Gala of Blood

"I can't stand them."

The tall Ringox stood in the alley of the marketplace, directly in the shadows cast down by the neighboring building. He covered his face with a red kitsune mask- though he was sure someone would recognize him if they thought hard enough. But would they confront him? Unlikely. Citizens were bustling around, making preparations for the big gala held by the 'Progenitors'. Preparing bouquets of flowers, decorations, delicious meals for the banquet.. It was painful to watch. All these lovely things, that they excluded Her from. Akuma's beloved mother and Goddess. They had mistreated her, stolen her dignity and cut her down from their pedestals, and then throw parties and the like without any consideration to her feelings! Although, Akuma never really asked His Lady how she felt about it. Maybe she didn't care that much- but he did! He wanted these nice things to include her as well. Shaking his head, he turned his attention to a child skipping down the street, returning to him.

"I got the things you asked for!" Nataliah happily held up some bundles of incense and roses up to her father. He crouched down and smiled behind his mask, giving her a hug and picking her up. Unlike her father, Nataliah was unknown to the world. Just a pretty, happy child living her life. She could get things for him and travel places that he couldn't. At least, he couldn't without possibly causing a scene. He was after all, a murderer to an extent. 
"Thank you, my dear kit. Where is your mother? Did you leave her behind again? You know you're supposed to stay close and wait for her." He lightly scolded her as he held her, before stepping out into the street. He could see Tempestas making her way over, looking a little weary from the day. They'd been out for around two hours now, but she had been following an energetic child around whilst caring a second one in her belly. Once she had caught up, he took her hand and rubbed his thumb over the back of it. "Are you feeling okay, love? It really would have been fine if you stayed home." There was a hint of concern in his voice, but as of late, Akuma had become rather reserved. It's as if this time of year depressed him, or there was something that just made him retreat just a little emotionally. Not to the point where he didn't display affection or love- but he was definitely quieter compared to when the two first became mates. Perhaps it was the realization and truth of knowing that ultimately, he had to hold His Lady as utmost importance, even over his mate.

"No, it's alright. What would I even do at home? I'm not going to sit and clean while you two get to be out and about." Tempestas smiled as they started to walk together. 

"Then, let's return to the shrine. I'm eager to leave this place." Akuma sighed behind his mask, turning towards the road and leading them away from the city. The treacherous roads that lead into the dark forest and towards the broken shrine was much more welcoming to him than the decorated roads of the light.

After some time of travel and spending some hours resting, dusk was soon upon the broken shrine. Inside Akuma's home, he was starting to get ready. He wore a different kimono- dark red like blood with gold trim and accents, made of rich silk and fine thread. His fur was well groomed, and his hair straight and tidy. He had made sure to be as presentable as possible when spending time around the actual shrine itself, especially when he was participating in worship. Stepping into their room, he smiled to Tempestas. "Are you ready? I wish to celebrate the Goddess with you at my side, but I don't mind if you would like to rest."

Temptestas smiled in response, taking his hand and standing. "Please, I would love to be with you while you celebrate Our Goddess." For Tempestas, it had been hard to get into the role of being a worshipper of the Exiled one, but she was so wrapped up into this now that it would be very hard to leave. Her heart thoroughly enjoyed Akuma- but how could she reveal her true intentions towards the deity that he adored so? Not to mention he was a son of that deity. These thoughts were unwelcomed in the moment; right now she just wanted to enjoy the happiness that Akuma wanted to share with her.

"Wonderful! Then, let me show you something that I have been wanting to show you for a while.." He gently lead her out of their home- his eyes swiping side to side as he looked around the dark courtyard. Nataliah was over with Aurelio, being kept with the other children. He felt confident that she would be tucked in bed and asleep by now. Not that she would've been in the way- but.. Maybe this ritual wasn't so safe for little eyes. Oh, how he wished he could string up the colourful corpses of those bright Ringox and turn them into ribbons of delight for His Lady. If his mate and kit hadn't been out at the market with him today, he surely would've taken a life or two. Right out of the hands of those 'progenitors'. He was sure his mother Kiku and Aunt Satsu would approve. Walking up to the shrine and offering pedestal with Tempie, he adjusted the placement of the bundles of roses that Nataliah had gotten earlier. The small family had placed them around the shrine to make it beautiful, as well as light fresh incense and place a small bag of core shards and dust beside some dried herbs. To his disappointment, they didn't have any tails on hand. "This night is beautiful. I am glad I can share it with a mate as beautiful as you." He nuzzled Tempie gently, before giving her a coy smile. "Would you dance with me for a moment?"

"Of course, why wouldn't I?" As she took his hand, he pulled her in close and planted a gentle kiss on her forehead, dipping her down over his knee. Tempie giggled, caressing his cheek and then twirling once she had regained her footing. Their bodies moved elegantly around each other, swaying gentle like petals being blown in the breeze. He spun her under his arm and lifted her up happily, perhaps in a bit of a playful manner. Of course, he would never drop or harm her. Once they had danced for a few moments, he stood square and kissed the back of her hand. "Thank you. It was fun." His tails swished happily as he lead her over to the bench and helped her sit. "Though, I would like to do this next one alone. My own celebration of my body and existence, blessed to me by Our Lady." Tempie nodded in understanding. 
Approaching the shrine again, now solo, Akuma loosened his obi and let his kimono drape off of his shoulders, slowly sliding to the ground. 

Tempestas blushed slightly- of course, he wasn't stripping for her, but it was a nice thought. She had no idea why he would remove his clothes for a ritual, unless..?! No, this wasn't that kind of self ritual! They were outside, and he didn't really do that anyways. She had to stifle a small squeak of giddiness as she watched and admired him from where she sat on the bench. Then, before her eyes, he started to change!
The air around Akuma flickered with flames, and the aura of his ring seemed to intensify. It began to circle with energy as his magic fire flowed around his body, his fur and feathers whipping around from the pressure. His form started to shift, his black fur completely covering his body, while his arms and legs changed in size. His head changed to that of a fox, his silvery hair draping down over his thick black fur and trailing down his back. He brushed a clawed hand-paw through it to get his hair out of his eyes, blinking as he adjusted to the new field of view. Looking to Tempie, the kitsune smiled as he revealed to her his ethereal form- he had only recently found the power within himself to unleash it! "In this body.. I feel so much more connected to them," He sighed happily. "To her." Spreading his wings, Akuma stretched to warm up his new body, before summoning red flames around him. In whispers under his breath, he praised his Goddess as he began to dance. The flames moved like calm waves of water, flowing over his arms and down his body, racing over his legs and each of his tails. It was almost like it had its own living energy, and it responded to Akuma's movements.

"To you, I owe my life. I will not waste this life you gave me. This power, this body, it is devoted to the protection of you. I am whatever you desire of me, whatever you will, I will abide by you," He spoke to the shine, addressing His Lady and devoting himself to her, as he did everyday. "I have utmost love and respect for you, and I hope you will continue to guide our family to a life of prosperity, happiness, and enrichment." His tails wagged as he finished his dance and knelt before the shrine, lowering his head. "I will continue to make you proud, and do my best to protect everyone in our family." As he finished his prayer, he looked over to Tempestas and stood up, smiling. Approaching her, he picked her up into a tight but gentle hug, careful not to squish her. "I am glad you're here with me this night. You bring even more joy to my life." He spoke quietly, brushing a paw through her silky hair.
Tempie smiled as she held onto him lovingly, looking up at her mate. "I will continue to do so, I don't know if you realize how happy you make me.." She touched her nose to his- it was wet!
Akuma chuffed in amusement and wiped his thumb over her nose. "I.. Have not mastered how to return to my original form." He admit with a hint of embarrassment, shifting Tempie in his arms to carry her like a damsel.
"That's quite alright, look at all that fur! So much more to cuddle and love." Tempie grinned. "I could sleep on you even better like that." She pet his black coat as he started to carry her to their home.

Once they had retreated to their quiet and cozy home, they spent the night enjoying each others company and resting after a long day. Still in the back of his head, Akuma wished he had crashed the Gala. It would have been amusing to burn it all down and dirty the coats of those annoying progenitors.