The realm of kissteria had been ruled under the Elder's authoritative hand since the dawn of time. The Elder was not to be trifled with and their commands were not to be questioned. Amongst their ruling, for eons, kitsune were no longer allowed amongst the realm. They were to be captured and, in extreme cases, executed, in order to stray away from any madness they may bring. Of course, some kitsune really don't give a shit.
Eric treaded carefully through the market, ears and tails hidden, face presenting itself as a regular kissterian, all to keep his status out of sight. He didn't want anyone after him just because he wanted to ponder the merchants during one of the most exciting events in centuries! Today, a prince of kissteria was to be crowned, and Eric sure as hell wasn't going to miss out on the opportunity. Every race seemed to be enjoying themselves on such a festive time, dancing, singing, eating, laughing, chatting to one another. He grinned, passing by a stall, and when the man running it had his back turned, snatched a pear up and continued to walk, taking a bite from the sweet fruit. A perfectly refreshing snack after a long trip.
He continued to walk, hoping not too many noticed how he walked across the hot stoned pavement completely barefoot; he didn't have fancy footwear like everyone else. Then, he saw it, the grandeur castle, looming above all, practically looking as if it blended in with the rest of cosmos. Eric pushed through crowds, making his way closer, trying to find every way to get himself entry inside. He didn't want to miss the crowning, uncaring of the small complaints as he weaved between others, stopping when he finally managed to see the inside of the building. Eric looked up in awe, taking in all of the paintings on the walls, the crystal pillars, the several floors and the grand staircases leading up to each one. It was absolutely elegant, the way light seemed to exist in that castle without a source, almost as if it were the brightest star itself in the sky.
"I'd wish my coronation would be this elaborate," a voice mumbled next to him.
Eric turned, and it was as if his world had really stopped in place. A young man, about his height, adorned in gold, heavy black eye makeup highlighting his bright, emerald eyes, and painted, plush lips, stood before him. The kitsune had never, not once in his life, seen anyone as beautiful and radiant as him. He made Eric's heart skip a beat, forget all about the beautiful decor around him, took his breath away, almost made him completely lose all control, only snapping back to attention when the young man raised an eyebrow, tapping his shoulder curiously and hiding a small grin. He wanted to say something to him immediately, wanted to get to know him, but the sound of chatter dying down drew his attention to a balcony overlooking the floor. The Elder was dressed in the finest silks, face covered by a white mask, their movements calculated.
"I appreciate all of you for showing yourselves to this one of a kind event. This has not happened since my own coronation, and as you are all fairly aware, this marks the beginning of a new era. Your prince shall be the one to guide you; his people; to victory, in the pursuit of happiness. He has learned well from my teachings. He will be just, he will be fair, and one day, he may take my place upon the throne."
Cheering and applause erupted from each patron, watching as a man stepped forward out onto the balcony. His top was sheer but looking like thousands upon thousands of stars adorned the sleeves and his chest, face covered in a layer of white makeup, a black star was painted on his left eye, and his round lips were painted rose red. He was luminous. He looked down at everyone there, Eric noticed maybe a hint of worry or doubt passed through his eyes, before quiet took over once more.
"Starchild," the Elder spoke, now holding a crown adorned with crystals, "do you swear to lead your people, and one day, the entire realm, to a glorious future?"
"I swear on my immortal life."
"You'd spill your blood to keep kissteria safe?"
"I'd spill my blood and break my bones for all."
The Elder lifted the crown, all bowing down, Eric following them, placing it atop the star child's head, nestling itself in his soft, curly hair.
"Then, it is with my greatest pleasure, and with the power in me, to bestow this crown, and the title of Prince of The Stars, to you."
The cheers rang once more, the sounds of trumpets playing triumphically. The starchild scanned the crowd with a smile, stopping when he made eye contact with Eric, at first confused then seemingly shocked. The kitsune felt uneasy, he almost felt too seen, as if the star prince could see right through him. He wanted to back away but the prince's gaze kept him trapped in place, and before he knew it, attention was on him. He looked around, confused as to why everyone had their eyes fixated on him now. He turned to the man in gold next to him, noticing he too was in shock, looking over Eric's body. The kitsune was confused, until he realized in the reflection of the walls; his disguise had been removed. The truth was revealed.
Eric stumbled, backing up slowly, some guests moving out of his way out of.. was it fear? His face had strange markings in white, black, and orange, four tails pulling themselves closer to his body. The Elder said something in a booming voice, but the kitsune was already in a panic, unsure of how to make his body move now, feeling his wrist grabbed and pulled out quickly, dragging him outside as fast as they possibly could.
"Run, you fucking idiot!" A voice rose up as both ran.
Eric couldn't see the person pulling him along, their face covered in a dark cloak, but he did what they said, following behind this stranger. They pulled him through the market, between buildings, dodging kissterians left and right, most of whom gawked at Eric's appearance. The cloaked stranger then pulled him through the forest line, stepping over roots, rocks, deep between all of the trees where the light barely filtered through the canopies. Both went further and further in until they reached a small clearing, where the stranger stopped, leaning against a tree for support as they panted heavily. The fox was now curious, tilting his head when the stranger pulled their hood off, revealing a man with dark hair and a fairly attractive face.
"You could've gotten yourself killed back there.." he breathed out, shaking his head. "What is a kitsune doing in kissteria of all places, anyway??"
Eric looked around, confused by his actions.
"So you.. don't hate me?"
He looked off into the forest blankly, processing this new information.
"I heard about the event. I wanted to see it. What's your name?"
"...Bruce. Bruce Kulick."
The kitsune smiled, clawed hand extending out towards him.
