So I decided to participate in art fight again this year. Mostly to share but returning from last year we have the wonderful Whiskersartz/Goldheartart on art fight/deviantart respectively.

Their art fight link - https://artfight.net/~WhiskersArtz

And their deviantart link https://www.deviantart.com/goldheartart

And well it was so beautiful I had to write a quick story for it. Which ended up working out well because it gave me the final push of inspiration I need to make Miyukis lore rewrite! Though I have a couple other stories to work on in the meantime so look forward to those!

~~~

It had been over an hour since he had wandered into the woods, and despite his reluctance to admit it he was lost. The strange fog submerging the woods confusing him all the further as he ended up walking deeper and deeper. Eventually though he could see a clearing, and what looked to be a person sat in a rock in the distance. “Finally another human being”, he thought as he rushed towards the clearing. Glad to be free of the treeline as he tripped right upon exiting. Causing the woman to turn towards him with a jolt. Caught so unaware she didn't even have a chance to hide her 9 tails which swayed side to side

“Oh goodness. Greetings traveler~ are you alright~?”

Said Miyuki as she set aside her tea and got up from the smooth stone. Walking towards him and reaching out a hand to the confused wanderer, who had noticed her tails and was questioning what exactly he was looking at before it was cut short by her speaking.

“My name is Miyuki~ the head of the household here~ to what do I owe the pleasure~”

The man was hesitant to trust something that didn't seem fully human. But she seemed kind enough, taking her hand after thinking about it for a moment. Getting pulled back onto his feet and offering a brief apology as the kitsune giggled. Listening as he mentioned getting lost in the woods and ending up here. Choosing not to ask the question of what she was that was eating away at him to not upset her.

“I see~ we don't get many visitors this deep in the woods as I'm sure you can imagine. I'd be happy to have one of the girls lead you back home in the morning, but it grows late. Would you like to come inside~? I know I'm not human but I promise I don't bite~ and I'd be happy to answer any of your questions~”

She said with a teasing giggle as she starts leading him towards the manor. There was a softness in her voice that made her feel safe, like a mother finding a lost child. And despite his reservations it wasn't like he had any better options anyway. He would trust her for now, walking in alongside her as she sits down on the table in the entrance hall. Offering him a seat across.

“Before you ask~ no I'm not human~ and no I don't eat humans. There was a silly myth about my kind many years ago that we devour souls but truthfully I find myself more drawn to berries and fruits~ would you like some tea~?”

He sat down nervously. Eyes darting around the intricate interior of the house as he listened. Humbly accepting the tea as Miyuki gently poured it into his cup. And bringing the tea to his lips was a surprisingly lovely experience. The scent beautiful and the taste was truly delicious, unlike any tea he'd had before. A result of the magical herbs used to make it. He sat in silence for several moments, taking it all in before asking the obvious question of what exactly is Miyuki.

“Now where are my manners, I apologize for not saying. I am a kitsune~ retired however so please don't stress yourself out looking for tricks. I had to leave mother Inari due to… personal issues. But I shan't bore you with my woes. I'm sure you have many more questions but they can be answered in the morning after a good night's sleep~ Allow me to show you to our guest bedrooms~”

She says as she gets up, inviting him to follow. He was reluctant to leave the teapot behind but didn't want to be a ride guest, getting up and following her through the halls as he pondered what she said. He wasn't an expert on mythology but he knew that kitsune were trickster spirits in myth. Typically harmless tricks but tricks nonetheless. However she had ample opportunity to trick him with the tea. So he chose to believe her for now as he was led up the stairs and down a long line of bedrooms. Each with a name on the door. Getting glimpses of other strange women in the hallways, some of whom waved at him before moving on. Before finally stopping.

“This will be your room for the night~ if there is any issues simply ring the bell on the dresser and either I or one of the girls will be here to assist you~ you're welcome in this house as long as you wish so long as you remain respectful of our other residents~ but I don't wish to keep you. Please get some rest~”

She said with a bow before walking back to the entrance hall, likely to finish or at least clean up the tea. As he opened the door he was truly stunned. This didn't feel like a guest bedroom at all, this was a bedroom that would be extravagant by the standards of a king. With a bed large enough to fit a small family on it and furniture with the finest furnishings he'd ever laid eyes on. Just looking at the bed made him crave the sweet embrace of sleep as he decided to get ready for bed. Yawning slightly as he got comfortable before crashing into the bed, a bed softer than any fabric he'd felt in his life. Sleep was inevitable, and as his eyes drifted closed he couldn't help but think of her offer to stay as long as he wanted. Thinking how it might be nice before drifting off to that beautiful sleep~