The first light of morning bathed Shadow Mountain in gentle gold. Mist rolled over the peaks, winding through the trees like wandering spirits. In a quiet room tucked beside the courtyard, Yue Li quietly stood up from her bed and adjusted her robes.
Just as she reached for the door, a small voice called out behind her.
"Sister… where are you going…?"
Yue Mei sat up in bed, her sleepy eyes rimmed red from the night before. Her voice was timid, like a leaf whispering in the wind.
Yue Li turned and smiled softly.
"Just outside for a little work, Mei'er. You rest and play here, okay?"
Yue Mei clutched the blanket, her ears twitching.
"I… I don't want to stay here. I don't like this place. There are no other foxes. Only scary people. They'll… they'll hurt us…"
Yue Li knelt by the bed and cupped her little sister's cheeks gently.
"No one will hurt you while I'm here. If anyone tries, I'll punch them with all my strength, alright?"
Yue Mei sniffled and gave a tiny nod.
"Okay… but come back soon. My tummy's empty…"
Yue Li chuckled.
"Alright, little fox. I'll bring something yummy when I return."
As Yue Mei lay back down, already dozing again, Yue Li quietly stepped outside.
On the eastern cliffs, Xuan Long walked through the morning haze with Xiao Xue on his back, her arms wrapped tightly around his neck like a soft scarf. Her tiny head rested on his shoulder, humming a song only she knew.
They walked until Xuan Long spotted Yue Li crafting glowing sigils on the mountainside.
"Impressive," Xuan Long said, his voice calm. "Your formations are precise. They'll work well against any enemy under Core Formation."
Yue Li turned, wiping sweat from her brow.
"Thank you, Lord Xuan Long. I'll make sure our home is protected."
Xiao Xue peeked over her brother's shoulder and gasped.
"Big Sister Yue Li! Can I touch your fox ears? They look so soft!"
Yue Li blinked, startled.
"M-My ears…?" she repeated, blushing.
Xuan Long raised an eyebrow. "Xue'er, that's a little rude—"
But Yue Li giggled and crouched down.
"It's okay. You can touch them."
Xiao Xue reached out, her fingers brushing the snowy ears gently.
"Wow! So fluffy!!" she squealed. "Brother, you try too!"
"Me?" Xuan Long blinked. "I can't just—"
"If you want… I don't mind," Yue Li said, looking to the side, face red.
Curious, Xuan Long reached out and gently touched her tail. It swayed slightly at his touch.
"...It's softer than I thought," he murmured.
Yue Li's face turned crimson. She looked away and mumbled,
"You really teased me in front of a child… I'll get revenge one day, Lord Xuan Long."
Xuan Long smirked and turned to leave.
"Looking forward to it."
Back inside the base, a shadow guard knelt before Xuan Long, holding packages.
"Master, as ordered—clothing, toys, and sweets for the little fox girl."
"Good work," Xuan Long said and made his way to Yue Mei's quarters.
Inside, Yue Mei was sitting alone on a wooden chair by the window, eyes drooping as she waited. She'd fallen asleep sitting up, arms wrapped around her legs. A small wooden bowl was untouched beside her.
Xuan Long sighed softly.
She must be waiting for her sister… and fell asleep like this.
He walked in slowly and set the items down.
"Little Fox… wake up. I brought something for you."
Yue Mei stirred and blinked. Her blurry eyes looked toward the door.
"Sis… you're late again…"
But when her eyes fully opened, she saw Xuan Long, not her sister.
"Y-YOU!!" she shrieked.
She fell from the chair with a thud and scurried backward. Tears instantly welled up.
"Don't come near!! Y-You're one of them! Bad people!"
Xuan Long stopped in his tracks, holding out a hand gently.
"I didn't mean to scare you. I only brought—"
But before he could finish, Yue Mei slapped his hand away and screamed louder.
"SISTER!! HELP ME!!!"
Xuan Long stood frozen.
She's terrified… of me.
Just then, Xiao Xue ran in.
"How dare you throw things at my brother!" she shouted, fists clenched.
Yue Mei wailed louder, hugging her knees.
Xuan Long picked up Xiao Xue and shook his head.
"That's enough, Xue'er. Don't scold her."
At that moment, Yue Li arrived, alarmed by the noise.
"Mei'er!"
She rushed to her sister's side and hugged her tightly. Yue Mei clung to her, sobbing.
"Sister… save me… I don't want to stay here…"
Yue Li looked up, guilt in her eyes.
"Forgive her, Lord Xuan Long… she's just scared. We've… both lost so much."
Xuan Long nodded.
"I understand. I'll leave you two alone."
He turned and walked away quietly.
Back in the room, Yue Li dried Yue Mei's tears.
"Mei'er, look—these aren't scary people. They saved us. And this big brother gave you these beautiful dresses and toys."
"I don't want them… I just want to go home…"
Yue Li's heart cracked.
"But we have no home anymore, little one. The mountain is our home now."
Yue Mei sniffled.
"I just want to play with other foxes… there are no more…"
Yue Li bit her lip, trying to hide her trembling.
"Then someday… we'll find others. But for now, listen to your big sister. Be brave, okay?"
Yue Mei nodded hesitantly.
"O-Okay… but don't be mad at me…"
Yue Li smiled.
"Never. Now try on this dress."
Moments later, Yue Mei stepped out wearing a soft pink robe, her tiny fox ears perked up shyly.
"You look beautiful," Yue Li said, eyes misty. "The most adorable fox in the world."
Yue Mei giggled.
"You too, sis!"
They laughed together, and for a moment… the pain faded.
Outside, Xuan Long walked with Xiao Xue through the garden.
"Brother…" she said, voice quiet.
"Hmm?"
"I don't like that fox girl. She threw things at you. I don't want to play with her anymore."
Xuan Long stopped and knelt beside her.
"Xue'er, do you remember the day we first met?"
She looked confused. "…Yes?"
"You were scared. Alone. You didn't want anyone near you. You thought I might hurt you. Do you remember what you said to me?"
She blinked.
"I said… don't hit me. I'll leave if you don't like me…"
Xuan Long nodded gently.
"And what did I do?"
She lowered her head in shame.
"You hugged me… and said you'd be my big brother."
"That's right. Because I knew you weren't bad—you were just… lonely."
Xiao Xue's eyes filled with tears.
"I'm sorry, brother… I won't scold her again. Just… don't hate me…"
Xuan Long smiled and kissed her forehead.
"I could never hate you, my princess. You have the kindest heart."
She beamed, wiping her tears.
"Then I'll be nice to her. But only because brother loves her too."
They both laughed.
In the skies above the mountain, war clouds gathered.
But in the heart of a mountain…
A broken girl found a toy, a dress, and a hope.