"Kitsune is the Japanese word for fox. Foxes are a common subject of Japanese folklore; in English, kitsune refers to them in this context. Stories depict them as intelligent beings and as possessing magical abilities that increase with their age and wisdom. Foremost among these is the ability to assume human form. While some folktales speak of kitsune employing this ability to trick others—as foxes in folklore often do—other stories portray them as faithful guardians, friends, lovers, and wives."

Kiku walked down the small path lined with dark green trees in peace, though something seemed off about the figure sitting on the hill above him. He ignored it, and kept walking, but a poem that he had read a short time ago rang through his head.

In an attempt to forget it, he whispered it out to himself.

"Shingurutēru
Yako, Zenko, Kitsune
Dokuji no kyuu."

The figure on the top of the hill shifted.

You sat on the stone bench, almost looking like a statue to anyone but those with eyes sharp enough to see you breathing. Your orange kimono fluttered in the breeze, making the golden designs dance in the light. Your (h/l)(h/c) hair was loosely pulled back from your face by a golden comb decorated with bright crystal dragonflies, though you (e/c) eyes stared dully at the sight before you.

A man was walking the path at the foot of the hill your shrine was located on top of. You heard a whisper on the wind and nodded your head, aware of your duties.

Slowly, you calmed your nerves with deep breaths and picked up the small, golden orb resting next to you before padding down the hill on four silent paws, leaving your kimono behind in favor for warming your golden fur in the sun. You stopped just out of the man's sight and sat in the middle of the road, awaiting his approach.

When you did finally see him, you were taken aback by his quiet beauty. His dark black hair carefully cut around his oval face. His almond-shaped eyes widened at the sight of you, but he quickly regained his composure.

"Hello," he called out softly. His dark eyes were cautious.

You tilted your head to the side and closely pressed your tails together, disguising them as one as you wrapped them around your paws.

The man took a step closer to you, then another, and another. Eventually, he was only a few feet away from you.

You stood, allowing your nine tails to stand, free of each other for the time, and the golden orb held proudly in your mouth. The man paused again. He looked up. "Are you the guardian of that shrine?"

A nod. You padded up to the man, careful not to drop the precious pearl as you circled him. Once more in front of the man, you sat again of the soft dirt of the road, studying him from closer up. He stared right back at you.

"Is that your hoshi no tama?"

Another nod.

He held out a hand. "May I see it?"

Your (e/c) eyes narrowed and you drew back slightly, a silent protest of 'no'. Thankfully, the man nodded his head in understanding. "That's fine."

Bowing his head, he introduced himself to you, "I am Honda Kiku. Do you have a name?"

Hesitantly, you nodded another 'yes'.

He smiled. A handsome, charming smile. "I'd very much like to hear it one day."

Now you stood, turning away from Kiku and walking up the hill to the shrine. A few feet up the path, you stopped and waited for the Japanese man to follow. Eventually he did, and the two of you walked up the old road to your small shine. Sitting on the bench once more, your orange and gold kimono warmed your chilled body.

With a small smile of your own, you looked at Kiku.

The man looked at you with wide, chocolate eyes.

"It's very nice to meet you, Kiku. My name is (F/n)."

"You only see one
Good foxes, field foxes, fox
My nine tails stand tall."