Chapter Text
“Zenko foxes are divine messengers,” your grandmother began, running a golden comb through your hair, “They give their lives to serve the gods and to protect the weak from evil.”
“My virtuous little Zenko,” she cooed at your reflection in the mirror, “You, too, will give your life to serve our God. Liberate him from the heretic rats in this rotten village so that he can restore our clan to its former glory.”
You watched her expression through the mirror; watched how her narrow face and high cheekbones commanded attention; how her thin eyebrows arched in perfect angles, her close-set eyes pinched in unbridled reverence.
Your grandmother was the only family member you had leftーimposing yet nurturing in the way divinity was. Against those who dare threaten her ideals, you would draw your blade and hold your tongue.
For the words of Zenko foxes were reserved to relay messages from the divine (and the messages currently being relayed into your body were calling for obedience).