Tales of the Inari King and Woodland Queen
Chapter 7
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Anyone would tell you that beauty is only skin deep. That underneath it all was an ugly, despicable person made to be precious and perfect on the outside to hide such disgusting features. But not Yugi. His beauty was flawless and could never be viewed as anything less than stunning. From his cute button nose to his delicate hands. His slender legs and dainty feet made to dance, he was perfect in every way and everyone in the spirit world knew this. They loved and respected their queen and more than anything, loved and respected his relationship with the inari king. All except a few. Spirits that lived in the mire, the wasteland and the decaying forests that saw no tending from their king looked upon their king and queen with bitter reproach.
Even if they aren't part of the king's court and gentry, they still hear the news. From the birds that sang their melodies, drumming up their queen's beauty from the animal spirits that gossip of their wondrous queen as he comes and goes from a realm they were far removed from. A human with a fae heart, always welcomed into their world and loved by all of the earthen mother's children. He even gained favor with some of the sinister spirits that had no need to care but they do for they have been invited to the grand celebration that introduced him to all that were willing to come by invitation. Yugi was loved by many and he in return loved them just as much...and that would soon find to be a great mistake but not of who one would think.
For when one steals from kitsune, you will see nothing more scornful than a kitsune bereaved of his queen.
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Winter was in full swing, a gentle snowfall hitting the spirit world with a fresh blanket of pure white. Many of the hibernating animals were at rest in their hollows, the sika on the move while the wolves and foxes were ever close to their season. Among the quiet forest was the delighted laughter of the woodland queen. The solstice was close and Yugi wasn't planning to miss it. After all, Christmas was to follow not long after and Atemu promised he'd come home with him to spend it and ring the new year with him. So quick was he to pack for the week-long stay and came promptly to be whisked away into the spirit world with his husband. Mantle draped over thin but strong shoulders, Yugi had run through the forest, boots crunching snow and ice underfoot as he went searching. Atemu told him he'd be busy with solstice plans but Yugi had free reign to travel his kingdom as long as he didn't go too far without knowing where a burrow entrance was to provide shelter and safety.
While all of nature loved and adored him, there were still hostile spirits out there and ones that don't appreciate how Atemu ruled the woods and wilds. "They are fickle creatures and ones that I refuse to service for one reason or another. Even the most disgruntled oni shows me respect once in a while but these spirits are ones that don't. Don't make any contact with them be it eye or touch. Let them stay in their muck and mire, in their dying forest home that refused my help cause they like it so yet blame me for their decay. I am a kind and generous king but even my patience grows thin." Yugi took his warning to heart, sure that he would meet no such creature but will be careful of them should they dare come to their place where all thrives well under Atemu's care. But for now, wily, restless spirits aren't what was on Yugi's mind. Instead, he was in the forest with a goal in mind, one that no human could achieve unless they worked at a preserve of their distant cousin and he was excited to greet them.
When he found a place notorious to be within their usual traveling path, he delved deep into his fae heart. Yugi adapted well to opening his heart to all of nature, to embrace many things that no human was capable of and one of those abilities was to communicate with the animals naturally as they do with each other. A smile broke across his face, cupping his hands around his mouth before the woodland queen howled. A loud, sonorous cry that echoed every inch of the forest where he stood and it wasn't long before his call was answered. Howls of similar pitch greeted him, the pack not far from him and Yugi smiled more before giving a response to them, to lead them to where he stood to await their arrival. Lovell, one of the local ookami spirits, has met with Atemu once during his visit, to commune with the king about a pack he fostered. They were small, a pack of six, that asked for safe passage under his care. Atemu, always kind, wise and welcoming, allowed Lovell to escort his pack and Yugi wanted to stay long enough to meet them himself. And what a meeting it was.
When the pack arrived, the alpha she-wolf was quick to come to him, scenting Yugi and seeing if he was a danger to her pack. "No need to fear, honored dire queen of the North," Atemu spoke admirably, smiling as her bright amber eyes glanced up to him. "Yugi is my beloved queen. He would never bring harm to you, your mate or the pack." This seems to ease the tension in her shoulders and with the approval of both alpha leaders, the pack accepted Yugi as an honorary member, to come at his call and run with him whenever he desires their company. Winter was an important time and Yugi wished to aid in something very particular with these wolves. It was part of his role and one he didn't want to shirk. The padding of large paws crunched through the snow and Yugi braced himself before laughing as a large grey and brown body launched into him, knocking him to the snowy ground with panting tongue lapping at his cheek.
"Kaine! Kaine, stop! It tickles!" Yugi giggled vibrantly, the second wolf plodding into the area with a gruff snort that begged for his brother to ease up on their queen. Kaine huffed but moved, sitting beside Yugi as he sat up, smiling to the wolf beside him then to the other who was grey and white. "Frost, it's good to see you. How are my two precious dire wolves doing? Ready to find a partner?" Both barked their approval and Yugi smiled as he stood, dusting off flakes of snow from his mantle. Frost offered his back as a mount for the small woodland queen and Yugi thanked him, mounting his back before the two were off, snow kicked up by their paws.
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Deep in the forest of ice and snow, another figure wandered. But this one wasn't a friendly spirit of the forest but a wicked one. One who had once been part of Atemu's court but had been argumentative towards all of the king's decisions. Eventually, Atemu had tired of it and banished the spirit to the far forests that were left unattended. Left to die and rot like the spirits that took shelter there. Wiry branches hardened by time, trunks buckled and scarred from the angry spirits that took it out on the aged bark. It was a terrible locale and any who lived there hated it but welcomed it as it gave them a place to fester with their hate of the inari king. The king that abandoned them, banished them, wished to have nothing else to do with them. It was a sting so painful that these spirits abandoned the king who disregarded them selfishly, wanted to see him ruined and have someone better to rule the woods and wilds and the spirits and fae. And as all goes, news travels around so they know of the woodland queen. To have the beautiful little queen he gained would just be an additional prize. A trophy, so to speak, as the queen was so rare.
A human who gained a fae heart? Humans in the realm were rare enough so to have such a mystical curio as he would only do good as a trophy no other spirit can touch. The inari king was undeserving of him and the spirit to wander the frozen tundra now felt that deep in his blackened heart. Who was he, one would ask. He was known as Dartz and he was quite the bitter spirit. A kama itachi spirit he was, with long teal hair that had long lost its luster and dual colored eyes of gold and emerald. Once he was a beauty among the forest, an artful spirit who danced the wild dance just as well as Atemu did. The sharp blades of wind he could conjure were once used in safety, used for show instead of harm. But that was in the past. Now those very blades were used to cut down things to get in his way. To harm the wretched land he led. To hurt the earthen mother who deserted him when Atemu's word was made law to banish him.
Rounded ears nearly lost in the teal mane folded back with anger, thin tail whipping angrily behind the man. Curse the king, he thought. Oh how he wished to do anything to get back at him but nothing truly came to mind. Atemu was a powerful foe and a wily trickster. Even if you try to match his game, he will always outplay you. You cannot trick him, cannot outwit him and certainly cannot fight him. Dartz sorely wanted to ruin the king but he was running out of ideas. The winter solstice would be soon upon them, a widely known celebration like all others during the equinoxes and solstices where food and fun were had, where all spirits are to gather together to bless the earthen mother for her safety and shelter. Sickening. The male halted in the snow, heavy breaths coming out in icy puffs of air in the low temperatures. Dartz will not take his injustice sitting down. One day, he will find the means to bring down Atemu. The kama itachi spirit was ready to walk on with no destination set when something caught his ears.
A beautiful sound like frosted crystal bells. Laughter. A masculine laugh but light and soft. In any other scenario, Dartz would care little but this sound, this sweet supple sound, enthralled him like a moth to a flame. He had to know what spirit carried such a voice. He pushed through the snow, through the frozen brush that got in his way to a straightforward path. The land showed whose territory he tread in but Dartz did not care for he was on a mission to find the source of such laughter, of such joy. Normally he cared for nothing to radiate such happy energy but he must have this creature, have this spirit to bring the life they were deserving of in the muck and mire, in the dead forests and wastelands. In the lands Atemu forsaken. The air was alight with frozen reverence, icy boughs swayed and bend while cardinals sang their songs and it was through them that Dartz learned who was so close.
The queen is here, the queen is here. All hail the woodland queen's joy. Perk thy ears and hear his laugh. The queen is here, the queen is here.
The queen, the one married to that devious king. The one spoken to hold resplendence beyond compare. Of human face and fae heart, he surpasses the beauty of the wood dryad and forest nymph that have joined their part of the realm from lands far away. The wild children bow to him and the spirits revered him. A perfect match made for the king. And he was here alone. A smirk passed thin lips as the kama itachi spirit wandered closer, feet quiet in the softer snow, hearing the pounding of paws. Dire wolves...of course. A growl slipped silently from him, knowing they would be an obstacle if they were with the queen. But even if he was never in this part of the land, he knew that the wolves, like the foxes, are readying for their breeding period. To sow their seed and sire their own as their gift to the earthen mother and to their king who watches over all generations of the wild children. If the queen is with the wolves, then he was clearly there to help them find a rightful she-wolf. "So if I follow, they will soon part ways. And when they do, the queen will be truly alone." A plan began to form, a plan so wicked and unjust that one would be a fool to take such risk.
But Dartz would never see himself the fool. For the queen was alone. Alone and unarmed. When the dire wolves go to rut then he will whisk away their queen. Bring him to the dead forest and make him queen of their world. News would spread quickly but Atemu would never go to the dead forest. He will lose his queen and Dartz will have the vengeance he sought.
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It was hours before they reached the spot. A large field of white where other dire wolves have come to mingle. All were there for the same purpose, to find a mate. Few have, a pair or two already deep in oestrus or rutting with their chosen, causing Yugi to squeak, blushing as he turns his head away respectfully. Climbing from Frost's back, Yugi looked out to the wolves, violet hues looking to all that were down there. He saw a couple she-wolves wandering about and smiled, pointing them out as he whispered to the two wolves beside him. As he did, Dartz had lurked and lingered at the edge of the forest. He took that time to admire the queen. He was as splendid as the forest sung.
A crown of obsidian edged with magenta, shining goldenrod bangs framing a rounded face matured by age. A slender body with lean muscle clearly from selfish work done with the king but it did him justice to only enhance his pristine appearance. He really was of unrivaled beauty. Nothing could compare to him and it was that knowledge that Dartz had to claim him. The king was unworthy of such a gem and as a selfish, vain spirit, he aimed to take it. To make that radiant gem his. Dartz cared nothing for the human life the queen was told to live, he knew the spells and had the magic. The queen will become a kama itachi spirit by winter's end and belong to him. He continued to watch, watch as he spoke to the dire wolves at his side, aiding them in their little rutting endeavors before patting their sides and both bolted off into the field to find a suitable she-wolf. The warmest smile that melted the cold crossed his face, making those beautiful gem-like eyes sparkle and it was then that Dartz made his move. Slowly, he crept towards Yugi, feet quiet on the snow so he wouldn't alert the dire wolves below. Last thing Dartz needed was a bunch of mangy, rutting beasts upon him defending their queen.
Closer and closer the kama itachi stepped, nostrils flaring to the rich, flavorful scent of warm summer berries spiced with the cool kiss of winter air. A blend so tempting that Dartz nearly pounced prematurely to claim this wondrous queen, bringing him to his home in the dead forest. Atemu won't know a thing and he'll finally have the single victory over him that will make up for centuries of bitter repentance. The kama itachi spirit was so close, so focused that he ignored the surroundings. While the dire wolves were the least of his worries, Dartz never knew how respected Yugi was to the wild forest children and how well they read into a malicious presence to come near their queen. A cry so loud startled them both, a crow diving in from above with claws outstretched. The avian nearly tangled itself into the teal locks, Dartz cursing the creature with absolute vile until he noted this had caused Yugi to realize his presence so close. This will make things infinitely harder but Dartz wasn't going to allow himself to slow down now. For Yugi, he was already on guard to the unfamiliar spirit.
While he knew spirits of all kinds were around the forest, there was something off about this one. His unkempt hair and tattered clothing were signs of squalid care. But Atemu would never leave a spirit unattended when it came to their needs, always one to listen to them and assist however he could. He was too noble to his court and gentry to leave them without help. Was he one of the hostile spirits? One to live far from the comfort of the forest and surrounding lands where Atemu ruled? If so...he had to get away quickly. Yugi would've called on Frost or Kaine but he didn't want to disturb them from their prospective mates. There was no burrow entrance near either. The queen will just have to play things by ear until Atemu arrives swiftly as the northern winds. Letting out a breath, Yugi stood regally, every bit the queen he was titled to be as he stared into the dual colored eyes of the other spirit. Dartz stared back into them, enamored by those perfect jewel orbs before an ear twitched to the question spoken, light on the air but strong in presence.
Who are you?
Dartz raised himself with just as much poise despite the conditions of his wear, a sly but welcoming smile crossing his face. "I am Dartz, a kama itachi spirit from far away. I traveled here to see just how well this land had thrived through the years since I've last seen it. And word through the winds have spoken of a queen. It would be callous to not greet the new woodland queen." Yugi bristled, the tone smooth as molten gold but abrasive with an edge of resentment. Surely it wasn't directed at him so he knew there was something up and likely a part of history Atemu didn't want to speak about with him. Yugi hummed, the crow landing on his shoulder with an intimidating squawk towards the other spirit, watching him as Yugi began to step away. A spirit from far away, he says. "Then if you would permit me, why did you not come to the autumn banquet in my honor? All animal spirits and fae were there in attendance when Atemu made the announcement of my ascension into the ranks of royalty." Yugi spoke evenly, Dartz smirking as he followed.
Witty and confident, Yugi was indeed a perfect queen but wasted on that devious fox. So Dartz began to weave his tale for sympathy of the smaller male. A tale of woe and injustice done to him by the very king he married. That he was once part of Atemu's council with ideas to help improve the land but the dreadful king refuted all his ideas and soon grew tired of him. So tired of him that he was banished, cast aside and far away from the beautiful land that he treasured so. But Yugi was hardly the fool Dartz thought him to be. To believe such a factitious story when he saw the wicked gleam in his eyes. Of despicable hatred and unfettered lust. This spirit had been cast from this neck of the woods for his own misdeeds that likely impeded his husband's work, not help. Dartz had no need to be here and to appear now was grounds for mischief. Mischief that was nothing like what Atemu would do.
Luckily for this woodland queen, he knew a conniving creature when he saw one and better yet, so did the wild children. As Yugi kept Dartz occupied listening to his thinly veiled lies, more crows began to land in the trees, followed by a few kasasagi that all watched Dartz with contempt in their dark gaze. Some remember this man well and knew of his trickery. He was not a spirit to be trifled with but also one to not underestimate either. They had to lead their queen to the safest burrow but first, they had to distract the kama itachi. So they waited, waited and watched for the right moment to attack. When Dartz felt he sufficiently made Atemu look and sound like the bad guy, he went in for the kill. Any more time wasted and he could be hindered in getting this creature into his home. "So what do you say to a trip to the outer lands? A queen such as yourself should know all that the spirit realm has. Both the good and the bad. The mire, the wasteland, the dead forest...many will tell you to never venture there but all is said without knowing what community we discarded spirits created without the king."
Yugi took in a deep breath, not once turning to Dartz but spoke with authority gained from the time spent in Atemu's care. You say this so confidently but I have long read into your eyes, the queen spoke calmly. This made a sneer grace the kama itachi's face as Yugi continued on. That there was nothing to await him in the place Dartz wished to take him except the chains to take away his freedom. The woods and the wilds are lands free of strife, his getaway from his mortal coil. But he was not ready to live here for good. Atemu knew this but Dartz did not. And it was very clear he didn't care either. "I have beauty profound and Atemu had contended with spirits that look upon me with gazes that look to steal me from my husband. Many are respectful toward their king but they also hate the missed opportunity as the earthen mother sent no one else to hear my prayer but him. He had won my hand and my heart...and no one is to take that from him or from me!" At the bellowing cry, the murder stirred, inky black wings filling the air as cries of the damned had fallen onto the dreadful spirit.
Dartz cursed a string, feathers impeding his gaze and sharp beaks pecking wherever they could reach. He heard the snow crunch under boots, of Yugi dashing away from him now that his distraction came. "No! You will not find yourself reaching that blasted king! You will become mine, queen! Mine to rule the dead forest as kama itachi!" he roared, winds stirring at his feet, tossing up snow and fallen feathers before a vortex of wind surrounded Dartz. But this was no ordinary wind as birds squawked and tittered, escaping as quick as they could. Alas, many didn't make it as their severed corpses fell to the snowy ground, staining the untouched snow with red while dual eyes followed his fleeing prey. Yugi will become his queen by force if Dartz must. A grin came across his face before he followed.
If there was one thing he approved during Atemu's reign and he a part of his council...was the wild hunt. A frivolous game of tag that often nets a delectable prize if the king is impressed by one's effort.
But who needs his approval when it comes to stealing his queen...
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Yugi panted, heart beating fast but he couldn't stop now. The spirit was relentless, he could see that in his eyes, and if he got caught before reaching safety...he didn't want to imagine the result. He will have to ask Atemu about Dartz some other time but until then, he just had to get to him as Dartz will back off to a stronger power if he was smart enough. Where is a burrow entrance, the queen thought worriedly. He was told from Atemu that there were false entrances to avoid pursuers but there was always a real one near the fakes. But his fear was getting to it before Dartz got to him. The loud crack of a tree falling behind him nearly had him jump but Yugi couldn't turn back, not even to the howling kodama that wept to the loss of the trees they were attached to. A bad omen that was clearly not cared for by the spirit pursuing him. But the queen couldn't risk it. "Come out, come out. A queen shouldn't run from his king." The comment made Yugi shudder with rising anxiety. He would never be king to such a deceitful spirit! Another tree fell and Yugi made to curb from the trail he was following. It was futile for sure as he was leaving footprints in the snow but if he can make the effort harder for Dartz, then he could buy himself some time.
He tried to go back over what he read in the book Atemu written on the spirits. Kama itachi, the wind weasel spirit. Notorious for being tricksters and mischief makers but their brands of work were always aimed to harm humans. With that kind of backstory to them, it was no wonder Atemu didn't like Dartz's work and wanted to banish him. "It doesn't seem he lost that cruelty either." Yugi mumbled before a tree, this one right in his path, had started to tumble down. Yugi gasped and lunged forward, passing it but upon landing, he felt his head crack into a stone hidden underneath the snow. White noise filled his ears, Yugi slowly raising himself from the snow. Breath huffed in slow pants, spots of red decorating the white snow as he raised a hand. Warmed leather touched the cut on his temple. Pulling back to see the blood, Yugi moaned pitifully, trying to crawl away now.
He could finally see it, a burrow entrance with its inviting darkness such a relief. If he could get inside, he'll be safe. "Almost...there..." The light breath uttered but felt his mantle clenched in tight fingers. "My queen, it was unwise to run from your king. Now come along. We have things to plan. A wedding then your transformation. You'll become a wonderful kama itachi come springtime." Yugi groaned, trying to reach for something to grasp, something that will prevent Dartz from taking him. Alas, nothing but snow was under his hands, grabbing nothing but a fistful of the chilling substance in his delirious haze. Atemu please...help me...
Slung over Dartz's shoulder, Yugi could only look sadly to the burrow that was so close yet so far, throat tighten from pain and fear. If he could scream, surely Atemu would hear him and come to his rescue. A hand reached up, stretching to the burrow. Fake or real, if he can just signal to his husband of his situation then he will come. Gusts of sharp gales began to surround the two and it was then Yugi began to struggle. "Atem—!" But his voice was silenced as the winds teleported the two from Atemu's domain and to the dead forest. A forest where Dartz was his own king and now obtained a queen worthy of his attention and company. They would rear many children and in due time, he will bring war to Atemu's kingdom and take the land that was rightfully his. But to the luck of the queen, the false burrow wasn't uninhabited, narrowed faces and wide eyes surrounded with a thick black mask looking on with horror of the situation. The tanuki women who used the false burrows for shelter saw everything but they couldn't do a thing to handle Dartz.
He held power far beyond their skill set, they were spirits unable to fight but seeing what they had meant they could alert their king. They had to save their queen from the evil kama itachi's clutches. Dartz was unfit to have such a wonderful queen in Yugi and worse is that they chose the wrong person to take. Nattering to each other quickly, the tanuki women were out of their burrow and running. They had to alert their king, alert all of nature.
Their woodland queen was stolen and must be returned.
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"Decorations are being made as we speak. The frosted holly berries will look amazing in the moonlight. Yugi will love them." Atemu spoke admirably. The tsurara-onna nodded, bowing to Atemu as she promised the most delightful garland threads of ice to accentuate the trees around the space of the winter solstice festival. A karasu spirit was making notes of his own, planning food and festivities for the solstice along with sketching down ideas. "My king, how does this fare for your queen? A vanity of feathers and silk all a crystal blue with a lavender button up. A beautiful dress suit to fit his glorious beauty." Atemu took the book and looked over the outfit, smiling in approval. Perfect, he uttered, just imagining his lovely queen in such finery. Prepare matching jewels and a winter crown and all will be perfect, Atemu spoke, handing the pad back to the karasu spirit. The tsurara-onna bowed once more and told the king she would be off to finish weaving her decorations and the karasu spirit would go to the kasasagi spirits and kodama to get started on the outfit. Atemu smiled, tails fluttering behind him as he thought of his precious queen.
He wondered how he was faring with the dire wolves. Hopefully, the sons of the mother have found suitable mates in his realm. He will have to check upon them later when Yugi returns. "Everything will be magnificent this year. Surely I have no need for this much presentation but I have to for Yugi's first year at the Winter Solstice Ball." A smile appeared on his face as he looked out to the setting that would be the place of the ball. The lake was frozen over with thick ice and with the right magic, would become a wondrous ballroom floor where he and Yugi would dance under the winter moon. Yugi had vastly improved in dancing and wanted to show such grace to all the spirits and fae. It would be a thing of resplendence, he thought, letting out a frosty breath of air, closing crimson hues. The chilling air rustled an unruly mane as the king relaxed in his winter domain, thinking about his beautiful little queen. The moment was interrupted with the wailing cries of the tanuki women as they scurried their way into the area, panicked eyes wide with their budding alarm.
"Girls, girls, just who I wanted to see..." Atemu began before his words died on the air. Their worry was permeating the open breeze, their fear palpable. Their tails fluffed with panic but their voices were silent, almost as if afraid to give the news of what they know. Atemu could see their fear and scent their worry so as calm as the free flowing river beneath the ice, he asked them what had happened. They were in one of his false burrows resting so what could've made them so frightened. Couldn't be the dire wolves. The two looked to each other before one, the tallest between the two, stepped forward. She bowed reverently to the king, taking his hand and kissing the tips of his claws. A honored gesture of respect but he could tell there was a hint of grief in the gesture and could only wait until she spoke up. And when she finally did, a cold wind swept through the forest. A chilling wind that held all of the silent anger that began to well inside of the inari king.
"I know you do not lie to me but I must be sure of what you speak. My Yugi, my sweetling, my bride, my wonderful woodland queen...was stolen?!" Atemu asked, unable to keep the edge from his voice and the tanuki woman squealed with fear. She didn't want to be the one to bear such bad news but they would've reached the king quicker than the voices of the forest. They could get their message to him with nary a delay. Their only worry was making sure the king arrived before the accursed wedding that Dartz surely was planning right now. She nodded, bowing her head to ask amnesty for the news she brought. No one would ever want to anger their king, certainly not like this. Atemu was never a violent king but at a time like this, one would see the full extent of his fury.
To take his queen was grounds for eradication.
To answer the king, the tanuki woman nodded though she shook, fearing for her immortal soul. But as she bowed her head into the snow, ready to take on the punishment for her horrid news, she only felt a hand rest in the soft brown mane of her gentle bob cut. Do not fear me, my dear, the king whispered with gentle coaxing. You have done me a service to deliver this news to me before the voices of the forest. Now, I must save my queen from the claws of that vile and devious creature before he takes away everything. She nodded to the declaration, her incoherent words to non-spirits thankful and begging for the king to save their queen. She held no doubt that he would be saved but the same, she feared that Dartz would work much too quick for Atemu to reach the dead forest in time. But her eyes widened to the red fires that swirled about his feet, a force unseen to many. But now, as the heat of said fires melt the snow and ice beneath him, she among others knew that Atemu was serious.
Like a firefly blazing through the sky, the voices of the forest brayed with their message.
The king is mad, the king is furious. Make way for him as his rage seeks no rest.
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Yugi groaned, head dizzy as if he drank one too many glasses of sake. Pain blossomed upon his temple from the wound he took but as he reached, fingers felt the cloth bandage underneath. It was then he realized his hands were free of the thick gloves but in its place was gossamer silk practically see through encasing his arm. They were gloves, he noted, threaded up his arms and ending at the elbow. Oh no...oh no, no, no. The thought was ringing an alarm as he threw off the furs and found his worst fears were becoming reality. Gone was his mantle and warm clothes and was dressed in a low v-cut, A-line dress, shoulders bare to the frigid air. The main gown was a slender mesh of aquamarine, with shot silk a rich golden yellow tied in a tight bow around his waist. Dartz worked swiftly and worse still was that he wasn't free to escape by the room he was in at first glance. He was high up by the level his window was situated, different from the underground burrow that Atemu lived in.
Likely a hollowed out tree but with the sight of the rest of the forest this was no welcoming place. Twisted spires of dead oak and birch fills his gaze, the skies much darker than what he was used to. A cold wind blew through the paneless window, making Yugi shiver as he backed from it, violet eyes gazing about the room. It was sparsely furnished, the best furniture the dead forest could offer it seems. Unlike Atemu's lavish room filled with life and love, this room was bitter and dreadful, wicker chairs with ratty cushions and the bed lumpy with matted fur covers. Yugi was surprised he was knocked out as long as he was with such a mattress against his back. Rotted wood marked parts of the wall while the rest was aged and decrepit, like the whole entire thing would fall apart at the barest gust but considering the gales outside to rustle the bare fronds of the dead forest, that was clearly speculation.
But the matter now was that Yugi was here in Dartz's clutches and couldn't escape, not on his own. But the location clearly was for the hostile spirits. None would help him being the queen to the inari king but if his state of dress was any indication, mere moments they will bow to him but for being married to the wrong king, their king. He had to get out, had to free himself. He didn't know how much of this shotgun wedding was set up but Yugi wasn't planning to stick around long enough to find out. Moving to the old oak door, he rested a hand on the spotty knob of rusted gold metal, turning it. To the queen's relief, it was unlocked, by error of Dartz himself or whomever came to dress him he didn't know but he wasn't about to deny his good blessing thus far. A peek into the hall showed it was empty, another good blessing. If he traversed with care and kept eyes, ears and heart open, he might be able to get out of this twisted timber castle and get well within range for the true forest that was his home to call to Atemu.
Though Yugi wasn't doubtful that Atemu was already on his way, the more distance he can cover wearing this accursed gown, the farther he'll be from Dartz and back into his real king's arms. He hiked up the long skirt, cursing the following train before running his way down the chilling hall, feet covered in lace stockings slapping bare on the stone floors. The halls were as twisted as the trees of the dead forest, seeing no end no matter how many turns he made to descend down to the ground floor. Yugi might've chalked it up to dumb luck that he hasn't been seen since escaping but the feeling of dread to bubble up in his stomach said otherwise. As if he was being watched and laughed at for his futile effort to escape Dartz and his wicked home. When he saw a door at the far end of the hall, Yugi could cry in relief as he ran for it. So close...so close...and like that, he was snatched into the thin, spidery legs of an ogumo strung up from the ceiling.
"You were an amusing watch but the king wouldn't want you escaping. The wedding is close at hand and he wants it done as soon as possible before that annoying fox shows." Yugi growled as he tried to pull away from the other, crawling across the ceiling to bring Yugi back to the room he was in. Release me, he screamed, wanting to be free of this whole situation but for all the effort he tried, Dartz was already steps ahead and only allowed him that freedom for the false hope that he could get away. When they reached the room, he was shoved back inside with a warning that chilled him to the bone. Yugi was allowed the freedom of escape this time but next time, they would not be so lenient. "I'm sure Dartz would not care if your beautiful little body was used for spider eggs. It would be a sacrifice but one that will still dig in the craw of that stupid inari king." The ogumo rasped with a rattling chortle before they were gone, door slammed shut and this time, Yugi heard the telltale sign of a locked door. Finally the tears began to spill.
Now he was truly trapped and if Atemu failed to arrive...then he'll belong to Dartz for eternity.
0
Time passed quickly before Yugi knew it, the same ogumo coming to fetch him. Time to meet your new husband at the altar. Those words settled a cold stone in Yugi's stomach but instead of letting the fear of his coming fate consume him, he stood tall and proud, brushing past the vermin spirit. The yokai chuckled as they followed, running clawed fingers through frazzled locks covered with webbing, speaking admirably of Dartz and his rule that was claimed to far surpass Atemu's. How foolish were these spirits to believe such for all Yugi saw was a jealous and bitter weasel that desired more than he could handle. He thought he had the upper hand but Yugi refused to make things any easier for him. Dartz was going to learn the hard way what happens when he decided to choose a defiant partner. When they reached the decorated altar, ugly jagged icicles paired with murky algae and pond scum ruined what little snow to blanket their dark realm. Hostile spirits from banshees with their menacing faces and mountain trolls of large stature and larger hands that could squash poor Yugi like a grape stood in the stands, chanting wicked hymns and ghastly chants.
All were blessings to their false king in finally finding a bride worthy, of his prize stolen from the one who had abandoned them all. Spider yokai and yuki-onna who reap from their ill intent, of kappa and yurei who lost their way. Any matter of spirit and fae who felt ousted from Atemu's realm found home under the paltry rule that Dartz claimed. And as the kama itachi stood before them at the altar, his dual eyes drifted to the archway and smiled upon seeing his lovely new queen. Yugi's eyes narrowed, nearly stepping back but felt four arms of the ogumo settled behind him force him forward. A terrible means to walk the bride down the aisle. A bouquet of thorny thistle, frost decorating the lavender blossoms, were thrusted into his hands, making the male wince as the prickly thorns dug into his palm. A sigh came over him, veil draped over his head, before he glared forward toward the spirit, the weasel, that was going to ruin him.
Dartz was in for a rude awakening fairly soon. Yugi marched forward to the altar, spirits commenting jealousy of his beauty, some even saying he wasn't a perfect fit for Dartz. If only he thought that, Yugi thought venomously, reaching the altar and the smirking spirit. The ogumo presided as the pastor, grinning wickedly behind grotesque teeth as they began. Yugi gripped the thistles, feeling small welts sting his palms as he looked to the grey skies. Atemu...please...I beg you. Yugi's mind was adrift as the ogumo continued, reciting quickly through the usual matrimony rights and got straight to the point quickly. Obviously at Dartz's behest to claim before anyone could interrupt. "My king, do you take the woodland queen as your own? To rear and raise the dark children of the dead forest forever?" Dartz smirked as he spoke his "I do" then looked down to Yugi.
His gaze was cold and calculating, holding a warning that if he didn't say the same, a fate worse than death would befall him. As if this whole wedding wasn't already that. Gripping the bouquet in his hands, Yugi can only make a prayer. A prayer even when he was far removed from the safety of the earthen mother. "Woodland queen...do you take our king as your own? To rear and raise the dark children of the dead forest forever?" Eyes opened with a defiant glare, whirling to Dartz as he threw the bouquet into his face. "Never! I will never marry you! My heart belongs to Atemu and by his will shall this marriage be annulled!" Evil spirits and cursed fae howled with rage to the rejection, Dartz snarling angrily as he grasped Yugi's thin wrist. "Too bad he has no authority over me! He accepts! Now bring the rings!" A ghoulish imp came running forward, a tattered pillow in his bony claws holding two shining rings, a glowing emerald on one set on a silver band while the other was gold with an ivory gem. Yugi could tell the emerald didn't look like anything he has seen before and tried to pull his hand away. I refuse, I refuse, the poor queen screamed, Dartz taking the ring in hand and began to draw it closer to his finger.
"By this ring, you will forever be bound to me. To live in the dead forest and be my queen. Your willpower shall become mine and once you become kama itachi, we shall breed the dark children that will go to war with Atemu and take all of the spirit realm from him!" Dartz claimed but an inch from the ring being set on his finger, a suiko screamed as it pointed to a fiery orb careening towards the aisle, making all scatter as the blaze came down, singeing all underfoot. A blazing ball of fire came from the figure to stand in front of the altar, making Dartz roar in pain as the fire struck him across the face, leaving a searing red mark. "You truly have some nerve, Dartz...stealing my queen, holding a wedding...and you don't even invite me~" A voice called, flames dying away into embers as maroon eyes glared at the kama itachi before him. "Then again, I didn't invite you to my wedding because you were banished and with good reason. Now I have even more reason to never, ever, allow you into my half of the realm again." Yugi gave a happy sob upon seeing the regal form of his king, his only king and ripped his arm from the stunned kama itachi to run toward the kitsune.
"Atemu!"
Yugi flung himself into the other's arms, feeling his warm embrace take away the chill of winter and the dread that he wouldn't have made it in time. "You came...you came..." Of course I would, Atemu reassured before the riotous crowd began to break through their private moment, Dartz stepping forward with an intense glare. You'd be wise to return my queen to me, the spirit spoke vehemently and Atemu rolled his eyes. "You'd think me foolish if I were to give up MY queen to you. You never did learn from last time, have you, Dartz? Stealing what doesn't rightfully belong to you, holding this pathetic grudge towards me when it was YOU who nearly brought our land to ruin!" When Atemu pulled away, Yugi stuck close to him but could hear the story in the air. Tails settled around Yugi for safety, knowing well a corrupted spirit or fae would easily try to snatch the other away if he allowed his attention to stray for even a moment. And with a voice so powerful but debilitating, Atemu spoke of the incident. Of Dartz's uncouth ways in handling conflict among their court and gentry. For centuries since becoming a part of his council, he did no right and tried to command everything as he were king.
It was thanks to him that the earthen mother suffered a scar she couldn't recover from. It was him who nearly cost many their lives. "You have single handedly nearly ruined everything I have done for this world. Banishment was the lightest sentence I could give for the earthen mother would rather see you suffer. I didn't have to let you live, Dartz, yet you continue to hold your despicable hate for me. And I never cared for it for I had to need to worry about you and what your little kingdom did. Until now." Atemu's eyes narrowed, sharp pupils striking legitimate fear into the kama itachi as the other spoke heatedly. Come near my queen, dare to steal him from my arms and he will see the full extent of the power that made him a god. Atemu was never one to show the extent of his powers at full capacity but Dartz would be the first to make it so. The ogumo, displeased by the proceedings, decided to defy Atemu's warning, launching a glob of webbing for Yugi with the intent to snag him away.
If Dartz chose to cower now then they will take it upon themselves to claim him and use him for the very threat they issued before. Alas, Atemu's sharp eye caught sight and reached for the sticky webbing, grasping it tight in hand and the following was immediate. The webbing caught fire, the trail of flames shooting back for the source, leaving the yokai little time to snap the web and was lit up like a bonfire. Others cowered as the demon wailed a death rattle, collapsing into a molten heap upon the ground, Yugi shielding his eyes from the sight. He didn't like the idea of death but in this manner, it was justified. Holding Yugi close, winds stirring around their feet, Atemu made his last announcement. If they valued their banished lives, they would never step foot back into his side of the realm. He let them off without consequence when they could've suffered as easily as the ogumo that dared to challenge him.
"You all know what you did and while punishment of your actions deserves death, I gave you solace with banishment. Do not impede on my generosity. You can live here with your false king but do not think for a second I will let you take the crown and my well cultivated realm to be destroyed. And I remind you again...do not take my queen from me. That is a mistake to never be forgiven twice." As he spoke that, he looked to Dartz specifically who growled behind the seared flesh but lowered his head in surrender. He knew better to challenge Atemu. He did have more than enough power to deal with the other spirit. The kama itachi was bereft of a queen worthy and stubbornness could very well make him try again. Threat left to hang in the air, the dead forest was left to tend to the remains of their ravaged wedding as the inari king took the woodland queen back home.
0
The forest sang with the return of the queen, the spirits and fae dancing with joy in the winter air. In the warm burrow, Yugi had a fresh bath, divested of the wretched garment forced upon him and settled himself in the bedroom, looking deep into the mirror of the vanity. Luckily for all that he went through, he was never marked or hurt by their hand which, Yugi supposed, Dartz should count his blessings after the example Atemu made of the ogumo. A patch replaced the bandage, a healing balm spread over the cut he received when Yugi struck the rock while on the run. At least Dartz was courteous enough to take care of that wound but it was the only good deed worth praising. Yugi breathed a soft breath, closing his eyes, allowing himself the moment of peace. The soft clink of a cup settled on the vanity made him open his eyes to see Atemu behind him, brush in hand. "Sweetling, are you going to be ok?" He asked with a hint of worry, fingers combing through the damp mane of hair before running the brush through it. Yugi nodded that he would be fine but Atemu knew it was a thinly disguised lie.
A sigh came from the kitsune, knowing he had much to apologize for with the situation of Dartz. Of all the spirits to come back for vengeance, he was the last to expect and worse, he nearly got away with things if the tanuki women were just seconds late. "If not for them, I could've lost you. Dartz was never a kind spirit and by the woods and wilds I don't want to imagine what he would've done with that accursed ring." This made Yugi look up and seeing the look in his eyes, Atemu gave the short explanation. Dartz had been the one to cultivate the green stone. Orichalcos it was called but as beautiful as it was, the beauty hid an awful effect. Once placed upon someone, it would bound them forever in Dartz's servitude. Loss of willpower would turn them into mindless drones to obey his every command and it was that very suggestion and experiment that had him banished. "I wasn't about to let him turn many of our fellow spirits and fae into creatures of habit to follow his rule. So much would've been destroyed by his hand." Atemu uttered as he continued to run the soft bristles through his hair.
Yugi's hand reached for the cup of tea when chilling words left his husband, making him freeze in place. In light of what happened, Atemu felt Yugi should head home. Even though he was sure that Dartz won't try for a repeat offense, he didn't want to take the risk and be that close to failure again. A slam of fists on the vanity made the cup and mirror shake, Atemu bringing his hands back in mild alarm as his queen screamed his refusal to go. "Please...don't make me go..." After the shock passed, Atemu smiled, setting the brush down before arms came to slip around his queen. Shh, he hushed, cradling Yugi close as the other gripped his arms. The king made the suggestion as the only gate with ease of access to Yugi was in his domain. If Dartz was a brave fool to chase fleeting dreams even after his warning, he would cross Atemu again to get to it. He didn't want to risk Yugi in his hands again but knew his queen wanted to be there in attendance for the Winter Solstice Ball. "It's ok now. I won't suggest it again. I just want my beloved queen to be safe." Atemu whispered, Yugi sniffling before smiling.
"I know. But I'm safest in your hands. If Dartz values himself, he won't ever try again. Even if he did marry me, I would fight him. Even if my will is gone, I would fight. He can have my body but he'll never have my heart or spirit. That right belongs to you. Always had since we first met." Atemu grinned, pressing a kiss to the top of his head.
"And no one is to forget that."
Yugi smiled, glad for his loving and loyal husband, standing from the vanity and brought the tea with him to the bed. However, instead of sitting down to drink the beverage, he set it on the side table. Sliding up onto the bed, Yugi smiled at Atemu who returned it, making note that there were still tasks to do so Yugi was free to rest for the remainder of the day. But the king paused, losing his train of thought as Yugi brushed the thin strap of the slip offered to him, of expertly woven silk in a lovely shade of peach. Atemu, was the airy admission from the queen as a coveted smirk passed his lips. Tails bristled with hardly concealed need, Atemu trying to offer himself an out, that Yugi should rest after his ordeal. Alas, his queen was as cunning as he was with time spent together and knew just what to say and do to bend the king to his whims. Yugi knew he deserved rest, deserved to relax in the space that he was most comfortable with under warm furs but he also vied for Atemu's warm hands and body.
To be rid of the disgusting feeling of being in Dartz's clutches and warped home. The poor kodama that resided there must've suffered so to leave that entire place an ancient graveyard of petrified trees. But Yugi wanted to cleanse himself of such memories. Wanted to put it behind him. He won't forget it but this just proves to be another lesson as reigning queen. Of those who wish to harm his king and he as well. Yugi will certainly redouble his efforts to protect this world and this land lush with green from people like Dartz but as long as Atemu's threat hangs heavy like the full boughs that bore fruit, Dartz won't reappear again for some time. And Yugi deserves to reward his king for his swiftness and staunch conduct. Come Atemu, Yugi simpered playfully, allowing the other strap to fall and let the loose flowing garment fall to pool around his waist. Atemu needed no more convincing.
The king climbed into bed with his queen, bringing him into a kiss filled with love and passion and the queen returned it equally. Lost in their loving embrace, peeling away layers with ease, the king mated his queen in the ambient silence of their nest. Fire popped a rhythmic song from the candles, the howling winds outside stirring flakes of snow and rustling the winter vegetation but all sang a song to announce the king's peace. That his queen was brought home safe and sound before the Winter Solstice Ball and all was well in their part of the realm. The kodama danced with ethereal light blazing among the trees, the tanuki women happy to hear their queen returned and planned a festive basket to give part in amnesty and part in reward. Their queen was always strong in will and would never bow to such a devious, despicable creature like Dartz. He was only fitting for one king and that king was Atemu.
Let the spirits of the forest carol deep in the thickets of their home. Of their king and queen who shall never see separation from one another for the inari king will always come at his woodland queen's call. Should his call not reach then the woodland queen will take it upon himself to find his king. No force, human or spirit, can seek to part them.