Healing Priestess [Open]

[Jade Kimura]

It was late in the evening and the clinic was almost completely silent. Jade sat quietly at the front desk waiting for her shift to finish for the evening. It must be past ten thirty. Jade looked to the clock that hung on the wall to see that her suspicions were correct. It was ten thirty and Mariko was supposed to be here over thirty minutes ago. Jade sighed soft to herself as she leaned back in her chair. It had been a long day for the fullbringer nurse. Three kids came in with broken bones, Mss. Kurazaki came in with a bad cold and a mother came in for her prenatal checkup. These were just the patients Jade could remember. There must have been at least fifty patients today. All Jade wanted to do was go home pop some left overs in the microwave, take a bath and go to bed. Jade then jumped in her seat when he phone started to vibrate off the hook. Looking down at the desk she saw her simple light blue flip phone with a white rabbit hanging buzzing off the hook. Quickly picking it up and flipping it open she brought the phone to her ear.

”Hello?” answered Jade as she looked to the door as Mariko walked through. ”Sorry Jade!!!” apologized Mariko as she bowed deeply before standing up properly and shrug off her jacket hanging it on the hanger. ”Its alright,” replied Jade before saying, ”Hello?” But no one answered her but before she was about the shut the phone she heard a familiar sound on the other end. It was that cry of the spirits that attacked her so many years ago. She snapped the phone shut and looked at the caller ID. Jade chewed her lip before getting up from her seat and retrieving her items before saying good night and leaving. Jade studying her phone wondering who had called her. Sighing softly to herself she shoved her phone into her jacket pocket and through the hood up over head as it started to snow softly.

As Jade took a turn down a road into the neighborhoods she heard the cry and it wasn’t that far from where she stood. Looking up slightly she saw a tall black creature standing a couple blocks ahead of Jade. ”What is it doing,” whispered Jade as she started towards the beast with curiosity crossing her eyes. She would come to a stop and leaned up against the wall as she watched the beast let out another cry. But from out of nowhere a man wearing those black uniforms came down on the beast with a sword.

[Hado Tachimoto]

Alright... THAT settled it, there was SOMEONE in the Gotei 13 who had it out for Hado. There was simply no other way that a freshly graduated Shinigami could be assigned so many patrols... To Karakura no less. Was Soul Society that bloody short staffed that they couldn't send someone with experience? Honestly, if it weren't for the fact that almost EVERY battle with a Hollow was a struggle for him, Hado wouldn't mind all that much. He liked this town; it was filled with more unique people than the insufferably monotony of Sereitei. There had yet to be a single Shinigami that had made a particular impression, they were just mundanes bandying about their inconsequential lives. Not that Hado viewed himself as any different, no, if anything, his wretched existence was on another plane of misfortune altogether. 

His feet firmly planted on a particularly high building, he allowed his gaze to wander the landscape. Tonight had been eerily quiet, there had been no beasts feasting upon the living. There was no bloodthirsty roar of a hunter, there was only Karakura, and the various spiritual tribes that inhabited it. There had been a few occasions where the inexperienced Shinigami was forced to hide from a much more powerful individual, but for the most part they paid him no mind. He wasn't important in the grand scheme of things, and as long as he didn't irritate anything, they wouldn't try to kill him... Probably. 

A light wind picked up, and the feeling of ease that permeated the very air suddenly vanished. Something was either wrong, or something dreadful was going to happen. The signature weapon of the Death God was summarily drawn, and azure hues desperately searched for the disturbance. The only soul in the vicinity belonged to a middle-aged man; and he was calmly walking home. Karakura wasn't known for its crime syndicates or delinquents, especially this part of town, so he was almost certainly safe. Even if human tragedy were to befall him, it was not Hado's place to interfere... Still, there was something about this particular individual that held Tachimoto's stare... A tall, lanky creature pulled itself up from the shadow behind the man. Its face was ivory white, but there was literally no other feature upon its disturbing face. Suddenly, the mask split, revealing a mouth and vicious teeth, and it swooped to devour the helpless soul.

Another gust of wind, and Hado was gone. Without even a second thought, Reiryoku flooded into his limbs and he sprang into action, propelling himself forward at the immense speed of Shunpo he appeared in front of the creature. His sword was drawn, and the blade locked with the creature's teeth. His blade was being held solely with his right hand, and though he was strong, he was slowly being pushed back. His face, however, showed no concern... If anything, the corners of his lips perked ever so faintly upwards. Two of his fingers pointed towards the inside of the Hollow's maw. "Hado #4, Byakurai." A small bolt of lightning shot through the back of the Hollow's head, but it was not yet slain. It merely raised itself to its full height and roared, its mindless instinct not saving it from the blade that was hurdling forth to end its vile existence. 

The mask was split, and the creature faded into nothingness. The middle aged man had simply collapsed behind the chaos, blissfully unaware that anything at all had transpired. The carefully polished Zanpakuto was sheathed, and Hado finally acknowledged the new presence. It was a woman, and she had clearly seen at least part of the event. Normally, a spiritually aware human wouldn't be that rare of a sighting, especially in Karakura. However, there was one particular feature that set her apart from the rest. She, like only select people seemed to have, had a face... This fact alone was enough to pique the Shingami's interest. Eyes as expressive as a painting locked with the others, and the Death God stood statuesque. "Is something the matter, human?"

[Jade Kimura]

Jade watched as lightening escaped the man’s hand and blasting across the beasts back but it didn’t seem to do much damage and that was when the man removed his sword from its hilt to cut the beast right down the face. The beast let out one last cry before disappearing into thin air. Jade took a few steps forward as she watched the man who had slain the beast fall to the ground with such grace it didn’t even look real. Studying the man Jade noticed he had messy blue hair and a pair of bright blue eyes to match. He was a handsome looking man but Jade wasn’t going to say that aloud since this would be the first time in many months since she had seen one of these spirits. Jade normally tried to keep his head down and to keep all attention away from herself since she had been warned that others might want her for her abilities.

Before she could turn to leaving hoping the other would not notice her he spoke towards her. ”Is something the matter, human? Jade took a step back surprised that the other noticed her. Most of these types of spirits never paid her any mind and seem to pretend she wasn’t even there. Jade didn’t mind it since she liked to believe these spirits saw her as a normal human even though she knew deep in her gut they knew she had spiritual awareness. Bringing her hand up to her hair she started to play with the locks of hair that were free from her hair bundle in the back of her head.

”Your kind slay those spirits. I have seen your kind many times and in most cases they pay me no mind. So why do acknowledge my presents. You could ignore me and walk away. Most humans can’t see you so you could get away with it,” answered Jade softly as she tilted her head to the side a curios look across her face.

[Hado Tachimoto]

The Shinigami's gaze did not falter as the other's eyes wandered. Jade's hazel hues started at the top of Hado's head, lingering for a moment on his unruly blue locks. In many ways, his hair too was like the Ocean, impossible to tame. Any attempt to bring order to the mop was destined for failure, but, even so, that extension of his features framed his face pleasantly. The strangers' eyes once again met; azure locked with hazel and that signaled the end of the impromptu examination. Hado folded his arms and allowed himself to gather the remainder of the visual information that the other presented.

He too started with the top of her head, where the gentle brown began. Her hair was long, and it flowed elegantly from her scalp, not a single tassel or knot to be scene. Even a simple look at the cocoa that adorned her visage, one could almost feel how soft the hair truly was. Azure hues paused on the others orbs again; they had somehow changed color to one reflecting his own... Strange. The rest of the woman's visage was relatively mundane, soft features that were befitting a woman... A small nose, gentle rounded chin, clear and well maintained skin. Very womanly, and very obviously, most certainly, not a man in any way. 

The rest of the features that defined the woman did not interest Hado, so far, he was one to only be mesmerized by a face. It was a rare occurrence for him, to perceive one, and every individual that was unique enough was a memory to be cherished. The woman's expression twisted into one of mild surprise, and she had taken a somewhat nervous step backwards. It seemed that she had genuinely not expected for the Death God to pay her any mind, and she was right. It was rather unorthodox for a Shinigami to address a Human while on duty, but despite the interaction, his vigil was continued... Jade's hand rose and began twirling the strands of her hair, a nervous habit, if Hado had to guess.

”Your kind slay those spirits. I have seen your kind many times and in most cases they pay me no mind. So why do acknowledge my presents. You could ignore me and walk away. Most humans can’t see you so you could get away with it.” There it was, the woman had unsurprisingly brought attention to Hado's somewhat odd behavior. It was moderately surprising that she had seen a multitude of Shinigami, more surprising still that, if the former were true, none interacted with her. Generally speaking, a high level of contact with the agents of Soul Society implied that you were someone to watch, that you had some degree of power that set you apart from the citizens of Karakura...

"We purify those who have fallen. As for you, I acknowledge you because you are not empty." Once again, Hado had proved that his usual eloquence was completely shattered upon the meeting of an actual individual. Whereas normally his words were very exact and hard to find hidden meaning behind, his current spoken words were utterly cryptic, and it was entirely unintentional. The words he had spoken made perfect sense inside of the jumbled mess that was his head; the former being almost a direct excerpt from one of the readings that had been forced upon him during his time at the academy. The latter was the only way he could think to express his reason for stopping, for attempting to spark conversation.

[Jade Kimura]

Jade blinked in surprise at the others answer. Empty?? What did that mean Then suddenly a cool breeze blew past causing Jade’s hair to fly out and the bronze bells that hung from her hair bundle to ring softly. These bells were special both as being Jade’s fullbring and being a precise gift given to her by her mother. Slowly Jade opened her eyes after the breeze finally past. Her eyes watered slightly from the cold breeze that had just past making her eyes shimmer in the light of the full moon that hung within the sky as snow slowly fell from the heavens from clouds unseen. Bringing her sleeve covered hand to her eyes she brushed her eyes gently causing the tears to slip into the fabric. ”Are all humans empty to you spirit?” asked Jade as she blinked her eyes back to their normal state after clearing them of tears. Jade had never spoken to one of these spirits before so she had no idea how they thought worked or even what they called themselves.

Closing her eyes she tilted her head up so when she would open her eyes she would be staring up into the sky watching as the snow fell down upon her. The cold wet of the melting snow upon her face causing her to shiver slightly but she enjoyed the snow kisses. ”My name is Jade. What is your name spirit?” asked Jade as she let her head fall back to its normal position as she stared at the other in interest. Jade knew she might not get an answer and she was fine with that. Jade just wanted to learn more about these black clothed fabric spirits.

Jade knew they were powerful beyond any ordinary thought she could thing up. She had seen these spirits do the most amazing things and the amount of spiritual pressure they released at times made her feel heavy as if gravity seemed to become stronger for some reason. Jade has only came to feel the gravity push of their power once during a battle between another type of spirits that resembled humans but weren’t like these black clad ones but they wore white had a hole and wore white uniforms. IT was a battle that Jade would never forget. It was the first time she ever used her power on something other than those black clad spirits or a human.

Jade doesn’t remember this spirit very well since after she finished healed him he awoken and left. Surprisingly enough the spirit sensed she meant him no harm and left her unharmed. Jade wonders if she would ever meet that spirit again.

[Hado Tachimoto]

Jade's eyes widened in clear surprise at Hado's response, clearly not expecting... Whatever that was. A thought had fluttered through her mind, and suddenly, those indecisive eyes began to water. In another flash, the Shinigami was in front of her, his hand wiping away the tear before it had a chance to fall. Guilt had began to grip the young Death God; had he caused this person pain already? In so few words, had he already managed to hurt someone to the point of tears? That idea baffled him, that a complete stranger could bring to surface enough emotion to cause such a thing... Her response, however, shed some light on the situation.

The other was under the assumption that Hado perceived all humans as... Empty. This was not entirely accurate, but the reality of the matter was... Perhaps even more depressing. In truth? He saw all but a select few individuals as blank, with the most hollow of all being himself. He constantly felt as though there were a void within, as if there was a person who was supposed to be there but just... Wasn't. He placed a hand upon the hilt of his sword, and simply fingered the stub somewhat uncomfortably. His expression remained neutral, but his eyes illustrated a different painting. They seemed... Almost empty, with the tiniest fragments of substance clinging to the edges. "No... Not just humans, but not everyone either."

Curiously, in the short time that the two had been interacting, it had begun to snow. Crystalline water, it fell from the heavens, and melted against the two individual's skins. It was apparent that the human was enjoying the feel of the snow, and it played on the curiosity that he had recently inherited. He extended his hand, allowing the ice crystals to melt in his palm. He could feel nothing, the water did not stimulate his nerves... He could feel nothing from what he was seeing. A glimmer of despair flickered across his gaze. His stupor was short lived, and he quickly re-focused on the individual in front of him. She introduced herself as Jade, a name that Hado had never heard before.

"Hado." He bowed his head in acknowledgement of their introduction. It was a simple response, but she had not asked any deeper questions. Honestly, the bulk of this interaction would probably be Jade setting the pace, and Hado plodding along, responding in the best way he could. He could see the curiosity glimmering in her eyes; the desire to learn more about either Hado himself, or Shinigami overall. Admittedly, this particular Death God was probably a poor instructor in that regard, his experience was quite possibly far different from the norm. It would very quickly become clear to Jade that the young Shinigami more closely resembled a Hollow... Than any God. 

[Jade Kimura]

Jade was surprised by the others sudden kindness. The other wasn’t cold like Jade had thought his fingers were actually quite warm as he whipped away her tears. But shortly afterwards he answered. "No... Not just humans, but not everyone either." Curiosity filled Jade’s eyes. She could somewhat understand what the other was talking about. Maybe he was speaking about those who are spiritual awareness and those who don’t have it are empty, but Jade wasn’t going to jump to any conclusions on the matter. She would ask the other what he meant rather than just thinking she was correct with her own thoughts. ”Hado.” That was the response to Jade’s question. Jade smiled softly at the other as she folded her hands in front of her and leaned onto one foot. ”It’s a pleasure to meet you Hado,” answered Jade with a sweet gentle voice. Jade could feel her cheeks burn and start to turn red as the temperature slowly started to drop. The snow started to fall more heavily and snowflakes were starting to get caught in Jade’s eye lashes.

”So Hado, I have always been curious to what your kind calls itself. I have seen what you do but none dare speak to me. So tell me Hado what kind of spirit are you?” asked Jade softly as she brushed her bundles of hair out of her face causing the bronze bells to jingle softly. But if the other answered or not the sound of one of those beast broke through the silence. Jade closed his eyes and then turned his head in the direction of the sound. In the distance something was approaching. Birds were flying out from the trees as if something was running in their directions. ”What kind of spirit makes a sound like that,” whispered Jade as the beast approached. In only a few more moments the spirit appeared. It was large in size and came in the form of a giant wart hog with a large white mask. It let out a menacing cry as he hooved the ground. ”So much pain and sadness,” whispered Jade as a large breeze blew past causing Jade’s hair to flying into the air and making her bells ring loudly.

[Hado Tachimoto]

To any individual, Hado's sudden movement would have been cause for surprise. His hand unexpectedly wiping away the vestiges of tears, even more unorthodox. Mild shock had filled Jade's eyes from Hado's... Boldness? The reaction was dismissed as a result of the Shunpo that the Shinigami had used. She clearly had not been able to trace the blinding speed at which Shunpo propelled an individual, but this fact was not surprising. The ability to perceive such high speed movement was a rare gift, especially among humanity, and it would have truly thrown the young Death God for a loop if she could see what he could not.

”It’s a pleasure to meet you, Hado.” Her response came softly, the words flowing from her lips in the gentle manner in quiet breath... An affirmative hum was the Shinigami's only response, but the pleasant manner in which the other had received him was truly surprising. She was being formal, that much he could tell, but there was a warmth behind her words that was so often missing with formality. Ironically enough, the woman was clearly beginning to show symptoms of fever, her face had grown flushed, and she even seemed to radiate a certain degree of heat. Hado, as a spirit, was completely unaffected by the cold... While it was a curse that he was glad the human did not bear, he could admit that it had its benefits. 

”So Hado, I have always been curious to what your kind calls itself. I have seen what you do but none dare speak to me. So tell me Hado what kind of spirit are you?” There it went again, that weird manner in which she expressed herself... Still, this was one of the few questions that this particular Death God could offer accurate insight. "We... I suppose you could say, are known as Shinigami. Death Gods... Our purpose is to maintain the precarious balance between the land of the living and the realm of the dead." He nodded again; the former being an almost textbook response... It was honestly the only way he knew to answer. Soon, however, their peaceful conversation was doomed to be interrupted.

An ominous wind had once again begun to blow, and apparently somebody up there refused to give Hado solace. At least whoever the puppeteer was felt it was necessary to constantly provide some sort of warning... Suddenly, the guttural bellow of a mindless Hollow pierced whatever semblance of silence still remained. Birds fled their nests, and when the Death God extended his senses, he could feel the Hollow's hostile presence. Even Hado's companion had grown unsettled, her head turning to the exact source of the disturbance. She spoke of sadness when referring to the beast, but Tachimoto could only shake his head. "No... That is hunger." Finally, the beast appeared, and it was clearly focused on the duo. Eyes crimson red and tusks a gleaming ivory, the warthog Hollow charged. It was large, but even still, it was clearly young...

The Shinigami extended his fingertips and his potent Reiryoku filled his hand. "Arise god of thunder! Awake mother of storms! Unleash the lightning on the sinners!" By the end of this command, the beast was almost upon them... But upon completion of this call, a bolt of lightning surged from his fingertips. The sheen from the bolt illuminated Hado's grim expression, and as it collided with the creature it shot clean through the fresh Hollow. This bolt had the entirety of the Shinigami's strength behind it, for he did not feel like extending this battle. The creature did not have a chance, and it faded into nothingness. "We should head inside... More will come if we remain out in the open." He regarded her again, and waited patiently for her response. 

[Jade Kimura]

Jade blinked slightly at the other’s answer. ”Shinigami,” whispered Jade as she placed a finger to her lip as she recollected her own mother speaking of these spirits. They were good for balance but like all former human creatures where imperfect in their own way. Jade looked to the other and studied his uniform. It was a black kimono and a black hakama with a white sash white tabi socks and zori sandals. It was very traditional simple clothing. Jade reached out and brushed her hand along the fabric and she felt a spark buzz through her body. She felt that whenever she touched one of these creatures. It didn’t hurt but it surprised her the first time it had happened. Smiling softly to herself she brought her attention back to the moment at hand.

”No… That is hunger.” Jade couldn’t fully believe that statement. No creature would sound like that if they were just hungry. This spirit was in pain because of something but what it was, was a mystery to Jade. Jade took a step back as the beast charged at them with a loud sickening sound which could resemble a roar. Jade closed her eyes not wanting to see what would happen next. She could feel the cracking of lightening and the sound of the pulsing natural electricity. Shinigami can call upon lightening to cleanse spirits. After a few moments Jade opened her eyes to see the beast was gone. ”Do they go to a better place,” whispered Jade not really needing an answer but it was just a thought that cross her mind. Shortly afterwards Jade let out a loud neeze. ”We should head inside…. More will come if we remain out in the open” Jade looked up at the other a smile her face was red and she could feel the sickness crawling in. ”I live just a couple blocks from here. Fallow me,” smiled Jade as she pulled her hood back up over her head and started to walk down the snow covered street.

It didn’t take long for the two of them to arrive at her home. It was a traditional two story family home which Jade most occupied by herself. Dr. Crane would come to visit and stay with her but as time went by his visits became shorter and shorter. Entering into the home Jade removed her snow boots and hopped up onto the higher level. Shrugging her snow jacket off she hung it on the coat rack. ”You can waiting in the living room while I make tea,” smiled Jade as she pointed to a doorway that sat next to the stair case. Smiling once again Jade disappeared down the hall that sat beside the staircase. From there should would put a kettle on the stove. While the water was boiling Jade retreated up stares where she would change into a simple pink cotton yukata with a dark pink sash. She would release her hair from its normal bundle state and tied it up into a high ponytail but she kept her two side bundles in tack. Rushing down stairs with a pair of pink slip on slippers she quickly pored the hot water in the tea pot. Placing two cups, a stack of sweets and the tea kettle on a tray she walked into the living room. ”I hope you don’t mind white tea,” smiled Jade as she walked over to the large coffee table and placed the tray down before kneeling down beside it on a blue cushion.

Her face was still fairly red but Jade knew some tea, soup and a good night’s rest should put the cold to rest.

[Hado Tachimoto]

In the moments preceding the Shinigami's Kido, the human had reached out to brush her fingertips against the fabric of his clothing. There was a brief exchange of electricity, and both beings felt the faintest of shocks. While this action had not shaken Hado's concentration; it affected him rather considerably. It only further proved that the individual beside him had substance, they she was alive and not just a dream. That feeling even reflected upon him, giving him the faintest of notions that he too, had essence... That his life story was not being written with an ink-less pen. Jade's eyes had closed, and they had not noticed that faintest of twitches that threatened to break his neutral mask.

Her face had grown even more flushed, and even the way she carried herself seemed moderately downtrodden. Some manner of illness was clearly beginning to take hold... It was curious, Hado honestly couldn't remember the last time he had fallen ill: he was honestly unsure whether this was due to his own dumb luck, or Shinigami being immune to the illnesses that plagued humanity. Judging by the mildly unpleasant look upon her face, illness wasn't something that was enjoyable, but at the same time curiosity filled him... He wanted to know what it was like, to experience, or at least remember that sensation... His expression grew thoughtful, and he hardly registered the words that the other had spoken. He gave an affirmative, and simply followed along behind her.

The pair had eventually arrived outside of a standard Karakura house. It was about two stories in height, and there were only slight variations between it and the neighboring abodes. Still, even upon observing it from the outside, it looked like a home. The door to the dwelling was unlocked, and the Shinigami was invited inside. The female shrugged off her thicker apparel, and instructed Hado to take a seat inside of the living room. A smile had found its way to her face, and she pointed to a doorway beside the staircase. Hado reflexively removed his sandals, not even registering that he had done so, and proceeded to the location indicated. There was a miniature table located in the center of the room, and the young Shinigami allowed himself to sit beside it. He sat formally, his legs and feet tucked underneath himself; and his hands were placed upon both of his knees. His posture perfect and his face the image of neutrality, he almost seemed to present as nobility. Of course, this was a completely unintentional effect, and Hado was in NO way, shape, or form, a noble.

The sound of a tea kettle soon rang in his ears, and from the silence that permeated the house he could hear everything Jade was doing. Two faint clangs and one louder one, and Hado could assume that she was bringing a tray with a tea kettle and two cups. Apparently human customs weren't all too different from the ones in Soul Society, that was interesting... She emerged wearing a Yukata; FURTHER proving to the Death God that this was absolutely, unequivocally, without a SHADOW of a doubt, a female. "White tea is fine." There wasn't any particular flavor of tea that he honestly didn't enjoy, but he was more partial to sweeter teas. Actually... He wasn't even entirely sure if he COULD drink something that was brewed in the human world... "Only when cleansed by the blade of a Reaper do the souls that dwell within a Hollow move on. Whether their next destination is the fires of Hell or the order of Soul Society depends solely on their actions during life." He scrutinized her again, unable to shake the feeling that something was strangely... Off, about her. These thoughts were quickly banished from his mind, instead, he would ask a question... "What does snow feel like?" Snow did exist in Soul Society, but he had never been in an area where it coalesced. Furthermore, he was... Unsure if the "snow" present in the land of the dead was the same as that which actually existed... Strange thoughts, those.

[Jade Kimura]

After a few moments the other finally responded to her questions about hollows from before. "Only when cleansed by the blade of a Reaper do the souls that dwell within a Hollow move on. Whether their next destination is the fires of Hell or the order of Soul Society depends solely on their actions during life." Jade nodded her head showing she understood what the other said before taking a few sips of tea from her tea cup. Sighing softly she smiled to herself just because of how smooth the tea was for her throat. Jade enjoyed tea over most any type of drink. She did enjoy a good orange Fanta once in a while but nothing could compare to a nice hot cup of white tea. Taking another sip Jade would then look to the other as he ask a very interesting question. ”What does snow fee like?”

Jade let out a short giggle quickly covering her mouth with one hand. ”Snow I guess feels like cold tears. It’s really hard to explain,” answered Jade as she smiled at the other as she leaned back into the sofa behind her. Closing her eyes she took another sip of tea before looking back at the other. Smiling at him she would ask him an intriguing question, ”Do you know why snow is white?” Jade loved this question. Her mother had asked her the same question the first time it snowed in her 4th year.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Flashback}A 4 year old Jade was stand up on her tip toes next to the window ceil staring over the very edge of the window ceil at the snow that now covered the ground. ”That’s snow Jade,” came the soft voice of Jade’s mother. Jade turned her head with her hands still gripping the window ceil to look at her mother. Yumiko was her given name by Jade just called her mama. Yumiko looked very similar to her daughter long dark brown hair that fell around her shoulder and beautiful coal black eyes that were just as round as Jade’s young ones. Jade had inherited her father’s blue eyes. ”Is it ok for us to go outside?” asked Jade as she looked back outside. The two of them where going to head up to the shrine to do the usual morning duties. ”Of course honey. We just have to dress extra warm,” giggle Yumiko as she walked over to her daughter and picker her up. Yumiko would help her little girl into a warm kimono jacket that would go over her “miko” uniform which was blue instead of the red color.

Once Yumiko opened the door her daughter wizzed out and stopped at the front gate of their hope looking through the bars to the entrance and the stairs up the shrine. Jade’s mother’s shrine sat on top of the small mountain that shadowed much of the houses at its bases. Jade would look up as her mother opened the gate and pushed it open. Yumiko could grab ahold of her daughters hand as the two cross the snow covered street and started to make their way up to the shrine. Once up at the shrine Yumiko told her daughter to wait for her while she got a broom to sweet the snow. Jade would listen to her mother and wouldn’t move from the spot she stood at. Her eyes would wander and she would be in aw at how beautiful and different the shrine looked covered in this white blanket called snow. ”Jade do you know why snow is white?” asked Yumiko who reappeared with a simple broom in hand. Jade shook her head. ”No mama. I don’t know why snow is white,” responded Jade as she watch her mother sweet the snow away.

Jade smiled at the memory as she took another sip of tea, waiting upon the other’s answer to her question.