Chapter One: Heiwana Kitsune No Mura

The sun broke the morning mist in soft, golden ribbons, casting a tranquil glow over the lush valley. Mist lingered in the air, clinging to the trees like a whispered secret, as the village of Heiwana Kitsune No Mura began to stir awake. Its thatched-roof homes were nestled among the fields, and delicate cherry blossoms dotted the landscape, their pale pink petals dancing in the light breeze. The melody of traditional Japanese instruments, woven with the gentle hum of soft strings, played faintly in the background, evoking a sense of peace that lingered in the air.

Around the village, Kitsune villagers—graceful and adorned in simple yet elegant robes—moved about their morning routines. Children laughed and chased one another with carefree abandon, their tails swishing behind them like the movement of the wind. It was a morning like any other, filled with the quiet harmony of life in the village.

From above, the village seemed like a peaceful painting, with vibrant fields stretching into the distance and the cherry blossoms framing the homes. We focus now on two small figures—young Mujihina and Kaede. They tore through the bustling streets, their laughter echoing in the air. The wind tugged at their robes as they raced, both determined, enjoying the moment.

Suddenly, Mujihina stumbled. A villager, rushing by with pots and pans, dropped one of his cooking utensils in the chaos of the morning rush. It clattered across the ground, and before Mujihina could avoid it, his foot caught the edge. He tripped, tumbling into a small market stand, sending a cloud of dust into the air. The scene shifted quickly as Kaede, who continued to race ahead, laughed with her voice ringing out behind her.

"I got you this time!" Kaede called, her excitement infectious. She laughed, breathless, as she looked back over her shoulder, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

But Mujihina wasn’t there...

With a fluid leap, he jumped off a nearby roof, through the air. He slid down a clothesline landing with a stumble.

"No you don't!" Mujihina shouted, his grin widening.

Kaede’s expression shifted to one of confusion and awe. "Whaaaat?!" she gasped, clearly caught off guard by his sudden comeback.

With both of them now neck and neck, they sprinted toward the outskirts of the village, where a grand cherry blossom tree stood tall against the morning light. The field stretched out before them, and they pushed themselves faster, running on all fours, the thrill of the race driving them forward.

The final leap was a blur of motion, and they crashed into the side of the tree with a soft thud, a burst of dust rising around them. As the dust settled, they sat beneath the tree, laughing breathlessly. The world seemed to pause for just a moment, the playful energy of their chase lingering in the air.

Kaede exhaled sharply, still dazed but with an incredulous grin. "I don’t believe this. You tripped over a pot, smashed into a stand, and still beat me! How does that even happen?"

Mujihina leaned back, his mischievous grin never fading. "Maybe I’m just naturally faster than you, Kaede. Grace isn’t everything, you know."

Kaede, not one to let such remarks slide, pointed an accusatory finger at him. "Grace isn’t anything to you, apparently!"

Mujihina rubbed his head where he had collided with the stand, his voice laced with playful sarcasm. "It was a unique strategy. You wouldn’t understand."

Kaede crossed her arms, skeptical. "Oh, really? Crashing into everything in sight was your ‘strategy’? Enlighten me, great Mujihina. What’s the secret to your ‘winning technique’?"

Mujihina paused for a moment, pretending to think deeply, before his smug grin returned. "Well clearly... it—uh... Momentum! When you’re moving as fast as I do, it’s better to maintain your momentum even if you end up hitting a few things."

Kaede’s eyes narrowed in disbelief. "You only won because you ricocheted off the market stand with that airhead of yours!"

Mujihina threw his head back in laughter, leaning back on his hands. "Hey, if it works, it works. Maybe you should try it next time. You could use the help."

Kaede gasped, her expression one of mock offense as she pointed at him dramatically. "Excuse me?! I’m a skilled runner with precision!"

Mujihina mimicked her tone with exaggerated flair, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Skilled runner... with precision... who still lost."

Kaede growled at him, clearly fuming. "Grrr!"

Just as the playful banter was reaching its peak, a calm, raspy voice interrupted them from above. "Well. Did you get that out of your system?"

Tatsuo, Kaede’s father, stood underneath the cherry blossom tree. He held a fishing pole in his hand, his warm smile gentle, yet knowing. His presence instantly softened the atmosphere.

"If you’re done running around, how’s about the two of you accompany me out on the lake?" Tatsuo suggested, his tone light with quiet authority.

Mujihina’s eyes lit up with excitement. "Mr. Mizuhara! I’m in. Let’s see who can catch the biggest fish, Kaede!" He grinned, eager for the next competition.

Kaede, determined as always, responded with a competitive gleam in her eye. "Let's do it!"

Tatsuo chuckled, his warm laughter carrying in the air. "Eager as ever, I see. Well, the contest may have to wait a bit… We have to replenish Arui’s stock of fish. It was his stand you ran into, Mujihina."

Kaede couldn’t resist the opportunity to tease. "He didn’t run into it, dad, it was his ‘technique’."

Mujihina narrowed his eyes playfully at her.

Tatsuo, shaking his head continued, "I’ve still got to grab some materials from the market. Why don’t you two go apologize to Arui and get Mujihina’s pole? I'll meet you both at the gate before we head to Lake Shizuka."

Mujihina and Kaede exchanged a glance and stood up, brushing the dust from their robes.

"Yes, sir!" they both said in unison, eager to follow the new direction their morning had taken.

Arui, the village fisherman, moved behind his stand, methodically organizing crates of fish. The damage from the earlier chaos was clear—knocked-over crates, fish flung out of place, and a large plank bent at an odd angle.

As he adjusted a tarp over his remaining stock, two familiar faces emerged from the crowd. Mujihina and Kaede approached, their expressions sheepish, as if they knew the trouble they had caused.

"Uh, hey, Arui!" Mujihina greeted, his hands behind his head, a lightness in his voice despite the tension. "So... about that little accident earlier..."

Kaede, a little more reserved, nodded in apology, her eyes shifting nervously. "Sorry, Arui. We didn’t mean to mess up your stand like that."

Arui glanced up, his brow furrowing as he surveyed the damage. But instead of an angry outburst, his tone remained calm, though tinged with frustration. "Looks like you two were having a wild time racing again, huh?"

Mujihina chuckled awkwardly, scratching the back of his head. "Yeah, sorry about that. I got a little carried away..."

Kaede fidgeted with the strap of her bag, her words soft but genuine. "We’re really sorry, Arui. We didn’t mean to ruin your stand."

Arui sighed, rubbing his temples, but his gaze softened. "It’s alright, kids. I know you didn’t do it on purpose, but this is a market, not a playground."

Mujihina’s expression shifted from playful to sincere. "We get that now, and that’s why... we’ve got a plan to fix it!"

Kaede stepped forward, her resolve firm as she spoke. "We’re going with my father, Tatsuo, to catch more fish to make up for what happened. We’ll bring you a fresh haul. Sound good?"

Arui raised an eyebrow, skeptical but intrigued. "Tatsuo, huh? I see..." His tone lightened. "Alright, I’ll accept your offer. But you two better be careful next time. And maybe slow down a bit, huh?"

Mujihina grinned, relief washing over him. He raised a fist in the air, as if claiming a small victory. "You got it, Arui!"

Kaede smiled warmly, feeling the tension lift. "Thanks for being understanding. We’ll get that fish to you in no time."

As they exchanged goodbyes, a familiar voice called from behind. Kaede turned, her face lighting up with excitement as she spotted her mother, Miyuki, approaching.

"Mom!" Kaede exclaimed, rushing into her arms.

Miyuki smiled gently, her expression both loving and knowing. "Making amends for your recklessness, I see. Going fishing with Tatsuo?"

Mujihina grinned, bouncing on his heels. "We’re supposed to be meeting him at the gate... Oh! I almost forgot! We have to go grab my fishing pole, Kaede!"

Kaede’s eyes widened in realization. "That’s right! Sorry, mom, we gotta go! I don’t wanna keep dad waiting! I’ll see you at home for dinner!"

With that, the two kids took off toward Mujihina’s home, their laughter fading as they ran. Miyuki watched them for a moment, her smile lingering.

Inside the Yashin home, the atmosphere was serene, the soft murmur of the village filtering through the open windows. A group of villagers stood near the center, their gazes focused on Yuriko, who was kneeling beside a man lying in pain on a tatami mat. With a calm, composed demeanor, Yuriko pressed her hands together in prayer.

"Lady Amaterasu, permit me the strength to heal our injured. With every flicker of the flame, your love shall be known," Yuriko intoned, her voice steady and reverent.

Her hands extended outward, and a soft glow enveloped her palms. In an instant, flames flickered to life, dancing over the injured man. The villagers watched in awe, their breaths held. The flames roared to life around him, and as quickly as they had come, they receded, leaving no trace but the healed man now sitting up, wide-eyed and amazed.

"My leg... it doesn’t hurt at all!" the man exclaimed, tears welling in his eyes. "Lady Yuriko, thank you, thank you so much!"

Yuriko, ever humble, smiled softly. "I’m just glad to see you’re feeling better."

Mujihina and Kaede stood off to the side, their eyes wide with awe. Kaede stepped forward, her face filled with playful amusement as she inspected the healed man. "He’s good as new!"

Mujihina nodded, his voice filled with admiration. "It’s always amazing to see what you do, mother."

Yuriko turned to him with a warm smile. "What WE do, Mujihina. The Kitsune Flames can be harnessed by any member of our clan."

"But they don’t all heal, right?" Mujihina asked, genuinely curious.

Yuriko’s smile deepened as she nodded. "That’s right. Your father and the Kyubi No Yojin are examples of how our flames can protect or burn, rather than heal. Once your flames awaken, we’ll know whether they have the power to heal or protect."

Kaede, clearly fascinated, chimed in, "I hope my flames burn bright like Aiko! She’s so cool!"

Yuriko chuckled. "I’m sure they will, Kaede."

Mujihina, suddenly remembering their task, snapped his fingers. "Kaede! Your father! We have to go!"

With that, Mujihina dashed off toward his room, eager to grab his fishing pole. Kaede, laughing nervously, turned to Yuriko. "Oh nooo! We’re late already! Sorry, Mrs. Yashin, we’re supposed to be meeting my father at the gate."

Mujihina ran by, grabbing Kaede’s hand and pulling her toward the door. Yuriko waved after them, her voice gentle but warm.

"You kids be careful! Have fun!"

At the village gate, Tatsuo stood waiting, his fishing gear in hand, scanning the horizon for the kids. "Where in the world are they?" he muttered to himself.

Just as he speaks, Mujihina and Kaede came sliding around the corner, kicking up dust as they approached with wide grins.

Kaede struck a dramatic pose, arms outstretched. "We’re heeeerrrreeeee!"

Tatsuo chuckled, shaking his head. "I was starting to wonder about you two. Let’s get to the lake, we’ve got a lot of fish to catch."

Mujihina’s eyes lit up with excitement. "Right, let’s go!"

As they walked, the path gradually opened up, revealing the breathtaking sight of Lake Shizuka. The lake’s surface shimmered like a mirror, reflecting the hues of the sun as it danced gently across the water. Around its edges, trees in vibrant shades of blue, orange, and yellow framed the scene like a painting come to life.

Tatsuo, leading the group with a contented smile, turned to face the others, his eyes sparkling with pride. He swept his hand out in a gesture that was almost ceremonious.

"Here we are!" he said, as if presenting the lake for the first time. "Lake Shizuka! Beautiful today, isn’t she?"

Mujihina and Kaede both paused for a moment, their excitement palpable. The tranquil beauty of the lake filled them with a sense of awe. They exchanged glances, both eager to get on the water.

Tatsuo began to gather the fishing gear, deftly preparing the boat that was tied along the shore. The wooden vessel creaked softly in the breeze, inviting them to embark on their adventure. Kaede and Mujihina clambered into the boat, the anticipation growing as they settled themselves. Tatsuo followed, pulling the boat free from its mooring and skillfully paddling out into the deeper waters.

The air was crisp with the scent of pine and fresh water as Tatsuo taught them the art of fishing, patiently showing them how to hook a worm and cast their lines. The rhythm of the water, the sound of the occasional splash, and the laughter of the two kids filled the air. The bond between them deepened with each fish they caught. The peaceful day stretched into a montage of moments: Mujihina’s triumphant grin as he reeled in his first catch, Kaede’s concentration as she carefully worked her line, and Tatsuo’s quiet encouragement as he watched over them. Time slipped away, and by the time they called it a day, the sky had turned a soft shade of orange.

The evening sun cast long shadows over Heiwana Kitsune No Mura. As the sun touches the distant hill, three figures appeared, carrying large nets weighed down by their haul. Their figures blurred at first, the excitement and laughter of the day still fresh in their voices. As they drew nearer, the details became clearer: Mujihina, Kaede, and Tatsuo, walking side by side, talking and laughing about the day’s fishing adventures.

The laughter began to subside as they neared Arui’s fish stand. The bustling market slowed around them, and they found themselves at the edge of the stall.

Mujihina, still catching his breath from the long day, was the first to speak. “Just like we promised,” he said, placing his net of fish on the stand with a tired but satisfied smile.

Kaede nodded, her voice sincere. “Again, we’re really sorry about earlier. I hope you can forgive us.” She smiled warmly at Arui, who stood behind his stall, his hands resting casually on the counter. He looked at the two of them with a thoughtful expression.

Arui’s smile was warm as he bent down to examine the haul. “I’m impressed,” he said, his voice carrying a note of genuine surprise. “I didn’t expect THIS much in just one day.”

He met their eyes, his tone shifting to one of appreciation. “Of course, I forgive you two. I can see you’re both good-hearted. Coming to me to make amends shows your character. You’ve earned my respect.”

Mujihina and Kaede exchanged a look, humbled by Arui’s words. He then reached into their net, taking a few of the fish and placing them into a two separate baskets.

“Here,” Arui said, handing the baskets to them. “I want you to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Have some fish, on me.”

Both Kaede and Mujihina blinked in surprise before bowing in gratitude. The gesture was unexpected but appreciated.

Tatsuo smiled, placing a hand on the shoulders of the two young ones. “Thank you very much, Arui. You’re too kind.” He bowed his head respectfully before turning back to the kids. “Let’s get home, Kaede. We need to clean up. And you too, Mujihina. I’m sure your parents would like to see you home by now.”

Mujihina smiled, nodding eagerly. “You’re right, Mr. Mizuhara. Goodnight!”

He turned to Kaede, offering her a playful grin. “And goodnight to you, Kaede. I’ll see you tomorrow!”

Kaede, still smiling, waved at him as he began to walk away. “Goodnight, Mujihina! See you tomorrow!”

As the sun dipped below the horizon, the three Kitsune made their way home.

The air in the kitchen was filled with the rich scent of simmering stew, steam rising from the pot as Yuriko Yashin moved around gracefully. Twirling and humming as she worked, the rhythm of her actions almost like a song. The table was set with care—plates and silverware gleaming in the warm light of the kitchen.

The door creaked open with a soft thud, and Mujihina, a boy with wild energy and a mischievous grin, stepped inside, carrying a small bundle of freshly caught fish. The scent of the outdoors clung to him, along with the unmistakable trace of his adventure.

“I’m home! Arui gave us some fish!” Mujihina called out, his voice full of excitement.

Yuriko turned, her smile brightening the room. “Welcome home, Mujihina! Isn’t that nice of him? I can cook that up for dinner tomorrow. Did you have fun with Tatsuo?”

Mujihina beamed, his excitement still palpable. “We had a blast! He taught us how to hook a worm and fight the fish! I’m a little nasty, though. Heheheh…”

Before Yuriko could respond, a calm, deep voice echoed from the doorway.

“In that case, you’ve arrived just in time,” the voice said, and the camera panned upward to reveal Yasuhiro Yashin, Mujihina’s father, stepping into the room with an easy smile, a towel slung over his shoulder. “The bath just became available.”

Mujihina’s eyes lit up at the sight of his father, and he rushed forward, throwing his arms around Yasuhiro’s waist. “Father! I didn’t know you’d be home today!”

Yasuhiro’s laughter was warm and welcoming as he returned the hug. “Hahaha, we managed to finish our mission a bit early this time. It’s good to see you, Mujihina!”

But as Yasuhiro pulled back, his eyes narrowed slightly, and a small, teasing smile curled on his lips. “That said… the way you smell right now… I can’t…” His words trailed off as he feigned weakness, staggering dramatically before collapsing.

Mujihina’s face turned bright red with embarrassment as he placed his hands on his hips. “Okay, okay, I got it…”

Yasuhiro and Yuriko shared a quiet chuckle as Mujihina stormed off toward the bath. The camera lingered in the kitchen as Yasuhiro took a seat at the table, his face growing serious.

Yasuhiro took a deep breath, the weight of the conversation to come settling in. “Yuriko…”

Yuriko paused in her stirring, her attention focused on her husband’s tone. “Yes, my love?”

Yasuhiro’s voice lowered, filled with a quiet concern. “There are new yokai gathering against us… yokai we’ve never seen in Kaminari Misaki before. They grow restless and lively. I'm not sure how much longer Heiwana will be safe. We may have to move the clan if things keep up like this…”

Yuriko stopped stirring, her face tightening with the gravity of his words. Slowly, she resumed stirring the pot, her expression softening as she spoke. “...I understand…”

She smiled, a slow and steady reassurance as she continued, her voice like a calm current. “We’ve followed you as our leader for a long time now. We have faith in your decisions, Yasuhiro.”

Yasuhiro’s eyes softened as he looked down at the table, the corners of his mouth lifting in a tender smile. “Thank you... Everything I do is for the Kitsune Clan… Mujihina… and you, Yuriko.”

Yuriko walked over to him, standing before him as their gazes met. She placed her hands on either side of his face, leaning in, their eyes locked in a deep connection.

“I love you,” she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Yasuhiro’s lips curved upward as he softly replied, “I love you too.”

They shared a quiet kiss, their embrace full of unspoken understanding. As they pulled apart, Mujihina returned from his bath, looking uncomfortable at the sight of his parents’ affection. He covered his eyes with exaggerated innocence.

“Should I come back?” he asked, his voice full of mock reluctance.

Yasuhiro and Yuriko laughed, breaking the tension. Yuriko, smiling warmly, moved toward the stove.

“It looks like it’s ready. Let’s eat!” she said, the playful lilt in her voice.

The scene shifted to a warm, family-filled dinner table. Yasuhiro regaled his son with tales of yokai battles, distant lands, and his past adventures. Mujihina listened intently, wide-eyed with awe, while Yuriko laughed at the silly faces Yasuhiro made as he animated the stories. The laughter and the crackling of the fire filled the space, creating an atmosphere of love and security.

As the meal wound down, Yuriko began clearing the bowls, and Mujihina, still deep in thought, spoke up.

“Hey, Father?” he asked, his voice quieter now.

Yasuhiro, eager to hear his son’s thoughts, looked up from his plate. “What’s on your mind, Mujihina?”

Mujihina’s expression grew more serious, and his eyes held a deep longing. “When will MY Kitsune Flames awaken?”

His words hung in the air, the room suddenly feeling heavier. “I want to see amazing places and earn respect and honor by protecting the village like you do…”

Yasuhiro’s gaze softened with understanding, and he leaned back in his chair, folding his arms across his chest.

“I see, I see,” he said thoughtfully. “Everyone is different. Some people awaken their flames before they’re even 10 years old. Others don’t awaken them until well into adulthood.” Mujihina listened closely, hanging on his father’s every word. “It all depends on your own latent potential. For example, you could awaken your flames tomorrow and barely be able to keep them lit. Or you could awaken them when you’re 18 and they could be significantly stronger. In the same regard, the opposite could be true. There’s no sure way to know when or how the Kitsune Flames will manifest. Only that they will. Be patient, Mujihina. In due time.”

Mujihina nodded slowly, his face contemplative but no longer anxious. He understood now. There was no rush.

Yasuhiro smiled and leaned forward, his voice warm with pride. “What we can do now is better prepare you for when they do awaken. What do you know about the Kitsune Flames?”

Mujihina, recalling his teachings, answered with confidence. “Let’s see… members of the Kitsune Clan will awaken these flames at some point in their life. When they awaken, they can either have healing properties or destructive properties.”

Yasuhiro’s face lit up with approval. “Very good, Mujihina! But that’s not all! The Kitsune Flames are a form of Reiki, or Essence Techniques. There are five types of Reiki. Hosei, or Fated Arts, are those beings are born with. Our flames fall under this category. Kozai No Ho, or Forged Arts, are Reiki that one has learned either through training or learning from another. Kibo No Ho, or Gifted Arts, are Reiki gifted to one through a ritual agreement with a spiritual being. Both sides agree to terms and as long as those terms remain met, the ritual remains active. Jigoku No Ho, or Infernal Arts, are Reiki obtained through treacherous deals with malicious yokai. You must never seek out Infernal Arts, they can never be undone. Lastly are the Tensho, or Ascendant Arts. These arts are exceedingly rare and can only be granted by the gods themselves.. Each type is tied to the flow of Yuki. Yuki is the life energy that intertwines us. It gives us the ability to wield our Kitsune Flames and gives us all the ability to utilize our essence throughout the world. And when our time has come, our Yuki will be transferred back to the world."

Mujihina, awestruck, leaned forward. “Amazing… So then the entire world uses the same Yuki?”

Yasuhiro winked. “Precisely! We borrow as much as we need before ultimately returning it. You could say it’s eternal.”

As the conversation shifted to a quieter note, Yuriko, now in her sleeping robe, appeared at the doorway, her voice gently cutting through the calm. “What’s not eternal is this night. Let’s get to bed now, come on, let’s go.”

Mujihina grinned, rising from his seat. “Alright, alright, I’m going.”

He turned back toward his parents, his voice soft but filled with affection. “Goodnight, mother. Father.”

Yuriko smiled warmly. “Goodnight, Mujihina.”

Yasuhiro, still smiling, added, “Rest well! You want to be prepared when your flames awaken, don’t you?”

Mujihina, a spark of excitement in his eyes, nodded eagerly. “Right!”

He dashed up the stairs, the camera lingering on his parents for a moment before fading to black.

The village of Heiwana Kitsune no Mura rests under the serene embrace of the moonlight, peaceful and quiet. Families settled in for the night, children drifting into slumber, and the sounds of nature filled the stillness—crickets singing their lullaby, flowers glowing softly in the pale moonlight, and the soft rustle of the breeze through the trees.

As the final lanterns were extinguished, the last of the villagers retired to bed, leaving the village in complete silence.

At the village gate, however, the mood shifted. A shadowy figure appeared against the backdrop of the moon. As the moonlight intensified, the silhouette of dark, ominous figures materialized—oni. Their jagged teeth were bared in grotesque, gnarled smiles, and their glowing eyes pierced the darkness with a malevolent hunger.

A low growl reverberated through the stillness of the night, sending a chill through the air as their eyes glowed with an eerie, bloodthirsty gleam.