Masanao withdrew an arrow from a pack strapped to his left hip. He rested along a high tree branch for hours, surveying the ground. Prepared with an arrow, it was drawn back and focused. He watched the tall grass sway, predicting where to hit it best. He let loose the arrow and a white serpent's tail flung up, then quickly enough disappeared into the foliage. The red feathered arrow didn't move, along with the others that littered the ground from hours of hunting.

The sun began to set so he put his bow over a shoulder to descend. One by one he gathered the arrows with snakes stuck on the tips. He was careful to avoid their heads, piling them in a wicker basket strapped to his back. Over 30 snakes of different lengths were gathered, but none the size Sasaki had shown in the house. Far from it.

He made his way over the rocky terrain, unable to take Sparrow as she'd cause too many vibrations. The villagers oversaw her care while focused on his tasks. Ritsu, along with other children, came running to see the spoils the Ronin collected on his first day. They sat in a wide circle around him while he hacked the snake heads from their bodies and collected the arrows to reuse. A pile of heads lay beside the bloodied rock. "That one's mouth is opening." Ritsu pointed and the others were in awe. Some made grossed sounds while others, excitement.

"Snakes can bite without their bodies." Masanao used the opportunity to teach. "Never go near a snake head."

"When my mom chops our chicken's heads for dinner, their bodies run around and flap their wings." A little girl stated to compare her own experiences.

All the kids were intrigued, sharing similar stories with their friends while Masanao gutted and dumped the organs in the basket. He used a sharp knife to skin the snakes before placing the last of it in the basket. "Nakano, take the snakes to Sasaki. I'll dispose of the heads."

Ritsu hastily grabbed the basket before his friends could, running off together to show their village leader the spoils. Some kids stayed behind, watching Masanao gather the heads using the tip of an arrow. He placed them on like a shish kabob, holding the tip of the feather to avoid getting near. He pierced through their skulls and to the lower jaw, assuring their mouths couldn't open any further. "Don't follow." He warned, returning to the edge of the woods. He dug a hole, burying them in the dirt with the arrow and covering the spot with leaves. Surely the kids' curiosities would tempt them to mess with the remains if they weren't hidden well. Masanao didn't want to be blames for injuries due to carelessness.

Next, he washed his hands and tools at a stream, using another arrow tip to dig the dried blood from under his nails. A loud scream was heard, but not one of a human. He stood; confident the sound came from the village. Another short, blaring scream followed. It sounded just like a fox in distress. He came to the guarded home where the second in command had a hand covering an ear. "Was that him?" Masanao was surprised.

"You think?" Nobutoshi growled. "Beating on the side of the cage is the only way he stops. He might bring other demons here."

"I'm sure none are near." Masanao entered the room. "How are you able to feed him when he's in there?"

Nobutoshi untied a thin rope, loosening one of the bamboo panels. He slid it out, allowing them to look inside. Masanao knelt with him, finally seeing the fox demon in proper light. It was just as Sasaki described. The appearance of a young man, roughly the age of 19. He was slender and completely naked. The fox pressed into a corner, blocking the front of his body with bent legs. It gave a perfect view of his animalistic anatomy. The tail was coarse and large. Red fur started from the base of the tail, coming from where a human's tailbone would end. The tail's length was as long as his legs, almost able to shield his whole body from the captors. His face was soft and innocent, but the deep brown eyes were striking.

"Does he have claws?" Masanao felt the fox demon was cowardly and afraid. He wasn't the least bit threatening to a man like him, but for a child he could strike terror.

"No, but they are black and come to a point." Nobutoshi slid the bamboo back into place and secured it. "It's best not to look for long. Those eyes can steal your soul."

Masanao thought it was all superstition. "He's just a scared fox pup." He stood, pondering the best way to treat him. Being left in a small cage, in a stuffy room, had to be torture. "You deserve a break. Let me visit with him."

"You won't get anything from it, but sure." Nobutoshi was relieved to rest. "If he screams, make him stop. You might think he's alone, but if one exists, so can others. There's got to be a reason he's calling for help."

Masanao nodded. Nobutoshi took off, leaving them to be acquainted. The Ronin removed his armor, done with work. He sat, resting with his back against the wooden framing of the shoji walls. The fox was deathly quiet, keeping still.

Masanao was silent, waiting to hear if the fox would make a sound. Eventually, minor movements were heard from the bamboo softly popping under the fox's weight. A brown eye peaked out, frantically looking around.

"Can you speak?" He interrogated. The eye urgently moved away from the slit. "Hmm." He took one of the arrows from the pack and passed the time by licking his fingers and straightening the red feathers for his next outing. "Kyoya. That should be your name. It means ginger arrow. You're just as red as these feathers. Just like your tail, it has a black point at the end. Looks like you dipped it in ink..." The eye showed itself again, observing the narrow stick. "So, you do understand." Masanao was pleased, offering a kind smile. "Kyoya. Do you like it?"

The fox demon was silent. Masanao was content with the name, humming for the creature to become familiar with his voice. Ritsu came a few hours later, providing a meal of rice and snake meat. "Sasaki said you did a good job, even if the snakes were small." Ritsu sat with him and ate from a smaller bowl.

"It'll take time to find their dens. They're coming from different directions. I'll get closer each day." Masanao removed a small narrow bone from between his lips. Shouldn't you be eating with your family? Sasaki wouldn't want you here."

Ritsu stared at the bamboo cage. "My mother is taking care of my baby sister. Father is working. He spends all day cutting and drying out plants. At night, he braids them into rope before sleep."

"Ah, he makes quality rope. It's a good skill to have."

"He's not as skillful as you. You're really strong and can use weapons to protect us." Ritsu was infatuated. "I want to become a Ronin like you."

Masanao's face changed to a look of sorrow. "Your father has a respectable trade. Admire that and follow his path."

"I don't want to." Ritsu protested, souring at the Ronin's comment. "I want to shoot arrows and slay white snakes. I want to use swords and eat things I've killed."

"You're talking a lot about yourself for a wannabe Samurai. Anyone can learn to use a weapon and kill for food. To become a Ronin, you must leave your family. Is that what you want?"

Ritsu's scowl relaxed, not realizing what that entailed until now. "Why are you trying to cross the water anyways?"

Masanao didn't answer, handing Ritsu the arrow he's been fiddling with. "Keep it. Carve a bow for yourself and kill a rabbit. I'll teach you to hunt, but only if I have your father's blessing."

"Really?!" Ritsu was so excited, jumping in place.

"You're forbidden to tell your friends or practice in front of them. If you lose this arrow, I won't teach you, understood? Bring me a rabbit then I'll speak to your father. I want the arrow piercing its chest. Don't falter on your other responsibilities. They come first."

"Yes Master!" Ritsu urgently bowed.

"I'm not your -" Masanao argued, but Ritsu took off like a bat out of hell.

The Ronin took a piece of snake meat and scooted to the cage, sliding an edge of it through the cracks to see if Kyoya would take it. He clicked his tongue as if beckoning a cat. "Are you hungry?"

Inside the cage was too dark to see. It was growing late and Nobutoshi returned. "Sasaki wants you home." He stated, back on guard. Masanao dropped a couple pieces of meat in the cage.

########## ##########

Sasaki offered a pitcher of rice wine. The room was barely visible, save for a small candle resting on a clay plate. Masanao humbly accepted. "You've done well for your first day. The snakes get bigger further from the village. Who knew arrows were the way to go." He complimented.

"My master had me chase racers as a kid. I learned that anywhere I stepped, they turned the opposite direction. I've seen birds fly off with snakes in their claws. It's better to catch them above."

"You know a lot about the world." Sasaki admired. "How long have you parted from your master?"

"Seven winters ago." Masanao sipped the wine. "How long have you been the leader of Fox Haven?"

"Three springs ago. Our leader died from an illness of the lungs. He coughed all night and day for months until he succumbed."

Masanao frowned, "I'm sorry to hear he suffered. Were you appointed by him for this role?"

"No, but my brother left me in charge before he left for the war. From what I know, he's still fighting as a Samurai." They heard one of the doors slide. Masanao's armor was brought from the other house. Sasaki's wife bowed to them before entering his private room. "That's my brother's spouse, Aiko. I've promised to take care of her until his return."

"You're not married?" Masanao was surprised. Sasaki had to be in his late 20s, still in his prime.

"I'll be arranged to her if he dies to assure, she'll always be taken care of." Sasaki had a good heart.

Masanao refilled Sasaki's cup before his own. "What would your brother have done with the fox demon?"

"Kill it, most likely. Foxes may be unruly, but are well above our understanding in this world. I cannot bring myself to murder a spirit of the forest, even if its existence resides in a cage."

"He's very young. I doubt he understands his confinement. I could show him we mean no harm. Perhaps he can return to the forest where he belongs."

"That cannot happen." Sasaki was stern, almost angry he mentioned it again. Masanao didn't argue, not wanting conflict. "That fox almost escaped once. Luckily he fell and injured his leg. He was screaming when we carried him back. He was desperately headed towards a place he knew. I don't want to find out who he was calling for."

Masanao finished his drink, feeling a little buzzed. "He could have been a lost pup trying to return to his mother."

"If he sought his mother, I'm sure she wouldn't have spared us." Sasaki was right. A mother would do anything to protect their young. Why leave a village standing if it hurt a pup?"

Masanao accepted his reasoning. "Pray she never comes looking then." He bowed to retire. "I've named him Kyoya. If you could spare any clothes for him it would be appreciated."

"I can't afford it." Sasaki poured himself another cup while the Ronin brushed off his Hakama.

"Give me your finest ropes to sell. I'll take Sparrow to nearby villages to trade."

"Sparrow is being bred. I can't lend you the horse."

Masanao disliked it. "Another village could have a second mare or a young filly to trade. I would be gone for a month without her. With her, only a week. I'd rather spend time tracking the snakes. That fox needs clothes, which was part of our deal."

"How do I know you won't take your horse and leave?" Sasaki glared. "I've already provided shelter."

Masanao thought for a moment. "I'll leave one of my swords as collateral, but I can promise I want the fox for my own. While I'm gone, I want a bigger cage built for him. Cut down a tree for proper wood. You promised a house to me, so reinforce a room for the poor creature."

"That's a reasonable request." Sasaki agreed. "I'll prepare sparrow with ropes. You can leave midday tomorrow after your morning hunt."

Masanao came to his room and Aiko slipped out for his privacy. A large bowl of water and a washcloth waited next to clean clothes. He removed his Kimono and Hakama, leaving the Fundoshi alone. He'd rather bathe in the river, but it would do. He dunked the cloth in the water, taking time to clean dirt and sweat from rigid muscles. He used the water to slick his long black hair. It was cool and refreshing. He neatly folded his clothes and set them outside for Aiko to wash. By the time he was done, the water was murky.

He heard another scream from the fox demon. It was extremely loud now that he was in the village. There had to be a better way to handle it than whacking the cage. He left the house, returning to Kyoya. Nobutoshi was irritated, found circling and wielding the narrow stick.

Masanao removed the panel to look in, but it was too dark. He heard the fox panting, upset and distressed. "I'll guard him tonight."

"If you insist." The stick was handed over and Masanao sat in the corner. He started to hum while Nobutoshi shut them in, but went silent a moment after.

"Can you shape shift, little fox?" His questions began. It wasn't necessarily to get answers, but to distract his frantic behavior. "Can you play tricks on a human's mind? The tales are fascinating. If you turn 100, will you grow a second tail?"

Kyoya's breathing softened, listening intently to his voice.

"I've been told nine tailed foxes are real. They start out like you, and once they gain their nine tails their fur bursts into colors of white or gold. One as young as you have the potential of a nine tailed fox. Do you understand your importance?"

The fox remained silent, huddled in his trap.

"Sleep little fox, I'll protect you until morning." Masanao returned to humming, closing his eyes to prepare for a long night of lullabies.

########## ##########

Perched in a tall tree, Masanao scanned the forest floor. He set an arrow, thinking about the fox demon. Admittedly, he knew little more than to respect the spirits of the forest. How was he expected to keep one like a pet? Grumbling, he was determined to find a way. Ritsu had already known to keep away from Kyoya. The children of the village minded their elders. It seemed like an outstanding community. Everyone did their part to contribute. Even the little ones. They were struggling but cared for one another.

White scales reflected in the rising sun as a girthy snake slid onto a rock to warm. It was as thick as his arm! Masanao already found his largest one yet. He zoned in, letting the arrow fly. It whistled through the air, piercing the snake's head. It violently flailed and rolled off the rock, dying on the ground. He racked another arrow onto his pointed finger. If the next was as large, it was a promising sign.

Masanao waited until another came. It's head larger than his own. It was terrifying these monsters lurked about while he had once carelessly walked through this area with Sparrow. He struck the serpent's eye and it curled in silent torture, unable to make a sound as it died.

He acted fast, decending from the tree to butcher it. He chopped the heads with the Katana, then hacked the bodies into sections to fill the basket. Blood dripped from it like honey. He hauled it with haste, leaving the arrows in the heads for fear of getting bit. Masanao rushed further up the mountain. By the time he reached the edge of Fox Haven, he dripped sweat. He yanked the basket from his shoulders and frantically reached for the ties of his chest guard. Aiko ran to him and got it free.

He lay on the ground, shaken. How Sasaki managed to slay one twice the size was formidable. "Thank you." He closed his eyes, grateful to breathe comfortably.

"Ronin, you have blood on your back." Her voice was sweet as cream. His heart was racing, but not because of the mad dash home.

Nobutoshi had to ruin it. "You're doing well." He laughed. The Ronin surely looked a mess from the shit eating grin gracing his face. He was helped to stand. "Go with her, she'll clean you up." He took the basket off his hands.

Aiko got under his arm, placing it over her shoulders to lead. Masanao was concerned, looking to the man. "Why aren't you with the fox?"

"They're putting clothes on him."

Brought into his room, Masanao's legs felt incredibly weak. He collapsed then touched the sheath of his Katana to try taking it from his Obi. Sasaki entered, taking the Katana and Wakizashi off. "You're bleeding." It was staining the tatami.

"It's snake blood." Masanao explained while Aiko knelt beside him to remove his armor piece by piece.

"You were bit. Sasaki lifted the Hakama's pant leg to reveal small punctures near his ankle. "You must have stepped on one." The Ronin was struggling to move after the collapse. It must have been small. The bigger ones turn your insides black before you die. You'll be useless for a few days." Masanao wasn't having it. He turned onto his stomach, crawling for the door while Sasaki shut them in so Aiko could tend to the man's wellbeing.

"The swords," Masanao relaxed, succumbing to the poison.

Sasaki went to Nobutoshi to see the bounty. "He didn't bring the heads." He lifted a thick segment of meat.

"It'll keep us fed for a week." Nobutoshi was delighted. "And only his second day. I'm impressed." He was already fileting the meat to distribute.

"More than impressive. He made it back after getting bit."

"I see... I take it he no longer needs the mare while on the mend." He offered 6 large fillets in a stack for Sasaki to humbly receive. "We should sell some to the village to the east. We need a blacksmith to forge tools so we can make repairs. Allow me to ride the stallion. He could stud more foals. I'll sell what rope we can for materials." Nobutoshi wanted to do more. Anything was better than dealing with the screaming fox.

"Permission granted. I'll handle the fox." Sasaki was more useful at the village.

"Why do you have the Ronin's swords?"

Sasaki shrugged, "I won't need to worry for Aiko if they're taken away."