Tanabata Matsuri : Mimori Kiryu
Star Festival
July Seventh

Mimori Kiryu was eating her lunch calmly, contemplating her afternoon assignments. So much to do...

"Excuse me, Mimori-san?"

"Yes, Scheris?"

The girl was hesitantly looking at her, searching for the right words to say. "Umm... I was wondering if you'd tell me the story of Tanabata Matsuri? Cougar said something about a virgin sacrifice and a giant gorilla, but I really don't think that's right..."

It took a great deal of self control not to burst out laughing. "Ah, no, it's not. But I would be happy to tell you." She began with all the necessary theatrical pomp and circumstance. "Once upon a time..."

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"Hey! Mimori-san!"

Ichida-san?

His brown eyes laughed at her surprised look, but he stayed calm. "Hey there, Mimori-san! I haven't seen you since that gala for Uncle... I'm surprised Kiryu-sama let you come to Tanabata at all! How are you studies going?"

She smiled with a touch of indulgence. "Just fine. And yours?"

"The same. Hey... would you mind terribly... telling me the story of Tanabata again?"

"Ah, okay... Once upon a time..."


... There was a Weaver-Girl goddess named Orihime. She did not thing but weave all day. Soon, the god of the sky, Ten-Kou, grew worried for his daughter. So he introduced her to the Shepard across the Milky Way, Hikoboshi. They fell in love very easily, and soon they spent all of their time together. They spent so much time together that the gods had no more new clothes, and the animals began to wander.

Mimori gazed upon the scene of the traditional festival as she related her story, grinning at her luck. The past few years, her father had declared her "too busy" with schoolwork to visit Tokyo for the Tanabata Matsuri, but this year had been different. This year she had wheedled and coaxed and charmed her way there, instead of silently accepting her father's decision.

Such a clear night... she thought, filled with alcohol-induced wonderment. (Sake really was better in small quantities.) The stars were so brilliant...

"Mimori-san? Moshi moshi?"

"Oh! My apologies." She took a breath. "This upset Ten-Kou very much"

So angry was he that he ordered the Milky Way itself to separate them permanently. However, this did not fix the problem. The two lovers were so sad, they didn't finish their responsibilities any more successfully than before.

Ten-Kou felt very sorry, but couldn't have the two of them slacking off. So, he had a bridge built. Once a year, every year, the stars of the Milky Way would recede, just enough for the bridge to emerge and for the two lovers to meet once a year.

"So each year, Orihime and Hikoboshi strive to finish their chores to completeness, so that when the time comes agaom, the skies would be clear, and they could meet again." Mimori finished, a dreamy look in her eyes. Her gaze slid to Ichida, who was watching her in a curious way. He was leaning towards her, his cheeks were flushed red, and –

Ichida kissed her.

The world didn't slow; there were no fireworks; time didn't stop for a moment, and there were no angelic choirs.

Ichida had just kissed her, and all she could think of was Ryuhou.

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"...so that when the time came, the skies would be clear, and they could meet again." She finished quietly, a reminiscent gaze in her eyes.

"How very poetic, Minori-san! So inspiring, so wonderful, so romantic, so –"

"Yeah, yeah, Cougar, we get the point –"

"Oh, can it, watermelon man –"

"Guys, guys –"

"Stay out of it, Elian!"

"Wasn't it dreamy, Master?"

"Oh yes, girls..."

"Mimori-san... moshi moshi?"

"Oh, sorry about that! I guess I just... spaced out for a moment."

Scheris smiled. "It seems you've gotten a larger audience! Thank you for telling me. I really didn't think Cou – oh, hey Ryuhou!"

Mimori turned around slowly, ready to face any complaint he threw at her.

"Kiryu-san, do you realize that you're dist -"

Ignoring his complaints, she leaned in quickly and kissed him on the cheek. Mimori pulled back and observed his shocked countenance. She also noted, with a slight smirk, that he was blushing.

"Happy Tanabata, Ryuhou."

Merry Christmas!

And yes, Scheris' comment about giant gorillas is a shameless plug for King Kong. Go see it!