A/N: Yay! Shigure's chapter! Mind you, I used Shigure's "darker" side, that's why its kinda...yeah...review kudasai(please)!


Ch-11-Obonmatsuri

-Shigure's pov-

Tonight is the night when the spirits of the dead would return. Tonight was the night I would thank him, if only someone didn't beat me to it. I looked hopelessly into the Sohma cemetery, and indeed someone was in front of Akira Sohma's grave. That someone I preferred not to speak nor listen to, so as quietly as a mouse I exited.

I guess I won't be the one to clean Akira-sama's grave this year, but I was never once able to, I guess it can't be helped.

Maybe I should go watch the dances downtown, I thought making my way there. I had nothing better to do while waiting for that person to leave the grave.

---

Many people gathered to watch the dancers, I too watched. They were really good, they danced round and round the yagura. The yagura is a giant wooden building made for Obonmatsuri. Also, people use it as a stage to perform. Though none of this matter, all that mattered was going to that grave.

People nowadays have forgotten what Obonmatsuri is all about, but with all this commotion of course they would forget. I thought bitterly walking back to the cemetery, but Obonmatsuri did this to me every year. I don't know why, maybe it's because I might one day visit her grave.

I arrived at the Akira's grave, there was no one there. Luckily I had my offering, ready. I placed it next to that woman's offering, she had cleaned the grave already, but she must have thought no one would visit Akira's grave. I lit some incense I brought and began to pray. I thanked Akira, and wished him a safe journey back to the afterlife. I would thank that women too, but I couldn't thank some she hated, I couldn't.

Finally after the incense burned out, I turned around to see my visitor.

"Akito . . . "

"Shigure what are you doing at my father's grave?" For once Akito was alone, Kureno wasn't with her, which was good.

"Just paying my respects." I said calmly, Akito said nothing then went to the grave and began to pray, I waited.

After she finished, she looked at me, "did you clean the grave?" I shook my head. She understood and shot me a glare, "did you speak to her?" I shook my head once more, and she smiled. I smiled back, "thank you, Shigure." She whispered.

"Let me walk you home Akito." She looked at me and nodded, how long has it been since I was alone with you?

"Shigure, why did you go to my father's grave?"

"Akito I-"

"I want the real reason." She demanded,

"I wanted to thank him, for something." Akito didn't press any further.

We arrived at the main house, before Akito went in, she kissed me on the cheek.

"A-Akito . . . "

"Thank you for taking me home." I smiled, and left.

Whatever will be, will be. What won't happen, won't.


A/N: Yes Shigure's chapter is finished! Please look forward to chapter 12. If they're is any spelling/grammar mistakes please let me know! Review kudasai(please)!

Japanese Terms:

Obonmatsuri- Also known as the Japanese version of the "Day of Dead". It a day where it is thought that the spirits of the dead return to Earth on that day. During that time, families go to their ancestors graves, where they clean the grave and give offerings.

Shigure's bitterness towards Obon- As explained above, the true meaning of Obonmatsuri is to celebrate the day that our ancestors return to Earth. But during the Muromachi period (1336-1573), Bon dancers (as described by Shigure above) and other forms of entertainment were introduced to Obonmatsuri. Nowadays the dances and other festivities have been associated with Summer rather then with its true religious meaning.