#takeshi

“I know that you are planning, but someone could start patrolling over here, and we need to keep our element of surprise.”

“…”

“Masami…”

“…”

“Would you say something-“

“I’m trying to plan this out, you idiot. Would it help if I said please? Gods, you are infuriating…” He huffed and threw his arms up before he began pacing away from me. Rolling my eyes, I tried to think about how many children that they had. There was an eldest daughter that I met on a few occasions, followed by one more girl. I’m sure that they had three more sons too, but I couldn’t be sure about that right now. The Nobara clan were never a clan I gave too much thought to. Just a family of annoyances who thought power was the most important thing in the world. It had its uses sure, but if they thought it would save them now—they would be mistaken. “Come on, Daisuke. The patrols on their eastern side have been slowing down so we can sneak in through there.”

“Are you sure this is the way you want to do this?”

“I didn’t travel this far for nothing, you idiot!” I pushed past him and made my way towards the manor without another glance. I ignored his frustrated grunts as he caught up to me, and we fell into step together. The eastern side of the manor was quiet compared to the rest of it at the moment. The family must be settling down for the night. It would be their last night, so I hope that they enjoyed these last moments of peace before I sent them to hell. My body was trembling as I thought about finally avenging my sister. Years of strife and tears were finally going to pay off tonight. Despite how they felt, I know that my parents and siblings would be glad not to worry about this for much longer. My methods bore fruit and that was all that mattered in this long war. 

I shot one more glance at Daisuke as he finally figured out how to be quiet. His brow kept furrowing like he wanted to speak about something, but he thought better of it. If he wanted to mouth off, it would be best if he did it when we were deep in battle. A meat shield would always be appreciated, and I would at least give him a nice funeral when he goes. Two guards were standing by a door into the manor having a quiet conversation, and I readied my blade to take them out—but Daisuke was quick to interject as he rushed over to slice open their throats with a single strike. I scoffed at him as he looked at me expectantly—like a dog waiting to be praised my its master. 

I’d never compare him to a loyal dog…he was more of a rat than anything. 

“Proud of yourself?” I helped him move the bodies into the brush as his tails puffed up like I knew they would. “I could have handled that myself.”

“I came to help you…not sit around and watch you do everything.” Flicking the blood off his blade, he smiled at me and I was very briefly taken aback by it. Despite my indifference, he still showed me such favor, and I just couldn’t fathom it. Yes, I suppose that he must be in love with me considering he tried to marry me, but I didn’t give much affection in our interactions to show him I felt the same way. Kissing was the furthest that we had gone and I refused to give him more than that. 

It could just be for my looks…

“Come on…before someone sees us standing out here.” He nodded as we slipped into the manor and made our way up through the servant staircase. Quiet conversations from the servant quarters drifted down the hall, but they weren’t anything to be concerned about. Peering into their room, it just seemed like they were heading to bed. That meant we wouldn’t have to kill more people and cause any more noise than necessary. Sprinting past the rooms, Daisuke and I finally made our way around the manor to the upper floors. I suspect that the family must be on the fourth or fifth floor, which might make for a tough fight if they all woke up and decided to face us at once. 

Daisuke might have some trouble with multiple opponents, but I was confident in everything that my uncle had taught me over the years. Everything that I had trained for was leading up to this moment and I shook in anticipation once more thinking about it. Taking a breath, we stepped onto the fourth floor and were greeted with a man about to enter a room. 

“What the fuck-?!” 

Daisuke and I rushed the man quickly before he continued making any more noise. Daisuke tackled him into the room as I shut and locked the door. The two men were wrapped in an intense struggle, and I tried to find a way to get between them because they were making too much noise. Daisuke had managed to stuff a cloth into his mouth, but the other kitsune finally managed to elbow him in the nose, breaking away from him. 

“Shit!”

I rushed over as he got to his feet and delivered two high knees to his chest and neck, causing us to fall to the bed. It was at this moment that I realized this was one of the other sons. He looked exactly like his brother except for his eye color. This is exactly what I wanted, and I wouldn’t waste more time. Pinning his arms with my thighs, I raised my dagger ready to strike him—but we both failed to realize that there was another person in the room too. I gasped as a cold chill ran over my right side, sending me crashing to the floor. Another male kitsune had hit me with a blast of ice—and he was quick to assist his brother, but Daisuke finally was useful once more as he entered combat with the brat. 

I turned back to my prey once more as he tried to dash for the door, and as he opened his mouth to yell—I threw a dagger into the back of his throat. His guttural gasps were quickly drowned out as I jumped onto his back and drove it in deeper. Before he choked on the last bit of his life left, I tilted his head up so he could see himself in the mirror. His eyes were wide and wild as he probably realized that his life was over. I smirked at our reflection as I leaned down to his ear.

“Don’t worry…the rest of your family will join you soon.” The crazed look in his eyes went to full panic, but I twisted the dagger once more, finally taking another son. “Now for another one…”

His brother was screaming hysterically as Daisuke held his hand over his mouth as he grappled him to the ground. Tears fell from his eyes, but the temperature of the room was what concerned me. People would begin to notice soon, if they hadn’t already. It wouldn’t be smart to waste any more time with him; I countered his chill with my heat as I advanced over to them. I could take my time with the rest of them, this was nothing more than an appetizer, delicious, but a measly appetizer. 

I was going to finish him off, but Daisuke took the kill from me! He tossed the body away and I quickly grabbed his shirt pulling him to his feet. “What the hell?!”

“…” 

“You know how much I wanted that! How dare you think you have the right-“

In a move that was both surprising and annoying—Daisuke grabbed me by the throat and slammed me to the floor. Pinning my arms over my head, he continued to squeeze and the panic quickly over took me. 

“I can’t let you do this any longer. You have to realize that you don’t have to fight these people! I will take care of you and we will be married. You will learn that this is for your own good.”

I tried to kick between his legs, but he was much stronger than I had realized. My vision was beginning to fade, but I couldn’t let him stop me. This would not make me marry him—actually—I had half a mind to kill him myself now! He would not stop this from happening! No one would not be at this point when I was so damn close! With my adrenaline pumping, I grabbed his wrists and heated them up until he yelled and let me go. I coughed out to catch my breath, but it was interrupted as he grabbed my hair and pulled me to my feet. I turned on my heel and slammed my elbow into his nose. Before he could stagger back and recover, I swept his legs out before dropping my elbow onto his face once more. 

His nose was definitely broken but it wouldn’t stop me from climbing atop him and throwing another fist into his face. I couldn’t even have the satisfaction of more hits before he caught my fist and backhanded me. I spit the blood from my lips before he grabbed my hair and slammed me against the floor. I heard the cork of a bottle being opened before the bottle was thrust into my face. The strange liquid spelled foul and I didn’t want to know what would happen if I drank it. I twisted and turned as he tried to force me to open my mouth. All this noise was going to alert someone! I had to end this farce before it gets worse. Pulling my knees up to my chest, I pushed with all my strength and threw us back—breaking a small table. It must have hurt him enough because his grip loosened. 

Turning around, I put as much force as I could into my hand and punched him hard in the jaw. His jaw cracked and his eyes rolled to his head as he wobbled to the ground. I took a quick breath before I went about setting the brothers in their beds. Someone was approaching from the bottom floor, and I had to make this look as peaceful as possible. Taking the one I killed—I threw him onto the bed and quickly threw some heavy blankets on him. Doing the same with the other, I quickly grabbed Daisuke and pushed him under the bed. When they find him…they could have their way with him. He never mattered to me, and this only solidified it more. 

He could rot in hell for all I care.

The person was at the door and looking out the window—and seeing no guards—I hung onto the edge of the window just as the door opened. The room glowed with the soft light from a lantern, and I heard the shivering breath of a female servant. Holding my ears down, I peeked inside to see her still standing at the door, rubbing the sleep in her eyes.

“Lord Yasuke…Lord Igo…is everything alright?” I needed her to leave right now! Seeing her step into the room sent me into a panic. I didn’t even think about the bits of blood that might be around. She noticed the small table and sighed in annoyance. “Must they always make our jobs more annoying?”

I almost sighed in relief as she shook her head and began to leave the room. I looked down at my surroundings to see if there were any more guards moving about. I could just shimmy across to the next rooms and continue my mission. 

“What is?” My ears perked up as I looked back into the room as the maid knelt down to inspect something on the floor. My heart leapt into my throat as she touched the blood by the bed—and even more so when she saw Daisuke’s leg sticking out from under the bed. She jolted to her feet before rushing to the bed and throwing the blankets off one of the sons. “Oh my-!”

I leapt into the room and grabbed her cheeks tight—tears streamed from her eyes as she tried to fight my iron grip. Knocking her off balance, I put her in a chokehold until she finally passed out. I wanted to avoid killing innocent people if I could help it. She would have quite the story to tell the other servants when they see all their employers were dead. Leaving her on the floor and kicking Daisuke’s foot back under the bed…I leapt back out the window and shimmied to another room that was a bit further away. I would prefer to have another son but peeking into the room…it would seem to be a daughter.

Perfect.

Slowly opening the window…I slunk into the room before shutting the window. The girl was sound asleep in her bed. Her dark hair in harsh tangles as her hand was caught within it. I hated how much her room seemed to be like Chiharu’s. Fresh flowers littered the room, stuffed dolls on the by the door to the room, a massive wooden vanity filled with makeup and perfumes. I almost stepped on a doll that had its head torn off, which I raised a brow at. She shuffled on the bed for a quick second, before mumbling in her sleep. I couldn’t waste time, so I quietly made my way to her rather large bed. She laid her head on over ten pillows, and it would be simple enough to kill her with one.

Although…my sisters end wasn’t as peaceful. 

Snatching a pillow, it rattled her awake and she only caught my gaze for a quick second before I slammed it onto her face. Climbing on top of her, I held firm as she tried to shout and struggled underneath me. The bed shook and she tried to claw at my face and arms, but she was still too weak. This whole family was full of weaklings that didn’t deserve to be on this planet any longer. How could such idiots have killed my sweet little sister? 

I just couldn’t understand it! It was impossible!

“Your stupid fucking family will be gone! I will have the heads of your parents, and I will parade them across the continent! I have already killed your other two brothers just a moment ago! Why did you have to take my sister away!”

As more angry thoughts coursed through my mind…I noticed that she had stopped struggling. I held it longer…just in case she was faking it. After a few more moments, I leaned back and lifted the pillow—and smiled seeing that she was dead. Her bright green eyes were wide with terror as her final bits of tears fell from her eyes. Spitting on her corpse, I left out the window once more to take another child. 

There was still one son and one daughter left. I could make it quick…but I could also make it painful…

Painful…yes that would be a nice change of pace.

Peeking into another room…I saw that it was the eldest daughter’s room and she would get the brunt of my aggression since her sister was too boring to deal with. This one was also asleep; except she let out a loud snore every couple moment. I didn’t care to look over the details of her room, the only thing that mattered was how to use this room to paint a picture. Seeing the drapes around her bed…I had quite the idea about what I would do. She tossed once more as I quietly took the drapes down—my eyes trained on her face—burning with rage, but I couldn’t lose my cool. 

I would do that when I killed her.

This family was a bunch of fools for letting someone sneak so easily into their home—let alone their bedrooms. The fact that she could not sense the bloodlust dripping off me meant that she lived a privileged and cushioned life. A life that was now mine to claim and show all the other clans what would happen if they dared to cross my family again. Now…time for the show…

Throwing her sheets back, she jolted awake—her hair acting like a curtain over her eyes. She only managed to throw her hair back to see my foot connect with her face. I winced when she pulled a hidden blade from under her pillow and stabbed me in the leg. I would give her credit for being prepared for that one thing, but it would not be enough to save her. Yanking the dagger out, I slammed it into her shoulder and before she could scream, I punched her in the throat. She glared harshly at me before she rammed her nail into my stab wound. 

“Fffuuck!” I could feel my blood begin to freeze and my muscles get stiff. She kept up her assault with a backhand that actually made me see stars. For such a little thing, she had a hell of a punch. It actually almost knocked me unconscious. I repaid for my original strike as she showed off some flexibility and threw her leg up to slam me in the nose. She held me down against the bed as she coughed and tried to find her voice. I took a bite of her leg and spit the blood into her eyes. She ignored her obvious pain as she climbed atop me now and began to punch me in the face. I managed to block most of her strikes, but a well-placed shot to the ribs did make me whimper from the pain. 

Grabbing her shoulders, I slammed my forehead against hers and we rolled onto the floor. I must have hit her harder than I thought, because she kept wheezing—trying to speak, or yell out. She scrambled to her feet to get away from me, and I couldn’t let her alert her family just yet. I had to make this as painful as possible for her and for them. If I didn’t manage to get them all tonight…I would leave them the most beautiful picture they had ever seen. I rushed as best I could—more like hobbled—to her, and I managed to catch up to her as we slammed against the door. 

This must be a family of deep sleepers. 

Pulling her hair back, I threw her to the floor and grabbed her throat. She tried to claw at my eyes, but I ignored her as I heard the bones in her throat begin to crack. Finally snapping, a fountain of blood poured out of her mouth, choking her. I watched as she struggled to sit up, but I kept every bit of my weight on her—watching her struggle with gleeful eyes. Her eyes darted wildly around the room as she tried to look for some escape. When she really began to choke…I finally stood off of her. Her blood splashed over the floor, and she rushed the door again. Having enough of her running, I rushed forward and kicked the back of her knee in hard enough that her bone pierced through her skin.

“Mmmm!” Her mumbled shrieking was hardly loud enough to wake anyone, although they really did seem to be heavy sleepers. She looked down at her leg in horror as tears fell from her eyes. Taking another approach, she began to bang on her door now—desperate for help that she would not receive. Grabbing her hair once more, I dragged her back to her bed. Making sure to bump her leg on everything on the way to it. She couldn’t even focus on using her ice to stop me…her mind in a complete panic. Throwing her onto the bed, I quickly went to work tying her hands to the post of her bed…slapping her hands away when she tried to stop me. I tied her legs up and finally stood at the foot of her bed and just watched her struggle and cry. 

I prayed that Koyuki didn’t suffer when she passed, but the way these monsters left her was burned into my mind. To be cast aside in the middle of the woods, like she could ever be forgotten—it was unthinkable…and yet it happened. She was gone and this family was still here, and it was not fair! It was not fair that they got to breathe another second of air when she would never feel the breeze of her skin and hair again. The joys of life were taken too soon. She would never have the joys of love and a family of her own, to one day be an aunt, to reach the height of her unlimited worth. She had so much to give to the world and would never even know her name, but it would know theirs. 

The tale of their fall would be the story of nightmares for generations. 

Her knee was spurting out blood, and the bone was stabbing into her skin, probably causing her more pain. She tried to glare at me—to show me some ounce of strength, but once she realized that I didn’t show an ounce of care…she started her crying. More and more tears fell as she cried despite sounding like a dying frog.  She whimpered and tried to plead with me as I walked around the bed to her face. Gently patting her head, I leaned down to whisper in her ear. 

“I’ll see you in hell.”

Taking her blade that she stabbed me with I stabbed her deep in her chest. Her body writhed in pain as she tried to kick out with her good leg. I climbed on top of her and twisted the knife deeper into her before dragging down between her breasts until I reached her belly button. Taking it out…I was surprised to see that she was still alive, but she was fading quickly. Her eyes looked as if they would fall from their sockets—I suppose she was in a state of shock. Digging my nails into the large gash I created—I pulled and pulled her open. She finally began more of her convulsions and now she was screaming…at least what could be considered screaming at this point. 

I wish I could hear her without her throat being destroyed, but I didn’t need to alert the rest of their wretched family. Getting to her ribs…I pulled and thrust them open—almost taking them out of her body. Seeing that her struggles had stopped…I glanced up to see that she finally died from her wounds. Her eyes were staring up at the ceiling in a final look of horror and pain. Digging into her corpse…I took her inner organs and hung them on the beams hanging above her bed that were holding her curtains up. After being satisfied with my work…I looked at her in disgust once more. She had beautiful eyes…I should probably change that. 

Twirling the knife in my hands…I went about taking them out her face. It was delicate work because I didn’t want to crush them. It would make a nice trophy or at least something more grotesque for the servants to clean up. Placing them on the table…I tore a sheet from the bed to tie tightly around my leg wound because I couldn’t manage anything if I had a limp-

“Ahhh!” 

Fuck.

Turning towards the doorway…it seemed the matriarch of the family had woken up and decided to check on her children. I was sure that I hadn’t made too much noise, but now my plan was ruined, and she was going to wake the remaining members of her family—and all of their guards. Her screaming was getting annoying and taking a vase from a nearby shelf…I threw it at her—which she unfortunately dodged. Her eyes narrowed at me just as her husband and final son appeared in the doorway. The son almost threw up at the sight, but the father was now a raging bull. I barely had the chance to attempt to dodge him before he caught me around the waist and slammed me against the window frame. My head hit the edge of the window hard, and my vision was in disarray. 

“My daughter! Filthy fucking bitch!” He grabbed my throat and lifted me off the ground and I just smiled in his face. I didn’t give him the satisfaction of pain as he punched me in the stomach and my ribcage…despite feeling something off inside me. Wielding the knife once more…I stabbed him in the hand and kicked him in the face. He dropped me and I slashed upward and cut across his eye, but despite that he didn’t waste a second before he punched me in the gut once more. Something inside of me was definitely wrong…because this man was otherworldly strong. The force of his strike sent me out the window and I fell four storied down onto my back.

“Ah!” My back was on fire, and my head was spinning and my shoulder felt like fire. I hoped it was only dislocated…I couldn’t afford to have a broken limb right now. The wind had been knocked out of me, but it was the least of my concerns. I was getting too sloppy…my uncle would be so disappointed in me if he saw me. I was so close and I would finish this tonight. I had to finish this because my family couldn’t suffer for another hundred years longer. This family was finally at the end of their rope…only one son was left. My parents could have the patriarch and matriarch—my father had been wanting to get his hands on him for years. Their last fight was over fifty years ago…and it was quite a bloody one-

“Kill her!” I looked up as the patriarch was ready to jump after me…only to see his wife push him out of the way to scream down at me. Her eyes were feral as she basically spit the words out at me. She looked completely disheveled despite only seeing her only a moment ago. She truly looked like a woman who had lost everything, and it was just what I wanted. “Destroy her! Kill her now! Kill her! Make her beg for us to stop! Break everything in her and use her body how you please! KILL HER NOW!!!”

I could only laugh hearing her threats as their men quickly made their way to me, but I had sent my message, and I was glad for it. This would mean my family would have an easier time if they really did kill me this night. I would not take this fight…not now if I could help it. Struggling to my feet—I just managed to roll out of the way as the head of the family stomped down where I once laid. I didn’t spare him another glance as I pushed through the woods. Arrows were soaring dangerously close to my head, and it was only then that I remembered what good archers were in this clan. I turned to cut one that almost hit me in the back—just to see the head of the family charging through the forest.

He really was like a crazed bull as he yelled and knocked trees down to get to me. I sped up as much as I could with a hurt leg and other injuries. I coughed out some blood and that made me frown in annoyance…he definitely damaged something and I was bleeding internally. He was gaining on me, and I had to try to make it to my mother's lands, but that was at least another couple miles. I couldn’t think about how long that would take as I felt a chill up my spine. The ground beneath my feet froze and I slipped and fell into the brush. He swung with a heavy uppercut to my face, but I parried it away with my fans. The wind behind that told me that that hit would have taken my head clean off. 

I guess this fight would happen whether I wanted it to or not. His men were still trying to catch up to us, so I would have to make this quick. He made an ice wall in front of him, and I furrowed my brow before he started punching the ice…shooting heavy projectiles at me that had some real weight to them. Each shard of ice was thick and just one would slice me in half. Coating my fans in flame—I sliced and cut through them as I backed further into the woods. The ice quickly formed onto his hands—producing sharp gauntlets as he got closer and tried to hit me again. I didn’t realize he was such a close combat combatant…my father left out some details from their last exchange. 

I blocked more of his blows…the sound of his strike ringing against my fans. Every time he even opened up a little—I managed to slice his open skin. He was still wearing his nightwear, so he had no real protection from me. I jumped back to get more distance, and his strikes were even faster now and blocking them was getting harder. I held my ground even still and blocked them…along with the vast number of arrows flying towards me. Opening my fans, I sent several mid-sized fire tornados towards him and his men—which managed to be the edge that I needed because his ice stopped. A few arrows whisked by and one caught me on the cheek, but I kept up my fire as it began to spread and engulf the forest. 

I held my arm to my nose as smoke quickly filled the air, and now it was becoming hard to see anything. The blaze overtook everything and I took the chance to run further in the woods—just to almost meet a muscled arm to my face. Somehow…this beast of a man had managed to get around me without me hearing him. I managed to duck under it, but his other fist almost caught me in the chin, and I rolled out of the way. The quick and sudden movements rattled my head and my vision blurred for a second, but I shook it off to see him pull a blade out. 

“Time to finish this girl.”

“…” I had no time for idle chatter as we charged at each other. I would have to do something to stop his harsh assault so I could get away. My vision was blurring from my head injury…and my sides were burning. It felt as though I was being stabbed. He kept trying to fight me bare fisted, so I would use my fans to cut his hands, and hopefully that would be enough to get him to retreat. I sharp spear of ice shot out of the ground under my chin, which I kicked away from. Grabbing it…he charged at me with it and I spun against it and slammed my fan against his shoulder.

“Bitch!” I took the moment to saw deep into his shoulder before he pulled back, but I needed to keep pushing him. I threw more blades from my fan at him which he blocked with the palm of his hand. His eye was still bleeding profusely, but it was like it didn’t affect his combat skills. Grabbing one of the blades, he sharpened it with his ice and begun wildly swinging at me. I dodged well enough, but the smoke from the fire was starting to make it difficult. Summoning a circle of fire under his feet, he looked down in surprise and that was just what I needed. 

I threw another blade at him and rushed to slash across his face, catching the blade—I drove it into his neck just as he grabbed my throat. With a furious yell—blood pouring from his mouth—he sent us both through several trees and I coughed out in pain as a branch lodged itself into my back. I drove the blade in deeper, but he just kept running before he stopped. We were out of the forest, and I could hear a river…and with another yell he threw me away from him. I looked over my shoulder to see that I was falling down a slope into the Yanagi river. I tried to see if I could grab anything to break my fall and just before I hit a sharp rock…I grabbed onto a tree that was growing from the slope. 

I could barely function and I could feel myself starting to pass out, but I needed to move away from the river-

“Ah!” An ice sharp cut the tree I was holding…and the last thing I saw was the head of the Nobara clan smiling with an outstretched hand before he collapsed—and my vision was consumed my rushing water and pure darkness. 

~~~

I was alive. 

I could breathe and I wasn’t dead. As far as I could tell…I was still near the river. I could hear it rushing past me and the ground was wet beneath me. Opening my eyes, it was still dark—but the sun was beginning to peek out from over the horizon. It seemed that I had spent the remainder of the night on the riverbank, but I wouldn’t question how I ended up here. It was better to count my blessings at the moment that I wasn’t dead. My head was no longer pounding…but my insides were now sorer than burning. Sitting up, I winced seeing that someone had bandaged me up and applied some medicinal herbs to my wounds. Looking to my right…I scurried back as I was met with deep black eyes. 

“Gah!”

“Nice to see you awake dearie…although I knew you would be fine.” It was that damn witch I had come across some time ago. What was she doing here of all places? If she gave me more riddles…I swear that I would shove that cane down her throat.

“How would you know that witch?” I had no idea why I humored her, but there was something odd about her…like a draw to hear what she would say next. She smiled with a toothless grin that made me uneasy. 

“Oh, because you have much to do! So much to do!” She hobbled around humming to herself and I groaned as I stood up. “The path ahead of you will move things in an interesting direction…something that has never happened before!”

“Right…did you bandage me up?”

“Yes! Like I said…you have work ahead of you.”

“Yeah…thank you, but I must be going now.” I had to get home and tell my family about the latest development. The head of the Nobara clan was finished and we only had his grieving wife and son to contend with, which would be easy enough. Mother had essentially made the matriarch look like a child when they last engaged each other. Although…with her…pregnancy…she would be no use to us now. I could always handle it if it came down to it. My wounds could heal when they were finally dead…we were so close.

“You can’t head home yet, dear…” I glared at the woman as she traced circles in the dirt with her cane. Humming to herself once more, she smiled at me again and now a chill went up my spine. “You have to confront true horror.”

“What are you even talking about?!”

“The path to freedom is often paved in blood…and you have walked a long road, dear. You have to walk in darkness…to finally embrace your light.”

“Walk in…listen…I appreciate you for helping me but I-“

“Will you be able to help your light fight back against the darkness?” I flinched back as she was suddenly in my face…there was an edge to her voice now. “The light will fade…and the darkness will bloom…the butterfly must stay strong…for the moon will need her delicate wings to soar through the chaos.”

“I don’t know what you-“

𝔸 𝕘𝕖𝕟𝕥𝕝𝕖 𝕝𝕚𝕘𝕙𝕥 𝕞𝕖𝕖𝕥𝕤 𝕒 𝕝𝕠𝕧𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕗𝕝𝕒𝕞𝕖

𝕋𝕙𝕖 𝕦𝕟𝕚𝕠𝕟 𝕨𝕚𝕝𝕝 𝕤𝕠𝕠𝕟 𝕓𝕖𝕒𝕣 𝕗𝕣𝕦𝕚𝕥

𝕎𝕚𝕥𝕙 𝕚𝕥 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕔𝕠𝕞𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕠𝕗 𝕒 𝕔𝕒𝕝𝕒𝕞𝕚𝕥𝕪

𝕋𝕙𝕖 𝕨𝕒𝕪 𝕠𝕗 𝕝𝕚𝕗𝕖 𝕨𝕚𝕝𝕝 𝕟𝕠𝕥 𝕓𝕖 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕤𝕒𝕞𝕖

ℙ𝕖𝕒𝕔𝕖 𝕙𝕒𝕤 𝕝𝕠𝕟𝕘 𝕝𝕚𝕧𝕖𝕕 𝕚𝕥𝕤 𝕡𝕣𝕚𝕞𝕖

𝔽𝕠𝕣 ℂ𝕙𝕒𝕠𝕤 𝕨𝕚𝕝𝕝 𝕤𝕠𝕠𝕟 𝕙𝕒𝕧𝕖 𝕚𝕥𝕤 𝕥𝕚𝕞𝕖

It was that same riddle again…now it was beginning to really worry me, but what did that have to do with the events right now? Why did I need to walk through darkness? The last two hundred years was full of walking through darkness. I didn’t know if that would even change when the war was over. Could I go back to how things were? Would it even be possible for me to achieve some level of happiness when the world always felt so cold? The old witch had lost the mischievous look in her eyes as she chanted over and over again, caught in a trance that seemed to grip her tight. I wanted to ignore her crazy chanting, but it felt like I was rooted to the spot, that I had to hear this, but it meant nothing to me…

Right?

“Move along now…you have to get to work…” I blinked and now she was in front of me, smiling while tapping her cane against the ground. “It is your destiny after all…just like your parents before you.”

“My parents? What destiny? Listen witch! How about you explain something for once?! I have no idea what anything you are saying means!”

“You will…all of you will understand one day…and the scales of balance will tip…although what its direction will be…is up to you…”

I ran a frustrated hand down my face just to see that she had disappeared. I tugged on my bangs in annoyance before I walked off towards my home. My insides didn’t feel as bad as they did before, so she must be a real miracle worker. My head was thankfully clear, but I was still rather sluggish as I made my long trek. It wasn’t until another twenty minutes of walking that a deep worry consumed me. I could be followed and there were several villages on the way. I’d rather not involve innocents in this in case someone decided to check if I was really dead. 

My ears twitched as I turned further from my mother’s territory. I thought I heard something strange and I…it didn’t feel right walking further. A sweat had built up on my body, and my stomach was turning in knots, but the further away I moved—the better I felt. It was strange…foreign even…like something was telling me not to go further ahead. I didn’t want to anyway, but now it felt like I was being drawn away. I couldn’t wrap my head around what was going on anymore. The last hour was strange, and I probably needed to rest. 

“…”

“What?” I turned hearing a sound behind me…or what I thought was a sound. It was low, and now I wasn’t even sure if it was a voice. Perhaps the Nobara clan realized I was alive and were tailing me now. Not thinking twice, I jumped into the trees so they couldn’t follow my footsteps. The sweat on my body from earlier was now back and another chill went up my spine. My heart thundered as I rushed faster through the trees to gain more distance. 

What was this presence I felt?! I felt like I was choking! 

“…”

I stopped atop a large branch to catch my breath. I couldn’t panic right now…nothing was even happening right now. There was nothing around me and I was just tired and my mind was playing tricks on me. Closing my eyes, I took another breath to steady myself. I just needed food and rest so I could end this war as soon as possible. There was nothing to be concerned about.

“̴̺͠Ä̷͓l̶͕̈́l̶̳̑ ̶͙̎t̷̜̀h̸̬̆i̷̱͑ş̸̀ ̶͎͠f̵̹̈ô̸͇ȑ̴̗ ̸̪͐ý̷̝ò̶̬u̶̐͜?̵̪̐”̷̖͑

“Ah!” Opening my eyes, I was met with a mist of complete darkness in front of me. It was a large mass of energy whose voice felt like hammers against my bones. I stumbled from the tree and landed on my rear with a pained hiss. Looking up, the mass seemed to look down at me before a long arm emerged from it, latching onto the branch. Another long arm soon followed…the arm was dark with strange writing on it, and the long black nails clicked together harshly…like they were scratching on a rough surface. It continued to pull itself out…long black hair following it, completely covering its face, but I could see red eyes peeking behind the inky strands. More of the strange writing ran down its neck as it pulled itself out of the dark mass, until just a torso emerged. It looked as if someone had been cut in half, and it was stitched crudely up at the wound site. 

̷̬͝ “̴̝̂A̷̪͊n̵͍̓ ̴̣̆i̵̙̋n̴̙̄t̴͇̂ẹ̴̚r̶͔̋é̵͙ś̸͓t̴̬̆i̶͚̇n̷̼͠g̴͓͠ ̷̗̈́v̸̭͊e̷͈̎š̴̟s̴̟̚é̸̻ḻ̴̏…̶̅ͅḅ̸̽u̴̗͝t̶̯͆ ̶̩̒n̶̨̈́o̵̩͒t̴͈̽ ̶̫͊y̷̖̒e̶̦̚t̶͖̍ ̴͔̆w̷͎͛o̶̦̔r̵̼̈́t̸̡͘h̵̯͂y̵̜͝ ̴̼̐ơ̶͕f̴̧̛ ̷͕̕m̸͔̄y̶̺͂ ̸̘̈́ẗ̴̙i̴͕̅m̶͖͘e̵̘̎…̶̣̈́w̵͉̃h̵͉͐a̸͖̔t̷͙̿ ̸̡̚d̸͓̀o̵̬̍ḙ̵̄s̸̻͛ ̴̜͑m̶̢̈y̶̰̑ ̴̄͜t̵̺́ǫ̴͘y̴̢͒ ̴͕̋s̴̗̋e̸̩̾é̷̺ ̸͂ͅĭ̶̢n̴̤̐ ̶̣̀y̶̥̐ô̵͖u̴̯͋?̷̼̄”̴̪̓

I moved back against the ground until I hit a tree behind me, my breath coming in shaky and pathetic. Its hair pulled back and it opened its mouth wide. There were no teeth, nothing except an empty void and in the far back…I could faintly see something deep within. I couldn’t look away from it either. It was terrifying and memorizing all at once. It traveled down the tree…slowly…slowly…slowly. It was trying to intimidate me, and it was working. Another arm snaked out a caught me around the waist, and I didn’t have strength to push it aside.

̷̮̕“̸͍̉T̴͈̽é̴̦l̴̮̏l̷͖̆ ̷̢̎m̷̖̑e̷͈͂ ̵͖̌w̸̛͈ḧ̵̞́ÿ̶ͅ ̷̥̈ẏ̷ͅo̵͖͋ù̵͈ ̸̝͘s̴͎̔h̴͓̄o̸̯̐u̴̗̔l̶͎̇d̸̫͗ ̵͇̾l̶̢͊i̸̯̊v̴̙̚ȇ̶͓ ̸̡̑f̸̝̓ȍ̵̼x̴̖̚?̴͓̀ ̶̡̒W̸͙͂h̶̰͠y̶̟̚ ̶͍̈́d̴̜̽o̵̖͘ ̵̙̅ÿ̸͚́o̶̹̍u̴̼͐ ̷̞͆m̵̘̃ạ̴̊t̴͈͒t̴̖́ë̷͉́r̷̡̀ ̶̣͗i̷̤͐n̷̛̪ ̷͇̉m̸̢͒y̴̳̌ ̸͎͊r̸̪̈́ë̸͕́a̵̅ͅl̶̨̏i̶̝̇t̴̖̾ỵ̸̈́?̵̛̯”̴̤̑

“I-I-“

̵̧̄“̶͇̒Ÿ̷̜o̸̞͝u̶͚̇ ̷̣͠a̸͍̍r̶̳̽é̸̲ ̷̡͌ň̸͍ȍ̵͇ṱ̷̋h̴̓͜i̸͓͆n̵̠̍g̷̩͆…̶͖̎n̶͇͒o̸̧͝t̶̯͋ ̴͔̿e̵̱̿v̵̲̚ė̴̳ń̵̳ ̸̪̈ḁ̴͛ ̶̠̄p̴͈͘e̸͉̕b̶̧̒b̶̬̚l̵̛̥ĕ̸̤ ̷̪̔o̶̱̽n̶̤͂ ̶͖̏t̴̼̊h̸͇͑é̶͜ ̵̳̋ṟ̴͋ö̶̯a̸͉͝d̸͚̉ ̵͖͗ï̴̥n̶͓͘ ̸̬͠m̵̯͌ý̶̧ ̴͚̅c̷̤͝ǒ̵̩ș̶̛m̵̛̘ò̸̖s̷͈͋.̷̦̀ ̵̗̑Y̵̥͛e̵̮͝t̷̮̔…̴̖̀y̶͙̆ó̷̤ṵ̴͛ ̶̭̋a̴̻̒r̵̙̉e̶͓̓ ̷̣͆s̸̬̈́p̸̰̿ơ̵ͅk̸̤̕ě̴͖ń̵̥ ̸̤̑h̴̛͙i̶̪̊ḡ̸̯ĥ̴̲l̶̞͝ỹ̵̟ ̶̯̑o̸͇̍f̷͙̕…̶̥̏Ȋ̸̘ ̸͓̈s̶͔̆e̸̠̕ḙ̴͆ ̶͖͝n̷̩̏õ̴̯t̸̟͐h̴̯͂i̴̡͆n̷̟̓g̸̞͌ ̵̩͆b̷͉̈́u̵̝̾t̴̤̀ ̶͕͊a̵͎͠ ̵̢̚b̵͔͌r̷͕̿o̵͓͐k̷͜͠ë̵̡ṋ̴̿ ̸̝̽m̵̗̂ë̵̹́ṡ̸̪s̶̲̉.̶͈̽ ̵̡̂Ã̸̢ ̷͚̀w̶̠̚ą̴͗s̸̰̊t̵̗͒e̴̻̐ ̵̝͛ȏ̸̰f̵̤̆ ̵̭̿r̵̲̊ḙ̵̛s̸͕̾o̶̫͘ǘ̶̯r̴̖͝c̶̣͋e̸̘͊s̴̱͒…̸͖̀”̷̹͠

“You…you know nothing of-“

̴͖̈“̵̹͑W̸̻̾h̸͓͂o̵̺̐ ̵̫̚s̸̭͋a̶̫̽ì̴̞d̶͔̀ ̷͇̂ȳ̵̤o̸̝͑ū̴͓ ̸̪̊c̴̛̘ő̸͙u̶̟̾l̷͔͝d̸̫̔ ̴̘̌s̶͙͑p̸̳̂ẽ̶͙a̴͕͋k̸͕̔ ̶̠̎t̷̞̚o̵̦̓ ̸̲̕ṁ̸̹ẻ̴̬?̶̼͛!̶̠͑”̷̎͜The hammer of its voice rattled me once more as a whimper escaped me.̵̝̾ ̸̉͜ ̷̻͊“̸̡̌Ḯ̶͎ ̶̗͂s̷̮̐e̵̻͂e̸͈͒ ̵̖͑n̷̤͒o̸̪̓ ̷̼͆n̴̲̕ę̶̑e̴͖͐d̵̝́ ̶͈͛f̵̟͝o̵̞͋r̶͔͌ ̴̩͘y̴̻͗ò̷̘u̶̗̐r̷͙̍ ̸̺̋f̵͕͌i̵̗̐ļ̸̉t̴̝̋h̴̬͝!̷̼̇”̵̛̪

“F-Fuck you!” The silence was so loud. I didn’t think I could muster the courage to speak back against this…entity, but I did. My sister needed to be avenged…my family needed to be protected! I would not let some beast stop me now! I stabbed it with my fans, and it dropped me unceremoniously to the ground, and I growled at it as I took a stance. It had closed its mouth and stared at me silently, but I held its gaze despite shaking in my shoes. I would not let this be the end and I would fight and kill this thing if it tried to stop me once more. “I…I will not let you hinder me demon!”

“…” I circled around it and its eyes followed my movements with curiosity.̸̫̆“̶̣̐I̵̞̓n̴̙̂t̶͖́e̷͓͝r̴̞̈ḙ̸̀s̶̬̎t̸̜͗i̴̊ͅṉ̵͛g̴͈͌…̸͉̄I̴̹͠ ̷͎̓s̵̄͜e̸̛̱e̵̮̓ ̵̩̑w̴̫̎h̶̥͐ä̵̜t̸͚̚ ̵̦̀h̵͓̋e̴̕ͅ ̴͖͝m̶̡̕e̴̻̍a̷̝̽ṅ̶͙ṣ̶́ ̶̘̕n̸̬͘o̶̻͂w̴̹̍…̷̝̏ă̸̹ ̸̩͂s̶͔̀t̴̩̚u̸̦̕b̶͇͆b̶̼̓o̸̠̽r̴͇̈́n̴͎͂ ̵̧̽f̶̣̐ô̴̪x̸̨̊ ̴̱̒w̵̻͛i̸͎͂t̵͎̚ẖ̶͌ ̸̻̆n̷̠̈́o̷̱̽ṫ̵̙h̸͍͊i̶͎̓n̵̜̅g̷̨̋ ̴̢̒ẗ̵͈́o̵̩̾ ̸͕̔l̵̬̔o̸̰̿s̴̖̓ę̶͠…̷̣̀”̸̥͘

“…” I didn’t care to hear anymore riddles for the day. I held my fans tight in fear that I would drop them…my palms were sweating heavily. They felt as if they would fall from my hands at any second. “I…I have much to live for…and you will not stop me in my path.”

̴̿ “̴̜̈́O̵͚̒h̷̯͌?̸̯̀ ̸̪͐L̶̼̂i̵̲͐t̶̻͑t̴͆ͅļ̶̐ȇ̵̡ ̴̘̐ḟ̵̞ơ̶̼x̸̰͝…̶͙̈́l̵͍̿i̵̧͠ṫ̶̨t̶͔̾l̵̯͒e̶̖͆ ̷̻̀f̴̧͊o̷̢̔x̵̙̿…̶̞͋y̵̺̔ỏ̴̯u̵̬͑ ̸͙͝ẉ̶́i̵̠͝l̷̗͆l̵̝̔ ̴̤́m̷͉̈́ą̵̆k̵̡͂ě̶͎ ̸̘̑ṋ̵́o̶̜͗ ̷̡͠m̴̂ͅȧ̴̡r̵͇̀ǩ̵̯ ̷̹̿i̴͔͝n̷͉͆ ̸̤̓y̶̬͋õ̸̡ṷ̴̍r̷̠̕ ̶̧͛p̶̥͒a̵͙͂t̶̹̒ḧ̵̗́.̸͈͆”̴̱͂ I shivered as they licked their dark blood from their hand. “̸͙̓Y̸̻̐o̸̥͠ū̵͇ ̴̬͋t̸̟̓h̷͙̾i̵̛͔ń̸̩k̵̯͝ ̵̟̐y̶̺͆o̷͔͠u̶̱̓ ̸́͜c̸̫̃a̸̝͒n̵̟͝ ̸͖̔ș̵̊ṯ̴̉o̶͇̾p̷̩̈́ ̴̮̽ť̸ͅh̸̝̚ḙ̷̽ ̶̗͊c̶͚͗o̴̧͐m̷͉̏i̷͙͐n̶̰̚g̴͓͛ ̷͎͂d̷̮͊à̸̭n̶͈͊ǵ̷̮e̶͇͂ṟ̶̽?̷̨̈”̸̖̍

“What? Yes! Yes, I can and I will!” The demon moved closer and circled around me, its piercing red eyes staring deep in my heart. 

“̷̗̈́Ỹ̸͇o̵͜͝ů̸ͅ ̴͔̾ḧ̶͓́á̸͎v̶͇̔ē̴̻ ̷̱̚n̷͎̔o̵͚̒ ̷̢̑s̶̮͂t̵̤̉r̶͇̈́ë̷̹́ñ̴͚g̷̮͒t̴̻̑ḫ̵̒…̷̦͠y̴͑͜ò̵̻ṷ̶̈́ ̴̰͠ḍ̷̓ö̸̪n̴̺̑’̴̭͋t̷̳̾ ̷̣̀e̶̛͍v̵̰̈́ê̴̫ǹ̵̫ ̶͈̉h̵͇̓ȁ̵͙v̴̘̕e̷͇̽ ̶̡̚a̸̻͝ ̴͕̊h̶̻̃ȇ̷̺a̶̛̳r̷̜̕t̶̗̆…̵͕͛y̵̼̏o̷̞͋u̸̧̚ ̵̱́a̸̟͑r̶̖͗e̷̬͑ ̸̡̈c̷͈̐ö̷͔́l̴̩͗ḑ̵͗…̵̝̉t̷̨́h̴̦͝o̷̬̓ȕ̸͍g̸̥̚h̴͖̿ ̶̧́y̷̞̏ó̵̬ǔ̸̱r̶̡̂ ̴͔͗f̶̑ͅl̸͖͋e̵̹͌s̵̰̉h̶͉͌ ̷̲̌ȋ̷̤s̶͔͑ ̵̥͐h̴̙͘o̸̹̐t̷̡͗ ̶̩͠ẃ̴͚i̶͈͠ţ̸͠ḧ̸̼ ̷͈̊ḃ̶̹l̵̟̕o̷̙͠o̵͠ͅd̸͈͒,̵̬̑ ̷̖̂ÿ̶̝́ò̵̫u̵͉̓r̵̗͌ ̴͊͜s̴̘̿o̵̳̽u̵̜͗l̴̼͘ ̷̪̀ï̵ͅs̸̹͝ ̷͚͗ć̶͔ò̷͜ḷ̶́d̵͉̈ ̴͎̆a̵̹͊n̴̲͂d̶͊͜ ̸̟̑b̶̧̉ả̶͇r̶̳͘r̸͈̓e̷̞̍n̵̦̓.̷͎̐”̴̗̊ I winced as its long nail caressed my chin and tilted it up to look into its eyes. “̵̟́I̵̛̟ ̶̡̅c̴̈͜ȁ̶̖ǹ̸̠’̷̢̀t̷̿ͅ ̶̟̕w̴͖͌ą̶͘i̸̧̊t̶̗͌ ̷̖̓t̶̰̕ō̶̟ ̴͎̒w̵͇̓ạ̶̏ť̶͔c̵͕͘h̷̻̾ ̷̘͋ÿ̴͈́o̷͇̕u̸̮̓ ̷̡̚f̴̙͋ȁ̷͍l̶̰͗l̶̠͆…̴͉̇l̸͚̂į̷͛ẗ̴̯́t̶͔́ľ̵̞ê̸ͅ ̶̚͜f̴̮͊ö̷̺x̵̣̏…̸͔̏”̸͓̌

“I will do no such thing, demon. I will rise and you will be nothing but a faint memory. You are nothing more than a specter trying to be the Devil, but I don’t fear false idols!”

̴̬̓ “̷͔̏I̷̠̍n̷͇͝ș̸͊ő̵̜l̴̠̐ẽ̶̖n̸̯̕t̵͔̍ ̸̣͑w̶͓̒h̵̬͑ȅ̴̗l̸̰̃p̸̧̔!̸̼̂”̵̻͝ The creature rose high above me, voice thundering as a lower half began to form from the torso. The bottom half was serpent-like except it had a sharp blade at its tip. It coiled around me, but I would not show the fear in my heart on my face. My family needed me and Koyuki needed to be avenged no matter what. I would bring this creautre down and continue my mission. 

“Let us finish this beast!”

“…” It stared at me for some time, and I was ready to hurl fire down its throat. It did nothing more as it yelled into my face and released me. The last thing I heard before it disappeared into a dark mist, and I was left more confused than ever. 

“What the fuck is going on?”

~~~

I had finally made it back into our territory after taking such a long detour. It seemed that no one from the Nobara clan had followed me and it was a smooth trip back. Besides the witch and that creature…it was strangely quiet. After climbing through the mountains and taking a break on a small hill…I could see my family home still far off into the distance…it would probably take me another three hours to get there, but I was finally home. I hoped that my family would take the good news well and we could end this soon-

“Lady Masami!” I perked up hearing someone shouting at me. I furrowed my brow as members of my mother's stealth division ran up the side of the hill to kneel before me. “We…we have finally found you…”

“What? Has something happened?” 

“The Nobara clan has been spotted moving a large portion of their army over the mountains. They mobilized sometime in the night unexpectantly. We had earlier reported to the lord and lady that they had been planning an assault for the end of the month, but they suddenly changed their strategy…perhaps they were aware that we knew their plans…”

No. I whipped around to look at the mountains that I had just traveled through. How could I have missed an entire army moving towards my home? Was there another path in the mountains that they took? Going off the path was more dangerous and plain reckless…they were trying to finish this right now. No…another thought crossed my mind…I had done it again. My family was now in more danger because of my choices…thinking that I could finish it on my own. I just couldn’t sit around and wait for it…something in me had compelled me to keep going. My uncle wouldn’t let anything stop him if something had happened to my father. My uncle pushed me to do this because he had faith in me, and it was only the matriarch and her foolish son to contend with.  

“Have my parents already mobilized the troops?”

“Yes, my lady…although the Nobara clan is quite close and the army is still making hasty preparations. Your father and brothers have already left, but they might not make it in time before they get off the mountain and into the first village.”

“Then I shall stall them.”

“M-My lady-!”

“Tell them that I will fight as hard as I can before they get there. Tell…tell them I love them if I don’t make it back. Tell my mother and sisters I am sorry…my father that I love him fiercely. If you see my uncle…tell him, I did everything that he told me to.”

“M-My lady!” I ignored them as I rushed off back up the mountain. I had to do something to slow them down before they really made more distance. The mountains were their own trial if one wasn’t prepared and I intended to make full use of its danger. I pushed myself on as I thought back to where the stealth division had seen them last. Their army was vast, but it wasn’t impossible to have a full fledge fight with them. I would have to create some sort of landslide if I could. 

It took me another 45 minutes, but I could finally hear the marching of the clan. They were indeed traveling off the path, banners soaring high in the air. Most were stumbling on the path, but they were making good pace. They weren’t in a good position to cause massive damage, but I had to try something before they got too far into the-

“Gah!” I gasped as I was suddenly yanked backwards by something with extreme force. I was thrown through several trees, before being thrown down a valley. I hit several rocks and a cliff before I landed in the shallow water. I didn’t even have a chance to look up before I was thrown against a wall again and again before being dropped hard on the ground.

̶̿ ̶̤͒ ̸͍̉“̶̭̒I̵̙̐ ̶͕͛m̸̝̋a̷̰̽d̵̻̋e̵̯̒ ̵̾͜a̵͍̓ ̵̩̾d̶̥͝e̸͍͝å̷̳l̵͚̀…̸̥̍ā̵͚ ̴̤̀f̸͎̓o̸͇̾o̸̫̕l̵̰͘i̶̪͂s̸̙͊h̶͙͝ ̷̘̈́d̸̜͗e̵͇̓ȃ̵̮l̷̖̔ ̵̖͌n̸͖͑o̵͎͆t̷̹̚ ̷͙͝t̷̨͋o̵͔͊ ̵͎͐h̸͎̄a̸͈͋r̶͍͋m̴͖̀ ̴̥̋y̴̝̍ọ̴̋u̷͕͂,̷̖̃ ̷͉͂b̴̦͝ȗ̴̧t̴̟̔ ̵̟̂I̷̘͐ ̶̪̐t̸̡͂h̴̩͋i̵̩̐n̷̢̉k̶͕̆ ̵̩͐I̷̥͋ ̷̠̑h̴̲̓a̴̛̹v̸͔̾e̶̞̐ ̸͚͝f̴̻̐ö̵̫́u̸̗̎n̸̕ͅd̸̢͐ ̵͉̑ạ̷͗ ̷̩̓ļ̷͗o̵̭͂o̴̝͑p̷̙͆h̷̼̐o̴̥͝l̴̜̔ḛ̴̿,̵̨͋ ̴̱̇l̴̦̀i̷̦̒t̶͖̋t̴͔̽ľ̸̗ĕ̴ͅ ̶̥͛f̵̻̎ǒ̴͙x̸̣͝.̸͍͘”̸͔̂

I slowly crawled to my hands and knees to see the creature from before looking down at me. It was clinging to a wall, and it was far bigger than it was when I last saw it. It grabbed my head and it felt as if something was clawing into my brain. It felt like its nails were scraping against my brain, slowly and painfully…excruciatingly so. If I hadn’t been taken down into this valley—the Nobara clan would surely have heard my screams and finished me off. I couldn’t think straight because of this beast and the pain was like nothing I ever felt. It held me above the ground, and my legs kicked out furiously—not to attack it, but because the pain just made my body react.

I tried to force it away from me, but it had an iron grip on me. Flashing images went through my head, but the most prominent one was of Koyuki. Her death over and over again, except they were more vivid and different each time. All I saw was Koyuki being killed over and over again, and I feared it would never end. Tears spilled from my eyes as my screams became louder, until I screamed my throat raw. 

“̵͎̐I̷͔͆ ̴̮͆w̷̬̿ḭ̶̚l̷̠̍l̷̪̅ ̵͚͆h̸͕͝a̶̛̼v̵̻́e̵͈͗ ̴͖̃y̷̼͋o̸̫̔ü̴̦,̴̥̔ ̶̩̂ļ̷̿i̵̹̓t̶͕̅t̶̞̀l̸̜͌ȇ̸̠ ̷͖̎f̵͚́õ̸̱x̷̲̂…̷̬̇a̵̛̭ ̸̡͒n̴͕̂e̸͕̒w̴̕͜ ̶̣̔ḁ̸͝d̸͜͠ď̶̲i̸̛̖t̵̙̒i̵̗͂o̶̧̚n̵̪̋ ̶̗̌t̴̹̔o̸̜͂ ̸̰͠m̶̨͆y̴̭͝ ̸̹̄c̶͚̎o̶̪͌l̷̮͌ḷ̴̀ḙ̸͐c̸̜̆t̵̠̓i̴̳̓õ̴̹n̸͎̕.̵̥̓ ̵̥̈́Ì̴̝ ̴̙̒w̶̝͆i̷͇̅l̵̩̃l̶̮͐ ̵͚̔t̶͍̕e̷̪͂a̴̺̚c̷͎̉h̵̻́ ̴͉̽y̸͚̔o̶̖̐u̸͖̒ ̷̓͜t̶̬̎o̵̼͒ ̵̱̌r̵͈̊é̸̖ş̵̉p̸͌͜ê̸̺c̴̡̅t̵̛͍ ̶̜̌y̴͇̐o̴̗̚u̷̢͝r̴̯͠ ̶͔͛b̸̟̄ȩ̴̀t̶̨͒t̵̬̉e̸̹̽r̵̠͋s̸̥̕.̷̙̈́ ̵̓ͅY̶̰͛ǒ̷̝u̸͉͐ ̴̹͠w̶̭̋o̷̝͠u̵͇̾l̸̙̈́d̸̜̎ ̶̲̃h̴̛̠a̸̖̚v̴̠̿e̴̜̊ ̷̭̾n̸̲͒o̵̱͌ ̴̗͛ļ̶̾i̷̢̐f̴̜̚e̷̬̋ ̴̫́w̸̐͜ǐ̴̝t̷̠͘h̷͇͊o̵̬͑u̸͑͜t̴͚͑ ̷̙̈́m̷͕͝e̸͙̓…̸̰̕w̶̺̾i̶͈͛ṭ̷̀h̶̲̿o̴̽͜ũ̴͙t̵̖̎ ̸͙̍h̷̤͠ȇ̵̜r̶̟̆.̷̳͂”̵̭́ My ears were ringing as it whispered in my ears, and the tightening in my brain grew. “̴͕͑Y̴̧̾ó̵͜u̵̮̽r̵̬̓ ̸̹͂s̷͎͊ì̴̮s̵̞͂t̶͉̋ę̷͗r̸̙̈́ ̵̹̓i̴̛̳ș̶̆ ̶̯́ë̷͖́x̵̝̓a̵͖̍c̸̠̈́t̵̾ͅl̵̤̾y̴̧̐ ̵̛̭w̴̢͊ḥ̴̈́è̴͍r̴̟̍ê̸͍ ̸̤̾s̴͐͜h̷͍͌ę̴̓ ̸̣͊n̶̓ͅë̶̹́e̷͔̿ḍ̷̀s̶̞͗ ̷̢͌t̷͕͑o̷̝͗ ̴͔̎b̸̺͋ë̷͚́…̶̰͠d̶̥̔e̵͓͛a̷̺̐ḏ̵̉ ̵̦̽a̴̢̾ṇ̷̊d̵̘͗ ̵̱̅g̶̼̿o̵͇̒n̵̼͒e̴̛̟.̷͍̋ ̸̜̍Ạ̴́ñ̵͖o̷̙͆t̵̜͐h̴͚͂e̸̙͆r̸̘̅ ̵̰̄ù̷̼s̴̳̀e̸͙͝l̷̙͗ë̵͙́s̴̢͘ş̴͌ ̵̛̹c̶̫̍r̵̳̀ḙ̷̑a̸̫̾t̴͍́ü̴͇r̶͙̈́e̷̜͒ ̵̦̽t̵̩͌h̴͉͒a̵̡͠t̵̻̚ ̴̺͑n̷̖̕ȅ̸͔ṿ̵̍e̵̲̅r̶͗͜ ̸͎̚d̸̲̎e̶͔̓s̶̝̕ě̵͈r̴̜͌v̷̱̇e̶͈͂d̷͓̎ ̷͚́b̸̫̎r̴̭̕e̵̼̕ȃ̸̦ṱ̷̛ḩ̴̛.̶̃͜”̵̜̕ ̴̱̃

No! No! No! Koyuki deserved to live just as much as everyone else! My family deserved to have peace after her death! This wasn’t right and I wouldn’t stand for it either. I roared in fury as a massive blaze surrounded me and I was dropped to the ground. My ears were ringing loudly, but I looked up at the creature in rage. I would not let this thing or the Nobara clan think my family weak! We were more than some group of kitsunes, and it was time we showed everyone who we were!

“Ah!!” I threw my daggers at the creature, and it dodged and swerved around them, and I was quick to kick off a wall after it. Its eyes narrowed in annoyance as I threw another blade at its eyes. I could hear the harsh wind whip behind me, and I turned and blocked its bladed tail. We danced around each other as we both struck out. Opening my fan, I threw it at the tail, and it dodged my fan, but hitting the wall behind it—it cut its blade off.

“̴̘̈́F̵͚̐o̴̪͑ǒ̷̡l̵̘͒ǐ̶͓s̴͓̓ȟ̷͓ ̴̘̿m̵̲͐ǒ̵̥r̶͙͂ṯ̸͝ȃ̴͎l̸̹͘!̶͓́”̵̫̈

“Fuck you!” It opened its mouth again and several insects poured out of its mouth, and I burned them to a crisp, but missed it striking me with its long nails—piercing me in the stomach. I coughed out blood, but I just spit it out into its face and tossed me aside. I moved to get up but the tail caught my leg and held me in the air. It struck out again to hit me, but something odd happened when it did.

Deep purple markings appeared on its wrists, and some sort of barrier appeared around me. Its nails bounced off it and that made it roar in anger. I held my ears tight as the sound made the mountain shake and rocks began to fall into the valley. It tried to strike the barrier over and over again before it gave up and tossed me aside. 

“̸̯̿Ḋ̷̞ǎ̵͙m̷̹̆n̸͖̍e̶͍̿d̸̯͂ ̷͍͗ã̵̙n̴͙̈c̴̱̋į̸̽e̷̻̊ñ̷̢t̸͈̒ ̶̹͂l̴̼͑ȃ̴̩ẁ̷̻s̷̞͝!̶͇̕”̴͍̈ ̸͍̊I watched as it punched the walls, causing more rocks to fall and I feared it would cause a landslide onto me. “̵̖͒I̶̤͝ ̵̩̐m̷̢͆a̷̻̔d̴̨̄e̸̤͆ ̵͝ͅt̶̟͠h̸̭͒i̶͖̍s̶͖̉ ̸̘̏u̶͓͊n̴͈̈́i̴͙͒v̶̗̆e̴̞̒r̶̯͐s̷̯̀ĕ̶̯!̸͂ͅ ̶̗͌I̸̥͌ ̶̟̓s̶̘͘ḧ̷͕́ơ̶̺u̵̝̿l̴̠̓d̷̨́ ̴͕͒ṉ̶͐ọ̴̀t̶̡̽ ̷̜̔n̷̥͗e̵̹̾e̶͉͆d̷̦͝ ̴̭͗t̷̢͠o̵̠͠ ̴̺͝b̴̻̕e̶̖̍ ̷̪́b̶͈͝o̸̲͠ů̵̙n̴̲̈́d̵̗͂ ̴͚͒b̴̯͛y̴̻͆ ̸͙͝i̷̡̽ť̷̞s̴̤͆ ̴̲͛f̷̛̞a̴͚̚b̸͇̀r̸͕̎i̸̥͝ĉ̵̻!̷̘͝ ̸̘͊T̵̟̄h̵̯̅e̸̤͆ ̶̥͐l̵͇̂a̶̙̅ẁ̴̖s̷͕͑ ̸͍͌ò̷̰ḟ̷ͅ ̷͉̎p̷̦͘r̵̨͠ơ̷͖t̶͉́é̸̯c̶̫̊t̵̖́i̵̝̽o̸͉͂n̷͉̆ ̴͉̃ŝ̵̬h̸̟̉o̴͍̓ų̵͛l̴͖̎d̷͐ͅ ̸̥͠n̴̟͗o̵̻̅t̸̪̍ ̷̩̂ȃ̷̝p̴̙͠p̷͍͘l̸̫̋ỵ̵̓ ̸̭̑ṫ̷̻o̶̫͂ ̶̘̏m̵̦̾ḙ̴̋!̸͈̓ ̸̀ͅḐ̵̅ả̷̡m̶̘̍n̷̲̈́ ̵̮̚ȳ̸̲o̸͓̽ů̷̙,̵̛͍ ̵͈͊i̴͎̒c̷̳̊ẹ̸̃ ̶̳̈g̶̲̓ọ̴̀d̷̬̽d̷̫̿ê̵̠ș̸̂s̶̫̓!̷͉͠ ̵͍̈D̶͍͝a̷̧͛m̶̳͋n̷̪̊ ̵̣̂y̷̒ͅo̴̤͋ṳ̸̽,̶̫̆ ̸͈̾S̵͙̊e̷̠̅r̷̜̅a̴͓̾!̸̦̉!̵̗̈́!̶͙͐”̶̗̊

It turned to looked at me and raised a nail to me, and a familiar fear creeped upon me. “̵̺̅Y̶͌͜o̵̲̽ú̷̳ ̵̢͂a̷̰͒r̶̹̒é̸̪ ̷̼̓ñ̷̢o̵̬̐ẗ̵̟́h̴̘͑ǐ̴͉ǹ̴͚g̵͉̚.̸̎͜ ̸̡̚Y̵̱̎ȯ̵̜u̴̗͋ ̵̰̓h̶̛͚a̴͕͐v̵̳̔ȩ̷̾ ̶̲̏m̸̝͗a̶̱̅d̷̦͝ë̸͔́ ̶̠̕ḿ̴̙e̸̢͂ ̶͍̂r̶̭͝ë̶͇a̶͈͛l̷̯̈́ị̵̚z̶̦̆ĕ̷̢ ̸͎̔t̶͛͜h̴̺̔ǎ̵̹ẗ̵̼́ ̵̺́Î̷͜ ̵̤̿p̷̻͛l̷̬̒á̵̫y̵͍͑ ̷͎̂w̵̱̉ĩ̸̬t̷̞̚h̸̓͜ ̶̗̈m̵̥̊y̷̭̌ ̵̞͂f̶̦̌o̸̩̎ó̷̯ḓ̷̀ ̷̟͐ṱ̵̓o̶̙̊ ̷͎͠m̴̨͗ȕ̴̹c̵̟̈́ȟ̵̥…̷̠̂t̴͖̄h̵̞͘i̴͙̍s̸͍͑ ̵̔͜w̴̪͊i̵̝̇l̷͉̏l̵̪̆ ̸͚͝b̵̰̐e̸͍͌ ̴̳̒t̶̩̚h̷̢̛e̶̟͒ ̷̬̒l̷͔̇a̵̮͒s̷̩̑t̶͔͗ ̷̩̍t̷̹́i̴̹͂m̷̺̀ë̸̻́ ̸͎̕ḟ̵̪o̴͛͜r̵͎̈ ̸̖̅a̸̰͂l̵̳̆l̴̩͝ ̴͚̊o̵͎͝f̷͜͝ ̵͙̍y̸̝̕o̴̡̓u̸̗͝ ̵̻̐ḭ̵͐n̵̟̍f̸̬̌e̷͇̿r̴̾͜í̸̖o̵̫̚ṛ̶̎ ̴̠͌ć̵̭r̴̫͛ė̶̡å̵͇t̶̰̂u̴̼͗ṙ̸̫e̸̱̚s̴̝̿ ̴̟͊i̶̗͒ṅ̵̨ ̵́ͅt̶̹̐h̸͉̀e̶̯͊ ̴̗͝c̵̜͐o̴͎͛s̷̰͛m̴̞͘ó̶͉ş̸͠.̴̧̛ ̵͈̈B̸͖̏ḛ̸̈́ ̸̧̈́g̶̞̕l̶͔͋å̶̻ď̴̮ ̶̳̑c̴͖͠h̸̜̎i̷̙̊l̵̩͋d̶̪̽…̸̱̏ḃ̴̭e̵̢͝ ̵̫̒g̵͇͌l̷̥̾ȁ̴͚d̷̜̈́ ̴̪́t̸̅͜h̴̻͠á̸̘ẗ̸̬ ̴̜̔ŝ̷̬o̵̩̐m̸̘̌e̴̼͋ȍ̶̘n̷̝̓e̷̜͊ ̶̞̉h̴̙̉o̴̩̓l̶̬̓d̸͕̉s̵͕̓ ̶̧̈́y̶͉͗o̶͕̍u̸̘͒ ̴͜͝d̸͚̄ḛ̸̿a̶͙̐r̴̯̀.̵͉̃ ̸̪͝İ̶̩ ̷̧͒s̵͈͋t̷͍͌i̴̯͐l̶͈͂l̸̩̑ ̴̦͝h̷̤̓à̵̫v̵̺̏e̸͔͒ ̵͔́w̸̻͝a̸͇̋y̵̪͋s̵̲͠ ̶̫͒ť̵̬ò̸͉ ̵̬̇b̶̘̓e̵̹͘ ̴͈͒r̷͖͌î̵̯d̵͕̈ ̷͇͛ơ̸͓f̴͎̓ ̸̜̎ỷ̴̻ỏ̸̹ù̷̮ ̶͇̕ȁ̶̰n̵̝͘d̶̮͒ ̴̛̣y̴̖͘õ̸̤ũ̸̗r̴̹͑ ̶͓̄f̶͔̄í̵̺ĺ̷̩ṱ̸̛h̶͎́y̷̪̽ ̶̢̐f̸̼̐a̷̯̕m̶̪̑i̶̺̽l̷͇̈y̷̜͊!̴̩͂”̵̹̌

I gasped as it clapped its hands above its head, and the air above its head seemed to split open. A chilled breeze wafted from the space that was cracked, and I watched in horror as the night creatures from my mother’s mountains came storming out. They all poured out so quickly and in a vast amount as they rushed down the ravine. Others stood back to surround me, but I was more concerned with them heading towards my family! They could not handle the Nobara clan on top of all of this too! There were creatures that I had never even seen before, and some seemed to be more humanoid than monstrous. 

“̸̝̐I̵͙͝ ̸̡̈w̴͇̔i̶̜̓l̴̢̄l̵̤̀ ̴̦̿ḃ̵̩e̴̦̐ ̸͎̽r̴͘͜i̷̦͒d̸͕̑ ̶͇͆o̷̭͠f̸͉̍ ̵̣̕y̷̱̓o̴̠͛u̴̘͋ ̸̙͛r̸̥̕ě̶̜g̴͚̍a̷͉̾r̶̻͠d̴̫̿ľ̴̠è̴̟s̶̬̑s̴̖̓,̵͎͂ ̶̤̋l̷̢̐i̵̳̍t̴̟͗t̵͇̑l̸̖̊ẻ̶̫ ̸̥̌f̷̙̏o̶͔̅x̵̮͊.̴̹̅”̴̨̚ The creature disappeared as did the tear in the air and the creatures set themselves upon me at once. I jumped up and dodged them before I raced to get to the head of the pack. I could not let them leave this valley…I could not fail my family once again. I would sacrifice everything for them! I had to make sure no one else died!

The beasts hadn’t gone far ahead, and I conjured up a wall of fire in front of the ones in the front. Running along the walls of the valley...I dropped in front of them, breathing heavily, but full of adrenaline—I faced the beasts with my wall of fire growing larger behind me. Opening my fans, I prepared myself for what would be the fight of my life as I eyed down thousands of these beasts. I only hoped that my body would not give out before they were all dead, because I was running on nothing and my stamina was starting to hit a breaking point—but I would not break. I will not bend—and most importantly—my spirit will not be broken!

“Come!”

With a yell that sounded more like an animal—I charged into the creatures and began a fight that would be remembered for generations to come. 

***

The festive spirit in the air was just what I needed after my “fight” with Koyuki. We have spoken on and off over the last few weeks, but today I wanted to really but it behind us and go back to talking again. She seemed ready to speak with me too, but the constant worry about our uncle had to stop. I saw her speaking and training with him for the past week! So surely, she was over her strange musings about him. I know she was worried, but things like that just caused problems in families. I shook out of my thoughts as I brushed my hair and adjusted my kimono better. Today was a happy day and nothing was better to boost a mood than some fun and good food.

“Masami? Are you ready?” 

“Yes!” I bounced over to my door and smiled at Hiroshi as he patted my head. I was so excited to see what new events would be here this year. Mother and father said that they had something planned for the night, but they had been very secretive about it. “Are you ready?”

“Of course, little sister…I only hope that our parents are ready…”

“Are they not prepared? I thought they would have been the first ones ready to go…” Hiroshi chuckled and sighed as we walked the halls of the manor. “What?”

“You’ll understand one day when you are in love, sister.” Hearing that, I immediately knew what the delay was. Mother most likely was ready and she probably looked radiant in whatever she was wearing. Father probably took one look—was mesmerized—and now were engaged in…activities…

“I’m surprised mother isn’t yelling at him right now…”

“Oh, I’m sure she’s yelling…”

“Hiroshi! Oh, stop it!” My face burned as I tried not to think about our parents having their relations. “You know what I meant!”

“Yes yes, of course I’m only teasing.” We walked into the garden, and I could hear Hikaru yelling at Tatsuya on the other side of the manor. He had probably gotten into her potions again.  “Father is so madly in love with mother…as much as it embarrasses her…she loves it. I think if she really wanted to deny him—she would, but she loves him just as deeply.”

“Yes, although it is quite funny to see her deny his affections…he gets so upset and sad.” We both chuckled at the memory of our father sulking around the house when our mother wouldn’t kiss him because she was working and training. Of course, she engulfed him in affections later that day at their koi pond. My father could be quite needy when it came to her. I hoped that I would find a partner who would love me just as fiercely someday. “Hiroshi?”

“Yes?”

“Do you think you will be married soon?”

“Ah…I haven’t given it much thought. I’m more concerned with just living for myself and our family now. Helping our parents and learning how to run the clan does take time, but mother and father aren’t rushing me to learn much either. I’ve been thinking about traveling with Aunt Miyuki and our grandparents. They want to see more of the world, and I think I would like to do that too.”

“Really?” I tried to hide the disappointment on my face, but he caught me anyway and pulled me into a close hug as we continued through the garden. “How long will you be gone?”

“A few years…perhaps more…I haven’t gotten around to telling everyone yet, but mother and father know.”

“Is Tatsuya going? I imagine he was up in arms about this.”

“Of course, he was…but he’s happy for me and is thinking about going on his own trip. Although…he might just be going to see the women of the world…”

“Typical…”

“Yes…oh Chiharu. I was going to come and get you next.” I smiled at our youngest sister as she picked flowers and placed them in a basket. She looked so much like our paternal grandmother, except she had our mothers' eyes. Our grandmother was quite happy about that fact, even though Aunt Miyuki was her literal clone. “More flowers for your flower arrangements?”

“Yes.” She brushed the dirt from her kimono as she swung her basket happily. “Mother loves my arrangements, and I thought I would try some new ones before the festival, but it might have to wait.”

“She is famously bad at them…” Mother wasn’t the most delicate person when it came to such things. She was fluent with her dancing and cooking, but flower arranging was not her strong suit. Our father caught a mouthful of flowers when he laughed at her failed attempts one time. 

“Come on sisters…everyone should be ready by now…” He ushered us along as a maid took Chiharu’s basket and we went to the foyer. I was glad to see the rest of our siblings waiting for us as well as our parents. My heart warmed every time I looked at the two of them—so happy and in love. They had been married for centuries, and it was like they kept seeing each other for the first time. Like I suspect…my mother looked radiant in a light blue kimono with orchid designs on it. Her long hair was beautifully braided into a bun that rested on her head like a crown, and my father was placing orchids in her hair—making her laugh. 

My father matched her in a light blue yukata, and he looked handsome with his hair free and cascading down his back. My mother was tucking an orchid into his belt as they held hands and gazed into each other's eyes with bright smiles. Oh, how I envied them…I dreamed of having my own love one day soon. My father gave my mother one more kiss to her temple before she noticed us and perked up.

“My babies!” We laughed as she rushed over to kiss and hug the three of us—all while adjusting our clothes and making sure we were presentable. “I’m sorry that we are leaving so late…we…had some last-minute things to take care of, but the other clans are just arriving from what I hear! So, we haven’t really missed anything!”

Hiroshi gave me a look over her shoulder and I waved him away as my father looked smug. I rolled my eyes before I spotted Koyuki adjusting her hairpiece. I think enough time had passed and it was time to speak to her again. We couldn’t not speak forever…she was my sister. This was just a passing phase that we would laugh about years from now and wonder why we were arguing in the first place. 

It was stupid and my sister and I weren’t children. 

“Your hair is caught in it.” Koyuki jumped as she looked at me with a pout. I helped to untangle her hair before I fixed her hairpiece. “You always look cute in pink…”

“Favorite color…but not something someone in the stealth division can really get away with wearing on a daily basis.” She smiled at me from her reflection in the mirror, which I reciprocated. “I already can’t wait to see the Sakura blossoms bloom again.”

“Yes…you make such a big fuss about it.”

“I love Sakura flowers!” She pouted at me and I couldn’t help but pull her into a tight hug. “Masami?”

“I’m sorry Koyuki…I know that you were just worried and I yelled at you. I just want us to speak to each other again. I will listen to you if you really feel that strongly…nothing is more important than family. I hope you know that I respect your feelings.”

“Masami I…I was never mad at you, and I understand how you feel. I love our uncle dearly too, but I could have approached the situation better. How about we just start over, enjoy the festival and we can ask our parents about taking a trip somewhere?”

“Really? Like where?”

“Oh, remember that trip we took up north? We can see the northern lights and soak in the onsens at the resort. I could go for a nice massage after all of my training.”

“I would love to!”

“Come on girls! It's time to go!” At the gentle coaxing of our father, Koyuki and I left hand in hand to enjoy the festival. I was glad that we were finally speaking again and could put the past behind us. It was time to look forward to what was to come.

***

The festival was a time for all the clans to come together to celebrate and put past grievances to the side. Although, the only clan that was a nuisance was the Nobara clan, but they behaved when they were here, so I didn’t pay them much mind. My father always said to ignore others that could only scream without making any noise. The other clans were actually much nicer, and we often had teas together and did some activities together. The Nobara clan was so closed off, and I could never understand how they could still be like this for years on end. Did it not get tiring to be so angry all the time? They just wanted to argue with my parents for things that didn’t matter. I hoped that we could have peace with them someday…I thought the eldest son was really nice and handsome. Although, if my father heard that he would have a heart attack. 

“Masami!” My ears perked up seeing my uncle walking over to me with my cousin by his side. Our grandparents also arrived and I was so excited to see them. It was hard to get our whole family together at times so this was a rare opportunity. I hugged him tight as he kissed the top of my head and I greeted the rest of our family. I was pleased to see that Koyuki was talking to him and was wearing a happy expression on her face. The other clans and civilians were conversing, and children were running around the square. The paper lanterns were being lit as music began to play. My sisters already went about dancing, and Mei was quick to join the musicians. 

I spotted my mother sitting on a barrel just watching my father dance with Hikaru, who had two left feet. Going to stand beside her, I watched as Tatsuya chased some men away from Chiharu and Hiroshi tried to stop him. My uncle and aunt were trying to outdrink my grandfathers and I knew that would only end in misery for them all. “Where’s Koyuki?”

“She’s right over there…the line for the soba noodles is quite long and she’s been talking about them for the last few days.”

“Are you alright, mother?”

“Hmm?” She tilted her head at me in surprise, the gemstone on her forehead twinkling in the light. “Of course, my butterfly. I just like to take in these happy moments…it reminds me to take life slow and enjoy the peace.”

“Are you saying that because you’re going to miss Hiroshi when he travels?” She chuckled as she swirled her tea in her cup.

“I always miss Hiroshi…” I looked at the ground quickly realizing what she was really saying. I never knew what to say to her when she thought about our late uncle. He carried such a presence that it could be felt centuries after his death. Mother often said that our Hiroshi was just like his namesake and not just in his looks. I wondered if it hurt her to look at him sometimes…she never seemed to show it though. I looked at her as she touched my head. “I think this will be good for your brother…and we have to wish him the best.”

“Mother…I…I’m sorry…”

“Shh shh…its alright. I’m sorry for getting the mood so sad. The only thing I hope for my children is that you are happy. I want you to love each other and look after each other. I hope that your father and I succeeded in achieving that for you all.”

“Of course you have! Oh mother…” I hugged her tight and she laughed as she hugged me tight and kissed my head.

“Izumi? Masami?” We parted to see my father looking worried as he held some takoyaki for us to eat. “Are you both alright?”

“Oh, we are fine…you know how I get sometimes…thinking about Hiroshi.” My father sighed sadly as he rubbed his cheek against hers and handed over our food.

“Izumi I’m so-“

“Stop it, stop it. You know I hate when you do that.” She pinched his nose before she winked at me. “I hope your future husband isn’t so annoying and whiny."

“She is never getting marri-“ I laughed as mother shoved some takoyaki into his mouth and he almost choked on it. I left them alone to continue with the festival, but it seemed that Koyuki was missing. She was supposed to do a dance routine in about twenty minutes. I thought she would still be in the soba line, but she was already gone.

“Oh uncle!” I spotted my uncle once more as he downed a glass of water. “Did you have fun with your drinking contest?”

“Ugh…dear niece…never drink with your grandfathers…it is not worth it.”

“Haha! I will keep that in mind. Have you seen Koyuki? She has a performance to do.” I glanced over his shoulder and made eye contact with Mei, who gave me a questioning look. I shrugged my shoulders and she sighed and went back to the other musicians. 

“I last saw her at the soba stand. Knowing her, she probably is practicing one last time to get her movements right. She is much like your mother in that regard.”

“Well…I guess I will have to find her. She hates being late to things too, and she’ll beat herself up about it.”

“You want help?”

“No no…she’s probably close by. Enjoy the festival and I’ll be back with her so she can give the best performance ever!” He chuckled as I rushed away to look for my sister. I had to have walked through the festival several times over, but I could not find her. Where in the world did she go? She was ten minutes late now and she was nowhere to be seen. I hoped that she didn’t get food poisoning or something…that would be embarrassing. The only other place to check would have to be the woods, but I don’t know what she would be doing there. 

“Koyuki? I’m going to mess up my new kimono…” I stepped over some fallen trees as I tried to find her. I doubt she was too far in the woods, so I turned to leave.

“…”

“Hmm? Koyuki?” I swear that I could hear something a bit further away. It wasn’t close, but I did hear something. “Please don’t scare me Koyuki…I don’t want to face your pranks right now.”

“…”

“Ugh…I’m going to regret this…” The last time she scared me I lost my voice from screaming too much. I didn’t really care for jump scares in my own home. I wasn’t scared of spirits and such, but she could really paint a for…boding…picture…

Blood.

There was so much blood. 

Everywhere. 

On the trees, bushes, grass, dirt…bodies. The bodies of so many men were laid out in a clearing. Some were hanging off the trees, in the bushes, sprawled out on the ground. The ground looked as if it was covered in a deep red blanket. I stepped over a body as I heard another sound…maybe someone was alive and I could help them. I just never thought I would see a familiar pink kimono in the center of it all. I gasped in horror seeing Koyuki digging her nails into the grass as she choked on her own blood. 

“Koyuki! Help! Someone help! Help me please!” I tossed a fireball into the air as I rushed over and tripped through the grass and my tears as I grabbed onto Koyuki. I didn’t know what to do as I looked over her body. Her kimono was slashed and ripped, and it looked like she had been stabbed with a large weapon through her abdomen. There was too much blood that was flowing out of her and I…I! “K-Koyuki…w-what do I…I…K-Koyuki…”

Her nails ripped into the grass as she held her throat, her eyes looking around wildly. I held her up so she wouldn’t choke on her blood. It looked as if someone had crushed her throat, and I just…what do I do? 

“No!” I looked up just as my mother appeared and ran to us and took Koyuki into her arms. The rest of the family was close behind and it was like time slowed down. “Somone get the fucking doctor!”

I watched as my grandfather's barked orders at the stealth division and my aunt Miyuki pulled me away and held me in her arms. I watched as Koyuki tried to speak and move, but she was getting more and more sluggish. My mother was crying and screaming as my father was on Koyuki’s other side trying to stop her bleeding with our grandmothers. Uncle Jin just arrived and looked at the scene in shock before he pulled Chiharu and Mei against them as they had both collapsed to the ground screaming. 

“Takeshi! Do something please! Takeshi!” My mother kept stroking Koyuki’s hair as her tears fell on her face.

“Koyuki! Koyuki…please hold on…help is coming…” My father tried to comfort my mother and Koyuki, but tears were threatening to spill from his eyes. “My flower…don’t you leave us…don’t you dare…”

Koyuki’s eyes widened as she looked ahead of our parents, and I followed her gaze to my uncle as he looked at her in shock. I couldn’t read her expression because of the commotion going on. My heart began to break as I saw the light in her eyes start to fade. No no no no!

“Koyuki!” I tried to reach for her, but my aunt and Tatsuya held me back. “No no please! Koyuki you can’t die!”

It wasn’t even a second later, that her body suddenly convulsed and shook before she stopped moving. Her light faded as her blood pooled around her feet. Everyone seemed to freeze as they stared at her, and my mother touched a shaky hand to her cheek. Stroking it and brushing her hair from her face, hoping to get some sort of reaction—but none ever came.

“K-Koyuki…K-Koyuki baby…” My mother looked up at my father before she looked down in shock, before she finally broke. “Ahhhh! No no no no! Takeshi!”

She held Koyuki’s body against her chest before the rest of us began to cry with her. My mother collapsed to the ground, still clutching Koyuki’s…body…as she kissed and held her tight. My father tried to hold my mother, but she fought him off and she screamed and screamed. My grandmothers held onto Hikaru and I as my aunt moved away to cry herself now. 

“Izumi…”

“Takeshi why?! What happened?! Who did this to her?!” My mother’s eyes were blazing as the air around us grew hot. “Our baby is dead! She’s gone, Takeshi! Ahhh!”

“I…” My father couldn’t say anymore as he cried and kissed Koyuki on her head and held my mother by her shoulders. I couldn’t even see any more over my tears as I moved to hold onto Koyuki’s hands. She was already so cold and there was nothing that could be done. 

“M-Mother…f-father…” Everyone looked at Hikaru as she stumbled over holding a fabric in her hands. My father stood to catch her as he took the fabric from her hands. His eyes widened as he looked around the clearing and the sky above our heads grew darker, an obvious static was in the air now.

“T-Takeshi…what…what is it?” My father turned the fabric over, and as clear as day—was the emblem of the Nobara clan. Everyone is this clearing…was silent as we all processed what it meant—what needed to be done now. My mother trembled as she looked up at my father—and there was only venom and pure hatred in her eyes. “Kill them.”

“…”

“Kill them, Takeshi! Kill every last one of them! Kill them all, Takeshi! Kill them!!!”

***

A darkness had fallen over our family for the last week—understandably so. Izumi had not spoken since we found Koyuki. She only wanted the Nobara clan dead…and it was all I wanted as well. My family was in pieces, and I had to settle this without more violence. Another war isn’t what I wanted to for my family…but my daughter…my little flower was gone, and a price had to be paid. A meeting of the clans was called after the…funeral, and Izumi hadn’t left the shrine since the funeral. I doubt she would be able to converse in the same room as Niji Nobara. I had to go despite my own feelings about the situation…I had to choose the option that caused the least amount of bloodshed. 

But I wanted the bloodshed.

“Father…”

“Yes…I’m coming.” I stood from the koi pond to look at Hiroshi, and my heart broke to see him in such a state. He had terrible bags under his eyes, and he had lost a considerable amount of weight over the last week. I sometimes heard him in the forests behind our home...wailing in agony. I often found him in the night walking to each of his sibling's rooms…to check if they were alright. Tatsuya was the same way; except he took to staying outside and patrolling the manor all hours of the day…I don’t think I had seen either of them sleep since the festival. Hiroshi had taken a blade to his hair in depression, Tatsuya took his anger out on most of the staff, Masami was as silent as her mother…Hikaru locked herself in her workshop…Mei just sat on the roof and played sad music and Chiharu wailed day and night in her room since Koyuki was murdered. 

My family was in shambles, and I had to do something about it. With my sons flanking me, we set off towards neutral territory to see Niji Nobara. We arrived quickly, because frankly I just wanted to put my hands on him, but I had to be better than that. I stormed through the halls to the meeting room, the other heads of the clan whispering quietly amongst themselves. I threw open the door and the room fell into a heavy silence. I locked eyes with Niji as I sat across from him, and he just frowned and crossed his arms. 

I had to be calm for my sons, but I could feel my blood boiling. Tatsuya was grinding his teeth on my left and Hiroshi had his hand on his blade on my right. I nodded my head at the other clan leaders who nervously cleared their throats to begin the meeting. “We are gathered here today…to speak on the unfortunate death of Lady Koyuki Igarashi at the hands of men from the Nobara clan-“

“Pure conjecture.”

“Um…I’m sorry, Nobara-sama?” I rolled my neck as Niji leaned back in his seat with not a care in the world. I would jump across this table before the night was done. I was terribly on edge, and I could end this now, but I know Izumi would want a piece. Hashimara-sama sighed deeply as he was interrupted and continued to address the room. “Do not interrupt…we are trying to do this as peacefully as possible.”

“Peaceful?! This stupid fuck had my little sister murdered!” I grabbed Tatsuya’s arm as he stood up and I kept eye contact with Niji, who rolled his eyes. “Keep rolling your eyes, bastard! I’ll serve them to you on a plate!”

“Enough!” The head of the Yasatoshi clan growled out, rubbing his temple. “I know this is a hard time for your family, but we are trying to prevent further bloodshed.”

“It seems that this was the point, Yasatoshi-sama. Clearly this barbarian wants to pick a losing fight with our family,” Hiroshi hissed beside me, his sword trembling in his hand—writhing in his anger. “I can assure you that we don’t show mercy.”

“I didn’t have your child killed, you foolish man! I would never waste my time on some pathetic little bit-“

“Watch your tongue, swine!” I stood up now, my tails crackling with electricity. “You will not speak of my daughter in such a way! You will show respect and never have her name in your mouth again!”

“Ah yes, the illustrious Igarashi clan can’t take the heat from another clan?! So far at the top that you can’t see that maybe some of us were chipping away from the bottom for years!”

“…I would not say I was…” Yasatoshi-sama and Hashimara-sama whispered their disagreements quickly as they sank into their seats, content with just watching us yell at each other. 

“So, you admit that you had my daughter killed for some petty bullshit!” I was losing my patience as I slammed my fist on the table. “Jealousy is an ugly mask to wear Niji! Is it really worth the cost of losing your entire clan!”

“Jealous?! I never had your child killed, you stupid child! All you’re trying to do right now is write a false narrative to make yourself look good! You don’t care about anybody, but yourself and control!”

“Control?! Are you getting senile in your old age?! Why would I want control over any of the clans?!”

“That murderous brother of yours is always sneaking around-“

“He is promoting good relations-“

“Taking our women and-“

“He’s a man, you idiot! He isn’t sleeping with your daughters is he-?”

“I’ll skin that bastard alive if he ever-“

“Address what you have done to my daughter!”

“I didn’t touch the little bitch-“

This time I did reach across the table and slammed his face down against a cup, breaking glass into his face. My sons and the other clan heads held us both back, but I wanted more! I needed to break this bastard more! How dare he try to deny what was so obvious to everyone! He was just a bitter old man who wanted to do nothing but sow misery! He would get more than misery! He would get retribution and blood! I would have the head of one of his sons, by the end of the month or the whole family would be sent to hell!

“Fucker! You only framed my men to start a war! We were at peace at that festival! Your daughter killed my men for no reason! Probably tried to seduce them and then murdered them! Like mother, like daughter I see! Trying to get ahead in life with their body-“

Now, Tatsuya and Hiroshi broke the table in half as they tackled him to the floor and I was quick on their heels, but guards flooded the room and the other heads of the clan pulled us apart. It took another couple minutes before we were calm and everyone moved to a new room. I cared little for this farce any longer…I just wanted to take his head home to my wife. 

“Are you both done?” Yasatoshi-sama looked beyond pissed at our display, but I frankly didn’t give a damn. I would get my retribution, and we would never have to deal with this family gain. Trade routes and supplies would be cut off immediately. Hiroshi and Tatsuya were sent to another room to cool off, but I could still here Tatsuya cursing to himself and Hiroshi sharpening his blade. “We just need to-“

“Answer the question…why did your child kill my men?”

“She would never have done that! Do you not listen? Do you think your pathetic little family matters to us? According to you, we don’t need to be concerned with ants like you. Why don’t you just be silent and continue to bite at our feet…you seem to enjoy it.”

“You spoiled little brat! Just like your father before you…and annoyance and hindrance to my family and status.”

“Ah…still so angry that my mother denied your advances? Upset that he married the most beautiful and influential kitsune of your times? Such childhood pettiness is sad at your age, old man.”

The other heads pursed their lips and looked away as they whistled lowly. It was a well-known secret that Niji had been in love with my mother forever, and he only married his current wife as a substitute. It was part of his dislike for my family, and he just hated my father. I was getting quite petty now…Izumi was having a bad influence on me. 

“Fuck you, child! You do not have the moral high ground here! You’re just doing this to start a war to gain control over my territory!”

“Huh?! You think I would use my daughter to start a war with you?! Even if I did…which I don’t! I wouldn’t have let her be killed in the process! Use your mind to think!”

“I’m thinking quite clearly!” The other heads of the clans looked between us nervously, but he was just making no sense now. He really was a fool, and I would stake my demands and be done with him. “Stop trying to control the rest of us! Just because the Yamaguchi mountains are yours now means nothing! I’m sick of your family acting like royalty! You are all nothing and it's about time someone knocks you off your high horse!”

“…” I despise this man.

“Fuck you! Fuck your wife and your children!” I rose back to my feet, and the other heads were quick to follow. “If it needs to be done, all of us will go to war with your family right now!”

“I didn't agree to this…”

“Don’t drag my family in this…”

“Ah so you admit to it!”

“Maybe I did have that brat killed! She deserved to die just like the rest of your family will! So yes! I had her killed and I’ll make sure to get that wife of yours too! I’ve had my eyes on her for a long time! Fuck your family! This is the beginning of your end! I fully intend to take that wife of yours and fuck-“

It was clear to everyone who had eyes how much I loved Izumi. If I could pull the stars out of the sky for her I would. If I could turn the very air into mochi cakes for her I would. I would tear down the Gods for her if she asked it of me. So, the others in the room knew that speaking about my wife, was expressly taboo. They backed away from the table as I fully channeled my wife and jumped across the table and buried my fist in his face.

I hammered my fist down into his face as the room shook at the sheer force of my swings. Electricity surged off me and into him as he yelled. Taking my tanto blade, I almost stabbed it into his eye, but he caught it. “Never fucking speak of my wife like that again! Your whole family is dead! The Nobara clan will be wiped from this life if it is the last thing I do!”

I could feel myself being dragged away now, but the rage was still there. I needed him to hear my rage and fury. 

“This is war! I will take everything that you love! I will ruin everything that you love and hold dear. You will never have a moments peace again! Do you hear me, Niji Nobara! Hear me, you bastard! I will fucking kill you!”

***

Once I told the family the war would begin, they immediately set off to prepare. I had to tell Izumi, but I just needed time. I needed time to digest everything that happened…all the pain that I had absorbed over the last week. I had to be strong, this was no time for weakness, and I had a war to fight. Koyuki deserved to rest in peace, and I would make sure of it. I just needed to catch my breath and I could do this…I could not afford to fall apart right-

I jumped as the doors to my bedroom were thrown open. Turning around, I saw my mother had thrown the door opened and she closed them with a frown as she locked eyes with me. I furrowed my brow as she walked up to me with narrowed eyes. Without another word, she opened her arms up to me and I…I just couldn’t stand it anymore. I fell against her arms as we sank to the floor, and I cried into her chest. She stroked my hair and comforted me, but I could barely hear her over my own voice. It had been so long since I last cried…since I felt a pain like this. My little girl was gone, and I hadn’t been able to protect her. I had failed her and she was gone and she’d never come back. I was a failure of a man, a husband, a father…I didn’t deserve this family, and I only feared that I would continue to lose them. 

***

It had only been two days since my father declared war, but the family was still hurt. I was still so hurt and all I could do was sit in her room and take in her scent, before that too…faded away. I could only cry because I should have been there with her…but I wasn’t and she was gone. I slinked out of her room to head to the shrine, and I was not surprised to see my mother still there. I don’t think she had left this room since the funeral, and I could not blame her. In her mourning robes and veil still…she sat in front of Koyuki’s picture. I sat beside her and lit more incense as we sat in silence. 

“They will die.”

I perked up as I heard my mother's voice for the first time in over a week. Her eyes were blood red from her tears and more fell from her eyes. She looked away from Koyuki’s picture to stare at me. Her eyes were almost hollow, and I could see her cheekbones. She needed to eat before we lost someone else to soon. She grasped my shoulders and I was surprised how tight her grip was. 

“We will avenge your sister, Masami. Every last one of them will die. We will kill them in hundred…thousands…millions of different ways! Our family will never be touched again! Stand up Masami…you need to be strong for your siblings. Train and train…until you bleed and are throwing up blood! Your sister must be avenged.” A smile crossed her face as a wicked look crossed her eyes. “You will kill them, won’t you? Your little sister is dead, and we will paint a bloody picture for anyone else who dares attack our family.”

“I…I…”

“Won’t you?! You will kill them with us Masami!” She shook my shoulders and despite how it sounded she was right. They needed to pay—every last one of them! “Finish them with me!”

“Yes mother! Of course I will!” We both looked at her portrait—firm in our resolve. I couldn’t cry for her anymore. It would not garner any results. The only thing that mattered was the death of a disgusting clan of monsters. We would have the last laugh, and we’d be the alpha kitsunes in the land. No one would dare touch us again. 

Koyuki. You will be avenged by any means necessary.

I will make sure of it. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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