A Tale of Two Foxes: (Kogitsune X Mikazuki)

A Tale of Two Foxes - Chapter 12

CHAPTER 13

Mikazuki stood in the center of the small circular clearing, staring into a pair of eyes he no longer recognize. That cold, charcoal gaze stared back, a sneer of cruel amusement etched into the owner's smug expression. Filled with seething rage, Mikazuki's hand reached for a sword that wasn't there.

"Do you feel betrayed?" Kuroi asked, the corner of his mouth lifting in an arrogant smile.

Mikazuki refused to answer, his jaw clenched tightly in silent protest.

"Poor, stupid Mikazuki," Kuroi chuckled. "So naïve and gullible. I bet even now you think this is about you."

Once again, Mikazuki remained silent. He was no fool, and with the memory of Kogitsune's warning reforming in the back of his mind, Mikazuki had no doubt this situation would end badly. His blind and trusting nature had likely led to his ultimate demise, and there was no one to blame except himself.

Kuroi clasped his hands behind his back, staring down at the ground as he walked a slow circle around Mikazuki.

"I'm sure you've figured it out by now," Kuroi professed. "This was never about you and me. Although, I will admit I enjoyed our time together, if only for the fact that with each passing day your death drew closer. You, my beautiful sacrifice, are the key to my rebirth. To Kogitsunemaru's rebirth."

"Do you honestly think Kogitsune is going to let you kill me?"

"Finally," Kuroi snickered. "He speaks."

"Kogitsune will come for me," Mikazuki said through clenched teeth. "And when he does, it will be you who dies."

Kuroi laughed softly. "I've no doubt he's coming. In fact, I can feel his approach as we speak. And when he arrives; when he sees the glorious offering I've prepared for him, he will understand. He will remember who and what he is, and he will embrace it. He will embrace me."

Kuroi must have sensed Mikazuki's momentary confusion, because the male paused mid-step, turning to face Mikazuki.

"I keep forgetting how little you know about the man you claim to love," Kuroi smirked. "Your starry-eyed fantasies are probably filled with adolescent romance and misplaced affections. Am I right?" he asked, his head cocking to the side in question.

Mikazuki said nothing as he tried to hold Kuroi's gaze. Involuntary color filled Mikazuki's cheeks, and instinctually he dropped his head to hide his embarrassment.

"As I thought," Kuroi sniggered. "My dear, Mikazuki, this is not the story of your romance. It pains me to tell you this, but there will be no happy ending for you and Kogitsune. The man you think you know does not exist, and the fact you still believe Kogitsune is going to be your savior in this great tale, is only proof that I chose my brother's victim well. You, my darling, are nothing more than a means to an end. No better than chattel plump and ripe for slaughter. To Kogitsune and I, you are food; sustenance that will unleash a power so terrifying it will bring the Kami of Foxes to her knees."

This time it was Mikazuki who smiled. "And you call me naïve," he mocked. "Your delusions are even more far-fetched than my own. I may have been a fool to think someone as fearless and daring as Kogitsune could ever love me. But you," he scoffed. "You seek to turn him against his true nature."

"I AM HIS TRUE NATURE!" Kuroi roared.

Mikazuki didn't even flinch, staring down his opponent with ice cold resolve. "I'll play your game, Kuroi. Right here, right now, I offer myself as a willing sacrifice. I won't fight back and I won't try to run." Mikazuki looked around, taking in every detail of his surroundings. "Whatever trap you've laid in this bewitched place, I will be the bait."