Kami ga shihai shita

Introduction

The flames of a bonfire rose, embers drifting into the night sky as children danced around the fire, singing a tale of Hinokami and his friends. A blue tabby bunny clapped his hands to the song's rhythm; he swayed back and forth as solid hands gripped his shoulders. Finally, he squeaked, turning around to see a taller bunny with grey tabby fur coloring. He punched him in the side of the arm.

"Sorry, Hansuke." He chuckled, "It's just so easy to scare you. You cute little but." He booped his pink cat nose as Hansuke swatted at his hand.

"I told you not to call me that." He groaned, punching his arm again but a bit harder.

"That's exactly what you are: a cat and a bunny. Therefore, a but." He smirked as he walked away

"Whatever." He followed behind him, "Today is a big day. Are you ready for this?"

"Of course I am ready! There is no greater honor than being a sacrifice to Hinokami." He raised his hands in glory as Hansuke shook his head.

"I still don't get it." He shoved his hands into his white frock coat pockets, "Why did you pick me to be your prayer? Can't your 'outside friends' help?" He did air quotes as he said outside friends, "Don't you think it's already traumatic even to know that you were chosen, let alone have front-row seats?"

"Hansuke, it's going to be fine. I picked you over Maximus because I trust you. You are the key to helping me see Hinokami in my last breaths."

He grimaced at the thought of watching his brother's life fade away from his eyes. He knew one day that it would come to their untimely demise, but he hoped that at least his brother would be the one to see his children and have his own family.

He looked down at Hansuke, who nodded, "Great! I'm gonna talk to some people. And Hansuke, don't think about it for too long."

He nodded as he watched his brother run off into a group of people dancing around in a circle. Then, he turned away, walking towards the bonfire as the crowd behind him erupted into cheers. He stared into the flames, trying to gather up his courage and thoughts.

He kept staring into the flames, not noticing the shady figure approaching behind him. He took deep breaths of embers that fluttered into the air, wondering about his fate. He screamed and quickly threw a punch at whoever was behind him. "Ow! Damn it! What was that for Hans?" A bunny said as they rubbed their arm, moving back, "I was just coming to see if you were okay."

"Oh, Aimi. I'm sorry, I'm just," He lost his words, trailing back off to his thoughts about his life and fate. He felt an arm wrap around his neck and turned to see the light tan face look at him in concern, "It's all just so much to take in." She embraced him tightly, and he accepted it, "I don't think I'm ready for any of this yet."

"I know it's hard now, but think about it this way. Once this is over, you can rest easy knowing that Jiko will be watching you from the high above with Hinokami." She let go of him, waving her hand up to the sky.

"I know, but I don't know if I can kill him." He looked at her with pain in his eyes, and she frowned.

"It's going to be the right thing to do. To please Hinokami and keep us all safe." There was the sound of shouting towards them. They looked over to see a group of dancers gesturing for them to come over, "That's my cue," She looked back at Hans, "You can do this, ok?" She gave him a quick hug and waltzed over to the group. He watched them leave, knowing it was nearing the time of the ritual.

He sighed, going to the stage set up in the center of the village where the sacrifice would be made. He gulped down the hard lump he had felt rising in his throat as he walked up the steps to the table in the center. He rubbed his paw/hand on the smooth marble surface, thinking about how it would soon be stained with blood. He shivered, lifting his hand and taking a deep breath. "I can do this." He said quietly to himself, "I can make Hinokami happy. I had seen the ritual done before I memorized the blessing forwards and backward." He stared up at the crowd and scanned around at the happy villagers gathered around the singers and dancers. "Everyone will see, and everyone will be happy,"