Samurai Deeper Kyo Fan Fiction ❯ Festival of Lights ❯ Mahiru's POV ( Chapter 2 )
[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]
FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
A Samurai Deeper Kyo Challenge Fanfic
Written By Miyu, Vampire Princess
AUTHOR'S NOTES:
I'm writing for character I'm not sure I have a grasp of or not. I guess the fans will decide. Wish me luck. I need it for this one. >.< Happening after a stretch of the manga presented in volume 15, Benitora, Mahiru and Sasuke stop to rest in a local village. To their surprise, the villagers are celebrating a festival. Lemon eventually. This part told from Mahiru's point of view. A Standard disclaimer follows the story.
~MAHIRU'S POV~
The Festival of Lights. The locals say it came about as a way of offering praise to the gods. Other say it's to celebrate the freedom of their town from a hideous, evil demon. With some degree of humor, I wonder if these people realize that the demon still exists, and that it could be right under their noses.
We have only been here for a day. I have done every form of investigating I know. I have talked to locals, spied on some of their officials and done some snooping of my own. This is a town like every other. Quiet, peaceful, reserved...very self-sufficient. There is no information to indicate that the Mibu are near or around this area.
Of course, they are well hidden.
It worries me that they could be using this festival as a cover. But the happiness of these people is infectious. Their joy and anticipation has led me to welcome the current festivities with a fair degree of openness. Too long has it been since I've taken part in such a fair. Not since my sister's death have I allowed myself to enjoy life.
And now, my brother is gone too.
I feel as if I should still be grieving. It's been nearly a week since he left. But facing the Mibu is what is most important. Taking care of Sarutobi is also priority. I wonder where the young man has gone off to. He hasn't been seen since breakfast.
I carefully wander into the crowd. The people say hello and make jovial small talk. Fitting in is kind of nice, especially since the old couple putting us up insisted I wear this kimono. It belonged to the old woman, and worn a long time ago. She was even kind enough to fix my hair. They treat me like a daughter, this pair. I have not been dotted on for a very long time.
Deeper into the sea of people and I see children singing, dancing and playing street games. I join them for a few rounds with a ball, and attempt to catch my first fish in forever. My ninja skills come in handy as I'm able to collect a fish for the five children around me, one for each. The vendor is surprised, and a little less than pleased, but he only smiles.
Continuing my journey, I come upon some traditional dancers and a theatre troupe performing. The street is overly crowded now, making it difficult to wander and see, but even I get caught up in the moment, and cheer the flame swallower as he gulps down two flaming sticks.
It isn't until I find a small clearing that I find Hidetada-sama sitting outside the local tavern. He's alone, still no sign of Sarutobi. But it's for the best, as the man looks deep in thought. His eyes gaze at something far off, something I'm sure he cannot really see.
Cautiously I approach. He does not look to be intoxicated, or dangerous. But the look of...sorrow...has me deeply concerned. Is he worried about Sarutobi? His friends? Kyo? And Yuya? Surely his thoughts are with her. How long would it be before the water dragon would eat her heart?
But this is not a time to be worried. It's a celebration. I'm unaccustomed to being merry in times of trouble, yet for some reason, I feel the need now. So much has happened. Good things. Bad things. I want to forget them all, if only for one night.
Placing a hand on his shoulder, I take a seat beside him. "Hidetada-sama?"
"Are you enjoying yourself, Mahiru?" His voice sounds devoid of all emotion. He's deeply concerned indeed.
I muster a smile, but my next words come out on a sigh. "I would ask you the same."
He looks up at me and I wonder if he really has had too much to drink. Surprise lights his eyes. He looks...well...dumbfounded. I'm a sight to behold wearing much different clothing, I suppose. It makes me a little...embarrassed. And thrilled. My smile manages to become more genuine as he continues to stare.
"You should join the party, young master."
He smirks as he replies, "We came here to rest."
"Why not relax by having a little fun?" I looked out at the crowd enjoying themselves, yelling and singing without a care. "Many dangers lie ahead. Perhaps this will be the last time."
"Perhaps."
Uncharacteristic of me, I turn to him, standing from my seat. I'm unsure of what I'm thinking, only doing. "Throw your troubles to the wind for one night," I tell him. "This is a celebration!"
Taking my own advice, I lead him into the crowd. Thankfully he does not argue as I pull him along. I relinquish his hand only when I become away by the eager partiers. Their high spirits are infectious and I really am carried away as a group of dancers come through the throng of people. I'm am surprised to be one of the chosen, but I'm highly uncertain of what is to come.
As if to be reassuring, the masked dancer bows to me, removing his mask just enough for me to see his true face. A handsome man to be sure. The heat that warms my cheeks only makes me feel more embarrassed by my lack of dancing skill. My new partner doesn't seem to mind, gliding easily through the crowd, leading me around a bon fire. There we join more people, others that had been brought here by the dancers and the masked man slips back into the sea of people.
Despite the heaviness in my heart, I find myself letting go. As I move with the other people, I laugh, I shout and I clap. There has not been a recent moment like this. I've kept inside myself far too long. The drums steadily beat and I continue to dance.
I'm surprised when Hidetada-sama takes my hand. I had to look twice to make sure it was he and not the masked dancer. Or someone else. He's smiling, getting into the dance. His free hand is taken by another and we're pulled into a line of frolicking people. He laughs jovially, and the look in his eyes is no longer sad. How long has it been since he was able to let loose like this?
We travel all over the square, playing like children. I am almost grateful when he decides to separate from the line pulling me with him. We are far from where we started, in an area less crowded. Still clutching hands we attempt to catch our breaths. He's still chuckling and I can't help but giggle.
"Mahiru-chan?"
I have to lean against a nearby wall, my breath returning but my knees now failing to keep me standing. "Yes, young master?"
"I hope you don't mind...if I take your advice."
"My advice?"
"Throw your troubles to the wind for one night," he stands up straight, squeezing my hand tightly. I'm not sure if the chuckle in his voice is still due to merriment or my sudden embarrassment. "I was hoping Mahiru-chan would do the same."
Before I have a chance to respond, I'm pulled away from the wall. My free hand clutches to the material of his shirt. I have no choice but to use him for support, crushed against him as I am. Startled, my head snaps up. Once again I try to respond but I can't. Not with his lips over mine.
He's...kissing me?!
My body frozen, it only dawns on me to respond after he starts to pull away. As our eyes meet I can already see the disappointment. That was not my intention. I merely...couldn't respond. So as to prove this, I raise my hands to his face and pull him back to me, pressing my lips against his.
He's quick to respond to my kiss and I finally find it in me to relax. There is no need to hurry, but I suddenly feel eager. What for, I'm not sure. He seems to feel it as well, our lips pressing harder, the tips of our tongues brazenly brushing each other.
It is my turn to feel disappointment as he pulls away again. I wanted more, and I think he does, too. But he smiles at me sheepishly. There are no apologies, but he does blush. I've never seen a man blush before.
"Ano...Mahiru-chan, that was...great!"
"I would've never thought," is all I can say in response. Clearing my throat I'm able to form something more logical, "Perhaps we should rejoin the party."
"A wonderful idea," he says with a happy smile. "And later, perhaps you'll humor me with some conversation."
"I would love to."
There is disappointment in both of us, but also a fire. A light. Perhaps this is the true meaning behind the festival. Freeing oneself. Allowing alien emotions to take over. A talk will certainly be in order later.
And perhaps...something more.
~TO BE CONTINUED~
DISCLAIMER: I do not own the characters presented in this ficlet. Not mine. No. I simply borrowed them from Akimine Kamijyo for the short time it took me to write this. Me not getting any money, so you no sue please.
A Samurai Deeper Kyo Challenge Fanfic
Written By Miyu, Vampire Princess
AUTHOR'S NOTES:
I'm writing for character I'm not sure I have a grasp of or not. I guess the fans will decide. Wish me luck. I need it for this one. >.< Happening after a stretch of the manga presented in volume 15, Benitora, Mahiru and Sasuke stop to rest in a local village. To their surprise, the villagers are celebrating a festival. Lemon eventually. This part told from Mahiru's point of view. A Standard disclaimer follows the story.
~MAHIRU'S POV~
The Festival of Lights. The locals say it came about as a way of offering praise to the gods. Other say it's to celebrate the freedom of their town from a hideous, evil demon. With some degree of humor, I wonder if these people realize that the demon still exists, and that it could be right under their noses.
We have only been here for a day. I have done every form of investigating I know. I have talked to locals, spied on some of their officials and done some snooping of my own. This is a town like every other. Quiet, peaceful, reserved...very self-sufficient. There is no information to indicate that the Mibu are near or around this area.
Of course, they are well hidden.
It worries me that they could be using this festival as a cover. But the happiness of these people is infectious. Their joy and anticipation has led me to welcome the current festivities with a fair degree of openness. Too long has it been since I've taken part in such a fair. Not since my sister's death have I allowed myself to enjoy life.
And now, my brother is gone too.
I feel as if I should still be grieving. It's been nearly a week since he left. But facing the Mibu is what is most important. Taking care of Sarutobi is also priority. I wonder where the young man has gone off to. He hasn't been seen since breakfast.
I carefully wander into the crowd. The people say hello and make jovial small talk. Fitting in is kind of nice, especially since the old couple putting us up insisted I wear this kimono. It belonged to the old woman, and worn a long time ago. She was even kind enough to fix my hair. They treat me like a daughter, this pair. I have not been dotted on for a very long time.
Deeper into the sea of people and I see children singing, dancing and playing street games. I join them for a few rounds with a ball, and attempt to catch my first fish in forever. My ninja skills come in handy as I'm able to collect a fish for the five children around me, one for each. The vendor is surprised, and a little less than pleased, but he only smiles.
Continuing my journey, I come upon some traditional dancers and a theatre troupe performing. The street is overly crowded now, making it difficult to wander and see, but even I get caught up in the moment, and cheer the flame swallower as he gulps down two flaming sticks.
It isn't until I find a small clearing that I find Hidetada-sama sitting outside the local tavern. He's alone, still no sign of Sarutobi. But it's for the best, as the man looks deep in thought. His eyes gaze at something far off, something I'm sure he cannot really see.
Cautiously I approach. He does not look to be intoxicated, or dangerous. But the look of...sorrow...has me deeply concerned. Is he worried about Sarutobi? His friends? Kyo? And Yuya? Surely his thoughts are with her. How long would it be before the water dragon would eat her heart?
But this is not a time to be worried. It's a celebration. I'm unaccustomed to being merry in times of trouble, yet for some reason, I feel the need now. So much has happened. Good things. Bad things. I want to forget them all, if only for one night.
Placing a hand on his shoulder, I take a seat beside him. "Hidetada-sama?"
"Are you enjoying yourself, Mahiru?" His voice sounds devoid of all emotion. He's deeply concerned indeed.
I muster a smile, but my next words come out on a sigh. "I would ask you the same."
He looks up at me and I wonder if he really has had too much to drink. Surprise lights his eyes. He looks...well...dumbfounded. I'm a sight to behold wearing much different clothing, I suppose. It makes me a little...embarrassed. And thrilled. My smile manages to become more genuine as he continues to stare.
"You should join the party, young master."
He smirks as he replies, "We came here to rest."
"Why not relax by having a little fun?" I looked out at the crowd enjoying themselves, yelling and singing without a care. "Many dangers lie ahead. Perhaps this will be the last time."
"Perhaps."
Uncharacteristic of me, I turn to him, standing from my seat. I'm unsure of what I'm thinking, only doing. "Throw your troubles to the wind for one night," I tell him. "This is a celebration!"
Taking my own advice, I lead him into the crowd. Thankfully he does not argue as I pull him along. I relinquish his hand only when I become away by the eager partiers. Their high spirits are infectious and I really am carried away as a group of dancers come through the throng of people. I'm am surprised to be one of the chosen, but I'm highly uncertain of what is to come.
As if to be reassuring, the masked dancer bows to me, removing his mask just enough for me to see his true face. A handsome man to be sure. The heat that warms my cheeks only makes me feel more embarrassed by my lack of dancing skill. My new partner doesn't seem to mind, gliding easily through the crowd, leading me around a bon fire. There we join more people, others that had been brought here by the dancers and the masked man slips back into the sea of people.
Despite the heaviness in my heart, I find myself letting go. As I move with the other people, I laugh, I shout and I clap. There has not been a recent moment like this. I've kept inside myself far too long. The drums steadily beat and I continue to dance.
I'm surprised when Hidetada-sama takes my hand. I had to look twice to make sure it was he and not the masked dancer. Or someone else. He's smiling, getting into the dance. His free hand is taken by another and we're pulled into a line of frolicking people. He laughs jovially, and the look in his eyes is no longer sad. How long has it been since he was able to let loose like this?
We travel all over the square, playing like children. I am almost grateful when he decides to separate from the line pulling me with him. We are far from where we started, in an area less crowded. Still clutching hands we attempt to catch our breaths. He's still chuckling and I can't help but giggle.
"Mahiru-chan?"
I have to lean against a nearby wall, my breath returning but my knees now failing to keep me standing. "Yes, young master?"
"I hope you don't mind...if I take your advice."
"My advice?"
"Throw your troubles to the wind for one night," he stands up straight, squeezing my hand tightly. I'm not sure if the chuckle in his voice is still due to merriment or my sudden embarrassment. "I was hoping Mahiru-chan would do the same."
Before I have a chance to respond, I'm pulled away from the wall. My free hand clutches to the material of his shirt. I have no choice but to use him for support, crushed against him as I am. Startled, my head snaps up. Once again I try to respond but I can't. Not with his lips over mine.
He's...kissing me?!
My body frozen, it only dawns on me to respond after he starts to pull away. As our eyes meet I can already see the disappointment. That was not my intention. I merely...couldn't respond. So as to prove this, I raise my hands to his face and pull him back to me, pressing my lips against his.
He's quick to respond to my kiss and I finally find it in me to relax. There is no need to hurry, but I suddenly feel eager. What for, I'm not sure. He seems to feel it as well, our lips pressing harder, the tips of our tongues brazenly brushing each other.
It is my turn to feel disappointment as he pulls away again. I wanted more, and I think he does, too. But he smiles at me sheepishly. There are no apologies, but he does blush. I've never seen a man blush before.
"Ano...Mahiru-chan, that was...great!"
"I would've never thought," is all I can say in response. Clearing my throat I'm able to form something more logical, "Perhaps we should rejoin the party."
"A wonderful idea," he says with a happy smile. "And later, perhaps you'll humor me with some conversation."
"I would love to."
There is disappointment in both of us, but also a fire. A light. Perhaps this is the true meaning behind the festival. Freeing oneself. Allowing alien emotions to take over. A talk will certainly be in order later.
And perhaps...something more.
~TO BE CONTINUED~
DISCLAIMER: I do not own the characters presented in this ficlet. Not mine. No. I simply borrowed them from Akimine Kamijyo for the short time it took me to write this. Me not getting any money, so you no sue please.