Penumbral Fox (3 shard)
Dark Umbral Fox! (5 shard)
This egg looks like a shadowy crack is separating it into two halves.
The umbral fox hatchling has been very independent ever since it hatched. It barely acknowledges you, but at least it doesn't actively avoid you like it does everyone else. However, you suspect that's because of the food you provide, not because of any inherent affection. Touching it will lead to fierce yowls and slaps from the tiny tentacle on its neck. Now and then, the hatchling flickers out of existence for a moment, probably its first short forays into the shadow realm.
Now that your fox is an adult, it seems to be more comfortable with your presence than it was as a hatchling. You are now allowed to touch it without any repercussions and it actively enjoys getting groomed. This only applies to you, however; anyone else touching it will be hit by a lightning-quick slap with the tentacle, leaving fiercely hot welts that will be painful for several weeks. When the fox goes hunting, it will vanish for a few minutes, then return with its prey. Often they are animals that you know live in far away regions, and sometimes creatures you have never before seen. Despite your curiosity, you know better than to try and take the prey before the fox has eaten as much as it wants.
Umbral foxes are close relatives of tenabre foxes, but where those are mischievous, umbral foxes are more aloof and distant. For a long time, it was thought that umbral foxes had similar powers to their tenabre cousins, being able to meld with shadows. Then one day a young magi reported her fox taking her to another world, a realm of shadows and weird angles. As she was holding on to her fox, it swam through the shadows using its fish-like tail, then brought her out again hundreds of miles away. Although it was taken as a wild tale at first, by now more magi have told of similar experiences. This only seems to happen to magi who have a close relationship with their umbral foxes. On the other hand, magi that are known to have mistreated or abused their foxes disturbingly often get reported missing, never to be seen again.
This sounds promising for sure! Might have to snag some for my birthday if they’re real nice!
Aw man I love the 3-shard already! Reminds me a little of Dark Chibiterasu from Ōkamiden.