Chapter Text
“Delilah, put that back,” Lila's mother commanded, “I am not buying that expensive thing for you.”
Lila held on to the necklace tighter, pouting. “But, I want it!”
“Delilah! Don't you dare make a scene in this store! That necklace is a thousand dollars! If you were a being a better girl, maybe I would get it for your birthday-”
“My 8th birthday already pasted-”
“Delilah. You are putting the necklace back. No complaints.”
Tears were forming in Lila's eyes, she knew she wasn't being the best that day, but still! She didn't deserve this!
“... Fine.”
“Good. I'll be waiting in the car.”
Lila's mother walked off, leaving her sad daughter to look at the necklace, probably for the last time. The necklace was in a fox tail shape, with a black tip on the end. There were also baby blue lines separating the different shades of grey.
“Hey kiddo, what'cha got there?”
Lila turned to see a black haired person with blue eyes. They had pale skin, some freckles, and was wearing a black-and-white ombre hoodie with black sweats and cream colored shoes.
“Oh. It's just a necklace my mom won't buy for me. Did you want it?”
“Uh... Sure kid.”
Lila hands over the necklace, “Make sure you have the money for it though, it costs a lot.”
“I see. Thanks kiddo.” With that, the person and Lila walked off in different directions.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Lila sighs as she closes her bedroom door. She stuffs her hands in her pocket, which reveals something she really wanted...
It was the necklace! How it got into her pocket was confusing, but what's the point in telling her mom? She'll probably just get mad again.
So, Lila quickly locked the door and put the necklace on. She was quite happy with herself somehow getting the fox necklace. Maybe the ombre hoodie person took pity on her and put in her pocket when she wasn't looking.
Then, a bright blue light comes out of the necklace, and Lila's eyes widen.
The ball of light became a... Gray fox? It had a black tipped tail, just like the necklace had shown, as well as black tipped ears and paws...? It also had a cream colored stomach.
Lila was suddenly less happy.
“Hello,” the creature bowed, “I'm Russe, the kwami of... Deception.”
“What?” Lila backed away towards her bedroom door.
“The kwami of... Oh. You have no idea what I'm talking about doing you?”
Lila shook her head.
“Think of kwamis as tiny gods. I'm the tiny god of deception, or lying.”
“Then how am I supposed to trust you?” Lila squinted.
“Because now you're my holder, and I wouldn't lie to my holder.”
“Hmm...”
“I can also help you lie, if you like.”
Lila crossed her arms. “Why would I need to lie?”
“Well, don't you like attention?”
“I don't need attention!”
“Really? You've never been jealous of someone richer than you? Someone with more friends, better grades? Someone who always gets their way?"
Lila was silent. After all, to a child who was constantly overlooked, that sounded... Good. Great, even.
“I can help you. Heck, I'll show you that my powers work. Let's take your clothes for example. Say you're wearing something different.”
“Outloud?”
“Yes.”
“Alright,” Lila took a breath, “I'm wearing Agreste brand clothing!”
Lila looked down. Nothing happened.
“What gives?” Lila squinted at Russe again.
“You have to look in the mirror.”
So, she looked into her bedroom mirror. She was wearing the most recent products.
“What... How...?”
“Listen, I can give you the access to lying perfectly, no matter how ridiculous the lie is. All you have to do is give me your name.”
Lila thought about it for a second, was this actually worth it?
“You won't regret it. And no one will ever find out about this.”
“... My name is Lila Rossi.”
“What a nice name. Now tell me Ms. Rossi, what can I do for you?”