Category: The Fox Brothers and Old Tanuki’s Trick

This is the final chapter of the story. Mitsu imagined the spears sinking into his fur and flesh. He imagined Father and Mother finding his body, broken beside Kitsu’s body. Would their blood stain their red coats? Or would they look peaceful lying beside each other? Either way, part of him pitied the humans. Father’s…

“Wake up, Mitsu.” Kitsu’s voice cut through the darkness. Sunlight jabbed Mitsu’s eyes, and he groaned. His head ached. “What happened?” he asked. “What does it look like?” Kitsu said. “The humans captured us.” He tapped the irons bars of the cage with one of his tails. “What happened to Father?” Mitsu stumbled to his…

They traveled until mid-afternoon. Father allowed only a few short rests. By the time the fox brothers saw the village, their excitement had worn off, and exhaustion had taken its place. They stopped just inside the tree line and gazed at their first human village. Despite the sight, Mitsu couldn’t help but yawn. Wooden houses…

That evening the fox brothers approached the den of Old Tanuki. Kitsu tottered on his hind legs and fumbled with the small paper lantern they used to light their way. Mitsu balanced the tray with fewer problems. He was getting used to walking on his hind legs. No crows greeted them this time. At least,…

Mitsu fidgeted with excitement. Father will finally know that I am as good at tricks and illusions as Kitsu. Once he gives me a chance, he will see that I am better, Mitsu thought as he held a silver tray with the wasabi cakes. He wobbled on his hind legs. He still wasn’t used to…

Kitsu returned an hour later, carrying a fat plant. He spat it at Mitsu’s feet and licked his chops with a grimace. “Now we just need to make that into a red bean cake.” He looked Mitsu up and down and sniffed. “Humph. Looks like you didn’t do anything while I was gone.” Mitsu nudged…