Chapter Text
Kagome perked up as she rounded the corner, counting down her steps before turning around. Her smile brightened as she spotted her friend, waving enthusiastically. He looked bored, as usual, ivory teeth gleaming in the morning sun as he yawned.
She wasn't sure who owned the beast, but he sat in the upper window of the library every day on her way to work. He had all the features of a dog, but she knew that appearances were deceiving in her small town. Magic thrummed under the pavement, teasing her senses with each journey she took. It could be a simple trip to the grocery store, or a night out with her friends—or even just walking to work—but she could feel it in the air, the trees, the residents.
She could never get enough.
The town was centred around the Sacred Tree of Ages, though he went by Goshinboku in the last few centuries. Everyone was blessed with a talent when they came of age, as long as their soul wasn’t tainted. He could see the good in people, the potential, so a slip up now and again was usually forgiven. Those rejected by Goshinboku outright were few and far between, and Kagome had never witnessed one in her lifetime.
There were rules, of course; once your talent was bestowed, it had to be registered with city hall, and every magical deed was tracked to make sure they weren't being abused, but the town as a whole was content with their power, using it to make their days a little easier—or someone's smile a little brighter.
The best part about it was no one competed with each other since no duplicate talents were given to those of the living. Everyone had a unique gift. Some talents were cycled through, but they usually appeared at least a decade after their previous owner's passing.
Kagome had been worried that talents were passed down through family bloodlines, as the power to see spirits had happened twice within hers, but when she'd stepped into Goshinboku's glade at fifteen, his power surged through her hands instead. The scent of pastries and freshly picked fruit had filled her nose, and she'd known instantly where her power lay.
She'd always enjoyed cooking with her mother, but she'd never considered making a career of it.
Her grandfather had hoped she would take over the family shrine, but her talent changed that, giving her the freedom to explore various culinary paths until she settled into the role of a pastry chef. It was busy work, but the delight on her customers' faces made it worth it.
One of her biggest fans had even left her a shop, encouraging her to put her spin on everything once she was gone. Kagome had thought she'd been joking, but when the will was read and the deed handed over, she'd nearly burst with excitement.