Zypher: so if anyone here follows me on AO3 and likely read this piece as it was posted there, i was contemplating the idea of continuing the little kitsune!Atemu saga with the Autumn prompt. and safe to say...i did. and just like the previous chapter, i was absolutely pleased by the details i placed here and have to thank Queen of Plot Twists wholly for this as i've read a long time ago The Raccoon and the Shadow King and honor this tale towards it. it is a wonderful little piece of work with a lovely soundtrack to listen to as you read through it. and also for this being so loved by her over on AO3, i was gifted the story, The Maple Dryad and Oak Lad both here and over on AO3, i recommend giving it a read. its lovely and cant thank her enough for such a gift and inspiring her with my own crafted tale here, also getting the full story treatment sometime in the future.
warning: more of a hint of suggestive content at the very end compared to the last one. nothing detailed but use your imagination
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Day 29: As the summer gives way to autumn, Atemu had a wedding gift of his own planned for Yugi. He welcomes him to the Festival of the Harvest in the spirit world and bestows him an honor of great importance to all the spirits and fae.
Welcome Yugi, our woodland queen.
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Another year and another happy life with his spiritual partner. Yugi was fully engrossed into the life of the fae, his heart filled with the wonders of nature. Yugi did start to work to hide his second life as he still lived with his mother and grandfather. He didn't want his visits to the spirit world to be constant, going out early in the morning and coming back past midnight. As one to love games, Yugi always wanted to develop some of his own and had been working on the details of one with an interesting concept. He had done sketches and noted rules in a sketchpad and every so often Atemu looked at them to praise his mate's creative talents.
Yugi was delighted by Atemu's praise and definitely did his best to make his game a reality on the coattails of Atemu's approval. As he sat in for lunch one day, he was lost in thought. Not of his game but of his inari husband. Atemu told him when he got up that morning that he had something to do in the spirit world. Yugi offered to join him as he was often asked for by the forest children to play with them, mostly a jumpy little inu spirit by the name of Judai accompanied by the collected byakko spirit named Yusei, but Atemu told him that it wasn't necessary this time. Curious of what his playful spirit was up to, he can only wait and see what the other had planned. The summer was slowly starting to give way to autumn, some of the tree leaves beginning to show their transformation into the warm autumn colors of the season and Yugi had to appreciate even more of their luscious beauty.
Of their blend of golden yellows, searing reds and vibrant oranges. It was an art form and one to remind him of his lovely inari husband who was away. This made him just a little morose but Atemu was always a child of the forest first before he was his husband and Yugi knew to accept that when he took the omamori vow. Atemu brought him to the spirit world many times to play and nap and eat from the delicious bounties of nature. Yugi just forgets the world with the beauty of nature and had to remember he was still human, a mortal still bound to the real world and still had a family and home to live with. He still had many years to live and those years he will live happily with family until they pass on, their spirits promise a place in the woods and wilds that Atemu lives in.
To become fae of the grand forests of the spirit world and live as happily as Yugi feels when he goes there. And for Yugi himself, he was already the bride of the forest, welcomed by all and treated like the fae by the court. He already has his niche in the spirit world and both his soul and spirit tied to become an inari spirit like his husband. The smaller male smiled at the thought. It was far into the future for sure but he was all too eager to wait for the day to truly become one with the woods and the wilds. "Yugi, you're daydreaming again." Sugoroku spoke playfully and the other blinked before blushing softly as he apologized.
"No need to apologize, my boy. I'm sure that game of yours has been at the top of your mind for a good number of days. But I know you'll create an amazing piece and I'll be the first to sell the finished product!" Yugi smiled at the thought and thanked him for the consideration. The two continued their meal of fried rice, hamburger steaks and miso before Yugi was off to work some more. Since Atemu was busy with the spirit world for now, Yugi will take the time to delve further into the world of Spherium.
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Around late afternoon, Yugi was on his own inside the house, his mother out running errands while his grandfather manned the shop. A snack of chips beside his notebook and a refreshing can of green tea on a coaster of carved and polished cedar wood, a present from Judai, to his other side left Yugi to sit there, hard at work designing the terminal of which Spherium would be played upon. The hum of the fan circulated cool air throughout the room to combat the mild climb in temperature during the day that heated up his room as he didn't bother to open his skylight window. As he worked, the fan stuttered in its oscillation, the cool breeze becoming a chilling winter gale, making Yugi shiver from the sudden blast of cold air. "Did jii-chan decide to turn the AC on? Could've given me a warning." he grumbled as he reached to turn off the fan only to be met with a strong chest covered in a cotton white logo singlet. The smaller male jumped at the sudden appearance of the fox spirit who chuckled to his reaction.
"Miss me, dove?" Atemu questioned as he slid the wheeled chair over with two of his tails so he could embrace his small partner in greeting. "I have but gosh! Did you have to bring winter with you?" Yugi asked petulantly, getting another warm laugh from the inari spirit, bringing three of his tails around Yugi as compensation for his fun. "I'm sorry, sweetling. I know you're hot but I couldn't bear the summer heat overdoing what I already love about you." Yugi flushed at the compliment cleverly hidden in his statement, flicking a fuzzy black fox ear in protest which gained another amused chuckle. Yugi knew Atemu was only being himself and lived to tease and love his blushing fair and Yugi never found anything wrong about it one bit.
Settling his head into the silky fur, the smaller male asked of what Atemu had to work on in the spirit world. "Ah, ah~ That's my little secret for now but I can assure you, you're going to love it." A surprise for him? Yugi was flattered even when he thought he needed nothing more. He had everything he could ever ask for in Atemu but the spirit was a giver. There was nothing he couldn't do that wouldn't put a smile of sheer delight on Yugi's face. From their frolics in the wildflowers and swims in the lakes and rivers. Dances around the pyre and lulled to slumber by the glowing fox fires to a nighttime waltz with the fireflies. A hand ran through the fur and was tickled on the cheek in response, making him giggle as Atemu went to look at the notes laying on the table.
He praised his mate's creative mind, seeing promise of this project and told him if he needed anything to further his dream, to never hesitate in asking.
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A few more days passed and those days had Atemu leaving in the morning and coming back in the late afternoon. He was hard at work on this surprise he had for Yugi and it made him curiouser and curiouser about it. But no matter what Yugi tried, he couldn't get a straight answer out of the inari spirit. Plenty of teasing and a little apologetic snuggling amid his tails but Atemu's lips were sealed shut. "In due time, dove. In due time, I promise." Atemu soothed with a kiss to the cheek late one night when Yugi was growing just a tad exasperated for his just reward. For something to take this long in regard to preparing it must've been something big. Yugi didn't want to say he was impatient but the knowledge that Atemu was going through all this work just made him all the more excited.
What else could his wonderful, devilishly handsome inari husband be up to that was hinted to be an extravagant present to his blushing fair?
Well, Yugi was about to find that out fairly soon.
Before the sun could peek over the horizon to signal the coming dawn, Yugi was awoken to a tickling sensation to cross over his nose. He reached to scratch the spot sleepily, trying to roll over and succumb to the embrace of slumber once more when the tickling came again. His sleep hazed brain began to register that this was none other than his playful spirit's work and bemoaned softly for the other to cut it out. "Well I can but if I do, we'll be late." Atemu sang sweetly in his immaculate baritone and this began to rouse the smaller male. Late? Late for what? As tired eyes of violet opened, he was met with the warm scarlet of his husband but his choice of attire had differed from what he wore to blend in with the modern world. Back was the sweeping robes of shining silk, this one consisting of more layers meshing red, gold and hints of black. It was such an elaborate outfit that Yugi couldn't imagine its significance that required him to be up so early. The sun wasn't even in the sky yet.
Come, come, Atemu urged and finally, Yugi was pulled from the comfort of his bed and danced over the frigid floorboards cooled by the night. Settled onto his rolling chair, Atemu passed him some light clothing to wear and Yugi got dressed while Atemu ran fingers through his mussed mane of hair, claws a makeshift comb to be rid of the tangles and knots brought on by slumber. "Are we going to the spirit world?" Yugi asked, knowing this is their norm but it's been so long and Atemu often going alone the past couple days. "We are. As I said, I have something precious planned for you." He replied as he brought Yugi onto his feet and both left the bedroom and headed downstairs. Sneakers slid on, the two were out the door without a sound of the overhead bell on the front door and were off towards Atemu's shrine.
Yugi wanted to ask so many questions, of Atemu's sudden change in attire, the early morning wake up and of course, the surprise in question. But the small one knew he wouldn't get an answer. To see is to believe after all and whatever was planned was better seen than to be told before they got there. Silent was the walk to the shrine and once they arrived, Yugi saw that it had changed a little. Bundles of wisteria decorated the torii gate, their white, blue and purple blossoms hanging like lanterns and ropes of ivy were artfully wrapped around the wooden pillars. If Yugi wasn't mistaken, it was decorated in such a way to look like a wedding arch. He had no time to ask as Atemu took his hand and guided him through the gate and upon reaching the other side, he was met with a breathtaking sight.
Autumn had come to the spirit world earlier than their own, painting everything in yellows, oranges and reds. The trees were lush with their foliage of warm colors, acorns full on the oak trees as were the apples, walnuts and hazelnuts. The forest was alive with the season and so were the spirits. Many were gathered about, roaming through the thicket of trees with wear so formal and laden with their bounty. Judai was the first to spot them and with his cry did others take notice of them as well and their cheers were vociferous in greeting, having missed the forest bride. "We mustn't be late." Atemu spoke as he led Yugi through the throng of spirits, seeing that some were around clay ovens, harboring the sweet smells of walnut scones and maple cakes being baked but that wasn't all. The savory aroma of roasting quail and pheasant over open flames joined them, the addition of pies filled with wildberries and the crackle of yakiimo. Whipped hazelnut butters and soft, doughy rolls and flaky biscuits and breads showed that it was clear a feast was being prepared.
Yugi looked at it all as he followed after Atemu then found the wide clearing set with tables and centerpieces so decorative with pinecones, holly, birch and willow. Woven cloths decorated the wooden tables hewn from fallen evergreens, macramé laces edging the cloths in beautiful patterns that ended with colorful crafted stone beads. "I—Atemu, what's going on here? Is it a feast? A celebration?" The fox grinned as he stroked Yugi's hand. "Both. While it's not quite autumn back home, just barely on the cusp of it with the end of summer, it's in full effect here and thus I wanted to begin early on our festival of the harvest. Where we thank the bounties of nature for food, fun and comfort. But there is much more to be done than just a feast." Yugi nodded, eyes alight with awe and glee before he was startled to the sharp whistle to come from the fox spirit.
Two tanuki women had wandered over, wide, brown eyes looking to the smaller male behind their dark masks as dainty clawed fingers reached for the hands of the fox. With a smile to Yugi, he pulled his hands away, allowing them to respectfully kiss the tips of his claws, bowing their heads low. "You remember what you were told. By my order are you to prepare my blushing bride. Bathe him in the river and bejewel him with the forest's gifts. However listen to his request as you care for his body. Do not touch where he tells you not to." They nodded before reaching for Yugi's hands. With a little hesitance, Yugi looked to his husband who gave him a nod. "They will take care of you. They know who you are and know the punishment to follow if they do anything wrong to you. They are to respect you with the same level as they do for me. Now go." Yugi nodded, settling his hands into the small claws, feeling them grip his fingers as they chittered to one another, tugging him with care as Atemu waved.
He will see him soon and know that he will come back even more beautiful than ever.
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Brought to the river, Yugi was undressed and led inside, the coolness of the water making him shiver a bit but allowed himself to settle on the bank while the women tended to his clothing. They washed them carefully so as to not poke holes or rip into the cotton fabric then hung them on the branches to dry in the air. With one task done, they brought their focus onto Yugi, gathering things from the bushes nearby. A fragrant soap of sandalwood was held in a bowl, a paste-like consistency that was scooped into their claws and scrubbed over his skin. Yugi relaxed in their hands, knowing that they would mean no harm to him and was trusted by Atemu. As he was bathed, Yugi was amazed at all the preparation that went into this festival. It was clear this was an important event, to thank to bounties of nature that shelters the spirits and gives them food, homes and cover from the modern world. To thank her of giving them existence and substance still when they were all but forgotten lore in the realm of man.
It was no wonder Atemu was absent so long in the days. But Yugi was excited to become part of it and it was clear there was much more in store than just a feast. There was still a surprise lying in wait among the festivities but he would have to wait and see just what it could be. As the women finished their work, they brought him from the river and let him stand. "Thank you." Yugi spoke and they clapped in gratitude, reaching for his hands with care and kissed the tips in respect before backing away, bodies and tails jumping wildly towards the trees as if signaling to someone there. And it was so when Yugi looked to see a mighty form of a tengu resting in the trees. This one differed from what he knows from the old mythology books as this one possessed the head of a raven, a smiling beak greeting him as it raised a fan.
"You who is the mate of the inari spirit, I greet you today. I see by your beauty why he was so enamored by you." The tengu spoke calmly, a wave of its fan sending gusts of gentle winds to wrap around Yugi and dry him off. Many spirits have questioned Atemu's decision to stay at the shrine, the tengu continued, and it was worth the years to acquire such a precious bride. "You will be honored highly at the feast, young one! All the spirits will cheer your name as the king of the woods and wilds makes his announcement at the summit of the festival!" Announcement? What kind of announceme—wait...Atemu is a king!? Yugi sputtered to the title as he looked to the tengu but it was there no longer, leaving the question to linger on his lips and by the way the tanuki women spoke to each other, he'd get no answer from them that is comprehensible.
Yugi was draped in robes of his own, of less layers than what Atemu wore but still just as elaborate with its gold and greens and hints of silver. A woven crown of branches threaded with oak and maple leaves was settled upon his mane, brushed gently with tiny claws and scented with wisteria oil. His feet were left bare but he had no fear with grasses so plush and soft upon his soles. When all was said and done, the women praised each other with smiles on their narrow faces and took Yugi's hands to bring him back to the clearing, the place lively with sound the closer they got. Yugi could see why once they had arrived. The tables were now decked with food aplenty. Walnut scones and maple cakes were abundant alongside wildberry pies. Roasted quail and pheasant steaming with flavor settled upon finely chopped birch slabs like plates.
Even a whole roasted boar suckling on an apple! Biscuits and rolls dripped in golden butter paired with whipped hazelnut spreads and finely pressed jams and jellies while fruits and nuts were washed and stacked in carved stone bowls, glistening beads still clinging to crisp flesh. There was so much but what surprised Yugi was the spirits. Animal spirits of all shapes and sizes were there as they stood with the dreadful oni of the mountains and the chilling pallor yuki-onna. Shinigami with their grey skin and gaunt faces and the mighty kirin with its hooves sparking mild lighting over the field. The forest bride was led through them all, Judai once more spotted and waved to them, taking the lead from the tanuki women.
"Come! Atemu waits for you at the head table!" Judai claimed proudly as he guided him the rest of the way. There, Yugi saw his inari husband, silken tails settled behind him like a throne of black cedar, a crown of woven branches settled over his head as well with more leaves threaded into his. His smile was warm and bright, a hand held out towards his blushing fair and Yugi thanked Judai, making his way over to his side. "This is such a big gathering. And with so many spirits and yokai too." Yugi whispered, making the fox smile. "Indeed. They will not stay for long but I wanted to give presence even to the wicked ones of the spectrum. They understand their place and will bring no harm as these are my woods and wilds. They are under my command until they leave to return to their mountains and hovels then they can do what they wish." The smaller nodded, sitting beside Atemu with Judai following.
The food made his stomach roar with protest and Yugi wanted so much to sink his teeth into the spread laid out among the tables. He did get up rather early so breakfast was skipped to come here and with such a feast prepared, he was sure to not need a meal for the remainder of the day. The last to settle upon the table were pitchers of sake, water and blood before all were settled and quieted. Atemu went to stand, commanding the attention of all that gathered and when Yugi looked up, his appearance had changed. Guise still that of a human, his face had quickly transformed, a vulpine face of soft black fur and small whiskers with scarlet eyes sharp and pointed ears alert. Like the full form that was seen to handle the wicked shrine maiden, tis be the face of that form yet it was still a sight to warm Yugi's heart just to see. Human, fox or half-fox, this was still Atemu and he was still a stunning creature that Yugi was all too lucky to have.
He spoke strongly to all in attendance, spoke of the woods and wilds and their meaning to each and every one of them no matter where they lived or lurked. From the trees and mountains that gave them shelter to the fields and rivers that give them food and water. "As the great inari spirit and king of the woods and wilds and of the spirits and fae, I bring to you our grand harvest feast to bless the very bounties of which we live and care for. From the chilling winters that cleanse the land to the springs that give us rebirth, the summers that bring us pleasure and the autumns that bring us togetherness, we thank the seasons and we thank nature and her warm embrace in her bosom for keeping our existence thriving." The spirits and yokai all cheered with glee, their joy immeasurable towards Atemu's powerful words and Yugi clapped with them. He spoke marvelously and Yugi was ever so pleased to be there to witness such a speech given. Then those scarlet eyes turned down to him before a hand reached to him.
"But that isn't all I have to announce for our grand feast as I see many of your wandering eyes." Yugi took his hand and stood but he was brought to stand on the chair to give him height as Atemu grinned towards him. "For all that don't know, I have acquired a partner, my darling bride and blushing fair. My precious dove with the heart of a fae, Motou Yugi. I want you all to herald his name and respect him as you respect me as he may be human but loves the woods and wilds just as we all do. I waited patiently for him, saving him from the vile intent of the maiden whose shrine I plucked from her wretched fingers to insult the spirit gate of which I use to access entry into his dear city. He came to it asking for a simple prayer and I delivered with but one selfish request of my own. To become my bride." Yugi smiled before feeling the soft fur nuzzle under his chin with a wet nose pressed against his neck and giggled.
"It took time, it did, but when he accepted the omamori vow, it was the happiest day for me. A creature who is of divine looks and sweet personality. Who knows right from wrong and has bravery and brevity more than any human to live. He is a prize worth everything I reign and with that, he too is to reign at my side as queen upon his life's end. So to my court! To all the spirits, the yokai and the fae! Honor his name! Honor the name Motou Yugi!" Yugi gasped all stood, chanting his name, an uproar of spirits with clapping hands, claws and feathers and stomping feet, paws and hooves. Yugi looked into the vulpine face that looked back at him, a grin as wide as ever there and all he could think to do was kiss Atemu so deep he'd forget his own name. "Change your face and let me kiss you."
A laugh came from the grinning muzzle as Atemu snuck a quick lap of a flat tongue over his cheek. "What? Don't want to kiss these foxy lips~?" Yugi huffed, pinching light at the damp nose. "I don't want fur in my mouth, you silly fox." Atemu grinned a playful grin but easily lost the illusion, sun-kissed skin and sharp eyes meeting Yugi's gaze. Arms came to wrap around his waist, lifting Yugi from the chair and twirled him around before he was brought to level with Atemu. "So then, think I gave you a good enough surprise? My wedding gift in return?" Yugi didn't answer verbally and instead showed his deep seated appreciation with the kiss he promised. Of one so deep and passionate that it showed to all of the woods and wilds that their bond was a surety. A bond that can never be broken by force or spell. The king of the woods and wilds and his precious queen.
"By the woods and wilds, I love you, Atemu." Yugi breathed once they had parted their kiss, set back upon his feet. "By the woods and wilds, I return your love and more, sweetling." Atemu replied just as soft before Yugi took his seat and Atemu silenced all with a raise of his hand. "Now then, let the Festival of the Harvest begin! Eat! Drink! Praise nature and her infinite bounties for our livelihood!" Another howl of pride and respect echoed through the clearing before the feast of celebration began. Succulent juices dripped from the meats of pheasant, quail and boar, the fire-roasted flavor a pleasure to the tongue. The wildberry pies with their flaky crust were sweetened just right to remember the summer that was cast behind them. The buttered rolls and biscuits, the whipped hazelnut spreads on freshly sliced loaves leavened perfectly for the best result of baking, everything was a symphony of passionate flavors and Yugi enjoyed every piece of it.
Judai was all too happy to bring more when he asked and shared bites of maple cakes with Atemu when prompted. He had sips of sake and washed more down with water before he could have no more, feeling like the sleepy bear ready for its winter hibernation. "Belly all full, little dove?" Atemu asked and Yugi nodded. "I could go back to sleep now." Yugi hummed, reaching for one of his mate's tails to do just that and the fox chuckled. Rest just for a moment and let your food settle, Atemu cooed sweetly as more tails came to blanket him in their silken softness. The moment his head was on the plush tails, Yugi was out like a light. It was some time before he woke again and when he did, he found himself against the side of the mighty kirin, its electric hide at rest to allow the newly crowned woodland queen to sleep peacefully. Wide eyes blinked and looked to the kirin in question to Atemu's disappearance and a head motioned forward. When he looked, Yugi was blessed to a magnificent sight. The feast had been polished off, leaving the tables to be moved and given room for the next part of the festival. Gone were the yokai now, leaving the forest spirits to continue their praise to mother nature and in the clearing now was Atemu. Vanished were the heavy silks of his robes and in its place a lighter outfit that contoured his lithe frame and strong muscle, all of which was put to use in a spectacular way as he danced among his own fox fire.
A ritualistic dance of his wildling spirit, of the clever fox that danced among the woods and wilds that was its home. He pranced and leapt, pounced and spun with grace, his tails like wild banners to signify his power among the forest. Yugi was enthralled to his dance and could feel the sting of his own clumsy feet that kept him from joining his love in the vivid dance. A pout crossed his face but he supposed that just the sight of such elegance was enough, and the reminder that all of it was tied to him. When he was younger, Yugi would never think that he would be in this position. That yokai and forest spirits were mere wives tales. Never would Yugi think to be in the arms of a forest king or become a queen. He had always believed when he gathered the courage, he'd be with Anzu, perhaps following her to New York as she worked to become a famous dancer. But the thought of it had disquieted his heart.
If that had become his life...what would've happened to Atemu and the maiden. They were at war with each other, that much was clear. Atemu had power and craftiness in hand but the ex-maiden also talked as if she had ways to banish him. If she had, no...Yugi shouldn't think of her anymore. The maiden was gone far from their lives and he was happy where he was. Seeing him awake only made the dance grow in intensity, the fox now showing off for his queen as he raised his hands and slowly, the forest responded. Spirits began to hum a sonorous tune, gales brought on by the fan of the familiar tengu stirring the fallen leaves that carpeted the green grass and it was to Yugi's eyes that he saw the life of autumn personified as the maple and oak leaves danced with Atemu, the seeds of the deciduous drawn into his rhythm.
And Yugi moved to stand, no longer able to resist. His body needed, no, craved the excitement of the dance. To give his blessing to mother nature and her bounty as his husband did with such ease. Bunching the silks in slender fingers, Yugi wandered closer towards his dancing inari husband, pondering at first how he could join him but it didn't take much. The moment he was close enough, Atemu smiled as Yugi reached for him, taking the hands that reached in return, the silks melting away like early morning frost kissed by the sun, giving him an outfit to match. The bride of the inari spirit felt lighter than air as he danced with his mate, taking in the sounds of the spirits' song and the scent oh so familiar to him that waltzed around his clever fox husband. He needed no knowledge of dance, just the energy of the woods and wilds to meet every one of Atemu's steps with his own.
And when they finally slowed, Atemu smiled warmly as he brought Yugi into his arms. "A magnificent tribute with my woodland queen. A divine dance, sweetling." Yugi blushed softly before resting his head against his chest. He couldn't stay away, he whispered, and Atemu gave no protest against it. A stroke of his wild mane and the public festivities sought its end. The spirits and fae bowed to their inari king and woodland queen, singing praises towards good fortune and future of the two, returning to their homes amid the woods and wilds to be seen again at the next gathering to come. Once alone, Judai stubbornly pulled away by Yusei to get him home when he wanted to stay and play with Yugi, Atemu smiled down to Yugi, threading claws through his hair. Enjoyed our festival, Atemu asked and Yugi expressed nothing but joy to everything he was a part of. "This was a wonderful gift, Atemu. Gosh, it makes my wedding gift feel so insignificant." Yugi whined.
Atemu laughed and knelt down to him. "Your gift was by no means insignificant. To restore my shrine to its former glory is the best gift anyone could do for a spirit. Especially us kitsune." Yugi smiled, pressing a kiss to Atemu's cheek and Atemu grinned as he told Yugi that the festival of the harvest may be over to the public but they as the king and queen can give further blessing to the woods and wilds and the very nature in which Yugi will soon find himself a part of. They ran through the trees, their play amiable and love boundless, autumnal leaves falling like rain around them. Oak trees with their boughs heavy with acorns were plucked with care by the inari spirit to cast them far into the spirited lands, his daring queen beside him as they sown seeds into the fertile lands untouched by human influence.
The inari king led his woodland queen through the thicket, groves dappled with light of the setting sun through their canopies, birds chirping their afternoon songs and frogs croaked in the river nearby. Their high strung energy sought no end and soon, they reached a coveted space, a large willow tree with branches hung so low they provided a natural curtain to blot away outside distractions. Foliage like golden yellow shards glinting in the fading sun, it was a perfect spot and the woodland queen knew what would happen in such a place and was ready. To show their love out in the open wilds was the spirits way to share the gift of life borne from their coupling, a sight of great importance to share towards nature. Shielded by the weeping curtain, they shed their clothes and kissed sweetly upon the dewy ground, hands caressing strong muscle and soft contours. The scents of autumn and spiced musk filled the air as pointed fangs nipped against tender skin, bringing blessed moans like prayers towards his inari king that sought answers he was always ready to give.
Bodies pressed close in their intimate embrace, lips seeking each other as the inari king laid with his woodland queen, mating so sweet in the open air under the willow's shelter as nature's law dictates. He sowed his seed into his bride now queen more than once, a gift to the woods and wilds and the very nature herself to show their undying love. One day once the woodland queen joins his inari king in the realm of spirits, the king will sow his seed again and watch his queen grow plump with kits of their very own. But until then, the inari king will continue to love his woodland queen, to love and frolic in the wilds with him and mate their love under the boughs that bend down in respect to the happiness of their inari king and woodland queen. As darkness blanketed the land and laid all to rest but the nocturnal creatures to roam and play, the two sat cradled in the tails to keep them warm. After such a promising day of festivities and pleasure, to honor the wise earthen mother of her gifts and bounties to the spirits and the fae, Yugi truly did not want to leave. He wanted to shed away his mortal shell and become fully part of the spirit world. To become the kitsune like his husband, to be of clever wit and playful tricks. To help cultivate the spirit world and further the generation of the woods and wilds. To sow their seeds and help them grow and have more places in which to frolic and play. Yugi asked his inari husband if he could now but was denied gently as a thumb caressed a flushed cheek.
"Why can't it be now?"
"Because I want you to live your human life, sweetling. I want you to complete your game to share with the world and live with your family. Once you have reached the end of your life and are reborn anew then we can do all the things you wish without pause. We'll sow the seeds and pollinate the trees, make them grow and spread them further. Nature will one day take the mortal lands back and we'll see toward her growth as we plant her children far and wide. We'll sprout her flowers and bear her fruits. Rear the wild children and watch over their generations. And when you gain a few tails of your own, then we can rear our very own. We have many wonderful years ahead of us, my darling woodland queen. Be patient towards your human life. I won't disappear." Atemu's words were always true and Yugi knew this well in his heart.
The inari king will never leave his woodland queen alone to his mortal coil. He will always be there beside him and when the call of nature ails his fae heart, he will guide him back into the spirit world to frolic and play among the towering forest. To eat their maple cakes and walnut scones and swim in the rivers. And to always, always be wild and loose and free as they consummate the love to fill their heart and soul, to bring out the full force of their wildling spirits. A final kiss upon sweetened lips flavored like summer berries and Yugi was gone into slumber, Atemu carrying his tired body back home. The inari king tucked him into bed amid his silken tails and joined him in slumber, their crowns of braided birch, maple and oak settled upon the desk right over his notebook detailing Spherium.
Rest well, inari king and woodland queen.