Nanami Wants To Tie Himemiko's String of Fate Part 2

MIKOTO

Growls~

"Mikoto-dono, why don't you rest first?" Onikiri suggested at me.

"Have something to eat for lunch too", Kotetsu added.

"I didn't noticed it's already afternoon. Okay, I'll go after another round". Eyes still closed and sitting in a seiza poise at the center of the worship hall, I replied the two with a smile.

There's no need to look at them since I can't see them, right? I felt the two will-o'-the-wisp children slowly moving away.

"Mikoto-dono seems pushing too much herself today"

"I hope Tomoe-dono and Nanami-sama will come home soon"

They whispered at each other while walking.. err... floating away.

"Do I really look like I'm being hard at myself today?", I wondered.

"Yosh! Nanami is doing her best, so I must do my part too!" I encouraged myself more.

Tomoe's surprised and somewhat disappointed face came up inside my mind. "Right, I also want to annoy that bratty fox as a revenge for his attitude earlier".

Facing where the north is, I started intoning loudly the Hi-Fu-Mi norito that Tomoe taught me the other day in particular rhythmic.

HIFUMI YOIMUNAYA KOTOMOCHIRORANE

SHIKIRU YU I TSUWANU SOWOTAHAKUMEKA

U O E NI SARI HETE NOMASU A SE E HOREKE

The sing-song style can be tricky to imitate. Luckily, I have adept ears to tones and timings. You bet, I can roughly sing an Opening Song of an anime after just hearing it a few times. I'm not bragging! Oh, wait, it does sounds like I'm bragging, right?

"Not bad", someone spoke at the door, who heard my chanting earlier.

I excitedly turned around to see the pair already came back. "Nanami! Tomoe! Okairinasai(30)", I was deep in my thoughts and too satisfied with myself earlier that's why I didn't noticed how long they're standing at the door.

"We're home~!", Nanami replied while waiving happily.

"Thanks for the praise, Tomoe", I tried to be courteous 'cuz this guy rarely compliments someone... except Nanami, especially in the future episodes of the anime. I didn't got the revenge I want but at least I still got a good feedback.

"You still have a long way to go", he flatly added on his comment.

"Ahahahah....", I sweardrop.

Yeah, I also guessed that he'll say that.

"I'll go prepare for lunch", he told us before leaving Nanami and I.

"Ne, Mikoto. Guess what?", Nanami held my hands, claiming back my attention. Her eyes sparkling in happiness.

Her smile is so infection that I can't help but to grin too. "Congratulations on finding Kotarou-san!"

"Eh?"

My deity friend's mood suddenly dropped.

"Ehhhh? Something's wrong, Nanami?"

"....And it was supposed to be a surprise..", she sulked.

I can't helped but to laugh. "Sorry, it was just pretty obvious, you know? And I was pretty positive since that start that you're fated to find him for Himemiko-sama"

"Huh? Really?", She looked at me with her quizzical looks.

"Yep!", I grinned in reply with a big nod.

"Why?", she asked me again.

"Heck, because I saw it in the anime" - is what I replied to her mentally. But I can't say that, can I?

"Because I have trust in you. Just believe in your deity powers and you can grant the princess's wish", is the only thing I immediately thought to say. It's not a lie anyways. It's still my honest reply.

Glad I did because her confidence greatly boosted. Very obviously written on her face.

She blushed.

"Wahh! I feel so touched. Thank you Mikoto!" Nanami hugged me warmly.

Moments like these are the reasons why I'm still happy to be in this world despite life being harder than my usual carefree (but responsible) lifestyle in my original world.

"It's only been 2 weeks since I started this deity-job thing and I'm really glad I immediately found the person I'm looking for". She told me honestly, relieving her past worries. "But we haven't told him yet about Himemiko because he's at work".

Nanami continued to fill me up with the details about how they found Kotarou. Even though I already pretty know what happened, I still listened to her with interest while mentally taking down notes the parts that may sounds different from the original plot. She told me she still need to come back to the town after Kotarou's work time.

"Isn't it great? You're one step towards completing your task", I motivated her. "I can see that you will 100% successful grant Himemiko-sama's wish". I waved my hand in front of her in a circular motion as if I am giving a prophecy of her future which made Nanami laugh.

"Thank you Mikoto. I really want to grant Himemiko's wish. You know? Tomoe keep saying it's impossible or it won't work but I still completely believe a yokai and a human can be together too and love each other"

I nod. "Then just show it to Tomoe", I gently pat her shoulder"

"Yep! So, are you coming with us later?" She asked me, full of anticipation.

"Hmmm...." I analyzed deeply then grinned. "Sure, I guess I'll tag along too." I think it is just fine as long as I wont affect their story.

She pressed her palm on my forehead, checking my temperature. I almost forgot I made a quick excuse earlier about being sick. "You said you have slight fever earlier, right?"

"Don't worry, it's already gone. I drank medicine earlier and it's supper effective", I feel sorry for lying once more.

"Glad to hear that!", she beamed.

"Nanami-sama, Mikoto-dono", we heard the pair of shrine spirits called us. "Tomoe-dono is already calling you for lunch", they reminded us.

"Thank you, Onikiri, Kotetsu. We'll be there soon", Nanami replied before standing up. She offered her hand to me, "Let's go?"

I reached her hand, "Okay-whoa!" I almost fall down if it we're for my friend's assistance.

My floor feels it uneven and moving. Am I dizzy? I pressed my temple.

"Mikoto? Are you sure you're alright?", Nanami called my attention.

"Ah, yes, sorry, ahahah", I tried to assured her with a laugh. "My legs and feet are just so numb, they're sleeping! I almost fall earlier. Glad you caught me on time".

I stretched my back like an old woman. "Look, my body is just too stiff!" I mimicked a cracking sound of bones to compliment my joke.

Just as I planned, she laughed once more with me - fading her worries away.

"Come on, lean on my shoulder grandmother", she teased me.

"I guess I just need a little breather and probably I'm just slightly dehydrated", I thought.

~ʚĭɞ~

After serving lunch to Nanami and Mikoto, Tomoe readied himself to start his daily routine. He felt he was behind his usual schedule because he accompanied Nanami to the town.

He was surprised when his work is done by someone else. Clumsily done but it is clearly purified.

"Tomoe-dono", Kotetsu spoke besides him. "Mikoto-dono already cleaned and readied earlier everything that possible worshippers need to use"

He was deep in thought for some second, "Then, I'll do the rest. You assist me, Kotetsu".

He start collecting laundries and walk pass the backyard where the ladies enjoys looking at the budding plum trees while eating their ice cream that Onikiri served them.

Cough! Cough!

Mikoto covered her mouth with the sleeves of her kimono.

"You've been coughing a lot. I guess you should stop eating your ice cream", Nanami tries to attempt taking away her friend's dessert.

"Nooooo!! Hehehe, my throat just feel itchy. I'm fine", the little lady just laughed at deity friend.

Tomoe silently strode away as if he doesn't noticed the two.

The rest of their afternoon, the deity human girl once again practiced making charms while Mikoto continued organizing the prayer list until it was time for them to leave and go back to the town.