Chapter 10: The fox's return to the south
Northern lands
Northern Castle
Sinta stepped out of the grand castle, taking a moment to stretch his limbs and soak in the fresh morning air. After being confined to a bed for what felt like an eternity, he was finally well enough to travel, though he still felt the lingering soreness from lying down for so long. As he stretched out his back, he could hear soft popping sounds, a reminder of how stiff he had become during his recovery. Just as he was about to take a deep breath and enjoy the freedom of movement, he flinched slightly when he felt a gentle touch on his vibrant red hair.
“Leaving without saying anything, Fox?” a melodic voice chimed, breaking the tranquility of the morning.
He turned around, blinking in surprise. “Princess Lyra, I’m sorry….” A frown creased his brow as he realized he had unintentionally been rude. After all, it was her healer who had taken such good care of him during his time of need.
Lyra smiled softly, her expression warm and understanding. “Oh, it’s all fine, Sinta. I know how much my sister misses her fox. And there is no doubt that you miss her as well.” She gently released the lock of hair she had been toying with, her fingers lingering for just a moment longer than necessary.
The red-haired fox hummed lightly, watching her with a mix of admiration and concern. “I’m sure she does, and I do miss her….” He paused, tilting his head slightly. “But why are you awake this early?” he asked, genuinely curious.
She blinked, her eyes sparkling with a hint of mischief, before breaking into a light smile. “I was reading and haven’t been to sleep yet,” she admitted, a hint of pride in her voice.
“Really? But you look perfectly fine….” Sinta said, his brow furrowing slightly as he studied her. “Princess, thank you for everything you’ve done for me, but you really should go to bed. You need your rest.”
“Hmm… Fine. Travel safe, Sinta…” The princess replied, letting out a soft yawn that seemed to echo her fatigue. “And please tell my sister to keep a better eye on you. She worries too much.”
With that, Lyra turned and made her way back inside the castle, her footsteps echoing softly against the stone floor. She passed her own room, heading instead to Ryan’s, perhaps to share a late-night chat or to seek comfort in her sister’s company. Sinta watched her leave, a fond smile playing on his lips, before he turned away and shifted into his silver fox form.
With a flick of his bushy tail, he began his journey toward the southern lands, choosing the safe route that would lead him back to the one he cherished most. The morning sun began to rise higher in the sky, casting a warm glow over the landscape, and Sinta felt a renewed sense of purpose as he set off on his adventure, eager to reunite with his beloved.
Southern Castle
The castle was as calm as it usually was when the fox made his entrance. Still in his fox form, he took a moment to survey his surroundings, his keen eyes scanning the familiar halls. He first made his way upstairs, eager to find the princess. He checked her room, peering inside to see if she was there, and then he moved on to his own room, but found it empty as well. With a slight sense of urgency, he walked back downstairs, his paws making soft sounds against the stone floor. The staff of the castle watched him curiously, their expressions a mix of surprise and indifference, but they neither offered assistance nor attempted to stop him from his quest.
After a brief moment of contemplation, he decided to head to the library, a place filled with the scent of old books and the quiet rustle of pages turning. Using his nimble paws, he pushed open the heavy door and stepped into the room, taking in the sight of towering shelves lined with countless volumes. He looked around, his heart sinking slightly as he let out a light sigh, feeling the weight of his search.
“Looking for the princess?” a voice suddenly broke the silence.
The fox jumped at the unexpected sound and turned to see a young dog demon standing nearby, his ears perked up in curiosity. “Yes, Mathias, do you know where she is?” the fox replied, his voice tinged with urgency.
Mathias paused for a moment, humming lightly as he thought. “I think I last heard she was out in her garden,” he said, his tone thoughtful.
“Thank you,” the fox replied gratefully, turning on his heels and leaving the library, allowing the dog demon to return to his reading.
Sinta, the fox, walked out into the small garden, a serene space filled with blooming flowers and the gentle rustle of leaves in the breeze. He looked around, taking in the beauty of the place, before his gaze landed on the sakura tree. As he approached, he blinked in surprise. There, beneath the delicate pink blossoms, lay Mira, the princess, peacefully asleep. However, what made him frown was the sight of her laying on Rose’s lap. “Why are you here?” he asked quietly, a hint of concern in his voice.
The female fox, Rose, pressed a finger to her lips, signaling for silence. “Hush. I just got her to rest,” she said softly, her fingers gently running through the princess’s hair. “She was worried about you, so I was called to help her calm down.”
Sinta frowned lightly as he walked over and laid down near the two girls. His four tails moved slowly behind him, one of them gently resting on the princess, providing a sense of warmth and comfort.
Rose blinked as she noticed him, a soft smile spreading across her face as he laid his head near her and the princess. “Welcome back, Sinta,” she whispered to the fox, reaching over to gently pet him before returning to her task of playing with the princess’s hair.
The three of them remained in that tranquil moment for a while, the garden filled with the sounds of nature and the soft breaths of the sleeping princess. Eventually, Mira began to stir, humming lightly in her sleep before reaching up to rub her right eye gently. “Rosie…,” she spoke in a soft, gentle, yet quiet voice.
The female fox hummed softly in response, moving a lock of hair out of the princess’s face with care. “Yes, Princess?” she asked, her voice soothing.
“Why do I feel…. Kurama?” Mira mumbled, her brow furrowing slightly as she tried to make sense of her feelings.
That question elicited a giggle from Rose, while Sinta let out a soft growl, his annoyance bubbling to the surface. The female fox had to cover her mouth to stifle her laughter, knowing that the princess was blissfully unaware of the implications of her words. “It’s not my mate, dear princess,” Rose finally replied, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
Sinta shot a glare up at Rose, but he kept quiet, even though he was clearly annoyed by the teasing.
Mira blinked open her eyes and sat up, a small frown forming on her face as she looked down at the annoyed fox. “Sinta?” she called out, reaching over to touch his silver fur, her fingers brushing against his soft coat.
Despite his lingering annoyance, her gentle touch began to calm him down. His tails moved slowly behind him, and his ears twitched in response to her presence. “Yes… I’m back,” he said, finally sitting up. He leaned over and licked her cheek gently, a gesture of affection that made her smile.
She blinked in surprise, then leaned over and hugged the silver fox tightly, wrapping her arms around him in a warm embrace.
Sinta laid his head on her shoulder, feeling a sense of peace wash over him, while he shot another glare at Rose, who was still trying to suppress her laughter.
After a moment, Rose stood up, brushing off her dress. “I’m going to go check on Heei,” she announced, a soft smile gracing her lips as she looked at the two of them. With that, she walked back into the castle, leaving Sinta and Mira alone in the garden.
As soon as Rose was out of sight, Sinta shifted back into his humanoid form, his body transforming seamlessly as he wrapped his arms around Mira’s small frame. He held her close to his chest, feeling the warmth of her presence against him.
Mira blinked in surprise at the sudden change but then smiled softly, cuddling into his chest, feeling safe and secure. “Welcome home, my fox,” she said, her voice filled with affection.
He smiled lightly, pressing his chin on her head, feeling a sense of belonging that he had longed for. “Thanks, my princess,” he replied, his heart swelling with happiness as they shared that quiet moment together in the garden, surrounded by the beauty of nature and the bond they cherished
Still Southern Castle
The atmosphere within the castle was undeniably serene, yet it was also brimming with an unmistakable sense of happiness and joy. Ever since Sinta's return, a palpable uplift had settled over everyone in the castle. Laughter echoed through the halls, and smiles adorned the faces of the castle's inhabitants. However, amidst this joyful ambiance, Mira was particularly unwilling to let Sinta out of her sight, as if she feared losing him again. Soren, on the other hand, merely sighed, resigned to the fact that this was just another day in their extraordinary lives. Inuyasha found the entire situation amusing, chuckling to himself at the antics of his friends, while Heei and Mathias remained indifferent, seemingly unfazed by the emotional display unfolding before them.
At that very moment, Mira was gently brushing Sinta’s vibrant red hair, the brush gliding smoothly through the silky strands as she hummed a soft, melodic tune. Sinta, completely engrossed in a captivating book, seemed to be in his own world. The pair cherished their time together, finding comfort in the silence that enveloped them. They required no words to convey the depth of their feelings for one another; it was evident that they had missed each other dearly during their time apart, and so they were content to remain undisturbed in their little bubble of happiness.
Eventually, Sinta completed his reading and leaned back against the princess, offering her a gentle smile that lit up his face. His striking green eyes met her captivating crimson ones, and in that moment, the world around them faded away.
“You silly Fox,” she remarked playfully, her tender smile reflecting the warmth in her heart.
He responded with a soft hum, a sound that conveyed both agreement and affection. “Indeed, I am,” he replied, turning to face her fully. With a gentle smile, he asked, “Do you take pleasure in brushing my hair?” as he leaned forward, resting his forehead against hers, their closeness intensifying the connection they shared.
She smiled back at him, her heart swelling with affection. “I do. Did you not enjoy it?” she inquired, her voice soft and inviting.
He hummed softly again, a sound filled with contentment. “I did, but I’m in the mood for something different now,” he replied gently, his eyes sparkling with mischief.
Mira chuckled lightly as she set the brush aside, a playful glint in her eyes. “Soren is going to be annoyed with you,” she teased, knowing full well how Soren felt about Sinta's antics.
He laughed softly, the sound warm and inviting. “That mage dislikes everyone except you,” he said, reaching out to tenderly stroke her cheek, his thumb gliding over her lower lip in a gesture that sent shivers down her spine.
She smiled gently, her heart racing at his touch. “That’s not entirely true, Sinta. But if you’re seeking a kiss, then go ahead and kiss me,” she encouraged, her voice a soft whisper filled with longing.
Sinta required no second invitation. He leaned over, capturing her lips with his in a kiss that was both passionate and possessive. Drawing her closer, he guided her to lie down, all while maintaining the kiss, their connection deepening as they lost themselves in each other, oblivious to the world around them. The moment was theirs, a beautiful testament to their love and the bond they shared, a bond that had only grown stronger with time.
Note: okay that ends this chapter… if you wish for a sexual one-shot of them, let me know.