DISCLAIMER: Inuyasha and all of the canon characters featured in this fanfic are the property of Takahashi Rumiko, Sunrise, Viz and all other respective copyright owners. I do not lay claim to these characters in any way, shape or form.
A big thanks to the guest who left a review! I've seen one other AtLA AU on Deviantart, a few SesshoumaruxZuko fics on Ao3, a few headcanon posts on Tumblr and a few pieces of fanart. So I'm not the first person to try an AtLA AU but there's less of them than you might expect, considering that both shows were airing at around the same time.
As for updates, I try to stick to a schedule I know I can manage. I find the longer I keep something on hiatus, the harder it is to go back to it. So I'd rather post slowly but consistently to avoid the need to take breaks. Thanks for your patience.
Chapter 3
Getting there was quite the adventure. The town was alive with celebration. People flooded the streets. Laughter and conversation flowed like water. The air was thick with the sizzle of lamps and braziers. Even the ship hadn't been this close.
Kagome set her sights on Akitoki's back and followed him as best she could. Thankfully, Aput had insisted on finding him another parka before they set off.
Their path wasn't a long one but it had more than a few twists and turns. The streets were clustered with bustling stalls. Coloured lanterns winked at her from every awning. Vendors clamoured for her attention like hungry penguins. Sights and smells tempted her at every turn. She barely had time to take it all in before she was faced with her surprise.
The Goshinboku rose to greet her as she rounded the crest of the slope. It towered over a frozen lake. Even a mirror that vast could only reflect a fraction of its canopy. She stopped to take in the view.
Akitoki cleared his throat. "Well, here we are."
Kagome's gaze followed his finger towards a small inn nestled beside the lake's near shore. A homely glow came from its doorway. A loose stream of smoke drifted from its chimney. Her stomach growled as her nose caught a whiff of five-flavour soup.
"Oh!" Ayumi clasped her hands in delight. "The Pilgrim's Rest!"
"Pilgrim's Rest?"
"It's the last inn before you reach the shrine," Eri piped up. "It's been there for years. Before Avatar Kikyou, even."
Before Avatar Kikyou? A dim memory of Grandpa's ramblings came to her. He'd mentioned it once or twice.
"Isn't that where the village-"
"Ah, well there's not much left of it these days," Akitoki explained. He glanced up at the moon. "Sorry, but we'd best not be too late."
Kagome wrinkled her nose but made no reply. She followed him down the path to the inn. Her friends trailed after them like a gaggle of turtle ducklings. Aput and Takeshi took the rear. Even they couldn't dampen her friends' enthusiasm. By the time they reached the inn even her own doubts were starting to give way.
The inn was already bustling with chatter. Firelight flickered behind its ice block windows. Laughter rose from the doorway as they drew near. A breath of warmth beckoned them inside.
An elderly woman emerged to greet them. Her broad, friendly face was still red from the heat of a blubber lamp. It lit up with a smile at the sight of new guests.
"Greetings, travellers. Welcome to the Pilgrim's... "
Her voice caught as she laid eyes on Kagome. Her hand rose to her mouth.
Kagome blinked. "Is something-"
"Akitoki!"
A cheery voice rang out from the doorway. It was followed by a craggy face split by a wide grin.
"Good to see you, son! How's the old man doing?"
Recognition flickered in the old woman's eyes. She shook her head to dispel her shock. A sunny smile broke through her weathered frown.
"Of course, Akitoki! We've been expecting you." It was already clear she hadn't been expecting her. Her eyes clouded with concern as she took in the rest of their guests. "Are your parents well?"
"Oh, they're doing great, Ma'am. Dad's just got his hands full with the festival and all." He waved towards the girls. "Hope you don't mind me bringing a few friends instead."
"Oh, no. Not at all," the old man beamed. "Hope you'll excuse the mix up, girls. We weren't expecting so many guests tonight but you're more than welcome." He pointed to his chest. "I'm Panuk and this is my wife, Amka. And I trust you've already heard of the Pilgrim's Rest." He waved towards the inn.
"Pleased to meet you, Sir. I'm Kagome," she replied with a bow.
Panuk returned the bow with a chuckle. "Oh, don't worry too much about the formalities. We're a pretty relaxed bunch. Not like some folks round these parts." He rolled his eyes in the direction of the shrine.
"Panuk," Amka clucked.
"Don't worry, Amka - they're well out of earshot," he replied. She rolled her eyes in return.
He turned back to their guests. "Well, we've kept you in the cold long enough. How's five-flavour soup sound for starters?"
"Sounds wonderful," Akitoki replied. "Could you squeeze in a table for seven?"
"I certainly can, young man." Panuk clapped his hands and made for the doorway. He waved for them to follow.
Aput quirked an eyebrow at Takeshi. He shrugged and followed Akitoki indoors. Aput watched in bemusement.
Her friends didn't need any more encouragement. They filed after him with eager smiles. Kagome followed with only a moment's hesitation. Aput did likewise.
They ducked through the low doorway and emerged into a room filled with warmth and chatter. She pushed back her hood and took stock of her surroundings.
The sight before her eyes was both strange and familiar. The inn was slightly larger than Chief Hojo's lodge. A central fire lit the room with a warm glow. Small alcoves held soapstone lamps and horn carvings. Short tunnels led off to the kitchen and lodgings. Compared to the festival's exotic sights it was rustic, plain even, yet its homely charm couldn't help but bring a smile to her face.
The other guests greeted them with polite nods. They sat at three of the four tables ringing the central fire. Each table was made from a slab of rock balanced atop several piles of slates. The benches on their long sides were draped with furs. Each place was laid with a bowl, knife and horn spoon. Not too different from the communal lodge after all.
"Thought I'd save you the usual spot."
Panuk's voice gave Kagome a start. "Oh. Thank you."
"You're welcome." Amka's smile was still a touch unsteady. "Please, make yourselves at home." She bustled off in search of more bowls.
Kagome tried not to stare after her as she retreated into the kitchen. A couple of the older guests exchanged glances. One of them gave Kagome a questioning look. She avoided their eyes and followed Akitoki over their table. She pulled off her mittens and parka and settled down towards the end of the nearest bench.
Akitoki parked himself next to her. Aput and Takeshi sat at opposite ends of the table. They couldn't have stuck out more if they'd been dressed as penguins. That almost got a giggle out of her. Perhaps it wouldn't be so hard to relax after all.
"So, what'll it be?" Akitoki gestured towards the far wall. A brief menu had been carved into a slate board embedded in the ice.
Kagome scanned the menu. Three main courses might be Akitoki's idea of "nothing fancy" but it was still three times more choice than she'd ever had. How was she supposed to start?
Yuka rubbed at her hands. "I could sure do with some of that soup right now."
Eri and Ayumi nodded in agreement.
"It does sound good," Kagome admitted. Hopefully they wouldn't get too carried away. The cost of a meal like this could feed her family for a week.
"Well, soup it is then," Akitoki decided. "And a pot of cloudberry tea."
"Of course." Panuk took the order with a smile.
Kagome reached for her purse. "I've got enough for everyone if-"
"Oh, don't worry about it," Akitoki reassured her.
Kagome frowned. "Are you sure?" Akitoki was nothing if he wasn't generous but he was spending more than enough on them as it was.
"Absolutely." Akitoki nodded. He laid his hand on her shoulder. "Come on. You deserve a break."
"Well..." Kagome suppressed a sigh. "Okay."
Her friends were far less reserved. Yuka and Ayumi were already eying up the arctic hen on the next table. Aput and Takeshi sat stony faced as ever. Eri watched them with amusement. At least she'd been better since they'd reached the inn. Nothing dampened her friends' spirits for long. If only...
She started again at Amka's footsteps. She glanced up and was met with a large wooden tureen clasped between a pair of sealskin mittens.
"Your soup, ladies and gentleman," Panuk announced with a grin. "Get it while it's hot."
"Oh, it'll be fine in the middle, thanks." Akitoki gestured towards the table.
Panuk set a blubber lamp and a stand down in the centre of the table. Amka placed the tureen on top of it. Yuka and Ayumi craned their necks in anticipation.
"Help yourselves, dears. Oh, and do let me know if there's anything else you'd like." Amka placed a horn ladle in the tureen and waited for them to dig in.
Akitoki took the ladle and filled his bowl to the brim. He handed it to Kagome. "Ladies first."
"Uh, thanks." Kagome just about managed to set down the bowl without spilling it. At least it wouldn't be going cold any time soon. Still, the smell alone was enough to make her mouth water. She reached for her spoon.
Her friends needed no encouragement. They crowded around the tureen to help themselves. Akitoki took command of the ladle while he had the chance. He still helped the girls first. He even ladled out bowlfuls for Aput and Takeshi before he took his own share.
Kagome gave them a resigned smile. At least the soup wouldn't go to waste. She lifted her spoon to her mouth and took a sip. An explosion of fresh flavours blossomed on her tongue. The inn's reputation was in no danger. She reached for another spoonful and bit into a wonton with relish.
Amka watched her anxiously. "Is it alright?"
"It's delicious," Kagome replied with her mouth full. She covered her embarrassment with a sip of tea.
"Oh, don't worry, dear," Amka chuckled. "I do beg your pardon for earlier. I'm afraid I might have been a little rude."
"Oh, no. You weren't expecting us, after all," she replied.
Amka's shoulders relaxed a touch. Her smile remained uncertain. "Oh, no guest is unexpected when you've worked in an inn as long as I have."
"I guess you've had some pretty strange customers over the years."
"Well, that's one way to put it." Amka chuckled. Her face still held a hint of unease. "Some rather famous ones too."
"Such as...?" Yuka prompted her.
Amka blinked. "You don't- oh, of course." She gave her an apologetic look. "I am sorry, dear. It's just... well, you look so much like her."
"Her?" Kagome lowered her spoon. The old couple glanced up at her again.
Amka gave her a nod. A flicker of emotion glinted in her gaze.
"Why, the Avatar, of course."
"The Avatar?" Kagome's voice hitched on the word. The soup in her stomach turned to butterflies. She lowered her spoon.
Ayumi glanced up from the remains of her soup. "Avatar Kikyou?"
"Why, yes." Amka looked Kagome up and down. "Just like when she was your age. You could be her granddaughter."
"You knew her?" Yuka cut in.
"Well, not well but I did see her a couple of times. Back when my grandfather was running the place."
"She stayed here?" Ayumi asked in awe.
"Oh, not for long. I only saw her in passing. Still, the Avatar's not exactly a sight to forget."
"I guess not... " Kagome put down her spoon.
Amka nodded. "Of course, that was quite some time ago. Why, I wasn't much more than a girl myself. Just about your age." Her eyes held Kagome's for a moment. They had lost all traces of doubt.
Kagome couldn't hold them any longer. Every set of eyes in the room was turned towards her. She glanced down at her bowl. The butterflies in her stomach quivered. She pushed it away.
"Kagome?" Akitoki glanced up from his own bowl.
"Sorry. I - I need to use the bathroom."
An unpleasant heat rose to her cheeks. The room's warmth had turned from sweet to sickly. The butterflies in her stomach gave another quiver. She got to her feet before they could take flight.
Akitoki reached for her shoulder. "Are you alright? Is your stomach-"
"It's fine, Akitoki." Kagome waved him away. "I could just do with a little fresh air."
"Are you sure?" Yuka's brows drew tight. "You don't look so good."
"I'll be fine." Kagome reassured her with a thin smile. "I'll be back in a minute." She grabbed her parka and made for the door.
"Kagome..." Akitoki's voice trailed after her.
She didn't stop walking until she was well out of sight of the windows. When she let out her breath the cold hit her lungs like a fist. She shivered and stuffed her hands into her mittens. Another gust of wind made her reach for her hood. She tugged it close and went in search of a more sheltered spot.
She settled down on the long bench against the wall and brushed her bangs from her eyes. At least it was quieter out here. Even festival's excitement was hushed by the whistling wind. The revellers must have gone in search of livelier spots. This one would do for her. She just needed a little peace and quiet.
Her thoughts drifted back to that morning. That woman's stare just wouldn't let her be. Nor would Amka's. The looks on their faces couldn't have been more different. Yet their eyes held the same spark. That unmistakeable recognition. She gave another shudder.
The Goshinboku's branches shivered in response. She stared up at the tree. It stood as silent as ever. As if they could have a conversation. Perhaps she should have stayed in bed after all.
"Yuan for your thoughts, Miss?"
Kagome started. She turned to find the fortune teller seated at the far end of the bench. His trove of trinkets sat beside him. He cradled a plain wooden staff in one hand and a cup of tea in the other. He greeted her stare with a smile.
"Pardon the interruption, Miss but I couldn't help but notice-"
"It's Kagome." She fixed him with a stare. "How did you-"
He waved her concerns away. "I was simply taking a moment's rest before the festival. I think you'll find this is one of the more agreeable spots in the port." He patted the space beside him.
She stayed put. Whatever his reasons, this was one coincidence too many for her liking. She tried a different tack.
"I don't think I caught your name?"
The fortune teller took a sip before he answered. "I am a man of many names-"
"One'll do me."
He gave her a nod. "Very well. You may call me Nanashi."
"Nanashi, huh?" Nanashi would do. He probably wouldn't let his real name slip any time soon. "Well, thanks, Nanashi."
Nanashi bowed his head. "No thanks are needed. I only ask for a moment of your time." He motioned for her to sit.
This could be a rather long moment. Kagome weighed her decision as he took another sip of tea. Well, she wasn't going back inside any time soon. She shuffled halfway down the bench.
Nanashi quirked his head towards her.
"Sorry, it's just - well, I never thanked you. For this morning," she added as a frown crossed his face.
His frown eased away. "You had more pressing concerns, of course."
"Well, yeah, I guess." Kagome glanced over her shoulder. The doorway remained empty. She turned back to Nanashi. Might as well get to the point.
"Those people, did you... ?"
"Not a trace." He shook his head. "Are you quite sure-"
"As sure as I can be," she admitted. "It's just - I don't know."
He prompted her with a nod.
"That woman... this place..." She gave a sigh. "I don't know. These people... there's just something off about them."
"Off." He considered the word with another sip. "So you feel it too."
"It?" Kagome wrinkled her nose.
"Something uncanny. Or perhaps... unbalanced?"
Unbalanced? The branches gave another shiver. Another coincidence? Kagome shook her head and cast her mind back once again. Whoever the woman was, she'd hardly describe her as stable. Although the islanders would probably think she was one to talk. She gave another sigh.
"I don't know... maybe if you talked to them?"
It was his turn to shake his head. "If they refuse to listen to their own eyes..."
The bitterness in his voice brought her gaze back to his. He glanced down at her with a hint of a frown.
"Sorry." She lowered her eyes. "I just thought, well, maybe they'd listen to you?"
His gaze softened. "I see. But I'm afraid-"
"Kagome?" Yuka's voice called out from the inn. "Your soup's going cold."
"Oh!" Kagome started. She attempted a smile. "Sorry, I'll have to go soon." She glanced towards the doorway.
"As you must." He drained his cup and set it down beside him. He reached for his tray. "One last request, if I may?"
"Uh..."
He didn't wait for her reply. He reached over and pressed something into her palm. "For your good fortune." He gathered his belongings and rose to leave.
"Wait." She caught at his sleeve. It rippled and slipped her grasp. She clutched the air in shock.
He didn't so much as glance back. "It seems I've kept you a little too long. My apologies." He carried on walking.
She rose to her feet. "But you never said-"
"I've said more than enough. I hope." She caught a faint smile in his voice. "Thank you for listening, Kagome." He took his leave with a bow.
She started after him. "Wait. Where are y-"
A gust of wind buffeted her face. She shielded herself with her sleeve. When she lowered her arm, the fortune teller was gone.
"Wha-"
Her jaw dropped with the wind. She scanned the shore for any sign of his presence. Not a trace remained. She blinked and gazed down at her hand. She was still clutching his unwanted gift. She opened her palm to reveal a crumpled strip of paper. She straightened it out.
A blessing to come.
All this for a fortune paper? And a cheap one at that. She scrunched it up and turned back to the inn.
She was met with a polite cough. Takeshi stood framed in the doorway. His eyes betrayed no surprise.
She fought the urge to flush and stuffed the paper into her parka. She met his gaze with a stare. He at least had the grace to look away.
"Kagome?" Eri called out. "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine." The words weren't even a comfort to herself.
"Fine, huh." Yuka emerged from the doorway clutching Kagome's bag. "You know, I don't mind looking after your stuff but-"
"Sorry." Kagome cleared her throat. "I just needed some air. That's all."
"I think you might be better off inside. Come on. What you need is some-"
"No." The word burst out before she had time to think.
"Kagome?" Eri's head poked over Yuka's shoulder. "Oh no. Are you still-"
She shook her head. "I just need some-"
"Kagome?" Akitoki's head popped over Yuka's other shoulder. Aput towered behind him. "Are - are you okay?"
"I'm-" She shook her head. "I'm sorry, Akitoki. It's no big deal."
"No big deal?" His brows creased with concern. "You know, you don't have to force your-"
"I'm not-"
"You're not well, are you?" Yuka's tone brooked no argument. She bustled over to Kagome. Eri and Ayumi hurried after her.
"Oh no."
Akitoki rushed to join them. Aput and Takeshi followed at a more cautious pace.
Ayumi was the first to reach her. She placed her hand on Kagome's back. "Oh, Kagome. You're shaking."
"Oh, Kagome, why didn't you say so?" Eri's eyes were tinged with guilt.
It was more than she could face right now. She kept her eyes on the ground. "It's not your fault."
"No. I shouldn't have pushed you into this-" Yuka began.
"You didn't-"
Akitoki set his hand on her shoulder. It didn't still her shaking. "Do you want to go back to the lodge? I can-"
"But what about-"
"Oh, no need to worry about that. I'll settle the bill."
Kagome jerked her head up to face him. "You don't have to."
"Hey, it's the least I can do," Akitoki replied. He rubbed her shoulder. "This is my fault, really. I shouldn't have-"
"You didn't know," Kagome shook her head and shrugged his hand away. "None of us did. I - I just need some space, that's all."
Akitoki drew back. His eyes were still tight with worry. "Are you sure? I know this hasn't been-"
"You've been nothing but kind," she reassured him. It did nothing to calm his nerves. She let out a sigh. "Sorry guys. It's just - today. It's - it's been a lot, okay?"
"Of course." Akitoki gave her a nod and turned to Aput. "I'll be right back." He reached over his shoulder for his bag and gave a start. "Oh no."
Aput held up the bag with an impressively blank face.
"Ah, thanks!" He took the bag and dashed back inside.
Kagome glanced back at Yuka. Her own bag was slung securely over her shoulders. Ayumi and Eri had theirs too. None of them had voiced a word of complaint.
"You're leaving?" she asked.
"Hey, if you're not feeling it then neither are we," said Yuka.
"But you worked so hard for-"
"The festival will still be here tomorrow. And I'm sure the innkeepers will be more than happy to welcome you back."
Kagome wasn't quite so sure of that. Few people welcomed their ghosts with open arms. She kept the thought to herself.
"Will you be okay? It's kind of busy." She gestured towards the festival's lights.
Yuka gave her arm a squeeze. "Don't worry about us. We'll manage."
"Things aren't too rowdy this early on," said Ayumi. "We should be fine."
"We'll go straight back, right? Promise." Eri gave her a smile.
Aput cleared his throat. "Pardon me, girls but the Chief-"
"Gave us an escort, right?" Yuka fixed him with her most winning smile. "I don't suppose you'd mind?"
Aput's gaze was wearier than ever. "The Chief's orders were to-"
"Okay. We're good to go." Akitoki emerged from the inn clutching his bag. "Sorry to keep you waiting."
"No worries," Yuka replied. "We were just about to head back to town."
"Sounds like a plan." He turned to Kagome. "You think you can manage?"
Kagome glanced back at the path to the town. It wasn't far but she had no more appetite for another trip through the festival than she had for dinner. She turned away from the lights and faced the Goshinboku once more.
"Well..."
"Well?" Akitoki prompted her.
"I think I could do with some space. If that's okay."
"Okay." He gave her a nod. "You know, if you need a walk, I know someplace we could go."
"Someplace?" Kagome followed his gaze towards the Goshinboku. Her lips parted as she caught his intention. "Is that really okay?"
"Well, no one's stopping us, are they?" Akitoki rubbed at his neck and gave a chuckle.
"I'm sure no one will mind as long as you're back in time for the fireworks," Yuka agreed. "Aput and us will keep an eye out for you."
"Really? Thanks Aput!" Akitoki beamed.
Aput accepted his fate with a shrug. Takeshi gave him a sympathetic look.
Kagome took in another breath. "I... I guess." It was unexpected, to say the least. Akitoki had never struck her as a rebel. Still, it was just a tree. There was no harm in just taking a look.
"No harm in just taking a look right?" Akitoki echoed her thoughts. "Ah - if that's okay with you," he added.
Kagome hugged her shoulders as she shivered between anxiety and anticipation. Her hand moved unconsciously towards the fortune stashed in her parka. Well, she had an excuse, even if it was as flimsy as the paper it was written on. At least the fresh air and exercise might do her some good.
"... right."
"Are you sure?" Akitoki's eyes had lost none of their concern.
Kagome gave him a nod. She didn't quite have a smile in her yet. "Sure."
"Great! See you later." Yuka left them with a wave. Ayumi and Eri did the same. Aput trudged after them with grim resolution.
"Great." Akitoki clapped Takeshi on the shoulder. "Thanks, Takeshi. I owe you one."
Takeshi's face was almost as uncertain as her feelings. Not that dwelling on those was going to do her much good. She stamped away the shivers and squared her shoulders. Time to put those ghost stories to rest. She turned towards the tree and led the way.
The path to the Goshinboku was mercifully quiet. Not so much as a solitary traveller passed them on the way. Apart from the odd glance and the odd word from Akitoki, Kagome was left to herself.
She wasn't thankful for it. The silence was suffocating. Even a night as calm as this couldn't still the whirlwind of emotions inside her. An interruption or two might have given her some breathing space. Her heartbeat skipped all the way to the shrine.
Her footsteps reached the shrine gate all too soon. Only the Goshinboku was there to greet them. The shrine itself was silent as the snow.
Kagome stared up at the tree. She couldn't even glimpse the topmost branches. Her eyes were drawn to a jagged scar near the base of its trunk. That must be...
She started as Akitoki laid his hand on her shoulder.
"You don't have to make yourself-"
"It's okay, Akitoki," she gave him the most confident smile she could muster. "I'm just going to take a look."
Takeshi exchanged a look with Akitoki. He gave him a smile. Takeshi took a step back and left her to it.
She turned back to the tree and set her gaze firmly on the scar. Best to just get on with it. She willed her footsteps steady and held her gaze on the tree. She passed beneath the gate without so much as a glance back. No one stopped her.
She was just taking a look, after all.
A row of poles stood before the tree. Their unwanted fortunes fluttered in the wind like faded ghosts. Best get this over and done with. She bent down and reached into her parka.
The paper twisted in her grip as if trying to escape. She straightened it out and wrapped it round the nearest pole. It took three tries and the removal of both mittens before she succeeded. The paper flapped like a startled moth but it held fast.
Well, that was the end of that. She rose to her feet. A gust of wind snatched at her hood. She turned her back to it and tugged the hood back into place. The Goshinboku's scar caught the corner of her eye. Well, she hadn't come all this way for nothing.
She took another step towards the tree. Its frozen trunk loomed before her, as cold and dead as ever. The moonlight latticed the snow beneath its canopy. The shadows shifted in the breeze. The whispering branches sent a shiver down her spine.
She let out a frozen breath. "It's just a tree," she muttered to herself.
She took another step and then another. Her feet were weighed down by anticipation. She forced them onwards. By the time she reached the tree it was all she could do to stand firm.
She just had to get a grip on herself. That was all. She reached out and laid her hand on the scar.
The tree remained cold as the earth. Not so much as a spark stirred in the branches. She withdrew her hand with a sigh.
It was just a tree, after all.
"We'd better go. Mama must be getting worried." She turned back to the gate. "Let's take the short cut this time."
"Wait."
Kagome glanced back over her shoulder. The look in Akitoki's eyes stopped her in her tracks.
"It's - there's something I need to tell you." His voice carried soft but sure as the wind.
"This is serious, right?"
"Well, it's as serious as I'll ever be." His voice gave way to a nervous chuckle. He cleared his throat. "Please. It won't take long."
Kagome swallowed. "Well... okay then."
"Okay."
Akitoki motioned her forwards. Takeshi kept his distance.
Kagome approached him with a hesitant frown. Akitoki could barely contain whatever was getting to him. His feet shifted, his breath hitched and his fingers fumbled with his sleeves. His eyes struggled to hold hers. She paused to give him a moment to gather his courage.
"Well." Akitoki gathered his strength with a deep breath. He let it out in a rush of words.
"The truth is, I've wanted to tell you this for a long time. I've been waiting for weeks - well, more like months really. I was going to wait until after the ceremony but - I thought I'd better say this while I've got the chance. If that's okay." He let out another chuckle.
Kagome gave him a slow nod. "Sure."
Akitoki managed a tight grin. "Well, now's as good a time as any. I guess." He shifted his backpack from his shoulder. He reached into the bag and began to rummage around its contents.
"I know we're young but..."
He withdrew a large clam shell. A gift. That was hardly unexpected. Yet for some reason, the sight made the hairs on the back of her neck prickle.
"I'd like you to have this." He held it out to her.
Kagome drew her hands back to her chest. Her heart skipped another beat. "Akitoki, you don't need to make anything up to me."
"No. I mean - it's not like that. Please." His voice quivered with anxiety. His hands were almost as unsteady. "I'd like you to have this."
She hadn't the heart to say no to those eyes. She took the shell.
She stared down at his gift. The shell was plain and unadorned. Its two halves were clasped by a simple hinge. Akitoki could hardly keep himself from craning forwards as her fingers approached the clasp.
She couldn't hold him in suspense any longer. She caught her breath and eased open the lid. The contents were enough to freeze her pulse: a band of black leather with a hand-carved blue stone. A crescent moon cresting a foaming wave. A classic design for...
A proposal. Kagome's stomach dropped to her knees. A gasp escaped her throat.
Akitoki found his voice again. "I made it. For you. I-if you'd like it." His eyes brimmed with hope.
Kagome could barely find her own voice. "Akitoki, I-"
Her reply was lost in a crash of water.
Constructive criticism is very welcome!
Just a heads up - March is going to be a very busy month. I'll try to get the next chapter up on time but there might be a short delay (hopefully no more than 1 week).
