| |
Summer 1854 (Edo Period)—Fushimi Inari Taisha, Kyoto
#
“AKI-CHAN!” I CALLED out as I wandered the hallways of the shrine. My side and stomach all hurt, and I could tell I looked a bit disheveled. I took a deep breath, searching for his unique scent, but found nothing. “Aki-chan!”
I rounded a corner to find Inari sitting on the floor, writing in a journal. They had long black hair that was let loose. Their kimono was designed with red butterflies on a black fabric. Since it was summer, they didn’t seem to be wearing many layers like kami normally did. They turned and smiled, their features both feminine and masculine. I bowed.
“I am sorry for having disturbed you, Inari-sama.”
“That is quite all right. I actually have a message for you from Akikumo-sama.”
“Oh?”
They nodded and handed me a letter. I opened and read it.
Dearest Ketsue-chan,
We have been together for a very long time, and I think I have been holding you back from your full potential. This place has everything you need to become a full-fledged kitsune. I hope that someday we will meet again, but I am afraid I am growing weak with the growth of the humans spreading more and more into the wilderness. I will never give up on them though, and I believe there is still good in them and that they will never truly forget us.
I ask that you will one day forgive me for leaving you behind. But I just couldn’t tell you in person. I guess I am weak when it comes to you.
I will always have a place for you in my heart. Promise me you will be a good fox and become the strongest kitsune that has ever gained all nine of her tails.
I am proud of you,
-Aki-chan.
Tears streamed down my face as I collapsed to the ground. Inari bent down and held me as I cried. I stayed like that for what felt like hours, and Inari never left my side.
***