Give her the fish.

(chapter originally by faith on writing.com)

"Sure. Here you go." Yukiko said without a moment of hesitation.

"Yukiko, don't-"

"Its not worth you getting hurt again, Chie." Yukiko said firmly.

"....Oh." Chie said, looking crestfallen.

"Thank you." The woman in white bowed.

The yawling ceased once again.

"Come on, Chie. Let's get you to the shrine. The fox is around here somewhere."

"I can walk on my own." Chie muttered, rising to her feet with a substantial limp.

"But..." Yukiko paused, suddenly noticing that the woman in white was nowhere in sight.

"Just leave me alone." Chie muttered to herself.

Yukiko frowned. What was that about?

A high pitched yip pierced the night. The pair looked towards the shrine the center of the grounds. On top of the building a four legged figure surveyed the pair. Yukiko gasped as the fox leapt off the roof, flipping over in mid-air and landing directly next to the two girls. Yukiko continued to gape in stunned silence as the fox looked at her expectantly. Remembering herself, she quickly shut her mouth and hastily bowed.

"Hello! Can we please use some of your leaves? We...err...encountered some difficulties earlier!"

The fox regarded her intently, then turned his head pointedly in the direction of the offering tray.

"Ah, yes. I know we normally pay for that service. But...I don't have much money on me at the moment! Can you please make an exception for us?"