeled look. "I refuse to let anyone hurt her...that's why...I know I can never have her myself...hells I know i'm too immature for a woman like that and by time I am she'll be old...but...she's also my friend."

Lord Fuwa sighed and nodded. "Then what's your plan?"

Shotaro snorted. "I'm glad you asked. We can't stop her from going where Ren asks...but we can prepare her for what's to come...father…" Shotaro smirked. "You and I both know that the way a person presents themself is what they are truly judged on."

Shotaro waited until Ren was gone before he made his way to Kyoko's room. He knocked on the door. Shotaro's knock woke Kyoko out of her dead sleep. Kyoko yawned and rubbed the sleep out of her eyes. She shuffled to the door and slid it open. She peered at the person standing before her through bleary eyes. She tried one more time to wipe the sleep away. After rubbing her eyes she looked and was startled to see who was standing there.

"Shotaro? What are you doing here?" She asked quizzically.

Shotaro ran a hand through his hair and let out a sigh. He turned his gaze back to Kyoko and glanced her up and down. He let out a scoffed out a small chuckle. Kyoko's brow dropped low over her gaze and she crossed her arms. "What?!" she asked irritably. "Why are you looking at me like that.

Shotaro muttered inaudibly under his breath. "Get dressed...and I mean doll yourself up. Then meet me in the main hall. I'm sure you know how to find it." After that he turned and walked away. Kyoko raised a brow before shutting her door. She walked into her room and scratched her head.

"What on earth does that crafty coyote have up his sleeve?" She sighed and went to her wardrobe trunk. As she opened it she peered through the items she had to wear laid neatly inside. She let out a sigh. "Most of my nice kimono were ruined by that...that...vixen!" She lifted each kimono out and examined it carefully. Shaking her head at each one. All contained scratches, nicks, burrs, frayed silk threads and in some harsher cases, stains and large tears that she had not been afforded the time to fix.

"I can't wear any of this! I don't even know what he has planned…" She slammed the trunk lid shut in frustration and leaned over it. She let out an exasperated sigh. And turned her head towards the window when something caught her attention. She lifted her head and smiled. It was the box that Ren had brought her containing the Furisode. She made her way over to the box, carefully placed it on her bed and opened the cover. "Would Ren be mad if I wore now?" She questioned herself.

"Well, it's the only decent kimono I have. I have to wear it." Kyoko carefully pulled the Kimono out of it's protective box and began dressing herself. After some trial and effort she got the kimono properly wrapped and tied around her petite frame. She glanced at it in the mirror checking every angle to make sure it was done properly. She nodded in approval when she heard a firm knock. Kyoko slid the door open and saw Kanae.

"Kanae?" Kyoko asked curiously. She glanced at the bag in her hand. "What's that?"

Kanae sighed and entered the room. "My idiot brother has a death wish." She placed the box on one of Kyoko's night stands and opened it. She carefully laid out small pots and brushes. She turned to Kyoko "Shotaro mentioned you are going to be joining Lord Tsuruga while he visits his home. My brother is concerned for your well being and wants you to practice before you go." Kanae motioned for her to come closer. "I, for once, agree with him. You are used to human customs. You are a very polite girl regardless but that won't get you any favors. If you don't greet the lords properly you will insult them. So you will accompany my brother tonight at one of our banquets."

Kanae began uncapping her pots of make up and dipped her brush into one. "I can't go to a banquet with Shotaro. Ren will murder him when he finds out!"

Kanae sighed. "Stop moving. Unless you want to look like a horribly done Maiko…as for Ren. He's already on his way back to the shrine. He'll only know if you say something...besides...you always said you wanted to help Ren right? How are you going to support him in the Kitsune court when you don't have anything to offer."

Kyoko sighed and obediently stopped moving. She dug her fingers into the fabric of her kimono as she went deep into thought. She was dragged out of her thoughts when Kanae spoke again. "Shotaro wants to help you not make a fool of yourself. As you are now...you might as well tie a pretty ribbon around your neck and call yourself Ren's pet because that is exactly what the court is going to see you as. You are even lower in ranking then the servants who work there. The Coyote court is pretty easy to please...but Kitsunes are…"

Kanae stopped talking when she felt Kyoko place a gentle hand on her arm. "...You're right. But Coyotes are not Kitsune...how is this going to change...well….anything?"

Kanae smirked. "You'll see. Sho's got it all planned out." Kanae finished applying the make-up and began packing up her bag. Kyoko looked herself over with quiet excitement at how beautiful she looked.

While she was lost in her thoughts she was swiftly dragged back out of it when she felt something connect hard to her shoulder. It was Kanae's hand. She leveled it heavily on her right shoulder and peered at her in the mirror. "Don't get too carried away. You may look the part but you still have to convince them...they may be coyotes...but they are still snobby nobles...and you...are still a human with no title." Kyoko pursed her lips and nodded.

"...I know." Kanae's lip curled quietly into a smirk and she gave a faint approving nod before grabbing her things and walking out the door.

Meanwhile. Shotaro was picking at his robes nervously as he waited for Kyoko. He looked over his shoulder at the sound of the banquet hall door sliding open with a quiet clack. Kyoko walked into the room with her head held high and a confident look in her eyes the belied her usual playful dopey appearance.

Shotaro's mouth drifted open slightly at the sight of her. But he quickly shut it and cleared his throat. His lips parted, flashing a faint glimpse at his sharp teeth hidden behind his usual cocky grin. "So…" he began. "I see you clean up well...I guess I should expect that from a lord's pet." he sneered.

Kyoko's eyebrow twitched with irritation at Shotaro's snide remark. Shotaro walked up to her and flicked her on the nose. Kyoko grimaced slightly and rubbed the tip of her nose with her fingers, glaring at Shotaro. "If that remark was enough to raise your hackles...you might as well not even go to the Tsuruga manor…" Kyoko's eyes widened slightly at Shotaro's remark. Shotar continued to walk around her as he eyed every inch of her up and down. He crossed his arms and placed his hand over his mouth contemplatively.

He gave an approving nod and leaned over her until his gaze was level with hers. "You think the yokai court won't have harsher statements to make then you being Lord Tsuruga's human pet?...that's the least of your concerns." Shotaro righted himself and adjusted his robes.

"But first you need to learn how to enter a room properly" Shotaro pointed to the door. "Go back out." He then gestured her to shoo out the door. Kyoko turned and walked back out the door and shut it behind her. She crossed her arms and let out an exasperated sigh.

Shotaro smiled haughtily. "I heard that. Ladies at court don't sigh." Kyoko's eyebrow twitched as she glared at the door with a pout. "They don't pout either. Now…" Shotaro uncrossed his arms and faced the door from the middle of the room. "Think not like a girl. Think like a lady. How would a lady of noble birth act as she enters a room….now….enter again"

Kyoko straightened herself up. Let out a slow breath, centering herself. She tucked her head just slightly and put a refined smile on her face. She turned and looked at the main hall servant who had been standing near the door. She gave a slight nod to him and faced the door again. The servant bowed respectfully. He entered the main hall. The servant bowed to Shotaro deeply before righting himself and cleared his throat. "Lady Kyoko of clan Tsuruga. Pact mate of the Lord Tsuruga, Lord of the Yokai Wood and heir of clan Tsuruga enters the hall." He pivoted on his heel to face the door. He placed his hands on the sliding door and gracefully slid it open. The servant smiled kindly at Kyoko and spoke quietly. "Welcome to the hall milady. You've been expected" He then stepped aside revealing the path before her. Kyoko entered the room and gave Shotaro a small bow of her head.

Shotaro stared as Kyoko entered the room and made her way towards him. His jaw hung slightly open until she stopped in front of him and gave bowed her head. Shotaro shook his head snapping himself back to reality shutting his mouth. He cleared his throat and returned her bow. "Much better." he grinned. "But that's just an entrance. Anyone can fake a noble air. But can you make them believe it." Shotaro paced back and forth slowly in front of her. "You've been here for a few months. And in that time you've never once changed your personality. You've never put on airs. But now...you have to" Shotaro stopped and looked at her seriously. "Kyoko. This is very serious. Kitsune's will tear you apart the moment they discover who...and WHAT...you are...most of all they hate humans. They'll accept a coyote before they'll accept a human."

Kyoko sighed. "You're telling me things I already know. You think i'm not aware of how dangerous this is?" she crossed her arms over her chest and pouted. Shotaro ran a hand through his hair.

"You may think you know what they are like...but you don't." he muttered. Shotaro narrowed his eyes more dangerously. "You've obviously met Lord Tsuruga's father...and his ex fiance. But I can tell you...everything they did to you pales in comparison to what the court will do. Lord Ren's father tolerates you because of his son. His own son out ranks him, but at the end of the day, Lord Ren is still his son...Lady Mori respects Lord Tsuruga and his father above all else, everything she did to you was because of jealousy and frustration knowing if she did ANYTHING to you it would harm her chances at all of getting Lord Ren."

Kyoko's eyes grew wide as she took in everything he had to say. She felt a cold sweat drip down her spine as she understood that every word he spoke was true. She's only met a few kitsunes. But all of them were related to or allies of Ren's. "What would one of Ren's enemies treat me if this is how his relations treat me?" she thought to herself.

Shotaro could see the shock beginning to overwhelm her. He approached and laid a hand on her shoulder. "Hey!..." Kyoko snapped her head around and looked at him. Shotaro stared at her with his piercing blue eyes. "...calm down!" he barked. He looked away from her and sighed in frustration. "I get it...you like the guy...but...is he really worth it...the abuse...the separation? It's wrong." He walked back to the center where he was standing before and faced her. "If you want to stay with him you have quite the hill to climb...I'll ask this only once...do you want to continue?" He waited and watched her seriously.

Kyoko took in a deep breath and let it out slowly, centering herself again and regaining her composure. "He's right" she thought to herself. "This won't be easy." She looked at Shotaro in the eye. "Yes! I want this...let's continue" she stated with conviction. Shotaro's lip curled into a slight, cocky smirk.

"Ok. I won't go easy on you. After all, how you act tonight reflects on me and my family as well…" he walked over to her. His steps practiced and refined. He stopped in front of her and gave a deep, respectful bow. "Milady. Would you honor me with a dance?" His words gentle and beautiful. Kyoko could feel a slight blush form on her face. She struggled to keep a giggle from escaping her throat. Shotaro stretched out his hand and waited. Kyoko felt a wash of nerves soak her from head to toe. Shotaro sensed it. "Let me guess...you can't dance either?"

Kyoko crossed her arms in defiance and turned away from him. "I can dance!" she retorted. Shotaro placed an arm on her shoulder and spun her around. Shotaro wrapped his free arm around her body, pressing his palm into the small of her back pulling her closer to his body. Kyoko felt the heat rise in her face. She could feel Shotaro's hot breath on her face, his nose only inches away from hers. Shotaro linked his left hand with Kyoko's right. Kyoko immediately pulled away. "What do you think you are doing!" she hissed.

Shotaro narrowed his eyes mischievously. "If you knew how to dance you would know i'm leading you." he teased. Kyoko's face flushed crimson. "There's no shame in not knowing how to dance." Shotaro muttered under his breath. Kyoko looked at him and could see he was being sincere. Kyoko nodded slightly. Shotaro chuckled under his breath and pulled away from her slightly. "Remove your shoes." Kyoko raised a brow curiously. Shotaro sighed. "Just do it…"

Kyoko slipped her right foot first out of her shoe and then the other. "Ok...now what?" She asked.

"Put the balls of your feet on top of mine." he instructed.

"That's too close" Kyoko muttered coldly.

Shotaro sighed with aggravation. "Just do it. Unless you want to go to the Kitsune court not knowing how to dance." Shotaro felt Kyoko's hand grip his tighter at the mention of the court. "Don't tense. Nobody wants to dance with a statue." he teased. "Loosen up. Relax your body. I'm not going to try anything….I don't have a death wish"

Kyoko placed her feet carefully on top of Shotaro's. Shotaro held her firmly against his body. "This is to teach you proper balance and coordination….just follow my moves. When I move to the left…" Shotaro slid his foot left slightly. "You move to the left...got it?" Kyoko nodded. "Good. Shotaro pressed his hip into Kyoko's before he moved his foot left or right. After a few awkward steps, and several moments where she nearly lost her balance she started to make sense of the physical signals he was giving her.

"You know…" Kyoko started. "...If Ren were here...you'd be dead right?" she teased.

Shotaro rolled his eyes. "Ya. ya….well...he's not, is he. Besides if he were here...he'd be all over you…" Shotaro scoffed as he looked over Kyoko's shoulder in an attempt to avoid eye contact.

"Is that a bad thing?" Kyoko asked as they moved around the dance floor. Shotar stopped moving, allowing Kyoko to step down. Once she had done so he back away from her.

"It's not a bad thing...but...for a noble as highly ranked as he is, you'd think he'd have some self control…" he sighed and scratched the back of his head as he looked down at the ground. "It's just...it irritates me the way he covets you...like you are a possession or something." Shotaro looked at Kyoko. "I'm young...I know that. But...even as a human you got to admit his affections for you are excessive."

Kyoko nodded. "I just thought that yokai and spirits were just more carnal." she stated with a shrug.

Shotaro sighed. "I guess from a human's perspective we are. But no. not the way he does it. Kitsune's are especially restrained in public. Even their mates stand a certain distance away and forget physical contact. You do that at court and you'll ruin Ren's reputation. And for a lord like him...his reputation is everything."

"I guess there's a lot to learn…" Kyoko muttered.

Shotaro smiled. "No one expects you to know everything right away. But the more you know the better off you'll be." Shotaro stretched out his hand towards Kyoko. "Shall we continue?" Kyoko smiled and nodded. She placed her hand in Shotaro's. Shotaro pulled her firmly towards him. She felt as Shotaro placed his right hand on her back and held her opposite hand in his left. "This time you'll follow my lead. Ok?" He stated. Kyoko gave a small nod. "We'll start with the basics first. The box turn." Shotaro moved his left foot to the side and waited for Kyoko to follow as he guided her with his body. "This is step one." he stated. When your partner steps left...you follow." Kyoko watched Shotaro's feet as he moved. He removed his hand from her back and tilted her chin up. "Hey. my eyes are up here" he teased.

"How am I supposed to learn the steps if I don't watch?" she barked with irritation.

"Shotaro chuckled. "Dancing isn't about watching and memorization...it's about feeling and connection...communication between two independent bodies." Kyoko turned her gaze away.

"You make it sound like sex...isn't there a better description?" she knitted her brow in frustration.

"Well...it is about sex." Kyoko snapped her head back to Shotaro. "Dancing, no matter what it looks like is about sex. It's about how well you communicate with your partner. I may not have a mate or a lover...but I do know in sex there's a leader...and a follower. Am I right?" he teased.

Kyoko glared at him before answering. "...yes…not that you need to know that." she quipped. Shotaro laughed heartily. Think of dancing like a mating call...it's a way for two potential partners to decide if they are worthwhile partners. And if they communicate well enough to be mates."

Kyoko and Shotaro continued to practice the dance steps for a few hours. Kyoko learned quickly and before long she was keeping up with Shotaro's dance steps. Shotaro, realizing she knew the dance now started to pick up the pace. Kyoko kept time with him every time he sped up or slowed down. Moved forward or back, side to side. Shotaro and Kyoko were out of breath by late afternoon. "Ok. I think you know what to do now." Shotaro let go of Kyoko's hand moved away. "I've got to get ready for the ball tonight. So go get some rest and prepare yourself." Kyoko nodded and excused herself from the hall.

As she walked down the corridors towards her room. She could feel the heaviness in her limbs. As soon as she entered her room she shuffled to her bed and collapsed on it. Allowing her eyelids to drift close she quickly fell asleep.

She was startled awake when Kanae entered the room rushing her around preparing her for the banquet. "We got to hurry. .The ball is in less than an hour. We don't have a lot of time." She swiftly pulled Kyoko out of bed and rushed about the room as she got Kyoko ready. Once she had Kyoko properly dressed for the event she began working on her makeup.

Kyoko sat patiently as Kanae expertly applied her rouge and powders. "Hey…." Kyoko said tentatively. "...are you sure this is a good idea?" she asked as she wrung her hands. Kanae's eyes caught her nervousness. She gave a gently smile.

"Of course. If you can't handle this how do you expect to handle the kitsune court? Everyone here likes you very much. They'll treat you well enough." Kanae finished applying her last swipe of makeup and she placed her brush down. "Besides, Shotaro won't let anyone treat you wrong." Kyoko nodded. She let her shoulders relax a bit.

"You're right. I'm just being silly." She said with a thin smile. She stood and gathered herself. She looked over her shoulder at Kanae and smiled. "I'll tell you all about the night's events tomorrow" She smiled brightly at Kanae as she opened the door and left.

Kanae let out a deep sigh. "That girl...she's so clueless sometimes." she shook her head slightly with a wry smile on her face.

Kyoko made her way carefully down the corridors. They had been expertly decorated to the theme of the night's banquet. The night's theme she could tell, like everything else had a natural look to it. It matched the changing of the season. The halls had been decorated with silk banners in natural tones of deep reds, deep greens and neutral browns. The banners were adorned with bouquets of sunflowers, late summer grasses and boughs of evergreens. Kyoko let a smile crossed her lips as she took in the happy simplicity of the decor. She arrived outside the door to the banquet hall.

The servants had been adorned with matching color servant robes. Robes of deep red were wrapped around the servants. Tied off with sashes of brown. Each servant wore a pin or hairpin made of evergreen boughs and dried berries. The servant outside the hall smiled he placed his arm around his midsection and bowed gently to her. "Milady. Welcome to the banquet hall." He rose from his bow and opened the door to the hall. Kyoko followed carefully behind him as he entered the room. The servant cleared his throat and announced Kyoko to the hall. "Lady Kyoko of clan Tsuruga. Pact mate of the Lord Tsuruga, Lord of the Yokai Wood and heir of clan Tsuruga enters the hall." He pivoted on his heel and gave Kyoko a gentle bow and left the hall completely, closing the door behind him. Kyoko walked tentatively into the room, aware of all the eyes on her. She kept her composure as to not give away her nervousness.

The banquet hall was even more beautiful than the corridors were. Large bouquets that matched the ones in the corridor lined the walls. Large panels of brown silk adorned the walls. The buffet tables were loaded with bowls piled high with seasonal fruits and nuts. Plates full of roasted meats wafted delicious scents around the room. At the end of all the tables were plates lined with slices of rustic breads. Kyoko's mouth watered at the sight of the beautiful spread in front of her.

She started to take a step towards the beautiful assortment of goodies when she felt a firm hand take grip of her arm. She snapped her head in the direction of the hand's owner and saw Shotaro. Shotaro smirked and leaned in close to her. "You can eat later. You are my guest tonight so we need to look the part." Kyoko glared at him out of the side of her eye and pressed her heel slowly into his food. Shotaro winced from the pain and bit his lip.

"Fine...but I expect to eat before the end of the night" She pouted. Shotaro sighed out in exasperation.

"How the hell Lord Tsuruga puts up with your attitude i'll never understand." Kyoko smiled at the mention of Ren as she accompanied Shotaro around the room.

Shotaro walked towards a rather stern looking man. She could tell he was old and set in his ways. He was stout and carried himself with an air of entitlement that she assumed befitted a man of his stature. "Lady Mogami" Shotaro began. "I'd like to introduce you to Lord Akashiro Michio"

Kyoko bowed her head deeply as she leaned her body slightly forward in a generous and tasteful bow. "It's a pleasure to meet you." Kyoko said before righting herself. The old coyote's face had not changed. He still stared at both of them with intimidation. He turned his head towards Shotaro.

"What is this?" He asked in a deep, harsh voice. Kyoko tensed her muscles, unsure of what to do. She felt Shotaro pat her hand with his free one reassuringly.

"Lord Michio." He said with a grin. "I find it hard to believe that a man with your wealth, status, and abilities wasn't aware of our guest of honor." Shotaro teased.

Lord Michio's brow dropped heavy over his eyes in irritation. "Honor? She's a human...what's so special about her?"

Kyoko smiled kindly at the irritated lord. She gave an apologetic bow as as she said. "Forgive my rudeness, your grace." She began. "I didn't properly introduce myself. I'm afraid events like this are quite new to me and I am not as well versed in how to behave at such a fine event such as this. Allow me to start over." She stayed in her bow for what felt like hours until she finally heard a deep sigh.

"Alright." Lord Michio grumbled. Kyoko righted herself and looked Lord Michio in the eye with an enigmatic, confident glare. Her lips curled slightly into an almost cocky grin and her eyes wrinkled at the corners, framing her smile with confidence and grace. "Milord Michio, it's an honor to meet you, I'm Lady Mogami Kyoko, Lord Tsuruga's pact mate, and human ambassador to the yokai woods"

Lord Michio's color drained from his face slightly and his mouth dropped open. "Forgive my rudeness" Lord Michio stated as he bowed deeply forward. "Give your lord my regards." Kyoko nodded and watched as Lord Michio swiftly walked away. After he was well out of earshot Kyoko let out a deep sigh of relief and let her shoulders relax slightly.

Shotaro dropped a knuckle on top of her head firmly. The bump surprised Kyoko and she rubbed the top of her head shooting a glare at Shotaro. "What hell was that for." She hissed.

"You dummy. You think Lord Michio is the worse you'll have to deal with? You'll be sorely mistaken. He's a pushover compared to the demons you'll be facing at the kitsune court." Shotaro chastised her firmly as he crossed his arms over his chest. As he finished they both heard someone step up behind them. Before they could react they heard the individual clear his throat, alerting them of his presence. As Shotaro turned to see who it was he felt a firm, clawed hand land heavy on his shoulder.

"Cut the fair lady some slack...this IS her first ball. If I recall your debut to society, you stepped on a lot of proverbial toes that your father is still trying to fix…" Shotaro swallowed hard and became stiff. Kyoko smiled at the sight before her. It was Ren.

"Sorry…" he grumbled under his breath. Let out a deep sigh and shot a challenging glare at Ren. "...I don't feel throwing a lamb in a wolf's den is a good way to debut anyone either. If she can't handle a party like this...how the HELL will she make it out alive at your place." Shotaro pulled his shoulder free of Ren's grasp and stormed away.

Kyoko turned away from Ren and crossed her arms gently in front of her. "You know...he has a point….i've never been to a fancy event, even in the human world...I'm completely out of my element even here...he's right...if I can't figure out how to behave here, they'll eat me alive…"

Ren wrapped his long clawed fingers around her small wrist and pulled her gently towards him. She turned to face him. "You're both wrong." he said gently. "...Shotaro presumes, like other lords...that i'll be busy socializing with other lords and leaving you on your own...I know you've never been to a social event...I wouldn't abandon you...you will have me to guide you through the woods" He smiled gently.

Kyoko smiled for a moment then glared at him. "Wait...I thought you left? Why are you here anyway?" she inquired.

Ren's lip curled mischievously into a playful smirk. "You think I don't have eyes and ears everywhere? I wasn't about to leave you with that puppy at such an event." Ren lead her to the dance floor as the orchestra began to play the next song. "Now...Show me what that runt taught you." he teased.

Kyoko became nervous and her arms stiffened as she placed her hand in his. Ren wrapped his hand around her back and pulled her closer. "Relax. It's me." he coaxed her. Kyoko let her shoulders and arms relax as Ren began to lead her through a waltz. As they gracefully moved around the other dancers. "You've got what it takes to be a leading lady you know." Ren said gently.

Kyoko could feel a blush creeping up her cheeks. "You think so?..." Ren nodded. Kyoko chuckled gently. "...you make it sound like you want me to be you wife or something." She teased.

Ren and Kyoko stopped as the music ended. Ren smiled and led her out of the ballroom and down a corridor. He led her out to the back garden and motioned for her to take a seat on a bench. Kyoko raised a brow and did as she was asked.

"Tell me...are you against the idea?" he asked.

"You mean settling down with a yokai?" she asked. Ren gave an affirming nod. "I was always told yokai's and humans couldn't be together...look what happened to your brother...human and yokai blood doesn't blend well...does it?"

Ren sighed. "You're sometimes too smart...but you are right...there are risks...when children get involved...but who says we have to be parents. We could just be life partners."

Kyoko nodded. "I suppose...but what if….what if you decide...no...Ren….whether you accept it or not...even I know you have to produce children…" Kyoko's eyes stared sadly at Ren.

Ren let out an exhausted sigh. "Why does everyone have to keep telling me that…" Ren stared up at the full moon above them. "...to be honest, heir apparent or not...i've never desired to have kits. I remember what my childhood was like and I don't want that for anyone else...it'd be even worse as Yokai of the woods...I'm never home...my son or daughter would never see me. What life is that...a child being raised by one parent? No. I won't do it."

"What about your family line? Isn't it important? If you don't have kids...well...it'll end. And I may not know your family that well...but I think I know them well enough that they'd never allow that to happen….would they?"

Ren ran a finger through his fair, silky hair. "Probably not…" Ren shook his head and smiled. "Let's not worry about it then. It's not like I was planning to propose to you at the gathering anyway. I really just wanted to know where you stand on the matter. Consider this meeting just a way to deeper connect with me as pact mate." Ren leaned in and placed a gentle kiss on her forehead. "You should head back to the party. Have a good time. I'll be back in a few days so be ready." He told her as he got up and walked away.

Kyoko stared at Ren with concern. "Ren…"