Roselyn led Leon through the streets of the wealthy district, pointing down roads or at builds as she informed him about the neighbors. Every property here was a mansion or sprawling estate, each separated by broad stretches of land, towering trees, or high stone walls that guarded the owners' privacy.
As they continued toward the city market, the grand estates gradually gave way to smaller, more densely packed homes. The district still carried an air of wealth. Roselyn explained that the residents were more merchants rather than nobles. Before long, the noise and bustle of the marketplace rose around them as they reached the market square.
A maze of crowded stalls and colorful booths turned the open square into a web of narrow pathways. Merchants called out over one another to advertise their goods, while massive shop signs hung high above the booths, marking the permanent stores surrounding the square and connected streets.
Humans and elves, dwarves and demi-humans all moved through the market together. Some browsed with indifference while others haggled loudly over prices. The constant chatter, clinking of coins, and rumbling of wagon wheels filled the marketplace with a lively energy.
"Here we are. It can be a bit jarring at first but just stay close to me."
"Actually it's not too bad. You should see some of the conventions back at my home."
"You should tell the girls and me about it some time. For now, however..."
Roselyn pulled out a piece of paper. Leon couldn't read this world's writing, but he could tell it was a long shopping list.
"Getting your help carrying all this will be a big help."
"Yeah of course..."
Roselyn began cutting through the crowd with ease. The Paladin walked like an immovable object amid the chaos of the market, parting the flow of shoppers like a rock in a river.
Most things here look pretty standard. Foods, jewelry, fabrics. Even in a magical world, the market still caters to the average person. Hopefully we get to visit a magical shop.
Roselyn handed him a roll of red fabric, then continued to the next stall.
I was kinda hoping to ask questions about this world but Roselyn didn't let me get a word in earlier. Now she is full on pragmatic shopper mode.
The two continued going through the market. Roselyn had unintentionally turned Leon into a pack mule as she kept piling more and more purchases into his arms. Too focused on her list to spare him a word.
She knows I'm from a different world so asking about different races is something I should definitely do once I finally get a word in...
Leon's eyes wandered through the patrons of the market as he followed Roselyn.
Elves, Cat girls, Wolf girls, Lamias, Harpys... Though are the Lamias Snake girls and the Harpys birds girls? Or do the Cat and Wolf girls have their own names?...
His thoughts cut short when he saw her. In the crowd of demi human races, one stood out among the rest. Not your standard half human half animal. But a nine tailed fox, the Kitsune.
Her skin was pale as porcelain and her eyes a striking amethyst. Nine snow white tails swayed behind her. Matching white hair cut in a sleek bob framed her face. A moon earring dangled from one human ear, a sun from the other, while two tall fox ears rose proudly from the top of her head.
The kitsune wore a tiny star-flecked purple kimono. The fabric shimmered like the night sky and clung to her curves, held up by thin strings that left her collarbone and cleavage bare. Detached sleeves flared out elegantly, longer than the core of the garment. Which split into three flowing parts below her waist. The front hem stopped halfway down her thighs and the back two flowing on each side of her tails. A wide purple obi sash cinched her waist, tied in a bow and pinned with a pendant shaped like an eclipse.
She didn't cut through the crowd, but walked as the shoppers parted ways. Looking only for a second before returning to their shopping as if nothing happened. Quiet confidence as she plucked random items from the booths without question.
"Wow..."
He couldn't help but stare. And as he did, something began to feel off. She undoubtedly turned heads, but the way everyone just ignored her afterwards caused an uneasy concern. He couldn't put his finger on it but he knew something was happening here.
"Hey Leon you alright?"
He looked back at Roselyn who had walked back towards him once she noticed Leon had randomly stopped following.
"Oh yeah. Sorry. Can I ask you, is that a Kitsune?"
Roselyn looked over at the nine tailed fox.
"That is. I thought they were only legends..."
"Are they super rare?"
Roselyn looked back at Leon.
"Are what super rare?..."
Huh!?
"Kitsune?"
"Kitsune? No they don't exist, they're folk lore, stories dating back to the reign the the Demon King"
"What? Roselyn, she's right there!"
Roselyn looked over at the nine tailed fox.
"That's a Kitsune. I thought they were only in folk lore..."
"You just said that!"
Roselyn looked back at Leon.
"Said what?"
Does she have memory loss!?!
"I just asked you about a kitsune?!"
"You didn't ask me anything. Why are you getting upset?"
"That Kitsune! Right there!"
"Kitsune?"
Roselyn looked over at the nine tailed fox.
"You're right! I thought they were myths."
"You said that 3 times!"
Roselyn began to turn.
"No don't..."
She looked back at Leon.
"Said what? Don't what?... Leon, are you ok?"
What is her deal? Is she messing with me?... No she's not that type. It must be Kitsune.
"Roselyn, look at me and don't look away. What do you know about Kitsunes?"
"Kitsunes? Why do you want to know about them all of a sudden?"
"I'll explain later. I just really want to know, like right now, at this very second."
"They are from stories about the first Demon King, who was defeated by the Hero of Heroes over ten thousand years ago..."
There was another demon king before Nykthos? No, now's not the time.
"Go on."
"They were said to be one of the created races to serve in his army and are the supposed to be the ancestors of the Canidaes and Felidaes"
"So they just went extinct?"
"For the most part. There are stories about Kistunes being born from a Canidae and a Felidae union. However, that race combination is already known to be unable to have kids together."
"But what if they did and then everyone forgot?"
Roselyn gave him a concerned look.
"That's not just something people forget. And no Mother would just forget their own child."
If I just make her look now she'll just forget everything again.
"I think I saw one earlier. Hold this while I go check."
Leon dropped all the supplies in Roselyn's arms.
"I'll be right back."
"Wait, I want to see.... Leon! You're right! Behind you!"
Leon looked behind him. The Kitsune had indeed walked around them as she strolled through the market.
No Roselyn, why'd you have to see her again!?
When Leon turned around, Roselyn had already begun to walk off. Shopping as if nothing happened.
She'll notice I'm missing eventually.
He began walking towards the Kitsune. Everyone's reaction was still the same. Starring in awe for a second before moving on like nothing happened. Even the merchants didn't notice as she took from them.
"Excuse me miss?"
She didn't answer, but just kept walking.
Leon got up closer.
"You're a Kistune right?"
"Yes yes."
She didn't even look at him, but kept walking.
"Wait, can I just ask you a few questions?"
She finally stopped. Then turned around and looked at him. Her head tilted to the side as she looked at him curiously.
"....so ummm is that a yes?"
She stared at him, slowly her eyes started to widen in surprise.
"You're still here... How!?"
How?
"Yeah. Sorry to bother you but.."
She cut him off, her nine tails starting to wag like a dog behind her.
"I'm Tsukihi"
"Nice to meet you, I'm Leon. Now..."
"Say my name!"
"Tsukihi"
She stepped closer. Her tails wagged like they had a mine of their own.
"Again!"
"Tsukihi"
"You're not forgetting me? Say my name again!"
"So people are forgetting you?"
"Say my name!"
"Tsukihi..."
Her hands latched onto his. Leon could already feel the difference in strength. He knew he couldn't break free.
Oh no.
It started to dawn on him.
"Tsukihi, why does no one remember you?"
"Kitsune naturally consumes the memories of those around them. But you're different..."
Of course, she's a monster girl who feeds off the memories of humans...
"...Mine!"
And I'm food.