A DAY WITH THE MANE CHARACTER

“M-m-my… Nahhhm… Mo-kuh,” she tried working the sounds out slowly, using muscles and a smaller tongue that she wasn’t used to for the one-hundredth time.

She let out a very exasperated groan. It was so frustrating learning to talk like an elf. Her mind and body simply did not want to work that way.

Akane sat in front of her, the fox-human ever patient and friendly. The two of them were stuck in Iris’s room within the inn, and while she was highly excited not to be in the stables with the mundanes, she still felt uncomfortable in this form. But she was eternally grateful to Akane for using her magic to help her.

Mocha still wasn’t used to how similar Akane and Iris looked.

Luckily, she could clearly smell the difference between the two. Akane smelled like fur. Iris smelled like someone who used too much soap.

“Doing great!” Akane said with a big smile on her face.

Mocha rolled her eyes, unsure if Akane was just being polite or if she really thought that stuttered attempt at speech was ‘great’. The new form she found herself in was strange and unwieldy, her vocal cords producing sounds she had never used before. Mocha looked down at her hands, flexing her fingers, still getting used to the idea of having digits.

“Try again,” Akane encouraged, her voice warm and gentle. “You got it.”

How well that damn fox was doing with learning to speak was a bit obnoxious.

That made her want to try harder. If only so she could have a proper conversation with everyone, and not have to go through Iris or now Akane.

Mocha took a deep breath, focusing on the word. “My… name… Mocha,” she forced out, the syllables coming out more fluidly this time.

“See? You getting it!” Akane clapped her hands together, a broad smile stretching across her face that showed off her sharp canines.

Mocha felt a slight sense of accomplishment, but a wave of exhaustion overshadowed it. The effort of trying to speak like an elf had taken its toll. She could feel her energy waning, the concentration required draining her reserves.

She focused again. “May… be. Rest?” Mocha suggested. Her voice was still shaky but she was starting to get a bit more confident.

“Okay,” Akane agreed, reaching over to a tray on a nearby table and handing Mocha a cup of water.

Mocha took the cup, her fingers still unsteady, and took a sip, the cool liquid soothing her dry throat. She had to admit, it was much better than sticking her head into a big tub that may or may not have random stuff inside.

She was starting to see the benefits of pretending to be a two-legged person.

“Thank–sss,” she said quietly.

“Welcome,” Akane quickly replied. Her smile was still present and her mismatched eyes were twinkling with kindness.

Mocha wasn’t sure why the fox did so much to help her. Although, she would certainly accept it. She and Iris thought Akane would have left after they killed the Marauder Prince.

But she didn’t.

She wanted to stay and when Iris had said Akane was her sister… well, the fox seemed steadfast in staying. With Iris preoccupied with her new mate, Mocha was glad to have company.

Especially someone who looked like her best friend.

Akane started looking around and fidgeting before letting out a whimsical sigh. Mocha instantly knew something was up.

“We go see the city?” the fox suggested.

“No. Iris say stay… here,” Mocha objected, focusing on her words.

Akane looked around and shrugged. “Neri gone!”

Iris had asked them to remain at the inn with Neri, fearing potential danger. Mocha wasn’t sure if her friend had meant for them or for others. Both were a bit silly though. Mocha and Akane were surely some of the strongest in the city after Iris.

“We be fine,” Akane insisted, eyes glimmering with mischief. “Only little while. Want to see how elves live!”

Mocha sighed, concentrating on her words. Akane needed to understand. “On... Only small... no... short time. Come back... soon.”

Akane's grin broadened. “So good! Yes. We come back soon. First! We play!”

Mocha followed Akane out of the room, feeling a bit of excitement despite herself. It was hard not to get caught up in Akane's infectious enthusiasm. The hallways of the inn were narrow, lined with doors that led to other rooms, their wooden floors creaking underfoot.

The fox lifted a finger to her lips and pointed down the hall before she put a hand on Mocha’s chest and used her magic to conceal the two of them from view. Mocha looked to where the fox had pointed and saw Neri bump into one of the inn’s workers. The girl quickly apologized and started talking to the telv woman.

Mocha smiled. That girl was used to working in an inn, so she probably found something to talk about.

As they reached the bottom of the stairs, Mocha spotted Iris conversing with Sera, Kaira, and Tanith in the dining area. A pang of guilt struck her, but before she could voice her reservations, Akane took her hand and pulled her toward the entrance.

They reached the entrance, the cool breeze outside wafting in, carrying with it the scents of the city beyond. Outside, the bustling nature of everything greeted them. The cacophony of street vendors, the chatter of the crowd, and the clatter of mundane hooves and wheels on cobblestone streets enveloped them.

Mocha marveled at the sprawling city from such a new perspective. The labyrinth of cobbled streets and the diverse buildings ranging from towering mansions to cozy shops all felt so different when she wasn’t just focused on going to and fro.

As they continued through the city streets, Mocha couldn't help but notice the looks of surprise and curiosity that followed them. She realized that they were quite the unusual pair, a fox-woman, and a horse-turned-elf—not that those around them would realize it, but it didn't matter. They were both finding their way in this new world, embracing the challenges and discoveries that came with their unique circumstances.

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They meandered through serpentine alleys and crowded thoroughfares, each offering new and exciting sights and sounds. The aroma of cooking spices wafted through the air, mingling with the more pungent scents of the city. It was intoxicating.

At a food stall, a vendor was selling skewers of various meats and vegetables, sizzling and aromatic on an open grill. The man offered a wide assortment of skewers, and Akane's eyes immediately zeroed in on one that was piled with chunks of chicken. Her face lit up with excitement as she pointed at the skewer.

“Chicken! Yum!” she exclaimed with a grin.

Mocha looked at the available skewers and pointed at one that was loaded with assorted vegetables—peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini, all seasoned with fragrant spices. Akane quickly paid for both skewers—with money Mocha was sure she got from Iris—and handed one to Mocha.

Mocha took a tentative bite of a mushroom from her skewer, the smoky, spiced flavors enveloping her taste buds. The experience was new and delightful, and she eagerly consumed the rest of the skewer, savoring the bursts of flavor in each bite.

Akane watched with amusement as Mocha's eyes widened with each mouthful. “Good, yes?” she asked, taking a bite of her chicken skewer and nodding in satisfaction.

Mocha nodded eagerly, her mouth too full to speak. “Mmmm.”

They continued strolling, the city's noises and colors swirling around them like a tapestry of life. As they walked, Mocha couldn't help but feel a surge of gratitude toward Akane. The fox-human had patiently taught her to speak, had shown her a world beyond the stable walls, and had shared moments of simple joy with her.

Mocha turned to Akane, her eyes genuine and grateful. “Thank you,” she said, the words flowing more naturally now.

Akane smiled warmly, her eyes gentle as she looked at Mocha. “Welcome, Mocha. We friends, yes?”

Mocha nodded, feeling an unfamiliar warmth spread through her chest. “Yes. Friends.”

Akane quickly led the way down a side street, where they stumbled upon a group of musicians playing a lively tune. The crowd around them danced and clapped to the rhythm.

The fox joined in, her eyes sparkling with joy. Mocha watched the dancers, her earlier reservations momentarily forgotten, her heart lifted by the sheer energy and happiness of the scene.

Akane pulled Mocha into the crowd, and soon they were both swaying to the music. Mocha was surprised by how much she enjoyed it, how the rhythm seemed to flow through her body and make her want to move. It was a strange and wonderful sensation, something she had never experienced as a horse. She looked over at Akane, who was grinning widely, her fox-like ears twitching in time with the beat.

The musicians played on, their fingers flying over their instruments as the melody filled the air. Mocha felt the beat pulsing through her body, her feet moving in time with the rhythm. She glanced at Akane, who was laughing and clapping, completely lost in the moment. Mocha couldn't help but smile, watching the sheer joy on Akane's face.

As the song came to an end, the crowd erupted in applause. The musicians bowed, their faces flushed with exertion and pleasure. Akane turned to Mocha, her eyes bright. “See? You had fun, yes?” she asked, her voice full of enthusiasm.

Mocha nodded, her mind still racing with the thrill of the experience. “Yes, fun,” she said, her voice still carrying a note of surprise.

They moved away from the musicians, making their way through the crowd, when Mocha noticed a figure approaching them. It was a tall elf, his eyes fixed on Akane. “What are you?” he asked, his voice curious but not unkind.

Akane smiled, her eyes twinkling with amusement. “Flash problems,” she replied cryptically.

The man looked puzzled for a moment, then broke into a wide smile. “Well, it certainly suits you,” he said, his tone appreciative.

As they continued walking, they passed by an elderly elf woman, who reached out and patted Akane on the back. “I'm sorry that happened, dearie,” she said, her eyes sympathetic. “It was such a big change for all of us, but I didn't realize it could do this... Are you okay?”

Akane nodded, her smile never faltering. “Yes! Never better!”

The woman smiled, her eyes softening. “That's the spirit,” she said encouragingly.

A little further along, a young woman holding a baby stopped them, her eyes drawn to Akane's tails. The baby reached out, her small fingers trying to grab one of the fluffy appendages. “You certainly appeal to children with those,” the mother said, a smile playing on her lips.

Akane smirked and gently flicked her tail against the baby's face, causing the little girl to giggle in delight while she tried to grab it. “Yes, fun,” she replied.

Mocha moved closer to Akane, putting an arm around her and rubbing one of her ears. “Fuzzy.”

The mother laughed, her eyes bright. “I think you look cute, and I'm glad you have the strength to handle what's happened,” she said, her voice warm. “I know I would have a tough time if I was changed so drastically.”

Akane shrugged nonchalantly. “I'm fine,” she replied simply as they continued on their adventure.

They came across a park where trees provided a canopy of shade against the midday sun. The vibrant green grass seemed to invite them in, a refreshing contrast to the city they had been navigating. Excited by the sight of the park, the two friends hurried over to the grassy field and lay down on their backs next to each other, their heads nestled against the soft earth. Akane's three fox tails splayed out behind her, their rich, reddish-brown color standing out against the green grass.

Mocha turned her head towards Akane and tried to find the right words in her new, unfamiliar elf voice. “You... good?” she finally managed, her eyes seeking reassurance in Akane's.

Akane smiled, her gaze still fixed on the fluffy white clouds drifting lazily across the blue sky. “Yes. Silly elves is all. No big deal,” she said with a dismissive wave of her hand.

They lay there in comfortable silence, their breathing slow and relaxed, the distant chatter of the city fading into the background. As the minutes passed, Akane sat up suddenly, her ears perked forward. Mocha turned to follow her gaze and saw the kitsune watching a group of children playing nearby.

A small, contented smile played on Akane's lips.

One of the children, a girl with wide, inquisitive eyes, spotted Akane staring and her jaw dropped in astonishment. She rushed over to the fox-woman, her excitement palpable.

“You-you-you have fuzzy cat ears!” she stammered, pointing at Akane's head.

Akane's eyes narrowed slightly. “Fox,” she corrected tersely.

The girl nodded quickly, her face reddening with embarrassment. “That's what I meant! And tails! They’re so fluffy! Did the magic do that to you?”

Akane nodded, her eyes still on the girl. “Yes.”

The girl turned to shout over her shoulder, calling her friends and a woman who appeared to be her mother. When the kids gathered around, the girl explained in a rush of excitement, “The magic flash changed her! Look at her! She's so pretty!”

Another young girl, her eyes locked on Akane's tails, gasped with her hands to her mouth. “Are those cat—”

“No,” the first girl interjected with an exasperated sigh. “Ugh, they're fox ears. Get it right.”

Mocha covered her mouth with her hand to stifle a laugh.

Akane must be enjoying all this attention.

The mother, who had joined the group, looked at Akane with a hint of embarrassment in her eyes. “I'm sorry for my daughter bothering you,” she began, and Mocha thought she sounded apologetic. “We'll just—”

Akane waved her hand dismissively. “No. Is fine.” She turned to the children, her eyes twinkling. “You like magic?”

The children's heads bobbed up and down in eager agreement.

“I can do magic. Want to see?” Akane asked, her voice filled with a playful enthusiasm as she stood up.

The children's eyes widened, and the first girl clapped her hands excitedly. “Yes! YES!”

Even the mother joined in with a chuckle. “You don't have to, miss,” she said, her voice filled with gratitude. “I'm sure you get bothered enough because of your... changes.”

Akane simply smiled and raised a hand. A swirl of bluish-white mana appeared, coalescing into a glittering yellow silhouette of a butterfly. The children's eyes followed the magical butterfly, their faces alight with wonder. Akane then closed her hand around the butterfly, bringing it to her mouth and blowing gently on it. She opened her hand again, as if tossing the butterfly, and tens of them flew out in a mesmerizing dance around the children, who cheered and giggled with delight.