Tale of the Six Kitsune: III

In Chronicles of the Six Kitsune of five hundred years ago, Hayama and Ayu also had stories of their own. But at this point, mother and daughter must still rely on Aida's rescue.

Continuing from last time: Black Fox Aida had subdued the two women bandits, the "Twin Oni of Togakushi," and set out upon the path of chivalry.

Not long after the three rested in Konda Village, they chanced upon a mother and daughter.

Talking, they learned the pair were entertainers come from far Seirai Island: the older woman surnamed Hayama, the girl named Ayu. They had been preparing to enter Inazuma City for the festival, only to be cheated by the village's great Lavender Melon merchant, who insisted they buy melons at an outrageous price—just because he had earlier "kindly" given them a few to quench their thirst. But where would wandering performers find so much money? And they could not spend the fare home...

The "Twin Oni of Togakushi" were ever fierce; hearing this, they ground their teeth at once, chiming in turn that they must settle with the crooked merchant and carve him to pieces. But Black Fox Aida had a plan of her own. One low hum stopped the Twin Oni sisters:

"Enough. I understand."

Then she soothed the mother and daughter a little:

"You two need not worry. Big Sister already has a measure of this. Just watch me go reason with him."

With that she strode off again to find the crooked merchant.