Transient Memories (Tomoe x Reader)

A Lonely Goddess

My muscles groan with resistance at the manual labor thrust upon me by a relentless familiar. I scrub profusely at the oak floors until my own reflection materializes. Day in and day out, I am forced to clean until my frail body is saturated in unbecoming sweat. As I pant in exasperated gasps, my throat sears from its dry state. From scrubbing shrine floors, to dusting shelves and even weeding the garden, I have worked myself to exhaustion. Tomoe insisted that this was the most beneficial way to increase my divine powers. Distant memories flash through my hazy mind. The crippling insults of a man who believes I am weak and incapable. No matter what, I will work my hardest to prove his uncouth accusations untrue. I bring my fist to my chest in patriotic salute, an unfaltering resolve bounding through my heated veins. As the sun shyly slips below the horizon, I rejoice with a cry of victory. My last tiresome and unnerving chore is complete.

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The morning sun filters through the aged shutters, scattering its rays across my groggy complexion. Upon recognizing the day, I shoot from my bedding with a start. I rush to my meager luggage and begin tossing garments frantically. Finally, my school uniform emerges and I dress promptly.

I adjust my bow and skip merrily down the main hall. I have almost reached the door when an unenthusiastic clutch grasps my wrist. "Where are you off to at this hour?" Tomoe questions with undeniable aggravation.

"To school." I announce curtly, pouting with deft pleas. Tomoe recoils with an unplaced fear looming in his eyes. I stiffen, remembering the story Kotetsu had told me. Mikage advised Tomoe he was going into town and never returned. I feel a slight bought of empathy rise in my chest. It pains me to know I have caused him worry.

"Relax. I will be home by 3:00pm." I offer a reassuring smile and Tomoe replies with a huff of frustration.

"You aren't going anywhere. You will remain at the shrine and that is final." My face contorts with fury and my brow twitches frenziedly. I clench my fists into inescapable balls and seethe with impatience. I have become more than vexed by his constant restrictions, continually lashing out on me with spite.

"Damn fox. Who do you think you are? I don't care what you demand, I am going to school, understand?" An uncharacteristic snarl escapes my lips. Even I am dumbfounded by my unforeseen vigor. I turn to leave but I am greeted by an unexpected compromise.

"If this is what you truly desire, then I will accompany you. As a newly instated God, you must be protected at all times. There are an insurmountable number of Yokai who will be lusting after your powers." He mumbles with melancholy. His sudden submissiveness is eerily suspicious to me. I continue on with veiled caution, unsure of his recently obedient nature. Though, it is evident that he is less than impressed by this unnecessary folly.

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I mindlessly stare out of a clouded 3rd story window. An air of gloom shrouds the school grounds and incessant rain pours like unrequited tears from a menacing sky. My eyes shift their focus from the dreadful landscape and fall on my own reflection in the blotted glass. My (h/l) (h/c) strands fall in aimless disarray around my aged face. The eccentric glow has washed from my flesh, leaving it pale and greyed. I gently trace along the edge of the thick charcoal rims that sag beneath my (e/c) orbs. I shake my head to rid myself of the image. I refuse to believe I am frail and weak.

Suddenly, an irritating palm grasps my shoulder, spewing childish jests in my ear. "You look like crap (f/n). After a mysterious disappearance, the mighty (f/n) makes a not so valiant return. Where did you disappear to for all those months?" Isobe giggles immaturely and cups his palm around my ear. Leaning in defiantly, he whispers. "Rumor has it they had you holed up in a rehabilitation facility. Didn't take you for the rebel type." His juvenile antics are halted by the menacing crash of a hand colliding with my desk. Tomoe intervenes swiftly and shoots Isobe a demonic glare. Holding his hands up in defense, Isobe quickly retreats, his face a ghostly white.