高天原

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" Is this where you live? " Ayami asked Kiun. They were standing outside the castle like structure in takamagahara - the residence of the Un clan and  the thunder god.

" It's different than I imagined. "

" Of course it is. After all this is not earth." Kiun responded. " What did you imagine it as?"

" I thought a shrine or something similar I guess? Why are we out here, waiting ?" She asks. The sky seems so close to them, as if she could touch the clouds if she reaches out to them on her toes. Ayami looked up and squinted, as the sunlight was seeping through the tree right into her eyes. The single cherry tree didn't do a good job as a shade, but then again the sun wasn't uncomfortable to begin with, even after seeming so close.

" Master is going to talk with some of the shinkis that are most loyal to him. You should know-" he hesitated then continued- not all of the members of the clan might want to accept you."

" Why? " Ayami asked- not sure how to respond. She was a bit nervous after hearing she would meet a lot of shinkis who served the master for a long time, but she started feeling more anxious.

" ... is there something wrong with me?"

"What?.. no..." Kiun's voice added a bit more to her suspicion " Because... it's all very sudden. It has been a few centuries since master Takemikazuchi has named and taken another shinki. The elders might not approve of you being his shinki this soon. And even though Takemikazuchi is the master, this house is still very much influenced by the words of the elders. "

So it's kind of complicated huh?- Ayami thought. Isn't he a god? It was weird that the elders... who were just servants had so much influence over them. She looked at kiun from the corner of her eyes. He was staring at the mansion, his facial expression visible showing worry.

She had barely known these two people. All she knew was that Takemikazuchi sama was a god, a god of war to be precise. And Kiun was like her, a shinki who serves Takemikazuchi.

But she knew she was kind of grateful to be one.

The unbearable feeling of emptiness had disappeared from her chest.

Is this existence?

She didn't know how to describe what she felt before meeting them.

If she were to be not taken as one- will she return to the same? The thought scared her.

" Um... Kiun san- what happens if they don't accept me? "

Kiun looked at her eyes. Perhaps he was too blunt with her?

" It's okay, you won't be kicked away immediately if they don't accept you. It's master's wish after all. But you'd still have to prove your worth."

" Prove my worth huh... " she muttered to herself.

How am I supposed to do that?- she thought.

 I barely know much about myself to begin with.

******

" What?! For real?!" Kaun, Saiun and Miun said in unison.

" This feels so sudden... to name another shinki... what was the need? " Saiun asked, worried that something bad might have happened.

" Well... I have my reasons, I'm sorry I can't explain in details now. I have to make sure of something. But hey, I've done it. So please get along with her from now on. I have to go meet Tenjin first . Miun! "

" Yes!? " she responsed.

" Prepare a separate room for her before we return- we may have to hide her for a while..." He lowered his voice.

" And listen, it's more important than anything - I've named her Ayami."

They fell silent for a moment. " What?! Why?"

" But don't all of us have the Un clan name? " Kaun asked.

" I told you before I can't tell you about the details. I'm sorry about it, really. I acted fast but there was a reason. This is also a why I want to hide her from the elders for now. I will eventually have to reveal her to all of them, but in the mean time I'd like to keep this a secret. So please help me cover up."

" If that's what you wish we'll oblige", Kaun said. " I still remember how you named me even after the elders were so against it. No matter what you decide we will obey you against all odds." They smiled.

" ... why are you bringing that up again? " Takemikazuchi was a bit taken aback and gave a fake frown. He was rather happy to see his servants being so trustful.

" I knew I could count on you guys. I'll be leaving to see Tenjin then."

*******

" This is Ayami, she's our master's new shinki. Please get along with her from now on. " Kiun introduced her to the tree shinkis.

" Nice to meet you Ayami! " The three of them beamed together, startling her.

She wasn't expecting it to be a warm welcome.

" Wow Ayami, you look really cute!" Miun grabbed her hands. " You don't mind if I call you Ayami chan right?"

" Eh? No. Not really-"

" I'm Miun. As a divine weapon, I'm master's battle sword."

" I'm Kaun. I'm his master's battle katana."

" I'm Saiun, I pose as his divine war garments."

" Er.. um- it's nice to meet everyone!" she exclaimed, a relief followed by a thankful feeling bubbling inside of her.

" How was your first meeting with master? Are you powerful? What is your weapon form-

" Ehem," Kiun cleared his throat. " Miun, please escort her to her room first. After all, we can't be seen by Sekiun dono right now. "

" Oh, of course! Come Ayami chan." Miun pulled her away .

" Well see you later then." Kaun and Saiun waved slightly.

While walking through the hallway Ayami asked, " Miun san-

" Just Miun is fine dear."

 Anyways I guess you know more or less about how we have to conceal your presence, but I'll let you know- I am quite happy to have you around. There are not many women around here, and the blockhead-ness of the guys gets tiring at times."

" I see- " Ayami laughed softly. Miun was quite friendly.

" About Kiun san... he really doesn't like to talk much... does he? "

" Oh, Kiun? Are you worried that he might dislike you? No worries, that's just how he is. He looks like a calm and serious guy, but most of the time he's just spacing out with no thoughts. Actually after so many things that has happened during the last few years- has riled us up, all of us apparently. Our master's wish and safety are both our top priorities after all."

" I feel so left out." Ayami sighed. " I don't know much about master, I don't know about how things work around here... and what did you mention? About a lot happening. "

" Oh, you wouldn't know... Miun stopped in front of a door that was covered by heavy curtains. She lifted the cover and opened the door. " As a woman, I have the privilege of having a quarter of my own. No one would come here without my permission, so you'll be my secret roommate."

"Yes, as I was saying- in thousands of years heaven had not been as shaken as it had in last few years. The after effects are still present to be honest."

Ayami was curious.

" What had happened?"

" Well, it's a long story. But I love spilling the beans-

" It all started with a sorcerer and a fame-less god named Yatogami."

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If you didn't notice at the last chapter my Oc's name- "Ayami " kind of matches with the name "Eyami" - the name Takemikazuchi gave to Nora. This is intentional and more to it will be revealed later on.

Ayami seems like a timid person right? Well... I wonder about that .

Also Miun, Kaun and Saiun has very little screen/appearance time so I've made up most of their personalities .