Kitsune

**Kitsune** are a supernatural species within the *The Inner Circle* Universe. They are described as "tricksters" with no care for the concept of right or wrong. They are described as intelligent beings who possess magical abilities that increase with their age and wisdom.

## Creation

Kitsunes are fox spirits but originally in ancient japan over 1200 years ago were lost souls that were attacked by the evil forces of witches using the spirit

## Characteristics

Kitsune are believed to possess superior intelligence, long life, and magical powers. They are a type of yōkai, or a Japanese spiritual entity; the word *kitsune* is often translated as *fox spirit*. However, this does not mean that kitsune are ghosts, nor that they are fundamentally different from regular foxes. Because the word *spirit* is used to reflect a state of knowledge or enlightenment, all long-lived foxes gain supernatural abilities.

## Powers and Abilities

**Kitsune** (キツネ) is the Japanese word for Fox.

Early portrayals of kitsune cast them as heralds of Inari Ōkami, the god of rice, but in some areas of the country the worship of the foxes became more important than the god they served.

There is no single, universal concept of kitsune just as there is no single, universal concept of “ghost” or “demon”.

In Japanese folklore, all foxes exhibit some level of magical ability including shapeshifting into people, other creatures, and inanimate objects. These powers increase with age and wisdom.

In ancient stories, some foxes use their magic for good while others are malevolent. They are often portrayed as tricksters. Some of the stories are comical while others are deeply emotional love stories featuring human/fox pairings.

There are thirteen types of Kitsune in Japanese mythology.

* *Tengoku* (Heaven, Celestial, Light, Prime)
* *Kukan* (Void or Dark)
* *Kaze* (Wind)
* *Seishin* (Spirit)
* *Kasai* (Fire)
* *Chikyu* (Earth)
* *Kawa* (River)
* *Umi* (Ocean, Sea)
* *Yama* (Mountain)
* *Mori* (Forest, Woods)
* *Sanda* (Thunder)
* *Jikan* (Time)
* *Ongaku* (Music, Sound)

### Auras

According to Derek Hale, Kitsunes have auras that they learn to conceal as they grow. It is shaped like a fox with large pointed ears and muzzle.

In Season 5, the aura is revealed to be a manifestation of the fox spirit within their human body that can take control at will if it becomes stronger than the human in mentality and power.

It can be seen with digital photographs and by those with enhanced vision like a Werewolf.

### Tails

Traditionally, tails are symbols of how powerful kitsunes are. They appear to only have nine tails.

Tails are achieved when a kitsune becomes more powerful. For example, Kira got her first tail from a piece of obsidian in Mexico that she used to unlock her healing ability.

The age of the "tail" also denotes its power level such as. The older it is, the more potent in power it is.

Somehow, kitsunes can be represented in physical items like Noshiko's knives or Kira's hira-shuriken. This transformation of "tails" into the physical knives went unexplained during Season 3.

Destroying a tail weakens a kitsune's powers regardless of the intent. It appears to allow certain magic to be performed such as Noshiko summoning Oni or when Void Stiles used one to take control of the demons. Her tails were broken from most recent to the oldest due to the older tails being stronger (*Letharia Vulpina*, *Insatiable*)

### Foxfire

She explains that, according to myth, when a Kitsune rubs its tails together it can create fire or lightning called "foxfire."

The foxfire appears to be more than just electrical. There is apparently a magical component as well as Kira was able to use lightning to repair a broken Katana.

### Other Abilities

We only have information about the two Kitsune currently on the show - other types may have other abilities. For instance, Thunder Kitsunes are able to absorb a large amount of electricity into her body which increases their power.

These creatures also appear to have an incredibly slow aging process. Noshiko appeared as a teenager in 1943 and a woman of 35 currently though she claims to be 900 years old. It is unclear if it is a natural phenomenon or an illusion that she is able to project.

## Weaknesses

* **Spirit Connection:** As a kitsune they are used to having a spirit connection with themselves and nature and if the connection isn't even reconnected that kitsune could die.
* **Feelings**: Kitsune are also victim of their own feelings. A kitsune's emotions can cause them harm or distract them. The Sin of Regret can even kill a kitsune outright.

* **Freedom**: Freedom is very important to the kitsune. They do not accept being forced into something they do not wish and do not like being bound or trapped. Doing so weakens the kitsune and is frowned upon by other kitsune.

* **Promise**: Kitsune must keep their promises or suffer a deterioration in their rank and power.

## Known Kitsunes

 Misao | In her human form, Misao looks like a pretty young Asian girl with long black hair, scarlet all around the tips, and black eyes. While in her fox form, she has more than six tails and black and scarlet fur. Both she and her brother can change into any shape that they want.
 Shinichi | In his human form, Shinichi looks like a young and beautiful Japanese boy with pitch-black hair, red all around the tips and golden eyes. While in his fox form, he has more than six tails and black and red fur. Both he and his sister can change into any shape that they want.