While hunting the Saber-toothed tigers, I notice a familiar presence coming from afar.

Isn't that Rina and Joel? What are they doing here?

I saw some of the Saber-toothed tigers that are significantly stronger than her. Since Rina is the one who told me there are strong monsters here, she should know to stay away from them.

I approach them while hiding my presence, in order to find out what they are up to.

Even though I can get close to them without being noticed, I choose to stay afar. It's because I am able to observe from this distance that there is no need to get closer.

“It's the habitat of Saber-toothed tigers from here on, so be ready to run if anything comes.”

Joel seems to be well aware of the danger.

“Can't we go around?”

“It can't be helped, to reach where Arachnes live, we have to go through here.”

Rina and Joel are both in their fox forms. Rina's 2 meters tall body looks small besides Joel's, but they are both splendid giant foxes.

It seems they want to go see the Arachnes, but what for? Shouldn't they be accompanied by adults who can fight the tigers?

“Shall we go back, after all?”

“No. I have decided I want to go see the Arachnes at all cost. Also, we can just run away if anything happens, right?”

“That might be true..”

Hold on, that is a dangerous thinking right there. Running away should be the last resort, not something you plan to do as first thing when a danger arises. It's because you will most likely die if it fails.

“Also, if anything happens, you will do something about it, right?”

“Of course, I have joined the hunting party multiple times, and I have experience in fighting monsters.”

Joel seems somewhat confident in his abilities, but from what I have seen so far, it's no good. If they face one of the high leveled tigers here, they will be done for. The agility types are really difficult to escape against, after all.

Sigh, I think it can't be helped. Since I was out here hunting anyways, I'll clear the surroundings a bit.

…

I keep hunting, keeping a distance from the foxes. Since my enhanced perceptions are further improved with magic, I can go quite far away from them while still keeping track of their status.

The distance I can perceive from depends on what I am detecting, just like how loud sounds can be heard from further away than small sounds.

In order to find a Saber-toothed tiger hiding its presence before attacking a prey, I would have to be nearby, probably within a kilometer in range. It also depends on their level and abilities, though.

However, if it is one that is in its usual state, I can be a few kilometers away and still find one. This is why I am able to hunt efficiently without wasting much time looking for them.

And finally, when one is releasing its releasing its killing intent as it is jumping at its prey, I can find it from over 10 kilometers away.

Since I don't want to find out the moment they are attacked, I can't go that far. But I can just locate those that aren't hiding their presence and path in a way I can secure them a safe passage while not slowing down my hunt myself.

After a while, I notice that they reached their destination.

They mentioned a presence of Arachnes here, so I was watching carefully, and I found invisible threads in the air.

The thin threads were imbued with mana, but considering the amount that I could detect, they are most likely used for detection instead of capture.

As I carefully avoid them while inspecting, I find Rina and Joel casually walking over them.

Are they trying to call the Arachnes? They said they came to see them, so that might be the case, but considering how they are just moving nonchalantly, they probably didn't notice. Yep, that's more likely the case.

“It should be around here... I want to meet her quickly and go back home. We were lucky to not meet any Saber-toothed tiger, but the tension tires me a lot.”

“You say that even though you were the one who insisted in coming here...”

“But it can't be helped, you know? I don't think she likes my clothes that much, since she comes back each time wearing that.”

“That? Oh, the leaves clothe? I thought it was rather well-made.”

“You are joking, right? That thing is not cute at all! Instead, it hides all her cuteness away. If I have to give a point out of 10, it would be -10.”

“Is that so? But the ones you make are also after that one picture book about the humans, right? How was it called again, a sweater? Something like that. Anyways, since you haven't seen many different human clothes, how can you tell that it's a bad clothe? I thought it looked natural, after all.”

“What are you saying, NATURAL? Aren't you confusing your choice of word with barbaric? Listen, Joel. Even though our races differ, we are both girls, and there are things only girls share. It's the desire to look cute. Don't you feel bad for her who is casually walking around looking like some vegetable?”

“Huh? That's not the point, though, I was saying that she looks okay in it.”

Meeting Rina's intense gaze, Joel's voice becomes smaller.

“Even so, coming to this dangerous place for a reason like this...”

A small voice of Joel can be heard as he sighs.

Hmm, so that was why Rina kept tearing my clothe whenever I came back in it. It is something I learned to make as I have been living away from civilization where I can buy clothes. I could have used animal hides to make something, or loot them from humanoid monsters, but I preferred those leaf clothes.

The scent from the former was rather hard to remove, and while I could use magic to hide them, I didn't want to spend unnecessary mana and effort into doing so. And if I didn't it would have attracted other monsters and unnecessary danger.

That is when I saw a goblin wearing this leaf clothe. It is made from strong vines and leaves, and I learned how to tie them together so it doesn't fall apart. At the end, I'm quite confident of its practicality, since it is easy to make, and is able to keep up with my movement without falling apart.

Hearing Rina's critics about it kinda hurts, but at the same time, I think it is reasonable since I didn't really consider the appearance.

Also there are Joel's words as well, so it might be just a question of preference.

But there is one thing I have to agree with Joel, though. Why did she choose to do something so dangerous for such a trivial matter?

…

“There are more and more threads that it is hard to walk around.”

“Shouldn't we wait around here? They should have noticed us by now, I think.”

Those threads are no longer for detecting, but for catching their preys. Since they were aware of the fact that this was their habitat, they seem to have managed to find them. Those threads are strong enough to restrict movements of large beasts that they would have gotten entangled from them if they didn't notice. I'm rather glad.

“Yeah, you are right. Let me try calling her out.

Shilky! It's me, Rina. I brought you something, so come out already!”

I feel a presence approaching from afar. As it comes closer, I can distinguish its features.

It's a huge spider of about 2 meters in size, with eight legs supporting its body. As expected of an Arachne, on top of its black body there is a human body growing instead of its head. The appearance is that of a woman in her twenties, with black hair and eight black eyes on her forehead. The woman's body is wearing a white clothe.

I remember Rina came to get a clothe for me, so I inspect it more closely. It seems that it is made of spider threads imbued with mana. The type seems to be different than those used for detection nor capture. Interesting.

As she comes close enough to Rina, I see a dangerous light shining in her eight eyes. They are those of a carnivorous animal. While I am worrying about what I should do, the dangerous atmosphere vanishes as she comes out in front of Rina.

“Oh well, isn't it the little fox girl? What brought you here today?”

“Calling me little the first thing we meet! Even though you were much smaller than me last time we met!”

Rina declares while pouting.

“That was a year ago, you see. And you know we Arachnes grow quickly.”

“Yeah, I know, but it is a bit surprising when I see you like this already. I'm still older than you so treat me properly as a big sister, okay?”

“As you wish, big sister.”

Shilky caresses Rina's head with her spider leg while saying so. Rina is smiling satisfactorily. No matter how I see it, this isn't how you treat your big sister, though.

“I brought some food you like, Shilky.”

Rina takes out stuffs form her basket. They are mostly fruits, but there are some sweets mixed in.

“Oh, I was getting hungry so I started thinking I might as well eat you. It is so thoughtful of you to have brought those for me. Those fruits from your village are my favorites, too.”

“Haha, you are funny with your jokes. Look at these as well, they are sweets I have made recently. I wonder if you like them?”

“What are those? I have never seen them before.

Hmm? This taste. It's peculiar. I have never tasted anything like this.”

“Ah, don't eat too fast. Since I didn't know if you would like it or not, I didn't bring many of them.”

“This sensation, it's like I can't stop eating once I start! To think you eat something like this every day, I'm jealous.”

“It's not every day, though...”

“Is it not?”

“.... It is...”

Well, I have been going to her house to eat sweets every day since I came to the town, so it has indeed been every day.

“What is this one called? It looks like a slime, yet has an excellent taste.”

“Oh, this one is pudding. It was quite difficult to make you know, but I'm glad you like it.”

“Yes, I like the sensation of it wriggling in my mouth.”

As the mood seems to have been soothed, I look at Joel. He is standing awkwardly at a side, not knowing what to do.

“So, you came to ask me for something, right?”

“Yep, I want you to make me a clothe.”

“How rare it is for a Tail Fox to be interested in a clothe. What's up with the sudden request?”

“I found a human girl recently in the forest. I also made the sweets because she liked them, you see.”

“A human girl? How rare. Some demi-humans were around but I haven't seen any human so far. I wonder how they taste?”

“She isn't food! She is, you know, really soft and cute. I think she would be even cuter if she smiled more, but I think the gap between how she stays expressionless and her enthusiasm that she shows sometimes makes her irresistible!”

“... I don't get what you are saying.”

“She is for watching and touching only. Tasting is prohibited!”

“Just a little bite will do, though?”

“I'll give you sweets if you want, so get rid of that thought out of your head already.”

Listening to Rina's resolute answer, Shilky shakes her head.

“Okay then. But I still need to see her.”

“Didn't I tell you enough times that you can't?”

“No, I mean, you wanted me to make her clothes, right? Then I need to check her sizes and ask her what she would like as a clothe. Not just appearance, but also the characteristics she wants.”

“Ah, if that's the case, then there is no problem.”

Saying such, Rina transforms into her human form, without her tails and ears.

“Her body's size is exactly the same as mine, since I took this form after her. You can take my measurements here.”

“Oh, so this is what a human looks like. Hmm, you are indeed soft. Can I have a bite?”

“Are you still going on with that? Here, have some sweets.”

“I guess it can't be helped, then. But what about the designs and properties?”

Rina seems to be thinking about something. After a while, she responds.

“I don't think her sense is any good in design, so even if you asked her, it would be no good. So, let's figure out something by ourselves.”

???

I think I just heard something really rude.

I look at Joel hoping that he would say something about it. However, he is curled up on a side and licking his.. hey, what are you licking?

Oh, never mind.

“About the properties, since she is going to have to wear it for a while, something sturdy and easy to wash should be good. I think she likes wondering around a lot, so it would also be nice if it's not easily stained or damaged.”

Well, that part is good, but what about my sense?

“I see. So it's a human girl with a horrible taste.”

It has even gotten worse now?

It somehow makes me feel really bad overhearing this conversation.

Well, I don't think there is any danger to Rina anymore, so I should go check on the other Arachnes a bit until they finish.

…

Rina and Joel safely returned to the village. Of course, there was no attack from the Saber-toothed tigers.

After seeing them to safety, I go out to hunt a bit more, and return to Rina's house for the dinner.

Instead of the usual leaves clothe, I wrapped myself up around my waist and chest with an animal's hide. After all, I can't bear to wear that again in front of her after hearing what she thought about it.

Rina's foods are tasty as always. Once it is over, she approaches me while fidgeting.

“Luxe, I have a present for you today.”

Yep, I know what it is. But I will have to scold you properly. It was really dangerous to go out there with just two of you, after all. What would you have done if I wasn't there?

“It's a clothe. Since the one I make you with magic keeps disappearing, I thought you would need a real one.”

She hands me over the white clothe. It is a one piece dress with long sleeves and the dress coming down to my knees. There are some frills attached to the end as well, while not excessively. It is rather well made, I have to say, it has to be the work of the Arachne.

After all, I can't admit that Rina has such a fine taste. All she has made me so far were some sweaters.

The more I look at it, the more it looks nice. It's the first time wearing a proper clothe, after all, except from those Rina made me. And it's something she went to such an extent to get me.

However, I need to be strict. What if she thinks of doing something like this again?

“How?”

It seems she understood what I meant with just that. After hesitating a bit, she speaks.

“I went to see an Arachne to make it for you.”

“Alone?”

“With...with Joel.”

“Southern mountain is dangerous.”

“...”

She is visibly sulking as I scold her. I feel bad for her, but this is necessary.

“Recklessness is not good.”

“...”

“What if something happened?”

“...”

With her ears and tails drooping, she doesn't say anything.

I think she is reflecting on it.

I hug her who is avoiding my eyes in front of me.

“Luxe?”

“... Thank you.”

“I thought you didn't like it.”

That's not true. The dress is beautiful, and most of all, you got it for me risking your life. How can I not like it?

“I like it.”

“But then, why?”

“I like Rina more.

Rina is more important than a dress.

So don't do anything reckless, okay?”

“... Okay!”

Rina responds while smiling brightly. What shall I do with you?

…

I'm lying in the bed Rina prepared for me. Sun has fallen long time ago, but I can't get to sleep.

It's not that the bed is uncomfortable. I'm used to sleeping outside, after all.

It's because of what happened today.

It's only been a few days since I came to the Tail Fox Village following Rina.

Even though I was at first cautious of them, I can now tell that their goodwill is genuine, and that I can count on it.

After all, they are way too careless, almost as if this isn't the world I have known so far where monsters kill each other in order to survive and get stronger. Because of that, not only I'm confident that I can hide away if it is necessary, I also don't think they would decide to harm me for no reason.

The only dangerous one here might be myself.

I walk out of my bedroom.

I enter the passage leading to the underground den, and enter Rina's room.

Even if I do this, she won't notice. Even Sionna who has higher level than myself won't.

I look at the orange fox bigger than me curled up and sleeping comfortably.

I approach her and I can feel her breath.

I'm not scared of them anymore. Just hearing her breath calms me down. However, there is something else that I am worried about.

Thinking back now, Rina has always done everything she thinks would benefit me, no matter the cost to herself.

She gave me the clothe she was wearing, even though she had to tremble in cold without it.

She tried to give me her shoes to walk on, while not minding having to walk bear footed herself.

She made me all the sweets and foods without asking me anything in return, spending lots of efforts learning them in the process.

And this time, she made me clothes, even risking her life.

I don't understand it.

Why is she being so selfless for my sake?

Even though she should be a monster, not only her but her tribe as a whole live as if they were humans both in appearance and mentality.

I touch the white fur under her belly. It's the part her furs are the softest.

The warmth I feel appears to be so fragile that it can disappear at any time.

Because they are so careless.

Because they remind me of my parents.

I'm scared.

I'm scared that I might lose them again.

I wanted to get stronger because I didn't want to experience that ever again.

Because I hate the pain of losing someone precious to me, I thrived to become stronger, even if I had to experience killing over and over again.

Because I don't want to lose anyone precious to me, I am afraid of her becoming precious to me.

I might leave this village one day, because I can't handle doing nothing knowing that the peace is so fragile. No, that time will certainly come.

I lie down next to her belly, and envelop myself with her soft fur.

As the monsters trampled my home, I ran away. I want to say it was because I was weak, but I know that it is because I'm a coward.

I have gotten stronger now, but that is still relative. I know very well that there are plenty of monsters out there in front of which I will still be just powerless.

If a danger I can't handle arises, will I be able to stand and fight this time?

Or will I run away again?

It is a question to which I already know the answer.

After all, my choice was to become stronger to not have to run away. It means that if I am not strong enough, I will not know what to do, and the past will repeat itself.

It's despicable. Even though I took so many lives, in order to get stronger, I am still the same coward inside. Nobody should be kind to such a person.

However, her incomprehensible favor is as if she is telling me that she will accept me as I am. The sweet sensation she gives me makes me want to believe that it is okay to stay like this, just a little bit longer.

 

 

 

---

 

Author's note : 

I've gotten a review about the first person view present tense, saying that it is a bad choice.

The reason why I chose this, is because this part of the story is mostly about the interactions between the two characters, the protagonist and the fox.

I want to deliver the way they live, and how they feel as they live the present.

The review says that the story is set in stone, so should be told in a past tense, but I don't agree.

I want my characters to live the present, and since my focus is to tell how they feel, reason, and act in front of the uncertain future they face, I think present tense is the best for it.

I do somewhat agree that in order to describe an event, past tense might be better, but for instance, I'm more focusing on the characters. (Even though I plan to have third person perspectives in the future as well.)

I can however understand why it feels wrong sometimes, since the different perspectives will offer information about how they view the world at the moment, so they can be wrong and awkward sometimes. I also want to deliver the discrepancies on how different characters see the same event, but it has been somewhat difficult to write something consistent while viewing from different perspectives that I have to be in their position.

That could be why the awkwardness comes from (well, the review said the person just hated the tense+perspective with reasons that I don't agree but I believe this has to be the reason behind deep inside), and I might being a bit too ambitious for my first piece.

I think it would be helpful if more people commented on what feels wrong or need to be worked on. Those that I got so far have been really helpful, as I took them in my mind as I keep writing.

Of course, compliments would be welcome as well. I'm appreciating the likes and ratings, and they encourage me to keep writing. It might be even more so because it is my first piece that I want to know how my readers are appreciating the story.

Anyways, thank you all for reading!