[colambo]

maybe mark

[sardine]

Username:
Name:
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Art (1-2 Pieces):
Extras:
Res.

[WanSham]

Username:WanSham // Name: Leon Legin

Click picture to be taken to the form

[JminT]

free art for winner~

[redhorizon]

free art for winner~

Lovely art I'd make some as well, but I have so much in my form already (Like, 7 pieces xD) that it'd be overboard xD I'm still working on another too. I want to do him standing on a frozen lake, but I can't draw that well xD

[Anima]

Hi everybody!

As per multiple requests I am extending this Kalons end date.

You have this weekend to complete your forms, end date is now Monday the 16th.
I hope this allows everybody enough time that needed it!

[mimikkyuu]

(almost last second because why not; NOTE: Few titles include link to a theme for content)

Username: Яapscallion


♂ // 🌙 // ❄️️

════════════════════ The Legend of Tsukihime ════════════════════

Deep in the valley of Mizuchitani lies a story like no other. Many people from around the land took a pilgrimage to this holy place every year, climbing upwards to the shrine atop one of the valley's many mountains, and would relish in the peacefulness of nature. This shrine was built on the top of Tsukihime, named after the heroine in the valley's legendary tale.

Many, many years ago, the world was in disarray. Demons, monsters, and malicious manifestations prowled the earth, hunting for unfortunate souls to torture and consume. The kalons of this land did their best to survive, the elderly spreading hope by telling tales of a peaceful, wonderful world- but it felt so long ago, that only these witnesses were the last of such an era.

Through the hardships they endured, several people took a stand against the demons, fighting against them for hope of a brighter future. One of these warriors was a beautiful maiden named Tsukihime, whose fur glowed soft and gloriously like the moon. With her gleaming bow, Nagareboshi, she shot down her enemies and aided in the fighting.

Tsukihime is most noted for her cleansing Mizuchitani, a land which was vital as it was a direct path through the mountains to the major towns of the north from the south. Before she came upon it, Mizuchitani's major river held a venomous, aggressive beast- Mizuchi, the dragon of the river. Mizuchi became agitated as the river's waters became dirty and impure, and as an effect he killed any who attempted to come near. Travelers and messengers who went through rarely came out, if not terribly wounded.

While Tsukihime and her fellow group of warriors needed to pass the valley to the north for an important mission, Mizuchi attacked without warning. They fled before there was too much destruction, and with the help of their talented medic, were able to survive the poisoning. Due to the urgency of their quest they could not climb over the mountains, as it would take too much time; so Tsukihime and two others volunteered at an attempt to train the beast.

On the night they planned to go through with their efforts, the sky cleared and revealed a beautiful full moon. Tsukihime prayed to her kin, the rabbits of the moon, and enters the field.

The waters are calm. A cool breeze creates faint, twinkling ripples on the river's surface. There is no sign of the dragon.

"Child... why have you come?"

Tsukihime jumps at the sudden intrusion. The voice is heavy, and rigid. She readies her bow, and spies scales disappear into the water.

"I have come to calm Mizuchi, as me and my people must pass here to the north. We wish no harm, and if allowed will pass in peace."

A silence lingered in the air.

"Why should I let your people pass? You have neglected me, you have neglected the river you all so treasured. Why should I let you leave, without punishment?"

Tsukihime felt a twinge of honest sorrow in the voice, and chose to speak kindly, even as her heart fluttered at thought of the battle that may commence.

"It is not us you should be punishing. The world outside of this valley has crumbled, has fallen into disorder, and as such we have turned to help one another best we can, selfish it may be. We have tried to save the lands the evil has destroyed, but with so little ability we cannot save everything."

"The world outside has fallen into disorder? An evil is has destroyed the lands...? Is this... true?"

"Yes."

Silence once more. Then a torrent of water shot from in front of Tsukihime, but she did not cast her arrow- from the moon's gentle light, she saw the dragon fly upwards, then softly glide down until he was level with Tsukihime.

Mizuchi was a glorious beast, his exterior always glistening with a constant cover of clear water. His eyes shone like sapphires, and his antlers were dark as the blackest stones in the river bed. He looked at Tsukihime, and bowed. Tsukihime could hear her companions gasp from a ways away.

"My apologies for my ignorance, and my sincerest apologies for the unjustifiable destruction I created... as you may see, I dwell only in these lands, and in these lands little comes from the outside... I shall let your people pass, and the next who wish to come along..."

Tsukihime bows to the great dragon, thankful for his compliance.

"But, I wish to ask one thing..."

"Yes, o Mizuchi?"

"I wish to help bring order to the world which I have been ignorant to. Is there any way I may help, as an opportunity to repent for the evil I had caused?"

"Of course. Help from anybody is always welcomed..."

Tsukihime and her group were able to pass the valley safely, and soon after her tale was spread to ensure that the river was safe to cross by. The dragon Mizuchi supported the battle against the demons, and after the eventual success of the war the valley was named after he, Mizuchitani, and the tallest mountain was deemed Tsukihime, after the heroine who'd put a stop to his destruction without bloodshed.

═══════════════════════ Yukimura ═══════════════════════

It is years and years after the end of the demons' control does the little village of Yukimura come into place. Mizuchitani has become a cold, snowy place, and its large river has created a fork in its center to create a sort of island. On this island is where several travelers had come to settle, establishing a cozy town and a popular stop for those journeying through. In these times gods, legends, and the like are slowly being forgotten- kalons go on living, not knowing as to why Mizuchitani was named so, believing there to be a logical reasoning besides mythical water dragons. In such an effect, the shrine erected on Tsukihime to her was soon neglected, the last shrine maiden leaving to form a family down in Yukimura.

Soon, Yukimura becomes a wealthy community and an even more popular trade settlement. The lord of the village was also the lord of the market, and in time Yukimura became entirely market-based. Those who could not survive financially would have to move on, no matter how long they'd lived there or how rooted their ancestry had been.

Now, we come to the protagonist of this story. Born and raised in Yukimura, he is also a descendant to the first to settle here, and thanks to this his family has been one of the wealthiest in the village, adapting to each change it undertook.

But that aspect won't matter for very long.

═══════════════ Tsukimaru ═══════════════

Tsukimaru is a gifted artist, born into one of the wealthiest families of Yukimura. Despite his spoiled upbringing, he did not care about class, even playing with the village children no matter how messy he'd become. Through the tragic lost of his parents in his preteen years, however, he'd gone to live with his grandmother, and since then has been helping her make money through the porcelain works he'd paint with wondrous depictions of stories she often spoke to him about.

Tsukimaru was named after the moon and maiden of legend, and named by his grandmother. His grandmother was once the maiden who tended the shrine of Tsukihime, but as kalons stopped believing in the legends and as a result stopped coming, she came to settle in the village and live out her days. Tsukimaru adores his grandmother, and as a child had fallen in love with the many legends of Tsukihime. He dreamed of one day meeting her, to become her friend and watch as she shot a sparkling arrow with the bow Nagareboshi on a beautiful, clear night sky. Even in his teenage years, his love for the warrior has never died, despite his grandmother's silent push for him to find a girl to marry.

Indeed, many girls adored Tsukimaru for his kindness, honesty, and artistic values, but felt as if he did not care for them for the way he was oblivious to their advances. His grandmother felt he was hopeless, but knew that he had a deep love for the maiden of the moon, and that's when she decided to take action.

════════════════════ The Moon Princess ════════════════════

"Where are we going, grandma?"

A breeze lazily flew between the pair, their fur wavering slightly at its whim, the leaves above shivering quietly. Snow crunched beneath their feet, leaving their prints behind them. The moon's gentle light trickled downwards onto their heads, illuminating whatever it touched. While his fur shone only slightly, his grandmother's gave off a soft, healthy glow.

"Just a little farther up, child... I'd like you to meet somebody."

Meet somebody? Tsukimaru thought to himself in silence, sleepily wondering who he might encounter. It was late, and the moon was about to be at its peak. The kalon looked up towards it, relishing in its kind embrace.

Minutes passed before they finally arrived at their destination. A large gate stood over the pair, covered in bits of plantation and under it, weathered. It was a faded red, and as they passed through it Tsukimaru saw they were close to the edge of the mountain. He felt colder, and folded his arms into his sleeves for warmth.

A light caught his attention, and he turned to see a large, mirror-like statue. It was a round structure, tilted slightly downwards to the ground. The old kalon walked to its base, clearing away the snow with a frosted broom by its side, revealing strange engravings.

"Come here, child, and sit with me."

"On the floor?"

"Yes."

The two sat on the engravings, and waited. What they waited for, Tsukimaru did not know.

"Close your eyes- she will be coming soon."

She? Who is she? Tsukimaru's mind raced, but he did as he was told. Is grandmother making me meet a girl? Perhaps one I might not even know! I love you so, grandmother, but this is a bit much!

From behind his eyelids he saw a flash of white, and he wanted to see what that could have been- when it grew dark once more.

"Open your eyes, Tsukimaru. Don't be too nervous now."

His eyes opened, curious to see what might have happened. But he didn't see the snow anymore, nor were they sitting by the strange statue. It was dark, but the moon above sprinkled its light about, so he could see well enough. There was a silence in the air, the only sounds being the grasses under his feet. It was like... a dream.

That's when he saw her.

On her head was a beautiful crown of pale gold and droplets of sapphire, and at its center was a much smaller version of the strange artifact they'd seen only seconds ago, but shining bright with the moon's light. Her fur gleamed beautifully, much like his grandmothers, but even brighter, and in a way, magically. She wore a long, layered kimono of rich whites and golds, dark blue painted at her sleeves. Her eyes glistened like stars, and she smiled kindly.

"Hello, Hotaruna. You look well."

What a beautiful, beautiful voice! Tsukimaru did not notice that the girl had called his grandmother by name, and when it hit he looked to her, and saw that she was smiling, too.

"I'm sorry for leaving for so long, my lady. I did not know when would have been a perfect time, but I think it is a good enough one."

The girl giggled, holding her sleeve to her mouth.

"All is well, Hotaruna. My, you've chosen such a nice boy to name me after. I'm sure Usagimori would be quite jealous."

Tsukimaru felt his face flush. Was she referring to him?

He felt a hand touch his shoulder, and he look to see his grandmother looking to him.

"Why don't you introduce yourself? Wouldn't like to be rude to such a lovely lady now, would you?"

The girl giggled again, and Tsukimaru blushed even more. He looked at the girl, then looked to the floor.

"M-My name is Tsukimaru Ozawa, and it's very nice meeting you...!"

She stepped closer to them.

"It's very nice meeting you, too, Tsukimaru. I am Tsukihime."

Tsuki-!?

His grandmother rubbed his shoulder, an attempt at calming whatever nerves he may have. He had plenty- after all, Tsukihime was-!

"Happy to have met her now, child? The girl you've loved all your life, right before you. Did I forget to mention how much he adored you, without ever having met you, Tsukihime?"

"Oh, my, was meeting me truly a wish come true...? Wish upon a star they say, but I'm glad that someone was wishing upon the moon- although, we have met before..."

"Have we?"

"We haven't much time left, my lady. Wasn't there something to be done?"

"Of course, Hotaruna. Time is precious, especially these days. Come here, Tsukimaru, and accept this gift I have for you."

Tsukimaru stepped towards her, and she put her hand into one of her long, flowy sleeves before retrieving a translucent orb. With a flick of her hands an image appeared in the orb, reflecting that of the area around them. Carefully, she placed it into Tsukimaru's hands.

"This orb is a looking glass into this world. You will need it soon, so please, treasure it, and protect it."

Tsukimaru held it tight against his chest. "I will."

-

When the pair came back to their world, Tsukimaru felt a weight on his lap.

The orb.



════════════════════ Oni ════════════════════

Months had passed after their meeting. Tsukimaru took careful care of the orb, and it became the subject of his paintings over time. They sold quite well, and he thanked the orb for giving him the inspiration rather than thanking himself for his talent.

Despite this happiness, Mizuchitani had been pelted with an unrelenting blizzard for the past few weeks. Travelers became sparse, and the town's economy was taking a hit. Thunder stormed through in the clouds above, and it only settled in the evenings before booming again in the mornings. Although all too much of a coincidence, there were no theories.

On a freezing morning, an hour or so after he opened shop, a weary traveler came in to take a look at the vases. Tsukimaru offered some tea, as visitors had become a rarity, and they talked for some time. What he heard was quite concerning, considering that he believed in the legends thoroughly.

"Oh yes, what a storm you have around here. Taxing on your shop, is it?"

"Just a bit, sir. While I'm able to sell here and there, it's just not the same."

"Ho ho, and that thunder! My goodness, the thunder. Has this been going on for a while?"

"Yes, always roaring from the morning before being put to bed in the evening. Don't you think that's quite the coincidence?"

The traveler looked into his tea thoughtfully, taking a sip before replying.

"Does it, now...? Perhaps you've got oni right above your heads. S'long they stay up there, I think you've little to worry."

Tsukimaru's expression was enough to convince the traveler to continue on.

"Oni, you know... the devils that go around throwing lightning about and causing an uproar with those drums of theirs, laughing with those despicably scary faces and dancing around in those tattered tiger skins."

"But... they don't exist now, do they?"

They were only in the stories of long ago... could they still be here, today?

The traveler came closer to Tsukimaru, a realization coming to him.

"You don't know what's been going on outside of here, have you?"

"No, sir. There's been so few people lately, we haven't really received news of anything."

The traveler sat back down, before standing up.

"Thank you for the tea."

He set money down on the table, and left.

════════════════════ Thunder ════════════════════

"Would you go out for some berries, Tsukimaru? We've run out since last week."

After the traveler had left the shop, Tsukimaru started to hear rumors among the villagers. They spoke of the oni he told of, voices hushed and disbelieving. Had he gone around and told them? Did anybody believe the traveler? Tsukimaru could only speculate.

The blizzard kept going, and so did the thunder. By now it was just a sound, a thing that happened, completely unremarkable. The snow however kept building up, and when would it stop, nobody knew. So much of it came down that the river was covered in it, and there was no need to walk over the bridge besides fear of falling through. Little vegetation could survive, and fauna had all but completely disappeared.

A forest, however, remained steadfast- through the pelting snow it thrived, the trees protecting the bushes below, and on these bushes were the berries Tsukimaru would go out to retrieve.

As he passed by a huddled group of kalons, he listened as they muttered among themselves.

"Demons, huh? Do you think there are people out there who really believe they in them?"

"I hear Tsukimaru Ozawa at the porcelain shop believes so. I mean- look at what he paints! Valley of the moon, a place he so sincerely thinks to exist. Beautiful, yes, but not without some scrutiny when you know how he thinks."

"Maybe he's in legion with the devils? Hee hee!"

"Oh, don't be that way. Ozawa's just so lovely, have you ever met someone so kind? Ah- look, there he is."

Tsukimaru did not slow his pace.

-

Clambering through the snow, Tsukimaru finally arrived at the sheltered forest. He ruffled his fur, little bits of snow shaken off. He rubbed at his hands, cold and stiff, and knelt over a bush ripe with small berries.

While working through, he noticed a patch of bright, frosted grass. It looked surprisingly healthy, but it was clearly not meant to be this way. The kalon stepped closer, noticing it was on a mound of snow; even stranger, considering that so much was concentrated here where all else was sprinkled here and there. When he wiped at the grass, he was taken aback.

This wasn't grass- it was fur.

Quickly, he set down his basket and continued wiping the snow away, finding what looked to be a small kalon laying on the ground.

Oh, please don't be dead.

Once he was able to find the child's chest, he placed a hand there, and waited. One, two, three- a heartbeat was still there. Tsukimaru scooped up the kit, and as quickly as possible fled back home, leaving the basket behind.



All eyes were on him as he hurried through the village. In the glimpses they got of the child he held, what they saw was strange- bright green fur, with strange stripes and blazing red hair, large, sharp teeth sticking from an underbite, pointed ears and adorning the kit was a ragged skin of orange, black stripes striking through like lightning.

Tsukimaru shoved open the door to his home with one hand, running to his room and placing the kit on the tatami floor as he took his futon from its box.

"Tsukimaru, home so soon...? Oh, what is this?"

"Please, grandmother, boil some water, and get a rag. I found him under the snow, he's still alive but he needs urgent care."

He listened as footsteps hurried along, and looked back at the little kalon. He hadn't noticed their large teeth, pointed ears, or the little ring on their ear. Their clothing was torn, and had marks reminiscent of a tiger's....

Tattered tiger skins.

"Here, child. The water's heated and I got a cloth for you quickly as possible. Oh, the poor little thing..."

Tsukimaru placed the rag on the kit's forehead, and covered them in a blanket. They squirmed in their sleep, seemingly restless even in their current condition, before calming.

-

News spread throughout the village, seeping into every household with each day. Tsukimaru Ozawa had brought to his home a strange child, from where, nobody knew. An illegitimate child? A strange niece or nephew? Or were the rumors true...?

Tsukimaru did not care for the rumors- instead, he cared for the kit, watching them closely and staying by their side, allowing his grandmother to take the reins of the shop. She initially wanted to watch them so as to allow Tsukimaru to continue his work, but saw just how genuine his concern for the kit was, and let him do as he wished.

On the fifth day, he finally awakened whilst Tsukimaru slept- sitting upright, never having left -and walked from the room, curious.

-

"Tsukimaru! Tsukimaru!"

"Wha...?"

An hour or so had gone by, and Tsukimaru had unknowingly fallen asleep, having been unable to rest out of worry something may happen. Unfortunately for him, something did happen- as he slept. He looked to the futon beside him, and his shock woke him right up. He stood, wavering a bit, and took a step.

"Where- where is he?"

"I don't know. He was sleeping here just an hour ago, before I had to tend to the shop."

"Oh, we must find him! I don't think he's safe out there!"

Without further explanation, Tsukimaru darted out from the room, into the snow. He wanted to call out a name, but he did not even know what their name was.

"Excuse me miss, but have you seen a young kit wandering about? Green fur, a head of red?"

The kalon he questioned grimaced, allowing herself time to think before responding.

"Oh... yes, with the teeth. My, if you need a doctor, my husband is a wonderful man. He even knows how to perform 'surgeries', you see-"

Tsukimaru nodded. "Yes, yes, I have spoken with him before and he is as pleasant a man as anybody could take him for. But the child, where did you see him?"

She contemplated once more. "Hmm... he went towards the lord's manor, heaven knows why he'd show a mug like his to someone so important..."

"Thank you very much, have a good day."

The lord's manor? What for? It's certainly large and it stands out, but what for...?

-

"...and to think, we were safe from things such as this! What're we to do, send him off back to his kin and allow them to come back and end us, or keep him here and let them come and end us? We certainly cannot use this as a bargain piece, everyone knows they cannot be made sound-"

"O, my lord! Someone has come to see you!"

"If he does not have money, then he does not belong here. Now, where were we-"

"Lord Omujima! I've come to speak with you!"

The kalon rubbed his forehead, recognizing the voice that called to him. "What is it now, Ozawa? I am currently discussing something of importance here..."

"Just a moment of your time, please!"

"And what is it you wish to speak of?"

"A child, I found a child in the forest, and I had been taking care of him when I fell asleep and-"

"Calm yourself, boy. He's right here."

From behind the lord a green head peeked out, sharp ears adjusting toward Tsukimaru. Slowly, the kit stood out, and whilst looking warily at Omujima scampered over to Tsukimaru. They clung tightly onto his kimono.

"Thank you so much, lord Omujima. I'm very sorry for the trouble."

"Nothing to it, Ozawa. Now, leave, if you will."

Moments after he was sure they'd left, Omujima's mind was set on a plan.

"Don't need that hovering over my head... neither of them, any longer..."

Omujima's subordinate listened to his lord's whispers, thinking quickly.

"Ah, my lord, is it the Ozawa child you despise as well? After so long too- say, have you listened to the village gossip lately?"

"I have no time to busy myself with such frivolous things."

"But, my lord, they think Ozawa may be in liege with the devils! It's only a superstition, but he'd been going on about the legends more than I'd ever think anybody ever had-"

"Is that truly what they believe?"

"O-of course! I wouldn't lie about something so insignificant as what the rumors being spread-"

"Insignificant?"

Omujima smiled to himself. "This isn't insignificant... as long as I say something about it, of course."

════════════════════ Lightning ════════════════════

"What's your name?"

For the first time in nearly a month and a half, the blizzard let up. Everything was covered in a thick blanket of white, crisp snow, and volunteers had begun shoveling it all away in their buckets, a pile off in a little corner of town building as they continued their efforts. Many kalons rejoiced, happy that they could walk out without being pelted constantly.

Inside the the Ozawa home was a continuous warmth from the irori. The shop was closed for the day, and grandmother was cooking a stew.

"My, my, my name, ish..."

The kit trailed off, fumbling nervously with his fingers. It appeared he was a bit self-conscious with his lisp, created by his underbite and large teeth. Tsukimaru found this endearing.

"Your name is...?"

"Raiyama!"

Despite his shyness and stature, the little kalon had quite the voice, booming thunderously through the household. Tsukimaru playfully placed a finger to his lips, silently telling him to quite down. Raiyama nodded ecstatically in reply.

"Tsukimaru, who would have known you did so well around children?"

Grandmother stood at the door frame, admiring the two. "I also heard something quite interesting! You've finally decided to speak to us, Raiyama child? I think you've deserved something for that much."

She ambled over to the pair, and handed them fresh onigiri. Tsukimaru looked at it, astounded, as Raiyama took a whiff of the strange food.

"Rice? Where on earth did you get rice? It's been freezing for so long, I'm sure there's only a few grains in the house field...?"

"The neighbor woman gave quite a bit to me, mentioning that everybody should celebrate now that the blizzard may be finally done for."

A knock on the door sounded through the room.

"Oh, allow me to get that. You two enjoy!"

"Thish ish really goof."

As grandmother walked from the room, Tsukimaru turned to see that Raiyama had stuffed all the onigiri in his mouth, cheeks evidently puffed up like a chipmunk's. Tsukimaru laughed to himself, and wiped away bits of rice from the child's mouth with his thumb.

"So, Raiyama, where do you come from?"

Raiyama gulped his food down, impressively so. "My home ish the mount-chansh. Really, shuper high up, choo!"

"The mountains...? But I've never met one of your kind. Do you live at the peak?"

"Yeah! There are lot-chsh of cloudsh and there are raiju. I like to play with the raiju."

The raiju? I've never heard of such a thing- a thunder beast? But first off, to live so high up in the mountains that you'll be living with the clouds...?

"Hey, whatsh that?"

Raiyama had spied the orb, which glistened with the light of the moon from within. It was set on a cushion atop a table, and Tsukimaru took it from the spot into his hands.

"This inside of here is the valley of the moon... land of the night. It is a beautiful thing, isn't it?"

Raiyama smiled and nodded faintly, eyes taking in as much of this peculiar treasure as they could. Grandmother walked in, unbeknownst to them.

"Tsukimaru, there's to be a meeting out in front of the lord's manor, and everyone's to attend. Perhaps the blizzard truly has ended?"

Tsukimaru jumped, surprised, and was able to keep the orb in his hands.

"We'll be going then, come on Raiyama, can't leave you all by yourself here."

He slipped the orb into his kimono, and the three left the house.

-

"Attention, dear people of the village. Settle yourselves, as lord Omujima will be speaking soon."

The crowd obeyed, their curiosity taking over. Was the blizzard finally, finally over? Will the crops be able to regrow? What is there to know?

A tall, majestic figure came into view from the manor. Everyone clapped, excited for whatever news was to come.

"People of Yukimura, I have called you all today to announce a few certain topics which you all may be concerned about. Now, first and foremost... the blizzard."

"The blizzard, as you all may know, has halted- surprisingly so. There was belief that it may never end, may never give way, yet, here we are, outside and safe from the constant showering of snow. From reports and research, it appears that, indeed, the blizzard has and will be stopping."

There was cheering, smiling, hope restored. The assistant shushed them down again as the lord began his next segment.

"As you all may know, as your lord I do the best I possibly can for you, my people. I listen to what you say, your requests, your needs, your, suspicions. I would like to take one particular thing to light, something that seems to have troubled you all for a time now."

A hushed silence. Troubled us? What has been badgering us so, enough for him to speak of it? What could it possibly be...?

"An informant has come to me recently regarding news of the outside world. It is important for us to understand the going-ons of the lands outside of our own, to stay informed and knowledgeable. What he has told, me, however, was disastrous. Disaster has struck the lands beyond these mountains, disaster far worse than any we have undergone."

A mousy girl piped up, her voice shaken at the ideas racing through her mind. "Disaster? What sort of disaster? Is it, is it like the disasters of the old day?"

"Yes, my child! History has begun to repeat itself, and it shall effect all of us! Lives will be spent, times will fall hard!"

Another one, a boy, stepped up. "Who's to blame, O lord Omujima? Who's to blame for the disasters going on in the world?"

A tense silence.

"The demons have come back."

Gasps were had. A maiden of weak heart fainted. The rumors true, and their fears rekindled, burning brighter than they had before. Whispering swept through the crowd, minds tumbling with worries.

They were hushed again, and the lord continued.

"Worry not, o villagers of Yukimura! It is my best, and certainly your best interest to stay safe. However... we are not!"

More fear. The crowd became even more excited, shouts questioning the meaning of his words ringing through the cold air. Raiyama clung to Tsukimaru, the paranoia around him making him tense and fearful himself.

"We have a problem at hand, a problem we must be rid of immediately. And we shall do it now, of course, so that we may worry no more. Guards, shall you come over here, please?"

Two large kalons holding long, pointed spears walked up to the lord, bowing and awaiting instruction.

"Allow me to finish this. O, people of Yukimura, I have heard your cries, and have come to a final conclusion. We have an unfortunate thing, a traitor, among us."

More cries, and eyes peering at one another, thinking of who may even attempt to go against their wonderful little town. Who? Who? Who?

"Tsukimaru Ozawa, please step forward."

The crowd parted, stares falling onto the shocked kalon. Raiyama felt as Tsukimaru's tail curled over him, protecting the kit from their hostile gazes.

"Lord Omujima, what is this about-!?"

"Silence, foul being! I wish not to listen to your silver tongue! You, Ozawa, knew about the devils, you spoke of them often to the people, attempting to sway their opinion and allow them into society! Is that child with you not kin with the oni? Did you not intend to bring them here, to destroy us?"

"No, no, I just-"

"Seize the traitor!"

Everyone was stunned. Altruistic Tsukimaru, betrayer of their kind...? For a few seconds they took little action, but their excitement did not waver and they jumped to action.

Tsukimaru grabbed Raiyama, and fled through the partially dazed crowd. This was wrong, so, so wrong. Him? To blame him? What on earth was going on...?

The mountains... head to the mountains...

A voice came from the orb in his kimono, and he quickly took it out and handed it to Raiyama. "Hold it tight! Don't let go!"

The mountains... head to the mountains...

Tsukimaru took a sharp turn, and sped to the bridge. Crossing over, the voice called again.

Head straight, and a path shall appear... quickly, now, before they catch you...

There was nothing in the face of the rock, but as he came closer, a tunnel came into view. A hallucination? A trick of the mind? All he could do was trust in himself.

At the mouth of the opening, he turned to look back- in the distance he could see the angry faces of the villagers, the villagers he'd loved so much, had grown up with and talked with.

"Good bye... and sorry for the trouble."

He turned, and kept running.

-

Once they reached the end of the tunnel, he looked back once more, only to see that it had disappeared. A miracle, it didn't matter now. They were outlaws now, escapees from the law. But, was such a law truly just...?

Snow began to fall. Tsukimaru didn't even realize where he was, and when he looked he felt even more lost than he already had been. They stood on incredibly flat land, only the sparse trees and lumpy snow adding anything to the scenery, along with a tall mountain far, far off in the distance.

"Where are we going?"

Raiyama still had a tight hold on Tsukimaru, tail curled upward to keep from the snow.

"I don't know."

════════════════════ Snowfall ════════════════════

It was perhaps a day and a half and two sleepless nights of constant snowing that they traveled, going farther and farther from the mountain whence they came. Tsukimaru never let Raiyama go, and Raiyama always held the orb, despite the two slowly becoming frailer and colder as the hours passed. Hope was coming soon, however, as the voice called out for the first time since the last.

What do you see, Tsukimaru?

Heavy, ice blue eyes looked up from the ground, eyes bleary and tired. He blinked, and his ears perked slightly.

"I see... I see trees, many of them. More than anywhere else, really."

Go to them, and then you should rest. In a few weeks' time, there will be others coming to meet you.

Others? Such as who...? Never mind that- perhaps my salvation, our salvation, is at hand...

They kept at it, and in less than an hour's time the pair was finally within the forest. From their place by the edge they saw a house, and their hearts began beating in ecstasy as they quickened their pace. As they came up to me they knocked, and realizing it was empty entered.

The irori was already on, creating a warmth throughout the little home. Tsukimaru set Raiyama down, who walked over to a box curiously. He opened it, and gleefully took out the contents.

"Look! Blanketchsh!"

Handing one to Tsukimaru, he bounded over to the fire and sat, warming himself.

"I wonder who was here? Place in the middle of nowhere, but comfortable nonetheless..."

Your grandmother set the place up for you, Tsukimaru. She wanted you to be as comfortable as possible. You should thank her!

Raiyama handed the orb to Tsukimaru, and continued sitting contently by the hearth. Tsukimaru looked into the orb, sitting down and waiting for something to say.

Tsukihime's face appeared, a sweet, gentle smile across her face. So? How about it, Ozawa?

"But she isn't here right now... I'd rather tell her face to face, so that she knows just how much this helps..."

Then I'll go get her. Hotaruna, your grandson would like to say something to you.

The face of grandmother appeared, and he gasped. "Grandmother, where-? How are you? Did they hurt you? I'm sorry if they did, I didn't-"

Calm down, child. They did nothing to me. On the day you left, I left, too- back to the shrine. I live with Tsukihime now in the valley of the moon.

"So... you're...?"

Tsukihime was kind enough to grant me my wish, to live as long as you need my help, but were I to do that I would have to live with her here- not a problem, considering I've already devoted most of my life to her. Now... wasn't there something to be said?

A tear painted the kalon's cheek, and he hugged the orb.

"Thank you, grandmother. Thank you for everything."

-

That night, the clouds parted, and above them was a full moon, shining brightly through the canopy of leaves above. Tsukimaru and Raiyama sat at the engawa, eating oranges they found stashed away; they were still fresh, and smelled sweetly. Tsukimaru's fur, unbeknownst to him, shone crisply in the faint light. In the sparse grasses that sprouted here and there were fireflies just as aglow- fireflies out in the cold, neither could understand, but appreciated the beauty of nature.

"Look! Up there!"

Tsukimaru craned his head to the sky, catching a glimpse of a shooting star.

"Make a wish, Raiyama, and it'll come true some day."

He looked at the kit, who scrunched his eyes in thought, at the orb at his side twinkling with tiny stars of a world beyond, and sighed, satisfied with his life in the now.

════════════════════ Afterwards ════════════════════

(Everything here is NOT finalized and involves multiple other kalons)

As Tsukihime predicted, other kalons will be in need of assistance from him in the near future. Seiryu, a blind swordsman and Sasanoha, a samurai in training, would find themselves lost in the cold plains. The legend of a certain pair of yokai, a young oni and yuki-onna (or Raiyama and Tsukimaru) attracts them to this place. With the help of Tsukimaru, they find the lost path of Mazuchitani... and more than they'd bargained for. Will Tsukimaru be able to overcome the challenges awaiting him, or will he fail trying?

════════════════════ Misc ════════════════════

Character Info

➤Name

-Tsukimaru Ozawa
➤Birthdate

-January 2
➤Profession

-Artisan (Porcelain Painting)
➤Positive Traits

-Kind, Adapts to Situations, Makes an Effort to Understand Others
➤Negative Traits

-Oblivious to Advances, Thinks the Best of Everybody (Taken Advantage), Tendency to Believe (Taken Advantage)
➤Personality

-Tsukimaru is a gentle, loving soul who wishes the best for everybody. Because of his geniality and disregard for whether the kalon he's interacting with is a higher or lower social class than himself, he is popular with the village folk and especially the girls- even though he doesn't notice this. His obliviousness isn't that he doesn't want to be with them, but rather, his deep rooted adoration for the maiden Tsukihime blinds him from any other possible romantic love interest, whose stories his grandmother would tell him of. In a way, he was gifted with Tsukihime's kindness and never results to violence if there is no need for it.

Info

➤Names

-Tsukihime (Moon Princess)
-Mizuchitani (Mizuchi/ Water Serpent Valley)
-Nagareboshi (Shooting Star)
-Yukimura (Snow Village)
-Tsukimaru Ozawa (Perfect/ Circle Moon , Little Creek)
-Usagimori (Rabbit Forest)
-Omujima (Parrot Island, Island of Parrots (Paradise(?)))
-Raiyama (Thunder Mountain)

➤Details

-Mizuchi is the general name for water serpents/ dragons
-Oni are trolls/ogres/demons popular in Japanese lore; once the common name for any type of ghost
-A futon is a floor bed
-Onigiri is white rice often wrapped in seaweed
-An irori is a hearth set into the floor and is used for heat and cooking
-An engawa is a porch-like structure surrounding the entirety (or most) of the outside of a house

➤Extras

-I own Raiyama! ^^

(PLEASE let me know if this is TOO MUCH, I have a difficult problem condensing things/ explaining while adding everything relevant/ getting straight to the point!)

[FireBird1787]

Mark

[OswinTheFox]

This ended on the 11th correct???
sorry didn't see the update message!

Good luck!!

[whatswrongwithangela]

This ended on the 11th correct???

Good luck!!

It Ended Today.