Come by Night 2: Winter's Moon

Chapter Two - Now

You look so strong, so beautiful and proud standing there. Time and trial have chiseled the meekness from your character, rendering you worthier than ever to be mine. We stand defiant against heaven and earth. How can I not sweep you into my embrace? I hold you tight to me, knowing this time you will not disappear.

"Hotaru," I murmur against your hair.

"Isamu-sama."

I kiss you hard, as if I could join myself to you and never be parted from the press of our lips. I hold you as tight as I may without crushing you to death. At length, I stop. It is not safe outside for a yōkai so close to the village, and there is another I must greet. I let you go and pick up Tsukiko. Her skinny arms wrap around my neck.

I have never laid eyes upon my daughter in the waking world until today. She and I have had many conversations in the world of dreams. Our child is very special, more than I should ever have guessed from having conceived her upon a human. No offense, beloved.

"You have everything ready?"

You nod and pick up the rolled bundles hidden amongst the stacks. "We are ready. Where are we going?"

"Home." I take your hand and together we walk through the shadows. I have dreamed this moment so often. Can it be true?

After a vague timelessness, we at last pierce the realm of shadows into the World Next Door. We emerge in my territory, and long have I awaited this day.

"Isamu!" Your breath catches.

It is the beginning of spring because you are here. Snow still lay upon the grass, but the sakura are budding.

"It is so beautiful! More than what you showed me. To think this is real! Are you certain this is not another dream?"

I chuckle. "Not this time. Welcome home." I set Tsukiko down and she runs through the open gate into my great castle.

"Is the sky always black?" you ask.

"Usually, but I can change it to suit my bride. You will marry me, of course."

"Yes! I mean... can we? Do not the gods frown on that?"

"We already have a child," I point out.

You smile. I take your things now that I have let our daughter down and hitch them over my shoulder. We walk hand in hand through the gate, which shuts behind us. I will keep you and Tsukiko safe here. I will not lose you again. I could not bear it.

I lead you through the main courtyard, a marvel of natural beauty. At the engawa we remove our shoes. Sitting side by side, I brush your cheek and lift your chin to steal a kiss. I choose now to create moonlight in my realm, to fall upon us at the perfect moment. For you.

"You will never sew another garment again. You are the lady here, my wife to be, mother of our daughter. Whatever needs attending, my household will do it."

"House... hold?"

I smile slyly. "You'll see."

I stand and hold out my hand, which you accept. I cannot stop looking at you. Your eyes stare into mine  as you climb to your feet.

"I have always loved your eyes," you say, your hand cupping my cheek. I beam with pride.

"I have always loved you," I blurt out.

You giggle and pet my ear. "You look so awkward after you say such things. It's adorable." 

I open my mouth, to defend myself against your triumph. I cannot. You are right, I feel like a fool. I am not used to saying what is in my heart. Your beautiful smile and tender touch assure me that I do not have to explain. You kiss me, and this feeling is miraculous.

Is this what happiness is? If so, I never want it to end. I have known pain, Hotaru. You take it all away. I do not deserve you, but that will never stop me from seeking to possess you. A yōkai's love runs deep and eternal. That is one of the reasons we're not supposed to fall in love with humans.