An Unlikely Duo

The month of October is a special month not just for the human realm. Creatures from all over the world wait for that special night when they get to venture into our world, when the portal opens for them.

Yes, you guessed it, they're waiting for Halloween. What a time to trick, scare, petrify, and still get a treat out of it!

They don't kill (well, some of them do, but they aren't important right now); they just play around a little. Harmless fun, nothing more.

Everyone is excited and preparing for their own Halloween fiesta! It'll be crazy!

One creature, however, isn't exactly teeming with joy.

A kitsune (fox demon) by the name of Kiyoshi is NOT looking forward to Halloween.

Too many insufferable, brainless creatures will only bring him a major headache. Kiyoshi isn't a big fan of crowds and noise and can't be bothered to deal with them.

Sadly, he'll need to. He has to work. On Halloween. While others get to go out and party, or do whatever, Kiyoshi is forced to work.

The fox puts up with a lot of insolence.

Kiyoshi isn't getting paid enough for this. Not that he gets paid at all, but it's the principle of the matter!

His job? To find a suitable head, a pumpkin to be precise.

Yes, you read that right. He needs to find a suitable head for that damned Headless Horseman. Who in their right mind manages to lose their head in the first place?

Oh, right, sorry. No head, so technically, no brain there either.

Kiyoshi sighs.

Now do you understand why he doesn't deal with the forementioned insufferable, brainless creatures? It's because he always gets dragged into these kinds of situations.

To make things worse (because they usually do get worse),

Kiyoshi won't be working alone.

He'll have a "partner." It's to get the job done as quickly as possible.

The kitsune snorts at the sheer stupidity of it.

And it's not someone he can at least (attempt to) tolerate, of course not.

His "partner" is a wolf. And it's a common fact that wolves and foxes don't exactly see eye to eye.

In fact, they avoid each other as much as they can. It's been that way for centuries.

And now they need to work together. Lovely.

The wolf doesn't look ecstatic about it either. In fact, he looks like he might wolf someone down.

No pun intended. Maybe.

"Let me get this straight. You want me and the bloody fox to find the perfect pumpkin for the Headless Idiot™? Because one isn't enough to do something so simple. " The wolf said flatly.

Kiyoshi would have to agree with that begrudgingly.

"Also," the wolf added, "Doesn't he know that wolves and foxes don't mix? We'd probably kill each other before he got his new head. "

"Yes, the boss wrote it down exactly like that. He wants the both of you to go search for his, uh, head. And he is aware of the circumstances between your races. But the more, the merrier, don't you agree? "

The ghost that "worked" for The Headless Horseman asked cheerfully, not seeing anything wrong with the arrangement.

The kitsune and the wolf give him a blank look, making it more than clear exactly what they thought about it.

The ghost wasn't finished, though.

"He also stated that, should you succeed, he'd pay you generously, plus, you won't need to attend the upcoming Halloween party, Kiyoshi." Kiyoshi's ears perked up at that.

The ghost looked then at the wolf, "And as for you, Lupin, the horseman said that he'd overlook last year's little incident." The wolf, Lupin, rolled his eyes and sighed in resignation.

"That "incident" wasn't such a big deal, but whatever. When do we start?" Lupin asked. Kiyoshi was surprised at the wolf's easy acceptance.

"You start tomorrow evening. You have ten days to find him a head or else he'd send the hunters after you."

The ghost warned them, looking serious.

For the first time, Kiyoshi spoke up.

"Send the hunters after us, because he was incompetent to keep his own head attached to his shoulders. I'm amazed, as if we're something to sneeze at when it comes to strength. We'd crush them. " The kitsune growled, his eyes turning into slits.

The ghost squeaked nervously.

"Do-don't shoot the messenger, Kiyoshi! I'm just saying! "

"Seriously, fox, calm down. We'd do our job and be done with the headless dunce. " Lupin tried to reason with Kiyoshi, who turned his head to glare at the wolf instead.

"Don't tell me what to do, dog." Kiyoshi sneered at Lupin.

"How creative of you, but you seem to forget we're both canines."

Kiyoshi shrugged.

"Technicalities. Wolves are far less sophisticated than foxes."

"Says who?"

"Does it matter? The point still stands; there's no use in arguing. "

"Why you..."

The ghost decided it was best to leave because his job was already done. He left the two of them to their bickering.

This is why the ghost was grateful to be already dead. He can't exactly die twice.

***

Kiyoshi and Lupin managed to agree to meet up in the same spot where they'd met with the ghost, which was a miracle on its own. From there, they'd decide where to begin this pumpkin chase.

Kiyoshi could tell this was going to be exhausting. He didn't need to be a seer to be able to deduce that.

At least they could agree on how ridiculous this whole situation is.

"See you tomorrow evening, partner. Don't be late! " Lupin waved at the kitsune before turning to walk away.

"Baka inu..." Kiyoshi mumbled under his breath.

"Did you say something?"

"I said that the same goes for you. Don't squander any more of my time than it already was. " Kiyoshi said before walking away.

"I don't howl all the time! It shows how much you know about us, you fiend! " Lupin yelled after the kitsune, his temper flaring. Kiyoshi didn't react to it, continuing on his way.

This is certainly going to be interesting.

***

The next evening arrived way too soon for Kiyoshi and Lupin. Both of them dreaded the journey that awaited them.

They met at the place they agreed on last night, arriving on time, so Kiyoshi couldn't complain that his time was "wasted." The kitsune sulked, and the wolf rejoiced.

It's not even ten minutes since they met up and went on their merry way when our two protagonists start antagonizing each other.

First, it started with Lupin's proposal.

"We should post our progress on Monstagram!"

"Are you out of your mind? What would your pack say if they knew we were on a job together? "

Lupin scratched his head, laughing nervously, and said,

"Actually, they do know. It appears that the horseman notified them beforehand. "

Kiyoshi grinned like the fox he was.

"Oh, and? Were you kicked out of the pack?"

Lupin sighed. This fox menace is so condescending that he regrets even trying to be civil.

"I'm sorry to burst your bubble, but no, I wasn't kicked out. They told me to grin and bear it and stay out of trouble. "

"Some pack you've got there." Kiyoshi commented off-handedly.

Lupin grinned, his fangs gleaming in the moonlight following them.

"They really are! I was sceptical about how they'd react, but they surprised me in a good way! We stick together no matter what! What about your pack, huh, Kiyoshi? "

"Don't use my name so casually, baka inu, and I don't live in a pack. We tend to be solitary creatures, relying only on ourselves. " Kiyoshi answered, his ten tails swaying as he walked.

Lupin noticed the white tails and was impressed by their number. He was aware that the number of tails represented the kitune's level of power.

Or something like that, he wasn't sure. He doubted Kiyoshi would answer him even if he asked nicely.

"Doesn't it get lonely?" Lupin wondered, not aware he was saying it aloud.

"Not really, it's how things are done in our kind. As you probably noticed, I'm not exactly a fan of crowds or other creatures. " Kiyoshi said, enjoying the night breeze on his face.

The kitsune loved the night the most. Pity he can't spend it in his territory in peace and quiet.

"I've noticed you're not exactly friendly, but I've assumed you're like that because I'm a wolf." Lupin said bluntly.

Kiyoshi smiled wryly. He had to give it to the wolf because he was either brave or stupid to talk to him like that, though what he said wasn't a lie.

And Kiyoshi gave him an opening himself, so if anyone's to blame, it's him.

"Well, now you know that I'm like that with everyone. There are very few beings in our world that I can tolerate." Kiyoshi admitted it without difficulty, seeing no problem with it.

It was the truth, after all. If you asked anyone, they'd tell you something similar.

It wasn't from a lack of trying, because the kitsune did try, in his own way, to fit in with the rest. He later realized that he didn't have much in common with the other creatures.

Lupin was silent, mulling that information over. The kitsune was unusual, but he didn't seem like he was a ruthless and unkind bastard 24/7.

Lupin might be a dog, a hound, whatever name there is for his kind, but he's perceptive. His senses need to be keen, and so does his mind.

Wolves might not get on with foxes, but it wasn't like there was an outright war between them, unless they trespassed on each other's territory or killed one of their own.

Otherwise, they tend to stay out of each other's way.

It's a silent agreement of sorts. But now, they can't exactly do that, can't they?

A wolf and a fox need to cooperate. Their ancestors must be rolling in laughter or despair.

"You've gone unusually quiet, wolf. Have I shocked you into silence? Not that I mind, but it seems you're one of those who loves the sound of their own voice. "

Speaking of the devil...

Lupin's thoughts were broken by Kiyoshi's voice, bringing him back to earth.

"I'm fine. I was just thinking. " Lupin waved the kitsune off.

"I didn't ask if you were fine or not. I've just noticed the lack of your barking. And please, don't overuse that mass you call a brain; you might need it later on. "

Lupin glared at Kiyoshi, who smirked at him.

"Do you always have to be an overbearing bastard?" Lupin was done with Kiyoshi's nonsense.

"It's my default personality. Haven't we established that a few minutes ago? Seriously, leave the thinking to those who actually know how. "

"Teme." Lupin grumbled under his breath.

"What did you just say?"

"Why, the great Kitsune is hard of hearing? That's not good. Weren't you supposed to be a more "sophisticated" species than me? " Lupin replied smugly, catching the fox off guard.

If looks could kill, Lupin would've turned to ash right there and then. He was afraid of the stupid fox. He could hold his own in a fight. He just didn't see the point in fighting.

"And I've called you "teme." You call me "baka inu," so it's only fair I return the favor. "

Lupin replied cooly, putting his hands behind his head and walking ahead of the stunned fox.

Kiyoshi stared after the wolf, shocked that he had gotten one-upped by him.

***

They walked through the forest in silence, looking for the best place to spend the night and get away from the other creatures that lived there.

They finally found such a place, venturing further into the forest.

They will rest here for the night and continue on their way tomorrow.

The nights were colder, given that it's autumn, but both Lupin and Kiyoshi had fur to keep them warm.

They'd probably argue which one's thicker and warmer, but we don't want to jinx it. Let there be more peace.

Lupin wasn't tired, so he decided to lie down and just stare at the starry sky above.

Putting his arms (or paws) behind his head, he directed his gaze at the beautiful, glittering night sky, his mind blank and somewhere far away.

Lupin liked relaxing like this at night, after a hard day (yes, even wolves have those), though usually he'd go find a higher place for his regular stargazing ritual. The view was much better.

But Lupin wasn't by himself now, and he doubted his companion would appreciate him wandering off in the middle of the night.

The quiet fell upon the dark forest, only crickets filling the silence with their night melody.

Lupin was just about to completely empty his mind and focus on the stars when Kiyoshi broke his concentration again.

"You know Japanese."

It wasn't posed as a question. This foxy guy rarely asked them.

"My parents came from the Japanese wolf packs." Lupin gave a concise and short explanation.

"Hm, I see." Kiyoshi said, before they both grew silent. That was how they spent the rest of the night, before finally falling asleep.

***

They were on the move at dawn, not risking a potential ambush or anything that might endanger them. They tried to avoid fights with other creatures as much as they could.

That doesn't mean they would miss an opportunity to bicker with one another.

Lupin: "We should start with Midvar. They always have the most pumpkins! "

Kiyoshi: "Midvar is a small town, and the carvings on those pumpkins are atrocious. I don't think His Headless Higness would appreciate his mouth looking like an explosion. "

Lupin: "I didn't know you were such an expert on pumpkin carving fashion!"

Kiyoshi: "I'm not, but I have eyes and some taste, unlike you."

Lupin: "Great, here we go. What do you suggest then, Pumpkin and Carvingana? "

Kiyoshi: "What a stupid name. You should really work on that. I suggest we go straight to Ashgin. It's a bigger village, and they do know their way around a pumpkin. They look ferocious, just like the headless idiot wants to appear to those that are dumb enough to believe in it. "

Lupin: "While that might be true, I think those pumpkins look way too heavy to serve as a head. Speaking of which, that ghost never told us exactly how we'd know that we'd found a perfect pumpkin. "

Kiyoshi stopped what he was about to say, realizing that Lupin was right. How were they supposed to know that the pumpkin they found was the perfect one?

"Did that ghost give us some form of contact?" Kiyoshi wondered, trying to recall anything else that the ghost might've told them.

"No, he hasn't. I follow him on Monstagram, but there's no signal here. " Lupin waved his phone for emphasis.

"So basically, we're left to our own devices when it comes to choosing a damn pumpkin."

Kiyoshi's dry tone made Lupin want to laugh, but he held himself back.

The wolf didn't think the kitsune would take it too kindly.

Instead, Lupin settled with just, "It seems that way."

Kiyoshi let out a deep sigh.

Thank the gods for his immortality, otherwise he might've been worried about his blood pressure.

Lupin saw the kitsune's expression and added, "Uh, how about this? When we get to the first village, I'll try to contact the ghost. I follow him on Monster, so it won't be a problem. "

Kiyoshi massaged his temples before nodding in agreement.

That was the best option they had.

***

Walking through the forest, our protagonists come across a big snake.

It was Serpentia, the unofficial queen of the forest. She was napping and just chilling on a branch, like any snake.

When she sensed someone approaching, she opened her eyes, hissing when she saw Kiyoshi and Lupin.

"Greetingsss, fellow demonsss. What bringsss you to my territory?" Serpentia observed them calmly.

"We're just passing through. We're on our way to Ashgin. " Kiyoshi replied.

"I thought we were going to Midvar." Lupin said, glaring holes into the fox.

"That's what YOU thought. I don't recall having such stupid thoughts. " Kiyoshi said. Lupin gritted his teeth in agitation.

"Well, I'd definitely remember where we were going, and Ashgin wasn't it!"

"It wasn't Midvar either, and now it is Ashgin, because I said so. End of discussion. "

Lupin gaped at Kiyoshi in disbelief.

He must've done something pretty awful in his past life if he was forced to interact with an irritating and bossy demon like Kiyoshi.

"Who made you the boss?" Lupin asked Kiyoshi, who was leaning against the tree where Serpentia watched the spectacle.

"No one, I'm just better at...guiding, if you will. If you don't like it, you can always leave. I won't stop you. "

Kiyoshi picked at his claws in boredom.

"Like hell I'll leave! I'm entrusted with this job too, so I have every right to be here, you damn coyote with too many tails! " Lupin exploded, done with Kiyoshi's belittlement.

Serpentia watched in amusement as two demons went back and forth, hissing with laughter, which earned her a glare from the kitsune.

It was like watching children fight.

"You DARE compare me to those lower beings, you dog?! This is an insult! " Kiyoshi growled at the wolf and got a growl in return.

Serpentia decided it was best to meddle, lest they destroy her beautiful forest. There would be hell to pay if they did.

"Gentlemen, pleassse," the snake said, "How about a friendly competition to help you decide?"

Both demons turned to the snake before nodding at her to continue.

"It'sss sssimple, really. The winner will be the one who bringsss me the largessst meal they can catch. It wouldn't be hard for either of you. You both do hunt for food, after all. You have, let'sss sssay, two hoursss. " Serpentia explained the rules to Kiyoshi and Lupin.

"Are you mocking me, you slimy reptile? You want me to bring you food? How about I turn you into snake powder instead? Then you wouldn't have to worry about food! " Kiyoshi threatened the snake as he conjured a blue fireball in his palm.

Lupin slapped his palm across his face in frustration and decided to step in before things escalated.

Sneaking behind Kiyoshi, Lupin karate-chopped him, catching the kitsune before he fell to the ground.

Throwing Kiyoshi over his shoulder, Lupin turned to the angry snake.

"I'm sorry about this, Serpentia. He can be hot-headed sometimes. I'll do my best to keep him under control while we're here. " The wolf apologized, bowing his head in respect.

Serpentia calmed down a little, slithering down from the tree. She slithered closer to where Lupin was standing.

"At leassst sssomeone hasss mannersss around here. Very well, I'll accept your apology, though you did nothing wrong, wolf. Good luck with dealing with the fox. You have my sssympathy. " Serpentia truly felt sorry for the wolf demon.

No wonder the rest of the demon realm avoided the grumpy fox.

Lupin scratched his head, grinning at the snake.

"Thanks, we were kind of pushed into this, uh, temporary partnership, so..."

Lupin waved at Serpentia before walking off in the direction they were going before encountering Serpentia, carrying an unconscious kitsune over his shoulder.

"Good luck, wolf demon." The snake knew Lupin heard her because he laughed loudly at that.

Yeah, he'd need all the luck he could get. Or a divine intervention, whichever came first.

***

Kiyoshi woke up later in the evening, drowsy from sleep and disoriented. Looking around, he saw they were still in the forest.

"You know, for a demon whose name means quiet, purity, and other similar words, you're quite the opposite."

Kiyoshi turned to see Lupin lying on the ground, watching the stars.

"What happened?" Ignoring the jab, Kiyoshi asked.

Lupin, not turning his head from the sky, answered.

"You were about to set fire to the forest by threatening Serpentia, so in order to avoid that, I knocked you out. Simple as that. "

Kiyoshi was quiet.

"You knocked me out?"

"Yup." Lupin popped the "p."

The wolf didn't get a chance to continue to stargaze, because suddenly a big, white tail swung at him.

"Oi!" Lupin yelled at the kitsune, whose tails coiled behind him like tentacles.

"What? I thought I'd return the favor. I can't guarantee you'd wake up. Now be a good puppy and stay still. " Kiyoshi swung all ten tails at Lupin, who was fast enough to dodge them.

"You were going to burn the whole forest down! What was I supposed to do!?" Lupin asked, as he avoided a near hit.

"You were supposed to stay out of it, that's what! That snake had it coming! " Kiyoshi replied angrily, his tails moving in all directions.

"Your flames are the strongest ones in the whole demon realm. They would've spread across the whole forest; that's how strong they are! You know that better than I do! "

Lupin was faster than the kitsune anticipated, moving between his tails with agility. Kiyoshi had to give credit where it's due.

Not that he'd ever tell the stupid wolf that. He'd just gloat, waggling his tail in satisfaction.

"So you do admit to me being stronger than you? It's a shame I didn't record it. " That's what Kiyoshi said instead. He stopped trying to hit the wolf.

Lupin sat as far away as he could from Kiyoshi, not trusting the kitsune wouldn't try to hit him.

"I've never said that!"

"You implied it. There's no shame in it. I'm older than you and wiser. It can't be helped. Perhaps you'll get stronger in a few centuries. " Kiyoshi mocked the wolf, knowing he wasn't that much older, but used it to his advantage.

"You nearly turned us all into smithereens, and you call yourself wise? You're more petty than wise. Oh, and also, who ended up being knocked out by whom exactly? " Lupin grinned wolfishly at the glowering kitsune.

That night, Lupin needed to sleep on the other side of the forest, an angry kitsune chasing him off.

***

The following morning, they finally left the forest (much to the relief of other inhabitants, including a certain snake queen).

They were walking in silence, with Lupin keeping a safe distance from Kiyoshi. The kitsune may not appear as murderous as last night, but it's better to be safe than sorry.

Besides, those tails look heavy and like they could break a bone or two. Lupin didn't want to risk an injury.

And so the trip continues, leading the two demons to the roads leading to Midvar and Ashgin.

Kiyoshi expected another quarrel about which village they'd visit first, but he was shocked when Lupin himself turned right, taking a road leading to Ashgin without a single word.

Kiyoshi would've raised an eyebrow if he had them (he still looks like a regular fox) at this strange turn of events.

Wasn't the wolf complaining about this yesterday and the day before that? What made him change his mind?

Kiyoshi isn't going to complain.

He did insist (rather forcefully) that they go to Ashgin first, but he was curious.

Also, he noticed the silent treatment the wolf gave him.

Not that he was bothered by it.

He just got bored easily, and the wolf was a great source of entertainment when he wasn't a smartass.

Pot-kettle vibes, anyone?

Kiyoshi needed to get to the bottom of this. The wolf doesn't get to be the most mature of the two of them.

Really, Kiyoshi? Really?

Having caught up to Lupin, Kiyoshi walked a little closer to the wolf, giving him sideways glances from time to time.

It went on like that for five minutes.

Lupin sighed deeply, having had enough of the kitsune's not so subtle stares. It was unusual for Kiyoshi to not say anything outright. He always had something to say.

"If you want to say something, just get it over with." Lupin said, looking straight ahead of him.

"You didn't whine about not going to Midvar first. What made you change your mind?" Kiyoshi asked, not one to beat around a bush.

For someone so sly and cunning, Kiyoshi could be pretty straightforward.

"Not worth the risk of destroying parts of the realm, and we'd just be wasting time arguing about it. And you hate wasting your time, as you said before. " Lupin answered truthfully.

"Hm." That was all Kiyoshi said (hmmed) for now.

They had a few more miles until they reached Ashgin, so they spent the first three hours traveling in complete silence.

Surprisingly, in the third hour, it was Kiyoshi who broke the silence. He didn't know why, but the silence unnerved him.

"You know, you would've been fine. My flames wouldn't actually harm you or the serpent. "

"No, just leave me without fur, at best." Lupin said neutrally.

"I do know how to control them."

"Your temper is another story, though. For someone who looks so grumpy, you sure know how to be aggressive and just plain childish. "

Well, ouch, Lupin. You're being especially direct today.

"Thanks, captain obvious. Why do you think other demons avoid me?" Kiyoshi asked, actually impressed that the wolf spoke that way to him.

The wolf was usually making an effort to be somewhat civil.

Apparently, even he had a limit.

How shocking, right?

Kiyoshi can't deny that he can be extremely petty for no reason.

He never claimed to be perfect.

No, of course not. He's the epitome of modesty.

"Well, now I understand it much better. But, I'm not like other demons; you can't scare me. You might be stronger, but we never got to really test that theory. "

Lupin gave Kiyoshi a side glance before turning his head away.

"Are you challenging me, puppy?" Kiyoshi asked, his voice betraying no particular emotion.

"First I'm a dog, now I'm a puppy. You're giving me a cute nickname because you actually do tolerate me, right? " The wolf grinned smugly.

If anything irritated Kiyoshi, it was the implication that he respected someone other than himself.

"Just know that you're probably in third place on my list of things that annoy the hell out of me."

That was as close as Kiyoshi would get to admitting that Lupin wasn't the worst of them all.

"I imagine you have quite a long list."

"You have no idea. I can explain why your position isn't that bad. You should be thankful, puppy. "

"Aren't I lucky?" Lupin teased the kitsune.

"Shut up and listen."

***

"So, a witch wanted to chop you up for her potion?" Lupin was laughing uncontrollably; the look of discomfort on Kiyoshi's face was priceless.

Kiyoshi would deny he pouted a little.

He didn't appreciate the wolf's mockery of his (mis)adventures with other members of their community.

"You break my heart, wolf. I thought you said you sympathize with me. " Kiyoshi gave Lupin a fake-hurt look.

"You don't have a heart, kitsune. If you did, you'd accept that siren's invitation for some fun. God knows you need it. " Lupin teased Kiyoshi, watching the fox roll his eyes.

"She'd have eaten me alive later." Kiyoshi said.

"Yes, and you're a helpless kit, unable to defend yourself."

"Very funny, pup. Such a comedian of the demon realm you are. " Kiyoshi replied sarcastically.

"Thanks, I'm aware of that! Between the two of us, I might be the funniest. " Lupin puffed his chest in pride.

"You mean, more prone to doing stupid things that get you laughed at." Kiyoshi snorted.

Lupin shrugged.

"Maybe, but my point still stands."

Kiyoshi rolled his eyes but conceded to the wolf.

They fell silent after that. They were half an hour away from Ashgin, their first destination where they'd (hopefully) find the potential head for The Headless Horseman.

"I've got a question. It might be a bit stupid, loathe as I am to admit it. " Kiyoshi said, turning his head to Lupin.

"Ask away."

"Are you a werewolf or just a regular wolf demon?"

Lupin was surprised by the genuine question. He expected something more complex.

"No, I'm not a werewolf. They transform from human to wolf and back again, while we stay wolves. We can walk on two legs as humans, and that's where our similarities end, if they can be called that. "

Lupin gave a simple explanation, watching as Kiyoshi processed the information.

"Though we do "howl at the moon" sometimes, as you oh so poetically described us when we first met." Lupin teased the kitsune.

"I wasn't wrong about it, since you just said that you do, in fact, howl."

"Yeah, yeah, you're right." Lupin nodded along, enjoying the temporary truce.

It was something at least. They'd probably find something to bicker about soon enough.

***

As Lupin and Kiyoshi neared Ashgin, the wolf stopped walking for a moment, deep in thought.

Kiyoshi noticed the lack of the wolf's presence by his side, so he turned around to see Lupin in a thinking pose.

"Whatever you're thinking so intensely about, let me tell you that it's stupid and not worth our time."

"You don't even know what I'm thinking about!" Lupin complained.

"I don't need to."

"How are we going to enter the village?"

"By foot, obviously." Kiyoshi was confused by such a question.

"No, I didn't mean it like that! People can see me since I'm your everyday wolf, just the talkative one-"

"Way too talkative. Keep it to yourself if you don't want an angry mob after you."

Lupin gave the kitsune an annoyed look.

"As I was saying before, people can see me and they can't see you. They can't, can they? " Lupin asked, to which Kiyoshi nodded.

"Well, don't you think it'd look strange if a wolf walked around, going from one house to another in search of pumpkins? " Lupin said, not really wanting to scare anyone before Halloween.

"Yes, I understand your concerns. Luckily, I have a simple solution." Kiyoshi said, his voice full of pride.

"You do?"

"Of course. I'll transform into a random traveler just passing by, and you can be my dog. "

"Why do I get the feeling that you somehow anticipated this happening?"

"Well, it did cross my mind..." Kiyoshi trailed off, not fooling Lupin at all.

"And, correct me if I'm wrong, but I have a feeling you also couldn't wait to have an excuse to call me a dog, not that you had any problems before." Lupin gave Kiyoshi a deadpan look.

"You're not wrong."

Lupin resigned himself to his (temporary) fate of being Kiyoshi's "pet." He shudders at the mere thought of it.

"Okay, let's do it." Lupin agreed to it, much to the kitsune's surprise.

"Very well. I'm amazed—you didn't whine and complain even once. "

"That's because there's no other choice." Lupin said.

Kiyoshi nodded in agreement.

The kitsune closed his eyes, concentrating on his transformation. He formed an image of his "human self" and, suddenly, there was a puff of pink smoke.

There Kiyoshi stood, dressed as a random traveler.

Lupin whistled, impressed by it.

"Nice, you look more approachable than usual. You should stay in that form. You might get other demons to like you. " Lupin laughed heartily, no malice in his words.

A white tail swatted the wolf over his head, not too hard though.

"Silence, dog. Follow your master. "

"Woof." That was all Lupin said before they entered the village.

Ashgin was among the bigger villages in size only. The rest of it left much to be desired.

The villagers were earning what little money they could by selling produce on the local.

As Kiyoshi and Lupin started wandering around the village, the first thing they noticed was the lack of people on the street.

The second thing they noticed was the lack of carved pumpkins in front of the houses.

"What's going on here?" Lupin asked quietly.

"I've no idea. This has never happened before, at least not in this village. " Kiyoshi replied, just as baffled as Lupin.

"I'll tell you what happened. A sudden mouse plague occurred. The mice ate all of the pumpkins! " A new voice joined the conversation.

A black crow was watching them, perched on a branch comfortably.

"Of course you'd know first, Raven. When haven't you stuck your beak where you shouldn't have? " Kiyoshi wasn't surprised to see the crow at all.

"Fun as always, Kiyoshi! What are you doing here with a wolf demon of all demons? " Raven asked the kitsune.

"None of your business." The kitsune replied impatiently.

"Well, I don't really care, but whatever it is, you won't find it here." The crow said, stating the obvious.

Kiyoshi was about to give the gleeful crow a piece of his mind when Lupin decided to break up the potential fight.

"So, uhm, Raven, was it? Do you know if something similar happened in other villages? " Lupin asked, knowing they needed any information that they could get.

Raven moved its gaze from the agitated kitsune to the wolf.

"I don't think it has, but don't take my word for it. It'd be best to try with Sondar next. " The crow advised Lupin, ignoring a grumbling Kiyoshi.

"Sondar is two days away from here. Will we be able to make it? " Lupin wondered aloud.

"If we go now, we will. We won't make too many stops along the way, and we'll be in Sondar in a day and a half. " Kiyoshi answered.

"You're right, we should get going as soon as possible. We don't have time to contact the ghost either. We'll do it once we actually have something concrete. " Lupin agreed with Kiyoshi, ready to leave the village.

Lupin turned to the crow, and bowed slightly.

"Thanks for the info."

"A polite wolf demon, that's a rarity. But you're welcome all the same. You should learn from your friend here, Kiyoshi. Bye-bye! " The crow flew off just in time to avoid being roasted by a well-aimed fireball.

"Can you try being less violent for once?" Lupin asked, feeling tired already.

"You're too nice. And we could've used some meat. " Kiyoshi replied before moving towards the exit.

"Did you just give me a compliment?" Lupin was shocked.

"Of course not, you're imagining things."

***

Lupin and Kiyoshi were half way to Sondar when the weather turned stormy. Rain fell heavily, obscuring everything in sight.

Two demons didn't have any problems with it, since they were, well, demons. They could handle a downpour, right?

Wrong. The biggest issue wasn't the rain itself. It was the area around Sondar.

There was a reason why there were no paranormal activities around Sondar. There was a protective barrier in place, preventing demons or other creatures from getting near.

If they tried, they'd be...

"Godamnit! Pesky hunters! " Kiyoshi growled, as he was electrocuted by the barrier.

"Uh, what happened?" Lupin asked.

"I tried teleporting, since it would be a faster way to travel in this weather, but it turns out we can't enter Sondar because the hunters had someone place a barrier. So Sondar is a big no-no. "

"Oh. We have five or six days left, I think. We have time! " Lupin tried to be optimistic.

***

The rain fell persistently for another day and a half.

They would need to go on foot until they were out of the barrier's range.

But they couldn't go on foot yet.

Lupin found a cave while Kiyoshi was trying to teleport to Sondar. It was on a mountain overlooking Sondar, so they were safe from the rain.

Here's where Kiyoshi's flames come in handy. They could see well, but it was strange to just sit and wait in the dark.

"What a crappy turn of events."

Kiyoshi looked at Lupin, who was the one swearing this time.

If the wolf says something is crappy, then you best believe it's true.

"I couldn't agree more. If it weren't for the rain and the stupid barrier, we could've been done by now. " Kiyoshi sighed, frustrated by this whole situation.

"I hope it'll stop by tomorrow. We've lost, what, two days because of it? " Lupin asked while he watched the azure flames dance.

"Yes. If the rain stops tomorrow, we'll find a place free of the protective magic and teleport to Midvar. It's our best bet. "

Lupin wanted to comment on how they should've just gone to Midvar first instead, but they'd get into an argument and neither was in the mood for it.

"Look at it this way; if we don't find pumpkins in Midvar, we'll take our frustration out on those hunters the horseman would send after us."

The kitsune smirked maliciously.

"You know, that doesn't sound bad. I might even go for the headless bastard himself. "

***

By some miracle, the rain stopped the next morning, allowing Lupin and Kiyoshi to look for the closest barrier-free spot to teleport to Midvar.

Lupin was clueless about one thing.

"Why didn't we just teleport from the start?"

Because of the author, Lupin. Moving forward!

They found a demon-friendly place and teleported to Midvar right away.

The situation was completely different here. There were children laughing and running around, people mingling and, more importantly...

There were pumpkins, lots of them!

"We definitely should've come here first." Kiyoshi admitted his mistake.

Lupin tried not to be a brat about it, but he just couldn't help it this time.

"I told you so."

"Who's petty now?" Kiyoshi mocked the wolf in return, but there was no heat in his words.

"Hey, I have every-hold on a minute, I'll be right back!" The wolf ran off somewhere, leaving a confused kitune behind.

Five minutes later, Lupin returned, a blank look on his face.

"What was that about?" Kiyoshi asked.

"Okay, so remember when I said that I'd contact the ghost on Monstagram? I did just that, and you know what he said? "

"Enlighten me."

"He said we'd recognize the right pumpkin when we saw it! Can you believe that? It's so fricking stupid, like in those romance novels, with love at first sight and finding your "soulmate" right away! So annoying! "

Kiyoshi gave Lupin a strange look.

"You read romance novels?""You read romance novels?"

Lupin slapped his forehead.

"That's not the point here! The point is that he expects us to just magically know which pumpkin to choose! How are we supposed to do that? "

"I guess we'll need the power of intuition. Or the power of love, if you prefer. " Kiyoshi looked like he wanted to die of laughter.

"Wow, you just cracked a joke. Miracles do happen. "

"Shut up, puppy. We'll get the pumpkin tonight, to avoid curious humans. "

***

"Let's pick the ugliest one." Lupin told Kiyoshi quietly.

"Is there a difference?"

Kiyoshi and Lupin are picking out the pumpkin. The first few they saw weren't up to their standards (pumpkin police, everyone!).

"He'd probably prefer the ugliest one, you know, to look badass. So let's pick the biggest and the ugliest one we can find. " Lupin said this as he examined a random pumpkin.

"You think he'd like a big head?" Kiyoshi was starting to have some fun with this.

"Of course he'd like a big head. He has to compensate for something, doesn't he? "

"Oho, are you sure you're not secretly a fox? You sure are full of mischief under that "nice guy" guise. " Kiyoshi grinned.

"I've spent a week with you. I guess you gave me fox cooties." Lupin grinned. He leaned down to pick up a pumpkin that was just big enough and carved atrociously enough to be passed off as "perfect."

"What do you think?" Lupin showed the pumpkin to the kitsune.

"Oh what the hell, let's take it." Kiyoshi said.

"Now there's an idea!" Lupin gave the thumbs up to Kiyoshi.

"Well, well, well, what a peculiar sight. A dog and a fox picking pumpkins together? Who would've thought? "

A smooth voice was heard from behind them. They turned around to see a vampire watching them, a smirk on his aristocratic features.

"We had a job to finish. We'll be taking our leave. " Kiyoshi replied coolly.

"Oh, have you now? I'm curious, though. What could you possibly have to do that required the presence of a lowly mutt?"

The vampire's haughty tone was grating on the kitsune's nerves.

And on the wolf's, too, if low growls coming from Kiyoshi's right are any indication.

"We are making pumpkin pie together. Can we go now? " Kiyoshi snarked.

"Oh, you may leave, kitsune, but without the mutt. Last year, he injured one of my men. He needs to be punished. " The vampire's eyes glowed red in the dark.

"He deserved it! He was picking on a child! " Lupin's growls grew louder.

"So what? We feed on humans, big and small. Now, take your punishment! " The vampire lunged at Lupin.

Lupin was getting ready for a fight when there were flames engulfing the vampire.

"If anyone's going to get punished, it's you. The wolf did nothing wrong. Now scram! " Kiyoshi snarled at the vampire.

"Let's go," Kiyoshi said to Lupin.

They left Midvar without another incident.

"Thanks, you didn't have to interfere, but you did."

"Don't thank me, wolf. You owe me a spar, though. "

"I'm game!" Lupin said.

***

"Ah, great choice, you two- "

"Shut up and give us the money, horseman."

Author: Emilija Veljković