Threads of Destiny (Collection)

The Will of the Kami

By LadyRainStarDragon

Everybody seems to dump on Higurashi-daitoku, few paint him in a light that I have been satisfied with. What if he really did have holy powers at one time, and lost them? The kami work in ways we rarely comprehend.

Most people only thought of magic, youkai and kami as quaint folktales, stories made up to explain what primitive man could not comprehend. He knew better though, once he had seen many things. Though the wonder and strength of his youth were long gone, the memories remained. The kami and youkai hid themselves now, hiding from the ningen in plain sight with their illusions. If only his grandchildren would listen to him, then his little girl wouldn't be in this mess!

The old man sat before the well, chanting over and over the spell that had been passed down through the generations of his family. The priest refused to accept that his powers had deserted him, had refused to accept it ever since the birth of his granddaughter. The day that she had been born, they had gone dormant, buried so deep that only rarely could he yank them again to the surface, and only by the boon of his kami when they were direly needed. He knew not what he had done to anger his lord so, was he not a good and faithful servant? Did he deserve this indignity of not having what he once had, to be unable to help his beloved grandchild?

Still, he had to try. His little Kagome was in danger.

Days he had spent in this same spot, not leaving except for ultimate necessity. His grandson had kept him supplied with his tools and offerings for the well kami, the sister of Goshinboku-kami. Three days he had prayed for the safe return.

'Please Kami, grant me the power for this one miracle! For Kagome! Bring her home safe!'

With a flourish, he dumped the offering of sacred sake into the well, for the spirit to drink. There was a noise in the bottom of the well, and as he and Souta peered into the dry well, they saw the lovely face that they had been pining for. She had returned from the well! She was the Legendary Miko from the Future that the stories told of. The spirits had returned her to the bosom of her family, at least for now.

The signs were clear. He was no longer favored, and it was time to pass the torch on. Kagome would be far too busy to be trained by himself. She would learn the old ways in the old time. His son was no longer with them, gone long ago.

Turning to his grandson, he conveyed the boy's destiny, but would not reveal the true reason that it was so important the boy train to take over the Shrine. He was still so young for this age and responsibility, and the truth would only scare the children. They were both scared enough already.

'Please keep my grandchildren safe.'

Rain's Replies

Fyraga - I haven't seen 'Princess Mononoke' yet, it's on my wish list though (meaning I probably won't get it 'till in the winter).

Alaina - Well, I haven't gotten any Miroku-esque reviews yet, nor has Ten let any Miroku's or Kumiro's near my shower (nor is he interested, his attention's elsewhere).

NitenGale - Thanks.

Tippy-chan - Thanks for the inspiration.