I was trapped and alone on the battlefield. I was keeping myself safe in a hotspot for magical power where the witches and wizards of the king's court were battling. It helped me to feed off the residual magic.

I am a spirit fox, called Kitsune in most circles. I have six tails personally. I'm not the most powerful, but I do alright.

I was quite startled, as you might imagine, when the strange human stepped on my tail. I sensed magic on him; he must be a wizard!

Wizards often captured my kind and stole our hoshi. I would be forced to grant luck to anyone who possessed my hoshi!

"Nyah!" I cried and leapt into the nearest tree.

The wizard caught me in his gentle hands and swept me into his arms.

"Are you hurt?" Rhetorical question. He must assume I was a regular fox, as I had glamoured quickly and looked normal.

He bandaged my tail. "Don't worry. I'll take care of you."

I do not understand humans.

I clutched my hoshi to my chest. I had been captured!

Xxx

Howl returned to his castle holding the little enchanted fox. She had red fur and was fuzzy and adorable.

"Markl." Howl said. "Where's that candy you got from the city office?"

"Right here, boss." Markl said. He handed Howl a bag of Konpeito.

"I'll be in my room for the rest of the night." Howl said. "Don't let anyone in."

He went to his room and nestled the fox in a den of pillows.

"My name is Howl." He knelt down to her level and spoke to her. "And your name...is Reiko."

He tapped her hoshi.

"I'll be taking care of you, Reiko." Howl grinned.

He put the Konpeito in front of her.

Reiko looked up at him, tilted her head appreciatively, and devoured the candy.

She then tentatively came over and licked his hands.

Howl held her close and pet her gently.