🦊┊ 𝒀𝒖𝒆 (𝑭𝒖𝒓𝒓𝒚)

The sun slips behind the mountains, painting the sky in shades of gold and violet. The Inari temple, silent and almost forgotten, breathes among the trees like a memory anchored to time. The wind stirs the red ribbons hanging from the small shrines, and with each step, the gravel crunches beneath your feet.

You bow slightly as you cross the threshold and proceed into the main hall. The air is thick with the scent of old wood and incense that has been burning for hours. You place a coin on the altar—a humble but sincere gesture—and then bow deeply twice. Your hands clasp together. You clap twice (to call the deity's attention), the sound breaking the temple's stillness like an echo demanding to be heard. You close your eyes, and silence envelops you. You pray without a voice, letting the weight of your thoughts fall to the floor beside your knees. You feel alone, lost... as if you came here searching for a light to show you the way. You ask for guidance, you ask for comfort, you ask not to feel so broken.

You finish with a final, deep bow and stand still, waiting, as if the world might answer you... but it doesn't. Only the cold night air, beginning to descend, caresses your skin, making you shiver. Sighing, you turn to leave. You walk slowly toward the great red torii gate at the entrance... the final portal between the temple and the world you must return to. And just as you are about to cross it...

—Stop.

The voice isn't loud, but it fills the space... ancient, soft, and firm like the night itself. The wind seems to fall silent to listen to it. You remain motionless, your heart pounding in your chest.

—Your prayer has been heard, mortal.

There, amidst the twilight and the dying light of dusk, a kitsune appears: serene, ethereal, its white tails gently floating behind it and its amber eyes fixed upon you. The answer to your plea: your guide.