A Tail's Misfortune: B3 — 16. Laying A Foundation Pt. 1 & 2

Alright, I finished the chapter to the extent I wanted >.> hopefully I'll have enough time to finish everything I want with TO because I kind of went excessive on this chapter to not split it into two parts.  8.4k words long.

I'll also add a poll for next week's ATM chapter; it doesn't really matter what order I release them in, they'll all need to be checked off.  Now to release the public chapter on all the sites I post on and get some sleep.

^_^7 Cheers!

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Fen glared at Sora as she ascended the stairs, humans in-tow.  I hate her so much!  She has everything … just in the last day, she’s surpassed me by mountains … nothing in this life is fair!  She received personal training … personal, unique training from Inari … the actual Founder Inari … her aunt.

Teeth grinding together, she watched Sora disappear from view.  I’m so much older than her … so much older, but she’s stronger and even pities me!  She invaded my Intelligence with ease to play a prank on me…  Her vision dropped to the ground.  It’s something I’d love to do, but I can’t.  She has the power to do anything … the weight behind her name to do anything, but she’s wasting her time with humans?  I don’t understand her!

Her focus shifted to the room.  The floating balls of fire in the corners and along the ceiling lit the place well, only producing enough heat to warm the space; she had no clue how they accomplished the magic, but it was weak.  The dark wooden plank floor was worn, but well maintained.  Armchairs and couches were spaced in patterned ways to house several parties, and the furnishing showed an eastern design that she was accustomed to.

Ears twitching slightly, she shifted them to listen in on different conversations.  She quickly grew tired of Sora’s senseless talk and tuned in to the twin foxes.  They were whispering about different food items, focusing on their cooking task.  This is so dull … no, not dull, aggravating...

The bird spoke up, drawing her attention as he shifted his back against the couch to get a better angle on her.  “Fen, you don’t look too happy.  What’s up?”

Fen’s nose twisted.  Right, like he cares.  What’s his … ah, I get it.  He just wants to humiliate me since Sora penetrated my defenses so casually.  “Mind your own business,” she snapped, turning away.

“Geez,” he clicked his tongue.  “Suit yourself.”  The couch creaked as he went silent.  So carefree and smug…

She glanced between the Dragon and Valkyrie; the Dragon seemed to have fallen asleep, but she quickly averted her eyes as the Valkyrie’s blue irises shot to her.  What’s up with this group?  They’re all here because of Sora.  Why is she friends with any of them?  They’re all beneath her.  Well…

She examined the Fenris Wolf, resting on a couch, eyes closed.  The dried blood on her skin, black hair, and her spandex top and bottoms made for an odd combination.  Founders … how did Sora, a Fox Founder, meet this Wolf Founder?  Foxes and Wolves don’t get along that well from what I understand, but what do I know?  It’s the realm of Founders, who knows if they’re buddies?  They certainly don’t act like it though … I just don’t understand it!

She felt Jian’s concern for her spike through their link as her emotions continued to fester.  Her stomach growled, but she was beginning to hate the company more than her empty stomach.  This is just … terrible.  Right now, my safety depends on Sora’s good graces … I guess I’m lucky she’s nothing like a Vulpes or else she’d be playing with me.

A lump formed in her throat as she caught sight of the cat, resting peacefully on a chair.  Forcing the lump down, she took a deep breath.  She’s dangerous … Githa.  The Nekomata Faction’s pretty neutral, but from mom’s stories … chaotic.  Githa said Nilly … the Cat Founder … I’ve heard too much about Founders the last few days.  I’ve discovered more than anyone my level should.  There’s nothing any of us can do if the cat turns into an enemy, but she wouldn’t, right?  I mean, I don’t know … if Nilly’s a First Generation, then she wouldn’t be scared of Inari or Mia.

Tingles shot down her spine and tails, making her shiver.  I need to get out of here and think!

Getting up, she glanced over at Jian as he rose with her; he knew how she felt.  “Let’s go for a walk.”  Her tone was tense as she glanced back at the Valkyrie.

The Valkyrie’s chilled eyes met her.  “I will not halt your path.  Leave if you desire; you are trouble for my sister as it is.”

Fen stiffened at her words but bit back a retort as she walked past, opened the door, and exited.  I hate this!  I hate it so much!  They’re so strong; strong enough that I have to watch what my tongue … I hate it!

The cobblestone road was well made, and the houses were constructed in an organized manner to allow plenty of space on the road for traffic.  The yellow sun was beginning to fall, indicating evening’s approach.  Fen breathed a long breath as she ran a hand through her black hair, the stress of the Valkyrie’s cold atmosphere fading as they entered the busy throng.

Jian’s deep voice was soft.  “I’m sorry, Fen.”

Taking a deep breath, Fen shook her head.  “It’s not your fault, Jian … it’s them.  They’re so…”  She seethed through her teeth.  “I don’t even know how to express it.  They’re just … they don’t make sense!  None of them!  None of this!”

Her shouts drew the eyes from Vulpes and humans around them as they went about their business, carrying carts, pottery filled with water, and other goods.  She could care less about drawing attention from these sickly creatures; finally, she could express herself without walking on eggshells.

“We escape that hellhole and Sora’s all worried about the humans and upsetting people … she’s a Founder!  All she has to do is show them her power, and she’d be treated like the princess goddess she is!  Why doesn’t she?”

Jian was silent for a moment before answering.  “I believe hearing that Sora was human before transforming into a Vulpes.”

Fen’s brow creased incredulously.  “Wait, you seriously believe that, Jian?”

He shrugged.  “What purpose would she have to lie?  There’s plenty of evidence that shows she’s a Founder which is supposed to be impossible.  However, she exists, and who else besides Inari or Mia could help her advance so suddenly?  You felt the power Inari infused in your tail resonate with Sora’s own power, I felt that through our link.  She’s a Founder and apparently, whatever means Mia used to have a child, caused Sora to be human for a certain amount of time.”

Her ear twitched with agitation; scratching at it, she growled, “It’s so complicated!  A Founder was a human … I just, what?  I don’t get her!”

Jian massaged his neck for a moment, in-taking a long breath.  “Perhaps we don’t need to understand her, but use this opportunity as best we can.  We have actually benefited from our acquaintance with her, but at the same time, she’s paid her debt by freeing us.  We freed her, and she freed us.  We should discuss our next move.”

Fen bit her lower lip nervously.  He’s right … Sora did owe us, but now we are even.  She has that kind of goody-feel that would pay back a debt, but what happens with us now?  Will they leave and we’ll part ways?  I mean, we are in a much better position here than when we left Inari’s gathering.  From the looks of that red gate, Long Mu won’t be able to chase after us in here.  We could live our whole lives in the Vulpes Realm, and we’re much stronger than anyone so far.  I mean, I’m about equal with Mimi, and she’s a four-tail, but she didn’t even use any abilities when attacking Sora … I may be even stronger than a four-tails in this realm.

“What,” she paused, licking her lips.  “What do you think about living here?  Long Mu can’t get to us, and we hold a lot more power than the Vulpes of this realm.  You might be able to fight an eight-tails if Mimi is really that weak.”

Jian was silent for a moment as they turned down an alley, trying to move away from the large crowds.  He paused halfway down the two-person lane, leaning against a building, Fen shifting opposite him.  He looked up at the short overhanging roof, eyes narrow, Fen could feel him worrying about something.

“I don’t know … there are so many mysteries about this realm; you heard the conversation between Jin, Eyia, Githa, and Sora.  In addition, the conversation with Mimi … there’s a lot of unknown factors about this realm.  This council has me worried.”

Fen rubbed her eyes with a small groan.  “Honestly, I wasn’t paying attention that much … I mean, they can’t do anything to Sora, Mimi’s scared of her and the threat of Inari and Mia.  What about that conversation is worrying you so much?”

Jian folded his arms; he leaned his head back against the building, eyes closed, she felt him scanning the area for spiritual signatures.  Fen pursed her lips to the side, crossing her legs as she lifted her tails to examine them.  They could use a thorough cleaning; dirt, sweat, and a slight odor clung to them.  Maybe I should have looked around that building for a bath … no, that Valkyrie … Eyia, was her name, right?  How’s Jian so good with names?  No, it was best to leave; she’s boiling about something, and I don’t want to be near that...

Fen’s large yellow eyes lifted to Jian’s face as he spoke.  “From what I’ve gathered, there’s an enormous magical force powering this realm.  Githa identified it somewhere in the earth; it’s powerful enough to sustain this entire realm, including the sun and moon … whatever form of space this realm is situated in, everything is energized by this.  Not only that, but every single being in this realm is also drawing on this power, many Vulpes to simply survive.  This is something that’s more powerful than Githa, possibly even at the level of a low Founder, perhaps, a group of elder gods or titans.”

Her face turned ashen at his explanation.  “Wait, really?  There’s something that powerful sustaining this realm?”

Jian nodded solemnly.  “There are a lot of other issues to address, such as this council.  Manipulating the weather, such as what these Vulpes have implied, is powerful magic for beings like us.  They seem to be doing this across the entire world once a year.  This society is also based off a power structure that holds complete authority.  What are your thoughts on these Vulpes?”

Fen’s brow furrowed.  What kind of question is that?  What are my thoughts on these Vulpes?  They’re weak.  Her eyes widened.  “Wait, they don’t act like Vulpes at all … the way they responded, the work they’re doing around this town … it’s like they’re whipped, broken into submission.  They act like slaves, they aren’t free … but that kills Vulpes.”

“Their weak spiritual networks,” Jian stated.  “Over so many generations of this society, their spirits have become weak.  If Mimi were to recover, then she’d be much stronger than you, but they’ve been turned against their very nature as Vulpes.  This can’t have happened in just a few generations, this must have been done for millennia, and the council is the most likely cause.”

Fen folded her left arm across her stomach and lighting bit down on her right thumbnail.  “If they’re—they can’t be the cause of this place’s energy; I mean, weather manipulation is pup level compared to maintaining an entire realm.  Plus, that’s only done once a year, while this sustaining force is constantly active.”

“Like I said,” Jian’s eyes shifted back to the entrance of the alley.  “There are many mysteries about this realm.  Dangerous mysteries.  This system and the Vulpes nature seems to be a large one.  They seem to worship this council as gods; Mimi only started to doubt because of her knowledge of the Capital and Sora’s feats.  However, others in this community might rise up against all of us, every intruder, if we don’t play our cards right.  The humans are surprisingly wise with the current affairs.”

She felt like huffing at his statement but restrained her emotions.  “You honestly think those humans are worth anything?  They’re just humans.”

“I haven’t had many intelligent conversations with humans,” Jian admitted, glaring at the ground.  “Humans are easily manipulated and destroyed, but these humans talked about things that I hadn’t thought about … words I’ve never heard used and possible scenarios that could play out.  I believe Sora is being wise in putting weight to their words.  However, I also believe that there is more that needs to be done.  I can sense the distress, doubt, fear, so many negative emotions sweeping the town.  Not only because of my intimidation aura, but the scent of monsters.  Something must be done to better introduce our presence in a positive light.”

A smile spread across Fen’s lips.  “I think I know exactly how to stir things up.”

Jian frowned.  “I don’t know if stirring things up would be beneficial.”

“Oh,” Fen giggled.  “This is beneficial to us.  So, this realm is a danger, Jian?  Then we must approach this the Vulpes way.  I think I can see a path opening up that will give me exactly what I want.  It may cause a little trouble, but I think this is just what this realm needs.  Let’s lay the foundation; the slightest touch of a natural Vulpes to set things right.”

She grinned, tails wrapping around each other as she turned to the side, head tilting to look up at her protector with a wink.  “Let’s go find a rest stop for a place with all humans and a place with all Vulpes!”  She moved back toward the street with a hop in her step; Jian followed but held a slight frown.  “Finally, I can have some fun!”  

Entering the flow of traffic again, Fen’s ears twitched slightly as she adjusted her hearing, searching for casual conversation.  She found it after a minute of searching; Jian stood beside her patiently, but she could sense his unease.

Fen chuckled as she walked toward the group of people she’d found, the crowd parting for them with nervous expressions.  “Have some faith in me, Jian.  This is perfect for us.”

“This won’t turn out like your Long Mu plan?”  Jian muttered.  Thanks for the trust…

“Why would it?  We needed information from Long Mu, that’s why I lied, but this time, we have the information.  It’s completely different.”  Fen smiled wickedly.  “This is child’s play.”  

She stopped in front of a large building, it was a little smaller than the place they’d been guided; this structure was less refined, but still of good quality, built with solid wood planks and a stone foundation.  Opening the door, she looked around the interior; there was a large group of men and women, humans.  They sat around many tables, drinking and eating as they took their break after a long days work.  Perfect, it seems humans and Vulpes have segregated spaces.

The human merriment died down as she entered; Jian, ducked under the door frame to fit, standing behind her.  Fen’s smile was charming as she studied the atmosphere she created.  They’re cowed.  It seems these Vulpes did something right, at least.  However, pressure needs to be applied correctly if this is going to work.  How wonderful, they’re not even willing to speak until I address them.

Tossing her hair back, twisting her tails, and holding her hands behind her back, Fen walked a little further into the room.  “Excuse me, but I am new to the Vulpes Realm.  My name is Fen, and what would this quaint establishment be?”

She was a little surprised how well the realm’s energy stimulated the humans, allowing them to counter Jian’s fear aura to a certain degree.  The first man to speak was a man to her left, behind the bar.  He bowed his head respectfully before looking at her feet.  “I see.  Thank you for greeting us, my lady.  I have heard that there were visitors beyond the gate…”  He trailed off, gaze sliding to Jian beside her.

Fen’s smile widened, feigning compassion.  “Oh, dear, you don’t have to be so apprehensive.  I don’t know the customs in this realm, but beyond the gate, humans rule that realm.  You could see humans and Vulpes as equals.”  She felt Jian stiffen beside her, understanding the direction she had stepped; his emotions flashed with warning, which made Fen’s smile grow.

There was silence as Fen let her statement sink in.  This council and unknown force won’t suspect a thing.  They won’t see me closing in; I’ll creep into their hearts, seeping through the cracks to poison their bones.  I’ll break this system without lifting a finger, and pull out the Vulpes nature that’s been buried within, and make myself a home in these cobwebs and lies.  Sora will be my salvation where her aunt failed me, and she will accept me with open arms.

The atmosphere grew deathly quiet, and after a few seconds, Fen looked around with confusion.  “Did I say something wrong?”

One of the women swallowed, a shiver ran down her spine as she asked, “You—are you really beyond the gate?”

“Of course,” Fen smiled.  “Would you like me to tell you a little about what’s beyond this realm?”

The man behind the counter rubbed his shoulder nervously.  “Well—I don’t—Vulpes don’t normally drink or eat with us.  They—usually it’s if punishment needs to be exacted.”  I see so that’s why they were so stiff when I entered.  This is too perfect; I bet no Vulpes has acted this way before.

“Oh?”  She blinked innocently.  “I apologize.  Am I doing something inappropriate?”  Jian’s breath was held, but he continued to present a stony demeanor beside her.

“No!  Absolutely—not,” the man stammered.  “Vulpes—you could—never inappropriate!”

Fen giggled.  “Oh, I’m relieved!”  Hand pressed to her chest, she glanced around the room.  “Are you busy?  I’d love to sit with you and idle, but—it looks like you just returned from the fields … I’m sure you wouldn’t want some dirty looking Vulpes like me hovering around you.”  She mumbled, head drooping.

“N—no,” a woman stuttered.  “If—we’d love to spend time with you.”

Fen beamed at the woman; creating the illusion of a bright aura surrounding her, she took on a sincere persona as she appraised the dumbfounded crowd.  “Then I’ll gladly join.”

Gracefully walking toward a table in the back right side of the room, she sat, Jian moving to stand behind her.  “Now, I don’t want to dampen the joys of being released from a hard day’s labor.  How about I tell you some stories of the land beyond the gate?  I understand it’s quite a mystery for you.”

A younger boy, around the age of thirteen, started to shake with excitement.  “Please—please tell us the story!  I’ve heard the stories of the Great Vulpes Sanctuary that houses the red gate, but it’s the first time I’ve heard humans are behind it.”

“Akemi!”  One of the older men growled.  “You do not address a Vulpes…”

“Oh, the boy did no harm.”  Fen smiled warmly.  “I’ll gladly offer you my knowledge.”  She gestured to Jian behind her as she began to weave the scenery she described through illusions, illustrating her points.  “This is Jian, he’s a monster from the outside world, a Bai-Hu.”  A large white tiger appeared between some tables, causing the occupants to gasp at the strange creature.  “There are many monsters beyond the gate and few Vulpes.”

The humans seemed enthralled as she continued to spin the story, no one daring to interrupt her.  “Humanity actually ruled beyond the red gate; they have massive cities that reach high into the heavens and across the entire planet.  They’ve tamed the beasts of the land and advanced in their technology; they even forced monsters into hiding and killed many for sport.  You could call it a human paradise and monster hell.”

Akemi’s eyes grew big.  “Are Vulpes servants?”  He whispered, no one but Jian and her hearing.

“Vulpes are not servants to humans in the realm beyond the gate, but they were hunted for a time.  Many of the Vulpes ran and hid away because of the human’s great power, but a shining light broke free and stopped the violence and bloodshed; a human-Vulpes, Sora, the Founder.”  She beamed at the illusion of Sora that was created.  “The very same Vulpes that came to this realm with me.  She has extraordinary powers, and was able to bend the gate to her will!”

“She—she’s really that powerful?”  Akemi asked, the entire room silently waiting for an answer.

This time, the man that scolded Akemi spoke.  “She united human and Vulpes—as equals?  She’s half-human and half-Vulpes?”

Fen nodded with the most sincere smile she could manage.  “Oh, yes, most definitely, but,” her eyes widened.  “Oh, I forgot my place!”  She gasped.  “I’m not to speak of these things—we are traveling in disguise, but I just feel—so comfortable around humans.  We saw how oppressed you all are…”

“Oppressed?”  The man behind the counter whispered.  “We—no Vulpes—what does oppressed mean?”

“You poor things,” her voice rang with pity as she showed images of terrible labor.  “I want nothing more than to see you enjoy everything that we Vulpes enjoy beyond the red gate.  I myself was freed from oppressive human overlords by the great Founder; Sora saved both Jian and my life!  If I could,” she looked down, rubbing her shoulders.  “But—I’m just not strong enough.”

She quickly glanced between the humans around her, captivated by the strokes across the tapestry she crafted.  “Please keep this between yourselves!”  She pleaded.  “As a sign of her charity and good intentions, spread the word that we are here to heal your weary and lost souls.  Gather those that have injuries and seek out Sora, the Founder of Vulpes!  She will heal you.”

The group was now shaking, overwhelmed by emotion as she showed a maimed person being healed by a two-tailed red furred Vulpes.  “You are meant to be free,” Fen said it with such compassion that a few humans dropped to their knees, tears falling down their cheeks.

Nodding, Fen smiled at each red and hope-filled face.  “I must go and prepare more.  Spread the word among the humans though, I just—I can’t stand seeing you in such a hopeless state.  I will bear the consequences of revealing this to you if needs be, but you are all precious souls that need the freedom of choice; who to be with, where and how long you work, what becomes of your labor, and so much more.”

She sniffed back fake tears.  “Thank you—I feel so privileged to have met with you.  Stay strong and hang in there.  There will be a sign when you know to rise up for your liberty, but until then—prepare, for that day and the day of healing, for that will be your sign of our great goddess Sora, the Founder of Vulpes has come to deliver you from bondage.”

Fen spent a little longer with each of the humans, expressing her sympathies and listening to a few of their troubles; it was difficult to hear them moan about their insignificant lives, but her plan had succeeded more than she could have dreamed.  Leaving the bar, Fen smiled wickedly up ahead as she began searching for a Vulpes only resting spot.

She could tell Jian’s face was pale, even if others would hardly notice a change in him.  “Fen, you can’t mean—are you really going through with this?”

“Of course,” Fen smirked.  “This is how I get everything I want.  Now, let’s go talk to the Vulpes and paint them an image of Inari and what Sora can do for them.  How will the Vulpes of this realm take the news of Founders and the gifts they can bestow?”

Jian swallowed nervously.  “Greed and envy are powerful tools, but planting hope...”

Fen giggled at his statement.  “We’re only getting started.”

The crowds were growing as Vulpes, and humans returned from the fields; the carts became more and more sparse as the volume of people increased.  There seemed to be segregated areas for humans and Vulpes as they continued to roam the town.  The inn where they’d been led seemed to be in the Vulpes district, but there also appeared to be a class distinction.  The area closer to the town center had more powerful Vulpes with more tails while the further they moved to the east, the more humans they ran into and weaker Vulpes.

Pursing her lips as she read the magnetic fields of the planet, identifying the directions each human and Vulpes group moved around them.  There are hardly any Vulpes here.  If the news spreads like I want, then there will be quite the upset.  Judging by the way those humans reacted, they’ve never even thought about freedom; they’ve been brainwashed to think a certain way, but that was stripped away with ease.  The moment I offered them new knowledge, showed all of it in illusions, and offered them something more than what they’ve been given … yes, this will most definitely work.  The humans and Vulpes will eat out of my hands.

The buildings were just as well constructed here as the rest of the town; there was a little less stone, but the quality was equivalent.  The humans wore the same simple fitted clothes as the Vulpes.  There seemed to be a lack of clothing diversity in many regards, the Vulpes and humans lived rather simple lives.  They worked in the fields, dried fruit and meat, prepared and recorded supplies for shipment, and talked among different social groups.  There appeared to be specific circles of people that associated with their particular jobs and locations, but they were decent with others around them.

Fen moved to the side of the road, leaning up against the side of a building, arms folded.  Jian stopping beside her, sharp eyes scanning the throng.  The humans seem rather content for the most part, but there’s been no diverse thought.  Vulpes run everything, and if they don’t accomplish a task, then they incur the wrath of these godlike beings.  They see the Vulpes Council as living gods; they’re Vulpes, so, naturally, Vulpes are above them.  I sit down with a few and show them some attention, likely the only personal attention a Vulpes has ever shown them, and they fall over themselves.  I promise them something better, and they fall to their knees in tears.  A smile curved her lips.  What about the Vulpes?

She hummed, vision following two Vulpes as they moved to the north.  The humans are all equally servants, but the Vulpes, on the other hand, belong to a distinct hierarchy.  The humans are at the bottom, and weak one-tailed Vulpes are just above them.  Mimi is the superpower of this area, which means I’m more powerful than anyone in this town.  I doubt any Vulpes here can even weave an illusion; definitely nothing as potent as I can create.  What will happen when they learn Sora can not only heal their spiritual networks…

She frowned.  Wait … do they even know they’re spiritually sick?  Two Vulpes passed by her and Jian, shivering and glancing their way as Jian’s fear aura struck them.  They don’t … I mean, didn’t that one three-tailed Vulpes say humans don’t get sick, but Vuples do?  She quickly scanned the humans around them, eyes narrowing.  There are scars, even a few with lost limbs or fingers, but they don’t get sick because the realm’s sustaining force.

“Fen?”

She looked up at Jian, feeling his unease.  “Yes, give me some time.  I’m just thinking.  You’re right that this is a lot more complicated than I thought … this realm is standing on straws.”  If they have any Vulpes nature left, I’ll draw it out.  “Let’s go north.”

They moved down the street until they reached a junction; turning north, they continued up the road.  The crowd swapped from mostly human to Vulpes as they entered a lower status district; strangely colored Vulpes were becoming more prominent, and they were drawing more attention.  Of course we’d draw attention.  Jian is far taller than any man I’ve seen here, and I have a white and black tail.  I don’t see any two-tails; this must be the lowest Vulpes section.  She smiled.  Perfect.

Finding a resting place similar to the human building they entered.  The layout was the exact same, fires dotting the ceiling and corners.  Yellowish, orange, and brown-furred single-tailed Vulpes were scattered around the room, two were even in their full fox form; every fox stiffened as they entered, noise dying down, and every eye on Jian before sliding to her white tail.

“Good evening,” Fen greeted with an innocent smile, head tilting slightly, her black hair obscured part of her vision.  Flipping it behind her ear, she moved to the bar, focus centering on the orange-furred Vulpes behind it.  “Might you have something to drink?”

She swallowed nervously, the atmosphere deathly quiet, only broken by the muffled voices outside.  Her grayish irises shot to her two tails before back to her yellow eyes.  “Wh—what would you like?”

Taking on a confused expression, Fen hummed, glancing around the room.  “Is something wrong?”  I suspect none of these Vulpes are beyond forty.

She resisted a smirk; she could feel the tension in the air as ripples shot down every fox’s frame.  The Vulpes behind the bar shook her head sharply, bound hair swinging back and forth.  “No, nothing’s wrong!  I—would you like some water or elrinic juice?”

Curiosity peaked, Fen’s eyes lit up.  “Elrinic juice, what is that?”

The girl sucked on her lower lip nervously, glancing back at a bottle along a shelf behind her.  “It’s an alcoholic juice that ferments inside the fruit before extraction.  It’s strong right out of the fruit, so we mix it with crushed telerian nuts and hapima flowers.”

“How wonderful!  I have never heard of it.”  Fen smiled eagerly.

She took the bottle she’d eyed off the counter and a wooden cup from below the bar.  Uncorking it, she poured out some of the bright red liquid.  

Sliding her tongue against the inside of her teeth, Fen accepted the drink.  “Pour another for Jian—please,” she added as an afterthought.

The girl’s lips became a line as she looked up at the large man, standing well over two feet above her.  Her arms shook while pouring the drink, somehow managing to keep herself from spilling.  She slid the glass over.

Fen’s eyes slid from her to the rest of the room with a frown, darting to a yellowish furred Vulpes that entered.  The girl couldn’t have been more than thirty by the standard energy she felt from the others in the town.  “Jalina, what’s that smell…”  her words died as she caught sight of her and then Jian, visibly swallowing a lump in her throat.

“Welcome,” Fen greeted cheerily.  “Why don’t you come sit down?”  I’m probably the highest ranked person in this area for them.  I have pure black fur, like Mimi, and I have two tails.  White is also an extremely rare color, and it seems to play a part in the ranking structure.

“You—want me to join—you?”  the girl asked hoarsely.

“Of course,” Fen said with a bright tone.  “I’d love to understand a few things about this realm; you see, I’m not from around here.”  The tension rose rapidly; she could smell the apprehension in the air and knew they sensed it too.  “You don’t have to be so nervous,” she giggled.  “I don’t know what it’s like in this realm, but I won’t bite.  Now come, sit!”

Several Vulpes shifted uncomfortably as the girl mechanically walked to the opposite side of Jian, keeping several feet between her and Jian until she arrived on the opposite side where she sat on a stool.

Fen turned to the orange-furred girl behind the bar.  “I assume you’re Jalina, correct?”  She nodded, hiding her quaking hands behind her back.  Turning back to the girl beside her, she asked, “And your name?”

“Lumia,” she squeaked.

Placing her elbow against the counter and resting her head against the back of her hand, she breathed a long sigh.  “Is it strange for a two-tailed Vulpes to enter a building like this?  I do sense that most of you are likely below the age of forty, but is there such a disparity in the association between two-tails and single-tails?”

Jalina nodded.  “Normally—two-tailed Vulpes are near the southern part of the town—that’s where the stronger Vulpes tend to gather.”

Picking up her cup, Fen sipped at the juice; her tails stiffened as the liquid passed through her lips.  It was sweet with a hard punch that followed, hitting her tongue.  Swallowing, she cleared her throat, tails intertwining as she pressed her tongue against the roof of her mouth.  “Wow … this is really good.”  She muttered, feeling a slight burn in her nose and throat.  I haven’t had anything like this before.

Jian frowned, picking the glass up, he downed it in a single shot, every Vulpes holding their breath.  He licked his lips before releasing a short huff.  “No, it’s not bad.  It’s a lot different than saké.”

“It really is, but it has a good hit to it.”  Fen smiled, turning to Lumia.  “How can you tell how powerful a Vulpes is, or who gets to live in the southern district?”

“Well—color of fur and tails.”

Fen nodded, finishing her juice.  Breathing out a long sigh, she slid her cup forward.  “I’d love another glass—please.”

Jalina licked her lips, brow furrowed as she poured another glass.  Her hands had become more steady.  “A single cup is usually enough to get a Vulpes drunk.”

Humming, Fen accepted the glass, drinking half of it in a single shot, smacking her lips.  She smiled at her comment.  “Really, it’s that potent?”  I see … she gave us the most potent drink they have, hoping I’d quickly get drunk.  This is very out of formalities for them, having to entertain a two-tails.

Lumia looked impressed.  “Yeah, I can’t even handle half a glass!”

“Interesting,” Fen muttered, smiling at the cup.  “So, have you heard that I come from beyond the red gate?”

“No,” Lumia whispered, eyes widening.  “I—really?  You came—I mean, I can’t believe it!  That place is—I’ve never heard of anyone coming out of the gate!”

“Lumia,” Jalina muttered.  “Lower your voice.”

Fen heard the other Vulpes shift nervously in their chairs, paying close attention to their conversation.  “Oh, I most definitely have.”  She lifted her left arm, presenting Jian.  “This is Jian, my protector.  He is a monster known as a Bai-Hu, and is far stronger than Mimi.”  Jian’s worry spiked at her statement.  I know Jian, they view Mimi as the most powerful authority in this area, but power is their standard.  You’ll understand.

She smiled as a shiver ran up every Vulpes’ back.  “Oh,” Fen brought a hand up to her lips, glancing up with a thoughtful expression.  “I guess that’s a bit sudden to just say…”  A bright expression lit her features.  “I know!  Jian, show them some of your power, but not too much, we don’t want them to faint or die.”

Jian sighed, he now looked visibly troubled but did as she asked.  He released a small portion of his spiritual pressure in a short, concentrated burst as to not alert the Vulpes outside.  The Dragon or Valkyrie might have been able to detect it, but it wasn’t anywhere near a threatening force to them, so Fen figured they wouldn’t be alerted, and she figured Mimi wasn’t spiritually aware enough to detect a concealed burst of energy.

Fen studied Lumia, likely the weakest out of the Vulpes present; she went rigid, eyes defocusing as every muscle locked and the air froze in her lungs.  Vision shifting to Jalina, she watched her body shake, eyes wide, locked on Jian’s neutral face.  The outside noise increased, not a Vulpes willing to risk a breath.

“Oh, too much?”  Fen asked, feigning a concerned and apologetic tone.  “I’m so sorry!  Are you okay, Lumia?”  She touched her back, making a quake reverberate down her frame and across Fen’s arm.

Lumia slowly grabbed her left hand, sliding up to her arm as she shook.  “I—I—what—I…”  Her heart was pounding enough that Fen could feel its beats as she pressed her hand against her back.

“Shh,” Fen soothed, rubbing her back comfortingly; her heart pounded, she could feel its beats thumping against her hand.  “I’m sorry—just breath.”

It took several minutes before Lumia was able to say something; she was the last Vulpes to get ahold of her fear.  “That—that was a small portion of—of his power?  You—that didn’t affect you—not at all?”  She gasped.

Fen hummed, hand still pressed against her upper back to sooth the girl.  “Oh—no, sorry, but I’m about as strong as Mimi.  We just met with her this afternoon.”

Lumia swallowed a lump in her throat as she turned to stare at Fen in terror.  “As—you—Mimi?”

Cocking her head, Fen frowned.  “Is that so hard to believe?  Oh…”  She removed her hand, lifting a finger to her lips thoughtfully.  “I suppose she does have four tails—I thought it was odd that all the Vulpes we passed were so weak.”

“Weak,” Jalina mumbled.  “If—if you’re as strong as Mimi—just two tails—then what—what if you had four tails?  How are you so strong?”

Fen felt that sentence strike her heart.  She licked her lips, relishing the tingling sensation shooting down her spine to her tails.  “Could you—ask that again?”

“How—how are you so strong?”  Jalina swallowed.

Closing her eyes with a small smile, Fen breathed a long breath.  I’m strong … they’re weak.  This is it … this is the feeling I’ve waited for!  Eyes opening, she replaced the persona, looking to the side with a concerned hum.  “Well, I mean, I’m not that strong.  In fact, Húli Jīng are the weakest amongst the Vulpes.”

“Weakest—you—no, that’s impossible…”  Jalina whispered.

Humming, Fen smiled apologetically.  “I’m really sorry, but I don’t understand why everyone is so tense?  Of the Vulpes races Húli Jīng are the weakest, and I’m only a hundred and thirty-nine years old.  I guess,” she brought her white tail around, stroking the slightly dirty fur, “I am borrowing a little power from Inari.”  If only she did actually give me power…

“What do you mean, Vulpes races?”  Lumia asked, heart still beating rapidly.

Fen pursed her lips to the side, swirling the cup of elrinic juice in her hands.  “I—hmm, I don’t know if I should tell you about what it’s like beyond the gate.  I mean, I don’t know if you could handle the truth.”

“What truth?”  A brown-furred Vulpes at the nearest table whispered.

“Ack,” Fen pulled her hair back, looking troubled.  “I—guess I can tell you.  Do you really want me to tell you about the Vulpes Goddesses, the Founders of the Vulpes race?”  Cowed by Jian’s early burst of spiritual energy, not one had the heart to retort about the Vulpes Council being goddesses.

Everyone waited silently with bated breath.  “Alright,” Fen sighed.  “So, where do you believe all Vulpes magic originates?”

“That’s—The Council,” Jalina muttered.

Fen shook her head.  “I’ve heard some Vulpes say something like that, but how?  Where did it start, what happened?  What’s the story?”

They were silent as they all looked down at the floor, scouring their memories.  Fen’s brow creased as no one answered.  Seriously, no one even has a single story as to how they originated?  No one has ever been bold enough to ask that question?  Well, I suppose only Vulpes in the Capital would know, and not one of them can even journey there … wow, I never realized how much of an information block that was.  Bravo, this Council has seriously done their job.  If no outside force arrived, then this would just continue forever!

“You—don’t even know how Vulpes were created?”

Jalina opened her mouth for a moment before closing it.  After another few seconds, she shook her head.  “No…”

Fen looked around the room; every Vulpes had a shocked or dumbfounded expression as they stared at the floor or table in front of them.  “Wow … alright, then would you like me to tell you how everything started?  How Vulpes are treated outside?  The Founders that can shape realms like this, entire worlds with the snap of their fingers?”

The room was still for only a few seconds before Lumia spoke up, “Yes, please!”  Fen smiled at the spark in her eyes, the thirst for answers.  Child’s play.

“The first Founder was known as The Vulpes, she was the first fox to unlock magical powers; no one is sure how that happened, it was countless ages ago, before even this realm ever existed or even the realm beyond the red gate.  This Vulpes then had children; the lore is not clear who with, but the two beings that were born were Inari and Mia, the Second Generation Founders.

“The First Founder, Vulpes, taught the first foxes magic, unlocking their magical potential.  Every Vulpes is descended from those first students of that First Founder.  The history isn’t clear why, but she disappeared, no one knows what happened to her, but her daughters stayed among us.  Inari, the older sister, she founded the Kitsune, further unlocking the potential of Vulpes to reach their utmost power.”

Lifting her white tail, she stroked the fur.  “This tail is Inari’s gift.  I attended one of her gatherings in a realm, similar to this world that she created for that express purpose.  Do you know what I found when I arrived?”

Enthralled by her story, Lumia shook her head.  “What was there?”

“Ogres, an entire empire,” Fen growled, vision narrowing.

Jalina cleared her throat at Fen’s tone.  “What is an empire and Ogres?”

“A vile creature; they stand over eight feet tall, some warriors can even grow as tall as twelve.  An empire is a massive nation, think about your Capital city and all the surrounding towns across the land, that is an empire.  Clad in heavy armor, swords, axes, hammers, bows and using strange ritualistic magic, they captured Vulpes that entered the realm.  You see, Inari doesn’t have her meetings for hundreds of years at a time, and in that space, the Ogres made it their home.  They made a sport out of hunting Vulpes and keeping their tails for trophies!

“Imagine it,” she began to weave the magic to illustrate her story.  “A hulking monster with bulging muscles, wearing all manner of tools of death, chasing after a young single-tail, fleeing for her life as wolves pursue, trained for the sole purpose of stalking Vulpes.  Capturing a Vulpes, leaving a mark of capture in her body before throwing her back into a cell, spelled to resist magical attempts of escape.

“The next day, forced back into the jungle for the hunt, and if the Vulpes didn’t increase the time it took for them to capture her, she was killed.  This continued day after day as different Ogre Hunters sought to find the cleverest, most resilient Vulpes, the most challenging hunt until they surpassed some record.  This was a mark of advancement, and this game varied among different tailed Vulpes.”

Lumia’s eyes were wide with horror, clear that she’d never even dreamed of such a nightmare.  “How—how long did this last?”

Fen hummed darkly.  “I came in on the tail end of this empire; a few Vulpes told me of their trials, starvation, dehydration, lack of sleep even.  One was a five-tail, restriction tattoos were placed on their body to control her, she’d been there for over a hundred years and was nearing her last hunt when they’d finally take her tails.  Her mind wasn’t … all she thought about was methods to—she only thought about escaping the Elite Ogre Hunters.”

“I don’t…”  Jalina seemed lost for words.

“Did that change when you arrived?”  Lumia pressed, scooting closer to her.

Finishing the rest of her juice, Fen nodded with a light smile.  “It most certainly did.  You see, I was nearing the final point of the appointed time for the meeting.  When I arrived, there were much higher tailed Vulpes already combating the Ogre legion, but it was a hard-pressed battle with their numbers and preparations around the gate.  The thing holding the tide was the several seven-tails that had recently entered, Kumiho and even a Nogitsune.”

She showed the image of several Vulpes showering the Ogre defenses with all forms of elemental, arcane, and manipulative magic that made the Ogre army chaotic with puppet Ogre Warriors; recovering many captured Vulpes as they fought with vicious efficiency, they worked together to defend the weakened and wounded younger Vulpes.  The room was filled with tension and excitement at the small victories they witnessed and winced at each wound a Vulpes received.

“The seven-tails were powerful, but even they couldn’t handle an entire Ogre empire.  They were quickly running out of energy and retreating back toward the portal as the Ogre Elite Hunters began to target them … one fell, wounded by several of the Elites, killed and stripped of her tail; the Hunter that delivered the killing blow holding up her tails to the retreating Vulpes in victory.”

Tears fell down a few of the Vulpes’ cheeks as they witnessed the scene, every tail bristled.  “Jian was rushing me back to the portal, but we were ambushed several times.”  Ogres in chainmail, plate, and holding weapons drenched in poison or cursed with dark magic appeared around the space as she showed them several Vulpes huddling around her and Jian, Jian transforming into his true form.  “Jian was swift, shredding every foe that stepped before us.  We were nearly at the gate when it happened…”

She fell silent, causing Lumia’s ears to twitch.  “What?  What?”

Fen breathed in deeply, looking up; the ceiling was replaced with an open sky as she wove the magic.  “She appeared … Inari.  More radiant than the sun, she appeared in the sky ahead of us.”

Every Vulpes seemed to weaken at the knees and hold their breath as Fen felt tingles run down her own body; she showed an image of the perfect goddess above them, flanked by two of her Myōbu.  “She’s … not even The Council…”  Jalina muttered, eyes wide in disbelief.

“More radiant than anything,” Fen whispered.  “Flanked by two of her most powerful Myōbu; Vulpes like you or me that have had every thread of potential unlocked within them, they stand beyond any Vulpes besides Founders themselves.”

Swallowing reflexively as she recalled the image; Jian and her rose into the air with every other monster and Vulpes that came for the meeting, rising toward her shimmering presence.  The women around the room watched with bated breath, unable to breath as Inari’s image descended from the sky until they could see her stony orange gaze.  The floor vanished to show the army below them, every Ogre paralyzed by Inari’s presence.

“The only thing she said was—Suke … the name of the most powerful non-Founder Vulpes, her right hand.”  The room’s gaze shifted to the gold-furred Myōbu to Inari’s right; every one of her nine tails held unique glowing silver designs and strange runes.  She had porcelain skin, a traditional Japanese kimono, and her hair was in a bun, held by a beautiful white and pink kanzashi.   Her expression was hidden behind a beautiful fox mask.

She lifted her delicate hand and drew a white symbol in the air as she began to glow a radiant white.  There were gasps all around the room as roots shot up from the ground from everywhere, wrapping around every Ogre in sight in a split second, snaking around their bodies; no sooner than it touched them, they began to wither before their eyes, life force ripped away, leaving only husks.

Fen licked her lips, nervous tingles still prickling her skin and making her fur stand on end.  “I learned after—every Ogre, male, female, child, elderly, every Ogre in the entire realm met the same fate.  Not one was spared—it happened in seconds, an entire world—every creature’s life force removed.”  She swallowed, lips dry.  “All done by Suke, not even Inari herself, but someone that’s an insignificant speck compared to the Goddess.”

More than a few Vulpes dropped to their knees at the overwhelming revelation, staring at Inari’s cold expression as she observed the genocide below; Jian’s emotions flew through their link as he realized her desire, and even a tad bit of fear touched his consciousness as he contemplated the possible consequences.  “This...” Fen sucked on her lower lip for a moment.  “This—is a Goddess—a Founder.  She’s able to enhance normal Vulpes like you or I—enhance us to do this … that is the kind of gift a Founder can bestow.  If Inari wanted, she could have snapped her fingers and destroyed the entire realm, reforming it at the same time to whatever she desires.”

Jalina was supporting herself against the bar, eyes unable to turn away from the image of Inari, voice hoarse.  “But … The Council members—they must be at the location to change—I never—these kinds of worlds—these horrors—they’re beyond the gate—these powers?”  Her body shook with terror, as did several other Vulpes, but Fen could feel the anticipation and reverence building in Lumia and several others.

Fen smiled in a compassionate way.  “Oh, there are much more terrible and wonderful things that happen beyond the gate; it’s a contrast, where there is horror there is bliss.  There are beings so powerful that they can make you strong enough to wipe out the life of an entire realm in moments, with a flick of your wrist, effortlessly—to never fear for your life again.  That is the blessings you can have from Founders … and there is one that has entered your realm.”

They all turned to her, tear stained eyes wide.  “Yes,” she erased the illusions, feeling her magic beginning to reach its limit from all her complex weaves and replaced it with a simple image of Sora.  “The Third Generation Founder, Sora, daughter of Mia, niece of Inari—she can unlock your potential, just like Inari did to Suke—you can become goddesses, capable of that magic.”