Springtime Respite (Patreon)

"Don't look so glum, great warrior! Let the spring liven up your spirits..."

This little group still had a long road ahead of them. Weeks left of marching in the sun, crossing treacherous mountainous paths and risking life and limb... all for the sake of delivering rare spices and and liquors in time for the Imperial Wedding.

Weary of sleeping under the stars once again, the brotherhood of tanuki merchants decided to make a brief detour to a spring known to their kin: the secret Fortune Spring, known only by some... As many rivers flow down from the misty Thunder God's Mountain, only one branch pours down from it; the River of Fortune. One recognises this river by the trail of of cherry-blossom petals flowing through it in the springtime.

Fortunate as they are, their timing was impeccable. The tanukis stripped bare, letting their privates finally hang freely in this natural sanctuary. They dove into the hot spring together, laughing and cheering, completely at ease. They massage the dirt off of each other, rejoicing in this tender moment with caresses and chuckles.

Travelling with them is their faithful bodyguard - Honō, a fearsome tiger who was once a celebrated soldier, yet was cast out and humiliated by his conniving former master. Now reduced to a mere mercenary, he shielded his colourful and easygoing clients numerous times while on this mercantile pilgrimage. He sustained injuries on their behalf during several encounters with highwaymen and greedy scoundrels... though he, of course, wears these scars like a badge of honour.

He, too, finally disrobes.The tanukis clamour excitedly, playfully admiring the tiger's rough-hewn physique, and his... obvious fertility. They reach out for their protector and drag him into the soothing hot spring with them. Ears perked and eye peeled (he'd lost his other eye in a battle long ago), Honō remains watchful, wary of someone appearing at this inopportune time... Yet, his bubbly companions prove difficult to ignore.

"I owe you a debt of gratitude for saving us, great Honō... Shall I wash your back too?"

"If you so wish."

"Look at Haru-kun, still clinging to your arm for protection... Methinks he's taken a liking to you~""Oh, yes~ He calls out for your name at night!""Shō-kun calls out for his name too... when he touches himself behind a tree~""Shut up! You need to get your ears cleaned!"

"...""In fact, I'd say my young pupils are all quite smitten with you...""So... Who's your favourite?!""Me! Honō-san, you said you liked my dance!""Ah-ha-ha-ha! How could he not? Honō-san is very polite!""Satoru-san, this hot spring calls for a hearty drink! I need my belly filled!""Your belly is always full!"

The tiger growls deeply, suffering the rambunctiousness around him. At least, one of the tanukis - Haru - has a calm temperament, much like he does. The mature tiger may be almost twice the younger tanuki's age, but he's especially protective of him, somehow. He remembers how they gazed at the snow caps blowing off the peak of the Wind God's Mountain, only a month ago... He remembers how, despite the cold air around them, he felt them both so warm and reassured.

He grazes the tanuki's paw with his claw. Gently...

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This was a Patreon raffle winner! Though, I felt like adding this little backstory I came up with. Cliffhanger? A little bit!I wanted to experiment with styles a bit this time, I tried to do something inspired by traditional Japanese art. Could've done better, but it's good practice!