The Morning Decision

Hicarry stood at the edge of Silver Stone Kitsune Temple, her nine black tails twitching nervously behind her. The morning mist danced between the cherry blossoms and Japanese maples, creating patterns that reminded her of the ancient magic flowing through these sacred grounds.

"Are you certain about this choice?" Elder Kenzo asked, his weathered hands clasped behind his back. His gray hair caught the early sunlight filtering through the pine branches.

Hicarry adjusted her black Kitsune mask, the gold swirls gleaming softly. "I need to understand the human world. Two weeks at their school will teach me things I cannot learn here."

The elderly fox spirit nodded slowly. "Remember, young one, your magic must remain hidden. Humans fear what they do not understand."

Her amber eyes flickered with determination as she touched the ancient stone archway that would transport her to the human realm. The portal shimmered like water disturbed by wind.

"I will be careful," she promised, stepping forward into the unknown.

The Sparrow's Secret

The portal shimmered and dissolved behind her. Hicarry found herself standing on a sidewalk next to a red brick building with tall windows. Students her age walked past carrying backpacks, their voices mixing with car engines and city sounds she had never heard before.

A girl with short brown hair bumped into her, dropping a stack of papers. "Sorry!" the girl said, scrambling to collect them. "I'm always rushing around. I'm Maya, by the way."

Hicarry quickly helped gather the scattered homework assignments. "I'm Hicarry. This is my first day."

"Really? You look nervous. Don't worry, Westfield Middle School isn't that scary." Maya grinned. "Want me to show you around?"

Before Hicarry could answer, a small sparrow landed on her shoulder. Without thinking, she whispered something in the old language, and the bird chirped back.

Maya's eyes widened. "Did you just talk to that bird?"

Hicarry's heart raced. Elder Kenzo's warning echoed in her mind. "I... no, I was just..." She touched her mask nervously, realizing how strange she must look among these ordinary humans.

The sparrow flew away, but Maya kept staring at her with curious brown eyes.