Cherry Blossoms and Spring Showers
Are Messengers of Love
Despite the circumstances that he chose for his rebirth, his spirit truly felt nostalgia for the land where he landed weeks ago. The Patch vessel that he inhabited was one of opportunity and convenience. His path towards the purge that the Earth needed was only beginning. He wouldn't allow the heavens, oceans, or even death itself prevent him from grasping his utopia.
Even if this life was only for sewing seeds, he would make the most of it. He spun the wheels of fate and put them in motion. And he would continue to do so until this body breathed its last breath. His ambitions forced him to trudge through the blood of the slaughtered. His ambitions are why the whispers of the legendary priestess in Japan intrigued him.
Her tales and name were carried through the wind and overseas till they reached his ears. Kagome: a reincarnated priestess whose fate was intertwined with the Jewel of Four Souls. Kagome: the only soul capable of making the perfect wish that vanquished the unfathomable evil in the jewel. Thus, His ambition is what drove him to traverse the treacherous seas to arrive in Japan to seek her out.
There was no doubt that any soul capable of such a feat had otherworldly spiritual power, and would make an indispensable asset to his cause. It was that prospect that motivated him to feign civility when interrogating his way throughout the country until he finally pinpointed her residence. Even when the xenophobic humans were hostile or suspicious of his foreign appearance, he spared them their lives. But his mercy was all but altruistic, motivated by the desire to not have a trail of bodies associated with rumors of the traveling foreigner.
For months, he believed that the various vague recollections, head scratches, chin rubs, and finger points would eventually lead him to an extravagant shrine or estate. Those types of lavish abodes were the common dwellings of esteemed, powerful holy officials like the legendary priestess.
But alas, his final clue shattered his expectations.
His countless steps led him to an unassuming, minute village in the middle of the countryside.
A pair of excited, curious twin girls greeted him when he first stepped foot onto their grounds. A handful of adults milled about in their daily work while eyeing him suspiciously.
The girls openly sized him up with awe, shocked but not repulsed by his sun-kissed complexion and long legs. Their childish innocence made the corner of his lips quirk upwards as he squatted down to their level. "Hello, little ones," Hao spoke to the children in Japanese, which made their eyes widen and sparkle. "I've been told that the legendary priestess of the Shikon lives here. Do you know her?"
The girls shared a look of recognition before their hands balled up and they barked in unison, "You must be talking about Kagome-sama!
He nodded affirmatively, his smile not fading as a woman with staggering hair and a powerful stride approached him. Her gait was commanding and full of intent, unlike the other villages who skittishly meandered around him. "KinGyo, what are you doing there?" She questioned. It was only when she stopped just shy of them that Hao noticed the infant secured in a sling around her torso.
A subtle, beckoning motion of her hand coaxed the girls to scrambling to her sides.
"Mommy, this man is here to see Kagome-sama!" The girl in a pink kimono exclaimed.
Her sister nodded enthusiastically, "I think he came from reeeeeeaaaaaal far away!" she stretched and waved her arms to emphasize her idea.
Hao chuckled at her animated nature before slowing standing to his full height. He noted how the motion made the woman's gaze sharpen, acute like a huntress. "That is correct," he admitted as he allowed the woman to size him up. Unlike the other villagers, his unusually towering height and stature didn't intimidate this woman. "I've traversed oceans for the honor of meeting High Priestess Kagome-sama."
In a motion that was too fluid for an ordinary human, the woman unfastened and passed her infant to the girl in the green kimono. "Here, take your brother and go find Kagome-chan," she instructed her daughter. Both girls nodded and verbally their quests before retreating from the scene.
The moment that the woman crossed her arms over her chest, the other villagers who opted to perform their duties sluggishly to rubberneck stiffened and scrambled to clear the area. Hao inwardly smirked. It was apparent that despite her traditionally feminine beauty, this woman was a sort of protector of the village. She had no clue who he was, or what his intentions were, but she didn't hesitate to take on the role of authority. She was a fearless creature. It was such a shame that she had no spiritual power to speak of. He could use someone with conviction like hers.
"Well, stranger," The woman put on a "no-nonsense" expression as she asked, "What business do you have with Kagome-chan?"
Her use of the familiar honorific didn't go unnoticed by Hao the first time. He immediately noted that he'd have to tread carefully when speaking to this woman. She could easily sway his priestess to distrust him. "I am but a humble priest from the Patch Tribe. Word of Kagome-sama's great feats was carried across saline winds and reached my ears," He stated with a smile that resembled admiration. "I was so astounded and touched that I wanted to meet her in person."
"You've obviously traveled a long way to get here," the woman's eyes briefly flashed to his own footwear. "Do you expect me to believe that you came all of this way just to put a face to her legend?" She didn't hide her doubt.
However, even his ridiculous story was a part of his rouse.
Hao then busted into a small bout of laughter that startled then bemused the woman. Once his laughs ebbed, he placed a hand to his forehead, wearing an embarrassed smile. "Nothing gets past you, I see..." He sighed, seemingly defeated. "Alright. I'll be honest. It's embarrassing to say after hearing tales of her achievements and beauty, I've fallen hopelessly in love with Kagome-sama."
The woman's confusion then became a sigh and sympathetic smile, though it was unclear if it was for him or his priestess.
The gatekeeper was successfully disarmed.
"I've come all this way because I yearn to gaze upon her visage," His embarrassed smile didn't fade as the girl with the pink kimono sprinted back toward them.
"Yeah, well," The woman told him, her tone almost exasperated. "Gazing upon her is all that you'll be able to do. Kagome-chan is happily wed."
"Mommy!" The girl called out as her small legs brought her closer and closer. "Kagome-sama was out gathering herbs but she's on her way!"
The woman nodded and smiled, "Thank you. How about you go play with Shippo?"
The girl skidded to a halt before saluting to her mother, "Roger that, Mommy!" She then completed a swift turn and dashed further into the village once again.
"Well, you're welcome to come visit Kagome-chan, as long you're prepared to be disappointed," The woman told him as she angled her body to indicate that she was a physical barrier no longer.
"Much obliged," Hao smiled and nodded in gratitude. But before he could take his first step past the woman, he sensed it.
Or rather, he felt her.
The aura that leisurely approached from the other side of the village undoubtedly belonged to the high priestess herself. Only a legendary priestess could possess such a mystifying aura. Her power was like a blue flame, alluring and pure, but controlled by the sconce that was her earthly vessel.
More curious was the way his own soul reacted to her approach.
His very essence pulsed within his body, like a beating heart or a sonar signal.
The very fabric that made Hao who he was reverberated beneath his skin.
His soul resonated with hers.
It longed to reach out and lay fingers upon the flame.
'I see...' Hao stifled a chuckle, earning a quirked brow from the woman before him. 'So that's how it is.' This time, his smile was genuinely defeated as he conceded to the legendary priestess who he had yet to lay eyes on.
He promptly turned heel, offering his back to the village.
This' Kagome' didn't belong in his ranks.
Hao would become the devil himself if he asked such a soul to commit to the atrocities that he did.
Rather, this legendary priestess was the type of person who he wanted to build a beautiful world for.
And of course, the last thing that Hao needed was an obstacle to distract him from his goal.
That was all that this legendary priestess would be if he met her—a distraction.
"Hey, Kagome-chan is on her way," The woman called to him once he began putting distance between himself and the village. "You came all this way. Aren't you going to at least introduce yourself to her?"
"There is no need to," Hao answered evasively. "I was doomed to failure before I arrived."
'Legendary Priestess Kagome, huh...?' He smiled, amused by his secret humiliation. 'Farewell for now, and prosper. Perhaps, we're fated to meet someday.'
Hao's eye rose till they were wistfully half-lidded. 'That dream...' He thought as his gloved hand rose to hover over his face. 'That memory...why now?' He wondered as he flexed his fingers.
The motion of his hand felt as real as the treacherous waves that shook his boat in his dream.
It was unlike Hao to forget a face.
But back then, Hao never saw her face.
He was merely chasing the ghost of her name.
After all of those lifetimes and slaughters, he had forgotten about that encounter—about the first time that he connected with Kagome's soul.
Even now, Hao could feel his insides quivering from being so close to her.
The Patch Hao from so long ago was right.
Kagome truly was a distraction.
His thoughts should have been solely on the end game—his mission.
But here he was, once again, wanting to see her face again.
S.H.A.M.A.N.K.I.N.G.
[January]
Asakura Yoh was another side of Asakura Hao.
He was both the other side of the coin, and an echo of Hao's heart.
Somewhat like Hao, Yoh largely grew up alone.
Sure, the younger of the two had the foundation of the family that Hao established so long ago.
But between his busy parents and the social ostracization from other children during his younger years, Yoh didn't know companionship beyond his grandparents and spirits for a long time.
Even in this modern age, Izumo was an ancient town with people who feared superstitions and whatever they didn't understand.
So from the day when he could understand speech,
since the days when he could stand on his own feet,
Yoh understood what those sneers, glowers, and large hands snatching their children away meant.
He was no genius but Yoh knew when he wasn't wanted.
Even a monkey could understand hurled rocks and screaming.
So for the longest time, Yoh naturally kept his distance.
It was the only logical option from anyone with a sense of self-preservation.
No matter how much he longed to join the other children in their games,
No matter how much he wanted to partake in the glow of summer festivals,
No matter how tantalizing the aromas of various vendored delights were,
No matter how tempting the faded colors of far-off fireworks were,
Yoh kept that distance-and gradually, it naturally grew over time.
He found some companionship and solace in Tamao and Anna when they were around.
But still, he never had a constant friend, someone who he saw and spoke to everyday.
So when he left his home at age thirteen, the prospect of befriending anyone besides the local spirits didn't seem feasible. But that fateful night, the moon cast its spell, covering the cemetery hill with a shimmering blue aura.
When Yoh spotted Manta, he was in such a good mood that he greeted a human of all people.
The shaman wasn't surprised when Manta fled the scene in fright.
He figured that would be the end of it.
He thought that he had already burned that bridge.
So when he encountered Manta the next day, Yoh quickly realized that it would be troublesome for a human to spread rumors about his abilities. Therefore, he decided that feigning ignorance would shut him down and put an end to their interactions.
Yoh decided to keep his distance, just like with other humans.
But in retrospect, this was where Yoh realized that he was far luckier than Hao.
Unlike the original Hao, Yoh stumbled something serendipitous: that fateful encounter.
Yoh would find friendship in an unlikely companion: a skittish yet bookish and faithful human.
Yoh didn't talk about it early on, but with Manta, he experienced his first sleepovers and baths with a close friend.
It was through Manta that Yoh learned that not all humans were as rotten as the ones from his childhood.
Sure, he was a frightful being, like all humans, but Manta didn't allow that fear to turn into hatred.
And then there was Kagome—.
She was the person who sat at the epicenter of everything.
But more importantly, Kagome was the person who Yoh wanted to devote his final life to.
Yoh never dwelled on it in the beginning because he didn't find any use in mulling over mysteries.
But from the very start, he felt beyond comfortable with her, like he had known her forever.
From the very beginning, when he saw that dejected look on her face, her eyes moved his heart.
Truly, when he met Kagome, he didn't realize it, but his soul resonated.
Yoh didn't let his initiate surprise show on his face when Kagome stood at the front of their classroom.
His face remained neutral, impassive.
And despite how compelled Yoh felt to connect with Kagome from the start, he initially ignored those feelings and went about his own business.
But that mysterious pull only intensified when he saw that lost look in her eyes.
The way he felt for Kagome was unlike anything he had ever experienced before.
Yoh inexplicably wanted to make her feel accepted and loved.
Yoh wanted to be the cure to her loneliness.
Yoh wanted to keep her safe and give her a life of smiles.
Without question or hesitation, Yoh was willing to lay it all on the line for Kagome.
Those feelings drove him to act and say things that he never gave much thought—until now.
Now, those feelings plagued his mind throughout the day, and even followed him into his dreams.
Now it was nearing a year later.
So much had changed since he first arrived in Tokyo.
He arrived, ready to chase his own dream and live his life out as easily as possible.
But now, Yoh was ready to protect Kagome's dream and die for that cause.
'Well...' Yoh stole a glance at Kagome's crestfallen expression as they and their friends sat around the Higurashi kotatsu. The priestess had just returned from reporting the events of her mission to the imperial family and settled down to tell her remaining friends about what happened at the palace. Besides himself, the table was occupied by Manta, Anna, Bankotsu, HoroHoro, Ryu, and Pirika. The group returned from their mission two days ago, but the Tao's were summoned to China the day prior and had yet to return.
'I'm almost ready,' Yoh thought to himself as he watched the priestess.
Goldva's words from the opening ceremony still rung within his ears, the reminder to tie up loose ends to avoid regrets. 'There are still some things that I need to do before I become Shaman King.' He watched the way Kagome's lips moved and changed shapes with each syllable.
Yoh couldn't fight his blush and forced himself to avert his gaze.
Sure, he was another side to Hao.
But that didn't make him as amorous...right?
S.H.A.M.A.N.K.I.N.G.
Ran smiled as she drafted her next handwritten letter to the Higurashi family.
The Tao matriarch indeed had her sights set on Higurashi Kagome for quite some time.
Months ago, when Jun first recommended the girl to be a potential bride for Ren, Ran dismissed the prospect. On the evening after Kagome was rescued from her collapse in the forest, Jun covertly invited her mother to a video chat, sending over pictures of the priestess in a qipao to emphasize her beauty. Upon staring at the pixels that made of Kagome's visage, Ran immediately scowled distastefully, "She's beautiful, I'll give you that. But what makes you think we'd benefit from such a delicate girl?"
Jun watched as her mother's eyes flashed between the camera lens and Kagome's picture. "The poor thing. Ren will surely walk all over her," Ran mused, half sympathetic and half cynically.
"I can assure you that there's more than meets the eye, Mother," Jun insisted. "Kagome-chan may be a flower, but she's the type who blossoms even in a desert wasteland."
"Is that so...?" Ran's brow raised. She wasn't convinced but unlike her husband, she was reasonable enough to humor her children. "Well then, continue to report to me on this Higurashi girl. In the meantime, I'll have to conduct my own, private research."
Ran wasn't the type of person who never half-assed her promises. So when she said that she would conduct her own private research, she exhausted all of her resources to create her own profile of Kagome's bride eligibility. And needless to say, Ran was less than impressed at what she found.
Kagome hailing from a long line of Shinto priests was a unique trait to add to the Tao bloodline. It would have been impressive if the Higurashi family kept their spiritual bloodline pure by marrying their heirs to other individuals with spiritual power. However, a background check of their family tree revealed that the Higurashi's abandoned that tradition many generations ago. And from a high-quality breeding perspective, the Higurashi bloodline was too inconsistent to be considered lucrative.
Furthermore, Ran discovered that Kagome was known as a failure of a priestess-in-training in the past. She was greatly outshone by a sister who was seemingly spirited away. And even if Ran ignored the mysterious disappearance of Kagome's sister and father, Kagome had an incident at her first middle school. Overall, Kagome seemed inept at being inconspicuous, the most common trait shared by all Tao matriarchs.
After Ran concluded her background check on Kagome, the woman couldn't fathom why her daughter was fixated on the girl being a perfect match for their Ren. Despite how close her children had always been, Jun had never taken to any girl in such a manner before. Sure, Jun encouraged Ren to interact with the young ladies of prosperous families at social or political events, but never before had Jun made such nudges towards a particular girl.
But somehow, Kagome beguiled Jun in such a way that Jun began cooing about how she couldn't wait for the pair to realize that they were made for each other.
However, overtime, the more that Jun spoke about Kagome's tiny victories, the more familiar Ran felt with the girl. And inevitably, the more woman began believing in Kagome and the mysterious good feeling she gave Jun. Eventually, Kagome's accomplishments began to pile up like a snowdrift.
Kagome managed to drag Ren from training and into activies more suited to boys his age.
Kagome succeeded in getting Ren to do her bidding.
Kagome became the bridge between the main and branch family.
Kagome was the first girl who Ren asked to text.
Kagome was the person who was the unknowingly recipient of Ren's small smiles.
She was the person who Ren swallowed his pride for.
No matter how unassuming her background was, Ran couldn't deny the hold Kagome had over her son. Kagome was only in Tao manor for a regrettably short time, but even during that minute window, Ran easily caught the way Ren's eyes searched for her-the way that they lingered on her.
It was even easier to catch onto how anxious he was to be by her side.
Upon his return home, Ren immediately met Yúan with a frigid stare and crossed arms.
Sango and Jun stood behind the scion as he queried frothily, "To what do we owe the honor of being summoned back here so urgently?"
Yúan, in his oversized Oversoul form, grinned widely while stretching out his arms in a welcoming manner, "Ren, I'm hurt. I'm your father. Isn't it normal to want you home with the family with your birthday on the horizon?"
"Oh, that?" Ren nearly scoffed. "I'm a man. I have no need for frivolous engagements."
It was then that Yúan looked down, his smile stretching as he queried, "Is that so? Or could you be this irritable because you wanted to spend your birthday with your priestess?"
The subtle uptick of Ren's brow answered before the heir's sneering mouth. "Tch," Ren glared off to the side, but still couldn't hide his brightening cheeks, "Don't be ridiculous. It doesn't matter who it's with. A birthday celebration is a waste of time."
Yúan's face fell and he visibly deflated, "Ren, that isn't very cute of you to say. Kagome-chan would be disappointed to hear that."
Ren bristled.
Sango merely scratched her cheek and Jun hid her sympathetic smile behind her fan.
S.H.A.M.A.N.K.I.N.G.
New Year's came and went quicker than anyone cared for. Kagome and Pirika, ever the duo of sunshine, spoke of plans for a big New Year's Eve party at Higurashi shrine last December. But between the rush to rescue the Tao's and the urgent mission to end Hakudoshi's and Kanna's reign of terror, the window of celebrating for the holiday ended before it even began.
But considering all that happened prior and what transpired afterwards, Yoh was grateful to be with his friends on New Year's Eve at all. On the night of December thirty-first, Yoh received the pleasure of huddling around the kotatsu, eating mochi and drinking tea with Kagome, her family, Ryu, and the Usui siblings. Bankotsu returned to his brothers. Anna went to visit and train with his Grandma Kino. Manta was summoned to his family's estate. And the Tao's had yet to return from China since they departed. Their group was considerably smaller that evening, but the atmosphere was still warm and inviting.
It was a never dull moment with Yoh's friends.
Pirika took great pride in being the undisputed champion of their multiplayer racing game.
Despite habitually ending up in second to last place, HoroHoro wasn't daunted and demanded rematches. His animated challenges that involved a finger aimed between Yoh's eyes never failed to make Kagome laugh, a sound that Yoh was grateful for.
She, no doubt, had gone through so much strife recently so Yoh cherished every moment brought her joy.
New Year's and the following weeks truly felt like a dream—a reprieve from the load placed on their shoulders. And it was like they could finally enjoy their youth again. Though Yoh couldn't say the same thing for the demon lord who occasionally made his presence known around the Higurashi house.
'Sesshomaru doesn't look scarier than usual...' Yoh thought. His eyes shifted from the split-screen game to a corner that grew darker and cold with the demon's manifestation. 'But I wonder how he's holding up? His precious heirloom was confiscated by the imperial family...'
Yoh wasn't present for the event, but he could easily imagine the distress that the priestess felt. It was almost two weeks ago but he could still picture Kagome's conflicted, torn face when she recounted what happened when she reported to the palace. She departed the Higurashi Shrine with baby Hakudoshi wrapped up and cradled in her arms and Tenseiga strapped to her back.
And she returned with neither.
The moment that she announced her return from the foyer, Yoh instantly could hear something was amiss. And her lightened load physically confirmed that.
[ "Tenseiga and Hakudoshi...they're now under the royal family's care..." ]
That was how Kagome prefaced her story. HoroHoro pressed her details without missing a beat. Kagome told her account in great detail, so much so that Yoh could imagine everything from her shock to her despair.
Kagome entered the palace effortlessly, undoubtedly because of her reputation and high priestess garments. She met the Supreme Priestess in an elegant, traditional conference room where they were served tea and imported cookies. Manami's expression changed from curiosity to shock to stoic as Kagome's verbal report progressed. By the end of the tale, the princess closed her eyes and looked as if she was withholding a sigh. Instead, the woman whispered, "You must be tired, Kagome-san."
The younger priestess unconsciously held the infant a bit tighter when Manami wordlessly beckoned a servant over and whispered into his ear. After the man nodded and departed, the superior looked at Kagome and offered an apologetic smile that made the junior priestess visibly tense.
"I'm sorry, Kagome-san, but it must be done."
Sesshomaru sensed Kagome's mounting distress and appeared behind her. Manami was aghast at his violent, crimson aura. His swirling energy promised retribution on behalf of his partner.
Through her visible discomfort, Manami encouraged, "Kagome-san, as a high priestess, you must guide your...companion into diplomacy."
While Kagome remained clutching Hakudoshi, seated on her instep, her upper body was aimed towards the exit: body language that Manami picked up on. But the royal figure remained calm. She was sure that Kagome wasn't reckless enough to act on her impulses.
Before Kagome could make a move, the sliding doors slammed open and in rushed a group of royal guards. The girl instantly threw Manami an accusatory glare as she rotated her body in attempt to protect the infant in her arms. She barked at the crowd of soldiers from over her shoulder, "What do you think you're doing?!"
But her inquiry was unanswered as their feet rushed forward to swarm the priestess. Kagome's eyes narrowed and took on a golden glow that made Manami stiffen. "Stand down! Don't come near me!" The girl commanded.
It took mere seconds for the Supreme Priestess to piece things together after her soldiers suddenly stilled like statues. "I see..." the princess muttered, her expression inscrutable as she observed aloud, "So the rumors are true. You do possess the power to control other human beings."
"It's not exactly controlling them-!" Kagome responded somewhat heatedly but redirected her attention as Sesshomaru floated forward so that he was positioned by her side. Without her eyes, she could tell that the demon was beyond agitated. His demonic aura was mounting, swearing violence to those who opposed him and his priestess. "Sesshomaru, it's alright. They can't hurt me," Kagome reassured him before delicately getting to her feet.
"I am aware," Sesshomaru responded as his eyes remained on the Supreme Priestess. "I merely suggest that we ensure it stays that way."
Kagome noted how the princess didn't rise in response. "Manami-sama, I'll be going now," the girl told her as repositioned the infant in her arms for travel. Just as Kagome was about to approach the group of royal guards, the older priestess finally spoke up.
"Kagome-san, you're quite the shrewd young lady," Manami's words stopped Kagome in her tracks. "Not only that, but I know for fact that you'd never use your powers for frivolous fights."
Kagome unconsciously held the child closer to her, "...you're right. But it wouldn't be a frivolous fight." She glanced down at the large, lavender eyes staring up at her innocently. "This is the life of a child. And I'm going to protect him no matter what it takes."
'...Because of me, Hakudoshi has been reborn again and again, trapped in a cycle of hurting and being hurt...' Her face didn't betray how her heart constricted. '...just like Hao.'
"Kagome-san, forgive me, but you're laboring under a misunderstanding," Manami told the girl, her voice suddenly softer. When Kagome turned surprised eyes towards her, Manami offered a smile befitting royalty. "I wish no ill will towards you or this child. I just thought it would be best if he and your sword were secured by the royal family."
"Secured...?" Kagome echoed, her brows furrowed. "Forgive my impertinence but that sounds like sugar-coated by of saying you're looking to confiscate Hakudoshi and Tenseiga." Her eyes briefly flashed to the side to peripheral the frozen guards near the door.
"I understand that my methods may seem extreme," Manami acknowledged. "But it's of the utmost importance that the boy and the sword are properly protected. And yes, I was willing to bring them under our protection by force."
"Manami-sama, I appreciate for your concern but both of them are my responsibi—."
"That sentiment is exactly why they should put under our care," Manami cut in. "Kagome-san, you do have extraordinary spiritual power, but do you truly think you'd be capable of stopping those who would seek them out for their power? Do you intend to watch over them 24-7 for the remainder of your life?" The younger priestess' face faltered under the questions. "That sword is particularly dangerous. A dark entity capable of bringing the entire human race to destruction is sealed inside of it. And I can't help but think that you'd be reckless enough to break the seal to save the girl."
"...it's not reckless, it's the right thing to do," Kagome's head lowered, her bangs obscuring her eyes. "No one soul deserves to be trapped with that monster..."
"Hmph," Manami stifled a chuckle. "I can see why you were granted such extraordinary powers. You have a heart that matches." Her eyes glanced from her guards to the priestess who served her family. "Kagome-san, please understand that I'm not trying to stand in your way. Rather, allow my family to protect the sword until you find a way to safely rescue the girl." She then looked at the ashen-haired baby, "As for the boy...once our finest priests determine that he's no longer a threat, he will be returned to the orphanage."
Kagome still looked unconvinced, "And if I refuse...?"
"It would cause a great deal of trouble for the ones you love..." Manami smiled softly.
The priestess looked at her partner...
"Sesshomaru left it up to me, since he told me that Tenseiga is now a Higurashi treasure..." Kagome told Yoh and Manta a few weeks later. Even the sea of stars that usually brought her great joy couldn't lift her spirits. "But I still don't know if it was the right decision. I can't help but feel like I let him down," she whispered against the knees that she hugged to her chest.
Manta looked sympathetic but conflicted, clearly wanting to comfort her but unable to think of the right words. But Yoh quickly filled the silence with a smile, "Maybe you did." The blond visibly bristled from Yoh's blunt response. "Or maybe you didn't. Unlike Amidamaru, it's hard to tell when Sesshomaru is sulking.
The samurai spirit then appeared and cried, "What do you mean by that, Yoh-dono?!"
Yoh merely grinned cheekily while chuckling as his partner cried for clarification. Kagome and Manta sweatdropped at their antics. '...was that supposed to cheer me up...?' She wondered, unaware of how her lips curved upward from the display.
"Anyway, if it's any consolation," Yoh finally turned his head to smile at Kagome. "If it were Harusame, I would have done the same thing. Possessions aren't worth the wellbeing of the people who I care about. Manami-sama essentially forced your hand."
"Yoh-dono..." Waterfall tears poured down Amidamaru's cheeks. "That's so touching, but please don't do anything to lose my precious treasure."
'Amidamaru, you're asking a lot from Yoh-kun...' Manta mentally responded.
S.H.A.M.A.N.K.I.N.G.
Ren was beyond agitated.
As far as he was concerned, he had yet to officially become head of the Tao clan.
At least, that was what he grumbled and inwardly hissed everytime his parents coerced him into participating in diplomatic and business affairs.
Ever since he, Jun, and Sango were summoned back home, he spent the vast majority of time cooped up in some room or another-not training for the Shaman Fights, but "preparing to take over the clan" as his father put it. The training didn't stop at reviewing contracts and documents and getting his suggested action or decision reviewed. No. Ren was even instructed to be his parents' companion when they attended business meetings or conferences of the like.
It was like everyone was testing him.
Not only were his parents detracting from his precious training time, but aspiring business partners and prospective allies weren't above trying to play matchmaker. Almost every meeting involved some business or political figure introducing him to their daughter or niece. None of them were subtle about their intentions either.
"The unity of marriage would surely strengthen mutual trust and bonds"-it was always some cliche line like that as they'd scoot young girls toward him.
Not wanting to burn any bridges early, Ran would hide amused smiles beind her fan as Yuan merely grinned and nudged Ren, "We'll definitely consider it. Right, Ren?"
"Tch," Ren would scowl and fold his arms defiantly, not caring to maintain appearances, "Who are you including in this 'we'?"
His clear disinterest only seemed to make the girls swoon.
Then Ren would unknowing blush as he'd begrudgingly wonder why he couldn't have that effect on Kagome. After this occured a few times, Sango, who never attended but over heard the recounts later, told him, "You know, that blushing of yours probably make those girls think you're tsundere for them."
Ren froze, inwardly paling at the idea that thoughts of Kagome may have inadvertantly made him popular with other girls.
Nevertheless, his days continued on like that.
Whenever he wasn't preoccupied with clan relation activities, Ren vigorously spent his time training.
His dedication to toning his muscles and shamanist techniques was to partly ensure that he was prepaed for phase two of the Shaman Fights.
The other part was to keep his mind preoccupied as he awaited Kagome's messages.
Contact with her progressively became more and more sparse.
It was more nerve-wrecking than her lack of correspondence when she went to visit Izumo.
Ren wanted to play it cool.
Upon his return, he allowed twenty-hours to transpire before he followed-up on his last message. "Hey, dumbass. Don't be a brat. Update me," he texted her.
All of the Tao's messages went unanswered until the following day.
"How exactly does being busy make me a brat?" Kagome's avatar chibi looked deadpanned. "Anyway, it's a long story. I'd rather tell you on video or in-person."
Before he had the chance to stop himself, Ren's fingers glided across his screen, "Okay. Call me." It would be the first time they used the video chat feature on their messaging app. But that wasn't what made heat rush to his cheeks. It was the realization of desperate he must have seemed-or rather, how desperate he actually was.
Ren would do anything to hear Kagome's voice-to see her face.
Unbeknownst to him, Kagome's phone landed with muffled plop on her bed. Her hand lost its grip on the device when her hands rose to cover her mouth. The girl's cheeks were burning immensely as she struggled to contain her-.
What was it?
Giddiness?
Since when did Ren make her feel like that...?
The priestess shook those thoughts away and slapped her already reddened cheeks. 'No! Don't think that way!' She scolded herself. It didn't matter who it was. It didn't matter how special the person was. Yoh. Ren. She couldn't allow herself to become distracted from her end game.
Hao and the world came first.
The fate of every living creature of the present and the future rested on her shoulders.
She had a duty to fulfill-to do everything within her power to put an end to this cycle.
There was no capacity for romance or indulging her own desires.
'It's because of me that everyone hasn't been able to grow up...to move forward...' The heat in Kagome's cheeks easily subsided with those thoughts.
Sango didn't get her happy ending.
Ren and Yoh never got the chances to heal and fall in love with someone else.
Anna never found closure or peace.
Manta couldn't discover what his future held.
Hao had yet to realize that she-.
Kagome tapped on the picture that she assigned to Ren's number. It was a photo that she snapped of him after nearly an hour of begging him for permission months ago.
At first, his response was an impassive, "I don't think so."
But she wasn't the type to give up so easily, and his second response was a seemingly annoyed, "Why? You already know what I look like."
Ultimately, Kagome clapping her hands together and bowing her head slightly with a "Pretty please, Ren?" did the trick. He relented with a grumble and slightly flushed cheeks.
Ren scowled for the picture, looking embarrassed and sulky.
But at the time, Kagome didn't mind since the look suited him.
The priestess gave the photo a wry smile, 'I'm sorry, Ren. I don't want you to see me like this, not again.' She remembered how distraught he looked when she was at her lowest.
[ "How could you ask that…? ...When you're the one who's suffering in silence…?!" ]
"Not right now. I'm a little preoccupied," She typed back, including her avatar with an apologetic smile.
It was a lie. She had the entire night to rest before she was dispatched on her next mission.
Unbeknownst to Ren, Kagome wanted to see him as much he wanted to see her...
S.H.A.M.A.N.K.I.N.G.
Not every face was always smiling, but every face didn't need to.
Kagome had long come to accept that people expressed their contentment in different ways.
Even after they were married for many years, Inuyasha's smiles were rare treasures.
But that didn't make Kagome feel nervous or unsure of her marriage.
Between the sporadic periods of chaos and peace, Kagome was content.
It wasn't uncommon for Inuyasha and Miroku to take on assignments outside the village for money or resources. Granted, impoverished villages who needed demons or wicked spirits to meet their end received their extermination services for nothing but thanks. This day was the third day since the men departed for an assignment to stop a malevolent demon from stalking young women in a town a few days away. Kagome estimated that today would be when they'd arrive at their destination and would begin their work.
She smiled fondly at the thought of the adventures and battles that she shared with her husband and friends years ago. After becoming a high priestess, Kagome largely shifted her time away from demon slaying and towards providing services for the ill, cursed, or needy. Sometimes fatally cursed individuals would be brought to her by carriage. Other times, messengers from afar would arrive to fetch her on a journey to cure bodily illnesses and injuries. Essentially, Kagome adopted a role that hybrided between spiritual leader and medicine maker.
Kagome smiled as she mused to herself, "Well, I did think about becoming a doctor when I was younger." With the last of her herbs gathered from the forested area, she mentally patted herself on the back for another day of being productive. As she rose from her kneeling stance and dusted off her hakamas, a familiar childish voice called out to her.
"Kagome-sama, Kagome-sama!" One of the children who grew on Kagome's heart chimed her name as she did everyday. As usual, the child wore an exuberant smile as she charged towards the priestess, "You have a visitor from another country!"
"From so far?" Kagome looked surprised then inwardly wonderied, 'How common is transcontinental travel during this era again...?' Her musings didn't slow her pace though. She smiled down at the girl, "Well, I'll be right there soon, okay?"
Visitors from afar weren't uncommon, ones from within Japan anyway.
Not only was Kagome often sought out for her spiritual power and medicinal knowledge, but there seemed to have been odd rumors surrounding her since her return to Sengoku Jidai. She wasn't sure if it was for her skills, reputation, or looks but courtship or marriage proposals from feudal lords, high priests, monks, and princes weren't foreign to her.
With a basket of herbs tucked beneath her arm, Kagome began a leisurely pace back into and through the village. Despite the lack of rush in her stride, she still didn't expect Sango to be standing alone around the village entrance. The older woman shook her head at Kagome's confused expression. "Heeh? I heard that I had a visitor, Sango-chan."
"You did," Sango confirmed, her face betraying exasperation, "He claimed to admire you so much that he fell in love with rumors of you but he departed a couple of minutes ago." The two women then began heading towards their home, walking side by side while chatting. "I suppose he gave up after I told him that you were already spoken for."
"I guess so," Kagome smiled, "But it's still a shame."
"Hm?" Sango's eyebrows raised, it was unusual for Kagome to welcome other men's advances.
Seeing her best friend's bewilderment, Kagome shook her head and clarified, "Don't get the wrong idea, Sango-chan. It's just that his aura felt interesting so I was curious about him."
"Oh, that. I suppose it could be because he's a foreign priest," Sango proposed. "Their spiritual power could feel a bit different from what you're used to."
The priestess chuckled at the prospect, "Well, maybe."
'It's so strange. I felt like...like he was calling out to me.' Kagome looked to the sky. 'Well, whatever that pulse was—. Maybe, we'll meet someday and I'll be there for him.'
S.H.A.M.A.N.K.I.N.G.
[February]
February passed slower than flurries fluttering to the frozen floor.
The air became significantly colder-and with the cold came a sense of longing.
Longing for the warmth of belonging with his friends.
The Tao's had yet to return from China.
The Usui siblings began a rotation of host residence-an idea proposed by Pirika to ensure that they didn't overstay their welcome anywhere.
Since the siblings spent January with the Higurashi family, Yoh expected the pair to return to his home in Funbari.
But to his surprise, Pirika announced that they received the access code to the Tao's apartment complex from Jun and decided to spend time utilizing their training facilities.
Anna spent a considerable amount of time with his Grandmother.
Even Kagome became caught up in personal- well, personal business affairs.
Ever since the success of her first mission, the girl was continuously called upon for countless high-ranked missions.
From exorcising demonic spirits to cleansing legendary cursed objects, High Priestess Kagome was dispatched to them all.
From Yoh's understanding, there were even times when she would receive multiple assignments at once.
During the second to last week of February, Yoh decided that he wanted to stop by Higurashi shrine for a visit to the family. When Manta reminded him that Kagome was in Europe for a good-will mission, Yoh smiled and reassured him that he didn't forget that. And it was true. The Asakura merely wished to check in on the family to see how they were faring with Kagome's new status.
The moment that the pair arrived at the foot of the grand stairs, both froze on the spot. It was clear that Kagome's reputation skyrocketed. "Wah... It's like the line at an amusement park..." Manta muttered as he and Yoh beheld the queue of visitors before them. A line of people of varying ages and ethnicities aligned the Higurashi shrine stairs. The line began at the base of the stairs and extended far beyond their immediate line of sight.
"Heeeeeh?" Yoh chimed as he and Manta joined the queue, only for a group of newcomers to immediately line up behind them. "So this is what an amusement park is like..." The shaman commented while gripping his chin.
"I see, so humans have indeed invented new methods of recreation," Amidamaru added while crossing his arms and nodding to himself.
"Eh-no..." Manta sweatdropped at the pair. "I was just saying the shrine is pretty popular..."
Thus, the three continued to make small talk as they awaited their turn to enter Higurashi shrine. The time dragged on as the line gradually moved. Yoh was more than grateful that Manta was able to escape family business to accompany him. The shaman would have surely lost his mind!
"I guess Kagome-chan really has gained some notoreity..." Manta remarked as he looked up from his phone screen to Yoh and Amidamaru. "There's several online articles about her already."
"I'm a bit surprised," Yoh replied. "Shamans usually don't get much attention from the human world."
"Yeah, but someone caught wind of the extraordinary feats that she achieved," Manta pointed out as the pair climbed up a few stairs. "People on my favorite paranormal forum even have theories about her. Apparently, a lot of people who were affected by Hakudoshi have vague memories of Kagome's face."
Yoh hummed, his lips shaping a scowl. "This could be bad. Humans tend to act irrationally about things like this," He stated, recalling the stones hurled at him during his younger years.
Manta nodded in agreement as his eyes returned to his phone, "Not to worry you even more but...apparently, there's rumors of a new cult formed to worship Kagome-chan as a religious icon."
"The cult of Kagome...?" Yoh looked surprised then grinned, "Where do I sign up?"
"Be serious!" Manta bellowed before regaining his composure. "If the rumors are true, I think the cult is actually called The Order of Red Hakama."
Amidamaru took that moment to chime in, "Yoh-dono. I don't know much about these things but we ought to keep an eye out for suspicious characters."
"I can't agree more," Yoh smiled and patted his partner's shoulder. "I'm counting on you, Amidamaru!"
Manta was deadpanned as his eye twitched, "Yoh-kun...you're as lax as usual."
An hour later, the trio finally arrived at the top of the stairs and was able to venture into Higurashi shrine. It was somewhat of a tight squeeze between the staffs suddenly installed along the perimeter and the clusters of people gathered here and there.
"Wow, every since stall is packed," Manta observed aloud as they sauntered around the property. "I wonder what the Higurashi's are selling to gather this much attention."
Before Yoh or Amidamaru could voice any theories, a familiar, feminine voice called out," Step right up to purchase your sample of High Priestess Kagome's Miracle Water!"
The trio froze on the spot, instantly recognizing the owner of the voice.
"Pi...Pirika-chan..." Manta muttered as he and Yoh wordlessly agreed to bypass the lines and crowds to follow her voice to its source. A minute later, the trio found themselves standing beside one of the recently built stalls.
Surely enough, Pirika stood on the other side of the small structure. Stacks of unopened and empty boxes haphazardly littered the ground behind her. Further to their surprise, Pirika was dressed in a traditional red and white shrine maiden outfit. Her long hair was pulled into a high ponytail as she smiled prettily. "That's right! Get it before its gone! Holy water blessed by none other than the priestess prodigy herself!" Pirika called out to the crowd, who roared their excitement in response.
"Yo, Pirika~" Yoh casually greeted as they moved closer to the side of the stand. "Helping out the Higurashi's?"
Pirika briefly broke her vendor persona to smile brilliantly at her friends. "Mmhm~!" She nodded. "Jii-chan thought it would be lucrative to take advantage of all the people who come to see Kagome-neechan so we began selling Higurashi Shrine merchandise~." She raised her arms to present herself in her shrine maiden outfit. "As you can see, I'm officially a Higurashi shrine maiden now!"
Manta nodded and added pleasantly, "Mm. It looks good on you."
Pirika blushed prettily as she cupped her hands and closed her eyes, "I agree. I can only hope that Ban-san feels the same way when he finally sees me~!"
"I'm sure he will. You make a cute shrine maiden," Yoh told the girl as a glowing, sparkly background appeared around her.
But before the girl could lose herself in her fantasy, a voice called from the crowd, "Heeeey! We're still waiting for our Miracle Water!"
Pirika instantly snapped back to reality, "Right! I'll talk to you guys later!" She then faced the anxious crowd and asked, "Okay, who's next?!"
Manta flinched from the cacophony of "Me!" "No, me!" "I was here first!" as several gloved hands clutching cash shot into the air.
Yoh, Manta, and Amidamaru's shock didn't stop at Pirika's new part-time job. They soon discovered that the other stalls were covered by Momiji, Botan, Sango, Jun, and even Anna-all working as part-time shrine maidens.
Momiji distributed miniature Kagome keychains for her die-hard fans. Botan was the purveyor of Higurashi Bento Boxes. Sango sold Sacred Rice Water for people who wanted hair as fast-growing and silky as High Priestess Kagome. Jun distributed protection charms for people who wanted to ward off negative energy and evil spirits. And finally, Anna was in charge of selling love charms which was advertised to make you more attractive to your beloved.
All of the girls wore shrine maiden attire, even Anna, who sported the garments with her hair pulled into low-hanging twintails. Her cheeks were red and she quickly averted her eyes, "Don't get the wrong idea. I'm only helping because they're paying well."
"Still, you look like a true shrine maiden~" Yoh praised with a dashing smile that made Anna's cheeks burn deeper. The itako merely huffed and continued working.
It was after the girls closed up shop later that evening that Yoh and Manta discovered that Tao's returned to Japan a week ago. "Poor Ren..." Yoh frowned when Sango told him how sulky the Tao heir had been lately.
The Asakura understood how Ren felt.
More than anything, Yoh wanted to see Kagome again.
There were so many things that he wanted to do with her before phase two.
More importantly, there was something that he wanted to tell her...before it was too late.
S.H.A.M.A.N.K.I.N.G.
(March)
"This is so exciting, isn't it?!" Botan asked expending her extra energy by pumping overly excited fists up and down into the air. "This'll be our first yutate kagura dance, girls~!" She announced to her twin sister and older cousin Kagome, but the statement was more directed at the three other teenage girls who volunteered to help the three priestesses prepare for the ceremony.
Despite her volunteering to help the Higurashi's prepare for the ritual, Pirika honestly had no clue what the yutate kagura was so she decided that this was the perfect opportunity to learn about it, "So...what is the yutate kagura anyway?" The Usui's sudden question caused the other girls to anime fall.
Jun was the first to recover and get back to her feet, "Pi...Pirika-chan...you volunteered to help without knowing something like that?" she questioned, her tone was half incredulous, half amused. A moment later, the other girls regained their composure.
Sango went back to thoroughly combing through Momiji's hair as Jun returned to happily brushing Kagome's tresses. Pirika too went back to work as she picked up a comb and began sifting it through Botan's long, dark blue locks. "So, what is it exactly?" the youngest of the girls repeated her question after not receiving an answer right away.
Kagome smiled at Pirika's curiosity then closed her eyes as she explained, "To put it simply, yutate kagura is a purification ceremony where we priestesses invoke the gods by dancing and making offerings to them. Our grandmother, as the senior priestess, then flings a mixture of boiling hot water, salt, rice, and sake around using a bamboo branch. In return, the gods leave everyone good fortune and drive away evil spirits."
"Uwaaaaaah!" Pirika squealed at the thought as her eyes shifted over to the box of ceremonial garbs that had been prepared for the three priestesses. "That sounds so amazing! And you get to dress up in such beautiful clothing!" She exclaimed dreamily as she admired the gorgeous accessories with her eyes. "Forget being a shrine maiden, I want to be a full-blown priestess too!"
"Now, now," Jun spoke to Pirika in a calm, soothing voice. "There's more to being a priestess than dancing and wearing beautiful clothing, Pirika-chan."
Sango nodded and explained knowledgeably, "Yeah, these young ladies have to remain pure hearted to maintain high levels of spiritual power, which means that they must meditate for hours on end daily, practice self-control, memorize ancient texts..."
Pirika trembled and shrunk away as the list went on and on.
S.H.A.M.A.N.K.I.N.G.
Yoh smiled as he stuffed his hands into his coat pockets to shield them from the frigid air. Kagome had invited him and Manta to come and see her perform a special dance so it was only natural that he and his other best friend would be amongst the first to arrive at the venue: a stage set-up in the middle of the shrine main grounds for the sake of the ceremony.
"This'll be my first time viewing a kagura dance live, Yoh-kun," Manta admitted with a smile as he looked up at the shaman.
The brunette then nodded and admitted with a laidback smile, "Same for me. And the fact that Kagome is performing it makes it even more exciting."
"Hey, is that Yoh and Manta?!" A familiar voice called out from behind them. The duo turned around and both smiled when they spotted a distinct spiky, blue mane making its way through the small crowd that was beginning to form around the stage. After a bit of light pushes and shoves to random onlookers, HoroHoro emerged from within the depths of the crowd, a typical grin on his face and his eyes just as excited as theirs.
"Oh, it is HoroHoro! Ehhhh?! And Ren too?!" Manta shouted in pure shock when HoroHoro pulled a scowling Ren out of the crowd. The shorter shaman had been dragged through the crowd by HoroHoro, who had his arm wrapped around his neck in a chummy manner.
"You're here to see Kagome dance the kagura too?" Yoh inquired with an easygoing smile. The Asakura noticed how the Tao opted for narrowing his eyes at him, instead of offering a verbal response. Yoh took no offense to Ren's unfriendly demeanor, he was used to it by now. The brunette merely patted Ren on the shoulder and grinned, "I get it, I get it. I'm looking forward to it too."
Just because they were romantic rivals, didn't mean that they couldn't be friends. That was how Yoh saw it, and he knew despite his grumpy face, Ren felt the same way.
The Tao took everyone by surprise when he suddenly opened his mouth to respond with a gruff, "Don't get the wrong idea," he said while huffing. "I'm only here because this idiot wouldn't shut up about it. He was really getting on my nerves."
"Ahhhh," Yoh replied as he lightly dropped a fist into an open palm, as if he just had an epiphany. He sent a teasing grin at Ren as he asked, "So you're the only one who didn't come here to support Kagome? She'll be so sad when she finds out."
"Y-You'd better not tell her that!" Ren suddenly shouted with a flushed face as he lifted Yoh off the ground by the collar and began shaking him frantically to get his point across.
"Hey, heeeeey," Another familiar voice called to them, in a strange cross between a greeting and a hearty laugh.
"Oh, great," Ren grunted sarcastically as he dropped Yoh to turn and glared at the newcomer whose voice he would never mistake for anyone else's. "It's the oversized buffoon," he grumbled as Bankotsu approached them with a friendly grin on his face.
"Sup, fellas? You all here to gawk at my Kagome?" He asked with a smirk that was indistinguishable between playful and challenging.
Manta sweatdropped as Ren immediately took the bait and began animatedly telling Bankotsu off, his rant complete with a shaking finger pointed up at the taller boy. "He fell for that one, hook, line, and sinker..." the petite teen pointed out.
Yoh nodded and snickered at Ren's expense, "Yeah, but I admire his passion."
HoroHoro clicked his tongue while shaking his head and shrugging his shoulders, "Tsk, tsk. I'll admit that Kagome-chan is quite the beauty, but I'm a real man so I have my sights set for the Madonna of the East," he explained. "My San-tan...I wonder if she'll be all dressed up for this," the blunette sighed dreamily while cupping his hands together like a maiden in love.
Over the course of several minutes, the group was joined by Ryu and the rest of the Shichinin brothers, who complained of their younger brother leaving them behind in the crowd. Eventually, Pirika, Jun, and Sango reunited with them, prompting energetic, love-struck greetings from Ryu and HoroHoro. Similarly, Pirika squeaked a flustered greeting to Bankotsu, who returned it with a smooth grin that made HoroHoro's brow twitch.
After about fifteen more minutes of banter and playful jabs at each other, the teens and the rest of the crowd were quickly lulled into a respectful silence by the sound of ceremonial drums starting up the traditional song.
A few moments later, the drums were followed in tune by a myriad of woodwind instruments as the elderly priest of Higurashi shrine led a procession of musicians and holy people across the shrine grounds and past the crowd. After the last musician followed the priest to a bubbling cauldron next to the stage, the Higurashi priestesses made their way across the ground in a single-file line... The short parade of priestesses proceeded in order of ascending age... First, there was the younger of the Higurashi twins, Botan; she was followed by Momiji, and then—the priestess who drew the cluster of shamans in: Kagome.
Kagome was dressed identically to her younger cousins. All three priestesses sported their traditional red hakama, but Yoh and Manta noticed the additional attire that was truly worthy of such an occasion. In addition to their crimson pants, the priestesses wore a more eye-catching version of their white haori. The special ceremonial haori were intricately embroidered with green birds and bamboo leaf patterns.
Their hair was pulled back into low-hanging ponytails while their heads were adorned by lavish golden hair ornaments that covered their bangs. Tucked inside the golden headdresses were tiny yet elegant clusters of white and red seasonal flowers.
Yoh, Ren, and Bankotsu all noticed how Kagome's lips were painted a shade of red that was more than welcoming to the eye. Bankotsu smirked at this while Yoh and Ren swallowed lumps in their throats. Yoh bowed his head respectfully as Kaede, the senior priestess, passed them by and inwardly pleaded with her, 'Obaa-san, please cleanse me!'
Yoh was here to support his—.
Kagome.
He was here to support Kagome.
He had to focus on the ceremony and not the less than pure thoughts that crossed his mind.
Just seeing her lips—.
He wasn't as amorous as Hao, was he...?
A few moments later, the three young priestesses boarded the stage in a well-choreographed manner that ended in Kagome standing front and center with her younger cousins standing on either side behind her. Kagome began the dance by slowly and rhythmically raising one arm in the air to reveal a golden, belled wand. Her other arm immediately followed a motion that was just as slow and fluid as the previous one; this hand clutched a small branch of plum blossoms.
The long, flowing sleeves of her haori served in creating an even more elegant image as they twirled and flapped with each wide arm motion that Kagome made. Her cousins then joined in the routine as all three of them twirled around in perfect harmony to the wind instruments that played a remarkably peaceful melody.
The shamans and humans alike watched the performance quietly, in awe of how mature and refined the normally spry and youthful girls appeared. Moreover, most of their eyes followed along the movements of the young, high priestess as she continued jingling her bell and waving her plum blossoms at the members of the audience in order to bless them. After another twirl and floral wave at the audience on the eastern side of the stage, Kagome's face was revealed to her friends once again.
Bankotsu, Yoh, and Ren didn't miss the playful wink she threw at them.
(It was super effective.)
"!" Ren stiffened and blushed immediately, 'That minx—!'
'M-My angel!' Yoh's eyes widened as blood rushed to his cheeks, clearly taken off guard.
Bankotsu's hand rose to cover the lower half of his face, 'Run away with me!'
As if the three romantic rivals had read each other's thoughts, they all snapped from their love-struck thoughts to exchange glares, cheeky grins, and smirks. "Don't even think about it, boys," Bankotsu told them in a condescending tone while patting them both on the head, "She was obviously winking at me."
"You? Tch," Ren sneered while crossing his arms. "She doesn't even notice you when I'm around you," he taunted with a smirk.
Pirika inwardly panicked, knowing that Ren's rebuttal unknowingly hit close to home, 'B-Ban-san, hang in there!' She mentally cheered her crush on when she spotted the way his brow twitched.
"Doesn't notice me?" Bankotsu smirked through the pain as he placed a hand on Ren's head. He gripped it roughly as his lips twitched, agitation on full display, "I have at least three heads above you, squirt."
"E-Ehhh," Yoh waved for them to calm down, not wanting them to cause a ruckus and interrupt the ceremony. "Maybe she was winking at all of us? Like, in a greeting?" He suggested passively. The Asakura then shrunk away when the bickering duo aimed demonic, glowing eyes at his proposal. "Ooooookay..." He sweatdropped.
'Oh,' Manta blinked as his eyes caught something that the others' failed to do in their lovesick haze, 'She has something in her eye.' But between the quivering Yoh, the ever bickering Bankotsu and Ren, and the other teens, Manta didn't bother correcting anyone's assumptions.
The rest of the ceremony continued without a hitch.
The spectators were dazzled by the girls' dance and gladly accepted the blessings that came from the Higurashi's. The droplets of water that Kaede flung into the air glistened beneath the sunlight.
Yoh wasn't surprised when Kagome was rushed by a sea of followers after the ceremony ended. But after much ushering from the head priest and priestess, the crowd finally dispersed a while later.
But even without her fans, Yoh found himself trapped on the other side of a crowd as their friends surrounded Kagome to praise her performance. The Asakura could only watch as Pirika gushed over how beautiful the dance was.
He felt as helpless as Bankotsu's longing gaze when Ren finally approached Kagome, trying to coolly greet her, only for the girl's eyes to tear up.
Her watery smile was accompanied by Kagome throwing her arms around Ren, who stiffened and awkwardly raised a hand to pat her back. He closed his eyes to shut out Jun's knowing smile.
Yoh knew that Bankotsu resigned from the race.
And Yoh knew that he too would eventually have to leave the rest in Ren's hands.
But still...knowing what he had to sacrifice to realize Kagome's dream didn't stop Yoh from wanting...
Wanting to be with her, and wanting to tell her...
The previous night, Yoh found himself staring up at his ceiling in Funbari again. It had been a while since he'd seen Kagome's face. And the time apart only seemed to strengthen his desire to see her. Unable to sleep with the thoughts swimming in his head, Yoh decided to try something new.
Kagome told him that she couldn't purpose a deeper relationship with him, but he still wanted to tell her how he felt.
It only felt right to tell her.
'Maybe...if I write it down...' Yoh inwardly theorized as he pulled out a sheet of paper and a pen from the school supplies that he never used. Maybe the desire to tell her how he felt throbbed this way because he wasn't getting it out of his head? Maybe if he wrote out his thoughts, he would finally be relieved from this ache...?
That was what he thought.
So he wrote, initially cringing at his less than acceptable penmanship.
'That's why I want you to know that no matter what happens, from the very beginning, I...'
Yoh paused.
A blush crept across his cheek as he arrived at the final sentence to the letter he'd never deliver.
"Ah?" Amidamaru blinked, suddenly peering over Yoh's shoulder. "Writing a letter, Yoh-dono?"
"I-it's nothing!" The brunette sputtered as his hands frantically gripped the paper and crumpled it into a tight ball. "I was just practicing my uh...writing, for school!" Yoh shrieked as he held the ball behind his back.
Amidamaru sweatdropped, "Yoh-dono...you can't be more suspicious."
Meanwhile, on that same night, Amidamaru wasn't the only guardian spirit whose partner was agonizing over speaking to Kagome. Between his frequent returns to China for familial affairs and Kagome's new High Priestess status, Ren's opportunities to see Kagome were few and far in between: to his dismay.
After being forced to spend his birthday and New Year away from Kagome, Ren had resolved that he would do everything within his power to make the most of his time before phase two. There was more than preparation for phase two of the Shaman Fights than training and becoming stronger. His old self would have laughed that he even considered romantic endeavors as critical as the prospect of becoming Shaman King.
But Ren wasn't the person who he used to be.
And it was all thanks to Kagome.
His old-self tried to alleviate his own pain and quell his fury by spilling blood.
But Kagome opened his eyes and made him realize that hurting others didn't make him feel any happier.
She filled him with the desire for more than power.
Ren wanted to use that power for her—.
But before he could even consider thinking about wedding bells, Ren had to overcome this hurdle.
His cheeks were flushed and his finger trembled as it hovered over the "Send" button. Jun and Sango offered to take care of this task for him numerous times. But (with a blush and grumble) Ren declined each time.
He had to be a man.
He had to sew the seeds now.
He had to make his intentions clear.
'It's just Kagome, damn it!' Ren told himself. But that internal admonishment only elevated his anxiety. It wasn't just Kagome. Kagome was more than a girl. She was the only one—!
Ren growled and chucked his phone across the room, not wincing as it slammed into the wall. A frustrated hand rose to his forehad and he seethed, 'Damn it! Damn it all to hell!'
S.H.A.M.A.N.K.I.N.G.
It was the week before Kagome's birthday that the priestess decided to take a break from her imperial priestess duties. A visit to the palace solved a few of her problems. It was over tea and snacks that Kagome discussed going on a leave of absence from her missions with Manami, who readily agreed, much to Kagome's relief. "You've earned a break after all of your hard work," was Manami's answer.
During that break, Kagome visited Tenseiga. True to Manami's word, the blade was under high security. It was placed inside of a case of reinforced, blessed glass in a secret shrine in the inner depths of the imperial palace. A quarter of high-ranking priests and priestess were mumbling in constant prayer around the case.
"...and Hakudoshi...?" Kagome was sure to inquire as she and Manami traversed the passage that led back to the outer palace. Despite the countless missions and trips that she had been tasked to, there wasn't a day that gone by that the girl didn't think of Hao, Hakudoshi, Kanna, and her other duties.
"Yes, the child," Manami confirmed with a small smile. "Rest assured that he was returned to the orphanage months ago. From what I hear, there's been no signs that he has any special powers since then."
'...I wonder if I should try calling Hao for advice...' Kagome pondered. 'No matter where I look, I can't figure out a way to save Kanna.'
Yoh was waiting for her outside of the palace gate. Once he spotted the priestess approaching, he removed his earbuds from his ears and queried with a soft smile, "Thinking about Kanna, again?" He chuckled when Kagome's eyes widened. "Don't look so surprised. You tend to wear your thoughts on your face."
Kagome huffed, her hands meeting her hips as the pair began leaving the premises. "Well excuse me for not having a poker face," she quipped, her nose in the air.
Yoh chuckled again, but didn't voice how cute he thought she was. Instead, he focused on their conversation. "You know, if you call him for help, I wouldn't be angry," he told her.
"Eh?!" Kagome's head snapped. Within the blink of an eye, the girl moved from Yoh's side and blocked his path with her body. She stepped closer, standing on her tip-toes till they were nearly nose to nose. "Wait a minute! There's no way! Yoh, did you become an esper without telling me?!" She questioned, not noticing how their proximity made Yoh blush.
But he didn't create more distance between them.
Instead, Yoh scratched behind his head and gave an embarrassed smile, "No, it's just—it's not just your burden." Kagome's frantic expression softened as he continued, "It's mine too. So I think I understand how you feel and think more than you realize."
Without thinking, Yoh's hand planted on Kagome's head. He gave her hair a soft ruffle, mindful of her golden coronet. "Do what you need to do without worry. I'm here to back you up."
To be a high priestess head patted by a laidback person like Yoh was somewhat embarrassing...
but still, his hand held so much warmth and promise.
Kagome could feel her chest swelling and she couldn't fight the smile that broke out. "Thanks, Yoh. Thanks for everything," she beamed.
Against Jun's wishes, Kagome's birthday party was small and intimate. Instead of a vacation to the Bahamas hosted by the Tao family, Kagome opted for a get together at Higurashi shrine. And to her delight, everyone who she invited showed up: even Anna, who arrived earlier than expected.
Higurashi-san spared no expense in acquiring everything that she thought would make for the perfect birthday party for her daughter. Anna blushed and huffed when Kagome planted a confetti-topped party hat on her head, "I thought you were turning fourteen, not four."
"Oh, can it," Kagome smiled as she pinched Anna's hat string between her fingers and pulled it away from the itako's chin. "Lighten up. You're a kid too, remember?" With that, the priestess released the string, sending it thwacking against Anna's low face.
The slap of string against her chin was but a brief, sharp pinch but it was enough for Anna to jump to her feet. "You'll pay for that...!" Yoh, Manta, HoroHoro, and Ryu shivered from the itako's raging red aura as she stomped towards the priestess.
"Ooh, scary~" Kagome giggled behind her hand as she proceeded to avoid Anna by walking around the living room table.
"Kagome-neechan sure is brave..." Pirika remarked as Kagome jeered at Anna. The priestess was using the crowded living to her advantage, squeezing between party guest to avoid Anna's wrath.
Bankotsu watched the display with a lopside smile, "More like, she's the type to do whatever it takes to bridge the gap."
The party lasted for hours.
There was numerous toasts, and even more snacks.
Kagome's cake was baked and decorated by Sango personally: a strawberry and chocolate buttercream cake accented by fourteen colorful candles. Yoh and Ren admired the way orange orbs of lights illuminated Kagome's face as she cupped her hands and closed her eyes.
'I wish...to choose the right path.'
Kagome was not the only one wishing that night.
S.H.A.M.A.N.K.I.N.G.
(May 12th)
Yoh considered himself the luckiest guy alive.
Not only did he get to spend his birthday indulging in Hanami season, but he got to spend it with Higurashi Kagome.
He put more effort into his appearance than he ever cared to, pulling his hair into a high ponytail and having Manta assist him into a kimono. It was leaf green and embroidered with warm-colored Japanese maple leaves.
Traveling from his home in Funbari to Higurashi shrine didn't feel as tedious as usual today. Well, everything except those blasted stairs. But the crisp spring air made the climb that much more bearable.
Nothing in Yoh's wildest imagination could prepare him for the angel that answered the door. He lost his breath from her appearance. Kagome's hair was pulled into an updo and accented by the cherry blossom hair pin that he gifted her for Christmas. She matched the pin with a pastel pink kimono that was decorated with white cherry blossom patterns.
Kagome's radiant smile made Yoh forget how to breathe as she chirped, "Happy Birthday, Yoh!" Not noticing how tongue-tied he was, Kagome bystepped him but not without catching his hand. "Let's get going. I want to get a good spot!"
It was then that Yoh noticed that her other hand was gripping a picnic basket.
"Yoh, I made your favorite food~" the imaginary Kagome in his head told him sweetly. She held a freshly made cinnamon roll to his lips, "Say ahhhhh~."
"Ahhhhh..." Yoh echoed in a dreamy daze, oblivious to the befuddled look Kagome gave him.
Their hour long bus trip went by in a flash.
Neither could ever could bored in each other's presence.
"This is it: Meguro River!" Kagome chimed. Her arms were spread out as they beheld the splendor that was the series of blooming sakura trees that aligned either side of the gentle waters.
"Yeah, but this place is packed," Yoh pointed out as he scanned the area for an open spot. From the ever-stretching bridge that overlooked the river to the near embankment that led to the shore, almost every centimeter of the area was littered with picnic blankets. He then looked at Kagome and stated matter-of-factly, "We should have gotten up earlier."
Kagome twitched and barked, "I don't wanna hear that from you!" She then regained her composure and looked around, "You're right though. I don't see any space around here."
Yoh gave a conceding smile as he hand landed on Kagome's basket, his fingers brushing over hers, "Guess we'll have to walk and eat."
"Think you can handle that~?" Kagome smiled teasingly as she fished into the basket for a finger food. "Here," she held up a cinnamon roll. "I actually just finished baking them this morning. They're your favorite, right~?"
The priestess sweatdropped when Yoh began glow, tears streaming down his face as he clutched the treat to his chest, "God, what did I do to deserve such an angel?!" She then shook her head and proceeded to drag Yoh along.
"Oh, please," Kagome's smile was small, but she felt like she was melting as she spoke, "You started it."
'I understand...why she called Yoh 'Alpha' and 'Omega'.'
Yoh shook his head in kind. "I was only doing what anyone would. It doesn't take a shaman to see how beautiful your soul is," He told her as he thought back to the aura that drew him in back then. That sorrowful soul that was lost in undeserved despair.
Kagome's lips parted so she could respond, but no sound came out.
But the spring itself left no room for silence.
The familiar plop of raindrops began filling the air, one after another.
"Eh?" Kagome blinked and looked to the sky. The sky was still bright blue. The clouds overhead were large dense and seemingly pure white. "A sun shower...?" She held out her hand and allowed a droplet to wet her palm.
Yoh pointed down at the road at a street vendor, "That lady is selling umbrellas. I'll buy one."
"No!" Kagome told him. "It's your birthday! I'll buy the umbrella!"
The Asakura waved it off, "Don't sweat it. It's the least I could do." With that, he shoved his cinnamon roll between his lips and dashed towards the vendor.
"That guy..." Kagome sighed then smiled as she watched Yoh briefly chat with the woman selling various goods. The priestess stifled a laugh when the woman offered a picnic blanket and Yoh smiled politely to decline. He then pointed at the umbrellas hanging from a hook on the side of her stand. Their brief exchange ended with Yoh placing some cash on the counter and running off with a wave to the woman.
"You seem really happy about it," Kagome pointed out when she observed Yoh's exuberant expression as he approached. "It's not raining that hard."
"It's not that," Yoh told her before releasing the flap that held the umbrella in its contained form. "Check it out!" He pointed the device to the sky and allowed it to blossom.
Kagome gasped when Yoh extended his arm to hold the umbrella over her head.
"I get the feeling that I never returned this to you..." Yoh said with a wide but somewhat shy grin.
It was a clear umbrella decorated with pink cherry blossom patterns.
"You really are too much," Kagome smiled before latching onto Yoh's arm, the side of her head resting against his shoulder.
'S-So close...!' Yoh thought while scratching his cheek. "Maybe the rain will free up a spot for us," he offered as the pair resumed their walk by the petal-covered waters.
"Honestly, I wouldn't mind staying like this for a while," Kagome admitted before blinking. She noticed the darkening, wet spot on Yoh's other shoulder. It was still exposed to the rain. She then looked up at his face. "Hey, Yoh...?"
"Don't worry about it," The brunette stated simply, as if he truly was an esper. "A little rain won't make me melt," he said with a wide smile. 'Rain's got nothing on you...' his cheeks colored at the thought.
"Are you sure? It's your birthday," Kagome insisted with furrowed eyebrows. 'You don't always have to spoil me, dummy.'
"Positive," Yoh confirmed. "Besides, it's not just my birthday," He smiled when Kagome looked confused. "Hao and I are twins, remember?"
The fact hit Kagome like a ton of bricks.
'I don't know why but I never thought of that...!' Kagome thought. "You're right. I guess I should count my blessings that I'm here with the reasonable twin."
"Yeah. Who knows what he'd ask for if he was here with you instead?" Yoh looked disturbed by that idea.
A thought bubble appeared above Kagome's head. Inside was the image of Hao trapping her between himself and a sakura tree. A single hand tilted her chin to look up at him.
Kagome's face went beet red as she shooed that thought bubble away, 'No, no, no, no—!'
Yoh chuckled, his smile teasing, "I guess you do know what he'd ask for." Kagome's face became even redder when the brunette added, "Kagome no ecchi. Eh—." He shrank beneath the priestess' dark glare. "J-Just kidding."
Authoress' Notes: Hello, fam! It's been a while! I was writing and getting blocked on this chapter on and off for a while but at last! This chapter was Yoh x Kag heavy with little sprinkles of other pairings. The next chapter will feature some Hao x Kag but plenty of Ren x Kag and Yoh x Kag too. Woot, woot!
Additionally, y'all gotta forgive me. I intended to feature a Hao x Kagome encounter in Sengoku Jidai a long time ago, like when this fanfic was in its infancy. But while revising the story two years ago, I debated if I wanted to keep that part it in because meeting people in the past and then again in the future is so overly done for Kagome. But when I finally arrived at this chapter, I told my doubts "screw you", and went for it. It's overdone and cliche (especially for Hao x Kagome) but it's fitting for this story so I did it anyway. (shrugs)
Lastly, for those following this stories extra content:
- the song for Hao's dream of the past: "Canary (Piano)"
- the song for Kagome and Yoh's picnic stroll is "Touch My Love".