Book 2: Falling from Grace

Chapter 21: Cherry Blossoms

Stop the Fox

Chapter 21

Cherry Blossoms

Pigsy had heard stories of fox spirits when he was a 'let. His mother told him that they would change color depending on what made them happy enough. Some would change the color of jewels, others will change the color of a certain food. He wondered if Suna had changed her color yet, and why it was bronze? Then he remembered what she said. Her first sight was of the ground, the trees, and the sky. She hadn't changed her colors yet. Nothing made her happy enough. But for a moment, just a simple moment he thought he saw her eyes change color. It came crashing down around her.

"My stupid mouth Tang, my big mouth!" He shoved the tears from his eyes. The loud boom behind them caused them both to jump and stumble. Pigsy rolled and pulled Tang to him. Nothing else happened after that. That was fast but that Tang saw caused him to jump up and start walking with his eyes watching something on the ground.

"Tang?" Pigsy walked up beside him and spotted what he did. Droplets of blood in the snow. Normally he would grab Tang's arm and run the other way. Something within him caused him to keep going.

"Suna!" Tang called. There was a large imprint in the snow. She must have fallen. The blood splatter was bigger. She had laid there for a little while. She got up and continued on, but they could see her steps being more sluggish and unpredictable. At least until they saw her.

Pigsy rushed forward gathering her in his arms and looked over the child.

"Suna?" She made a squeaking noise as she tried to answer. But she didn't have the strength to do anything other than make whining noises. "Ah kid, I'm so sorry..." Pigsy hugged her to him. Tang leaned down and hugged her too.

"She's not a bad kid, just a bad reputation thanks to another fox coming through at the same time." the gentle voice overhead. Guanyin landed near them.

"Do something, save her...she's just a kit." Pigsy pleaded.

"Using my words against me hum?" Guanyin asked. She sighed. "Fine..." A drop of snow hit Suna and her whole body began to glow. Her whole body relaxed and curled into the warmth of Pigsy's body.

"Alright kid, let's get you home. It's cold and honestly I'm freezing my tail off." He chuckled

"Hey Pigsy!" MK ran toward them being followed slowly by Tyla who was cooing at a now awake Tao. "You found her. Is sh...oh wow all that blood. Is she alright?" MK asked, running his fingers over the clothing that had a claw mark.

"She's fine. Must be ink or something." Pigsy lied.

Tyla looked up at the light pole. Guanyin waved at her before disappearing. The usual chime filling the soundless area.

"Ah..." MK chuckled.

"MK...I'm going to close the restaurant for a week." MK looked amazed.

"A week!? Pigsy...you sure?" MK asked.

"Yeah, I got...a lot of bonding time with this little girl and hopefully...spring will be right around the corner.

(0)

Luckily Pigsy was right and spring wasn't a few weeks away. The snow had melted and gone, and the flowers and trees were in bloom.

Tang held onto Suna's hand as Pigsy had the picnic basket. Suna had to say she liked spring too. Her parents were on a week long vacation that consisted of them riding trains to other areas, and visiting places she had never seen before. She did have an urge to steal things, which generally involved her stealing from other fox spirits. They deserved it, being naughty.

She lay back on the blanket looking up at the cherry blossom trees.

"They do rain down like snow." She giggled and held up her hand catching one. She giggled touching the small peddle.

"Tang..." they both looked over the once bronze fox spirit which was light pink and white. Just like a cherry blossom.

Pigsy reached over and ran his fingers over her tail and looked at her. She gasped and looked at her tail and smiled.

"I'm me now. Dad, Baba. I'm home." She giggled hugging them.

"Welcome home." They both hugged her tightly to them.

The Middle