My scream fell on deaf ears as there was no one around to hear me. “Though it’s not like anyone would care, anyways, I haven’t ever felt the warmth from a loving…wait why does it feel like what I was about to say is wrong?” As I was contemplating myself, bits and pieces of memories started surfacing as if they were sealed off.

I started remembering a house that had a temple beside it, it was a traditional Japanese house, it felt like the place where I belonged, it felt like home. More and more memories started to come back.

“Hina, this is Eri, she will be your personal servant starting today. Treat her well.” The woman from my dream spoke to me in my memories, introducing me to a young human girl with medium-length black hair, and blue eyes.

“Okay, Mommy. It’s nice to meet you, Eri.” I replied, my voice was that of a little girl.

“Do these memories mean that I was a girl originally?” I questioned myself, my head starting to hurt from the information making its way into me.

Then what happened in my dream came as a memory,

“Please believe me, Hina, this is for your protection. When the time comes, more will be explained.” The woman who I now recognize as my mother looked at me with tears forming in her eyes.

“Hina-sama!” The young girl Eri, who I remember becoming close friends with, screamed out for me, tears pouring down her face.

“Proceed with the sealing. The family ready to care for her is waiting." My mother spoke in a hurry, her gaze filled with maternal warmth and sadness.

“A seal… So, who I really was, and my memories of that time were sealed away…” I spoke out loud, tears streaming down my face as my memories ended. Is this why I don’t feel weird or angry about this transformation? It's just going back to what was supposed to be in the first place. I was always a girly kid by nature, and I have always held a fascination with foxes.

“Why…why couldn’t I have been with my mother, why did I have to be sealed away with my memories? Why did I get sent to that horrible family? Is there someone anywhere that can help me and answer my questions?” I cried out, and that was when I heard my doorbell ring.

“What incredible timing.” I retorted, before wiping my tears away and making my way to the door, completely forgetting that I was only in a baggy T-shirt, as my shorts and underwear were too big and fell off me when I was looking at myself in the mirror.

” Who could possibly be ringing my doorbell, I am kind of in an essential crisis here.” I thought to myself while opening the door. What I saw in front of me was an older version of someone who just appeared in my memories.

“…Eri…?” I questioned out loud.

I could see the corners of her eyes glistening with the start of tears. As if unable to control herself any longer, she moved forward swiftly, wrapping me up in a hug that was both fierce and gentle, as if she was trying to shield me from the world's cruelty, a sanctuary of warmth and cherished memories.

"Look at you, all grown up... but we need to do something about this attire, Hina-sama. It's indecent!" she teased, though a genuine concern underlaid her words.

I chuckled nervously, suddenly conscious of my scant clothing. Before I could muster a response, Eri began adjusting my baggy t-shirt, a flurry of urgency and affection displaying her nurturing side.

"You always were the nurturing one, huh, Eri?" I said, a sheepish smile gracing my lips.

Eri halted abruptly, her face contorting as she tried to contain her burgeoning emotions. Her voice trembled as she asked, tears now freely flowing, "Hina-sama... did your memories return? Do you... remember our times together?"

I felt a lump forming in my throat, a knot of emotion that was hard to swallow down. I nodded slowly, reaching out to gently wipe away Eri's tears, "Yes, Eri. It's fragmented, but... it's all coming back. Your warmth, your friendship. I... I missed you, even when I didn't know exactly what was missing."

Eri enveloped me in another tight hug, her body shaking with quiet sobs, a concoction of happiness and relief flooding her face.

"I promised myself I'd be here when you remembered, Hina-sama. I won't ever let you feel alone again," she murmured into my shoulder, her voice muffled.

We shared a few moments of emotional embrace, before Eri pulled back, wiping her tears, and attempting to regain her composed demeanor. Then, with a playful wink, she shifted her tone, aiming to bring a bit of levity back into our reunion.

"Let's get you dressed properly, yeah? And perhaps later, you can convince me to 'mofu mofu' those adorable ears as a special treat to celebrate our reunion!" she said, a teasing smile playing on her lips.

I burst into laughter, the heaviness of my fragmented memories and self-confusion somehow feeling lighter in Eri's comforting presence. Together, we made our way into the apartment that wasn’t nearly as lonely or dreary as it was a few hours ago.

After we got settled in the room, Eri started pulling out a change of clothes, for me to put on.

“I brought multiple sets of clothes because I didn’t know what your exact sizes would be, but these should fit you. You are still quite petite, and you are short for your age. Not that there is anything wrong with that, you are very cute after all.” Eri explained while showing me the clothes she brought before blushing from the compliment she gave me which in turn made me blush as well.

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“Tha…thank you, Eri.” I replied.

“Now let’s get that t-shirt off, I will help you change,” Eri stated going back into her servant mode.

“Eh…help?” I questioned my face becoming increasingly red.

“Of course, it is my job after all, and we are both girls, so it’s fine,” Eri answered with a smile, but not her normal cute and gentle smile, but a slight peevish grin.

That look on your face is kinda scary, ya know Eri? “I…I can do it myself; I sort of remember how to put on these kinds of clothes from when I was a child. So can you look away please?” I asked.

“I can, but you know Hina-sama, once we start high school, you will be seeing girls change, and be changing in front of other girls so you might need to get used to it.” She replied, with a statement that made sense.

“I know, but I am feeling embarrassed at the thought of you seeing me naked.” I blurted out, blushing but not understanding why. When I think about changing in front of anyone else it doesn’t even bother me, so why with Eri.

“Hehe, ah very well we can save that for another day, however I will help you with your bra, you didn’t wear one when you were a child, and it is bad for you go without one. Deal?” Eri asked and soft but stern voice.

“Deal". I begrudgingly agreed.

After which Eri started petting my head and rubbing my ears, saying, “Good girl, good girl,” causing me to relax in the sensation. She then giggled, and said, “You have always loved having your ears rubbed and your head patted. I guess some things never change.”

Becoming embarrassed, I moved away from Eri with a pout and had her turn while I started changing.

After I finished changing, having Eri help me put my bra on, I found myself not sitting on the couch next to Eri but rather in her lap, as she gently brushed my hair. What made things weirder was that it wasn’t weird for me at all, it felt natural for me to sit in Eri’s lap, and I fit so perfectly as well. A warmth of emotions started flowing through me, happiness, relaxation, confusion, and embarrassment. However, I didn’t want it to end. However, I had questions I wanted to ask.

“Eri…” I hesitated.

“Yes, Hina-sama?” She asked with a gentle like she could tell what I wanted to ask.

“My memories are starting to come back fully, and I remember everything about our friendship and history together, but I am still confused and scared, I don’t understand why I couldn’t have stayed with my mother, and you. Why did my memories and myself have to be sealed? Why did my mom send me to that horrible family, they always treated me like a nuisance like they hated my very existence.” I started shaking, revealing my memories of that family that I have wanted to forget, with tears falling down my face.

“Hina-sama, there were reasons why you were sealed away and hidden, to be honest I don’t fully know either, I was just promised that I would get to see you again and be there for you when the time came.”

“Believe me your mother, wouldn't have sent you to live with that family, if she knew how those people really were and how they would have treated you. We didn’t even find out the truth and where you really were until a week ago, when I visited their house to be there when you transformed when the seal broke. You were supposed to be told everything by that family a week before your 16th birthday. I am so sorry you had to go through such torment and anxiety.

I promise you will never be alone again, no matter what, I will always be by your side. Your mother really wants to see you again, but she didn’t want to overwhelm so she sent me first and we will go visit her during our first break in high school. Your mother has also taken care of that family.” Eri explained with a mixture of understanding and sadness in her eyes, she then started patting my head and ears calming me down.

“Thank you, Eri.” I replied, relinquishing my head fall into Eri’s chest as she continued to pat my head. “Am I becoming spoiled, ah who cares, Eri is so soft and smells so good like cherry blossoms.” I thought to myself.

Eri giggled, and spoke, “Hina-sama, as much I would love to continue this cuddle session, it is starting to become late, if we want to get things done, we need to leave soon. Ah, don’t worry we will come back and get the things you want out of this apartment tomorrow.”

“What are we going to do, and where are we going?” I asked puzzled.

“We are going to celebrate your birthday, go shopping for some clothes, and go to our home of course,” Eri replied with a laugh, as if it was obvious.

I fretted, my tail swishing nervously behind me, a clear telltale sign of my anxiety. “But, but what about my appearance? I’m sure I will stand out with this tail and these ears of mine,” I voiced my concern, my hands instinctively reaching up to touch the soft fur of my ears.

Eri chuckled softly, her comforting hand reaching to my still restless tail, her grip gentle yet reassuring. "Hina-sama, you need not worry about that at all. These features, they are not a blemish but a badge of who you truly are," she said, her voice soothing, easing the knot of worry in my stomach.

"But... what will others think? Won't they find it strange?" I stuttered, unable to shake off years of conditioning to fit in, to be normal.

She shook her head, her eyes twinkling with amusement and a hint of wisdom. "You'd be surprised, Hina-sama. The world outside is not as rigid as the one you were confined to. Young people nowadays find these mystical features fascinating and, dare I say, fashionable," she explained with a knowing smile, her thumb drawing gentle circles on the back of my hand, a calming gesture that anchored me in the swirling sea of change.

I frowned; the concept foreign yet somehow comforting. Could I really step into this new identity without fear of ostracization? Eri seemed to sense my apprehension, her expression softening as she continued, "You are stepping into a society that embraces diversity, Hina-sama.

Determined to embrace this new beginning, I squared my shoulders, my newfound resolve steeling me for the journey ahead. "Alright then, I guess it's time to flaunt these ears and tail, isn't it?" I said, a playful smirk replacing the hesitant frown that adorned my face just moments before.

Eri's laughter rang through the room, a melodious sound that echoed the happiness blossoming in my heart. "That's the spirit, Hina-sama! Trust me, you are going to be the trendsetter everyone aspires to be. Now, let's get you ready for your grand debut, shall we?"

With a new sense of determination, I stood up from Eri's lap, her hands steadying me with a comforting touch that eased the whirlpool of emotions inside me. I took a deep breath, absorbing the soothing aura emanating from her presence. I could do this. With Eri by my side, I felt like I could face anything that came my way.

“Alright, let’s do this!” I exclaimed; my spirit buoyed by the encouraging smile that Eri gave me. The next hour turned into a whirlwind of activity, with Eri applying a subtle touch of makeup, and styling my hair to frame my face beautifully.

During the process, I couldn't help but marvel at how different yet strangely familiar this all felt. As if deep down, a part of me had always known that this was where I belonged.

Eri said, her eyes twinkling with pride and satisfaction as she gave me a once-over. "You look absolutely beautiful."

I could feel a blush creeping onto my cheeks at her praise, not used to receiving such genuine compliments. "Thank you, Eri," I mumbled, feeling a strange mix of bashfulness and happiness bubbling within me.

Before long, we were ready to head out. As we stepped out of the apartment, a fresh breeze greeted us, making my newfound ears twitch in response. It was a wonderful sensation, making me feel more connected to the world around me.

Eri and I walked side by side, the streets bustling with people going about their day. I couldn't help but feel a little self-conscious at first, but as we walked further, I realized that no one was giving me strange looks or pointing fingers. Instead, I noticed several admiring and even envious glances cast my way.

"It seems like you were right, Eri. People do find these features fascinating," I said, a smile breaking out on my face as I realized that I didn't have to hide who I was anymore.

Eri grinned, giving me a knowing look. "I told you, didn't I? You were born to stand out, Hina-sama."

We spent the day celebrating, shopping for new clothes, and indulging in delicious food. Every moment felt magical, like I was living in a dream. Yet, it was as real as the warm touch of Eri's hand in mine, guiding me through this new chapter of my life.

As the sun set, painting the sky with hues of pink and purple, we finally arrived at our destination - a beautiful traditional house with a temple beside it, just like in my memories.

"This is home, Hina-sama," Eri said, her voice tinged with gentle nostalgia.

I felt tears welling up in my eyes as I took in the familiar surroundings, feeling a sense of belonging that I had never experienced before. I knew that I was finally where I was meant to be, with people who truly cared for me.

With a shaky breath, I took a step forward, ready to embrace my true self and the new adventures that awaited me. As I looked back at Eri, her face illuminated by the soft glow of the evening sun, I couldn't help but feel a surge of gratitude and love for her.

Together, we stepped into the house, ready to start our new life together. A life filled with love, laughter, and the promise of beautiful memories to come.

As the door closed behind us, I felt a warm embrace enveloping me, filling me with a sense of home and belonging. It was as if all the fragmented pieces of my past were finally coming together, forming a beautiful mosaic of cherished memories and newfound happiness.