A Tale of Two Foxes: (Kogitsune X Mikazuki)

A Tale of Two Foxes - Chapter 11

CHAPTER 11

When the screaming stopped, it was so sudden and absolute that the absence of the sound was deafening. There was a moment when everyone in the room stopped breathing, counting down the seconds as they waited for the first startled newborn cry to echo through the house.

It never came...

Kogitsune leaned heavily against his Master's desk, doing his best to hold back his tears. A few of his fellow Swords weren't as stoic, their emotions rolling off of them in wave after devastating wave. No one knew what to do or what to say, so they huddled together in small groups, taking solace in each other's quiet and somber company.

"I can't believe this is happening," Tsurumaru whispered, clutching the wooden frame of one of the chairs. "She was fine. W-we just saw her."

Tonbokiri had arrived shortly after the remaining Swords had gathered in the office. The Healer had been in tow, breathless and stone-faced as his withered form moved with more speed than Kogitsune believed possible.

Tonbokiri set his spear down and gathered Tsurumaru into his arms. The red-headed Yari must have sensed Tsurumaru's impending breakdown, allowing the Sword's slight frame to melt into his larger one. Tsurumaru wept openly, his shoulders shaking uncontrollably.

"Hush now," Tonbokiri murmured, gently stroking the pale strands of Tsurumaru's hair. "I'm sure Master and the Healer have everything well in hand."

As he spoke, Tonbokiri exchanged skeptical looks with Kogitsune. The silence was all the evidence anyone needed. There would be no baby for the Swords to dote on and help raise. There would be no soft gurgles or sweet laughter to fill the halls, no wide-eyed curious gazes or tiny hands reaching out for larger ones. There would be no child, and based on the unending silence, there'd be no mother either.

Kogitsune pushed off the desk, clearing his throat to get the attention of everyone in the room. Tear-filled eyes focused on Kogitsune, soft sobs and sniffles dwindling as everyone strained to listen.

"None of us are strangers to death," Kogitsune said, addressing the room. "We have all lost comrades and soldiers on the battlefield. But this... this is different. I know you're anxious and scared, worried that our family might've become smaller in the span of a breath not yet drawn. But whatever happens, whatever news Saniwa-sama brings us, we must remain strong. Strong for each other and strong for our Master. We will get through this. Together."

It was then that the office door opened and Izo stepped inside. His face was completely expressionless, but there was a wildness in his eyes that made Kogitsune want to take a step back. Was he angry? Sad? Frustrated or in pain? Perhaps it was a chilling combination of all four. Either way, his expression combined with his blood-soaked appearance made him look absolutely terrifying. Tsurumaru started to speak, but Kogitsune held up his hand in warning.

"We have a rogue fox spirit somewhere on our land," Izo said, stalking towards his desk. "He goes by the name of Kuroi and he's taken one of our own."

Mikazuki's name was whispered throughout the room, his absence suddenly gaping.

"We are going to get Mikazuki back," Izo announced. "We are going to find this fox spirit and we're going to destroy it. But in order to do this, I will need everyone's help."

Izo tugged his shirt out of his pants, tearing off the soiled garment just as Reika swept into the room. Her eyes were blood-shot, and the tear tracks down her cheeks were visible a mile away. She took Izo's dirty shirt, handed him the clean one, and then swept out of the room without making eye contact with anyone.