Chapter 12

Ben’s finger finally lowered, and he looked up at Fuku. The look in Ben’s eyes told Fuku that the questions and apologies running through his mind would have to wait. There was something Ben needed to say. Yet they lingered in an awkward silence as he thought through his next words.

Finally, Ben grunted and broke the silence.

“My choices this morning were… poor. I am sorry, Fuku.”

Fuku’s eyes brightened. This was a good start.

“The dreams—the nightmare I had—it brought back some things which I hadn’t fully worked through. I understand that now.”

“Ben?” Fuku asked, but Ben’s glance told him it wasn’t time for interruptions yet.

“But… I did figure some things out before being pulled back.”

There was a glance, a hint of annoyance as he said that last part. Fuku cringed a little.

“I realized that the bond we have, the Keiyaku—it does more than we have already found out.”

“It does more?” Fuku asked, but immediately wrapped his paws around his mouth.

Ben’s stern expression almost cracked, but returned quickly. “It does. It keeps the rage, the curse of the fountain at bay.”

His eyes widened and it was all Fuku could do to keep from asking questions. He felt his tail twitching in anticipation.

“When you pulled, I was faced with being found by a human. A farmer I assume, but could be wrong. That is why I struggled to resist, because I could feel the rage inside me building, the curse struggling to break free. I also realized I hadn’t felt that while we were close, even when we entered the city.”

“Yeah… you were fine then! If it was—” Fuku stopped himself, catching Ben’s glance and tucking his nose into his tail which he’d grabbed to keep still.

“Sorry,” came the muffled apology.

Ben’s expression softened. “Fuku, what it comes down to is that I was going to hurt that person, I was going to turn back into that monster. I had to choose what life I wanted, that of the Minotaur, or that of Ben. To go back—or stay with you… and I chose you.”

That was all he could take. In a flash Fuku dashed forward and wrapped his arms around Ben’s neck. “You chose me!” he barked and began smooching.

“Hey—” Ben said, gently pushing him back a little. “I was just going to explain how we can’t be close like this—”

But the explanation was lost to Fuku’s excitement.

It took him a few minutes to settle back down, but he was happy to be sitting on Ben’s lap.

“This affection. I am afraid I will injure you if you remain too close.”

“Ben, you won’t hurt me—you didn’t this morning, you just had a bad dream. Everyone does. I used to have them all the time. I just took a surprising little tumble. Besides, I don’t think you could if you wanted to.”

“But if that happens again—I am not the cuddly friend you desire, that you deserve. I can be dangerous, so it would be best to keep some distance between us. Your safety is the most important thing to me, so no more—”

Ben’s words were cut off by Fuku wriggling forward and tucking into the scruff of longer hair at the top of his chest.

Fuku’s tone shifted, becoming more somber. “Ben… I get that you don’t like me like I like you, but I have seen who you really are. You saved me from drinking the water in the fountain. You held me close when I was sad, even after telling me you didn’t feel that way towards me. You’re funny and sweet and caring and strong… and you’re not going to hurt me. There isn’t a mean bone in your body.”

“But if I have another nightmare, if I lose control and become the monster—” Ben began to explain.

Fuku pulled his head free and looked at Ben.

“I have been inside you, Ben!”

Fuku’s eyes suddenly widened as he heard his own words. “Okay, not inside inside, but—we were merged in my sack—I felt you—who you really are. There was no anger or hostility, no monster—only a wonderful, confused, caring person.”

He took a breath. This time he had the stern look. “I don’t really know what it was like for you before, but if the Keiyaku keeps the curse away, then it’s even more important that you stay close. Maybe when you are away from me, you might turn into a monster. But that’s not who you are. You are my sweet Ben. Strong but gentle. Caring and kind.”

Fuku’s voice softened. “So like it or not, Ben… you are stuck with me. And while you are, you are just Ben. No monster allowed.”

***

Ben just stared at Fuku, astonished at how simply he saw things. Yet the Tanuki’s words made sense because they weren’t complicated. They stripped away his fears, affirmed Fuku’s affection, and revealed what life between them would be. Ben might be a monster elsewhere, but here, with Fuku… he was himself—whoever that might be.

He had made the choice to be with Fuku. Now he better understood what the consequences of that choice would really be.

A sting touched the corner of his eyes, and he blinked as Fuku reached up to wipe the wetness from his cheek with one short, chubby digit. There was little left to say. Ben had been told, in no uncertain terms, that he was to stay close, to just be Ben, and to leave the monster behind.

It was what he needed to hear. He could begin, at last, to learn who this new Ben was. Fuku seemed to know already. But then, others often see who we are better than we see ourselves.

“Thanks, Fuku… I needed that,” he murmured, pulling the Tanuki close again, returning the hug. And for the moment, at least, he allowed himself to be just Ben—leaving thoughts of the monster behind.

He didn’t have much more to tell of his story, but he wanted to say one thing more. “I’m sorry I hurt you, Fuku. I am sorry I ran away rather than thinking things through,” he said, and gently stroked the Tanuki’s back.

Fuku seemed to melt at his touch, and Ben decided he’d store that information away for future interactions.

“No, it’s okay… I am sorry for pulling you,” Fuku said. “I tried to find you first, I waited and… but I was afraid.”

And that was it. They had said their piece. They understood the why and the how. Fuku was already over the mishap, and Ben had him to help heal. What remained was simply time—and the patience to shape a new identity. One where a Tanuki would be clinging to him at every possible moment.

He sighed—but it was a sigh of inevitability, and of contentment.

***

Hey, just a quick note from me — Reinventor.

First off, thank you SO much for reading. I really hope you’re enjoying the story!

Did you know there are currently three Whispers books available, with the third releasing at about a chapter a day? If you’re a Patreon member, you did. 😉

So… how ’bout it?
For just $4 a month you get access to all three Whispers books, plus two more epic adventures — and you’ll be helping support the continuing journey of your favorite duo: Benku! 🤣

https://www.patreon.com/c/u70608036

And seriously — thank you for reading, for the love, and for your support!

—Reinventor