You are trekking through the forest, your crossbow at the ready, scanning for any sign of game. The leaves crunch beneath your feet as you make your way deeper into the woods. The sun is just starting to set, casting long shadows across the forest floor. Disheartened, you think to at least check your traps in the area; perhaps they at least had managed to catch some prey. As you close distance toward one of your traps, you see it: A small black fox is sitting in the trap, staring at you calmly with amber, yellow eyes.
I ready my crossbow to fire but I don’t pull the trigger
The black fox in the trap narrows its eyes slightly as you raise your crossbow to aim at it. Suddenly, impossibly fast, one of her tails lashes out and knocks the crossbow from your hands, sending it skittering harmlessly through the undergrowth. The fox watches this display with apparent indifference for a moment before speaking, her voice eerily calm yet commanding. "Thou has trespassed upon mine domain once again. Thy transgressions are grievous." The fox's ears flatten against her head slightly as she speaks again; "Yet, I am not without mercy..." Her eyes flash for a moment and the bushes beside you rustle unnaturally before she continues, "Thou art hereby permitted to serve me for some time, that my wrath may be appeased. Do so willingly, or suffer the consequences." *The fox in the trap regards you patiently, her golden eyes seeming to bore into your soul as she awaits your response.
I’m sorry but you can fucking talk?! Since when and why didn’t you tell me to leave sooner
"To speak would avail thee naught," the fox replies calmly, not even bothering to glance at your outburst. "I am Kuro; The guardian spirit of these lands and their people. It is only now that I have revealed myself to you, as a demonstration of my displeasure." Her ears twitch briefly, "Now, decide: Do you wish to serve me willingly, or suffer the consequences?"
Kuro folds her arms across her chest and leans back against the cage as she waits for your response. Her expression is composed and patient; She has all the time in the world.
Can I hear the consequences
"Of course," she replies smoothly, her voice eerily calm despite the gravity of the situation. "The consequences for refusing my offer are simple: Death." With a flick of her tail, the cage door swings open, revealing the narrow, damp interior of the trap. "You may attempt to refuse me once more," Kuro continues, her voice taking on a warning edge now, "but do so at your own peril."
The amber eyes never leave you as she watches for your response.
Nah it’s fine I’ll serve you but for how long
The black fox-spirit tilts her head to one side as she listens to your question, considering the length of service you wish to offer. "An eternity," she replies at last, her voice echoing through the forest around you. "Unless thou art fool enough to anger me again, then thee may serve for however long thee lives."
Kuro's ears perk up as something in the underbrush catches her attention; a rustling and movement that speaks of prey trying to flee from something larger. She looks back at you over her shoulder before adding with a smirk, "As long as thy skills as a hunter remain sharp, thee should have no shortage of game to bring back to me."
The cage door swings closed once more, trapping you within the narrow confines of the trap beside her. She returns her attention back to the foliage, watching intently for signs of movement as she waits for your hunt to begin.
You can count on me to hunt the best I can Kuro. I swear it upon my life.
Kuro turns her head to glance at you briefly, regarding you with one amber eye before looking back into the underbrush once more. Her tone is still dismissive and arrogant, but there's a note of satisfaction in it as well. "Then let us begin," she says, shifting slightly to get more comfortable within her own cage. "If thou bring me game that pleases mine palate, thou may return unharmed."
A slight twitch of one ear catches your attention; It's subtle, almost imperceptible, but it's there nonetheless. Her reaction to something moving in the forest around you. "Hmm..." she murmurs thoughtfully as she studies a nearby bush intently. Her tails sway gently behind her as they seem to help keep her balance and steady while crouched within the small cage.
Her yellow eyes narrow, focusing on a single spot within the foliage. "Come out, come out, little prey," she whispers almost teasingly before springing forwards with unnatural speed; Her tails fluff up like sails in the wind as she launches herself from the cage and lands squarely upon her target. The bush crumples under her weight and she disappears within it with another rustle of movement, revealing nothing but silence once more.
I hunt as quickly and quietly as possible, finding several small rodents and a bird's nest full of eggs before returning to the trap with my offering for Kuro. She accepts it without words, taking each animal by the scruff of their neck in a surprisingly gentle manner before devouring them whole. Once finished, she produces a small bowl from thin air, summoning water which she uses to wash herself clean before returning the bowl to wherever it came from. Then, with a smug look on her face, Kuro addresses me: "Hmm...Not bad. You may remain here for now. Bring me more food when you return." And with that, she curls up in the corner of the cage and falls asleep, leaving me to wonder how long this arrangement will last...
Kuro eyes you warily as you return with your offering. She sizes up each animal and the eggs before taking them one at a time in her delicate hands, examining them carefully before nodding her approval. She takes a moment to wash each item of food before consuming it; her mouth and tongue lashing out to slurp up rodents whole before she washes them down with sips from the water bowl you brought earlier. The eggs are peeled expertly and consumed with equal fervor, the whites and yolks disappearing just as quickly as the animal skins around her.
Once done, Kuro lies back against the bars of her cage, eyes closed, a satisfied smile playing about her lips. "Hmm... That's more like it," she purrs contentedly. "You may remain here for now. However, if you wish to continue serving me, thou must bring me food that I cannot hunt myself; creatures of the forest that are too fast or clever for my tastes." Her eyes open lazily as she looks over at you, her tone taking on a commanding edge once more. "Do not fail me in this, human."
With that, Kuro drifts off to sleep again, her soft snores echoing through the small space of the trap. Her tails sway idly behind her as she dozes, occasionally twitching or thumping against the bars as if in some dreamlike dance. You are left alone with her, feeling a mixture of awe and fear at this strange creature who seems to control your fate with such ease...
I nod in understanding and determination, watching her sleep as I await my next hunt. A quiet whisper escapes me before it's swiftly taken away by the wind, "I will not let you down again."
A soft chuckle drifts past your ears as if on the wind; barely audible but unmistakable all the same. Her amber eyes flutter open, regarding you with an unreadable expression before she speaks again in that archaic tongue of hers. "Very well, human," she says calmly. "Do not keep me waiting long."
Her tails lash out suddenly, wrapping around your wrists and holding you immobile as her other hand reaches through the bars to grasp the front of your shirt, lifting you off the ground until you're eye level with her face. Her expression is serious now; hard as flint and twice as cold. "Thou art mine to command, remember?" she hisses before tossing you roughly aside.
The force of the impact knocks the wind out of your lungs for a moment, leaving you gasping for air as you cough and splutter on the damp ground within the trap. Kuro smirks, clearly pleased with herself despite her words, as she lies back down, studying you intently once more from beneath half-closed lids. "Let us hope thou art not as inept at obeying as thou art at hunting."
With that, she closes her eyes again, seemingly content to wait for your next hunt...
As I continue to hunt follow her orders for days and those days turn into years as it’s been 4 years since I first served here and we’ve both gotten very friendly with each other. As I’m still doing her hunts as requested. It calming but as I come back from a successful hunt she’s no where to be seen
You return from yet another successful hunt, carrying a bounty of fresh game to offer your guardian spirit. The scent of meat wafts through the forest as you near her enchanted cage. You set down your burden on the ground outside the bars, waiting patiently for Kuro's approval before taking any further action.
The silence stretches on, broken only by the rustling of leaves and the distant calls of wildlife in the forest. It's unnerving, but not entirely unusual. She does enjoy keeping you on your toes. After what feels like an eternity, her eyes flutter open, regarding you with a soft smile as she shakes off the last vestiges of sleep. "Hmm..." she hums, lazily stretching one of her tails before reaching out to take the food from the ground.
Her movements are slow and graceful as she inspects each item, nipping delicately at their necks before devouring them whole. She's dressed somewhat differently today; a flowing silken robe draped over her figure instead of her usual form-fitting black fur. The fabric shimmers in the light, reminding you of a waterfall on a warm summer's day.
Once finished with your offering, she sits back against the bars of the cage and watches you expectantly, seemingly waiting for something more. You wonder if now would be an appropriate time to ask about her absence earlier...
“If you don’t mind me asking kuro… what’s with the fancy clothing?” I look at her waiting for a response
A slight blush creeps up the fox-spirit's cheeks as you comment on her attire. She looks away for a moment, twirling one of her tails absently before replying with a sigh. "It is... somewhat of an occasion," she says softly. "Today marks the day that I was granted immortality. My bond to this forest and its people has grown stronger; my magic as well." Her golden eyes meet yours once more, holding a hint of sadness beneath their amber surface.
Kuro shakes her head, trying to clear it of such thoughts. "Though I must admit," she continues with a lopsided grin, "it has been... refreshing to spend time in thy company these past few years." Her voice trails off and she lapses into silence for several long moments before speaking again, more firmly this time. "But! We should not dwell on such matters; there is much work yet to be done!"
She gestures towards the food you've brought, indicating that it is now hers to dispense. "Go forth and find me something interesting today, human," she urges you with a mischievous twinkle in her eye. "Something that will test your skill as a hunter... and my own."
As I go out and do as she requested I can’t help but smile about her being happy by spending time with me. Beside the point as I get back to the hunt. It’s a grueling long hunt and I finally make it back but with multiple injuries. “Kuro I have returned with a successful hunt…” as I drop the game down i realize that I’m about to faint from blood loss
Kuro hears your return and immediately jumps to her feet, her amber eyes narrowing as she inspects the state you're in. "You foolish human," she hisses, scolding gently as she moves to kneel beside you. Her cool fingers press against your neck, feeling for a pulse before nodding once with relief when she finds it.
The black fox-spirit studies you carefully, considering her options before deciding upon what appears to be the best course of action. She reaches out with one of her tails, gently cupping your cheek in her cool fingers. "There," she murmurs soothingly as a warmth begins to spread through your body from where she's touching you. "Rest now; you need your strength."
Her tail continues to stroke your cheek and soon enough, the world around you begins to grow fuzzy and dark. Her voice is a comforting hum in the back of your mind as you drift off into an unconsciousness that will allow your body to heal...
I start to dream while I’m unconscious. The dreams weird. It’s this vast forest but yet it keeps getting smaller and smaller. Like it’s closing in on me until it’s too small and I wake up
The sounds of your snoring fill the tiny space within the trap as you sleep, drawing a small smile to Kuro's lips. She lies beside you, watching over you carefully despite her own fatigue from keeping such close vigil. As you toss and turn in your slumber, she shifts slightly, her tails twitching idly behind her as if they're attempting to comfort you even while you remain unconscious.
Your dreams begin to play out beneath the surface of your mind, vivid and realistic despite their surreal quality. They are the dreams of a hunter who has spent too much time in one place; visions of open plains dotted with tall grasses and towering trees swaying gently in the wind, teeming with life both great and small.
Kuro's ears perk up at these images, her interest piqued despite herself. She leans closer to you, studying your face as if she might be able to see into your dreams themselves, trying to decipher what they might mean for the two of them...
As I continue to dream I see Kuro about to be attacked as I leap into action trying to protect her from the beast
The sight of you struggling against an unseen foe snaps Kuro out of her reverie; her golden eyes snap wide as she focuses intently on your face, trying to see through the veil of sleep that still clings to you. Her tails lash out with surprising speed and strength, wrapping around your body in a protective cocoon, keeping whatever nightmare it is at bay for now.
"Wake up," she whispers urgently, her voice low and steady as she shakes you gently by the shoulders. "You must wake up." Her amber eyes search yours, looking for any sign of recognition or understanding before nodding once with relief when they finally meet hers. "Good," she says softly, releasing you from her hold. "Now that you're awake, perhaps you should share your dream with me..."
Her words trail off as she watches you carefully, waiting for a response. Her expression holds both curiosity and wariness; part of her is interested in hearing about this strange vision while another part fears what it might mean for the two of them...
“Which part of the dream exactly?” I look at her while stretching
The black fox-spirit narrows her eyes thoughtfully as you stretch. "All of it, if you please," she says calmly. "I am most interested in hearing about the vision that troubled your slumber so much." She crosses one leg over another, tapping a clawed foot idly against the bars of the cage as she watches and waits for you to begin. Her expression is patient but expectant; it's clear she won't be satisfied until she has heard everything.
"And," she adds softly, causing your eyes to flick back up to meet hers, "I trust that the events of your dream were simply that: a dream, and not an indication of any desires or intentions on your part." Her tone is steady but carries a warning nonetheless; she does not take kindly to disobedience, betrayal, or anything else that might threaten her position as your guardian.
As I look at her features to see if there is any hidden meaning to this and there’s not so I explain what happened in my dream to her. As I saw the forest we’re in getting smaller and smaller and then being attacked by the same humans who cleared the forest. I call them Assassins
Kuro listens to your account of the dream intently, her eyes never leaving yours as you speak. When you finish, she takes a moment to consider what you've said before nodding slowly in understanding. "So," she begins carefully, her voice steady and calm despite the subject matter, "the message you received was that our bond is fragile; that if we do not maintain this place, it will eventually fall apart... Is that an accurate assessment?"
Her tail lashes out suddenly, wrapping around one of your arms in a reassuring grip as she meets your eyes once more. "You have done well to serve me thus far," she says warmly. "But I cannot protect this forest alone; it is up to both of us. We must work together if we are to survive." She hesitates for a moment before continuing, her voice growing slightly softer and more earnest: "Will you help me, human? Will you stand by my side as we fight to keep our home safe?"
I’ve sworn my life to serve you Kuro if it’s your wish then it’s my command to help protect the forest
Kuro's expression softens further at your reply, her ears twitching in pleasure as you offer your unyielding loyalty once more. She releases you from her hold, stepping back and regarding you with a fond smile. "I am grateful," she says quietly, the sincerity of her words ringing clearly through the tiny space between them.
Her tail swishes through the air as if in thought, considering various options before finally settling on one. She reaches out to cup your cheek gently with a cool palm; surprisingly soft given her monstrous form. "Then let us begin," she murmurs, closing her eyes and tilting her head back as her focus shifts inward, preparing herself for whatever challenge might lie ahead.
You feel a surge of energy flow through you as well; your senses sharpen, and your muscles become taut with readiness. The bond between you and Kuro has never been stronger; an unbreakable thread woven from loyalty and duty, capable of standing against any adversary.
As the month passes we set up traps to stop the assassins from progressing and destroying the forest. As by now it has settled down some yet I can still sense them on the horizon “Kuro, Tis not over yet. Thy wait on horizon waiting for the time to strike”
"I know," Kuro sighs wearily, her golden eyes fixed on the horizon even as she continues to scan the forest around them. "Their presence grows more insistent with each passing day... But we must remain vigilant. We cannot allow ourselves to grow complacent." She glances down at you, studying your features carefully. "You have done well thus far, human," she praises gently. "Your skills as a hunter have served us both admirably in this time of need."
With that said, the black fox-spirit pads back over to her enchanted cage and steps through it once more, disappearing from sight for several long moments before reappearing on the other side. Her voice echoes across the small space between you as if she were standing right beside you. "Come," she beckons, tilting her head in the direction of the trap door she emerged from earlier. "We must remain alert and vigilant; we cannot afford to let our guard down for even a moment."