Morning brought the songbirds to the window, a gentle breeze ruffling the little finch's light blue feathers upon the branch. It took me a bit to realize that I was not in a dream and that everything the day prior had happened.

Getting up and tying my hair into a loose braid, I made sure to brush my hair and realizing I had yet to brush my ears or tail. "Hmmm..." the result was incredible fluffiness; I cuddled my own tail happily before brushing my ears out a bit more, being careful not to be too rough-- as that caused quite a bit of irritation.

That should do it! Getting the hearth ready and rummaging through the scrolls as I ate my morning rice with an egg on top, I started to try to learn more about the world around me.

Ileria (ill-ear-ee-ah), a realm that holds several kingdoms and races, the Kingdom of Tatsu, it resembled Japan in many ways; it appeared as if it was Ancient Japan, mingled with some later traditions from hot springs, even the warriors. Like a strange plagiarized version of Earth.

(Somewhere, The Creator sneezes, "who is shit-talking me!?")

The scrolls within the Inari Shrine held several maps, of which listed the Continent we were on. The shape was similar to the Islands of Japan, as if they never broke apart. Sectioned off were several territories. There were several races: Sentinals, Nisse, Fey, and a few scattered human territories through the areas. These were called Strongholds. It looked like feudalism in the Sentinal region; I finished my food as i studied further. The Sentinals were a mix of the Nisse and the Fey, A hybrid. They controlled many territories within Tatsu and the other kingdoms due to their exponential lifespan and power within the Arcane.

It appeared that shape of the Kingdom of Tatsu was like an Ancient form of Japan-- the island, if separated together on a map, would make it look like the smaller islands of my home land. The Shrines, as well as Tatsu, the name meaning Dragon. I suppose I was placed here to acclimate better since it resembled my home.

Opening a local map I tried to locate where i was and found it quite easily.

I sighed, stretching-- this was a lot of info to absorb. But soon I heard the front door open. "Moto?" I called, getting up and walking to the hearth room.

"Yes, yes, it is me, Little Vixen." He was garbed in a beautiful red robe loose and threaded with gold leaves, a red fan in his hand fluttered in front of his face, only showing keen eyes with elongated pupils. His ears were flicking in annoyance.

"Are you agitated?" I inquired with a bit of concern.

Heaving an eloquent sigh, "no, little one, I am not; I am merely hungry." One ear flattened in a bemused look, "I find that I am not as well-equipped to cook as I'd like in this realm. So I was wondering..."

I stifled a giggle, "Moto, would you like some breakfast?"

Both ears sprang up, and his tails swayed happily, "if you insist I simply must partake, it would be rude not to!"

I nodded, "of course, please wait here. Is there anything you dislike?"

"Hmm, I dislike a few things, so please make what you will." Shrugging, I went to the kitchen and decided I would attempt to cook with foxfire; it was easy to light, and by moving it to the hearth under the pan, it worked as well as a modern gas stove! "Talk about convenient." I hummed for a moment, trying to decide what to make; the eggs would be good, and rice, of course, but I wanted to make tamago.

It wouldn't be the traditional square, but that was alright as long as it was correctly rolled. With the right seasonings and a greased pan, the fluffy rolled omelet was a success; sliced into bite-sized pieces and placed on a small plate next to a rice bowl along with some small fruits that were strange but resembled blackberries and blueberries in flavor and smell. And, for some more protein, a grilled salted smallish whole and perfectly seared.

"Here, you are Moto," I said, kneeling down and placing the tray in front of him.

He sniffed appreciatively and put his hands together, "thank you for this meal." And proceeded to scarf greedily.

"Haha!" I couldn't help but laugh uncontrollably.

His cheeks stuffed, his head tilted, and his ear flicked back as his expression took on an annoyed air.

"I just imagine a fox with its cheeks stuffed like a hamster!" I said between laughter.

Swallowing, he coughed a bit and stifled bemusement. "I see, so I am a hamster. Is that any way to speak to your elder?"

My cheeks reddened, and my ears flattened, "no, sorry." I mumbled.

A mischievous grin, "I'm kidding," he burst out with laughter.

"That's not funny, you old fox!" I flailed at him, my face on fire. "At any rate, I have been studying the scrolls here in the Shrine. Would you please help me learn more? I am afraid I can't read maps well, and I wanted to head down the mountain to a local town and find some work for money and items."

"Well, let's see." He leaned back, "Kitsune really are more than likely to receive offerings."

"Offerings?"

"Yes, offerings once a shrine is inhabited. It has been a long time since a Kitsune resided here. Do you plan to stay?"

"I do, I suppose; I would need to do some upkeep and fix the path, I am sure, to the Shrine, hm. I'll have to learn how to get food and other items as well."

"Wait, didn't you receive something from the Gods upon your arrival?" "I-I did, why?"

"Well, since you are the Kitsune Guardian of this Shrine, let us check the offerings and such to make sure there isn't anything you can utilize."

I blanched, "I-I can't do that!"

"It will allow you to upkeep the Shrine." He pointed out with a severe face. "And," he placed a small bag in front of me. "From me." I opened it and saw gold, silver, and copper coins. "Please take it as an investment towards this shrine."

Sighing, I nodded. "Thank you. Would you be able to take me to the nearest village?"

"I can, but we would stand out. If you're alright with that." He grinned at me and raised a brow.

I wavered, "w-well, I mean..." I glanced upward, feeling my ears twitch. "I can wear a hood..."

He chuckled, I can teach you illusion magic."

"M-magic!!" I gasped, "really? Like honest and truly magic!"

"There wasn't anywhere you are from?" He seemed perplexed. "How odd."

Clapping his hands, he motioned for me to move closer. "Very well then, close your eyes and concentrate on your tail and ears. Imagine them hiding away from other eyes. Like a cloak shielding you."

Furrowing my brow, I did as asked, "I don't feel any different, Moto."

"Ah, but you look different, and that's the point." He smiled, and as I opened my eyes before, I sat a regular-- albeit unfathomably gorgeous man.

"So little fox, shall we?" He offered me a hand as he got up.

After gathering the meager offerings covered in long sat dust and a basket for items we would purchase, I took his hand and set off down the mountain. I was impressed with the shrine; it appeared as if it resisted most filth other than the antiquing of dust hovering on immovable objects. I made a mental note to clean thoroughly the day after.

As we reached the Torii, the path to the shrine was mostly open, the stone steps large flagstones deeply embedded into the earth. The Lanterns unlit suddenly burst to life with blue-tinged fire as we walked by. "Well, the Shrine is waking up."

"Waking up?" I asked, avoiding a boulder, "does that mean that it knows I am living here now?"

"Yes, the shrine can be considered a living thing, and it feeds off your power source. As long as you reside here, it shall be a warm and welcoming place for worshipers. You are the heart of the shrine now."

"Where you were the heart of the shrine, Moto?"

"Not I, another Kitsune long past my own years. Her name is Yuna. She is an extraordinary Kitsune, and now the Holder of Memory." He gazed far off, his eyes growing misty. "It has been a long time since cubs have been born to the Kitsune; we tend to have a hard time with it due to our power. The same with the Sentinals. Quite a few Kitsune have seduced another race be it, Nisse or Human, to bear cubs."

"So it is not possible?"

"It is, however, Kitsune may have a clutch of kits or one every few centuries." I felt it was a very random topic, but I shrugged and followed him further down. The mountain was filled with cherry trees and would be pink when they blossomed. I couldn't wait to see it. There was a river as well, a mountain stream clear and crisp with river rocks that shined like gems with the flecks of sunlight peeking through the leaves.

I wondered where the source was. I would have to explore. Suddenly an idea came to me. "Moto!!" I ran up to him and grabbed his hand. "Moto, can I become a fox too!"

He blinked, and it took a moment for my words to register before his face lit up. "Oh, little spring child, of course, you can. Would you like to go down the mountain as a fox?"

"Yes! Yes, please, I would!!" I suddenly felt like the child he claimed me to be.

He chuckled, "come and stand in front of me." He smiled and tapped my forehead with a finger. "You are a Kitsune. You are a Fox Spirit. It is tucked away within your soul, the fox slumbers, and you merely need to wake it to take the form you wish. You are a fox."

I closed my eyes and searched deep within myself. And I suddenly felt a burst of light within my chest and behind my eyes. Upon opening them, the ground was far closer to me, and a breeze danced across my fur.

Prancing over to the river, I gazed into the slow-moving water. Chocolate red-brown fur tinged with cream. But to my surprise, along a red sash embroidered with gold leaves glowed a stone of immeasurable beauty. This must be my Hoshi No Tama. It held a part of my power. I remembered I would need to keep it close lest a human find it and demand a wish.

I was not in a position to want to grant any.

Head tilting, I sniffed the reflection upon instinct after seeing something like a turtle flash by. My eyes could see so much more tapping into my powers.

[[Good job, little one.]] A bright red fox with nine swaying tails, in a moment, they combined to one large bushy tail that elegantly curved. His own Hoshi No Tama glowed gold like a bell, on a gold and green sash.

[[Shall we run?]] He leaped and bowled me over chattering with laughter, and we were off-- it took me a moment, learning how to get my four feet under me to run correctly, and I skid a few times amongst the spring grass of the woods. But soon, I was darting quickly between bushes and trees and leaping high over felled branches that jut from the earth.

The scents mingled in harmony, earthy, mossy, decay, and animal scents. The squeaking of mice within the burrows and the calls of birds above. Leaves swayed with the gentle song along with golden sprays of sunlight dancing across the floor.

I had never experienced anything so beautiful. We stopped at the lake, bamboo sprouting nearby all across-- I remembered that there would be a road to the Crane Shrine.

[[Moto. Can we visit the Crane Shrine at some point?]] I asked.

[[Of course, we can, they are quite a unique form of Yokai.]] He was sniffing the ground and strolling now. I followed with prances that made the dust around me poof up, much to his amusement. [[Such a kit.]]

I was okay with being called a kit. I enjoyed myself for the first time in my past or new life, and no one was going to ruin my fun. I waited till Moto was a bit ahead and snuck into the tall bamboo and grass. He had stopped to lap at the water of the lake. Slowly... Slowly...and... Gotcha! He had already known and twisted to catch my leap as we rolled in the grass and took off at a dead run again with me in the lead. [[Come on, old fox! I thought you were more potent with age!]]

Suddenly he sped past with a blinding speed and was sat upon the crest of a hill overlooking a small valley. [[Cheater.]]

[[You are just a sore loser little kit.]] He said primly as he groomed his ears with a paw. [[Look below. This Village has been here for quite some time. It is known as the Inari Village. They are the ones who will bring offerings. I do recommend you show yourself to them. Kitsune are regarded as deity's here.]]

I paused, thinking for a moment. [[T-they won't hate me?]] I could not help my past life's habit of keeping my head down.

[[No human who knows of Kitsune and what we are capable of being disrespectful. Least of all here.]] He chuckled, [[seems you are about to learn you can do far more than gnash your teeth at your tormentors.]] He brushed his tail across my back in a warm gesture. [[Come, let's change back. Do the same, but opposite.]]

I blinked; okay, well, let's see. Be human. I am human... I was on two feet with a whoosh of power and light, basket upon my back ears and tail twitching from the remaining power.

Sighing, he brushed his robe off and grinned at me, "good! Very good, we shall make you a Kitsune yet!" He ruffled the top of my head and started down the path, "come, little fox."

Nervous, I paused but seeing as I was to be left behind, I rushed forward. "Wait, you old man, I'm coming!" Boisterous laughter met my remark.

The Village was bustling, albeit a bit small, and prosperous; it apparently paid to be known as the Kitsune Village. Offering places were held at any home door with fried tofu and fruits, either dried or fresh. But the moment Moto and I stepped into the Village, a thrum of energy seemed to ripple through the people.

"It is said that this village had many a kin from distant Kitsune marriages with men and women."

"Ah... Is that why..." I began as Moto handed me a fan and snapped his open, hiding half his face. I followed his example.

"Yes, they can sense us." And as he said it, the doors opened quickly, voices exclaimed, and people began to crowd the street where we were, many bowing and happily chattering away. Not all people-- most huddled back in curiosity but held reverence regardless.

"Kitsune!" They started to cry, and the word began to travel down the corridors of houses and into the shops. Moto raised a hand, and silence became instant.

"I am guiding this young Zenko." He motioned formally to me. "Please take care of the new keeper of the Inari Shrine."

I gulped, "I am honored; please take good care of me." I bowed and suddenly was met with more profound bows and whispers of respect and care filled with tender affection that one would show a child of import. "Such a polite Zenko!" One said.

I blinked back tears and, righting myself, smiled at them, willing my eyes to show kindness, a feeling I had forgotten within my old life.

"Such a beautiful fox!" Someone whispered another smiled back, "yes, we are lucky to have a Zenko at the Shrine again! I never thought it would happen in my lifetime!"

"The elder!" A path was made, and a woman was carried on a paladin to us.

I was about to bow, but Moto kept me upright. Instead, he guided me to nod my head in respect.

"I see we have visitors," she smiled at us. Her gray hair was held in a bun against her neck, wrinkles deep, but love glowed within her gaze tinged a honey color. Was she a descendant?

I glanced at Moto, who nodded as if knowing my question.

"My, the last time we had a Zenko at the Shrine was when my grandmother was a young girl." She mused, "I look forward to living side by side, Kitsune." She nodded at me and waved her hand to beckon me close. I did so, and lowered my fan and met her eye. "I am glad I lived so long as to see this day. You are always welcome to this village. May I ask what skills you have?"

I sheepishly felt an ear go down and a tinge of pink touch my face, "I am still young, but I can cook very well, and I know how to weave and knit-- " I broke off, wait. Did knitting exist? Shit. I smiled, "it is something I learned on the other side." I amended; Moto looked interested but did not correct me. I guess I was going to be a bit of a trickster after all.

I sighed inwardly but met her gaze again, "Village Elder," I nodded my head, "I ask that I learn new skills within your village to better assist those here. I am at your call should you require me. I look forward to our time together in harmony."

Exclamations of joy rippled through the surrounding people. Even those who had no drop of Kitsune within their lineage realized this was a once in a lifetime moment.

"Will you be staying for a short time, Messenger?" The elder asked.

I shook my head, "I plan to stay for an indefinite time."

"Then, I shall hope to become good friends." She bowed to me, and I, despite Moto not doing so, returned the gesture. "The Messenger shall be staying for a long time," The Elder addressed the crowd. "Show her respect. Teach those who do not know the way of Kitsune. We shall hold a festival in her honor in a fortnight!"

A cheer sprang up around us, and I blushed furiously behind my fan, feeling my tail sway in exhilaration and my ears flatten down.

Moto was chuckling. "Come, let us walk about and visit the market." I nodded and took his arm, placing my hand upon his forearm.

We were undoubtedly a curiosity as we roamed, the markets bustling with the scent of food and calls of vendors, "where are the other villages?" I asked.

Moto was eyeing some grilled fish, "there are a few nearby-- by nearby, I believe a days ride from here."

I coughed, "a day!" The modern world with cars for so long! Sighing, "it cannot be helped."

Tilting his head, Moto asked, "Was there a faster way of traveling where you are from."

"Yes...uh...we had magical carriages...everyone could use them, even people," I said, wincing inwardly.

He was impressed, "well now! That is quite the feat if humans can use it." I bought him a few sticks of grilled fish skewers and one for myself, ever the glutton he accepted happily.

It was a bit of an effort to hand the money over; the shopkeep almost gave it to us for free. But I insisted. "If I am to deny reward for such good work, what kind of Zenko would I be. Please take it." I smiled.

Abashed, he had accepted with a bow.

"You'll do just fine," Moto said, smiling and giving an elbow nudge.

"Thanks, Moto," I nudged back. "I want to get some supplies for the Shrine." With that, we headed to a general goods shop.

Upon entering, I could sniff out the different materials within a moment, pages of paper and bamboo, brushes made with different materials, back on earth brushes could be made from fox fur, and my nose wrinkled in disgust now. Here it might be seen as blasphemy to the Goddess Inari. And for that, I was thankful. No human was going to get my pretty tail.

"Ah, hello, Messenger!" That was the title I had been given-- it was confirmed that we were the messengers of the god Inari, so it fits, and I nodded in acknowledgment. "What is it that I can get for you?" He asked.

"Good sir, I require tea, as well as scrolls and ink and a new brush." He nodded, and as he gathered the objects for me, I glanced around. He had beautiful merchandise. "Do you make these?"

"Ah, no Messenger, I have gathered these items from my son who travels across the region and brings them back."

"It must be difficult for him to be far from home." I empathized, and he nodded but looked proud. "He works hard for his family; may he be blessed with good fortune on his travels." A tingle flew up my spine and prickled across my skin.

Moto was grinning like a Cheshire Cat, pointy fangs glinting behind his fan. I cast a look at him, and suddenly, his voice was in my head.

[[You utilized a blessing little fox! Good job, your first one!]]

I blinked, [[wait I can DO that?]] I gaped for a moment but regained composure as the shopkeeper turned round. Tears were in his eyes as he held out a packet along with the items. "May this offering bring you happiness. My wife made fried tofu, and it must have been fate for today; we are visited by a Kitsune. We shall bring our prayers to the Shrine."

I nodded in acknowledgment and took the items, "I shall partake of this today, thanks to your wife. May you both have good health." Where our hands had touched momentarily, a jolt of energy sparked. His eyes lit up with happiness. I left the money on the table and placed my items within my basket.

"I need to get rice." I said, "and I am in the mood for sake."

Moto crowed with happiness, "now that I am looking forward to!" We headed towards the river mill that lay upon the village's border nestled within rice paddies and fresh, clear water that irrigated each field. Workers stopped to wave and bow. The mill brimmed with sake jars and bags of rice.

[[Moto, can I bless these fields?]]

He paused and smiled. [[Taking your job seriously? Yes, you can. Just feel your power imbue into the earth.]]Adding in a whisper of internal voice [[it makes the best sake.]] Of course, that would be his goal.

Walking back out, I removed my shoes and walked to the center of the field. Ignoring the whispers about me as the workers paused in their efforts, I closed my eyes and did as he instructed. I could smell the rice, taste the earth it grew in, the tang of crisp river water that gleamed with rocks and sparkled with the scales of fish. Goddess Inari, I do not know why I was placed under your charge. But please hear my prayer. Please bless this Village and these rice fields. May it bring prosperity to this region and to our Shrine. Opening my eyes, I was startled for a moment, as the earth about my feet had grown to luscious greenery filled with flowers and clover.

Hastily I walked back to Moto, who guided me back to the mill. "Messenger!" The woman who had just come in from the doorway to the home bowed. "Are you in need of rice?"

"Please, and some sake jars. Two--"

"Four," Moto said, an ear flicking down.

"Four..." I amended internally, laughing. She retrieved what I asked for, and after paying, we made our way back up the mountain, not without pausing to accept the praise or blessings of passerby's.

Finally, making it up the mountain with our goods, I collapsed near the hearth. Grumbling, too tired to cook! But Moto had gotten up, "my payment for the sake." He smiled and disappeared into the kitchen.

I felt my ears flick to hear the sounds of sizzling and smells of rice and tea. My tail thumped the tatami mat in excitement. Quickly followed by embarrassment as I covered my face and squeaked. Am I ever going to get used to that? I glanced at my tail, which seemed to have a mind of its own. At times, I had smacked myself in the face brushing it, felt it giving away my internal thoughts swishing all over the place. I pounced on it and pushed it to the mat. "Stop that!" I hissed. I heard a stifled chuckle somewhere over my head.

"Are you alright?" Squeaking loudly, I turned red and glanced up as my ears flattened down onto my head in embarrassment.

Moto was leaned over me with a humorous look, head tilted, holding a large tray. I frowned and swatted at him as he dodged with a laugh before setting the tray down to reveal a tea set, with bowls filled with fried tofu stew and fresh rice in bowls steaming.

My mouth watered as he placed everything out at the low table we had brought near the hearth. "Thank you for this food." We both said.

It was to die for. I didn't even mind the rapid thump of my tail on the mat, giving away my happiness. Moto just leaned on his elbow, glancing at me with a lopsided grin.

I tried not to pay any mind and exhaled at the heat from the tofu chunks; I could see steam puff out. Moto had added greens and tender bits of a root vegetable that must have been a potato. "Moto, this is fantastic!" I said around a mouthful of rice.

He took a bite and laughed. "Now, who is the hamster!" He said into his tea.

I could feel my cheeks puffed with food and swallowed it down, "well, it is good!" I said defensively. Sipping tea, we fell into companionable silence as we finished off the evening with the relish of crisp sake under the crescent moonlight.

A girl could get used to this...oh, I mean a fox could.

Because starting today...

I was a real Kitsune!