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herstrayskies · 3 years

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Matching Crowns

Yatori Week 2021 Day 4 - Moving Forward

Ao3 Link or read below~

Thanks to @asin-ka for being my beta <3

Matching Crowns

It had been four years since Hiyori was in the city inhabited by a wishful thinking God and his ever devoted shinki. She was only there to meet up with her childhood friends seeing that they had to beg her up and down for weeks to come and enjoy a weekend with them. The only thing that held her back was the possibility of running into him. So when she finally broke down and decided to come back home, the memories of her teenage years flooded back in like a tsunami the moment she stepped off that train. The temptation to visit her once favorite shrines tugged at the back of her mind like a fishing rod every time she passed them. The bait was ever so tempting but her pride was stronger.

That is until she heard his voice, smelled her favorite scent. Something that was a mix of cherry blossoms and honey.

-More under the cut-

The bustling of the city wasn’t enough to keep her eyes from finding him in a second. He was passing out business cards on the street to unkind people who passed him by without a hint of attention. But then again, she knew a lot of those people couldn’t see or hear him as he shouted his name into the unending crowd. She wanted to reach out and grab a card out of his hands for the sake of his happiness but she had to remind herself that they hadn’t talked to each other in years. Knowing well that he was the one that vanished from her life.

She readjusted the bag on her shoulder and turned away from her once friend; holding back the need to have her fate twined with his once again.

One Day Later

The bar was packed and Hiyori wasn’t much of a drinker but couldn’t resist her friends' smiling faces and pleading eyes when they asked her to go to their favorite hang out. It was dark and lit by colored ambient light like any other place. A mix of young and old people filled the booths and bar stools. It was loud but what bar wasn’t on a Saturday night? The three friends found an empty table in the middle of all the bustle and patiently waited to be served their first drink.

It wasn’t long before the round of drinks kept coming with each emptied glass. As the liquor started to calm her down, creating a light and bubbly atmosphere, Hiyori began to enjoy herself and forgot all about a certain boyish God.

The group of friends laughed over their high school adventures and talked about the new people they’ve come across in college. The two of them kept bugging her about any potential suitors but she waved them off each time, attempting to make them believe that school was more important to her. Which wasn’t entirely a lie but not entirely true either.

Hiyori got up out of her seat to use the restroom and swayed her way down the dimly lit hall. She almost ran into a woman leaving the bathroom but was quickly able to avoid her only to tumble into someone close behind. She laughed and apologized without looking back and slipped into the restroom before the door closed. She could have sworn she heard her name whispered through the crack.

When she returned to the main part of the bar, she scouted out the area for her table. It was getting later into the evening which dissipated the huge crowds. What was left were the small groups of friends catching up, couples sharing secrets over drinks, businessmen being shaken awake by the bartenders, and the few regulars sipping their way through their favorite liquor. Eventually, people’s faces began to blur in with one another and the room started to spin. It wasn’t until a lock of dark violet hair passing her by that made her eyes go into focus again.

She really didn’t know he would be there. He wasn’t known to go to bars, not while she knew him. He was more into stealing beer out of her father’s or Daikoku’s fridge.

But the sight of him made the movement of everyone else stop. His name played on her tongue like the strong alcohol she had downed not even ten minutes ago. She wouldn’t let it spill but the temptation was a strong tug on her heart. Its beat sped up with each step she took towards him. It had been three years. Three years of silence and unanswered messages. Three years of desire and grief.

She grabbed onto his wrist without a care in the world and when his heavenly blue eyes met hers she felt that tight bond weaving through her fingertips again. She held on tightly to that feeling and spoke before he could even get a word out.

“I’m Hiyori Iki, and I was wondering if you’d like to have a drink with me.”

His laughter rang throughout the bar and into her heart. That was the smile she missed so much.

“Nice to meet you, Iki-san,” he wiped tears from the corners of his eyes, “Sorry about that but I’ve never had a girl, save for you, be so bold to flirt with me.”

She felt her face heat up and tried to convince herself that it was only the alcohol, “I’m very upfront about what I want.”

“Only when you’re drunk, right?

“Yes, ah wait,” what was she saying?

“As you should be,” he reached for her hand and pulled it up to his lips, leaving a brushed kiss on her knuckles, “please, call me Yato.”

Slightly annoyed that he knew how to appease her, with her lips quivering of the thought of those lips on hers instead, she smiled and took her hand away. Did he believe that she didn’t remember him or was he playing along?

“Nice to meet you, Yato.”

A blush crept across his face before turning away from her, “to the bar, shall we?”

She followed behind him and nodded towards her friends as she passed by their table. They seemed as shocked as she was that she was getting a drink with some random stranger. She noticed how he hadn’t changed at all, that none of her teenage years was a lie and she really was best friends with a God and his shinki. He asked her what she wanted to drink as they approached the bar. She told him to surprise her. He grinned that conniving grin and turned back to the bartender, ordering each of them a mixed drink she’d never heard of before.

“So what brings you here, Iki-san?” Yato passed her a glass and motioned for her to take a seat.

She shook her head, “call me Hiyori.” They sat down at a secluded booth near the back end of the bar. She watched as he stirred the contents with his finger before licking it clean. She tried her best not to stare but her eyes couldn’t help but gravitate towards his lips. She remembered them fleetingly, how soft and desperate they were the night before they last saw each other. She lowered her head, staring at her untouched drink. “I was meeting with my childhood friends. We happened to pass by this bar and decided to get a few drinks.”

Yato took a swig of his drink and grinned slyly, “happened to pass by, huh?”

The hairs on the back of her neck rose at his accusatory voice. It’s not like she knew he would be here but she could see how it would seem suspicious. She thought she hid it pretty well, acting like these past few years had wiped her memory clean of any evidence that he was real. She knew better than that, she could never get him off her mind. No matter how many boys glanced her way or tried to catch her after classes ended. She feared getting involved with anyone else would make her memory start to fade. And he was a memory she never wanted to forget.

“Ami and Yama said this is their favorite bar so they invited me to come check it out,” she admitted, taking a hesitant sip of her drink. It was a bit strong but nothing she couldn’t handle.

“Ah, and where are these friends of yours?”

Hiyori turned her head to find her friends sitting at the table she left not too long ago. They happened to both be staring at her, of course. They were always nosey when it came to Hiyori’s boy endeavors. She hesitantly waved at them as they returned more triumphant, attention-grabbing waves. Yama winked while Ami had a thumbs up. God, why were they like this?

She turned around to Yato’s big smile, a bit too overconfident for her liking.

“Looks like they’re cheering you on.”

Hiyori took another nervous sip of her drink, “they like to embarrass me.”

Yato laughed, making her wish more and more that she could just tell him the truth. That she in fact remembered him to the core. That she just wanted to reach across the table, grab the collar of his shirt and bring those idiotic lips to hers. She pushed the feeling deep down to the pit of her stomach.

“So what do you do, Hiyori?”

She set her drink down and continued with her facade, “well I’m studying medicine. My family has their own practice, a hospital actually, and I’ve always wanted to carry on the family trade.”

“Always?”

She stared at the ice slowly melting in her drink, diluting the alcohol. “I think at one point, when I was in high school, I didn’t really know what I wanted.” She noticed the silence between them carried on a little longer than she would have liked. She looked up from her drink and found a curious expression on his face. Almost hurt but uncertain.

“I guess most high school students are like that, huh?”

She couldn’t help but notice the wrinkles on his brow, the unspoken words on his lips.

“I guess so,” she was desperate to change the subject, “and you? What do you do.”

He shrugged and finished his drink, “I’m a man of many trades. I do what I can to make a living to support my family.”

“Sounds like your heart is in the right place,” she thought about Yukine and Nora and how well Yato got them accustomed to each other over the course of two years. How they slowly developed into this small, weird-found family. She took another sip, she hoped they were still happy.

“I wouldn’t be who I am without them, without-“

Hiyori raised her brows at him, wondering where his words were leading. He had covered his mouth to stop them from overflowing something not meant for her ears. She took a final long swig of her drink and tilted her head.

“What are they like? You’re family?”

Yato slowly dropped his hand from his mouth, a forced smile playing on his lips. He reached for his drink, “it’s gonna take a couple more of these to talk about my loved ones, Hiyori.”

For some reason that made her blush and she opted out to get up and order them more drinks from the bar. The rational thinking was completely wiped from her mind and she blamed the booze.

2 hours later

Her jaw started to hurt from the laughter and never-ending smile he continued to put on her face. She had missed his quirkiness and outright stupidity but she didn’t truly realize it until it hurt to smile. Over and over again.

He talked about his “kid” and how smart he was, how he studied every day even though he really didn’t need to. He praised his sister for overcoming her fears and guilt. He talked about the scuffles he’d get in with a certain glasses-wearing pervert and his long-haired skanky woman. He laughed about a certain clumsy girl with her rigid but loving partner. He talked about the family he found in them and how much he enjoyed their everyday adventures.

She couldn’t help but notice he never mentioned missing a certain girl who so terribly missed him. She put it to the back of her mind and continued to listen to his heartwarming and idiotic stories. It was as if she never left his side.

The snow was getting heavier as they trudged along the city's edge, walking over a bridge that seemed to be very familiar. He stumbled a bit due to a rock hidden among the blanketed snow or possibly the multiple drinks he downed before they left the bar and her friends behind. Luckily for her, the cold was able to sober her up just enough to keep an attentive eye on her friend.

“Be careful, Yato,” she said as she grabbed his arm to steady his balance. He turned his head and gave his usual silly lopsided grin. Oh, he was definitely drunk.

“Hiyori, you’re very kind, you know that?”

She felt a sudden feeling of dread course through her body. She didn’t feel kind, not at all. Not when she’d been lying to him this whole time. Until she reminded herself that without the lies, she wouldn’t be very kind to him at all. Not when he just up and left-

He slipped and fell to his back; sprawled out in the snow, he started laughing. She crouched next to him and wondered what could ever be so funny. Her eyes traveled to his lips, admiring his smile, brighter than a full moon on a clear night. To his eyes, bright pools of hope, joy, and love.

“Are you okay?” She asked as she reached out to help him back on his drunken feet.

He turned his head to the side to look at her, his blue eyes pleading for something she didn’t quite understand. His hand clasped around hers and he held onto it, making no sign of getting up from the snow-dusted bridge. He slowly brought her hand to his cheek and rested it there. Her hand rushed with heat along with her own cheeks. He chuckled and closed his eyes at her soft touch.

“I think this is the happiest I’ve been in years.”

“Years?” She played along, trying to not let her heart burst out of her chest for feeling the same way. “You just talked about how much you loved your friends and family.”

He slowly blinked at her, “I was a lot happier when my best friend was at my side.”

She tried her hardest not to reveal anything from her expression but she was sure she let a beat of sorrow slip, “What happened with them?”

“How long are you staying in town?” He asked, dismissing her question.

She smiled softly and shook her head, “I’ll be returning to school tomorrow afternoon.”

His smile faltered for a split second, “Ever so fleeting, Hiyori Iki.”

“As is life.”

He laughed, deep from his chest and his heart, her hand still resting against his warming cheek. He closed his eyes and breathed out a heavy sigh, his breath visible in the cold, late-night air. “Will we meet again?”

Hiyori felt like a jolt of lightning struck her, she stood up quickly, ripping her hand from his, and began to walk away from the drunken God. Her mind was whirling with never-ending thoughts, his words from so long ago hammering her brain. We shall meet again.

How horrible of him, she thought. The anger and sadness she felt that day when she realized he had stopped visiting her. Tears tried to break free but her desperate lie kept the mask on her face, hiding so desperately what she didn’t want him to find out.

She didn’t hear his steadfast footsteps and almost fell back onto him as he grabbed her wrist. She stopped, her feet almost crossing the line of the wooden bridge. She begged herself to keep on going, to forget this ever happened, forget the stupidity of her own decision of approaching him again tonight. She had let the alcohol get the best of her, after three years of forcing herself to stray from the person she loved most in this world.

But his hand was so warm, wrapped around her wrist, his fingers soft and tender as the night those very same hands caressed the back of her neck, kissing her with all the love he had stored away in his heart. She remembered the way he murmured I love you’s against her lips as she nervously chuckled, repeating it back to him.

“Please don’t go, Hiyori,” he pleaded.

She continued to stare down at her own two feet, wondering if he’d continue to come after her if she pulled away again. He said something under his breath, too low for her to hear and she forced herself to look back at him. His eyes sorrowful and lost, a look of desperation splayed across his face.

“What did you say?” She asked, scared to hear his answer.

“I’ve missed you.”

Four Years Ago

The party had quieted down by evening. Kofuku was passed out drunk under the table while Daikoku took care to clean up the leftover food and drinks without waking her. Yukine and Nora sat on the back porch in lightweight coats, watching the sunset behind the clouds. Hiyori sat at the table looking at her and Kofuku’s unfinished game of Onigiri roulette. She was happy for the small graduation party her friends had thrown for her and even happier that Yato was the one to organize it. After missing her birthday the first time around, he always made sure to never forget it or other important events again.

She reminisced a few hours back when she walked in and everyone cheered “Congratulations'' to her. Food was hot and ready to be eaten, a few graduation gifts in the corner of the room begging to be ripped open. They ate, played games, and re-lived events that had long come and gone.

She smiled as her fingertips brushed against the notebook Yukine had gotten for her. “Don’t Give Up,” was sprawled across the top. He told her that as long as she’d write her class notes in there, she would never fail a test. A blessing from a God’s Guidepost in the form of a lucky charm.

Hiyori looked up at Daikoku as he lifted Kofuku in his arms, staring lovingly at his Goddess before realizing he was being watched. She almost felt jealous, wishing she had someone to look at her like that.

He cleared his throat. “I’m gonna take the missus to bed, why don’t you go see what Yato is doing?”

She wondered if he could tell she was thinking about him, “where did he go?”

He shrugged, “he probably slunk back to his room after realizing he’s the only one who didn’t get you a present.”

Hiyori laughed, “I don’t need him sulking like he did when he found out about my birthday that first year,” she got up and dusted off her skirt, “guess I’ll go see what he’s up to.”

She watched as he took away Kofuku before heading up the stairs. Odd metallic noises could be heard from the hallway but she couldn’t quite figure out what it was. She made her way to the top and opened the doorway to his room.

She found him there, sitting at the small desk against the wall, working on something. She quietly made her way over to him, hoping not to alert him, and stopped as she was close enough to peer over his shoulder. She couldn’t see what he was working on.

“So this is where you disappeared to?”

Startled, Yato put his hands over something on the table and looked up at her, “H-hiyori! What are you doing here?”

She laughed, “Well I was wondering where the organizer of my party went and had to come looking,” she tilted her head, “what are you working on?”

He looked back to his hands, “um well, I’m kinda working on,” he paused before looking back to her, “a gift for you.”

“For me?” Her voice hitched up with anticipation, “what is it?”

“Well, it’s not done yet. I meant to finish it up last night but Yukine and I got a job and it was very tiring you know,” he looked at her with desperate eyes, “I got back home, immediately crashed on the floor and didn’t have time so I thought…” he trailed off. She could tell he felt bad for not getting her gift done in time for the party but it made her heart flutter knowing he was making something special for her. She sat down cross-legged and turned her back to his, slightly leaning against him.

“Can I keep you company while you finish it? I promise I won’t look.” She listened as he readjusted his position to uncover her unfinished gift.

“That would be nice,” he admitted. He started working away again, his back shifting against hers once in a while. It was warm, he felt warm. She brought her knees up to her chest and wrapped her arms around them, resting her head on top.

“Thank you for the party, Yato. I had a lot of fun.”

“O-of course. You graduated High School! It only happens once in life you know.”

She laughed, “I do have to say though, I can’t believe you left me to play Onigiri Roulette alone with Kofuku.”

“I’ve played way too many times, I don’t need a mouth full of toothpaste again, no thanks.”

Hiyori straightened up and turned just enough to see the side of his smiling face, “still, I expected you to be there but you crawled away without even a word.”

He bit his lip, his eye-catching hers, “I’m sorry, I just really wanted to give you this.”

Hiyori ever so casually placed her chin on his shoulder, their faces mere inches apart, “this gift must be extra special then.” Without realizing it she took in his calming and sweet scent. How she wished it was her own.

His face flushed and he turned away from her eyes, “y-you promised you wouldn’t look.”

She peeled away and readjusted herself, pressing her back into his once again, “sorry, I couldn’t help myself.”

He mumbled something under his breath but continued to work. The silence pressed on and anticipation slowly scratched at her heart.

“Have you heard back from any colleges yet?”

Her heart sank with the deep weight of a folded-up letter in her skirt pocket. She had planned on telling him. She really did. But every day it seemed harder and harder. Being accepted to a prestigious medicine school that was hours away from her best friend was a hard pill to swallow. She had no idea when she’d find the time to visit him and she didn’t want him to forget his duties, put them on the sideline for her. With him on the way to becoming a God of Fortune, she couldn’t let him give that up for her. He also had his responsibility to be there for Yukine more than her. She could never deny that. Not after everything that they had been through.

She just had to tell him, grab the letter out of her pocket and show him the good news-

“Not yet, but I’m pretty positive I’ll get into the place I want,” she hated lying.

“Definitely! You’re so smart, I know you’ll do great.”

She smiled at his compliment. She kind of knew it herself but hearing it from the person you like is a completely different story.

“Okay, It’s all done,” his voice was chipper, “Hiyori, close your eyes, please.”

She did. She felt him shift behind her, felt the brush of his knees against her lower back as he knelt down behind her. Then, ever so cautiously, his hands collected her long hair to move over her right shoulder. His fingertips brushed against the nape of her neck and a small shiver ran through her back, more aware of his fleeting touch. She felt nothing for a few breaths until something light and small tapped the center of her upper chest. Instinctively she moved her hand to check it out but Yato’s own hand caught hers before she could.

“Not yet, just one more second,” he released her hand and she put it back into her lap while he went back to work. She tried her best to keep her mind off his timid and floating touches but every nerve in her body wanted to focus solely on where his hands were.

“Okay, you can open your eyes now,” he said as his hands disappeared from her senses, “Congrats on graduating, Hiyori.”

When she opened her eyes and looked down at the golden necklace hanging from her neck she almost gasped. She picked up the charm between two fingers and admired the handiwork made by the hands of a god. By her friend, Yato.

It was a crown, small and golden. One that matched his own. May our fates intertwine engraved neatly on the back. She fought the tears building up behind her eyes as she turned on him. His face was flushed, an embarrassed smile playing on his lips.

“I love it.” She said, still holding onto the small crown in her hand.

“I’m glad. I hope you don’t think it’s weird I just thought-“ he stopped as she rested her hand on his chest, her fingertips brushing against the crown embroidered on his tracksuit.

She smiled, earnestly as ever, “we match.” She kept her eyes level with the crown, too shy to make eye contact, too embarrassed to see what kind of expression he would make next.

To her surprise, he reached for the very hand placed on his chest and rested it on top of hers. She felt his heartbeat start to pick up a fast and steady tempo. What was this feeling that pulsated under her palm? What was his heart trying to say? Surely he didn’t feel the same...

She hesitantly looked up and met his burning eyes. Her own heart started to fluctuate as she noticed the heavy blush across his cheeks and at the tip of his ears.

Oh.

“Does it make you happy that it matches?”

“Y-yeah. It’s like I always have a part of you with me,” she bit her tongue from saying anything more.

She felt his hair brush against her cheek as he fell forward a bit. His breath inching closer to her ear.

“May I say something?” He asked, barely above a whisper.

She nodded her head, unable to get an unshaken word past her lips.

He rested his forehead on her shoulder, breathing an unsteady breath down her collarbone. His heart wasn’t letting up now nor anytime soon.

“I’ve been wanting to tell you this for a very long time but I just didn’t know when the right time would be.” With his head back up, he took her hand in his before bringing it to his lips, mimicking that first night at Capybara Land. The hair on the back of her neck rose with the certainty that her heart was in sync if not faster than his now. He smiled nervously but lovingly all the same behind their hands, “Forgive me if I’m out of line but, Hiyori...”

She sucked in a hesitant breath. No, he couldn’t, there’s no way he-

“I love you,” he let out a relieved sigh, “I love you and it's something I’ve been sure of for a long time now,” he briefly kissed her shaking fingers before letting the hold on her go, returning her hand to his chest where she once felt his heart's beating. It fluttered beneath her hand like a scared little bird.

She was scared too. She parted her lips to reply but closed them soon after. She wanted to say so many things with the first thing being I love you too . She wondered if it was okay to love him at all, a God.

He smiled nervously at her silence and chuckled. “You don’t need to reply now or even ever if you don’t want to. I’ll understand if you don’t want to-“ he stopped at the feeling of her hand trailing its way up past his heart, to the side of his neck to his cheek. She felt the heat beneath it, his true feelings. She met his eyes and returned a nervous smile.

“Actually, I uh,” she bit her bottom lip before parting them once more, “I feel the same.”

His mouth was agape and she had to suppress a laugh at his shocked expression.

“R-really? Are you sure you don’t mean something else?”

“Yato, be more confident in yourself. I’ve told you this multiple times.”

“Yeah but I just want to make sure it's the same way I feel,” he grumbled.

She sighed and swallowed her nervousness. “Yato, I love you,” she tilted her head, “I’ve known for quite a while myself.”

He smiled, “when was this?”

Hiyori pursed her lips, “when you left to find your father and I came after you. Kazuma stopped me and told me that a God can never love a human.”

It felt good to get it off her chest but she immediately had to talk Yato out of beating up his former shinki.

“It’s fine, right? He was wrong,” she reassured him.

He reached for both her hands and brought them towards his lips, he kissed them and looked at her with unwavering eyes. “He was very wrong. I’ve never loved anything more in my life than you.”

She swallowed hard as her whole body heated up at his words. She watched as he lowered her hands to fit in the space between them. He inched closer, his eyelashes fluttering.

“Hiyori, can I try something new?”

“W-what?” She had an idea as she saw him quickly lick his lips. Oh man was the room getting hotter or was it the verge of springtime flowing in from the window?

All of a sudden his hand was caressing her warm cheek, her embarrassment reflected upon them with a shade of pink.

“I think you know,” he chuckled nervously.

“I d-don’t unless you clearly s-say it.”

“May I kiss you?” It came out as a soft and careful question and it warmed her heart that he asked. He knew what heartbreak and suffering the last one caused her. She squeezed his other hand that was still holding onto hers. She couldn’t get any words out so instead she nodded.

First, she felt his hair tickle her forehead and the side of her cheek. Next was the warmth of his exhaled breath before taking one in. Last was his hesitant lips hovering over hers before she pushed herself to steal away the last remaining space between them.

She didn’t know the full extent of what a real kiss could feel like. She didn’t know it would make her stomach flutter, her fingertips tingle, her heart burst into a tiny flame. His lips were soft and warm and so gentle. He began to pull her in more and more with each sparing breath they took. When his hands took roost on her hips it felt like nothing she’s ever experienced before. It felt electrifying. It felt right.

She had to keep telling herself that this wasn’t sudden in the slightest. It wasn’t as if they hadn’t seen this coming. Not when soon after defeating his father they started to confide in each other more and more. It wasn’t as if after that first accidental handhold under the kotatsu, that his hands just so happened to entangle themselves with hers on occasion. He would never take a hold of her hand after walking her back to her house, kissing the inside of her palm before their goodnight farewells. She definitely didn’t find excuses to give him hug after hug. As if she wanted to feel the warmth and closeness of his body, to get a secret whiff of her favorite scent. She wouldn’t even admit the fact of him kissing her forehead a total of eight times.

And no she certainly was not keeping count, but she would admit that most of them were when their lips had almost met each other’s, but one would reel back in realization. He’d give her a kiss above her brow for forgiveness.

But now he was murmuring I love you over and over again against her heated lips. She had her shaky hands wrapped around his neck, pulling him in closer and closer like an uncontrollable need. She had wanted this for so long; since the moment he appeared to her with his broken shrine in hand but instead of looking at the damage her eyes couldn’t stray away from those lips.

The early spring was cold but Hiyori wasn’t lacking in warmth. Yato helped with that.

“Shouldn’t you be heading home soon?” He said in a soft, warm voice, his fingers brushing hair behind her ear.

“Probably,” was all that she could muster. He laughed as he wrapped his arms around her shoulders. He sat behind her now, with enough room between his legs for her to sit perfectly, her back against his chest. She liked the feeling of his heart pounding behind her, his breath tickling the side of her neck, his hand reaching for hers. She grabbed on and squeezed, realizing she really didn’t want to go home.

“I’ll walk you home if you want,” he suggested.

“Are you trying to get rid of me?” She teased.

“Believe me, Hiyori, I don’t want you to leave, not ever. But I also don’t want your family to panic when they realize you aren’t home.”

A hum escaped her lips. He was right but there was one thing she had to do before she left.

Yato seemed surprised as she turned around on her knees to fish something out of her skirt pocket. His eyes never left the rummaging of her hands even as they pulled out a folded piece of paper. He looked up at her and cocked his head as she tried to hand it to him.

“Go ahead, read it,” she said in a soft voice.

He did and it didn’t take him long to realize what it meant, well partly. He crashed into her, almost knocking her back onto the floor. He held onto her tightly and an excited laugh rang in her ear.

“I knew you’d make it in, Hiyori! I just knew!”

She hugged him back and buried her face in the crook of his neck. She was happy but the pit in her stomach was still there.

“You’re going to be amazing! Dr. Iki. Doesn’t that sound perfect?”

She pulled back and smiled lightly, “I’m excited,” she admitted, “but it’s far away, Yato.”

His happy face only faltered for a split second before he was able to put it back on. “I’ll come visit you every day.”

Hiyori laughed, “I’d love that, but please don’t forget about your first priority. Yukine will always need you.”

“Of course, I’ll be there whenever you want. I’m just a wish away.”

“Is that your new slogan?”

He placed a kiss on her forehead, “only for you, Hiyori.”

And he was right. He visited every day she wished him to. In between classes when quick kisses were stolen in empty hallways, on weekends when she had caught up on school work, and nights when the winter chill was just too much for her to bear alone. Some days they’d get lost in meaningless conversations or games while others they’d bask in silence and kisses.

On occasion Yukine would tag along, the three of them doing everything but also nothing in particular. It was like nothing really changed.

Not until he caught her with a failed test result.

“Are you sure you’re doing okay, Hiyori? Am I coming here too often?”

She jumped up at the question and stared down at him, lying next to her on her dorm room bed, “I’m doing fine! I just,” she paused trying to come up with an excuse, she sighed when she couldn’t, “forgot about it.”

He reached up and cupped her cheek, “remember when you said Yukine is my main priority? School is yours, don’t neglect it because of me.”

“I promise, I won’t.”

It was the only promise she managed to let slip from her hands. The last night they spent together was full of affection and words of love. He had gently taken her crown necklace that she wore every day between his two fingers and smiled at her.

“I’ll always love you, Hiyori.”

Present Day

Hiyori gripped onto the end of her sleeve like it was a lifeline. He had known all this time and hadn't said a word to her. He had known she was lying this whole time, acting as if she had forgotten him.

"You knew?"

"Of course I knew.”

“Did you follow me today, to the bar?”

His eyes flicked away and he shrugged.

“What was your plan? To avoid me the whole time I was there and hope I didn’t see you? Did you plan to approach me at all?”

“I don’t know I-“

"Why haven't you said anything? Why did you play along? All these years..."

He scratched the back of his head. “You were failing your classes, Hiyori. I saw your scores on essays and exams. I was a distraction, I’m not that naive to realize it wasn’t good to have me around all the time.”

“You didn’t say a word to me. You just stopped responding to me. Do you know what I went through?”

He watched the snowfall melt into the pond below them, below the bridge. “I do. Do you think I could go years without checking up on you?”

She clenched her teeth, “of course you did, you’re a high-class stalker.”

He chuckled and she almost had the nerve to push him over the bridge into the cold water below.

“Then why,” she pleaded, “if you knew how broken I was after you left without a single word, why did you never tell me why you left.”

“Because,” he paused, meeting her angry gaze, “I knew if I went to see you again, I wouldn’t be able to leave a second time.”

She ripped her hand from his and walked off the bridge. She wanted to yell at him, to call him selfish for all that he has done. But she couldn’t deny that he was right. After he disappeared, her grades skyrocketed, her focus shifting back to schoolwork. It was something to keep her mind off him. She also knew if he did come back to visit her, she would have found a way to make him stay.

“Do you know how hard it was to keep away from you, Hiyori? Every day I had to convince myself to not approach you, no matter how desperate I was.” She heard him sigh. “It took all my willpower to not let you see me again after that night.”

She stopped and spun around on him. "That night…"

“I knew it would be the last, that’s why I told you-”

“Shut up.”

He reached out for her, “Hiyori-“

“I said shut up!” Her hands were balled into fists against her side, her eyes never straying from the snow-covered ground.

He dropped his outstretched hand, hiding them deep within his pockets. “I’m sorry. I realize now I probably should have approached the situation differently.”

“It was inconsiderate.”

“I know.”

“Selfish and so stupid.” She couldn’t hold back her tears any longer and she flinched when his hand touched her cheek. She looked at him timidly, letting his thumb wipe the tears from her eyes.

“I’m an ass, that’s for sure,” he admitted.

“Most idiotic God for a boyfriend.”

“Hiyori, please-”

Her lips met his again, this time drowned by the saltiness of her tears. He accepted it with eagerness and pulled her in tight. There was sadness and desperateness behind her kiss. Something so raw and powerful that it almost made him falter at the knees.

She pulled away to only have him pull her in again. Keeping her lips and body hostage to his demand. She didn’t mind it but the longer this went on the harder it would be for her to walk away.

When they did, his arm lingered on her shoulder and down to her fingertips. They tingled and shook at the thought of not being able to see him again for God knows how long. They met eyes and she smiled first, her makeup running down her face.

“Will you come see me again?” She was almost afraid to ask.

He closed the distance once more, leaving a feathered kiss on her brow before tapping her forehead with his.

“Only if you keep your grades up. How many more years do you have until I start calling you Dr. Iki?”

She laughed and sniffled, her feelings all over the place. “Too many.” Looking up to his eyes she noticed he was staring down at her chest, at her necklace. “I wear it every day, you know.”

“I know, I’d sometimes watch you put it on.”

She shoved him playfully and he put up his hands in defense, “please forgive me my beautiful and ever so devoted girlfriend.”

“You’re gonna have to kiss up to me better than that for all the years you left me alone.”

He grinned, “Shall I start with your lips?”

“Hmm,” she hummed, “how about you start by walking me back to my hotel room?”

He grabbed her hand, “as you wish.”

#noragami #yatoriweek2021 #fanfic #my writing #yatori #matching crowns #moving forward #that was a long boy #it was originally very angsty but went against it

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hallucxnating · 4 years

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Ah sorry should've clarified, this is my way of seeing if I actually wanna get back into it or not, sorry to make you answer these. So, he acts younger and he was manipulated? That's why it's okay? Really sorry if I'm sounding rude, again, I don't mean to. It's just he's lived a thousand years and she's lived 16, that's real bad, the author could've made her a collage student, so she wasn't a teenager but? Aang was frozen, didn't age or mature, real different than living.

It's alright :)

Please let me elaborate more on this. (It's gonna be long sorry not sorry)

First of all, you're actually right about that last part regarding Aang. The example I used didn't really apply here after thinking about it.

Still,

Despite the fact that the gods are hundreds or maybe even thousands of years old, none of them show that maturity per se. Yato behaves as a rambunctious teen most of the time. Bishamon has the maturity of someone in her twenties. Kofuku literally behaves like a young teenage girl. Tenjin is the only one who shows some maturity but it's mostly because he was human before becoming god and died when he was old. The time they've existed absolutely does NOT reflect upon their psyche, simply because I believe they choose not to. Yato does not 'act' immature. Yato IS immature. He wasn't brought up properly by his father and then he pretty much alienated every shinki uptil Yukine.

The other gods have had the pleasure of having their shinki raise them up if something untoward happened to them (eg: Takemikazuchi and Ebisu) and they'd have a parental figure to guide them to a state of maturity.

So therefore, biologically and mentally Yato couldn't be older than an 18-20 year old. Despite the fact that he's been alive for hundreds of years.

I genuinely believe that immortality does not equate to wisdom beyond the years. Especially if someone is stuck at a certain bodily age. Because their mind sort of locks at that age too? I hope I'm making sense. Sure they might collect memories, but if life is a slog of just godly duties, there isn't much there to make the god grow as a person, right?

Meeting Hiyori was the start of a shifting worldview for Yato, and getting Yukine was the start of Yato accepting even an inkling of responsibility.

If you've read the manga, you can see how Yato was in the first chapter. In my opinion he was essentially just a man child parading around as if he was much more important than he actually was. He'd actively throw tantrums at people if they said something he didn't like. All his actions in hindsight just showed how he was still fixated with what happened to Sakura even after several hundred years.

Probably because he CHOSE to keep that secret burning inside him. He couldn't tell his shinki because that would kill them and he didn't have anyone else to tell that.

So when Hiyori accidentally found out about that incident, it was probably the first time he "told" anyone about that AND have them empathise with him.

Hiyori's beauty is that she's the first person to treat Yato with empathy. Not sympathy and certainly not scorn. (Kazuma had come dangerously close but that's another essay I can write)

And the fact that she's so empathetic to him is what draws them both to each other.

Unlike how it is in the anime (because of how Studio Bones decided to frame some scenes to make Yato a MUCH more likable character than he initially was in the manga) Hiyori actually has much more agency. If Yato was being a bitch boy she'd be like fuck it I'm gonna do that thing on my own and MOSTLY succeed.

Unlike so many shows where the female character keeps getting into trouble from which the guy has to save her (*cough* jshk *cough*), Hiyori actively saved Yato AND Yukine's life when Yukine had blighted Yato to almost death.

If it weren't for Hiyori we wouldn't have had Yato.

People give a lot of importance to numbers. Which are most CERTAINLY important because you can individually analyse every case. But Hiyori being sixteen rarely affects her doings with the far world. Hiyori is the main character of this story, and she's a girl with so much love and empathy to give that she's almost wiser for her age. I wouldn't ship yatori at their initial phase. Hiyori has suffered through stuff and being with yato has exposed her to death and so many more dark topics. They've both helped each other grow and also comforted each other. Yato adds adventure to Hiyoris mundane life, something she'd been craving since forever. Hiyori is Yato's rock. She's his support and always there for him to come back whenever he might go too far. Gods don't have a sense of moral, so Yato decided that it will be Hiyori and Yukine who he will follow to do godly duties with justice.

And frankly speaking it's that kind of co-dependence that makes their relationship very beautiful. And it is the appreciation for THAT aspect of their relationship that makes me ship them. Not because "meh meh girl and guy could I make it more obvious"

Since you're an anime only I highly suggest you read the manga. Because it is SO much better.

Here's the one who manifested my thoughts into words because I do be kinda illiterate on my own. Thank you Nani

#yatori #noragami #if you read the whole thing congratulations #here's the actual thesis #anonymous #hallu asks

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noragami-ru-manga · 4 years

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Chronology of Noragami

To match the events in Noragami with real-life data, we’ve used everything: festivities mentioned, important events that have occurred in Japan, natural disasters, seasonal flower blossoming, study trimesters, exams and school holidays, moon phases that have appeared in the manga, solar and lunar eclipses, Hiyori and Yukine’s birthdays, Hiyori’s diary, and even Yato’s clothes.

Several members of Noragami_ru Manga discussed the series and its time frames, armed with both inspiration and critical thinking. There was a lot of information to process; some of the manga events were very easy to match with the calendar, while others really fell out of the timeline. A prime example is chapter 73. It was impossible to reconcile with any given date and broke the straight string of the events that did line up. Sometimes Hiyori’s diary would cavort and list its dates at random. However, we do know that the events of Noragami happen within the time frame of a little over a year. This one’s easy to check and prove. The manga started when Hiyori met Yato, several days later they found Yukine and a year later, right after his first birthday, Yukine was accosted by Mizuchi and ended up stinging Yato. Yato then decided to end his father’s attacks once and for all and went to confront him.

Adachitoka started working on Noragami in 2010, and the first chapter was published by Kodansha in January 2011. These dates were the first ones to come to mind. Naturally, other years were carefully examined; members of the fandom stocked up with “magnifying glasses” and “microscopes” and meticulously checked and double-checked several other calendars and tried to reconcile them with the events of the manga. But years 2010-2011 were the ones that fit the best, and very soon you’ll see why. Get ready, dear members, readers and (un)expected guests. We can’t promise you over-the-top fun times. But we hope that you will be pleasantly surprised and look at Noragami and its amazing universe in a different light. Let’s go!

This is our first main clue:

Hiyori says that it’s been two weeks since she first met Yato and became a half-ayakashi. The same day in the evening, they’ll find Yukine. “We had an early snow that day… I wonder if that’s why Yato named him Yukine?”, Hiyori will recollect a year later. It was 29 November, the end of 2010. The sky is overcast, it’s snowing, the moon can’t be seen so it’s impossible to match its phase with the calendar. But we will reconcile memorable dates with moon phases later.

Here we can see young moon behind the trees. It’s an early winter evening; Hiyori comes home and brings Yukine along. Judging by the moon phase, it’s sometime between 10-12 December 2010. Hiyori’s parents come home and say that they’ve been at the class reunion. Those are usually held on Saturdays. If so, the date is 11 December.

The encounter and the first fight with Bishamon happen during fool moon:

First signs of indelible blight start showing on Yato’s skin; Nora appears and tries to persuade him to give up on Yukine and use her instead. The fool moon at the picture looks like it’s been marred by dirt. Date-wise these coincide with 20-21 December 2010. A full lunar eclipse happened that night in real life. In Japan it could be seen in the evening, after the moon rising. Here is a quote from the Russian Wikipedia: “Since this lunar eclipse coincided with winter solstice, 21 December became “the darkest day” in the last 372 years. The next lunar eclipse on 21 December will happen only in 2094”.

The next is “Christmas” chapter (22-26 December). Yato is wearing a Santa cap, there’s a festive shop sign on the wall:

In chapter 9 Hiyori goes on a temple visit to Tenjin’s shrine and New Year’s celebration with her friends. She miraculously avoids death on 1 January:

7 January to 25 March is the last school trimester in Japan. Hiyori is wondering where Yato is. It’s the 3-4th lunar day, when there’s no moon yet, but there are signs of a very slim crescent.

Yato’s epiphany in girl’s bathroom

Soon enough, Yato and Yukine will have to go through misogi – the ablution ritual.

By the way, these two important events changed places in the anime. There, Yato was dying from blight sometime near the end of December, perhaps on that same “darkest day” of the lunar eclipse. Several days later, on New Year’s, Nora set her ayakashi on Hiyori.

Yato meets up with Nora during another full moon. Why can’t they just sleep on these moonlit nights?

Is it 20 January 2011? Or is it already 18 February?

Yukine meets Suzuha when the first spring flowers start blooming:

Hiyori is graduating from middle school and preparing to enter high school. Plumes are blooming (which means it’s either February or March), and Hiyori has her promotion exams coming when she is kidnapped by Kugaha. Yato and Yukine rash to Bishamon’s residence to rescue the girl:

Yato engages Bishamon in battle on the night of the crescent moon:

If we try to match first flowers blooming on the ground with plum blossoming, then it can’t be February, which means it’s the beginning of March. A crescent like this generally appears on 7-9th lunar day. Date-wise it lines up with 10-12 March 2011. The date that interests us is 11 March, since it was a memorable one for Japan. A huge earthquake occurred that day on the eastern cost of Honshu, resulting in a giant tsunami. Nearly 16 thousand people died and 2.5 thousand went missing.

In Noragami this event leads to the gods’ council in Takamagahara:

Bishamon manages to prove that her fall was the sorcerer’s doing, so the Heavens start their hunt on Ebisu. As a result, the actual perpetrator who’s used Aiha and Kugaha to set two warrior gods against each other goes unpunished, whereas Ebisu becomes a scapegoat.

Sakura starts blooming when Hiyori enters high school:

First trimester begins on 1 April. Hiyori is ignoring Yato. According to the calendar, it’s the new moon. Fujisaki enters the scene.

However, as soon as Suzuha’s sakura starts blooming, Hiyory gathers Yato and Yukine, Tenjin, Kofuku and Bishamon and their shinki for flower gazing. There’s even a date this time – 13 April.

The events of chapter 26 happen in early May. End of April – beginning of May are holidays in Japan, which Hiyori spends at home with her parents. Her diary, which we will examine later, is absolutely blank during this time. Hiyori’s mom says that it’s only May, but the water reservoir is empty. There’s also a newscast on TV about possible water shortage in summer, possibly due to abnormal weather conditions

This time Nora appears on a moonless night and kidnaps Yato. Two weeks later Hiyori is seen looking for Yato, asking Daikoku and Tenjin about him. She is doing it with a purpose, since she has plans for 8 May.

Hiyori’s diary here deserves special attention:

It’s easy to match the dates with the calendar. For example, 10th is a Monday, January, therefore, 11th is a Tuesday. The next page of the diary has another Monday on it – 17th. The dates on the second frame are hard to match with anything, but there’s a mention of the picnic on the third one – 12-13 April, the days are Tuesday and Wednesday. On the fifth frame the pages with dates from 25 April to 7 May are empty. But there’s a trip to Capyper Land scheduled on Sunday.

Yato says he’s been living at his father’s for a month when he is sent to rescue Ebisu from Yomi:

Hiyori’s friends make her go to Capyper Land with them on one of the May weekends. Yukine has been in Takamagahara for a while, where the time flow is different from Earth’s, which is why he’s lost track of time for a bit and only realizes that summer is coming when he meets Hiyori:

There’s unrest in the Heavens. A storm is also brewing on Earth, as noted by Mayu:

2011 was an unlucky year for Japan. Typhoon Songda approached the country at the end of May. Here’s an extract from a real-life news article: “Disasters come treading on each other’s heels. Typhoon Songda, which has been raging near Japan, is approaching Fukushima-1 nuclear station. Bad weather might cause floods and landslides, which the experts fear might result in another radiation leak”.

During old moon Yato is still in Yomi with Ebisu. Storms are raging in Japan and in Takamagahara. A partial solar eclipse is approaching, which you’d think would bother the goddess of sun herself. In Japan it’s supposed to happen early in the morning on 1 June. But?.. Apparently off-screen, Amaterasu lifts her divine ass and goes searching for… the god of the moon, who went missing from the world of the living?

Amaterasu helps rescue the gods from Yomi. When Yato flies out of the vent straight into Hiyori’s arms, it’s already 15 June – there’s a full moon in the sky. According to the calendar, there was a full lunar eclipse that night. Yato is covered in dirt and blight:

After meeting with the reincarnated Ebisu, Yato releases Hiiro:

Judging by these frames, it was Hiiro who used to cut Yato’s hair. Sometime later it starts growing out, so Yato has to pull it into a ponytail since he doesn’t have his free hairdresser now. Though he will get one in Takemikazuchi several months later.

Yato misses Hiyori’s birthday on 28 June. However, he takes her to Capyper Land on one of the weekends. School holidays start on 20 July. Hiyori is seen wearing either dresses or sundresses. It’s also summer when Hiyori sees Yato’s memories and learns about the god’s greatest secret.

Hiyori starts going to school in chapter 48, so it’s September. The month does not begin well: Fujisaki asks the girl to leave Yato alone, and she challenges him. Right after that he uses the second brush from Yomi to summon ayakashi. Those cause chaos at the hospital that Hiyori blames herself for and starts turning into an ayakashi, going further away from the Near shore. It was also in the beginning of September 2011 that tropical storm Talas approached Japan, resulting in 59 casualties. The damage it caused is considered to be one of the biggest ones in the last 20 years. It’s no wonder Hiyori is blaming herself for the disasters; after all, as early as March, right after Yato’s battle with Bishamon and the unrest in Takamagahara and on Earth, Tenjin said to the girl that Yato did that because of her and nearly turned into an aramitama (raging spirit).

In chapter 53 Yukine is secretly reading Hiyori’s letters and says that they haven’t seen each other in two months:

Which means it’s the beginning of November. Fate brings Yato to another Iki and returns him to Hiyori once more. Their ties are written straight with crooked lines.

Yato starts preparing for Kamuhakari and makes clothes for Yukine and himself. Kiun appears and demands that he attends the divine council itself as well. It means that apart from feasting on free food, which was Yato’s intention, he will also have to participate in boring god meetings.

Tama the cat, who also appears at Kamuhakari, ruins this whole line of calendar match-ups. She died in June 2015, not long before chapter 58 was released, and Adachitoka honored her this way.

Bishamon misses Kamuhakari because she goes looking for the burial hafuri. Kazuma comes to Iwami. Full moon is shining through the window, which means it’s 11 November:

Hiyori goes back home from the festivities while Yato has to stay at the boring part of Kamuhakari. The girl notes that it’s been three days since she came back, and recalls that it’s been a year since she met Yato. It happens around 14-16 November. She also thinks that they should throw a party for Yukine, cause it’s almost a year since they found him (two weeks after she met Yato). Yukine’s birthday will be on 29 November. But a lot of events will happen in Takamagahara before that.

By the way, the time flow in Takamagahara is just as messed up as in Yomi. One day for Yato is the same as three days for Hiyori. The moon is old again. And the time in Takamagahara flows three times faster:

There’s also a peculiarity to Yato’s clothes.

“Yato comes to Kamuhakari in white clothes. But then the battle with the Heavens begins. Yato loses his divine white sleeve in his fight with Takemikazuchi. Then only the white cape remains. Finally, he appears in front of Amaterasu dressed in black.

We don’t know how long the battle lasted, but the time in Takamagahara flows differently than on Earth. It’s possible that it’s been two weeks on Earth between the beginning of Kamuhakari and Amaterasu’s trial. Also, during the new moon (when the side of the Moon facing the Earth isn’t lit by the Sun) the sun and the moon go side by side; sometimes the moon overshadows the sun a little, partially or completely. Yes, I’m still hoping an eclipse happened during the trial. Compare this: when Bishamon was at the brink of falling into the state of aramitama, her blight was dark. But Yato’s is black, and the stains it left on Amaterasu’s clothes are black”. (Ivan)

And the calendar? A partial solar eclipse happened on 25 November 2011. Japan was not supposed to see it. However, a black spot landed on Amaterasu and scared her.

“I think that’s the whole point, that the solar eclipse wasn’t seen in Japan. It could only be seen in Antarctica and partially in South Africa and New Zealand. So the picture in chapter 71 is correct. Amaterasu is showering every god and shinki present with her sunlight, then the eclipse starts. Yato, who is tired of the battle and tormented by his shinki’s sufferings, catches his “wave” and tries to make the eclipse happen in Japan as well (albeit figuratively – by striking down the sun goddess), but Take interrupts the moon god’s show of power. Amaterasu looks somewhat tired throughout the trial; maybe she isn’t feeling well, among other things?” (Yana)

The full moon in chapter 73 messes up all the calculations once again.

See, there has already been a full moon not that long ago. Hiyori had spent a day at the Kamuhakari, then waited for Yato’s return for three days, and there’s only one week left till Yukine’s birthday. There can’t be a full moon twice in two weeks’ time. Perhaps Adachitoka started the chapter with Ebisu’s kidnapping as an extra first and then turned it into a full chapter; they added the mention of Yukine’s birthday but either left the moon the way it was drawn for the extra or simply forgot about it.

The next chapter messes up the dates again.

27 November is on Monday in Hiyori’s diary and there’s a note “Fujisaki-senpai was absent again today”. The thing is, 27 November 2011 is Sunday. It was Monday in 2017, when the chapter was released. It was a hard year: one of the mangakas had to take a long sick leave, and the manga soon went on a 14 month long hiatus.

Sometime before the birthday the Heavens summon Yato and he’s questioned by the sacred treasures and then Amaterasu herself.

Yato wakes up covered in blight after Yukine’s birthday. Take’s shinki conduct another misogi, and Yukine admits that Nora kissed him the day before.

Yato goes looking for a shinki that can help him take down Fujisaki. Amaterasu has set a deadline for him on Ooharai, the Great Purification ritual (30-31 December). There has to be a crescent moon in the beginning of December – a very slim one, shaped as a bow. Kazuma comes to Yato and becomes his shinki.

In chapter 79 the dates in Hiyori’s diary are correct: 28 November is Monday, 29 November – Tuesday.

And it’s almost full moon in Chapter 81 when Yukine starts wondering about his past, with the crack on his name growing.

Please focus your attention on the top frames with the moon. Keep your hands on the table and lift your eyes off the bottom frames.

The next full moon is on 10 December 2011, and it’s supposed to be a lunar eclipse, too. Unfortunately, since chapter 81 there hasn’t been any other chapter that had a full moon in it. However, we do have Hiyori’s words in chapter 85 about missing the chance to spend Christmas with her friends. It means that the events of the latest chapters take place between Christmas and New Year’s.

Ooharai is near.

***

Author of chronology: Yana Tarasova

Inspired, came up with ideas and then checked and double-checked them: Darina Episheva, Yana Tarasova, Amoeba Proteus, Ivan Ivanov

Comprised into an article by: Ivan Ivanov

English translation by: Anastasia Bazheeva

#noragami #noragami manga #noragami chronology #noragami meta

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unlockthelore · 4 years

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You’re Gonna Carry That

While doing some shopping with the money that they (read: Yukine) earned, Yukine finds himself remembering something unpleasant and Yato is there to help. From the fic Call Out My Name on Ao3 and written for the @noragamibigbang. For more updates, follow the call out my name tag on this blog.

“What do you think of this one, Yukine?”

Yukine tumbled out of foggy thoughts as a damp touch clamped onto his shoulders, jostling him back and forth eagerly, sending a shiver down his spine as he gripped the cloth bags tightly. He’s careful not to let out a startled yelp when he was yanked backward, an arm wrapped around his front, and a cutesy caricature on the end of a silver keyring is dangled before his eyes.

It takes a second for him to recognize what the character was and the one holding it. His eyes narrowed, lips pulled to one side at the triumphant cackle from the so-called god, nearly drowning out the cacophony of sounds from the mall area.

Mothers with totes on their shoulders holding the hands of children carrying toys or talking loudly in the tacky summer heat, students clamoring down the streets in pairs or groups eager to start vacation while enjoying the last few days of their school year, salarymen with loose ties and worn eyes barely the picture of company as they dragged their feet to and fro.

Yukine’s eyes shutter as Yato’s cackling continues and he’s almost grateful to be somewhat invisible. “What’s your problem with capybaras, Yato?” He asked, blowing out a sigh as he tucked his elbow into the jersey-wearing deity’s side, earning a pained grunt and freedom from the sweaty hands on his shoulders. Looking back at him with a wrinkled nose as Yato doubled over, clutching the keyring and rubbing his side. “It’s creepy.”

Yato’s mouth fell open, disbelief mingling with hurt, his blue eyes watery as he clung to Yukine’s wrist much to the shinki’s dismay. “How could you call me — no — this creepy?!” Puncuating this by flinging the capybara key ring in his face, presenting it as if it was the heaven’s gift to man.

“Look at how you’re holding it!” Yukine said, snatching his wrist from Yato’s sweaty hold and grimacing at the thin sheen along his skin. He glanced down at the bag and held the cloth bracers in both hands, peeking inside. “What else did you buy anyway?”

In a blur, Yato snatched the bag from his hand, and pressed the keyring to Yukine’s palm. Cute as it was, he didn’t have as much of a love for capybaras as Yato did. An obsession now that he thought about it.

And for the umpteenth time that evening, Yukine couldn’t help but wish that Hiyori was there.

All of his attempts to snatch the bag from Yato were met with failure, leading the two of them into a dance down the streets of the market area. Narrow walkways, weaving between throngs of people who could barely see them for a second, and then not at all. Weight settled in Yukine’s stomach every time he caught glimpse of himself in the lit windows or stopped by intersections while Yato ran to the other side. Other people reaching out to touch the street signs, talking amongst themselves as if he weren’t privy to their conversation. Buildings as close together as the ever-moving flow of bodies but almost out of his reach. It was enough to make anyone depressed, wasn’t it?

“Yukine!”

Crossing over sidewalks with grass growing between their cracks, Yukine narrowed his eyes past the streaking sunlight at Yato waving to him like a fool in a small plaza. While the scene was harmless and a little nice considering his thoughts, he didn’t like the way the wayward deity pointed toward one of the shops. Shielding his eyes, Yukine glared. What was that?

Spying the familiar brown caricature in the window next to a lucky cat, Yukine paled and rushed forward, his sandals slapping against the sun warmed concrete as he dove for Yato’s jersey. “We’re supposed to be saving money, idiot!” He shouted, his arms tight around Yato’s middle despite the heat radiating from his jersey.

“Since when did you become so frugal?” Yato shouted back, struggling against him, albeit with less than his usual strength. “After all, this is for a great cause, Yukine.”

“What’s that…?” Yukine demanded, attempting to turn Yato around to face him but the deity had suddenly stood still and seemed rigid to the touch. Avoiding being turned or even looked at by whipping his head one way then the other, craning his neck or squeezing his eyes shut. “Oi! I asked you what was that!”

Sweat beaded along Yato’s brow but whether it was from his efforts or the heat, Yukine wasn’t sure. “Ah, hold on. Hold on! I’m thinking, I’m thinking…” Yato murmured, letting his voice trail off but Yukine wasn’t buying it that time.

It was more of a scuffle with the two of them pushing forward and backward, nearly falling over with their movement. A few passerby glanced their way and Yukine felt his heart jilting at the smiles and laughter, or the embarrassed looks and ones of concern, seeing them fade away so quickly when their eyes turned.

How frustrating, Yukine thought for a split second before he heard a shrill voice yell.

“Dad!”

His heart leapt into his throat as he looked over his shoulder. A young boy, brown hair and deep brown eyes narrowed up at the man who looked down at him tiredly, the both of them standing beneath an awning while the boy pointed up at the shop’s window. Yukine couldn’t see what was there from the glare but it must have been important. The boy’s grip on his father’s hand seemed almost tight enough to be painful as he yanked against him, attempting to head for the shop door.

“I want that one!”

“No,” his father muttered, ragged and exhausted, seeming used to this conversation but utterly tired of it. “You already have enough.”

“I want it—!” The boy crowed and Yukine found it hard to breathe for a second, his hold on Yato loosening. “I want it, I want it…! I wa—”

“Tooru!”

The shout, loud and cracking like the wind, snapped something in Yukine’s mind and he jumped back instinctively. Holding up his arms defensively, covering his face and neck until he could see a sliver through them. The boy’s face crumpled immediately and a few reedy inhales foretold of tears. Yukine swallowed thickly, and the prickling sensation of sunlight against his skin wasn’t nearly as searing as the swelling behind his eyes.

What was going on? Why was he wanting to cry?

“That’s enough!” The boy’s father grimaced and yanked his arm, pulling him down the street as onlookers turned to look at them, his eyes flicking one way to the other before he grumbled. Sharp and unrelenting. “Let’s go home.”

A part of Yukine trembled with dread. He wanted to follow them and yank the boy from the man’s grasp. Let’s go home. Those words simmered an indiscernible emotion deep in his stomach and he almost wanted to will him not to go. Lowering his arms and taking a half-step forward, a soft call rippled in the back of his mind.

“Yukine?” A hand firmly grasped his shoulder and Yukine jumped, throwing his arm back to slap it away. Blue eyes meeting his own, not brown — horrid, imposing, unforgiving brown — Yato’s brows raised then pulled together. Don’t be angry, Yukine chanted over in his head, but he wasn’t sure why. This was Yato. Yato never was angry. Thoughtless, unpredictable, noisy — but not angry.

“Oi, Yukine,” Yato called, snapping Yukine out of his cycling thoughts. He shuddered and lifted his gaze only to find a hand coming down to pat the top of his head. “It’s noisy here, right?”

Noisy?

This was one of the quieter places in the market area. It wasn’t nearly as noisy as the ones further in but Yukine couldn’t summon an argument, only nodding numbly. The key ring pressed to the palm of his hand was almost painful with how much he squeezed it. Yato didn’t seem to notice and if he did, he said nothing, only lifting his head and directing them down the street.

Their walk was taken in relative silence. Yukine staring numbly down at his feet as they passed by shop after shop.

“Neh, is there anything you wanted?” Yukine lifted his gaze, blinking confusedly at Yato’s back. “While we’re out, you can have one thing of your choice. Free of temptation.”

The joke, while one they could make now, made him wince and the act must not have been lost on Yato who frowned a little then rubbed the back of his neck.

“It’s alright to be selfish every once in awhile, you know.”

Yukine scowled and turned his head away, gazing down at the procession of ants marching across the sidewalk then to the few people milling about on the backroad they took. It had less shops, he noticed, and more shade from the sun with the towering buildings but somehow he felt more seen than before. Yato said nothing about the pause, instead shuffling from one foot to the other, setting himself down on the medium which must have been boiling hot with the heat.

After awhile of standing there, Yukine scuffed his sandal’s heel against the pavement “How he yelled at him,” he muttered. An answering hum buzzed up from Yato’s throat but it was muffled again like he was hearing it from under water. “All he wanted was the stupid whatever…”

What was the big deal? It was a thought that crossed his mind early on in his relationship with Yato too.

“So why did he…”

Yato sighed, rocking backward with his face upturned toward the sky. Not annoyed but almost resigned, like he’d been expecting it. “Eventually, he’ll forget that he yelled at him at all,” he said, an undertone of ruefulness that gave Yukine pause. “To him, it’ll be a faded memory. To his son, it may shape how he handles things in the future..”

A car rumbles down the street interrupting Yato along with the quiet sounds of the city around them. Times like this it was easy to remember Yato wasn’t some punk kid around his age. Though, Yukine couldn’t help but wonder what Yato saw to let him know things like this.

“The axe forgets but the tree remembers.” Yato mumbles, his mouth bending into a smile that was equally parts comforting as its as concerning. “Wounds made on the heart are difficult to forget, children remember what their parents say long after their parents have forgotten. With that being said…”

He rifled about in the bag, pulling out a thin red pouch securely with a golden string. It was a bit heavy when set in Yukine’s palm and he tucked the keyring into his pocket, opening it up. Inside, a number of rolled bills and coins were tucked away and Yukine blinked slowly.

“My money?” Yukine asked numbly, looking up at Yato.

Yato’s expression softened as he scooped up the bag in his arm, holding his chin higher. “You didn’t think I spent the money you earned, did you?” He stuck his tongue out, smirking broadly. “I’m not helpless, you know.”

Yukine was almost hard pressed to disagree but Yato quieted him, pressing the heel of his hand to the top of his head, his fingers albeit sweaty incredibly light as they worked through his hair.

“Yukine.”

A shudder ran through him at the tender sound of his name. Affectionate and soft, beguiling in a way that didn’t make him want to run. He held the pouch tighter until he could feel the impression of it against his palms.

“You’re working hard…” Yato continued, rubbing his fingers through Yukine’s hair, his palm cradling the back of his head with a gentle pat. Even though Yukine couldn’t raise his eyes to meet Yato’s gaze, he could hear the smile in his voice. “For the both of us, and I’m grateful.”

With another pat, Yato pulled away and the spell was broken. Yukine brushing his fingers against his disheveled hair, smiling faintly as he cradled the pouch to his chest, grumbling under his breath. “What’s all that about…” He opened the bag as they walked, squinting at its contents. “Wait up, Yato!”

Yato flinched ahead of him and Yukine could see his muscles tensing.

“Is this all my money?”

A nervous glance over his shoulder is all the warning Yukine had before Yato sprinted off.

“Oi, Oi!”

Clutching the bag in his palm and racing after him in the sweltering heat, Yukine smiled.

“Yato!”

#noragami big bang #noragami #yukine noragami #yato noragami #fanfiction #my fanfiction #call out my name

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emilyrhymeswithfelony · 4 years

Text

Koi No Yokan

This is a Noragami Historical AU I adopted from @bloodredrubymoon with @watchmist1412 with Miko!Hiyori and God of Calamity!Yato based on events during the Hogen Disturbance of 1156. You can always read it on AO3 but I’m still learning to format there, and structure is rather important to my storytelling.

Rated T+ due to death and some adult situations. Historical and A/N at end of each chapter. Musical references will be noted before (if any).

...............................................................................................................................

I hardly know your voice And find that I am hanging on your every word Burned inside my brain And I must stop until we meet again

My Heart Got Caught on Your Sleeve by Lucius

Hiyori had grown into a respected miko, and the beauty of the village. It never ceased to amuse her how quickly adversaries were to underestimate her as an opponent solely on her appearance. Her brother was right all those years ago; she was indeed blessed to be born a woman. For every bandit or rogue samurai that saw her as a gift on a silver platter, she would have another enemy defeated at her feet. She took full advantage of her disarming looks, and hoped she was making her brother proud.

A couple of Taira samurai had entered the village, and unfortunately began harassing the tavern maids. Hiyori had a boding premonition that morning of pain, and rushed through the town center to the scene, determined to remind these thugs that people were not meant for the taking. Accompanied by two of her sister shrine maidens, the group of rogues came into view. One had the tavern keeper pinned to the outside wall, while two others wrestled with two of the maids, speaking loudly of their disgusting wishes for them. This was not the first time they had samurai harassing their women and bullying their men. Hiyori was not about to sit around and watch the brute showboating.

“For every honorable warrior, it seems there's always three more pieces of trash claiming the name samurai,” Hiyori spat at them.

“Such ugly words to come out of such pretty lips,” laughs one of the men holding a tavern maid, his hand tucked under the folds of her yukata at her chest.

“Remove your filthy hands from that woman, and show me what it can do with a weapon instead of an unwilling partner, swine.” Hiyori was finding it hard to check her anger at their brazen behavior in public, embarrassing and disgracing the innocent women she knew so well.

“Ha! You’d be so much more attractive if you didn’t speak.” The second thug holding a woman throws his victim to the ground, his hand resting on the area between his thighs. “Come here, and I’ll show you a better use for that mouth of yours.”

The man holding the tavern owner began to cackle. “Let’s show this shrine maiden and her friends how much better we can taste than their god.”

The bystanders watched with both apprehension and eagerness from their hiding spots, ready to witness their divine protector put the men in their place.

“Ami, Yamma, let me handle this. These guys make me sick.” Hiyori grips her short sword, her bow strapped to her back.

“I understand the feeling, Hiyori, but we aren’t going to let you have all the fun. You can have a head start, but that’s it.” They both nod to the focused miko.

“You hear that guys, she wants to dance with all three of us herself. Thirsty girl.”

All three men, having thrown their victims to the side, began to saunter towards their supposed victim.

Hiyori closes her eyes, and breathes in deep. She opens her eyes, releasing her held breath, and begins forward with breakneck speed. She drops to a spin, catching the legs of the first samurai, swinging her bow down on his head with an echoing crack before spinning back on the ball of her foot to sweep the weapon forcefully up to his groin. She grins, satisfied, as he turns to vomit from the pain. Gracefully, her bow finds it way back to where it began, her short sword unsheathed. The second man was on her, swinging at Hiyori. She falls back to the ground to avoid the strike, immediately springing back as he completes his arc. Her hand brings the blade up with her momentum, slashing the tie to the thug’s clothes and leaving him exposed.“Seems only fair to me,” Hiyori bites out as she blocks a sloppy counter from the man, frantically trying to hold his clothes over his manhood. “Ami, Yamma! This one is yours!” She says with a kick to the half-naked man.

“Ew!”

“You shouldn’t have, Hiyori!” Her friends are on him in an instant, restraining and covering him.

The third man seemed to be the least skilled, waving his sword around as if twirling a baton for show. With the exception of a single wandering man, it was a miracle the rest of the town had stayed far enough away to avoid collateral damage.

A stray strike threatened to take out the man passing by, seemingly oblivious to the fray. He wore a large brim hat, but surely he could see what was going on around him, or so Hiyori thought. She threw herself into the man’s back, pushing him free of the strike, yet putting herself directly in the swing’s path. The sharp edge of the blade catches her sleeve, slicing the skin of her forearm underneath. It takes a few moments for the blood to escape the wound. Stunned by both the contact and the gesture, the man fixates on the young miko from his place on the ground, marveling that she had thought to save him. If his mind were running on all cylinders, he might’ve asked her, “Why?” or even managed a small “Thank you,” if not at least an offer to treat the wound she took for him. Unfortunately for him, the young woman had not missed a beat, and was combating the samurai with more aggression than before. She was before the assailant in a flash, driving her elbow into his abdomen before immediately colliding her fist into his face with a twist of her arm. He was thrust to the ground squarely on his beckside with a fierce kick, and the sounds of a bow being drawn could be heard before another breath could be taken.

“I think we’ve had enough fun for one day. You’re threatening bystanders now with your inept fighting. I suggest you leave before I start taking you seriously.”

Poised at each man, Hiyori had three arrows ready to finish the brawl for good.

The men began to scramble, hauling each other to their feet, and dragging themselves out of the town. Satisfied with the reactions, Hiyori turns to check on -- “Who was I looking for?” She couldn’t remember why she felt concerned, as if someone had been hurt. Wasn’t a bystander involved in the fight? Looking around, Hiyori furrows her brow in frustration, chasing her fading memory of a wide black hat and savoring the sweet smell in the air.

“Oh, Hiyori! Your Arm!” As if those words were an incantation, Hiyori finally notices the pain, as she winces and inhales sharply through her teeth. The wound was superficial, not even touching muscle, and made with a clean, sharp blade. She knew it would heal quickly, and barely leave a scar.

“It’s not really that bad, Ami, no need to worry. It just stings is all.”

“I swear, those samurai would try to recruit you if you weren’t a shrine maiden, Hiyori,” a young woman with short blonde hair chimed in.

“Her mother suffered enough letting her train, Yamma, I don’t think she could survive Hiyori riding onto a battlefield,” commented the bespeckled girl with dark hair. Turning with a laugh at her mother’s perpetual dream for her noble-woman-to-be-daughter being shattered, Hiyori couldn’t help feeling as if she was forgetting something important. The girls were fussing over her arm, and began dragging her back to the shrine.

“At least you won’t have a nasty scar for your wedding coming up this weekend!” Ami teased affectionately.

Hiyori choked on the laugh she was forcing out.

“I’ve asked you a hundred times, please stop calling it that! It’s my ascension ceremony, and as far from an actual wedding as you can get!”

Hiyori had completed her training, and that weekend they would participate in the rituals to recognize her as a priestess, a shamaness in full. Technically, there was a portion that imitated a wedding, symbolizing the connection between miko and kami, but Hiyori hardly considered this anything more than an old ritual.

“I heard in the old days, the newly ascended mikos would claim the next morning to have actually consummated their marriage to their god!”

“Yamma!” Both Ami and Hiyori were completely aghast at their friend’s comment.

“Oh, come on! The way Hiyori holds out on guys, she probably wouldn’t settle for anything less than a god, anyway!”

Ami couldn’t help but blurt out a laugh at the comment. “You know, she has a point, Hiyori. You have never shown interest in men.”

“We aren’t supposed to be interested in guys while training!” Hiyori was desperate to defend herself against this tandem attack.

“Yeah, yeah, but they never said anything about getting something lined up for after training,” Yamma was relentless.

“I mean, we are just looking out for your future, right?”

“Not you, too, Ami!”

“We are merely human, dear Hiyori. Even the gods want to be loved, right?”

Hiyori opened her mouth to refute that statement, but found she had nothing to say. Seizing her opportunity to drive the point home, Yamma threw out the clinching argument; “Besides, even the sun kami, Amiterasu, came out of hiding for a little skin dance.” She wiggled her shoulders, bumping into the other girls as she did so and eliciting giggles from one of the two mikos.

Adjusting her glasses, Ami delivers the final blow; “Our kagura is based on that story, so maybe you’ll lure a handsome kami out with yours!”

“I don’t know what to celebrate more; Hiyori’s ascension, or her finally finding a love interest!”

“I do not have to listen to this! You two are helpless!” Hiyori groans, eyes rolling as she stomps ahead of her two friends, huddled over in laughter.

“We’re sorry, Hiyori! Just promise you’ll tell us how divine the touch of a god can be!”

Hiyori lets out a sound of disgust over her friends’ now howling laughter. She storms away while they continue to choke on their own mirth. They were her best friends, but they loved to poke at Hiyori’s sensitive spots. Anytime a new scholar or samurai came across their path, the two girls would try to provoke Hiyori into confessing her interest. It’s not that she didn’t find the men attractive or charming, but she always felt like there was something missing. She was content just as she was, however, and wouldn’t feign interest for anyone who didn’t take her breath away.

Hiyori stopped under the torii at the entrance to the shrine. She could see in the distance a twin structure standing in the middle of the water, sunlight bouncing off the arch. She took a deep breath, catching soft and sweet scents in the air. The wind was picking up as the sun went down. It seemed like it might be stormy that evening. Perhaps her premonition that morning wasn’t regarding their encounter with the samurai trash.

.............................................................................................................................

Hiyori was pulled from her fitful dreams by a force pushing the air out of her chest. She hastily ties back the sleeves of her robe before reaching for her weapons, and rushing outside. Something was very wrong.

She feels a heavy force push against the barriers she set up along the edge of the village. Whatever brought this pressure was not human. The air hung heavy with the metallic and salty smell of blood. Mercifully, a breeze picks up, and removes the stagnation, but brings with it something new. Almost disguised by the smell of gore, something sweet, and mildly familiar lures her. Following the smell and the source of the pressure, Hiyori runs into the lake and looks around frantically in the moonlight to find the source. Closing her eyes, she focuses on the perimeter of the town. Her barriers remained intact, yet she could not shake the feeling of the night pressing down on her. She hears nothing besides her own harried breaths, and the water lapping around her legs and robe. Warm drops hit her shoulder, staining the fabric a deep crimson. She looks up to the single torii in the water as blood drips across her cheek from the blade of a sword. Of all the monsters she has purged, and all the phantoms she has purified, nothing felt like his presence. He wore deep midnight robes with black hakama pants. A single sword gleamed in his hands, but she could see the shapes of more on his hip. The wide brim of his black hat shielded the top part of his face, but she could make out sharp features draped in curtains of black hair. Though unseen, she could feel his eyes locking her in place. She was convinced she was caught in the gaze of death himself. As if releasing a laugh, another drop falls from the blade onto her cheek, awakening her from the spell. Hiyori steadies herself against the presence above her, yet she does not raise her bow. For all she knew, she was in the presence of a god of calamity. It would be best not to tug on the tail of a sleeping dragon. She speaks, finally finding her voice.

“Do you seek protection or destruction, my lord?”

His eyes land on her forearm, exposed to wield her bow. He sees the bandage, recognizing her wound from the altercation with the samurai scum. She must be the miko who erected the purification barrier, the one who protected this village, even at the cost of her own blood. There was something unnervingly alluring about her, as if the threads of fate became taught whenever she was close. He hadn’t expected her to confront him, but he didn’t mind being caught in her gaze.

Hiiro had found him earlier that afternoon, shortly after he was knocked to the ground by the woman beneath him, claiming the father of a tavern maid wished for justice for the shame of being revealed before the whole town at the hands of Taira samurai. He didn’t resist this job, having seen the sins himself so recently. The wish for revenge thrust upon him had been fulfilled, however, and he would expend himself no further. The other fools clamoring about could kill themselves, and needed no help from him. People died, whether he interfered or not. He had only ducked beneath the barrier that evening to avoid wasting energy. He had never expected this fearless miko to peak his curiosity so much.

“I do not think you wish to fight me, yet you do not grant me an answer.”

He bites out a laugh at her polite impatience. Such fierceness for such gentle features. He tilts his head back, revealing a sly grin and his electric eyes.

“I’ve had my fill tonight. I merely wish to pass through.” Spring blossoms, he thinks. That’s what her eyes remind him of.

The intensity of the blue in his eyes freezes the air in Hiyori’s lungs. Has it been minutes or merely moments since she last took a breath? She takes a cautious step back, content to feign trust in this spirit with a destructive aura, and his promise to spare them in his few words. She watches as he tips his hat back down, concealing his face once again. Freed from his gaze, Hiyori blinks, but opens her eyes to see nothing but the moon above the arch of the torii. She lets out a breath she didn’t even realize she was holding, feeling almost disappointed to not have those blue eyes on her anymore. A breeze picks up and plays with the wet ends of her robe and the soft fringes of her hair. Beneath the salty scent of blood, the wind carried the sweetest smell.

That night, sleep did not come easily. When it finally did come, the last thing Hiyori saw behind her closed eyes was a flash of blue sending her to sleep with a shiver.

#noragami #noragami fanfiction #noragami au #historical au #historical fiction #heian period #Yato #yatogami #yatori #yatori fanfiction #yato x hiyori #hiyori iki #iki hiyori #miko #god of calamity #yatori week 2020

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ajoy3fanfics · 5 years

Text

The best wish

Some Noragami fluff I found in my writing folder <3

~.~

“So what was the grossest wish you ever fulfilled?” Yukine asked, leaning back against the wall of Kofuku’s living room, fanning himself with his untouched math book. It was one of those days that seemed too hot to do anything; too humid to go out for a walk, too draining to be productive. Even the ayakashi seemed to be taking a day off for this oppressive weather. Hiyori had ventured out in the heat to Kofuku’s, eager with good intentions to help Yukine with his school work, but by the time she arrived her clothes clung to her body damp with sweat and she felt like doing little more than sitting in the cool air of the living room. Math the last thing on their minds, they found easy conversation and cool drinks to be much more enjoyable.

“Ugh,” Yato scrunched up his nose as he closed his eyes, remembering with a shudder. “There was a time I had to fix a clogged toilet at a hotel.” He shook his head, black tangles of hair swaying in the memory. “There was a convention that weekend. They just didn’t care that the stalls were broken-”

“Ewwww!” Kofuku squealed, clearly unhappy with the turn of conversation. “Stop!”

“Spare us the details; we’ll take your word for it.” Hiyori said, holding up her hands in surrender.

The goddess of poverty pointed at Yato and smiled. “Better question: Best wish you’ve ever granted. Go!”

“Easy” he said, leaning his head back as he waved off the question. “Milord.”

“Milord?” Kofuku echoed, clearly confused.

“The cat?” Hiyori asked, just as taken aback as the rest of the group.

“Obviously,” He answered, a wide grin on his face. “If it wasn’t for that cat, Hiyori wouldn’t have been hit by the bus.”

She cocked her head, narrowing her eyes at the god of happiness. “Really? That’s what you’re going to go with? Me being injured?”

“N-No!” Yato back-peddled. “What I mean is, if I hadn’t been looking for the cat, I wouldn’t have chased after him. And you wouldn’t have pushed me out of the way, getting hit by the bus.” He stopped, as if that was all the explanation needed. Reading the room, his so called friends were not picking up on his subtly. “You saw me.” The God continued. “If that hadn’t happened, you wouldn’t lose your body. And yeah, you’re body still separates, but if it wasn’t for that wish, I would’ve never met you!”

Hiyori blushed slightly, a sweet pink dusting her cheeks. “Y-You’re only saying that because I made you that Capypa statue.” She said. “You’re sucking up for something else now.” She turned her head in embarrassment.

“No, I mean it!” He defended, sitting up straighter.

“And made you him a shrine!” Yukine piped in, all too eager to throw his God under the bus.

“Hey-“ he protested, trying to stop the conversation before it ran away from him, clearly failing. He had a look of horror on his face when Kofuku spoke next.

“Actually, when you think about it Hiyori, if you hadn’t found that ayakashi thinking it was a shinki, he wouldn’t have been so desperate to find a new one.” Kofuku added. “It was a stroke of luck he found Yukine to save you both, and now he’s a blessed vessel!”

The group began to laugh, making jokes at Yato’s expense, trading stories of how Hiyori had saved the god, and never failing to point out that all his upward mobility was all due to her. Feeling rather uncomfortable and definitely undeserving of the praise, she tried to make light of it before looking Yato’s way. Gone was the happy expression from earlier, but in its place one of seriousness and unease. His shoulders sagged as he dug his hands into his jacket pocket. To say that this wasn’t a blow to his fragile ego would be putting it lightly. It pained her to see him like that, so tense, so unhappy. Sure, he could be immature and overcompensate when he was joyful, but truthfully, she enjoyed seeing him that way. Hiyori had the urge to get up and wrap her arms around him, forcing him to smile and getting the sour look off his face. But of course, she couldn’t do that, so she attempted to do the next best thing- a distraction. “I’m going to get a drink,” She announced. “Anyone want anything?”

The group barked out their orders quickly and she nodded before turning, sliding the door shut behind her. In the background she heard her friends joking, deciding which board game they could play to pass the time. Hiyori smiled, thankful that she was able to turn the tide of conversation and take the pressure off Yato. Hearing the screen door open quickly then click once closed, she turned to see who had joined her.

“Oh, Yato.” Hiyori smiled. “Do you want some lemonade?” She asked, still feeling rather awkward, but doing her best to act normal.

“Hiyori…” He tried, his tone more serious than normal, instantly tipping her off that something wasn’t right. He shifted his weight from foot to foot, waiting for her to make eye contact.

“Tea?” She asked, still refusing to look him in the eye. “Water?” She ducked down as she opened the fridge, leaning in to retrieve the cold bottles.

He grabbed her wrist, spinning her towards him, their faces close, much closer than he intended, their bodies inches away from touching. Her breath to hitched in surprise, both to his proximity and the sudden move. It didn’t matter, as long as he had her attention. “Yat-“

“About, what they were saying,” he said, blue eyes solemn, unyielding. “That’s not the only reason why.” He moved the hand that clasped her wrist lower, tangling his fingers into hers, not ready to let go, but completely unsure of what to do next. Everything in his gut told him that if he moved, breathed even, that the magic would be lost, the spell would be over and he wouldn’t get this chance again. He wanted to tell her, had to make it clear to her that it meant more than that. “I-“

Click.

The sliding door slid opened abruptly, a very shocked Kofuku in the frame.

“Oh! Am I interrupting something good?” Kofuku sang as she walked by the pair, a knowing smile on her lips. Leave it to the God of poverty to spoil a good moment. Yato released her hand as he let out a deep sigh, rubbing the back of his neck and walked away, heading towards the stairs that lead to his room. She made ready to follow him, a million questions on the tip of her tongue, but as always Kofuku was eager to interject.

“Hi-Yo-Riiiin” she called from the fridge. “Will you help me with the drinks? Everyones thirsty!”

~.~

That’s not the only reason why.

She kept playing it over again in her head, his words sweet and painful. Why had he said that? What had he meant?

Was it that he was thankful for their friendship? Everyone had made it sound like he was after her monetary gains, heck, she even accused him at first in her embarrassment. But she knew that their relationship meant more to him than that.

And the way he said it, like he was desperate to say more, but just couldn’t get the words out. Was it that there were too many people around? They couldn’t even have 2 minutes to themselves at Kofuku’s, today's interruption more than proved that. Yet something in her gut told her there was more, that the issue ran deeper.

That’s not the only reason why.

She had seen that look before, the one that threatened to shake her to her core. They had been at Capypa land, watching the fireworks and she had been a self-proclaimed brat all day; feeling remorseful, she apologized, truthfully happy he was with her. And then… Yato looked at her, like she was the only thing that existed in the world, asking her if he could trust what she said. He had the same expression tonight; whatever he was trying to express, it was important.

What if he really cared about her, the way she cared about him? He was always quick to make a joke and tease her, going overboard to show his affection, but she had chalked it up to his usual antics, although he didn’t seem to plan small intimate weddings with anyone else, at least not that Hiyori had seen. So if he really did care about her, why would he hold back?

And then it hit her.

Of course, he would.

Yato may joke around, but he didn’t have the confidence to make the first move, not by a long shot. He had grown up with an abusive father, a screwed up version of what love and acceptance were. Even to this day, he still struggled to find self-worth. He was a God who didn’t feel like one, always trying to prove something, to everyone, to himself, to find redemption. Yato didn’t feel worthy of love.

As much as he might want it, he would never reach out to her, not in a meaningful way. Not when the chance or rejection loomed over him, or worse, having to grapple with the mixed feelings of being happy and feeling undeserving. Hiyori knew that if anything was to happen, it would have to be her making the first move. And Gods, did she want him.

Ever since she had admitted to herself that she was in love with Yato, she had difficulty controlling herself around him, lashing out at the god, trying to balance her feelings when she knew that he wasn’t serious about her, not really. But today seemed different; an opportunity. She wasn’t going to waste it.

Taking a deep breath, unsure of what she was even doing, yet strangely full of resolve, she opened her contacts and pulled up Yato’s name. The phone barely rang once before he answered.

“Hiyori?” He asked, his voice intense. She never was the first to call, so he must be concerned. “Whats-“

“Can you come over Yato?” She said in a rush, adrenaline coursing through her. Maybe this was a mistake.

But maybe it wasn’t.

“Is everything okay?” He asked, worry lacing his tone. “Should I bring Yukine?”

“No,” she said, swallowing the lump in her throat. “Just you.”

~.~

He came in through the window, the cool night air creeping in with him. He had come in record time, concern written all over his features.

“Hiyori?” he questioned as his feet landed silently on the carpet. “Is everything alright?” She did her best to smile up at him from her place on her bed, trying her best not to let her nerves get the best of her.

“Ye-yeah.” She stammered. “I just… I didn’t like the way we left things earlier.” Hiyori bit her lip, trying to stop herself for rambling.

“O-oh.” He replied, taken off guard. “I- I was acting weird, sorry.” He crossed the room to sit on her bed. Hiyori shook her head, doing her best to work up her courage and meet his gaze. “I want you to tell me… the rest of what you were saying earlier. I want to hear it.”

Yato immediately was taken aback, his fair complexion suddenly red and flushed. The god of chaos cleared his throat, trying to buy time; he knew he couldn’t stall forever. Hiyori was not the type to let up on something once she set her mind to it.

“It’s true, that since meeting you I seem to be on the receiving end.” Yato inhaled, exhaled shakily before continuing. “I’m selfish and want all of your attention like a child, and I know that. Whether you built me a shrine or not, had my back and helped me find Yukine- all of that- its just small pieces of why I’m grateful. I- Meeting you- damn.” He ran his hands through his hair, this confession so much harder than he anticipated. “What I mean is I lo-“

Hiyori pounced forward, letting her arms wrap around his neck as he pulled her into a tight embrace, his words of love effectively cut off and put into action as he let Hiyori kiss him senseless. When they broke apart, both gasping for air, foreheads leaning against each other, too soon to be separated he smiled. “The best wish.” He breathed deeper, loving how he could feel her heart racing in her chest. “If I hadn’t met you, I wouldn’t know this feeling. My head is full of nothing but you, Hiyori.”

She smiled, kissing him again, agreeing wholeheartedly. “The best wish.”

#noragami fanfiction #yatori fanfiction #yato #noragami hiyori #fanfiction #found this in my files

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hellanoragami-blog · 5 years

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Chapter 80 Thoughts

The next month is here. Honestly, reviewing this chapter kind of leaves my thoughts all over the place, particularly about both Father and Yukine. I’ll try to get this somewhat organized, though.

Starting from the first part, Yukine is woken up by Kofuku, who he temporarily confuses for Nora. Once the situation becomes apparent, however, Yukine is up almost immediately to check on Nora who has mysteriously vanished from the futon she’d made up.

Giving her the benefit of the doubt, it’s very likely that she woke up early and fled upon seeing Take and his crew there. Yukine did tell her before that the man would probably have her killed, so she’d know it’s unsafe.

At the worst, she is still playing Father’s game and went to meet him for a status report.

The scene changes over to Hiyori, who is still pretty troubled about where she left off with Yato. I believe she’s having doubts about her involvement with Yato, if only subtly. Life has her distracted and unable to go to him, and the confrontation with Kazuma before is obviously leaving her hesitant towards further confrontation.

Honestly not much to comment on here, save for my own worry over whether or not her belief will soon wane. Given the troubled and almost vacant expression she’s wearing for the cover of volume 20, it seems likely that we’ll see her attempt to hold onto Yato’s memory become increasingly difficult.

In fact, if we really want to stretch the possibility, we could say that this is Father’s intention, for Hiyori to forget. He knows very well that Yato’s busy, and with Yukine preoccupied with Nora, that means that there is a big chance that Yukine isn’t currently talking to Hiyori at all, or spending any time with her.

With no interaction between either of them, Hiyori’s memory really will rely on her willpower alone. Given that, it would make sense for this to be a part of Father’s plan, since he could use that against Yato. With Hiyori out of the picture, Yato won’t have anyone else to rely on besides his supposed lifeline. Making Hiyori forget obviously isn’t the Biggest Plan™, obviously, but it does seem to be a stepping stone in it. (I’m guessing he had to change plans when Nora became a sort of tracking device to hunt him down, lol.)

We’re next given a look at Yato and Kazuma’s situation, if only briefly. Their teamwork seems to be getting better, but it’s still wildly out of sync and messy. To be efficient, a shinki and their master practically need to be one body, one mind to know exactly what to do in battle.

It’s clear that Yato and Yukine both know each other’s mannerisms and are able to predict each other’s actions, and that’s what makes them an almost unshakable force. Yato and Kazuma simply don’t have this type of bond, but that isn’t to say that they wouldn’t be able to come close if they continue working on it.

I’m happy to see that Kazuma seems to be calming down and getting his head back on his shoulders, as well. He’s not making any wild, spontaneously solo actions, so Yato’s influence may actually be the medicine he needs to become stabilized, haha. His worry for Bishamon doesn’t seem to be getting in the way of his actual ability to perform, at least. With this, I believe that he and Yato have the potential to become a good team, even if it wouldn’t amount to what Yato has with Yukine.

Boy, speaking of Yukine! The scene is brought back to him, and it’s clear he’s gone looking for Nora. While overlooking the river, he notices a little girl stop to look at him. Upon asking her what’s wrong, she tells him that she’s looking for her uncle. Assuming she’s lost, Yukine follows her in attempts to help her find who she’s looking for. The girl soon gets sidetracked by a cat, and dashes into a tunnel after it. Although uneasy about entering it, Yukine bravely pushes past his fear to go make sure that she’s safe.

I’d kill for a light to see how exactly this tunnel is laid out, but that’s not really important for me to know, I guess. It goes from Yukine peering into another part of the tunnel, to suddenly seeing the bits of memory that was shown back in chapter 70. Yukine suddenly finds it incredibly hard to breathe, and is suddenly seeing more bits and pieces of the moments leading up to his death. The space he was in made it difficult to move, but the last thing he saw before that darkness was his father.

Saying... something to him.

I don’t know exactly what it was, but fast-moon did think it to be parting words like, ‘See ya’. I can’t decide if Adachitoka were trying to put emphasis on the mouth movements for pronunciation purposes, or if they were trying to convey some hot, hot anger. Personally, I think it could be both. They’ve done the pronunciation thing before back in chapter 36, when Nora was saying ‘Yaboku’.

Could he actually be saying part of Yukine’s name, then? It’s difficult to say, since the next piece of dialogue is silenced. But it’s inferred that two things are said, so ultimately it isn’t likely. (I did entertain the thought of his first and last name being said, but that’s a theoretical story for a different post all on it’s own.)

Anyway, Yukine is broken out of the spell by hearing Yato call his name. Most likely an illusion, since Yato isn’t actually there. It works well enough to pull him out of it though, and he manages to destroy the ayakashi on his own--and even collapses part of the tunnel in the process! It tends to happen when his nerves run high. Glorious light! Unfortunately, there’s a not-so-nice surprise waiting up top.

Papa! :D

Pffft, anyway, it’s confirmed that the girl is one of Fujisaki’s three nieces. Father is then sectioned off by one of Yukine’s border lines, and a question showdown happens that lead to more questions than answers.

He claims to be a human--one that chose not to live as a normal person. (Or, lead a normal life like the heavens intended.) That he ‘returned from the underworld, and because he was resurrected, he was called all sorts of things’. He goes on to say that heaven can’t categorize him.

He mentions that he lives and dies as someone outside of his control. The most interesting bit about this is that he possesses the soul; not the body. Characteristically, we have been shown that for a God to possess a person, they either need permission or a strong bond. But it’s implied that only the body is possessed. So what could it mean for a soul to be possessed? Does that mean that Father and Fujisaki’s souls combined into one? Or did Father simply become Fujisaki’s soul? Does he spend his whole life as someone else, or does he end up possessing someone who is already alive?

Perhaps he’s inferring reincarnation; I don’t know if Japan follows a different principle, but typically, when a person is reincarnated, the soul forgets their past lives. Could it be that Father simply is, and has always been Fujisaki Kouto in this life? Perhaps he’s simply carried an awareness of who he is and what he’s done with him, through various lives that he’s lived. For this to even be a thing, it would mean that Fujisaki never was a normal person from the moment he returned from the underworld. It would also mean that Father really is something that can’t be classified as ‘human’, or even ‘God’. To remember everything is possibly much worse than to remember nothing... Jeez. It’d be no wonder he’s so bitter.

He implies that he escaped from the underworld via a soul call, but says Amaterasu wouldn’t permit a human to return like that. Could it be that his punishment was for the heavens to take the life of the girl that he loved? I don’t doubt his information, but I do think he’s withholding a lot. Why, I don’t know.

And we won’t know! Because Yukine is angry and doesn’t want to hear it. :) His emotions ramp up again, causing his borderline to become stronger. He basically goes off on Father for not... being a good father? But then something just snaps inside of him, and he says something that he doesn’t seem to have full control over--or, at least he isn’t thinking before he speaks. In fact, that level of anger literally came out of nowhere. He even vocalizes this. Father seems pretty shocked by it, as well. Then Yukine calms down, and says that he doesn’t want to fight.

And Father, in the coy, evasive way that he does, says that he won’t do anything anymore. Yeah, he won’t. But who will? He still has a plan. You can see it on his face. He then thanks Yukine for being worried about Nora, and that it was probably the right call to let her go. But then he sets the ball into motion, so to speak, by telling Yukine that he’d rather not get her involved; that she died a terrible death. And what a sly expression he’s wearing. Even if he seems to wave him off cheerfully, he clearly has less-than-pure intentions.

It cuts to Yato, who’s being effected by the sudden feelings that Yukine is undergoing. Was it because of when he snapped? Or is it because of what Father told him? He makes the silent vow to be back soon.

Back to Yukine, the kids’ mom comes to get them, and Yukine wonders how Father knows how Nora died. Then, he begins to think: How did he die? Since it was just a choice of words, there’s no way to know how quickly things will progress from here. Will he be in and out like Tsuguha was? Or will it be immediately desperate to know, like how Sakura was? Either way, it seems as though this is the turning point for Yukine’s development.

Perhaps Nora will be the one who ends up having to deal with it. I’m partial to think it’ll happen a bit quickly, due to the fact that he’s already been seeing the same bits of his death. I think when it actually happens, it will be all kinds of messy and devastating--but he’ll survive it. He’s a tough kid. I just wish--or at least hope--that Yato would be there to help him when it happens.

#nana discusses noragami #i'll take a uuuuuhhhhhh healthy shinki plz #ugh ugh #anyway here it is!! finally written #noragami #noragami spoilers #I left in the middle of writing this so please let me know if i forgot to cover something dsgfjhgkf

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calamitynight · 6 years

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Yatori week 2018 - Compromise/Blush {Day 1}

@yatori-week-2018

Words: 2162

Note: Honestly romance is not my strongest, but I do hope this came out okay. Please enjoy the read! I tried to make it as cute as I could.

"Hey, Hiyori"

She felt her body jump back against the wall. She grabbed a hold of her chest as her heart beat fast. A second ago it was quiet in her room. There was nothing to disturb her. So to suddenly hear a voice come from no where, it startled her. His eyes shined brightly as he looked at her. She immediately looked away and glanced over at her bright phone screen. It was early in the morning, on her day off of school. She didn't know what to do. Ask how he got in? Or ask him what he wanted? He seemed so happy, she couldn't possibly ruin that for him. He sat at the end of her bed as she pushed herself more into a sitting stance. He looked like a puppy who was waiting so patiently for her.

"Good morning Yato"

"I'm glad you're awake"

"Yeah....is everything okay?"

"I had a dream"

"A...dream" she couldn't help, but to sound very unamused.

"Well it was more like an old happy memory" he looked down at the floor. She noticed his face began to turn slightly red. "I wanted to ask you something"

"Okay"

"Will you go somewhere with me today?"

"Where do you want to go?"

"I want it to be a surprise"

"Yato..."

"Just get dress, alright? Trust me"

She got up and headed to the bathroom. She got herself ready within an hour. A happy memory, she thought to herself. What memory? She looked at the date on her phone. It seemed familiar, but no matter how hard she tried nothing came to mind. As soon as she walked into her bedroom her sight was covered. A rag was tightly wrapped around her eyes. It smelled good, it smelled like Yato. For a split second her body had relaxed. The rag was taken off as soon as it was put on. The sun blinded her, she began to rub her eyes before being able to see anything.

"WE'RE HERE!" Yato let out with excitement.

After she adjusted her eyes, she saw children run past her. More and more began to show, she couldn't understand how she didn't hear them before. She looked up and froze. There once again she stared at the sign she had grown to despise. The large letters cursed at her. As an instinct she stepped back and hit something, she had ran into Yatos chest. He smiled down at her, but his eyes showed concern and sadness.

"Take me home" she said calmly.

"It's been exactly a year"

"What...?"

"We came here, exactly one year ago" he said staying up at the entrance sign.

"Oh"

"You told me you wanted to stay with me a little more" he watched as Hiyoris face heated up. Her cheeks became red and she looked away. "That was kind of interrupted. Anyway, I know you didn't really enjoy yourself last time we came" she looked at him with shock and apology.

She never wanted him to feel that way. She hoped he wouldn't notice, but of course he did. There's no way he wouldn't have. She felt like a brat that day. She thought she had ruined everything.

"And that's a happy memory to you?" She questioned.

"Totally! Any moment with you in it is always a happy memory..." She could feel the burn from his stare. "I want to make up for it" he sounded so sincere.

"Make up for what?"

"For the last time we came here. So...it's just us this time"

"I'm sorry" she shuck her head. "I don't think I can" She began to walk away.

"WAWAH-WAIT, how about a deal?"

"A deal...what kind of deal?"

"If you don't enjoy yourself today...then we'll never come here again. I'll stop forcing you"

"Hmm, what's the catch?"

"Just try to enjoy yourself. Don't think of anything else. Of the last time, of my stupid dad. It's just you and me"

"But you love this place.."

"Not as much..." Yato stopped himself and cleared his throat. "This place isn't as important as you"

"You're willing to give it up"

"I am"

"All because of me?"

"Hiyori" he gave her his giant grin. A grin that made her tug at her heart. "I'll do anything for you"

She knew he wasn't lying. He's proven himself many times already. She could do this little thing for him at least. There's no reason that any of this should be hard. It was still too early for the place to be filled of children. The laughter of the few who were there filled softly around them. It was a lively spring day, bright blue skies and soft breeze. She glanced over at Yato who looked deeply concentrated on the map in his hands. She browsed around at the other people who were here. Some were obvious parents with happy small children. Others appeared to be college students or some even high school students. She watched as most girls cling onto the boys arms, or the ones who came in holding each others hands. Then there were the boys, the ones that smiled down at them. The others who retorted and planted kisses on them. The surrounding leaked an aura of couples. It was a fast decision for Hiyori to ignore what she had noticed. Still she couldn't help but wonder if she and Yato looked anything like the people around them. Was this a date? or was Yato really just trying to make up for his mistakes. It has been a year, just like Yato had stated and of all things he had to have a dream about, it was those words. She was dragged along to each and every ride by him. Hiyori couldn't help noticing how happy he was. There was no way she could make him give up on a place like this. A place that he always dreamed of, a place full of joy. He agreed, he was a child when it came to this place, but it was definitely a part of his charm. The day had passed so quickly as she noticed the evening sky. It was beautiful, full of clouds but still so clear.

"Hiyori, come sit over here" Yato waved from the tree on the hill.

She reached the tree over the hill and released a small gasp in surprise. There was a clean picnic blanket on the ground, a light brown basket and flowers. This was unexpected, nothing she ever thought she would see. With the scenery of the park being taken in my the evening sky, it was breath taking. Yato moved passed her and sat down, his eyes stared out into the distance. He seemed deep in thought and a bit sad. He smiled gently, but it looked like he wanted to cry. Everything before her was great, but the thing that was the most beautiful was him. Hiyori slowly walked towards him, it might have appeared like she was afraid. Afraid of breaking his thoughts, of shattering the way his eyes shined. They illuminated from the slow darkness that was creeping on them as the day turned into night.

"You can sit down" he smiled up at her.

Hiyoris eyes widen at the gesture. Her face heated and heart raced, what was this? She questioned. Sitting beside him, she kept her eyes forward, looking at the scene.

"I made these, of course if they taste good or not, I'm not entirely sure"

Hiyori took the sandwich in her hand. It looked fine, she thought as she began to looked through the box. There's no way they could eat that. Why did he make so many. Then she saw a special wrapped one. She took it out quickly as Yato took out the drinks. Underneath the wrap there was a note from Yukine. He pleaded that she eat this specific sandwich. He didn't want her dying from Yatos food. Hiyori couldn't help but laugh.

"What? Is something funny? Did I miss something?

"Oh, no" she laughed out. "It was nothing, really"

"If you say so. Anyway, try the sandwich, I got you some water too"

"Yato you didn't have to do this"

"I know, but I wanted to"

"Why?"

"Well... because you've done so much for me. I uhhh, wanted to express my gratitude"

"Really?"

"Yeah"

She looked away quickly as her heart pounded. He looked at her from a side glance, with soft eyes and a warm smile. She hadn't calmed down from before, she was certain her face was red this time. She took a bite from the sandwich Yukine had prepaid for her. She kept eating, this was to keep them from talking. Minutes passed until the silence became awkward. She glanced at him from the corner of her eye. There he was again, thinking about something.

"So much has happened in a year" he said with a low voice.

"Yeah..."

"Every time I think back at it, I always see you" his cheeks were flushed pink as he spoke. "You've never left my side" As he turned to look at her, his face flushed even harder. Both of them stared into each others eyes, neither of them moving from how close they were. "Thank you, Hiyori" He continued as he stared deeply.

"You don't need to thank me, Yato"

"But I do, I really do...If it wasn't for you, I don't know where I would be right now. As long as one person believes in me, that's all I need. You always believed in me. I know I'm not the best, and even doing this I feel isn't enough. Hiyori, I promise, I will make you the most happiest girl in the world"

"Ya-Yato" She let out in shock as she coughed from her water.

All of this was too much for her to take in. Hearing these words made her chest tighten. As she looked at him, she felt like she wanted to cry. His genuine words, his honest smile and his clear stare, did she deserve this? She didn't move as Yato slowly placed his hand on her cheek. The feeling of his touch was warm, and his smell had become stronger as he moved closer. His hands were soft, and she noticed the sweating Yukine always complained about. They shuck and sweat with anxiety, she understood completely. Hiyori didn't know what to do, she didn't know what to say. The moment moved in slow motion. The cool breeze that hit the both of them. The way Yatos hair moved towards one side. His soft, clear, pale skin, his black hair with purple tint. It was as if in this moment she was seeing him for the first time. His eyes that were the brightest blue she had ever seen. Definitely something that showed how out of this world he was. She breathed in means to keep herself calm. She breathed in his smell, her favorite smell. Before she knew it their lips touched. All her doubt had managed to disappear as they kiss upon this hill. They backed away from each other, and she was confused as Yato panicked and looked away. He had moved his hand up to his lips and began to chuckle. She couldn't make out the words he was mumbling to himself. The scene reminded her of how he used to day dream and laugh out of nowhere. Was he panicked? or was he celebrating to himself? She tapped his shoulder and smiled as Yato turned to her with a red face.

"We should get going" He stood up from the blanket. Grabbing a hold of his hand he pulled Hiyori up to her feet.

"Where are we going?"

"I'm taking you home"

"But it's almost time for the..."

"I won't make you go this time" He cut her off. "I can just teleport you, so there's no worry about you getting home too late"

"Yato, wait"

"Oh yeah, I almost forgot, did you have fun?"

"Oh..." She couldn't believe that she had forgotten about the deal they made this morning. His face looked at her hurt, but prepared for her answer. "I did have fun" She said, but her face showed something else.

"Hm? Is something wrong?"

"I want to go"

She wanted to make it up to him. To give him what he had always wanted. It was time to let things go. Replace the bad memories with some good. Because in all honestly she had always wanted to watch the fireworks with Yato.

"Yeah, okay...let's get you home"

"No, I want to stay with you a little more...I want to watch the fireworks with you, Yato" his eyes widen in shock, but it didn't stop him from grabbing a hold of her hands. He leaned in towards her and smiled.

"You've made a wish" He let out the biggest grin. "It's been heard loud and clear"

#yatoriweek2018 #yatori week 2018 #yatori #yato #yabuko #hiyori iki #yato and hiyori #noragami #noragami aragoto #yato x hiyori #hiyori #yatoriweek2018day1 #fanfic #fanfiction #my writing #prompt #writing prompt #yatoriweek

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stardust-in-the-sea · 6 years

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Noragami Theories: Yato

*Warning: Spoilers up to Chapter 78-2*

I know there is a lot written about the Tsukuyomi theory, but I can’t help but think that he might be someone else instead. (Sorry in advance for the long post. I tried to put in a “keep reading” but it didn’t seem to work for mobile)

I think he could be:

Ōyamatsumi

“Ōyamatsumi (大山祇) in Japanese mythology is an elder brother of Amaterasu, and an important god who rules mountain, sea, and war. He is also the father of Konohanasakuya-hime,[1] the kami of Mount Fuji.

His most important shrine, Ōyamazumi Shrine, is located on Ōmishima.”

It's definitely possible, and though there are things that I can and can’t match up to this theory, no theory is perfect. (I also had a hard time finding any info at all about Oyamatsumi.) Here goes:

Oyamatsumi, "who rules mountain, sea and war."

We were given several clues:

Sea

War

and Mountains

(We can also say that all the pictures of Yato with the moon behind him are referring to a control of the seas or tides, or of a closeness to the heavens, as if standing on something tall (like a mountain).)

So. Chapter 78-2. Getting chased by ayakashi without any help in sight, Yato was forced to name Kazuma as his own in order to not die via ayakashi. The weapon not only changes from a sword to a bow, but also includes a few articles of clothing: scarf, gloves, jacket, shoes. With this type of shinki, Yato doesn't look like he normally would with a shinki. His shinki don’t usually change his appearance (like Bishamons’ shinki do).

He looks like a hunter. Hunters are usually found in an area with forests, like a mountain. (Yes, its true that every shinki is different, but they are all related to the user. For example, all Bishamons shinki are either weapons or armor, which matches her personality of being a god of war. Even Kazuma, who is only an earring, becomes something useful to a god of war. And a nora becomes something different for each master they have.)

1. In the beginning of chapter 26, it was mentioned that the nearby dam had dried up. The dry dam was shown, and in the center, in the deepest spot, was a shrine. It looked as if it had been there a while, and was starting to deteriorate. An abandoned shrine. If this shrine had been loved, wouldn’t they have tried to save it somehow? Maybe pick it up and relocate it? Or maybe put the dam itself in a different spot? The shrine was obviously damaged, but not destroyed, which would mean that it hasn’t been there long enough for the water to ruin it completely. A shrine that was abandoned, and then forgotten about completely when the water from the dam covered it in recent years.

This pic was shown once, but never mentioned again. I wonder if it could be one of the shrines that was "erased" from history. Back at the beginning of the heavens arc, we are told that anyone who doesn't side with the heavens would have their names "struck from the roster and all their shrines destroyed,” reducing them to a cult. I can’t help but wonder if this forgotten shrine is actually Yatos’ old one.

Upon looking at the website for the listed shrine (”Oyamazumi Shrine”), I found that offerings were left, often being weapons, and that it was located near water.

The abandoned shrine we are shown could easily have been next to an ancient stream, and was destroyed by the dam, and forgotten. Maybe they "destroyed" it by making this one inaccessible to anyone else, while getting rid of all the other ones. Or made it so people would forget about it sooner somehow, since there were probably many people who might’ve come to visit (probably with a spell or something).

2. When Scissors-kun comes running in with the ayakashi chasing after him, Yato immediately comes down from his spot on the bridge to help. He doesn't stop to think about what could happen, or that he doesn’t have a shinki with him.

He saw the ayakashi and even though he didn't know Scissors-kun well (apart from his memories of a past life, since he’d tried to name him) Yato still decided to go help, and ended up saving him.

does this sound like something a god of calamity would do? No, it doesn’t.

3. We could say this is a result of him wanting to change and be a god of fortune, or it could be something more, as if his true nature was showing through at that moment. He could’ve changed enough over time, that his true nature more easily shines through (though I do think that some of the personality traits he displays are caused from “father’s” abuse.)

There's a couple times where I think we see his true nature come through, (it’s not that often, and difficult to pick out) and one of them was when he was coerced into telling Sakura her true name, even though he knew that he shouldn’t.

When he was with her, he’d found something different. Somewhere he could be with people and have contact with someone else other than just “father” and Hiiro. He was able to experience something he wasn’t allowed to before (since father was raising him to be a god of calamity) and decided that it was something good. He wanted to be part of that world too. The one that showed him this “new world” was Sakura, and she became a special person to him. He began to realize the value of people's lives and what it meant to be a god. (Children don’t have any experience with hiding emotions or such, and are more easily read than an adult would be.) He didn't want to lose that connection, but was still tied to father due to psychological abuse.

I believe his true nature was showing in the times he spent with Sakura (free to be himself without worry), and also in the moment he lost her. He’d realized just how special she was, and desperately wanted her to be saved, even though it was impossible. Even Hiyori could see that Sakura was important to him, and just how toxic the relationship between Yato and “father” is.

4. A true god of calamity would never have had the same reaction as yato did, when experiencing the things that Sakura showed him. A true god of calamity would have continued like father had instructed: “fun” things being killing and bringing the victim’s ears to him, and causing a lot of fear in the people they encountered. A true god of calamity wouldn’t have listened to Sakura, and wouldn’t have been interested in learning anything from her about the people living nearby. A true god of calamity would’ve ignored her teachings and kept killing, because they would be someone who truly enjoyed it.

Maybe this is why Takemikazuchi referred to Yato as a “false god.” As one that goes against his “nature.”

But that might be because he’s not really a god of calamity.

Once Yato realized how important relationships between people are, and after he lost Sakura, is when he began to rebel and tried to get farther away from “father” (but he never could break that connection.)

That is, until he found Hiyori and Yukine.

Because of them, he found the strength to begin fighting back and severing his ties with this toxic relationship, starting with releasing Hiiro, and currently with his mission to get rid of “father” all together. Because of them, he decided he wanted to change for real this time, and to keep it that way (instead of going back to “them”). Because of Hiyori and Yukine, he decided he didn’t want to be known as a god of calamity anymore. Because of them, he is now on the path to become a god of fortune.

5. Oyamatsumi’s description makes him sound like a guardian deity. Like someone who would protect someone else.

Based on the description of the shrine, this was not some warrior god. He sounds more like someone that people looked up to for protection and even brought offerings.

Yato being a god of calamity is something that “father” created in him.

6. In the Yomi arc, Yato is stuck in the underworld with no escape from Izanami. They discover that “Yato” isn’t his “real name,” but Hiyori figures it out and rescues him. But before that, they get a visit from a mysterious girl. The most striking thing about this girl is not that she is hooded as if hiding from someone, but the look of sadness and worry on her face:

She tells them “no one knows I’m here,” meaning she managed to escape the heavens for a while in order to tell them, “call him by his real name. I’m sure it’ll make him happy.” Why did she bother coming in the first place? WHY would she risk getting caught, in order to come and tell them how to rescue Yato? Yato, who is a no-name god who is unknown to most people and gods alike? Who only recently has obtained a shrine and a (small) plot of land in the heavens? Who has, until recently, been known as a god of calamity? Why would she -- an important person -- come to help someone like him?

Later on in the heavens arc, we see her again. She is again sad, but no one seems to notice this and are only concerned about who she is. Later, she seems to have hidden her feelings away.

But WHY is she sad? Especially since she is like this both times that we see her? Both times, she is either talking about Yato or talking to him directly. I thought about this for a while, but the only conclusion I came to was that she knows him.

IF she somehow knows him, then wouldn’t it be possible that they are actually related somehow? Oyamatsumi is stated as being the elder brother of Amaterasu (even if they don’t look similar to each other, but due to the nature of how gods come into being, they could still easily call each other siblings.)

Is she sad that she can’t treat him like a sibling?

Sad that she may get in trouble for acknowledging him as someone who used to be a part of the heavens? or sad that she might be forced to kill him, because she knows that everyone is watching her.

7. This would also imply that she knows the reason that he was originally reincarnated for. What if she’s the only person who knows?

When Takemikazuchi was reincarnated, we learn that reincarnations are kept secret. (chapter 66, pg 20)

When reading through theory posts, I found that there were a few people worried that, if Yato does end up being an important god, then he would have to go back to the heavens to fulfill his “new” duties, and abandon his friends on earth (at least for a short while, and visit occasionally). Oyamatsumi is described as “important,” however Oyamatsumi doesn’t seem to be as important as Tsukukomi, (especially since I had a hard time finding any info at all on him) so if he does end up being Oyamatsumi, he might be able to do more of what he wants, even though he’d know his true identity. He might still be able to spend time with Hiyori and everyone on earth if he chose to.

(Let me know if you notice any holes or mistakes in this theory, so I can try and fix them.)

#noragami theories #noragami #new noragami theory #yato

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libraryscarf · 7 years

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commission for @muffindounat, which was...adorable!!! thank you so much for asking for this!!

title: problem caused ( ao3 / ff.net ) length: 3.5k words Even in college, Hiyori has not given up her ties to the Far Shore. Still, her schedule as a full-time medical student prevents her from spending much time with anyone outside of her lectures and lab rooms. That is, until someone shows up. (Unexpectedly. In the middle of the university. On top of the lab assistant.)

Hiyori splashes water from the sink onto her face, squeaking as the icy drops roll down her neck. During times like these, she misses Kofuku’s kotatsu and the endless supply of hot oden. It’s more than her tiny, freezing apartment, that she shares with her two equally freezing roommates, could ever boast.

Ami pokes her head in the bathroom door.

“It’s snowing out there,” she warns.

The wind is a living creature. It gnaws through the fabric of Hiyori’s clothes down to her bitten fingertips. The university building is cold, despite its central heating and thick walls. She shivers through the first lecture with her coat still draped over her shoulders, and miserably exchanges it for a lab coat outside the sterile room.

“Where are you headed after this, Iki-san?”

Hiyori jumps at the interruption, holding her gloved hands gingerly away from her body as she looks over her shoulder at the speaker. It’s Hirota Asahi—a boy she’s probably spoken to four times, and thought of even less. He’s standing one table away from her with his hands covered in something dark and viscous that clashes furiously with his smiling face.

“I’m going home to study,” she replies, offering a faint smile of her own.

“You walk home alone?”

“I usually take a bus.”

Hiyori turns back to her cadaver.

“Oh, which bus?” Hirota asks, cheerfully oblivious.

Hiyori sighs, but before Hirota can bother her more, she hears her name called from the other end of the lab. Under her breath, she blesses the lab assistant for the rescue.

Hiyori peels off her gloves on the way over to the end of the long room. The lab assistant is on her cell phone, but presses her hand over the mouthpiece when Hiyori arrives.

“Iki-san,” she says. “You know your friends aren’t supposed to ask for you during lab hours.”

Hiyori stares, waiting for the statement to resolve itself into a joke. The lab assistant just gives her an annoyed glare.

“W-what?” Hiyori finally sputters.

“There’s someone on the phone with me right now, asking about you.”

Hiyori swallows, certain that this is a mistake. None of her friends would be stupid enough to bother her during classes.

Yato materializes in the thin air right next to the lab assistant.

“Hi there, Hiyori!” he announces. “Nice coat!”

The lab assistant hisses like a startled cat, stumbles away from Yato, and promptly trips over a plastic bin. Screams follow them out of the lab room as Hiyori sprints out, yanking her visitor along behind her. She hauls him into the sterile hallway and kicks the door shut behind them.

“Yato!!” She scream-whispers, roughly collaring him with his fluffy-fluff. “Why are you—? What are you doing here?!”

“I thought I’d just—drop by, you know—?” Yato wheezes, his face turning a pretty shade of lavender as Hiyori continues to cut off his air.

She reluctantly drops her stranglehold, and he takes a few steps away from her. Hiyori shivers at the loss of his immediate body heat. It’s much colder here in the hallway than it was in the lab.

“You could have done that when I wasn’t in class,” she says. “You could also have just walked in!”

She enunciates the last two words very carefully, the memory of Yato apparating in front of all her classmates still very fresh. Her voice—icier even than the hallway they stand in—cuts through his excitement. Yato wilts.

“I still don’t know where you liiive,” he whines.

Hiyori sucks in her retort, suddenly remembering that neither he nor Yukine have actually been to her apartment since she moved in with Yama and Ami.

“Oh,” she says instead.

Yato resumes his carefree smile and fixes the damage to his fluffy-fluff.

“I thought I’d just come to your school and ask around instead. Problem solved!”

Hiyori mentally flashes back to the lab assistant’s reaction to Yato’s hair-raising appearance in the lab. Problem caused.

“After all, I do have to check in on my worshipers,” Yato says, still fastidiously arranging his fluffy-fluff.

“Worshiper,” Hiyori corrects. She’s still stinging from embarrassment—even though it’s more than likely her classmates have already forgotten Yato’s appearance.

Yato just snorts.

“For now. Anyway, I wanted to see how things are going with you.”

“Well, they were going pretty well,” Hiyori says, bristling.

“Really?” Yato’s shoulders sink. “So you weren’t just wishing for someone to come rescue you?”

“Of course n—” Hiyori cuts herself off mid-word. Her one-sided conversation with Hirota…the phone call to the lab tech…her mysterious salvation.

She had needed to be rescued.

“I would have just called you directly,” Yato says, scratching his neck. “But you always turn your phone off when you’re in school these days.”

Hiyori keeps floundering for a few seconds, leaving time for Yato to gaze around in fascination.

“So this is where you go to school every day?” he asks, awestruck. Hiyori follows his gaze, not seeing anything particularly wondrous about their surroundings.

“Your school’s bigger than Bishamon’s house!”

He cranes his neck to look up into the soaring, frosty rafters, where nothing lurks but shadow and dust—along with a few ayakashi. Hiyori can confirm that the stress of the university lifestyle has given birth to more than a few of the bulbous-eyed phantoms roaming these halls.

“You should hire me to clean this place up, Hiyori,” Yato suggests, scooping the ubiquitous yen bottle out of his jacket and shaking it enticingly. “Then Yukine and I could see you sometimes.”

There’s no bitterness in his voice, but Hiyori hears the thread of melancholy undergirding his words.

“Okay, I’ll hire you—” she says slowly.

Yato’s eyes light up with the special sort of warmth Hiyori thinks he saves just to give her a heart attack. She soldiers on:

“—as long as you promise to leave me alone when I’m in class! No more popping out of thin air in front of the lab tech?”

He nods enthusiastically, then suddenly throws his arms around her neck, burying his messy head in her shoulder. Hiyori squeaks.

“I’ll do a good job Hiyori!”

His nose nuzzles into her neck. She would try harder to shove him off her—but he’s just so warm. She gives an exaggerated sigh, but sabotages herself by accidentally filling her nose with his scent. Her face is on fire. Problem caused.

“Yato, can you…watch the sweat, please? This coat is actually not mine.”

He reluctantly untangles himself from around her, which makes them both shiver.

Hiyori chews on her words for a few moments. She wants to phrase a question that doesn’t make it obvious she’s more-or-less left both Yato and Yukine high and dry for the last couple weeks. She finally settles on:

“Yukine couldn’t make it here with you?”

Yato blinks, then suddenly snaps both hands in realization.

“Of course! I knew I was forgetting something!”

Hiyori’s mouth slides into an exasperated frown.

“I knew you would accidentally leave him at a gas station one of these days.”

Yato’s lips part in bewilderment, then he shakes his head aggressively.

“No, no no no! Not that! I meant Yukine was too busy to come, so I came here solo.”

“He’s too busy?” she asks in curiosity.

“Yep!” Yato grins, and his eyes crinkle up around the edges. “He’s off helping Kazuma get ready for the big party.”

Hiyori briefly racks her brain for any festivals or holidays that are approaching, and comes up dry.

“Party…?”

Yato waves a hand disinterestedly.

“Another of the skank’s branch shrines got built,” he says, like it happens every day.

Hiyori’s eyes widen. Even for a god as important as Bishamon, a new shrine is good cause for celebration.

“That’s amazing!” she says.

“Yeah, yeah.” Yato yawns. “But, more importantly, free booze!”

Hiyori casts a rebuking glare at him.

“I hope you don’t plan to get drunk when you have Yukine to take care of.”

“I mean—free food!”

He stands up straight, running a restless hand through his hair. Hiyori has to study him for a moment before she realizes—he seems nervous.

Yato, nervous?

“It’s tomorrow night,” he says. His hair sticks up wildly between his fingers. “Will you be able to come?”

He looks at her for a few seconds. Despite his fidgeting, there’s something patient and yearning in his eyes that makes Hiyori’s stomach warm and quivery.

She sighs. It would be so nice if she could go.

“I have a late class tomorrow, Yato,” she says sadly. “I’m sorry.”

He lets go of his hair, letting his arm swing limply back to his side. At once, he manages to slap a cheeky grin back across his face.

“That’s okay, Hiyori!”

She swallows. “I really wish I could come—”

“Shush!”

Yato quickly presses his index finger against her lips, and again, Hiyori squeaks. Her eyes cross to stare down her own nose at the tip of his finger.

“I would be a terrible god of fortune,” he says quietly, “if I told my followers to skip class in order to go to a party.”

Before Hiyori can blink, Yato is across the hallway and balancing on the narrow windowsill. The morning sunlight pours all white around his silhouette. She has to shade her eyes to look at him.

“I’ll see you soon!” he calls to her, before disappearing over the ledge into the cold.

Hiyori stares at the empty window for a moment longer, her mouth hanging slightly open. She presses a hand uncomprehendingly to her own mouth.

In a panic, she remembers the lab she’s supposed to be finishing. She hurries back inside, avoiding a pointed glare from the frazzled lab assistant.

“What was that all about?” Hirota asks as soon as she returns to her table.

“I’m…not sure,” Hiyori murmurs.

: : :

Class goes late the following day. When Hiyori walks out the university gate, she is immediately beset by the cruel wind and her own loudly growling stomach.

Her phone chirps. It’s from Yama.

Yama A: can u pick up something hot? Think I broke the microwave.

Hiyori sighs, and types back:

Hiyo I: You shouldn’t put plastic or metal in it. I thought an engineering student would KNOW that.

Yama’s reply is instant.

Yama A: I didn’t do that!! I just cooked something fun and now the whole place smells like microwaved socks.

Hiyori groans. Yama has developed an unfortunate and odorous habit of culinary experimentation, and as a result their tiny shared kitchen has suffered heavy casualties.

Hiyo I: I guess we’ll go somewhere else for dinner.

Yama’s next text is full of typos, so Hiyori suspects she’s typing one-handed while holding her nose shut with the other.

Yama A: I’m juist gonna opn all the windows adn run for it. later!

Hiyori stops short, profoundly unenthused at the prospect of returning to a freezing apartment that smells of microwaved footwear.

“Yama…” she growls. Ami must be out at the moment, since Hiyori usually trusts her to nip Yama’s experimentation in the bud before it reaches its boiling point.

A ten-minute bus ride brings her to the apartment building, and she reluctantly climbs the stairs up to their number. As she turns the key in the lock, Hiyori prepares to plug her nose shut against the stench. She braces herself and opens the door.

The first thing she notices is that Yama did, in fact, open every single window in the apartment. School papers that were once stacked neatly on the table now litter the floor in front of the kitchen cupboards. Another gust of winter whistles into the room, knocking Hiyori back with its snarling bite. She hurries to slam the windows shut against it, her teeth chattering so violently that she can hear them above the howl of the wind.

“Yama,” she huffs, throwing her weight down on the last and most stubborn window shutter. “You—are—dead.”

The shutter slams shut with a satisfactory snap. Hiyori dusts her hands off and breathes a sigh of relief.

“Wow, look at you go, Miss Muscles!” comes a voice from behind her.

Hiyori shrieks, whipping around with her fist cocked back. The intruder quickly retreats, holding his arms up non-threateningly.

“Whoa, Hiyori, it’s just me!”

Hiyori stares. It takes her a moment to find the person’s facial features beneath a patchwork of bruises, a swollen eye, and a burst lip.

“…Yato?”

He tries to grin at her, but instead sucks in a pained breath as the injury on his lip gets stretched.

“Hi,” he says sheepishly.

“What in the world happened to you?” Hiyori asks in horror. He shrugs.

“Just a little…friendly fire,” he says, limping the words around his broken lip. Hiyori’s eyes drop to his left hand, cradled delicately against his body.

“Is that broken?!” she demands.

“Only a few fingers—”

“And—friendly fire?” she interrupts. “What is that supposed to mean?”

Yato coughs something that sounds suspiciously like “Bishamon.”

Hiyori squints. Despite the rivalry between the two, she has deep doubts that Bishamon would purposely seek to ravage Yato’s face and extremities to such a degree.

The longer she looks at him skeptically, the lower Yato’s eyes drop, until he’s finally directing his guilty gaze at the tops of his own boots.

“I can’t do much for your face,” she says, doubtfully scanning his swollen, purple countenance. “But I can put on a splint on your broken fingers.”

“Thanks, Hiyori,” he lisps, following her to the back part of the apartment and into the small bathroom.

It’s only then that Hiyori notices: not only does the place not stink of rotten eggs and feet, but that it in fact smells rather nice. Lavender and lemongrass, to be exact.

She stops dead in the middle of the short hallway, and Yato bumps solidly into her.

“Did you clean my apartment?” she asks accusingly.

“It smelled like a septic tank in here,” he explains.

“But what about your five yen?!”

Yato moves around her and into the tiny bathroom. He flicks on the light and leans against the sink.

“Well,” he mutters, “You’re gonna fix me up, aren’t you?”

Hiyori swallows the lump in her throat. She would obviously have taken care of him for free.

Instead, she says: “Of cour—I mean, I’ll try.”

The first aid supply kit in the bathroom is meager at best, but Hiyori manages to collect a roll of bandages, some ointments, and a square patch to go over Yato’s blackened eye. She picks up some tape and an old gift card of Yama’s for the splint.

“Is this gonna hurt?” he whines when she resurfaces from the cupboard.

“Not as much as Bishamon-sama,” Hiyori says, doing her very best to sound reassuring. Despite his formidable abilities as a war god, Yato’s pain threshold is lower than that of the average toddler.

“Quit wriggling!” Hiyori growls. She chases Yato’s hand as it keeps dodging away from her.

“I’m not even moving!”

She clamps her hand down on his wrist, bending the sturdy card around his finger and deftly wrapping tape around it to secure it in place.

“Ow! Ow ow ow ow!”

Yato whimpers as she winds the last of the tape around his hand. His lip begins trembling.

“See!” Hiyori pats his wrist once before he snatches it back from her. “Wasn’t that simple?”

“You’re going to be a scary doctor.”

Hiyori sighs, unable to find the heart to retort. He really does look pathetic.

“Like I said, I can’t do much about that.” She makes a broad gesture indicating the general state of his face. “But I can clean it up a bit.”

He nods tersely. Hiyori pours some disinfectant onto a cotton swab.

“Now, this will sting,” she says gently, and Yato makes a despairing noise in the back of his throat.

Hiyori begins swabbing the disinfectant lightly onto the worst of his cuts. He twitches, and his eyes squeeze shut, but he manages to remain mostly still.

However, nothing can distract from the fact that Hiyori has to stand closer to him than she’s strictly comfortable with—and, despite the alcoholic bite of the disinfectant in the air, he smells very, very good.

“So…what did you say to Bishamon-sama to make her do this to you?” Hiyori asks. It’s a decent attempt at casual conversation, considering that her heartbeat is trying to kick into flight mode.

“Nothing too bad,” he says. “But you know how she is.”

Hiyori frowns. “I don’t know, apparently, because she never has roughed you up this badly before without real reason.”

The cotton brushes over a raw spot, and Yato’s eyebrows contort in discomfort.

“Sorry,” Hiyori murmurs. Her voice comes out more breathy than she would like.

Yato’s eyes flutter open: one fully, the other one still swollen mostly shut. Hiyori swallows thickly.

“S-so,” she wheezes. “Um. Other than that, how was the party?”

Yato shrugs. “Other than that, it was okay. I’d rather be here, though.”

Hiyori fights back a blush. Then, her hand suddenly stills, hovering over a shallow cut across his cheekbone.

“Yato…didn’t you say you didn’t know where I lived?”

He winces visibly—this time not from pain. “Ah,” he says. “About that.”

Hiyori withdraws the cotton and crosses her arms over her chest. “I’m listening?”

“Don’t be mad,” he begs, looking down his nose at her with a pleading expression. “But I…may have followed you home. Just today. It’s the first time I’ve done it, Hiyori, I swear.”

Her forehead wrinkles in confusion.

“Wait, but…I thought you were going to the party?”

Yato blinks, obviously thrown at her conspicuous lack of outrage.

“Well, you weren’t going to be there,” he says, offering it as his only explanation.

Hiyori’s mouth opens, shuts, then opens again. She shuts it a final time, finding that her face is much hotter than usual.

“If you never got into a fight with Bishamon-sama,” she asks slowly, “then how did you get so badly hurt?”

Yato looks off to the side, the undamaged corner of his mouth tipping upward in a rueful smile.

“Well, there was…kind of…an ayakashi in here. A pretty nasty one.” He grimaces. “I think your roommate lured it in with her, um, cooking.”

Hiyori’s stomach lurches. If Yato hadn’t come here, she’d probably be facing it alone.

“And where was Yukine?!” she asks.

“I told him I would be fine, and to enjoy the party,” Yato says, scratching the back of his neck. “He knew I was just checking in on you, so there shouldn’t have been anything for him to worry about.”

“Yato—!” Hiyori chokes, horrified. “You fought an ayakashi without a shinki?!”

He laughs uncomfortably.

“Well, luckily, this one had a real dislike for cleaning spray.”

Hiyori imagines Yato aiming a spray bottle at an enormous ayakashi like a misbehaving cat, and she is truly conflicted whether to laugh or cry.

“Yato,” she says softly. “You could have…”

She just trails off, both arms dangling limply by her sides.

Another beat passes before she lifts the cotton swab again to continue cleaning his cuts. She has to tiptoe to reach the one at the top of his forehead, and her chest brushes lightly against his.

Yato clears his throat. Hiyori feels his eyes on her, and forces herself to focus on the task.

“It was pretty stupid of me, I guess,” he murmurs.

Hiyori keeps the cotton against his forehead and reaches behind her with one arm for the bandages. Yato leans forward to grab them from the countertop. He presses them into her hand, and finally, finally catches her eyes.

He’s right there.

Heat spills all the way down Hiyori’s spine and pools, quivering, in her stomach.

“Thank you,” she whispers.

Yato’s throat bobs as he swallows. Every inch of Hiyori’s skin sears with both ice and fire.

Problem caused.

“I—” he begins, roughly. He cuts himself off, then makes a low, wanting noise in the back of his throat.

He kisses her. Hiyori drops the bandages.

Yato pulls her toward him, one arm wrapped gently around her waist. Her eyes flutter closed at the warmth of him, the euphoric scent washing through her, turning her knees to butter. The cotton swab she holds to his forehead slips through her loose grip, and instead her fingers comb through his hair to pull him close.

He touches her like she’s made of hollow glass—like she’s the injured one—but his hands tremble on her skin like he’s holding back an entire ocean. An anticipatory voice in the back of her thoughts whispers, maybe he is.

Yato breaks the kiss. Hiyori lets a soft noise of distress escape her before she realizes it’s only because his lip has started bleeding again.

“Oh,” she breathes. “Sorry.”

Then, she starts laughing.

Still holding his lip, Yato looks at her in surprise. Then, he begins laughing too—because there’s really nothing else to do.

“I guess I mostly came here to do that,” he admits through his chuckles. Hiyori puts both her hands over her scarlet face.

“I guess,” she mumbles. “I’m glad you did.”

#scarfwrites #yatori #yatori fanfiction #noragami #noragami fanfiction #commission #yeLLS

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noragami-ru-manga · 4 years

Text

Calamity bears human face

These are my thoughts on the first half of 87-2. Spoilers ahead!

I really, really liked the second part of chapter 87. Adachitoka still refuse us Yukine’s entire past, but maybe that’s for the best. If what we’ve been shown so far causes this many emotions in the fandom, I’m scared to think what would have been if they revealed everything at once. But… this post isn’t about Yuknie. Not because I don’t like his character, but because I really want to discuss the first 10 pages of the new chapter.

As I expected, we got some of Father’s flashbacks this time. Except they were about the part of his life that had Yato in it, probably several years (?) after Sakura’s death.

Yato not wanting to kill people isn’t that strange, since he started “slacking off” because of Sakura’s influence, and we know that by this point Hiiro would take initiative whenever Yato wouldn’t put his heart in performing Father’s jobs, as shown in chapter 47. Interestingly enough, when Yato suggested that Father should kill people himself, the former answered that he “was killing gods, at least” – implying that he didn’t kill humans with his own hands. Father’s words about killing gods do sound sinister but as we’ve already seen and will see later in the chapter, not all gods are warriors like Bishamon, Takemikazuchi and Yato himself, so I wouldn’t be too intimidated by this phrase.

His line about the uselessness of killing gods without killing people though … The idea is obvious and logical, so I don’t see the point in developing it further, but even now I think that Father did not choose the most efficient way to do it. Even if Yato stayed under Father’s total control, one god of calamity doesn’t seem to be that big of a threat on a global scale, contrary to whatever Nora has to say later in the chapter.

The thing that caught my attention on these pages is Father’s words about shrines. Yato already revealed before that someone would always tell him he didn’t need a shrine, that someone being Father. Up to this point I simply thought that this was needed to cultivate Yato’s fear of being forgotten – if he doesn’t have a shrine, it’s all the more easier for him to disappear without any chances to reincarnate. The idea that Father actually thinks that shrines are useless somehow never crossed my mind, although now that I see it on paper it makes total sense.

And since Yato raised the question, I’ll take it from here. He said he didn’t understand why did needed to destroy humans if life would be boring without them. I’ve always asked this question in regard to any character whose end goal is total annihilation – what’s the point? Sure, Father isn’t aspiring to be an evil overlord as to ask him a question “who are you going to rule over if there’s no one left”. But his goal, apparently, is killing all gods and also all humans so that old gods can’t reincarnate while new ones can’t appear. But what exactly is he going to do if he succeeds? Die while feeling the satisfaction of revenge accomplished? It’s just so hard to understand someone whose views are so different than your own.

I wish I could say that the small local kami that attacked Yato proves that Father’s words about shrines are wrong, but what happens next actually corroborates his statement. Partially.

One the one hand, the villagers’ prayer was heard, and the local kami attacked Yato for destroying the village. But Father just crushed her. So in the end, the kami wasn’t able to so anything about these humans’ problem, so yeah, their wish wasn’t granted.

This scene also demonstrates that yes, Father can actually kill gods. The more important thing about it though is that Yato sees it. We have already seen just how much Yato used to fear death for the majority of the series. However, knowing that Father has the ability to kill Yato by forgetting him is one thing; but witnessing him kill a kami just like Yato really drives it home. And it’s all the scarier how Father simply intercepted Yato’s weapon – he just summoned Chiki, who moments earlier was in the boy’s hands. Just look at Yato’s face, you can see the terror.

And Father didn’t really have the need to kill that kami. What could they have done with a chopstick anyway? Maybe he god mad at this kami actually answering people’s prayer, disproving his point. Or maybe he just hates the gods so much he couldn’t stand even seeing one of them, so he just had to kill them.

(BTW, does anyone know what’s with the blindfold? I’ve tried looking it up but never found anything).

Nora and Hiyori’s dialogue is my favorite part the chapter, there are just so many things to unpack here. First, “Father would praise the god called Yato”. Is it just me, or is Nora jealous? We saw in Yato’s memories that Father actually praised both his children. Then again, we also saw that he punished Nora when he wanted Yato to behave. Considering that Yato grew increasingly reluctant to kill humans, and Nora had to take the lead and finish Yato’s work, this kind of jealousy is unsurprising. Nora was Father’s right hand girl and supported him all the way, but between the two of them Yato would receive more attention.

“But at some point, Yato started mourning the deaths of other people”. Yeah, we know at what point – Nora must be referring to the time when Sakura was still alive. I’ll just throw in a couple of pics from chapter 47 to remind you why Yato started mourning people.

“When calamity strikes, people always become more devout”. This must be one of the most powerful quotes in the entire manga, because it encapsulates one of the foundations of the Noragami universe. Gods exist to grant human wishes, but who would have more reasons to pray – someone who has it all, or someone who’s in trouble? Remember the main reason why people start seeing the Far shore and things that relate to it.

Of course humans would turn to gods if they can’t solve their problems themselves; that’s the reason they exist. I’ve already mentioned it in the post about memory and memories – the idea of a being that isn’t bound by human constraints, is immortal and can help out when there’s nothing else left takes shape of a person, and that’s how a god is born. Although there’s another reason, too – people hope that if calamity is sentient, you can bargain with it. That’s how people started worshiping Tenjin – not to ask for something they don’t have, but to beg him not to take something they already possess.

It may be that, by sending Yato to obliterate villages, Father was hoping not just for thinning out people, but for a somewhat different reaction from them.

“That boy loved people”. This line is just so heartwarming. And Hiyori already said it before. She saw Yato’s past and how even back then he tried to help humans – like making snow shoes for people in need. She understood him and accepted him.

I don’t really have anything to add to Father wanting “to do something” though. I’ve already said before that Father is done with being the game master and wants to be an actual player. Apparently, he is waiting for Yukine to discover GGS completely before summoning him as a weapon.

The line about natural disasters having human faces caught my attention before the chapter was even translated. When people die because of natural disasters, it’s horrible, but there’s nothing you can do about it. We can say that “we need to build sturdier houses/dams/etc.”, “we need to take better precaution measures”, and we try, but you can’t possibly predict everything. But in a world where the sun, the moon, the lightning, etc. are personified as gods, a.k.a “have faces”, not only there’s a way for someone to direct their wrath at those faces, but there’s the question of why these sentient elements of nature do these things that hurt humans.

Let’s look at some of the examples of gods harming Nakatsukuni, the world of humans.

Chapter 7 – Bishamon cuts down a grove to get to Yato

Chapter 8 – Kofuku’s vent releases a horde of ayakashi, which results in rising crime rates in Tokyo

Chapter 60 – Bishamon causes a local hurricane to locate Father

Chapter 66 – Takemikazuchi transforms into lightning to fight Yato

The gods harmed the world of humans, but it wasn’t for fun. Bishamon was guided by her thirst for revenge both times. Kofuku was helping her friend. Takemikazuchi became angry because his guide was hurt. All of them felt very human emotions. Except, since they are gods and their power surpasses that of an average human, the result of their outburst is a dead grove, rising crime rates, a damaged school. They aren’t actually trying to purposefully hurt humans but for those who suffer from these actions that’s hardly a consolation. And like I said, it’s one thing when you don’t really have anyone to blame, because the wind that destroyed your house doesn’t hear you, and another, when that wind has a face.

I think that when Father sent Yato to destroy villages, he hoped that the calamities would make people turn away from the gods. After all, people don’t always become more devout during trying times, sometimes they turn away from religion, which is what happened with Father himself. There’s a phrase going around the Internet – it was allegedly written on the wall of a Nazi concentration camp by a Jewish inmate: “If there is a God, He will have to beg for my forgiveness”. I don’t know how true this story is, but I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s real.

And even with all this in mind, I still don’t understand Father’s logic. Suppose he doesn’t destroy all of humanity, but does manage to kill all gods. I don’t think it would change that much. Amaterasu, for example, is depicted as the sun incarnate, but… if she’s killed forever, will the Sun go out, too? I understand that I’m going off the rails and into the cosmogenic myth territory here, but I can’t help it. If there are no gods left, but the forces of nature continue to destroy human lives, then Father’s actions hardly change anything. (Look at me, trying to find a reasonable explanation for an unhealthily long revenge plan). Also, don’t forget that gods of other religions canonically exist in Noragami – what is Father going to do about them, I wonder?

As for “someone” being killed by the Heavens, I’ve recently made an assumption that the pock-marked girl’s death could have been a payment of sorts to bring Father back from the dead. I made this assumption knowing that Father’s words in chapter 60 imply that gods were more involved than that. What Nora said here about Father hating attributing gods’ actions to natural disasters makes it obvious that the girl died because of one of such catastrophes. I’ve looked some more at that page from chapter 60, and I still don’t see any visible damage on the girl. However, Adachitoka emphasize a skeleton lying in a field near a dead tree. Also, I’ve turned the page upside down to get a better look, and now this skull haunts me.

Was it a drought, a famine that killed her? Or the smallpox? If these are her remains, why didn’t Father bury them? Who then helped him return from Yomi? We know it was a soul summoning, after all. So many questions that are yet to be answered.

However, even if we didn’t get all the answers yet, these ten pages did reveal a lot.

- Nora knows Father’s backstory, but not all of it. Apparently, it’s a thing so painful that Father can’t tell everything even to his most devoted supporter.

- Sakura’s influence on Yato was even stronger than I thought. It’s possible that Father changed his course of actions and started giving Yato jobs that involved punishing criminals soon after the scene we saw in this chapter.

- Father, apparently, thinks of himself as some kind warrior of justice while ignoring the fact that he does as much harm as the gods, and that he is a calamity with a human face.

P.S. that page with the human faces of nature absolutely rocks.

#noragami #noragami manga #noragami spoilers #noragami meta #father #Yato #nora

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noragami-ru-manga · 4 years

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Some more thoughts about Father, I guess

I was hoping to give a short answer to this question by @holly-wee: Btw isn't it possible that Father only seen fragments of Yukine's memories because he's not a god? But someone clearly doesn’t know when to shut up.

To answer the question: yeah, that’s also a possibility. We don’t know for sure, so all we can do is speculate. Father could by lying that Yukine’s memories are fragmented. I ruled out this option because I think that if they were full, he would have taken Yukine to the fridge to really trigger the GGS. But the memories he got were not enough to piece everything together quickly and find that particular dump, so he chose to visit some of the other places. That leaves the other option: Father isn’t lying, the memories really are fragmented. I see two possibilities here. Either Father doesn’t know the exact reason why the memories are damaged, so he just assumes that it’s because a lot of time has passed between Yukine’s death and naming. Or, since he’s pretty knowledgeable about all this shinki stuff, he knows that Yukine’s memories could have started fading with time.

Father getting fragmented memories because he’s not a god makes a lot of sense to me, actually. It’s true that he is able to name and use shinki, which is an ability exclusive to gods. But he does it with kotonoha, so we can’t be sure whose power is really in force here, his or Izanami’s. I’ve seen an interesting opinion that Father’s shinki aren’t truly his shinki, and the one who’s absorbing all of their pain is actually Izanami - and that can be the reason why Mizuchi (and now Hagusa, I guess) doesn’t blight Father or any other of her masters - because all of it goes to Izanami, the true owner of the kotonoha. Who, unlike other gods, can’t die from being blighted. So if Father isn’t using the brush to its full potential because he is not its owner, that could be the reason why the naming process didn’t go as smoothly for him, and he ended up having only bits and pieces of Yukine’s life instead of the whole picture.

But I like the idea that Yato and Father got the same memories, because that would show how much Yato cares, piecing together everything to find that place and make sure that Yukine never goes near it.

Now, this is unrelated to the question at all, but since I’ve started talking about Father, I’m kind of curious about his “soul possession”. I was waiting for the official translation of volume 21 to see if there would be any big translation differences in Father’s monologue in chapter 80, ‘cause it’s kind of an important one. And while there are some pretty big discrepancies, this particular line sounds pretty much the same in both translations.

This is fast-moon’s version:

And this is the official one:

Father specifically says that he possesses Fujisaki’s soul, not body, in both versions of the translation. And we know he isn’t lying, because of this little episode with Hiyori.

Father was already out of Fujisaki’s body when Hiyori saw him - that’s why he had his usual black robes on and was riding on an ayakashi back. But when he started talking about Yato, his real soul slipped out of Fujisaki’s for a second, which Hiyori noticed and remembered. And since Hiyori, the character within the series, saw it, it means that it wasn’t some artistic depiction of how Father is actually Father and not Fujisaki, it’s something that really happened.

And it’s a pretty unique situation, because the only other type of possession we know of is divine possession. But that one is highly specific - a god can’t possess just anyone, they have to share a bond with that human.

Father says he doesn’t get to choose, which must mean that the person whose soul he ends up inhabiting each time is a complete stranger to him. So it’s not really the same as divine possession. Also, now that I think about it, “inhabiting someone’s soul” kind of sounds like a description of an ayakashi. I believe there were theories about Father being a half-ayakashi who simply hides his cord beneath the robes. But what I just said here is similar to how full ayakashi function - they take control of someone’s soul. Father as an ayakashi is a really strange concept to think about though.

Does anyone else have any idea how can Father possess a soul?

#noragami #noragami manga #noragami official translation #father #fujisaki kouto

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hellanoragami-blog · 5 years

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Chapter 79.2 Thoughts

Heeeey guys. I’m up really early this morning, so I’ve decided to try to dissect the chapter. There is a lot of interesting things to cover, but overall I really liked it. It has a lot of pain and worry tied to it, though. A big thanks to @fast-moon for a speedy translation!

In the continuation of chapter 79, we’ve picked up directly where we left off. Hiyori has begun to read through her journal, only to find that almost all of them relate to Yato in some way or another. (It seamlessly ties into a discussion that Ami and Yama are having behind her, lol.)

But things take a serious turn, because Yama explains that Fujisaki has simply disappeared, and so has his father, apparently. Father is--we know--currently resting and recovering from the toll taken on his body. But what about Fujisaki’s father? Where did he go, and what are his concerns about his son’s injuries? Is that why he’s suddenly disappeared?

I wonder if perhaps we’ll see Father claiming another form, soon. With Bishamon now knowing his face, and the nuisance posed in further involving Fujisaki’s family, I feel as if Father wouldn’t want to gamble the risks of keeping his current body. (It’s confusing, because we’ve never actually seen Fujisaki’s father, nor do we know much about the relationship he has with his son. It makes it hard to pin down what exactly he’d be doing in this situation regarding his child’s injuries.)

Hey, look! Tenjin’s riding an Ox! Oh, wait. It’s just his regalia? Cool! We now know what forms two of his shinki take, as well as their alternate names. I don’t have much to say about that. But his conversation with Hiyori is different. As suspected, literally everyone know about Hiyori’s feelings but her--even Tenjin! She goes on to ask him, the one who would know most out of anyone, whether it’s true or not that Gods can love humans.

I kind of already figured his answer, and I was right in thinking that their way of loving is just different than human love. But it’s not inherently a good thing for a God to love a human. As he said, they get drawn more to the near shore.

The more attached Yato gets to Hiyori, the more he’d be willing to do to ensure her happiness and safety. This includes wreaking havoc upon whatever threat to her that he sees. (Think back to the Bishamon arc, where he was fully prepared to kill a fellow God under the false assumption that she had harmed Hiyori.)

Also- pg. 25, Amaterasu’s watching. ;)

Tenjin does have a valid point, regardless if we agree with it or not. Gods aren’t inherently the same as humans; they simply take the form of man. Just as Amaterasu is the sun, and Tsukuyomi is the moon. “Is pledging (romantic) love to something that isn’t a person a particularly logical act?”

In a non-biased context, the answer is of course, no.

Even with Tenjin urging her to cut ties with Yato, it’s simply out of her hands now. Yato is the only one who could do that, and with their fates tied, they’re stuck together. Maybe it’s inevitable that Hiyori will forget Yato, but it wouldn’t be permanent. That’s hinted in the fact that she’s able to recount this tale to us.

At the end of chapter 1, Hiyori uses the words, “Soon, Yato would meet me.” This implies that everything that is currently being told has already happened. The story already has an ending, and we’re being shown the story through her narrative. Already, this is kind of obvious by the small hints throughout the manga; the most popular one being when she isn’t able to recognize Yukine as a human spirit the way Yato can.

Hiyori’s description:

Yato’s description:

Again, notice Hiyori’s usage of past tense versus Yato’s use of present tense. Although we are also being shown what she’s telling us, we’re also shown things that she personally didn’t see, and this comes from Yato. Could he also be telling the story alongside her? I’m interested to find out. It may mean that they will in fact meet again. It certainly gives me hope!

Now! Onto some (mostly) lighthearted scenes!

We shift attention to Yukine and Nora, who are playing a game of badminton. But things go horribly wrong when Nora runs right into a trash bin, and ends up getting covered in rubbish. Yukine must have had the idea to take her back to Kofuku’s for a bath, conveniently able to do so because the Goddess of poverty is away in takamagahara to strike fear into the heart of Takemikazuchi for repair costs.

Nora is completely in awe of the place, exploring things she’s never seen before. It looks like a child’s wonderland, to her. (Notice she thinks almost everything in Kofuku’s house is a toy. ...To be fair, there are a LOT of toys in Kofuku’s bathroom.)

In fact, most of what we see of her in this chapter reminds me a lot of what we see in Yato: not a lot of experience in the way of doing things age-appropriately, and having a very naive approach to some things. (Seeing her with that shower shield around her face reminded me of a frilled dragon. Cute!) We also see two names on her, one on her hip, and the other on her arm. These were identified by fast-moon to be the names belonging to Ebisu and Take.

Clue One that things are not entirely as they seem. I don’t entirely distrust her just yet, though. She drops her hitaikakushi in the bath, and she gives it a look of what appears to be contempt. Does that mean that she’s growing more and more unhappy with who/what she was before? Or is it regret over her involvement in a possible plan executed by Father? She folds it not-so-neatly in her hands, and the scene changes to show Yukine attempting to cook.

It’s obvious that he’s still struggling with his feelings over the situation. But hopefully, it’s not enough to be hurting Yato. Next, Nora rejoins Yukine for dinner. (In a very cute outfit, nonetheless. Adachitoka, are you trying to kill me with cuteness?? Lol.) Yukine next suggests they study together, and Nora says something that really seems to hit a nerve with Yukine.

“Dead people, studying? It’s pointless.”

Ahh. So it’s hinted that Yukine isn’t entirely accepting of the way things are, after all. Whether he realizes it or not, the fact that those words bothered him to that extent just shows that he knows it’s true, deep down. Trying to emulate a life that a living person would is essentially pointless, and he knows it. But it’s what makes him feel happy and fulfilled with what he has.

That texture, though.

We know by now, that when this texture overlay is used, it either foreshadows a topic resurfacing in a Big, Negative way, or when a character realizes something that could end up leading to a key event of sorts.

In short, this page felt very serious and ominous, and it kind of worries me. The word ‘promise’ is also used quite a bit here, which feels a little suspicious in itself. It’s also kind of scary, because Yukine just unintentionally showed Nora one of his biggest weak points. I hope it’s not going to be used against him later.

Nora, please. I’m beggin u girl. Have a change of heart.

It does look like she’s having a change of heart regarding Yukine learning the God’s Greatest Secret, though. Before, she wanted to destroy him with it. But now she wants to make sure he doesn’t get near it. Which he agrees to... but we know it’s going to happen, eventually. Sad to say, he’s already been inflicted with liberation. So learning about his past is inevitable.

Yukine reveals his worries about stinging Yato, which is important; at least he realizes that it’s bad to be getting his emotions involved like this. But Yato’s not around for him to talk to, and that makes all the difference. And with Yato being hit by both Yukine and Kazuma’s shitty feelings, it’s bringing him great distress and discomfort.

(Also quick note, I’m curious as to why the name plate says Iki. Iki would be Takamasa’s last name, wouldn’t it? Unless he took Sayuri’s name instead. Uncommon, but some people do it here in the US. Do people do that in Japan as well? I’m going to assume it’s the case for now anyway, since it’s Hiyori’s maternal grandmother’s house.)

Alas... Father. What are you doing in front of Hiyori’s grandmother’s house? How did you even find out where it was? (If he followed her home, that’s just creepy.) What I wanna draw attention to, though, are the blank pages of her journal. Blank pages. Blank. I hope it’s just the newest pages that haven’t been written in yet!

But... I feel very certain that Father is influencing something here, just from Hiyori’s mention of her body feeling heavy. (Yes, I think it was Hiyori’s dialogue, despite it showing Yato; particularly with the way it follows up in her POV in the next box.) Part of me is worried that the page is implying that Father is leaving, and he’s already set something into motion. I hope I’m wrong.

Hiyori... please hold on to your memories.

#nana discusses noragami #noragami #this wasn't as long as my previous analyses but I covered what I felt like I needed to #noragami spoilers

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hellanoragami-blog · 7 years

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Chapter 74 Thoughts

Wow!! There sure is a lot of subliminal foreshadowing for such a silly chapter!! Unbelievable. :) Now I get to dig in and dissect it!

We’re told right off the bat that Fujisaki hasn’t been attending school. Though I don’t believe it’s because of the flu. (Quick note here, it really is flu season! Please go out and get your flu shot, if you haven’t/can! It’s pretty nasty this year. I just got over the worst of it, myself!)

If I had to guess, it’s most likely due to his injuries. Remember, Fujisaki’s body is human. That assault by Bishamon looked pretty nasty, so it would take some time to recover. But I bet you, he’s still keeping watch via Mizuchi. He’s still plotting for later, undoubtedly.

A quick pointer, the date says the 27th on Hiyori’s diary. As @fast-moon pointed out in their translation notes, Yukine’s “birthday” would be the 29th of November. Previously thought the 24th, but this correction is more accurate.

And in the beginning, we see the word ‘unforgettable’ quite a lot. I get the feeling this is foreshadowing something for the future. What, I’m not sure. But it’s very obvious, and I’m certain that it’s going to carry over into future events--especially because of Hiyori’s dialogue.

“This looked like it really would be an unforgettable memory...”

There’s not really much to report on, as far as the practice goes. Although, I kinda relate to Hiyori here; this whole chapter screamed ‘second-hand embarrassment’, haha. But y’know, Yato’s very...extra, when it comes to showing how much he cares. It’s still very endearing, though, no matter how embarrassing it is.

The next thing I wanted to point out was the three sacred treasures summoning Yato. Not Amaterasu. I’m still willing to bet that the whole thing of how a shinki appropriates a God is coming into play here. They’re the ones who seem to be in control of everything. Not Amaterasu. I believe this is what Adachitoka were trying to hint at, without making it obvious: we shouldn’t be holding Amaterasu accountable. At least, not completely. The treasures are seen as Gods themselves, practically, so it’s no wonder that they’re seen as important figures in Heaven’s political system.

There’s not really much I can say about the talk regarding the God’s Greatest Secret...although, it is established that they decided to leave well enough alone--at least for now. (Haha, it’s implied that Takemikazuchi was eavesdropping a little. I wonder what he’ll take away from that conversation?)

The group returns home and it’s pretty obvious that Yukine’s been tending to the shop and waiting up for them pretty much all day. He’s adorable and is a good boy. (I’m not dismissing Hiyori’s next dialogue; maybe we should be looking out for Yato’s well-being, also. Though, it’s best to assume no one is safe, being the series it is!)

The next morning, Yukine finds the shop empty again, and remarks how irresponsible they’re being by leaving the shop unattended. He prepares to take over, but is soon interrupted by the appearance of Coo Phone. Not gonna lie, if I got a letter from a family member to meet up somewhere when they could have just told me before, I’d be a bit uneasy, too.

Mizuchi is shown next, and from what I can gather, her body language says that she is reluctant. It’s obvious she is debating whether or not to approach Yukine. Yukine spots her though, and moves quickly to approach her himself. (Obviously in a more open and hostile way. Mizuchi is actually pretty closed off, which isn’t that unusual given her personality.) Of course, Hiyori interjects him next which leads to a pretty problematic page.

“It was so easy to cross over to that side.”

That’s some pretty troubling dialogue. It’s obvious that Yukine still harbors quite a bit of bad feelings from when he struck Bishamon, and he’s worried that he became too much like Mizuchi. While it’s clear that he does not wish to kill, he does wish to protect Yato at all costs. Which...means that he isn’t above killing, now. At least if it ensures Yato’s safety. This is where Hiyori may be a bit wrong in her thoughts.

I’m not saying that Yukine and Mizuchi are entirely alike. But the more paranoid Yukine becomes regarding Yato’s well-being, the darker his heart will become. As Tenjin said, humans can be unreservedly cruel, when they have something they want to protect. It doesn’t make Yukine a bad kid. It just makes him desperate. Yato is like family to him, and he doesn’t want to lose him.

Being that he was most likely abandoned by his own father in a way, he may have a few issues with losing those he’s close to; especially after being sealed away in that sarcophagus. If Yato were to disappear again like he did in the Underworld arc, Yukine would probably--ahem--McFreakin’ Lose It.

Hiyori next takes Yukine back to the shrine where they first met. What follows is the dance routine that Yato has staged, which is both equally heart-warming and embarrassing. (Go hard or go home! I really liked it, in all honesty. It was very sweet.)

Yukine of course feels quite grateful for everything, and goes to be by himself to reflect. He even starts crying, which could be a mix of both happiness and sadness. (But mostly happiness at having found a place where he truly feels that he belongs, with people that really care about him.)

Then, there is of course, the kiss. Oh, I’m gonna talk about it, alright. It feels like something that just jumped out of a fanfic. (To be perfectly honest, a pixiv user does have me crack-shipping the two; though I never expected it to take an indirectly canon turn? What the hell, Adachitoka. This was not something I wanted. What are you two doing?)

We don’t yet know the meaning or intention behind it. Does Mizuchi really love Yukine? Notice the ‘dai’ inflection in front of ‘suki’, in the Japanese version. That does seem to indicate more love, instead of just like. But taking their history into account--especially Mizuchi’s personality--it’s kind of hard to piece together how she truly feels. Although, it is quite clear that Yukine stirs her up in a way that she isn’t used to. She doesn’t usually allow things to get to her, but Yukine is canonically the first one to ever bring out her more extreme feelings.

First, she felt irritation with him. It’s hard to say if she still hates him, but I’m not sure it’s love, either. The most puzzling fact is that Mizuchi doesn’t have a history of lying. She may hide things, and have a warped view of how to treat others, but she doesn’t lie. At least, she hasn’t before.

There’s a lot of speculation as to what the kiss could mean, though. A few fans, both in the English and Chinese region, seem to believe it could be connected to Liberation. Some believe that Mizuchi can perform that ability while she is in her human form, and just inflicted Yukine again. Although this isn’t a certain thing, it is something to consider. A short spoiler from the end of the magazine reads, “What does Yukine see in Mizuchi’s eyes?”

Basically, this could bring bad or good. Most likely bad. Yukine has expressed his hatred for Mizuchi, and judging by his expression, he definitely didn’t want it to happen. He’s shocked.

This is kind of a recurrent theme in the manga though--stolen first kiss, I mean. A stolen first kiss can make one feel tainted, and seems to depict a loss of innocence, to an extent. (Especially if it wasn’t consensual, which this clearly was not.)

We don’t ever get a good look at Mizuchi’s face at any point in this chapter, so it’s really too hard to say what she is feeling. I think that’s going to be shown next chapter, which will hopefully make it easier to decipher exactly what direction this development will go in. Noragami is, before anything else, a Shonen series, however. So I don’t really expect anything substantial to come out of this kiss; at least where romance is concerned.

Ahhh, we’re gonna be facing something sinister again soon...

#nana discusses noragami #noragami #ease me back in AdachiToka-sensei #I anticipate the next chapter with caution.

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