The next morning, as soon as I wake up, I search the house for my parents.

But they're nowhere to be found.

"...Where did they go?"

Then, I find a note on the kitchen table.

"Kyouko,

Your father left early this morning to hunt for food, but I've sensed his mana growing weaker, which makes me think he might be in trouble. I'm going to find him and make sure he's safe. Don't worry about me; I can handle myself and anyone who gets in my way.

While I'm gone, stay inside and keep the doors locked. Do not let anyone in, no matter what they say. Your safety is my top priority, and I expect you to take this seriously.

Be a good girl and stay out of trouble. We'll be back soon.

Love,

Kitsuna."

...?

I clutch the note, my heart pounding erratically.

‒‒‒‒Senji is in danger.

I'm worried.

I can't shake the sense of unease as I imagine Senji in trouble.

Father always comes back safely, but this time, something feels off.

...!

I take a step back, looking at the note with a growing sense of urgency.

"No..."

I can't...

Losing my parents...

My heart tightens at the thought, my tail swishing anxiously behind me.

...I can't.

I press my hands against my chest, my breath coming in quick, shallow gasps as fear and panic overwhelm me. I've barely taken the first steps of getting used to this world and accepting it as my home.

But to lose my father before I even had the chance to properly know him... It's... so unbearable!

It can't be possible. I've come so far.

...And just to lose everything now?

‒‒‒‒I let out a low groan.

Gripping the note tightly, a growing sense of dread washes over me.

It can't be possible, it just can't be! It's not fair! I finally found my family again, after a lifetime of emptiness... I refuse to give this up now!

I dash towards my room, and begin looking for clothes to change into...

Searching through the wardrobe, something catches my eye. A simple tunic and sturdy leggings in earthy tones, perfect for outdoor activities, are neatly folded on a shelf. The tunic is made of durable linen, and the leggings are crafted from a tough yet flexible fabric that reminds me of something from my world. I quickly change into them, the fabric feeling both comfortable and protective, ideal for the journey ahead.

"These leggings... they're just like the ones I used in my world."

Finally, I reach for a pair of comfortable, sturdy boots tucked away in the corner of the wardrobe. They're made of well-worn but reliable leather, designed for exploring and withstanding the rigors of the outdoors. The boots fit me perfectly, their tough yet supple leather hugging my feet with a reassuring sense of security.

"Ah, so comfortable!"

I smile, feeling the familiarity of the boots and leggings.

These are perfect for a small Kitsune like me.

Wonder if Kitsuna bought them for me?

I walk towards the front door and glance at the note again.

"Be a good girl and stay out of trouble."

A good girl?

‒‒‒‒No.

It's because I'm a good girl that I'll be going.

I place my small hand on the door, taking a deep breath.

I don't know what's out there, but I can't just sit around doing nothing.

‒‒‒‒I close my eyes and let out a sigh of determination.

"I'm... coming..." I whisper, a steely resolve settling in my heart.

I throw open the door and dash out into the world, ready to face whatever challenges lie ahead.

With a strong gust of wind and a determined expression, I run towards my father.

I feel the familiar rush of adrenaline that comes with my favorite hobby—running!

I love the feeling of the wind against my skin, the way it makes me feel like I'm flying through the world.

I'm running, running, and then—whoa! I see the ground sloping sharply downwards. A big hill!

...!

I don't see my parents, but there are a few trees to my right.

"I wonder if my parents went this way?"

I'm not sure, but it seems like the most likely route for them to have taken.

I'm not as fast as Senji or as knowledgeable as Kitsuna.

But I'm going to do my best.

...

Walking down the path, I'm constantly on alert.

"This is... my first adventure..." I whisper to myself.

I'm feeling a little nervous.

My small heart is pounding in my chest, and I feel butterflies in my stomach.

Passing through the trees, I come across two distinct paths.

"Two paths..."

"Which way did my parents go?"

I feel the breeze, trying to sense if I can pick up their scent.

Oh!

I pick up a faint scent from the right path.

Coming outside is making me realize how sensitive my fox senses are.

I run down the right path, following my instinct.

The path leads to a village, and as I enter it, I'm greeted with the sight of people going about their daily activities.

I stop at the edge of the village, watching the villagers in awe.

I walk through the village, listening to the conversations of the people passing me by.

...

Why are they giving me weird looks?

It's a bit strange.

Their reactions are making me uncomfortable.

I duck my head down, trying to avoid their stares.

Deeper into the village, I see a medium sized pond in the center.

I stop to admire the crystal-clear water, catching a brief glimpse of a fish swimming below the surface.

"So beautiful..."

I watch the fish as they swim around, enjoying the peacefulness of the moment.

...

Come to think of it, I had swimming classes in my last life.

‒‒‒‒Splash!

"...!?"

Fish!

I jump, surprised at the sudden splashing sound.

Looking into the water, I see a small, glimmering fish staring back at me.

I tilt my head curiously, watching the fish as it swims around.

‒‒‒‒It's so cute!

The way it moves so freely, so gracefully, is mesmerizing. It reminds me of the joy I used to feel during my swimming classes in my past life.

A smile tugs at the corners of my mouth as I remember the cool water and the weightlessness it brought.

I giggle, watching the fish as it swims around.

"I love the way you move, little fish."

I can't help but feel a pull towards the water, a longing to dip my feet in and feel that same weightlessness once more.

The fish swims in circles, almost as if it's trying to communicate with me.

With a quick look around to make sure no one is watching, I take off my boots and leggings.

I slowly dip the toes of my left foot into the water.

The water is cold.

Very cold!

"Gasp!"

I shiver as the cold water hits my toes.

But I can't help but smile as a fish swims up to my left foot, nibbling on my toes playfully.

"Hehe~"

As the fish nibbles on my toes, I can't help but laugh.

I've never seen a fish so playful.

"You are so cute!"

As I sit by the pond, enjoying the playful fish nibbling at my toes, I hear a soft rustling behind me. I turn to see a small girl sneaking up to a nearby stall. She swiftly grabs a loaf of bread and moves away quickly. Her actions are smooth and confident, and her face remains calm.

I watch in surprise as the villagers start to notice the missing bread. They begin to talk among themselves, their voices growing louder as they try to figure out who the thief is.

"Has anyone seen who took my bread?" The stall owner asks, his voice tense with concern.

I glance back at the pond, then at the direction the girl ran. There's something about her calm demeanor that intrigues me. She doesn't seem like a typical thief; there's a quiet determination in her actions.

I take my foot out of the water and with a quick shake, sending a spray of water flying. Then, I put my boots and leggings back on.

Maybe I can talk to her?

She looks around my age, after all.

Looking at the fish, I wave goodbye.

"Bye, fishy. Thanks for the company."

As I start to move, I hear the stall owner's voice rise in anger.

"Someone must have seen something! Who took my bread?"

The villagers turn their gaze towards me, their expressions filled with suspicion. I freeze, realizing that they think I am the thief.

"It was her!" one of the villagers shouts, pointing at me.

"She must have taken it!"

I take a step back, my heart pounding.

"No, it wasn't me," I try to explain, but my voice is drowned out by their angry shouts.

"She's a demi-human," Another villager say, his voice filled with disgust.

"We can't trust her kind."

"I didn't take the bread," I say firmly, looking at the villagers.

But they won't listen to me.

As the villagers close in on me, I feel a sense of panic rising within me.

"I... I didn't take it," I repeat, my voice shaking.

But no one seems to be listening.

Their faces contorted with anger and mistrust, I can see some of them bending down to pick up stones and other debris from the ground. My heart races as I realize they intend to throw them at me.

"Please, listen to me!" I cry out, trying to keep my voice steady despite the fear gripping my chest.

"I didn't take the bread. I saw who did, but it wasn't me!"

The first stone flies past my ear, missing me by inches. The villagers' shouts grow louder, their accusations more heated. I take another step back, my mind racing as I try to think of a way out of this situation.

Another stone whizzes past my head, this one hitting the ground with a sharp crack.

...Stop it...!

I cover my ears with my hands, trying to shield myself from the noise.

"Please... Just listen to me..." I whisper, my voice barely audible over the angry shouts of the villagers.

I can feel tears welling up in my eyes as I realize that no one is going to listen to me.

With tears welling up in my eyes, I realize that staying here and trying to reason with the villagers is futile. The next stone could hit me at any moment, and I can't risk getting seriously injured. I take a deep breath, summoning whatever courage I have left.

I run, pushing my small legs to their limits, leaving the village behind.

I don't look back, afraid of what I might see.

I just run in the opposite direction of the village, as fast as my small legs can carry me.

...!