The next morning, I wake up in my mother's arms.

It's become a habit for me to wake up in her arms, her gentle bosom rising and falling with each breath.

"*Yawn* Mother..."

I whisper, feeling her warmth next to me.

"Good morning, Kyouko. Did you sleep well?" Kitsuna asks, her voice a soft, melodic hum.

I nod, still groggy, and nuzzle deeper into her embrace.

"Today, I'm going to start teaching you how to suppress your mana."

I don't really feel like getting up, so I just snuggle closer to her.

"Mmm, I'm comfortable here..." I whisper, feeling her heartbeat against my ear.

Kitsuna giggles softly.

"Oh my, quite the sleepyhead, aren't you? But come, it's time to rise. I have much to teach you today, Kyouko."

"...You're going to teach me today?" I ask, tilting my head to meet her gaze.

"Indeed, Kyouko. There's much to learn," Kitsuna replies, a playful lilt in her voice.

Kitsuna presses a gentle kiss to the top of my head.

"Let's get you some breakfast first. Then, I'll teach you how to suppress your mana. It'll be fun, I promise!" Kitsuna says, her voice brimming with enthusiasm.

I smile at her.

After eating breakfast, Kitsuna leads me to the backyard.

Kitsuna turns to me, her fox tail swaying gently in the breeze behind her.

The additional tails I saw yesterday are gone, leaving just one.

"Alright, Kyouko!"

"First, close your eyes and focus on your breathing. Feel the air flowing in and out of your lungs, and let your body relax." Kitsuna instructs.

I do as she instructs, taking a deep breath and allowing my muscles to unwind. I can feel the gentle breeze on my skin, and the sound of rustling leaves fills my ears.

"Good," Kitsuna says softly.

"Now, imagine your mana as a network of wires within your body. These wires are your magic circuits, carrying the energy that allows you to cast spells."

As I focus on her words, I suddenly become aware of a strange sensation within my chest. It's a subtle hum, a vibration that seems to penetrate both the physical and spiritual realms. I focus on the sensation, and slowly, an image begins to form in my mind's eye.

Darkness swirls in my chest, a chaotic and mesmerizing sight. Within the darkness, strange shapes flicker in and out of existence – crystalline structures, networks, and fragments that barely hold their form before dissolving back into the void. The darkness shimmers with odd colors, like oil on water, and the entire vision pulsates with an unstable rhythm.

"Mother..." I whisper, my voice filled with uncertainty.

"I see something... But it's chaotic... A swirling darkness with strange shapes flickering in and out. It's... unstable."

"That's your mana, Kyouko. It seems your magical power is quite unique and volatile. For now, let's focus on suppressing it. You don't need to control it fully, just learn to keep it in check."

I furrow my brow, trying to visualize the image she's describing. At first, it's difficult, and I struggle to see anything clearly. The wires seem to flicker in and out of my mind's eye, and I can't quite grasp them.

...Why wires?

"Mother, why wires? What do wires have to do with mana?" I ask, unable to stifle my curiosity.

"Ah, I guess I never explained that part. It's just a visualization technique I came up with." Kitsuna explains.

"Basically, it's a way to help me visualize and manipulate my mana." Kitsuna explains, bringing her hand to her lips thoughtfully.

"The wires represent the energy pathways within my body. By picturing them in my mind, I can control the flow of magic. It's a metaphor that helps me understand and manage my power more effectively."

Hmm. That's interesting.

▬▬▬▬It almost sounds like something from my world?

"So, I should imagine these wires as the pathways for my mana?" I ask, trying to grasp the concept.

"Exactly," Kitsuna confirms.

"Now, let's try again. Close your eyes and focus on your breathing. Once you're relaxed, imagine the network of wires within your body. Visualize the mana flowing through them."

I take a deep breath, letting Kitsuna's words sink in. I try to visualize the wires again, but the image still feels hazy and unclear. I furrow my brow, concentrating harder, but it's no use. I need something more, something to anchor me. This is so much harder than it was in my original world, where I could focus on my studies or my training with ease.

Here, with this foreign magic coursing through me...

"In my original world, I could concentrate without so much trouble,"

"But this... this is different. It's like trying to hold onto something that's constantly slipping away." I whisper, my voice filled with frustration.

Kitsuna's gentle smile fades, replaced by a look of concern.

She walks up behind me, then wraps her arms around my waist, enfolding me in a warm, gentle embrace.

"It's alright, Kyouko,"

"Magic is a new and different challenge. It takes time to adapt and learn how to control it. You're doing great so far."

I let myself sink into her embrace, drawing comfort from her warmth. Her soft words soothe my nerves and ease my frustration.

I close my eyes, feeling the gentle breeze against my skin and the reassuring presence of my mother behind me.

"Feel my presence, let it guide you. Imagine the wires, the mana flowing through them. You're safe, you're loved. You can do this." Kitsuna whispers, her voice a calming presence.

"Start with your hands. Imagine the wires running through your fingers, your palms, your wrists. Feel the mana flowing through them like a gentle current. Now, move up to your arms, your shoulders, and your chest. Visualize the wires branching out, connecting every part of your body. Feel the mana flowing through your legs, your feet, and even the tips of your toes. Let the energy course through your entire being."

With her touch anchoring me, the image of the wires starts to become clearer in my mind. I can see them, pulsing with energy, with mana. It's still difficult, but with Kitsuna's warmth and love supporting me, I start to gain control.

"That's it, Kyouko," Kitsuna encourages, her voice filled with pride.

"Now, I want you to imagine shutting off these wires one by one. Visualize the mana flow stopping in each wire until only one remains active."

I imagine the mana slowing down, the pulsing energy calming. One by one, I visualize the wires shutting off, the mana flow stopping in each until only one wire remains active.

"Now, focus on that single wire. Feel the mana flowing through it, strong and steady. This is your core mana circuit, the one you'll use to control and suppress your mana."

I concentrate on the single wire, feeling the mana flowing through it. It's powerful, but with Kitsuna's guidance, I feel like I can control it. I imagine the mana flow slowing, the energy calming until it becomes a gentle hum.

"You're a natural, Kyouko. That's the basics of suppressing your mana. With practice, you'll be able to do it effortlessly."

"Remember, the more wires you open, the more mana flows through your body, increasing your magical power. But for now, practice controlling and suppressing your mana by shutting off these wires one by one. The more you practice, the easier it will become." Kitsuna explains.

I open my eyes, feeling a sense of accomplishment. With Kitsuna's help, I've taken the first step in controlling my mana. It's a small victory, but it's a start.

Though... The moment I open my eyes... My concentration is completely broken.

...I guess I still need a lot of practice.

"Ah!"

"My concentration..."

I release a frustrated sigh and look away, unable to contain my disappointment.

Kitsuna places her breasts on top of my head.

"Ah... H-Hey! That's..."

"...Still here?" Kitsuna laughs, her soft voice resonating through her chest.

"No... I mean... Yes..." I stammer, my cheeks flushing.

"Don't mind me. I'm just resting my breasts." Kitsuna says with a playful smile.

"I... I wasn't going to ask."

"Do you perhaps prefer... Being on top of me?" Kitsuna asks, a hint of mischief in her tone.

...She's saying that because I often fall asleep on her breasts?

I don't think she meant that in a sexual way.

...I think.

"K-Kitsuna..." I say, my cheeks flushed.

"You're so cute when you're flustered."

...?

Does Kitsuna not realize that she's incredibly beautiful?

"S-Stop teasing me, Kitsuna. It's embarrassing." I say, trying to hide my growing embarrassment.

"It's not Kitsuna, right? It's Mother, isn't it?"

I look up at her, blushing furiously.

"Yes, it's Mother... It's embarrassing, so please stop." I say, my voice wavering.

"Kyouko is just too cute~ I can't resist teasing you!" Kitsuna giggles.

"In any case, we're done with the lesson for today. You did very well, Kyouko," Kitsuna says, her tone becoming more serious.

"It's time for a break." Kitsuna adds, smiling warmly at me.

I turn to face her, my eyes determined.

I won't let her just win with that!

I'm not the same girl from my previous life!

I have a newfound confidence in me!

‒‒‒‒I reach out both hands and place them firmly on her breasts.

...!

I place my palms on both her breasts and squeeze them with all my might.

Kitsuna gasps in surprise.

"A-Aaah! K-Kyouko?"

"I won't let you tease me that easily!" I say, my cheeks flushed with defiance.

"You think it's that easy to make me embarrassed?" I say, squeezing her breasts again for emphasis.

Kitsuna's breath hitches, her cheeks flushing a soft pink. Her fox tail swishes behind her, betraying her surprise and perhaps even a hint of excitement.

"Ufufufufufu~ I never said it was easy,"

I squeeze her breasts one more time, savoring the feel of them in my hands. I can feel her heartbeat, steady and strong, beneath my palms. It's a strange sensation, both empowering and intimate.

"Aah~" Kitsuna groans in pleasure.

I can feel my confidence growing, empowered by the fact that I'm able to make my own choices.

...Why does Kitsuna look so happy?

‒‒‒‒She must like her breasts being squeezed.

"Mhhm... Mhm... Ah, Aaah~" Kitsuna groans, her voice filled with pleasure.

W-Why is she making that sound?

Kitsuna breasts' are getting firmer, almost as if they're... responding to my touch!

My breath quickens, and my body tingles with anticipation as my mother's chest swells and her nipples harden.

Is it really that sensitive...?

Her breasts swell under my grip, her nipples hardening, and Kitsuna's face flushes with arousal.

"Y-You really know how to get me excited!" Kitsuna breathes, her voice trembling with desire.

"...K-Kitsuna..."

I can feel my own body responding, a warmth spreading through me. It's a sensation I've experienced before in my previous world, but here, my body seems more sensitive. The warmth is more intense, both exciting and slightly overwhelming. I quickly pull my hands away, my cheeks burning with a mix of embarrassment and newfound awareness.

Kitsuna smiles knowingly at me.

"I can see your innocence slipping away, Kyouko."

Her tail waves energetically behind her, adding a sensual flair to her words.

I'm... surprised to find that the arousal in my body has not faded, despite my inexperience and confusion.

I didn't even know I could get so excited at this age, especially with Kitsuna's breasts!

I look down, blushing fiercely as I try to come to terms with what happened.

Kitsuna chuckles, reaching out and brushing my cheek with a soft, comforting touch.

"Now, now," Kitsuna says, her tone filled with a warm tenderness.

"There's no need to be so shy."

Kitsuna reaches over to hold my hand gently in hers, her touch light but comforting.

"I don't mind... in fact, I rather like it..."

"You're my precious daughter, after all."

"And you're... mine as well."

"...I just wanted to get back at you for teasing me..." I mumble, my cheeks burning red with embarrassment.

Kitsuna smiles knowingly.

"Oh, my sweet Kyouko. You're so innocent, it's endearing."

I look up, meeting her gaze.

Her eyes are filled with warmth and love, and I can feel her affection radiating towards me.

"Let's take a break."