07-04-2012, 11:13 PM
**
“I am Mitose Houko, Guardian to High Elder Tsukihana Amatsu of the Kurori Akaiko. “
The purple-haired Guardian kneeled on one knee before Chikane. She reached for her Kitsune mask, moving it to the side of her head as she looked up to the young Channeler. Her azure eyes glowed underneath her bangs as a small smile curled her lips.
“I am honored to finally meet the Goddess’ Reincarnate, Yanagi Chikane-sama. I will be of service to you from now on.”
Houko bowed low, touching her forehead on the floor as she closed her eyes. Chikane blinked at that before shaking her head as she bowed herself.
“H-Hai. I am Yanagi Chikane, Reincarnate to the Goddess. I am at your care.” The wolf-eared girl managed to say.
Not like she could help it. Chikane has been through a number of surprises today. Just as she had arrived in the temple for training, her mentor, Cyrene, had just told her she would be going through the Ceremony of Sealing, a ceremony a Goddess Reincarnate has to go through. It was said the ceremony was to amplify one’s own Channeling abilities and also, only a Reincarnate of the Goddess could even dream of being able to be allowed to it.
And then now, this half-feline Guardian now stood before her, introducing herself. What really took Chikane by surprise that this cat-eared girl was actually an Elder Guardian.
A bell tinkled which jolted the wolf-girl out of her reveries. Plus Cyrene’s voice.
“Chikane-chan? What’s wrong?” The crimson-haired Saikiri inquired as she noticed her apprentice has gone quiet.
Chikane shook her head at that.
“It’s nothing, Cyrene-sama.” The young Channeler said as she fidgeted a bit, “It’s just I am a bit, well, worried about the Ceremony.”
“There’s nothing to worry about, Chikane-chan.” The fox-eared girl said as she gave a smile, “I’m pretty sure you will be fine. Also, everything we need is being prepared as we speak, right, Mitose-san?”
“Hai, Saikiri-sama.” The half-feline replied as she stood up, “Preparations should be done by nightfall. We should be ready by then.”
“S-So soon?” Chikane blinked at that.
“Hai, Yanagi-sama.” Houko turned to the wolf-girl, “We need your presence as the Goddess’ Avatar as soon as possible. That is why we made sure to get the Ceremony done as soon as we can.”
“S-Sou.” The young Channeler bit her lip.
“Chikane-chan…” Cyrene started to say but Chikane just smiled as she waved her hands in front of her.
“It is okay, Cyrene-sama. It’s just as you said. I’ll be fine, right?” Chikane said as her wolf ears and tail twitched.
“Hai.” The purple-haired Guardian nodded as she reassured both Channelers before her, giving a small smile as she did so, “Now I would like to introduce to you the Channelers that will be helping us in the Ceremony, Yanagi-sama.”
“H-hai, Houko-san.”
Houko beckoned for five Channelers to approach the wolf-eared girl. All five bowed before introducing themselves as Chikane tried to introduce herself as properly as she could despite her worries. Maybe there wasn’t anything to worry about really, for one, Cyrene herself has faith she could do it. As always, the young Channeler realized she should follow and believe what her mentor thinks.
**
Kumatora shook her head as she tried to calm herself down. Somehow, she never expected she would be standing and waiting alone outside the room where Chikane would undergo her training. It was quite unusual, she also noted, for Shiue not to be around. The half-albatross probably got asked by his liege on an errand she thought. She sighed; her lion ears twitched once then twice as her tail swayed to and fro.
What’s going on today?
The blonde Guardian couldn’t help herself. Something was up and she could feel it. The day started normally as always; her escorting Chikane to the temple of Reikitsunamizu and her, well, staying on guard outside the young Channeler’s training room but the air was different. It was as if everyone in the temple was bustling around more than usual. Maybe it was nothing. The lion-girl hoped so and more importantly, it was nothing related to her best friend.
Finally the door to the room slid opened and was followed by the sounds of giggles. Kumatora counted five as her lion ears twitched.
“So that was Yanagi-sama?” One exclaimed followed by a laugh.
The lion-eared girl blinked at the mention of Chikane.
“I guess so.” Another replied, “I’m pretty much disappointed.”
Kumatora’s brow furrowed at that.
“Sou sou.” A third voice piped in, “I expected someone more, I don’t know---“
“Someone who leaves a better impression.” The fourth interrupted; her voice cold and harsh.
The blonde Guardian clenched her hands into fists as she did her best to push her rage down.
“I just can’t believe we have to depend on someone like that.” The last one said, stressing her last word in such a tone Kumatora was barely able to contain herself.
And she didn’t as she made her way to the group and standing in their way. Her face once more donned the flat expressions meant for Guardians but her hands were clenched into fists and her frame was shaking slightly. Kumatora’s eyes narrowed slightly as she stared at the group of Channelers before her. One blinked, the one directly in front of her to be exact, at the lion-eared girl.
“Who are you?” She asked with an irritated tone.
Kumatora did her very best to stay calm.
“I would like to request you to take back what you said about Yanagi-sama. Its—“
The young Guardian managed to say as flatly as she could despite the rising rage within her that wanted to just slap the Channeler before her. But she didn’t. She knew the consequences of doing such. However, the lion-girl knew she just couldn’t just stand and do nothing. Just like the many times before when people would always take pleasure in talking behind Chikane’s back.
“What if we don’t want to?” Another one piped up.
Kumatora gritted her teeth at that and would have launched herself right at that Channeler if not for the sound of a bell tinkling followed by a hand gingerly resting on her shoulder. She turned to the source of the sound and the hand’s owner. A slightly taller purple-haired half-feline stood next to her with a gentle smile on her face.
What? Who are you? Kumatora thought to herself, obviously taken aback as she never noticed the Guardian’s presence at all.
“Mitose-sama!” One of the Channelers called out.
Said Guardian closed her eyes at that but her smile never left her face before turning to the Channeler that had called her.
“Who is this? And what gives her the right to talk to us like that? We---“ Another started to say.
“Though it is my responsibility to escort you all as a Guardian, “ Houko interrupted, her voice in a monotone, “My duty ends when you yourselves pick a fight and put yourselves at risk. Ne?” Her smiled widened.
“H-hai.” The group of Channelers collectively replied before meekly shuffling off, leaving in a huff.
The half-feline just shook her head as she made to follow but stopped after a few steps and turned her head slightly to Kumatora.
“I apologize about my lieges.” Houko said softly and gently as she turned herself fully, “They are my responsibility so I apologize for any inconvenience they may have caused you, Kumatora-dono.”
Kumatora could only blink at the Guardian before her who just smiled at her expression.
“So you are Yanagi-sama’s Guardian?” The cat-eared girl said, “Heh. Where are my manners, I am Mitose Houko, Guardian to High Elder Tsukihana Amatsu of the Kurori Akaiko.” She bowed slightly.
“H-hai. Ishikawa Kumatora, Guardian to Yanagi Chikane-sama.” The blonde lion-girl managed to say as she bowed in reply.
“Haha. Well, we’ll be seeing each other for a while so, “ Houko’s cat ears twitched as the bell on her tail tinkled, “Let’s get along, ne?”
“Hai, Houko-san. “ Kumatora replied, nodding her head.
Houko nodded as well and turned to leave but not without flashing another smile at the lion-eared girl. The blonde-Guardian did her best to smile back to hide her own confusion to what had just occurred.
What was that all about?
**
“I am Mitose Houko, Guardian to High Elder Tsukihana Amatsu of the Kurori Akaiko. “
The purple-haired Guardian kneeled on one knee before Chikane. She reached for her Kitsune mask, moving it to the side of her head as she looked up to the young Channeler. Her azure eyes glowed underneath her bangs as a small smile curled her lips.
“I am honored to finally meet the Goddess’ Reincarnate, Yanagi Chikane-sama. I will be of service to you from now on.”
Houko bowed low, touching her forehead on the floor as she closed her eyes. Chikane blinked at that before shaking her head as she bowed herself.
“H-Hai. I am Yanagi Chikane, Reincarnate to the Goddess. I am at your care.” The wolf-eared girl managed to say.
Not like she could help it. Chikane has been through a number of surprises today. Just as she had arrived in the temple for training, her mentor, Cyrene, had just told her she would be going through the Ceremony of Sealing, a ceremony a Goddess Reincarnate has to go through. It was said the ceremony was to amplify one’s own Channeling abilities and also, only a Reincarnate of the Goddess could even dream of being able to be allowed to it.
And then now, this half-feline Guardian now stood before her, introducing herself. What really took Chikane by surprise that this cat-eared girl was actually an Elder Guardian.
A bell tinkled which jolted the wolf-girl out of her reveries. Plus Cyrene’s voice.
“Chikane-chan? What’s wrong?” The crimson-haired Saikiri inquired as she noticed her apprentice has gone quiet.
Chikane shook her head at that.
“It’s nothing, Cyrene-sama.” The young Channeler said as she fidgeted a bit, “It’s just I am a bit, well, worried about the Ceremony.”
“There’s nothing to worry about, Chikane-chan.” The fox-eared girl said as she gave a smile, “I’m pretty sure you will be fine. Also, everything we need is being prepared as we speak, right, Mitose-san?”
“Hai, Saikiri-sama.” The half-feline replied as she stood up, “Preparations should be done by nightfall. We should be ready by then.”
“S-So soon?” Chikane blinked at that.
“Hai, Yanagi-sama.” Houko turned to the wolf-girl, “We need your presence as the Goddess’ Avatar as soon as possible. That is why we made sure to get the Ceremony done as soon as we can.”
“S-Sou.” The young Channeler bit her lip.
“Chikane-chan…” Cyrene started to say but Chikane just smiled as she waved her hands in front of her.
“It is okay, Cyrene-sama. It’s just as you said. I’ll be fine, right?” Chikane said as her wolf ears and tail twitched.
“Hai.” The purple-haired Guardian nodded as she reassured both Channelers before her, giving a small smile as she did so, “Now I would like to introduce to you the Channelers that will be helping us in the Ceremony, Yanagi-sama.”
“H-hai, Houko-san.”
Houko beckoned for five Channelers to approach the wolf-eared girl. All five bowed before introducing themselves as Chikane tried to introduce herself as properly as she could despite her worries. Maybe there wasn’t anything to worry about really, for one, Cyrene herself has faith she could do it. As always, the young Channeler realized she should follow and believe what her mentor thinks.
**
Kumatora shook her head as she tried to calm herself down. Somehow, she never expected she would be standing and waiting alone outside the room where Chikane would undergo her training. It was quite unusual, she also noted, for Shiue not to be around. The half-albatross probably got asked by his liege on an errand she thought. She sighed; her lion ears twitched once then twice as her tail swayed to and fro.
What’s going on today?
The blonde Guardian couldn’t help herself. Something was up and she could feel it. The day started normally as always; her escorting Chikane to the temple of Reikitsunamizu and her, well, staying on guard outside the young Channeler’s training room but the air was different. It was as if everyone in the temple was bustling around more than usual. Maybe it was nothing. The lion-girl hoped so and more importantly, it was nothing related to her best friend.
Finally the door to the room slid opened and was followed by the sounds of giggles. Kumatora counted five as her lion ears twitched.
“So that was Yanagi-sama?” One exclaimed followed by a laugh.
The lion-eared girl blinked at the mention of Chikane.
“I guess so.” Another replied, “I’m pretty much disappointed.”
Kumatora’s brow furrowed at that.
“Sou sou.” A third voice piped in, “I expected someone more, I don’t know---“
“Someone who leaves a better impression.” The fourth interrupted; her voice cold and harsh.
The blonde Guardian clenched her hands into fists as she did her best to push her rage down.
“I just can’t believe we have to depend on someone like that.” The last one said, stressing her last word in such a tone Kumatora was barely able to contain herself.
And she didn’t as she made her way to the group and standing in their way. Her face once more donned the flat expressions meant for Guardians but her hands were clenched into fists and her frame was shaking slightly. Kumatora’s eyes narrowed slightly as she stared at the group of Channelers before her. One blinked, the one directly in front of her to be exact, at the lion-eared girl.
“Who are you?” She asked with an irritated tone.
Kumatora did her very best to stay calm.
“I would like to request you to take back what you said about Yanagi-sama. Its—“
The young Guardian managed to say as flatly as she could despite the rising rage within her that wanted to just slap the Channeler before her. But she didn’t. She knew the consequences of doing such. However, the lion-girl knew she just couldn’t just stand and do nothing. Just like the many times before when people would always take pleasure in talking behind Chikane’s back.
“What if we don’t want to?” Another one piped up.
Kumatora gritted her teeth at that and would have launched herself right at that Channeler if not for the sound of a bell tinkling followed by a hand gingerly resting on her shoulder. She turned to the source of the sound and the hand’s owner. A slightly taller purple-haired half-feline stood next to her with a gentle smile on her face.
What? Who are you? Kumatora thought to herself, obviously taken aback as she never noticed the Guardian’s presence at all.
“Mitose-sama!” One of the Channelers called out.
Said Guardian closed her eyes at that but her smile never left her face before turning to the Channeler that had called her.
“Who is this? And what gives her the right to talk to us like that? We---“ Another started to say.
“Though it is my responsibility to escort you all as a Guardian, “ Houko interrupted, her voice in a monotone, “My duty ends when you yourselves pick a fight and put yourselves at risk. Ne?” Her smiled widened.
“H-hai.” The group of Channelers collectively replied before meekly shuffling off, leaving in a huff.
The half-feline just shook her head as she made to follow but stopped after a few steps and turned her head slightly to Kumatora.
“I apologize about my lieges.” Houko said softly and gently as she turned herself fully, “They are my responsibility so I apologize for any inconvenience they may have caused you, Kumatora-dono.”
Kumatora could only blink at the Guardian before her who just smiled at her expression.
“So you are Yanagi-sama’s Guardian?” The cat-eared girl said, “Heh. Where are my manners, I am Mitose Houko, Guardian to High Elder Tsukihana Amatsu of the Kurori Akaiko.” She bowed slightly.
“H-hai. Ishikawa Kumatora, Guardian to Yanagi Chikane-sama.” The blonde lion-girl managed to say as she bowed in reply.
“Haha. Well, we’ll be seeing each other for a while so, “ Houko’s cat ears twitched as the bell on her tail tinkled, “Let’s get along, ne?”
“Hai, Houko-san. “ Kumatora replied, nodding her head.
Houko nodded as well and turned to leave but not without flashing another smile at the lion-eared girl. The blonde-Guardian did her best to smile back to hide her own confusion to what had just occurred.
What was that all about?
**
I can only comfort you through your dreams. When you are wide awake, all I can do is smile and enjoy your presence.
