Time: 600 years ago

Location: Edo, Japan (Now modern-day Tokyo.)

Period: Start of Kamakura Period 

    "Push, push!"

    The screams of agony were enough to make even the fiercest yokai run in terror.

    "Almost there… Come on!"

    An ear-piercing howl erupted from her throat, then nothing.

    "You're the father, correct?"

    "Yes. How is the princess?"

    Nothing. Just the sounds of heavy breathing.

    "What is it, sir? Is everything going to be okay?" the man said.

    "Yes, everything went smoothly. It's okay."

    For a few moments, the woman did not move. As the man was about to speak, the doctor interrupted him. "She is not dead, just exhausted. But, this is something I haven't seen for the past 400 years."

    "What is it, doctor?"

    "It's twins. Two healthy boys."

    The man's eyes grew wide, and he opened his mouth to speak.

................................

    "Boys!" he shrieked. She nodded her head, waiting to hear the joy in this tone. But what she received instead was a growl. "This is taboo, and I won't accept it!" She wanted to cry, but she pulled herself together and listened to the rest of his spiel. "Do you know how many years we've been bearing girls as twins?! There is no way that it should be possible to have twin boys!" She tried to protest but she was silenced immediately. "Either one of them has to go, or one of them has to die!"

    She gasped at the mere thought. "I can't let either of those things happen! They're both my sons, and I love both of them!" She looked at the Emperor in question. "Either you'll have to kill me, or you'll have to make us outcasts!" He cringed at the thought of her screaming at him. "And I doubt that you want to do either of those things," she said with a smirk.

    "I didn't raise you to be an insolent brat!"

    "You didn't raise me at all! You had your way with my mother and threw me away. Then when you got tired of her, she was next," she spat back.

    At this, he was taken aback. "You either do as I said, or I'll have no choice but to take action!" He saw her slightly falter in her argument, but she quickly regained her relaxed composure.

    "Fine! But don't expect me to come back after this!" She turned on her heel and stormed out of the Great Hall.

    "Wait, what?!" he roared. 

    "What you did to get the crown was pitiful. I only answer to three people as of today. Kami-sama, my husband, and my dying mother, the true Empress! Goodbye, Father!" And with that, she slammed the doors.

    "Halt, halt!" She had no intention of stopping. "Guards, seize her!" he screamed at the top of his lungs, mildly shocked that she would do such a thing, but his anger clouded his better judgment. He turned to the figure cloaked in purple next to him. "And make sure to kill her! Don't fail like you did the last time!"

    The shadow that stood listening outside the room swiftly moved to intercept the fleeing princess. I have to make sure that she stays safe. If I cannot do this one thing, I'm not fit to be her husband! He thought to himself. If any harm comes to her or those children, I will never forgive myself!

    The shadow quickly followed in pursuit of the princess and the two children wrapped in her cloak. For three long days, he followed them. Never sleeping, never eating, never stopping. Finally, when he saw that they were far enough ahead, he brought them to a small, underground shelter, where no man had ever been. 

    For 200 years, he stayed with the woman and her children, teaching them The Way of the Fox. 

    Lesson 1: How to be Stealthy. Hide in crowded areas. The less you stand out, the better.

    Lesson 2: How to be Cunning. Don't let anyone outfox you. Use your brain to your advantage.

    Lesson 3: How to Trust. Not everyone is your enemy. The more you learn to find trustworthy people, the more you learn to love.

    Lesson 4: How to Survive. Cooking, cleaning, living. Anything can happen, so stay on your toes.

    Lesson 5: How to kill. When absolutely needed, you should know how to defend yourself. Even if it costs a life.

    "Listen here, boys. I have to leave. But I will be back shortly, so don't fret. Take care of your mother, and stay out of trouble."

"Yes, father. We will." Both boys nodded in unison.

    "Good. Take care." And with that, he left.

    After a few months, the man came back. But he was happier than when he left. His wife and children met him at the door, where he warmly embraced them all.

    "What has you grinning like that? Hurry and spit it out."

    "We can go back! Your father has passed away, your mild-mannered cousin stands maintaining your spot as Empress, and everyone awaits your return. This is bliss."

    "Mother, what is he talking about?" the youngest of the children asked.

    "You’ll find out, soon, my love. But for now, we are going home. So pack your stuff, and leave anything that isn't important behind."

    Days later, they made the trek back to the Great Hall. All who encountered them rejoiced at their rescue. Oh, how great was that day, for their ruler had returned! Songs were sung, festivals were held, and the days grew merrier! For 20 years, their arrival was celebrated.