Work Text:
Scurrying inside a gap just big enough for a tiny kit, Shippo whimpered as he scraped his palm on a jagged edge. Lightning flashed and he squeezed his eyes shut, shudders racking his entire body. He wanted nothing more than to curl up in his parent’s fur, completely protected from the unexpected storm, but instead he was running from his father’s murderer, hiding out in a group of boulders.
“I wish my father was here.” He whispered, his claws digging into his skin as a clap of thunder filled the air. Just four days ago, he was enjoying the afternoon with his father when the notorious Thunder Brothers came upon them, taking the fox demon’s fur for their own use. Shippo couldn’t find his way back home, hiding out in a burrowed hole nearby, hungry and tired.
He stayed there all day and night, tears flowing freely as he huddled for warmth. He didn’t know what to do next, but when his stomach growled for the tenth time, he carefully crawled out, searching for his next meal. Struggling to catch some fish, Shippo fell in a nearby stream, the current taking him south, farther away from anything he’s ever known.
Finally managing to get out, he swallowed the fish whole, unaware of Hiten’s nearby presence and searched for a new place to sleep for the night. Stumbling upon a grove of trees, a piercing bolt of lighting took down the tree he was headed for, making him scream.
Shippo ran and ran, scurrying away as the Thunder Brothers continued on their hunt for the kit. Once he found the boulders, he squeezed himself into a tight spot, the demons passing by unaware. Once the brothers disappeared and the storm dissipated, Shippo was finally able to take a deep breath. Night had fallen, crickets chirping in the distance as he looked out at the sky.
Stars twinkled, the constellations coming together and Shippo awed at the view. Stargazing was one of his favorite things to do with his mother and he wondered if his parents were happy in the afterlife. A shooting star appeared, flying across the midnight sky and he couldn’t help but smile.
His mother told him about a custom many human children did when a star bursted like that, shutting their eyes and making a wish. He always thought it was silly, thinking how could a star making something come true, but he found himself doing the exact same thing himself.
“I wish I could find someone to let me stay with them, to take care of me, to be my friend so I’m not alone anymore.” He whispered softly. Sighing, Shippo wrapped his arms around himself, doing his best to stay warm as he drifted to sleep, visions of fish and pickles filling his dreams.
The next morning, he heard the faint voices of two people and upon closer inspection, saw a half-demon and oddly dressed human girl. The aura of the sacred jewel brushed across his senses and he smiled, a plan hatching in his mind. If I can get the jewel shards, I can avenge my father. Taking a leaf from his vest, Shippo pounced into action.