Exposed

The Den

Ki woke to the smell of damp earth and the chill of cold air. She slowly opened her eyes, being sure to stay perfectly still. Her eyes darted around looking for anything familiar. It was all dirt. She saw sunlight invading the dirt cave she was in. Carefully and quietly, she picked up her head and looked behind  her. Confirming she was alone, she stood and walked towards the light. Ki stuck her head out of the opening and into the sun. She turned to the sound of leaves being crushed and quickly ducked back into the hole. Footsteps from outside made up her mind to stay away from the opening. She turned around and began her journey deeper into the hole. As Ki traveled further in a sense of familiarity came to her. It felt the same as when she discovered the cave. Her steps slowed as she saw the tunnel split into three. Without stopping and regaining her speed, she marched straight though into the middle tunnel. After what felt like forever, the tunnel finally opened up into a room. She stopped at the mouth of the tunnel, staring. There sat many kitsune; all of which had nine tails. A head turned towards Ki, causing her to look in return. 

"Come in, Kiwa."

In an instant all the heads turned towards her. She knew she should probably feel intimidated, but the way they were looking at her was more like she has something they didn't. As if they were admiring her. Looking around the room, Ki made her way over to the kitsune who had first noticed her.

"Welcome home," he smiled.

"Home?"

"Yes, home. Do you still not remember?"

"No, I don't have a clue as to what is happening right now. I don't know how I got here. I don't know who any of you are," Ki spoke quickly.

"My name is Dorian. That is Helena," he pointed to the kitsune beside him, "And we saved you and brought you home."

"Saved me? From what? It doesn't matter. This is not my home. I need to get back. I need to help-"

"The wolves? Ki, you don't belong there. Nor do you want to help them," Dorian cut in.

"I do belong there. You can't decide for me what I do and don't want to do. I don't even know you. I've been kidnapped and everything is wrong," Ki said, anger leaking into her voice.

"Calm down, Ki. I know this must be hard, but I promise you that this is what you wanted."

"Explain."

"Explain what?"

"Everything. Every day it seems a new piece of the puzzle comes in but it's completely crazy. I don't know what to do with them. I can't fit them together and I need to solve this damn puzzle!"

"There are gaps in your memories, we know. Suijin buried them."

"Wait, what? Suijin did?"

"Yes," Helena spoke for the first time.

"Why would he do that? He's my teacher. He's my friend."

"He was your teacher and was your friend. You never really explained what happened between the two of you."

"Okay, what's something you can tell me?"

"Be more specific," Dorian requested.

"What is this," Ki gestured around her, "I thought kitsune were independent creatures, why are there so many gathered here?"

"We are independent creatures," Helena confirmed, "Years ago you gathered us all together. The oldest kitsune you could find and we created this den. We train, learn, and protect from here. You said you were tired of old ways. This became a second home to you... and to many of us."

"I did?"

"Yes," Helena spoke excitedly, "I was so excited when you found me. Almost every kitsune had heard of you and what you could do. One of the only kitsune that has a connection with water. You're abilities are breathtaking and being wanted by you is an honor, probably to us all."

The other kitsune in the room agreed with Helena.

"We need to fill in the gaps of your memory. We're working on it now, but I think it would be best if you stayed here," Dorian suggested, his eyes pleading that Ki would agree.

"Fine, but only if I get my memories back."

"Great," Dorian sighed in relief, "Follow me to your study."

"My study?"

"Yes, I'm sure looking through your things will help you recover your memories."

Ki followed Dorian into another tunnel. She looked behind her briefly at the other kitsune. Taking a deep breath, Ki walked into the dark tunnel towards her supposed study. Overwhelmed, she decided she needed to get away. If she couldn't find her answers and explanations, then it was time for her to leave this world that she had been thrown into. She would leave the kitsune, the Silver River Pack, Suijin, and Jae. She would go back to her normal life with her normal human friends.

Ki

Frightened, Ki whipped her head behind her. She frantically looked around, her heart beating faster. There was no one there.

Ki, where are you? Please, we need you.

"Joey?"