Though I have not perused the archives of a wide array of mangas (or any other category), I've certainly read plenty of stories on fanfiction, from the fantastic to the utterly atrocious. And I'm happy to be able to come across this monster of fic, even if it has been years since its completion.

I can't quite remember reading another story that was so riveting. And I wasn't expecting to embark on such a profound reading experience either. Was expecting a horror story, or some hilarious comedy touched by the supernatural, but not, well, this.

Your writing style is breathtaking. It fits so well with the world of immortals and wandering spirits. There's a surreal sort of beauty to it - so even if you didn't succeed in scaring the living daylights out of your readers, you still successfully established a wonderful atmosphere.

The amount of detail and depth you work into the original characters is amazing, too. Especially Osusuki. Your portrayal of him felt really convincing and genuine and real, as if he was truly living(-but-not? P).

But what I liked most was how you explored the connections and complicated emotions that knit Sai, Torajiro, and Hikaru together. Sugawara too (sometimes his speech reminded me of Golem's, though maybe that's just me bringing ideas in). How Hikaru struggled and wallowed in confusion and grasped for insight - of himself, on Sai, and concerning everyone he shares a bond with. Truly, the dialogue in this piece, the emotional struggles and the frustrating running-in-circles caused by confusion/denial/disbelief/fear were terrifyingly striking in their realistic quality. Words spoken by characters have rarely felt so natural, so heartfelt, so true.

In fact, a night has never felt so long before. Your patience and painstaking attention to detail is commendable. Seriously. *bursts in wild applause*

(And because I have to mention it: I loved Hikaru's snarky lines. I think every single one managed to ellicit a chuckle from me at the very least.)

This is just the kind of story that brings out the thoughtful, musing side of a person. Thank you so much for writing such a wondrous and satisfying story! n_n

This is AMAZING! I wish there was a movie about this, I bet it would be so awesome! And Sai disappeared in the end right? And I am guessing that Hikaru is paying his respects to the kitsune at the end?

I read the whole thing in one sitting and I was totally blown away. The starting was super creepy I tell you that. I was cursing Hikaru for being such an idiot and not turning back, since people with common sense knows that it's not smart to walk through a graveyard when it's Setsubon. And Hikaru's rudeness gave me heart attacks, especially when he insulted Osusuki and kept bickering with Sai. Though his name calling was damn amusing, especially with all the modern terms fitted in. The middle was filled with tension and suspense and I was going 'Oh Shit. Oh Shit. Oh Shit. They'regonnadieeee.' Since Lord Amatsu Mikaboshi was cheating and bullying Sai into losing too. Towards the end, I was cheering Hikaru on, since Lord Amatsu Mikaboshi was being a total ass-turd. And I am SOO glad that Hikaru won. A 'neeh' to you Lord Amatsu Mikaboshi.

I think that my favourite OC is Osusuki, since he strikes me the tragic character who has to live through the consequences of his actions. And I love the mental image of little Sai scratching his ears or riding on his back. The end reference to Naruto (?) was awesome though (I immediately connected it to Naruto, though it might be a different anime that you were refering to).

Though I am still sad that Sai disappeared, though I got a premonition when reading Osusuki's parting words, after re-reading that. I still think that this would make an AWESOME Hikago movie, and would dearly love if it could be animated. Everything was just beautiful, mystical and full of tension, suspense and character. This is THE most enjoyable Hikago fanfic that I have read on the supernatural subject. Kudos to you, Murinae!

Wow, this was incredible! I love the way you describe the spirit world, your imagery's lovely while still being really, really creepy. I wasn't sure where this was going to end up, so I ended up reading the entire thing in a night since I just had to know. You've written a compelling story, and I like how Hikaru gets to work out his issues while we get to see the more serious side of Sai. There was so much tragedy, but I think the characters managed it well. Loved the OCs and loved your story!

LOL. I don't think I've heard of Little Bunny FuFu in years. Awesome story, good plot and dialog.

Great story! A bit confusing during the "final battle", but I'm sure that's partly because I was reading it on a noisy train and couldn't concentrate properly. It's really well-written though, and I really like your writing style. Thanks for writing!

That was intense, awesome. You took Hikago in a place I didn't even anticipate. Wonderful job.

After Hikaru returned to the human realm (and after the Hokuto) did Sai fade? That's the only question I have, I understand about HIkaru being hurt after being rippied apart by His supreme evilness, and it still affecting him, yet whether or not Sai was able to stay with him after his disapearance in the manga is (to me at least) unkoown. Did youdeliberatly do that? I'm rambling now... Well anyways breathtakingly awesome stories. *faved*

Congratulations on this story. Im only reading it very slowly but Im enjoying every minute.

I don't think I know the kitsune references but I didn't miss 'Sprited Away' - cute details

Responsible!Sai is lovely too, though I'm sure at this point that he's hiding something - and that's a little creepy.

Wow! I think it's quite a pleasant ending! At least, everything is ok now...

Wow. Just, wow. I really, really enjoyed that. Bravo, my friend. Bravo.

Seriously, wow. It is very well written and believable (although I will have to ask you to check your Japanese since you have some misspellings-"deishi" should be "deshi").

As others have pointed out, it's rare to find fanfiction of this caliber; the characters really came to life. I found Hikaru's snide retorts to be very original but he felt a little OOC because of that; however that may be me remembering his older self at the end of the series.

I look forward to more of your work!

Dang, this is exciting. The funny thing is, just the other day I learned of Inari and his/her relationship with the kitsune. It was nice to be familiar with a bit of it. Oh, and I loved this line:

"You still haven't explained how you know all these escapees out of a Miyazaki film!"

Good work. I'm really enjoying it. You've got rude Hikaru down pat.

uh, you might have claimed that you can't write a HNG suspense/horror, but, DAMN i am scared! i'm reading this while it's late, and you've got me looking around the room and checking the windows. it's not some third rate, cookie cutter holywood gore fest. nope. this fic is more along the lines of alfred hitchcock quality. suspense is woven into the plot, not stuck to tense music and things popping out.

definitely looking forward to reading more!

-syre

(anon review b/c parents blocked account T_T)

Sry, totally out of setting. Sai using -kun is a nonsense and all the rest ... could have just used 2 generic characters if you were going to change them so much.

Actually, they were originally known as benevolent and diligent... I'm pretty sure the whole "trickster" bit was invented by Europeans. Cuz "kitsu" is the onomotopoeia for fox-sound, and "ne" is an affectionate suffix...

You keep making grammar errors...

...Not gonna ask what Hikaru was talking about. Don't wanna know what Hikaru was talking about. Let's assume it was snouts. Yeah.

TENGU FOR THE WIN! Although I may be confusing them with Karasu Tengu. I have a bad habit of doing that.

Frog demon? Wonder why Sai has a problem with them...

Poor Hikaru. He has brain overload.

Onigiri what? Noo, Hikaru. Dun eat it. Remember the faery. And the pomegranates. Never eat pomegranate seeds.

So, it is lipstick. I always just thought Sai was permanently cold or something.

Bad kitsu. Bad. No claw Hikaru-kun. Or Shindo-kun. I'm really not sure what to call him. He started off younger, then got older. So should it be -san...? Or maybe -sensei, since I'm trying to learn Go...

Gwah, sadist kitsu. Not good.

Kohaku? I know what that means... Or I should. But I don't remember. Oh right. Amber. Yeah. Isn't some minor character from Inuyasha called Kohaku?

Ep. Eep eep eep. Did I say eep? And I mean eep.

GARR. Kitsu attacking Sai. Mean kitsu. Yay for Sai dodging kitsu attacks.

WOOT! Hikakari! (Sai better not have been about to say Akira. I will hunt you down if he was.)

Win of Sai dodging everything without people losing face. Especially powerful I-eat-your-soul people. They tend not to like losing face.

Oh niyuuz... Sai-san(-sensei? Or should it be Fujiwara? so confusing)...

"Nibblicious?" 0.o

All things bad and gooey, all creatures foul and damp! xD Sorry, couldn't resist.

Omeboshi?

GOD OF HANGOVERS LOL. Terry Pratchett is the win, ne?

Ramen woot! I have never actually had ramen... But I have had soba. And tempura. And miso soup. All good. :D

Ew. Chrysanthemums? Bet they taste horrible. Unless you mean the taste of the smell of chrysanthemums, which would be good. Chrysanthemums yellow and white... Does that mean Hikaru's the dormouse?