Disclaimer : I do not own Kannazuki No Miko. Kaishaku, TNK Studio, and GeneonEntertainment own it. I also do not own Sports Illustrated, it belongs to Henry R. Luce and the SI staff. This story is purely fiction.
Author's Note: This is a post series story. I'm not sure if I would update immediately but I will try. Enjoy reading!
Picture 1: Succinct Encounter
"There is no instinct like that of the heart." - Lord Byron
"Don't ask for forgiveness, do you hate your destiny Moon Priestess?" A female voice called out to her as Chikane climbed the stairs. She continued,
"Do you wish to be freed from the endless reincarnation?"
Himemiya Chikane shook her head. She was in the Moon Shrine, away from civilization, away from everyday life, away from her family, but what hurts her the most was she was away from her Himeko...
"No. I had met Himeko again. That's why I'm happy now...more than anybody else..." Her face serene and her smile genuine. Then tears fell down from her cheeks as she called out the Sun Priestess' name one last time as the doors of the shrine closed.
The female voice sighed. What is she going to do with the Moon Priestess? She had always witnessed the unbreakable, everlasting love between the Moon and Sun Priestesses, that the council of Gods, including her, and the Great God of Heaven himself pitied them for their cruel fate. They had agreed that they should replace them. Now she was going to do the inevitable.
"Moon Priestess..."
"Yes?" Her sapphire eyes unreadable.
"What is your wish?"
Chikane's head shot up, obviously shocked. "What do you mean?" Keeping a little bit of her composure.
"I will grant you three wishes. But, in these three wishes, I will give conditions as well. Now, what are they Moon Priestess? Or else we would change our minds." Her voice stern.
We? Never mind. No use of knowing. She thought and took a deep breath.
"I wish for Himeko and I unchained from this, the Orochi, our fate, endless reincarnations, Ame no Murakumo..." She trailed off. As expected. The Goddess thought and grinned.
"Very well Moon Priestess, but when both of you are unchained, you will live in a different universe, a different place."
"Then so be it."
"How about your second?"
"I wish to see Himeko again and be with her forever." She said as if it was obvious. The female voice laughed.
"Of course, this time, you feel a sense of familiarity of each other but your love will be gone. Both of you must rebuild it again." The female voice conditioned. Chikane winced at this, and cursed inwardly yet kept a determined face.
"Whatever it takes."
"Your third?"
"I have none, I just want to go back now."
At that, the voice appeared before her. She was in a silk robe, obviously woven by Gods, and carried a mirror with both of her hands. Her floor-length hair was pure white and she seemed to be floating, her feet not touching the floor. She then showed the Moon Priestess the mirror.
The reflection was not Chikane yet her three wishes. Chikane eyed her with curiosity and skepticism. The robe-clad Goddess then recited words that could not be understood by Chikane. After she was done, she showed Chikane a genuine smile and said,
"Behold your new fate."
And in those four words, Chikane collapsed on the floor and was swallowed by the mirror. The Goddess then proceeded to the stairs that was not yet there until now. She reached a door made of pure white gold and pushed it lightly. A bright light came when she opened it but did not close her eyes.
This was Heaven, a place of no restrictions and sins. Matured souls, once people from earth, were minding their own businesses and the council of Gods were with the child souls, either playing with them or just simply watching them. She looked up and unsurprisingly their moon and sun were literally present at the same time. She sighed contently and proceeded to the office of the God of Heaven himself.
In the office, she saw the God of Heaven sitting on his chair with his hands intertwined and chin propped on them. He was looking down on earth, watching every single person doing things that they should or should not do. He then sensed another being in his office. He turned around and saw her. He smiled and motioned her to come. She bowed at him respectfully and sat down on one of the chairs.
The Lord of Heaven was dressed in a robe made of the finest silk, and his sash from his right shoulder was made of pure gold. He was approachable, merciful and kind. He was strict but fair in his decisions and he loved everything equally. His impressive presence made the powerful beings in Heaven admire him. He led the souls to the path of righteousness, while he made them fear and looked up to him at the same time That was why he was the Lord of Heaven for the past 5 millennia. He was perfect.
"So Oracle, who should replace them?" The Lord of Heaven asked.
I wish you two good luck. She thought and replied to the Lord of Heaven the two new people replacing Himemiya Chikane and Kurusugawa Himeko.
There was a busy city called Tokyo. Tokyo was the most populous prefecture and city in Japan. Behind its busy sidewalks, skyscrapers, spacious parks, and advanced technology, people around were the ones making their Tokyo city a great place. Once a fishing village named Edo, it became a mega city and an attraction as centuries went by.
In 7:30 am, businessmen and business women were already walking for work, students were already in classes, and families were already packing up things for the trip. All but one wasn't ready to wake up yet.
"Good morning everyone in Tokyo! It's a beautiful Saturday today. It's now 7:30 am, and today's music is by Korona called-"
Himeko's hand slammed down the alarm. She groaned as she sat up from her not-so-comfortable bed. She looked around her surroundings and took in everything she saw. Clothes were flying everywhere, photos were spread on the bedroom floor, and dust were beginning to form as it lurked over window sills, drawers, and dark corners. Need to clean up my bedroom soon. She thought and put it in her memory to-do list.
This to-do list wasn't so accurate though. Last time she used this, she missed an important appointment to her doctor.
She put her feet on the ash wooden floor, unconsciously looking for her comfy slippers with it. In a few minutes, she found it and slipped her feet in it, and went to the kitchen to cook for her breakfast. Bacon and fried eggs were sizzling on her frying pan, bread was heated by the toaster, and coffee was brewed. She inhaled slightly and sighed, she looked out towards the metropolis that is Tokyo. Airplanes were flying towards different places, people down below, looking like ants, were too engrossed either in their conversations on their cell phones or driving madly on the streets afraid of being late for work.
Speaking of work... I need to see Mako-chan to have what's in store for me. She thought and smiled.
Saotome Makoto, emerald eyes and short brown hair, was her best friend since high school, even after college they still contacted each other, either in business or just for some old late night fun. She was a track-and-field athlete gaining fame everytime she entered a competition. She also finds jobs for Himeko.
Himeko was a freelance photographer, so she can travel wherever she wants, whenever she wants. Too bad though, her foundation wasn't really stable or consistent.
Her thoughts were broken by the signal of the toaster that her bread was done. She went to the toaster and put the bread on the plate. She grabbed the jar of butter from her left side, and a table knife at her right. She spread the butter on her bread, while the bacon and fried egg was still frying next to her. After the bacon and fried egg were well done, she turned off the gas range as she grabbed another plate. She placed them slowly and orderly, without letting the bacon and fried egg touch each other.
As she was about to eat, her telephone rang loudly from the corner of her room. She sighed. She hoped it weren't those damn prank calls that disturbed her every single morning. She stood up and answered it.
"Hello?" Himeko responded.
"Hi Himeko! It's Makoto." Makoto replied cheerfully.
"Oh! Hi Mako-chan! Do you have a-" She didn't even let her finish.
"Job for you?" Even though Himeko couldn't see her smiling in the telephone, she could feel her grinning like a cat finally catching a canary. She grimaced at the thought.
"Yes."
"Yeah. I did. We'll talk about it around...lunchtime? Is that ok?" She asked.
"Sure."
"I'll be in the coffee shop called Ren, it's just around your corner."
"Ok Mako-chan. See you there!"
They both hung up. She looked at her watch. Oh shoot! 8:00 am already?" Himeko complained inwardly. She hurriedly ate her breakfast and went to the shower. She stripped off her clothes and placed it on her laundry basket and there, she looked at herself in the mirror naked.
Himeko was beautiful, although her beauty can't dry anyone's throats immediately, her beauty always earned a second glance from any passer by. Cute and adorable were the words for her angelic face. Her golden hair shone like the sun, her long legs, her rare amethyst eyes, and her adorable smile and face always caught every stranger's attention. But what outshines every feature on the outside was her kind heart and her childish and friendly personality that simply makes any close friend priceless and irreplaceable.
Although she is really shy, when you get to break down her walls, she's very affectionate...especially to the one she loves. But throughout her 21 years, she hasn't found her love of her life. Even her first love. Sure, she once had a crush on Oogami Souma, but that was it. They were still children then. They used to play prince and princess at that time, and of course, Himeko was swept off her feet by Souma, literally and figuratively. But as the grew old, they went to different schools, and they haven't contacted each other since. Her infatuation towards him was then gone. Making her loveless. Likeless, I mean.
She then went to the bathroom stall, and turned the knob to the left. Steam began to rise as hot water rinsed through Himeko's slim and lithe body. The relaxing water eased off her aches and pains, as she scrubbed off all the dirt from her body with soap. She rinsed off the soap as she grabbed the shampoo bottle and squeezed it as the contents came out from her hand. She then lathered it on her golden hair, washing off the natural scent of her hair, replacing it with a herbal scent. She then washed it off after a few minutes, and grabbed a red towel from the towel rack beside the shower stall, wrapping it around her body.
As she got out, she directly went to the closet full of clothes. She finally chose a pink low cut tank top and capri pants. Over the low cut tank top was a white jacket. She checked herself again in the mirror. Satisfied, she grabbed her sling bag, her digital camera and walked out the woodgrain door.
"Himemiya-sama." A voice called out softly from behind the curly maple door.
"Yes? What is it?" Chikane replied coldly.
Himemiya Chikane, a famous tennis player, was staying in one of the most famous five-star hotels in Tokyo called Ima Hotel. She was there not for a vacation of course, but for business. As usual. She was there for a photo shoot for the magazine called Sports Illustrated. She sighed inwardly, she had been in a lot of magazines, this one to her makes no difference even this magazine was famous internationally.
Chikane, born in Kyoto, Japan, was gorgeous beyond belief. Her beauty earned a lot of glances from the street when she first came here. Unsurprisingly, many people gave her curious looks and whispered to the persons next to them when they had recognized Chikane Himemiya, as she was strolling around the crowded sidewalk of Tokyo. Her midnight blue hair shone like the moon, her slender and graceful body, her sapphire eyes, and the way she carry herself made people gave her, sometimes envious, admiring looks.
She was all-round talented. She played the piano well, her voice was beautiful, her skillful hands with an arrow and bow, and of course, tennis. When she was in high school, she had beaten every single tennis player who had dared to challenge her, including men. She, a commanding girl, always put a neutral face in times of business, and would softened up a bit in times of relaxation. She is also very protective to the one she loves. Unfortunately, all her 21 years had not yet met her one.
"You have an awaiting phone call."
"I see. Thank you." She replied, her voice neutral.
The man bowed behind the door respectfully even though Chikane could not see him.
Chikane went to the living room, which was themed black and white, its furniture outrageously expensive were blended with the walls, while the others stood out. The curtains draped on the windows were black and white as well. The couches were the same. In the corner, there the telephone sat. She picked it up and answered.
"Hello?"
"Good morning Himemiya-sama! How do you think of Tokyo? Beautiful no?" Sasaki Kaemon answered happily.
Kaemon, as the name suggests, was a very joyful and kind man. In his mid-forties, he could still attract women with his pair of amber eyes and his good build. Although he had grey streaks on his hair that had said otherwise, he is a child at heart, always sharing a charming smile to everyone. He, both the manager and friend of Himemiya Chikane, was the one who arranged the photo shoot to be held in Tokyo.
"Yes, it is." She smiled at how animated Kaemon is to his emotions.
"Hah! Well good thing you did not reject my offer."
Chikane did almost rejected his 'offer'. His 'offer' was more compulsory. He had said that this could bring more upbringing for me, as money-loving he was.
"Please Himemiya-sama, this is an internationally famous magazine! You would be known throughout the world!" He pleaded.
"I do not care for fame Sasaki-han." Chikane stood up from her chair and went towards the door. Unsurprisingly, Kaemon blocked the path.
"Bu-but...this could make your father proud!" He stammered.
Chikane sighed. Yes, her father was her weakness. Because of his careful upbringing and love towards Chikane, she always felt that need to repay him.
"Why does this involve my father, Sasaki-han?" I asked.
"Well one is that this could make your company more famous..." He trailed off. He looked down, showing new interest on the floor.
Chikane laughed.
This was always the excuse whenever Chikane rejected his pleas. With his face so down and sad, Chikane pitied him. After a somewhat uncomfortable silence, she finally answered.
"Fine."
With that answer, Kaemon looked up at her as if she had saved his life. He hugged her tightly that Chikane couldn't breath anymore.
"Thank you! Himemiya-sama, thank you!"
Yes, he was money-loving, but she didn't mind, this made the man who she is today.
She laughed softly. "I think that wasn't an offer Sasaki-han."
She could feel him blush. Then she added,
"But thank you for forcing me into it, I never regretted on going here."
"Your welcome Himemiya-sama." He replied cheerfully.
"So...what is your purpose on calling me Sasaki-han?" She asked.
"Well, I just want to inform you that your photoshoot is scheduled tomorrow at 4 am. Is that alright with you Himemiya-sama?"
"That early?"
"Yes, because you see, they want to take a picture of you in the Izu Islands, which is located off the coast of Tokyo and is considered a great setting."
"Ok, but that doesn't explain why we should go there early."
"Well, they want to picture you during sunrise, which makes it more breathtaking as it already is."
"I see. Very well, I do not have any other choice, have I?"
"Ye-, No." He said sadly.
"So who's the photographer then?"
"I forgot her name, but they had said to me earlier that she takes pictures beautifully."
"It's a she?"
"Yes. Why? Are there any problems with a she, Himemiya-sama?"
"No, it's just that it's my first time to be taken by a female photographer."
"Ah of course, I realized that no female photographer has taken you on her lenses is it not? Do you need a male photographer? I could ask them to replace her."
"No need Sasaki-han." It makes no difference anyway she liked to add but held back.
"Ok Himemiya-sama. I should go now, I'll call you later to let you know her name. Thank you for your time."
"Ok, bye and take care Sasaki-han." She hung up went towards the door towards the balcony.
She slided the door to open and warm air rushed through her making her hair flow. She then leaned on the balcony rail and watched the cirrus clouds moving slowly but surely. The sun was ever bright and beautiful as it shone and gave light to the city of Tokyo. She could feel the heat of the sun and the shade of the clouds lingering on her pale skin. Making a sound of contentment, she began reminiscing 15 years ago.
"Chikane! Where are you?" Her father called out.
"I'm here father!" Chikane called back, and began staggering back to her father.
With open arms, her father caught daughter in a bearhug.
"Found you!" Her father began tickling her.
"S-stop f-father! C-can't breath!" She stammered between giggles while running away from her father.
He finally stopped and hugged Chikane. He whispered at her ear,
"I know you're going to grow up making me proud."
She smiled at this. I'm gonna make you proud father. She thought with a determined face. She then looked up at the light blue skies and the morning sun.
A female photographer huh?
That was her last thought as she went back inside, grabbed her purse and went outside for a walk.
Himeko was in a hurry as if she was running for her life. A few glances were earned because of that. She finally slowed down when she reached a corner where a simple one-story house stood. The outside walls were white and the roof was colored of deep red, its trail towards the Sherwood oak door were in concrete but clean nonetheless. She took a deep breath and opened the small steel gate slowly, and went toward to the front door. She knocked a few times and a man a bit older than her having dark hair opened the door, greeting her with piercing hazel eyes.
"Oogami-kun. I'm really sorry for being late." Himeko said blushing.
Oogami Souma, her childhood first crush and friend, stood there laughing softly.
"As usual." This made Himeko blush even more. Then he added,
"It's ok Kurusugawa-san, I'm used to it." Giving her a comforting smile. He then opened the door more and went a few steps forward toward Himeko, with his hands on his pockets.
"So what do you need?" She looked up at Oogami Souma with her amethyst puppy dog eyes, referring to her job. She takes pictures for Souma ever since she started freelance photography. He was even her first client.
"Well..."
Souma was a journalist who works at Tokyo Times, although he can take pictures by himself, he didn't have the skill like Himeko has.
"I just need a few pictures of Hoshi Park and its attractions, I'm going to promote tourism."
"Done and done!" She replied happily and smiled.
"Ok then." He smiled back and nodded.
"So when do you need it?"
He checked his watch. "About...one hour." He smiled sheepishly at Himeko.
"Oh this is just great." Himeko remarked sarcastically. Oogami just laughed.
"You need to go now. 59 minutes to go."
As if it was a race, Himeko started running as Souma said that. She did not respond but only waved back at him when she was running at her top speed towards Hoshi Park.
Chikane walked around a corner as she had passed shops that did not interest her at all. As she passed another intersection lane, her eyes caught a spacious public park where cherry blossoms were in full bloom. Although she had seen cherry blossoms, she had never got enough of looking at it. She went towards the entrance of the park, growing closer to the cherry blossoms, until she bumped into someone.
"Hey, watch where you're goi-" Her words were not finished. Chikane just stared at the woman who was her rubbing her head. So... She thought. She felt her blood rising from her cheeks. As the girl, definitely at her twenties, stood up, Chikane blinked and snapped back from reality.
"I'm really sorry miss but I really need to go now." She bowed her head respectively at Chikane. The woman then went off at an outrageous pace.
"Wait, you dropped this." Chikane shouted, but she was now out of earshot from the woman.
Golden hair.
That was the only detail she had at the girl. Don't forget her cute face.
She shook her head violently. She then looked at the item the woman accidentally dropped. Her digital camera.
I think she isn't hard to find. Noting the golden hair of the woman.
I hope.
She then walked through the entrance ignoring the cherry blossoms and went to find the golden-haired woman.
Made it. She thought happily. Now to take some pictures. Her hands then went at her right side to where her digital camera was. She felt none. What the...Where is it? Her amethyst eyes then fell to her right side.
"Oh no..." She groaned
I must have left it at my house!
"I really need to make a real to-do list." Talking to herself.
But I was sure I carried it towards here...
"The entrance!" She shouted out loud, earning a few curious glances.
She was about to turn back when a melodious voice spoke to her.
"Looking for this?"
Her amethyst eyes then met her face. Her throat dried up, she couldn't form coherent words, she just gaped at her. So beautiful. That thought came to her like a ton of bricks.
"Miss?" She waved her hand at her face. Himeko then magically had the power to speak, but still suffered a great deal. Her cheeks burned as well.
"Y-yes...Thank you very much." She stammered.
"It is no big deal." She gave Himeko a smile that made her cheeks reddened more.
"It is, you have just save me from a job." Himeko gave her smile to hers as well.
Told you she's cute. Chikane's conscience told her Really cute. Chikane quickly agreed. Awkward silence was met. They were just staring at each other as if that was their first time to see a female person. Then a strong wind made them close their eyes from the dust. It suddenly gave them the power to form coherent thoughts and words.
"I-I really need to go now, I have something important to do." With a bow she turned around and blended in with the crowd.
With a sigh, Chikane turned the opposite way and went to check the cherry blossoms that she had ignored a while ago.
I forgot to ask her name. They both thought and groused inwardly at the same time.
Oogami Souma was writing his article on the laptop until a knock came from the door.
Must be Himeko with my pictures.
It wasn't.
"Tsubasa-nii-san..." His eyes widened, his mouth making a small o.
Tsubasa his face cold and emotionless greeted Souma with a nod. Souma shook his head and motioned him to come in. Tsubasa did and looked around at what he saw.
"What are you doing here?" Souma asked.
"I'm just dropping by to say hello to my beloved little brother. I have a client in Tokyo." Referring to his own job.
Tsubasa, although cold and does not show emotion, cared for Souma deeply and unconditionally. He's a personal trainer for people who wanted to learn different sword styles. Obviously, a freelance.
"I see. How much yen did you ask?" He joked and smiled with amusement. He knew that his big brother was known for his ridiculous prices, but since Tsubasa was a veteran and knows what he's doing, it was worth it. For some people.
"About 90000 yen."
"For an hour?" He said in exasperation.
"Yes. Why?"
Souma grimaced and shook his head. "Don't you think that's a bit...overpriced?" Maybe not a bit...a lot.
"Hmph." Was the only answer Souma got. With that, Souma laughed heartily. Same old big brother.
"Looks like you're still doing journalism." Tsubasa said, eyeing his little brother's article.
Souma didn't get the chance to respond when another knock came from his door.
It was Himeko. Who looked really exhausted.
"Are you ok Kurusugawa-san?" He asked, concern present in his voice.
"Y-yeah." Himeko said between breaths. Without another word, she handed out the pictures and negatives Souma needed. Souma smiled at this. Unsurprisingly, the pictures were taken skillfully, yet surprisingly she got the negatives and the pictures so quickly.
"How did you-" He then shook his head. No it's better not to know. He then continued,
"Thank you Kurusugawa-san. So how much is it all?"
"The usual." Himeko smiled at him.
"Of course." He then handed out the money to her.
"Thanks Oogami-kun."
"No, thank you." Giving her a toothy smile.
"I need to go now. I need to go back to my place to get ready for business." She said. Her forefinger idly scratching her cheek as a sweat dropped from her forehead.
"Ok then goodbye. And thank you again for the pictures."
"No problem." She smiled sweetly, bowed at him, and then turned around.
Oogami Souma watched Himeko until she was nowhere in sight. He then turned around and met Tsubasa's cold ruby eyes.
"I need to go now too. My client's waiting for me." His footsteps getting louder as he neared the door and Oogami Souma.
"Ok nii-san. Come back soon and take care." Tsubasa didn't respond and Souma opened the door for him. After Tsubasa faded from his view, he then went back to his article and began rummaging and organizing every picture he got from Himeko that could be good for his article. Which was actually hard since Himeko had taken the pictures beautifully as always. He sighed and turned off the laptop. He needed a little a rest from all the sleepless nights he endured for that article to be perfect. He opened the bedroom door, and dragged himself to his single bed. As he fell softly into bed, he could feel exhaustion coursing through himself, and his eyes began to close. Immediately, he was in a deep slumber. He just hoped that he would wake up soon so that he could finish the article, tomorrow was the its deadline.
Himeko arrived at the condominium and began peeling off her clothes from her sweaty body. She carried her clothes toward the washing machine, slowly dropping it from the cycle. She closed the lid and pressed the power button, making the washing machine produce a soft hum. She then went to the bathroom stall and turned the knob. Hot steam began to rise as she took a bath again.
After bathing she put on her house clothes, which was a camisole and cotton short shorts and went to the living room to watch TV as she killed. She checked the clock again. Still 10 am, two hours away from the expected meeting. Nothing good was on TV so she turned it off and lied down. Her eyes began to close. Before, she felt no exhaustion from the adrenaline she felt when she began taking pictures. And meeting the gorgeous girl. Her conscience teased her. Her eyes shot back up and her cheeks began to redden. She then remembered every detail of the woman's face. The midnight blue hair, the secretive sapphire eyes, the pink lips, the curves of her body, especially her long legs...
She couldn't finish the thought as her cheeks began to grow hotter by the second that could beat the heat of inferno. Although she recognized her from somewhere before, she could not put her finger on it. She was too outdated nowadays that she didn't even know what was going on right now. Good thing she wasn't a journalist like Oogami Souma or else she'd get fired right away. She laughed at the thought.
I hope Mako-chan would give me a worthwhile job. She thought, as she stood up for sleep wasn't anymore of use. She couldn't close her eyes as the cerulean blue-haired girl filled her mind. She shook off the thought and then remembered to clean her bedroom.
Finally, her memory to-do list was useful. She grabbed an apron to cover herself from dirt, a broom, a dustpan, a mop, a rug, and a bucket of water.
"Alright." Her face showing determination as she tied her apron on the back. As she went to the bedroom, her look changed into fear. Ugh. was the only thing on her mind.
"I can do this." She said as she punch her right hand to her left palm softly. She then began to grabbed all the clothes she had rummaged and threw before, and carried it to the washing machine. The clothes that was on her a little while ago were still there so she just put it beside the machine. She went back to the bedroom and began to pick up the pictures as well and placed it on her double bed. She then began to sweep off the dust on the ash wooden floor and its hidden corners. She then wiped the bedroom window sills with the rug, and sneezed softly. After the windows were clear and its sills glistening from the added water on the rug, she began to mop the floor. Sweat dropped on her forehead down to her neck from the exertion on cleaning the bedroom. Dust were plastered on her cheeks when she wiped her face on the back of her hand.
And in an instant, the bedroom was clean. She smiled and praised herself for the hard work. She took off the apron and placed it on the pile of clothes that were beside the washing machine. Noticing that the washing machine was silent, she replaced them with another batch of clothes and dropped them on the cycle. Satisfied, she went back to the couch on the living room and lied down again. Feebleness was experienced and her eyes began to close. Her mind was filled with last thoughts of the blue-haired woman...again.
As she woke up, the first thing she noticed was the clock. It was now 11:30 am. She sat up immediately and began to take her shortest shower ever. After 10 whole minutes in the bathroom, her towel-clad self scurried through her closet. I'm going to be late...again! She groaned. She then put on a white tank top with a sleeveless hooded pink jacket and faded jeans. She fell down a few times as she put on the jeans but finally got it through her legs. She then began slipping her feet into the shoes and tied the shoelaces. When she was done she grabbed her sling bag, went outside, and proceeded towards the coffee shop.
As she rounded the corner, the coffee shop was immediately seen from her amethyst eyes. She then went inside and saw Makoto sipping her cappuccino. When Makoto saw her, she waved at her and motioned her to come. She did and sat in front of her best friend and former roommate.
"Late as usual, right Himeko?" She teased and grinned. Then and there, Himeko blushed. Makoto giggled slightly.
"Come now, lighten up a little."
"Y-yeah." Still blushing. Makoto then motioned a waiter to come and take her best friend's order. The waiter took a out a pen and pad as he waited patiently for Himeko to order.
"Mocha please." She asked politely. The waiter nodded as he left the duo.
"So, what's your-" Himeko was cut off...again.
"Job for you?" Makoto smirked. Himeko tensed up as her emerald eyes stared directly into her amethyst.
"Yeah." She said as she fiddled with her fingers.
"You won't believe what I have for you." Her voice showing excitement.
"What is it? Try me." Himeko dared her.
Saotome Makoto leaned into Himeko's left ear and whispered to her that only she could hear audibly. Makoto then leaned back and watched Himeko's flabbergasted face.
"What?" Himeko shouted, earning glances from the other tables. Makoto showed a full smile at her showing that she too was happy for her best friend.
"You have go to be kidding me Mako-chan. You know they would never take a freelance, they have a lot of professional photographers." She said to her showing disbelief in her tone.
"It's the truth and nothing but the truth. They were impressed with your photographic works and just want to have you right then and there." Makoto replied. True, Makoto had never lied to her ever since they became friends.
"Wow. So when am I going to do that? " She whispered almost to herself. The waiter returned with her Mocha drink and placed it on the table. After he left, Makoto replied.
"Around 4 am tomorrow."
"That early? I couldn't even wake up at 7 am without the alarm Mako-chan."
"They wanted you to take her when the sun is still rising."
"Hm..yeah that makes the picture better." Giving her a smile expressing thought and wonder.
"Don't ever be late. This is a once in a lifetime chance you know." Her face becoming serious.
Himeko gulped. "I won't." Her fist pumping upward showing determination. Her best friend just laughed.
"Thanks you so much for this chance Mako-chan!" She hugged her then and there, forgetting about her mocha drink.
"No prob, no prob." Makoto replied. Himeko then sat back at her chair and began thinking, her face serious.
"Say Mako-chan..."
"Hm?" She was sipping her drink.
"Who am I going to take a picture in Izu Islands?"
"Himemiya Chikane." When Himeko heard that name, she felt a strong sense of familiarity, but she never had any close friends called at that name. Must be an acquaintance She thought. Yet it felt like she had known that name for years now. But still...
"Who's she?" Makoto's eyes widened and choked at this, she began coughing. Himeko was startled and touched Makoto on the shoulder, her gesture showing concern for her bestfriend.
"Are you ok Mako-chan?"
"So you're telling me, that you don't know Himemiya Chikane?"
"Yes." She blushed.
"You have got to be kidding me." It was her turn now to be in astonishment. She continued,
"Himemiya Chikane comes from a prominent family and is a very famous tennis player known for her good looks and her skills on the court. She had beaten every single person who dared to challenge her. Even boys." She gestured showing emphasis and added,
"She appears on the cover page on every magazine I have known of and she is one heck of a talented person. She could sing, play the piano, and even in the field of archery."
"Wow. She must be a great person." Himeko said with sparkle on her eyes.
"Great? She's an amazing person, beyond perfect." Makoto argued.
"Does she have a boyfriend or..." Himeko trailed off.
"Nope, she has never even experienced the essence of love. I know it's unbelievable, but she turned down every man who charmed her, even a few women courted her!" Her tone in amazement.
"I see." Himeko put her right forefinger and thumb on her chin, her face unreadable.
"What does she look like?" She continued, interviewing her bestfriend.
"Well, she has blue hair...
Midnight blue hair...
gorgeous blue eyes,
Those sapphire eyes...
pale skin,
The creamy skin...
pink lips..."
Soft, alluring lips...
Then Makoto's words were not heard anymore in Himeko's ears. She paled. The woman she met in Hoshi park...that was Himemiya Chikane! Her heart began to beat loudly, her cheeks became hotter than the sun.
"Are you ok? Himeko?" She was pulled back by her best friend from her absence.
"Uh yeah."
"You don't look too good. Maybe you should go home."
"Maybe I should." She hesitated but stood up and went towards the door.
"Goodbye Himeko and good luck for tomorrow." Makoto winked at her.
She smiled at Makoto and thought,
I really needed that. Gods, help me.
Chikane's cell phone beeped breaking her from her everyday thoughts and dining. Three hours ago, after the encounter of the golden-haired woman, she watched the cherry blossoms dancing with the winds and its petals flowing at every direction , and now she was at a grand restaurant eating her lunch.
The restaurant's theme was deep red. Its high ceiling was decorated in renaissance paintings and its elegant chandeliers were glittering from the bright lights. Its tables and chairs, arranged randomly, were made of oak and were decorated by the best carvers in the world. Its columns, all lined up, were made of red African marble, and the French windows proudly showed Tokyo City. The competent staff were polite and courteous. The service was quick and the food was delicious.
She flipped her cell phone in one swift move and put it on her right ear.
"Yes?"
"Good afternoon Himemiya-sama, I'm sorry for the intrusion. Is it a bad time?" It was Kaemon's voice on the other end.
Too late. Chikane thought and sighed inwardly, then replied,
"No. So what is your purpose Sasaki-han?"
"I got the name of your photographer. I had asked them a little while ago."
"Ah." But I do not think it's that important anyway. She wanted to add, but noticed Kaemon's hopeful voice.
"So...what is her name?" She continued.
"Her name is Kurusugawa Himeko." It hit her. I think I heard that somewhere before. She shook her head. No, I felt like I've known that name for years now. Yet...
"I never heard of her."
"That is reasonable since she isn't famous and her skills are not discovered by the world...yet. "
"I see..." Uncomfortable silence was now present between the two of them. Chikane broke it.
"Is that all Sasaki-han?"
"Y-yes."
"Ok, goodbye and thank you."
"Good day and take care Himemiya-sama." They both hung up.
She stared at the walls, the people who are too engrossed at what they are doing, and then back to her food. She began eating again.
After she had eaten, she placed the money beside the food that was much more than its price. She stood up and proceeded to the exit. The staff, ever polite and courteous, bowed at her and thanked her for eating at the restaurant. When she had gotten out, she was greeted by the afternoon sun, so bright and beautiful that she could have stayed there and look at it. She shook her head. She had better things to do. She continued her walk towards the five-star hotel.
"Kurusugawa Himeko..." She whispered to herself. Her mouth caressed the name and it had sounded so natural on her tongue as if it was meant for her to say the female photographer's name. They were going to meet tomorrow, four am at Izu Islands. And she was curious on what the female photographer is like.