It was the trip of a lifetime, yet she had still to see the beauty of the small town at sundown. Tenshi was a small girl, with autumnal gold curls running down her back. Sharp blue eyes darted excitedly around the room as if searching for the slightest flaw in the coloring of the walls. She bounced excitedly on the bed, her parents had decided to take Tenshi and her sister around a few states over the summer break. The small family all had autumnal gold to brown hair, Mom and Tenshi both had more golden hair and small, near-ringlet curls while Her father and sister had browner hair and straighter hair. Tenshi’s sister was named Amaimono, given the name for her light, honey-brown eyes. Amaimono and Tenshi get along decently as siblings do. The family had always loved traveling, but never had the chance, or time, to go far. So today was their first time actually leaving the state. Tenshi’s eyes came to rest on a picture, a simple still-life like in most hotel rooms, but she was entranced by the scarlet petals of a carnation, her eyes traced the curves and folds in the flower.

“Tenshi, hey, Tenshi, you done?” Amaimono looked her sister in the eyes and giggled at her question.

“Thinking or unpacking? Unpacking, yes, now I am.” Tenshi stated as she put a small silver case on the dresser, an intricate Heart design on the lid.

“Well if you’re done mom said she’s taking us to dinner soon, so get ready quickly.” Amaimono smiled gently at her younger sister, happy that she still had the silver box.

Their mother called, “Are you girls ready yet? It takes a while to get from here to there, and it will be getting dark by the time we leave” Both girls looked at each other and giggled, how was their mother so organized when the rest of the family couldn't find their glasses if they were on their heads. The two walked out of the room ready to leave for the night.

Tenshi and Amaimono’s parents were very superstitious. Black cats, balloon animals, and especially witches. After they had eaten they drove back to the hotel to avoid the rain that had started to fall. As they walked inside Tenshi heard a swishing noise behind her.

“I think I left something in the car. I going to go grab it.” she made up.

“Just try not to get too wet,” says Amaimono.

“I won’t,” Tenshi yells as she runs outside. As she looks around she spots two little ears peeking out of the shrubbery. “Who’s there?” she says hoping no one will respond. Two small ears poke out of the shrubbery followed by dark eyes and a slender snout. “ Who are you?“ Tenshi whispers her curiosity taking over her fear.

“The real question is who are you,” the fox says as, in a whirlwind of magic, she turns into a girl.

“How did you do that, what are you?”

“I don’t know”

“Well, what’s your name?”

“I’m Elysis,” she says as she shakes Tenshi’s hand.

“I’m Tenshi. Um, is this some kind of prank? Did Amaimono put you up to this?” Tenshi asks still trying to wrap her head around this situation.

“Oh, I assure you that this is no prank.

Tenshi stared at Elysis before she realized that the rain was still falling in sheets, soaking her and Elysis.

“Okay… I am still so confused, but let’s go inside and, yeah, you understand, right?”

Elysis sighed, just barely understanding the confused human. “Humans are strange, but yes, I understand what you are saying. Didn’t you need to grab something though? From a ‘car’?”

Tenshis’ eyes lit up as the realization hit her. “Oh, that was a lie, but, thank you!” She ran to a small black car and pulled a book bag out of the backseat, and pulled a small black umbrella just big enough to fit them both under, both grateful that they were short.

As the strange duo entered the room it would be impossible to tell that one was a fox. Ears hidden by carefully done panda ears and tail curled under sweatpants.

“Angel, is that you?” Tenshi's’ mother poked her head out a doorway. “Oh, who is this sweet girl? A friend... Or possibly…” her eyes lit up, “A Witch!?”

“Um, no, mom, she isn’t a witch, or anything supernatural, and this is Elysis, my friend... From… school” Tenshi muttered to her mom.

Her mother looked confused “Why is she here so far from home then?” Her mother questioned, but her face immediately brightened, “If it is ok with her parents she can stay with us!” she looked at Elysis, who nodded.

When she re-entered the room she nodded, “I can stay.”

(Tenshi means Angel, Amaimono means sweet thing)