Isiah breathed in the cold air, exhaling it in a deep sigh. It felt good. The cold air blowing between his fur onto his skin. The smell of the clean air all around him, carrying with it the delightful scents of the forest behind him, was so good. The freedom was so good! ******** his folks back home and the company they so desperately wanted him to inherit when he was older. He was sorry he had been such a disappointment to them for so many years, but if they so badly wanted it to stay in the family, they could adopt some kit in need or hand it over to one of his cousins. He had taken as much as he could take already and was gone, never to go back. Not for anything. Not even if one or both of them died.
He would, however, keep the family name. Maybe one day he'd strike it big or do something so impactful, it would reach all the way out to their mansion in the woods. They'd see. Oh, yes. One day they'd see.
At least he hoped they would. He didn't want to be unrealistic, here. He might never make it big or do anything major. And that was also fine with him. His life was spread out in front of him, all the different roads and trails he could take in it and no one to try to steer him "on the right path."
Sitting down on a bench, Isiah pulled his bag onto his lap, laying his front paws on it casually. It had been a long journey from his parent's place. The sun had just gone down and he hadn't brought any money with him, such was his mood when he'd finally snapped and left. Didn't matter. He didn't need money. He had enough art supplies to do him for a bit, enough he should be able to make enough money to buy more when he needed it and also find somewhere to stay. He didn't mind sleeping outside or living off the land. The only issue was, of course his bag. If that was stolen, he'd be in real trouble.
For now, he simply sat on the bench and watched the stars.
Not many Kitsu were out and about at this time of hour. Isiah had sat on the bench for a while before one finally came within view, walking with a steady pace down the pathway towards him. He seemed to be struggling with some bags, each being cradled by an arm, so the Tenku jumped up and went over, reaching out as if to take one of the packages.
"You look like you could use some help, mate."
His vision obstructed by the bags, Yu nonetheless offered the strange Kitsu a smile. "I wouldn't say no." He felt the weight of one bag leaving his arms, allowing him to see the kind soul in front of him. Shaking the arm around, he placed it under the other bag still in his arms, angling it so he could continue to see in front of him. "Thank you. My home isn't too far, if it's too heavy."
"Hardly heavy at all." Isiah responded with a big grin, falling into step besides the other male. "Late in the day for this much shopping. Party?"
"No. Just busy all day." Catching a glance at the other Kitsu, Yu caught extra movement out of the corner of his eye. Soft looking wings fluttered behind him, in the prettiest pastel shades of a rainbow. Like most Kitsu, he had heard tales of Tenku, though had never seen one for himself until tonight. He wondered if it would be polite to remark on it. He had heard they were a nomadic breed, never staying on one place for very long and bringing good luck everywhere they went.
Instead, he opted for the polite course and asked the Tenku his name, offering his own in return. They spoke of meaningless things until they reached Yu's home, where he unlocked the door and ushered them both in, gesturing towards the table as a good enough spot for the bags.
"I know it's late, but I'd like to offer you something. Maybe a drink or I bought some delicious buns at the bakery earlier."
"Naw, I'm good. I really wouldn't want to intrude. Besides, I need to be finding a good place to make camp tonight." Seeing the concerned expression on Yu's face, Isiah quickly put up his paws, waving them in defense. "It's fine! I've done it before. Walked all the way from my hometown. Took at least a week."
"But you shouldn't stay outside in the town. I have a spare bedroom you can use." When Isiah started to look uncomfortable, Yu quickly added, "I can give you some work tomorrow if you feel you need to pay for it."
"I guess that's not so bad, if I can pay you back for it. But just for tonight."
"Agreed."
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Word Count: 838
