Okay…final chapter. Thanks for reading my fanfic till the very end. I started on Family Love; I hope lots of people will like it. Getting into it was interesting. Let's go!
Chapter 17
Mahoroba: a small village situated by the Sea of Japan in the western part of the country. A peaceful village…for peaceful lives.
Within the Kamiyatate University Medical Center, a young woman inheriting bright yellow eyes waited as a small infant was brought into her arms. Hebiko smiled at the little treasure that finally came into the world.
"It's a boy."
"Congratulations, sweetheart."
Mujina smiled up at her proud father as they approached the dance floor. Her life seemed perfect: awesome parents, a hot husband, and now a traditional father-daughter dance at her wedding. As the music began to play, hot tears rolled down her cheeks before Mujina rested her head on her father's chest.
"Thank you, Daddy."
A young middle school student trembled in the back lot of Ototachibana Academy. His ruby eyes wouldn't dare look up at the stronger boy towering before him, who chuckled sadistically while clenching his fists.
"Aw…do you wanna cry for mommy now?" the bully taunted. "When I ask for lunch money, you give it!"
"And when I tell you to fuck off, you'll die."
A man in his early twenties pulled on the collar of the bully. The stubborn little boy lost all his mean aspects and retreated back to the dark part of his mind. For when he saw the crimson red eyes and raven black hair, he turned into a whimpering little crybaby.
"Itachi-niisan!" the bullied victim cried.
Itachi continued staring at the bully. "What were you gonna do to my little brother again?"
He dropped him on the ground before the bully ran away crying. Itachi's younger brother hugged the other sibling closely in gratitude.
Inuka waved goodbye to her parents as they pulled out of the driveway for a night out. She sighed before retreating back into the house, relieved that they were finally gone.
"Feels good with no 'rents around."
Slowly entering the living room, she found her newborn sister cooing softly in her cradle. Babysitting was a serious gig, but Inuka was glad to do it. Her heart warmed up as she held out her hand and allowed the baby's fingers to wrap around her own.
She was nervous about entering the Gogyou household, despite the fact that her relatives were inside. Changes were difficult, but her mother was brave enough to make some. Although she had a new husband, Ekika's mother still cared for first child and her future.
The door opened and allowed her entry, but she didn't expect to see her half-brother standing face-to-face with her.
"I-Isamu…" Fear and nervousness washed over Ekika. Her mother's new child might scorn her…
But Isamu did no such thing. He held out a gentle hand and welcomed his half-sister into his home.
"Come on in."
She felt relieved at the sight of his smile. Even though the Gogyous weren't her family, Ekika felt like she belonged. The young adult took hi hand and anticipated wonderful times with Isamu.
"We're going out!"
A young man in his early twenties walked towards the front door, where his cousin and best friend, Fukaso, waited.
"Ichiro…" Fukaso nudged his head towards the living room, where the TV played Saturday morning cartoons. Ichiro chuckled as he knew what Fukaso was insisting.
"Hey, Hikaru!!"
His head popped up from behind the sofa. The friends chuckled as they motioned Hikaru to come along with them. The younger brother's face brightened with joy as he rushed to get his shoes.
"Mom, I'm going with Ichiro!" he cried.
Posters and signs were hung in front of the grocery store as they set up the table to collect donations.
"Animals need homes! The elderly need care! Orphans need a family! Please donate to help all these causes!"
Nekoro looked back and smiled at his brother at the table. They finally found time to do something together…and Raido was happy.
It filled him with even more joy as donations were finally made from all around. He knew their mother would be proud for both of them with her strong heart.
"And how does that make you feel?"
The wife still gave the cold shoulder to her husband. But Niro noticed a calmer aura between them; he knew his plan was working.
After his own parents went separate ways, the young marriage counselor couldn't stand to see other couples hate each other. Niro had an aspect about him that understood the life of marriage.
"I guess…" the wife began. "…I was a bit insensitive." Her head slowly turned to the man sitting on the other side of the sofa.
The husband began to feel guilty. "I may have been a bit…stupid."
Niro finally felt like he accomplished something. After giving a light sigh, he jotted down notes and progress on his clipboard.
But he also gave a little hint of a smile.
The Aisu Mansion was filled with countless family members, all happy and content with the party. Katashi watched from the balcony as everything was running smoothly in his life…and he finally felt like smiling.
It wasn't forced or demanded to show. The cold demeanor never surfaced…as if it never existed. It didn't bother Katashi one bit, since he was glad it was all gone.
And in return, his clan was restored.
A gong was rung and all activity in the hallway stopped. The members of the Aisu Clan slowly moved into the spacious mess hall, and Katashi followed after descending the stairs.
Most lights were dimmed except one, which acted as a spotlight. From the back wall, Kitsuna appeared in a geisha uniform that was elegant enough for a princess; make-up covered every inch of her face, and her hairstyle never changed out of its unique way. As the ceremonial Aisu dance began, Katashi couldn't help but marvel at his cousin's radiant performance.
It also made him happy that she didn't remember anything about the Kyuubi or the Nexus.
Souma found a chance to relax on his porch as he sat on the house steps. The clear blue sky brought fresh air to his nostrils, making him want to inhale deeply and sigh.
'Everything seems okay…'
The whereabouts of the priestesses still worried him. Whether they survived…or perished…he wanted to know.
As Souma turned his head towards the tall shrine steps, four boys came up with faces of knowledge and little sadness. He understood what happened: all five of them kept their memories and carried the burden of remembering the priestesses.
Once they gathered, there was silence for a minute. Raido was the first to break it.
"How can we go on…knowing who they were…thinking that they're somehow alive?"
Souma closed his eyes, trying to find an answer.
"Because we are alive."
The voice was masculine. It was soft…calm…
Feminine.
Souma's hazel orbs snapped open and looked towards the shrine steps once more. The four students wheeled around as they expressed feelings of relief and joy.
Chikane Himemiya stood next to Himeko Kurusugawa in a beautiful dress, as was Himeko's. They both smiled proudly at the boys, proving their true existence.
"I guess we should thank the gods," Himeko said, turning to Chikane. "After all, it was them that offered another wish at the last second."
The lunar priestess nodded. They were eternally grateful to be given another chance as well.
"So, this is Ohgami Shrine."
From behind the girls, an extremely handsome man with sea green hair ascended the steps and stood beside them. Souma recognized the stranger immediately as tears welled in his eyes.
"Big brother Tsubasa!!"
It was true. He was finally released from the big house and able to live as a free man. There was happiness all around.
As Souma rushed up to embrace his only blood relative, the four students followed his pace towards the priestesses.
Earth, water, wind, and fire: the four basic elements to maintain balance in the universe survived through four boys. It took them a month, October, to harness and control the strong power given to them. They had many thanks to Souma and the kannazuki no miko: priestesses of the godless month.
Yes!! Finally done! Well, that's that. And now, off to work on other things. See you next time. If you're interested in Vampire Knight, look out for my next story, Family Love!
Chikane-AnnaOnodera