CHAPTER 6

Mikazuki's return sent a ripple of shock and terror through the entire estate. Whispers filled every corner of the house, all of them shadowed by morbid hopelessness. For three long and solemn days, Death had stalked their halls, the feel of its icy cold breath an omen of ill news. The Healer, in his relentlessness, waged war with the unseen spirit, pulling Mikazuki back from the cusp of oblivion.

When word of Mikazuki's survival had reached everyone's ears, the chorus of cheers had shaken the very foundation of the massive house. Kogitsune had been happier than anyone in the entire estate, but as his fellow Swords embraced each other in joy and sweet relief, Kogitsune was engulfed by a wave of guilt. Mikazuki had almost died, and it was his fault.

"Did you hear me, Kogi-kun?"

Kogitsune blinked, turning towards the intrusive voice. Hana stared at him expectantly, her expression filled with concern.

"I'm sorry," he replied. "Did you say something?"

Hana frowned, disappointment bright in her pale blue gaze. "I asked if you wanted to go into town this evening. The festival begins tonight."

Kogitsune ran a hand through his hair, the thought of going out exhausting him to the core. "If you don't mind, I think I'll pass. Why don't you ask one of your friends to go with you instead?"

"I suppose I could ask Mai-chan to go, but I thought…" She paused, giving Kogitsune a pleading look.

"I know I promised to take you, it's just… with everything that's happened lately, I… I need some time to process."

Hana's eyes flashed with what looked like anger, but the emotion was gone before Kogitsune could identify it.

"What happened to Mikazuki-san wasn't your fault," she said stiffly. "It's been over a month since his return. How long are you going to punish yourself?"

"You don't understand."

"I'm trying to," she replied in exasperation. "But every time I mention his name you shut down. I thought you were over him, but the longer you sit here brooding, the more I start to realize the truth."

"And what truth is that?" Kogitsune asked in irritation.

"That you still love him."

Kogitsune stared at the beautiful woman sitting before him. She was perfect in nearly every way. Sweet natured and understanding, she was exactly the kind of woman any man would dream of marrying. Any man expect for Kogitsune…

"You knew what you were getting into when we started this," Kogitsune began. "I told you from the beginning I couldn't make you any promises."

"I know that, but…"

"Do you?" Kogitsune asked, cutting her off. "I'm starting to think you don't. If you did, we wouldn't be having this conversation right now."

"Can you blame me for wanting a future with you?" she asked frigidly. "We're good together. Why shouldn't I hope for something more?"

Kogitsune closed his eyes, rubbing them with his thumb and forefinger. He liked Hana, enjoyed her company. But he knew now that he could never give her what she hoped for. When it came to love, Kogitsune had already given his heart and soul to someone else. He had nothing to offer her or anyone for that matter. Perhaps one day Kogitsune would learn to love another, but that day wasn't today and that person wasn't Hana.

Kogitsune reached out and took her hand in his. "I'm so sorry, Hana, but I can't give you what you want. I care about you and your happiness, but I can't give you the companionship you deserve. I thought you understood that, but I see now you and I were never meant to be more than friends."

Hana snatched her hand free, and this time when her eyes flashed, Kogitsune could tell it was anger.

"You are cruel," she hissed. "I would have given you anything, but all this time you were simply using me to make yourself feel better! And you have the nerve to call Mikazuki-san selfish. You're no better than he is. If you ask me, you deserve each other."

Kogitsune had the good grace to feel bad for the pain he'd caused Hana, but it was because of her chastisement that he realized the truth in this moment. He and Mikazuki did deserve each other. In fact, Kogitsune was quite sure they were meant to be all along. As content as he'd been with Hana, Kogitsune could now say that he would rather have one good day with Mikazuki, than a thousand good days with the woman sitting just a few inches away.

"I think you're right," Kogitsune said, climbing to his feet and offering to help Hana up. "I just wish I hadn't had hurt you in order to figure that out. Words will never be able to express how truly sorry I am, Hana. I won't be foolish enough to ask for your forgiveness, but I will continue to hope for it."

Hana took Kogitsune's hand, rising gracefully to her feet. "I will grant you my forgiveness, Kogitsunemaru-san. For it will be the last bit of hope you will have in the days to come."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

Hana's demeanor turned icy cold, a small smile playing on her lips. "I know a secret about your precious Mikazuki," she answered, leaning up as if to kiss Kogitsune on cheek. "If I may, I suggest you spend as much time with him as you can."

Kogitsune grabbed Hana by her shoulders, pushing her away. "If you mean to harm Mikazuki, so help me, I'll…"

"I have no intentions of harming him," she answered dryly, breaking free of Kogitsune's grip. "If I were you, I'd be more concerned about what he's going to do to himself. Or rather, what Izo-sama intends to do for him."

"Say what you have to say, and be done with it," Kogitsune demanded. "I will not indulge your petty jealousy any longer than I have to."

Hana grit her teeth in silent rage, her true colors now proudly on display. "You will come back to me," she hissed, "crawling on your knees! The moment Mikazuki returns to the sword, you'll beg me to…"

"What?" Kogitsune exclaimed, his mind unable to process Hana's inadvertent revelation.

"You heard me," she smirked. "Izo-sama intends to place Mikazuki's spirit back into the sword, so the epiphany you just had about you and beloved is now irrelevant. Whatever future you thought you two were going to have was over before it even started."

CHAPTER 7

Mikazuki sat on the stone bench, his eyes closed and his head tilted back as he savored the warmth of the sun on his skin. It was strange, but the closer he drew to his inevitable passing, the more beautiful the world around him became. Just this morning he'd risen early to watch the sunrise; the combination of colors so incredibly breathtaking it brought him to tears. So many things he'd taken for granted in his lifetime. So many people as well…

"There you are."

Mikazuki turned at the sound of Nihongou's voice.

"I managed to escape my guards," Mikazuki replied with a huff of frustration. "But it's only a matter of time before they find me again."

"I saw Mai-chan on the way in," Nihongou chuckled. "She's barking out orders like a general in battle. She's got every servant in the house looking for you."

Mikazuki rolled his eyes, waving his hand dismissively. "I'm not a child," he remarked. "The way she treats me, you'd think I was a bloody infant."

"You've got no one to blame but yourself," Nihongou snickered, dropping onto the bench beside Mikazuki. "All this could've been avoided if you'd just…"

"Please," Mikazuki begged, holding up his hand to stop the male from finishing his sentence. "I've heard enough lectures to last me a lifetime. Izo-sama gives me one at least once a day. And if I'm really lucky," he added sarcastically, "twice a day. I'm starting to look forward to returning to the sword."

Nihongou stiffened, his hands clenching on his lap as he fought to remain calm. Needless to say, he disagreed with Mikazuki's decision to leave the mortal realm indefinitely.

"Sorry," Mikazuki whispered, resting his hand on top of Nihongou's balled fist. "Let's not speak of it anymore. Tell me, how've you been? You look well. If I had to guess, you've got good news to share with me."

Nihongou relaxed a little, color filling his cheeks.

"Well, go on," Mikazuki encouraged, bumping his shoulder against the blushing Sword's arm. "How is Chiyo? Have you finally confessed to her?"

"How did you…?"

"I know that look," Mikazuki answered with a knowing smile. "I imagine I've made it myself a few times. It's a shame I didn't realize what such a look meant until it was too late. You, my dear friend, are in love."

"I-I wouldn't say that," he sputtered. "We've only just met, and… and…"

Mikazuki couldn't help but laugh. Nihongou was always so confident and self-assured. Seeing him flustered was nothing short of amusing.

"…and you like her," Mikazuki deduced.

Nihongou's blush deepened, going from pale pink to bright red. "I don't know what I feel," he replied, looking helplessly at Mikazuki. "She makes me happy. Happier than I ever thought possible. After… after I lost my Saniwa, I didn't believe I could ever… feel like this again. I care about Chiyo, but I can't help but think I'm betraying my beloved Kimiko."

Mikazuki was familiar with the tragic tale surrounding the death if Nihongou's Saniwa, Kimiko Fujimoto. She was a powerful sage, and a trusted friend of Izo. In fact, Kimiko was one of Izo's advisors, making her a constant presence in the Yamamoto household. When word of her death spread, the entire Order went into mourning. Mikazuki had been among the bereaved, but it wasn't until recently that he'd learned of Nihongou's connection to Kimiko. The Yari and his Saniwa had been lovers.

"Betray her?" Mikazuki asked. "How so?"

"I loved Kimiko," Nihongou replied, his tone solemn and nostalgic. "I still love her. And when she died, part of me died with her. I kept thinking I'd never be able to feel like that again but… then I met Chiyo," he continued, his expression softening and his voice taking on a lighter tone. "I can't explain it, Jiji. For so long I was lost, but Chiyo… she found me."

"I'm happy for you," Mikazuki replied. "No one deserves a second chance at love more than you."

Nihongou sighed heavily. "That's the problem. The love of my life is gone, and here I am seeking solace in the arms of another."

"Is that so wrong?" Mikazuki asked, resting his hand on Nihongou's knee. "The love you shared with Kimiko-sama was real and true, but… she's gone now. Do you really think she'd want you to mourn her forever?"

"I don't know."

"Yes, you do," Mikazuki countered. "You know Kimiko-sama better than anyone else. She would want you to find happiness again, and you know it in the deepest part your heart."

"I miss her," Nihongou whispered in a broken voice.

"You can miss her and still find love again. Chiyo-san will never replace Kimiko-sama, and if I had to guess, she's not trying to."

"No," Nihongou answered with a sad smile, "she's not. In fact, Chiyo encourages me to talk about her; to remember who Kimiko was and how much I loved her. It's strange to find such a remarkable woman, isn't it? A person who's willing to share my heart with a ghost."

"You are exceedingly blessed. Chiyo-san sounds like an incredible woman. I only wish I could meet her."

Nihongou turned to face Mikazuki, taking the male's hand and squeezing it gently. "But you can. If you'd just… turn from the path you're on, you could…"

Mikazuki snatched his hand free, looking away from the determined glare of the Yari. "We've had this discussion at least a dozen times. The decision is made."

Nihongou sucked his teeth in irritation. "So I'm the only one who can find happiness again?"

"It's not the same."

"It is, you're just too bloody stubborn to see it!"

Mikazuki huffed in frustration. "I'm not like you. I'm not… capable of such love. Why can't you understand that? Something inside me is… broken. Beyond repair!"

"How can you say that? Everything you went through during the campaign, everything you're experiencing now, it's because you love Kogitsunemaru!"

"Don't you think I know that? This is exactly what I mean! You don't understand! None of you do!"

"Then help me to. Please," Nihongou begged. "I care about you, Jiji. I care about how you're feeling and I care about what happens to you. I wanna help you through this, but I can't do that it you don't let me in."

"I can't let you in!" Mikazuki exclaimed, angry tears of frustration pooling in his eyes. "That's the problem! My heart is filled with Kogitsune, and there's no room for anyone else."

"That's not true. In time you'll see that."

"Time?" Mikazuki spat, his tears now streaming down his face. "Let me tell you something about time. I love Kogitsune more than life itself, and the exact moment I realized that, is the exact moment I lost him. One second my entire world was filled with possibilities I never imagined, and the next every single one of them was snatched away! In the span of a single breath, I. Lost. Everything! I had love, Nihongou. It wasn't perfect, but it was beautiful, and I threw it away! I could live a thousand lifetimes, and never get back what I lost. Why would I want to stay here a second longer?"

"Because of me. Because of all your friends. We're your family, Jiji. We love you, isn't that enough?"

Mikazuki wiped the tears from his cheeks, forcing himself to calm. He closed his eyes, taking several breaths before answering Nihongou's question.

"I'm sorry my decision upsets you. Your reaction is part of the reason I haven't told anyone else my plans."

"I'm not surprised. If anyone else knew the truth, they'd tell you what a bloody fool you are."

"And I'd agreed with them," Mikazuki replied, turning back toward the brooding Yari. "But I'd tell them the same thing I'm going to tell you. I'm tired. I'm tired of finding reasons to wake up in the morning, and I'm sick of forcing myself to sleep at night. I want to be at peace, Nihongou. I want to feel… nothing. I know what it is to love completely and lose absolutely. Existing in this state is nothing short of torture."

"I know what you're feeling," Nihongou countered. "I know how hard it is to see the light when you're surrounded by nothing but darkness. But trust me when I say there is hope. You can be happy again. You just have to want to be."

Mikazuki smiled, cupping his friend's cheek comfortingly. "You and I are different creatures, Nihongou. Your heart is full of life and light, overflowing with warmth and love everlasting. But mine…" Mikazuki paused, squeezing his eyes shut in shame. "My heart is ice cold. The only warmth it's ever known was the love of Kogitsune. And now that it's gone, I…" he shook his head, staring up at Nihongou with pleading eyes. "I can't stay here," he finished in a quiet voice.

Nihongou pulled Mikazuki into his arms for a sudden hug, squeezing him tightly. "I'm gonna miss you."

Mikazuki rested his head on Nihongou's shoulder. "I'm going to miss you, too."

CHAPTER 8

Kogitsune rounded the corner, slamming blindly into Izo Yamamoto.

"Excuse me, I…" Kogitsune paled when he saw who it was. Instinctively, he took a step back, bowing reverently to his Saniwa. "Master, forgive me. I didn't…"

"What are you doing here?"

"I-I, uh… I came to see…"

"I know who you came to see," Izo answered, grabbing Kogitsune roughly by the arm and dragging him back the way he'd come. "The question is why?"

"Because I…"

"You know what," Izo hissed. "I don't care. You need to leave. Now!"

Kogitsune yanked his arm free, straightening his shoulders and standing to his full height. Izo was close to a foot taller than him, but he refused to back down.

"I'm not leaving until I see Mikazuki."

His master's right eye twitched ever so slightly, causing Kogitsune's heart to jump in his chest. Fear swirled in the pit of his belly, but not even the promise of a reprimand would deter him.

Izo took a calming breath, his rage just barely contained. "You can't be here right now."

"Why not? You can't hide him away like this! He's not a prisoner!"

"I'm not hiding him!" Izo snapped. "And would you please keep your voice down? I don't want him to know you're here!"

"But he needs to know I'm here! I have to apologize! There's so much I have to explain. Things I need to…!"

Izo snatched Kogitsune by the collar, slamming him so hard against the wall it sent the air rushing out of his lungs.

"I don't care what you need, or what you have to explain. This isn't about YOU!" Izo bit out. "The fact that you can't see that is reason enough to keep you away from him!"

"I didn't mean to…"

"I don't care what you meant to do," Izo hissed through clenched teeth. "If you had any idea the state Mikazuki is in right now, we wouldn't be having this argument!"

Without thinking, Kogitsune shoved his Master away, his hand instinctively going to his sword.

"Draw that weapon, and it will be the last thing you do," Izo warned, his voice dropping several octaves.

Kogitsune swallowed nervously, lifting his hands in surrender. "I would never harm you, Master. I would die sooner than draw my sword against you. It's just… Hana told me what Mikazuki plans to do. What you're planning to help him do!"

Izo sucked is teeth in irritation. "Can no one keep a secret these days?" he muttered under his breath.

"So it's true? You're going to put him back into the sword! That's tantamount to murder!"

"Which is why I'm trying to save his life!" Izo snarled. "He is broken, Kogitsune! In a way that you and I will never understand. I'm trying to help him work through his pain, but right now he is place where I cannot reach him. I'm doing everything in my power to keep him alive, but it will take time and patience."

"Let me help you," Kogitsune begged. "Keeping him isolated like this will only make things worse! You won't even let Tsuru-chan see him! He's Mikazuki's best friend, for gods' sake!"

"The last thing he needs is a swarm of people asking him how he's going. They'll offer him support and encouraging words, but those words will fall on deaf ears."

"What about Nihongou? He comes to see Mikazuki almost every day! Why is he allowed to see him and no one else?"

"Because Mikazuki has formed a connection with him. Nihongou suffered a great tragedy in his past. He lost someone he loved dearly, and her death is something he blames himself for. Mikazuki sees the guilt Nihongou carries as direct reflection of his own, and it is their shared grief that has brought them closer. But recently, Nihongou found the strength to move past his pain. He has found love again, and it's my sincere hope that his example will inspire Mikazuki to do the same."

"And has it?"

"That remains to be seen. Hope is a foreign concept to Mikazuki right now. He is in the midst of an internal struggle, and the only one who can save him is himself."

"I don't understand, Master. I'm trying to but I… I-I can't."

"It's not for you to understand, Kogitsune." Izo sighed heavily, his frustration and exhaustion etched into the lines of his face. "Do you want to know what he told me?"

Kogitsune nodded his head, desperate for any insight into his beloved's mind.

"He believes he is… flawed. I think his exact words were that he is 'fundamentally broken.' He is convinced he's incapable of experiencing or expressing love the way others do. And if he can't give you the kind of love you deserve; the one person in the world he's ever felt any kind of feelings for, then it's a logical assumption that he will never be able to love anyone ever again."

"That's ridiculous! He's filled with more love and passion than anyone I've ever known! That's why I get so frustrated with him! We were always on the brink of this great and incredible love! But every time we got too close, he'd pull away. All his… fake smiles and empty laughter. He pretended he didn't care. It was like nothing matter him! It was like… I didn't matter to him." Kogitsune ran both his hands through his hair, his tears building in the back of his throat. "I was wrong, wasn't I? I shouldn't have left him. He made this choice because of me, Master. You have to help me fix this."

"This isn't your fault, Kogitsune. There was no way to anticipate such a drastic response on Mikazuki's part. Unfortunately, what ails him can't simply be fixed. He's is on a dark and twisted path of self-discovery. As much as we want to help him, change and acceptance cannot be found until Mikazuki is ready to pursue a different path."

"And if he doesn't?" Kogitsune asked, pinning his Master with a beseeching look. "What happens if he stays on this same path?"

"Then I'll have no choice. I gave him my word. If Mikazuki has not reconciled his demons by the time he's fully recovered, then I will place his spirit back into the sword."

"But you can't!"

"I can and I will," Izo replied, his tone firm and unyielding. "My Sword is suffering. I will do whatever is necessary to bring him peace. Now go," the Saniwa commanded, "and leave me to my work."

Kogitsune clenched his teeth in muted frustration, but did as his Master ordered. The last thing he wanted to do was complicate an already complicated situation. Izo seemed to have a handle on things, so Kogitsune decided to concede defeat. For now…

CHAPTER 9

5 Months Later…

It had been quite some time since anyone had faced Izo in single combat. Though he was a sage and capable of wielding seemingly unlimited amounts of magic, he went into battle with a sword on his hip just like his soldiers. In all honesty, Izo was more skilled than most of the Swords in his service, so, in order to be cleared for battle, newly trained Swords were required to defeat him in combat.

Mikazuki had already proven himself capable of defeating his Master. In fact, the Sword held the record for the fastest disarm, relieving Izo of his sword in a shocking 7 minutes and 36 seconds. Naturally, as the entire household crammed into the indoor sparring room, excitement hung heavy in the air. And though gambling was frowned upon, Shokudaikiri Mitsutada was calling out bets and taking money in the remaining few minutes before the match.

Kogitsune took a seat by the door, leaning against the wall. Since he was taller than most of the people in the room, he would have a clear view of the upcoming battle. This was the closest to Mikazuki he'd been in months, so it was difficult to contain his eagerness. He'd lost count of how many times he'd tried to sneak into his beloved's rooms, only to be thwarted by Izo and his army of servants.

In his desperation, Kogitsune had resigned himself to observing Mikazuki from afar. Izo reserved the entire East wing of the estate for Mikazuki's use, and though its gardens were isolated from the rest of the household, one could get a clear view of them from the windows of the adjacent wing. Kogitsune spent hours in one of the second story bedrooms, observing Mikazuki's slow recovery through the glass of its windows.

The first couple of months were the worst. Mikazuki was so pale and thin, he looked like a ghost wandering the grounds. Even the shortest of walks exhausted him, so he was often shadowed by Izo or one the servants. Twice the male had collapsed, resulting in a visit from the Healer. Even from his distant perch, Kogitsune could see Mikazuki's pain and frustration. He appeared determined to recover, yet reluctant at the same time.

Fortunately, as the days passed, Mikazuki became stronger and seemingly more energetic. It wasn't long before his sword was back in his hands, testing his skills on either Nihongou or Izo. His expedient recovery filled Kogitsune with hope, helping him to remain patient as he waited for this very day. This battle was the last step in Mikazuki's recovery, and what Kogitsune prayed would be the first step towards their reconciliation.

"This is so exciting!" Tsurumaru chirped, skipping into the room. "It's been so long since I've seen Mika-chan fight. I hope he hasn't lost his edge."

Tonbokiri followed closely behind Tsurumaru's slight frame, nodding to Kogitsune before taking the seat beside his petite lover.

"Master personally saw to his re-conditioning," Tonbokiri replied, taking Tsurumaru by the wrist and pulling him close. "And knowing Saniwa-sama, he wouldn't have organized this requalification if he didn't think Mika-san was ready."

"True," Tsurumaru said, settling onto Tonbokiri's lap so he could see over the crowd. "I did manage to see Mika-chan briefly yesterday. He seemed to be in good spirits, so…"

Tsurumaru's words trailed off as the room quieted. Mikazuki entered from the side door, his head held high as he glided to his position. He was the embodiment of grace and elegance, his hands steady and his pale blue gaze crystal clear. To anyone in the room, Mikazuki was the picture of calm serenity, but Kogitsune could see the truth. Mikazuki was nervous. Terribly so. The smile on his lovely face faltered every so often, almost as if he'd forgotten he was supposed to look confident and self-assured.

"He's gained weight," Kogitsune remarked, speaking to Tsurumaru and Tonbokiri. "That's a good sign."

"Still got a ways to go," Tonbokiri replied. "Even from here I can see the way his clothes hang off his body."

"It's only been a few months," Tsurumaru interjected. "It's hard to regain muscle weight, especially since Mika-chan wasn't that big to begin with."

"Does he look nervous to you?" Mitsutada asked, squeezing into the spot in front of Kogitsune. "I've fought Mikazuki a thousand times, and I've never seen him look so…. so…"

"Stiff?" Shishiou offered, glancing over his shoulder and joining the conversation.

"Yeah," Mitsutada replied, "that's the word."

"He looks fine to me," Tsurumaru shrugged.

"He's not," Kogitsune said. "See how tightly he's gripping the hilt of his sword? You can see the whites of his knuckles from here. He's trying to keep his hand from shaking. And look at his left hand. He can't stop tugging on the tassel of his breast plate."

"I thought I was just imaging it," Mitsutada muttered, squinting as he examined Mikazuki more closely. "Good thing I put my money on Master."

Ookurikara, who was sitting quietly beside Shishiou, glanced over his shoulder, glaring menacingly at Mitsutada.

"What?" Mitsutada asked innocently. "I'm not the only one. Odds are four to one in Saniwa-sama's favor."

Ookurikara said nothing, but his eyes narrowed ever so slightly. Mitsutada swallowed nervously, loosening the collar of his shirt with his index finger.

"I can't change my bet now," Mitsutada muttered. "And it's not like I want Jiji to lose."

"Could've fooled me," Tsurumaru snorted.

"You guys act like I'm the only one who thinks Master is going to win!" Mitsutada exclaimed.

All the heads in the room turned to look at Mitsutada. The one-eyed Sword slouched down, trying to hide in the sea of people. Mikazuki turned to look as well, noticing Kogitsune sitting behind Mitsutada. They stared at each other for several moments, the look so intense it felt as if they were the only ones in the room. But, just like that, the moment vanished. Mikazuki looked away, leaving Kogitsune feeling cold and empty.

"Is it too late to make a bet?" Kogitsune asked.

"Not at all," Mitsutada winked.

"Good," Kogitsune said, digging out a handful of coins from his pocket. "I'll bet everything on Mikazuki."

CHAPTER 10

Mikazuki hadn't expected such a large crowd. He'd kept to his quarters for the better part of 6 months, so for many of the people in the room, it was his first time seeing them in quite some time. One person in particular was a surprisingly welcome sight. The thought of Kogitsune made his heart ache with longing and regret, but it was nice to see the male's face one last time.

Mikazuki and his Master agreed to announce his return to the sword this evening at dinner, but he couldn't bear the thought of facing his comrades afterwards. There would be outrage and angry objections, and though Mikazuki's mind was already set, he didn't want to have to explain himself to anyone. So, he decided he wouldn't…

He could hear Death's solemn call. It whispered to him, promising an eternity of blissful oblivion. All it would take was one poorly timed block and the pain would end. Mikazuki inhaled deeply, forcing himself calm. Why should he fear Death now? It was the only certainty in his crumbling world, so rather than allow his fear to take hold; he let it all go with an exhale.

Mikazuki bowed his head in a moment of silence, praying to whatever god was listening. He didn't ask anything for himself. Instead, he prayed for his Master, hoping the powerful sage would forgive him for what he was about to do. He prayed for his friends; the comrades he'd fought alongside for so long. He begged the Heavens to grant his extended family peace and acceptance; eternal joy and everlasting happiness. But, above all things, Mikazuki prayed for Kogitsune. He prayed the Sword would find the love he so deserved.

When Izo entered the room, Mikazuki lifted his head. He couldn't help but smile when his gaze fell upon the magnificent sage. If he had to choose a way to die, this would be it. At the hands of his beloved Master…

There was no exchange of words, only a slight nod of the head when both parties were ready. They took their fighting stances, pausing for the length of a second before lunging at each other.

What a rush! That was Mikazuki's first thought. It felt good to battle again; to let his body move to the natural rhythm of war. For a moment he forgot himself, allowing his mind to slip into that place between instinct and survival. But as fatigue started to seep into his bones, the thrill of excitement faded. Reality, in all its grotesque glory, reared its ugly head.

Now was the time to make his move. Here, at the height of battle. It would happen so fast, no one would ever see it coming. Mikazuki moved to block, but angled his blade so that it would glide just past the edge of his Master's. In the last second, he closed his eyes, waiting for the blade to pierce his chest. The blow never came, but a chorus of choked gasps and strangled cries still echoed through the room.

Mikazuki opened his eyes, blinking to clear his vision. Before him stood his Master, his blade covered in blood. Izo's green eyes were wide with shock and confusion, his sword slipping from his grasp and clattering to the ground. Mikazuki followed his Master's horrified gaze, gasping softly when he saw Kogitsune lying at his feet.

"What have you done?!" Mikazuki exclaimed, dropping to his knees beside Kogitsune.

"Too slow…" Kogitsune whispered through clenched teeth. "I-I… I saw…"

"Don't talk," Mikazuki ordered, tearing a piece of fabric from his sleeve and pressing it to the gaping wound in Kogitsune's chest. "I have to stop the bleeding."

"The Healer!" Izo commanded the room. "Find him and bring him here at once!"

"No," Kogitsune gasped, fighting through his pain. "Not much… time."

"Don't say that!" Mikazuki hissed. "Everything's going to be fine. The Healer will be here soon, and he'll…"

"I love you," Kogitsune said in rush, resting his palm on top of Mikazuki's blood-soaked hands. "I… I never stopped."

Mikazuki couldn't keep the tears from falling. They poured from his eyes without care for where he was or who would see.

"Damn you!" Mikazuki sobbed angrily. "You can't say that. Not now! It's not fair!"

Kogitsune laughed, but it came out as a strangled cough. "There he is," he breathed. "My Mikazuki. My fighter… my life… my love…"

Kogitsune went completely still, the light fading from his eyes at the exact moment he breathed his last breath…

To be continued...