Chapter 7: A Push

Later that night, I met up with Kotarou-san in the park. I greeted him as I plopped on the spot next to him. He fiddled with a puzzle cube nervously

"Sorry for suddenly calling you out."

"No, i-it's fine. I don't really mind. T-that aside, what do you need to talk to me about?"

"Well, do you remember the girl you met at Tatara Swamp ten years ago?"

I heard him mumble a bit before watching him fiddle faster with his puzzle cube with increasing self-anxiety. Now, I can understand why it is so worn. I leaned back on the bench to look at the vague dots in the sky.

"It's alright if you don't remember. It was ten years ago! Hey, you're pretty good with that! Is it your specialty?"

"Thanks, and yes. I really don't have any redeeming points … but from long ago, this is the only thing I'm good at. When I touch this, I can calm down, or rather; I can continue a conversation with someone I met for the first time."

I nodded in understanding. We sat for a moment of comfortable silence, his fidgeting decreasing to just leisure solving. I gave a small smile.

"Hey, you know, I have a friend. Her name is Numano Himemiko, and she actually has had a crush on you for all this time. Would you please meet her?"

He looked surprised, but he agreed. I got up with pretend difficulty and stretch. The pops coming from my back surprised me but felt good. I waved and smiled.

"Thanks for agreeing, it takes a load off me. Can you come back here tomorrow at around three in the afternoon," I asked. I waited for him to nod shyly. I grinned, "It was nice talking with you. See you around."

I left the area and turned around another corner to meet Onikiri and Kotetsu praising me and confirming the young man's promise to meet the princess. Giving affirmative, I looked around for Tomoe. My familiar had left earlier to get a mode of transportation back to the shrine, so we wouldn't have to walk up the mountain all the time. I waved to Tomoe when he came floating down in an enchanted cart. With the dark fog surrounding its' rich appearance, it looked incredible.

"Wow, what is this?"

"Mikage's favorite car, it's a night fog car. Since it weaves its' way through the darkness, it only moves at night though."

"Cool, well then, please excuse me-"

I paused the edge of the car was level with my shoulders. It felt like a jab at my height. I huffed in determination. I can make it! Readying my arms, I placed them firmly on the floor of the car and hoisted myself up. My arms shook at the unexpected weighted exercise, but I was able to swing my leg over the side to even out my weight and climb aboard. Thank God (snort) for jeans.

I panted quietly. I need to exercise more. Since I'm able to have regular meals now, I can do so. Note to self: Make a schedule to exercise. Maybe I could have Tomoe be my strict coach. I know I won't do anything unless either I have real motivation or someone doing it with me.

We arrived at the shrine. I shuffled over to my room. I blinked at all the bags cluttering my room. Oh yeah, we got new clothes today. I was going through the bags when someone knocked on the door. I had pulled out my school uniform. I called them in, and Tomoe appeared. I raised an eyebrow when I pulled out a dress. I don't remember getting this. It was a brightly colored dress with frills and fabric flowers decorating it. I felt soured by it. It was mocking me in its cheerfulness.

"Tomoe, we need to return this dress."

He looked up from organizing the clothing I do remember getting. He blinked in confusion. Something passed over his face but vanished before I could make out what it was.

"Very well."

I squinted at him. Did he really think I could wear this? I turned it this way and that to get a better look at it. I frowned. It was too cheerful for my blood stained hands. I placed it back in its bag as I pulled out the outfit I got for Himemiko. I smirked. This boy was in for a pleasant surprise.

"Kagome, it's time to go to bed," exclaimed an oddly excited Onikiri. I looked around. Tomoe disappeared. I guess my clothes where put in place for now. I looked back at her before turning my attention to my dresser. She came up next to me and pulled out something that must be new. Thundered, I stared at her choice for me in shock. Short and sheer, it was one of those suggestive sleepwear for the more lewd people. I'm going to need a bag to stuff all the returns I'm going to make. 'More appropriate attire for his Master' my ass!

"TOMOE!"

On the sudden rattled roof, Tomoe flinched at the loud volume.

The next morning saw no familiar in the shrine. After separating her clothing to what is appropriate and what's not, there was over half of what she had for Tomoe go to the store to return. Who was still at the shrine were the wisps, a catfish spirit Princess, and I. As I had Tomoe use his fox magic to create an illusion of the princess looking human, he was obviously unwilling, but it was punishment to getting all those clothes. I had her try on all the different clothes I got. She didn't really like the outfit I picked for her but picked up the dress I first found. I squinted at it. I'm pretty sure I gave that one to Tomoe. But, she liked it, so we went with that one. It looked good on her. I had just combed a bit of hair on her head into a bow when I felt Tomoe return and a commotion sounded in the foyer. We went to investigate only to find Aotake, her immature guard, harassing Tomoe. After seeing Himemiko's new form, the guard collapsed in shocked dismay.

"Sorry to keep you all waiting! We picked this dress out for her since she liked it more than the other outfits."

"Does it really look good on me?"

"Hmm with this, he can't suspect that you're a spirit."

I gave two thumbs up and a grin. After giving a warning not to use magic or else his illusion will break and not to clank her teeth anymore, she is ready to go meet Kotarou. I grabbed her elbow and gently lead the way to the door. I wanted to get this on the way. The boy awaited!

"Come on, let's go, Himemiko-san! Kotarou-san is waiting!"

"Kagome Higurashi, Thank You"

I smiled at her, a real gentle smile. Once we finally found the guy at Nishiguchi park, Himemiko was late. To give silent support, the wisps, Tomoe, and I hid behind some bushes and a tree to watch and give aid if needed. Hopefully that won't happen. Everything seemed to going good, aside from her literally clinging to the poor boy. I leaned on the tree, content.

"After all, it's only a transient rendezvous between a human and a spirit."

And, Tomoe had to say something. I felt a twinge in my withered heart. It brought up memories. So, were the feelings I had for Inuyasha transient?

No

"Please don't say that anymore Tomoe. Feelings and emotions are real for everyone of us. Be it youkai, spirit, human, or half."

I refused to look at Tomoe as I focused on the sudden development in front of me. Himemiko was left alone with the puzzle cube, so when two passing thugs came by to try and pick her up, they started to harass her. Humming with righteous anger, I snapped off the nearest branch my pink glowing hand found to use as a club. I stopped when I didn't hear the crack it was supposed to make. I looked to the passive Tomoe in question.

"You need to wait Kagome. That's not your job. A human has to move forward on his own. If one wants to move forward, one can move, even if he only has little power."

I raised an eyebrow. I looked back to see Kotarou-san a couple of meters away frozen in his spot. I huffed. I pulled out a sutra and wrote down Kotarou-san's name down in it. I pasted it to the tree and gave a heaving push. Feeling that it went through, I peeked around the tree to see Kotarou-san defending Himemiko. I gave a catty grin. Perfect. Tie is in place, now the new couple just needs to keep it firmly knotted.

Without looking, I gave a victory sign to Tomoe.