Chapter 8
Misoka went to go find some food of his own before the show and returned with his group and Chimako. They took their seats and waited for the show to begin. They sat enjoyed the new version of a classic. The music was still played beautifully but now was accompanied by the wonderful voices of the cast. There was still some dancing but it was toned down but they actors still wore the classic costumes of the ballet.
At intermission Chimako slipped away but promised she would be back to see Aruna's part. Aruna had yet to make an appearance as Odile. Chimako had cut it close but did make it in time. She had something with her but it hard to tell in the dark.
Aruna finally appeared in all black ballet outfit. Her hair was even covered with a crown of black swan feathers and netting. The make-up girl had even made Aruna's eyes look black with a thick kohl outlines. She got to sing two songs. The first was a duet with the real villain Rothbart singing about his evil plan. The second was with as an assemble with Odette and Derrick as Derrick falls for the trap set for him and the swans nearly die. The ending is a happy one for Derrick and Odette as Rothbart and Odile are defeated. Derrick kills Rothbart and Odile dies because her creator does.
The curtains closed and everyone stood and clapped. "That was different." Nozomu remarked as the curtains opened back up for the cast to take their bows.
"I really liked that." Mahiru said as Akira whistled for the cast. The supporting characters took the stage first then the villains showed up and then the hero and the princess. A few people were throwing flowers on to the stage. Aruna bend down and picked one up and handed to Mizuki who played Odette. They hugged, took a bow together and everyone left the stage.
"Where did they get flowers?" Mitsuru asked as the lights begin to come on.
"They sale them during intermission just outside the theater area." Chimako explained showing off a small bundle of camellias. "I thought this might be a good idea for you to give her these." Chimako said she handled the paper cone to Misoka.
"That's so thoughtful of you." Mahiru said hugging Chimako.
Chimako was surprised but hugged her back muttering "I was just thinking she would like flowers."
Aruna reappeared on stage and was about to come towards to the group when a man stopped her.
"Who's that?" Akira asked as the group slowly approached the stage.
Aruna bowed to the man but kept her distance from the man. The man was well dressed, his style seemed similar to Oboro's. He was in a dark blue suit and a gray tie. His dress shoes had a shine to them and the hat in his hands was vintage. His light brown hair was slicked back with not a hair out of place. His green eyes seemed to burn into you.
"You were wonderful tonight Aruna."He said returning her bow. His voice farther cemented his status. His speech was impeccable. "Ah there you are. I knew you couldn't be far. Please come here Misoka." The man said turning towards the group.
Misoka climbed the stage alone and stood beside Aruna momentarily forgetting the flowers in his hand. His mind was still trying to name this stranger.
"I don't want to waste anymore of anyone's time. I may be a stickler for customs but in this case I think some of the formal ones can be put aside. Aruna please go change into something more suitable it doesn't have to be overly fancy then go to the western tea room. I'll meet the two of you there with Oboro and Masumi." He said then bowed and left.
'So that's him.' Misoka thought as they bowed in unison. "Was that Ren Minamino?" Misoka asked but knew he was right
"Yes that's him." She confirmed. "Are you holding flowers?" She asked as some of the color began to return to her face.
"Yes." Misoka said as he handled them to her.
"Oh they're wonderful! Camellias are always so beautiful." Aruna gushed as she held them up to smell them. "Well I better put them into water and go change. Please wait for me." She said as she quickly pecked his cheek then headed for the dressing rooms with Chimako in tow.
Misoka blushed as he placed a hand to his cheek.
"Way to go lover boy!" Nozomu whistled pulling Misoka back into the present. "Now who was that guy?" Nozomu asked annoyed.
"That was Ren Minamino, her uncle. He's her only living family member. He's the one who can turn this whole thing on it's head." Misoka explained as he jumped down from the stage.
"What do you think he'll do?" Akira asked looking in the direction Ren left.
"I honestly have no clue." Misoka sighed.
The group didn't have to wait long for Aruna to reappear in her purple yukata, her hair was loose except for a one hair clip to keep the hair out of her face but the rest was flying behind her as she hurried up to the group. "Okay I'm ready." She huffed as she teetered down the stairs.
"You need to slow down before you break something." Chimako scolded as she unladylike jumped down from the stage.
"She's right, you might fall trying to run in your geta." Misoka said quickly meeting her at the bottom of the stairs.
"I know, I'm just nervous on what he's going to do." Aruna confession breathlessly.
Misoka took her hand in his and replied. "I know you are. I am too. Now take a deep breathe. We're doing this together." He said trying to calm her down. She nodded and took a few deep breathes. "Better now?"
"Better, let's go." She said heading towards the exit not letting go of his hand.
The group headed towards the western tea room in silent until they arrived. "You guys can't come in this is a private meeting." Misoka said turning towards the group once they had arrived.
"Okay we'll make yourselves scarce."Nozomu said as he and Chimako pulled the group away.
"They're going to eavesdrop aren't they?" Aruna chuckled.
"You know them already." Misoka said shaking his head a little.
"If they don't, I know Chimako would somehow." Aruna whispered.
They dropped each others hands before they slide opened the door and walked into the room. They bowed to their elders sitting at the table. Oboro, Masumi and Ren were all in their true form.
"I requested the meeting be held like this." Ren informed them as they sat across from the older adults. They sat as close they could and still be respectful to the situation. Oboro was still in his suit and Masumi in her normal kimono. Ren was still in his suit as well. His fox form was just an immaculate as his human. His ears matched his light brown hair and his green eyes seemed more intense. "Please if you will." Ren requested.
Misoka obliged him and transformed into his fox form. Aruna looked stunned at his silver hair, ears, and eyes. He was in his usual battle outfit. 'This is his real form? It's so beautiful.' Aruna thought with a small gasp. She then transformed too.
Her hair grew longer and lighter to a platinum blonde and her green eyes turned almost transparent. Her ears were also a platinum. In her true form she was wearing a pair of teal hakama and a gray colored kimono top. "So this is the real you?" She whispered wanting to reach out and touch him, any part of him, his face, hair or shoulder.
"Both forms are the real me but this is the lunar version of me. This is yours?" Misoka asked. 'She's just as lovely as before.' Misoka thought as he smiled at her.
She just nodded a replied.
"Thank you, now we can continue with this engagement meeting. First off Misoka Asagi do you wish to alter the original contract drew up by your mother Mayumi, Tsukiko Togashi and myself?" Ren asked staring at Misoka. 'It's almost like Mayumi is here. They're so similar.' Ren thought barely hearing the response.
"No, I don't wish to change a thing." Misoka responded quickly.
Ren focused his eyes away and settled on his niece who had always been a carbon copy of his dear sister in both forms so her current appearance didn't shocked him. "Aruna Togashi do you wish to alter the contract?" He asked.
"No, I do not wish to alter the contract at all." Aruna answered with a smile.
"You both wish to keep the contract then as is. Oboro Hirihirto as the representation of the guardian of Misoka Asagi do you alter the contract?" Ren asked turning towards Oboro.
"No I do not to alter the contract." Oboro answered calmly. "Do you Ren Minamino representation of the guardian of Aruna Togashi do you wish to alter the contract?" Oboro asked taking over the meeting. Ren could not ask himself.
Ren was quiet for a long minute before he finally answered "I wish to alter the contract to have the wedding happen tomorrow after the closing ceremony of the victory festival, That is the only alteration I wish to make to the original contract. Is this agreed upon all parties?"
"Yes." Everyone answered in unison seeming to shock Ren.
"Then let's finish this meeting."Ren said turning towards Masumi.
"Then I, Masumi Asagi, as witness declare this engagement meeting over with the verdict that this engagement is valid and the promise to be fulfilled tomorrow afternoon." Masumi announced ending the meeting.
Cheering could be heard outside in the courtyard. Masumi quickly open the door to see nothing.
Ren stood up, bowed to Oboro and then the new couple and left the room. "I'll show you out." Masumi said following him leaving Oboro alone with Misoka and Aruna.
Oboro returned to his human form as he got up and went out to the courtyard. He looked up to the roof and saw most of his charges sitting there. "Get down here!" He commanded.
Aruna transformed back to her human form. "Well one of the hard parts is over." She sighed.
"Yes but it was probably the hardest." He said putting his glasses back on as he also returned to his human form.
Mahiru, Akira and Chimako rushed into the room and tackled Misoka and Aruna. "Congratulations!" They shouted. Mitsuru and Nozomu just entered the room behind Oboro.
"Thank you." Aruna said as she sat back up.
"You're about to be family you don't need to be so formal with us." Akira said giving her a noggie.
"Tomorrow isn't much time to plan. What are you guys going to do?" Mahiru said.
"No need to worry princess, we have everything covered on our side. You guys just get the groom to the alter." Chimako joked.
"All joking aside that is something we need to talk about." Oboro said sitting down but closer to the couple instead of across from them.
"I wish for a simple ceremony. It doesn't need to be a big deal. Maybe we could have it at the lake." Aruna said.
"Well since it's after the closing we will all be ready dressed for a wedding. The ceremony is just as formal as the opening but it's much shorter, there's no performance. I suspect that's why your uncle requested the time." Oboro speculated.
"I think the lake is a good idea." Misoka said placing his hand on hers. "Just not at that dock." He whispered making Aruna blush.
"Alright it's settled. After the ceremony we'll meet at the lake. I look forward to it. Now you two should get some rest. It'll be a big day tomorrow." He said gently patting their shoulders then he got up and left the room.
"He's right. Today was a big day and so will tomorrow. We should rest." Misoka said standing up then helping Aruna up too.
"Yes that's all true. I'll see you tomorrow at the lake." Aruna said kissing his cheek again then left with Chimako in tow.