There are more rifters in Roncefleur than Kikuseki. I can think of a few reasons. More Kikusekin are satisfied with their lives than Roncefleurais, maybe a little too satisfied, so they don’t have a reason to side against their empire. Kikuseki is stricter about catchin’ an’ expellin’ rifters, but ain’t as violent towards them as Roncefleur. All the crime in Roncefleur has their authorities stretched thin as it is.

But don’t go thinkin’ all rifters are vile creatures, or became rifters for the fun of it. Some of them had no choice. Life forced them down that path.

There’s a common sayin’ among Kikusekin:

“Kikusekin are kind an’ just,

With Roncefleurais, take caution you must,

But rifters are drifters that neither can trust.”

Now, what is that word, you ask? Rifter? Rifters are creatures that don’t side with either Roncefleur or Kikuseki. Nobeast knows where that word came from. Some say it’s a pun on “drifter” or “grifter.” Others say since rifters can’t choose a side, they should be thrown in the Rift so they can be between both empires. Or the reason is that rifters often travel around the Riftlands, a small disputed patch of land along the Rift an’ between both empires. Maybe it’s ‘cos rifters widen the rift between both empires by causin’ trouble.

Why do both empires distrust rifters? For plenty of reasons. I can’t say I blame them. I wouldn’t trust myself, either. Rifters are usually criminals, an’ normal thieves an’ blackguards also ain’t welcome guests. When you’re a rifter, you either get good at fightin’ or sneakin’ around from place to place quickly. Rifters adapt to both empires’ cultures an’ do their best to blend in with wherever they are, often lyin’ about their identities, names an’ species. Around Roncefleurais, I call myself Finn the Raccoon. Most of them don’t like Kikusekin or shapeshifters, so they don’t need to know who or what I really am. I'll tell you more later.

While some rifters are happy causin’ chaos an’ anarchy an’ bein’ loyal to only themselves, others seek a cause to join. Probably ‘cos of how I was raised, I like the idea of findin’ somebeast I respect to serve an’ be loyal to. There are a few other rifters who want true homes, families an’ causes to belong to. I’d like to return to a normal life someday, but it ain’t that easy. Princess Dawn an’ her brigade gave me a chance, though, an’ I’ll take it. Their situation reminds me a little of my own when I was a Liddlun, so I’ll help them however I can. I wish somebeast had done that for me.

That’s about all I have to say. I didn’t think you’d listen to my whole story. Thank you. Since you seem trustworthy, I may as well tell you who I truly am: Nijumenso the Tanuki of the Tsudayama Clan.

You look curious. Well, I’ve done enough talkin’ for today. That story will have to wait.

Some might also say I’m one. I wander with the wind an’ I’ll say I’m allied with whoever’s askin’ me. If a Roncefleurais asks, I’m Roncefleurais, an’ if a Kikusekin asks, I’m Kikusekin. Either ain’t exactly a lie. I’ve got strong ties to both empires an’ things I don’t like about both. Over time, I’ve learned to use my neutral status to my advantage.

Bein’ a rifter ain’t somethin’ t’be proud of, but we all got our reasons. Many rifters become criminals to support themselves, as we ain’t welcome in either empire an’ do what we need to survive. I’ll never understand it, but some rifters I’ve met enjoy livin’ like that. Rifters can be born to a Roncefleurais an’ a Kikusekin, but intermarriage between both empires is very taboo an’ rare. I think even these unfortunate creatures would side with whatever empire they fit in with more. I’ve even heard of a few animals who can’t decide which empire to side with. To normal animals, whose loyalty comes as easily as breathing, this sounds ridiculous.