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The small town was situated at the foot of a mountain, shrouded in impenetrable forests and winding paths, standing out brightly against the background of green foliage and the soft silence of the forest. Already on his approach, Xie Lian could hear the muffled voices of traders, the chatter of guards, and the clatter of horses' hooves along the roads, the city lived its life, and all the people in it were used to seeing wandering monks, hunters, and everyone else whose way lay through their small town.
Xie Lian was let inside without any problem, and the noise grew stronger, the busy streets presented themselves to the man in all their colors and the daily routine that always seemed to Xie Lian something pleasant and desirable that he would have liked to have, but unfortunately, which he had not yet found. He lifts the brim of his bamboo hat and adjusts his backpack behind his back, smiling to himself and walking deep into the city in search of an inn. A curious eye skirts the fruit and candy stalls, the jewelry of all kinds, around which the girls are constantly trying things on, somewhere there are small eateries with tables set outside, at which men are having loud conversations, occasionally drinking a bowl of sake.
Just as Xie Lian is attracted to everything around him, he can't help but notice, but they also look at him with some surprise, immediately noticing the stranger, glancing at the katana on his belt and the hunter suit sewn from dark sturdy fabric, immediately distinguishing him from the bulk of people. Xie Lian catches people's surprised and mocking glances, some admiring him, others scoffing and in their hearts despising him for such dirty work. It's not that Xie Lian doesn't care. This work is his bread and now a regular hobby that pays him good money, because not everyone is able to catch or kill a yokai and come back alive and unharmed (well, or almost unharmed - everyone has slip-ups, you know).
Forest demons are used to scare children from wandering alone in the woods, to warn careless travelers who are easily led astray by little tricks, and to make amulets and rituals against them. Many of them are idle talk and outright nonsense designed simply to cash in on ignorant people gripped by fear of these creatures. Xie Lian has personally used some of them, but often carries a talisman with him as a mere trinket, preferring to rely on his own powers rather than on the semblance of magic - everyone knows that only the yokai themselves have true magic.
Left alone in the big world, Xie Lian quickly realized that killing demons paid well, and that this was how he could survive without a penny to his name or at least some sort of shelter. His stamina, strength, and intelligence were doing their job well, and soon Xie Lian was able to earn good clothes, weapons, and food, but when the question of lodging came up, the man decided he didn't want to sit in one place. There was a whole world before him, completely unexplored and unexplored, and Xie Lian chose the life of a wandering hunter, moving from town to town, moving far away from the place he had once long called home.
Ahead of him appeared the sign of an inn, and Xie Lian breathed a sigh of relief, realizing that he would finally be able to rest and gain strength. He had run out of supplies since the morning, and he walked to town on pure willpower, but now he could breathe easy.
Inside it was bright, a few tables where the guests sat were in the center of the room, by the wall on the left was a staircase leading to the second floor, where apparently there were sleeping quarters. Xie Lian approached the hostess at the counter, catching some leering glances on the way, and smiled hello at the woman, inadvertently distracting her from her conversation with some man who had already been drinking.
- What do you want, boy? A drink or something to eat? - the woman's accent was distinctly rustic, too coarse for the town, but quite common in places of this kind.
- Um, something to eat, please, – Xie Lian did not escape the woman's grin at his politeness, but he paid no attention to it, – and do you have any spare rooms?
- Let me see, – the woman's face took on a pensive look, and she briefly disappeared behind a door in the corner leading to what appeared to be the kitchen. In a few minutes she was back with a bowl of rice and two steamed buns. - Yes, I have just the one. Here you go.
A rusty key with a small tag on it, with his room number already frayed in writing, lands on the wooden counter. Xie Lian nods appreciatively and puts the coins on the table, paying for food and room for three days in advance. The woman looks at him in surprise as she counts the money, and an ingratiating smile appears on her face.
- Ah, what a generous and courteous gentleman, one does not often find such in our area.
Xie Lian shrugs his shoulders awkwardly and quickly walks away to a vacant table in the corner, proceeding to eat. Of course, he could have eaten in his room as well, but it was in places like this inn that one could hear the latest gossip and conversations that people were usually afraid to have in any other setting. So Xie Lian sat down with his back to the other guests, taking a disinterested look, while he himself listened attentively to the conversations, often just drunken conversations that carried nothing important, but after fifteen minutes of useless observation, he did hear something interesting.
- I heard there was another one that didn't come back.
- No way! And that one died?
- Yeah, – the man stretched out sadly, taking a sip of scalding drink, – after that Xiao Ji announced such a reward for the head of this demon, everyone in a row began to play hero and try to catch a fox. What idiots, yesterday they couldn't even hold a sword in their hands, and today they are already going to catch a kitsune.
His drinking companion propped his head up on his hand and grinned mirthlessly.
- Well, things... And how much did you say this one would pay for a demon's hide?
The man grinned, shaking his head.
- A hundred thousand yuan.
- How much?! Eh, where do people get that kind of money, huh? And they're willing to waste it on all sorts of crap. And someone lives on their last pittance, – the man grimaced, clearly referring to himself while shouting at the woman and asking her to bring them more alcohol.
Xie Lian hummed, rising from his chair. He had heard enough, now it was necessary to find a certain Xiao Ji. The man smiled slightly to himself - there seemed to be a job for him in this city as well. Although the size of the bounty on the fox's head was a little embarrassing. So much for one yokai. Apparently he had caused enough trouble in this town for people to shell out the price just to kill the cursed beast.
The man leaves the room, immediately returning to the busy streets and about to elicit the nobleman's address (judging by his capital) from ordinary passersby. After a few conversations and lightly bribing smiles, Xie Lian finds out where Mr. Xiao Ji lives, and ten minutes later he is already on the doorstep of his house, knocking briefly on the door. A servant opens the door, looking questioningly at the man without saying a word.
- Good afternoon, isn't this Mr. Xiao Ji's house? I'm passing through town, but I heard that there is a hunt for a kitsune demon here. I apologize if I'm mistaken.
The boy raises his eyebrows in surprise and disappears inside the house without a word, leaving Xie Lian to wait at the doorstep for about a minute before returning, gesturing for him to enter.
- Master is ready to receive you, please come in.
Xie Lian nods appreciatively as he enters the house and removes his shoes, sliding his bamboo hat onto his back. He passes into the main room, where a middle-aged man sits at a table, but already with barely visible gray in his thin beard and sparse hair. He scans Xie Liang from head to toe and nods to the seat opposite, where Xie Lian immediately sits down.
- Another hunter, then? - The man asks instead of a greeting, and Xie Lian has no choice but to nod in agreement.
- Yes, I am not from around here, but I heard that you are willing to pay handsomely for the head of a kitsune, so I would like to know some details.
Xiao Ji chuckles as he rests his elbow on his knee and strokes his beard.
- Are you sure you have the strength, huh? I've had such big boars come to me, but all but disappeared.
- Appearances can be deceptive, – Xie Lian calmly replies, trying to ignore the man's caustic tone. Xiao Ji hums, and the smile disappears from his face.
- Well, it's up to you, kid. If you're so sure of yourself and ready to go to your death, it's not my problem. But if you bring me the head of a kitsune in a bag, a hundred thousand yuan is yours.
Xie Lian nods, getting to the point.
- Why do you want to catch him?
- You're still asking? - Xiao Ji exclaims in surprise, rolling his eyes. - This fox has caused a lot of trouble for our town. The whole forest is bewitched because of him, it's almost impossible to pass there during the day, and at night it's a lost cause. A lot of people have disappeared in this forest, locals and strangers alike, and we've found their bodies. If we found them.
- But it doesn't have to be that kitsune. The habitat of a strong yokai is usually inhabited by weaker ones, attracted by its strength and, conventionally, under its protection. He might not have been the murderer, – Xie Lian notes, seeing that Xiao Ji is not pleased with his words.
- Even if he didn't kill the traders and travelers, the hunters' blood is on his hands, – the man grumbles, irritated by Xie Lian's disbelief. - We have seen the bodies of the dead. The ones we found. All of them had their heads cut off. This is the fox's handwriting, everyone knows that.
Xie Lian wrinkles at this reminder, but at least he now has the certainty of who he is going to catch.
- Is there any information about him? Appearance, maybe habitat, anything.
- There's enough information, – the man says in a serious voice, – the kitsune is definitely a guy, looks about your age, long black hair, a pretty smile, and red clothes.
- Has anyone seen him? I mean, did someone survive, though? - Xie Lian asks in surprise. Details of a yokai's appearance are usually rare, especially since he had already heard twice about the deaths of all the previous hunters.
- Rumors have it that he's been seen right in town. But there's not much point in believing that. It's the kind of gossip you hear in the taverns and the brothels, where these girls say all kinds of nonsense to raise their prices, and how the fox has spent the night with them. Pure nonsense, – the man spits out irritably and looks at Xie Lian, waiting for his reaction, but he keeps silent and just waits for the story to end, so Xiao Ji continues. - But there are survivors, the truth is that they're barely coherent.
The man chuckles coldly and Xie Liang arches an eyebrow questioningly.
- What do you mean? He cut off their tongues?
- Heh, if only. They came back in one piece, got away with it, and now they can't even say two words. Magic, no less. There's only a handful of us who understand gestures. And from them we know where the fox is hiding, - Xie Lian sits up straight, ready to listen to the most important part. - You go north of town, there is a mountain, at the foot of the forest grows. There in the forest, on the mountain itself, is an abandoned temple. That thing has built its nest there, as if mocking us.
Xie Liang scratches the back of his head thoughtfully. Kitsune occupying a human temple and living in it as if it were his own home does seem like a mockery of humans, a wicked joke and a display of superiority. Quite unusual. Xie Liang feels an interest awakening in him. It's not every time he gets such unusual orders.
- I understand you, Mr. Xiao Ji. Give me three days and I'll bring you his head, – Despite the obvious difficulty of the task, Xie Lian is confident that he can do it.
Xiao Ji grins in amazement at Xie Lian's seemingly arrogant audacity, already anticipating how his corpse will also be found by the deadline at the foot of the mountain.
- Come on, boy, if you believe in yourself so much. Do not die.
Soon Xie Lian leaves the nobleman's house, returning to the inn towards sunset, deciding for himself that he will begin the hunt tomorrow morning. For now, he needs a good rest. His legs and back ached from fatigue and long walks, and his eyes immediately closed when he lay down on his bed. The better rest he gets, the better chance he has of succeeding in tomorrow's work.
***
The forest was quiet, too quiet. Only the light rustling of leaves in the wind cut through the silence, not even birds could be heard, no butterflies or other insects flew. Sparks of magic could be felt in the air, but only faintly - if Xie Lian had come at night, they would have made it impossible to breathe. On the other hand, one was almost guaranteed to encounter yokai at night, it was their time, and ordinary people were better off not wandering into the forest when the moon was shining brightly over it. Xie Lian decided not to wait for night and try his luck during the day, wading through the thicket, which is getting thicker with each step, and the road more confusing. He kept one hand on his katana, listening for every rustle, paying attention to every glint of light so that he would not miss the slightest sign that he was being watched.
Yokai are cunning creatures, accustomed to living in the forests, hiding among humans, waiting for their prey, luring them with sweet speeches or frightening them, knocking them right into a prepared trap. Their words can not be trusted, you must always be on guard, and under no circumstances make a deal with them - lucky if after such a deception and evil jokes get out alive. This was not the first time Xie Lian had hunted them, and so far none of them had aroused his feelings of compassion or pity. Even before he had time to draw his sword, they had tried to confuse, deceive, and trick him, so he didn't hesitate to do his job. Killing yokai pays well, because not every brave and self-righteous idiot would return home after trying to hunt forest demons, but Xie Lian got away with a few scratches or scars if they were too strong. Often those who want to kill yokai rely only on their strength and skill in combat, completely forgetting that when facing them it is more important to think than to swing a sword. Not all demons will engage in combat - they use tricks and ruses, causing some warriors to fail to even draw their swords from their sheaths.
Xie Lian moves further into the forest, feeling the pressure of his surroundings, breathing in deeply, forcing himself forward, roughly estimating how far he's gone, though with the constantly changing landscape it's hard to tell. According to the locals, there is an abandoned shrine deep in this forest, where a fox werewolf has taken up residence, luring travelers off the road and into his domain. Someone even claimed that he was not afraid to walk through the streets of the city, turning himself into a beautiful young nobleman. This was all very true, and so the bounty on his head grew with each time another confident hunter simply didn't return, and those who did could not speak, as if they forgot how to speak, and switched to sign language.
Just because Xie Lian has agreed to take on this case doesn't mean that he is completely confident and knows for sure that he will return to town with a fox's head in a bag. Absolutely not. Technically, he can do it, but you never know what these demons have in mind, so you have to be prepared to be killed. Xie Lian isn't afraid of death, but he likes to help people, so at one point in his life he started making a living by killing or chasing away yokai. The man could not find his place in any city, could not get along with his neighbors or stay in one place for long, so the life of an itinerant mercenary suited him well - the opportunity to see new places, meet new people and improve his martial arts - all this made up for his loneliness and inability to find a place he could call home.
The rustling of leaves and a quiet whimper broke the silence of the forest, and Xie Lian froze, listening intently to the sound. From the sound of it, a wounded animal, but in a place like this, you can't trust anything for nothing. The man walks toward the sound, and his attention is drawn to a bright red flash on the green grass, bathed in sunlight. Xie Lian stops, looking at the wounded animal whose paw has been caught in a bear trap - these are often set up in the forests, hoping to catch not only prey but also careless yokai. The fox freezes, staring at the man standing only a few meters away, his hand on his katana, and taking no action.
Meanwhile, a struggle is going on in Xie Lian's mind between helping the animal out and grabbing it, because it could very well be the yokai whose head he was told to bring. On the other hand, ordinary animals often wander alongside stronger demons, so this fox may lead him to his master, and it is worth trying to free him to see where he goes and follow him.
Xie Lian ponders this for about a minute, while the fox still stares at him motionless without making a sound. Eventually the man moves closer, feeling the animal ready to pounce on him at any moment, even in this bruised state, to defend himself even though he knows he will most likely die. Xie Lian squats down beside him on his knee, examining the injured paw, and takes hold of both arcs of the trap, opening it and freeing the fox, breaking the trap and tossing it aside so that other beasts will not fall into it later. The fox looks at him in surprise, tilting his head as if expecting something, but Xie Lian just stands up, about to continue on his way.
- Be careful next time, there are plenty of traps, – he says kindly, actually wishing the fox wouldn't get caught again, but there's an ulterior motive in his appeal - if the fox doesn't feel threatened, he can escort him to his master. So Xie Lian smiles easily, pretending that he's going to leave.
The fox snorts, rising from the ground and lunging forward rather nimbly, tucking his wounded paw to his belly. He looks back at Xie Lian, and his eyes gleam strangely as he immediately disappears into thin air, appearing suddenly on the same path, but a few meters further away. So Xie Lian is not mistaken. The fox is indeed the little apprentice to the local yokai kitsune. He follows him, all the while watching the fox gallop ahead, now disappearing, now reappearing.
Xie Lian doesn't know how much time passes before the fox stops, looking at him with his smart eyes, and vanishes into thin air, leaving the man alone in the middle of the forest. Xie Lian approaches the spot where the animal has just been sitting, as he feels the magic pressing down on him, literally preventing him from taking a step forward. He gritted his teeth as he crossed the invisible barrier that separates the forest from the kitsune's domain, and right before his eyes a path appears instead of the impenetrable thicket, leading to the open terrain that was not there a moment ago.
Now begins the most difficult, Xie Lian is already mentally prepared for the tricks of the demon fox and the fact that he will have to strain all the senses, so as not to be deceived or killed. The glade that appears before him is shrouded in mist, and gray clouds float overhead, almost completely hiding the sun, and such a sudden change in the weather is a clear sign of the presence of a rather strong demon. Xie Lian walks on, looking around and noticing small details. Even though the temple is abandoned and deep in the forest, it has clearly been cared for, it looks quite tidy, the stone pathway appears to have been swept recently, and there are paper lanterns hanging under the temple roof.
The fog suddenly thickens and Xie Lian stops, expecting a trap or something, but sees a small tea table appearing out of nowhere and a tall male figure in a red and white kimono sitting behind it, looking at Xie Liang with interest, waiting for his action. This is a little confusing, and the man raises an eyebrow questioningly, but instead of any words at all he earns only a low, handsome laugh and a Cheshire fox demon smile. He makes a hand gesture, inviting Xie Lian to sit down, and calmly waits for the man to decide whether to accept the offer. Xie Lian shifts his gaze from the table to the fox, sensing no hostility, and still sits down across from the kitsune, mirroring his posture.
The fox smiles quite happily, clapping his hands lightly, and two bowls of sake and the liquor itself appear on the table and he begins to pour it. Xie Lian, meanwhile, scans the kitsune's appearance, noting to himself that he has hardly seen a handsomer man before. The fox has long black hair that reaches to his waist, with pointed red ears sticking out from his head, the same red tail with a white tip lying behind his back. His deep gray eyes are lined with black, red shadows, like a blush, lie on his cheekbones and in the corners of his eyes, creating quite an attractive image, and his thin lips are frozen in a perpetual smile, and only his master's mood depends on whether they will smile kindly or stretch out in a menacing grin.
Xie Lian hears a low chuckle that brings him out of his reverie, and encounters the fox's playful gaze as he holds out his cup of sake, and at that moment the man notices something important. The fox has changed his pose slightly, leaning on one leg and extending the other slightly to the side. The white pant leg is slightly scuffed because of his actions, and Xie Liang notices a piece of bandage wrapped around his thin ankle. The fox notices where the man is looking and smiles wider, tilting his head to the side and nodding briefly.
So the trapped fox was not his assistant, but the kitsune himself. Xie Lian just realizes that he missed the simplest opportunity to catch the demon he was sent for. But he seems to have managed to win the yokai's approval with his actions, even if the yokai understood perfectly well that Xie Liang had come for his head. Perhaps he will manage to get away alive, even if it means failing the mission.
Xie Lian still takes the outstretched cup and looks at it suspiciously, shifting his gaze to the fox. He only smiles, raising his hand as if making a toast, and drinks the contents in one gulp, then licks his lips. The man purses his lips, and there is nothing left for him to do but repeat after the kitsune, tipping the sake bowl and wrinkling slightly at the strength of the drink. Xie Lian is not a fan of alcohol and drinks it rather rarely, but he is not in a situation to choose right now.
Fox smiles rather smugly as he pours more sake, watching Xie Lian squeeze his eyes shut as if from a harsh obsession. There's something wrong with this alcohol, but the man realizes it later, because he has to drink a second time anyway, and he's already dizzy from the first one. Xie Liang waits for a sharp pain, waiting to lose consciousness, but nothing else happens - his mind clears up as if nothing had happened. He exhales heavily, looking at the kitsune, and drinks again, this time without taking his eyes off the fox. It hits his head even harder than the last time, and Xie Lian fights the urge to close his eyes, but holds on, forcing his body to fight the fox's magic.
At that moment, the kitsune raises his hand, and Xie Lian does not even have time to think about it, as he automatically puts his palm on the hilt of his katana, unequivocally warning and preparing to attack. Fox raises his eyebrows in surprise and laughs lightly, covering his stretched lips in a smile with his palm. He sets his hand down on the table and slowly taps his claw on it, keeping his concerned gaze on Xie Lian. Through the fog in his head, the man notices that he unconsciously counts how many times the fox taps his finger on the wood.
The counting stops at nineteen, and before Xie Lian has time to wonder what that might mean, the kitsune points a finger at his katana, tapping his claw on the table one last time.
Twenty, twenty... Xie Lian is the twentieth, who comes for this demon's head?
The man shakes his head, driving away the remnants of the stupefaction, and decides to speak to the fox for the first time.
- You mean I'm the twentieth one to come here?
The fox's eyes flash mischievously, and he nods, looking at the hunter with a smile.
- And all the previous ones you've offered a drink as well?
Kitsune laughs in surprise and shakes his head negatively. A sly smile appears on his lips as he brings his hand to his neck and runs a claw across his throat.
Xie Lian purses his lips as he looks at the fox. So everyone before him was just killed or driven insane by the kitsune, and he's being so nice to Xie Lian because he saved him? That's the only explanation he can think of, but he hesitates to ask.
- And the people? Not hunters, but ordinary wayfarers who were walking through the forest. Did you kill them too?
The fox frowns, as if he's hurt by man's accusations, and shakes his head in the negative.
Xie Lian understandably sniffles, averting his gaze. So the kitsune is only responsible for the deaths of those who came to kill him. The man noticed the presence of other yokai in the forest while he was trying to find his way to the temple, but didn't see them. Most likely they were scared off by the fact that the fox was nearby. Be that as it may, Xie Lian will think about this circumstance later.
Instead, he notices something else, something very strange. This kitsune is silent. He hasn't said a word the whole time; all Xie Lian can hear is his laughter, light and beautiful, and, in a way, frightening. And this is unusual indeed, because it is the kitsune who are known for luring their victims with sweet speeches, language is their main weapon, and they operate with words no worse than orators. So why is this fox so silent? Xie Lian is somehow certain he will not wait for an answer to this question.
He removes his hand from his sword, immediately earning a satisfied look from his keen eyes, and almost recoils when the fox bends sharply across the table, resting his palm on it, and stops very close to Xie Lian's face, whose cheekbones flare treacherously at the stranger's penetrating gaze and such closeness. He is still cautious, trying to notice even the smallest changes in the kitsune's behavior, but the relatively calm environment no-no, but relaxes him, easing his vigilance. Perhaps it's the effects of the strange sake he had to drink, or maybe it's the kitsune's natural charm.
His instincts tell Xie Lian that he should run, that despite his lack of hostility, this fox is dangerous and cruel, and nothing good will come of this acquaintance for the man if he doesn't leave now, but Xie Lian stays seated, frozen, feeling the chill of the kitsune's breath on his face.
The fox stares at him expectantly, unmoving, catching the stranger's gaze as if testing Xie Lian to see if he will recoil, attack, or turn his head away, but the man endures the test, causing the fox to smile contentedly. Kitsune brings his hand to his face, and a beautiful white peony with a red core appears out of nowhere in his palm, which he places behind Xie Lian's ear, running his fingertips along his cheek and playfully cupping his chin with his claw, laughing softly.
Xie Lian's cheekbones blush at this flirtation, and the man forgets his guard for a moment, trying to overcome his sudden embarrassment. The fox takes advantage of this brief lull, smiling contentedly and dissolving into a mist that completely obscures Xie Lian's view for a few seconds, bringing him to his senses. When the fog clears, the man realizes that he is now sitting under the branches of a sakura tree, the tea table is gone, and the fox beside him is yawning tiredly, squinting his eyes slyly. Kitsune sits beside him, and the man tenses as he places his head in his lap without hesitation, covering his eyes and sinking instantly into sleep.
The fox's behavior confuses him. Xie Lian is a hunter, after all, and the kitsune understands exactly why he has come. Is he testing him again, or is this just a gesture of trust, a confidence that Xie Lian won't take advantage of the kitsune's vulnerability, as he has before, and kill him?
Thoughts follow one another, causing utter chaos in the man's mind, while the fox snoozes quietly in his lap, as if unaware of the dilemma he has put Xie Lian through. He doesn't know where to put his hands, and ends up placing them on his hair, soft as silk, and absent-mindedly running his fingers through it.
So Xie Lian remains seated, mindlessly looking around, noticing that the fog has almost dissipated and that he can now see the forest around him and the sun slowly disappearing behind the treetops, coloring the sky a bright red; Xie Lian thinks he can quite see the city that lies at the base of the mountain, but from his position he cannot see it. He lowers his eyes, passing his gaze over the fox's face, struck once again by its beauty. He knows this is a natural trait of foxes – there are no ugly kitsune – but that doesn't stop him from admiring his looks.
The soft red ear twitches slightly when Xie Lian strokes his hair too close to it, and it involuntarily makes him smile. Now that the kitsune isn't trying to confuse or test him, he looks like a cat, snuggled up on his master's lap and purring when he's scratched behind the ear. Xie Lian laughs softly to himself, stopping his gaze at the stranger's cheekbones, tinged with a delicate red. He was slightly surprised by the fox's "makeup," a bit like a peculiar mask, from the start, and Xie Lian is unaware of it when he brings his finger to his cheek, gently running it over the soft skin. The touch of another man's face sobered him, and the man hastily withdraws his hand, noticing that his palm is perfectly clean, without any trace of powder or blush. Interesting.
In all his time as a hunter, Xie Lian has never once encountered a kitsune. He had seen a lot of other things, but the fox demons seemed to have bypassed him. To Xie Lian's memory, this was the first kitsune he had ever seen with his own eyes. And he was very lucky that the fox didn't kill him. At least for now. The man is still not sure what he will do when he wakes up. His behavior remains a mystery to Xie Lian.
These thoughts flit through Xie Lian's mind in the blink of an eye, and no sooner does he pull his hand away from the stranger's face than he notices that he is being watched, and a mischievous smile appears on the kitsune's face, and the man involuntarily blushes at having been caught red-handed.
- I didn't mean to, um, sorry, I-
He is interrupted by a light, sincere laugh, warm, like little sparks of sunshine. Fox looks perfectly content, and his eyes glisten with joy as he looks at the confused Xie Lian, who has no idea how to react to other people's behavior. Kitsune sits down beside him, pulling his knees under him, and pulls a small box from the wide sleeve of his kimono that fits in his palm, handing it to Xie Liang. The man twirls it in his hands, raising an eyebrow in bewilderment and looking at the fox. The fox smiles as he taps the box three times, after which it suddenly grows in size, and Xie Lian barely manages to catch it before it falls to the ground. The man doesn't know what's inside, but the box is noticeably heavy, a small vase could fit inside it at a glance, but when Xie Lian wants to open it, the kitsune shakes hr his head negatively, smiling slightly and pointing his finger toward Xie Lian and then toward the town, then stops looking at the box, and the man slowly gets it.
- You want me to take this to whoever sent me to kill you? – he speaks openly for the first time, without trying to disguise the true purpose of his arrival, and the fox merely smirks at this, nodding affirmatively.
Curiosity plays in Xie Lian, and he tries again.
- What's in it?
The kitsune's smirk turns into a mocking grin as he runs a finger down his throat, as he has done before, and suddenly disappears into the mist for a second, immediately reappearing. Xie Lian is slightly startled by this gesture, but quickly pulls himself together. Judging by the kitsune's actions, there is something in the box that should be a fox's head, but in fact it is not. Simply put, a hoax, an illusion. It makes sense. This option would be beneficial to everyone: Xie Lian would do what was required of him, people would get the "head" of the demon they hate so much, and the fox himself would remain unharmed. Pretty clever.
Xie Lian nods understandingly, smiling back at the kitsune for the first time, which pleases the fox even more, and he puts his palms together, bowing respectfully to the man. Xie Lian looks at the kitsune in surprise, for the bow is the last thing he expected, but immediately sets the box on the ground, bowing back, mentally thanking him for his kindness and the opportunity to leave alive.
When Xie Lian straightens up and opens his eyes, he finds that he is already standing at the edge of the forest where he began his journey this afternoon. He didn't even notice the effect of the magic when he was moved such a great distance. For a moment it seems like it was all just a dream, but the neat flower in his hair and the wooden box at his feet suggest otherwise.
Xie Lian casts one last glance at the forest, which is growing darker as the sun goes down, and heads into town to give the false head to that nobleman. The man still wonders what the fox put in place of his head, but Xie Lian hesitates to open the box too soon. He will have to, at his own risk, blindly trust the kitsune. If the fox does deceive him, the man will simply pretend to be fooled. He will of course be scolded and refused to pay, but it is nothing. But it will be a good lesson for Xie Lian that you can't trust yokai, even if they are friendly.
With these thoughts he does not notice how he reaches the right house and knocks on the door. The servant immediately recognizes him, raising his eyebrows in surprise as if he didn't expect Xie Lian to return alive, and escorts him to his master.
- Huh, you're really back! Honestly, I was sure that you would also perish in the clutches of this beast, – the man exclaims enthusiastically, patting himself on the knee and stroking his beard with interest as he looks at the box in Xie Lian's hands. – Is it here?
The hunter nods in agreement, outwardly looking perfectly calm, while inside he is still nervous. He does not want to listen to this man's reproaches and make a fool of himself, even though he has just claimed the opposite. Naturally, it will pass and be forgotten, but the residue will be unpleasant.
Xie Lian sets the box on the floor, prying the lid off with his fingers, and feels the taste of bitterness and irritation on his tongue as the boar's head comes into view. Well, that was to be expected. Xie Lian covers his eyes, breathing out tiredly and already anticipating his employer's anger as he splashes his hands in delight as he looks at what lies at the bottom of the box.
- Damn it, it really is it! Young man, you have surpassed all my expectations! Now this demon won't cause trouble for anyone.
Xie Lian arches an eyebrow questioningly, because if Xiao Ji sees what he sees, then his words are complete nonsense. However, when he lowers his gaze, to his surprise, instead of a boar's head at the bottom of the box is the head of a man with short black hair and dirty red fox ears, and a rather ordinary face not at all like the face of the graceful kitsune he met in the mountains. Xie Lian feels a weight fall off his shoulders at the realization that the fox has not deceived him or made a fool of him by keeping his word.
- And I really doubted you could do it. I thought I'd have you dead on my conscience. And you're not as simple as you look.
Xie Lian awkwardly scratches the back of his head, pretending to be genuinely embarrassed by the praise.
- Nothing complicated, really, you just need to be able to not only swing your fists, but also think with your head.
- Well, this fox certainly can not think anything, – the man grinned maliciously, and Xie Lian notes to himself that he does not like the unconcealed hostility towards the kitsune. – So, my servant will pay you for the work, Mr. Hunter, and I will expose the head of this bastard, so that even after death he will have no peace.
Xie Lian nods reservedly, thankful for the reception and reward, but in the back of his mind he holds back the urge to hit the man. Some people behave worse than yokai, Xie Lian has noticed more than once. Even now, he feels that the kitsune's company has been far more pleasant to him than having to be under the same roof as this man and listen to his vile speeches. Even though this fox was clearly behind a string of hunter killings in this city, Xie Lian felt no anger towards him. If someone comes to your house, you defend yourself. Kitsune chased away or killed the intruders, and in doing so, indeed, as Xie Lian assumed, he never killed any ordinary wayfarers.
The man takes the money, nodding briefly and saying a quick goodbye, exiting the house and breathing out tiredly. This long day has finally ended in the most unexpected way for him, but still, quite successfully.
Xie Lian spends the rest of the evening in his room at the inn, lying aimlessly on the bed trying to sleep, but sleep, as luck would have it, would not come. Xie Lian twirled the white and red peony that the fox had left him as a gift, realizing that no matter how much he wanted to, he could not get that kitsune out of his mind. He wanted to see him again, wanted to hear his voice – with such a delightful appearance he was bound to have a beautiful voice. This was the first time a yokai had shown him friendliness-albeit not for nothing – but Xie Lian still hoped for some reason that the fox's hospitality would not be limited to a single encounter.
The next morning and all day long, this thought seems to him a delusional and merely naïve hope that would rather ruin him than truly satisfy his interest in this fox.
At one point, Xie Lian notices that the flower, which, incidentally, he never threw away, has not wilted at all.
Already on his way out of town, Xie Lian stops, taking one last look at the mountain where he met the kitsune, and forces himself to turn around, heading further east, in search of new places and a new life – the same as before.
***
In the darkness of night, the forest looks even more frightening and impassable, somewhere through the branches the moonlight doesn't even touch the ground. Xie Lian walks in at a brisk pace, mentally cursing himself, while a red and white flower is pinned behind his ear. He had succumbed to his own curiosity after all, returning directly to the kitsune's lair at his own risk, where a normal person would be afraid to set foot. If anyone found out that after the happy accident that allowed Xie Lian to gain the respect of the fox, the man again voluntarily wants to see the kitsune, they would wag their fingers at him and call him crazy, and they would be right.
But Xie Liangdoesn't care about other people's opinions on the matter, and he's certainly not going to ask anyone, so he only sighs heavily at his own stupidity as he walks further into the forest, feeling it warp around him, changing the landscape around him and forcing him to walk at random, trying to lead him astray, but the man just ignores it, not turning off the path on principle. Xie Lian lost track of time a little as he looped through the forest, but at some point the path suddenly ends and the lights of paper lanterns flicker ahead. This time there was no barrier preventing him from passing – it was as if the kitsune itself was inviting him in.
Taking a deep breath, Xie Lian stepped onto the stone path leading to the temple, silver, almost transparent butterflies flying around, not exactly lifelike – harmless inhabitants of the magical forest, that's all. They glittered and shimmered mesmerizingly in the moonlight, a pale blue light illuminating the temple and the surrounding trees. Xie Lian is distracted for a moment, absorbed by such a sight. He is used to the fact that most yokai are far from graceful and far from the concept of beauty, but apparently this does not apply to kitsune, so Xie Lian should not be so surprised that these forest demons have taste and love for beauty and comfort. If you think about it that way, they are probably the closest to humans in lifestyle. Excluding the obvious outward differences and demonic nature, of course.
Xie Lian walks farther and hears the fox rather than sees him. A soft laughter envelops the space, but Xie Lian thinks it sounds right above his ear, even though no one is around.
- Will you show yourself? – the man asks for a taste, and at the same moment a misty silhouette appears before him, eventually taking the form of a fox. The lower part of his face is covered by a red fan, but even so you can see that the kitsune is smiling – his perfectly satisfied eyes give it away.
He shortens the distance between them, tilting his head with interest, moving his ears amusedly. The fox looks at Xie Lian waiting for him to act, but he remains silent as well, and this confuses the man.
- Will you remain silent? – He grumbles, folding his arms across his chest and wondering if this is too much of a demand. After all, who is he to tell this kitsune.
Fox raises his eyebrows in surprise, cracking the silence of the forest with a resonant and not at all malicious laughter, squinting at Xie Lian as he folds the fan, which immediately dissolves in his hands.
- I thought you would not ask, – said the fox with a sly smile, and Xie Lian feels how treacherously reddened his cheeks from the alien low timbre and velvet voice.
- Why play such games? – Xie Lian mutters, slightly confused by the kitsune's friendly tone.
- Because it's funny. People always get scared when I start this silent show. But not you, – the fox purrs, infinitely pleased with Xie Lian's behavior, – you understood me perfectly. I have never seen so much nobility and honor in any human being.
Xie Lian wonders for a moment what this praise was about, until he remembers the little test the kitsune gave him. He didn't take the easy opportunity as many as two times, thereby gaining the fox's trust.
- Killing a sleeper is not my principle, – Xie Lian simply shrugs, as if anyone would do the same. He knows it's not.
- And I like that about you, Xie Lian, – the fox agrees, and the other man's name comes off his lips so casually that at first the man doesn't even pay attention to it, but then he realizes that he didn't say his own name.
- How do you know my name?
Kitsune smiles and comes very close, staring at Xie Lian steadily, and only his remarkable self-control prevents him from looking away. Fox touches a lock of his hair behind his ear, moves it down to his cheekbone, and lingers on his cheek, stroking it gently with his finger.
- I know a lot of things, honey, – the kitsune purrs in a deep voice, watching the bright blush on the man's cheeks with satisfaction.
Xie Lian doesn't know at what point he went from being a reserved hunter to an ever-reddening puddle of embarrassment, but it's definitely one demon kitsune's fault. The man isn't angry, but he needs some time to respond, because the fox doesn't seem to think about removing his palm from his face.
- Then tell me yours. That would be fair.
Kitsune smiles at the corner of his lips, his little fangs glistening with butterfly light.
- Hua Cheng, at your service, – the fox says in a low voice and in the blink of an eye shortens the distance between them, pressing his lips against the other's in a gentle kiss.
Xie Lian's eyes widen in shock and, to his shame, he lets out an indignant squeak, unable to break free of the kitsune's steel grip on his chin and waist. Was Xie Lian going to make out with this Hua Cheng today? Did he even have the thought of the kitsune trying to do so?
Absolutely not.
But the fox doesn't seem to be about to let him go just yet, so Xie Lian surrenders, stopping his resistance and gently responding to the kiss, feeling himself pressed closer and hugged tighter. The man has to admit, to his shame, that kissing the kitsune does not make him irritated or angry, it is not disgusting – on the contrary, the way they hold him confidently, the way they kiss him tenderly and sweetly, it all makes him shiver. God, at what point did he become so malleable and demanding of somebody's caresses? Or had it always been in him, he just hadn't had a chance to test it yet.
And now no one had asked him, Hua Cheng had simply stolen his first kiss, and Xie Lian was a little angered by this fact, but much more embarrassed.
When the fox finally pulls away, giving Xie Lian a chance to breathe normally, the man grudgingly folds his arms across his chest, turning sideways toward Hua Cheng.
- What was that all about, huh? – Xie Lian mutters, unfortunately not sounding as strict as he would have liked. – Are you kissing everyone or what? Do you want to ask me if I want to?
Kitsune smiles slyly, but his gaze is warm and gentle that Xie Lian involuntarily loses his fuse.
- I'm sorry, I'm sorry, – Hua Cheng apologizes, not the least bit remorseful, – it's just that you're so sweet that I couldn't help myself.
Xie Lian only sighs at this response, trying her best not to blush even more.
- Let me make it up to you. Come with me.
The man is distracted from his self-injury, surprised by such an offer.
- Why all of a sudden?
- Because I like you, Xie Lian. You're a diamond, one in a million among useless trash, and I'm very greedy. I'm also possessive, and I don't want that diamond to fall into the wrong hands.
- What makes you think you have the right to me? – Xie Lian asks, raising his eyebrows in confusion. Though his speech is pleasant, he's not going to indulge him so easily. After all, he still has some dignity left.
Hua Cheng smiles understandingly and approaches Xie Lian, taking his hand.
- I don't, you're right. But I can prove that I am worthy of you, – the fox purrs, catching the interested look in his brown eyes, – I can show you so many things, so many places where humans are forbidden. You like to travel, don't you? – Xie Lian nods cautiously, and the kitsune continues. – If you come with me, you won't have to work as a mercenary anymore. Did you know that the yokai can see good and bad people before they even say a word? You are beautiful, Xie Lian, and you deserve to be treated accordingly. But, – he pauses, concentrating the man's attention on these words, – I won't force you. You can always leave if you want. There is no winning love by force, do you agree with me?
With these words, Hua Cheng kisses the back of Xie Liang's palm without breaking eye contact. The man swallows hard, feeling his heartbeat quicken, because he realizes that the kitsune is absolutely sincere with him, though it is still a mystery to him why he deserves so much attention from this fox in the first place.
Xie Lian looks back – just as he thought, the city is plain to see from here, though the temple is completely invisible from below – most likely another trick of the kitsune. If he refused, he would go back to his normal life, seeking shelter until eventually he would stay where he had to, just tired of the constant wandering. Again and again he will kill yokai, because that is what he does best, and with a job like this he is unlikely to find a mate – he himself will not want to tie down a man, knowing that he may at some point simply not return from the hunt. Xie Lian doesn't want to hurt anyone.
His gaze returns to the kitsune. If he's not trying to trick him – and Xie Lian is sure he is – then he will have the opportunity to diversify his life, to do something unusual and significant for the first time. Most importantly, he will no longer be alone. This kitsune holds many secrets, but something tells Xie Lian that if he tries, he can learn them all.
An adventurous spirit awakens in him for the first time, and Xie Liang indulges it, eventually agreeing and earning a genuine smile from Hua Cheng, feeling that from now on, everything will change and his life will no longer be the same.
It will be a while before Xie Lian learns to trust Hua Cheng unconditionally, but it will definitely be worth it. Because the kitsune would keep his promise and bestow upon Xie Lian the attention and care he was sure he did not need.
Because only after spending time with Hua Cheng would he be able to say for the first time that he had found his home.