The Bright Princess Loses Her Sun

by 5pudin

A young man confessed to Princess Kaguya. How would she respond?

3. New Moon

After being brought by the legion of bunnies, ordered by the princess, the young man is now inside a cage. A solid metal cage. Trying to get out, the young man was unable as the front gate had a lock. Shaking the metal bar won't do any good either, it is as sturdy. The young man looks around. It seems that he is in some sort of room. The young man was unable to discern where he was as his head was bound beforehand. The room was dark, only the small light coming from the gap of the front door(?) could be seen. He looked inside the cage and found nothing of interest. Nothing that would let the young man reach his freedom. The young man, his mind much more clearer, try to think back on what happened before all this: he confessed to the princess, get rejected, he tried again, failed again, found new love, happy with her, even almost getting married, house got burned down, wife's unconscious, treated by the doctor, lived with his first love, found out that his first love was the one who orchestrated the house fire, confront her, use force, and now, he's stuck in this adult size metal cage. Hah, how funny. The gods seem to love making him squirm. What a joke. Now what? Should he just wait? Wait for the end of time? Until the princess is satisfied? Till that creature is happy? As he is thinking, the light from the gap got bigger. It looks like that was a door. And the one who opened the door is someone that he now despises. Yes, it is,

Princess Kaguya.

"How are you feeling?" the princess comes closer. The young man did not reply, he only crawls away, until he reaches the end of the cage. The cage was not that big, enough space for an adult size human to lay on. The princess is now in front of the cage,

"I'm sorry that it has to come to this, but you have left me with no choice. With how you were acting, I'm afraid of the well-being of my people," the princess gaze at the young man, who is shrinking away in one of the corners. The young man eyes look at her, full of defiance, disgust, even. The princess continues, "I come here to check up on you. And, I'm glad that you are safe. I wish for us to be able to have a small talk, but I don't think that you are willing to," the princess looks down. She raises her head, "I'll come by again later. And, I hope that you would be willing to listen to me. To talk to me. And... ... I'll see you again," the princess stands up, gives a small bow, and leaves the room, closing the door, letting the room fill with dimly lit light again. The young man stays at the same position for a while, in case that the demon from outside is still there, before letting his guard down. He rests for a bit. Looks like the princess would be checking up on the young man regularly. Is she afraid? Remorseful? Or maybe she's there to gloat? It doesn't matter. Nothing of what the princess said would matter to the young man. The only thing that he would accept is he and his wife freedom. There's nothing that the young man could have done in the cage, so he lay down and close his eyes. The young man needs all the rest that he could get, in case that the princess tries something on him.

Not too long, the young man heard a noise coming from the door. He quickly gets up and the door is slowly opening. On the other side, a person is carrying what seems to be a tray. The person then slowly walks in front of the cage, setting down the tray. On top of it, it appears to be a plate of porridge and a glass of green tea. The person then sits down too. That person is of course,

Princess Kaguya.

"Hello," the princess starts, "How are you feeling today? You must've been hungry after sleeping the day away." The young man wouldn't know that. There's no window in this room. The only indication of day and night that the young man could ascertain are from the tiny door gap. When the young man was resting, the lights were never off. So, he couldn't tell whether or not the day has gone by. During the young man train of thought, the princess continues, "Today, I've tried my hands on making porridge. It was really hard. You have to make sure that the water level is just right and care for the amount of seasonings. Thankfully, Reisen was there to help me. We have already done the taste test and it should suit to your taste," the princess pick up a spoonful of porridge. She place one hand under to catch any fallen food, "Ahhh~" she mouthed out. The young man stays unmoving.

"Come on. Come closer. You need to eat. If you don't you won't have enough energy. Now ahh~~" the princess tries again. After a couple more, she drops the spoon, "I see. You're not hungry right now. That is fine," she stands up, "I will leave the food here. Eat whenever you are hungry. I'll come by later to pick up the plates," she bows and leaves the room. After a few more seconds, the young man relaxes. He comes closer and take a look at the food outside of his cage. With little light that he has, he could made out that it's a simple rice porridge. Upon seeing this, the young man stomachs gurgle. It's true, the young man has been hungry. How long has it been now? An hour? Half-day? Days? He can't tell. But there's one thing he knows: that he can't accept the food in front of him. Who knows what that horrid person put inside of the food. He rather be dead than rely on her. Having nothing else to do, the young man lay on the ground, the cage ceiling became his friend.

This continues several times: the princess would come and bring different food and drinks, she would try to feed the young man. If not, the princess came to tell stories. On how her day is. What the people of Eientei is doing. How she is annoyed by a certain immortal pestering her. Don't know what she means by that. But there is one thing the princess didn't touch on: why she ordered the bunny guide to burn his down? What lead her to do something like that. What grudge she have with his fiancee. But that is for the best. The young man wouldn't want to hear anyway. As this goes on, the young man stomach rumbles. He started to feel dizzy. His throat is dry, and his energy is leaving him. Even sleep wouldn't do much for him. The young man body desperately trying his best to live while his mind has already died. Why bother? The love of his life is gone. He don't know if she is alive or not. But the more that he stays here, the more that he believes that she is not. It's only a matter of time before he would reach the Sanzu River. The young man hopes that he could reunites with his wife and apologize to her. For leaving her alone for this long. During this, the door creaked open again. Strange. The princess has already come before. This is much quicker than before. Well, not like it matters. He'll just wait it out like he used to do an-

"Yo, you're still alive-usa?" a familiar voice calls out. The young man with low energy turns his head to the side, and he could make out a small stature. At first, he thought that it was the princess but the big fluffy ears on top of her head says otherwise. Yes, it wasn't the princess. The person from the other side was none other than,

Tewi.

The bunny guide walks closer to the young man's cage. Then, she sits down and place a plastic bag next to her.

"Woah, you don't look that good-usa," the bunny guide scans the young man. Why is she here? Is she here to mock the young man? To watch the misery of others? If so, how cruel. But that is to be expected from someone following order of that person. Whatever. She can do whatever she wants. It's not like it matters.

"Here. I got something from the store-usa," she rummages through the plastic bag. After a while, she places something inside the cage: an ordinary rice ball. "Don't worry, the princess didn't make this one-usa. I bought it from that one store you and the wife would go to. Bought one for myself to-usa. See? I'll prove to you that there's nothing wrong with it," as the bunny guide says that, she took a bite of the other rice ball, "Swee?" she says while chewing. 'See?' what? That the one she's holding is fine? What is she trying to prove? That proves nothing. What about the one that she gives the young man, untouched? Also, how dare she utter his wife's name. She's the one that led him to this mess. Whatever. Just ignore her.

"I also bought some tea. Don't know if it's to your liking though," the bunny guide look at the young man, seeing that he is disinterested with whatever she is saying. She scratches her head, "Alright alright, I'll cut to the chase-usa: it's about Miss Hikaru."

"..." the young man didn't respond.

"She's still fine. In healthy conditions even-usa."

... what? No, that can't be true. The bunny guide has to be lying. There is no way. The princess even said to her that she's dead. No, don't listen to her. She's lying. It's just another ploy of the princess. How sick.

"Well, you might not believe me-usa. But it's true," the bunny guide continues, "That day, when you overheard what the princess and I was talking-usa, she did say that she 'put Miss Hikaru to sleep', right-usa? Well, that part is true. However, half of its true-usa. You see, the princess wasn't the one personally does it: it was Miss Eirin-usa," the bunny guide, "I would like to tell you more-usa, but it feels like I be talking to a wall, and that's not how I operate-usa," the bunny guide place the rice ball on one of the young man's hands. He looks to where the bunny guide was, and she is currently munching on her rice ball. The young man took a gander on the rice ball placed on his left hand. Albeit wanting to die, his hands move on its own. The rice ball slowly moves to where his mouth is. The young man mouth open and slowly, bit by bit, the food enters his mouth. Slowly, he chews. He chews and he chew. Ah, how long has it been for the young man to taste food again. It tastes funny, strange, or rather, foreign to him. The taste of salt enters his mouth. Eventually, the rice ball ceases to exist. His stomach hurts. Having food enter after long due does that to a person. Slowly, the young man gets up to a sitting position. He looks at the bunny guide as she smiles, "Welcome back-usa, and sorry for waiting this long-usa," she places a bottle of tea inside the cage.

"Just tell me about Hikaru. About my wife," the young man impatiently says. It was hard for him to talk, after not having anything to drink for so long. He opens the bottle of tea and take a swig of it.

"Don't worry-usa. We got all night. The princess is in dreamland-usa,"she fishes out another rice ball and lightly toss it to the young man. The young man managed to get it, "Anyway, where was I-usa? Right right, Miss Eirin. Well, that parts a blur for me-usa. She kept on talking with her medical-jargon that it flies past me-usa. However, what I do know is, Miss Hikaru is fine and well. 'How' you might ask? Fufu, this rabbit has seen it with her own eyes-usa," she points to herself. The young man is unamused, "The room where Miss Eirin staying right now. The place where you put brought your wife in-usa, I went there. Rather, Miss Eirin brought me in. And I can say, with certainty that she is fine-usa. She's just sleeping right now. Miss Eirin has been taking good care of her. I know, it might be hard to trust me after this-usa, with what I have done to you and I could understand if you don't want to believe me-usa. But I hope that you can take thi- huh-usa?" the bunny guide talk was interrupted when she heard a voice inside of the cage.

"Hi-Hikaru... sh-she... is safe?" the young man says between tears. Hearing what the bunny guide says, tears start welling up. Hearing that his wife is still fine is a blessing to him. Thank you. He thanked to no one. The tears won't stop. Ahahahaha. The bunny guide stops what she is saying and ate in silence. After a while, the young man finally stops. How long has it been that he cried like that? Who knows. But that's not important right now.

"You're good now-usa?" the bunny guide asks.

"Ye-yeah... Sorry about that," the young man says between sniffles.

"Don't worry. Won't blame you for that-usa. Anyway, to cut things short-usa: your wife's fine. Miss Eirin is taking care of her."

"Thank you. Thank you thank you so much!"

"Well, you have to thank Miss Eirin for that. I'm here delivering a message," the bunny guide says, but there's a hint of happiness behind her words, "Now, on to another pressing matter: regarding the princess-usa."

"Yeah, what is up with her? I've never seen the princess act like this before."

"Neither have we-usa," the bunny guide took a bite, "This is the first for us too-usa. Never in our life would we see the princess act this undignified. Miss Eirin, who has been with her from the start was shocked to see that. Even she was shocked-usa."

If even the people that is close to her are bewildered by the sudden change of the princess, what would the young man know? Has she always like this? And all the princess-sy things that she've done was an act? Have the person that the young man admired, and used-to chased for, never existed in the first place?

"Well, Miss Eirin and I, we agree on one this one plan, but you won't like it-usa," the bunny guide took a deep breath, "We want you to be nicer to the princess-usa." The young man stopped from eating and look at the bunny guide in disgust, "Yeah, that's an appropriate response-usa."

Why the young man has to act nicer to his captivator? To the one that has ruined his life. He rather be sent eaten to the wild youkai than befriended his captive. And lest he forgets, the bunny guide has done some wrongdoings to the young man as well.

"I know-usa, I know! The things that I've done, not proud of that one-usa. But you have to understand, it was the princess's orders-usa. I couldn't go against that. She had done so much for me and my bunny buddies-usa."

"Oh, is that so? Then, wouldn't this be betraying your 'oh-so-perfect' princess?" the young man mocked.

"Sometimes, you have to know when to put your bunny foot down-usa," the bunny guide look down, "Anyway, Miss Eirin and I have decided that it's best you don't reject the princess too much-usa. Right now, we don't know what she's thinking. We're scared that she'll take drastic majors. Something that we wouldn't be able to guess-usa. The princess right now, how we see it, seems to be a lot on edge. She might be different here, but she looked a bit stressed out up there-usa. If you accepted her advances a bit, she'll maybe lower her guard down a bit. Maybe she'll let you out of this cage too-usa," the bunny guide took another bite.

What the bunny guide says has some merits to it. What the young man has been doing now is pushing the princess away. What if he does the opposite? What if he pulls the princess in, lowers her guard down, and let the princess free him by herself. But, to do that, he has to act nice to that person. Someone he has no interest in anymore.

"Well, you need time to think this through-usa," the bunny guide finishes her rice ball, "The princess right now is very fixated on you, you'll know what best-usa," the bunny guide stands up and started to clean, "However, if you did follow our plan, make sure to pull her in slowly. Don't do it too fast. We don't know how that'll affect the princess-usa. Anyway, I'll try to come often, even now it's a bit risky-usa," as the bunny guide says that, she turns and ready to leave.

"Wait," the young man call out. The bunny guide stands there, her back facing the young man, "I don't know what to believe anymore. I don't know if I could trust you. Maybe you're a proxy to the princess. Trying to curry favours from me. And I haven't forgotten that you burned my house down, prior to the princess request," the young man took a deep breath, "However, for telling me that my wif- Miss Hikaru is still alive, that gives me a bit of hope. Even if it's a lie, which I hope it isn't, you've carved my path forward. And with that, I thank you." The bunny guide stands there a few. Then, she puts out a peace sign and leaves the room. The room is now dimly lit and the young man is left alone. He has a lot going on today, but one thing for certain, he will get out of here. He believed that his wife is still alive, and he will meet with her. He made a promised to himself. With a full stomach and a clear mind, the young man lay down, and let his eyes rest. For the first time, he managed to get a good night sleep.

The princess comes again today. This time, she brings over some simple rice balls and a glass of green tea.

"Today, I made some rice balls for you," the princess says, "I would love to make you something more exquisite, but you probably miss something that is more home made. After all: simple is best," the princess smiles, "That is all for today. I'll be out of your hair so that you can enjoy your meal in pe-" before the princess finishes her sentence, the young man stretches his hands out of the cage. Slowly, he picked up one of the rice balls and place it in his mouth, slowly chewing and savoring it. The princess, stare wide-eyed and she lean closer, "A-ah, ah ah," the princess is speechless, only muttering nonsense, "You-you ate it. You're eating! Ah, ah thank goodness… thank goodness!" the princess breathed a sigh of relief. "Hey, hey. Is the rice ball good? I only added salt for today but-but if I had known, ahhh I wished I had put something more filling. Something more delicious. But-but is it good? Do you like it?" the princess question. The young man slowly chews, then, he nods. The princess smile from ear to ear, "Is-is that so? Thank goodness. Thank goodness," the princess relaxes, "Um, I know that this might be something impolite to ask, but, would you mind if I watch you eat?" the princess impishly asks. Another nod from the young man. The princess gives her usual smile and she watch the young man, moving side-to-side, happy seeing that the young man had finally open up to her, slightly.

But that is farther than the truth. The young man has no feeling for the princess anymore. No, that would be a lie. Disgust, is more appropriate. With the princess watching, he couldn't taste the rice ball at all. If he could, he would like for the princess to be as far away from him as possible. As far as Gensokyo to the moon. However, the young man has to act nice. After knowing that his wife is still alive, he has to live too. He would make sure that he will meet her again. So, he would follow what the bunny guide and the doctor had plan. The young man will make it that the princess lowers her guard. Make sure that the princess would open the lock to this cage herself. And he will make sure, that he escaped this placed with his wife with him. He promised.

And so, the princess would come to meet the young man, bringing him various dishes that the young man would like. The princess, more energetic than ever, tell many tales too. She would come down here and present her poem and brought in one of her bonsai tree that she cares for. The young man, however, would only respond by nodding and giving a small smile. The young man hasn't uttered a single word to the princess yet. The princess misses his voice. Despite this, the princess wouldn't give up! If this small setback would deter the princess, then she would strip herself of that title. The princess would make sure that everything returns to normal. Return to the start. Before that young man would meet that shameless harlot. Before she would taint him with her touch. Thus, the young man would chase for her again. Thankfully, that woman is no longer of this world. The princess has plenty of time. But what of the young man? Being a human means that he won't live as long as the princess. The princess wouldn't want to live a short live with the young man. Fufu, the princess has thought of that. And she has prepared of it. It is only a matter of when. When the young man would come around and swore his love to the princess, the princess would be ready. To give a part of her to the young man. And when that happened, fate is sealed. However, the princess has to be careful. The young man could be plotting something. Maybe he is trying to lower her guard. So that he is granted pardon. But she need not worry. As the princess has lived for many moons, and she has learned a lot from many people.

Another day comes by and the princess would bring the young man his meal. This time, is a simple fried rice. The same fried rice that the princess made to the young man after his house was burned down. But let's not talk about that now. Today, the princess managed to feed the young man with her hands. Another accomplishment for the princess! Ah, she doesn't mind if she had to stay like this with the young man. She doesn't mind if she watches him all day like this. But, the princess has greedy thoughts on her. She wished for the young man to speak to her again. To say something. And maybe much more. However, the princess has to be patient. It's only a matter of time before he would speak again. After mealtime is finished, the princess starts cleaning up and was getting ready to leave, then,

"… princess,"

a voice could be heard from inside the cage. Ah, no way. No way no way no way. It-it couldn't be. The princess looks up to the cage. Inside, there is only one man. The soothing voice that the princess has been yearning for after so long. Yes, it was none other than,

the young man.

"Y-yes, di-did you say something?" the princess stutters, surprised by the sudden noise.

"Thank you, for bringing me food every single day. It was delicious," the young man smiles. The same smile that lit up the princess's day.

"Ah, than-thank you. It means a lot to me when you say that." Ah, how wonderful. The young man has started to speak again. Not to mention, the first thing he did was complimented the princess! How kind! How gentlemanly of him. Ah, of course, this is the young man she is talking about. Ah, this is bad. The princess feels like crying. But she can't. Not in front of the young man. That would be undignified of her. A princess shouldn't easily shed her tears like that.

"Also," there's more?! "For the past days, I've been thinking. Princess, you have been so kind to me. And, that led me thinking. My feeling has started to change. Before, I would loathe you with all my heart," the princess's heart sinks hearing that. She couldn't fault him for thinking that. What she did was inexcusable, but-but she only did it for him. Honest, "but now, my heart started to act weird. Whenever you're close to me, I became unable to think clearly. You are the only person that I think of when you're not here with me. So, princess, I would like to express something to you," the young man takes a deep breath, "… I like you, would you please go out with me," the young man lowered his head, and exclaimed his 'love'. The princess is stunned. There's a lot going on right now. The young man loves her? Is this true? Is this right? Is he lying? Playing her as a fool? Before thinking long, the princess asks,

"Then, what about Miss Hikaru?"

"As for Miss Hikaru," the young man right hand rubs his left arm, "Maybe because of the constant rejection, I tried to run away from you. I tried to place something else, someone else to replace you, but my feelings for you haven't changed. I love you, princ- no. I love you, Kaguya," the young man explains.

The princess listens in to the young man explanation. She thinks back to before this situation even happened. Judging by his reaction before, he looked very serious for his love to that harlot. Maybe he's lying right now. To lower the princess's guard. But,

I love you, Kaguya. love you, Kaguya. Kaguya. Kaguya. Kaguya.

the young man expression of love is ringing through her head. Hmph. The princess won't be easily swayed. She has lived for many moons. She knows all the tricks that her suitor would employ. If this is all that what it takes, then the princess is a fool. A fool of fools. A fool that led her kingdom to ruin. The princess has her wits with her. There is no way that the princess would take this at face value.

"Really?!" the princess's face beam in excitement.

"Hey, really really? You really love me? Really?" the princess incessantly asks, making sure that the young man is telling the truth. The young man nods. Ah, so it's true. He loves her. The young man loves her. He has finally come back to her side. The bunny has hopped back to her. The sun has left his hiding place. The time that the princess wished for has come, "Eh-ehehehe," hearing that the young man loves her so much is a bit embarrassing.

"Um, coul-could I make a request?" the princess meekly asks. The young man waits for the princess to continue, "Would you… say my name again?" The young man smiles,

"Kaguya,"

"… once more."

"Kaguya."

"again."

"Kaguya." Ah. Ah ah ahahahaha how lovely. How wonderful. Every time the young man called out her name, it sends shiver to the princess's body. Oh, how long has it been for the princess to hear that. To hear the young man called out her name. Usually, he would put the princess before her name. But to hear only her name called out, feels different. It feels delightful. The princess can act a bit greedier, no?

"The-then, would you mind lending me one of your hands?" the princess asks. The young man follows the princess's order and put out his right hand outside the cage. The princess slowly reached out to it, and upon reaching it, clasps it gently at first. After a few more playful presses, the princess firmly grasps the young man's hand. She then put it closer to her face, the part where the young man has once hit her. Ah, how warm. How comforting. This is how it should have felt when the young man touches the princess. Not like that day before. The memory is still ingrained inside the princess's memories but after experiencing this, the princess doesn't mind anymore. She forgives him. After all, she is benevolent. She would lay bare all of her if the young man asks her to. But this isn't enough, the princess wanted more.

"Ne-next, I would like for you to pet my head," the princess demands. The young man agrees. He moves the hand that was on the princess's face to her head. Slowly, he moves his hand side to side. Back and front. The young man could feel the princess's silky hair from this. And the princess could feel the rugged, strong hand of the young man. The princess closes her eyes as he continues on with the patting. Ah, bliss. Happiness. The princess is in heaven right now. Is she dreaming right now? Please let it not. What face is she making right now? She hoped that it isn't something unsightly. But it should be fine. The young man would forgive her. He would give the princess everything. More. The princess wants more.

"Lastly, I would like a kiss," the princess orders. Of course, the young man would willingly kiss her. But she still needs to ask him for consent. If not, it would be consider assault.

"Of course, Kaguya. But" the young man tap the cage, "I'm still stuck inside while you're out there. It's difficult to kiss here no?"

"Oh-oh right right. Hahaha how silly of me. Let me," the princess searches her sleeves in a flurry. During her searches, she reminds the young man, "I will be opening the lock, but I need for you to still stay inside the cage. I know that it is unreasonable of me to ask you of this, but I worry for your safety an- Oh, there it is," the princess procure a key. The princess quickly unlocks the gate and slowly she gets inside. The princess is now directly in front of the young man.

"Uhm… I'm sorry to say this, but… this is my first time to do this sort of activity, and I'm not quite verse in it. Would you be so kind, to initiate first?"

"It's an honor, Kaguya. Please, close your eyes," the young man instructs the princess. The princess follows what the young man says and waited. Waited for the magic to happen. A hand is placed below her chin. Then, it happens,

*chu*

a light peck was felt on the princess's mouth. She opened her eyes to see the young man in front of her. Ah, that was a kiss. A kiss. Joining of two mouths together. What is this? This feeling inside the princess's chest. It pounds harder and harder. It wanted more. More of that.

"Again," the princess orders.

Another peck.

"Again."

Peck.

"Again."

No, the pounding is dying. This is not enough. It needs to be stronger. More strength. Even longer. Deeper. Similar to the books that the bunny peddler has. The princess won't be satisfied with this. The princess grabs the young man head and promptly plants her lips to his. The young man was surprised but he let the princess act. The princess moves her tongue around his and danced around inside. The taste of the fried rice from before is present. But that doesn't matter. The pounding is back. The good feeling is back. The princess's face feel hot and flushed. Her brain is happy. The princess wanted more. More. The princess wants to taste everything inside of the young man. His mouth. His lips. His teeth. His tongue. His gums. His blood. If he is to vomit right now, the princess would accept it. She would accept everything of the young man. Just like he would accept everything of the princess. Her whole body feels hot. It feels strange. But good. She doesn't want this feeling to go away. Her nether region feels hot. She wants more. More. More. More more more more

"!" the young man tapped the princess's body. He is running out of breath! Any longer and he would faint. But the princess doesn't stop. She kept on going. He could feel the princess's tongue swirl around inside. Dancing with his. But this needs to stop. For his sake. But the princess still wouldn't budge. No choice then! The young man forcefully pushed the princess away from the deep kiss. The two look at each other, taking quick breaths along the rest. A strand of saliva still connects from the two mouths. The young man is flushed from the lack of air while the princess stands still from the kiss. The princess eyes are cloudy and a small tear is sitting on her eyes. Her face is flushed and it seems that she isn't looking at anything anymore. The young man took this chance to relax from the princess's assault. But that didn't last long.

The princess starts to undress. More and more of her piece that she wore are being stripped away by the person herself. Not too long, the upper part of the princess clothes has now gone. Then, the princess starts trying to remove the young man's clothes. The young man pushed and held her arms up high.

"Kaguya! What are you doing?" the young man asks.

"It's hot," the princess mouth moves on autopilot. She's clearly not thinking straight anymore. Then, she continues, "You should also remove yours too," the princess tries to move her hands closer to the young man's shirts but was stopped.

"Wait wait wait huh?!" the young man confused, "Why should I?"

The princess tilts her head, "? Isn't it obvious? The next step after kissing is copulation. Clothes would just be a hinder to these activities," the princess puts more strength to her hands. This is bad. For some reason, the princess – the one he thought was dainty as a sakura flower on a breeze- has some strength to her. If this goes on, the young man would have done the deed with the princess. He needs to do everything he can to avoid that. Think, think! Out of solution, the young man just springs into action: he hugged the princess. The princess naked body. The young man could feel the modest breast, and two pointy nips touching his chest. The young man could feel the princess's heartbeat. It is skyrocketing. The young man held the princess for a couple of seconds, but the princess doesn't resist. Soon after, the princess speaks,

"H-huh? Wh-what happened? I- Huh?! H-hug?" the princess is confused. She doesn't seem to know what is happening. W-why is she half-naked?

"Are you okay, Kaguya?" the young man speaks. The princess look back to the young man and scream. The young man quick to let go of the princess.

"Wh-what? What is going on?" the princess is confused, she tries to cover up her chest. The young man looked away,

"Would you please put on your clothes, Kaguya," the young man says. Hearing that, the princess quickly picks up the pieces of clothes and put it on. After the princess finish wearing her clothes, the two of them stays in silent. The young man was the first to break it. He explained to the princess what had happened. The princess listened and turned embarrassed, her face bright as a tomato.

"I I'm really sorry!" the princess prostrates. How embarrassing! For the princess to act uncouth like that. Just like a bunny in heat. Why did she do that? She doesn't even remember what she did. But that doesn't matter. What matters is she is the one who had done it. And to the young man no less! He would definitely hate her. No one likes a pushy girl. If the young man hated her, her heart would sank. She doesn't want him to hate her. The princess finally managed to get the young man to open up and she ruins it. Stupid stupid stupid!

"Raise your head, Kaguya," the young man says, "I'm not mad."

"… truly?"

"Really. I'm not mad. It's an honour to be desirable by the princess. Now please, raise your head."

The princess was reluctant to at first, but hearing the young man forgives her, she raise her head. And look at the young man. Ah, how kind of he. The young man still accepts her even when she acts like that. She needs to be better. To be someone that would be able to stay by his side. "Thank you very much. I apologize again for showing you something unsightly of me. I truly apologize," the princess bows her head slightly, "I know that this is improper, but I have to cut this short. I don't know what happened to me that time and I'm afraid that it would happened again. I hope that we are able to speak like this again," the princess leaves the cage. But before she leaves, she re-lock the cage again. The princess picks up the plates, and leaves the room. The young man is all that is left in the room.

After the princess left, the young man starts to feel sick. He placed his hand at his mouth as he was almost ready to barf. Thankfully, he managed to hold it in. His mouth tasted like stomach acid now. What was that? What happened to the princess? The young man had never seen the princess like this. He feels that the princess eyes bore through him. Like how a predator would lock-on to their prey. He doesn't understand. He thought that it would be fine if he gave her a bit of acceptance. But the young man never thought she would advance that quickly. He had to apologize to Hikaru. For his lips had been tainted by another person. After all that, he felt tired. The young man lay down. Huh? Strange. The young man wasn't able to sleep tonight.

The princess came every meal time. The princess would do the same as before but now with the addition of skinship. Thankfully, the princess never enter the same state as that previous day. Also, she now brought in something to refresh himself: a bucket of water and towels. The princess insist on washing the young man. The two managed to settle that the princess only washes the back. After many nights, the young man has finally able to sleep again.

One day, the door opens early again. That usually means the bunny guide would come over and hangs around. It was a nice change of pace rather than the usual princess. However, tonight, a different person came. It is someone the young man knew. He was under her teaching for a few months. Yes, it was,

Miss Eirin.

The doctor walks closer to the young man's cage. She crouched down. The doctor has always been tall for a woman.

"How are you feeling right now?" the doctor asks.

"I'm good but that's not important right now. My-my wife. Hikaru. Is she well? What happened to her?" the young man impatiently asks.

"It seems that Tewi managed to relay my message on to you. I'm glad," the doctor smiles, "Hikaru is fine right now. I've been taking care of her in my spare time. The princess never caught wind of it, surprisingly."

"What did you do to her, doc?"

"? Tewi didn't mention this? In short: I laced her food with sleeping pills. I know, it might not be appropriate of me as a doctor to do this, but you know Hikaru, always the adventurous one. I have to keep her in place. She kept looking for you whenever she could and I couldn't let her roam around. The princess would find her. She really loves you, that girl. She would tell stories of you from day to night if she could."

"Is that so? Th-thank you. Thank you so much doctor!"

"I'm sorry to cut this reunion short but we're running out of time: you need to leave tonight."

"... huh?"

"The princess, she intends on making you an immortal."

" whuh?" the young man flabbergasted. What did she just say? Immortal? What is she talking about?

"I know you're confused right now, but I don't have time to explain. Tonight, she intends to feed you her liver to make you immortal and you need to leave, leave to the Hakurei Shrine, and seek protection from Reimu, now."

"Hah? Liver? Immortal? W-what are you talking about do-"

"We don't have time!" the doctor cut the young man's questioning, "Right now, Tewi is distracting her from coming over by making her bathe with some of the bunnies around here. She usually takes around an hour or so, so that's how much time that you have."

"Well, doc, you see, I can't move from here. The cage's loc-" saying that, the doctor procure a key.

"Don't worry. There has always been two keys for this cage. She gave one to me as well." the doctor opens the lock and the cage is open. The young man thanked the doctor and starts to run towards to where his wife is. He hadn't even have time to taste this freedom. But before leaving, the doctor gave something to the young man: a pill.

"What's this doc?" the young man asks.

"It's cyanide pill. Its other name: suicide pill. Take this if you refuse to live as an immortal. But make sure you take this before the princess feeds you anything, you got that? But, let's hope that you don't have to take it at all." the doctor looks down. He doesn't understand the gravity of the situation, but he took it with him, as a precaution. The young man thanked the doctor again and he makes his way to the doctor's room.

He makes his way to the doctor's room. On his way, the bunny peddler and the young man lock eyes with each other. Feeling afraid, the young man tries to persuade the bunny peddler but the bunny peddler was the one who ran away from him, muttering something. She looks a bit hysterical, but he has to ignore her, another person awaits.

And the young man arrived. The place where his wife rested. After so long, he could finally see her again. There's so many things that he wants to say to her. How he misses her. How he love her. How he now swore that he would protect her with his life. And other things that he would have done for her. The young man only need to take this few steps: open the door, enter, leave. That's it. If he succeeded, he would be home free with his wife. But first, meeting with his wife. The young man open the bamboo door and inside, a bed rest in the middle of the room. A person is laying on top of it. The young man quicken his pace and stands next to it. It's her. The love of his life. Her small face, her cute nose, the small amount of freckles that she dislike, but was kept reminded on how the young man loves it. Yes, the person on the bed, is none other than,

Hikaru.

Ah, ah. The young man lays his head on her body, hearing her hearbeat. Badump. Badump. Ah, ah she's alive. She's alive. Thank goodness. Thank you. A small amount of tears came out of the young man eyes. He can't believe it. She's alive. After all this time, when he was waiting for her, hearing from the princess that she's gone, she's still alive. When the bunny guide told him everything, he had doubts whether or not Hikaru was alive or not. Even when the doctor came, he had doubts. Doubts that this is all too good to be true. However, they were right. She's alive. Hikaru is alive! She's sleeping right now. Probably due to the sleeping pills that the doctor gave her. Certainly, taking medication when you didn't need to could lead to failures in the long run. But for now, it's fine. It's better to be alive than dead.

The young man rubbed his eyes. There's no time to be crying. He needs to carry his wife out of here. Out of this place. But where to? The doctor had said to go to the Hakurei Shrine. To where the red white shrine maiden lives. But then what? Would they live there until this whole situation died down? What about the princess? Would she chase them until the end? Or would she find another target of amusement? That kind of thinking can wait. He needs to start walking. The princess could have left the bath at any second. He'll figure something out. Not only for his sake. But for his wife sakes as well. And so, the young man, while carrying his wife, left Eientei, and into the Bamboo Forest of The Lost.

The young man run. He run and run and run. He run from bamboos to the next. Thicket after thicket. Where is he going? He doesn't know. He couldn't tell either. The bamboo forest at night is dark. Only the reflection of the moon would be his light. He stop to catch his breath. The Bamboo Forest of The Lost. The place has its fair share of history. Whoever enters the forest, would be consider dead, wandering to and fro from bamboo to bamboo. The bamboo here feels different from normal bamboo. It feels like it grows at an accelerating rate. Tales of people who went missing has become a regular. That is before a certain guide start guiding the people who enters the place. Someone is seen wandering around here, guiding people who had enter the place, bringing them back to where they came from. The young man had met with the bamboo guide. She is most friendly, but likes to keep it to herself, loved to listen to other people stories. That's also how he managed to get to and fro Eientei in the first place. But without her, the young man is lost. Unaware to where he is. Shoot, how did he managed to get here in the first place? During the fire, how did he managed to bring his wife here? He just ran during that time, and managed to reach there. Why can't he do it now? When he needed it the most? Ahhhhh whatever. He just needs to run. Run before she notices that he's gone.

The young man runs until he reach a small clearing. Wow, he can't tell right or left in this place. How long has he been running? It's tiring. But he's not in the clear yet. Until he reach the Hakurei Shrine, that person is still chasing after him. Now, where to next? Before he could take another step, he hear rustling from behind. No, it can't be. He's scared. He's scared to turn around. Worried that his worst fear would come true. But he has to turn around. He turn around, and luck is never on his side. Slowly, a silhouette emerge. A figure he knows too well. She walks forward, until she is out in the clearing, visible for the young man to see. The person that has stayed with the young man for the past few days. Yes, it was none other than,

Princess Kaguya.

"Why are you out here, Dar~Lin~G?" the princess says in a sing-song manner. Her appearance looks horrible: dishevel hair, dilated pupil, and a part of her outfit is stain with red. Something is dripping below. The young man would not want to question it, to save him of his sanity, "I ask Eirin and found out that she let you out. How silly of her~ She knows that she shouldn't have done that~. I've given her that order before but it seems like she betrayed me, again," the princess smiles, but no warmth is felt from it, "That Tewi too. How bold of her. To think that she would have complot that with Eirin~. Looks like those two need a bit of . .~" the princess then lock eyes on what the young man is holding, "Oh my~ who is that? Darling, is that that harlot, Hikaru? How strange~ I thought Eirin had already dispose of her~? I thought it was weird, seeing how you were so willing of me~. Darling? Didn't you say that you hated that harlot? You love me, don't you? You never even consider Hikaru as a woman, right?" the young man stays silent. The princess notices and continues, "Or, were you lying to me?" the young man is trembling. It's strange. It's only the princess, but there's something off about her. She feels more dangerous than before. If he was alone, the princess would forgive the young man. He would say something to soothe her and the cycle would continue. But with Hikaru here, that all change. The princess knows that the young man is half-lying.

"I see," the princess lowers her gaze, "Even now, that girl is getting in our way. Even now, she still lives inside your mind. I don't like that. I hated that. Ha. Ha. Ha ahah ahah ah aha ha! This is perfect! Darling! Hand her to me. I only need to sever her life and everything would return to normal. No more of this childish make believe between you and that wannabe me. After all, I'm the only one you need. Just like how you're the only that I need. A moon princess needed the sun to shine bright. Now, if you would please, darling~" the princess walks closer to the young man. In response, the young man held Hikaru tightly. Tighter than he ever could. The princess notices and scrunch her nose, "I see. You're still ensnare by that woman's taint. But that's okay! I will relieve her of you. Then, then everything would be returning to normal! You, me, in Eientei! Don't worry. This will only take a minute, I'll free you of her clutches, Dar~Lin~G!" with that, the princess rushes forward. Her target is clear: Hikaru. The person that stands in the way of her and the young man. The young man tries to move, but he couldn't. His feet is planted firmly to the ground. To be exact, is shaking. He can't move. He is afraid. Afraid on what the princess might do. Not only to him, but to his wife as well. Is this it? Is this the end? Would he lose everything? His home. His life. His freedom. His wife. Hahaha, how laughable. There's nothing left, is there? The young man close his eyes. He held his wife as tightly as he could. Nothing in this world would pry his hands off of her. There are many things left he would like to do: apologize to the bunny peddler, have a drink with the bunny guide, thanked the doctor for teaching him the way of the medicine, and live with his wife. But that won't matter anymore, does it? Ah well. It was a fun ride. The only thing that he wished is for Hikaru to be safe. And for her to live happy. Even without him. That's all. The steps are getting closer. From the front and the back.

... the back?

Just then, a tug from the young man's neck shirt from behind, came a blur of motion. And the next thing, he heard an audible "bwah" came from in front and the princess goes flying back. Slowly, the young man look to the thing that has send the princess flying. It is someone he recognized. The same person that have been guiding him inside the bamboo forest. The bamboo forest guide. Yes, it was none other than,

Mokou.

"Yo princess. Long-time no see!" the bamboo guide smiles, her knee raised.

"Mo... Mokou. Guh," the princess holds her stomach, the place where she was kneed.

"Oi oi, is that it? A little bit of knee and you already down for the count? Hah. You've gone soft, princess."

"Sh-shut up, you father-con."

"Ahahaha, is that it? That's the best comeback you got? Man, there's something wrong with you right now. Maybe it's your head. Oh wait, that's an everyday thing. Ahahahaha!" the bamboo guide laughs, mocking the princess. The princess gives a scornful look to the bamboo guide. Those two always had a history with each other. Then, the bamboo guide put out a note, hidden from the princess's eyes. It reads:

I herd from Tewi whats happening,
run from where I came from,
i'll distract her,
tewi already put marke follow,
dont look back, run

after the young man (presumably) finished reading, the note combust in flame. With new resolve, the young man slowly gets up. His wife is still sleeping soundly.

"Ahahahaha, that's rich, coming from someone who's only seeking revenge for her father after he got rejected by me. Awh, is the little girl sad that his papa won't give her any attention? Is this what this is all about? Is she lonely from having no one to touch her at night? Would you like some warmth? Why not just burned yourself forever. That way, you'll probably feel the warmth of another person you 'I'm a lone wolf kind of person-er' bitch." the princess retaliates, she still holds on to her stomach.

"I'll kill you," the bamboo guides quickly replies. On her hands, a ball of fire emerges. As if on cue, the young man starts running. Running to where the bamboo guide came from.

"Wai-wait, darli-" before the princess could finish, the bamboo guide throws the fireball at the ground, in front of the princess.

"Woah, woah woah, princess. Your dance partner is me tonight," the bamboo guides taunt.

"I don't have time for this, Mokou! Out of my way!" the princess lunges forward.

"Over my dead body, Kaguya!" the bamboo guide follow suit.

Some sounds could be heard from behind the young man. Albeit curios, he had no time to look. He has to take the chance that the bamboo guide has given him. He run and run. And now he's lost again. He has no idea where to go. But then, he saw a ball of white. Turning to it, he saw multiple ball of white. They, they're bunnies. Is this what the bamboo guide was talking about? He just has to trust it. So, he run, following the white bunnies. He'll believe the direction that it'll bring him.

Then, he comes to another clearing. No more white bunnies in sight. The young man has to take another rest. Carrying an adult person while running is no easy feat. He feels faint. The young man places his wife on top of his lap. He knows that he should run. But, the bamboo guide is strong. He has seen her fought with the princess before. And they are evenly match. So, it should take them a bit longer before the fight ends. This should be a great opportunity for the young man to rest. The young man takes a look at his wife. She's still sleeping soundly. How strong of a pill did the doctor gave to her? But, seeing her like this, it brings tranquil to him. She gives him the energy to move forward. Just a bit more. Just a bit more until this is all over. Until the normal would reach the young man again. The young man places his hands in one of the pockets. There, he pulls out the small pill that the doctor gave him: the suicide pill. She said something about the princess wanting to make him an immortal? He doesn't get what she means but he never intends to live forever. Sure, it sounds wonderful. Having all the time in world. But, having too much can get a bit boring. Maybe that's what the princess is experiencing right now: boredom. But, she shouldn't really involve other people for it. Well, no use in thinking of the princess now. It'll all be over soon. However,

"Found you, darling~" a familiar voice popped up from behind. Hands emerge from behind and the young man was forcefully yanked up. In doing so, Hikaru head was abruptly planted to the ground. The young man tussle with the princess and the both of them ended on the ground, a bit further from Hikaru was. The princess lays on top of the young man. His hands are being pressed down by the princess, "There you are~~ How are you feeling? Are you hurt? Has she done anything to you? Do you think that you could run away from me?" a flurry of question came from the princess. The young man refused to answer, instead, he focused his energy on trying to escape her grip. The princess, discontent with the young man's non-answer, re-direct her focus to Hikaru, "I see~ Well, there's something that I need to do~. Someone that I needed to finish off a very long time ago,"

"Princess, wait!" the young man pleaded. The princess's gaze is still fixated on Hikaru. Not good not good! The young man called out to the princess many times and she still won't move. If this goes on, the princess would really off Hikaru! Then,

"KAGUYA!" the young man screamed out. Only then, did the princess turns back to him. Now what? What should he say to the princess. Before the young man could think of an answer,

"Why? Why would you go this far?" the young man asked. The words just flew out of his mouth. Maybe this is something that has been in his subconscious for a very long time.

"... why?" the princess repeats. She looks at the young man a few seconds before taking a deep breath,

"I don't know. But for some reason, I have to have you. My heart yearns for you. It won't stop until you are near me. I like it when you called out my name. It sends shiver all over my body. I love it when you compliment me. It made me feel special. I love when you find joy in the little things. It shows you your child-like wonder. I love it when you eat my food. It feels that a part of me have enter your body. I love your hand. It's warm, rugged, and it gives me a sense of protection. I love when you breathe. It shows that you're alive. I love how you always tries your hardest on the silliest little things. You were someone who won't give up easily. I love when you follow my silly little wishes. It shows how important I am. I love your sleeping face. It gives me a sense of tranquil, staring at it. I love when you yawn. That means that you have sleepless night, thinking of me, right? I love it when you are right next to me. It gave me a sense of relief. Please don't ever leave me again. I love it when we feed each other. It feels like we're one in body and mind. I love how you touch my head. It made me feel warm fuzzy inside. I feel lonely when you're not here with me. It feels a part of me died. I became worried when you left. Did you return home safely? I love it when you kissed me. My brain turned to mush whenever we done so. I wished that we could do that again. Forever would be a nice limit. I love your smile. It shines brighter than anything in the world, even beating the sun. I also hate that you give that smile to other people. You should only show that to me? Okay? I hate that you have a lot of female friends. What'll happened if they started to like you? Only I'm allowed to do so. I hate that I couldn't sleep without thinking at you at night. You kept on invading my dreams, so you should take responsibilities for that. Did I mention how wonderful you smell? It has this smell that could captivates people. If they sell your smell, I will purchase all of it. Did you know that when you look at other people, it made me feel jealous? Have you ever considered that? I love your body. It shows how strong you are. How that back would protect me in my dire need. I hated that other people are the one you used your body on. You should treat yourself better. I know that you were sick once when trying to care for the Human Village. If you were to ever get sick, I would do everything to nurse you back to health. I hate how kind you are to people. I hate the fact that I feel jealous when you talk to the people at Eientei. I hate how clingy I have become. I hate how you have changed me so much, but you never noticed it. Did you noticed that I changed shampoo yesterday? I changed it yesterday to see your reaction. But you seem to not notice. But that's fine. You must've been thinking of other things about me, right? I love when you give me attention. I love when we talk. I love the little things that you tell me. I kept a record on the time when we are together. It's not strange, is it? Also, you talk to other people than me a lot more than I expected. Please talk to me more, okay? I like it when you bring me gifts. I'm sorry that I couldn't accept it the first time. I have to keep my image as the princess. I'm sorry that I played hard to get. I'm sorry that you have to fake your way into loving somebody else. You can stop doing that now, right? Of course you can. I wished that you would only look at me. I wished your eyes would look at me all day. I wished that I could encase and embalm your eyeball so that your eyes would only lock on to mine. I wish we are trapped on a secluded island, just the two of us. I wish everyone else in the world would cease to exist, so that we would be the last person on earth. Then we could repopulate the world again. I wish to see you happy. But I don't want that happiness to be shared among other people. I wished that you would touch me. Lovingly, caringly, roughly, use me. Use me as you see fit. As I would love to use you as well. I wished that you are more honest with your feelings. Your feelings are the same as mine, right? You're not thinking of anyone else during this, right? Please, I beg you. Tell me anything, and I would do it. I would give you the moon if needed be. I would be your only princess."*crunch* "So, please, only look at me, okay? I'm sorry that I put you inside of that cage. It was only for your safety. You understand, right? Would you please tell me your secret? I don't like it when you hide something from me. I don't know if you have any, but it would be nice if you could tell me, okay? If you tell me yours, I will tell you mine. Lovers shouldn't keep secrets with each other. We are lovers, are we not? You promised me, no? You wouldn't break a promise, right? That's not the kind of person you are. And that's another reason why I love you."

Ah. The princess realizes now. After all this, she finally realized.

"I love you." Kaguya utters, "I love you. I love you so much. I couldn't bear to see you with another person. I love you. I love love love love you! You love me too right, Kuramochi?" the princess exclaims out loud. Finally, this feeling. She can finally express it clearly. So, it's fine if she gives him this, right? The princess brings out a pouch. The pouch is leaking some sort of red liquid. The princess fishes something out of the pouch: a liver. Not any liver, the princess's liver. It is said that if one were to eat the liver of someone who drunk the Hourai Elixir, they themselves would turn immortal. So, its fine for the princess to give this to the young man, no? He had already professed his love to the princess. That means, he won't mind staying with the princess till time cease to exist. "Here, this is my liver. If you eat this, you would be immortal. No more that time will constrain you. You will forever live with your princess. But that is fine, right? You love me so much that it hurts, right?" the princess repeats. But then, the young man laughs,

"Kaguya," the young man says, his complexion does not look good, "You think that I would still love you? Even if I live forever with you? Hah, dreamed on, delusional girl," the young man closes his eyes.

"It matters not. The only thing that matters right now is that you turn immortal. Then, with all the time in the world, I would use my tricks to make you fall for me. That, I promised. Also, you talked like Mokou there. She has a bad influenced on you. You should stop meeting with her. Enough stalling, eat this liver. I will not take no for an answer," saying this, the princess waits for the young man to retort. But he never did. The princess force opens his mouth, but something is strange. When she places her hands on the young man nose, something is missing: he's not breathing. Quickly, the princess, place her head on top of the young man's chest. Not thumping. It's not thumping. No. no no no no no n no no. It, it can't be! This can't be it! No... NO!

Hikaru slowly opens her eyes. Upon opening, she saw not the ceiling at Eientei, rather, it was the night sky. Huh? Did somebody move her here? How long has she been sleeping? Hikaru stretches her body. Wow, that felt good. Ow, her head hurt. She turns around and scans the area. Bamboos. Bamboos as far as the eye can see. Hm? Hey, there's someone sitting there in the middle. It was a girl with long black hair, petite figure. Huh, she looks just like Hikaru. Except her face doesn't have these pesky freckles. And she seems to be crying. Looks like she is holding someone with her. Hikaru couldn't see clearly who she was holding. But that figure, it feels like she recalls someone mentioning it to her before...

...

Oh right! It was her fiance! He said that there was someone who looked similar to her. Instead, she had longer hair than her. That might be her. What was her name again... Hmmmm... Ah well. That doesn't matter. But wow. The scene in front of her looks like something that came out of a painting. The bright light that came from the sun, reflected back by the moon, and unto the girl.

...

Oh right! She remembers now! She remembers who that person in front of her is. That's Princess Kaguya!

The Moon Princess.