Her concern isn't met with a response. After all, he isn't afraid, not for himself. It was like climbing over the railing in the stairwell all over again and preparing himself for the inevitable drop. It was foolish. It didn't make any sense, and anyone with half a brain or a modicum of self-preservation would be backpedaling towards the safety of those warmer memories. But he doesn't move.

Except to stride towards the beast that surges out of the tear Emily and her demon widen with their bare hands.

There's scarcely any time at all to glimpse what it is before it collides with him, claws raking his skin, teeth tearing flesh, every wound given mirroring one the four-tailed fox bears — every wound given providing one more piece to the puzzle. He was chased down. Hunted to within an inch of his life. He'd had no choice but to flee to the human world and to bury himself deep within the womb of a young and beautiful woman. She had a kind smile and an even kinder heart.

Shiori.

She deserved a better son than he could ever be...

"...mother?"

The ground rises up far quicker than Kit realizes and his knees scream out with pain as he crashes down. The fox is gone now. Or is it more accurate to say that it is within him? He doesn't know, can't think straight for the pounding of his heart, as if it's beating for the first time.

Did Emily see any of that? Can she see the tracks across his skin and feel his pulse hammering out of control?

It's that thought that finally convinces him to take a deep, steadying breath. Not for fear of being seen as vulnerable, but because he doesn't wish to worry his companion. She'd been so adamant about protecting him...like her.

This is the least he can do.

To rise to his feet again and meet her gaze without fear, but with gratitude.