Ultimately, who is living in whose story?

You woke up well-rested and full of energy. At least you wished you did, because when your eyes opened you all you wanted to is to bury yourself in the blanket once again, and probably never wake up again. It wasn't your fault, really. You and Okita decided to take a look at the library, which you had to admit was quite big. You had absolutely no clues about kicking Okita back to bakumatsu, and library seemed to be reasonable choice.

So you spent a great part of the two afternoons and nights with books. You were sure you'd be in there even now, either reading or sleeping, the latter more probable, if not your granny. She was awoken by a noise, which in fact was only one-thirds of your fault. One, because Souji asked you to fetch a book since you were standing up already; one because it was Akagitsune who slept beside your chair; and finally – one because you were too tired and didn't look under your feet. So obviously, you screamed, Akagitsune barked, and you held onto your dear life while a 50 years old vase met it's doom.

It was smooth, as Souji summed up. And then your granny waltzed into the room, worse than any other demon you've ever came across and ordered you to go to beds.

''I'm so sleepy,'' you mumbled to no one in particular as you crawled out of the bed. You passed by the bathroom where Okita was brushing his teeth. You could say it was achievement of yours, making him brush teeth with the 'oh-so-awful-tooth-paste'. Or no dinners. Go figure. His green hoodie was put over his head. You suspected he took a liking to hoodies.

You stretched your arms, and jumped a bit as you heard somebody ringing on the doorbell. You opened the doors.

''Hi, nee-san!" Akira grinned to you. You let him in. You didn't miss the way he was looking around, as if looking out for danger. You sighed to yourself, you couldn't do anything about it.

It was Sunday, an almost week after your mom called. Week or so, she said. You wondered how long it in fact meant. Your granny was nowhere to be seen, so it meant she was out of the house already. She always visited her friend on Sundays. You actually couldn't remember when her friend came by to visit you instead. Ah, perhaps when your grandpa was still alive? That must be it. Your grandpa was an onmyouji as well, he was your teacher. He passed away a few years ago though.

You looked inside the fridge, expecting a meal for you, but you found none. You pursed your lips.

''Well?" Okita appeared behind you. You shook your head. ''Then prepare something?"

You smiled to him. He didn't know what was he asking for, did he? You picked eggs from the fridge, and decided you are able to make such an easy meal. You shooed Okita out of the kitchen and started. You tried to give your best to it, but who were you fooling. You were an awful cook, period.

You presented Souji and Akira your scrambled eggs and waited. Souji gulped down the egg, while tapping on his phone. You cursed yourself for showing him gaming apps. And then he froze, as his eyes teared a bit. He started to cough and looked at you as if you were trying to poison him, which you weren't. Akira held a strained smile on his face.

''How?" Souji managed to gasp out after he drank a glass of water. ''Miko-hime, are you trying to kill us?"

''I didn't! You never asked if I can cook or not," you crossed your arms over your chest. Okita sighed, and took the plate from Akira.

''Come on, kiddo," he addressed the boy. ''We'll show your nee-san how you do eggs."

''Yessir!" Akira, as much as he usually frowned upon Souji, agreed immediately.

''That's the spirit," Okita grinned.

You huffed and watched them in the kitchen. You absentmindedly patted Akagitsune, which appeared right beside you. You looked at Akira's neck – it was almost fine. Almost. You were glad he took the news of yokai and onmyouji fine. He accepted it as a fact, but he didn't have much choice after being attacked by one. You were awful big sister. You hit your head on the table and stayed in that position as you started to smell a nice breakfast being cooked.

''Hey, miko-hime?"

''Mm?" you mumbled.

''Would you be mad or really mad if I took your phone to bakumatsu?"

You considered this for a while. You decided on really mad, because that would mean getting third phone and no way you could afford it.

''Really mad," you answered putting your head on crossed arms. ''But why would you want to take it?"

You watched as Souji and Akira shuffled around the kitchen. Akira stopped and with a face clearly stating that he has no idea what's going on he mixed the eggs.

''For starters, I thought it would be useful for Kondou-san. If he was in Edo we could talk about things really fast since we'd be in Kyo."

You nodded your head. It would be a lot more convenient using a phone instead of letters and messengers. But what if it changed history, though? You would feel kind of guilty by introducing samurai to phones.

You yawned. You frowned. And shook your head.

''Aah, it wouldn't work anyway,'' you said. ''To use phones you need satellite."

''Sate-what?"

You sat up straight and cleared your throat.

''Satellite,'' you repeated. ''It's something that actually let's you talk through the phone.''

Okita hummed as he smashed eggs on the frying pan. ''Where can I get that satellite?"

''No, no. You can't get it, Souji-san."

He sent you a look.

''I'm serious. Satellites belong to the big corporations and they provide us with signal that goes through the satellite. Without signal you can't talk, and in bakumatsu you won't ever find signal because there are no satellites there."

You finished.

''Then I'll just take the satellite with me. From those corporations."

''I do believe you cannot."

''Yeah, watch me," he snorted at you. ''I'll just find one and take it before they notice. And they won't follow me to bakumatsu.''

''First of all," you said, waving your finger in the air. ''It would be stealing, not taking. And second of all – satellites are in cosmos."

''Where?" he stopped mixing the eggs and looked at you.

''Up there," you pointed at the ceiling. Well, to the sky, but this is what you meant.

You heard a doorbell ringing. You lifted your head, but before you could stand up Souji passed by.

''Don't let her come near kitchen, Akira" he called back and smirked at you. You mimicked him and showed him your tongue. Very mature. ''And we'll talk about this satellite-thingy later."

You snorted.

You heard the sound of the opening doors. You would never guess that Okita would be one to open the doors, but lately he was doing that more often. You couldn't hear clearly the voices, until Okita called out to you.

''Yes?" you appeared beside him. ''Kotobuki-san, good morning!"

''Hello, _____-chan," his dark eyes narrowed with gentleness. ''As I was telling Okiwasa-san, I'm wondering if I could use your library for a while?"

You cocked your head to the side, and nodded, ''Sure! What are you looking for exactly?"

''It's a part of my research about Three Sacred Treasures," he replied.

You nodded and welcomed him inside. You led the man to the library, your footsteps were followed by a knocking of his wooden cane. Kotobuki-san was a historian, as you told Okita when you three walked into the room. He was retired teacher and now he was researching urban legends. Sometimes he would come by and talk with your granny about yokai, since she was much more knowledgeable to him.

''I think on this shelf you'd find a bit about it," you pointed, turning to him. ''Well, depending what do you want to find."

He bowed and thanked.

''I'm looking for a clues for the real location of them," he said.

''Hm?" Okita raised his brew. ''Isn't it common knowledge where they are?"

''Well, besides Yata no Kagami, the mirror, the rest of the treasures are fake," Kotobuki-san said matter-of-factly. You gasped surprised.

Okita also looked a bit taken a back. To your knowledge Kusanagi no Tsurugi, the Grass-cutting sword is kept hidden at Atsuta Shrine in Nagoya. Yasakani no Magatama, the jewel, was is Tokyo and was used for enthronement to the emperor. It was unbelievable that these two were fake, why would they?

Kotobuki-san chuckled at your expressions.

''Kusanagi no Tsurugi was in Nagoya for a long time, that much is true. But around two hundred years it was melted and forged once again. Now it exists in much different form, gods know where," he sighed.

''Why would it be melted?" you asked.

Kotobuki-san readjusted his black tie. He always looked like a businessman that could crush you under his feet, but his gentle expression of an nice grandpa kind of destroyed that image.

''There were a few fakes of the sword to be kept as a protection from thieves," he spoke. ''One of them is still there, presented as true one. Or at least said to be, since no one but the priests themselves can see it."

You nodded. It sounded reasonable, but it still didn't explain why would it be reforged. Kotobuki-san seemed to read in your thoughts as he quickly continued.

''It seems that there was a theft attempt, that nobody is talking about. The thief stole the Sword, but in the end lost it along the way and it was melted. I believe now it could be in a shape of katana, or even something smaller like kodachi."

You nodded, still unconvinced. You glanced at Okita. He held mildly interested expression, and a small smile playing on his lips. It didn't seem like believed the man. You didn't blame him though, you yourself had a hard time believing it.

''What about Yasakani no Magatama?" Souji asked. ''Was it stolen and lost all the same?"

Kotobuki-san chuckled. You kept neutral expression on your face. Everyone knew that the Jewel was used by the Emperors. It was very pretty, you thought, made of green jade, the bead was simple yet distinguished. You remembered the ceremony, you saw it in tv when you were little. Of course it wasn't live broadcast, but your granny wanted you to watch it.

''The story here is a bit different," he raised a finger. ''After the last enthronement the Jewel was to return to the Shrine. Only a few priests know that it was to be transported to Ise."

"Why would they transport it to Ise?" you cocked your head.

''To do the cleansing," he turned to you. ''Only a few people know about it, but once every few decades the Yasakani no Magatama is taken to Ise, to be purified in Isuzugawa River."

"And what happened then?" Okita asked, and leaned with his arms crossed on the table.

"It was lost."

You looked at him.

"Lost," you said.

''Lost."

You scratched your cheek. Well, you always thought of Kotobuki-san as of an serious man. He wouldn't joke with you, would he? He knew you since you were a child, he taught you history when you were in elementary school. But talking about such things, was unbelievable.

''Nii-san?" Akira called out from behind the doors. ''The eggs are ready. Like ten minutes ago."

You gasped as realization about your breakfast hit you. At least it wasn't your fault that you forgot.

''We're coming," Souji replied, nodded to Kotobuki san and left the library.

''Well,'' you turned to him. ''Please make yourself at home, you can use our books, but granny said to not take them, so..."

''No problem, _____-chan," the eldery man waved his hand. ''I'll check the books quickly and write down what I need."

You smiled, bowed and followed boys to the kitchen. The eggs, albeit cold were good.

***

One thing that you hated the most was doing laundry. And now that Okita's things came along it made it even more annoying. You went to the back yard with a basket of freshly washed clothes. You found Okita on the porch with a book in his hands. After coming closer, you saw it was one of you history books you used to help Akira to study.

His face was marked with a frown you could see under his bangs. At the very beginning, almost month ago, you were sure that first thing he would do would be to turn to the history books. But he didn't. You knew why, though. It wasn't hard to guess that he wanted to go back to his times as soon as possible, so why bother with learning history. You let him read, you didn't think that knowing history would be something bad.

Nobody wanted to be lost.

You took care of the laundry and sat by Okita, he glanced at you and returned to reading. His sword was kept by his side as usual. You picked the katana up, waiting for a response, but he didn't react, even if he saw your movements. It was first time you took a closer look at it, you didn't bothered earlier. Usually you just reminded him not to slash anything.

''What do you think about that old man's stories?" Okita asked, without rising his gaze at you. You looked down at the sword.

''I don't know," you admitted. ''It sounds crazy. But Kotobuki-san is very good historian, why would he lie? And moreover, why would he research it?"

Okita stopped his reading. You noticed he was reading history of Japan, you peaked, and he was nearing the bakumatsu. He looked at you.

''There are many wise people, who later became obsessed and are able to believe every little thing about the subject,'' he said.

''Perhaps,'' you agreed. ''But you know, Souji-san, I know Kotobuki-san since I was in elementary school, he doesn't seem to be obsessed."

Okita nodded, ''we'll see, I guess."

You agreed with him. You actually became curious about the Sacred Treasures now. You hoped Kotobuki-san will share his revelations with you later.

You put your finger on the katana on your knees. It looked somehow familiar, but you couldn't be sure of anything, as you saw the thing every single day. To be honest it looked somehow funny, when Souji in totally modern clothing kept katana by his side. But you weren't able to convince him otherwise.

You unseathed the katana and stood up. It was kind of heavy, you decided. You didn't wield katana ever, only a small kaiken once. Just a little bit of self-defence and that was all. After all you had your shikigami's. You slashed the air, with just as much grace as Akira his stick. You smiled as you did.

''Your footwork couldn't be any worse, miko-hime," you heard Okita's snort.

''Oh, be quiet!" you fumed at him. He always had to destroy your fun. You decided to pay him no mind and did a few more slashes you saw in tv. Then you turned with a grin to Okita, ''teach me then!"

He opened his eyes surprised. You knew for a fact that Okita was a teacher of kenjustu. Doing a history project in high school about the Shinsengumi gave you a few advantages. You stood proud with the katana over your shoulder.

''You know I'll be strict."

''I am ready."

He put down the book and stood up with a nasty smirk on his face. Now you weren't so sure if you wanted to be taught by him, but you weren't going to be a coward.

''_____!" you heard your granny's voice from inside the house. ''The dishes!"

You pouted. And gave Okita back his sword.

''Later," you waved and went to the kitchen.

***

You weren't aware of this, but the matter came clear when one day you finished your training much earlier that you usually did. Mostly because your parents were going to be home soon. Their idea of a week or so turned out to be two weeks. You took a quick shower and then heard shouts from the backyard. You peeked from the corner at the garden.

''Oh, dear," you sighed as you saw Akira and Okita. Akira was doing swings with bokken, right beside Souji who did the same. You knew that Okita was training himself, usually at the hall, so not to be out of practice. You smiled at them and walked at the porch. You sat down by the stairs and watched them. Okita was first to notice you and send you just a quick nod, while Akira froze. ''Oh, don't mind me, continue."

''Go on, Akira," he encouraged the boy.

He smiled back at you, a little embarrassed perhaps. You hummed with content watching him. He was really like a little brother you never had. You knew him since he was four, when brought to the orphanage after his single mother died in a car crash. You were having hard time back then, at the age of seventeen, when your parents were more absent than ever, expanding their business. You still tired to be cheerful, at least they still kept you, didn't they? Crybaby of a boy was the last thing you had in mind, when he showed up at the temple with his teacher. He was quiet, always at the very end of the row of children, his feet shuffling around.

You offered him a cookie. Rejected.

Few months later he bought one of lucky charms you were selling, with help of an older boy form the orphanage.

''Thank you!" he smiled, a little tight lipped, but still a smile. What happened to the sad boy, you wondered.

''Who are you going to give to?" you asked, a bit curious.

''I'll give it to my mom,'' he said. ''So she'll be fine on her way to other side."

You nodded and patted his head, ''that's very kind of you."

''Even when now I'm alone, I'll be fine,'' he clung to the charm. ''My mom's watching over me. Teacher said so."

You started wondering whether your parent's were watching over you. You somehow could remember them, but at the same time they overlapped with image of your parents now. And to this time, you couldn't find an answer to this question.

You sighed and looked at Okita and Akira. You were kind of surprised to see them together, but you were glad they started to warm up to each other. Downside of this was that it was caused by the accident.

You observed their movements. Of course Akira's were still clumsy and underdeveloped, but he was a hardworking boy, so you were sure he wouldn't give up easily. Souji's shirt was wet with sweat, and you couldn't help but appreciate a little bit of the fanservice. You heard them counting, they were nearing one hundred strikes. You took out you phone and shot a photo just when it was the last strike. You congratulated yourself for the reflex. You felt a shadow over you.

''Hi."

''Hi," Okita smiled. His smile was chilling as if the devil himself appeared before you. You chuckled and held onto your phone. ''What did you do, miko-hime?"

''Nothing," you objected and fumed. ''Why are you always accusing me of something?"

''Give me the phone," he held out his hand.

''No,'' you pushed the phone to your chest.

He clicked his tongue. And reached for it, it was quickly taken away from you. You cried a few no's and leaped to take the phone back. It was one of a kind photo, you weren't going to lose it! You jumped from the stairs and leaped into the air. Since you couldn't reach it you tapped your foot and glared at the man.

Okita stopped by the well and raised his hand above the hole. Color drained from your face.

''Wait! No!"

''Stop it right now, you two!" Your granny's angry face came into view as she walked into the porch. She treated both of you with a cold glare, that even made Okita stop his fooling. He stood beside you with an unsure expression and gave you back your phone. Your grandma still fuming went back into the house.

''What's with her?" Okita asked.

''My parents will be back home soon, I guess," you smiled. ''Ah, I forgot to mention. My mom can see yokai and shikigami, but she chooses to ignore it completely. Dad can't see them at all.''

Okita crossed his arms over his chest and nodded. Akira came up to you two, bokken by his side. He mimicked Okita's stance. It was cute, you decided.

''Nii-san, where did you learn your kenjustu?" he asked.

''From the greatest swordsmen of all," Okita said. His tone was honest and full of pride. Akira's eyes brightened as he waited for him to continue. ''From Kondou Isami-san himself."

''Whaat? Dirty liar!"

''I'm not," Okita mimicked the boy. ''Don't you know who stands before you?"

You rolled your eyes at them.

''Who?"

''Okita Souji," he said. Akira's eyes went wide. He looked at you frowning. You nodded and told him about Okita being transported to the future and how this should be kept a secret.

Akira nodded, still a bit overwhelmed, but you couldn't blame him. He looked unconvinced. You shrugged your arms. Little after that Akira said his goodbye's and went back to his home. You only hoped that nothing would happen to him on his way back, and you watched for a longer time till he disappeared from the path. You and Okita went back to the household, swiftly avoiding your granny in the corridor. You sat down at the porch, in the warm April sun.

Okita laid down on the wooden planks of the porch. He closed his eyes as he was resting after the training.

''I forgot to ask,'' you said. ''Where did you take that bokken from?"

''That storage room in the back.''

You searched in your mind for any storage rooms in your house and all that came to your mind was old dojo. Your granny told you it was used in late 80', but later they closed it down as there wasn't much popularity. Later it became a storage room. You told this to Okita, who seemed be mildly interested. You wondered if you'd clean up the room, he'd use it. And what if you'd open the dojo here, with Okita as the teacher? Akira could convince his friends to come – boys his age, inspired by animes surely would want to swing a katana once in a while. And that meant more people coming to the temple too. Good plan, you smirked to yourself.

You lifted his shirt to peak at the bandages. You tapped at the wound.

''Ow,'' Okita murmured.

You tapped once again.

''I said ow,'' he opened one of his eyes. ''You brutal woman."

''Don't lie, it's healed,'' you chuckled. Maybe you didn't take care of his wound's, he always refused your help, but you still did make sure it was actually getting better.

You dabbed your finger into his stomach once again, away from the injury.

''Oh my, _____-chan!'' you heard a squeal. Your head shot up, just as Okita opened both of his eyes and looked ahead. ''You're so forward!"

''M-mom?!" you squeaked. Okay, it was a little compromising, that you practically exposed half of Okita's stomach, very well structured by the way, and was touching him. You quickly withdrew your hand as your face went through all the shades of red. You didn't look at Okita, as he stood up right beside you.

''Hello, darling!" she chirped taking you into an embrace, you returned it with a small laugh of your own. She stepped back and looked down at you with a sparkling eyes. She always was beaming like a sun, drawing everyone to herself. You wished you were like her.

She turned her gaze to Okita, who stood behind you. He held a smile on his face, but you could tell he was feeling awkward. At least you hoped he did, because it was very awkward for you, and you could be the one suffering here.

''And you are?" She smiled without hiding her curiosity.

"Haruka?" Your father's posture appeared at the porch. ''There you are."

She waved to him, with her curled dark hair popping from every side. Your father was a tall man, with a slender figure that fit in every of his tailored suits. He made a few quick steps and you caught him in an embrace, stepping on your toes to reach him. When you were younger you loved to sit on his shoulders as he walked around. He patted you on your back.

''Your mother is getting anxious already,'' he said as he stepped from you. Your mother rolled her eyes. She turned back expectantly to Okita, who was a few steps back, probably trying to wriggle himself out of the family meeting. You wouldn't blame him, though. You father seemed to finally notice him, and turned with a polite, businessman like smile.

''Okiwasa Soujirou," he introduced himself with a fake name you came up with. You noticed your grandma at the porch, and you hoped she'd call him Okiwasa-kun instead Okita-kun.

''And you...-"

"He's a researcher!" you piped in.

All eyes turned to you. You were so great at this, making up stories, and what could go wrong. Okita turned to you, with a smile clearly indicating it's all on you now and he won't save you from the trouble.

''He's interested in Bakumatsu, he's actually quite a specialist when it comes to Shinsengumi,'' you raised your finger. Well, up until 1864, you mentally added.

Your father nodded his head and looked at Okita with a bit of appreciation. He always praised when young people were interested in history.

''What are you researching, Okiwasa-san?" he asked turning to Okita. You threw him a pointed look, it was his turn to save both of your asses.

''I'm just doing some biographical papers," he said. You nodded your head.

''Yup, and since we have this enormous library, he came here."

Your parents looked convinced with you little story. You were surprised they believed you, but from their nodding it seemed to be like it. You were kind of glad they did, but on the other hand this lie made you feel a little bit guilty.

''Why are you all standing here?" your grandma called from inside the house. ''Come in, quickly."

She ushered you to the dining room with a click of her tongue. She seated you before the table filled with good smelling food. Your stomach growled on the thought of it alone. Five of you sat down, and quickly devoured the food. You always loved your granny's cooking, unlike yours, it tasted good.

You made some small talks during the dinner, and then your mom brought a box on the table. You cocked your head looking at it.

''Look, ______-chan," she gushed. She opened the box revealing a beautiful kimono. You looked at her with widened eyes. ''We thought that you could come with us for Miyako Odori, so I ordered this kimono for you."

She brought it up and showed you. You were speechless for many reasons, one – it was way to extravagant for you, two – why would they want you to come with them? You touched the fabric, and admired the craftiness of the mofits. It was stunning.

''No way," you uttered. ''Wait. You want me to go with you?"

Your father took a sip of his tea and said, ''Why yes. I would be great opportunity for you. You've never been at one, right?"

You shook you head. You let go of the fabric and shook your head yet again.

''But it's a business meeting, why would I go there?" you asked.

''To have some fun!" she clapped her hands. ''You always sit closed in this old shrine, you should go out and see some world."

Your jaw dropped a bit. You were content with your life, and it wasn't true that you were closed in the shrine all the time. Your grandma didn't say anything though when you looked at her.

''I can't wait till I make your make up, and hair!" your mother chirped. Her attention to your confused and a little dejected face was gone as she went on the details.

''Have fun,'' Okita snickered. You shot him a glare.

''Okiwasa-kun, you should come too,'' your father remarked. ''It's really beautiful performance. And you can accompany _____ while we'll be taking care of the business."

Your mother nodded a few times agreeing with him. She promised to get him a kimono too, so he shouldn't worry. When he tried to turn the offer down, she cut him in the middle of the sentence. So he was doomed, just as you were.

Your granny only sighed as she patted Akagitsune.

***

Your ball fell of your hands. You pursed your lips and went down the slope to reach it. It went down so fast to the river side. You looked around but you couldn't find it anywhere. The sun glistered in the river's small waves and you grew more and more impatient. Your lip trembled when you thought about the ball you lost. Your daddy gave it to you on your fifth birthday, a few days ago.

''Is this yours?" you heard a voice. It was such a calm and tranquil voice. Yet it was smooth and kind. You turned to the source of the voice to see a beautiful woman, with your ball in her hands. She wore but a simple kimono, yet she looked more beautiful than your mother ever did.

You shyly nodded. The woman smiled and crouched before you.

''Are you lost?"

You shook your head. No you weren't lost. Your home was near, you just had to go through the forest, up the stairs and you'd be home. You looked around, and you made sure you knew where you were. The woman smiled, and the smile was as brilliant as sun. She patted your head and gave you back the ball.

''Let me take you home, _____," she spoke, reaching her hand to you. You couldn't resist and grasped her soft hand. She tugged at your hand and walked towards the bridge over the river. She took slow steps. You looked at her face, and looked into her kind blue eyes. They reminded you of the sky in the summer, so clear.

She chuckled as she noticed your stare. Instead of feeling embarrassed, you giggled too. She gave off such a motherly feeling. Your feet made a contact with wooden planks. You crossed the bridge and the woman stopped.

''Be safe,'' she caressed your head and turned around, "my sweet child, be safe''. You started to blink, the world became fuzzy, and all you could see was her brilliant smile as you fell asleep on the riverbank.

.

.

.

''Stop it, mother!" you heard voices in the hallway. ''I already decided what to do in my life!"

''Haruka, this is your responsibility!"

''It's just an old tradition, a legend, mother!" your mom's voice resounded in the hallway.

Your lips went into thin line. You stood up from the bed and creeped up to the doors. You didn't have to try much, you were able to listen freely.

''Why are you so stubborn?" your granny said. A sigh followed. ''It's your duty as a heir of Kunizuka family."

''Well guess what, mother, I'm no longer Kunizuka, I'm Takahashi now," your mother mockered. You went into the hallway. You hated it, when they argued about it.

''The blood still runs in your veins!" your granny argued. You saw shadows dancing on the wooden walls.

You noticed your father's figure leaning on the wall. A shadow obstructed his face as he stood still. He never took part in the argument. Always a figure of stoicism and calmness. Unmoving. You frowned and took a step towards the hallway. He noticed you and with a hint of surprise he shook his head.

You stopped. He went up to you and whispered, ''don't interfere. It doesn't concern you."

You turned on your feet and went out of the mansion and onto the backyard. You bumped into a body. You looked up and saw Okita before you. You just shook your head and avoided him. You went to the main temple, and through the courtyard to the stairs.

Your bare feet were freezing as you run down the stairs. You felt every little branch and stick underneath your feet as you went through the forest. You were sure you had already some minor cuts. You appeared before the riverbank. Your breaths were short, from the fatigue, as you didn't even noticed that you started running at the end.

You stopped at the bridge.

The iron construction was lighted up with artificial light. You stopped in the middle and hovered over the water. You leaned on the rails and sighed. You stood there for a long time, as the night wasn't as cold as you though it would be. Or maybe you didn't noticed. Either way you just closed your eyes and let the soft hushes of flowing water calm you.

It was your place. Yours and your only for as long as you could remember. At least when you felt sad. And that's perhaps how you felt right now, sad. Because your mom and granny fought over the same matter yet again.

You stayed on the bridge for a while now. When the coldness of the night started to catch up with you, you decided to go back. You dragged your feet back to the temple. You stood in the backyard, not really ready to go back home again.

''Miko-hime, it's dangerous to walk alone at night."

You lifted your head abruptly, but quickly recovered. You hummed in response, and didn't even bother to acknowledge his presence in any other way. Okita sat on the porch, as usual. You never commented on his peculiar habit on sitting on the porch in the night.

''They're at it again," you said. You didn't know why though. Perhaps because there wasn't anyone else you could vent out to. ''But I can't blame granny though."

''Why are they arguing?"

You pursed your lips. You walked up to the porch and sat down. You swung your feet in the air, collecting your thoughts.

''It's because mom became a secretary instead of being a miko," you said. ''It was her duty and she decided to go against granny. And granny is only caring about the future of the shrine. After she dies there won't be anyone to take care of it."

You looked at the sky.

''What about you? You are a miko-hime, aren't you?"

You smiled at him.

''Did you know that a head of the Amaterasu-no-kami is a descendant of the goddess herself? In her veins flows a blood of the goddess."

Okita frowned.

''So?"

''I'm adopted."

                                                                                                                   Ultimately, who was touched by whom?

~~~***~~

Long chapter, because I don't know when I'll update next. I hope to update in March. Do a prayer circle for me >.>

Anyways! I hope you enjoyed, and if you see any mistakes or anything let me know ^^