p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"span style="font-weight: bold;"font face="Nimbus Mono L, monospace"span lang="zh-CN"善狐/span/font/spanspan style="font-weight: bold;"br /spanspan style="font-weight: bold;"font face="Nimbus Mono L, monospace"span lang="zh-CN"ぜんこ/span/font/span/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"span style="font-weight: bold;"Translation: Good fox, Virtuous fox/spanspan style="font-weight: bold;"br /spanspan style="font-weight: bold;"Alternate names: /spanspan style="font-weight: bold;"ureiko, inari/u kitsune, osakitōge/spanspan style="font-weight: bold;"br /spanspan style="font-weight: bold;"Habitat: /spanspan style="font-weight: bold;"forests, fields, mountains, and shrines/spanspan style="font-weight: bold;"br /spanspan style="font-weight: bold;"Diet: omnivorous/span/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"span style="font-weight: bold;""Zenko are fox spirits who /spanspan style="font-weight: bold;"serve under the Inazuman Goddess, uInari Okami/u/span span style="font-weight: bold;". Mirroring the likeness of humans, they have a/span uspan style="font-weight: bold;"complex society, with families, tribes and ranks/span /uspan style="font-weight: bold;"u./u In countless legends, they are depicted as the /spanuspan style="font-weight: bold;"faithful guardians and lovers of men/span /uspan style="font-weight: bold;". They were umessengers of gods/u, delivering messages from the divine to mortals. Some of them possessed an entire family, or brought their village good fortune, but more tragic stories fell from the heavens after granting mortals too much good luck."/span/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"span style="font-weight: bold;"On page 115, showcased an illustration of five fox spirits dancing around a fire. The first one was labeled a /spanuspan style="font-weight: bold;"span style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: oblique; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"tenko/span /spanspan style="font-weight: bold;", a /spanspan style="font-weight: bold;"celestial fox/span /uspan style="font-weight: bold;". The second one was a /spanuspan style="font-weight: bold;"span style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: oblique; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"kinko/span /spanspan style="font-weight: bold;", a /spanspan style="font-weight: bold;"gorgeous golden fox/span /uspan style="font-weight: bold;", followed by a /spanuspan style="font-weight: bold;"span style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: oblique; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"ginko/span /span/uspan style="font-weight: bold;"u, a silver fox/u, a /spanuspan style="font-weight: bold;"span style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: oblique; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"byakko/span /span/uspan style="font-weight: bold;"u, a fox with white fur/u lastly a /spanuspan style="font-weight: bold;"span style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: oblique; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"kokuko/span /spanspan style="font-weight: bold;", a /spanspan style="font-weight: bold;"black fox/span /uspan style="font-weight: bold;". /span/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"span style="font-weight: bold;""They were usually divided into /spanspan style="font-weight: bold;"three social ranks/span span style="font-weight: bold;", ignoring their coats. In the illustration, the highest of these were at the top of the page, closest to Celestia, were the /spanuspan style="font-weight: bold;"span style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: oblique; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"tenko/span /spanspan style="font-weight: bold;", heavenly spirits/span /uspan style="font-weight: bold;", then the /spanuspan style="font-weight: bold;"span style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: oblique; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"kiko, /span/spanspan style="font-weight: bold;"spirit foxes/span /uspan style="font-weight: bold;"and /spanuspan style="font-weight: bold;"span style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: oblique; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"kūko/span /spanspan style="font-weight: bold;", the /spanspan style="font-weight: bold;"stereotypical sly fox/span /uspan style="font-weight: bold;"."/span/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;" /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Alhaitham!" His grandmother called raspily from the kitchen. Despite her sickly nature, she still ran the house like a true leader. He worried about her condition, but she seemed fine. He could hear the sounds of metal utensils clinging against silver pans, a beautiful fragrance coming from the hearth. "Dinner will be ready in a few minutes, get washed up!"/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""I will." Alhaitham answered. He believed things should be done without procrastination, but made exceptions for his cat who was sitting on his lap. /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Countless pictures of shrines dedicated to them were plastered all over Alhaithams notebook, next to a description of what type of kitsune it was dedicated to. The sides of his hands and fingers were smudged hues of gray and black, pen running low on ink, whilst his highlighters were drying up./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"His grandmother's pleas for him to go outside and play in the remaining sunlight had a beneficial aspect to them, he preferred to stay inside. History of the kitsune was far too investing for him to just tear his eyes away./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"The legends may have been just legends, but they enchanted Alhaitham's mind, like a spell. Despite his reputation as the child that would study dictionaries and advanced physics textbooks for entertainment, he couldn't deny the thrill of a compelling yokai tale. His skepticism— his curiosity flowered like the Sakura Blossoms that bloomed around the whole of his hometown./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"His legs were starting to grow numb. Perhaps it was from sitting down on a couch for hours and allowing the cat to imprison his legs, making it illegal to move. He smiled down at the gray tabby, and scratched the back of her ears causing the cat to let out an excited 'Mrrrp!' in response, and roll over onto her back, stretching out her front and hind paws. /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""You're not going to release me aren't you?" Alhaitham asked her. /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"It just gave him an excuse to keep studying, even as the sun set in the distance. He flipped the paper to a blank page and readjusted his grip on the pen, scanning over the text./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;" /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"span style="font-weight: bold;"font face="Nimbus Mono L, monospace"span lang="zh-CN"野狐/span/font/spanspan style="font-weight: bold;"br /spanspan style="font-weight: bold;"font face="Nimbus Mono L, monospace"span lang="zh-CN"のぎつね/span/font/span/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;" /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"span style="font-weight: bold;"Translation: Wild Fox/spanspan style="font-weight: bold;"br /spanspan style="font-weight: bold;"Alternate names: /spanspan style="font-weight: bold;"yako, yakan; many local variation exist as well/spanspan style="font-weight: bold;"br /spanspan style="font-weight: bold;"Habitat: /spanspan style="font-weight: bold;"fields, forests, and wild areas/spanspan style="font-weight: bold;"br /spanspan style="font-weight: bold;"Diet: omnivorous; they particularly like wax, oil, lacquer, and women's life force and blood/span/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"span style="font-weight: bold;" /span span style="font-weight: bold;"Nogitsune/span span style="font-weight: bold;"span style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: oblique; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;", /span/spanspan style="font-weight: bold;"were a /spanuspan style="font-weight: bold;"malicious and cunning spirit/span /uspan style="font-weight: bold;"that /spanspan style="font-weight: bold;"brought indescribable ruin/span span style="font-weight: bold;"and chaos in their wake. Many of them were a low ranking, wild kitsune with /spanspan style="font-weight: bold;"no associations with the divine/span span style="font-weight: bold;". For them, the /spanuspan style="font-weight: bold;"exploitation of human vulnerabilities/span /uspan style="font-weight: bold;"brought them a sick satisfaction. Like Zenko, nogitsune are highly intelligent creatures, and ucan /u/spanuspan style="font-weight: bold;"recognize human activity/span /uspan style="font-weight: bold;", and manipulate their emotions through deception./span/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"span style="font-weight: bold;"They are also, they are capable of blessing those in need, but many legends ended with their identities being revealed./span/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"span style="font-weight: bold;"The most dangerous of nogitsune were those who were guilty of /spanuspan style="font-weight: bold;"span style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: oblique; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"kitsunetsuki/span /spanspan style="font-weight: bold;"span style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: oblique; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"; /span/spanspan style="font-weight: bold;"the act of /span/uspan style="font-weight: bold;"upossessing the bodies/u of young men and women/span span style="font-weight: bold;", /spanuspan style="font-weight: bold;"feeding on their life force/span /uspan style="font-weight: bold;"to entertain their sadistic amusement./span/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"span style="font-weight: bold;"They heavily dislike /spanuspan style="font-weight: bold;"bright light/span /uspan style="font-weight: bold;", and can be found hiding from the usun during the daylight/u. They also /spanspan style="font-weight: bold;"despite ubladed weapons/u/span uspan style="font-weight: bold;", such as /spanspan style="font-weight: bold;"daggers and knives/span /uspan style="font-weight: bold;". But one of the /spanspan style="font-weight: bold;"biggest/span span style="font-weight: bold;"indicators of a nogitsune were their /spanspan style="font-weight: bold;"fear of dogs/span span style="font-weight: bold;". A bark from a dog can frighten a nogitsune /spanspan style="font-weight: bold;"back into its kitsune form/span span style="font-weight: bold;"./span/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;" /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Alhaitham, what's taking you so long?" His grandmother asked in an irritated tone as she walked into the living room. She wore her usual house clothes, protected by an apron tied around her waist. "You've been at that for hours. Get up, stretch your legs. Take a break from it. I'm quite certain you don't want to eat dinner cold." /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"He heard those warnings far too many times. It was beginning to sound like a broken record. But Even with his grandma and the village elder's warnings, Alhaitham's innocent curiosity consumed his soul in a state of adventure, searching for the truth that lay beyond the stories. "You can return to your research later, it's not going anywhere."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"He nodded, and scratched his cat's head. span style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: oblique; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;""Off you go, purr machine."/span With a pained grimace, he shook his cat awake and lifted her off his lap, gently setting her on the cushion beside him. "You may cuddle me when I return."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Like his grandmother, she gave him a nasty glare, before curling up into a ball and facing away from him. "I'm coming, grandma!"/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"He was unsure why she was so against his research— not that she made any attempt to stop him. He was familiar with the antics pulled by the span style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: oblique; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"Nogitsune, /spanand knew how to ward them off. He had nothing to lose but his doubts./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;" /p
hr style="margin: 0.875em auto 1.2525em; border-style: solid; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; width: 359.242px; color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15.12px; background-color: #ffffff;" /
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Great Electro Archon, I pray you bestow healing over my grandmother." He begrudgingly recited the prayer like a broken record, his pleas as hopeless as his heart. Alhaitham fluttered his eyes open, placing a hand on his knee, pushing himself up. He recited the prayers countless times before, in a vain attempt to slow the spread of his grandmother's illness, yet everything seemed hopeless./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"He and his grandmother were firm believers in science. She taught him the advantages of medicine, and together they analyzed the effects of exercise and rest, and utilized it to the best of their advantage. /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"He wasn't the type of boy to believe in miracles or divine interference, yet as he stared longingly at the Sakred Sakura– feeling as if their radiant blooms were mocking his despair. The strongest of pills and medication showed no effect of working, and neither did resting. Calling on the divine was a last resort, something Alhaitham saw no use in employing if medication worked like a charm. Everytime he prayed that the gods would show him the slightest bit of mercy. if not for Alhaitham– at least for his dear grandmother./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Taking a quick glance at the sky, he could see the gentle baby blue gradient fading into a rich fiery orange as it slowly sunk under the horizon. It was getting late. Seeing that he had no other business staying at the shrine, he straightened out his dark pale green haori, and left. Ignoring the fact he was mature enough to take care of himself after sunset, the least he could do for his grandmother in her weakened state, was to return on time. /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Alhaitham made his way down the spiral of stairs, descending the mountain alongside the setting sun. A gentle orange dim illuminated the path he followed, and a cool breeze blew through his hair. Crystalflies danced around his body, using his head and shoulders as a perch to admire the view with him. He rarely smiled, but their silent presence gave him a comfort not even prayers to the Electro Archon could replicate./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"The cool air started to turn cold and heavy as he walked past the elegant arches of the Yashiro Commission, continuing his journey as he traveled down the winding road, leading to the eternal night cast by the soft atmosphere of the Chinju forest. The only light that could be observed were the neon blue lights illuminating from the flowers that were scattered across the field, delicately dyeing Alhaitham's form blue. The trees towered above him, statues of Tanku scattered everywhere, watching his every move intently as he walked down the cobblestone steps, venturing under the torii gates. /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Legend had it that some souls– whether unlucky or lucky, could encounter mysterious creatures that resided in the depths of the woodland./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"And it seemed like fate decided that Alhaitham was today's lucky winner./p
hr style="margin: 0.875em auto 1.2525em; border-style: solid; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; width: 359.242px; color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15.12px; background-color: #ffffff;" /
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"With his mind only focusing on getting home as efficiently as possible, he never expected he'd come across a stray kitsune in the middle of the forest. Considering his distanced perspective, the silver haired boy first mistook it as a cat, from its pointy golden ears. Alhaitham's usual bland expression shifted into one of curiosity as he watched the critter's body snap up, shaking the neon flower petals off of it's golden locks before diving back down, creating a loud series of yips and barks as it chased it's tail, tumbling down the small hill. He bit the inside of his lips, swallowing a ball of saliva as he desperately tried to hold in a laugh. He couldn't help but be captivated by its silly antics./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"As entertaining as the scene was, the last thing he needed to do was get distracted. He needed to return home as fast as possible, and reassure his grandmother he wasn't out researching anything that would put him in danger./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Or come across the bullies from his school. He held no malice against them, believing them to use him as a mirror to mirror their own insecurities. But that didn't mean he wanted to encounter them out in the open. Quite the opposite. He would rather get by without a beating to the head, or hair pulled out./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;" He balanced his tiptoes just to receive a clearer glance at the kitsune's form, unexpectedly meeting the fox's sharp amber gaze. /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"It seemed like the creature finally realized the tail had been attached to its rear the entire time. The kitsune mirrored his movements, slowly standing up at the same time as him, his head tilted in the same direction. Alhaitham couldn't make out its form, but it was wearing a kimono just like him, its harsh crimson eyes contrasting the gentle glow of the neon flowers around them. /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"The air grew even heavier around the two of them, pressing a suffocating weight against his chest./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Alhaitham's tail was caught in between his legs. Yet he knew better than to aggravate the situation. /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"The trees in the Chinju Forest were all too thin for him to hide behind, so he awkwardly shifted his gaze back to the road ahead of him and continued shuffling down the path, focusing his attention to anywhere but the kitsune. /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"span style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: oblique; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"'I saw nothing.' /span The silver haired boy whispered to himself. He flinched as he heard the creature from behind him take a slow but heavy step crunching the rocks beneath its feet, and another one- its footsteps growing louder as it approached him with a swift agility, akin to the stealth of a ninja. /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"All the alarms in his head started to blare. Both in excitement and anxiety. He had always wanted to study a kitsune up close, but seeing how aggressive it became, it was logically not a good idea to provoke it any further. He kicked off his span style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: oblique; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"hiyori geta /spanand took off in a frantic sprint, his heart pounding violently against the side of his ribcage. /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"He was an introverted kid. His childhood was spent inside reading, completing puzzles, and taking care of his sick grandmother, he never had the time to go out and run around in the fields with the other young boys his age. Not like he wanted to- but thinking back on it now, perhaps it would've been a beneficial idea to join them to build his stamina. His thighs were heavy and his calves tensed up. /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"He had only sprinted a few feet and his legs felt like they were going to crumble beneath him. /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Alhaitham heard the footsteps only growing louder and louder, until they were thundering right behind him. /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Before he could even react, he felt the kitsune's weight fall upon his body and tackle him to the dirt. He crashed into the ground face first, with an intense slam, a harsh thud blasting throughout his skull, pounding against his forehead. He felt the kitsune shift his position on top of him, now sitting criss-crossed- dead center in the middle of his back. He bit his lip, keeping in a muffled groan as he felt a hot burning ache spread across his cheek. In the palms of his hands, a scrape was scratched by the small, but sharp corners of the rocks embedded in the ground.. The ringing in his ears was loud, but too quiet to drown out the hearty cackle echoing throughout the forest right above him./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"The heavy feeling left behind by his injuries exhausted him, and to only add insult to injury, the kitsune's never ending laughter left him feeling humiliated./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;" Alhaitham shakily moved his arms to his head and held it in his hands, avoiding the creature's gaze by hiding his eyes in a black void./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Haha~ I found you!" The kitsune chirped as he climbed off of Alhaitham, digging his knee into the younger boy's back on the way down. He bit his lip and let out a hiss in pain. He would've kicked the creature but his legs were far too short to even reach him./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"It was no surprise he was a bothersome creature. But at least he wasn't as cruel as the boys at school./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Congratulations. Would you like a gold star?" Alhaitham mocked sarcastically as he grit his teeth and pressed the palms of his hands against the gritty dirt. Despite his dull expression, his the panic that corrupted his mind had set it on fire. He was thinking a million incomprehensible things at once, drowned out by the sounds of his heart thrashing in his chest. /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"He grunted and pushed himself off his knees, letting out several tired heaves. It took his entire willpower to not grab a handful of the earth and shove it into the kitsune's punchable mouth. /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Really? span style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: oblique; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"Just /spana gold star?" The golden kitsune let out a gasp of mock disbelief. His golden ears fell flat against his same colored locks. "If it was made out of real gold or stolen from the sky maybe I'd accept it."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Despite the kitsune's infuriating nature, the silver haired boy couldn't help but be taken back by the fox's imposing form that towered above Haitham; despite being only a few inches taller. He looked to be about fifteen- just two years older than him. His skin was a pale tan, yet glowed with the same radiance as the sun. He mockingly kneeled down to meet his irritated gaze with a mischievous expression. /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"The fox's body looked as if it was sculpted by Inari Ōkami herself. His face was chiseled narrow, with sharp cheekbones, sporting an elegantly sculpted nose that rested above his cupid bow lips. Complementing the gold shade of hair that hung down the back of his head, were crimson hair clips. His amber eyes,- suggesting he held unbelievable power behind them./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Alhaitham simply scowled at him, shakily standing up. He staggered a few steps forward, before leaning on a nearby tree for support. His entire body felt like it was going to crumble into a million pieces. He hadn't even run that far and yet his face was flushed a fierce red, sweat dripping down his forehead. /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Did I offend you little one?" The kitsune made an attempt to take Alhaitham's palm in his own and admire the injuries, only for the silver haired boy to slap his arm away, marching to the exit of the forest. The creature simply chased after him, face plastered with that same playful sneer. "Did someone get a boo boo? Are you gonna cry? Run to your mommy maybe? Don't tell me I've frightened you that badly!"/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"That had to constitute as somewhat offensive. He fell silent. "Far from it."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""It's okay. There's no need to be afraid of a few fur tails here and there. I don't bite."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""You tackled me. If you were a human, I'd have every right to press charges of violence and harassment." At this point, Alhaitham wasn't even sure why he was surprised. In all his research, textbooks, the legends his grandma would tell him and all the storybooks he read on his own, kitsune repeatedly were depicted as playful creatures with an appetite for mischief and amusement./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"But then again, you can never really know the full extent of something unless you see it with your own eyes./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""I'm shocked span style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: oblique; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"you're/span shocked this occurred. What happened to listening to your parents warnings to not venture into the woods so late?" The kitsune offered him a mock frown. He climbed up on one of the torii gates sitting with his legs crossed, his cheek pressed against his fist, leaning on his arm. /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""And what do you think you are? A walking PSA?" /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Don't look at me like that, you handled a fall so well, I can't fathom a reason why you'd get your panties in a twist."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Your life must be a bore if you must go to great lengths to bother travelers." Alhaitham scoffed, tightening his fists to filter unneeded anger as he turned to walk away. /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"He turned, brushed past the kitsune and began to storm off in the opposite direction– his mind filled with a mixture of frustration and irritation. Suddenly, his annoyance quickly turned into dismay as he stumbled into a slimy muddy puddle of water, ruining his socks and staining them a deep brown. He felt the cold liquid seep into his feet, leaving his skin feeling like it had been contaminated./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Alhaitham's mind was divided. One part of him was urging him to take his dignity and leave before he'd end up getting dragged deeper within the kitsune's game, but the other begged him to stay, defying his rule of thinking before acting. Humanoid kitsune's were a rare sighting, and this might've been the last chance to see one before the fox decided that tormenting him had grown boring. /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"But that seemed far from the case. /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Aww.. there's no need to be so sour," The fox chuckled. "My life is very interesting, especially when fate gives me the chance to interact with mortals."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""You're… interested in learning about other species too? Huh…" Alhaitham asked all too quickly, losing his footing and carelessly stepping into a dark, cakey mess. He looked up and squeezed his eyes shut, letting out an uncomfortable hiss as he pulled his food out, his face contorted with discomfort./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Fine, I'll amuse you for now… but don't expect me to overstay this opportunity." The silver haired boy shivered, a harsh glare vieling his excitement as he hobbled over to a nearby tree stump. /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Despite the many red flags, his curiosity won, and he chose to interview the kitsune who seemed more than willing to be entertained by his silly little questions./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;" He often practiced conversations in his head to prepare for interactions with a kitsune's, but when it came to finally conversing with one in the wild, he was speechless. /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"To make up for that, he conveniently carried around a notecard full of questions just in case the time ever came./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""But I require you to entertain my curiosity if you wish for me to stay put." He started as he stripped off both his socks, feeling the mud slide off of his feet, back into the slimy puddle of misery. He leaned his head back and bit the inside of his lip, holding his breath as he squeezed the slush from his socks, wiping the remaining debris on the edges of the stump. "I have a set of questions I'd like you to answer."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Just an interview? Your version of 'amusement' is quite mundane, but we can work with that." The fox shrugged as he crawled down from the gates, approaching Alhaitham. He took a seat besides Alhaitham, his tail curling around the tree stump, but careful enough not to come into contact with the puddle. "Considering that you seem quite intrigued by my existence, I suppose I could lend you my divine wisdom. So ask away, stone faced child."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"He cleared his throat, scanning over his questions. Despite the card's small space, there seemed to be a maze of questions that surrounded him, leaving him unsure where to start. Alhaitham felt as if he was suffocating in the awkward silence that overflowed the space in between him and kitsune. His senses could feel the golden fox's crimson eyes analyzing his form, staring at him with a curious intent, replacing his mischievous nature. He felt his insides squeeze up uncomfortably, and faced his back towards the creature, averting his eyes away from him./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;" /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;" Alhaitham heard the grass rustle behind him, leaves crunching under the fox's weight as he stood up. A small 'yip' emitted from the kitsune, shattering the deafening silence of the forest as he peered over the silver haired boy's shoulders to read the questions for himself./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Your handwriting is identical to my grandfather." The fox snickered, cackling to himself. He then let out a sigh and sat back down, his tail wagging behind him. "Have you finished choosing, or are you going to continue your staring contest with the card?"/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""If you wish, I could give a personal testimony of my experiences as a divine being…~" The kitsune offered in a melodic voice. Alhaitham immediately shot up straight, his usual dead turquoise eyes now sparkling with excitement. He coughed, keeping his lips pressed in a thin line instead keeping it from curling into an anticipated smile. He turned his torso towards the fox, pulling out a tiny notebook out of his pockets, feeling his hand beginning to tremble in excitement, his mind racing with endless fantasies of all the reports and documents he could write from the information a lecture like this could bestow upon him./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""I would gladly participate-" Alhaitham's voice trailed off as he realized he was speaking into the void. His smile contorted into a wary frown as he felt a sudden unease slither down his spine. He felt the cold slice through his confidence and stabbed a blade of insecurity in his chest./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"'span style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: oblique; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"Has he gotten bored already?' /spanAlhaitham mumbled to himself. He scratched his head. feeling the flame of anticipation extinguished as if he'd been drenched by a waterfall of ice, everything falling apart around him, shattering his dignity./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;" /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Perhaps his grandmother was right- he needed to learn how to converse with others with a level of interest, instead of treating every interaction like a study session. His eyes continued to observe the forest, looking for the slightest bit of golden fluff sticking out from behind a tree, but he was met with unnerving never-ending silence. He felt as if there was a weight just waiting to be dropped on his head. As he scanned the area one last time he reached over and grabbed the sock- which unfortunately had slipped off of it's area on the stump, falling into a nearby puddle./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"In his mind, it seemed like the best course of action was to start going. Despite how excited he was for a chance to interview the kitsune, it seemed like things were looking bleak for him. In his grandmother's words 'if he wanted to, he would've.' And if he could, he would've just interviewed the majestic, Gujii Yae. But unfortunately for him, she was out of nation, traveling all the way to Snezhnaya to enjoy their literature. /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"He let out a large, disappointed sigh, feeling his soul evaporate from his body. He stretched his arms and turned around, taking a step forward until-/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;" /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"span style="font-weight: bold;"span style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: oblique; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;""BOO!" /span/spanA loud yell broke the imprisoning silence of the forest. Birds flew away from their tree perches frantically flapping away with an incomprehensible shriek, the water flowing through the forest freezing up in shock just like Alhaitham. He felt the world had suddenly crashed around him, every bone in his body dissolving beneath the waves of shock, and before he had the time to pull himself back to the surface of reality; the first thing he saw through his blurred vision was the welcoming embrace of another nearby mud puddle./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"With a loud slash that felt like a slap in the face, he fell face first into the sludge. And just like his socks, the dirtied water soaked through his clothes, staining it a hideous brown. /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"The silver haired boy was never the one for clothing aesthetics, but he liked his outfit, and seeing it was now stained head to toe with mire, made him grit his teeth in frustration. /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"From behind him, he could hear the kitsune slapping his knee, hearty howling replacing the shock of the forest. The heavy cackling was soon replaced by breathy heaves which sounded like he was mocking a dolphin./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""I-I suggest you shut it, you rejected dolphin," Alhaitham remarked dryly, he gagged pushing his limbs off the ground and coughed up salty dirt particles that resided on his taste buds. /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Rejected dolphin? Someone woke up and chose creativity." The kitsune sneered as he walked beside Alhaitham, crouching down next to him. As Alhaitham shook his head free from the puddle, like a dog who had just been bathed. /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""What's wrong?" He asked after a few minutes. Alhaitham's head pound in its skull, holding his chest in his hand as he violently coughed out mud, the corners of his eyes stained with tears, dyed brown from the sludge running down his face. The silver haired boy wiped the mud off his face, fighting the urge to completely scratch off his flesh alongside it to avoid the kitsune's smug gaze. His face was flushed a deep red, almost thankful it was hidden by the debris./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""No witty comeback? Or did your throat get stuffed full of mud too?" He laughed. Alhaitham grit his teeth and took a deep breath, only to accidentally inhale another round of mire that reached down his nostrils. It sent him into another hacking fit, all his instincts trying to fight off the urge to reach into the puddle next to him and throw a slob Kaveh's face. "I'm sure all of Teyvat heard you choking on it."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;" "I did not seek out a kitsune to deal with its misconduct, but to find answers." Alhaitham heaved, steadying himself. He dragged himself to a dryer spot on the ground and laid on the ground, internally thanking the electro archon for showing his back mercy./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Alhaitham helplessly watched as the kitsune's face contorted into a look of fake concern, and crawled over to him, taking a big sniff out of his cheek, taking in his scent. The sudden act caught Alhaitham off guard, causing him to scramble away, and turn his head away from Kaveh, blushing furiously. /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Oh right, I almost forgot about that." The kitsune made himself comfortable on the stump Alhaitham sat on moments before, his golden tail wagging behind him. He leaned his cheek against the palm of his hand, staring down at Alhaitham. /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Nevermind, It seems like it would be much easier to find a kitsune willing to work with me in a professional setting." He forced himself up and staggered forward- only to realize he forgot some articles of clothing. He didn't have the energy to retrieve it. Plus, they were all soiled, dirtied beyond repair./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Before Alhaitham could take another step, the kitsune stopped him dead in his tracks, placing a hand in front of him. /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Wait, don't go!" He explained his mock dismay, tone filled with a false sincerity. "Apologies, but you take ages to choose, how could I not amuse myself?"/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""I only took a few moments. Don't tell me your biggest incompetence is your impatience." Alhaitham hissed, mocking the kitsune's condescending tone. He looked around for the card only to realize it fell apart. It laid pathetically in the puddle, pulled apart by water./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""I promise, from here on out there will be no tricks or tomfoolery." Kaveh swore, putting a hand on his chest, tilting his head to the side. /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;" " So… what were you waiting to ask me?" He questioned, raising an eyebrow. Alhatham watched in humiliation as the kitsune covered his mouth, trying not to burst out into another fit of laughter, quite unsure whether it was at his stupid statement or Alhaitham's ruined form./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""I'd like to start off by asking your name, span style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: oblique; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"kitsune /span." Alhaitham demanded. "If I'm going to compile my research on fox spirits I need to give my source credit."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"The fox was silent for a few moments, glaring at the boy in disbelief. His smug smile shifted into a mock frown, his eyebrows furrowing. "Seriously? That's a very boring question… but it's quite fitting for a boring person like you. My name is Kaveh. And what about yours? span style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: oblique; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"Human? /span" /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""I'm Alhaitham, a feeble researcher from the City of Inazuma. I was traveling to the Grand Narukami Shrine to offer my prayers to the electro archon. I wasn't expecting to encounter a kitsune on the way back." Alhaitham introduced himself to Kaveh, sitting up. He held no respect for the kitsune, but bowed his head as a greeting./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""There's no need to be so formal. Even if this is a 'professional' setting, don't be afraid to relax yourself and have fun with it." Kaveh threw his head back in an exaggerated manner, rubbing his forehead groaning. "You seem like the type of human that prefers being a loner, so I'll refrain from asking questions about your friends."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Alhaitham…" He repeated the name aloud, the stone faced child's name rolling off his tongue like a melody. "May I call you Haitham?"/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"br /"No." He sternly answered. If Alhaitham had a hood, he would've pulled it over his head in embarrassment. His grandmother already called him Haitham, he didn't need one more person joining in. But suddenly his attention was quickly turned to the sound of air blowing through clothes beside him./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Too bad, I'm calling you that anyways."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Anyways, are these items yours dear?" Kaveh asked, suddenly pulling out a clothed object from behind his stump.. He held his wet haori, wrapped around his hiyori like a blanket. Alhaitham nodded and hobbled over to him, taking the objects from Kavehs arms./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Yes. Thank you for the reminder." Even when the kitsune gave them back to him, unlike alhaitham's hands, his pale skin glowed in the moonlight, no traces of mud or debris anywhere. He gave off a warm almost sweet scent, despite being such a smug little brat. Tinges of the purest rainwater and flowers of the earth enhanced his natural musk./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Confidence radiated in his form. He readjusting his position to where he was sitting with one leg over the over, sitting up straight. He kept eye contact with the young man. Despite how much power he radiated in his eyes, they were as empty as the forest they sat in./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Alaitham couldn't help but blush at the aura of the divine kitsune sitting in front of him. And as much as he tried to repress it, Kaveh's beauty placed him under a spell. He stuttered for a few moments, almost dropping his clothes. The way the kitsune carried himself with the confidence of an archon was enchanting. He couldn't look away./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""That's enough time wasted . I'm going to start the interview now. For my first question, "Do you possess bodies?" He cleared his throat, careful to not stumble over his words./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""If you're worried I'm going to commit span style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: oblique; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"kitsunetsuki /span, I'm not. It would be quite unacceptable to eat you right after we met! Like I stated, you're very interesting. How am I supposed to learn more about your kind if you're dead?" Kaveh explained, curling his tail before the tip brushed against the floor, illuminated by the flowers./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Is that a yes or no?" Alhaitham questioned./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Well, it depends on the kitsune. Obviously I cannot speak for all of them." Kaveh answered. "But, in general, we do as we please."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""I'll just record it unconfirmed." Alhaitham stopped himself from pressing on with the question due to the fact Kaveh had a point. He then reached out his hand and shook it behind him, flicking off bits of mud. "E-erm…" There were far too many things he wanted to ask yet he couldn't risk boring the kitsune. Kaveh looked like the type of man that had fun playing with his prey. He had to amuse him somehow./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"He cleared his throat, his face turning a heated red from his vocal mishap. He cleared his throat, focused on speaking clearly, only for his voice to crack. "Eh-W-what?–"/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Speak clearly," Kaveh demanded with a hint of annoyance in his tone. "I can't hear your question from behind all that stuttering."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Oh forgive me, Great Kitsune of the Chinju Forest for losing my voice as I stagger in awe of your extraordinary presence." Alhaitham sarcastically remarked, placing his hands on his hips as he glared at him. span style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: oblique; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"Talk about being egocentric. /span/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Moving on," Alhaitham murmured, racking his brain. "What element are you? As it is stated in multiple legends and articles, there are thirteen types of kitsune, each corresponding to their own element."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Alhaitham was quite unsure where this line of inquiry would lead him. Just as humans possessing visions were far from imprisoned in archetypes, it stood to reason kitsune were created in the same fashion. So making assumptions based on his element would prove to be fruitless. Yet, he couldn't tell under all that bullshit Kaveh made him put up with. If Alhaitham acted before he thought he might as well believe that the kitsune was a span style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: oblique; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"nogitsune./span/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Interesting way to further this conversation…" The kitsune replied with genuine interest, placing a fist to their chin. He then cracked loudly and looked up at Alhaitham leaning his cheek against his palm. "You wouldn't mind it if I pitched my own question, yes?"/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Before Alhaitham could answer, he was immediately shut up by Kaveh's sudden interruption; "Good! Now, aren't researchers supposed to do their own research? I'm more than certain there's yokai literature out there that describes the thirteen elemental types of kitsune."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"br /"To answer that…" Alhaitham thought to himself for a short second, a lightbulb flickering on in his head, once his thoughts articulated a pattern that he deemed perfect for him to answer. "I was planning to research kitsunes in a general more broader term, and use you as a specific reference source. Surely your egotistic self would love to soak up the praise."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Before Alhaitham could stop himself from rambling, his mouth produced a lecture only he could describe as word vomit. That spilled out to impress the kitsune with his home brewed philosophy. "Your statement also begs the question: what truly is research? Does one define it as studying on your own accord or diving straight to the source to find the truth? As my grandmother stated, a scholar must make an enemy of every word they read to avoid falling into a trap of lies when they do so."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Research is research. As long as the end result is to retain more information and knowledge regarding a certain topic, it counts as research." The kitsune clarified Alhaitham's rambling with a slight chuckle, readjusting his position on the log. His voice was so elegant, so enchanting yet they said the worst words as if they were ruining Alhaitham's dignity with every curse in the book. "I respect the fact that an aspiring scholar like you makes an adversary out of every article they study. But shouldn't this be considered making an enemy out of me? Not the wisest choice.." /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Alhaitham was shocked, completely frozen in his place. He felt the cogs in his mind rust up, coming to a complete halt. He looked away, his mind on fire from the lack of retorts he could use to fire back. /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Dealing with difficult questions was all a part of being an aspiring scholar. Before Kaveh could throw out another cheeky remark, Alhaitham answered; "You're right, I don't wish to be on bad terms with you. I simply believe that making an enemy out of every entry I read avoids bias, and refrains me from taking information at face value."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Somehow the kitsune was able to come up with a rebuttal for his rebuttal almost instantly. "You speak of avoiding bias, but can that not just be considered a bias of its own? One is choosing not to believe information just because it doesn't align with their viewpoints."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""No. I choose to remain neutral regarding a subject before learning enough about it to create my own opinion."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""I applaud you for having such an interesting thought process." He slowly clapped his hands a few times, making sure the echo reverbed through the forest. "You are quite observant. Enlighten me, do you enjoy that more than participation?"/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"br /"You already know the answer." Alhaitham retorted./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Just answer the question. I'm curious to know what turns those gears in your brain."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Quite the opposite. I enjoy participation as long as it remains in my field of interest." The words on Alhaitham's tongue naturally flowed out, elegantly dancing over his words like a simple dance to the beat of curiosity. "Book learning alone is not enough to cultivate knowledge, nor is knowledge enough when it is simply passed down from teacher to student. As introverted 'observant' as I may seem, being involved in a study, or a one on one interview with the subject I'm researching gives me a broader perception."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;" "What eloquent words!" Kaveh replied enthusiastically, clapping his paws together. "I have rarely heard of someone speaking like this at such great lengths about research. You are quite the intellectual."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Alhaitham felt his heart flutter. Kaveh's words casted a spell upon his being, enchanting him with butterflies that appeared in his stomach. He gulped, face growing red as he felt a warmth in his chest. If it was possible, he would've melted right then and there./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""As endearing as you are, you're not getting anything for free." The fox smirked, placing his hands on his hips./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"The lovely high that emitted from the fragrances of euphoria that blossomed from Kaveh's words turned into a revolting stench. /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""What do you want?" Alhaitham glared at the kitsune who only smiled down at him. "An offering? Fried tofu? Considering how difficult you're being, it's only fair to assume you're hangry."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""You hit the spot." Kaveh reached out to ruffle Alhaitham's hair, but Alhaitham slapped his wrist away. He wasn't sure what he was expecting, but Kaveh made no further reaction. His irritatingly beautiful tone stayed the same as he ordered; "Go and grab me some of that delicious tofu, and in return I'll tell you what you want."br /"So much for sharing a 'divine' testimony." Alhaitham grumbled under his breath, but his curses couldn't escape Kaveh's sharp hearing./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""That comes alongside the answers!" Kaveh corrected. "Now go, chop chop. I'm famished."/p