CHAPTER 4
Kogitsune wandered through the garden, hoping the crisp night air would clear his head. Mikazuki's scent still clung to him, and his hands ached with the need to hold him once more. Images of Mikazuki flashed through his mind; his regret and uncertainty twisting his stomach into knots. He shouldn't have left so suddenly. Mikazuki deserved an explanation, but Kogitsune hadn't known what to say.
Kogitsune liked Mikazuki. More than he'd ever liked anyone in his life. From the way Mikazuki walked and talked, right down to the slightly confused, yet somehow thoughtful expression the male always wore. He was adorably clueless, while being effortlessly graceful and elegant at the same time. He made you want to take care of him in the hopes he'd reward you with a glimpse of his lovely smile…
Yes, Kogitsune definitely liked Mikazuki; more than he liked good food and warm sake, and that was saying a lot.
But love?
Love was a concept Kogitsune wasn't familiar with. He understood the basics, and as a male in his prime, he was smart enough to fear it. Love meant commitment and long-term expectations; two things Kogitsune wasn't ready for. There were too many unknowns; too many uncertainties. The same could be said for war, but at least in battle, Kogitsune felt powerful and in control. In battle, his mind was clear and his movements practiced precision. But with Mikazuki…
Just being in the male's presence made Kogitsune feel… out of control. He was nervous and uncertain of his next move, and his belly felt like it was filled with hundreds of butterflies all trying to escape at once. His mind, and all its thoughts, remained in a constant shroud of fog, growing thicker the longer he stayed at Mikazuki's side. The whole experience was disconcerting to say the least, and if that was how love made you feel, then Kogitsune wanted no part of it.
But, it also went beyond Kogitsune's internal struggle. He respected Mikazuki, and despite their undeniable sexual attraction, he wanted to build a friendship with Sword at the very least. Kogitsune had already left a string of broken hearts behind him; men and women who'd wanted more than he was willing to give, and he didn't want to add Mikazuki to the list.
Hurting the male was the last thing Kogitsune wanted to do, and exploring a merely sexual relationship with him just didn't seem fair, especially when it was obvious Mikazuki wanted more. A friendship wouldn't be possible if they were bitter ex-lovers, and Kogitsune couldn't bear the thought of Mikazuki hating him.
The more he thought about it, the more he realized he'd made the right decision by leaving. He just wished he'd thought about all this before he and Mikazuki had sex. The memory of their night together would be hard to forget, but if there was any chance of salvaging a friendship, the first step was putting it behind them.
When Kogitsune finally made it back to his room, he felt better about his decision. He was doing the right thing, and once he explained it all to Mikazuki, he was sure the male would understand his reasoning as well. Though a friendship might be ambitious, hopefully this decision would preserve any future dealings they might have. Yes, this was for the best, and Kogitsune slept better for the knowing.
CHAPTER 5
"You told him you loved him?" Tsurumaru squeaked, looking almost as pale as Mikazuki.
"I didn't mean to," Mikazuki groaned, dropping into his seat. "It just kind of slipped out."
"Well, I don't know much about relationships," Tsurumaru said thoughtfully, "but even I know confessing your love after a one night stand is a definite mood killer."
"Thank you for the insight, Captain Obvious. And you wonder why I didn't tell you sooner."
"Sorry, sorry," Tsurumaru said, looking genuinely remorseful.
Mikazuki cursed softly, laying his head on the table. "I ruined it. I was given the perfect opportunity, and I ruined it."
"You don't know that," Tsurumaru said, trying to sound cheerful as he rubbed Mikazuki's back comfortingly. "Kogi-kun is a good guy. I'm sure you two will figure this out. After all, you said he's liked you for a while now, right?"
"He didn't say the word 'like,'" Mikazuki corrected. "He said he 'wanted' me. Like, he wanted to have sex with me. The two aren't synonymous."
"Still, that's got to mean something. Want usually leads to like, at least I think it does. "
Mikazuki could feel the tears coming. How he still had any left was a miracle. He'd been crying almost non-stop since he and Kogitsune had parted ways, which was strange since he wasn't easily brought to tears.
"You didn't see his face, Tsuru-chan," he answered in a broken voice. "He couldn't get away from me fast enough."
"He was probably in shock or something. I mean, you just told the man you loved him. A confession like that would throw anyone for a loop. Why don't you try talking to him? It's been a few days since you two hooked up, right? So the initial shock's probably faded. Who knows what he's thinking now."
"It's been almost two weeks," Mikazuki sighed. "And I would talk to him if I could, but he's hardly ever here. He's volunteered for every expedition Master's proposed, and when he gets back, he spends most of his time in town or sparring with the other Swords."
"You know we all try to share the responsibility for expeditions. I'm sure Kogi-kun is just trying to pull his own weight. And as for the sparring and trips into town, that's normal. You're the only one who insists on staying home all the time."
Mikazuki huffed in frustration, sitting up in his seat. "I get all that, but he's gone on every single expedition. He's a Tachi for goodness sake! His energy should be saved for battle, not frivolous activities. Don't you see, Tsuru-chan? He's doing everything in his power to avoid me, and with no active missions, he's using any excuse he can to get out of the house!"
"I think you're over-reacting," Tsurumaru said, patting Mikazuki's hand comfortingly. "Kogi-kun isn't the kind of guy who can just sit around and wait for a battle. Even before you two hooked up, he was constantly out of the house. As a matter of fact, the only time I've ever seen him sit still is when he's eating or drinking. "
Mikazuki was crying now, making no attempt to hide his pitiful sobs. He knew Kogitsune was avoiding him, because every time Mikazuki entered a room, Kogitsune got up and left. Whenever they passed by each other in the winding hallways of the house, the male offered nothing more than an awkward smile before rushing away.
Tsurumaru grabbed some tissues and handed them to Mikazuki. "When Kogi-kun comes back, you need to talk to him. Don't give him a choice. Ask him what's going on in that thick skull of his. Demand if you have to! Even if he says something you don't want to hear, at least you won't be tortured by the not knowing."
"I don't know if I can," Mikazuki said weakly, dabbing his cheeks dry before blowing his nose.
"Of course you can! You're not some simpering nursemaid, Mika-chan. You're a warrior; ranked number one until you got benched! You've face enemies far more terrifying than Kogi-kun. At least against him you don't have to worry about your blade being broken."
"No," Mikazuki replied, closing his eyes, "just my heart."
CHAPTER 6
Friends... That was the goal. But the idea was far easier than execution. Kogitsune couldn't be in Mikazuki's presence without wanting to throw him down and ravage his body. He was beginning to think Mikazuki was trying to seduce him on purpose. All the blushing and secret looks… It was sheer torture!
Every time he looked at Mikazuki's lovely face, he remembered the taste of his lips, the warmth of his skin. They'd fit so perfectly together; like their bodies were specifically crafted to be one instead of two. Kogitsune was starting to realize that forgetting their kind of sexual compatibility might be impossible.
With every flutter of Mikazuki's eyelashes; every pale pink blush coloring his cheeks, Kogitsune spiraled deeper into his fantasies, and soon he reached a point where jerking off no longer relieved his cravings. He was a man at the end of his wits, and the only way to keep his irrational reactions under control was to avoid Mikazuki completely.
Thankfully, he was leaving for a mission this morning. He'd be gone for several days which would give him the time he needed to sort through his confusion. He would return refreshed and clear-headed, and armed with a new plan of attack. Besides, with all his pent up energy, killing something was exactly what he needed.
Kogitsune dressed and went down to grab breakfast. There were two ways to get to the kitchen: The fast way, and the one that would take him passed Mikazuki's room. How he ended up standing at Mikazuki's door; peeking through the small crack, was beyond Kogitsune's comprehension. But even as he recognized his ridiculous behavior, he couldn't tear his eyes away from the scene before him.
He watched Mikazuki through the small opening. The raven haired male was being dressed by two female servants, and though both women were beautiful specimens, Mikazuki's attention seemed to be elsewhere. He gazed out the window with listless eyes; his already pale skin so white it looked transparent.
"Had he lost weight?" Kogitsune thought, squinting for a better look.
"You know, this could be considered peeping."
Kogitsune jumped at the sound of Mutsunokami Yoshiyuki's voice, cursing under his breath as he checked to see if anyone in Mikazuki's room heard him.
"What the hell, Yoshi?" Kogitsune said in a hushed voice. "You trying to get me caught?"
"That would be hilarious," Yoshi snickered, "but no. I saw you skulking and decided to check it out. Imagine my surprise when I found you spying on Jiji."
"Don't call him that," Kogitsune snapped, deciding in that moment he hated Mikazuki's nickname. "And I'm not spying!"
"Why not?" Yoshi snorted. "And you totally are."
"Because it's disrespectful to call him Jiji!" Kogitsune hissed, ignoring the second part of Yoshi's reply altogether.
"Whatcha call this then? I could be wrong," Yoshi said, sneaking a peak into Mikazuki's room, "but spying on someone while they're getting dressed ain't much better."
"Would you keep your bloody voice down," Kogitsune cursed, shoving Yoshi away from the doorway. "For your information, I-I… I came to ask Mikazuki-san if he wanted to, uh… have breakfast with me."
Clearly, Kogitsune was lying, but admitting to Yoshi that he was indeed spying on Mikazuki was out of the question.
"Aww, how sweet," Yoshi snorted, "but that's not gonna happen."
Kogitsune frowned, not expecting Yoshi's response or the anger it caused. He didn't like the man's tone of voice, or perhaps it was because he was irritated about having his private moment interrupted. Either way, Kogitsune couldn't stop himself from taking Yoshi's bait.
"You don't know that," Kogitsune replied, his eyes narrowing.
"Uh, yeah I do. Jiji does the same thing every day like clockwork. He gets dressed, has his morning tea, spars with Tsuru-chan, bathes, cleans the entire house, bathes again, then sits in the garden for like… ever, reading or knitting or doing whatever other things boring old people do, and then he goes to sleep. Rinse and repeat; that's our Jiji."
"There's more to him than that," Kogitsune retorted. "If any of you took the time to sit and talk to him then maybe you'd know that."
Yoshi shrugged his shoulders. "Jiji is content in his ways. We might tease him, but we understand him better you think."
Right then, Mikazuki walked out of the room, smiling brightly at Yoshi. "Good morning, Yoshi-kun. What brings you…?"
Mikazuki's words trailed off when he caught sight of Kogitsune. His mouth was still moving, but nothing came out.
"Morning, Mikazuki-san" Kogitsune said, trying to sound like everything was perfectly normal.
"M-morning," he stammered back.
Mikazuki looked up at Kogitsune with wide eyes; the fathomless blue depths swirling with thousands of questions. He was clearly confused, but, burning brightly in the midst of that confusion, was hope.
"It's a beautiful day, Jiji," Yoshi said, "what do you have planned?"
"I-it is" Mikazuki replied, looking nervously from Kogitsune to Yoshi. "I-I was just heading to kitchen for a cup of tea."
"What about after that?" Yoshi asked, shooting Kogitsune an "I told you so," look.
"I promised Tsuru-chan a morning battle, and then after that I have my chores. I-is there something going on today that I don't know about? D-did I forget someone's birthday again?"
"Nope," Yoshi said, clapping Kogitsune on the back, "But Kogi-san here wanted to see if you were free for breakfast. I told him…"
"I'd love to," Mikazuki said quickly, smiling shyly.
Kogitsune groaned inwardly, wondering how things had taken such a horrible turn. His plan was to avoid Mikazuki, and having breakfast together was not a part of that plan. Yoshi, whose jaw had fallen slightly open, shook himself.
"Well, would you look at that," Yoshi said in awe. "I guess an old dog can learn new tricks."
Kogitsune elbowed Yoshi in the stomach, sending the male gasping for air. "Come on, Mikazuki-san," he said, taking the male by the arm. "I'm not much of a cook, but I'd be happy to make you breakfast if you'll let me."
"Th-that sounds wonderful," Mikazuki replied, looking over his shoulder at Yoshi's bent and gasping frame. "But maybe we should…"
"He'll be fine," Kogitsune snapped, gently tugging Mikazuki along. "Let's go."
CHAPTER 7
"That was amazing," Mikazuki said, smiling at Kogitsune as they made their way upstairs towards the living quarters. "You're a very good cook."
"Thanks," Kogitsune replied, ruffling his hair nervously. "As much as I like to eat, I figured learning to cook would be a good idea."
"Did you teach yourself?"
"Yep. It's pretty easy once you get the hang of it. I did have a couple accidents though. See here," he said, lifting a lock of his hair. "This side is shorter than the other. It caught on fire a while back, so I had to cut it off."
"Oh my," Mikazuki said, reaching to touch the strand, but stopping just short. "I had no idea it was so dangerous."
Kogitsune couldn't help but chuckle. "It's not, I was just careless."
"I don't how to cook. Of course, there's not much I know how to do, so I suppose that's not really surprising."
"That's not true. I bet you know more than you think you do."
This time it was Mikazuki's turn to chuckle. "I can't even dress myself properly," he replied; his cheeks turning pink. "Master was kind enough to ask a few of the servants to help me from time to time."
Kogitsune was about to offer his help as well, but thought better of it. It was probably a bad idea to be around Mikazuki in the various stages of undress.
"Everyone has their different talents, Mikazuki-san. You're no different."
He smiled in response, but Kogitsune could tell something was wrong. Was it something he said? He'd been trying to keep the conversation as light and carefree as possible during breakfast, but no matter what he said, Mikazuki's face held the same look of expectancy shadowed by disappointment.
"Kogi," Mikazuki said, wringing his hands nervously. "Why are you being so formal? When we first met you called me Jiji, but now… Does it have anything to do with what happened the other night?"
Kogitsune swallowed. He'd known this conversation was coming, but it didn't make him any more prepared to have it.
"No, it's nothing to do with that," he replied. "But it's obvious you don't like the name, and now that I've had time to think about it, I can see why."
"That's not true. I don't mind it. Well… maybe at first I did," he confessed, "but not anymore. When you call me Jiji it makes me feel like we're… f-friends."
"Of course we're friends," Kogitsune said, pulling Mikazuki to a stop in the middle of the corridor. "I know I've been acting weird lately, but it has nothing to do with you. Well, I guess it does have to do with you, but not in the way you think."
"So you don't hate me?"
"I could never hate you!"
Kogitsune's word brought a genuine smile to Mikazuki's lips. "I'm so happy," he replied; his eyes shining bright with relief. "I was so worried."
Kogitsune frowned. He didn't want to give Mikazuki false hope, but at the same time he didn't have the heart to tell him the truth.
"Mikazuki-san, I…"
"It's ok," Mikazuki said quietly; his expression turning somewhat sad. "You don't feel the same way. I understand. People think I'm an idiot, but I'm smart enough to know that sex isn't the same as love. I'm not hurt or upset. If anything, I'm relieved to know we can still be friends."
"You mean that?" Kogitsune said, his brow furrowing in uncertainty.
"Absolutely," Mikazuki replied, his smile faltering ever so slightly. "Now, you should get going. You have a mission today."
"Yeah, thanks for reminding me."
"No problem."
"Maybe we can hang out when I get back?" Kogitsune suggested, wondering why it was so important Mikazuki's answer be yes.
"Sure," he replied, backing away slowly as he waved goodbye. "Be safe out there."
"Will do."
They stared at each other for several moments as if waiting for the other to leave first. Little by little, as each second ticked by, the atmosphere started to change. Kogitsune could feel it, and he knew Mikazuki could feel it, too…
There was no way of knowing who made the first move, but in the end it didn't matter. Mikazuki was back in Kogitsune's arms, days of suppressed desires igniting into an inferno.
"W-we can't," Mikazuki said breathlessly, trying his best to help Kogitsune remove his clothes. "Someone might see."
"Everyone's downstairs eating," Kogitsune replied, kissing every bare piece of flesh his lips could reach. "No one will come."
"But what if…"
Kogitsune spun Mikazuki around before he could finish his sentence, pressing him firmly against the wall for support.
"I can't stop," Kogitsune answered in a guttural voice. "And even if I could, we both know you don't want me to."
Mikazuki shivered in Kogitsune's arms; the scent of the male's fear and excitement filling his senses.
"Spread your legs," Kogitsune's commanded, tearing the fabric of Mikazuki's hakama.
Mikazuki gasped softly; his breathing now frighteningly erratic. Kogitsune pressed a kiss to Mikazuki's temple, reaching around to take hold of the male's hardening cock.
"There's no time to be gentle," he whispered, nipping the tip of Mikazuki's ear as he tore the fabric from his shoulders.
"Good," Mikazuki said in a breathless whisper, submitting so completely Kogitsune could hardly rein in his lust. "I don't want you to be gentle."
Kogitsune groaned softly, inhaling the scent of Mikazuki's hair as he slipped two fingers into the male's greedy mouth.
"All I think about is you," Kogitsune breathed. "How you taste… how good you feel in my arms…" He took his sopping wet fingers out of Mikazuki mouth and slid them into the male's tight hole. "How it feels to be inside you…"
Mikazuki sucked in a startled breath; his fingernails digging into the soft wood.
"Do you think about me?" Kogitsune asked, sampling the soft flesh of Mikazuki's neck. "Do I haunt your dreams as well?"
Mikazuki whimpered softly, his hips moving in rhythm with Kogitsune's fingers. His soft moans echoed through the corridor, fueling Kogitsune's desire.
"Kogi…" Mikazuki moaned softly, his entire body shaking uncontrollably.
"What is it, lover?" he asked, pushing his fingers deeper.
"M-more…"
Kogitsune knew Mikazuki's body wasn't ready, but the male's soft plea snatched away what little restraint he had left. Loosening the front of his garments, Kogitsune took hold of Mikazuki's hips and angled them upward. Positioning his throbbing cock at his lover's entrance, he took a steadying breath and forced his way inside.
As expected, Mikazuki was beyond tight, but even his soft cries of pain weren't enough to stop Kogitsune. He'd fought his desires for far too long, and now he needed to be inside Mikazuki; needed to feel the slick heat of the male's core wrapped around his painfully hard cock.
Kogitsune pulled out slowly then pushed back in, deeper this time, repeating the action until his dick was buried to the hilt.
"Damn you feel good," Kogitsune groaned, placing his hand over one Mikazuki's and lacing their fingers together.
Mikazuki moaned sweetly, pushing back and rolling his hips impatiently.
Kogitsune snickered softly. "Is this what you wanted?" he asked through clenched teeth.
Mikazuki shuddered uncontrollably, tears leaking from the corners of his eyes. "M-more," he pleaded softly.
Kogitsune pressed his forehead to the back of Mikazuki's head, using his other hand to cover the male's mouth. "Careful what you ask for," he whispered.
Mikazuki's muffled cries filled the narrow hall as Kogitsune unleashed the whole of his lust…
"I've dreamed of this, lover" he murmured in Mikazuki's ear; his words emphasized with each thrust. "Being inside you… It's heaven."
Mikazuki came at Kogitsune's confession; his cum splattering the wall in front of him. His soaking wet hole clenched around Kogitsune's cock, threatening to bring him to completion as well. Mikazuki shook with the effort to keep himself standing, and it was clear continuing in their current position would be impossible.
Kogitsune uncovered Mikazuki's mouth, sliding out of the male's wet embrace and turning him around in his arms.
"Hold on to me," he ordered, wrapping Mikazuki's limp arms around his neck.
The male nodded; his tear-stained cheeks flushed with color. Kogitsune lifted him into his arms, pressing Mikazuki's back to the wall and completely supporting his weight.
"Can I come back inside, lover?" Kogitsune asked, dropping kisses along Mikazuki's exposed collar bone.
Speaking was clearly impossible for Mikazuki, so instead he just nodded, leaning forward to press a light kiss to Kogitsune's brow. With one swift thrust, Kogitsune returned to Heaven…
"I want you to cum for me," Kogitsune whispered. "Can you do that, lover? Can you cum for me again?"
Mikazuki threaded his fingers through Kogitsune's hair, forcing him to meet his ice blue gaze. "Make me…"
The taunt was unexpected, and made Kogitsune's ball tighten in anticipation. This was a side he hadn't expected from the usually quiet Mikazuki, but he found it incredibly sexy…
Kogitsune crushed their lips together, slamming into Mikazuki with such force that for a moment he thought he might split the male in two.
"D-deeper," Mikazuki bit out, his head falling back against the wall. "H-harder…"
"Mika… zuki… I'm gonna…"
"Inside," Mikazuki begged. "I want to… feel it…"
Kogitsune came long and hard, filling Mikazuki until he overflowed…
In the same breath, Kogitsune's instinct took over, his teeth tearing into the flesh of Mikazuki's bare shoulder. It happened so fast, there was no way he could stop himself. The sweet taste of blood filled his mouth, taking his orgasm to an entirely new level. Mikazuki cried out in a mixture of pleasure and pain, cumming at the exact moment Kogitsune's fangs pierced his skin.
Kogitsune slid to the floor still, cradling Mikazuki in his arms. They sat there for several moments, clinging to each other for support. But as fantasy drifted back into reality, Kogitsune could feel Mikazuki pulling away both physically and emotionally.
"Wait," Kogitsune said, trying to keep Mikazuki in his arms. "This was…"
"This was a mistake," Mikazuki whispered, cutting him off. "Y-you don't have to say it." He looked at Kogitsune with horror and embarrassment. "I-I'm sorry," he said weakly. "I sh-shouldn't have… thrown myself at you like that! I-I wasn't thinking, I just… This will never happen again," he said firmly, wiping his tears as he tried to extract himself from Kogitsune's arms. "I swear, I'll never…"
Kogitsune took hold of Mikazuki's chin, pressing a kiss to his lips to stop him from continuing. Mikazuki stiffened in his arms, but soon relaxed in Kogitsune's embrace. When he finally pulled back, the male was breathless and flushed; the expression on his face filled with the confusion Kogitsune felt.
"If anyone's at fault, it's me," Kogitsune said, searching Mikazuki's eyes for the answer to the question swirling in his head. "I think—" He paused, running his fingertips over the bite mark he'd left on Mikazuki's shoulder. "I think I'm fighting a war I can't win."
"I-I don't understand," Mikazuki replied helplessly. "What does that mean?"
"I'm not entirely sure," he replied, shakily cupping Mikazuki's cheek and running a thumb across his red-kissed lips. "I've never marked anyone."
Mikazuki's hand flew to the tiny wound as he tried, without success, to get a good look at it. "I-is that bad?" he asked in a small, anxious voice.
Kogitsune licked his lips nervously. "It's not bad," he answered hesitantly.
"But it's not good," Mikazuki reasoned. "Oh god, what have I done? I'm so sorry! If I'd known something like this would happen, I wouldn't have…"
"It's not bad, I promise. And like I said before, it's not your fault. It's just… nature, I guess."
"Nature? I… I don't understand, Kogi. You say it's not bad, but the look in your eyes says otherwise."
Kogitsune swallowed, running a hand through his hair as he considered all the ramifications of this unexpected turn of events. Already he could feel Mikazuki's blood coursing through his system; their inadvertent connection growing stronger by the second.
"You're scaring me, Kogi." Mikazuki whispered in a frightened voice.
"There's nothing to be afraid of," he replied, trying not to sound as terrified as he felt. "Everything's fine."
Mikazuki nodded weakly, but he said nothing in reply. It was as if he could sense the turmoil swirling inside Kogitsune, which only succeeded in terrifying him more.
"Listen," Kogitsune said, tucking a strand of stray hair behind Mikazuki's ear. "When I get back from this mission, I'll explain everything. I know you're confused, and to be honest, so am I. But right now, I need you to trust me. Can you do that?"
"Of course," Mikazuki replied, staring at him with such faith and openness that it made Kogitsune's heart clench. "I trust you completely."
"Thank you," he said, pressing a kiss to Mikazuki's forehead. "Come on, I'll help you to your room."
CHAPTER 8
"You trying to get us killed!" Mitsutada shouted, shoving Kogitsune in the chest. "Where the hell were you?!"
"I didn't see the signal," Kogitsune growled, shoving him back.
"Are you fucking kidding me?" he hissed, shoving Kogitsune again. "Shishiou set the fire exactly like we agreed! You should've been watching!"
"I was watching!"
Kogitsune pushed Mitsutada so hard; the male went hurdling backwards into Izuminokami Kanesada, who was nursing a particularly gruesome injury to his left arm. Doutanuki Masakuni was doing his best to stitch the wound closed, accidently tearing the thread from Izumino's flesh as he and the unsuspecting male tumbled to the ground.
"What the hell!" Izumino shouted, a slew of curses erupting through his clenched teeth. "I'm trying not to bleed to death over here!"
It wasn't like Izumino to be so crass, but considering the circumstances, it could only be expected.
Saniwa-sama had sent six of his Swords, accompanied by a small unit of troops, on a reconnaissance mission, while he and his main forces held back. It was simple; find the enemy, discover their plans and report back. But they'd gotten cocky…
The enemy's numbers were small, so they'd decided on an alternate plan. Kogitsune and Ishikirimaru were to act as decoys and lure the enemy sentries away. With no one to guard the main camp, the rest of the Swords, and their soldiers, would infiltrate and destroy the enemy in a decisive attack; slaughtering them all before anyone knew what was happening.
Kogitsune and Ishikiri were to hang back and watch for enemy reinforcements, but, if things got out of control, Shishiou would set the signal fire ablaze with a well-aimed arrow, and Kogitsune and Ishikiri would circle back to give aid. It was plan they'd executed hundreds of times, so why it had failed so horribly was still a mystery. Now all their men were dead and the enemy escaped…
"Kogitsune is telling the truth," Ishikiri said calmly, dressing Shishiou's wounds. "With night falling and the current conditions, visibility from our location was poor at best. If he hadn't suggested we move in, there's no way we would have made it to you all in time."
"And that's supposed to make me feel better?!" Mitsutada snapped. "We're all that's left! Look at Shishiou! It'll be a miracle if we can get him back alive!"
"I-I'm… fine…" Shishiou croaked, coughing up blood with his words.
"Don't speak," Ishikiri reprimanded. "Just stay still and focus on staying awake."
Shishiou nodded stiffly, giving Ishikiri his signature smirk despite the obvious pain he was in.
"He's right, Kogitsune," Ishikiri continued. "If we don't get help soon, Shishiou will die."
"Izumino isn't doing much better," Doutanuki said in a gruff voice. "The bleeding has slowed, but there's a chance he could lose the arm."
Izumino cursed again; his long dark locks obscuring the fear in his eyes. "I'll be fine," he replied tightly. "Our primary concern is Shishiou."
"What are your orders?" Doutanuki asked Kogitsune, wiping the blood from his hands on a dirty cloth.
"We need to get these two back home," Kogitsune replied; his tone sure and commanding. "I'll stay behind and…"
"You can't go back on your own," Mitsutada said, cutting him off. "It's suicide! Our enemy is hunting us down as we speak!"
Kogitsune scowled at the male, mentally beating down the urge to tear the man's throat out.
"We don't have a lot of options here," he answered, trying to keep his voice level. "Between you, Doutanuki and Ishikiri, there should be no issues getting the injured back home. Ishikiri can cast the spell to take you all back, but we can't leave and not tell Master that our enemy is heading straight for him."
"Are you sure?" Ishikiri asked stoically. "Once again I'm forced to agree with Mitsutada."
Mitsutada snorted indignantly. "You say it like agreeing with me is a bad thing."
Ishikiri gave the male a fierce look which shut Mitsutada up immediately, then turned back to Kogitsune.
"I understand your concerns, Kogitsune," Ishikiri continued, "but the odds of your survival are slim to none. You'll have to cut straight through enemy lines to get to Saniwa-sama, and that's if you make it in time. Besides, there's no telling if I'll be able to pull off the spell without Master. The magic is secondhand and carries a high risk of failure. Perhaps it would be best if you and I warn him together. Mitsutada and Doutanuki can stay with the Izumino and Shishiou, and I'll cover your back."
"I won't risk Shishiou or Izumino's lives," Kogitsune replied, shaking his head. "This is our best chance for everyone to survive, and the longer we linger here, the closer to death we all get."
"I'm fine," Izumino said to Kogitsune. "At least take Doutanuki or Mitsutada with you,"
"Their blades are too damaged," Kogitsune replied. "We can't chance it. And since none of you can get back without Ishikiri…" he sighed heavily. "This is the only way."
"Then it's settled," Doutanuki said, ending all further discussion as he helped Izumino to his feet.
As Ishikiri prepared Shishiou for transport, Mitsutada walked over to Kogitsune. He stared at the white-haired male for several moments then held out his arm. Kogitsune clasped it, hiding his momentary surprise.
"Don't get caught," Mitsutada said coldly. "And don't get killed."
CHAPTER 9
Mikazuki was in the kitchen helping Yamanbagiri Kunihiro make dinner. Kogitsune and the others had been gone for several days, so there weren't many Swords in the house to feed. Mikazuki absently rubbed the bite mark on his shoulder as he set the table. The pain had long since faded, but the memory of how it had come to be still lingered.
Mikazuki wasn't entirely sure what had happened that day, but the look in Kogitsune's eyes spoke of life-altering consequences. Yet, despite his fear and anxiety, he trusted Kogitsune implicitly. He'd wait until the male returned, and then all would be explained.
"Can you set this on the table, Jiji?" Yamanbagiri asked, handing him a plate of sliced fruits and vegetables. "This'll give everyone something to snack on until dinner is ready."
"Sure," he replied, reaching to take the plate. "I'm finished in here, so I'll…"
The dish slipped from Mikazuki's hands, clattering to the floor and shattering on impact. He could hear Yamanbagiri calling his name, but he wasn't able to respond. Time for Mikazuki seemed to stop; all the colors of the world around him draining to various shades of gray. The mark on his shoulder burned, and he was struck with a sickening sense of foreboding.
"YOSHI, HELP!"
Yamanbagiri's scream shattered the illusion, sending Mikazuki spiraling back into reality. He fell forward into Yamanbagiri's outstretched arms.
"YOSHI!" the male shrieked again.
Yoshi came running into the room. He was covered in blood and his eyes were wide with fear.
"Oh my, God," Yamanbagiri breathed. "What happened? Why are you bleeding?!"
"It's not my blood," Yoshi replied. "It's Shishiou's."
"Is Kogi-san with them?!" Mikazuki gasped, struggling against terror's vicelike grip.
"No," Yoshi replied. "He had to stay behind to warn Saniwa-sama." He looked from Mikazuki to Yamanbagiri. "It's bad. It's really, really bad."
CHAPTER 10
He was losing too much blood, and the fact that his Master had managed to get him back to the base alive was a miracle in and of itself. Kogitsune was halfway to death's door when he'd finally located his comrades, and now he had one foot through the doorway…
"Hang in there," Yamabushi Kunihiro grunted, staggering under the weight of Kogitsune's towering frame. "We're almost there."
Mitsutada came skidding around the corner. The moment his eyes locked on Kogitsune and Yamabushi, he came sprinting down the corridor. He said nothing, helping Yamabushi half drag, half carry Kogitsune to the nearest healing room.
Mitsutada kicked the door open with his foot; startling Izumino who was still there resting after his arm injury. The look on his face was one Kogitsune would never forget. It was the look someone gave you the moment they realized you were going to die. Izumino bolted over to the supply cabinet, grabbing whatever he thought they might need.
"Where's the bloody healer?!" Mitsutada cursed.
"He's with Shishiou," Izumino replied, dropping his armful of supplies onto the table by the bed. The male had torn open the stitches in his arm and was bleeding through his bandage, but he didn't seem to notice.
"Master went to fetch him," Yamabushi grunted, he and Mitsutada easing Kogitsune onto the bed. "Right after he took Kogi-san's blade to the blacksmith."
Mitsutada and Izumino exchanged ominous looks. Everyone in the room knew the horrible truth. If the blacksmith couldn't salvage Kogitsune's blade; healing or no healing, the male would die. A Sword's life force is directly connected to the blade. Break it, and death is certain.
Kogitsune lay on the bed, vaguely aware of his surroundings. He was in blinding pain; so intense he could feel his mind trying to shut itself down. There was only so much more he'd be able to take before the darkness came for him.
Mitsutada started to cut the clothing from Kogitsune's body, cursing under his breath all the while. Kogitsune was almost comforted by the man's presence. Funny how death can suddenly change one's perspective…
Kogitsune wanted to laugh, but instead, he pushed Mitsutada out of the way, rolling awkwardly to his side and vomiting blood all over the floor.
"Christ!" Mitsutada shouted. "Where's the bloody healer?!"