Welcome to the first day of the YOI Mythology Week ( ! I'm incredibly excited to share this week with you all, and I hope you guys enjoy the adaptations that I'm writing here. I chose carefully each legend, and I must admit, I'm not exactly versed on some of them, but I'm doing my best!

I planned this week around victuuri, but if you guys have an idea or opinion, please let me know! I may not write it right away, but I will definitely try to add it to my list of prompts, so yeah, feel free to request a pairing and so.

As always, English isn't my first language, and this piece was unbeta'ed.

Find me on tumblr miitzwrites!

without further ado, enjoy!

Once upon a time, there was a beautiful prince, whose black hair like the night, and brown eyes like the most delicious chocolate, charmed everyone. Only those closest to him, could call him by his given name, Yuuri.

Since he was a little star, Yuuri wove beautiful clothes, like nobody else. His delicate fingers worked with fine threads, and his ability made his father, the King of Heavens, proud, so he assigned his beloved child to that chore, knowing well that he will always please him with his work.

As Yuuri grow up, his smile started to fade, the roundness of his face turned into sharp lines, accentuated by a sadness that no one seemed to notice, but his mother. Yuuri was old enough to find love and get married, and yet, his work was more important than his wishes.

As the years passed, he learned to live with that sorrow.

Ooooo

It was odd for Yuuri to make mistakes, but when he did, his father was the first to point them out. Maybe he combined two different threads or mistook two shades of blue, whatever it was, his father would make it known. Yuuri bowed and retired to his room to correct his mistake. But instead, he decided to go out and brought with him the threads of blue and pink he was working with earlier.

He walked and walked, until his legs felt like jelly, and there, at the edge of the river, he sat down, under the shadow of a tree, and started knitting again.

Focused, he didn't see a small animal roaming around him, until he felt someone pulling at the shirt that was already done, disentangling the threads and leaving just a piece of useless cloths.

Yuuri felt like crying. He looked up and found a brown dog, with his tongue lolling out his snout and a very happy expression that didn't hold any harm. But Yuuri, who lately lived with the pressure of being the perfect son that his father raised him to be, snapped at the animal. "How could you do that, stupid animal!" The tears fell from, his eyes, and he threw his materials at the dog, who dodged them.

"Makkachin! Bad dog, come here, now!" The stern voice of the owner of the dog, startled Yuuri. "How many times do I have to tell you that it is rude to destroy things that aren't yours? Bad dog, sit here and don't move until I tell you so." As if the dog could understand his owner, he sat down, with his tail between his legs and a low whine.

"I am terribly sorry, Mister. He didn't mean it," the man said, meeting Yuuri's eyes. And even with all the anger accumulated, Yuuri noticed the beautiful blue icy eyes of that man, and how sincere he was. Harshly, Yuuri wiped out his eyes, gathered his stuff, and turned around. The man didn't try to stop him, for which he was grateful.

However, the next day, when Yuuri returned to that spot, he found a basked with one of the softest and whitest wool he had ever used. And a note that read 'Makkachin says he's sorry. Please, accept this as a pay for what this old dog did to you. Victor.'

Yuuri felt a strange warmth growing from his heart.

Ooooo

"Mama, how did you and papa meet?" Yuuri asked one evening, as he helped his mother to mend a ripping on one of his dresses.

"Like all lovers meet, my little star. By destiny." He nodded, accepting her answer.

"Mama… do you think that one day, I will fall in love, too?" Yuuri murmured his question, turning around to avoid his mother's gaze.

"Yuuri, my boy, you know your work is .-"

"More important than myself, I know mama. Forget that I mentioned anything." He handed her the dress and left her room. His mother watched him as he stepped out the house to walk to the river.

He sat under the same tree and closed his eyes, then he felt something nudging his leg. The same dog that destroyed his shirt was there, but this time, he wasn't alone. His owner was there too, looking at Yuuri with curiosity.

"The Prince shouldn't wander alone to this side of the river," the man said, and Yuuri instantly stiffened.

"I don't even know you and you're already telling me what I should do, wow, that's fast," Yuuri replied, his snarky comment making the other man flinch.

"That wasn't my intention. It is just weird to see you leave the castle, that's it." You see, Yuuri may not be the most experience with people, he usually only crossed a word or two with the people that work for his family, and his connection is limited to only his family, but something about this stranger made him want to try, made him want to know how it was the world outside. He looked at the dog and extended his hand to pet his brown fur. "Thank you for the wool, Victor," that was the closest thing to an apology, and the man merely nodded. "The sheep wasn't mine, but a couple of favors was all I needed to get it to you."

"Then what do you do?"

"I'm a cowman, Sir."

"Oh, that's good I think." The silence fell over them. He stood up, and looked at Victor, and then noticed how thin and worn out his clothes were. By instinct, he reached out and touched the fabric of his shirt. At the sharp intake of breath, Yuuri realized what he was doing, and immediately retracted his hand, blushing furiously. He turned around, and left Makkachin and Victor there, watching him.

The next evening, Victor found a box with some shirts and pants, made by the finest clothes, and a red scarf.

Ooooo

The time passed, and the Prince and the cowman got closer. Yuuri learned more about Victor, about his work, and how he took good care of his cattle. Victor, on his part, learned about Yuuri's ability, and how that was the only thing he was good at. Of course, there was more about him, but since his early years, people made him think that that was the only thing that mattered, so he believed as well.

"That sounds lonely," Victor said, and Yuuri shrugged off, "Yeah, it is. But it's not that bad. In the end, I've got the chance to meet you, so it's okay." Victor silently nodded, draping his arm around the Prince's shoulders and kissing his forehead.

Back at the castle, his father could see how sad his son was, and it was reflected in the way he wove. The clothes seemed harshly tied together, and the imperfections were notorious, and when he asked his son what happened, he only got a sad smile by a response. So, one evening, he followed him to the river, and hiding behind the trees, he saw how his son smiled widely and honestly around that man, and how his laughter embraced them both as the silver-haired man kissed him full on the lips.

His son had found love.

Ooooo

"Yuuri? Your father wants to speak with you." His mother announced as he entered her son's bedroom. Yuuri's eyes widened. He was supposed to meet Victor, but he couldn't tell that to his mother, so he followed her to the big salon, where, to his surprise, found Victor, speaking to his father.

"Ah, my son. Please, come here, have a seat with me," his father moved to the side, so Yuuri could sit next to him while Victor was still standing. He looked nervous, and his usually composed exterior seemed about to break down. But he had never seen him so polished, his work didn't allow him to, but there he was, using one of the shirts that Yuuri had given him, and, of course, the red scarf.

"I saw you two the other day, and he makes you happy, doesn't he?" His father questioned Yuuri with a knowing smile, "So I told him you two can get married."

"Father!" Yuuri abruptly got up. He felt again the same sense of distress over not being able to decide for himself on his own terms, and he turned to look at Victor. He shook his head and took a step forward to grab his hand in his. "Nothing would make me happier, my Yuuri. But I told your father, I wouldn't decide it for both of us. I will, of course, be elated if you choose me, but if you have your doubts, I will wait for as long as you want."

In that moment, Yuuri felt about to explode with happiness.

Ignoring his father's shocked eyes, he rushed to Victor, wrapping his arms around his waist, hiding his teary face on his neck. "I want to be with you, Victor," he whispered, and Victor hugged him tightly.

"Always and forever, my Yuuri?"

"Yes, always and forever, my Victor."

Ooooo

The wedding was a simple affair. People congratulated the young couple who looked madly in love with each other. And there, in front of everyone, they promised a life full of love and happiness.

They soon found out, that those promises never last forever.

Ooooo

"Dear, is Yuuri sick?"

"No, my darling. Why do you ask?"

"He hasn't completed his tasks. He's late most of the time, and I'm afraid he will stop weaving altogether. That man has him too enamored. I knew our son wasn't made for it."

"I will talk to him."

"No, I will."

The King of Heavens abandoned his castle and headed to Yuuri and Victor's shack. They had agreed to live together, near the river, even though his father disagreed with his decision. But as Yuuri had said, they were a married couple, and they needed their space.

That had been almost six months ago, and Yuuri lacked off his responsibilities. But not only him, Victor did, too. Most of the time, the King found cows that belonged to Victor, wandering near the castle. It was obvious that his son in law didn't take care of his animal as he should, and the King needed an answer to their actions, and he needed it now.

What he wasn't expecting, though, was to find his son on the arms of that man, lying pleasantly on the bed, while the clothes he was supposed to deliver the week before, was ruined for being abandoned outside for too long.

He kicked open the door, not caring about the state of undress of his son and his husband. His blood boiled with anger, and he threw some clothes to his son. "You're coming with me to the castle," the King demanded, ignoring the protests from both his son and Victor. "You two have neglected your work, and I won't have this insolence. I should've seen it from the beginning, this marriage was a mistake."

"Please, your Highness, we will. -"

"You're not allowed to speak! You seduced my son into believing he loved you! You caused this!"

"Father, please don't blame him, this was my fault!"

"I said shut up! You're coming with me, or else…" the threat of his father made Yuuri whimper, and resigned, he dressed. Victor tried to stop him, but he shook his head, "I love you, Victor," he softly said, looking at him one more time. 'Please, wait for me, I'll come back to you,' he wanted to say, and Victor understood.

"I love you too, my Yuuri," he replied, and then his husband left their house.

Ooooo

The King thought that having his son back would make things right again.

He was wrong.

His son refused to talk, to eat or to weave anything for him. He didn't leave his room, and even his mother couldn't get in there. He had seen the sadness in his eyes before, but this time, his Yuuri looked more dead than alive. He was his father, but he was also a king, and he never truly learned how to balance both sides of his life.

The king knocked at his son's door and didn't get a reply, so he gently pushed the door open. As a father, he felt his heart breaking at the sight of his only son, clutching his pillow to his chest, and crying his eyes out.

"My little star," he cooed him and sat on the edge of the bed, and Yuuri recoiled from his touch. That hurt. "I am sorry you're in this pain, but this is for the best."

"For you, father. For me? Not so much. Can't you see it? I have no life without him!" Yuuri protested, with his voice hoarse.

He couldn't do this to his son. His beautiful star was losing his light and sparkle, and he felt guilty, so he did what he thought was the fairest thing.

"Let's make a deal. You can't stop your work here, and Victor can't be so reckless with his cattle. But if you work hard, and Victor shows me he's worthy of your love, I will allow you two to meet on the 7th day of the 7th month. That's all I can do for my beloved son."

Yuuri didn't think it twice, and he nodded, accepting what his father had for him.

It would be hard, but he knew he could do anything for Victor.

Ooooo

The 7th day of the 7th month arrived, and Yuuri was overjoyed. After a long year, he could finally see his husband, and be in his arms again. Even if it was only for a night, he couldn't wait any longer. Before the sun was high in the skies, he ran to the river, but huge was his surprise when he saw that his husband's shack was now crossing the river. A precaution by his father, just in case they wanted to break another rule.

Victor, with his heart-shaped smile and his red scarf, waited for him, but his face fell as he understood that it would be practically impossible for them to be together.

Yuuri fell to his knees, and covered his face with his hands, letting out sobs that even Victor, in the distance, could hear. His sobs were so heartbreaking, that strangely, attracted a flock of magpies. One of the little birds flew over him, and with its sweet and high-pitched voice, it promised they would build a bridge for them with their wings if there was no rain, so he could stop his cries and meet his lover.

Gratefully, Yuuri sniffed and wiped his eyes with the back of his hand. He crossed the improvised bridge, and once he was on the other side, he ran to Victor, crashing into his chest. Victor kissed him passionately, tasting their tears mixed together.

"My Yuuri, I missed you so much," Victor said, pressing their foreheads together.

"I missed you, too, Victor. I felt like dying without you," he replied, caressing with his fingertips Victor's cheekbones and jaw. "I told you I would be back."

"I know, my love. I never doubted it." They kissed again, the laughed, and they made love to each other, feeling happy and complete for the first time in months.

They both knew it wouldn't be easy to only see each other once every year, but their love was strong, and so were they. At least, for 24 hours, there was nothing stopping them from being happy on each other's arms.