The Sentinel

A multidimensional God of Death, a feared hunter, a deadly warrior, and loving mother ❤️

[sentinel-rose]

I Am The Sentinel

My kids somehow talked me into making this blog cause "I need help" and "Murder isnt a substitute for therapy". Honestly I think i'm fine! I'm just one of the most deadly hunters, assassins, and destroyers to ever exist. After ten thousand years, its hard not to love what you do for a living. But apparently I need to stop bottling up my feelings, so they convinced me to keep a journal, and then they made me start posting here to keep an eye on me. I think its all overkill. Buuuuut while i'm here, I might as well share some stories and details about my life, so if we ever cross paths, and I'm in a good mood, i'd be more than happy to share some stories

I also have... a lot of kids. 10 in total. Wrote a journal entry about them if you're interested

Post by @sentinel-rose

💬 0  🔁 1  ❤️ 5 · Journal entry number... actually lets not number these... I've been reflecting on my kids lately after Yumi was born. Ten k

If you wanna get to know me quick, here's a quick version of my life's story

💬 0  🔁 5  ❤️ 4 · My name is Amber Rose · Most people nowadays know me as The Sentinel. I was born on a planet called Remnant, my mom was Rub

// OOC Stuff

Hi! I'm Ravanna, I'm 18+

Anyone is allowed to interact with Amber, doesnt matter what universe, media, OC, or if you personally wanna ask her a question

A couple friends blogs that are related to Amber's story

@variousvossivixens (Hemlock is Amber's son)

@hellsbastardking (Someone Amber used to travel with)

@arenaoftheafterlife (Amber's homeworld, technically, blog also run by me)

And if you're gonna be homophobic in anyway, go to Reddit buddy... you're just gonna get blocked and reported

[sentinel-rose]

Winter was nervous, boarding Elsie and Akari’s ship. Sure, they knew they’d be safe there, they trusted their family. They trusted Папа when he said they’d be fine there.

But, it was still meeting two more people (Mara and Avice, he had said. They sounded nice enough), albeit family. But more importantly than more family members in an already huge family, trying to act like a real, normal human (kitsune) person. That was definitely the scariest part. Along with the fact that Akari offered to make them a Rose Soul early. A real Rose Soul, like Папа and grandma and Батя Судьба (Destiny), though that was causing more of an excited buzz through their veins, rather than the much louder, much more anxious buzzing.

Too late to turn back now, they told themself. And dad wants you to go with them. It’ll just be two weeks, and he told you it’d be good for you. You already know Akari, and she’s nice, and everyone is family here.

That didn’t stop the buzzing, though.

Meeting in the hotel is easy, under the same tree they always seemed to meet at. Sitting there is the two women they'd expect. Elsie and Akari. Elsie looked the older of the two, miss matched eyes with red stain over them, sat in the tree loading her rifle. Akari, as energetic as she always is, is in her fox form chasing a butterfly around the base of the tree. Elsie waves down at Winter and smiles. "Hey Sol! Whats up?"

[winter-solstice-soldier]

They wave at back at Elsie (internally noting the rifle, the model, and inwardly being impressed), then they wave at Akari, though they’re pretty sure she won’t even notice. But it’s still polite to wave at both of them. “Hi Aunt Elsie, Aunt Akari… not much, just waiting to head out, I guess.” They give her a small, nervous smile. “And meet the other two aunts… I have a lot of aunts, huh?… what’s the ship like? Is it cool to ride in? Is it cold on there?” They hope it’s not.

[sentinel-rose]

Elsie puts her rifle over her shoulder and hops down to the ground. Akari runs over to Winter, nuzzling their feet as a hello. "The ship is called IDIOT, we didnt name it." Elsie tacks on quickly. "You have everything you're gonna need? Clothes? Snacks? Enough weapons to kill a small army?"

[winter-solstice-soldier]

They pet Akari, wrapping one of their tails loosely around her. They snort at the name. “Who did name it?” They nod. “Yep. Everything. Even some sewing supplies and my notebook I use for planning out weapons and. Armor! And my arms have enough weapons on their own, but I brought my staff and Steel Thorns, too.”

[sentinel-rose]

Elsie chuckles "Its a long story... nevermind it." She waves it off and picks up her sister. "Should be good for a short trip. Mara and Avice are waiting on the ship, been preparing a room for you."

[winter-solstice-soldier]

They smile, a bit more comfortable now. They pat Akari. “Okay, I’m ready, then… what are Mara and Avice like? Папа said Avice is about my age and Mara is really nice. They live with you, right? So you guys probably know more.”

[sentinel-rose]

"Mara is shy, its gonna take a while for her to warm up." Elsie sets Akari down and pulls out what resembles a tv remote from her bag. "Avice needs to stay out of trouble." She chuckles. Elsie clicks a button on the remote and a portal opens in the air before them. As Elsie is about to step through, Akari yips and bites at her ankle. "Ow- hey!"

Akari shifts back into her human form. "Forgetting the most important part! Turning them into a Rose Soul!"

"Riiight."

[winter-solstice-soldier]

“Noted…” so they need to take their time with Mara, not overwhelm her. They can do that. As for Avice, maybe they need to be a bit wary…? They jump when Akari suddenly yips and bites. They grin and their tails start wagging at dangerous speeds when she makes that comment.

“Yeah! What’ll that be like? Do I get to look more like Папа and grandma and Aunt V?” They’re glancing between their two aunts now.

[sentinel-rose]

"Probably not." Elsie states quickly.

"Our appearances are self actualized, really just a fancy eay of saying we subconsciously decide what we look like." Akari continues.

"Granted if you really wanna look like a Red Soul, some features may show through. They didnt for me and Akari though."

Akari skips forward, red storm gathering in their hands. "You ready Sol?"

[winter-solstice-soldier]

They frown, but their expression gets more hopeful at the bit about maybe getting some features like their family’s. They nod slowly, taking a deep breath and remembering what Akari said it feels like… just warm, like being sewn into a blanket, presumably a blanket of family, since that’s what Rose Souls are, their family. “I’m ready.”

[sentinel-rose]

The storm surrounds Sol like a cocoon. The outside world vanishes into the dark swirling red mist. They feel it press into their skin, seeping into every cell and pouring through their veins. Its warmth spreads fast, enveloping their body, and the air around them. For a moment they can feel their connection to Elsie and Akari, to Hemlock, to Amber. To everyone in their family, and beyond to people they don't know. Then they realize they can't breath. The Storm had filled their lungs, depriving them of oxygen.

[winter-solstice-soldier]

They all but melt into the warmth, so different from the cold that they’re constantly fearing will come for them. Relief, comfort, feeling near unstoppable bring so close to their family… until they realize they Camry breathe. They reach for their throat, gasping to no avail, panicking. Did The Storm reject them, is something going wrong, did they mess it up somehow…?

[sentinel-rose]

The panic grows higher as their heart races, body aching and lungs screaming for air. They fall to their knees choking and gasping, only taking in more of the red gas. With one more breath their body finally gets the air it needs, but they are still breathing in storm... The gas slowly fades away, seeping into their body.

Akari greets them with a smile. "It went perfectly!"

[winter-solstice-soldier]

They gasp oxygen back into their lungs once their body allows it. They breathe in relief, and lunge at Akari, pulling her into a tight hug that could crush bone if it was someone else. “Okay okay. Good. That was scary for a second.” They pull back, giving Elsie a tight hug, as well.

When the two get a clear look at them, their previously black with white fluff ears has silver-white tips. Their warm brown hair has some gray a similar if not the same shade as Amber’s. Their remaining blue eye has switched to red, the pupil slitted like a fox’s eye and a slightly darker red than the iris, and the sclera around it a deep red. Their teal eye has changed somewhat, as well, with the pupil changing to a slightly deeper teal than the iris around it. Both eyes have a glowing effect. They still have the gray, white, and red streaks from before, the colors looking more naturally blended into their hair now.

[sentinel-rose]

Akari laughs nervously. "Did... did I forget to mention the choking part..."

Elsie groans "Akari... you nearly gave them a panic attack!"

"Not my fault! I forgot...."

Elsie rolls her eyes and takes a closer look at them. "Looks like the Storm has already changed your appearance. It'll be a fun surprise for Hem when we get back." She chuckles

[winter-solstice-soldier]

They huff. “You did forget… they should write an instruction manual for it… that was terrifying.” They frown at Elsie. “Huh??? Has it? Do you have a mirror?” There’s barely concealed excitement on their face at the idea of it changing them so quickly, but while their face is trying hard to try it, their tails are wagging with the same dangerous speeds as before.

[sentinel-rose]

Elsie holds back a laugh as she conjures a mirror for Sol to use. "Here you go."

[winter-solstice-soldier]

Their tails only wag faster as they look at themself in the mirror. They stare into it, occasionally shifting it, for at least a couple minutes before pulling the two into a group hug again. “Thank you thank you thank you!”

[sentinel-rose]

"Alright kiddo, lets get you set up in your room." Elsie hooks a thumb over her shoulder towards the portal.

"You're gonna love it! We have an armory, a whole kitchen, and enough pillows and blankets to turn an entire room into a giant pillow fort!"

[winter-solstice-soldier]

Their tails wag more as they turn back to the portal. “You’ll teach me how to use The Storm while I stay with you, right?” They grin at the two. “I’ve never built a pillow fort before. What’s it like? Can we try building one?”

[sentinel-rose]

"Obviously!" Akari matches the speed of their excited tail wags. "Come on!" She drags Sol through the portal.

Passing through the doorway, everything gets blinding bright and rapidly dims again. They stand in a large metal room... it looks like the bridge of a sci-fi space ship. It smells like someone burnt coffee ages ago and the smell refuses to die. The bridge of the ship is decorated with drawings, colorful blankets, and plants stuck in pots, a door leading deeper into the ship waits closed

[winter-solstice-soldier]

They grin and allow themself to get dragged through. They squint and then unsquint slowly when they go through, glancing around the room. They scrunch their nose at the scent, but they’ll get used to it quickly. “It looks nice in here…” they muse quietly. “Comfortable. Where’s my room?” They want to set their stuff down and get to exploring the whole ship, both stable on the ground then through a ventilation system if possible. They like fully scoping out new areas, especially if they’re staying there for a while.

[sentinel-rose]

Elsie motions for them to follow, leading them through the dark steel halls of the ship lovingly decorated with murals painted by hand... definitely by a child. String lights and vines hang from the ceiling and blow gently in the air. The hallway ends in a dining area with puzzles and board games strew about, and a flipped over game of monopoly. Elsie points over to a bar looking into a kitchen, the door around the corner. "Kitchen is that way if you get hungry. In the other direction" She dramatically scoops her arm to the other side of the room "Is the utility wing. Armory, workshop, ship maintenance areas, you get the idea." She keeps walking to the far side of where they entered, leading down a hallway. "This is where the rooms are. The locked ones belong to the old crew, Mom, Nathaniel, Layla, and the others. Our are around the corner." Elsie swings around the corner to the last set of doors, 6 in total, 5 painted with murals. The closest door is painted to look like a fox running through a field, the one next to it is a woman resembling Elsie in a tree aiming a large rifle. The next two doors must be for Mara and Avice, and are painted with murals of music notes and paint splotches respectively. The last door has a fox with devil wings holding a rose in its mouth, Hemlock's room clearly. They arrive at the final room, the only unpainted door. Elsie unlocks the door and swings it open, inside is a cozy looking room with a bed, nightstand, wardrobe, and soft warm light streaming from the light in the ceiling. "Its a little bare, thought you could decorate it yourself."

[winter-solstice-soldier]

They look closely at the paint, smiling at the bright contrast. They look up at the vines and lights with awe, admiring the ambience. They snort at the board game being flipped, sure that someone had gotten upset with the game. “So they’re the ones that named the ship, right?” They snort, wondering who had picked out the name among the group. They nod, mentally noting the directions that the different rooms are in. They admire the painted doors. “Who does the painting?” They tilt their head at Elsie. “It’s all very pretty.”

They walk into their new room, setting down their bag next to the bed. They’ll unpack what’s inside later. Next, they take off the weapons strapped to them, putting them atop the nightstand and wardrobe. They smile. “It’s nice in here…” They’ll probably try to get a desk, so they can keep working on their current projects, since they did bring their notebooks with. They should ask for a map of the ship to put on the wall, to continue their usual theme of keeping maps with them. They’ll ask around where they’re flying(?) and if they ever dock(?) the ship for port(?). “Do you guys have any maps? Do you ever, uh, stop the ship for supplies, or anything? Can I have a desk?”

[sentinel-rose]

"The lady who built the ship is who named it. It stands for inter-dimensional... I forget the rest. We'd rename it but that's bad luck.." She explains. "Mara does the painting. She's the artist of the family it seems. She's gotten a heck of a lot better over the years. Avice took to the ship's internals like a fish to water. They have a very natural talent for engineer work." As they enter the room Elsie opens an odd box shaped indent in the wall. "We dont stop for supplies." She says clicking a button next to the box. "Bed sheets." She says plainly. The box glows and creates a small stack of nicely fitted bed sheets. "Got everything we need right here. It can make anything nonorganic. As for maps, we take maps of every world we visit, just head to the bridge to look. As for your desk, we can get one made in less than an hour give or take."

[winter-solstice-soldier]

They snicker. “She either did it on purpose or didn’t think about what the short version would be.” Doesn’t know what an acronym is. “Oh wow… she’s definitely the artist.” They hum. They should talk to Avice about their weapon and arm designs, since those are sort of engineer-y. “Huh. Fancy. What kind of magic makes it do that?” They take the bedsheets, inspecting them before putting them on the bed. They’ll have to look into that magic… maybe, if they can apply it to something they might make. “What about the food?” They tilt their head. They assume it might be Папа‘s powers related. “Okay, the bridge…” muses aloud. “Okay. Thanks, Aunt Elsie!” Their tails wag and they smile at her again, most of their nervousness forgotten for now.

[sentinel-rose]

"It aint magic, its just REALLY advanced science. We buy the food we need from the world's we visit. Use these machines to fake the money. Get comfy, unpack your stuff. See you tomorrow."

[winter-solstice-soldier]

They hum, frowning. Maybe they won’t look too far into it, then. They nod, smiling at her again. “Okay. Thanks. Love you.” They pull her into another hug, much more gentle than the one in the garden.

[sentinel-rose]

Elsie hugs her back and and scratches their ears. "Love ya too Kit. Get unpacked and go exploring, this place is bigger than it looks."

[winter-solstice-soldier]

They nod. “Any maps of the place, or should I bring along one of my notebooks and try and make one myself?” If they did make one, it’d be far from perfect.

[sentinel-rose]

"This place isnt maze like, you should be fine. Just stay away from the engine room, you can get turned around in there."

[sentinel-rose]

Winter was nervous, boarding Elsie and Akari’s ship. Sure, they knew they’d be safe there, they trusted their family. They trusted Папа when he said they’d be fine there.

But, it was still meeting two more people (Mara and Avice, he had said. They sounded nice enough), albeit family. But more importantly than more family members in an already huge family, trying to act like a real, normal human (kitsune) person. That was definitely the scariest part. Along with the fact that Akari offered to make them a Rose Soul early. A real Rose Soul, like Папа and grandma and Батя Судьба (Destiny), though that was causing more of an excited buzz through their veins, rather than the much louder, much more anxious buzzing.

Too late to turn back now, they told themself. And dad wants you to go with them. It’ll just be two weeks, and he told you it’d be good for you. You already know Akari, and she’s nice, and everyone is family here.

That didn’t stop the buzzing, though.

Meeting in the hotel is easy, under the same tree they always seemed to meet at. Sitting there is the two women they'd expect. Elsie and Akari. Elsie looked the older of the two, miss matched eyes with red stain over them, sat in the tree loading her rifle. Akari, as energetic as she always is, is in her fox form chasing a butterfly around the base of the tree. Elsie waves down at Winter and smiles. "Hey Sol! Whats up?"

[winter-solstice-soldier]

They wave at back at Elsie (internally noting the rifle, the model, and inwardly being impressed), then they wave at Akari, though they’re pretty sure she won’t even notice. But it’s still polite to wave at both of them. “Hi Aunt Elsie, Aunt Akari… not much, just waiting to head out, I guess.” They give her a small, nervous smile. “And meet the other two aunts… I have a lot of aunts, huh?… what’s the ship like? Is it cool to ride in? Is it cold on there?” They hope it’s not.

[sentinel-rose]

Elsie puts her rifle over her shoulder and hops down to the ground. Akari runs over to Winter, nuzzling their feet as a hello. "The ship is called IDIOT, we didnt name it." Elsie tacks on quickly. "You have everything you're gonna need? Clothes? Snacks? Enough weapons to kill a small army?"

[winter-solstice-soldier]

They pet Akari, wrapping one of their tails loosely around her. They snort at the name. “Who did name it?” They nod. “Yep. Everything. Even some sewing supplies and my notebook I use for planning out weapons and. Armor! And my arms have enough weapons on their own, but I brought my staff and Steel Thorns, too.”

[sentinel-rose]

Elsie chuckles "Its a long story... nevermind it." She waves it off and picks up her sister. "Should be good for a short trip. Mara and Avice are waiting on the ship, been preparing a room for you."

[winter-solstice-soldier]

They smile, a bit more comfortable now. They pat Akari. “Okay, I’m ready, then… what are Mara and Avice like? Папа said Avice is about my age and Mara is really nice. They live with you, right? So you guys probably know more.”

[sentinel-rose]

"Mara is shy, its gonna take a while for her to warm up." Elsie sets Akari down and pulls out what resembles a tv remote from her bag. "Avice needs to stay out of trouble." She chuckles. Elsie clicks a button on the remote and a portal opens in the air before them. As Elsie is about to step through, Akari yips and bites at her ankle. "Ow- hey!"

Akari shifts back into her human form. "Forgetting the most important part! Turning them into a Rose Soul!"

"Riiight."

[winter-solstice-soldier]

“Noted…” so they need to take their time with Mara, not overwhelm her. They can do that. As for Avice, maybe they need to be a bit wary…? They jump when Akari suddenly yips and bites. They grin and their tails start wagging at dangerous speeds when she makes that comment.

“Yeah! What’ll that be like? Do I get to look more like Папа and grandma and Aunt V?” They’re glancing between their two aunts now.

[sentinel-rose]

"Probably not." Elsie states quickly.

"Our appearances are self actualized, really just a fancy eay of saying we subconsciously decide what we look like." Akari continues.

"Granted if you really wanna look like a Red Soul, some features may show through. They didnt for me and Akari though."

Akari skips forward, red storm gathering in their hands. "You ready Sol?"

[winter-solstice-soldier]

They frown, but their expression gets more hopeful at the bit about maybe getting some features like their family’s. They nod slowly, taking a deep breath and remembering what Akari said it feels like… just warm, like being sewn into a blanket, presumably a blanket of family, since that’s what Rose Souls are, their family. “I’m ready.”

[sentinel-rose]

The storm surrounds Sol like a cocoon. The outside world vanishes into the dark swirling red mist. They feel it press into their skin, seeping into every cell and pouring through their veins. Its warmth spreads fast, enveloping their body, and the air around them. For a moment they can feel their connection to Elsie and Akari, to Hemlock, to Amber. To everyone in their family, and beyond to people they don't know. Then they realize they can't breath. The Storm had filled their lungs, depriving them of oxygen.

[winter-solstice-soldier]

They all but melt into the warmth, so different from the cold that they’re constantly fearing will come for them. Relief, comfort, feeling near unstoppable bring so close to their family… until they realize they Camry breathe. They reach for their throat, gasping to no avail, panicking. Did The Storm reject them, is something going wrong, did they mess it up somehow…?

[sentinel-rose]

The panic grows higher as their heart races, body aching and lungs screaming for air. They fall to their knees choking and gasping, only taking in more of the red gas. With one more breath their body finally gets the air it needs, but they are still breathing in storm... The gas slowly fades away, seeping into their body.

Akari greets them with a smile. "It went perfectly!"

[winter-solstice-soldier]

They gasp oxygen back into their lungs once their body allows it. They breathe in relief, and lunge at Akari, pulling her into a tight hug that could crush bone if it was someone else. “Okay okay. Good. That was scary for a second.” They pull back, giving Elsie a tight hug, as well.

When the two get a clear look at them, their previously black with white fluff ears has silver-white tips. Their warm brown hair has some gray a similar if not the same shade as Amber’s. Their remaining blue eye has switched to red, the pupil slitted like a fox’s eye and a slightly darker red than the iris, and the sclera around it a deep red. Their teal eye has changed somewhat, as well, with the pupil changing to a slightly deeper teal than the iris around it. Both eyes have a glowing effect. They still have the gray, white, and red streaks from before, the colors looking more naturally blended into their hair now.

[sentinel-rose]

Akari laughs nervously. "Did... did I forget to mention the choking part..."

Elsie groans "Akari... you nearly gave them a panic attack!"

"Not my fault! I forgot...."

Elsie rolls her eyes and takes a closer look at them. "Looks like the Storm has already changed your appearance. It'll be a fun surprise for Hem when we get back." She chuckles

[winter-solstice-soldier]

They huff. “You did forget… they should write an instruction manual for it… that was terrifying.” They frown at Elsie. “Huh??? Has it? Do you have a mirror?” There’s barely concealed excitement on their face at the idea of it changing them so quickly, but while their face is trying hard to try it, their tails are wagging with the same dangerous speeds as before.

[sentinel-rose]

Elsie holds back a laugh as she conjures a mirror for Sol to use. "Here you go."

[winter-solstice-soldier]

Their tails only wag faster as they look at themself in the mirror. They stare into it, occasionally shifting it, for at least a couple minutes before pulling the two into a group hug again. “Thank you thank you thank you!”

[sentinel-rose]

"Alright kiddo, lets get you set up in your room." Elsie hooks a thumb over her shoulder towards the portal.

"You're gonna love it! We have an armory, a whole kitchen, and enough pillows and blankets to turn an entire room into a giant pillow fort!"

[winter-solstice-soldier]

Their tails wag more as they turn back to the portal. “You’ll teach me how to use The Storm while I stay with you, right?” They grin at the two. “I’ve never built a pillow fort before. What’s it like? Can we try building one?”

[sentinel-rose]

"Obviously!" Akari matches the speed of their excited tail wags. "Come on!" She drags Sol through the portal.

Passing through the doorway, everything gets blinding bright and rapidly dims again. They stand in a large metal room... it looks like the bridge of a sci-fi space ship. It smells like someone burnt coffee ages ago and the smell refuses to die. The bridge of the ship is decorated with drawings, colorful blankets, and plants stuck in pots, a door leading deeper into the ship waits closed

[winter-solstice-soldier]

They grin and allow themself to get dragged through. They squint and then unsquint slowly when they go through, glancing around the room. They scrunch their nose at the scent, but they’ll get used to it quickly. “It looks nice in here…” they muse quietly. “Comfortable. Where’s my room?” They want to set their stuff down and get to exploring the whole ship, both stable on the ground then through a ventilation system if possible. They like fully scoping out new areas, especially if they’re staying there for a while.

[sentinel-rose]

Elsie motions for them to follow, leading them through the dark steel halls of the ship lovingly decorated with murals painted by hand... definitely by a child. String lights and vines hang from the ceiling and blow gently in the air. The hallway ends in a dining area with puzzles and board games strew about, and a flipped over game of monopoly. Elsie points over to a bar looking into a kitchen, the door around the corner. "Kitchen is that way if you get hungry. In the other direction" She dramatically scoops her arm to the other side of the room "Is the utility wing. Armory, workshop, ship maintenance areas, you get the idea." She keeps walking to the far side of where they entered, leading down a hallway. "This is where the rooms are. The locked ones belong to the old crew, Mom, Nathaniel, Layla, and the others. Our are around the corner." Elsie swings around the corner to the last set of doors, 6 in total, 5 painted with murals. The closest door is painted to look like a fox running through a field, the one next to it is a woman resembling Elsie in a tree aiming a large rifle. The next two doors must be for Mara and Avice, and are painted with murals of music notes and paint splotches respectively. The last door has a fox with devil wings holding a rose in its mouth, Hemlock's room clearly. They arrive at the final room, the only unpainted door. Elsie unlocks the door and swings it open, inside is a cozy looking room with a bed, nightstand, wardrobe, and soft warm light streaming from the light in the ceiling. "Its a little bare, thought you could decorate it yourself."

[winter-solstice-soldier]

They look closely at the paint, smiling at the bright contrast. They look up at the vines and lights with awe, admiring the ambience. They snort at the board game being flipped, sure that someone had gotten upset with the game. “So they’re the ones that named the ship, right?” They snort, wondering who had picked out the name among the group. They nod, mentally noting the directions that the different rooms are in. They admire the painted doors. “Who does the painting?” They tilt their head at Elsie. “It’s all very pretty.”

They walk into their new room, setting down their bag next to the bed. They’ll unpack what’s inside later. Next, they take off the weapons strapped to them, putting them atop the nightstand and wardrobe. They smile. “It’s nice in here…” They’ll probably try to get a desk, so they can keep working on their current projects, since they did bring their notebooks with. They should ask for a map of the ship to put on the wall, to continue their usual theme of keeping maps with them. They’ll ask around where they’re flying(?) and if they ever dock(?) the ship for port(?). “Do you guys have any maps? Do you ever, uh, stop the ship for supplies, or anything? Can I have a desk?”

[sentinel-rose]

"The lady who built the ship is who named it. It stands for inter-dimensional... I forget the rest. We'd rename it but that's bad luck.." She explains. "Mara does the painting. She's the artist of the family it seems. She's gotten a heck of a lot better over the years. Avice took to the ship's internals like a fish to water. They have a very natural talent for engineer work." As they enter the room Elsie opens an odd box shaped indent in the wall. "We dont stop for supplies." She says clicking a button next to the box. "Bed sheets." She says plainly. The box glows and creates a small stack of nicely fitted bed sheets. "Got everything we need right here. It can make anything nonorganic. As for maps, we take maps of every world we visit, just head to the bridge to look. As for your desk, we can get one made in less than an hour give or take."

[winter-solstice-soldier]

They snicker. “She either did it on purpose or didn’t think about what the short version would be.” Doesn’t know what an acronym is. “Oh wow… she’s definitely the artist.” They hum. They should talk to Avice about their weapon and arm designs, since those are sort of engineer-y. “Huh. Fancy. What kind of magic makes it do that?” They take the bedsheets, inspecting them before putting them on the bed. They’ll have to look into that magic… maybe, if they can apply it to something they might make. “What about the food?” They tilt their head. They assume it might be Папа‘s powers related. “Okay, the bridge…” muses aloud. “Okay. Thanks, Aunt Elsie!” Their tails wag and they smile at her again, most of their nervousness forgotten for now.

[sentinel-rose]

"It aint magic, its just REALLY advanced science. We buy the food we need from the world's we visit. Use these machines to fake the money. Get comfy, unpack your stuff. See you tomorrow."

[winter-solstice-soldier]

They hum, frowning. Maybe they won’t look too far into it, then. They nod, smiling at her again. “Okay. Thanks. Love you.” They pull her into another hug, much more gentle than the one in the garden.

[sentinel-rose]

Elsie hugs her back and and scratches their ears. "Love ya too Kit. Get unpacked and go exploring, this place is bigger than it looks."

[sentinel-rose]

Winter was nervous, boarding Elsie and Akari’s ship. Sure, they knew they’d be safe there, they trusted their family. They trusted Папа when he said they’d be fine there.

But, it was still meeting two more people (Mara and Avice, he had said. They sounded nice enough), albeit family. But more importantly than more family members in an already huge family, trying to act like a real, normal human (kitsune) person. That was definitely the scariest part. Along with the fact that Akari offered to make them a Rose Soul early. A real Rose Soul, like Папа and grandma and Батя Судьба (Destiny), though that was causing more of an excited buzz through their veins, rather than the much louder, much more anxious buzzing.

Too late to turn back now, they told themself. And dad wants you to go with them. It’ll just be two weeks, and he told you it’d be good for you. You already know Akari, and she’s nice, and everyone is family here.

That didn’t stop the buzzing, though.

Meeting in the hotel is easy, under the same tree they always seemed to meet at. Sitting there is the two women they'd expect. Elsie and Akari. Elsie looked the older of the two, miss matched eyes with red stain over them, sat in the tree loading her rifle. Akari, as energetic as she always is, is in her fox form chasing a butterfly around the base of the tree. Elsie waves down at Winter and smiles. "Hey Sol! Whats up?"

[winter-solstice-soldier]

They wave at back at Elsie (internally noting the rifle, the model, and inwardly being impressed), then they wave at Akari, though they’re pretty sure she won’t even notice. But it’s still polite to wave at both of them. “Hi Aunt Elsie, Aunt Akari… not much, just waiting to head out, I guess.” They give her a small, nervous smile. “And meet the other two aunts… I have a lot of aunts, huh?… what’s the ship like? Is it cool to ride in? Is it cold on there?” They hope it’s not.

[sentinel-rose]

Elsie puts her rifle over her shoulder and hops down to the ground. Akari runs over to Winter, nuzzling their feet as a hello. "The ship is called IDIOT, we didnt name it." Elsie tacks on quickly. "You have everything you're gonna need? Clothes? Snacks? Enough weapons to kill a small army?"

[winter-solstice-soldier]

They pet Akari, wrapping one of their tails loosely around her. They snort at the name. “Who did name it?” They nod. “Yep. Everything. Even some sewing supplies and my notebook I use for planning out weapons and. Armor! And my arms have enough weapons on their own, but I brought my staff and Steel Thorns, too.”

[sentinel-rose]

Elsie chuckles "Its a long story... nevermind it." She waves it off and picks up her sister. "Should be good for a short trip. Mara and Avice are waiting on the ship, been preparing a room for you."

[winter-solstice-soldier]

They smile, a bit more comfortable now. They pat Akari. “Okay, I’m ready, then… what are Mara and Avice like? Папа said Avice is about my age and Mara is really nice. They live with you, right? So you guys probably know more.”

[sentinel-rose]

"Mara is shy, its gonna take a while for her to warm up." Elsie sets Akari down and pulls out what resembles a tv remote from her bag. "Avice needs to stay out of trouble." She chuckles. Elsie clicks a button on the remote and a portal opens in the air before them. As Elsie is about to step through, Akari yips and bites at her ankle. "Ow- hey!"

Akari shifts back into her human form. "Forgetting the most important part! Turning them into a Rose Soul!"

"Riiight."

[winter-solstice-soldier]

“Noted…” so they need to take their time with Mara, not overwhelm her. They can do that. As for Avice, maybe they need to be a bit wary…? They jump when Akari suddenly yips and bites. They grin and their tails start wagging at dangerous speeds when she makes that comment.

“Yeah! What’ll that be like? Do I get to look more like Папа and grandma and Aunt V?” They’re glancing between their two aunts now.

[sentinel-rose]

"Probably not." Elsie states quickly.

"Our appearances are self actualized, really just a fancy eay of saying we subconsciously decide what we look like." Akari continues.

"Granted if you really wanna look like a Red Soul, some features may show through. They didnt for me and Akari though."

Akari skips forward, red storm gathering in their hands. "You ready Sol?"

[winter-solstice-soldier]

They frown, but their expression gets more hopeful at the bit about maybe getting some features like their family’s. They nod slowly, taking a deep breath and remembering what Akari said it feels like… just warm, like being sewn into a blanket, presumably a blanket of family, since that’s what Rose Souls are, their family. “I’m ready.”

[sentinel-rose]

The storm surrounds Sol like a cocoon. The outside world vanishes into the dark swirling red mist. They feel it press into their skin, seeping into every cell and pouring through their veins. Its warmth spreads fast, enveloping their body, and the air around them. For a moment they can feel their connection to Elsie and Akari, to Hemlock, to Amber. To everyone in their family, and beyond to people they don't know. Then they realize they can't breath. The Storm had filled their lungs, depriving them of oxygen.

[winter-solstice-soldier]

They all but melt into the warmth, so different from the cold that they’re constantly fearing will come for them. Relief, comfort, feeling near unstoppable bring so close to their family… until they realize they Camry breathe. They reach for their throat, gasping to no avail, panicking. Did The Storm reject them, is something going wrong, did they mess it up somehow…?

[sentinel-rose]

The panic grows higher as their heart races, body aching and lungs screaming for air. They fall to their knees choking and gasping, only taking in more of the red gas. With one more breath their body finally gets the air it needs, but they are still breathing in storm... The gas slowly fades away, seeping into their body.

Akari greets them with a smile. "It went perfectly!"

[winter-solstice-soldier]

They gasp oxygen back into their lungs once their body allows it. They breathe in relief, and lunge at Akari, pulling her into a tight hug that could crush bone if it was someone else. “Okay okay. Good. That was scary for a second.” They pull back, giving Elsie a tight hug, as well.

When the two get a clear look at them, their previously black with white fluff ears has silver-white tips. Their warm brown hair has some gray a similar if not the same shade as Amber’s. Their remaining blue eye has switched to red, the pupil slitted like a fox’s eye and a slightly darker red than the iris, and the sclera around it a deep red. Their teal eye has changed somewhat, as well, with the pupil changing to a slightly deeper teal than the iris around it. Both eyes have a glowing effect. They still have the gray, white, and red streaks from before, the colors looking more naturally blended into their hair now.

[sentinel-rose]

Akari laughs nervously. "Did... did I forget to mention the choking part..."

Elsie groans "Akari... you nearly gave them a panic attack!"

"Not my fault! I forgot...."

Elsie rolls her eyes and takes a closer look at them. "Looks like the Storm has already changed your appearance. It'll be a fun surprise for Hem when we get back." She chuckles

[winter-solstice-soldier]

They huff. “You did forget… they should write an instruction manual for it… that was terrifying.” They frown at Elsie. “Huh??? Has it? Do you have a mirror?” There’s barely concealed excitement on their face at the idea of it changing them so quickly, but while their face is trying hard to try it, their tails are wagging with the same dangerous speeds as before.

[sentinel-rose]

Elsie holds back a laugh as she conjures a mirror for Sol to use. "Here you go."

[winter-solstice-soldier]

Their tails only wag faster as they look at themself in the mirror. They stare into it, occasionally shifting it, for at least a couple minutes before pulling the two into a group hug again. “Thank you thank you thank you!”

[sentinel-rose]

"Alright kiddo, lets get you set up in your room." Elsie hooks a thumb over her shoulder towards the portal.

"You're gonna love it! We have an armory, a whole kitchen, and enough pillows and blankets to turn an entire room into a giant pillow fort!"

[winter-solstice-soldier]

Their tails wag more as they turn back to the portal. “You’ll teach me how to use The Storm while I stay with you, right?” They grin at the two. “I’ve never built a pillow fort before. What’s it like? Can we try building one?”

[sentinel-rose]

"Obviously!" Akari matches the speed of their excited tail wags. "Come on!" She drags Sol through the portal.

Passing through the doorway, everything gets blinding bright and rapidly dims again. They stand in a large metal room... it looks like the bridge of a sci-fi space ship. It smells like someone burnt coffee ages ago and the smell refuses to die. The bridge of the ship is decorated with drawings, colorful blankets, and plants stuck in pots, a door leading deeper into the ship waits closed

[winter-solstice-soldier]

They grin and allow themself to get dragged through. They squint and then unsquint slowly when they go through, glancing around the room. They scrunch their nose at the scent, but they’ll get used to it quickly. “It looks nice in here…” they muse quietly. “Comfortable. Where’s my room?” They want to set their stuff down and get to exploring the whole ship, both stable on the ground then through a ventilation system if possible. They like fully scoping out new areas, especially if they’re staying there for a while.

[sentinel-rose]

Elsie motions for them to follow, leading them through the dark steel halls of the ship lovingly decorated with murals painted by hand... definitely by a child. String lights and vines hang from the ceiling and blow gently in the air. The hallway ends in a dining area with puzzles and board games strew about, and a flipped over game of monopoly. Elsie points over to a bar looking into a kitchen, the door around the corner. "Kitchen is that way if you get hungry. In the other direction" She dramatically scoops her arm to the other side of the room "Is the utility wing. Armory, workshop, ship maintenance areas, you get the idea." She keeps walking to the far side of where they entered, leading down a hallway. "This is where the rooms are. The locked ones belong to the old crew, Mom, Nathaniel, Layla, and the others. Our are around the corner." Elsie swings around the corner to the last set of doors, 6 in total, 5 painted with murals. The closest door is painted to look like a fox running through a field, the one next to it is a woman resembling Elsie in a tree aiming a large rifle. The next two doors must be for Mara and Avice, and are painted with murals of music notes and paint splotches respectively. The last door has a fox with devil wings holding a rose in its mouth, Hemlock's room clearly. They arrive at the final room, the only unpainted door. Elsie unlocks the door and swings it open, inside is a cozy looking room with a bed, nightstand, wardrobe, and soft warm light streaming from the light in the ceiling. "Its a little bare, thought you could decorate it yourself."

[winter-solstice-soldier]

They look closely at the paint, smiling at the bright contrast. They look up at the vines and lights with awe, admiring the ambience. They snort at the board game being flipped, sure that someone had gotten upset with the game. “So they’re the ones that named the ship, right?” They snort, wondering who had picked out the name among the group. They nod, mentally noting the directions that the different rooms are in. They admire the painted doors. “Who does the painting?” They tilt their head at Elsie. “It’s all very pretty.”

They walk into their new room, setting down their bag next to the bed. They’ll unpack what’s inside later. Next, they take off the weapons strapped to them, putting them atop the nightstand and wardrobe. They smile. “It’s nice in here…” They’ll probably try to get a desk, so they can keep working on their current projects, since they did bring their notebooks with. They should ask for a map of the ship to put on the wall, to continue their usual theme of keeping maps with them. They’ll ask around where they’re flying(?) and if they ever dock(?) the ship for port(?). “Do you guys have any maps? Do you ever, uh, stop the ship for supplies, or anything? Can I have a desk?”

[sentinel-rose]

"The lady who built the ship is who named it. It stands for inter-dimensional... I forget the rest. We'd rename it but that's bad luck.." She explains. "Mara does the painting. She's the artist of the family it seems. She's gotten a heck of a lot better over the years. Avice took to the ship's internals like a fish to water. They have a very natural talent for engineer work." As they enter the room Elsie opens an odd box shaped indent in the wall. "We dont stop for supplies." She says clicking a button next to the box. "Bed sheets." She says plainly. The box glows and creates a small stack of nicely fitted bed sheets. "Got everything we need right here. It can make anything nonorganic. As for maps, we take maps of every world we visit, just head to the bridge to look. As for your desk, we can get one made in less than an hour give or take."

[winter-solstice-soldier]

They snicker. “She either did it on purpose or didn’t think about what the short version would be.” Doesn’t know what an acronym is. “Oh wow… she’s definitely the artist.” They hum. They should talk to Avice about their weapon and arm designs, since those are sort of engineer-y. “Huh. Fancy. What kind of magic makes it do that?” They take the bedsheets, inspecting them before putting them on the bed. They’ll have to look into that magic… maybe, if they can apply it to something they might make. “What about the food?” They tilt their head. They assume it might be Папа‘s powers related. “Okay, the bridge…” muses aloud. “Okay. Thanks, Aunt Elsie!” Their tails wag and they smile at her again, most of their nervousness forgotten for now.

[sentinel-rose]

"It aint magic, its just REALLY advanced science. We buy the food we need from the world's we visit. Use these machines to fake the money. Get comfy, unpack your stuff. See you tomorrow."

[sentinel-rose]

Winter was nervous, boarding Elsie and Akari’s ship. Sure, they knew they’d be safe there, they trusted their family. They trusted Папа when he said they’d be fine there.

But, it was still meeting two more people (Mara and Avice, he had said. They sounded nice enough), albeit family. But more importantly than more family members in an already huge family, trying to act like a real, normal human (kitsune) person. That was definitely the scariest part. Along with the fact that Akari offered to make them a Rose Soul early. A real Rose Soul, like Папа and grandma and Батя Судьба (Destiny), though that was causing more of an excited buzz through their veins, rather than the much louder, much more anxious buzzing.

Too late to turn back now, they told themself. And dad wants you to go with them. It’ll just be two weeks, and he told you it’d be good for you. You already know Akari, and she’s nice, and everyone is family here.

That didn’t stop the buzzing, though.

Meeting in the hotel is easy, under the same tree they always seemed to meet at. Sitting there is the two women they'd expect. Elsie and Akari. Elsie looked the older of the two, miss matched eyes with red stain over them, sat in the tree loading her rifle. Akari, as energetic as she always is, is in her fox form chasing a butterfly around the base of the tree. Elsie waves down at Winter and smiles. "Hey Sol! Whats up?"

[winter-solstice-soldier]

They wave at back at Elsie (internally noting the rifle, the model, and inwardly being impressed), then they wave at Akari, though they’re pretty sure she won’t even notice. But it’s still polite to wave at both of them. “Hi Aunt Elsie, Aunt Akari… not much, just waiting to head out, I guess.” They give her a small, nervous smile. “And meet the other two aunts… I have a lot of aunts, huh?… what’s the ship like? Is it cool to ride in? Is it cold on there?” They hope it’s not.

[sentinel-rose]

Elsie puts her rifle over her shoulder and hops down to the ground. Akari runs over to Winter, nuzzling their feet as a hello. "The ship is called IDIOT, we didnt name it." Elsie tacks on quickly. "You have everything you're gonna need? Clothes? Snacks? Enough weapons to kill a small army?"

[winter-solstice-soldier]

They pet Akari, wrapping one of their tails loosely around her. They snort at the name. “Who did name it?” They nod. “Yep. Everything. Even some sewing supplies and my notebook I use for planning out weapons and. Armor! And my arms have enough weapons on their own, but I brought my staff and Steel Thorns, too.”

[sentinel-rose]

Elsie chuckles "Its a long story... nevermind it." She waves it off and picks up her sister. "Should be good for a short trip. Mara and Avice are waiting on the ship, been preparing a room for you."

[winter-solstice-soldier]

They smile, a bit more comfortable now. They pat Akari. “Okay, I’m ready, then… what are Mara and Avice like? Папа said Avice is about my age and Mara is really nice. They live with you, right? So you guys probably know more.”

[sentinel-rose]

"Mara is shy, its gonna take a while for her to warm up." Elsie sets Akari down and pulls out what resembles a tv remote from her bag. "Avice needs to stay out of trouble." She chuckles. Elsie clicks a button on the remote and a portal opens in the air before them. As Elsie is about to step through, Akari yips and bites at her ankle. "Ow- hey!"

Akari shifts back into her human form. "Forgetting the most important part! Turning them into a Rose Soul!"

"Riiight."

[winter-solstice-soldier]

“Noted…” so they need to take their time with Mara, not overwhelm her. They can do that. As for Avice, maybe they need to be a bit wary…? They jump when Akari suddenly yips and bites. They grin and their tails start wagging at dangerous speeds when she makes that comment.

“Yeah! What’ll that be like? Do I get to look more like Папа and grandma and Aunt V?” They’re glancing between their two aunts now.

[sentinel-rose]

"Probably not." Elsie states quickly.

"Our appearances are self actualized, really just a fancy eay of saying we subconsciously decide what we look like." Akari continues.

"Granted if you really wanna look like a Red Soul, some features may show through. They didnt for me and Akari though."

Akari skips forward, red storm gathering in their hands. "You ready Sol?"

[winter-solstice-soldier]

They frown, but their expression gets more hopeful at the bit about maybe getting some features like their family’s. They nod slowly, taking a deep breath and remembering what Akari said it feels like… just warm, like being sewn into a blanket, presumably a blanket of family, since that’s what Rose Souls are, their family. “I’m ready.”

[sentinel-rose]

The storm surrounds Sol like a cocoon. The outside world vanishes into the dark swirling red mist. They feel it press into their skin, seeping into every cell and pouring through their veins. Its warmth spreads fast, enveloping their body, and the air around them. For a moment they can feel their connection to Elsie and Akari, to Hemlock, to Amber. To everyone in their family, and beyond to people they don't know. Then they realize they can't breath. The Storm had filled their lungs, depriving them of oxygen.

[winter-solstice-soldier]

They all but melt into the warmth, so different from the cold that they’re constantly fearing will come for them. Relief, comfort, feeling near unstoppable bring so close to their family… until they realize they Camry breathe. They reach for their throat, gasping to no avail, panicking. Did The Storm reject them, is something going wrong, did they mess it up somehow…?

[sentinel-rose]

The panic grows higher as their heart races, body aching and lungs screaming for air. They fall to their knees choking and gasping, only taking in more of the red gas. With one more breath their body finally gets the air it needs, but they are still breathing in storm... The gas slowly fades away, seeping into their body.

Akari greets them with a smile. "It went perfectly!"

[winter-solstice-soldier]

They gasp oxygen back into their lungs once their body allows it. They breathe in relief, and lunge at Akari, pulling her into a tight hug that could crush bone if it was someone else. “Okay okay. Good. That was scary for a second.” They pull back, giving Elsie a tight hug, as well.

When the two get a clear look at them, their previously black with white fluff ears has silver-white tips. Their warm brown hair has some gray a similar if not the same shade as Amber’s. Their remaining blue eye has switched to red, the pupil slitted like a fox’s eye and a slightly darker red than the iris, and the sclera around it a deep red. Their teal eye has changed somewhat, as well, with the pupil changing to a slightly deeper teal than the iris around it. Both eyes have a glowing effect. They still have the gray, white, and red streaks from before, the colors looking more naturally blended into their hair now.

[sentinel-rose]

Akari laughs nervously. "Did... did I forget to mention the choking part..."

Elsie groans "Akari... you nearly gave them a panic attack!"

"Not my fault! I forgot...."

Elsie rolls her eyes and takes a closer look at them. "Looks like the Storm has already changed your appearance. It'll be a fun surprise for Hem when we get back." She chuckles

[winter-solstice-soldier]

They huff. “You did forget… they should write an instruction manual for it… that was terrifying.” They frown at Elsie. “Huh??? Has it? Do you have a mirror?” There’s barely concealed excitement on their face at the idea of it changing them so quickly, but while their face is trying hard to try it, their tails are wagging with the same dangerous speeds as before.

[sentinel-rose]

Elsie holds back a laugh as she conjures a mirror for Sol to use. "Here you go."

[winter-solstice-soldier]

Their tails only wag faster as they look at themself in the mirror. They stare into it, occasionally shifting it, for at least a couple minutes before pulling the two into a group hug again. “Thank you thank you thank you!”

[sentinel-rose]

"Alright kiddo, lets get you set up in your room." Elsie hooks a thumb over her shoulder towards the portal.

"You're gonna love it! We have an armory, a whole kitchen, and enough pillows and blankets to turn an entire room into a giant pillow fort!"

[winter-solstice-soldier]

Their tails wag more as they turn back to the portal. “You’ll teach me how to use The Storm while I stay with you, right?” They grin at the two. “I’ve never built a pillow fort before. What’s it like? Can we try building one?”

[sentinel-rose]

"Obviously!" Akari matches the speed of their excited tail wags. "Come on!" She drags Sol through the portal.

Passing through the doorway, everything gets blinding bright and rapidly dims again. They stand in a large metal room... it looks like the bridge of a sci-fi space ship. It smells like someone burnt coffee ages ago and the smell refuses to die. The bridge of the ship is decorated with drawings, colorful blankets, and plants stuck in pots, a door leading deeper into the ship waits closed

[winter-solstice-soldier]

They grin and allow themself to get dragged through. They squint and then unsquint slowly when they go through, glancing around the room. They scrunch their nose at the scent, but they’ll get used to it quickly. “It looks nice in here…” they muse quietly. “Comfortable. Where’s my room?” They want to set their stuff down and get to exploring the whole ship, both stable on the ground then through a ventilation system if possible. They like fully scoping out new areas, especially if they’re staying there for a while.

[sentinel-rose]

Elsie motions for them to follow, leading them through the dark steel halls of the ship lovingly decorated with murals painted by hand... definitely by a child. String lights and vines hang from the ceiling and blow gently in the air. The hallway ends in a dining area with puzzles and board games strew about, and a flipped over game of monopoly. Elsie points over to a bar looking into a kitchen, the door around the corner. "Kitchen is that way if you get hungry. In the other direction" She dramatically scoops her arm to the other side of the room "Is the utility wing. Armory, workshop, ship maintenance areas, you get the idea." She keeps walking to the far side of where they entered, leading down a hallway. "This is where the rooms are. The locked ones belong to the old crew, Mom, Nathaniel, Layla, and the others. Our are around the corner." Elsie swings around the corner to the last set of doors, 6 in total, 5 painted with murals. The closest door is painted to look like a fox running through a field, the one next to it is a woman resembling Elsie in a tree aiming a large rifle. The next two doors must be for Mara and Avice, and are painted with murals of music notes and paint splotches respectively. The last door has a fox with devil wings holding a rose in its mouth, Hemlock's room clearly. They arrive at the final room, the only unpainted door. Elsie unlocks the door and swings it open, inside is a cozy looking room with a bed, nightstand, wardrobe, and soft warm light streaming from the light in the ceiling. "Its a little bare, thought you could decorate it yourself."

[winter-solstice-soldier]

They look closely at the paint, smiling at the bright contrast. They look up at the vines and lights with awe, admiring the ambience. They snort at the board game being flipped, sure that someone had gotten upset with the game. “So they’re the ones that named the ship, right?” They snort, wondering who had picked out the name among the group. They nod, mentally noting the directions that the different rooms are in. They admire the painted doors. “Who does the painting?” They tilt their head at Elsie. “It’s all very pretty.”

They walk into their new room, setting down their bag next to the bed. They’ll unpack what’s inside later. Next, they take off the weapons strapped to them, putting them atop the nightstand and wardrobe. They smile. “It’s nice in here…” They’ll probably try to get a desk, so they can keep working on their current projects, since they did bring their notebooks with. They should ask for a map of the ship to put on the wall, to continue their usual theme of keeping maps with them. They’ll ask around where they’re flying(?) and if they ever dock(?) the ship for port(?). “Do you guys have any maps? Do you ever, uh, stop the ship for supplies, or anything? Can I have a desk?”

[sentinel-rose]

"The lady who built the ship is who named it. It stands for inter-dimensional... I forget the rest. We'd rename it but that's bad luck.." She explains. "Mara does the painting. She's the artist of the family it seems. She's gotten a heck of a lot better over the years. Avice took to the ship's internals like a fish to water. They have a very natural talent for engineer work." As they enter the room Elsie opens an odd box shaped indent in the wall. "We dont stop for supplies." She says clicking a button next to the box. "Bed sheets." She says plainly. The box glows and creates a small stack of nicely fitted bed sheets. "Got everything we need right here. It can make anything nonorganic. As for maps, we take maps of every world we visit, just head to the bridge to look. As for your desk, we can get one made in less than an hour give or take."

[sentinel-rose]

Winter was nervous, boarding Elsie and Akari’s ship. Sure, they knew they’d be safe there, they trusted their family. They trusted Папа when he said they’d be fine there.

But, it was still meeting two more people (Mara and Avice, he had said. They sounded nice enough), albeit family. But more importantly than more family members in an already huge family, trying to act like a real, normal human (kitsune) person. That was definitely the scariest part. Along with the fact that Akari offered to make them a Rose Soul early. A real Rose Soul, like Папа and grandma and Батя Судьба (Destiny), though that was causing more of an excited buzz through their veins, rather than the much louder, much more anxious buzzing.

Too late to turn back now, they told themself. And dad wants you to go with them. It’ll just be two weeks, and he told you it’d be good for you. You already know Akari, and she’s nice, and everyone is family here.

That didn’t stop the buzzing, though.

Meeting in the hotel is easy, under the same tree they always seemed to meet at. Sitting there is the two women they'd expect. Elsie and Akari. Elsie looked the older of the two, miss matched eyes with red stain over them, sat in the tree loading her rifle. Akari, as energetic as she always is, is in her fox form chasing a butterfly around the base of the tree. Elsie waves down at Winter and smiles. "Hey Sol! Whats up?"

[winter-solstice-soldier]

They wave at back at Elsie (internally noting the rifle, the model, and inwardly being impressed), then they wave at Akari, though they’re pretty sure she won’t even notice. But it’s still polite to wave at both of them. “Hi Aunt Elsie, Aunt Akari… not much, just waiting to head out, I guess.” They give her a small, nervous smile. “And meet the other two aunts… I have a lot of aunts, huh?… what’s the ship like? Is it cool to ride in? Is it cold on there?” They hope it’s not.

[sentinel-rose]

Elsie puts her rifle over her shoulder and hops down to the ground. Akari runs over to Winter, nuzzling their feet as a hello. "The ship is called IDIOT, we didnt name it." Elsie tacks on quickly. "You have everything you're gonna need? Clothes? Snacks? Enough weapons to kill a small army?"

[winter-solstice-soldier]

They pet Akari, wrapping one of their tails loosely around her. They snort at the name. “Who did name it?” They nod. “Yep. Everything. Even some sewing supplies and my notebook I use for planning out weapons and. Armor! And my arms have enough weapons on their own, but I brought my staff and Steel Thorns, too.”

[sentinel-rose]

Elsie chuckles "Its a long story... nevermind it." She waves it off and picks up her sister. "Should be good for a short trip. Mara and Avice are waiting on the ship, been preparing a room for you."

[winter-solstice-soldier]

They smile, a bit more comfortable now. They pat Akari. “Okay, I’m ready, then… what are Mara and Avice like? Папа said Avice is about my age and Mara is really nice. They live with you, right? So you guys probably know more.”

[sentinel-rose]

"Mara is shy, its gonna take a while for her to warm up." Elsie sets Akari down and pulls out what resembles a tv remote from her bag. "Avice needs to stay out of trouble." She chuckles. Elsie clicks a button on the remote and a portal opens in the air before them. As Elsie is about to step through, Akari yips and bites at her ankle. "Ow- hey!"

Akari shifts back into her human form. "Forgetting the most important part! Turning them into a Rose Soul!"

"Riiight."

[winter-solstice-soldier]

“Noted…” so they need to take their time with Mara, not overwhelm her. They can do that. As for Avice, maybe they need to be a bit wary…? They jump when Akari suddenly yips and bites. They grin and their tails start wagging at dangerous speeds when she makes that comment.

“Yeah! What’ll that be like? Do I get to look more like Папа and grandma and Aunt V?” They’re glancing between their two aunts now.

[sentinel-rose]

"Probably not." Elsie states quickly.

"Our appearances are self actualized, really just a fancy eay of saying we subconsciously decide what we look like." Akari continues.

"Granted if you really wanna look like a Red Soul, some features may show through. They didnt for me and Akari though."

Akari skips forward, red storm gathering in their hands. "You ready Sol?"

[winter-solstice-soldier]

They frown, but their expression gets more hopeful at the bit about maybe getting some features like their family’s. They nod slowly, taking a deep breath and remembering what Akari said it feels like… just warm, like being sewn into a blanket, presumably a blanket of family, since that’s what Rose Souls are, their family. “I’m ready.”

[sentinel-rose]

The storm surrounds Sol like a cocoon. The outside world vanishes into the dark swirling red mist. They feel it press into their skin, seeping into every cell and pouring through their veins. Its warmth spreads fast, enveloping their body, and the air around them. For a moment they can feel their connection to Elsie and Akari, to Hemlock, to Amber. To everyone in their family, and beyond to people they don't know. Then they realize they can't breath. The Storm had filled their lungs, depriving them of oxygen.

[winter-solstice-soldier]

They all but melt into the warmth, so different from the cold that they’re constantly fearing will come for them. Relief, comfort, feeling near unstoppable bring so close to their family… until they realize they Camry breathe. They reach for their throat, gasping to no avail, panicking. Did The Storm reject them, is something going wrong, did they mess it up somehow…?

[sentinel-rose]

The panic grows higher as their heart races, body aching and lungs screaming for air. They fall to their knees choking and gasping, only taking in more of the red gas. With one more breath their body finally gets the air it needs, but they are still breathing in storm... The gas slowly fades away, seeping into their body.

Akari greets them with a smile. "It went perfectly!"

[winter-solstice-soldier]

They gasp oxygen back into their lungs once their body allows it. They breathe in relief, and lunge at Akari, pulling her into a tight hug that could crush bone if it was someone else. “Okay okay. Good. That was scary for a second.” They pull back, giving Elsie a tight hug, as well.

When the two get a clear look at them, their previously black with white fluff ears has silver-white tips. Their warm brown hair has some gray a similar if not the same shade as Amber’s. Their remaining blue eye has switched to red, the pupil slitted like a fox’s eye and a slightly darker red than the iris, and the sclera around it a deep red. Their teal eye has changed somewhat, as well, with the pupil changing to a slightly deeper teal than the iris around it. Both eyes have a glowing effect. They still have the gray, white, and red streaks from before, the colors looking more naturally blended into their hair now.

[sentinel-rose]

Akari laughs nervously. "Did... did I forget to mention the choking part..."

Elsie groans "Akari... you nearly gave them a panic attack!"

"Not my fault! I forgot...."

Elsie rolls her eyes and takes a closer look at them. "Looks like the Storm has already changed your appearance. It'll be a fun surprise for Hem when we get back." She chuckles

[winter-solstice-soldier]

They huff. “You did forget… they should write an instruction manual for it… that was terrifying.” They frown at Elsie. “Huh??? Has it? Do you have a mirror?” There’s barely concealed excitement on their face at the idea of it changing them so quickly, but while their face is trying hard to try it, their tails are wagging with the same dangerous speeds as before.

[sentinel-rose]

Elsie holds back a laugh as she conjures a mirror for Sol to use. "Here you go."

[winter-solstice-soldier]

Their tails only wag faster as they look at themself in the mirror. They stare into it, occasionally shifting it, for at least a couple minutes before pulling the two into a group hug again. “Thank you thank you thank you!”

[sentinel-rose]

"Alright kiddo, lets get you set up in your room." Elsie hooks a thumb over her shoulder towards the portal.

"You're gonna love it! We have an armory, a whole kitchen, and enough pillows and blankets to turn an entire room into a giant pillow fort!"

[winter-solstice-soldier]

Their tails wag more as they turn back to the portal. “You’ll teach me how to use The Storm while I stay with you, right?” They grin at the two. “I’ve never built a pillow fort before. What’s it like? Can we try building one?”

[sentinel-rose]

"Obviously!" Akari matches the speed of their excited tail wags. "Come on!" She drags Sol through the portal.

Passing through the doorway, everything gets blinding bright and rapidly dims again. They stand in a large metal room... it looks like the bridge of a sci-fi space ship. It smells like someone burnt coffee ages ago and the smell refuses to die. The bridge of the ship is decorated with drawings, colorful blankets, and plants stuck in pots, a door leading deeper into the ship waits closed

[winter-solstice-soldier]

They grin and allow themself to get dragged through. They squint and then unsquint slowly when they go through, glancing around the room. They scrunch their nose at the scent, but they’ll get used to it quickly. “It looks nice in here…” they muse quietly. “Comfortable. Where’s my room?” They want to set their stuff down and get to exploring the whole ship, both stable on the ground then through a ventilation system if possible. They like fully scoping out new areas, especially if they’re staying there for a while.

[sentinel-rose]

Elsie motions for them to follow, leading them through the dark steel halls of the ship lovingly decorated with murals painted by hand... definitely by a child. String lights and vines hang from the ceiling and blow gently in the air. The hallway ends in a dining area with puzzles and board games strew about, and a flipped over game of monopoly. Elsie points over to a bar looking into a kitchen, the door around the corner. "Kitchen is that way if you get hungry. In the other direction" She dramatically scoops her arm to the other side of the room "Is the utility wing. Armory, workshop, ship maintenance areas, you get the idea." She keeps walking to the far side of where they entered, leading down a hallway. "This is where the rooms are. The locked ones belong to the old crew, Mom, Nathaniel, Layla, and the others. Our are around the corner." Elsie swings around the corner to the last set of doors, 6 in total, 5 painted with murals. The closest door is painted to look like a fox running through a field, the one next to it is a woman resembling Elsie in a tree aiming a large rifle. The next two doors must be for Mara and Avice, and are painted with murals of music notes and paint splotches respectively. The last door has a fox with devil wings holding a rose in its mouth, Hemlock's room clearly. They arrive at the final room, the only unpainted door. Elsie unlocks the door and swings it open, inside is a cozy looking room with a bed, nightstand, wardrobe, and soft warm light streaming from the light in the ceiling. "Its a little bare, thought you could decorate it yourself."

[sentinel-rose]

Winter was nervous, boarding Elsie and Akari’s ship. Sure, they knew they’d be safe there, they trusted their family. They trusted Папа when he said they’d be fine there.

But, it was still meeting two more people (Mara and Avice, he had said. They sounded nice enough), albeit family. But more importantly than more family members in an already huge family, trying to act like a real, normal human (kitsune) person. That was definitely the scariest part. Along with the fact that Akari offered to make them a Rose Soul early. A real Rose Soul, like Папа and grandma and Батя Судьба (Destiny), though that was causing more of an excited buzz through their veins, rather than the much louder, much more anxious buzzing.

Too late to turn back now, they told themself. And dad wants you to go with them. It’ll just be two weeks, and he told you it’d be good for you. You already know Akari, and she’s nice, and everyone is family here.

That didn’t stop the buzzing, though.

Meeting in the hotel is easy, under the same tree they always seemed to meet at. Sitting there is the two women they'd expect. Elsie and Akari. Elsie looked the older of the two, miss matched eyes with red stain over them, sat in the tree loading her rifle. Akari, as energetic as she always is, is in her fox form chasing a butterfly around the base of the tree. Elsie waves down at Winter and smiles. "Hey Sol! Whats up?"

[winter-solstice-soldier]

They wave at back at Elsie (internally noting the rifle, the model, and inwardly being impressed), then they wave at Akari, though they’re pretty sure she won’t even notice. But it’s still polite to wave at both of them. “Hi Aunt Elsie, Aunt Akari… not much, just waiting to head out, I guess.” They give her a small, nervous smile. “And meet the other two aunts… I have a lot of aunts, huh?… what’s the ship like? Is it cool to ride in? Is it cold on there?” They hope it’s not.

[sentinel-rose]

Elsie puts her rifle over her shoulder and hops down to the ground. Akari runs over to Winter, nuzzling their feet as a hello. "The ship is called IDIOT, we didnt name it." Elsie tacks on quickly. "You have everything you're gonna need? Clothes? Snacks? Enough weapons to kill a small army?"

[winter-solstice-soldier]

They pet Akari, wrapping one of their tails loosely around her. They snort at the name. “Who did name it?” They nod. “Yep. Everything. Even some sewing supplies and my notebook I use for planning out weapons and. Armor! And my arms have enough weapons on their own, but I brought my staff and Steel Thorns, too.”

[sentinel-rose]

Elsie chuckles "Its a long story... nevermind it." She waves it off and picks up her sister. "Should be good for a short trip. Mara and Avice are waiting on the ship, been preparing a room for you."

[winter-solstice-soldier]

They smile, a bit more comfortable now. They pat Akari. “Okay, I’m ready, then… what are Mara and Avice like? Папа said Avice is about my age and Mara is really nice. They live with you, right? So you guys probably know more.”

[sentinel-rose]

"Mara is shy, its gonna take a while for her to warm up." Elsie sets Akari down and pulls out what resembles a tv remote from her bag. "Avice needs to stay out of trouble." She chuckles. Elsie clicks a button on the remote and a portal opens in the air before them. As Elsie is about to step through, Akari yips and bites at her ankle. "Ow- hey!"

Akari shifts back into her human form. "Forgetting the most important part! Turning them into a Rose Soul!"

"Riiight."

[winter-solstice-soldier]

“Noted…” so they need to take their time with Mara, not overwhelm her. They can do that. As for Avice, maybe they need to be a bit wary…? They jump when Akari suddenly yips and bites. They grin and their tails start wagging at dangerous speeds when she makes that comment.

“Yeah! What’ll that be like? Do I get to look more like Папа and grandma and Aunt V?” They’re glancing between their two aunts now.

[sentinel-rose]

"Probably not." Elsie states quickly.

"Our appearances are self actualized, really just a fancy eay of saying we subconsciously decide what we look like." Akari continues.

"Granted if you really wanna look like a Red Soul, some features may show through. They didnt for me and Akari though."

Akari skips forward, red storm gathering in their hands. "You ready Sol?"

[winter-solstice-soldier]

They frown, but their expression gets more hopeful at the bit about maybe getting some features like their family’s. They nod slowly, taking a deep breath and remembering what Akari said it feels like… just warm, like being sewn into a blanket, presumably a blanket of family, since that’s what Rose Souls are, their family. “I’m ready.”

[sentinel-rose]

The storm surrounds Sol like a cocoon. The outside world vanishes into the dark swirling red mist. They feel it press into their skin, seeping into every cell and pouring through their veins. Its warmth spreads fast, enveloping their body, and the air around them. For a moment they can feel their connection to Elsie and Akari, to Hemlock, to Amber. To everyone in their family, and beyond to people they don't know. Then they realize they can't breath. The Storm had filled their lungs, depriving them of oxygen.

[winter-solstice-soldier]

They all but melt into the warmth, so different from the cold that they’re constantly fearing will come for them. Relief, comfort, feeling near unstoppable bring so close to their family… until they realize they Camry breathe. They reach for their throat, gasping to no avail, panicking. Did The Storm reject them, is something going wrong, did they mess it up somehow…?

[sentinel-rose]

The panic grows higher as their heart races, body aching and lungs screaming for air. They fall to their knees choking and gasping, only taking in more of the red gas. With one more breath their body finally gets the air it needs, but they are still breathing in storm... The gas slowly fades away, seeping into their body.

Akari greets them with a smile. "It went perfectly!"

[winter-solstice-soldier]

They gasp oxygen back into their lungs once their body allows it. They breathe in relief, and lunge at Akari, pulling her into a tight hug that could crush bone if it was someone else. “Okay okay. Good. That was scary for a second.” They pull back, giving Elsie a tight hug, as well.

When the two get a clear look at them, their previously black with white fluff ears has silver-white tips. Their warm brown hair has some gray a similar if not the same shade as Amber’s. Their remaining blue eye has switched to red, the pupil slitted like a fox’s eye and a slightly darker red than the iris, and the sclera around it a deep red. Their teal eye has changed somewhat, as well, with the pupil changing to a slightly deeper teal than the iris around it. Both eyes have a glowing effect. They still have the gray, white, and red streaks from before, the colors looking more naturally blended into their hair now.

[sentinel-rose]

Akari laughs nervously. "Did... did I forget to mention the choking part..."

Elsie groans "Akari... you nearly gave them a panic attack!"

"Not my fault! I forgot...."

Elsie rolls her eyes and takes a closer look at them. "Looks like the Storm has already changed your appearance. It'll be a fun surprise for Hem when we get back." She chuckles

[winter-solstice-soldier]

They huff. “You did forget… they should write an instruction manual for it… that was terrifying.” They frown at Elsie. “Huh??? Has it? Do you have a mirror?” There’s barely concealed excitement on their face at the idea of it changing them so quickly, but while their face is trying hard to try it, their tails are wagging with the same dangerous speeds as before.

[sentinel-rose]

Elsie holds back a laugh as she conjures a mirror for Sol to use. "Here you go."

[winter-solstice-soldier]

Their tails only wag faster as they look at themself in the mirror. They stare into it, occasionally shifting it, for at least a couple minutes before pulling the two into a group hug again. “Thank you thank you thank you!”

[sentinel-rose]

"Alright kiddo, lets get you set up in your room." Elsie hooks a thumb over her shoulder towards the portal.

"You're gonna love it! We have an armory, a whole kitchen, and enough pillows and blankets to turn an entire room into a giant pillow fort!"

[winter-solstice-soldier]

Their tails wag more as they turn back to the portal. “You’ll teach me how to use The Storm while I stay with you, right?” They grin at the two. “I’ve never built a pillow fort before. What’s it like? Can we try building one?”

[sentinel-rose]

"Obviously!" Akari matches the speed of their excited tail wags. "Come on!" She drags Sol through the portal.

Passing through the doorway, everything gets blinding bright and rapidly dims again. They stand in a large metal room... it looks like the bridge of a sci-fi space ship. It smells like someone burnt coffee ages ago and the smell refuses to die. The bridge of the ship is decorated with drawings, colorful blankets, and plants stuck in pots, a door leading deeper into the ship waits closed

[sentinel-rose]

Winter was nervous, boarding Elsie and Akari’s ship. Sure, they knew they’d be safe there, they trusted their family. They trusted Папа when he said they’d be fine there.

But, it was still meeting two more people (Mara and Avice, he had said. They sounded nice enough), albeit family. But more importantly than more family members in an already huge family, trying to act like a real, normal human (kitsune) person. That was definitely the scariest part. Along with the fact that Akari offered to make them a Rose Soul early. A real Rose Soul, like Папа and grandma and Батя Судьба (Destiny), though that was causing more of an excited buzz through their veins, rather than the much louder, much more anxious buzzing.

Too late to turn back now, they told themself. And dad wants you to go with them. It’ll just be two weeks, and he told you it’d be good for you. You already know Akari, and she’s nice, and everyone is family here.

That didn’t stop the buzzing, though.

Meeting in the hotel is easy, under the same tree they always seemed to meet at. Sitting there is the two women they'd expect. Elsie and Akari. Elsie looked the older of the two, miss matched eyes with red stain over them, sat in the tree loading her rifle. Akari, as energetic as she always is, is in her fox form chasing a butterfly around the base of the tree. Elsie waves down at Winter and smiles. "Hey Sol! Whats up?"

[winter-solstice-soldier]

They wave at back at Elsie (internally noting the rifle, the model, and inwardly being impressed), then they wave at Akari, though they’re pretty sure she won’t even notice. But it’s still polite to wave at both of them. “Hi Aunt Elsie, Aunt Akari… not much, just waiting to head out, I guess.” They give her a small, nervous smile. “And meet the other two aunts… I have a lot of aunts, huh?… what’s the ship like? Is it cool to ride in? Is it cold on there?” They hope it’s not.

[sentinel-rose]

Elsie puts her rifle over her shoulder and hops down to the ground. Akari runs over to Winter, nuzzling their feet as a hello. "The ship is called IDIOT, we didnt name it." Elsie tacks on quickly. "You have everything you're gonna need? Clothes? Snacks? Enough weapons to kill a small army?"

[winter-solstice-soldier]

They pet Akari, wrapping one of their tails loosely around her. They snort at the name. “Who did name it?” They nod. “Yep. Everything. Even some sewing supplies and my notebook I use for planning out weapons and. Armor! And my arms have enough weapons on their own, but I brought my staff and Steel Thorns, too.”

[sentinel-rose]

Elsie chuckles "Its a long story... nevermind it." She waves it off and picks up her sister. "Should be good for a short trip. Mara and Avice are waiting on the ship, been preparing a room for you."

[winter-solstice-soldier]

They smile, a bit more comfortable now. They pat Akari. “Okay, I’m ready, then… what are Mara and Avice like? Папа said Avice is about my age and Mara is really nice. They live with you, right? So you guys probably know more.”

[sentinel-rose]

"Mara is shy, its gonna take a while for her to warm up." Elsie sets Akari down and pulls out what resembles a tv remote from her bag. "Avice needs to stay out of trouble." She chuckles. Elsie clicks a button on the remote and a portal opens in the air before them. As Elsie is about to step through, Akari yips and bites at her ankle. "Ow- hey!"

Akari shifts back into her human form. "Forgetting the most important part! Turning them into a Rose Soul!"

"Riiight."

[winter-solstice-soldier]

“Noted…” so they need to take their time with Mara, not overwhelm her. They can do that. As for Avice, maybe they need to be a bit wary…? They jump when Akari suddenly yips and bites. They grin and their tails start wagging at dangerous speeds when she makes that comment.

“Yeah! What’ll that be like? Do I get to look more like Папа and grandma and Aunt V?” They’re glancing between their two aunts now.

[sentinel-rose]

"Probably not." Elsie states quickly.

"Our appearances are self actualized, really just a fancy eay of saying we subconsciously decide what we look like." Akari continues.

"Granted if you really wanna look like a Red Soul, some features may show through. They didnt for me and Akari though."

Akari skips forward, red storm gathering in their hands. "You ready Sol?"

[winter-solstice-soldier]

They frown, but their expression gets more hopeful at the bit about maybe getting some features like their family’s. They nod slowly, taking a deep breath and remembering what Akari said it feels like… just warm, like being sewn into a blanket, presumably a blanket of family, since that’s what Rose Souls are, their family. “I’m ready.”

[sentinel-rose]

The storm surrounds Sol like a cocoon. The outside world vanishes into the dark swirling red mist. They feel it press into their skin, seeping into every cell and pouring through their veins. Its warmth spreads fast, enveloping their body, and the air around them. For a moment they can feel their connection to Elsie and Akari, to Hemlock, to Amber. To everyone in their family, and beyond to people they don't know. Then they realize they can't breath. The Storm had filled their lungs, depriving them of oxygen.

[winter-solstice-soldier]

They all but melt into the warmth, so different from the cold that they’re constantly fearing will come for them. Relief, comfort, feeling near unstoppable bring so close to their family… until they realize they Camry breathe. They reach for their throat, gasping to no avail, panicking. Did The Storm reject them, is something going wrong, did they mess it up somehow…?

[sentinel-rose]

The panic grows higher as their heart races, body aching and lungs screaming for air. They fall to their knees choking and gasping, only taking in more of the red gas. With one more breath their body finally gets the air it needs, but they are still breathing in storm... The gas slowly fades away, seeping into their body.

Akari greets them with a smile. "It went perfectly!"

[winter-solstice-soldier]

They gasp oxygen back into their lungs once their body allows it. They breathe in relief, and lunge at Akari, pulling her into a tight hug that could crush bone if it was someone else. “Okay okay. Good. That was scary for a second.” They pull back, giving Elsie a tight hug, as well.

When the two get a clear look at them, their previously black with white fluff ears has silver-white tips. Their warm brown hair has some gray a similar if not the same shade as Amber’s. Their remaining blue eye has switched to red, the pupil slitted like a fox’s eye and a slightly darker red than the iris, and the sclera around it a deep red. Their teal eye has changed somewhat, as well, with the pupil changing to a slightly deeper teal than the iris around it. Both eyes have a glowing effect. They still have the gray, white, and red streaks from before, the colors looking more naturally blended into their hair now.

[sentinel-rose]

Akari laughs nervously. "Did... did I forget to mention the choking part..."

Elsie groans "Akari... you nearly gave them a panic attack!"

"Not my fault! I forgot...."

Elsie rolls her eyes and takes a closer look at them. "Looks like the Storm has already changed your appearance. It'll be a fun surprise for Hem when we get back." She chuckles

[winter-solstice-soldier]

They huff. “You did forget… they should write an instruction manual for it… that was terrifying.” They frown at Elsie. “Huh??? Has it? Do you have a mirror?” There’s barely concealed excitement on their face at the idea of it changing them so quickly, but while their face is trying hard to try it, their tails are wagging with the same dangerous speeds as before.

[sentinel-rose]

Elsie holds back a laugh as she conjures a mirror for Sol to use. "Here you go."

[winter-solstice-soldier]

Their tails only wag faster as they look at themself in the mirror. They stare into it, occasionally shifting it, for at least a couple minutes before pulling the two into a group hug again. “Thank you thank you thank you!”

[sentinel-rose]

"Alright kiddo, lets get you set up in your room." Elsie hooks a thumb over her shoulder towards the portal.

"You're gonna love it! We have an armory, a whole kitchen, and enough pillows and blankets to turn an entire room into a giant pillow fort!"

[sentinel-rose]

Winter was nervous, boarding Elsie and Akari’s ship. Sure, they knew they’d be safe there, they trusted their family. They trusted Папа when he said they’d be fine there.

But, it was still meeting two more people (Mara and Avice, he had said. They sounded nice enough), albeit family. But more importantly than more family members in an already huge family, trying to act like a real, normal human (kitsune) person. That was definitely the scariest part. Along with the fact that Akari offered to make them a Rose Soul early. A real Rose Soul, like Папа and grandma and Батя Судьба (Destiny), though that was causing more of an excited buzz through their veins, rather than the much louder, much more anxious buzzing.

Too late to turn back now, they told themself. And dad wants you to go with them. It’ll just be two weeks, and he told you it’d be good for you. You already know Akari, and she’s nice, and everyone is family here.

That didn’t stop the buzzing, though.

Meeting in the hotel is easy, under the same tree they always seemed to meet at. Sitting there is the two women they'd expect. Elsie and Akari. Elsie looked the older of the two, miss matched eyes with red stain over them, sat in the tree loading her rifle. Akari, as energetic as she always is, is in her fox form chasing a butterfly around the base of the tree. Elsie waves down at Winter and smiles. "Hey Sol! Whats up?"

[winter-solstice-soldier]

They wave at back at Elsie (internally noting the rifle, the model, and inwardly being impressed), then they wave at Akari, though they’re pretty sure she won’t even notice. But it’s still polite to wave at both of them. “Hi Aunt Elsie, Aunt Akari… not much, just waiting to head out, I guess.” They give her a small, nervous smile. “And meet the other two aunts… I have a lot of aunts, huh?… what’s the ship like? Is it cool to ride in? Is it cold on there?” They hope it’s not.

[sentinel-rose]

Elsie puts her rifle over her shoulder and hops down to the ground. Akari runs over to Winter, nuzzling their feet as a hello. "The ship is called IDIOT, we didnt name it." Elsie tacks on quickly. "You have everything you're gonna need? Clothes? Snacks? Enough weapons to kill a small army?"

[winter-solstice-soldier]

They pet Akari, wrapping one of their tails loosely around her. They snort at the name. “Who did name it?” They nod. “Yep. Everything. Even some sewing supplies and my notebook I use for planning out weapons and. Armor! And my arms have enough weapons on their own, but I brought my staff and Steel Thorns, too.”

[sentinel-rose]

Elsie chuckles "Its a long story... nevermind it." She waves it off and picks up her sister. "Should be good for a short trip. Mara and Avice are waiting on the ship, been preparing a room for you."

[winter-solstice-soldier]

They smile, a bit more comfortable now. They pat Akari. “Okay, I’m ready, then… what are Mara and Avice like? Папа said Avice is about my age and Mara is really nice. They live with you, right? So you guys probably know more.”

[sentinel-rose]

"Mara is shy, its gonna take a while for her to warm up." Elsie sets Akari down and pulls out what resembles a tv remote from her bag. "Avice needs to stay out of trouble." She chuckles. Elsie clicks a button on the remote and a portal opens in the air before them. As Elsie is about to step through, Akari yips and bites at her ankle. "Ow- hey!"

Akari shifts back into her human form. "Forgetting the most important part! Turning them into a Rose Soul!"

"Riiight."

[winter-solstice-soldier]

“Noted…” so they need to take their time with Mara, not overwhelm her. They can do that. As for Avice, maybe they need to be a bit wary…? They jump when Akari suddenly yips and bites. They grin and their tails start wagging at dangerous speeds when she makes that comment.

“Yeah! What’ll that be like? Do I get to look more like Папа and grandma and Aunt V?” They’re glancing between their two aunts now.

[sentinel-rose]

"Probably not." Elsie states quickly.

"Our appearances are self actualized, really just a fancy eay of saying we subconsciously decide what we look like." Akari continues.

"Granted if you really wanna look like a Red Soul, some features may show through. They didnt for me and Akari though."

Akari skips forward, red storm gathering in their hands. "You ready Sol?"

[winter-solstice-soldier]

They frown, but their expression gets more hopeful at the bit about maybe getting some features like their family’s. They nod slowly, taking a deep breath and remembering what Akari said it feels like… just warm, like being sewn into a blanket, presumably a blanket of family, since that’s what Rose Souls are, their family. “I’m ready.”

[sentinel-rose]

The storm surrounds Sol like a cocoon. The outside world vanishes into the dark swirling red mist. They feel it press into their skin, seeping into every cell and pouring through their veins. Its warmth spreads fast, enveloping their body, and the air around them. For a moment they can feel their connection to Elsie and Akari, to Hemlock, to Amber. To everyone in their family, and beyond to people they don't know. Then they realize they can't breath. The Storm had filled their lungs, depriving them of oxygen.

[winter-solstice-soldier]

They all but melt into the warmth, so different from the cold that they’re constantly fearing will come for them. Relief, comfort, feeling near unstoppable bring so close to their family… until they realize they Camry breathe. They reach for their throat, gasping to no avail, panicking. Did The Storm reject them, is something going wrong, did they mess it up somehow…?

[sentinel-rose]

The panic grows higher as their heart races, body aching and lungs screaming for air. They fall to their knees choking and gasping, only taking in more of the red gas. With one more breath their body finally gets the air it needs, but they are still breathing in storm... The gas slowly fades away, seeping into their body.

Akari greets them with a smile. "It went perfectly!"

[winter-solstice-soldier]

They gasp oxygen back into their lungs once their body allows it. They breathe in relief, and lunge at Akari, pulling her into a tight hug that could crush bone if it was someone else. “Okay okay. Good. That was scary for a second.” They pull back, giving Elsie a tight hug, as well.

When the two get a clear look at them, their previously black with white fluff ears has silver-white tips. Their warm brown hair has some gray a similar if not the same shade as Amber’s. Their remaining blue eye has switched to red, the pupil slitted like a fox’s eye and a slightly darker red than the iris, and the sclera around it a deep red. Their teal eye has changed somewhat, as well, with the pupil changing to a slightly deeper teal than the iris around it. Both eyes have a glowing effect. They still have the gray, white, and red streaks from before, the colors looking more naturally blended into their hair now.

[sentinel-rose]

Akari laughs nervously. "Did... did I forget to mention the choking part..."

Elsie groans "Akari... you nearly gave them a panic attack!"

"Not my fault! I forgot...."

Elsie rolls her eyes and takes a closer look at them. "Looks like the Storm has already changed your appearance. It'll be a fun surprise for Hem when we get back." She chuckles

[winter-solstice-soldier]

They huff. “You did forget… they should write an instruction manual for it… that was terrifying.” They frown at Elsie. “Huh??? Has it? Do you have a mirror?” There’s barely concealed excitement on their face at the idea of it changing them so quickly, but while their face is trying hard to try it, their tails are wagging with the same dangerous speeds as before.

[sentinel-rose]

Elsie holds back a laugh as she conjures a mirror for Sol to use. "Here you go."

[sentinel-rose]

Winter was nervous, boarding Elsie and Akari’s ship. Sure, they knew they’d be safe there, they trusted their family. They trusted Папа when he said they’d be fine there.

But, it was still meeting two more people (Mara and Avice, he had said. They sounded nice enough), albeit family. But more importantly than more family members in an already huge family, trying to act like a real, normal human (kitsune) person. That was definitely the scariest part. Along with the fact that Akari offered to make them a Rose Soul early. A real Rose Soul, like Папа and grandma and Батя Судьба (Destiny), though that was causing more of an excited buzz through their veins, rather than the much louder, much more anxious buzzing.

Too late to turn back now, they told themself. And dad wants you to go with them. It’ll just be two weeks, and he told you it’d be good for you. You already know Akari, and she’s nice, and everyone is family here.

That didn’t stop the buzzing, though.

Meeting in the hotel is easy, under the same tree they always seemed to meet at. Sitting there is the two women they'd expect. Elsie and Akari. Elsie looked the older of the two, miss matched eyes with red stain over them, sat in the tree loading her rifle. Akari, as energetic as she always is, is in her fox form chasing a butterfly around the base of the tree. Elsie waves down at Winter and smiles. "Hey Sol! Whats up?"

[winter-solstice-soldier]

They wave at back at Elsie (internally noting the rifle, the model, and inwardly being impressed), then they wave at Akari, though they’re pretty sure she won’t even notice. But it’s still polite to wave at both of them. “Hi Aunt Elsie, Aunt Akari… not much, just waiting to head out, I guess.” They give her a small, nervous smile. “And meet the other two aunts… I have a lot of aunts, huh?… what’s the ship like? Is it cool to ride in? Is it cold on there?” They hope it’s not.

[sentinel-rose]

Elsie puts her rifle over her shoulder and hops down to the ground. Akari runs over to Winter, nuzzling their feet as a hello. "The ship is called IDIOT, we didnt name it." Elsie tacks on quickly. "You have everything you're gonna need? Clothes? Snacks? Enough weapons to kill a small army?"

[winter-solstice-soldier]

They pet Akari, wrapping one of their tails loosely around her. They snort at the name. “Who did name it?” They nod. “Yep. Everything. Even some sewing supplies and my notebook I use for planning out weapons and. Armor! And my arms have enough weapons on their own, but I brought my staff and Steel Thorns, too.”

[sentinel-rose]

Elsie chuckles "Its a long story... nevermind it." She waves it off and picks up her sister. "Should be good for a short trip. Mara and Avice are waiting on the ship, been preparing a room for you."

[winter-solstice-soldier]

They smile, a bit more comfortable now. They pat Akari. “Okay, I’m ready, then… what are Mara and Avice like? Папа said Avice is about my age and Mara is really nice. They live with you, right? So you guys probably know more.”

[sentinel-rose]

"Mara is shy, its gonna take a while for her to warm up." Elsie sets Akari down and pulls out what resembles a tv remote from her bag. "Avice needs to stay out of trouble." She chuckles. Elsie clicks a button on the remote and a portal opens in the air before them. As Elsie is about to step through, Akari yips and bites at her ankle. "Ow- hey!"

Akari shifts back into her human form. "Forgetting the most important part! Turning them into a Rose Soul!"

"Riiight."

[winter-solstice-soldier]

“Noted…” so they need to take their time with Mara, not overwhelm her. They can do that. As for Avice, maybe they need to be a bit wary…? They jump when Akari suddenly yips and bites. They grin and their tails start wagging at dangerous speeds when she makes that comment.

“Yeah! What’ll that be like? Do I get to look more like Папа and grandma and Aunt V?” They’re glancing between their two aunts now.

[sentinel-rose]

"Probably not." Elsie states quickly.

"Our appearances are self actualized, really just a fancy eay of saying we subconsciously decide what we look like." Akari continues.

"Granted if you really wanna look like a Red Soul, some features may show through. They didnt for me and Akari though."

Akari skips forward, red storm gathering in their hands. "You ready Sol?"

[winter-solstice-soldier]

They frown, but their expression gets more hopeful at the bit about maybe getting some features like their family’s. They nod slowly, taking a deep breath and remembering what Akari said it feels like… just warm, like being sewn into a blanket, presumably a blanket of family, since that’s what Rose Souls are, their family. “I’m ready.”

[sentinel-rose]

The storm surrounds Sol like a cocoon. The outside world vanishes into the dark swirling red mist. They feel it press into their skin, seeping into every cell and pouring through their veins. Its warmth spreads fast, enveloping their body, and the air around them. For a moment they can feel their connection to Elsie and Akari, to Hemlock, to Amber. To everyone in their family, and beyond to people they don't know. Then they realize they can't breath. The Storm had filled their lungs, depriving them of oxygen.

[winter-solstice-soldier]

They all but melt into the warmth, so different from the cold that they’re constantly fearing will come for them. Relief, comfort, feeling near unstoppable bring so close to their family… until they realize they Camry breathe. They reach for their throat, gasping to no avail, panicking. Did The Storm reject them, is something going wrong, did they mess it up somehow…?

[sentinel-rose]

The panic grows higher as their heart races, body aching and lungs screaming for air. They fall to their knees choking and gasping, only taking in more of the red gas. With one more breath their body finally gets the air it needs, but they are still breathing in storm... The gas slowly fades away, seeping into their body.

Akari greets them with a smile. "It went perfectly!"

[winter-solstice-soldier]

They gasp oxygen back into their lungs once their body allows it. They breathe in relief, and lunge at Akari, pulling her into a tight hug that could crush bone if it was someone else. “Okay okay. Good. That was scary for a second.” They pull back, giving Elsie a tight hug, as well.

When the two get a clear look at them, their previously black with white fluff ears has silver-white tips. Their warm brown hair has some gray a similar if not the same shade as Amber’s. Their remaining blue eye has switched to red, the pupil slitted like a fox’s eye and a slightly darker red than the iris, and the sclera around it a deep red. Their teal eye has changed somewhat, as well, with the pupil changing to a slightly deeper teal than the iris around it. Both eyes have a glowing effect. They still have the gray, white, and red streaks from before, the colors looking more naturally blended into their hair now.

[sentinel-rose]

Akari laughs nervously. "Did... did I forget to mention the choking part..."

Elsie groans "Akari... you nearly gave them a panic attack!"

"Not my fault! I forgot...."

Elsie rolls her eyes and takes a closer look at them. "Looks like the Storm has already changed your appearance. It'll be a fun surprise for Hem when we get back." She chuckles

[sentinel-rose]

Winter was nervous, boarding Elsie and Akari’s ship. Sure, they knew they’d be safe there, they trusted their family. They trusted Папа when he said they’d be fine there.

But, it was still meeting two more people (Mara and Avice, he had said. They sounded nice enough), albeit family. But more importantly than more family members in an already huge family, trying to act like a real, normal human (kitsune) person. That was definitely the scariest part. Along with the fact that Akari offered to make them a Rose Soul early. A real Rose Soul, like Папа and grandma and Батя Судьба (Destiny), though that was causing more of an excited buzz through their veins, rather than the much louder, much more anxious buzzing.

Too late to turn back now, they told themself. And dad wants you to go with them. It’ll just be two weeks, and he told you it’d be good for you. You already know Akari, and she’s nice, and everyone is family here.

That didn’t stop the buzzing, though.

Meeting in the hotel is easy, under the same tree they always seemed to meet at. Sitting there is the two women they'd expect. Elsie and Akari. Elsie looked the older of the two, miss matched eyes with red stain over them, sat in the tree loading her rifle. Akari, as energetic as she always is, is in her fox form chasing a butterfly around the base of the tree. Elsie waves down at Winter and smiles. "Hey Sol! Whats up?"

[winter-solstice-soldier]

They wave at back at Elsie (internally noting the rifle, the model, and inwardly being impressed), then they wave at Akari, though they’re pretty sure she won’t even notice. But it’s still polite to wave at both of them. “Hi Aunt Elsie, Aunt Akari… not much, just waiting to head out, I guess.” They give her a small, nervous smile. “And meet the other two aunts… I have a lot of aunts, huh?… what’s the ship like? Is it cool to ride in? Is it cold on there?” They hope it’s not.

[sentinel-rose]

Elsie puts her rifle over her shoulder and hops down to the ground. Akari runs over to Winter, nuzzling their feet as a hello. "The ship is called IDIOT, we didnt name it." Elsie tacks on quickly. "You have everything you're gonna need? Clothes? Snacks? Enough weapons to kill a small army?"

[winter-solstice-soldier]

They pet Akari, wrapping one of their tails loosely around her. They snort at the name. “Who did name it?” They nod. “Yep. Everything. Even some sewing supplies and my notebook I use for planning out weapons and. Armor! And my arms have enough weapons on their own, but I brought my staff and Steel Thorns, too.”

[sentinel-rose]

Elsie chuckles "Its a long story... nevermind it." She waves it off and picks up her sister. "Should be good for a short trip. Mara and Avice are waiting on the ship, been preparing a room for you."

[winter-solstice-soldier]

They smile, a bit more comfortable now. They pat Akari. “Okay, I’m ready, then… what are Mara and Avice like? Папа said Avice is about my age and Mara is really nice. They live with you, right? So you guys probably know more.”

[sentinel-rose]

"Mara is shy, its gonna take a while for her to warm up." Elsie sets Akari down and pulls out what resembles a tv remote from her bag. "Avice needs to stay out of trouble." She chuckles. Elsie clicks a button on the remote and a portal opens in the air before them. As Elsie is about to step through, Akari yips and bites at her ankle. "Ow- hey!"

Akari shifts back into her human form. "Forgetting the most important part! Turning them into a Rose Soul!"

"Riiight."

[winter-solstice-soldier]

“Noted…” so they need to take their time with Mara, not overwhelm her. They can do that. As for Avice, maybe they need to be a bit wary…? They jump when Akari suddenly yips and bites. They grin and their tails start wagging at dangerous speeds when she makes that comment.

“Yeah! What’ll that be like? Do I get to look more like Папа and grandma and Aunt V?” They’re glancing between their two aunts now.

[sentinel-rose]

"Probably not." Elsie states quickly.

"Our appearances are self actualized, really just a fancy eay of saying we subconsciously decide what we look like." Akari continues.

"Granted if you really wanna look like a Red Soul, some features may show through. They didnt for me and Akari though."

Akari skips forward, red storm gathering in their hands. "You ready Sol?"

[winter-solstice-soldier]

They frown, but their expression gets more hopeful at the bit about maybe getting some features like their family’s. They nod slowly, taking a deep breath and remembering what Akari said it feels like… just warm, like being sewn into a blanket, presumably a blanket of family, since that’s what Rose Souls are, their family. “I’m ready.”

[sentinel-rose]

The storm surrounds Sol like a cocoon. The outside world vanishes into the dark swirling red mist. They feel it press into their skin, seeping into every cell and pouring through their veins. Its warmth spreads fast, enveloping their body, and the air around them. For a moment they can feel their connection to Elsie and Akari, to Hemlock, to Amber. To everyone in their family, and beyond to people they don't know. Then they realize they can't breath. The Storm had filled their lungs, depriving them of oxygen.

[winter-solstice-soldier]

They all but melt into the warmth, so different from the cold that they’re constantly fearing will come for them. Relief, comfort, feeling near unstoppable bring so close to their family… until they realize they Camry breathe. They reach for their throat, gasping to no avail, panicking. Did The Storm reject them, is something going wrong, did they mess it up somehow…?

[sentinel-rose]

The panic grows higher as their heart races, body aching and lungs screaming for air. They fall to their knees choking and gasping, only taking in more of the red gas. With one more breath their body finally gets the air it needs, but they are still breathing in storm... The gas slowly fades away, seeping into their body.

Akari greets them with a smile. "It went perfectly!"

[sentinel-rose]

Winter was nervous, boarding Elsie and Akari’s ship. Sure, they knew they’d be safe there, they trusted their family. They trusted Папа when he said they’d be fine there.

But, it was still meeting two more people (Mara and Avice, he had said. They sounded nice enough), albeit family. But more importantly than more family members in an already huge family, trying to act like a real, normal human (kitsune) person. That was definitely the scariest part. Along with the fact that Akari offered to make them a Rose Soul early. A real Rose Soul, like Папа and grandma and Батя Судьба (Destiny), though that was causing more of an excited buzz through their veins, rather than the much louder, much more anxious buzzing.

Too late to turn back now, they told themself. And dad wants you to go with them. It’ll just be two weeks, and he told you it’d be good for you. You already know Akari, and she’s nice, and everyone is family here.

That didn’t stop the buzzing, though.

Meeting in the hotel is easy, under the same tree they always seemed to meet at. Sitting there is the two women they'd expect. Elsie and Akari. Elsie looked the older of the two, miss matched eyes with red stain over them, sat in the tree loading her rifle. Akari, as energetic as she always is, is in her fox form chasing a butterfly around the base of the tree. Elsie waves down at Winter and smiles. "Hey Sol! Whats up?"

[winter-solstice-soldier]

They wave at back at Elsie (internally noting the rifle, the model, and inwardly being impressed), then they wave at Akari, though they’re pretty sure she won’t even notice. But it’s still polite to wave at both of them. “Hi Aunt Elsie, Aunt Akari… not much, just waiting to head out, I guess.” They give her a small, nervous smile. “And meet the other two aunts… I have a lot of aunts, huh?… what’s the ship like? Is it cool to ride in? Is it cold on there?” They hope it’s not.

[sentinel-rose]

Elsie puts her rifle over her shoulder and hops down to the ground. Akari runs over to Winter, nuzzling their feet as a hello. "The ship is called IDIOT, we didnt name it." Elsie tacks on quickly. "You have everything you're gonna need? Clothes? Snacks? Enough weapons to kill a small army?"

[winter-solstice-soldier]

They pet Akari, wrapping one of their tails loosely around her. They snort at the name. “Who did name it?” They nod. “Yep. Everything. Even some sewing supplies and my notebook I use for planning out weapons and. Armor! And my arms have enough weapons on their own, but I brought my staff and Steel Thorns, too.”

[sentinel-rose]

Elsie chuckles "Its a long story... nevermind it." She waves it off and picks up her sister. "Should be good for a short trip. Mara and Avice are waiting on the ship, been preparing a room for you."

[winter-solstice-soldier]

They smile, a bit more comfortable now. They pat Akari. “Okay, I’m ready, then… what are Mara and Avice like? Папа said Avice is about my age and Mara is really nice. They live with you, right? So you guys probably know more.”

[sentinel-rose]

"Mara is shy, its gonna take a while for her to warm up." Elsie sets Akari down and pulls out what resembles a tv remote from her bag. "Avice needs to stay out of trouble." She chuckles. Elsie clicks a button on the remote and a portal opens in the air before them. As Elsie is about to step through, Akari yips and bites at her ankle. "Ow- hey!"

Akari shifts back into her human form. "Forgetting the most important part! Turning them into a Rose Soul!"

"Riiight."

[winter-solstice-soldier]

“Noted…” so they need to take their time with Mara, not overwhelm her. They can do that. As for Avice, maybe they need to be a bit wary…? They jump when Akari suddenly yips and bites. They grin and their tails start wagging at dangerous speeds when she makes that comment.

“Yeah! What’ll that be like? Do I get to look more like Папа and grandma and Aunt V?” They’re glancing between their two aunts now.

[sentinel-rose]

"Probably not." Elsie states quickly.

"Our appearances are self actualized, really just a fancy eay of saying we subconsciously decide what we look like." Akari continues.

"Granted if you really wanna look like a Red Soul, some features may show through. They didnt for me and Akari though."

Akari skips forward, red storm gathering in their hands. "You ready Sol?"

[winter-solstice-soldier]

They frown, but their expression gets more hopeful at the bit about maybe getting some features like their family’s. They nod slowly, taking a deep breath and remembering what Akari said it feels like… just warm, like being sewn into a blanket, presumably a blanket of family, since that’s what Rose Souls are, their family. “I’m ready.”

[sentinel-rose]

The storm surrounds Sol like a cocoon. The outside world vanishes into the dark swirling red mist. They feel it press into their skin, seeping into every cell and pouring through their veins. Its warmth spreads fast, enveloping their body, and the air around them. For a moment they can feel their connection to Elsie and Akari, to Hemlock, to Amber. To everyone in their family, and beyond to people they don't know. Then they realize they can't breath. The Storm had filled their lungs, depriving them of oxygen.

[sentinel-rose]

Winter was nervous, boarding Elsie and Akari’s ship. Sure, they knew they’d be safe there, they trusted their family. They trusted Папа when he said they’d be fine there.

But, it was still meeting two more people (Mara and Avice, he had said. They sounded nice enough), albeit family. But more importantly than more family members in an already huge family, trying to act like a real, normal human (kitsune) person. That was definitely the scariest part. Along with the fact that Akari offered to make them a Rose Soul early. A real Rose Soul, like Папа and grandma and Батя Судьба (Destiny), though that was causing more of an excited buzz through their veins, rather than the much louder, much more anxious buzzing.

Too late to turn back now, they told themself. And dad wants you to go with them. It’ll just be two weeks, and he told you it’d be good for you. You already know Akari, and she’s nice, and everyone is family here.

That didn’t stop the buzzing, though.

Meeting in the hotel is easy, under the same tree they always seemed to meet at. Sitting there is the two women they'd expect. Elsie and Akari. Elsie looked the older of the two, miss matched eyes with red stain over them, sat in the tree loading her rifle. Akari, as energetic as she always is, is in her fox form chasing a butterfly around the base of the tree. Elsie waves down at Winter and smiles. "Hey Sol! Whats up?"

[winter-solstice-soldier]

They wave at back at Elsie (internally noting the rifle, the model, and inwardly being impressed), then they wave at Akari, though they’re pretty sure she won’t even notice. But it’s still polite to wave at both of them. “Hi Aunt Elsie, Aunt Akari… not much, just waiting to head out, I guess.” They give her a small, nervous smile. “And meet the other two aunts… I have a lot of aunts, huh?… what’s the ship like? Is it cool to ride in? Is it cold on there?” They hope it’s not.

[sentinel-rose]

Elsie puts her rifle over her shoulder and hops down to the ground. Akari runs over to Winter, nuzzling their feet as a hello. "The ship is called IDIOT, we didnt name it." Elsie tacks on quickly. "You have everything you're gonna need? Clothes? Snacks? Enough weapons to kill a small army?"

[winter-solstice-soldier]

They pet Akari, wrapping one of their tails loosely around her. They snort at the name. “Who did name it?” They nod. “Yep. Everything. Even some sewing supplies and my notebook I use for planning out weapons and. Armor! And my arms have enough weapons on their own, but I brought my staff and Steel Thorns, too.”

[sentinel-rose]

Elsie chuckles "Its a long story... nevermind it." She waves it off and picks up her sister. "Should be good for a short trip. Mara and Avice are waiting on the ship, been preparing a room for you."

[winter-solstice-soldier]

They smile, a bit more comfortable now. They pat Akari. “Okay, I’m ready, then… what are Mara and Avice like? Папа said Avice is about my age and Mara is really nice. They live with you, right? So you guys probably know more.”

[sentinel-rose]

"Mara is shy, its gonna take a while for her to warm up." Elsie sets Akari down and pulls out what resembles a tv remote from her bag. "Avice needs to stay out of trouble." She chuckles. Elsie clicks a button on the remote and a portal opens in the air before them. As Elsie is about to step through, Akari yips and bites at her ankle. "Ow- hey!"

Akari shifts back into her human form. "Forgetting the most important part! Turning them into a Rose Soul!"

"Riiight."

[winter-solstice-soldier]

“Noted…” so they need to take their time with Mara, not overwhelm her. They can do that. As for Avice, maybe they need to be a bit wary…? They jump when Akari suddenly yips and bites. They grin and their tails start wagging at dangerous speeds when she makes that comment.

“Yeah! What’ll that be like? Do I get to look more like Папа and grandma and Aunt V?” They’re glancing between their two aunts now.

[sentinel-rose]

"Probably not." Elsie states quickly.

"Our appearances are self actualized, really just a fancy eay of saying we subconsciously decide what we look like." Akari continues.

"Granted if you really wanna look like a Red Soul, some features may show through. They didnt for me and Akari though."

Akari skips forward, red storm gathering in their hands. "You ready Sol?"

[sentinel-rose]

Winter was nervous, boarding Elsie and Akari’s ship. Sure, they knew they’d be safe there, they trusted their family. They trusted Папа when he said they’d be fine there.

But, it was still meeting two more people (Mara and Avice, he had said. They sounded nice enough), albeit family. But more importantly than more family members in an already huge family, trying to act like a real, normal human (kitsune) person. That was definitely the scariest part. Along with the fact that Akari offered to make them a Rose Soul early. A real Rose Soul, like Папа and grandma and Батя Судьба (Destiny), though that was causing more of an excited buzz through their veins, rather than the much louder, much more anxious buzzing.

Too late to turn back now, they told themself. And dad wants you to go with them. It’ll just be two weeks, and he told you it’d be good for you. You already know Akari, and she’s nice, and everyone is family here.

That didn’t stop the buzzing, though.

Meeting in the hotel is easy, under the same tree they always seemed to meet at. Sitting there is the two women they'd expect. Elsie and Akari. Elsie looked the older of the two, miss matched eyes with red stain over them, sat in the tree loading her rifle. Akari, as energetic as she always is, is in her fox form chasing a butterfly around the base of the tree. Elsie waves down at Winter and smiles. "Hey Sol! Whats up?"

[winter-solstice-soldier]

They wave at back at Elsie (internally noting the rifle, the model, and inwardly being impressed), then they wave at Akari, though they’re pretty sure she won’t even notice. But it’s still polite to wave at both of them. “Hi Aunt Elsie, Aunt Akari… not much, just waiting to head out, I guess.” They give her a small, nervous smile. “And meet the other two aunts… I have a lot of aunts, huh?… what’s the ship like? Is it cool to ride in? Is it cold on there?” They hope it’s not.

[sentinel-rose]

Elsie puts her rifle over her shoulder and hops down to the ground. Akari runs over to Winter, nuzzling their feet as a hello. "The ship is called IDIOT, we didnt name it." Elsie tacks on quickly. "You have everything you're gonna need? Clothes? Snacks? Enough weapons to kill a small army?"

[winter-solstice-soldier]

They pet Akari, wrapping one of their tails loosely around her. They snort at the name. “Who did name it?” They nod. “Yep. Everything. Even some sewing supplies and my notebook I use for planning out weapons and. Armor! And my arms have enough weapons on their own, but I brought my staff and Steel Thorns, too.”

[sentinel-rose]

Elsie chuckles "Its a long story... nevermind it." She waves it off and picks up her sister. "Should be good for a short trip. Mara and Avice are waiting on the ship, been preparing a room for you."

[winter-solstice-soldier]

They smile, a bit more comfortable now. They pat Akari. “Okay, I’m ready, then… what are Mara and Avice like? Папа said Avice is about my age and Mara is really nice. They live with you, right? So you guys probably know more.”

[sentinel-rose]

"Mara is shy, its gonna take a while for her to warm up." Elsie sets Akari down and pulls out what resembles a tv remote from her bag. "Avice needs to stay out of trouble." She chuckles. Elsie clicks a button on the remote and a portal opens in the air before them. As Elsie is about to step through, Akari yips and bites at her ankle. "Ow- hey!"

Akari shifts back into her human form. "Forgetting the most important part! Turning them into a Rose Soul!"

"Riiight."

[sentinel-rose]

Winter was nervous, boarding Elsie and Akari’s ship. Sure, they knew they’d be safe there, they trusted their family. They trusted Папа when he said they’d be fine there.

But, it was still meeting two more people (Mara and Avice, he had said. They sounded nice enough), albeit family. But more importantly than more family members in an already huge family, trying to act like a real, normal human (kitsune) person. That was definitely the scariest part. Along with the fact that Akari offered to make them a Rose Soul early. A real Rose Soul, like Папа and grandma and Батя Судьба (Destiny), though that was causing more of an excited buzz through their veins, rather than the much louder, much more anxious buzzing.

Too late to turn back now, they told themself. And dad wants you to go with them. It’ll just be two weeks, and he told you it’d be good for you. You already know Akari, and she’s nice, and everyone is family here.

That didn’t stop the buzzing, though.

Meeting in the hotel is easy, under the same tree they always seemed to meet at. Sitting there is the two women they'd expect. Elsie and Akari. Elsie looked the older of the two, miss matched eyes with red stain over them, sat in the tree loading her rifle. Akari, as energetic as she always is, is in her fox form chasing a butterfly around the base of the tree. Elsie waves down at Winter and smiles. "Hey Sol! Whats up?"

[winter-solstice-soldier]

They wave at back at Elsie (internally noting the rifle, the model, and inwardly being impressed), then they wave at Akari, though they’re pretty sure she won’t even notice. But it’s still polite to wave at both of them. “Hi Aunt Elsie, Aunt Akari… not much, just waiting to head out, I guess.” They give her a small, nervous smile. “And meet the other two aunts… I have a lot of aunts, huh?… what’s the ship like? Is it cool to ride in? Is it cold on there?” They hope it’s not.

[sentinel-rose]

Elsie puts her rifle over her shoulder and hops down to the ground. Akari runs over to Winter, nuzzling their feet as a hello. "The ship is called IDIOT, we didnt name it." Elsie tacks on quickly. "You have everything you're gonna need? Clothes? Snacks? Enough weapons to kill a small army?"

[winter-solstice-soldier]

They pet Akari, wrapping one of their tails loosely around her. They snort at the name. “Who did name it?” They nod. “Yep. Everything. Even some sewing supplies and my notebook I use for planning out weapons and. Armor! And my arms have enough weapons on their own, but I brought my staff and Steel Thorns, too.”

[sentinel-rose]

Elsie chuckles "Its a long story... nevermind it." She waves it off and picks up her sister. "Should be good for a short trip. Mara and Avice are waiting on the ship, been preparing a room for you."

[sentinel-rose]

Winter was nervous, boarding Elsie and Akari’s ship. Sure, they knew they’d be safe there, they trusted their family. They trusted Папа when he said they’d be fine there.

But, it was still meeting two more people (Mara and Avice, he had said. They sounded nice enough), albeit family. But more importantly than more family members in an already huge family, trying to act like a real, normal human (kitsune) person. That was definitely the scariest part. Along with the fact that Akari offered to make them a Rose Soul early. A real Rose Soul, like Папа and grandma and Батя Судьба (Destiny), though that was causing more of an excited buzz through their veins, rather than the much louder, much more anxious buzzing.

Too late to turn back now, they told themself. And dad wants you to go with them. It’ll just be two weeks, and he told you it’d be good for you. You already know Akari, and she’s nice, and everyone is family here.

That didn’t stop the buzzing, though.

Meeting in the hotel is easy, under the same tree they always seemed to meet at. Sitting there is the two women they'd expect. Elsie and Akari. Elsie looked the older of the two, miss matched eyes with red stain over them, sat in the tree loading her rifle. Akari, as energetic as she always is, is in her fox form chasing a butterfly around the base of the tree. Elsie waves down at Winter and smiles. "Hey Sol! Whats up?"

[winter-solstice-soldier]

They wave at back at Elsie (internally noting the rifle, the model, and inwardly being impressed), then they wave at Akari, though they’re pretty sure she won’t even notice. But it’s still polite to wave at both of them. “Hi Aunt Elsie, Aunt Akari… not much, just waiting to head out, I guess.” They give her a small, nervous smile. “And meet the other two aunts… I have a lot of aunts, huh?… what’s the ship like? Is it cool to ride in? Is it cold on there?” They hope it’s not.

[sentinel-rose]

Elsie puts her rifle over her shoulder and hops down to the ground. Akari runs over to Winter, nuzzling their feet as a hello. "The ship is called IDIOT, we didnt name it." Elsie tacks on quickly. "You have everything you're gonna need? Clothes? Snacks? Enough weapons to kill a small army?"

[sentinel-rose]

Winter was nervous, boarding Elsie and Akari’s ship. Sure, they knew they’d be safe there, they trusted their family. They trusted Папа when he said they’d be fine there.

But, it was still meeting two more people (Mara and Avice, he had said. They sounded nice enough), albeit family. But more importantly than more family members in an already huge family, trying to act like a real, normal human (kitsune) person. That was definitely the scariest part. Along with the fact that Akari offered to make them a Rose Soul early. A real Rose Soul, like Папа and grandma and Батя Судьба (Destiny), though that was causing more of an excited buzz through their veins, rather than the much louder, much more anxious buzzing.

Too late to turn back now, they told themself. And dad wants you to go with them. It’ll just be two weeks, and he told you it’d be good for you. You already know Akari, and she’s nice, and everyone is family here.

That didn’t stop the buzzing, though.

Meeting in the hotel is easy, under the same tree they always seemed to meet at. Sitting there is the two women they'd expect. Elsie and Akari. Elsie looked the older of the two, miss matched eyes with red stain over them, sat in the tree loading her rifle. Akari, as energetic as she always is, is in her fox form chasing a butterfly around the base of the tree. Elsie waves down at Winter and smiles. "Hey Sol! Whats up?"