The Morning Choice

Hicarry sat cross-legged beneath the ancient cherry blossom tree, nine black fox tails with golden swirls curled around them like a protective circle. The Silver Stone Kitsune Temple stood silent in the morning mist, its wooden beams weathered but strong.

"Another day," Hicarry whispered, amber eyes reflecting the pink petals that drifted down like snow.

The portal shimmered behind the temple's main shrine—a gateway between the Kitsune realm and the human world. Every morning, it offered the same choice. Stay here in the peaceful quiet, or venture through to experience something new.

Hicarry's fox ears twitched at the sound of footsteps on the stone path. An elderly temple keeper approached, carrying a small scroll.

"The human school sent another invitation," she said gently, placing the paper beside Hicarry. "They have a student who could use a friend today."

Hicarry picked up the scroll with careful fingers. Inside was a simple message about a shy girl named Shoto whose best friend was away on holiday.

The portal hummed softly, waiting.

The Voice Through Metal Wings

Hicarry stared at the scroll, reading Shoto's name again. The portal behind the shrine pulsed with soft blue light, its surface rippling like water.

"I've never been to a human school," Hicarry whispered to the temple keeper.

The elderly woman smiled. "The girl sounds lonely. Sometimes we find friends in the most unexpected places."

Hicarry stood, nine fox tails swaying nervously. The black Kitsune mask felt heavier than usual. What if the human children stared? What if they were afraid?

A small mechanical drone suddenly buzzed through the portal from the human world, carrying a folded paper in its tiny metal claws. It hovered near Hicarry, beeping softly.

The temple keeper unfolded the note. "It's from the school. Shoto is sitting alone at lunch again today. Her teacher thought maybe... someone special could visit."

The drone's camera lens focused on Hicarry, recording everything. Through its speaker, a young girl's quiet voice emerged: "I wish I had a friend who understood what it's like to be different."

Hicarry's amber eyes widened. The portal shimmered brighter, as if responding to the girl's words.

"She sounds just like me," Hicarry murmured, taking a step toward the gateway.