"Yes, I expect they would be. Most supernatural creatures have a similar problem, though it's typically the eyes. The next question to answer is what you want to do now."

"I don't know what options are available to me, but – hopefully nothing involving 'harming the townsfolk'."

"Hopefully not. If you can find a healthy way to relate to your fox, you'll retain control."

"Do foxes differ much, or is there usually a one-size fits all…?"

"They vary. The rule of thumb is that the fox is more mischievous and impulsive than their human, but beyond that, I'm afraid it's mostly a personal relationship."

"… Tips for how to talk to it when I didn't even know for sure it existed, before now?"

"That's the main barrier, actually. It already knows you. Try using a mirror, try asking it for its name, try naming it and see how it likes that, try finding your foxfire..."

"Foxfire being…?"

"Mythologically, it describes the ghostly light produced when a kitsune rubs its tails together. As for actual kitsune, I must stress that I don't know much. Foxfire describes the elemental effect a kitsune produces."

"… Maybe I can convince the fox part to do that and produce it?" He shrugs.

"I suppose that's up to you."

"Thanks."

"You can come to me if you need anything. I can probably get in touch with someone who knows more, but I'll need to make arrangements before I leave."

Nod. "I can keep you in the loop, if this is the sort of thing you study?"

"I would appreciate that, thank you."

Smile. "I don't suppose you have a mirror lying around, do you?"

"I'm afraid as a veterinarian, I don't have much use for one."

Shiny phone screen doesn't seem to count, does it?

...maybe?

He looks at it a bit more, frowning.

He can't see anything, really. Except...are his eyes glowing? 

If he peers at them more closely?

His reflection bows.

"… Hi there."

Something between a bark and a giggle sounds inside his head.