Tales of the Inari King and Woodland Queen
Chapter 12
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Yugi smiled as he looked to the bright sun that shone a radiant beam down on the city. Spring had just sprung and most of the snow and frost was fading away from the concrete and asphalt. There was still a bit of chill in the air but nothing as harsh as its wintery companion. As Yugi looked out the window of the game shop, he wondered if Spring was further along than it was in the real world. The hidden queen can only imagine that flowers were budding and trees the same, their blossoms not quite ready to see bloom but were carefully waiting for the proper time. Perhaps when he came to visit and they opened their buds in welcome to his presence. This would be the first spring he'd join his king for since their bonding and Yugi was all too excited to see what awaited him from seeing the flowers bloom to seeing what Atemu had planned for the Spring Equinox.
In her cage, Uzume rested though her almond eyes watched her queen with mild exuberance towards his own happiness. She too was eager to return to the spirit realm, to see all that she only got a glimpse of and also meet the venerable falcon owned by the king himself for she was told many stories of his prowess and hunting skills honed by the falconry lessons given. She can only wish to be just as good as him and be a fine companion for the queen once she is ready. Yugi moved from the window and over to the counter, opening the cage to allow Uzume to come out and settle on his shoulder, the falcon stretching her wings before her head tilted in a curious cock. "Thought you need a bit to stretch. Also think you're up for a visit to the spirit realm? I want to see how the land is doing and see if the buds are coming in." She tittered in delight at the thought, her head bobbing eagerly to the promise of a visit to the spirit realm which had Yugi smile.
Let me go see if jii-chan won't mind taking over then we'll go, he spoke, giving her a fond stroke over his breast before making his way to the storeroom where Sugoroku was currently taking stock of the new items. When he heard someone step in, he turned to see Yugi there and smiled. "Ah, what brings you in, my boy? Slow day?" Yugi chuckled and gave a slight nod before explaining that he wanted to head over to the spirit realm with Uzume. "I wanted to check in with you first before I go running off and leaving the counter unattended." Sugoroku chuckled a little and nodded, waving a hand to say he was free to go and that he'd take over for him once he was done with the stock. "Just change the sign to closed so we don't have any sticky fingers grabbing things with no one there." Yugi nodded, saying his goodbyes before leaving the storeroom. He stopped upstairs briefly to get into a change of clothes more fitting for the trip, Uzume moving from his shoulder to settle carefully on the desk.
She watched the queen change from lounge wear for roaming the house to suitable outer wear, checking his phone for any messages since there was one to come soon from Kaiba for the release of his game. He couldn't afford to miss that one. Seeing nothing, Yugi gave a nod, slipping on his jacket and raised his arms for Uzume. "Let's head out, Uzume." She gave a hearty chirp, moving to land on his arm before he walked out from the bedroom and out the door after changing the sign to "Closed". Once outside, Yugi took in a deep inhale of the cool air, smiling towards the gentle breath of nature swell in his chest before he walked along, Uzume taking off from his arm to fly ahead, the chilly updrafts caressing her wings and allowing her to soar higher. Yugi hummed as he traveled along, gaze forward with only the mildest wandering to look at storefront windows and cars passing by, the roads rather clear for the day. A crow cawed from above, a responding sound met by Uzume which drew his gaze upward, seeing the two avian in flight beside each other.
He paused, watching the two fly and began to reminisce. To think, a full year has passed as Atemu's mate. Together with him on a deeper plane than when they first got together. Of all the moments shared, both good and bad, were an absolute delight and filled with such excitement to what he would've been sure was a dull life to follow. Every few days he reflects back on everything to occur. Of their first meeting and Atemu's rescue. His help from dealing with Ushio to the miko that wanted to take back his rightfully earned shrine. His heart thrummed with all the love he held for the kitsune spirit to love him so readily. He saw no faults in him and supported much of his endeavors, including his game which Atemu only wished to see the success of. Now it was well on its way to being released and Yugi was all too excited to see it happen. Perhaps he could ask about Atemu being there with him for the reveal of the project in full.
"He had been supportive of its development since I first sent in the details. Hopefully, he would be willing to come for the opening as long as we don't dawdle long among the crowd." He murmured to himself, walking along as he saw Uzume and the raven get far ahead of him and didn't want to be left behind. Upon reaching the shrine, Yugi saw a few more offerings left and picked them up delicately to take with him once he grabbed an ofuda spell to open the gate to the spirit realm from his hidden pile. When the gate was open, a sharp crow from Uzume sounded over his head, making the small queen laugh as she flew through the gate with expert grace. "Wait for me!" he called as he followed after the falcon and when the atmosphere cleared before his eyes, a sight of pure wonderment awaited him.
Before him stretched a land of pure beauty. Gone was the snow and frost aside from very few thin patches. The sun was out and bright in a clear sky and there was color everywhere. From the green grass full of life from the nurturing gift from the melted snow to the trees budding with the start of their coming foliage. Clover and nettle made home in patches and in the distance, the queen could see a doe with her newly born fawn. Uzume circled above before coming in to land, Yugi bringing his arm to give her a perch but his eyes never pulled from the sight that laid out before him. As expected, the land was already showing hints of spring long before his own, the world swelling with life as animals and spirits alike were waking from their winter slumber. The air still held a bit of chill but it was certainly lighter than what the mortal world had in regard to temperature and it was a refreshing turn from having to wear heavy coats and sweaters.
"Now, let's go find Atemu." Uzume chirped in reply, Yugi heading further into the forest to find a burrow entrance.
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Atemu was in the apothecary, gifted chalice before him that was brewing a perfumed oil. He wanted to make something special for the coming season and had been hard at work getting the right scent perfected for his dear queen. A little sandalwood and all will be perfect, he hummed, pleased by the blend. The king had others in the work but for something as special and meaningful as his coming season, Atemu wanted something fitting and proper for his precious queen. Something that was soothing and fragrant, a succulent blend that was a testament to their overwhelming bond. Picking up the stirring rod, he mixed the oil with a happy little hum. It was just about done. And good timing too, he thought, ears perking to the call of nature around him which echoed to the presence of the queen arriving. This delighted Atemu, picking up a bottle to pour the finished oil and cork it before placing it on the shelf. "There, that's all ready. Now to greet my dear queen." Putting the items away, Atemu was out of the warren and off into the forest, a dark blur among the trees as he approached his dear queen.
Where Yugi was, he was greeted by a few spirits up and about, a karasu pair with child. The little one was certainly curious of him and when explained that he was their queen, the child was simply delighted and flew down to greet him properly. "Do you know the karasu artisan? He's my uncle and makes all my clothes for me! We came by for a visit now that winter has broken from the land and spring is here! We're going to stay until the Spring Equinox!" The child relayed happily. Yugi smiled, welcoming them happily, shaking the hands of the parents. He was pleased they would be staying until the equinox, promising a wonderful party and host as Atemu would spare no expenses to make the equinox a wonderful celebration like all others. "As his current queen, this will be my first spring equinox so I will do my best to help the preparations and make it a grand experience for all." The lady karasu spirit smiled before her head raised then bowed.
"My lord fox, it's a blessing." Yugi blinked then heard Uzume chirp happily, fluttering off. When he turned, a bright grin crossed his face and held his arms open, feeling the large head of his mate butt against his chest. "Oh! Afternoon, Atemu~" Yugi cooed, scratching behind his ears which had the king purr at the attention. The small child was in awe to see the king, running over to introduce herself. Atemu pulled back to greet her, sitting upon his haunches while Yugi stood beside him. The little spirit had many questions to ask and even more curiosities, making the king laugh with exuberance as he answered everything she had to ask. Eventually, the father had gotten her attention, telling her that her uncle was waiting. "Oh yes! We should be going now but it was wonderful meeting you both!" she said, bowing deep to the two then waved, following her parents as they flew off towards the mountains. "A wonderful little family. Seems they're not local to these parts like Lovell and his pack."
"They're not. They usually visit around this time, staying for the spring equinox then come back later for the summer solstice. Their daughter is quite the handful but a darling little thing as you can see." Atemu spoke charmingly before moving to nuzzle his head against Yugi's. But it's a better treat when you come to visit, he added, making Yugi giggle, feeling the wet tongue rasp gently at his cheek. Now, what brings you to visit today, was the question asked as the two began to walk along through the forest, Uzume heading off to find Xerxes while king and queen had their time together. Yugi began to tell the other how he wanted to see the land in bloom and wasn't disappointed in the slightest. While not in full bloom and color, it was certainly a change from what the real world was as it took its time to shake off winter. "I'm glad the slowly awakening land is to your liking. The earthen mother is working hard to provide a delightful sight for you, especially for the coming equinox. I expect nothing but the best in decorum, setting and colors."
They continued to walk along, animals up from their nesting in the trees giving greetings to the king and queen and they passed. Sparrows came down to bring simple things from their nests such as leftover seeds and twigs, Yugi taking the items with care and thanked each of them for their gifts. Squirrels provided acorns and with them in hand, Yugi decided they should find fertile ground to plant them. "Atemu, let's find a place to plant these seeds and acorns." Yugi offered, Atemu pausing with a nod before laying on his belly so Yugi could climb aboard. "I know the perfect spot. Tuck those away and we'll head there." The seeds were placed into his pockets, patting them to make sure they were safe then hopped onto the sturdy back. Fingers wound into the thick mane of Atemu's neck as the kitsune stood, shaking out his fur a little before taking off. Yugi watched the scenery race by, Atemu weaving through the towering trunks before arriving at the forest edge and down into the windflower field.
Yugi gasped seeing the field flowing with life. Stalks of wildflowers stood high, rounded bulbs still green and growing but the thought of seeing the field aglow with a rainbow of colors stilled his heart as he missed the sight more than anything with the winter season. How long would it be before the wildflowers are in bloom, Yugi questioned as Atemu trotted through the field. "I expect them to be ready just in time for the equinox. They would be just as vibrant and beautiful as you remember." Yugi was pleased to hear that, smiling more as Atemu continued on his way, exiting the field and to a smaller patch of forest. It was nowhere close to the dead forests where certain spirits and yokai thrived but it had enough space for Yugi to plant the seeds. When Atemu came to a stop, Yugi climbed off from his back, looking about the space of sparse oak and birch, deciding on where he wanted to plant the acorns first. Atemu gave a wolfish grin, Yugi puttering about to make groundwork for the seeds.
"Ah! I know what to do!" Yugi determined, kneeling on the ground to work. As he did so, Atemu brought his gaze to the distance, ears perked forward attentively. While he was sure his presence would deter any ill-driven spirits that didn't remember his lesson and warning from before, he was still alert to be sure that none would come and disturb them. His queen was enjoying this time to bring new life to their kingdom and plant the leftover spoils from the winter harvest to bring more shelter and food to the woods and wilds he rules over now. Yugi was engrossed in his task, digging deep with his fingers to allow the acorns to take root properly. He didn't care that his hands were dirtied by the soil or beds under his fingernails were stained from the grass and gravel for he was preparing new life to grow. One acorn after another was buried, Yugi spacing them out nicely so that they had room to sprout and not find themselves stunted among their brethren.
Atemu felt pride as he watched him, standing and moving to the piled earth where the acorns were bedded and pressed a paw into the earth. The magic flowed from his core down into his paw, nurturing the ground and the acorn resting beneath it. The print left behind would ensure a healthy growth without disturbance, forming the invisible connection to a fresh kodama ready to provide its assistance to keep the tree growing and thriving. He did the same for each mound Yugi had finished and when everything was planted, Yugi clapped his hands free of soil. "Finished. I know it will take years, at least by assumption though anything can happen in the spirit realm, but once these acorns grow into mighty oak trees, they will certainly be a delight to see." When he turned, he saw the prints in the ground and grew curious, looking to Atemu who gave another smirk, explaining his role, pacing around his queen as he did so. Yugi listened and nodded, amazed by such a role and can only imagine doing the same once he became kitsune as well.
To have that personal connection to the seeds and saplings planted and able to follow their growth even from afar. With their task done, Yugi went to climb onto Atemu's back once more and the fox began to trot off back to familiar territory, a promise on his lips that the seeds will be watered by the fae closest to that area. "Thank you, Atemu. I know I don't have much to do while I still have my human life to live but these little things that I can do means a lot. Like I'm doing my part to help the earthen mother and the land she trusts in us to take care of."
"You've done plenty for her and she is grateful for everything you've done. The most, of course, is being here with me." Atemu stated, getting a short, sweet laugh from his queen as he admonished him playfully that he'd never leave him no matter what. You mean so much to me that I couldn't bear the thought of leaving you, Yugi whispered, lowering himself parallel to the king's back so he had the means to wrap his arms around his neck and hug him. "You mean the world to me, Atemu. Why would I think to give this up like any selfish human being to use you for nothing more than your power and the superficial title of fox-ownership?" Such kind, caring words he spoke. Such honor, dedication and valor. But most of all, such compassion. To hear these beautiful words spill like the great waterfalls sent a thrill through his blood. A wonderful, enthralling joy that made his heart soar and his elements sing.
Yugi truly was a creature deserving of his place beside him and Atemu truly a lucky spirit to seek him out that day. He can imagine no other to stand at his side and rule the woods and wilds with such promise. Even when Yugi praises him for having such a happy life, the reality is that Yugi gave him the happy life Atemu had spent too long in finding. Now it was in his paws and he refuses to ever let it go. As they reached the wildflower field, Yugi sat up, tugging gentle on the collar around his king's neck, bringing him to pause and question what he needed. "The opening ceremony is coming fairly soon. A week or two at best. Will you attend it with me? I know crowds are never your thing but I would absolutely love it if you can be there for the launch." Atemu hummed thoughtfully, head giving a slight shake to rustle his mane and jingle the crotal bell with a gentle sound before a scarlet eye peered back into a pair of violets.
"I'd be honored. After all, your game was certainly deserving of its creation and I want to see it flourish."
With his words did Yugi squeal a thank you with such enthusiasm, hugging his mate around his neck and promised the moment he got the details on the opening ceremony to send a messenger to give him the time and place for him. Atemu only smiled and nodded, continuing along through the field and to a nearby burrow, wanting to spend some quality burrow time with his delighted queen.