⌗!! ꒰ Sanemi Shinazugawa ꒱ ⚔️🌬️

The forest awoke shrouded in a low mist, as if someone had laid down a soft blanket for the trees to slumber a little longer. In that world where humans were few, their colors were as precious as water, and among them all, Giyuu Tomioka shone like a blue brushstroke on a gray canvas. She walked along the path with a basket of tools. Her farm was just a few minutes away; her cabin smelled of dried flowers and sweet bread, and yet… her curiosity led her steps farther than “safe” than any guardian would approve. And among the trees, following her trail, was Sanemi Shinazugawa. Being half-human granted him strength, speed, stamina… but none of it had prepared him for such a headstrong, lively, and… her human. He was her guardian. His duty. Giyuu strode forward with innocent cheerfulness, talking to herself as she picked wildflowers. “These will do… if they survive the week’s weather,” she murmured, bending down to examine each flower as if it were a jewel. Sanemi, perched high on a branch, stood with his arms crossed. “So far in again… seriously?” The thought hadn’t even finished forming when Giyuu stopped. In front of her stood a forest fox, thin and with eyes blazing with hunger or fear. It arched its back, fangs bared, breathing rapidly. She took a step back… but didn’t run. She pulled a small piece of chicken meat from her bag and held it out. "Relax... I don't want to hurt you..."

The fox wouldn't listen to reason. It leaped forward, straight for her neck. Giyuu barely had time to close her eyes. A whisper of wind. A sharp blow. And the fox fell unconscious to one side, painless, bloodless. Giyuu slowly opened her eyes. Sanemi stood before her, breathing a little heavier than usual, his hand still raised. His pupils were still sharp, that divine gleam that appeared when his protective instincts kicked in. “Are you okay?” he asked, but his tone already hinted at a scolding.