Hoshiyo and Rei stepped forward with a determined huff, attaching themselves to the harness Kuzunoha had prepared. Together, they pulled the carriage, their paws sinking into the snow as they set off toward the western village, their first true lesson in shapeshifting just beginning.
"I have a question," Hoshiyo said, stepping in front of the cart and gripping the ropes in her teeth before wrapping them around her body. "How long will this walk take?"
Kuzunoha helped Rei secure her ropes at the front of the carriage and replied, "The journey isn't long, but we'll need to take breaks. There's no clear path to the village."
"I see," Hoshiyo muttered, exhaling softly. She steeled herself for the road ahead, knowing the island was still dangerous, no matter their destination.
Kuzunoha transformed into a sleek white fox, about the size of a Siberian Husky. Her elegant form gleamed in the forest's darkness like a beacon cutting through the night. "Let's not waste any more time," she whispered, her voice steady yet urgent. "We must reach the village quickly—lives depend on our aid."
Hoshiyo and Rei followed without hesitation, their eyes locked on their Sensei. She moved with a fluid grace that was impossible to miss, her glowing fur lighting the path like a firefly in the night. Despite everything she had recently endured with her children, Kuzunoha's gentle smile never wavered, radiating a quiet strength.
Curious, Hoshiyo broke the silence. "How are your children? Since the festival, have you had the chance to reconnect?"
Kuzunoha's eyes softened, though she kept her gaze ahead. "My son... it's been difficult for him. The truth I dropped on him was overwhelming; trust doesn't rebuild overnight. But we're getting there. Every day, we grow a little closer." She quickened her pace, testing whether they could keep up while hauling the heavy cargo on their backs.
Hoshiyo felt a pang of empathy. "I'm sorry to hear that," she murmured.
Rei, always the optimistic one, chimed in, her voice bright. "Don't lose hope. From what I saw, your daughter was ready to forgive you the moment she laid eyes on you."
Kuzunoha smiled softly, her steps never faltering. "I won't run away again. This time, I'll protect them, including the nine of you. I'm at your service, now and always."
Hoshiyo nodded, feeling a deep sense of gratitude. "Thank you, Sensei."
Hoshiyo and Rei trudged through the dense forest, their powerful wolf forms straining against the weight of the wooden cart filled with medical supplies. The creaking wheels rolled unevenly over the rough terrain, but the two sisters moved in perfect harmony, their breath visible in the cool night air. Ahead of them, Kuzunoha, in her magnificent white fox form, guided their path. Her fur shimmered like stardust under the silver moonlight, an ethereal presence leading them through the ancient woods.
As they approached a wooden bridge stretching over a still, mythical lake, Hoshiyo's ears pricked. Beneath the surface, shadowy shapes glided—Yokai, their eerie forms visible beneath the shimmering water. The air felt heavier here, thick with magic and old spirits, but they pressed on, trusting Kuzunoha's guidance.
Kuzunoha glanced back at them, her eyes glowing softly as she whispered, "Keep moving. We're almost there." Her voice was comforting and commanding, pulling them forward across the bridge, their paws clicking against the ancient wood.
Rei glanced down at the lake, catching sight of prominent shadowy figures gliding just beneath the surface. The water was calm, its flow gentle, and she could see the distinct line where the salty ocean met the fresh river water. Lowering her head to sniff the air, she caught the scent of salt and murmured, "What creatures live in this lake?"
Kuzunoha, striding ahead, didn't even glance down as she crossed the fenced bridge. "Now is not the time to concern yourself with them," she said, her tone firm but calm. "We have more pressing matters at hand."
Hoshiyo, curious, lifted her gaze to the horizon. "What lies beyond the lake?"
"As we cross into the Land of Moons," Kuzunoha began, her voice holding a note of pride, "the island aligns with the phases of the moon. Beyond these bridges, you'll find an ancient swamp—its waters can shift colors under the moonlight, reflecting centuries of history. The fields of grass and the vibrant forest beyond are connected to the heavens in ways you've yet to understand."
The moment they crossed, something shifted in the air. Rei's wolf form began to glow faintly, then brighter, until her entire body shimmered under the moon's gaze. Hoshiyo turned her head, awe-struck as her sister's moon phase markings appeared along her fur, illuminating her in a celestial light. Each phase, from crescent to full moon, was outlined in glowing silver, making Rei look like a piece of the night sky come to life. She was breathtaking—like watching the stars themselves walk beside her. Hoshiyo's heart swelled with pride and wonder.
Kuzunoha stopped and turned to face them, her wise eyes narrowing in recognition. "Rei," she said softly, her voice filled with ancient knowledge. "You've crossed into Tsukuyomi's realm where you will learn to guide and protect these wolves from harm."
Rei's glowing form pulsed with energy, her eyes reflecting the moonlight as she stood still, absorbing the weight of Kuzunoha's words. "I protect the Land of Moons, and Hoshiyo protects the Land of Stars."
"Correct," Kuzunoha replied. "Now, be on your guard. The forest ahead is not forgiving to those who enter for the first time."
Hoshiyo and Rei moved steadily through the mist-shrouded swamp, their wolf forms pulling the wooden medical cart through knee-high water. Kuzunoha, guiding them in her elegant white fox form, stayed just ahead, her luminous coat a beacon in the dim light. The air was thick with fog, but it felt comforting instead of the usual sticky humidity—like a cool blanket wrapping around them.
"This mist is strange," Hoshiyo mused, her deep voice almost a growl. "It feels more like a shelter than the suffocating humidity we're used to in Japan."
Kuzunoha's ears twitched as she continued leading them, her eyes scanning the thick, vine-laden trees. "It may feel comforting, but don't let your guard down. This swamp is home to dangerous Yokai who aren't fond of humans—especially those who can shift between forms like you. Not all of them welcome your kind or our mission. Many fear what we represent."
Hoshiyo let out a massive yawn, her jaws stretching wide, exposing her sharp white teeth and long, pink tongue as if on cue. Fatigue washed over her; the quiet of the swamp was almost too peaceful, lulling her to the edge of sleep.
Rei, trotting beside her, stayed alert, ears swiveling in the silence. The mist seemed to muffle all sound, making even the gentle slosh of water against their legs feel like a whisper. "This place is too still," Rei muttered.
Kuzunoha, sensing the same eerie quiet, slowed her pace and murmured under her breath, "Something's near."
Hoshiyo's eyes snapped open, the tiredness draining from her as her instincts sharpened. The unease in Kuzunoha's voice sent a jolt through her. "What is it?" she asked.
"A Baku," Kuzunoha whispered, eyes narrowed. "It's close."
The Baku was no ordinary Yokai—a strange, holy beast. Massive, with the body of a bear, an elephant's head, the rhinoceros's eyes, an ox's tail, and a tiger's legs. Despite its monstrous appearance, it was a revered creature—protector of humans, devourer of bad dreams. But even the Baku, guardian spirit though it may be, was dangerous when provoked.
Without warning, the mist swirled violently, parting to reveal the Baku. It towered above them, its gleaming eyes locking onto the group. There was an unsettling power in its gaze, a silent authority that sent tremors through the air.
Before they could react, the Baku charged, its massive form barreling toward them with alarming speed. Hoshiyo and Rei barely had time to detach from the cart as the beast lunged. Hoshiyo moved with lightning reflexes, darting to the side to avoid a swipe of the Baku's enormous paw.
Kuzunoha unleashed ethereal energy, casting a ghostly light across the swamp as she circled the creature. "Stay focused!" she barked. "Baku may be protectors, but they won't hesitate to fight if they feel threatened."
Rei snarled, lunging at the Baku, but the creature was too fast. It spun, knocking her back with a powerful kick that sent her skidding across the swamp's wet surface. Hoshiyo rushed in, her jaws clamping onto the Baku's leg, but the beast was too strong. It flung her off with a shake, sending her crashing into a tree.
For a moment, everything went still. Hoshiyo struggled to her feet, pain radiating through her body. The Baku loomed over her, its eyes gleaming with an almost sorrowful determination. This was a test—a challenge to see if they were worthy.
Hoshiyo growled, summoning the last of her strength. She charged again, this time not with raw force but with precision. She leaped, her powerful legs propelling her onto the Baku's back. Sinking her teeth into its neck, she held on as it thrashed, its trumpeting roar shaking the trees.
With one final, desperate move, Hoshiyo twisted her body, throwing the Baku off balance. It stumbled, crashing into the swamp with a mighty splash, thrashing slowly until it finally lay still. Exhausted, Hoshiyo released her grip and staggered backward.
Though beaten, the Baku slowly rose to its feet. It stared at her for a long moment, its deep eyes filled with respect rather than anger. Then, without a sound, it retreated into the mist, its massive form fading until it was a shadow among shadows.
Kuzunoha approached Hoshiyo, her fox form glowing softly in the aftermath. "You did well," she said quietly, her voice carrying a note of pride. "You fought with both strength and heart. The Baku saw that."
Hoshiyo panted, her body trembling from the effort. "I barely survived."
"But you did," Kuzunoha replied. "And that's what matters."
Rei limped over, her moon-marked fur glistening in the faint light. "Let's not make a habit of fighting ancient Yokai until we reach the village," she muttered, half-smiling.
Hoshiyo gave a weak laugh, but in her heart, she knew they had gained something far more valuable than survival—they had earned the respect of a guardian. For the first time, it felt like they were indeed on the path to becoming protectors of their own.
Kuzunoha surveyed the forest, noting how the once-thick trees seemed to thin as the Baku's presence faded. The mist cleared, allowing moonlight to filter through, casting a soft glow on the forest floor. Smaller Yokai, who had fled in fear, slowly returned, their tiny forms darting through the trees as if they'd been waiting for the Baku's anger to subside. A serene smile crossed Kuzunoha's face as she looked up at the glowing night sky. "We'll make camp here tonight," she said gently. "It'll give us time to heal and for me to teach Hoshiyo some of our healing methods."
Rei, still catching her breath from the battle, approached the shattered remains of the wooden medical cart. Debris floated on the swamp's surface, and the supply bags bobbed in the water. Disappointment darkened her gaze. "Where are we supposed to go now?" she asked, her voice tense. The interruption had cut her training short, and it gnawed at her.
Kuzunoha met Rei's frustration with understanding. "I know this isn't what we planned," she said, her tone patient. "But the swamp has its hidden refuges—caverns and hollowed tree trunks large enough to shelter us. The Yokai here won't mind us using them for a night. Let's rest and gather our strength. Tomorrow, we'll figure out our next steps."
Hoshiyo and Rei took a deep breath and began retrieving the floating medical bags one by one, their strong jaws making quick work of the task. As they searched for a safe place to settle in for the evening, they couldn't help but feel the weight of their journey ahead. The village Kuzunoha had spoken of was still lying days away, but for tonight, they would regroup, recover, and prepare for whatever awaited them next in the depths of the forest.