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Odori
MazdaKitsune
She was feeling jittery, somehow. So jittery that she was practically bouncing on her legs as she knelt in seiza position in front of her dresser while deft, but gentle hands caressed the strands of her hair, doing them up into a bun. 'Kanzashi', Japanese hair ornaments, where laid out on the dresser neatly, and the young black-haired girl darted a glance at her reflection in the mirror again, a flash of white seen as her teeth worried her lower lip for a bit. Seeing that, the hands stopped, and the short-haired brunette that had been working on her hair leaned down so that her calm expression was reflected in the mirror as well, her chin almost leaning on the other female's shoulder. The brunette was Kotokura Mitsuru, housekeeper of the Kasuga household, also protector of the building and the compound they were in. She always referred to herself as a servant, and waited on the girl hand and foot if the need arose. "Masaka.... Hisui-sama, are you having the jitters?"
"A-Ah, iie!" Kasuga Hisui hurriedly protested, her face turning slightly red as she dipped her head to hide her expression from Mitsuru. "I-I'm not! It's just that.... well...." her eyes darted to the clock on the corner of her dresser and the brunette chuckled knowingly.
"Ahh... I get it. Hisui-sama is so excited that she's becoming nervous."
"N-No! It isn't like that, Mitsuru-chan! I.. uh.... well.... yes." Hisui finally admitted as she slumped slightly, Mitsuru's hands going back to work, dragging a fragile bamboo comb to gather her thick black hair into a ponytail before she could twist it into a bun. "Worry not, I'm sure you'll look lovely tonight," Mitsuru replied, reassuring her. "Just close your eyes and relax, Hisui-sama. And I'll be done in no time." Hisui gave a sigh, then stared at herself in the mirror, emerald eyes blinking at herself before she closed them and lost herself to her thoughts. Sometimes she felt that her life was going too fast for her, because.... she used to be someone else before, and she was someone else now.
Not too long ago, she had been called Jade Castero.
Not too long ago, she had broken up with her fiance and gone through hell with depression.
Not too long ago, a certain cold man had shoved her into this village and told her to find her past as well as gave her an education.
Not too long ago, she had met six young men that claimed to be her Guardians, gone to school, met her grandmother and gone through a whirlwind of events that changed her life forever.
And not too long ago, she had become the 'Tamayorihime', a princess not of royal nature, but of one with the need and cause to protect.
Yes, the moment this fiery orphan girl set foot into this village to find out about her past, Jade Castero had ceased to exist, and Kasuga Hisui was born. The huntress had laid down her weapons when her heart was shattered, and became a normal student going to a school, meeting boys, making friends and doing homework. Her fiery temper cooled, her rough ways softened, and the Huntress was transformed into a sweet little thing, with a warm, cheerful smile and open arms to accept anyone that came into her life. Her hair, cropped short before, grew long to just barely touch her waist, and her mannerisms changed into that of a lady.
Still, she had a reckless and stubborn streak in her, if not a tad mischievous. That was a trait that still remained inside of her, personality-wise. Looks could change, but a glimmer of that old personality still remained within. Yes, Hisui was simply your ordinary schoolgirl that got into trouble with her Guardians sometimes, while carrying an unimaginable amount of power in her blood; power not meant to destroy, but meant to protect. For generations, her ancestors had been the Protector of this village and Shrine, the Guardian of Five seals that kept an object of immense power hidden from the world, lest it be destroyed; a sword called the Onikirimaru.
That sword alone had the power to destroy both the heavens and the earth, and it was Hisui's duty to protect it with her blood, a duty she had accepted without protesting when she finally understood and came to terms with her past.
She was the Tamayorihime now at the tender age of 18, although her mother had ran from her duty and died after Hisui was born, but she was ready to take this heavy responsibility.
"It's done, Hisui-sama." Mitsuru's voice roused her out of her thoughts, and Hisui opened her eyes, her lips slightly parting to see her hair twisted into a bun and decorated with ornaments. "It's beautiful... Arigatou, Mitsuru-chan."
"Doidashimashite." Mitsuru smiled cheerfully at the thanks given. She had hated her life before because of Hisui's grandmother's cruel ways, abhorred the Tamayorhime even, but Hisui had changed her view of life, and she now served her loyally and willingly, not out of bitterness and fear. "Saa, Hisui-sama... it's time to wear the yukata."
Pulling on the black-haired girl's hand gently, she led her mistress to where she had prepared the body powder to smooth and perfume the skin, a bowl of water to freshen her face, other girl stuff and of course, the traditional clothing. Hisui sighed and waited patiently before her eyes darted to the clock again. Sunset was fast approaching....
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The village streets were filled with lanterns and lined with stalls, hundreds of people already crowding the whole area. The sky was turning a navy blue by then, but the lanterns lit up the area with a cheerful golden glow. The field had the 'yagura', a platform where the taiko drums would be placed and played, set up and as far as Hisui could see...... the place was swarming with people, the villagers, those that had come from the city to enjoy the festival, and of course, foreign tourists. "Waah!! Sugoi!!" Hisui stood there with her mouth open and eyes wide, although excitement rather than surprise was displayed on her face. "There's so many people around!! I don't think I'll be able to move.."
"Shinpai suru na, Hisui-sama," Mitsuru, clad in a miko priestess uniform of red and white, reassured her. "It may be crowded, but you'll be able to move just fine in the crowd, and your Guardians are scattered in there to take care of you. Ja, Hisui-sama, enjoy yourself. Hitsureshimasu." She bowed to her mistress and disappeared to the Shrine to handle the amount of people coming to pay their respects to the deites.
Hisui turned back to the crowd, heart pounding slightly, and turned her head to look down at her shadow. "Ne, it'll be alright, won't it, O-chan? Though I don't do good in crowds..."
"Nii~!" A bluish-white fox cub poked it's tiny head out of her shadow to give her the fox equivalent of a grin. O-chan was an Osaki Kitsune she had received when she first came to this village, staying in her shadow as a pet/companion and to sheild her from the random dangers to buy time for her Guardians to save her. He could shape shift into a seven-year old boy with two tails and ears if he wanted even, and he normally did that to play with Hisui sometimes.
"Saa... let's go, then!" Nodding, Hisui squared her shoulders, slid the little bag she was carrying over her waist, and forged her way into the street. Like Mitsuru said, the crowd made way respectfully for her the moment she set foot into the street, so she didn't have to squeeze her way through. Her excitement came back full blast as she looked around, both amazed and interested in the sights and sounds and things that were being sold. The girl was clearly enjoying herself already, and it didn't take long for her to pick out two distinct voices from the crowd.
"Dame da yo, dame!" A rather shrill male voice was screeching out. "Dakara, Takuma-kun, it's easier to go that way so we can get close to the Yagura to see all those beautiful ladies dancing!"
"Whatever you say, Mahiro-senpai." Another voice replied, a bit deeper than the first. "Have you forgotten that we have to be close anyway?"
"I wouldn't mind being up there to dance with her though..."
"Mahiro-senpai! Takuma-kun!" Hisui called out as she pushed her way towards them, her eyes shining with happiness and excitement, trying to run as fast as the yukata allowed her to. "Konbanwa!"
"Ohh??! It's Hisui-chan! Yosh, evening!" Atori Mahiro said in pleased surprise with his hands on his waist, his own emerald eyes shining at her, messy black locks teased about by an unseen wind that always seemed to be following him around. Some said he was a smaller, male version of Hisui since she and him were alike in cheerfulness and mischief, and the two constantly like playing pranks on each other. "Kirei da na yo, omae!"
"Aa, you look beautiful in that yukata today." Takuma gave her one of his usual slight smiles, amethyst eyes taking in her dark red yukata with the purple obi, arms folded. Both boys themselves wore yukatas as well for the occasion, Mahiro in a light brown sleeveless one, Takuma in a black one with a purple scarf thrown loosely around his neck.
"Mm, arigatou!" Hisui beamed at them, then looked around. "Ano ne, where are the others?"
"I'm not too sure." Mahiro shrugged carelessly. "They're all somewhere around, I guess. Hai, there's still some time before the dances start, so-"
"Let's go play together!" Takuma said just as he did, and Hisui sweatdropped when they both shot annoyed glances at each other.
"A-Ano... I think I'll just wander around for a bit to find the others, and then I'll meet you both at the yagura, ne?" She held up her hands before escaping back into the crowd, giggling when she heard Mahiro's outraged shout and Takuma's sigh. "Really, those two can make such a good pair sometimes...."
"Who can make such a good pair?" A quiet voice asked, and two hands landed gently on her shoulders before a flower was placed into her hair. Komura Youichi smiled down at her, his yellow eyes softening to a honey-gold, silver hair looking a very light purple in the darkness, a bit of the golden glow from the lanterns tinting it, wearing a pale blue yukata. "You look pretty tonight, Hisui-chan."
"Youichi-senpai." Hisui blushed lightly as he adjusted his little gift to her in her hair, then touched the white flower lightly with her fingers. "Arigatou. Uun, I was just talking about Mahiro-senpai and Takuma-kun. They just asked me out to play, but I thought I'd wander around alone for a bit to find the rest of you.""Sou ka?" Youichi placed his hand on her head in a brotherly manner, carefully carressing her hair so he wouldn't mess up Mitsuru's hard work. "Well, you can't blame them for wanting to spend time with you. This is the only day we can get to see you all dressed up like a true princess. You should at least give us that."
"Mm, I get it," Hisui said sheepishly. "But we're all going to the Shrine after the Obon for Sukiyaki, aren't we? Mitsuru-chan said so. Then we can all take pictures together for memories."
"That's true. Still, it's better to enjoy this festival together, right?" Youichi smiled, then lifted his hand off her head, wandering off as a 15 year old boy with brown hair and large brown eyes that almost engulfed his face came up, wearing a brown yukata and holding a stick of cotton candy.
"Hisui-senpai, konbanwa! Wahhh.... you looks so nice today!" Inukai Shinji said breathlessly, his face slightly red, shyness in his innocent brown eyes.
"Arigatou, Shinji-kun!" Hisui replied happily, wondering just how many times she had to say thank you today. Every Guardian she met complimented her, she felt quite embarrassed now. Still, it made her feel happy and gave her that warm, fuzzy feeling inside, because the people she cared the most for were giving her their attention in a different way this time. "Is that cotton candy?"
"Ah.. hai, I got this from that stall over there." Shinji pointed at a stall. "They're selling all kinds of sweets, including ice-cream."
"Sugoi... can I have a taste?" Hisui teased, and Shinji looked taken aback, a blush making his face hot.
"E-Eh??!"
"Onegai?"
"A-Ah.... if senpai asks then....." Shinji surrended and held out his cotton candy, Hisui giggling and giving him a beaming smile before reaching over to take a large bite.
"Mm, it's sweet! Thanks, Shinji-kun! I'll buy you Takoyaki and a drink for that!""A-Ah, matte senpai! Y-You don't have to....." Shinji tried to stop her, but it was too late; the girl had already ran off.
At the food stall she was headed to, a teen with untamed brown hair in a dark red yukata stood, finishing off a stick of Takoyaki. Russet-red eyes glanced off to the side to watch the approaching girl, and a wolfish smirk grew on his lips. "Well, well.... look at who has arrived. Someone delicious and wrapped up in a yukata, all waiting for me to devour."
"Stop that, Ryou-kun." Hisui rolled her eyes at Kutani Ryou, who grinned and slid closer to her to loop his arm around her waist. "I didn't mean to run into you, I just wanted to get Shinji-kun some food."
"I'm hungry too," Ryou pretended to pout, dropping his voice into a whine as she ordered the food from the man manning the stall. "Why can't my Tamayorihime feed this poor wolf too, hmm?"
"Because I only promised Shinji-kun, and besides, you've already finished off a stick of Takoyaki," Hisui declared, receiving a drink and a plate of two Taiyaki before she paid for them. "And you're right, you're a wolf." She started walking away.
"So mean, my Hi-chan. I'm really hungry." Ryou followed her.
"Fine, fine... you want some?" Hisui finally sighed in irritation and offered him the plate.
Ryou's pout vanished and turned into a leering smirk. "Oh yes, I definitely want 'some'." Instead of taking the Takoyaki, he pulled lightly on the collar of her yukata, the other gently pushing her head back before he ran his tongue along the column of her neck, a look of want in his eyes.
Hisui gave a squeal of indignation and embarassment, balancing the plate on her palm before she dropped it. "You wolf!" She squawked, breaking free of him, whirling around to face him with a red face. "Stop doing that!"Ryou simply chuckled with a 'couldn't-care-less' look on his face and shrugged. "Well, I was 'hungry'. Thanks, anyway." And before she could do anything, he and taken the Takoyaki and drink out of her hands, sauntering away with a pleased and satisfied look on his face.
"MATTE!" Hisui yelled after him. "That's for Shinji-kun!"
"Hai, hai. I'll pass it to him." Ryou simply said as he disappeared.
"Matte, Ryou-kun!" Hisui tried to go after him, but someone stepped on the wooden slipper she was wearing, and it slipped off her foot, causing her to turn in panic. My geta..... oh no.... "Ah... please wait..." she tried to get pass a rather large group of people, but couldn't, her eyes frantically sweeping the ground for her geta. Oh, great! What was she going to do now?? Hopping around on one foot.....
"Did you lose a slipper, Cinderella?"
The gentle voice made Hisui turn, and to her relief, she saw a smiling Oomi Tsuguru holding up her lost geta. "Tsuguru-san!! You saved me!!" she wailed in thanks, hopping towards him. The gentle, long-haired man of 25 chuckled softly before catching and steadying her, not caring if her grip on his arms crumpled the sleeves of his dark green yukata slightly. Honey-colored eyes looked at her in amusement before he knelt, taking her foot and letting her step on his thigh so she wouldn't lose her balance.
"You should be a bit more careful, O-Hime-sama," he chided as he slid the geta onto her foot and stood, smoothing down his clothes. That smile was still on his face as he patted her head lightly. "Are you enjoying yourself tonight? The dances are going to start soon, so you better hurry since you're leading the dancing on the Yagura, alright?" He looked her over to make sure she was all neat as well as warm, protected from the cold. When he was satisfied that she was, he stepped back. "You look beautiful tonight, Hisui-san.""Mmm..... arigatou...." Hisui looked down, averting her eyes shyly, a blush on her face. "Well, then... I better get going before the drummers start looking for me."
"Take care, Hisui-san." Tsuguru smiled, hiding his hands in the folds of his yukata. "And ganbatte. We'll be watching."
"Hai!" Hisui beamed and waved before leaving, hurrying through the crowd towards the field, but the sound of splashing caught her attention. "Ehhh! Goldfish catching!" she stopped, totally distracted as she watched, then decided to have a go. Armed with a bowl of water and two thin paper nets, she bent to try her luck at catching the goldfish, but in her hurry, the first 'net' tore after two dips. "Ah..."
"You're doing it wrong," a deep voice said. "Are you Mahiro-senpai or what?" Takuma came up behind her, taking the bowl in one hand and guiding her wrist with his other. He didn't look at her, but his eyes were watching the fish. "You have to be careful and patient if you want to catch one.... there, see that? Slide the net into the water without making her water splash..."
"Ano, Takuma-kun...." Hisui bit her lip as she tried it, his hand still guiding her wrist. "The net will tear.""Not if you're careful," Takuma replied. "There, now! Lift it up while the goldfish is still on top of it!"
"Now?!" Hisui was startled, fumbling with the net, and the paper tore, letting the fish escape. Takuma sighed in exasperation, setting the bowl back on the stall. "You're a bit hopeless, aren't you? Try again next year, or the next festival, then."
"Hehe...." Hisui looked sheepish, then her eyes widened. "Ah!! I got to get to the Yagura!"
"Oi, Hisui! Matte!" Takuma shouted after her as she ran off, then gave a frustrated sigh. "Such a reckless girl......"
"Hisui!! Oi! Come here a sec!" Mahiro called out from the shooting stall where he was shooting cans when she ran past. "Shoot this last can for me, will you? Complete my luck with a shot!"
"Demo, senpai! I have to-"
"Daijoubu! It'll only take a minute!" He grabbed her hand and hauled her over, pushing the gun into her hands. "Just aim and fire on my word, okay?"
"A-Aa..." Hisui bent with a doubtful look on her face, closing on eye so she could aim better. Mahiro bent as well to mutter directions in her ear, one hand on her back to steady her. "Careful, don't shoot if your hands are shaking or if you're unsure. Once you're relaxed enough, pull the trigger. Got me?"
"Right...." She did as she was told, then when the both of them were certain that she was relaxed enough, he gave her a small nudge to pull the trigger. A lound clang rang out as the pellet hit the can, knocking it to the ground, and Mahiro crowed. "Sugoi na, Hisui-chan! And my yearly record remains unbroken!!" From far away, a drum boomed out, signalling the crowd to gather in the field to dance around the Yagura, and she gasped. "I'M LATE!!! SENPAI!!"Grabbing Mahiro's hand, she hauled the screeching and protesting boy to the field, running all the way.
She never noticed the icy blue eyes that had been watching her every move with a cold gaze since the moment she set foot into the street where the Matsuri was being held.
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The crowd was astounding. Climbing her way onto the platform where the taiko drums were, leading the other dancers, Hisui began to feel nervous, and wondered if she had been right to let Mitsuru volunteer her to lead as the heiress of the Village's Shrine in the first place. Then again... this was all part of her job now as Tamayorihime. Tonight was going to be her first night taking part in public events like this, so she needed to make a good job of it. An uncomfortable look on her face at the amount of people staring at her, she swallowed, hands balling into fists by her side.
"Ano... senpai doesn't look too good, does she?" Shinji commented worriedly from right below where they were watching. "I think she's scared."
"It is her first time, after all..." Tsuguru said from behind him, his concerned gaze on her. "Perhaps it was too much of a pressure since there's more than a hundred people filling the place."
"It can't be helped then," Mahiro muttered before waving and calling out to catch Hisui's attention. "Oiiiiiii!!!!!!! Kasuga Hisui!!!! Do your best, we'll be right here watching you!!!"
Hisui gave a start, her emerald eyes glancing down to see her entire group of Guardians watching her and giving her silent support. "Ganbatte, ne?" Youichi smiled with folded arms. "You can do it." Meeting his eyes, then the rest of her Guardians, she felt the fluttering in her stomach calm and she breathed easier, returning a smile to them as well. A clearing of a throat behind her indicated that the drummers were ready, and she took a deep breath before lifting a hand to get the other dancers into a clockwise position around the drums, bowed to the cheering crowd, then turned. There would be four dances, each repeated twice, and four rounds, a few minutes break between each for the drum performances. The drummers began to beat the drums, the loud booms vibrating through the platform, and she lifted her arms to the ancient traditional moves, and began to dance.
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The Bon Odori was a festival in which they people dance to honor the spirits of their dead ancestors, the dances traditional and varying with each region. Even though Hisui was having the time of her life, she kept a slightly somber attitude, knowing that the reason why she was dancing was to pay homage and respect for the dead, and she danced in honor of the first Tamayorihime, the woman from whom she had descended, the one responsible for her powers. Every step was careful, every wave of her arms, every turn of her body was graceful. She closed her eyes in a small smile. Breathless, tired, and hot, she still managed to feel the power running in her blood, feel the Tamayorihime's gentle smile on her. For the Tamayorihime, her endless memories, and the duty on my shoulders. I dance for you...
She opened her eyes when the last song ended and let out a breath as the crowd stopped dancing and clapped, having thoroughly enjoyed themselved. A wide smile broke out on her face and she bowed to the crowd, before her eyes caught something just on the edge of the forest.
A flash of silver hair, and a glimpse of someone very, very familiar.
Vergil.
Her mouth opened to call out to him, but it was time for her to leave the platform with the other dances, and she had to turn away even as he slipped off into the crowd.
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She was doing well, and it made him satisfied. Vergil had watched her advance through the evening, watched as she interacted with those six males, then finally watched as she danced gracefully on the Yagura to the beat of the drums and the singing of the traditional songs. Jade was well and happy, and it relieved him to say the least. He couldn't care less about her being a huntress, but it bothered him to see her wasting away in his house when she asked if she could stay with him after that incident with the piano in the library. Her depression made the air thick, and it completely distracted him with his work, so to put a total end to it, he had coldly told her that if she didn't do something, he was going to kick her out.
Needless to say, the next morning, she went out for a haircut and announced that she was going to try to lead a normal life and lay her weapons down to rest. Vergil didn't care about that, but somehow, something nagged at the back of his mind and still took his mind off research and hunts, so he made another trip to the library and spent a week there.
What he uncovered surprised him for once, and the moment he got back, he made Hisui pack and brought them both to Japan. Her guns he sent to Dante, her sword, which was meant to belong to his twin anyway was kept because it had been passed to her instead, through her foster mother. Why?
He had found her past.
And after leaving her for a year in Riifu Village for a test run.... his suspicions were now confirmed. This girl was a powerful being granted with power meant to protect something of greater power, and he had never known. He could care less about that, but power.. that meant something else to him. A temptation that he had to supress. Turning, he was about to disappear into the forest to follow that trail of her power that would lead him to the five seals. Once broken, it would lead him to the Onikirimaru.
"Vergil!"
Her voice, Jade's voice, made him stop, and he sighed in irritation before turning to face her, deciding to at least give her one minute to say what she wanted before he left. He didn't face her, but simply let her talk to his back, seeming as if he wasn't listening.
Hisui was gasping for breath, having fought her way through the crowd to reach his side, hands on her knees, but she hurried to speak now. "I wasn't expecting to see you now, Vergil. Why did you come here? Is there something you're looking for or researching?"
"Your point?" Vergil asked cooly, turning round to face her at last.
Hisui straightened, her expression a determined look, that familiar fire starting to burn in her eyes again. "I thank you for searching for my past and researching into my bloodline, then giving me a shot at education for my future, but... whatever you're searching for here, you're not going to get. I'm afraid I'm going to have to ask you to leave."
"What makes you think I'm here to find something?" Vergil asked flatly, though he grudgingly had to compliment the way she thought and the way she read him.
"Because it's about power." Hisui stood her ground, though her stance seemed relaxed. A good sign; her enemy couldn't read her that way. "I won't allow you to have what you want, and if you intend to fight me for it, believe me, I won't hesitate to kill you. I will fight you to the death."
And one by one, they appeared, first as six pairs of glowing golden eyes in the darkness, rimmed with red, then they moved out of the shadows, the gold fading respectively into amethyst, emerald, glaring-yellow, russet-red, brown and honey-gold. Her Guardians appeared around her, all wearing neutral expressions on their faces, except for Tsuguru, who had a polite smile on his face. Each of their gazes promised death if Vergil dared lay a hand on her. "Hisui-san? You have the ceremony to go through at the Shrine. If you don't go now, Mitsuru-chan will be getting concerned."
"Wakatta. Gomen." And then they disappeared, one by one again, all except the red-headed boy, Takuma, who had her wrist in his grip, and he was the last to leave, pulling her away. Vergil simply stood where he was, watching them with a cold look, not even giving her a reaction when she looked over her shoulder at him even as she was dragged off. Once they were gone, he turned too, heading into the forest. He had watched her all evening, a part more wouldn't hurt. No, he wasn't around to steal the Onikirimaru, he just wanted to see if she had moved on with life.
Apparently, she had.
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Hisui had changed out of her yukata and was now wearing the priestess uniform, a semi-transparent haori over the red and white fabric, tiara over her forehead, a fan in her left hand, and a short bell staff in her right. Her long hair was tied where it fell to the small of her back, but it still followed her movements, a the sight of a true priestess fulfilling her duty. She sang as she danced gracefully, her voice filling the air, her steps an ancient ritual meant to strengthen the seals that kept the Onikirimaru hidden as well as call a blessing onto the place. She was the Tamayorihime, and this... was her duty, her obligation, her life.
None of the Guardians moved from their protective spots meant to represent the five seals, but Takuma's eyes were on her and her only, following her movements. The song she sang spoke about love, but in a very vauge manner, a liliting tune that seemed to drag anyone who heard it into it's melody. It was a yearning song..... filled with the feelings of the first Tamayorihime calling out to her love which had killed her and which she was forced to seal into the sword. Takuma shifted his position. He was that descendant of the Oni.. and she the descendant of the Tamayorihime. It was plain to see what that song meant to him... and to her.
Her eyes met his, and she smiled.
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From the forest, Vergil watched, and once he felt the safeguards and barriers of the Shrine being strengthened to it's highest level, he melted back into the shadows, and left. He did not love her, and never would, but he was satisfied that she had moved on.
It had almost rained again, like that day, but no.
The night was peaceful.
~Owari~
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