Welcome to Gaia! ::

The white halfgrown kit hopped around from the back to the front of the shrine. Their tails twitched with furious pent-up energy while they scrubbed the deck, but they hummed happily all the while. He actually liked to clean. He always felt such satisfaction completing something so visibly. It didn't matter that he was the only one around today. He could see that everything would be immaculate. When he was finished, he stepped back and admired the soft sheen. With a happy "Yip!" he hopped back inside to put the rag and cleaner away.

Toshi spun about before answering the strange new fox. They grinned a full set of pearly white teeth and wagged their tail. "No, but I live here!" This new fox seemed a little worse for wear. Maybe she needed help. "Are you lost? You can shelter here if you need to."

"Lonely?" Toshi was not very familiar with the term's meaning but could understand enough to nod. "And sick," they echoed. They were about to introduce themselves when the adult fox passed out Toshi skittered about in a panic before taking a couple of mind-clearing breaths. This was not a good time to lose one's mind. Then, unbelievably, Toshi nosed his head under Viv's body and hoisted her up onto their back. Though only a kit, they had a bizarre detachment in their legs that allowed the kit to basically float above their paws. So weight meant nothing. Toshi carried her inside and found an empty room to place her in. They pulled out bedding and a pillow for her and bundled her up. "I hope she'll be all right," Toshi muttered with worry.

Toshi curled up beside the bedding and slowly began to doze off. He was alerted and awoke when she stirred. "Oh, you are most welcome," the half-grown kit said. "This shrine routinely takes in and shelters travelers. Have no worries. I will bring you some soup and water." The kit disappeared behind a door and speed-walked down the hall toward the kitchen. It wasn't far, the building was really rather small. There was some soup stock in the fridge so it was quite easy to whip up something simple but delicious. Toshi carried a tray back to Viv's room and scratched lightly at the door before coming in. "I have some food for you."

It was fun trying to speak with the tray in their mouth but tongues are capable muscles! They had no idea Viv had gone so long without food, but there was food to spare. They set the tray down before her, where she could reach. "I will still knock," they replied firmly, "because it is polite to do so. Now, if you need more, there is plenty more. Please do not hesitate to ask for more if you are still hungry," they said with a smile.

"No, no, that's..." But she had already passed out. That's fine, you don't need to worry yourself. That's what they would have said if she had been well enough to listen. "Rest well." The younger kit quietly picked up the dishes and removed them from the room, sliding shut the door.

Toshi was outside on the veranda scrubbing the floor. The pounding feet on the floor, thundering past, echoed through the whole building, or so it would seem. How could such a tiny fox with tinier feet make so much noise? They were clearly out of breath by the time they were done, and their chest heaved for a short time before returning to normal panting.. They looked around and headed off for the kitchen where a drink of water would be found from a water barrel.

Toshi did not hear her, and went on toward the kitchen. Once there, they helped themselves to a cupful of water.