The Unexpected Journey : The Nine Tailed Fox

Chapter 1 : Memory

- 1868, TOKUGAWA PERIOD -

" Okka san!! " Miko called. Miko quickly ran to her mother at the backyard. Miko's mother looked at her and smiled brightly.

" Miko... what's wrong? " her mother asked while stroking Miko's hair softly. Miko looked up at her mother with tears running down from her face.

" Otto san scold me, " Miko sobbed. Her mother smiled.

" You must be very naughty. If not,why would otto san scolded you? So what have you done? " her mother said.Miko sighed. Miko standed up infront of her mother.

" I was playing with a fox and suddenly Otto san came and chased the fox away... " her mother interupted her after hearing that her daughter was playing with a fox.

" What?! A fox?! Miko you know that foxes are dangerous! That's why Otto san had scolded you, " her mother said and slowly hit Miko's head softly. Miko started crying more louder. Her mother hugged Miko.

" Ok... I'm sorry for scolding you...but next time don't do it again ok? " her mom told Miko. Miko nodded. Soon, Miko fell asleep in her mother's arms.

- THE NEXT DAY -

Miko was playing alone in the woods. She picked up some stones and brunches and put it under a big tree where she always plays at. While she was collecting some brunches, she saw something moving behide the bushes. She got curious and she went to look at it. She's was shocked after she saw the fox that she always playing with yesterday was badly injured. It's looks like it is being shot with arrow by humans. Without thinking any further, Miko took the fox and brought it to the nearest river to clean up the blood stains on it furs.
After cleaning it, Miko put it aside and went searching some herbs for the injured part. After a while, Miko came back with some herbs and fruits. She took the herbs and grind it. Miko then put it on the injured place.

" Here you go little fox, "Miko said and hugged the fox slowly.

" What's going on little fox? How did you got into this mess? " Miko slowly stroked it's furs. Miko and the fox already knew each other for almost a year. Miko's knew that the fox doesn't understand what's Miko was saying but the fox seems like it did and it's also really tame. So from that day onwards, they both became really close friends.

" Thanks Miko, " an unknown voice talked to her. Miko was shocked. She looked around her but there's no no else except for her and the fox. She looked at the fox.

" Was that from you? " Miko asked and looked at it.
The fox jumped off from Miko and looked at her. The fox suddenly started changing. It changed into a boy. Miko froze. She's really shock. The boy looked at her with his golden yellow eyes and smiled. He slowly approached Miko and patted her head.

" Don't be afraid Miko," the boy smiled and handed out his hand to help Miko to stand up. Miko hold his hand. Miko still was afraid but not as afraid like just now.

" You are a youkai? " Miko asked as she touched his face. The boy nodded.
" Yup... I'm the little fox who you always play with. My name is Tatshumi . " Tatshumi said and laughed quietly. Miko was really amazed by his tail and keeps playing with it.

- A WHILE LATER -

" Nahh, " Miko handed Tatshumi some fruits that she just picked just now. Tatshumi took it and ate it right away. Miko sat beside him and looked at him.

" Tatshumi? " Miko looks at him.

" Yes Miko? " Tatshumi asked.

" Do you drink humans's blood? Because my Otto san said wolfs and foxes really love to drink human bloods.... If yes, will you suck my blood? " Miko asked as she looked down at the flowers. Tatshumi burst into laugh. Tatshumi shooked his head.