Chapter 5: Festival of Lights

by Lola

A.N.: Get well Red-chan!! Hope the sap makes you feel better. ^^;

Jade eyes stared coolly at the man kneeling on the cushion across from her. Her mother and grandmother were seated at her side; both too overjoyed at her return to notice the hatred directed at their guest.

Thin bony fingers twirled the tip of a wispy moustache, beady eyes heavy with powder studying the young maiden before him with a predatory gleam.

"I am most relieved that you have returned safely my dear Himeko."

The smile stretched across pasty lips was enough to make her avert her eyes in disgust. Wanting nothing more than to draw her dagger and ram in down the man's throat for his lewd glances and not so subtle comments.

"I had feared that you were a hostage at Mt. Leikaku..." his voiced trailed, waiting for her to voice her agreement.

Her eyes did not blink. Her only reaction being a slight tightening of her lips, freshly painted by her attendants before she appeared before Xue Li. She watched as he drank his sake, poured by her hand, barely letting the cup touch his lips before he resumed studying her, eyes narrowing slightly. Noting the comb in her hair, the one she never seemed to appear without and the fact that none of her jewellery was missing.

"My Lord scrutinizes me as he does his sheep when making a trade, am I that displeasing to his highness?" she asked in clipped tones. Hands folding complacently in her lap lest she reach out and slap him.

Again that dreaded smile revealing far too much gum and yellowed teeth. "My lovely Himeko, I could never find your appearance displeasing".

Her mother and grandmother inclined their heads at this; pleased at the compliment bestowed by the man to whom they owed their lives. Following her elder's lead, Himeko bowed her head, long hair spilling onto the cushion she knelt on, using the movement to shuffle back and stand.

"I beg you would excuse me my Lord," she stated, offering a final curt bow before turning her back on the despised man, two female attendants rushing to her side to lift the hem of her layered robes.

He watched her slowly retreating form, the way she favoured one leg as she walked. Interesting. Standing himself, hands smoothing out the ripples in his robes of crimson silk, he addressed his intended, "Himeko, I pray this ordeal with the bandits has not hindered your performing tonight at the festival of lights?"

A pause. Hair sliding against the silk of her outer robe as she turned her head slightly in response, "I perform every year," was her simple reply.

As soon as she was out of sight of the man she dismissed her attendants, wiping off the red paint on her lips with one trailing sleeve. Alone in her chambers she slid out of the numerous layers of cumbersome cloth. Not caring as they fell limply to the marble floor. Her jewels soon joined the lump of folded silk, forgotten riches symbolizing an undesired role.

Sinking into the soothing waters of her bath, she scrubbed at her face, desperate to erase any trace of the white powder that seemed permanently impregnated in her skin. Leaning back against the tub's edge, wet hair swirling along the water's surface she hummed softly, an old tune her father sang to her as a child. The water around her glowed briefly, the entire surface sparkling with thousands of white lights. She sighed, sliding one leg out of the water to test her ankle. No pain.

She smiled. She would be able to perform tonight.

********

Kouji tore through the treasure room, tossing aside coins and beautifully crafted weapons in a flurry. Finding a large chest he ripped off the lock, and tossed it into a pile of coins, having not the patience for removing it gently. Tearing it open, he grinned at the seemingly endless bolts of fine fabric nestled therein.

Grabbing a random handful in his fist he turned around triumphantly only to be faced with a round suspended face grinning at him catlike.

"Daaaaaaaaaaaaaa!"

Cursing, he fell back in shock, tripping over the clothes chest and landing on his rear, a pile of satin landing on his head.

"Fuck Chichiri, ya tryin' ta give the guy a bloody heart attack!"

"Nice to see you too Tasuki-kun no da".

Genrou grinned at his fellow celestial warrior, clapping him on the shoulder; "We should celebrate yer visit with some sake!"

"Anou..."

"Kouji's too busy playin' dress up," Rasconza snickered as she lifted the rumpled clothes from the bandit's face.

Kouji frowned, snatching the clothes back from the woman's grasp. "I'm not playin' bloody dress up now-".

"Then what are ya doing?!" Both Genrou and Rasconza demanded, Chichiri piping in a 'no da' to voice his curiosity as well.

Genrou paused as he eyed the clothes Kouji was holding, they were the robes of a court noble, the kind of fancy shit Nuriko was prone to parade around in, some of them even perhaps fitting Hotohori's regal tastes. Genrou had to wear the damned things occasionally when having to appear at formal events at the palace. Amber eyes narrowed as tiny fangs flashed in a wide grin, "I get it...ye're doin' it fer yer onna!"

"Ye're kidding! Kouji, ya seriously gonna dress like a pansy for Himeko? Need to impress the family or something?" Rasconza added with a chuckle.

Genrou enjoyed his friend's discomfort, taking satisfaction in how his cheeks seemed to be darkening in embarrassment.

"Oooo! Aniki's in love!!" Genrou crowed loudly, forcing Chichiri to retreat a step and rub his ears with a slight frown.

"I'm doing it ta fucking save her!" Kouji bellowed at last, tired of the endless taunting.

Their smiles vanished.

"Save her no da? Himeko-sama?"

"Is she in serious trouble?" Rasconza asked, worried.

"Shit Kouji, ya shoulda said somethin' sooner."

Kouji rolled his eyes as he resumed sifting through the clothes. "So ya gonna help me or what?"

Genrou rocked back on his heels, eyeing the dreaded fancy fabric with as much love as a tall glass of milk. Rasconza smacked him at his hesitation and knelt beside Kouji, "What's yer plan?" she asked quietly.

They waited as Kouji explained his idea quickly then simply stared at him blankly.

"Ye're gonna pretend ta be some aristocrat? You?" Genrou asked in disbelief. "That's the fucking dumbest thing I think ya've ever thought of Aniki...".

Kouji frowned in disappointment, fully aware that the idea was rather far fetched but...what else could he do short of running Xue Li through with his sword? Genrou's laughter snapped him from his melancholy reverie.

"Of course we'll help ya! S'fer yer onna after all."

Kouji's grin matched Genrou's fanged smirk as they all began planning out Kouji's rescue mission.

********

The fiery haired bandit stared at the monk. Unable to focus on anything but those long blue gravity defying bangs. In the next room he could hear Kouji and Rasconza arguing over which robes he should wear and which layer went where. He smiled a little, zoning out of the conversation he was supposedly having with his friend until he felt hard wood embed itself in his head as he was whacked by the monk.

"You aren't listening Tasuki-kun no da!"

Rubbing his head and swearing under his breath he turned his amber eyes on his friend, noting that the mask he wore was wearing a slight frown.

Genrou sighed, "I'm sorry Chichiri, I just can't take ya seriously with that damned mask on, it's like I'm talkin' to a fucking squirrel!"

Chichiri sighed, removing the mask and laying it gently on the table, glad that his friend was on his right side.

"This is serious Tasuki-kun, Xue Li is angry. He thinks you kidnapped Himeko-sama. I know you didn't. But if he thinks she's been damaged in any way he will seek retribution. I understand Kouji's actions in wanting to save her as well demo...I think there is more to this than his desire for her land."

Genrou rubbed his neck, "Like what?"

Chichiri raised his mug of green tea to his lips pensively, "There has been a rumour circulating around Lord Xue Li of late, he is supposedly an avid follower of the a new immortality cult that is obsessed with prolonging life through any means possible. It seems to be a rising trend among the local elite."

"What's that have ta do with Himeko?"

"I'm not sure no da." Chichiri answered as he slid the mask back onto his face.

"I feel like a fucking idiot," Kouji muttered as he emerged from the room, groomed into what appeared to be a fine gentleman.

Chichiri allowed a tiny laugh to resound in his chest, "Anou...we're going to need to work on your language no da."

********

Glittering powder was pressed onto her eyelids the shade of crushed emeralds, the glide of a brush over her lips instantly dyeing them a pale shade of pink. Three sets of hands wove through a curtain of ebony. Spinning, braiding, adding clips of silver and jade. The mild scent of orange blossoms being meshed into her hair. Henna tipped nails being replaced with clear enamel. Blushing powders and creams rubbed into her cheeks and hands, accenting curves. A silver bangle clasped around her wrist, hidden beneath a filmy sleeve of diaphanous green. The tinkle of dangling earrings, spinning as her handmaidens brushed off them with their sleeves.

They retreat, waiting for their mistress to add the final touch. Standing slowly, small hands adjusting the tightness of her sash, its tasselled ends sliding across embroidered silk. Gently, her fingers close lovingly over her comb, sliding the piece of jade into her styled hair. She reaches out a hand; two fans are placed in her grasp. Tucking them inside her sleeves, a vision of whispering satin as she heads to the festival. Her last night of freedom.

********

They landed in a clutter. A thrashing pile of legs, arms and curses.

"Itai no da!"

"Watch yer hands Hibana-chan!"

"Fuck Chichiri, haven't ya learned ta land properly by now!"

"I can't breathe!!"

Kouji shoved Genrou off of him roughly, rising to his feet and dusting off his clothes quickly. Hoping they wouldn't look too wrinkled in front of Lord Xue Li. He took in a shaky breath, hoping that he was ready to do this. If he failed.... He shook his head, better not to think of that.

"Ya alright Rassy?"

She nodded, clasping the offered hand in her own as Genrou easily pulled the small woman to her feet, perhaps a little too easily as she staggered forward a step to crash into his chest.

Genrou seized the chance and placed a kiss on her forehead before she could retreat.

Kouji rolled his eyes, "Yeah and you say I'm a pansy!"

Chichiri smiled; "How about we just try to find Himeko-sama no da."

They nodded. Walking in silence through the village, making their way through the lamp lined streets, bathed in soft glows filtered through coloured paper. Music was heard in the night. Soft stringed instruments accompanied by the dulcet tones of a flute. A crowd had gathered to watch one of the events of the festival. Kouji watched all the couples walking arm in arm with interest. Remembering this festival from when he was a child. One of the few occasions where men and women could intermingle freely as they played games, sang songs, or simply admired the light of the lanterns.

A courtesan and a poet where having a quiet debate over a poem etched onto one of the lanterns, disagreeing on the writer's name.

Rasconza glanced at the swaying lantern in question, then smiled in satisfaction, the courtesan was right. Genrou was too busy admiring the lady bandit's smile and soon rammed into Kouji.

"Watch where ye're goin' aho!"
"Ye're the one who's just standin' there like a tree!"

Rasconza tapped them both on the shoulder lightly, "Boys please, behave and remember...language."

They both nodded; sending tiny glares at each other as they walked until Kouji turned down a well-lit street and stopped dead in his tracks.

Before Genrou could yell at him again for stopping suddenly, Kouji raised a hand to quiet him and pointed at what a rather large crowd was gathering around. Or rather, who they were gathered around.

Three women, immaculately groomed, hair oiled and scented, seated on plush cushions waiting to perform as the crowd took seats around them. The last woman was the one Kouji was staring at. Hands folded in her lap, eyes lowered, a familiar comb glittering in its nest of ebony. The woman at her side opened her fan to whisper something in her ear. At this Himeko guardedly glanced upwards.

Kouji felt his chest tighten as he stared directly into pools of jade. He started forward, momentarily forgetting his plan, meaning to grab her right then and there until he caught sight of a man approaching her. Her eyes resumed their submissive air as he presented her with an elaborately carved box. Kouji's eyes narrowed, wishing he could catch the brief conversation.

"Lord Xue Li no da." Chichiri answered to the bandit's unspoken question.

Rasconza's brow crinkled in distaste, "Not the handsomest of men is he?"

Genrou's eyes sparkled in amusement, "No shit; the bastard looks like a real jijii beneath all that powdered crap."

Kouji moved closer, his friends following as they found an empty area to occupy. As the first two women performed, Kouji kept his eyes on Himeko, hoping to catch her eye but she remained unaware.

Having set the box from Xue Li aside, she seemed intent on studying her lap. Finally after another round of applause she rose, taking her position. Kouji chewed on his lip, unable to even draw breath for fear of shattering the silence as she stood, one arm curved upward, the other resting on a slender hip.

A soft melody was played, strings and wind instruments carrying a melody that held Himeko's audience captive as she swayed slowly. A shift of a trailing sleeve, two fans flashed in elegant arcs. Cutting through the air in silver streaks. Kouji leaned forward in his seat, eager to catch a glimpse of her face, but she was good at her craft. Never was the audience allowed to see more than the line of her jaw, or a profile of lowered lashes. Ever was her face masked by the movements of the fans and the lazy swirl of her sleeves.

And then it was over.

Kouji nearly went deaf from the applause as everyone stood. Himeko inclined her head and bowed in gratitude before slipping away to her attendants as other performers set up.

"She's leaving. She's leaving!" Kouji spoke quickly to his friends, almost in a panic.

"Easy Kouji, we'll follow her." Rasconza assured, adjusting her own robes with a slight grimace as she weaved her way through the tight crowd, mumbling at the injustice that bound women in such cumbersome garments.

A tortured sigh from the flame haired bandit at her side, "Ya can take them off ya know."

She blinked incredulously.

Genrou added a wink for good measure; "Ya look better without em anyway."

Refraining from grinding her fist into his head, ladies wouldn't conduct themselves in such a manner after all, she settled for a sweet smile as she deliberately dug her heel into his foot.

"Hentai," she smiled.

********

Jade eyes scanned the crowd intently. She was sure she had seen...but no. It was silly wasn't it? Why would he be here? She shook her head slightly as she remembered her duties, strolling down the street with her attendants. Hoping that Xue Li hadn't seen her slip away in the throng of gathered villagers. Turning to the women at her side she spoke to them in a hushed whisper, understanding their mistress's desire to remain unseen they left her side, one lady in a crowd was after all harder to spot than one with two attendants.

Alone, she walked briskly away from the gathered mass, tilting her head in the moonlight to view the beauty of the lanterns. If this was to be her last night as a free woman, she wished to enjoy it. She breathed in deeply. Winter was coming; the air held that touch of crispness synonymous with snow.

Her nose wrinkled as smoke drifted in the air, marring the pure scent of the night. Her eyes widened in recognition. Opium. Before she could scurry to a hiding place, her elbow was gently seized as Xue Li smiled at her.

"It's a cold evening for strolling in the night alone, is it not my dear Himeko?"

She smiled thinly as they walked, his arm uncomfortably linked with hers. "It is unfortunate that your family should have missed your lovely performance...". He let his voice trail off as he examined her. His guards were near, but not so close as to infringe on privacy. "My lady was as always a jewel to behold," his whispered voice making her skin crawl in discomfort as he traced a bony finger along one silken sleeve.

Sensing his lecherous intent as his mouth seemed to draw far too close for comfort, she deftly flicked her wrist upward and out, opening her fan in a rush of air and conveniently blocking his path to her face.

"My Lord flatters me..."she intoned quietly.

Bowing to show her respect she stepped back, eager to create more of a distance between them. As he moved to get closer he heard a slight whistling sound. Falling back in surprise as a red lantern depicting a crouching tiger fell from its perch to crash at his feet; tiny flames licking at the dyed paper as the candle within consumed the lantern.

"Fire!"

The voice of a woman.

Xue Li arched a brow as a woman rushed forward and attempted to put out the flames at his feet by waving her fan. Himeko stepped back as the fire inevitably grew in intensity, though it was still hardly worth a fuss.

The woman held her fan angled so that Xue Li could not see her face, however it was very clear to Himeko who the woman was, despite the change in attire. Himeko opened her mouth to question the bandit but held her tongue as Rasconza shook her head slightly and mouthed 'Hold on'.

Xue Li bent slightly meaning to warn the lady at his feet to move aside lest her fan be set aflame only to cry out in surprise as the orange tendrils began to lick at the fringe of his rich robes. Staggering back and ordering his guards to extinguish the fire, he failed to notice Himeko's laughing eyes or the man behind him, which he promptly hit into.

"Itai no da!"

Xue Li soon found himself staring into the strangest face he'd ever seen, he could hardly refrain from yelping in surprise. His struggles to escape the proximity of the cat faced man only sending him sprawling into the dirt to be attended to by his guards.

"My lady, I'd advise you to step away from the fire...".
Himeko looked to her side in disbelief to see Kouji decked out better than half the lords in her acquaintance, offering his hand to her with a deep bow. Startled, yet please beyond words she let him take her hand and guide her a few feet away.

"Well if it isn't Himeko-sama! It seems we're developin' a talent for rescuing ya, er...your ladyship". A fanged grin flashed under the lantern light.

The bandit leader grinned, helping Rasconza rise.

Kouji bent low over Himeko's hand, smiling slightly as he brushed his lips briefly over her knuckles, "Fortune smiles upon me to have brought the pleasure of Himeko- sama's company to my humble side twice this very week."

Himeko's mouth hung open, disbelief widening her eyes. Kouji winked, still holding onto her hand. Her cheeks burned.

"I-"

Her voice died as Lord Xue Li loomed beside them, a fussing Chichiri at his side.
"Gomen nasai no da!"

A pale hand waved dismissively before the monk as he stepped closer to a shrinking Himeko. "Someone you know?" He asked icily, purposefully interjecting his frail body between Himeko and Kouji.

Kouji started forward, ready to rip the pasty lord's head from his shoulders as he leaned closer to Himeko. Genrou elbowed his ribs meaningfully, Chichiri also glaring at Kouji briefly in warning. If he snapped now, and killed Xue Li, they'd all be in a rather difficult situation.

Himeko still stared, at a loss. Wishing she knew what game Kouji and the others were playing tonight. Xue Li arched a brow, waiting for an explanation. Kouji smiled tightly as he bowed to the aristocrat, his stomach churning in revulsion at the man's proximity to Himeko.

"I was fortunate enough to have the privilege of saving Lady Himeko but a day ago as she was lost in the mountains."

Xue Li eyed Kouji sceptically, "Is that so? I owe you my gratitude then, as does my lady...".

Himeko nodded, bowing to Kouji and Genrou, her mind spinning from the scene playing out before her.

Kouji's eyes narrowed, "Himeko-sama is grateful, she promised to reward my brother and I with a feast when next we were in town...and...I was unaware that the lady was spoken for, when last I visited her home to return her safely, her mother assured me she was not attached."

Rasconza fingered her daggers concealed in her sleeves, ready if Xue Li should start a fight, perhaps a rather large part of the bandit woman hoping that he would. The man seemed to sputter in denial yet could form no coherent objection as Kouji informed the man, plainly and simply that her family had consented to let Himeko be his wife.

"Their only cause for pause in the matter was Himeko's wishes..." Kouji turned to the woman as he said this, surprised to see how large her eyes had become as she stared at him. "If the lady consents, I shall make her my wife."

All eyes were on Himeko, awaiting her answer anxiously. Her gaze shifted between Kouji's soft eyes and Xue Li's smug powdered grimace. This was insanity! If she said yes to Kouji right now, though it was surely just a ruse to spare her from marrying Xue Li, the lord could take away her lands...or at least try to. But then again, if he thought Kouji to be a legitimate gentleman of equal or higher rank, he would not dare oppose the union, especially if her mother had consented...something Xue Li had never sought. He simply assumed it was his right as the family's benefactor to take Himeko.

She frowned, raising her chin defiantly as she placed her hand in Kouji's, "Though I am unworthy my lord...I accept."

Kouji nearly fell over himself with relief as he saw the smile spread across her lips. His plan had worked!

Xue Li stomped his foot in fury, his face red with embarrassment, too shocked and humiliated to stand up against Kouji. "You will regret this Himeko!" He spat bitterly turning on his heel only to trip on Chichiri's staff, which seemed to have found its way between his legs. Landing in a cursing heap, he yelled at his guards, who scrambled to assist their master. Growling, he meant to unleash his wrath on the grinning monk but the lane was clear. Empty save for himself, his guards and the swaying lanterns.

*********

Kouji practically bounced over the hills as he ran, Himeko's wrist in his hand as he dragged her along, a smile on both their lips as the rush hit them, running and tumbling towards her home. The others followed at a slower pace though their smiles were just as wide; all pleased at the part they had played.

Stray strands tumbled loose from the elaborate hairstyle as Himeko was rushed along. "Matte!! Kouji, onegai!"

Kouji slowed down, letting his hand slide into hers easily as she caught her breath with a light laugh.

"Ya alright Princess?" he asked, stepping closer to take her other hand in his as well.

Her eyes sparkled briefly, catching the light of the stars over head, "What? No more Himeko-sama?" she laughed.

He rolled his eyes, "Ah, please; ya got no idea how hard it was fer me ta talk all fancy like that."

"Had I not recognized your face I may not have known who you were. Your performance was flawless, but tell me, do you really intend to marry me now that you've successfully snagged me from Xue Li's clutches?" she asked teasingly, letting her fingers lace with his, moving closer.

His cheeks flushed at her proximity, the scent of crushed orange blossoms laced through her hair, the soft feel of her skin against his.

"Bandits don't marry Princesses..." he offered lamely.

Her hands tightened around his, "I'm not really a princess."

"Himeko...".

"Hey lovebirds! Ouch! What was that for?"

Kouji released Himeko's hands and stepped back to see Genrou rubbing his head beside a smiling Rasconza.

"Minna, daijoubu ka no da?"

"We're fine Chichiri." Genrou grinned, slapping Kouji on the back.

Himeko smiled at each of her saviours in turn before bowing to them, "Thank you for your assistance, now I believe I owe you all a feast."

They accepted the invitation, though they insisted no reward was required and were soon all seated comfortably in her home, fine sake filling their glasses and all the delicacies her house could offer to tempt the pallet before them to feast upon. Genrou's head was soon light with alcohol as he leaned heavily on his lover's shoulder, whispering in her ear things that he would no doubt ridicule if he'd heard when sober. Chichiri spoke to Himeko's mother in soft tones, complimenting her on the food and thanking her for her hospitality.

Kouji's eyes kept darting back to Himeko. At how easily she seemed to be smiling now, watching jade earrings twirl in the dim light, fringed by wisps of black hair as her shoulders shook with laughter. The white powder and been washed off, revealing slightly flushed cheekbones and lips red with wine. Kouji ran a thumb over his bottom lip pensively, wondering what had possessed him to go to such lengths for a woman he barely knew. Surely this went beyond just a need to protect the girl he had seen weeping in that alleyway all those years ago. He couldn't deny the anger he had felt towards Xue Li, almost like that of a jealous lover. He smiled to himself, what was he thinking? He just didn't want to see a nice girl like Himeko loose her wild spirit to the dampening oppression that marriage to Xue Li would bring. What man in good conscience would let a beautiful woman marry a wretched man against her will?

He shook his head, having to look away from Himeko, as his eyes tended to stare for far longer than what was appropriate. It was a regretful moment however when Chichiri stated that he should be leaving as the hour drew late and Rasconza, with a drunken Genrou leaning heavily on her, an arm draped around her waist comfortably, admitted that she should drag a certain someone home.

"C'mon Hibana-chan, let's get yer ass ta bed."

"Here give me his other arm no da."

Kouji watched them carry his friend to the door as he dusted himself off and rose to follow. Himeko quickly slipping into her shoes to walk them out.

"Arigatou, Kouji...what you did today...it meant a lot to me. Hontou arigatou."

Kouji shifted uncomfortably, his back to her as he tugged at the high collar of his shirt awkwardly, "Don't worry about it. I'm jes happy ya don't hafta marry that guy." He turned to smile at her, green eyes shining through wild bangs. "Ye're free now...".

She shook her head, "No."
Kouji eyes widened as she rose on her tiptoes, brushing her lips over his softly. "My heart has been captured by you." she murmured against his lips before smiling shyly and retreating into her house.

Kouji stood perfectly still. Fingers pressing against his lips, the faint taste of wine from Himeko still lingering.

"I think she likes ya Kouji."

The bandit glanced at Rasconza who smiled knowingly, and smiled wistfully, his heart still beating rapidly in his chest, "If she does Rassy...then, then everything would be perfect."

********

To be continued....

Yay! Another chapter done! Thanks to all those who reviewed! ^^ Happy New Year to all! This chapter was longer than the other ones. *grins* Maybe because I had a nice supply of sugar to help me through it. ^^