CHAPTER NINE: IWAI DE AIKOU
"Amethyst! How many times do I have to tell you? Stop staring at that medallion of yours," Renamon yelled in frustration.
It has been almost three days since the Combat of the Ultimate Samari and during those three days, things had died down. The excitement of the tournament upon the entire village had passed and all the Renomon and Renamon residents had moved on to other special occasions. Well all the Renomon and Renamon except for Amethyst. Ever since the tournament, Amethyst had spent most of her days just gaping at the Sacred Samari Medallion she had won.
Amethyst heaved another sigh as she continued staring at her medallion. She merely ignored her sister's constant yelling at her.
Renamon folded her arms and sighed exasperatedly.
"Urgh! I don't know how much more of this I can take," Renamon said in frustration.
"What's wrong Renamon?" Renomon questioned concernedly as he walked into the lounge.
"Ooh it's just Amethyst Renomon," Renamon answered, "she still has not stopped staring at medallion."
"Well I don't blame her for being this way Renamon," Renomon said, "after all she did win the Combat of the Ultimate Samaris tournament and you as well as I know that that is the most important event in our village."
"I know that Renomon but still," Renamon said sighing sadly, "one day for gloating is good but three days...that is just too ridiculous. I don't what else to do."
Renomon chuckled. "Don't worry your pretty little head Renamon," he said, "just leave this to me. I'll deal with Amethyst."
"Are you sure about that?" Renamon inquired looking Renomon in the eye.
Renomon nodded his head. "Positive," he answered, "I have just the thing to get Renamon off of her feet."
"Oh okay," Renamon said.
Renomon then walked over to the gaping Amethyst who was lying on sitting chair in the lounge.
"You know Amethyst, you should truly give that medallion a rest," Renomon said to adolescent yellow vixen.
"Are you kidding me Renomon? This medallion is the most important thing that I have ever received," Amethyst said proudly, "I may never let this go. It's just too precious to me."
"So you are just to continue observing that thing for the rest of the day and night?" Renomon questioned.
Amethyst nodded her head as she arrogantly kissed her medallion.
"Well that's a shame Amethyst," Renomon said in a disappointed tone, "too bad that you have decided to stay inside today. I'm rather surprised by that decision actually. I thought you would want to go outside considering the fact that today is the Eve of Iwai de Aikou."
"The Eve of what?" Amethyst asked eyes still glued to the medallion in her gloved hand.
"Iwai de Aikou," Renomon repeated in usual calm tone.
Amethyst's eyes suddenly opened widely and she nearly dropped her medallion as she goggled at Renomon.
"Today is...WHAT!" Amethyst bellowed at Renomon.
"The Eve of Iwai de Aikou," Renomon repeated a second time. "didn't you know that?"
"NO!" Amethyst shouted frantically, "why didn't you tell me Renomon!"
"Well..." Renomon pointed a finger to the Sacred Samari Medallion, which still clutched in the frenetic Amethyst's hands.
Amethyst stared back at her medallion and sweat dropped as she heaved an incensed sigh.
"Awh man, what am I going to do?" Amethyst groaned, "Iwai de Aikou is the best Foxwood Village occasion ever. I practically love it more than this Sacred Medallion."
"Well technically Amethyst, today is the Eve of Iwai de Aikou," Renomon said, "the actual festival is tomorrow."
"So I still have time," Amethyst said questionably.
Renomon nodded his head.
Amethyst's mouth formed a big broad smile. "Yes! I still have time," she said enthusiastically, "I have to go shopping in town now or else I'll never get the perfect Cataylite stone for the festival."
With one swish of her bullion and white tinted tail, Amethyst vanished out of the lounge leaving Renomon and Renamon alone. Anyone's guess could have been that she had teleported to her room on the lower compartment of Renomon's hut.
Once Amethyst was gone, Renomon folded his arms and gave himself a little chuckle.
"Heh! Heh! That was too straightforward," Renomon said smirking.
"That was an impressive initiative Renomon," Renamon said flashing a smile at Renomon.
"What can I say? I am natural at manipulating others," Renomon said, his smirk widening.
"By the way if you don't mind asking Renomon, what exactly is Iwai de Aikou?" Renamon asked inquisitively.
"Iwai de Aikou is the most special of all events that occur in Foxwood Village," Renomon explained, "in the normal English language, Iwai de Aikou means Festival of Love. It is where us Renomons and Renamons celebrate the compassion and friendship among each other. In this special festival, us Renomons and Renamons also give one another either red, pink or blue Cataylite as a token of our affections."
"I see," Renamon said nodding understandably, "Iwai de Aikou sort of reminds me of Valentine's Day."
"Valentine's Day? What is that?" Renomon asked puzzled.
"Valentine's Day is an event in the Human World that is somewhat similar to Iwai de Aikou," Renamon explained, "it is where the humans gives one another gifts such as flowers and candy as signs of affection."
"I see," Renomon said, "sounds fascinating."
"So...is the actual Iwai de Aikou festival truly tomorrow?" Renamon asked.
"Yes it is and things are going to get a bit crazy tomorrow as well," Renomon answered.
"How come?" Renamon questioned.
"Why do you think?" Renomon said, "Iwai de Aikou is the Festival of Love and since it's tomorrow, love is going to be the air. Besides you know what they say, love drives the heart crazy."
Renomon beamed lovingly at Renamon, his crimson eyes sparkling at her. Renamon cheeks reddened as Renomon looked at her.
"I'm back!" came the familiar voice of Amethyst.
Renamon and Renomon both looked up to their right. Amethyst had teleported back into the lounge with a small brown sack in the paw of her hands. The sack was filled with gold, bronze and silver Kozeni, which were used as money in the Foxwood Village.
"Well I'm all set to go to Central Foxwood Village to buy some stuff for the Iwai de Aikou Festival tomorrow," Amethyst answered to the two other fox-types in the room, "would anyone like to come with me?"
"I would," Renamon said, "going into town especially on the eve of a very important festival will be sort of fun."
"Oh it will be more than fun big sis, trust me," Amethyst said grinning toothily, "come on."
Amethyst then ran out to the front door of the hut. Renamon was about to follow after her when she stopped to look back at Renomon.
"Uh...what about you Renomon?" Renamon said, "are you coming into town with us?"
"No thank you Renamon. I'm afraid I can't come with you and Amethyst into town today. I'm busy," Renomon responded.
"Busy? Busy with what?" Renamon asked staring at the maroon fox.
"I have some very important things to take up of," Renomon replied.
"Important things? Again. Renomon, you told me that the last time when I invited you to go out," Renamon said, "what is going on? What is so important to you that you can't spend at least one minute with me?"
Renomon sighed as stepped closer to Renamon. With two fingers, Renomon raised Renamon's face to her.
"You'll find out soon enough my darling sweet Renamon," Renomon answered, "soon enough."
Renamon opened her sapphire eyes widely as she looked Renomon directly into his ruby optics.
"But..." Renamon began slowly.
"Come on Renamon. Let's go!" Amethyst said hurriedly as grabbed Renamon by the arm and began to drag her away. Renamon looked sadly back at Renomon as Amethyst dragged her to the door and then out of the hut.
"Wow! Now this is lovely," exclaimed Amethyst brightly.
That day, the central town of the Foxwood Village was beautifully garlanded in celebration of Iwai de Aikou. Some of the shops and tiny huts were tinted in the colors of love, which were both pink and red. Other shops and was adorned beautifully with red and pink rubies and diamonds and the rest were just covered from head to toe with red roses.
The ground of Central Foxwood was also prettily decorated for Iwai de Aikou that day. On the ground, a lovely red carpet was placed all over the village which helped cushioned the sea of red and pink petals which rained from the sky.
Renamon stared up at the sky in awe.
"Petals raining from the sky?" Renamon said confusedly, "how is that even possible."
"Oh that's just part of the festivities Renamon," Amethyst explained as she caught a few of the petals in the palm of her hands, "each year on the Eve of Iwai de Aikou, the village's best Taomon sorceresses cast a spell on the sky so it can rain red and pink petals. Isn't that cool?"
"I guess it is," Renamon said, glancing back up at the sky only to receive a wad of petals in her face.
Renamon immediately shook the petals off. She then sighed despondently.
"What's the matter Renamon?" Amethyst asked, "why the long face?"
"Oh Amethyst, isn't Iwai de Aikou a time where love ones spend time with each other?" Renamon asked.
"Of course it is Renamon," Amethyst answered, "after all, Iwai de Aikou is the Festival of Love."
"I know that but if Iwai de Aikou is a time where loves ones are supposed to spend time with one another, then why doesn't Renomon want to spend time with us?" Renamon questioned.
"What do you mean?" Amethyst questioned.
"What I mean is, lately Renomon has been neglecting us," Renamon answered, "every time we ask him to go into town with us, he always says he has an important meeting to go to."
"So. What's wrong with that?" Amethyst said.
"Don't you find that a bit strange?" Renamon asked staring at her sister.
Amethyst shook her head. "Nope. If Renomon is having an important meeting and doesn't want to spend time with me then…who am I to judge what he wants to do," Amethyst answered, "after all, I'm just his student."
"But what about me?" Renamon said, "I'm Renomon's soul mate."
Amethyst placed her hands on her chin. "Well look at it this way big sis," Amethyst said, "maybe Renomon is planning some sort of surprise for you."
"A surprise?" Renamon repeated confusedly.
"Yes, if you must know, surprises are very common on Iwai de Aikou," Amethyst explained.
"Why is that?" Renamon inquired.
"Because some Renomons tend to give red Cataylite stones to their Aikou-sans," Amethyst answered.
"What is an Aikou-san?" Renamon asked.
"An Aikou-san is the special name given to the special Renamons in the village who are being loved by Renomons," Amethyst said, "and if a Renomon gives a red Cataylite stone to his Aikou-san, then that Renomon is asking that Renamon to be his life-long mate because Red Cataylite stones symbolize marriage."
"Wow. That sounds pretty romantic," Renamon said.
"It is romantic," Amethyst said, "follow me, I'll show you what a red Cataylite looks like."
Renamon followed Amethyst as she led her into town. As they walked through the red-carpeted streets, Renamon noticed that some small stalls were also placed up in celebration of Iwai de Aikou. These stalls were either selling products such as food, Iwai de Aikou cards, flowers or even toys. These toys were in the shape of hearts and cupids; some were even life-sized Renomon or Renamon dolls.
Amethyst led Renomon over to one of the stalls. This stall was selling Cataylite stones; all of various insignias such as green, black, blue. You name it.
Amethyst pointed to one of the Cataylite stones on display in the stall. This Cataylite was bright red with little orange highlights.
"See that? That is a red Cataylite stone Renamon," Amethyst said still pointing at the red stone.
Renamon reached over and picked up the red Cataylite stone. She looked at it closely. The red Cataylite sparkled beautifully, especially in the sun's rays.
"Wow! It's beautiful," Renamon said.
"I know," Amethyst said as she also looked at the red Cataylite stone, "man, how I have dreamed of receiving a red Cataylite stone, especially from that one special Renomon in my life."
"Really," Renamon said looking at Amethyst suspiciously, "how long have you known this special Renomon in your life?"
"Nearly my whole life," Amethyst answered, "he's a very nice Renomon. He's sweet, courageous and very skilful at the Samari Arts. (Sighs) He is just so amazing."
Amethyst blushed as she said the last statement.
Renamon could not help but smile broadly at her younger sister.
"So, this Renomon in your life is very special to you, isn't he?" Renamon said.
Amethyst nodded her head in response.
Renamon giggled. "Well look at this, my baby sister is in love," Renamon said, "you know what, I think I may have an idea who the special Renomon in your life is."
Amethyst gaped at Renamon. "Y…You do?" She stammered.
"Yes," Renamon replied, "it is quite obvious who it is."
"Really? And you're okay with that?" Amethyst asked.
"Of course I'm okay," Renamon answered beaming, "it is alright to fall in love Amethyst besides, why would I not be okay?"
Amethyst lowered her head. "Well I just thought that you would be sort of angry with me Renamon," Amethyst answered, "considering the fact that the special Renomon who I love is…
"Hi Amethyst," greeted a familiar voice suddenly.
Amethyst turned in front of her. It was Heliotrope.
"Oh hi Helio," Amethyst greeted, "what's up?"
"Everything is great," Helio answered. "Hi Miss Renamon," Helio said now turning to Renamon.
"Hello Helio, nice to see you again," Renamon replied with a smile.
"So, what brings you beautiful Renomons to town?" Helio asked.
"We're both shopping for Iwai de Aikou tomorrow," Amethyst replied, "how about you?"
"The same," Helio answered.
"Oh really," Amethyst said apprehensively, "so you're shopping, eh? For what?"
"I'm just buying a few stuff so I could give it to my mom and sister for Iwai de Aikou tomorrow," Helio answered.
"I see," Amethyst answered, "and what about your Aikou-san, aren't you going to give something to her?"
"My Aikou-san?" Helio repeated a bit puzzled.
"Yes. What sort of gift are you going to give to that most special Renamon in your life?" Amethyst went on.
"Amethyst!" Renamon said to her sister.
"It's okay Miss Renamon," Helio said, "if you must know, I was actually planning on giving my Aikou-san a most special Cataylite stone, just to show her how I really feel about her."
"That sounds like a very sweet thing to do Helio," Renamon said.
"It sure is," Amethyst said in agreement, "so Helio, who's the lucky Renamon who'll be receiving that special Cataylite stone?"
"Er…do you really have to know?" Helio said.
"Yes, beside we're friends now, aren't we Helio? So what's the point in keeping secrets from each other," Amethyst said with wink.
Helio blushed. "Well if you must know Amethyst," he said, "my Aikou-san happens to be a Renamon from our Samari dojo."
"Really? Who is it? Do I know her?" Amethyst asked.
"You could say that," Helio said shyly, "as a matter of fact, you and her are…almost the same."
"Oh really. That's funny," Amethyst said giggling.
"Yeah it is," Helio said. He was blushing all over.
Renamon noticed this and could not help but giggle inwardly.
"Say Amethyst," Helio now said, "there is this small carnival in the middle of town tomorrow night in celebration of Iwai de Aikou. There's going to rides, food, puppet shows, everything and…I was kind of wondering that…if you weren't busy tomorrow night, maybe you could go to the carnival with me."
Helio looked at Amethyst. Amethyst looked back at Helio.
"I don't know Helio," Amethyst said uncertainly, "I don't think I can go with you besides shouldn't you be going to the carnival with your Aikou-san instead of me."
"I would go with her but you see…I really want to go with…you," Helio said.
"That's very sweet Helio," Amethyst said, "but to tell you the truth, I really don't want to………
Amethyst looked at Helio. His eyes were filled with beseech. Amethyst felt empathy towards him.
"As a matter of fact Helio, I would love to go the carnival with you," Amethyst said.
"Really?" Helio perked up.
Amethyst nodded her head.
Helio smiled broadly. "Wow, thanks a lot Amethyst," Helio said, "you don't know how happy you've made me."
"Don't mention it Helio," Amethyst said returning the smile.
"So I guess I'll pick you up tomorrow…let's say before nightfall," Helio suggested.
"Okay. That's fine with me," Amethyst answered.
"Good," Helio said, "see you tomorrow night, Amethyst."
Helio gave Amethyst a coy smile before he walked away.
After Helio was gone, Amethyst turned to Renamon, only to see that she was looking at her with a very broad smirk on her face.
Amethyst raised an eyebrow.
"What?" the golden vixen asked.
"I knew it," Renamon answered.
"Knew what?" Amethyst asked looking puzzled.
"That I was right. Right about Helio being your Aikou-san," Renamon said smiling.
Amethyst gaped at Renamon. "WHAT?" Amethyst exclaimed.
"Am I right? Helio is your Aikou-san," Renamon said, "Helio is that special Renomon who you have known nearly all of your life and that you love so much."
"What! Helio? No Renamon, you've got it all wrong. I'm not in love with Helio," Amethyst said.
"You're not?" Renamon said.
"No," Amethyst replied.
"But…I thought Helio was the one," Renamon said, "after all, he matched all the descriptions that you told me. Moreover, it looks like Helio really likes you Amethyst."
"He does?" Amethyst said.
"Yes," Renamon said.
"Well that's just too bad Renamon…bad for Helio, that is," Amethyst said, "because I have absolutely no feelings for Helio, whatsoever."
"But…but Amethyst," Renamon said, "I thought you and Helio were in love considering the fact that the two of you are more nicer to each other."
"That's because we're friends. Friends and nothing more," Amethyst replied.
"You sure?" Renamon questioned.
"Yes," Amethyst answered. She was solemn now.
"Oh okay," Renamon said.
"Alright," Amethyst said, "now come on, let's continue our shopping."
"Just one more question Amethyst," Renamon said, "if Helio isn't your Aikou-san then…who is?"
Amethyst did not answer. All she did was scratched the back of her ear while starting absently at the remaining Cataylite stones in the stall. Renamon opened her mouth and asked her again.
"Amethyst, if Helio isn't your Aikou-san then who………..
"Isn't this one perfect Renamon?" Amethyst asked suddenly as he held up a pink Cataylite stone.
"Wha?" Renamon said confusedly.
"The stone, isn't it perfect?" Amethyst repeated with a smile.
Renamon stared at her sister and then at the shimmering pink tinted stone in the palm of her hands.
"It is a perfect stone Amethyst," Renamon said, "but…
"Good. Then you should definitely give this stone to Renomon," Amethyst interrupted, "it would be the perfect gift for him tomorrow on Iwai de Aikou."
Amethyst placed the pink Cataylite stone in Renamon's hand. Renamon gaped.
"Er…I guess this would make a nice gift for Renomon," Renamon said.
"Good," Amethyst said, "come on, let's buy something else. Don't worry about currency for the Cataylite stone, I already took care of that."
Amethyst wriggled the purse of Kozeni coins infront of Renamon's face.
"Okay," Renamon said.
"Come on let's go to some more stall and get our shopping over with," Amethyst said.
"Aren't you going to get Renomon a Cataylite stone too, Amethyst?" Renamon asked gesticulating towards the other stones.
"I already did," Amethyst answered.
"Really," Renamon said, "what color stone did you get him?"
Amethyst's face turned pink.
"Ooh look, there is a stall selling Samari weapons. I'm sure that would make another perfect gift for Renamon," Amethyst said, "come on. Let's check it out!"
With that, Amethyst sped off towards the stall.
Renamon stared after Amethyst. Her facial expression was of suspicion.
Amethyst had avoided to answer Renamon when she asked her about her Aikou-san and about Renomon…and Renamon could not help but feel quite chary towards her younger sister.
Something was definitely up Amethyst.
Little Note from Mistress: Sorry it took so long to update.