Jaguar's Crow ( KageHina)

The Jaguar

Kageyama's POV (day before 11th birthday)
Today was a day as normal as any in my opinion. Wake up, wash and brush teeth, do homework, clean house, free afternoon to practice. That was my daily routine. My mother kept reminding me whilst I was cleaning that tomorrow would be my chance to be blessed with a life long companion. I knew that already so it started to get annoying the more she repeated it. However during my volleyball practice the question kept repeating on my head. "What would my companion be?" I'd be happy no matter what it was honestly. A tiger? The ferocity of the tiger could relate to me. My mother had a tiger but most of the time it stayed as a tattoo on her shoulder. A lion? The king of the jungle just like my fathers. I've only ever seen my fathers lion once. He works in the army so his companion is often in recovery as a tattoo on his neck when he returns home from training camp. Thinking about it, all my family have some kind of large cat as a companion. My aunt had a panther and my grandad had a leopard. I'm sure mine will likely fit in the category of large cat. I'd be happy with that. A strong minded companion for my strong willed determination.

"Tobio, your dinner is ready!" I was snapped from my thoughts not realising I'd frozen mid practice, ball in my hands as I thought about what my companion could be. I ran towards my house taking my outdoor shoes off and putting my indoor shoes on before I washed up, ready to sit at the table and eat.
My father wasn't home - he was still at training camp for another week so he'd miss the ceremony tomorrow but I don't mind. Honestly I wasn't too excited about the whole ordeal.
Staring blankly into space, I waited as my mother set the plates of food out before she herself sat down, allowing her tiger 'Sutoraipu' free from its tattoo confines so he could eat.

" Are you excited about tomorrow?" My mother asked after we appreciated the food and dug in.
I simply shrugged my shoulders, not really sure how to feel about it.
"Our family has a long history of large cats as companions. I bet you'll get one too." I just hummed in response, slowly munching on the food in front of me. I jumped slightly when I heard my mother suddenly gasp - looking up to notice a huge grin on her face and her eyes shining brighter than ever. "Could you imagine if you were the one to end up with Shinryaku as your companion?"

I'd heard of Shinryaku before. She was the only Jaguar companion that's ever existed. The last she was seen as a companion was nearly five hundred years ago as the King's companion when he fought beside his soldiers in 'The Final War of Japan'.
Shinryaku combined herself with the King allowing him to receive her strength and determination - eventually resulting in them winning. However the King ended up dying because of this as the power was far too much for his old age to handle, but that didn't stop him and the Jaguar going down in legends.

"...io? Tobio!" I quickly shook my head, coming back into reality as I stared at my mother, my train of remembering coming to an end. "Thought I'd lost you for a second there Tobio. You just blanked out." My mother's voice was filled with concern which was nice to hear but also kind of annoying sometimes.
"I'm fine, just remembering the tale of Shinryaku." I answered honestly, my voice still somewhat distant before I continued eating.
"It was such a legendary tale wasn't it? Well whatever companion you end up with I'm happy for you." My mother concluded, gently kissing my forehead as she picked up her empty plate and washed it on the sink.

"Once you've finished please wash your plate and get ready for bed. No late night practice tonight understand Tobio?" My mother instructed.
I nodded in response, finishing off my own dinner as she left the room to go to her office to work.
Once I'd finished I followed her instructions, washing my plate and heading upstairs to change and get ready for bed. It was only eight pm but I was still tired regardless so sleep came easily for me.

The next day

I woke up being shaken by my mother, her excited voice about the ceremony and my birthday only now just starting to ring in my ears. Groggily I rolled out of bed, doing my usual morning routine - deciding to dress in more formal clothing than my usual shorts and T-shirt that I wear most days. After showering, I changed into some skin tight jeans and a light blue, long sleeved shirt - the very top button left open in order to help me breathe.

I walked downstairs, almost tripping up over Sutoraipu as I reached the bottom. I gently scratched behind his ears before I stepped outside into the cool morning, the sun warm against my skin despite the cold morning chill.
I noticed that my mother was stood a small bit away from the house holding a flask. I'm guessing it contained the liquid that had no distinct flavour. I've heard rumours it tastes of the drinker's favourite food.

I slowly began walking to my mother, only now just noticing that other family members were around with their companions out and sat patiently by their sides. I paused when I reached my mother, awaiting her to start the ceremony.

"In my hand I hold Seieki, the Spirt Liquid that shall today unite Tobio Kageyama with his companion." As she held the flask up, the rest of my family members bowed along with their companions, only straightening again once my mother continued to speak.
" Tobio Kageyama, I ask you today, to take one sip of Seieki and discover your companion." She looked to me, the flask held out in front of her in my direction. I took the flask, only now feeling the rush of excitement of meeting my new partner. Tipping my head along with the flask, I took a decent sip of the liquid, my eyes widening slightly as I tasted the bitter sweet tang of oranges and mango on my tongue. Returning the flask back to my mother, I turned around facing my family members, eyes closing and looking towards the sigh as I took a deep breath.

I was almost scared to open them again until I heard a collection of gasps coming from my family. Opening my eyes I looked down, seeing bright purple eyes contrasting greatly against the sand coloured companion covered in spots. I instantly recognized her, my eyes widening with disbelief at who it was fate had chosen for me to have a companion.

Following the tradition, I bowed in acknowledgement, noticing the Jaguar do the same with her head before we both straightened and looks at each other's eyes again.

I hesitantly moved my arm, holding my palm aloft awaiting her response. I held my breath, watching her slowly only releasing it when she gently pressed her muzzle into my palm.

Smiling softly I whispered her name:

"Shinryaku,"