#janus vulpix

Finding the source of the loud yelping was easy enough. Janus was never one to keep his pain to himself.

She held off from approaching, as the large Ninetails before her was in the middle of speaking to the small kit nestled within her tails. "But Mom!"

"None of that, Janus," the female scolded, tone equal parts amused yet stern. "I told you why we don't leave this forest, and it is for the good of you and your sister. Besides, you got hurt trying to explore. Why would I trust you not to get hurt worse should those who don't understand find us?"

"It's not fair..." the young male grumbled, giving up the fight and leaning into his mother's thick fur. "Big Sister leaves all the time!"

"She is the one who makes sure this forest is safe. I can trust her not to get hurt. You are still too young."

Kreilanna smiled at the kit's complaining, crossing her arms while she listened in. Both little ones were a treat. The white kit trotted off to join her brother within the nest of the many tails her mother had made. Noticing the Gardevoir for the first time, the fox turned odd-colored eyes and a smiling face upwards.

"Ahh, I thought I sensed you through the trees. Everything well, I trust?"

"Yes, Mother." The forest was silent as ever. "Nothing unusual today either."

"Good. I would hate to have to chase out those who do not belong," she huffed with a flick of her ears. "Do make sure they stay away, won't you, dear? It's such a waste of my time and energy to deal with any unsavory types."

Kreilanna frowned, but all she could do was nod. It was nothing new, she told herself. Ever since they'd met...

"It's not my fault you're too small, Kali! Sister is tending to the forest today! I told you we couldn't miss it this time!" "Well you wanted to wait until Mother was asleep to go! I told you it was a bad idea, Janus!" The two kits barreled through brush and twigs, unable to keep the tiny grins off their faces even through their bickering. Normally they would have been asleep at this time of night, but their Mother had enforced the rule less and less. As long as they did not leave the forest, she did not mind them roaming. They were safe here.

So they made liberal use of this new freedom. They skidded to a halt, their eyes wide as they stared at the back of their sister-figure. The off-color Gardevoir who seemed to be doing nothing for a time. They were too young to feel the heartbeat of the forest as Kreilanna did. Attuned to differing forces as they were. Eventually, Kreilanna moved, the forest seeming to echo with a faint glow of her power. Plant life thrived, beat with an echo that only the Guardian of Life could feel. Winter was approaching soon, and she needed to safeguard it against the coming frosts. Ensure the forest would re-awaken after the snow had melted into Spring.

She had noticed them, but she didn't speak yet. Not until her aura faded and her hair settled down from the ethereal wind that had picked at it strand by strand. The Gardevoir turned to both kits, who were wide eyed and had fur sticking out at all ends from their awe. A smile tugged as her lips, and she sighed softly. "...I shouldn't be surprised you two chose to stay awake. Good evening. Janus, Kali."