In the dark, I could sense footsteps. I had suspected this outcome and told Moto that regardless of what he heard, he would not move from his room. Padding softly, till the shape hovered above me, my fox eyes could clearly make out the Sentinal's looming above my resting form. Like a snake, he reached out and clapped a hand to my mouth. I stayed still.

"Do not move." He hissed low.

So you do speak. I nodded, feigning weakness and made pitiful eyes, feeling my pupils engulfing the color in black, placing my ears down as well his brow furrowed, and he had a look of distaste and annoyance.

"I do not wish to harm you." He added, and with a grip on my forearm, he jerked us both upright. "Come."

Alright then. I followed quietly to the courtyard.

And under the moonlight he released me. I wiggled my jaw and rubbed my forearm. "Ever hear of gratitude?" I snapped.

He snorted derisively "for slavery."

"I did not want to enslave you; it had been the only way to get you out."

"As if I am to believe that." He spat on the ground with a growl of rage. "Saddled to a little girl."

"Little girl?" I cut him off. "This little girl got you out of there, fed and clothed you for your information, you mountain of an insolent man!" My words laced with venom, although said on a soft whisper.

He scrubbed his face in frustration, turning away. I could feel my tail swishing in a bristled mass, my fangs pricking my bottom lip as my ears flattened in anger. A low growl started to form as my lip curled. "I get that this is not how you wanted to be here," I said. "I had no intention of doing so either. But here we are." I motioned my hands outward to the courtyard. "So why have you dragged me from my bed into the moonlight?"

I leaned against the pillar of one of the awnings that shaded the water trough and drinking station. But before I could blink, Gaelan had my wrist wrenched behind my back and a dagger at my throat. "What are you." He demanded.

"Is that all you want to know?" I asked, incredulous. "A bit overboard in the execution part." Sighing, I raised a sardonic brow. "I'm a Zenko."

He frowned, "I don't know what that is." Shaking his head, "a demon?"

"A fox spirit." I amended it. "I am a guardian of this shrine and the village below. Now let me go."

"Or?" He seethed, leaning in till he was far too close for comfort. The ball of anxiety expanded in my stomach.

Handsome or not, this man is about to get fried. "I suggest you do so, or you won't like what happens."

"You'll order me?" The grip tightened, and I could feel terror swamp my entire body as memories slammed through my head. He registered it, and doubt clouded his gaze. But as quickly as the fears came, it drained and replaced with a cold calm. This, too, registered, and wariness crept into his expression.

I felt a grin slowly spreading across my face, fangs showing in a leer. I could see my reflection in the ice color of my opponent's gaze.

A Monster looked back at me, eyes glinting yellow as Power swam up to the surface. "No, I will not order you. But has anyone told you that foxes can be particularly vengeful? Order? No. I shall make you." Foxfire flared, encircling us both in an arc. My claws unsheathed, and I reached up and traced them down the blade of the knife, hearing a dragging noise of scraping. "Let go, Gaelan."

Slowly, with insolence in every moment he did so, backing away with the dagger at his side. Glancing at the flames dancing about him, moving with him. He seemed to look me over, from the top of my head down the flowing hair that lifted in an unnatural wind, down the dark navy yukata patterned with magnolias and leaves to my bare feet. Then finally back up to my eyes.

"I will not ask for your subservience." I said. "Nor your loyalty. But until I can figure out how to remove your collar and branding, you are here. All I ask is that you work for your meals by helping me with the shrine in day-to-day tasks. That is all." I walked away then, leaving him to back out under the pavilion and watch me go.

"And if I do not?"

"Then you do not. I will not punish you." With that, the flames went out, and I righted myself tucking my hair back in a pin. "Do what you will, Sentinal." Turning sharply, I left the courtyard and the man who glared up at the drunken moon with clenched fists.

Moto watched, leaned against his door, "good little fox, if you hadn't, I would have." His claws traced the door frame, his expression terrifying as his loose ruby hair flowed down the front of his open robe.

"Down grandpa, down. And don't scuff up my home!!!" I grumbled, heading back to bed.

He choked, "I AM NOT A GRANDPA!!! I AM YOUNGER THAN MOST!!!!"

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I woke at early dawn and dragged myself from the bed. Exhausted, there were no word strong enough to explain the annoyance I still held from the night prior. Apparently, my laid back nature from my past life vanished at rebirth.

I was not sure if that was a good thing. Or if the beast lurking beneath my calm demeanor frightened me or thrilled me.

The old me died. And in her place resided a Fox who was every bit as swayed by treatment as the legends back home stated. At breakfast, I stared at the man who had threatened me and calmly ate rice.

"Would you like to hear a tale of the Kitsune?" I asked the girls.

Both nodded; Gaelan kept his eyes on his food, his waist-length hair tied back low against his neck with a black-tie to keep it from getting in the way, no doubt, mimicking Moto. As for where the fox kept his locks higher up, falling down around his shoulders and back, intricate braids on the side.

I began my tale:

"Once upon a time, in another world, there was a traveling merchant. Upon his travels, he came across a fox playing in the field, thinking that he could gain a comfortable pelt, he aimed his bow at it. Scoring a shot across the fox's head, he was startled that not only did it not die, but it turned to stare at him for an unnaturally long time.

Frightened, the man got back on his wagon and drove away, only to find that every time he looked forward down the road, he would catch a glimpse of red fur in the distance. The trip did not go well for him-- his rice eaten by mice, goods stolen in the gloom of dark, and he almost got home when he noticed smoke coming from the distance.

At the end of the road, he realized his entire home was on fire. And sitting off watching the display was a Fox with a torch in its mouth."

I paused, sipping my tea and glancing at everyone; Moto gleefully watched. "You know I do think I know the Kitsune of that tale."

I laughed, but Gaelan's expression held disgruntled bemusement. "A word of caution to all, Kitsune, treat you how you treat them. So always be kind to foxes."

The girls, taking my lesson thoughtfully, nodded quite enthusiastically. "Serves that merchant right, I would have lit his home on fire too!" Freya said. Fauna nodded.

"Fauna, my dear, is it alright if I ask why you do not speak?" Moto inquired.

I, too, was curious but hadn't wanted to ask with everyone present.

The girl blushed deep red and ducked her head, shrugging.

"But you can?"

She nodded but tapped her mouth and shook her head again.

"Ah, you can't do so very well." Moto got a broad grin, "why don't you use the path of spirit?"

Blinking, Fauna glanced at him through a sheet of hair with curious eyes.

"I'll teach you," Moto pat her knee, "you as well, Freya, you both have enough Power about you."

"Gaelan," he turned his eyes to me, taking a bite of rice.

"Have your wounds been hurting at all?"

"No, they have not. We heal fast, just not when we aren't at our best." Quiet thunder rumbled from him.

"Ah I see. Well-- hopefully, then you shall be back to normal." I cleared up the dishes, but Freya and Fauna took them and went to get them finished insisting they help since I cooked. It was nice having someone to help. And so, afterward, I divided up the chores between the three of us.

----------------------------------------

The shrine, living quarters, and bathhouse had never been cleaner!

At least-- I hoped so.

The shrine and the living quarters shined from every nook and cranny; Moto gave an impressed clap after returning from his afternoon hike up the mountain. "What a fine job, ladies! I see Gaelan is not here?"

"No, he has been wandering the mountain, no doubt. I told him to do what he will so long as he is back before supper."

"Like a mother to a kit." He chuckled at my look of annoyance as I filled a sack with tall grass, which was to be woven for baskets. We laid out our findings along the porch, and Freya began to teach me how to weave. It was very fine work and required to know the knack of how to get started. My first few attempts had been abysmal.

But by the fourth attempt, I could make a base foundation and hand it off to Fauna for her to weave the rest. By early evening we had baskets to hold eggs (I planned on acquiring chickens, but first comes the coop...that is if there existed any...) as well as a basket with a strap woven to allow me to bring fish back as Moto promised to teach me to fish in fox form.

But what surprised us all was coming through the Torii gate looking wetter than usual and holding a brace of rabbits, as well as a colossal trout, was Gaelan. "My!" I clapped in my excitement, "I love rabbits! And a fish too! Thank you, Gaelan. This is marvelous!" Without thinking as he leaned down to give them to me, I took them and pat him on the head before rushing off to the kitchen.

Moto, who I could hear behind his fan sneering, "oh my, how adorable." But his tails were a bit bristled.

I barely caught the slightest hint of Gaelan's cheeks reddening before he gruffly looked away. I barely heard him make a teasing comment at Moto who barked a retort. "I am not!" I shook my head. Males.

Fauna, it turned out, loved cooking, she joined me in the kitchen, and we glanced about at our newfound game. "I want to use the rabbit skins...but I don't know how to--"the rabbits were whisked away by Moto, who opened the door to the back garden and with a knife quickly gutted and peeled the skin off like a glove to both my own and Fauna's horror.

"I-it peeled off?" I squeaked.

"Yes!" Moto said happily, "you just make a cut at the feet a....oh...you weren't asking how." Sheepishly he handed over the rabbits ready for cooking.

Gulping, I nodded, "Thank you, but I think I'll need that lesson on a day I don't cook." Fauna nodded vehemently and giggled behind her hand.

Soaking the rabbits in saltwater was the best way to ensure it wouldn't taste as gamey. Oven-roasted rabbits on a bed of wild onions and mushrooms basted in freshly churned butter, we were almost out, and I made a mental note to head to the village with the girls to purchase new clothing for everyone as well as necessities. But I wanted to stretch the money we had left-- of which was only several silvers and coppers-- and find a way to make money.

"There has to be something that people need in the village that I can provide..." I murmured as I cooked down wild greens. Fauna was watching me muse and smiled at me, patting my hand. "Yes Fauna?"

She just gave a brighter smile as if to say it will be alright.

"Of course, it will." But this interaction made me curious as to why she couldn't or rather wouldn't speak. But that would have to wait for another day.

"Tomorrow, would you like to come with me to the Village with the others?" I received an enthusiastic nod.

Dinner was uneventful; it went with quiet companionship as everyone was tired from their work. Even Gaelan seemed a bit more laid back and accepting despite Moto's teasing. "Easy, you old fox." I barked at him.

"Is that ANY way to speak to an elder!" He shot back with a look of insult.

"More like an ancient, you're at least a thousand years old, you know! No matter how old I get, I'll still be a kid to you!" I fumed, flailing at him.

He sighed long-suffering like, "the price of taking a kit under my tails." Shaking his head. I was gripped into a hug, Moto rubbing his cheek against mine in a show of fox skin-ship. "I don't know where I went wrong." He wiped at invisible tears.

"As if you raised me, hah!" I stuck my tongue out at him but laughed.

I got the girls tucked into bed, made sure they were comfortable. But as night fell, I was restless and found myself wandering the garden and courtyard. The moon was full and bright enough to be drunk on. Wistfully I glanced at it. And unfortunately, my mind went back to my past. Did anyone even miss me?

Did anyone even know I was gone?

Was my body even found?

Why couldn't I remember anything except despair when I thought about my past?

A flash of recollection at the Voice saying, Consider it the first of many a gift.

I felt tears prick my eyes and blur the moon, and quickly I wiped them away. "Why did you bring me here?" I whispered to nothing and no one.

"One does not often see a fox cry."

I almost shrieked in shock but clapped a hand to my pounding chest, "Gaelan!"

He sat in the shadow of a tree perfectly still only illuminated by a long pipe and the crimson ember in the bowl. "Moto." He said, tilting the pipe towards me.

"Of course." I muttered.

"What ails you?" He asked.

I scoffed, "please as if you truly care." Glaring at him, I sighed after a moment. "It is-- something that most would not understand. Before coming to this shrine, my life was not...good." I pinched the bridge of my nose, "that is all I am willing to say."

He shrugged at my answer, and after a pause, "I can understand... I was banished."

"Because they said you're a Companion Killer?" I stared at him.

"And if I say I didn't?" He muttered, keeping his gaze down.

"Then I believe you." I said simply.

His gaze shot up, and his eyes flew open in shock.

"Is it so hard to understand? Gaelan, you're here now. Even if something happened and even if you had, it doesn't matter anymore. I won't pry. And I won't judge you should you ever wish to speak of it. You can have a fresh start here."

He seemed dazed, his throat worked for a moment, and he coughed, "I see." I smiled at him, but within a moment, he had stood up and stepped forward and caught my wrist as I was leaving.

"Yes?" I asked, turning, but as I did, he had caught a leaf which had fallen as a breeze brushed my hair across my brow.

"T-thank...you..."

Nodding, "of course." He let go but turned abruptly and walked back towards the tree.

"What was your home like?" I asked, settling myself on the porch nearby.

He glanced at me, puffing the pipe for a moment. "Elenvar is quite beautiful... It's on the mainlands. There is a smaller outpost here on this island, but it is nothing compared to the capital."

"I read that Sentinals are Fey and Nisse. Is that true?"

"Yes," he kicked at a pebble absentminded, "normally although relationships are tense, it is mostly due to difference in culture and power."

Rolling my eyes, "same issue different worlds I see."

"When Sentinal is born, their family are cast out, and soon there were enough of them that they felt the need to create towns of their own. Soon, there were enough to create a small city. We aren't as many as the Elf or Nisse, as it is difficult to have children."

"Power. I muttered; I read that in a scroll. That's what Companions are for."

He nodded, "we live long lives. Humans were nearly wiped out under the brutality of the Dragons of Old. And so, they made a contract." Gaelan fell silent.

A contract that every mortal was to be checked by the Oracles. To see if their fated one was a Sentinal. At their coming of age ceremonies, it would be decided that if they were destined. If they are, they will enter courtship. Humans and Sentinals were typically quite compatible. And with their lives being extended, I thought about it, and came to the conclusion that it was like using a spell to preserve a delicate flower.

Immortality didn't mean they could not die.

And so Companions were precious, a Companion Killer had failed in of their most important goal in life.vTo protect their mate. And in failing that, was an unforgivable sin.

"Do you miss home?" I asked.

He sighed, "sometimes. Being sold, though, was more than anything the worst part. Banishment is hard enough."

"How long were you a slave?"

Grimacing, "a hundred years."

I felt my eyes fly open in utter dismay and shock, "I... I don't even... Goodness."

"This could be worse." he motioned around him.

I smiled, "well if you require anything, you need but ask. I'll take my leave. Good night Gaelan."

"Good night Taka."

------------------------------

But it was far from a good night; within the dark, I tossed and turned, feeling frightened and cold despite my entire body burning up. Voices brushed along my ear...

"You're useless! How are we ever going to face them after what you did!" The voice screaming, who is that? As glass smashed into the wall and the liquid sprayed every which direction, red like blood and hot like lava steaming as the drippings flooded the wood floor I stood on.

Hands reaching...so many hands...

"It's all your fault" another voice screamed. I clapped my fingers to my ears to block out the sound feeling the engulfing terror consume me.

Darkness, but the edgings of shadows and a hovering shape above me as terror flared inside my chest.

A sharp pain, a broken rib. A broken bone. A broken hip. Finally. Unable to take it. I screamed.

"Scream all you want...little pet...scream all you--"

"Taka?!" A voice called, and warmth enveloped me. "Takara!"

"TAKA" I snapped my eyes open to see Moto shaking me, Gaelan behind him with a look of panic. Moto's foxfire blazing in orbs surrounding us; my face felt wet, soaked in salt and burning tracks down my lips, which tasted like I drank the sea; my throat closed off in fear.

"Hush now," Moto said, leaning forward. "Whatever is the matter?" He looked far more frightened than he was trying to let on.

I hiccuped as I felt the hands that now stopped shaking me try to pull me forward slightly, but terror seized me, and I scrambled backward, "don't touch me!" I hissed, claws sweeping along, and fangs bared as my fur bristled stiff, flattening my ears; I let out another hissing snarl.

Moto was unperturbed and tried to calm me. "Shh, Taka, it's alright..." He moved forward.

Fauna was the first to rush me and cup my face, "m-m-m-my la-lady..." She whispered, and the first words she would speak in a halting stutter, "y-you two g-get...get out. M-me... Men bad right now." I was so stunned that she spoke, I felt the hackles I had raised lower slightly, my ears creeping up a bit from their flattened position.

Both Moto and Gaelan were taken aback, but Freya placed a hand on their arms and shook her head. And so they did as told. Both girls rushed to me and embraced me as I felt a wail rise in my throat but gulped it down. "It's all right now," Freya soothed, brushing my hair back. "You're safe."

Their gazes showed me that they understood far more than they spoke of. No pity, just understanding; Fauna was dabbing my tears with her sleeve as her sister got a brush and was fixing my hair. "Y-you don't need...n...need to sa-say my L-l-la-lady." Fauna murmured into my hair with her soft stutter.

Freya mimicked, and they cocooned me in warm care, petting my head, "no, it's going to be alright."

I closed my eyes, feeling my body relax and go slack, I was grateful when they pulled the covers over us, and we slept like a pile of fox kits in a den.

My dreams were filled with spring fields and cherry blossoms, a woman standing upon a hill. "I was so happy when you were born." She says as she turns to me, her jet black hair and ornate kimono drifting with the pink in the wind. "So happy." She repeats, and I can feel the warmth of a Mother's love in her gaze. "You are now my own. I claim you, and I wish for my children to be happy." As I felt myself slipping back to sleep, I noticed the twitch of a fox tail is behind her, and her eyes crinkled at the corners with a smile behind her fan. "Go to sleep, my little kit."

And, so I did, buried under blue skies and pink blossoms.

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The next morning I was up before the sun even peeked over the crests of the mountain tops. Moto sat lounging on cushions on the porch smoking his pipe. I paused; his hair was loose, typically tied up, and out of the way; I never noticed the color as vivid as it looked flowing on the slight spring breeze. His ear flicked as if it was an acknowledgment as his green gaze slid to glance at me. "Good morning Taka."

I nodded and walked into the kitchen. I could sense Moto following, and he leaned in the doorway as he watched me tidy up. "Do you wish to speak of it?"

I paused, "it was....before..."

He nodded. A puff of smoke billowing about him, "sometimes even migration---"

"Y-you said Migration is a movement..."

He was waiting, calmly watching me.

"What if you were killed?" I whispered.

Surprise flashed across his face. "Killed?"

I looked up at him and crossed my arms across myself as if to ward off the chill of memory. "And given another chance?"

Nodding, "what a wonderful gift to be born as a Kitsune...the Goddess Inari must love you dearly to claim you."

I smiled thinking of the woman in my dream; she was precious to me, and for the motherly love she showed someone such as myself, there wouldn't be anything I would not do if she but asked.

He was chewing on the pipe now, pondering this information. "Do you remember what happened then?"

"Sometimes. It's very blurry. But...when I sleep..." My voice faltered.

Moto put out his pipe and started getting the dishes set out for when Fauna and Freya woke, his hands pausing my restless movements. "How bad?" He asked, looking over my clenched fingers.

I blinked rapidly, "I would not wish it upon my worst enemy." Inhaling, I laughed, "you know, most people back in my world live a hard but fulfilling life. Others? Others suffer needlessly." I stared at the large hands that traced patterns across the tops of my hands.

"You're here now," his hand moved up and ruffled my hair. "I promise, if anyone lays a finger on you, I'll tear their soul out and eat it."

I smiled and chuckled, "so protective." Muttering, I shoved his hand away and got back to what I was doing, aware of his watchful gaze as he tried to gauge my movements and mood.

Usually, I'd have been completely weirded out, but this was different. It was nice to have someone worried about me for once. We sat down by the hearth with hot tea, and after a moment of silence, Gaelan had joined us.

He coughed, "a-are you well? Lady Taka?"

I blinked; this was the first time he had addressed me as such. "Better, Gaelan, thank you."

Sighing, I placed my cup down and glanced about the room at nothing in particular. "You know, my world before this had things such as soaps, cleansing items for beauty, agriculture, many things that this world does not..." I thought for a moment.

Moto, beat Gaelan it seemed to the question, "is there anything in particular you miss?"

I sighed, "knitting."

Both of their brows furrowed in confusion.

Laughing, I explained, "you know a loom?"

They nodded.

"Well, it's like that, but you use two sticks that look like chopsticks, but one end has a stopper, and they are pointed. You use thread-- or rather (yarn) from animal wool that is spun. My Kingdom for (alpaca)." I realized these were words from my old world. The confusion was palpable.

"What is an (alpaca)?" Gaelan asked.

"What is (yarn)?" Moto followed shortly after.

"It is a herd animal, lovely and docile, and its wool is prized. Ah, here." I grabbed a piece of paper and brush and drew the animal shape as best I could. "And (yarn) is what we call thread here but thicker and warmer. You've seen the hand braided wool coats? Similar to that when used."

After looking at the drawing, they both nodded.

"Oh you mean an Op'Puka." Gaelan said, nodding. And then he frowned at me, "ah...they are not docile. They cause earthquakes under the people that make them afraid."

I blinked. And then, started to laugh wholeheartedly. "What?"

Moto was scratching his jaw in confusion. "Taka, are you sure those creatures have beautiful...what is it fleece?"

"Yes. Why? Don't people (shear) them?" I shook my head, "trim their coat?"

"N-no they sometimes get so furry that their fluff gets yanked off by an Igrit."

I knew that term; that was this world's eagle. "Where are they?"

Moto shook his head, "oh no, little vixen, you are not chasing an Op'Puka off a cliff."

"But, I want to tame one." I said simply.

Both men blinked at each other, then turned their gaze back to me. And then both began to laugh in a fit of hysterics.

"T-tame one, she says!" Gaelan could not help but howl in mirth.

Moto pounded his back laughing with him, "with what? A bunch of berries?"

I crossed my arms, glaring at them. "I can tame them."

Moto sighed, "I would rather take you than to have you sneak out, you bad fox."

I pouted. "Jerk."

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The next early morning, we were climbing the mountain landscape in fox form with Gaelan close behind, sprinting like a ghost upon the grass.

We made ourselves larger than average to avoid anyone coming near; Wild Foxes were not exactly frequent in this mountain pass; no one would dare come near two large foxes, especially one with nine waving tails. When I thought I could go no further, Moto took pity on me, and we stopped at a small stream. With a poof, we both transformed back to normal. "Get a drink, little vixen."

I gulped in greedy mouthfuls of cold mountain water. "Ah! Much better." I sighed, lying back on the grass still damp with early morning dew.

Moto was leaning over me with a brow quirked, "were you not very active in your last life?"

I grimaced a bit, "not really, I don't think." Gaelan was busy sitting upon a boulder sharpening a long spear. "I said we are not eating them."

"Not those; I figured we could catch some mountain goats."

I blinked; oh ya, there are other animals up here. "That's a great idea; we can dry some meat for storage, are there berries up here this time of year?"

Moto nodded, "Yes I can show you where all the gathering spots are." He stretched his long limbs and glanced at me, prepping for when we came across an Op'Puka. I was curious how similar they were to the pack animals of my old world.

It wouldn't take me long to find out.

Upon reaching the higher points where the air became relatively thin, ice sloshed along our feet, crunching on the grass blades that surprisingly stayed green. Moto smiled, "the benefits of having land so close to a Goddess of Harvest's shrine.

I blinked, and it took me a moment to realize he was right; the earth was imbued with Power. It allowed for an array of animals that could only survive in cold weather and with plentiful prey. The Icehawke and other animals that I had never seen before all popped up in curiosity-- confident that we would pose no threat.

"We are a part of nature after all," Moto said, "and if we really wanted to eat them, they'd have nary a chance to fight back." A predatory smile; his nine tails swaying back and forth in glee. "But, I am not hungry." He mused with an ear flattened in sheepish expression.

Oh my, how grim.

Gaelan tapped my shoulder ever so lightly and handed me the eyeglass.

Sure enough: before us was an Op'Puka. It looked nearly the same as the creature in my world, except for a few key factors. First, the two little horns at the top of its head, and second, it was the size of a baby elephant, however thinner, sleeker. But aside from that, it's cute fluffy cheeks moved as it munched down the green grass covered in frost.

"Yep that's an Alpaca." I said, noting its brilliant coat of fluff, far more extensive than it would be possible on earth. But the creature still moved with ease.

"So, are these creatures smart?" I asked Moto.

He nodded, "Yep! They don't look it, but yes, they are." It was tinged in a memory of something unpleasant, and his ears were flattened, a pout forming.

"Well then, I'll go talk to them." I dusted myself off and grabbed my basket filled with the goods I had brought with me. "Excuse me!" I called as I came closer.

The Op'Puka raised its head, squinted at me, and then nodded.

I came closer, maintaining a respectful distance, and gave a short bow, "Good afternoon. My name is Taka; I come to give greetings to the Op'Puka of the Mountain."

A glimmer of humor flickered across its gaze. [[What a polite little Zenko.]]

I blinked, "you know I am a messenger of Inari?"

It nodded, and a smile gleamed in its gaze. [[Of course, little fox.]] The Op'Puka glared at Moto off in the distance, [[so polite unlike that field fox over there]]

Moto put his hands up and sheepishly rubbed the back of his head as I shot him an internal question [[Moto what did you DO.]]

Grumbling, "I may have tried to ride one of them several hundred years ago." He shrugged, "I learned my lesson! Never try to saddle an Op'Puka."

I groaned, and my hand slapped over my face. Turning, I bowed low despite the choked cry from the fox behind me. "This one humbly apologizes for her companion's actions."

[[I accept. So tell me, little fox. What have you come to us for?]]

Opening the lid to my basket, I laid out in front of them grains and sweet grass I had found on the mountainside. "I brought these gifts and wanted to show you something." After I pulled out the shoddy attempt at knitting with linen thread and another with sheep wool, which came out better but was off-kilter due to the knitting needles I tried to make.

"This here is something called (knitting). It is something from my old home. But back in my home, we use wool to make something called (yarn). It is different from sheep wool, far softer. It's like weaving with what we call a loom. But by hand."

[[Interesting,]] the Op'Puka ate at the gifts I had brought while sniffing at the items I showed.

"Op'Puka wool I have heard is the softest and most brilliant wool one can find." I said reverently, feeling myself slide into my knitting mode where I had once coveted the oh so beautiful baby alpaca yarn.

[[Of course it is!]] The Op'Puka puffed up, ruffling itself. [[We, of course, are the preferred wool of the great Igrits. Are you looking for us to provide you with fleece?]]

I nodded, keeping an even more profound bow, "this foolish fox did not know Op'Puka were so wise. In my old home, Op'Puka has no horns to fend themselves nor teeth to fight back. They are treasured beyond compare to other livestock, but this fox is grateful to see here you have the ability to retain your dignity and pride."

Laughter now rang true through the field, and a dozen Op'Puka showed themselves. The Leader appeared to be the one I was conversing with. [[Many have sought our fleece, and none have gotten it. However, since you have brought gifts, perhaps with offerings, we can give up some wool.]]

My eyes sparkled, "oh yes! I would make a beautiful pasture behind the shrine, plant sweet greens, and these other herbs that you seem to like so much. And there will also be housing to get out of the rain and snow if you so wish to come freely and leave when you wish." I bowed again, "if you would join with me, I feel we could be mutually beneficial in our partnership Lord Op'Puka."

Gleaming eyes and the Op'Puka reached forward and nudged my forehead with their nose. [[You are wise indeed to see that I am lord and master in this field.]]

I blushed, rubbing my arm self-conscious. "This fox is young. But she is willing to learn."

After a long pause, [[I shall teach you Earth Manipulation. This shall help you build with what is around you, buildings, shelters, items, it should be beneficial in someone's hands such as you.]]

I almost heard Moto's jaw drop behind me.

Knowing this was a profound honor, I nodded, "this one would be grateful for such a gift."

[[I shall come down the mountain with my kin after winter. In springtime, our fleece is at its peak; this year, the Igrit has made a claim to it. Next year we shall keep some for you. But in the meantime...]] the Op'Puka pressed their muzzle to my head, and a zap jolted through my body.

Ooof! The air flung out of my body as a blur of images and knowledge flooded me.

After what seemed to be an incalculable amount of time, Moto was snarling at the Leader of the herd somewhere above me. "What did you do to her, you overgrown powder puff!"

Humor and a smile, [[Calm yourself field fox. Your little vixen is fine.]]

A choked off sound and a muttering growl, "She is not my vixen."

[[Could have fooled us.]]

Opening my eyes, a very large nine-tailed Kitsune in fox form hovered over me in a protective gesture, bundled tails under me so that I was off the ground.

"I am alright, wow...talk about a kick." I rubbed my forehead and thought for a moment.

[[Go ahead try it.]] The Op'Puka said with glee. Then to Moto with a stern glare, [[Move field fox.]]

Backing off, Moto sat down near Gaelan, who had been thoroughly schooled by an Op'Puka and sported a hoof size bruise to his jaw.

Oh, you guys. I stifled a chuckle," thank you for your worry."

Both males brushed it off with grunts and waving. Moto turning his muzzle in the air dignified and in a snit.

I looked around at the clearing with trees. This gift from the Leader was something that could change my entire world; all I had to do was shape the materials in my mind. But I needed material, to begin with. "May I use that oak tree?"

[[That one shelters a family of mountain birds, instead use the one to the right. It is empty.]]

"Thank you for letting me know." Closing my eyes, I focused on the tree, its makeup, and materials and pulled from it; opening my hand, I began to remember the old spinning wheel that I used to use in my spare time. Luckily, to keep me quiet, I was allowed to indulge in crafts, creation, and any sort of art I wanted so long as it kept me inside and silent.

I remembered the polish, the wheel, and the pedal so shiny with a new gleam of beeswax.

Within moments a gasp from Moto told me it was showing up in front of everyone's sight. Opening my eyes, the wood was warping, almost like jelly, till a perfect replica of what I used to use sat before us in different parts, the holes appropriate for where attachments would be.

Bouncing up and down with a squeal of delight, I smacked Gaelan and Moto on the arms, "look, look, it's my old spinning wheel!!!" Clapping, "thank you so much, Lord Op'Puka!!"

Laughter surrounded us as the herd came to look at what I had made.

Moto rubbed his jaw, "are you sure that's going to work, little vixen?"

The Lord Op'Puka seemed to be amused that he was calling me such a name, and I pondered what the look was. But ignored it.

"Yes, will you both help me bring it down?"

Moto scoffed, "this is nothing," he put down the handkerchief bag that he had, and within moments of setting the item on top, it vanished into the depths. "Space manipulation magic. The Best thing I ever learned."

"Wow!! Can you teach me! Please, please?" I clung to his robe arm and bounced around like a kid at a toy store.

"I don't knowwww...."

"Moto!" A scowl formed, and I crossed my arms.

He tapped my nose, "I suppose I must little vixen."

With a squeal of happiness I had never felt in my past life, I tackled him with a hug wrapping my arms around his waist. "Thank you! I'm so happy!

Glancing up at him with a broad smile, his face poofed into a deep blush across his cheekbones. "Ahem. Well, I did take you under my tails, so to speak, so of course, I need to teach you."

"You're so silly." I elbowed him after we got everything put away, and we all bowed to the herd." Thank you! I look forward to our relationship."

They, to all our surprise, bowed back. "We wish the new Zenko of the mountain blessings and happiness."

Tears filled my vision as we left, waving at my new friends in this life that I never would have dreamed of.