Standard disclaimers apply...

A Married Life

Chapter 5:

Day of the Festival (Part Two)

As they entered town, not far from their Aoiya restaurant, many small shops and food stands were still being set up out on the streets. Some of the roads were already blocked, not allowing the any of the carriages to run by. In the center of where the festival was going to be located, there was a big sign hanging up that says, "Welcome to the Daimonji Okuribi Festival". As the last minute preparations were being made, Misao noticed that there was many police forces maintaining the area, making sure that this festival will be a safe one. From afar, she spotted Saitou, but decide to ignore him, as he may only cause trouble.

Nadeshiko was too busy looking at the little shops stands, to see what good things they have to offer. 'I have the money from Kuro-san,' Nadeshiko thought, wanting to spend it on something nice.

When six o'clock came, the announcements were on, introducing the few guests, most of which were the people from government. In one area, there was a huge open stage where singers performed for free. The streets grew more crowded by the second. People from all over Japan came to visit for this one occasion. In another area, there was a parade that will be held, to start it off. Later, there will be an archery contest and a kendo tournament, as well as other smaller activities to be held throughout the night.

"Ne, Ka-san," Nadeshiko called. "I want to see the parade." She stated pointing to one of the arrows.

Misao smiled and nodded. "Let's go." She held onto Nadeshiko and slowly made their way though the crowd.

As they passed by, they noticed a photo stand. It caught Nadeshiko's attention.

"Ka-san," Nadeshiko called Misao, pulling on her sleeve. "Can we take one?" She asked.

Misao turned around and saw Nadeshiko walking towards a small stand for photos. Misao walked closer to her.

"It's for To-san..." She begged, noticing the silence from Misao.

Misao nodded and got in.

About fifteen minutes later, they received their photo and continued to find where the parade was held.

They found good spots to stand; where no one will be blocking their heads, allowing them to watch without disturbance.

The parade had began. Some high ranking police officials lead the government officials on horses and carriages, as well as some marching aside from them. Then it lead to the military members marching in their uniforms. Following them were more performances held by the commoners who had decided to pitch in. There were some people dancing around in kimonos and holding up matching fans and others dressed in western dresses holding a matching parasol.

…………………………

As the parade finally came to an end, another announcement was made for all those who was interested into participating in the archery contest must sign up and those who wanted to watch should start entering as well.

Misao decided to watch for a while, since Nadeshiko was interested.

Misao wanted a small break from all the excitement and from the noise. Although there was a party going on, she was in no mood to enjoy it.

Nadeshiko followed Misao, as she wandered away from the festival.

"Ka-san, daijoubu desu ka?" Nadeshiko asked, concerned about her mother's quietness.

Misao continued walking along the sand, facing the direction of the ocean.

Nadeshiko kept quiet, enjoying the night scenery of the ocean. The calm winds blew softly, blowing her hair to a side.

Misao leaned back onto a trunk of a tree. "I used to wait for your father around here." Misao began speaking, holding back some of her sadness. She knew Nadeshiko wanted to know why they had ended up in the ocean.

Nadeshiko looked up at Misao in shock, as she didn't expect a answer from her. "When did you wait for him?" Nadeshiko asked softly, feeling that there was another story coming up.

"When I was about 6 or 7, you're father and some friends left Kyoto. I came to this place a lot, until I was able to leave Kyoto to search for him myself." She continued. "I just felt like visiting the place again," Misao told her, even though she might not understand half of it.

Misao took a seat on the sand. Nadeshiko remained quiet, and became sad, to know that her mother was sad too.

Nadeshiko was hesitant, not wanting to bother Misao. Still, she walked closer to her and gave her a hug. "Ka-san, daisuki desu..." Nadeshiko commented, reminding Misao that she was still there.

As some time has slowly passed, the two remained silent for a few minutes more. Nadeshiko stared at the night sky and prayed. 'I wish To-san would be back so Ka-san can be happy again.' She thought, before playing with the sand around her.

Misao sent her prayers and gathered her energy. "Let's head back now." She suggested. There were still a lot of time left, before the closing ceremonies.

"Hai!" Nadeshiko responded, getting up. "Ka-san...I'm hungry." she stated.

"Wakatta," Misao said, smiling at the little girl, in front of her eyes. "Let's have dinner then." She took Nadeshiko's hands and began walking back to the festival.

As they were drawing closer to the location of the festival, they noticed a field of Sakura blossoms.

"It's summer now," Misao commented. "The blossoms won't last much longer" She told Nadeshiko as she tried to catch one of the petals from the air.

Suddenly, Nadeshiko stopped running and stared hard into the field. "Ka-san," she called, pulling on her mother's kimono.

"Hmm," Misao answered, looking down.

"I see a man inside that field..." Nadeshiko commented pointing ahead.

Misao looked to where she was pointing. 'She's right, someone is there.' She thought, continuing to stare from afar.

As the moonlight hit that area, the man who was standing there was revealed more clearly. "It's Aoshi!" Misao let out, in shock, seeing the person wearing a blue and purple clothes, looking similar to their Oniwabanshuu uniforms.

Nadeshiko's eyes grew wider in shock. She followed Misao as she approached him. Misao ran as quickly as possible, even in her kimono. 'Aoshi has finally returned...' Misao told herself, keeping her hopes high, as her unsheaded tears filled her eyes again, although this time, in happiness.


To be Continue...

Author's notes: Well, a lot of you have been wishing to have Aoshi returning right? Well, technically he did make his first appearance, even though he was shown at the very last part and haven't greeted his himself to his family yet. MUHAHAHAHAHA. I'm evil, don't need to mention it. :dies:

Just another note... all you readers out there who was waiting for this update has the right to kill me...I wrote this chapter some time ago, (like a couple of months) but have forgotten to post onto I had it up on my website fanfic page though. Teehee... :runs away: Ja!