Volume 16 Chapter 20: Eri Meeting Miyuki

After the family finished their meal, Keith and Carolyn headed to the lobby, “Eri, are you ready?”

“Mmhmm,” As he called out, the little fox came out in a white padded jacket. Keith’s dimple showed with all happiness. How adorable. She looked like a walking snowball. This was not the end to the cuteness: two more snowballs came out.

“…” There was a trio of foxes in front of him.

Thud! Keith turned to Carolyn, who was punching him in the back while she held her mouth, trying her best not to squeal.

“Return from the cuteness.” She was being overloaded.

Carolyn pouted, “Are you sure you should be the one to say that?” He was acting just like her! Even if he had higher resistance, the smile still showed up.

“Yes.” Keith pinched Carolyn’s cheeks.

“Ahem. You five should be off now,” May coughed, being the calming presence.

“Understood. Let’s head to the forest now.” They were going to meet with Tidal and the others deep in the forest.

Keith held both Leon's and Laura’s hands while Eri was carried by Carolyn. It was a peaceful situation. Arriving at the farm, Logan and the others came over, “So this is the young master’s child. How adorable.” The farmers instantly circled them.

“She’s adorable!”

“Her ears are wiggling!”

“My, she definitely has the young master’s eyes.”

Keith nodded at all of their words before snorting with pride, “What do you expect? She’s my daughter!”

“Yes, yes.” Logan and the others rolled their eyes, “So this will be the first time the little fox will meet with Shiro and the others? Will she be fine?”

“Mmhmm,” Keith nodded, “She plays with Mir all the time; she should be fine.”

“You can’t equate the two.” Mir and the other Samuis were a different matter: one was a small snowball while the others were giant.

“I know, but Shiro will play nice. I warned him multiple times.” As he planned this trip, Keith nagged at the sofa potato to play nice and not to scare Eri; it was a hassle since the potato was trying his best to ignore his words. It took some long and annoying ranting before Shiro grumpily roared.

“I see.”

“We’re going now,” Keith laughed as they headed into the forest. Mir jumped down and transformed into his giant snowball self. Keith placed the two onto Mir.

Carolyn noticed Eri’s anxiety and patted her head, “Do not worry, Eri. Your papa owns this place.” Eri’s ears slowly stopped before she heard a rumbling coming closer!

“Yuki!” Keith dashed forward and hugged the giant snowball; it had been some time since he had met her. Mir also waddled forward and nuzzled her side.

“Po!” Miyuki was the same as she nestled back, but that was when she noticed the little fox; both were looking at one another.

“Ahh, Eri, you don’t need to worry about anything. This here is Mir’s mama.”

“Mir’s mama?”  

“Mmhmm.”

“Po~” Miyuki tilted her head, which caused Eri to do the same. The snowball slowly waddled forward to Eri in Carolyn’s arms; she stared for a moment before she licked Eri’s cheek. Well, it was more like Eri’s entire face was being licked.

Keith chuckled, “She likes you, Eri. Do you want to meet Mir’s brothers and sister?”

“Mmhmm,” Eri nodded. She continued to stare at Miyuki before she gently showed her back. Carolyn understood as she gently placed Eri on top. Eri was hugging Miyuki’s fur as she waddled. When they arrived at the open landscape, three snowballs came charging forward!

“Ugh!” The force from the three made Keith croak like a frog, sending him flying like a bowling pin.

“…Keith, you’re not dead, right?” Carolyn muttered.

“…Probably.” A groan escaped his mouth before he got up, “Inti! Are you trying to kill me?!” Keith roared as he smooshed his face. Even after all this time, he had not changed one bit!

“Po!” Keith was about to spank him. However, he took a deep sigh, “You’re lucky I’m in a good mood.” Can’t show a poor example in front of Eri.

“You guys have definitely gotten larger.” The little ones got bigger. It wouldn’t be long before they were treated as adults.

“Po!” The three chimed in as they headed to the pack. There, they saw a bunch of snowballs running around. Carolyn smiled, “Eri, that’s Mir’s family.”

“Family.” Eri’s eyes sparkled while Keith was surrounded by the white fluff.

Keith, Cloud, and Miyuki lay together; Lily played with Laura and Carolyn while Inti was playing frisbee with Leon. Mir was spending time with Eri as he showed her around. A day of relaxation. Cloud was the softest of the bunch, making him the perfect bed. Keith’s body slowly meshed into his fur. I can’t let myself get carried away. He got up, “You guys play here; I’m going to meet with Tidal and the spirits.” There was one more place he had to go.

Fira had already been brought there; there was no need to worry about anything else. Keith headed in there, “Tidal, it’s been so long.”

“Keith, welcome home.” The spirit smiled, “Has Fira caused any trouble? She says she hasn’t, but I cannot trust her words.” On the side was Fira with a pout; she had returned to the village ahead of them.

“Fira has been doing well.”

“Thank goodness.” Tidal sighed happily, “Here I thought she caused a ruckus there.”

“Grandfather,” Fira pouted as she flew back to Keith’s shoulder.

“It’s true. You’ve been getting stronger for your own good. But you’re impulsive.” Strength increases impulsiveness, which was not a good sign.

“Indeed,” Keith sighed; there were times she would jump the gun. But it was getting better since there were others around.

“Keith!” Fira pulled his cheeks.

“Haha, as long as you’re here, I feel relieved.” Tidal chuckled. The group talked a few more times before they returned to the Samuis. What is going on?!

Inti was jumping up and down!