The full moon hung low in the dark sky, partially obscured by rolling clouds. Jagged bolts of lightning flickered in the distance, illuminating the rugged mountain path where Kenji and Sakura walked hand in hand.
"I'm the luckiest man in the world," Kenji said, giving his new bride's hand a gentle squeeze. "To be married to someone as kind, beautiful and strong as you."
Sakura smiled, leaning in to plant a soft kiss on Kenji's cheek. "And I'm so fortunate to have a husband who is brave, wise and true."
Their tender moment was shattered by a bone-chilling scream that echoed through the mountains - an inhuman wail that spoke of unimaginable agony. Sakura gasped, gripping Kenji's arm in sudden terror as they scanned the gloom for the source.
"What was that?" Sakura whispered, her voice quivering.
Kenji's jaw tightened, his eyes narrowing. "I don't know, but we should keep moving. These mountains aren't safe at night."
Taking Sakura's hand once more, Kenji quickened their pace down the winding trail. But the scream still rang in their ears, setting both their hearts pounding with dread.
Kenji's curiosity battled with his caution as they hurried along the mountain path. That scream - it had sounded more animal than human, yet some instinct told him a person was in dire need.
"Sakura, stay close," he said, veering off the trail towards a cluster of caves carved into the mountainside. His wife clutched at his sleeve, eyes wide.
"Kenji, no, we should keep going!"
"Someone may require aid," he insisted gently. "I must try."
Reluctantly, Sakura followed as Kenji approached the nearest cave entrance. Her breath caught at the scene within.
A young man was on his knees, stripped to the waist, his back crisscrossed with bleeding welts. A wild-looking young man stood over him, striking him repeatedly with a bamboo cane and shouting, "Control yourself Kazuki! Don't let him take over your body!"
With each blow, Kazuki threw back his head and screamed, the tendons in his neck standing out like cords. Great curved horns erupted from his brow, only to recede again as he clutched his hair and bent forward with an agonized groan.
Sakura staggered back with a cry, one hand flying to her mouth. "No... It can't be," she whispered, her voice shaking.
Kenji's eyes widened, and he swallowed hard, trying to find words. "His eyes... Did you see them?" he rasped.
"Yes," she whispered back, her eyes darting between the young man and her husband. "I've only heard tales of such things."
The young man's eyes blazed red before fading back to blue. The transformation was fleeting, but the terror it left in its wake was indelible.
Seizing his stunned wife by the arm, Kenji turned and fled down the mountain path. Panting heavily, he called out, "We must warn the village!" he cried, his voice echoing off the rocky cliffs. "There are demons in these mountains!"
Kazuki slumped forward, panting heavily as the last horn receded. Blood dripped from the fresh welts striping his back.
Obanai lowered the bamboo cane with a weary sigh. "Great job, restraining Tsukuyomi. You're ready."
Kazuki nodded weakly, shame burning through him. That terrified couple had witnessed the monster inside taking hold, seen the evidence of the curse he bore.
He started to rise. "I should go after them, explain-"
"No." Obanai Minamoto gripped his shoulder, holding him down. "You will only confirm their fears. Let them flee - it is better this way."
Reluctantly, Kazuki stayed as the sounds of panicked flight faded into the distance.
Later, Kazuki sat wincing as Obanai treated his wounds by the fire. The stinging ointment soothed the pain, and he gingerly applied it to the deep scar on his left arm where Namida had stabbed him months ago.
Obanai gazed out into the cold night. "It has been a month since we began this journey. The winter chill comes - you should dress warmly. These mountains may see snow before long."
"I really appreciate all the time you've put into training me." Kazuki smiled faintly. "I feel I've gained much skill and control. Thank you for showing such patience"
He took a deep breath, looking more confident.
"Patience?" Obanai snorted. "You're gifted. Your bond with Tsukuyomi is weak - that gives you a rare freedom compare to everyone else."
Kazuki looked down at his hands, flexing them thoughtfully. "I've come a long way with these abilities, haven't I? And about Kuroyama... I've let go of a lot of that anger."
He met Obanai's eyes. "I wish only for a fair duel now, one on one."
Obanai raised a brow. "You seek to fight him in a duel Before me?"
Obanai leaned in with a smirk, "They say Kuroyama's the strongest in Kyoto. If I want to prove I've truly outdone him, I need to challenge him at his peak. I remember when I first joined his ranks; I was nowhere near his level. So, I left with my mom, trained every day, all with the idea of facing him again one day."
Kazuki raised an eyebrow, a touch defensive. "So, you planning on getting there before me?"
Obanai chuckled, "How about a little bet? Whoever sees him first gets to challenge him. Deal?" He extended his hand, his eyes gleaming mischievously.
Kazuki looked down, thinking, then sighed with a half-smile, shaking Obanai's hand firmly. "Deal. But remember," he said, his gaze turning serious, "I'm not in this for some strength contest. I want to help the people of Kyoto. To free them from Kuroyama's shadow and bring the captive children back home. That's my mission."
Slowly, Obanai smiled. "Well said. I am glad I heeded your words about knowing Master Kagiri."
They turned as one to stare down the mountain, toward the dark shape of Kyoto in the distance. An icy wind stirred, bringing the first faint kiss of snowflakes. There was a storm coming, but they would not falter. Gripping his sword, Kazuki strode into the night with Obanai at his side, jaw set. Their time had come.
Kazuki and Obanai descended the mountain path swiftly, their footsteps crunching on the light dusting of snow. Up above, dark clouds roiled, blotting out the moon and stars.
Kazuki shivered as the wind whipped through his cloak jacket over his dark blue kimono. There was an electric charge in the air, like the gathering breath before a storm. His senses tingled with unease.
"We must hurry," Obanai urged, glancing up at the brooding skies. "If we're caught on the mountain in a blizzard, we'll freeze."
Kazuki nodded, quickening his pace. His apprehension grew with each step - it was as if he could feel the malevolent energy radiating from Kyoto even at this distance. An icy fist seemed to close around his heart.
They moved in tense silence, focused only on their path. The lights of Kyoto flickered through the trees below. They were close now.
Kazuki's hand tightened on his sword hilt until his knuckles turned white. He could not falter.
The silent pleas of the oppressed and the haunting faces of the kidnapped children were a constant reminder. He had one clear mission: to end the tyranny of Kuroyama's rule.