Shiba-san, I n-e-e-d t-o t-a-l-k t-o y-o-u u-r-g-e-n-t-l-y. P-l-e-a-s-e c-o-m-e t-o t-h-e S-n-o-w M-a-i-d-e-n asap.

That sounded serious... he checked his chrono. Did he even have time to make it back to the Snow Maiden from here before the race?

He made a quick decision and pressed the 'call' icon instead. "Heya, Kitsune-sama... I hate to be a bother, but I'm downtown right in the middle of somethin'. I could call a cab from here, but then if you're leavin' for the race soon too..."

Atsumori apparently was one of those people who reflexively nodded (or shrugged, etc.) while talking on the comm, despite being perfectly aware the other person couldn’t see him. “Sure, no worries. Anything you need.” His tone was reassuring, though usually he was better with nervous animals than nervous people. Or did Izumi sound nervous? It was kind of hard to tell at his usual speed, but the flawless spelling of that text message alone had been a bit ominous. “Err... everything all right there, Kitsune-sama?”

For a brief moment he imagined the cute Fox helplessly paralyzed by a caffeine overdose... was that a thing?

"Not exactly, I'm just in the wrong part of town from you, helpin' round up a wild animal that isn't where it should be," Atsumori replied with a chuckle. "Anyway, I'll get in touch with the ladies right away. Think I have Shiba Hoshiko-san's comm code somewhere. I didn't know she had a twin sister, though."

Izumi might overhear some Mall Sounds--tinny music, noisy conversation.

"Well, if you're sure you're okay for now..."

"Luck to you too, Kitsune-sama. I'll be in touch later, bet on it." Atsumori nodded--yes, on comms, shush--and let the line close.
(snip)