Disclaimer: I do not own Magi, its story, or the characters. That right belongs to the amazing creator, Shinobu Ohtaka. I do own the idea(s) and OC's that are contained within this story. And hope that you as read respect that. Please don't use the OC's without my permission, as she has been with me since I was 6... On a different note, she and her other half are starring in another of my stories.

Author's Note: Also, I reply to all signed in reviews. Sorry to those who are guest reviewers, but do please continue to enjoy this story.


Harvest Festival - A harvest festival is an annual celebration that occurs around the time of the main harvest of a given region. ... The harvest festival is traditionally held on the Sunday near or of the Harvest Moon. This is the full moon that occurs closest to the autumn equinox (22 or 23 September).


4 months after Ren Kouen arrives on Samon Island

Year 1, Month 4 (September), Day 23

Kouha POV

Kouha watched, his body tense like his brothers, while Lunaria looked wide-eyed at the bonfire being built in the middle of the village. 'He was very aware of the excitement in the air. That and the looks she was oblivious to from all the unattached men in the village. Tonight was the Harvest Festival. The moon was full and rising slowly over the sea, giving a pale orange glow.

He was listening as Koumei explained their traditions to her. At the mention of dancing, he whipped his head around to look at them. He saw Kouen glaring as well. The dumb girl's reaction and squealing sounded like a pig being slaughtered to his ears. All while she was hugging his older brother excitedly. He was making her look like a little child. It was mildly amusing and very annoying at the same time.

Shaking his head as he heard a cheer rang out as the Festival being called to start just a few youths and older men walked by carrying torches to light the bonfire. Meaning he'd soon join in on the old Kou Empire Tradition and competition. One he took a lot of pride in. Since not a lot could match or beat him at.

"Alright, everybody! Those wanting to participate need to gather around the bonfire." One of the village Elders called out.

With a dark grin, Kouha reached out, roughly grabbing Lunaria by the arm and pulling her away from Koumei, who smiled as he shot a quick look at Kouen. Who was frowning but nodded his head in ascent?

"What...?"

At Lunaria's question as he dragged her, while Koumei decided to help by pushing her from behind had Kouha cackling.

"Oh, there is a good turnout this year. So the rules are straightforward. Dance in time to the beat and rhythm of the music around the bonfire. IF you fall, you leave the area. If you tire, you leave. The last person left dancing wins a prize." The same Elder announced.

Kouha watched as Lunaria's odd eyes widened in her face comically. The slow, steady beat of the drums reverberated. Letting her go, Kouha felt his body respond to the beat. His heart was slowing to sync with the pace that was being set. Hoping the dumb girl would last a little while since she did excellent at wasting no energy during their sparring sessions.

Shifting his body, dipping, and swaying, Kouha saw the look of bliss on Lunaria's face as her body did the same, almost as if instinctively. It flowed seamlessly from one movement to the next in time with the music. Making him smirk in silent triumph because he felt he had a good challenge.


Koumei's POV

Koumei was not disappointed as the drums heady beat resounded around the village center, the musicians adding in the string instruments, causing the pace to become faster as the melody took on a sweeter note. He saw Lunaria out of the corner of an eye. She looked content, happy, and most importantly looked like she was having fun as she danced in time with the music.

The graceful flow of her body did almost mesmerizing. It looked as if somehow she was a part of the music. Her body was boneless. Then again, as Koumei caught sight of his younger brother, one could say the same thing. Their bodies seemed in sync as they dipped low, only to come up and spin.

In the month Lunaria had been there he'd watched as she seeming bloomed the more she interacted with others. How quickly she picked up things, as well as drew people to her. He enjoyed spending time teaching her. All the questions she asked to both clarify and see if it involved something previously discussed. Showing she was not just inquisitive, but truly intelligent.

Smiling as he caught her looking at him. Her own eyes were asking him a silent question, making him subtly shake his head no in response. Before she laughed as the woodwinds were finally added. Once more, the speed of the dance was picked up. It forced Koumei to focus on what he was doing. Because now the competition was going to get tougher. And he wanted to last as long as possible, even though he was not one for this type of dancing. Instead, the dancing that was done at court during the balls.


Lunaria's POV

She was over the moon. Something deep inside her seemed very content as she danced, which felt so natural. Making her wonder if this was something she did often, though she couldn't remember. But at the moment it did matter. Her body was alive as it moved of its own accord with the music.

Sighing as she spun only to kick a leg out, her torso falling back and giving her an excellent view of the massive fire. It's warmth caressing her face. Only to feel more than hear, as the music sped up again. Causing her heart to beat faster in her chest as she continued. Already she noted that people were no longer dancing, thinning the group out.

The need to make it until the very end and win weighed at the back of her mind as she came full circle around the bonfire. Her gaze was seeking out her childhood friend. He had changed a lot since she'd last seen him when she was eleven. And she still wasn't sure she liked the facial hair he seemed so proud of.

When their eyes met as her body spun in time to the heavy beat, Lunaria saw how hooded his red-eyes were. But it was what was buried in their depths that had her feeling suddenly light-headed. Ever since she awoke the second time, he'd put distance between them though he acted as nothing more than her guardian. It hurt, but there was a ten-year gap between them age-wise.

It wouldn't deter her. Flashing Kouen a wide smile she jumped straight up, her hands touching her toes. Lunaria watched the shock register on his face as well as those near him. Only he mattered as she hit the ground and sway as she stepped out of his sight. As she witnessed more people leaving the dancing circle.

It was two rounds more before she saw Koumei bow out. Drawing a laugh from her as he gave her a mock wounded look at her reaction. Kouha next to her seemed to grin even more as he kept on dancing. His eyes when they met her challenging her to keep going. Which she gladly accepted by lifting her head a bit, not even feeling drained. No, if anything, she felt more energized the longer she continued to dance.

Soon enough, the music began to jump in speed from fast to slow and back again. While the melody and harmony seemed to clash a bit, complicating the song. Tossing her head as she never broke her fluid movements, trusting her body to move as if she felt it needed too. She was eyeing Kouha, who was doing the same thing.


Kouen's POV

Kouen felt a bit of trepidation as he stood there watching both Lunaria and Kouha continue to dance. Their body movements a challenge to the other, making the dance more and more complex. Jumps flip and kicks were included. He was still shocked at what Lunaria had done earlier when she had met his gaze head-on. The girl was in her element, having fun while letting go without a care in the world. And he'd admit it only to himself the sigh she made covered in a thin sheen of sweat, causing her flushed skin to glow, was hypnotic.

Blinking as the music suddenly faded, Kouen saw Lunaria bow to Kouha. Who was openly smiling and gloating? Meaning he had won the competition. He was staying where he had stood the whole time, as the two walked over to him, Koumei and the healers. His ears were catching the chatter of a few of the unattached village women.

The moon was now high in the night sky. Plenty of alcohol had been consumed during the dance. Kouen tensed. The next dance was a thing he had talked to his brothers about. And all had agreed that Lunaria would not be participating in. He'd be killing people. So, as the song started, Kouen watched as the girls flooded like a tidal wave towards his brothers and himself. He turned each one down, lifting his prosthetic arm as a reminder until his brothers chose a partner.

As soon as they'd been dragged away, the guys came up, looking hopeful at Lunaria, who now stood by him. The moment they started to as her to dance, Kouen clamped his hand down on her shoulder.

"She will not be apart of this particular dance."

The dark looks he got for his words didn't phase him. N, it was the low growls and slight stiffening from Lunaria. He did not like doing this, but he had a promise to keep.

"She'll be staying with me tonight."

Low grumbles met his words while a soft gasp came from the girl beside him. Looking down at his ward, he saw delight waring with frustration and confusion on her face. When the village boys vanished, he gave a gentle tug on her shoulder he was holding.

"Follow me, and I'll explain before you decide to bite my head off."

With that said, he let go, turned, and began to walk toward the huts — a destination in mind. Also, to get Lunaria as far as possible from those that would still try to charm her to dance with them.

"Kouen!?"

He was pressing his lips into a thin line at the tone she used, not stopping and weaving his way through the hut until he stood on the soft sand leading to the village docks and finally stopping to collect himself as Lunaria stepped into his line of sight. Hands-on her hips, glaring up at him.

"Why you kept me from accepting their dance offers?"

Letting out a long sigh, feeling oddly uncomfortable, as he replied, "Because accepting that dance means you are willing to take that person to your bed."

The slow tilt of her head to the side as her gaze clouded over with more confusion had Kouen cursing mentally. Yes, he knew Lunaria had amnesia. But that shouldn't mean she was that ignorant of certain things. Unless her family didn't teach her about said things, then he'd be getting royally pissed and go from uncomfortable to embarrassed since he'd be the one to explain the birds and the bees to her because he would refuse anyone else the right — even the healers. And his luck, with how curious she was, she'd want him to show her. Not. Going. To. Happen. Ever.

"Kouen... Why would they... think I'd fuck them... if I dance with them?"

He about fell to the ground at Lunaria's rather blunt, crudely descriptive question was not what he was expecting even if it gave him a small bit of relief at not having to explain certain things to her.

"Because that is the nature of that dance. It is an old archaic tradition to make sure the soil will be blessed and fertile by the gods of harvest for the next planting season."

Kouen watched as her eyes brightened while narrowing at the same time. Showing her thinking things through. At least until her cheeks turned pink and she suddenly refused to look at him.

With a sigh, Kouen spoke up, "No, I do not have any intention of bedding you. To protect you from losing your innocence without knowing why."

The sudden stiffening of her entire body had him preparing for her temper. A thing him and his brothers had come to respect. She could cut her tongue just as well as either he or Kouha could with a sword. It was impressive and scary. So, deciding to stop it before it could start. Using a trick he had learned dealing with his younger sisters.

"But, if you'd like, I can give you a simple dance. Nothing expected but a smile, if you provide a simple song, Lunaria."

He fought to keep from laughing as Lunaria's head snapped up quickly, her hair flying around her face, which was showing just how shocked she was. Knowing he was committed, he pressed his walking cane into the soft sand, so it stood on its own. Then he offered his right hand to her. He smiled widely when she put her smaller hand into his.

With a small bow, Kouen took her through the same simple dance they'd done all those years ago. Only to be shocked as she started to hum that same song as she had at that time. Causing his body to relax and enjoy the simplicity of it.


General POV

As the impromptu dance and song ended, the five onlookers just stared at the duo as they walked away. None had words for what they'd just witnessed — each aware of Kouen talents and nature, and thus lack of liking things like dancing. But like with anything he did, he did ti was a proficiency that could be scary. The dance they'd just seen was relaxed, easy, and fun for both its participants. Both smiling, clearly each had enjoyed themselves. Though they were shocked that Kouen had appreciated it as much as he did. And the fact that it had seemed so natural as if it had been done countless times before.

"What was that?"

There was no answer for the one who had asked it. Each was giving the others blank, yet knowing look. All of them aware that this was not to ever be mentioned. But they all were curious about the pale white nimbus that had enveloped first Lunaria, than Kouen as the girl sang that wordless tune. It was melancholy, yet spritely at the same time. The song seemed to be telling a story about something or someone. And that light had emanated from the girl herself, though it was apparent she was unaware of it. It was only furthering the mystery around the girl.

TBC!