"Nobody knows when the first of our kind came about," Keru explained to me. "But the story goes that a man owned a fox, who he treated as little more than property," She was looking through her clothes for something more "appropriate", since we would be in the magical realm.
"The gods pitied the helpless animal, and gave him humanlike shape, and magical powers." Finally choosing an oriental dress, she concluded her story. "The fox killed the man. He turned him into a rabbit, tortured him, and ate him. And then he used his gifts to make others like himself."
I was listening pretty closely to her story. "That's pretty deep stuff."
"Yeah, I know. I never liked that story. I can't stand the idea that I only exist because of someones hate." She turned to face me.
"When you see my parents, you will bow. You will not speak unless spoken to. And most of all, never, ever, mention harpies."
I was confused by this last statement. "Why's that?" Keru sighed deeply and said "Harpies are the oldest enemies of the Kitsune. Granted, not all bird people are evil, but Harpies..."
I saw something in her eyes. Something I had never seen her show before. Hatred.
She zipped up her backpack. "It's going to be a long trip. pack food."
She turned to leave the room. "Wait...!"
She was already gone.