Hokuto

Hokuto
A Festival Kitsune


Crimson embers heralded the arrival of Hokuto to the Brunested clan. They lit up the network of caves and tunnels the clan called home, blinking in and out of existence seemingly at random. Some clan members gathered around the flames curiously; others shrunk back from the lights, into their dens. Eventually, the clan leader grew tired of the tomfoolery and snarled a challenge.

“Who goes there? Show yourself!”

Laughter reverberated throughout the cave, echoing down the various corridors. The flames grew brighter and brighter, until they were almost blinding in the dim light. When the embers finally died down once more, they circled the silhouette of the strangest looking dragon anyone in the clan had ever seen. Some were not sure if they were looking at a dragon at all.

The being before them was large, and looked vaguely like an Imperial, but with some major differences. The horns were shorter, gnarled, and twisted. The whiskers were longer, some even brushing the ground, and more dense. Where scales should be, a thick coat of golden and crimson fur covered the body. An Imperial would normally have feet and toes, but whatever this was had paws. The wings were exceedingly large, sweeping backwards behind the interloper and even reaching the ceiling. Most interesting to the clan were the six long tails that disappeared into the darkness behind the being.

“What are you?” The clan leader growled, preparing himself for battle. If he had to fight this strange, imposing figure, he would do so without hesitation. Fortunately, Hestia and Verity, the clan oracle and oracle-in-training, made their way to their leader’s side to stop him.

“He’s a Kitsune.” The oracle explained in her monotonous voice. “Mother sent me a vision of his arrival. I wasn’t sure what it meant until now.”

“And just what in Sornieth is a Kitsune?” Whyvrith asked, calming slightly. If his oracle wasn’t surprised by this newcomer’s arrival, if she’d received a message from Plaguebringer herself, then he could afford to lower his guard.

Apollo, a devoted follower of Lightweaver and frequent visitor to her realm, stepped forward.

“I could probably tell you. Don’t expect him to explain himself; Kitsune are notorious for their tricks. It’s difficult to get a straight answer from any of them. They bring trouble and good fortune in equal measure. Most of the time.”

Whyvrith motioned for the orange Imperial to follow him to his cave so they could discuss the Kitsune further. The oracles followed in case their leader needed their guidance. Some of the clan members dispersed, now that their leader had gauged the Kitsune to not be a threat.

Marina, the clan’s budding actress, walked right up to the newcomer. A Golden Kitsune familiar blinked into existence and dashed around her in a circle, much to her delight.

“You’re clearly very talented,” She began addressing the Kitsune, “Have you ever considered a career in show business?”

For his part, the Kitsune, who would later tell her that his name was Hokuto, gave her a toothy grin in reply.