Zypher: -wink nudge- since we can never post links here, the profile image i have here is a commission piece i bought done by the amazing ElZappata who is one of many artists i've commissioned to make kitsune!Atemu a reality. i thank him so much for this beautiful piece and one to be attached to the full story piece to be posted on ao3
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Day 27: Now paired with a fox spirit from the old shrine, Yugi had to determine whether he was worth becoming the spirit's bride or be fully against it. Atemu was in no rush for an answer as he was sure of his decision but first, he had his own brand of answering to do per the prayer Yugi had given to his shrine.
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Yugi woke to pain and confusion. Mostly confusion. What happened after he rang the bell at the shrine? Was he ok? No, he must be dreaming. He was announced as the bride to some person that appeared out of nowhere. And he had...tails. Fox tails. He just wanted to give a prayer for a friend, how was that so complicated. There were voices now breaking through the haze of his thoughts. Loud, angry voices. They were arguing. The teen groaned softly then found that all he saw was black. Writhing black fur caressing and holding him like a warm, living blanket. Was this really real?
He tried to sit up but the tails were rather languid, giving him no solid surface to pull himself up but the movement had silenced one voice, tails shifting until he was able to see a single streetlight of many and the scarlet eyes that captured his gaze like before. "Good evening, dove. Glad to see you're wide awake now~" The sweet baritone soothed like one would a lover and Yugi squeaked out of fright, nearly rolling out from the bed of fur but the other was quick reflexes, grasping his arms to bring him into his own. No...really...Yugi was so confused and just a tad bit frightened of the situation. All he did was come to a place on the coattails of a rumor he heard from school. Now here was here in the arms of this spirit...fox...person. This was all too much to comprehend and the figure could see that, grinning a pleasant grin as he set the small teen onto his feet.
Steady, Yugi could only turn as the other began to speak now, revealing that he was a fox spirit of the old shrine who did his dealings with prayers. But the rumors of him granting anything the little heart desires is what brought the unsavory folk to him that were nothing but vain. Fame, fortune or the hope for a well off and perfect life with no hardship. Such useless little prayers and ones that never found an answer from him. With his lack of answers, his shrine was forgotten, left to only be known through mere rumor and only the desperate made to follow and see if it was real. Then the cutest little creature with the most innocent of prayers came to his shrine after all these years and it was there the spirit felt selfishly deserving of something as payment for allowing years of dilapidation to come to his shrine.
"A simple prayer requires a simple answer. And all I ask in return is your hand, little dove." He spoke kindly but the old woman only growled. "You deserve nothing! He's but a menace, dear child. Don't believe such foolhardy lies! All foxes are the same." Scarlet eyes rolled out of exasperation. Ah yes, he was the cruel one. The one who led travelers astray on the old forest paths, the one who plays tricks that were harmless at best. He wasn't at fault if a stupid human decided to get hurt when running away. Yugi looked between the two, sensing a long and painful history between the two but instead of asking, he just wanted to know what he is to gain from all this. The old woman gave a sneer to the man that held him, telling him he was a conniving and vexing creature that had no place here.
"Oh pish posh. He came for an answer and I gave it to him. He wished upon a friend and I delivered. And besides, look at him." The fox began to wander around him as if examining a work of art. "Look at these rounded cheeks, those lovely, vibrant eyes, his sweet, supple skin..."
"He is a child!"
"I highly doubt that if he wears a high school uniform. If I have to be judgmental he has to be, hmm...16...17..."
"...16."
"See! Not too far off!"
Oh, if she had the things to banish spirits, she would have done so. She regrets the time passed in not putting up ofuda spells upon that blasted torii gate. She had hoped the city of Domino would forget such rumors and stories of this particular shrine. It was an honest place of worship until that conniving fox attached himself to it for his amusement, claiming boredom of his forest home and thought the big city would be worth a little more fun for his trickster heart. So for him to claim he sought a bride was but another trick. A means to break the heart of a young teenager. How vile can the kitsune be to play with emotions of a boy who was surely emotionally charged by the pubescent age of growth and maturity. Where the thought of love was such a fragile concept to be broken by a mere gust of wind. The fox in question crossed his arms, knowing the old crone's aged thoughts were far out of tune to the times.
"Listen here, mother," he began with the most jaded tone, eyes narrowed as he looked to the elderly woman. "It is under your jurisdiction that my shrine is the ungodly mess it is now. Let it be known that my services to the uncouth fools that ask for too much and stopped coming when I refused to grant their little desires is not worth the state you left it in. He braved coming all this way on a rumor, I think he can handle me~" A hand landed upon his shoulder guiding him down the shrine steps and down the street towards home as the woman sneered at the fox's back. The devil you are for your trickery and sin, the woman snapped which was met with the kind rebuttal of he gets that a lot from the spirit world before the two were far from the crazed woman hellbent on sending the fox back where he belonged and the old shrine of which was in his name.
"Now then, my cute little bride, you said you had some bully troubles did you? Allow me to be the answer to that problem in exchange to prove my worth to you~"
"I'm...still trying to wrap my head around all this...but go nuts. I just want that headache gone before the achievement placement test." The pointed fangs to grin so wickedly should've been a sign that Yugi was in way over his head and likely should've been more dependent on the old lady who had the means to banish the flirtatious, wild spirit that was his to command. Whether out of obligation towards his prayer or for honestly believing they were a married couple without any sort of ceremony, Yugi did not know but will accept this answer for now until his bully problem was dealt with then consider the notion of why he was a bride.
Surely this devilish spirit of an inari shrine could've had a better pick in mind of anyone else before he came along.
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When Yugi returned home that day, his mother was beside herself in worry, thinking that something happened to him for being out so late and didn't bother to stop at home before going off on his own. 'Oh, something happened alright...' he thought silently to himself, glancing to the fox spirit who was now going about the game shop with curious interest. The violet-eyed teen didn't even think of how the spirit's company was going to be handled since the idea of coming home with an inari spirit on the grounds that he went to an old shrine to make a prayer would have never flown well with his mother. Not to mention adding on that he was now engaged on top of meeting with said spirit. His mother would have a heart attack.
At least the spirit had the conscious thought of being invisible to all but him.
With an apology for being out late, Yugi headed off to get some dinner before heading up to get himself a bath and to follow was the fox spirit. Armed with his small basket of toiletries and a towel, Yugi was settled in the bathroom and on the small stool, shower head in the hands of the spirit who was all too eager to help with his nightly rituals. A dark flush crossed his cheeks as he felt strong hands run through his hair, wetting it and bringing it from its usual wild mane to lay flat upon his head. "You...really don't have to do this." Yugi mumbled shyly, covering himself part of modesty and the other in embarrassment. The spirit was very hands on and he still hadn't bothered asking for a name, expecting that once his prayer was answered, the spirit would just return. That he wasn't really serious of his declaration of being his bride.
"Come now, dove. Don't be so shy around me~" The spirit whispered, running the warm water over his shoulders as he continued to speak. That the old woman knew nothing of what she spoke. Yes, he was a trickster by nature but even he knew when to be serious. And if he spoke that Yugi was to be his bride, then he wouldn't think to lie. Yugi breathed softly as he tried to contemplate everything told to him. It was a strange thought of all things considered. Did he really want this? Was this too much for just a simple prayer? It felt like it but a traitorous part of him was beginning to think, if the spirit was true to his word and loved him as much as he claims, who was he to throw that away.
Well, for little Yugi, there were many reasons. One being of his still there crush on his best friend Anzu though he never drew up the courage to ask her out. And if he had to be completely honest, he was sure she would never see him more than a friend. She cared for him like a big sister would. He didn't want to ruin that relationship they had together as she was the only real friend he had, not accounting for the spirit with the situation he was in currently. The other being what made him appealing for the spirit to even make such a declaration. The spirit spoke that his prayer was one of innocence and not as vain as many to come before him. Anyone could do the same and probably look infinitely better than him. So what could've made him so spec—
A yelp escaped him when the massage function of the shower head was used to attack his hands, causing him to bring them away from his nethers and the spirit laughed at the pout to cross the young, rounded face. "You were thinking too hard, dove. And I did need to get down there if you want to get in for your soak." The spirit teased as he finished up the pre-rinse before ushering Yugi along into the bath. Engulfed in the warm bath water, Yugi watched the spirit closely as he began to do the same. Watched the droplets course down sun-kissed skin, clinging onto the glossy hairs of his tails, making the whole coat glow under the fluorescent lighting. His eyeballing caused Yugi to flush and ducked his head further into the bath waters, amusing the spirit who knew of the teen's wandering eyes.
Too cute you are, the spirit cooed as he finished and took the soap from the basket. Standing, he motioned for Yugi to climb back out so that he could be washed. "I'll scrub your back if you'll scrub mine. That dingy old shrine did nothing for my complexion after all those years. A good 100 years if I remember correctly." Yugi swallowed and shook his head, telling the spirit he was more than capable of washing himself which was met with the other leaning close over the edge of the tub, not touching the water out of courtesy to proper bathing etiquette. "Oh I'm sure of it but to commemorate our new bond, I wish to cater to you. Allow me that much, dove~" Yugi whimpered but decided to resign on the grounds that he will take care of the privates.
"Deal. Now come along and I'll share a few things and how tomorrow will go." Yugi stood from the bath, stepping out and over to the stool, sitting back down and was followed by the spirit who poured a hefty amount of soap onto his hands and started to wash the smaller teen. He shared his name, Atemu, and that he was one of the strongest forest spirits to exist through the modern times. Most have either faded with the rise of the industrial age or migrated to quieter places. But not Atemu. As the old lady cared to mention, he did get his amusement out of tricking the people around town with simple acts of mischief but to do so for so long got boring with time. Thus he began his perilous search for a bride to call his own.
"I looked everywhere but no one appealed to my particular taste. I don't want someone with plastic looks or voluminous bodies. I wanted someone sweet, someone with promise to be strong but also needs a protective hand once in a while." Atemu finished, taking the shampoo next and poured a dollop into Yugi's hair before getting to work. "But...you said bride." Yugi began and the spirit barked a laugh. A bride didn't need such simple, specific labeling for him. A bride to him was a partner, someone to share his throne. Someone to love the woods and wilds, the spirits and the fae, to be righteous and just but also playful. You are a lover of games, aren't you?, he questioned by the game shop which his grandfather owned and Yugi couldn't deny that. He absolutely loved games but never could find someone to play with so he was stuck with solitary games like Bluebeard's Attack or Solitaire.
"So you have no need to fear. You are a fit for me. With looks so sweet, charisma so defined and judgment so sound. I can understand this is much to take in but I promise you, mischief is my game but never a game to play upon you. But I only implore but one request of you." Atemu spoke and the sudden shift in his tone had Yugi turn to look at him. He saw the look in his eyes, a strong, fearsome look that commanded and was quick to nod. Then, those eyes softened, the hints of a simple plea in them. "Do not abuse the power I have. I can give you anything you wish with just a thought but do not take advantage of it. I trust you with myself, dove." Something in his heart ached to hear that, feeling that there must've been history that had abused the well of abilities Atemu had and why he left many who came to his shrine without their prayers answered.
Surely a story to be told someday but knowing this made Yugi see his sudden engagement in a different light. All Atemu desired was company, someone that he could trust as he was a powerful spirit with abilities that were sure to have been forgotten in this day and age. Yugi was the lucky one but knew he couldn't accept this whole thing so readily. He was still on the cusp of adolescence and to make sure an important decision like this was quite out of his reach. For now. "Atemu," he began, feeling the hands stop and pull away. He turned on the little stool and looked into the scarlet eyes that captivated him so easily. They were such a lovely color, he'll admit. Reaching forward, small hands grasped the other. Atemu listened to the teen's request, of his admittance to becoming his bride but he would have to wait. Yugi was still getting through his years of school and couldn't be whisked away so suddenly, giving up his virtues on a dime.
He wanted to get to know his husband and understand his world. Of the woods and the wilds, the spirits and the fae. This was a world far beyond human understanding and it would be wrong of him to be a bride to a fox spirit and know nothing. Atemu chuckled but obliged his request as he rinsed him off. I'll teach you everything you need to know of my world, the spirit spoke with care. The spirit world will welcome your arrival as my bride and will work the intricacies of living as both mortal and spirit with little problem to such transition. Yugi nodded, taking the soap to begin his work washing Atemu but one question still hadn't been answered.
"What will you do about the bullies?"
"Oh them? I have plans for them, dove. Don't you worry~"
That was the mischief speaking and Yugi just had a slight bud of fear growing of what Atemu truly had in store for those that had done him wrong for too long.
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The morning was rather calm for all the craziness that happened the day before. Atemu, of course, didn't leave overnight and was there with Yugi as he had breakfast, somehow managing to claim a plate for himself without bringing awareness towards himself to his mother and grandfather. A inari trick, he was told, and Yugi dropped all questions there. After they finished and his mother and grandfather gone from the kitchen did Atemu made himself tangible to the world and smiled down at him. "Now, dove, I want you to take this." he spoke, taking Yugi's hand and pressed something into it and when his hand moved away, he saw it was an omamori charm. A lovely pouch of black brocaded silk with red flowers, the looped tassel braided silver thread.
It was such a beautiful charm that Yugi felt guilty in taking it. But Atemu hushed him from being discouraged. Keep the charm on your person at all times and his school day will become bully free. A single touch of malice to ever come to harm him will be met with mischief. Yugi ran a thumb over the charm before placing it into his pocket, looking back to Atemu before running into him, hugging him around his waist. Atemu was startled at the sudden gesture before smiling as he patted the wild mane. "You're welcome. Now go on. Don't want to be late, dove. Hopefully, this will be the answer you seek." Yugi nodded, waving to the spirit as he left.
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Yugi greeted Anzu at lunch that day, bright smiles as he greeted his friend who was surprised to see him so happy. She had felt terrible for not being able to hang out with him after school and was planning to ask him if he wished to go out for some burgers at Burger World. "Oh, I'd loved to but I have something to do back at home. Perhaps another time, Anzu! Promise!" Yugi replied and she nodded, getting up to take her trash out and while she was gone, Yugi continued to eat the sandwich he had. Then a lingering shadow loomed above him, big and menacing and had him frozen on the spot before he turned. Behind him stood none other than Tetsu Ushio, the lead of the disciplinary committee. While he was not a bully per se, he did have a mean streak in him, equating punishment to corrective behavior and used that power to belittle those that can't stand up to him.
Yugi was never a prime target but it seemed now that was to be changed. "Ah...Ushio-san...w-what do you need?" Yugi whispered with hesitance as the upperclassman smirked. He knew about Yugi's bully problems and questioned why he never came to him to discuss those that had bothered him and the answer was easy enough. He didn't want to make things worse on them as it would mean the same for him. He was lucky for all the scrapes and bruises he did get, it was but a minor offense. It was just its frequency that had become a problem and why he had gone to Atemu's shrine, feeling that a prayer there was a better chance than to ask Ushio for assistance.
Ushio grinned crookedly, raising a large hand. "You seem to forget the reason why we, the disciplinary committee, patrol these halls, Motou. So let me remind you that my job is to deal with any problem to disrupt the school but as it is my obligation, I ask for payment in return." When the hand touched Yugi's shoulder, the charm did its job. To Ushio's eye did something stand in the distance and he blinked for the briefest second only to see that it was not gone. An illusion it was but one that was much too real. Of a fox that looked like it jumped from a painting. The fox stood and started for the tall upperclassman who pulled his hand back from Yugi, making him look between the upperclassman and the spot which he stared at to see nothing there. Was this Atemu's doing, he wondered, stepping back as the fox continued to stalk towards the other male.
Pitless red eyes glared at the male, its sketchy, inky form moving on its own. One tail split into two then two to four, the beast growing in size as large teeth were bared at the other. So you choose to extort for money over protecting your fellow classmate honorably do you, it snapped, leaving Ushio speechless of a rebuttal. The fox then grinned, nine tails swaying behind him. "Then allow me to grant you payment~" And like that, a pile of bills appeared at his feet and consumed by the greed in his heart, Ushio went to grasp at the money that laid at his feet though it was nothing but an illusion, one that had Yugi tenting his fingers before deciding that there was little for him to do as this was Atemu's mischief.
At least this was tame compared to what happened to those that had actually hurt him. Those two had seen him with the omamori charm and chose a bad time to have tried to take it from him. The result was not pleasant but it's to be expected. Atemu didn't want anyone but his hands touching a precious charm imbued with his magic. Turning from the upperclassman that was grasping at leaves, babbling of riches in his hands, Yugi decided to make himself scarce. When Anzu came back, she had seen what happened to Ushio and questioned about the mental state which Yugi assured that there was little they could do now. Best not to test a fox's mischief while he's on a roll with it.
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School ended and Ushio was carted off to the hospital along with two others, Anzu mildly worried for them though a particular blonde was relieved that Ushio was currently out of their hair for a while. "Man, I swear he was out fer blood." He muttered as he left with a brunet in tow while the two left to walk home themselves. "Well guess this is where we part ways, Yugi. Hopefully, we can hang out soon!" Anzu called as she waved to the other and Yugi waved shyly in return before he started on his way home. As Anzu turned, she blinked and thought it was a trick of the light when a dark shadow bounded after the younger teen but as a car drove past, the shadow was gone.
"Huh, maybe it was." she muttered to himself before continuing on her way home. When Yugi arrived home himself, he greeted his grandfather at the counter and told him he was going to head up to his room to start on his homework. "Go ahead, my boy. Dinner will be done soon." Sugoroku called before Yugi was out of earshot. Once he was in the room, he found the fox spirit in the middle of the floor, tails coiled about him as he was fiddling with a Rubix cube found among his things. What really surprised the teen though is that the clothing he wore upon their first meeting, of a sweeping black yukata with the patterned lilies along the hems, was exchanged for light jeans and a tank top.
"Atemu," Yugi called and the fox looked up with a smile. "Did I answer your prayer, dove?" The smile to cross his face was nothing short of relieving as the smaller teen knelt beside him, wrapping his arms around the spirit.
"You did. You really did. Thank you."
Atemu grinned, patting the smaller male's back, tails coming to settle around Yugi. "Anything for my dear bride~ Now then, let's think about our happy future as I teach you of my world. The spirit world~" Yugi nodded, bringing his books out for his homework and settled in to listen. It was strange, Yugi mused as he took out his worksheets, lending an ear to the tales Atemu spun of the world he lived in. What started as a prayer was answered with an inari spirit who was all too ready to show him the best affections that Yugi could ever dream of. He was skeptical of his intentions but were proven to be rather honest about them. It will be some time before Yugi could think to give his heart fully to the spirit but if Atemu trusted him with such great spiritual power, only fair that he understood the fox spirit that is to become his husband.
But for now, to be friends was a start. After all, that was in the prayer he gave and Atemu the answer to that.