Tales of the Inari King and Woodland Queen

Chapter 20

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Kazuto didn't know how to handle what stood before him. There was a living, breathing example of mythological legend standing before him. Many warning signals came to mind, all telling him to act and get Yugi away from the other man. But the fierce glare silenced any chance of him acting on those desires, especially as Yugi moved closer to Atemu as if he knew his intentions as well.

"Now then, I tried to be civil about the matter before and answer any and all questions in a manner that wouldn't frighten you at the true sight of me but you have chosen to be impatient and speculative of things that you chose to think without any clarification." Atemu was authoritative in presence and voice, making Kazuto shrink back in fear. He was beginning to show his regret, show his atonement for insulting such a being. He didn't know, sure, but that still didn't make it ok for the accusations he posed that Atemu was nothing more than a petty and manipulative man of mystery of the underground that held his family at supposed gunpoint.

Without a motion but a gaze that demanded compliance, Atemu stepped past Kazuto to head into the living area with Yugi close at his side, body conveniently shielded by the wave of tails to prevent the other man from trying to leap at the free opportunity to pull his son away. Atemu could smell his fear alongside his guilt and knew one would act before the other. As one last generous blessing when he deserved none was to not curse the man for any further transgressions towards himself and his mate.

When they found seats, Kazuto finally got his tongue unstuck from the roof of his mouth and spoke up about how all this came to pass. He couldn't imagine the fabricated story to be true, just a means to get him to believe Atemu as more than a stranger to the family and welcomed to be at Yugi's side. Yugi curled into the king's side as the story was shared, of the stories told of the old shrine on the outskirts of town, of the spirit who mans it in secret and the vile power that tried to challenge it.

It was those stories that had Yugi risk the opportunity of nothing more than a farce to ask for one wish. The wish in all its innocence summoned the kitsune from the spirit realm and blessed Yugi with his services and protection all for the mere recompense of his company. It wasn't a terrible price to pay but felt like it to the older Motou who wanted to beg for Yugi's freedom. Better was out there, he challenged weakly, making the fox bark sharply in amusement. "Oh please. If there was better, I would've found that long before your son. But there was not one that could compare and frankly, even to you, there was something that would've called me to his side even if he never came to my shrine." Atemu threaded his fingers together, sitting back in the seat he took.

"Most mortals never adapted further than what is comfortable to them. You live your peaceful lives even with the atrocities that you cause to the world you inhabit. While my profession is a lie, it does not diminish that I am a mighty spirit of nature and care for it as if it were my own child. Every rock, tree and river has life threaded within it. For every road made, the soil weeps. For every tree torn down, the kodama cries. For every river drained, wildlife wails. While your city is crafted from these very materials, you can never understand the pain that is suffered."

Atemu took a deep breath to calm himself before he continued. Even for the forces to ravage the land, there are small lights of hope, lights to aim to cultivate and rescue. Those were folks blessed at birth with a fae's heart. Atemu spoke of the rumors, of the stories where nature's goddess, Gaia herself, would plant the seed of fae into the unborn. Nestled within the heart, this would make them see things no one else would. See all of nature and its bountiful glory with eyes unshielded from the mortal mind.

"If that heart awakens, it is a beacon to summon any manner of spirit or yokai towards it. As this is my domain, I would personally come search for these blossoms. Yugi is one of them and frankly, the only one in centuries that has a fae heart that slumbered as long as it had. He didn't know anything about it til he became more involved in the spirit world—"

"Spirit world!? You mean to tell me that..."

Kazuto's words died on his tongue, the vicious glare sent his way a reminder of who he sits in the presence of. A mere curse would be only a minor punishment if chose to act out any more before the talk was finished.

"The spirit world welcomes Yugi and his fae heart. Since it awoke within my presence, it is without question that his human heart was consumed by it. He still has attachment to the mortal realm for its where he lived for most of his life. I cannot take that away from him however he has agreed to the position he had taken. When he took the omamori charm holding my heartfelt desires, he accepted my proposal and is now my mate and queen. His smile was the brightest I ever seen thus I made it my sworn duty to never see that smile fade. The stories you know of the kitsune, of their siphoning ways and trickery, I cannot deny that is what I am but I do not treat Yugi with any of that. He is my equal and my heart so I would never treat him wrongly. This is what we wanted you to know and accept, solidifying your repentance for the neglect you brought. His mother and grandfather accepted me with a similar explanation though it took less for them to see how happy he was with me and didn't say more. However, you are the toughest conquest to show my nobility as king of the woods and wilds and the promises I aim to keep. So, what do you say to our story?"

The question was heavy in the air, the last chance Kazuto had to make penance with his son and accept the life he had wrought without him. Part of him wanted to deny it all, to ask for his son to move away from these lofty dreams and come back to reality. But seeing how comfortable he was beside the king, rigid in fear only because of him, his own father, made Kazuto step back. Yes, the man could argue, trying to make points to validate that he was right and Atemu was wrong, but who would he truly be arguing against. Yugi had indeed grown into a fine young man, one that made his own decisions and walked the path of his own future.

He had created a game all on his own, becoming a success and has a second addition well on its way. To have this relationship, this marriage, was just a fruitful blessing for the other was true to his word and never showed a single spark of evil intent towards Yugi. All Kazuto bore witness to showed nothing but pure love and kindness. The king protects Yugi as he would and wisely took that mantle from him when he was absent. The man truly had lost his position with the family and was only given this as a chance to explain his neglect and lack of communication throughout crucial turns of Yugi's life. Including this.

Kazuto sighed, slumping in the chair he occupied. He was out of options except for acceptance. If he didn't, it was clear he would be written out from the family. Closing his eyes, he inhaled deeply before releasing, looking towards the two. "I could shape any argument, fight any contradiction, but as I look upon you, I know I have no chance. I am just a mortal and you a great spirit of nature. Lessons of lore would always tell one to respect the forces of the spirit world. I was a fool to go against you, insulting you and speculating things I shouldn't have. Surely you can see I care for Yugi, want to keep him safe, but I acted rashly. If you were any more malevolent, I would be cursed ten times over."

The elder Motou looked down silently, hands clenched in one another. He was at the king's mercy and even if he understood their connection, he still wanted one wish and with Atemu in his true form, Kazuto hoped that his understanding would give him passage. Atemu lifted his head, watching the man stand then kneel upon the floor before the two. Prostrating himself low before the king, Kazuto began to speak. Please, he begged, Yugi gripping Atemu's arm as he awaited the plea to come from the man's mouth. Kazuto looked upon them both before his gaze turned to the fiery scarlet.

"Please, if you would allow me. I still want to make better of my son. At your mercy, will you allow him to come back with me? He won't stay with me forever, just enough to get the experience needed to further his future and reconnect with him. I promise this, promise that I will find him connection with nature in ways that will honor and please you. So I beg once more on your mercy..." Kazuto whispered. Atemu's eyes narrowed, removing his arm from Yugi's hand, the smaller male giving a soft utterance to not cause too much harm. He knew, knew Atemu was displeased by the request. Even for the story and knowing what he was, his father still asked for the impossible. Now it was time to rectify his pleas.

"Even for what you learn and what Yugi means to me, you still aim to take him overseas. Take him from me." Kazuto swallowed, the tone speaking volumes. The jingle of the crotal bell sounded in the air, a dissonant sound to match the king's growing anger with the mortal before him. It was the same as before, someone trying to take something precious for him. But unlike that time, Atemu wasn't powerless to stop it. The man wasn't fueled by determination to own and control him. This man saw his weakness, saw his lack of challenge to change Atemu's mind, cowered rightly in fear of anything that he could do. A smirk crossed his face, feeling the trickster heart rise as he stood before the man.

"You are a foolish mortal to think that I would say yes. I fully decline your request and due to your habits to think of nothing more than to take my queen with you instead of using the time left to reconcile and make peace while here, I have no other choice but to curse you. My shadow walks in yours, always judging your decisions. Think incorrectly and the shadow will multiply til you're consumed by your own misdirection. That is the lightest sentence I will give for your transgression but let this be a reminder of the lessons you are taught from legends that have faded from this world. They weren't just mere stories but warnings of the day when us spirits rise from our hidden world and inhabit the land once more. I am just one of many and luckily, even for the estranged family, I am willing to be benevolent with my punishments when someone thinks to take away what's important to me. Tamamo no Mae isn't the only kitsune who will poison the land with a curse only the noblest of monks could purify. I only hold back because this city is my mate's hometown who raised and nurtured him until the right time. That is the only reason you do not condemn this entire city for your actions."

A hand raised to flick the bell, cementing the curse upon Kazuto who wailed with regret, looking to Yugi for his aid. But Yugi sighed, standing to join Atemu and looked down upon his father. He's right you know, he whispered, kneeling down to him. "His curses aren't really punishments but a lesson. If you work to better yourself, then the curse will lift. I'm sure you're asking yourself why I didn't stop him...because you need to learn this." Yugi moved forward, embracing Kazuto tightly.

"We just want you to understand...that I have grown up. I need my father, but I'm also independent. I have walked the path I've chosen and it's time you understood that, even if the way in making you see has to be this way. You can't change what I am or what I'm going to do, I just want you to be proud of me before I eventually leave this earth to join Atemu." At that, Kazuto looked up in question, making Yugi laugh a bit.

You didn't think I'd stay in the mortal world when I have a husband like him, did you? The statement made Kazuto go quiet, knowing he had nothing to challenge that. Whatever they had planned for the inevitable future, he has no say in it. Yugi's future was his own to lead and he had no part or control over it, just to accept what's to come of it and the fact that he wouldn't be a part of it if Atemu had anything to say about it after his actions. Kazuto sighed, the fight leaving him deflated before moving to slowly hug his son, apologizing for all that he had caused.

He had truly teased with powers he had foolishly insulted and challenged. After so long, he should've realized that even if he gained forgiveness, he was too far estranged from the family to make a difference. Kazuto had to accept that and reconcile in peace. Atemu watched them closely, a slow smile creeping across his face as the cloud of selfish intent had faded, leaving a cool acceptance of the coming future.

The king knew the father would not outlive the child so he would not know the coming transformation and ascension of his soul. He wouldn't know that of his other family members either but what Kazuto didn't know won't hurt him. As it goes, even with his generosity, Atemu could not allow Kazuto passage into the spirit world to join the others. He couldn't just open his realm to anyone, after all. "Well now that we have come to an agreement and a suitable punishment given, it is still rather early and as a show of good faith even for my curse, I will break our fast with a charming spread for the family. Yugi, my sweetling, if you may guide me." Yugi looked up and nodded, turning back to his father and patted his back.

"Let's make the rest of your time here worthwhile, yeah?"

Kazuto nodded, moving to stand though within the corner of his vision even after Atemu left for the kitchen, he could see the lurking shadow to follow.

The shadow of a fox that looked as if it came from a tapestry painting with sketchy brushstrokes and piercing solid red eyes.

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Since that day after Yugi's return from the summer solstice festival and the following punishment to befall Kazuto, the elder Motou had taken the wise steps to understand and support his son much more than he had been. He sat down with Yugi to learn the Spherium game and everything to come with it, only knowing just the barest details of the Duel Monsters franchise that had gained its own following where he resided. It was a magnificent game and Kazuto couldn't believe it had come from Yugi.

For years of being around games, to create something that people have been drawn into made him proud of his son's achievements, something he didn't express worrying about Atemu as much as he had. The king was a fearsome presence but without that presence, Yugi would have never moved forward with his game. To let such an idea stagnant felt like an insult to the knowledge that Yugi had accumulated and better for himself after such a harsh beginning once he entered high school.

To know his son had dealt with so much in secret without telling his mother or grandfather made him realize the harm he brought in his departure and lack of checkups as he used to. But seeing the slow mending made those seditions a thing of the past. Yugi was smiling at him again, talking with him without the hint of malice and neglect that he felt upon knowing of his return. It was that bloom of confidence that made Kazuto accept the passing of the torch to Atemu in furthering his constant vigil over his son.

He knew he had nothing to fear with all that Atemu had presented to him, the curse a fine example that he would never allow harm to come to Yugi without returning it tenfold. Reichiru was pleased that things have gotten better, that Kazuto wasn't pressuring her poor boy to make a decision that would do nothing for him at this point of his life. Eventually, the two months were up and Kazuto had his suitcase packed for the trip home. Sugoroku, Reichiru and Yugi waited at the front door for him and upon seeing them gathered made the man absorb every bit of the image.

There was no place for him in it but to feel like he was part of the family once more lightened his heart and renewed his faith into being a better father and husband. Reichiru was the first to step forward, a small smile upon her face. "I know it was quite the trial for you but hopefully, you can see how well we have managed without you here. It would've been better if you had stayed or at least kept contact better but regardless of those factors, it was good to see you again." Kazuto smiled himself.

"I will make the best of the time we have left. Knowing what I know now, things like this will be well out of my reach. I feel regret that this is my future where I won't be able to be where you are but I wish the best of your future. Perhaps in another life, I would learn to be better and be there for my family." Sugoroku chuckled as he went to step forward, wrapping his arms around his son with the whisper that he would be sure to provide for a family well into the next life.

"If there is one thing Atemu has taught us with the blessing he brought, is the potential of life after death. Maybe in his infallible benevolence, he will give you such an opportunity depending on the path you choose to take from here." Pulling back, the shorter male looked up into his son's eyes. "You have proven you can change and learn from your mistakes. You didn't continue to force the issue when the truth was proven to you. Atemu is not a cruel spirit, just one who wants others to learn a lesson when they try to make a change unjustified. We know how much you wanted to take Yugi with you, but there are just some things that were out of your control long before you could have say in it."

Kazuto wished to say something but it was a firm reminder by the spirit that watches that he never had say in Yugi's future when he wasn't a part of his life for most of it. Sugoroku stepped back, allowing Yugi to step forward last. Looking into the deep plum eyes of his father, the smaller male moved forward then lunged forward to hug Kazuto. "I'm going to miss you." Yugi whispered, a few tears slipping down his cheeks, crystal clear against the pallor of his skin. Hearing the barest sniffle had tears of his own slipping free, dropping to his knees as he hugged his son, whispered apologies flowing like a river past his lips.

Apologies for his neglect, for the feeling of abandonment, for not being a father for him as he should have. He had his regrets and only had these two months to make up even a quarter of those regrets. Now they were gone and he had to return back to his home and job. How much longer will Kazuto have? How much time will they allow him before they are gone?

Time will only tell but Kazuto will make sure to make the best of it. After the heartfelt hug, the cab had arrived and Sugoroku went to put Kazuto's luggage into the trunk. Kazuto had looked to Reichiru, his eyes a kaleidoscope of emotion before posing the question that rested stubbornly on his tongue even if he feared the answer. Things up to this point had gone well, the trials and tribulations of his actions still a festering wound even if he gained some form of forgiveness for his brash and irrational desires. "Will you permit me to visit again? I want to make the best of the time we have remaining. I know father won't be around for much longer...and anything could happen to you or Yugi. If I don't earn the right to be where you are, I don't want this to be the last time I see your faces."

Reichiru smiled, reaching to take his fidgeting hands and held them close. "If I were a cruel mother, I would never let you back into this house. But I'm sure it's without a doubt Atemu scared you straight and you have learned the values we uphold here. We will welcome you back with open arms, Kazuto. Just don't leave us hanging for so long. You said it yourself, we won't be around for long and when our time is up, we'll have our new home in the spirit realm. If the king permits you, maybe you'll be there with us. That decision is solely up to him."

Kazuto nodded, remembering fully of the king's words and choices. He didn't think he would have a chance after all the baseless accusations he made but Kazuto chose to be even the slightest bit hopeful. Pulling away, he gave one last look over his wife and son, the two he knew he could never part from even after this many years.

He had been told many times to forget them. Told by coworkers and potential wives interested in him to divorce and fully settle into the place he had been for years. But he held onto that one piece of his home, held the ring and all the memories that came with it. Kazuto may have let work take over but he wouldn't allow those memories to ever fade from his thoughts. The cab honked from outside, the driver impatient with the wait, and Kazuto was out the door with his carry on. Yugi followed as far as the open door, watching his father get into the cab, the ink tapestry fox jumping in after, and gave him one last fond look. A wave came from the man inside and Yugi matched it as the cab soon pulled away from the game shop, taking away his father once more.

Unlike his childhood, this hardly hurt as it did seeing him leave the first time. The promise that he would come back gave Yugi hope that Kazuto was working to make that honest change he aimed for. To be there beside Yugi for the remaining years they had remaining. Even if he couldn't join them in the spirit world, he still had the king's blessing when he thought not. Atemu was never a cruel person, just a righteous one to give punishment where it was due. A gust of wind blew, carrying the verdant leaves plucked from nearby trees and watched then follow after the departing cab. Kazuto looked through the back window, seeing the leaves himself and saw them as a sign, smiling to himself as they gusted further off into the air.

It meant nothing to those that didn't understand but Kazuto knew. A simple farewell for the spirit that watches, slender fingers grasping one of the leaves carried by the air currents from his perch atop a high rise building. Atemu watched the cab's departure, a warm smile upon his face.

"Till we meet again, Kazuto. Heed my punishment and learn this lesson well before your next return."

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Zypher: long wait, i know but somehow, sending Kazuto home was tedious to get out. but i did it! now, we've arrived to another autumn season but this will come with a long awaited time skip. closer and closer we get to Yugi's transformation~