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The Wolf Who Lost His Moon - Chapter 1: The Fox's Bargain

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Kenji had always felt like a square peg trying to fit into a round hole. Despite his sharp mind that craved for puzzles and creative solutions, life had steered him towards a monotonous office job.

From an onlooker's perspective he looked quite pathetic; a brown and greyed furred wolf slumped in his cubicle. The relentless hum of fluorescent lights a constant reminder of his stagnant existence. The endless rows of cubicles. Each a tiny fabric-wrapped prison, suffocating him like a dense artificial forest. Kenji sighed, his sensitive snout twitching at the stale, dusty air.

Outside, the sky remained a monotonous gray, casting a pall over the long, starless nights.

Shutting the cover before the single window in his cramped apartment, Kenji turned in for the night. The bed embraced him in a solemn hug. Fitful dreams came flickering out from the darkness again. They invited him slowly into that restless sleep where he could break away, free from his predicament. Kenji's days blurred into nights, marked only by the monotonous drone of the television and the infrequent pings of his phone, mostly notifications he ignored.

Meals were a solitary affair, takeout containers piling up in the corner and standing as testament to his dwindling motivation. The once-pristine kitchen lay neglected with a thin layer of dust coating the countertop. He'd stopped answering calls from the few remaining friends. Their cheerful voices a painful reminder of the life he'd left behind. His laptop was stashed in a drawer in the tiny flat; even online interactions felt hollow. The virtual world a poor substitute for genuine connection. One could say Kenji had become a hikikomori. One who withdraws from society and confines themselves to their home, often for extended periods. Well… he would, if not for his work.

Back in his apartment, again, he'd collapse onto the bed. …Again.

The weight of his isolation crushing him. Sleep offered a temporary escape, but the dreams were always the same. The rustling leaves, an elusive fox, the unanswered questions that echoed in the silence of his waking hours. At times, Kenji woke up with his heart pounding in his chest. The image of the fox lingering in his mind. He would restlessly pace his apartment, unable to shake the dream's intensity. Running his paw over his chest, he felt a tight knot, a mix of longing and unease.

''…Why do I keep dreaming of that fox?''

It had been a few years since he left his parental home, turning his home county in for the promise of the big city. The village where he grew up now taunted him from his memories. The past held him in a cruel grip, unsettling his sleep. The rustling leaves of the green thicket, a vibrant nature that surrounded him. The leaves before him swayed slowly, but there was no wind. There was no sound. Kenji perked his pointy ears. A soft whispering, a hidden conversation could be discerned. Faintly, he could see a long lost friend there. They were standing amidst the underbrush before shifting out of his view. They were gone.

He imagined that he could have reached out. Something he could have caught, held fast and joined with into that green and effervescent beauty of nature. He should have been there.

Kenji gritted his fangs in frustration, his knuckles turning white. Tears welled up, blurring his vision. There was no answer. The leaves swayed, and the moment had passed. The vivid nature slipped _ further__ out from his view, blurring. It ended with him being pulled back into a haze._

The figure in the forest... slowly they vanished.

During the days that followed this returning dream Kenji looked even more vaguely distraught. While flicking a pencil between his paws, he sat in his cubicle. The wolf's dream lingered on, the sense of loss haunting him like the stacks of paper brought in by his boss. ** **

What If I had done… that…?

His mind drifted back to the village, nestled in the shallow mountains, bordering on woods and sprawling rice fields. He had hiked those paths, climbed those trees and caught glimpses of wild foxes in the early mornings as he turned his muzzle up to take in the crackling fresh air in an early spring.

But it would have locked the average wolf in its existence. Farming, working the fields. A mundane job would be his future. Communication, in a modern sense, limited to the slow crawl comparable to the early internet days. The TV's a window to the past. What was left were books of course, and the rural fun. Seasonal festivals and events, visiting the hot springs and maybe crafting. Back then, he couldn't see his whiskers before his muzzle. Damnit!

The roaring city, or so it seemed at that time, was such an allure for Kenji. He wanted to experience the bustle, the rush of life, the manic experiences brought by the booming neon-lit main street. And, to run away. Kenji had always been anxious. _ A wolf out of place._ Each time he had visited the city, it had left him gasping for new experiences. He felt choked by the vast freedom in the nature of his hometown.

His dating life had resembled that: starved from experience. It consisted out of a small vixen, and he didn't know what to do. Fumbling in those early days, he struggled with his feelings. Back then he already figured, sensed, that something seemed to be missing. Though whatever that may be, he hadn't stood still to listen to his 'self or his own perception.

Granted, it is a skill barely taught to younger furs, whatever their culture. When he was in school, Kenji was handed naught but an embellished empty basket that held no answers.

No pointy ears that would actually listen to what he tried to say. Like in so many places, the construct had been created by a conservative board of adults. Would it real __l_ y be so difficult to design something that fits th at moment in development, where those feelings matter?_

His upbringing was like being tied down on a rollercoaster with the track perfectly soldered out ahead. It had left him wanting and desolate. He searched across his horizon, building upon himself and towards an unknown goal. His fate trajecting him towards that decision, towards restructuring his life.

And so, his life turned on an unexpected rural evening. Crickets chirped their song onto the last of the waning summer days. He remembered the pressure from his parents, their insistence that he join the N?ky?, the agricultural cooperative that had sustained their family for generations.

"It's time, Kenji," his father had said, his voice firm. "You're old enough."

They confronted their son as he came home from his vacation work at that time. Kenji slowly crumpled the registration papers between his paws as he read through the elegantly drafted lines. Planting his feetpaws firmly onto the family home's floorboards; the wood creaked and echoed his statement that he would rather clean toilets for a living than to become a farmer.

"Kenji!, you're acting like a spoiled child! This is our family's livelihood." His father retorted.

"I can't do it, Father. It's not who I am." Kenji responded.

"Think of your ancestors, Kenji! They would be ashamed!" His mother chimed in.

((()))

Banishment.

It is a harsh term, but there can be severe consequences in Japanese culture for children who bring dishonor to the family. When it came out that a neighbour had overheard their heated discussion, the parental response had been as such. Aggrieved, he was given a notice and an ultimatum wrapped together in a long lecture about disgracing their family legacy. Estrangement and the slashing of financial support were definite themes that had been laid bare on the table.

Adhering to yurushi however, Kenji's parents also valued forgiveness and reconciliation.

The wolf would need to take a long period of reflection and apology.

Kenji would have none of it. Fighting back his tears and having taken the final straw in the absence of being heard, he remained with just his love for his parents. ''They were just following their path. _''__ _Though try as they would, they couldn't reach Kenji beyond that maternal bond. In the still of the early morning, Kenji fitted his feetpaws in their cushioned travelers pads. He slipped his jacket on, his grey and brown forest' wolves coat bristling up against the fabric. It tickled in a strange way. The feeling was familiar. Outside, the cold night air hit his sensitive muzzle. He took in the tangy scent of the pinewoods mixed with the last of the flowering sunhats. Slowly, he turned to softly close the door behind him.

His friends he would miss. In particular, there was the red fox. Sota had bit his lip in silent outrage when Kenji told him about his plan. The emotions palpable, seething even. Kenji could see the tears welling up behind the fox's green eyes. They had always been close. The wolf couldn't put his claw on it. He felt wrong, he felt right. He didn't know how to feel. Sometimes, when he and Sota were play-fighting, something stirred within the wolf. It frightened him. A tight knot would form in his chest as he gasped out. Sota always caught Kenji in that vulnerable moment, knocking him on his ass and triumphantly straddling himself on top of the wolf. Though, time and time again, Kenji would return to Sota. He'd sometimes brought small gifts he thought the fox would like. Each time he didn't know if… or what he was doing. Passing it off whenever it was mentioned.

Kenji thought he was doing himself a favor, soul seeking on the internet. After a while, he had come into contact with a wolfess that was living in one of the fringe villages nearby the neon lit straits of Roughtop city. He spoke in excitement laden texts with Akiko. She was in a similar predicament, though her parents were far more liberated. She, too, felt that something wasn't right. Her house was without a home. In her bed and room, she felt like a visitor.

It was a relatively young city, situated within the large Roughburrow county. Closeby lay Haringfelt, an industry tangle with a prime connection to one of the few large rivers that bled out towards the sea, or backwards inland, giving acces to supply the backcountry with whatever technologies they had want or needed. Kenji's mind was set on Roughtop. Neon signs blazed in a dazzling array of colors, casting an otherworldly glow on the bustling streets. The crowds were a kaleidoscope of fur and scales, a dizzying mix of familiar and exotic faces. Towering skyscrapers pierced the night sky, their glass facades reflecting the city's vibrant energy. Dark alleyways snaked between the buildings, promising secrets and hidden dangers.

Kenji's desire aligned with Akiko and through their texts they connected more and more, sharing snippets of the past. Dreams, hopes, challenges. The differences in upbringing stark yet comparable as they both sought to find something that they thought they were missing. Expectations were high and the experiences they had during their visits to the city paved the foundation for a possible future. They could probably raise cubs there, a life full of opportunity. Everything within paws reach.

"Look at all the lights, Kenji! Isn't it amazing?" Akiko chirped.

"It's overwhelming, but... exciting. I can see us building a life here." Kenji had said.

_ "We will. Together."_

Akiko started as a pot-washer in one of the many trendy and bustling restaurants surrounding the touristic plaza. Kenji however failed at first. One rejection was followed by another, and another. Each time ruffling the country fur on his wolfish frame. Unrealistic expectations can be a metaphysical bitch. He thought it would have been easy. The glitter and glamour of his previous escapades draping a beautiful veil over a harsh reality.

A highly competitive job-market and steep requirements quickly curbed Kenji down. For a while he managed to get an apprenticeship within a factory, away from the hustle and bustle that foremost drew him in. When they asked him to relocate, to work for a tunneling shop that was busy creating a direct line between a factory and its resources, he had to refuse. He didn't come to the city to be shipped off towards another fate like that. After a while he came upon an administration office. They worked in bookkeeping, administrating a large branch of tourist shops around the main plaza. It was close, a brisk walking distance from their humble apartment and more so towards the allure of neon and darkened alleys in the bowels of the city.

As they lived together, both Akiko and Kenji had started to notice how their lives were slowly changing. The silvery veil started to lift with each month they lived in their apartment together.

There were, of course, distractions that would sometimes come to plague Kenji. During their time spent together and cuddling on the couch, Kenji would catch his mind wandering to thoughts about someone else. At those instances, that were becoming increasingly more common, a knot would form in his stomach. Guilt mixing with a forbidden thrill. He would gently pull away from Akiko, feigning tiredness or distraction. ''I shouldn't be thinking about… but… I can't help it!''

One a non-particular Monday, Kenji was walking homewards from his work in the usual direction. As he came near one of the many alleyways that served as fire-escape route in between the cityscape of the Roughtop, a menacing claw appeared from the shadows. Thugs easily overcame him and he was dragged into the darkness of that alleyway. The scuffle was over within a few minutes, however long it felt for the wolf. As he was beaten, he quickly relented his possessions. Meager as they were.

At the police station, Kenji was questioned. ''…What did they look like, sir?'' A mouse behind a bulletproof pane asked as they diligently scribbled down upon paper notes. After what felt like a small century, the chirpy sound of the mouse could be heard through the pane's communication; ''We're sorry, Mr Wolf, we've filed your report, but with the description you provided we won't be able to do much.''

''…We already try to patrol the alleys on a timely basis''.

''Next in line, please''. Kenji was left to be ushered aside by another patron.

"Why me? Why did this happen? Maybe I don't belong here after all..."

Stepping back out into the street, that old feeling returned to Kenji. This was, of course, a very unfair and vulnerable situation to be in. As Kenji walked back towards his home, he passed a group of young foxes laughing and playing along the streets. He averted his gaze, feeling a pang of loneliness and envy. His pointy ears drooped slightly, and he quickens his pace. ''They seem so carefree… so connected. Why can't I be like that?''

At home, Akiko tried her best to reconcile him. She went as far as offering her muzzle in an effort to distract Kenji (…and let endorphins flood his body), but he couldn't get it up either way. He wasn't feeling it for a while already.

Not to the fault of the wolfess, beautiful as she was. Her fur glimmered under the silvery moonlight. Her hips, also, didn't lie and promised healthy cubs. That is, if Kenji would let himself go without protection. He had always been an ass-guy. But after the first few times he couldn't bring himself to it. He thought the spark would return, that it had to do with their situation. Their life just wouldn't set itself on the rails they discussed that it should. Slowly they stopped planning for the future, living from paycheck to paycheck. The bed a cold divide between the couple, that what should be an intimate surrounding.

After coming home from a dismal day at the office, Kenji forgot to bring the needed groceries that they had discussed the previous day. Akiko wouldn't leave it. It was another fight over menial things. Small topics could get blown out of context. Irritations that would normally be dealt without second-thought grew into heated discussion that left both in silence. Their communication faltered and broke down. Kenji tried, but each time he wanted to talk Akiko's expectations clashed with their reality. She thought Kenji wasn't doing enough to handle the situation and Kenji thought Akiko was being unreasonable with him. One evening of takeout turned to two, then three, as both Akiko and Kenji refused to think about the food, playing the blaming game. Kenji would remain at home and Akiko would go out more and more.

His current love life started to mirror the stagnation brought on by the city's trenches. The time spent together in the city seemed to chip away at the spark in their relationship. The final blow came on a Saturday night. After Kenji refused to join Akiko in the bedroom while she was in heat, tensions peaked. Tired of their stagnant existence, Akiko announced she was leaving. Kenji was heartbroken, but a part of him also understood. He couldn't bring himself to blame her for his own actions, or lack thereof. Kenji growled at his own reflection in the mirror. He felt the tears and rubbed his eyes until they were red.

Firstly Kenji was left alone in their old and already cramped apartment, until he could no longer afford it. The breakup wiped out most of their savings, leaving him barely scraping by in an even smaller, dingy flat. The walls of his tiny flat seemed to close in on him, the single window offering a meager glimpse of the gray cityscape. The air was thick with the smell of dampness and loneliness. The only sounds were the ticking of the clock and the occasional drip from the leaky faucet. Dark alleys surrounded Kenji closer than he had wanted to.

((()))

It was a peculiar bleak afternoon that found Kenji wandering in the direction of the oldest flea market in the city. It was a short way from the downtown centre of Roughtop, and his cramped apartment. The sun was slowly beginning to dip between the gray and mottled concrete high-rises, casting long shadows across the bustling streets near the market. A faint neon glow emanated from the direction of the plaza, illuminating the faces of the diverse crowd. Kenji weaved his way through the throng, his senses overwhelmed by the cacophony of sounds and smells. He paused at a street corner, his heart pounding in his chest. A group of rowdy raccoons jostled past, their laughter continuing to echo in a narrow alleyway. Kenji instinctively gripped his bag tighter, the memory of the robbery still fresh in his mind.

The wolf walked broodingly, seemingly without purpose around the various stalls that were drawn up. A riot of colors and textures greeted Kenji as he stepped around the flea market. The air buzzed with the chatter of haggling shoppers and the enticing aromas of street food. Vendors of all shapes and sizes hawked their wares, from antique trinkets to handcrafted jewelry. Hidden among the clutter were treasures waiting to be discovered. From the corner of his eyes, he noticed the flickering candlelight from a small antiques stall. Kenji approached the stand. Velvet, dark red tapestry enclosed the table.

The air at the table hung heavy with the scent of incense and old paper. Looking over the wares, he noticed strange scrolls, old books and some strangely shaped objects. He inadvertently blushed under the grey fur on his muzzle as he realized what they were; draconic 'toys' made in the image of an evil dragon. Averting his eyes, his gaze fell upon a dusty fox statue tucked away in the corner of the table. It was small and unassuming, but the statues knowing eyes seemed to hold a silent promise as they gleamed from the dark towards the onlooking wolf. "Ah!, young wolf, you have a discerning eye. This kitsune holds great power." a crookedly old white fox suddenly appeared from around the cover of the stalls red-velvet drape. The vulpine was blind in one eye, its tail bent in age. The single fox eye sharp- piercing, as if measuring the worth of what stood before him. ''It's just a few bucks, young wolf''

"I... I can't afford it right now."Kenji said, scratching his scruff as he looked embarrassed at the old fox. With a cryptic smile, the fox retorted ''Perhaps fate has other plans, young one. Would you care for a… draconic sculpture?'' With a red muzzle, Kenji thanked the fox.

''I _ __ really shouldn't buy __ frivolous things a__ t this moment .''_ Kenji milled the statue over in his head. He felt a sadness creep over him. Those gleaming little eyes staring at him from across the table, seemingly stirring his soul.

The next morning came. As he went to open the front door of his abode to let some fresh air in, the door lightly knocked against something. The sound startled Kenji in his sleepy stupor. Slowly he peeked around the corner. On the stepping stone sat a box wrapped in a brown shipping paper. Addressed to his name, a tag written with an elegant calligraphy that he couldn't furthermore decipher. Inside, nestled in straw, was the Inari statue from the flea market. A shiver ran down his spine. But never has he mentioned his address!

There was no note…, no return address…, just… the watchful presence of the kitsune.

Kenji felt a strange mix of fear and intrigue. Was this a prank? A cruel joke? The fox statue mockingly held his gaze as he looked at it in the box. Kenji's hackles rose as an instinct within him reared. He growled softly at the fox statue. Baring his fangs, the fox's gaze was innocent. It admonished the wolf with a prickling silence. Kenji swore the statue was smirking at him. The unease felt heavy, like a dark orb in his chest. He was compelled to take a few swift strides from his home. He opened the garbage collection bin standing between a tight stone cleft and his neighbors front door. He tossed the statue away. Kenji heard a dull thud from the bin while he turned around. After heading back inside his home, he wolfed down coffee and splashed water over his muzzle. Work was coming up.

As Kenji made his way towards the concrete valley that housed his office, he passed by the other side of the forsaken alley that found him robbed and beaten before. Since then Kenji had been strictly on his guard as he passed it, or any alley for that matter. Sweeping his surroundings, he made across the alley's entrance with a slight birth, keeping away from the shadows. Something disturbed him from the corner of his eyes. He jerked his grey muzzle towards the alley and braced himself to run at the slightest sign. Nothing moved.

A crisp, albeit dusty, city-wind stroked his sensitive whiskers as he looked on into the alley. His hackles lowered and Kenji sighed, relaxing his posture a little before taking a first step forward again. When he was halfway through turning his muzzle back towards the street before him, he imagined a white fox standing in the alley. Smirking ever so slyly as it seemed to look into the direction of Kenji, it's tails (…tails?) moving in a slow hypnotic wag behind it.

The remainder of the day was left uninteresting. His boss, a haughty otter, had brought a fresh stack of papers that Kenji had to work through, took the effort to make small-talk, but excused himself as his beeper went off. “Please, I am sorry to have brought you a bit more today, stay until they are all finished.'' The rudder tail swished out of view as the otter turned around the cubicles. Kenji was left sitting with his paw raised, clawed finger extended to interject. His pining question ignored by the busy mustelid.

''But… it's my birthday…,'' he mumbled softly as he whimpered, looking over the stack of files.

((()))

The sun had already dipped between the gray and mottled concrete high-rises and skyscrapers. A faint neon glow emanating from the plaza could be seen like an ephemeral halo around the building's silhouettes. The front entrance had already been sealed for the day and his other colleagues had already left. A remaining guard had just started their graveyard shift.

They were startled by the sudden arrival of a wolf from somewhere inside the office building.

''Leave a notice that you're working over-time, next time please!'' the guard grumbled as he unlocked the backdoor and ushered the wolf out into the back alley.

Kenji stalked wearily out of the office backdoor. The cold evening air hit his nose as he looked around with wide eyes. The alley was deserted and clear. Since he hadn't left the office from the back alley before, Kenji had to gather his surroundings in for a second before realizing in what way he had to walk towards his home.

Gratefully, he arrived at his place without incidents. Coming up to his door, however, he could see a small brown package sit on the stepping stone towards his front door. The tag, tied to the package with a coarse string, bobbed softly in the slight evening wind. Kenji looked at the package, another growl churning in his throat. Passing on to his door, he swooped at the package with a feetpaw, smacking it in the vague direction of the trash can. He fumbled with his key for a second before unlocking his door. He glanced over his shoulder at the package. It lay half hidden in the shadows close by a garbage bag left out by his neighbour._ _He groaned before turning in, locking the door behind him and keeping the key in his pocket. He had a sober meal of cold ramen with synthetic meats from his fridge. Even though it was cold, it was tasty. After his dinner he grabbed a small puzzle pocketbook. Kenji busied his mind for a moment.

The last of the sun dripping in through the flat's singular window was exchanged by the soft hue of neon that laced the city nights. It had its charm, like a magical blanket over a weary concrete jungle.

A form of nature seldom seen.

Having almost finished a sudoku puzzle, the small table light he had next to him flickered out. A shadow seemed to creep over his room. A sharp knocking sound, coming from his front door made Kenji jump, banging his knee against the low table and sending his pencil holder flying, distributing the pencils neatly throughout his room.

His heart raced as he sat in the darkness of his room for a moment. He stared at his front door, but, nothing happened. Silence.

Kenji moved his paw to fiddle with the switch of the light on his table. It clicked but nothing happened. Suddenly, the tip tapping sound of clawed feetpaws could be heard from behind his door. The feetpaws moved away and then vanished. The light turned back on.

Before checking his singular window four times, and checking the lock on his door yet another, he made ready for bed. His dreams were unruly; there were no leaves this time. Not the haunting nature from his childhood.

''There is… something else…?''

A white fox came into his vision. It was walking towards Kenji. He was sitting on his knees. His paws folded in his lap as he looked out before him. The world around was formless, like a cloud. Pink hued, blue, white…, stark and soft at the same time. The wind was still. The fox was coming closer.

Its white fur softly waved as if played with by a sultry summer wind. Fierce gleaming yellow eyes were trained upon the wolf. His hips… his hips?… swayed with each step the fox took. Slowly he was coming…

Kenji awoke annoyed in his bed, and with a rigidly straining erection. His knot barely kept in his sheath and his muzzle felt dry as he smacked his parched lips. He rubbed the sleep from his eyes and recounted the strange new dream. ''What is it with these damn foxes…'' He mouthed to himself as he looked at the ceiling above his bed.

He could see how a spider had comfortably nested in one of the corners. Focusing his annoyance on it and keeping the infuriating spider in the corner of his eye, he thought to swat it. In a lazy stretch he ran his paws over his body, brushing against his canine shaft …and lower, along his hips before pushing against something papery. It crumbled softly under his paw as he strained in his stretch.

Poking his muzzle down toward his paw to investigate, Kenji saw the brown package wrapping strewn across his bed. Following a small trail of paper over the floor, his brown eyes turned slowly towards the low table standing in the middle of his one-room apartment. In the middle of the table the white fox statue was standing, It's muzzle was pert- gleaming eyes directly staring at the bedridden wolf.

The coarse string lay torn next to it. The tag dangling from the table's edge. He expected a cold shiver to run over his back. That a fit of panic would wash over him…. ''Someone has been in my room.''

He didn't seem to panic however.

Turning his muzzle further upwards towards the door, It remained decently closed. The extra bolt he had fastened on it, securely stuck in its place. The window was also undisturbed, the curtain unmolested. His bed felt comfortable on his back. ''…I'm going crazy, that's it…!''

''…Can you stop outfoxing me!!'' Kenji growled against the walls in the room.

Silence.

He shrugged against his bed. Recalling the recent dream as he looked at the white fox statue. The worn bronze peeking through some of the white paint revealed a hidden beauty. As he looked closer, a strange sense of calm washed over him, a feeling that perhaps…

The day turned out fine in any other sense. Kenji was chirpy, as if being slightly lifted. He moved with a slightly more reassured strut over the rough pavement. His boss nodded at him and waved him over as he came in the office.

''For your outstanding work yesterday''. The otter said, handing Kenji a neatly written cheque.

''A little bonus for you, Mr Wolf''.

Kenji wagged his grey and brown tail in abandon. It had been a while since he had noticed something positive. Finishing his work for the day, he was excused a little earlier than his colleagues. Striding out from the front entrance, Kenji turned towards the street and set for the nearby store, a D'hole foods market.

He was going to cook something again. The small brimstone that had smoldered in the pit of his stomach seemingly beginning to stir. The dusty city air had a refreshed and welcoming feel.

'Feels good to be appreciated once in a while, Wolf?' Kenji could hear a clear yippy voice taunt him from behind. Turning on his heels to face the voice, Kenji found nothing. The street lay empty, basking in the elated sun that weaved in between the buildings. A few bold weeds stood in between the pavement and the edge of the street. He could hear a clear voice laugh in a high pitched sound that seemed to fade out teasingly. ''Yes, it does!'' He growled in return as he swiveled his ears around him to try and find the source of the sound. As Kenji turned back towards where the store was situated, he swore he could feel something… or someone gently push him in his back, nudging him along. Towards the store, Kenji started to notice a lot more foxes in the city. They suddenly seemed to be everywhere.

Of course, having previously mostly been staring at the ground as he trudged along between his home, his work and the store, he would never had noticed te populace of Roughtop city.

There was a cacophony of different species. Some of which Kenji swore he had never seen before. He pulled out his phone from his pocket to check on the time and as he held it infront of him, the phone started ringing. It made Kenji flinch at first, before he remembered the correct response, and held it to one of his pointy ears.

…Silence.

Then he made a slight jump as the phone ringed again, now directly in his ear. ''Fuck''. He mumbled as he pressed the call button, and tried it again.

''Kenji! Jeez, I thought you'd never pick up again…! Happy birthday, …still!'' A shrill voice could be heard from across the phone.

Kenji vaguely remembered it… 'is this… Sota…?'

''…It's Sota!'' the voice beamed from the phone's speaker. ''I can't talk for very long now, sorry, I tried to call you yesterday! But it returned as unavailable!''. ''…Oh, I have to go!'' …''Call me back later?''.

Sota's tornado of words came as quickly as it left. Kenji still holding the phone to his ear after he had promised to call back and said their goodbye's. Sota…. Sota…. Oh! Sota …the fox? from my village…? Kenji frowned. His tail twitched in remembrance, his mind going back into a corner he had somehow forgotten. Very infrequently, he still had contact with Sota. They talked to each other over Telegram. Sometimes called by phone. Kenji's parents had at times asked Sota about how Kenji was doing. They had an inkling that Sota and Kenji still would be in contact, as they had been friends since they were cubs. In their younger days, the two had at times been inseparable. Sota would follow the wolf around and Kenji would bring little gifts to the fox. Their parents had always thought it was so adorable. ''Look at those cuties!''

Shrugging in the memory, Kenji could feel a strange blush warming over his body, his fur tingled along where it touched his lightly woven clothes that loosely enveloped his average frame.

''When did I last talk to him?''

He scratched at his muzzle as he continued on. Inside the store he caught glimpses of a white fox along the various isles. Glancing over at the fox, Kenji thought he saw the fox giving him a slight smile right before it turned to reach something on a shelf, it's bushy tail raising slightly in the effort, revealing a rather good looking behind… Kenji swallowed hard as he felt a blush creep over his muzzle.

The delays were adding towards days end. He still wanted to cook.

Back at home, he placed the groceries down and pushed the singular window open. Fresh air immediately lightened the room. The sun basked over the fox statue that remained standing in the middle of his chabudai, the low table in the centre of his room. As Kenji looked at the statue, it seemed to gleam back at him. ''I …didn't move it?'' He cocked an eyebrow at the statue and looked a little closer. He noticed fine red lines along the painted white fur. Finished with red eye-liners and red dipsticks on the tails. It was a lovely red, in perfect harmony with the white fur on the bronze figurine.

Leaving it standing, Kenji thought about the statue while he prepared his dinner. Making sure to cook enough to save a few portions for later, he skimmed through wikipedia, looking for the description of fox statues: ''Inari (????, Inari ?kami) is a prominent and multifaceted deity in Japanese mythology and Shinto belief, deeply associated with abundance, prosperity, and worldly success (…),

_Foxes (Kitsune): Inari's most recognizable connection is with foxes, known as kitsune. These intelligent and shape-shifting creatures act as Inari's messengers and guardians, symbolizing cunning, adaptability, and resourcefulness. (…) _

Gender Fluidity: Inari transcends traditional gender roles, often depicted as both male and female or even androgynous. This reflects the deity's boundless nature and ability to encompass a wide range of attributes and domains.

Fox Nature: Messengers and Guardians: Kitsune serve as intermediaries between Inari and the physical world, delivering blessings, warnings, or even challenges. They protect Inari's shrines and can bestow good fortune or misfortune depending on their intentions. Foxes are often associated with fertility, representing the cyclical nature of life and the interconnectedness of all things. Their playful and sometimes mischievous nature also embodies the unpredictability of life and the need for adaptability. (…).

After having finished his cooking, dinner and having cleaned his modest kitchen since a good long while, Kenji let himself drop on his bed as he slowly read through the article. He blushed inadvertently as he read that foxes are often associated with fertility. He felt how the blush crept over his body, causing his loins to stir as he thought back to the brief phone conversation he had with Sota.

''…What the…?'' He gave a confused growl as he used a free paw to tug his underwear in a more comfortable position while his erection strained. His shaft softly pressed from his sheath against the fabric of his clothing and pulsed lewdly.

He tossed his phone away and flattened his ears as he tried to think of something else. But his mind wouldn't clear. He could see Sota, as clear as day, before him. The red fox's smile crisp, white fangs gleaming in the autumn evening as they laughed and joked together. Kenji felt warm all over. This fuzzy feeling wasn't something he was accustomed to. Sliding out of his bed, he stalked over to his kitchen. He stuck the thermometer in his ear and winced from the cold tip. ''I must be running a fever.'' After a brief moment the thermometer beeped calmly. Taking it before his snout he peeked at the result; ''98,6 degrees''. He mumbled.

Kenji narrowed his eyes at the thermometer suspiciously, as if it had somehow betrayed him.

((()))

He left the statue alone for a few days, his work remaining the same. Though, he imagined the air inside the office was… slightly less dusty. At night he'd sit moodily at his table, wolfing down dinner as he glared at the statue. ''What now, …huh!?.'' He mouthed towards it.

On the sixth day, again waking up from his newly attained white fox dreams to his own straining canine shaft. His knot pulsed and he couldn't shake the sensations. Even after rubbing it out twice in one morning- both times his orgasms had been rather …lengthy. He remembered the Inari article he read while cooking. He made up his mind.

That afternoon he went back to the Flea Market. Taking a small cut from his birthday bonus, Kenji made a deal on a small Kaminada for a shrine. With it, the stand keeper insisted he took the An for free. After vigorously wagging his tail and bowing his muzzle in thanks, Kenji took the items back to his tiny home.

As he unlocked the door and pushed inside, he found the fox statue had moved. It sat closer to the edge, towards the door. It's gleaming eyes watching Kenji as he took his new possessions inside. The wolf rolled his eyes at the statue. He felt strangely giddy.

''If I end up in some sort of Conjuring movie, …may they taxidermy my butt…''

Turning towards the statue, he playfully mocked at it. He cleared the remaining corner in his one-room flat. The Kaminada was set snugly in the corner. The An placed before. Kenji shivered as he looked at his small and modest setup. Turning around, he looked at the fox statue that had occupied his table these last days. The room felt tense, like the air could snap at him. A knot started to form in his stomach again as he picked the statue up, lightly dusting it with a cloth before setting it atop the shrine.

From his kitchen he grabbed the tiniest bowl, filled with rice and another with water. He placed them onto the An before the statue. Sighing, Kenji took the pillow he sat on from his table and kneeled down on it before the shrine. ''Here goes…'' He growled before he looked up at the fox statue.

It sat proudly atop the shrine. It's gleaming eyes regarding the wolf with interest.

''Oh Inari-sama… I have humbly made this small shrine in my home to honor you. I may not have much to offer… Kenji glanced at his paws folded in his lap and blushed, but I offer you my sincere gratitude and respect.'' ''Please watch over me… and…'' ''…Fuck me!''

Kenji yelped as the bowl with water came tumbling down on his muzzle. It knocked his snout right on the boop and splashed the water over his face like some sort of silly blessing.

''…A little crude…, but we'll get to that… later…'' An otherworldly voice rang lilting through Kenji's mind.

Turning swiftly around, he glanced through his flat.

…Silence… Nothing moved.

''I'm here, …silly…'' The voice flowed again, crisp, soft and inviting. This time there was a clear direction. Kenji looked over to his bed. On it lay a white fox in perfect semblance to his dream. The fox had one feetpaw propped up and one arm hooked upwards so his white scruff would lean on a velvety black paw. Red lines marked hauntingly beautiful over its frame, encircling their eyes and defining the tell-tale mark along the fox's quaint muzzle. The fox's lips moved again, but Kenji didn't listen. His eyes had wandered over the fox on display; roaming towards the fox's legs and found …him… in his proud form.

''Up here'' The fox grinned and his eyes narrowed at the wolf.

''You have entered a pact, …wolf.

''…Tell me… your name.''

''I-… W-who…What?'' Kenji stammered as he looked into the piercing yellow eyes of the fox. Kenji felt something poke him in his back, snapping him deftly out of his gawking. ''…K-kenji!'' He finally blurted out. ''Who… are you!?'' The present reality felt silly. Somehow this fox had made its way into his apartment, …naked, and was laying on his bed! ''as if a certain artist could appear any minute now.''

''…Like one of your french foxes…?'' A ghostly voice could be heard speaking through and ephemeral aperture.

The wolf blushed fiercely. Keeping his muzzle trained on the fox's eyes and not daring to glance lower, again. The fox noticed, and teasingly shifted his hips. ''Nice to finally meet you, Kenji''

''…My name is… Kuzunoha''. The fox slyly winked at Kenji as he shifted his hips some more, pushing his plumb sheath out towards the kneeling wolf.

Kenji was hit by a warm feeling. The room suddenly lighting up. A bright warmth engulfed the wolf and he felt like he was being slightly lifted up. The presence wasn't unkind. He felt no fear as he was taken in by the shapely fox. It enveloped him, the feeling of a thousand tiny paws roving over his fur. ''…I am sent by Inari, …to you.''

''They have taken an interest in you, wolf.''

'There are certain things you must do… during your journey''

''…Before you can move on.''

''W-what do you mean, …what things?'' Kenji said dreamily.

''You will find …out.''

The light faded in the room, leaving the wolf temporarily stunned as he sat kneeling. His paws cupped over his muzzle. The fox had gone from his bed. The dimple from where it's ephemeral body had laid visible in the blankets.

The waning sun's remaining rays splintered through the singular window and shone upon Kenji's mottled grey and brown fur. Night crept close and settled in around. The wolf had nervously approached his bed. The dimple in the blankets where the foxy figure had laid was still there. Kenji had no choice but to cradle himself in it. Tentatively he took a whiff at the blanket.

It smelled… vaguely of incense, lemongrass …pinewood… and 'fox'.

Kenji caught himself murring softly as the scent hit his sensitive snout. ''…This isn't so bad.''

He recalled his experiences throughout this day. The words of the fox settled on his mind as he thought them over. ''Things you must do… during your journey.''

He didn't have an inkling. He felt that the world had mostly treated him like a scurvy dog, manged and feral. Naught for the gnawing feeling in his chest. He tried to remember Akiko but his mind settled again on Sota.

The red fox's bushy tail smacked heatedly against his muzzle as they were playing among the underbrush in the forest close to their village. Kenji had felt that tight knot in his stomach again. The fox's whiskers trembled in anticipation as he sensed the wolf's trepidation. Sota pounced on him. Kenji yelped as he was thrown on his back again. The red fox straddled his chest, pinning his arms to the ground.

''…Give up wolf!!''

The excited yip… the voice full of mirth. Taunting the growling wolf below him. Relenting, Kenji grumbled and stopped resisting. He relaxed his arms.

Sota noticed and grinned amicably.

The red fox had kept the Kenji's paws down, and he shifted his lithe frame down… shuffling himself lower before settling himself right atop the wolfs hips.

Kenji could feel the fox's dipstick tail brush over his feetpaws… the fox's butt inadvertently grinding over his…

''…No!!'' Kenji toppled Sota from his frame.

The red fox's surprised look. Forever it was burned into his vision. Sota had been so puzzled. To the fox, it had been so very clear. The wolf's intentions… should have been correct?

''Kenji…??'' ''W-what's …wrong!''

Kenji remained silent. He got up. His muzzle held down as he strode off. Inside him his feelings whirred, spun. At home he wouldn't eat. Only deep into the night, where no soul normally would be awake, could he cry. The tears welled up from a place inside his body that he couldn't reach. It was dark there. _''W-why did I push him away…'' _Kenji softly lamented onto the walls of his bedroom.

His pointy ears folded. He bit down hard in the summer blanket, until his fangs started to ache.

Back in Roughtop, It was deep into the night when Kenji stirred in his sleep in his singular apartment. He was back again in the forest. The fox tossed him down and the wolf kicked at the blanket in his bed.

Sota was there, sitting… straddling his hips.

Kenji could feel the fox's tail brush over his feetpaws as the fox's butt slowly moved over his sheath. Kenji gasped and he looked up towards the fox. The vision blurred, the red fur weaving into the firmament beyond. ''Red fox… White fox…?''

Sota grinned amicably down at him.

The fox didn't speak- no words were needed to convey their feelings. Kenji strained, pushing his hips up against Sota. His shaft poking free from his sheath, easily finding purchase in between the cleft of the fox's furred rump atop him. Wide eyed, his brown wolfish gaze held Sota's. He could feel the fox moving his paw behind them. Sota mouthed soothing words at the wolf. He grabbed the wolf by his tip. Deftly rubbing it between his tender fingers. A wet sensation covered him, squelching even. It felt slippery.

Sota's soft eyes held Kenji's gaze as he slowly sat back, guiding the wolf's tip a little higher, sinking it inside… slowly. The fox gasped in a soft bark- a white fang biting his black velvet lips. Kenji's weeping shaft then grew up into those tight confines. He felt warm all over as more of him entered that sweltering fox. He felt Sota's paws rest on his chest as the fox pushed back on him. He took the wolf as far as he could before yelping out loudly. His crisp yippy voice released into the nature that surrounded them.

Kenji grimaced, wincing in pleasure as he felt his growing knot push up against Sota. His paws released, Kenji brought them down onto Sota's hips, straddling the fox down.

He moved his hips. The red fox yipped. Claws dug into the fur of his chest. Again, Kenji shook under the exertion. Sota let out soft whiny pants each time the wolf found his purchase.

Kenji whimpered back up towards the fox, hilting deeply within his… his….

He finally took Sota on that fateful ride, denied so long ago. ''Is this… what should have happened…?''

Kenji tensed, he could feel the tingle of the rising orgasm in his balls. The feeling grew stronger, it was inevitable… the wolf struggled against the fox as his thrusts became more frantic while Sota cried out for him. The wolf could take it no longer...

…He tightly gripped the white furred flanks of… ''W-white…?!!''

Piercing yellow eyes fixed his gaze as the white fur came clearly into view. Kenji rutted in wild abandon, he gasped as he tried calling out for Sota, but his knot pressed up into someone else.

Kuzunoha clenched down hard on the wolf's knot as he came. Kenji felt as if he was being drained, his orgasm so powerful. His mind flooded with images of Sota. The red fox smiled warmly at him. Kenji was left panting hard. Tongue lolling out in canine fashion as the white fox remained straddled over his hips. Paws casually stroked through the brown and grey fur on the wolf's chest.

''I will require payment… for guiding you… wolf.'' Kuzunoha murmured at the wolf under him. '…'And …do you remember your prayer?''

The clear, otherworldly giggle coming from the fox ringed pleasantly in the wolf's pointy ears. ''I'll be honest, I didn't need to toss that bowl of water over you. But I… wanted to hear you say it'' The white fox clenched down teasingly around Kenji, drawing the last of wolf's essence that he could give… for now. Kenji averted his eyes and blushed. He felt sated and very tired. ''Don't worry puppy, you'll regain your strength in a not-too-long time. I only took a little of your Ki''. Kuzunoha licked his lips as he moved one of his paws behind them. Kenji could feel the fox cupping his balls, almost lovingly, while they remained knotted together.

It took another moment before Kenji started to soften. The white fox grunted in a cheery pleasure. It's white fur shimmering under the moonlight in revitalized colour. Moving his hips, he popped the wolf free from his butt. The white fox lifted himself off the bed and stretched. As he stood next to the bed, he eyed down to regard Kenji. The canine lay practically knocked out, sprawled on the bed.

''Guess I went a little too far'' A blush spread over the white fox's muzzle, and he giggled. Stepping back, the kitsune faded into the remainder of the night, its form dispersing over the shrine. The fox statue glowed where it stood. It's eyes gleamed fiercely, holding the wolf in a protective gaze.

The morning found Kenji in a lewd mood. Shaft still sticky, now half covered by his grey furred sheath. He stretched into the blankets. He recalled the previous night in vivid imaginary. Turning, he pressed his flushed muzzle into the pillow. He imagined that he felt drained of his energy, lethargic.

Pushing himself up, none of that was true. He velt rejuvenated, …fresh even…!

''Was that a dream…?'' He pawed at his own shaft. A sticky residue, undoubtedly cum, matting the fur on his paw. He could definitely smell the sex. It hung vapid in his house. It clung to his bedding. Kenji sighed contentedly. It had been a long time since he had such a release. Even if it all was but a dream. He fondly thought about Sota. His vision then darkening with the realization of the nature of his dream. He had shied away from the fox before. Now he… had pushed through? ''What is this… feeling?'' Kenji felt as if hit by an epiphany. He felt a sudden and strong urge to call Sota. Frantically, he grasped for his phone. It wasn't on the small plank that doubled as a 'night stand' above the head of his bed. ''Not the right time… wolf.'' An otherworldly voice fleeted through his senses.

''Long have you denied your own feelings.''

''Now… I merely brought them out.''

''That what already was pining deep inside of you.''

''…Though, …it sure went deep''

A mirthful laugh could be heard echoing along the walls in his flat. The sun glimmered through the singular window, breathing life into the stilled air. Kenji grunted, slackened his form and relented to the presence.

''Alright…fox.''

''Yes… I've been running away.''

''I don't know how I… can handle these feelings.''

''Don't try.''

''Just be.''

''...You cannot run from your feelings, they will consume you if you do.''

Silence. Kenji checked the time on the ever-ticking clock. ''Fuck.'' He had exactly, 15 minutes to eat and wash-up. Kenji could feel his boss's eyes prying from across the city. Kenji lurched towards his kitchen. He prepared a modest meal and something to take with him to work. Throwing some fresh water across his muzzle, he forgot to actually wash-up in the rush. During the day, Kenji sat blushing in the breakroom. He could hear two canines behind him stifle a laugh in soft hushed voices.

The scent of sex definitely lingered upon his fur. He must have reeked of it.

''Let them giggle, wolf.'' Kenji could hear the ephemeral voice mirthfully ring through his body. ''Are you hitching a ride within me or something?" he blurted out seemingly at random. The female wolves behind him fell silent. Their faces tilted in his direction. Kenji could feel their stare on his back and it made him blush scarlet colors.

''Careful… Kenji, they might mistake you for a red fox when they see your blushy muzzle.''

''And who's fault would that be'' Kenji voice was hushed, under breath, as he softly snapped his retort towards the infuriating spiritual presence. ''remember, what I told you this morning, wolfy.'' the kitsune's mischievous voice teased Kenji in his core. ''Let them smell it, carry that scent of sex with pride. It's been long due since you should have opened up to your true self.''

''I am not... ashamed of our.. I-I m-mean, the scent! It's just immodest to smell like that in a work environment!

The vulpine presence in Kenji smirked. He could feel a pleasant throb run through his frame as the kitsune drew some power from the wolf's confession. ''Don't worry… Kenji. I will guide you through all you have to do…'' The voice faded, along with the break time. Kenji had some more work to do.

At his desk, his boss had hung around for a much longer it seemed. Making more small talk than he normally would. Kenji thought he sensed the otter taking in his scent. Right before Kenji thought the otter would mention anything, the beeper set off, prompting the otter to attend other business. Kenji sighed, his pointy ears flattened in embarrassment. This day he thanked the cubicles for providing the cover it gave him from prying eyes of colleagues. The dusty office's natural air did just enough to keep his own, more vibrant scents, from drifting too far.

((()))

As the day came closing to an end, Kenji made his way over to the D'hole foods market. He had resolutely decided for himself that, once he had gotten some good food and washed-up, he'd make the call that he promised to Sota. Coming into the store, the wolf delved into the isle containing the store's spice racks. He scanned the shelves as he held the slip of paper towards his muzzle. As he was glancing side-ways, across the rack of spices, he was looking for the local Seven Spice blend. Turning his muzzle, a white framed ''…Canine…? No… Vulpine?!'' came into Kenji's view. Kenji couldn't avert his eyes at the resemblance to Kuzunoha. He swallowed in an obvious manner, holding the fox's eyes in his own gaze exactly too long for it to be called 'socially acceptable.'

''I bet you've also met someone like this before,

''maybe nearby... in your favorite store?

An ethereal sing-songy kitsune's voice softly rang through the wolf's mind.

The white fox standing closeby the wolf, raised his muzzle towards Kenji. The vulpine couldn't resist locking their eyes. Heartbeat quickening in response. Having looked into those depths, left the fox in sizzling thoughts. A slight smile spreading, the wolf's tail looked like it wagged! He could feel his fur raising, bristly and al jagged.

''I'm quite sure he likes you, Kenji.'' Kuzunoha's voice softly whispered to the wolf.

Kenji felt a soft nudge again, as if something pushed him in his back, in the direction of the white fox that was left standing to gawk back at the wolf. Kenji stammered, a dark red blush spreading over his muzzle. As if on que, the white fox blushed in return, pretending to reach for some spices. Tail raising slightly_ …just for the view._

''Not making a move, are we?'' Kuzunoha teasingly poked the wolf's mind. Kenji gulped again, opening his muzzle and closing it again.

''H-hey… Mr wolf, could you help me… I can't reach!'' The white fox's voice rang across to Kenji. It sounded like fine music and Kenji could immediately feel his body responding. The feelings he had kept down for so long, repressed, now seeped out of him.

…As if his soul had to make up for the time spent in denial, Kenji's senses were keen on this foxy presence in the D'hole foods market. He felt warm, his muzzle heady as he nodded and turned to walk into the foxes direction. Reaching up he took the spices the fox pointed at.

''He smells nice, Kenji…!'' He could hear the kitsune's voice lilt in excitement as a shiver ran over his wolfish frame. ''…Let me help you a little…'' Before Kenji could object, Kuzunoha channeled his presence and took control over Kenji's paws. Quickly sliding it into his pocket, Kenji pulled and a slip of paper manifested itself out of thin air… out of his jacket. He struggled for control in his mind as he handed it over to the white fox together with the small jar of spices.

The white fox smiled at Kenji, bowed lightly and headed off in a different direction, fumbling to open the slip of paper as he went. The white fox's dipstick tail was wagging increasingly rapid, building to a crescendo as soon as the slip of paper was openend. Kenji looked on after the white fox. The lithe vulpine stopped right before the exit of the isle. The bushy fox tail frozen behind it. Turning over his shoulder, the vulpine looked back at the wolf with wide eyes. Kenji could see the fox blushing profusely and then fade from his view.

''What did you give that fox, …y-you …fox?!'' Kenji growled under his breath, looking aghast from how quickly the scene unfolded before him. ''Oh nothing special… just your address …and a ''19:00, don't wear any underwear.''

Kuzunoha metaphysically leaned back in the wolf's mind. A smirk plastered on their muzzle as the fox enjoyed the quiet blushy and flushed muzzle the wolf walked around with.

''Oh, come on. You're going to have to bring some experience to Sota, …once you get to call him.''

Kenji sighed and flattened his ears in embarrassment at the kitsune's mention of Sota. ''What if… I wanted to save myself up for Sota…'' Kenji mumbled.

''Well isn't that a little too late, wolf.''

''Have you forgotten Akiko?'' The kitsune's words carried more sting this time.

''While you were out lying to yourself, you damaged your own Tama, …brought imbalance to your Ki.

But with your acts, you took Akiko down with you. All those moments holding her in your arms and you knew your mind wandered towards someone else. To him. And don't pretend you didn't know what Sota wanted, what he probably still wants…'' Kenji growled at the knowing kitsune, the fox's presence deliberately residing on the wolf's third eye now.

''To heal your Tama… and to pay your debt to me… you must honour both your _ _ Honne and Tatemae.''

Being a rural wolf, unruly, unkempt and having roused himself against most archaic things throughout his life, Kenji didn't know the direct translation of the kitsune's words.

He grasped the meaning of them however. The duality inside himself. The wanting he felt for…for Sota. His true feelings. Forever in balance with what was socially acceptable. His parents were strict in their teachings. He was an only child. The family's legacy shouldn't be broken. It all made sense now. His escape to the city, in an act of defiance… He had, however, still tried to maintain his tatemae, confusing his feelings about the city's allure for feelings for Akiko. His Honne had been very much out of balance this whole time.

''Watch the time… wolf.'' Kuzunoha murmured. Kenji felt another nudge in his back, spurring him into motion. He still had to cook… ''Oh… fuck.'' It was already nearing 17:00 It would be just under two hours before he could expect a visitor. He felt the vulpine presence within him stifle a laugh.

Rushing to his meager flat, Kenji fired up the pot standing on the single stove. He took some water and added the ramen noodles as soon as it came to a boil. The broth he had already working as he had it prepared yesterday. A precooked egg from his refrigerator would do, some herbs and a few vegetables. After having eaten his fill, Kenji watched the clock in his flat tick towards 18:45. He gave his room a once-over. The upside of living small… it could be made to look rather clean without much hassle. The wolf had just turned to look at his bedding. The scent of the sex hit him. The musky smell of his own exuberance still staining the blanket frivolously. Right as he reached for the blanket, a soft, almost hesitant knocking rang down on his front door. Startled. Kenji's heart found itself in his throat. He quickly looked around but couldn't find any solace. So he quickly stuffed the offending blanket in the most nearby cabinet that happened to hold the few cups he possessed.

''Nice move, puppy.'' He could hear the kitsune's sweltering voice like a huff against his sensitive ears, causing a fresh blush to form over Kenji's muzzle. Stroking his simple clothes down, the wolf tried to ignore the observant kitsune's presence and went to open the door. The lithe, white fox stood as a pristine testament on the wolf's stepping stone. The vulpine was a good head shorter than the wolf. It's height having it stare directly at the wolf's upper body, if he was looking forward. The fox's muzzle was tilted up towards the wolf however, a nervous smile plastered on it. ''I-I normally don't really do this…'' The fox began, his voice as clear as the trickle of a mountain stream. ''B-but there's something about you, …I couldn't resist the temptation.'' The white foxes muzzle flushed a deep pink under its muzzle. He held the note the wolf had given him and folded his ears in clear embarrassment.

''You see here, …Kenji.'' The kitsune's voice rang smoothly out from his inner self; ''This poor fox adheres to his Honne…you wouldn't deny him …his honour, now, …would you?!''

Kenji growled lowly, the sound vibrating softly over his chest. It had been aimed towards the kitsune and out of annoyance of course. It did however have the effect of setting the mood for the nervous fox in front of Kenji. The white fox yipped in excitement, tilting his head to submissively expose his scruff to the wolf. The fox's sensitive nose could smell the wolf… all of the wolf… as it drifted out from the small flat. The scent of sex wasn't that easily stuffed inside a cupboard. ''take control, …wolf.'' The kitsune's words gently urged Kenji on. ''Adhere to your honne, …to his honne.'' Kenji felt his hackles rise at the sight of the white fox in front of him. He felt how a knot untangled in his stomach, making way for rising lust at the eager display of submission.

''Yes, let your Ki flow more freely!'' Kenji tried to ignore Kuzunoha's teasing words. He felt a warmth spread around his loins as he caught a faint smell of.. raspberries. Blueberries? The fox held a small package in his paws, next to the paper. It was filled with fruits. Noticing the wolf's stare, the white fox softly yipped; ''F-for uhm… e-energy?''

The wolf accepted the fox's little gift. ''…Please, come in.'' Kenji looked around the fox. The street was empty. His neighbors had already turned in their home, covers closed. ''Can I get you something to dri-'' Kenji stopped himself, remembering the blanket stuffed near his cups.

''Yes, some water please.'' The white fox curtly responded as he sat himself down at the low table, taking one of the spare pillows stuck under it. Kenji nervously turned towards the cabinet, swiftly opening it and retrieving a cup for the fox. Though briefly, the obvious scents were hard to miss in the rather small room. The white fox blushed profusely as he took the water from the wolf. ''So… what is your na-''

''…I'd rather we keep this anonymous, Mr wolf.'' The white fox interjected. ''Just call me Yuki for now, …let's… not ask too many questions.''

''Oh, but I know what he's hiding… dirty little thing''. The kitsune's voice, again full of mirth and obviously laced with lust. ''Well, have at it…'' And with that last remark, Kenji felt the kitsune's ephemeral presence nudge the wolf forward. His paw slipped off the table and clumsily fell onto the fox's lap. This elicited a yip from Yuki. The snow fox looked at the wolf, their eyes locking again. Kenji felt his self getting lost in the submissive gaze, the flirtatious and shy movements Yuki made stirred something deep within Kenji. It was a primal thing, like an urge. He had only once before felt it, when he was rutting in Akiko… and thinking about Sota. This time proved it to be a much more honest feeling. Aimed towards something tangible. Inadvertently, he growled again at the fox, lower and deeper this time, more akin to the nature he allowed from within. His eyes claiming and undressing the white fox.

''Grrmf… yes… follow your instincts!'' Kuzunoha urged Kenji on as the kitsune could sense the deeply laced desire, stoking the wolf from within. ''…Such fertile energy for the messenger of Inari…!''

Yuki got the que as he scooted towards the wolf, his ears splayed in submission, muzzle brightly blushing. He reached towards the wolf's muzzle, leaning forward for a… a kiss! Kenji adhered. Leaning towards Yuki, he raised his other paw towards the fox's muzzle, cupping it lightly as their muzzles slowly explored each-other. The fox's soft yips and yelps around his tongue spurred the wolf on. The smaller fox was a good kisser. Playfully teasing back against the wolf's larger frame. Kenji could feel a slim paw sneak slowly up and over his crotch. The delicate paw tracing the outlier of his sheath through his pants.

Growling softly in their continued kiss, his straining sheath was starting to feel constricted. Kenji withdrew from the heated kiss, naturally leaning back to undo the fabric clasp on his pants. The fox, however, mistook this for an open invitation to continue the kiss elsewhere. Before the wolf could land a protest, he felt the hot breath of te fox straight through the fabric on his sensitive sheath. Yuki was thorough; first nuzzling along the outlier that he had eyed before. His slim paws clasping the wolf's balls through the fabric as he did so. Next he hooked his paws in the fabric band surrounding the wolf's waist. With some effort, nudging the wolf to sit up a bit in the action, the offending pants where removed. To the fox's pleasant surprise, Kenji was not wearing any underwear either. The mottled grey sheath sat plumb and in full view. A good modest amount of the wolf already poking out.

Yuki's mouth watered.

Kenji gasped.

The lithe snow-fox leaned over Kenji's sheath, nuzzling his tip, the vulpine went straight for the most heady scented area. During their sweltering kiss, Kenji had already started to leak a little. The precum was swiftly licked up as Yuki twisted his paw deftly around the wolf's sheath, pulling it slightly down some more. The fox traced his tongue along Kenji's shaft, down and lower he slowly went. Going as far as to dip his nimble tongue into the sheath to lick over the forming knot inside.

Kenji growled loudly, his hips bucking up against the fox. Yuki was experienced enough, however. Prepared for such feral movements, the fox had firmly grasped the wolf's balls and sheath with his slim paws, preventing the wolf's sudden upwards thrusts from scraping against his fangs.

These were delicate instrument, of course.

Kenji panted and moaned in between the sensations brought on by the rather skilled vulpine's muzzle. He hunched over the lithe snowy fox, grasping at Yuki's scruff. The toes on his feetpaws curled.

''Grrrmff…''

Yuki could hear the heated wolf above him shift gears multiple times during his licking and sucking. His own foxy shaft straining in the rhythm with each growl he ushered out of the wolf. As he started to taste more and more wolf on his tongue, Yuki slowly drew back.

He hesitated; ''I want you to come in… my muzzle.. wolf.

…But I need you somewhere else…'' The fox's innocent voice tickled the wolf in ways he had never experienced before. His haunches and hackles risen, the wolf bristled in a lust filled daze.

Eyeing the fox as Yuki wiped his muzzle along his paw, Kenji moved to pounce. He took Yuki down on his back. He heatedly jabbed his dripping shaft against the fox's hips as he tried to restrain the fox down. Yuki pried himself lose from the lust-crazed wolf, crawling to lay himself half over the wolf's bed, the pillows normally meant for seating in between his legs as he shyly held his tail slightly raised. He swayed his pert fox butt before the wolf.

''Don't go too fast, …please'' Yuki whimpered. He felt Kenji shuffle eagerly between his legs. The larger framed wolf's knees pushing the fox's hind-paws further apart. Exposing he fox and preventing Yuki from escape as he became pinned against the bed-frame. Kenji pressed his saliva slick shaft against the fox's tail, nudging it aside with short, shallow thrusts. His leaking tip brushed down and up against Yuki's hole. Their position facilitating it perfectly.

The fox grasped the bedding and cried out as the wolf's tip pressed up tightly against him. …Kenji growled, frustrated.

''Here… use this.'' a soft paw tapped the wolf on his shoulder as a small flask was tossed next to the panting fox on the bed.

The kitsune's ephemeral body coalesced next to the wolf, out of view from the whimpering and needy fox laying sprawled on the bed before them.

''Relax, our friend here can't hear me. Though I'm sure he wouldn't mind it, if he did.'' The kitsune's laugh echoed from other wheres, a veiled and teasing tone.

''…Thanks'' Kenji managed in between needy groans. He felt the fox on the tip of his shaft, the sensation bringing his hips to move unintentionally. Each time grinding up against the fox before him.

Opening the flask, the wolf poured some of the liquid over his member. The slick substance felt cool at first, but quickly started to heat up, adding another layer of sensations to the poor wolf's senses.

He pressed back up against the fox and his tip immediately found purchase, the slick substance allowing the wolf to slide inside... Yuki let out a dirty moan as the wolf pressed deeper inside of him.

The closer to the forming knot they came, the more and louder the whimpers of the fox.

It only helped to spur the wolf on. He let his instincts run free throughout his body. Inhibitions were pushed aside by the sheer need and lust the wolf had inside him.

He was going to thoroughly fill this fox up.

In his heated rutting, Kenji had lowered his upper body over the fox.

His wolf hips slapping against fox behind in a steady rhythm, a symphony of nature itself.

Kenji had his arms wrapped around Yuki's frame as he drove his shaft deeper with every thrust. The fox's wild moaning music to his ears, he chased that sound, playing around with the depth as he slowly let is knot creep up towards it's price. Nearing his crescendo, the bed shaking in their frantic lovemaking, Kenji could feel the presence of the kitsune near him. Kuzunoha had been very close all this time, cheering the wolf on while he took the fox. During the frantic mating, the kitsune had slowly started with rubbing along the wolf's back. Down and lower the fickle, subtle paws went. Until the kitsune was gently rubbing Kenji's butt, spurring the wolf on.

With the wolf now leaning over the fox, knot ready, the kitsune had a perfect view of the clenching wolf's hole. Every deep thrust Kenji made against the fox would also make his tailhole wink at the kitsune. Kuzunoha licked his lips as he took the wolf's butt in both his paws. He spread the rutting wolf open and his deft tongue easily found its mark. Leaning his ephemeral body over Kenji's hind-paws to prevent te wolf from shoving himself suddenly backwards, the kitsune effectively trapped the duo in a frantic breeding. Kenji howled out loud as he felt the kitsune's tongue run rapid passes over his tailhole, while the snow fox below him clenched down hard on his shaft. He couldn't stop at this point. His weeping knot pressed up tightly against the whimpering fox. Biting down roughly in Yuki's scruff, Kenji moaned loudly around the fur in his muzzle.

His hips kept a steady pressure, until his knot was finally pushed in.

His orgasm thundered throughout his body. The kitsune had his tongue buried in his butt as he came. Kenji could feel the kitsune cup and gently squeeze his balls and continuing to deftly lick and eat him out while he rutted inside the vulpine. His legs shivered as they lay trapped under the kitsune, his upper body trembled against the fox under him. Yuki whimpered praises up against the wolf ''Y-y-yess… Good …w-wolf!'' the fox wiggled his rear and clenched down hard on Kenji as soon as he felt the wolf knotting him. Kenji could feel the kitsune taking a little bit of his Ki again. He felt completely spent. Every fiber of his body having contributed to try and fill the fox with as much of him as he could give. Yuki murmured under the wolf as he felt the canine's shaft pulse lewdly inside him. Kuzunoha at last withdrew his tongue. The kitsune teased the wolf's balls as he lay knotted against the fox and gave the wolf's butt a playful slap before he silently stepped back. His form again transparant, sated, Kuzunoha shifted over towards the shrine in the corner. The statue gleamed brightly in the darkened room.

After a while, Kenji managed to pull his knot free from Yuki. The fox's abused hole wept wolf cum as the fox pulled his pants back on. Yuki also didn't carry a fresh pair of underwear with him, so it seemed. The fox turned and courteously thanked the wolf, as if they had taken part in some sort of business exchange. He took his leave shortly after, Kenji seeing the fox off. Looking at the fox as he walked away, Kenji could see a wet area clearly forming where the fox's pants hiked against his butt. The wolf blushed.

After the fox had left, he suddenly noticed how incredibly tired he was. The kitsune had taken from his energy again, of course. Closing his door, and locking it, Kenji moved towards the bedding. He let himself tumble down upon it and, without washing up, quite quickly drifted off in a dark and deep sleep.

He returned back to his old village. The leaves… The recurring dream he had stood before him anew. This time, Kenji could see the outlier of a shape visible in the underbrush. A scarlet figure moved there, the leaves rustled as it past through. The colors turned to autumn. He reached out towards it. The figure stopped. Slowly it seemed to turn towards him. A black paw reached back for his own. ''…Sota?'' Kenji called out. Silence.

Saturday morning found the wolf in dire need of a wash. His crotch area was still damp. A heady mixture of wolf and fox filled the small flat. Kenji sat in front of the shower as he worked through his fur. Soaping it in, rinsing it out and repeating it again. He could still clearly smell the fox, Yuki having came handsfree upon the wolf's bed while he was being pounded. ''Impressive'' The kitsune remarked towards Kenji. The wolf sighed. He'd have some serious cleaning to do. Taking the blanket from his cupboard, he bundled all the funnily stained items together in it. Heaving them over his back, Kenji took off for the laundromat.

It took around two hours to wash and tumble dry his belongings. Taking the liberty to treat himself on some ramen from a small shack across the street, Kenji looked dreamily at the blue sky that filtered through the city's many rooftops.

''So…wolf. How will you face your parents… and Sota?'' The soft, teasing voice of the kitsune rang in Kenji's mind.

((()))

Too be continued…

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Comments are very welcome, to improve my writing or to show me what you think! ^_^

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