Mama Fox

<Cleodora>

“You look very… presentable today." (Z)

Glancing down at her clothes, Cleodora felt an unexpected weight settle on her.

Ever since arriving in the countryside, she had long abandoned the battle-hardened armour she was intimately familiar with. Favouring the traditional wear of the Kitsune. Long, silk white robes that covered everything except the neck. The cumbersome wear could only be described as impractical in most instances. Its long sleeves often got in the way of one’s hands, while the tight bottom made sprinting difficult.

But, regardless of those shortcomings, Cleodora wore the clothing with pride.

Those clothes symbolised something. Something so important she dared never to forget.

Peace.

They were a testament to the fruits of her labour. Never again will Cleodora need to don her armour. Never again will she have to raise her sword. Never again will she have to risk everything on an uncertain future. Putting on the robe was an arrogant act of the highest order. A declaration of complete and total victory.

Fiddling with her robe, Cleodora gazed at Zuri, who stood before her looking off to the side.

…She had never commented on her wear.

At least not in a positive manner.

Not once since they moved in together and never before. A fact Cleodora honestly couldn’t fault her for doing. Despite growing up in the Palace, Cleodora didn’t often wear traditional Kitsune clothing. Instead, she mainly chose to stay in her training outfits for the sake of convenience. The result of which meant her ability to don the robes correctly was severely lacking…. She must look quite clumsy in Zuri’s eyes.

Just like yesterday, Cleodora was failing to meet the standard.

She was inept.

“…Sorry.” (C)

With a short bow, Cleodora apologised.

An action that resulted in a bewildered look appearing on Zuri’s face.

“Why are you—!?” (Z)

She paused.

Understanding flashed across her face.

“No! I mean… I mean….” (Z)

After a few moments of silence, Zuri collected herself.

Taking a deep breath, she grabbed Cleodora’s sleeve and looked her square in the eyes.

“You look good today.” (Z)

Moving closer to Cleodora, she repeated herself.

“You look good every day.” (Z)

Immediately she was done, Zuri moved to the open door.

Gazing back briefly.

“…Let’s go.” (Z)

Frozen, Cleodora failed to move as Zuri exited the room.

What was going on!?

“D-Did you make breakfast?” (C)

“Yes.” (Z)

Sitting at the dining table, Cleodora tried to distract her wayward thoughts.

Her head was light.

…Was it possible she was dreaming?

Zuri set a plate in front of her.

‘When did she make this?’

Focusing on the food before her, Cleodora was taken by surprise.

The dish before her was a time-consuming thing to prepare.

‘She must’ve woken up super early…’

The meal, a vegetable stir-fry, required one to carefully bleed out the undesirable juices of about half of the fruits present. Leaving soft, tasteless husks that then needed to be boiled in order to soften them. After which, those tasteless husks would be drizzled in the juices of the actually tasty fruits. Reason being the tasty vegetables lacked the texture and firmness present in undesirables.

‘Why?’

That was the main question running in Cleodora’s mind.

Why would she make her favourite meal all of a sudden?

“You’ve been working hard. A treat is a necessity.” (Z)

Zuri, perhaps sensing her hesitation to indulge, answered the silent question.

With reason introduced, Cleodora should’ve kept her down and continued with the meal.

But she wasn’t able to.

Instead of diving into the food preset, Cleodora’s eyes couldn’t help but wander. Was part of her treat the item she saw hanging by the front door? The painting, a portrait of herself, grinning from ear to ear with a mountain backdrop. Many questions naturally arose from its sudden appearance. When had Zuri made this work? Why was it hanging there? And most importantly, was that how she viewed her?

Turning to Zuri, Cleodora was so beyond tempted to ask.

Sadly, all that came out of her mouth was empty nonsense.

“…You also cleaned the house?” (C)

“I am a highly capable individual.” (Z)

At those words, a calm, collected voice joined in.

“It appears this ‘highly capable individual’ is forgetting a rather important fact?” (N)

Standing at the hallway leading to rooms was Nori.

She wore a still smile.

“The dangers posed by those actions shouldn’t be underestimated.” (N)

Zuri glanced up at her before briefly looking to Cleodora.

She responded simply.

“As long as my partner is with me, such simple dangers pose no threats.” (Z)

Nori tilted her head.

The smile she wore growing wider.

“…Let’s start on the lessons, shall we?” (N)

“This is much too inefficient. The day will be over before you get started.” (N)

“Slow and steady wins the race." (Z)

“That form is lacking. You must sit upright." (N)

“It’s fine. Comfort comes first.” (Z)

“You need to be gentle.” (N)

“She is.” (N)

The day passed much like yesterday, yet a key difference was notable.

Unlike before where Zuri critiqued or was silent about Cleodora’s work, she was much more outspoken.

A truth that unconsciously caused a question to slip out of Cleodora.

“…Am I really doing fine?” (C)

“Yes.” (Z)

Staring down at her hands, Cleodora suddenly felt an intense shame wash over her.

Despite Zuri’s encouraging words, she was still failing to meet expectations.

“…I’ve made so many mistakes.” (C)

She had yet again been unsuccessful in combing her hair.

“Nobody is perfect.” (Z)

With her back still pointed at Cleodora, Zuri replied in a firm voice.

“You are doing excellently. In two days, you have achieved what would’ve taken another years.” (Z)

She turned her face to the side, causing their eyes to meet.

“Be proud.” (Z)

Cleodora’s heart began to race.

Unfortunately, it didn’t last long, as a voice was quick to interject.

“Flowery words don’t change facts. This is an issue about proper care.” (N)

Nori, who sat a short distance away on the bed, rebuked Zuri’s words.

Zuri didn’t falter.

“She’s still learning.” (Z)

Her gaze, uncharacteristically gentle, settled on Cleodora.

“She’s almost there.” (Z)

“Being close enough doesn’t matter. Perfection is the only acceptable standard.” (N)

Silence enveloped the room.

Lasting until Cleodora was finally able to complete her task.

Two more days passed.

Cleodora took a break from her role as village assistant and started focusing fully on mastering her lessons. Dedicating all she could in order to hasten her rate of learning. Sadly, the result of the added effort wasn’t as stunning as she had hoped it would be. Cleodora was improving faster, yes, but it was marginal at best. The exponential growth she experienced faded within the first two days of her learning. After which, her progress slowed to a crawl.

…All that extra effort just made her tired for no reason.

Now lying awake in bed, Cleodora replayed the last four days.

She then glanced over at Zuri.

It was late in the night, but she could still see Zuri’s form clear as day.

“Are you okay?” (Z)

A voice, sweeter than honey and clearer than the mountain’s waters, called to Cleodora.

She answered it swiftly.

“Yes!” (C)

A certain tiredness was evident in the eyes of the owner of that melodious voice. Dark circles curled underneath Zuri’s eyelids. Showcasing an exhaustion brought on from more than the simple lack of sleep. Everything, down to her movements, was slow and lethargic. Even her voice, as sweet as it was, bore the silent markings of fatigue. Being softer than what was common for the Iron-Mouth Princess.

‘…This can’t go on’

A pain, one born from Zuri’s unnecessary suffering, made its presence known.

Cleodora stirred in bed.

If one were to trace the cause of this unnecessary pain, they would quickly arrive back at Cleodora… again. At first, it hadn’t been obvious what Zuri was doing. But, as one day turned into two and two turned into three, it became clear to the degree that Cleodora couldn’t deny. Zuri was defending her. Defending from their sister and her harsh criticisms. A feat few could attempt and even fewer expected a modicum of success. Nori was brutal, overwhelming and unrelenting with her words. Each comment, as helpful as they were, felt like they were designed to absolutely tear down Cleodora.

At times they almost did, and despite herself, Cleodora kept wondering if it would be best to take Zuri back to the Palace.

Getting her the proper treatment, attention and care that she needs.

But.

Every time Cleodora was about to give in, Zuri was there with a word.

Providing the little reassurance she needed to keep going.

‘I…I can’t keep relying on her’

The reality of the situation was easy to see.

Constantly having to counter Nori’s words was taking a toll on Zuri. A terrible toll.

It wasn’t sustainable in every sense of the word.

Cleodora’s fist balled.

And while Zuri was doing her best to defend Cleodora, she had yet to complete her part of their agreement.

She was yet to find a reason. A good reason that wouldn’t see her relationship with Nori destroyed.

Turning to her side, Cleodora saw Zuri fast asleep. Her body still sitting upright.

Getting up and laying Zuri down properly, Cleodora felt her heart harden.

Change.

Something needed to change.

This has gone on for far longer than it should’ve.

…Her relationship with Nori, her dear sister, be damned; something greater was at stake here.

‘Tomorrow’

That was the only thought passing Cleodora’s mind as she drifted to sleep.

She was going to end this tomorrow… no matter the cost.