One-shot: Annoyed Rose
100 years ago
Demon World, Southern region
It was a tranquil afternoon in the serene forest, yet the young fox demon, Rose, felt anything but peaceful. She was restless and agitated, her mind occupied with thoughts of her absent mate. “That baka fox,” she muttered, irritation lacing her words as she peered out at the dense thicket beyond her father's wooden home, where shadows danced among the trees. The sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting warm patterns on the weathered floorboards beneath her silver fur glimmered, the black tip of her tail flicking with suppressed frustration.
As she grappled with her thoughts, a gentle presence approached from behind. A male figure, her father, Raiko, placed a tender hand on her left fox ear, his fingers brushing against her silvery fur. A trace of concern clouded his usually calm demeanor. “Rose, why don’t you take a break and go somewhere else for a while?” he suggested softly, his voice filled with a mixture of warmth and worry.
Rose flinched at the unexpected touch, her blue eyes widening as she turned to meet her father’s gaze. “Father, where could I possibly go? I’m bound to your home and Mother’s,” she replied, a hint of frustration creeping into her tone.
Raiko smiled gently, his expression softening. “Well, I do have a friend in a realm connected to ours,” he offered, a glimmer of hope in his eyes.
She blinked several times in surprise, her ears perked up with curiosity. A laugh bubbled up from her as she lowered her gaze. “So Raiko actually has friends besides mother?”
Raiko shot her a mock glare, settling next to her on the floor, his demeanor shifting to one of playful annoyance. “Rose, don’t start teasing me…” He exhaled a light sigh, allowing a small grin to escape. “And yes, I do have friends that Nyna doesn’t know about.”
Intrigued, she leaned forward, her eyes glinting with mischief. “Care to tell me about these mysterious friends of yours?”
A sigh was heard. “Father was wondering if you’d like to visit Elyasia while we wait for news about your mate.”
Just then, a young male fox with shimmering silver hair entered the scene, his demeanor radiating mild irritation. Skye, one of Rose’s older brothers, scrutinized the pair with his piercing gaze. “What’s going on here?” he queried, his tone laced with protectiveness.
Rose glanced between her father and brother, feeling a playful challenge rise within her. “I caught that, brother,” she responded cheerfully, rising from her seat to approach him. “But are you really okay with me disappearing to a land only father has visited?”
Skye’s overprotective instincts kicked in immediately. Ever since she was a young, unique fox demon, he had taken it upon himself to shield her from potential dangers, and the notoriety of her mate only increased his apprehension about her safety.
“Absolutely not. Elyasia is a place where no one would recognize you, and you would be safe there…” he replied, though the words were laced with concern.
Confusion danced on Rose’s features as she glanced at their father, who was observing them with a mix of interest and caution. “Skye, why are you okay with her going to Elyasia?” Raiko inquired, his voice tinged with surprise at his son siding with him.
A sly smile crept onto Skye’s face, masking a smirk simmering beneath. “Well, it’s a perfect opportunity for her to experience a little ‘freedom’ from you and the rest of us,” he teased, wrapping his arms around Rose in a comforting embrace. He leaned down and whispered conspiratorially, “Plus, sis, you might just find some friends there…”
Raiko let out a resigned sigh, realizing he had little control over the banter that existed among his children. “Alright, I’ll send word to Nyna and a trusted friend. So Rose, consider this your chance—just a week,” he concluded, rising to his feet.
She nodded, her heart fluttering with a mix of excitement and apprehension. “I’ll do my best…” she murmured, affectionately licking Skye’s cheek before stepping gracefully out of his embrace and wandering into the depths of the house, her mind racing with thoughts of what lay ahead.
The young kitsune stepped out of her patrol, her heart beating in rhythm with the whispers of the forest. She scanned the surroundings, the vibrant colors of nature painting a picturesque backdrop for her journey. Glancing down at the faded map her father had given her, a soft sigh slipped from her lips. “Why did I let those two convince me to do this?” she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. Her long, cascading hair was meticulously tied back, the strands shimmering like sunlight filtering through leaves, while she donned a simple yet elegant dark blue kimono that swayed gently with her movements. In her desire to blend into the ordinary world, she kept her magnificent kitsune ears and bushy tail hidden from sight.
Just as she took another cautious look around, she felt a gentle tug on the hem of her kimono.
Turning, she found herself face-to-face with a young girl, her short black hair framing a cherubic face adorned with large, curious blue eyes that sparkled with innocence. “Where did you come from?” the child asked, her voice bright and filled with wonder.
Rose studied the little girl for a moment, noting the playful mischief dancing in her eyes, before kneeling down to meet her at eye level. “I’m from a realm connected to this one. My father sent me here,” she explained, her voice softening as she spoke.
The girl blinked in astonishment, her smile growing brighter as excitement bubbled within her. “There are other realms connected to this one?” she asked eagerly, her curiosity evident.
With a resigned sigh, Rose found herself wishing for solitude, if only for a moment. While she didn’t harbor any dislike for children, they weren’t exactly her preference. “Yes, there are,” she replied.
Just as the little girl prepared to ask another question, a flicker of memory crossed her mind. “I’m sorry, but Soren is looking for me.” And with that, she dashed away like a fleeting shadow.
Rose let out a soft sigh, straightening herself. “Alright then… now to find someone named Kira…” she mumbled, determination creeping back into her voice.
“It’s Lady Kira, young kitsune.”
Startled, Rose spun around to find a strikingly lovely woman standing gracefully before her. The woman exuded an aura of warmth and kindness, her presence captivating. Bowing her head slightly, Rose replied, “I’m sorry. My father didn’t mention that.”
Kira chuckled, the sound like gentle chimes in the breeze. “Raiko tends to forget titles, it seems. So, you are his daughter, Rose?”
Rose nodded gently, feeling a mix of pride and trepidation. “Yes, that’s me.”
Kira’s warm smile widened as she approached, her eyes twinkling with approval as she studied the young kitsune. “My, you’re as adorable as he described. But where are your ears and tail?”
“I’ve hidden them because I don’t like it when people stare at them…” Rose replied, her voice dropping as she muttered something about her father’s overbearing nature. A deeper thought lingered, one that hinted at the true reason behind her father sending her here—to coax her away from the waiting shadows of her desires.
The older woman pouted playfully before her smile returned. “I understand. I was merely curious to see their unique colors, as your father often mentions them in his letters.”
After a moment of contemplation, Rose smiled faintly, her heart fluttering as if filled with courage. “If you know a quiet spot, I’ll show you… but only if we’re alone…” she said earnestly.
Kira nodded, her eyes sparkling with understanding, and gestured toward an imposing castle nearby. “We can go inside. I prepared a room for you before your arrival.”
A few minutes later, in the enchantingly adorned guest room, Rose took a moment to absorb her surroundings while Kira quietly observed from the doorframe. She ran her fingers over the soft white bedding, intricately adorned with black rose patterns, feeling the luxurious fabric beneath her touch. The light-colored walls were festooned with charming illustrations of various rose blooms, each capturing a story of their own.
Lady Kira smiled gently, her voice flowing like a soothing stream. “I heard you developed an interest in roses after meeting your mate.”
“Father, right?”
“Exactly. I don’t know why, but he can’t stop talking about you. Even during his visits, it’s always about you. Not that I mind; Mira enjoys hearing all about you.”
Rose’s eyebrows knitted together in curiosity. “Who’s Mira?”
Kira smiled knowingly and walked over to sit gracefully on the bed. “You met her outside. She’s my youngest daughter.”
Understanding dawned on Rose, and she blinked in realization. “So she’s the one who tugged on my kimono… but who’s Soren?”
Kira pondered for a moment, her gaze thoughtful. “Soren is someone very special to Mira—oddly closer to her than her own sister,” she replied with a wistful sigh. “From what I gather, he’s a mix of dragon and human.”
“A dragon half-breed… Is that uncommon in this land?” Rose inquired, her curiosity piqued.
Kira shook her head lightly. “Not really, but his kind is. Why are you so curious?” she asked, her gentle smile inviting further conversation.
“I’m not particularly… I just want to learn about this place since I’ll be here for a while,” Rose explained, a hint of determination in her tone.
“I see. While you’re here, feel free to explore the library,” Kira offered, her voice encouraging.
Rose smiled softly, gratitude warming her heart. “Thank you.” After a thoughtful pause, she let out a resigned sigh. “Now, I’ll show you what my father truly appreciates about me…” she said quietly, letting her kitsune ears emerge from her midnight tresses—the left one a shimmering silver, the right as dark as the night sky. Her silver-furred tail, with its striking black tip, gracefully unfurled, wrapping gently around her left hand like a protective embrace.
Kira blinked in astonishment, her eyes wide as she gazed at the young kitsune’s ears and tail. “How fascinating. It’s rare to see kitsune with your unique fur colors, and I understand why you kept them hidden.”
Rose nodded, her ears drooping slightly against her head. “Yes… sadly, I’ve even hidden them from Kurama.”
“How lovely,” came a voice from behind her. Rose turned to find Mira standing shyly by the partially open door. A young boy with red eyes and lustrous black hair peeked curiously around her.
“Mira, Soren, you two shouldn’t do that. Rose doesn’t like showing her ears and tail,” Kira said gently, her smile disarming as she addressed the children.
Feeling her cheeks flush as if caught under the contagious warmth of a loving gaze, Rose shifted under the attention. Mira stepped closer, hesitantly reaching out to lightly touch the black tip of her tail.
“I’m sorry, Miss Rose… but I was told Mommy was in here… and your tail feels really soft,” Mira said, pure fascination clear in her voice.
“It’s… fine…” Rose managed to reply, her shyness wrapping around her like a warm, delicate cocoon.
“Soren, could you show Rose to the library?” Kira suggested to the young boy, and Soren nodded enthusiastically, looking up at Rose with curiosity. She felt a wave of shyness wash over her, her heart racing under Mira’s intent gaze as they began their new acquaintance.
Revisit
The youthful princess Mira reclined comfortably beneath the expansive shade of a centuries-old oak tree, its gnarled branches stretching out like welcoming arms. The gentle breeze rustled the vibrant green leaves overhead, creating a soothing melody that accompanied her soft humming, a tune filled with innocence and joy. Nearby, her loyal companion, the fire demon Heei, lay sprawled on the cool grass, his crimson scales glistening in the dappled sunlight, completely absorbed in his dreams. Mira’s tranquil surroundings wrapped her in a peaceful embrace, making her oblivious to any approaching presence.
“Oh my... Heei looks so serene,” came a gentle voice, breaking the calm of the afternoon.
Mira turned her head, her face lighting up with a warm smile as she recognized the speaker. “Is that you, Miss Rose?” she replied, her voice a mixture of surprise and delight.
The black-haired kitsune, with her eyes sparkling like jade, returned the warmth of Mira’s smile. “Yes, I came to visit you, especially since my dear mate is here too,” Rose explained, her voice lilting with affection. She reached out a slender hand to lightly caress Heei’s sleeping form, her fingers gentle as they brushed against his fiery, soft fur. “I’m truly sorry about Sinta,” she added, her tone becoming more serious.
“It’s alright,” Mira reassured her, her brow smoothing with calm. “I receive updates about him, so I’m attempting to keep my worries at bay.”
Rose nodded knowingly, her expression sympathetic. “I doubt he intends to cause you worry. But once his mate finds out about his antics...”
A flicker of understanding crossed Mira's face, and she flashed a small, knowing smile. “I understand,” she acknowledged, her voice soft with empathy.
Standing up gracefully, Rose moved closer to the princess, her posture exuding warmth and companionship. “Still, that fox should really make an effort to ensure the adorable princess doesn’t fret so much,” she remarked playfully.
“I know,” Mira responded, her smile radiating warmth like the sun breaking through the clouds.
With an affectionate gesture, the kitsune gently patted Mira’s head, her fingers lacing through the princess's long, silky hair.
Mira hummed softly, leaning against Rose, finding comfort in her presence. “How long will you stay this time?” she asked, curiosity dancing in her eyes.
Rose tilted her head, pondering the question as she admired the expanse of the sky. “I’m not entirely sure, but I will cherish every moment,” she finally replied.
Their conversation flowed like a gentle stream, filled with laughter and shared stories, until Heei abruptly opened his bright red eyes and shot them both a disgruntled glare. “You two are entirely too noisy...” he grumbled softly, his voice a low growl that seemed to vibrate through the air.
Mira blinked at him, surprise evident in her wide eyes. “I’m so sorry, Heei-kun,” she said, her expression turning to one of contrition.
Rose turned towards the fire demon with a playful smile dancing on her lips. “Now, now, you know it’s good for the princess to laugh. Or would you prefer her to be sulking in sadness?”
Heei shot a pointed glare at Rose, his annoyance palpable, while Mira blinked in surprise at the exchange.
When silence fell in the space between them, Rose smirked, pulling Mira closer into a gentle hug. “I win,” she declared triumphantly.
Mira giggled lightly at the playful banter as Heei sat up, shaking his head slightly in resignation. “Girls...” he muttered, exhaling with a mix of exasperation and fondness.
A/N: fixed and updated a bit.