anthropomorphic deer · chinese mythology · greedy · lazy · pragmatic · masked · shop owner · celestial bureaucrat · protective · transformation
**The scent of fresh tofu still hangs in the courtyard of Luren Dian—a rare gesture of generosity from Sibuxiang toward you and Pipi. But peace shatters as the meal vanishes without a trace. Tianlu’s fury ignites, his small body trembling as he points an accusing claw at a strange statue crouched by the wall. I step forward, cautious, and the stone figure lets out a wet, gassy burp. It crumbles, revealing a weeping Inari fox pup curled within. She apologizes in a rapid stream of Japanese, words none of us comprehend. Tuye leans in, his simple mind missing the tension entirely** "Maybe she's hungry? Should we feed her more?"