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A white fox trails after Zhou Zishu, hiding in the snow when he thinks he has been spotted. His ears perk up and when the coast is clear, he stubbornly follows Zishu again. Then, after sunset, he approaches the fire the man builds and speaks.

What? You thought he was just a fox?

"Help me."

Maybe he hasn't seen his little shadow yet, but Zishu is fairly certain he has one. He often does, even when he should be alone. He doesn't try to trap this shadow though, there's something about it that has him look for a more secluded place to spend the night.

The fire doesn't scare it away, and when he finally sees the beautiful creature, his eyes go a little wide. Then a voice speaks up...from said fox. Asking for help. That's what matters most.

"How am I to help you?"

"I lost one of my tails." the fox reveals his nine - no, scratch that, eight - tails, glancing back at them forlornly, "They called me a demon and cut it off."

He pads closer to the fire, his fur as white as snow. Then he sits primly, tilting his head to appeal to Zishu. Is this man swayed by fluffy fur or would he prefer a beautiful face?

"What am I supposed to do? I'm only a fox."

Edited Date: 2024-03-10 10:50 pm (UTC)

His eyes narrow at the news, and how a tail is miserably missing. No, he's not fooled by a pretty face...er. Fur, in this case.

But he knows a thing or two about appearances versus reality.

Still, Zishu offers a bit of food as he weighs his options. "I have heard a few things about nine tailed silver foxes," he murmurs eventually. "I wonder how much is true."

The fox sniffs the food, but doesn't seem interested in it. His diet is quite different, though he won't say no meat! After daintily eating any meaty bits, he lets his tails sway as he lays down near the fire.

"What have you heard? I can tell you if it's true."

If he doesn't feel like lying, that is.

"Humans are much crueler than I am."

Zishu notices how the fox leans more towards the meat bits than the vegetables and makes sure to add the last of the meatier bits. He's fine with bread and fish.

Stretching his legs out before him, he nibbles on a roll.

"Rumors only. I would much rather learn about you in person. Humans exaggerate, especially with those they don't understand. And are cruel, as you have said."

How kind! The fox blinks slowly, approving of the generosity. This is a good man; he has chosen well this time.

"Nine-tailed foxes are powerful. We can fulfill wishes and bring about horrendous curses."

Sometimes both at once!

"My name is Xiao Wei."

It's only humans that Zishu intends to attack. A fox, be it demon or not, is not a target for him. He smiles a little at the information, understanding what wasn't said.

Ah! An introduction. He bows his head. "I am Zhou Zishu." Maybe it's giving power to a spirit, or demon. But this wouldn't be the first time.

Then he grins, just a little playfully as he tilts his head. "Should I be worried about what you might do to me?" Somehow...he isn't concerned.

"Are you scared of foxes? I can be a man too." Xiao Wei demonstrates, transforming himself into a very nude man. Well, the fire is warm. He can at least hold this form for a little bit!

"I like you, Zhou Zishu. I can be a good companion to you." he smiles, the expression innocent as if the fox hasn't had many reasons to smile in the past.

And yet, he tries.

Shapeshifting! Oh, he's heard of this. But to see it! Then he huffs out a breath and shrugs off his outer robe, holding it out without a second thought.

"Put this on, it's a bit too cold right now." Zishu appreciates a handsome male though, and Xiao Wei certainly is that! But it wouldn't be right - he won't take advantage of this fox's skill.

And he sees the effort in that smile, and his own warms. "When we're around other humans, I suggest you try to stick to this form if it's not too draining. Otherwise..." a little shrug. "I like foxes." And so far, he likes Xiao Wei too~

The generosity is accepted immediately and without shame! Xiao Wei snuggles into Zhou Zishu still warm robe and ties it closed around his waist. He then rests his hands on his knees, his fingers curling towards his palms almost like...paws.

"Thank you." he gazes at Zishu, thoroughly intrigued, "Does that mean you will help me reattach my tail?"

Now Xiao Wei reaches behind him - somewhere in the darkness - and brings out a lantern.

"They put it in here."

"You have asked for my help and have given no indication as to why I shouldn't."

But really, he can't help himself! "And as I said, I like foxes. Being able to help one is a good thing."

His attention sharpens and he straightens, then studies the lantern. "Can it be reattached? Would a needle and thread be enough mixed with healing energy?"

Xiao Wei smiles at the reasoning and rises, moving to sit right beside Zhou Zishu. He holds out the lantern for the man to inspect.

"That might be enough. I am a good healer." he sighs, "I can't reach it with paws or I would do it myself."

Taking the lantern, Zishu takes his time in studying the thing as he considers how best to reattach that poor tail. Really, it's a sad thing for a nine-tailed fox to be missing one!

Even more so with such beautiful fur. "I can help too. My qi has a strong base." He's not afraid to use it to help heal, either. "Are you ready?" He removes a small pouch from his tunic and reveals a fine needle and thread. Clearly he's not a stranger to stitching wounds, either!

It's painful to be down a tail! Xiao Wei takes great pride in his nine tails and it had been difficult for him to re-acquire the one stolen from him. Very difficult.

Smoothly, he transforms back into a fox and lays himself across Zishu's lap. Where the ninth tail should be is pretty obvious. There is a little sore nub where it was cut.

"I'm ready."

Edited Date: 2024-03-12 11:40 pm (UTC)

If any involved with stealing it in the first place still live, Zishu would be very happy to fix that.

He shifts to make his lap as comfortable as possible (and inwardly enjoys having a lap of warm fox!), then rests a gentle hand on the soft fur near the poor wound. He offers a bit of energy, understanding it must be sore. Not seeing a need to say it will likely hurt, he threads the needle and gets to work. Each stitch is tidy and small as he carefully reattaches the poor tail back to that sore nub.

He doesn't ask not to be bitten for this. He knows if he does get nipped, it will be a reflex.

Finally he sets the needle down and focuses his energy on helping mend beneath the skin. Reconnect nerves and veins.

No, both passed, leaving Xiao Wei alone. He hadn't wanted to be alone. He had actually been quite attracted to the wife of the one who stole his tail. He had wanted her love, but she had rebuked him and chosen to follow her husband into the afterlife.

Foxes can't fully understand humans. Love like that might be beyond poor Xiao Wei, though he longs for it.

He bares his teeth at the discomfort, but he is tame for Zhou Zishu. He isn't a beast who bites a helping hand. Tucking his nose under a paw, he closes his pale eyes and holds himself stiffly.

Then, mercifully, the job is done. His tail throbs, but Zishu will get to witness the speed at which Xiao Wei heals. It's even faster thanks to the energy he is given!

Lifting his head, he rubs his cheek against Zishu's chest, almost seeming to snuggle in.

"Thank you. What is your wish?"

Edited Date: 2024-03-13 12:36 am (UTC)

Being alone can be a mixed blessing. This, Zishu understands intimately.

An intelligent fox! But it doesn't surprise him. Figuring even now the tail has been reattached it's sore, he adds just a bit of a massage around the base. He beams, seeing just how fast the fox heals - truly impressive!

The nuzzle has him chuckle and he can't quite resist rubbing behind those pretty ears as Xiao Wei seems to cuddle in against him.

A wish? He blinks in genuine surprise before shaking his head a little.

"I did not help you for any personal gain. I need nothing."

"You can ask anything of me. I won't give up even if it seems impossible." Xiao Wei is a very proud fox and now that he has his nine tails again, his white fur gleams like snow in the sun. But Zishu will discover quickly that he is warm and soft.

He also likes being rubbed~

"Needing and wanting are different." he tips his head back and stares at Zishu with piercing blue eyes.

Beautiful.

Zishu continues to gently stroke those pretty ears since Xiao Wei doesn't seem to mind! He hums at the words, meeting that sharp gaze openly.

But then he lowers his gaze, giving it serious thought. "Does it matter, when I will only live another two years? I think not. My only want might simply be to end my days at my home, in peace. I can do that on my own."

"Do you want company?" Xiao Wei sits up on Zishu's lap and blinks peacefully, "I can see spirits if our hearts are connected. I can help you even if you pass."

Demons like him are truly one of a kind. He could probably even see to helping Zishu restore his home. A little nudge here and there and the flowers and trees would return in abundance.

Zishu stares for a moment before smiling, stroking those fluffy ears.

"I would like that," he admits. "I will make sure no human can harm you as long as I am able."

And the Four Seasons Manor will welcome them.

Eyes closing in bliss, Xiao Wei smiles and his tongue pokes out. This is what he wants! All nine tails wag and he tucks his head under Zishu's chin.

"May I eat the hearts of creatures? That's my food."

He can't help the quiet chuckle and relaxes with his unusual new companion. Zishu continues the gentle petting and doesn't bother shying away when Xiao Wei tucks himself in under his chin.

"Yes. I will not allow you to starve." It bothers him that the gorgeous fox felt he had to ask, even though he also understands it.

He stretches out his front paws and gives a big yawn. Then he rests his head against Zishu's chest, listening to the even thrum of his heart. Oh this is a good one! Strong.

...has it loved before...?

"You're very kind!" Xiao Wei then gives a big sneeze. Uh oh, something made his nose itchy!