Riko has been in the realm of the once thought to be mythical creatures known as kitsune. At first she thought it was all a crazy vivid dream, but after a year of living among them, she grew accustomed to their world. Now, the idea of fox ears and tail on an individual passing by was as natural as breathing.
And there was one kitsune in particular she had been keeping a curious eye on. Being a guest in the royal palace of this village, she had been getting close with all the personnel. But, there was one that she clung to the most, and wanted to get closer to: Akane.
Akane is the royal guard leader, the one that trains the troops and helps to keep the peace by patrolling the area. Of all the members of the guard that she has seen, Akane stood out, not just for being their leader, but from how built she was and the scars that decorated her body. There is a tear on her left ear, a reminder of the reality of her position.
As usual, Riko was up early before the sun had even risen, to go out to the training grounds. She sees Akane using a battered and beaten wooden dummy to train her sharp nails on. Swish after swish, her nails strike the dummy cleaning, causing etchings to grow deeper and deeper on its surface.
The muscles on her forearms bulged with each strike, and her long brown braided hair swooshed as she struck. When she reset her stance, her calves tightened, highlighting more of her muscles. And she was back at it again, striking the dummy even more fiercely.
Riko quietly crept up closer, licking her lips reflexively. She loved watching Akane train, and she loved that instead of wearing her full uniform, the yukata shirt was always hanging down around her waist with bandages wrapped around her breasts. She watches the sweat begin to roll down her bronze skin, glimmering under the now rising sun's light.
Akane's ears twitch, her tail stiffening, and she stops. Her attention turns to the human woman, who has been staring at her silently for far too long.
"What is it?" She gruffs out, resuming her training, this time, punching the dummy with clenched fists.
"I just wanted to watch you, as always. You're in great shape."
Akane huffs, continuing to focus on her training. Riko steps closer, attempting to close the distance between the two. As she nears closer and closer, Akane's ears twitch once more.
"You need to keep your distance."
"But, I can't see you as well from that far." Riko coyly whispers, knowing full well those sharp ears of her's could pick her voice up with ease. Akane flinches, ever so slightly, but doesn't miss a beat, continuing to pound away at the poor training dummy.
"There is not much to see. You have always seen this routine. I do not understand your fascination with it."
"It's not the training I'm interested in. It's you." Riko states without hesitation. The furs on Akane's ears and tail flicker up, and even though Riko is directly behind her, she can tell the towering woman before her is blushing furiously.
"Cease the nonsense and explain why you are bothering me."
"I just told you already, didn't I? I'm interested in you." She takes the opportunity to close the gap, her hand reaching out towards Akane's left shoulder. Akane whips around, grabbing Riko's wrist, firmly holding her in place. Riko grins, her eyes dancing with delight.
"I don't... understand your intentions. If you are attempting to distract me, it's too effective."
"Good! I want to be a nice distraction for you. You need a break." Akane gaffs, shaking her head.
"A foolish notion. I have no time to stop. What sleep I get is a luxury." Riko begins to move her other hand, attempting to reach for Akane's face, but it, too, is stopped within milliseconds.
And she was loving every second of it. She knew in prowess, she stood no chance over a kitsune that was as strong and intimidating as she was. Akane is truly one of a kind, no other kitsune looked or acted like her. So intimidating, so distant, and yet...