Here's where you learn exactly what from "Kitsune's Brother" by Coffeetailor inspired me. Chapter 8, the scene when Hiei and Kurama dance together in the garden. Initially, I thought it was a little OOC, but it was also wonderfully creative and fresh, and it reminded me of My Neighbor Totoro. I wanted to see it from Shiori's perspective. Thanks for reading!

Dearest Shuichi

7. A Silver Fox

Dearest Shuichi—

It's very clear to me now. I know who you are. That kind of thing isn't something you can hide from your mother, no matter how hard you try. I don't think you realize that I know you aren't human—not entirely—or that you aren't from this world entirely either. I have no heart to tell you, because I know that you never said anything because you were afraid of what I would say. Sometime soon I'll tell you what I know and hope that you will stick around to hear me say that I love you no matter who you are or where you come from.

I dreamed that you were dancing, Shuichi. You were calling forth plants that were too beautiful for my eyes; I couldn't breathe. A silver fox was hiding in the plants and flowers, and I wanted to warn you, but then the fox licked your hand and I knew that he was not dangerous. He still frightened me, though. All of it seemed like something that wasn't mean to be on this planet—like something that was too sacred and real for me to see. How much of this dream is the truth I do not know. What I know is this: there will come a day when you leave this world. I pray that this day comes after I've died, and you'll find solace in that other place where you once belonged. But if we are not so fortunate—if I survive before you must return to your other home—then I want you to know something. I want you to know that no matter how long you are gone, I will always, always be here waiting for you to come home again. I love you, Shuichi, more than you'll ever know. You will always have a place to come home to. Remember this.

I think I'm done writing in this journal. I shall hide it in the garden and wait for you to find it.

Signed,

Your mother.

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