Work Text:
It was another day at Shiho’s full time, at Miya zoo. She loved to handle all kinds of small animals all day. She put on her vest and placed her transceiver on her waist band in case of any mishaps in the zoo today. The racoon walked up to the other zoo rangers on duty today, accounting for every one of them. The ranger in charge, as always, was the fluffy red panda officer—Minori Hanasato.
“Is everyone here today?” she hummed, taking attendance. The racoon, the polar bear, and the cow are all here today!
Wait… all of us are animals? Animals taking care of other animals… How does that work? Shiho hummed as she was finding the right food to feed today’s section of the zoo. I shouldn’t think about that too much.
“I'm in the petting zoo section today. How about you, Shiho?” Ichika hummed, coming up next to Shiho to grab a few bags of rabbit feed. “The wild animal section.” she sighed. It wasn’t her favourite part but it wasn’t the worst. “I’ll come visit the ducklings during my break.” She hummed on a more positive note.
Shiho picked up a bucket of raw meat from the freezer and decided to check which cage to feed first today. She was walking past all the enclosures, seeing if any of the animals were awake at this time. The lions were still sleeping peacefully, so she’ll check on them later.
Moving onto the next one, the tigers. Most of them were awake, and the sight of the familiar bucket that always fed them caught their attention. “I guess I’ll feed you guys first today.” Shiho hummed as she set the bucket down to get the puzzle feeders for them. After the food had entered the enclosure, she stayed for a while to make sure nothing out of the ordinary happened.
The tigers fed on the meat, acting as if they were starved for weeks. Shiho found their eating habits rather cute at times, they are just large cats after all. When she confirmed everything to be all right, Shiho picked up the almost empty bucket and walked away to go get a refill.
On her way, she still observed all the animals out of habit. When passing the fox enclosure, a certain one caught her eye—a fox that was twitching uncontrollably. She immediately set down her bucket and approached it. It could be a potential danger to the rest of the foxes—
The bastard lunged at her to bite her arm. Luckily, she dodged in time for her to escape with just a scratch. Her leg held onto its body and she tried to secure its neck in place, but it growled and tried to bite her hand either way. She grabbed one of the spare muzzles that they always keep at the side of every wild animal enclosure. When it was secure, she stepped back and took a good look at the fox.
No obvious wounds, no sign of anything that could have caused this aggression. Could it be..?
Shiho took out an emergency needle and stuck it in its thigh, injecting the medicine. It slowly relaxed, eventually passing out after a few seconds. Shiho still kept a firm grip on it in case it suddenly woke up, and used her other hand to tap on her transceiver.
“I have a code 14: a fox.”
“Alright, I’ll ask the nurses to prepare the medicine.” a light and calm voice replied, probably Haruka.
At the employee only sector, Shiho was tasked to look after the fox by the nurses. “I’ve given all the proper medication for now. When it awakes, be sure to help it with its transformation.” Nurse Mafuyu instructed.
Shiho leaned beside the bed, softly petting its head. The fox was sound asleep, quietly purring.
The fox’s name is Akito. According to its data log, it’s a male. In a few hours, this kitsune will turn into a real human (well, half human) just like Shiho.
She was once a raccoon as well, and had to go through a transformation like him. Usually, the animals who evolve in the zoo end up as a zookeeper as well—that’s just how it works. I’ll probably have to take him under my wing…
After a few hours, Shiho came to check on it again. It feels like this whole day has just been admin work, since she couldn’t stray too far away from Akito. She sat beside the bed of the now awake fox, grabbing a bottle of medicine. It jumped onto her lap, resting on it. Alright, it was kind of cute compared to the other carnivores. Its fur was well maintained and soft—perfect for petting.
It should be about time…
Shiho set the fox down on the bed, waiting for its transformation.
It slowly grew, kind of glowing and evolving to another form. When the process finally ended after a few minutes, Shiho gave him a cup of water and a pill to stop any further mutations. Akito was a little quiet at first, getting used to its—or, his—new body.
He cleared his voice, speaking slowly. “Finally, it’s done.”
Shiho hummed, going to fill up his paper work at the side. “Yup, feeling all good?”
Akito nodded, wagging his tail and moving his ears to get used to the feeling. “Do I still need to remain in the zoo?”
Shiho shook her head. “No, but for today, you do. I need to make sure you can function like a normal human.” Akito’s tail dropped at the news, obviously disappointed. He probably needs time to control his body language too… but Shiho admits, it was kind of cute.
After filling up the paperwork, Shiho tells him about today. He has to follow her around, learning basic skills and getting used to his new form for the day. “It should take you no less than a day, so tomorrow, you’re free to go.” Shiho said as the two were walking out the employee only centre.
Akito was equipped with a collar to track where he was at all times, a transceiver in case of emergencies, and a little badge to show that he was technically a temporary employee. “Since taking care of you took all morning, I’m technically on my break right now.” Shiho said, leading him to a part of the zoo he had never visited before.
“Right… So are we eating lunch now?”
“No, I already ate. We’re heading to the petting zoo now.” Shiho hummed. Pretty soon, they were surrounded by small cute rabbits in pens. One of them immediately ran up to Shiho as if recognising her, and she carried it in her arms.
However, Akito saw them as nothing but food, and he hasn’t eaten breakfast yet. Soon after, she realised the fox had strayed a little far away from her. The moment Shiho turned to look for him, she found one of the kits in his mouth.
“AKITO SPIT THAT OUT!” she shouted frantically, shaking him by the shoulder. He spit it out from shock, wiping the saliva dripping at the corner of his mouth. All the commotion attracted the zookeeper in charge— Ichika. She immediately picked up the little bunny that was sopping wet from being in a fox’s mouth.
“... maybe it wasn’t a good idea to bring Akito to a petting zoo…” Ichika mumbled awkwardly, nodding to Shiho. She sighed, knowing damn well it was a bad idea. “You can’t let him just wander around here, Shiho. As much as I would help-”
“No, it's fine. I got him.” Shiho declined, grabbing Akito by the collar. He flinched a little at the sudden tug, but he still followed her command. Maybe with just a small pout. “Where are we going?”
“To the next part, where I am sure you won't have anything hidden in your mouth.”
After walking for a bit, Akito spotted a few other animals. They were bigger than his fox form, but looked oddly friendly compared to the other big animals next to his enclosure before. Shiho went up to a neat, brown one and petted its mane. Seeing that it wasn’t a threat, Akito did the same.
“It's a horse, it won't hurt you. Want to try feeding it?” Shiho suggested, handing him a small handful of pellets to feed it. Akito took it from her hand, holding it up to the horse’s mouth and… it felt pretty disgusting. Shiho could tell from the uncomfortable expression on his face that if he ever were to work here, the petting zoo would definitely not be his favourite. Shiho ruffled its mane one last time, petting its neck then moving onto the next pen.
Next were the sheep. These, Akito recognised. However, there was a wired fence keeping him from hopping over and biting them this time. He followed the fellow raccoon’s lead, reaching a hand over to feel its soft wool. When the sheep bleated, Akito flinched, pulling his hand away immediately. A small chuckle slipped from Shiho’s mouth, and he flashed her an annoyed look. He definitely wasn’t used to non-hostile animals.
Akito was over with the petting zoo— he couldn't even have a bite of them. Feeding them was gross, and all they did was just stand there and eat. He squatted next to Shiho, looking at the rocks and picking at the grass. He tried to grumble and complain about her dragging him through this, but seeing how Shiho was genuinely enjoying herself, he just kept quiet. What does he know about what’s entertaining to a human anyway?
After who knows how long, Shiho tapped on his shoulder and it was a sign that they were about to move. “Is this what you do everyday…?” he mumbled. “On my breaks, yea. I spend most of my shift taking care of my section that day.”
“What was it today?”
“The wild animals. That's why I was there to help you.”
“Right…” Akito's voice trailed off as Shiho walked up ahead towards the pond. A few ducks emerged from the ponds, and she picked up a duckling. She took out a pack of bread crumbs that she kept in her pocket on her belt. Akito leaned over her, observing her actions. “This job is rather boring.”
“I like it, it's barely any work.” Shiho said, standing up. “Y’know, I also evolved at the zoo. After that, I was offered a job here like all the rest.”
“So will I get offered a job?”
Shiho nodded, “yea, just like the rest of us. You don't have to take it though, it's your choice.” Akito pretended to think about it, but it was certain. He already made up his mind to leave this boring place, and Shiho could tell.
Shiho squatted down to pick up a duck that was waddling at her feet. She stroked its feathers a few times before asking, “Here, do you want to hold it?”
Without waiting for his reply, she handed him the duck. He wasn't used to handling small animals in this way, so he looked pretty awkward. Foxes don’t usually eat ducks specifically, but Akito wasn't picky when it came to bird meat. Just as the little duck sensed a slight shift in his gaze—from a dull stare to staring daggers, it flapped its wings and tried to escape back to the pond. “UWA!–” Akito instinctively yelped, losing his balance trying to catch the duck. There was a big splash, followed by the sight of a rather pitiful, wet dog.
Shiho broke out into laughter at the comedic scene that unfolded within seconds, falling lightly on her behind as well. Her chuckles were soft and light, but it still annoyed Akito nonetheless. “What… what was that?” She managed out between gasps of air. Akito trudged out of the pond, trying to wipe off grass and seaweed off his limbs. He was completely drenched. “It’s not funny.” The ginger scolded.
“It's hilarious.”
Akito shook his hair like a dog to get the water off of it, but to no avail. It wasn't his oh-so-luscious fur anymore. “Are you done now?”
Shiho wiped a little tear from her eye from all that laughing, “yea, yea. Let’s head back before you catch a cold, alright?"
The two of them slowly made their way back, one of the two leaving a small trail of wet footprints behind.
Back at the employee only centre, Shiho managed to find some towels and an extra set of uniform to change into. “You’re lucky we had an extra.” she mumbled, patting the sick bay’s bed for him to sit on. Akito mumbled a half hearted thanks, sitting on the spot she instructed him to. Shiho took the towel that was placed on his head to dry his hair, wiping it vigorously.
“Hey! Hey! Stop that–” Akito protested, trying to grab onto Shiho’s hands to stop her.
“Oh quit complaining.” She huffed, finishing up quickly. She grabbed a nearby hair dryer and began to dry his hair with low heat. Akito closed his eyes shut and cringed at the temperature difference, but showed no actual signs of discomfort. His ears were relaxed and his tail was waving side to side in a steady motion. Shiho quickly finished up and ran her hand through his hair to messily style it.
Akito’s hand gently and swiftly reaches up and holds her hand in place. His ear twitched slightly as he mumbled, “It’s like I'm getting petted.”
“Yea, probably just your memories as a fox kicking in.” Shiho replied, shifting her fingers to rub the back of his ears. “You were probably one of the friendlier foxes. Probably why you remember getting petted.”
Akito was about to reach up and do the same to Shiho— he wanted to know how it felt like. She backed away immediately, grabbing his hand before it got close. “Let’s get you back to work…” She changed the subject, helping him off the bed. Akito was confused, but took a mental note not to do that again.
Why did I…do that? Shiho was lost in her own thoughts as she was walking out the room, Akito tagging along behind her.
She brushed it off, not wanting to dwell on it too much. Shiho led him to the pantry, grabbing a few things from boxes and containers. “I know you're hungry, so I think you can eat some of this.” she said, handing him a bowl of foods he was familiar with. A few berries and a whole rabbit—but cooked. “You need to slowly get used to human food, so no more raw meat.”
Akito nodded, taking the dish. In a few minutes, he licked the bowl clean spotless.
“Will I get multiple meals like that if I work here?”
“Pretty much. All the amenities are free if you’re an employee.”
Shiho cleaned up after him (only for today, though.) and decided to maybe give him a little treat. “Hey, try this.” she said, handing him a mini microwaved pancake.
He sniffed it before deciding to eat it in a bite. His eyes lit up, looking at the plate from afar that had the rest of the previously prepared pancakes. Shiho chuckled at the sight, sliding the plate to give him the rest. “So you have a sweet tooth, hm?” she hummed.
He ignored her, eating almost everything already. He took the last piece and put it up to her face, offering a bite. Shiho was caught slightly off guard, but bit it nonetheless.
“I thought foxes love to hoard food?” Shiho remarked sarcastically. “You looked like you wanted some.” he replied, obviously a jab at her.
Shiho rolled her eyes. “Whatever. After this, I have to get back on my shift at the wild animal section. You can tag along if you like…” she said, getting up. But that wasn’t really a choice for him, of course he’d follow her.
Shiho was going around the enclosures, maintaining their cleanliness and even interacting with some of the animals. All while Akito walks around, observing the other animals through the glass that he had always stared at from afar. “Keep up if you don’t want to get lost.” she instructed. He immediately stood up and caught up to her, like a kid following their parents.
After almost a whole day of mindlessly following Shiho around, she reckoned that Akito was sure to be gone by tomorrow. He looked bored out of his mind and after the pond, he's probably had enough.
It was fun while it lasted at least.
“Shiho?”
She snapped out of her thoughts. “Yea, yea, I’m almost done.” she said, wrapping up her visit at the penguin enclosure. Akito put down the struggling penguin, and it ran away almost immediately. He really wasn’t good with smaller animals.
It was nearly 8pm already, and Minori must have closed the park by now. 6pm was Akito’s usual feeding time, so he was rather ravenous.
“We have dinner at 8.30 with the other employees, just so you know. If you work here, you’ll have to get used to it,” Shiho mentioned, almost as if reading his expression. “But you're probably not.”
Akito glanced at Shiho for a moment, as if considering the offer. Taking care of cute animals and playing with them wasn’t really his cup of tea… but spending time with someone that was like him? And could actually make that fun? He didn’t mind that.
“No, I think I'm staying.”
Shiho turned to look at him, a little surprised by his decision. “Really? I don't think you’ll last a day in the petting zoo.”
“Shut up.” Akito said, his expression dropping. It earned a hearty laugh from Shiho, one that made him want to stay in the park just a little more. “I’ll wipe that smile off you.” he mumbled, shoving her playfully.
When they arrived at the dining hall, it seemed like the maid had already laid out all the food. Its aroma wafted through the air, tonight’s special is curry! Akito has never tried proper human food before, so the savoury scent made his mouth water. “Thank you, Honami.” Shiho nodded to the brown haired maid, pushing the cart of food. She smiled back, nodding along.
All 4 (well, now 5) of the employees settled down, Akito observing the somewhat familiar faces.“The housekeeping and nurses will join us after.” Haruka mentioned, which told them that they could eat first. After seeing Akito’s particularly hungry face, she thought she should announce that first.
They all began to dig in, the ginger fox already shoving spoonfuls of food into his mouth. “So Akito… how do you like it at the zoo, so far?” Minori spoke up in a friendly way. She was the ranger in charge after all, she was in charge of new recruits. “It’s nice.” He mumbled, a little nervous from the stares he was getting from the other employees.
“He said he’ll consider joining us,” Shiho explained it in place of him after noticing his lost expression.
Minori clasped her hands together and smiled cheerfully. “That’s amazing then! Another recruit~” she hummed excitedly. The others smiled at him, warmly welcoming him. He didn’t really know what to make of that… but he had a feeling he'd need to behave around them in particular. I’ll just mess around with the raccoon then…
The housekeeping kindly helped to clean up after all of them once they were finished eating. Akito scanned the others— a red panda, a polar bear, and a cow. The other employees like maids or nurses seemed to be all fully human. A purple haired girl, a pink one, and a brown haired girl. He was going to have to memorise their names and get to know all of them… eh, sounded like a real drag. For now at least, he’ll just nod at them as a greeting.
“Akito,” Shiho called for him. He turned to her at the sound of his name, following her out the dining hall. “Isn’t it time for sleep by now?” Akito asked. It was a little past 9pm, and Akito usually fell dead asleep after eating. “I guess? I’ll show you your room and I'll leave you alone for the night. You might still follow your usual body schedule as a fox for a few days…” she hummed, recalling her own experiences when she transformed.
Akito nodded, though he was already feeling sleepy. Shiho brought him to his own dorm. It was smaller than his open enclosure of course, but he could make do. The raccoon wished him a goodnight and promptly left him by himself.
He collapsed onto the bed, exhausted. Is this how everyday’s gonna be? Working for other animals, eating his dinner late, and sleeping late? Man… and he’s still trying to get used to his hybrid body. Transforming did take a whole lot of energy from him. Whatever, tomorrow’s when I’ll actually start working.
He sighed, why did he agree to this…? Just because he had fun with that raccoon?
The next day, Akito naturally woke up early from his body clock and changed to the only other uniform set he had in his closet to start the day. He wasn’t sure where to head, but thankfully he bumped into Shiho on the way. “Morning, Akito.” she hummed, already helping him fix his uniform. Akito simply looked down at her and waited till she was done.
Noticing his wagging tail, Shiho asked, “what’s put you in a good mood…?”
She adjusted his collar and stepped away.
“Nothing. Shall we head to breakfast?” Akito hummed calmly. Shiho nodded, happy that he at least didn’t seem like he was hating this job already.
At breakfast, Shiho was busy teaching him how to make food for himself and clean up after himself. “I don’t get it… why can’t you just do it for me…?” he grumbled. “I won’t always be here to help, y'know." Shiho said. Akito shook his hands in the sink, trying to splash the water off his hands. “…disgusting.” He muttered under his breath.
“Quit being such a baby. You don’t even have fur on your hands anymore.”
Akito pouted. She wasn’t wrong, but he was still particular about his own cleanliness. Seeing his grumpy face, Shiho sighed. “…guess you’re still a fox after all..”
She reached her hand up to scratch his chin, then moved her hands to the back of his neck to run her hands through the strands of his hair. His hair did feel somewhat similar to his previously fluffy fur. Akito leaned into her touch, used to getting pats on his head by his caretakers.
Of course, he took this opportunity to reach his hand up to the raccoon’s head and pat it. Well, more like just place his hand on top of her head and tug at her hair. “Ey! Ey!” Shiho yelped, trying to get his hands off her. Akito loosened his grip, mumbling a small “sorry”. Guess he wasn’t used to controlling his grip strength… that was something he needed to work on.
Shiho took his hand gently and shifted it to the back of her head— at least he couldn’t tug on her ears if his hand was there. He stroked her hair softly, careful not to put too much force into it.
“What’s the point of doing this…?” He mumbled, a little unsure of petting.
“Makes the animals calm down. It also feels nice if the fur is soft… though my hair isn’t the best example.” She explained.
Her hair wasn’t the most silky or fluffy, but it still felt interesting to the touch. Akito hummed, slowly understanding the appeal of petting. “So is that why you like the petting zoo?”
“That’s one reason. We can visit that area again today if you’d like.”
“… alright,” He hummed.
Shiho might just have to get used to his curious sense of touch in the meantime.