Authoress' Notes: I made it in time for the holidays! Happy Holidays, everyone! Enjoy this in your downtime!
Everything Changes
With the Spirit of Fire dismissed and his aura masked, Hao could easily observe the two priestesses from the roof of one of the manor's branching houses. He crossed his legs to make himself comfortable as he watched from within the shadows of the night. Despite his not being within hearing or lip-reading distance, he could gauge what was transpiring through their body language. And besides that…
Hao's smile was lopsided as he sighed, "My, my. What an ungrateful little canary." He cupped his cheek within one hand as his lips spread further apart, "But that's quite like you. Forgiving others' transgressions."
Meanwhile, Kagome's face and shoulders fell after Tsubaki confessed to the number of individuals she and Hao killed. A loose fist rose to her chest and the dark-haired girl whispered, "That many, huh…?"
Tsubaki nodded solemnly as she eyed Kagome. If she were any other person, Kagome surely would have reproached all of the parties involved in tonight's massacre. And Tsubaki believed that she should have. More than anything, Kagome should have been livid about the premeditated attempt on her life. But instead of the blazing eyes that Hao showed not long ago, Kagome's eyes reflected lamenting.
The raven-haired priestess closed her eyes for a moment, as if mulling about something. She then took a deep breath that made her shoulders slump more. Quickly, she straightened her posture and when her eyes reopened, Kagome offered Tsubaki a half-smile. It was weak, and Tsubaki could tell that the girl was trying to remain upbeat despite an internal conflict.
"Honestly, I'm not sure how to do this," Kagome admitted with clear diffidence. Her speech was interrupted by a roaring gust that swayed their long locks. She blinked curiously and placed a hand on her cheek. "That's weird…" she noted beneath her breath.
"Aren't you cold?" Tsubaki's query snapped Kagome back. The snowy-haired priestess addressed the other's thin, sleeping yukata and lack of shoes, "Those definitely aren't insulated."
Kagome swiftly pulled the Fire Rat robe from its resting point at the top of her head and properly slid her arms into the sleeves. "Eh heh," she chuckled with a sweatdrop as the garment swallowed her petite body. Tsubaki's pointed stare screamed suspicion and doubt but Kagome merely waved hers dismissively, "Eh, don't worry. I think the adrenaline is keeping me warm."
"If you say so," Tsubaki conceded without a fuss. "So, about the resurrection…" She was unable to hold Kagome's eyes with that topic.
The other girl nodded, "Yeah, like I was saying, I'm not sure how to do this, so I'll need your help."
The latter part of her statement made Tsubaki look at her with surprise, "My help?"
Kagome nodded again but before she could respond, Shippo appeared hanging over her shoulder. The fox spirit pointed at the other priestess and scowled, "Kagome, are you sure this is wise? This girl and those other humans tried to kill you!"
While Shippo's clear distrust made Tsubaki narrow her eyes, Kagome chuckled and reached up to lightly pat his head, "Don't worry, Shippo-chan. I'm sure everything will turn out just fine."
"Putting that aside for now," Tsubaki asserted, looking impatient and almost antsy. "How can I help?"
"Well," Kagome looked from Sesshomaru's analytical gaze to Tsubaki. Without warning, she grabbed Tsubaki's hands and held them, the other priestess stiffened and resisted the reflex to snatch away. "Sorry," the Higurashi's smile was sheepish at best. "This is the only thing I can think of. I need you to wish for it," when Tsubaki's eyes widened a bit, Kagome's smile softened and she added, "from the bottom of your heart."
'Wishing…' Kagome's inner voice mused as she envisioned how her past self waited to be by Yoh's side again. 'It's that feeling that started it all. Wishes and feelings give us power.'
"...okay…" Tsubaki agreed with furrowed eyebrows that hinted at doubt. She closed her eyes and focused. Her pale, dainty fingers interlocked with Kagome's. Kagome followed suit and closed her eyes. 'Clarity…' the milky-haired priestess chanted internally. 'Focus, and…wish…'
Shippo's eyes widened and twinkled with wonder as the air around the priestesses picked up. Their hair and kimonos swayed and rustled as marble-sized light orbs manifested. The shimming silver spheres seemed to rise from hell itself, appearing from the floor and ground and slowly ascending like inverted snow.
'Wish…' Tsubaki told herself. 'From the bottom of my heart, I want…to face everyone.'
Likewise Kagome's inner voice spoke, 'Let the Absolute give birth to your wish.'
As their thoughts collided, the gentle orbs burst out like fireworks in the sky. Startled, their hands released and their arms rose to shield their eyes. Not a second later, the lights faded and both sensed a shift in the atmosphere.
"Y-You…" Tsubaki's breath was shaky. She could sense every single aura once again. "You really did it…" her words were breathy.
Kagome shook her head, "We did it, Tsubaki-chan." There was no time to be impressed or celebrate their achievement, however. "I think we should split before we're found. Do you know any way to get out of here undetected?"
The other priestess shook her head negatively, "I don't. And besides that, I don't want to—."
Both girls turned and looked down the expansive engawa. A few moments later, a group of shamans stampeded from around a corner. The group skidded to a clumsy halt upon seeings the pair, caught like deer in headlights. "There they are!" One voice announced. "Quickly! Capture them!"
Kagome scowled but held her ground as Tsubaki swiftly turned at the sound of her father's shocked voice from their other side, "Tsu…Tsubaki…?" Takato's face was utterly shocked as he stared at his daughter.
Shippo bristled from Kagome's shoulder, 'D-Damn it! They're trapped!' He grabbed and pulled on Kagome's cheek as the three groups remained frozen in place, "H-Hurry and Oversoul with Sesshomaru!"
To his surprise, Kagome whispered back calmly, "That won't be necessary. Just trust me."
Before the group of tensed shamans could make a move, Kagome's eyes took on a golden glow, "You won't lay a finger on me. You'll let me leave in peace."
Tsubaki and Takato gasped simultaneously as all of the adults' eyes dulled and their braced postures relaxed for a moment. 'H-Higurashi Kagome…' the Yamato head thought as his accomplices approached them in a slow, mechanical procession. 'You truly are a fearsome girl.'
Kagome swallowed a lump in her throat as the shaman heads closed the distance between them. But she was able to breathe a sigh of relief as they stepped past her. She turned around and found that Takato was the only one surprised to see a large man twist Tsubaki's arm around her back. The fair-haired priestess was calm and didn't resist the iron hold on her person.
Despite his daughter's acceptance, Takato was quick to lurch forward, "Don't be so rough with—!" He grunted when two other shamans stood between him and the man who accosted his daughter. "What are you doing?! That's my Tsubaki! Let her go!"
"It doesn't matter who she is, she's a traitor!" The man who held Tsubaki rebuttaled.
When Tsubaki saw her father's mouth open, she cut in, swiftly but gently, "Father, he's right. I deserve to be punished for what I've done."
"She's just a girl!" Takato shouted as his daughter was led away by the others. "What will you do with her?!"
"It's simple," one of the shamans who blocked his path responded coolly. "Girl or not. She deserves to die."
"Actually," Kagome murmured as her eyes glowed golden again. "Her punishment will not be death."
The next few hours were surreal. Kagome felt like she was just going through the motions without fully experiencing the events that transpired. She couldn't quite remember how she came to acquire the controlling ability that she used, but it certainly felt familiar, like riding a bike for the first time in decades. She asserted her will over the remaining shamans and ensured that Tsubaki would not receive the death penalty for her treason. It was only after she was satisfied that she silently assured Takato that Tsubaki would be fine.
She solicited a midnight ride in an old-fashioned, horse-drawn carriage from Takato. She figured that the favors that she paid him were enough to get him to comply with her request without needing extra influence. The ride was bumpy and tense as Kagome sat beside the overtly fidgety Takato. Occasionally, he questioned how she was able to control the other shamans or if she was some sort of demi-god. She met every nervous inquiry with vague answers and evasions.
'The last thing that I need is to draw more attention to myself so hopefully this guy gets the picture and keeps his mouth shut,' Kagome thought to herself as she gazed at the starry sky.
"S-So, Kagome-sama…" The man gripped his pants. The honorific made Kagome blink and look towards him, "He did come to your rescue… What exactly is your relationship to Asakura Hao?"
The question drew her attention away from her initial surprise, "Hao…?" She paused for a moment, tapping her chin as she looked up. 'The truth is way too complicated. But I don't want to give him the wrong idea.' "Hao is…an old friend," she answered softly. "He's lost his way but he still cherishes the past, in a way." She gave him no time to mull over the response as she continued, "That's why if you threaten me, he'll come. And likewise…"
Takato swallowed as the priestess professed, "If you threaten him, you'll have a problem with me. So I recommend that you and the others keep your heads down from now on." He paled when Kagome suddenly beamed with a colorful, sparkly aura, "You leave Hao to me, okay~?" A saccharine voice accompanied by such a request was somewhat unnerving to him.
Meanwhile, an internally sweating Yohmei was back at Asakura manor, performing continuous divinations in an attempt to locate the missing Kagome's whereabouts. After he arrived at the location of the fabricated conference, the Asakura head immediately realized that he had been deceived and that Kagome's life was in danger. He rushed back to his home and stormed to Kagome's room, where he was panicked but not shocked to find her missing.
He was also not surprised to discover the other teenagers in a deep slumber that his stomping and scrambling didn't disturb. The air was thick was the scent of magic. After being acquainted with Yamato Takato since their youths, he was no stranger to his clan's spells and abilities. That was why he rushed to his most sacred room to perform a divination, calling to the depths of his soul for a clue on where Kagome was taken. After a few minutes of searching, his eyes snapped open and he scrambled towards the front entrance.
It was there that Yohmei found Takato was taking Kagome's hand and helping her out of the carriage. "Yohmei-sama, are you alright?" The priestess gasped behind a hand upon seeing the elder stoop over with his hands on his knees. Despite the frosty air, sweat dripped down his face as he panted.
"T-That…" He paused for another gasp of air. "That's what I should be asking…" He responded before righting himself and aiming razor-like eyes at Takato. "As for you…"
Kagome raised her hands as Takato stiffened, "Yamato-san actually escorted me home!"
The Yamato head nodded shakily, "Y-Yeah, I made sure Kagome-sama came back in one piece…!" A bead of sweat ran down his forehead from the silent glare that the Asakura gave him, it promised that this would not be the end of this discussion.
"I see," Yohmei muttered before looking at Kagome and gesturing towards the stone barrier that encompassed the property. "Come, Kagome. You'll catch your death out here." The girl nodded and began her trek into the residence, not hearing Yohmei's frothy "goodnight, Yamato-san."
Despite his age, Yohmei easily caught up to Kagome and kept her pace. He folded his arms behind his back as he spoke, "I'm sure it's been a long night so our talk can wait until later." Kagome nodded with a low "Un."
"More importantly," The girl prefaced lightly. "...how's Yoh doing?" She queried.
"Ah, you needn't worry about him," Yohmei responded casually. "He's receiving special Asakura training. He's fine…" He paused and added beneath his breath, "Probably."
Kagome paled and stiffened, 'P-Probably?!'
Before the girl could think too much about it, Yohmei switched topics. His voice stayed neutral as he said, "So Kagome…" His eyes remained ahead as they walked, "Yoh really cares about you."
The priestess nodded, silent for a moment as her lips pursed.
She remembered overhearing parts of Yoh's conversation about his feelings from before.
[ "You will never marry Higurashi Kagome! I FORBID IT!"]
The finality of his voice made her flinch, even though it felt like ages since she heard those words. "Yeah…" Kagome replied. "...and I care about him too."
Kagome wasn't sure what she expected in reply to that admission. It slipped out before she could give it much thought. But she certainly didn't expect Yohmei's response.
"If you truly reciprocate his feelings and wish to become a part of the Asakura family," The elder told her calmly. She halted mid-step at his proclamation. "You must denounce Asakura Hao and swear loyalty to Yoh and our cause." Yohmei took a few steps ahead of her before turning to face the priestess. His face was gravely firm and wrinkled.
Kagome was stunned for a moment. But then she blinked as she pulled herself together. "Well," her brows furrowed. "Of course I think that Hao must be stopped—" she clarified, "that his ambitions mustn't be realized." She noticed how Yohmei's stiff expression subtly relaxed so she took a step forward and added, "But, I won't treat him as an enemy! I'm going to stop Hao without violence!"
"You think that you'll be able to thwart Hao without it coming to that?" Yohmei scoffed. He shook his head, disappointed, "You truly are a child to believe that a monster like Hao can be stopped without his death." He showed no remorse for the way Kagome's face contorted into a glare. "For centuries, it has been the Asakura family's sacred duty to dispatch Hao. His existence has been a stain on our family history for far too long."
"Look," Kagome huffed and openly wore a scowl. "I know how important honor is, I do." She shook her head to defy the very idea of Yoh being raised to cut Hao down. "But do you really think a gentle soul like Yoh would want to resolve things this way…?" She questioned.
Kagome saw a mental image of Yoh at that moment. He was lying on that fateful hill. His smile was serene as his eyes remained closed with his arms folded behind his head.
Yohmei closed his eyes and hummed thoughtfully. "It's true…" He admitted while meeting her eyes. "My grandson doesn't have the heart of a killer. But, he understands that this is his duty as the next head of the Asakura family." He then showed Kagome his back with these words, "And if you wish to be the one by his side, then you'd best come to terms with that."
"Yoh being forced to act against his own heart is something that I'll never accept!" Kagome declared. She allowed the Asakura head to go on without her. She didn't have the desire to be in his company any longer. It was only when he rounded a corner that she continued her journey to the guest quadrant of the manor. Almost ten minutes later, she arrived at her room and slid the door open. She stared inside the room that was dimly illuminated by starlight. 'At this point, staying here feels like a dream…' She ventured inside without closing the door. She found her bags huddled in a corner and her cell phone attached to a charger next to them.
The relief of seeing a full battery made Kagome sigh in relief and feel like a normal girl for the first time in a while. She then made her way back to the doorway, where she settled down on the threshold between the outdoor hall and her room. She pulled her crimson robe close around her then bent her knees at a forty-five-degree angle.
Kagome swiftly typed in her password and gasped when she saw a notification that she had over forty-eight unread messages and thirty-two missed calls. She promptly began looking between the different message threads: there was her group chat with the Tao's and individual ones between herself, each of the Tao's, her mother, and Bankotsu. Her eyes reflected a soft light. Guilt settled in as she read message after message.
"Kagome-chaaaaaaan, where are you?! Surely those stuffy Asakura's can't be that much fun!" Jun once messaged her privately.
One of Sango's read, "You won't believe how worried everyone is without your mails. Get back to us as soon as possible."
"Kagome, I suppose you're just caught up in your antics as usual. Be sure to check in when you can, dear," her mother wrote.
"Yo! How's the trip? You better not be too busy dating Yoh to answer!" Bankotsu messaged.
"Hey, dumbass. Don't make me come get you," Ren mailed.
Kagome was torn between remorse for making so many people worry, and being moved that so many people cared enough to blow up her phone while she was unresponsive. It was late but she still opted to send apologetic but reassuring messages to find when they awakened. Each message was longer than she planned but she ended up pouring her heart into each one so she had no regrets. After a yawn, Kagome decided that she needed to settle down and rest.
Hours later, across Japan, Ren awakened to a sky that was in the midst of being being dyed with warmer hues. The gradient of dark to cobalt blues indicated that he even beat the morning birds before their song. Normally, he would have up a bit sooner in order to get some hours of training in before breakfast. But the Tao had an aptitude for altering his sleep cycle at will. He remained asleep with the thought of needing more rest to have enough energy to search for Kagome, wherever she may be.
He sat up in his bed and immediately grabbed his phone from his nightstand. Within seconds, the soft light of his screen illuminated a bubble around his bed. "Kagome!" He rubbed his eyes and blinked to confirm that his mind wasn't playing tricks on him. The red square next to her name revitalized him. Golden eyes fixed on the screen, taking in every word, as his finger carefully scrolled through the extensive mail that the priestess left him hours ago.
The sum of the message was a vague explanation that she ended up in bed all week and was unable to use her phone. "Even poor Yoh was bedridden!" He could imagine Kagome looking sympathetic with shimmering eyes. His brow twitched at the idea but the way she ended the message undeniably got his heart going. After the explanation and apologies, her final sentence to him was. "I'm sorry for worrying you, Ren. I can't wait to see you again."
Ren raised his hand to his forehead and sighed. 'I'm pretty sure she meant that she can't wait to see all of us,' he reminded himself of his place. But before he could sink into the heart-wrenching rabbit hole that was his longing for Kagome, his phone suddenly began violently vibrating in his hands. 'Don't tell me.' His brow twitched as he switched from his private chain with Kagome to the group chat they shared with Jun and Sango.
'Of course…' Ren thought, deadpanned and sweatdropping as his phone continued buzzing. The three of them already exchanged so many messages and avatar gifs that he had to scroll three times to see each message. It began with his own sister texting with her chibi avatar looking curious.
"Has Renny responded to you yet? I can't imagine him still sleeping at this hour!"
Sango soon responded with her avatar sweatdropping and smiling nervously, "Ren or no Ren. I'm glad to finally hear from you, Kagome-chan."
Kagome's avatar had oversized globs for tears while holding a shy pose, "No response from Ren yet. But again, I'm sorry for making you all worry about me. It feels like we haven't talked in ages."
"Right?!" Ren could imagine Jun typing that fervidly. "You should visit us today!"
"Ehhh…" Kagome's avatar smiled sheepishly while sweatdrop.
"What is it? You don't have to worry about transportation. We'll make all the arrangements, of course~" Jun's chibi smiled from behind her paper fan.
"Well, I would but Yoh is doing some intense training and I want to be here to greet him when he gets back," Kagome replied.
"What Yoh-kun doesn't know won't hurt him, right?" Jun's chibi was winking. "Besides, you miss Renny, don't you?"
"Oh, brother…" Sango's chibi sighed at her cousin's antics but Kagome quickly followed up.
The priestess' chibi had crossed arms and inflated cheeks. Ren blushed intensely at the text that accompanied the image, "Of course, I do! But that's beside the point!"
Before Jun could respond, Sango managed to type, "Jun, Kagome-chan is on vacation with her best friends. It's not fair to pressure her into visiting at the drop of a hat."
This time it was Jun's chibi looking huffy, "Sango, you don't have to be so responsible."
"Sango-chan, I love you!" Kagome's chibi's eyes sparkled with a colorful backdrop.
"But, Kagome-chan, if you do come today, I'll make your favorite dishes~" Sango's chibi was suddenly wearing a halo and tiny white wings.
Kagome's chibi looked deadpanned as she replied, "I take it back. You're as bad as Jun-neesan."
Ren finally took the initiative to type in, "You two are older so you should act like it." He stiffened when his phone almost jumped out of his hands from the simultaneous messages from the three girls.
"REN!" "Rennnnnnyyyy!" "Oh, so you are awake."
"Of course, the dead couldn't sleep through your babbling," He typed.
"You say that but I bet you couldn't wait for the right time to say something cool~" Kagome's smirking chibi made him twitch. She wasn't too far off base. After a half-hour of banter, Kagome told them that she had to get going, stating that she wanted to cook breakfast for everyone.
"What kind of guest cooks for their host?" Ren questioned in the chat. His cheeks were red when his sister suggested that he was jealous that she didn't cook much for them and the priestess promised that she would in the future.
Jun was able to drag the chat out for another fifteen minutes before she settled with a, "Alright. We're picking you up in two weeks. You'd better be ready, Kagome-chan."
Kagome giggled from the other end of the line. She then climbed out of her futon and went about her morning. The Tao's were able to throw off her mental schedule but she didn't regret a single second of it. A bath and an oddly difficult change of clothes later and she was ready for the day. The ambiance of a room semi-obscured with deep blue darkness was comfortable. But she knew that it wouldn't be long before Tamao or Ryu woke up to do chores so she didn't take a moment to relax. The girl promptly switched on the kitchen light and grabbed the white apron hanging on a hook.
Kagome scowled and groaned as she tried adjusting the apron into a comfortable position on her body. It was particularly tight in the chest area. Her brow twitched as she thought frustrated, 'Just like my shirt earlier. There's no way that I put on that much weight while sleeping, right?' She shook her head to dismiss her self-consciousness, 'Whatever.' She then took the fuzzy scrunchie around her wrist and pulled her hair into a high ponytail.
As she expected, the refrigerator was stocked full of fresh, traditional ingredients. With how much she enjoyed the breakfasts that her mother used to make every morning, Kagome didn't have a difficult time deciding what she'd make. 'Traditional Japanese is the way to go!' She told herself with a determined fist.
Not even ten minutes into Kagome's prep work did a timid-looking Tamao appear in the doorway. She looked surprised for a second before she zoomed to the priestess' side, "K-Kagome-san, you just woke up! Y-you should take it e-easy…!"
The dark-haired girl looked at the pink-haired one with a smile. She waved her dismissively and reassured, "Don't worry, Tamao-chan. It actually feels great to work my muscles like this!" With that said, she turned back to her chopping board and proceeded to knife the cabbage.
Tamao's body tensed into a nervous stance as she raised a loose fist to her lips, "B-But, before he left, Yoh-sama told me t-to take care of you…"
Kagome stifled a chuckle but continued her task, "Did he now?" Her smile only softened as Tamao watched her nearly skip between the counter and oven top to check on a simmering pot. "Well, I'm sure that you already took great care of me while I was out." Tamao's eyes widened and cheeks pinked at the casual statement. The priestess ladled a portion of broth into a tasting cup and sipped it. "Besides, if that's what he wants, then Yoh can take care of me himself."
"E-Eh?!" Tamao stiffened, prompting Kagome to look at her from over her shoulder.
The priestess gave an embarrassed smile, "Don't take it so seriously. I'm only kidding."
As her eyes followed the scurrying Kagome around the kitchen, Tamao nodded weakly, "R-Right…" For a while, the pink-haired girl isolated herself into a far, empty corner of the room as she watched the other girl prepare breakfast in her place. It wasn't the first time that one of her guests took one of her chores, as Ryu insisted that a beautiful girl shouldn't slave over a hot stove, but Tamao felt even more unsure since it was Kagome performing her chores. If any of the Asakura's were here, Tamao would feel embarrassed that—.
"K-Kagome-san…?" The timid girl suddenly whispered, just loud enough for Kagome to hear over the sounds of searing pans and bubbling pots. "Hm?" was her bubbly acknowledgment. "I-I was just wondering…" Tamao's eyes looked between her slippered feet and Kagome's back. "W-What is…your relationship with Yoh-sama…truly?"
"Yoh told you, didn't he?" Kagome asked back without missing a beat. "We're best friends."
"H-He did…" Tamao's eyes softened. "B-But… Ever since I first met Yoh-sama…" She flashbacked to one of the countless times she saw Yoh listlessly lounging around, sighing. "I-I had the feeling that there was a boundary between us…" She remembered how many times she wanted to approach Yoh back then, how many times she wanted to show him that he didn't have to be alone. "L-Like, I felt that…Yoh-sama had a destiny that I had no part in."
Tamao's memories of Yoh made her unaware of her words delayed Kagome's task. The priestess all but froze from the apprentice's confession. After a few moments, the message finally sunk in. And made Kagome smile but not turn around. "Tamao-chan, I can assure you that we need you."
Tamao's eyes widened when Kagome finally faced her.
"This destiny…" Kagome whispered.
Tamao didn't know why but…
"To fulfill it, we'll need everyone on board," She finished.
Tamao didn't understand what she was talking about but, somehow, those words were the warmest she received in the longest time.
S.H.A.M.A.N.K.I.N.G.
It didn't take long for more and more bodies to file into the kitchen after sleepily meandering towards the combination of heavenly aromas and light conversation. Ryu was the next to wander into the vast space. Upon receiving Kagome's cheerful greeting, Ryu froze on the spot. His eyes became white as his pompadour fell flat into ordinary, draping locks. His body's reaction to shock made both girls panic. Tamao's hands flailed about as her voice went up an octave, "R-R-Ryu-san! Are you okay?!"
Meanwhile, Kagome's hands were balled into fists as she exclaimed, "Ryu-san is shockingly cool with his hair down!"
The sound of Kagome's voice snapped Ryu from his stupor. He dramatically dropped to all four and openly wept. "K-Kagome-sama, you're finally awake!" He rubbed at his eyes but waterfalls continued pouring onto the floor. "I'm so glad that you've returned!"
Kagome sweatdropped as she squatted down next to Ryu and patted his shoulder, "Y-Yeah, I'm fine so you don't need to cry, Ryu-san."
It was then that Manta shuffled into the room, rubbing at his tired eyes, "What's with all the ruckus…?" His orbs started from a sniffling Ryu then moved to a concerned-looking Tamao and finally rested on Kagome who was still patting the older teen's shoulder. She gave him a smile and a bright "Ah, good morning, Manta-kun~" that made his eyes widen. "Ka—" Her name was caught in his throat. "Kagome-chan…"
The priestess nodded and confirmed, "Un. That's me."
Manta's eyes gladdened as his daze perked up. He padded closer to the girl and gave her a wide smile, "Kagome-chan, it's good to see you up and moving around! We were so worried about you!"
Kagome nodded in response, "I know. I'm sorry about that. Yoh ended up faster than me again" Before she could fall into small talk with her friends, she spotted a glimpse of familiar blonde hair peering from the doorway. "Anna-chan, good morning. You don't need to be shy."
The room was silenced as all eyes fell on the empty entrance. A few moments later, Anna revealed herself. It had been a while but the itako finally looked like herself. She sported crossed arms, a scowl, and razor-sharp eyes. "Kagome, let's talk," her eyes then narrowed at the others, "In private."
Kagome nodded and looked at Ryu and Tamao, "Breakfast is almost ready. Can you two keep an eye on it?" The pair responded affirmatively, prompting her to give a brief thanks before following behind Anna.
The medium led the priestess away from the kitchen and any prying eyes and ears. Even the air around them was muted as the two trekked to a secluded location. A few minutes later, Anna stopped in the middle of the engawa. She suddenly turned to face Kagome, and the latter girl quickly mimicked her and halted her advance.
"So…" Kagome's eyes lifted from the floor up to greet Anna's. She pulled a smile to her face and queried, "What's up, Anna-chan?"
The priestess had no clue that the curve of her lips struck a nerve.
Without a word, Anna took three powerful steps towards Kagome. Her left hand raised and swiftly struck the priestess across the cheek. The force of the assault forced Kagome's head to turn. Her eyes were wide and her face stayed in its stunned position for a few seconds.
Finally, Kagome's head snapped back to glare at Anna, "What was that for?!"
Anna huffed before flaring her nostrils. "Hmph, as far as I'm concerned, you got off easy," She responded with a surprisingly cool tone. "You deserve much worse."
"Oh, yeah?" Kagome questioned through clenched teeth. "Tell me, what did I do to deserve that?" She spat out in a hiss.
"You're that dumb that you need me to spell it out to you?" Anna taunted. "Finally," she conceded before explaining, "That was for Yoh."
"For…" Kagome's brows furrowed as her brain scrambled. "Yoh…?"
[ "I'm sorry, Anna… But I cannot lie to myself." ]
"When he chased after you…" Anna's eyes chilled over at the memory. "I told him not to, but he still did. And all the while…" Kagome felt Anna's words tug at her heart. "He looked like he was going to cry. Yoh told that he couldn't lie to himself, that's why he pushed himself, knowing how thorny the path would be."
Kagome was barbed by Anna's venomous whisper.
"And yet here you are, still faking smiles and denying the truth," The itako hand curled and shook. "Yoh is willing to risk it all for you, his pride and honor. And you're content with dancing around it. Your cowardice disgusts me." Anna crossed his arms while looking at Kagome as if she were an insect. "And frankly, I think your self-sacrificing is trite."
"Trite?!" It was then Kagome snapped, stomping one foot in frustration. "How insulting can you be?! I'm just trying to help him in the long run!" She raised a hand to her chest in earnest, "It's because I love Yoh that I have to let him go! Do you think I want to ignore his feelings?!" Her bangs overshadowed her eyes, only showing the bared teeth that she hissed through. "To me, Yoh is—."
[ 'Daybreak. The gentle, shimmering light that warms my soul.' ]
Kagome didn't realize that she spaced out until Anna demanded, "Yoh is what? What is he to you?"
'This is the second time that someone asked me this…' Kagome thought. Despite her eyes reflecting how Anna's form became bigger as she closed in on her again, Kagome's brain didn't register it. 'Isn't obvious? Yoh is—.' "Argh!" The priestess was wrenched back into reality when Anna fisted a handful of her hair. Kagome was pulled closed to Anna's face, so close that she feel her seething breath. But that was nothing compared to the heat in the itako's glare.
"Answer me, Kagome!" Anna shouted.
Kagome shoved the itako's chest, "Let go of me!"
The blonde stumbled backward before steadying herself. For a moment, she stared at the other girl incredulously, as if she wasn't expecting the outburst.
No one ever responded to Anna in that way.
So she wasted no time in stepping forward again and drawing back her left hand. Anna tensed and grunted when Kagome caught her readied wrist. "Unhand me, Kagome…" she silently fumed.
"Not until you calm down and—."
The sharp clap of skin against skin echoed.
Anna's right hand, stinging from the impact with Kagome's other cheek retracted. But before Anna could act again, Kagome's free hand swatted the blonde's cheek. The searing contact left an identical red mark to the ones of Kagome's face.
The prickling hotness on her jaw ignited something within Anna. Heated words became animalistic growls and grunts as the medium launched her full weight on the priestess. With her fingers clamped onto Kagome's apron, Anna took her down with gravity. But just before they landed, Kagome twisted their positions. She landed on her knees, hovering over Anna, with her hands pinning Anna's wildly resistant wrists to the wooden floor.
"What's…" Kagome struggled between pants and grunts as Anna continued thrashing against her grip. "With you…?!" Her teeth gritted. "You hate me no matter what I do…!"
The priestess' eyes widened as Anna kneed her in the stomach and rolled from beneath her as Kagome doubled over.
"Of course, I do," The itako responded while rising to her feet and dusting off her sleeping kimono. "I don't have a choice. I'm not going to be buddy-buddy with the woman who stole Yoh and then broke his heart."
Kagome growled and shot up, her hands clenched at her sides, "What am I supposed to do then?! Yoh feels guilty for the way he feels, and for acting on those feelings! I just don't want Yoh to make a decision that he would regret!"
Anna's glare intensified, "If that's what he wants then let him live with the consequences of his actions." She scoffed, "Where do you get off depriving him of what he wants?"
Kagome's face darkened before she retorted, "You're so hypocritical, Anna! It's okay for you to tell him not to go through with it," she pointed at herself with an open palm, "but I'm wrong when I do it?!"
"That's right," Anna confirmed spitefully. "You of all people don't get a say in how we handle our affairs."
"You know what?" Kagome turned heel. "I can't with you right now. I can't win no matter what I do." She ignored Anna's cold, "Of course, just run away, like you always do." and headed back to the kitchen.
"Breakfast is ready to be ser—" Ryu's pleasant demeanor erupted into panic upon seeing Kagome. "K-Kagome-sama, what happened to your face?!"
"Don't worry," Kagome's brilliant smile only unnerved him more. "I just fell."
Not ten minutes later, Kagome lined the long dining room table with an array of breakfast dishes. She was surprised to find Yoh's grandfather sitting at the head of the table before everyone else but she still bade him the most amiable "good morning" that she could manage. When Manta and Tamao came shuffling into the room, both froze.
"K-Kagome-chan," Manta's blond brows inverted with concern. "What happened to you?!"
Before she could answer, Anna pushed past the pair and took a spot at the table. "A-Anna-sama, you too…?" Tamao noted the swollen, crimson skin on the itako's face.
The blonde girl sat on her tatami and propped her uninjured cheek into her hand. "It's nothing of concern," She calmly assured Tamao. "I walked into the wall."
'That doesn't sound like Anna at all…' The other occupants of the room thought in unison.
The atmosphere was an uneasy cluster of varying tensions, like a glass filled with water, oil, and milk. Yohmei eyed both girls' injuries and concluded that they fought as soon as Anna entered the room. Meanwhile, Ryu was trying to distract Tamao from her worries with half-hearted flirting. Anna was silently consuming the breakfast while Kagome asked Manta about everything they did while she and Yoh were unconscious.
Hours later, Kagome found herself relaxing in the living room with Manta, Tamao, and Ryu. As the trio of friends chatted, Tamao powered the television on with the remote. It defaulted to the news station that Anna last tuned into. For a while, Kagome tuned out the anchor's words until her mind heard something she couldn't ignore.
"Here is the latest update on the mass disappearances plaguing civilians across the globe," the reporter announced. "It's been estimated that five-hundred thousand people have mysteriously vanished without a trace."
"What?!" Kagome's eyes widened. "That's insane! I never heard about this!"
"Yeah…" Manta's demeanor deflated. "The first report I heard was when you were out…"
"It's been noted that these phenomena occur in no particular pattern," the woman continued proclaiming. ", as the disappearances have affected people across the world and at all times of the day. Online conspiracy theorists proposed the likelihood that this is the work of extraterrestri—."
"Great…" Kagome sighed and muttered. "I already have enough on my plate with Hao. Now I have to deal with aliens…?"
"Kagome-sama," Ryu blinked as his voice took on awe, "You plan to investigate these disappearances?!"
The priestess sweatdropped and chuckled uneasily, "W-Well, sort of, but not exactly?" 'Firstly, I have no clue where to even start or what I'm even up against.' She paused and rubbed her chin. 'Wait—. Maybe, I could ask him! He seems to know something about everything.'
Kagome's introspection was interrupted by the reporter switching gears, "In other news, there's been no word about the six-month infant who went missing half a month ago from Central Tokyo Orphanage. The child is described to have natural white hair and purple eyes—." The priestess reached over and tapped the upward channel button.
When Tamao gave her a surprised look, Kagome smiled apologetically, "Sorry. Listening to all that bad news is kind of depressing."
Kagome spent the rest of the day playing board and card games with her friends. When Manta would question if it was alright that she, Ryu, and Tamao slacked off in training, the priestess would reassure him, "Don't worry about it, Manta. We're here on vacation so kicking back is a given~."
"Wah…" Manta took a step back, trembling a bit, "I-it's like Yoh-kun never left."
The priestess bopped him on the head with a rolled-up magazine, "Manta-kun, I'm not nearly as bad he is. I balance work and play just fine." She then huffed.
Shippo then appeared, crossing his arms and looking thoughtfully up at the ceiling, "I don't know, Kagome. You were always the first to ask for a break or for a dip in the hot springs."
Kagome's eye twitched, "Gee, thanks, Shippo-chan." The memories of her times in the Feudal Era were muddled and fuzzy but she was sure that she couldn't argue with that assessment.
"W-Well…" Tamao shuffled as she finally spoke up for the first time in a while. "H-Honestly, I do prefer pampering myself after a long day of training, so I understand how Kagome-san feels." She didn't expect the priestess' eyes to sparkle or for the other girl to clasps her hands.
"Right?!" Kagome nodded at Tamao's confession. "You've got to treat yourself for working hard!"
"Do you…?" Manta raised an eyebrow up at Ryu for confirmation.
It was then that Ryu crossed his arms and hummed, "If there's anything that I learned from Master Yoh is that a sound body is a sound mind so it's important to take care of yourself."
Kagome released one of Tamao's hands and fist pumped, "Yeah, and besides that, pampering myself is just a way to show myself love!" She inwardly gasped as a thought struck her. She raised a hand to her cheek and rubbed the spot that used to be swollen from Anna's slap. The pain and swelling long subsided when she healed the area. 'I should…'
It was only well into the evening hours that Kagome sought her out. She prepared herself for the encounter by clearing her mind with a long, hot soak in the bath. Due to the sheer expanse of the manor and her unfamiliarity with the property, it took the priestess some time to find her. But alas, after wandering around and peering into room after room and seeing some artifacts that she probably shouldn't have, Kagome finally found Anna lounging in the frost-laced garden under the moonlight.
The priestess noted the reddening of Anna's exposed toes as the itako sat on a bench beneath the moonlight. She shook her head and approached the blonde, her own bare feet crunching the sheet of snow on the ground. "Anna-chan, are you trying to get sick?" She questioned casually.
"What's it to ya?" Anna queried just as nonchalantly, but she eyed the other girl warily.
Kagome stopped just short of the resting spot that Anna's slouched body dominated. "May I join you?"
"If you must," She responded with a sigh as she straightened her posture.
"Thanks," Kagome murmured as she settled down next to Anna. She pursed her lips and looked down at her lap as the girl next to her was content to point her body away from her. The priestess knew that it would be a long shot, but she told herself that she had to try. Without a word, Kagome half-turned her upper half towards Anna. She raised a hand and allowed gentle energy to wash over Anna's swollen cheek in waves.
Just as quick as she felt the soothing energy, Anna snapped her face to Kagome, who retracted her hand as the minor task was complete. The itako's eyes narrowed. She took in Kagome's expression but couldn't determine what her soft eyes meant. After a few moments of silence between them, Anna told her firmly, "I'm not apologizing."
Kagome stifled a laugh before admitting with amusement, "Oh, good. Because I didn't plan on apologizing either."
"Then what do you want…?" Anna questioned. "We'll never see eye to eye on the matter."
"Yeah, I know," Kagome admitted with a soft sigh as her shoulders slumped and eyes closed. She was quiet for a moment before her eyes reopened. As she looked straight ahead, she stated, "But, just because we're not on the same page, doesn't mean we can't coexist peacefully."
"You said something that makes sense for once," Anna agreed a bit begrudgingly. "But maybe you're just saying that because you don't want to be put in your place again," she snided while tilting her nose upward.
Kagome chuckled huffily and wore an irked smile, "Yeah, right. I went easy on you and you know it."
"Don't push your luck, dobe," Anna countered, hiding her own half-smirk. "Anyway, I agree that we should call a truce for Yoh's sake. He'd be worried sick if he saw something like that."
The priestess finally aimed her upper half towards the itako. "I'll do you one better," She raised a finger and smiled, "How about we call a truce for our own sakes? Our relationship has been rocky since the beginning but who knows? We just might be friends someday."
At last, Anna was coaxed into turning to face the other girl. Kagome's smile was both determined and hopeful, as if she truly believed that friendship could truly blossom someday. Anna scowled then sighed, "It really gets on my nerves." Instantly, Kagome looked confused and blinked so she clarified, "It bothers me, how your heart is so much like Yoh's."
Kagome then smiled and leaned back into the bench, "I've heard that before."
"From Asakura Hao, right?" Anna queried calmly. "Bakatsu told me all about it—this never-ending cycle we've been stuck in."
"Eh? Ban-kun did?" Kagome's surprised expression became thoughtful as she tapped her chin. "I guess I shouldn't be all that surprised. I found out that my other half was pretty fond of him."
"Indeed, she was," The itako confirmed. Agitation flashed in her eyes as she continued, "I assume that she doesn't exist anymore, and she took a lot of knowledge with her. Bakatsu told me a lot about the other worlds, but I can't remember anything but the first one anymore."
The dark-haired girl nodded, "Un. I'm pretty sure she wiped those worlds from our memories to protect us."
"Whatever," the blonde mumbled. "Life wouldn't be interesting knowing the possibilities anyway."
"That's true," Kagome agreed before looking up at the starry sky. "But it would be nice to know what's behind these mass disappearances."
"Knowing our luck, the enemy will appear before us sooner than later," Anna replied before pushing herself off the bench. "I'm cold so I'm going inside now." She took a few steps before pausing to add, "You should do the same. Don't catch a cold. I'm not taking care of you again."
The priestess nodded silently before processing her words. "Heh?" She blinked at the disappearing back of the itako. "Again?"
The following days that led up to Yoh's emergence from the cave were largely uneventful. Tamao rose to the challenge of being her guests' guide around Izumo, per Kagome's request. And to everyone's surprise, even Anna tagged along on a few of their excursions. Their first destination was Izumo Taisha.
Even as they trekked past the main entrance and downhill towards the shrine, Manta's face remained buried in his encyclopedia. He was chattering endlessly about the history and legends surrounding the shrine all without lifting his eyes from the printed texts. "Ah, Manta-kun, this way," Kagome murmured while stooping over to gently guide his back away from the middle path of three alternate walkways.
"It says to take care not to walk the middle section because that path is reserved for deities," Manta read aloud without missing a beat.
Tamao smiled sheepishly as Ryu chuckled, Anna rolled her eyes, and Kagome face palmed while muttering, "You don't say?"
It wasn't long before the group arrived at the shrine and a statue of the deity of relationships and marriage. "Ah, this is it! This is Okuninushi!" Manta exclaimed while looking between the images and real structures. "According to the guide, there's a different way of sending your prayers here! You—!" He looked up and saw Kagome, Tamao, Anna, and Ryu bow twice in unison. "Eh," the bookworm froze as his companions then clapped four times simultaneously before closing their eyes. "Y-you…" his brow twitched as muttered unnerved, "Y-You all came prepared for this, huh…?"
'P-Please…!' Tamao's face was firm with concentration as she prayed hard. 'A-Allow me to be useful to Yoh-sama in the future!'
Ryu's lower lip poked out as tears poured beneath his eyelids, 'I want to find my best girl and my best place!'
Anna's expression was calm with her prayer, 'Let Yoh's heart return to me.'
Likewise, Kagome exuded gentleness as she thought, 'I don't know what the future will bring. But come what may, please bring everyone love and happiness.' When her mind thought back to Hao's wistful smile, she added, 'And please, help my feelings reach Hao.'
When the priestess' eyes opened, her mouth followed suit when her eyes met Hao's familiar ones. He was seated comfortably on the roof of the shrine and he raised a hand in a casual wave. His cordial grin made her blush from ear to ear and take a step back in disbelief.
"Kagome-chan, what's wrong?" Manta asked as he curiously saw the girl blink.
But Hao was gone the instant her eyes reopened. 'Eh? There's no way I imagined that!' She told herself. Despite that, she smiled reassuringly at her friends, "Oh, it's nothing. I thought I saw uh, an uguisu!"
"Eh?" The blond boy scratched his cheek. "But that's a spring bird, isn't it?"
"Yeah," She waved it off. "I think I just imagined it."
One of the new outings that Anna attended was to a brand new strip mall. Although the teens decided to only window-shop, Kagome couldn't help but point at a photo booth. It was a tight fit but she stuffed her friends inside, including Anna who scoffed at the idea of wasting money on such a thing. With no elbow room, the priestess struggled to press the screen to select a border but with some tenacity and bumping of her friends, she found a colorful border accented with cartoonish balloons and stars.
"Get ready, everyone," Kagome instructed as a ten-second countdown began on the screen. She put on a smile and settled into position. But with one second left, she swiftly wrapped an arm around Anna's neck, pulled her closer, and threw up a peace sign with that hand.
Anna glared at the priestess as they began filing out of the booth one by one. "If you ever do something like that again, I'll have your head," the itako warned before crossing her arms.
"I'm sure you will," Kagome responded nonchalantly as she pulled the strip of photos from the slit. There were five copies of the same picture. The instant of time caught Kagome's cheeky action making Anna's cheeks burn while scowling, meanwhile, Manta smiled widely and held up his own peace sign as Tamao looked demure next to Ryu who grinned toothily. "It's so cute!" She cooed while holding one cheek. "And there's enough copies for all of us~"
It was also during one of the teenagers' tours that Yohmei received a visitor. If it weren't for his daily divinations, he wouldn't have expected to see the face of Yamato Takato for quite a while. And if it weren't for Kagome's previous comfort around him when they met days ago, the Asakura head would have been wary of him and sent him along his way. But the head Yamato greeted Yohmei with a deep, formal bow before politely asking for a private audience with him.
It was during this meeting that Takato brought his forehead to the floor and beseeched, "Please, Asakura-san! On behalf of all of the clans who crossed you, despite your warning, we beg to be pardoned!"
Yohmei's gaze hardened at the back of Takato's head. "Of course they send the most spineless of you all," he had the bluntness of an individual well into his years. "More importantly, I'm not the one who you lot should be groveling to, am I?"
It was phrased like an inquiry but Takato knew what Yohmei was getting at. He lifted his head from the floor and found the Asakura's brown eyes. "We plan to properly make amends with Kagome-sama very soon," he explained. "There's a lot of preparations to be made, but still, since you are an ally to the Higurashi family, we want to be in your good graces." It was then that Takato pulled an embroidered envelope from his haori and slid it across the floor towards Yohmei. The Asakura looked from the envelope up to Takato with nothing short of suspicion on his face. "It's an invitation for you and your family."
"Hmph," Yohmei huffed as he reached out for the paper case. He turned it around and froze. He recognized the official stamp that sealed the envelope shut. 'This is from the Japanese Imperial family!' His shaky fingers were possessed by haste as he tore into the envelope to pull out the thick parchment in wait. With a flap of the parchment, the tri-sections unfolded and revealed golden and blank ink in a fancy, cursive font. It didn't take long for his eyes to scan the contents so Yohmei quickly lowered the letter to look at Takato.
"Asakura-san, I hand-delivered this invitation to you to ensure that you didn't discard it before reading," Takato informed calmly. "I'm sure your family would want to attend the coronation of Higurashi Kagome."
"So word of the girl's powers have already reached the Imperial family's ears?" Yohmei scowled and folded his arms. "It seems nothing is secret in this day and age."
"Indeed, it's a difficult task to keep anything hushed," The Yamato readily agreed. "I understand that under normal circumstances, we wouldn't want to burden a child with such things but Kagome-sama is a special case." He closed his eyes and remembered the warm feeling that he felt when he was resurrected. "Not only is her power too great to be left unchecked, but she holds a strong bond with Asakura Hao."
Yohmei's eyes narrowed as he concluded, "I see. So this ceremony is but a guise. The Imperial Family's goal isn't to bring her honor, but to give her an obligation, a method to control her."
"That's one side of it, yes," Takato admitted. "But we, the heads who she spared, truly do endorse her honor and promotion. It just so happens that there is an ulterior motive for the Imperial Family." His face took on an uncharacteristic firmness, "So, Asakura-san, will you attend?"
S.H.A.M.A.N.K.I.N.G.
Before she knew it, the time to meet Yoh at the exit of Yomi cave arrived. Hours of walking turned into a rowboat ride. That ride turned into climbing a rocky incline until they found the hole in the extensive rock system.
"Yoh-sama should be emerging within a few moments," Tamao informed them. "He's just ten meters away."
"Asakura training is rather intense," Amidamaru chimed. "I felt anxious letting Yoh-dono do it alone. I wonder if it's changed him in any way."
"Same, but I'm glad that Yoh-kun made it through this ordeal," Manta remarked. "I can't imagine how brutal seven days and nights in the dark must have been."
Anna huffed and replied, "You should know how resilient Yoh is by now. Learn to have faith in him."
"Anna-chan is right," Kagome agreed, shocking Ryu and Manta. "There's no need to worry." She raised a finger and added just as the shaman in question emerged from the darkness, "Yoh is like a cockroach~."
Yoh almost hit footing but recovered his composure, stained clothing and all. He raised a hand and greeted them, "Yo! It's been a while, huh?"
Manta anime fell, 'H-He's still way too lax!'
Yoh caught Kagome's eyes and smiled, "Ah, it's so good to see you out of bed. Glad you made it back."
Kagome shook her head as walked towards the Asakura, "I've been awake for a week so that should be my line."
Before the brunette had the chance to process what was happening, he suddenly found that Kagome, Anna, and Tamao were all standing just shy of him, their hands behind their backs. Tamao's face was shy and her eyes diverted. Kagome's was bubbly, albeit a bit sheepish. Meanwhile, Anna's expression reflected pure fluster; her cheeks were dusted red like the other two girls. "Eh?" Yoh blinked. "What's up?" He asked.
"Yoh-sama…" / "Yoh~" / "Yoh." they respectively chorused his name in varying cadences.
Ryu's jaw dropped when the trio held out wrapped obentos in perfect unison.
"Y-You must be hungry s-so I made this for you!" / "I brought this lunch with me since you haven't eaten~." / "Eat this. You deserve it."
The three girls even spoke in unison.
They then paused and exchanged looks with each other: Tamao looking embarrassed and red-faced, Kagome sweatdropping with an uneasy smile, while Anna was even more agitated.
"Heh heh," Kagome scratched her cheek while holding her box by its pink polka-dotted carrying cloth. "Looks like we all had the same idea," she pointed out.
Ryu dropped to his knees while sobbing and pounding into the ground, "I-I've been defeated once again!"
Manta patted his shoulder and soothed him, "Trust me, Ryu. This isn't a problem that you want." When the shaman picked his head off the ground, he looked towards the encounter. "See?" the blond boy asked as they watched Yoh hold up his hands and back away as the three girls closed in on him.
"Y-Yoh-sama…" Tamao's eyes glistened. "I-I'm sorry to pressure you, b-but, it's all of your favorite dishes!"
"Yoh," Kagome huffed a bit, "I recreated your favorite lunch from back in school!"
Anna's eyes narrowed, "Yoh, there's only one true lunch that you should eat."
'T-This is way scarier than the cave…' Yoh thought when his back finally touched the side of the rock formation. He tried shrinking himself as the girls crowded him. 'God, please let me live through this…!'
And, of course, he did.
Though his painfully stuffed stomach made him wish otherwise.
Without giving Yoh the chance to make a choice. Kagome simply unwrapped her obento, removed the lid, and plucked a slice of rolled omelet with a pair of chopsticks. She slunk from between Tamao and Anna and into Yoh's side. "Since you can't make up your mind, here~" She was glowing while holding the fluffy, yellow morsel up to his lips. "Ahhh~"
Tamao turned into a statue and Anna twitched when Yoh complied, opening his mouth and biting down on half the yellow fluffiness. His nervous expression instantly melted into bliss as he chewed and swallowed. "I-I forgot how good Kagome's cooking is~" he commented dreamily.
Anna stepped forward with an octopus weiner, almost pouting, "You must have forgotten about mine as well." She wasted no time in shoving the treat into Yoh's mouth.
'I-I want Yoh-sama to have mine too…!' Tamao's inner voice cried out before she scrambled to join in.
"See?" Manta deadpanned at the spectacle. "That looks more like hell than heaven to me."
"If being fed by beautiful girls is hell then I don't want to ascend!" Ryu cried into his sleeve.
S.H.A.M.A.N.K.I.N.G.
Kagome was sitting in the garden again late that night. There was something about the glittering skies that made her feel calm. She remembered being mystified the first time she saw a truly starry sky back in the Feudal Era. It was unlike anything she saw in Tokyo. But now, the sky elicited new feelings from within her. Though she was still entranced by their beauty, Kagome now sought them out for comfort.
Ren said that the stars were lights that guide people. Yoh felt similarly and treasured them. And Hao once told her that the starlight always connected her to the people far away. It made her wonder, 'Who's out there, watching the same stars as I am…?' Unbeknownst to her, there were many souls looking at the bedazzling orbs at the very same time.
She closed her eyes for a moment, cupping her hands. There may not have been falling stars but that didn't stop her from wishing, 'Everyone, please have faith in me. Or maybe…it's me who needs to have faith in—.'
Kagome opened her eyes when she sensed a familiar aura. She smiled when she saw Yoh standing on the nearby hall floor. "What's up? After your long training, I suspected you'd be out like a light right now," she greeted as he approached her.
"Eheh," He chuckled before settling down next to her. "I can't sleep when I haven't gotten the chance to talk to you in private yet…" Yoh scratched the back of his head with a light blush.
Kagome giggled and teased, "I didn't know you were dying to talk to me so badly~"
"Ah—!" His breath caught in his throat as his blushed burned harder.
The priestess couldn't fight her own blush upon seeing his reaction. 'That's illegally cute!' She cooed inwardly but shook her head outwardly. "I was just teasing," She admitted with a chuckle, "What an honest reaction."
Yoh scratched his warm cheek and responded between his own abashed chuckles, "I know, I just couldn't help but be flustered."
"Humph," Kagome crossed her arms and huffed, "Take it as payback for all the times you teased me."
"That's fair," The brunette readily agreed before adding with a smile, "But this won't stop me in the future."
"In the future, huh…?" Kagome echoed before looking to the celestial lights. "Yoh…about that…" She whispered. Her shift in tone switched his own demeanor. "...the discussion you were having with Yohmei-sama."
Yoh wasn't expecting her eyes to stray from the sky to meet his, nor for her fingers to lightly feather his. "I don't want you to press it any further," she told him.
Her gentle tone didn't soften the blow to Yoh's chest. "Ah…" He breathed.
His eyes couldn't hold hers.
"Look at me," Kagome whispered her command while tilting Yoh's face to face her in earnest. The last thing that she wanted was to see that wounded look in his eyes. But she needed him to see what was in hers. "Yoh, it's not that I don't have feelings for you. I just, I have to focus on my mission."
Despite himself, Yoh nodded into her hand, taking a moment to cherish the feeling of her fingers. He then gently lowered her hand and placed it on her lap. "After our little journey, I bet you have all sorts of confusing feelings to sort through too," He added, his smile unusually taut. His hand remained on top of hers as he stared off for a moment, as if he was digesting and coming to terms with something.
"Y-Yeah…" Kagome confirmed, awkwardly and guiltily. 'I've been trying not to think about it, but of course, Yoh sees right through me.'
"Oh well," the teen next to her sighed deeply. He then got to his feet and turned to stand before the priestess. Yoh smiled and told her, "I guess all I can do is see how things play out." Kagome blinked but then melted at his resilience. The way her shoulders relaxed reassured him that he was doing the right thing.
Yoh then broke out into a toothy grin, "And you know, you're not in this alone." He extended a hand to Kagome, "Saving Hao and this world isn't just your burden. You've got me and Sesshomaru."
Kagome's awed expression became a determined smile as she reached out and took Yoh's, allowing him to pull her to her feet. She blushed when her face lightly planted into his chest. Before either could apologize, a plume of smoke was accompanied by a popping sound. "Don't forget about me: the mighty Shippo-sama!" The fox spirit chimed in with a fanged smirk and puffed chest. His green eyes then blinked, confused upon seeing the teens. They stood apart, red-cheeked, embarrassed with Kagome fiddling with her fingers and Yoh rubbing the back of his neck.
"Eh? What's with you two?" The fox queried curiously.
"Eh heh," Kagome shook her head and reassured, "It's nothing, Shippo-chan."
Shippo was quiet for a moment, looking between the teens' red faces before something clicked in his head. He pounded a fist into an open palm and exclaimed, "Oh! Did I just interrupt a confession?"
Yoh chuckled at the child's bluntness and answered without lowering his hand from his neck, "Actually you already missed that part." His next statement made Kagome stiffen. "It didn't work out though."
"Hey!" Kagome turned to pull on and stretch out the laughing brunette's cheeks, "Don't phrase it that way! It makes me feel kinda bad!"
Between chuckles, the shaman managed a muddled, "You shouldn't though. You did nothing wrong."
Hearing this, her blush and fluster subsided so she relinquished her hold on Yoh's face. He merely grinned like a fool while rubbing circles into the tingling spots. "I know that," she told him almost skittishly. "I… I don't know. I feel guilty that you tried so hard for me, and I'm repaying you with this." Her eyes veered to the side.
Shippo blinked, speechless and lost in the conversation.
With her eyes on a snowbank, Kagome didn't realize Yoh's hand was coming until it landed on top of her head. "I guess you can't help but feel that way, since you're such a kind person," he sighed but smiled. "But listen, Kagome, you're not guilty of anything. You don't owe me anything."
The priestess nodded with a soft, "Right…" She then looked up and gave Yoh a smile that could light up the night, "Alright, I need to get to bed. I plan to make a breakfast tomorrow~"
"Eh…" Yoh formed no words as Kagome walked past him and headed towards her room.
The next morning Kagome woke up feeling groggy. It was one of those "don't get out of bed" mornings where she wanted nothing more than to laze about. But she made Ryu and Tamao promise not to make breakfast because she wanted to make Yoh's first return-from-training breakfast. For a moment, she indulged her tired body's desire to lay there. Eyes on the ceiling, she recalled her last waking hour from the night prior. 'That aura outside my door made it so difficult to—.' She shook her head a bit. 'No. It's fine.'
After lounging about for ten minutes, Kagome was finally about to get up and go about her routine to prepare for the day. She ended up squinting and scowling at her reflection in the bathroom mirror. She gripped her hair from the crown of her head, forming a pseudo-ponytail shape. "It's definitely not my imagination," She muttered, "My hair keeps growing way out way too fast." Similar to the other days since she awakened, she noted almost fifteen-centimeter growth overnight. The rate wouldn't have been a problem if it didn't occur almost every night.
The girl sighed and opted to skip taking to the hair scissors this morning. A bath, change of clothes, and ponytail later, and Kagome was raring to go in the kitchen. Not long later, Yoh appeared in the doorway with a pleasant, "Ah, good morning, Kagome."
The priestess smiled and responded in kind, "Morning, Yoh. Did you sleep well?"
The question alone made the Asakura yawn aloud. His face became drowsy as he answered, "I did but I could use a nap already."
"You're hopeless," She shook her head. "But I'll be sure to brew some coffee for everyone."
Yoh shook his head as he stepped inside and began rummaging through the cabinets. "Nah, you're going through the trouble to cook so I can at least handle the coffee."
"Well, aren't you helpful this morning~?" Kagome teased from the stove.
"It's way too early to be flirting, you two," Anna remarked from the doorway.
Yoh stiffened and inwardly wondered, 'D-Does this count as flirting…?!'
A half-hour later, the dining table was set, covered with an assortment of dishes, and housed the residents of Asakura manor. "Yoh," Kagome spoke up as he sat down a mug of coffee topped with whipped cream before her. "This breakfast is in your honor so you really should have let me prepare and pass out the beverages."
The brunette merely shook his head and continued placing the respective mugs of coffee in front of each person. "Trust me, this is the least I could do," He asserted gently before taking his spot across the table from the priestess.
The conversation over the breakfast was a mix of speculation about the Shaman Fights and Yoh answering more questions about his time in Yomi Cave. Yohmei even indulged Ryu, who boldly asked what the purpose of such a regimen was. It was towards the end of the breakfast that Anna nearly wretched upon tasting her coffee. "Ugh," she wiped at the corner of her mouth before shooting Yoh an annoyed glare. "Yoh, this is way too sweet. You know how I like my coffee."
"Heeeeeeeeh?" Yoh was shocked. "Yeah, I thought I made it to your liking!"
"Tch," the itako scowled. "Make it again," she commanded.
"R-Right!" He shot up and stood at attention before scrambling back to the kitchen.
'She still has him whipped…' The others thought simultaneously.
S.H.A.M.A.N.K.I.N.G.
It was just past noon when Kagome found herself sitting alone in a booth at a local cafe. The priestess stared down at the table as her mind raced, 'I-Is this a date…?! So soon after the talk we had?!' But when Yoh approached her and told her that he wanted to talk to her in private, she couldn't deny him. She quickly agreed, which made him beam and tell her "Great~ You'll need to dress to go out."
When she initially met Yoh at the manor entrance in her winter coat and boots, Kagome didn't give the situation much thought. Even after he led her away from the property, her mind was plagued with thoughts of what Yoh would want to talk about. It was only after fifteen minutes of walking that she realized that when he said "in private", he truly meant "in private".
The soft clack of a plastic tray being set on the table in front of her pulled from her thought. "Eh?" Kagome blinked at the fluffy slice of fruit-topped cheesecake and cup before her. "Yoh," she sweatdropped. "I only asked for water."
The teen across from her propped his below on top of the table and slightly leaned forward, "I know. But take it as a treat for coming out all this way."
"Well, don't mind if I do then," The priestess smiled as she grabbed the plastic fork and began partaking in the dessert. A silence fell between the two as she ate and sipped on her drink. Yoh seemed content in watching her.
It was only after she finished the dessert that Yoh finally queried, "So Kagome, how do you like coffee here? I made sure they topped it with lots of whipped cream." He cheesed towards the end.
"Oh," Kagome perked up from the question, she matched his smile and answered, "It's perfect!"
"Perfect, huh?" Yoh's smile subtly weakened. "You really think so?"
This time, Kagome's smile was the one that faltered. But instead of becoming smaller, it disappeared entirely. "Yeah… why…?" She questioned skittishly.
"Because, I thought you didn't like bitter coffee," Yoh answered, calm but blunt.
"Oh!" Kagome was back to smiling, albeit nervously. "Well, I changed my mind! I don't mind bitter coffee anymore," she scratched her cheek. "Guess I'm becoming more mature."
"Ah, that's funny, because that coffee is actually sweet," He told her.
Kagome's head lowered to hide her faltering cheer, "T-That's…why I like it so much…"
"Kagome," Yoh whispered. "You can tell me the truth now."
"Fine…" Her voice was low as she confessed, "I haven't been able to taste anything, okay…?"
"This started when you woke up, right?" He asked and watched as she nodded.
"Yeah… I…don't know what's wrong with me," She continued. "Ever since I merged with the Power, I've been changing." Kagome then lifted her head, revealing a pulled smile, "But it's fine. Don't worry about me. I'm not in pain or anything."
"That's good to hear," Yoh confirmed gently. "But still, I want to know when something is troubling you, okay?"
She deflated as she replied, "But, I feel terrible burdening you with something out of your control. It feels like something like this is something that I should just deal with on my own."
"Mmm," Yoh closed his eyes as he digested her sentiments. "I think I get it," he mumbled before catching her eyes. "But still, I complain to you and Manta all the time so I want you to do the same. And besides, even if I can't help, it doesn't mean that you shouldn't rely on me."
Kagome responded with a hum and weak nod.
But Yoh could tell that he hadn't fully reached her, not yet.
And so, shaman training and vacation resumed for the teens. Every night, Kagome found herself distracted by the presence just outside her room door. Sometimes, she was tempted to get up and greet it, to face it head-on. But an unnamed feeling stronger than that desire made her hesitate. The days flew by quicker than expected. Kagome ignored when Manta questioned, "Shouldn't you be training too?" as she sat beside him and Anna to watch Yoh and Ryu.
"Train on my vacation?" The priestess almost snorted, "As if! There's plenty of time till the second phase of the Shaman Fights, Manta. I'd rather kick back while I can." She sighed inwardly. 'Besides, Anna is right… I'm sure a new enemy will come out hiding sooner than later. Might as well enjoy the peace.'
The next morning, true to their word, the Tao's limousine pulled in front of the Asakura residence. "Oh, wow," the priestess marveled as they piled out of the vehicle. "You guys are here early, that must have been one heck of a drive overnight."
"It's fine," Sango stated. "The cushions are actually quite comforta—." She was cut off by the feeling of a firm but gentle grip on her hands. "Eh," her brow twitched when she found her hands suddenly clasped by Ryu's. His eyes were pulsing hearts.
"Sango-chama, it's been way too long!" He cooed, his bottom swaying from side to side with excitement. "I've missed you so much! How about we exchange e-mails?!"
Pirika's cheeks filled with air but before she could intervene, HoroHoro stepped up to the pair, "Oi, Ryu! I like San-tan way more than you do, so shove off!"
"Heeeeeeh?" Ryu released Sango's head to glare down at HoroHoro. "You talking to me, punk?" He growled in a gravelly voice.
Kagome sweatdropped and raised her hands, "I'm pretty sure Sango-chan doesn't want you two fighting over her like that."
'Kagome-chan understands more than anyone else,' Sango inwardly deadpanned.
Meanwhile, Ren looked between Kagome and Yoh, silently analyzing their movements. 'That's weird,' he noted to himself. There was an unusual amount of distance between the two, who had always been relatively close previously. But that was something to think about another time. "Yo," Ren greeted Kagome coolly before using his thumb to point at the limo. "Let's get going. It's a long trip back."
Kagome nodded and stooped over to grab her suitcase. She blinked when she suddenly found two other hands that landed in a pile on the handle. "Eh—," She looked up to find both Yoh and Ren both grasping her bag. The two exchanged looks, Yoh's was an amused chuckle and Ren's was a wary stare. "It's fine, guys. I got it," She told them.
"No, let me," Yoh and Ren chorused, the former gently and the latter gruffly.
The two froze and exchanged looks again.
'See? Kagome-chan understands more than anyone else,' Sango repeated as she looked from Yoh and Ren towards Ryu and HoroHoro who were still caught in a glaring match.
Authoress' Notes: Dang. This chappy was chock full of future set-ups but hopefully, you all found it more interesting than filler-like. Anyway, you Ren x Kag fans are in for a treat with the next chappy! I've plotted the outlines for these next four or so chapters drawn up so it's just a matter of fleshing them out~! Finally, we're inching towards the Tao family arc! Yeeeeeah. You readers who've followed this story for a while know that I'm never great at guessing my pacing before I write out arcs so there's no guarantee how long it'll last but I'm very much looking forward to it regardless! Additionally, I'm gunning to have the next chapter posted around New Year's but we'll see depending on my inspiration! Tootles for now! Happy Holidays, everyone!