Temple Ground 1 - Ace of Swords
The sunset in this temple is beautiful, the orange hue that paint the sky, the breeze that run through her hair, the chirping of birds that come back to their nest. It give her a sense of peace and…melancholy.
She has worked here for several years now. Sweeping the floor of the temple no longer feel as tedious as it used to be. In fact, she begin to enjoy it. It really give her some break between schoolwork and student council work. A much needed break.
At this hour there is really nothing to do other than cleaning the temple grounds. Just some people that's passing by after coming home from their work, the priest that offering prayer inside, and her fellow Miko that's also cleaning the area…or just talking in the corner. Normally there is no one that would visit this temple this late info afternoon. Except one of course.
'oh, he finally come' Nozomi thought, looking at the staircase.
From the stairs, a young man, wearing a school uniform with glasses ascend the staircase without losing a single breath.
Noticing Nozomi that young man make a simple nod. "Good afternoon, Tojou-san" he greet.
"Good afternoon to you too, Aragaki-kun" Nozomi said, with a simple smile.
This young man always arrive at this hour every day for the past years. He is a regular of this temple. He also often helped her with various task for the temple such as fixing the roof, or cleaning the bell.
"Cleaning again I see. Don't you ger bored Tojou-san?" asked the young man. Clearly teasing her.
"Well, some has to do it. You are welcome to make it not boring tough" said Nozomi. In the past, she will get nervous to talk to him since he is a stranger. But, he is a stranger no more.
"Like I can do that"
The young man continue walking to the praying altar. He clapped his hands twice and began praying.
Despite knowing this young man for quite a while, Nozomi still doesn't know what is he praying for. Does he want something? Or perhaps praying for other people? Is he just praying to be given health, and prosperity by the gods? Or perhaps he is asking for Forgiveness? She doesn't know. And she don't want to ask him.
10 Minutes later, the young man finished his prayer,
"How is the new semester Tojou-san? Getting busy yet?"
"Not really. Its as usual. Or maybe its not going to be busy yet. The club is still starting to look for new members. Maybe their application will reach student council by next week?" Said Nozomi
"I heard Otonokizaka is going to be closed by next year. Is it true" asked Aragaki
"Yeah, we get the announcement from the principal. Apparently, there not many student enrolling to Otonokizaka for this year. So they decide to stop admitting students from next year" Said Nozomi.
It that the nimber of student enrolling to Otonokizaka has been decreasing year by year. This year, the freshman only got one class filled.
"It's a shame, I heard that school have quite a history" he said glancing toward a passerby wearing Otonokizaka School Uniform. "for it to be close"
Nozomi pick up the trash she's sweeping. And put it into the trash can. "Currently the President and I is thinking about how can we prevent it." She then wipe her hand with handkerchief "we have a couple ideas, but nothing concrete. Do you have any suggestion Aragaki-kun"
Aragaki think for a bit. "Maybe the usual? Market the School more, focus on their achievement, and the like" he said. "I don't really know"
"Yeah, the president also think along those line" Nozomi pick up a bucket of water and begin watering the plants around the temple.
"How did you know our school is going to be closed anyway? The announcement is just yesterday" asked Nozomi to the young man.
Hearing this he smile. "My neighbor is crying all night because of it. She scream like 'whyyy' and 'no way' I guess its quite a shock to her" said Aragaki.
"She must be really love our school huh" chuckle Nozomi.
From what she have heard Otonokizaa Academy has been here for quite a long time. Some even said that their mother, grandmother, and grand-grandmother has study in that place.
"Have you asked your Card Tojou-san?" Aragaki asked.
"I have actually"
"What's the answer?"
Instead of answering Nozomi pull out her deck of card from her sleeve.
"You always bring that?" Aragaki sweatdroped
Ignoring his remark, Nozomi focus on her card. She try to feel the spiritual energy around her and let that energy guide her to pull the card.
After a while she pull out her card reveal…ace of sword
"So…you will fight someone?" asked Aragaki puzzled.
"No silly… this card mean new beginning. And new bonds. Looks like if we want to save the school we have to start something new."
"And that is?"
"Don't know. We'll see when we get there" Nozomi answer with a wink.
"Gahhh. I thought you know, aren't you a witch or something?" joked Aragaki.
Hearing this Nozomi pout. "mou, don't call me a witch that's rude. Call me a spiritual enthusiast"
"Yes, yes. Whatever you say Tojou-san" Aragaki begin to walk away "Anyway I have to go back. I'll see you tomorrow Tojou-san" he then throw Nozomi something. "Thanks for your hardwork"
Nozomi catch the projectile unreadily. "Oh, hey that's dangerous" unfortunately her voice come to a deaf ears. She then looks at the thing he throw. It's a Candy with the word "Thanks for your Hardwork" on the back of the wrap.
Seeing this Nozomi only smile. He's weird, but not a bad man.
The sun is beginning to set. The people that commute to go back home is getting increasing. She too must prepare to go home. Perhaps, on the way back she will gain some insight regarding the closing of the school.
With that she change her clothes and begin her way home.