The full moon hung low in the night sky, casting an ethereal glow over the forest. Silver light filtered through the canopy, creating a patchwork of shadows on the forest floor. From the moonlit shadows, two elderly figures emerged. The male wore a loosely fitted flowered shirt, baggy shorts, and flip-flops, walking hunched over with a cane taller than himself. His balding head had a few strands of hair slicked back. The female donned a fitted dress with sandals, her short grey hair adorned with a blossomed purple rose. Both had wolf-like ears and tails that shimmered in the moonlight adding an otherworldly quality to their already unusual appearance.
"Well, hello there young man. I see you found a rather special surprise in that cave," the elderly beastman said, his voice surprisingly strong.
Kaito paused, assessing the situation. Was it them who defeated the Yazumi? They're likely concealing their strength, just as they hid their presence. Are they friend... or foe?
"I found her in the cave," Kaito replied cautiously. "Is the child yours?"
"The child belongs to no one but herself," the beastwoman answered. "What do you plan to do with her?"
"I'm taking her home to raise in my palace, to one day become a suitable wife for my son."
"OOOHHH!" the elderly pair shrieked.
Then, in a blink of an eye, before Kaito could even react, they were beside him. The beastmale on his right, the beastwoman on his left. Both looking down examining the sleeping child. Though, taken aback by their speed, Kaito held his ground, sensing no immediate threat.
"She's beautiful, like a rare jewel," the beastwoman remarked.
"Indeed," the beastman agreed, turning to Kaito, his expression stern. "Young man, I'm sure you've noticed how her scent attracts those in the Living Realm. As she grows up, it'll become stronger. If you're serious about taking this child in, how do you plan to cover up the scent?"
"Well... ugh... haha..you see," Kaito stammered, scratching his head and laughing nervously. Unable to answer his question. Sensing Kaito's hesitation, the beastwoman grabbed his face with both hands. Her ears lay perched back in irritation as she glared into his eyes. "Are you a pervert?" she asked, her voice sharp and accusing.
"What! No!" Kaito protested as he scrambled for words. "It's not... I'm not... like that!! I prefer women, not children. Plus, I have a beautiful wife and son back home. My wife would make herself a widow rather than allow me to fool around, let alone be indecent with a child."
The beastwoman continued to stare into his eyes. Kaito awkwardly stared back. The elderly male doting over the child sleeping in Kaito's arms, not paying any attention to them.
Where are my manners? We haven't introduced ourselves!" the beastwoman sighed in relief. The elderly pair stepped back to face Kaito, and bowed. "I'm Yuki."
"And my name is Rizyo. Yuki here is my partner," the male said, grinning.
"I'm Kaito Chika, ruler of the Chika clan," Kaito replied, his voice steady despite his wariness.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, King Chika," Yuki said, then turned to Rizyo. "Dear, I believe the child will be safe with King Chika for the time being."
Rizyo stepped closer to Kaito, his expression grave. "King Chika, I can tell the child has taken to you, but are you prepared for the consequences that follow with that child?"
Kaito's brow furrowed. "Consequences? What repercussions could possibly follow a child only a few months old?"
"King Chika," Yuki intervened, her voice soft but serious, "That child you hold so dearly in your arms is not like anyone from the living realm. She is the only one of her kind, and she is here to serve a purpose."
The moonlight seemed to intensify, casting long shadows across the forest clearing. Kaito looked down at the sleeping child, her peaceful face contrasting sharply with the ominous words of the elderly pair. A cool breeze rustled through the trees, carrying with it a sense of foreboding.
Kaito's eyes narrowed, his voice tinged with frustration. "And what purpose would that be? Who and what is this child? Where is she from? Why is she the only one of her kind?"
Rizyo's response was calm but firm. "To be quite frank, King Chika, who and what that child is is irrelevant. Fate has gifted her to you, so you're obligated not to betray her."
Yuki stepped forward, her expression softening. "In time, your questions will be answered. However, the answer will not be pleasing to your ears. The truth can be painful. Once you realize the purpose that child must fulfill, you cannot stop destiny. That child will lead an agonizing life. Sorrow will follow her like a plague, but her sacrifice will produce harmony in the realms."
As she spoke, Yuki threw her bag on the ground near Kaito's feet. "In this bag, there are a few blankets and herbs. The blankets are enchanted, so you can use them to create clothing for the child to conceal her scent as she grows up. Use the herbs to control her temperament."
Rizyo then dug into his pockets and pulled out a black facial mask, tossing it on top of the bag.
"Also, take this mask," Rizyo added. "When the time comes, use it to cover her face and hair. It will conceal her scent and hide her features. Please take care of her, King Chika. Raise her as if she's your own. Her days will be filled with more sadness than smiles, so we'd be grateful if she could experience happiness while she's still young. When the time is right, we will come back for her."
Before Kaito could respond, Yuki and Rizyo vanished into the night. He picked up the bag and mask, then looked at the sleeping child. His heart beat painfully with concern. A life filled with sadness? Herbs to control your temperament? A mask and enchanted blankets? What have I gotten myself into? Is this child... dangerous?
As he pondered these questions, the child suddenly hiccupped in her sleep. Kaito smirked. No. You're not dangerous, and fate will not determine your future. I'll raise you to be strong so you'll never have to hide from this world. But more importantly, what should I name you?
Kaito looked up at the night sky, clear and cool, stars gleaming brilliantly. The wind gently carried the child's scent to him. Your scent is truly alluring. He pulled a blanket from the bag and wrapped the sleeping child in it.
"Now, let's go home," Kaito whispered as he began the journey back to the palace, the weight of his newfound responsibility settling on his shoulders.
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