About a Fox and a Dog by bug

Prologue

Disclaimer: Characters and whatnot all belong to Takahashi Rumiko :)

A/N:  This is in response to Skye's Fairytale Challenge.  The base of the story comes from two folktales: The Boy Who Drew Cats and The Fox Sister.  Also, thank you to my beta readers.

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It was exceedingly early in the morning, but for a young priest work began very early.  He had to clean the altar, give his morning prayers, and clean the grounds all before the sun rose.  This particular morning he was awakened by the pulsing energy just outside the shrine grounds.  He pulled on his robes and walked into the chill morning air, crisp with dew.  There, under the gate, he saw a tall figure shrouded in white and silver.  He moved closer and noticed a small, wriggling bundle in the demon’s arms.

The demon, careful to move slowly, keeping his eyes on the priest, set the babe down.  He stood back to his full height and watched as the priest moved forward hesitantly.

When the priest picked the child up, his eyes widened.  He understood now why the demon had delivered the child to a shrine.  Even as a babe, the spiritual energy within this child was astounding.  Yet, it was more astounding that a demon had delivered her, instead of killing her or leaving her to be carrion.  He gave a shallow bow to the majestic creature before him, but before he could speak the demon interrupted him.

“She is not to sleep beneath the full moon,” and, with that mysterious command, the demon turned and walked away.