Kitsune Travel Record's

************************

Japan, Ozunu Orphanage: Forest

Seeing their shocked expressions, Areum rolled her eyes before pushing Raizo away, gracefully walking towards Lucian.

She knelt before him, her gaze softening as she caressed his cheek. Her fingers gently traced the contours of his face, sensing the bleeding from his wounds slowly stopping but still continuing. 'Looks like the tree is healing him well,' she thought, knowing Lucian wouldn't die completely until the tree was destroyed.

Before she could continue her inspection, a child's voice interrupted her.

"Excuse me, your name is Areum, right?" Julianne asked, having overheard Areum's conversation with Noshiko.

"Can I ask you how you got here? If you're Lucian's mom, why did you just appear now when he's like that?" Her voice was laced with worry and confusion, turning to anger as she accused Areum of wrongdoing.

The other children gathered around Julianne, their faces filled with concern.

Violet scanned Areum from head to toe, whispering with doubt, "Lucian doesn't have any white hair like you." The children glared at Areum, their eyes filled with distrust.

Areum stopped caressing Lucian's cheek, her brow furrowed. She observed the children, but her vision was suddenly blocked by a pair of legs.

She looked up to see Jang Man Wol standing before her, with a wary gaze.

Areum stood up, scoffing at Jang Man Wol and rolling her eyes. 'I wouldn't hurt a kid,' she thought, brushing past Jang Man Wol and meeting Julianne's gaze. The girl took a step back with a pale face.

Areum smirked.

"Oh, I've been here from the beginning," Areum said, amusement lacing her tone.

Satomi, Noshiko, and Talia exchanged doubtful glances. Raizo and the other Ozunu ninjas frowned.

Violet stepped forward, her eyes blazing with anger. A tear slid down her cheek as she stared directly at Areum, her voice trembling with fury.

"Then why did you let him get hurt like that? Aren't you his mother? You should protect him!" She clenched her fist, then threw a punch at Areum's stomach.

'What a feisty girl,' Areum thought, her eyes following Violet's fist. It was too slow for her. With ease, she caught Violet's fist, then knelt down, her gaze locked on the girl as she smirked.

"This was a test for Lucian," she said, her voice drawn out, making Jang Man Wol's eyes widen in disbelief. 'This woman's face is still as thick as ever,' Jang Man Wol thought. She knew that even if Lucian died, Areum wouldn't be bothered.

"But Lucian made a mistake. He didn't leave, did he?" Areum said, her eyes gleaming with mischief as she looked at Violet, then at the other children, her gaze lingering on each of their faces before returning to Violet.

"He stayed because he wanted to save you. He wanted to help you," she said, her voice becoming flat and emotionless. "And he got injured like this because you guys are weak and can't do anything, isn't that right?"

The children bit their lips, their eyes turning puffy, tears threatening to spill. Violet's tears streamed down her face as she looked at Areum, her face filled with a mix of anger and pain.

"Yah! Ahjumma!" Lee Yeon shouted, his voice filled with disbelief and anger.

'How can she go so low?' he thought.

Talia and Satomi's eyes were filled with anger as their fear was replaced by a fierce protectiveness for the children.

Noshiko frowned slightly, her thoughts racing. This wasn't as simple as it seemed. Areum was an ancient kitsune, always with a goal, her words always veiled in layers of meaning.

The Ozunu ninjas tightened their grip on their weapons, ready to attack at any moment, even if it meant their death.

Lee Rang shook his head, hearing Areum's words. He knew her game. 'A little bit of insult before an offer they can't refuse,' he thought.

Kim Yoo-ri was bored, watching the soldiers and Arashikage Clan ninjas, her attention drawn to Lucian. She knelt down, pressing her fingers repeatedly against his cheeks. 'How can such a small body kill so many people?' she thought in amazement and curiosity.

Areum looked at the teary-eyed children. 'This will be easier than I thought. They're so emotional for Lucian,' she thought, shaking her head slightly as she stood up.

"It's true, isn't it? You guys are dead weight to him," Areum said, her gaze sweeping over the children.

Jang Man Wol opened her mouth to retort, but Areum continued before she could speak.

"That's why I'm here to help Lucian, to take care of you guys," she said, turning back to Lucian, her brow furrowed with interest as she noticed what Kim Yoo-ri was doing.

"Come with me. With me, you will get stronger. You will be protected without being a dead weight to Lucian." She finally turned back to the children, her words echoing in the silent clearing, causing their eyes to widen in shock and confusion.

They took a step back, knowing they were being targeted again.

Talia and Satomi stepped in front of the children, their resolve hardening.

"I think that's a bit inappropriate, don't you?" Talia said, her voice firm.

"I have to agree with her. Your goal was Lucian from the beginning, wasn't it?" Noshiko added, walking beside Talia, her words laced with a hint of accusation.

"Yes, we can't let the children go with you, even if you are strong. We can protect them ourselves," Raizo said, unable to stand by and let Areum take the children.

They were the ones who would lead the Ozunu Clan to a new era of change.

"Hohoho, protect? You say," Areum laughed, her disdain evident in her voice. She turned, her gaze sweeping the ground, her eyes landing on the dead bodies in the distance, then shifting to the sleeping soldiers and Arashikage ninjas.

"From what I see, your clan is about to be destroyed if it wasn't for Lucian, isn't that right?" she asked, her voice a taunting question.

Raizo and Takeshi exchanged a worried glance, their bodies tensing, ready to attack. Areum didn't react to their movements.

"How long and how can you protect them?" she asked, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

"Do you think they're here to help you?" She stepped onto a sleeping Arashikage ninja, her heel pressing into his chest, causing the children to look at those who had just helped them.

"No, they're here to recruit you guys. And if you didn't join, you would die," Areum said, her voice cold and matter of fact.

"And they teamed up with these guys to just complete their mission, aren't I right?"

She smirked, her gaze meeting Raizo's and the others' eyes.

"Everybody hates the Ozunu Clan, whether you want it or not," she said, her voice taking on a more serious tone.

"You guys are already part of it. It's either you accept it and get stronger or don't, and die."

She looked at the children, their faces filled with sadness, their eyes reflecting their unspoken desire for a normal life.

"Let's face it, kids. You guys won't have a normal life ever again. And these guys, they can't protect you. You know that," she said, kneeling down, her fingers pointing towards Raizo and the other Ozunu ninjas.

"And every time you guys are in danger, you'll keep Lucian's life on the line. I'm the only one who can give you strength and make you safe. You know that. So, what's your choice?"

Her eyes glowed white, a powerful aura emanating from her, her ten tails swirling around her.

Noshiko gasped, her eyes widening as she saw Areum's tails. 'Kitsune God,' she thought, her body stiffening in shock. She couldn't move, a sense of awe and fear overtaking her.

Satomi and Talia froze, their bodies locked in place as if by an invisible force.

Their eyes were filled with terror, their bodies trembling with fear.

The children looked at each other, their young faces reflecting their difficult choices. They knew, from the youngest to the oldest, that a normal life was no longer an option. They had been hunted, they had been on the run, and now they were being targeted again.

They looked at Lucian, his body covered in blood, his face pale, his breathing shallow. They couldn't help but clench their fists.

Seeing their reaction, Raizo sighed, knowing they were at a crossroads.

He turned towards Areum, his expression serious.

"Do they really have a choice, or are you just informing them of what's going to happen?" he asked, knowing they couldn't defeat her, but not wanting the children to be forced into this situation.

Areum smirked at his question. "Don't worry, you guys are coming too," she said, her tone casual, as if she was simply stating a fact.

Takeshi's brow furrowed but he quickly agreed. "We'll go. We need to protect the Tōryō," he said, his voice firm.

Areum shook her head, a hint of amusement in her eyes. "Lucian isn't coming. He still has a journey to continue," she said, looking at them as if they were foolish. "You guys will just attract attention if you're with Lucian. Even though you're great at hiding, you can't hide from every supernatural being who hates you," she said, a hint of amusement in her voice.

The hatred of others would push the Ozunu Clan towards her faction, making it easier for her.

Takeshi frowned, his face troubled. He knew the Ozunu Clan's reputation wasn't good in both the human and supernatural worlds.

Seeing his reaction, Areum decided to deliver a final blow. "And you don't want to announce to the world that the Ozunu Clan survived and that their Tōryō is a kid with monster-like potential, right?" she said, her smirk widening, knowing they wouldn't dare risk that.

Takeshi frowned but stopped talking, silently agreeing with her words. He looked at the children, 'But we can protect them,' he thought, making the decision to protect the future of the clan.

"If Lucian isn't coming, then what do you want us to do?" Violet asked, her voice strong with determination. She had found the strength to face Areum, her gaze unwavering as she met the kitsune's aura. She didn't believe that Areum would treat them well now that Lucian wasn't with them. Garrett held Violet's hand, giving her support and strength.

The other children held and hugged each other closely, their eyes fixed on Areum.

Areum's aura dissipated, knowing she had succeeded. "Of course, you -" she started, but Jang Man Wol interrupted her.

"You are going to study," Jang Man Wol said, looking at the children with a smile. 'I never thought I would say that. I'm sounding like a mother,' she thought, knowing kids didn't like being told what to do.

The children looked at Jang Man Wol with incredulous shock. They were trained assassins, and she wanted them to study? Some of the younger kids thought she was kind, while others wondered why she was being so nice to them.

Violet and Julianne looked from her to Areum, observing their exchange, while Garrett stared at Jang Man Wol with fear. 'This woman is the devil,' he thought.

Seeing the grateful looks on the children's faces, Jang Man Wol felt a surge of pride. She noticed Violet and Julianne's doubtful expressions, so she turned to Areum.

"I'm right, unnie," Jang Man Wol said, asking for her confirmation.

Areum crossed her arms over her chest and looked at Jang Man Wol, her brow raised, a look of interest in her eyes. She connected with Jang Man Wol telepathically.

[What are you playing at, kid? What are you planning?]

Jang Man Wol heard Areum's voice in her head, but she just smiled at her before speaking aloud. "After all, you're taking them to MY hotel, aren't you? So it's MY decision what to do with them," Jang Man Wol said, emphasizing the word "MY," making it clear that the hotel was hers, not Areum's.

[After all, you're just a guest.] she added mentally.

[You've got guts. I'll give you that.] Areum said mentally, her eyes narrowing slightly as she looked at Jang Man Wol.

[Looks like you guys are teaming up on me.]

Lee Yeon, who had been walking towards Jang Man Wol, supporting her actions, looked at Areum, his gaze unwavering.

[We don't know what you're planning for the children, but we will do our best to help them.]

Areum looked at him, then back at Jang Man Wol, observing their interaction before turning to the children.

"And get stronger. After all, we wouldn't be able to help Lucian if they become ordinary," Areum added, her gaze shifting to Jang Man Wol and Lee Yeon, who were looking at the children with a mixture of concern and hope.

"You decide. We wouldn't force you," Jang Man Wol said softly but she thought, 'We would try to stop her,' knowing that they might not be able to prevent Areum from enacting her plans.

The children looked at each other, their faces filled with a mixture of joy and apprehension. For the first time since they were taken to the Ozunu Clan, they had a choice.

Studying or going to school would be the closest they could get to a normal life.

They glanced at Lucian, his body still covered in blood, his face pale, unconscious. They looked at each other again, a silent discussion taking place, their hearts filled with a mix of fear and hope.

Finally, Julianne stepped forward, her voice trembling slightly as she announced their decision.

"We can go with you. We can train and get stronger, but we hope the younger kids can still have a normal life and go to school," she said, her tone laced with hope that they would agree, that some of them could have a semblance of normalcy in their lives.

"Okay," Areum said, nodding slightly, a hint of amusement in her eyes. "Prepare yourselves. We are leaving in five minutes." She looked at Jang Man Wol and Lee Yeon, rolling her eyes.

"Aren't you guys a bit old to be rebelling?" Areum whispered, her voice barely audible to them. She turned back to Lucian.

Seeing Areum move away, Talia sighed. "Are you kids sure about your decision?" she asked, her voice filled with concern.

The children looked at each other, a silent affirmation passing between them.

Kwon shook his head towards Talia. "We all want to get stronger. Thank you for helping us," he said, bowing respectfully. He knew that they were about to leave, and their lives would never be the same.

The other children, their eyes shining with determination, followed Kwon's example, bowing deeply.

Julianne and Violet whispered their thanks to everyone who had helped them.

Talia's eyes welled up with tears.

She looked at the children, seeing their well mannered behavior. She raised her head, trying to hold back the tears, as Satomi walked beside her, caressing her arm gently, trying to comfort her.

"You guys will do something great in the future," Satomi whispered, knowing what they had been through.

They had grown stronger, more united, through their shared experiences.

The children bowed to Satomi, then turned towards Noshiko, expecting her to say something to them.

Noshiko nodded towards them, seeing their hopeful faces. She turned her head toward Areum, who was walking towards Lucian. "You guys should inform me where you're staying if you have a chance," she said, her voice gentle.

The older children lit up, bowing to Noshiko, knowing they needed to figure out how they would be treated before letting her know. They then bowed to the Arashikage ninjas, who were still asleep, thanking them for their help, even though they were there to recruit them.

Julianne knelt in front of Anya, whispering to her. "Don't you think we should say goodbye to your big brother? It will be a long time before we see each other again."

Anya's eyes widened, understanding Julianne's words. She ran towards Lucian, the younger children trailing behind her. The older children smiled, following them.

As they walked away, the three women couldn't help but exchange concerned glances.

"When do you think the world will find out they survived?" Talia whispered, knowing how many obstacles the children would face in the future.

"When they shocked the world," Noshiko answered, her voice a hushed murmur. 'With Lucian leading them, the world will tremble when they grow up.' She shook her head, already feeling the chaotic future unfolding before them.

Satomi continued to smile, her gaze fixed on the children's retreating backs. She was happy that they were safe, that they were no longer in danger.

•-----•-----•-----•-----•

When Areum walked towards Lucian, the Ozunu ninjas made way for her. But Raizo couldn't help but step forward.

"Are you really just going to leave him here?" Raizo asked, his voice filled with concern. He knew that Lucian would want to see his mother, especially since he was from an orphanage.

Areum looked at Raizo, then continued walking towards Lucian, kneeling down beside him.

"When he finishes his journey and gets stronger, he will find me." Areum said, her gaze shifting to Kim Yoo-ri, who hadn't left Lucian's side and was observing his face with interest.

Raizo frowned at Areum's words, looking at Lucian, covered in blood and wounds.

"You don't even know if he'll survive now," he said, knowing how serious Lucian's injuries and exhausted body were.

Areum smirked at Raizo, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "He looks tougher than you think." she said. She then looked at Kim Yoo-ri, her lips curling into a grin.

"Why don't you stay with him?" she said, her gaze meeting Kim Yoo-ri's, who had stopped touching Lucian's face.

"Me?" Kim Yoo-ri pointed to herself, confused. "Why?" she asked, not understanding why Areum would order her to stay with her son.

"I need more information about my son. After all, since you're interested in him, why not stay by his side while informing me?" Areum said, her voice laced with a teasing tone.

Kim Yoo-ri was shocked by her words. Though she was interested in Lucian's strength, she couldn't admit it. She shook her head, hurriedly denying Areum's proposition.

"I'm not, don't talk nonsense," she said, her voice flustered. "And I still need to help Lee Rang." she added, making up an excuse to avoid agreeing with Areum.

"Oh, is that so?" Areum nodded, seemingly accepting her explanation.

"Lee Rang! Come here," Areum called out, drawing Lee Rang's attention. He walked towards them, a questioning look on his face.

"Do you want to stay with my son?" Areum asked, already knowing his answer.

"Why?" Lee Rang asked, a frown etched on his face. He looked down at Areum, his expression full of confusion.

"I need information about my son from people I can trust, and these guys probably want information about their Tōryō as well." she said, nodding towards the Ozunu ninjas who were approaching them.

"Then let Yoo-ri stay." Lee Rang said simply. 'I don't want to babysit a kid.' he thought, shaking his head.

Areum smiled, expecting his answer. She then looked at Kim Yoo-ri with a teasing grin.

Kim Yoo-ri, flustered by the unexpected turn of events, shouted, "Yahh! Lee Rang!" Her eyes were wide with shock.

Lee Rang was surprised by the sudden outburst behind him. He turned to Kim Yoo-ri, his eyebrows raised.

"Wae! Don't you want a vacation as well? Just think of staying here as your vacation." he said, slightly shocked by Kim Yoo-ri's reaction.

Kim Yoo-ri glared at him, her irritation evident.

Areum smiled, enjoying their interaction.

"It's decided. You're staying with him." she said before turning back to Lucian, her face softening with affection. 'Goodbye for now, my son,' she thought, waiting for him in the future.

The children interrupted her as Anya ran toward them. Areum stood up, and the three of them moved aside to let the children through.

"Big brother, we're leaving." Anya whispered, not wanting to disturb Lucian. "Come and visit Anya, okay? We'll be waiting for you." she whispered, sitting on the ground and hugging Lucian, not caring about the blood staining her clothes.

"I will miss you," a tear rolling down her cheek.

The younger children who followed Anya followed her example, hugging Lucian, their faces filled with sadness.

The older children smiled at them.

"Okay, okay, that's enough. He's still wounded." Violet said, her voice gentle as she stood up, watching the younger kids.

Julianne wiped the blood from Anya's cheek as they surrounded Lucian. They all silently said thank you in their hearts, their resolve and determination grew stronger, their desire for strength increasing.

They bowed to Lucian.

Their eyes welled with tears, their hearts filled with gratitude for Lucian's sacrifice. Some of the younger children began to cry, their voices rising in unison as they shouted,

"Thank you! And goodbye!"

They wiped their tears, then turned towards Areum, their eyes filled with newfound determination.

"We're ready to go," they said, their voices unified.

Areum nodded, her gaze fixed on the children. 'These kids are worthy of Lucian saving them,' she thought, seeing their gratitude, her eyes narrowing as she looked at Raizo.

"Are you coming with us?" she asked.

Raizo pursed his lips, his face troubled. He looked at Lucian and then at the children, then sighed, knowing he would go back to the Ozunu Clan with them in due time. Takeshi spoke for him.

"Live your life, little brother, but you already know where you belong," Takeshi said, his voice firm.

Raizo just nodded slightly in agreement.

"Then let's go, shall we?" Areum said, looking at Jang Man Wol and Lee Yeon, who nodded in agreement.

"But before that, sorry, but I don't want someone spreading how I look." she said, smirking. A white mist surrounded Talia, Noshiko, Satomi, and Raizo, who all sighed in resignation.

Talia and Satomi fell to the ground, as did Raizo. Noshiko struggled to resist, a purple kitsune aura flaring around her. Seeing her attempt, Areum simply grinned.

"You're too weak, Tengoku Kitsune." Areum said, the white mist engulfing Noshiko before she too fell unconscious.

"Let's go." Areum said, starting to walk, Jang Man Wol and Lee Yeon following close behind. The children, their faces now filled with anticipation, trailed after them, the Ozunu ninjas bringing up the rear.

Lee Rang looked at Kim Yoo-ri, then waved goodbye with a smirk. "Tsk." Kim Yoo-ri clicked her tongue in irritation, then looked at Areum's back.

"Ahju -" Kim Yoo-ri began, but Areum stopped walking, causing Kim Yoo-ri to stop talking and quickly change her words.

"Unnie, what am I going to say if he looks for you and the kids?" Kim Yoo-ri asked, troubled by finding a reason if Lucian asked about their whereabouts.

"Oh, looks like you're okay with staying here with him, aren't you?" Areum said, turning around with a teasing smile.

Lee Rang, his eyes widening in shock, pointed at Areum, then at Kim Yoo-ri.

"You." he exclaimed.

Kim Yoo-ri, flustered yet again, shook her head, trying to deny it.

"Tell him, if he wants to protect someone dear to him, he needs strength." Areum said, then waved her hand, a white mist enveloping their group.

"It sounds like a threat." Jang Man Wol whispered to her.

"Because it is." Areum grinned, as the white mist covered them completely.

While Lee Rang shouted, "Kim Yoo-ri, wait for him to grow up before you eat him!" he said, laughing as the white mist dissipated.

Kim Yoo-ri shook her head, looking at the people waking up on the ground.

She then disappeared hiding into illusions.

______________________

Next Chapter 52: The Bite

______________________

Marishadow:

Hello to Guys! 4K words, if you like my story Subscribe on my p.a.t.r.e.o.n on:

https://www.patreon.com/Marishadow

To Support me and get access to advanced chapters. Get ahead up to 20 chapters.

~ 5 advanced chapters $5 ~

~ 10 advanced chapters $10 ~

~ 20 advanced chapters $20 ~

Every member helps me creating and sharing more with you all.