Zypher: been a while and i apologize for those waiting. but here we are with a new chapter. im off schedule but a month is long enough a wait to avoid waiting for next week wed. enjoy~

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Tales of the Inari King and Woodland Queen

Chapter 21

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Good people don't last forever.

Yugi knows this well enough yet forgets it just as quick. The day was heavy with clouds promising rain. He and his mother stood before a freshly filled grave. Yugi had aged exceptionally since and throughout the years, he never lost love with the inari spirit that took him for a mate. They shared festival after festival in blissful harmony every season, Yugi growing more confident with his position as queen and began picking up more event planning.

It was delightful and gave Atemu a break after doing so much of it over the centuries since starting the seasonal festivals for all to follow his lead. They had their good times and their bad but they always managed to come back together. Now, at the tender age of 40, Yugi had suffered his first greatest loss.

Sugoroku had been slowing down gradually over the years, eventually retiring from running the shop when the stairs had become too much to traverse to open and milling about with the mundane just made him tired. Yugi took his place for most of the work involving the shop but knew his time was coming to an end. With that in mind, Yugi took as much time as he could in between his time in the spirit realm to be with his grandfather in his last moments within the mortal realm.

With the success of Spherium's second installment, the dual shop and residence was well off to the point that Sugoroku offered Yugi the option to close down permanently. "This old place has run its course. Vintage games still have a place in people's hearts but it's time for the future to continue from where tabletops and cards had left off. Your game is a good send off for this place."

Yugi wanted to deny the decision but knew it was for the best. He could run it, sure, but freeing himself of the mortal responsibility would leave him more time for the spiritual responsibilities he wanted to focus on for the woods and wilds. His archery had gotten better and Uzume had become equal to Xerxes in flight. The two had hit it off so well that they haven't been separated in a long time, Yugi agreeing that Uzume would be much more content free than in a gilded cage.

She knew how to come back to him when Yugi visited so her love was never lost to him. Atemu was every bit the pillar Yugi needed during these last few years, hearing his every wish and soothed his every fear. To see his grandfather deteriorate each day made his heart beat faster.

The man had been a presence in his life for so long and the reminder that death follows you in your shadows was one that Yugi wished to forget. But Atemu had always been there, always a presence and the reminder that Sugoroku won't be gone forever. "I will take care of him as long as his body is returned to the earth. I can reach the soul better through the earth than the ashes."

Yugi had kept those words in mind, knowing they had debated cremation so they could keep a family urn. That was, of course, before his life and that of his family became entwined with the king's. If that was his request to bless the elder man with rebirth in a new form, they would listen. Now, that request was fulfilled. The wake was filled with a small number of people, Seto in his rare instance of kindness for one of his best and most successful investors, providing the funding for it.

He was there for a short time to avoid it becoming a PR stunt to be exploited, setting one white rose into the vase and giving his condolences for the loss. "Thank you, Seto. For everything." Yugi spoke to the other outside of earshot from the rest. The magenta tips of his hair began to gray in color though his face still held a touch of his youthful exuberance. Whether that was from his fae heart awakening was debatable but Mokuba had claimed that he was stunned by how young Yugi continues to look over the years as development for the second half of Spherium was being cultivated.

"I did this more as a thank you to you. You've been invaluable to the company with your work and I give back to my shareholders who haven't gotten onto my bad side." Yugi smiled in thanks as he looked to the sapphire eyes that begin to show the effects of age as well. Unlike him, Seto had a dusting of wrinkles from the long days of managing a company. He was scheduled to step down soon, allowing Mokuba to take his place so he could finally retire.

While the other wasn't as close, Yugi wonders to himself if Atemu could offer something to Seto as well. For such a man to pass on and not be given something for his reforms of a militant enterprise, turning it to something far better, sounded like an insult to the great intelligence Seto provided. The hidden history of KaibaCorp was shared under confidentiality to Yugi which made him respect the other man so much more. This did mean he would have to reveal what Atemu truly was to the other and whether he would accept the rebirth to a spiritual realm.

That would be something to discuss down the line when time was available. For now, Yugi bowed his head in gratitude once more, Seto giving a nod to acknowledge it before he was gone, white suit a speck in the dismal atmosphere of grey before disappearing into the limo awaiting him. That was earlier. The two to remain, Yugi and his mother, continued to watch the grave, expecting one more to arrive that wasn't at the service. The pregnant clouds above darkened with time, a drop landing squarely upon Yugi's nose when they couldn't hold back the tears the sky wished to cry.

Even nature gave its condolences to the hidden queen, shedding tears for his loss while winds caressed his cheeks in comfort. All will be well, the winds whispered. The king will take care of everything. Yugi smiled at their words, his skin prickling with warmth from what would usually be cold raindrops. Reichiru looked down to him, her aged eyes solemn but expectant of what's to come. She wouldn't be far behind her father-in-law, spirited away to the other side and her life solely in the hands of the kitsune to guide them there.

She wanted to see it for herself, to prepare herself mentally for her own soul to be reborn in a new form. Was she ready to face death? Absolutely not. If she could, she would cling to every second and more if it meant staying with her son long past her prime. Reichiru didn't want to leave him alone, wanted to stay with him as long as she could. Before knowing the existence of the spirit realm, it was a grave impossibility. Now, the potential was there and the promise given. Still, her heart ached at the mere mention that death will come for her next.

Alas, the more she thought about it, the more she realized that with the king's protection, her once greatest fear to outlive her child was a far off dream. Reichiru may not wish to face death but at least she knew her precious boy won't die too soon. The rain poured in a light sheet, dampening the earth and winds pulling the colorful foliage from the tree boughs. Yugi let out a breath, knowing he didn't want to make his mother wait forever and would've told her she could return home when the rain came to a stop above him.

The patter of raindrops on nylon made Yugi look behind him, seeing the vulpine smile of his beloved king. Taking an eyeful of his appearance, Atemu reminded Yugi of those old noir movies his grandfather watched. Of the man who stood in the rain alone with an umbrella, pondering whatever the scene was showing for the solemn mood and tone. A death, a failing case, a lost love. A number of things fit the bill and Atemu reminded him of them but without the morose context.

He was there for business that only meant to bring joy back to what had been a hard and forlorn moment after losing someone so close to the family. "My apologies for my delay. Had to make sure everything was prepared before I arrived." Atemu spoke, reaching to run a hand through the light gray speckled mane of his queen. Yugi sighed a content sound, moving closer to the other while Reichiru asked how the process would go. "It's simple." Atemu answered, handing the umbrella to Yugi before moving forward.

The mortal illusion melted away as the king stepped into the shower, nine tails fanning behind through the split in the dark overcoat he wore. Scarlet eyes were ablaze with spiritual energy, a hand raising to summon out the spirits of the earth. His voice was like thunder, low and rumbling as he called upon the servants to command the dead. The messengers that delivered the souls to their proper place. "Bring forth this soul from the mouth of Yomi. I, the inari king, give solace to this soul in my name, to rebirth him under nature's guide to live among the spirits."

Silence met the call and Yugi feared the worst when a shimmer in the air, distorted by rain, grew in luminance. A figure appeared, forming slowly like a rolling mist in the morning, Yugi in awe of the appearance the more they appeared. When the figure grew solid, Yugi couldn't pull his gaze from her. Long ivory hair fell like a frozen waterfall against her back while cobalt eyes glittered like sapphire rhinestones. Her skin was a pallor like powder snow only betrayed by the wispy clothes of muted greys. Yugi would've mistook her for a ghostly apparition if Atemu hadn't spoken, giving an acknowledging bow of the head.

"Kisara. It's been quite a while since you've answered a personal call."

"It's not often the king of the spirit realm makes such a request."

That brought a laugh from him, ears flicking in amusement before the two were all business under the curtain of rain that clearly did little to bother them. If anything, Yugi will admit the two were hardly drenched from the constant rainfall compared to himself and his mother. Kisara was soft spoken, inquiring about the business that brought him here and to ask for a soul ready to join the rest.

She knew him long, it seems, and her voice held that hint of surprise. Probably with the matter that it's not often Atemu would have any business in the human realm. "For him." That was enough indication to bring himself forward, bowing himself.

"We haven't met before but I am Motou Yugi, grandson of the late Motou Sugoroku who is buried here and queen of the woods and wilds." Lifting himself, violet met cobalt and there was a gleam of mirth entwined with the surprise of a queen finally obtained by the old king in those crystal hues.

"My my, I didn't think I would see the day after coming across the last unfortunate soul that took you for granted." Kisara uttered. Atemu scoffed brazenly, arms crossed.

"Unlike that traitorous cretin, Yugi is much more honest and true. Not to mention he is one of the rarest treasures to be born to this realm. A human born with a fae heart. It was slumbering until he came to me with a simple wish and I vowed to fulfill it. What happened after worked its way toward blissful happiness."

Kisara held an expression of awe before turning back to Yugi. A rarity indeed. A human with a fae heart hasn't been recorded in a number of centuries. Their souls were particularly finicky to harvest and escort to Yomi with their spiritual connection to the earth in different ways compared to an earthbound spirit that had arrived at death's door. It was always a hassle for shinigami everywhere and opted to never fight with the forces that were meant to return to other places.

"Fascinating. Then it's with the utmost respect that you take this soul and reform is as you wish. If it's for the family you have gained, it's only fair that souls so rare to be in your favor to avoid becoming earthbound to remain upon the earth in between the veil. My shinigami duties never state to encroach on what is right." Kisara spoke, smiling softly which was returned in full by the kitsune as the pale wisps of dense ectoplasm began to seep from the grave and into Atemu's palm. Reichiru was entranced by the sight while Yugi stood beside Atemu to watch everything unfold.

When the soul was gathered, a strong and healthy spirit to match the man, scarlet eyes turned to Kisara. "A reminder why you are one of my favorites that roam the realm of Yomi. Unlike others, you understand my own position in matters like these." Another laugh left the shinigami before her gaze turned to Yugi. Understand well the business contracted between realms. Those were words he did not need to hear in order to understand the message given. It was but another lesson in the grand scheme of the spirit realm and the job presented for favorable souls that were gifted amnesty.

His grandfather and eventually, mother, were special cases but what about others? A kind human to help a trapped animal disguising a spirit of nature could be given the same as a reward if the spirit chose to do so. To commune with the shinigami to claim the soul for rebirth would lead to discussion in a similar manner. Of course, by the words spoken from Atemu, not all shinigami were understanding, Yugi could imagine the case being their work to lead souls were compromised if they were deemed worthy of resurrection in such a way.

Who knew death was more complicated than one would've thought if he hadn't seen it for himself. He felt a cool hand touch his cheek, making his jump slightly, before his gaze met Kisara's once more. A smile crossed pale lips as her thumb ran over the curve that still had a bit of plumpness after the years to have gone by.

"This world you live in holds many secrets. Many that I'm sure you still have to learn. But when it comes to the dead, you have no need to worry. A rule to remember always, the power of choice is yours. Not every soul is worth saving even for the good deed they choose to do regarding you. With your position, you can choose those which are worthy. And if you ever need a second opinion, I'm sure Atemu can put aside his mortal scorn to assist."

A snort came from the king but he knew his husband well enough to decipher the dismissive noise. He didn't have to like the human world more than what he deemed necessary for his time and energy but will judge a soul accordingly should Yugi ever choose for himself one worth the opportunity. Like Anzu should she retire back in Japan. Or Seto as he was contemplating to himself earlier.

He gave a nod to Kisara's words, making the shinigami step back, still smiling. "Then I shall take my leave. You have what you came here for and I give you my blessing. Don't be a stranger." She spoke, her form beginning to fade.

"I'll try not to. You do have a busy schedule just as I do. Perhaps we can converse over some tea." The king remarked playfully. Another laugh came from the shinigami but it wasn't a refusal of the idea. Rather, she was looking forward to it. When Kisara disappeared, the rain seemed to have lightened a bit more, allowing Yugi to close the umbrella he was holding while Reichiru walked towards Atemu.

Her eyes searched his own in question, a brief glance towards the souls in his hand enough to warrant an answer. Still new to everything dealing with the spirit realm, she only wanted to know at best that her father-in-law was safe in the king's hands. She had no reason to doubt since he'd done nothing but stayed true to his word, protecting and caring for Yugi with nothing but sheer devotion but at his core, he was still a kitsune and one that couldn't appreciate the human world for any stretch except for the blessing it gave to him in the form of Yugi.

The older woman just wanted one last assurance that all was well and that she would see Sugoroku safe and alive. Atemu kept his gaze leveled with Reichiru, the soul cradled in the palm of his hand, before moving into a kneel before her. He knew what she wanted to hear, wanted to confirm without apprehension of the future not just for Sugoroku but herself as well. He had made the promise years ago and didn't intend to break that now.

"You have my word and my honesty. He will be reborn into the spirit realm at my side. It will take time but when he wakes, I will bring him to you to show my aim is true." Atemu spoke, head lowered to show the surety of those words. Reichiru gave a slow nod, looking to Yugi who turned to her as well.

"Trust him as you would trust me, mama. Atemu will make sure jii-chan comes back safe and sound into a new world. Teach him all he needs to know of the woods and wilds and procure his place beside him as his new advisor. I know you're in desperate need of one. Right, Atemu?"

The king chuckled, raising his head. "After the episode with Dartz, that is a necessity. I'm sure Sugoroku would be a wonderful advisor to work at my side." Scarlet eyes looked over the soul in hand, approval shining in the dark hues before deciding now was the best time to take his leave. The rain had tapered from its showers minutes ago, now a light drizzle with the promise the sun will come out soon.

Yugi stepped to Atemu, reaching to wrap his arms around him in a gentle hug, feeling the warm hand against the back of his head before feeling his face pressed into the warm material of the coat. "Preparations will be going soon for the autumn equinox festival. Will I be looking forward to your help?"

Yugi nodded against him, pulling back when the grip lessened and stepped back over to his mother. The two watched as Atemu bowed before walking away, his form slowly blending into the curtain of rain. When the king was gone, Yugi took his mother's hand so they could make their way back home but briefly, he had turned back to Sugoroku's grave. The smile to cross his face was one filled with love at the gesture, leaving the grave site.

There, where the fresh grave laid, was a carpet of verdant grass, blossoming with small flowers, a single bud of lotus taking a surprising presence in the center of it all. A gesture from the king to honor the man to take care of his queen so dearly for his years.

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When Atemu arrived back to the spirit realm, he didn't hesitate to make his way to the place he had initially prepared. A haven filled with luscious greenery colored beautifully by the fall season. Birch trees planted loomed high as towers, a cage to protect this circle of land. The center of this protected circle is where the real magic took hold.

Its trunk, a winding trail of natural curves during its growth, left it a sight to behold, the prickly fronds a delightful shade of emerald green. The Japanese black pine was a fine choice to become the catalyst for rebirth. Atemu looked to Sugoroku's soul cradled in his hands, smiling softly before whispering his prayers, giving his blessing to become a spiritual resident into his land.

"Grant him a form befitting his wisdom to stand at my side as my new advisor. Free him from the chains of death and breathe new life into him. Grant the queen his grandfather's return, settled safely in your bosom." Releasing the soul, Atemu watched it float before him before sinking into the trunk of the tree, smiling warmly as the kodama to reside within emerged. "Protect him as you would your tether. I will be back by winter to see the structure of his soul."

The kodama acknowledged the request with its gentle glow, sinking back into the tree while others danced around the striped trunks of the birch, delighted by the king's generosity and promised the soul will be safe under their watch. "Good. This is an important soul that deserves to incubate properly. I don't want any hiccups or I would see nothing but scorn from my queen."

The kodama actively responded, flickering around their trunks like Christmas lights, bringing a laugh from the king. "Good, I appreciate it." A hand came to rest on the pine tree, a tender smile pulling across his face.

"Take care, Sugoroku. I will come to release you soon. Welcome home."