Hirayama Sosuke

TWO CENTURIES EARLIER

“What is it?” I asked the servant, without looking away from the falling sakura petals. It was a sight to behold, as winter would arrive soon enough. Boredom ate away at me. I’d accomplished everything I originally planned ever since I discovered the lands of Mutsushina. Although I had everything, my heart felt empty, like I was missing something.

“Someone is here to see you, Hirayama-dono. It’s a young woman named Jintui. She’s come for your blessing,” the servant replied.

I tore my gaze away from the sakura tree, glancing at the servant. “My blessing? How strange. Send her in at once.”

The servant bowed, closed the door behind him, and left to collect the visitor. “Are you sure that’s a wise idea, Sosuke? Jintui is a witch. Such heresy will only end in your downfall,” Mashiro responded from the corner of the room. He was my advisor and lead commander of Mutsushina’s army, but above all, he was my dear friend.

“But it would also quell the uprisings in Tawara. Imagine if the Light Court were to discover my alliance with Jintui. They would not dare to go against us again.”

“And what of the Ascended? Have you forgotten what magic they possess? They have the ability to purify our lands and destroy the Wicked Fox Clan. Striking fear in your opponents’ hearts is a sound strategy, but what if the armor around their hearts is impenetrable?” I opened my mouth to counter his argument, but he added, “At the end of the day, your word is final and I will agree to whatever decision you make. All I ask is you consider your actions before executing them.”

I recognized his concern, but I couldn’t imagine a future where I didn’t make the decision everyone was wary of. “You worry too much, Mashiro. It’s because I think of my actions so much that we’ve gotten to this point.”

The door opened slowly, revealing a black-haired woman with one of her eyes gold and the other purple. Dressed in a modest violet kimono, she greeted me with a full bow, allowing her forehead to touch the tatami mat. “Hirayama-dono, it’s a pleasure to meet you,” she said.

I held a hand up and responded, “Spare the formalities. I hear you’ve requested my blessing. What is it your desire? If it’s within reason, I will grant it.”

“I hope your lordship will be kind enough to grant me privacy before presenting my request to you.” Her eyes darted over to Mashiro, distrust clear in their depths.

“Leave us, Mashiro.”

I felt his gaze searing into the side of my head for a moment before he agreed to my request. Whatever disagreement he held was silent. He recognized it was improper to counter any of my commands in the presence of Jintui, let alone anyone. It would only undermine my rule and it was important for everyone to recognize me as the indisputable Emperor of Mutsushina.

Once we were alone, I beckoned her to speak once more. Unlike anyone who appeared to me in the past, she was unafraid of me. She held herself with such confidence; it was almost admirable. “Your powers do not go unnoticed by everyone in the realm,” she began.

“If this is your attempt to flatter me, this is a poor way to gain my favor. I prefer it when I am spoken to directly, sincerely. So please do not waste more of my time,” I interrupted.

She raised her head and stared at me without an ounce of fear. “It is my greatest wish you split me into two beings. As I’m sure you’re aware, I’m currently being pressured to provide an heir to the Wicked Fox Clan. It is my duty to continue our line, but I don’t trust anyone else to rule in my stead. I know as well as anyone that nogitsune are not the type of fox spirits to be trusted. They will only use my child as a puppet and leverage to get me to abide by their wishes.”

“And you plan to make this other being your heir? It’s not unheard of, but it is frowned upon. Are you prepared for the consequences this decision will bring? You could very well be removed from your position and I would be brought down with you for agreeing to commit such dark magic.” Amusement crept its way into my heart. Her resolve and pride were admirable, but were they enough to stand the test of time and tradition?

“It poses many difficulties, but I can assure you we would commit our lives to ensuring you would not lose your position. I am aware there are many individuals in the realm who fear both of us for different reasons. You have glorious conquests in mind, but all I wish is to ensure Mutsushina falls into the right hands. Should you agree to split me, my twin and I will dedicate the rest of our lives, and our reincarnations thereafter, to serving you. Allow us to be your sword.”

* * *


After Jintui left, her words echoed in my mind. There was a strong certainty in her voice. While an alliance with her would be beneficial to me and ensure at least another century on the throne, it amazed me how far her subservience would go. To dedicate her reincarnations to serving me was generous and almost too good to be true.

“You can’t be seriously pondering this, Sosuke. No one has ever split another being,” Mashiro chastised me once we were alone once again. “This could hurt your standing as the Holy Fox Emperor of Mutsushina.” He paced around the room, rubbing his neck nervously. He ran a hand through his jet-black hair before adding, “Meihui and Hena could punish us for reaching too high. We can’t upset the balance.”

“We can’t be quick to dismiss her request. Jintui is a powerful being, and it would lessen the hostilities between the Wicked Fox and Holy Fox Clans.”

“At what expense?”

“This is to protect Mutsushina. We can’t allow the Light Court to go against us again. How many more fox spirit children must we lose, Mashiro? Haven’t you seen enough death on the battlefield? If we don’t accept this alliance, we may as well open our doors to our enemies now.” I banged my hand on the table in frustration. Irritation was all my mind could see.

“It never would have come to this if you hadn’t agreed to work with the Dark Court, which was yet another thing I, your advisor, recommended against. You’ve angered most of the realm by choosing to side with them. Mutsushina has no true allies.” He kneeled in front of me, pleading, “Sosuke, please. Think this through.”

I tore my gaze away from him, unable to look at him any longer. I knew he would never agree to whatever decision I made. I also knew my actions made little sense, but I didn’t have a choice. I needed a strong successor in the event the Dark Court turned against me. And they would with time. Their promises were empty. I knew that much.

Mutsushina needed a strong ruler to protect her, and I was fine if that ruler wasn’t meant to be me.

* * *


After instructing Jintui to meet me in Arida, we arrived in front of a labyrinth. It had a lot of history. It was a place for new beginnings and rebirth. Originally held for a terrifying monster, only his true mate could free him of his curse and allow them to live happily. However, that was just a fairytale meant to elevate the mystery behind the enchanted maze.

“I will do it,” I told Jintui. “Is your oath still valid?”

“Of course. My other half and I pledge our eternal souls to you. Only Meihui and Hena can break such a bond,” she replied.

“I would like to add another element to that oath if you approve.”

“What is it?”

“You must promise to dedicate your lives to protect Mutsushina. No Fallen, no pixie, no outsider will infiltrate our shores for as long as your soul exists. Do you still agree with our deal?” I peered into her eyes, searching for reluctance or deception. Instead, she committed to a full bow, not caring about the dirt smearing onto her forehead and knees. “This is my first time splitting someone, but I know it will not be pleasant. You must bear with it, for the good of the clans.”

Jintui’s anguished screams echoed in the labyrinth as my magic wrapped around her body like a constricting snake. The spell stung my hands, the heat almost becoming unbearable in the tips of my fingers.

A periwinkle orb of light sat in the center of Jintui’s body. With that orb were two energies representing light and darkness. Every citizen of Naestrirea had this in their hearts to maintain harmony in their body. For every evil act they did, the dark energy would grow larger and eventually swallow the light. It ensured karmic retribution and existed as a simple failsafe, Meihui added to all the creatures she created.

Reaching the core of her energy was easy, but manipulating it into two forms was difficult. I would have to create new light energy in Jintui and new dark energy in her twin. However, doing so would amplify the darkness in Jintui given her fox demon origins. There was no doubt in my mind she could withstand such darkness.

Her cries of agony worsened as I reached into her energy, attempting to cleave it in two. The sensations had to be like lingchi, the death by a thousand cuts. She toppled over onto her knees and hands, her hair fanning around her face like a dark curtain. Her fingernails dug into the dirt as they flickered between human fingers and fox paws. She was struggling to hold back the shift.

Once the energy was divided into two entities, a huge shockwave sent me flying back. Mashiro was at my side in an instant, placing a supporting hand over my shoulder to help me to my feet. While I was grateful for his help, he was needed elsewhere. “You were supposed to be guarding the entrance,” I said, feeling out of breath.

“And you weren’t supposed to conduct this spell. It seems we are both terrible at listening to suggestions,” Mashiro remarked. “I placed a protective enchantment over the labyrinth, but it won’t prevent the Dark Court representatives from tearing it down.”

“And why wasn’t I informed sooner?”

“As I told you many times before, I will stand by you and whatever decision you choose to make. Given your reluctance to adhere to my advice, I only sought to extend enough time for you to complete the division.”

“Thank you.” My hand landed on his shoulder as I gently shook it graciously. “How many are there?”

 “The Fallen are demanding to speak to you. They sensed a magical disturbance and assumed you were behind it. My usual responses aren’t enough. They want the ruler of Mutsushina, not his advisor.”

“Then we must hurry.” With inhuman-like speed, I dashed over to the opposite end of the clearing to check on Jintui’s condition. To my relief, I discovered two bodies—a pale-faced woman with black hair draped around her body like a set of robes and a man with hair as white as winter’s first snowflake. Each of them had their own set of fox ears and nine tails, and their fingernails had grown slightly longer. They were trapped in a deep sleep for the time being and would only resuscitate once the balance was restored to their newly forged core energies.

“Watch my back,” I requested, before turning my attention back to the sleeping kitsune. Balancing out their energy would require me to siphon some of my own, but it was a risk I was willing to take. I saw myself in Jintui as she fought to protect her clan, just as I constantly fought to protect Mutsushina.

Within a matter of five minutes, it was complete. My energy was drained and my limbs felt heavy with fatigue. I placed a gentle hand on the male’s body first, willing him to open his eyes. Emerald-like orbs peered back at me in confusion and awe. With the help of my enchanted leaves, I conjured a white kimono to cover his chilled body. “From this moment on, you shall be called Jin.”

Immediately accepting his role, he did a full bow and replied with, “Yes, Master.”

“And you will be the older sister, Tui.” I lightly tapped the female’s forehead with the tips of my fingers. Similarly to Jin, I created a kimono that suited her dark strands. She awakened, revealing a set of deep sapphire-like eyes. She looked down at her hands and then her body before realizing the spell had been a success.

Copying Jin’s mannerisms, she answered, “We are forever in your service, Master. Whatever enemy stands in your way, we shall cut down. Whatever obstacle seeks to prevent you from achieving your goals, we will remove it. We exist to be your sword until the end of time.”

“You’ll be more than that. You’ll be my legacy.”

* * *


PRESENT DAY

When I opened my eyes, my head felt like it was going to burst. I didn’t know why memories of the past decided to creep on me. And although those events happened a long time ago, it felt like it had happened only yesterday.

“Master, you’re awake!” Tui said, startling me. I hadn’t noticed she was sitting next to me the whole time. “How are you feeling?”

“What happened? Where’s your brother?” I asked, searching for him, but wished I could ask where my mate was without raising suspicion in Tui. The last thing she needed to know was that I was growing attached to the belligerent dragon.

“You were badly injured in the battle with Belphegor and her minion. I brought you to the Forest of Listlessness to recover. Zixin and Jin are fighting with the Inari Defensive Forces. They should be here soon,” she replied, staring at me strangely.

My eyes followed her curious gaze, unsure of what she was looking at so intently on my face. “You left them alone?”

“They’re big boys. They can handle themselves. I’m more concerned about you.”

“What for? The wound has healed, hasn’t it?”

She laughed in disbelief. “Master, your sight has returned.”

And then I realized she was right. I could see her black hair and her mischievous purple eyes. She had a damp rag in her hand, presumably from wiping the sweat from my body as it healed from the day’s battle. “I can see!” I exclaimed. Colors I’d forgotten filled my vision, their names coming back to me slowly.

“They must have been successful in breaking the second seal.”

Darkness encircled me within seconds, and I returned to the perpetual state of melancholic shadows. “Everything disappeared.” My heartbeat quickened and hysteria began to overwhelm me. I didn’t want everything to fade to black, not when I just relearned the beauty of color.

“Must be temporary. Don’t worry, Master. You’ll see again soon,” Tui reassured me. “We won’t stop until we break your curse.”

The soft, distant sound of the trumpet reached my ears, knowing Zixin had to be the one to blow it. The corners of my mouth twitched, a smile forming on my face, and somehow I knew Zixin would be the one to break the curse. My heart soared, leaving me wondering what this feeling was. Then I understood. It was hope.