Standard disclaimers apply
After that day at the archery range, the weeks flew by in relative peace. Miyuki continued to practice his archery as well as continue his training in the use of his staff. As he'd proven during the school festival last year, he had a talent for staff techniques that was above and beyond most mountain monks his age. The summer went by in this manner until August, the hottest month of the year, was upon them.
It was an incredibly hot day at the Tamakura shrine when Izumiko's grandfather suggested that they spend the day bathing in the river. Miyuki and Izumiko, excited at the thought of cooling off in the river's clear waters, did not remember that they would have to wear swimsuits in front of each other.
Both children raced to their rooms to change for the day of swimming. Miyuki pulled out his swimming trunks and sandals, along with some sunscreen and a big, fluffy beach towel. As he rushed to change, Izumiko pulled out her own bathing items in her room. As both children followed different paths through the forest to reach the river, Yukimasa and Daisei smiled from afar at how Yukariko's father had cleverly set the trap for their children.
"Do you think Miyuki will ever realize how Izumiko feels about him?" Daisei chuckled at his old friend's sarcastic comment.
"Well, old friend, we can't start planning the wedding yet. I think Miyuki will probably have to reconcile his own feelings before Izumiko feels comfortable enough to confess her own." Yukimasa couldn't help but nod in agreement. Both men were not blind to the happenings in their children's lives; absence did not automatically mean they were clueless.
Both men received weekly reports on the progress of their children from Hojo Academy. These reports, while more frequent than most students, were deemed necessary due to the delicate nature of Izumiko's power. Over the course of these reports, the principal had unknowingly mentioned a pattern that you'd have to be a parent to notice; Izumiko's growth in confidence was directly linked to Miyuki's encouragement and protection. This pattern, coupled with Izumiko's willingness to return due to Miyuki's actions and Miyuki's battle to reach her despite the danger he'd had to endure, spoke volumes on the nature of their relationship. Yukimasa, remembering when he'd assigned Miyuki with Izumiko's protection in the first place, couldn't help bursting out in laughter at the sheer irony of the situation.
"What's so funny Yukimasa?" After settling down, Yukimasa answered Daisei's question.
"It's just the sheer irony of the situation." A smirk settled on the elder Sagara's face as he explained how Miyuki had insisted that he would never be Izumiko's servant. Daisei, listening to the story, saw an obvious flaw in his friend's logic.
"Yukimasa; if you think about it, Miyuki isn't Izumiko's servant. She chose him as her arbiter; this means that he outranks everyone around her except for the Hime-gami." Yukimasa's gaze turned serious as the message sunk in; as far as Izumiko was concerned, Miyuki was her equal, not her servant.
While their fathers continued discussing their first year at Hojo Academy, Miyuki arrived at the river first due to his path to the river being the more direct one. After checking that no one was around, Miyuki stripped off his undershirt, leaving him in just his swimming trunks. As he'd already rubbed on some sunscreen before coming to the river, Miyuki raced to the rope swing he'd used as a kid while spending his summers at the shrine. Once he was standing on the lower tree limb, the rope in his hand, Miyuki gave a shout of pure joy before launching himself into the air and entering the water with a giant SPLASH!
It was at that particular moment that Izumiko arrived at the river. As Miyuki kicked himself up to the surface, his face landed on Izumiko in an incredibly cute one-piece suit. As she stood outside the river, the sunlight cast a soft light through the trees on her. Miyuki's face flamed up at the heavenly beauty gracing his presence.
"Sagara? Why are you here?" Miyuki, shaking himself out his beauty induced stupor, responded in a slightly flustered tone.
"Judging by how you're dressed, the same reason as you. I decided to take your grandfather's advice and swim in the river." Izumiko gently smiled at the coincidence.
"Can I join you?" Miyuki, having gotten to a more shallow part of the river, shrugged at her request.
Now it was Izumiko's turn to become flustered as Miyuki's developing chest was put on display in front of her. While Miyuki's body was obviously still growing, it was clear that he was becoming a man whose looks would rival, if not surpass, his own father. The muscles on his arms were toned, a testament to his archery lessons with Nonomura. In addition to his toned arms, his chest was trim and he had the hint of a six pack. While Miyuki may not care for the attention, it was obvious that any girl would love to be his girlfriend.
Izumiko suddenly remembered why she came to the river in the first place as the sun's heat intensified on her. Izumiko strengthened her resolve as she walked into the water of the river until she was waist-deep. A gentle sigh escaped her lips as the water's gentle current rushed past her body and fingertips.
"Suzahara?" At the sound of Miyuki's voice, Izumiko turned to face her childhood friend; "Have you thought about my request at the end of the school festival?" Izumiko's face turned pensive before a satisfied look crossed her face.
"I have;" Miyuki stiffened as Izumiko approached him before bowing to him respectfully; "I would be honored to accept your help in finding another path so I can avoid becoming the Hime-gami." As Miyuki visibly relaxed, Izumiko suddenly did something incredibly unexpected; she splashed him!
"Hey! What was that for?" Izumiko, giggling at Miyuki's pouty face, stuck her tongue out before responding:
"That was for hitting me with balls when we were kids!" Shock struck Miyuki's face before the boy burst out laughing as he retaliated with a splash of his own. Before both children had realized it, they were playing and goofing off like two normal fifteen, almost sixteen year old teenagers.