Fox Sister

An oppressive aura loomed over the forest path as I took hesitant steps.

The suffocating silence was shattered by a horrifying scene unfolding before my eyes.

A massive serpent, its scales glinting menacingly, was coiling tightly around a girl in her final moments, crushing her bones and flesh with sickening ease.

Her blood-streaked lips were surrounded by torn clothing and disheveled hair, clinging grotesquely to her pale face.

My heart pounded wildly at the brutal sight.

“No!”

I shouted, my breath catching in my throat, but it was already too late.

The girl’s head was twisted at an unnatural angle, her limbs limp and lifeless. There was no more warmth in that fragile body.

The serpent slowly turned its head, its jagged eye piercing me with a gaze that could curdle blood. Its wet tongue flicked out threateningly, and the distinctively rank smell of snakes filled my nostrils.

“You dare… to defile the territory of the Mountain Spirit!” the serpent hissed, its voice dripping with condescension.

“Mountain Spirit? You monster, who are you to claim such a title while preying on humans?”

My voice trembled with rage as I confronted the beast.

“This is merely a fair trade,” the serpent sneered. “I leave the village alone, and they offer sacrifices. What wrong have I done?”

Its shameless reasoning made my blood boil. Treating the coercion of helpless humans as some kind of ‘fair deal’ was utterly revolting.

As I pulled a talisman from my robes, imbued with my remaining magical power, and hurled it at the serpent, flames erupted where it struck. But they were weaker than expected.

Before I could retrieve a healing potion from my robes, a powerful gust of wind swept past me.

“Who dares harm my sister?!”

A small yet fierce cry echoed through the forest as my younger sister launched a devastating punch with her fox tail waving behind her.

The impact sent the serpent’s massive head snapping to the side. Though not fatal, the blow clearly stunned the creature.

Once again, I was reminded just how powerful my sister truly was among yokai.

“How dare you carry the stench of human blood so strongly, yet call yourself a protector of humans!” the serpent spat, venom in its voice.

Its words cut deep. The truth of my sister’s past deeds was undeniable.

Despite knowing all this, I had taken her hand anyway. Knowing full well that what I sought to do was hypocritical.

“I do this… because I choose to.”

The serpent fell silent for a moment before bursting into manic laughter.

“Hahahaha! So you’re just like me after all! Just wearing human skin!”

Its mocking cries echoed through the woods. Perhaps its words held some truth. Acting only because we possess strength – is our logic really any different from theirs?

Silently, I approached the serpent. Fear clouded its once-menacing eyes as I raised my blade.

With no hesitation, the sword sliced cleanly through its neck. The heavy body thudded to the ground, its severed head rolling away.

As I sheathed my sword, a sharp metallic clang broke the heavy silence of the forest. The oppressive atmosphere lifted, replaced by a crisp, refreshing breeze.

Sunlight filtered through the leaves, illuminating the grotesque scene below. Yet instead of revulsion, a sense of liberation filled my chest as earthy scents permeated the air.

“Sister, let’s go.”

Speaking softly, I gently lifted both the serpent’s head and the girl’s cold body.

As we neared the village entrance, distant sounds of daily life began to reach our ears – roosters crowing, children laughing or playing.

When we reached the village edge, all eyes turned to us. Men carrying loads, women doing laundry, even playing children stopped to stare.

Their gazes were filled with confusion and wariness. Seeing a strange woman carrying a yokai’s head was understandably alarming.

But I held my head high and declared loudly, “I have slain the false Mountain Spirit that preyed on your people. You need fear it no longer!”

Still, the villagers remained silent, their silence neither approval nor disapproval.

Gently placing the girl’s frail body down, I looked around at the gathered villagers.

“Does anyone know where the old man who might be this girl’s father lives?”

My careful question met only awkward silence. They exchanged glances but none dared speak.

Finally, an elderly woman spoke hesitantly, “…He… has already…”

Her unfinished sentence was understood. The old man had likely passed shortly after losing his daughter.

A heavy weight settled in my chest. They had never even gotten to comfort each other in their final days.

From my waistband, I pulled a small purse of coins – all I had to offer.

“Please… see to the proper burials for these two.”

Handing the coins to the old woman, she accepted them carefully and bowed deeply in thanks.

“Thank you from the bottom of my heart…”

Yet the villagers’ expressions remained tense, their gazework wary rather than welcoming.

Forcing a bright smile despite my unease, I asked, “It’s getting late. Might we stay here overnight?”

Murmurs rippled through the crowd. Some gasped quietly, others frowned openly, exchanging whispers.

Breaking the silence, the same elderly woman stepped forward, her bent back and wrinkled face illuminated faintly by moonlight.

“…You may stay at my home tonight.”

Her quiet words were firm, a clear invitation. Bowing deeply, I thanked her sincerely.

Though others dispersed grumbling, their uneasy glances lingered. Their discomfort seemed deeper than mere strangeness.

The modest dinner prepared for us was simple but heartfelt. The steam rising from freshly cooked rice and savory stew warmed our empty stomachs.

Tension eased slightly in the comforting scent of food. The soft glow of lamplight and gentle warmth from the wooden floor made the foreign village night feel almost comfortable.

In the quiet of shared dining, my sister’s soft voice broke the silence.

“Big sister…”

Her gentle tone carried a hidden edge. Before I could look up,

Her next words froze the air in the room. “Since we helped them and they treat us like this… may I tear them apart?”

Her sky-blue eyes gleamed coldly, the lamb-like demeanor from earlier completely gone, revealing a predator’s nature.

Setting down my spoon, I met her gaze steadily. I knew she wasn’t joking. That look in her eyes was deadly serious. A single nod from me would turn this peaceful village red with blood.

Sighing quietly, I spoke firmly.

“Enough.”

Looking her directly in the eyes, I added, “Not everyone here is ungrateful. Remember the old woman who offered us shelter.”

Her lips pouted unhappily but she didn’t argue further. Gently cupping her cheek, I felt her smooth skin’s warmth and the subtle trembling beneath my palm.

She leaned into my touch eagerly, her cheeks flushing slightly. Her long lashes fluttered as her expression softened.

“Good girl,” I murmured softly, stroking her cheek.

A satisfied smile spread across her face. The coldness in her eyes warmed, her tight lips relaxing.

She looked so adorable it made my heart skip a beat, yet simultaneously brought back unsettling memories. The young girl gutting beasts, the fox yokai eating human livers while smiling…

But her true nature didn’t matter. I had already accepted all of her.

Deep silence enveloped the room. In the dim lamplight, my sister basked contentedly in my touch, smiling quietly.

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