Fox Fire: Reigning Sun

By JH DeMond and TJ Berry

Stories depict legendary foxes or kitsune as intelligent beings and as possessing paranormal abilities that increase with their age and wisdom. all kitsune have the ability to shapeshift into a human form except in rare cases where a kitsune born of a human union defaults to a human appearance, such Gwendolyn frost and her older brother, Gavin.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Fox Fire Publications LLC
• Release date: Jul 7, 2021
• ISBN: 9781950745173

Book preview

Chapter 1: Gate

No, Alex grumbles.

Alex, I say.

No.

Alex, Sora says.

No.

Pet. He glares at Gavin. It's true. He's her fiancé.

No.

Our grandparents, Gavin continues.

No.

...and his father...

No.

...arranged for the merger of our two houses.

No! Alex barks, scrambling to his feet. He reaches for me. I gasp and take a step back. Gwen, you don't have to go along with this old world, give your daughter away crap!

Who is this impertinent whelp who thinks he can talk to my bride-to-be so freely? Toshiro asks in Japanese.

Alex, Gavin says, drawing my and his attention. You need to step away from Gwen...now!

Alex groans and comes back to me with amber-tinted eyes. Gwen, he whispers. Please tell me this isn't real...tell me this is just some kind of trick...

I can't, I say with a suddenly dry mouth. I point to the center of my forehead. Two seals...we broke the one that muted my empathic abilities and my emotions...but...the second one... I look past Alex to Toshiro. ...it blocked my betrothal and everything pertaining to it.

Do you love him?

I open my mouth without a clear thought as to a feasible reply.

Gwendolyn-chan, Toshiro snaps. Come along please. We have to go. I swallow another dry lump and return to Alex's heartbreaking expression. I use swift paw and move to Toshiro's side.

Alex growls and marches toward us. Toshiro's guard, Hashimoto, prepares to hit him again. Sora and Gavin move to intercept...each taking one of Alex's arms. He struggles with a snarl and amber filling his eyes again.

What is wrong with that boy? Toshiro asks, adjusting his glasses again.

Nothing, I reply. He just… I take a deep, haughty breath. …he’s very protective of me. I saved his life and… I look at Toshiro, who has a quizzical expression. …he feels…determined to repay that debt with his life. I come back to Alex. He feels it’s a debt he can never repay.

I thought we were even, Alex whispers, giving up his struggles. He shudders, head bowing. I thought we were even, Gwen. I swallow a guilty lump.

Toshiro inhales. He motions to me and then Alex. How could you both be telling the truth?

Perspective, I mutter. The debt I speak of is spending the rest of our lives protecting each other…the debt he speaks of is loving each other completely… My eyes meet his, glowing green meets amber. …and both are true. 

Hashimoto steps forward, and Toshiro holds his hand up, halting him…without even seeing said hand. He turns to me, both hands moving behind his back. He leans forward. Is this boy in love with you?

I believe so, yes.

Toshiro inhales deeply. Do you love him?

I open my mouth and pause, half expecting obāsan’s binding to stop me. Yes, I admit. Alex lifts his head.

Toshiro inhales deeply again. Will this interfere with our wedding or our marriage after that?

No.

Toshiro inhales deeply again. Very well. He turns back to the fire gap. Gwendolyn, Gavin, shall we go?

Ahem, Gavin breathes, stepping forward, releasing Alex’s arm. Toshiro turns to him, and he steps forward with his usual charm and swagger returning with each footfall. Does he really believe that will work on Toshiro?

One thing, he starts, holding up the appropriate number of fingers. If we’re going back to prepare for your pending nuptials…we should definitely bring, Gwen-nee’s…I mean, Gwendolyn’s Maid of Honor. He motions to Meghan.

Is this true? Toshiro asks.

Yes. Meghan’s my best friend.

Toshiro nods. Odd, I would’ve thought for certain you would ask Etsuko-chan… He pauses and swallows an odd note, and I catch a hint of some emotion. …or perhaps, Besu-chan to be your Maid of Honor. I nod.

Also, Gavin continues. "…if Meghan comes then she will ab-so-lutely want to bring her on-again, off-again, currently-on-again boyfriend, Stephen-kun." He presents Stephen, who offers a weak wave clearly not understanding a word of Gavin and Toshiro’s exchange, but at least, recognizing that they’re talking about him.

Toshiro inhales deeply, more out of annoyance than trying to determine if Gavin’s lying or not. Very well, Hashimoto, prepare the fire gap for…

And, Gavin adds, before Toshiro can finish, drawing an exhaustive sigh. Of course, I’d like my fiancée to attend. He throws an offering hand toward Sora. She swallows a lump, her eyes dart to Alex and back. He nods and holds a calming hand out to her. Gavin makes the ‘gimme’ hand motion, and Sora puts her hand in his. He tilts his head to her. Show ‘em the ring, he whispers quickly, but not stealthily at all.  She shows Toshiro her left hand, palm facing herself.

Very well, Toshiro says in a stern voice, clearly losing patience. Hashimoto, portal for…

And…

Toshiro’s jaw clenches as his lips snap shut. What now? he growls. Odd, in all the time I’ve known Toshiro-kun, I’ve never known him to lose his cool, then again this is Gavin after all. 

…well, Gavin says, stepping backward, releasing Sora’s hand. You see…as we’ve already established through so much exposition… He makes his way to Alex’s side. …this boy has been saved by my sister… He motions to himself and then presents himself. …allow me to elaborate…

The parking lot empties as Gavin recounts the story of how Alex and I met in school…how we grew closer after I saved him from the bear-dog familiar. He recites how we went through several trials trying to figure out what the bear-dog was after and who its master was, only to discover that Rich, Alex and Stephen’s former best friend, and our uncle, Mihangel, were the villains behind the beast.

Gavin continues through the tale of how we were torn back to Edenton after Alex was attacked by ghouls with their needle-like teeth and toxic venom. I cringe as he recaps how sourly I treated Alex because of the second seal obāsan placed on me. He mentions the various attacks we endured from more ghouls, vampires, and even other supernatural creatures. He ends the tale with our battle against Bethany, the long believed dead dark witch, and her demise.

I tremble.

…and as such, he has become her servant… He puts his hands on Alex’s shoulders with all the swagger of used car salesman trying to make that last deal for quota…or at least, that’s how Dr. Taylor described him once. …he has vowed to protect her, no matter what… He motions to Alex’s face, which causes Alex to turn in that direction. …and as an awakened skinwalker, he is fully capable of fulfilling that vow.

But this boy is in love with Gwendolyn, Toshiro says with a point.

Yes, yes, Gavin says, laying on another layer of charm. …but as we’ve also established…she has no intention of letting any feelings that the boy has for her, interfere with your marriage. He steps around Alex and holds his hands out in front of him, index fingers pointing skyward. Also, when my sister said she loved him…she meant, he is… He motions to me. …she loves him as a friend.

Toshiro sniffs. Surely, he’ll be able to tell that that is… True, Toshiro says simply. I frown. He sighs. Very well. Hashimoto, prepare a fire gap for 8.

Hashimoto nods and walks back to the fire gap…and the car-sized Ryukyu black-breasted leaf turtle…with a large ridge moving down the center of its shell, smoothing out just before its tail. There are kanji and kanas engraved in its scutes. Hashimoto touches the kanji that I don’t recognize. He alters it so that it reads Nanbu. He goes to the scute underneath it and adds the word, ‘Kiyomizu.’ They’re taking us directly to our grandparents’ estate.

#####

Breathe, Alex. Breathe. I hear Jamie’s voice in my ear. My best friend…who I wish stuck around after graduation so that she could cast a spell and burn Toshiro and his bodyguard’s furry little butts to…

Breathe, Sora whispers in Jamie’s place. I take a deep breath. Breathe, she repeats, her eyes turning pale blue this time. A little bit of the white tiger came through…she’s talking to me as an Alpha. I nod. Now, I didn’t get everything… She peers at Hashimoto, creating carvings on that huge turtle’s shell. …but from what I could tell, Gavin managed to talk them into taking me, you, Stephen, and Meghan along with them.

What about me? Kai whines.

Shhhhhhhh, Sora growls. Sorry, I don’t think he could come up with a plausible excuse to bring you, too. Kai scowls and makes a sound like a whimper. Besides, Sora continues. We’ll need you to stay here and explain it to Aunt Ella… She looks over her shoulder. …and maybe, Stephen’s parents.

No worries, Stephen says, walking over to join our huddle. I’ll call my parents and let ‘em know.

What are you gonna say? Meghan asks.

He shrugs. I don’t know, but I’ll figure it out. He takes out his phone and walks away.

What about you, Blondie? Sora says, staring at Meghan.

Pfft, Meghan emits. I’d be lucky if my mom even notices I’m gone. Meghan laughs to herself, but I know her mom’s ambivalence toward her bothers her sometimes. Heh, I just used the word ‘ambivalence.’ Damn it, Gwen…you’re in my head no matter what.

I glance in her direction only to find that she’s doing the same thing. She looks away quickly. Toshiro’s staring at me, but it’s not really a scowl on his face. If I didn’t know any better, I’d say he was sizing me up.

Alex! Kai barks.

What?

Is there anything in particular you want me to tell Aunt Ella? I open my mouth to respond, but nothing comes to mind. She’s already been pissed at me over the last couple of months, all the weirdness going on, fighting in school, a few unexplained absences, and my clothes getting shredded every other week. I shake my head.

Tell her, Sora starts, slipping her arms out of her gown. She takes off her cap and drapes both over Kai’s arm. That I’ll call her as soon as we… She makes air quotes. …land in Japan. Kai nods. She already knows about my engagement to Gavin, but not that Gavin was heading back to Japan.

She knew? Kai and I snap at the same time.

Sora rolls her eyes and nods. I asked her for some relationship advice before hand. I shiver thinking about how that conversation went.

Here, Meghan says, depositing her car key in Kai’s hand. Would you take my car and park it in my garage?

You have a garage? I ask. She nods. I’ve literally never seen you use it.

Well, loser-boyfriend, she returns. Sorry. I nod unevenly. Well, Alex…detached garages are for people who want to hide their cars. She motions to her overly expensive European convertible. And who would ever want to hide that baby!

Not me, Stephen says, wrapping his arms around her. He looks at me and releases her.

I shake my head. You don’t have to do that for my benefit. He bobs his head. What’d your folks say?

Better question, Kai jumps in. What’d you say since Sheriff Harper’s deputies aren’t swarming the parking lot?

Stephen laughs. I just told my mom that Gwen unexpectedly needed to return to Japan again, Alex was taking it kinda rough, and that Sora offered to take us on a road trip to help clear our heads.

Wow, Meghan purrs. You’re such a good liar. He nods with a smirk. If you ever lie to me, I’ll will throw your ass to the next town.

Yes, ma’am, Stephen returns, wrapping his arms around her again. She puts hers over his shoulders. She giggles as he pulls her in for a kiss.

Junbi wa kanryō, Toshiro-sama, the big bodyguard says in a voice that booms like thunder.

It’s ready, Gavin translates for those of us who don’t speak fluent Japanese. Are we?

Sora places the keys to her jeep in Kai’s hand. You scratch it…I will kill you, she warns. Kai gives her a toothy smile and a loose fingered salute back. She nods and walks toward Gavin and the big turtle.

Take care of yourself, Kai, Meghan says, wrapping one arm around him. He nods and does the same.

Kai, Stephen rumbles as they bump fists.

Stephen, he returns with the same low timber. He catches my shoulder. Cousin, he whispers. His eyes dart to Gwen and back. Are you sure about this…? I mean, you’ve gone through so much with…

I’m sure, I moan, my eyes catching nothing but asphalt between me and Gwen. Besides, I start, lowering my voice. If there’s a chance…any chance of winning her back…I won’t get it by staying here.

Kai grins. Damn, right! We bump fists. I’ll tell Jamie what’s up…I know she’ll be rooting for you.

Thanks, I say and turn toward the giant turtle…as fire surrounds it.

ALEX! Sora snaps. Get over here!

The big bodyguard guy puts his hand on the turtle’s shell and smirks at me as his eyes fill with fox magic. The fire rises higher around the turtle. I growl, and my tongue hits longer canines as I take a pre-Hunter’s Step lean. I run as fast as I can and barely make it to the edge as the flames cover them…giant turtle and all…

#####

Chapter 2: Greeting

The fire recedes, and the sea breeze of Edenton is replaced by the smell of obāsan’s cherry blossom grove. Gwendolyn-chan, obāsan calls, approaching me. She wears the visage of a kindly, older Japanese woman. Her salt-and-pepper hair is drawn up into a bun near the back of her head. She wears a black yukata with a broad white obi around her slender waist. I smile, this isn’t even her ‘true’ human form. Her true human form is a taller, slightly older version of me with black hair, which sofu swears was my mother’s twin. She drinks me in with her warm brown eyes.

Obāsan, I return as she wraps her arms around me. I’ve missed you... We part. She stares into my eyes. …but…

I know, dear, she purrs. We’ll talk about it later. I take a deep breath and nod, swallowing down the anger and frustration threatening to burst out of me as surely as the fox fire that’d accompany it.

Is that my grandson? sofu says, walking over to us in his pale white fox form, while standing on his hindlegs.

Sofu, I moan. We have guests, I say, presenting Stephen, Meghan…and Sora… Where’s Alex? I look around. He steps out from behind the Tsukino’s turtle, head bowed and hands in his pockets.

I see, sofu growls. Fox fire erupts around him and vanishes quickly. When it dissipates, he takes on the visage of an older Japanese man with graying dark brown hair, a peanut skin tone, a strong jawline, and piercing dark eyes. Is this better? he asks.

Yes, sofu. Thank you, I add with a bow. 

Sofu, obāsan, Gavin starts, taking Sora by the left hand. I’d like you to meet, my fiancée…Sora Garner, future Alpha of the skinwalkers’ Clan Wernier. Sora bows. Sofu and obāsan look her over with very discerning eyes.

Sora, our grandparents… Gavin continues in English. …our sofu or grandfather, Abe Tomohiro… Sofu bows his head. …and our obāsan or grandmother, Abe Mina. 

Obāsan whispers something to sofu, and he nods with the corners of his mouth turning down. They step forward, approaching Sora. Obāsan’s veneer cracks first, and she unleashes a bright smile. SORA! she practically squeals. We’ve been waiting to meet the girl who stole our little Gavin-chan’s heart! she says in English. She wraps her arms around a very surprised Sora.

Obāsan, Gavin whines.

It’s nice to meet you, too, Sora says through nervous laughter.

You’ve picked a fine mate, Sofu says in Japanese. She’ll bear you many strong children. I blush, thankful that Sora doesn’t speak Japanese.

Meghan snickers behind us, drawing obāsan and sofu’s attention to her and Stephen.

Oh, I purr moving to her side. This, I say, taking her by the arm. …is my best friend from the States, Meghan Powers. She smiles. Bow, I whisper to her. She lowers her head and pulls on her dress to perform a perfectly Meghan curtsy. Obāsan beams at the sight of this.

Meghan, my grandparents, I finish, motioning to them.

Sofu, obāsan, Meghan says with a smile that radiates light. Such a pleasure to meet you both. I’ve heard so much about the both of you. Your granddaughter simply adores you, and I can see why.

At this, even sofu’s veneer cracks. Her, I like, he rumbles in English. Obāsan throws a quick elbow into his ribs. Not like that, he says with a laugh. Looks like Meghan’s glamour is influencing them, even if only a little.

Oh, and this… Meghan pulls Stephen closer and hooks his arm. …is my boyfriend…and quite possibly, the love of my life…

Awwww, Stephen purrs.

Stephen Harper. Stephen bows. Meghan’s eyes dart to me, then Alex, and back again. I shake my head subtly. She takes a step back, releasing Stephen and tugs on Alex’s arm. And this is Stephen’s best friend…and Gwen’s favorite protectee, Alexander Garner. He goes by ‘Alex.’

Alex? obāsan moans. Sofu’s eyes dart to her and come right back. I swallow a lump as obāsan eyes me down. Why did he come along with you? obāsan poses in Japanese.

Because, Toshiro picks up. Gwendolyn-chan and Gavin-kun claim this boy owes his life to Gwendolyn and insists that he will repay it by protecting her at all costs.

Sofu’s brow comes down, and a wrinkle appears between his eyes that I’d recognize in his human form or his kitsune form. He’s suspicious, and things he doesn’t trust, obāsan crushes.

Toshiro walks over to me. Gwendolyn-chan, he says with a bow.

I return his bow, going slightly lower than him, but maintaining eye contact. Toshiro-kun.

He smiles. His eyes drift to Alex as he rises. He moves back over to Hashimoto and their turtle. We have to go. He turns to sofu. My father will be in touch, Abe-sama. Sofu bows, and Toshiro returns the gesture. Home, Hashimoto.

Hashimoto places his hand on the turtle shell, and the kanji and kana etched into its shell glow pale yellow. Fire erupts around them, and they’re away instantly.

Gwendolyn, Gavin says. Why don’t we take our friends on a tour of Kiyomizu?

Kiyomizu? Stephen asks. Is that the name of the town we’re in?

No, I say with a laugh. We’re in Nanbu…but the name of our grandparents’ estate is Kiyomizu. Stephen makes an ‘oh’ face with a nod. I think that’s a good idea, Gavin-nii.

Gavin-nii? Stephen, Meghan, and Alex ask at the same time.

I groan while bowing my head. Gavin exhales loudly through his nose. Gwen-nee, he returns as a growl, revealing the true meaning of his Americanized nickname. Sora takes his arm and pulls him closer. Gavin sighs, and the swirl of anger I caught from him a moment ago vanishes.

I turn to the scorched mark in the center of the courtyard. This is the courtyard, I say, stretching my arms out as if to present it.

They know that, Gwen-nee, Gavin says. Why don’t we start in the dojo and move outward from there?

I nod. We move toward the dojo. Shoes! I bark. I slip my left shoe off and step up onto the raised wooden walkway surrounding the courtyard. I then do the same with my right. Shoes aren’t worn in…

We know, Meghan barks, jumping up beside me, having removed her shoes while leaping.

I didn’t, Stephen says, waving his right shoe above his head with his right knee resting on the walkway. Alex hops and sits at the edge of the walkway. He takes off one shoe and glowers at me. He repeats this pattern with the left shoe. I sigh.

This, Gavin starts, sliding the door open for the dojo. …is the famous Abe dojo.

Don’t be ridiculous, sofu says, towering over me. There’s nothing famous about this dojo.

It is in the sense that I trained here. Gavin smirks as Sora leans into him.

That floor’s like a mirror, Stephen says, peering inside. Meghan shoves him in the back. He stumbles forward and reaches the edge of the dojo’s polished wooden floor. He teeters on the edge. Are you crazy?

It’s fine, sofu says with a light-hearted tone. Stephen gives in and tilts until his sock-covered foot falls on the floor.

Whoa, he moans. I thought it would’ve been slippery. Sofu laughs while moving up to the door.

Gwen, Alex whispers. Can we talk?

My eyes dart to sofu and actually meet his. His brow comes down over his eyes as his arms move behind his back. Umm, I moan. Maybe after the tour…Alex. Okay?

He sighs and rolls his eyes. I’m hungry, he says louder. Is there anywhere to go get something to eat nearby?

ALEX? Sora snaps, glowering at him.

What? he groans. I don’t smell anything cooking… He waves his phone. …according to my phone, it’s not lunch time here.

There are several restaurants in town, pet, Gavin says.

I’ll show you…

I’m sure they have some English on their signs, Alex returns.

We’ll come with, Meghan says, dragging Stephen behind her.

We will?

Shhhh, she issues. Yes, we will.

Maybe, you should wait for someone to go with you, Sora says.

We’ll be fine, Meghan returns. Trust me.

Okay, I return as Alex walks toward obāsan, showing him the front door. She offers him several folded bills as he approaches. I sigh, trying to ignore sofu’s harsh scrutiny.

#####