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"There was just one moon. That familiar, yellow, solitary moon.
The same moon that silently floated over fields of pampas grass, the moon that rose--a gleaming, round saucer--over the calm surface of lakes, that tranquilly beamed down on the rooftops of fast-asleep houses.
The same moon that brought the high tide to shore, that softly shone on the fur of animals and enveloped and protected travelers at night.
The moon that, as a crescent, shaved slivers from the soul--or, as a new moon, silently bathed the earth in its own loneliness. THAT moon."
― Haruki Murakami, 1Q84
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April.
Cherry blossoms from the trees bloomed brilliantly underneath the sun-kissed sky. It marked the beginning of spring, Kogitsunemaru noted. As he sat by the lake, he noticed how lively his surroundings were. His ears perked up at the sounds. The birds chirped a tune of harmony. A soft melody that he even felt himself humming to. The ground he sat on was adorned by grass and the multitude of flowers.
As the breeze came by, the cherry blossom petals swayed and flowed with the wind. Some of them even floated in the lake like delicate fish wandering aimlessly.
From the thought of fish, he felt hungry and craved it with fried tofu, which was his all-time favorite. He sighed to himself and crouched to examine the lake closer, gazing upon his reflection clearer. His long white fur-- or hair as others called it-- trailed down to his hips. He decided to take this chance to groom himself.
It was a peaceful day so far.
Kogitsunemaru came to the citadel last night. He recalled that its been eventful ever since he has arrived. The full moon shone brightly above as if to welcome his presence; it dazzled so luminously. How fitting to have arrived on the start of a brand new season.
"I'm big, but my name's Kogitsunemaru. No, I'm not joking. And I'm not a fake! I'm small! Even though I'm really big!" was his exact introduction upon being forged. He then sincerely bowed to his new Saniwa. He decided to call them his Master. Even though he was a big fox, he acquired his name due to his genuine humbleness. Kogitsunemaru braced with anticipation and the joy to come. His eyes gleamed with excitement.
He truly enjoyed his Master’s place and thought it was lovely. However despite his best efforts, he has not adapted fully yet to this new home. There were a lot of other fellow swords that he has not met yet. They seemed interesting upon observation to say the least.
Kogitsunemaru flopped to his side, reminiscing the past events that just happened recently.
As a sharp kitsune, he detected an aura of disappointment that emitted from his Master, as if they were expecting someone else. Thus as of now, he was childishly sulking to himself. Anyone in that situation would feel a little saddened that they were not wanted. It wasn’t as much as the rejection hurt but… he never wanted to already disappoint his Master with his arrival. After all, the only thing he wanted to do was to serve his Master and bring them prosperity.
He felt like a failure and questioned his existence. Kogitsunemaru’s ears drooped solemnly and he curled up his legs to make himself smaller. Usually he'd put up a confident demeanor but since he's alone for now, he figured it was acceptable to mope.
He was sure that he’d get back to himself soon in the end anyways. For now he just wanted time to ponder and brood to himself. Tilting his head to the side, he was curious about what kind of sword that everyone was waiting for? Surely they must be very amazing. Nevertheless, the fox wished that they would appear soon so that Master can be happy.
“I hope I can get to meet whoever it is soon.” He said, the edges of his lips forming a sad smile.
Some weeks passed by and Kogitsunemaru began to familiarize himself with his new home. There’s been plenty of interesting folks around and he even got to princess-carry his Master around! It was very fun and pleasant.
He was quite fond of his Master and swore loyalty to do everything in his power to protect his team. It was tough at first, trying to gain as much experience as everyone else when he was so far behind but he still persevered. Although he was still weaker, he could hold his ground in a sortie now.
The weeks passed by quickly henceforth.
The younger swords seemed to like poking at his ears a lot. Sure, it tickled whenever they did that but he decided to ignore it.
Some off days he’d drink sake with Jiroutachi and listen his crazy ramblings. Jiroutachi would tell him about his extravagant adventures whereas Kogitsunemaru would feel too woozy to concentrate on what’s being said. Other days, he’d find company with Nakigitsune. Well, it was more like he talked to the other fellow fox but he was told that Nakigitsune has taken an interest in him. It made him happy to know that even if he found him as an incomprehensible guy at times. The two foxes would often understand each other on a kindred basis.
He has greeted the others but haven’t gotten to know them on terms further than acquaintances. Kogitsunemaru hoped that he didn’t seem too intimidating or the fact that he was a fox was off-putting.
When it was a clear day, he consulted Kashuu and Yamato to teach him the proper traditions of human culture. He found them as amusing teachers since they’d bicker over what was right or wrong. Their education proved to be useful nevertheless. Kogitsunemaru utilized his new skills proficiently. He got better at tending his crops and grew his very own soybeans (which he is intensely proud of).
All of the swords had interesting stories to share.
His own tale was more simple than most. Emperor Ichijo was the one whom had commissioned his original creation. He was crafted by the renowned sword smith named Sanjou no Kokaji Munechika along with the deity of Inari as his assistant. Munechika insisted that he couldn’t forge Kogitsunemaru without an assistant with skills that matched those that he possessed. Upon praying at Inari Shrine, he requested the assistance of the guardian deity. His help came in a form of a young boy who promised to have his wish fulfilled. He encouraged Munechika by conversing with him about another legend and story and later disappeared.
After Munechika was preparing to craft the sword, the deity of Inari who transformed into the spirit of a fox appeared and announced that he will be his assistant. in honor of Inari Ookami’s apprenticeship, he was engraved with two names-- ‘Kokaji Munechika’ and ‘Kogitsune’. From then on, Kogitsunemaru was born and gifted to the Emperor.
The rest was history.
His days lulled into the usual routine of sorties, expeditions and tending the fields of soybeans crops for fried tofu. Throughout his duties, he always kept a cheerful demeanor. The only exception is horsekeeping which he disliked very much to be frank. He wouldn’t get along with them and hiss.
Along with Honebami, he would be mischievous and play pranks associated with the horses. Whereas Honebami would throw the horse manure at anyone who he hated, Kogitsunemaru would play pranks on the horses themselves-- nearly getting himself kicked in the face once. Ouch. It wasn't a pleasant experience.
He did not like horses one bit. Eventually, Kogitsunemaru took the advice of Honebami and threw horse manure at the horses but then ended getting in trouble with the Master.
His punishment was to keep tending the horses until he could learn to get along with them. Kogitsunemaru pouted at the thought of it and huff childishly. He respected the Master’s wishes but he found it impossible to get along with those creatures.
It was a late night and his ears perked up when he heard the sound of soft bells chiming. It was a light sound and he doubted that anyone else heard but he rose from his slumber and resting place to check what it was.
Ring
Ring
Ring
Following the source of the sound, Kogitsunemaru found that his Master was still awake and forging a sword with the swordsmith.
The sound of bells was actually the sound of the clang of the sword being smithed. He wondered what kind of sword would it be for it to sound so… different?
Finally his Master stopped and turned around with a smile. “My little fox, you’re still awake?”
“Yes…” Kogitsunemaru trailed off and nodded sheepishly. “I woke up hearing an unfamiliar sound and arrived here.”
Master gestured him to come closer pointed to their newly crafted sword.
The sword was radiant. Dazzling. Transcendent of beauty in every way. He couldn’t find any other words that would suffice to continue.
Kogitsunemaru’s eyes widened as he recognized the signature swordsmanship. “Could it be…?”
“It is.” Master said proudly. “You’ll be the first to meet him.”
The fox just stood there with his mouth agape when the newly formed sword went forward to introduced himself.
With a musical laughter and sleek smile, he announced “I am Mikazuki Munechika. They call me Mikazuki on account of the many patterns on my blade. Please take care of me."
So this was the sword that everyone was waiting for. Kogitsunemaru could feel his breath get caught in between his lungs.
Even the Master began to dedicate all of their time to just looking after the famed crescent sword, leaving Kogitsunemaru as an outcast.
When the news has spread to the other swords, everyone was curious to know Mikazuki. After all, he was the famed crescent sword and one of the Five Swords Under Heaven. There was a little chance of him ever to be forged but Master had done it.
Crowds would swarm Mikazuki who greeted all of them with a light-hearted laugh. It went on with this until the others would get tired or get called away to sortie and expeditions.
Master found that Mikazuki lacked experience for now so thus they decided to assign Kogitsunemaru to show him the ropes. Since his punishment was still ongoing, Kogitsunemaru and Mikazuki were stuck together on horse duty for days. They both struck up of what seemed to be at first an unlikely friendship.
Even though they are from the same clan and swordsmith, Kogitsunemaru never really got to know Mikazuki until now. It was because of their ownerships with former emperors or lords.
They only knew each other by name before formally meeting. He thought that he’d dislike Mikazuki upon first impression but he found it impossible to. How could anyone hate someone so beautiful?
“Sorry for getting you stuck with horses…” Kogitsunemaru said, his ears lowering with his guilty tone. It was his fault that one of the prestigious swords was forced to do such a lame job. Turning to him, he found to his surprise that Mikazuki didn’t seem like he minded. It was evident that he automatically took a liking to everyone.
Mikazaki looked at him and flashed him with a shining smile. “This is the most fun that I’ve had this week. The horses seem to like me.” He pointed at a horse and then fed it hay. It neighed happily in response and left Kogitsunemaru shocked.
“How did you do that?!” Kogitsunemaru exclaimed. “The horses never get along with me… not even the former emperor’s horse.” Usually on days when he was on horse duty to tend them, they would always ignore him and act pretentious. Even on sorties, at times the horses would buck and make him fall off. Today, they looked friendly and engaging to Mikazuki.
“I presumed that they are always this amiable.” Wiping his bangs back and the beads of sweat away, Mikazuki was enjoying his work. “Back at my old owner’s home, I was never allowed out and displayed in glass mainly. Unfortunately, I’m unfamiliar with these kinds of chores because of that. It is astonishing to think that I missed out on such experiences like these.” He chuckled. Murmuring, he continued “I’m a grandpa yet I still don’t know much about this outside world.”
Kogitsunemaru learned that he called himself a grandpa since considered himself an old man.
Whereas his own was short and simple, Mikazuki’s speech was very formal. Kogitsunemaru coughed playfully. “Ahem. If you’re an old “grandpa then what does that make me? An old fox?”
They both broke out into harmonious laughter and it echoed throughout the fields surrounding them.
Once they settled down, Mikazuki continued. “What stroke of luck brings us to meet each other. I’m glad to have met you, Kogitsunemaru. It brings me relief that we are crafted by the same swordsmith. It makes me feel that I have a connection with you.”
The fox grew flustered and blushed at the flattery. Was the legendary sword really complimenting him? After a few steady breaths, he approached closer to Mikazuki. “I’m very happy to have met you as well… thank you!” He didn’t know what else to say but those simple words of gratitude. Kogitsunemaru scratched his head. He was still foreign to what humans usually do in this situation.
On the way back, they made their way in silence. It wasn’t the awkward and uncomfortable silence but it felt more like peace and content in new companionship.
It was as if Mikazuki possessed an aura of brightness. His graceful yet cheerful attitude was to be admired by all.
As they arrived to the small pond in front of Master’s home, Kogitsunemaru abruptly took Mikazuki’s hand and led him to the side, alerting the latter of something. “I want to show you something since we have time! Look!”
Mikazuki raised his eyebrows in confusion and amusement but nevertheless followed. “I suppose we still have enough time before our Saniwa calls for us back anyways.”
Kogitsunemaru led him to the tree that rose above the pond. “This is the cherry blossom tree that is the most in full bloom out of all of the others.” He beamed and his eyes glimmered brightly. “Its my favorite spot to relax and at night, you can see the moon and stars from here as well!” He sat down and stretched his legs. He never realized the toll it took for him to stand around for a day while tending to the horses. He patted to an open spot beside him. “You should be tired from all that work.”
Gazing around his surroundings, Mikazuki’s expression grew with amazement. He looked directly into Kogitsunemaru’s eyes and whispered “I’ve never seen such a beautiful sight.”
“Yes... “ Kogitsunemaru trailed off only to find that he was looking directly at Mikazuki instead of the sight. He was talking about him instead. Before the latter could notice, he turned away with a swift motion.
Mikazuki elegantly sat down next to the gestured spot and softly played around with the fox’s hair and braided small parts of it. Earlier, Izuminokami had taught him how to make braids like him in hair but he had never had the chance to test it out until now. Smiling, he took a blossom from the tree and interlaced them between Kogitsunemaru’s small braid.
Kogitsunemaru’s ears wriggled and felt that having his hair being woven in a strange design was a weird sensation. However… he didn’t particularly dislike it. The gentle hands of Mikazuki felt soothing. With his hair braided, he could feel the wind on his neck.
When he was done, Kogitsunemaru took the biggest blossom from the tree and put it behind Mikazuki’s ear. “There! We match--” He grinned. “Since your hair is too short to braid!”
Mikazuki laughed that musical laughter that he loved so much. “We sure do. Nn, I like getting taken care of.”
While chatting away, they watched the sunset together as the golden light lined the horizon.
“So what you suppose Munechika was like?”
Putting a hand to his chin and pondering, Kogitsunemaru tried to recall what his creator was like. However he was at a loss as his main memories only consists his life in the Emperor’s stronghold. “I’m sure he was a good person! I’ve talked to the others of the Sanjo clan and they agree as well.”
“I suppose so...” Mizazuki then stood up. "Could you do me a favour?"
"What is it?" Kogitsunemaru questioned, tilting his head.
"It piques at my curiousity... what does Master feel like whenever you carry them around?"
"Are you suggesting me to princess-carry you?" The fox quipped and grinned widely. He then got up. WIth ease, he swept Mikazuki off his feet.
Initially protesting since he wasn’t expecting Kogitsunemaru to carry him so fast, Mikazuki felt as if his heart skipped multiple beats. Regardless if it was out of shock or… something else, he didn’t think that Kogitsunemaru could easily carry him. “My my… you’re really strong--”
"Oh n--" As soon as Mikazuki said that, the fox accidentally lost his footing. Both Kogitsunemaru and Mikazaku were sent tumbling down and splashed into the lake with a plop.
Mikazaki fell on top of Kogitsunemaru and rose up to stare at the latter's eyes. “Well, I still think you’re strong.” They stayed like that together for awhile in silence.
"Sorry..." Kogitsunemaru gave a sheepish laugh breaking the quietness. Playfully, he splashed Mikazuki with water.
They were both soaked from head to toe but they laughed together, having fun.
In the midst, Yamato and Kashuu were witnessing what was in front of them and gossiped with each other.
“These old men act like they're kids whenever they're together.” Kashuu scrunched up his face.
Shaking his head, Yamato scolded at him. “Don’t be rude.” He sipped his tea and unwrapped his bento.
Noticing that two pairs of eyes were on them, Mikazuki looked over at Kashuu and Yamato with amusement.
On the sidelines, Kashuu and Yamato were now quarreling over who made the best bentos. Everyone else watched in the distance as they started shoving each other’s food in their faces. In a way, they seemed like a married couple who were aggressively feeding each other.
“They seem to get along well!” Kogitsunemaru remarked innocently.
Mikazuki nodded. “Indeed.” Raising his soaked outfit, he looked as the water pooled out of his sleeves. “Perhaps its best for us to get changed now.”
“That’s a good idea… I wouldn’t want us to get a cold.”
They helped each other out of the pond and both got back to their respective rooms.
As he was getting himself dry, Kogitsunemaru dreaded grooming his hair again. He shook off the remaining moisture and put on a new set of clothing. With a grunt, he tried to tied his obi perfectly. He realized was never taught this since he only grew up in the royal palace where servants would do this for him. He plopped down in front of his dresser in frustration. His own kimono was loose but he preferred it that way anyways.
When there was a faint knock on his door, the fox jumped up startled. He then tentatively slid open the entrance until he saw Mikazuki still dripping wet and holding his dry clothes. With a flustered wave, Mikazuki then pointed to his robes. “I don’t… know how to untie my kimono. In my past, someone else has always done this for me. I have always been dressed by someone else.” He whispered quickly, being shy about his lack of knowledge. It was uncharacteristic for Mikazuki to react this way but Kogitsunemaru, smiled and thought it was cute.
“Same here. I guess we’re used to being pampered, hey?” He said with amusement in his tone. “I’ll help you out…” Kogitsunemaru raveled his fingers with the strings that tied Mikazuki’s kimono and slowly untangled them. He held his breath at their close proximity.
“You have my gratitude.” Mikazuki took off his soaked garments and tossed them to the floor.
Kogitsunemaru’s eyes lingered at the sight before coming back to reality and averting his eyes to the ceiling. He didn’t mean to stare at all. Nope.
After Mikazuki was done putting on dry clothes, they went outside again to hang their kimonos out to dry.
With a mischievous snicker, a figure popped up behind both of them. That voice was unmistakingly recognizable. “Waa! ...Ahahaha! Are you surprised? Ah, no no, my bad, my bad.”
At the expected appearance, Kogitsunemaru’s ears went up high alert and his hairs stood up. He only relaxed after seeing that it was just Tsurumaru Kuninaga and his usual tactics.
On the other hand Mikazuki was not shocked at all and smiled. “Hello! It is nice to see you around again.”
“Both of you are up so late?” Tsurumaru questioned. “In fact, I should be the one that is surprised! I was just getting my kimono cleaned as well.” He stuck out his tongue. “Washing off blood is a pain.”
Kogitsunemaru’s ears perked up with curiosity and worry. “How was your mission?”
“Ichigo was a bit injured in our sortie but its nothing that the repairs can’t fix up!” Tsurumaru gave a thumbs up.
“That is good to hear.” Mikazuki nodded. “Hopefully we can sortie tomorrow as well and help out.”
Afterwards the three of them along with everyone else had retired to their rooms to rest.
That night, Kogitsunemaru writhed around in his bed. His memories would flicker hauntingly and swirled in his mind. The nightmare felt tormenting and it consumed him.
Consequently, he saw a vivid image of a battlefield. The powerful Kebiishi had appeared and ambushed the entire team-- His team. If he was leader then how could he have possibly allowed this to happen? And then there was Mikazuki; he stood in the middle of it all. Only to appear battered and bloodied. It hurt Kogitsunemaru to see him like this. As much as Kogi cried out and yelled, his voice sounded as if it was muted. His last sight that he saw was Mikazuki turning around to give a kind smile.
Then everything went dark.
Blackness. He could only see blackness; it only the empty abyss.
The next time he saw light again was when Mikazuki appeared. It seemed like years since they have been reunited. When he heard the familiar chimes and laugh, he couldn’t help but leap up in joy. When Kogitsunemaru burst into relief and happiness, he was only met with a cold stare.
“Hm... Do I know you?” Stop. Stop. This couldn’t be happening.
Just stop it.
You do know me. We’ve been through so much together… was what he wanted to say. It was more as if, he had too much to say. There weren’t enough words to describe his cherished moments with Mikazuki or the sorrow he felt now. With the most anguished expression, Kogitsunemaru held back his tears and turned away. It was his fault that his teamed failed. He was the leader and everyone, including Mikazuki counted on him.
If it weren’t for him, Master wouldn’t have lost the famed sword. Instead, it should have been Kogitsunemaru himself who should have sacrificed his life.
His dream shattered and Kogitsunemaru woke up with droplets forming at his eyes. Embarrassed, he wiped them away with his sleeves quickly.
It was still a quiet night and everyone else was still not awake. Aimlessly rolling around, he realized that he could not sleep. After that horrid nightmare, it could probably keep him up for a weak.
Firstly, he tip-toed and checked if Mikazuki was safe. It was as if his paranoia spoke out and he wanted to make sure that his dream was just false.
He did not wish to awake Mikazuki from his slumber, but however he found that he was already awake. He was standing outside of the citadel, immersed in looking at the sky. Seeing him again, Kogitsunemaru gasped slightly as all of his emotions became flooding back. He faltered to keep his calm demeanor and was reduced to a whimpering mess. His legs held no more strength and he fell to the ground on his knees.
With a fluid motion, Mikazuki crouched towards him and stroked his head with ease. “What’s wrong?” he asked.
Kogitsunemaru felt as if he was regaining himself again and paused to take a deep breath. “I had a dream about you… you were gone. The next time I saw you, you didn’t remember me and I didn’t know what to do.” He further explained his dream. At points, he probably must have mushed up all of the words together from speaking so fast but Mikazuki only nodded and give him a smile of reassurance.
“There, there.” He look out his hand to intertwine with Kogitsunemaru’s. “This is real, isn’t it? What you dreamt of, will only be just a dream.”
His words were simple, but it broke him out of the spell of that nightmare.
At the moment, it was as if both of them were the only ones in his twisted world. It was just the two of them together.
Two hearts resonated in a melodic pattern. It was their very own duet.
“You see?” He pointed to himself. “I’m here and you won’t need to worry.” With a sweet embrace, Mikazuki pulled Kogitsunemaru into arms of comfort. As his ruby eyes cast upon the other sword, he felt as if all of his troubles have washed away again. It was so astounding... his silhouette absorbed the moon's glow. It made him look even more beautiful than before. Kogitsunemaru wasn't aware that that was even possible.
Drops of moonlight melted ceaselessly into the landscape. The stars seemed to grace their presence, twinkling in union. Mikazuki averted his gaze and directed it towards Kogitsunemaru, drawing him close. The fox could feel his soft breaths on his skin. Grinning with a sly smile, Kogitsunemaru whispered in a voice full of adoration. "All of this made me realize something. I love you… and I can’t stand to ever lose you."
Mikazuki’s eyes widened as he recognized what his words truly meant. Gently, he murmured "I do too. I love you. If it were me having the same dream and losing you, I would be filled with such deep melancholy."
As they drew closer, finally their lips collided. Kogitsunemaru's was filled with shivers as his body radiated with Mikazuki's warmth. Until this moment, he didn't know how incomplete he was without Mikazuki. It felt as if all his life was monochrome until Mikazuki brought color into his world. Kogitsunemaru deepened the kiss, with a husky growl. His animalistic urges taking over. He could hear the other's heart pace quickening. His hands intertwined with the strands of his hair. Nothing in his entire life could have ever prepared him for this moment. All of his actions were on impulse but he didn't regret it one bit.
Kogitsunemaru took in his scent. Mikazuki's body was like a temple that he could worship. His hands teasingly traced the frame of his hips to legs. He was crafted to absolute perfection. His muscles were sculpted flawlessly along with his defined jawline.
Mikazuki breathing became more spaced out and heavy. "Is... this what they call skinship...?" His delicate senses were all going off at this moment and he never experienced anything like this before. Eyes clouding with desire, he left small kisses along Kogitsunemaru’s cheek until he met his lips yet again.
An abrupt sound of something loud falling inside caused Mikazuki and Kogitsunemaru to come back to reality. A few minutes later, yelling was heard from Yamato and Kashuu’s room.
“One of them must have kicked each other off the bed or something.” Kogitsunemaru assumed.
Mikazuki grimaced at the disturbance. “Probably… so do you want to watch the sky with me?”
“Sure.” Kogitsunemaru figured why not. Besides, at this point, someone would probably walk in on them. He winced at the thought of Master catching a sight of them or any of the other swords. The gossip wouldn't stop for weeks then.
Accepting Mikazuki’s offer, they both sat out on the grassy spot by the trees. The fox splayed out into the ground.
“With you here… I feel like I’m home already. Is that strange?”
“This is our home already!” Kogitsunemaru remarked playfully. But he knew what the other was meaning. "Life before you arrived was dull. Master wouldn't even give me attention since they were always waiting for you." He puffed out his cheeks and pouted in a child-like manner.
Putting a finger to his lips, Mikazuki winked. "Oh? I suppose I should be the one to give you the attention you wanted from the Saniwa then."
"You-- You..." He stammered, his voice faltering. Regaining his composure, Kogitsunemaru huffed out "You can be pretty smooth at times."
"Perhaps." He teased. Staring at the crescent moon above them, Mikazuki rested his head on Kogitsunemaru’s shoulder. He pointed to the night sky and asked poetically. “If I am the moon, what are you?”
“I’m just a fox.” Kogitsunemaru chuckled. All of this metaphorical things made no sense to him sometimes. He found it interesting to say the very least.
“There was a tale that my former Saniwa told me. It was about the constellation of the Vulpecula.” Mikazuki outlined a series of stars with his hands.
“Huh? What’s that funny-sounding name?”
“It means ‘little fox’. Just like your name… I was thinking about how you’re like the stars, Kogitsunemaru. That constellation reminds me of you as well. Even though its faint, I think its so lovely. I used to think the moon was a reminder of being alone.” He paused, being deep in his thoughts. "But how could I possible have seen it like that when the stars were always surrounding it." Mikazuki caressed the fox’s cheek, leaving him blushing. “When I first arrived here, I truthfully felt so lonely. Being surrounded by so many others but having no one to relate to was frightening. I’m very glad that destiny has brought you to me and that I met you first here.”
In that moment, Kogitsunemaru could not convey the words he wanted to say-- for they have surpassed anything existed. Since could not articulate his feelings of love, he put into action and kissed Mikazuki.
Their connection was already transcendent and nothing else was needed to be said.
They both held each other and stayed like that for awhile, neither one talking in the quiet night.
In the morning, both Mikazuki and Kogitsunemaru had to stay back since they came down with a fever from playing around in the pond and staying up too late.