Cynter's eyes landed on the wound at the fox's side. He stared at it before dropping the net in his hands.
"Are you going to capture me?" the spirit asked weakly.
Cynter shook his head. "I've changed my mind about that. You need medical attention."
He moved closer to the spirit, noticing a holder that was just the right size for the flute at his hip. He pulled out the flute and slipped it into the holder.
"Thank you," the spirit exhaled. "That flute is precious to me."
Cynter nodded and his hands moved up to the spirit's side before he frowned. "I'm going to have to ask you to remove your kimono."
The spirit wriggled out of his kimono without hesitation. Cynter went straight to work on the wound, cleaning it with supplies from his emergency kit before bandaging it up. "There, it should heal nicely now."
The spirit smiled brightly at him. "Thank you. I'm glad you decided not to capture me."
"I couldn't bring myself to possibly hurt you even more." Cynter stood up, feeling the energy in the forest increase again. "Do you mind if I just have a picture of you?"
"I don't mind at all." The fox's eyes shone as he looked Cynter up and down, checked him out. He could not believe that an explorer like him would actually spare trying to capture him and save his life. He was in debt to this explorer, and he could feel...something more as well.
Cynter smiled and the spirit nearly keeled over. His smile was killer. "Hold still."
The spirit purred and struck a cute pose and Cynter laughed as he took the shot. He looked at his photo and his heart swelled with pride. He had done it. He had proof of the fox spirit!
"Thank you, once again." Cynter glanced at the fox. He was standing up now. He smiled and held Cynter's hands in his own. "What is your name?"
"My name is Cynter." Cynter felt a bit of heat in his cheeks as the spirit held his hands. "Do you have a name?"
"Of course I have a name." The fox spirit giggled. "My name is Naruto."