Reiko and Natsume wondered through the forest, Nyanko Sensei trotted behind, the cat sporting a large bump on his head. The trees all around towered high into the sky and swayed in the oncoming breeze. Sunlight shone through the branches, lighting up their way. A soft chirping sound could be heard in the distance. Natsume had walked through the same paths many times in his own time but had never felt such…he found it hard to describe but with Reiko walking along beside him he felt a warmth in his chest that he often only felt when he was with the Fujiwara couple. It made him happy and he would cherish the memory.
"Reiko how long have you been able to see yokai?" I asked.
She considered for a moment, a fond smile on her lips. "Ever since I was young I have been able to, at first they terrified me but now I guess you could say I'm on friendly terms with a lot of them"
"That's good" Natsume said. "I-it was the same for me"
His expression became more somber as he recalled the experiences from his childhood where he was called a liar for what he saw.
He jumped when he felt a hand on his shoulder. Natsume looked over to Reiko.
"Natsume you can't let that stuff get to you, it's in the past and should stay that way" Natsume informed.
He nodded, Reiko had faced similar things in her past, those who couldn't see would even throw rocks at her. Natsume had seen such things when returning names. He admired her for being able to be so strong despite that.
"Thank you" He told her. "I know this might sound a bit odd but I think you're really strong, I'm glad I was able to meet you"
Reiko stared at him curiously. They carried on walking. The sun was beginning to sink into the horizon, the sky turned a light shade or orange and pink. Touka-san would be worried if Natsume didn't return home soon. He supposed that he should be trying to get back. As much as he wanted to stay longer and spend time with his Grandmother he knew he couldn't. Since coming back the boy had felt something in his pocket. He slipped his hand into it and took the object out.
"Reiko do you know of a yokai called Hoshini?" He asked.
She looked thoughtful for a moment before saying, "Yes he went to look for a yokai who stole my ring, why?"
He held up his hand, revealing her ring. She looked at him in surprise before taking it from his outstretched hand.
"Hoshini wanted me to give it back to you, he-"
Reiko brought him to an abrupt stop by embracing him in her arms. It took him a second to be able to process what was happening then hugged her back.
"Thank you" The girl whispered, tears trailing down her cheeks. "This was my mother's; I-I didn't think I'd ever see it again"
Natsume felt a surge of Hoshini's spiritual energy around him. It was time to go home. He stepped back from his Grandmother, breaking from their hug. Nyanko Sensei hopped onto his shoulder.
"I have to go back home now, goodbye" He said.
"Bye, I hope I'll see you around, thanks again" Reiko replied.
The last thing Natsume saw before blacking out was his Grandmother's smiling face. When he awoke he was back in his time. The cat was resting on his chest and he petted him affectionately.
"Let's go home Sensei"