Chapter 3: Training and First Request

The next morning while I was making breakfast, I heard the ruckus Tomoe was making. I flashed to Nanami's door and slammed it open to throw a leaf-transformed-into-a-rock at Tomoe. I scolded him for making so much noise in the morning. I then gently lead Nanami to the dining table. While she ate, I told her that I would be going out to town for most of the day to do some errands while she did some training to make her new godly powers grow. I made sure to hide my ears and tail to the disappointment and understanding of Nanami.

While I was out, I passed a tailor shop for kimonos. I looked at the kimonos displayed. I entered the shop and found a lovely flower print in Nanami's size. I purchased it and a few others and accessories with a smile. I hid it in my shadow casually when I had the chance. Next was the book store. I purchased beginners to professional cookbooks. After that, I went to get groceries. Those items went to my shadow as well. I came back in the afternoon to find a groggy Nanami talking with a familiar/messenger bird of Himemiko's. I looked at all the white talismans she wrote on and pasted everywhere.

"My, my, you certainly worked hard. No wonder you were passed out."

When she gave me a confused look I explained how the white talismans drain the user's power. She nodded. She also told me about the messenger bird. It was my turn to nod. I smiled.

"I didn't think I would need to bring them out so early but I guess for tonight it will be appropriate. I bought some kimonos for you today. I shall help you put it on if you would like?"

"Thank you Kagome!"

Later that night, Tomoe came in Nanami's room while I was doing her hair. He was informed of the message just when I was about to put the last pin in. I tsked at him when he said that Nanami shouldn't show herself in front of the princess. I placed my hands on her shoulders and we looked at him. I placed my face next to hers and gave Tomoe my half lidded bland stare.

"That would be a waste of experience. Besides, Nanami got all dressed up. I am sure she wants to meet the princess. You know the princess is not hostile unless provoked; only her guards are unreasonable. If anything I will be there along with you. Will you please prepare some tea and snack for our coming guests, Tomoe."

Reluctantly, he went to do ask I asked. Nanami looked between us curiously. Suddenly, she asked our relationship. I gave her a kind and motherly smile.

"I shall tell you later, but right now I must prepare you to greet our coming guests."

Nanami looked put out but nodded. I added a touch of make-up to highlight her natural beauty. Then we practiced how to sit and greet. That was how to do things properly and formally, but I had a feeling that this isn't entirely a formal visit. Then we situated ourselves to greet our coming guests. Then they arrived. Nanami bowed like we practiced.

"Welcome princess of the swamp," she greeted, then, she gestured to the prepared table, "Please, make yourself comfortable. Would you like some tea?"

I smiled. Nanami was doing a wonderful greeting. I silently came to Nanami's side to place cups and pour tea. Secret service is a specialty of ryokans hostesses. I learned this during my travels. They were already in small talk when they picked up their cups without noticing how it appeared. Things got violent when one of Himemiko's youngest guards started to bad mouth Nanami. Tomoe didn't react violently until a sword was drawn, but I acted before there could be a fight. I stood swiftly and disarmed the bodyguard with my fan smoothly. I caught the sword. I smiled an eerie and deadly smile.

"I am sorry but I must confiscate your sword so long as you intend to do violence in front of or against our Lady. Please sit down and let our superiors speak. I believe that there is more meaning to this meeting than a formal visit."

I sat back down behind a shocked Nanami and beside a grumpy Tomoe with the young bodyguard's sword. Himemiko chomped her teeth in agreement.

"Yes, thank you. It is as Miss Familiar suggested and please forgive this Aotake. He is still inexperienced. I apologize for his impoliteness"

The now dubbed Aotake gapped at his princess, tried to defend himself, and asked her not to apologize to us. Himemiko didn't have any of it and silenced him gently. Then she faced and Nanami.

"I came here … to ask the Land God to grant my bond-tying prayer."

Nanami figured out that Himemiko had a love story. Himemiko just chomped her teeth in agreement. Then the princess told us her story. The boy she met from 10 years ago, she wanted to form a romance with the now 18 year old young man. When Himemiko asked Nanami to grant the princess's wish, Tomoe interjected and denied the request. He stated understood rule and taboo known to youkai and spirits. I honestly did not agree with the rule. I was pleased to see that Nanami also thought so.