History
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He had to keep running, the hounds would get him soon. Why did the humans want his fur so badly? Why could he not hide better? Why is there so much blood where the dog bit? Why can't I see?
The white fox bounded through the snow, a trail of blood dripping onto the fresh powder as it trailed from the vulpine's eye. Fear flooded the beast as its pace grew slower, the steps and breath more ragged and painful with each motion. Finally he collapsed as blood pooled around his head; they'd be here soon.
"Do you want to live, small one? You are such a beautiful creature. Blessed as you are that's the very reason they hunt you." A resplendent calming voice called in the fox' head.
Does he want to live? What kind of question was that? Of course he wanted to li- he thought only to be cut off by the voice, "Then so be it."
A silver light flowed around the fox and engulfed it in a burning inferno as the dogs circled it. The animals whined in fear as the fire grew larger and foxfire spread across the ground. The hunters who'd rushed to see what happened stopped and stared in awe as the ghostly flames washed down the body of a young man in immaculate robes with his bottom half swathed in the ethereal flames.
"It's okay to be in shock, I know I'm gorgeous." The young man scoffed and dramatically placed his hand to his forehead, "Now about my eye..."
Nine pillars of flames fanned out behind the kitsune before he whipped the tails around and dashed the flame out to reveal nine snow white tails that wrapped around behind him. A grin split his face and he flashed his fangs with menacing glee at his previous attackers who stood with mouths agape. Hagoromo looked around the crowd and found the dog who still had his blood on its maw as it whimpered at its master's feet. The Kitsune rushed between the crowed and grabbed the dog by its throat and held it by the scruff up off the ground as he marched indignantly toward the hunter.
"Just who the hell do you think you are? Do you think I like sticking out like this? Do you think I would make a nice fur hat? Come now, what could possibly be the reason for all of this violence when all I did was try to eat the fish YOU left out!" The enraged Kitsune shouted, berating the men to their utter surprise as he tossed the dog aside and continued his rant, "If you ever come near my forest again or try to touch my fur I will burn your giant boxes to the ground. Are we understood? Now go home before I decide to either eat your livers or shove a fistful of foxfire so far up your delicate behind that it will slow cook you."
The outburst was only met with a slow nod and a stammering response of understanding throughout the group. With his rant over the kitsune cocked an eyebrow and shoo'd them away with his hand as if they were simply an unpleasant task to deal with. The hunters scrambled over one another and their hounds as they rushed back toward their village.
For 200 years he has served as the guardian of his forest. The same territories he had made in his days as a humble fox now he acts as the protector of those that inhabit his domain. Though many years have past the villagers still hold the legend in highest regards as they make offerings not only to inari but also her blessed servant with offerings of tea and various foods to appease the creature. Hagoromo offers them a duality in finding a liking in many of the less violent humans and has thus included the village in his domain of protection at the small cost of humble meals so as not to disrupt their lives. A benevolent benefactor and a terrifying enemy the Inari blessed only seeks peace.
