The ruler of the Heavens sat upon his throne, the other gods standing below him. There were whispers as a fox with fur as orange as the sunset walked through the crowd of gods, everyone parting for it like the Red Sea. There were sneers and snickers, along with whispers about the fox. The fox paid them no mind, it’s white-tipped-tail slowly swinging from side to side leisurely. 

“Bow before the ruler of the Heavens!” a man standing next to the emperor—the advisor—said. He held a scroll in his hands, and stared coldly at the fox standing before the emperor. 

The sound of rustling clothes ensued, as the other gods, including the fox, bowed. The fox could not bow like the others, and so dipped its head, moving one forepaw back, barely missing its underbelly. 

“You may rise,” the emperor dismissed with a wave of his hand. More rustling of clothing, and the fox rose, holding its head high. The advisor cleared his throat, none too silently, and officially started the hearing. 

“As of today, the emperor, ruler of the Heavens, has decided to banish Hu Li for the grave sins they have committed.” The advisor paused as tension thickened in the air, everyone present holding their breaths. He continued. “This fox, Hu Li, has committed treason against the emperor and Gan Li, the god of strength and war. Hu Li has fed the emperor false information, saying that Gan Li was conspiracing with other gods to dethrone the current emperor.” There were gasps, but Hu Li was indifferent to all of it. The emperor frowned, and finally stood up.

“Because of Hu Li’s sins, they will be suspended from Heaven and their duties before further notice.” More whispering rose, annoying the fox. The emperor saw this, quickly starting to diffuse the situation. “Hu Li, you will be sent to the mortal world, but you will be allowed to keep your shape-shifting abilities, but not use them for bad deeds. Otherwise, you will be escorted back to Heaven, and instead thrown into the underworld .” The fox sniffed, glaring at the emperor. 

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“I don’t know how Gan Li convinced you to do something like this, but I’ve warned you of the calamity already.” That seemed to throw everyone into silence. Hu Li continued, “You may banish me to the mortal realm, but if Heaven falls into chaos in my absence, know that I have warned you, and won’t assist you no matter what you offer me.” More gasps from the other gods. The emperor seemed disappointed, but waved his hand.

“This hearing is over--Hu Li, you must leave Heaven now, before I decide to punish you for what you have just said.” The fox huffed, still glaring at the emperor as he left, his advisor scrambling after him. And as they left, the crowd of gods started dispersing.

Two guards came over to Hu Li’s side, escorting them to the gates of Heaven. Without protest, Hu Li followed the two guards, soon arriving at the gates. Hu Li bowed to the two guards, and they silently bowed back. 

“I hope the two of you don’t cause any trouble during my absence,” Hu Li spoke to the two guards. The two guards’ shoulders slumped, one of them starting to cry.

“General Hu, please take care of yourself in the mortal realm!” Cried the other guard, hugging the fox tight. 

“Bastard, let go of me! I can’t breathe!” Immediately, the guard let go, muttering an apology. The fox sighed, before smiling a fox-like smile. “I will likely be gone a long while, so take care of the other soldiers, and guard the gate with your life.” The two guards bid a short farewell, before Hu Li fell through the clouds, falling towards the mortal realm.