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As the Smoke Clears #4 in Rivalry Series	By : kurahieiritrJIO Category: +G to L > Initial D Views: 2635 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Initial D, nor the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 1-As the Smoke Clears
- 2-Smoke 2
- 3-Smoke 3
- 4-Smoke 4
- 5-Smoke 5
- 6-Smoke 6
- 7-Smoke 7
- 8-Smoke 8
- 9-Smoke 9
- 10-Smoke 10
- 11-Smoke 11
- 12-Smoke 12
- 13-Smoke 13
- 14-Smoke 14
- 15-Some 15
- 16-Smoke 16
- 17-Chapter 17
- 18-Smoke 18
- 19-Smoke 19
- 20-Smoke 20
- 21-Smoke 21
- 22-Smoke 22
- 23-Smoke 23
- 24-Smoke 24
- 25-Smoke 25
- 26-Smoke 26
- 27-Smoke 27
- 28-Smoke 28
- 29-Smoke 29
- 30-Smoke 30
- 31-Smoke 31
- 32-Smoke 32
- 33-Smoke 33
- 34-Smoke 34
- 35-Smoke 35
- 36-Smoke 36
- 37-Smoke 37
- 38-Smoke 38
- 39-Smoke 39
- 40-Smoke 40
- 37
- 38
- 39
Author's Note: The prayer, ritual objects, and titles contained in this made up ritual came from free use domains including Youtube; Shinto videos, Wikipedia, Shinto Guidebook, and Encyclopedia of Shinto. The last site contains most terminology, and several images to help the readers fully visualize this ceremony.

CHAPTER 38

Stepping out of the elevator before Takumi, Itsuke, Hikaru, and his older brother Keisuke gave the area in both directions a quick look over. The area seemed deserted so the blond relaxed marginally. Spotting a business suit clad man stepping out of the same room they had used for dinner the night before, the blond faced the rest of the group.

"Wait here for minasan. I want to check on whether or not the room's ready. Hopefully the priest is ready for us so we can get on with this ceremony." Keisuke headed toward the foreigner.

"I see some things never change. Sure you can spend your life with my spoiled otouto, Fujiwara?" He heard Ryosuke tease Takumi.

"Hai, Ryosuke san. Keisuke's not really spoiled, just determined to complete this ceremony. It's been canceled once already. Can you blame him?" Takumi answered in a steady voice.

Smiling over Takumi's mild rebuke, Keisuke stopped the man, and switched to English. "Excuse me. Are you a body guard Martonelli san hired to protect Project D?"

Looking startled, the man shook his head. "I'm the hotel's food coordinator. I was double-checking times to start catering a reception. Unfortunately the priest said he was uncertain. Are you a guest?"

"Hai. The rest of my family and friends will be getting off the elevator in a moment. My grandmothers are the ones to ask for those details. The one in the medium blue kimono beside the elevators is my brother. He'll introduce you to our grandmothers, and translate if you need help."

"I'm fluent in Nihongo, so that won't be necessary." The coordinator responded in flawless Japanese.

"Excellent. Sumimasen, I must speak with the priest." Keisuke extricated himself from the hotel staffer and went to the double doors. He pulled the door open and almost walked into another foreigner.

"State your business. This room has been reserved." The man spoke in a gruff manner.

"Takahashi Keisuke is my name. My family, and Project D, reserved this room. I need to speak to the priest."

Double checking a clip board, and then checking several other papers as he continued glancing at him, the security guard was taking his time. Relief flooded his system when Sammy's voice raked the air. "Tyler, why the hell are you keeping your client standing in an open doorway? That's the slaver's number one target, moron! Get out of Keisuke's way before I build a boot factory in your ass!"

"Domo, Sammy chan." The blond thanked the colorful American woman, then walked to the Shinto priest. The old man was helping two miko adjust the placements of items upon temporary altars.

"Anyone else in the hall?" Samantha Singing Wolf asked loud enough for the room to hear her question.

Turning back to see the American woman, Keisuke nodded. "My family and several of my teammates are coming out of the elevators. The food coordinator's with them finding out when he should deliver the meal."

An oath that needed no translation in any language flew from Sam's lips as she began barking orders. "Tyler, Randal, move it! We've got clients in the hall!"

Watching how quickly Samantha got the two body guards out of the room was impressive. With a small shrug, Keisuke faced the elderly priest who had interrogated him the previous evening. Bowing, Keisuke spoke, "Gūji sama?"

"Keisuke san, we were about to have the body guards bring minasan down for the ceremony."

"Gomen nasai, Gūji sama. Minasan got impatient and are assembling in the hall outside."

"So I gathered from that Gaijin onna snarling and rushing the other guards from the room." The old man smiled. "I feared something had happened. Instead, it is nothing more frightening than minasan wanting to celebrate a happy occasion." He worked on the final touches as he spoke.

"Hai, Gūji sama. We postponed this ceremony a couple months ago. Minasan's anxious to see Takumi and I take the Love's Legacy vows."

"All is ready, so we can begin anytime." He smiled again.

With a bow, Keisuke headed for the doors. A miko startled him when she stopped him before he could leave the room. She gave a quick bow which he mimicked. "Stand here, kudasai. I'll bring your partner to you."

She headed out the door with her counterpart. The two red and white dressed holy women returned with everyone that had chosen to come. All but Etsuya and Etsumi were present from his team Keisuke noticed. The miko were quick to get family and friends sorted into their respective places. Itsuke stepped to Takumi's side of the line with Hikaru. Most of Project D fell in line behind Itsuke and his mother. It helped balance the group numbers Keisuke thought absently.

Stepping in front of himself and Takumi, each miko gave them a bow which they returned. Turning, the miko pair headed toward the altar, each turning aside at the chair arrangements. Motioning him and Takumi forward, both miko began seating people in the chairs on each side. The doors opened and another group scurried into the room with another guard.

Etsumi and Etsuya were apologizing as they took seats on Takumi's side. The miko ushered Takumi's father, and cousin to the first two chairs. Asking for a quick rearrangement, Bunta and Tsuchia sama settled into the first two seats. Keisuke grabbed Takumi's hand and gave it a squeeze as he saw his mate stiffen. Benika and Itsuke settled into the next seats over. Matsimoto and Hiroshi moved to the back row to save time.

"Is everyone present?" The priest asked as he swept his gaze across the room.

"Hai, Gūji sama." Keisuke answered with a quick head bow to show respect. Takumi also bowed his head as he echoed him.

"Today we have come together to perform an ancient Dōzoku Saishi rite based upon a charge given to one family by the founder of a Shinto Shrine. This rite is three hundred and seventy-four years' old. Amaterasu o-mi Kami sent the founder of the Shrine I serve a powerful vision. She ordained a marriage between a powerful Warlord's musume and a commoner in that vision. Such a marriage was forbidden during that age. The death sentence was the penalty for any common born man that dared to look upon a himesama with lust in his heart. Our founding priest was afraid he was misinterpreting the vision he received. To go against a powerful Warlord was suicidal even for those who followed Amaterasu o-mi Kami in all things. Yet, every sign he saw in the vision happened. The Shrine's founder set about creating the molds for the objects Heaven's ruler had shown him in the vision according to Amaterasu o-mi Kami's will."

Picking up the box containing the family molds, the old priest opened it and showed the room that the molds were still intact. "As Amaterasu o-mi Kami showed him, the Warlord's musume came to him and told him of her heartbreak. She was ready to suicide to avoid being given to her Otosān's ally. She knew her heart very well. She was willing to give up her luxuries, status, and all she knew to marry the man she loved. Our Shrine's founder told her of his vision. He showed her the molds he had made. She removed her jewelry and the golden hair sticks that adorned her. These items she gave to our founder, telling him to complete the jewelry Amaterasu o-mi Kami ordained."

The priest set the box back onto the small altar. "Our founder obeyed. It was another sign that Amaterasu o-mi Kami was guiding his actions. Even if it cost him his life, our founder obeyed Amaterasu o-mi Kami in all things. He made two rings and two necklaces from the melted gold. He took the stones from the hime's jewelry and forged them into new consecrated jewelry. When all was ready, he called the couple to him. Following the vision, they journeyed for several days to escape the Warlord. Performing their wedding ceremony, our founder also invoked a second set of vows that Amaterasu o-mi Kami willed. The couple accepted the vow to uphold Love's truest meaning and teaching love's unconditional acceptance and honor to their children. The priest also charged the couple with passing the molds, and the jewelry Amaterasu o-mi Kami ordained, to their descendants without fail. Our founder returned to our Shinto shrine. Our wise founder gave us the scroll of vows he had written and explained the vision Amaterasu o-mi Kami gave. Our wise Founder charged our Shinto shrine with always dispensing the vows he gave us for those who inherited this ancestral legacy. The Warlord killed our founder for placing Amaterasu o-mi Kami's laws above mortal man's laws. As Amaterasu o-mi Kami ordained, we still obey to this day as is fitting."

The priest bowed to him and Takumi. "Amaterasu o-mi Kami ordained a forbidden couple to create this sacred legacy as a lesson for all mortals to learn. Only those who suffer hardship, as that long ago couple suffered, truly express this Legacy's deep meaning. The vows that are the foundation of its existence are confirmation of the willingness to endure with harmony and love through troubled times. Love's Legacy demands showing love in the face of adversity as one being. Therefore, a Legacy such as this deserves respect. May Amaterasu o-mi Kami bless another couple who has many trials to overcome."

The old priest turned to face the larger temporary Shinto alters and began the ritual. Asking everyone to stand, he waved a haraegushi shide purification wand three times over the group. Facing the main, the priest bowed, clapped twice, and intoned a prayer for cleansing as the room's occupants bowed their heads while standing.

"Spirits of purification, created for order and the mother that they inhabit the Sky, exactly as when, The God Izanagi no Mikoto bathed in the narrow estuary, of a covered river with trees, permanently leafy. With all the respect from the depth of our hearts, We ask that they hear us, such as the spirit that hears our intent, with sharpened ears, together with Spirits of the Sky and the Land, Take the badness, disasters, sins and purify all. Miroku Oomikami, You bless us and protect us. Meishu Sama, You bless us and protect us. For expansion of our soul, and the fulfillment of your will!"

More deep bows followed. The priest turned and told the group to be seated. The priest spoke again. "Will the current vow holder come forward?"

Sobo walked to the priest, bowing first before the altar, then to the priest. "I am here, Gūji sama."

"Name your successor before the an of Amaterasu o-mi Kami." The priest intoned.

Sobo smiled. "Takahashi Keisuke is my direct descendant. He is worthy of upholding Amaterasu o-mi Kami's ordained lesson. I relinquish the sum of the legacy and all vows into his safe keeping."

Both bowed to each other. Sobo returned to her seat as a miko stepped to the old priest's side with an ornate, long-handled pot. The old priest took a white pointy topped heiji container from the main An altar and poured ritually purified sake into the pot. The other miko picked up a sanbō that contained the rolled scrolls he and Takumi would use to recite the ancient vows. Both walked sedately up to the slender table acting as a mirroring An resting before his and Takumi's stools.

"Will the direct descendant entitled to inherit Amaterasu o-mi Kami's Legacy stand?" The priest intoned. With a quick glance at Takumi, Keisuke stood and faced the priest.

"Do you agree to take upon yourself the duties of protecting Amaterasu o-mi Kami's sacred vows and live by the vows as set forth by Amaterasu o-mi Kami's will?"

"I Takahashi Keisuke do agree to protect and uphold the sacred legacy entrusted to my ancestors."

The priest took the first scroll from the sanbō, and untied the ribbon that kept it closed. Gently unrolling the scroll he reverently held it toward Keisuke. "Then take this scroll and speak the vows of your ancestors."

Accepting the scroll from the old priest, Keisuke cleared his throat and began reading the text. "I Takahashi Keisuke am a blood descendant of the original keepers of Amaterasu o-mi Kami's ordained charge to uphold her laws above mortal mankind's rules. I accept the duties and responsibilities of my ancestors to maintain, preserve and protect the deep meaning of love unconditionally. I will face all adversity with strength and faith in my partner. I will strive always to share without reservation all strengths, weaknesses, sorrows, joys, and blessings associated with teaching the deep meaning of unconditional love to all as Amaterasu o-mi Kami did proclaim my blood line should. As the inheritor of this Legacy, I will do all in my power to remain ever true to this vow made before Amaterasu o-mi Kami."

He gently returned the old scroll to the priest as he bowed. The priest accepted it as he also bowed. The miko on the right picked up a traditional sake cup which she handed to Keisuke as the priest rolled the scroll while speaking. "Seal your vow with the sanctified wine."

Taking the proffered cup, Keisuke waited for the second miko to pour three small splashes of sake into the white ceramic dish. Lifting it, Keisuke drank in three small sips before returning the cup to the second miko.

Setting the cup beside the remaining scroll, the miko lifted the sanbō a second time, offering the second scroll to the priest. He replaced the first scroll on the far side with the cup between the old texts, and spoke again. "Who stands beside the successor to shoulder the duties of protecting Amaterasu o-mi Kami's sacred vows, and blessed implements according to the Ruler of the highest Heaven's will?"

"Fujiwara Takumi has consented to stand beside me as my companion in protecting the Legacy." Keisuke responded.

"As you have spoken, so now shall I ask your companion to stand." The priest intoned as he motioned for him to seat himself.

Takumi stood up and faced the priest. "Do you agree to take upon yourself the duties of protecting Amaterasu o-mi Kami's sacred vows and live by the vows as set forth by Amaterasu o-mi Kami's will as the blood heir's companion in all things?

"I Fujiwara Takumi have agreed to be the companion of Takahashi Keisuke in the protection of the sacred legacy entrusted to his ancestors."

The priest took the second scroll from the sanbō, and untied the ribbon that kept it closed. Gently unrolling the scroll he reverently held it toward Takumi. "Then take this scroll and speak the vow."

"I Fujiwara Takumi freely accept the task and duty of upholding Amaterasu o-mi Kami's laws above mortal mankind's rules beside the chosen descendant, Takahashi Keisuke. I accept the duties and responsibilities of his ancestors to maintain, preserve and protect the deep meaning of love unconditional that is the lesson intended for all humanity to recognize. I will face all adversity with strength and faith beside my acknowledged partner for we must act as one. I will strive always to share without reservation my strengths that they may overlap any weaknesses that the descendant sworn to uphold this legacy may suffer. I willingly place my faith in the charge to teach unconditional love to all that Amaterasu o-mi Kami proclaimed necessary to return harmony to the land. I will do all in my power to ease the burden of the inheritor of the sacred pact. I vow this before Amaterasu o-mi Kami, and the members of the bloodline so charged with protecting this sacred legacy."

Takumi offered the second old scroll to the priest as he bowed. The priest accepted it as he also bowed. The miko on the right picked up the same traditional sake cup which she handed to Takumi as the priest rolled the scroll while speaking. "Seal your vow with the sanctified wine and become the second true heir."

Taking the proffered cup, Takumi held it so the second miko could pour three small splashes of sake into the white ceramic dish. Lifting it, he also drank in three small sips. The second miko took the cup from him. Placing the cup in the center, she picked up and held the sanbō to the priest. He placed the second retied scroll on the opposite side of the vow cup.

The trio moved back toward the main altar where the priest picked up the Legacy box. "I now give into your care the molds, rings, and necklaces created by our shrine's founder."

Accepting the box, Keisuke opened it and took out the rings, and recently returned necklaces. Passing the chest locket to Takumi, along with the ring he would wear, Keisuke kept Takumi's ring and necklace. Each faced the other and fastened the necklaces around the other's necks. They placed the rings on each other's hand.

The priest spoke. "By the grace and blessings of the Divine Ruler of highest Heaven, I have passed this sacred Legacy to a new generation. May you always live in harmony."

Priest and miko alike bowed deeply to them. Keisuke and Takumi mirrored their bows. "All rise." The priest intoned. Everyone present stood and waited for the closing statements. "Let all witnesses here today remember these solemn vows made. Go in peace and harmony with the blessings of Amaterasu o-mi Kami, Divine Ruler of high heaven."

The priest and priestesses bowed to the members present as they likewise bowed in return. The ceremony was complete, and had gone smoothly much to Keisuke's relief. Finally free to move about the room, Keisuke headed to Takumi's father. "Domo arigato for coming, Oyaji san."

Bunta nodded. "Figured Takumi's been through enough already."

Tsuchia smiled. "Your family has a very beautiful, and fascinating history, Keisuke kun."

Takumi and Itsuke stopped next to him as Keisuke responded. "Hai. The harder things are for a couple, the more likely the are to become the Love's Legacy heirs. It's Sobo's family tradition."

"Hope this doesn't mean Takumi's going to get hurt ever again." Bunta grumbled.

Itsuke spoke before he or Takumi could react. "They've got the full jewelry set on now. The jewelry even has lore that says the full jewelry set is truly blessed by Kami sama. The couple that inherits the jewelry always get protected from major harm. They can't even be separated for long, Bunta san."

Keisuke chuckled as he took Hikaru from Itsuke. "Very true. Sofu was the only survivor of a brutal ship wreck while wearing the Legacy jewelry. Sobo thought he was dead. However, he returned to Japan several months late, but he did return. There are several dozen such stories in the family records."

"Oyaji, I thought if you came, you would try to stop me." Takumi finally spoke to his father.

"You made this decision, Takumi. Everything is up to you because you're your own man. You have to face the consequences of doing this." Bunta answered

Keisuke heard Takumi's sharp inhale as he searched his father's face. "Domo for accepting my decision, Oyaji. Are you and Tsuchia staying for the reception meal?"

"Hai. I'll head home on the morning." Bunta answered.

Keisuke smiled as he spoke to his father-in-law. "I'm glad. Takumi was afraid you would remain opposed to us being together always, Oyaji san."

People began surrounding them to offer their congratulations, so he and Takumi had to step away to deal with the rest of their party.

-oo0oo-
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As the Smoke Clears #4 in Rivalry Series