"What do I do?! What do I do?!"
Fuyumi's tiny paws slapped against the cobblestones as she dashed through the narrow streets of the human village, her heart hammering in her chest. The cold wind nipped at her fur, but the chill wasn't enough to numb the panic rising in her throat.
She had done it. She had actually done it.
She had stolen the woman's hairpins—the most beautiful, intricate hairpins that had glinted in the sunlight like treasures. They had caught her eye as she had watched the woman walk by, her lovely, shiny hair flowing behind her like silk. And the pins—oh, they sparkled so beautifully. It was a challenge, and Fuyumi's pride couldn't let the opportunity pass.
But now, as she clutched the hairpins in her mouth, her fur stood on end, and the pounding of feet behind her told her all too clearly that she had messed up.
"Stop right there, thief!" a gruff voice shouted from behind her, making her fur spike with alarm.
A quick glance over her shoulder confirmed it: A furious samurai, clad in armor, was charging after her, his katana drawn, flanked by two burly servants. Their faces were filled with rage, and the samurai's sword shimmered ominously in the moonlight.
Fuyumi's tail flicked with fear. Why did I think this was a good idea?!
She swerved into an alley, desperately trying to lose them, her small frame darting between crates and barrels. Her breath came in ragged gasps as she focused on her every step—don't trip, don't trip, don't get caught.
I just wanted to prove myself…
A shout rang out behind her. "Get her! She's just a fox! Don't let her escape!"
I am not just a fox! Fuyumi mentally screamed, her paws flying faster.
The alley twisted, leading her deeper into the village. She wasn't familiar with this part, and the shadows loomed large and unwelcoming. But she had no choice. She needed to get away. She needed to… Oh no, there's nowhere left to run!
In a moment of desperation, Fuyumi rounded a corner, and—
Crash!
She slammed straight into something soft, fluffy, and warm.
Her head spun as she tumbled backward. The hairpins flew from her mouth, landing with a soft clink as she scrambled to get up. She stared up, dazed and terrified, into the face of the very fox spirit she had been trying to impress—the one who had told her to prove herself.
Akanuma.
The great nine-tailed kitsune was standing before her, his nine tails elegantly coiled around his legs. His fur was as pristine as the first snowfall, and his golden eyes—those piercing, ancient eyes—looked down at her with something unreadable.
"...H-Huh?!" Fuyumi yelped, her eyes wide with shock and awe.
Akanuma didn't even flinch as the sound of the human pursuers drew nearer. With a calm, almost bored expression, he extended one of his tails and gently wrapped it around her body. Her heart raced in her chest as his tails enveloped her in warmth.
"Stay quiet," Akanuma murmured, his voice a soft command that sent a shiver down her spine. "They're not worth your attention."
"But the humans—they'll—!" Fuyumi began, but Akanuma just gave her a soft, knowing smile.
"Let them come."
The samurai and his servants came into view, their faces twisted in anger. They stopped in their tracks as they saw the scene before them. Fuyumi froze, eyes wide, her little heart pounding with fear.
And then—whoosh—a shimmering illusion of Fuyumi appeared before them. The illusion Fuyumi, a perfect copy of her, stood there, her tail flicking behind her. She grinned playfully, showing her teeth in a mischievous smile.
"There!" one of the servants shouted, pointing at the illusion.
The real Fuyumi's breath hitched in her throat as she stared at the illusion. Akanuma's tail remained tightly wrapped around her, keeping her still. She felt him shift slightly, his other tails moving effortlessly through the air, a soft breeze swirling around them.
The humans had seen the illusion, and they immediately lunged toward it, swords drawn.
"Get her!" the samurai shouted, charging forward.
The illusion Fuyumi darted between the trees, leading them deeper into the forest. The samurai and his servants chased after her, running at full speed, completely oblivious to the real Fuyumi—who was now nestled in the safety of Akanuma's embrace.
Fuyumi's eyes were wide with disbelief. "You—You… you did that for me?"
Akanuma's gaze softened for the briefest of moments. His tails tightened around her, securing her in place as he kept his eyes on the retreating humans. "You're not ready to face them. You're too inexperienced."
"I-I know!" Fuyumi stammered. "But—" she glanced down at the hairpins that had fallen from her mouth, her ears drooping with guilt. "I'm sorry. I stole them. I didn't mean to cause trouble."
Akanuma's golden eyes flicked over to the hairpins, and he sighed, the sound soft but heavy with meaning. "You were too eager. I told you to prove yourself. Stealing from humans, especially so recklessly… It's foolish."
Fuyumi bowed her head, tail tucked between her legs. "I was just trying to show you I could do it. I wanted to be like you... powerful and wise…"
Akanuma was quiet for a moment before he spoke again, his voice surprisingly gentle. "There's more to being a kitsune than just stealing things or being clever. It's about patience. And wisdom. It's about knowing when to act—and when to stay still."
Fuyumi nodded meekly, her ears still downcast. "I understand… But I still want to learn from you."
The great kitsune let out a soft huff, his tail curling around her. "You've made a mistake, but you've learned from it. That's something. But you're not done yet."
"Done?" Fuyumi asked, lifting her head. "What do you mean?"
"You'll follow me," Akanuma said firmly. "I will teach you. But first, you must understand that there's a difference between acting on instinct and acting with purpose."
Fuyumi blinked, trying to process his words. Her tail flicked nervously. "I'll try my best, Akanuma-sensei…"
His lips curled into a small, knowing smile. "We'll see. But for now, we wait. And you listen."
Fuyumi nodded, feeling both humbled and excited. This was it. This was the beginning of her true apprenticeship.
(Next time: Fuyumi continues her lessons with Akanuma! Will she finally begin to understand the deeper meaning behind her journey? And how will her relationship with the nine-tailed kitsune evolve?)