The fox and the hunter

4- the hunt

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Chapter 4

The next morning Shiro arose gathering up his equipment to go hunt for the fox. According to some of the villagers, this fox looks almost human except for his fox ears and tail. Every time they think that they have the fox, he manages to elude them or has the forest animals to help him out. Shiro explored the different parts where the fox seemed to strike. The fox seemed about his height and build. The fox also seemed cunning and resourceful. While walking through town, Shiro couldn't help but to feel that the villagers were hiding something from him. Shiro had gotten one of the local villagers to lead him to the forest were the fox lived. Shiro set up various traps and stuff the night before. Today he was going to see what spoils he caught.

After having a quick breakfast, Shiro headed out on Zangetsu to the forest. He couldn't get rid of the uneasy feeling he had. But Shiro put them aside as he focused on his task. What the villagers told him about the fox being quick and resourceful seemed true. All of his traps seemed to be sprung as nothing seemed caught within them. 

"This fox is much smarter than some of my other prey." Shiro told Zangetsu as the black stallion nodded his head in agreement. Shiro got off of his horse trudging through the forest quietly just encase the fox was out. Suddenly Shiro heard an animal's cries as he ran off on foot to the sounds drawing his bow.

When Shiro got to a large clearing he could see an orange haired human with fox ears and tails working to free a small black wolf out of one of Shiro's traps. The wolf was whining licking the fox boy. 

"I know that it hurts. Just hold still and I will free you shortly." the fox told the wolf. The wolf silently obeyed Ichigo's commands as none of them were aware that they were being hunted. Shiro pointed the arrow at Ichigo drawing it back to its full length. Shiro couldn't help but to notice the wounds that lined Ichigo's arms and hands as he worked to free the wolf. Once Ichigo had freed the wolf, he took some herbs and cloth tearing some strips binding up the wolf's wound. "There you go. If it continues to bother you, come and see me." stated Ichigo as he patted the wolf's side. The wolf nodded his head before trudging off. Shiro couldn't help but to be captivated by the look of this fox. He was extremely beautiful. Shiro shook his head as he prepared to shoot Ichigo. But he stopped suddenly when he saw Zangetsu enter the area. "Hello there. And who do you belong too?" asked Ichigo. The black stallion seemed to shake his head allowing the fox to approach him. Shiro knew that the stallion was very picky about who it lets near him. Ichigo gently patted Zangetsu as he looked out to the woods. "I see so those were his traps. You can come out hunter I know that you are out there." yelled out Ichigo as he was removing Zangetsu's bit and saddle.

'Strange.... He doesn't strike me as somebody who would hurt people. To tell the truth I am kind of attracted to him.' Shiro thought to himself as he stowed his bow and arrow. Shiro stepped out of his spot alerting the fox boy to his presence. Ichigo's slitted eyes widened when he saw Shiro. The fox had never seen such a white and attractive human in his life. What drew him the most was Shiro's black and gold eyes. 

"Tell me hunter, have you come to kill me?" asked Ichigo. 

"First tell me why you are terrorizing the villagers?" asked Shiro. Ichigo threw his head back laughing.  

"Is that what they told you? God they must have sunk a new low." replied Ichigo as he moved to fast for Shiro's eyes as he caught a rock that was aimed at Shiro's head. All of the forest creatures growled and hissed angrily at the hunter.

"That's enough!" growled out Ichigo. His powers lashed out angrily forcing the animals to retreat and obey the fox demon. "You have to forgive them. We aren't too fond of humans." growled Ichigo as he clutched his fist tightly crushing the rock that was in his hand and drawing blood. Shiro quickly grabbed Ichigo's hand as he lead the fox to a nearby tree in order to treat his wounds. 

"Perhaps you can tell me what is truly going on." stated Shiro. This caused Ichigo's eyes to widen suddenly as it seemed that this human was completely different from the others. 

"Very well." replied Ichigo.