As the bell finished, Miki approached me with a gentle smile on her face. She wore a black robe that looked slightly ceremonial in appearance. Since the foxkin had slowly grown into prominence, they had slowly begun to adopt more and more customs, all based on Miki and her tastes. I tried to keep it from becoming a religion, but if you create too many miracles, those kinds of things start to be leveled at you.

“Hello, beautiful.” I grinned, taking and hugging Miki.

I was only able to get so close though, as a little ten year managed to wedge her way between us. I could only hug Miki so much.

“What’s the matter?” She asked. “We were going to be heading to the party soon.”

“Ah… that’s the thing. The gift I had prepared for my daughter, it’s missing.”

A little eavesdropped gasped, but I quickly rubbed her head, while Miki raised an eyebrow. “Have you checked the fairies?”

“Yeah, I went there first. I was hoping given your… abilities, that you might be able to detect where it is.”

“Hmmm… let me try.”

Miki didn’t waste any time stepping back and using her soul ability. Her tail grew brightly once again. The other foxkin reacted to it, some staring in awe while others shielded their eyes. I didn’t look away as Miki used her gift to look around.”

This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.

“I can sense your soul world.” She declared. “It is some distance away. Underground… through stone and rock.”

“What? Soul world? Don’t you mean soul dungeon?” I frowned.

“Of course.”

“How did it get all the way there?”

“I don’t know, Master… but you don’t need to worry. You can call it back.”

“I can?”

“Yes… a soul and a body belong together. If someone takes it from you, they’d need considerable strength to keep it.”

I frowned. “We’re talking about my daughter’s gift, right?”

“Mm…” She nodded. “You will need to see someone who has a bit of skill with souls.”

“You mean Terra.”

Flash. Coldness. Darkness.

I was in a chamber, bound by strands of black sludge. I tried to pull my way out.

“Master… listen to me.” A voice sounded in my head. “I don’t know how long I can keep you out. You mustn’t summon your soul here. That’s what she wants. If she-”

“Terra who?” Miki blinked.

I shook my head, feeling slightly dizzy. What was that just now? Soul summon?

“Ah… nothing.” I cleared my throat. “Um… you were saying something?”

“Yes, if you want to learn how to summon your gift, I believe Shao can show you how.”

“Shao? Yes… I guess she might know a thing or two about souls.” I responded uncertainly.

“Go quickly, Master. The party is almost here.” Miki hurried me.

I nodded, quickly creating a Portal to Shao. I stepped out of the Portal in from of a quaint little cottage. Taking a deep breath, I walked to the front door and opened it. I was greeted by the sound of a baby crying.

“Ahhh! Mommy’s here! Mommy will take care of everything! Please stop crying!” An unhinged voice cried out.

I looked to see Shao there, desperately rocking a baby in her arms. She had bags under her eyes like she hadn’t gotten a lot of sleep.

“Deek! You need to take responsibility!” She declared, thrusting the baby out at me.

The fourth bell began to ring.