A smile marked her lips as she listened to his enthusiasm. Already, he had grown and learned. Simultaneously, he had been a teacher. For the first time in centuries, someone stood up to Bishamon. Without him, she feared the worst for her Shinki. ❛ It’s the least I can do to repay you for all you’ve done for my family. ❜ However, she mumbled the words as she hated to think she owed a debt.
And he continued to speak of Yatogami’s new-found success. Bishamon swore she would never see the day as she would be the one to bring an end to his name. Those thoughts had vanished, and things were peaceful. Strange enough, she was almost happy for his progress. Still, the frown along Yukine’s face was something she noted.
Turning her attention to the grass, she watched as the wind swept along her garden. ❛ It’s not a selfish wish. ❜ A simple statement spoken with the sense of distant ease. There were far more things he could want; things that would bring about detriment to his god or harm to humanity. To want a friend was something Bishamon could understand. ❛ She’s a part of your lives now. If that is what she wishes, then so it shall be. ❜ However, she could recall a boy who grew flowers and the thirty years he spent alone. There was something to be said for the Far Shore holding ties among its own. ❛ However, her future should be her own. Don’t forget how loose ties may be. ❜
「 祝の器 」
YUKINE’S LIPS QUIRKED into a barely noticeable smile, at the Goddess’s response. “Personally, I think we’re even, now. We’ve all lost and gained, so I think the only way to go is forward. No real need to think about how much we owe each other.” The had a mutual alliance in a way, and Yukine had learned a lot of positive things, from his time spent with Bishamon’s kin; knowledge, friendship, family... It was more than he could have asked for, having already lost the gamble of life.
He was surprised to hear that she didn’t find the wish selfish; as he listened to her thoughts on the matter, the teenage hafuri gave a nod of understanding. “Yeah... like, I get that she won’t be in our lives forever, but I want to spend as much time as we can together, until that day comes.” It would rush upon them before they even realized it. Hiyori was his dear friend, but he valued her being able to grow up, even more.
“Have you ever found friendship in a human before, Bishamon-sama? Besides shinki, I mean.” He tilted his head curiously. Perhaps not; it wasn’t often that people could see Gods. But, it did happen. It posed the question if she had ever found something special in someone, however short their time together would have been.
