Chapter 15
In the darkened bedroom typically colored only by furniture and linens of grey and black, a blue light illuminated the space. Sasuke sat hunched before his Call of Duty loading screen, his left elbow propped on the desk so his hand could press an ice pack against his lip. The cut burned and was swollen, as well as the swelling bruise under his right eye. He thought himself lucky that the impact didn’t hit his eye straight on. Tsunade was working tonight, so Sasuke made do with his own first-aid application.
I just want to play, come on stupid computer. Just as he thought this his computer screen went dark blue with a pop up – software update required.
“Ugh!” Sasuke kicked his desk and pressed ‘Accept’.
A deep voice rumbled from behind him, “Oi-oi-oi - what’s the matter?”
Sasuke startled and found Kurama crossed legged on his bed, back in his spirit form. His orange pupilless eyes emanated at a similar frequency as the computer’s screen. After Kurama announced his sudden arrival, he made quick note of the cut lip and bruise that was a new addition to Sasuke’s face. Sasuke made to hide his injuries, but Kurama spoke at him commandingly, “Don’t turn away from me. What happened?”
“Nothing,” Sasuke lied while watching his computer update.
Kurama scoffed and crossed the room to Sasuke’s computer, unplugging it from the wall.
“Hey! What the hell?!” Sasuke screamed at Kurama. His tantrum was quickly halted by the cold stare of the fox spirit, now seemingly taller than he had ever been before.
“What happened?”
Sasuke cowered under Kurama’s glare and whispered, “It was nothing, just some of the guys at school who have nothing better to do.” Sasuke bit the inside of his cheek as he awaited Kurama’s response. Dread filled his chest as this was the first time he openly admitted to having his ass kicked. Tsunade always tried to get him to tell her, but he would only ever make excuses. Sasuke figured he couldn’t hide anything from this supernatural creature.
Kurama sighed and sat down on his bottom, holding his knees with his hands. His head tilted to the side precariously, like he was deep in thought. Sasuke was surprised by the fox spirits next words, “You should call me Kam, going forward.”
“Why-?”
Kurama sighed again, “Kitsune names are powerful, so you should never say my name to another human. Call me Kam.”
Sasuke was perplexed, but he agreed. Kurama continued, “I am also feeling quite generous tonight. I will allow you to ask me five questions about myself, then we will proceed to our third task.” Sasuke lowered the ice pack on his lip, his mouth beginning to feel as numb as his now racing thoughts, Five questions? Where would I even begin?
Kurama sat patiently with his eyes closed, waiting for the teenager. Sasuke took this moment to reflect on his time with the fox spirit, hoping to maybe grasp some aspect of what he actually was. With a newfound energy, Sasuke began, “Where are you from?”
The fox spirit pulled at his flowing blonde hair, “I am from the spirit realm.” He let a smile curl across his mouth, “I’ll even expand on that for you… there are many more of my kind there, and we live adjacent to this world.”
Sasuke found his mind whirling with more questions. What the hell is the spirit world, what does any of that even mean? He realized Kurama might have intentionally tossed in those easter eggs to direct his questions. Sasuke thought for another moment. I should get to know the person in front of me …Trying to stay focused on his questions and not divert, he asked, “What’s your relationship with my family?”
Kurama opened his eyes with a direct stare at Sasuke, “I was young and had my first tail, and it was the Heian period. Your ancestor…” Kurama paused for a moment, “She was… different. She built me a shrine and requested I watch over her children, and here we are.”
Sasuke couldn’t stop the mass of questions flooding his head. He wanted to know so much more, but only had three more questions. He then asked, “When was the last time you were summoned here, what was your task?” Kurama shook his head, a frown following, “I think it was nearly 80 years ago from the date you gave me – twenty-twenty two. However, I believe the task is irrelevant as I was unsuccessful with its completion.”
The orange eyes narrowed on Sasuke, “That was two questions, young Uchiha. Only one more.”
Damn, Sasuke grimaced. The movement of his mouth stung the cut on his lip. Looking quickly at the bright red sword strapped to Kurama’s belt, he asked his final question. “Would you teach me how to fight?”
The fox spirits lips curled into a curious smile, “I wouldn’t be able to teach you any fighting from today’s styles, however, I could be convinced to show you techniques that would aid you in moments with which you require self-defense.”
That was enough for Sasuke to be satisfied. Kurama then stood up, acknowledging they had reached the end of their questions. Sasuke found now after their conversation, his lip and face itched terribly and when he saw his reflection on his cell phone’s screen, he saw that the injuries were nearly gone.
“Now, time for our third task – self-expression!”