Zypher: two months in suspended animation and finally got my writing drive back. hope you all have been waiting patiently cause this chapter finally drops the bomb on the news to have dropped in the last chapter. enjoy~

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Tales of the Inari King and Woodland Queen

Chapter 16

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Three days have passed since Atemu's rut. Three days since the news was dropped of Yugi's father returning to see his family. Yugi hadn't been any chipper since that little drop of news, staying mostly in his room with his only appearance being to eat. This had worried both his grandfather and mother, knowing it would be only a few more days before the man himself lands back in Domino, Japan and confronts his son after all these years. What would he say? What would he do? How did he expect them to welcome him back? Surely not with open arms, that's the first thing Reichiru said to Sugoroku when she came back after recovering from the news herself. She still held love for her husband but the sheer neglect towards his own family for business has soured her love. She raised Yugi by herself with the help of Sugoroku, taught him to be respectful of those around him if he wishes for that same respect.

Throughout his years, he had the mentorship of a respectable female and motherly figure and an elderly father figure who gave him a pastime that kept him happy. While Reichiru wouldn't have wanted to change any details of the fine young man Yugi grew up to be, she would have also loved to have a strong father figure outside of Sugoroku to truly prepare him for the world ahead. Of course, the more Reichiru thought about it, perhaps the lack of her husband's influence was a blessing in disguise. After all, Yugi had done well to survive many things on his own even if he wasn't a fighter and with who he gained as a product of that kindness, she knew the path of life Yugi grew into didn't need her husband in it. She couldn't even begin to imagine how to handle that situation when it comes along. How Atemu introduced himself before was a spiritual journey into the very heart of mother nature, a world where industrialization never affected the natural realm. And the very soul of it was the spirit king who married her son.

Their acceptance was shaky but quick, understanding the means of safety for the spirit but also the sheer love and devotion he held for Yugi. Such was something that couldn't be trifled with. Reichiru didn't realize she had been wandering aimlessly through the house until she found herself in front of Yugi's door. She looked towards its oaken surface, a hand reaching slowly to touch the door then rapped gently on the wood. There was no sound for a moment and she would've thought Yugi was sleeping when the knob turned. The door cracked open a little, revealing eyes heavy with mild bags under the once luminous orbs and her heart broke to see. Yugi truly was affected deeply by the knowledge of what was to come and couldn't imagine the struggle Yugi had been going through just to accept he was about to see his father again.

"Yugi..." she began, then said no more, holding her arms open in wait. It didn't take long before Yugi opened the door fully and slid into her arms, clutching tight to her shirt like a child unable to sleep with thoughts of monsters under the bed or in the closet. Holding him close, she reached a hand to stroke his head fondly to ease away the tension in his shoulders, hearing the quiet whisper that he wasn't ready to meet him. "I know you aren't. None of us are. I wish for nothing more for him to not show but we'll confront this together." Yugi didn't say anything at first before looking at his mother with a somber look. I want Atemu, his eyes begged and Reichiru wished the same. They shouldn't count on the spirit to fix their familial problems but his presence would definitely ease them. "Atemu will come. He knows when you're in distress. We are grateful to have such a powerful god of the elements as part of our family. He'll take care of us...but certainly take care of you as his husband."

Yugi sniffled, nodding against his mother's chest and felt just barely the caress of wind against his cheek. His mate's calling card. A smile crossed Yugi's face, knowing that was just a sign that Atemu would be there soon.

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As expected, that night as they were having dinner, a knock was heard from the shop door. Yugi looked up from his plate then to his mother who nodded for him to go answer it. Sliding from his chair, Yugi made his way down to the shop, hesitating momentarily on the last step before the arching doorway. What if it was his father...? Yugi wasn't ready to face him if that were the case. Frozen in place, Yugi couldn't bear to move as another knock was heard. It was firm, monotonous, never changing and uniform. Yugi didn't want to open it, couldn't think of opening it and facing his father without the support of his mate. The fox in him cried out, cried for its mate and continued doing so when it felt its cry went unanswered. The very thought made his heart feel clenched in a claw so tight that anymore would have him collapse on the spot. But Yugi had to remind himself of who he was now, of his position in a world separate from the mortal realm. As queen, he couldn't allow conflict to bring him down.

He had to remind himself that he holds a position of regent for a kingdom that values all he has to put on the table. Make decisions and take command. In front of his peers and court, Yugi couldn't cower and as a man, he couldn't be afraid of his estranged father. Sure, Yugi didn't want to face him alone but he had to be mindful of the assurance he wanted. He couldn't allow Atemu to fight all his battles. It was that kind of dependency that led to the abuse of his power and Yugi wouldn't dare to subject him to that. Breathing in, Yugi stepped from the staircase and towards the door only to pause when he saw no one out there. Had his father been there then left? Perhaps he thought no one was home. But if that were the case, he would've called. Many questions flitted through Yugi's mind, leaving him oblivious to the presence behind him until a voice spoke with such tenderness that it made him jump.

To hear the rumbling baritone sent a shiver of relief through him, turning to see the familiar face of his beloved king who smiled upon having Yugi's attention. Yugi didn't hesitate for a single second to throw himself into his mate's arms, feeling claws thread through his hair in a soothing gesture. "Now then, my precious dove, why don't we return back to your quarters and explain to me all that has you so wound up. Surely my rut ending hasn't made you needy for me~" Atemu teased, getting a small chuckle from Yugi. "I won't lie that I miss it but there's a time and place for it. However, now, I just need your arms." Atemu nodded, easily sweeping Yugi off his feet and went to carry him back upstairs. Reichiru had come from the kitchen to spot the fox king coming up the stairs and wisely stayed out of his way as he walked. This was met with acknowledgement of a short nod of thanks, carrying Yugi up the second set of stairs that would bring him to his bedroom.

The door swung open with the gentle breeze of Atemu's primary element, the king moving to the bed and settle himself on the bed before allowing Yugi to rest in his lap. The queen sighed, burying his face into his chest until the question was spoken. What had you so distressed, dove? Yugi knew he had to say something. After all, Atemu wouldn't be here if he hadn't felt the disturbance from the spirit realm when it was agreed for Yugi to rest for the week. Atemu had cut the time prematurely for him and only fair that he got an answer for it. So Yugi poured out everything, of the news that arrived when he returned after his time with Atemu and the subsequent despondence that followed it. None of the Motous were pleased by this sudden development but the one to take it the hardest was Yugi. It didn't take much for Atemu to understand why. A parent is an important part of life and for one to suddenly come back after so long with little to no contact after a certain stretch of time, of course the family has no way to truly prepare for it.

How did the father expect them to act around him, as if he had been living with them since? That was too much pressure. And for his precious dove, there was much more to unpack than a life of graduating as valedictorian, creating a game and just living within the shop in the hopes to make more under the KaibaCorp umbrella. How was he to explain that he had married a king from the spirit world, would become kitsune like him upon his death and the family to join him once they pass? There was no place in that plan for him so how would he take it? Yugi has no obligation to tell his father this, sure, but Atemu would make an appearance once or twice during his father's stay to ensure his mate isn't overwhelmed with the simplest interactions. So if the truth doesn't come out soon, it would come out when he is least expectant of it. Yugi didn't know how his father would react in many ways. To their marriage. To Yugi's preference. To the family's acceptance of it all without thinking this was a curse that deserves to be nullified before the kitsune's deceptions completely take over their lives.

"I just...I don't know how I'm supposed to act around him. And everything to happen...how would he take us? I refuse to have to leave you just for his acceptance."

"And I would refuse to even consider such a thing. He is no family of mine if he thinks your happiness should be at the cost of my existence beside you."

Yugi smiled at the words, knowing well that Atemu would never abandon him in his time of need. This would be a stressful time and one Yugi would have to overcome alone in some situations but the ever present atmosphere of his king only a call away eased any troubling thoughts of something going horribly wrong during this two month visit. Yugi would like to attempt to make amends for the time that kept them separated but only if his father was an understanding man. Tails curled around him, tickling skin in an attempt to curb his busy thoughts and the attempt had work, Yugi giggling under the feathery touches. A knock was heard before Reichiru peeked inside, holding a tray with tea and rice crackers. Thought you two would like some warm tea and snacks, she offered and Yugi thanked her graciously. "Will you be spending the night too?" She asked with a glance towards the king.

He nodded, saying that he will stay until the father returns, then make the arrangement to appear under disguise to judge how well the other took to his appearance. Reichiru nodded, already assuming that her husband will be put through the same trial as she herself and Sugoroku went through upon the introduction of the inari king. Taking it as well as they did is questionable but Reichiru was secretly delighted to see how this would play out. It was only fair for the amount of stress and neglect he had placed on them all before they grew to function well without him. She knew not to be bitter about the circumstances but just a small bit of her wanted to see retribution for her husband's neglect unless he swore up and down that the lack of contact was justified. At least with Atemu around to hear it, he can be the lie detector necessary to see whether his overseas life was as busy as he claims that it avoided a call monthly, even yearly, and not him living a double life without warning.

Placing the tray on the desk, she bowed respectfully to the king and whispered a goodnight to her son before she left, closing the door behind her. When she left, Yugi went to pour himself a cup of tea, picking up a rice cracker to munch on. The soothing crunch of the cracker made him smile, offering some to Atemu who declined for now. Enjoy them, he told Yugi, knowing the smaller male was likely hungry after not eating so much of his supper before his arrival. Finishing up the cracker, Yugi settled beside his mate, sipping slowly at his tea. Tails curled around him, Yugi relaxing in the soft fur and smiled lovingly to his partner. Atemu returned the smile, reaching to tuck a golden strand behind his ear. "Feeling better now?" Much, Yugi uttered contently, the fox purring as well. Atemu smiled, pleased by the response as he twirled a piece of hair around his finger. "I promise to you, dove, that nothing will possibly go wrong with your father. And a kitsune never breaks a promise or I'll condemn myself to the nether." Yugi pouted, looking at him with a withering glare.

"You won't do that. How could I live without you if that happens?" Atemu chuckled, moving to nuzzle Yugi's cheek. "That's the best part, you won't because I won't leave. I can subject myself to punishment if I ever break a promise to you but that is nothing but a variable to a situation that could never happen unless you forced my hand. And to force my hand will be met with a fight." Yugi felt his heart swell with the declaration. While it was nothing different to many of the same, it still made him realize just how important he was to the inari king. Atemu can promise punishment upon himself if he were to ever do wrong by Yugi but the very same, he was bent on never doing wrong to his queen. After waiting so long for such an opportunity to be happy, he wouldn't want to squander that. And Yugi wouldn't want that either. He had a future with the kitsune and Yugi wanted to see that come to be, wanting to see himself and his family as one with the primordial nature that humans forgot about. That they forgot and never thought for a single second to respect it after being city born.

The most they would do, that anyone would do, was respect the beauty of the sakura blossoms every spring with their respected significance of new life and beginnings but to do things in the moment before it passes in a blink of an eye. Just like the blossoms that have such a short time for viewing before they are gone from their boughs. Yugi set the half-finished cup on the table, adjusting himself onto his lap so he faced the kitsune. We can't do much here, Yugi uttered, threading his fingers through the wild mane of hair and felt the catches of hidden herbs and leaves used for quick medicine. Ears flicked at the touch, Atemu's lips curling into a small grin as arms came to settle around his hips. He knew well what his queen wished to ask and Atemu would happily indulge in the means of distracting his mate's mind from the upcoming visit with as little sound as possible. Of course, the king couldn't hold any guarantees of silence when he makes his mate feel oh so good with the attention only he could give in such a manner.

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The day finally arrived. Yugi had been busy working on a second edition to Spherium in preparation to send a draft to Kaiba for review. His mother had run to do some errands since she would have another mouth to feed and his grandfather manned the shop that was still seeing a modest level of traffic due to Spherium. Atemu had spent the days with them as promised but left early the morning of his father's arrival. Yugi hated the emptiness of the bed without his presence but the gentle cool breeze that filled the room only promised that his departure wouldn't be for long. That he promises to be back later to greet Yugi's father personally before he had the chance to make himself comfortable. The guest room was prepared and things there moved into the storeroom.

Everything was ready...now was the slow wait for his arrival. Yugi breathed easy breaths, trying to keep himself calm. The smaller male knew this shouldn't have been such a harrowing situation for himself but no matter how he tried to slice it, the meeting of his father after so many years was absolutely terrifying. Would he even be the same man he remembered? Would he have changed due to business and being overseas? The worst was still the matter of revealing his marriage and bond to Atemu. They were all in agreement that Atemu himself would reveal his spiritual roots to his father when he called for it but outside of that knowledge, how would he react to everything else. His father had no power to remove Atemu himself but Yugi didn't want to imagine any sort of verbal or, kami forbid, a physical fight between them. But, Yugi reminded himself, this is no time to panic.

He had to keep his head held high, meet his father on equal ground and continue things as normal. Yugi had his escape if absolutely necessary but he would take this visit in stride with the support of many at his back before he collapsed under his own weight. The queen couldn't have that for he also had to be present for the Summer Solstice. There was no way he was going to miss that as it would bring all the seasons in full circle since the moment he became part of their world. And he wanted to see how Aki and Yusei were fairing with Judai an excitable conduit to help further their relationship. Yugi smiled at the thought of the two, hoping the tiger spirit had warmed up to the nekomata. Lost in his thoughts and planning of his game, he didn't hear his grandfather call from downstairs that the man of the hour had arrived and wanted to see him. "Yugi!" Sugoroku called once more then sighed, looking to the man to stand beside him.

Yugi has grown into quite the success while you've been gone, Sugoroku apologized as he gazed into the other's eyes. "I see. And what has he been up to over the last few years?" The man questioned, looking up the stairs where Yugi's room was situated. The man held high expectations of the development of his son since his absence and those expectations sound like they had bore great fruits despite living in a game shop where a manner of distractions could've impeded his education and growth. Sounds like that was achieved without the need for his influential parenting to keep things in line. Sugoroku told him as much as he was allowed, explaining of Yugi's graduation as valedictorian and the successful game that was sweeping through Domino like wildfire.

Spherium was doing great and the elder spoke that Yugi was likely busy with the second installment as Kaiba's behest. "His head would be trapped in his gaming projects so it would be best to leave him...be..." Sugoroku's words trailed off as the older man ascended the stairs towards the bedroom in question. The elder followed quick, wanting to be there to diffuse any sort of tensions to come but trusted in Yugi to handle himself maturely in the face of his father. Reaching the bedroom door, plum colored eyes looked upon the oak wood door that separated him and Yugi. Like Yugi, even he hesitated to confront his son after all these years. His prepared reasoning was thick on his tongue, a suffocating notion that his long silence would only lead to heated argument and tension that could be cut through with a dull knife for how concentrated it would be.

The father took a deep breath and exhaled slowly before knocking on the door. "Yugi? Yugi, it's your father. Can you please come out?" From inside, Yugi froze at the sound of his father's voice, looking down to the half-finished notes scattered over his table. A part of him wants to commit and tell the other he was busy at work and didn't want to respond but he knew Atemu would berate him for avoiding the matter as it confronts itself. To wait til dinner would only lead to more tension in between small talk between them and didn't want to risk that when Atemu came over later that night to introduce himself personally. For his peace of mind, Yugi whispered a silent prayer to Atemu that he knew the king would hear, then slid himself from the desk to go open the door. When the barrier between father and son was removed, they could only stare in equal fascination. For the father, he saw how much Yugi had matured over the number of years he was absent. No longer was he the small boy he remembered, not even the last picture he had received of him could compare to now.

For Yugi, he could see the greying edges of age creep over his hair but it still held the fullness of a man inching closer to his mid-fifties. He hardly looked like anything in the old pictures that were once kept around the house before they were taken down. He barely remembered those and to see the man who had aged much since those photos threw Yugi for a mild shock. As such, it was surprising to them both when the first words to come from Yugi's mouth was...

"Papa..."

The man swallowed before working to regain any resolve he had, smiling just barely. "Yugi. How good it is to see you after all this time." Yugi shuffled his foot across the floor, whispering that he wished he could feel the same. Sugoroku watched from afar, ready to intervene at any time but so far, all was going well. The older Motou frowned at the comment, knowing there was only so much to add towards his apology in hopes to gain favor with his son once more. Well there would be no other chance than now if he wants to find closure with Yugi and hopefully get acceptance with a suggestion he had been thinking off for the hours he was on the flight back to Japan. "Please, let's not get off on the wrong foot, son. I want us to make up for the years past if you'll allow me." The older Motou spoke and Yugi only gave the briefest shake of the head. Yugi understood it but he knew it would take enough time, probably the entirety of his two months here but his heart did want to give him the chance to make up for his years gone. If he can just hear the truth of his lack of communication, Yugi could possibly forgive him.

"At least let us make it through dinner. I have someone invited to come over that wants to meet you." At that, the father blinked, curious and intrigued by this knowledge. Did Yugi have a girlfriend he introduced to the family? Perhaps a family friend that took on as an additional role model. Whoever it could be, it would be good to start on them and hope their influence will help in the long run to get closer to Yugi. With a nod of agreement, Yugi went to head over to his grandfather to whisper something to him before making his way downstairs. Sugoroku watched him with a mild smile before looking at the other. "That went much smoother than I had expected, Kazuto." The older man shrugged, knowing this was just the tip of the iceberg of things he hoped to achieve. He wanted to make amends with his son, that much was obvious, and by the end of the trio he sectioned for himself, he hoped to return overseas with Yugi beside him. The boy deserves to see the sights outside their peaceful island home and to come with him would be an experience if he can convince him with assistance from his mother and grandfather.

Yugi had lived far too long in the same setting with hardly any change in society. While he was proud the boy hadn't atrophied from the stagnant familiarity of home, Yugi still deserves a chance to broaden his horizons in a different setting and perhaps put all that new experience towards his gaming passion. Kazuto wanted this to work and hoped it wouldn't all be for naught. Sugoroku went to follow in his grandson's footsteps, speaking that lunch won't fix itself and would appreciate Kazuto's help with the meal. See if his prowess hadn't deteriorated with his time overseas, the elder joked. Kazuto laughed a little, glad he hadn't estranged himself from his father completely and followed after him. "Not at all. In fact, a true home-cooked meal is something I've missed." The sincere tone warmed Sugoroku's old heart as the two headed into the kitchen, working together to prepare lunch for the family.

As they sat around the table, it almost felt like they were a family again. Kazuto sparked conversation when he could, getting a few words from Reichiru and less from Yugi. He didn't exempt himself from them, that much the smaller male promised, he just didn't know if his father would be truly interested about his achievements and coming future that hadn't been revealed. So when it was brought up about their coming dinner guest and what they're like, Yugi reflected back on the things Atemu had made up on the spot to hide his true identity. "He's a really nice aristocratic gentleman. Owns his own land and everything which to keep up natural preservation. He taught me so much about respecting the land and invited me to help around his place with all the plants he owns." Kazuto hummed thoughtfully. A potential business associate would make for a good connection. He never would've considered the idea of natural preservation to be something which would charm Yugi but it worked and made him more interested in the fellow that opened Yugi's mind to more than games.

"Sounds like a rich and debonair patrician as they would say in the states. Sure his wife is proud of him if he has one. If he's a bachelor, I'm sure I could offer a gala or two where he could find a charming woma—"

"Let's not...rush into those details before you meet him, dear." Reichiru stated, cutting Kazuto off and Yugi was grateful. While there was no excuse to be bothered by the blasé direction of conversation when none had revealed that Atemu was already happily married and that very person was sitting at the very same table across from him, just the thought of how quick his father was in finding a partner for him was just a minor offence. He might tell you more once you meet him, Yugi responded calmly, but you'd have to listen and understand him first before making such suggestions. Kazuto blinked but nodded, believing the man must've had strict standards. Lunch continued on with no other mentions towards Atemu and the day went on normally. Sugoroku worked in the shop, mama watched her stories and Yugi shut himself back in his room to continue his work.

Once everyone was off and about doing their thing left Kazuto feeling a bit out of place among them so he chose to see if he could help his aging father in the shop. It took him some time to get used to the flow of things but the experience had taught him just how popular Yugi's game had been and that furthering into making the second installment he was busily working on. Night descended on the city soon enough and with it, the upcoming dinner with their esteemed guest. Yugi was on cooking duty just as he was the first time, preparing quite a daunting spread of karedon with a side of a light salad and a fine chilled green tea. Each bowl was set on the table, Yugi pleased by his culinary creation as he went to take off the apron. Kazuto was just finished up with a tie when the doorbell rang.

"He really is a prompt fellow." He commented, leaving the guest room to finally meet this mysterious individual. When the father Motou entered the living room to see the family gathered with their guest, he was unexpectedly stunned by the man standing there. Thick hair was tied back into a ponytail, a resemblance to his own son's style by the three shades of color, while loose strands made home to frame the sharp, angled features. Haunting scarlet eyes gleamed with a wisdom so ancient that he questioned if he was truly a tycoon of the natural world as he was told. A pressed mulberry shirt with a rose patterned vest of silver and black paired nicely with dark slacks defined a striking form toned from what Kazuto expected was a daily if not weekly athletic regime, muscles well defined behind the tawny skin but not overly so.

Finishing the look with polished black studded boots, Kazuto didn't have much else to say and watched the man's interaction with the family. A firm handshake to Sugoroku and respectful bow to Reichiru then a deeper one to Yugi. A strange pattern he'll admit then froze when he was addressed. "And this is my boy, Motou Kazuto. He had been quite busy with work overseas so it was a pleasant surprise to hear he was coming home for two months." Sugoroku introduced. Atemu looked the man up and down, scrutinizing him with a critical eye before nodding. "A pleasure to meet you, Motou-san." Atemu greeted, holding a hand out to Kazuto who took it firmly to shake. Quite a grip, he thought, the greeting curt before Yugi ushered them off to the dinner table before their meal could get cold. Taking their seats, Kazuto noticed quickly how Yugi and Atemu chose to sit beside each other, Atemu pulling out Yugi's chair to allow him to sit first before taking his own.

How peculiar, he thought, but didn't put his mind to much thought of it. Atemu was offered to bless their meal with a short expression of thanks before whispering "Itadakimasu" to allow them to start eating and a few bites in did Kazuto begin to ask questions to Atemu. How he and Yugi met, how did he begin his entrepreneurship in natural preservation, how did he plan to further those goals for the foreseeable future. Even when Yugi began to worry the questions would be met with hesitant answers, Atemu proved time and again that he was a master illusionist and could weave a tale worth believing before it was revealed he wasn't part of their world. There was still the budding fear of acceptance from his father about the true future Yugi was looking forward to but also the betraying part of his mind that his father's acceptance wasn't as important as it was from his mother and grandfather. They were a part of Yugi's life more so to have them understand his future in becoming part of the spiritual realm mattered more to him than that of his father.

But even for such thoughts...Yugi felt he still owed him a chance. But those chances were dashed when a topic so heavy came up halfway through dinner, Yugi felt sick to his stomach with the dread that threatened to consume him. Kazuto had set his chopsticks down, looking between Reichiru and Sugoroku. "Father, Reichiru, there's a topic I wanted to speak to you about and was hoping with time, I can ease the idea further with your approval." The two looked to him, Atemu sipping his tea but felt his form tense like an encroaching storm hovering at the horizon. Without a modicum of acknowledgement to the true storm brewing at the table, Kazuto spoke the idea he had been planning since landing.

"I would like for Yugi to come back with me overseas."