---Last time---
Young woman: *Blush* S-Shut up idiot!!!! That's not what I meant and you know it! And what's stopping you from asking me out on a ‘proper date’ hum~?
Huxian: Ah, but you were my brave hero! Still, I suppose such bravery should be rewarded. Very well. My Lady in Shining Armour, will you accept my humble reward of a date?
Young Woman: Oh...Oh! Um, sure.. Ok.. yes! W-where would we go… or do?
Huxian: Hm...I’m sure I can come up with something. Only the best for my gallant knight, correct?
---------
*Despite the fact that they had discussed having a date as a ‘reward’ for the girl ‘saving’ Huxian from her father, it seemed that fate, or at least circumstances, had other ideas. On the day that they had planned to go out together, the girl, who had been ecstatic about the date before, hadn’t rose with the sun as expected. Instead, it seemed that what had ‘risen’ was the girl’s temperature.
Huxian cursed softly, even as he changed the cooling rag on her forehead. Both the girl’s parents were out of the house, unable to abandon their respective duties, especially when they had Huxian there. True he himself had duties, but his own situation was still precarious enough that he could afford to leave it to his own second in commands, especially when he was still prone to extreme bouts of depression if left alone to his own thoughts for too long.
Even so, he cared for the girl and wasn’t about to let his own thoughts debilitate his ability in keeping her healthy if he could. He had already used a few spells to help regulate the room temperature and get everything he might need to combat the fever, but beyond that and changing the cool towel there was little he could do*
Huxian [Inner Thoughts]: After this, I’m learning healing spells. I’m not cut out for this kind of stress. Not when someone I care for is suffering…
*Taking a deep breath, he brushed the hair from the girl’s face as he noticed her stirring ever so slightly, forcing a soothing smile on his face when her fever-blurred eyes drifted to his face.*
Huxian: Hey there.
Little Girl: *Huff Weez* H-Hue...Jem….?
Huxian: It’s Huxia- never mind, that’s not important. I’m here. How’re you feeling, rose bud?
Little Girl: *Teary Eyes* S-sorry I messed th-things up again… Our date’s…date’s ruined…
Huxian: No, no, don’t think like that. Your health is more important than that. We can go on a date any time. You concentrate on getting better. I’ll even be right by your side helping you, too. See? There’s the bright side - you have to put up with my shining presence for as long as it takes to get better. How’s that?
Little Girl: *Weak Giggle* I’m not sick… but I am a butterfly…. Changing… Mama said.
Huxian: You mean...a metamorphosis?
Huxian [Inner Thoughts]: I know about those. Some of those who live in the mystic world, similar to myself, once a certain level of power is reached, the body changes to accommodate. Has she reached a peak?
Little Girl: *Fading in and out of consciousness* Like a butterfly… fly away to Mother’s house…. We have to go… please Hue, hurry.
Huxian: But you’re at your mother’s…..no, you mean…’Her’, don’t you?
*While he had only really recalled seeing Her before, it was hard to forget. The one who many in this land referred to as ‘Mother’. Even so...To get to her would mean exiting the house and going outside to get to the grand temple. Still, it seemed her mama had warned her of this before. Even fevered, the girl didn’t sound like she was hallucinating or talking nonsense. Even if she was, Huxian doubted that the one called ‘Mother’ would turn the away. At least she might offer a lost fox some advice.*
Huxian: If Engetsu finds out, he’s going to skin me alive…
*Despite this, Huxian, wrapping the girl in her sheets to save her from the outside chill and using his tails to provide just that bit more of a buffer against the wind, he scooped up the girl, cradling her in his arms as he ran at full speed towards the temple. The girl was emitting small sparks of energy as they reached the temple, still fading in and out of consciousness. There were a few temple workers to meet them upon their arrival*
Little Girl: *Huff weez* Kitty, I’ll walk. Put me down, Huie. I’m ok now.
Huxian: No offence, but you’re fevered. I’ll let you walk once someone professional has given you clearance. I don’t think anyone here wants to see you collapse. Especially since we need to meet with Lady Parame.
*Turning to the attendants, he bowed slightly*
Huxian: Please forgive the intrusion. However, it’s important that we speak with her ladyship. Is it possible to do so at this time?
Attendant 1: This way Lord Yin, Mother has been waiting for your arrival.
Huxian: My thanks.
*The pair were escorted to an inner sanctuary, a room almost entirely filled with water. The child began to stir once again, seeming to be in more pain that before. The blue sparks becoming more intense. Now seeming to effect the room, and her guardian, Huxian winced slightly one of the sparks hitting him.*
Huxian: Ack!
Little Girl: Hue… put me down…. Not safe…
Huxian: I’m...I’m fine. I’m a big boy, rose bud. Don’t worry about me.
*Taking a deep breath, Huxian straightened, ignoring the pain when the sparks struck him as he made his way deeper into the room. He could only hope that the Goddess could help in their plight...assuming she was there. The attendant had made out that she was aware they were coming, but...*
Huxian: My Lady?
Little Girl: Not here… Mother won't come...you’re here…. Put me down…. Danger…..
Huxian: What?
*Would she really not come just because he was there? True he wasn’t one of Her children, but he couldn’t just leave her so helpless when she was hurting. But the girl seemed so sure…*
Huxian: Are you sure? This isn’t some ploy to send me away for some misplaced sense of protection, right? You’re positive she’ll come if I leave?
*The child seems unresponsive, she seemed to have passed out due the surge of power.*
Attendant 1: Master Yin, it’s time please place her in the center of the pool and exit the temple grounds, the more we linger the more she’ll suffer. Besides the ceremony is quite dangerous. Because of the step she resides on. Hence why mother won't begin until you have left the premises.
*At least there had been confirmation, and from someone he knew wouldn’t lie to him because of the girl’s nature. Despite his worry for her, he wouldn’t let it get worse - even now the energy lashing had torn at his clothes and stung at skin. Quickly, and carefully, he did as the attendant directed before backing away, her limp body sinking to the bottom before emerging once again, both the water and her being glowing slightly.*
Huxian: Is this alright? Is there anything else I can do to help here?
Female Voice: its fine go leave now.
*Ears twitching at the voice, the only indication of surprise beyond slight stiffening, Huxian turned and left the room, knowing who it was even if he had no idea where she was. He only paused a moment to glance back at the girl, worry gnawing in his chest, but with nothing else he could do, he did the only thing he could to aid the girl and left the inner sanctum. Even so, he was too worried to move far from the temple, dropping onto a large stone and burying his head in his hands. Even if it was an almost natural thing for some Mystics to go through, the girl was far from a normal mystic. Even with as powers as great as his own final metamorphosis hadn’t been so unstable.
Why did everyone he cared for have to suffer?*
Female Voice: Sweet Child she’ll be fine. Just be a good boy and wait.
Huxian: ...Easy to say, hard to do….*taking a shaky breath* Luck hasn’t often been on my side, ironically.
Female Voice: *Chuckle* It just means your bad luck is being drained you’ll be left with an abundance of fortune be the end.
Huxian: *Weak laugh* Sorry if I don’t believe that just yet. It’s hard to see the silver lining when everything’s been so overshadowed for so long. *Swallows* You….promise she’ll be well? This is a definite outcome?
Female Voice: *Huff* don't you think that tiny child was a large piece of luck place in your lap? You have this defeatist mindset that doesn't quite scuit you dear. As I said she'll be fine… it’s the issue with the ‘Forbidden Steps’ is that they house such large issues in there small frail bodies. Until their last two stages it's quite bothersome.
Huxian: Sorry. Still...you know….not really ‘myself’ yet. Its funny, I know some of these things, but I suppose since...well, since, I’ve doubted...a lot of things.
*He shakes his head, dropping his hands from his face*
Huxian: Thank you for being patient with me, My Lady. I hope I’m not distracting you from helping the little one? If I am, please, don’t worry for me. I’ll wait and hope for the best.
Female Voice: *Hum* I’ll let you enter once its safe.
*As she spoke, there was an explosion of light and presence, so much so that it shook the surrounding area. Huxian jumped, whipping around towards the temple, face paling slightly with worry as his eyes ran over the temple frantically. There didn’t seem to be any damage. Thankfully, the ‘presence’ seemed almost familiar. Was the Metamorphosis over? Was she ok? Had something gone wrong?
Acting on instinct alone, Huxian darted back to the temple, the fur of his tails on end with his frantic emotions and the charged quality of the air. Eyes landing on an attendant, he grabbed their attention.
Huxian: What happened?!
Parame: *Pointing up* Calm yourself boy, look up.
Thanatos: We’re almost done here.
*Mentally cursing tricky gods, Huxian looked up, hoping that this wasn’t going to end up with something that would destroy whatever dignity he had left.
The girl was floating up in the air barely descent with her hair covering her sacred places, the silver hue in her eyes was gone, leaving only the whites from her eyes that glowed brighter than when he last saw her. Her body seemed to have aged slightly into that of a mid teens. A crystal like object was hovering above her pulsating energy thought the temple grounds it was a regal glow. That seemed to both un nerve and interreg Huxian.
Thanatos beckoned the fox closer while pointing to the christle type object.*
Thanatos: Come closer, it's pretty isn't it? The soul of a reborn deity. It's barely glowing due to its dormancy.
Parame: She will need a lot of rest after the ceremony is complete. Your date may be postponed for a little while. *knowing smile*
Keep her rested and ‘snuggled’ when she finally wakes ok.
Thanatos: do you mind catching her she's about to fall.
*With an oddly vulpine yelp, Huxian reached out and caught the girl as she dropped from the air, causing him to stagger a little. The girl was taller now after all, thus heavier than she had been previously. Still, he managed to right himself rather than send them both to the ground.
Sighing in relief, Huxian stood once more, adjusting the girl in his arms*
Parame: *Giggle* Pft! Cute.
Huxian: Yeah yeah. A bit more warning next time….uh...my lady. Speaking of warnings...I do hope that her parents know this was going to happen, otherwise my pelt might be decorating a certain youkai’s wall.
Parame: Yes, they are aware this would be happening soon, but these transformations are sporadic, unpredictable. Though there usually is some warning. I believe the mother caught on, hence why a guardian was left behind. Besides, if you were not at home, a little birdy…..
*A bird like beast landed on the goddesses shoulder*
Parame: ….would have brought her here.
Tonton: I’m a divine beast, madam. Please treat me as such.
Parame: What was it? Birdy?
Tonton: *Sigh* Such a difficult goddess I serve. I’ll report my findings to the girl’s mother. I’ll see you at home, Huxian.
Huxian: Stay safe.
*Once the avian had left, he chuckled slightly*
Huxian: I don’t know why he bothers. Being a ‘divine beast’ only demands respect to those who aren’t divine themselves. As a ‘Celestial Fox’, I’m pretty sure I fall under similar categories. While I’ve been mistaken for deities, though, I wouldn’t dream of demanding to be treated as one by the divine themselves. The fastest way to get yourself into horrendous trouble, I think.
Parame: *Giggle* Anyway, you might want to get that young wolf in some clothes before she catches chill. Oh! Look, her eyes have changed colour, brighter. Oh, she’s closing them now. Best to let her sleep.
Huxian: Beyond the blanket I brought her in, I don’t have much in way of clothing for her. I don’t suppose the blanket survived considering her clothing didn’t? If not, would one of the attendants mind lending something? I’ll be sure to wash and bring it back later.
Attendant 2: No need, and here, it’s just a simple robe but it will suffice, I think.
Huxian: Ah, thank you.
*With the attendant's help, Huxian dressed the girl in the simple robe before picking her up once more, his tails wrapping around them to provide her with warmth until they got home. While she was no longer burning up as if she was on fire, he didn’t want to risk her catching hypothermia while she was vulnerable*
Huxian: Thank you again, Lady Parame, Lord Thanatos. Is there anything else I need to take care of? If not, I’ll should take my charge back to rest.
*With a nod the god open up a portel the the pairs home. It would be easier than sending them the long way. Huxian glanced inside before nodding approvingly. At least there was less of a chance of catching something.
Bundle in arms, He turned and bowed respectfully to the two deities before heading inside.
Finally reaching home, Huxian entered his room and lowered them both on to the bed, pausing to linger over the girl. Not a child, now, but not quite an adult yet.
Huxian [Inner Thoughts]: Hm…thinking on that, she’ll be at ‘that’ age. Trouble will be inevitable. *Chuckling* No, that doesn’t do it justice. Trouble should be her middle name since she insists mine is Alexander. Still, that’s part of her charm.
*Shaking his head with a smile, he tucked her under the covers. Gently, he brushed her hair from her forehead, before leaning down, pressing his lips to her forehead in a gentle kiss*
Huxian: Rest well, rose bud.
Older Girl: *Soft howl* Nnnn.
*Huxian stood to leave, but a hand gripping his shirt stopped him, he chuckled. Even in her deep slumber she wanted him close. Shaking his head, Huxian transformed into his vulpine form, jumping onto the bed and curled himself beside her, feeling her fingers burry into his fur unconsciously. It looked like he might be there for a while. Still, after the stress from before and the minor injuries from the girl’s sparking energy earlier, a nap wouldn’t be too bad. With a fanged smile, the fox slipped into slumber beside the unconscious lupine girl.
Almost a week rolled by and the girl refused to wake. Granted she seemed far more relaxed than her earlier days - she had begun to stir towards the fifth day. Even so, Huxian had spent most of the time fluctuating between filled with anxious energy and ridiculous amounts of boredom.
When he wasn’t being used as some form of living teddy bear, he would find himself either pacing while nibbling on his thumb claw while his mind tied itself in knots, or he would try to find other methods to occupy himself to fight the boredom and cure his growing anxiety before he had a breakdown (Considering he hadn’t had one in a while he had been hoping to avoid another). In the end, Huxian had made good on his self promise, dragging in as many books on healing as possible, first in herbs and in taoism, before beginning to look into other methods to the point that he was running out of books in the house and had to borrow some from the temple. When too distracted to read, he would sit on the ground by the girl’s bed, talking to her unconscious form (He had been told mortals did that to their comatose loved ones) while conjuring tiny illusions in his hands, anything to keep that nervous energy at bay. Even so, his eyes would often be drawn back to the girl, ears drooping in disappointment when she merely slept on.
By the end of the seventh night, the girl began to stir again, strong arms still firmly holding her in place. Her eyes fluttering open as she nuzzled into the warmth.*
Older Girl: Hue… as handsome as always.
*The girl began to pet the young man’s ears that twitched slightly between her fingers. A chuckle graced her lips as she sat up, a fain ache creeped throughout her body. Seems she was not quite used to her new form quite yet.*
Older Girl: I need to get up. My body’s sti-
*The girl looked down at her hands. They were larger. The last time she saw herself she was still quite small, barely able to jump down from her bed. Now, there she sat, at the edge of her bed, her feet grazing the plush carpet below her.*
Older Girl: I wonder, how much has changed…? I should look and see. Please god(s) let me look at least decent. He might not like me if I’m not pretty…. Oh god(s), what if I don’t look-
*The girl rushed to the window, her legs almost giving way as she hadn't used them in so long. Finally reaching the window, she reached out to the glass, the light giving form to her reflection. Her eyes widening slightly.*
Older girl: I… I look like mama. I wonder if Hue with think I’m still-
Huxian & Older girl: Cute?
*Having been disturbed by the girl’s waking, though he hadn’t been all that inclined to move when his ears were being pet, the Huli Jing sat up from the bed, a smirk on his lips as he caught her out. However, his eyes were alight in pure relief that she was actually awake. As such, his joking words had barely any bite to them*
Huxian: Silly rose bud. You always worry about the oddest things.
Older girl: *Panic* I.. Um… H-hi!
*Rolling his eyes, Huxian slipped from the bed and padded to her. Ignoring her flustered words, Huxian gently tugged her into a hug, eyes closed as he held her, trying to ignore the faint tremble in his limbs*
Huxian: A little warning next time you’re due a growth spurt, okay?
Older Girl: S-sorry, I um…. Your… YOU’R TOO CLOSE!!!! *Blush*
*the girl pushed him away being suddenly aware of how close they actually were, she seemed far too self conscious, and all the more conscious of his presence. The faint pink turning into a deep crimson. Huxian seemed aware of what was going on in the girls mind a predatory grin slowly formed on his lips, a teasing glint sparked like a fire in his eyes. Transforming himself into a form matching her new physical age, Huxian’s grin widened mischievously*
Huxian: Oh? You mean….like this…?
*Huxian moved a little closer, his nose almost touching her’s*
Older girl: *Turn away in embarrassment* D-don't tease me idiot!
Eep!
*Taking her chin between his fingers, he turned the girl’s face back to him*
Huxian: Hmmmm….I think I’m entitled. You scared me. You should know foxes dislike being scared. Now you don’t wish to look at me? Your cruel, rose bud.
Older Girl: *Eyes darting across the room* No, it’s not like that! I’m sorry, its just that you’re a boy and… I’m sorry, I didn't mean to scare you. I.. um!
*The girl backed up the cold glass kissing her body softly, it made her shiver, and as if on cue a sweet smelling aroma began to emit form the girl.*
Huxian: ‘You’re a boy’, huh? *Dryly* Really, I hadn’t noticed.
*With a smirk, he transformed into a girl the same age as the boy from he had been in previously*
Huxian: Would this make you more comfortable then, little Roza?
Rodessa: I…. ah! No it doesn't make it any better, idiot! Chang back! Change back, this is worse!!!!
*The smell from the girl got stronger, it was beginning to perfume the room now. Her cheeks reddened from embarrassment she looked away again. Cocking a brow, Huxian hummed before transforming back*
Huxian: Ah, I see. Welcome to growing up. Excited about it now?
Rodessa: I-I don’t know how to handle this!!!!! What’s going on?! I’m… feeling things... I’m more aware of… things… you! And why do you smell so good? I’m confused…. What do I do?
Huxian: And this is why we should not be in a rush to grow up. Now, most people would much rather have someone their own gender go through this with them, but I suppose it has come to this. It seems that I must play the navigator on your current journey of life and tell you...That.
Rodessa: That? What what! Am I ill is this going to be permanent? I-Is there a-
Huxian: I’m afraid to tell you it is. It’s something that all growing people suffer from as they reach adulthood. We call it….Puberty.
Rodessa: ...its not funny fluffy…. Don't take this lightly I have to fund a cure!!! Because, because… I’m also feeling things towards you what if you get hurt too its serious i wonder if I can find a cure I should go to the library and-
*Huian smiled carrying the girl bridal style back to the bed.*
Huxian: No, really, I’m not joking, as much as I was teasing you. This really is to do with puberty. You just unfortunately didn’t have the show growth into those hormones the way that people who age slowly do. The problem of mystic growth spurts, I suppose. Honestly, thought, this would be a better discussion to have with your family than someone you have feelings for. It can get a little embarrassing. Most people dread having ‘The Talk’ because of it.
*Tilting his head, he considered it for a moment as he let her sit on the bed again, patting her shoulder sympathetically*
Huxian: As I grew up a natural fox, most of it for me was instinctual. But for humans and those sentients with similar cultures tend to have different ways of handling those feelings. The priest who introduced me to mortal culture back when I first gained a footing in the mystic world have to give me ‘The Talk’ too, if only so I didn’t accidentally upset someone by making a faux pas. What is acceptable between foxes is much different than in other cultures, you see. Either way, it’s not an ‘illness’ or ‘lethal’.
*He glanced to her, more seriously*
Huxian: Now, would you rather potentially die of embarrassment from me explaining it to you, or should I get your mother? Or father, I suppose, you do take after his bloodline a bit more obviously when it comes to instincts, even if your mind rejects them often.
Rodessa: ... Kitty I know how pup’s are made… I read books about it in a book, and mama explained it.
Huxian: Engetsu it is then. *Sigh* I did say you had wolf instinct. Shouldn’t surprise me that you’d have their hormones, too.
Rodessa: That’s not the issue… its… um… like I said I know how pups are made its just um. With you um…. I…. and well are feel warm and why aren't you effected?
Huxian: Nope! Nuh uh, not getting into this more. I’m getting Engetsu. He is failing his duty as your educator in youkai things. Stay there. Don’t worry, you’ll understand perfectly once that furball does his job as your dad. If I get into this he may literally skin me. One sec.
*Ten minutes later, Huxian was collering Engetsu, a somewhat panicked look in his eye*
Huxian: Engetsu, I love you like a brother, but please, for the love of all the buddha, can you educate your daughter on Youkai Heats!
*There was a look of shock and horror on Engetsu’s face*
Engetsu: Too...TOO YOUNG!!!!!!
*There was a large thump as the girl’s mother sauntered in the room. Thirty minutes later, the girl was again red faced, with her father being dragged out of the room still in his unconscious state *
Rodessa: Wait! Still! It doesn't explain how my sent doesn’t affect y-
*Rodessa’s mother's voice in the distance*
Mother: Who said it doesn’t? He’s just good at controlling himself!!!!
Rodessa: ...Oh...ok?
Huxian: Seriously, I have far more self control than some dog who’s lipstick pops out at the scent of an undercarriage. I’d like to believe I’m civilised.
Rodessa: *Deep blush* …. I…. I think I’ve calmed down now…. I think we should go to bed…
*The girl covers her eyes in embarrassment.*
Rodessa: There’s no way I can say go to bed without it sounding like an innuendo is there?
Huxian: Nope. Welcome to adulthood. Please leave all dignity outside.
*The girl, annoyed, pulled at Huxian’s sleeve, drawing him close to the bed hard enough he almost falling over the girl, her eyes opening wide.*
Huxian: Oh? You really are growing up too fast, dear.
Rodessa: S-shut up! It not like that!!! Ah...ah n-night! Go to sleep fluffy!!!
*The girl forced herself back into slumber as Huxian turned out the light. Settinging back into bed, he stroked her hair before holding her from behind. She really was no longer the child he once knew, though her core was the same. Still, from the little exchange they had over the last few hours, he could tell that she had change.
He buried his head in the crook of her neck, breathing in her scent.*
Huxian: Sure. Just...try not to grow up….too fast, ok?
[End]
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