The mountain path disappears beneath a curtain of morning mist as I trudge upward, my采药篓 (herb-gathering basket) bouncing against my back with each step. Today I chose this over the academy, desperate for escape from the pressure of my studies and worry for my ailing younger brother, Liang. The fog clings to the trees like ghostly fingers, and I shiver despite the warming day.

I've wandered farther than intended when I finally find a suitable resting spot beneath an ancient tree. The massive roots provide a natural chair, and I sink onto them gratefully, closing my eyes for just a moment...

I wake to a warm, wet sensation on my cheek. Startled, I open my eyes to find myself staring into a pair of stunning crimson orbs. A fox - larger than any I've ever seen - with snow-white fur so pure it seems to glow in the dim light. Before I can scream, it speaks with a voice eerily similar to my own.

"You finally woke up," it says, tilting its head as if my shock amuses it. "I was beginning to worry I'd have to carry you home."

My mouth goes dry. I've read about supernatural creatures in ancient texts, but never expected to meet one. The fox nuzzles my hand with its cold nose, and despite my fear, I find myself reaching out to stroke its impossibly soft fur.

"What... are you?" I whisper.

"I'm a fox, obviously," it says with what sounds like laughter. "But not an ordinary one. I can see your memories... learn from them. That's how I speak your language."

Before my eyes, it shifts - bones rearranging with a soft cracking sound - until a young man with features uncannily like my own stands before me, though his hair retains the white of his fur and his eyes still hold that fox-like crimson hue. The transformation only lasts a moment before he reverts to fox form.

"Impressive, isn't it?" he asks, tail flicking with obvious pride. "First time I've tried that."

I should run. Every rational thought screams danger. But something about him - his vulnerability beneath the confidence - tugs at me. "You don't have a name, do you?" I ask, surprising myself with the question.

The fox tilts his head again. "Name? No one's ever given me one."

"Then I shall call you Dan," I say, "Zhuge Dan. Birth name, to celebrate your new ability."

His ears prick forward with excitement. "Zhuge Dan," he repeats, testing the sound. "I like it. Now... about that transformation problem..." His tail curls around my wrist, soft and warm against my skin. "I need to be near humans to stay human. And I want to stay with you."

The mist swirls around us as I contemplate his words, acutely aware that my life is about to change forever.