A/N: Ok so, right on time! Here's the March update. Sorry it's not too long but the next few chapters will most likely make up for that. Hope you all enjoy this chapter because this is where the plot really starts to pick up! Shoot me a comment and let me know what you think!

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Chapter 5 - Storm

Their impromptu rendezvous came to an end as the sun peaked through the horizon. It was unusual for either fox to leave so late into the morning but the incidents of the day prior had left them both exhausted. Reisi's eyes snapped open as the first rays of daylight flickered over the horizon. He had to hurry back to the mansion before the maids were scheduled to bring him his breakfast. The Blue fox hurried to his feet and started to work on pulling all his robes back into place. The quick motion stirred the Red fox still lying in the grass. His arm, which had been over Reisi's hip, had been thrown aside, causing him to reluctantly wake.

"Don't you ever sleep?" Mikoto groaned as he rubbed his eyes, trying to adjust to the quickly growing light of the sun. His voice was heavy with sleep and his usually gravely tone was even thicker.

"When you have to worry about an entire tribe and keeping up appearances, very little time is left for rest," Reisi smoothed out a few of the wrinkles in his over robe and then paused, "But apparently you've mastered the art of sleeping on the job. Please, tell me your secrets so I can laze around as much as you do," he teased, his tone was sarcastic but his expression was playful. He was turned to the side so he knew Mikoto could see at least some of the smirk that was present on his lips.

The Red fox chuckled in his usual husky baritone, made even gruffer by the sleep still intermingled in his throat, "Why don't you lay back down and sleep with me some more. Maybe you'll be able to understand what it means to relax."

"I honestly wish I could," Reisi said with a tired smile, throwing his fur shawl back into place over his shoulder. "I have to go," he said, as unwillingly as he had said it many times before. He met Mikoto's gaze and offered the fox a small but sincere smile.

Mikoto smiled back, just as small, and just as sad. "I know," he replied, echoing the Blue foxes resignation. Even if he wanted to lie there with Reisi all day, he knew very well they could not. So, there was no point in trying to stop the others retreat.

Reisi leaned down and gave Mikoto a quick peck on the lips before he finally turned to leave. The Red fox simply watched him go, in no hurry to leave the peace of the small meadow.

As the Blue fox walked away he shouted over his shoulder, "Don't go causing anymore trouble for me this week Mikoto, and this time I mean it." If Mikoto didn't know Reisi better, he would have thought that the Blue fox really did mean it. But that was not the case.

One of the corners of Mikoto's mouth lifted into a lopsided smirk as he replied, "I guess I could," mirroring the playfulness Reisi had shown earlier.

"Hmmph," Reisi scoffed, loud enough for Mikoto to hear and then mumbled, "Insufferable," as he continued to walk in the direction of his town.

Even though all the Red fox could see was Reisi's back, he knew the other fox was smiling. He could tell by the looseness in the other's shoulders and the slight flutter of his long white and blue tail. The hidden smile Reisi wore never fell as he walked beyond Mikoto's sight. The effort to lighten the mood was appreciated by both parties. At least in one another's company, there was no use in being sad or upset. If you couldn't be happy with the person you love, who else could you be happy with? Newly resolute in their decision to stay together, they parted ways content with that fact.

With Reisi having finally left, Mikoto closed his eyes, a smile of his own lingering on his lips as he lied back down in the grass. He would enjoy the crisp air and the slow warmth of the sun for a bit longer.

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Mikoto made it back to the Red fox village about an hour later, after putting off his duty as king for as long as possible. He yawned as he entered Izumo's small shop and went to sit in his usual spot in the stores corner.

"Long night?" Totsuka asked with a knowing glint in his chocolate brown eyes, his ears flickering suggestively.

Mikoto tried hard not to grin at the thought of Reisi, so he only offered Totsuka a small grunt as a reply.

Izumo scoffed as he dusted the endless book shelves full of rich Red fox history. "Well that turned out exactly as expected," he grumbled.

"There's nothing wrong with that Izumo, as long as they're careful it'll all work out, right King?" Totsuka asked, turning his brilliant smile in Mikoto's direction after addressing Izumo.

"I just hope they can be careful is all," Izumo said with a heavy sigh. "I wasn't joking when I said we were still doing damage control after this afternoon. You basically handed Shun and his underlings more ammo to throw at you, Mikoto." The blond fox said seriously as he continued to dust.

"Who cares what that old, bigoted bastard has to say?" Mikoto dismissed coldly, lighting a smoke pipe with a tiny flame.

"Now king, that's not a very nice way of referring to one of your oldest generals. Shun is just stubborn, I'm sure he means well," Totsuka defended, only lightly chiding the Red fox King.

"Hmmph," Mikoto huffed as he blew smoke out of his lungs.

Izumo sighed again, "I know you always try to see the good in others Totsuka, but I honestly think Shun has too many ulterior motives to be trusted. He's been subtly trying to overthrow Mikoto ever since he took the title of king. Every mistake we make, he uses as an opening to gather support against us amongst our own tribe members. Giving him more reasons to oppose Mikoto will only agitate the situation," Izumo said, finally dropping his duster and turning to walk over to his seated companions. "I know he doesn't have many followers, since almost every Red fox is undoubtedly loyal to Mikoto, but I can't help but worry when it feels as if someone extremely influential is breathing down my neck." Izumo dropped himself heavily into the seat next to Mikoto and pulled out his own pipe. There was a frustrated crease between his brows, and his shoulders were stiff against the back support of the chair he sat in.

Totsuka leaned over in his seat and put a hand on Izumo's tense shoulder, "I know his anti-blue-fox sentiments are popular among many of our tribe members, especially since he's one of the few Red foxes who participated in the war, but I doubt he'll do anything malicious with the support he has gathered, it's surly nowhere near the amount of support the King has. And besides, his son Eric is my best understudy and a wonderful young fox. I find it hard to believe someone so kind could come from a man with such ill-intent, there must be some good in him too," he assured, smile never faltering.

"You know, sometimes I want to lecture you about being so naïve, but as usual you're probably right," Izumo slowly exhaled a cloud of smoke, letting the tension in his shoulders subside. "I know I'm just being paranoid, but all his harsh remarks at meetings have really started to unnerve me lately. It's always war this, and war that, and some other generals are even starting to agree…" The blond fox closed his eyes and shook his head. "If anything tips the balance we might actually have to deal a potential war-"

"War is not an option," Mikoto cut in curtly.

Totsuka animatedly voiced his support of the king's words, "That's our King! Always steadfast when it counts," he said, smiling wildly.

Izumo grinned, "I suppose you're right. He hasn't failed us yet, I should stop worrying," he said, taking another drag from his pipe and rubbing the back of his neck, finally resigning himself to relinquish his worries.

"I say it every time that man brings up war. It's not gonna happen," Mikoto reaffirmed.

Totsuka's smile only grew, "As long as you're king, I'm sure this tribe is in safe hands."

"Hmmm, because these powers were meant to protect, right?" Mikoto mumbled, smiling more to himself then to the fox seated across from him, as he repeated the words his friend had used to encourage him so many times before. Mikoto held up his hand, palm flat, and facing Totsuka's direction.

Totsuka beamed and lightly drove his much smaller fist into Mikoto's palm, "Exactly!" he exclaimed, smiling even brighter than usual.

They all started laughing at Totsuka's excessive enthusiasm. It was nice; being able to relax and forget about all their concerns was something they all needed to do in order to stay grounded. In times like these, it was as if they were still teenagers; carefree and happy with the simplicity of their world. These moments where they could laugh without restraint and speak freely about their worries, they were nice, they were really nice.

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"Eric it has to be tonight," his father spoke darkly, standing eerily in front of the fireplace with his hands folded behind his back.

"I still don't understand why-"

"Mikoto's inner circle is vulnerable right now, if it receives a dramatic blow, we could possibly sway him to our side. Having someone else on the inside will also work to our advantage. Once Totsuka is dead, this tribe has only one option for head healer, and that is you Eric," The thickly built older man said. His years of battling as a Red fox general had hardened his body and even though he was well on in his years, he still looked broad and intimidating; a man you knew had both the experience and the power to kill you. That was General Shun. He had a deep gash on one of his ears that had scared over many years ago and under his robes there were countless other battle wounds to be counted.

"There must be another way! Totsuka doesn't deserve this-" Eric interjected again, trying as hard as he could to pacify his father and make him see reason.

"Enough!" Shun shouted as he turned on his heels and stomped over to where his son was standing, "Eric, you will obey my orders as you always have, and that is final. You are my son, and as such, you will do as I say," Shun sneered as he grabbed a handful of the other foxes' robe, lifting the slimmer fox slightly off the ground and pulling him close enough that their noses were almost touching, "You are who you are because of me, after all, don't even forget that boy." The burning look of scorn in Shun's eyes terrified Eric to the core and when his father finally let him go, Eric dropped to the floor, his knees having gone completely weak in his fright. He coughed a few times before he could fully gain his composure.

"Are we clear on what you have to do, Eric?" His father asked him, returning to his spot by the fire-place, facial expression turning back into a cold, stoic stare.

Eric was quiet for a while before he spoke, the reply barely squeezing out through his trembling lips, "Yes, father."

"Good, now go," he ordered, coldly.

Eric was able to pull himself off the floor and slowly leave the small living room. While his legs still shook slightly, he walked to his room with a heavy feeling in his heart. How could he possibly do this? Totsuka was his dear friend. But if he refused to do it – he thought as he swallowed hard and began to break out into a cold sweat – his father would surly kill him.

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Eric knew that between the hours of nine and ten Totsuka was completely alone in his tent, usually reading up on new medical skills or finding his next new hobby. He knew that if he was ever going to strike, there was only this one hour window he could do it in. The Red foxes' hands shook as he clutched a dagger at his side and a book in his arms. He wasn't sure if he was ready to do this. He wasn't sure if he could do this. Totsuka was his friend and mentor and honestly the nicest fox Eric had ever known. Totsuka had done nothing to deserve Eric's father's wrath or what Eric was about to do to him. The young fox knew that everything in his body screamed at him to stop, to turn back and run to King Mikoto and confess his father's wicked plot. But the crippling fear that grasped his heart, whenever he thought of his father and what would happen to him should he fail in killing his fellow tribesman, made his body go completely numb and the urge he had to run away was paralyzed by the immense terror he felt. He inched closer to Totsuka's small cabin and steeled himself as best he could as he gently knocked on the door. He heard a faint, "Come in," from the other side of the wooden door and hesitantly pushed the door open. Totsuka was sitting in a wooden chair by his desk, seemingly engrossed with the book he was reading. When he looked up to see who had entered his home, he immediately marked his page and closed his book, throwing Eric a friendly smile. "Well, hello Eric. It's unusual for you to come for a visit this late, is something wrong?" the dirty-blond asked with mild concern in his voice.

"Oh, no, nothing's wrong, I just had a few questions," Eric said, steadily, hoping his voice wasn't noticeably shaking.

Totsuka looked at him curiously but then smiled again, "Alright, I'll go get us some tea and then you can ask me anything you want," he replied kindly.

Eric's heart sank. How could he take the life of this kind-hearted being, this man who had done so much for him over the years? He felt the fear encircling his heart loosen slightly and his resolve start to crumble. As Totsuka stood and turned to get their tea, Eric finally broke under the pressure.

"I'm sorry!" He yelled suddenly.

Totsuka was startled, but turned to look at Eric, the agony on the boy's face almost breaking the older foxes' heart, "Whatever for, Eric?" He asked softly.

"Tonight I-" Eric swallowed thickly trying to say things he wished he'd never have to.

Totsuka made his way over to Eric and placed a reassuring hand over his shoulder, "It's alright, you can tell me," he encouraged as he began to rub Eric's back soothingly.

Eric looked at him, face still contorted in a look of pure misery, but he continued, "Tonight I…I came here to kill you…" he finally said, just above a whisper. His voice breaking on the hard "k" sound that took the breath out of his lungs, and broke his heart to speak.

To Eric's surprise, Totsuka didn't pull his hand away. Instead he moved both hands to rest on Eric's shoulders and held him steady, "Was it on your father's request?" He asked calmly.

Eric was shocked that the other fox had figured it out so quickly and could only nod dumbly in response.

Totsuka gave him a soft smile, "Don't worry you were strong enough to not listen this time. You did the right thing, don't be angry with yourself. We'll go to Mikoto right now and explain th-"

Eric, who had been looking at the floor, was confused that Totsuka had stopped talking suddenly. Did he regret not getting angry with Eric? Was he going to strike him now instead of continuing to comfort him? Just as Eric finally gathered the courage to raise his head to look at Totsuka, the other man's grip on his shoulders slackened and he collapsed.

Eric was horrified as he instantly knelt down beside Totsuka's limp body. "Totsuka-san, what hap-" and right as he rolled the other fox over to assess what had happened, he finally noticed the shard of ice protruding from Totsuka's chest.

"I knew you were too much of a coward to go through with it, Eric."

The blond boy's blood ran cold at the rough voice that came from the other side of the room. As heavy footsteps drew closer, he grabbed Totsuka's body and held it protectively in his arms as he waited for his demise as well. But no blow ever came.

He lifted his head, slowly and came face to face with his father.

"Stop trembling, I'm not going to kill my own son. I still need you to take over this useless foxes' position," his father spoke callously, scoffing as he took a seat in Totsuka's chair.

"What makes you think I won't disappoint you again?" Eric asked, looking down at Totsuka's now lifeless brown eyes. He gently closed the healer's eyes but did not tear his gaze from his face.

"Well, if you tell them it was me I'd tell them you helped, which isn't entirely a lie either. You've already got his blood on your hands and you have the most to gain from his death. Do you think they'd forgive you and let you stay in the tribe if they found out the part you played in this?" his father asked.

The young blond fox was silent for a moment simply watching as the color faded from Totsuka's once rosy cheeks. Finally, he turned to his father, "What do you want me to say?"

"In a few minutes I'm going to leave and you're going to scream. When the guards wake up and come rushing in here, you tell them you saw one of the Blues do it. Tell them you came to ask a question and when you opened the door you found him lying on the ground with a Blue standing over him. Our clans' hatred for those Blue elitists alone is sufficient support for your story but the ice blade I used should serve to thoroughly convince them," he ordered more than explained.

Eric nodded numbly, ready for his performance, Totsuka still lying limp in his arms.

His father stood and began to make his way out through the back door of the small cabin, "I'll see you at home, Eric."

The boy stiffened and didn't look at his father's retreating figure, the suffocating fear from earlier had returned at the malice he heard in his father's parting words. When he screamed a few moments later, it wasn't as forced as he had imagined it would be and the anguish in the piercing sound was far more real than he expected it to be. Totsuka was dead, and it was all his fault.

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The scream woke up nearly every fox in the village. Mikoto wasted no time in getting up from his bed and running out his front door. Despite his usual lethargy, he never hesitated to act something threatened his tribe. As soon as he was in the open air he smelled it; blood – and not just anyone's blood – Totsuka's blood. When his sensitive nose picked up the scent he sprinted to his friend's home in a panic. His heart was pumping fast with fear and every second that passed as he ran in the direction of Totsuka's small house, was a second wasted. When he arrived at the entrance of Totsuka's home, Izumo was already there, standing in the open doorway.

"Izumo, what's happened?" He asked desperation apparent in his gravelly voice.

When he received no reply he raised his voice at his friend, "Answer me!" he demanded as he stepped closer to the silent Red fox.

"Totsuka is-" Izumo's voice was shaking as he spoke, his voice cracking before he could finish his statement.

This only heightened Mikoto's fears and elevated his agitation, "Totsuka is what?" He barked.

There was another pause as Izumo swallowed, loud and thick in his throat. Before Mikoto could question him again, his second in command finally answered.

"Totsuka has been killed by a Blue fox."

Mikoto's eyes flew open and something in his mind snapped. He couldn't see, he couldn't feel, he couldn't hear and he couldn't think. His body went numb at Izumo's grim statement. It was not possible. This wasn't happening, not now. This couldn't be real. This shouldn't be real. But when Izumo took a step into the small home, Mikoto's vision was restored and he sincerely wished it hadn't been. There – lying lifeless in Eric's arms by a pool of his own blood – was Totsuka.