Random short stories

The Nine-Tailed Fox Cub and her 4 Aunts (Part 1)

In the heart of a lush forest, where the whispering leaves danced to the tune of the wind and the sunlight filtered through the dense canopy, I, Alaya, a white nine-tailed fox, roamed freely. With my pristine white fur shimmering in the dappled light, I played amidst the vibrant blooms of the flower field near my cave, my laughter echoing through the tranquil grove as I play with the forest spirits.

As a child of the forest, I knew no other home but this. I never knew who my parents were but never did I really delve on it for I had no memories of them. Whenever I do would be days when I was really sad and wondered if I was ever abandoned by them. But the spirits would always cheer me up when that happens. My days were filled with the gentle guidance of the spirits that dwelled within the ancient trees, the playful antics of the fire sprites that danced in the flickering flames, and the soothing presence of the water nymphs that frolicked in the babbling brooks.

The spirits took care of me for as long as I could remember. I love them so much! At first, when they told me that I was a nine-tailed fox, I thought they were wrong as I only have one tail. They said that as I grow up and live a very long life, my tails will grow in number. I like my tail as it is very fluffy and I would fall asleep hugging it so if I get 9 tails, I would get 9 nine times the fluff! I can't wait!

The spirits would sometimes tell me stories about the world I live in, there was so much to know! The world I live in is called Arkadon. A world where different species exist; humans elves, dragons, etc. Some live in coexistent with each other while others live in seclusion. They even told me about magic! It was all so fascinating. The spirits also talked about the spirit kings. There are 4 of them and they each represent an element; fire, water, earth, and air. Wow. The world is so big. There is so much out there. I longed to explore the world beyond the confines of the forest, to unravel the mysteries that lay beyond the verdant canopy. But fear held me back, for I was but a child, unversed in the ways of the world.

Today, I was in my usual field of flowers that I had found long ago, rolling, jumping, and attempting to chase elusive butterflies, I revelled in the simple joys of nature while playing with my spirit friends. Suddenly, a figure emerged from the dappled shade, moving with a grace and elegance that captivated my attention. The spirits and I looked to the sound and see the figure. It was a woman. A very pretty woman. With long, flowing white hair cascading down her back like a waterfall of moonlight, she approached me with a gentle smile and her silver eyes held tenderness in them. There was something majestic about her, an aura of wisdom and power that commanded respect. I looked at her curiously, my deep blue eyes shining in awe at her appearance.

She only seemed to be focused on me, still smiling at me. "Hello there, Alaya," she greeted me, her voice soft and melodious.

I was taken aback, surprised that this mysterious stranger knew my name. But her presence felt safe, comforting even. "Um, h-hello," I stammered shyly, feeling a mix of curiosity and nervousness.

The woman continued to speak, "My name is Minerva, the Air Spirit King." It was then my eyes widened in amazement. This woman in front of me is a spirit king. And she knew my name. But how? I remember the spirits telling me that the spirit kings do not have much interest of the mortal world and only resided in their respective domain in the spirit realm.

Wait. Spirit King. Ah! I remembered that the being in front of me is a higher being, I quickly stumbled into a bow and greeted Minerva, apologising for rudely staring at her. "G-Greetings to the Air Spirit King. Alaya i-is sorry fo-for rudely stari-ing." I was stumbling my words. I was too shy.

Although without me knowing since my head is looking down on the ground. Minerva was smiling. I then hear a soft chuckle from her. Hearing the teasing chuckle from Minerva, I could only blush in embarrassment. "Raise your head, little one," said Minerva. Listening to her, I did as I was told and looked back up at the tall woman. Since I was still a cub, I was really small compared to the spirit king and could only tilt my head up high to see her. 'Why am I so small?' I thought defeatedly.

Minerva opened her mouth, seeming about to say something. "Minerva, how could you! We all agreed to see her together! You cheated!" A woman's voice came from behind the Spirit King and Minerva sighed like she got caught. She looked kind of done with the voice. Is she use to it? Who is that? I slightly tilted my hide to the side, only to see 3 beautiful women materialized from thin air like magic each radiating their own unique aura of power and grace.

I then looked back at Minerva who has her head turned to them, "I apologise, Ifrit. But I could not hold it in much longer. So, I went ahead." The woman with red hair whom I assume is this Ifrit pointed her finger at Minerva and scolded her. The two went into an argument. I watched them, confused and nervous, should I stop them? Looking over to the other two women who appeared earlier to see if they would do something about this. But the unknown women were just watching the two argue silently, not moving an inch. One had her arms crossed while the other had her hands behind her back. Watching the argument with a tired smile. Was this normal?