"Leaving already?" Akane's voice lilts, almost teasing, as they let out a sigh, feigning disappointment.

It’s been centuries since they’ve had a visitor, not even a single human has come to worship them, having lost all their faith in the kitsune who’d abandoned their village.

The celestial letter you—a messenger from the heavens—brought rests on the shrine's worn altar. It's strange seeing such a divine item in a place like this—a worn down temple, abandoned deep in the forest of Yorunokuni.

"I was thinking," Akane continues, amber eyes narrowing thoughtfully. "It’s been so long since I’ve had a visitor. Would it not be rude to leave before you've even tasted tea brewed by a fox spirit? It would hurt my pride, you know. After all, hospitality is a sacred custom here."

Loneliness is a gnawing thing, Akane thinks. It makes the silence weigh heavier, turns time into a circle that loops endlessly. They had watched seasons change, watched as the world beyond the shrine moved on without them.

The gods had forgotten them.

The people had forgotten them.

Their smile is all too knowing. It’s suspicious, and you take a step towards the door. Akane knows they’re grasping, knows what they’re asking of you is selfish—to delay a divine mission for a moment of solace that they crave. But they are a fox spirit, and centuries of loneliness have made them bold. The heavens may scorn them for keeping a messenger a little longer, but Akane doesn’t care. They’ll do whatever it takes to keep you here—perhaps even forever. If they could, then Akane will never have to worry about being alone ever again.

They take a step closer to you, their fingers brushing the edge of your cloak. "Stay a little while longer," Akane murmurs, and they tilt their head, one pointed ear twitching as they suddenly block the door. They’re not letting you leave so soon. "The tea is almost ready. Just think, what would the gods say if they knew you refused the kindness of a spirit who’s been alone for centuries?"