A Bond Forged
Dani sat cross-legged beside the fox, its massive form lying still except for the gentle rise and fall of its chest. The sun dipped low on the horizon, casting a warm orange glow over the clearing. His gaze fell on the injury at its neck—a deep gash that had scabbed over but still looked painful.
The fox's golden eyes flicked toward him as if sensing his intent.
Dani took a deep breath and opened his system interface. Using its guidance, he identified a few nearby plants that could be used to create a soothing ointment. He had gathered some earlier during their trek, anticipating this moment.
"Alright, let's see if this works," Dani muttered, grinding the leaves and mixing them with water to form a green paste.
Trust in the Making
As Dani approached the fox with the ointment, it let out a low growl, its ears flattening against its head.
"Easy," Dani said softly, holding up his hands to show he meant no harm. "This is going to help."
The fox hesitated, its eyes locked onto his. For a moment, Dani thought it might snap at him, but then it lowered its head, allowing him access to the wound.
"Good girl," he murmured, gently applying the paste to the injury.
The fox flinched at first but then stilled, its tense muscles gradually relaxing under his touch. Dani worked quickly, spreading the ointment evenly and wrapping the wound with a strip of cloth he tore from his shirt.
"There. That should help," he said, sitting back to observe his work.
A Surprising Notification
The fox stretched its neck experimentally, its ears perking up as the pain subsided. A soft chime echoed in Dani's mind as a system notification appeared before him:
[System Notification: The creature recognizes your care. Please give it a name.]
Dani blinked, surprised. "A name?"
He looked at the fox, which was now watching him intently, its golden eyes filled with an intelligence that made it seem almost human.
"Emma," Dani said after a moment of thought. "Your name is Emma."
The system responded immediately:
[Congratulations! You have tamed Emma, the Nine-Tailed Fox. Emma is now your companion.]
Dani stared at the notification in disbelief. "Companion?"
The fox—Emma—stood and approached him, nuzzling her head against his arm. Dani felt a strange warmth in his chest, a bond forming between them that he couldn't quite explain.
"Looks like we're stuck with each other," he said, scratching behind her ears.
Emma let out a soft, contented sound, her tails swaying gently behind her.