Sword and Soul (Noragami Fanfic)

Chapter One: White Day Woes

Hiyori Iki sat on the floor of Kofuku's living room, awaiting Yato and Yukine's arrival.

Whether or not she wanted to admit it, she didn't like being away from Yato. His scent always teased her, tempting her to follow it to its source.

"Hiyorin~!" it was Kofuku, smiling brightly at Hiyori as she entered the room. She took a second to look around before adding, "oh, Yatty's not here yet? No wonder you seem so down and out! He's been of training with Yukine since last month, after all."

Hiyori only nodded. It really did irritate her that Yato left without telling her why or where he was going. She had only found out after the fact from Kofuku.

Now, White Day was fast approaching. Kofuku said that he'd be back by then, and Hiyori desperately hoped so. She wanted to give him something special for White Day...

Kofuku noticed Hiyori's mood. "Hiyorin, why not just tell Yatty how you feel?"

Hiyori looked away, her cheeks burning. "Th-That's... because... I was waiting for the right moment..."

Kofuku smiled knowingly. She patted Hiyori's head. "Good luck, Hiyorin."

Kazuma, Bishamon's lead shinki, walked along on his way to his mistress' chambers. He was under orders from the afore mentioned mistress.

"Ah, Kazuma," Bishamon said as he entered.

"My lady," he said respectfully. "You called for me?"

Bishamon sighed. "Yes. I have a request to ask of you."

Kazuma frowned. "What is it you need?"

She didn't meet his gaze as she answered."I need you to fetch that half phantom, Hiyori Iki, for me." Her cheeks looked slightly flushed.
I-is she embarrassed?! Kazuma thought, surprised.

"Of course," he said, concealing his confusion before Bishamon could sense it. "Pardon my asking, but is there a reason you want to see her?"

Bishamon went a darker shade of red. "I need to ask her advice on something important..."

Kazuma waited for her to elaborate further, but she didn't.

"Alright then. I'll return shortly." he turned on his heel and left the room.

Bishamon sighed softly, her gaze watching him as he left.

Hiyori was walking home in a sullen mood. Yato still hadn't returned.
Yato... the longer you stay away, the fuzzier my memories of you become... Hiyori thought.
Do you want me to forget you?

A lone tear trailed down her face.

Kazuma spotted Hiyori walking by herself.
She must be headed home. He deduced. It seems Yato isn't back yet. Kazuma then noticed the single tear that fell to her feet.

Kazuma was taken aback by this.
Why is she crying? What does Yato mean to her?

He walked up to her. "Hiyori?" his voice was soft.

For a moment, it seemed as if she hadn't noticed him. Then her hand wiped across her face and she smiled up at him.
A fake smile, Kazuma noted.

"Mr. Kazuma! It's been awhile, hasn't it?"

Kazuma nodded. "It has. You don't seem like your usual self," he observed.

Hiyori's smile faded. "Yato... has been gone for almost a month. I feel like my memories of him are fading... I'm afraid that..." she paused, biting her lip. "I'm afraid that I'll forget about him!"

She surged forward, clinging to Kazuma and burying her face in his chest. "I don't want to forget Yato! He's... he's very important to me!" Tears streamed down her face. "Mr. Kazuma, what should I do?!" she exclaimed, gazing at him through tear filled eyes.

Kazuma didn't know how to react. He gently pushed her away. "Hiyori..." he whispered softly, his emerald gaze meeting her pink one.

Hiyori lightly slapped herself on the face with her hands. She then backed up a few steps from Kazuma. "I'm sorry, Mr.Kazuma. I don't know what came over me." her hands dropped to her sides, and she smiled. This time, it didn't seem fake.

"Oh, was there something you needed?" Hiyori asked.

"Huh?" Kazuma looked confused.

"You're out here by yourself, right? Are you running an errand for Bishamon?" Hiyori tilted her head slightly.

Kazuma then remembered Bishamon's request. He held out his marked hand to her. "Hiyori Iki. Please come with me. My mistress wishes to speak with you."

Dumbfounded, Hiyori took his hand.

Hiyori noticed the faint aroma of Yato's scent carried on the breeze.