Chapter 6: Premonitions and Quandries
"She totally saw us!" Yukine exclaimed, pointing toward the door through which the old priestess had retreated. "I saw her look straight at us at one point, for like half a second."
"Nobody else addressed us," Yato added. "Or even looked at us."
"She may have been the only one who could see you," Hiyori hypothesized. "And since you were both sitting and waiting respectfully, she probably figured you two were with me."
They sighed collectively.
Then it hit Yato. They were invited to the ancient full moon rite. The odd look she had given them, and the curiously knowing tone in her voice, gave Yato an ominous feeling.
He kept uncomfortably silent as they walked the grounds, through the well-kept gardens to the small river that derived from the sacred waterfall. Yato jumped the small fence and dipped his hand in the rambling waters. He could feel the water's purity and power as it washed over his skin. Cupping his hands he took some of the cool natural spring water and looked to Hiyori and Yukine.
"Put your hands out," he commanded gently. They did as asked, palms up toward him, and his let the water dribble from his hands onto theirs. They could both feel the subtle tingle of the divine power and it crept up their arms. "This place is full of old energy. The gods here are warm and welcoming, and ever present. They are incredibly pure and righteous, and have probably never reincarnated. I can feel it."
Yato was so somber and tender, almost wistful.
"What's wrong Yato? You haven't seemed to be yourself since we got here," Hiyori pried. Her eyes searched his.
"Even though I know I have never set foot on these grounds, I keep feeling like I've been here before. It was like coming home from being away for a long time," Yato replied, the confusion etched in his expression. "There are no memories, just a vague feeling of deja vu that I can't shake." He looked from Hiyori and Yukine up the hill, that reached into the woods with a set of old stairs. "That, and something has been pulling me toward the mountain since we arrived."
"Could it be an enemy?" Yukine asked, cautious and concerned.
Yato shook his head. "It's not a bad feeling at all, actually. I'm kinda curious and nervous."
"Well, then let's go, Yato," Hiyori suggested with a small smile. "Maybe the gods of this mountain will be able to tell us something."
"Okay," he replied, surrendering to her logic. "But before we do, I just want you to know that I am positive that the old woman has something she's not telling us."
"I don't know, she seemed ni-"
"Nice or not," Yato interjected gravely, "she sounded like she's up to something. And it makes me nervous about the Full Moon ritual."
"Do you think she believes Hiyori can bring back Tsukuyomi?" Yukine thought aloud.
Yato grimaced, his whole body shifting uncomfortably.
"I'm willing to bet that's part of it-"
Hiyori, who had been stewing for a moment, finally launched herself back into their dialogue.
"But it won't happen!" she said resolutely.
"And how do you know that? All signs point to-"
"But I can't be bound to Tsukuyomi if I'm already bound to you!"
They stood there silent, Yato processing her point as a bit of relief settled in. He felt resigned, because even that fact hadn't quite quelled either of his gut feelings, good or bad.
"True," he agreed, "but still...she's hiding something. Even if her intention is good, it's still suspicious."
"He's right, Hiyori," Yukine said placing his hand on her coat sleeve. "Please be careful around her."
"Not only that, but if Kofuku's involvent has any influence on our bond, then there's still a reason to worry," Yato pointed out. "Her energy is chaotic."
An exasperated huff escaped her lips. Hiyori took Yato's hand and silently headed to the bottom of the steps that rose into the hilly wood.
As they ascended into the modestly evergreen forest, they reached a small clearing with a humble shrine. It's wear and tear aged itself. The trio approached and they noticed two small turtle statues, not unlike the many dispersed throughout the gardens on the main shrine grounds. Hiyori approached, clapping her hands twice before bowing her head to pay her respects to the god of the shrine.
"And what do we have here?"
The voice echoed up the mountain through the riverbed to the the shrine.
"An odd assortment of fellows, I see..."
A breeze swirled around them as the warm contralto continued it's curious monologue.
"Do you see who has come to visit us, my dear?"
Suddenly in front of the shrine, an elderly woman with long silver hair, in a green and turquoise kimono bearing a sea turtle shell upon her head appeared before them. She carried a old walking stick, gnarled and aged as she.
Her smile was peaceful as she observed them a moment before speaking.
"I was wondering if you would ever return home, Hoshiko," the goddess welcomed with a growing smile. "It seems you've both finally come home to us."
Hiyori was confused a moment, but stepped forward to correct her.
"Pardon me, Nakatsushimahime-sama, but my name is Hiyori. Iki Hiyori," she said as she gave a deep and honorable bow.
"Iki Hiyori? Well, I must say, your spirit and your face are very much her, despite the centuries."
The goddess beheld Yato and Yukine, but stared endlessly at Yato, surprise and confusion painting her features.
"And where have you been? My husband and I feared you dead!"
Yato had no idea what she was talking about. He furrowed his brow, unsure of what to make of her words.
"Excuse me, hime-san, but I have never been here in my life," Yato corrected her. "You must be mistaking me for someone else."
Yukine looked between Hiyori and Yato, standing between them and the goddess.
"This is Yato, err, Yaboku, former god of calamity, now god of fortune."
The goddess eyed Yukine, then Yato, lingering for a long minute as she assessed the two intertwined beings before her.
Yaboku? No. This is him, without a doubt...our long-lost young lord...although he seems quite a bit younger. A reincarnation, perhaps? Anything is possible with the rulers of Takamagahara. But he is a mere shadow of himself, as if his true nature has been repressed by some dark power. But who could be responsible for such a thing?
"Boy, there is a curse upon you. A strong, but not impermeable, one. I see the cracks..." she chuckled. Yato eyed her, doubtingly as she nodded. "Oh yes, I see them, Yaboku, dear. Your regalia and your beloved priestess can help you shed your shackles."
Yato's scowl soften as he stood in fear and amazement. Like someone telling him finally that his existence wasn't his fault...and that he was right in following Yukine and Hiyori's counsel.
"Come forth, girl," she bade Hiyori. The trembling brunette knelt before the ancient goddess, who placed her hand upon her head.
"Why are you all so afraid of me?" The silver maned women asked with with resignation. "All these centuries I have known these souls...and from what I am seeing within you, there should be no fear of your future...Iki Hiyori..."
She raised her head to behold beautiful eyes of sea-green, and the crone spoke again.
"The Full Moon Rite holds all of the answers. Do not be afraid. We will be there with you all."
With a soft chuckle, she dissipated into light.
"Did you see them, husband? They've come home..."
More delighted laughter trailed after the echoing voice.
[BREAK]
Nakatsushima-hime's words stuck with them the rest of the evening. Like an elephant in the room, they refrained from talking about it. It was hopeful, yet bode something deep and life-changing.
Hiyori knew, after their divine exchange, that there was nary a shred of doubt that she was the direct descendant and possible reincarnation of the fabled miko. But what left her most confounded was the goddess's reaction to Yato. Who had she assumed Yato to be? What was this curse she saw surrounding him? Would the Full Moon Rite really go as well as she claimed? Could she and Yato, and vicariously, Yukine, remain unscathed?
Masumi and Masaomi noticed how unusually pensive and quiet everyone was. And being a concerned older sibling, Masaomi had given his little sister an opportunity to speak her mind while they took care of dinner preparations for Masumi.
"Want to talk about it?" he had asked as he chopped away at some daikon radishes.
Hiyori shook her head, seemingly focused on the rice cooker in front of her.
"Maybe later?" she half-heartedly assured her brother before sighing. She finally met his gaze. "I need more time to sort out the craziness. But we'll talk later, okay?"
Masaomi paused and gave her a gentle smile and rested his now free hand on her shoulder.
"All right."
After a rather quiet dinner, which consisted mostly of Masumi attempting to distract the others from their thoughts by discussing her projects. It worked on Yato a bit, as he got to discuss art and photography on a more detailed and studious level. But once they were done eating, Hiyori stopped Masumi from cleaning up.
"So you guys need to know what happened at the shrine today. It's kind of crazy but..."
She went on to give a brief synopsis of the encounters with the priestess and the goddess. Yato and Yukine chimed in, noting details throughout her commentary.
"Let me get this straight, both a priestess and one of the oldest kami in this region pretty much declared you to be this 'Hoshiko' reincarnated?" Masaomi summarized, attempting to digest this incredible situation. Hiyori nodded and he continued. "But the priestess and the goddess both had vague and perhaps peculiar reactions to Yato-kun?"
They all nodded this time. Masaomi looked from his baffled fiancée back to the trio and simply shrugged.
"Would you say that they seemed cold or ill-intentioned? I mean, the goddess, from your account, seemed happy to see you, yes?"
"Well, yes," Yato replied. "She stared at me as if she knew me, or maybe just sizing me up. Nakatsushima-hime mistook me for someone else, but didn't seem to be surprised when I corrected her."
"She also said she would be there tomorrow night at Hatsumode with her husband. I assume that's Oyamakui-sama," Hiyori added. "So even the gods are curious about tomorrow night's ritual."
"Well, that would make anyone nervous, Hiyori," he replied, sympathisizing with his little sister. "But just take a deep breath, and do your best. If the gods tell you to do it, it's probably going to be okay."
"Not necessarily," Yato grumbled, "but yeah, it's just not knowing that sucks."
"For what it's worth," Yukine spoke up, his tone unusually calm. "You may be completely ridiculous sometimes, and your sweaty hands suck...but..." He paused, staring at his lap a moment. "You're not a bad god, Yato. You are definitely not evil. So I really don't think anything bad's gonn-auuggh!"
Everyone watched Yato's jaw go slack with the sentimental reassurance of his hafuri. His eyes watered and then attacked the blond with a giant hug.
Yukine struggled a moment, until he heard Yato choke out, "Thank You." He simply pat the emotional deity on his head and surrender to being loved and appreciated.
Masumi nudged Masaomi, catching his attention as the trio were wrapped up in their little moment. Masaomi leaned in.
"How do I explain to my parents that they're going to give up their daughter to the gods? That their daughter may even become one some day?"
Masumi shook her head.
"Absolutely no clue."
[BREAK]
Yukine had fallen asleep sprawled out on the sofa, so Hiyori and Yato retired to the guest room, much to Masaomi's protest.
"It's not even like that, Nii-chan," she argued. "It's just that I'm really freaked out right now and Yato...well..." She paused as she shuffled her feet pensively. "He makes me feel safe." She blushed at her own blatant admission.
Masumi grinned.
"You're sister's the genuine article, Masa," she said, supporting Hiyori's rebuttal. "I really don't think you need to be so worried about them."
Hiyori and Yato blushed a furious shade of crimson at her innuendo, which was definitely not lost on them.
"N-no. No you don't," Hiyori stuttered as she took Yato by the hand and led him down the small corridor to their room.
Hiyori dug into her luggage and procured her sleepware.
"Yato turn around," she commanded bashfully. "No peeking."
The god did as he was asked, but zeroed in on the soft rustling of her garments being removed, and other ones being put on. Trying to distract himself, he took a moment to remove his track suit, still wearing his white tee shirt and boxer shorts.
"Okay, I'm all done," she replied after a minute. He turned to find her in a pair of purple cotton Relakkuma pants and matching tee. She regarded him in return.
"Aren't you going to be cold?" she said, a blush staining her cheeks.
Yato stepped up into her personal space, shaking his head. He wrapped his arms around her and buried his face in her neck.
"You'll keep me plenty warm."
Hiyori exhaled long and slow as a shiver ran down her spine. Yato's lips brushed the skin at the crook of her neck as he spoke, wiping her mind momentarily of any coherent thought. They continued to drag lazily, following the path to her jaw, right up to her ear.
He heard a small gasp escape her as his mouth paused to taste the skin there. Her fingers gripped his back slightly.
"Yato," Hiyori whispered, regaining her faculties. "If my brother catches us..."
The dejected deity sighed, reluctantly releasing her.
"You're absolutely right," he agreed, his chagrin evident in the lilt of his voice.
Before he could have a little pity party, Hiyori stepped in, closing the distance he had created. The press of warm loving lips assured him that everything was all right.
Over the months, Hiyori had become a little less bashful about personal space, cuddling and napping together, and even some random make out sessions. But Hiyori had told him a while ago that she wasn't ready for what she called "second-" and "third base." Apparently, they were sports references, but Yato knew practically nothing about baseball, nor how it applied to innuendo. All he knew is that he would be content with where their relationship was at.
Yato had been mindful of her boundaries, tending to sabotage himself with his own inexperience, despite his intense feelings. He pondered what it would be like to be intimate with her. If he were to someday take her as his bride, or even his familiar, pledging themselves to each other, then he would know. But Hiyori was absolutely sacred and precious to him. He would honor her in every way.
Now he channeled all of his love through his lips and embrace: Holding and protecting her, kissing her and reassuring her.
They broke apart in a lethargic haze to slip under the covers together, sleeping overnight together, in their pajamas, for the very first time. At first they spooned up together, as they usually did for a nap. But Yato found it far more difficult to relax with less fabric exacerbating their proximity. The brunette relaxed against him, her back flush against his chest and stomach. Tried as he might to calm himself, he instead found himself attempting to pull away from the perky posterior pressed against an increasingly sensitive place.
Hiyori felt him pull away.
"Yato, is everything alright? Is this making you uncomfortable?"
He could here the insecurity in her voice. She was getting the wrong idea.
"No, I'm not uncomfortable...exactly...just...thought maybe we could sleep facing each other?" he lied, trying to cover up his inner turmoil. He didn't want to lose her trust over his wandering thoughts.
She turned toward him, leaning in a for a kiss.
"That's fine with me," she sighed against his lips. "I feel like I'm in a cozy little cocoon with you. You're so...warm."
She draped her arm over his midriff and leaned in for a another kiss, taking Yato by surprise. Tongues tangled in a dance of gentle caresses. Yato let his mind slip away for a moment as one of Hiyori's hands traveled his back. Sudden there was a gentle squeeze and Yato's eyes flew open, meeting wide violet eyes.
"Hi-hiyori...you just...?"
Now questioning her actions, she shied away from his gaze.
"I'm sorry, Yato. I just...I..." She mumbled the last part so that he couldn't decipher it.
"Huh? What's wrong?"
"Ithinkyouhaveacutebutt!" She squeaked out.
Floored, the god had absolutely no coherent retort except to giggle and take her into a big hug.
"No one's ever done anything like that to me before," he replied warmly into her hair. "You just took me by surprise, is all."
"Really? You don't think I'm weird?"
Yato smiled, holding her gaze. He shook he head.
"Actually, that makes me kinda happy," he admitted with a chuckle. "I'm glad you are fond of...my, umm...butt."
He blushed and cleared his throat.
"But, I thought you were afraid of getting caught...and now this. You're mixing signals right now...and I'm trying to not get too fired up, for both our sake."
Hiyori was taken aback. She had never realized the underlying attraction between them was so intense. It came as a sizable revelation that Yato was also experiencing the same feelings.
She suddenly felt bad for accidentally instigating their predicament.
Yato saw her gaze fall, discouraged.
"I'm sorry, Yato," she whispered. "I didn't even know I was capable of feeling like this."
Yato stroked her hair.
"Honestly, I didn't know I was capable of these feelings either," the god admitted with a blush, "...until the first time you kissed me."
"So this is the kind of thing my brother is worried about, huh?" Her question was rhetorical, coming out more like a statement than an actual inquiry.
"Yeah," he confirmed, "I knew what he was talking about, but I also knew your intent was pure."
"But..." Hiyori paused, peering back up at him. "It's starting to feel...different, now."
Yato hummed and kissed the crown of her head.
"Indeed it is, Hiyori," he agreed, "but I get the feeling we need to be prepared for anything tomorrow."
Hiyori inhaled, pulling him in closer, nodding against his chest.
"Whatever it is, we have to stay together," she admitted softly. She snuggled into him further. "Never let go, Yato. I beg you."
The god chuckled to himself, allowing himself to take in the ever-tangled mess of red that seemed to weave around them.
"I am pretty sure fate would never allow that."
[BREAK]
After spending the earlier half of the day relaxing and enjoying the simplicity of a day all together, playing shogi, board games, cards, reading and drawing, the day settled into late afternoon and they knew it was getting close to their time of departure. Yato, Yukine and Hiyori bundled up and headed back to Arashiyama and Matsunoo Taisha.
When they arrived, they headed indoors and were greeted by young miko, who bowed surprisingly deeply to Hiyori, ushering her to the high priestess. The elder woman greeted her and dismissed the young shrine maidens.
After the shoji slid shut, she turned to Yato and Yukine.
"Please forgive my impoliteness yesterday, denizens of the far shore. I surmised that I was the only one who perceived your presence and did not wish to make a spectacle of it."
She bowed to them.
"What be you...demon, spirit, god?"
"I am the god Yato, also known as Yaboku," the blue eyed deity said, introducing himself. "This is my shinki, Yukine."
The priestess considered them a moment.
"Forgive me, but you reminded me of another, and I have never heard the name Yato-or Yaboku-before."
Yato typed it on his phone fore the old woman to see.
"So you are presumably a creature of night," she replied noticing the symbolism of his name. "What exactly is it that you do?"
Yato cleared his throat and awkwardly scratched the back of his head.
"Well, I rid the world of ayakashi. I try my best to do good for others... and I can see-and break- bonds between people."
"Ah," she responded pensively, "so you are a renderer of fate?"
"I...I guess?"
The elder miko hummed as she considered his unsure answer.
"How long have you been a god, Yaboku-sama? How many times have you reincarnated?"
Yato was shocked by the knowledge this woman possessed, and the personal nature of her inquiry. He stumbled over himself to answer honestly.
"Uh...never? And about eleven hundred years, thereabout...? Does it even matter?"
She raised a greyed brow before settling into a flat expression.
"It may...or it may not. But I would like you and your shinki to be present as our ritual. I ask that you both don these formal black hakama and haori. Hiyori-san will be clad in formal seisou-much akin to that for a kagura-for the ritual."
"Why must we change?" Yukine asked cautiously.
"Despite the fact that I believe her to be the reincarnation of Tsukuyomi-sama's priestess, it is obvious that she has devoted herself to another god. You and your master must be present for her sake, whatever may or may not happen."
Yukine was getting fed up with her speaking so vaguely. The woman's lack of forthcomingness felt dishonest and ultimately annoying.
"'May or may not?'" Yukine shot back. "Stop beating around the bush, there's obviously something you foresee. Just come out with it, and stop withholding information."
"Young regalia, the thoughts I am keeping to myself are merely conjecture, and I wish not to influence this evening's events in anyway by sharing wishful thinking," she replied simply. "I promise that I will discuss it afterwards."
With a clap of her hands, the miko came forth throught the shoji once again and ushered them into their respective changing rooms., the young women ultimately making their way to Hiyori, whose garments would require extra helping hands.
Yato and Yukine were finished first and met the priestess back in the main chamber of the inner sanctum, dressed in their formal attire. Yukine in an all white robe and red sash, denoting his important stature, and Yato in a white robe, covered by a black outer robe, tied by a silver sash. They made him wear a kammuri, which, much to his chagrin, made him feel a little too much like a certain pompous god of knowledge.
"Why do I have to were this friggin' thing on my head," he grumbled. Just as he was a about to continue airing his grievances, the shoji opened once again and out stepped Hiyori.
She was decked out in formal seisou, red hakama and a formal white, delicately embroidered outer robe. upon her head sat a golden crown. She lifted her eyes to her beloved, who drew in a slow, deep breath has he beheld her. He knew that no matter what was about to happen, he would fight tooth and nail for this young woman. He would be hers, and she; his.
Not even the long lost Tsukuyomi-no-mikoto could tear her from me.
"Hiyori..." he murmured, "You look...like a goddess."
A/N: Hey everyone! The summer's been crazy and I have been sitting on this for two months...I did some editing and finished the end. Now for the BIG scene in chapter 7.
I hope this chapter was worth the wait. Everything is coming to a head...
THANKS FOR READING!
PS...still waiting for Adachitoka to feel better...this hiatus is KILLING ME.