The Fox's Quest Read Online Free PDF Page A

habits, and personality traits can be drawn from the mind. This knowledge enables a demon to respond appropriately to social situations and blend in human society.”
    Yoshio grunted in approval, a reaction so very human that Mamoru would have shuddered at it if his body had been under his control. How could anyone realize what was going on when the demon inside Yoshio was so good at imitating human behavior?
    The lesson wasn’t over.
    “What have you learned from your human’s mind recently?” Yoshio asked.
    “I have been practicing to learn this body’s reflexes as my own. I have also learned what he knows about poisons, such as which one to use for what purpose and how to save myself if I am poisoned.”
    Mamoru had given that information away freely because one of his fears was he—they—might be “disposed of.” Whatever little things he could do to protect his life, he would do.
    “Describe the status of your personal relationships,” Yoshio said.
    “This human has few social connections. I have not detected suspicion in the woman Usagi, although she has sought my company lately. She has also begun to behave in a way meant to be sexually provocative. The human’s mind tells me this behavior is to be expected with her and I should not attempt to reciprocate. Violence may ensue if I do.”
    Watching his demon grow confused and flustered around Usagi was always fun. It was one of his few entertainments, as a prisoner inside himself.
    Yoshio smiled. His smile stretched and emphasized the scar on his cheek, a scar left by the wound that had enabled the demon to sneak in and take over. “Ah, yes, women. You will learn much about the interactions of men and women, and yet you will remain confused. Such is the nature of human mating processes; they mystify even humans. I suggest you avoid engaging in reproductive behavior at this time.”
    “Understood.”
    “You may go. I have much to attend to today. You will, of course, inform me if you have any further problems with your host.”
    Mamoru was aware of his body going tense, betraying his demon’s worry, even as his voice said, “Understood.”
    “Learn from him quickly so you may destroy him. It’ll be roomier in there when you do.”
    Mamoru curled up in a tiny ball of existence in an attempt to hide from Yoshio’s knowing gaze. He didn’t want to be found, or to be destroyed. His current life wasn’t so bad as to make death preferable.
    “Wait.” Yoshio went to the next room over and started pulling a futon out. “A last task for you today. Stand guard. Tell everyone I am exhausted and require rest. Do not let any of them attempt to wake me. I will return shortly.”
    Yoshio lay down as if to sleep. Mamoru didn’t see it happen, but he somehow understood the demon had just…left. Yoshio’s body had taken on an eerie stillness that spoke of emptiness.
    The human Yoshio was really gone, then, killed. His body remained, a shell for a demon that went in and out at will.
    Mamoru and his demon shuddered together. It was creepy.
    We could slit his throat, Mamoru suggested.
    Like that wouldn’t get us in trouble with the rest of the clan. That’s just a convenient shell, to him. He’d take somebody else’s body and come after us.
    True…
    A long time passed, enough so that hunger gnawed at their shared belly, but neither would have suggested they leave without permission.
    Finally, the abandoned body jerked and its eyes opened. “All seems well,” Yoshio said. He gestured sharply. “Go away. I have work to do.”
    The demon riding his body sent it—them—back toward Mamoru’s room, where it usually hid from the other humans while practicing such things as reading, writing, and exercising. This demon had a different temperament than the one that possessed Yoshio, and Mamoru was glad of it. He had no doubt Yoshio’s demon had invaded his host’s mind all the time, squeezing out his every last crumb of knowledge before getting rid of him. His