*-I'm sorry if this took so long. I won't take too much of your time since it was already a long time before I updated so here is the next chapter. Go ahead and read it.-*
When Himeko arrived in their room, she saw Chikane silently sitting on a chair beside the table drinking tea. She put the items and hid them on her back and walked deeper in the room towards her drawer. But before doing that, she greeted the heiress first, albeit nervously. "Hi Chikane-chan… I'm back." Himeko said.
Chikane gave Himeko a warm smile and said, "Welcome back, Himeko. Want some?" she lifted her cup slightly towards Himeko.
Himeko shook her head and replied to Chikane's invitation, "No but thank you Chikane-chan. I'm going to take shower and sleep earlier today, I guess."
"Oh? Are you going out tomorrow?" Chikane asked before she took a sip from her cup of tea closing her eyes to relax herself. She had been thinking on what Kaito and Himeko talked about. She hated the fact that the two are keeping something from her knowing that they have just met each other recently. Himeko's earlier excuse could be possible but then, she felt that it was a lie.
Seeing Chikane closing her eyes, she decided that it was her cue to hide the items she's carrying so she hurriedly went to her drawer and put the items there. After that, she said, "Yes, Chikane-chan…Ah! I'm going to watch you tomorrow…I-I'm just going to visit someone." Himeko was worried that Chikane might think that she doesn't care for her and watch her match tomorrow.
Chikane put down her cup on the table while giggling. "Do not worry. I was merely asking if you would, no need to panic, Himeko."
Himeko felt relieved. She started taking some of her clothes and told Chikane that she's going to inside the bathroom. Chikane nodded at her, still smiling at her.
Back in Kaito's room, the young man used the telephone and dialed his grandfather's number. When someone picked the phone, he knew that one of his grandfather's men answer it. He coldly said, "Give the phone to grandfather, it is me."
"Yes Kaito-sama."
A few seconds later, a hoarse voice of his grandfather was heard, saying, "Boy, what did you call for?"
Kaito's cold demeanor stayed. He answered the old man. "Grandfather, the legend is true."
His grandfather laughed from the other end of the line and stated what is in his mind. "I trust that you are not lying to me, child. I expect that you already know what to do. But first, tell me who the priestesses are."
"The Sun priestess is a girl living temporarily here in the mansion, a very close friend of Chikane. Her name is Kurusugawa Himeko. Grandfather, the Moon priestess is Chikane herself but she still doesn't know about it." Kaito stated seriously.
A gasp from the old man was heard. "Y-You mean my granddaughter i-is the Moon priestess? Is that what I heard you tell me?" he asked, fear could be heard in the tone of his voice.
"I'm sorry to say this but yes grandfather." Kaito said as he closed his eyes. He doesn't want the fact that his dear cousin is the Moon priestess, and knowing this, it put him in a difficult situation.
"I see." His grandfather flatly stated, noting that he already accepted it. "Then we have no choice. Call the others, if you already know that the priestesses exist, and then you must know your job."
"Understood." Kaito's brows furrowed as he said this. He felt that he was forced in abiding by some rules.
"Remember," his grandfather started, "Even though your cousin is dear to the both of us, it is necessary that you do your job as the first neck of Orochi. Do not humiliate of ancestors."
"Yes." Kaito slowly opened his eyes as his usually light colored eyes darkened. Light emitted from his left shoulder blade where Orochi's mark is located. "Then I'll call the others now. I'll call the other necks... Goodbye and take care grandfather."
"Good luck, my grandson." His grandfather tiredly said.
When Kaito put the phone down, he closed his eyes again. He sighed and opened them again. His eyes were back to normal but this time, extreme loneliness would be seen from them. It pained him to know that he had to do what he was expected to do and not what he wants to do.
Himeko's POV
"Why do I feel cold?" I whispered to no one as I felt the water gently hit my face.
I know that I have to tell her everything but as long as I can, I'll try to conceal it however I can. But can I really do it? Every time that she looks at me, it would always seem that she knows what is running in my head. Can I really keep something from her? From Chikane-chan?
It is strange, this feeling of emptiness. A part of me really wants to tell her everything but I'm scared. I fear that she's going to do something that would hurt herself. I don't want to risk that. She would do anything for my sake just like the last time.
Maybe, just maybe, my feelings for her would be enough for now. It would free her for now. I want her to smile, to always smile. I'll handle it. I can. I would.
This lifetime, I'll be the one to protect you. No matter how hard it's going to be, I'll bear with it. As long as you love I can do it so please… "Continue to love me, Chikane-chan…"
Chikane's POV
"What's taking her so long, I wonder…?" I whispered.
When Himeko went inside the bathroom, I called for Otoha to take the pot and the tea. She came after a few minutes and took them and left after telling me to have a good night sleep since tomorrow would be the start of the tournament. I sighed and started moving towards the bed. When I reached it, I sat on my side of the bed.
Even though the tournament would be tomorrow, I'm not thinking of it as of this moment. I'm thinking of Kaito and Himeko's secret. I have some ideas in mind but I'm not sure which one.
My first thought was something about Saotome-san. Yes, it's possible that Kaito-kun is asking Himeko about her. Many years have passed and Kaito-kun must have wanted to know something about the one who holds his heart, to know what changed about her, to know her likes and dislikes, including the one who is holding her heart.
The next one would be something heart-warming. They know that our birthday, me and Himeko, is only two weeks from now. They might be planning something like a surprise party or talking about what to give me. I wonder, would Himeko like my gift for her? I really hope she would.
My last thought is somewhat related to the last. When I was still small, I overheard grandfather and father talking about me. They were talking about the Kannazuki no miko or the Priestesses of the Godless month. Father had told grandfather that there was no possible way that I would be one of the priestesses since our family was, and still is, Yamata no Orochi's follower. Grandfather believed it but still had his doubts he had told my father. They decided to observe me, every year, especially on my birthdays if something would happen to me. So far, nothing has happened and I assume that they still continue doing it.
I know about them, the priestesses are only ones who could summon Ame no Murakumo and defeat Yamata no Orochi from destroying the world. I read books and every book described them like this. I sneaked in my grandfather's chamber and saw his diary. I took my time reading it since I knew that grandfather was out of the country because of business. I read that if the priestesses win and defeat Orochi, our family would lose its honor and its power. I never wanted to be born from a powerful family but I love them and I would do anything for them. I refuse to let them suffer so I would do anything in my power just to stop the priestesses. If I may happen to be one of the priestesses, I would get rid of her.
I do not know which one of these is their secret but I am sure that one of these is the correct one. I just hope that it would be anything but the last one. I do not want to drag Himeko in that. I love her and would risk everything just for her, even though she does not hold the same feelings that I carry for her.
Normal POV
Himeko went out of the bathroom to find Chikane sitting on the bed. She continued looking at her. 'She must be thinking of something…' she thought.
Chikane, as if sensing her presence, pulled out from her thoughts and looked at Himeko. She warmly smiled at her and watched as Himeko blushed cutely. She gestured for her to walk towards her. Waiting patiently for the blonde, she just sat there calmly.
Himeko felt herself walking towards the Himemiya goddess sitting on the bed when she saw her hands move for her. It was weird, really. Such a beauty as Chikane taking interest in a clumsy and easily embarrassed blonde, it still makes Himeko wonder. Though this thought still lingers in her mind, she really doesn't mind the attention given.
Himeko sat on the edge of the bed as she approached it. "What is it Chikane-chan?" she asked.
Chikane smiled. "I just wanted to talk to you for a while. I hope I don't bother you with it."
Himeko shook her head and exclaimed, "Chikane-chan would never be a bother!"
That particular sentence was already enough for Chikane's heart to warm up. Her heart fluttered because of extreme happiness she felt. "Thank you, Himeko. You've made me very happy by telling me that." She reached out to touch Himeko's still wet hair and stroked it gently.
Himeko, seeing what Chikane is doing to her, blushed again. "U-Umm…" she started.
"Yes?" Chikane whispered, encouraging her to continue.
"G-Good luck with your matches tomorrow." Himeko said, fumbling with the towel she's still holding that was intended to be used to dry her hair.
"I'll make sure to do my best to win, Himeko. So…thank you for cheering for me." Chikane said. "Let me dry your hair, Himeko."
Himeko nodded as she gave the towel to the blue haired girl. Chikane held it and started drying Himeko's hair, careful to not make it mess he face. Himeko just continued sitting there and letting Chikane have her way, enjoying the peaceful moment. Being with each other, they momentarily forgot their thoughts and worries.
A few minutes later, Himeko's hair dried up, thanks to Chikane. Chikane stopped and put down the towel beside her and leaned slightly to hug Himeko. It was hard, to restrain herself from doing that when Himeko's scent invaded her senses when she started drying her hair. She hoped that one day, the girl in her arms would love her the same way the she does to the other. "I really appreciate your presence, Himeko. Thank you for being my friend." The last word was not forced but it seemed strange for her.
Of course the sudden show of affection made Himeko have her full blown blush. She definitely knows that Chikane loves her in that way since she got her memories back. It was great as well as painful for her but it still makes her heart beat wildly and makes the blood go up to her face, making her feeling slightly light-headed. Leaning lightly on Chikane, she enjoyed the warmth coming from Chikane. It made her feel special when Chikane do that even though she rarely does that. "Me too Chikane-chan." She shyly said.
Chikane plated a kiss on the back of Himeko's head and said, "Face me, Himeko."
When Himeko turned, she was shocked; making her eyes widen and blush intensely. Her heart went on a rampage and pumped hardly in her chest.
Chikane was also shocked with what she had done. She was intending to kiss Himeko on her cheeks but she was not able to control herself from doing it, taking Himeko's lips on hers. Embarrassment overwhelmed her but the love that she felt for Himeko was too much that it defeated the embarrassment. She slowly closed her eyes and poured her love on that kiss.
Himeko felt Chikane's love for her so she did what her body wants to do, what her heart orders for her to do. She did what Chikane did. Himeko kissed back with all the love that she feels for Chikane. It was a blissful moment. She encircled her arms on Chikane's neck to encourage Chikane.
It was really overwhelming, the thought of Himeko responding to her kiss. She slowly moved her mouth and felt Himeko do the same. 'Himeko… I love you. You love me back don't you? Or are you only doing this because of your break-up with Oogami-kun?'
They stopped when the need for air seemed too much. They parted. They looked at each other and saw that they were both panting and blushing because of what happened.
Chikane opened her mouth to apologize but was stopped by Himeko's voice. "C-Chikane-chan…I…I love you…"
*-I'm really sorry for not updating for weeks, for almost a month. I didn't think that college life is this hectic and that taking accountancy would make me lose too much spare time. I also sleep only 5 hours and it wasn't very nice. I needed sleep and that's what I do these past months. I said that I'd try to update every week but right now, I know that I can't do that even if I wanted to. The updates for this might be every three weeks or monthly. I am really sorry but I really need to study as well as take my health into consideration.
Also, those who think that I'd stop this story when I reached the 100 reviews, no I didn't and I won't. I will still be continuing this until it's done. I promise you that but please be patient.
I won't post the replies to the reviews but I would if there are questions to be answered that would spoil the story…LOL…I bet you would like some but I really shouldn't do that, should I? Haha…
Thank you very much toNovaCRYSTALLIS, Lance58, 1Nowhat, HonuliciousMoonlight-chan, andmochiusagi.
Hey, they lost control of themselves. Haha…
Sorry for the mistakes in the chapter, not beta-ed.
Thank you to those who would review. I really am happy to read them even criticisms.-*