A Tale of Two Foxes: (Kogitsune X Mikazuki)

A Tale of Two Foxes - Chapter 15

CHAPTER 21

Mikazuki watched the ceremony in absolute silence. Though the entire household wanted to watch the rebirth of Kogitsunemaru, Izo had restricted attendance to Mikazuki and three Swords he trusted above all others: Tsurumaru, Ishikiri and Taroutachi.

"Is this truly necessary, Master?" Ishikiri asked, bowing respectfully to Izo. "Surely you don't think Kogi-san will be a threat."

Izo moved about the room, preparing for the ceremony. At first, Mikazuki didn't think the sage would answer, but he finally set Kogitsune's sword onto the stone platform and turned to address everyone in the room.

"What I do here today has never been attempted. It is for this reason we must stand firm and remain vigilant. Before us lies the alleged sword of Kogitsunemaru, inspected by our very own blacksmith. The final report indicates that this blade is either the original, or a very, very well made replica. Unfortunately, there is no way to discern the truth unless..."

"Unless you give it life," Tsurumaru finished. "I say do it. If there is a chance our brother is trapped inside that sword, it is our duty to rescue him."

"Agreed," Ishikiri said.

Taroutachi didn't reply, but he nodded his head in agreement.

"Then it's settled," Izo said, glancing briefly in Mikazuki's direction. "Let the ceremony begin."

It is an arduous process, bringing a sword to life. Chant after chant is recited, and though the Saniwa sage never moves, sweat pours from their brow and their muscles clench and strain as they fight to control their magic. But if the sage is powerful enough, if he or she has the strength and endurance to make it to the end, the reward is well worth the struggle and pain...

A white light emanated from Kogitsune's sword, growing so bright Mikazuki had no choice but to look away. But when his gaze returned to where his Master sat, standing just a few feet away was none other than Kogitsunemaru.

The towering white-haired Sword appeared disoriented, his vicious gaze taking in his surroundings. With his claws bared and his fangs on display, he growled menacingly. Immediately, Ishikiri drew his sword, taking a defensive stance between Izo and Kogitsune. Tsurumaru and Taroutachi drew their weapons as well, moving to positions that ensured Kogitsune couldn't escape the room without going through them first.

Mikazuki was the only one would didn't draw his weapon. In fact, he removed his sword and placed it on the ground beside him. It took a moment, but Kogitsune's gaze finally landed on Mikazuki. In an instant, the vicious sneer marring Kogitsune's face was gone. His expression softened, and his crimson eyes filled with what could only be love.

But in the midst of this precious moment, a sliver of fear rippled through Mikazuki. The longer he stared at Kogitsune, the more details he took in. He soon realized that the male standing before him was not the one who'd confessed his love that day in the woods...

This Kogitsune appeared taller and more muscular. His hair, though still white as the driven snow, was longer and thicker, skirting the floor at his feet. He stared at Mikazuki with such intensity that there was no mistaking the subtle change in his crimson gaze. It burned darker, shadowed by thoughts too terrifying to imagine. And then there were his fang, once only visible when he smiled roguishly, were now proudly on display for all to see. Those sharp teeth served as a silent warning: Approach and I will tear out your throat...

Mikazuki stumbled back, the memory of another intimately familiar smile clouding his vision. Suddenly, Mikazuki was afraid, his terror coiling around him as images of that night threatened to consume him.