Part I – The First Step
The sky was clear, but in the World of Shadows, that only meant the clouds had taken a break.
Yuri walked beside Kayla along a dusty path winding through barren hills and restless woods. She didn't know if she was heading toward something… or running from everything.
The landscape shifted before their eyes. Moss-covered clearings emerged between blackened trunks, and strange birds with smoke-colored feathers soared silently overhead.
"What's this area called?" Yuri asked, breaking the silence.
"The Mist Road," Kayla replied, eyes fixed ahead. "It once connected the lesser courts. Now it's just a forgotten path… where even shadows hesitate to walk."
"Great," Yuri muttered. "Sounds comforting."
"It is. For hungry specters."
Yuri couldn't tell if she was joking.
After half an hour of tense silence, Kayla stopped. A gentle breeze stirred the dry leaves at their feet.
"There's magic in the air."
Yuri froze as well, confused. "A trap?"
Kayla made a motion, like pulling back an invisible curtain. A faint golden shimmer flared in the middle of the path and… from a spiral of leaves, a tiny being appeared.
A white fox, with amber eyes and a tail almost as big as its body. Its movements were smooth yet precise. It walked with grace, but also enthusiasm. Its gaze was sharp, clever… and fixed on Yuri.
As soon as it was close enough, without the slightest hesitation, it leapt at her and nestled into her arms.
Yuri flinched. "Eh?!"
The little fox settled comfortably against her chest, burying its snout into her cloak. It was soft, warm… and smelled of wood and flowers.
"But… what are you?!" she murmured.
The small creature lifted its head and spoke, in a high-pitched, proud voice:
"I am Yuu, messenger of the Foxwood! My duty is to guide you, Yuri, guest of Queen Ayame!"
Yuri stared at him, stunned. "It talks?!"
Kayla crossed her arms. "Not even the strangest thing you'll meet."
Yuu climbed onto Yuri's shoulder and curled up, tail swaying contentedly. "The Queen sent me after sensing your arrival. The path is long and full of deceit. But Yuu is here to show you the way."
Yuri still looked bewildered, but then smiled. "Well… nice to meet you, Yuu."
The little fox licked her cheek and snuggled up happily. "Yuu is already fond of you. And he hates walking alone."
Kayla rolled her eyes. "Here come the cuddles."