The Dragon and The Fox

The Unlikely Kinship: The Arrival

In a time long past, nestled within the embrace of rolling hills and lush forests, there thrived a village that was a haven for kindness and boundless compassion. The villagers held an unwavering reverence for a legendary dragon named Rex Lapis, whose magnificent statues adorned every corner and nook of their charming abode. Even though the dragon had faded into the books of history, the villagers clung to the belief that Rex Lapis still watched over them from the billowing clouds by day and the silvered moon by night, showering blessings upon their lives and gracing them with abundant harvests.

On a fateful day, the gentle tranquility of the village was interrupted by the soft rustling of leaves as a curious fox happened upon the outskirts. The creature's eyes widened with wonder as they fell upon the resplendent red columns that marked the village's entrance. With an inexplicable spark of intrigue, its dainty legs propelled it forward, a compulsion guiding its steps deeper into the heart of the village.

The fox's curious gaze danced across the peculiar statues that graced the village landscape-statues of a certain majestic dragon named Rex Lapis. Oblivious to their significance, the fox paused before one such statue, its head tilting as it scrutinized every curve and contour with innocent fascination.

"That, my friend, is Rex Lapis," a melodious voice chimed in, drawing the fox's attention. Kneeling before the statue, a young boy with an aura of reverence bowed deeply, his forehead touching the earth as a gesture of utmost devotion. "He is our guardian, our deity," the boy elucidated, casting a gentle glance towards the entranced fox.

Startled, the fox hastily retreated into a nearby thicket, its heart racing with uncertainty. The boy, however, was undeterred by the creature's shyness. With a warm chuckle, he reached into the foliage with practiced gentleness, coaxing the fox into his reassuring grasp. Fingers as delicate as a breeze's caress stroked the fox's head, eliciting a tentative purr of contentment. "Fear not, little foxy," the boy whispered, his voice a soothing melody. "You are safe here; no harm shall befall you."

As if recognizing the boy's intentions, the fox allowed itself to bask in the warmth of his touch, its apprehension giving way to a newfound comfort. With a wry smile, the boy continued, "Even you, with your curious spirit, can find solace in showing respect to Rex Lapis. It's a tradition that every creature, whether winged or pawed, observes by simply lowering their gaze."

A quizzical tilt of the fox's head was met with the boy's understanding chuckle. "Ah, perhaps you're a stranger in these parts," he mused, his eyes twinkling with mirth. "Rex Lapis, you see, is a benevolent incarnate. Your innocence spares you from bowing; he understands you mean no disrespect." His smile grew even warmer. "But now, my little friend, it's time to return you to your home. Shall we?"

With a sense of camaraderie woven between them, the boy led the way through the winding village streets, their steps a testament to the kinship that can bridge the gap between even the most unlikely of companions.

As the boy's laughter echoed through the village, his infectious joy seemed to seep into the air, making even the birds sing in harmony. The fox nestled itself even deeper in his arms, its bright eyes glancing around with a mixture of curiosity and timidity. Its tail curled tightly around its legs, almost as if it were trying to meld with the boy's embrace to avoid the prying eyes of the villagers.

However, the fox's vulnerability didn't go unnoticed. As the villagers turned their attention towards the pair, the fox's fur bristled, and a delicate shiver ran down its spine. It was as if the weight of those gazes was an unfamiliar burden that it hadn't prepared for. Being a creature of shadows and secrets, it had mastered the art of remaining unseen, hiding amongst the gaps in human perception. Yet now, within the boy's arms, it felt oddly at ease.

Despite its discomfort, the fox yearned for this ordeal to be over soon. A flicker of relief danced in its eyes when they finally arrived at a certain building. The boy's voice rang out like a joyful melody, "Daddy! I found myself a friend!" With a heartwarming grin, he dashed over to his father, clutching the fox as if it were the most precious treasure unearthed.

The father turned around, and his initial enthusiasm wavered as his eyes fell upon the fox. A mixture of astonishment and caution painted his features. "Friend, you say?" he inquired, his tone tinged with skepticism.

A radiant smile spread across the boy's face, undeterred by his father's unease. "Yes, daddy. My new friend!" he declared proudly, his gaze never leaving the fox's delicate form.

A raised eyebrow and a hint of amusement danced in the father's eyes as he looked at the fox closely. "Is it a male or a female?" he questioned, his curiosity piqued.

The fox's heartbeat quickened, a pang of vulnerability returning. Seeking refuge, it burrowed itself deeper into the warmth of the boy's chest. Sensing the fox's distress, the boy's eyes narrowed in a protective manner. "You're scaring them, dad!" he protested, his voice laced with a hint of reproach.

Realization washed over the father, his apologetic expression softening his features. He reached out to offer a tentative pat to the fox, his fingers gentle and reassuring. "I just wanted to check, that's all," he explained, his tone gentle. "But it looks like a male to me... What is his name?"

„Um..." The boy hesitated for a moment, his eyes locked onto the fox's inquisitive gaze. Memories of the fox's playful antics danced in his mind, and he couldn't help but grin. "You were running around that statue like a little kid,“ he mused aloud, his excitement building. "Child! Your name will be Child!" he exclaimed, the name rolling off his tongue with a contagious energy.

A spark of creativity lit up in the father's eyes. "Let's add an 'e' at the end, so he won't be mistaken for a child from our village. Childe. Isn't that better, son?" he proposed, his smile warm and inclusive.

The boy's enthusiasm reached new heights as he eagerly nodded. "Yes!" he cheered, his happiness radiating like a beacon. "Childe!" he proclaimed to the fox, who nestled even closer, basking in the warmth of its newfound companionship.