***This is the last chapter everyone! It took me a long time to finish it, I know! I'm so sorry! But I still hope you enjoy it! And thank you to those following it all the way through to the end! You're the best!
***Warnings: Romance, spirituality, fluff, and smut

Chapter 10: The Violet Moon

Tokoyami's happiness at gaining his freedom was cut short by the surprise exiting of the palace. Shoji had to take a different route to the carriage so no one would see them leaving together. Shoji wanted to protest, but Tokoyami told him it was a small price to pay for their freedom, and Shoji obeyed. Now Tokoyami wished his lover was with him to hold his hand through this 'noble exit,' which he'd been unprepared for. All the servants and guards line the halls, bowing their heads to him. When he reaches the front doors, some nobles are also there, watching him behind their fancy fans, or staring at him with little smirks. They're excited to see him go. That's fine. Tokoyami can't wait to get away.

"Your spell must have worn off," says a noble who stops Tokoyami at the door. "Guess you're not as powerful as you believe,"

Tokoyami lifts his head slightly and gives the noble a sly, smug smirk. "Then all of you have been wrong about me the whole time." The noble is offended, or maybe even a little shocked. Tokoyami continues walking, exits the palace, and approaches the air carriage.

Inside, Tokoyami joins Shoji, though he doesn't sit opposite; he sits in Shoji's lap.

"Are you ready to leave for our new life?" Shoji asks him.

"You don't even have to ask,"

Shoji nuzzles the black feathers as the air carriage takes to the sky. "Is there anything you're going to miss about the Empire?" He asks.

"...the wine." Shoji lets out a laugh, and Tokoyami does too. It's been so long since he's heard himself laugh. He rests his head against Shoji's heart while watching the manor growing smaller as they fly higher. For a moment, he thinks about Hawks and what the other is doing right now. Tokoyami reminds himself that only Hawks' pride is hurt, not his heart.

"Yami? Are you alright? You suddenly fell silent,"

Tokoyami closes his eyes, picturing Hawks on the balcony, watching their air carriage leaving the Empire. "I'm well. Trying to let myself believe that all of this is true...that it's really happening."

Shoji holds his little lover close, keeping to himself the worry he's felt ever since they left. To him, it all seemed a little too easy. Then again, Hawks has everything that he wanted through his marriage with Tokoyami, so there is no reason for the Count to bother them further. Shoji will not let his guard down until they are out of the Empire and have arrived in Tokoyami's land.

"Shoji?"

"Hm?"

"You don't think we rushed into anything...do you?"

Shoji tilts Tokoyami's head up to look at him. "Are you having doubts?"

Tokoyami glances away. "It's not that. I mean, we are dropping everything to live by ourselves...and I don't have a penny to my name."

"I promise you; we can manage," Shoji assures him. "My people lived off of the land. You have nothing to worry about, Yami. I can build a strong house, hunt for food, make tools and gather water-"

"I can help with that, too," Tokoyami frowns up at him.

"I know you can. We will do it together, for the most part,"

"Wait, what do you mean by, 'for the most part'?" Tokoyami crosses his arms. "Do you think me incapable of caring for myself?"

Shoji smiles under his mask. "Of course not. But I do think there are some things that you will have to learn to do. Have you built a sound structure before?"

"...no,"

"Have you hunted for food and hope you come back with something, or you go hungry?"

"...no,"

"Have you ever made a weapon or tool out of wood and rock?"

"Okay, I get what you're saying," Tokoyami doesn't let Shoji see his pout. "But I'm not some helpless former rich boy who's afraid to get his hands dirty."

Shoji nuzzles the feathers again. "Then tell me, what would you like to do? What can you do that I can't?"

"I can grow food," Tokoyami states proudly. "I can grow vegetables and fruits, make medicines and potions from herbs. I can contact the spirits to help us find the resources we need. I know how to make and mend clothing, design charms and jewelry, and read the stars,"

Shoji nods. "Those are all very important, and I cannot do them. Yet. We will learn from each other. This is a life we are going to make together."

Tokoyami returns to nuzzling under Shoji's chin. "Dark Shadow will lead us to the right place," he says. "There is a magical spot deep in the woods...we will first go there, for the Night of the Violet Moon will soon be upon us, and we can finally be as one."

"I will go wherever you go," Shoji says to him.

When the air carriage lands, it is nightfall. They only have the clothes on their back and Tokoyami's single bag of luggage. Shoji thanks the driver and watches the carriage fly off and disappear into the night sky. Shoji then turns to Tokoyami and sees his little lover staring up at the stars, his red eyes gentle and relaxed.

"I'm home," Tokoyami whispers, closing his eyes as he feels the soft breeze of the night tickle through his feathers. The moment his feet touched the ground, he instantly felt the presence of the spirits, and all are welcoming him back. He remembers Shoji and takes the other's hand in his own. "Our home."

"Your land smells so fresh...clean...natural,"

"No pollution from the Empire's factories," Tokoyami tells him.

'We're back! Oh yes, we're back!' Dark Shadow slips out from Tokoyami and finally reveals himself in his true form to Shoji.

Shoji's eyes widen at the sight of Dark Shadow now with an almost solid form rather than a flat shadow against a wall. Shoji's nearly forgotten that, with binding himself to Tokoyami, he also gains Dark Shadow.

'It's nice to finally meet you in person, Mezo Shoji,' Says Dark Shadow.

"I'm glad to finally meet you, too," Shoji answers, wondering if he should attempt to shake hands?

"Dark Shadow, please lead us to the Eternal Circle, and then you may leave to get reacquainted with the spirits."

Dark Shadow chirps with delight, swirling around their forms before stretching out over the field to the mouth of the woods. He waves to them with his clawed hand, urging the pair to follow. Tokoyami takes Shoji's hand, and they follow Dark Shadow into the woods.

Shoji looks around at their surroundings, listening for signs of nocturnal life. Instead of animals, Shoji sees different colored orbs of light in the woods around them. Some appear as mist; others take on a ghostly form. The sight of these...spirits (he assumes) sends a little shiver down his spine. He's fought massive game and beasts, even faced down an entire army, but battling orbs and mists? That is something Shoji fears he cannot do. Yet Tokoyami does not appear disturbed. Then Shoji remembers that Tokoyami's powers deal with contacting spirits from another realm. With Tokoyami's return, the spirits must be following his lover and Dark Shadow. If Tokoyami is not afraid of or threatened by these beings, then Shoji has no cause for concern.

This place, Tokoyami's land, is now his new home. Shoji will take what he remembers and holds dear from his world to this one. In the end, it doesn't matter where he is, so long as he and Tokoyami are together.

'We're here,' Dark Shadow announces.

Shoji's eyes scan the area, taking in every bit that he can. It's a grove, an old grove that radiates ancient power, and all things natural. Bits of a stone structure long since gone litters the green earth. Many orbs of light float and dance around the stones, low to the ground, or high above the trees. Shoji immediately feels as if he has been transported to another world within this one; he's never seen or experienced anything like it. Born in a mostly barren land, then thrust into an industrial city, and now soon to thrive in a world of light and green.

There is hope here.

There is salvation here.

And Tokoyami is here.

At first, Shoji thought Tokoyami had forgotten him after stepping foot back onto this sacred ground. However, one sly and coy glance over the raven's shoulder proves otherwise. Tokoyami approaches the ancient structure, and Shoji watches, unmoving, still holding the bag. But he cannot take his eyes off of Tokoyami's slim, small form walking around the stones. Spirit orbs seem to gather and follow Tokoyami. Shoji's eyes widen, and his heart misses a beat when he senses the fear and anxiety flee from his lover's body.

'If anyone from the Empire saw this,' Dark Shadow started, whispering in Shoji's ear. 'It would be all the proof they need to fully claim Tokoyami as a 'demon.''

"Why do those orbs gather around him?" Shoji asks. "Tokoyami has never explained his powers to me in detail."

'Tokoyami has the power to bring them back to this world; to give them form again, to see their loved ones, or just to touch the earth again. They speak to him; tell him things...some even help to keep the land flourishing. I was once just like those orbs you see,'

"Really?"

'My story is long and full of sorrow...but when I thought all was lost, Tokoyami came to this place, just a small boy...the same as I. At the time,'

"You weren't born with him?" Shoji asks in mild amazement and disbelief.

'No. His life force and power were so strong that I wanted to become one with him. I needed a vessel, but I was waiting for the right one. I found him; he accepted me, and my spirit molded into his...and now, I am what you see before you. He may believe differently,'

"Such a strange tale," Shoji says. "Does Tokoyami know you're telling me? Will he get angry that I know?"

'You're going to make him your mate, aren't you?' Dark Shadow places his hands on Shoji's shoulders. 'You will wield more power and influence over him than I ever would. With you by his side, he won't need me as much anymore,'

"I don't think he wants you to leave,"

'Oh, I'm not leaving,' Dark Shadow chuckles. 'You mate and marry that one; you get me as well,' he says in one ear and floats over to Shoji's other. 'Consider me the annoying mother-in-law that will always stick their beak into your business...some of the time.'

"I'm easy going," Shoji tells Dark Shadow.

'Good! That's what I like to hear! Oh, and would you look at that!' Dark Shadow taps on Shoji's shoulder and points upwards at the moon that is slowly fading from milky white to violet. 'It's happening a day early! Even the spirits sense your lust to claim him!'

Shoji's cheeks flush under his mask because he knows that Dark Shadow is right. "Will he dance for me?"

Dark Shadow chuckles again in Shoji's ear and whispers, 'He won't ever dance for anyone else. I'll give you both your privacy for tonight. Be gentle with him. Don't let it slip your mind that I don't possess the power to crush you like a bug beneath these shadowy claws,' he warns. 'To awaken the wrath of the ancients and the long dead would be a terrible mistake, Mezo Shoji.'

"I promise to be careful,"

Tokoyami lets his fingertips graze lazily along the stones, taking in the positive energy they supply, and listening to the cheerful whispers of the spirits. He couldn't believe how much he has missed this place. In the past, he's spent a lot of time here, and when he married Hawks, he feared he might never see it again. Hawks did not trust him to visit because of the concern of refusing to come back, and Hawks was right. If Tokoyami did visit, he wouldn't want to go back to the Empire. There would have been an altercation.

Suddenly, the moonlight started to change to a faint violet, casting a glow along the surface of the stones. Tokoyami looks up at the moon to see that it has become the Violet Moon. 'How could it have come so soon? It was still a day away...but it must be the spirits,' he turns his attention towards Shoji's direction where Dark Shadow stands as well. Both are glowing under the Violet Moon. Tokoyami swallows hard, remembering his promise to dance for Shoji on this night.

'This is a big night for you,' Dark Shadow whispers to Tokoyami. 'I warned Shoji to be gentle with you, or I would hurt him.'

'You did not need to threaten that, Dark Shadow,'

'But it's the truth. He's bigger than Hawks, in many more ways than one. It's the Night of the Violet Moon...it came early just for you.'

'That is nonsense...'

'Stop stalling. Put on your cleric attire, fluff those feathers, and seduce that man into your arms. I suggest using the mound of heavy moss over there as a bed,'

'You're terrible!'

'Don't let the night go to waste. He's coming over!'

Tokoyami tries to respond to Dark Shadow, but the spirit is already gone. He curses Dark Shadow as Shoji approaches with the luggage bag. He swallows hard again, having to look away from Shoji, growing bashful.

"Do you...need this for anything?" Shoji asks, holding the bag out to Tokoyami.

"Y-Yes," Tokoyami takes the bag, keeping his eyes focused on the material rather than Shoji. "I have to...put something on," he waits for Shoji answer.

"Yami...if you'd rather not do the dancing...I'll understand. I don't want you to feel uncomfortable,"

Tokoyami shakes his head. "I need to do this," he says. "G-go and sit on that bed of moss over there," he points to the spot. "It has to be here,"

Shoji's eyes travel along the path of a few dancing orbs. "We'll have an audience?"

"The spirits are different," Tokoyami says. "Go. Over there. And no peeking,"

Shoji goes to the pile of moss, keeping his back to Tokoyami. He removes the shirt to lay on top of the moss but pauses at the string of his pants. Should he take them off? No, he tells himself. Tokoyami is going to dance for him...it's important to let his lover have complete control tonight. Instead, Shoji looks up at the brilliant violet color of the moon. The beauty of it has his belly tightening and his muscles clenching. He's becoming excited just from the sight of the moon alone. How will he act when he sees Tokoyami?

"I'm ready,"

Shoji turns around, and his eyes widen. Tokoyami is wearing an almost entirely sheer white robe and beaded necklace. Shoji tells Tokoyami that he looks stunning. Tokoyami doesn't reply but begins to dance, and Shoji watches. Even without the aid of Dark Shadow, Tokoyami's small form moves and glides with all the grace of a skillful dancer. Shoji cannot sit down, only watch with lust and pride as the raven male turns the dance into a tribal-like one. Gyrating and twirling, his robes fluttering like delicate white petals, taunting, and enticing. Shoji swallows hard, removing his mask with his pants instantly following. Everything has a purple glow, especially the white material covering Tokoyami's gyrating body. Shoji has had enough. He's maintained control for long enough and proceeds to approach Tokoyami.

Tokoyami sees Shoji's hulking, naked form coming towards him and though it raises excitement, he still moves out of reach. He's thrilled the dance has changed into a low-key chase. Being smaller, Tokoyami avoids Shoji's many arms reaching to grab him. His lover is already fully erect and bulging, illuminated further by the Violet Moon. If Tokoyami were a woman with a healthy womb, it would be ready to accept Shoji as a suitable mate and sire for a child. They'll have to do with what they have.

Suddenly, Tokoyami's robe is grasped from behind, and he's yanked nearly off his feet when Shoji finally captures him. Tokoyami barely catches his breath as the delicate fabric is viciously torn from his body, fluttering to the ground in tattered rags. Though he attempts to continue to avoid Shoji's advances by shoving him, the smile on his beak never leaves. Playing hard to get is exciting him, and further arousing Shoji's lust and wanton desire. So unlike Hawks. Tokoyami is helpless against a monster like Shoji, and he surrenders with all his consent.

***Edited for site. Read full scene on A03***

"I'm going to marry you," Shoji pants against Tokoyami's feathers.

Trying to catch his breath, Tokoyami answers, "We don't need to...be married."

"But I want us to be. I'll forge us rings...we'll have Dark Shadow marry us, or some other spirit, but I want you to be mine in all ways. ALL ways." He slowly pulls out.

"If that's what you want, then I will accept, with all my heart," Tokoyami rolls over and opens his arms for Shoji. "Let's sleep together under the Violet Moon."

Shoji settles himself beside his lover and pulls them together. "We're covered in dirt and moss,"

"Better than jewels and chains,"

"...I love you, Fumikage Tokoyami,"

"And...I love you, Mezu Shoji."

Epilogue

Tokoyami plucks the last carrot from the garden to add it to the basket of fresh vegetables. The spirits of the forest have aided in the vegetation, giving them a hearty bounty of food. Tokoyami would leave some goat milk out for the spirits every night to give thanks for helping. He pauses in gardening for a moment to look upon his home, the cabin he and Shoji built together. It's humble and quaint, just the right size for two people to live comfortably. Shoji taught him how to build as they made the home together, and Tokoyami taught his lover how to plant and gather.

Over the last year and a half, they have made a decent, comfortable living for themselves. They make money by selling pelts, cheese, eggs, milk, and herbs. Shoji rarely came back from a hunt without a kill. They keep their earnings stored away for a rainy day, though they have bought a goat, some chickens, and a goose. Together, he and Shoji care for the animals. If anyone asked him 'do you miss the palace,' Tokoyami's simple answer would be 'no.' Their cabin does not have marble walls and floors; they don't have servants; there are no fancy balls or electric lights or cobblestone roads. Everything is quiet; simple; natural. This is the way he has preferred to live.

"I'm back!"

Tokoyami smiles when he hears Shoji's voice. The man has bundles of logs in three hands on the left, a pheasant, three rabbits, and a fox on the right.

"I thanked the spirits and gave them an offering," Shoji reminds Tokoyami. "So, no scolding."

"That's why we are always so blessed and never go hungry," Tokoyami says, showing the basket of vegetables. "I'll start supper,"

"Alright. Where is Dark Shadow?"

"Oh, he's frolicking with the spirits," Tokoyami answers. "I think he may have found someone he 'likes,' but won't give me any details."

"Too bad we can't force it out of him,"

Tokoyami chuckles. "Please, let him keep occupied. It gives us more time to be alone together."

After supper, they lay in bed together, talking about the day and what the plans are for the next. Tokoyami's favorite spot is the left of the bed in Shoji's arms so he can feel the heartbeat. It's the only way he can fall asleep, tucked safely in Shoji's arms.

"I wouldn't change anything that we have," Tokoyami says. "I know I say this all the time, but I'm happy to have this life with you. It's our life. "

"You know, it's been almost two years since we've been here," Shoji says. "You're not lonely or bored with it just being us?"

"What's that supposed to me? Are you-"

"Of course not," Shoji strokes Tokoyami's back. "I was giving something a lot of thought last time we were in the village,"

Tokoyami glances up at him. "You want to move to the village? Around people?"

Shoji chuckles. "No, that's not it. Last time we were there, as I was wandering the market vendors, I noticed that the orphanage is full...it looks like more children keep arriving there,"

Tokoyami sits up then, looking down at Shoji with wide, disbelieving eyes. "Just what are you suggesting?"

Shoji shrugs his shoulders but smiles. "I'm sure you were thinking it as well, but you still have a hard time expressing your feelings through words. Another heartbeat around that isn't an animal would be nice, don't you think?"

Tokoyami lays back down and snuggles viciously into Shoji's neck, almost trying to bury himself in the man's skin. "Yes! Yes, I agree!"

"We can make the cabin bigger," Shoji says, nuzzling Tokoyami's feathers.

"Yes, that is what we will do," Tokoyami then lays beside him. "We'll travel to the village tomorrow."

Shoji smiles. "It's a date,"

The moment they close their eyes, the fur blankets rise as 'someone' pushes their way between the two, sharing the bed.

'I better get the biggest room,'

Shoji and Tokoyami exchange amused glances.

THE END