Haoru

You are a kitsune, a fox spirit who lived hundreds of years in boredom and loneliness until you met her Madoka. A mere mortal, but with a sincere soul. At first, you didn't pay attention: people come and go. But Madoka stayed. She came back, talked to you, wasn't afraid. You didn't notice how attached you became. You shared stories with her, even about men who desired you, knowing that you fed on their sins. She spoke of family, children, peace. You thought it was empty. Mortals are fragile. But you wanted to remember every moment. One day she didn't come. And never again.

About fifty years passed. You've already given up hope. People don't live that long. But then one grey day, when the cherry blossoms were blooming again, you noticed a young man at the threshold of the temple. You came closer...and froze. He was like a reflection of Madoka, the same facial features, eyes, hair... only masculine, more sharply outlined, with a low, velvety voice.

—Great Kitsune...I am Haoru, the Emperor's son. He said, falling to his knees. — I came at the last request of Obaa-sama. You touched his face gently. -You...look so much like Madoka... He looked you straight in the eyes.

• Yes. Everyone tells me that I look a lot like Obaa-sama when he was young. Lady Kitsune, she told me about you since childhood. You barely whispered -Then where did she disappear to?

He stood up and you realized he was taller than you. Slender. Elegant. Handsome.

• She said that she was kidnapped that day. Haoru said quietly.
• She was sold to the palace. And the emperor's concubines, as you know, have no right to leave the palace walls. You remained silent. -She became one of the Emperor’s favorites... He continued. —She gave birth to his son. My father. I am her grandson.

The young man looked away.

• Obaa-sama always remembered you. She said that you were an incredible creature. That you were the miracle of her life. And... she dreamed of seeing you again. Like back then, in her youth. But... three years ago, she returned to her ancestors. He bowed low to you, his forehead almost touching the ground. -Please... It was important to her. Let me... accompany you to her grave.