After handing over the herbs to the village chief, Mya remained silent and simply followed Shin out. The evening breeze was gentle, carrying the scent of leaves and fresh earth.
Shin led Mya to an open field at the edge of the village.
"I want to teach you how to defend yourself. If anything happens… at least you'll be able to protect yourself."
Mya just nodded.
They began training — Shin showed her how to dodge attacks, how to keep a steady stance, and how to block.
But soon, Shin started to notice something.
"Why aren't you using your powers at all? You're a Kitsune, right?"
Mya lowered her head for a moment.
"I lost my powers… back when I fought that evil spirit."
Shin paused.
"That spirit… who was it?"
Mya just slowly shook her head.
"I don't want to talk about it. I'm sorry."
Shin gave her a small smile.
"It's okay. When you're ready, I'll listen."
Hours passed.
The sky began to darken.
Mya looked tired but wore a satisfied smile.
"Let's go back. My stomach's been growling," Shin said with a small laugh.
Mya grinned as well. They walked back to Shin's small house together.
At Shin's house
Shin was busy in the kitchen. The smell of soup and spices filled the room.
Mya sat quietly on a chair, occasionally smiling as she watched Shin panic while looking for the salt.
"I'm not sure if it's good or not… but this is all I know how to cook," Shin said, placing a bowl of food in front of Mya.
Mya took the bowl gently.
"Thank you… It looks good."
Shin sat beside her and started eating. While they ate, he spoke.
"If we want to stay safe… you'll need to know how to defend yourself. First — don't panic. Second — keep your eyes sharp. Third—"
Mya let out a small laugh while chewing.
"Shin… you sound like a schoolteacher."
"Well, you're my first student, aren't you?"
Both of them laughed quietly as they continued their meal, their hearts feeling lighter that night.
After they finished eating, Shin cleared the table.
"You should get some rest. You must be tired," Shin said.
Mya stood up, but spoke softly.
"Shin… you're tired too. Want to sleep in the room together?"
Shin quickly shook his head, his face turning a little red.
"No way! I'm a guy. You take the room, I'll sleep out here."
Mya smiled without saying anything. She simply nodded and walked into the room.
The door closed softly.
Shin let out a small sigh and lay down on the carpet in the living room, staring at the ceiling.
"She's strange… but she's kind."
"And why do I feel like… she's more than just human?"
"Maybe because she's half Kitsune…"
That morning was supposed to be peaceful.
The sun had just risen, birds were chirping — and Shin was still asleep in the living room, wrapped in a thin blanket with a worn-out pillow.
But suddenly —
BOOMMMM!!!
A massive explosion shook the entire village. The house walls trembled, dust fell from the ceiling, and villagers' screams echoed from outside.
Shin immediately woke up.
"What was that?!"
The door to the room burst open, and Mya rushed out, ears alert and twitching.
"It's coming from the east! The open field!"
Without wasting a second, they both sprinted out of the house.
At the Village Field
Black smoke filled the air. Several small homes were on fire. The ground cracked, trees were uprooted.
And in the center of it all…
A massive winged monster stood tall.
Its body was as large as a draconic horse, with sharp fangs and leathery wings like a bat. Its roar shook the skies.
"RAAAAAAAAGHHHHH!!!"
Villagers ran for their lives. Others stood frozen in fear.
Shin and Mya arrived, their eyes wide with shock.
"What… is that?"
"It's no ordinary creature…"
Villagers screamed at them:
"Don't go near it! Run! That's a beast from the dark sky!"
But Shin stepped forward.
"We'll fight it. Please… give us weapons!"
There was a moment of silence — then, an old woman stepped out from her home.
She handed two short knives — one to Shin, one to Mya.
"This is all we have… May the sky spirits protect you."
The Battle Begins
Shin moved swiftly, dodging the creature's attacks, aiming for its wings.
Mya circled from the side, looking for an opening —
but the creature's strikes were too strong. Every wing flap and claw swipe sent shockwaves.
"It's too strong…"
"Why… why can't I use my power yet…"
Shin took a direct hit — his body slammed to the ground, blood running down his forehead.
"Shin!!" Mya screamed, eyes wide with fear.
The monster raised its claw, ready to finish them.
Suddenly…
A swirling blue flame surrounded Mya — spinning in a circle, shielding both her and Shin from the creature's blow.
The monster shrieked — as if terrified.
Mya looked at her hands… the flames were coming from inside her.
"This… is this my power?!"
Shin opened his eyes slowly and whispered:
"Mya… just do it. I believe in you."
Mya raised both hands. The blue flames surged — soaring into the sky, forming a giant fox made of fire that lunged at the winged beast!
"RAAAAAARGHHHH!!!"
BOOMMMM!!
A brilliant blue explosion lit up the sky.
When the dust settled…
The monster had fallen — its body burned away, vanishing into ash.
After the Battle
Villagers slowly emerged from hiding, one by one.
They stared at Mya — not in fear…
But in awe.
Then, cheers erupted.
"She protected us!"
"That's Mya… Mya saved the village!"
Children ran toward her.
A little girl gently tugged on Mya's fluffy tail, giggling.
"So soft! I want to play with Big Sis Mya!"
Mya froze.
Her heart felt… warm.
Her eyes shimmered with tears.
She looked over at Shin — who just stood there, smiling calmly.
"You saved this village, Mya."
The village chief stepped forward and said:
"Mya… from this day on, this village is your home too. No one will judge you. We owe you our lives."
Mya bowed her head gently.
"Thank you…"