Long ago, long ago in a distant land of cherry blossoms lay a village near the base of a white mountain. Inside the large castle at the center of the village lived a humble daimyo and his two children. The eldest child was a boy, trained in the ways of the samurai by his father's dedicated guards. The second and youngest child was a girl, whose smile shined like the rising sun while compelling herself to befriend everyone she met.  

            Sadly, her smile had grown dimmed after the unfortunate death of her mother at an early age, whom she was closest to growing up.

            The daimyo's first son was named Takeshi, and the youngest daughter of the clan was named Ayako. Due to the region experiencing an era of hostility and warfare, the daimyo, also saddened by the loss of his wife to illness, closed himself and his family inside the walls of their castle. Only servants and an occasional subject could set foot beyond the gates, leaving Ayako to be schooled by the finest tutors.

            However, while Takeshi contentment in the safety of the castle, Ayako yearned for something more. In spite of her family's warm affections and the comforting respects from their subjects, Ayako had grown tired of the way nobody viewed her as anything more than the princess of a wealthy daimyo. To every male in the kingdom, they treated her like a fragile item of a porcelain collection. To every female in the kingdom, only her servants were worthy to speak to her.

            It was a fateful evening in early springtime. Ayako noticed the cherry blossoms finally blooming in the estate garden outside her window. She knew the garden like the back of her hand, having spent numerous times playing with her elder brother and hiding from her stern tutors. Having reached womanhood recently, Ayako still found comfort in wandering around the green moss stones, the zen river perfectly raked by the family shrine, and the sounds of the meek waterfall connected to a lonely stream.

            As she followed the trail at twilight, Ayako paused when she heard faint whimpering over the sounds of birds and crickets. Leaning down to a nearby shrubbery, she was surprised to find a creature cowering underneath the dark green.

            It was a fox, wounded on his hind leg by a deep thorn.

            Ayako cautiously extended her hand to the kit, only to have her finger bitten by the alarmed canine. She pulled away at first, but instead of being fearful, the princess waited. When the whimpering fox calmed down somewhat, she started to softly pet it, then carefully carried it up in her kimono's sleeves.

            Inside the sleeping castle, Ayako sneaked some rice and fish to her private quarters. The little fox, though cautious and timid at first, found itself enamored by the food while allowing the princess to dress his wound. Thankful and satisfied with a full tummy, the fox then licked at Ayako's bitemark before curling up at the foot of her bed.

            “Your apology is accepted," she giggled, then drifted off to sleep.

            Sunrise peeked inside the castle several hours later. Ayako found not a fox, but a young man around her own age, peacefully curled at the foot of the bed. Her startled cries awoke the stranger, who stared wildly at her. The shock turned into fear when a servant knocked on her door, and the boy immediately disappeared out the window.

            Confused by what had transpired that morning, Ayako wandered once again through the castle gardens into the afternoon. Throughout her lessons, all that remained on her mind were the eyes of the young man. They entranced her in a way that made the young princess feel weightless. Like a cherry blossom in the wind.

            She was about to give up when finally, Ayako found the same young man dressed in peasant's clothes and no sandals, standing before her in the middle of the path. He seemed human, even with his feral teeth and sharp, auburn eyes hidden under matted layers of ruby hair, but what drew her immediate attention was on the healed wound on his right leg.

            She spoke, “Are you the fox I found last night in this garden?"

            “Yes," he answered, revealing a pair of perked fox ears and five tails that swayed and arched behind him like protective waves, “for I am a mystical five-tailed kitsune."

            “You bit me last night." Ayako remembered. “Do you intend to eat the rest of me?"

            The kitsune laughed heartedly. “I intend no such thing. I speak the truth when I say that I apologize for biting you last evening. You startled me."

            Surprised, but not alarmed as before, the princess smiled back at him.

            “But what of the bitemark itself?" she asked. “Am I cursed like the legends say? Will I turn into a kitsune like you?"

            Once again, the boy laughed. “The legends are wrong, your highness. Such a transformation is only possible if the one bitten also consents to it."

            The ruby tails swayed welcomingly as this kitsune approached.

            “My name is Kazuki," he greeted her humbly, “and I hope you can forgive me for my actions this morning, for our kind are unable to keep our desired forms when we dream. It was merely an accident on my part, and I apologize. The meal you provided was more…fulfilling than I expected."

             “I am Princess Ayako," she replied, “and you are forgiven."

            And so, a friendship had formed.

            Far from the eyes of other humans, Ayako and Kazuki would find each other in the garden or spending a night together in her open bedroom, watching as the stars danced across the sky. Both times, Kazuki would bravely find a hiding spot until no other soul was in sight, then reappear once again to the princess.

            Ayako found the kitsune to be cordial and mischievous, yet patient and playful. Kazuki found his human provider shy and quiet, yet kinder than the gentlest of breezes in spring. She gladly listened to his tales of magnificent adventure, from battling fearsome ogres in mountainous caves to playing practical jokes on villagers and even once trying to court Kaguya, the legendary Princess of the Moon. She promptly rejected him and the hundreds of other suitors.

            “All of these tales sound incredible!" Ayako praised him. “It must be great to go from place to place."

            “Thank you, but a princess such as yourself must have some stories to tell," he replied.

            “No." she mumbled, “Not compared to you…"

            “Surprise me, Princess Ayako." Kazuki wagged his tail in interest. “You must have an interesting tale or two? Humans are fascinating, after all."

            Thus, Ayako told him smaller stories of her own, and never once did Kazuki look away. And never once did he stop listening. He had never been this close to a human before, having always been a trickster who only saw the mortals as either entertaining passion or superstitious brutes. Yet Ayako sat on her bedside, speaking to him without a single hint of anger or fear. Only marvel.

            Years passed. The princess eventually reached marrying age and had transformed from a meek girl into a beautiful maiden. Waking up at the foot of her bed that morning and seeing her laugh with him as they frolicked in the garden that day, made the kitsune see her differently.

            As twilight descended from above, Ayako asked, “Kazuki?"

            “Yes, Princess Ayako?"

            She shuffled closer to him, “Have you ever been in love before?"

            He paused in his answer for a moment, then replied, “…countless times."

            “Why have you not settled down with a vixen yet?" Ayako asked.

            “I…was not worthy of their love," he answered truthfully, “but what of you, Princess? Have you found a man to love?"

            “Me neither," she sighed, “but I feel he is near."

            Of course, Kazuki tried convincing himself she was simply another human. He tried convincing himself such a possibility could not be achieved. He had previously tried courting men and women as lovers across centuries, and none of them looked beyond his feral nature.

            Months progressed. Ayako's father had started to age more. War was rolling in from the horizon, which urged the daimyo to strengthen alliances. One day in early autumn, Ayako joined her father and brother to welcome a faraway prince and his entourage from the north, who intended to make the youngest princess his wife.

            His name was Masaru. Although his handsome features and exalted status dazzled the daimyo, the prince's heart was wholly corrupt, and it angered a certain kitsune as he watched everything from afar. Kazuki saw Ayako as more than simply a beautiful woman. Masaru did not. And Kazuki appreciated the sound of her charming voice. Masaru did not, going so far as to scowl at her when they were alone for a single moment.

            “At least you are beautiful enough to produce heirs," he coldly stated.

            Ayako confided with her kitsune friend later that day.

            “You should not be forced to marry this man if you don't want to," Kazuki comforted her. “Have you pleaded with your father to reconsider?"

            Ayako wept, “I have begged, but he will not listen. He says it is my duty to bring peace to this land, and only a marriage with Masaru will guarantee the end of this war." She was to be escorted with her fiancé the very next morning, and it pained them both.

            However, Kazuki felt determined that this should not be her fate.

            He sneaked a bottle of sake from the castle's storage rooms, sharing it with Ayako as a parting gift, unaware of his cunning plan. Using his abilities to cast supernatural illusions, Kazuki plotted to disguise himself as Princess Ayako and leave with Masaru by the break of dawn. Before the wedding could commence, he would then transform back into a kitsune in the hopes of scaring the arrogant prince to death.

            Maybe then would Ayako be free to love whomever she wanted.

            Everything went according to plan. Ayako drank the powerful sake into a drunken slumber, and he whisked her away to sleep in the garden underneath a pile of warm leaves, then transformed into the beautiful maiden. Luckily, Masaru did not suspect his disguise as they were transported away, having grown used to women being silent unless spoken to.

            When the entourage reached the peak of the valley, Kazuki did not anticipate seeing a familiar presence in his and Masaru's path.

            It was Takeshi, who had come to free his young sister from a terrible marriage and a monstrous fiancé. Sword drawn, he threatened the arrogant prince to release who be believed to be Ayako, but Masaru refused, instead ordering his bodyguards to kill the interloper.

            Takeshi fought valiantly, and Kazuki hoped the samurai-trained prince would win without any interference, but Masaru was dishonorable. He had secretly ordered an archer to shoot Takeshi when his back was turned. When Kazuki realized the assassination, it was too late. The poisonous arrow, swift and sure, ruthlessly struck its target.

            Kazuki shed his disguise and knelt before the fallen prince in horror.

            Meanwhile, Masaru glared angrily at the kitsune. He had been tricked!

            “You are not Princess Ayako!" he roared as he and his entourage fled. “You are allied with her treacherous father. As vengeance for this foolishness, my armies will come to slaughter you and everything the senile daimyo holds dear!"

            Kazuki would have followed, but not yet.

            Instead, he held Takeshi, demanding why the prince would do this. He answered, “Strange creature, I believed you were really Ayako, but it seems we were tricked."

            “I never intended for this to happen!" Kazuki apologized. “Please do not die! Ayako needs a warrior like you to protect her, and you cannot accomplish your duty among the dead!"

            “I am afraid…that is impossible for me," Takeshi weakly sighed. “Strange kitsune, if you can, promise me that you will bring my body back to my family. Father will want to bury me."

            “Do not die, Prince Takeshi! Think of your sister!"

            “I am." He smiled up at the crestfallen creature. “Kitsune, I have been aware of your existence for many years, but you have never shown yourself to be a threat. You are not like the other malevolent spirits. You have only given companionship and consideration to Ayako. If you wish to redeem yourself, then I beg of you to protect my sister. Protect her…and love her…"

            Kazuki fulfilled his first promise.

            With great hurry, he carried the injured prince to the front gate of the daimyo's estate, where the guards, servants, his sister and father stood. Kazuki could not even look at Ayako when she began to sob at the sight of her gravely injured brother. Nobody could deny the furious gaze of her father, directed at him: the kitsune who allowed this tragedy to occur.

            As the servants went to attend to Takeshi, the daimyo bellowed, “This is your fault my son is injured, and the war continues! Guards, bring me that demon's head!"

            If he weren't too swift in evading the guards, then Kazuki would have been able to hear Ayako begging her father to give him mercy. Unfortunately, the kitsune had been focused on fleeing from the valley, avoiding the swords and arrows of bounty hunters while finding refuge in the wild.

            Next, he went on to fulfill his second promise.

            Kazuki traveled north for three days and three nights until he arrived at a lavish castle surrounded by endless land and watched by over a hundred samurai. He willingly surrendered to them after claiming responsibility for the attack on Prince Masaru, then was brought before the royal chamber where he and his father, the northern lord, resided.

            “Guards, why do you bring this boy before us?" the northern lord demanded.

            “Wait, execute him!" Masaru, terrified, tried to order. “Father, this is the demon who collaborated with the nation to the south. He impersonated my fiancé!"

            Kazuki laughed, “I am no demon, child."

            To the amazement of everyone in the chamber, Kazuki allowed his five great tails to reappear, cocooning around him like a protective and expensive kimono.

            “Great northern lord," the kitsune bowed in sincere humility, “My name is Kazuki. I come neither as enemy nor spy, but as a fox spirit of the land. I request that you listen to me."

            Kazuki explained while it was true, he did impersonate Princess Ayako, he had done so on his own accord. Her father had been unaware of his existence, let alone the plot to halt the marriage. He pleaded for the northern lord and his son to reconsider peace. The daimyo's people were a humble nation undeserving of further hardship.

            “There is more than one way to guarantee peace between two lands," Kazuki spoke gallantly and without a hint of fear. “If you lay down your weapons and speak to them for longer than a single day, I am sure you will both find common ground. Please offer them a hand of friendship instead of cold steel!"

            Baffled and amused by the humility of such a formidable creature, the northern lord spoke quietly with his son. They argued back and forth about this unseen opportunity until they decided together on what could be accomplished from such a plea.

            Confident on his throne, Prince Masaru announced, “Kitsune, my father and I will respect your wishes, but you must prove your worthiness to us. If you are as powerful as you claim to be, then you will complete three simple tasks. If you complete them, I will abstain from marrying the princess and we will end the war. Should you fail, then you will vow loyalty to us and assist in destroying our enemies!"

            Reluctantly, knowing this would be his only chance to save Ayako's home, the kitsune accepted the terms.

            An hour later, Kazuki was escorted to a courtyard where a dozen barrels of the northern nation's finest sake lay before him, Prince Masaru and his subjects. The kitsune's first challenge was to drink it all before sunset that very day.

            He finished before twilight, much to the prince's astonishment.

            “How is it possible?" he demanded to know. “You must have cheated, demon!"

            Yet his subjects vouched for Kazuki, praising the creature's swift skills as they witnessed him emptying each barrel in titanic gulps. Angered, Masaru called for the next challenge: to present to him the fur of a tanuki.

            Such a feat required the half-drunken Kazuki to travel immediately. Having transformed into his fox form when night fell, he scurried out of the castle and towards the unexplored forests where tanuki roamed. Jolly, mystical animals of fun and mischief, they often congregated unseen from the rest of humanity, and Kazuki knew where to find them.

            That night, he came to an open meadow near the base of the largest mountain, able to hear boisterous cheers through the trees. Suddenly, Kazuki found himself surrounded by over a hundred tanuki, dancing and singing and playing games in a bacchanal of life's celebration.

            After some searching, the kitsune found a certain tanuki he recognized. He was round and dancing around like everyone else, but his muscled arms and presence made him stand above the rest of his kind. Yet it did not invalidate his soft nature.

            The tanuki laughed, “Kazuki, old friend! Glad you have come to tonight's festivities!"

            “Daisuke!" Kazuki returned the hug. “As fun as this sounds, I am on a mission that requires your help. Do this, and I shall promise you the largest meal with the tastiest of food!"

            “How large are we talking, and what will be served?" Daisuke asked, curious.

            When Kazuki finished describing the various meals that would be served, Daisuke eagerly joined his longtime friend to the human kingdom in the north. When the dawn arrived, Kazuki once again transformed into his human form while Daisuke remained as a tanuki, presenting themselves to Prince Masaru and his father in the royal chamber.

            “Northern lord and prince," the kitsune bowed, “I have completed your second challenge."

            Daisuke bowed as well, commenting, “This is a beautiful castle of yours, majesty."

            “Thank you, tanuki," the northern lord replied.

            “What is this? Another demon?" Masaru scowled instead. “Are you trying to deceive me, foolish kitsune? I ordered you to bring me the fur of a tanuki!"

            “I am not deceiving you," Kazuki did not falter or finish smiling. “You told me you wanted the fur of a tanuki, but not if you wanted him alive or dead or skinned. Therefore, I have still completed the challenge you bestowed on me."

            Prince Masaru was livid while his father couldn't help but laugh at the kitsune's cunning trick. Now it was time for the final challenge, a task they both were sure Kazuki would likely fail: travel to the Moon Kingdom and bring them the crown of Queen Kaguya.

            “Very well," Kazuki grinned at the prince and his father, “but such a journey will need time, and the Moon Kingdom is very far away."

            “One week then," the northern lord concluded. “If not, then the war will continue."

            “I will accompany you," Daisuke grinned once they were outside the castle gates, “but only if you provide me that great feast you boasted about once this quest of yours is over."

            “That is a promise, my round friend," Kazuki wagged his many tails at the tanuki's fervent loyalty. “Now let us depart for Gekk? Shrine!"

            The kitsune and his tanuki companion traveled for three days, dodging the wrath of humans and hunters until they arrived at their destination: a small grotto where an ancient stone structure stood amidst the growing vines and trees. Intricate markings in an inhuman language lay inscribed within every corner of the shrine, while a crescent bowl rested on the floor.

             A long time ago, ages before this very war that Kazuki hoped to end, Princess Kaguya of the Moon Kingdom resided in the land of cherry blossoms. She was raised by a bamboo cutter and his wife, having been exiled to Earth so she would learn to be humble. Many suitors, Kazuki once being among them, tried to win the heavenly maiden's affections, only for her to give them impossible tasks knowing they would fail. When the time came for her to return to the Moon, having already made her farewells to her loved ones, Kaguya left two items behind in her absence: an elixir of life that continues to burn atop the highest peak of Mount Fuji, and the Gekk? Shrine camouflaged near the base of the mountain.

            According to legend, once every full moon, those able to find the shrine and recite a secret haiku could call forth an envoy from the Moon Kingdom.

            “Do you believe Kaguya's people will accept your request?" Daisuke asked his kitsune friend. “From what I've heard, the Moon People do not appreciate foreigners, so what makes you believe this legend is true?"

            “Because Kaguya-hime herself told me so," Kazuki knelt before the shrine. “If this is folly, then we will have failed, and I will be forced to kill Ayako and her father's people. That will not come to pass!"

            Daisuke joined the kitsune in prayer, each having burned a candle of incense in the bowl, and together, they recited the haiku: “Moon Kingdom above, / Grant us silver wings of light / Whilst we humbly pray."

            Minutes passed until the duo spotted clouds gathering around the full moon, and their animalistic ears could hear divine music. Soon, the clouds started to descend before the steps of the shrine, revealing an exotic, silvery-white wagon the likes of which neither Kazuki nor Daisuke could comprehend. A fair-skinned stranger at the front of the wagon bowed his head to them, and they swore the color of his eyes changed with every wearied blink he made.

            “Her Majesty has accepted your presence," he spoke to them in a booming voice. “Now come aboard so we can depart with swift haste"

            Together, Kazuki and Daisuke entered the silver wagon, which soon floated off the ground and followed the clouds into the starry sky. Soaring high above the mountains at unbelievable speeds, the silvery wagon guided them towards the Moon. It came closer and closer. As they rose closer to their destination, the tanuki and kitsune were able to see a magnificent sight.

            Tsuki no Miyako: The Capitol of the Moon. A wondrous city of glass towers constructed from polished moondust and lustrous gold. In the distance, Kazuki could spot the green and blue marble of Earth they called their home, while he Daisuke equally stared in awe at the sights around them as their transport slowed to a halt. They were then escorted into the Celestial Palace, a spectacular castle that shimmered alongside the stars of the eternal night sky, and the residence of the Moon Kingdom's glorious queen.

            “Be warned," their escort told the tanuki and kitsune. “Outsiders are looked down upon by many here, so please be silent until Her Majesty asks for you to speak."

            “Thank you, sir." Daisuke nodded, though clearly nervous like Kazuki was.

            “May I ask if Her Majesty remembers who I am?" he asked, then gulped when the escort glared with his darkened, rainbow eyes. “Understood. I'll be silent now…"

            The hallways lay adorned in heavenly treasures, some of which awed his tanuki companion, but Kazuki did not come all this way to tour. He needed to save Ayako.

            Inside the Celestial Palace's royal chamber, Kazuki and Daisuke could feel the judging eyes of those who paused their dancing, stopped speaking and whispered instead of these foreigners. Neither the tanuki nor the kitsune dared to retort any rumors. Instead, they stayed fixated ahead, following their escort until they stood before a throne.

            Queen Kaguya of the Moon Kingdom, in Kazuki's opinion, did not change a single day since he last saw her. True, her midnight hair had grown longer, yet her sharpened gaze did not erase her youth, for the Moon People were able to live immortal lives like kitsune. A hint of recognition was seen on her face as well.

            “Your Majesty," their mysterious escort announced, “Upon your request, I have brought you the two creatures of Earth who found the shrine."

            Kazuki and Daisuke humbly bowed before the Moon Queen.

            “Arise," she commanded, to which they followed her order. “Welcome, creatures of Earth. What is your name, tanuki? And what brings you here to the Moon Kingdom?"

            “My name is Daisuke, Your Majesty," he spoke to her anxiously, “and I am but a traveling companion for my best friend here."

            “Is that so?" she pondered, then turned towards the kitsune. “It has been many years since we last spoke, Kazuki. I told you of Gekk? Shrine once before, did I not?"

            “You did." Kazuki nodded. “If my memory is correct, one of your countless suitors tried to break into your home and threatened to kill your adopted parents, lest you marry him. I disposed of him after hearing their cries for help nearby. You still refused to accept my marriage proposal, but you told me of the Gekk? Shrine if I ever needed the favor returned."

            “And here you are now," Queen Kaguya leaned forward from her throne. “I have been indebted to you since that day, so what is this favor you request?"

            In front of her royal court, Kazuki told the Moon Queen about his predicament on Earth, about his friendship with the daimyo's daughter, the endless war, the failed arranged marriage, and impossible challenges he needed to complete to save her. He spoke highly of Princess Ayako, her beauty, and argued that—though not as beautiful as her, obviously—she would have been worthy to be courted by any man other than Prince Masaru.

            “Any man, you say?" Kaguya mused. “Do you mean any male? Or…a male kitsune like yourself?" Kazuki, though silent, knew the face of his human form had turned as scarlet as his fur in spring. “Of course, this is about a girl. For men, it always involves a girl."

            She and the rest of her royal court chuckled, yet the kitsune's resolve stayed firm.

            “Tell me then, do you love her?" Queen Kaguya smiled down at him, “Do you want what is best for this princess? Will you risk your life to ensure she will live happily? Laugh happily? Sing and dance without fear? You have boasted to me about such claims in the past!"

            After a careful moment spent imagining such a future for her, Kazuki answered, “I do love her, Your Majesty, but I was naïve to believe you could love me. Unlike Princess Ayako, you and I were not meant to be husband and wife, but the feelings I hold for Ayako have driven me to end a war for her. Which is why I request that you give me your…crown."

            Gasps erupted throughout the royal chamber.

            “What did you say?" Queen Kaguya asked him. “Repeat yourself."

            Kazuki obediently repeated, “I request you give me the crown of Your Majesty so I may give it to Prince Masaru and complete the final challenge."

            At first, nobody spoke a word, and then the Moon Queen laughed. Her royal court followed suit, disbelieving what the kitsune had just asked of their monarch. Once again, he did not falter his resolve, despite knowing he was in their world. Their kingdom. Their domain.

            “That is such a bold request, Kazuki!" the Moon Queen stated. “Many of my subjects have asked for simpler things: blessings to marry a member of my court, to have debt erased or permission to visit Earth, but you have the brave audacity to ask I lend you my crown?"

            “Yes, Your Majesty!" he answered her. A thought suddenly crossed the kitsune's crafty mind, and he suggested, “What if I'm given it for a single day?"

            To Kazuki's surprise and joy, Queen Kaguya agreed to the terms. She allowed a nearby servant to give him her crown, telling the kitsune and tanuki it would fly back to her once the next dawn arrived at the land of cherry blossoms. Much of her court stood surprised and in shock, but none dared to speak out.

            “Your Majesty, there is urgent news!" the Chief Oracle burst into the royal chamber, “We have been watching the Earth from afar, and it seems the kitsune's enemies are amassing an army!"

            “That traitor!" Kazuki growled in anger, clutching the crown tightly in his paws. “I'm sorry we must leave, Your Majesty, but it appears Prince Masaru has betrayed my trust! Can your escort fly me and Daisuke back home before a battle begins?"

            “Of course, my friend." She ordered her escort, “Have them safely returned at once!"

            He nodded with haste. “Yes, Your Majesty."

            After their departure, unbeknownst to her guards or the rest of the Celestial Palace, Queen Kaguya retreated to her private quarters. She felt greatly concerned if Ayako would reject her friend, the kitsune. So, she called forth her magic and placed her hand to a nearby mirror.

            Back on Earth, Princess Ayako sat on her bedside with worry on her mind.

            Many days had since passed, and word had not been made of Kazuki's fate. Or that of her nation. As she pondered what the future held, she suddenly noticed a mist enter through her window. She grew alarmed more so when the ghostly face of a woman appeared.

            “Do not be afraid, Earth Child," the woman of the mist spoke. “Are you Princess Ayako of the kingdom in the southern valley?"

            Ayako froze in fear, only managing to find her voice after answering with a confused nod. “What are you? A…Are you a spirit?"

            The mist lady giggled. “No, not a spirit. The inhabitants of your world know be better as Kaguya."

            Immediately, Ayako gasped.

            “Queen Kaguya of the Moon Kingdom?" the princess bowed.

            She giggled one more time. “The very same, Earth Child. Now arise. If I may ask, what bond do you have with Kazuki?"

            “Kazuki?" the Earth princess stared. “How do you know of Kazuki?"

            “Has he not told you of his foolish attempts to court my heart?" Ayako nodded, and the Moon Queen continued, “He has been speaking with Prince Masaru and completing challenge after challenge to end your war with the northern lord. So, I shall ask once more: What bond do you have with the kitsune?"

            “I… I care deeply for his safety, Queen Kaguya," she spoke only the truth in her heart, “My bond…is something forged from our friendship. Kazuki is compassionate and friendly and considerate of me. And I know Father is wrong about what he did to Takeshi. I know whatever he planned, he never meant for my brother to be injured."

            “He is not dead?" she asked.

            The princess answered that thanks to Kazuki's swift speed, the servants and resident doctors were able to treat Takeshi for his arrow wound, but he would never again be fit to engage in fierce battle.

            “Incredible," Kaguya mused, “Yet I wonder, do you love Kazuki like he loves you?"

            It was at that moment when Ayako's heart skipped inside her chest.

            “He…He loves me?" She blushed like a cherry blossom in early spring.

            “He claims so," Queen Kaguya smirked amusedly, “but do you love him? That is the question I would like to know the answer to, Princess Ayako. Does Kazuki make your heart stop whenever you are in his presence? Is he in your thoughts every time you fall asleep and wake up in the morning? Do you imagine yourself by his side, him as your devoted husband, and you as his beloved wife?"

            Princess Ayako lowered her gaze, “I do, but it is unbecoming of me to love him."

            “Because he is a kitsune?" The Moon Queen shook her head at the mortal. “Maybe or maybe not, but if two hearts yearn to be together, no god or daimyo can prevent it. And speaking of your father, there is a second reason for our encounter. He may not have believed Kazuki's innocence, but he must believe my warning."

            War was coming to the southern kingdom. Kaguya cautioned Princess Ayako of the incoming attack from the northern lord, telling her of where they planned to strike as well as the number of samurai and ninja employed in their ranks.

            “You must go now, Ayako." The Moon Queen smiled. “I'm afraid there is not much I can do to help you in the coming hours, but I wish you and Kazuki the best of luck. You have my support and my prayers on your side. Stay safe, Earth Child."

            “Thank you, Queen Kaguya!" the princess watched as the mist lady vanished from where she once stood. “You have done more than enough for me and my nation. Thank you!"

            Far from where Princess Ayako was warning her father, the silver wagon that held Kazuki and Daisuke dashed between stars, each one blurring faraway in the distance as the Earth came closer. Their paws grasped onto each other for support the further this wagon twisted and turned in the air, with Kazuki clutching the crown for dear life.

            “Escort!" the kitsune yelped. “If you can, drop me and my friend off at the entrance of the southern daimyo's border! Do not slow us down!"

            “As you wish!" he replied, pushing for the silver wagon to fly even faster.

            “Are you mad, Kazuki?" the tanuki screeched over the howling wind. “We will be killed in the battle!"

            “Not if we prevent it from happening, Daisuke!" he explained, “If there is to be peace, there must not be a single drop of more blood spilled!"

            “But what of Prince Masaru?" Daisuke pressed his foxish friend. “The human has betrayed your trust already! What is to say he won't honor the deal?"

            Kazuki frowned when he glanced between the crown and the incoming land below them.

            “He must," the kitsune concluded. “Otherwise, he will have to duel me."

            They continued to descend until they spotted a small river that divided the northern and southern nations, a gathered army of warriors on each side. Prince Masaru was among his soldiers. Emboldened by the hope he wasn't too late, Kazuki leapt from the silver wagon and rushed from tree branch to tree branch until he reached the ground.

            Swords were drawn, each side shouted a battle cry, but before either nations' swords could clash together, the kitsune appeared before them. Standing atop a fallen log connecting the two sides of the river.

            With enough determination to make the men freeze, he barked for them to stand down.

            “Do not fight each other!" Kazuki growled, revealing his five tails and ears for both sides to see. “I demand that I speak with Prince Masaru of the northern nation!"

             The men on the northern grass glanced at each other before parting, allowing a familiar man on horseback to approach. His warrior's armor and annoyed frown did not deter the kitsune, neither did the golden headpiece resting atop his head.

            “Lord Masaru!" Kazuki tried not to sneer, “I have returned with the crown, as you and your father requested! What is with this treachery you are trying to do?!"

            “Show your respect to our new lord, demon!" one of his men shouted.          

            “Indeed." Masaru grinned, albeit in a sullen manner. “My father passed away in his sleep not too long after your departure. This means our negotiations from before are no longer valid."

            Kazuki presented the celestial crown clutched in his paw. “But I have completed your challenges! This is the prized crown of the Moon Queen herself, Kaguya!" 

            Most of the amazed men, northern and southern alike, stared at what the kitsune held in his paws. They have never seen such a beautiful headpiece before, not on Earth.

            “It is a forgery, no doubt," the young lord scoffed. “Do you expect me to believe you traveled all the way to the Moon Kingdom for this trinket? It does not matter in the end."

            “It does!" Kazuki snarled at the war-hungry Masaru. “And your father's death does not erase our agreement, evil and treacherous snake! You desired Queen Kaguya's crown in exchange for peace. Now take it!"

            The kitsune threw the crown at Masaru and the lord snatched it from the air. Smirking at the headpiece in his hands, the northern lord began to cackle in disbelief.

            He ordered, “Men, kill the demon, and slaughter all of his allies!"

            Lord Masaru's samurai warriors drew their blades out, carefully approaching the river.

            “Northern warriors!" the kitsune knelt in a battle stance as he prepared to attack. “This is your only warning. Return to your homes, or your will not live to see another day!"

            Masaru further ordered, “Whoever presents me the demon's head will be made a noble and shall be given the old daimyo's daughter as a prize. That is if she still lives by tomorrow."

            Kazuki never felt such immeasurable rage until that day. Any existing restraint from before washed into the river, and the only emotion the kitsune expressed was deep, focus and unforgiving fury.

            Leaping onto the northern side of the river from his rock, Kazuki struck down each incoming sword with a swing of his mighty tails, now sharpened and growing with his anger. Lord Masaru had retreated to the back of his army, but the groups of southern soldiers could only watch in frightened awe as this mystical creature fought the samurai and ninja.

            And hidden in the nearby trees, watching the one-sided battle from afar, stood three figures closely shielded by loyal bodyguards.

            “What is this madness?" the daimyo asked his advisor.

            “I am unsure," he answered, “but I believe the demon is defending our border."

            The daimyo's daughter joyously proclaimed, “That is no demon, Father, it is Kazuki! He is our ally!"

            Kazuki had fought valiantly against Masaru's men. However, he could not defeat them all on his own, not with so many surrounding him. Yet, he did not have to fight alone. Inspired, the southern soldiers who were previously watching the kitsune fight felt emboldened to draw their swords. They felt the need to act. And in droves, their prowess and gallantry combined, Kazuki and the daimyo's men decimated the northern invaders.

            At long last, the enemy started retreating, and Lord Masaru joined with them.

            Exhausted, Kazuki was about to collapse at the foot of the river when he heard a familiar shuffle of feet ahead of him. It was Princess Ayako, still as beautiful as the day he last saw her. He was about to speak her name when a noise made the kitsune glance back to the nearby trees, only to discover Masaru and an archer.

            He could have watched the archer's arrow fly. He could have watched it soar through the air and pierce the concerned maiden's heart before blood ran down her kimono.

            Except Kazuki didn't. He leapt forward, snatched the arrow before it could ever reach its mark, and ruthlessly flung it back into Masaru's chest.

            The archer fled from his lord's dying body, never to return to the southern nation. At least, not as a soldier. True to Queen Kaguya's word, the moment Lord Masaru drew his bitter, final breath, her crown levitated from his stilled hands and flew back to its proper home on the Capital of the Moon Kingdom.

            Having no other members of royalty to guide them, the northern kingdom willingly surrendered to the daimyo's army. Many humans rejoiced at the war's official end, but none more than the daimyo. He invited Kazuki to a royal celebration held for his village in the castle walls, who agreed so long as he could invite his best friend, a tanuki named Daisuke.

            Between the subjects' laughter, toasts and friendly banter with Daisuke, who eagerly ate everything the servants could offer, Kazuki recounted their journey to an awed Ayako and her family, Takeshi eagerly included. He told them of Masaru's three impossible challenges, the silver wagon they rode to the Moon Kingdom, his interaction with their Queen and what they did not see during the final battle along the river. When he finished speaking, the daimyo expressed his sincere gratitude to the kitsune.

            “You have not only saved my kingdom from perpetual war," he said, “but you have given me my enemy's land as well. Whatever your heart desires—gold, silver, silk or a portion of my expanded nation—it is yours, Kazuki!"

            All eyes were on the kitsune. Yet he did not have long to answer the daimyo. He leaned up to whisper his request in the elderly ruler's ear. Surprised but content, the daimyo nodded back after a moment of careful thought.

            “What is it you asked for, Kazuki?" Princess Ayako inquired.  

            “I asked your father for his blessing." He stood from his seat and knelt before her, gripping her hands and smiling at the confused, blushing maiden. Kazuki cleared his throat, and proclaimed, “Princess Ayako, I have lived for many years alongside humans, but none have welcomed my friendship like you did. You are kind and patient but also willing to defend whoever you care for.

            “I am no lord or daimyo or emperor. I do not have endless gold, silver, silk or land, but I do have the ability to love you as your devoted husband. So, if it is what you also desire, will you please be my wife?"

            “Oh, Kazuki… of course, I will!" she replied under tears of joy, “Nothing would make me happier. I have always loved you!"

            The kitsune hugged her close. “As did I, my love. As did I…"

            Days later, the two united kingdoms held a marriage ceremony. Princess Ayako dressed herself in a lavish wedding kimono alongside Kazuki in his human form. Everyone from across the land was invited. Peasants and nobles, artisans and farmers, warriors and pacifists, as well as humans and mystic creatures. Queen Kaguya even attended such a historic event.

            Takeshi and his father each guided Ayako down the aisle to her new husband, and once the ceremony was finally completed, she and Kazuki sealed their vows with a tender, humbled kiss. And only following such a display of love and devotion did Kazuki, per his beloved's request, tenderly bite her hand so she would transform into a beautiful kitsune like him.

            Together, in front of many witnesses, the newlywed husband and wife fondly stared into each other's eyes as the princess started growing a tail and fox ears. Minutes later, the transformation was complete, and the cloudy sky above gave way to a sun shower: a sign that a kitsune wedding had recently occurred. Two caring souls united at last.