Tales of the Inari King and Woodland Queen

Chapter 10

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Christmas came and gone and it was only a mere few hours before the year ends and the new one begins. As Yugi sat with Uzume in her cage, he looked back at everything to have come with a prayer. He obtained a wonderful spiritual husband who was at his beck and call for any of his wishes to be fulfilled. He became director and developer of a hot new game to come out in the spring. And in the near future upon his last breath, he would be reborn as kitsune to join the side of his husband and rule the woods and wilds as nature had clearly intended for him. if Yugi was a doubter of it all, he would've thought of it all as nothing but a dream. But as he thought of all the gifts, all the visits to the spirit world...just the sheer glamour of nature untamed and of course, his husband coming by to drop in, made the dream a reality and warmed his heart to think of his role in the grand design.

A smile flitted across his face, standing to move to his desk and opened the small drawer there. Digging among his things, he found what he was looking for and tugged it out. A few threads came loose with time but it was still whole as he remembered it and smiled as he looked at the soft golden silk and its purple brocade. The marriage omamori he received from Atemu still held a place close to his heart and never wanted to part with it. So Yugi had made sure to keep it safe tucked away with his things. If he wasn't brave to take this charm, he didn't want to imagine where his life would be now. Certainly not as happy as he was now, even if he could still create and promote Spherium. Yugi couldn't imagine the void left behind if he didn't have Atemu by his side. But despite those thoughts, Atemu was here with him and made his life exciting in more ways than one. To know he has such a powerful inari spirit at his side made his heart giddy with joy. The tales and legends surrounding the kitsune made them sound like terrible creatures only out to swindle but Atemu had been the perfect gentleman and done everything in his power to be a part of his life. Introducing himself to his family and offering them a place as a courtier of his realm.

They were gestures so kind and Yugi promised he couldn't find a better spouse in the living world. Pressing a kiss to the charm, he replaced it back into the drawer before smiling to Uzume who gave a tilt of her head in curiosity of the charm. "That, Uzume, is something very special to me. It was the day I chose to be engaged to Atemu. When he offered it to me, I wanted to take it as soon as he placed it on the mantel. But I had to wait, tie up my loose ends before I became his forever. It was so magical when I was brought to the spirit realm for the first time. To see it in person in all its beauty. To know this was the land he ruled over and soon to be mine as well." Yugi gave the fondest sigh as he rested a hand over his heart. "I never want to think of anything different." Uzume chirped and flapped her wings in veiled joy, making Yugi smile as he opened her cage to let her out. She climbed easily onto his arm. Opening the skylight window, he allowed her the freedom to go out and stretch her wings. The falcon was quick to fly off with a musical chirp, Yugi calling after her that they would be at Atemu's shrine later so she could be picked up and returned to her cage.

When she was gone and Yugi had closed the window, the door clicked open before Atemu stepped in with a warm smile. "Afternoon, dove. Hope I'm not interrupting." He spoke as he made his way into the room. Yugi shook his head to say otherwise before seeing the box conveniently tucked under his arm. Yugi can only have a single guess of what was nestled inside and clapped with promise as he asked. "Can't hide nothing from you." He purred. Holding the box out to Yugi, the queen happily took it and moved towards the bed to open the lid. What laid inside was a fairy tale dream. The colors popped with vibrant dyes, a mesh of black, red and white to make a beautiful pattern of waves cresting at the hems of the kimono, the base an eye-catching red with the black making its dark seas and white foam. Once more, a lovely piece crafted by the fine tengu artisan Yugi knew well. It would pair well with the stole he had and underneath the kimono and matching obi was a small kinchaku made with the same red fabric.

The queen appreciated the gift wholeheartedly and promised to pay compensation towards the artisan for such work. Even for his title, Yugi couldn't be showered with such kind gifts and not repay his courtiers. "It's wonderful, Atemu. Another gorgeous piece. Surely when we return to the spirit realm, I can thank our cloth artisan properly for his work. Every piece he's made for me has been a dream. Thanks is just not enough by our fae rules." Atemu chuckled but nodded in agreement, knowing his darling queen would prepare something exquisite for the tengu as thanks. Yugi never does things in halves. Putting everything back into the box, he tucked it away to the side for easy access later before moving to Atemu. "Do you have your outfit prepared?" Yugi asked and the king nodded, promising they would match perfectly. A hand reached to brush through his mate's hair, asking if he was ready for the new year.

Yugi smiled and nodded. "I am. I can see the new year being a great one, obviously with you at my side, and being able to do so much more and seeing my game in action." Arms came to rest around Atemu, Yugi pressing his head gently onto his chest. He still remembered when he was starting out. Of the support his king gave every chance he could. His encouragement was the driving force to make Spherium a reality and while Yugi knows well Atemu did nothing towards its success in the contest, the good omen that was the king he married was believable enough. Without Atemu, Yugi didn't think he would've won against the competition. "I see you thinking, dove. What about?" The words made violet look to meet scarlet before a small smile graced his lips. "I'm just thinking of everything to happen to me. Becoming your queen, seeing my dream take off. Theirs is lots to think about but it all still hinges that none of this would be possible without you." Atemu smiled, reaching to run a strong hand down his back.

The king knew Yugi had no need to thank him but quite the opposite. If Atemu hadn't met the shy, little slip of sixteen years, he never would've known true happiness. Had a guide to the human realm to teach him that not all humans were cruel and sinful beings just waiting for something magical to fall into their laps. He was the genuine article of a guilt-free soul and it was something the king hungered for when the prayer had reached his vulpine ears. It was something he craved and desired and Yugi gave it all in spades. Truly a queen fitting to a king such as he. "I only want what's best for my darling queen. You made me the happiest king alive and can only ask for nothing more than your constant affections." Yugi laughed and brought himself up to press a kiss to his cheek, a promise that he will certainly keep.

A call from downstairs came from Reichiru, an offer of tea and rice crackers on the air and Yugi happily pulled the kitsune king down towards the kitchen to enjoy the snack. There were still a few things that had to be done before they headed to the shrine and Yugi wanted to be sure they had the time to do so. When they arrived in the kitchen, Reichiru smiled at the two as he set the dish of crackers on the table, two cups of green tea already waiting for them. Yugi thanked his mother happily as he took a seat at the table, picking up one of the rice crackers to bite into with a delighted hum of approval. His mother always comes home with the best rice crackers! Atemu couldn't help the smile to cross his face as his queen enjoyed his treat, reaching to take his offering of tea to sip. "So, have we decided on a shrine to visit?" Reichiru questioned and Yugi looked up. It was a given many big shrines would be crowded and full of people to ring in the new year.

There was one the family always visited that Yugi adored but with his life now, he couldn't think of following tradition for this year or travel a few miles out for another. But there was one that would be left alone, abandoned after its history of being a place to grant the most impossible wishes. Even though Yugi had restored it to the best of his abilities, no one would easily visit it. And with his role now, it was only fair that a new year would be blessed at the shrine where he had met his love and king. "We can go to Atemu's shrine. It would have no crowds there and be easier on him too." Atemu looked to his partner before his tails wagged from the sheer kindness of his mate. Sure, he was fortified should they go to a public shrine where people would be in abundance, doing no good for his mental health and dislike for humans. But this was a welcomed alternative and one he would gladly embrace.

"That's a wonderful idea, sweetling. My shrine would happily welcome new patrons." Atemu spoke and Reichiru nodded. A quiet place did sound nice and she was curious of the shrine where Yugi had met Atemu. It was the one thing he hadn't revealed to the family so it will be quite the treat. Delighted with the thought, Yugi began to express his joy of the shrine, regaling his mother of every little detail built up from his hard work to fix what had deteriorated with time. All the while, a smile played at the king's lips, proud of his love's exuberance and pride of the shrine he worked tirelessly to fix with his own two hands. A wedding gift so wonderful to him.

Truly he was reminded every day how he was so lucky to have such a treasure at his side.

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The day continued on with very little to keep things occupied. The shop below was busy for a short time before Sugoroku closed up to prepare for the trip to the shrine. Reichiru was already in her room getting ready and Atemu, the sneaky vulpine he was, had disappeared to prepare himself. With him gone for the moment, Yugi hurried to get his bath, rinsing off quickly and took a quick dip in the herbal infused water [certainly prepared by Atemu before he left] before washing up. The room smelt of cherry blossom and berries by the time Yugi stepped out, returning to his room and moved towards his bed to open the box. Pulling out the kimono and obi, he settled both onto his bed before moving to the closet to search for his hadajuban. Smiling as he found it, Yugi pulled out the piece and let his towel drop to the floor before slipping into the soft cotton undergarment.

"Still fits like a dream. Perfect." He dug out his old zori to have them on hand then moved back to the bed to get into his kimono. Standing before the mirror, he got to work with the intricate folds and ties, checking to make sure everything was perfectly adjusted before smiling at himself in the mirror. Settled on his body now brought out everything in full and Yugi couldn't be more happier to own such a lovely garment. A knock on the door had him look up, inviting whoever was behind it and saw his grandfather step in, his old, muted yukata still a good fit on him. "My boy, you look divine. Atemu certainly makes sure to give you extravagant items." He said with a chuckle and Yugi blushed. He just wants me to look my best, Yugi rebuked as Sugoroku shuffled over to the box and picked up the obi. "Oh, that is a given. He wants to drape you in finery worth your presence. Even if we old folk don't know much about spirits and fae except through our old stories, it is clear how much he cherishes you with the things he gives you."

Yugi nodded, holding still as Sugoroku settled the obi around his waist, laughing a little as he chimed in on the old tales of helping his mother with her kimono sometimes. "Even when she knows how to tie her own, she always asks her dear old father-in-law for help." He said with a fond reminisce, stepping back to look him over with a nod of approval. Yugi turned and smiled, leaning forward to hug the older male in thanks. Is mama ready yet, Yugi asked as he went to get his kinchaku from the box, setting in his phone, keys and a little pocket change while his grandfather picked up his zori. "She should be waiting for us at the stairs. Come, let's not be late." Sugoroku stepped from the bedroom with Yugi close behind, flicking the switch to turn out his light and closed the door. As expected, Reichiru was at the stairs waiting for them, zori on and her hair done with a nice floral pin that Yugi commented on happily as he knew she only wore such on special occasions. A gift from his father, it was a cherished piece that she wanted to preserve for as long as she can for sentimentality.

"You look beautiful, Yugi." She complimented, making her dear son blush as Sugoroku set his zori down so he could step into them. "Will Atemu be waiting at the shrine?" Yugi nodded, telling them it would be easier for him to be there and likely have something ready and waiting for them there when they arrived. The two nodded and once everyone was ready, the family of three headed down the stairs and out the door, Yugi locking the door behind him before they were off for Atemu's shrine. As they walked, they saw families and couples walking along themselves towards their desired shrines, a few cars out on the road doing the same. The winter air was cool but not cold with the occasional brush of wind against their skin. Yugi took in a deep inhale of the frosted air, a small smile playing at his lips as the hidden frost faeries came towards his presence to play at his hair. They complimented him of his beauty, praising the artisan to craft his garment and hinting that there was something missing.

Then a faerie spotted the hair clip in his mother's hair and pointed it out to the others. A clip, a clip! That's what he's missing! Yugi giggled at their enthusiasm, their tiny hands playing with strands of his hair, some making small faerie knots before darting off as they got closer to the shrine. He waved to them as they left before moving ahead, seeing the familiar torii gate and the fox statue to grace the front. "There it is! Atemu's shrine!" Yugi called, waving for the two to follow as he ran ahead without tripping. At the stairs leading to the shrine, he saw candles decorating the sides of the stone steps, a kadomatsu resting beside the old donation box which was propped with a dish of mochi. "Oh! Atemu prepared snacks for us! Come, come!" Yugi cheered as he hopped up the steps.

Reichiru warned him to be careful so he wouldn't trip though her eyes traveled around the shrine. It saw some wear in places and surely had been abandoned for the place it was located but the work that was done did a fine job in restoring it. Sugoroku asked even if someone had helped the king fix the shrine. "Yeah, it was me." Yugi replied after taking a bite of mochi, humming in delight as the green tea flavoring hit his tongue. "It was a wedding gift to me and a wonderful gesture that only made me love him even more." A voice sounded from behind, making them turn to see the king standing on the other side of the gate. Yugi was in awe as he looked upon his king in his yukata, nine tails swaying behind him. The yukata in question was a pattern fabric of dark blue, embroidered cranes in flight against the forming sky of clouds. His eyes were aglow in the moonlight and his bell a beautiful contrast against his skin. Once more, Yugi was reminded how gorgeous his husband and stepped over to him.

"You look amazing, Atemu."

"As do you now that you're dressed in such finery. But you seem to be missing something as the faeries so told me."

Yugi giggled as he told him the faeries said he should have a hair clip and Atemu grinned. Leaning down, he pressed a kiss to his cheek before reaching into his yukata. Well, I certainly can agree, Atemu spoke, pulling out a glimmering item hiding within, affixing the clip into Yugi's hair. When he pulled back, Reichiru gasped when she saw the hair clip. Nestled in Yugi's wild mane, a clip so beautiful radiated with a glow to match the moonlight above. A crystal lotus that looked as if it was carved in ice stood out from the tri-colored locks. Yugi reached up to touch, a blush decorating his cheeks at the gesture before hugging Atemu for another generous gift. "You're welcome, sweetling. Now then, looks like the fireworks show is about to begin so let's collect the mochi and enjoy the show." Sugoroku already held the plate in hand, walking over to them with Reichiru and plucked a piece of mochi.

Yugi grabbed one for himself but instead of taking a bite himself, he brought it to Atemu's lips. The king looked down to his queen before leaning in to take a bite, ears twitching to the first firework to go off above them. The sky was soon suffused with color as fireworks began to go off, a blossom of different colors bright among the stars to match. Yugi's eyes were bright with childish glee, having been some time since he had seen fireworks and Atemu's shrine was in a prime spot to see them so beautifully. Reichiru saw the happiness in her son's eyes, making a smile of her own cross her face as she took a piece of mochi to eat. It was nice to be here, with her family and the inari king that loved her son so dearly. They were indeed a pair matched perfectly and even for all her fears and worries, she wouldn't trust anyone else with her darling son.

"So Atemu, what is the history behind this shrine. It seems to have gone unnoticed for quite some time." Sugoroku asked as he looked over to the kitsune. Atemu hummed, looking away briefly before feeling a hand grasp his own. Scarlet eyes gazed into violet, Yugi smiling with assurance which warmed Atemu to telling the story. Reichiru and Sugoroku listened to the story in awe, shocked that the shrine had been originally in the hands of such a selfish maiden. "Then when Yugi came along, things looked up for me and I couldn't be any happier." Yugi tucked himself into his side, reaching to stroke one of his ears. "And with his help, he restored my shrine. I have no need for donations anymore but having this place look new again is a blessing I am happy to have." Sugoroku nodded with understanding, speaking that Yugi always had a gentle heart always gauged to help in any way he could. The thought of him working alone to fix the shrine was certainly a grand gesture of his love and it made him proud.

Stories were shared among them as time marched on, Sugoroku peeking at his watch to see it was close to midnight. Suppose we should be ready to ring the bell along with the other shrines, he announced, Yugi finished the last mochi and nodded with cheeks stuffed with his gooey treat and ran up to the bell. Atemu chuckled at the sight, moving to stand beside him and ran fingers through his hair. Turning to Reichiru and Sugoroku, the king told them both that if they had any wish they wanted to see fulfilled into the new year, he would be sure to make it happen. "Pray hard in my presence and I will hear your call. Only for the Motou family do I beseech such a gift." Reichiru clapped in delight before clasping her hands tight to make her prayer. Sugoroku did the same, making the king smirk before looking down to his queen. "Shall we?" he spoke, offering the rope to his queen.

Yugi nodded as he took the rope in hand, grasping it in hand beside Atemu as the seconds ticked down towards midnight. The arcane energies of nature encircled the shrine in a hazy nebulae of magic, the cool air of winter brushing upon their skin and invigorating the soul. Reichiru and Sugoroku felt it down to their very core, felt the embrace of the earthen mother touch their heart and blessed them with her knowledge of the world that no one else knew in depth as Yugi did once he became mated to the inari king. Their prayers lifted from their minds, Atemu hearing them clear as a bell and grinned, making a promise to them both to grant them such an easy prayer that both shared.

As the clock struck midnight, both tugged on the bell, joining the symphonic toll of other shrines as the new year was brought in by all in Domino City. As king and queen rang the bell of the shrine, Atemu gave his blessing to the patrons that prayed there. Such a simple prayer that was important to their hearts and one that was easily granted even without.

"Take care of Yugi. Continue to love him with all the love in your breast, inari king."

"I shall. For as long as I still breathe, I will love my queen as he loves me..."

The last chime upon the air came from the crotal bell around his neck, sealing his promise to the prayers given.